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1 2 Kolkata: To help students avoid missing classes due to various reasons, several city schools are encouraging them to continue their education with live online classrooms . They are introducing apps for submitting classwork and taking online tests as well. South City International School is allowing children to attend live classes if they are not in the city or country, or if there is an emergency. Principal Satabdi Bhattacharjee said, "Earlier, if children had emergencies, including health and family-related matters, they had no other option choice but to miss classes. So, we decided to provide online support that allows them to attend classes along with other students. They can communicate during classes, ask questions to the teachers, and experience the classroom atmosphere while away from the school." From this year, South City International has introduced online admission tests for different classes. Conducting exams, interactions, and publishing results are all done online. "There are many students from outside the city who wanted to take exams but could not because they were unable to attend physically. So, we made it more flexible through our online platform, and several students from outside Bengal were able to participate," Bhattacharjee said. There are several other schools in and around the city are using digital platforms if a child misses classes. Ashok Hall Girls' Higher Secondary School, GD Birla Centre for Education, and Mahadevi Birla Shishu Vihar have introduced mobile applications to provide class assignments, homework, performance updates, and real-time attendance updates. GD Birla Centre for Education principal Craig Lucas said, "The new website is designed to be more informative, illustrative, and interactive, while our ERP will facilitate better communication, accurate information, and a closer connection between our parents and the school team of teachers and leaders. The changing times demand that we reimagine, reinvent, and redefine the way we transact education. Students will get all the class updates even if they are not in the classroom and will receive details of homework even if they miss attending classes for some reason. Everything will be uploaded immediately after classes are over. Parents can monitor their wards while they are in school through technological support." Ashok Hall Higher Secondary School's principal Atreyee Sengupta emphasised that these tools enhance collaboration and streamline communication for a brighter future.
Advertisement The field of artificial intelligence is booming and attracting billions in investment. Researchers, CEOs, and legislators are discussing how AI could transform our lives. Here are 17 of the major names in the field — and the opportunities and dangers they see ahead. Investment in artificial intelligence is rapidly growing and on track to hit $200 billion by 2025. But the dizzying pace of development also means many people wonder what it all means for their lives. Major business leaders and researchers in the field have weighed in by highlighting both the risks and benefits of the industry's rapid growth. Some say AI will lead to a major leap forward in the quality of human life . Others have signed a letter calling for a pause on development, testified before Congress on the long-term risks of AI, and claimed it could present a more urgent danger to the world than climate change . In short, AI is a hot, controversial, and murky topic. To help you cut through the frenzy, Business Insider put together a list of what leaders in the field are saying about AI — and its impact on our future.Dating in the swipe-left era is hard for anyone who isn’t a bot, but for singles who grew up in the pre- internet era, when “going steady” was still a thing and an app was what you ate before the entree, the challenges are compounded. While the new technology can be intimidating, there are also a host of emotional and practical considerations that come with age and have to be factored into any new potential romance, from kids and careers to lifestyle preferences. “The Later Daters,” streaming on Netflix, is a docuseries that focuses on the growing cohort of singles over age 55, following six men and women as they go on a series of blind dates and attempt to find love again. As they navigate these choppy new waters, they receive guidance not only from friends and family who know them best but also from Logan Ury, a Harvard-trained behavioral scientist and dating coach who takes a data-driven approach to finding love. She meets with each client and their family at home, helps them identify patterns in their relationships and gives them assignments (e.g. “share something that makes you feel vulnerable”) before each date. “It’s very action-oriented, focused on here’s where you are now, here’s where you want to go. I’m going to help you get there,” said Ury, author of the book “How to Not Die Alone: The Surprising Science That Will Help You Find Love.” Executive produced by former first lady Michelle Obama, “The Later Daters” is not the first reality show to feature dynamic older people searching for romance and defying stereotypes about their age group. “The Golden Bachelor” became a pop culture sensation when it premiered last fall, only to disappoint fans when it resulted in the shortest marriage in the history of “The Bachelor” franchise. (Its spinoff, “The Golden Bachelorette,” aired this fall.) But unlike that ABC series, “The Later Daters” emphasizes self-improvement rather than competition. Perks of dating later in life Most of Ury’s work before “The Later Daters” was with Gen Z and millennial singles, but she found that the lessons were applicable to older generations. The questions she encourages her younger clients to think about — “Who are you? How are you showing up on dates? How can we shift your behavior so that you get different outcomes?” — also applied to the participants on the show. “We’re born knowing how to love, but we’re not born knowing how to date, and you don’t just