
Apple's senior vice president of services Eddy Cue has explained why the iPhone maker does not plan to create a search engine like Google. In a declaration filed with a U.S. federal court in Washington, D.C. last week, Cue said Apple is against the idea for the following reasons: Earlier this year, as part of the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust trial against Google, the court declared that the deal that sees Google set as the default search engine in Apple's web browser Safari is illegal . In his declaration, Cue asked the court to allow Apple to defend the deal by having its own witnesses testify during the trial. "Only Apple can speak to what kinds of future collaborations can best serve its users," wrote Cue. "Apple is relentlessly focused on creating the best user experience possible and explores potential partnerships and arrangements with other companies to make that happen." As part of the deal, Cue revealed that Google paid Apple roughly $20 billion in 2022 alone. If the agreement can no longer continue, Cue said "it would hamstring Apple's ability to continue delivering products that best serve its users' needs." The declaration was earlier reported by Reuters . Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.Savara Announces New Employment Inducement Grant
Nebraska Public Media is making legislative floor debate and committee hearings held at the Nebraska State Capitol accessible to more Nebraskans. Beginning this session, Nebraska Public Media will offer closed captioning in Spanish, as well as in English. The addition is a result of Legislative Bill 254, which passed during the Nebraska Legislature’s 2023 session. Powered by artificial intelligence, new technology integrates closed captioning and real-time translation, providing nearly 100% accuracy according to a press release from Nebraska Public Media. It transforms a resource-intensive process into an efficient, automated solution to document local government. Mark Weakly, Nebraska Public Media’s chief engineer for government services, spearheaded the project, completing it well ahead of the legislative deadline. “The system does a phenomenal job of interpreting speech patterns, including things like accents, hesitations, pacing and variations in how people speak. We’ve trained it to be specific to legislative proceedings with a goal of reaching a wider audience,” Weakly said. As part of LB 254, Nebraska Public Media will also provide the legislature with video files of floor debate and committee hearings for a state-run, searchable digital archive. When the Nebraska Legislature convenes on Jan. 8, gavel-to-gavel broadcasts on Nebraska Public Media’s WORLD television channel, local radio reporting from Fred Knapp during NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” and online streaming at nebraskapublicmedia.org/capitol and on the Nebraska Public Media app will connect constituents with state government action from the debate floor and more than a dozen other venues. Nebraska Public Media’s coverage of legislative issues began in the mid-1950s with the interview series "Your Unicameral," followed by occasional live and videotaped coverage of specific legislative activities beginning in 1967. Gavel-to-gavel coverage began in 1980. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
Skyport has warned the public about an online scam falsely claiming that luggage is being sold off. The airport operator posted on its Facebook page that a fake social media group had been created. Skyport said: “Skyport and LF Wade International Airport are alerting the public about a scam circulating on social media, falsely claiming luggage is being sold for $1.98 under the airport's name. “A fake Facebook page, ‘Bermuda LF Wade’, promotes this offer and is not affiliated with us. “For accurate information, please follow our official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BermudaSkyport . “The fraudulent page can be identified by its minimal activity (6 likes, 7 followers) and unrealistic claims.” The operator advised the public to avoid clicking on suspicious links, or sharing personal or payment details. It also said to report the scam to Facebook and to the Bermuda Police Service. A police spokesman said: “The BPS continues to advise members of the public to beware of social media scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.” The hoax follows other recent online scams including one claiming that the Bermuda Post Office was getting rid of its stock and selling lost parcels for $1.98. Another fraudulent advertisement claimed a “Smart Pass” card could be purchased for $2.55 and provide public transportation for six months.
