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In the cryptocurrency arena, two presales, Pepe Unchained and BlockDAG, are currently the center of attention. Pepe Unchained has successfully gathered over $52 million, spotlighting its Ethereum-based Layer 2 solution that offers quicker, more affordable transactions. On the other hand, BlockDAG (BDAG) , operating on a Layer 1 blockchain, has amassed more than $158 million, showcasing its practical applications and emphasis on functionality. Both initiatives present distinct advantages, but which one truly capitalizes on its promises? Let's delve into an analysis of their advantages and challenges. Pepe Unchained Presale Reached $52M Pepe Unchained has captured significant interest by securing over $52 million in its presale, reflecting robust community engagement. Yet, as a Layer 2 platform built atop Ethereum, it does not enjoy the autonomy of Layer 1 networks and depends on Ethereum’s framework. It vows to deliver transactions up to 100 times faster than Ethereum’s mainnet. However, these enhancements are directly affected by Ethereum's performance, potentially limiting their effectiveness during high traffic periods. The initiative intends to introduce Pepe Chain, incorporating a decentralized exchange (DEX), a bridge, a block explorer, and staking rewards. Despite its impressive fundraising, Pepe Unchained has not yet reached any major milestones or results. Moreover, the project boasts a fast-growing community with over 52,800 followers and 12,000 Telegram participants. Nonetheless, the anonymity of its team members creates transparency issues, leaving the community uncertain about the leadership driving the project. BlockDAG's Impressive $158M Presale: Vision, Utility, and Real Achievements BlockDAG is currently experiencing significant success with its presale, having raised over $158 million and sold more than 16.9 billion BDAG coins. Now in its 26th batch at $0.0234 per coin—up from just $0.001 in the first batch—the price has surged by 2240%. With a target of $600 million in sight for the best crypto presale , the window for early participation is closing fast, highlighting the urgent opportunity for involvement. Unlike other presales, BlockDAG is built as a Layer 1 blockchain, ensuring complete independence and broad potential for developing new crypto applications. BDAG is designed as a utility coin, focusing on long-term practical use and sustainability, distinguishing itself from transient meme coins. This strategic approach supports ongoing relevance and aligns with the platform’s goal to implement impactful solutions. BlockDAG’s progress is concrete and significant. The mainnet is fully developed and currently under audit. Strategic partnerships, like one with major European soccer club Inter Milan, bolster its standing. The leadership team remains active in the community, frequently conducting AMAs to discuss updates, future plans, and current achievements. With solid milestones and a defined direction, BlockDAG’s presale is a promising gateway to a project poised to influence the future of blockchain technology. Which Leads the Presale Race in 2024? Both Pepe Unchained and BlockDAG are capturing the crypto community’s attention, yet they follow distinctly different trajectories.Pepe Unchained capitalizes on the excitement with its Ethereum-based Layer 2 solutions but depends on Ethereum’s fluctuating performance and has not yet realized significant achievements. Conversely, BlockDAG’s Layer 1 foundation promotes true autonomy and unlimited potential for innovation. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.
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J Studios Topline Summary and Update When I first covered Nuvalent, Inc. ( NASDAQ: NUVL ) back in September, they were riding serious momentum after some important updates at the ESMO congress. That momentum was coupled to a large cash raise that eliminates Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
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NoneOverhauls of 'heritage brands' raise the question: How important are our products to our identities?Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save When Katja Vogt considers a Jaguar, she pictures a British-made car purring confidently along the Italian coastline — a vision of familiarity that conveys "that dreaming, longing feeling we all love." She's not sure what to think about Jaguar now after the 89-year-old company announced a radical rebranding that featured loud colors and androgynous people — but no cars. Jaguar, the company says, will now be JaGUar. It will produce only electric vehicles beginning in 2026. Bad attention is good attention, Jaguar execs would appear to believe. The car brand has prompted mockery online for posting a glitzy ad without a single car in it. Say goodbye to British racing green, Cotswold Blue and black. Its colors are henceforth electric pink, red and yellow, according to a video that sparked backlash online. Its mission statement: "Create exuberance. Live vivid. Delete