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jili voucher code Four districts in southern China on Friday formed a pilot framework under which connected cars will be mutually recognised, a mechanism designed to allow autonomous robotaxis to travel across cities. The Nansha district of Guangzhou, Shenzhen’s Qianhai and Bao’an districts, as well as Hengqin, an island co-administered by Zhuhai and Macau, agreed to the connected vehicle programme that will “mutually recognise qualifications, open roads ... and synergise regulation” to “further connect the Greater Bay Area”, according to a statement from Nansha. After having registered and been certified in one area, autonomous driving cars can conduct rides on open roads in the other regions, according to a WeChat post from Guangzhou-based self-driving developer Pony.ai, one of the four companies accepted into the pilot. The company added that the programme would help expand its robotaxi service to airports and railway stations across different cities, and allow its self-driving trucks to operate cross-city cargo trips. The three other companies that joined the pilot were Baidu’s Apollo Go, ride-hailing platform Chenqi Technology, which also runs robotaxis and is backed by Shenzhen-based Tencent Holdings and Guangzhou-based carmaker GAC Group, and Cowa Robot, a start-up that produces automated cleaning and delivery vehicles, including robotaxis. The move is part of Beijing’s efforts to coordinate development of the Greater Bay Area, a project launched in 2019 to link some cities in Guangdong province with Hong Kong and Macau. Several major Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, have encouraged testing of self-driving technologies on designated roads, but they each implement their own rules and regulations, and the smart cars cannot travel to neighbouring cities.By Mark Gurman Apple Inc. is racing to develop a more conversational version of its Siri digital assistant , aiming to catch up with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and other voice services, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The new Siri, details of which haven’t been reported, uses more advanced large language models, or LLMs, to allow for back-and-forth conversations, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the effort hasn’t been announced. The system also can handle more sophisticated requests in a quicker fashion, they said. MORE: Apple unveils iPhone 16, watch with bigger screen and sleep apnea feature Revamping the 13-year-old Siri service is part of Apple’s efforts to become a force in artificial intelligence. The company debuted its much-ballyhooed Apple Intelligence platform last month, but it still lacks many of the features offered by other tech giants. The new voice assistant, which will eventually be added to Apple Intelligence, is dubbed “LLM Siri” by those working on it. LLMs — a building block of generative AI — gorge on massive amounts of data in order to identify patterns and answer questions. Apple has been testing the upgraded software on iPhones, iPads and Macs as a separate app, but the technology will ultimately replace the Siri interface that users rely on today. The company is planning to announce the overhaul as soon as 2025 as part of the upcoming iOS 19 and macOS 16 software updates, which are internally named Luck and Cheer, the people said. Like Apple Intelligence this fall, the new features won’t immediately be included in next year’s crop of hardware devices. Instead, Apple is currently planning to release the new Siri to consumers as early as spring 2026, about a year and a half from now. Given that Apple is still several months away from announcing the plan, the timing and features could still shift. A spokesperson for Cupertino, California-based Apple declined to comment. The revamped Siri will rely on new Apple AI models to interact more like a human and handle tasks in a way that’s closer to ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. It also will make expanded use of App Intents, which allow for more precise control of third-party apps. And the software will be able to tap into features from Apple Intelligence, such as the ability to write and summarize text. Though Apple heralded “the start of a new era” for Siri when it first unveiled its AI platform in June, the company has yet to truly overhaul the software. The upgrades that accompanied Apple Intelligence were mostly cosmetic, including a new glowing interface that shows users when they’ve triggered the assistant. There’s also an option to type commands — rather than speaking them — and the ability to better understand users. Siri will get additional tweaks in the coming months as part of iOS 18, the iPhone’s current operating system. The software will be able to draw on customer data to provide context for commands and take action using the information on a user’s screen. The iOS 18 version relies on a first-generation Apple LLM to determine if requests should use the existing Siri infrastructure or be routed to a second LLM that can handle more complex queries and tap into third-party apps. The next-generation LLM planned for iOS 19 will be a new, end-to-end system that provides more advanced, ChatGPT-like capabilities. While the company works on that new technology, it will add ChatGPT to Apple Intelligence next month. Later, Apple plans to offer additional chatbot options, such as Gemini. The idea behind the new Siri is to bring these kinds of capabilities in-house, while emphasizing user privacy. But the company could still continue to offer access to third-party AI systems that provide specialized abilities or information. More Apple iPhone news In recent weeks, Apple has posted job listings that hint at its plan for a more conversational Siri. “You will join a team that is redefining computing, creating groundbreaking conversational assistant technologies for both large-scale systems and new client devices, and with the people who built the intelligent assistants,” one listing reads. Others ask for candidates with knowledge in conversational AI interfaces and underlying technologies. Apple has been looking to give Siri more conversational abilities for several years but struggled to find the right technology. Over a year ago, Apple moved the team responsible for the way Siri interacts with users from the company’s AI division to its group responsible for software interfaces. The team is now led by Alan Dye, the company’s vice president of human interface design. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com ©2024 Bloomberg L.P.