Hezbollah faces long road to recover from war
Conduct Pending BMC Polls Before March 2025: SP Urges CM FadnavisKim Dotcom shared his first social media post since suffering a life-threatening stroke in November. Dotcom posted a photo with family, with wife Liz Dotcom calling it a “Christmas miracle”. Dotcom was hospitalised in early November, with his lawyer saying they had not known whether he would survive. Kim Dotcom has shared his first social media post since suffering a life-threatening stroke amid his extradition battle. Dotcom was hospitalised in November after having the serious stroke, just months after the Justice Minister signed an extradition order for the internet entrepreneur, who faces charges in the US. “It’s been very serious and we honestly did not know whether he would survive or what that looks like,” his lawyer, Ron Mansfield KC, said at the time. Now the internet mogul has made his first public post since the incident, sharing a photo to X of himself surrounded by family.Harvey Fierstein reveals how he used weight loss drug to shed 120 pounds: 'I don't feel like I'm dieting' Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By CHRISTINE RENDON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 15:02 EST, 23 December 2024 | Updated: 16:13 EST, 23 December 2024 e-mail 21 shares View comments Harvey Fierstein has revealed the key to his dramatically trimmer physique. Fierstein, 70, a playwright and actor, credited a weight loss drug in helping him shed the pounds - and it's not celeb-favorite Ozempic. In an interview with Page Six , Fierstein revealed he used weight loss medication Zepound to help him achieve his fitness goals. Fierstein gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic and hit 310 pounds, his heaviest weight, before making the shift. He dropped an impressive 120 pounds, regained 15, and has since generally maintained that weight. 'I've sort of stayed at that,' he said. With the help of Zepound, Fierstein says he's able to restrict his food intake without feeling as if he's on a diet. Harvey Fierstein is opening up about his weight loss journey; pictured March Fierstein is a playwright and actor known for roles on Mrs. Doubtfire (pictured) 'What’s different is what the drug actually does for you which is I don’t feel like I’m dieting,' Fierstein said. 'I feel like a normal person. I can go and have dinner with friends and not have to eat every piece of bread on the table and then not go have ice cream when I’ve done with dinner,' he said. Read More Girls just want to have fun! Pink-haired Cyndi Lauper, 62, hugs it out with Sharon Osbourne as the Eighties icon gets star on Hollywood Walk of Fame 'I know what it is to be full like a normal person,' he said. Fierstein, who said he he has been both 'skinny' and 'fat' in his life, said the medicine helped him achieve the balance he needed to ditch the pounds. 'People don’t understand that being fat is not a choice. It’s something that you’re body is out of whack and this puts your body in whack,' he said. 'I’m a great believer in it,' he said. The Independence Day actor has been keeping busy lately with the opening of the Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab at the Library for the Performing Arts. He showcased his slimmer frame as he attended the event last week, and posted a photo from the bash. 'My Bro and I celebrated the opening of our THEATER LAB at the Lincoln Center Performing Arts Library last night. I hope everyone gets to see the miracle that David Rockwell has designed. More than that, I hope the space is used and used and used!!!!' he captioned the post. Not only that, but Fierstein has also been indulging in his love for quilting, which he loves sharing on social media. He played Edna Turnblad on Hairspray! and Hairspray Live! The Independence Day actor has been keeping busy lately with the opening of the Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab at the Library for the Performing Arts Nowadays he's been keeping busy with quilting Fierstein is a playwright and actor known for roles on Broadway and on the big screen; pictured 2016 Fierstein spent the COVID-19 lockdown writing his memoir, I Was Better Last Night, which was released in 2022. To write the book, Fierstein sought Shirley MacLaine's advice. Speaking with DailyMailTV, Fierstein said: 'My agent said to me, "Why don't you write your memoir?" So I did. I wrote to Shirley MacLaine, who has written how many books about how many of her lives? Who better to get advice from than Shirley Maclaine? 'And so I said, "how do I do this?" And she gave me great advice, which was, "trust the memories as they come to you. Your memory will edit everything for you." Fierstein is a playwright and actor known for roles on Broadway and on the big screen. He played Edna Turnblad on Hairspray and also had a memorable role on Mrs. Doubtfire. Ozempic Share or comment on this article: Harvey Fierstein reveals how he used weight loss drug to shed 120 pounds: 'I don't feel like I'm dieting' e-mail 21 shares Add comment
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The St. Petersburg City Council voted Thursday to spend more than $23 million to repair the hurricane-shredded roof of Tropicana Field , with the goal of having the home of the Tampa Bay Rays ready for the 2026 season. The vote followed a decision earlier this week by the Pinellas County Commission to delay until December a vote on revenue bonds needed to finance a new, $1.3 billion Rays ballpark, a project that is in serious jeopardy according to Rays executives. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
