Category Archives: general

The Miz put up with a lot of “nonsense” in WWE during his early years, claims wrestling veteran (Exclusive)

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Former wrestler and WWE trainer Bill DeMott recently shared his insights on The Miz’s rising popularity. Currently a prominent member of the SmackDown roster, The Miz had formed a powerful alliance with Carmelo Hayes over the past few months. The veteran wrestler helped Hayes sharpen his in-ring skills, creating a formidable tag team. However, tensions arose between the two stars, both known for their huge egos, leading to a dramatic fallout.

Two weeks ago, when Carmelo Hayes attempted to answer Sami Zayn’s United States Open Challenge, The Miz unexpectedly attacked him, preventing Carmelo from competing in the match.

During an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda Senior Editor Bill Apter, Bill DeMott reflected on witnessing The Miz carve out a name for himself in the wrestling business. He recalled how The Miz was initially dismissed as just an outsider and reality TV star but persevered to elevate his craft to become a two-time Grand Slam Champion and a respected backstage figure within WWE.

“I’ll say this. I’ve never claimed to train anyone, but I’ve always been thankful to have a hand in what they’ve done. The guy who’s at the top of my list is The Miz. He fought the good fight. He knew what he wanted to do. He put up with a lot of the nonsense, if you will, and he stayed with it. People thought he was a nothing, reality star. To me, he’s the hands-on top dog in the company right now. He’s the media guru, he’s the in-person guy, he’s with the kids, he’s in the movies, he’s on TV.”

Last week on SmackDown, The Miz answered Sami Zayn’s United States Championship Open Challenge. In a surprising turn, Carmelo Hayes attacked his former tag team partner, allowing Ilja Dragunov to step in and win the match, becoming the new US Champion.

Watch the full interview with Bill DeMott below:

Transcript courtesy of Sportskeeda. Special thanks to 90’s Wrestling Con for allowing Sportskeeda to conduct this interview.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-the-miz-put-lot-nonsense-wwe-early-years-claims-wrestling-veteran-exclusive

Pzena Investment Management Q3 2025 Stewardship Insights

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**2025 Proxy Season Highlights and Voting Insights**
*October 29, 2025 | 11:21 AM ET*
*By Pzena Investment Management*

For the second consecutive year, we voted against all members of the Swatch Board of Directors to signal our strong preference for board refreshment. This decisive action reflects our commitment to fostering effective governance and enhancing long-term shareholder value.

Executive compensation remains a hot-button issue every proxy season, even though average pay support levels have remained steady or are rising. This year, Pfizer made a notable change by extending the vesting cycle in its long-term incentive plan (LTI), giving executives two additional years to meet the required performance criteria. We believe such adjustments can better align executive incentives with long-term company performance.

Shareholder proposals related to environmental and social issues declined in both volume and support during this season. Despite this shift, these topics continue to be important considerations in our voting decisions and engagement efforts.

In this article, we highlight significant themes from the 2025 proxy season. Specific company examples illustrate how we develop our perspective on key issues and engage with companies to inform our voting decisions.

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### About Pzena Investment Management

Pzena’s investment philosophy is straightforward: we seek to buy good businesses at low prices. Our focus is exclusively on companies that are underperforming relative to their historically demonstrated earnings power. Through rigorous, fundamental, bottom-up research, we strive to determine whether the causes of earnings shortfalls are temporary or permanent.

For inquiries or communication, please use Pzena’s official channels.

—

**Comments**

*Recommended For You*
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4834671-pzena-investment-management-q3-2025-stewardship-insights?source=feed_all_articles

What’s the Hardest Wood in the World?

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You might think oak or hickory is tough, but when it comes to the hardest wood in the world, they don’t even come close. Wood hardness is measured using the Janka hardness test, which tells us how much force it takes to embed a steel ball halfway into a wood sample. This Janka hardness rating is the go-to standard for ranking the world’s hardest woods.

Let’s explore the most durable, dense, and downright axe-breaking woods on Earth.

**Australian Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii)**
Often reported as the world’s hardest wood, Australian Buloke has a Janka hardness of approximately 5,060 lbf. This flowering plant is native to Australia and is known for its extreme durability and high density. It’s so tough that it draws comparisons to the South American “axe-breaker” wood, quebracho, which is also renowned for its extreme hardness.

