Helping to drown out the noise
LEDUC COUNTY, ALTA. — Alberta’s government says it will invest up to $50 million to support the creation of a first-in-Canada drilling test site to support technology development in the oil, gas, geothermal and lithium industries. The Alberta Drilling Accelerator is intended to be an open-access, industry-led site where companies can test drilling technologies at deep depths, high temperatures and varying rock types. A location for the hub site has yet to be determined. While no binding contracts have been signed, the province says several companies have expressed strong interest in serving as anchor tenants, including Calgary-based geothermal company Eavor Technologies, Tourmaline Oil Corp. and international oilfield service supermajor Halliburton. The money the province is providing will come from the industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program, which Alberta's heavy emitters are required to pay into as part of the province's industrial carbon pricing system. The provincial government says the Alberta Drilling Accelerator could start drilling in 2026. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:TOU) The Canadian Press
The Americas Trailer Previews Tom Hanks-Narrated Nature Docuseries By NBC has released the first , previewing the upcoming 10-part nature docuseries narrated by acting legend . What happens in The Americas trailer? The new trailer previews the upcoming docuseries, which comes from BBC Studios Natural History Unit, the producers of Planet Earth and Blue Planet. The series will showcase the various wonders, secrets, and things found across the supercontinent. The Americas is set to premiere on NBC with a special two-hour episode on February 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET. Following the premiere, the series will begin to air weekly on March 2, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET. Episodes will also be available to stream on Peacock after they air. Check out the new The Americas trailer below (watch other trailers and clips): Each hourlong episode of the series will feature a different location across the Americas: “The Atlantic Coast,” “Mexico,” “The Wild West,” “The Amazon,” “The Frozen North,” “The Gulf Coast,” “The Andes,” “The Caribbean,” “The West Coast” and “Patagonia.” “The Americas showcases the wonders, secrets and fragilities of the world’s greatest supercontinent,” reads the series’ official synopsis. “For the first time, the Americas stars in its own incomparable series, using cutting-edge technology to uncover never-before-seen behavior, and highlight the extraordinary, untold wildlife stories that will deeply connect with millions around the world. Five years in the making and filmed over 180 expeditions, this groundbreaking series reveals the spectacular landscapes of Earth’s most varied landmass – the only one to stretch between both poles. “The Americas” unprecedented scale and ambition delivers remarkable world firsts; new species, new intimate courtship, dramatic deep-sea hunting and some of nature’s strangest stories – even a frog that seems to defy death every day.” Anthony Nash has been writing about games and the gaming industry for nearly a decade. When he’s not writing about games, he’s usually playing them. You can find him on Twitter talking about games or sports at @_anthonynash. Share articleRita Ora ’s new look is sure to raise some eyebrows. The “Let You Love Me” singer attended the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Awards in London Dec. 2—alongside stars like Rihanna , Glen Powell , Nicola Coughlan and more—debuting a radical new look that had fans doing a double take. The 34-year-old—who tied the knot with Taika Waititi in 2022—stepped onto the red carpet rocking a brand new mullet hairstyle, trading in the brunette locks she sported just two weeks ago for a blonde hairdo that was styled into short spikes on top. The sides of her hair were tapered down, accentuating her hair’s new height, while the back of her hair fell in brunette curls over her neck. Perhaps Rita’s most eye-popping change were her bleached brows that matched her new blonde ‘do, along with her contoured makeup that boldly accentuated her cheekbones. The rest of the Descendants actress’ look included an oversized gray suit jacket worn over a white-and-blue striped button-down with a pink polka dotted necktie and flowy dark gray dress pants. She also donned a mix of bulky metallic jewelry, including earrings, rings and bracelets of all different shades and textures. Rita’s show-stopping outfit on the Fashion Awards’ red carpet isn’t the first time the singer has turned heads with her grasp on style. Earlier this year, she attended the Met Gala in a dress she described to Vogue as “older than anyone on this planet.” Meeting the event’s “Garden of Time” theme in May, Rita wore a mesh Tom Ford gown styled by Tom Eerebout overlaid with strands of black, pink, orange, turquoise and white beads, some of which were from the first and second century BC. Her husband Taika complemented her historic dress by rocking a single tone, chocolate brown leather suit from head to toe, complete with a suit jacket, collared shirt, necktie and trousers all made from the same material. Keep reading to see more stars who have debuted epic hair transformations lately. Hailey Bieber The model debuted lighter locks in September 2024, a month after giving birth to her and Justin Bieber 's first baby, son Jack Blues Bieber . Lily Collins The Emily in Paris star debuted her dramatic transformation at the world premiere of her new horror movie, MAXXXINE , in June 2024. "Changing my hair always brings out different sides of my personality and I love playing around," Lily told Vogue . "This cut and color feels bolder and yet somehow lighter. And completely more me —right now." Katie Holmes While attending Chanel's Tribeca Film Festival Artists dinner in June 2024, Katie debuted a subtle, yet striking transformation of rich caramel balayage highlights that were blended throughout her brunette tresses. Kylie Jenner The Kardashians star debuted a platinum blonde look and a bob haircut after rocking waist-length strands for quite some time. "Did someone say they missed king kylie," Kylie teased in the caption of her June 8 Instagram post , to which her sister Khloe Kardashian cheekily replied, "I did! I did!!!!!!" Lisa Rinna The former Bravo star debuted a platinum blonde look during 2024 Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture. Priyanka Chopra The Heads of State star debuted a drastic haircut—a shoulder-grazing bob—while attending a Bulgari event in Rome i May 2024. Jessica Biel In May 2024, the actress chopped her hair into a bob that many fans on social media said reminded them of one of the looks she sported as Mary Camden on the '90s series 7th Heaven . Megan Fox The Transformers actress returned to her dark brown tresses and debuted a sassy bob in May 2024, a month after she dyed her hair blue to enter what she dubbed her " Jedi era ." Dannielynn Birkhead At age 17, the daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith debuted a new lob hairstyle overnight during 2024 Kentucky Derby weekend, which she attended with dad Larry Birkhead . Demi Lovato The singer debuted a lighter, shorter 