SAN FRANCISCO — A former OpenAI researcher known for whistleblowing the blockbuster artificial intelligence company facing a swell of lawsuits over its business model has died, authorities confirmed this week. Suchir Balaji, 26, was found dead inside his Buchanan Street apartment on Nov. 26, San Francisco police and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said. Police had been called to the Lower Haight residence at about 1 p.m. that day, after receiving a call asking officers to check on his well-being, a police spokesperson said. The medical examiner’s office has not released his cause of death, but police officials this week said there is “currently, no evidence of foul play.” Information he held was expected to play a key part in lawsuits against the San Francisco-based company. Balaji’s death comes three months after he publicly accused OpenAI of violating U.S. copyright law while developing ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence program that has become a moneymaking sensation used by hundreds of millions of people across the world. Its public release in late 2022 spurred a torrent of lawsuits against OpenAI from authors, computer programmers and journalists, who say the company illegally stole their copyrighted material to train its program and elevate its value past $150 billion. The Mercury News and seven sister news outlets are among several newspapers, including the New York Times, to sue OpenAI in the past year. In an interview with the New York Times published Oct. 23, Balaji argued OpenAI was harming businesses and entrepreneurs whose data were used to train ChatGPT. “If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company,” he told the outlet, adding that “this is not a sustainable model for the internet ecosystem as a whole.” Balaji grew up in Cupertino before attending UC Berkeley to study computer science. It was then he became a believer in the potential benefits that artificial intelligence could offer society, including its ability to cure diseases and stop aging, the Times reported. “I thought we could invent some kind of scientist that could help solve them,” he told the newspaper. But his outlook began to sour in 2022, two years after joining OpenAI as a researcher. He grew particularly concerned about his assignment of gathering data from the internet for the company’s GPT-4 program, which analyzed text from nearly the entire internet to train its artificial intelligence program, the news outlet reported. The practice, he told the Times, ran afoul of the country’s “fair use” laws governing how people can use previously published work. In late October, he posted an analysis on his personal website arguing that point. No known factors “seem to weigh in favor of ChatGPT being a fair use of its training data,” Balaji wrote. “That being said, none of the arguments here are fundamentally specific to ChatGPT either, and similar arguments could be made for many generative AI products in a wide variety of domains.” Reached by this news agency, Balaji’s mother requested privacy while grieving the death of her son. In a Nov. 18 letter filed in federal court, attorneys for The New York Times named Balaji as someone who had “unique and relevant documents” that would support their case against OpenAI. He was among at least 12 people — many of them past or present OpenAI employees — the newspaper had named in court filings as having material helpful to their case, ahead of depositions. Generative artificial intelligence programs work by analyzing an immense amount of data from the internet and using it to answer prompts submitted by users, or to create text, images or videos. When OpenAI released its ChatGPT program in late 2022, it turbocharged an industry of companies seeking to write essays, make art and create computer code. Many of the most valuable companies in the world now work in the field of artificial intelligence, or manufacture the computer chips needed to run those programs. OpenAI’s own value nearly doubled in the past year. News outlets have argued that OpenAI and Microsoft — which is in business with OpenAI also also has been sued by The Mercury News — have plagiarized and stole its articles, undermining their business models. “Microsoft and OpenAI simply take the work product of reporters, journalists, editorial writers, editors and others who contribute to the work of local newspapers — all without any regard for the efforts, much less the legal rights, of those who create and publish the news on which local communities rely,” the newspapers’ lawsuit said. OpenAI has staunchly refuted those claims, stressing that all of its work remains legal under “fair use” laws. “We see immense potential for AI tools like ChatGPT to deepen publishers’ relationships with readers and enhance the news experience,” the company said when the lawsuit was filed. Jakob Rodgers is a senior breaking news reporter. Call, text or send him an encrypted message via Signal at 510-390-2351, or email him at jrodgers@bayareanewsgroup.com.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes paced up and down the Chiefs’ sideline, yelling toward everyone yet no one in particular. His first-half pep talk, a waste. His body, bruised. His frustration, public for all to see. If you didn’t know any better — if you didn’t check the date on this column — you might have guessed I ripped the scene from Christmas Day a year earlier. Except for just one tiny detail. The Chiefs won. They beat the Las Vegas Raiders 19-17 on Friday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, and for all of the close, funky conclusions that have defined this season, we have a masterpiece: a botched snap. A year after the Raiders robbed the Chiefs of a Christmas Day celebration, they gifted them a victory when center Jackson Powers-Johnson snapped the ball before quarterback Aidan O’Connell expected it. Nick Bolton pounced on it. That’s how the Chiefs just beat the worst team in football. Look, the Chiefs are still a very good team, but with the record of a very great team requesting to be judged on the curve of the very best teams the league has to offer. That’s not some unfair grading system we invented for them — it’s how they judge themselves. Been that way for a while now. And about the only positive thing I can offer from Friday’s game — other than, you know, the win — is to wonder if perhaps the outcome will convince Raiders owner Mark Davis that head coach Antonio Pierce is a good fit for the job. The Chiefs’ offense gained just 4.9 yards per play, the third-worst mark among the 12 teams to play the Raiders this season. The Chiefs defense allowed 6.9 yards per play, 1.3 more yards per play than anyone had allowed the Raiders this year. Chiefs coach Andy Reid botched a fourth-down decision in which he elected to put the end of the game in the hands of that defense, rather than his quarterback. Everyone shared some blame. But for all of that, there are no bigger concerns than the root of Mahomes’ outburst. Left tackle. For the third time this year, Reid benched his left tackle in-game, enacting a full-on state of emergency that sent Joe Thuney, an All-Pro guard, to protect Mahomes’ blindside. To hell with it, Reid apparently said, and who could blame him? Starting left tackle Wanya Morris, who doubles as the replacement for the first guy KC benched this season, allowed 11 pressures and a career day not from Maxx Crosby, but from K’Lavon Chaisson — who had eight pressures, per Next Gen Stats. A ticket-taker slows traffic more efficiently than Morris slowed the Raiders’ navigation to his quarterback. On three occasions, Chaisson reached Mahomes is less than 2 1/2 seconds. Those plays were over before they started. “He’s playing against a couple of good players,” Reid said of Morris. “But you gotta do better than what we did there.” At one point, visibly frustrated, Mahomes stretched out both arms from his sides and turned his palms skyward, as if to ask the very question that will hover over the rest of the Chiefs’ quest for the NFL’s first three-peat: What now? Well, it sure seems like one of the most important players to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl hopes just became someone who hasn’t put on a football uniform in more than 11 months — someone who has never put on a Chiefs uniform. D.J. Humphries, you’re up. After spending the past 11 months out of football — not even a practice since his ACL injury with the Arizona Cardinals last December — the Chiefs have little choice but to ask Humphries to step into one of the most important jobs in the sport. A risky solution. I’ll listen for others. The Chiefs