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How to Watch the NBA Today, November 24

WACO, Texas (AP) — Sawyer Robertson threw for 310 yards and four touchdowns as Baylor won its sixth straight to keep alive its slim hopes for a berth in the Big 12 championship game, beating Kansas 45-17 on Saturday. The Bears (8-4, 6-3 Big 12) scored touchdowns on three consecutive possessions in the first half to take a 21-7 lead, then found the end zone on all three of their drives in the third quarter. Bryson Washington ran for 192 yards on 27 carries that included a 10-yard TD run and punching in from the 1 in the second half for Baylor. “I’m proud of that team in the locker room there, just the grit they showed,” Baylor coach Dave Aranda said. “To go through the season we’ve had and not let the outside on the inside, all those things are just really hard.” Kansas (5-7, 4-5) entered on a three-game winning streak — all against ranked teams — to be in position for bowl eligibility with a win. But the Jayhawks had no answers for Baylor’s offense. “It’s extremely disappointing because this team has overcome so much,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “It’s been a roller-coaster year in many ways, and we didn’t fulfill expectations. We battled back. The locker room stayed together. To play a team like this that is playing really well and playing physical, and to do it on the road, is a challenge, and one that we didn’t answer.” Devin Neal ran for 133 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries for Kansas. Jalon Daniels was 12-of-23 passing for 280 yards passing, and had two passes intercepted by Baylor safety Devyn Bobby. Baylor, which started 0-3 in league play, had to wait for the outcomes of games later Saturday. Arizona had to beat Arizona State, Kansas State had to beat Iowa State and Houston had to beat BYU for the Bears to get into next week’s conference title game. “I feel like what is being built here can be sustained because of the quality of people we have," Aranda said. Robertson was 23-for-31 passing, with TDs of 36- and 39-yards to Monaray Baldwin in the first quarter before a 14-yard score to Josh Cameron in the second. Baldwin caught seven passes for 119 yards, and Cameron added eight receptions for 102. “To finish the game and the season the way we did, it’s super special," Robertson said. Kansas: The Jayhawks rarely had issues moving the ball in the first half. Despite trailing 21-10 at intermission, the Jayhawks had outgained Baylor 301-283. Their problems came with holding onto the ball and scoring when they had the chance. Tabor Allen missed a 38-yard field goal to end the Jayhawks’ first possession, and they had promising drives end on a Daniels interception and Tevita Noa fumble after a 39-yard reception. Baylor: The Bears made a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the season. They began the year with coach Dave Aranda’s future considered tenuous at best, and a 2-4 start only made calls for him to be replaced louder. But Aranda and Baylor haven’t lost since Oct. 5 against Iowa State. Baylor’s first two TDs came off the same route from Baldwin, and the second was nearly a replay of the first. Baldwin lined up in the slot to the right side in a one-on-one matchup with Kansas safety Marvin Grant and ran right by him and down the sideline. The only difference in the plays was that Baldwin had to adjust and keep his feet in bounds as he went to the ground in the end zone for the first score. Robertson hit him in stride as he crossed the goal line on the second. “He’s such a good teammate, a good athlete, fun to throw to, because he can run by anybody," Robertson said. "But it was the same route, just different formations.” Kansas’ season is over. Baylor has to wait to see when and where it will play its next game. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.None

Automotive Engineering Services Market: Expected USD 311.53B by 2031 12-04-2024 09:03 PM CET | Tourism, Cars, Traffic Press release from: SkyQuest Technology Automotive Engineering Services Market Scope: Key Insights : Automotive Engineering Services Market size was valued at USD 152 billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 164.62 billion in 2023 to USD 311.53 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.30% during the forecast period (2024-2031). Discover Your Competitive Edge with a Free Sample Report : https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/automotive-engineering-services-market Access the full 2024 Market report for a comprehensive understanding @ https://www.skyquestt.com/report/automotive-engineering-services-market In-Depth Exploration of the global Automotive Engineering Services Market: This report offers a thorough exploration of the global Automotive Engineering Services market, presenting a wealth of data that has been meticulously researched and analyzed. It identifies and examines the crucial market drivers, including pricing strategies, competitive landscapes, market dynamics, and regional growth trends. By outlining how these factors impact overall market performance, the report provides invaluable insights for stakeholders looking to navigate this complex terrain. Additionally, it features comprehensive profiles of leading market players, detailing essential metrics such as production capabilities, revenue streams, market value, volume, market share, and anticipated growth rates. This report serves as a vital resource for businesses seeking to make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving market. Trends and Insights Leading to Growth Opportunities The best insights for investment decisions stem from understanding major market trends, which simplify the decision-making process for potential investors. The research strives to discover multiple growth opportunities that readers can evaluate and potentially capitalize on, armed with all relevant data. Through a comprehensive assessment of important growth factors, including pricing, production, profit margins, and the value chain, market growth can be more accurately forecast for the upcoming years. Top Firms Evaluated in the Global Automotive Engineering Services Market Research Report: Capgemini (France) AKKA Technologies (France) Tech Mahindra (India) IAV Automotive Engineering (Germany) HCL Technologies (India) Ricardo (UK) AVL (Austria) Bertrandt AG (Germany) Alten Group (France) L&T Technology Services (India) FEV (Germany) Key Aspects of the Report: Market Summary: The report includes an overview of products/services, emphasizing the global Automotive Engineering Services market's overall size. It provides a summary of the segmentation analysis, focusing on product/service types, applications, and regional categories, along with revenue and sales forecasts. Competitive Analysis: This segment presents information on market trends and conditions, analyzing various manufacturers. It includes data regarding average prices, as well as revenue and sales distributions for individual players in the market. Business Profiles: This chapter provides a thorough examination of the financial and strategic data for leading players in the global Automotive Engineering Services market, covering product/service descriptions, portfolios, geographic reach, and revenue divisions. Sales Analysis by Region: This section provides data on market performance, detailing revenue, sales, and market share across regions. It also includes projections for sales growth rates and pricing strategies for each regional market, such as: North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, and Italy Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia South America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, etc. Middle East and Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa This in-depth research study has the capability to tackle a range of significant questions that are pivotal for understanding the market dynamics, and it specifically aims to answer the following key inquiries: How big could the global Automotive Engineering Services market become by the end of the forecast period? Let's explore the exciting possibilities! Will the current market leader in the global Automotive Engineering Services segment continue to hold its ground, or is change on the horizon? Which regions are poised to experience the most explosive growth in the Automotive Engineering Services market? Discover where the future opportunities lie! Is there a particular player that stands out as the dominant force in the global Automotive Engineering Services market? Let's find out who's leading the charge! What are the key factors driving growth and the challenges holding back the global Automotive Engineering Services market? Join us as we uncover the forces at play! To establish the important thing traits, Ask Our Experts @ https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/automotive-engineering-services-market Table of Contents Chapter 1 Industry Overview 1.1 Definition 1.2 Assumptions 1.3 Research Scope 1.4 Market Analysis by Regions 1.5 Market Size Analysis from 2023 to 2030 11.6 COVID-19 Outbreak: Medical Computer Cart Industry Impact Chapter 2 Competition by Types, Applications, and Top Regions and Countries 2.1 Market (Volume and Value) by Type 2.3 Market (Volume and Value) by Regions Chapter 3 Production Market Analysis 3.1 Worldwide Production Market Analysis 3.2 Regional Production Market Analysis Chapter 4 Medical Computer Cart Sales, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2023-2023) Chapter 5 North America Market Analysis Chapter 6 East Asia Market Analysis Chapter 7 Europe Market Analysis Chapter 8 South Asia Market Analysis Chapter 9 Southeast Asia Market Analysis Chapter 10 Middle East Market Analysis Chapter 11 Africa Market Analysis Chapter 12 Oceania Market Analysis Chapter 13 Latin America Market Analysis Chapter 14 Company Profiles and Key Figures in Medical Computer Cart Business Chapter 15 Market Forecast (2023-2030) Chapter 16 Conclusions Address: 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Phone: USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Email: sales@skyquestt.com About Us: SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally. This release was published on openPR.