wake up one day magically at 50 or 60 and become a great date,” she said. Dating later in life has complications, but there are also unexpected plus sides, Ury said. “You have a stronger sense of self. When you’re dating in your 20s, you’re still figuring out who you are. There’s also less pressure to marry and less pressure for timing on fertility,” she said. There’s also surprising research showing that for older single people, sex can be more fulfilling. “They know their body better. They’re more capable of asking for what they want,” Ury said. This is certainly reflected in “The Later Daters,” which “shows the full color experience of dating after 55, and it’s a lot sexier than people think,” Ury said. ‘Difficult to get back out there’ Anise Mastin, 63, is one of the vibrant singles featured in the series. A marketing executive and mother of three, she was intrigued by the opportunity to work with a dating coach with impressive credentials. “I felt like, if I have any blind spots, she could tell me about them. I’m about continuous improvement. I always want to always show up as my best self,” she said in a video call from her office in Atlanta. (She said she also felt good about working on a project from Obama’s Higher Ground production company: “It made me feel safe that I wouldn’t be portrayed as some negative Black person.”) Mastin’s story is a powerful one: She became a widow at age 27 when her husband — whom she’d married right out of high school — died as the result of a workplace accident. “That was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever been through,” she said. “I only had a high school education at that time. We had the plan that once our youngest turned 5, I would start my academic process. But he died when our youngest was only 2.” Eventually, Mastin went to college, as she’d always dreamed, and even earned a doctorate. Though she married a second time, it ended in divorce, and romance took a backseat for a long time. “When I was ready to date again, it was difficult to get back out there. The difficulty is finding a like-minded being that I can make a life with,” she said. Mastin said dating over age 50 is tricky because everyone has had difficult experiences, and “some people have not healed. There are traumas there.” She finds that with men over age 50, she often has to deal with what she calls “residue” that built up in previous relationships. “Some women have allowed them to get away with bad behavior, and I don’t believe I’m supposed to put up with that,” she said. Mastin was impressed by Ury’s ability to figure her out almost instantly. “We had a 30-minute conversation, and then she told me exactly who I am,” Mastin said. Ury deduced that Mastin had had some experiences in her past that had caused her to put up walls. She also sensed that Mastin was wary of intimidating men with her accomplishments. So one of her assignments was to tell her dates straight away that she had a doctorate. “She said, ‘If they can’t handle it, don’t waste your time,’” Mastin recalled. “She’s right. Show up as who you are. And if people can’t deal with it, that’s on them.” Mastin’s daughter, Dwayna Haley, frequently appears with her on camera, playing the role of sidekick and confidant. Their dynamic — supportive but also full of jokey banter — will likely resonate with viewers. “I became a wife and a mother so young, she’s been there for my major milestones. She’s my person,” said Mastin, who also has three grandchildren. Dating after a loss For Suzanne Doty, “The Later Daters” also offered an enticing alternative to dating apps, which are “a total disaster,” she said. The 64-year-widow and optometrist applied for the show after her sister-in-law told her about it. “When you get yourself in the dating world at our age, you either have the angry divorced folks, or you have the widows who are grieving,” she said. “We all bring separate sets of problems to the table.” Doty lost her husband, Chris, to lung cancer in 2018, after 27 years of marriage. “I would not be single today if my husband were alive. He was my rock in every way,” she said over Zoom from her home in Georgia. After his death, she threw herself into her career and caring for her three kids. “I worked nonstop, cleaned every closet in the house I could, did all the landscaping I could do and just mourned,” she said. “I really didn’t take enough time for me, I think.” Loss has made her more guarded when it comes to dating. “I had to get myself through that grieving process. People would always tell me, ‘The memories become sweeter,’ and they do,” Doty said. “But for three-and-a-half years, I couldn’t say his name without crying because I missed him so.” Doty spoke with Ury about her grief and also shared her interest in books and podcasts. Her first-date assignment from Ury was to take control of the conversation, bypass the getting-to-know-you chat and veer toward more worldly topics. “You want to figure out intellectually if you connect with someone, not just superficially,” said Doty, whose daughter, Allison Doty, appears on the show and checks in on her after each date, in a touching role reversal. Ury also challenged Doty to think hard about what really constitutes a deal-breaker. She is a huge fan of the University of Georgia football team and needs a partner who will also root for her beloved Bulldogs (or at least pretend to). “I bleed red and black,” she said. This becomes a problem when she goes on a date with — gasp — a handsome Alabama fan. She was happy to discover that other things were more negotiable than her partner’s favorite football team. “Looks are not as important to me as I thought they were,” she said. She’s also more into intellectual guys and reserved types than she would have guessed. “It’s been a fun project,” she said. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Mutual of America Capital Management LLC Lowers Stock Position in Perdoceo Education Co. (NASDAQ:PRDO)Trico Bancshares director sells $252,275 in stockNVIDIA Co. (NASDAQ:NVDA) Shares Sold by Christensen King & Associates Investment Services Inc.ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who tried to restore virtue to the White House after the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, then rebounded from a landslide defeat to become a global advocate of human rights and democracy, has died. He was 100 years old . The Carter Center said the 39th president died Sunday afternoon, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives. The center said he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. A moderate Democrat, Carter ran for president in 1976 as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad grin, effusive Baptist faith and technocratic plans for efficient government. His promise to never deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter said. Carter’s victory over Republican Gerald Ford, whose fortunes fell after pardoning Nixon, came amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over race, women’s rights and America’s role in the world. His achievements included brokering Mideast peace by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for 13 days in 1978. But his coalition splintered under double-digit inflation and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His negotiations ultimately brought all the hostages home alive, but in a final insult, Iran didn’t release them until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, who had trounced him in the 1980 election. Humbled and back home in Georgia, Carter said his faith demanded that he keep doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, to try to make a difference. He and Rosalynn co-founded The Carter Center in 1982 and spent the next 40 years traveling the world as peacemakers, human rights advocates and champions of democracy and public health. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiate cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, the center had monitored at least 113 elections around the world. Carter was determined to eradicate guinea worm infections as one of many health initiatives. Swinging hammers into their 90s, the Carters built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The common observation that he was better as an ex-president rankled Carter. His allies were pleased that he lived long enough to see biographers and historians revisit his presidency and declare it more impactful than many understood at the time. Propelled in 1976 by voters in Iowa and then across the South, Carter ran a no-frills campaign. Americans were captivated by the earnest engineer, and while an election-year Playboy interview drew snickers when he said he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times,” voters tired of political cynicism found it endearing. The first family set an informal tone in the White House, carrying their own luggage, trying to silence the Marine Band’s traditional “Hail to the Chief" and enrolling daughter, Amy, in public schools. Carter was lampooned for wearing a cardigan and urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. But Carter set the stage for an economic revival and sharply reduced America's dependence on foreign oil by deregulating the energy industry along with airlines, trains and trucking. He established the departments of Energy and Education, appointed record numbers of women and nonwhites to federal posts, preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness and pardoned most Vietnam draft evaders. Emphasizing human rights , he ended most support for military dictators and took on bribery by multinational corporations by signing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He persuaded the Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties and normalized relations with China, an outgrowth of Nixon’s outreach to Beijing. But crippling turns in foreign affairs took their toll. When OPEC hiked crude prices, making drivers line up for gasoline as inflation spiked to 11%, Carter tried to encourage Americans to overcome “a crisis of confidence.” Many voters lost confidence in Carter instead after the infamous address that media dubbed his “malaise" speech, even though he never used that word. After Carter reluctantly agreed to admit the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979. Negotiations to quickly free the hostages broke down, and then eight Americans died when a top-secret military rescue attempt failed. Carter also had to reverse course on the SALT II nuclear arms treaty after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Though historians would later credit Carter's diplomatic efforts for hastening the end of the Cold war, Republicans labeled his soft power weak. Reagan’s “make America great again” appeals resonated, and he beat Carter in all but six states. Born Oct. 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. married fellow Plains native Rosalynn Smith in 1946, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. He brought his young family back to Plains after his father died, abandoning his Navy career, and they soon turned their ambitions to politics . Carter reached the state Senate in 1962. After rural white and Black voters elected him governor in 1970, he drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. After a 2015 cancer diagnosis, Carter said he felt “perfectly at ease with whatever comes.” “I’ve had a wonderful life,” he said. “I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” Contributors include former AP staffer Alex Sanz in Atlanta.
Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who tried to restore virtue to the White House after the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, then rebounded from a landslide defeat to become a global advocate of human rights and democracy, has died. He was 100 years old . The Carter Center said the 39th president died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives. A moderate Democrat, Carter ran for president in 1976 as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad grin, effusive Baptist faith and technocratic plans for efficient government. His promise to never deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter said. Carter’s victory over Republican Gerald Ford, whose fortunes fell after pardoning Nixon, came amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over race, women’s rights and America’s role in the world. His achievements included brokering Mideast peace by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for 13 days in 1978. But his coalition splintered under double-digit inflation and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His negotiations ultimately brought all the hostages home alive, but in a final insult, Iran didn’t release them until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, who had trounced him in the 1980 election. Humbled and back home in Georgia, Carter said his faith demanded that he keep doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, to try to make a difference. He and Rosalynn co-founded The Carter Center in 1982 and spent the next 40 years traveling the world as peacemakers, human rights advocates and champions of democracy and public health. Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia. pic.twitter.com/aqYmcE9tXi Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiate cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, the center had monitored at least 113 elections around the world. Carter was determined to eradicate guinea worm infections as one of many health initiatives. Swinging hammers into their 90s, the Carters built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The common observation that he was better as an ex-president rankled Carter. His allies were pleased that he lived long enough to see biographers and historians revisit his presidency and declare it more impactful than many understood at the time. Propelled in 1976 by voters in Iowa and then across the South, Carter ran a no-frills campaign. Americans were captivated by the earnest engineer, and while an election-year Playboy interview drew snickers when he said he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times,” voters tired of political cynicism found it endearing. The first family set an informal tone in the White House, carrying their own luggage, trying to silence the Marine Band’s traditional “Hail to the Chief” and enrolling daughter, Amy, in public schools. Carter was lampooned for wearing a cardigan and urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. But Carter set the stage for an economic revival and sharply reduced America’s dependence on foreign oil by deregulating the energy industry along with airlines, trains and trucking. He established the departments of Energy and Education, appointed record numbers of women and nonwhites to federal posts, preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness and pardoned most Vietnam draft evaders. Emphasizing human rights , he ended most support for military dictators and took on bribery by multinational corporations by signing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He persuaded the Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties and normalized relations with China, an outgrowth of Nixon’s outreach to Beijing. But crippling turns in foreign affairs took their toll. When OPEC hiked crude prices, making drivers line up for gasoline as inflation spiked to 11%, Carter tried to encourage Americans to overcome “a crisis of confidence.” Many voters lost confidence in Carter instead after the infamous address that media dubbed his “malaise” speech, even though he never used that word. READ MORE: Rosalynn Carter, outspoken former first lady, dies at 96 After Carter reluctantly agreed to admit the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979. Negotiations to quickly free the hostages broke down, and then eight Americans died when a top-secret military rescue attempt failed. Carter also had to reverse course on the SALT II nuclear arms treaty after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Though historians would later credit Carter’s diplomatic efforts for hastening the end of the Cold war, Republicans labeled his soft power weak. Reagan’s “make America great again” appeals resonated, and he beat Carter in all but six states. Born Oct. 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. married fellow Plains native Rosalynn Smith in 1946, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. He brought his young family back to Plains after his father died, abandoning his Navy career, and they soon turned their ambitions to politics . Carter reached the state Senate in 1962. After rural white and Black voters elected him governor in 1970, he drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. After a 2015 cancer diagnosis, Carter said he felt “perfectly at ease with whatever comes.” “I’ve had a wonderful life,” he said. “I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” ___ Contributors include former AP staffer Alex Sanz in Atlanta. Bill Barrow, The Associated PressPlaying Video Games Has an Unexpected Effect on Kids' IQ, Says StudyDozens of people suspected of criminal offences being investigated over Post Office Horizon scandal By REBECCA CAMBER CHIEF CRIME CORRESPONDENT FOR THE DAILY MAIL Published: 23:12, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 23:14, 11 December 2024 e-mail 26 View comments Dozens of people suspected of criminal offences in the Post Office Horizon scandal are being investigated in the largest police inquiry in history. About 100 officers from forces across the country have been drafted in to investigate one of Britain’s most widespread miscarriages of justice. More than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 after faulty Horizon accounting software made it look as though money was missing from their accounts. But in total there were potentially more than 3,000 victims in the scandal through Post Office criminal and private prosecutions, civil claims and contract withdrawals. Many are still awaiting compensation. Now police are investigating potential charges of perjury and perverting the course of justice linked to the wrongful prosecutions of sub-postmasters and the wider presentation of the Horizon IT system as robust. Dozens of people suspected of criminal offences in the Post Office Horizon scandal are being investigated in the largest police inquiry in history (stock image) Detectives are looking at dozens of ‘persons of interest’ including those at senior levels within the Post Office and Fujitsu who were responsible for the software, as well as others in the legal profession involved in the wrongful prosecutions. No charges will be made until after the ongoing public inquiry publishes its report. Yesterday Met commander Stephen Clayman said he was determined to put suspects on trial as soon as possible in 2027. He said: ‘I cannot make promises this will be a fast process. However, I speak on behalf of our whole team when I say we will approach it with independence, precision and integrity.’ Share or comment on this article: Dozens of people suspected of criminal offences being investigated over Post Office Horizon scandal e-mail Add comment
Monday, December 30, 2024 Turkiye Tourism in the country reached a new milestone in 2024, as over 50 million international visitors explored its diverse attractions in the first 11 months alone. This figure represents a remarkable 7.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The surge underscores the country’s growing appeal as a global travel destination and the effectiveness of its strategic initiatives under the ‘Regional Development and National Strategy’ blueprint. The Industry and Technology Ministry’s strategic blueprint aims to revolutionize tourism by analyzing traveler profiles, preferences, and spending patterns. This data-driven approach is designed to help policymakers and stakeholders tailor experiences to meet the expectations of high-value tourists, while also encouraging domestic travel. Crucially, the plan emphasizes spreading tourism activities evenly throughout the year, reducing the traditional focus on peak seasons. The strategy focuses on identifying regions with untapped potential and developing alternative destinations and activities for both local and international travelers. By diversifying the tourism offering, the government hopes to enhance the industry’s resilience and sustainability. Efforts to diversify tourism will focus on seven primary sectors: gastronomy, health, culture, faith, nature, winter, and cruise tourism. Each sector represents a unique aspect of the country’s rich heritage, geography, and traditions. Prominent provinces such as Istanbul, İzmir, Çanakkale, Nevşehir, Mardin, Şanlıurfa, Bursa, and Kars have been identified as key cultural hubs. These destinations will serve as the backbone for train tours and immersive cultural experiences, allowing travelers to explore ancient ruins, historic landmarks, and vibrant local traditions. From the iconic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul to the stunning fairy chimneys of Cappadocia in Nevşehir, culture tourism promises to captivate the imagination of global visitors. Faith tourism is another cornerstone of the strategy, with efforts centered on promoting sacred sites and religious landmarks. Mosques, churches, synagogues, tombs, and cathedrals are key attractions. Natural wonders such as sacred lakes, mountains, islands, groves, and caves are also being incorporated to enhance the spiritual experience for pilgrims and faith-based travelers. The country’s world-renowned culinary heritage will be leveraged to attract food enthusiasts. Gastronomy tourism initiatives aim to showcase regional cuisines, traditional cooking methods, and vibrant food markets. Culinary festivals and workshops will provide immersive experiences that celebrate the diversity of local flavors. Health tourism will capitalize on the country’s advanced medical infrastructure and natural wellness resources. Visitors seeking medical treatments, spa retreats, and wellness therapies will find an array of options tailored to their needs. Hot springs, thermal baths, and specialized clinics are integral to this offering. Nature tourism is set to highlight the country’s breathtaking landscapes, ranging from lush forests and serene lakes to dramatic mountain ranges and pristine beaches. Eco-tourism initiatives will focus on sustainable travel, encouraging visitors to appreciate and preserve the natural environment. With its snow-covered mountains and state-of-the-art ski resorts, the country aims to become a hub for winter sports enthusiasts. Activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing will be complemented by cozy accommodations and après-ski experiences. The strategic development of cruise tourism is expected to draw maritime travelers to the country’s picturesque ports and coastal regions. Itineraries will include stops at historical cities, idyllic islands, and vibrant coastal towns, offering a unique perspective on the nation’s maritime heritage. Central to the strategy is the analysis of traveler profiles in both domestic and international markets. By understanding the preferences and spending habits of high-value tourists, the government can design targeted campaigns and develop experiences that resonate with their expectations. The ultimate goal is to enhance visitor satisfaction while maximizing economic benefits for local communities. The blueprint aims to uncover hidden gems within the country, offering alternative destinations to alleviate overcrowding at popular sites. This approach not only ensures a more balanced distribution of tourism revenue but also helps preserve the cultural and natural integrity of iconic landmarks. Regions previously overlooked by mainstream tourism will gain prominence, fostering inclusive growth and community development. As the country builds on the momentum of its record-breaking tourism figures in 2024, the strategic focus on diversification and sustainability is expected to yield long-term benefits. By investing in infrastructure, promoting unique experiences, and prioritizing data-driven decision-making, the tourism industry is poised to achieve new heights while preserving its rich cultural and natural heritage for generations to come. The 7.1% rise in tourism in 2024 reflects the success of a forward-thinking strategy designed to attract a diverse range of travelers. Through initiatives spanning gastronomy, health, culture, faith, nature, winter, and cruise tourism, the country is transforming its travel landscape to offer year-round, sustainable experiences. With its sights set on innovation and inclusivity, the future of the nation’s tourism industry looks brighter than ever. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos .None