have survived subpar left tackle play in this era. They’re almost stuck with it, given the constraints of their salary cap paired with their draft position falling at the end of every round. Donovan Smith was below average a year ago, even if time has elevated that memory. Heck, Cam Erving protected Mahomes at one point. They’ve managed. This is different. They aren’t even giving Mahomes a chance. Before the season, I could not offer you a single example of a left tackle flat-out whiffing on an edge rusher. I’m sure it’s happened. I don’t remember it. Today, if asked for that example, I would reply with a question: Which one? Morris continually elected to just try to punch at Chaisson. He came about as close as a 58-year-old boxer on Netflix. To Morris’ credit, and this will be dismissed more quickly than it should, he remained by his locker as media entered the room after the game. He took every last question he was asked. “There’s no better time to learn than when you get your (rear-end) beat,” Morris told me, and he did not say rear-end. “It sucks to get your (rear-end) beat, but when you get your (rear-end) beat, you can have two responses: You can lay down, or you can get back up and try something new. I’m going to get back up and try something new.” What’s becoming obvious: The Chiefs cannot afford him that chance. They cannot afford their second-round pick, Kingsley Suamataia, that chance, either. A year ago, the Raiders supplied the Chiefs a wake-up call: They’d better take the rest of the season seriously if they intended to make another Super Bowl run. This year, the wake-up call is how drastically one position can derail their plans. On a first-half drive Friday, Mahomes completed a no-look pass to tight end Noah Gray for 26 yards. A few plays later, tight end Travis Kelce lateraled a ball to running back Samaje Perine for a first down. Three more plays later, Mahomes absorbed a shot to the chest but managed to somehow flick a pass to receiver Justin Watson, who made a contested catch for a touchdown. A no-look. A lateral. A contested catch, which this team almost never makes. That once comprised the look of a team showing off. On Friday, it comprised the requirements for scoring. It was the recipe for the only time the Chiefs reached the end zone. Those plays I glossed over? They were interrupted by the constant pressure. Even the touchdown should have been interrupted by the pressure. A miraculous throw, really. But the Raiders — and that outburst — illuminated something in the process. Even a franchise savior has a limit. ©2024 The Kansas City Star. Visit kansascity.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.None
CROWN ROYAL JOINS FORCES WITH NATE SMITH AND SCOTTY HASTING TO SUPPORT VETERANS AS THE AWARD-WINNING WHISKY DONATES $50,000 TO CREATIVETS ON COUNTRY MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHTSaudi Arabia banned film for 35 years. The Red Sea festival is just one sign of the industry's rise JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia's decades-long cinema ban. Baraa Anwer, The Associated Press Dec 13, 2024 2:40 PM Dec 13, 2024 2:50 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message A view of the Red Sea International Film Festival banner displayed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Baraa Anwer) JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia's decades-long cinema ban. Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different — and the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award. Roula Dakheelallah was named the winner of the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Thursday. The award — and the glitzy festival itself — is a sign of Saudi Arabia's commitment to shaping a new film industry. “My heart is attached to cinema and art; I have always dreamed of a moment like this,” Dakheelallah, who still works a 9-5 job, told The Associated Press before the awards ceremony. “I used to work in voluntary films and help my friends in the field, but this is my first big role in a film.” The reopening of cinemas in 2018 marked a cultural turning point for Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that had instituted the ban 35 years before, under the influence of ultraconservative religious authorities. It has since invested heavily in a native film industry by building theaters and launching programs to support local filmmakers through grants and training. The Red Sea International Film Festival was launched just a year later, part of an attempt to expand Saudi influence into films, gaming, sports and other cultural fields. Activists have decried the investments as whitewashing the kingdom’s human rights record as it tightly controls speech and remains one of the world’s top executioners. With FIFA awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia this week, Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi activist with the London-based rights group ALQST, said Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman “has really managed to create this bubble where people only see entertainment and they don’t see the reality on the ground.” These efforts are part of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan unveiled in 2016 to ease the economy's dependence on oil. As part of it, Saudi Arabia plans to construct 350 cinemas with over 2,500 movie screens — by this past April, across 22 cities, it already had 66 cinemas showing movies from the local film industry, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood. (The Red Sea International Film Festival attracts a host of talent from the latter industries, with Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra Jonas also picking up awards Thursday.) The country's General Entertainment Authority last month opened Al Hisn Studios on the outskirts of Riyadh. As one of the largest such production hubs in the Middle East, it not only includes several film studios but also a production village with workshops for carpentry, blacksmithing and fashion tailoring. “These facilities, when they exist, will stimulate filmmakers,” said Saudi actor Mohammed Elshehri. “Today, no writer or director has an excuse to imagine and say, ‘I cannot implement my imagination.’” The facilities are one part of the equation — the content itself is another. One of the major players in transforming Saudi filmmaking has been Telfaz11, a media company founded in 2011 that began as a YouTube channel and quickly became a trailblazer. Producing high-quality digital content such as short films, comedy sketches and series, Telfaz11 offered fresh perspectives on Saudi and regional issues. In 2020, Telfaz11 signed a partnership with Netflix to produce original content for the streaming giant. The result has been movies that demonstrate an evolution on the storytelling level, tackling topics that were once off-limits and sensitive to the public like secret nightlife in “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) and changing social norms in “Naga.” “I think we tell our stories in a very simple way, and that’s what reaches the world,” Elshehri says of the changing shift. “When you tell your story in a natural way without any affectation, it will reach every person.” But the films were not without their critics, drawing mixed reaction. Social media discoursed ranged from pleasure that Saudi film were tackling such topics to anger over how the films reflected conservative society. As Hana Al-Omair, a Saudi writer and director, points out, there are still many stories left untold. “We certainly have a long time ahead of us before we can tell the Saudi narrative as it should be,” she said, acknowledging that there are still barriers and rampant censorship. “The Goat Life,” a Malayalam-language movie about an Indian man forced to work without pay in Saudi Arabia, is not available on Netflix's platform in the country. Movies that explore political topics or LGBTQ+ stories are essentially out of the question. Even “My Driver and I,” featured at the Red Sea festival alongside 11 other Saudi feature-length films, was initially too controversial. It centers on a Sudanese man in Jeddah, living away from his own daughter, who feels responsible for the girl he drives as her parents are absent. It was initially blocked from being made because of the relationship between the girl and the driver, filmmaker Ahd Kamel has said, even though it's not a romantic relationship. Now in 2024, the film is a success story — a symbol of the Saudi film industry's evolution as well as the growing role of women like Kamel behind the camera and Dakheelallah in front of it. “I see the change in Saudi cinema, a very beautiful change and it is moving at a wonderful speed. In my opinion, we do not need to rush,” Dakheelallah said. “We need to guide the truth of the artistic movement that is happening in Saudi Arabia.” Baraa Anwer, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More Entertainment News How to write a holiday rom-com for TV, according to the experts Dec 13, 2024 3:16 PM Saudi Arabia banned film for 35 years. The Red Sea festival is just one sign of the industry's rise Dec 13, 2024 2:53 PM Unique among 'Person of the Year' designees, Donald Trump gets a fact-check from Time magazine Dec 13, 2024 2:46 PM Featured FlyerRobot Programming Services Market to See Competition Rise | ABB, FANUC, KUKA, Universal Robots