Missing dog returned to family home and rang the doorbell WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Athena, a 4-year-old German Shepherd and Husky mix, escaped her home in Green Cove Springs, Florida, on Dec. 15, prompting a search among the community and nearby towns for her. Yet on Christmas Eve, Athena appeared at the family's front door ringing on their doorbell — ending a search after more than a week. Her owner, Brooke Comer, said Athena's escape brought multiple communities in her town and neighboring towns to search for her dog, and that Athena's escape was about a 20-mile roundtrip near the train tracks. Sinkhole in New Jersey keeps I-80 closed after a section collapses into an abandoned mine WHARTON, N.J. (AP) — Road crews are repairing Interstate 80 in northern New Jersey after a sinkhole from an abandoned mine shut down the eastbound lanes. The state’s transportation department says it remains unknown when those lanes will reopen. The hole opened up along the highway’s right shoulder Thursday morning, and the guardrail was still hanging suspended across the gaping 40-foot-wide hole on Friday. Drivers are currently having to detour near Wharton, about 40 miles west of New York City. The New Jersey Department of Transportation said crews will work around the clock to the repair the roadway. Customs agents seize 22,000 fake Pennsylvania vehicle inspection stickers shipped from Israel HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency says it seized more than 20,000 counterfeit Pennsylvania vehicle inspection stickers that were shipped from Israel to an address in Philadelphia. The agency said that customs officers found the stickers in two different shipments that arrived on different days, Nov. 26 and Dec. 9. The agency didn't say in a Thursday statement who sent the stickers, who was to receive them and what purpose the stickers were going to serve. The agency said it made no arrests. Pennsylvania requires that motor vehicles be inspected annually to ensure they meet minimum mechanical, safety and emissions standards. One owl rescued by a Minnesota woman is euthanized; efforts to save the other continue ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — One of the two owls rescued by a Minnesota woman in a story that went viral this week has died, but the other is still getting medical care. Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Duluth said in a Facebook post Thursday that the snowy owl rescued by Annabell Whelan had internal injuries, a broken wing and a broken leg, and had to be euthanized. The great gray owl also rescued by Whelan suffered broken bones and large soft tissue wounds. Wildwoods says the injuries are severe and veterinarians are doing everything they can to “give the bird a chance at recovery.” Whelan happened to find both injured owls at different places Monday. 2 Florida tourist spots halt drones in shows following a separate accident that injured a boy ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A theme park resort and a huge hotel in central Florida either have stopped using drones or canceled their drone-based shows after several drones collided and fell from the sky during a separate holiday celebration in downtown Orlando. The accident last weekend injured a boy who required surgery. Universal Orlando said this week that it was pausing the drone component of its “CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular” show, while Orlando World Center Marriott posted that it was canceling its scheduled drone shows during the holiday week. The halt in using drones follows last Saturday’s accident at a holiday show at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. NASA's Parker Solar Probe survives close brush with the sun's scorching surface NEW YORK (AP) — NASA has confirmed that a spacecraft has made the closest approach to the sun. Earlier this week, the Parker Solar Probe passed within a mere 3.8 million miles of the sun. Space agency officials received an all-clear message Thursday night confirming Parker survived the journey. The spacecraft was launched in 2018 to get a close-up look at the sun. It'll continue circling the sun at this distance until at least September. Scientists hope to better understand what drives the solar wind and why the sun's outer atmosphere iis so much hotter than its surface. 'Morrison Hotel' made famous by The Doors goes up in flames in LA The former Morrison Hotel, which was famously on the cover of a 1970 album by The Doors, has been significantly damaged by a fire in downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Fire Department says the four-story building burned for nearly two hours Thursday. More than 100 firefighters helped bring the fire under control. The building had been vacant for more than a decade but several people who were inside at the time escaped without injuries. The Morrison Hotel was featured on the album’s cover that showed legendary frontman Jim Morrison in the middle. That album was viewed as a comeback for The Doors. Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? Remember this moment because it probably won’t last: A U.S. lottery jackpot is projected to soar above $1 billion, and that's still a big deal. Friday’s Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion. The prize has evoked headlines across the country, despite the nation's top 10 jackpots already having boasted billion-dollar payouts. Jonathan Cohen is the author of the book “For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America.” He says he expects jackpots to continue to grow in size. Larger payouts attract more media attention, increase ticket sales and bring in new players. Suzuki Motor former boss Osamu Suzuki, who turned the minicar maker into a global player, dies at 94 TOKYO (AP) — Osamu Suzuki, the charismatic former boss of Japanese mini-vehicle maker Suzuki Motor Corp., has died. He was 94. Suzuki was known for his candid remarks and friendliness, calling himself an "old guy from a small to mid-size company.” He became CEO of Suzuki in 1978 and helped turn the company into a global brand name. It was the first Japanese automaker to start local production in India and has had tie-ups with industry leaders like General Motors and Volkswagen. It is working with Toyota on developing self-driving vehicles. The company said Suzuki died Wednesday of malignant lymphoma. Cowboys shutting down CeeDee Lamb with 2 games to go over receiver's shoulder issue FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are shutting down CeeDee Lamb with two games remaining after their 2023 All-Pro receiver spent the second half of the season dealing with a sprained right shoulder. The team says additional exams revealed enough damage to keep Lamb off the field Sunday at Philadelphia and in the final game at home against Washington. The team says surgery isn't expected to be required. Dallas was eliminated from playoff contention a few hours before last weekend’s 26-24 victory over Tampa Bay.Premiere Weight Loss Partners with Concorde Health to Launch Comprehensive Weight Loss and Lifestyle Management Program

