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SBP launches new eCIB system The State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) old building in Karachi. — AFP/File KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched the new eCIB System (V2), an advanced version of its Electronic Credit Information Bureau (eCIB), a statement said on Wednesday. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); It has been developed to cope with technological advancement and reporting standards aligned with international practices.The new system will become operational effective from January 1, 2025 to replace the existing eCIB system. Under the new system, a few additions and amendments have also been introduced in the Credit Information Report to make it more comprehensive. “The launch of the new eCIB System (V2) reflects the SBP’s commitment to leveraging technology to strengthen Pakistan’s financial sector,” the SBP said in a statement.“This initiative is part of SBP’s broader vision to modernise Pakistan’s financial infrastructure and promote economic growth,” it added.It's Sagittarian nature to outrun wisdom until real-life experiences trip us up. Imagine knowledge trailing closely behind you as you make your way toward an undefined finish line, only to fall, face-first, into your next life lesson. Sagittarian energy is stubborn, occasionally flexible, and constantly learning about how little we truly know about anything. How can we ever be true experts when knowledge is limitless? There is no ultimate knowing, only the promise of learning and unlearning. During this New Moon in Sagittarius, there are five considerations to keep in mind. Your horoscope for the New Moon in Sagittarius This New Moon is presenting you with the opportunity to travel or develop your knowledge on a beloved topic. Before diving headfirst into your next adventure, make sure you trust your gut. A seemingly exciting opportunity might not include the lessons you truly need to (re)learn. Sometimes, the most valuable lesson is realizing you don’t need to enroll in every course life offers. Are you feeling the lover energy? That’s nice—but let me introduce you to the wonderful work of self-development. My love, the idea that we are perfect or should be accepted "flaws and all" doesn’t negate the need for self-awareness. Sometimes, you might find yourself stuck in the same old love song because you’re replaying a familiar tune. To break the cycle, consider some much-needed self-reflection—with the help of a trusted friend who can keep it real. Life is way too short to let your ego get in the way of wisdom, dear Gemini. With Jupiter, the planet of deep knowledge, in your house of self, you’re being called to recognize important truths about who you are. Close relationships may be a major theme during this time, and tensions could arise when you realize that the way you’ve always expressed yourself might conflict with you fully understanding your loved ones. Wisdom is within you—just look in the mirror. There may be tension in your work relationships, but your desire to keep the peace could make you hold your tongue. You'll gain a long-term lesson from how you navigate this situation. Even if it feels like you’re walking on eggshells, remember you don’t have to go at it alone. Reach out to someone you trust for advice. They might offer insight that'll help you handle a complex situation—and who knows, at its root, it may just be a misunderstanding. Sometimes the passion you feel for others is a reflection of how much meaning you can add to their lives. Right now, your ability to rejoice in your hobbies is keeping your energy high, but don’t let your focus on the “game” sacrifice your intimate bonds. When you're building newer connections, sometimes it’s best to keep things surface-level for a while. But be true to yourself! Whose rulebook are you following? Oh, Virgo. You might find yourself passionately expressing your ideas to an audience of near-strangers, but what you’re really being called to do is connect with your close friends. Before throwing yourself out there, take a step back and tune into the people who love you. You may have a way with words, but listening to the perspectives of those who know you best will help you move forward with clarity. Dear Libra, don't let “the way you’ve always done things” keep you from discovering simpler solutions. This New Moon encourages you to rethink your approach. That doesn’t mean you need to make any changes, but it might require you to unlearn a few old habits and take a slightly different path toward your goals. Just when you think you have everything figured out, life reminds you that something's brewing behind the scenes. Try not to pressure yourself into committing to any one idea or value system. This New Moon is about welcoming new perspectives and asking questions to understand them. There’s no need to take things too seriously right now—focus on unwinding and having a little fun! Happy Birthday, beautiful! The spotlight is on you this month, and this New Moon asks you to let go of the need always to be the expert. You may feel like you bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to those around you, but try stepping into the role of the curious, childlike student. You can be more receptive from a position of assumed ignorance—and that openness will help you become an even better teacher. As you reflect on the past year and prepare for the next, consider how you’ve been enjoying your progress. New connections and opportunities may present themselves, but before committing to any long-term partnerships, slow down. Examine your circle. How do those around you behave or think differently from you? What do your unique qualities and modalities say about the person you’re becoming? Darling, it may feel like you’ve been here, done this, and messed around a million times before—but remember, every day has something new to offer. The mistake of relying on stereotypes or probabilities dismisses the magic of serendipity, which we all know exists. You may think you have friends, lovers, and life down to a science, but let the universe surprise you. Oh, the places your career can take you, Pisces. Try not to get bogged down by your workload when your body is crying out for rest. Throwing yourself into work might feel comforting at first, but it could overshadow deeper lessons about self-awareness and your actual values. If you find yourself losing a sense of internal purpose, anchor yourself in the present. Find peace in what feels unsettling, and let it guide you back to balance. Monisha “Six” Holmes is an astrologer and Master of Social Work (MSW) who covers love, relationships, and wellness. She earned her MSW at Columbia University, where she specialized in contemporary social issues. Aside from writing, Monisha is the founder of , a media platform aimed at promoting wellness, spirituality, and justice. Follow her on .
