Home Bargains shoppers are rushing to get hold of a rare Cadbury chocolate bar that has been slashed in price. Cadbury's has brought back its Dairy Milk Mint Crisp bar. The bar features Cadbury's classic milk chocolate, filled with crispy mint pieces. Cadbury's said earlier this year that the treat had been axed from shelves and it had 'no plans to reintroduce it'. But the bar is currently being sold in Home Bargains stores. The 360g bar can cost up to £4 in some stores but eagle-eyed shoppers have spotted it selling for just £2.49 in Home Bargains. READ MORE: Exact amounts benefit payments will rise in 2025 including Child Benefit and Universal Credit Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here . One customer shared the news on HotUkDeals, The Sun reports. They wrote: "An amazing bit of choc’ for an amazing price." It seems shoppers can only grab the chocolate bar in store as it is not available online. The bar is limited-edition so may not remain on shelves for long. A spokesperson from Mondelēz International said: "Our Christmas range will be available far and wide across the UK and Ireland. You can purchase our products from a variety of retailers." They added: "Please check with your local retailer to confirm which products they have in stock and when to avoid disappointment." The Dairy Milk Mint Crisp bar also appears to still be in stock at Tesco , Asda and Ocado.
Unai Emery hails 'serious' Aston Villa showing and confirms injury concernPISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Trailing by one at the 40-yard line with 14 seconds to play and no timeouts, Illinois coach Bret Bielema sent in a play known as “church” to Luke Altmyer. The quarterback was to hit a receiver who was to go to the ground immediately. The offense would rush to the line of scrimmage and Altmyer would spike the ball to set up a potential winning field goal. Pat Bryant caught the pass at the 22 and then called his own split-second audible. Seeing a path to the end zone, the star receiver ran across the field on the way to the winning touchdown with 4 seconds left, sending the Illini to a wild 38-31 victory over Rutgers on Saturday. “Coach called a perfect play," Bryant said. "A play we run all the time in our two-minute drill. I caught the ball and saw the sideline and saw nobody was over there. I had one guy to beat. I gave him a little move. I heard everybody jump and say ’Get out, get out,' but I put trust in myself and scored a touchdown.” Bryant's ninth TD reception of the season capped a roller-coaster finish to a Big Ten game that featured three lead changes in the final 3:07. Illinois (8-3, 5-3) was down 31-30 when it sent long kicker Ethan Moczulski out for a desperation 58-yard field goal. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano called for a timeout right before Moczulski’s attempt was wide left and about 15 yards short. After the missed field goal was waved off by the timeout, Bielema sent his offense back on the field. “Pat is so aware of his surroundings," Bielema said after Bryant finished with seven catches for a career-high 197 yards. “He saw that corner and took off.” Schiano didn't second-guess his timeout but said he should have called it well before Moczulski kicked. “They made one more play than we did,” Schiano said. Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) gave up a safety on the final kickoff return, throwing a ball out of bounds in the end zone as players passed it around hoping for a miracle touchdown. Altmyer was 12-of-26 passing for 249 yards and two touchdowns. He put Illinois in front with a 30-yard TD run with 3:07 to go. He passed to Josh McCray on the 2-point conversion, making it 30-24. Rutgers responded with a 10-play, 65-yard drive. Athan Kaliakmanis had a 15-yard run on fourth down. He passed to running back Kyle Monangai for a 13-yard TD with 1:08 remaining. Illinois then drove 75 yards in eight plays for the win. “That's big-time football,” Monangai said. "They made a great play at the end of the game. I think we we played our hearts out to the end, to the very end, even that last play. Illinois did the same. They’re a great team. The chips fell their way today.” Story continues below video Kaliakmanis was 18 for 36 for 174 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 13 carries for 84 yards and two TDs. Monangai had a career-high 28 carries for 122 yards. Kaliakmanis found Ian Strong for a 2-yard touchdown in the final seconds of the first half, and he scored on a 1-yard run to lift Rutgers to a 24-15 lead early in the fourth quarter. Illinois responded with Aidan Laughery’s 8-yard TD run, setting the stage for the dramatic finish. The start of the second half was delayed because of a scrum between the teams. There were no punches thrown and the officials called penalties on both schools. Monangai become the third player in Rutgers history to rush for 3,000 yards when he picked up 4 on a third-and-1 carry early in the second quarter. The defending conference rushing champion joins Ray Rice and Terrell Willis in hitting the mark. Illinois: The great finish keeps the Illini in line for its first nine-win season since 2007 and a prestigious bowl game this season. Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights were seconds away from their first in-conference three-game win streak since joining the Big Ten in 2014. Illinois: At Northwestern next Saturday. Rutgers: At Michigan State next Saturday. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-pollThe rumor mill is churning, and the latest leak suggests the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra might not be the radical overhaul some were hoping for. While it’s expected to pack some impressive hardware, a recently surfaced spec sheet hints at a device that plays it safe, focusing on iterative improvements rather than groundbreaking innovation. So, should we be excited, or are we looking at another year of “same old, same old”? Let’s dive deep into the leaked specifications and decipher what they mean for Samsung’s upcoming flagship. This alleged leak, originating from a typically reliable source within the tech community, gives us a comprehensive look at what could be powering the Galaxy S25 Ultra. While Samsung is yet to confirm any of these details, the leaked document aligns with previous rumors and trends, lending it a degree of credibility. But the question remains: will these incremental upgrades be enough to entice consumers in an increasingly competitive market? Dissecting the Leaked Specs: A Closer Look Here’s a breakdown of the purported specifications for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Sense of Déjà Vu? Looking at these specs, it’s hard to shake off the feeling that we’ve seen most of this before. The display size and refresh rate remain unchanged from the S24 Ultra. The camera setup, while boasting a high-resolution primary sensor, seems largely familiar. Even the battery capacity and charging speed appear to be carried over from the previous generation. This “iterative upgrade” approach has become a recurring theme in the smartphone industry . As technology matures, achieving significant year-on-year leaps becomes increasingly challenging. Manufacturers often focus on refining existing features and optimizing performance rather than reinventing the wheel. Potential Areas of Improvement While the leaked specs might not scream “revolution,” there are a few areas where the S25 Ultra could potentially shine: The Missing Pieces: What the Leak Doesn’t Tell Us While the leaked spec sheet provides a good overview of the hardware, it leaves out some crucial details: My Take: Cautious Optimism As a tech enthusiast who has used Samsung phones for years, I’m approaching the S25 Ultra with cautious optimism. While the leaked specs don’t exactly set my pulse racing, I believe there’s still potential for this phone to be a solid upgrade. Samsung’s strength lies not just in its hardware but also in its software and overall user experience. If they can deliver meaningful camera improvements, optimize the software for peak performance, and perhaps introduce a fresh design element or two, the S25 Ultra could still be a compelling flagship. However, I also hope Samsung addresses some of the criticisms leveled against its recent devices. For instance, the battery life on the S24 Ultra, while decent, wasn’t class-leading. Similarly, the camera, despite its impressive hardware, sometimes struggled with consistency in certain shooting conditions. Looking Ahead: The Bigger Picture The smartphone market is at a crossroads. Innovation has slowed, and consumers are holding onto their devices for longer. To break this cycle, manufacturers need to offer more than just incremental upgrades. Samsung, as a market leader, has the resources and the responsibility to push the boundaries. While the S25 Ultra might not be the revolutionary device some were hoping for, it could still be a refined and capable flagship. Ultimately, the success of the S25 Ultra will depend on how well Samsung can execute its vision and deliver a compelling overall package. We’ll have to wait for the official launch to get the complete picture and see if it lives up to the hype (or lack thereof).