NoneBy MICHAEL R. SISAK and JENNIFER PELTZ NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urged a judge again Friday to throw out his hush money conviction, balking at the prosecution’s suggestion of preserving the verdict by treating the case the way some courts do when a defendant dies. They called the idea “absurd.” Related Articles National Politics | Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg National Politics | Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump’s suite at football game The Manhattan district attorney’s office is asking Judge Juan M. Merchan to “pretend as if one of the assassination attempts against President Trump had been successful,” Trump’s lawyers wrote in a blistering 23-page response. In court papers made public Tuesday, District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books after Trump’s lawyers filed paperwork earlier this month asking for the case to be dismissed. They include freezing the case until Trump leaves office in 2029, agreeing that any future sentence won’t include jail time, or closing the case by noting he was convicted but that he wasn’t sentenced and his appeal wasn’t resolved because of presidential immunity. Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove reiterated Friday their position that the only acceptable option is overturning his conviction and dismissing his indictment, writing that anything less will interfere with the transition process and his ability to lead the country. The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined comment. It’s unclear how soon Merchan will decide. He could grant Trump’s request for dismissal, go with one of the prosecution’s suggestions, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court, or choose some other option. In their response Friday, Blanche and Bove ripped each of the prosecution’s suggestions. Halting the case until Trump leaves office would force the incoming president to govern while facing the “ongoing threat” that he’ll be sentenced to imprisonment, fines or other punishment as soon as his term ends, Blanche and Bove wrote. Trump, a Republican, takes office Jan. 20. “To be clear, President Trump will never deviate from the public interest in response to these thuggish tactics,” the defense lawyers wrote. “However, the threat itself is unconstitutional.” The prosecution’s suggestion that Merchan could mitigate those concerns by promising not to sentence Trump to jail time on presidential immunity grounds is also a non-starter, Blanche and Bove wrote. The immunity statute requires dropping the case, not merely limiting sentencing options, they argued. Blanche and Bove, both of whom Trump has tabbed for high-ranking Justice Department positions, expressed outrage at the prosecution’s novel suggestion that Merchan borrow from Alabama and other states and treat the case as if Trump had died. Blanche and Bove accused prosecutors of ignoring New York precedent and attempting to “fabricate” a solution “based on an extremely troubling and irresponsible analogy between President Trump” who survived assassination attempts in Pennsylvania in July and Florida in September “and a hypothetical dead defendant.” Such an option normally comes into play when a defendant dies after being convicted but before appeals are exhausted. It is unclear whether it is viable under New York law, but prosecutors suggested that Merchan could innovate in what’s already a unique case. “This remedy would prevent defendant from being burdened during his presidency by an ongoing criminal proceeding,” prosecutors wrote in their filing this week. But at the same time, it wouldn’t “precipitously discard” the “meaningful fact that defendant was indicted and found guilty by a jury of his peers.” Prosecutors acknowledged that “presidential immunity requires accommodation” during Trump’s impending return to the White House but argued that his election to a second term should not upend the jury’s verdict, which came when he was out of office. Longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution . Other world leaders don’t enjoy the same protection. For example, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial on corruption charges even as he leads that nation’s wars in Lebanon and Gaza . Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his May 30 conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records . Prosecutors said he fudged the documents to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier, which Trump denies. In their filing Friday, Trump’s lawyers citing a social media post in which Sen. John Fetterman used profane language to criticize Trump’s hush money prosecution. The Pennsylvania Democrat suggested that Trump deserved a pardon, comparing his case to that of President Joe Biden’s pardoned son Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “Weaponizing the judiciary for blatant, partisan gain diminishes the collective faith in our institutions and sows further division,” Fetterman wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. Trump’s hush money conviction was in state court, meaning a presidential pardon — issued by Biden or himself when he takes office — would not apply to the case. Presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes. Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has ended his two federal cases , which pertained to Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and allegations that he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. A separate state election interference case in Fulton County, Georgia, is largely on hold. Trump denies wrongdoing in all. Trump had been scheduled for sentencing in the hush money case in late November. But following Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the former and future president’s sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case. Merchan also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. A dismissal would erase Trump’s conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office.

Manoj Chaurasia is a senior political journalist having experience of working for top national and international media in a career spanning over 25 years. He loves writing political, offbeat and human-interest stories. Read More ​How to make Masala Chicken Curry at home​ 10 beautiful animals that are pink in colour 10 easy-to-care-for beautiful freshwater fish for home aquariums 9 vegetarian dishes shine in the ‘100 Best Dishes in the World’ list ​10 rare animals found only in Asia​ In pics: Sai Pallavi's vacation to Australia 8 books that will help develop discipline and good habits in 2025 Sanskrit names for baby boy that sound modern 18 stews and soups shine among the '100 Best Dishes in the World' 9 foods that provide over 30 grams of protein when cooked

Kotek won’t designate rural land for chip industry after all as Oregon’s hopes for research hub fadeNEW YORK — Cam Johnson has been a powerful offensive force for the Nets in December. The 28-year-old forward has averaged 23.4 points per game in his first nine appearances this month while shooting 50% from the field, 44.3% from 3-point range and 87.7% from the free-throw line. That includes four games with at least 20 points and one 33-point eruption in a 101-94 defeat of the Toronto Raptors last week. Johnson has been the difference for Brooklyn in close games, for better or worse, depending on how you measure team success. Few wings on the open market have matched his recent production. And as he continues to surge, so does the price tag for any contending team looking to acquire him. “He’s our movement guy. He creates a lot of attention,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said. “He’s running miles and miles and miles and a lot of the time he’s not the one taking the shot. But he’s definitely brought that composure to the group that has helped us in big-time moments where we were able to take the lead and close the game.” One of those moments came in Thursday’s 111-105 defeat of the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. An 82-76 game entering the fourth quarter, the Nets stormed back behind Johnson and Shake Milton to take a 99-97 lead with 3:40 left. The Nets were up three with 1:06 left when the Bucks suffered their worst mental lapse of the night. For whatever reason, they doubled Ben Simmons on a ball screen at the 3-point line and left Johnson wide open. The forward knocked down the trey despite getting fouled by Milwaukee’s Ryan Rollins on the attempt. He completed the four-point play at the free-throw line moments later, which gave Brooklyn a seven-point edge with 47.9 seconds left. Johnson scored 10 of his game-high 29 points in the final frame. Trade speculation has followed Johnson since the offseason, but he continues to stay in the moment and fight for his current team. Some fans may not appreciate it, given the Nets’ rebuilding situation. But Johnson and company pay no attention to the noise. “When we believe we can win the game, which we did the entire game, we give ourselves a chance,” Johnson said. “So, it kind of starts with that belief. ... And then that kind of empowers guys to go out there and make plays, like Shake did, like Keon [Johnson] did, Noah [Clowney] hitting threes. So, it’s just that belief that we have to have across our roster that showed up in the second half for us today.” ©2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.None

