
Art viewers are invited to ponder on the delicate balance between environmental conservation and the preservation of local livelihoods in the region at "Net Loss", which is running at SAC Gallery until Jan 11. This is the third solo exhibition by renowned Thai artist Pichai Pongsasaovapark, who continues to explore the intricate relationship between humanity and the environment. This time, his attention is on the southern fishing communities of Pattani, whose livelihoods are now being threatened by government regulations aimed at curbing Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing. Born from the personal experiences of his own family, this thought-provoking exhibition delves into the complexities of conservation policies that, while necessary for preserving marine ecosystems, have left local fishermen struggling to adapt. The exhibition's title resonates deeply with both the environmental and economic losses faced by these coastal communities. Through his evocative sculptures, installations and multimedia works, the artist used the residue of ash and sand from burned ship parts; iron filings from ground nails, nuts and screws of ships; and scrap from decommissioned fishing vessels to poetically capture the human cost of these policies. In his piece Boat Spirit, he transforms dismantled boats into gilded vessels, honouring the spiritual bond between the fishermen and their boats. Another key work, 48 Lost Boats, serves as a poignant tribute to the many boats that have been rendered obsolete by regulatory changes. This installation embodies not only the tangible loss of these vessels but also the cultural and economic hardship they represent for those who depend on the sea for their survival. The exhibition calls upon us to rethink our approach to conservation, reminding us that true sustainability lies not only in the protection of nature but in the empowerment of the communities who are its stewards. SAC Gallery is on Sukhumvit 39 and opens Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm. Visit sac.gallery.Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious health concern that can be fatal if not identified and treated promptly. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, and wood. Here are six common scenarios that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and how to recognize and prevent it.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin public worker and teachers unions scored a major legal victory Monday with a ruling that restores collective bargaining rights they lost under a 2011 state law that sparked weeks of protests and made the state the center of the national battle over union rights. That law, known as Act 10, effectively ended the ability of most public employees to bargain for wage increases and other issues, and forced them to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits. Under the ruling by Dane County Circuit Judge Jacob Frost, all public sector workers who lost their collective bargaining power would have it restored to what was in place prior to 2011. They would be treated the same as the police, firefighter and other public safety unions that were exempted under the law. Republicans vowed to immediately appeal the ruling, which ultimately is likely to go before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. That only amplifies the importance of the April election that will determine whether the court remains controlled 4-3 by liberal justices. Former Gov. Scott Walker, who proposed the law that catapulted him onto the national political stage, decried the ruling in a post on the social media platform X as “brazen political activism.” He said it makes the state Supreme Court election “that much more important.” Supporters of the law have said it provided local governments more control over workers and the powers they needed to cut costs. Repealing the law, which allowed schools and local governments to raise money through higher employee contributions for benefits, would bankrupt those entities, backers of Act 10 have argued. Democratic opponents argue that the law has hurt schools and other government agencies by taking away the ability of employees to collectively bargain for their pay and working conditions. Union leaders were overjoyed with the ruling, which affects tens of thousands of public employees. “We realize there may still be a fight ahead of us in the courts, but make no mistake, we’re ready to keep fighting until we all have a seat at the table again,” said Ben Gruber, a conservation warden and president of AFSCME Local 1215. The law was proposed by Walker and enacted by the Republican-controlled Legislature in spite of massive protests that went on for weeks and drew as many as 100,000 people to the Capitol. The law has withstood numerous legal challenges over the years, but this was the first brought since the Wisconsin Supreme Court flipped to liberal control in 2023. The seven unions and three union leaders that brought the lawsuit argued that the law should be struck down because it creates unconstitutional exemptions for firefighters and other public safety workers. Attorneys for the Legislature and state agencies countered that the exemptions