(The Center Square) – The Biden administration on Monday instituted a new round of restrictions targeting the export of advanced semiconductor chips and manufacturing equipment to China. This move by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security builds on previous measures aimed at curbing China's ability to develop cutting-edge technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and military applications. The new export controls place 140 manufacturers and investment companies on the Entity List, a U.S. compilation of "foreign individuals, companies, and organizations deemed a national security concern." "The United States has taken significant steps to protect our technology from being used by our adversaries in ways that threaten our national security," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement . The new controls will also block the sale of high-bandwidth memory, which is necessary for artificial intelligence. Semiconductors can be a strategic asset for AI systems, supercomputing, and other technologies for both civilian and military use. Sullivan continued, "As technology evolves, and our adversaries seek new ways to evade restrictions, we will continue to work with our allies and partners to proactively and aggressively safeguard our world-leading technologies and know-how so they aren't used to undermine our national security." According to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report, semiconductors, also known as computer chips, are typically smaller than a postage stamp and are composed of billions of components that can store, move and process data. Advanced semiconductors can be used for artificial intelligence, including in medical diagnosis and for military purposes, such as modeling nuclear explosions. The U.S. has been tightening down on the export controls on semiconductors to China since concerns over U.S. capacity to produce advanced semiconductors domestically when shortages began during the pandemic. This concern resulted in Congress enacting the CHIPS Act of 2022. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded. "This type of behavior seriously violates the laws of market economy and the principle of fair competition, disrupts international economic and trade order, destabilizes global industrial and supply chains, and will eventually harm the interests of all countries," Jian said. Beijing intends to take firm, resolute measures to defend the interests of Chinese companies, he added. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Thea D. Rozman Kendler said, "The PRC's Military-Civil Fusion strategy presents a significant risk that advanced node semiconductors will be used in military applications that threaten the security of the United States, as well as the security of our allies and partners."No victory, but a goal met in Lindsey Vonn’s first race in six yearsThe rapid advancement and adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of communications. AI-powered tools can now generate convincing text, images, audio and video from textual prompts. While generative AI is powerful, useful and convenient , it introduces significant risks, such as misinformation, bias and privacy. Generative AI has already been the cause of some serious communications issues. AI image generators have been used during political campaigns to create fake photos aimed at confusing voters and embarrassing opponents. AI chatbots have provided inaccurate information to customers and damaged organizations’ reputations. Deep-fake videos of public figures making inflammatory statements or endorsing stocks have gone viral. As well, AI-generated social media profiles have been used in disinformation campaigns . The rapid pace of AI development presents a challenge. For example, the increasing realism of AI-generated images has improved dramatically , making deterring deepfakes much harder. Without clear policies for AI in place, organizations run the risk of producing misleading communication that may erode public trust, and the potential misuse of personal data on an unprecedented scale. Establishing AI guidelines and regulation In Canada, several initiatives have been underway to develop AI regulation to varying reception. The federal government introduced controversial legislation in 2022 that, if passed, will outline ways to regulate AI and protect data privacy. The legislation’s Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), in particular, has been the subject of strong criticism from a group of 60 organizations, including the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Civil Liberties Union , which have asked for it to be withdrawn and rewritten after more extensive consultation. Recently, in November 2024, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) announced the creation of the Canadian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (CAISI). CAISI aims to “support the safe and responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence” by collaborating with other countries to establish standards and expectations. CAISI’s development allows Canada to join the United States and other countries that have established similar institutes that will hopefully work collaboratively to establish multilateral standards for AI that encourage responsible development while promoting innovation. The Montreal AI Ethics Institute offers resources like a newsletter, a blog and an interactive AI Ethics Living Dictionary . The University of Toronto’s Swartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society