An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalitionHow smoked ice cream is keeping Canberrans cool on the South CoastEL SEGUNDO — Running back J.K. Dobbins declined to talk about his injured knee Thursday. Coach Jim Harbaugh would only say that Dobbins looked “good” in practice. Officially, the Chargers listed Dobbins as questionable to play in Saturday’s game against the New England Patriots. Dobbins has been sidelined for four weeks, placed on injured reserve because of an injury suffered in the first half of the Chargers’ loss Nov. 25 to the Baltimore Ravens. Dobbins remained on injured reserve this week, although the Chargers opened his window to return to the active roster Monday. He could be activated Friday and be in the lineup for Saturday’s game, helping the Chargers defeat the Patriots and clinch an AFC wild-card berth with their 10th victory. Or the Chargers could play it safe and wait to activate Dobbins, their leading rusher with 766 yards and eight touchdowns on 156 carries this season. The Chargers’ regular-season finale is either Jan. 4 or 5 against the Raiders in Las Vegas. The oddsmakers favor the Chargers (9-6) over the Patriots (3-12). Given the significance of the Chargers’ game Saturday against the Patriots, and given the fact that running back Gus Edwards was ruled out of the game because of an ankle injury suffered during their victory Dec. 9 over the Denver Broncos , it would seem imperative to have their best running back on the field in Week 17. If neither Dobbins nor Edwards can play, Harbaugh would turn to rookie Kimani Vidal and second-year running back Hassan Haskins to carry the ball in the most important game of the season for the Chargers. If the weather forecast becomes reality, the ground game could be extra important. As of Thursday afternoon, Saturday’s forecast calls for a high of 42 degrees with a 75% chance of rain in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the suburban Boston site of Gillette Stadium. Last season, the visiting Chargers hydroplaned their way to a 6-0 victory over the Patriots in a game in which their only scores came via two field goals from Cameron Dicker. Quarterback Justin Herbert completed only 22 of 37 passes for 212 yards and the Chargers rushed for just 29 yards. Controlling the ball with an effective running game figures to be critical in the Chargers’ first cold-weather game of the season. It could become all the more significant if the rain arrives as scheduled and the passing game becomes all the more dicey with a slick football and a soggy field. The Chargers did receive a dose of inclement weather earlier this week when a cool mist swept off the ocean during Tuesday’s practice. It was hardly enough to be called rain, though. The temperatures barely dipped below 60 degrees, hardly the stuff of a wintry afternoon in New England. “Most all of us have played in those kinds of games or grew up in that kind of weather,” Harbaugh said. “Bottom line is these guys are young and they’re healthy and their heart pumps warm blood. It pumps it from the arteries to the veins to the tributaries to the capillaries throughout their whole body.” Harbaugh paused. Related Articles “I might have gotten the order wrong,” he said, laughing. “It’s been well-established that I’m not a doctor. But I know it’s warm blood. Young, healthy, athletic guys are able to generate it.” Edwards, linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin) and right guard Trey Pipkins III (hip) were ruled out of Saturday’s game. Dobbins, tight ends Will Dissly (shoulder) and Hayden Hurst (illness) and defensive back Elijah Molden (knee) were listed as questionable to play against the Patriots.
