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Fogging Machine Global Market Predicted to Exceed $12.7 Billion by 2028
Qualcomm processors properly licensed from Arm, US jury findsWASHINGTON (AP) — A Dallas man who tried to fly overseas to join the Russian military and fight against Ukraine was sentenced on Friday to six months in prison for violating the terms of his probation for four years ago. Kevin Loftus, a 56-year-old veteran of the U.S. Army, was stopped from boarding an Oct. 28 flight from Dallas to Tbilisi, Georgia, by way of Istanbul, Turkey, when Turkish Airlines identified a “security flag” associated with him, according to federal prosecutors. Loftus didn’t have the court’s permission to travel internationally or to drive from Texas to Iowa, where the FBI arrested him three days after his flight plans fell apart, prosecutors said. Loftus told the FBI that he had hoped to secure a 90-day visa to travel to Russia, where he intended to apply for temporary residency. Loftus said he had used the Telegram messaging platform to communicate with a man who would connect him with the Russian Territorial Defense Unit, a volunteer military corps. “Loftus said he had already sent the man approximately $1200 to purchase equipment for Russian soldiers,” . “Loftus said his intent was to fight for Russia and against Ukraine.” Loftus declined to address the court before U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich sentenced him for the probation violation. The judge said Loftus has repeatedly violated court orders. “He doesn’t think these rules should apply to him,” Friedrich said. “He wants to be above the law.” Defense attorney Benjamin Schiffelbein said Loftus wanted to enlist in the Russian military because he “felt bad” for Russian soldiers and wanted to help them. “He had no idea whether they could make use of him,” the lawyer said. Loftus, a six-year Army veteran, intended to permanently relocate to another country, according to prosecutors. “And his planned travel was for the express purpose of joining a foreign army to take up arms against one of this country’s allies and in opposition to this country’s foreign policy,” they wrote. In January 2021, Loftus traveled from Wisconsin to Washington, D.C., to attend then-President “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House. After joining the mob of Trump supporters at the Capitol, he entered the building and took photographs. He spent approximately five minutes inside the Capitol. Loftus was arrested at his Wisconsin home several days after the riot. He pleaded guilty in October 2021 to a misdemeanor count of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. After his arrest, Loftus posted comments about his case on social media, referring to himself as “famous” and a “hero” for taking part in the Jan. 6 attack. “Loftus also stated that he gained that fame by ‘standing up for all Americans’ because he ‘broke the law,’ and he would file lawsuits against unidentified persons after the criminal case was over,” . Prosecutors recommended 30 days of imprisonment for Loftus, but Friedrich initially sentenced him to three years of probation. For his probation violation, prosecutors requested a six-month prison sentence. They noted that Loftus, while on probation, also was arrested in December 2023 and charged with driving while intoxicated in Richardson, Texas. Loftus was required to attend a substance abuse program, but he avoided jail time for that violation. Over 1,500 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related crimes. More than 1,000 of them have been convicted and sentenced, with roughly two-thirds receiving a term of imprisonment ranging from a few days to . Trump has repeatedly vowed to pardon Capitol rioters, but the district court judges in Washington, D.C., typically have refused to postpone sentencings, plea hearings and trials until after the president-elect returns to the White House. Michael Kunzelman, The Associated Press
IT Asset Disposition Market to grow by USD 14.85 Billion (2024-2028), driven by stricter data security regulations, with AI driving market transformation - Technavio
Amazon has just slashed the price of a dehumidifier that claims to be a game-changer for those battling damp in their homes. The 12L Pro Breeze device , praised as "ideal for damp, condensation and laundry drying" in its product description, is now up for grabs at £111.99—a sizable reduction of 20% from its original £139.99, courtesy of a time-sensitive promotion. The six litre version is also discounted to £99.99 if you need something more compact. The 12litre size is the best price we've seen compared to B&Q (£129.99) and Tesco (£114.99). The gadget features an "ultra-efficient" compressor, a convenient 24-hour on/off timer, and a power-conserving auto shut-off function, all designed to help lessen electrical consumption and slash energy bills. Moreover, it