bookmaker osu Uggah (centre) presents a letter of appreciation to state JKR director Dr Cassidy Morris. KUCHING (Dec 14): The Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) is in dire need of restructuring as well as obtaining more officers and other personnel to enhance service delivery, said its minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. The Deputy Premier said this is due to the increasing workload and new responsibilities it has been tasked with. “MIPD now has 42 officers and staff — we are looking at increasing this number to 60 and even 100. We certainly need the manpower, as we have a number of critical projects coming our way,” he said during the ministry’s appreciation dinner here on Friday. Uggah was delighted the state budget had set aside an unprecedented allocation of RM1.31 billion for the ministry in 2025. He said MIPD aims to spend 100 per cent of the allocation to benefit Sarawakians. “This means more and more jobs ahead to do and deliver as scheduled. As a matter of fact, when we included the Port portfolio to the ministry, this only accentuated our need for more manpower. “We too are in the final stages of turning the Bintulu Port Authority into a state port. We were supposed to accomplish this by Nov 30 this year, but this was extended to Dec 30,” he said. He said due to unexpected factors, the ministry was now trying its best to get the transfer of ownership done by Jan 30, 2025. Uggah disclosed that another major target was establishing the Tanjung Embang deep sea port. “This is a favourite dream of our Premier. We must ensure that his dream will materialise and for the port to be able to compete with other ports in the region. “We are most fortunate as we have the collaboration of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) in working on this,” he said. According to him, MIPD hopes to create the single state port authority to consolidate all six state ports since the necessary law had been passed by the state legislative assembly recently. “My target is for this to function by June next year. So there is a lot of hard work to be done for a seamless transfer into this single entity and one which we want to do at minimal cost,” he said. On another matter, Uggah said some 39 new ‘Projek Rakyat’ had been announced for implementation next year. He said these projects would involve a cost of RM6.07 billion and the tender process would begin next year. “Beside all these, the ministry through the state Public Works Department (JKR) will be supervising not less than RM1.6 billion worth of infrastructural and amenity projects from all nine regional development agencies. “So there is much on our plate. Our leaders have indicated they greatly aporeciate what the ministry and JKR had done. So we should not let them down, and stay very focused on the tasks at hand. “But we would have not been able to achieve our success without the commitment, discipline and hard work of our officers as well as officers from all other department and agencies involved. Thank you very much for your contributions,” he said. In addition, Uggah said more young officers would be sent to join courses in various fields like in the latest engineering technologies, management and so forth. “We want them to not only be efficient, keeping abreast with the latest knowledge, but very competent as well. And again we want all to have the highest degree of integrity so that we can become a world class organisation in the country,” he added.I went undercover as an Uber Eats courier and made just $1.74 per hour online. Here's what I learned about the troubling cost of convenience

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Joe Douglas is gone. Robert Saleh already was fired. Aaron Rodgers could be next to leave the New York Jets. Douglas lost his job as the general manager on Tuesday, six weeks after the head coach was replaced following a 2-3 start. The Jets have gone 1-5 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich so owner Woody Johnson sent Douglas packing. Rodgers has played more like a 40-year-old quarterback coming off an Achilles tendon injury than a four-time NFL MVP. He's expressed a desire to play another season. The big question is whether the Jets will want him back. Maybe they'll decide to take one more shot at a playoff run with Rodgers while having him mentor a rookie quarterback. Or, they could start fresh. There are significant contract ramifications either way. Rodgers is slated to make a non-guaranteed $37.5 million in 2025 with a dead cap hit of $49 million as his salary cap total goes from $17.1 million to $23.5 million. The Jets could spread the dead money over two years by releasing Rodgers with the use of post-June 1 designation. He has a no-trade clause in his contract so they would need his permission to make a deal. If Rodgers doesn't retire and New York's new regime wants a clean slate, here are potential destinations for the future first-ballot Hall of Famer: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: This could only happen if Brock Purdy's shoulder injury is more significant than is known. Rodgers is a native of northern California and grew up a Niners fan. Returning home to help San Francisco win its sixth Super Bowl has to be attractive. Playing for coach Kyle Shanahan surrounded by playmakers Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle would be a quarterback's dream. Again, Purdy is the team's present and future. And, he's resilient. Purdy rebounded from elbow surgery following his rookie season to start Week 1 last year and ended up finishing fourth in MVP voting, leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl. Purdy also is due for a contract extension and a major raise so the salary cap makes this even more of a longshot. But never say never in the NFL. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Sam Darnold has been more than a stopgap, helping the Vikings (8-2) to an impressive start. J.J. McCarthy is the future, however, and Darnold will be a free agent after the season. If the Vikings fall short of a Super Bowl and Rodgers shows over the final six weeks that he can play championship football, this could be a fit. The Vikings could let McCarthy sit and learn for another year, especially coming off a knee injury that required a second surgery earlier this month. NEW YORK GIANTS: Rodgers wouldn't have to move. The Giants will need a quarterback after benching Daniel Jones and eventually releasing him. They could draft a quarterback in the first round and have him learn behind Rodgers for a season. That'll depend on which pick New York ends up with because it's a thin draft class. Unlike the Jets, the Giants (2-8) haven't made any coaching or GM changes yet. If it's status quo with GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll, one year with Rodgers isn't unrealistic. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: They also need a quarterback. Brock Bowers could set an NFL record for most catches by a tight end if he had Rodgers next season. The Raiders (2-8) are aiming for a high pick to get a shot at a quarterback of their choice. New minority owner Tom Brady believes rookie quarterbacks need time to develop and learn. The seven-time Super Bowl champion would have to be in favor of having Rodgers start and tutor a youngster. TENNESSEE TITANS: If Will Levis doesn't prove over the final seven games that he can be a No. 1 quarterback, the Titans (2-8) will be in the QB market and likely have a high draft pick. It's another scenario where Rodgers would fit as a one-year bridge. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Three of these images are fake. Can you spot the real image? Some images generated by artificial intelligence have become so convincingly real that there is no surefire way to spot the fakes. But experts say there are still things we can try to detect fakes. "Media literacy is super awesome," said Matt Groh, assistant professor at Northwestern University. "But it needs to extend to AI literacy. Like the classic kind of things that you want to teach in media literacy, we still need to teach those same things. We just need to add the AI portion to it now." RELATED STORY | Nobel Prize in physics awarded to 2 scientists for discoveries that enabled artificial intelligence Groh's team at Northwestern released a guide on how to spot AI generated images. The full preprint paper was released in June. "So what we've done is we've articulated 5 different categories of artifacts, implausibilities," Groh said. "Ways to tell AI-generated image apart from a real photograph." The academic preprint guide offers detailed tips, tricks and examples on spotting AI-generated images. It also teaches important questions to consider when consuming media. Anatomical implausibilities The first and easiest telltale signs: anatomical implausibilities. Ask yourself: Are the fingers, eyes, and bodies off? Are there extra limbs or do they bend strangely? Are there too many teeth? Stylistic implausibilities Ask yourself: Do images seem plastic, glossy, shiny or cartoonish? Are there overly dramatic or cinematic? Functional implausibilities Ask yourself: Is text garbled? Is clothing strange? Are objects not physically correct, like how this backpack strap merges into clothing? Violation of physics Ask yourself: Are light and shadows off? Are there impossible reflections? Sociocultural implausibilities Ask yourself: Are there images that are just too unbelievable or historically inaccurate? RELATED STORY | AI voice cloning: How programs are learning to pick up on pitch and tone "What we're trying to do is give you a snapshot of what it looks like in 2024 and how we can help people move their attention as effectively as possible," Groh said. "Education is really the biggest thing. There's education on the tools," said Cole Whitecotton, senior professional research associate at the National Center for Media Forensics. Whitecotton encourages the public to educate themselves and try AI tools to know their capabilities and limits. "I think everybody should go out and use it. And look at how these things do what they do and understand a bit of it," he said. "Everyone should interact with ChatGPT. In some way. Everyone should interact with Midjourney. And look at how these things do what they do and understand a bit of it." Whitecotton suggests being inquisitive and curious when scrolling through social media. "If you interacted with every piece of content in that way, then there you would be a lot less likely to be duped and to be sort of sucked into that sort of stuff, right?" he said. "How do you interact with Facebook and with Twitter and all these things? How do you consume the media?" Whitecotton added. RELATED STORY | Biden's AI advisor speaks on AI policy, deepfakes, and the use of AI in war While AI-generated images and videos continue to evolve, Groh and his team offer a realistic approach to a changing technological landscape where tips and tricks may become outdated quickly. "I think a real, good, useful thing is we build this. We update this every year. Okay, some of these things work. Some of these things don't. And I think once we have a base, we're able to update it," Groh said. "I think one of the problems is we didn't have a base. And so one of the things we're really excited about is even sharing our framework, because I think our framework is going to help people just navigate that conversation." So were you able to guess which image is real? If you guessed the image of the girl in the bottom left corner, you are correct! "It sucks that there's this misinformation in the world. But it's also possible to navigate this new problem," Groh said. If you want to test yourself even more, the Northwestern University research team has released this site that gives you a series of real and AI-generated images to differentiate.