'do in April 2024. Kelly Osbourne The Fashion Police alum debuted a blonde bombshell hair transformation May 8. Kim Kardashian Back to blonde: Kim debuted a new platinum 'do in April 2024. Rihanna The Fenty Beauty founder debuted a bright blonde hair transformation April 17 while celebrating her latest Fenty x Puma collection in London. Delilah Belle Hamlin The model debuted a bleach blonde pixie cut at the FRAME event April 4. Megan Fox The Jennifer's Body star traded in her bubblegum pink tresses for a baby blue bob, which she debuted April 2. Zendaya Less than a month afer chopping her hair into a long bob, Zendaya debuted a honey blonde transformation at the Challengers premiere March 26. Elle Fanning The Great star ushered in spring with a fresh cut, as she debuted a long bob March 25. Rachel McAdams The Mean Girls alum swapped out her signature blonde hair for a dark brunette transformation on March 18. Bre Tiesi The Selling Sunset star looked completely unrecognizable after debuting a dramatic blonde transformation March 16. Kelly Osbourne The Fashion Police alum ditched her signature purple hair after six years, tinting it an icy silver in March 2024. Zendaya The Dune actress debuted a shoulder-grazing bob at Essence 's Black Women in Hollywood Awards March 7. Sydney Sweeney The Anyone But You star made a showstopping appearance at Miu Miu's fall/winter 2024-2025 show during Paris Fashion Week. For the March 5 event, she unveiled a dramatic long bob haircut. Zoey Deutch To prepare for her upcoming role as Jean Seberg, the 29-year-old debuted a bleached blonde pixie cut. Anne Hathaway The Princess Diaries alum unveiled fringe bangs at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Selena Gomez The star debuted a bangin' new style at the premiere of her friend Nicola Peltz Beckham 's film Lola in February 2024. Jennifer Lopez The "On the Floor" singer made a dramatic hair change, as she debuted a chin-grazing bob cut at Schiaparelli's haute couture spring/summer 2024 show on Jan. 22. Gypsy Rose Blanchard In January 2024, a month after her prison release, the now-influencer shared a pic of herself sporting a shorter 'do. Kylie Jenner Kylie Jenner traded in her dark locks for a pink 'do in January 2024. Julianne Hough In January 2024, the Dancing With the Stars personality shared a video of herself cutting her own hair. "Out with the old energy," she wrote, "and in with the new." Kate Beckinsale The Underworld actress took the plunge and went full blonde, while also debuting a short bob haircut.
Trump names billionaire Warren Stephens as US envoy to the UK, disappoints Jets fans
For more than a decade, the United States has sought to keep out of Syria's political debacle, seeing no viable partner. Islamist rebels' toppling of strongman Bashar al-Assad has forced a change of tune -- and a debate over just what US interests are. Donald Trump, who returns to the White House in little more than a month, on the eve of Assad's fall called Syria "a mess" and stated in his plain-speaking style that the United States should not be involved. Joe Biden's administration, after putting Syria on the backburner in a turbulent region, has offered a tacit rebuttal by stating that clear US interests are at stake -- including preventing Syria from fragmenting and avoiding a resurgence of the Islamic State extremist group. Steven Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Trump's and Biden's statements could be combined and "together they make a kind of decent policy." The United States needs to address real concerns about the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda but "as far as getting involved in arranging the politics of Syria, I think that no good can come from it," Cook said. Since the presidency of Barack Obama, the United States has walked a fine line on Syria that critics often derided as a non-policy. The United States questioned the legitimacy of Assad, demanding accountability for brutality in one of the 21st century's deadliest wars, but stopped short of prioritizing his departure due to suspicions about the main rebels. The Islamist movement Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has now led Assad's ouster, traces its roots to Syria's Al-Qaeda branch and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States. Since Obama's time, the United States instead has allied itself in Syria with a smaller fighting force of the Kurdish minority -- over strenuous objections of neighboring Turkey, which backs HTS -- with a narrow mission to counter the Islamic State group. Some 900 US troops remain in Syria. Assad fell in a lighting surprise offensive as his protector Russia is bogged down in its invasion of Ukraine and after Israel's military heavily degraded Assad's other key supporters -- Iran and Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Robert Ford, the last US ambassador to Syria, helped spearhead the terrorist designation of HTS in 2012 but said that the group since then has not attacked US or Western targets and has instead fought Al-Qaeda and Islamic State forces. Ford also pointed with hope to post-victory statements by rebel chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, including welcoming international monitoring of any chemical weapons that are discovered. "Can you imagine Osama bin Laden saying that?" said Ford, now a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. "I'm not saying 'trust Jolani.' He's obviously authoritarian. He's obviously an Islamist who doesn't believe that Christians have an equal right to power as Muslims. But I sure as hell want to test him on some of these things," Ford said. He said that the United States should encourage HTS, as well as other Syrian actors, to reach out and reassure the country's diverse communities including Christians, Kurds and Alawites -- the sect of the secular-oriented Assad. Beyond that, Washington should take a back-seat and let Syrians sort out their future, he said. "We should learn from the experience in Iraq that trying to impose exiles on a population traumatized by a brutal dictatorship and war is not a recipe for success," Ford said. Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday offered US recognition to a future government that is "credible, inclusive and non-sectarian." Trump in his first term, at the urging of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, abruptly said he would pull troops out of Syria. He backtracked after intense criticism at home and appeals from French President Emmanuel Macron, who pointed to the risk of Islamic State filling the vacuum. Trump has not indicated how he would change Syria policy this time. But he has shown no reluctance in the past to negotiate with foreign adversaries on the US blacklist, from Afghanistan's Taliban to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said there was no legal restriction on US contact with designated terrorists, although he indicated there was no direct dialogue with HTS. Natasha Hall, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Syria could face "devastating economic and humanitarian consequences" unless the United States reconsiders the terrorist designation of HTS, which impedes aid groups. "That said," she said, "if there isn't sort of an established framework for negotiations and good behavior now, before that designation is lifted, that could potentially also be a major mistake down the line for Syria's future." sct/sms100 days in office: Tinubu's Appointee Walson-Jack Lists Her Achievements as Head of Service
