Category: News
Ex-Pornhub Owner Interested In Purchasing Lukoil Assets
Ex-Pornhub Owner Interested In Purchasing Lukoil Assets
By Charles Kennedy of OilPrice.com
Austrian businessman Bernd Bergmair, former majority owner of Pornhub, has approached the U.S. Treasury about buying assets of Russian oil major Lukoil after the Trump administration sanctioned the company.
“Obviously Lukoil International GmbH would be a great investment and anybody would be fortunate to have the privilege of owning those assets,” Bergmair told Reuters.
“I don’t comment on potential investments as a matter of course,” he added.
Last month, U.S. Treasury issued the greenlight for companies to begin talks with Lukoil for its foreign assets, with U.S. oil and gas giants Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) and Chevron (NYSE:CVX) have already expressed interest. Exxon is in talks with Iraq’s Oil Ministry to buy Lukoil’s 75% stake in the West Qurna 2 oilfield, one of the country’s largest. Iraq’s oil ministry has invited several U.S. oil companies to enter negotiations over the West Qurna 2 takeover through a competitive bidding process. West Qurna-2 oilfield produces more than 400,000 bpd of crude. The Iraqi government has taken over operations at West Qurna 2, including paying staff salaries directly.
Previously, Lukoil reached a preliminary agreement with Gunvor to buy its international assets. However, the giant commodity trader pulled the $22-billion bid after the U.S. Treasury Department expressed dissatisfaction with the deal, calling Gunvor a Russian “puppet”.
“President Trump has been clear that the war must end immediately. As long as Putin continues the senseless killings, the Kremlin’s puppet, Gunvor, will never get a license to operate and profit,” the U.S. Treasury said in a post on X.
Unfortunately, the latest round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have been unfruitful after the Kremlin failed to agree to Trump’s 19-point peace plan. Some of the critical amendments in the new plan include no handover of the Donbas region to Russia for free, no automatic veto on Ukraine joining NATO in the future and provision of Article 5-style protection for Ukraine, meaning the U.S. would be bound to intervene if Russia invades in the future. A proposal for full amnesty for war crimes that was part of the first plan has also been removed.
Ukraine has doubled down on attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including the latest attack on a shadow fleet vessel in African waters.
Tyler Durden
Thu, 12/04/2025 – 08:05
https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/ex-pornhub-owner-interested-purchasing-lukoil-assets
Reino Unido sanciona a agencia de espionaje ruso por envenenamiento
LONDRES (AP) — Gran Bretaña sancionó a la agencia de inteligencia rusa y convocó al embajador de Moscú el jueves después de que una investigación concluyera que el presidente Vladímir Putin fue responsable de un ataque con agente neurotóxico en suelo británico en 2018.
El gobierno declaró que la agencia conocida como GRU estaba siendo sancionada en su totalidad por el ataque en la ciudad de Salisbury contra Sergei Skripal, un exagente soviético que había desertado a Gran Bretaña.
Skripal y su hija Yulia se enfermaron gravemente, pero sobrevivieron.
Una mujer británica, Dawn Sturgess, y su pareja colapsaron después de entrar en contacto con un frasco de perfume desechado que contenía el veneno Novichok. Ella había rociado el contenido del frasco en su muñeca y murió días después. Su pareja sobrevivió.
El exjuez del Tribunal Supremo Anthony Hughes, quien dirigió la investigación sobre la muerte de Sturgess, afirmó que el ataque a los Skripal “debe haber sido autorizado al más alto nivel” por Putin.
Concluyó que Sturgess fue “una víctima inocente de un intento por parte de oficiales de una organización estatal rusa de llevar a cabo un asesinato en las calles de Salisbury utilizando una sustancia altamente tóxica”.
Moscú ha negado cualquier participación en el ataque.
—
Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Goldman Warns Copper’s Parabolic Breakout Lacks Stability
Goldman Warns Copper’s Parabolic Breakout Lacks Stability
Copper futures on the London Metal Exchange opened the week with a breakout to new record highs (see report). On Wednesday, we highlighted a Goldman note detailing the “circular melt-up” mechanics driving the move higher. By Thursday, a separate Goldman analyst was cautioning clients that the parabolic move above $11,000/ton is unlikely to last.
