p/vip in telephone House Republican Leadership Blocking Fix to Limit Controversial Spy PowersNorfolk Southern Corp. stock underperforms Thursday when compared to competitorsIt looked like a recipe for disaster. So, when his country's swimmers were being accused of doping earlier this year, one Chinese official cooked up something fast. He blamed it on contaminated noodles. In fact, he argued, it could have been a culinary conspiracy concocted by criminals, whose actions led to the cooking wine used to prepare the noodles being laced with a banned heart drug that found its way into an athlete's system. This theory was spelled out to international anti-doping officials during a meeting and, after weeks of wrangling, finally made it into the thousands of pages of data handed over to the lawyer who investigated the case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for that same drug. The attorney, appointed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, refused to consider that scenario as he sifted through the evidence. In spelling out his reasoning, lawyer Eric Cottier paid heed to the half-baked nature of the theory. "The Investigator considers this scenario, which he has described in the conditional tense, to be possible, no less, no more," Cottier wrote. Even without the contaminated-noodles theory, Cottier found problems with the way WADA and the Chinese handled the case but ultimately determined WADA had acted reasonably in not appealing China's conclusion that its athletes had been inadvertently contaminated. Critics of the way the China case was handled can't help but wonder if a wider exploration of the noodle theory, details of which were discovered by The Associated Press via notes and emails from after the meeting where it was delivered, might have lent a different flavor to Cottier's conclusions. "There are more story twists to the ways the Chinese explain the TMZ case than a James Bond movie," said Rob Koehler, the director general of the advocacy group Global Athlete. "And all of it is complete fiction." In April, reporting from the New York Times and the German broadcaster ARD revealed that the 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine, also known as TMZ. China's anti-doping agency determined the athletes had been contaminated, and so, did not sanction them. WADA accepted that explanation, did not press the case further, and China was never made to deliver a public notice about the "no-fault findings," as is often seen in similar cases. The stock explanation for the contamination was that traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen of a hotel where the swimmers were staying. In his 58-page report, Cottier relayed some suspicions about the feasibility of that chain of events — noting that WADA's chief scientist "saw no other solution than to accept it, even if he continued to have doubts about the reality of contamination as described by the Chinese authorities." But without evidence to support pursuing the case, and with the chance of winning an appeal at almost nil, Cottier determined WADA's "decision not to appeal appears indisputably reasonable." A mystery remained: How did those traces of TMZ get into the kitchen? Shortly after the doping positives were revealed, the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations held a meeting on April 30 where it heard from the leader of China's agency, Li Zhiquan. Li's presentation was mostly filled with the same talking points that have been delivered throughout the saga — that the positive tests resulted from contamination from the kitchen. But he expanded on one way the kitchen might have become contaminated, harkening to another case in China involving a low-level TMZ positive. A pharmaceutical factory, he explained, had used industrial alcohol in the distillation process for producing TMZ. The industrial alcohol laced with the drug "then entered the market through illegal channels," he said. The alcohol "was re-used by the perpetrators to process and produce cooking wine, which is an important seasoning used locally to make beef noodles," Li said. "The contaminated beef noodles were consumed by that athlete, resulting in an extremely low concentration of TMZ in the positive sample. "The wrongdoers involved have been brought to justice." This new information raised eyebrows among the anti-doping leaders listening to Li's report. So much so that over the next month, several emails ensued to make sure the details about the noodles and wine made their way to WADA lawyers, who could then pass it onto Cottier. Eventually, Li did pass on the information to WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel and, just to be sure, one of the anti-doping leaders forwarded it, as well, according to the emails seen by the AP. All this came with Li's request that the noodles story be kept confidential. Turns out, it made it into Cottier's report, though he took the information with a grain of salt. "Indeed, giving it more attention would have required it to be documented, then scientifically verified and validated," he wrote. Neither Wenzel nor officials at the Chinese anti-doping agency returned messages from AP asking about the noodles conspiracy and the other athlete who Li suggested had been contaminated by them. Meanwhile, 11 of the swimmers who originally tested positive competed at the Paris Games earlier this year in a meet held under the cloud of the Chinese doping case. Though WADA considers the case closed, Koehler and others point to situations like this as one of many reasons that an investigation by someone other than Cottier, who was hired by WADA, is still needed. "It gives the appearance that people are just making things up as they go along on this, and hoping the story just goes away," Koehler said. "Which clearly it has not." Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Gandhinagar: The state govt said on Sunday that more than 800 services are being made available to citizens under the ‘ Digital Gujarat ' project, through platforms like online portals, public service centres and e-gram centres. These services include subsidies, govt health schemes, applications for revenue records, identity cards and civic facilities. According to the govt statement, more than 1 crore applications were made in 2024-25. The govt also said that an amount of over Rs 1,800 crore was deposited as scholarships into the accounts of over 68 lakh students via direct benefit transfer (DBT). It said that govt intends to use technology extensively to resolve people's grievances. A WhatsApp chatbot has been created for citizens to receive direct information on govt services. Similarly, the Digital Gujarat chatbot will answer citizens' queries and guide them. The e-sign and e-seal facilities are also being provided to eliminate the process of signing documents, saving time and allowing certificates to be obtained transparently and easily. "With artificial intelligence (AI) being incorporated into governance, the upcoming ‘ Digital Gujarat 2.0 ', advanced technology and AI will be used to deliver govt services more efficiently and transparently to beneficiaries," a statement from the science and technology department said. Portal for info on welfare schemes launched The govt said on Sunday that the ‘Mari Yojana' portal was developed to provide citizens with access to information about welfare schemes from various state govt departments, all on a single digital platform. This portal features details of over 680 schemes from both the central and state govts. It enables citizens to stay informed about applicable schemes. An AI-powered chatbot is being developed for the Mari Yojana portal to help citizens with any queries related to state govt schemes. This chatbot will enable real-time access to comprehensive information on various schemes, including eligibility criteria, application processes and deadlines in the user's preferred language.