Candidates Emerge to Fill Gaetz’s House SeatFormer Department of Human Services secretary Kathryn Campbell (Image: AAP/Lukas Coch) It is something of a miracle that we are even here now... because none of the sclerotic checks and balances built into the system of governance in Australia worked to stop this rapacious scheme. Not the public servants who received the original legal advice before it even became a policy proposal, advice that flatly declared the approach unlawful; not the Commonwealth Ombudsman, whose credulity was exploited by wilfully deceptive bureaucrats. Freedom of information laws, once a serviceable transparency mechanism but now devolved into a clerical blockade, were rendered tautological. Critical information was imprisoned with the stroke of a pen, forever, and not even an eventual class action lawsuit in the Federal Court could obtain the damning documents needed to expose what had actually happened. Two Senate inquiries could not pry robodebt from the grip of secrecy, the information commissioner failed and even the appeals tribunal decisions — with only a few notable exceptions — were either limp or flat-out wrong. The lawyers got around to fighting robodebt, but only once they’d found their perfect victims. It’s hardly their fault that test case law requires the unblemished “good” victim to prove how monstrous a regime is, but the suffering continued while the search was on. The national audit office overturned rocks and found nothing of substance. What tiny criticisms of process were made were swatted away with a grim and well-practised administrative athleticism. NACC shouldn’t exist if it’s going to dog its remit by ignoring robodebt Read More Nothing stuck. Not even the initial media storm that blew in around Christmas 2016 and lasted a few months was enough to end robodebt. It is an appalling fact of this story that the largest number of people fed into the robodebt machine and the biggest dollar value of debt raised by this illegal program happened in the 2018-19 financial year, long after the fatigue of fighting it set in. But who am I to judge. I missed it, too. A tiny and dedicated band of reporters led by Christopher Knaus at the Guardian Australia and Ben Eltham at New Matilda , and building on a grassroots online campaign sparked by the seemingly omnipresent digital rights activist Asher Wolf, caught this sick thing for what it was. I was too naive, too credulous, to understand that Centrelink could really be that horrific. Wasn’t it just more of the same bastardry I’d seen them try on for decades? As a boy raised by a single mum, I’d been forced to watch her on the phone to Centrelink, begging and bartering for our financial security. What struck me, even as an eight-year-old, was that the support system was itself abusive. It left people like my mum exhausted and afraid. That kind of brutality leaves a mark. But it also rendered me immune to just how much worse things could get. This is what institutional power looks like. No agency or authority managed to lay so much as a glove on robodebt for years. We can deploy all of the usual excuses: resourcing, cowardice, incompetence. These defects are far from unique, but in robodebt they met, quite uniquely, the “dogmatic and authoritarian” secretary Kathryn Campbell who, on this particular policy, had more than most to lose. When she briefed Scott Morrison on December 30, 2014, some people in her department knew there was already legal advice in the sister policy department of Social Services categorically rejecting the lawful basis for any such proposal. Whether or not she knew about this advice at the briefing with Morrison in Sydney remains unsettled. But there is no doubt she later learned of the seismic policy and legislative consequences such a policy proposal, if it were ever taken to cabinet, would represent. How could she go back and tell this powerful new minister that he couldn’t have the idea about which he was “most excited”, and that she’d been premature in even mentioning it? Did she tell him? This is the woman who, according to her peers, “gets satisfaction from proving people wrong”. It would have been an unbearable realisation. “Not only was it so much money it would balance the [department’s] books but it punished welfare seekers, it was just a perfect, golden idea,” a source with knowledge of briefing arrangements between departments and ministers says. “And then when she found out that it would require amendment to the legislation, otherwise it’d be unlawful, she so did not want to have to tell him that. If she had never mentioned it to him, and if he hadn’t already said ‘Yes, I want that,’ it wouldn’t have been a problem. But she had. And that golden light that was falling on her for being the person who came up with it would all have been ruined.” These dynamics are not the result of vivid imaginations. Secretaries lived and died by the patronage of their minister. That they could be fired by these ministers (since changes to the public service in the 1990s) was well known, but the Coalition governments from late 2013 onwards had mutated the expectations of public servitude so greatly as to usher in a new era of weakness. Top servants were not praised for being frank and fearless so much as they were encouraged to be dishonest, one-dimensional vessels of an unchecked political desire. Whether this worked for the politicians depended very much on the senior executive at the top of their agency. Some told the ministers what they wanted to hear and then worked against them. Others were frozen out for being insufficiently “responsive”. We’ve ensured another robodebt will happen Read More In fact, it could get even worse. During the Coalition term, there was one secretary who fell so out of favour with their minister that they were literally ignored. The head of an entire department was no longer welcome to brief the minister. They had to find out what the minister wanted from their deputy secretaries. It was a situation that was untenable. Their career, at least under that government and quite possibly forever, was doomed. While Campbell was in the Middle East on her Joint Task Force 633 deputy command deployment, she gave an interview to The Australian newspaper about the competing dualism of her twin roles. “I’ve found it very useful in my public service career to have that leadership and command training that the military provides, to always see people as a key determinant of achieving objectives,” she said. “My military experience gave me at a very young age a focus on leadership and working with people and decision-making that I may not have got from my public service career.” The insignia of the Joint Task Force is a scorpion crawling through the stars of the Southern Cross, its tail aloft. This army-first mode of operating infected every element of her life in the public service. An executive officer in Kathryn Campbell’s secretarial office at DHS, Ben Keily, responded to simple requests from his boss with the quasi-military term “wilco”, short for “will