
Festive Fervor Hits San Antonio as Holidays on Houston Street Lights Up the City
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Ill. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Carol L. Rowe is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions as a Leading Environmental Consultant and President of CWM Company Inc. Carol L. Rowe has established herself as a prominent figure in environmental consulting, serving as the president of CWM Company Inc. since 1991. Under her leadership, CWM Company Inc. has become a pivotal player in the industry, particularly known for its expertise in groundwater remediation and environmental management systems. Ms. Rowe's journey in environmental studies began with a Bachelor of Science in geology from the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1984, followed by a Master of Arts in environmental studies from the University of Illinois Springfield in 1987. She is a certified Professional Geologist, bringing a wealth of academic and professional qualifications to her role. Throughout her career spanning over 30 years, Ms. Rowe has been instrumental in developing clean coal technologies and new regulations for groundwater and underground storage tank legislation. Her proactive approach and deep insights have significantly contributed to addressing environmental challenges with professionalism and foresight. Her dedication and expertise have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Governor's Award from the Coal Development Board, which underscores her substantial contributions to the field. Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Rowe finds joy in creative pursuits such as making jewelry and practicing photography. She is actively involved in community service, participating in fundraisers for parish schools through her local church. Looking ahead, Ms. Rowe aims to diversify CWM Company Inc.'s portfolio into road construction projects and collaborate on state-owned property redevelopment with the Illinois Capital Development Board and Illinois Department of Transportation. Her vision for the future underscores her commitment to innovation and sustainable development in environmental consulting. For more information please visit: http://www.cwmcompany.com/ Contact: Katherine Green , 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE The Inner Circle
CBC resurrects live New Year's Eve broadcast special with coast-to-coast showCHATHAM, N.J. — That buzzing coming out of New Jersey? It’s unclear if it’s drones or something else, but for sure the nighttime sightings are producing tons of talk, a raft of conspiracy theories and craned necks looking skyward. Cropping up on local news and social media sites around Thanksgiving, the saga of the drones reported over New Jersey has reached incredible heights. This week seems to have begun a new, higher-profile chapter: Lawmakers are demanding (but so far not getting) explanations from federal and state authorities about what’s behind them. Gov. Phil Murphy wrote to President Joe Biden asking for answers. New Jersey’s new senator, Andy Kim, spent Thursday night on a drone hunt in rural northern New Jersey, and posted about it on X. More drone sightings have been reported in New York City, and Mayor Eric Adams says the city is investigating and collaborating with New Jersey and federal officials. And then President-elect Donald Trump posted that he believes the government knows more than it’s saying. “Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” he posted on his social media site. But perhaps the most fantastic development is the dizzying proliferation of conspiracies, none of which has been confirmed or suggested by federal and state officials who say they’re looking into what’s happening. It has become shorthand to refer to the flying machines as drones, but there are questions about whether what people are seeing are unmanned aircraft or something else. Some theorize the drones came from an Iranian mothership. Others think they are the Secret Service making sure President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster property is secure. Others worry about China. The deep state. And on. In the face of uncertainty, people have done what they do in 2024: Create a social media group. The Facebook page, New Jersey Mystery Drones — let’s solve it , has more than 53,000 members, up from 39,000 late Thursday. People are posting their photo and video sightings, and the online commenters take it from there. One video shows a whitish light flying in a darkened sky, and one commenter concludes it’s otherworldly. “Straight up orbs,” the person says. Others weigh in to say it’s a plane or maybe a satellite. Another group called for hunting the drones literally, shooting them down like turkeys. (Do not shoot at anything in the sky, experts warn.) Trisha Bushey, 48, of Lebanon Township, New Jersey, lives near Round Valley