MADRID (AP) — Spanish King Felipe VI used his traditional Christmas Eve speech to remember the victims of the catastrophic Valencia flash floods , and urged the country to remain calm while addressing hot-button issues such as immigration and housing affordability. In a pre-recorded speech that usually reviews the year's most relevant issues, Felipe said Spain “must never forget the pain and sadness" the floods caused. The Oct. 29 floods killed more than 225 people in eastern Spain, damaging countless homes and leaving graveyards of cars piled on top of each other. In some towns, the heavy downpours that caused the floods dropped as much as a year's worth of rain in just eight hours. In early November, as Spaniards' shock at the wreckage turned into frustration, a political blame game began, directed especially at regional authorities who failed to send timely emergency alerts to cell phones on the day of the floods. The frustration of residents in hard-hit Paiporta near Valencia was on display when people tossed mud and shouted insults at the king and government officials in early November when they made their first visit to the town. “We have seen — and understood — the frustration, the pain, the impatience, the demands for greater and more effective coordination," Felipe said about how the disaster was managed. He also addressed the country's housing crunch and high rents, which have become a leading concern in the southern European country that is the eurozone's fourth-largest economy. Fast-rising rents are especially acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Felipe urged that “all the actors involved reflect” and "listen to each other” so that they facilitate bringing access to housing under “affordable conditions.” Spain's immigration debate should keep in mind the country's European partners and immigrants' countries of origin, Felipe said, warning that “the way in which we are able to address immigration ... will say a lot in the future about our principles and the quality of our democracy.” Felipe said Spain needed to remain calm in the public sphere, even in the face of a “sometimes thunderous” contest in its politics.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Eric Bieniemy's return to UCLA lasted only one season. The Bruins let go of Bieniemy on Thursday after fielding one of the nation's worst offenses this season. It didn't take head coach DeShaun Foster long to find a replacement. Indiana quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri will become the new Bruins offensive coordinator, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Bruins had not yet announced the decision. Sunseri spent one season at Indiana after following Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison. Cignetti and Sunseri worked together for four seasons, the first three with the Dukes, who made the most successful transition from FCS to FBS in history. Bieniemy was hired as associate head coach and offensive coordinator shortly after Foster was hired as head coach in February. Bieniemy was also on the Bruins staff from 2003-05 as running backs coach. Jason Fletcher, Bieniemy's agent, said in a statement that Bieniemy planned to stay only one season in Westwood and termed it a “mutual parting of the ways.” However, Bieniemy signed a two-year contract at UCLA and did have a retention bonus if he was on staff for the 2025 season. "After interviewing for head coaching jobs last year, he wanted to stay active and busy," Fletcher said. “So, he decided to go help out Deshaun Foster, who is like his little brother, at UCLA as opposed to sitting out a year.” Out of 134 Football Bowl Subdivision teams, UCLA was 117th in total offense (328.8 yards per game), 126th in scoring (18.4 points per game) and had the nation's fifth-worst rushing attack (86.6 yards per game). The Bruins — 5-7 in their first season in the Big Ten after qualifying for a bowl the last three years — were the sixth Power Five team since 2000 that didn't score at least 20 points in their first six games. Players also said early in the season that Bieniemy's scheme was difficult to grasp and that play calls could be too wordy. Bieniemy was a two-time Super Bowl champion offensive coordinator with the Kansas City Chiefs but his last two stops have not gone well. He was Washington's offensive coordinator in 2023 but was not retained after Ron Rivera was fired. Bieniemy said in an email to ESPN earlier this year that he was not fired by Washington and that he received NFL offers to coach running backs or be a passing game coordinator. However, when asked during UCLA's spring practice to explain those remarks or what his other job prospects were, he refused to do so. “What I’m going say is this: I’m here coaching at UCLA. All that other stuff, you could go talk to the Commanders. I’ll leave it just like that,” he said. Bieniemy wasn’t retained by new Commanders coach Dan Quinn, who replaced Rivera. Despite his success in Kansas City, Bieniemy hasn’t landed a heading coach job, even though he’s interviewed with more than half of the NFL’s 32 teams. Fletcher said: "The plan was always to return to the NFL in 2025, and he’s looking forward to the opportunities ahead.” Sunseri's immediate priority will be to stem any further losses to the transfer portal. Quarterback Justyn Martin — who was on track to compete for the starting job following the graduation of Ethan Garbers — and running back T.J. Harden have already entered the portal. At Indiana, Sunseri worked closely with Kurtis Rourke, a transfer from Mid-American Conference school Ohio. Rourke went on to have one of the best seasons in Hoosiers history as No. 9 Indiana (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten, No. 9 CFP) broke single-season school records for victories and conference wins and appears set to make its CFP debut in two weeks. Sunseri, like Cignetti, also coached previously at Alabama. Sunseri served as a graduate assistant for the Crimson Tide in 2019 and 2020 after previous stints at Florida State and Tennessee. The 35-year-old Sunseri also spent three seasons with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders, winning a Grey Cup title as a rookie in 2013 following his college career at Pittsburgh. Marot reported from Indianapolis. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballMan Utd fans have a lot to say about Alejandro Garnacho after performance vs Arsenal, ‘very obvious’ point is clear

Blame it on the food and drink?Over the holidays, the gift you can give yourself is taking care of your mental healthLeader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visited a vegetable market in Delhi on Tuesday and interacted with a group of women who expressed their daily struggles in managing kitchen expenses due to skyrocketing vegetable prices. Sharing a video of his visit on social media platform X, the Congress leader criticised the Central government, accusing it of ignoring the middle class’s plight amid rising inflation. He likened the government’s inaction to “Kumbhakaran,” a mythological character known for prolonged slumber. Advertisement Gandhi specifically highlighted the steep rise in garlic prices, which have surged to approximately Rs 400 per kilogram. Advertisement “Garlic was once ₹40, today it is ₹400! Rising inflation has spoiled the budget of the common man’s kitchen – Government is sleeping like Kumbhakaran!,” he wrote on X. “लहसुन कभी ₹40 था, आज ₹400!” बढ़ती महंगाई ने बिगाड़ा आम आदमी की रसोई का बजट – कुंभकरण की नींद सो रही सरकार! pic.twitter.com/U9RX7HEc8A — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 24, 2024 During his visit, Gandhi, known for his outreach efforts, joined the women as they bargained with vegetable vendors. He later visited the house of one of the women, where they discussed the challenges posed by soaring prices. Gandhi also inquired if GST was contributing to the financial strain. In response, the women unanimously agreed: “Yes, yes... a lot.” One of the women explained, “When we ask the vendor that we want to pay online, he refuses and says he will have to pay the GST if paid online...” Earlier this month, Gandhi had visited a traditional ration shop to understand the impact of online ration delivery platforms on their businesses. The Congress leader called for a balanced approach to ensure small businesses don’t suffer due to changing trends. “We need to find a balance – a system that encourages technology and innovation but also provides a safety net for those most severely impacted by them. As our economy changes and we move ahead in line with global trends, it is important to ensure that small businesses do not suffer,” he had said. Advertisement1 / 10 1. Vedanta | The company revised its demerger plan, opting to retain its base metals business within the parent entity following lender feedback. The decision, approved by the Board on December 20, reflects evolving business priorities. he stock closed at ₹477.50, down ₹14.70 (2.99%) on Friday on the BSE. 2 / 10 2. NHPC Ltd | NHPC signed a ₹5,500-crore MoU with Bihar to develop 1,000 MW solar and green hydrogen projects. State support in land acquisition will be key for timely execution, the company said on Friday. Shares closed at ₹81.38, losing ₹3.08 (3.65%) on Friday on the BSE. 3 / 10 3. Reliance Industries Ltd | The company said on Saturday that its wholly owned arm, Reliance Digital Health, will acquire a 45% stake in US-based Health Alliance Group for $10 million, strengthening its healthcare innovation focus globally. Shares ended at ₹1,206.00, declining ₹24.60 (2.00%) on the BSE. 4 / 10 4. UltraTech Cement | CCI approved UltraTech’s ₹3,954-crore acquisition of a 32.72% stake in India Cements. The company also launched a ₹3,142.35-crore open offer for an additional 26% stake. The stock settled at ₹11,433.70, down ₹241.15 (2.07%) on the BSE. 5 / 10 5. Hindustan Construction Company | HCC divested its stake in Steiner AG to m3 Immobilier, enabling a Swiss IPO for its subsidiary. Additionally, HCC raised ₹600 crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement. The stock finished at ₹43.51, down ₹0.58 (1.32%) on the BSE. 6 / 10 6. AGI Greenpac Ltd | The company plans to raise up to ₹1,500 crore through equity and equity-linked securities in multiple tranches were approved. Funds aim to support growth and expansion efforts. Shares ended at ₹1,244.35, falling ₹38.45 (3.00%) on the BSE. 7 / 10 7. Piramal Enterprises | The company approved a public issuance of secured NCDs worth up to ₹2,000 crore. The move reflects efforts to strengthen the company’s balance sheet and pursue growth initiatives. The stock closed at ₹1,094.70, down ₹27.10 (2.42%) on Friday on the BSE. 8 / 10 8. Insurance and Auto Stocks | Insurance stocks could react to deferred GST cuts on premiums, while auto stocks face GST hikes on used cars to 18%. Fortified rice kernel stocks may gain as GST was cut to 5%. Tobacco stocks remain volatile as a 'sin tax' decision was postponed. 9 / 10 9. TeamLease Services Ltd | Signed definitive agreements to acquire TSR Darashaw HR Services and invest in Crystal HR, enhancing its portfolio. The deals await regulatory approvals for completion. Shares settled at ₹2,921.20, declining ₹51.25 (1.72%) on the BSE. 10 / 10 10. Aurobindo Pharma Ltd | CuraTeQ Biologics, a subsidiary, received UK MHRA approval for Bevqolva, a biosimilar for bevacizumab. It treats cancers such as metastatic colorectal and advanced renal cell carcinoma. The stock ended at ₹1,240.70, losing ₹14.70 (1.17%) on the BSE.