comply”. In March 2017, after the public furore over robodebt finally revealed the nature of the degrading program to a mainstream consciousness, Campbell appeared before Senate estimates to defend the public release of private Centrelink data belonging to people who had complained about debts in the media. One of these people had already been named and minister Alan Tudge had shopped their personal details to journalists to discredit their complaints. It was an eye-popping exercise in government loathing and, as the royal commission would eventually find, it was an “abuse” of the enormous power that rested with the minister. When Ben Eltham wrote up Campbell’s calm defence of the whole episode before the Parliament, he drew her military career into the copy. Campbell, who monitored the daily media alerts and often chided teams when they were late, saw the article almost immediately and rushed to alert her colleagues at the Department of Defence. “Sir,” she emailed a senior figure in the military establishment. “Please find attached an article which unfortunately drags the Army into the Centrelink Privacy Data issue. I saw CA [chief of army] at a breakfast this morning and he is aware of the Centrelink Privacy Data issue.” She sent this just 16 minutes after getting the media alert. This was the issue that had her full attention. Campbell sent an update the next morning — a Saturday — at 7.42am, having scanned the newspapers and morning bulletins for anything that might drag the military into further disrepute. Never mind the thousands harmed by the robodebt disaster; never mind that presumably one of the chief attributes of the Australian Defence Force is an ability to defend itself (here against the most milquetoast of public criticism that was not really about them but about Kathryn Campbell’s conduct); and never mind that precisely nobody cared, not even at the ADF. Campbell was concerned with her own status with respect to the institution she most admired: the Army. Didn’t they realise there was a war going on? “Sir ... mainstream media does not appeared [sic] to have picked this up so no risk to Army,” she wrote. This is an extract from Rick Morton’s Mean Streak (HarperCollins). Have something to say about this article? Write to us at letters@crikey.com.au . Please include your full name to be considered for publication in Crikey’s Your Say . We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.Topline France’s government was fractured Wednesday when a coalition of far-right and far-left lawmakers led a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister of France Michel Barnier, leaving the wobbly ruling coalition of President Emmanuel Macron in disarray. Key Facts This story is breaking and will be updated. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here . Key Background Barnier was named prime minister in September, months after Prime Minister Gabriel Attal resigned in July, though Attal stayed on in a caretaker capacity until Macron picked a new prime minister. France has been in political turmoil since June, when Macron called snap elections in an effort to “clarify” the country’s political makeup after his party lost to the far-right in European Parliament elections—but the results left the country with a deeply divided Parliament, with no party having a majority. The leftist New Popular Front party won the most seats (182), but was far short of the 289 seats needed for a majority. The far-right National Rally party and its allies won 143 seats, and Macron’s more centrist party, the Ensemble alliance, won 163 seats. Although the New Popular Front won the most seats, Macron did not appoint a member of the party as prime minister, opting for Barnier instead out of concern that the NPF’s candidate was “not in a position to govern with stability," Politico reported. When Macron named Barnier, who had been a cabinet minister four times and a European commissioner twice, the Elysée Palace said in a statement Macron “made sure that the prime minister and its government will have the most stable conditions possible.” What Does This Mean For The French Economy? France is reportedly the second-biggest economic power in the European Union, and Barnier’s resignation will likely throw the country into greater disarray while trying to manage its budget. Reuters reported that with Barnier out of power, France risks ending the year without a budget for 2025 or a prime minister in power, both of which could weaken its standing worldwide. The Wall Street Journal reported French stocks have fallen in recent weeks as the country’s debt has risen to its highest level since 2012. France’s deficit is currently projected at 6.1% of its GDP—which is more than double the EU’s limit —leading investors to deem France a “risky investment,” Politico reported. What To Watch For How Macron responds. He could allow Barnier to stay on in a caretaker capacity, the Journal reported, and try to pass measures to extend this year’s budget and avoid a government shutdown in 2025. He could also appoint a new prime minister to address the budget. Further ReadingTight race for the North Carolina Supreme Court is heading to another recount
Alberta minister wants to see $100B in data centre infrastructure in next five years
NEW YORK (AP) — There's no place like home for the holidays. And that may not necessarily be a good thing. In the wake of the very contentious and divisive 2024 presidential election, the upcoming celebration of Thanksgiving and the ramp-up of the winter holiday season could be a boon for some — a respite from the events of the larger world in the gathering of family and loved ones. Hours and even days spent with people who have played the largest roles in our lives. Another chapter in a lifetime of memories. That's one scenario. For others, that same period — particularly because of the polarizing presidential campaign — is something to dread. There is the likelihood of disagreements, harsh words, hurt feelings and raised voices looming large. Those who make a study of people and their relationships to each other in an increasingly complex 21st-century say there are choices that those with potentially fraught personal situations can make — things to do and things to avoid — that could help them and their families get through this time with a minimum of open conflict and a chance at getting to the point of the holidays in the first place. For those who feel strongly about the election's outcome, and know that the people they would be spending the holiday feel just as strongly in the other direction, take the time to honestly assess if you're ready to spend time together in THIS moment, barely a few weeks after Election Day — and a time when feelings are still running high. The answer might be that you're not, and it might be better to take a temporary break, says Justin Jones-Fosu, author of “I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World.” “You have to assess your own readiness,” he says, “Each person is going be very different in this.” He emphasizes that it's not about taking a permanent step back. “Right now is that moment that we’re talking about because it’s still so fresh. Christmas may be different.” Keep focused on why why you decided to go in the first place, Jones-Fosu says. Maybe