Henry Cejudo believes one hypothetical UFC matchup would surpass the fanfare of Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall next year. 2025 figures to be another monumental year in the Octagon for the UFC brass, fighters, and fans. Several high-profile matchups are already on tap for UFC 311 , including the UFC lightweight title clash between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. The UFC is in active negotiations between UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and interim titleholder Tom Aspinall for a 2025 clash. Jones most recently defended the heavyweight belt at UFC 309 and despite teasing retirement, he pivoted on that stance after finishing Stipe Miocic. Fans continue to clamor for the UFC to book the Jones vs. Aspinall fight, which Dana White has already called the biggest heavyweight clash in the promotion’s history. But for Henry Cejudo, a potential champion vs. champion super fight could surpass the intrigue surrounding Jones vs. Aspinall. READ MORE: ‘He was insane’... Luke Rockhold names toughest sparring partner out of Cain Velasquez and Daniel Cormier Henry Cejudo: Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria is the UFC’s biggest possible blockbuster During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Cejudo made a bold claim about a potential Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria showdown. “Personally, I believe this fight could be potentially bigger than Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall,” Cejudo said of Makhachev vs. Topuria. “Competitively, of course. And it’s not just that, it’s the simple fact that Ilia Topuria has a chance to become champ-champ. “At heavyweight it’s about who is the undisputed champion. But in this position, if Ilia does win, that puts him in the category of...people will give him his flowers.” Topuria recently announced a planned move to lightweight as opposed to defending the featherweight belt for his next fight. A rematch with Alexander Volkanovski was proposed after his latest win over Max Holloway , but it’s uncertain if that’ll hold. Topuria and Makhachev have traded barbs in the media over the last year. If Makhachev gets past Tsarukyan in their UFC 311 rematch, a clash with Topuria could make sense for both sides. Topuria claimed he’ll become the first fighter to submit Makhachev in his UFC career. Makhachev’s lone defeat was by knockout against Adriano Martins at UFC 192. READ MORE: Two new fights announced for first UFC event of 2025, including a ‘banger’ that’s been dubbed ‘Clone Wars’ by fans Ilia Topuria targeting lightweight move in 2025 Topuria’s potential addition to the UFC lightweight addition is an intriguing storyline heading into 2025. Makhachev has retained the belt against most of the top contenders, and Topuria would be a fresh challenge for the titleholder. Topuria competed at lightweight once during his UFC tenure, a come-from-behind finish of Jai Herbert in March 2022. He’s undefeated in his career with featherweight wins over Josh Emmett, Bryce Mitchell, and Ryan Hall. If Topuria fulfills his promise to move to lightweight, a clash with Makhachev could be on the horizon. Makhachev and Topuria’s superstardom makes Cejudo believe it’s a bigger fight than Jones vs. Aspinall. READ MORE: Brock Lesnar went to crazy lengths to avoid ‘jitters’ in UFC debut: ‘It’s a different game’
Global Launch of "Chinese Visual Key Input Method" Successfully Held in Dubai 12-13-2024 11:00 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Press Release Agency On December 12, 2024, the global launch event of the "Chinese Visual Key Input Method" and the China-UAE Cultural Creativity Cooperation Forum took place successfully at the CCPIT(UAE) Cultural and Creative Exhibition in Dubai. Director of the Cultural China International Cultural Exchange Center, chaired the launch event, which focused on the theme of "Bringing Chinese to the World, Helping the World Understand China." Over 60 participants, including education experts, cultural scholars, and representatives from schools and enterprises from China and the UAE, attended the event. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-10-1024x769.png Dr. John Chu is introducing technology Dr. John Chu, inventor and founder of the "Chinese Visual Key Input Method," introduced the groundbreaking technology during the event. The system uses an innovative framework coordinate algorithm to transform Chinese characters into color and position modules, combined with AI, to achieve a seamless transition from "recognizing shapes" to "inputting text." This enables beginners to master Chinese typing within three minutes through an intuitive and straightforward process. Beyond its technical prowess, the method serves as a cultural mission, revitalizing the charm of Chinese characters and making Chinese culture more accessible. Professor Zhang Xiping, Distinguished Professor at Beijing Language and Culture University and a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, highlighted that traditional Chinese teaching methods, which emphasize pinyin, grammar, and memorization, are often time-consuming and less effective for many learners. The Chinese Visual Key Input Method integrates technology with education to offer a systematic solution, marking a revolutionary step in Chinese character teaching. Zhang described it as the most significant advancement in Chinese character research since the ancient text Shuowen Jiezi , surpassing the phonetic teaching methods introduced by missionaries over 400 years ago. Dr. Tariq Alqahtani, President of Al Haraka Al Awla Company in Saudi Arabia, praised the technology for transforming language learning, especially for Chinese. He noted that the method offers new opportunities for students and professionals in Saudi Arabia and worldwide, making Chinese learning faster, easier, and more engaging. Professor Pan Wenguo of East China Normal University, Editor-in-Chief of Global Chinese Development Research, lauded the Chinese Visual Key Input Method as a groundbreaking contribution to global Chinese education. By lowering the barriers to Chinese character input, it significantly