abrdn Property Income Trust (LON:API) Reaches New 1-Year Low – Here’s What Happened
Today is World Aids Day. While Venereologists come together to share their knowledge to end this disease, HIV/AIDS continues to remain a major challenge due to its unique and profound impact on public health, human rights and societal well being. The Sunday Observer sought the help of Consultant Venereolost Nationol STD/AIDS program Sri Lanka, Dr. Nimali Jayasuriya for more insights into the disease where a proper cure still remains elusive. Excerpts. Q: December 1 is World Aids Day. Why is a special day set aside for this health issue amidst so many equally pressing health issues? A : This day is dedicated to highlight the global fight against HIV/AIDS due to its unique and profound impact on public health, human rights, and societal well-being. Despite significant progress, HIV/AIDS continues to pose a major challenge, affecting millions worldwide, particularly among marginalised and vulnerable communities. World AIDS Day focuses on raising awareness, promoting unity, mobilising action, addressing global inequalities, and commemorating the historical significance of HIV/AIDS, which remains one of the most devastating pandemics in modern history. Q: What is this year’s theme and why was it chosen? A: The theme for World AIDS Day 2024 is Take the Rights Path. It was chosen to highlight the importance of protecting human rights in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The theme underscores the need to address inequalities, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and ensure equitable access to healthcare, particularly for marginalised and vulnerable populations disproportionately impacted by HIV. Furthermore, this year’s theme aims to ensure that everyone has access to the care, support, and dignity they deserve in the fight against HIV. Q: How does it help the HIV /AIDS community in Sri Lanka? A: It supports the HIV/AIDS community in Sri Lanka by raising awareness, reducing stigma, and mobilising resources for prevention, care, and treatment. To commemorate this day, public awareness campaigns are conducted to educate people about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, encouraging more people to access these services. Numerous outreach activities and free testing initiatives organised on this day encourage people to get tested, enabling early diagnosis and timely treatment, which greatly improve health outcomes. Q : How many patients are there in Sri Lanka at present who are living with HIV/AIDS? A: The cumulative total number of people diagnosed with HIV from 1987 to the end of 2023 is 5,705. Of these, the total number of adjusted deaths among all HIV cases up to 2023 is 1,553. Consequently, the total number of people diagnosed with HIV and alive at the end of 2023 is 4,151. Q : Do you see an increase in the number in recent years? A: Yes, there has been an observable increase in the number of detected HIV cases in Sri Lanka in recent years. There was a 14 percent rise in newly detected cases compared to 2022, with a male-to-female ratio of 7:1.4 Number of annually reported HIV cases 1991-2023. Q: How do these figures compare with global figures in the South Asian region? A : Sri Lanka’s HIV prevalence remains low (around 0.03 percent in the general population) relative to other South Asian countries, such as India and Nepal, where prevalence rates are higher. Q: Gender-wise and age-wise who are those most at risk of getting HIV? Why? A : In Sri Lanka, the groups most at risk of acquiring HIV are largely determined by social and behavioural factors. Women, especially sex workers and those engaged in high-risk behaviours, young people, Men having sex with men, people who inject drugs, and transgender individuals are particularly vulnerable. Young people, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 24, are highly vulnerable to HIV due to a combination of biological factors and lack of access to comprehensive sexual education. They are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviours and face barriers to accessing HIV testing and prevention services. Q: Occupation-wise, who are those most at risk in Sri Lanka? A : In Sri Lanka, the risk of acquiring HIV is not significantly influenced by occupation alone but rather by high-risk behaviours associated with certain groups. For instance, the HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) was 2.4 percent in 2023, while among female sex workers (FSW), it was only 0.02 percent. This highlights that although the prevalence among FSWs is relatively low, they remain vulnerable due to several risk factors including: * Unprotected Sexual Encounters: Despite the availability of condom distribution programs, not all clients consent to using protection, increasing the risk of HIV transmission. * High Partner Turnover: Frequent engagement with multiple sexual partners elevates exposure risk. * Social Stigma: The stigma surrounding sex work often prevents FSWs from accessing healthcare services and HIV prevention programs. * Limited Access to Regular Testing: Many sex workers lack consistent access to testing and treatment services, leaving infections undiagnosed and untreated. On the other hand, MSM, including bisexual men, face the highest risk of HIV transmission in Sri Lanka due to: * Stigmatisation and Legal Barriers: Same-sex practices are heavily stigmatised, and legal restrictions discourage MSM from openly seeking healthcare services. * Hidden Networks: MSM often engage in secretive behaviours, which make it challenging to reach them through public health interventions. * Unprotected Anal Sex: This practice carries a significantly higher risk of HIV transmission compared to vaginal sex. Q : What are the symptoms to look out for early onset of the disease? A : In the early stages of HIV infection, some people may experience acute retroviral syndrome (ARS), also known as primary HIV infection or acute HIV. These symptoms typically appear 2 to 4 weeks after exposure to the virus and may resemble flu-like symptoms. Not everyone experiences ARS, but those who do might notice fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, skin rash, muscle and joint pain. Q: If detected can HIV be reversed? A : No, HIV cannot be reversed as there is currently no cure for the virus. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, its progression can be significantly slowed down, allowing people to live long and healthy lives. Q: How is it diagnosed? What are the tests used? A: HIV is diagnosed through blood or saliva tests that detect the presence of HIV antibodies, antigens, or the virus itself. Initially, a screening test is used for diagnosis of HIV. Currently, the most recommended tests for the diagnosis of HIV in Sri Lanka are the HIV antigen/antibody rapid test and HIV (Ag/Ab) ELISA. However, there are several other tests available for screening, such as the dual HIV/Syphilis test and HIV self-tests. Q: Are they freely available in any state facility with diagnostic labs? A : Free HIV testing is available at all government-specialised STD (Sexually Transmitted Infections? / Sexual Health clinics. The central clinic is at De Saram Place, Colombo, and there are 41 district STD clinics providing this service island-wide. Various outreach clinics and mobile testing units in Sri Lanka, especially in high-risk areas, provide free HIV tests as part of the government’s initiative. NGO workers who collaborate with government services also provide free HIV testing services. Q: Are there different stages of disease? A : The WHO clinical staging system classifies HIV progression into four stages, based on clinical signs, symptoms, and the CD4 count: Stage 1: Acute HIV infection or asymptomatic HIV. Stage 2: Mild symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, minor infections, or diarrhea. Stage 3: Severe symptoms, including more