Shirley Ballas has shared an exciting new announcement away from the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom following axe demands. The Head Judge, 64, on the BBC dance competition received backlash last week her alleged “overscoring” of a mediocre performance during Blackpool week. Now, the mum-of-one has revealed another exciting venture away from the studio which may surprise some fans. The TV favourite has penned a tantalising crime drama set backstage at the Royal Albert Hall. Taking to Instagram , Shirley announced that she will be hosting a book signing in December where fans can meet the presenter and get a copy of her new book signed. She penned: “Happy Thursday all [heart emoji] ... two weeks to go until a beautiful Christmas evening at Piccadilly Waterstones. It’s the perfect place to get a copy of my latest book just in time for Christmas. Excited to meet you all and sign your copies.” It didn’t take long before fans flooded to the comments to shower her with compliments online. One user penned: “Fully recommend this and I have purchased Shirley’s book and it’s a page turner [smiling emoji].” Another agreed: “I’m excited!!! [three applause emojis]” as a third echoed: “Looking forward to seeing you next month in Windsor [smiling emoji].” A fourth chimed in with: “Just ordered both you books. Very much looking forward to reading them Shirley.” It comes after the star came under fire last week after she praised Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal for the Cha Cha, set to the sounds of Right Said Fred’s hit I’m Too Sexy. The reality star sported a pair of skintight pink PVC trousers and a sheer pink shirt which complemented his dance partner’s glitzy pink dress. Craig Revel Horwood was quick to share his criticisms over the routine, blasting Pete’s routine as “very uncoordinated” and noting “you were behind musically” before doling out a measly four points. Motsi Mabust was both puzzled and amused by the performance, conceding: “I loved it for all the wrong reasons, I would watch it over and over. I’m still trying to figure out what’s happening here.” In stark contrast, Shirley saw plenty to praise, rewarding Pete and Jowita with and eight. She gushed: “You had some very good isolation, you had a very good neck line... Your hips were swinging left and right.” Fans soon flooded to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their disappointment online. One user penned: “Need Shirley to leave after this series. So f***ing unprofessional. Pete gets ‘very entertaining’ for that.” Another agreed: “Shirley losing all credibility as a judge” as a third quipped: “No matter what Pete does Shirley praises him.”For understanding a patient’s illness, a doctor typically analyses several physiological indicators as well as reports generated following diagnostic tests. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI), however, is set to change the practices in vogue since decades. AI can correlate the patient’s symptoms and diagnostic results using health records in the database to identify the cause of illness within a few seconds — helping the doctor to save time and increase operational efficiency of a hospital. According to a comprehensive report published in August by the Indian School of Business (ISB), AI's real transformation in healthcare is in patient care and clinical research. In medical imaging, it accelerates diagnosis, while in surgeries, AI-driven robotics enhance precision. During the pandemic, AI played a critical role in tracking outbreaks and assisting in treatment planning. Initiatives such as Wadhwani AI’s media scanning solution for disease surveillance and Artelus’s image recognition for early diagnosis highlight the technology’s versatility. The doctor to patient ratio is abysmally low in rural India, with one doctor having to treat 2,000 people. The advent of AI is a morale-booster for doctors. The central government is reportedly keen on promoting AI applications in the healthcare sector. Several state governments are investing heavily in AI rollout in the healthcare sector. An advanced healthcare AI can help the government or private hospitals to roll out telemedicine to make healthcare more accessible, especially in remote regions. AI can also revolutionise preventive healthcare as it can identify patterns early, which will help the doctors to begin treatment at the earliest. In 2022, the Indian healthcare industry was estimated to be worth $372 billion. It is expected to grow at around 20 per cent till 2030. The use of AI will propel the growth rate. But how does AI work and how does one deploy AI for healthcare purposes? AI uses various advanced technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), expert systems, and image and signal processing for diagnosis. Machine learning automates data analysis to identify patterns, while NLP aids in processing medical records and transcription. Expert systems, on the other hand, specialise in solving specific problems like diagnosing chronic conditions. Image and signal processing refine medical imaging data, allowing for accurate and timely diagnosis. NITI Aayog has deployed AI for early detection of diabetes and eye-related ailments. Radiology was among the first fields to adopt AI. Startups like Dozee, which developed India’s first AI-powered remote patient monitoring system, and Augnito, a speech recognition tool for medical transcription, are setting benchmarks in healthcare innovation. IIIT Hyderabad is also using AI for detecting sleep quality and sleep-related disorders. While AI can study sleep stages to precise levels, deep learning (DL) can automate the sleep stage data through supervised and unsupervised learning models, said Prof. S. Bapi Raju, lead researcher and head of Cognitive Sciences Lab at IIIT Hyderabad. AI could be a boon for remote ICU assistance, says Dr D.V.R. Seshadri, director, centre for business markets, ISB. "Once a technology such as the one for remote ICU assistance (CloudPhysician), breast cancer detection (Niramai) or scanning through millions of x-rays to detect TB are scaled up, many companies will inevitably spring up to deploy these technologies on a massive scale," he said. However, the widespread adoption of AI in healthcare is not without challenges. A lack of comprehensive electronic health records (EHR) and high infrastructure costs are the hindrances. There is also a significant skill gap, as professionals proficient in both healthcare and AI, are scarce. Additionally, concerns about data privacy, accountability, and ethical use persist. An even wider concern is the possibility of AI replacing doctors. However, Dr Seshadri allayed these concerns: "This is very unlikely in the foreseeable future. At the end of the day, the patient would like the assurance of a human doctor. While AI tools may be leveraged to enhance the efficacy of the doctors, it cannot replace doctors any time soon." "There is convergence of multiple disciplines happening on a massive scale. It may be hard to isolate the application of AI in disease surveillance from its other applications. The regulatory systems to prevent such convergence typically lag behind the application of these technologies, and hence we cannot rule out the misuse of AI technologies in healthcare for purposes other than what was originally intended," Dr Seshadri explained. AI uses various advanced technologies such as machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), expert systems, and image and signal processing for diagnosis. Machine learning automates data analysis to identify patterns, while NLP aids in processing medical records and transcription. Expert systems, on the other hand, specialise in solving specific problems like diagnosing chronic conditions. Image and signal processing refine medical imaging data, allowing for accurate and timely diagnosis.

