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TOKYO (AP) — Japanese car manufacturers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to merge, forming the third largest car manufacturer in the world by sales, as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. PUBLICIDAD The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that the smallest member of the Nissan alliance, Mitsubishi Motors, had also agreed to join the discussions to integrate their businesses. PUBLICIDAD "We anticipate that if this integration materializes, we will be able to offer even greater value to a broader customer base," said Nissan's CEO, Makoto Uchida, in a statement. Car manufacturers in Japan have fallen behind their major rivals in electric vehicles and are trying to cut costs and make up for lost time. News of a possible merger emerged earlier this month, with unconfirmed reports indicating that discussions about a closer collaboration were partly driven by the aspirations of Taiwan's iPhone manufacturer, Foxconn, to partner with Nissan, which has an alliance with France's Renault SA and Mitsubishi. A merger could result in a colossus valued at over 50 billion dollars based on the market capitalization of the three car manufacturers. Together, Honda and the alliance of Nissan with Renault SA of France and the smaller car manufacturer, Mitsubishi Motors Corp., would gain scale to compete with Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG of Germany. Toyota has technological partnerships with Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp. from Japan. Even after a merger, Toyota, which launched 11.5 million vehicles in 2023, would still be the top Japanese car manufacturer. If they were to join forces, the three smaller companies would produce around 8 million vehicles. In 2023, Honda manufactured 4 million and Nissan produced 3.4 million. Mitsubishi Motors made just over 1 million. Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi announced in August that they would share components for electric vehicles such as batteries and would jointly research software for autonomous driving to better adapt to the dramatic changes focused on electrification, following a preliminary agreement between Nissan and Honda established in March. Honda, the second largest car manufacturer in Japan, is widely seen as the only likely Japanese partner capable of rescuing Nissan, which has struggled after a scandal that began with the arrest of its former chairman Carlos Ghosn in late 2018 on charges of fraud and misuse of company assets, allegations he denies. He was eventually released on bail and fled to Lebanon. Speaking on Monday to journalists in Tokyo via a video link, Ghosn ridiculed the planned merger as a "desperate move." According to Sam Fiorani, vice president of AutoForecast Solutions, Honda could obtain large body-on-frame SUVs like the Nissan Armada and the Infiniti QX80, which Honda does not have. These vehicles offer great towing capabilities and good off-road performance. Nissan also has years of experience in building batteries and electric vehicles, as well as gas-electric hybrid powertrains that could help Honda in the development of their own EVs and the next generation of hybrids, he said. But the company announced in November that it was cutting 9,000 jobs, or approximately 6% of its global workforce, and reducing its global production capacity by 20% after reporting a quarterly loss of 9.3 billion yen ($61 million). Recently, Nissan reorganized its management and its CEO, Makoto Uchida, cut his salary by 50% to take responsibility for the financial problems. He stated that Nissan needed to be more efficient and better respond to market preferences, rising costs, and other global changes. Fitch Ratings recently downgraded Nissan's credit outlook to "negative," citing deteriorating profitability, partly due to price cuts in the North American market. However, it noted that Nissan has a strong financial structure and solid cash reserves amounting to 1.44 trillion yen (9.4 billion dollars). The price of Nissan's shares has also fallen to the point that it is considered somewhat of a bargain. On Monday, their stocks traded in Tokyo gained 1.6%. They jumped more than 20% after news of a possible merger spread last week. Honda's shares rose by 3.8%. Honda's net profit decreased by almost 20% in the first half of the fiscal year from April to March compared to the previous year, as sales were affected in China. The merger reflects a trend throughout the industry towards consolidation. During a routine briefing on Monday, Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said he would not comment on the details of the automakers' plans, but stated that Japanese companies need to remain competitive in the rapidly changing market. "As the business environment surrounding the automotive industry undergoes significant changes, with competitiveness in storage batteries and software becoming increasingly important, we expect necessary measures to be taken to survive international competition," Hayashi said. I'm sorry, but it seems like there is no text to translate. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to ask! This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool.
“The Apprentice” star Sebastian Stan , who portrays a young Donald Trump in the biopic released last month , revealed this week his co-stars and other actors have since distanced themselves from the controversial project out of fear. The biographical drama, directed by Ali Abbasi , chronicles the early days of the president-elect when he was a rising Manhattan real estate tycoon in the 1970s and ’80s. It also explores his relationship with lawyer and mentor Roy Cohn, played in the film by Emmy-winning “Succession” star Jeremy Strong. Amid the film’s theatrical rollout in October, Trump trashed the project on social media — calling it “ a cheap, defamatory and politically disgusting hatchet job .” He slammed the people involved in the film as “human scum,” and suggested it was strategically “put out right before the 2024 presidential election, to try and hurt the greatest political movement in the history of our country.” Following the film’s release and Trump’s presidential victory just weeks later, Stan said other actors have been unwilling to publicly discuss the contentious movie or the polarizing figure at the center of it. During a Q&A about the film in Los Angeles this week, Stan revealed he wasn’t able to participate in an upcoming series for Variety’s “Actors on Actors,” which features one-on-one conversations between actors discussing their work. “I couldn’t find another actor to do it with me, because they were too afraid to to go and talk about this movie. So I couldn’t do it,” he said earlier this week, as seen in a video shared on social media . “We couldn’t get past the publicists or the people representing them, because [they were] too afraid to talk about this movie,” the 42-year-old added. “And that’s when I think we lose the situation. Because if it really becomes like that — fear or that discomfort to talk about this — then we’re really going to have a problem.” Variety Co-Editor in Chief Ramin Setoodeh confirmed Stan’s account. “What Sebastian said is accurate. We invited him to participate in ‘Actors on Actors,’ the biggest franchise of awards season, but other actors didn’t want to pair with him because they didn’t want to talk about Donald Trump ,” he said in a statement to the media. Despite Trump’s scathing review, Stan previously said he “should be grateful” the film depicts him in a “complex, three-dimensional” way, noting those who worked on the project weren’t interested in “simply vilifying or [demonizing]” the real-life subjects of the movie.