and the University of Guelph’s CARE-AI are examples of universities building academic forums for investigating ethical AI. In the private sector, Telus is the first Canadian telecommunications company to publicly commit to AI transparency and responsibility. Telus’s Responsible AI unit recently published its 2024 AI Report that discusses the company’s commitment to responsible AI through customer and community engagement. Read more: Bletchley declaration: international agreement on AI safety is a good start, but ordinary people need a say – not just elites In November 2023, Canada was among 29 nations to sign the Bletchley AI Declaration following the First International AI Safety Summit. The goal of the declaration was to find agreement about how to assess and mitigate AI risk in the private sector. More recently, the governments of Ontario and Québec have introduced legislation on the use and development of AI tools and systems in the public sector. Looking forward, in January 2025, the European Union’s AI Act will come into force — dubbed “the world’s first comprehensive AI law.” Turning frameworks into action As generative AI use becomes more widespread, the communications industry — including public relations, marketing, digital and social media and public affairs — must develop clear guidelines for generative AI use. While progress has been made by governments, universities and industries, more work is needed to turn these frameworks into actionable guidelines that can be adopted by Canada’s communications, media and marketing sectors. Industry groups like the Canadian Public Relations Society, the International Association of Business Communicators and the Canadian Marketing Association should develop standards and training programs that respond to the needs of public relations, marketing and digital media professionals. The Canadian Public Relations Society is making strides in this direction, partnering with the Chartered Institute for Public Relations, a professional body for public relations practitioners in the United Kingdom. Together, the two professional associations created the AI in PR Panel , which has produced practical guides for communicators who want to use generative AI responsibly. Establishing standards for AI To maximize the benefits of generative AI while limiting its downsides, the communications field needs to adopt professional standards and best practices. The past two years of generative AI use have seen several areas of concern emerge, which should be considered when developing guidelines. Transparency and disclosure. AI-generated content should be labelled. How and when generative AI is used should be disclosed. AI agents should not be presented as humans to the public. Accuracy and fact-checking. Professional communicators should uphold the journalistic standard of accuracy by fact-checking AI outputs and correcting errors. Communicators should not use AI to create or spread disinformation or misleading content. Fairness. AI systems should be regularly checked for bias to make sure they are respectful of the organization’s audiences along variables such as race, gender, age and geographic location, among others. To reduce bias, organizations should ensure that the datasets used to train their generative AI systems are accurately representative of audiences and users . Privacy and consent. Users’ privacy rights should be respected. Data protection laws should be followed. . Personal data should not be used for training AI systems without users’ expressed consent. Individuals should be allowed to opt out of receiving automated communication and having their data collected. Accountability and oversight. AI decisions should always be subject to human oversight. Clear lines of accountability and reporting should be spelled out. Generative AI systems should be audited regularly. To effect these policies, organizations should appoint a permanent AI task force accountable to the organization’s board and membership. The AI task force should monitor AI use and regularly report findings to appropriate parties. Generative AI holds immense potential to enhance human creativity and storytelling. By developing and following thoughtful AI guidelines, the communications sector can build public trust and help to maintain the integrity of public information, which is vital to a thriving society and democracy .
Rams finally ran the ball well in New Orleans, and it kept them in the playoff raceJohn Parker Romo made a 29-yard field goal to lift the Minnesota Vikings to a 30-27 overtime win against the host Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon. Romo buried the game-winning kick in his third career game for Minnesota (9-2), which won its fourth game in a row. The score capped a 10-play, 68-yard drive for the Vikings after the Bears went three-and-out on the first overtime possession. Sam Darnold completed 22 of 34 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Vikings. Wideout Jordan Addison finished with eight catches for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown. The overtime defeat spoiled an impressive performance from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who completed 32 of 47 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns for Chicago (4-7). D.J. Moore had seven catches for 106 yards and a touchdown, and Keenan Allen finished with nine catches for 86 yards and a score. Chicago erased an 11-point deficit in the final 22 seconds of regulation to send the game to overtime. Romo