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Kingsolver, O’Farrell among Women’s Prize fiction finalists

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:11:33 GMT

LONDON (AP) — An Appalachian update on Charles Dickens and a tale told by a dolphin are among the six finalists announced Wednesday for the prestigious Women’s Prize for Fiction. American writer Barbara Kingsolver’s “Demon Copperhead,” a reworking of “David Copperfield” set in modern-day Virginia, and U.K. novelist Laline Paull’s deep-sea drama “Pod” are among the contenders for the 30,000 pound ($37,000) award.Kingsolver previously won the Women’s Prize in 2010 for “The Lacuna.” Britain’s Maggie O’Farrell, who won in 2020 for “Hamnet,” is a finalist again for Italian Renaissance tale “The Marriage Portrait.”The finalists also include three debut novels: “Trespasses,” a love story by Irish writer Louise Kennedy that is set during Northern Ireland’s years of violence; “Fire Rush,” a dub reggae-drenched coming-of-age tale by Britain’s Jacqueline Crooks; and Sarajevo-set war saga “Black Butterflies” by Britain’s Priscilla Morris.Broadcast journalist Louise Minchin, who is chairin...

Silicon Valley company raises $250M for hydrogen technology

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:11:33 GMT

In what could prove a milestone for an industry that hopes to help address climate change, the Silicon Valley company Ohmium announced Wednesday it has raised $250 million to increase production of machines that can make clean hydrogen and displace fossil fuels.Some climate experts say burning hydrogen can substitute for burning coal, oil or gas, for example in making steel or cement — without contributing to climate change. That’s been largely theoretical, but real world examples are now growing.Just four or five years ago, a company working on clean hydrogen from water would not have been able to raise several hundred million dollars, said Daryl Wilson, executive director of the Hydrogen Council. But now there’s rapid growth and demand for it, and a broader recognition that it’s key to addressing climate change, he said.Mark Viehman, a hydrogen and clean fuels expert at the consulting firm Capgemini, called $250 million a “very impressive” fundraise, and said its own recent ...

Teck separation shareholder vote results to be made public Wednesday

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:11:33 GMT

VANCOUVER — The results of a key vote by shareholders of Teck Resources Ltd., which is facing a hostile takeover attempt by Swiss commodities trader Glencore, will be made public Wednesday.It’s a critical moment for the Vancouver-based mining company, which has been working to secure support for its plan to split the company’s metals and steelmaking coal businesses into two separate companies.Glencore is urging shareholders to reject the company’s proposal in favour of its offer to acquire the company, and has said it cannot pursue its own bid if Teck’s plan to separate its businesses goes ahead.But while a shareholder vote against Teck’s proposal Wednesday could pave the way for negotiations with Glencore, that doesn’t mean a merger with the Swiss company would be a slam-dunk.The unsolicited pursuit of what is Canada’s largest diversified mining company by an international giant has triggered sentiments of economic nationalism, and B.C. Pre...

German president ending visit to Canada in Northwest Territories

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:11:33 GMT

YELLOWKNIFE — Germany’s president is to arrive in the Northwest Territories today to begin the final leg of his four-day official visit to Canada. Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to be welcomed at the Yellowknife airport by territorial commissioner Margaret Thom and Mayor Rebecca Alty. He is set to join Gov. Gen. Mary Simon at Joint Task Force North headquarters for a tour and briefing with senior officials.They will then head north to the hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk where they are to meet with Indigenous leaders and members of the community. While in Tuktoyaktuk, they plan to visit the shore of the Arctic Ocean to learn about the effects of climate change and view homes that were relocated due to coastal erosion.They are also scheduled to attend a presentation on the Smart Ice Project which combines traditional knowledge with modern technology to monitor ice, as well as dog sledding and ice fishing demonstrations. They will end their time in Tuktoyaktuk by attending a community event at...

‘Where’s the accountability?’ Deadline looms for mass shooting inquiry recommendation

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:11:33 GMT

HALIFAX — In the coming days, the federal and Nova Scotia governments will face the first deadline for action recommended by the inquiry that investigated the worst mass shooting in Canadian history.The Mass Casualty Commission, which tabled its final report last month, has called on the two levels of government to deal with the “unmet need for mental health, grief and bereavement supports” in northern and central Nova Scotia, where 22 people were shot dead on April 18-19, 2020.It remains unclear what, if anything, will happen when the deadline arrives on Monday, but one thing is certain: Serena Lewis will be watching.The registered social worker was the province’s grief and bereavement coordinator in northern Nova Scotia three years ago when a gunman disguised as a Mountie went on a 13-hour rampage through the largely rural area.“I’ve dedicated my career to (dealing with) grief, but it’s very difficult with something of this magnitude,” Lew...