ordinary. Break moulds." "Intrigued?" @Jaguar posted on social media. Questions about Gillian’s Wonderland finances draw angry response from Mita Pleasantville man accused of murdering girlfriend Mainland Regional falls to Old Tappan in state final Northfield intersection to become four-way stop 4 Bridgeton men indicted in alleged sex trafficking ring Mays Landing man charged in hit-and-run that injured man, killed dog in Absecon Wonderland developer to pitch vision again Wednesday at Ocean City Tabernacle Atlantic City mayor waives first appearance on witness tampering charge Northfield Councilman Leeds resigns, citing concerns over Mayor Chau's criminal charges Former Galloway gymnastics co-owner accused of sex with minor to remain in jail Some Atlantic City casino workers call on union boss to resign for opposing a smoking ban Atlantic County suing NJ Juvenile Justice Commission over placement of youth offenders Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to Longport administrator and former police chief Scott Porter dies 9-year-old Margate boy wins tautog tourney in Ventnor: Shep On Fishing "Weird and unsettled" is more like it, Vogt wrote on Instagram. "Especially now, with the world feeling so dystopian," the Cyprus-based brand designer wrote, "a heritage brand like Jaguar should be conveying feelings of safety, stability, and maybe a hint of rebellion — the kind that shakes things up in a good way, not in a way that unsettles." By Nathaniel MeyersohnCNN Our brands, ourselves Jaguar was one of several iconic companies that announced significant rebrandings in recent weeks, upending a series of commercial — and cultural — landmarks by which many modern human beings sort one another, carve out identities and recognize the world around them. Campbell's, the 155-year-old American icon that artist Andy Warhol immortalized in pop culture decades ago, is ready for a new, soupless name. Comcast's corporate reorganization means there will soon be two television networks with "NBC" in their name — CNBC and MSNBC — that will no longer have any corporate connection to NBC News, a U.S. legacy news outlet. CNBC One could even argue the United States itself is rebranding with the election of former President Donald Trump and Republican majorities in the House and Senate. Unlike Trump's first election in 2016, he won the popular vote in what many called a national referendum on American identity. Are we, then, the sum total of our consumer decisions — what we buy, where we travel and whom we elect? Certainly, it's a question for those privileged enough to be able to afford such choices. Volumes of research in the art and science of branding — from "brandr," an old Norse word for burning symbols into the hides of livestock — say those factors do contribute to the modern sense of identity. So rebranding, especially of heritage names, can be a deeply felt affront to consumers. "It can feel like the brand is turning its back on everything that it stood for — and therefore it feels like it's turning its back on us, the people who subscribe to that idea or ideology," said Ali Marmaduke, strategy director with the Amsterdam-based Brand Potential. He said cultural tension — polarization — is surging over politics, wars in Russia and the Mideast, the environment, public health and more, creating what Marmaduke said is known as a "polycrisis": the idea that there are several massive crises converging that feel scary and complex. Campbell's soups "People are understandably freaked out by that," he said. "So we are looking for something that will help us navigate this changing, threatening world that we face." Trump's "Make America Great Again" qualifies. So did President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" slogan. Campbell's soup itself — "Mmm Mmm Good" — isn't going anywhere, CEO Mark Clouse said. The company's new name, Campbell's Co., will reflect "the full breadth of our portfolio," which includes brands like Prego pasta sauce and Goldfish crackers. What is Jaguar? None of the recent activity around heritage brands sparked a backlash as ferocious as Jaguar's. The company stood as a pillar of tradition-loving British identity since World War II. The famous "leaper" cat Jaguar logo is pictured in 2019 at the Auto show in Paris, France. Jaguar said its approach to the rebrand was rooted in the philosophy of its founder, Sir William Lyons, to "copy nothing." What it's calling "the new Jaguar" will overhaul everything from the font of its name to the positioning of it's famous "leaper" cat. "Exuberant modernism" will "define all aspects of the new Jaguar world," according to the news release. The approach is thought to be aimed at selling fewer cars at a six-figure price point to a more diverse customer base. The reaction ranged from bewilderment to hostility. Memes sprouted up likening the video to the Teletubbies, a Benetton ad and — perhaps predictably — a bow to "woke" culture as the blowback intersected with politics. By Jordan Valinsky, CNN By Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.