had put Minnesota on top 27-16 when he made a 26-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining in the fourth quarter. Williams trimmed the Bears' deficit to 27-24 with 22 seconds to go. He rolled right and found Allen wide open in the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown, and moments later he fired a strike to Moore for a two-point conversion. The Bears recovered an onside kick on the next play to regain possession at their 43-yard line with 21 seconds left. Cairo Santos' onside kick bounced off the foot of Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt, and Tarvarius Moore recovered it. D.J. Moore put the Bears in field-goal position with a 27-yard reception across the middle of the field, and Santos made a 48-yarder as time expired to even the score at 27-all. Minnesota led 24-10 after three quarters. Romo made a 40-yard field goal early in the third quarter, and Aaron Jones punched in a 2-yard run with 1:22 left in the period to put the Vikings on top by two touchdowns. Addison and Jalen Nailor each had receiving touchdowns in the first half for Minnesota. Roschon Johnson scored on a 1-yard run for the Bears' only touchdown of the first half. Chicago trailed 14-10 at the break. --Field Level Media
TORONTO — Jakob Poeltl, Kelly Olynyk and Davion Mitchell will all return to the Toronto Raptors lineup tonight against the Dallas Mavericks. Poeltl missed Toronto's 129-92 loss to the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday due to illness. Mitchell was listed as questionable with right hip stiffness after that loss, but Raptors head coach Dakro Rajakovic says he's available against Dallas. It will be Olynyk's first time playing in the 2024-25 season after missing the entire pre-season and first 23 games of the campaign with back spasms. Olynyk, who was born in Toronto but grew up in Kamloops, B.C., will add significant depth to the Raptors' rotation. He averaged 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 28 games for Toronto last season after he was traded to the Raptors by the Utah Jazz on Feb. 8. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 7, 2024. Follow @jchidleyhill.bsky.social on Bluesky John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian PressSyrian government forces withdraw from central city of Homs as insurgent offensive accelerates
Who is Georgia's backup QB? Here's who entered the game for an injured Carson BeckUnited States: Bernie Sanders tries to stop US military aid to Israel, Biden reaffirms his support, protests continueNEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks pulled Wall Street to another record amid a mixed Monday of trading. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% from its all-time high set on Friday to post a record for the 54th time this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 128 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite gained 1%. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
MAA Announces Regular Quarterly Preferred DividendThe Motley Fool chief investment officer Scott Phillips has railed against the regulation riddled state of Victoria which had created a “real mess” in recent years after it was ranked the worst business state in Australia. In a report released on Tuesday by the Business Council of Australia, Victoria was ranked the worst in the country overall for settings to do business. The Regulation Rumble 2024 report, which was designed to help businesses navigate opportunities in Australia, examined the planning systems, payroll taxes, property charges and licenses to do business. It is the second year the BCA has undertaken this report, with Victoria ranking the lowest in the 2023 version of the report for regulatory costs and trading. Conversely, in both 2023 and 2024 reports, South Australia ranked first in having the most supportive settings for business. Mr Phillips said Victoria had fallen “all the way to the bottom” having once been one of the best places to do business. The business expert said the red tape planning systems “is not necessary” as the payroll taxes and retail trading hours, as well as property taxes, business licenses and worker’s compensation, were getting in the way of doing business. “We all want good quality regulation to keep people safe, want to make sure things can be done and business is able to be done well because of those regulations,” he told Sky News host Peter Stefanovic. “When it gets in the way of doing business, that's where it becomes a problem.” Mr Phillips said regulations needed to be as “light as possible” to ensure business can be done in a reasonable way, but noted there was a “little bit of industry bias” in terms of the regulation mix. “But obviously a mix does matter. Things like worker's comp, for example, depends on the industry you're in and what you're doing. So that's part of the story,” he said. The Motley Fool investment chief said he “can’t imagine” starting a café or business in Victoria due to the different rules and regulations surrounding food. Although he welcomed regulations surrounding staff pay and rules over “where you can put your chairs”, Mr Phillips said over regulation had become a “real mess” for a lot of businesses, which was reflected in the BCA report. BCA chief executive Bran Black said “cumbersome regulation and taxes” prevented business investment, expansion and impacted economic growth and jobs. "Fundamentally, greater business investment results in improved living standards,” he said. Speaking to Sky News host Laura