NoneSabrina Ionescu is joining Unrivaled as the new 3-on-3 league's final player
United States women’s head coach Emma Hayes admitted she initially grappled with how best to behave during ‘God Save The King’ ahead of her side’s goalless draw with England in their Wembley friendly. The billing of London-born former Chelsea boss Hayes against England’s Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman – arguably the best two bosses in the women’s game – had generated more buzz in the build-up than the players on the pitch, despite it being a rare encounter between the two top-ranked sides in the world. Hayes enjoyed her return to familiar shores but felt the US lacked the “killer piece” after they looked the likelier side to make the breakthrough. Elite meeting of the minds 🌟 pic.twitter.com/R4d8EArqTp — U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) November 30, 2024 Asked what was going through her mind during the national anthem, Hayes said: “I was definitely mouthing (it), and Naomi (Girma) and Lynn (Williams) could see that I was struggling with where to be and all that. “I got to the end of the anthems and I thought, ‘that’s so ridiculous. I’m proud to be English and I’m proud of our national anthem, and I’m also really proud to coach America’. “Two things are possible all at once. I don’t want to fuel a nationalist debate around it. The realities are both countries are really dear to me for lots of reasons, and I’m really proud to represent both of them.” The Lionesses did not register a shot on target in the first half but grew into the game in the second. US captain Lindsey Horan had the ball in the net after the break but the flag was up, while Hayes’ side had a penalty award for a handball reversed after a VAR check determined substitute Yazmeen Ryan’s shot hit Alex Greenwood’s chest. Hayes, who left Chelsea after 12 trophy-packed years this summer, said: “I’ve been privileged to coach a lot of top-level games, including here, so there’s a familiarity to being here for me. “It’s not new to me, and because of that there was a whole sense of I’m coming back to a place I know. I have a really healthy perspective, and I want to have a really healthy perspective on my profession. “I give everything I possibly can for a team that I really, really enjoy coaching, and I thrive, not just under pressure, but I like these opportunities, I like being in these situations. They bring out the best in me. “You’ve got two top teams now, Sarina is an amazing coach, I thought it was a good tactical match-up, and I just enjoy coaching a high-level football match, to be honest with you. I don’t think too much about it.” Hayes had travelled to London without her entire Olympic gold medal-winning ‘Triple Espresso’ forward line of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith, all nursing niggling injuries. Before the match, the 48-year-old was spotted chatting with Wiegman and her US men’s counterpart, fellow ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, who was also in attendance. England were also missing a number of key attackers for the friendly including Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone, all ruled out with injury. "This shows where we are at and we need to keep improving. It is November now. This is good but we want to be better again. We have to be better again." 👊 Reaction from the boss ⬇️ — Lionesses (@Lionesses) November 30, 2024 Wiegman brushed aside suggestions from some pundits that her side were content to settle for a draw. She said: “I think we were really defending as a team, very strong. We got momentum in the second half, we did better, and of course both teams went for the win. “So many things happened in this game, also in front of the goal, so I don’t think it was boring. “We wanted to go for the win, but it was such a high-intensity game, you have to deal with a very good opponent, so you can’t just say, ‘Now we’re going to go and score that goal’. “We tried, of course, to do that. We didn’t slow down to keep it 0-0. I think that was just how the game went.”Nvidia's AI audio model, Claude's new features, and funding for AI agents: This week's AI launches
Trump's tariff plans may 'derail' US inflation progress: YellenBy JOHN ZENOR AP Sports Writer Oregon and Ohio State have already produced one heck of a game this season. Now, the top-seeded Ducks (13-0) and eighth-seeded Buckeyes (11-2) are gearing up for a rematch more than 10 weeks later in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game at the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. Of course, both teams have had ample time for evolution since that 32-31 Oregon win on Oct. 12 in Eugene. But they also have that game and players’ familiarity with each other, not to mention common opponents in the Big Ten. “Sometimes when you’re playing against a team maybe from another conference in the playoffs, there’s a little bit of an unknown, how can you expect this guy to play?” Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said Monday. “What am I really looking at when I look at the teams they’re playing? “This team’s not that way because we played them already and they played in the conference. So there’s again a reference point as we move into this one. So our guys know what they’re up against, but they also know that they’ve evolved and we’ve evolved, and so two very different teams heading into this game. And the team who prepares the best is going to win.” Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who went on to become a Heisman Trophy finalist, passed for 341 yards and ran for a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the first meeting. Then, Atticus Sappington made the game-winning 19-yard field goal in the final two minutes. The then-No. 2 Buckeyes were the highest-ranked opponent that Oregon has beaten during the regular season. After the Oregon fans’ field-storming celebration, Ducks coach Dan Lanning quipped: “Anyone have a heart-rate monitor?” Now, the questions include will they need one for this game? Or will it fail to provide the same thrills? Ohio State opened the playoffs with a 42-17 rout of Tennessee on Saturday night . “You could probably argue that Ohio State’s best game was the game they just played,” Lanning said. “So it’s important at this point in the year that you’re playing really good football. Sometimes you don’t know that until you step on the field. “That’s your job as a coach to get you ready for those moments, get our players ready for those moments, but certainly hope that we put our best foot forward when we play in this Rose Bowl.” Lanning and the Ducks also played Washington twice last season, losing both by a field goal – 36-33 on Oct. 14 and 34-31 in the Pac-12 championship game on Dec. 1 in Las Vegas. Lanning isn’t about to tip his hand about what adjustments the Ducks might make or prepare for, but joked: “Yeah, we’re going to do the exact same thing, right, every play, first call.” “I won’t really get into the differences, but they’re a really good team,” Lanning said. “I don’t know if there’s a more talented team in the nation.” And by the time these two teams play again, 81 days will have passed from Round 1. Gameplans figure to change, with plenty of tweaks on offense and defense along the way. “They’ve changed and they’re much more multiple in what they do,” Day said of the Ducks. “So you combine all those things together and you put the game plan in. And then you throw some things out. You add some things that you think might fit. “At the end of the day, you only have to pack what you need and you’ve got to make sure that it’s clean and it’s a plan that the guys can go execute with a lot of confidence. That’s what we’re in the middle of right now.”