At 6:30 ET, LME copper futures hit a fresh record at $11,575/ton, driven by a scramble to move metal into the US warehouses ahead of potential Trump-era import tariffs and a burst of demand from Asia. The combination has intensified global tightening fears amid soaring AI data center buildouts and massive power grid upgrades.
The question now is how long this breakout into record territory can last, and whether the momentum will carry into 2026. To address that question, a team of Goldman analysts led by Aurelia Waltham published an overnight note titled “Copper: Our Favourite Industrial Metal.”
“For 2026, we hold a selective outlook for industrial metals. Copper is our ‘favourite’ industrial metal as constrained mine supply growth and structural demand growth from grid & power infrastructure move the market towards balanced in 2026, from oversupplied in 2025,” Waltham told clients.
She continued, “Additionally, higher ex-US premia and conversations with physical traders point to a larger-than-expected reacceleration of copper flows into the US in H1 2026 ahead of a potential tariff, which should further tighten the ex-US market. As a result, we lift our average H1 2026 LME copper price forecast to $10,710 (from $10,415).”
Waltham addressed the ongoing parabolic price surge on the LME this week with a clear note of caution for clients:
That said, we do not expect the market to enter a period of material tightness until the end of the decade. Already-stretched speculative length means that we do not expect the current breakout above $11,000 to be sustained (as was the case in October). Most of the recent price increase has been driven by expectations of future market tightness, rather than current fundamentals (Exhibit 4).
The analyst noted:
While our much smaller 2026 surplus of 160kt moves the market closer to balanced, it means that we do not expect the global copper market to enter a shortage any time soon.
Beyond Waltham’s view, super-bull Kostas Bintas of Mercuria recently told Bloomberg, “If the world keeps going like this we will be left without copper cathodes in the rest of the world.”
Bintas warned, “Just looking at the facts, mathematically… what is going to happen if all of this continues? There’s only one answer: there will be tightness and a higher price.”
Li Xuezhi, head of research at Chaos Ternary Futures, a unit of a commodities hedge fund in Shanghai, said, “The rally has just started, we remain bullish on copper prices.”
The takeaway: LME copper futures look firmly pointed up and to the right for years to come, but the pace of the move is where some analysts’ views sharply diverge.
If you’ve been putting off those copper gutters or pipes for your next home-improvement project, you should lock them in sooner rather than later.
ZeroHedge Pro subs can read the full note in the usual place.
Tyler Durden
Thu, 12/04/2025 – 07:45
https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/goldman-warns-coppers-parabolic-breakout-lacks-stability
WhatsApp enfrenta investigación antimonopolio en Europa por inteligencia artificial
LONDRES (AP) — WhatsApp enfrenta una investigación antimonopolio en la Unión Europea, donde los reguladores dijeron el jueves que están investigando la política de inteligencia artificial del servicio de mensajería.
La Comisión Europea afirmó que abrió la investigación formal debido a preocupaciones sobre la decisión de WhatsApp de limitar el acceso a proveedores de IA de terceros.
WhatsApp, propiedad de Meta Platforms, la empresa matriz de Facebook, lanzó su función de chatbot de IA para los usuarios de la Unión Europea en marzo después de retrasos.
La Comisión, que es el brazo ejecutivo del bloque, señaló que una reciente actualización de política podría significar que las empresas rivales de IA no pueden ofrecer sus asistentes de IA en la plataforma, mientras que el servicio de chatbot de Meta sigue siendo accesible para los usuarios.
Meta no ha respondido a una solicitud de comentarios.
Teresa Ribera, vicepresidenta de la comisión a cargo de los asuntos de competencia, expresó que el bloque quiere evitar que las grandes empresas tecnológicas excluyan a competidores innovadores.
“Por eso estamos investigando si la nueva política de Meta podría ser ilegal bajo las normas de competencia, y si deberíamos actuar rápidamente para prevenir cualquier posible daño irreparable a la competencia en el ámbito de la IA”, manifestó en un comunicado de prensa.
La investigación abarcará todos los países de la UE, excepto Italia, donde las autoridades ya han abierto su propia investigación separada.
___________________________________
Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Daywatch: Operation Midway Bliss redefines blitz
Good morning, Chicago.
William McNiff has been a vocal critic of the recent immigration crackdown in Chicago on his TikTok profile. So when he heard about the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which provides gifts for children and families in need, he wondered if he could do something similar for children of immigrant families affected by Operation Midway Blitz in the city.
