Libs Are Blasting Pete Hegseth For His Tattoos. Have They Not Looked In A Mirror Lately?
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Apple is pumping more artificial intelligence into the latest iPhones during the holiday shopping season with a free software update that includes a feature that enables users to create customized emojis within a matter of seconds. The Wednesday release of the iPhone's upgraded operating system, iOS 18.2, extends Apple's expansion into AI months after rivals such as Samsung and Google began implanting the revolutionary technology on their devices. The update builds upon another one that came out in late October to usher in the AI era for Apple and the iPhone, as well as for the iPad and Mac. The latest round of AI tricks includes “Genmojis,” Apple's description for emojis that iPhone users will be able to ask the technology to create and then share. Apple says it is placing some limits its AI's emoji artistry to prevent the distribution of violent or hateful imagery. Other features include an “Image Playground” for a variety of AI-styled illustrations, writing tools and options for summarizing emails. The technology won’t work on iPhones that Apple made before 2023 because it requires a special processor that isn’t in older models. The AI will work on the iPhone 16 line-up that came out in September and the premium iPhone 15 models released last year. That exclusivity is expected to propel a cycle of iPhone upgrades during the current holiday shopping season into next year, driving up Apple's profit even higher from the $94 billion that the Cupertino, California, company pocketed in its last fiscal year ending in September. That expectation is the main reason Apple's stock price has climbed by about 30% so far this year to push the company's market value closer to the $4 trillion threshold for the first time. Apple is broadening the AI suite's appeal by including English versions tailored for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. that are included in the latest software update. Although the iPhone's AI is similar to many of the features that have already been available from other companies, Apple is taking a slightly different approach to the technology in an effort to stand out from the rest of pack. It is emphasizing its ongoing commitment to protecting iPhone users' privacy by processing most of its AI on the device itself or corralling it in a secured data center. Users seeking more AI wizardry than the device or the special data center can handle will have the option to reach out to the popular ChatGPT technology made by OpenAI, which has forged a partnership with Apple.DURHAM — At this time of year, the country is filled with football players hoping this weekend won’t be the last time they get to represent their high school or college in a meaningful game. Milford’s Gavin Urda is in that group. Urda is nearing the end of his senior season at the University of New Hampshire, which will wrap up its regular season with a game at Maine (5-6, 3-4 CAA) on Saturday at 1 p.m. UNH (7-4, 5-2) will likely need a victory to receive an at-large bid to the FCS playoffs. A loss could eliminate the Wildcats from contention. “Obviously you want to beat Maine any year,” Urda said. “It means more than any other game, but it means a little bit extra when you can extend not only the season, but my career. Just one more would be special.” Urda, a Milford High School graduate, is a defensive back — UNH moved him from cornerback to safety after last season — but he has also carved out a significant role on special teams. This season, he’s a part of UNH’s kickoff and kickoff return teams, as well as the punt and punt return teams. He recovered a fumble on a punt that led to a go-ahead touchdown during a must-win game against Monmouth on Nov. 9. During his time as a cornerback, Urda was also used in obvious passing situations as part of UNH’s nickel package. He joined the UNH program as a walk-on, but received scholarship money following the 2022 season. “I think ‘program guys’ are the perfect words to describe guys like Gavin,” UNH coach Rick Santos said. “They epitomize what New Hampshire football is all about: hard work, being blue collar, shows up every single day with a workmanlike attitude. Never makes it about himself. “When he stepped on campus, he was someone who cut his teeth on the scout team for the first couple years, so he was selfless and made everyone around him better and he wasn’t reaping the benefits of it. Kept his head down, kept working. ... This year pretty sure he’s top five in the nation in special teams tackles. Guys like that are why coaching is super fun. Not the superstar in terms of production on the field, but it’s everything else that goes into it that makes him such a great young man.” UNH, which is on a three-game winning streak, leads the series with Maine 58-45-8. The Black Bears are 3-1 at home this season. A victory will have UNH in good position to make the FCS playoffs. The 24-team field will be announced Sunday at 12:30 p.m. “The motivation is Maine,” Santos said. “You take care of them, you handle the emotions of this game, the rest of it all falls into place.” Win or lose Saturday, Urda said he’ll cherish the relationships he’s developed during his UNH career. “Sharing those experiences with lifelong friends,” he said. “It makes it fun to go to practice every day and do all that hard work when you’re doing it with your best friends. “I decided pretty late to play (college) football at all. I think I decided midway through my senior season, so that was a rushed decision. UNH and Saint Anselm were my last two before I decided to choose UNH. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. I love my time here.”
Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Soprano Angel Blue sings her first Metropolitan Opera 'Aida' in a new production Angel Blue, one of the most admired singers of her generation, is headlining the Metropolitan Opera’s first new production of Verdi’s “Aida” in 36 years. The 40-year-old takes on the title role of the enslaved Ethiopian princess torn between love for an Egyptian warrior and loyalty to her country. It’s a part that comes weighted with history, especially for a Black soprano at the Met, where Leontyne Price embodied the role from her first performance in 1961 until her retirement in 1985. Blue tells The Associated Press she’s long looked up to Price, and directors who have worked with her say the singer is ready for the challenge. Blue’s Met debut in ‘Aida’ will happen New Year’s Eve. Centuries-old angels uncovered at Boston church made famous by Paul Revere BOSTON (AP) — Conservators have uncovered eight angels in a historic Boston church that counted Paul Revere as a bell ringer and played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. The angels were painted in the early 18th century but painted over in 1912 as part of a renovation of the Old North Church. Inspired by research showing the existence of at least 20 angels, conservators for the past four months have been removing the white paint that covered the eight angels located on the balcony's arches in the church sanctuary. The public is now able to view them. Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger dies in avalanche, aged 26 Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger has died following an avalanche at a mountain resort. The country's skiing federation says the incident took place at the Arosa resort in Switzerland. The 26-year-old Hediger competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in the women’s snowboard cross and the mixed team version of the same event. Hediger achieved her first two World Cup podium finishes in the 2023-24 season. Her best result was a second place in St. Moritz in January. NFL on Netflix: Christmas Day games are a 1st for streaming giant Netflix will have one of its biggest days since the site launched in 1998 when it carries two NFL games for the first time on Christmas. “NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix” kicks off with a two-hour pregame show at 11 a.m., before Pittsburgh hosts Kansas City. Baltimore faces Houston in the second game. The streaming giant agreed to a three-year contract in May to carry Christmas Day games. Magic and lights draw crowds to an alpine village in Washington state for Christmas LEAVENWORTH, Wash. (AP) — Freshly baked pretzels, shining tree lights and sleds in the snow lend a ruddy warmth to an unlikely collection of Bavarian-themed chalets in the mountains of Washington state. Decades ago, the town of Leavenworth was a near ghost town, one of the poorest parts of the Pacific Northwest. The mines and the sawmill had closed, and even the railroad left. That’s when desperate business owners took a serious gamble -- reinventing the community in the vision of an alpine village. More than half a century later, the result brings tourists from near and far -- especially during the holidays, when Leavenworth takes on the flavor of a German Christmas market. Bill Clinton is hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson says WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton was admitted Monday to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington after developing a fever. The 78-year-old was admitted in the “afternoon for testing and observation,” Angel Urena, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, said in a statement. “He remains in good spirits and deeply appreciates the excellent care he is receiving,” Urena said. Packers clinch playoff berth with 1st shutout in NFL this season, 34-0 over Saints GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Josh Jacobs gained 107 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown for a sixth straight game as the Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff berth while producing the first shutout of the NFL season, 34-0 over the hapless New Orleans Saints. Green Bay improved to 11-4 and earned its fifth postseason appearance in six years. New Orleans played without injured quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara. Rookie Spencer Rattler started and went 15 of 30 for 153 yards with an interception and a fumble. The Packers have won nine of their last 11 games. Prosecutors withdraw appeal of dismissed case against Alec Baldwin in fatal movie set shooting SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico prosecutors won’t pursue an appeal of a court’s decision to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin. The actor had been charged in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal on a movie set outside Santa Fe in October 2021. Special Prosecutor Kari Morrissey withdrew on Monday the appeal of a July decision at trial to dismiss the charge. The decision to drop the appeal solidifies the decision by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer halfway through trial to dismiss the case on allegations that police and prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense. An all-Filipino crew is set to make history in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race SYDNEY (AP) — There have been plenty of “firsts” in the history of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race which was first held in 1945. An all-Filipino crew of 15 sailors will make it another when the annual ocean classic begins in Sydney Harbor on Thursday. With veteran sailor Ernesto Echauz at the helm, Centennial 7 will embark on the 628-nautical mile race. The boat itself is no stranger to the race. Previously, the TP52 yacht was known as Celestial and claimed the Sydney to Hobart overall handicap victory in 2022 under Sam Haynes after being runner-up the year before.