A NEW Christmas-themed condiment has shoppers going wild about all the things they can pair it with. To mark the Christmas season, Asda has launched a festive mayonnaise. 3 Would you try the Roast Potato flavour mayonnaise from Asda? Credit: Facebook 3 Some shoppers have been left salivating at the new Christmas product while others are unsure (stock) Credit: Getty The Roast Potato Flavour Mayo is the new addition to the A Magical Christmas at Asda range. Shoppers can bag the condiment for just £1.10 from stores now. According to Asda, the mayo is "perfect in turkey sandwiches." Facebook users have already posted the Roast Potato mayo on various review groups. read more on Asda WRAPPED UP Asda has the perfect stylish buy for £14 that will keep you warm in the cold POT LUCK Asda issues message to customers with Christmas cashpot warning "Need to try this," one shopper wrote. "You don’t understand how much I need this," another added. "How stunning does this sound!!" a third wrote while tagging their loved ones. While Asda recommends that the mayo goes well with turkey sandwiches, some shoppers have had other ideas. Most read in Money SCOOT ABOOT Scots set for first e-scooter rental trial 'within months' BEER WE GO Map reveals cheapest and most expensive pint at UK Christmas markets CASH IN Thousands can apply for cost of living payments from tomorrow - are you eligible? FESTIVE FEAST Domino's brings back fan favourite in festive menu shake-up with new dessert "This is SCREAMING to be put into mash potato," one wrote. "For the Christmas toasties?" another suggested. I tried the newest & most random Christmas food - the turkey pasta was great but the canned pigs in blankets were gross One went even further than just using it for Christmas leftovers, deciding instead to go the whole hog. "I feel like you need this for ur Xmas day dinner," they wrote as the new mayo flavour threatens classics like gravy, bread sauce and cranberry sauce. But, not everyone is convinced by the new product. One said: "Ehhh Am not sure about this." How to save money on Christmas shopping Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping. Limit the amount of presents - buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb. Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you're not having to buy multiple presents. Plan ahead - if you've got the stamina and budget, it's worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales. Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you're not forking out more than you should though. Buy in Boxing Day sales - some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25. Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent. Shop via outlet stores - you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts. They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor. Another was definitely sure about their feelings, simply saying, "Umm no." Asda is not the only retailer to launch some rather unusual Christmas products this year. Heinz Beanz has revealed a limited edition can of Beanz Pigs in Blankets for £2.50. But The Sun's Abigail Wilson said in her review that they "should be illegal" and that they "left her gagging." Now, for those who are a bit tired of the Christmas sandwiches that are rolled out year after year in meal deal sections, M&S has a new festive lunchtime treat. The Turkey Feast Pasta has pasta topped with shredded turkey, bacon and stuffing. This is all combined in a mustard and maple dressing with a gravy dressing pot. For £3.20, Wilson declared it is a festive item you "won't want to miss." Read more on the Scottish Sun REST EASY Andy Murray flooded with messages as he shares heart-breaking family update COUGH UP Motorhome park owner shuts after guests leave without paying using shock trick See what other Christmas supermarket foods she reviewed here . For those having a Christmas party, check out the best supermarket canapes and party foods on offer including a 30p Iceland snack. 3 Asda is selling the festive condiment for just £1.10 (stock) Credit: GettyThe emergence of tools that allow people to efficiently produce novel and detailed online reviews with almost no work has put , service providers and consumers in uncharted territory, watchdog groups and researchers say. have long plagued many popular consumer websites, and Yelp. They are typically traded on private social media groups between fake review brokers and businesses willing to pay. Sometimes, such reviews are initiated by businesses that offer customers incentives such as gift cards for positive feedback. But AI-infused text generation tools, popularized by OpenAI’s , enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice, which is , is carried out year-round but becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the , when many people rely on reviews to help them purchase gifts. Fake reviews are found across a wide range of industries, from e-commerce, lodging and restaurants, to services such as home repairs, and piano lessons. The Transparency Company, a tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews, said it started to see AI-generated reviews show up in large numbers in mid-2023 and they have multiplied ever since. For a report released this month, The Transparency Company analyzed 73 million reviews in three sectors: home, legal and medical services. Nearly 14% of the reviews were likely fake, and the company expressed a “high degree of confidence” that 2.3 million reviews were partly or entirely AI-generated. “It’s just a really, really good tool for these review scammers,” said Maury Blackman, an investor and advisor to tech startups, who reviewed The Transparency Company’s work and is set to lead the organization starting Jan. 1. In August, software company DoubleVerify said it was observing a “significant increase” in mobile phone and smart TV apps with reviews crafted by generative AI. The reviews often were used to deceive customers into installing apps that could hijack devices or run ads constantly, the company said. The following month, the Federal Trade Commission sued the company behind an AI writing tool and content generator called Rytr, accusing it of offering a service that could pollute the marketplace with fraudulent reviews. The FTC, which this year banned the of fake reviews, said some of Rytr’s subscribers used the tool to produce hundreds and perhaps thousands of reviews for garage door repair companies, sellers of “replica” designer handbags and other businesses. Max Spero, CEO of AI detection company Pangram Labs, said the software his company uses has detected with almost certainty that some AI-generated appraisals posted on Amazon bubbled up to the top of review search results because they were so detailed and appeared to be well thought-out. But determining what is fake or not can be challenging. External