Carl Black Chevy Buick GMC of Kennesaw , the premier vehicle dealership near Atlanta, GA , is excited to announce the release of brand-new research on the 2025 Chevy Tahoe for sale near Atlanta . ATLANTA , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Carl Black Chevrolet Buick GMC in Kennesaw, Georgia , is proud to share its comprehensive research on the 2025 Chevy Tahoe for sale near Atlanta . This iconic full-size SUV continues to impress with its blend of power, advanced features, and spacious design, making it a top choice for families and adventurers alike. "The 2025 Chevy Tahoe offers an unparalleled combination of power, luxury, and technology. Features like Super Cruise add a layer of convenience and safety that's hard to beat, and with multiple trims to choose from, there's a Tahoe for every lifestyle. We invite everyone to explore our new research pages and discover why the Tahoe is the ultimate SUV." -Explore the 2025 Chevy Tahoe's Versatile Trims The 2025 Chevy Tahoe offers a wide range of trims, including the refined High Country and the rugged Z71. Whether you need luxury or off-road capability, the Tahoe delivers. The 2025 Chevy Tahoe High Country provides premium amenities, such as perforated leather seating and a standard Magnetic Ride Control system for a smooth drive. On the other hand, the Chevy Tahoe Z71 focuses on adventure, featuring off-road tires, underbody skid plates, and a more aggressive front design. Drivers near Atlanta can choose the trim that perfectly matches their lifestyle. -Power and Performance Define the 2025 Chevy Tahoe Under the hood, the Tahoe offers three impressive engine options, including the standard 5.3-liter V8, the available 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine. Each engine delivers the performance and towing capacity drivers expect. Additionally, the Tahoe boasts a best-in-class cargo space, ensuring there's room for passengers, gear, and everything in between. The 2025 Chevy Tahoe also prioritizes technology with its advanced safety and entertainment features. Highlights include a large touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available Super Cruise driver assistance technology. -Affordable Luxury: The 2025 Chevy Tahoe Price The 2025 Chevy Tahoe price starts at $56,200 , making it an affordable option for those seeking a powerful and versatile full-size SUV. Whether you're looking for a reliable daily driver or a capable road trip companion, the Tahoe fits the bill. -Discover the 2025 Chevy Tahoe for Sale Near Atlanta Explore the 2025 Chevy Tahoe for sale near Atlanta today at Carl Black Chevrolet Buick GMC in Kennesaw . Browse their current inventory or dive deeper into its towing and powertrain features by visiting their blog . For more information, visit the Tahoe model research page . Stop by Carl Black Kennesaw to see why the Chevy Tahoe 2025 continues to set the standard for full-size SUVs. - About Carl Black Chevy Buick GMC Carl Black Chevy Buick GMC of Kennesaw is a full-service dealership offering new and used vehicles, auto repair, and financing. The dealership is committed to providing its customers with a hassle-free car - buying experience. For more information, visit https://www.carlblackkennesaw.com/ . SOURCE Carl Black Chevy Buick GMC Kennesaw

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Black Friday is officially a week away, and if you're as excited as we are, you'll know that the festivities are already starting. After all, it's a years-long tradition for retailers to start their sales well before the actual holiday. That's why I can gladly round up all of the best early Black Friday deals for you, below. Whether you're shopping for a new TV for your entertainment center or just need to chill out with a Headspace meditation plan, there's something for every shopper on sale right now. I've covered Black Friday for years and have kept a close eye on deals all season, so you can trust that any price drop I've flagged below is worth checking out. Prices may drop lower in the coming days as Black Friday gets closer. However, when it comes to products like Amazon devices, subscription services, and fashion brands, it's not likely that the deals will get any better than the ones I've listed now. Keep tabs on this story for more great savings as they arise over the coming days. Keep scrolling to see the best Black Friday deals you can score now. To explore even more, check out our guides to the best Amazon Black Friday sales , the best Black Friday mattress sales , and the best Walmart Black Friday deals . Adobe: Save 50% on Creative Cloud apps Allbirds: 30% off everything at the super comfy shoe brand AirPods: $90 off AirPods Pro 2 Amazon: 'Black Friday Week' sale is underway! Apple: New Amazon deals on MacBooks, iPads, and more Best Buy: Doorbuster deals on TVs, appliances, audio Blue Nile: Up to 30% off quality jewelry Brooklinen: 25-50% off luxury bed sheets Chewy: Up to 40% off pet clothing, toys, treats Ergatta: $1000 off select rowing machine bundles Leesa: 30% off superb mattresses Mint Mobile: Say goodbye to big wireless bills with 50% off Nordstrom: Shop designer deals at big discounts already NordVPN: Don't miss this 74% discount Saatva: Early Access BF mattress sale is live Saks Fifth Avenue: Designer sale discounts as high as 50% Silk & Snow: Mattress and bedding brand is up to 25% off sitewide Spanx: Early discounts across smart and casual clothing Tommy John: Save 30% on PJs and underwear with code: EARLY30 Verizon: Free iPhone 16 Pro, iPad, and Watch with new deal Vivaia: Discounts on boots and shoes as high as 40% today Walmart: Flash sale features 60% savings Wayfair: Popular home picks are up to 80% off already Best Black Friday tech deals The Beats Studio Buds offer great sound, an excellent fit, and decent noise cancellation for their price. They support instant pairing for iPhone and Android users, but the iPhone experience is still more seamless. 1Password is among the gold standard in password managers with its extensive list of features and benefits. The application doesn't come for free however, and the premium password manager is priced accordingly in its annual fee. Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds deliver excellent sound quality and noise canceling in a sleek, comfy design that’s tough to beat. Amazon's latest Kindle Paperwhite offers even faster performance than its predecessors in the same thin, waterproof form readers love. Apple's handy tracking device comes bundled in a discounted four-pack. Airtags are easy to set up and allow you to track multiple items in the Find My app alongside your friends and devices. Compared to the Roku Streaming Stick+, the new Streaming Stick 4K provides an improved viewing experience by adding support for Dolby Vision. This advanced high dynamic range (HDR) format can provide better picture quality on TVs that support it. The new Amazon Echo Spot features a brand-new display face and functions best as an alarm clock smart speaker. It offers rich sound and can control your smart home's other devices with the help of Alexa. With rapid two-sided printing (up to 35 pages per minute), a 250 sheet tray, and a built-in scanner/copier, HP's multi-function printer is a great choice for a home or small office setup. The touchscreen display makes navigating all the features super simple, too. Best Black Friday TV