Jayes, Mr Black said the four key measures the BCA looked in a planning context for its reporting were efficiency, consistency, certainty and transparency, while within a costs and regulation perspective, taxes and licensing were the focus. Despite a Victoria government spokesman saying the state’s economy was “strong”, having “surged by more than 30 per cent” in the past three years, Mr Black said the southern state had “more work to do”. “We know that Victoria's got more work to do with respect to stamp duty. It's got the highest stamp duty rate in the country, land tax,” the BCA boss said. “It's got the third highest land tax rate in the country. “It's got significant business licensing requirements and its payroll tax rate is high.” Mr Black said the point of the report was not about ranking as there was “always more work to do” in encouraging states to be as “competitive as possible” in order to boost the overall economy. “What we are seeing that states apparently we're seeing that companies are making decisions to invest in particular jurisdictions having regard to where they can find the most attractive settings,” he said. “If we can encourage states to be more competitive as between each other, then that encourages the country as a whole to have more competitive settings within jurisdictions. “That means that we can attract investment into Australia that we desperately need.” In a BCA statement, Mr Black said other states and jurisdictions needed to look to South Australia, “destination number one for business”, if they want to be competitive in attracting business investment. “We know that lower taxes, and more efficient regulatory settings increase business growth and productivity — South Australia is leading that charge and will see the benefit of increased investment,” he said. On the contrary, Victoria was “holding back its economy”. In a September speech, Mr Black, who represents some of Australia’s largest businesses and banks, recently said many chief executives “feel we are losing our way”. Speaking to attendees, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Mr Black argued Australia was on track to leave younger generations with a heavy fiscal burden which was exacerbated by budget deficits and public debt. “Nothing we have seen seriously proposed by any side of politics in recent times would significantly alter that projection,” he said, according to The Australian . “We’re past the opportunity for incremental steps, and so the only thing that will matter is bold steps in policy. “We’re steadily increasing, not removing, regulation – making it harder to run a business.”Lakers deal Russell to Nets for second timeShares of Arc Minerals Limited ( LON:ARCM – Get Free Report ) reached a new 52-week low on Friday . The stock traded as low as GBX 1.05 ($0.01) and last traded at GBX 1.13 ($0.01), with a volume of 17444889 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 1.13 ($0.01). Arc Minerals Stock Performance The business’s fifty day simple moving average is GBX 1.50 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 1.61. The firm has a market capitalization of £16.31 million, a PE ratio of -307.50 and a beta of 0.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 5.56 and a current ratio of 2.54. About Arc Minerals ( Get Free Report ) Arc Minerals Limited engages in the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and development of mineral properties in Africa. It holds interests in the Zambia copper and cobalt projects; and 72.5% in the Zaco copper project located in Western part of the Zambian copper belt. Arc Minerals Limited is based in Road Town, British Virgin Islands. 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Didwana, Rajasthan: In a bizarre incident from Kuchaman City, Didwana district in Rajasthan, an unusual sight left people astonished. Anil Singh Medtia, Leader of the Opposition in the Kuchaman Municipal Council, faced trouble when his electric car broke down. To everyone's surprise, he had the car pulled by oxen. The incident was caught on camera and the video of the incident is doing rounds on social media. The video shows the pair of oxen pulling the electric car which broke down in Rajasthan's Didwana, sparking curiosity and conversations. A Year of Problems with the Car Medtia revealed that he purchased the car in 2023 but faced constant issues ever since. He claimed that he has visited the service center 16 times in the past year, but the problems remain unresolved. One major complaint is the car's failure to deliver the promised mileage after a full charge. Medtia accused the company of misleading him with false claims and expressed frustration over the mental stress caused by these issues. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Why Oxen Were Used The event occurred three to four days ago. When the car broke down despite being fully charged, Medtia used oxen to pull it as a way to highlight his struggles with the vehicle. This unusual solution shocked onlookers and emphasized the challenges he has faced. Similar Incident in Dholpur Interestingly, a similar event happened recently in Dholpur district. A frustrated farmer set his tractor on fire after repeated breakdowns and lack of help from the company. These incidents have raised questions about the reliability of certain vehicles and the accountability of manufacturers. This strange sight of an electric car being pulled by oxen has turned into a local sensation, drawing attention to the growing frustration among vehicle owners facing unresolved issues.More than 23,000 tags have been removed across Auckland city, thanks to an 'A-class' service provided by a social enterprise. Specifically, 3070 of these were removed from the Māngere- Ōtāhuhu local board area. The Beautification Trust has become a key player in South Auckland's efforts to maintain clean and vibrant communities. The Trust transitioned from an Auckland Council-controlled organisation to a South Auckland-based social enterprise in 2024. On Wednesday night, Community Programmes Manager Sterling Ruwhiu and Community Coordinator Erin Bowers presented to the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, showcasing the Trust's ongoing contributions. "Our mission is to connect the power of communities to learn, love, and look after the environment. That's our kaupapa." "Tonight, we're also showing how our work impacts the community in three key areas: communities that take pride and feel safe, a healthier and cleaner environment, and empowered, connected communities," Bowers said. The income generated from the Trust's services is reinvested into its community programmes. Their work over the past financial year includes: Other significant initiatives include the official opening of the Manurewa Bike Hub, promoting low-carbon travel, and the success of the Manurewa Community Recycling Centre, which has diverted nearly 190,000 kg of waste from landfills in just two years. "We've had big success with our repair cafes and launched our Food Together pop-up. "Every Thursday, people can buy a $15 bag of fresh produce, which is 40-50 percent cheaper than supermarket prices. We also have volunteers at our recycling centre, as well as a small group from Spectrum Care contributing back to society," Ruwhiu said. The Trust hosted four repair cafes last year, successfully repairing 129 items and diverting 496 kg of waste from landfills, offsetting about 3400 kilograms of carbon emissions. The Trust mobilised 902 volunteer hours and engaged over 6000 children and youth in environmental education programmes like Eye On Nature and Wearable Arts. Eighteen Early Childhood Education (ECE) and primary schools participated in Eye On Nature, with 35 artworks submitted and over 200 children engaged. Additionally, 402 students from 19 schools entered 85 garments for Wearable Arts. Ruwhiu shared a story about two sisters involved in wearable art projects: "One little girl, Siruian, bio-engineered her plastic for her outfit, and her sister grew crystals to include in hers. That's the kind of innovation coming from our young people." Local board chair Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich commended the Trust's value to the community. "Every dollar is a dollar well spent in terms of the ratepayers' dollar. The responses we're getting, especially around graffiti removal, are A-class done within a very, very short time." Bakulich also suggested discussing how to increase applications from Māngere- Ōtāhuhu schools for wearable arts if funding is a limiting factor. Local Board Member Christine O'Brien praised the Trust's impact. "The impact on [graffiti removal] is just amazing," she said. She shared an example from Saleyards Road in Ōtāhuhu: "There was a guy who was going around between Vector and Auckland Transport, and the place was getting increasingly [messy]. "Within a day of me saying, 'Have you tried the Beautification [Trust]?' it's all gone, and [he was] really the happiest ... on earth. So thank you for that." Through its innovative programmes and strong partnerships, the Beautification Trust continues to promote sustainability and strengthen communities in South Auckland. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.By James Royal, Ph.D., Bankrate.com Cryptocurrencies are enormously volatile, but that volatility can create opportunities for profit if you’re looking to trade these digital assets. Cryptos such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have risen a lot since their debut — but they’ve also experienced tremendous boom-bust cycles along the way. Experienced traders have been speculating on cryptocurrencies for years, but how can you get started if you’re new to the crypto market? Here’s how to start investing in cryptocurrency and the significant risks you need to watch out for. 5 steps for investing in cryptocurrency First things first, if you’re looking to invest in crypto, you need to have all your finances in order. That means having an emergency fund in place, a manageable level of debt and ideally a diversified portfolio of investments . Your crypto investments can become one more part of your portfolio, one that helps raise your total returns, hopefully. Pay attention to these five other things as you’re starting to invest in cryptocurrencies. As you would for any investment, understand exactly what you’re investing in. If you’re buying stocks, it’s important to read the annual report and other SEC filings to analyze the companies thoroughly. Plan to do the same with any cryptocurrencies , since there are literally thousands of them, they all function differently and new ones are being created every day. You need to understand the investment case for each trade. In the case of many cryptocurrencies , they’re backed by nothing at all, neither hard assets nor cash flow of an underlying entity. That’s the case for Bitcoin , for example, where investors rely exclusively on someone paying more for the asset than they paid for it. In other words, unlike stock, where a company can grow its profits and drive returns for