2024 picks: Has AI stolen Scarlett Johansson’s voice?The Current 14:19 Harnessing ocean waves to power your home Scientist Burke Hales says one of the things holding back the development of ocean wave energy is the lack of places to test the equipment. But he hopes his new facility off the coast of Oregon will help change that. "That's the idea, is that we provide the facility, the playing field for the developers who produce the devices to get real-time testing and figure out how to optimize and ultimately to figure out [if there's] a single design that's best for all waves," Hales, chief scientist at PacWaves, told The Current 's host Matt Galloway. As the world works toward achieving net-zero emissions to combat climate change, there's an urgent need for countries to speed up the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Ocean-based climate solutions need to be at fore, N.L. scientist says as COP29 ends How millions of oysters could protect coastlines against climate change Although ocean wave energy is staggeringly powerful—with the waves along the U.S. coasts capable of generating about 63 per cent of its utility-scale electricity in 2023 —Hales says its development is about 20 years behind that of wind energy. "When we talk about waves, we're talking about oscillatory motion, which is a completely different animal, as far as how do we convert oscillatory motion into an electrical power-producing mechanism, and that's complicated." The vessel Nautilus is seen from Driftwood State Beach where subsea cables connected to the PacWaves test site arrive on land and connect to land cables in Newport, Ore. (Craig Mitchelldyer/The Associated Press ) The PacWave facility includes two sites: PacWave North, a shallower site used for small-scale prototypes, and PacWave South, a larger site further out into the Pacific Ocean that's currently under construction. PacWave South will be the first utility-scale, grid-connected wave energy testing site in the U.S, set to begin testing in 2025. Hales say it will be a place where companies can evaluate their wave energy converter technology in actual ocean conditions. How ocean wave energy works Buckham says you can understand how ocean waves move by looking at the "wave" at a sports event. "That illusion is created by people standing up and down in sequence, and that's exactly what a water wave is," said Buckham, co-director of the Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED) at the University of Victoria. "If you were to track a water particle in an ocean wave, it's basically going through an elliptical orbit that's probably like 13 to 15 metres wide and 4 to 5 metres high. And it's going around and around that ellipse. And that's what a water wave is." According to Buckham, the basic idea behind wave energy converters is that "they're some form of oscillating machine" that sits in the water and powers a generator. The electricity is transmitted to the shore through subsea cables, which then supply power to the grid. Brad Buckham is the co-director of the Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED), the University of Victoria's research lab focused on marine renewable energy on the B.C. coast. (Submitted by Brad Buckham ) Ocean wave energy in Canada In a country flanked by two oceans, some Canadian scientists are also interested in harnessing the power of ocean waves. According to data from Natural Resources Canada , the estimated energy off the Pacific Coast is 42,000 megawatts, which represents over 60 per cent of the country's annual electricity consumption. The Atlantic coast has even higher energy, reaching 146,500 megawatts. "Stage-wise [in Canada], it's super early, so it's pre-commercial, there's no established business models ... we're largely looking at prototype devices ... smaller scale devices that are being field tested, and in dedicated test sites around the world," said Buckham. Buckham's research lab, PRIMED, is part of the university's Accelerating Community Energy Transformations program, which supports communities transitioning to sustainable energy systems. Buckham says wave energy projects involve collaboration with people from Canada, the U.S., the European Union and the United Kingdom. "It's very much an international community." The vessel Nautilus works in the Pacific Ocean near Newport, Ore. The ship helped bury the subsea cables that run 16 to 19 kilometres along the ocean floor to connect the wave energy test site to facilities on land. (Craig Mitchelldyer/The Associated Press ) Challenges of wave energy Hales says ocean energy will complement other renewable sources like wind and solar, though it still needs to develop further. "Maybe in a decade we'll see a device that has successfully tested at our facility, actually go into commercial operation or municipal operation elsewhere," said Hales. But there are some roadblocks. The ocean's harsh, corrosive and powerful conditions have made it difficult to design devices that can endure its effects. As a result, research continues to focus on finding ways to enhance the durability of these devices. The subsea power and data cables being deployed to the seafloor off the stern of the MV HOS Innovator. (Dan Hellin ) As an example, Hales says some developers are creating technology that can automatically submerge below the sea surface when it detects tension in its mooring systems, allowing it to avoid the most destructive waves. "We're talking about significant marine operational commitments to putting these devices out. You have to have the right kind of vessels. You have to have the right kind of anchoring systems. You have to have the right kind of materials," said Hales. Another challenge, says Buckham, is to reduce the cost of building wave energy converters. He says this can be achieved by either lowering the cost of equipment or by increasing the amount of energy the converters produce over time. Supporting community Switching to a new source of energy also requires meaningful engagement with local communities, says Buckham. "A community like Port Alberni, [B.C.], becomes tremendously important to a wave energy industry off the west coast of Vancouver Island, because that is an accessible, deep-water port where you can get equipment in and out," said Buckham. "But [for] the people of Port Alberni, is that something that they want? There's a whole bunch of social challenges that have to be navigated as well." At this stage, Buckham suggests that smaller projects can serve as stepping stones to help advance the field of wave energy. Researchers hope to harness ocean's power to light remote B.C. communities "If they do well, and we show an operational track record, and we show what the real world