NEW YORK, Dec. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- My Blend is a groundbreaking blockchain project committed to integrating traditional ecosystems into a distributed digital space. Its methodology revolves around smart contracts, which execute transactions automatically based on predefined rules, reducing manual oversight and human error. By aligning established market practices with modern blockchain principles, Blend strives to create a system that is both verifiable and accessible to a wider audience. How Blend is Building an Evolving Ecosystem Beginning with gaming and expanding into AI and other industries, Blend aims to bridge the gap between conventional frameworks—where closed processes often lead to limited trust—and an environment where every participant can confirm outcomes, probabilities, and the flow of funds. Blend focuses on sustainable development that can adapt over time, emphasizing open participation at every step, letting the project adapt to new industry trends and community demands. A key motivator behind this evolving design is the desire to unite real-world operations with open, on-chain technology. In other words, instead of relying solely on traditional institutions or centralized platforms, Blend wants to eliminate obscure processes by moving critical components—such as game outcomes, probability calculations, and payout mechanisms—onto a public ledger. Initial Focus: Fair and Verifiable Gaming One of Blend's earliest and most prominent goals is to transform the gaming industry into a space where participants can see exactly how each round or match is determined. This shift marks a significant departure from traditional online casinos and gaming portals, which often rely on hidden algorithms or confidential odds. By contrast, games on Blend operate with open logic, meaning that everyone can review the parameters before deciding whether to join a table or place a wager. Planned Types of Games Betting Games Wager-based experiences bring an added level of excitement. However, they also come with the risk of undisclosed odds or unfair house edges. Blend mitigates these challenges by using verifiable techniques for determining probabilities. This ensures that bettors know their likelihood of winning before placing any money on the line. Card Games Card games have long been popular due to their blend of luck and strategy. By digitizing them with verifiable mechanics, Blend intends to ensure that each shuffle is unbiased. This addresses a common concern among online card players: "Are the cards truly random?" Since all operations occur within a blockchain framework, the shuffle process can be checked by anyone with the interest to do so. However, while the game is fully auditable, cards will remain private to their owners during gameplay through high-end encryption. Multiplayer Games Many online games pit players against bots or depend on hidden advantage mechanisms. Blend's approach aims to remove these suspicions by making game rules and performance data clearly visible. In these contests, user skill takes center stage, as there is no behind-the-scenes manipulation that skews outcomes. Board Games Traditional board games often require strategy, forward-thinking, and careful planning. By putting each move on-chain, Blend hopes to foster a sense of trust among participants. Players can track every piece movement, roll of the dice, or resource allocation with complete clarity. The Gaming Liquidity (GL) Model A standout aspect of Blend's approach to gaming involves the way it manages the "pot"—or the collective pool of funds used for rewards. Instead of a central house acting as the primary stakeholder, the system allows anyone to become a liquidity provider. This offers two main advantages: Community Ownership By allowing individuals to fund the gaming pools, Blend shifts the financial model from a single authoritative body to a distributed pool of participants. This widens the sense of ownership and encourages more individuals to get involved in the project. Shared Profits and Risks Liquidity providers are not just observers; they become crucial stakeholders. If participants in a game win, the payouts come from the GL pool. Conversely, if the house-like role sees overall gains, those providing liquidity benefit proportionately. Over time, this creates a dynamic where the broader user base collectively powers the platform. Chainlink Integration and On-Chain Verification For computations that must remain unbiased—particularly probability calculations and random number generation—Blend uses Chainlink. This is a well-known solution in the blockchain community for: Verifiable Randomness Generating random numbers within a fully on-chain environment can be complex. Chainlink helps ensure that random outcomes are genuinely unpredictable, preventing manipulation. Secure Feeds Many games rely on external data—anything from sports scores in certain betting scenarios to live events in real-time contexts. Chainlink provides dependable external data, enabling automated smart contracts to execute with accurate information. Immutable Records All probabilities and results are hashed and stored on a distributed ledger. This means that once they're recorded, no single party can alter them afterward, reinforcing credibility in the system. Expansion into AI and Image Generation While gaming is a focal point, Blend also plans to explore AI-driven applications as a complementary pursuit. This emerging sector includes: AI-Powered Chatbots Smart chatbots have grown increasingly popular for both customer service and personalized guidance. Blend aims to harness these technologies to support user queries, moderate gaming chats, or potentially even facilitate automatic matchmaking based on player preferences. Image Generation Tools AI-based tools that create images, artwork, or other creative outputs have captured the public's imagination. Blend is looking to incorporate these capabilities into its