Kaleb Johnson rushes 35 times for 164 yards in Iowa's 29-13 victory over MarylandPolice hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's masked killer after 'brazen, targeted' attack on NYC street NEW YORK (AP) — UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has been shot and killed in what police say is a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference. The shooting rattled the city and set off a massive dragnet hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. Police say 50-year-old Brian Thompson was shot around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says the shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire. Police have not yet established a motive. UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the US but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's chief executive on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk Wednesday became a mystery that riveted the nation. Police say it was a targeted killing. Thompson was 50. He had worked at the company for 20 years and had run health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s insurance business since 2021. It provides health coverage for more than 49 million Americans and brought in $281 billion in revenue last year. Thompson's $10.2 million annual compensation made him one of the company’s highest-paid executives. Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on medical treatments for transgender minors WASHINGTON (AP) — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed likely to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people. The Biden administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender healthcare for minors. Hegseth fights to save Pentagon nomination as sources say Trump considers DeSantis WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s Pentagon pick, is fighting to hold on to his Cabinet nomination amid growing questions about his personal conduct as the president-elect’s team considers alternatives, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But Hegseth says, “We’re not backing down one bit." The Trump transition team is concerned about Hegseth’s path to Senate confirmation and is actively looking at potential replacements, according to a person familiar with the matter. Hegseth is under pressure as senators weigh a series of allegations that have surfaced against him. Beyond DeSantis, there have been discussions about shifting Michael Waltz, who was named by Trump as his national security adviser, to the Defense Department Israeli strikes on a Gaza tent camp kill at least 21 people, hospital says KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — A Palestinian health official said Wednesday that at least 21 people were killed in Israeli strikes on a camp housing displaced people in Gaza. The Israeli military said it struck senior Hamas militants. The strikes hit in the Muwasi area, a sprawling coastal camp housing hundreds of thousands of displaced people. It came after Israeli forces struck targets in other areas of Gaza. According to Palestinian medics, strikes in central Gaza killed eight people, including four children. The war in Gaza is nearly 14 months old and showing no end in sight, despite international efforts to revive negotiations toward a ceasefire. South Korean President Yoon's martial law declaration raises questions over his political future SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals on Wednesday took steps to impeach him. Yoon's move baffled many experts. One analyst called his action “political suicide.” Yoon’s political fate may depend on whether a large number of people in coming days take to the streets to push for his ouster. Yoon hasn't commented on the impeachment bid. But the political instability he unleashed could make it more difficult for his government to nurse a decaying economy. Police say searchers don’t expect to find woman in Pennsylvania sinkhole alive UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania has become a recovery effort after two treacherous days of digging through mud and rock produced no signs of life. Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said during a news conference Wednesday that authorities no longer believe they will find 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard alive, but that the search for her remains continues. Limani says crews have seen "no signs of any form of life or anything.” Pollard was last seen alive Monday evening when she went out looking for her cat in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. Two children wounded and gunman dead after shooting at Northern California school PALERMO, Calif. (AP) — Sheriff’s officials say two children have been wounded in a shooting at a small religious school in Northern California and the gunman is dead. A Butte County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson says Wednesday the wounded students were taken to hospitals in unknown condition after the shooting at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo, north of Sacramento. The spokesperson says the suspect died after apparently shooting himself. A motive is unknown. French lawmakers vote to oust prime minister in the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962 PARIS (AP) — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers have joined together to vote on a no-confidence motion prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet to resign. The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes. A minimum of 288 were needed. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time after July’s legislative elections led to a deeply divided parliament. Macron will address the French on Thursday evening, his office said, without providing details. Barnier is expected to formally resign by then. White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered the new details Wednesday about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that a number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow.