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A shooter kills UnitedHealthcare's CEO in an ambush in New York, police say NEW YORK (AP) — UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has been shot and killed in what police say is a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference. The shooting rattled the city and set off a massive dragnet hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. Police say 50-year-old Brian Thompson was shot around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says the shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire. Police have not yet established a motive. UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the US but was unknown to the millions of people his decisions affected. The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's chief executive on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk early Wednesday swiftly became a mystery that riveted the nation. Police say it was a targeted killing. Thompson was 50. He had run health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s insurance business since 2021. It provides health coverage for more than 49 million Americans. He had worked at the company for 20 years. The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year. Thompson's $10.2 million annual compensation package made him one of the company’s highest-paid executives. Hegseth fights to save Pentagon nomination as sources say Trump considers DeSantis WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s Pentagon pick, is fighting to hold on to his Cabinet nomination amid growing questions about his personal conduct as the president-elect’s team considers alternatives, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But Hegseth says, “We’re not backing down one bit." The Trump transition team is concerned about Hegseth’s path to Senate confirmation and is actively looking at potential replacements, according to a person familiar with the matter. Hegseth is under pressure as senators weigh a series of allegations that have surfaced against him. Beyond DeSantis, there have been discussions about shifting Michael Waltz, who was named by Trump as his national security adviser, to the Defense Department Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on medical treatments for transgender minors WASHINGTON (AP) — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed likely to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people. The Biden administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender healthcare for minors. Peter Navarro served prison time related to Jan. 6. Now Trump is bringing him back as an adviser WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is bringing Peter Navarro back to the White House for his second administration. Trump announced Wednesday on Truth Social that Navarro will serve as a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing. He was a trade adviser in Trump's first term. Navarro served four months in prison after being held in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump also chose Daniel Driscoll as Army secretary, Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator and Adam Boehler as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. Israeli strikes on a Gaza tent camp kill at least 21 people, hospital says KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — A Palestinian health official said Wednesday that at least 21 people were killed in Israeli strikes on a camp housing displaced people in Gaza. The Israeli military said it struck senior Hamas militants. The strikes hit in the Muwasi area, a sprawling coastal camp housing hundreds of thousands of displaced people. It came after Israeli forces struck targets in other areas of Gaza. According to Palestinian medics, strikes in central Gaza killed eight people, including four children. The war in Gaza is nearly 14 months old and showing no end in sight, despite international efforts to revive negotiations toward a ceasefire. South Korean President Yoon's martial law declaration raises questions over his political future SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals on Wednesday took steps to impeach him. Yoon's move baffled many experts. One analyst called his action “political suicide.” Yoon’s political fate may depend on whether a large number of people in coming days take to the streets to push for his ouster. Yoon hasn't commented on the impeachment bid. But the political instability he unleashed could make it more difficult for his government to nurse a decaying economy. French lawmakers vote to oust prime minister in the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962 PARIS (AP) — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers have joined together to vote on a no-confidence motion prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet to resign. The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes. A minimum of 288 were needed. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time after July’s legislative elections led to a deeply divided parliament. Macron will address the French on Thursday evening, his office said, without providing details. Barnier is expected to formally resign by then. White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered the new details Wednesday about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that a number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. Harris found success with women who have cats, but Trump got the dog owner vote: AP VoteCast WASHINGTON (AP) — The lead-up to the 2024 election was all about cat owners. But in the end, the dogs had their day. Donald Trump won more than half of voters who own either cats or dogs, and he had with a big assist from dog owners. That's according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. Dog owners were much more likely to support Trump over Kamala Harris. Cat owners were evenly split between the two candidates. Harris did end up decisively winning support from women who own a cat but no dog. Past comments by Trump's running mate, JD Vance, about “childless cat ladies” briefly became a campaign issue.
