fortune 4

fortune 4 At midnight, a slender moon hangs above the snowy Sierra Nevada, casting only a faint glow on a sheer cliff and the dark canyon below. But snowcat operator “Bandit” Ferrante has laser-guided vision, measuring snow depth 150 feet ahead and to each side to sculpt the slopes with precision. By dawn, crowds will start arriving to ski and ride the weekend’s fresh powder. “These advancements are changing the way we do things,” said Ferrante, 37, who drives a new $400,000 German-made PistenBully rig with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to prepare the trails. “I see exactly where we’re going, and what’s going on.” After two winters of heavy snow, the snowfall so far this winter has been sporadic. While nature is always fickle, climate change could create less reliable snow, spelling hardship for the businesses and mountain communities that depend on storms for their economic survival. So resorts seek to make and protect each precious flake. Big corporations running Palisades, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood and Mammoth Mountain have made major investments, worth many millions of dollars, in what’s dubbed “snow management.” With some daily lift tickets exceeding $250, the resorts seek to deliver a dependable high-end experience. Initially just farm tractors on tracks, snowcats have evolved into machines of design, detailed craftsmanship and computer-driven tools. Inside the warmth of his cab, with a chatty podcast for company, Ferrante monitors a computer screen with color-coded snow depths, guiding him on where to push and pull snow for the best coverage. Its SNOWsat LiDAR remote sensing technology uses laser pulses to measure snow depth. With accuracy to within an inch, it can construct perfect snowboard half-pipes or World Cup ski race terrain. The joystick that directs the 12-ton machine is smooth, responsive and comfortable to grasp. The blade shifts in 17 different directions, with wings to shovel the snow. With a sensor that detects incline, the powerful tiller automatically rises and falls when routes get steep. It’s turned a once lonely and tedious task into a skill-driven profession. “You keep learning new things,” said Ferrante, a South Lake Tahoe native with nearly 20 years of resort experience. A tidy tattoo — a snowcat control stick — adorns his neck. At competitive “Groomer Games” every spring, representatives of all California ski resorts gather to test their expertise by pushing a golf ball through a maze. Innovations in snow-making tools — such as the $40,000 Super PoleCat — perform alchemy, mixing massive drafts of water, air and electricity to cover miles of runs. Some have built-in automated weather stations. Snowcats maximize the efficiency of snowmaking. Some are simple utility vehicles, hauling things around the mountain. Others are “trooper carriers,” moving ski patrollers. “Dig rigs” have backhoes to excavate buried equipment. A few have forks, for installing fences and seats on race days. The smallest cats are adroit at digging out chairlifts and clearing sidewalks. “You use the right tool for the right job,” said Brendan Gibbons, director of snow surface at Palisades Tahoe. The most prized snowcats at Palisades are the new LiDAR-equipped machines. They are leading the fleets that are racing across the resort this weekend to groom freshly fallen powder, sending information by cell signal to the less well-equipped machines. Until recently, snowcats relied on GPS to measure snow depth; the technology knows how high the machine is sitting above the ground. But this tool offers a limited view of what’s directly under the rig and front blade, not what lies ahead. “It was a great start to this technology, but it only allowed us to see how deep the snow is where we’ve been, and where we are,” said Gibbons. “LIDAR shows us what the snow is before we get to it.” Palisades snowmaking manager Evan Nielsen and his dog June check on the man-made snow machines at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Village Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) Bandit Ferrante’s LiDAR-equipped snowcat works under moonlight managing the snow depth at Palisades Tahoe’s Mountain Run in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) The intricate joystick of a modern snowcat is used by operators managing the snow depth at Palisades Tahoe’s in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) Bandit Ferrante’s LiDAR-equipped snowcat works under moonlight on the mountains of Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) A screen inside Bandit Ferrante’s LiDAR-equipped snowcat relays information for the operator as he works at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) Bandit Ferrante’s LiDAR-equipped snowcat works under moonlight managing the snow depth at Palisades Tahoe’s Mountain Run in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) A LiDAR sensor is mounted on a Kässbohrer All Terrain Vehicle at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) Bandit Ferrante climbs into his LiDAR-equipped snowcat at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) Gondolas at Palisades Tahoe pass above a skier in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) Palisades snowmaking manager Evan Nielsen and his dog June check on the man-made snow machines at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Village Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) LiDAR also measures the volume of piles of manmade snow, helping guide its use. The tool is already in use in research and government agencies to study snow from the air. It helps water districts measure future water reserves. It can identify avalanche danger. It works by sending out up to 200,000 laser pulses per second. Then it measures the time of flight — how long it takes the laser to hit the snow and bounce back to the instrument. It calculates distance by using the known speed of light and the time it takes the laser to travel. In the summer, LiDAR builds a digital model of the bare terrain. In the winter, the groomers, known as “night crawlers,” creep along the mountain’s cold contours, taking snow measurements. Managers study the freshly updated maps on their phones, then strategize a nighttime plan based on weather, wind, melting and skier traffic. After a long day of wear and tear, LiDAR helps “clean up the holes, remove the moguls and return the slope back to a nice, perfect skiing surface,” said Brian Demarsest, a manager for Kassbohrer All Terrain Vehicles in Reno, which sells PistenBully (“trail worker” in German). Snowcats no longer lurch and rock. An eight-hour shift “is like driving to L.A.,” said Gibbons. The snowcat’s taco-shaped blade can turn in 17 directions. On each side of the blade is a wing that shoves the snow left or right. Its weight compresses the snow as it rolls, squeezing out dangerous air pockets and creating a more firm surface. Each track works independently, so the rig can pivot. Cleats add traction. In the back is a spinning barrel with teeth, which chews up the snow. The barrel’s spin speed is adjustable, influencing how much the flakes heat up and bind to each other. A comb, also adjustable, drags behind to deposit rows of perfect corduroy. Grooming is still dangerous, with peril on slippery and avalanche-prone slopes. One recent winter, when winds hit 192 mph gusts, machines skidded on ice. Ferrante arrives at Palisades in mid-afternoon from his home in Garnerville, Nevada, to get his assignment for the night’s “swing shift.” When he’s done, he’ll hand it off to a colleague on the graveyard shift that grooms until the lifts open. By 5 a.m., he’s in bed. “I don’t get lonely,” said Ferrante, who drinks a thermos of black tea to stay alert. Food can be heated by the exhaust pipe. Throughout the long night hours, operators coordinate with each other, traveling together when there’s avalanche danger. A winch can help secure a machine, allowing it to work on steep slopes. Ferrante sees coyotes, deer, porcupines and occasional bears. One crew saw migrating ducks fall from the sky, lost in a storm. His crew started the season with “track packing” to compress November’s snow. Now, with the arrival of a new storm, he’ll push snow into rigid “wind rows,” like fences, to catch blowing drifts; later teams will smooth them out. Post-storm priorities are roads, then ramps, then runs. His discipline, largely unrecognized by resort visitors, is building the foundation for a whole season of sport. “There is a ‘skill ceiling’ that’s infinite,” said Ferrante. “You’re never going to be the very best. You’re never going to figure it all out.”