Reservoir where there have been numerous sightings. She said she first posted photos online last month wondering what the objects were and became convinced they were drones when she saw how they moved and when her son showed her on a flight tracking site that no planes were around. Now she’s glued to the Mystery Drones page, she said. “I find myself — instead of Christmas shopping or cleaning my house — checking it,” she said. She doesn’t buy what the governor said, that the drones aren’t a risk to public safety. Murphy told Biden on Friday that residents need answers. The federal Homeland Security Department and FBI also said in a joint statement they have no evidence that the sightings pose “a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” “How can you say it’s not posing a threat if you don’t know what it is?” she said. “I think that’s why so many people are uneasy.” Then there’s the notion that people could misunderstand what they’re seeing. William Austin is the president of Warren County Community College, which has a drone technology degree program, and is coincidentally located in one of the sighting hotspots. Austin says he has looked at videos of purported drones and that airplanes are being misidentified as drones. He cited an optical effect called parallax, which is the apparent shift of an object when viewed from different perspectives. Austin encouraged people to download flight and drone tracker apps so they can better understand what they’re looking at. Nonetheless, people continue to come up with their own theories. “It represents the United States of America in 2024,” Austin said. “We’ve lost trust in our institutions, and we need it.” Federal officials echo Austin’s view that many of the sightings are piloted aircraft such as planes and helicopters being mistaken for drones, according to lawmakers and Murphy. That’s not really convincing for many, though, who are homing in on the sightings beyond just New Jersey and the East Coast, where others have reported seeing the objects. For Seph Divine, 34, another member of the drone hunting group who lives in Eugene, Oregon, it feels as if it’s up to citizen sleuths to solve the mystery. He said he tries to be a voice of reason, encouraging people to fact check their information, while also asking probing questions. “My main goal is I don’t want people to be caught up in the hysteria and I also want people to not just ignore it at the same time,” he said. “Whether or not it’s foreign military or some secret access program or something otherworldly, whatever it is, all I’m saying is it’s alarming that this is happening so suddenly and so consistently for hours at a time,” he added.
A TikToker who went viral teaching science videos predicts short-form video will make its way into the national curriculum after 2024 saw him publish a new book and win a TikTok award. Emanuel Wallace, 27, from east London, is better known as Big Manny by his 1.9 million followers on TikTok, where he shares videos explaining various science experiments from his back garden while using Jamaican Patois phrases and London slang. In early December, Mr Wallace won the Education Creator of the Year award at the TikTok Awards ceremony, which he said is a “symbol that anything that you put your mind to you can achieve”. The content creator began making videos during the coronavirus pandemic when schools turned to online learning but has since expanded his teaching from videos to paper after releasing his debut book Science Is Lit in August. He believes his “unconventional” teaching methods help to make his content relatable for younger audiences by using slang deriving from his Jamaican and British heritage. “The language that I use, it’s a combination between Jamaican Patois and London slang because I have Jamaican heritage,” the TikToker, who holds a bachelors and masters degree in biomedical science, told the PA news agency. “That’s why in my videos sometimes I might say things like ‘Wagwan’ or ‘you dun know’. I just want to connect with the young people more, so I speak in the same way that they speak. “The words that I use, the way that I deliver the lesson as well, I would say that my method of teaching is quite unconventional. I speak in a way that is quite conversational.” Examples of his videos include lithium batteries catching fire after being sandwiched inside a raw chicken breast, as well as mixing gold with gallium to create blue gold, earning millions of views. Mr Wallace hopes his content will help make the science industry more diverse, saying “the scientists that I was taught about, none of them look like me”. “Now me being a scientist is showing young people that they can become one as well, regardless of the background that they come from, the upbringing that they’ve had,” he said. “I just want to make it seem more attainable and possible for them because if I can do it, and I come from the same place as