FARMINGTON — Michael Johnson, professor of English at the University of Maine at Farmington, has recently received the Western Literature Association’s 2024 Thomas J. Lyon Award for best book in American western literary and cultural studies. Johnson’s book, “Speculative Wests,” is a study of the “Weird Westerns” genre that merges western settings with science fiction, fantasy, horror, or alternate history. The WLA promotes the study of the diverse literature and cultures of the North American West. The organization brings together scholars, artists, environmentalists and community leaders who value the West’s literary and cultural contributions to American and world cultures. “I’ve worked as a scholar in the field of the study of the American West for over twenty years, and I’ve seen the excellent work that has received this award in the past, so I’m very honored to receive the 2024 Western Literature Association’s Lyon Award,” said Johnson. “Critics have been declaring the death of the western for over a hundred years. That it has most recently come back to life in the (sometimes undead) form of weird westerns and speculative westerns seems appropriate. My book pays detailed attention to the wide range of twenty-first century speculative westerns, indicative of the way the genre of the western has continued to grow and change in surprising ways,” said Johnson. UMF will be offering a Weird Westerns course (ENG 377) taught by Johnson this spring. The course is a hybrid of online and in-person sessions. It will zoom weekly with students at Texas Tech University in a similar course taught by Sara Spurgeon Texas Tech University professor of American literature, literature, social justice and environment. For more information, visit https://www.umf.maine.edu/continuing-ed/take-classes/ . “Johnson’s book is eye-opening and could be useful for writers or readers who want to be challenged by perspectives on Western fiction that they might not have previously considered,” said Jeffrey J. Mariotte, Roundup Magazine. According to the University of Nebraska Press, “Johnson’s narrative involves a study of both genre and place, a study of the “Speculative Wests” that have begun to emerge in contemporary texts such as the zombie-threatened California of Justina Ireland’s ‘Deathless Divide’ (2020)...Focusing on literature, film, and television from 2016 to 2020, Speculative Wests creates new visions of the American West.” Johnson is professor of American literature at the University of Maine at Farmington. His primary research areas are African American Literature and the literature and culture of the American West. He is the author of the recently published “Speculative Wests: Popular Representations of a Region and a Genre.” He has also written two biographies, “Can’t Stand Still: Taylor Gordon and the Harlem Renaissance” and “A Black Woman’s West: The Life of Rose B. Gordon.” He is also co-editor (with Kerry Fine, Rebecca Lush, and Sara Spurgeon) of “Weird Westerns: Race, Gender, Genre” and the forthcoming “Hell-Bent for Leather: Sex and Sexuality in the Weird Western.” Johnson received his master’s and PhD from the University of Kansas.