Lululemon Athletica Inc.'s chief executive is confident his company is well on its way to addressing some of the concerns customers and analysts had earlier in the year about a lack of newness in the brand's product assortment. After reorganizing the retailer's product team and introducing a new reporting structure, Calvin McDonald said Lululemon is on track to reach historical levels of newness by the first quarter of its fiscal 2025. "I feel good about the quality and quantity of newness the teams have planned and I believe we are well positioned for spring," he said on a Thursday call with analysts. Newness — how fresh a brand's products and styles appear to consumers — is one of the key ways retailers draw in customers. To give the impression of newness, apparel companies often experiment with colours, prints, patterns and silhouettes. Some also partner with celebrities or other brands to launch product lines that attract shoppers. Lululemon's efforts to boost newness have so far focused on new detailing applied to some of its Define jackets and the release of its velvet Scuba hoodies, satin running tights and shorts and waffle knit apparel. "The guest is responding very well to that," McDonald said. In August, he conceded that Lululemon's womenswear division had struggled with “reduced newness,” which impacted conversion rates — typically the percentage of people who visit a store and make a purchase before leaving. Lululemon's product assortment this year has focused largely on its staples — yoga pants, scuba hoodies and sports bras — while the company also saw continued success with its belt bags. However, there were some missteps. When Lululemon outfitted Team Canada at the Olympic Games in Paris, the uniform was criticized for resembling uncooked bacon or looking like it had been blood-spattered. Lululemon also paused sales of its Breezethrough product line of tights and other activewear in June. Many of the line’s pieces featured a long V-shaped waistband in the front and Y-shaped seam in the back that some consumers complained was unattractive and produced a “whale tail” look. Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, said in a note to investors that he feels many of the newness issues "have largely been corrected." "Across the third quarter the women’s range felt fresh and interesting and there was more than enough to grab the attention of shoppers," he said, adding it had improved the company's conversation rate and average basket size, a measure of how much consumers spend. "In our view, Lululemon deserves praise for the quick course correction." Some of that correction was reflected in Lululemon's third-quarter results, which were released Thursday and showed the brand earned US$351.9 million in its latest quarter as its revenue rose nine per cent. The Vancouver-based retailer, which keeps its books in U.S. dollars, said its third-quarter net income compared with US$248.7 million a year prior. Its diluted earnings per share for the period ended Oct. 27 amounted to US$2.87 compared with US$1.96. Lululemon's third-quarter revenue totalled US$2.4 billion, compared with US$2.2 billion a year ago. McDonald said the results "exceeded our expectations" and reflected strength the company has seen in its shorts, skirts and leggings in seasonal colours. Saunders felt it was a "solid quarter," in part because Lululemon's comparable sales increased by four per cent overall and its international revenue increased by "a stellar" 33 per cent in overall terms. McDonald said that the company will enter Italy next year using a company-owned model, but will also expand to Denmark, Belgium, Turkey and the Czech Republic under a franchise model. In the latest quarter, however, there was weakness in the Americas, where Lululemon's comparable sales fell by two per cent. "There is much more competition in the US market and our data clearly show that even relatively loyal Lululemon consumers are shopping around more widely," Saunders said. "This problem isn’t going to disappear over time, if anything it is going to intensify." Shoppers, he said, had become "more constrained and pickier" because of inflation and high interest rates. "While most Lululemon shoppers are far from being hard-pressed, they are still impacted by inflation and have modestly reduced the volume of things they buy," Saunders said. He felt Lululemon should respond by leaning into categories like menswear, which Lululemon has increasingly been expanding through new styles and even partnerships with NHL teams. In more recent months, the company also introduced a range of Disney apparel. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press

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Elon Musk wasn't always the polarizing figure we see today in climate discussions. Once celebrated as a green-tech pioneer, Musk was vocal about the urgent need to combat climate change. In 2006, he described Tesla's mission as a way to "help expedite the move from a mine-and-burn hydrocarbon economy toward a solar electric economy." In 2015, he warned of the devastating consequences of delaying this transition. “The worst case,” he said, “is more displacement and destruction than all the wars in history combined.” At the time, Musk painted a grim picture of the future if humanity failed to act. He specifically talked about the dangers of rising sea levels, warning that oceanfront property would become “a lot less valuable” as floods destroyed homes and businesses. Don't Miss: Unlock the hidden potential of commercial real estate — This platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today! Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partnered with Amazon, Walmart & Target announces the deadline to invest this year is 12/20. – Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share! In his first appearance on the Joe Rogan Podcast in 2018, Musk stressed how strong the scientific agreement on climate change is, saying, “The scientific consensus is overwhelming. I mean, I don’t know any serious scientists – zero, literally zero – who don’t think that we have quite a serious climate risk that we’re facing.” His past concerns align with findings from a Climate Central study, which revealed that nearly 650,000 parcels of oceanfront property in the U.S. currently sitting on dry land will be at least partially submerged within 30 years due to rising sea levels. This shift will devastate property owners and strain cities and counties that rely on property taxes to fund schools, emergency services and utilities. See Also: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things. Insurance giant Swiss RE warned in 2021 that climate change could cut the world economy by $23 trillion in 2050, equivalent to 14 percent of global economic output. Fast forward to today and Musk's rhetoric on climate change has undergone a dramatic shift. In an August conversation with Donald Trump on X, Musk downplayed the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels, suggesting the world has "plenty of time" to act. Many on the left and fake news have created another hoax that Trump was "slurring his words" during the X Spaces conversation with @elonmusk Here is the full recording proving them wrong again pic.twitter.com/vrVcRKpu60 Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today. He even described the risk of climate change as “not as high as a lot of people say it is,” framing the issue in terms of discomfort from high CO2 levels instead of catastrophic dangers scientists have long warned about. This change in attitude has left people wondering why Musk, who once called for urgent action, now seems so dismissive. Musk's pivot has not gone unnoticed. Critics point to his embrace of right-wing politicians and climate denialism as a key factor. On X (formerly Twitter), a platform he owns, climate scientists have been leaving in droves, citing a surge in misinformation about global warming. Musk's partner in DOGE, the prospective agency tasked with cutting government costs , Vivek Ramaswamy, previously called climate change a “hoax.” Musk’s behavior presents a conflicting image. On the one hand, Tesla TSLA has revolutionized the electric vehicle market and Musk’s endeavors, such as the $100 million Xprize for carbon removal, demonstrate his dedication to creative solutions. However, his personal carbon footprint undermined his message, as his private jet logged a whopping 441 flights in 2023, emitting 5,159 tonnes of CO2, according to JetSpy. Trending: Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today! Then there's his claim that CO2 levels would only become a problem at 1,000 parts per million (ppm), much higher than today's 420 ppm . Scientists quickly debunked this, explaining that society would collapse long before CO2 reached those levels, as extreme weather, rising sea levels and food shortages would create chaos. Musk's mix-up of indoor air quality standards with outdoor atmospheric CO2 measurements shows a serious misunderstanding of basic science. This evolution – or perhaps devolution – has left many wondering: What changed? Some suggest Musk's interests now lie more in maintaining relationships in conservative circles than in driving climate advocacy. For example, President-elect Donald Trump said climate change is not "the biggest threat" and claimed it would create "more oceanfront property." Others speculate that his sprawling business empire and the demands of his ventures have pulled him away from his once-clear mission. Read Next: Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – The deadline to invest and receive your shares this year is 12/20. Join 30,000+ shareholders and invest at $0.26/share today. Arrived Home's Private Credit Fund’s has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%* , which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Players must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday. The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is resigning in January, said the new gender policy "is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach." Ross D. Franklin, AP File By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan said the new policy will prevent anyone from having "a competitive advantage based on their gender." Matt York, AP File “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Adrian Kraus Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Abbie Parr South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Eric Thayer Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Andy Wong LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Gerald Herbert South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Themba Hadebe Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Godofredo A. Vásquez Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Andreea Alexandru Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Bruna Prado Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Lindsey Wasson New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Julia Demaree Nikhinson Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Asanka Brendon Ratnayake Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Andy Wong Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Robert F. Bukaty New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Julia Demaree Nikhinson Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Pat Hoelscher Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Ed Zurga Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Natacha Pisarenko England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Kirsty Wigglesworth Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Ng Han Guan Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Abbie Parr Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Robert F. BukatyThe former boxer took on Maura Higgins, Oti Mabuse and Alan Halsall, after Ant and Dec revealed that over the next two days the campmates would all be competing to win a ticket to Cyclone, which would guarantee the winner immunity from the next two vote-offs, as well as a coveted place in the epic Cyclone challenge. They were told they would be split into two groups of four to take part in a trial at the Arcade of Agony. There would be two winners from each group who would go through to the final. In McGuigan’s group, they each had a ‘Grim Ball’ machine, filled with various multicoloured balls and plenty of critters. They had to put their hands inside and grab one ball at a time to win the tickets inside. In order to play for another ball, they’d need to get a coin from the box of fish guts. They would also have the opportunity to win a star each, hidden in one of the balls in their grim ball machine, equating to meals for camp. Vowing to give it their best shot, all four of them got in position waiting for the klaxon to sound. As the game began, it wasn’t long before Barry found the first star, equating to a meal for camp. Maura screamed her way through and came up with an unusual tactic to break the balls open, squatting down and hitting the ball on the floor. Alan was next to find a star for camp, and with time running out, Barry picked up his speed so much, he nearly slipped on his way back to the grim ball machine. And with just 10 seconds remaining, Oti managed to find her star. Dec said of the competition between the four of them: “Very hard to call, it’s gonna be really, really close.” With Barry, Alan and Oti all finding a star, they won three stars in total for camp, with Ant and Dec sharing that they would reveal the amount of tickets they got and who was through to the final in the morning. Returning back to camp, Barry said of the trial: “It was very competitive, it was good fun, I really enjoyed it.” As they reunited with the camp, they learned they had won five stars in total out of a possible 8 for their dinner that evening. Ant and Dec revealed live on air which four celebrities are through to the final stage of the competition — to win the coveted ticket to Cyclone. Just four celebrities are left to compete for the golden ticket in 2024. From the first group Coleen and Danny made it through. While Maura and Oti were the top two from the second group.

Players must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday. The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is resigning in January, said the new gender policy "is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach." By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan said the new policy will prevent anyone from having "a competitive advantage based on their gender." “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Sent weekly directly to your inbox!

Editor’s note: “Quantum Computing Revolution: The Gargantuan Opportunity Investors Shouldn’t Ignore” was previously published in November 2024 with the title, “Quantum Computing: the Key to Unlocking AI’s Full Potential?” It has since been updated to include the most relevant information available. For the past two years, AI stocks have been all the rage on Wall Street, regularly outperforming the broader market. Exchange-traded funds – such as the Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF ( AIQ ) and the ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF ( ARKQ ) – represent strong proxies for the industry as a whole. And as you can see in the graph below, those AI plays have been killing it . But recently, a new evolution of AI stocks has emerged as, potentially, this whole AI Revolution’s biggest winners. They’re called “ QAI ,” or Quantum Artificial Intelligence , stocks. These are trades at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence. And they have absolutely soared over recent months. One is up more than 400% since early September 2024, while another has popped more than 500%. And those are the “small” winners... Three other QAI stocks have rocketed 1,000% in that same time – with one up more than 3,500%! These companies are creating the next-gen quantum computers that could entirely revolutionize AI software development and create a new class of super-powered AI applications. And some may just end up being the biggest market winners of this decade. To understand why, we’ll need to take a deep look into this groundbreaking technology. What Is Quantum Computing? Let me start by saying that the underlying physics of this technological breakthrough – quantum mechanics – is a highly complex topic. It would likely require over 500 pages to fully understand. But, alas, here’s my best job at making a Cliff’s Notes version in 500 words instead. For centuries, scientists have developed, tested, and validated the laws of the physical world, known as classical mechanics. These scientifically explain how and why things work, where they come from, so on and so forth. But in 1897, J.J. Thomson discovered the electron. And he unveiled a new, subatomic world of super-small things that didn’t obey the laws of classical mechanics... at all. Instead, they obeyed their own set of rules, which have since become known as quantum mechanics. The rules of quantum mechanics differ from that of classical mechanics in two very weird, almost-magical ways. First , in classical mechanics, objects are in one place at one time. You are either at the store or at home, not both. But in quantum mechanics, subatomic particles can theoretically exist in multiple places at once before they’re observed. A single subatomic particle can exist in point A and point B at the same time until we observe it. And at that point, it only exists at either point A or point B. So, the true “location” of a subatomic particle is some combination of all its possible positions. This is called quantum superposition . Entanglement Second , in classical mechanics, objects can only “work” with things that are also “real.” Of course, you can’t use an imaginary friend to help move the couch. You need a real friend instead. But remember how the true location of a subatomic particle is the combination of all of its probabilistic states? Well, all those states are not independent; they’re entangled. So, if we know something about the probabilistic positioning of one subatomic particle, then we know something about the probabilistic positioning of another. It’s all connected. And that means that theoretically, all of these probabilistic states can work together, all at once, to create a super-complex ecosystem. This is called quantum entanglement. Between entanglement and superpositioning, subatomic particles can theoretically have multiple probabilistic states at once. And all those states can work together – again, all at once – to accomplish some task. Pretty wild, right? It goes against everything classical mechanics