parties can fall short because they don’t have “access to data signals that indicate patterns of abuse,” Amazon has said. Pangram Labs has done detection for some prominent online sites, which Spero declined to name due to non-disclosure agreements. He said he evaluated Amazon and Yelp independently. Many of the AI-generated comments on Yelp appeared to be posted by individuals who were trying to publish enough reviews to earn an “Elite” badge, which is intended to let users know they should trust the content, Spero said. The badge provides access to exclusive events with local business owners. Fraudsters also want it so their Yelp profiles can look more realistic, said Kay Dean, a former federal criminal investigator who runs a watchdog group called Fake Review Watch. To be sure, just because a review is AI-generated doesn’t necessarily mean its fake. Some consumers might experiment with AI tools to generate content that reflects their genuine sentiments. Some non-native English speakers say they turn to AI to make sure they use accurate language in the reviews they write. “It can help with reviews (and) make it more informative if it comes out of good intentions,” said Michigan State University marketing professor Sherry He, who has researched fake reviews. She says tech platforms should focus on the behavioral patters of bad actors, which prominent platforms already do, instead of discouraging legitimate users from turning to AI tools. Prominent companies are developing policies for how AI-generated content fits into their systems for removing phony or abusive reviews. Some already employ algorithms and investigative teams to detect and take down fake reviews but are giving users some flexibility to use AI. Spokespeople for Amazon and Trustpilot, for example, said they would allow customers to post AI-assisted reviews as long as they reflect their genuine experience. Yelp has taken a more cautious approach, saying its guidelines require reviewers to write their own copy. “With the recent rise in consumer adoption of AI tools, Yelp has significantly invested in methods to better detect and mitigate such content on our platform,” the company said in a statement. The Coalition for Trusted Reviews, which Amazon, Trustpilot, employment review site Glassdoor, and travel sites Tripadvisor, Expedia and launched last year, said that even though deceivers may put AI to illicit use, the technology also presents “an opportunity to push back against those who seek to use reviews to mislead others.” “By sharing best practice and raising standards, including developing advanced AI detection systems, we can protect consumers and maintain the integrity of online reviews,” the group said. banning fake reviews, which took effect in October, allows the agency to fine businesses and individuals who engage in the practice. Tech companies hosting such reviews are shielded from the penalty because they are not legally liable under U.S. law for the content that outsiders post on their platforms. Tech companies, including Amazon, Yelp and Google, have sued fake review brokers they accuse of peddling counterfeit reviews on their sites. The companies say their technology has blocked or removed a huge swath of suspect reviews and suspicious accounts. However, some experts say they could be doing more. “Their efforts thus far are not nearly enough,” said Dean of Fake Review Watch. “If these tech companies are so committed to eliminating review fraud on their platforms, why is it that I, one individual who works with no automation, can find hundreds or even thousands of fake reviews on any given day?” Consumers can try to by watching out for a few , according to researchers. Overly enthusiastic or negative reviews are red flags. Jargon that repeats a product’s full name or model number is another potential giveaway. When it comes to AI, research conducted by Balázs Kovács, a Yale professor of organization behavior, has shown that people can’t tell the difference between AI-generated and human-written reviews. Some AI detectors may also be fooled by shorter texts, which are common in online reviews, the study said. However, there are some “AI tells” that online shoppers and service seekers should keep it mind. Panagram Labs says reviews written with AI are typically longer, highly structured and include “empty descriptors,” such as generic phrases and attributes. The writing also tends to include cliches like “the first thing that struck me” and “game-changer.”
Florida and Tulane will face off in the Gasparilla Bowl this college football postseason, in what should be one of the more entertaining bowl games on the docket. To nobody's surprise, tickets have already been selling fast for this matchup of big-named college football programs. Freshman QB DJ Lagway has led a resurgence for the Gators (7-5), who recovered from a terrible start to the season to win their last three games, including road upsets of then-No. 21 LSU and then-No. 9 Ole Miss. They fought their way to their first winning season since 2020, and ultimately landed in the Gasparilla Bowl. BUY NOW: Get tickets to the Gasparilla Bowl Florida's opponent, fellow blue-blood Tulane (9-4), finished as the American Athletic Conference runner-up. Tulane fell to Army 35-14 in the American title game, despite a strong game by leading wideout Mario Williams. Want to witness this fantastic bowl-game matchup in person? Here's everything you need to know about Florida vs. Tulane in the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl, including links to the best and most affordable tickets. Florida bowl game tickets vs. Tulane 2024 Tickets : StubHub Tickets for the Gasparilla Bowl are available on StubHub . As of Dec. 8, a bunch of tickets could be found as cheap as $88-$110 each. Tickets have already been selling fast, though, so don't expect those cheaper tickets to last. Click the link below to view more bowl game ticket prices. BUY NOW: Cheapest tickets for college football bowl games on StubHub When is the Gasparilla Bowl in 2024? Date: Friday, Dec. 20 Time: 3:30 p.m. ET The Gasparilla Bowl between Florida and Tulane will kick off on Friday, Dec. 20 at 3:30 p.m. ET. It will take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. College football bowl game schedule 2024 Date Game City Time (ET) Sat., Dec. 14 Celebration Bowl : Jackson State vs. S.C. State Atlanta, GA Noon Sat., Dec.14 Salute to Veterans Bowl : Western Michigan vs. South Alabama Montgomery, AL 9 p.m. Tue., Dec. 17 Frisco Bowl : West Virginia vs. Memphis Frisco, TX 9 p.m. Wed., Dec. 18 Boca Raton Bowl : Western Kentucky vs. James Madison Boca Raton, FL 5:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 19 LA Bowl : Cal vs. UNLV Inglewood, CA 9 p.m. Thu., Dec. 19 New Orleans Bowl : Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston New Orleans, LA 