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, Nvidia has a bold new player on the scene: the Blackwell GPUs. While ChatGPT’s groundbreaking launch in late 2022 sparked an AI race among tech giants, it turns out the infrastructure wasn’t fully equipped for dedicated AI tasks. Nvidia’s upcoming Blackwell architecture , however, promises to change the game completely, being designed specifically for AI. The Blackwell GPUs mark an ambitious leap for Nvidia, as they aim to equip tech companies with superior tools to advance their AI capabilities. Despite their impressive potential, these GPUs present challenges for today’s data centers. Many companies might need to overhaul their infrastructure entirely to utilize this cutting-edge technology effectively. Questions around adjustments, such as suitable liquid cooling systems and software compatibility, illustrate the complexity laid bare by these state-of-the-art processors. Despite these hurdles, Nvidia’s dominant position in the market reassures investors and developers. The anticipated shift in tech infrastructure points to a future where advanced computing power becomes the norm, helping Nvidia overcome present supply chain complexities. As the AI landscape broadens, the transition to Blackwell GPUs may well define which companies lead the way in technology innovation. Preparations for this grand transformation will likely drive significant investments, as businesses aim to capitalize on these trailblazing GPUs. Within a few quarters, when the initial teething problems get resolved, Nvidia is set to capitalize on a new era of AI advancement, potentially heralding a technological bull run. Breaking Down the Future of AI: Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs In the dynamic world of artificial intelligence, Nvidia has introduced a disruptive force with their upcoming Blackwell GPUs. While the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 ignited a fierce AI race, many systems weren’t ideally equipped for AI-specific tasks. Nvidia’s Blackwell architecture promises to fill this gap by being tailored explicitly for AI applications, marking a pivotal shift in computing technology. Features of Blackwell GPUs The Blackwell architecture signifies a substantial leap for Nvidia, focusing on optimizing AI performance. These GPUs are designed to offer superior computational power, energy efficiency, and scalability. One of the standout features is their tailored ability to handle AI workloads, setting them apart from traditional GPUs not optimized for such tasks. Blackwell GPU Use Cases These GPUs are set to empower sectors that heavily rely on AI, such as autonomous driving, healthcare diagnostics, and robotic automation. By providing improved processing capabilities, Blackwell GPUs could revolutionize how data is analyzed and utilized in real-time, paving the way for innovations across industries. Challenges and Adjustments Companies eager to adopt Blackwell GPUs might face significant hurdles, primarily related to infrastructure. The transition may necessitate comprehensive overhauls in current data centers, including the adoption of suitable liquid cooling systems and ensuring software compatibility, to optimize the use of these advanced processors. Market Analysis and Predictions Nvidia’s leading market position backs investor confidence, suggesting the company is well-equipped to navigate and potentially dominate the evolving AI landscape. This anticipated shift in technology infrastructure could redefine industry standards, encouraging further investments from businesses looking to stay at the forefront of innovation. Pros and Cons of the Blackwell GPUs Pros: – Tailored for AI workloads, offering unmatched efficiency and performance. – Potential to drive innovations in several critical industries by enabling advanced data analytics and automation. Cons: – Requires significant adjustments in existing IT infrastructure, potentially escalating initial costs. – Companies might need to invest in additional resources for smooth integration, such as cooling solutions and compatible software. Sustainability and Security Aspects With sustainability becoming a critical concern, Nvidia is likely focusing on enhancing the energy efficiency of Blackwell GPUs, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of AI computations. Security, another major concern in AI-driven environments, remains a priority, with these processors expected to feature robust security protocols to safeguard data. Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs are poised to set a new benchmark in AI computing, offering a blend of performance, efficiency, and innovation. As businesses adapt to these technological advancements, strategic investments and infrastructure enhancements will be crucial for capitalizing on the full capabilities of Blackwell GPUs and maintaining competitive edge in a technology-driven market. For more information about Nvidia and their product offerings, visit the Nvidia website .Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia
Raptors takeaways: Opponents 'scared' of Shai, Mogbo gets a chance, OKC reality check( MENAFN - Robotics & automation News) Can Adaptive Headlights Make Driving Safer? In February 2022, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ruled that automobile makers could finally install adaptive driving beam headlight systems (ADB) on their new vehicles to make driving at night and in low visibility safer for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, domestic and wild animals, and others. This change to the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) occurred after federal agencies received complaints from manufacturers and consumers about the lack of modern vehicle lighting and safety technologies to match other countries that had adopted these standards decades ago. Read on to learn more about the impact of these headlights on road safety... Most states have laws regarding when headlights must be used. For example, Florida law states headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise, including twilight ours and during rain, fog and smoke. Not all drivers adhere to these laws putting themselves and others at risk of dangerous accidents. More than 40,000 people a year die in car accidents. Nighttime fatalities make up approximately 50% of all traffic accident deaths. Drivers and others have more difficulty seeing in general at night and at dusk and dawn when dealing with sunset and sunrise glare, fog and other low visibility scenarios. Although high beams help people see more than with human vision and low beams, another big nighttime problem is high-beam glare. Many drivers complain that they've nearly had an accident or crashed because of temporary high-beam blindness. Some drivers also have accidents because they refuse to use their high beams. They rely entirely on low beams that fail to provide enough illumination and visibility because they worry about blinding other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians with what they feel are unnecessarily bright modern lights that cause direct pinpoint glare, halos and after-image visual problems. ADB headlights solve these problems by increasing the amount of light so that people can see a lot further. They also reduce the amount of light that