bet builder Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a leading semiconductor manufacturing company, has made significant progress in the production of its next-generation 2nm chips. Recent reports indicate that the yield rate of the 2nm chips has exceeded 60%, marking a crucial milestone in the development process. This achievement has raised optimism within the industry regarding the potential for mass production of the advanced chips as early as next year.Intel’s interim co-CEOs, Michelle Johnston Holthaus and David Zinsner, have opened the door to a possible spinoff of Intel’s foundry and manufacturing division, giving insight into Intel’s woes and Pat Gelsinger’s ouster. Intel surprised the industry when it that CEO Pat Gelsinger was retiring. Although the company and Gelsinger put a positive spin on it, reports soon indicated that Gelsinger was given a choice of being fired or retiring, making his retirement nothing short of an ouster. In the days since, critics and industry experts have been trying to piece together what happened and where the breakdown between Gelsinger and Intel occurred. The Manufacturing Question One of the hallmarks of Gelsinger’s attempt to turn Intel around was his emphasis on reinvigorating the company’s in-house manufacturing, something that sets it apart from much of the industry, as it both designs and builds its own chips. Unfortunately, in recent years, Intel’s manufacturing has fallen behind its competitors, especially TSMC. The company even had to outsource some of its manufacturing to TSMC, an embarrassing state of affairs for a company that was once king of the semiconductor industry. Gelsinger’s tenure marked a return to the company’s focus on manufacturing, with the executive even for losing the “maniacal” focus on manufacturing the company once had. A major component of Gelsinger’s focus on manufacturing was an attempt to position Intel as a TSMC competitor in the field of custom foundry services for other companies, with hopes to , Nvidia, Qualcomm, Amazon, and others. Despite Gelsinger’s efforts, Intel’s foundry business . The company ultimately announced plans to , although the funds Intel accepted from the US CHIPS Act of any such spinoff. The Theory One of the leading theories pertaining to Gelsinger’s ouster is that Intel’s board may have wanted to pursue a more aggressive spinoff than the CEO wanted—especially when considering how focused he was on returning Intel to its former manufacturing glory. Recent comments by Holthaus and Zinser seem to confirm this theory. “Pragmatically, do I think it makes sense that they’re completely separated and there’s no tie?” Holthaus said of Intel’s product and manufacturing divisions, . “I don’t think so. But someone will decide that.” “That’s going to happen,” Zinsner said, speaking of the ongoing separation of the foundry’s business and process operations. “Does it ever fully separate? That’s an open question for another day.” Intel Has a Problem Extending Beyond the Top Job The more details emerge from Intel post-Gelsinger, the more it becomes apparent the company has issues that extend beyond who holds the top spot at the company. The company’s board of directors has had a shocking lack of experience in the semiconductor industry, at least until just recently. The company appointed Eric Meurice, former CEO of ASML Holding, and Steve Sanghi, interim CEO of Microchip Technology to the board in early December. The lack of experience in the semiconductor industry among the company’s board is a critical weak point that likely played a significant role in where Intel is today. That lack of experience likely contributed to poor decisions that saw the company squander its manufacturing and technological lead and may have been a factor in the board growing tired of quarterly losses as Gelsinger rebuilt the company’s manufacturing. While it’s true that Intel suffered some of the worst quarterly losses in its history, rebuilding a company’s manufacturing process is an expensive endeavor, but an endeavor Intel must see through if it wants to regain its former glory. The stakes are especially high now, with the incoming Trump administration promising steep tariffs on foreign imports. Intel is uniquely positioned to once again become the leading semiconductor manufacturer, both for its own chips and for those of its competitors, giving companies an American-owned option for their manufacturing needs. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely the current board of directors has the fortitude to see the company through the expensive, difficult return to its roots, prioritizing short-term profit over long-term gain. Intel Needs a Steve Jobs Steve Jobs’ return to Apple is legendary, an account that will be taught in business school for decades to come. Like Intel, Apple had all the ingredients necessary to be a computing powerhouse, but it needed a strong leader who could help the company return to its roots. Apple, much like Intel, increasingly appears to have an exceptionally ineffective board that has directly contributed to the company’s current situation. In fact, the only redeeming decisions the board helped make were bringing Jobs back, giving him the role of interim CEO, and agreeing to his terms—and that’s where it gets interesting. One of Jobs’ terms for taking on the role was the authority to remove board members and restaff the board with individuals who would be a force for good within Apple, which he set about doing. The rest is history, with Apple under Jobs going on to achieve levels of greatness previously unimaginable. A leader like Steve Jobs is exactly what Intel needs: a leader who isn’t afraid to shake things up, including cleaning out the board of directors and restaffing it with individuals who understand the industry and can be a force for good. Until that happens, Intel’s fortunes will continue to go from bad to worse, and any CEO the company hires will be as hamstrung as Gelsinger was.