environmental impacts are, and you demonstrate ways to mitigate those and to manage those, then you take another step," said Buckham. One of those projects is being led by the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation just off the west coast of Vancouver Island, where the Yuquot Wave Energy Project is harnessing the power of ocean waves to provide renewable, clean energy to their ancestral home, Yuquot on Nootka Island. WATCH | Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation harnessing the power of waves: B.C. First Nation hopes to revive village through wave energy plan 12 months ago Duration 5:02 A B.C. First Nation is hoping that an ambitious wave energy plan will be their ticket to reviving a historic village. Radio-Canada's Camille Vernet travelled to Yuquot to hear about a project bringing hope to displaced people. Buckham's lab PRIMED is a part of the project, and they've been working to assess the feasibility of deploying a suitable wave energy converter there. "If you serve those community needs, you've created a potential to serve a future need. If we can't serve community needs, then there is no step to take," said Buckham.jili k.o casino 。

What does Big Tech hope to gain from warming up to Trump?( MENAFN - The Conversation) The Australian government recently passed legislation that bans social media for anyone under 16 . Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the legislation for putting “the onus on social media platforms - not young people or their parents” - for protecting youth from online harms. Australia is the first country in the world to pass a nationwide ban of social media for teens, set to take effect in a year . But other measures have been enacted or considered here in Canada and elsewhere. In the United States, it will be illegal for children under 14 in Florida to have social media accounts starting Jan. 1, 2025. Beginning in 2024, Québec began banning cellphones in classrooms . This fall, with the start of the 2024–2025 academic year, Ontario also began banning cell phones in schools . This follows a lawsuit filed by four school boards in Ontario against social media companies for disrupting youth learning. Québec is reportedly considering a social media ban - following Australia's lead - that would limit social media use for teens under 16. Provincial governments recognize that social media and cellphones can be problematic for youth, and they're not waiting on the federal government to take action. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced that the proposed Online Harms Act (Bill C-63) , originally introduced in February 2024 , will be separated into two bills . The idea is to pass the part of the bill focused on child protection to address problems like sextortion , image-based sexual abuse, revenge porn and other forms of online sexual violence. Since the Online Harms Act is still being debated, MPs in Canada may look to other countries, like Australia, for guidance on protecting youth from these online harms. Some people in Canada approve of Australia's social media ban and see it as a potential solution , including some teens . This idea has received a lot of traction in public discourse too, including with the book The Anxious Generation that argues social media should be banned until age 16 . Many of us may recall the stories of Rehtaeh Parsons , Amanda Todd and more recently a boy in British Columbia who died by suicide after being cyberbullied and sextorted. Some studies have shown that social media use is related to anxiety and depression among adolescents . Bans or regulations raise important questions about how we, as a society, should respond to social media use among youth and deal with online harms. We are a team of researchers who study technology-facilitated sexual violence among youth aged 13–18 in Canada. We have conducted 26 focus groups with 149 youth from across the country, and launched a nationally representative survey of around 1,000 youth to learn about their experiences with online harms, what they know about the law and which resources work - and which ones don't. Our initial findings show that youth experience a range of harms as they use digital platforms and social media. We also found that algorithms are fueling harms. Youth have emphasized they want tailored supports and resources to help them have safe, healthy and enjoyable experiences with technology. A full ban of social media is not realistic, in part because social media companies have no idea how to implement it . Some ideas are to use facial recognition technology or check someone's age using credit cards . Another idea is to upload government IDs to third-party platforms for age verification. However a ban is implemented, it will almost certainly gather more user data, which raises questions about youth data privacy and security . These measures may also drive youth towards other platforms that are less regulated, such as on the dark web. This could actually make it harder to protect youth from online harms. Bans also don't actually solve the problem . For example, abstinence-based interventions don't work when it comes to sex education . It is unlikely that an abstinence-based approach would work with social media . Furthermore, technology is increasingly integrated into our daily lives, and youth need to be taught about healthy and responsible online interactions. Youth are learning how to become digital citizens . Kicking the problem down the road until they're 16 or older will postpone the consequences, not solve them. This could cause more harm than a ban intends to solve . A ban also frees social media companies, governments and parents from any accountability. Rather than meaningfully addressing the harmful content and their impacts, a ban removes any and all responsibility from the people and institutions whose job it is to protect youth. Technology companies need to develop their products with kids in mind , rather than prioritizing their profits and putting child safety and health second. Kids need guidance and support , and a ban does nothing to remove harmful content or resolve its negative impacts. Rather than bans, we suggest implementing holistic interventions that emphasize digital citizenship and youth rights and responsibilities so people of all ages learn how to have safe and healthy interactions with technology. This requires a consolidated effort across various sectors of society, including schools , community organizations and, importantly, both tech companies and government agencies. While there are resources available for educators, parents and youth about how to have safe and healthy online interactions , we need to act now. Rather than