ecosystem, potentially offering unique digital art minted as NFTs or providing creative resources for game interfaces. Although these AI initiatives operate independently, the team envisions a synergy between blockchain gaming and intelligent systems, forming a well-rounded network of advanced technologies under one umbrella. Incentives and Profitability for Investors Initial Staking with Exclusive Benefits To incentivize early backers, Blend introduces a 10-day lock mechanism with a 15% return. Investors who lock their tokens during this initial period receive guaranteed yields, a move designed to reward those who show confidence in the project's roadmap. During this launch phase, participants also have access to a 12-level referral program , encouraging them to help the community expand. Commissions are distributed not just to direct referrers but also to multiple layers above them. Transition to Variable Staking Once the gaming platform, AI elements, and other key products reach operational maturity, the project plans to shift from a fixed-rate staking model to one driven by real profitability. This means that any returns offered to stakers would reflect the actual revenue generated by Blend's suite of services. Rather than relying on flat percentages, staking rewards would adjust in response to daily or weekly performance, aligning stakeholder interests with the health of the entire ecosystem. Governance and Community Decision-Making (DAO) A Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) underpins Blend's vision of shared responsibility. Under this model: Voting on Key Proposals Holding the project's token grants individuals the right to vote on initiatives such as partnerships, development priorities, or changes to incentive structures. Ongoing Engagement By integrating a DAO, Blend ensures that pivotal decisions are not made in private channels but rather in a transparent forum, open for discussion. This furthers the goal of creating an inclusive environment that values user feedback. Ecosystem Evolution As Blend moves beyond its foundational offerings, it will look for additional ways to bridge different industries with blockchain technology. Potential avenues include financial services (like decentralized lending or borrowing), extended entertainment collaborations, and even collaborations with established corporations seeking to optimize supply chain processes through smart contracts. The overarching ambition is to deliver a broad ecosystem where each new application—be it gaming, AI, or another area—connects back to a unified set of principles. Users can then explore diverse functionalities, all secured by the same base of trust and on-chain validation. Final Thoughts Blend represents a forward-thinking effort to unify traditional industries with the benefits of blockchain. Through decentralized governance mechanisms and the ongoing integration of advanced tools, the project's roadmap underscores the belief that active communities drive long-term success. Over time, Blend aspires to become a robust platform where new ideas can be tested, refined, and broadly implemented—with each contributor playing a meaningful role in shaping the journey. Participate in the Blend Community Join a revolution where innovation is powered by openness and collaboration. Blend opens the door to a world of possibilities for enthusiasts of blockchain, gaming, and decentralized innovation. Visit myblend.io to explore the platform and join the movement transforming industries through technology and transparency. For updates, connect with Blend on social media: X: https://x.com/myblend_io Telegram: https://t.me/myblend_updates/ Contact person: Michael Allen Company name: My Blend Website: https://myblend.io Email: contact@myblend.io Disclaimer: This content is provided by My Blend. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4eed872b-9649-4145-8880-597cdf97922b © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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Digital fingerprinting suddenly becomes real—again With Google’s last tracking u-turn fresh in the mind, here comes another one. Not only have cookies won a stay of execution , it now looks like digital fingerprinting is back as well. But as one regulator has pointed out, Google itself has said that this type of tracking “subverts user choice and is wrong.” And yet here we are—wrong or not. “We think this change is irresponsible,” the regulator warns. For its part, Google cites advances in so-called privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) as raising the bar for user privacy, enabling it to loosen the shackles on advertisers and the hidden trackers that underpin the internet and make the whole ecosystem work. This, it says, will unlock “new ways for brands to manage and activate their data safely and securely,” while “also giving people the privacy protections they expect.” The risk is that this simply rolls the dark side of tracking cookies forward into a new era, and in a way that is impossible for users to unpick to understand their risks. The specifics are complex—these are the algorithms that ingest all the data signals you give off when browsing the internet on any device, some based on who you are—device, IP and credential identifiers, but also the sites you visit and apps you use as a map to be followed and analyzed. The change has been prompted, Google explains , in part by “the broader range of surfaces on which ads are served.” This includes smart TVs and gaming consoles, as well as all your usual browser and app activity. While Chrome has taken plenty of flack for tracking, this takes it to a new, very different level. “In the past decade,” Google says, “the way people engage with the internet changed dramatically. So we’re constantly evaluating our policies to ensure they reflect the latest evolutions in technology and meet our partners’ needs and users’ expectations.” And so from February 16 , Google will be “less prescriptive with