it’s because there’s a relative there you don’t get to see often, or a loved one is getting up in age, or your kids want to see their cousins. Keeping that reason in mind could help you get through the time. If you decide getting together is the way to go, but you know politics is still a dicey subject, set a goal of making the holiday a politics-free zone and stick with it, says Karl Pillemer, a professor at Cornell University whose work includes research on family estrangement. “Will a political conversation change anyone’s mind?" he says. “If there is no possibility of changing anyone’s mind, then create a demilitarized zone and don’t talk about it.” Let’s be honest. Sometimes, despite best efforts and intentions to keep the holiday gathering politics- and drama-free, there’s someone who’s got something to say and is going to say it. In that case, avoid getting drawn into it, says Tracy Hutchinson, a professor in the graduate clinical mental health counseling program at the College of William & Mary in Virginia. “Not to take the hook is one of the most important things, and it is challenging,” she says. After all, you don’t have to go to every argument you’re invited to. If you risk getting caught up in the moment, consider engaging in what Pillemer calls “forward mapping.” This involves thinking medium and long term rather than just about right now — strategy rather than tactics. Maybe imagine yourself six months from now looking back on the dinner and thinking about the memories you'd want to have. “Think about how you would like to remember this holiday,” he says. “Do you want to remember it with your brother and sister-in-law storming out and going home because you’ve had a two-hour argument?” Things getting intense? Defuse the situation. Walk away. And it doesn't have to be in a huff. Sometimes a calm and collected time out is just what you — and the family — might need. Says Hutchinson: “If they do start to do something like that, you could say, `I’ve got to make this phone call. I’ve got to go to the bathroom. I’m going to take a walk around the block.'"Analysis: All the ingredients were there for a 'trap game.' The Steelers baked up a masterpiece
Interest in Bluesky exploded after Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House, especially in Europe where concerns about Elon Musk’s tenure and shift politically rightwards drew a wave of disquiet. As an alternative to Twitter (or ‘X’), Bluesky is growing, although its peak interest currenlty only a fraction of Twitter’s current interest. As an expert explains, Bluesky may not be sufficiently differentiated from Twitter and this similarity is probably going to hinder the micro-blogger’s growth. Politically there are differences, with Bluesky being left-leaning and Twitter a right wing platform is attracting tremendous interest from across the globe, including in the UK and the US where Google searches for the service exploded in mid-November. In terms of ownership, Bluesky is classed as a U.S. public benefit corporation. Marketing expert Toni Marino has considered why users are shifting: “The spike in interest in Bluesky arrived after Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House at the start of November. Harris voters wanted a platform that would allow them to connect with other left-leaning users and escape what they see as a right-wing, Musk-led takeover of Twitter.” Marino continues, considering the two platforms from the U.S. context: “However, we need to put Bluesky’s rise in context. While the platform is growing, it is still small fry compared to Twitter. US searches for the service are around 10 percent of those for Twitter in most states, even during the last election month, meaning Bluesky still has a long way to go if it wants to compete. Twitter has an established user base and an audience who know and love the platform. It is difficult to imagine a usurper replacing it outright because it is so embedded in the culture.” Marino does not mention Europe or the UK, where Blusky has been growing more rapidly. Driven by strong growth from outside of the U.S., Bluesky is growing rapidly and is currently picking up around one million new sign-ups a day. Moving on to how Blusky might grow, Marino sees coming up with something distinctive as the key: “If Bluesky is to compete with Twitter, it will need to differentiate itself somehow. Donald Trump’s Truth Social did this by leaning more into right-wing politics. Bluesky could do the same–providing an outlet for left-wing views.” Bluesky was created in 2019 as a research project within Twitter led by then-CEO Jack Dorsey. It eventually severed ties with Twitter and became an independent company following Musk’s acquisition. This evolution is one reason why the two platforms have a similar design and function. Marino also thinks: “Bluesky could also do what Snapchat did to Instagram by adding new and innovative features. When Snapchat launched Stories, Instagram was forced to respond. You could see something similar playing out here.” In his closing view, Marino considers finance: “If Bluesky is to succeed, it will need to find a way to monetize its content, something Twitter finds a struggle to this day. Options include in-feed ads and perhaps banners, but these are low-revenue and may hamper growth.” Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.Trump seeks to have Georgia election case dismissed, citing presidential immunityBree on Chelsea: 'I think 5-1 at the end of the day flatters them a little bit'
NEW YORK , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global cylindrical lithium-ion battery market size is estimated to grow by USD 11.61 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.59% during the forecast period. Shift in the automotive industry to evs is driving market growth, with a trend towards revisions in lithium-ion battery safety standards. However, safety concerns in lithium-ion batteries poses a challenge. Key market players include Altertek Ltd., BorgWarner Inc., E One Moli Energy Corp., EVE Energy Co. Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., LG Corp., Lithion Power Group Ltd., Lithium Werks, Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Nanograf Corp., Northvolt AB, OptimumNano Energy Co. Ltd., Panasonic Holdings Corp., PowerTech Systems, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Sony Group Corp., Tesla Inc., The Duracell Co., TotalEnergies SE, and VARTA AG . Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), established in 1906, sets the global standard for batteries, including lithium-ion batteries. With the increasing focus on lithium-ion batteries due to their unique characteristics, the IEC has revised the battery safety standards. The IEC 62133 standard, which covers testing instructions for nickel- and lithium-based batteries, has been updated. Mechanical testing now requires specific shock and vibration testing, previously covered by UN38.3 testing. Overcharging testing involves charging batteries at 1.4 times the maximum charging voltage for 1S battery packs, compared to the previous maximum voltage charging. Labeling requirements now include IEC 61960 details: battery type, manufacturing date, rated capacity, manufacturer name, nominal voltage, and polarity markings. These revisions aim to enhance safety and reduce risks associated with cylindrical lithium-ion batteries, contributing to the growth of the global market for these batteries. The Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing demand from various industries. Digital cameras, battery-operated material-handling equipment, automation, and smart devices are major consumers. The renewable energy sector also drives growth, as Li-ion batteries provide efficient energy storage. Lithium ions, the key component, move between the negative electrode (carbon anode) and positive electrode (cobalt oxide cathode), releasing chemical energy and converting it into electrical energy. Li-ion batteries offer high energy density, long charge and discharge cycles, and low carbon footprint. LiCoO2 and LiMn2O4 batteries are popular types. The market's future looks bright, with advancements in automotive, medical devices, and grid energy storage applications. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Lithium-ion batteries are a popular choice in the automotive industry and consumer electronics due to their high energy density and superior electrochemical performance. However, these batteries have safety concerns as they use a flammable electrolyte and are susceptible to leakage and drying out, which can lead to explosions or short-circuits. The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) has regulations limiting the shipment of Lithium-ion batteries to a 2.5-kg package due to safety concerns. Separators are a crucial component in these batteries, acting as a fuse by shutting down pores during overheating. Uneven separators can cause battery failure due to poor conductivity in dry areas, posing a risk of disastrous incidents, albeit with a low probability. These safety concerns may hinder the growth of the global cylindrical lithium-ion battery market during the forecast period. The Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing demand from various industries and applications. Automobiles and industrial operations are major consumers, with automotive applications including electric vehicles, e-bikes, and automated guided vehicles. In electronics, laptops, mobile phones, power tools, and portable products drive demand. However, challenges exist. Government policies and GHG emissions concerns are pushing for green energy solutions. Commercial charging stations and energy storage systems are essential for electric vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries, with their high-power capacity, are key. Cylindrical batteries, with their cylindrical cell design, metal casing, and various electrode materials like Lithium Iron Phosphate, Lithium Cobalt Oxide, Lithium Titanate Oxide, and Lithium Manganese Oxide, cater to diverse sectors like Aerospace, Marine, Medical, Industrial, Power, Telecommunication, and consumer electronics. The automotive segment, including cars and buses, is a significant market. Despite these opportunities, challenges remain. Carbon discharges during production and disposal pose environmental concerns. Regulatory pressures and consumer expectations call for more sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient solutions. Innovations in battery technology, recycling, and circular economy models will be crucial. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This cylindrical lithium-ion battery market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Automotive 1.2 Industrial 1.3 Others 2.1 Lithium nickel manganese cobalt 2.2 Lithium titanate 2.3 Lithium iron phosphate 2.4 Lithium cobalt oxide 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Automotive- The automotive segment of the Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the increasing adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and e-bikes. Lithium-ion batteries, including cylindrical types, offer advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries, such as higher energy density, better performance, longer cycle life, production automation, and improved security. Cylindrical lithium-ion batteries are more cost-effective due to their higher energy density, faster charging times, and longer lifespan, making them a preferred choice for leading EV manufacturers like Tesla. Government support for EVs due to environmental concerns and the deployment of subsidies and incentives are further fueling market growth. For instance, France and the UK have announced plans to ban the sale of diesel vehicles by 2040. In the e-bike segment, cylindrical lithium-ion batteries are increasingly popular due to their longer running times and faster charging rates. Technological advancements and declining battery prices are also contributing factors. The market is shifting towards 20700 and 21700 rechargeable cylindrical lithium-ion batteries, offering increased capacity and improved performance. The growth of the EV industry in the coming years is expected to continue driving the market during the forecast period. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery Market refers to the global industry dedicated to producing and supplying cylindrical shaped Lithium-Ion Batteries. These batteries are widely used in various applications due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and excellent power output. They store chemical energy and convert it into electrical energy, making them ideal for consumer electronics and energy storage systems. Operating at different voltage levels, these batteries are finding increasing demand in portable electronics and automotive verticals, including electric vehicles, e-bikes, automated guided vehicles, and battery-driven vehicles. Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Batteries consist of a Negative Electrode, Positive Electrode, Intercalated Lithium Compound, and an Electrolyte. Lithium ions move between the electrodes during charging and discharging. The batteries are rechargeable, making them a preferred choice for applications requiring high-power capacity and off-grid electrification. Despite their benefits, the production and disposal of Lithium-Ion Batteries have a carbon footprint, which is a concern for the environment and is being addressed through research and innovation in the industry. Market Research Overview Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Game Changer in Energy Storage Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Batteries are a type of rechargeable battery known for their high energy density, long cycle life, and excellent performance. These batteries store chemical energy and convert it into electrical energy when required. They are widely used in various applications, including consumer electronics, medical devices, automobiles, industrial operations, and automation. The cylindrical design offers several advantages, such as high-power capacity, long charge and discharge cycles, and compatibility with various electrode materials like LiCoO2 battery, LiMn2O4 battery, Lithium Iron Phosphate, Lithium Cobalt Oxide, Lithium Titanate Oxide, and Lithium Manganese Oxide. The batteries consist of a cylindrical cell with a metal casing, electrodes, and an electrolyte. The growing demand for portable electronics, electric vehicles, and green energy is driving the market for cylindrical lithium-ion batteries. However, concerns