In less than a week, McNiff and his friend Taylor Krahl raised over $10,000 on their GoFundMe page to buy gifts and groceries for families in the Chicago area. McNiff helped spread the word about the project on his TikTok account, which has over 41,000 followers.
The gift haul was coined Operation Midway Bliss as a way to reclaim the name from the federal government’s Operation Midway Blitz, which wreaked havoc on the city’s immigrant community.
“When I saw those Angel Trees blowing up (on social media),” said McNiff, who lives in the Gold Coast, “an idea sparked of something I can do for my neighbors here in Chicago, aside from just yapping on TikTok or going to a protest, something that can actually have an impact directly.”
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Laura Turbay.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including a sweeping ban on hemp products in Chicago advances in City Council, Bulls first-round draft pick Noa Essengue is out for the season with a shoulder injury and what to do in Chicago this weekend.
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Gov. JB Pritzker speaks to Shawn Christopher, of Youth Civic Light Opera of Chicago, after a news conference at Navy Pier on Dec. 3, 2025, highlighting Illinois’ plans to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Illinois to celebrate United States’ 250th birthday with public art, history initiatives
Illinoisans next year will celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday with new public murals, a student art contest and initiatives to get residents and tourists alike to historic sites, the state announced.
Ald. Marty Quinn listens to community members during a Chicago City Council hearing discussing a proposed hemp product sales ban, Dec. 3, 2025. Quinn sponsored the proposed ban, deriding hemp shops as “shady operations” in opening remarks. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)
Sweeping ban on hemp products in Chicago advances in City Council
A broad ban on hemp products in Chicago advanced in the City Council yesterday, teeing up a vote that could suddenly shutter the burgeoning industry.
Proponents argue the proposed ban would make Chicago safer by speeding up a pending congressional prohibition on the products that get users high. But Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has urged aldermen to rework the ordinance with narrower regulations.
A man using ChatGPT. (Shutterstock)
Judge orders OpenAI to hand over ChatGPT conversations in win for newspapers in copyright case
A Manhattan judge has ordered OpenAI to provide the Chicago Tribune and other news outlets with millions of anonymous chats between ChatGPT and its users in a major ongoing copyright infringement case.
A sign prohibiting activity by federal immigration agents is visible at the entrance of the Alpha Lot as Maringas Towing hauls away a white sedan left behind by a man detained inside the lot near Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Oct. 23, 2025. The lot is frequently used by rideshare drivers and has seen several raids. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Advocate warned city that feds might target rideshare drivers at O’Hare weeks before airport raids, emails show
The city of Chicago ignored concerns raised by an advocate about immigration raids at O’Hare’s rideshare parking lots for weeks before federal agents swept up more than 70 people there, emails obtained by the Tribune show.
The Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, left, at Federal Plaza in Chicago on Feb. 4, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
‘It’s gonna be their version against ours’: Undercover tape played at bribery trial of ex-Summit police chief
The gravel of a funeral home parking lot could be heard crunching under the feet of two public officials from suburban Summit as they left a wake to privately compare notes on a worrisome federal bribery investigation. During the March 2022 conversation, John Kosmowski, the Summit police chief, tried to tell his colleague and frequent drinking buddy, then-Public Works Director Bill Mundy, that a cash payment they’d received from a bar owner five years earlier was just a loan — and that neither he nor Mundy pulled any strings to get the owner’s liquor license transferred.
“Kris gave me the money as a loan. I gave you $3,000 because just, in general principle, you need the money,” Kosmowski said to Mundy, who was secretly wearing a wire for the FBI.
“You think anybody’s gonna buy that?” Mundy replied. “I love you like a brother, but this is (expletive) up.”
Packers fans yell at Bears linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga (45) as he celebrates Cairo Santos’ game-winning field goal Jan. 5, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Rarely have Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers been this good in long rivalry. Here’s what the numbers say.
At long last, the Bears snapped their 11-game losing streak against the Green Bay Packers in the Week 18 finale last season. It came on Jan. 5, team owner Virginia McCaskey’s 102nd birthday.
The upset victory at Lambeau Field marked the first Bears win against the Packers since 2018. Now the Bears will take their 9-3 record to Lambeau to face the 8-3-1 Packers on Sunday.