Dow announced a series of business leadership changes. Following the company's recent appointment of Karen S. Carter as Chief Operating Officer, Keith Cleason has been named president of Dow's Packaging & Specialty Plastics (P&SP) operating segment, including responsibility for the Packaging and Specialty Plastics business performance. He succeeds Carter. In his new role, Cleason will also assume executive oversight for Latin America. The transition will begin immediately. Keith Cleason Cleason will be responsible for continuing the growth of P&SP in alignment with Dow's sustainability goals and targets. His comprehensive expertise in the industry will be instrumental in driving the business strategy, allocating resources, and managing the Company's assets to maintain Dow's leadership in the market. "Keith's strategic mindset and his proven leadership make him ideal for this transformative phase of P&SP. His vision and expertise will be crucial in driving our sustainability goals while maintaining our competitive advantage," said Carter. "Keith's extensive experience in the industry and across our operating segment equips him well to drive growth and advance our strategic imperatives." Cleason brings a wealth of experience to his new position, building on his most recent role as the business vice president for Olefins, Aromatics & Alternatives (OA&A) and Univation Technologies, Dow's wholly owned subsidiary for licensing and catalysts. Since joining Dow in 2001, he has held several significant positions including senior global asset director for Polyethylene, global business director for both Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and global strategic development director for Dow's Packaging and Specialty Plastics business unit. Jane Palmieri Jane Palmieri, president of the Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure business operating segment, will retire from Dow effective March 31, 2025. Palmieri has dedicated more than 30 years to the company, significantly contributing to its success and growth during her tenure. Palmieri has guided an industry-leading portfolio of businesses with annual sales exceeding $16 billion, including Polyurethanes, Chlor-Alkali & Vinyl, Construction Chemicals, and Industrial Solutions. Her strategic oversight extended to Dow's business operations in Asia Pacific and Latin America, as well as the Company's MobilityScienceTM platform. Dow Chair and CEO Jim Fitterling said, "Jane's visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on our organization. Her ability to drive innovation, understand and translate customer needs and foster growth has been instrumental in Dow's business success." Throughout her distinguished career, Palmieri held various roles across Dow's businesses, including Dow Building and Construction, Dow Automotive, Dow Specialty Chemicals, Dow Coating Solutions, Dow Solar and the Sadara Board of Directors. She also serves on the board of directors of Stanley Black & Decker. Marco ten Bruggencate In a related move, Marco ten Bruggencate has been named president of Dow's Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure business operating segment succeeding Palmieri. In his new role, ten Bruggencate will also have executive oversight for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI). The transition will begin immediately. "Business leadership requires not only a wealth of knowledge and expertise but the ability to inspire and guide their teams towards excellence. Marco has consistently demonstrated these qualities throughout his career, making him an invaluable asset to our organization," said Carter. "Marco's extensive experience and proven leadership make him exceptionally well-suited for this critical role. His deep understanding of our industry and commitment to innovation will undoubtedly drive our strategic initiatives and growth." Most recently, ten Bruggencate served as the president of Dow EMEAI. Previously he served as commercial vice president for Packaging and Specialty Plastics for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He joined Dow in 2000 with the acquisition of Flexible Products Company and has held numerous sales, marketing, and commercial roles throughout his career, including positions with Dow Building Solutions and Dow Construction Chemicals.
Emotional moment Coleen Rooney breaks down in tears as she enjoys surprise reunion with two youngest sons in I’m A Celeb
California Assemblyman David Tangipa and political commentator Arynne Wexler analyze Trump’s pick for attorney general and the path to Senate confirmation. President-elect Donald Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday to head up the U.S. Department of Justice in his second term—a swift decision but one met with little surprise among many in Trump's orbit. That's because Bondi, 59, has emerged as a close ally of the president-elect in recent years—including defending him in his impeachment proceedings, and more recently, in the run-up to Election Day, where she serves as the co-chair of the Center for Law and Justice at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) a think tank set up by former Trump staffers. Like former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew his name from consideration for attorney general Thursday afternoon, Bondi is from Florida and is considered by many to be a staunch loyalist of the president-elect, dedicated to rooting out what the president-elect has described as the "weaponization" of the Justice Department. Beyond that, however, the two appear to have little in common. FLURRY OF PRE-ELECTION LEGAL CASES IS NOW 'STANDARDIZED' STRATEGY, EXPERTS SAY Pam Bondi speaks during a press conference while on a break from former President Donald Trump's hush money trial outside Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) (Getty) A Florida native, Bondi has spent years as a prosecutor in the Sunshine State—spending 18 as a prosecutor in the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office before being elected in 2010 to serve as Florida's first female attorney general. More recently, Bondi has used her perch at AFPI to voice concerns about election security—a major issue that Republicans sought to emphasize as they filed a flurry of re-election lawsuits, mainly in major swing states. If confirmed, it is likely that Bondi will use her post to implement many of Trump's tough-on-crime policy proposals, including cracking down on cartels, fentanyl, trafficking and more. A website for Trump's Agenda47 called for policies such as extending the death penalty for human traffickers, ending