This rare hardwood has historical evidence of use in shipbuilding and tool making, showcasing its long-standing reputation for toughness.

**Lignum Vitae**
Literally meaning “wood of life,” Lignum Vitae can reach up to 4,500 lbf on the Janka rating system. It is prized not only for its hardness but also for its use in luxury items and musical instruments. However, due to overharvesting, it is now considered an endangered species.

**African Blackwood**
Known as one of the most expensive woods in the world, African blackwood also boasts a high Janka rating. It is commonly used in high-end musical instruments due to its ability to be finely carved and polished to a lustrous finish. Despite its extreme hardness and beauty, African blackwood faces threats due to limited supply and environmental pressures.

These woods represent some of the toughest, densest, and most sought-after materials on the planet—combining beauty, durability, and rarity in unique ways.
https://science.howstuffworks.com/hardest-wood-in-the-world.htm

“His wife cheated on him with his brother” – Ex-WWE star Alberto Del Rio details Ricardo Rodriguez’s personal struggles

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Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez were once an entertaining duo in WWE during the company’s previous era. Their dynamic in-ring performances and charisma made them fan favorites and a memorable act for wrestling enthusiasts.

However, Del Rio recently opened up about Rodriguez’s life beyond the spotlight, sharing a shocking revelation regarding his personal struggles. This candid disclosure sheds new light on the challenges Rodriguez has faced off-camera, highlighting a side of his journey that many fans were unaware of.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-his-wife-cheated-brother-ex-wwe-star-alberto-del-rio-details-ricardo-rodriguez-s-personal-struggles

Escape From Duckov: How to farm Blue Cube

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Blue Cubes play an integral role in *Escape From Duckov*. These valuable resources are used to unlock special modifications that appear late in the game. These special modifications can then be further utilized for powerful upgrades.

While Blue Cubes cannot be exchanged for Money, they can be traded for permanent Power Boosts. These boosts significantly enhance the performance of your gear and increase your character’s overall power.

This article will guide you on how to obtain the Cube Storage Device and the best strategies for farming Blue Cubes in *Escape From Duckov*.

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### How to Get the Cube Storage Device in Escape From Duckov

Obtaining the Cube Storage Device—also known as the Cube Backpack—is essential for collecting Blue Cubes.

You can acquire the Cube Storage Device by completing the first quest called **Xavier’s Hidden Secret**. In this quest, you are directed to the Warehouse map, where you will be guided to the Cellar.

Once in the Cellar, you can purchase the Cube Storage Device from a hidden blue vendor by spending **5,288** in-game currency.

**Important:** The Cellar is filled with Toxic Gas, so you must wear a Gas Mask to survive while exploring this area.

Additionally, you will need two special keys—the Cellar Key and the Cellar Crossroad Key—to unlock gates leading to the hidden blue vendor. Both keys are obtained as you progress through the quest.

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### How to Farm Blue Cubes in Escape From Duckov

After you have the Cube Storage Device, it will automatically collect Blue Cubes scattered by enemies upon their defeat. Eliminating stronger adversaries will yield more Blue Cubes.

Late-game areas such as the **J-Lab** or the **Cellar** spawn tougher enemies, offering higher chances to gather Blue Cubes. Farming bosses is also effective since they often drop multiple cubes. However, these encounters can be challenging, so ensure you’re well-equipped before taking them on.

Another reliable method to obtain Blue Cubes is by dismantling electronic items found while scavenging. Items like processors, terminals, and power modules can be broken down at workbenches. While the drop rate is not guaranteed, consistent dismantling will eventually earn you Blue Cubes.

Additionally, defeating **Mad Bombers** is a direct way to acquire Blue Cubes. But be cautious—Mad Bombers can quickly turn a clean run into a loss if you’re not adequately armed.

—

### Related Articles

– [How to Use Totems in Escape From Duckov](#)
– [How to Unlock Mechanical Key in Escape From Duckov](#)
– [Escape from Duckov: How to Get and Use Gems](#)

—

With the Cube Storage Device equipped and the strategies outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to farming Blue Cubes efficiently and powering up your character for the late game!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/escape-from-duckov-how-farm-blue-cube

BASF SE (BASFY) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

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**Stefanie Wettberg, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations**

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to BASF’s conference call for the third quarter of 2025. Today’s presentation is being recorded.