Baring it all. Margot Robbie has revealed that her full-frontal nude scene in “The Wolf of Wall Street” was entirely her idea. Robbie, 34, spoke about making the 2013 Martin Scorsese movie during an interview with Ben Mankiewicz, 57, for his Turner Classic Movies podcast “Talking Pictures.” The Oscar-nominated actress said that Scorsese, 82, suggested she might want to wear a robe rather than be fully naked in the scene, but she turned him down. “[Scorsese] said, ‘Maybe you can be wearing a robe if you’re not comfortable.’ But that’s not what she would do in that scene,” Robbie said. The “Barbie” actress and producer , who was only 22 when she filmed “The Wolf of Wall Street,” played Naomi Lapaglia, the straight-shooting vixen wife of Jordan Belfort, the stock-trading con man played by Leonardo DiCaprio, 50. “The whole point is that she’s going to come out completely naked — that’s the card she’s playing right now,” Robbie added of Naomi’s full-frontal nudity. The nude scene was not the only time the Aussie actress showed chutzpah in front of Scorsese and DiCaprio. From the very beginning, she proved she was more than comfortable making bold choices. Robbie also told Mankiewicz that she slapped DiCaprio during her audition, though the script called for her to kiss him. “I thought, ‘I could kiss Leonardo DiCaprio right now, and that would be awesome. I can’t wait to tell all of my friends this.’ And then I thought, ‘Nah.’ And just walloped him in the face,” Robbie recalled. “It was dead silent for what felt like an eternity but was probably three seconds.” “[DiCaprio and Scorsese] just burst out laughing. Leo and Marty were laughing so hard. They said, ‘That was great,’” she said. “I was thinking, ‘I’m going to get arrested, I’m pretty sure that’s assault or battery. Not only will you never work again, actually you will go to jail for this, you idiot. And also why did you have to hit him so hard? You should have done it lighter.’” And while appearing nude was her idea, Robbie has previously said she needed some liquid courage when it came time to film. “I had a couple shots of tequila before that scene because I was very nervous. Very, very nervous,” she remembered during a 2023 interview . The actress also shared that it was her idea for her and DiCaprio’s character to have sex one more time before she asks him for a divorce. “We were a couple of months into the shoot at that point,” she said in 2022. “The tone had been set that it was a bit of a free for all. It was like, the crazier you are, the more Marty will like it. And the more screen time you’re going to get.” Of working with Scorsese, she added, “We spoke all the time. I’d sit at video village and he would tell stories about the Mafia and old film stars, but he didn’t actually give direction.”The lives of people with disabilities have been front and centre in political discourse this year, but not for the right reasons. During a Paralympic year, it was hoped that, as the for International Day of People with Disabilities suggests, steps would be made towards “amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”. However, the failure to examine the nuances that underpin the structural and social experiences of people with disabilities has led to a deeply divided discourse that is feeding a very dangerous narrative. The recent changes to the NDIS (introduced widespread consultation from the public) suggest that the government is more interested in muting the voices of people with disabilities than their amplification. Outgoing Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten has ,“Put simply, the NDIS was never intended to be the only lifeboat in the ocean when it comes to the provision of disability services in this nation”. However, the government’s decision to wind back the scheme without the support of people with disabilities themselves is indicative of the ableist narrative that has plagued the NDIS for years. To receive support, many people with disabilities have been forced to attempt to navigate the complex system, those who understandably don’t want or feel ill-equipped to swim through the sea of red tape being left behind. Now, attempts to streamline the system have meant that many people with disabilities who do not so easily fit into the checklist boxes set out by the government have been left adrift. The government has promoted the new changes, including a what items can and cannot be purchased using NDIS funds. Whilst this may, on the surface, provide some clarity to this minefield, it is widely exaggerated. Such a list fails to consider the unique and individual experiences and needs of people with disabilities. During an with ABC Radio National host Patricia Karvelas in July, Shorten went so far as to try to justify changes in the scheme by arguing that because he “spoke to the chair of the Human Rights Committee [who] doesn’t say that this Bill disagrees with human rights”, that there isn’t a fundamental issue with the stigma these changes place upon people with disabilities. Unfortunately, people with disabilities have been used as political fodder and used in disabling binary media narratives that further exacerbate the division between austerity and welfare. The government may not have intended for the NDIS to be the “only lifeboat” for people with disabilities. Still, by winding the scheme back before ensuring adequate safeguards have been put in place (and without explaining these changes to the very people they affect), people with disabilities may be left worse off than when the scheme began. The fact that the government does not even have a Minister for People with Disabilities says something about how those not on the scheme (and those who, in response to the changes, have been left worse off) are perceived: invisible, marginalised and undervalued. The bureaucratic red tape designed to keep people with disabilities either off welfare or dependent on government support, including the NDIS, has meant that people with disabilities are no longer viewed as participating members of society. Both sides of politics are guilty of framing disability in ways that further exacerbate the false binary of economic and social stability. However, for many people with disabilities, the NDIS has been the difference between the cost-of-living crisis breaking the bank and participants being forced into desperate and unsafe arrangements. The fact that family members are not permitted to provide participants with paid assistance also demonstrates how people with disabilities are perceived as a burden that must be removed rather than contributing to the household. It also demonstrates the issues with the government’s decision to wind back the NDIS without providing an alternative, despite the state’s reluctance to foot the bill. The government has made a habit of arguing that the premise of the NDIS was optimistic and that the scheme’s present condition is the result of the LNP’s Former Australian of the Year and disability advocate has , saying, “It’s not broken — it’s bloody great”. However, the article linked above, published by the ABC, noted that Alcott is not an NDIS participant. Whilst undoubtedly there are some people who do not need to be on the scheme, having someone who is not a participant defending it so eagerly should raise deeper questions.