resorting to blanket bans, we should prioritize comprehensive societal changes that address the root causes of these harms. By doing so, we can promote youth safety and help our communities confront online harms. MENAFN22122024000199003603ID1109021834 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.The Matulich family delivered the news in a heartfelt note on their website. “It is with a mix of deep gratitude and heartfelt emotion that we share some bittersweet news: after 45 incredible years, Steamer’s The Grillhouse will be closing its doors. This decision was not made lightly, and while it marks the end of an era, we want to take this moment to celebrate everything Steamer’s has meant to our family and to this wonderful community.” The Los Gatos restaurant, which has been the town’s premier seafood destination and a downtown mainstay, will shut down after dinner service on Christmas Eve. Siblings Paul, Mark and Linda Matulich opened the restaurant on Aug, 17, 1979, and Steamer’s has remained under that family’s ownership and direction since then. The restaurant moved to its current University Avenue location in 1999. As longtime seafood experts, the Matulich family has steered the menu’s evolution over the years, supplementing the classic entrees of Seafood Linguine, Steamed Clams and Atlantic Lobster with dishes such as Asian BBQ Glazed Salmon and Roasted Mussels with a Thai Curry-Lime Butter. But never count out the classics. “I put two kids through college on that linguine,” a chuckling Paul told the Mercury News on the occasion of the restaurant’s 40th anniversary. Besides thanking customers, the family gave a social media shout-out to their loyal employees, some of whom have worked at Steamer’s for many years. “As we enter our final month, we are asking the Los Gatos community to show our amazing team some extra love and appreciation.” From now until the closing date, Steamer’s will maintain its Wednesday-Sunday hours of lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner starting at 4:30 p.m. The last reservation accepted is at 8 p.m. “As we prepare to say goodbye, we invite you to join us in these final weeks to celebrate the legacy of Steamer’s,” the family wrote. “Together, let’s raise a toast to the memories, the milestones, and the incredible journey we’ve shared.” Details: 31 University Ave., Los Gatos; www.steamerslg.com

Personal Cloud Market Future Scope, Size, Share, Growing Trends, Opportunities, Key Segments And Forecast To 2028 12-12-2024 10:18 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Google (US), Microsoft (US), Apple (US), Dropbox (US), AWS (US), Box (US), Seagate Technology (US), Western Digital (US), Synchronoss (US), Egnyte (US), BUFFALO Technology (Japan), Funambol (US), SugarSync (US), ElephantDrive (US), Cloudike (US), SpiderOa Personal Cloud Market by Type (Online, NAS Device, Server Device), User Type (Enterprise, Consumer), Hosting Type (Provider, User/Self-hosting), Revenue Type (Direct, Indirect), Vertical (IT & ITeS, BFSI, Telecommunications) and Region - Global Forecast to 2028. The global personal cloud market [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/personal-cloud-market-821.html?utm_campaign=personalcloudmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] is projected to expand from USD 24.7 billion in 2023 to USD 57.7 billion by 2028, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.5% during the forecast period. Personal clouds provide individuals with a virtual storage and computing environment, enabling them to store, manage, and access their digital data and applications via the internet. Download PDF Brochure@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=821 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=821&utm_campaign=personalcloudmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] One of the driving factors behind the surge in the personal cloud market is the ubiquity of smartphones and connected devices. With the increased mobile device usage, consumers are seeking solutions that transcend the limitations of device-specific storage. Moreover, personal cloud services offer a centralized repository, allowing users to effortlessly synchronize and manage their data, creating a seamless and unified experience across various devices. Additionally, In the competitive realm of personal cloud market, innovation is a driving force. Key players in the market continually strive to enhance user experience by introducing intuitive interfaces, leveraging AI for organization and search capabilities, and integrating seamlessly with popular applications. These innovations not only attract new users but also contribute to user retention in an environment where expectations are constantly evolving. By User Type, the enterprises segment is expected to capture the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The user type segment of the personal cloud market is segmented into enterprises and consumers. The enterprises segment is estimated to hold the highest CAGR during the forecasted period. The enterprise user type plays a crucial role in the personal cloud market, contributing to the demand for advanced features, robust security measures, and scalable solutions that cater to the specific demands of businesses. Unlike individual consumers, enterprises often require cloud services that facilitate collaboration, data management, and secure access for multiple users within a corporate environment. The role of the enterprise user type extends beyond basic storage needs, influencing the development of features such as advanced collaboration tools, administrative controls, and comprehensive security protocols. A real-world example illustrating the impact of enterprise user types is the adoption of Microsoft OneDrive for Business. Microsoft has strategically positioned OneDrive for Business as part of its Microsoft 365 suite, catering specifically to the needs of enterprises. This service integrates seamlessly with other productivity tools, such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, providing businesses with a comprehensive ecosystem for file storage, collaboration, and communication. Enterprise-focused features, including advanced security measures, compliance tools, and centralized administrative controls, demonstrate how personal cloud providers tailor their offerings to meet the demands of large organizations. Additionally, the enterprise user type influences pricing models within the personal cloud market. Many providers offer business-oriented plans with tiered pricing by the number of users, storage requirements, and additional enterprise-grade features. This approach allows personal cloud service providers to address