Switzerland Withdraws MFN Status For India: What's Next For Indian BusinessesThe blockchain industry is full of innovation as different platforms try to redefine the way decentralized ecosystems function. Among the top contenders are Polkadot (DOT), which pioneered cross-chain connectivity, and Lightchain AI , an emerging force that combines blockchain with AI. As Polkadot remains to be the talk of the town regarding interoperability, Lightchain AI is finding its own ground with innovative technologies like Proof of Intelligence (PoI) and the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM). At the Presale stage of Lightchain AI tokens at just $0.003, investors and analysts alike are looking out for which of these two platforms will lead the next blockchain revolution. Polkadot (DOT) Leader in Cross-Chain Connectivity Polkadot has been applauded for a long time for unifying diverse blockchains via its special cross-chain architecture. It basically enables a secure, reliable transfer of data and communication between different blockchains so that they can cohesively work together. Its parachains, which are essentially customized blockchains operating within Polkadot's network, provide bespoke functionalities based on the requirements of a specific application. The success of Polkadot lies in its ability to solve scalability and interoperability issues that plague traditional blockchains. By enabling parallel transaction processing and fostering collaboration among chains, Polkadot reduces congestion and enhances network efficiency. This makes it a favorite among developers looking to build scalable, interoperable decentralized applications (dApps). However, Polkadot’s strength in interoperability is also a limitation. The platform’s focus is primarily on enabling cross-chain functionality rather than addressing challenges like data privacy, AI integration, or decentralized computation, areas where Lightchain AI excels. Lightchain AI Blockchain with Artificial Intelligence Lightchain AI is not just another blockchain project—it’s a revolutionary platform that bridges the gap between blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. Through its Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism, Lightchain AI redefines how blockchain nodes contribute to network security and value creation. Instead of performing arbitrary calculations, PoI incentivizes nodes to execute meaningful AI tasks such as model training and optimization. Another standout feature of Lightchain AI is its Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM) , a specialized computational layer designed to handle complex AI-specific tasks seamlessly. This innovation empowers developers to deploy scalable, intelligent dApps while ensuring network efficiency and data security. The focus on real-world applications, sustainability, and long-term utility gives Lightchain AI a competitive edge over platforms like Polkadot. Its presale price of $0.003 per token makes it an attractive investment opportunity, particularly for those seeking exposure to the intersection of blockchain and AI. Comparing Technologies: Polkadot’s Cross-Chain Innovation vs. Lightchain AI’s Proof of Intelligence Polkadot : Focuses on interoperability through its Relay Chain and parachains, enabling seamless communication and data transfer between blockchains. Lightchain AI : Combines AI and blockchain through PoI and AIVM, offering advanced computational capabilities for AI-driven applications. Polkadot : Leads in cross-chain solutions but lacks AI integration or advanced consensus mechanisms. Lightchain AI : Introduces PoI, which incentivizes nodes for valuable AI computations, creating a sustainable and utility-driven ecosystem. Polkadot : Achieves scalability through parallel processing on parachains. Lightchain AI : Enhances scalability by offloading AI-specific tasks to AIVM, optimizing network resources. Polkadot : Primarily caters to interoperability use cases. Lightchain AI : Supports diverse applications across industries like healthcare, finance, and logistics. Use Cases and Real-World Applications Polkadot excels in scenarios requiring interoperability. Its ability to connect different blockchain networks makes it ideal for applications like supply chain transparency and multi-chain DeFi solutions. Developers can leverage Polkadot’s parachains to build highly specialized dApps that communicate across ecosystems seamlessly. Lightchain AI, on the other hand, shines in its ability to tackle AI-centric challenges. For example, in healthcare, Lightchain AI’s PoI and AIVM can facilitate secure AI-driven diagnostics and data analysis without compromising patient privacy. In logistics, its AI-powered insights optimize supply chain operations, reducing costs and inefficiencies. These capabilities position Lightchain AI as a versatile platform with broader applicability beyond blockchain alone. While Polkadot provides a robust foundation for multi-chain collaboration, Lightchain AI’s emphasis on solving real-world problems through AI integration makes it a stronger contender for driving industry transformation. Adoption Trends and Market Potential of Both Projects Polkadot has established itself as a favorite among developers and enterprises seeking scalable, interoperable solutions. Its proven track record and established ecosystem make it a relatively safe investment for those looking for steady growth. Lightchain AI, however, represents a high-growth opportunity. Its presale phase, offering tokens at $0.003, provides an accessible entry point for investors seeking exponential returns. The platform’s focus on AI, sustainability, and innovation aligns with current technological trends, increasing its appeal to forward-thinking investors. With analysts predicting significant adoption of AI-powered blockchain solutions, Lightchain AI’s market potential far exceeds that of traditional platforms like Polkadot. Its ability to address pressing industry challenges while offering affordable entry makes it a compelling choice for those looking to diversify their portfolios. Why Lightchain AI is Positioned to Lead the Next Blockchain Revolution Lightchain AI merges the power of blockchain and AI to deliver a platform that is both cutting-edge and practical. Its standout features include advanced technological capabilities like PoI and AIVM, which set it apart from traditional blockchain platforms. Sustainability is also a core focus, as its energy-efficient PoI mechanism supports global efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of blockchain. Lightchain AI focuses on real-world utility by addressing industry challenges to ensure relevance and adoption over time. To the investor, the presale price of $0.003 gives a chance to capitalize on the growth potential of the platform. Polkadot, as a leader in interoperability, is, however narrow compared to the scope Lightchain AI has on this topic. Since it addresses problems on both blockchain and AI fronts, Lightchain AI is the forerunner to the next revolution wave in the crypto world. Choosing the Blockchain Pioneer for the Future As the blockchain ecosystem is expanding, Polkadot and Lightchain A I are paving the ground for another revolution. Though Polkadot is successful in bringing blockchain ecosystems together it's yet to be seen with regard to interoperability focus projects as a reliable provider. While Lightchain AI, meanwhile, has proven its innovative technology, successful integration with AI, and ability to contribute to real world, establishing it as leader in that race. For investors in search of long-term growth with transformative impact, Lightchain AI is the opportunity that none other can offer. Its present presale phase, priced at $0.003 per token, offers an affordable entry point for being part of a project poised to redefine blockchain's role in modern times. Lightchain AI Official Website Lightchain AI Whitepaper Join Lightchain AI Telegram Follow Lightchain AI on Twitter/X Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.