[Operator Instructions]

Today’s presentation contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current estimates and projections of the Board of Executive Directors and currently available information. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of the future developments and results outlined therein. They depend on a number of factors, involve various risks and uncertainties, and are based on assumptions that may not prove to be accurate.

BASF does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this presentation beyond the legal requirements.

With me on the call today are CEO Markus Kamieth and CFO Dirk Elvermann.

Please be aware that we have already posted the speech on our website at [basf.com/Q32025](https://basf.com/Q32025).

Now, I would like to hand over to Markus.
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4834491-basf-se-basfy-q3-2025-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed_all_articles

Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. : Form 8.3 – DALATA HOTEL GROUP PLC – Ordinary Shares

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FORM 8.3 – Irish Takeover Panel Opening Position Disclosure / Dealing Disclosure

Under Rule 8.3 of the Irish Takeover Panel Act, 1997, Takeover Rules, 2022 by Persons with Interests in Relevant Securities Representing 1% or More

1. Key Information

(a) Full name of discloser:
Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. in its capacity as investment advisor and on behalf of its affiliates who are also investment advisors (“Dimensional”). Dimensional expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares described in this Form 8.3.

(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor, and beneficiaries must be named.

(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
Dalata Hotel Group PLC

(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:
N/A

(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure.
28 October 2025

(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser also making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”:
N/A

2. Interests and Short Positions

If there are interests and short positions to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2 for each additional class of relevant security.

Class of relevant security Interests Short Positions
Number % Number %
$0.01 ordinary shares (IE00BJMZDW83) 3,940,983 1.86% 0 0%

Details:

  • (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 3,940,983 (1.86%)
  • (2) Cash-settled derivatives: None
  • (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: None

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed. Details of options including rights to subscribe for new securities and any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8.3.

3. Dealings (if any) by the person making the disclosure

If there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in. The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security Purchase/Sale Number of securities Price per unit
$0.01 ordinary shares (IE00BJMZDW83) Sale 1,401 6.4300 EUR

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

No cash-settled derivative transactions to disclose.

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
No transactions to disclose.

(ii) Exercise
No exercises to disclose.

(d) Other dealings (including transactions in respect of new securities)

No other dealings to disclose.

4. Other Information

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements
Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer. Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included.
None

(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives
Full details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding between the person disclosing and any other person relating to the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option referred to on this form or relating to the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative referred to on this form is referenced.
None

(c) Attachments
Is a Supplemental Form 8 attached? NO

Date of disclosure: 29 October 2025

Contact name: Thomas Hone
Telephone number: +44 20 3033 3419

Public disclosures under Rule 8.3 of the Rules must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/29/3176221/0/en/Dimensional-Fund-Advisors-Ltd-Form-8-3-DALATA-HOTEL-GROUP-PLC-Ordinary-Shares.html

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie quietly jet abroad after father Prince Andrew gave up his titles

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**Timeline of Events Involving Prince Andrew, Jeffrey Epstein, and Virginia Giuffre**

**June 2000** *(Month unconfirmed)*
Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell attend a party at Windsor Castle hosted by Queen Elizabeth II to mark several royal milestones: Prince Andrew’s 40th birthday, the Princess Royal’s 50th, the Queen Mother’s 100th, and Princess Margaret’s 70th.

**March 2001**
Virginia Giuffre alleges that, at age 17, she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with Prince Andrew on three occasions. The first allegedly occurred in Maxwell’s London townhouse in March 2001. According to court filings and her memoir released in October 2025, the other two occasions took place at Epstein’s New York mansion and his private Caribbean island.

**June 2008**
Epstein pleads guilty to prostituting minors and is convicted, receiving an 18-month prison sentence.

**2009**
Epstein’s former housekeeper, Juan Alessi, testifies during Epstein’s trial that Prince Andrew received “daily massages” at Epstein’s Florida home.