the scalability and customization needs of enterprises, aligning their offerings with the requirements of larger organizations that often operate on a different scale compared to individual consumers. As the trend towards remote work and digital collaboration continues, the role of the enterprise user type will likely grow in significance, shaping the direction of innovation and competition in the personal cloud market. Based on enterprises, the large enterprises segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. The personal cloud market, by enterprises, is segmented into SMEs and large enterprises. It is expected that during the forecast period, the large enterprises segment is expected to hold the largest market size and share in the personal cloud market. Large enterprises wield significant influence in the personal cloud market, driving demand for advanced features, enterprise-grade security, and scalable solutions tailored to the complexities of expansive organizational structures. Unlike individual consumers or SMEs, large enterprises operate on a massive scale, necessitating personal cloud services that can accommodate extensive data storage, sophisticated collaboration tools, and stringent security measures. The role of large enterprises in shaping the personal cloud market is characterized by their capacity to set high standards for performance, security, and customization. A compelling example illustrating the impact of large enterprises on the personal cloud market is Amazon Web Services (AWS), which offers a comprehensive set of cloud services, including Amazon S3 for scalable object storage. Large enterprises leverage AWS for their cloud storage needs, benefiting from its reliability, scalability, and integration with a wide range of additional services. AWS caters to the diverse requirements of large enterprises by providing customizable solutions that align with their extensive computing and storage demands, effectively setting a benchmark for the industry. Moreover, the role of large enterprises extends to influencing the development of cutting-edge technologies within the personal cloud market. As these enterprises adopt emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics, personal cloud providers are compelled to integrate these functionalities into their services. The demand for innovative solutions that enhance data processing, insights generation, and overall efficiency is often driven by the requirements of large enterprises, shaping the trajectory of technological advancements within the personal cloud market. North America is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. By region, North America is projected to hold the most market share in the worldwide personal cloud market in 2023, and this pattern is anticipated to be true over the course of the forecast period. The personal cloud market in North America has emerged as a dynamic and influential force, reshaping the way individuals manage and access their digital content. The US and Canada are the major contributors, as most of the major companies of the personal cloud market are based in these countries. The region's strong technological infrastructure and high levels of digital adoption have fueled the growth of personal cloud services, which encompass storage, synchronization, and sharing solutions for personal data. With the increasing reliance on smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices, users in North America are seeking seamless and secure ways to store and access their photos, videos, documents, and other files. Personal cloud services provide a convenient and user-friendly platform for individuals to store their digital assets remotely, allowing them to retrieve and share data across multiple devices effortlessly. Request Sample Pages@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=821 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=821&utm_campaign=personalcloudmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] Unique Features in the Personal Cloud Market Personal cloud solutions offer users the convenience of accessing their data and applications from anywhere, on any device, as long as they are connected to the internet. This anytime-anywhere accessibility ensures seamless user experiences and supports a mobile-first lifestyle. Unlike traditional public cloud solutions, personal clouds emphasize greater control over data privacy and security. Many personal cloud platforms allow users to manage encryption settings, access permissions, and data sharing, ensuring their sensitive information remains protected. Personal clouds are increasingly designed to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of smart devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and IoT gadgets. This interconnected ecosystem allows users to synchronize data and applications across multiple devices effortlessly. Personal cloud services are highly customizable, enabling users to choose storage plans and features tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, they are scalable, allowing individuals to expand storage capacity as their data requirements grow without significant cost or effort. Many personal cloud solutions provide offline synchronization features, enabling users to access and modify files without an internet connection. Automatic backups ensure that data remains secure and recoverable in case of device failures or accidental deletions. Major Highlights of the Personal Cloud Market With growing concerns about data breaches and privacy, individuals are turning to personal cloud solutions that offer enhanced security features and greater control over data management. Providers are responding by incorporating advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and user-controlled access settings. The proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices has fueled the demand for personal clouds. These solutions allow users to synchronize and access their data seamlessly across multiple devices, catering to the needs of an increasingly mobile and connected population. As IoT devices become more prevalent in households, personal clouds are evolving to support seamless integration with smart home systems. This capability enables users to manage and store data generated by IoT devices efficiently, enhancing convenience and functionality. Artificial intelligence is playing a transformative role in the personal cloud market. AI-driven features like smart data categorization, predictive storage optimization, and enhanced search capabilities are making personal cloud platforms more intuitive and user-friendly. Inquire Before Buying@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=821 