shines into a driver's eye in the presence of other vehicles in front of or approaching the vehicle in the opposite lane. Some systems reduce the light automatically with sliding blinders, and others carefully turn off some LED filaments inside the headlight. This feature is also helpful because many headlights now contain LED filaments that create blue light and cause eye sensitivity. ADB systems rapidly remove the amount of blue and overall light. As noted in a 2022 Consumer Reports breakdown and a 2019 AAA study, ADB systems improve nighttime visibility by up to approximately 86% and offer the same level of illumination with only the glare of low beams. Consumer Reports found through independent testing that ADB systems add up to an additional 250 feet of illumination when compared to the distance of low beams. Since the approval by the NHTSA only applies to new vehicles, many Americans continue to deal with unnecessary glare from high beams. Manufacturers have hit a wall because the new U.S. standards don't match the existing standards and technologies for other countries. The cost to install the systems in cars in the U.S. market is prohibitive for them and consumers. The price of an ADB system can run thousands of dollars, which makes it more difficult for drivers to upgrade their own vehicles with safer lighting systems. Some vehicles already have automatic switching from low to high beams, but those systems aren't as adaptive as ADB systems. Additionally, vehicle mods and a trend of drivers buying more large, high body designs mean that more drivers experience bright glare from high beams focused directly into their eyes. Most states don't require that headlights focus on the road. A lack of a requirement for inspections and overall low concern by inspectors results in one or both headlights being aligned incorrectly, which causes unnecessary glare. MENAFN18122024005532012229ID1109009850 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Easter Sunday is four months away, falling on April 20 in 2025 but some supermarkets already have seasonal stock out on their shelves. Chocolate eggs and hot cross buns have already been spotted for sale in shops including Morrisons, Tesco and Asda. As reported by Sky News , Gary Evans, 66, from Margate, shared a picture of Creme Eggs on display at his local Morrisons on Boxing Day. "I just think it's crazy that everything is so superficial and meaninglessly commercial... [there's] something quite frantic about it," he said. Meanwhile, Joseph Robinson, saw themed Kit-Kat and Kinder Surprise products at his local Morrisons in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday evening (December 27). He said: "It's funny as they've not even managed to shift the Christmas chocolates off the shelves yet and they're already stocking for Easter. "I wish that supermarkets weren't so blatantly consumerist-driven and would actually allow customers and staff a time to decompress during the Christmas period." (function (d, s, n) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; js = d.createElement(s); js.className = n; js.src = "//player.ex.co/player/e581678b-798b-4990-96f0-b5cdd52a81fd"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); js.setAttribute('programmatic', 'true'); js.onload = function () { const playerApi232038 = ExCoPlayer.connect('e581678b-798b-4990-96f0-b5cdd52a81fd'); playerApi232038.init({ "autoPlay": false, "mute": true, "showAds": true, "playbackMode": "play-in-view", "content": { "playFirst": [ { "title": "Discontinued UK Sweets/Chocolates", "src": "https://large-cdn.ex.co/transformations/production/07e8370e-04f6-4f11-86d9-86c3c15c0e54/720p.mp4" } ], "playlistId": "649d3cb479e0a90012b54cc2" }, "sticky": { "mode": "persistent", "closeButton": true, "pauseOnClose": true, "desktop": { "enabled": false, "position": "bottom-right" }, "mobile": { "enabled": false, "position": "upper-small" } }}); }; }(document, 'script', 'exco-player')); On X (formerly known as Twitter) user @Jingle1991 shared an image of Malteser Bunnies in Sainsbury's on Christmas Eve and pointed out: "Easter chocolate already out. Jesus hasn’t even been born yet". Another added: "I’m a very liberal person but seeing Morrisons selling #Easter eggs right after #Christmas is where I draw the line". In an alternative view, marketing consultant Andrew Wallis, 54, admitted he was surprised to see Easter eggs in the Co-op in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire. However, he added it also illustrates "forward-thinking" from big businesses. Recommended reading: He explained: "It made me reflect on how big brands are always thinking ahead and planning early. "My message to retailers would be: while planning ahead is important, it's also essential to be mindful of consumer sentiment. "Some might feel it's too early for seasonal products like this but others might see it as a sign of forward-thinking. Striking the right balance is key to keeping customers happy."Bad Bunny announces a new album, ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos’
Sundry Photography/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Shares of International Business Machines ( NYSE: IBM ) were on track to snap seven straight sessions of gains, as the stock fell more than 1.7% to $224.94 in afternoon trade. The American technology company gained 9.97% in the last seven trading sessions. The stock
Mikaela Shiffrin suffers abrasion on hip during crash on final run of World Cup giant slalom( MENAFN - PR Newswire) SAN DIEGO and BEIJING, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TuSimple Holdings Inc. (OTCMKTS: TSPH) ("TuSimple" or the "Company"), a global leader in artificial intelligence technology, today announced its official rebranding to CreateAI and major advancements in its new strategic initiatives. The rebranding reflects CreateAI's renewed focus on transforming animation and video game industries through proprietary AI technologies and its integrated content development platform. CreateAI showed significant progress in generative AI research with the debut of its first major AI model, named "Ruyi". The model, available open source on AI community "Hugging Face", excels in frame consistency, motion fluency, color and composition quality. The decision to adopt an open-source model stems from CreateAI's commitment to empower creators and foster a vibrant user ecosystem. The model, developed in under six months, leverages technological know-how building upon the Company's autonomous driving expertise. It also lays the foundation for proprietary AI tools and infrastructure specifically created for video game and anime content development. The Company has advanced rapidly since its entry into the digital entertainment content industry in August 2024. CreateAI announced the development of a "AAA" Open-World Role-Playing Game (RPG) based on the legendary Louis Cha intellectual property (IP) "Heroes of Jin Yong". The game represents a significant evolution from previous adaptations of Louis Cha's IP as it integrates characters and narratives from all of his influential literary works. This marks the unveiling of a cohesive world of heroes, moving beyond individual stories, and serving as a starting point for the creation of new original martial arts works. A preview event took place on December 14 in