serious opportunistic infections, prolonged diarrhea, and significant weight loss. Stage 4: AIDS with life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancer. The symptoms associated with AIDS (Stage 4) include severe weight loss (wasting syndrome), chronic diarrhea, severe fatigue and weakness, severe lung infections (difficulty breathing, cough, and fever), prolonged fever and night sweats, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, neurological symptoms such as headache, altered level of consciousness, imbalance, and memory loss, as well as cancers associated with AIDS. Q : Is there a global target for ending HIV? How close is Sri Lanka to achieving it? A. Yes, there is a global target for ending HIV, known as the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. These targets aim to achieve the following by 2030: * 95 percent of people living with HIV (PLHIV) will know their HIV status. * 95 percent of people diagnosed with HIV will be on sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART). * 95 percent of people on ART will have viral suppression (an undetectable viral load). Sri Lanka is making good progress towards meeting the global targets for ending HIV, but continued efforts are necessary to ensure universal access to testing, treatment, and care. By 2023, 88 percent of people living with HIV in Sri Lanka knew their status, 71 percent had received ART, and 61 percent were virally suppressed. Q : Gaps you see in the present system are the optimal delivery of care for all patients living with HIV/AIDS? How would you like to fill them? A : To optimise HIV care and address the existing gaps, Sri Lanka should focus on expanding access to HIV testing and treatment services, reducing stigma, ensuring continuity of care, and creating a supportive environment, especially for female sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender women, and people living with HIV. Involving the community, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and improving data management will also be key in filling these gaps. With these strategies, Sri Lanka can move closer to providing optimal care for all people living with HIV/AIDS and ultimately achieve the global targets for ending the HIV epidemic.Innovative Gate Drivers with Isolators Revolutionize Power Efficiency in Electric Vehicle Systems 12-23-2024 07:14 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: ABNewswire In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicle (EV) technology, every component counts in maximizing power efficiency and minimizing system footprint. A significant breakthrough in this domain is the introduction of innovative gate drivers with isolators, which are transforming the way powertrain systems operate. These advanced gate drivers not only enhance power efficiency but also reduce the printed circuit board (PCB) space and eliminate the need for external components, paving the way for more compact and efficient EV systems. The Rise of High-Powered SiC and GaN Devices Electric vehicle powertrains require robust and efficient power devices to deliver the raw horsepower that drivers expect. Silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) materials have emerged as the front-runners in this space due to their superior thermal conductivity and high switching capabilities. For instance, SiC MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) offer high thermal conductivity, enabling the powertrain system to operate at temperatures exceeding those of standard silicon-based devices. Similarly, GaN MOSFETs in DC/DC converters reduce capacitor and magnetics while maintaining high switching capabilities, significantly boosting the overall efficiency of the EV system. The Role of Capacitive Isolation in Gate Drivers [ https://www.shinecomponents.com/isolators/isolators-gate-drivers ] Powertrains experience a high volume of noise and vibration, which necessitates a robust isolation method to ensure stable and efficient operation. Capacitive isolation, implemented through isolated gate drivers, is the preferred method to cope with these design challenges. These gate drivers are capable of handling high data rates and mitigating excess noise throughout the system, ensuring that the powertrain operates smoothly and efficiently. The Advantages of Isolated Gate Drivers Isolated gate drivers are particularly well-suited for wide bandgap solutions, as they handle high voltage applications and fast switching functionalities ranging from 100 kHz to MHz. Their ability to eliminate external components such as pulse transformers and discrete isolators allows designers to reduce the system's cost, weight, and PCB footprint. Furthermore, these gate drivers provide functional safety diagnostics, helping to minimize faults within the powertrain system. One such example is the UCC5870-Q1 isolated gate driver from Texas Instruments (TI). This device is designed to drive high-powered SiC and GaN power devices, reducing PCB space and eliminating external components while increasing power efficiency in EV systems. According to TI, the UCC5870-Q1 is capable of providing functional safety diagnostics, helping the powertrain system, and maximizing power density by 50%. The Evolution of Gate Driver Technology Analog Devices (ADI) has also made significant strides in gate driver technology with its small form factor isolated gate drivers. These drivers are designed for the higher switching speeds and system size constraints required by power switch technologies such as SiC and GaN. They leverage ADI's proven iCoupler isolation technology combined with high-speed CMOS and monolithic transformer technology to enable ultralow propagation delay without sacrificing common-mode transient immunity (CMTI) performance. The high pulse fidelity architecture of these gate drivers enables motor power efficiency to meet new required efficiency levels. Additionally, their superior timing performance stability reduces voltage distortion, as well as harmonic and output power content on solar inverters. The iCoupler family of digital isolation products has been tested and approved by various regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Market Offerings and Choices The market for isolated gate drivers is bustling with a variety of offerings from leading manufacturers such as Infineon Technologies, Analog Devices, and Texas Instruments. These manufacturers provide a range of gate drivers tailored to different applications and power requirements. For instance, Infineon's Eicedriver family offers isolated gate drivers with high CMTI capabilities, making them ideal for SiC-based power systems. When selecting an isolated gate driver, it is crucial to consider factors such as switching speed, isolation voltage, propagation delay, CMTI performance, and package size. These factors will determine the suitability of the gate driver for a particular application and help in optimizing the overall performance of the EV system. The Future of EV Powertrain Systems As the EV market continues to grow, the demand for more efficient and compact powertrain systems will also increase. Isolated gate drivers with isolators will play a pivotal role in meeting these demands. By reducing PCB space, eliminating external components, and increasing power efficiency, these gate drivers are enabling the development of more advanced EV systems. Moreover, ongoing research and innovation in gate driver technology will lead to the development of even more efficient and reliable devices. Future gate drivers are likely to incorporate advanced features such as integrated power supplies, modulation and demodulation circuits, and bidirectional signal transmission capabilities. These features will further enhance the performance of EV powertrain systems and pave the way for the adoption of electric vehicles on a global scale. In conclusion, isolated [ https://www.shinecomponents.com/isolators/isolators-gate-drivers ] gate drivers with isolators are revolutionizing the power efficiency of electric vehicle systems. By leveraging advanced materials and technologies, these gate drivers are enabling the development of more compact, efficient, and reliable EV systems. As the EV market continues to grow, the role of isolated gate drivers in shaping the future of electric transportation will become even more significant. Media Contact Company Name: SHINE EVER (HONGKONG) CO., LIMITED Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=innovative-gate-drivers-with-isolators-revolutionize-power-efficiency-in-electric-vehicle-systems ] Phone: 86755-83220118 Address:Room 606, Side of Building 405, Shangbu Industrial Zone, No. 156, Zhenxing Road, Huahang Community, Huaqiangbei Street, Futian District City: Shenzhen City State: Guangdong Country: China Website: https://www.shinecomponents.com/ This release was published on openPR.B.C. man charged over tractor crash with police during 2023 anti-SOGI protest (BC)