LONDON — Pooches in pullovers paraded past Buckingham Palace on Saturday for a gathering of dogs in Christmas sweaters to raise funds for rescue charities. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. About 130 pets, and their owners, walked Saturday from St. James's Park and along the Mall, the wide boulevard that leads to the royal palace as part of the Christmas Jumper Parade. Flossie the dog barks Saturday during the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade in central London. Prizes were awarded for best-dressed pets, with contenders including canine Santas, puppy elves and a French bulldog dressed in a red beret and pink jacket adorned with red bows. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. The event was organized by Rescue Dogs of London and Friends to raise money for charities that rehome dogs from overseas. People take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. Christmas sweater animal parades have become something of an annual tradition in London. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. There are more to come this year, including an event for corgis — the late Queen Elizabeth II's favorite breed — on Dec. 7 and the dachshund-friendly Hyde Park Sausage Walk on Dec 15. People are also reading... Most popular dog breeds in the US and the states where they're #1 Most popular dog breeds in the US and the states where they're #1 From bags of kibble in the grocery store to modern home sizes, things are getting smaller—and evidently, Americans are starting to look for furry friends that match. Small breeds like terriers and toys have largely dethroned the retrievers that once dominated the most popular breed rankings. This is a continuation of a trend that began in 2022 when the Labrador retriever lost its 31-year-long streak as #1 to the French bulldog, according to the American Kennel Club. This shift may be partially attributable to the rising costs of pet products and veterinary care since smaller dogs are more economical for tighter budgets. Moreover, as remote work and nomadic living become increasingly more common, smaller dogs may appeal to those looking for pets that require less space and are easier to transport. In fact, only two sporting dog breeds are the most popular in any American state—and neither is a Labrador retriever. The most popular dog overall represents 4% of all dogs in the country—constituting over 2.3 million out of 58 million households with dogs. Ollie used data from U.S. News & World Report to further explore which dog breeds are the most popular in which states and what factors may drive residents' preferences. Chihuahua Named after the northern Mexican state from which it originates, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed and one of the oldest, with a lineage that dates as far back as the ninth century. Today, the breed makes up a remarkable 4% of all dogs in the United States and is the most popular overall in 21 states. It ranks within the top five most common breeds in 42 states in total. Requiring just 200 to 250 calories per day but boasting a lifespan of 14 to 16 years, the Chihuahua offers owners low-cost longevity and is known for its adaptability and amusing personality. French bulldog The French bulldog is a compact companion known for being friendly yet quiet, making it suitable for a range of lifestyles and homes. The breed has roots in the English bulldog, which was bred to a smaller size to accompany its working English owners, many of whom were artisans. As such trades closed amid the Industrial Revolution, these workers and their little bulldogs moved to France, where the breed's popularity began. The French developed a more standardized appearance which was iterated upon in the U.S. to develop the iconic bat ears. The breed has recently seen a massive increase in popularity, with AKC registrations surging by 1,000% between 2012 and 2022. Now, the French bulldog is the most popular dog in Florida, California, and Hawaii and is in the top five most common dogs in nearly half the remaining states. Golden retriever With webbed paws and an affinity for water, golden retrievers are lucky pups to be the favored breed of the Midwest. They are the most popular dogs in states bordering the Great Lakes—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio; the entirety of the New England region minus Rhode Island; plus North Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Virginia. The iconic golden breed was developed in 19th-century Scotland to retrieve both from land and water during hunts, hence its swimming-related adaptations. Golden retrievers are known for their affectionate nature and eagerness to please, making them well-suited for service and other working dog roles. German shepherd As loyal as they are intelligent, German shepherds are among the favored breeds for guide, military, police, and search and rescue roles. The breed, which first arrived in America in the early 20th century, also enjoys peak popularity in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Athletic in nature, the breed requires lots of exercise, making them well-suited for homes with or near lots of open land. They are also well-adapted to cold temperatures and harsher climates due to their thick double coats of fur. Shih tzu The shih tzu, whose name means "lion" in Chinese, is king of the Empire State (New York) as well as Iowa, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Roughly