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Van Nistelrooy has replaced Steve Cooper at the King Power Stadium and saw Jamie Vardy open the scoring after just 98 seconds. Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka added goals after the break to ensure the Dutchman started with three points in style. Starting with a win! 🤩 Delivered by @bcgame #LEIWHU pic.twitter.com/X90nFSbMLm — Leicester City (@LCFC) December 3, 2024 His task is to keep the Foxes in the Premier League this season and after ending a five-game winless run they moved up to 15th, four points clear of the relegation zone. West Ham’s hierarchy will have seen what impact a managerial change can have as the jury remains out on Lopetegui, with away fans making their feelings clear by chanting “You’re getting sacked in the morning”. Niclas Fullkrug scored a consolation goal at the death but it counted for nothing and forthcoming games against Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton and Southampton could determine the Spaniard’s future. When Van Nistelrooy went to bed last night, even he would not have dreamt of his side starting as well as they did as they went ahead with less than two minutes on the clock. One of the Dutchman’s first conversations following his appointment was to take Vardy to task for breaking his record for scoring in the most consecutive Premier League games nine years ago. And the veteran striker rolled back to the years as, living on the shoulder of the West Ham defence, he raced clear from El Khannouss’ through-ball and slotted into the corner. The linesman’s flag immediately went up but a lengthy VAR review ruled Vardy had timed his run perfectly and the goal stood. Vardy could have added a second from a similar move but this time Lukasz Fabianski denied him. The Dutchman quickly learned about the frailties of his side as West Ham created a raft of chances in search of an equaliser. Jarrod Bowen forced Mads Hermansen into a stretching save when he cut in from the right before Ings’ header crashed into the post and Max Kilman slipped at the crucial point from the rebound. Bowen, a constant threat, sent a ball across face of goal which evaded everyone before the England international was denied by a reflex save from the busy Hermansen. The Danish goalkeeper needed to be alert to tip over Mohammed Kudus’ deflected effort early in the second half before he was saved by the referee’s whistle after after his attempted punch went into his own goal, Tomas Soucek the man penalised. Leicester remained a threat on the counter-attack and that is how they doubled their lead just after the hour. Kasey McAteer was set clear down the left and his ball inside was perfect for El Khannouss to find the bottom corner from 15 yards. It was almost three as Fabianski produced an acrobatic save from Wilfred Ndidi’s header before Leicester needed a heroic piece of defending to keep their 2-0 lead intact. Crysencio Summerville bundled the ball goalwards and it was heading over the line until Conor Coady adjusted his feet and poked it clear. The Foxes, who also had a goal from substitute Bobby De Cordova-Reid chalked off by VAR, wrapped things up in the 90th minute when Daka broke clear and emphatically converted into the roof of the net. West Ham did get on the scoresheet when Fullkrug headed a corner home, but the game was already done.