boasts "quiet dehumidification". READ MORE: Ninja knocks £170 off 'amazing' non-stick 7-piece ceramic cookware set READ MORE: Butlin's festive breaks offer magical Christmas getaways with Santa visits starting at £180 According to the listing on the website: "This powerful dehumidifier for home uses the latest ultra-quiet compressor technology to combat damp without disturbing you in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, conservatory or garage." Described as "The ideal dehumidifier for use in medium to large rooms around the house," it combats moisture to prevent wall mould and stale odours. The unit can remove up to 12 litres of water daily and includes a substantial 1.8-litre water tank that stops when full, along with a drainage hose for uninterrupted use. Scoring an impressive 4.6 out of 5 by 7,980 Amazon patrons , one satisfied customer exclaimed it was "amazing" and shared: "We've had this for less than 24 hours and it's amazing," reports Chronicle Live . "We put it in my daughter's room as hers gets the least sun and gets more damp. I've already emptied it after about 6 hours and on this cold, autumn morning, her room is the ONLY room in the whole house to have ZERO condensation on her windows. I wish we could budget getting one in every room." Another customer shared: "I bought two of these dehumidifiers to reduce the dampness in our rooms as we have a level of up to 80% in our bedrooms overnight during October and we don't have the heating on much. After they've been on for an hour the humidity drops to around 65%. I have to leave them on for much longer to get this closer to 50%." "The fan speed and sleep option is great as you can reduce the noise and/or turn off the display. My only issue with them is the humidity percentage shown doesn't appear accurate. Both are between 10-15% lower compared to my Tapo wireless humidity monitor. They do work well though and I'm emptying the water almost every day during wet and cooler weather." A third customer added: "Compared to our older 12/l per day one I use in the utility room this one is much quieter. It's in use on the landing to run overnight, capturing moisture from the bathroom etc." "Can't fault it, simple controls and with it on the landing no issues sleeping with the noise. Possibly wouldn't want it in the bedroom but that's subjective and depends on how sensitive you are to noise- this one is as quiet as compressor types come through." The 12L Pro Breeze dehumidifier is available for purchase on Amazon . You can get the six litre version for £99.99. Other retailers are also offering deals on dehumidifiers. For instance, Currys has a ZANUSSI Portable Dehumidifier on offer for £159, reduced from £174. This device can extract up to 18 litres of water per day, which can be emptied in 2.5 litre increments. And for a seriously heavy duty dehumidifier, Argos has the Meaco Dry Arete One 20 Litre Dehumidifier down from £275 to £260.
In a heartfelt ceremony at the city commission meeting, Mayor Robert Blythe announced December 10 as Kham’s Club Awareness Day, honoring the vital role of the non-profit organization in supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. “Autism is a complex neurological condition that impacts social interaction, communication, and behavior,” Mayor Blythe stated as he read the proclamation. He emphasized the significance of understanding ASD, noting that in the United States, one in every 36 children is diagnosed with some form of autism. “Individuals with autism possess unique strengths and abilities that enrich our communities, and inclusivity is essential to fostering a society that respects everyone,” he added. Kham’s Club has emerged as a leader in promoting awareness, providing resources, and advocating for those affected by autism and their families in Richmond. Through specialized programs, educational outreach, and community initiatives, the organization has made a considerable impact on the lives of those living with autism. Commissioner Tammy Cole expressed her pride in the accomplishments of Kham’s Club, saying, “I was able to see some of the things that Kham’s Club has been able to do, and I am so thankful to have them at the commission meeting to receive this proclamation.” The city acknowledges the importance of collaboration with organizations like Kham’s Club in breaking down barriers and fostering a deeper understanding of autism. Kent Hensley, Kham’s father, of Kham’s Club, remarked, “It’s our mission to drive awareness, provide opportunities, and promote inclusiveness. It starts with something as simple as a proclamation, which opens the door for more conversations and allows us to reach out and assist the many families in our community who are in need.” The city of Richmond stands united in its commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all its residents, recognizing the valuable contributions of individuals with autism.