you, there’s no reason why you can’t do it as well.” The TikToker has seen a shift in more young people turning to the app as a learning resource and feels short-form videos will soon become a part of the national curriculum in schools. “I’m seeing (young people) using that a lot more – social media as a resource for education – and I feel like in the future, it’s going to become more and more popular as well,” he said. “I get a lot of comments from students saying that my teacher showed my video in the classroom as a resource, so I feel like these short form videos are going to be integrated within the national curriculum at some point in the near future.” He also uses his platform to raise awareness of different social issues, which he said is “extremely important”. One of his videos highlighted an anti-knife campaign backed by actor Idris Elba, which earned more than 39 million views, while his clip about the banning of disposable vapes was viewed more than 4.6 million times. He said there is some pressure being a teacher with a large following online but hopes he can be a role model for young people. “I’m aware that I am in the public eye and there’s a lot of young people watching me,” he said. “Young people can be impressionable, so I make sure that I conduct myself appropriately, so that I can be a role model. “I always have the same message for young people, specifically. I tell them to stay curious. Always ask questions and look a little bit deeper into things.” His plans for 2025 include publishing a second Science Is Lit book and expanding his teaching to television where he soon hopes to create his own science show.CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Front Row Motorsports, one of two teams suing NASCAR in federal court, accused the stock car series Thursday of rejecting the planned purchase of a valuable charter unless the lawsuit was dropped. Front Row made the claim in a court filing and said it involved its proposed purchase of the charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. Front Row said the series would only approve it if Front Row and 23XI Racing dropped their court case. "Specifically, NASCAR informed us that it would not approve the (charter) transfer unless we agreed to drop our current antitrust lawsuit against them," Jerry Freeze, general manager of Front Row, said in an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court of Western North Carolina. The two teams in September refused to sign NASCAR's "take-it-or-leave-it" final offer on a new revenue sharing agreement. All other 13 teams signed the deal. Front Row and 23XI balked and are now in court. 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan has said he took the fight to court on behalf of all teams competing in the top motorsports series in the United States. NASCAR has argued that the two teams simply do not like the terms of the final charter agreement and asked for the lawsuit be dismissed. Earlier this week, the suit was transferred to a different judge than the one who heard the first round of arguments and ruled against the two teams in their request for a temporary injunction to be recognized in 2025 as chartered teams as the case proceeds. The latest filing is heavily redacted as it lays out alleged retaliatory actions by NASCAR the teams say have caused irreparable harm. Both Front Row and 23XI want to expand from two full-time cars to three, and have agreements with SHR to purchase one charter each as SHR goes from four cars to one for 2025. The teams can still compete next season but would have to do so as "open" teams that don't have the same protections or financial gains that come from holding a charter. Freeze claimed in the affidavit that Front Row signed a purchase agreement with SHR in April and NASCAR President Steve Phelps told Freeze in September the deal had been approved. But when Front Row submitted the paperwork last month, NASCAR began asking for additional information. A Dec. 4 request from NASCAR was "primarily related to our ongoing lawsuit with NASCAR," Freeze said. "NASCAR informed us on December 5, 2024, that it objected to the transfer and would not approve it, in contrast to the previous oral approval for the transfer confirmed by Phelps before we filed the lawsuit," Freeze said. "NASCAR made it clear that the reason it was now changing course and objecting to the transfer is because NASCAR is insisting that we drop the lawsuit and antitrust claims against it as a condition of being approved." A second affidavit from Steve Lauletta, the president of 23XI Racing, claims NASCAR accused 23XI and Front Row of manufacturing "new circumstances" in a renewed motion for an injunction and of a "coordinated effort behind the scenes." "This is completely false," Lauletta said. Front Row is owned by businessman Bob Jenkins, while 23XI is owned by retired NBA Hall of Famer Jordan, three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and longtime Jordan adviser Curtis Polk. NASCAR had been operating with 36 chartered teams and four open spots since the charter agreement began in 2016. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. The teams contend they must be chartered under some of their contractual agreements with current sponsors and drivers, and competing next year as open teams will cause significant losses. "23XI exists to compete at the highest level of stock car racing, striving to become the best team it can be. But that ambition can only be pursued within NASCAR, which has monopolized the market as the sole top-tier circuit for stock car racing," Lauletta said. "Our efforts to expand – purchasing more cars and increasing our presence on the track – are integral to achieving this goal. "It is not hypocritical to operate within the only system available while striving for excellence and contending for championships," he continued. "It is a necessity because NASCAR's monopoly leaves 23XI no alternative circuit, no different terms, and no other viable avenue to compete at this level." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Greece’s second largest city, Thessaloniki, is getting a brand new subway system that will showcase archaeological discoveries made during construction that held up the project for decades. The 9.6-kilometer inaugural line will officially open on Nov. 30, using driverless trains and platform screen doors. Construction began in earnest in 2003 and unearthed a treasure trove of antiquities in a vast excavation beneath the densely populated city of a million residents. “This project offers a remarkable blend of the ancient and modern, integrating archaeological heritage with metro infrastructure,” Christos Staikouras, the transport and infrastructure minister, told reporters Friday on a media tour of the subway. Tunneling followed ancient commercial routes through the center of the port city that has been continuously inhabited since ancient times. It exposed a Roman-era thoroughfare, ancient Greek burial sites, water and drainage systems, mosaics and inscriptions and tens of thousands of artifacts spanning centuries, also through Byzantine and Ottoman rule. The tunnels had to be bored at a greater depth than originally planned, adding cost and delays, to preserve the ancient discoveries. Key pieces of what was found have been put on display along the underground network of 13 stations including a section of the marble-paved Roman thoroughfare at the central Venizelou Station. “The project faced substantial delays and many challenges, including over 300,000 archaeological finds, many of which are now showcased at various stations along the main line,” Staikouras said. The Thessaloniki metro was first conceived more than a century ago and its completion has been greeted with quiet amazement by residents who for years used the metro project as a punchline for bureaucratic delays and undelivered promises. Government officials said the cost of the metro so far has reached 3 billion euros ($3.1 billion) for the completed first line of the subway system and most of a second line which is currently under construction and due to be delivered in a year. The construction consortium was made up by Greece’s Aktor, Italy’s Webuild and Japan’s Hitachi Rail.
TikToker teaching science hopes short-form video will become part of curriculumAntitrust enforcers with the Federal Trade Commission have opened a wide-ranging investigation into Microsoft’s business practices, starting a big legal project that an incoming Trump administration must take up or abandon. The FTC is investigating Microsoft’s cloud computing business and related product lines such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, according to a person who was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It’s the latest action of more than three years of aggressive antitrust enforcement shepherded by FTC Chair Lina Khan, who was elevated to lead the agency by President Joe Biden after he came into office pledging tougher scrutiny of monopolistic behavior by Big Tech companies. Khan’s FTC already lost one antitrust fight with Microsoft last year when a federal judge declined to block its $69 billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard. This case would go deeper into the core of Microsoft’s business in a way the company hasn’t experienced in the U.S. since its antitrust showdown with the Justice Department in the 1990s. Bloomberg News first reported about the investigation last week. The case will only move forward if President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the FTC decides to continue the investigation and take it to court. Some analysts are expecting a lighter approach to the tech industry under Trump, though incoming Vice President JD Vance has praised Khan’s work. Antitrust enforcers with the Federal Trade Commission have opened a Threats by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to impose tariffs have The creator of the widely debunked film “2000 Mules” has Closing arguments began on Monday in the trial of a