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With more and more industries switching to digital transformations, coding skills have indeed become a necessity for 2025. For aspiring developers, career changers, and tech enthusiasts, coding bootcamps have become the go-to resource for acquiring in-demand skills in a fraction of the time traditional degrees require. Here’s a look at the most popular coding bootcamps in 2025 and why they’re making waves in the tech education space. Next Cohort Start Date: February 5, 2025 Register Here: Flatiron School Registration Even in 2025, the Flatiron school has continued to hold status as the best coding bootcamp. Known for its robust rules and strong career support, the school offers software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity programs. With a commitment to personalized learning pathways and industry-aligned projects, Flatiron ensures its students graduate job-ready. The school's ability to mix off-campus and on-campus learning options makes it flexible to learners worldwide. Next Cohort Start Date: February 20, 2025 Register Here: App Academy Registration The unique tuition payment model of App Academy—which allows students to pay only when they have a job—is indeed a differentiating factor. Furthermore, their software engineering program offers a curriculum ranging from algorithms to full-stack development for intensive study. The job placement rate and the successful alumni of App Academy are thus enticing to ambitious students. Next Cohort Start Date: March 1, 2025 Register Here: Springboard Registration Springboard is known for its mentorship-driven approach to online learning. The courses are focused on software engineering, data science, and UI/UX design , and students work with industry mentors to build skills. Flexible schedules and a job guarantee make Springboard a favorite option for busy professionals. Next Cohort Start Date: January 30, 2025 Register Here: Ironhack Registration Ironhack stands for hands-on, project-based learning. Boot camps in web development , UX/UI design, and data analytics prepare students for real-world challenges. In addition, the global presence and partnerships with the technology industry have further established Ironhack as an excellent place to advance one's career in the tech world. Next Cohort Start Date: February 25, 2025 Register Here: Thinkful Registration Maintaining its top-ranking position, Thinkful is focused on its career outcomes. Thinkful programs are available in engineering, data analytics, and product design. Thinkful offers one-on-one mentorship, flex pacing, and a tuition refund promise in these fields. Thinkful also provides great career coaching and mock interviews that help thousands of graduates land their dream jobs. Next Cohort Start Date: February 8, 2025 Register Here: CareerFoundry Registration CareerFoundry has set a few benchmarks for achieving recognition through a simple online platform alongside very career-oriented approaches to study. It provides boot camps in UX/UI design, web development, and data analytics while offering a one-to-one mentorship model, flexible timelines, job placement guarantees, and alumni support that arguably makes it one of the best online boot camps for career changes. Reasons Why Bootcamps Are Popular in 2025 The coding bootcamps held up pretty well as they adapted to industry demands. Unlike conventional institutions and courses, these programs do not stop updating their study patterns to use current emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and Web3 development. Boot camps also include students through flexible timing, mixed learning models, and diverse budgetary modalities. What Makes These Bootcamps Unique All the top bootcamps have common attributes in 2025: strong mentorship, experiential learning, and a focus on career outcomes. Employers trust these programs to produce skilled graduates, and many bootcamps have established hiring partnerships with top companies. In addition, soft skills such as communication and teamwork are emphasized in boot camps, making graduates wholesome professionals. Conclusion The need for skilled developers and designers will only grow as the tech landscape evolves. The most popular coding bootcamps in 2025 have risen to the challenge, offering students the tools and experience they need to succeed. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, these bootcamps offer a fast track to a rewarding tech career.Oliver Glasner declared Crystal Palace are on the right path after they finally broke their away duck with a 1-0 win at Ipswich. Jean-Philippe Mateta struck in the second half with the only real piece of quality in a nervy encounter between two struggling teams. It is now two wins and three draws from the last six matches for Glasner’s side, whose winter revival is gathering pace nicely following a sticky start to the campaign. “I feel very happy, we’re all very pleased with the result, it was not the best performance but the result was more important,” said the Eagles boss. “Most of the time we controlled the game and we scored an amazing goal, a fantastic finish from JP. “We had more chances to decide the game but we couldn’t, but I think the win was well deserved. “We didn’t give them any chances from open play and with a clean sheet you can always take the win. “It’s a big win. Now it’s not time to sit back and relax but to keep going. In four days we face Manchester City. We stay humble. There are still many things to improve but we are on the right path.” Ipswich looked the likelier to score as a low-key first half drew to a close and were denied by a point-blank save by Dean Henderson from Harry Clarke’s near-post header. Shortly after the interval Wes Burns got clear down the right and lifted an inviting cross towards Liam Delap, whose header was straight at Henderson. However, from out of nowhere Palace conjured up a lightning counter-attack to go ahead on the hour. Eberechi Eze led the charge before feeding Mateta, who surged forward with a couple of stepovers before brushing off the attention of Jacob Greaves and finishing superbly past Arijanet Muric. It was the French forward’s sixth goal of the season, and his first away from Selhurst Park. Back came Ipswich with Leif Davis fizzing in another cross for Delap, who somehow mistimed his jump and completely missed the ball from six yards. As time ticked down Greaves looped a header against the far post, with the rebound just eluding substitute Ali-Al Hamadi. “Frustrating night,” said Town boss Kieran McKenna. “It was a tight first half, we weren’t fantastic in terms of the flow of the game and didn’t create as many opportunities as we wanted. But having said that neither did our opponents. “In the second half we conceded a really poor goal and that proved decisive. We can do better than we did tonight.”