LONDON (AP) — Looking for a new social media platform because X, Threads and Mastodon just aren’t cutting it? You could try . People seeking to avoid chaos, noise and political bluster in the aftermath of the U.S. elections are noticing a different mood on the Bluesky social platform, where the vibe is seemingly welcoming and there are noticeably fewer trolls. The site announced it had rapidly added more than new users in the week after Election Day, and has emerged as one of the fastest growing rivals to Elon Musk’s X and similar platforms. If you’re tempted to check out the new space, here’s a guide on how Bluesky works: Maybe you’re not ready to commit to adding yet another social media account. No problem — you can still look around on Bluesky without signing up because all posts and profiles are public. You might get a sense of deja vu because the platform’s look and feel are very similar to X. That should be no surprise because Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey was an early Bluesky champion. (Dorsey’s no longer involved with Bluesky, which is owned and run by its executive team as a public benefit corporation.) If you take the plunge and get an account, you’ll need a username. You’ll notice Bluesky handles are a little bit different because they end by default in the site’s domain, .bsky.social. You can personalize your handle to make it more memorable, by using your own website’s domain or buying a custom one through Bluesky. But it might not be something most newbie users need or want to do right away. Bluesky boasts that it gives users “algorithmic choice” to tailor the content they’re shown instead of leaving it up to the whims of a centralized system. “Our online experience doesn’t have to depend on billionaires unilaterally making decisions over what we see,” . Related Articles What it means is that you can follow custom feeds set up by other users, or design your own. If you tap #Feeds in the menu on the left, you’ll see some default offerings like Cat Pics and Gardening. My Bangers is a list of your most popular posts by likes and Catch Up shows the site’s most popular posts from the past 24 hours. You can find more by doing a search and tapping the Feeds button. There’s also the usual “Discover” feed of suggested posts and a chronological feed of accounts that you follow. To help new users settle in, Bluesky has of recommended feeds and accounts to follow, which anyone can create and share. They don’t show up in Bluesky’s search results but can be found in . Or someone might share one with you. After I signed up, a colleague pointed me to one for . There are tens of thousands of starter packs, ranging from broadly appealing topics like Taylor Swift to niche interests like or . You can follow the whole pack or scroll down the list to choose individual accounts. What about people you followed on X? There’s a browser extension tool called that will help you find X users who’ve migrated to Bluesky. But check before clicking the follow button to make sure it’s not a different user using the same display name or handle. Ready to join the conversation? You can write posts or reply to others but keep it short because there’s a limit of 300 characters — 20 more than on X. You can also upload photos and videos, though videos can’t be longer than 60 seconds. GIFs and emojis are, of course, available too. You can still @ people by typing in their username, like posts by tapping a heart icon or use hashtags to highlight a theme. Bluesky has added a to hashtags, so when you click on one you’ll get different options for seeing, or muting, posts on that topic. Bluesky’s decentralization ethos extends to the content control options it offers. For starters, users can choose in their settings menu whether to see replies, reposts or quote posts in their feed. Specific words or tags can be muted temporarily, or forever, while accounts can be muted or blocked individually, or in bulk by adding them a moderation list. You can even fine tune the level of adult content that shows up in your feed. Related Articles Bluesky has a team of content moderators to police the site for material that’s illegal or breaks the rules. But it’s also taking a different approach by open sourcing its in an attempt to resolve problems with traditional moderation services which it says “lack transparency and user control.” So, individuals or groups can set up their own content filters, or labelers, that go beyond what Bluesky offers. These labelers can be used to categorize content or users, which can then be blocked or hidden. But they could also be used for informational or creative purposes, like curating or verifying content. There are labelers to identify images generated by artificial intelligence or to fact check news posts. You can find online. After I subscribed to a U.S. politics labeler, some posts in my feeds were flagged “!Donald Trump” or “!Democrat politician” and hidden unless I click Show.Scottie Scheffler goes on a run of birdies in the Bahamas and leads by 2

DENVER — Amid renewed interest in the killing of JonBenet Ramsey triggered in part by a new Netflix documentary, police in Boulder, Colorado, refuted assertions this week that there is viable evidence and leads about the 1996 killing of the 6-year-old girl that they are not pursuing. JonBenet Ramsey, who competed in beauty pageants, was found dead in the basement of her family’s home in the college town of Boulder the day after Christmas in 1996. Her body was found several hours after her mother called 911 to say her daughter was missing and a ransom note was left behind. The gravesite of JonBenet Ramsey is covered with flowers Jan. 8, 1997, at St. James Episcopal Cemetery in Marietta, Ga. JonBenet was bludgeoned and strangled. Her death was ruled a homicide, but nobody was ever prosecuted. The details of the crime and video footage of JonBenet competing in pageants propelled the case into one of the highest-profile mysteries in the United States. The police comments came as part of their annual update on the investigation, a month before the 28th anniversary of JonBenet’s killing. Police said they released it a little earlier due to the increased attention on the case, apparently referring to the three-part Netflix series “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey.” In a video statement, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said the department welcomes news coverage and documentaries about the killing of JonBenet, who would have been 34 this year, as a way to generate possible new leads. He said the department is committed to solving the case but needs to be careful about what it shares about the investigation to protect a possible future prosecution. “What I can tell you though, is we have thoroughly investigated multiple people as suspects throughout the years and we continue to be open-minded about what occurred as we investigate the tips that come in to detectives,” he said. The Netflix documentary focuses on the mistakes made by police and the “media circus” surrounding the case. A police officer sits in her cruiser Jan. 3, 1997, outside the home in which 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey was found murdered Dec. 26, 1996, in Boulder, Colo. Police were widely criticized for mishandling the early investigation into her death amid speculation that her family was responsible. However, a prosecutor cleared her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, and brother Burke in 2008 based on new DNA evidence from JonBenet’s clothing that pointed to the involvement of an “unexplained third party” in her slaying. The announcement by former district attorney Mary Lacy came two years after Patsy Ramsey died of cancer. Lacy called the Ramseys “victims of this crime.” John Ramsey continued to speak out for the case to be solved. In 2022, he supported an online petition asking Colorado’s governor to intervene in the investigation by putting an outside agency in charge of DNA testing in the case. In the Netflix documentary, he said he advocated for several items that were not prepared for DNA testing to be tested and for other items to be retested. He said the results should be put through a genealogy database. In recent years, investigators identified suspects in unsolved cases by comparing DNA profiles from crime scenes and to DNA testing results shared online by people researching their family trees. In 2021, police said in their annual update that DNA hadn’t been ruled out to help solve the case, and in 2022 noted that some evidence could be “consumed” if DNA testing is done on it. Last year, police said they convened a panel of outside experts to review the investigation to give recommendations and determine if updated technologies or forensic testing might produce new leads. In the latest update, Redfearn said that review ended but police continue to work through and evaluate a “lengthy list of recommendations” from the panel. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!‘Not good enough’: Meta probe flagged as fake Albanese makes Facebook comebackThe main takeaway from the expression ‘every rose has its thorns’ is that everybody and everything, even something as beautiful and desired as a rose, has imperfections and struggles. — Photo by Pinkinesss / pexels.com WHAT is meant by ‘every rose has its thorns’? And no, I am not referring to the song by the rock band, ‘Poison’. The main takeaway from this expression is that everybody and everything, even something as beautiful and desired as a rose, has imperfections and struggles – the thorns symbolise the challenges and misfortunes in life. Everyone, including you and I, has flaws. Being human comes naturally with this. It is impossible to live a life devoid of mistakes and shortcomings. “No one is perfect.” “It is impossible to achieve perfection.” These two sayings make it evident that it is useless to pursue perfection in performances or appearances as it is unattainable. Yet, they are also often misinterpreted, and occasionally they are terribly misconstrued and misused. These phrases are intended to simply explain the existence of flaws that are natural or over which we have little control, but ironically, they are sometimes used to shield the current self from legitimate responsibility and blame, or as a means of cover-up. This makes it impossible to avoid criticism and accountability, as well as the humility and hard work that come with becoming a better person. Saying ‘nobody’s perfect’ is far easier than saying ‘I’m sorry for what I did; I take full responsibility; I’ll be better next time’. You could say the former after knowing you have hurt or annoyed someone, but that does not mean they were expecting too much (perfection) from you. Their feelings are fairly reasonable. It is acceptable for them to tell you what you did to them and how it affected them. We all have boundaries that should be respected and safeguarded, after all, and maintaining boundaries does not equate to demanding perfection. If we discount problems or issues as totally ‘human’ since ‘no one is perfect’, it transfers the guilt to our humanity. While it is true that no one is flawless, not everyone attacks people, takes things from others, or commits other types of mistakes. Those are personal decisions that cannot be attributed to anything else. Rather than trying too hard to defend or make excuses, it is wiser to genuinely apologise and work to change when your actions have hurt someone. This is because, despite the fact that none of us are perfect, we all have the potential to get better. The word ‘perfect’ refers to an idealised objective that is unachievable and constantly shifting. The word ‘potential’, on the other hand, is more empowering. It makes our unrealised capabilities clear to us and drives us to progress. Life has taught me that progress should always take priority over perfection since, in fact, there is always room for growth and new standards are always being set. After all, it is more important to enjoy the journey than just the final destination. I believe that fear of failure is another factor that contributes to perfectionism, as I am a perfectionist myself. A person with this ego-based fear is unable to try new things and take chances because they are terrified of seeming flawed and bad. I have been gradually starting to accept the notion that it is ‘okay’ to have numerous thorns, which consequently opens up a whole new world of experiences and boundless opportunities. Looking back, despite the constant discontent that I whine about, it is because of this realisation that I am where I am and have what I have today – my support system, my appearance, my responsibilities, the places I visited, and the good deeds I have been able to contribute to. For instance, I have heard comments about how timid and socially awkward I am with a lot of people for much of my life, and those comments honestly made me feel so judged. When I hear those comments now, I don’t feel much. Why? What has changed? In fact, those comments keep coming back to me, but I have come to the conclusion that accepting who you are makes life much simpler – this is the relationship between progress and perfection that I was talking about. As we approach the year’s last month, many of us take account of the last 12 months and reflect on our accomplishments – and, more often, our shortcomings and things that were not perfect. We also often make resolutions and goals for the upcoming year at this time. For perfectionists, this can be dreadful. We may focus less on the progress we made and more on what was missing between our goals and what we actually accomplished. But guess what? Something is better than nothing, and done is better than perfect, since progress is the more important objective here. Because nothing is perfect, you will also never be perfect. This is great news since it also means you will always have the potential to become a better person than you were a day before. Most people consider thorns to be dangerous since they cut and scratch us. However, every mark tells a story, a victory, and an indication of a person’s strength. Since I just finished watching ‘Arcane Season 2’, one of the best series I have seen this year, I will close my piece with one of the most memorable quotes from one of the characters: “There is no prize in perfection. Only an end to pursuit.” In Viktor’s ‘Glorious Evolution’, human suffering was eliminated, but there was also no longer striving and no triumph over hardship. Let this quote serve as a reminder to us of the true essence of being human. * The writer is a psychology graduate who enjoys sharing about how the human mind views the world. For feedback, email to [email protected] .

Rachel Hoff, Policy Director at the Ronald Reagan Institute tells Fox News Digital the vast majority of Americans prioritize national security and foreign policy despite campaign rhetoric suggesting otherwise. FIRST ON FOX : An overwhelming majority of Americans view foreign policy and national defense as being "somewhat" or "extremely" important to them, according to a new survey from the Ronald Reagan Institute that also weighed U.S. attitudes about rival nations and revealed which is viewed as posing the "greatest threat" to the country. As Americans await another change in the White House while the Biden and Trump administrations prepare for the executive reshuffle, and uncertainty has set the tone for what the U.S.’s geopolitical future will look like amid increasingly volatile relations with nations like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, there is stark uniformity in the way Americans view the topic of national defense. "Americans who cast their votes for different candidates share an unshakable core set of beliefs: the United States must lead on the world stage, backed by a strong military that can secure the peace through its strength," the Ronald Reagan Institute said in a report first obtained by Fox News Digital detailing its 2024 National Defense Survey results. US servicemen attend a closing ceremony of NATO-led joint military exercises Noble Partner 2017 at Vaziani Training Area outside Tbilisi, Georgia, August 12, 2017. REUTERS/David Mdzinarishvili (REUTERS/David Mdzinarishvili) US 'SLEEPWALKING' INTO WWIII, EXPERTS WARN NATION IS UNDERPREPARED: 'WE DO NOT HAVE OUR CHURCHILL' The survey’s results – which reflected the answers from some 2,500 questionnaires issued between Nov. 8-14 through telephone and online based platforms – not only highlight that U.S. security and foreign policy issues remain important topics, but they also indicated that the U.S. should take the lead in major international issues. The opinion shows a divergence from the position frequently pushed by president-elect Donald Trump, who has long championed an "America first" policy, which some fear could isolate the U.S. during a geopolitically turbulent time as Russia’s aggression continues to ramp up in Europe, Iran remains a chief threat in the Middle East, and China continues to pose a threat politically, militarily and economically. "I think it's really interesting to compare some of the campaign rhetoric that we saw, frankly, from both candidates, and see where that is and is not resonating with the American people," Rachael Hoff Policy