Meanwhile, in the English Premier League, it was a thrilling season with Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea battling it out for the title. Arsenal's legendary "Invincibles" team, managed by Arsène Wenger, had set a record of going unbeaten in the league in the 2003-2004 season. However, it was Manchester United who emerged victorious in 2006, with Sir Alex Ferguson guiding the team to another league title, thanks to the goalscoring prowess of players like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Throughout human history, we have seen the rise and fall of many empires which have shaped civilizations, cultures, and the course of global events. At the center of each empire is the desire to expand it as much as one could, only a few managed to do so. Because expansion of territories almost always involves conflicts, wars, and conquest. However, they unified diverse peoples under a single rule, leaving behind legacies that continue to influence the modern world. Let us look at the largest empires in history. Persian Empire Spanning from the sixth century B.C. to the 20th century A.D., the Persian Empire is one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Europe’s Balkan Peninsula in the West to India’s Indus Valley in the East. It was founded by Cyrus the Great around 550 BC. Cyrus united a collection of semi-nomadic tribes into a powerful empire. The empire was also sometimes called the Achaemenid Empire. It became the hub of art, religion, science, art, and technology for over a century. The empire was conquered by Alexander the Great in 330 BC, ending its prosperous and stable period. Han Dynasty The Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) marked a crucial period in the history of China, reuniting the country after the civil war that followed the death of Qin Shihuangdi in 210 BCE. Lasting over 400 years, the Han dynasty established Confucianism as the official government orthodoxy, shaping the cultural and political framework of the empire. During this time, China expanded its influence into neighboring regions, including Vietnam and Korea, solidifying its position as a dominant power in East Asia. Umayyad Caliphate Considered among the largest empires, the Umayyad Caliphate was founded in 632 CE. The Umayyad Caliphate, the second of the four major Arab caliphates established after Muhammad's death, significantly expanded the Islamic state's territory. Their conquests brought the Caucasus, Transoxiana, Sindh, the Maghreb, and much of the Iberian Peninsula into the Muslim world. Mongol Empire The Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan, in 1206 CE. And it continued to spread throughout the 13th and 14th centuries CE. Originating from a group of nomadic tribes in Central Asia, it eventually expanded at its peak to span from Central Asia to Central Europe and the Sea of Japan. Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Empire was one of the largest and longest-lasting empires in world history. At the peak of its success, i.e., the Islamic empire of Süleyman the Magnificent, the empire covered portions of three continents: Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.In a heartwarming and yet perplexing scene, a recently freed prisoner from Syria was seen running and laughing joyously through the streets. The video of his jubilant sprint quickly went viral, leaving viewers around the world wondering what had transpired to evoke such a spirited reaction from someone who had just been released from captivity.As one of the most renowned filmmakers in China, Zhang Yimou has constantly pushed the boundaries of cinema with his visually stunning films and thought-provoking storytelling. Throughout his illustrious career, he has collaborated with numerous talented actors and actresses, but one leading lady holds a special place in his heart - Sophie Marceau.