partners in how they target and measure ads” across “the broader range of surfaces on which ads are served (such as Connected TVs and gaming consoles).” Falling Back Under North Korean Assault, A Ukrainian Brigade Turned A River Into A Natural Barrier Mystery Drone Sightings: Drones Now Banned In More Than A Dozen New Jersey Cities, FAA Says (Updated) New Gmail Security Warning For 2.5 Billion—Second Attack Wave Incoming “Fingerprinting involves the collection of pieces of information about a device’s software or hardware, which, when combined, can uniquely identify a particular device and user,” explains Stephen Almond, representing the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office . “The ICO’s view is that fingerprinting is not a fair means of tracking users online because it is likely to reduce people’s choice and control over how their information is collected. The change to Google’s policy means that fingerprinting could now replace the functions of third-party cookies.” The ICO says that “when you choose an option on a consent banner or ‘clear all site data’ in your browser, you are generally controlling the use of cookies and other traditional forms of local storage. Fingerprinting, however, relies on signals that you cannot easily wipe. So, even if you ‘clear all site data’, the organisation using fingerprinting techniques could immediately identify you again. This is not transparent and cannot easily be controlled. Fingerprinting is harder for browsers to block and therefore, even privacy-conscious users will find this difficult to stop.” Changes to user tracking confirmed Both the regulator and Google have confirmed they’ll continue to engage on this change, which the ICO says is a “u-turn in its position and the departure it represents from our expectation of a privacy-friendly internet.” The regulator has also issued a stark warning for businesses that might be readying themselves for the gloves to come off in February when the changes kick in. “Businesses do not have free rein to use fingerprinting as they please. Like all advertising technology, it must be lawfully and transparently deployed—and if it is not, the ICO will act.” Google gives an example of the need for such fingerprinting in its announcement—smart TVs and streaming services. “Internet users are embracing Connected TV (CTV) experiences, making it one of the fastest growing advertising channels. Businesses who advertise on CTV need the ability to connect with relevant audiences and understand the effectiveness of their campaigns. As people and households increasingly shift to streaming platforms, the ecosystem should invest in and develop solutions that are effective and measurable in an incredibly fragmented environment.” Put simply—cross-platform, cross-device ad tracking. A move which does take the focus away from Chrome as being the epicenter of Google’s tracking empire—the timing of which is interesting. It’s hard to imagine a more complex backdrop, with the ongoing DOJ action that is expected to see changes mandated, including the potential for Chrome to be divested . Then there is the uncertainty as to what will replace tracking cookies. “Businesses should not consider fingerprinting a simple solution to the loss of third-party cookies and other cross-site tracking signals,” the ICO says, insisting users have “meaningful control over how their information is used to show them personalized adverts.” At its simplest, while tracking cookies are a nasty underpin to the internet, they can be seen and controlled, whether by those website popups or electing to use some form of private browsing that blocks such cookies altogether. Digital fingerprinting is not as obvious and so is harder to spot and to block, it’s also more open to clever manipulation as the tracking industry tests boundaries. Google says it can “apply privacy-preserving protections that help businesses reach their customers across these new platforms without the need to re-identify them. And because we’re looking to encourage responsible data use as the new standard across the web, we’ll also partner with the broader ads industry and help make PETs more accessible.” Coming just months after the tracking cookie u-turn and with no firm Plan B in site, this is already being greeted with significant regulatory skepticism. For users it’s yet one more reason to think carefully about the browser they use and the settings they apply across all their smart devices. I have approached Google for any comments on these regulatory warnings.The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have one of the most bitter rivalries in sports and this winter, both clubs could be involved in an epic bidding war. Boston desperately needs to acquire a bonified ace this offseason. However, landing a top free-agent starting pitcher will require Red Sox owner John Henry to dig deep into his pockets, which he has been reluctant to do recently. The Yankees' top priority this winter is re-signing superstar Juan Soto, but that doesn't mean they won't look to shake up the starting pitchers' market. Could the Yankees outbid the Red Sox for a highly coveted hurler predicted to join Boston? "Beyond Soto, what Boston really needs most is pitching," ESPN's Jeff Passan wrote Friday. "Even with Lucas Giolito expected to return from elbow surgery, they need a frontline starting pitcher to spearhead their rotation," Passan continued. "There are plenty available. And if they choose wisely, the Red Sox have a chance to be scary sooner than later. The perfect transaction: Sign free-agent left-hander Blake Snell." Snell has posted a 76-58 record with a 3.19 ERA, 2.76-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .210 batting average against and a 1.22 WHIP throughout his nine-year career, during which he played for the Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. Suppose the Yankees fail to re-sign Soto, which is a genuine possibility. In that case, they'll look to acquire Snell, Max Fried, or Corbin Burnes, according to New York Post's Jon Heyman, who reported the news Wednesday on Bleacher Report's Walk-Off. . @JonHeyman talks markets for Burnes, Snell and Fried 👀 pic.twitter.com/88fdlgTqlw Landing Snell won't come cheap. The two-time Cy Young recipient's projected market value is roughly $160 million over a five-year deal, translating to nearly $32 million annually, according to MLB Trade Rumors. Things could get interesting this winter if Soto signs anywhere but the Yankees. If a bidding war for Snell occurs between the Bronx and Boston this winter, it's tough to imagine the Red Sox outbidding the wealthiest team in baseball. Then again, they're bitter rivals, so perhaps we could see Henry muster up the capital necessary to reel in the gifted southpaw. More MLB: Red Sox Land Projected $129 Million All-Star Hurler In Blockbuster Trade Proposal - Newsweek