After the resignation announcement from Bonneville County Coroner Rick Taylor, the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee will begin the process of interviewing candidates for coroner Tuesday night. The interviews will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office Annex, 3750 East Lincoln Road, in Ammon. Only precinct committee officers can question, nominate and vote during the meeting, but the public is invited to attend. "As precinct committee officers, it is part of our role to provide our county commissioners with three names of qualified applicants to fill the office of coroner. We're grateful to Coroner Rick Taylor, who served our county for more than a decade, and are prepared to fulfill our responsibilities to the voters of Bonneville County who placed their trust in us," BCRCC Chairman Michael Colson said. According to Idaho Code 59-906, the county central committee of the same political party shall fill any vacancies within county offices. Taylor's resignation goes into effect on Dec. 28.( MENAFN ) The Russian government is planning to evaluate artificial intelligence (AI) models to ensure they do not present any risks to national security and defense, according to *Kommersant* business daily, which reported on a new federal project aimed at digital public administration. Previously, the government had emphasized its goal to accelerate the integration of AI technology in sectors like public administration and defense. The security assessments will focus on AI models that analyze patterns using government data sets. During the training of these models, data is input into algorithms to improve their accuracy and response quality. The government intends to allocate over eight billion rubles (around $72 million) by 2030 to develop software systems designed to analyze AI models for security purposes, with the Federal Security Service (FSB) overseeing the project. The first such software system is expected to be ready by 2027-2028, and by 2030, five AI models are anticipated to be certified as "safe for operation." The Ministry of Digital Development did not clarify which types of government data would be used for training AI models. However, it was previously reported that companies involved in AI training, including major network providers and banks, would be granted access to sensitive data such as property registers, passport expiry details, pension system information, and vehicle records. MENAFN30112024000045015687ID1108941629 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES NEW RESEARCH COLLABORATION WITH THE GUTHRIE CLINICLETTER: Why I’m thankful for cyber educationRomania is going to the polls Sunday 28th November to elect a President. If noone wins outright in the first round, it goes to a second Round (likely) on December 8th. The Romanian political system is similar to France. The pro-Russian candidate Simion is second place in Round 1 but is losing 2-1 in polls for the second round against the Social Democrat candidate Ciocalu. There have been allegations of AUR meetings with Russian agents. Simion says his role models are Trump, Meloni and Jarosław Kaczyński. The top two candidates in the poll are Ciocalu (Social Democrats) and the Far Right AUR (Alliance for the Union of Romanians) led by Giorgi Simion. The AUR wants to end military aid to Ukraine and calls for return of forner Romanian territory ceded to the USSR in 1940, which is now in Ukraine. The parliamentary elections looks better for the ruling parties. They are an alliance of the Social Democrats (around 30%) and National Liberal party (around 13%). They are running as an alliance in this election. AUR are around 22%. Opinion polling for the 2024 Romanian presidential election - Wikipedia en.m.wikipedia.org Opinion polling for the 2024 Romanian parliamentary election - Wikipedia en.m.wikipedia.org Dame_Enda said: Romania is going to the polls Sunday 28th November to elect a President. If noone wins outright in the first round, it goes to a second Round (likely) on December 8th. The Romanian political system is similar to France. The pro-Russian candidate Simion is second place in Round 1 but is losing 2-1 in polls for the second round against the Social Democrat candidate Ciocalu. There have been allegations of AUR meetings with Russian agents. Simion says his role models are Trump, Meloni and Jarosław Kaczyński. The top two candidates in the poll scare Ciocalu (Social Democrats) and the Far Right AUR (Alliance for the Union of Romanians) led by Giorgi Simion. The AUR wants to end military aid to Ukraine and calls for return of forner Romanian territory ceded to the USSR in 1940, which is now in Ukraine. The parliamentary elections looks better for the ruling parties. They are an alliance of the Social Democrats (around 30%) and National Liberal party (around 13%). They are running as an alliance in this election. AUR are around 22%. Opinion polling for the 2024 Romanian presidential election - Wikipedia en.m.wikipedia.org Opinion polling for the 2024 Romanian parliamentary election - Wikipedia en.m.wikipedia.org Click to expand... Why is Ciocalu scared? Steak-knife said: Why is Ciocalu scared? Click to expand... Sorry I meant to type "are" not "scared"., Edited. I was typing on my phone so autocorrect jumbled it up, Romania: Presidential election (first round) today: 59.62% counted Ciolacu (PSD-S&D): 22% Georgescu (*): 22% (new) Simion (AUR-ECR): 15% (new) Lasconi (USR-RE): 15% Ciucă (PNL-EPP): 10% (-28) Kelemen (UDMR-EPP): 6% (+2) Geoană (*): 6% (new) Diaconescu (*): 3% (new) Terheș (PNCR-ECR): 1% (new) Birchall (*): 0% (new) Orban (FD→EPP): 0% (new) Popescu (PNR-*): 0% (new) Păcuraru (ADN-*): 0% (new) Predoiu (PLAN-*): 0% (new) +/- vs. 2019 election ➤ http://europeelects.eu/romania Latest: Romania: Presidential election (first round) today: 71.7% counted Georgescu (*): 22% (new) Ciolacu (PSD-S&D): 22% Lasconi (USR-RE): 15% Simion (AUR-ECR): 15% (new) Ciucă (PNL-EPP): 10% (-28) Kelemen (UDMR-EPP): 6% (+2) Geoană (*): 6% (new) Diaconescu (*): 3% (new) Terheș (PNCR-ECR): 1% (new) Birchall (*): 0% (new) Orban (FD→EPP): 0% (new) Popescu (PNR-*): 0% (new) Păcuraru (ADN-*): 0% (new) Predoiu (PLAN-*): 0% (new) +/- vs. 2019 election ➤ http://europeelects.eu/romania Dame_Enda said: Latest: Romania: Presidential election (first round) today: 71.7% counted Georgescu (*): 22% (new) Ciolacu (PSD-S&D): 22% Lasconi (USR-RE): 15% Simion (AUR-ECR): 15% (new) Ciucă (PNL-EPP): 10% (-28) Kelemen (UDMR-EPP): 6% (+2) Geoană (*): 6% (new) Diaconescu (*): 3% (new) Terheș (PNCR-ECR): 1% (new) Birchall (*): 0% (new) Orban (FD→EPP): 0% (new) Popescu (PNR-*): 0% (new) Păcuraru (ADN-*): 0% (new) Predoiu (PLAN-*): 0% (new) +/- vs. 2019 election ➤ http://europeelects.eu/romania Click to expand... The emergence of Georgescu as Ciolacu's opponent, rather than Simion, seems to be a complete shock. Just reading this now. Romania election stunner: Unexpected hard-right candidate surges in presidential vote Ultranationalist Călin Georgescu comes from nowhere to lead center-left PM Marcel Ciolacu and liberal Elena Lasconi in first round. www.politico.eu Not much is known about Georgescu's political opinions. He is a technocrat, a former UN agronomist. His Wikipedia bio says he has been accused of representing Russian interests, and he seems to be an admirer of Romania's wartime Fascist regime, even though it invaded the Soviet Union as part of the Nazi invasion. Călin Georgescu - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org The presidential final between Ciolacu and Lasconi. Will Georgescu change the results? According to the two exit polls presented after the polls closed, Marcel Ciolacu obtained 25% of the votes, Elena Lasconi 18%,. bucharestdailynews.com Exit polls have Romania's PM leading presidential vote – DW – 11/24/2024 Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, of the Social Democratic Party is leading centre-right opposition leader Elena Lasconi in the first round of the presidential election according to exit polls. www.dw.com Which is right? The pro-EU, pro-NATO vote will presumably rally around Ciocalu in Round 3. Mircea Geoana the Independent that got 5.4% of the vote was Deputy NATO Secretary General until September so I dont see him endorsing a populist anti NATO candidate like Georgescu. Dame_Enda said: The pro-EU, pro-NATO vote will presumably rally around Ciocalu in Round 3. Mircea Geoana the Independent that got 5.4% of the vote was Deputy NATO Secretary General until September so I dont see him endorsing a populist anti NATO candidate like Georgescu. Click to expand... OTOH, there is a political context that does not favour incumbents or establishments. A leakage of votes to Georgescu is not impossible. His sheer novelty might make him attractive to disaffected voters. With 96% of votes counted, ultranationalist Calin Georgescu was on 22%, and Marcel Ciolacu, the prime minister, had 20%, according to the Central Electoral Bureau. The strong showing of Georgescu, who has no party of his own, and campaigned largely on the social media platform TikTok, came as the biggest surprise of the election. Click to expand... Far-right candidate takes shock lead in Romania presidential election Calin Georgescu, a critic of the EU and Nato, looks set to face the pro-Europe prime minister in the second round. www.bbc.com I read that most of the votes still be be counted are from Bucharest, which might change the outcome slightly. 