Everything You Need to Know About ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Sequel
t’s been a tough few years for Hollywood. Once a sure money maker, COVID-19, strikes and the rise of AI have in ways no one could have foreseen, so how will it look in 2034? such as Disney, Paramount and Warner Brothers reported losses in 2023. Many flopped, and failed to regain their pre-pandemic profitability. Studios are attempting to get back on track following a year, but production activity is still down, while Wall Street’s faith in the industry remains shaken. It’s clear that Hollywood is undergoing a shift right now, but how will that affect it over the next ten years? Newsweek asked the experts. Variety has it the "Hollywood AI Crisis," with everyone from actors to writers, production teams, and maybe even directors at risk of being replaced by artificial intelligence. In January, the Concept Art Assn. and the Animation Guild surveyed 300 entertainment industry leaders and discovered that three-fourths expected AI to abolish, reduce or merge positions at their companies. Researchers estimated that approximately 204,000 jobs will be negatively impacted by the shift before 2026—roughly 20 percent of industry roles. However, Guy Fortt—Partner at Starfury Productions—believes it’s not all bad news for Hollywood creatives. "The integration of AI and technology into film and TV production shows promise," he told Newsweek. "It enhances creative possibilities, reduces costs, and creates more personalized and " Fortt isn’t the only one to see the creative and cost-cutting benefits of AI. Filmmaker Tyler Perry a planned $800 million expansion to his Atlanta studio in February after discovering software platform Sora. Created by Open AI, the video generator is capable of crafting lifelike scenes from text commands. "All of that is currently and indefinitely on hold because of Sora and what I’m seeing," Perry told The Hollywood Reporter. "I no longer would have to travel to locations. I don’t have to put a set on my lot. I can sit in an office and do this with a computer, which is shocking to me." Although the software has the potential to shake up the industry, it is also still in its early stages, and like many AI-generated creations, the has its flaws. Examples of include misplaced limbs and floating furniture, and Sora reportedly struggles to replicate complex body movements. However, Fortt said that AI will continue to affect different aspects of the industry, such as content creation, distribution and audience interaction. One area particularly to AI is Fortt predicts technology such as chatbot ChatGPT being used to generate storylines or tailor scripts to better suit audiences’ tastes, using data garnered from AI that analyzes viewer preferences. Production processes such as cinematography and lighting are also at risk, but whether the industry will replace these jobs with AI or integrate the technology is up for debate. Fortt suspects that animation and visual effect jobs "will be in high demand," with workers able to "enhance visual storytelling without the extensive manual labor typically required." Unfortunately, the future looks less certain for actors, who Fortt said could be "easily automated." AI partly the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild — American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) strikes, with actors and writers wanting guarantees that studios won’t replace them with the technology. Even A-lister Keanu Reeves puts a clause in his contracts to prevent his image from being digitally replicated. However, deepfakes have yet to reach the level of an "Acting talent will still be crucial for emotional and nuanced performances," Fortt added. "While [AI] might reduce the number of certain traditional jobs, it also opens up opportunities for new roles." According to a survey conducted by streamer Tubi and The Harris Poll, three-quarters of Millennials (28 to 43-year-olds) and Generation Z (12 to 27-year-olds) wanted more diversity and representation in their content, while 71 percent would like to see more film and TV programs developed by independent and smaller creators. "There is a growing shift among underrepresented content creators who are tired of waiting for the big studios and corporate giants to fund their projects," Nubia Duvall Wilson, Partner at Starfury Productions, told Newsweek. "The future will see more marginalized filmmakers—BIPOC, LGBTQ+, etc.—producing films and securing distribution on their own." Fortt believes that streaming will continue to dominate due to a combination of variety and convenience. However, he has noticed a rising interest in traditional formats for nostalgia reasons, similar to the re-emergence of vinyl records in the music industry. "This trend might lead to the increased popularity of physical media like DVDs and Blu-rays, or even novel viewing experiences that blend old and new technology," he said. "While these traditional or hybrid formats might not overtake streaming, they could gain a dedicated following among enthusiasts looking for a different or more to their media." Streaming services were a driving force in the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, with platforms disrupting the traditional payment structure for actors and writers. Deals were reached with both unions in September, but it appears that streamers have following the strikes. With more money to lose, streamers are becoming more particular about the projects they choose. This means that fewer films and TV shows will get the green light and are more likely to be canceled if they don’t immediately . Showrunners and filmmakers are also less likely to multi-year such as director David Fincher’s four-year deal with Netflix, while brands such as