Director at the Ronald Reagan Institute, told Fox News Digital in reference to both Trump and his previous campaign challenger Vice President Kamala Harris. The survey also found that since the annual poll began six years ago, "a record high" number of Americans support "U.S. leadership and international engagement" with a strong support for a global military posture. Parachutists jump from a US American airplane near Burgenlengenfeld, Germany, 12 April 2016. On Tuesday, 912 American, British, and Italian soldiers trained in Upper Palatinate deployment in war zones. The airborne manoeuvre is part of the 'Saber Junction 16' drill. (Photo: ARMIN WEIGEL/dpa | usage worldwide (Photo by Armin Weigel/picture alliance via Getty Images) "This represents a significant 15-point increase since just last year and a steady upward trend from a low-point in the early 2020s," the report said, noting that this shift was most prevalent among younger survey takers which saw a 32-point jump this year for those under the age of 30, along with a 19-point increase for those between the ages of 30 and 44. WHAT DOES PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP’S WIN MEAN FOR US AMID WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA, UKRAINE? The drive for more U.S. involvement abroad particularly in East Asia, which includes areas like China and the Korean peninsula, the Middle East and Europe reflects the growing concern Americans have over not only the burgeoning alliance between Russia , Iran, North Korea and China, but on whether the U.S. military can stand up to these nations. While more than half of male survey takers, 59%, said they believe the U.S. could win a war against China, the female participants were more skeptical with only 45% expressing the same confidence, while 23% said they were unsure compared to 18% of male participants expressing the same. President Ronald Reagan waves to the crowd. More confidence in the U.S. military was displayed when asked if the U.S. could win a war against Russia, though again women signaled less confidence than their male peers, with 73% of male participants saying the U.S. would come out on top compared to only 56% of female survey takers. While it remains unclear why female participants were less confident in the U.S. military, the majority of survey takers collectively agreed that China is the U.S.’s greatest threat, though Russia as the U.S.’s chief enemy. TIRED OF UKRAINE? REMEMBER SOUTH VIETNAM "One of the biggest trends that we've seen in the last three or four years in the poll is really the consensus growing that China is the is the greatest threat that we face – that's really resonating with the American people, and it's something that clearly we've heard on a bipartisan basis from national security leaders in Washington," Hoff said. That doesn't mean that Americans don't perceive Russia, Iran, North Korea, or even the cooperation between those malign actors as a threat. South Korean and U.S. Marines take positions during a joint amphibious landing exercise with their Filipino counterparts on a beach facing the South China Sea in San Antonio town, Zambales province, Oct. 7, 2022. (Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images) "In fact, one interesting takeaway from our poll this year is that 85% of Americans, a huge percentage...are concerned about the cooperation and collaboration between Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, and we're seeing that play out under the front lines in Ukraine," Hoff added. "We're seeing it play out in the Middle East and it's something that Americans want our government to understand and to get after." Hoff explained that though the survey – which reflected information made clear in the lead up to and after the U.S. general election – showed Americans prioritize paying for domestic issues like healthcare, border security and social security above the military and foreign policy-based initiatives, national security and geopolitics remain a major issue for Americans. "What we see from the poll across the board is that they don't see foreign policy and national security as something that they want to divest from," she said. "When asked to sort of put those in competition with each other, that's where it gets really, really tough. "But they clearly want their government to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time," Hoff said. "The perception that there's kind of a growing isolationist sentiment in this country really doesn't bear out in the data. Split screen showing Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Kim Jong Un. (Xi: TINGSHU WANG/POOL/AFP via Getty Images, Putin: Getty Images, AK: ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images, KJU: VLADIMIR SMIRNOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "There's a lot of rhetoric – whether you listen to the debates on Capitol Hill or the debates in the media – that would lead you to believe that the American people want to want the U.S. to do less in the world, that they want us to take a step back from international leadership. And it turns out, when you ask the American people, that's simply not the case," Hoff said. "They want America to lead from a position of strength. They want us to have a strong military," she continued. "They want us to stand up for the values of freedom and democracy around the world. And that's true on a bipartisan basis among both Republicans and Democrats, those who voted for President Trump and has voted for Vice President Harris." Caitlin McFall is a Reporter at Fox News Digital covering Politics, U.S. and World news.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party’s resounding victory in the bypolls to nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh has re-established chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s charisma in state politics that took a hit after the ruling party suffered a setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Adityanath not only led the BJP campaign from front by holding multiple rallies for the bypolls across constituencies , but also set the tone with the slogan “batenge toh katenge, ek rahenge to nek rahenge” (will be slaughtered if divided, unity will make us worthy)”. The slogan could have backfired after the Opposition parties launched a scathing attack on Yogi, alleging that he was trying to create fear among a section of the people. Some senior BJP leaders distanced themselves from the controversial slogan, bringing the differences in the party into the open. Nevertheless, confident that the slogan will win seats for the party, Yogi continued his aggressive campaign, taking the slogan to all the nine Uttar Pradesh assembly seats as well as Maharashtra and Jharkhand where he sought votes for the BJP candidates. Ignoring the Opposition attack, Adityanath moved ahead with the slogan saying: “Batiye mat, jab bhi bate the toh kate the, ek hain toh nek hain (Do not get divided, when we are divided, we were slaughtered, unity will ensure safety and strength)” at public meetings. Lauding the BJP’s victory in the bypolls, Yogi, in a post on social media platform X on Saturday, reasserted confidence in his slogan “batenge toh katenge, ek rahenge to safe rahenge” (If we are divided we will be destroyed. If we stay united we will be safe). This indicated that his slogan effectively countered SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s slogan “judenge toh jitenge”. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP-led NDA not only retained five seats -- Ghaziabad, Khair, Phulpur, Manjhawa and Meerapur -- that it had won in the 2022 assembly election but succeeded in wresting two seats -- Kundarki and Katehari -- from the Samajwadi Party. Both the seats were considered SP strongholds. The BJP had won the Kundarki seat once in the 1993 assembly election and the Katehari seat in the 1991 assembly election. Riding on the PDA formula, the Samajwadi Party (SP) bagged 37 seats in the Lok Sabha election in UP in June while the BJP suffered a setback in its strong fort where its tally was reduced to 33 seats in 2024 from 62 in 2019. The debacle led to rumblings in the BJP as senior leaders not only alleged neglect of the organisation but also raised question over the capability of Yogi to win the election. Immediately after the Lok Sabha election, Adityanath swung into action when the Election Commission of India started preparations in July for the assembly bypolls, seeing an opportunity to restore the party’s prestige and to send a message to opponents that his charisma has not eroded. He was given a free hand by the BJP central leadership in drawing the strategy for the by-election and in the selection of candidates. He undertook whirlwind visits to all the constituencies, holding meetings with local party leaders and workers to draw the strategy for the campaign. He addressed a series of public meetings in all these constituencies. He also constituted groups of three ministers, allotting one constituency to each group and tasking them with completing the groundwork for the campaign. Adityanath chaired high-level meetings of the top state BJP leaders organised in the party office as well as at his official residence to give a momentum to the campaign. Sinking differences, the BJP presented a united front under the leadership of the chief minister with deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak addressing public meetings in the OBC and upper caste-dominated areas. To woo the youths, the state government organised “rozgar melas” in nine assembly constituencies and announced the launch of various schemes for farmers and women. The victory of the BJP by comfortable margin in the seven seats indicates the support of the youth, women and farmers. A political observer AK Mishra said the BJP alliance’s victory in the Muslim dominated seats of Kundarki and Meerapur clearly indicates that Yogi Adityanath’s slogan “batenge toh katenge” hit the bullseye in the election in polarisaring the Hindu community -- upper castes, OBC and Dalits in support of the BJP and RLD candidates and breaking the PDA formula that have worked in favour of the SP in the Lok Sabha election.The City of Ottawa's integrity commissioner has found West-Carleton March Coun. Clarke Kelly has violated the Code of Conduct for city officials and recommends he be reprimanded following an altercation with a local daycare owner and staff last summer. Integrity commissioner Karen Shepherd in her report found Kelly breached Section 4 General Integrity, which outlines ethics and principles members are expected to uphold, and Section 7 Discrimination and Harassment, which requires councillors to treat members of the public with respect. The investigation looked at three incidents on July 3, 2024 when Kelly confronted staff of the West Carleton Kids Korner Daycare adjacent to his constituency office in Kinburn. Kelly told CTV News during an interview after the incident that issues between the daycare and his office had been going on for several years. While participating in a planning and housing committee meeting in his office virtually, Kelly became frustrated with the noise outside his exterior office windows from children playing outside. He told the investigator that on two occasions, he attempted to speak with staff regarding the noise and had asked that children's toys outside his window to be moved but was met with rude responses. Kelly admitted to the investigator that he was "kind of fired up in that moment" and felt provoked by the situation. Kelly returned to his office to speak with his staff where he used "loud, inappropriate language" inside. A small group of children were working on crafts in the chambers nearby and a witness said she could hear his voice coming from outside the office. Kelly then decided to leave his office to confront the daycare owner, Karen Bolton, outside the daycare entrance where a two-to-three-minute profanity-laden interaction took place. A witness overheard Kelly saying phrases that included: "this is f***ing ridiculous", "the daycare has to go", "staff are rude", "your staff can't control these f***ing kids.” Another witness could not recall what was said but recalled "lots of F-Bombs" and described him as "aggressive" and "angry." She said Kelly “went from loud to shouting” on several occasions. Kelly acknowledged that he had confronted the daycare owner and used inappropriate language in the exchange. He expressed his regret for his use of profanities to investigators. The daycare's owner proceeded to call the Ottawa police who attended the scene but did not lay any charges. "Regrettably, Councillor Kelly’s comments and profanity were overheard by a daycare worker and children in Chambers. While I believe Councillor Kelly did not intend for his comments to be overheard, I believe it is reasonable that he should have known someone could easily hear him given his complaints about the lack of noise attenuation between his office and Chambers. His comments and profanity had a negative impact on the daycare worker who overheard them," Shepherd wrote. Shepherd added that while Kelly took accountability for his actions, he did not act with accountability during the encounters, writing he had the "opportunity to compose himself" and avoid the aggressive confrontation that followed. She also acknowledged Kelly has a “reasonable expectation of a professional work environment.” “Though not an excuse for Councillor Kelly’s conduct that day, it does not appear that any action was taken in response to complaints from the Councillor’s Office about the noise and bathroom issues associated with the summer camp in 2023. It is regrettable that the various parties could not come to an agreement or implement measures that might have mitigated the noise and disruption of the summer camp program for the summer of 2024,” she wrote. Kelly has taken steps to engage with the city’s Employee Assistance Program for “assistance with managing anger and staying healthy” and expressed his commitment to learning from his mistakes, according to the report. The report notes pylons have since been added to the cement area outside Kelly's office to keep children away from the exterior windows. Steps have also been taken to possibly improve sound attenuation between chambers and the councillor's offices. Councillors will decide what consequences Kelly could face, including suspension of pay, but Shepherd believes that action is not necessary. "Councillor Kelly has expressed regret for his actions, acknowledged that his behaviour was inappropriate and has taken proactive steps to avoid a similar interaction in the future. This is the first report respecting Councillor Kelly’s conduct and he fully co-operated with the inquiry," the report said. Councillors will discuss the issue during Wednesday's city council meeting. 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Morgan Rogers’ fourth goal of the season, an Ollie Watkins penalty and Matty Cash’s finish put Villa 3-0 up after 34 minutes. Mikkel Damsgaard pulled one back for Brentford in the second half but the damage had been done as Villa ended their eight-match winless run in all competitions. Emery was relieved to end the unwanted streak but quickly turned his attention to the next fixture against Southampton on Saturday. “We broke a spell of bad results we were having,” the Villa boss said. “We started the first five or 10 minutes not in control of the game but then progressively we controlled. “Today we achieved those three points and it has given us confidence again but even like that it’s not enough. We have to keep going and think about the next match against Southampton on Saturday. “The message was try to focus on each match, try to forget the table. How we can recover confidence and feel comfortable at home. Today was a fantastic match.” Tyrone Mings returned to the starting line-up in the Premier League for the first time since August 2023. Emery admitted it has been a long road back for the 31-year-old and is pleased to have him back. He added: “Mings played in the Champions league but it’s the first time in the league for a year and three months. “I think he played fantastic – he might be tired tomorrow but will be ready for Saturday again. “It was very, very long, the injury he had. His comeback is fantastic for him and everybody, for the doctor and physio and now he’s training everyday.” Brentford fell to a sixth away defeat from seven games and have picked up only a solitary point on the road this season. They have the best home record in the league, with 19 points from seven matches, but they have the joint worst away record. Bees boss Thomas Frank is confident form will improve on the road. He said: “On numbers we can’t argue we are better at home than away, but on numbers it’s a coincidence. I think two of the seven away games have been bad. “The other games we performed well in big spells. I’m confident at the end of the season we will have some wins away from home.” Frank felt Villa should not have been given a penalty when Ethan Pinnock brought Watkins down. He added: “I want to argue the penalty. I don’t think it is (one). I think Ollie kicked back and hit Ethan, yes there is an arm on the shoulder but threshold and all that – but that’s not the reason we lost.”

