777 casino 777pub com login What a year for the People's Party in 2024. The orangemen are black and blue after two successive political defeats. But that should be treated as good news for them as the two losses gave them a crucial lesson. The party lost a poll in Udon Thani on Nov 25. Its candidate, Kanisorn Khurirang, gained 268,675 votes in the election for the provincial administration organisation president in the northeastern province. But that was not enough for the win as Sarawut Pethpanomporn, who ran under the Pheu Thai banner, came first with 327,487 votes. The result was sweet redemption for Mr Sarawut after he was stunned by Nattapong Pipatchaisiri of the People's Party's predecessor, the Move Forward Party, in the general election in May last year, when both fought for the seat in Muang district. Earlier in September, Jadet Jantar of Pheu Thai won the by-election in Phitsanulok with 37,209 votes, some 7,000 more than Nathachanon Chanaburanasak of the People's Party. The by-election took place to replace Padipat Santipada of the then-Move Forward Party after he was one of 11 party executive members banned from politics for threatening the constitutional monarchy, under a ruling of the Constitutional Court. Pheu Thai should be happy with the results, and influencer ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra has promised to engineer campaigns to keep the momentum going into the next general election. Thaksin admitted at a party meeting in Hua Hin on Nov 14 that Pheu Thai was a bit short as it should have gotten more MPs in the national poll last year. It bagged 141 seats in the contest on May 14 last year, while the People's Party received three more. Although the People's Party suffered the latest losses in Udon Thani and Phitsanulok this year, the defeats were a blessing in disguise for the orangemen. They knew by now what they would encounter when a new general election came. And it can be any time, depending on the popularity of Pheu Thai and the unity of the coalition government. In the general election last year, the now-defunct Move Forward rallied against the coup and attempts of then-prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to hold on to power, from ordering tanks and soldiers onto the streets to leading the coalition government after the 2019 election. The loss in Udon Thani has shown the People's Party that its next big rival is Thaksin. Pheu Thai alone would find it hard competing with the People's Party, as the results of the previous general election showed Pheu Thai was losing its charm for voters in urban areas and young voters. The ruling party needs a big push from Thaksin to remind his supporters of what he claimed were the glory days when he was the prime minister and that voters would have a future under the administrative guidance of his daughter, Ms Paetongtarn. The earlier defeat in Phitsanulok showed what the People's Party could encounter when a new election is called. The party knew it was not a one-on-one fight with Pheu Thai. In fact, the People's Party candidate was beaten by all coalition parties led by Pheu Thai in an effort to do what was needed to take the seat. The People's Party certainly expects the same scenario in the next election. The coalition parties only fielded a poll candidate in any constituency in which the People's Party won by a large margin last year and was still popular with voters. That would block more orangemen from going to parliament. The next general election is vital for the People's Party. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the main man behind the party, and other strategists laid the political foundations in the previous two national polls. Future Forward won 81 seats in 2019, and Move Forward moved them up to 143 last year. Mr Thanathorn has projected the People Party's popularity would rise to control the majority of the lower house next time, as he admitted that would be the only way to form a government. His projection was made when the presence of Thaksin and the tactic of the parties in the coalition government to keep it at bay were not factored in. The road to parliament for the orangemen is no longer rosy and is not easy. Saritdet Marukatat is a 'Bangkok Post' columnist and former Digital Media News Editor at the paper.FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots are focused on the future following their 25-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts . The Patriots (3-10) were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss Sunday, meaning that this week’s bye in many ways will begin the process of the coaching staff and front office evaluating the roster for 2025. The good news is that this group has shown plenty of grit this season, playing seven games that were decided by one score. The bad news is that the Patriots are just 2-5 in those games. Though New England’s bye comes late in the season, coach Jerod Mayo said the timing is perfect for a team that is feeling the effects of its shortcomings . “A much-needed bye week, not only physically for the players but also mentally, just being able to hit the reset button and come back, put some good games together and continue to build for the future,” Mayo said. “That has to be our goal.” Tight end Austin Hooper said the seed that needs to be planted over the final four games is finding a way to limit the mistakes — namely penalties and trouble finishing drives — that have hampered the offense throughout the season. “We’ve got to execute at a higher level. We can’t beat a team before you stop hurting yourself,” Hooper said. “It’s not for lack of effort, just things that happen out there that get you scars in this league.” This was the most balanced performance by the offense this season, with 222 passing yards and a season-high 200 yards rushing. It shows progress under new coordinator Alex Van Pelt, which is something to build on over the final four games. Red zone efficiency. It continues to be the most glaring deficiency for the Patriots’ offense. They were 2 of 6 on Sunday and rank 30th in the NFL, scoring a touchdown only 44.7% (17 of 38) of the time inside the 20-yard line. TE Hunter Henry. He finished with seven catches for 75 yards, which is his seventh game this season with five or more receptions. He leads the team this season with 58 catches for 610 yards and continues to be a dependable option for quarterback Drake May as he navigates his rookie season. K Joey Slye. He made 3 of his 5 field-goal attempts, including a 54-yarder in the second quarter. Most of the conversation following the game was about his NFL record-long 68-yard attempt that came up short as time expired. But because of the 1-point loss, he was lamenting the 25-yard attempt he missed wide left just before halftime. “I take full responsibility for this,” Slye said. “Every point for this team matters with how we play complementary football with offense, defense and special teams. So, whenever I am out there, I have got to score points.” Henry left the game in the first quarter after a helmet-to-helmet hit. He was able to return in the second quarter and finished the game. 7 — Number of penalties called on the Patriots, costing them 88 yards. Five penalties (four accepted) were called on the offensive line. That included one for holding on Mike Onwenu that nullified a touchdown run by Rhamondre Stevenson in the first quarter and forced New England to settle for a field goal. The Patriots have a bye this week. They visit the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 15. AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