promotes the global dissemination of the language. Developed over 16 years by Dr. Chu's team, the method combines visual perception, tactile principles, and framework coordinate algorithms to reconstruct Chinese characters, overcoming the limitations of pinyin and Wubi input methods. Supporting over 80,000 characters in simplified, traditional, and variant forms, it embodies the principle of "what you see is what you get." Professor Bai Zhimin from Universite de La Rochelle in France commended the modular approach of the system, which simplifies complex Chinese characters into visual elements. This not only reduces learning difficulty but also boosts classroom efficiency, helping learners overcome the fear of Chinese characters and fostering confidence in their studies. Dr. Yu Zhong, an expert at Tsinghua University's Institute for International AI Governance, described the "Chinese Visual Key Input Method" as a transformative AI innovation. Dubbed the "Key to Chinese," it redefines language processing through modularization and intuitive input, marking a milestone in the fusion of AI and linguistics. With applications spanning education, business, and cultural exchange, the method bridges cultural divides and underscores the global significance of the Chinese language. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-12-1024x682.png 2024 International Chinese Communication Forum The subsequent forum featured high praise from international organizations and enterprises, including the UAE China-Arab Business Association, for the technological breakthrough and its role in Sino-Arab cultural exchanges. The intuitive nature of the input method lowers learning barriers, fostering global Chinese language development. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-13-1024x572.png Strategic Collaboration Signing The event also included the signing ceremony for the "Key to Chinese" strategic partnership. Dr. John Chu and Dr. Tariq Alqahtani formalized their collaboration, while other dignitaries-including Prof. Zhang Xiping, Zhang Li, Zeng Ping, and Lv Xiaoguang-jointly launched the China-UAE Chinese Cultural Communication Centre. This initiative aims to deepen educational and cultural cooperation between China and the UAE. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-14-1024x576.png Driving China-UAE Chinese Cultural Communication Centre Currently, Chinese has been incorporated into the national education systems of 85 countries, with over 200 million learners and users worldwide. In the UAE alone, 171 schools offer Chinese courses to 71,000 students. The launch of the Chinese Visual Key Input Method injects fresh vitality into China-UAE cultural exchanges and contributes to the advancement of global language education and cultural diversity. Media Contact Company Name: Global News Online Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=global-launch-of-chinese-visual-key-input-method-successfully-held-in-dubai ] City: NY Country: United States Website: http://www.globalnewsonline.info This release was published on openPR.Netanyahu, After Major Strikes on Houthis: 'We Will Get the Job Done'
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A historic farm that had grown carrots for 27 years is now returning to the business thanks to a ‘Welsh Veg in Schools’ initiative. Holden Farm in Lampeter is now famous for its organic dairy products including the . However back in 2006, they were forced to close down carrot production after a change in supermarket policy meant sending their produce 200 miles to Peterborough for packing. That was until the Welsh Veg in Schools project came knocking and offered them a deal they couldn’t refuse - a guaranteed price for everything they grew, to be collected, processed and distributed by the project. After 18 years Holden farm began growing carrots again, having to borrow equipment from neighbours to do so. Patrick Holden, owner of Holden Farm at Bwlchwernen Fawr, said: “I used to think of myself as a carrot prince, but I lost my crown in 2006 because of a supermarket policy. “This year we grew over an acre - with a mixture of luck, accident, goodwill from neighbours and a tiny bit of knowledge I had retained, the crop did really well. “We sold over 10 tons of carrots to schools in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. “It’s fabulous, it’s fantastic and what’s even better is they appreciate it. “[Food wholesalers] Castell Howell analysed the carrots and found ours are more nutritious than conventional carrots. “Our farm is the oldest organic dairy farm in Wales, I think the taste of the carrot is related to the health of the soil.” The Welsh government-funded Welsh Veg in Schools pilot project run by Food Sense Wales aims to get more organic Welsh veg into primary school meals. It was discovered that only six per cent of vegetables in Welsh schools are grown in Wales - Food Sense Wales aims to boost that figure. Castell Howell, a project partner, is distributing Welsh veg for 700,000 school meals a week for 1,000 schools. The project aims to ‘redesign supply chains to make them fairer and more resilient’, and ‘build on the commitment from Welsh government to ensure every primary school child is offered a free school meal from local produce’. According to Castell Howell group manager Edward Morgan, this will improve the nutritional content too: “The sooner the veg gets harvested, the quicker we can get them to the depot, and the quicker we get them into the schools, we lose less nutritional value." According to Welsh government, the project “has already helped to develop capability and capacity amongst local growers to supply the public sector." Holden is proof of that - their first year’s return to carrots has been so successful, they are hoping to do it again. Holden said: “We will probably grow them again. “We’d love to grow them not just for schools but for supermarkets too, but for success in small-scale growing, you need trust, collaboration, transparency and consumer commitment. “We have the school’s commitment, we could do with everyone buying our carrots in supermarkets - ask your supermarkets why they don’t stock local produce.”