By James Royal, Ph.D., Bankrate.com Cryptocurrencies are enormously volatile, but that volatility can create opportunities for profit if you’re looking to trade these digital assets. Cryptos such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have risen a lot since their debut — but they’ve also experienced tremendous boom-bust cycles along the way. Experienced traders have been speculating on cryptocurrencies for years, but how can you get started if you’re new to the crypto market? Here’s how to start investing in cryptocurrency and the significant risks you need to watch out for. First things first, if you’re looking to invest in crypto, you need to have all your finances in order. That means having an emergency fund in place, a manageable level of debt and ideally a diversified portfolio of investments . Your crypto investments can become one more part of your portfolio, one that helps raise your total returns, hopefully. Pay attention to these five other things as you’re starting to invest in cryptocurrencies. As you would for any investment, understand exactly what you’re investing in. If you’re buying stocks, it’s important to read the annual report and other SEC filings to analyze the companies thoroughly. Plan to do the same with any cryptocurrencies , since there are literally thousands of them, they all function differently and new ones are being created every day. You need to understand the investment case for each trade. In the case of many cryptocurrencies , they’re backed by nothing at all, neither hard assets nor cash flow of an underlying entity. That’s the case for Bitcoin , for example, where investors rely exclusively on someone paying more for the asset than they paid for it. In other words, unlike stock, where a company can grow its profits and drive returns for you that way, many crypto assets must rely on the market becoming more optimistic and bullish for you to profit. Some of the most popular coins include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana , Dogecoin and Tether (a stablecoin) . So before investing, understand the potential upside and downside. If your financial investment is not backed by an asset or cash flow, it could end up being worth nothing. A mistake that many new investors make is looking at the past and extrapolating that to the future. Yes, Bitcoin used to be worth pennies, but now is worth much more . The key question, however, is “Will that growth continue into the future, even if it’s not at quite that meteoric rate?” Investors look to the future, not to what an asset has done in the past. What will drive future returns? Traders buying a cryptocurrency today need tomorrow’s gains, not yesterday’s. The prices of cryptocurrencies are about as volatile as an asset can get. They could drop quickly in seconds on nothing more than a rumor that ends up proving baseless. That can be great for sophisticated investors who can execute trades rapidly or who have a solid grasp on the market’s fundamentals, how the market is trending and where it could go. For new investors without these skills — or the high-powered algorithms that direct these trades — it’s a minefield. Volatility is a game for high-powered Wall Street traders, each of whom is trying to outgun other deep-pocketed investors. A new investor can easily get crushed by the volatility. That’s because volatility shakes out traders, especially beginners, who get scared. Meanwhile, other traders may step in and buy on the cheap. In short, volatility can help sophisticated traders “buy low and sell high” while inexperienced investors “buy high and sell low.” If you’re trading any asset on a short-term basis, you need to manage your risk , and that can be especially true with volatile assets such as cryptocurrency. So as a newer trader, you’ll need to understand how best to manage risk and develop a process that helps you mitigate losses. And that process can vary from individual to individual: Newer traders should consider setting aside a certain amount of trading money and then using only a portion of it, at least at first. If a position moves against them, they’ll still have money in reserve to trade with later. The ultimate point is that you can’t trade if you don’t have any money. So keeping some cash in reserve means you’ll always have a bankroll to fund your trading. It’s important to manage risk, but that will come at an emotional cost. Selling a losing position hurts, but doing so can help you avoid worse losses later. Finally, it’s important to avoid putting money that you need into speculative assets. If you can’t afford to lose it — all of it — you can’t afford to put it into risky assets such as cryptocurrency, or other speculative assets, for that matter. Whether it’s a down payment for a house or an important upcoming purchase, money that you need in the next few years should be kept in safe accounts so that it’s there when you need it. And if you’re looking for an absolutely sure return, your best option is to pay off high-interest debt. You’re guaranteed to earn (or save) whatever interest rate you’re paying on the debt. You can’t lose there. Finally, don’t overlook the security of any exchange or broker you’re using. You may own the assets legally, but someone still has to secure them, and their security needs to be tight. If they don’t think their cryptocurrency is properly secured, some traders choose to invest in a crypto wallet to hold their coins offline so they’re inaccessible to hackers or others. Remember that investing in cryptocurrency can be part of a broader investment strategy, but shouldn’t be your only one. While investing directly in cryptocurrency is popular, traders have other ways to get into the crypto game, some more directly than others. These include: Each of these methods varies in its riskiness and exposure to cryptocurrency, so you’ll want to understand exactly what you’re buying and whether it fits your needs. In theory it takes only a few dollars to invest in cryptocurrency. Most crypto exchanges, for example, have a minimum trade that might be $5 or $10. Other crypto trading apps might have a minimum that’s even lower. However, it’s important to understand that some trading platforms will take a huge chunk of your investment as a fee if you’re trading small amounts of cryptocurrency. So it’s important to look for a broker or exchange that minimizes your fees. In fact, many so-called “free” brokers embed fees — called spread mark-ups — in the price you pay for your cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency is based on blockchain technology . Blockchain is a kind of database that records and timestamps every entry into it. The best way to think of a blockchain is like a running receipt of transactions. When a blockchain database powers cryptocurrency, it records and verifies transactions in the currency, verifying the currency’s movements and who owns it. Many crypto blockchain databases are run with decentralized computer networks. That is, many redundant computers operate the database, checking and rechecking the transactions to ensure that they’re accurate. If there’s a discrepancy, the networked computers have to resolve it. Some cryptocurrencies reward those who verify the transactions on the blockchain database in a process called mining. For example, miners involved with Bitcoin solve very complex mathematical problems as part of the verification process. If they’re successful, miners receive a predetermined award of Bitcoins. To mine Bitcoins , miners need powerful processing units that consume huge amounts of energy. Many miners operate gigantic rooms full of such mining rigs in order to extract these rewards. As of October 2024, running the Bitcoin system burned as much energy per year as the country of Poland. If you’re looking to invest in Bitcoin, you have a variety of ways to do so, and you can work with a number of companies, including: If you’re looking to buy Bitcoin, pay particular attention to the fees that you’re paying. Here are other key things to watch out for as you’re buying Bitcoin . An altcoin is an alternative to Bitcoin. Many years ago, traders would use the term pejoratively. Since Bitcoin was the largest and most popular cryptocurrency, everything else was defined in relation to it. So, whatever was not Bitcoin was lumped into a catch-all category called altcoins . While Bitcoin is still the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization by far, it’s no longer the only game in town. Other altcoins such as Ethereum and Solana have grown in popularity, making the term altcoin somewhat outmoded. Now with a reported 15,000 or more cryptocurrencies in existence, it makes less sense than ever to define the industry as “Bitcoin and then everything else.” Cryptocurrency is a highly speculative area of the market, and many smart investors have decided to put their money elsewhere. For beginners who want to get started trading crypto, however, the best advice is to start small and only use money that you can afford to lose. Bankrate’s Brian Baker contributed to an update of this story. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.10 Of The Most Successful Models In Audi HistoryIsrael strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while WHO chief says he was meters awayThe indexes of the stock markets in Bangladesh fell yesterday on rising for two days last week as jittery investors were reluctant to pour fresh funds amid economic uncertainties. The DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), edged down by 25.16 points, or 0.48 percent from the previous day to end at 5,196 yesterday. Similarly, the DSES, the index that represents the Shariah-based shares, went down by 5.20 points, or 0.44 percent, to 1,162 while the DS30 index for the blue-chip stocks receded by 3.12 points, or 0.16 percent, to 1,935. Out of the 393 issues that were traded at the DSE, 66 advanced, 281 closed lower and the remaining 46 did not witness any price movement. Turnover, which is the cumulative value of the shares traded, stood at Tk 313 crore, a decrease of 6.76 percent compared to that on the previous trading session. The pharmaceuticals sector dominated the market activities, accounting for 20.42 percent of the day's total turnover. Food and allied, telecom, and mutual fund were the top three sectors to close in the positive, while services & real estate, ceramics, and textile became the top three to close in the negative. At Chittagong Stock Exchange, the CASPI, the premier index of the port city bourse, dropped by 54.64 points, or 0.38 percent, to settle at 14,468. The indexes of the stock markets in Bangladesh fell yesterday on rising for two days last week as jittery investors were reluctant to pour fresh funds amid economic uncertainties. The DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), edged down by 25.16 points, or 0.48 percent from the previous day to end at 5,196 yesterday. Similarly, the DSES, the index that represents the Shariah-based shares, went down by 5.20 points, or 0.44 percent, to 1,162 while the DS30 index for the blue-chip stocks receded by 3.12 points, or 0.16 percent, to 1,935. Out of the 393 issues that were traded at the DSE, 66 advanced, 281 closed lower and the remaining 46 did not witness any price movement. Turnover, which is the cumulative value of the shares traded, stood at Tk 313 crore, a decrease of 6.76 percent compared to that on the previous trading session. The pharmaceuticals sector dominated the market activities, accounting for 20.42 percent of the day's total turnover. Food and allied, telecom, and mutual fund were the top three sectors to close in the positive, while services & real estate, ceramics, and textile became the top three to close in the negative. At Chittagong Stock Exchange, the CASPI, the premier index of the port city bourse, dropped by 54.64 points, or 0.38 percent, to settle at 14,468.

In response to an ultimatum from the Pinellas County (Fla.) Commission last week, Tampa Bay Rays ownership said in a letter Monday that its deal to build a new $1.3 billion ballpark is still "in effect." The letter was the latest salvo in a verbal back-and-forth between the MLB franchise and the county. Rays presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman wrote to the County Commission on Nov. 19 and suggested the team would not agree to a deal for a new stadium. The Rays claimed they had spent more than $50 million toward building that new stadium, but the county had allegedly "suspended work on the entire project," making its targeted 2028 opening unfeasible. Last Monday, Pinellas County Court Commission Chairperson Kathleen Peters replied in a letter to Auld and Silverman requesting they declare by Dec. 1 whether they are in or out. "In response to your question regarding the status of the various agreements, they are in effect until a party terminates or outside dates are reached," Silverman responded Monday, with Dec. 1 now past. "The Rays have fulfilled its obligations to date and continue to wait for decisions and actions by the City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County." "We would not have gone forward with the project if a future Pinellas County Commission had the ability to revoke the approval we all celebrated in July or to unilaterally delay the project's completion into 2029." Silverman also fired back at Peters for bringing up a conversation Auld had with Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott last month, prompting the county to allege that Auld was not committed to following through on the project. "The conversation primarily concerned the near-term challenges to our business given the damage to Tropicana Field as well as the dynamics related to the location of our home games in 2025," Silverman wrote Monday. "Brian Auld did not waver from our commitment to the new ballpark project." It is unclear how the county will proceed. The Pinellas County Commission already voted 6-1 last month to put off its final decision on whether to approve bonds until Dec. 17. Regardless of what happens in the Rays' long-term planning, the club will not play its 2025 home games in St. Petersburg after Tropicana Field was heavily damaged by Hurricane Milton in early October. The team will instead welcome opponents to Tampa's George M. Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees. This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.Chinese and Pakistani academic achievements in resistant rootstocks for economic forests and grafted and fodder plants were exchanged at the just finished 4th China-Pakistan Tropical Arid Non-Wood Forest Science & Technology Exchange Conference. Over 500 professionals from China and Pakistan attended the conference simultaneously in Zhengzhou and Gwadar, China Economic Net (CEN) reported on Saturday. Starting from 2021, in the Belt and Road Engineering Research Center for Tropical Arid Non-wood Forest, professionals from the Chinese Society of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited, Yulin Holding Company Limited, University of Karachi, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, and Indus University, etc. are working together on germplasm resource collection and new variety breeding, improved variety seedling propagation, cultivation and demonstration of drought-tolerant and infertile-tolerant economic plants, and technical training. Supported by the center, a tissue culture laboratory and a seedling nursery have been built in Gwadar, integrating China’s advanced economic forestry technology with Pakistan’s local conditions. At the conference, Chinese and Pakistani researchers shared their latest findings on various topics, including grafting and cutting propagation of improved varieties of Eucommia ulmoides, the potential for transforming timber and non-timber forest products in arid regions of Pakistan with a special focus on the propagation of medicinal and oilseed plants, efficient heterologous biosynthesis of plant natural products, and a digital intelligent precision water and fertilizer control system for chestnut.