CATL – a Chinese firm – has launched an ultra-safe skateboard chassis that passed the highest speed and strongest impact test. Named Bedrock Chassis, the EV platform offers outstanding performance of withstanding 75 mph (120 km/h) frontal impact without catching fire or exploding. CATL claims that its Bedrock Chassis sets a new standard for intelligent chassis safety, providing comprehensive protection across all scenarios and speed ranges. Based on the decoupling of the chassis from the upper body, the Bedrock Chassis is capable of absorbing 85 percent of the vehicle’s collision energy compared to around 60 percent absorbed by traditional chassis. CATL’s chassis has a battery centered design CATL’s Bedrock Chassis, which has a battery centered design, utilizes Cell-to-Chassis integration technology that directly integrates the battery cells into the chassis, allowing for a shared structural design between them. Through various technological breakthroughs, the Bedrock Chassis successfully passed the world’s first “highest speed and strongest impact” dual extreme safety test . This achievement enables the chassis to pass the 120 km/h (74 mph) frontal central pole impact test without catching fire, exploding or thermal runway, redefining the benchmark for safety in the industry, according to a press release by CATL. “Due to the extremely high crash speed and intensity, there has been no previous instance of any new energy vehicle daring to challenge a 120km/h frontal pole impact test,” said Ni Jun, CATL chief manufacturing officer. “With this extreme challenge, CATL’s Bedrock Chassis has blazed a fresh trail for the industry.” Tortoise shell structure The company claims that CATL Bedrock Chassis introduces a revolutionary three-dimensional biomimetic tortoise shell structure, where the body and energy unit framework are integrated, deeply coupled to provide the energy unit with indestructible protection. CATL also maintains that the chassis offers aircraft carrier-grade arresting structure, which disperses impact forces across multiple pathways during a crash, gradually decelerating the vehicle and significantly reducing the depth and speed at which obstacles intrude the cabin. Utilization of submarine-grade steel by CATL The utilization of submarine-grade hot-formed steel with a strength of 2000MPa, aerospace-grade aluminum alloy with a strength of 600MPa, and multiple barrier structures further enhance the chassis’ rigidity, making it virtually impervious, as per CATL. The company has also claimed that its Bedrock Chassis incorporates an ultra-safe battery cell design, NP technology, and a high-ductility energy-absorbing insulation film, leading the industry in a groundbreaking manner. In terms of high-voltage disconnection, it achieves instantaneous disconnection of high voltage circuit within 0.01 seconds of impact and completes the discharge of residual high-voltage energy in the vehicle within 0.2 seconds, setting a new industry record, according to CATL. Higher safety standard The battery cells have undergone highly demanding tests, including high-speed sled impact tests at 37 miles per hour (60 km/h), 90-degree bending tests, and breakthrough sawing tests, the battery did not catch fire or explode across all three tests. These tests, all industry-firsts by CATL, have elevated the safety standards of battery cells to new heights, as per the release. During the launch ceremony of CATL’s EV chassis, AVATR, the first automaker to use Bedrock Chassis, and CAIT-SH, CATL’s skateboard chassis arm, signed an agreement to deepen cooperation on CATL’s Bedrock Chassis to create a safer, higher-quality travel experience for users.

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The Memphis Grizzlies could attempt to trade Marcus Smart due to the expedited development of several young players on the roster, according to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points. "The emergence of Scotty Pippen Jr. and rookie Jaylen Wells has league personnel wondering if the Memphis Grizzlies would consider moving former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, sources said," Siegel wrote on Friday. Smart has appeared in seven contests this season, averaging 7.4 points and 3.7 assists per game while shooting just 30.0 percent from the field and 21.4 percent from three-point range. He was present at the start of the regular season before missing six games due to an ankle sprain suffered against the Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 30. He was eventually able to return, but he's been sidelined for Memphis' past three contests due to an illness . A lack of availability has defined Smart's tenure with the Grizzlies since he was acquired by the organization in a June 2023 three-team trade with the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards. He appeared in just 20 games during his 2023-24 campaign, suffering a finger injury in a Jan. 9 game that kept him out for the remainder of the regular season. Smart is under contract through the 2025-26 season and will earn $21.6 million in the final year of his current deal. Siegel noted that Memphis could utilize his salary slot in a trade "to add another high-profile player" next to star point guard Ja Morant. While injuries and inconsistent perimeter shooting have made Smart's Grizzlies career fall below expectations, an opposing front office could still see upside in the 30-year-old. He won his first Defensive Player of the Year honor in 2022 with the Celtics and averaged 14.5 points per game during his injury-shortened inaugural season in Memphis. The Grizzlies currently own a 9-7 record, an impressive feat considering Morant has missed their past seven games with a hamstring injury . If Memphis is searching for another impact player to pair with the lead guard as well as Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, Smart could be on the move.