you that way, many crypto assets must rely on the market becoming more optimistic and bullish for you to profit. Some of the most popular coins include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana , Dogecoin and Tether (a stablecoin) . So before investing, understand the potential upside and downside. If your financial investment is not backed by an asset or cash flow, it could end up being worth nothing. A mistake that many new investors make is looking at the past and extrapolating that to the future. Yes, Bitcoin used to be worth pennies, but now is worth much more . The key question, however, is “Will that growth continue into the future, even if it’s not at quite that meteoric rate?” Investors look to the future, not to what an asset has done in the past. What will drive future returns? Traders buying a cryptocurrency today need tomorrow’s gains, not yesterday’s. The prices of cryptocurrencies are about as volatile as an asset can get. They could drop quickly in seconds on nothing more than a rumor that ends up proving baseless. That can be great for sophisticated investors who can execute trades rapidly or who have a solid grasp on the market’s fundamentals, how the market is trending and where it could go. For new investors without these skills — or the high-powered algorithms that direct these trades — it’s a minefield. Volatility is a game for high-powered Wall Street traders, each of whom is trying to outgun other deep-pocketed investors. A new investor can easily get crushed by the volatility. That’s because volatility shakes out traders, especially beginners, who get scared. Meanwhile, other traders may step in and buy on the cheap. In short, volatility can help sophisticated traders “buy low and sell high” while inexperienced investors “buy high and sell low.” If you’re trading any asset on a short-term basis, you need to manage your risk , and that can be especially true with volatile assets such as cryptocurrency. So as a newer trader, you’ll need to understand how best to manage risk and develop a process that helps you mitigate losses. And that process can vary from individual to individual: Newer traders should consider setting aside a certain amount of trading money and then using only a portion of it, at least at first. If a position moves against them, they’ll still have money in reserve to trade with later. The ultimate point is that you can’t trade if you don’t have any money. So keeping some cash in reserve means you’ll always have a bankroll to fund your trading. It’s important to manage risk, but that will come at an emotional cost. Selling a losing position hurts, but doing so can help you avoid worse losses later. Finally, it’s important to avoid putting money that you need into speculative assets. If you can’t afford to lose it — all of it — you can’t afford to put it into risky assets such as cryptocurrency, or other speculative assets, for that matter. Whether it’s a down payment for a house or an important upcoming purchase, money that you need in the next few years should be kept in safe accounts so that it’s there when you need it. And if you’re looking for an absolutely sure return, your best option is to pay off high-interest debt. You’re guaranteed to earn (or save) whatever interest rate you’re paying on the debt. You can’t lose there. Finally, don’t overlook the security of any exchange or broker you’re using. You may own the assets legally, but someone still has to secure them, and their security needs to be tight. If they don’t think their cryptocurrency is properly secured, some traders choose to invest in a crypto wallet to hold their coins offline so they’re inaccessible to hackers or others. Remember that investing in cryptocurrency can be part of a broader investment strategy, but shouldn’t be your only one. Other ways to invest in cryptocurrency While investing directly in cryptocurrency is popular, traders have other ways to get into the crypto game, some more directly than others. These include: Each of these methods varies in its riskiness and exposure to cryptocurrency, so you’ll want to understand exactly what you’re buying and whether it fits your needs. Cryptocurrency investing FAQs In theory it takes only a few dollars to invest in cryptocurrency. Most crypto exchanges, for example, have a minimum trade that might be $5 or $10. Other crypto trading apps might have a minimum that’s even lower. However, it’s important to understand that some trading platforms will take a huge chunk of your investment as a fee if you’re trading small amounts of cryptocurrency. So it’s important to look for a broker or exchange that minimizes your fees. In fact, many so-called “free” brokers embed fees — called spread mark-ups — in the price you pay for your cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency is based on blockchain technology . Blockchain is a kind of database that records and timestamps every entry into it. The best way to think of a blockchain is like a running receipt of transactions. When a blockchain database powers cryptocurrency, it records and verifies transactions in the currency, verifying the currency’s movements and who owns it. Many crypto blockchain databases are run with decentralized computer networks. That is, many redundant computers operate the database, checking and rechecking the transactions to ensure that they’re accurate. If there’s a discrepancy, the networked computers have to resolve it. Some cryptocurrencies reward those who verify the transactions on the blockchain database in