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Meta has unveiled Llama 3.3, a 70-billion-parameter AI model that combines advanced capabilities with a focus on cost efficiency. This model is specifically designed to handle complex tasks such as long-context understanding, instruction following, and mathematical . By offering a balance between high performance and affordability, Llama 3.3 provides developers with a powerful tool that minimizes operational expenses while requiring specialized hardware for optimal deployment. Llama 3.3 is a 70-billion-parameter AI model by Meta, offering advanced performance in tasks like long-context understanding, instruction following, and mathematical problem-solving, while being cost-effective. The model supports an extended context length of up to 128,000 tokens, allowing efficient processing of large datasets or lengthy documents in a single pass. Llama 3.3 outperforms competitors like GPT-4o in mathematical tasks, instruction following, and comprehension, achieving a higher Artificial Analysis Quality Index score (74 vs. 68). It dramatically reduces costs, with input costs at $0.10 per million tokens and output costs at $0.40 per million tokens, making it highly affordable compared to alternatives. Optimized for text-based applications, Llama 3.3 requires specialized hardware but is accessible via platforms like Hugging Face, with strong adoption by hosting providers and benchmarks validating its performance. Llama 3.3 distinguishes itself by achieving a unique balance between size and performance, rivaling models with significantly larger parameter counts. Trained on a vast dataset of 15 trillion tokens with a knowledge cutoff of December 2023, it supports an extended context length of up to 128,000 tokens. This extended context capability enables the model to process and analyze large datasets or lengthy documents in a single pass, making it particularly well-suited for applications that demand detailed and nuanced long-context understanding. The model’s design emphasizes cost-effectiveness, allowing for local deployment on developer workstations equipped with specialized hardware. This accessibility ensures that developers and businesses can use its capabilities without incurring the high costs typically associated with large-scale AI models. By combining efficiency with accessibility, Llama 3.3 positions itself as a practical and versatile solution for a wide range of AI-driven applications. Llama 3.3 delivers competitive performance across multiple domains, showcasing its versatility and advanced capabilities. Key highlights include: Demonstrates superior reasoning abilities, outperforming GPT-4o in mathematical tasks. Excels in tasks such as code generation, document summarization, and conversational AI, making sure accurate and context-aware responses. Achieved a notable score improvement from 68 to 74, reflecting enhanced comprehension and accuracy in diverse applications. These performance metrics place Llama 3.3 among the top-performing AI models, competing directly with other advanced systems such as Gemini and Google’s latest offerings. Its ability to deliver high-quality results across a variety of tasks underscores its value as a reliable and efficient AI solution. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to Llama 3 that you may find helpful. One of the most compelling aspects of Llama 3.3 is its affordability, which sets it apart from many competitors. The model significantly reduces both input and output costs, making it an attractive option for businesses and developers seeking high-performance AI solutions without prohibitive expenses. Key cost metrics include: $0.10 per million tokens, a fraction of GPT-4o’s $250. $0.40 per million tokens, substantially lower than GPT-4o’s $10. This dramatic reduction in operational costs makes Llama 3.3 a practical choice for organizations of all sizes, allowing them to integrate advanced AI capabilities into their workflows without exceeding budgetary constraints. By prioritizing cost efficiency, Meta has made innovative AI technology more accessible to a broader audience. While Llama 3.3 offers numerous advantages, it does come with specific technical requirements. The model is optimized for text-only applications, focusing on areas such as natural language processing, document analysis, and conversational systems. To achieve optimal performance, developers must use specialized hardware capable of handling the model’s computational demands. Despite these requirements, accessibility is enhanced through its availability on popular hosting platforms such as Hugging Face and AMA. These platforms allow developers to easily download and experiment with the model, fostering innovation and allowing a wide range of use cases. This combination of technical sophistication and accessibility ensures that Llama 3.3 remains a practical choice for both research and commercial applications. Llama 3.3 has undergone rigorous independent benchmarking, demonstrating strong performance in key areas such as instruction following, code generation, and text-based tasks. These benchmarks validate its reliability and utility across a variety of applications. Additionally, several prominent hosting providers, including Deep Infra, Hyperbolic, Gro, Fireworks, and Together AI, have adopted the model, further highlighting its effectiveness and industry relevance. The model’s ability to meet the demands of modern AI applications while maintaining cost efficiency makes it a valuable asset for businesses, researchers, and developers. Its adoption by leading hosting providers underscores its potential to drive innovation and streamline workflows across diverse sectors. The success of Llama 3.3 is rooted in Meta’s advancements in alignment processes and reinforcement learning techniques. These innovations enhance the model’s ability