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — An MRI exam on Brock Purdy’s throwing shoulder has the 49ers “feeling good,” but his status is still “tenuous” to play in Sunday’s game at Green Bay, according to general manager John Lynch. Injured at an undetermined point in Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Purdy did not throw at Wednesday’s practice and then did so only briefly Thursday before retreating to rehab his shoulder “per the plan,” Lynch said on KNBR 680-AM. If Purdy misses his first start due to injury since seizing the job nearly two years ago, Brandon Allen will open for the 49ers (5-5) against the Packers (7-3) at Lambeau Field, with Josh Dobbs the No. 2 quarterback, Lynch confirmed. “We’ve done that (MRI) and feel good about where it’s at from that standpoint. But you still have to go out and be able to operate,” Lynch said. “We’re kind of figuring all that out. Brock is going to show up today, we’ll see where he can go as far as practice and we’ll make some decisions accordingly.” Coach Kyle Shanahan will address the media with the official status report after Friday's practice before the 49ers fly to Wisconsin for the first of two consecutive road games, with a trip to Buffalo awaiting next weekend. Purdy’s usual press conference after Thursday’s practice was postponed to Friday, with no assurance whether he or Allen would be speaking to the media as the projected starting quarterback. How and when Purdy got hurt remains a mystery, Lynch said. “It was somewhere during that Seattle game and I’m not sure Brock knows,” Lynch added. “He fought through it through the course of the game. I did see him during the course of the game, anytime there was a pause, he kept throwing. At that point, you’re feeling something but he was so focused on trying to win. “We had a plan to try to quiet it down,” Lynch said. “Wednesday, didn’t do any throwing. Thursday, started to do something throwing then went inside and did some rehab, per the plan. We’ll see where he’s at today. Hopefully he makes progress and we can have a shot at this weekend. “We’ll see. It is tenuous.” Also circumspect are the availabilities of defensive end Nick Bosa (obliques, hips) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle). ©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Netflix shares retreat after hitting record highThe crypto world’s like a rollercoaster ride, isn’t it? Prices shoot up, projects launch with fanfare, and there’s always something brewing that makes you want to dive right in. But here’s the kicker: choosing the right coin isn’t just about hype—it’s about potential. While some tokens fizzle out faster than a sparkler on the Fourth of July, others—like Qubetics (TICS), Toncoin (TON), and Binance (BNB)—are changing the game. These projects aren’t just coins; they’re ecosystems, each carving out a distinct space in the blockchain universe. Qubetics, a rising star in the crypto space, is currently in the spotlight with its jaw-dropping presale performance. If you’re looking for the best coins to join this weekend, you’ll definitely want to hear what makes it stand out. Then there’s Toncoin, the blockchain brainchild making waves in decentralised communication. And, of course, Binance, the old guard of crypto exchanges, proving time and time again why it’s the go-to for seasoned and newbie investors alike. Let’s break these down, shall we? Qubetics (TICS): A Crypto Gem in the Making It’s not every day you come across a presale success story that’s making waves like Qubetics. With its 14th presale stage in full swing, Qubetics has already sold over 382 million $TICS tokens to more than 10,800 holders, raising over $8 million . At $0.037 per token, the buzz around this project is electric. So, what’s the big deal? Let’s start with the numbers. Analysts are throwing out predictions that make even the most conservative investors’ eyes widen. Picture this: an investment in $TICS today at $10,000 could soar to $2.91 million if it hits $10 post-mainnet launch, offering a mind-blowing 29,107% ROI. And if $TICS hits $15, you’re looking at a $4.37 million payday. Those aren’t just numbers; they’re life-changing potential. Beyond the stats, Qubetics is breaking barriers with the QubeQode IDE , a developer’s dream toolkit. Imagine a local bakery streamlining its supply chain with blockchain or an artist tokenising their work for global sales without needing coding chops. That’s what QubeQode brings to the table. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for blockchain development—whether you’re a business mogul, a freelance designer, or a curious crypto newbie, the IDE simplifies smart contract creation. It reduces costs, speeds up development, and eliminates the steep learning curve usually associated with blockchain. For instance, a real estate agency could tokenise property deeds to simplify transactions, or a logistics company could create an automated supply chain tracking system—all without hiring a team of developers. Qubetics isn’t just about tools, though. Its ecosystem is geared toward solving real-world problems. Think cross-border payments made simple, tokenised assets that lower barriers to entry, and decentralised VPNs that prioritise user privacy. All these features make Qubetics a platform to watch and a token to hold. This isn’t just another crypto; it’s a revolution in how blockchain can integrate seamlessly into everyday life. Toncoin (TON): Telegram’s Blockchain Marvel If Qubetics is the ambitious newcomer, Toncoin is the stalwart innovator. Built on the Telegram Open Network, Toncoin is laser-focused on decentralisation and scalability. It’s what you might call the people’s blockchain—accessible, efficient, and practical. TON’s primary claim to fame? Powering Telegram’s Sticker Shop, where users buy and trade NFT decals. Fun, sure, but it’s more than just stickers; it’s a gateway to mainstream blockchain adoption. This project’s ecosystem is growing, and its increasing stablecoin activity suggests a solid future. For long-time holders, TON represents reliability—a blockchain platform that’s built to last. Think of it like investing in a blue-chip stock, except it’s decentralised, borderless, and uniquely integrated with one of the most popular messaging apps on the planet. Toncoin’s edge lies in its utility. Beyond NFTs, it’s enabling secure, fast, and cost-effective transactions on a global scale. Telegram’s massive user base provides TON with a direct pathway to adoption. Imagine a small business owner in a remote village using TON for secure international payments or a content creator monetising their work with minimal fees. That’s the kind of impact Toncoin is aiming for. It’s not just a blockchain; it’s a bridge between traditional and decentralised finance. Investing in TON is like planting a tree: the rewards might not be immediate, but they’re steady and sustainable. And for those searching for the best coins to join this weekend, Toncoin’s established presence makes it a worthy contender. Whether you’re a Telegram power user or a crypto enthusiast, TON offers a compelling mix of innovation and reliability. Binance (BNB): The Kingpin of Crypto Let’s talk about Binance—the titan of crypto exchanges. If you’ve been in the crypto game for a hot minute, you’ve probably traded, staked, or at least heard of Binance’s native token, BNB. Launched initially as a utility token, BNB has grown into a powerhouse asset, powering everything from transaction fees on the Binance Smart Chain to real-world payments. BNB’s charm lies in its versatility. Need low fees for trading? BNB’s got you. Looking to dive into DeFi? It’s the backbone of numerous projects on the Binance Smart Chain. And with Binance consistently at the forefront of innovation—whether it’s new token listings, partnerships, or DeFi initiatives—BNB remains a rock-solid choice for anyone dabbling in crypto. Binance isn’t just a platform; it’s a financial ecosystem. And while its regulatory battles make headlines, its resilience keeps it in the game. For investors, BNB isn’t just another coin; it’s a ticket to one of the most robust and reliable crypto ecosystems around. Searching for the best coins to join this weekend? It’s hard not to include Binance in the mix. BNB also has an ace up its sleeve: accessibility. The token’s integration with Binance’s vast suite of tools and services ensures it’s always in demand. Whether you’re staking for passive income, using it for discounted trading fees, or participating in Binance’s Launchpad offerings, BNB delivers value on all fronts. It’s the kind of investment that’s less about the moonshot and more about consistent growth. Wrapping It Up: Your Move, Crypto Investor Here’s the deal: Qubetics, Toncoin, and Binance each bring something unique to the table. Qubetics is the rising star with explosive potential, Toncoin offers steady growth and innovation, and Binance remains the undisputed king of the crypto hill. Together, they’re not just coins; they’re investment stories waiting to unfold. If you’ve been on the fence about diving into the crypto pool, there’s no better time. With Qubetics’ presale nearing its climax, Toncoin building its ecosystem, and Binance cementing its legacy, these are the best coins to join this weekend . Don’t just watch from the sidelines—get in the game and see where this ride can take you. So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re betting big on $TICS or exploring the solid foundations of TON and BNB, the future’s looking brighter than ever. Make your move today. Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.