Gates Group Files for 2.5M Share IPO at $5.50-$6.50/shThe Las Vegas Raiders are at a crossroads. Do they stick with head coach Antonio Pierce or do they Lane Kiffin him before the playoffs? With future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, a part owner, most insiders speculate that Brady will bring his winning attitude and football expertise to do a little spring cleaning with the Raiders. Rumors are swirling about which coaches might be a good fit for the Raiders in the next season. Here are the top 5 names that have been floated around. Mike Vrabel Former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel is at the top of the list to possibly replace Pierce. Sports Illustrated’s Hondo Carpenter thinks that Vrabel will get the nod from the Raiders to be the next head coach. Carpenter said on The Las Vegas Raiders Insiders podcast, “I am in no way advocating for moving on from Antonio, at all, and I want to make that clear. But I believe that if they move on from him, it will be Mike Vrabel. He has a great relationship with [Tom] Brady. They are very close.” Bill Belichick Bill Belichick is in the mix for obvious reasons, the Tom Brady connection. He would be someone that the organization could trust to get the job done of restoring the Raiders back to their winning ways. Also, Belichick has a winning reputation and has a no-nonsense approach to football. He understands the x’s and o’s. The drawback to a Belichick is that the man is 72 years old. The question with Belichick is would he have the stamina for a 18-week season? Probably not. Jon Gruden Another familiar choice for nostalgic reasons. Under Gruden, his record with the Raiders overall was 64-38. If you remember back in 2021, Jon Gruden stepped down from the organization after making racist, homophobic, and misogynist remarks about various people in the NFL. It is reported by The New York Times that Jon Gruden was not happy with the direction that NFL was going in before he stepped down. In an in-depth investigation by the league, it found that Gruden made disparaging comments about the LGTBQIA+ community, specifically the acceptance and drafting of gay players, the introduction of women referees, and the protesting of the National Anthem by certain players. If Gruden were to be given another chance at the helm, he would completely alienate most of the Raiders’ fanbase (i.e. Women, LGTBQIA+ community, & Minorites). That would be a disastrous hire and a public relations nightmare for the Raiders organization. Kliff Kingsbury Kingsbury sounds like a great fit for the Raiders. Sure, he’s a great offensive-minded coach with the ability to score consistently but his problem lies in not finishing out the games. The Raiders could benefit from a coach with the complete package and Kliff Kingsbury is not there yet. Also, although he is an offensive genius, Kingsbury’s defenses were sub-par when he was a head coach, but he still may be worth the hire if he finds a decent defensive coordinator. Joe Brady A sleeper choice for the job would be Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady. In the past, Brady has been glanced over for head coaching jobs. The con for the Raiders hiring Joe Brady would be his youth. It would be hard to hire a young coach who players might not respect or take seriously. Plus, they’ve already made that mistake when they hired a young Lane Kiffin, so they may not want to go that route again. Whoever the Raiders choose to pick in the off-season (if they decide to fire Pierce as many think) he needs to make an impact early. The Raiders’ goal is to rebuild the franchise with their draft picks, add some veteran players, have a steady defense, and build an offensive machine that will guarantee them wins consistently week in and week out. This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

How Not To Remember The APS HorrorSEOUL, South Korea , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Spaid, an emerging leader in the Geospatial AI sector, will attend CES early next year, 2025, to unveil the foundational solutions behind its CES 2025 Innovation Award-winning "AI2RE: Image to 3D Geospatial AI Metaverse" and showcase a demo of the "OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Information Platform," which is scheduled for release in 2025. AI Technology to Overcome Initial Accessibility Challenges in 3D Cadastral Mapping Using Only Aerial Imagery The award-winning "AI2RE" leverages a proprietary AI engine to extract 2D (vector) lines exclusively from aerial imagery, including satellite and drone capture. Based on these extracted vectors, this technology supports 3D models such as terrains, buildings, and roads. This technology addresses initial accessibility challenges in 3D cadastral mapping—such as data loss and compatibility issues—using only aerial imagery. Doing so contributes to providing reliable and stable 3D geospatial information to government agencies and enterprises. The technology is currently being utilized in projects related to the European Union (EU)'s Data Governance and Utilization Strategy, showcasing a remarkable improvement in cadastral mapping efficiency—from 6 months per person to just 5 days per person. Furthermore, business discussions are ongoing with South American and African countries, expanding its global reach. OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform At CES, Spaid will unveil its first-ever OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform. This innovative platform allows users to receive personalized geospatial data card recommendations through the OpenAI agent. By simply dragging and dropping these cards, users can intuitively visualize and analyze data in a 3D map viewer without the need for additional tools or software. Spaid is progressively advancing the digital twin transformation of the world within its geospatial data platform using a data-driven approach. This roadmap aims to create a metaverse that can be effectively utilized in real-world industries. Spaid at CES 2025 Spaid's booth will be located at LVCC South Hall 2 (35726), where visitors can experience the cutting-edge "AI2RE: Image to 3D Geospatial AI Metaverse" solutions and the innovative "OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform (Geo Data Platform)." For the award-winning AI2RE, attendees can dive into ongoing projects that demonstrate the full workflow—object detection, 2D line extraction, and 3D model generation—with a single click. In addition, the "OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform" will feature an interactive demo designed specifically for CES. Visitors can engage with geospatial data cards for San Francisco by simply dragging and dropping them to visualize the data in 3D, showcasing the platform's intuitive and user-friendly capabilities. Chongkul Yi, CEO of Spaid, said, "We are incredibly proud to have our 'One of a Kind' innovative AI Engine recognized by the CES Innovation Award." He added, "At CES 2025, we aim to showcase the excellence of our cutting-edge Geospatial AI solutions and the data-driven metaverse platform, accelerating our efforts to expand into the global market." About Spaid SPAID pursues being "one of a Kind." It aims to bridge the gap between the physical and digital environments by leveraging all live streaming information and data to maximize usability. We specialize in providing geospatial AI-based solutions that enable synergetic decision-making by deriving new insights through a fusion network of diverse data sources provided by public agencies and enterprises. Our solutions empower clients across industries by facilitating smart decision-making in smart city and smart factory digital twin operations, defense simulations, real estate location value analysis, building energy management, financial investment and risk management, and telecom network resource management. SPAID aims to drive transformative progress across various industries through these innovative solutions, contributing to sustainable development and fostering long-term growth. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spaid-winner-of-ces-innovation-awards-for-redefining-the-future-of-geospatial-with-ai-to-unveil-ai-solution-and-openai-platform-at-ces-2025-302339321.html SOURCE Spaid