99.93% reporting CandidatePartyVotes% Călin Georgescu Independent 2,117,75522.94 Elena Lasconi Save Romania Union 1,769,48319.16 Marcel Ciolacu Social Democratic Party 1,769,04919.16 George Simion Alliance for the Union of Romanians 1,280,38413.87 Nicolae Ciucă National Liberal Party 811,4208.79 Mircea Geoană Independent (România Renaște)583,2176.32 Hunor Kelemen Democratic Alliance of Hungarians 416,3144.51 Cristian Diaconescu Independent 286,5113.10 Cristian Terheș Romanian National Conservative Party 95,6981.04 So Current PM is out! jackryan said: 99.93% reporting CandidatePartyVotes% Călin Georgescu Independent 2,117,75522.94 Elena Lasconi Save Romania Union 1,769,48319.16 Marcel Ciolacu Social Democratic Party 1,769,04919.16 George Simion Alliance for the Union of Romanians 1,280,38413.87 Nicolae Ciucă National Liberal Party 811,4208.79 Mircea Geoană Independent (România Renaște)583,2176.32 Hunor Kelemen Democratic Alliance of Hungarians 416,3144.51 Cristian Diaconescu Independent 286,5113.10 Cristian Terheș Romanian National Conservative Party 95,6981.04 So Current PM is out! Click to expand... That is a turn-up!. Neither of the front runners is a member of the Establishment. Lasconi is Mayor of the city of Campulung and a former journalist. Elena Lasconi - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org At the moment, this looks like a toss-up for 8th December. A nationalist leading in the Romanian elections. parentheses said: A nationalist leading in the Romanian elections. Click to expand... A Russian stooge, you mean. Georgescu wasn't even appearing in some polls so this is a shock. Simion was the Far Right figure that I thought had a chance in Round 1. TLDR: yes its worrying but then why is the US celebrating the fascist figure of Prince Constantin Cantacuzino ? Dame_Enda said: Romania is going to the polls Sunday 28th November to elect a President. If noone wins outright in the first round, it goes to a second Round (likely) on December 8th. Click to expand... As of the time of writing, Colin Georgescu has advanced to a run-off election scheduled on 8 December (Saturday week) along with Elena Lasconi, of the Save Romania Union party. Georgescu’s Alliance for the Union of Romanians is the most successful Romanian right-wing party since the establishment of the current state in Romania. That an autocratic party is in the ascendency in Romania is not a welcome development. A lovely people, this nation have surely suffered enough. The growth of the AUR is reflective of the growth in support for politicians expressing national chauvinism and autocratic leanings. From Trump in the White House (twice) to Erdagon in Turkey, to Modi in India, to Morawiecki in Poland, Wilders in Netherlands, Kristersson in Sweden, Fico in Slovakia, Orban in Hungary, Orpo in Finland, and lots more. This trend is in response to the failure of the soft left to protect the interests of ordinary working in the aftermath of the collapse of world capitalism in the Credit Crucnh / European Liquidity Crisis of 2008 onwards. Dame_Enda said: The AUR wants to end military aid to Ukraine and calls for return of former Romanian territory ceded to the USSR in 1940, which is now in Ukraine. Click to expand... It is interesting that you bring in Ukraine into this. Will Georgescu become another Orban? A whipping boy for Western liberals. And if so, why exactly? We are told by the mainstream press that Georgescu is that great bogeyman in the shadows of Western society, the "far right". But other leaders get a pass if they are on the correct page in US Foreign Policy. Georgescu's surge in electoral support is alarming. Not because he is "pro-Russian", and therefore there will be further cracks in the Atlanticist world. Rather because of the risk of concentrating power in ever smaller groups of people. But this trend is something that is enabled by the political and economic structures anyway. Among that worrying autocratic trend is something often overlooked, that of moves in Israel 2023 Israeli judicial reform - Wikipedia to end the separation of powers , a hallmark of liberal democracy. In terms of domestic policy, the current hardline government in Israel makes Victor Orban's government in Hungary look liberal. I thought the creation of the EU was to put to bed any revanchist feelings members of the European family might have. If large sections of the Romanian public want to start annexing territory in an adjacent country the EU has clearly failed. There is lots to be concerned about Callin Georgescu. His open admiration on Tik-Tok for Ion Antonescu (pm of fascist Romania) and Corneliu Codreanu (founder of the fascist paramilitary the Iron Guard, comparable with the SS) is worrying. Yikes ! But the US strangely seems to be encouraging this Romanian sentimentality. Cantacuzino Airbase - biggest Nato base in Europe Prince Constantin Cantacuzino Airbase (outside Kogalniceanu city) is finalising longterm plans to become the biggest Nato base in Europe, bigger even than Ramstein in Germany. Located only 20km from the Black Sea coast, the base is 300km from the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, and 400km from the Russian warm-water naval port city of Sevastopol in Crimea. The imperialist and Atlanticist air-base of Cantacuzino is located near the city of Constanța in the east of the country. Why have the new masters in Europe not worked to de-escalate ethnic tension across eastern Europe. We don’t see the promotion of stable and trusting relations. Under the guise of democracy the US is actively celebrating the Nazis’ military alliance, the Axis of Steel. A military alliance that Americans lost their lives and many were badly maimed fighting against. The NATO airbase at Cantacuzino is the main base of the US imperialist and aggressively militaristic structure called Area Support Group Black Sea (ASG-BS). This US "European Command initiative" is overseen by a wider American imperialist body called U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR). Cantacuzino airbase is named after Prince Constantin Cantacuzino (1905 – 1958), a leading figure in fascist Romania. In the fascist state presided over by Hitler's best buddy, Ion Antonescu, Cantacuzino was chief pilot of the Romanian national air transport company LARES. In his active duty as a fighter pilot Cantacuzino killed countless US airmen in USAAF efforts to liberate Europe from the Nazis in 1944. The US government mocks its soldiers. Past and present. All 4,500 American troops currently. The US government celebrates someone who has the blood of Americans on their hands. The airbase was renamed from Kogalniceanu (a poet and activist from 19th century Romanian efforts to secure statehood). Cantacuzino was awarded the Iron Cross, 1st Class, by Nazi Germany. Cantacuzino was an enthusiastic supporter of his country's participation in Operation Barbarossa, seeking to greatly expand the territory of the Romanian Kingdom. Cantacuzino wanted to go beyond even the dream of "Greater Romania". Cantacuzino belonged to a tread of opinion that wrote about and gave speeches about annexing the territory of what is today the Ukrainian oblasts of Odesa, Vinnytsia, Mykolaiv and much of Kirovohrad. Seemingly, these territorial claims rested on settlements as far east as the river Inhul by the Free Dacians. The Free Dacians were Dacian nobility who migrated eastward to the Sarmatian borderlands after the Roman emperor Trajan subdued the Dacian kingdom in AD 106. The Free Dacians hold a mythical place in Romanian