to follow instructions accurately and perform complex tasks with precision. By focusing on alignment, Meta has ensured that Llama 3.3 delivers reliable and consistent results across a wide range of applications, from academic research to commercial deployments. The integration of advanced alignment techniques also improves the model’s capacity for nuanced understanding and context-aware responses. This focus on precision and reliability makes Llama 3.3 a versatile tool capable of addressing the challenges of modern AI applications while maintaining a high standard of performance. Llama 3.3 represents a significant advancement in AI development, combining a 70-billion-parameter architecture with extended context understanding and competitive performance. By bridging the gap between high capability and affordability, it sets a new benchmark for efficiency and accessibility in the AI landscape. Its ability to deliver advanced functionality at a fraction of the cost of competing models positions it as a fantastic tool for developers and businesses alike. With its focus on cost efficiency, technical sophistication, and practical applications, Llama 3.3 paves the way for more innovative and accessible AI solutions. As the demand for advanced AI technology continues to grow, Llama 3.3 stands out as a reliable and cost-effective option, driving progress and allowing new possibilities across industries. Media Credit:Get essential daily news for Fort Worth area Sign up to receive insightful, in-depth local stories today. 📩 The Fort Worth Community Arts Center will close its doors to the public at the end of the month, but that doesn’t mean the end of the nonprofit that manages the space. Arts Fort Worth, which managed the facility at 1300 Gendy St. for 22 years, will continue to manage the city’s public art and grant programs as well as serve as a resource for artists and other arts organizations within the community. The building was first constructed in 1954 with new additions in 1966 and 1976. “We’ve been able to do a lot of really meaningful things through this physical space,” said Wesley Gentle, executive director and president of Arts Fort Worth. “Those things have been tied to this physical space, and so much of the next step for us is taking that same energy ... (and) motivation for our community and doing it in a way that isn’t rooted in one spot.” Arts Fort Worth announced it would vacate the building in July, shortly after one of its anchor subtenants, KWC Performing Arts, abruptly announced its closure . The city-owned building is in need of roughly $30 million in repairs , which Arts Fort Worth would be responsible for, according to its lease agreement. Continuing operations there would not be financially sustainable, Gentle said last summer. City officials have explored different options for redeveloping the building. After issuing a request for proposals, hosting public presentations and announcing two finalists, the city ultimately decided not to move forward with either plan in May. The future of the building is still uncertain, but Mayor Mattie Parker assured residents at a 2023 City Council meeting that the location would continue to serve the arts community. Several artists and longtime Fort Worth residents paid homage to the center during a Dec. 6 open house event hosted by Arts Fort Worth. Artist Val Hunnicutt hopes that the building, which once housed the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, can be preserved. “It’s hard to think about not having it here,” she said. The mixed media artist said she always looked forward to Historic Fort Worth Inc.’s annual show when it was still hosted in the space, often creating new work for the occasion. Likewise, professional pianist and art collector Cynthia Ann Miller has fond memories of the space. “I don’t think I missed any of their shows when they had the whole place filled with art, and you could walk in for free and enjoy yourself,” she said. Miller has reverence for all of the wonderful things that happened there, she continued, but she wants people to look at this change as an opportunity. “It will not be the same,” she said. “It will be better. We will learn and we will grow.” During a presentation to attendees, Gentle shared how Arts Fort Worth is planning to better serve residents across the sprawling city. By hosting an arts summit at Texas Wesleyan University in March, Arts Fort Worth hopes to reach more people from the Poly neighborhood while also highlighting the resources that recently opened on the Eastside like Easyside , TUBMAN Gallery and Kinfolk House . “We do want to see you continue to pop up in other parts of town because then we have a different audience and it’s, you know, usually you have some people that’ll travel to find the resources they need, but oftentimes for any number of reasons, right?” Gentle said. “You just physically can’t get there. The time of day doesn’t work. When we move around, it’s easier to meet people where they are.” The space is one where many artists made their stage debut or participated in their first gallery show, and it has many meaningful memories for Gentle as well, he said. He remains hopeful that Arts Fort Worth will continue to make an impact moving forward. “It’s going to be a process, and I’m excited for the process. I hope more people get excited to join us and be a part of it because it’s only as good as the team that we’re working with, the partners you’re working with,” Gentle said. Marcheta Fornoff covers the arts for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at marcheta.fornoff@fortworthreport.org. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here . Get essential daily news for the Fort Worth area. Sign up for insightful, in-depth stories — completely free. Related Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism . Republish This Story Republishing is free for noncommercial entities. Commercial entities are prohibited without a licensing agreement. Contact us for details. 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If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. by Marcheta Fornoff, Fort Worth Report December 7, 2024