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=821&utm_campaign=personalcloudmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] Top Companies in the Personal Cloud Market Some of the major personal cloud vendors Google (US), Microsoft (US), Apple (US), Dropbox (US), AWS (US), Box (US), Seagate Technology (US), Western Digital (US), Synchronoss (US), Egnyte (US), BUFFALO Technology (Japan), Funambol (US), SugarSync (US), ElephantDrive (US), Cloudike (US), SpiderOak (US), ASUS Cloud (Taiwan), IDrive (US), AT&T (US), and OpenDrive (US). Google Google is a global technology corporation that focuses on internet-related services and goods, including cloud computing, software, hardware, online advertising technologies, and search engines. Along with Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft, it is regarded as one of the big five companies in the American information technology industry. Google helps solve business problems with cloud technology. Its cloud solutions are present in various industries, such as retail, consumer packaged goods, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, media & entertainment, gaming, telecom, and manufacturing. Google Cloud offers solutions such as data cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), APIs & applications, security, digital transformation, databases, smart analytics, productivity & collaboration, application, and infrastructure modernization. Google offers personal cloud services through its Google Drive platform. Introduced in 2012, Google Drive provides users with cloud storage, file sharing, and collaboration tools. Users can store their documents, photos, and videos in the cloud and access them from different devices with ease. The service integrates with other Google Workspace apps, enhancing productivity and collaboration. Google Drive offers a free storage tier with options to upgrade for additional space, making it accessible to a broad user base. Google's emphasis on integration with its ecosystem and user-friendly features positions Google Drive as a popular choice for personal cloud storage. The platform's reliability, cross-platform compatibility, and continuous updates contribute to its widespread adoption. Though it faces competition from other major players, Google's commitment to innovation and seamless integration keeps it at the forefront of the personal cloud market, catering to the diverse storage and collaboration needs of individuals. Its cloud storage is reliable and secure, which helps in the transition to lower-cost classes and archival storage. Google has its presence in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. pCloud pCloud is a file hosting service (also known as cloud storage) for individuals and businesses. It offers features, such as file management, sharing, security, file backup, collaboration, and file versioning. pCloud is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms. It offers 10 GB of free storage with an option to get up to 20 GB through referrals. It helps to backup folders from computer to pCloud safely. It differentiates itself from other vendors in the personal cloud market by offering innovative lifetime plans to its users. pCloud helps SMEs improve business workflow; facilitates file storage, sharing, and collaboration; and reduces operational costs by eliminating the need for local servers. It shares links and invites users to share folders, access, and synchronize. Media Contact Company Name: MarketsandMarkets Trademark Research Private Ltd. Contact Person: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=personal-cloud-market-future-scope-size-share-growing-trends-opportunities-key-segments-and-forecast-to-2028 ] Phone: 18886006441 Address:1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 City: Florida State: Florida Country: United States Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/personal-cloud-market-821.html This release was published on openPR.

Minutes after the University of North Carolina announced it had hired Bill Belichick as its next head football coach, the Tar Heels’ Instagram account posted a photo of the legendary NFL coach — at no more than 3 years old — sitting in the UNC bleachers. “Welcome home, Coach,” the post reads , dredging up the memory of when the young Belichick shadowed his father, Steve, who was a UNC assistant from 1953 to 1955. As news of his hiring spread around the NFL world, the reaction ranged from excitement at seeing him back on the sideline to disbelief. The most decorated coach in NFL history after earning six Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots, and two more as the defensive coordinator with the New York Giants, Belichick is officially making his next challenge college football after agreeing to a five-year deal with UNC. “I will have to see him on the sideline to believe that’s happening,” Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury joked Thursday. “We’ll see how the NFL job search goes and all that. I will have to see him on the sideline coaching in Chapel Hill to believe that’s happening." While Belichick’s knowledge of the sport, and his success, are unquestioned, there has been debate among those who have played for the 72-year-old coach during his 40-plus years in football about how well his style will translate to the college game. Some of his former players believe his skill set will work at any level. That list apparently includes Tom Brady, the quarterback during all six of Belichick’s Super Bowl wins with New England. “Congrats, coach. The Tar Heel way is about to become a thing,” Brady posted on Instagram on Thursday, referencing “The Patriot Way” that he popularized in New England. Some cautioned that the players he brings into the UNC program should prepare to have their limits tested like never before. “I think he’s going to do good,” said Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne, who played under Belichick during his final three years in New England. “Bill does a good job of developing players, developing young men. I think it will be a challenge for the young man. He’s a tough coach, which we all know. But I think it will be good for certain players that have the right mindset.” Bourne's advice? Always stay locked in mentally. “Just stay tough,” Bourne said. “Have a gritty mindset because it’s not going to be easy, but in the end, it’s going to be worth it." Though some have questioned why the Tar Heels would even consider hiring Belichick after parting ways with 73-year-old Mack Brown this season, current Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said good coaching is ageless. “To me, it doesn’t matter if you’re a young man or a 10-year vet in the league, he’s