Bears Q&A: Could Ben Johnson win Coach of the Year? When should fans panic about Caleb Williams?
Chicago Bulls forward Noa Essengue (24) dunks the ball during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the United Center, Oct. 16, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bulls first-round draft pick Noa Essengue out for the season with a shoulder injury
The Bulls must wait another year to begin the development of their latest draft pick.
Rookie Noa Essengue will be out for the rest of the season as the team prepares its No. 12 draft pick for left shoulder surgery, which will take place in the coming weeks. Coach Billy Donovan announced the news ahead of last night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Matas Buzelis is waiting — and working — for his 2nd-year leap to arrive with Bulls: ‘It will happen’
3 takeaways from a 5th consecutive loss for the Bulls, who are now 3 games below .500
Brother Rice’s Brayden Parks (98) signals incomplete after breaking up a pass on third down during St. Rita’s final drive during the Class 7A state championship game in DeKalb on Dec. 3, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Daily Southtown)
Brayden Parks, who has Notre Dame among offers, powers Brother Rice to state title. ‘We came, we saw, we won.’
Brayden Parks came through with six tackles, including 3 1/2 for loss, and also had three pass breakups to do his part in a dominant defensive effort last night as Brother Rice topped Catholic League rival St. Rita 16-0 in the Class 7A state championship game at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.
West Aurora High School students browse the Tienda Tzintzuntzan (“place of the hummingbirds”) gift shop on Nov. 19, 2025, in the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago’s Lower West Side neighborhood. The shop sells various items made by Mexican artisans and artists as well as books and jewelry. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)
Holiday gifts from museum shops let you wrap a bow on Chicago culture
For Chicagoans who dread the frenzy of holiday shopping, there’s a calmer alternative. Instead of heading to mall, you can head to a museum.
Reneé Rapp performs at the T-Mobile stage at Lollapalooza in Chicago’s Grant Park on Aug. 2, 2024. She’s part of the lineup for this weekend’s KISS-FM’s Jingle Ball. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune)
What to do in Chicago: Big Jam, Jingle Ball, ‘Duke It Out! Nutcracker’ and holiday markets
Here are our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/04/daywatch-operation-midway-bliss-redefines-blitz/
ONU advierte de nueva oleada de atrocidades en región sudanesa de Kordofán
Associated Press
EL CAIRO, Egipto (AP) — El máximo responsable de derechos humanos en Naciones Unidas lanzó el jueves una nueva y contundente advertencia sobre Sudán y dijo que teme “una nueva ola de atrocidades” ante el recrudecimiento de los intensos combates en la región de Kordofán.
Volker Türk instó a “todos los estados con influencia sobre las partes a tomar medidas inmediatas para detener los combates y frenar el flujo de armas que alimentan el conflicto”.
Los choques entre el grupo paramilitar Fuerzas de Apoyo Rápido y el ejército sudanés, que llevan más de dos años en guerra, se trasladaron recientemente a Kordofán, una región rica en petróleo, luego de que las FAR se hicieron con el control de el-Fasher, en la provincia de Darfur.
Según la ONU, el conflicto en Sudán se ha cobrado la vida de 40.000 personas —aunque algunos grupos de derechos humanos dicen que la cifra es significativamente mayor— y provocó la peor crisis humanitaria del mundo con más de 14 millones de desplazados.
La toma de el-Fasher por parte de las FAR, el último bastión del ejército sudanés en Darfur, estuvo marcada por ejecuciones de civiles, violaciones y agresiones sexuales. Más de 100.000 personas han huido de el-Fasher desde octubre y se teme que miles estén atrapadas o puedan haber sido asesinadas en el camino, de acuerdo con grupos activistas. La milicia ha logrado importantes avances desde entonces.
“Es realmente impactante ver que la historia se repite tan pronto en Kordofán después de los horribles acontecimientos en el-Fasher”, afirmó Türk.
“No debemos permitir que Kordofán se convierta en otro el-Fasher”, agregó.
Más de 269 personas fueron asesinadas en ataques aéreos, bombardeos de artillería y ejecuciones sumarias en la ciudad de Bara, en el norte de Kordofán, desde finales de octubre, apuntó Türk, que dijo que la cifra podría ser mayor porque los cortes en las telecomunicaciones e internet han dificultado la verificación.