folklore, kinda like they were cowboys, but of the Classical Era. Dame_Enda said: Georgescu wasn't even appearing in some polls so this is a shock. Simion was the Far Right figure that I thought had a chance in Round 1. Click to expand... He came 4th. The far-right candidates seem to have got ~37% of the vote. It may be better that Lasconi is from outside the established parties, so can legitimately present herself as a candidate for change. As in other countries, the economy is driving a lot of disaffection. O'Quisling said: TLDR: yes its worrying but then why is the US celebrating the fascist figure of Prince Constantin Cantacuzino ? As of the time of writing, Colin Georgescu has advanced to a run-off election scheduled on 8 December (Saturday week) along with Elena Lasconi, of the Save Romania Union party. Georgescu’s Alliance for the Union of Romanians is the most successful Romanian right-wing party since the establishment of the current state in Romania. That an autocratic party is in the ascendency in Romania is not a welcome development. A lovely people, this nation have surely suffered enough. The growth of the AUR is reflective of the growth in support for politicians expressing national chauvinism and autocratic leanings. From Trump in the White House (twice) to Erdagon in Turkey, to Modi in India, to Morawiecki in Poland, Wilders in Netherlands, Kristersson in Sweden, Fico in Slovakia, Orban in Hungary, Orpo in Finland, and lots more. This trend is in response to the failure of the soft left to protect the interests of ordinary working in the aftermath of the collapse of world capitalism in the Credit Crucnh / European Liquidity Crisis of 2008 onwards. It is interesting that you bring in Ukraine into this. Will Georgescu become another Orban? A whipping boy for Western liberals. And if so, why exactly? We are told by the mainstream press that Georgescu is that great bogeyman in the shadows of Western society, the "far right". But other leaders get a pass if they are on the correct page in US Foreign Policy. Georgescu's surge in electoral support is alarming. Not because he is "pro-Russian", and therefore there will be further cracks in the Atlanticist world. Rather because of the risk of concentrating power in ever smaller groups of people. But this trend is something that is enabled by the political and economic structures anyway. Among that worrying autocratic trend is something often overlooked, that of moves in Israel 2023 Israeli judicial reform - Wikipedia to end the separation of powers , a hallmark of liberal democracy. In terms of domestic policy, the current hardline government in Israel makes Victor Orban's government in Hungary look liberal. I thought the creation of the EU was to put to bed any revanchist feelings members of the European family might have. If large sections of the Romanian public want to start annexing territory in an adjacent country the EU has clearly failed. There is lots to be concerned about Callin Georgescu. His open admiration on Tik-Tok for Ion Antonescu (pm of fascist Romania) and Corneliu Codreanu (founder of the fascist paramilitary the Iron Guard, comparable with the SS) is worrying. Yikes ! But the US strangely seems to be encouraging this Romanian sentimentality. Cantacuzino Airbase - biggest Nato base in Europe Prince Constantin Cantacuzino Airbase (outside Kogalniceanu city) is finalising longterm plans to become the biggest Nato base in Europe, bigger even than Ramstein in Germany. Located only 20km from the Black Sea coast, the base is 300km from the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, and 400km from the Russian warm-water naval port city of Sevastopol in Crimea. The imperialist and Atlanticist air-base of Cantacuzino is located near the city of Constanța in the east of the country. Why have the new masters in Europe not worked to de-escalate ethnic tension across eastern Europe. We don’t see the promotion of stable and trusting relations. Under the guise of democracy the US is actively celebrating the Nazis’ military alliance, the Axis of Steel. A military alliance that Americans lost their lives and many were badly maimed fighting against. The NATO airbase at Cantacuzino is the main base of the US imperialist and aggressively militaristic structure called Area Support Group Black Sea (ASG-BS). This US "European Command initiative" is overseen by a wider American imperialist body called U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR). Cantacuzino airbase is named after Prince Constantin Cantacuzino (1905 – 1958), a leading figure in fascist Romania. In the fascist state presided over by Hitler's best buddy, Ion Antonescu, Cantacuzino was chief pilot of the Romanian national air transport company LARES. In his active duty as a fighter pilot Cantacuzino killed countless US airmen in USAAF efforts to liberate Europe from the Nazis in 1944. The US government mocks its soldiers. Past and present. All 4,500 American troops currently. The US government celebrates someone who has the blood of Americans on their hands. The airbase was renamed from Kogalniceanu (a poet and activist from 19th century Romanian efforts to secure statehood). Cantacuzino was awarded the Iron Cross, 1st Class, by Nazi Germany. Cantacuzino was an enthusiastic supporter of his country's participation in Operation Barbarossa, seeking to greatly expand the territory of the Romanian Kingdom. Cantacuzino wanted to go beyond even the dream of "Greater Romania". Cantacuzino belonged to a tread of opinion that wrote about and gave speeches about annexing the territory of what is today the Ukrainian oblasts of Odesa, Vinnytsia, Mykolaiv and much of Kirovohrad. Seemingly, these territorial claims rested on settlements as far east as the river Inhul by the Free Dacians. The Free Dacians were Dacian nobility who migrated eastward to the Sarmatian borderlands after the Roman emperor Trajan subdued the Dacian kingdom in AD 106. The Free Dacians hold a mythical place in Romanian folklore, kinda like they were cowboys, but of the Classical Era. Click to expand... Georgescu is actually an Independent, who campaigned solely on Tik-Tok. That may not help him for the 2nd round. The AUR candidate George Simioni came fourth. The far-right will now have to re-organise behind an unknown. Parliamentary elections come next Sunday. The party leading a government coalition, the Social Democrats, were leading with 30% in the last poll, with AUR on 21%. Lasconi's party the USL were on 15%, part of a centre-right opposition. Given the Preidential vote, these polls are dubious. Im wondering did voters confuse Calin Georgescu with Lasconi's husband, whose name is Catalin Georgescu Dame_Enda said: Im wondering did voters confuse Calin Georgescu with Lasconi's husband, whose name is Catalin Georgescu Click to expand... Noticed the similarity of the names - strange coincidence.... Dame_Enda said: Im wondering did voters confuse Calin Georgescu with Lasconi's husband, whose name is Catalin Georgescu Click to expand... There is always scope for polling error, including occasionally wild deviations, but this one looks off the charts and maybe something as simple as this may have occurred. We will see in 2 weeks, fingers crossed
AP Business SummaryBrief at 1:42 p.m. ESTDEAR ABBY: My husband is miserable. Five years ago, he was fired from his job of more than 25 years, and the small issues he had with depression, alcohol and smoking have multiplied exponentially. He sleeps until 10 or 11 a.m., showers only two or three times a week, rarely eats and has a drink in his hand by 4 or 5 p.m. every day. He now suffers from COPD but has no plans to quit smoking. He would never consider therapy. My husband has lost so much weight and muscle mass, he's barely recognizable. He seems to miss sex, but even if he made an advance, his lack of physicality would make it miserable. Anyway, I'm no longer interested. He was never an affectionate person, but now he has poor personal hygiene, his breath smells of liquor and his hands smell of tobacco. Beyond the quiet misery of home, it's tough for him to go out. He has a hard time with stairs, walking very far and even ordering from a restaurant. I feel he is trying to hasten his own death. I honestly feel there is nothing I can do that I haven't already done. I'm fine, but numb. Do you have any advice for me? -- HOPELESS IN KANSAS DEAR HOPELESS: Your husband seems to feel he has nothing to live for. You mentioned that he seems to miss sex but is now in such bad shape that you are no longer interested. Have you told him the reason you are no longer interested is that he's no longer the person you fell in