NoneLEWISTON, N.Y. (AP) — Jaeden Marshall scored 21 points as Niagara beat Le Moyne 88-69 on Sunday. Marshall shot 5 for 8 (4 for 6 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line for the Purple Eagles (6-7). Justice Smith added 15 points while going 6 of 12 from the floor, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and 2 for 3 from the line and had five rebounds. Zion Russell shot 4 for 7, including 3 for 3 from beyond the arc to finish with 11 points. AJ Dancier finished with 17 points and four steals for the Dolphins (5-10). Le Moyne also got 11 points and 10 rebounds from Ocypher Owens. Dwayne Koroma had nine points and six rebounds. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Local surgeons, donors, and community members are redefining what is possible on Vancouver Island by coming together in support of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s latest campaign, It’s Time for Surgical Innovation . The campaign is aiming to raise $17 million to bring brand-new minimally invasive surgical procedures to the Island. Campaign champions are making a lasting impact by supporting the introduction of robotics and a suite of 50 best-in-class instruments to Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals—the acute centres for Vancouver Island. Together, they are supporting enhanced precision and visualization for surgeons, reduced pain and risk of complications for patients, and reduced care staff requirements. The Foundation is grateful to every donor, caregiver, and champion who has supported the cause to date—may that be through a donation, donated services, or a gift of time or story, for every gift is making a difference. One of these champions is Shirley Hunter, who shares her personal health journey in support: Illness is frightening. When you receive a diagnosis, it can be both terrifying and isolating. Last fall, I was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of colon cancer. I needed to have surgery imminently to remove the tumour on my large intestine—and I am glad it was here, in my home of Victoria, that I would receive treatment. I hadn’t been feeling well in the weeks leading up to my diagnosis. I was sent for several tests, one being a colonoscopy at Victoria General Hospital. I had no idea it was going to be anything but routine. During the procedure, the gastroenterologist came over to me, took my hand and said, “I’m so sorry. You have cancer.” He had tears in his eyes, he was just so empathetic. Dr. Dustin Loomes was thoughtful and kind. He even called me at home the next night to see if I was okay. I so appreciated that. That’s the kind of care that comes from the hearts of our hospital staff. The next few weeks were a flurry of tests and appointments and learning about my condition. So many equipment pieces played a hand in this — I became extra aware of this. I met another wonderful doctor, who would become my general surgeon. The first time I met Dr. Heather Emmerton-Coughlin was in the exam room. “ Just call me Dr. Heather,” she smiled. She put her hand on my arm and said, “I’m going to take care of you.” She was caring, warm, informative, honest and direct. All the things that I really appreciate in medical care. When my scheduled surgery day arrived at Royal Jubilee Hospital, I was not stressed. My husband and my daughter were by my side and understandably worried. I, on the other hand, had a sense of calm come over me, and I think it was because Dr. Heather helped me fully understand what the surgery entailed. I believe attitude is everything in life. I know bad things are going to happen to people from time to time, but life is truly what you make of it. I have been blessed in my life—having a great husband and family, and Victoria to call home. I knew I could face the road ahead with their support, and in this very place. Post-surgery, I spent a lot of time in recovery. I ended up in a room with three other patients, all of whom had different healthcare journeys. I received amazing support from all the nurses— truly. I say that understanding they deal with so much on a daily basis. Two of the nurses got me dressed and on my feet that afternoon. When Dr. Heather came by to check on me, I was relieved to hear the surgery had gone well and that I would be able to recover at home. Dr. Heather said she was able to remove the entire tumour, which provided profound relief. I continued with chemotherapy in January to reduce the risk of recurrence. I just completed that treatment this summer. I realize I have had an amazing journey despite the circumstances of the disease. The doctors will monitor my condition going forward, and I have full faith in their expertise. The care I received was nothing short of remarkable. I owe this to the doctors and the technology we have access to in our hospitals. We have so many wonderfully trained doctors and surgeons in our community. The fact that on top of their expertise, they profoundly care for the patient is a gift. I strongly believe it is our duty as community members to support them. I share my story today with the full understanding that it’s not always easy right now in our current healthcare landscape. I have to say, however, that once you’re in the system, the hospital care provided locally is brilliant. The doctors, surgeons and all the hospital staff are excellent. I would even say: we have some of the best medical professionals in the country, right here in Victoria. I share my story, too, because I believe we need to come together to