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 20 Cure Bowl : Jacksonville State vs. Ohio Orlando, FL Noon Fri., Dec. 20 Gasparilla Bowl : Florida vs. Tulane Tampa, FL 3:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 20 CFP First Round : Notre Dame vs. Indiana South Bend, IN 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21 CFP First Round : Penn State vs. SMU State College, PA Noon Sat., Dec. 21 CFP First Round : Texas vs. Clemson Austin, TX 4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21 CFP First Round : Ohio State vs. Tennessee Columbus, OH 8 p.m. Mon., Dec. 23 Myrtle Beach Bowl : Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA Conway, SC 11 a.m. Mon., Dec. 23 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl : Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State Boise, ID 2:30 p.m. Tue., Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl : South Florida vs. San Jose State Honolulu, HI 8 p.m. Thu., Dec. 26 GameAbove Sports Bowl : Pitt vs. Toledo Detroit, MI 2 p.m. Thu., Dec. 26 Rate Bowl : Rutgers vs. Kansas State Phoenix, AZ 5:30 p.m. Thu., Dec. 26 68 Ventures Bowl : Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green Mobile, AL 9 p.m. Fri., Dec. 27 Armed Forces Bowl : Navy vs. Oklahoma Fort Worth, TX Noon Fri., Dec. 27 Birmingham Bowl : Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt Birmingham, AL 3:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 27 Liberty Bowl : Texas Tech vs. Arkansas Memphis, TN 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 27 Holiday Bowl : Washington State vs. Syracuse San Diego, CA 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 27 Las Vegas Bowl : USC vs. Texas A&M Las Vegas, NV 10:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Fenway Bowl : UConn vs. North Carolina Boston, MA 11 a.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Pinstripe Bowl : Boston College vs. Nebraska Bronx, NY Noon Sat., Dec. 28 New Mexico Bowl : TCU vs. Louisiana Albuquerque, NM 2:15 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Pop-Tarts Bowl : Miami (Fla.) vs. Iowa State Orlando, FL 3:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Arizona Bowl : Colorado State vs. Miami (Ohio) Tucson, AZ 4:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Military Bowl : East Carolina vs. NC State Annapolis, MD 5:45 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Alamo Bowl : Colorado vs. BYU San Antonio, TX 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Independence Bowl : Army vs. Marshall Shreveport, LA 9:15 p.m. Mon., Dec. 30 Music City Bowl : Iowa vs. Missouri Nashville, TN 2:30 p.m. Tue., Dec. 31 ReliaQuest Bowl : Alabama vs. Michigan Tampa, FL Noon Tue., Dec. 31 Sun Bowl : Louisville vs. Washington El Paso, TX 2 p.m. Tue., Dec. 31 Citrus Bowl : South Carolina vs. Illinois Orlando, FL 3 p.m. Tue., Dec. 31 Texas Bowl : LSU vs. Baylor Houston, TX 3:30 p.m. Tue., Dec. 31 Fiesta Bowl (CFP quarterfinal) : Boise State vs. Penn St./SMU Glendale, AZ 7:30 p.m. Wed., Jan. 1 Peach Bowl (CFP quarterfinal) : Arizona State vs. Texas/Clemson Atlanta, GA 1 p.m. Wed., Jan. 1 Rose Bowl (CFP quarterfinal) : Oregon vs. Ohio St./Tennessee Pasadena, CA 5 p.m. Wed., Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl (CFP quarterfinal) : Georgia vs. Notre Dame/Indiana New Orleans, LA 8:45 p.m. Thu., Jan. 2 Gator Bowl : Duke vs. Ole Miss Jacksonville, FL 7:30 p.m. Fri., Jan. 3 First Responder Bowl : North Texas vs. Texas State Dallas, TX 4 p.m. Fri., Jan. 3 Duke’s Mayo Bowl : Virginia Tech vs. Minnesota Charlotte, NC 7:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 4 Bahamas Bowl : Buffalo vs. Liberty Nassau, Bahamas 11 a.m. Thu., Jan. 9 Orange Bowl (CFP semifinal) Miami, FL 7:30 p.m. Fri., Jan. 10 Cotton Bowl (CFP semifinal) Arlington, TX 7:30 p.m. Mon., Jan. 20 College Football Playoff national championship Atlanta, GA 7:30 p.m. Related Links SN's College Football Playoff bracket predictions Full College Football Bowl schedule 2024 Big Ten football news and rumors SEC football news and rumors Big 12 football news and rumors If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >Share Tweet Share Share Email Navigating the intricate terrain of blockchain investments can feel like entering a complex, high-stakes strategy game—both thrilling and challenging for those new to the space. In a sea of cryptocurrencies vying for prime positions in investors’ portfolios, understanding the subtleties of the crypto market is crucial. This guide highlights four cryptocurrencies worth considering right now: Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), Cardano (ADA), and BlockDAG (BDAG). Success in this market comes from thorough research and making informed choices, rather than rushing blindly into investments. 1. BlockDAG: Leading with Innovation and Lucrative Potential BlockDAG (BDAG) continues to attract crypto enthusiasts with its combination of advanced technology and strong profit potential. Why the interest? It’s a mix of innovation and anticipated returns. BlockDAG revolutionizes the typical crypto model by offering superior scalability and security. Its DAG framework overcomes the sequential constraints of traditional blockchains, enabling quicker transactions and more efficient networks. This technical excellence makes BlockDAG a top pick within the crypto community. The presale success of BlockDAG boosts its market visibility further. Valued at $0.0234 in Batch 26, the BDAG coin has soared by 2240% from its initial pricing. With $20 million fundraising in the last 48 hours, the project has amassed a total of $150 million in ongoing presale and over 16.4 billion coins sold, BlockDAG is poised for substantial future growth. Market analysts predict that BDAG could potentially offer a 30,000x returns, with expectations of reaching up to $30 by 2030. Moreover, BlockDAG has launched a $30 million grants program announced during a recent AMA, allocating $10 million annually to support decentralized projects across infrastructure, DeFi, and stablecoins, reinforcing its commitment to a robust, decentralized future. 2. Solana: Achieving New Highs with ETF Developments Solana recently hit a new all-time high of $260, a significant achievement linked to recent ETF filings with the U.S. SEC by firms like Bitwise and VanEck. These developments come on the heels of approved Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs, sparking increased market optimism. The anticipation surrounding Solana’s potential ETF approval has heightened investor interest, propelling its price and market presence. This milestone underscores Solana’s growing role in the blockchain ecosystem, enhancing its attractiveness to both institutional and retail investors. 