love with, and a giant step in the right direction would be for him to consult his doctor about his depression? If the answer is no, consider offering him that "carrot." If he's willing to try to get back on track, you might feel differently. There are nicotine substitutes for the truly addicted, which help users inhale fewer damaging byproducts. People with COPD can get some exercise with the help of supplemental oxygen, a subject that should also be discussed with his doctor. That said, the bottom line is your husband has to WANT to help himself. If he doesn't, it may be time for you to locate the nearest Al-Anon group (al-anon.org/info) and attend some meetings, which will help you to recognize that his self-destructive behavior is not your responsibility and only he can help himself. DEAR ABBY: A longtime friend is now a widow and doesn't have time to connect anymore. I have invited her for coffee and for dinner and sent notes of support. She waits days, even weeks to respond and has other social things to do. I understand loss and grief, but this feels like "NO. Go away," with a stiff arm. I guess it's time to go away. Right? -- UNEXPECTED IN INDIANA DEAR UNEXPECTED: You may have been overwhelming this woman in your attempt to comfort her. Depending on how long ago she lost her husband, it may be better for you to step back and allow her to regain her balance. The more you push her, the further she will distance herself.Amber Heard has expressed her views on the current allegations that Blake Lively has brought forward against her “It Ends With Us” co-star, Justin Baldoni. Amber Heard spoke exclusively to NBC News about social media and the power it has in creating misinformation, especially regarding the complaint Lively brought against Baldoni. Actress Blake Lively, who starred in the film It Ends With Us, filed a formal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department accusing Justin Baldoni, who directed the film, of sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment, and launching a targeted social media campaign to damage her reputation. Lively revealed that Baldoni had hired Melissa Nathan, who is a renowned crisis manager in PR. The manager had earlier handled media strategy during the defamation case Johnny Depp had against Amber Heard. The complaint alleges that Baldoni’s camp orchestrated a “retaliatory social manipulation campaign” against Lively during the promotional phase of the film. This campaign, according to the complaint, included “proactive fan posting” and “social manipulations” to change the perception of the public against Lively and destroy her image. The allegations have caused shockwaves in Hollywood, considering that the promotion of the film had already raised questions over the tension between the cast members. He said, in this regard, that he realized how social media was potent in spreading false narratives while speaking to NBC News through her statement. “Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on.’ I saw this firsthand and up close,” she said. It’s as terrifying as it is destructive.” Heard’s words resonate with her personal experience in her legal battle with Johnny Depp. The actress has been vocal about how social media played a role in shaping the public’s perception of the defamation case she faced. Heard’s comments come after a jury delivered a unanimous verdict in favor of Depp in their defamation trial, handing him $15 million in damages, a ruling that Heard has publicly condemned. “The jury gave me my life back,” Depp said at the time, but Heard felt that the verdict set a dangerous precedent for women speaking out. She contended, “It turns back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated.” Fallout From The It Ends With Us Promotion Lively’s complaint provides further details on how the alleged social media campaign against her unfolded. The promotion of It Ends With Us was marked by noticeable tensions between the film’s stars, particularly between Lively and Baldoni. Social media fans took note of the awkwardness during press events, with rumors swirling that the two co-stars didn’t get along on set. Fans also pointed out that Baldoni appeared to be promoting the film separately from Lively and other cast members, and that several stars, including Lively and Jenny Slate, had unfollowed Baldoni on Instagram. The PR Crisis As a reaction to the allegations against Lively, Bryan Freedman of the law firm representing Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios said the accusations are “categorically false.” According to him, Wayfarer Studios was compelled to hire a crisis communications team due to Lively’s behavior during filming, including threatening not to appear on set or promote the film. Freedman also reacted to Amber Heard’s statement, saying, “TAG PR must be the most powerful group of publicists the world has ever seen for it to be able to change totally the perception of both Amber Heard and Blake Lively. Freedman continued his statement by mentioning the ongoing media attention with regard to both Lively and Heard. He claimed that every move made by the involved individuals has been highly publicized and well-documented, which enables the public to make their own decisions regarding the issue. According to Freedman, the situation involving both actresses is in no way comparable because of the vastly different facts and context. ALSO READ | Deepika Padukone And Ranveer Singh Host Private Event To Introduce Daughter Dua To Paparazzi
How to start investing in cryptocurrency: A guide for beginnersHow to start investing in cryptocurrency: A guide for beginnersStock market today: Rising tech stocks pull Wall Street toward another record
OpenAI whistleblower found dead in San Francisco apartmentThe standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.
Colombia to Host the 24th Responsible Seafood Summit in Cartagena in September 2025: New Report You Need To KnowThe far-right party holds ‘memorial’ rally for victims of car-ramming attack that has inflamed debate on migrant and security policy. Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has held what it calls a “memorial” rally for the victims of a car-ramming attack on a Christmas market that has inflamed debate on migrant and security policy. The rally was held on Monday outside a cathedral in the eastern city of Magdeburg, the scene of last week’s attack that killed five people and left more than 200 others wounded. “Terror has arrived in our city,” said the AfD’s leader in Saxony-Anhalt state, Jan Wenzel Schmidt, condemning what he labelled the “monstrous political failure” that led up to the attack, for which a Saudi Arabian citizen was arrested. “We must close the borders,” he told hundreds of supporters of the anti-immigration party. “We can no longer take in madmen from all over the world.” The party’s co-leader Alice Weidel described the attack as “an act of an Islamist full of hatred for what constitutes human cohesion ... for us Germans, for us Christians”. She demanded “change so we can finally live in security again”, as people in the crowd chanted: “Deport, deport, deport!” The suspect , Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, faces numerous charges, including murder and attempted murder. He has lived in Germany since 2006 and has previously made anti-migrant and anti-Islam posts on social media, according to reports. While motives have not yet been made public, Abdulmohsen has expressed strongly anti-Islam views, anger at German officials over immigration policies. He also has vocally supported far-right conspiracy theories about the “Islamisation” of Europe. Despite the suspect’s expressed viewpoints, which align with the AfD’s anti-immigrant stance and Islamophobic rhetoric, Weidel referred to him as an “Islamist” at the rally – an attempt to bolster the party’s anti-immigrant views. Friday’s attack has prompted political debate over migration policies before the early elections in February, in which the AfD hopes to increase its standing in parliament. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said “no stone will be left unturned” in uncovering what information had been available about the 50-year-old suspect, who had been treated for mental illness in the past, according to the German newspaper Die Welt. Meanwhile, an anti-extremist initiative called “Don’t Give Hate a Chance” also gathered in Magdeburg. “We are all shocked and angry to see that people want to exploit this cruel act for their own political ends,” the initiative said in a statement.
Guilty pleas in 'grandparent scam' expose prolific fraud network targeting seniors