In the wake of a successful effort to kill a year-end spending bill and replace is with more limited legislation to keep the government open, Elon Musk declared victory last week on X (formerly Twitter), the social media platform he owns: “Your actions turned a bill that weighed pounds into a bill that weighed ounces!” he crowed. “You are the media now. VOX POPULI VOX DEI.” The stopgap funding measure will largely delay major spending decisions until after Donald Trump’s inauguration, keep the government open through the holidays and at least temporarily delay the most indefensible spending that was crammed into the scale-tipping bill. But those who believe the indefensible spending won’t end up back in the budget are endearingly optimistic. The most interesting political takeaway from the drama is that the Republican Party now has two masters with different goals. Musk’s stated mission was to impose fiscal restraint and greater efficiency on government (though his unstated motives are a matter of speculation) . Trump’s objective was to avoid the hassles of a debate over raising the government borrowing limit early in his term, freeing him to rack up more debt through spending and tax cuts. Based purely on the political result, Musk won and Trump lost. While the bill does spend less than the earlier version, it does not raise the debt ceiling. A case can be made for both goals. I think Musk is indisputably correct about the need to cut spending. And although I don’t want Trump to be able to amass more debt, fights over the borrowing limit are reckless because they put the full faith and credit of the United States in doubt. The challenge for Republican legislators is that they are caught between the agendas of two figures who are very popular on the right, and those agendas — and perhaps others — are in conflict. We’ll have to wait to see how the politics play out. I n the meantime, I also want to address the more philosophical problems with Musk’s position. First of all, literally weighing the value or profligacy of a piece of legislation by the ounce, as Musk proposes, is not exactly logical. The National Industrial Recovery Act — the foundational legislation of the New Deal — comes in at an economical 18 pages, but that hardly gives one a sense of its massive impact on the economy. Then there’s the idea that Musk’s minor budget victory proves his X followers are “the media now.” Huh? The standard conservative complaint about traditional media is that they mislead the public in the service of an ideological or self-serving agenda. But Musk rallied his virtual mob with a host of false claims about the bigger-spending bill. Now he is suggesting that misleading the public in the service of the agenda of the owner of a media platform is a glorious triumph. It’s certainly a triumph for if-you-can’t-beat-them-join-them hypocrisy. Lastly, Musk’s oft-repeated motto “Vox populi, vox dei” — “The voice of the people is the voice of God” — is theological nonsense . Its use by British Whigs to challenge monarchical power in the 18th century was politically defensible, but it doesn’t take a divinity degree to understand that, taken literally, the phrase argues that God is subservient to the passions and vicissitudes of public opinion. It’s very difficult to find anything in the Old or New Testament to back up that idea. If a poll were all it took to change God’s mind, Sodom and Gomorrah would have been fine, Noah wouldn’t have needed a boat and Jesus wouldn’t have had to ask God to “forgive them, for they know not what they do.” One of the earliest mentions of the Latin phrase is found in the writings of Alcuin of York, an adviser to Charlemagne. Alcuin told the first holy Roman emperor to ignore such declarations of public godliness “since the riotousness of the crowd is always very close to madness.” Musk started using the phrase “Vox populi, vox dei” to validate the verdicts of his own Twitter polls. When users voted to reinstate Trump’s account two years ago, Musk declared that the result he clearly wanted amounted to a divine statement. We can only guess what this says about Musk’s God complex and its compatibility with his role as Trump’s Alcuin. My main objection to Musk’s assertion is that it’s a dangerous lie. The idea that the largest mob has God on its side is even more pernicious than the notion that legislation should be measured in pounds.
Published 5:39 pm Saturday, December 7, 2024 By Data Skrive Let’s check out the injury report for the San Antonio Spurs (11-12), which currently has three players listed (including Victor Wembanyama), as the Spurs prepare for their matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans (5-18, five injured players) at Frost Bank Center on Sunday, December 8 at 7:00 PM ET. Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up. The Spurs are coming off of a 140-113 loss to the Kings in their most recent game on Friday. In the Spurs’ loss, Julian Champagnie led the way with a team-high 30 points (adding three rebounds and one assist). The Pelicans head into this matchup after a 126-124 win against the Suns on Thursday. Brandon Ingram’s team-high 29 points paced the Pelicans in the win. Sign up for NBA League Pass to get live and on-demand access to NBA games. Get tickets for any NBA game this season at StubHub. Catch NBA action all season long on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .Global streaming giant Spotify has released its annual results to users which give them a personalised wrap list of who they listened to the most in the past year – and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was roasted online after he shared his. The end-of-year campaign known as Spotify Wrapped is a big hit with users looking to reflect on what dominated their playlists in the 12-month period, typically divided into categories such as the Top Tracks, Top Artists and