3. Dogecoin: Expanding its Network with 1.33M Active Users Dogecoin’s network is buzzing, with over 1.33 million active addresses daily, reflecting a robust demand and wider adoption. This surge has propelled DOGE’s price by 163%, highlighting a strong link between user activity and market performance. Currently, Dogecoin trades above $0.36, facing resistance near $0.45. A breakout above this level could signal further increases, whereas a drop below could push prices down towards $0.32 or $0.28. The recent spike in active addresses indicates growing investor interest and potential for continued upward movement. 4. Cardano: Enjoying Robust Growth and Rising Investor Confidence Cardano has seen a notable uptick, increasing by 10.34% to $0.2955, with trading volumes reaching $1.2 billion in the last 24 hours. This surge has elevated Cardano to the fourth largest crypto by market cap, now at $9.2 billion. Over the past week, ADA has climbed 15.6%, a sign of strengthening investor trust. This bullish trend is supported by new decentralized applications and strategic partnerships focused on improving blockchain scalability and interoperability. While market fluctuations remain a consideration, sustained positive developments could further boost Cardano’s value. Which of the Top 4 Crypto Coins Holds the Most Potential? Each of these cryptocurrencies presents distinctive attributes that appeal to crypto investors. The market momentum of Solana, the active network of Dogecoin, and the strategic advances within Cardano’s ecosystem make them strong contenders. However, the newcomer, BlockDAG, distinguishes itself by excelling in all these areas with its innovative DAG structure and community-focused initiatives like the $30 million grants program. Additionally, its remarkable presale growth, with a 2240% surge in coin value and projections of up to 30,000x ROI, positions BlockDAG as a top crypto presale choice. Related Items: Blockchain , BlockDAG Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Top 5 Altcoins Alert: BlockDAG, PEPU, Popcat, Bonk & Dogwifhat– Ready for Liftoff! Best Crypto Presales in 2024: BlockDAG Network or RCO Finance? Crypto Whales Inject $50M into BlockDAG, Driving Presale to $150M—Will AVAX and SUI Follow with Big Gains? Comments
A Southport rioter seen in viral footage being hit by bricks in the head and groin while taunting police has been jailed for violent disorder . Following the vigil for three children killed in a stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in July, Brian Spencer was captured CCTV footage acting aggressively and as part of a mob throwing bricks at officers, Merseyside Police said. As far right-fuelled anger boiled over into rioting in Southport, which would later spread to towns and cities across the country, the 40-year-old was identified on CCTV repeatedly punching a police vehicle and picking up and throwing wheelie bins at officers. But in a clip which quickly went viral on social media, Spencer was seen being hit in the head by a projectile while appearing to mock riot police, moments before another missile struck him in the groin, causing him to stagger back into the crowd. While police later took him hospital to receive treatment for the head injury he had sustained, Spencer then went on to racially abuse a fellow patient the following day. Spencer, of Lytham Road in Southport, was jailed for two years and six months at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, after pleading guilty to violent disorder during the riots on 30 July. He was also jailed after admitting to racially/religiously aggravated harrassment at Southport Hospital the following day. Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “The actions of the people who took part in the disorder was extremely serious and many officers were injured during the despicable scenes as bricks, bins and other missiles were thrown at them. “Spencer was involved in the violence and will now spend a significant amount of time in prison. We continue to review footage and information as it comes in, and we will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts.” A total of 163 people have now been arrested by Merseyside Police in connection with the riots, with 88 people sentenced to a total of more than 182 years in prison. As of 13 November, there had been 1,711 arrests and 1,041 charges brought nationwide. More than 300 police officers were injured and 54 hospitalised during violent clashes in towns and cities across the UK this summer, following the mass stabbing in which three young girls – Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice da Silva Aguiar – were killed, and 10 others wounded. Axel Rudakubana, of Banks, Lancashire, has been charged with the murders of the three girls along with 13 other offences. Not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf for all charges after he failed to speak at a court appearance last Wednesday. HM chief inspector of constabulary Andy Cooke warned in a report last week that police failed to see the threat of far-right disorder following the Southport stabbing despite a series of “precursor” events inflaming tensions, labelling the incident a “wake-up call” for forces. Misinformation about the alleged Southport attacker’s identity had been widely shared on social media prior to the violence breaking out.The reigning Super Bowl champions saw their run of 15 straight wins ended by the Buffalo Bills last week, but got back to winning ways thanks to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. After a late Chuba Hubbard touchdown and two-point conversion had made it 27-27, the Chiefs got the ball back with less than two minutes on the clock and a 33-yard run from Mahomes helped set up Spencer Shrader for a game-winning field goal. Mahomes finished the game with 269 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to Noah Gray in the first half. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored two touchdowns as the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts 24-6 to improve their record to 10-1, matching that of the Chiefs. David Montgomery also ran for a score before having to leave the game with a shoulder injury. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended a four-game losing streak with a 30-7 win over the New York Giants, who “mutually agreed” to terminate the contract of quarterback Daniel Jones earlier this week. Jones’ replacement Tommy DeVito was sacked four times while opposite number Baker Mayfield ran for a touchdown and completed 24 of 30 pass attempts for 294 yards. Rachaad White, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker also ran for touchdowns in a one-sided contest. The Dallas Cowboys ended their five-game losing streak with a remarkable 34-26 win over the Washington Commanders, with 30 points scored in the final three minutes. KaVontae Turpin’s 99-yard kick-off return for a touchdown looked to have sealed victory for the Cowboys, only for the Commanders to respond with a field goal before getting the ball back with 33 seconds remaining. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin sprinted 86 yards through the Dallas defence for a touchdown, only for Austin Seibert to miss the extra point. The Commanders tried an onside kick and Juanyeh Thomas returned it 43 yards for a touchdown. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw four touchdown passes as the Miami Dolphins cruised to a 34-15 win over the New England Patriots, while the Tennessee Titans pulled off a surprise 32-27 victory at the Houston Texans. The Minnesota Vikings improved to 9-2 thanks to a 30-27 overtime win against the Chicago Bears, Parker Romo kicking the decisive field goal from 29 yards.Ludhiana: The BJP has intensified its ward-level campaigns. Despite receiving 495 applications from hopeful candidates for 95 wards, uncertainty looms over whether the polls will proceed based on old or new ward delimitations. The BJP failed to secure a single seat in the recent four byelections. District BJP president Rajnesh Dhiman expressed confidence in the party’s readiness, saying: “Public support will depend on the face value of our candidates, and we’ll select them carefully.” A ticket hopeful also acknowledged the challenges and advised focusing on core civic issues. IPL 2025 mega auction IPL Auction 2025: Who got whom IPL 2025 Auction: Updated Full Team Squads Adding to the uncertainty is a pending court decision on the legality of new ward delimitations. Senior advocate Harish Rai Dhanda of the SAD filed a petition challenging the updated boundaries, arguing that delimitation should occur only with double-digit percentage growth in populatiton, with an expansion in the number of wards. The court has reserved its judgment, and Dhanda remains optimistic that the elections will proceed under the 2017 delimitations. We also published the following articles recently Delimitation: Draft of new wards in local bodies published Kerala's local bodies are set for a major restructuring with the publication of a draft delimitation adding 1,510 new wards. The changes, based on the 2011 census and utilizing digital mapping technology, aim to reflect the current population distribution. The public can submit objections and suggestions until December 30th, after which the delimitation commission will finalize the ward boundaries. Delimitation of ward: Election wing receives three plaints so far Following the release of the draft notification on ward delimitation in Kochi's local self-governments, only three formal complaints have been lodged with the district collectorate. Despite some residents expressing concerns via email, they have been urged to submit their grievances officially. Delimitation exercise in north-eastern states cant be deferred indefinitely: SC The Supreme Court has questioned the Indian government's delay in redrawing electoral maps for Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland. The court emphasized that the Constitution mandates this process after each census, expressing concern over the indefinite postponement. While acknowledging the unrest in Manipur, the court pressed for explanations regarding the other two states.
In Memoriam: The tech that died in 2024
WASHINGTON , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR ) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share of its common stock, payable on January 31, 2025 to holders of record on December 27, 2024 . ABOUT DANAHER Danaher is a leading global life sciences and diagnostics innovator, committed to accelerating the power of science and technology to improve human health. Our businesses partner closely with customers to solve many of the most important health challenges impacting patients around the world. Danaher's advanced science and technology - and proven ability to innovate - help enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and help reduce the time and cost needed to sustainably discover, develop and deliver life-changing therapies. Focused on scientific excellence, innovation and continuous improvement, our approximately 63,000 associates worldwide help ensure that Danaher is improving quality of life for billions of people today, while setting the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow. Explore more at www.danaher.com . SOURCE Danaher Corporation
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way companies market their products , enabling them to target consumers in personalized and interactive ways that not long ago seemed like the realm of science fiction. Marketers use AI-powered algorithms to scour vast amounts of data that reveals individual preferences with unrivaled accuracy. This allows companies to precisely target content—ads, emails, social media posts—that feels tailor-made and helps cultivate companies’ relationships with consumers. As a researcher who studies technology in marketing , I joined several colleagues in conducting new research that shows AI marketing overwhelmingly neglects its potential negative consequences . Our peer-reviewed study reviewed 290 articles that had been published over the past 10 years from 15 high-ranking marketing journals. We found that only 33 of them addressed the potential “dark side” of AI marketing. | This matters because the imbalance creates a critical gap in understanding the full impact of AI. AI marketing can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, such as producing hyper-sexualized depictions of women , for example. AI can also infringe on the individual rights of artists . And it can spread misinformation through deepfakes and “hallucinations,” which occur when AI presents false information as if it were true, such as inventing historical events . It can also negatively affect mental health . The prevalence of AI-powered beauty filters on social media, for instance, can foster unrealistic ideals and trigger depression . These concerns loom large, prompting anxiety about the potential misuse of this powerful technology. Many people experience these worries, but young women are notably vulnerable . As AI apps gain acceptance, beauty standards are moving further from reality. Our research finds there is an urgent need to address AI’s ethical considerations and potential negative consequences. Our intent is not to discredit AI. It’s to make sure that AI marketing benefits everyone, not just a handful of powerful companies. I believe researchers should consider exploring the ethical problems with AI more thoroughly, and how to use it safely and responsibly. This is important because AI is suddenly being used everywhere—from social media to self-driving cars to making health decisions . Understanding its potential negative effects empowers the public to be informed consumers and call for responsible AI use. Lauren Labrecque is a professor of