**July 2009**
Jeffrey Epstein is released from prison.

**December 2010**
Prince Andrew is photographed with Epstein in New York’s Central Park.

**February 2011**
*The Mail on Sunday* publishes a photo of Virginia Giuffre’s alleged first meeting with Prince Andrew. Following this, Andrew emails Epstein stating, “we are in this together.”

**March 2011**
Alastair Watson, who spent nine years as Andrew’s private secretary, writes to *The Times* claiming Andrew met Epstein in the “early 1990s.” However, in a *Newsnight* interview eight years later, Andrew states that he first encountered Epstein through his “girlfriend back in 1999” and later said he saw Epstein “infrequently and probably no more than once or twice a year.”

**July 2011**
Prince Andrew resigns as UK trade envoy shortly after the growing controversy.

**December 2014**
In a Florida court filing, Virginia Giuffre alleges being trafficked by Epstein and claims she was forced to have sex with Epstein, Prince Andrew, and other men. However, in 2015, the judge deemed these claims “immaterial and impertinent” to the case against Epstein.

**January 2015**
Buckingham Palace denies that Prince Andrew has committed any impropriety after he is named in U.S. documents linked to Epstein. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Andrew makes his first public engagement since the allegations, stating, “I just wish to reiterate, and to reaffirm, the statements that have already been made on my behalf by Buckingham Palace.”

**2015**
In a civil suit filed against Ghislaine Maxwell, Giuffre testifies that Epstein paid her $15,000 to have sex with Prince Andrew.

**May 2016**
During a deposition in her case against Maxwell, it emerges that Giuffre lent the infamous photo to the FBI in 2011 but last saw it packed in a box being shipped from Colorado to Sydney sometime between 2011 and 2016 when she emigrated to Australia.

**June 2018**
Alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo visits Buckingham Palace twice to meet Prince Andrew. Yang is also reported to have gained entry to St James’s Palace and Windsor Castle after being invited by the Prince.

**2019**
A newly released document includes a claim from Johanna Sjoberg, who identifies as an associate of Jeffrey Epstein, alleging that Prince Andrew touched her breast while she was sitting on a couch in Epstein’s Manhattan apartment in 2001—an allegation Andrew has always denied.

**August 2019**
Jeffrey Epstein is found dead in his prison cell on August 10, an apparent suicide, after being charged with sex trafficking.

Separately, David Rogers, a pilot on Epstein’s private jet, claims Prince Andrew was a passenger on past flights with Epstein and Giuffre. Rogers also testifies that Epstein, Andrew, and Giuffre traveled to the US Virgin Islands on April 11, 2001.

Buckingham Palace responds, noting “inconsistencies” in the report and pointing out that in some cases Andrew was on a different continent. The Palace states Andrew is “appalled by the recent reports of Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged crimes.” Andrew issues a statement saying, “At no stage during the limited time I spend with him (Epstein) do I see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently leads to his arrest and conviction.”

**November 2019**
BBC *Newsnight* broadcasts an interview in which Prince Andrew speaks extensively about his relationship with Epstein. He states he has “no recollection” of ever meeting Giuffre and adds he could not have had sex with her in March 2001 because he was at Pizza Express with his daughter, Beatrice, on that day. He also says he “does not regret” his friendship with Epstein, though admits he should not have visited Epstein in New York in 2010 to break off their friendship.

Four days after the interview, Andrew announces he is stepping back from royal duties “for the foreseeable future,” with permission from Queen Elizabeth II. He expresses sympathy for Epstein’s victims and offers to “help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.”

**December 2019**
Virginia Giuffre appeals to the British public in a BBC *Panorama* interview, urging them to “stand up beside me, help me fight this fight,” and “not accept this as being OK.”

**January 2020**
A U.S. prosecutor claims Prince Andrew has provided “zero co-operation” in the Epstein sex trafficking inquiry. U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman announces that Andrew’s lawyers have been contacted by prosecutors and the FBI, requesting to interview him.

**March 2020**
Andrew’s aide, Dominic Hampshire, writes to Yang Tengbo describing him as one of “Andrew’s closest internal confidants.”

**June 2020**
Andrew’s lawyers state that he offered to assist the U.S. Department of Justice “on at least three occasions this year” in their Epstein investigation. However, hours later, Geoffrey Berman says Andrew “again seeks to falsely portray himself to the public as eager and willing to co‑operate,” but “repeatedly declines” requests to schedule an interview.