taught us about the world. It goes against common sense. But it’s true. It’s real. And now, for the first time ever, we are learning how to harness this unique phenomenon to change everything about everything ... That is why some folks think quantum computing could be more revolutionary for humankind than the discovery of fire or the invention of the wheel. And I agree. Mark my words. Quantum mechanics could very well reshape our world over the next few years. And some investors may end up making a lot of money because of it. Quantum Computing Will Change the World You see; the study of quantum theory has made huge advancements over the past century, especially so over the past decade. Scientists at leading laboratories and tech companies have started figuring out how to harness the almost-magical powers of quantum mechanics to make a new generation of super quantum computers . These devices are infinitely faster and more powerful than even today’s fastest supercomputers. In the words of Haim Israel, Bank of America’s head of Thematic Research: Again, the physics behind quantum computers is highly complex. But here’s my shortened version... Today’s computers are built on top of the laws of classical mechanics. That is, they store information on what are called bits , which can store data binarily as either “1” or “0.” But what if you could turn those classical bits into quantum bits – qubits – to leverage superpositioning to be both “1” and “0” stores at once? Further, what if you could leverage entanglement and have all multi-state qubits work together to solve computationally taxing problems? Theoretically, you’d create a machine with so much computational power that it would make today’s most advanced supercomputers seem ancient. That’s exactly what’s happening today. The Possibilities Behind Quantum Computing Earlier this month, Google unveiled its latest quantum processor, Willow. At that reveal, Google announced that Willow had solved a complex calculation – one that takes its fastest classical supercomputer around 10 septillion years to complete – in just five minutes . Ten septillion years (which, written out, is 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000) cut down to five minutes... That is the very real power of quantum computers. Just imagine the possibilities if we could shorten and simplify all the world’s problems in a similar manner. We may finally have the level of AI that you see in movies. Arguably the biggest limitation to today’s AI is the robustness of machine learning algorithms, which are constrained by supercomputing capacity. Expand that capacity, and you’d get infinitely improved machine learning algos – and infinitely smarter AI. We may be able to eradicate disease . Of course, we already have tools like gene editing. But, as with AI, gene editing tech’s effectiveness relies on the robustness of the underlying computing capacity to identify, target, insert, cut, or repair genes. With quantum computing capacity, all that could happen without error in seconds. What about a million-mile EV? We can only improve batteries if we can test them. And we can only test in the real world so much. Therefore, one way to unlock a million-mile battery is through simulation. And the higher the underlying computing capacity, the faster and more effective the simulations. There’s seemingly no limit to what such powerful computing capacity could lead us to... Which means the economic opportunities here are truly enormous. The Final Word That is why I state with such confidence that quantum computing is the most underrated and most transformational technological breakthrough since the internet. In fact, it may be bigger than the internet. And Wall Street is starting to take notice. Per my research, there are five noteworthy pure QAI stocks. All five are up more than 5X since early September. Three have surged more than 10X: Quantum Computing ( QUBT ), Rigetti ( RGTI ), and D-Wave Quantum ( QBTS ). And one – QUBT – has rocketed an astounding 35X. These stocks are on fire. Though, to be sure, not all of them will succeed in the long run. Some of these QAI stocks will be flashes in the pan, like how Pets.com or Webvan were back in the 1990s. But some could easily become the next Nvidia ( NVDA ) or Microsoft ( MSFT ). And that’s why, at the very least, you should pay close attention to developments in the quantum computing industry. We’re definitely watching this industry like hawks, following every technical development and the stocks that seem to hold the most promise. If you want to stick with – and profit from – these game-changing QAI stocks, I think we’re the best suited to help you do just that. Check out our research services today to learn more. On the date of publication, Luke Lango did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. P.S. You can stay up to speed with Luke’s latest market analysis by reading our Daily Notes! Check out the latest issue on your Innovation Investor or Early Stage Investor subscriber site.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Eric Bieniemy's return to UCLA lasted only one season. The Bruins let go of Bieniemy on Thursday after fielding one of the nation's worst offenses this season. It didn't take head coach DeShaun Foster long to find a replacement. Indiana quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri will become the new Bruins offensive coordinator, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Bruins had not yet announced the decision. Sunseri spent one season at Indiana after following Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison. Cignetti and Sunseri worked together for four seasons, the first three with the Dukes, who made the most successful transition from FCS to FBS in history. Bieniemy was hired as associate head coach and offensive coordinator shortly after Foster was hired as head coach in February. Bieniemy was also on the Bruins staff from 2003-05 as running backs coach. Jason Fletcher, Bieniemy's agent, said in a statement that Bieniemy planned to stay only one season in Westwood and termed it a “mutual parting of the ways.” However, Bieniemy signed a two-year contract at UCLA and did have a retention bonus if he was on staff for the 2025 season. "After interviewing for head coaching jobs last year, he wanted to stay active and busy," Fletcher said. “So, he decided to go help out Deshaun Foster, who is like his little brother, at UCLA as opposed to sitting out a year.” Out of 134 Football Bowl Subdivision teams, UCLA was 117th in total offense (328.8 yards per game), 126th in scoring (18.4 points per game) and had the nation's fifth-worst rushing attack (86.6 yards per game). The Bruins — 5-7 in their first season in the Big Ten after qualifying for a bowl the last three years — were the sixth Power Five team since 2000 that didn't score at least 20 points in their first six games. Players also said early in the season that Bieniemy's scheme was difficult to grasp and that play calls could be too wordy. Bieniemy was a two-time Super Bowl champion offensive coordinator with the Kansas City Chiefs but his last two stops have not gone well. He was Washington's offensive coordinator in 2023 but was not retained after Ron Rivera was fired. Bieniemy said in an email to ESPN earlier this year that he was not fired by Washington and that he received NFL offers to coach running backs or be a passing game coordinator. However, when asked during UCLA's spring practice to explain those remarks or what his other job prospects were, he refused to do so. “What I’m going say is this: I’m here coaching at UCLA. All that other stuff, you could go talk to the Commanders. I’ll leave it just like that,” he said. Bieniemy wasn’t retained by new Commanders coach Dan Quinn, who replaced Rivera. Despite his success in Kansas City, Bieniemy hasn’t landed a heading coach job, even though he’s interviewed with more than half of the NFL’s 32 teams. Fletcher said: "The plan was always to return to the NFL in 2025, and he’s looking forward to the opportunities ahead.” Sunseri's immediate priority will be to stem any further losses to the transfer portal. Quarterback Justyn Martin — who was on track to compete for the starting job following the graduation of Ethan Garbers — and running back T.J. Harden have already entered the portal. At Indiana, Sunseri worked closely with Kurtis Rourke, a transfer from Mid-American Conference school Ohio. Rourke went on to have one of the best seasons in Hoosiers history as No. 9 Indiana (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten, No. 9 CFP) broke single-season school records for victories and conference wins and appears set to make its CFP debut in two weeks. Sunseri, like Cignetti, also coached previously at Alabama. Sunseri served as a graduate assistant for the Crimson Tide in 2019 and 2020 after previous stints at Florida State and Tennessee. The 35-year-old Sunseri also spent three seasons with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders, winning a Grey Cup title as a rookie in 2013 following his college career at Pittsburgh. Marot reported from Indianapolis. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Tilly's TLYS just disclosed its Q3 earnings on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 04:05 PM. Here's a brief overview of the earnings report. Earnings Tilly's missed estimated earnings by -34.0%, reporting an EPS of $-0.43 versus an estimate of $-0.32. Revenue was down $23.03 million from the same period last year. Performance in Previous Earnings The company beat on EPS by $0.09 in the last quarter, resulting in a 4.0% drop share price change the following day. Here's a look at Tilly's's past performance: Quarter Q2 2024 Q1 2024 Q4 2023 Q3 2023 EPS Estimate -0.09 -0.47 -0.22 -0.07 EPS Actual 0 -0.48 -0.17 -0.03 Revenue Estimate 163.81M 115.16M 171.65M 167.98M Revenue Actual 162.87M 115.86M 173.02M 166.47M New investors should note that it is sometimes not an earnings beat or miss that most affects the price of a stock, but the guidance (or forecast). Guidance Tilly's management provided guidance for Q4 2024, expecting earnings between $-0.43 and $-0.32 per share. To track all earnings releases for Tilly's visit their earnings calendar here. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Family-run enterprises must adapt, reinvent themselves, and explore new ways of staying resilient to tackle emerging challenges and seize fresh opportunities at a time when India is cementing its position as a global economic powerhouse, said the next-generation leaders of prominent Indian business families during The Economic Times Leadership Dialogues. The panel, featuring Siddharth Jain, promoter and director of Inox Group; Jay Kotak, co-head of Kotak811; Keshav Reddy, promoter of GVK Group and founder of Equal; and Vivek Gupta, partner and M&A tax leader at Deloitte South Asia, agreed that India's rise as a global leader is inevitable. "We are eternal optimists when it comes to India. We're not just growing as a domestic economy; we're on the path to becoming a global leader. It's exciting to witness this transformation," said Jain of Inox Group. "There's never been a better time to be in India. Indians are saying it, and people outside the country are echoing it as well. This optimism stems from a multitude of factors-political, social, democratic, and economic-all converging beautifully," added Reddy of GVK Group. And to keep up with the pace of transformation, Indian businesses must adapt swiftly as change accelerates, competition peaks, and business models converge. With technology and capital no longer serving as key differentiators, staying ahead of the curve has become more critical than ever. Jay Kotak of Kotak811 said: "I see us as a principal shareholder in a regulated, listed business. At the same time, I view banking as a very long-gestation, multi-generational, and often multi-century endeavour. If you look at some of the great global banking institutions, they've existed for longer than any of us alive today. That's because banking is fundamentally a rooted and trust-based business. For a bank to succeed, I believe three pillars are essential (risk management, excellence in technology) which have become increasingly critical-and scale." Artificial Intelligence(AI) Collaborative AI Foundations: Working Smarter with Machines By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Entrepreneurship Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Boosting Startup Revenue with 6 AI-Powered Sales Automation Techniques By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Intermediate Java Mastery: Method, Collections, and Beyond By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Data Science MySQL for Beginners: Learn Data Science and Analytics Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Design Canva Magic Write: Ideas to Stunning Slides in No Time By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program With many companies undergoing family transitions, young leaders will play a crucial role in shaping the future of businesses. "They are more digitally savvy, more conscious of how their businesses can be disrupted, and, in many cases, less entitled. This generation recognises the privilege of their position-that they've been born into an opportunity-and they take that responsibility seriously," said Deloitte's Gupta. Family businesses face tough diversification decisions. Reddy shared how his family used diversification as a de-risking strategy. Expanding into power, roads, pharma, and airports every five years, they ensured independence and professional management. "Diversify strategically, aligned with core strengths, to mitigate risks," he advised. Kotak shared a contrasting view on diversification, advocating a focused approach rooted in core expertise. "Concentration isn't always bad when you have conviction in your core business," he said. Kotak explained that their strategy prioritises India and diversified financial services, where opportunities for innovation and growth abound. Instead of venturing into unrelated areas, they focus on strengthening their ecosystem. "We believe in doubling down on our strengths and expanding within the space we know best," he added. Inox's Jain highlighted a strategic shift in family businesses from diversification to scaling within industries. "We prioritise scale over diversification, focusing on India's ample opportunities within specific verticals," he said. Citing the PVR-Inox merger, Jain explained how his family chose scale over control. Deloitte's Gupta noted that diversification once centered on licensed industries with government-protected moats but that's not true anymore. "Today, family businesses focus on a single core moat, supported by family offices managing investable capital. The strategy now leverages core business cash flow for strategic investments rather than pursuing large-scale diversification," he explained. He added family businesses now focus on core expertise, pooling capital into family offices for strategic investments in high-growth sectors. As family businesses evolve, ownership structures and management approaches are being redefined. Reddy of GVK Group highlighted the value of context-specific leadership. "Adaptability, humility, and understanding your role's nuances are crucial. Whether learning or building, make the most of each role while navigating leadership and teamwork across diverse structures," he said. Kotak emphasised a balanced approach to stakeholder interests and regulatory compliance. "Every decision is guided by two key principles: maximising value for all shareholders-not just the majority-and adhering to regulation in both letter and spirit. In a highly regulated industry like banking, this balance is essential," Kotak explained. For young leaders, crises are invaluable teachers. The pandemic tested Jain as the family business had to supply medical oxygen to over 800 hospitals across 17 states while cinemas shut down. "Leading through this crisis taught me resilience, teamwork, and the value of leading from the front," Jain said, recalling the logistical challenges and unwavering commitment to supporting his team on the ground. Finally, on AI and its likely impact on business, the young turks said it could be transformative. Reddy emphasized AI's dual potential to drive backend efficiencies and revolutionise consumer experiences, highlighting his venture Equal's AI-first application set to launch next year as a core innovation driver. Kotak offered a cautious perspective, comparing AI's unpredictable future to past innovations like automobiles, which brought both advancements and challenges. Jain viewed AI as an enabler, predicting it will catalyze growth and efficiency across industries, urging businesses to harness its potential to stay competitive. Gupta wrapped it up by saying businesses must embrace AI, regardless of understanding, as mastering its complexities is non-negotiable for any business. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

Chuba Hubbard wasn't thinking about it when some of his Carolina Panthers teammates came up to him after their loss to the visiting Philadelphia Eagles a little more than two weeks ago. The starting running back for the National Football League club had rushed for 92 yards in the 22-16 decision – and passed a mark not just significant in annual statistical terms but in historical terms. Hubbard has reached 1,000 yards rushing in the 2024 NFL campaign, not only to join a handful of others near the top of the league stats sheet but also to become just the second Canadian to reach the milestone in a season. "(They) were like, 'I think we got 1,000,' and we went and checked and saw that we did," Hubbard told CTV News Edmonton last week. "We were all excited in the locker room after so it was a great achievement for all of us." The 25-year-old product of Sherwood Park, Alta., where he played three-down football at Bev Facey high school before being recruited by Oklahoma State in 2017 to play at the top-tier U.S. college level, joined Rueben Mayes on the list of Canadian running backs to have reached 1,000 yards in an NFL season. Mayes, who grew up in North Battleford, Sask., and played U.S. college football at Washington State, hit the mark in 1986, amassing 1,353 yards in his rookie season with the New Orleans Saints. Hubbard said he recently found out about Mayes and the Canadian connection. "To know that I'm a part of that now, it was definitely cool to hear," Hubbard said. "It definitely shows that more Canadians will also get to that mark and do great things, even surpass me. To be the second one, it's definitely a blessing." Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard runs over Arizona Cardinals cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting during NFL action on Dec. 22, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (Jacob Kupferman/Associated Press) In the two games since passing 1,000 against the Eagles on Dec. 8, Hubbard has run his season rushing total to a career-high 1,195 yards – with 152 of them coming on Sunday as Hubbard scored two touchdowns, including the winning score on a 21-yard scamper in overtime, in the Panthers' 36-30 victory over the visiting Arizona Cardinals. That performance earned him National Football Conference (NFC) offensive player of the week honours on Tuesday from the NFL. Hubbard, in his fourth year with the 4-11 Panthers, has taken on the bulk of the rushing workload this season – with injuries sidelining fellow Carolina running backs Miles Sanders and Jonathan Brooks – and has already set other career bests with 250 carries and 10 rushing touchdowns. He signed a contract extension with Carolina last month worth $33.2 million over four years. Dave Naylor, who covers football for TSN, told CTV News Edmonton on Monday that Hubbard's performance not just this season but over his U.S. football journey – from All-American and all-star honours in an NCAA power conference to being drafted and eventually starting at running back for an NFL squad – is noteworthy for Canadians. Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard (30) is caught by Texas A&M defensive back Leon O'Neal Jr. (9) during the first half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game on Dec. 27, 2019, in Houston. (Michael Wyke/Associated Press) "If you get a second contract in the National Football League as a running back from the team that drafted you for the kind of money that he got, that's significant in itself," Naylor said. "This is a tough time in the NFL to be a running back. There are a lot of organizations in the NFL that subscribe – not exclusively, but very close – to a philosophy that says, 'You draft running backs, you let them play four or five years for you, you let them go, and you draft another one,' because the joke is that running back is the only job in the world at which experience is not an asset because it's like the odometer. How much are you worn down? How much burst have you lost by the time you take so much contact, so many hits? "So the fact that you have a team like Carolina, which has not had things going their way of late, and they're going to turn over a whole bunch of things in terms of their personnel and their roster, but they've locked into Chuba Hubbard playing the running back position, that he's a building block. "That, in itself, is a statement." Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown is tackled out of bounds by Cleveland Browns linebacker Jordan Hicks during NFL action on Dec. 22, 2024, in Cincinnati. (Kareem Elgazzar/Associated Press) And it's looking like Hubbard won't be the only Canadian NFLer who'll eclipse 1,000 yards rushing this season: Chase Brown, the starting running back for the Cincinnati Bengals and a native of London, Ont., has 923 yards rushing on the year. There are two weeks of regular-season games left on the NFL schedule. That two Canadians are in line to join Mayes among the NFL '1,000 yards in a season' club is a result not only of more opportunities for players north of the border to showcase their talents to U.S. college scouts – for example, at elite showcase camps "to show that (they) can go toe to toe with the best kids that are down there but from increased exposure, Naylor says. "Kids will upload their highlights, and if they want to, there are all kinds of people selling services to give them exposure to colleges and things like that," Naylor said. "So the idea of being in Canada, I think it's still a significant obstacle for geographic reasons, and because a lot of American coaches don't believe in the level of competition that they're playing and that they can step up into power conference (college) football, but because of technology, their exposure comes a lot more easily than it would have in the days of Reuben Mayes." Naylor says in recent times, more and more Canadians are playing in feature skill positions in U.S. football than in years past. Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) looks over the field after scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 22, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (Rusty Jones/Associated Press) "It's really only been the last 10 or 15 years that we've started to see (Canadian) running backs, receivers, defensive backs – the real speed and skill positions of football," he said. "For people who are paying attention to college football, you see both these guys coming. Chuba Hubbard was an NCAA rushing champion and was in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy. Chase Brown was a rushing champion up until about the last week of the season (and) finished second in the NCAA in rushing in 2022, and was briefly in the Heisman Trophy conversation. That doesn't always translate to the National Football League, but in the case of both these guys, it has, and a whole bunch of other players at those skill positions that are being taken higher in the draft and playing more meaningful roles in the NFL." Hubbard said while reaching career highs and setting records for Canadians are rewarding, his focus is on winning an NFL championship. "You strive to be your best every single day, every year, and things like that are a part of it, but winning games and winning a Super Bowl is the big goal for me," Hubbard said. "But to know where I came from and all it took, and all the people that helped me, and to think that was even the tangible goal at such a young age, and then it actually happened, it just pushed things into perspective of how lucky and blessed I am to have gone to this, got this far, and I've said it a million times now, but it takes a village to do that, so I'm just thankful."

-- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email The concept of a sociopolitical “ culture war ” has become so expansive that it feels, at times, reductive. It’s both broad enough to cover everything, from coffee chains to cookie commercials , yet predictable enough for the factions’ opinions to fall roughly along well-worn partisan lines. But now, a new kind of culture war is brewing among the creative class — one that cuts deeper into professional and personal identities. At its center is debate over the use of generative artificial intelligence , the technology behind tools like ChatGPT , DALL-E and MidJourney. While some hail AI as a breakthrough, enabling near click-of-the-button speed and innovation in industries ranging from marketing to medicine, many see it as a profound threat to creative industries. Related The cultured wars: Why lab-grown meat is inspiring bipartisan hate The debate over AI’s role in creative work has surfaced in unexpected ways over the past year and reached a fever pitch in recent months. Last fall, Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, denounced AI recreations of her father’s voice , calling them exploitative and made without consent. Over the summer, the Grammy-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band apologized to fans after discovering that one of their tour posters — sold as merchandise — had been generated by AI. In October, CNN reported on the rise of AI-powered virtual K-pop bands in South Korea, while some U.S.-based crowdfunding platforms introduced rules banning campaigns relying entirely on AI-generated content. Amid this growing divide, Coca-Cola entered the conversation with a bold move: the release of a new Christmas commercial created using generative AI , thrusting the global brand into the heart of this contentious debate. Festive flashpoint The Coca-Cola commercial in question, released earlier this month, features all the hallmarks of holiday nostalgia: families exchanging warm smiles, people in cozy knit scarves and gloves clutching the iconic glass bottles, big red trucks rumbling through snowy streets. The imagery is an unmistakable homage to the company’s 1995 “Holidays Are Coming” advertisement, which was made using human actors and real trucks. But this time, Coca-Cola’s commercial promising “real magic” wasn’t assembled on a set or a soundstage. Instead, it was conjured into existence by artificial intelligence and featured a few otherworldly touches, like a snowy village melting into a Coke bottle here, or a gingerbread house animating itself there. We need your help to stay independent Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism According to Forbes , the video was a collaborative effort by three AI studios — Secret Level, Silverside AI and Wild Car — using four different generative AI models, a kind of technical choreography. Each studio created their own version of the ad (though Silverside’s AI developer, Chris Barber, has since clarified on X , formerly Twitter, the now-viral version of the advertisement wasn’t their studio’s contribution). The result is a perfectly polished holiday scene that looks as if it could have been plucked from any sentimental Coca-Cola commercial of years past. In a statement, a Coca-Cola spokesperson said, "The Coca-Cola Company has celebrated a long history of capturing the magic of the