Role Of Ground Drones In Combat Missions Set To Increase - Expert Suggests Swarm Solutions

The other 51 weeks: what happens before and after Davos?紐約, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 事因: 全球投資者權益律師行 Rosen Law Firm 繼續代表 Light & Wonder, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNW) 的股東,調查 Light & Wonder 可能向投資公眾發佈重大誤導性業務資訊並就此引發的潛在證券索賠。 影響: 若您購買了 Light & Wonder 證券,您可能有權獲得賠償,並透過勝訴收費安排,免去任何自付費用或開支。 Rosen Law Firm 正準備提出集體訴訟,期望為投資者討回損失。 下一步行動: 如欲加入潛在集體訴訟,請前往 https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29678 或免費致電 866-767-3653 或電郵至 case@rosenlegal.com 與 Phillip Kim 律師聯絡,了解關於此集體訴訟的資訊。 事件概覽: 2024 年 9 月 24 日,Las Vegas Review-Journal (《拉斯維加斯評論報》) 發表了一篇題為「Slot manufacturer scores major win against Las Vegas-based rival」的文章。 文章提及「Aristocrat Technologies Inc. 在針對 Light & Wonder 的商業機密和版權侵權訴訟中提出的初步禁令申請」已獲得批准,並且「該命令禁止 [Light & Wonder]『繼續或計劃進行 Dragon Train 的銷售、租賃或其他商業化行為』,Aristocrat 聲稱對方侵犯了與 Dragon Link 和 Lightning Link 遊戲開發相關的知識產權」。 受此消息影響,Light & Wonder 的普通股於 2024 年 9 月 24 日下跌 19.49%。 為何選擇 ROSEN LAW: 我們鼓勵投資者選擇在領導角色方面具有成功往績紀錄的合格律師。 通常,發布通知的律師事務所並無可相比的經驗、資源或任何有意義的同儕認可, 其中許多公司實際上並不提出證券集體訴訟。 選擇律師需要明智。 Rosen Law Firm 在全球各地為投資者提供服務,專注於證券集體訴訟和股東代位訴訟。 Rosen Law Firm 曾針對一家中國公司發起過迄今規模最大的證券集體訴訟,並成功達成和解。 Rosen Law Firm 曾因其證券集體訴訟案件的和解數量,於 2017 年獲 ISS Securities Class Action Services 評選為排名第一的律師事務所。 自 2013 年以來,Rosen Law Firm 每年都進入該排行榜的前四名,且已為投資者追回數以億計美元的資金。 僅在 2019 年,事務所便為投資者追回了逾 4.38 億美元的資金。 2020 年,創始合夥人 Laurence Rosen 獲 law360 評選為「最佳原告律師」 (Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar)。 事務所的多位律師曾獲得 Lawdragon 和 Super Lawyers 的表彰。 歡迎透過以下方式關注我們以了解最新動態:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm 、Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm 或 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ 。 律師廣告。 過往結果並不保證獲得類似的結果。 ------------------------------- 聯絡資訊: Laurence Rosen 律師 Phillip Kim 律師 The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 電話:(212) 686-1060 免費電話:(866) 767-3653 傳真:(212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.comCoppin State wins 68-60 over Navy

By Clarissa-Jan Lim As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January, corporations and their executives are vying to get on his good side, with some companies donating seven-figure sums to his inauguration. Silicon Valley giants like Meta , Amazon, Uber and OpenAI have contributed at least $1 million each to Trump's inaugural fund. As The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing donors and people familiar with the matter, companies that previously condemned the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and vowed to reconsider support for politicians who rejected the 2020 election results — like Ford, Goldman Sachs and AT&T — have similarly made large contributions to Trump's 2025 inauguration. (A Mother Jones report last year found several corporations, including AT&T, gave money to at least one election-denying lawmaker during the 2022 election cycle after promising to pause contributions to such officials. Neither NBC News nor MSNBC has independently verified the Journal and Mother Jones reports.) “People just really want to move forward and move on. The election results were very clear,” a representative at one of the companies mentioned in the Journal report told the outlet. The Journal did not specify which company employs the representative. The donations to Trump's inauguration have come at such furious pace that his inaugural committee is on track to raise more than $150 million, ABC News reported , citing sources familiar with the matter. That amount would dwarf the $62 million President Joe Biden's inaugural fund raised in 2021 and surpass the $107 million in contributions to Trump's inaugural committee in 2017. Donations to inaugural committees are not restricted by federal law. With Trump expected to make drastic changes to federal policies that oversee a host of industries, several corporate executives — including Amazon's Jeff Bezos , Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Apple's Tim Cook — have already paid a visit to Mar-a-Lago for some face time with the president-elect. They also likely see these corporate contributions as a chance to generate even more goodwill with the incoming president, whose approach to politics has been more nakedly transactional than most. Clarissa-Jan Lim is a breaking/trending news blogger for MSNBC Digital. She was previously a senior reporter and editor at BuzzFeed News.Johnson’s 25 lead FGCU past Florida Tech 79-62Barkley's brilliance helps Eagles beat Panthers 22-16 but pass game has Philly frustrated PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The mood in the Eagles' locker room was a bit more bleak than it should have been for a team riding a nine-game winning streak and celebrating a franchise rushing record. Dan Gelston, The Associated Press Dec 8, 2024 3:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley reacts after he set the Eagles' season rushing record during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola) PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The mood in the Eagles' locker room was a bit more bleak than it should have been for a team riding a nine-game winning streak and celebrating a franchise rushing record. Former 1,000-yard receiver DeVonta Smith — who caught a touchdown pass and not much else — was exasperated at the offensive no-show. A.J. Brown, who holds a slew of team receiving records, had as much to offer in his sour postgame interview as he did on the field when he was held to four catches. This was the sullen attitude of a team still in the hunt for a top seed in the NFC? Here's the good news for the Philadelphia: Saquon Barkley rushed for 124 yards to break the Eagles season record , and Jalen Hurts threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score in Sunday's 22-16 win over the Carolina Panthers. Barkley's consistent brilliance aside, Hurts and the Eagles slogged through another rough offensive outing. “Everybody has a reason to want more,” Hurts said. The Eagles (11-2) maintained their position as the No. 2 team in the NFC, behind Detroit (12-1), after a mostly lethargic effort against the Panthers (3-10). Hurts’ passing numbers were a pedestrian 14 of 21 for 108 yards. Brown had four catches for 43 yards — and threw his helmet in anger after a three-and-out — and Smith had four catches for 37 yards. What do the Eagles need to improve on? “Passing,” Brown deadpanned. How tough was it for the receivers to find a rhythm? “Incredibly tough,” he said. Hurts didn't do enough to get Smith and Brown involved, one reason why the lowly Panthers stayed in striking distance until the final possession. He took four sacks. He held the ball too long as open receivers ran with their arms up trying to get their QB's attention. “I play my role in how we execute,” Hurts said. “But ultimately it's about what position we put ourselves in. It's not my choice.” That message will surely reverberate through coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's offices this week. “I think that’s fair that the questions are about our pass game right now,” Sirianni said. The Eagles at least had Barkley to bail them out. Barkley added another milestone in his MVP push when he used a 9-yard run in the fourth quarter to surpass LeSean McCoy's Eagles record of 1,607 yards, set in 2013. Barkley now has 1,623 yards with four games left. “How cool is it that we have a team rushing record in Week 13?” Sirianni said. Hurts had flashes of form, like when he hit Grant Calcaterra with a 4-yard TD pass and Barkley ran in the 2-point conversion for a 22-16 lead early in the fourth. Bryce Young gamely moved the Panthers into Eagles territory on the final drive. He completed a 13-yard pass on fourth down that moved the ball to the 38, and a second-down pass to Xavier Legette gave the Eagles a brief scare when the receiver seemed to have the ball in the end zone. He didn't. Young eluded a pass rush on fourth down but his final attempt was incomplete. He finished 19 of 34 for 191 yards. Panthers coach Dave Canales said Legette “absolutely” had to make the catch. “That’s a big play we’re counting on. He’d be the first one to tell you he’s got to make that play,” Canales said. “Bryce steps up, makes a beautiful throw in the situation. We had the coverage we wanted, all that. Those are the plays that we’ve just got to find a way to make for us to get back on the winning column.” A 12 1/2-point underdog according to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Panthers played more like a team with playoff seeding at stake. Chuba Hubbard, who rushed for 92 yards and topped 1,000 on the season, made it 16-14 on a 1-yard run in the third quarter. Eddy Pineiro, who kicked a 38-yard field goal in the first quarter, missed the extra point. Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was examined earlier for a concussion, changed the game late in the second quarter when he picked off Young’s deep pass at Philadelphia’s 41. Hurts scrambled 15 yards on the next drive and finished it with a 4-yard TD pass to Smith for a 14-10 lead. Gardner-Johnson’s pick bailed out an uneven effort by the Eagles. They failed to score on their opening drive for the 13th time this season, but the offensive bursts that usually follow never came. Hurts scored on tush push early in the second quarter, his 13th rushing score of the season, for a 7-3 lead. With nothing to lose, the Panthers went for it on fourth-and-3, and Young hit Tommy Tremble for a 3-yard TD and a 10-7 advantage. The Eagles did just enough. Their challenge now is getting the receivers' production up — and getting them happy — headed into the postseason. “Let the dissatisfaction fuel you for more,” Hurts said. “I think that’s always a fair place to be. And so we know there’s more out there for us, and we’re in pursuit of trying to find it.” Injuries Panthers kickoff and punt returner Raheem Blackshear suffered a chest injury. ... RB Jonathon Brooks left with a right knee injury — the same knee in which he tore the ACL last year with Texas. The Panthers had been very cautious bringing the second-round pick along. ... CB Jaycee Horn hurt his groin. Up next Panthers: Host Dallas next Sunday. Eagles: Host cross-state rival Pittsburgh next Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Dan Gelston, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) A hamstring injury silenced George Pickens. His Steelers teammates picked up the slack vs. Browns Dec 8, 2024 3:58 PM Baker Mayfield throws for 3 TDs, Bucs take over 1st in NFC South with 28-13 win over Raiders Dec 8, 2024 3:41 PM Darnold delivers for Vikings with career-high 347 yards and 5 TDs to beat Falcons, Cousins 42-21 Dec 8, 2024 3:40 PM

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STEM Parrot Foundation Donates Educational Resources to Junior High Schools in Ashanti RegionExperience the Excitement at KINGS & QUEENS FINAL Fan Zone The much-anticipated KINGS & QUEENS FINAL is set to captivate fans this Saturday, December 21st, with a vibrant Fan Zone event in the Salud-La Salle district. Located at the plaza next to Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium, this dynamic celebration offers a perfect blend of sports enthusiasm and family-friendly fun. The Fan Zone kicks off at noon, running until 5 PM , inviting visitors to indulge in a myriad of free activities spanning entertainment, technology, and culinary delights. Attendees can enjoy giant screens showcasing event highlights, while interactive stations feature simulators, video games, and experiences from the Kings League and Queens League universe. Live music and DJ sets ensure an electrifying atmosphere, complemented by a variety of food trucks serving up delicious options, and exclusive competition merchandise on display. The event caters to young attendees with activities such as inflatable castles, creative workshops, and play areas. A heartwarming toy drive, organized by Juguetes con Corazón in collaboration with the Pedro Rodríguez Ledesma Foundation, aims to support those affected by the recent Dana in Valencia. Post-event, DJ Renzzo El Selector will keep the vibes going from 8 PM to 10 PM. Santa Cruz Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez expresses pride in hosting this celebrated event, emphasizing its role in fostering a sense of community and excitement. District Councilor Zaida González shares her enthusiasm for the diverse range of activities designed to appeal to all ages, promising unforgettable memories for attendees. For fans eager to connect and share their passion for the Kings & Queens Leagues, this Fan Zone offers a remarkable opportunity—all with free entry in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Discover the Newest Trends and Innovations at KINGS & QUEENS FINAL Fan Zone The excitement is palpable as fans gear up for the much-anticipated KINGS & QUEENS FINAL Fan Zone, which promises a spectacle of innovation and entertainment. This Saturday, December 21st, the Salud-La Salle district will transform into a vibrant hub of activity at the plaza next to Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium. Here, we delve into new trends, insights, and innovations that make this event a must-visit for enthusiasts. Innovations in Interactive Experiences The Fan Zone is pioneering a new approach to interactive sporting events by integrating cutting-edge technology. Attendees can engage with simulators that offer immersive experiences, bringing the action of the Kings League and Queens League to life like never before. Video game stations will feature the latest in esports, reflecting the growing trend of blending traditional sports with digital experiences. Sustainable Event Features In alignment with global sustainability trends, the event has incorporated eco-friendly practices. Food trucks will use biodegradable materials, and recycling stations will be prominently available to reduce waste. This commitment to sustainability highlights the event’s forward-thinking approach, ensuring that enjoyment does not come at the expense of the environment. Predictions and Future Trends As fan zones continue to gain popularity, the KINGS & QUEENS FINAL Fan Zone offers a glimpse into the future of sports entertainment. With technology integration becoming more prevalent, such events are expected to become even more immersive, offering virtual reality experiences that allow fans to engage directly with their favorite teams and leagues in real-time. Community and Cultural Impact Beyond the entertainment and technological experiences, the Fan Zone serves as a community-building initiative. The toy drive organized by Juguetes con Corazón and the Pedro Rodríguez Ledesma Foundation underlines the event’s commitment to giving back. These efforts not only support those affected by the recent Dana in Valencia but also foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among attendees. Conclusion The KINGS & QUEENS FINAL Fan Zone is more than just an event; it is a showcase of the latest trends in sports, technology, and community engagement. With free entry and a plethora of activities designed for all ages, it offers an unparalleled opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in the world of league excitement while contributing to a greater cause. For more information on events and innovations in the sports world, visit La Liga .Big Data Institute (BDI), a public organisation, is set to launch the initial phase of the national big data platform in 2025 through the further development of four existing key platforms -- the Health Link, Envi Link, Travel Link and the Smart Data Analytics platforms. BDI president Tiranee Achalakul said the move will pave the way to transform the BDI to become the central intelligence organisation in the future. The launch of the national big data platform is part of the institute's strategic roadmap for 2025–27. The BDI targets generating over 1 billion baht in combined economic, social and environmental impact via big data and related technologies in 2025. Moreover, it aims to create more than 10,000 new data-related jobs in 2025. The draft of the strategic roadmap is under the