**August 2021**
Giuffre’s lawyers file a civil suit against Prince Andrew. He is the only named defendant in the 15-page claim, though Epstein and Maxwell are referenced throughout.

**December 2021**
Ghislaine Maxwell is convicted in New York of aiding Epstein’s sexual abuse of teenage girls.

**January 2022**
A U.S. judge rules the civil case against Andrew may proceed. Prince Andrew is stripped of his military roles and royal patronages, and he relinquishes his HRH title. Buckingham Palace states Andrew “continues not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.”

**February 2022**
Court documents reveal that Andrew and Giuffre reached a “settlement in principle” in the civil claim. The papers state Andrew promised to make a “substantial donation” to Giuffre’s charity “in support of victims’ rights,” and pledged to “demonstrate his regret for his association with Epstein.”

**January 2024**
Unsealed documents linked to Giuffre’s civil claim against Ghislaine Maxwell revisit previous allegations about Prince Andrew, including references to purported sex tapes and claims he was present at an event involving underage girls. Andrew continues to deny any involvement in criminal activity.

**December 2024**
At a High Court hearing, it emerges that Yang Tengbo, the alleged Chinese spy, is a “close” confidant of Prince Andrew. Andrew issues a statement saying he ceased “all contact” with Yang once concerns arose. Andrew is absent from the royal family’s traditional gathering at Sandringham.

**April 2025**
Virginia Giuffre tragically dies by suicide at age 41 in Neergabby, Western Australia.

**October 2025**
Virginia Giuffre’s memoir is released, detailing her experiences and allegations.

—

*This timeline provides an overview of significant events concerning Prince Andrew’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein and Virginia Giuffre, incorporating legal actions, public statements, and reported allegations.*
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/864384/princess-beatrice-princess-eugenie-quietly-leave-uk-amid-prince-andrew-giving-up-titles/

NVIDIA Expands AI Education and Innovation Across the US

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NVIDIA is taking bold steps to democratize access to artificial intelligence (AI) education and innovation across the United States. The tech giant is partnering with states, municipalities, and educational institutions to ensure that AI capabilities reach beyond traditional tech hubs.

### AI Factories and Educational Initiatives

One of the significant initiatives includes the establishment of an AI factory at the University of Utah. This collaboration with NVIDIA and HPE aims to triple the university’s computing capacity with a $50 million investment. The project will bolster healthcare and scientific research efforts, focusing on critical areas such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, genetics, and mental health.

Utah joins other states like California, Mississippi, and Oregon in partnering with NVIDIA to enhance AI education and boost economic development. The initiative also provides AI skills and certification to educators across universities and community colleges through NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Institute University Ambassador Program.

### Municipal and Community Collaborations

In Rancho Cordova, California, NVIDIA is working with the city and the Human Machine Collaboration Institute (HMCI) to build an AI ecosystem. This strategy involves developing AI infrastructure, workforce upskilling, and student training to attract AI businesses. The city plans to reinvest revenue from these businesses into further AI infrastructure and workforce development.

Micah Runner, Rancho Cordova City Manager, emphasized the city’s pioneering role in uniting industry, education, and government to drive economic growth. This initiative serves as a model for other cities aiming to integrate AI into their local economies.

### Expanding AI Education in Higher Learning

To prepare students for AI-driven careers, NVIDIA is collaborating with institutions like Miles College in Alabama. The partnership aims to integrate AI across academic programs and community engagement efforts.

With resources from NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Institute, Miles College is enhancing its AI curriculum and training faculty and students in AI technologies. Bobbie Knight, President of Miles College, highlighted the initiative’s role in preparing graduates for leadership roles and fostering regional economic strength. The college has already integrated AI into many courses, with significant research support derived from AI technologies.

—

Through these widespread collaborations, NVIDIA is not only advancing AI education but also stimulating economic development and innovation across the U.S. As cities and states continue to adopt AI strategies, the potential for growth and technological advancement appears promising.

*Image source: Shutterstock.*
https://Blockchain.News/news/nvidia-expands-ai-education-and-innovation-across-the-us