Guangzhou, China, garnering strong interest from fans and cementing its place as one of the most anticipated "AAA" games to be released. "We are proud of the achievements we've made in the short amount of time since entering into the field," said Cheng Lu, President and CEO of CreateAI. "We are confident that our integrated approach at the intersection of generative AI and digital entertainment creation is a differentiating factor, one that provides significant long-term growth opportunities." CreateAI has continued to advance its previously announced project related to the acclaimed "The Three-Body Problem", partnering with the Japanese anime designer Shōji Kawamori, the "Father of Macross", to ultimately bring this vast fantasy world to life through unprecedented visual and narrative depth via an animated feature film and video game. Additionally, CreateAI has unveiled its latest business plan, showcasing the immense commercial value derived from today's transformation and the industry's total addressable market. The plan also outlines the historical industry challenges addressed by the company, technology milestones, commercialization pathways, and cohesive management team. It also emphasizes how the Company's integrated strategy forms a flywheel effect in AI development, ultimately leading to long-term sustainable competitive advantage. About CreateAI CreateAI (formerly TuSimple) is a global artificial intelligence company with offices in US, China, and Japan. The company is pioneering the future of digital entertainment content production, seamlessly blending cutting-edge generative AI technology with the creativity of world-class talent. Our mission is to redefine the boundaries of what's possible in digital storytelling by developing immersive, captivating, and visually stunning experiences that resonate with audiences on a global scale. CreateAI Media Contact: Brad Burgess ICR, LLC Email: [email protected] SOURCE CreateAI Holdings Inc MENAFN18122024003732001241ID1109009432 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
As the leaves fall, the heat goes on, the temperatures drop and the sweaters and jackets are pulled from storage, it’s also a great time to think about making a pot of soup. Related Articles Restaurants Food and Drink | Elevate Thanksgiving leftovers with a Turkey Reuben Sandwich Restaurants Food and Drink | Combat Thanksgiving leftover fatigue with beef and broccoli stir-fry Restaurants Food and Drink | Quick Fix: Turkey Tacos with Corn and Red Pepper Salad Restaurants Food and Drink | Ditch the cloying casserole for tahini-roasted sweet potatoes with za’atar Restaurants Food and Drink | Recipe: Invigorate your fall senses with fresh pasta in Bolognese sauce Soup is one of the best comfort foods, perfect for those New England fall and winter days. Whether you fancy clam or corn chowder, a roasted butternut squash soup, a classic Italian sausage orzo or something unique like lasagna soup, there’s a special place in everyone’s heart for that big pot on the stove. We have found five recipes that are sure to make your mouth water. No matter what soup preference you may have, you’ll find something to cook for the whole family. This recipe is by Allrecipes.com . Ingredients Directions This recipe is by Allrecipes.com . Ingredients Directions This recipe is by Allrecipes.com . Ingredients Noodles: Soup Base: Cheese Mixture: Garnish: Directions This recipe is by juliasalbum.com . Ingredients Directions This recipe is by Allrecipes.com . Ingredients DirectionsI'm not sure people realize the importance of Washington winning its latest lawsuit against Meta, the social media titan that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Potentially at stake are laws enabling the public to know who is influencing elections in Washington and other states. Rather than comply with Washington's law requiring disclosure of political ad spending, Meta chose to attack the transparency law's legitimacy. Fortunately Meta keeps losing. A resounding defeat in the state Court of Appeals, which eviscerated Meta's case in a ruling published last Monday , should be the end of it. But Meta can be pugilistic when told to follow the rules, as we've seen in places that ordered the company to compensate news publishers for the use of their stories. Instead of complying with Canada's Online News Act, Meta last year blocked Canadians' access to news on Facebook and Instagram, hurting both customers and online publishers who built their companies on its platforms. Meta could continue fighting Washington all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, potentially undermining the state's Fair Campaign Practices Act and similar laws in other states. All because Meta thinks it's a hassle to share details of what political campaigns are spending on its sites, as the law requires. "Their defense was challenging the constitutionality of the law ... and once you're doing that, you know, you are opening a big can of worms," Washington Attorney General and Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson said in an interview. This began as a straightforward case, forcing Meta to follow standard rules requiring media to disclose campaign ad sales. Violations of these rules happen all the time, often unintentionally. Usually rule-breakers say oops, correct the mistake and move on. Meta did that initially. After Ferguson sued in 2018, Meta paid a $200,000 penalty and said it would comply by ceasing to sell political ads in Washington. Then the company went back on its word and willfully violated the law, again and again. Around 1,600 political ads were sold on its platforms in Washington in 2019 and the company again failed to share details of this campaign spending with the public, as required. When Ferguson brought Meta to court, the company and its attorneys chose a nuclear option. They not only argued that Meta was innocent, they attacked the legal underpinnings of the law. They argued, among other things, that it infringed on Meta's First Amendment rights and that the company was immunized by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. In other words, Meta chose to blow up the state's campaign transparency law rather than follow it. Ferguson said Meta is entitled to its defense but it's frustrating that a sophisticated company and its top-shelf attorneys made that choice. "I just never really understood what Meta was trying to accomplish here," he said. "I mean, rather than working with us to, you know, find a solution, it was literally attack the constitutionality of an important law that supports transparency in our elections." Fortunately the Court of Appeals recognized what's at stake, saw through the arguments and blew up Meta's case instead. The ruling, penned by Judge J. Michael Diaz, opens with a quote from a federal case: “(A) well-informed electorate is as vital to the survival of a democracy as air is to the survival of human life.” It repeatedly made this point, directly and with other citations. The court also upheld what the state Public Disclosure Commission described as the largest fine in U.S. history for campaign violations: $24.6 million in penalties plus $10.5 million for the state's legal fees, after trebling for intentional violations. The penalties could be lowered, however. The previous record penalty, $18 