holidays in content, film, events and retail activations for decades around the globe.” “We are always exploring new ways to connect with consumers and experiment with different approaches,” the statement continued. “This year, we crafted films through a collaboration of human storytellers and the power of generative AI. Coca-Cola will always remain dedicated to creating the highest level of work at the intersection of human creativity and technology." However, many creators and customers were quick to criticize the campaign as being emblematic of a worrying trend of replacing human artistry with machine-generated substitutes. For instance, Alex Hirsch, the creator of the beloved Disney series “Gravity Falls,” joked online that Coca-Cola’s signature red color scheme was now “made from the blood of out-of-work artists,” while other social media commentators described the advertisement as “disastrous” and “dystopian.” “Coca-Cola just put out an ad and ruined Christmas,” Dylan Pearce, a TikTok user, said of the commercial . “To put out slop like this just ruins the Christmas spirit.” A broader battle The debate over Coca-Cola’s commercial is just the latest flashpoint in a growing culture war among the creative class. Similar tensions arose earlier this year when Apple faced backlash for an iPad Pro ad that depicted art supplies — brushes, paints, canvases, musical instruments, typewriters — being pulverized by a hydraulic press, a message many saw as a dismissal of traditional methods in favor of digital tools. Supporters of generative AI often liken this moment to past technological upheavals, such as the invention of photography or the rise of digital publishing. They argue that each disruption faced its own wave of skepticism before becoming a standard tool for creators. But critics say this comparison misses the mark. Generative AI doesn’t merely augment creativity — it fundamentally reshapes the economics of creative work. "Generative AI doesn’t merely augment creativity — it fundamentally reshapes the economics of creative work." While a traditional ad campaign might require weeks of brainstorming sessions, focus groups and meticulous production schedules, AI can spit out a ready-made storyboard in minutes. Coca-Cola’s ad crystallizes these fears, even though, as Shelly Palmer, a professor of advanced media in residence at Syracuse University, said in a recent blog post , it “truly sucks.” In an industry where holiday campaigns are major cultural touchpoints — think of the iconic Coca-Cola polar bears or the "Holidays Are Coming" truck — replacing traditional methods with AI feels, to some, like a betrayal. This is especially true after Pratik Thakar, a vice president of Coca-Cola and the company’s global head of generative A.I., touted the budgetary and speed advantages of the project in a recent conversation with Ad Age . So, for every artist who sees AI as a tool to expand their imagination, there’s another who views it as a threat to their livelihood. Coca-Cola’s Christmas ad, for all its shimmering visuals, is more than just a marketing campaign. It’s a litmus test for the future of creativity in an increasingly automated world. For the brand, the move was a calculated risk — and one they aren’t turning away from despite the divided viewer response. “The Coca-Cola Company has celebrated a long history of capturing the magic of the holidays in content, film, events and retail activations for decades around the globe,” a spokesman for the company said in a statement provided to The New York Times . “This year, we crafted films through a collaboration of human storytellers and the power of generative A.I.” In the meantime, the holidays — and the culture wars — roll on. Read more about this topic From "holy hype" to AI sentience, tech has a history of inflating its potential Artificial stupidity and me: If AI can do this to my book, what will it do in an actual war? AI chatbots are having their "tulip mania" moment By Ashlie D. Stevens Ashlie D. Stevens is Salon's food editor. She is also an award-winning radio producer, editor and features writer — with a special emphasis on food, culture and subculture.Her writing has appeared in and on The Atlantic, National Geographic’s “The Plate,” Eater, VICE, Slate, Salon, The Bitter Southerner and Chicago Magazine, while her audio work has appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered and Here & Now, as well as APM’s Marketplace. She is based in Chicago. MORE FROM Ashlie D. Stevens Related Topics ------------------------------------------ Advertising Analysis Artificial Intelligence Christmas Coca-cola Related Articles Advertisement:Celebrating the 25th Anniversary and the Expansion of the Ideal Scientology Mission of BergamoKarma strikes Anthony Albanese as he struggles to sell investment property after kicking out his tenant Albanese property fails to sell Auctioneer drops the price READ MORE: Anthony Albanese boots tenant out of rental By DAVID SOUTHWELL FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 23:44, 24 November 2024 | Updated: 23:49, 24 November 2024 e-mail 1 View comments After attracting negative headlines for kicking out a long-term tenant, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has again failed to sell his investment property and has been forced to drop the price. The three-bedroom townhouse at 29B Lewisham St in the inner western Sydney suburb of Dulwich Hill was set to go under the hammer with a $1.9million price guide last month, but a lack of interest saw the auction cancelled at the last minute. Mr Albanese and his real estate agent Shad Hassan, from The Agency Inner West, decided to drop the price to $1.85million. However, that still failed to excite interest, and the asking price was slashed again to $1.75million. Mr Hassan blamed the weakening market. 'I think the reason for it is quite simple. There's been a slight change in the market, and the PM's property is not immune to that change,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald . However, Mr Hassan remained optimistic the property would soon sell. Anthony Albanese is having trouble offloading a Sydney investment property and has now dropped the price twice The property was purchased by Mr Albanese for $1.175million in 2015, but he decided to sell it before controversially buying a $4.3million clifftop mansion on the NSW Central Coast ahead of his marriage to Jodie Haydon. In May, Jim Flanagan, who had rented the Dulwich Hill townhouse for four years from Mr Albanese, was issued an eviction notice giving him just 90 days to leave ahead of the sale. Mr Flanagan, who runs a small business, contacted Sydney tabloid the Daily Telegraph to complain that the eviction notice had 'hit him like a steam train'. 'This will kill me, it's a crippling blow right now. I have mixed emotions in calling this out,' Mr Flanagan said. 'I voted for Albo at the last election and am broadly a supporter of his policies. 'He has every right to seek to sell his assets... on one hand, he's trying to be sympathetic with the majority of Australians who are, like me, finding the current climate extremely challenging.' The Dulwich Hill townhouse (backyard pictured) has dropped in asking price from $1.9million to $1.75million Jim Flanagan, 45, (pictured) begged Mr Albanese not to sell the home but was eventually kicked out Mr Albanese responded by telling the ABC he was selling because of changes in her personal life. He said that during the Covid period he only charged Mr Flanagan $680-a-week, as opposed to the $800-$1,200 for comparable properties in Dulwich Hill, and had not raised it afterwards meaning the small business owner enjoyed 'half market rent'. When news broke Mr Albanese had purchased a five-bedroom property with stunning views of the ocean from every room in Copacabana NSW many questioned the timing of this opulent purchase during a cost-of-living and housing crisis. With many Australian's battling to put a roof over their head it led to numerous accusations the Prime Minister had left his famed housing commission childhood far behind and grown out of touch with ordinary Australians. The Prime Minister's purchase of five-bedder in Copacabana, on NSW 's Central Coast sparked considerable backlash Read More Aussies expose huge problem with Anthony Albanese purchasing a clifftop mansion 'I don't begrudge a person who can afford to buy a house worth that much, what I do begrudge is that same person trying to tell the general population he represents that he understands the pressures we are under,' one commented on social media. 'Nice to know he's just a regular battler,' another joked. 'Labor politicians are simply too rich and too detached to understand real Australians everyday struggles,' a third said. In an uncomfortable interview in Brisbane where he was asked about the extravagant purchase Mr Albanese referenced his childhood situation. 'I also know what it's like to struggle,' he said. 'My mum lived in the one public housing (flat) that she was born in for all of her 65 years. 'I know what it's like which is why I want to help all Australians into a home, whether it be public homes or private rentals, or home ownership.' Anthony Albanese Jodie Haydon Share or comment on this article: Karma strikes Anthony Albanese as he struggles to sell investment property after kicking out his tenant e-mail Add comment