deals The S90D is our favorite 2024 TV overall. Its QD-OLED panel delivers a high-contrast image with vivid colors, wide viewing angles, and impressive brightness for this class. Samsung's Frame TV can be mounted flush against your wall like a hanging piece of art. It also features a matte screen to make it look more like canvas, and you can purchase optional magnetic frame bezels in different colors and designs. Sony's A95L is the best high-end TV you can buy. Though pricey, its QD-OLED panel delivers the most impressive picture quality we've seen. It's also got a premium design and Google's convenient smart TV interface. This 32-inch TV only has a 720p HD screen, but at such a small screen size it's hard to see the benefits of a higher resolution. Picture quality here is as basic as it gets, but the 2-Series is a solid option for buyers who want a cheap, compact smart TV for a bedroom or other smaller area. The U6N is one of the top budget TVs available. The 4K QLED display uses quantum dots, local dimming, and a Mini LED backlight to deliver higher contrast and a wider range of colors than most competitors in its class. Best Black Friday mattress deals The gel memory foam of the Nectar makes it a versatile mattress that conforms to the contours of your body to relieve pressure. It's a premium sleep experience, but its price tag is way under a grand. The Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress features contouring foam that cradles sleepers of all body types and sleeping styles while offering outstanding pressure relief and heat dissipation. The Big Fig Mattress is constructed for heavier individuals with firm support and a high weight capacity. The memory foam of the Bear mattress, combined with Celliant technology, makes this a great bed for active folks looking for some rest and recovery. Environmentally-conscious folks can choose the Birch Mattress without guilt thanks to its all-natural materials. Use our exclusive promo code INSIDER27 to save 27% off and get two free pillows. Best Black Friday home deals Our top pick for the best comforter, the All-Season Down Comforter from Brooklinen, is a versatile comforter for those who sleep hot or cold. This soft and airy comforter is at the lowest price we've seen all year during the brand's Black Friday sale. The J9+ is a powerful robot vacuum that deftly navigates around household obstacles, leaves hardwood floors spotless, and tackles low-pile carpets with ease. The beveled lip of the Pottery Barn Marble Coasters did an outstanding job of protecting the table from water in our tests and facilitated easy drink placement without looking. The second-generation Nest Doorbell has a 145-degree field-of-view, 950 x 1,280 video resolution at 30 frames-per-second, night vision up to 10-feet away, and includes two-way voice communication. The Hatch Restore 2 has the most light options and sleep sounds of any model we tried, and they're all fully controlled through its multifunctional Hatch Sleep app. The Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Ceramic Space Heater is outstanding at balancing heating performance and quiet operation. When you factor in the many safety features, this is also the best option for bedrooms. While we haven't tested the Dyson V11 Origin yet, we've been impressed with the innovations and powerful suction of the Dyson vacuums we've tested. This model features a HEPA filter to help keep allergens out of the air. Best Black Friday kitchen deals The 5.5-cup cooker uses fuzzy logic to make perfect rice every time and has multiple settings for all kinds of rice and grains, including brown rice, steel cut oatmeal, and sushi rice. The ember mug keeps drinks at their optimal temperature and can be controlled by smart phone. The easy to use Thermapen, won our top spot for best meat thermometer overall in our guide to the best meat thermometers. The Thermapen has several useful features such as its backlight, and sleep and wake modes. Make restaurant-quality pizza at home with this gas powered pizza oven. It’s easy to set up with only three main components, and then you’re ready to bake gourmet pizzas in under a minute. Perfect for tea lovers, the Chefman Electric Kettle offers five different presets for heating your water to the perfect temperature and includes a removable tea infuser. Save space, time, and money with Keurig's Express brewer. It's not as narrow as the K-Mini, but it has a strong brew setting and a 42-ounce water tank, making it more practical for couples or small offices. The Breville Smart Oven Air handles a variety of kitchen tasks with aplomb, from your morning toast to a roast chicken to air fried everything. 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You cannot make this up : “ OpenAI’s Board of Directors is evaluating our corporate structure in order to best support the mission of ensuring artificial general intelligence (AGI) 1 benefits all of humanity, with three objectives”. Yes, a $157 billion company board is still “evaluating” its corporate structure! OpenAI is in a mess because most of the founding partners are those who believe in the unalloyed supremacy of technology above all things. Yes, provided they can extend the Pythagorean postulation that the universe is numbers, and can pursue its practicalization in fixing market frictions, everything will fall into place. Unfortunately, that is an illusion, and OpenAI is learning the hard way. If they had incorporated this company as a for-profit company, the generative AI pioneer will not be going through this paralysis. But that was not the case as they went non-profit, and now want to evolve, and morph, into another species of companies. Unfortunately, that is not an easy thing, because the law is clear: if you are to dissolve that non-profit, the assets move to another non-profit or to the state for public good. Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025 ) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts. Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here. Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and i nvest in Africa’s finest startups here . Of course, how do you hand over $157 billion to the government? That is why the Board is still “evaluating” because they have no clear answers. When they are done, a simple suit will bring them to order. Many years ago, to fund my personal non-profit on electronics in Africa (via African Institution of Technology , a 501c3 charity, which has supported electronics education in 112 universities, click afrit.org for photos), I read the ordinance with the US Internal Revenue Service. Quickly, it became clear that it is better to go and make money, and use the profit to support any charity of interest, than setting up a non-profit directly for its purpose. That is what lawyers will tell you because you never know tomorrow. So, you will have Mastercard Foundation, Intel Foundation, etc funded by Mastercard, Intel, etc. The creator of ChatGPT cannot use ChatGPT to discover the right corporate structure because that is above the pay-compute-grade of ChatGPT. But if they had asked a recent law graduate, they possibly might have been saved from this. And that takes me to the message: use those lawyers, pay them, because they will save you from troubles. Today, I sent two documents to two different lawyers (yes, I use two ), and was happy when they independently returned: “Prof, it’s ready to go”, “Sir, everything looks nice”. Good People, respect lawyers because they serve as high priests on the altars of governments even if you are a tech prodigy. Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA (Feb 10 - May 3, 2025), and join Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe and our global faculty; click here .Why The Gap Stock Jumped Today

Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and other economic actors will be able to benefit from up to 80,000 dollars in financing for circular economy initiatives in Havana . This is a call launched days ago by the Cuban capital’s authorities in alliance with international agencies, which focuses on the management of the paper and cardboard value chain and will be valid until January 10, 2025. It seeks to “strengthen and develop the capacities of the actors in the economic framework of Havana; as well as promoting the social inclusion of women, youth and people with disabilities in initiatives that support management.” The project is promoted by the Havana government together with the Delegation of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) and its implementation is in charge of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). Participants and commitments The call is open to MSMEs, agricultural and livestock cooperatives, self-employed workers and local development projects based in the Cuban capital, as well as community initiatives or projects. Related Posts Film Festival in memory December 9, 2024 Biogas in Cuba: through the “paths” of changing the energy matrix December 5, 2024 Oscar Paglieri: the anointed one of “La Estrella de Italia” in Cuba December 1, 2024 What is there to celebrate on Economists’ Day in Cuba? November 30, 2024 var jnews_module_314889_0_675dee990c2ee = {"header_icon":"","first_title":"Related Posts","second_title":"","url":"","header_type":"heading_1","header_background":"","header_secondary_background":"","header_text_color":"","header_line_color":"","header_accent_color":"","header_filter_category":"","header_filter_author":"","header_filter_tag":"","header_filter_text":"All","post_type":"post","content_type":"all","number_post":"4","post_offset":0,"unique_content":"disable","include_post":"","exclude_post":314889,"include_category":"13902,13903,13904,13906,13905,13907,34525,34536,13915,13917,13918,13916,13908,13912,13913,13909,13911,13910,13914,33528,13903,13904,13906,13905,13907","exclude_category":"","include_author":"","include_tag":"","exclude_tag":"","sort_by":"latest","date_format":"default","date_format_custom":"Y\/m\/d","force_normal_image_load":"","pagination_mode":"nextprev","pagination_nextprev_showtext":"","pagination_number_post":"4","pagination_scroll_limit":0,"boxed":"","boxed_shadow":"","el_id":"","el_class":"","scheme":"","column_width":"auto","title_color":"","accent_color":"","alt_color":"","excerpt_color":"","css":"","paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_21"}; According to the call, these actors must be “committed to the application of a value chain approach based on circular economy principles in the process of managing paper and cardboard waste in Havana, or who could contribute to solutions from the local and community space regarding the management of these wastes.” The selected organizations will be able to access training spaces, technical support for the development of their projects and the strengthening of technological capacities through the acquisition of supplies and equipment necessary to implement the proposed initiative. Budget amounts The budget amount for each initiative must not exceed 80,000 US dollars (USD). This includes 15% of the operating costs related to the import of equipment and materials, if applicable. The money will not be delivered directly to the managers of each initiative. Instead, the required resources will be delivered, in accordance with what is defined in the work plan, procurement plan and the budget agreed for the project. La ruina logística está detrás de la crisis de la basura en La Habana Selection and application criteria Among the criteria for the selection of the initiatives, the sustainability of the project, the business plan and its feasibility study that demonstrates its economic-financial viability will be taken into account. Likewise, it will be observed whether the undertaking promotes the use of renewable energies (photovoltaic, wind or others) and applies energy efficiency practices (use of technological equipment that consumes less energy and is aligned with energy efficiency standards). The local impact of the initiative will also be considered, as well as how it connects with local and municipal development priorities, as well as whether it promotes the articulation of links with other productive actors and local services and whether it is a female-led undertaking or led by young people under 35 years of age. Owners of MSMEs and other actors and projects interested in participating can consult the terms of reference and apply through an online form . Meanwhile, to clarify doubts and make inquiries about the process, the organizers also provided a link . Tags: Circular economy Cuban MSMEs featuredColumn: Got two weeks to foster a large-breed dog? Pasadena Humane might have a fit for youIn a world context marked by the war in Ukraine, the genocide in Palestine, the return of Donald Trump to the White House and the emergence of a new Right, the debates on war and imperialism, notions that seemed to have been filed in the drawer of memories by a large part of critical theories, are coming back to the forefront. But what do we mean when we speak of imperialism, and what is the relationship between imperialism and capitalism? What is the centrality of the anti-imperialist struggle for socialist strategy in the 21st century? On all these issues, there are important divisions on the Left. In what follows, we will focus in particular on some recent debates. On the one hand, there are those who argue that the Marxist theory of imperialism is obsolete, either because of the transformations of capitalism at the global level, or because it has always been wrong. For Vivek Chibber, editor of Catalyst Magazine and other authors of Jacobin Magazine, it isn’t necessary to build an “anti-imperialist Left,” but the key is to develop “class struggle at home” around “bread and butter” demands, namely, the elementary economic demands of the working class. From another angle, there are those who emphasize the inequalities between the “Global South” and the “Global North” while considering China and Russia as new axes of support for the struggle against imperialism. While the former seeks to recreate a kind of “welfare chauvinism,” the latter “Global South” positions denounce Western imperialism, but align themselves with other powers with strong imperialist traits. In the following, we will address some of these debates, in a counterpoint with Vivek Chibber and John Bellamy Foster. The first position is the one defended by the editors of Jacobin magazine in the United States, a magazine linked to the DSA (Democratic Socialist of America). In several articles, such as here and here , Matías Maiello polemicizes with the recovery of Karl Kautsky’s work by these authors and points out that there is no struggle for socialism without anti-imperialism. The debate is not secondary. In an interview published in the Jacobin Review , Vivek Chibber argued that the theory of imperialism developed by Lenin in his classic pamphlet “Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism” was wrong. For Chibber, as far as this question is concerned, the “Leninist legacy produced much damage” in the Marxist left. His arguments can be synthesized as follows: 1) imperialism must be distinguished from capitalism, to confuse them would be a serious mistake; 2) the idea that capitalism entered a “new stage” characterized by monopolies is wrong; 3) the thesis that the confrontation between “rich countries” would be a constant in the following decades was “spectacularly wrong”; 4) Kautsky was right with his theory of ultra-imperialism when he “predicted that what there would be would be cooperation between capitalist countries, not competition”; 5) Lenin’s errors led to a mistaken position on “bourgeois revolutions” in countries like China and others, which gave rise to support for “anti-feudal” or “anti-imperialist” bourgeois nationalist sectors; and 6) there never existed a “labor aristocracy” in the central countries. Chibber artificially separates imperialism from