DOJ watchdog review sparks change to policy on lawmaker records
Jimmy Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. Here is a look back at his life. 1924 — Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1 to Earl and Lillian Carter in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 1928 — Earl Carter bought a 350-acre farm 3 miles from Plains in the tiny community of Archery. The Carter family lived in a house on the farm without running water or electricity. 1941 — He graduated from Plains High School and enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. 1942 — He transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 1943 — Carter’s boyhood dream of being in the Navy becomes a reality as he is appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 1946 — He received his naval commission and on July 7 married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia. 1946-1952 — Carter’s three sons are born, Jack in 1947, Chip in 1950 and Jeff in 1952. 1962-66 — Carter is elected to the Georgia State Senate and serves two terms. 1953 — Carter’s father died and he cut his naval career short to save the family farm. Due to a limited income, Jimmy, Rosalynn and their three sons moved into Public Housing Apartment 9A in Plains. 1966 — He ran for governor, but lost. 1967 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s fourth child, Amy, is born. 1971 — He ran for governor again and won the election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12. 1974 — Carter announced his candidacy for president. 1976 — Carter was elected 39th president on Nov. 2, narrowly defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, November 2, 1976. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) New-elected President Jimmy Carter gives a press conference after being elected 39th President of the United States, on November 05, 1976 in Plains, Georgia. (Photo by GENE FORTE / CONSOLIDATED NEWS PICTURES / AFP) (Photo by GENE FORTE/CONSOLIDATED NEWS PICTURES/AFP via Getty Images) Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter hold up signs during a rally on may 15, 1976 in New York. – Carter was elected on December 21, 1976 39th President of the United States, 51% voice against 48% for incumbent Republican president Gerald Ford. (Photo by CONSOLIDATED NEWS / AFP) (Photo by -/CONSOLIDATED NEWS/AFP via Getty Images) Chief Justice Warren Burger administers the oath of office to Jimmy Carter (R), flanked by his wife Rosalynn, as the 39th President of the United Sates on January 20, 1977. (Photo by CONSOLIDATED NEWS / AFP) (Photo by -/CONSOLIDATED NEWS/AFP via Getty Images) Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, November 2, 1976. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) 1978 — U.S. and the Peoples’ Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations. President Carter negotiates and mediates an accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. 1979 — The Department of Education is formed. Iranian radicals overrun the U.S. Embassy and seize American hostages. The Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty is signed. 1980 — On March 21, Carter announces that the U.S. will boycott the Olympic Games scheduled in Moscow. A rescue attempt to get American hostages out of Iran is unsuccessful. Carter was defeated in his bid for a second term as president by Ronald Reagan in November. 1981 — President Carter continues to negotiate the release of the American hostages in Iran. Minutes before his term as president is over, the hostages are released. 1982 — Carter became a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and founded The Carter Center. The nonpartisan and nonprofit center addresses national and international issues of public policy. 1984 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteer one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes, until 2020. He also taught Sunday school in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains from the mid-’80s until 2020. 2002 — Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 2015 — Carter announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. 2016 — He said in March that he no longer needed cancer treatment. 2024 — Carter dies at 100 years old. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, GallupMOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — Amarion Dickerson had 27 points and 15 rebounds to help Robert Morris hold off Northern Kentucky 97-93 in triple overtime on Sunday. Dickerson blocked five shots and had three steals for the Colonials (9-5, 1-2 Horizon League). Sophomore Alvaro Folgueiras scored 21 points and added a career-high 19 rebounds and six assists. DJ Smith had 13 points. The Norse (7-7, 2-1) were led by LJ Wells, who finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Northern Kentucky also got 17 points and six rebounds from Trey Robinson. Randall Pettus II had 17 points. The Norse saw a five-game win streak come to an end. Dickerson's dunk gave Robert Morris a 94-92 lead with 26 seconds left in the third OT. Dilen Miller made two free throws with 3 seconds left to wrap up the victory. Josh Dilling made the second of two free throws with 8 seconds left for the Norse, forcing a second OT tied at 80. Wells hit a 3-pointer with 2:05 left and neither team scored after that, forcing the third OT tied at 86. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump’s political coalition