are legal, have already been upheld by other courts, and that the case should be dismissed. But Frost sided with the unions in July, saying the law violates equal protection guarantees in the Wisconsin Constitution by dividing public employees into “general” and “public safety” employees. He ruled that general employee unions, like those representing teachers, can not be treated differently from public safety unions that were exempt from the law. His ruling Monday delineated the dozens of specific provisions in the law that must be struck. Wisconsin Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he looked forward to appealing the ruling. “This lawsuit came more than a decade after Act 10 became law and after many courts rejected the same meritless legal challenges,” Vos said in a statement. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state’s largest business lobbying organization, also decried the ruling. WMC President Kurt Bauer called Act 10 “a critical tool for policymakers and elected officials to balance budgets and find taxpayer savings.” The Legislature said in court filings that arguments made in the current case were rejected in 2014 by the state Supreme Court. The only change since that ruling is the makeup of Wisconsin Supreme Court, attorneys for the Legislature argued. The Act 10 law effectively ended collective bargaining for most public unions by allowing them to bargain solely over base wage increases no greater than inflation. It also disallowed the automatic withdrawal of union dues, required annual recertification votes for unions, and forced public workers to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits. The law was the signature legislative achievement of Walker, who was targeted for a recall election he won. Walker used his fights with unions to mount an unsuccessful presidential run in 2016. Frost, the judge who issued Monday’s ruling, appeared to have signed the petition to recall Walker from office. None of the attorneys sought his removal from the case and he did not step down. Frost was appointed to the bench by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who signed the Walker recall petition. The law has also led to a dramatic decrease in union membership across the state. The nonpartisan Wisconsin Policy Forum said in a 2022 analysis that since 2000, Wisconsin had the largest decline in the proportion of its workforce that is unionized. In 2015, the GOP-controlled Wisconsin Legislature approved a right-to-work law that limited the power of private-sector unions. Public sector unions that brought the lawsuit are the Abbotsford Education Association; the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Locals 47 and 1215; the Beaver Dam Education Association; SEIU Wisconsin; the Teaching Assistants’ Association Local 3220 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 695.Looking ahead, the outlook for Chinese concept stocks remains positive, supported by favorable government policies, resilient economic growth, retail investor participation, and a flourishing tech sector. However, it is essential for investors to remain vigilant and informed about the risks and uncertainties that may impact the market dynamics in the future. As always, conducting thorough research and seeking professional advice are crucial for making informed investment decisions in the ever-evolving landscape of Chinese concept stocks.
Amidst the legal wrangling and public scrutiny surrounding the case, the man at the center of the controversy remains determined to seek justice and recoup his losses, while also advocating for greater transparency and accountability in the realm of self-discipline challenges. His story serves as a cautionary tale for those considering embarking on similar challenges in the future, underscoring the need for careful consideration, due diligence, and a clear understanding of the risks involved.
The yuan's surge has been fueled by a combination of factors, including China's strong economic recovery, increased foreign investment inflows, and a more favorable global outlook for the Chinese currency. The Chinese economy has rebounded strongly from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with robust growth in industrial production, retail sales, and export orders. This strong economic performance has boosted confidence in the yuan and attracted foreign investors looking for higher returns.In yet another bold move that has sent shockwaves through the international community, President Donald Trump has once again threatened to withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) unless member countries increase their financial contributions and share the burden of funding the alliance more fairly.The incident also reignited discussions around the importance of robust infrastructure and backup systems in the financial services industry, where even a momentary disruption can have far-reaching consequences for investors and market stability. As more and more retail investors turn to mobile trading apps for convenience and accessibility, brokerage firms must prioritize the reliability and security of their digital platforms to maintain the trust and loyalty of their clientele.