These people are living to serve others in Central Florida | CommentaryAP Trending SummaryBrief at 3:45 p.m. ESTBitcoin Hits $99K As Donald Trump Replaces SEC Chair, Eyes Crypto Payments For Truth SocialLOGAN, Utah (AP) — Mason Falslev scored 27 points as Utah State beat South Florida 88-67 on Saturday night for the Aggies' best start in school history. Falslev had nine rebounds, nine assists, and three steals for the Aggies (10-0). Ian Martinez scored 15 points while shooting 4 for 12 (1 for 6 from 3-point range) and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line and added five assists. Karson Templin finished 5 of 8 from the field to finish with 12 points. Quincy Adekokoya led the Bulls (5-5) in scoring, finishing with 12 points. Kasen Jennings added 11 points and five assists for South Florida. Brandon Stroud finished with 10 points and two steals. NEXT UP Up next for Utah State is a Tuesday matchup with UCSD at home, and South Florida hosts Bethune-Cookman on Wednesday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Future of Brain Computer Interface Just a few years ago, it still looked like something out of a science fiction movie. But brain-computer interfaces (often abbreviated BCI) are the way of the future. It’s not just that we’ve been able to harness EEG and similar technologies to reveal what brain waves are doing, going along with thought input. It’s also that artificial intelligence has been able to help us decode the brain’s movement to a very granular level. A lot of modern work on this has been done by the Fluid Interfaces group at MIT. This lab is run by eminent scientist Patty Maes, who is also an award-winning author on the subject. “The question that we ask in our research group,” she explains in a video on the Fluid Interfaces web page “is whether our digital devices can help us with becoming the person we want to be.” Investigating Approaches to BCI Researching items like biofeedback glasses and headsets, the group is hoping to implement solutions that really do enhance our lives. And they’re getting closer. Nataliya Kosmyna works in the Fluid Interfaces group. Right now, she says in a recent TED talk, these kinds of brain computer interface are generally limited to serving people with motor difficulty or other disabilities. However, they may soon become as abundant as, say, biometric fingerprint technologies, because every person‘s thought is unique. Microsoft Warns 400 Million Windows Users—Do Not Update Your PC ‘Black Doves’ Dethroned In Netflix’s Top 10 List By A New Show Google’s Security Nightmare—Just 14 Days To Change Your Phone Deciphering Behavioral Input Kosmyna describes some of the behaviors that AI-related neuroscience can measure with EEG waves as training data. That includes a person‘s reaction when faced with a confusing statement, or their brain activity as they answer multiple science questions on a test. All of this, she suggests, can generate the kinds of training data sets that allow the technology to learn more about how we think. Then that gets applied to other personal data, and the result is a pretty good understanding of human brain activity. “We are getting more dimensions of data,” she says. “We are getting better and better.” Range of BCI readings Wearables for the Future As Kosmyna points out, part of our notion of cybernetic capabilities involves implants. We’ve often thought that when this technology comes online, powerful interests will want it embedded inside of our brains, or at least under the skin. However, the types of solutions being pioneered now are non-invasive, and some hope to keep it that way. “You can take it off,” Kosmyna explains of the headsets that are a less permanent way to test human brain activity. Governments, she says, are exploring creative uses for this. And then there’s a new means of controlling vehicles... “You can take it off anytime you want – you can control it, “she says of a device for driving drones. “No implant needed. You can even control a spacecraft if you want.” This sort of tech, she says, is being researched by NASA as simulators for flight launch. “Here on earth, it’s fight or flight response for each of us, every single day,” she adds, “and it takes this level of detail and the devices we build to understand the brain better.” How do we harness this technology for good? Keep an eye on what researchers at MIT and others are doing around the ability of digital tools to, in effect, read our minds.SOLON, Ohio , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tarkett, a global leader in innovative and sustainable flooring solutions, recently led the renovation of the Niles Township Respite Center near Chicago, Illinois . The initiative was part of the company's charitable giving program, Tarkett Cares , which encourages employees to share their time, talents and corporate flooring donations with local communities where the company operates. While planning Design Days 2024, an annual, three-day interior design show in Chicago , the Tarkett team wanted to find a way to contribute to their host city in a new way. "Instead of focusing on one-off customer giveaways, we wanted to invest in something that could create lasting value for the community that hosts our industry each year," said Roxane Spears , vice president of sustainability for Tarkett. Spears contacted Lisa Kaplan , a Chicago -area resident and former commercial