Former soccer player Mikheil Kavelashvili was formally inaugurated as president of Georgia on Sunday, cementing the ruling party’s grip in what the opposition calls a blow to the country’s European Union aspirations and a victory for former imperial ruler Russia. Outgoing pro-Western Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said Sunday morning that she would vacate her residence at the Orbeliani Palace in Tbilisi, but insisted she was still the legitimate office holder. “I will come out of here, come out to you and be with you. ... This presidential residence was a symbol as long as there was a president here who was legitimate. I bring legitimacy with me,” Zourabichvili told a crowd of supporters outside the palace. She called Kavelashvili’s inauguration a “parody.” Kavelashvili, 53, who was the only candidate on the ballot, easily won the vote earlier in December given the Georgian Dream party’s control of a 300-seat electoral college that replaced direct presidential elections in 2017. It is made up of members of Parliament, municipal councils and regional legislatures. In his speech Sunday, Kavelashvili promised to be “everyone’s president, regardless of whether they like me or not.” He called for the nation to unite behind him around “shared values, the principles of mutual respect, and the future we should build together.” Georgian Dream retained control of Parliament in the South Caucasus nation in an Oct. 26 election that the opposition alleges was rigged with Moscow’s help. The party has vowed to continue pushing toward accession in the European Union but also wants to “reset” ties with Russia. Georgia’s outgoing president and main pro-Western parties have boycotted the post-election parliamentary sessions and demanded a rerun of the ballot. In 2008 Russia fought a brief war with Georgia, which led to Moscow’s recognition of two breakaway regions as independent, and an increase in the Russian military presence in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Critics have accused Georgian Dream — established by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a shadowy billionaire who made his fortune in Russia — of becoming increasingly authoritarian and tilted toward Moscow, accusations the ruling party has denied. The party recently pushed through laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to crack down on freedom of speech and LGBTQ2 rights. Georgian Dream’s decision last month to suspend talks on their country’s bid to join the EU added to the opposition’s outrage and galvanized protests. Protesters in front of the parliament building on Sunday held red cards, in reference to Kavelashvili’s career in soccer. “Because today our president is a footballer, we are showing him a red card. The next step will be sending him off the pitch. The Georgian people will definitely do this, because it was a circus that they have held today in the parliament,” protester Sofia Shamanidi told The Associated Press . The outgoing president demands new elections Zourabichvili, 72, was born in France to parents with Georgian roots and had a successful career with the French foreign ministry before President Mikheil Saakashvili named her Georgia’s top diplomat in 2004. Constitutional changes made the president’s job largely ceremonial before Zourabichvili was elected by popular vote with Georgian Dream’s support in 2018. She became sharply critical of the ruling party, accusing it of pro-Russia policies, and Georgian Dream unsuccessfully tried to impeach her. Zourabichvili has rejected government claims that the opposition was fomenting violence. “We are not demanding a revolution,” she told The Associated Press . “We are asking for new elections, but in conditions that will ensure that the will of the people will not be misrepresented or stolen again. Who is the new president? Georgia’s opposition has mocked Kavelashvili for lacking higher education. He was a striker in the English Premier League for Manchester City and played for several clubs in the Swiss Super League. He was elected to Parliament in 2016 on the Georgian Dream ticket, and in 2022 co-founded the People’s Power political movement, which was allied with Georgian Dream and become known for its strong anti-Western rhetoric. Kavelashvili was one of the authors of a controversial law requiring organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “pursuing the interest of a foreign power,” similar to a Russian law used to discredit critical organizations. The EU, which granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023 on condition that the country meets the bloc’s recommendations, put its accession on hold and cut financial support in June following approval of the “foreign influence” law. How did protests unfold? Thousands of demonstrators converged on the parliament building every night after the government announced the suspension of EU accession talks on Nov. 28. Riot police used water cannons and tear gas almost daily to disperse and beat scores of protesters, some of whom threw fireworks at police officers and built barricades on the capital’s central boulevard. Hundreds were detained and over 100 treated for injuries. Several journalists were beaten by police and media workers accused authorities of using thugs to deter people from attending anti-government rallies, which Georgian Dream denies. The crackdown has drawn strong condemnation from the United States and EU officials.