a process called mining. For example, miners involved with Bitcoin solve very complex mathematical problems as part of the verification process. If they’re successful, miners receive a predetermined award of Bitcoins. To mine Bitcoins , miners need powerful processing units that consume huge amounts of energy. Many miners operate gigantic rooms full of such mining rigs in order to extract these rewards. As of October 2024, running the Bitcoin system burned as much energy per year as the country of Poland. If you’re looking to invest in Bitcoin, you have a variety of ways to do so, and you can work with a number of companies, including: If you’re looking to buy Bitcoin, pay particular attention to the fees that you’re paying. Here are other key things to watch out for as you’re buying Bitcoin . What are altcoins? An altcoin is an alternative to Bitcoin. Many years ago, traders would use the term pejoratively. Since Bitcoin was the largest and most popular cryptocurrency, everything else was defined in relation to it. So, whatever was not Bitcoin was lumped into a catch-all category called altcoins . While Bitcoin is still the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization by far, it’s no longer the only game in town. Other altcoins such as Ethereum and Solana have grown in popularity, making the term altcoin somewhat outmoded. Now with a reported 15,000 or more cryptocurrencies in existence, it makes less sense than ever to define the industry as “Bitcoin and then everything else.” Bottom line Cryptocurrency is a highly speculative area of the market, and many smart investors have decided to put their money elsewhere. For beginners who want to get started trading crypto, however, the best advice is to start small and only use money that you can afford to lose. Bankrate’s Brian Baker contributed to an update of this story. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
NoneA BRIDE has caused a stir after banning guests from wearing smart watches at her wedding. Purists in fashion often believe that certain rules should be followed to preserve an outfit's integrity - and the likes of Apple Watches simply don’t fit the bill. Just like trainers with tuxedos is frowned upon for wedding attire, pairing a smart watch with your best clobber is controversial. The style is so divisive that one bride specifically banned the look when sending out her wedding invitations. “Received a wedding invite that specifically said on the dress code line ‘No Apple Watches please,’” someone penned on X (formerly Twitter). The revelation sparked immense debate across X, as well as Reddit. "We are headed in the right direction," one social media user said in support of the ban. “Smart watches literally run every nice outfit, so they have a point,” another penned. “I think it’s possible it could be due to the distraction they cause,” a third weighed in. “A lot of people I know that wear smart watches tend to look down and scroll through them a lot when they get notifications.” And while some felt the ban was “firm but fair”, others staunchly disagreed with it. “I wear an Apple Watch because it syncs to a system my doctor can see,” one Reddit user shared. “A lot of disabled people wear them as they are like life alert if you fall - although, it doesn’t catch nearly enough. “If someone told me not to wear one, I would ask if I’m also not allowed to wear my prosthetic leg.” One X user hedged that the dress code rules indicated that “the marriage will last two years max”. Smart watches are often linked with fitness tracking and casual, day-to-day convenience. Wearing one with a cocktail dress can give the impression that you're prioritising utility over the elegance expected in formal settings. What’s more, formal attire (like gowns and tuxedos) is typically associated with timeless, classic accessories like analog watches. Smart watches, with their digital screens and tech-heavy look, are seen as incongruous with the sleek, elegant vibe brides and grooms want to cultivate at their nuptials. If you're struggling to decided on a dress to see you through wedding season, here's a few rules on what not to wear so you don't get in trouble.
abrdn Asia Focus (LON:AAS) Hits New 1-Year High – Still a Buy?COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Maryland turned the ball over 25 times, blew a 17-point lead and was outrebounded in the second half. Coach Brenda Frese still had plenty to be happy about. “I thought it was a phenomenal game from two really competitive teams,” Frese said. “Credit Michigan State. We knew they were going to play hard for 40 minutes.” No. 8 Maryland faced its biggest test in a while Sunday, and the Terrapins . It wasn't a pretty game from an offensive standpoint, but the Terps were able to execute when they needed to at the end. Up by two in the final minute, Shyanne Sellers found Christina Dalce on a pick-and-roll for an easy layup with 36.3 seconds left — her only points of the game. Michigan State didn't score again, falling short in this matchup between two ranked Big Ten teams. This was nearly a clash of unbeatens, but the Spartans (11-2, 1-1 Big Ten) lost to Alabama in their last game before this one. Maryland (12-0, 2-0) has equaled the second-best start in team history. “It's one of the most competitive groups I've ever coached," Frese said. “It's not really about being undefeated. Of course we love it. I think it shows just the work that they're putting in. But for us, as long as we just continue to keep our head down and work hard through this process, I think that's where you're seeing the results pay off.” The Terrapins beat Duke last month, but this was their first ranked opponent since. It was a physical game in which rebounds were not for the faint of heart. “One thing I've loved about our team all year is our effort's always been in a great space,” said Michigan State coach Robyn Fralick, whose team had a 10-1 edge in offensive rebounds in the second half. Maryland let a big lead get away, but with the score tied at 57, Saylor Poffenbarger and Bri McDaniel made 3-pointers to put the Terps up by six. McDaniel had to leave the game earlier in the fourth after falling to the ground with a thud, but she was able to return. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP women’s college basketball: and Noah Trister, The Associated Press