Top Genres. Albanese shared his list on X on Thursday morning, showing his Top Songs as Australia by G Flip, Letting Go by Angie McMahon, Still Have Room by Hockey Dad, Pedestal by Lime Cordiale and Get Me Out by Stingray – and the internet had thoughts. “No one gives a frig what’s on your Spotify list. What they want to hear is what you are actually doing to bring the cost of living issues down and what you are doing with the housing affordability crisis,” read one brutal comment under his post. And on they went: “Your taste in music is almost as trashy as your leadership.” “No one cares. Do your job.” “The country is f***ed & your tweeting about Spotify #priorities.” “WTF? my electricity bill just went up 20% this morning and you’re show me this !!” Spotify also released an insight into what the rest of the country and the world tuned into in 2024. No surprises Taylor Swift was the Most-Streamed Artist both is Australia and globally, amassing a whopping 26.6 billion streams worldwide this year. Her album The Tortured Department: The Anthology also took out the number one spot for Australia’s most-streamed album, followed by Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet , and Billie Eilish’ s Hit Me Hard and Soft . US artist Benson Boone’s hit Beautiful Things was the Most Streamed Track across the country, while The Wiggles was announced as Australia’s Most-Streamed Local Artists, followed by The Kid LAROI. Here is what dominated Spotify Wrapped’s 2024 global and local top lists: Most-Streamed Artists Globally: 1. Taylor Swift 2. The Weeknd 3. Bad Bunny 4. Drake 5. Billie Eilish 6. Travis Scott 7. Peso Pluma 8. Kanye West 9. Ariana Grande 10. Feid Most-Streamed Songs Globally: 1. Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter 2. Beautiful Things by Benson Boone 3. Bird of a Feather by Billie Eilish 4. Gata Only by FloyyMenor, Cris Mj 5. Lose Control by Teddy Swims Most-Streamed Albums Globally: 1. The Tortured Department: The Anthology by Taylor Swift 2. Hit Me Hard and Soft by Billie Eilish 3. Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter 4. Mañana Será Bonito by Karol G 5. Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande Most Viral Songs Globally: 1. Die With A Smile by Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga 2. Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish 3. Beautiful Things by Benson Boone 4. Lose Control by Teddy Swims 5. Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan Top Podcasts Globally: 1. The Joe Rogan Experience 2. Call Her Daddy 3. Huberman Lab 4.This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von 5. The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett 6. Serial Killers 7. Relatos de la Noche 8. Crime Junkie 9. Café Com Deus Pai | Podcast oficial 10. El Podcast de Marian Rojas Estapé Top Audiobooks in Premium Globally: 1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas 2. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien 3. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy 4. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas 5. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover 6. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene 7. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas 8. A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One by George R. R. Martin 9. Icebreaker: A Novel by Hannah Grace 10. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Here’s what dominated Spotify Wrapped Australia top lists: Australia Most-Streamed Artists: 1. Taylor Swift 2. Drake 3. Zach Bryan 4. Billie Eilish 5. The Weekend Australia Top Local Artists: 1. The Wiggles 2. The Kid LAROI 3. AC/DC 4. Vance Joy 5. RÜFÜS DU SOL Australia Most-Streamed Songs: 1. Beautiful Things by Benson Boone 2. Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter 3. Stick Season by Noah Kahan 4. A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey 5. Lose Control by Teddy Swims Australia Top Local Songs: 1. Riptide by Vance Joy 2. Stumblin’ In by CYRIL 3. Saving Up by Dom Dolla 4. Nights Like This by The Kid LAROI 5. You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC Australia Most-Streamed Albums: 1. The Tortured Department: The Anthology by Taylor Swift 2. Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter 3. Hit Me Hard and Soft by Billie Eilish 4. Stick Season by Noah Hakan 5. One Thing At A Time by Morgan Wallen Australia Top Podcasts: 1. The Joe Rogan Experience 2. The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett 3. Huberman Lab 4. Casefile True Crime 5. Call Her Daddy Australia Top Audiobooks in Premium: 1. Spare by Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex 2. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas 3. Atomic Habits by James Clear 4. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover 5. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien Australia top local audiobooks in Premium: 1. Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton 2. Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty 3. Showing Up by Nedd Brockmann, Hamish Blake 4. Strong Money Australia by Dave Gow 5. Rebel Rising by Rebel Wilson