over their carbon footprint and the need for sustainable energy solutions have led to government policies and commercial charging stations promoting the use of renewable energy sources. The batteries have applications in various sectors, including aerospace, marine, medical, industrial, power, telecommunication, and automotive. In the automotive segment, they are used in electric vehicles, e-bikes, automated guided vehicles, and battery-driven vehicles. They are also used in power tools, portable products, and various smart devices. The electrodes in cylindrical lithium-ion batteries consist of a negative electrode (usually made of graphite carbon anode), a positive electrode (cobalt oxide cathode or other materials), and an intercalated lithium compound. The batteries operate at various voltages, depending on the application. The use of lithium-ion batteries in various applications contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as they offer a more efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources. However, efforts are being made to reduce the carbon footprint of lithium-ion battery production and disposal. In summary, cylindrical lithium-ion batteries are a versatile and high-performing energy storage solution with a wide range of applications and benefits. Their increasing use in various sectors is expected to drive market growth, while efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable production and disposal will ensure their long-term viability. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application Automotive Industrial Others Type Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Lithium Titanate Lithium Iron Phosphate Lithium Cobalt Oxide Geography APAC North America Europe South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioNew Aquila DSP Delivers Cost, Power, and Scalability for 2 km to 20 km Connectivity, Extending Marvell Optical Interconnect Leadership SANTA CLARA, Calif. , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Marvell Technology, Inc . (NASDAQ: MRVL), a leader in data infrastructure semiconductor solutions, today announced Marvell® Aquila , the industry's first coherent-lite DSP optimized for 1.6 Tbps coherent optical transceiver modules operating at O-band wavelengths. By combining advanced coherent modulation with scalable O-band optics, the Aquila DSP delivers a power and performance-optimized solution tailored for the emerging market for distributed campus data center interconnects spanning up to 20 km with high bandwidth and low latency. The industry is shifting from large-scale facilities to campus-based data centers due to power and space constraints. While PAM4 interconnects remain the standard for inside data center connections and coherent data center interconnect (DCI) interconnects address regional data center connectivity, both areas where Marvell is the industry leader, campus-based data centers require optimized interconnects spanning 2-20 km, driving the need for coherent-lite technology. Marvell, leveraging its unique expertise in both PAM4 and coherent DSPs, is leading this market transformation. Traditional coherent DSPs are optimized for C-band tunable optics, which lack the scalability needed for high-volume data center deployment. The new Aquila coherent-lite DSP introduces an innovative O-band coherent architecture that delivers cost efficiency, power savings, and scalability, enabling the next generation of campus-based data center connectivity. "Interconnect bandwidth, data center traffic, and data center capacity needs are all growing at accelerated rates because of AI, and operators are limited by the available power delivery in a single building," said Xi Wang , vice president of product marketing for Optical Connectivity at Marvell. "Aquila offers data center operators a new, groundbreaking avenue for optimizing their infrastructure for sustainability and developing campus facilities that can scale with their customers' demands for cloud and AI services." "The transition to distributed data centers is creating a growing demand for innovative solutions to address campus connectivity challenges," said Osa Mok , chief marketing officer at TeraHop Ltd. (previously known as InnoLight Technology). "Marvell's Aquila represents a significant step forward, bringing coherent technologies to this evolving market. By combining the advancements from Aquila with TeraHop's expertise in coherent modules and scalable optical solutions, we are establishing a new standard for performance and efficiency in campus networks." "Shipments of coherent-lite solutions are expected to grow from sample volumes this year to over 1 million units per year by 2029," said Vlad Kozlov , founder and CEO of LightCounting. "Coherent-lite technology like Aquila from Marvell expands the options available to hyperscalers, providing a more energy-efficient solution to an emerging and critical use case." Aquila is one of the latest members of the Marvell interconnect portfolio, optimized for specific use cases to help data centers maximize the utilization and performance of their infrastructure while reducing overall cost and power per bit. The extensive 1.6 Tbps portfolio also includes the Marvell LPO TIA and driver chipset; Ara , the industry's first 3nm PAM4 interconnect platform; Nova family of PAM4 DSPs featuring 200 Gbps electrical and optical interfaces; and Alaska® A PAM4 DSP for active electrical cables. Aquila Coherent-lite DSP Attributes Availability The Marvell Aquila coherent-lite DSP is sampling to select customers. About Marvell To deliver the data infrastructure technology that connects the world, we're building solutions on the most powerful foundation: our partnerships with our customers. Trusted by the world's leading technology companies for over 25 years, we move, store, process and secure the world's data with semiconductor solutions designed for our customers' current needs and future ambitions. Through a process of deep collaboration and transparency, we're ultimately changing the way tomorrow's enterprise, cloud, automotive, and carrier architectures transform—for the better. Marvell and the M logo are trademarks of Marvell or its affiliates. Please visit www.marvell.com for a complete list of Marvell trademarks. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future events, results or achievements. Actual events, results or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated in this press release. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed by us from time to time with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and no person assumes any obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, contact: Kim Markle pr@marvell.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marvell-unveils-industrys-first-coherent-lite-1-6-tbps-o-band-optimized-dsp-for-data-center-campus-connectivity-302328132.html SOURCE Marvell Best trending stories from the week. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. You may occasionally receive promotions exclusive discounted subscription offers from the Roswell Daily Record. Feel free to cancel any time via the unsubscribe link in the newsletter you received. You can also control your newsletter options via your user dashboard by signing in.