million against the Grocery Manufacturers Association that Ferguson sued in 2013 for campaign reporting violations, was reduced in a 2022 settlement. Ferguson agreed to a $9 million fine and the association dropped its appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Meta did not make a representative available for an interview but shared a statement suggesting that it may keep fighting: "We disagree with this ruling and are assessing next steps. We offer more transparency into political advertising than TV, radio or any other digital advertising platform." That's cleverly worded. The issue isn't the quantity of what Meta discloses, it's whether Meta shares what's required, and as required, by state law. The law requires companies running political ads to keep timely, detailed records of the ad spending and make them available within a day or two if someone wants to see them. Other media companies, with far fewer resources, have followed these rules and borne the paperwork costs for decades. But Meta, which is now valued at $1.5 trillion, argued that this is too much of a burden. The court was unconvinced. It also agreed with the state that there's substantial government interest in "the need to timely inform the electorate about who is expending money to influence an election in our state and how that money is being spent." By strongly affirming the need for the public to have prompt access to these records, the ruling also helps make the case for a separate issue Ferguson's office is handling. A coalition of media companies asked it to update model public-records rules to make clear that state law requires prompt, timely disclosure. I asked Ferguson if the ruling also strengthens the state's Public Records and Open Public Meetings acts, or sends a message to those would challenge them. "It does two things: Reinforce those laws, but also serve as a deterrent to those who want to violate them," he said. The case is also an example of how news organizations need government intervention to help level the playing field with dominant tech companies. It's hard to compete with giants but not impossible, unless they ignore the rules. Ferguson noted this in our interview and a news release announcing the ruling. "I think that whether you are a small town newspaper or you're a big corporation, Meta, you've got to play by the same rules," he said. "Because guess what, that small town newspaper, to your point, has the cost and needs to keep those records available and make them available to the public when asked." Ferguson said newspapers are complying, as evidenced by the lack of complaints so far to his office and the Public Disclosure Commission, while "the biggest corporation, with the most resources, it's just too arrogant to follow the rules." "Newspapers are trying to get by right now, right?" he continued. "Meta's got all the resources in the world. Instead of putting those resources to follow the law, they spend millions of dollars trying to have the law declared unconstitutional. It drives me crazy." Me too. Instead of pursuing a Phyrrhic victory that would raise serious questions about Meta's values and corporate citizenship, the company should negotiate a settlement and end this tortured case. Unrepentant, repeat offenders don't deserve a generous break. But a lower penalty is preferable to the risk, however small, of weakening transparency laws and making citizens less informed about who is influencing their elections.
RCC’s students help other people hold food drive during holidays
TRAVELERS are welcome to bring their Thanksgiving leftovers on their post-holiday plane rides - except for one popular side dish. The Transportation Security Administration has strict guidelines for the millions of passengers traveling by air this week for Thanksgiving . Nearly all foods are allowed to be transported in checked baggage - but the rules get tricky when it comes to carry-on bags. Solid food items can pass through a TSA checkpoint with no problem, but liquids have to be under 3.4 ounces. This means passengers have to be careful about how much gravy they bring on planes, as it counts as a liquid. The TSA has this rule to prevent items from spilling, spraying, or pouring on the plane. READ MORE ON THANKSGIVING The rule also includes other Thanksgiving classics like cranberry sauce and apple cider. Any canned item also counts as liquid, so passengers must check they're under 3.4 ounces or 100 ml as well. More holiday favorites like casseroles, macaroni and cheese, and stuffing can also be brought through TSA checkpoints. Food often needs additional screening at security, so TSA advises travelers to place items in an easily accessible spot. Most read in Travel Fresh foods and cooked or uncooked meats like turkey and ham are also fine to bring through TSA, officials shared in a press release last year. When it comes to frozen food, the TSA has specific rules about the ice packs travelers use to keep their leftovers cold. Ice packs must be frozen solid and not melted when going through a TSA checkpoint. If frozen foods are partially melted or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they won't be permitted through security. Frozen liquid items also must be frozen solid when they go through screening, meaning bringing frozen gravy or cranberry sauce is an option. But if the frozen liquids are partially melted, slushy, or have liquid at the bottom of the container, they still have to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. The Transportation Security Administration regulates the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that flyers can bring through airport security with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. The 3-1-1 rule consists of the following: Each container of liquid has to be 3.4 ounces or less. All liquids have to fit in one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag. Finally, passengers can only bring one bag of liquids each. The 3-1-1 rule says that each container of liquid has to be under 3.4 ounces and fit in one clear, quart-sized bag. Plus, passengers can only bring one bag of liquids - so you have to choose between bringing your gravy, sauce, or preserves on the plane. However, if you're traveling with a baby this holiday season, the liquids guidelines don't apply to baby formula, baby food, or breast milk as they're considered medically necessary liquids. Other medically necessary liquids might include contact lens solutions or medicines, but flyers should tell the TSA agent about the liquids before they go through screening. Read More on The US Sun Liquids that don't follow the guidelines have to be packed in checked bags or thrown away entirely. Even if you bring your Thanksgiving leftovers home with you, be sure to eat them before the Monday following the holiday, or else you could risk food poisoning .Homewood-Flossmoor looks for repeat as Class 4A state champs, but Rich Township, Mount Carmel and Marist are right behind. 1. Homewood-Flossmoor (33-4) Defending Class 4A state champions have a new look, but the talent is there for another big run. A trio of senior guards leads the way as Jayden Tyler (Wofford) returns and is joined by Thornwood transfer Arden Eaves (Lewis) and Lincoln-Way East transfer Brent Taylor . Look out for talented freshman guard Darrius Hawkins Jr. 2. Rich Township (23-8) Raptors return junior guards Jamson Coulter and Jayden Williams and add a superstar in senior forward Al Brooks Jr. , a transfer from Hansberry and a high-major recruit. His twin brother, Ikee , will add to the guard depth for a team looking to make major noise in March. 