Global stocks mostly fall ahead of ECB, US inflation dataNone
An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump’s political coalitionCTOR stock touches 52-week low at $0.9 amid market challenges
Just oblivious to chappli kabab and qehwa getting cold on side table of his workshop, Zafar Ali, an electrician in Pabbi town of Nowshera district, was busy in repairing geysers, gas heaters and electric rods to deliver these appliances to owners as per deadline. As the day dawns, Zafar Ali rushes to his electric workshop on his motorbike every morning no matter the weather is cold or foggy in winters or it is scorching heat of summer, with tester and pliers in hand and diagnosing faults in these appliances with the help of his two assistants. Busy like a honey bee the whole day and commonly known as ‘Ustad’, after having years’ long skill and experience in repairing multiple home appliances, Zafar not only runs his own workshop but also help out other mechanics in tracing faults in appliances running their shops. “After completing DAE in electronics from Government Technical Institute Peshawar, I setup a small workshop in a room of my house for repairing electric appliances a few years back,” Zafar informed. “But, now I have a modern workshop in Pabbi where five other people are also employed.” “By gradually expanding my business, now I have started houses electrification that makes me earn more profit as I charge around Rs 50,000 for one 10 marla house electric wiring. However, these charges vary in urban and rural areas,” he said. “I am satisfied with my business and even refused foreign visas offered by construction companies,” he said and suggested to promote vocational education to enable our youth to establish their businesses and earn respectful living locally instead of going abroad and work in inhumane conditions. Zafar is an example for our migrants proceeding abroad illegally even at the risk of their lives as well as for the governments who must revisit their policies and focus this sector for preparing technical hands who can earn respectable living indigenously. As the Federal Government has significantly improved the vocational education system in recent years, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa still lags behind due to poor investment, outdated curriculum and insufficient faculty to meet modern day labor market needs. “Poor investment, outdated syllabus and lackluster patronage to vocational education and professional training contributed to increase in unemployment, illiteracy and poverty,” remarked Professor Dr Naeem ur Rehman, former Chairman Economics Department University of Peshawar. He claimed that although slightly yet unemployment rate in country was increasing and according to 2017 national population census, major portion of our population is youth for whom hundreds of thousands jobs would be required in next decade or two. He emphasized to specially focusing vocational education and creating more jobs and small business opportunities within the country to save country from brain drain. “When our youth visit GULF for employment, they spend normally eight months to two years to get LTV, HTV driving licenses and operational expertise for operating different machines. He claimed that more than 11 million Pakistanis proceeded to over 50 countries till December 2019 to get employment after fulfilling official procedures and many among them would also be experts of their fields. “This trend would ultimately create dearth of experienced hands to execute important projects within the country.” He said CPEC alone has the potential to generate 1.2 million direct jobs for youth and “we need to divert financial resources towards strengthening technical educational institutes to tap this potential.” Meanwhile, PML-N MPA Sobia Shahid claimed that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has launched series of programs to promote technical and vocational education and empower youth. “These programs include2,000 Internships for young engineers, youth transformation programs for 20 under developed districts countrywide, innovation fund and Top Talent Scholarships Program, free laptop scheme besides sending 600 students to China for technical education.” She was however critical of the lackluster approach and poor investment of the PTI government in technical education as it failed to implement a uniformed education system and fulfill financial requirements of technical and vocational training institutes. Engr Sajjad Khan, Managing Director Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority KP said massive finances were required to construct technical educational institutes and strengthening existing ones in Torghar, Kolai Palas and seven districts of merged areas. He stressed special focus on infrastructure development, equipment, furniture, purchase of buses for students and solarization of technical educational institutions in the province. “TEVTA KPK had signed agreements with 32 reputable private organizations to promote technical education for self-employment and thousands students of KP students were provided two-year professional educational training in nine different paramedical technologies,” he informed. Abdul Karim Khan, Special Assistant to KP Chief Minister for Industries, Commerce, Vocational and Technical Education also mentioned to the government’s measures for promoting vocational education and starting education emergency program worth Rs 3.1 billion to arrest unemployment.Google unveils Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking — its answer to OpenAI's o1
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