Share Tweet Share Share Email Convenience and speed are most important, especially in the e-commerce sector. One of the most critical aspects of the online shopping experience is the checkout process, where customers finalize their purchases. Unfortunately, this is also a point where many businesses lose potential customers due to friction, delays, or overly complicated payment processes. Enter embedded payments — a revolutionary solution that is reshaping the e-commerce terrain by creating seamless and efficient checkout experiences. What Are Embedded Payments? Embedded payments refer to a payment process that is integrated directly into a platform or application, enabling users to complete transactions without being redirected to an external payment gateway. Unlike traditional systems that rely on third-party payment processors requiring additional steps, embedded payments simplify the checkout journey by offering a seamless, end-to-end experience within the same platform. For instance, think of platforms like Uber or DoorDash. The payment process is so integrated that users hardly notice it. Once a ride or meal is selected, the payment happens almost invisibly in the background. This frictionless approach is the hallmark of embedded payments, and it’s now making waves in e-commerce. Why Embedded Payments Are Essential in E-commerce Enhanced Customer Experience The primary driver of embedded payments in e-commerce is the need to enhance the customer experience. A smooth, intuitive checkout process reduces friction and increases the likelihood of completing a purchase. Studies show that nearly 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned, with complex checkout processes being a significant contributing factor. Embedded payments tackle this issue by eliminating unnecessary steps and creating a streamlined journey. Increased Conversion Rates Every extra step in the payment process introduces an opportunity for the customer to abandon their purchase. Embedded payments reduce these points of friction, leading to higher conversion rates. By keeping customers within the e-commerce platform and offering a one-click or automated payment option, businesses can drastically improve their sales performance. Building Trust and Security Security concerns often deter customers from completing online transactions. Embedded payments leverage advanced encryption, tokenization, and secure authentication protocols to ensure that sensitive information remains protected. When customers feel confident that their data is secure, they are more likely to complete transactions. Streamlined Operations for Businesses For e-commerce businesses, embedded payments simplify back-end processes by integrating payment management directly into the platform. This eliminates the need for multiple vendors and systems, reducing operational complexity and costs. With automated payments and reconciliation, businesses can focus more on growth and customer satisfaction. Key Features of Embedded Payment Systems To truly understand the impact of embedded payments in e-commerce, it’s important to explore the key features that make these systems effective: Integration with Platforms: Embedded payment systems seamlessly integrate with e-commerce websites, apps, and marketplaces, ensuring a unified experience. Support for Multiple Payment Methods: These systems accommodate diverse payment options, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services, and cryptocurrencies. Customization and Branding: Businesses can customize the payment interface to align with their brand identity, enhancing trust and consistency. Real-Time Payment Processing: Embedded payments enable instant transaction processing, reducing delays and enhancing user satisfaction. Advanced Fraud Detection: These systems incorporate AI and machine learning algorithms to identify and mitigate fraudulent activities, safeguarding both businesses and customers. The Role of Technology in Embedded Payments The success of embedded payments in e-commerce relies heavily on advanced technology. Here are some key technological advancements driving this trend: Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) APIs are the backbone of embedded payment systems, allowing seamless integration between payment processors, e-commerce platforms, and third-party services. APIs enable businesses to create a unified experience without needing to build a payment infrastructure from scratch. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning AI and machine learning play a critical role in optimizing embedded payment systems. They help with fraud detection, personalized payment recommendations, and dynamic pricing, enhancing the overall efficiency and security of transactions. Blockchain Technology Blockchain is transforming the way payments are processed, particularly in cross-border transactions. By enabling decentralized, transparent, and secure payment systems, blockchain enhances the efficiency of embedded payment solutions. Biometric Authentication Biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint scanning and facial recognition, are increasingly being integrated into embedded payment systems. These technologies provide an added layer of security and convenience for users. Real-World Applications of Embedded Payments in E-commerce Subscription-Based Models Businesses operating on subscription models, such as streaming platforms and software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies, benefit greatly from embedded payments. These systems automate recurring billing, ensuring uninterrupted service for customers. Marketplaces E-commerce marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy utilize embedded payments to facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers. These systems handle payment splits, refunds, and transaction fees seamlessly. Social Commerce With the rise of shopping directly through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, embedded payments play a crucial role in enabling instant purchases without redirecting users to external sites. In-App Purchases Mobile apps offering in-app purchases rely on embedded payments to deliver a smooth user experience. From gaming apps to fitness platforms, this integration ensures quick and hassle-free transactions. Benefits of Embedded Payments for Customers Speed and Convenience Customers no longer need to navigate multiple pages or enter extensive payment details. Embedded payments streamline the process, enabling faster checkouts. Personalized Payment Options These systems offer tailored payment methods based on user preferences, such as saving card details or suggesting installment plans. Enhanced Security With tokenization, encryption, and biometric authentication, customers are assured of secure transactions, fostering trust and loyalty. Challenges and Considerations While embedded payments offer numerous benefits, there are challenges to address: Regulatory Compliance: Businesses must navigate complex regulations and compliance requirements in different regions, such as GDPR and PCI DSS. Integration Complexity: Ensuring seamless integration with existing systems can be technically challenging and may require significant investment. Customer Adoption: Educating customers about the security and convenience of embedded payments is essential for widespread adoption. Fraud Risks: Despite advanced security measures, embedded payment systems remain a target for cyberattacks. Continuous updates and monitoring are crucial. The Future of Embedded Payments in E-commerce The potential for embedded payments in e-commerce is immense. Emerging trends such as voice commerce, augmented reality (AR) shopping experiences, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices will further integrate embedded payment solutions, creating even more seamless and intuitive shopping experiences. Additionally, the adoption of decentralized finance (DeFi) and advancements in blockchain technology will pave the way for innovative payment models, such as smart contracts and instant cross-border transactions. Conclusion Embedded payments are revolutionizing the e-commerce sector by addressing one of its most critical pain points: the checkout process. By offering a seamless, secure, and efficient payment experience, these systems enhance customer satisfaction, boost conversion rates, and streamline operations for businesses. Embedded payments will become even more integral to the e-commerce ecosystem, driving innovation and setting new standards for the industry. Related Items: Application , Blockchain , technology Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you What’s the Next Big Crypto? Qubetics Hits 10,900 Holders with Its Wallet Revolution, Polkadot Prepares for a $50 Comeback, and Near Protocol Eyes $22 by 2025—Explore the Best Altcoins for Massive Return Potential Today! Best Meme Coins to Buy Today: Pepe Coin’s Value Surge, AI Companions’ Blockchain Innovation, and BTFD Coin’s Presale Buzz 4 Must-Buy Altcoins to Join This Weekend to Maximise Your Returns in the Next Quarter