support our hospitals and healthcare workers. We need to wrap around them to ensure they are equipped with the latest tools and resources, so that they can in turn care in the best possible way for everyone we know who may need their expertise one day. I am a proud donor to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. I believe in their mission, and in their drive to equip our caregivers with the priority tools they need to deliver the best care. To bring the latest technology to our hospitals, including robotics, is of utmost importance for the wellbeing of all. Join me in supporting surgical excellence in our Victoria hospitals. We are all in this together. — Shirley Hunter To learn more and support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s It’s Time for Surgical Innovation campaign, please visit VictoriaHF.ca/ItsTime or call the Foundation at 250-519-1750. During the Canada Post strike, Maximum Express is offering complimentary courier service for donation cheque pick-ups. Please contact the Victoria Hospitals Foundation to arrange this complimentary service. Consider a gift by December 31 to receive a 2024 tax receipt. On behalf of our local caregivers and the patients they serve, thank you . Sponsored by Victoria Hospitals Foundation
Philly Stat 360 Launches—Revolutionizing How Citizens See and Feel Their GovernmentSome quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”
AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Nate Johnson had 18 points in Akron's 92-84 victory against Omaha on Saturday night. Johnson added five assists for the Zips (3-2). Isaiah Gray scored 16 points while going 6 of 10 from the floor, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range, and 2 for 4 from the line. Amani Lyles had 15 points and shot 6 for 9, including 3 for 6 from beyond the arc. Marquel Sutton led the way for the Mavericks (2-5) with 26 points and six rebounds. Lance Waddles added 19 points, 10 rebounds and four assists for Omaha. JJ White also had 16 points. Akron led 40-36 at halftime, with Gray racking up 12 points. Tavari Johnson scored a team-high 12 points for Akron after intermission. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Everyone wants Casey Mittelstadt to shoot the puck more — the Avalanche front office, the coaching staff, even the diehard in Section 320 yelling, "Shoot!" Everyone, including Mittelstadt himself. "I want to shoot more, for sure," the forward told The Gazette. "I think everyone I've ever been coached by has told me that, so yeah, it's definitely a focus." Mittelstadt at the moment is in the midst of a slump he hasn't experienced in the NHL — a slump he hasn't witnessed since he was "really young." Sure, he's had goal-scoring slumps before, even extended ones at the NHL level, but those slumps were different. He was getting shots and opportunities, but the puck just wasn't going in the net. He's not getting those shots or opportunities at the moment. That's a big reason why he has only five points in his past 18 games. All five of those points were assists, which shouldn't come as a surprise when you dig a little deeper. In eight of his last nine games, Mittelstadt has been held without a shot on net. In Friday's matchup against Utah, his frustration was visible. Mittelstadt was battling in the slot for the puck and it bounced over his stick right as he went to shoot, which caused the forward to fire a frustrated look toward the ceiling of the Delta Center. To his credit, he's not making excuses. When asked if he's injured, he quickly shrugged it off. "Sadly, just not my best hockey," he said. While the Avalanche want Mittelstadt to shoot more, they knew his game when they acquired him. He's always been a player whose natural instinct is to set up a teammate as opposed to putting the puck on net himself. If that's the case, what more can the coaching staff do that it hasn't already done? "There's not a lot," Jared Bednar said. "We've shown him some things from last year. I love the way he played for us last year when he came in. I liked the start of the year and it's gone cold, so it's obviously a confidence thing. There's a mental side of it that he has to take care of on his own." While Mittelstadt might not look like a confident player at the moment, the coaching staff and his teammates are fully behind him. "He knows that I really like him as a player," Bednar said. "I am a big fan. I'm a supporter of his and know what he's capable of, so he's just going to have to work through it. He's got his teammates' support; he's got the coaching staff's support. He's going to have to work through it a little bit here to get his confidence back." Putting in the work isn't an issue for Mittelstadt. He's still on the ice early and staying out late with Nathan MacKinnon. Even though he's going through it right now, he's trying to stay positive. He knows what he's doing on practice days will eventually transfer over to game days. "I guess I'm not worried," Mittelstadt said. "I work hard, and my whole life pretty much revolves around this game, so I feel like that usually takes over and wins at some point." His whole life revolving around hockey is an understatement. Over the NHL's Christmas break, the 26-year-old went home to Minnesota to be with friends and family. When asked what the weather was like, he said it was "great," claiming it was a brisk 25-degrees outside. "Perfect pond hockey weather," he said. A guy who thinks like that will eventually break through. The Avalanche — and Mittelstadt — are hoping it happens sooner rather than later.