a great teacher,” said Mayo, who played eight seasons under Belichick, winning a Super Bowl during the 2014 season, and then succeeded him as head coach after last season. "I wish him nothing but the best. It doesn’t really matter what level, I think he’ll be successful.” NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders is a relative newcomer to the college game himself. He spent three seasons at Jackson State before going to Colorado in 2023. In a message posted to the X social media platform, he welcomed Belichick as a competitor. “Coach Bill Belichick is a coaches coach to all us Coaches along with my man coach (NIck) Saban,” Sanders posted. “They’re game changers and they know how to move people forward. I know this is a great thing for College Football & for North Carolina. God bless u Coach, if you’re happy I am 2.” But former Patriots defensive back Je’Rod Cherry wonders how well Belichick’s old-school coaching style will be received in an era in which in-your-face methods don't always fly as well as they did when Belichick began his career. “You can’t coach hard anymore,” Cherry said during an appearance on ESPN GameNight. “You can’t yell at guys, curse at guys and that’s what he does. You are going to have to find guys who are going to accept that brand of coaching and will accept someone constantly getting on them." New York Jets safety Jalen Mills, who played for Belichick with the Patriots from 2021 to 2023, said he was surprised by the news. “I thought he definitely was going to try to wait it out until after the season and come back to the NFL,” Mills said. "But I think it’s gonna be a good thing for him because now you get a guy who has won and, of course, he’s going to try to turn that program around. But he also gets to connect with the younger generation and kind of modify and adjust to this younger generation of football on top of what he already knows. So I think that’ll just help him as far as coaching. And then, of course, he’ll give those guys, those young guys, structure as far as what the NFL looks like, too.” Just how much the Belichick on the college sidelines will resemble the one in the cutoff hooded sweatshirt who patrolled NFL sidelines is unclear. Belichick hinted they will be one and the same. During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN prior to agreeing to the UNC job, Belichick laid out what his approach at the college level would be. “The program would be a pipeline to the NFL for the players than have the ability to play in the NFL,” Belichick said. “It would be a professional program — training, nutrition, scheme, coaching, techniques — that would transfer to the NFL. It would be an NFL program at a college level.” ___ AP National Writer Howard Fendrich and Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak contributed to this report. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Kyle Hightower, The Associated PressMajority Supports Social Media Ban For ChildrenBold Eagle Acquisition Corp. Announces Separate Trading of its Class A Ordinary Shares and ...The German government pledged Sunday to fully investigate whether there were security lapses before the Christmas market car-ramming attack that killed five people and injured over 200. Political pressure has built on the question of potential missed warnings about Saudi suspect Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old psychiatrist who had made online deaths threats and previously had trouble with the law. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and the heads of Germany's domestic and foreign intelligence services are due to answer questions at parliamentary committee hearings on December 30, a senior lawmaker told AFP. Faeser vowed Sunday that "no stone will be left unturned" in shedding light on what information had been available to security services ahead of last Friday's bloody attack in the eastern city of Magdeburg. She stressed that the attacker did "not fit any previous pattern" because "he acted like an Islamist terrorist although ideologically he was clearly an enemy of Islam". Abdulmohsen has in the past called himself a "Saudi atheist" who helped women flee Gulf countries and charged Germany was doing too little to help them. In online posts, he also strongly criticised Germany for allowing in too many Muslim refugees and backed far-right conspiracy theories about the "Islamisation" of Europe. In one post, he wrote: "Is there a path to justice in Germany without blowing up a German embassy or randomly slaughtering German citizens?... If anyone knows it, please let me know." News magazine Der Spiegel, citing security sources, said the Saudi secret service had warned Germany's spy agency BND a year ago about a tweet in which Abdulmohsen threatened Germany would pay a "price" for how it treated Saudi refugees. Die Welt daily reported, also citing security sources, that German state and federal police had carried out a "risk assessment" on Abdulmohsen last year but concluded that he posed "no specific danger". The city of Magdeburg has been in deep mourning over the mass carnage on Friday evening, when an SUV smashed through a crowd at its Christmas market, killing four women and a nine-year-old child and injuring 205 people. Surgeons at overwhelmed hospitals have worked around the clock, and one health worker told local media of "blood on the floor everywhere, people screaming, lots of painkillers being administered". Scholz on Saturday condemned the "terrible, insane" attack and made a call for national unity, at a time Germany is headed for early elections on February 23. But as German media dug into Abdulmohsen's past, and investigators gave away little, criticism rained down from opposition parties. Conservative CDU lawmaker Alexander Throm charged that "many citizens feel... that the Scholz government has completely failed in terms of internal security". He demanded greater police powers to monitor and analyse data from social media platforms, telecommunications and surveillance cameras with facial recognition technology. The far-right AfD called for a special session of parliament, and the head of the far-left BSW party, Sahra Wagenknecht, demanded that Faeser explain "why so many tips and warnings were ignored beforehand". Mass-circulation daily Bild asked: "Why did our police and intelligence services do nothing, even though they had the Saudi on their radar?... And why were the tips from Saudi Arabia apparently ignored?" It charged that "German authorities usually only find out about attack plans in time when foreign services warn them" and called for sweeping reforms after the election for a complete "turnaround in internal security". Senior MP Dirk Wiese of Scholz's Social Democrats said the December 30 hearings will summon the heads of the BND, the domestic intelligence service BfV and the Office for Migration and Refugees. Media meanwhile reported more details on Abdulmohsen, who had worked at a clinic that treats offenders with substance addiction problems, but had been on sick leave since late October. Der Spiegel reported that in 2013 a court fined him for "disturbing the public peace by threatening to commit crimes" after he had darkly referenced the deadly attack on the Boston marathon. The chairwoman of the group Central Council of Ex-Muslims, Mina Ahadi, said Abdulmohsen "is no stranger to us, because he has been terrorising us for years". She labelled him "a psychopath who adheres to ultra-right conspiracy ideologies" and said he "doesn't just hate Muslims, but everyone who doesn't share his hatred." bur/fz/gv