welfare for migrants living in the U.S. illegally, and cracking down on violent crime in major cities, which Trump has described as having declined into "cesspools of bloodshed and crime." In the hours after her nomination, however, it remained unclear how—or whether—she planned to implement some of these proposals. One member of the Trump transition team pointed Fox News Digital to a widely circulated clip of CNN legal analyst Elie Honig highlighting Bondi's qualifications for the role. "Pam Bondi is, without a question, qualified to be attorney general," Honig said in the clip, calling her experience "on par with, or better than, most United States attorneys general that we've seen over the past 50 years or so." "Even CNN is fawning over her qualifications," a source familiar, who declined to be identified, told Fox News Digital. MATT GAETZ SAYS HE WILL NOT SERVE IN THE UPCOMING SESSION OF CONGRESS Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi displays a court order granting Trump's campaign more access to vote counting operations at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Nov. 5, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Those close to Bondi have praised her long record as a prosecutor, and her staunch loyalty to the president-elect, alongside whom she has worked since 2020—first, helping to represent him in his first impeachment trial, and currently in her post at AFPI. Bondi is "all about integrity and the proper application of justice and fairness," said Gianno Caldwell, the head of the Caldwell Institute of Public Safety, an organization designed to fight violent crime. Bondi serves on the advisory board of that group. "I think she's going to be able to root out a lot of the bad apples," Caldwell added. "And return the Justice Department to its traditional focus, which is law and order, and fighting crime." MIKE ROGERS REPLACING WRAY AS FBI DIRECTOR IS NOT HAPPENING, TRUMP ADVISER SAYS Pam Bondi, former attorney general of Florida, arrives at the Fiserv Forum on the second day of Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis., on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Like other top contenders for the role. Bondi has not been shy in going after Trump critics, including special counsel Jack Smith, who was tapped by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022 to investigate both an alleged effort by Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election, and Trump's keeping of allegedly classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. Smith appears to be winding down his investigation —a welcome relief for the president-elect, who had vowed as a candidate to fire him "within two seconds" after taking office. Still, Bondi has shared in Trump's criticisms, using a recent radio interview to describe Smith and his team of prosecutors as "horrible" people trying to make a name for themselves by "going after Donald Trump and weaponizing our legal system." "Attorney General nominee Bondi is looking forward to the confirmation process and answering any questions senators might have," said Alex Pfeiffer, a spokesman for the Trump transition team. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Bondi's life "has been dedicated to keeping Americans safe," he added. "She looks forward to continuing that work at the Department of Justice." Breanne Deppisch is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering the 2024 election and other national news.Cadiz Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend for Q4 2024 on Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock
How major US stock indexes fared Wednesday, 12/11/2024
TOKYO-LISTED Universal Entertainment Corp., the parent company of both Tiger Resort Asia Ltd. (TRA) and Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI), announced over the weekend that it was no longer eyeing a backdoor listing for TRLEI, operator of the integrated resort Okada Manila. TRA last week sold its entire 66.67-percent stake in Asiabest Group International Inc. (ABG), an existing Philippine-listed company, to a consortium led by PremiumLands Corp. (PLC) for an undisclosed amount. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.The issue of India’s economic growth versus emissions
Gon Erez Starts New Personal Blog to Share Stories from His Nonprofit Management Experiences 11-22-2024 09:40 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Erase Technologies, LLC Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1732285773.jpeg Gon Erez, Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland-based nonprofit management consultant, Gon Erez, is excited to announce the launch of his new personal blog, which will serve as a platform to explore industry topics, share professional insights, and recount transformative stories from his extensive career in nonprofit management. The blog aims to foster a community of learning and inspiration for nonprofit professionals and enthusiasts alike. With a rich background in psychology, economics, and organizational leadership, Gon brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities within the nonprofit sector. His experience spans roles from a Human-Rights Officer in the IDF Spokesperson's Unit in Israel to significant leadership positions at notable community centers in the U.S., such as the Youngstown JCC and the JCC of Greater Buffalo. Gon's blog will cover a range of topics including strategic planning, the integration of business efficiencies in nonprofit organizations, leadership, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. Readers can expect first-hand accounts of successful projects, tips for enhancing operational effectiveness, and Gon's personal insights on maintaining balance between mission-driven goals and the necessity of robust management strategies. "I am thrilled to launch my blog and share my journey and the lessons I've learned along the way," said Gon Erez. "I hope to create a space where we can all learn from each other and strengthen our capacity to effect positive change in our communities." The blog will also feature guest posts from other leaders in the field, book recommendations, and discussions on emerging trends in nonprofit management. To read Gon's latest posts. Visit the website here [ https://www.gonerez.com/ ]. Media Contact Contact Person: Gon Erez Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=gon-erez-starts-new-personal-blog-to-share-stories-from-his-nonprofit-management-experiences ] City: Cleveland State: Ohio Country: United States Website: https://www.gonerezohio.com/ This release was published on openPR.