capitalism , as if the former referred only to the “aggressions” of some nations over others, and the latter to economic or class relations. On that basis, he concludes that anti-imperialism means nothing more than “collective action in your country against militarism and aggression by your government against other countries, and convincing your working class that its material interests are tied to the de-escalation of conflict and the demilitarization of its own state.” We will return to these conclusions, but first let us address their foundations. The Marxist theory of imperialism, developed by Lenin, Luxemburg, and Trotsky, among others, is precisely counter to the idea that imperialism was a “militaristic excess” of some states, which could be contained by diplomatic means, as if wars between powers or colonial plunder were not inscribed in the tendencies of capitalism itself. In this sense, taking up the studies of Hilferding and other Marxist authors on financial capital, Lenin defined that the transformation of “free competition” capitalism into monopoly capitalism had given rise to a new stage of development of the capitalist system, its imperialist stage. And that this opened the way to an epoch marked by the tendency to wars, crises, and also revolutions. Chibber, like other authors, centered his criticisms of Lenin’s theory of imperialism on the definitions of his classic pamphlet “Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism,” focused above all on the economic dynamics of monopoly capitalism and on the inter-imperialist contradictions. While authors like Bellamy Foster rightly point out that to “understand the complex theoretical and historical issues involved” in this theory, one must put this work “in relation to his entire body of writings on imperialism from 1916-1920,” where the political elements and the question of national oppression have much more weight. In the Second International, the debate on imperialism divided the waters between Marxists and revisionists. At the beginning of the 20th century, the sector headed by Bernstein came to propose that there was a progressive, civilizing colonialism, and that there could even be a “socialist colonialism.” These positions were not in the majority and were rejected by different socialist congresses, which approved internationalist resolutions in the face of the possibility of the outbreak of a world war. At that time, Kautsky was still in the left-wing of the International. However, the chauvinist positions were becoming increasingly more pervasive in the leadership of the social democratic parties, gaining a foothold among the trade union bureaucracies and the labor aristocracy. From 1910 onwards, Kautsky moved towards centrist positions that diluted the struggle against imperialism and conciliated with the reformist and social chauvinist wing. Kautsky–as Chibber now proposes–in his analysis of imperialism, separated militarist tendencies from economic tendencies. He argued that capitalist expansion into new regions could be carried out by violent as well as peaceful means. He asserted that “imperialist methods,” which involved clash and confrontation between powers, were more a hindrance than a foothold for capitalist development, so that the capitalists themselves would seek ways to “coordinate” on an international scale. On this basis, Kautsky formulated the theory of “ultra-imperialism.” Just as capitalism had given rise to monopolies, these could give rise to the “cartelization” of the foreign policy of the states. That is to say, a phase that would not be marked by geopolitical and military confrontation between powers, but by their unification in a “Holy Alliance.” Remarkably, the article in which Kautsky formulated these ideas was published in September 1914, a few weeks after the outbreak of the First World War. We need hardly recall that what followed was not anything like greater concord among the states, but several years of imperialist carnage. The brutal tendencies towards military clashes between powers would explode again on a new scale in the Second World War. Yet, even after the whole 20th century passed with two world wars and was plagued by regional wars, Chibber affirms that Lenin was wrong, since from the 1950s onwards, the world had become “more Kautskyan.” However, in the postwar years, what there was was not an “ultra-imperialist” tendency toward harmony among the powers, but a “ Pax Americana” imposed after the defeat of the Axis powers (with the end of the war being a huge demonstration of imperial power with the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki). The post-war “boom,” which followed the previous enormous destruction of productive forces, was not the beginning of a new “ultra-imperialist” epoch as Kautsky announced. The pact with the Stalinist bureaucracy at Yalta and Potsdam allowed imperialism to avoid the danger of revolution in the capitalist center for an entire period (not so in the periphery) and to postpone the confrontations between powers. But that would not last forever. That post-war order was questioned on all its flanks at the end of the 1960s, with a profound workers’ and popular upsurge in the central countries, the capitalist periphery, and the countries behind the “iron curtain” (which was combined with the economic crisis from 1973 onwards). The defeats and deviations of these processes gave way to the neoliberal period, the leap in the internationalization of value chains, and the formation of an Atlanticist global order from which all major powers benefited for several decades. Now, was this the proof that Kautsky was right, that as a result of the internationalization of capital a harmonization of the interests of the powers had been achieved in an “ultra-imperialism”? The disputes between the imperialist states were partially suspended during the period of “globalization,” even with the formation of supranational structures such as the WTO, the European Union, or free trade agreements between regional blocs. But that does not mean that contradictions were eliminated. Chibber confuses here American hegemony (undisputed for a long period) with the historical overcoming of the imperialist epoch. And although the tendencies to clash between powers were largely contained since the second post-war period (there was no new world war), the current crisis of the neoliberal order poses its actualization in a violent way. Chibber’s timing for the defense of the thesis of “ultra-imperialism” does not seem much better than that of Kautsky. At present, it is not difficult to recognize the leap towards greater conflagrations between rival powers, with the return of war to European territory. Mainstream analysts write in the latest Foreign Affairs Magazine about a dynamic towards what they call a “total war,” with Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency adding uncertainty to the global outlook. Imperialism’s warmongering tendencies are also on display in the Middle East, with the brutal genocide in Palestine, Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, and Israel’s escalation with Iran. In Gaza, Netanyahu has deployed old-school colonial violence with state-of-the-art weapons provided by the U.S., Germany, and others. Now, Israel’s massacres and the complicity of Western powers have generated a wave of outrage and solidarity with the Palestinian cause not seen for decades. In the streets and on university campuses in the U.S., UK, France, and Spain, a massive youth movement emerged in support of the Palestinian people and against Zionist crimes. Hundreds of thousands of young people point the finger at their own imperialist governments as accomplices of genocide. In the United States, this led many to break politically with the Democratic Party and “ Genocide Joe,” and refuse to support Kamala Harris as the “lesser evil,” as Bernie Sanders or Alexandra Ocasio Cortez called for. Those who believe that the socialist Left in the