Además, pidió “el restablecimiento de las telecomunicaciones para facilitar la ayuda vital y permitir que la información esencial llegue a la población civil”.
En su declaración, Türk indicó que un ataque con drones de las FAR mató a 45 personas, en su mayoría mujeres, el 3 de noviembre en una tienda en el-Obeid, en el norte de Kordofán, y operativos aéreos del ejército mataron el sábado al menos a 48 más, de los cuales la mayoría serían civiles, en Kauda, en el sur la región.
Las FAR fueron expulsadas de la capital de Sudán, Jartum, a principios de año, y durante meses los combates se han concentrado en Kordofán, una región petrolera ubicada en el sur y el centro del país por la que pasan líneas de suministro vitales.
La batalla se centra ahora en las inmediaciones de la ciudad de Babanusa, en la provincia de Kordofán Occidental.
Las FAR anunció en un comunicado el lunes la toma del cuartel general de la 22da división del ejército sudanés en Babanusa, y el martes hicieron públicos videos en los que, según afirman, sus combatientes aparecen en la sede del ejército. Associated Press no pudo verificar de manera independiente el comunicado. El ejército sudanés no realizó comentarios al respecto.
La Red de Médicos de Sudán, un grupo de profesionales sanitarios sudaneses en todo el noreste de África, advirtió el miércoles que los enfrentamientos están amenazando la suerte de docenas de mujeres y niños que se habían refugiado en el complejo militar el año pasado, y pidió su protección y que sean trasladados a un lugar seguro “sin hacerles daño ni detenerlos de forma arbitraria bajo acusaciones de tener familiares en el ejército”.
También pidió poder entrar a la ciudad para proporcionar asistencia humanitaria.
Türk advirtió que Kadugli y Dilling, ciudades del sur de Kordofán afectadas por la hambruna, corrían un riesgo especial tras haber sido sitiadas por las FAR y grupos aliados.
La agencia migratoria de Naciones Unidas estima que más de 44.000 personas han huido de la región de Kordofán debido a la escalada de los combates.
___
Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Capture moments easily with the best instant film cameras
Which instant film camera is best?
Although film cameras have faded away in favor of digital cameras, there’s one segment of film cameras that still has a strong following. Instant film cameras use special packs of film, creating a print within a couple of minutes of taking the shot, which is great to use for fun selfies or while on a vacation.
Instant film cameras don’t have the greatest image quality, especially compared to prints you can make from a digital camera or a smartphone camera, but they are popular because they’re fun to use. Our favorite instant film camera is Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 99 because it has a cool retro style with reasonable image quality.
What to know before you buy an instant film camera
All instant film cameras use a similar chemical process to create the instant prints. It’s best to pay attention to some of the following factors to find the best model for your needs.
Automatic features
If you use an advanced digital camera regularly, you may be disappointed to find that instant cameras work primarily as automatic cameras. You won’t have a lot of manual control over the print quality or the light the camera measures.
Instant print size
Instant film cameras will create prints that have varying sizes. A print that’s about 2.5 inches square is a common size. However, some prints are quite a bit smaller or larger. Some prints are so small that they’re not useful, so look at a camera’s print size before making a purchase.
Camera size
Some instant film cameras have a boxy shape, meaning they require a lot of storage space. Others are small or can fold down to a small size, making them easier to store or carry.
What to look for in a quality feature film camera
Although instant print cameras don’t have a lot of advanced features, there are a few options you may want in your instant camera.
Digital copies
Some instant film cameras will save a digital copy of the photo at the same time they make a print. You can then upload those digital photos to your computer or to social media.
Double exposure
This feature allows you to shoot two photos back to back, merging the images into one print. This is an interesting way to create an artistic photo.
Macro
If you’d like to shoot close-up photos that sharply showcase details of an object, look for an instant print camera that has a macro mode.
Selfie mirror
Some cameras have a mirror on the front that allows you to properly aim the instant film camera for a selfie. However, this feature’s accuracy varies from one camera design to another.
Tripod
Some instant print cameras will have a tripod port on the bottom. This gives you an option to shoot photos without worrying about camera shake.