marketing at the University of Rhode Island . This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article . The application deadline for Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards is Friday, December 6, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.ENGLAND rugby World Cup hero Steve Thompson has bravely revealed that he often cannot remember the names of his children. Thompson , 46, packed away all the medals, trophies and memorabilia after his shock early-onset dementia diagnosis left him feeling suicidal. At the age of 42, the former front row was diagnosed with both dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in 2020. Thompson is set to bravely tell all in a TNT documentary that showcases the damage the sport has done to his mind. The loving dad-of-four young kids sat down with ex-team-mate Phil Vickery to share a heartbreaking update in his house in Cheshire . The pair first pointed to pictures of Thompson's young children as he tried to recall their names: Seren, Slone, Saskia and Saxon. Vickery began: "What do you remember of 2003?" A defeated Thompson responded: "It's weird. There's nothing there. I can't even remember being in Australia. "The whole lot is gone. And there's nothing there. My life, everything around then, is just not there." Vickery quizzed: "What about anything from when we got back, from the open top bus or the palace?" Thompson said: "No, nothing. It's just not there. My life has turned upside down. Getting lost, memory issues and anger issues. "I went through a massive guilt stage for the kids and Steph. Then I've been close to suicide. You feel like you're the most selfless person if you went. "When I see myself or see the other lads I feel like a phoney in a way. Like it weren't me that was there. Like I didn't do it." But this flanker-turned-hooker will go down in history a rugby legend, starring in all but one of England 's games en route to World Cup glory . And Thompson had only made his Red Rose debut a year prior against Scotland . His upbringing on one of Northampton’s most impoverished estates and a spell as a doorman meant he was fearless. Perhaps the saddest moment of his sit down with Vickery came when Thompson admitted that he regrets the career he once loved. He heartbreaking said: "The thing with rugby is, if I had my time again, I wouldn't do it. "I'd much rather just go and work on a building site, have a normal life. The way I look at is, that was our job, we got asked to do that. "And you do it to the best of your ability. You don't question anything around it. And that's why we probably did as well as we did." He can’t remember his first concussion, nor the last, just that across one of the great rugby careers he saw ‘the white dots’ most weeks. THE word 'dementia' is the name for a set of symptoms that includes memory loss, difficulty thinking, problem solving and struggling with language. A person with dementia will often experience changes in their mood and behaviour. Dementia is often triggered by diseases that damage the brain, including Alzheimer's disease as well as strokes. The disease is thought to be triggered by a build-up of proteins that form abnormal structures, known as 'plaques', in the brain. It's a progressive disease, which means that gradually over time, more parts of the brain are damaged. As this happens more symptoms emerge and get worse. Dementia is considered to be 'early onset' when someone is diagnosed before the age of 65. A study last year found that football and rugby players are six times more likely to have a degenerative brain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is linked to repetitive brain trauma. The Hemel Hempstead-born star, who grew up in Northampton, started the 2003 final Down Under at hooker. He played for Northampton Saints for nine years, making 195 appearances. After Jonny Wilkinson's drop goal won England their one and only World Cup, Thompson and co. were awarded Order of the British Empire medals by Queen Elizabeth II upon their return. But Thompson cannot recall any of it. While other players retired after 2003, he went on to play in the 2011 World Cup too despite having broken his neck in 2007. Steve’s professional career spanned 13 years until another neck break brought it to a close in 2011. "We treat them like bits of meat that just have to train and do what we tell them to do, and when they're no good we get rid of them - and that's what happens. In 2020, Thompson was one of a group of players who launched a legal case to sue rugby's governing bodies for negligence. The former Saints stalwart, as well as Michael Lipman and former Wales No8 Alix Popham, were all named as test cases in action being brought against the RFU, World Rugby and Welsh Rugby Union. The case is still ongoing four years later, with four more British & Irish Lions joining the list of players. Lee Byrne, Gareth Cooper, Harry Ellis and Phil Greening, who toured with the Lions between 2001 and 2009, are among a group of 43 who can now be identified. According to the Mail , British law firm Rylands Legal are in contact with over 100 other former players as part of the historic lawsuit. The claimants allege rugby union's governing bodies failed to put in place reasonable measures to protect their health and safety. A trial date for the lawsuit will not be set until 2025 at the earliest. Thompson told The Guardian in 2020: "I don't want the game to stop, but it's just everyone at the top looking down, saying the main asset of this lovely game is the players. "We've got to make sure we treat them like that. "We treat them like bits of meat that just have to train and do what we tell them to do, and when they're no good we get rid of them - and that's what happens. "They're all human beings, and we've got to make sure they have a proper life after the sport as well." Last year, Thompson became the first sportsperson to pledge their brain for research into the consequences of brain trauma, such as CTE, a disorder that is caused by repeated brain injuries. “When it comes to the CTE aspect and the repetitive head injuries, it’s coming from the training as well,” Thompson said on GMB in April. “World Rugby says it’s our number one priority looking after the players, they’re just about to put in another world tournament for clubs." The film documents all of this - from Thompson and his family trying to come to terms with his diagnosis, to him lending his voice to the fight to make rugby safer Thompson, who won 73 England caps, also says he suffers panic attack and forgets his wife Steph’s name sometimes. He previously told the BBC in April that the memory of his children's birth is now starting to fade. The former hooker, who helped the British Lions secure a 20-17 victory over Australia in 2013, is now the manager of one of his three daughter's U12 football sides.