flooring professional, who directed her to the Niles Township Respite Center as a place in need. Located in Skokie, Illinois , the Niles Township Respite Center provides relief to residents facing housing and food insecurities. The space offers access to showers, laundry facilities, a clothing closet, food pantry and more. "The Respite Center's efforts to serve community members struggling with housing and food insecurity align perfectly with Tarkett's commitment to social equity and the Tarkett Cares program," Spears said. "While the center operates on a tight budget, it does so much to help so many. If we can support the center's work by providing cleaner, safer spaces for people as they work through challenging circumstances—that's the impact we want to make." With a deep knowledge of how thoughtfully designed interiors and healthy materials can contribute to better indoor air quality and an overall sense of well-being, the team updated the center's flooring with third-party certified products featuring soothing patterns and colors that would help everyone at the center feel more at home and at peace. Tarkett donated new floors (including the costs of labor for installation) for a quiet room, multi-purpose room, entryway and stairs. The team's enthusiasm for the project spread to other local contractors; FloorsMD provided installation services and their president, Michelle DeLuco , served as an onsite coordinator throughout the project. Tarkett's ethos® carpet tile was installed in the quiet room. ethos is Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver and has a non-PVC backing that can be recycled back into itself. Contour LVT, which can be recycled into auto mats when taken back through Tarkett's ReStart® take-back and recycling program, was installed in the entryway and multi-purpose room. Coordinating Johnsonite® stair treads were also added to enhance safety and durability. After seeing the newly installed floors, DeLuco felt energized and determined to find a way to go a little further. The project scope grew to include a room expansion, ceiling height adjustment, fresh coat of paint and additional carpet tile for four offices that had suffered flood damage. The additional flooring materials and labor were covered by Tarkett and FloorsMD. ECI and its Executive Construction Foundation, Maxxon and Aspen Commercial Painting also contributed to the expanded project scope. The Respite Center was not charged for any portion of the renovation. "The center had such good bones and was already doing tremendous work for the community. It was very heart-pleasing to see what impact we could make with just a little bit of elbow grease and a group of people who cared," DeLuco said. Ruth Orme-Johnson , a social worker for the Respite Center, said the renovations drastically improved the energy of the space. "It was just wonderful to know that we're giving our clients the kind of calm, positive and inviting environment that we really have always wanted to. You can just feel everyone relax a little bit," Orme-Johnson said. "Our new floor, our new space has been such a gift in terms of being welcoming to everybody. It's also helped me feel proud of the work I do. The space allows the people we help believe they're capable and have the agency to take those steps that will have a positive impact on their lives long term." Mike Isaacs , public relations outreach coordinator for Niles Township Government, said the impact of the renovation exceeded everyone's expectations. "It's been really inspiring," he said. "Our gratitude is forevermore, that's for sure." In addition to corporate giving, the global Tarkett Cares program empowers employees to donate two days of volunteer activity each year. Globally, Tarkett employees have volunteered 3,800 days and contributed to over 900 community initiatives between 2017 and 2023. Take a virtual tour of the renovated Niles Township Respite Center. About Tarkett With a 140-year history, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative and durable flooring and sports surface solutions, generating net sales of 3.4 billion euros in 2023. The Group has around 12,000 employees, 23 R&D centres, 8 recycling centres, and 34 production sites. Tarkett designs and manufactures solutions for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, shops, and sports fields, serving customers in more than 100 countries. To build "The Way to Better Floors", the Group is committed to the circular economy and sustainable development, in line with its Tarkett Human-Conscious Design ® approach. Tarkett is listed on the Euronext-regulated market (compartment B, ISIN: FR0004188670, ticker: TKTT). www.tarkett-group.com Every Step Matters For years, Tarkett has raised the sustainability standards of the flooring industry. The company designs floors with transparency you can trust as it creates healthy impacts on indoor spaces and protects our air, water, soil, and every living thing. Tarkett's ReStart ® take-back and recycling program will either repurpose or recycle every type of flooring from any manufacturer. Its near-term science-based carbon emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and are fully aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement objective to limit global warming by 1.5 degrees Celsius. For more information, visit commercial.tarkett.com/sustainability . SOURCE Tarkett USA , Inc.