Tata Motors shares in spotlight as carmaker to hike prices by up to 3% from JanuaryEMERGENCY drivers can rush to crash scenes faster thanks to new artificial intelligence tech. Ambulances, snow plows, and public transportation have access to smarter, safer routes through a platform that cuts the number of red traffic lights they meet. LYT uses AI and cloud-based technology to communicate with traffic signals and request green lights when certain vehicles come to intersections. The traffic solution is already installed in multiple cities across America, as Laramie Bowron, LYT's vice president of sales, said the tech is "widely used" on emergency vehicles. "Our sweet spot is really using AI and being completely hardware-free," Bowron told The U.S. Sun. "So being able to give the right traffic signal to the right vehicle at any time." READ MORE ON CARS The company reports a 69% increase in how quickly the average emergency vehicle can get to a crash site. It even shaved over a half hour off the average response time in one city. Fremont Fire Department in the Bay Area of San Francisco, California , previously took 46 minutes to get from one side of the city to the other, Bowron said. Now, it only takes 14 minutes to cross town, FFD confirmed. Most read in Motors "It saves lives," Bowron said. "So that agency doesn't need to build another fire station, actually, because they can [travel] so much broader. "It's so cool to see this in action." A Fremont Fire spokesperson told The U.S. Sun, "In the tests that have been conducted you can clearly see that LYT-AI has improved the Fremont Fire Department’s ability to respond. "The amount of time reduced during each response, as a result of LYT-AI, is dependent on the time of day and traffic." HOW IT WORKS The tech functions by connecting with GPS devices on vehicles. Everything you need to know about the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence How does Artificial Intelligence work - and is it always correct? What is the popular AI Chat GPT and how does it work? How do you use Google's latest AI chatbot Bard? What is the AI image generator Lensa AI and how can you use it How do you use Snapchat's My AI tool? What are the best things to ask Chat GPT? What are the funniest things to ask Chat GPT? Then, LYT sends messages to the traffic signals that are connected to the internet. The outcome is a consistent, reliable green light for emergency vehicles, giving them a clear and quick path to where they're needed. Plus, LYT has a route prediction tool that leads drivers to take the best path possible. "We can see where an incident is, we can see where the vehicle is, and based on historical travel patterns, we can predict the route that the vehicle will take and clear each corridor," Bowron said. "We can actually help guide the vehicle to where we think it's going to go." CONCERT CONGESTION Aside from minimizing first responders' reaction time, the tech was also used to eliminate traffic outside Taylor Swift concerts. Swift's wildly popular global Eras tour filled stadiums across the country - leading to bumper-to-bumper traffic surrounding venues. This created a perfect opportunity for LYT to clear up chaos. In addition, LYT is currently working to help snow plow drivers travel through intersections more easily. "I would say that our technology on snow most closely mirrors the technology that we give to fire police and services," Bowron said. Read More on The US Sun The company is testing LYT.snow to quickly clear roads and save money for cities with the improvements. The tech is currently implemented on a 70-mile toll road as it's piloted in major cities across America.
Jay-Z says lawsuit accusing him of raping a child at awards after-party is part of an extortion ploy“India mourns the loss of a distinguished leader”: PM Modi pays tribute to Manmohan SinghJarrod Bowen won it for West Ham (Zac Goodwin/PA) Jarrod Bowen dedicated his winning goal to Michail Antonio as West Ham beat Wolves 2-1. The England winger held Antonio’s number nine shirt aloft in support of the Hammers striker, who is recovering in hospital after a horror car crash. It was a victory which may have saved West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui’s job, for now at least, while the end could be nigh for Wolves’ under-pressure manager Gary O’Neil after a third straight defeat. However, any concerns about poor form, or the job prospects of either boss, paled into insignificance following the news Antonio had been in a serious road accident on Saturday afternoon. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Thankfully, West Ham were able to confirm he was in a stable condition, conscious and communicating, on Saturday evening. The 34-year-old has undergone surgery on a broken leg and faces a long road to recovery from his injuries. So West Ham players showed their support for their stricken team-mate, wearing ‘Antonio 9′ shirts while warming up and walking out. The shirts will be signed by the players, including Antonio, and auctioned off with the proceeds going to the NHS and Air Ambulances UK. The focus was still on Antonio in the ninth minute, with a minute’s applause for the club’s record Premier League goalscorer. But in a desperately poor first half it took until the 20th minute for anyone to have a shot, with Wolves’ Joao Gomes firing straight at Lukasz Fabianski, who also saved from Matheus Cunha at his near post. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Gomes should have put the visitors ahead when he met Matt Doherty’s cross at the far post but he guided his effort wide from three yards out. For West Ham, Mohammed Kudus played in Bowen, whose angled drive was kept out by the boot of Wolves keeper Sam Johnstone. Konstantinos Mavropanos then skied a shot from a corner as the half trundled to a close. However, Tomas Soucek made the breakthrough nine minutes into the second half, having been left completely unmarked to loop in a header at the far post from Bowen’s corner. The Czech midfielder held up nine fingers to a television camera to show his support for Antonio. Kudus had the ball in the net five minutes later after tapping home Bowen’s low cross, but a VAR check showed he was offside. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. O’Neil was apoplectic on the touchline after Emerson Palmieri barged over Goncalo Guedes and no penalty was given. Moments later his mood improved when Rayan Ait-Nouri curled in a cross from the right and Doherty guided it home. But O’Neil’s fate might have been sealed in the 72nd minute when Bowen cut inside Guedes and threaded a superb finish past Johnstone before lifting Antonio’s shirt to the crowd behind the goal. The disappointment proved too much for Wolves skipper Mario Lemina, who had to be escorted from the pitch at the final whistle after pushing and shoving players and staff from both West Ham and his own team.