Viewfinder
Instant film cameras rarely have LCD screens, so you’ll frame the scene with the viewfinder window. This is not like a viewfinder that you’d see on a DSLR camera, which shows the scene through the lens. Instead, this is a simple window designed to help you aim the camera, but it may not work perfectly every time.
How much you can expect to spend on an instant film camera
Simple instant film cameras cost $25 to $50. More advanced models can cost $50 to $200. You’ll also have ongoing costs for film packs, about $10 to $30 for 20 shots.
Instant film camera FAQ
Q. Is there any way to speed up the development of the instant print?
A. No. Some people try to shake the print to speed up the process, but this could shift the chemicals and actually damage the print. Waiting for the print to develop requires patience and is part of the fun.
Q. Can I use any instant film with my instant camera?
A. No. Film packs are specifically made for particular brands and models of instant cameras. Only use film that’s compatible with your camera, or you could cause a jam that ruins the film pack.
What are the best instant film cameras to buy?
Top instant film camera
What you need to know: This instant film camera is fun to use, and it has a great-looking retro design that adds to its appeal.
What you’ll love: It has some special-effect shooting options, such as a self-timer and brightness control. It uses a rechargeable battery.
What you should consider: Replacement film is costly.
Top instant film camera for the money
What you need to know: With a low price and limited control features, this easy-to-use instant camera is perfect for kids or beginners.
What you’ll love: Image quality is better than you’d expect. The camera is small, so it’s great for carrying on trips or excursions.
What you should consider: It has a limited list of features, and there’s no self-timer to help with selfies.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: It has a design that may remind you of the original Polaroid instant cameras.
What you’ll love: Photo prints are of a better-than-average size, delivering a reasonable level of quality.
What you should consider: Film packs are expensive. The camera is a larger size than others.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/04/capture-moments-easily-with-the-best-instant-film-cameras/
Clear That ‘Something Behind The Scenes Is Breaking’ Holter Warns, We’re Headed For A Derivative Meltdown
Clear That ‘Something Behind The Scenes Is Breaking’ Holter Warns, We’re Headed For A Derivative Meltdown
Authored by Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog.com
Financial writer and precious metals expert Bill Holter (aka Mr. Gold) said at the beginning of November that there was “more risk in the financial system now than any time ever.”
There are so many ways the system can break down it’s hard to keep track, but let’s start with exploding silver prices that happened at the end of last week. Holter says,
“In a 48-hour period of time, silver was up over $5 per ounce. It’s pretty clear and pretty obvious that something behind the scenes is breaking.
We know that the lease rates have exploded. We know that the borrow rates on SLV have exploded.
We also know that in the last 5 to 7 years, silver has been in a deficit… At this point, you are looking at a 400-million-ounce deficit on an annual basis, and global production is 850 million ounces…
The rumor is somebody has put in a $20 billion order, which would mean 400 million ounces.
If that is the case, that order cannot be met, and that will create shark infested waters…
If somebody stands for delivery and it looks like it may be difficult for them to get delivery, then everybody is going to stand for delivery because they know that their contracts are worthless.”
What would happen if there is an actual failure to deliver in the silver market? Mr. Gold says,
“If that gets confirmed, then that one day you will see a huge spike, but markets won’t open after that. That will cascade. What will happen is all the COMEX contracts for both silver and gold will default.
That will spill over to the rest of the CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange). It has contracts on US Treasuries and stocks. They have contracts on everything. If the silver contracts blow up and the gold contracts blow up, how much confidence are you going to have on pork bellies or stocks…
The derivative market is $2 quadrillion. In the future, you are going to measure your wealth by how many ounces of silver and how many ounces of gold you own…
Once you get a failure to deliver, you will get a Mad Max scenario. Failure to deliver will melt down all derivatives.
The world runs on credit, and credit runs on faith. If you break faith, then you have a real problem in the financial markets and the real economy.”
In closing, Holter warns, “The problem is there is very little collateral left. Everything has been borrowed against already.”
Holter is not alone in his thinking about huge risk in the system. It appears billionaire investors Jeff Gundlach and Ray Dalio agree with Holter, and they are warning of liquidity problems. For the first time in their successful careers, they are both buying physical gold.
On a total system stopping derivative meltdown, Holter says, “Most people think it is not possible, and it can’t happen. Mathematically, a meltdown in derivatives that melts everything down is coming. It’s over. Mathematically, it’s over.”