3. Mount Carmel (32-6) The 2023 Class 3A runners-up must replace superstar Angelo Ciaravino , who is at Northwestern. But senior guard Grant Best (Air Force) is ready to lead the way, while junior Noah Mister and senior Cameron Thomas add to a talented, deep backcourt. Watch out for freshman guard Marshaun Thornton . 4. Marist (29-5) Football injuries have sidelined senior forward Achilles Anderson for the season and star junior forward Stephen Brown for likely at least a month. When Brown returns, look out. He will join junior guards Adoni Vassilakis and TJ Tate and senior forward Marquis Vance . Junior forward Karson Thomas from Lincoln-Way East and junior guard Rokas Zilys from Vermont Academy are big additions via transfer. 5. St. Laurence (20-12) New coach Roshawn Russell has an intriguing mix of talent, with senior guards Zerrick Johnson and Bradley Stratton coming off big seasons. They’re joined by two returning standouts as senior guard EJ Mosley (Purdue Fort Wayne) and senior forward Jacob Rice have transferred back after spending last season elsewhere. 6. Bloom (19-10) Senior guards Elijah Lovemore and Payton Edwards form a dynamic duo. Senior guard/forward Adam Page , a transfer from Hillcrest, is a big addition. The Blazing Trojans will need newcomers to emerge in the frontcourt. Brother Rice’s Marcos Gonzales (3) drives against Marian Catholic’s Adam Shorter during a Class 3A Thornton Sectional semifinal game in Harvey on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. (John Smierciak / Daily Southtown) 7. Brother Rice (31-4) Senior guard Marcos Gonzales (Citadel) is ready for even more of a starring role, while senior guard Jack Weigus — a transfer from Hinsdale South — is a prolific outside shooter. Look for senior forward Caden Workman to step up. 8. Lemont (19-12) Guard Gabriel Sularski , who transferred from Benet, is rated as the top junior in Illinois by 247 Sports. He joins an experienced group led by senior forwards Alanas Castillo , Shea Glotzbach and Matas Gaidukevicius . 9. Oak Lawn (22-9) Senior guard Donte Montgomery , who averaged over 20 points last season, is poised to be one of the area’s top players. Junior guard Jack Dempsey is a strong outside shooter, while senior guard Ali Farhan looks to step up. 10. Hillcrest (17-14) With four starters back, don’t expect the Hawks to stay down for long. Senior guard Jovi Ratliff is a scorer and Hillcrest will have the inside advantage against most teams with a pair of 6-foot-7 forwards in senior Jaylen Ingram and junior Max Carmicle . Rich Township’s Jamson Coulter (3) takes a breath before making a free throw against Oak Forest during a nonconference game in Oak Forest on Monday Feb. 5, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown) Charles Barnes , De La Salle, junior, forward. Grant Best, Mount Carmel, senior, guard. Al Brooks Jr., Rich Township, senior, forward. Stephen Brown, Marist, junior, forward. Seth Cheney , Providence, senior, guard. Jamson Coulter, Rich Township, junior, guard. Arden Eaves, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, guard. Marcos Gonzales, Brother Rice, senior, guard. Zerrick Johnson, St. Laurence, senior, guard. Elijah Lovemore, Bloom, senior, guard. Noah Mister, Mount Carmel, junior, guard. Donte Montgomery, Oak Lawn, senior, guard. EJ Mosley, St. Laurence, senior, guard. Jovi Ratliff, Hillcrest, senior, guard. Jacob Rice, St. Laurence, senior, forward. Kassam Saleh , Argo, senior, guard. Brenden Sanders , Lincoln-Way East, senior, forward. Zack Sharkey , Marian Catholic, senior, guard. Gabriel Sularski, Lemont, junior, guard. Brent Taylor, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, guard. Karson Thomas, Marist, junior, forward. Jayden Tyler, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, guard. Adoni Vassilakis, Marist, junior, guard. Keshaun Vaval , Evergreen Park, senior, guard. Jack Weigus, Brother Rice, senior, guard.
US effort to curb China's and Russia's access to advanced computer chips 'inadequate,' report findsThe 2024 Independence Day Message from The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) proudly celebrates the 58th anniversary of an independent Barbados and the third anniversary of its transition to a Republic. When the island became a republic in 2021, it marked the end of centuries of British rule and became the newest republic in the global community. By appointing its own Head of State, Barbados relinquished the influence of the British monarchy, where the Queen of England previously held that role. Reflecting on Barbados’ history as a hub for the trans-Atlantic slave trade for over two hundred years, the celebration of independence holds immense significance for the Barbadian labor movement. The struggle of approximately four hundred years of slavery brought severe restrictions on freedoms and denied fundamental human rights to enslaved Africans. Under British colonial rule, Barbadians remained under the control of the British government. Independence, however, granted Barbadians the right to self-determination and control over their own destiny. In an independent Barbados, workers and the working class now enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, association, choice, and religion, as well as the right to vote and protection from discrimination based on race, class, gender, or any other factor. CTUSAB emphasizes the importance of promoting ideals and practices that support the development of a fair, just, and democratic Barbadian society. These principles include justice, equality, equity, democratic governance, and adherence to the rule of law. Barbados, over its 58 years as an independent nation, has upheld freedom of speech as a cornerstone of its democracy. CTUSAB underscores the need to preserve this freedom and strongly objects to the enactment of the Cybercrime Bill in its current form. Regarding the right to vote, CTUSAB considers the prohibition of Public Officers from contesting national elections for political office discriminatory. It calls on the Government of Barbados to address this omission, as recently done by St. Vincent & the Grenadines, where amendments to the Representation of the People Act now allow public officers to seek electoral office without risking their employment or benefits if unsuccessful. CTUSAB celebrates the milestone of adult suffrage granted to Barbadians in 1950. This achievement, championed by labour advocates and National Heroes like Sir Grantley Adams and Sir Frank Walcott, paved the way for greater political participation and representation. The attainment of full internal self-government in 1961 was another decisive step toward political freedom, culminating in independence under the leadership of National Hero Rt. Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, the country’s first Prime Minister. CTUSAB encourages Barbadians to remain inspired by the words of the National Anthem: “Upward and onward we shall go, inspired, exulting, free, and greater will our nation grow, in strength and unity.” Working together is essential for the continued growth, development, and success of the nation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.Honda, Nissan move to deepen ties, sources say, including possible merger Nissan Motor CEO Makoto Uchida and Honda Motor CEO Toshihiro Mibe attend press conference in Tokyo. — Reuters/File TOKYO: Honda and Nissan are in talks to deepen ties, two people said on Wednesday, including a possible merger, the clearest sign yet of how Japan’s once seemingly unbeatable auto industry is being reshaped by challenges from Tesla and Chinese rivals. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); A combined Honda and Nissan would create a $54 billion company with annual output of 7.4 million vehicles, making it the world’s third-largest auto group by vehicle sales after Toyota and Volkswagen. The two firms already forged a strategic partnership in March to cooperate in electric vehicle development, but Nissan’s deepening financial and strategic trouble in recent months has added more urgency for closer cooperation with larger rival Honda. Nissan announced a $2.6 billion cost savings plan last month that includes cutting 9,000 jobs and 20 per cent of its global production capacity, as slumping sales in China and the United States led to an 85 per cent plunge in second-quarter profit. “This deal appears to be more about bailing out Nissan, but Honda itself is not resting on its laurels,” said Sanshiro Fukao, executive fellow at Itochu Research Institute. “Honda’s cash flow is set to deteriorate next year and its EVs haven’t been going so well.” Shares of Nissan closed nearly 24 per cent higher in Tokyo trade on Wednesday, while shares of Honda, whose market value of $43 billion is more than four times bigger than that of Nissan, declined 3.0 per cent. Shares of Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan is the top shareholder with a 24 per cent stake, gained nearly 20 per cent. The automakers have been grappling with challenges from EV makers, particularly in China, where BYD and others have surged ahead. The talks between Honda and Nissan, first reported by the Nikkei newspaper, could allow the companies to cooperate more on technology and help them create a more formidable domestic rival to Toyota. The discussions are focused on finding ways to bolster collaboration and include the possibility of setting up a holding company, said the people, who declined to be identified because the information has not been made public. The companies are also discussing the possibility of a full merger, according to one of the people, as well as looking at ways to cooperate with Mitsubishi.Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi said no deal had been announced by any of the companies, though Nissan and Mitsubishi noted the three automakers had said previously they were considering opportunities for future collaboration. French automaker Renault, Nissan’s largest shareholder, is open in principle to a deal and would examine all the implications of a tie-up, two people familiar with the matter said.A Renault spokesperson declined to comment.Renault shares were up 6.1 per cent at 1217 GMT.The three Japanese automakers are expected to hold a joint news conference in Tokyo on Monday, according to a source familiar with the matter. Taiwan’s Foxconn, which manufactures Apple’s iPhones and has been seeking to expand its nascent EV contract manufacturing business, approached Nissan about a bid but it was rejected by the Japanese firm, two separate sources familiar with the matter said. Bloomberg News reported earlier on Wednesday that Foxconn had approached Nissan to take a controlling stake.Foxconn did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while a Nissan spokesperson declined to comment on Foxconn. CHANGING LANDSCAPE Over the past year, an EV price war launched by Tesla and BYD has intensified pressure on any automakers losing money on the next-generation vehicles. That has pushed companies like Honda and Nissan to seek ways to cut costs and speed vehicle development, and mergers are a major step in that direction. “In the mid- to long-term, this is good for the Japanese car industry as it creates a second axis against Toyota,” said Seiji Sugiura, a senior analyst at Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory. “Constructive rivalry with Toyota is a positive for the rather stagnating Japanese car industry when it must compete with Chinese automakers, Tesla and others.”S&P Global Ratings said it would take time for the synergies from a potential merger to boost the firms’ creditworthiness. Differences in corporate culture and strategies may mean a merger that does not give one side control is unlikely to have meaningful results.“In our view, there have been few instances where mergers and alliances between major automakers have led to significant benefits,” it said in a note.
DALLAS — This article was originally published by our content partners at the Dallas Business Journal. You can read the original article here . Heath May has been named the next CEO of Dallas-based HKS Inc., putting him in line to take over from longtime leader Dan Noble. The largest architecture firm based in Dallas announced on Dec. 17 that May will take over as chief executive officer and chairman in January 2026, after a year of transitioning and preparing for his new position as head of the company. May brings 20 years of experience at HKS to his new role as top dog, and currently serves as global practice director of HKS LINE, which stands for Laboratory of Intensive Exploration. He has led major projects for the firm like the design of Dallas’ Pacific Plaza Pavilion , the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California; and the CMTY Culture Campus in Los Angeles. In a statement, May said he is honored to step into this new role and looks forward to shaping the future of HKS and the industry. He said Noble's "commitment to fostering a culture of curiosity to boldly challenge the status quo has positioned HKS as a global leader in innovation and design thinking." Noble has been with HKS for more than 40 years and has been CEO and chair since 2014. "Seven years ago, we launched a strategic plan that set HKS on a new course," Noble said in a statement. "We challenged ourselves to think beyond architecture — to become a firm of problem solvers who innovate through design — within and beyond the built space." HKS said it has significantly expanded its global reach and diversified its portfolio with Noble as CEO, and is looking forward to May's "technology-enabled innovation." Noble added he is confident in Heath’s leadership abilities and is hopeful he will advance the firm forward. HKS was founded in 1939. It ranked No. 3 on Building Design + Construction's list of the largest design firms nationwide , based on 2023 revenue of $566.2 million. That was behind Gensler and and Perkins&Will. Leadership changes occurred at the firm earlier this year when CFO Sam Mudro was named president of HKS, which was a title formerly held by Noble. The firm decided to split the responsibilities of CEO and president as the company continued to show tremendous growth. In North Texas, the design firm is also known for designing for UT Southwestern’s and Children’s Health's forthcoming $5 billion pediatric campus and immersive live sports and event venue Cosm in The Colony , as well as upgrading AT&T stadium in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup .( MENAFN - PR Newswire) SAN DIEGO and BEIJING, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TuSimple Holdings Inc. (OTCMKTS: TSPH) ("TuSimple" or the "Company"), a global leader in artificial intelligence technology, today announced its official rebranding to CreateAI and major advancements in its new strategic initiatives. The rebranding reflects CreateAI's renewed focus on transforming animation and video game industries through proprietary AI technologies and its integrated content development platform. CreateAI showed significant progress in generative AI research with the debut of its first major AI model, named "Ruyi". The model, available open source on AI community "Hugging Face", excels in frame consistency, motion fluency, color and composition quality. The decision to adopt an open-source model stems from CreateAI's commitment to empower creators and foster a vibrant user ecosystem. The model, developed in under six months, leverages technological know-how building upon the Company's autonomous driving expertise. It also lays the foundation for proprietary AI tools and infrastructure specifically created for video game and anime content development. The Company has advanced rapidly since its entry into the digital entertainment content industry in August 2024. CreateAI announced the development of a "AAA" Open-World Role-Playing Game (RPG) based on the legendary Louis Cha intellectual property (IP) "Heroes of Jin Yong". The game represents a significant evolution from previous adaptations of Louis Cha's IP as it integrates characters and narratives from all of his influential literary works. This marks the unveiling of a cohesive world of heroes, moving beyond individual stories, and serving as a starting point for the creation of new original martial arts works. A preview event took place on December 14 in Guangzhou, China, garnering strong interest from fans and cementing its place as one of the most anticipated "AAA" games to be released. "We are proud of the achievements we've made in the short amount of time since entering into the field," said Cheng Lu, President and CEO of CreateAI. "We are confident that our integrated approach at the intersection of generative AI and digital entertainment creation is a differentiating factor, one that provides significant long-term growth opportunities." CreateAI has continued to advance its previously announced project related to the acclaimed "The Three-Body Problem", partnering with the Japanese anime designer Shōji Kawamori, the "Father of Macross", to ultimately bring this vast fantasy world to life through unprecedented visual and narrative depth via an animated feature film and video game. Additionally, CreateAI has unveiled its latest business plan, showcasing the immense commercial value derived from today's transformation and the industry's total addressable market. The plan also outlines the historical industry challenges addressed by the company, technology milestones, commercialization pathways, and cohesive management team. It also emphasizes how the Company's integrated strategy forms a flywheel effect in AI development, ultimately leading to long-term sustainable competitive advantage. About CreateAI CreateAI (formerly TuSimple) is a global artificial intelligence company with offices in US, China, and Japan. The company is pioneering the future of digital entertainment content production, seamlessly blending cutting-edge generative AI technology with the creativity of world-class talent. Our mission is to redefine the boundaries of what's possible in digital storytelling by developing immersive, captivating, and visually stunning experiences that resonate with audiences on a global scale. CreateAI Media Contact: Brad Burgess ICR, LLC Email: [email protected] SOURCE CreateAI Holdings Inc MENAFN18122024003732001241ID1109009432 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
( MENAFN - PR Newswire) QINGDAO, China, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- China petroleum & Chemical Corporation's (HKG: 0386, "Sinopec") completes China's first factory-based seawater hydrogen production research project at its Qingdao Refinery. The project integrates direct seawater electrolysis with renewable energy-powered green hydrogen production, achieving an hourly output of 20 cubic meters of green hydrogen. This innovative approach not only offers a new solution for coastal regions to utilize renewable energy for green hydrogen production but also provides an alternative pathway for the resourceful utilization of high-salinity industrial wastewater. The project adopts a factory-based operation model, leveraging part of the green electricity generated from Qingdao Refinery's floating photovoltaic power station. Through electrolysis, seawater is split into hydrogen and oxygen, with the produced hydrogen seamlessly integrated into the Qingdao Refinery's pipeline network for use in refining processes or hydrogen-powered vehicles. The entire production process occurs within a factory setting, ensuring efficiency and operational stability. Seawater hydrogen production holds significant potential. By directly converting seawater into hydrogen, unstable and hard-to-store renewable energy can be transformed into green hydrogen, which is relatively easier to store and utilize. Moreover, this process conserves precious freshwater resources, offering a new pathway for the development of the hydrogen energy industry. Despite its advantages, seawater hydrogen production comes with challenges. Seawater contains approximately 3% salt, and impurities, such as chloride ions, can corrode electrolytic electrodes, while cation deposits may clog equipment channels, reducing efficiency and causing damage. Sinopec Qingdao Refinery, in collaboration with the Dalian Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals, has successfully overcome these challenges through a series of specialized equipment innovations and unique process designs, including chlorine-resistant electrode technology, high-performance electrode plate design, and a seawater circulation system, enabling a seamless integration of research and practical applications. Seawater hydrogen production is expected to achieve large-scale industrial applications in the future. Sinopec is accelerating its efforts to become China's leading hydrogen energy company by advancing the research and application of hydrogen technologies across the entire industry chain. Sinopec has already achieved several milestones, including the successful deployment of a megawatt-scale PEM electrolyzer and the commissioning of China's first 100-kilowatt Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) project. By 2024, the company has established 136 hydrogen refueling stations, and built 11 hydrogen fuel supply centers, underscoring its commitment to driving high-quality growth in the hydrogen energy sector. SOURCE SINOPEC MENAFN18122024003732001241ID1109009817 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.As the leaves fall, the heat goes on, the temperatures drop and the sweaters and jackets are pulled from storage, it's also a great time to think about making a pot of soup.