How far do Elon Musk and Reform UK share a political vision?New Delhi: After months of gruelling election campaigns from Lok Sabha polls 2024 to Assembly elections, Sunday marked a relaxing and refreshing weekend for the Gandhi family. Rahul and Priyanka, both Congress MPs from Rae Bareli and Wayanad Lok Sabha constituencies, respectively, took a break from their official engagements and assembled at the city’s iconic Kwality restaurant, to spend some ‘family time’ together. They were accompanied by mother Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka’s husband Robert Varda, daughter Miraya Vadra and also her mother-in-law. The whole Gandhi family gathered at the Kwality restaurant to gorge on chole-bhature and other lip-smacking dishes. Rahul also shared some photos of the family sitting and dining together, on his WhatsApp status. The images, as landed on social media, also elicited many likes and comments from the netizens, many of whom hailed the family sharing some special moments on the dining table. In the photos, Rahul and family could be seen sitting in a cozy space of the restaurant and flaunting broad smiles on their faces. Sonia Gandhi is also seen sharing a smile while Robert Vadra flaunting a fully-bloated bhatura. Putting the photos on his status, Rahul wrote, “Family lunch at the iconic Kwality Restaurant.” “Try the Chole Bhature if you go,” he said further in an advice to the foodies. The picture also makes for a powerful frame as it represents three Parliamentarians in a single snap, the largest ever representation from the Gandhi family. Rahul Gandhi is Leader of Opposition (LoP) as well as MP from Rae Bareli, his sister Priyanka is MP from Wayanad while mother Sonia Gandhi — a former Congress president — is a Rajya Sabha member. For the unversed, the Kwality restaurant situated in Delhi’s Connaught Place was patronised by American soldiers in the pre-Independence era. For many decades, the restaurant has remained a favourite food joint for connoisseurs because of its eclectic variety of multi-continental cuisines. The chola-bhatura served at the restaurant remains one of the most sold-out items for generations. Many of its regular customers include celebrities from varied fields, including Bollywood. Late actress Nargis was a regular visitor here.

LUCI in the sky with NAWCWD diamondsShare Tweet Share Share Email The advancement of technology continues to redefine numerous industries, and veterinary care is no exception. Among the most transformative innovations are digital health records and payment integration systems. These tools streamline veterinary visits, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall client experience. By adopting these technologies, veterinary clinics can offer better care while saving time and reducing administrative burdens . The Evolution of Veterinary Care Veterinary practices have traditionally relied on paper-based records. These systems, while functional, often led to inefficiencies. Searching for patient histories, managing billing, and ensuring data accuracy consumed significant time. Moreover, as the volume of clients grew, so did the complexity of maintaining these records. The introduction of digital health records revolutionized this process. Clinics could store vast amounts of data electronically, reducing errors and speeding up workflows. Paired with integrated payment systems, these advancements allow veterinary staff to focus more on patient care and less on administrative tasks. Benefits of Digital Health Records Enhanced Record Keeping Digital health records provide an organized and easily accessible platform for storing patient information. Unlike paper files, digital systems allow instant retrieval of medical histories, vaccination schedules, and treatment plans. This instant access facilitates informed decision-making during consultations. Improved Accuracy Manual data entry is prone to errors. Digital systems use automation to minimize mistakes, ensuring records remain accurate and up-to-date. This accuracy is particularly vital in emergencies when quick access to precise information can be lifesaving. Better Communication Digital platforms often include features that enable seamless communication between veterinary clinics and pet owners. Automated appointment reminders, vaccination alerts, and post-treatment follow-ups can be easily managed. These tools enhance engagement and ensure pets receive timely care . Data Security Modern digital health record systems prioritize data security. Advanced encryption and secure storage methods protect sensitive client information. As data breaches become more common, this focus on security builds trust between clinics and their clients. Payment Integration: Simplifying Financial Transactions Efficient payment systems are as crucial as streamlined health records. Payment integration offers numerous benefits, including convenience, transparency, and faster processing times. Multiple Payment Options Integrated systems allow clients to choose from various payment methods, such as credit cards, mobile wallets, and even installment plans. This flexibility accommodates diverse client needs, ensuring a smoother checkout experience. Real-Time Billing Payment integration eliminates manual invoicing. Real-time billing updates ensure that clients receive accurate invoices instantly. This reduces the chances of discrepancies and enhances client satisfaction. Financial Transparency Clients appreciate clarity in billing. Digital systems provide itemized invoices, showing a detailed breakdown of costs. Transparent billing builds trust and fosters long-term client relationships. Time Savings By automating payment processes, veterinary staff can focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks. Faster transactions mean shorter wait times, enhancing the overall