The Baltimore Ravens showed why they're in a different weight class than their AFC counterparts. Baltimore defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 30-23 on the road to conclude Week 12 on Monday Night Football . Los Angeles started strong behind an energetic offense led by Justin Herbert and defensive stops, but it didn't prove sustainable, especially after J.K. Dobbins was ruled out with a knee injury. Once Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Co. got going, the Chargers found out they didn't have enough lightning to strike back. The result moved Baltimore to 8-4, while Los Angeles fell to 7-4. Let's analyze the matchup further with winners and losers: While Jackson's passing completions and yards didn't light up the stat sheet, they didn't need to. Henry and Hill made things happen on the ground that allowed Jackson's game to be much simpler. Henry led the way with a robust 140 yards on 24 carries, while Hill chipped in 55 on four carries thanks to a 51-yard house call midway through the fourth. Jackson added a crafty rushing touchdown himself early on as the Ravens totaled 213 ground yards. Dobbins enjoyed a positive start to the game with 40 rushing yards on six carries before being ruled out with an injury. The onus shifted to Edwards, who is in his first season with Los Angeles after a five-year run with Baltimore. But the former Raven couldn't get revenge against his former team, mustering a poor 11 yards on nine carries. He scored a late one-yard touchdown that helped flatter the scoreboard. Herbert started off well, but the offense couldn't sustain enough long drives to maintain pace with Baltimore. Jackson's two touchdown throws were both brilliant hauls from the receivers. The first involved Rashod Bateman. With just under 30 seconds before halftime, Jackson heaved a deep ball into the end zone, where Bateman somehow brought it in despite heavy contact. The second came early in the fourth quarter. This time it was Mark Andrews on third-and-goal, who got up to "Moss" his marker. Los Angeles' 2023 first-round pick continues to be a disappointment. The Chargers hoped Johnston could develop into an improved wideout as a sophomore, but the TCU product just hasn't been able to deliver. The 6-foot-4 wideout was targeted five times, but he did not record a single reception. Instead, rookie second-rounder Ladd McConkey led the receiving department with six catches on six targets for 83 yards. Los Angeles' lack of offensive weapons continues to be a weakness against better opposition. The older brother strengthened his dominance. John Harbaugh, Baltimore's head coach, moved to 3-0 all time against his younger brother, Jim, Los Angeles' head coach. Both wins came in the 2011 season when John's Ravens beat Jim's San Francisco 49ers in the regular season and, eventually, the 2013 Super Bowl. Jim may have a CFP national championship under his name with Michigan, but he is still winless in the "Harbaugh Bowl."NoneA version of this story appeared in CNN’s What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here . The cold-blooded assassination of a health care CEO has uncorked a torrent of public anger at the health insurance industry. Should the ugliness of that fact make Americans bottle the anger back up? The suspected killer, Luigi Mangione , is preparing for a murder trial in New York, and his lawyer said he will plead not guilty. But the rest of the country has an opportunity, awkward though it is, to examine its long-festering frustration at a health insurance system that is unique in the developed world as it squeezes profits for private companies from patients. CNN’s Tami Luhby gathered insurance horror stories from CNN readers , including a recent college graduate who had to simultaneously fight against cancer and her coverage provider’s decision that she should pay a $13,000 monthly copay for a life-saving drug. It’s no wonder that a sizable minority of Americans have reported being in medical debt. A shift on whether coverage is the government’s responsibility A Gallup poll released this week but conducted before the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, found that most Americans, 62%, think it is the responsibility of the federal government to make sure that all Americans have health care coverage. A minority, 36%, said it’s not the government’s responsibility. Gallup has been asking this question for years, and this new data reflects a gradual reversal from 11 years ago, during the troubled rollout of private health insurance exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Back then, a minority, 42%, said it was the federal government’s responsibility to make sure people have health coverage, and a majority, 56%, said it was not. There’s a partisan story behind those numbers, since nearly all Democrats, 90%, now say the government is responsible, compared with a little more than two-thirds in 2013. Just about a third of Republicans hold the same view today, although that is up from just 12% who said the government had a responsibility in 2013. Regardless, any health insurance reform effort to increase government participation in the system would be met with fierce resistance, just like it was in 2010, when then-President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Satisfaction with the health system has dropped The upward