Palantir, Anduril join forces with tech groups to bid for Pentagon contracts, FT reportsA former nursing home employee has been convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor. In March 2023, while working at Friendship Home in Audubon, workers there reported the man sent cell-phone photos of himself masturbating and was taking videos of his co-workers. (Photo illustration by Iowa Capital Dispatch, with Friendship Home photo via Google Earth. Text-message photo is deliberately blurred.) A state-certified caregiver has been convicted of sexually exploiting a minor while employed by an Iowa nursing home. The defendant in the case, Martell Guider, is a 37-year-old male certified nursing assistant who has been accused of sexual impropriety at three Iowa nursing homes located in Audubon, Correctionville and Kalona. The most recent case, and the only one in which criminal charges were filed, involves Guider’s employment at the Pleasantview Home in Kalona. According to police and prosecutors, officials at Pleasantview confronted Guider sometime in January 2024 after multiple employees raised concerns that he was being inappropriate with a 17-year-old minor who was present at the home but not a resident. Police allege that after his supervisors talked to him about the complaints, Guider shared an explicit photo of the minor with his employer. According to the police, Guider had threatened the minor to induce her to send him the photos via the social-messaging platform Snapchat. Police allege that when asked about the photos, Guider acknowledged he had saved them for his sexual gratification, saying, “I screenshot it because, it’s like, OK, yeah, it’s a woman, she sent you a naked picture, wanna look at it maybe later when we have time.” According to the police reports, Guider’s colleagues at Pleasantview also complained that he had been making unwanted advances toward female coworkers in the nursing home. He was then barred from the care facility, according to police. Guider was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor by causing the minor to engage in a sex act, sexual exploitation through the use of photographs, possession of material depicting a minor engaged in sex, and first-degree harassment. In October, a jury convicted Guider of sexual exploitation by causing the minor to engage in a sex act. He was acquitted of the remaining charges, and was sentenced to five years of probation. A 25-year prison sentence was suspended by the court. District Court Judge Michael Carpenter recently denied Guider’s motion for a new trial, stating, “A sexual photograph of a minor shared by text message or social media can find its way to the internet and live forever. A defendant who solicits a minor to create a pornographic image of herself is victimizing a vulnerable victim in a way that causes a special sort of harm.” Guider has since appealed his conviction to the Iowa Supreme Court. Prior to his arrest in the Pleasantview case, Guider was fired from two other Iowa nursing homes amid allegations of sexual impropriety. The first of those cases dates back to April 2023, when a female caregiver at Audubon’s Friendship Home filed a complaint with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing about Guider’s behavior. The woman – who filed similar complaints with management at the home and with city police – alleged Guider had been making suggestive remarks to female coworkers, had sent them photos of himself masturbating, had recorded video of one worker as she provided care for a resident, and had invited some of his female colleagues out to his car where he kept a bottle of Seagram’s Crown Royal. Audubon police have acknowledged they fielded at least two complaints about Guider’s conduct at Friendship Home but didn’t pursue the matter. Audubon Police Chief Coby Gust said the complainants provided text messages and photos and expressed concern that the man’s behavior could spill over into his interactions with vulnerable residents. “It kind of just fell off the radar as far as anything being pursued,” Gust told the Iowa Capital Dispatch. According to the complainant in the Friendship Home case, officials at the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing rejected her complaint about Guider in April 2023, allegedly telling her the issues she raised were best addressed by management at the home since they involved worker-to-worker conduct that had no actual or potential impact on residents. The complainant provided the Iowa Capital Dispatch with screenshots of Guider’s alleged text messages, which include two photos of a man’s genitals and two photos of a man holding a bottle of Crown Royal inside a vehicle. Six months after the incident in Audubon, Guider was working at Correctionville Specialty Care when he was the target of a complaint that he had raped a resident of the home. State records show the alleged victim in that case told management an employee took her to his car in the facility’s parking lot, told her he was a musician, played some of his music to her, offered her a drink of Seagram’s Crown Royal from a bottle he kept in his car, and then forced her to have oral sex with him. According to state inspectors, the alleged rape victim, who is not cognitively impaired, also alleged the worker sent her a video of himself masturbating and provided a copy of the video. After the woman reported the alleged rape, officials at Correctionville Specialty Care evicted the woman from the facility and dropped her off at a homeless shelter, according to state inspectors. Guider was terminated from employment at the Correctionville home, but state inspectors say the facility’s parent company, Care Initiatives of West Des Moines, continued to provide work for him in other Iowa nursing homes that it operates. Court records show the alleged victim in the Correctionville case reported the alleged rape to Woodbury County deputies in November 2023 and provided them with a copy of the video Guider had allegedly sent her. The records show a search warrant for the contents of Guider’s phone wasn’t sought by deputies until June 2024 – seven months after the woman reported the alleged rape. The warrant application suggests Woodbury County deputies didn’t know where to locate Guider – although, in March 2024, he had been arrested and jailed in Washington and Poweshiek counties in the sexual exploitation case. It’s not known what information Woodbury County authorities were able to extract from Guider’s phone once they obtained it. No charges have been filed in either the Correctionville case or the Audubon case. State records show Guider was working for Pete Howe Sanitation in 2017, when he was fired for keeping a bottle of Crown Royal in his work vehicle. Several months later, in May 2018, he was certified as a nursing assistant and was cleared by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to work in Iowa nursing homes.