HBO and Disney have begun licensing their back catalog to other services for extra cash. "With lower streaming audiences, ," filmmaker Neil Chase told . "The future is less about big-budget , , , and , as it will be with smaller movies that focus on original content and are geared toward specific audiences." Chase believes Godzilla Minus One, which came out in November, is the "blueprint" for the next decade of film making. Produced for less than $12 million, the monster movie earned over $115 million at the global box office. "It focused on a rock-solid script with relatable characters, strong dialogue and through a unique take on the Godzilla mythos," Chase explained. "It delivered everything that its target audience was looking for, and maybe that’s the biggest takeaway for Hollywood. The next ten years may be a little leaner than many are used to, but the rise in storytelling quality will win back much of what’s been lost." In 2019, movie theaters raked in $11.4 billion across America. An easy win for cinema chains, when going to a theater was the only way to catch a new release. However, COVID-19 changed all that. Forced to close due to lockdown restrictions, theaters grossed just $2.3 billion in 2020, while many films landed directly on streaming platforms instead. Four years later, and it’s now common for films to jointly release on streaming services alongside theater runs. Cinema releases now get a shorter viewing window, before becoming available to rent or stream more quickly. Although the rise of streaming and the pandemic hit movie theaters hard, Fortt is optimistic they can reach their former glory. "Many people still enjoy the unique experience of watching a movie on the big screen, which theaters exclusively offer," he said. To regain their audience, Fortt suggests that theaters enhance the experience with improved exclusive content and technology that the average film viewer can’t get at home. "While they may face challenges in reaching pre-pandemic profitability, a solid audience base still values the theater experience," he added. He might be right. The domestic box office exceeded $9 billion in 2023, its highest earnings since the pandemic began. – przydomek Hollywood – uderzyć w branżę/ poturbować branżę – liderzy branży rozrywkowej – hit kinowy – kino – burzliwy – nazwać – angażujące/wciągające treści – wstrzymać, zastopować – materiał filmowy – usterka, przeszkoda, komplikacja – bezbronny, wrażliwy, czuły – scenopisarstwo – zachęcać (kogoś do czegoś) – znakomity aktor – być najlepszym/najważniejszym – silna więź – zmienić taktykę/metodę działania – gromadzić dużą liczbę telewidzów – zawrzeć umowę – coś musi się zmienić (używane do podkreślenia, że obecna sytuacja nie może trwać) – dochodowy interes – przeróbka, nowa wersja – film lub serial podejmujący tematykę danej serii, ale opowiadający o czymś innym niż poprzednie części – kontynuacja (np. filmu) – gatunek (literacki, filmowy, muzyczny) – porywające sceny akcji – udogodnienia, wyposażenie Read the text and answer the following questions: 1. What challenges has Hollywood faced in recent years? 2. How did major entertainment companies perform financially in 2023? 3. What potential does AI have in transforming Hollywood, according to Guy Fortt? 4. What concerns exist regarding AI in the entertainment industry? 5. How might AI affect scriptwriting, according to Guy Fortt? 6. What trends are emerging regarding diversity and representation in Hollywood content? 7. What is the current trend regarding streaming services and traditional media formats? 8. What changes are happening in the movie theater industry, and how might theaters regain their audience? First, match the words to form collocations and verb phrases that will help you describe the issue presented in the article. Next, write down a sentence using each collocation and verb phrase. The sentences you create should relate to the topic being discussed in the text. ( ) entertainment movie script traditional streaming original global solid content formats box office audience base theaters writing services stalwarts report regain get back shake up blend hit reach value the industry the theater experience old and new technology losses one’s former glory on track pre-pandemic profitability movie theaters hard Task description: Students will participate in a discussion about the current and future challenges faced by Hollywood. Task elements: 1. Recall the challenges Hollywood is facing. 2. Choose one aspect (e.g., the role of AI) and explain it in more detail to your partner. Make sure to cover why it’s important and what predictions are made about it. 3. Think of recent movies or series you have watched. Discuss with your partner how they relate to the issues mentioned in the text, such as the use of AI, streaming services, or diversity in casting. 4. Debate whether AI will ultimately benefit or harm Hollywood. Use information from the text to support your arguments. Consider aspects like job creation and loss, cost reduction, and creative potential. Complete the following summary using information from the text. Hollywood has faced challenges from COVID-19, AI, and changing audience preferences. Major studios like Disney and Warner Brothers reported _________, and many movies failed. Experts predict AI will impact jobs, especially in _________ and production, but also offer creative benefits. _________ remains popular, but there’s a growing interest in diverse content and _________ creators. Movie theaters struggled but are slowly recovering. Hollywood’s future may see fewer films, more original stories, and new opportunities from AI, despite the risks to traditional jobs.OpenAI whistleblower found dead in San Francisco apartment
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