How you’ve been making mashed potatoes TOTALLY wrong – stop boiling them in water if you want it extra creamy

District 12 delegation from Jamestown plans to introduce Chinese Divestment ActThe Department of Financial Services (DFS) has directed banks to adopt advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to safeguard customers from fraudsters. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the Secretary of DFS with representatives from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), public sector banks, private banks, and payment banks. “Banks were directed to adopt advanced technologies, including AI/ML solutions, for real-time detection of mule accounts, training & upskilling bank staff on fraud detection & prevention, greater advocacy & awareness for common citizen for not to fall prey to the fraudsters,” Department of Financial Services in a social media post said. Advertisement At the meeting, the secretary of the Department of Financial Services, emphasised the need for proactive measures to protect citizens’ hard-earned money, and highlighted the importance of leveraging cutting-edge tools and practices to combat these challenges effectively. The secretary also emphasised the importance of spreading awareness among customers about common fraud tactics, urging citizens to stay vigilant and not fall prey to fraudsters. Apart from this, banks were instructed to prioritise the training and upskilling of their staff in fraud detection and prevention. The banks were encouraged to explore MuleHunter.AI, an AI/ML-driven solution developed by the RBI, which offers enhanced capabilities in detecting fraudulent activities and tracking suspicious accounts. Notably, last week, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said that the RBI Innovation Hub is making progress in combating financial fraud by promoting the use of MuleHunter.AI, an advanced artificial intelligence tool. This technology specialises in detecting and flagging mule accounts, which are often exploited for money laundering activities. Advertisement

In a heartwarming and yet perplexing scene, a recently freed prisoner from Syria was seen running and laughing joyously through the streets. The video of his jubilant sprint quickly went viral, leaving viewers around the world wondering what had transpired to evoke such a spirited reaction from someone who had just been released from captivity.

Baker Mayfield throws for 3 TDs, Bucs take over 1st in NFC South with 28-13 win over Raiders

Centre seeks public comments on clinical electrical thermometer for error-free diagnosis

Lionel Messi's departure from FC Barcelona sent shockwaves through the football world, but it seems that his close friend and longtime teammate, Sergio Busquets, is determined to stand his ground and fight back against the club's management in a different way. While Messi opted to leave for Paris Saint-Germain in a high-profile transfer, Busquets has chosen to take a defiant stance by refusing surgery, refusing to renew his contract, and refusing to leave the club. His unwavering demeanor is reminiscent of a warrior seeking vengeance for his fallen comrade.As we approach the end of the year, banking institutions are gearing up to unleash a powerful financial offering in the automotive sector. With loan approval rates reaching an unprecedented 100%, customers are set to benefit from enhanced accessibility to vehicle financing. This strategic initiative not only fuels the automotive industry but also underscores the commitment of banks to support consumer needs during these challenging times.

BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its holdings in Verona Pharma plc ( NASDAQ:VRNA – Free Report ) by 176.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 60,211 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 38,434 shares during the quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets owned about 0.08% of Verona Pharma worth $1,732,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its stake in Verona Pharma by 77.0% in the third quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 105,159 shares of the company’s stock worth $3,025,000 after acquiring an additional 45,741 shares during the period. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new position in Verona Pharma in the 3rd quarter worth $31,966,000. Jennison Associates LLC lifted its position in shares of Verona Pharma by 54.3% in the 3rd quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 1,740,886 shares of the company’s stock worth $50,085,000 after purchasing an additional 612,854 shares during the period. First Turn Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Verona Pharma during the 3rd quarter valued at about $16,483,000. Finally, Claro Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Verona Pharma during the third quarter valued at about $209,000. 85.88% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have commented on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price objective on shares of Verona Pharma from $37.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, November 5th. Truist Financial raised their target price on Verona Pharma from $38.00 to $44.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 9th. HC Wainwright upped their price target on Verona Pharma from $36.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Verona Pharma from $50.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 5th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Verona Pharma has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $43.83. Verona Pharma Stock Performance Verona Pharma stock opened at $40.50 on Friday. The stock’s 50 day moving average is $35.74 and its 200 day moving average is $26.28. The company has a market capitalization of $3.31 billion, a P/E ratio of -21.09 and a beta of 0.46. Verona Pharma plc has a twelve month low of $11.39 and a twelve month high of $40.76. The company has a quick ratio of 12.88, a current ratio of 13.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93. Verona Pharma ( NASDAQ:VRNA – Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 4th. The company reported ($0.56) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.44) by ($0.12). The firm had revenue of $5.62 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $2.31 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted ($0.18) earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Verona Pharma plc will post -2.11 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Verona Pharma In related news, CEO David Zaccardelli sold 110,456 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.38, for a total value of $483,797.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 14,894,464 shares in the company, valued at $65,237,752.32. The trade was a 0.74 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . Also, CFO Mark W. Hahn sold 12,936 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.00, for a total value of $64,680.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 14,276,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $71,380,000. This represents a 0.09 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 2,094,432 shares of company stock valued at $9,748,833. 4.80% of the stock is owned by insiders. Verona Pharma Profile ( Free Report ) Verona Pharma plc, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on development and commercialization of therapies for the treatment of respiratory diseases with unmet medical needs. The company's product candidate is ensifentrine, an inhaled and dual inhibitor of the phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 and PDE4 enzymes that acts as both a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory agent in a single compound, which is in Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VRNA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Verona Pharma plc ( NASDAQ:VRNA – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Verona Pharma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Verona Pharma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Dear Heloise: When traveling, I throw a dryer sheet in the bag that holds my shoes. I also put a dryer sheet in each of my gym shoes at home. To freshen my clothes quickly, I put them in the dryer with a dryer sheet on the air cycle. I reuse ones from the dryer to dust with. My sisters place dryer sheets under their bedsheets. Others rub a dryer sheet on their sofas! I love and use many of the suggestions you and others have printed in your column. -- Jackie, Colorado Springs, Colorado SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise@Heloise.com SHREDDED PAPER Dear Heloise: You're a big fan of recycling items, so I thought you might be interested in what we do with shredded paper in our office. Three of us have family in other countries, so we often have to mail Christmas gifts. We have a paper shredder, and when it comes time to empty it, we dump the paper into large plastic bags and save it in a closet. We later use that paper when we mail gifts for various occasions such as weddings, birthdays and Christmas. The word got out, and now there are a couple of other offices in our building that come down for some "packing material." -- Anne H., Milford, Delaware MICROWAVE FUDGE Dear Heloise: When I lived at home, my mother insisted on doing the cooking. She said I always made a mess of her kitchen. In college, we had our meals in the dining hall, so I never really learned how to cook. But now I have my own place, and I would like to make a recipe I saw in your column a couple of years ago. I don't know the name of it, but it was a fudge recipe where you could microwave the ingredients. It sounded good and so easy to make. Would you reprint this recipe? I want to take it to a family gathering for Thanksgiving. -- Jeffery M., in Boulder, Colorado Jeffery, the recipe you're thinking of was called "Matthews' Microwave Fudge," and it was indeed very easy to make. Here is the recipe: -- 1 pound of powdered sugar -- 1/2 cup cocoa -- 1/4 teaspoon butter or margarine -- 4 tablespoons milk -- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract -- 1 cup chopped pecan or walnuts Combine all the ingredients except the nuts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until all the ingredients in the mixture are melted and smooth. Remove and stir periodically. When the mixture is smooth, remove it from the microwave and stir in the nuts. Spread the fudge into a buttered 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and allow it to cool completely before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. -- Heloise REUSING STOCKINGS Dear Heloise: Last week while I was making soup, I wanted to put certain spices in a square of gauze or cheesecloth and found that I had neither in my house. I looked around and finally found a clean nylon stocking I no longer wore or needed. I placed the spices in a square I had cut from the nylon stocking and tied it at the top! It worked very well! -- Louella T., Livingston, MontanaThe live stream began with Zhao Lixin jokingly complaining about how long it was taking Xiaohua to work on his hair. However, as Xiaohua carefully styled each strand, the audience could see the care and attention he put into his work.