There is much more in the 41-minute interview.
Join Greg Hunter of USAWatchdog as he goes One-on-One with financial writer and precious metals expert Bill Holter/Mr. Gold as the risk in the financial system increases for 12.2.25.
Tyler Durden
Thu, 12/04/2025 – 07:20
Best full-size mattress picks for restful nightly sleep
Which full-size mattresses are best?
If it’s time to replace your full mattress, it’s worth spending some time considering what to buy next. The majority of adults spend eight to 10 hours in bed each night, so sleeping on a mattress that’s comfortable and supportive makes a huge difference to your well-being and helps you wake up feeling rested.
Check out this guide to full mattresses to find the information you need to pick the right option for you. Our favorites include the Saatva Classic Mattress, which has a hybrid design and is a delight to sleep on.
What to know before you buy a full-size mattress
Mattress types
Full mattresses come in three primary types: foam, innerspring, and hybrid. The sleeping experience on each is quite different, so choosing the right one is vital to your comfort.
Foam mattresses are primarily made of memory foam, though you can find some other foam options. Memory foam molds to your body to help relieve pressure points and generally has a plush feeling while still being supportive. However, it can make you feel hot at night. Gel foam is essentially gel-infused memory foam that has the same benefits as memory foam but with cooling properties. Latex mattresses are made from natural latex foam and are more breathable and cooler to sleep on.
Innerspring mattresses are filled with an array of springs for support, covered by a pillow-top layer, generally consisting of wool, polyester, or other soft fibers. Innerspring mattresses are highly supportive and tend to feel firmer than foam, and with a bounce to them some people enjoy.
Hybrid mattresses are a mix between foam and innerspring mattresses. They have a supportive base layer of springs, topped with memory foam for comfort and pressure relief.
What to look for in a quality full-size mattress
Motion isolation
Motion isolation reduces the amount of motion that moves from one side of the bed to the other when you get up or roll over. If you sleep alone, this isn’t important. If you sleep with your partner, motion isolation is more important on a full mattress than a larger mattress, because the small size of the mattress means you’re more likely to disturb the person sleeping next to you.
Removable covers
Some mattresses feature removable outer covers, allowing you to wash and replace them to keep the exterior of your mattress clean. It’s still a good idea to use a mattress protector to keep stains at bay.
How much you can expect to spend on a full-size mattress
Basic full mattresses start at $100-$300, but you can find better options in the $400-$800 range. High-end options can cost as much as $1,000-$2,000.
Full-size mattresses FAQ
Q. Is a full-size mattress big enough for two?
A. Two individuals can share a full mattress, but it doesn’t give each person much room to spread out — most couples are more comfortable in a queen- or king-size bed, space allowing. Full beds are more commonly used by children who like to fill their bed with soft toys or need an adult to lie down with them to get to sleep, teenagers who have outgrown a twin bed, and adults who generally sleep alone.
Q. How can I tell if my mattress needs replacing?
A. It’s advisable to replace your mattress roughly every 10 years, but some low-quality mattresses won’t last that long. Waking up with back or joint pain every morning is a good indication that you should replace your mattress. Additionally, your mattress probably needs replacing if it sags, doesn’t feel as supportive as it once did, or has springs that dig into you when you lie on it.
What’s the best full-size mattress to buy?
Top full-size mattress
What you need to know: This hybrid innerspring mattress is available in plush soft, luxury firm or firm varieties.
What you’ll love: The 365-night trial gives you plenty of time to decide if you like it. Memory foam layer provides optimal spine support. Individually pocketed coils.
What you should consider: Some buyers had issues returning their mattress.
Top full-size mattress for the money
What you need to know: This extremely comfortable and supportive memory foam mattress is surprisingly affordable.
What you’ll love: It offers total-body pressure relief while maintaining spinal alignment. The gel layer helps keep you cool at night, and it has a stain-resistant cover.
What you should consider: Users who prefer a firm mattress find it a little too soft.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This mattress combines the plush comfort of memory foam with the bounce and support of innersprings.
What you’ll love: The top layer of foam has holes punched in it to improve airflow and avoid overheating. It has edge-to-edge support. The company offers a 120-night trial.