CommentsBERKELEY, Calif. , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bamboo Technology , a mental health technology innovation company, is announcing its participation in Batch 19 of the prestigious UC Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program for startup acceleration. The company's HereHear AI therapist solution will be the key focus of the program, driven by the vision of revolutionizing mental health with AI-powered virtual solutions. To learn more about HereHear, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngU32WgiWf4 "HereHear is here in the US, and I am truly grateful to the Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program for recognizing its potential," noted Lynia Huang , Bamboo Technology's CEO. "As important as mental health has become in recent years, there is a shortage of mental health providers and access to support is low — and HereHear is paving the way for AI to bridge that gap as a first line of defense." A growing case for incorporating AI into mental healthcare With data showing that the US is in a mental health crisis, the CDC recently noted a dire need for public health initiatives that create environments centered around mental health. Specific to the workplace, the Society for Human Resource Management's Employee Mental Health in 2024 Research Series found that 44% of US employees feel burned out at work. The combination of a shortage of mental health providers in the US with the flourishing capabilities of AI builds a strong case for the technology to be deployed in the form of human-guided mental health solutions. HereHear's YangYang: A personalized 3D virtual therapist As organizations seek out ways to empower team members to take better care of their mental health, AI is increasingly emerging as a solution for on-demand, personalized support. Offering a more engaging interaction than chatbots, HereHear's 3D virtual therapist YangYang was launched in January 2024 and offers: YangYang has already been implemented in several therapy clinics and has helped 70% of users improve stress and depression levels by 25% within 3 months. Taking the form of a sheep further distinguishes her — this functions both to provide a 'cute' aspect lending to the warm, healing emotional support she provides, while also helping users who are struggling emotionally to keep in perspective that their interactions are ultimately not with a human. Bringing success in Taiwan to the US market Bamboo Technology's acceptance into the Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program is a major accomplishment as the platform seeks to enter the US market. Batch 19 has only 117 startups out of around 2300 applications, and the program will support HereHear to develop, pilot and launch, as well as to pitch for funding. The company aims to target the app in the human resources space—as a tool for companies to offer staff for on-demand, privacy-first mental health support. Back in Taiwan , the app already has hospitals, mental health clinics, universities, publicly listed companies, and government agencies that use it, similarly spurred by a shortage of mental health workers. About Bamboo Technology Established in November 2018 , the Taipei -based Bamboo Technology is a mental health technology innovation company that focuses on improving public mental health with voice emotion analysis technology. It embraces a belief that a universal, objective, and scientific mental health system can effectively solve the problem of deteriorating mental health in today's society — a core tenet upheld by its many psychologists; social workers; and information management, AI and big data experts. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bamboo-technologys-herehear-virtual-ai-therapist-joins-berkeley-skydeck-ipp-program-302325187.html SOURCE BAMBOO TECHNOLOGY LTD.

WASHINGTON , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridge Defense, a defense-technology company, has made a strategic investment in Federated IT, a trusted provider of mission-critical services to the U.S. government. Founded in 2002, Federated IT has built a reputation as a trusted partner to the U.S. Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense. With expertise optimizing cloud computing, data center operations and migration, enterprise architecture, scientific research and analyses, and cybersecurity solutions, Federated IT consistently delivers technically excellent, secure, and reliable solutions that empower national security clients to achieve their objectives. "This investment represents a pivotal step in Bridge Defense's mission to create the next-generation systems integrator," said Jack Kilcoyne , co-founder of Bridge Defense. "We will combine the critical services Federated IT provides with in-house software development capabilities to build a hybrid organization capable of delivering exceptional services and developing innovative solutions that address our customers' most pressing challenges." Kyle von Bucholz , CEO of Federated IT, added: "For over 20 years, Federated IT has focused on solving our clients' most complex challenges with integrity and technical excellence. Partnering with Bridge Defense will enable us to take that commitment to the next level by leveraging cutting-edge development capabilities and delivering an even greater impact for the federal agencies we serve." About Bridge Defense Bridge Defense is focused on delivering mission-critical services and innovative software solutions to national security customers. A hybrid systems integrator, Bridge Defense combines excellence in technical services with native development capabilities to deliver comprehensive and transformative solutions to address the rapidly evolving needs of national security customers. Bridge Defense is led by a team of Special Operations veterans with deep expertise in technology and government services. The company is headquartered in the Northeast, with a growing presence in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit Bridge-Defense.com . About Federated IT Federated IT is a leading provider of mission-critical IT and cybersecurity services to the U.S. government. Federated IT enables defense, national security, and federal law enforcement clients to expand, improve, and strengthen critical IT infrastructure and mission system capabilities within the Tier Ill - IV Enterprise IT Operations and Cyber Security domains. Federated IT's project portfolio includes the customization and delivery of optimized cloud computing, data center operations and migration, enterprise architecture, scientific research and analyses, and cybersecurity solutions. Federated IT is headquartered in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit FederatedIT.com . View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bridge-defense-announces-strategic-investment-in-federated-it-302314581.html SOURCE Bridge DefenseGermany-based venture capital fund Robin Capital closed its Robin Fund One at 13 million euros (about $13.6 million). “Robin Fund One is closed,” Robin Haak , Robin Capital founder and managing partner, said in a Friday (Dec. 20) post on LinkedIn. “Robin Capital is here to stay. I get to do what I love: Support founders.” Robin Capital also has a growth-focused investment vehicle of 2 million euros, bringing its total to 15 million euros, according to a TechCrunch article Haak linked to in his post. Robin Capital specializes in B2B software as a service (SaaS), according to the firm’s LinkedIn page . With Robin Fund One, it will focus on angel, pre-seed to seed stages, and occasional Series A investments, according to the page. The firm focuses on the DACH region comprised of Germany, Austria and Switzerland and now has 28 companies in its portfolio, including ones in sectors like human resources, artificial intelligence, FinTech, climate, DevOps, robotics and industrial tech, per the TechCrunch report. It was founded by Haak in December 2022 , according to the report . Earlier, Haak was a co-founder of Jobspotting, which was acquired by SmartRecruiters in 2017. In a November post on LinkedIn, Haak said Robin Fund One was oversubscribed and set for final close in December. “We made it,” he said in the post. “Hit the target — and then some.” It was reported in June that tech investments in Europe picked up at early-stage companies, with venture capital groups raising new capital after a two-year drought. Last year saw a drop in investment in the tech sector in Europe . In its yearly State of European Tech report late last year, United Kingdom venture capital firm Atomico forecasted that money raised by Europe’s tech startups would come to around $45 billion for 2023, compared to the $82 billion raised in 2022. But things have since turned around, Tom Wehmeier , who heads Atomico’s insights team, said in June. Spanish venture capital firm Kfund said the same month that it raised $75 million to support founders in Europe working “with foundational technologies” defined as “data plays,” “platform layers ” and AI. 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