shift in Americans who say the government has a responsibility to make sure its citizens have coverage has tracked with a downward shift in satisfaction with the health care system overall in Gallup’s polling. Back in 2013, a majority, 54% of Americans, were satisfied with the quality of health care in the US. Today, that’s down to 44%. Satisfaction with health care coverage has never been high in the more than two decades during which Gallup has tracked it. It hit a high of 41% in 2012 and today is at 28%, the lowest since the early 2000s, the years before Obamacare drastically reformed the insurance industry and required insurers to cover preexisting conditions and keep young people on their parents’ insurance up to the age of 26, as well as greatly expanded Medicaid coverage. A uniquely American system No other country – certainly no other wealthy country like the US – does it this way, with its reliance on employers to provide optional health coverage to most of the country. Some countries have government-run health care systems. Others require citizens to pay for more affordable private insurance. All, except the US, insure nearly all of their citizens. More expensive health care for a shorter life span Any number of studies say similar things, that the US pays a lot more per person and as a percentage of its gross domestic product, or GDP, to cover a much smaller portion of its population and achieve a much lower life expectancy – although life expectancy in the US is also affected by gun deaths, suicides and drug overdoses. KFF , the Peter G. Peterson Foundation and the Commonwealth Fund all have detailed assessments comparing the US system with insurance in other countries. Takeaways include that administrative costs are much higher in the US than in other wealthy countries. It’s perhaps fed by a universe of insurers, one contributor to those costs. One major distinction with the US is that those other countries require coverage for everyone and subsidize it to a greater degree than the US. Here, the government only provides health care for the neediest, through Medicaid, and older Americans, who generally qualify for government-run health coverage in Medicare. Thanks to Obamacare, the government also subsidizes care for those up to certain income levels who don’t get coverage from their employer. The government also subsidizes employer-provided health care in the form of tax breaks. A side story to watch is the rise of Medicare recipients opting for privately run Medicare Advantage plans that are run by private insurers. The Wall Street Journal has recently documented how Medicare Advantage plans can end up costing the government more and also that the sickest patients, rather than face denial of coverage from private insurers, return to Medicare when they need the costliest procedures. Dropping satisfaction with a notable government-run system Struggles with health insurance are not unique to the US. Perhaps the most notable government-run, single-payer system, the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, enjoyed a 70% satisfaction rate in 2010. That’s fallen to just 24% as of 2023, according to a national survey , although that survey found the British people want to improve the system to cut down on wait times for services rather than scrap it for something else. Yet, the US political conversation barely turned to health insurance during the recently concluded presidential campaign, and the health care system was not at the top of voters’ concerns in public opinion polling. President-elect Donald Trump was elected with only “concepts” of a health care policy. He beat Vice President Kamala Harris, who had proposed minimal expansions of Medicare rather than a major change to the system. The last major change to the system was Obamacare, for which Democrats paid a short-term political price when they lost control of the House of Representatives. The law has slowly become more popular – 62% of Americans have a favorable view, according to a KFF tracking poll . But it clearly did not solve the problem of making health care affordable. A major step toward lowering prescription drug costs came from Democrats during the Biden administration, when, after years of trying, they won Medicare the right to negotiate for lower prices on certain drugs . But that faces an uncertain future in the new Trump administration as it fills out its concepts of a plan.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 12, 2024-- Today marks the inaugural International Humanoids Day, a global celebration dedicated to humanoid robotics' role in shaping a better future for humanity. This event coincides with the Humanoids Summit, held in Silicon Valley at the Computer History Museum, the world’s premier gathering focused solely on humanoid robots, underscoring the importance of ethical development, technological innovation, and global collaboration. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212465616/en/ International Humanoids Day is December 12, a global celebration dedicated to humanoid robotics' role in shaping a better future for humanity. In 2024, it was celebrated in conjunction with the Humanoids Summit. (Graphic: Business Wire) International Humanoids Day highlights humanoid robots as the physical manifestation of AI, embodying cutting-edge advancements in embodied AI to improve healthcare, education, and everyday life. The initiative promotes international cooperation, bringing together thought leaders and organizations from the United States, Europe, and Asia. This milestone is supported by a consortium of leading robotics organizations, including Silicon Valley Robotics, ASTM International, Open Robotics, and IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Industry Activities Board. These organizations emphasize the importance of ethical frameworks, global standards, and open collaboration in advancing humanoid robotics. Women in Robotics also champions this initiative, further emphasizing the need for diversity and inclusivity in advancing humanoid robotics. A key highlight is the official release of the Humanoids Standards and Guidelines, led by Aaron Prather, a respected leader in robotics and automation. This groundbreaking framework addresses ethical development, interoperability, and safety for humanoid robots. Prather commented, "These guidelines set a global benchmark, ensuring humanoid robots are developed responsibly and safely integrated into society. The international collaboration behind this initiative demonstrates our collective commitment to a better future.” For more information about ASTM's Standards Group and its role in developing global frameworks, visit https://www.astm.org/ . Modar Alaoui, founder of the Humanoids Summit and organizer of International Humanoids Day, remarked, "This day is not just about celebrating innovation — it’s about fostering a global dialogue on how humanoids can align with human values. Humanoid robots represent the future of embodied AI, a future where technology and humanity co-create progress." For details on the Humanoids Summit, visit the official website at https://www.humanoidssummit.com/ . Andra Keay, Managing Director of Silicon Valley Robotics, added, "International Humanoids Day reflects the global effort required to ensure humanoid robots benefit society. By setting ethical and technical standards, we can harness their full potential while addressing challenges like equity, access, and safety." Kat Scott, Developer Advocate at Open Robotics, shared her thoughts: "Humanoids are the physical manifestation of AI, and their success depends on collaboration across open-source platforms and industry leaders. Days like this bring the community together to drive meaningful progress." International Humanoids Day underscores the United States’ leadership in AI and robotics, while also highlighting the importance of international collaboration. The U.S. leads with initiatives like the Humanoids Standards, while partners in Europe and Asia play a crucial role in fostering global innovation. About International Humanoids Day International Humanoids Day, celebrated on December 12, is dedicated to advancing global awareness and collaboration in humanoid robotics, with a mission to ensure these technologies enhance human life while aligning with ethical and societal values. As AI and embodied AI evolve rapidly, humanoid robots are becoming critical tools in healthcare, education, and industrial applications. Now more than ever, it is vital to establish frameworks that guide the responsible development and adoption of humanoid robots. International Humanoids Day serves as a platform to unite global thought leaders, promote inclusivity, and set standards for a future where technology and humanity work together seamlessly. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212465616/en/ CONTACT: Press Contact Jane Wang media@humanoidssummit.com 650-262-7900 KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY ROBOTICS HARDWARE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: International Humanoids Day Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/12/2024 05:56 PM/DISC: 12/12/2024 05:56 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212465616/en
The recent case of a graduate from a prestigious university being sentenced to 10 years in prison for selling national secrets has sent shockwaves throughout the country. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences that can result from straying from one's original intentions and succumbing to greed and betrayal.
(Word Count: 414 words)As the world mourns the loss of over 184 innocent lives in Haiti, we must redouble our efforts to support the country in its journey towards peace and prosperity. We must stand in solidarity with the Haitian people, offering our prayers, our assistance, and our unwavering commitment to building a better future for all.
As the countdown to the match begins, all eyes are on the returning superstar. His fitness and form will be closely monitored in the lead-up to the game, with fans eagerly anticipating his first appearance back on the field. The stakes are high, with Real Madrid needing a win to stay alive in the competition and salvage their season.
In the world of football, speculation and rumors often swirl around the future of players at top clubs. Recently, British media has reported that Sporting Lisbon manager Amorim holds a great admiration for Manchester United's star player Marcus Rashford, sparking discussions about the young forward's potential future at the club. Despite the rumors, Manchester United is said to have not yet made a decision regarding Rashford's future, leaving fans and pundits alike in anticipation.