What you should consider: It feels too firm for some people, especially those used to memory foam mattresses.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/04/best-full-size-mattress-picks-for-restful-nightly-sleep/
Ohio State and Indiana can put up points — but Big Ten title game features nation’s top-ranked scoring defenses
The quarterback matchup between Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin is commanding most of the attention going into the Big Ten championship game.
However, Saturday night’s matchup also features the nation’s top-two-ranked scoring defenses.
The Buckeyes lead the Football Bowl Subdivision in allowing only 7.8 points per game. The Hoosiers are next at 10.9.
Ohio State also lead the nation in total defense (203 yards per game) and allowing only 121.3 passing yards per game as well as being fourth against the run (81.7 ypg). Indiana is second against the run (79.2 ypg), fourth in total defense (253.5 ypg) and 14th against the pass (172.5 ypg).
Both schools have four players on the coaches All-Conference first team, which was announced Wednesday.
The Buckeyes dominated the individual awards, with Caleb Downs named Defensive Player of the Year as well as Defensive Back of the Year. Arvell Reese was Linebacker of the Year and Kayden McDonald Defensive Lineman of the Year. Besides the aforementioned three, linebacker Sonny Styles also made the first team.
“They’re dominant really everywhere,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. “Multiple looks, a lot of really good players. They put them in position to make plays and, you know, the thing about Ohio State, is they play fast, they play physical, they play with an edge and they haven’t really been challenged this year.”
It is also safe to say though that no one during the preseason expected the Buckeyes to be one of the nation’s best defenses. They had only three starters back and a new coordinator in Matt Patricia, who had not coached in college in 20 years.
The defense came up big in the opener against then-top-ranked Texas and has continued that momentum throughout the season.
“Everybody doubted us at the beginning of the season,” Downs said. “So we knew that we had to kind of prove ourselves, and I think we go into every game with the same type of intensity level.”
Texas was the only school to have more than 300 yards against the Buckeyes this season. They have also held all of their opponents to fewer than 17 points. Illinois and Penn State were the only schools to score two touchdowns on Ohio State while five teams didn’t even reach the end zone.
The Buckeyes have also held 14 of their last 15 opponents under 100 rushing yards, the first time they have done that in school history.
Downs — who many see as one of the top players in April’s NFL draft — is a finalist for four major national awards and is the first Buckeyes player to be named Defensive Player of the Year since Chase Young in 2019. Downs, a junior, is fourth with 52 tackles and third with 34 solo tackles. He has two interceptions and five tackles for a loss.
“There’s so many great players on defense that do such a great job and they’re all tied into a scheme where they’re disguising pre-snap and reacting post-snap,” said Hoosiers quarterback Mendoza, who grew up a New England fan when Patricia was winning Super Bowls as the Patriots defensive coordinator. “They really are a great bunch of defensive players that have a fantastic scheme to complement their skill. It’s going to be a tough challenge.”
Ohio State coach Ryan Day noted Mendoza and Indiana’s offense running a lot of run-pass options should be a good test for the defense.
“Obviously know we have to play with more patience with the RPOs, but we’re up for any challenge they have for us,” safety Jaylen McClain said. “RPOs, stretching the ball downfield, that’s what we’re working on every day.”
Indiana’s four first-teamers are defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker, linebacker Aiden Fisher, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds and safety Louis Moore. It’s the first time in program history that four Hoosier defensive players were named to the first team.
“Every single Saturday, I want to go out there and prove I’m the best linebacker in the country and I think that’s the way this team thinks and operates,” Fisher said. “That’s everybody at every single position, if that’s our right guard, our free safety, we all want to prove we belong here, we’re the best at our position that we play on the best team, the best defense.”
The Hoosiers’ strengths are getting to the quarterback and generating interceptions. They were second in the conference with 34 sacks and ninth in the nation with 16 picks.
Defensive lineman Stephen Daley led the Big Ten with 18 tackles for a loss, and Moore was tied for the conference lead with five interceptions.
“They’re fast. They’re quick. They use their hands really well. They’re opportunistic. They’re quick. They force a lot of turnovers. They’re as good as anybody in the country,” Day said. “Really impressed with how they play, how physical they are, so it’s a good challenge for our offense.”
Freelance reporter Marcus Hartman in Columbus, Ohio, contributed.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/04/big-ten-championship-ohio-state-indiana-defense/