Cones of shame: Montreal officials vow to cut down ubiquitous construction cones

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:11:33 GMT

MONTREAL — Along a downtown Montreal street, in sight of city hall, orange-and-white-striped traffic cones stand in a row on the sidewalk. A few metres away, more cones mark off construction sites, while a solitary cone is perched atop a blue bollard separating the street from a bike lane.Montreal’s ubiquitous traffic cones have become an unofficial symbol of the city: miniature versions are sold as souvenirs and toys, residents dress up as cones for Halloween, and a local artist has transformed one into a comic book hero. But while some Montrealers have embraced the symbol, the city’s chamber of commerce says the cones — and the road closures that often, but not always, accompany them — are a source of frustration. The cones have become so common drivers no longer interpret them as a warning, Michel Leblanc, the president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, said in an interview Tuesday. “People are desensitized, drivers are desensitized, i...

Daily horoscope for April 26, 2023

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:11:33 GMT

Moon Alert: Avoid shopping or making important decisions after 7:30 p.m. EDT today (4:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. PDT). After that, the Moon moves from Cancer into Leo.Happy Birthday for Wednesday, April 26, 2023:You are an efficient self-starter. You plan carefully because you like to be prepared. This is a year of new beginnings, adventures and major changes in your life. Keep your eyes open for new opportunities. Be prepared to take on a leadership role.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★An unexpected surprise will please you today. This might come from a family member, or it might be a pleasant change that affects your home or possibly your entire family. It will make you feel good. Whatever occurs might inspire you in some way. Tonight: Sympathetic discussions.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★This is a feel-good day. This is why you’re happy to schmooze with others. It’s easy to be generous to people with your time, your advice and your wealth. You feel idealistic about a friend, whi...

Banks in crisis are not the cause of the world’s problems, but they are a symptom

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:11:33 GMT

Another month, another bank in turmoil, writes Ilgar Nagiyev.Banking as an industry prospers - survives even - thanks to dependability; the sense of trust that they project so well. Swiss banks in particular have long mastered this; establishing themselves as time-tested institutions. This armour of trust, however, starts to look a little rusty when a Swiss bank collapses.Credit Suisse was the second largest bank in Switzerland, with in excess of five-hundred-and-seventy billion dollars in assets and three times as much under management. It was seen as too big, too old, too established to fail, yet it collapsed in the same week as the Tier One-rated Silicon Valley Bank. Collapses like this are a problem, but they are not the problem. The problem stems from growth or rather a lack of it. We are voraciously addicted to growth and when we can’t get it, we experience negative side effects.And growth is proving harder to find.After the fall of the Berlin wall, free market economics quick...

Miss Manners: Am I supposed to forgive a bully because of a cheap box of cookies?

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:11:33 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: During COVID, my husband and I traveled to visit my sister out of state. We live a secluded lifestyle under normal circumstances, and even more so during COVID.We are fully vaccinated, we wear masks, we avoid unnecessary socializing and we travel by RV or car to avoid flying and public transportation.My sister’s daughter (my niece) and her family are/were just the opposite.One day during our stay, while I was sitting on the front porch, my niece and her family drove up. They asked if they were allowed inside and I suggested they ask my sister.My niece’s husband blew up and accused me of controlling my sister. He came up on the porch shouting and waving his arms in front of me. I will not deny that I responded verbally to his bullying, though no cursing was exchanged.Last Christmas, he and his wife uncharacteristically sent us an inexpensive box of cookies. I suspect the gift was his way of apologizing without admitting guilt.Now my family is pressing m...

Dear Abby: Am I overreacting to my European daughter-in-law’s behavior?

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:11:33 GMT

DEAR ABBY: I consider myself a modest woman in today’s world. I have a new granddaughter whom my daughter-in-law nurses anywhere, at any time, regardless of who she is around.I told my son she should cover herself in restaurants and other public places. I get embarrassed when she just pulls out a breast for anyone to see. She’s European, and I understand it is more common there, but not so much in America.Am I overreacting?LOOKING AWAY IN CALIFORNIADEAR LOOKING AWAY: I think so. Nursing mothers are no longer relegated to feeding their infants in bathrooms as they were years ago. However, because you are embarrassed at the sight of your daughter-in-law nursing, consider leaving the table until she is finished to preserve your modesty.DEAR ABBY: My wife and I were married 21 years ago. While we were together, she admitted to cheating with 10 different men.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: My husband says he’ll burn the house down if I go through with my ...