Telehealth Update: DEA/HHS Temporary Rule, Medicare Coverage of Telehealth Services, Potential for Increased Oversight, and What to Watch For in 2025My love of movie scoundrels has been sorely tested this year. When I was young, I daydreamed of exotic heists, slick con artists and lovable crooks I’d seen on screen. For most of my moviegoing life, I’ve been a sucker for larceny done well. Most of us are, probably. Related Articles ‘Nightbitch’ review: Amy Adams goes feral in a cautionary tale of love and parental imbalance ‘Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary’ review: More than an ironic musical pleasure Review: Angelina Jolie glides through ‘Maria’ like an iceberg, but a chilly Callas isn’t enough ‘Sweethearts’ review: Breakup-focused romcom is largely engaging Making ‘Queer’ required openness. Daniel Craig was ready But now it’s late 2024. Mood is wrong. In the real world, in America, it’s scoundrel time all the time. Maybe Charles Dickens was right. In “American Notes for General Circulation” (1842), the English literary superstar chronicled his travels and detected a widespread, peculiarly American “love of ‘smart’ dealing” across the land. In business and in politics, Dickens observed, slavish admiration of the con men among them “gilds over many a swindle and gross breach of trust.” And here we are. It’ll pass, this scoundrel reprieve of mine. In fact it just did. All it took was thinking about the conspicuous, roguish outlier on my best-of-2024 list: “Challengers.” It’s what this year needed and didn’t know it: a tricky story of lying, duplicitous weasels on and off the court. The best films this year showed me things I hadn’t seen, following familiar character dynamics into fresh territory. Some were more visually distinctive than others; all made eloquent cases for how, and where, their stories unfolded. “All We Imagine as Light,” recently at the Gene Siskel Film Center, works like a poem, or a sustained exhalation of breath, in its simply designed narrative of three Mumbai hospital workers. Fluid, subtly political, filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s achievement is very nearly perfect. So is cowriter-director RaMell Ross’ adaptation of the Colson Whitehead novel “The Nickel Boys,” arriving in Chicago-area theaters on Jan. 3, 2025. “Nickel Boys,” the film, loses the “the” in Whitehead’s title but gains an astonishingly realized visual perspective. If Ross never makes another movie, he’ll have an American masterpiece to his credit. The following top 10 movies of 2024 are in alphabetical order. “All We Imagine as Light” Both a mosaic of urban ebb and flow, and a delicate revelation of character, director and writer Payal Kapadia’s Mumbai story is hypnotic, patient and in its more traditional story progression, a second feature every bit as good as Kapadia’s first, 2021’s “A Night of Knowing Nothing.” “Anora” Mikey Madison gives one of the year’s funniest, saddest, truest performances as a Brooklyn exotic dancer who takes a shine to the gangly son of a Russian oligarch, and he to her. Their transactional courtship and dizzying Vegas marriage, followed by violently escalating complications, add up to filmmaker Sean Baker’s triumph, capped by an ending full of exquisite mysteries of the human heart. “The Brutalist” As played by Adrien Brody, the title character is a visionary architect and Hungarian Jewish emigre arriving in America in 1947 after the Holocaust. (That said, the title refers to more than one character.) His patron, and his nemesis, is the Philadelphia blueblood industrialist played by Guy Pearce. Director/co-writer Brady Corbet’s thrillingly ambitious epic, imperfect but loaded with rewarding risks, was shot mostly in widescreen VistaVision. Worth seeing on the biggest screen you can find. Opens in Chicago-area theaters on Jan. 10, 2025. “Challengers” Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor play games with each other, on the tennis court and in beds, while director Luca Guadagnino builds to a match-point climax that can’t possibly work, and doesn’t quite — but I saw the thing twice anyway. “Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World” In Bucharest, production assistant Angela zigzags around the city interviewing people for her employer’s workplace safety video. If that sounds less than promising, even for a deadpan Romanian slice-of-life tragicomedy, go ahead and make the mistake of skipping this one. llinca Manolache is terrific as Angela. “Green Border” Like “Do Not Expect Too Much,” director Agnieszka Holland’s harrowing slice of recent history was a 2023 release, making it to Chicago in early 2024. Set along the densely forested Poland/Belarus border, this is a model of well-dramatized fiction honoring what refugees have always known: the fully justified, ever-present fear of the unknown. “Janet Planet” A quiet marvel of a feature debut from writer-director Annie Baker, this is a mother/daughter tale rich in ambiguities and wry humor, set in a lovely, slightly forlorn corner of rural Massachusetts. Julianne Nicholson, never better; Zoe Ziegler as young, hawk-eyed Lacy, equally memorable. “My Old Ass” I love this year’s nicest surprise. The premise: A teenager’s future 39-year-old self appears to her, magically, via a strong dose of mushrooms. The surprise: Writer-director Megan Park gradually deepens her scenario and sticks a powerfully emotional landing. Wonderful work from Aubrey Plaza, Maisy Stella, Maria Dizzia and everybody, really. “Nickel Boys” From the horrific true story of a Florida reform school and its decades of abuse, neglect and enraging injustice toward its Black residents, novelist Colson Whitehead’s fictionalized novel makes a remarkable jump to the screen thanks to co-writer/director RaMell Ross’s feature debut. “A Real Pain” Cousins, not as close as they once were, reunite for a Holocaust heritage tour in Poland and their own search for their late grandmother’s childhood home. They’re the rootless Benji (Kieran Culkin) and tightly sprung David (Jesse Eisenberg, who wrote and directed). Small but very sure, this movie’s themes of genocidal trauma and Jewish legacy support the narrative every step of the way. Culkin is marvelous; so is the perpetually undervalued Eisenberg. To the above, I’ll add 10 more runners-up, again in alphabetical order: “Blink Twice,” directed by Zoe Kravitz. “Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger. “Dune: Part Two ,” directed by Denis Villeneuve. “Good One ,” directed by India Donaldson. “Hit Man,” directed by Richard Linklater. “Joker: Folie a Deux,” directed by Todd Phillips. “Nosferatu,” directed by Robert Eggers, opens in Chicago-area theaters on Dec. 25. “The Outrun,” directed by Nora Fingscheidt. “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat,” directed by Johan Grimonprez. “Tuesday,” directed by Daina O. Pusić. Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.