review of the National Economic and Social Development Council. The roadmap contains four key strategies: creating and utilising the national big data platform, promoting the creation of a data value chain, building a data talent pool, and advancing artificial intelligence (AI) development and utilisation. Ms Tiranee said that next year the BDI will focus on expanding the connectivity of the Health Link national health data platform to cover more health units registered with the National Health Security Office, ensuring the link's nationwide coverage. It will also expand coverage of Envi Link, the environmental data service platform for smart cities. Moreover, it will expand the operation of the Travel Link national tourism intelligence platform to include additional key tourist destinations. The platform is entering its second phase of development. It will foster the Smart Data Analytics platform, which is dedicated to advancing smart city development. The platform creates data solutions tailored to the specific characteristics of at least five additional provinces: Nan, Uttaradit, Ubon Ratchathani, Songkhla and Nakhon Si Thammarat. "The four key platforms are being maximised and centralised to become the initial phase of the national big data platform in 2025," Ms Tiranee said. "The primary objective of the national big data platform is to provide the government with a secure and centralised big data system, enabling seamless and safe data integration across agencies working on shared issues." This will facilitate advanced data analysis and promote the broader utilisation of data in the future, Ms Tiranee said. The BDI is actively supporting the incubation of skilled professionals in the public and private sectors. She added that the Thai Large Language Model (ThaiLLM) project, funded by the Office of National Digital Economy and Society Commission, aims to develop and enhance language models using vast amounts of Thai-language sources. The BDI, in collaboration with key partners such as the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, the Artificial Intelligence Entrepreneurs Association of Thailand, the Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand, Chulalongkorn University and Mahidol University, is advancing the development of the ThaiLLM V.1 model. The initial phase focuses on building a foundation model to enable further applications, along with specialised models tailored to healthcare and environmental sectors.

Lions' Dan Campbell on Jahmyr Gibbs' leak of protection calls: 'It won’t affect us'ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Workers pushing for an end to smoking in Atlantic City casinos say the main employee union has been won over by tobacco companies seeking allies in the fight against smoking restrictions. An official of a union involved in the anti-smoking push on Monday called for the head of the Atlantic City casino workers' union, Donna DeCaprio, to resign for failing to protect her members from the dangers of secondhand smoke. DeCaprio is president of Local 54 of the Unite Here union, which opposes a smoking ban on the grounds that so much business would be lost by smokers taking their money elsewhere that it could cause one or more casinos to shut down, costing thousands of workers their jobs. “She should be ashamed of herself,” said Ray Jensen, assistant director of United Auto Workers Region 9, which represents dealers at three Atlantic City casinos and is part of a lawsuit seeking to have the courts force an end to smoking in the gambling halls. “She should hand in her union card.” DeCaprio said her union supports the health and safety of its members, adding improvements to the workplace environment need to be made. “A balance needs to be reached that will both protect worker health and preserve good jobs,” she said. “We are protecting our members against multiple casino closures and job losses. The UAW is eager to sacrifice the entire casino industry and put 25,000 good jobs with benefits at risk.” DeCaprio said between 50% and 72% of all in-person casino revenue in Atlantic City comes from smoking sections, which occupy only 25% of the casino floor. She said her union “and the vast majority of the labor movement” support a proposal that would improve ventilation in casinos and prevent any employee from being assigned to work in a smoking section against their will. Whether to ban smoking is one of the most controversial issues not only in Atlantic City casinos but in other states where workers have expressed concern about secondhand smoke. They are waging similar campaigns in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Kansas and Virginia. Workers have been pushing for four years to end an exemption in New Jersey’s clean air law that allows smoking inside the nine casinos. They say they or their co-workers are becoming ill with cancer, heart disease and other conditions related to exposure to second-hand smoke. Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, has said he will sign a bill to end casino smoking if it reaches his desk. The casinos, joined by Local 54, oppose that effort, saying it will cost Atlantic City thousands of jobs and lead to decreased tax revenue for state programs for senior citizens and the disabled. On Monday, the workers group that calls itself CEASE (Casino Employees Against Smoking’s Effects) filed an appeal of a court ruling in August that allowed smoking to continue in the nine casinos. The Casino Association of New Jersey declined to comment Monday. Attorney Nancy Erika Smith said as far back as 1993, tobacco companies targeted labor unions in the hospitality industry as potential allies to work against smoking bans in the restaurant and hospitality industries. That effort included the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union, a precursor of the Unite Here union. “HERE and the related AFL-CIO affiliates are critical allies which should be cultivated as supporters of the effort to prevent smoking bans,” a public relations firm wrote in a memo to Philip Morris Companies that was made public during several states' litigation against tobacco companies. The memo said having HERE “as an ally in this effort would be a very powerful voice.” As far back as 2001, HERE was part of a 12-member coalition including labor unions advocating for improved indoor ventilation instead of government-imposed smoking bans, according to another document cited in Monday's appeal. The anti-smoking campaigners cite a 2022 report by Las Vegas-based C3 Gaming, a consulting firm, showing that casinos that went smoke-free "appear to be performing better than their counterparts that continue to allow smoking.” ___ Follow Wayne Parry on X at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC Wayne Parry, The Associated Press

Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel and Narasapuram MP Bhupathi Raju Srinivas Varma said that everyone should fight for their country and its development, taking inspiration from the fighting spirit of revolutionary leader Alluri Sitaramaraju. Inaugurating the statue of the freedom fighter at Rajupeta village in Vuyyuru mandal in Penamaluru constituency of Krishna district on December 8, Sunday, the Minister said efforts are being made to install Alluri Sitaramaraju’s statues in Amaravati, Vijayawada and Hyderabad, too. “We are also trying to get a street in New Delhi named after the leader,” the Minister said while expressing happiness that the Bhogapuram airport in Vizianagaram district is named after him. Later, Minister for Housing, Information, and Public Relations Kolusu Parthasarathy said the leader did not just participate in the freedom struggle but also strove hard to free the country from the shackles of slavery. “In a similar way, the State and the Central governments too are making all-out efforts for the welfare of the economically and socially backward communities,” he said. Minister Kollu Ravindra, Penamaluru MLA Bode Prasad and others took part in the programme. Published - December 09, 2024 03:40 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

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