Americans worried about Social Security’s future2. "Pineapple. I work at a resort in Hawaii and there are so many things you can do with pineapple. You can make smoothies out of it, use the skin as a fruit salad bowl, and put it on pizza." — u/GoldOre777 4. "I'm a big fan of cayenne powder. I throw a pinch in everything to give it a zing!" — u/slapabrownman 6. "Buttermilk. It's an underrated ingredient in marinades, dressings, and bakery items like bread, cakes, etc. It just adds that extra zip." — u/johnstonb 8. "Not a chef, but a baker. Cardamom. It's still not super common in American baked goods, and while I love cinnamon, that flavor isn't special to my palette anymore. Cardamom gives a warm, floral scent and flavor to whatever you make, and it can be paired with so many things. Treat yourself: add some cardamom and orange zest to your next batch of banana bread." — u/DaygloDago 10. "Nutmeg. It goes in the sweet stuff, the savory stuff, and in some drinks." — u/MissFog 12. "Vanilla extract is to sweet as salt is to savory. So besides salt, vanilla extract is pretty bomb." — u/zafferous 14. "Roasted sesame seed oil. It adds a light nuttiness and saltiness to a dish." — u/Ez-lectronic 16. "Vinegar. It is often the thing that is missing when people go for more salt and spices in their cooking wondering why it doesn't taste quite as good as in a restaurant." — u/HEAT_IS_DIE 18. "Stock and stock cubes. They often add a lot of flavor, seasoning, and depth." — u/supermooshrooms 20. "Cumin. It brings out savory flavors, and you can never use too much." — u/[deleted] 22. "Chef of 25 years. My personal favorite is Worcestershire sauce. I use it more at home than in restaurants I've worked. It has such a nice umami though." — u/Bluewolf83 What's your favorite ingredient of all time? Share it in the comments! Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Chart Industries’s 8K filing here . Chart Industries Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Chart Industries, Inc engages in the designing, engineering, and manufacturing of process technologies and equipment for the gas and liquid molecules in the United States and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Cryo Tank Solutions, Heat Transfer Systems, Specialty Products, and Repair, Service & Leasing. Recommended Stories
John Parker Romo made a 29-yard field goal to lift the Minnesota Vikings to a 30-27 overtime win against the host Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon. Romo buried the game-winning kick in his third career game for Minnesota (9-2), which won its fourth game in a row. The score capped a 10-play, 68-yard drive for the Vikings after the Bears went three-and-out on the first overtime possession. Sam Darnold completed 22 of 34 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Vikings. Wideout Jordan Addison finished with eight catches for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown. The overtime defeat spoiled an impressive performance from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who completed 32 of 47 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns for Chicago (4-7). D.J. Moore had seven catches for 106 yards and a touchdown, and Keenan Allen finished with nine catches for 86 yards and a score. Chicago erased an 11-point deficit in the final 22 seconds of regulation to send the game to overtime. Romo had put Minnesota on top 27-16 when he made a 26-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining in the fourth quarter. Williams trimmed the Bears' deficit to 27-24 with 22 seconds to go. He rolled right and found Allen wide open in the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown, and moments later he fired a strike to Moore for a two-point conversion. The Bears recovered an onside kick on the next play to regain possession at their 43-yard line with 21 seconds left. Cairo Santos' onside kick bounced off the foot of Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt, and Tarvarius Moore recovered it. D.J. Moore put the Bears in field-goal position with a 27-yard reception across the middle of the field, and Santos made a 48-yarder as time expired to even the score at 27-all. Minnesota led 24-10 after three quarters. Romo made a 40-yard field goal early in the third quarter, and Aaron Jones punched in a 2-yard run with 1:22 left in the period to put the Vikings on top by two touchdowns. Addison and Jalen Nailor each had receiving touchdowns in the first half for Minnesota. Roschon Johnson scored on a 1-yard run for the Bears' only touchdown of the first half. Chicago trailed 14-10 at the break. --Field Level MediaFormer UCF head coach Gus Malzahn hired as Florida State OC
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