experience for clients. Integration of Digital Systems: A Unified Solution Combining digital health records with payment integration creates a unified system that maximizes efficiency. Here’s how these technologies work together to streamline veterinary visits: Simplified Check-In Clients can pre-fill forms online before their visit, reducing wait times at the clinic. Upon arrival, the system automatically retrieves the pet’s medical history and prepares the billing details. Streamlined Consultations During consultations, veterinarians can access complete medical histories with a few clicks. This enables quicker diagnoses and more personalized treatment plans. Payment integration ensures that any associated costs are immediately updated. Efficient Check-Out After the consultation, the integrated system generates an invoice, processes payments, and emails receipts to clients. This seamless experience reduces stress for both clients and staff. Challenges and Solutions While the benefits are significant, implementing these systems can pose challenges. Common obstacles include cost, staff training, and data migration. However, these issues are manageable with proper planning: Initial Investment Digital systems require an upfront investment. To mitigate costs, clinics can explore scalable solutions that grow with their needs. Many providers offer flexible pricing models, making adoption more accessible. Staff Training Introducing new technology necessitates staff training. Ensuring that all team members are comfortable using the system is crucial. Many vendors offer training sessions and ongoing support to ease the transition. Data Migration Transferring existing records to a digital platform can be time-consuming. Clinics should work with experienced providers who offer data migration services. This ensures accuracy and minimizes disruptions. The Future of Veterinary Technology The adoption of digital health records and payment integration is just the beginning. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine, and wearable devices are set to further revolutionize veterinary care. AI and Predictive Analytics AI tools can analyze patient data to predict health trends and identify potential issues before they become critical. This proactive approach enhances preventive care and improves outcomes. Telemedicine Telemedicine platforms enable remote consultations, providing convenience for clients and expanding access to care. Integrated systems ensure that telemedicine records seamlessly merge with in-clinic health records. Wearable Devices Wearable devices for pets monitor vital signs, activity levels, and other health metrics. These devices generate data that integrates with digital health records, offering veterinarians a comprehensive view of a pet’s health. Conclusion Digital health records and payment integration represent a transformative step forward for veterinary care. These systems streamline administrative processes, enhance client satisfaction, and improve patient outcomes. By addressing challenges and embracing future innovations , veterinary clinics can stay at the forefront of technology. Ultimately, these advancements lead to better care for pets and a more seamless experience for their owners. Related Items: Digital Health Records , Payment Integration , Streamlining Veterinary Visits Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Payment Aggregators: Simplifying Multi-Platform Payment Integration CommentsIn a court filing in the US over the weekend, Google responded to the DOJ’s request and proposed its own remedy. The company said the proposed Chrome sale doesn’t fit the company’s conduct that the judge found illegal – which involved exclusive contracts with browsers, smartphone manufacturers and telecom carriers. “Extreme remedies are discouraged” by courts, the company said in its filing. The remedies for anticompetitive conduct “must be of the ‘same type or class’ as the violations,” Google said. The justice department and a group of states last month asked Judge Amit Mehta to order Google to sell its Chrome web browser along with a bevy of other changes to the company’s business to improve competition in the online search market. Google said any remedy should allow competing browsers like Apple’s Safari “to have the freedom to do deals with whatever search engine they think is best for their users”, Lee-Anne Mulholland, the company’s vice-president for regulatory affairs, wrote in a blog post. Judge Mehta found it was unlawful for Google to make payments to Apple and others to be the default browser provider. Ms Mulholland said Google’s proposal would still allow for the company to split revenue with competing browsers but would also allow for multiple defaults on different platforms. It would let device makers to preload multiple search engines and not require them to include Chrome and Google search if they want to include other Google apps. Kamyl Bazbaz, spokesman for search engine competitor DuckDuckGo, said the proposal attempts to maintain the status quo. “Once a court finds a violation of competition laws, the remedy must not only stop the illegal conduct and prevent its recurrence, but restore competition in the affected markets,” he said. Google’s filing is its first official response since Judge Mehta found earlier this year that it illegally monopolised online search and advertising markets. The company has said it plans to appeal, but can’t do so until after the case finishes. “If DOJ felt that Google investing in Chrome, or our development of AI, or the way we crawl the web, or develop our algorithms, were at all anticompetitive, it could have filed those cases. It did not,” Ms Mulholland wrote. The judge has scheduled a proceeding in April to decide how to fix the dearth of competition in the industries Google has dominated and promised to have a final decision by August 2025. A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment and referred to the agency’s earlier filings in the case. – Bloomberg / Reuters

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SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Thirty locators were recognized during the annual Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Mabuhay Business Awards 2024 held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on Dec. 13, 2024. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño said the 30 awardees out of the 1,909 locators were recognized for their exceptional contribution to the business growth of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone this year. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.

Oklahoma Democrats mourn Fred Harris, former US senator and presidential candidate