a quarter of New York state residents live in apartments, making the dog that averages 9 to 16 pounds perfect for compact households. Despite being known for its playfulness, the breed does not require much physical activity or space. The breed dates back over 1,000 years but was first brought to America surprisingly recently, following World War II. According to the American Kennel Club, every shih tzu alive today has direct lineage to just 14 shih tzus that were saved when the breed nearly went extinct during the Communist revolution. Goldendoodle Representing the best of both worlds, the golden retriever and poodle hybrid is known for its friendly, sociable demeanor and trainability. Bred to be guide dogs in the 1960s, the hybrid is not recognized as an official breed by the AKC, so there is no breed standard. Goldendoodles can thus range from mini-sized to about 90 pounds and may have fur that is curly, straight, or somewhere in between. While not official, the family-friendly dog has left paw prints all over the country, ranking in the top five most popular dogs in 37 states. In Idaho and Utah, the goldendoodle is the most popular overall. Yorkshire terrier Maxing out at just 7 pounds, the Yorkshire terrier is the most popular breed among Maryland and Washington D.C. residents. This is not necessarily surprising considering the housing stock of the nation's capital is comprised mostly of apartment units, making the pint-sized pup perfect for metropolitans. The toy breed was bred to chase rats out of mines and mills in 19th-century England, arriving in North America in the 1870s and gaining official recognition by the AKC in 1885. Now, the breed is among the top five most common dogs in 26 states. The breed is a true terrier at heart, known for its feisty yet affectionate nature.' Additional research by Eliza Siegel. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. This story originally appeared on Ollie and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!None
Chargers put J.K. Dobbins on injured reserveLAS VEGAS — With a restructuring at Andretti Global that pushed Michael Andretti into a smaller role, the chances of his organization landing a Formula 1 team have substantially increased. So much so that F1 and Formula One Management could have a decision to grant the General Motors-backed entry a spot as the 11th team on the grid in the coming weeks. Dan Towriss, now the majority owner of the Andretti organization, was at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Thursday scoping his chances of entering the top motorsports series in the world. So was the FBI, allegedly, as part of a Department of Justice investigation into why F1 denied the Andretti organization expansion into the series. F1 currently has 10 teams that field 20 cars and only one — the organization owned by California businessman Gene Haas — is an American team. Las Vegas marks the third race this season in the United States, more than any other country, as F1 has exploded in American popularity over the last five years. People are also reading... Even so, Andretti could not get approval from F1 to enter the series. But, the situation changed in September when Andretti scaled back his role with his namesake organization. Now with Towriss in charge, talks have amplified, even though it is not clear what the name of an Andretti-less F1 team would even be. Cadillac would do the engines — but says it won't be ready until 2028 — which means a 2026 Towriss-led F1 team would be GM branded but with a partner engine supplier. Most of the existing teams have been largely opposed to an 11th team entering F1, citing a dilution in prize money and the massive expenses they've already committed to the series. But, Andretti among others believed the teams' position was personal in that they simply didn't like Andretti, who ran 13 races in the 1993 season. His father, Mario, is the 1978 F1 world champion. The Andretti application had already been approved by the FIA, which is F1's ruling body, but later denied by F1 itself. F1 promised to revisit the issue once General Motors had an engine ready to compete. The existing 10 F1 teams have no actual vote or say in if the grid is expanded, which Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reiterated Thursday when The Associated Press asked why the sudden chance of acceptance in a potential 11th team. "We have an obligation, a statutory obligation as directors, to present the standpoint that is the best for our company and for our employees, and we've done that," Wolff said. "I think if a team can add to the championship, particularly if GM decides to come in as a team owner, that is a different story. "And as long as it is creative, that means we're growing the popularity of the sport, we're growing the revenue of the sport, then no team will be ever against it. So I'm putting my hope in there." Wolff has been eager to hear from Towriss directly on what the plans for the organization are now that Andretti has a smaller role. "No one from Andretti or Andretti Global or whatever the name will be has ever spoken to me a single sentence in presentation of what the creative part is," he said. "But they don't need to because the teams don't decide. It is the commercial rights holder, with the FIA, we have no say. If I want to be invited to a party and go to the party, I'm sitting down at the table and telling who I am and why I'm really good fun and sitting here and everybody will enjoy my presence. "That hasn't happened, but you know, that's now my personal point of view, not a professional, because there's nothing we can do, nothing we can say," Wolff continued. "And I don't know the people. I've obviously spoken to Mario. I didn't speak to his son. I didn't speak to any other people that are behind that. I don't know who they are. So I know GM, GM is great." Fred Vasseur, team principal at Ferrari, said he's not opposed to another team if it adds value to F1. "The discussion is between FIA, the team, and FOM. It's not our choice," he said. "For sure, as Toto said, that if it's good for the sport, good for the show, good for the business, and adds value on the sporting side, that we are all OK." Be the first to knowThe pickleball boom isn’t dying anytime soon. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * The pickleball boom isn’t dying anytime soon. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? The pickleball boom isn’t dying anytime soon. That’s why The Picklr, an American pickleball chain, has updated its Canadian expansion plans to build two additional indoor facilities in Manitoba by 2030. Partnered with Winnipeg-based TPC Development Corp., The Picklr previously committed to opening 65 facilities across Canada, including two in Winnipeg, in the next five years. Now, those plans include three spaces in the provincial capital and another in Brandon. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES With the growing popularity of pickleball comes the demand for year-round facilities. “It’s just based on demand. Our goal is one six-to-eight-court facility for every 200,000 people. So that’s where, for Winnipeg, what seems like would be a viable option, as well,” Mark Arndt, chief growth officer for The Picklr Canada, told the Tuesday. “For Winnipeg, for sure we’d like to start with the two, see how those respond, and then take it to the third. And, I mean, we’re confident that there will be a third in Winnipeg and then Brandon would be a target area, as well.” Since its expansion plans became public in October, The Picklr has worked to sell its franchises to entrepreneurs across the country. Nothing has been built yet, but Arndt said the first chain is projected to open in Kitchener, Ont., next summer, with facilities in Mississauga and Vancouver close behind. There are more than 400 Picklr locations across nearly every state in the U.S. Most facilities house eight to 10 courts, and larger ones can hold 12 to 15. The initial Canadian franchises will reside in converted buildings such as empty mall anchors, vacant gyms and industrial warehouses. Arndt confirmed The Picklr has shortlisted three options in Winnipeg and renovations will take three to four months to complete once a space is confirmed. It is hopeful to open a Winnipeg location in time for next year’s indoor season, which typically begins sometime in September or October. “Just look outside right now. There are really no proper indoor facilities that are in Winnipeg or Manitoba, and our indoor season is a very long season,” Arndt said about what makes Winnipeg an attractive location for three facilities. “And then the overall interest and the growth potential for the sport and what’s happening on a worldwide basis — especially in the U.S. — and we’re following the U.S business model that really tells us that in similar climates to Winnipeg, that’s what the ratio is as far as facilities being built.” A public indoor facility dedicated to pickleball does not exist in Manitoba yet, although, the Pickleball Club of Winnipeg will open the first in Headingley early next year. The outdoor courts across the city are being used daily throughout the summer, and while there is a thirst to play year-round, there is limited availability for indoor court times, especially during the colder months. Pickleball Manitoba president Ted Fardoe said the growing demand has made indoor options a necessity, especially in the Prairies. “You only get four months of real good weather here to play outdoors. So there’s an eight-month window where you’re looking to play anywhere you can indoors, so having dedicated facilities, I don’t think there will be any problems filling these facilities and keeping them busy,” Fardoe said. “Our community is growing at such a pace, and there’s such a demand for places to pay at this point in time, that people aren’t getting their preferred times. They’re playing where there is availability to play at this point.” Pickleball’s participation has surged in recent years owing to a heightened interest among younger players. An estimated 1.37 million people play in Canada, according to a survey conducted by the Sport Information Resource Centre in January of 2023. That survey also concluded the growth is coming from younger adults, particularly those aged 18 to 34. Pickleball Manitoba’s membership has grown to nearly 2,000 members, but that number does not come close to representing the actual number of players across the province, Fardoe said previously. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The most serious players have expressed their desire to play as much as 16 hours per week during the indoor season, he said. “The bottom line is this: if they come in and they build two facilities, whether they got four courts or eight courts, the pickleball community will take anything they got. And they’ll fill them up... they’ll be busy all day long,” Fardoe said. “Guaranteed.” The Canadian Picklr locations will almost exclusively house indoor courts, but Arndt said outdoor court options will be explored if there is enough available land. Each Picklr facility will be available to the public on a membership basis. Pricing is still being determined but options will be tier-based, with several options available. joshua.frey-sam@freepress.mb.ca Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the . Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He’s reported primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports and writes a weekly real estate feature for the business section. . Every piece of reporting Josh produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the . Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He’s reported primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports and writes a weekly real estate feature for the business section. . Every piece of reporting Josh produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. 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Mutual of America Capital Management LLC Lowers Stock Position in Perdoceo Education Co. (NASDAQ:PRDO)
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