U.S. can recreate itself with one foot in and one foot out of the Democratic Party, like Jacobin ‘s editors and DSA leaders suggest, are opposed to fighting for an anti-imperialist Left. The theory of ultra-imperialism served Kautsky to reconcile positions with the chauvinist wing of social democracy, which closed ranks with its own bourgeoisie in the war. It enables Chibber to continue to harbor illusions that the Democrats can be a progressive alternative, should they decide to take up the “bread and butter” agenda to seduce the working class. Let us now return to Chibber’s conclusions about what “anti-imperialism” means. In the interview with Jacobin , he states that it would be to push for “collective action in your country against your government’s militarism and aggression against other countries, and convincing your working class that their material interests are bound up with the de-escalation of conflict and the demilitarization of their own state.” In other words, it would be a matter of demanding, on a national level, that less money be allocated to military budgets, to be reinvested in schools and hospitals. This policy, while partially correct, when considered in isolation from a consistent anti-imperialist program, has enormous contradictions. In the first place, it seeks to obtain partial improvements for a sector of the working class in the central countries, without questioning the imperialist oppression of the semicolonial and dependent peoples. In the United States, paradoxically, it has been Donald Trump who has questioned the billionaire funds destined to the war in Ukraine, demagoguing that these funds should be dedicated to “making America great again.” Second, he generates illusions that militaristic tendencies and greater clashes between powers can be moderated with a little union pressure. And, finally, he believes that all of this would be possible with a Democratic government, if it were to adopt some old-fashioned social-democratic policies. In a recent article, John Bellamy Foster puts forward in a very suggestive way that: It is a sign of the depth of the structural crisis of capital in our time that not since the onset of the First World War and the dissolution of the Second International — during which nearly all of the European social democratic parties joined the inter-imperialist war on the side of their respective nation-states — has the split on imperialism on the left taken on such serious dimensions. He finds that “the gap between the views of imperialism held by the Western left and those of revolutionary movements in the Global South is wider than at any time in the last century.” He goes on to list some of the (contradictory) ideas that characterize what he defines as a Eurocentric Left. These include the denial of national oppression by imperialism and the idea that imperialism “is simply a political policy of aggression of one state against another” as we have already seen in the case of Chibber. This is also often accompanied by the justification of a “humanitarian imperialism aimed at protecting human rights.” He also notes the idea that “imperialist rivalry and exploitation between nations has been displaced by global class struggles within a fully globalized transnational capitalism,” or, in other occasions, the idea that “economic imperialism has been ‘reversed’ with the Global East/South now exploiting the Global West/North.” In the article, Bellamy Foster traces various debates on the Marxist Left about imperialism in the 20th century, from the Second and Third Internationals, to the elaborations of dependency theory, world-system theory, the cultural turn of the post-colonial left, and the more contemporary debates on global value chains and uneven development. He rightly points out that at the heart of all Eurocentric positions is the negation of Engels’ and Lenin’s theses on the labor aristocracy. In response, he responds that “existence of a labor aristocracy at some level is difficult to deny on any realistic basis.” As an example, he points out that the AFL-CIO leadership has historically been linked to the military-industrial complex in the United States and “has worked with the CIA throughout the post-Second World War era to repress progressive unions throughout the Global South, backing the most exploitative regimes.” As part of the “abandonment of the theory of imperialism on the left,” Bellamy Foster mentions among others, Empire by Toni Negri and Michael Hardt; David Harvey’s elaborations on the so-called accumulation by dispossession or the positions of Vivek Chibber, to which we refer. In particular, he argues that Chibber’s attack on the concept of monopoly capital shows “his ignorance of the enormous growth in recent decades in the concentration and centralization of capital associated with successive merger waves, leading to the continuing augmentation of monopoly power, along with the centralization of finance.” Now, while Chibber and other sectors of the Left deny the existence of imperialism from an abstract definition of class, Bellamy Foster tends to make the national question absolute in the periphery, diluting the struggle for class independence in what he calls “the Global South.” Vivek Chibber considers that the “Leninist legacy” has been detrimental to the Left, because in the case of revolutions in the periphery it meant support for the national bourgeoisies, with the idea of “anti-feudal” or “anti-imperialist revolutions.” One of the examples he gives is the support of the Chinese Communist Party to Chiang Kai-shek and his nationalist party, the Kuomintang, during the Revolution of 1925-28. However, what he omits is that there was no continuity between the Marxist theses on imperialism and the policy of Stalinism: the latter took up Menshevik stagism, subordinating the workers vanguard to the leadership of the reactionary Chinese bourgeoisie, which led to the defeat of the revolution. The important lessons on the Chinese Revolution and the opposition to that stagist orientation were the basis for the generalization of the Theory of the Permanent Revolution by Leon Trotsky. For his part, Bellamy Foster correctly questions Chibber for denying the national oppression imposed by imperialism on the “third world” or “Global South.” However, he does so by aligning himself politically with the national bourgeoisies (as in his defense of Chavism) and with China, which is another bloc with a strong dynamic of imperialist development. On this particular issue, he deploys several arguments. On the one hand, he argues that it is wrong to present “the People’s Republic of China as an imperialist (and straightforwardly capitalist) power in the same sense as the United States, disregarding the role of “socialism with Chinese characteristics” and the whole Chinese road to development, as well as processes of unequal exchange.” He goes on to state that China’s foreign policy is geared towards “promoting the self-determination of nations, while opposing bloc geopolitics and military interventions. Beijing’s threefold Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative together constitute the leading proposals for world peace in our era.” For Bellamy Foster it would be necessary to stand politically with the “underdeveloped nations” (he includes China among them) against imperialism. He points out that this would not mean “abandoning the class struggle in the core capitalist nations themselves, quite the contrary.” But what about class struggle in the nations of the “global south”? What he proposes is a new stagism of the 21st century, as if imperialism could be confronted without fighting the national bourgeoisies in Latin America, Asia and Africa. It is as if there were a progressive way out of imperialist warmongering, on the basis of the proposals “for world peace” of the authoritarian Chinese government. A Left that leaves aside the struggle against imperialism, as Chibber proposes, is evidently contrary to the increasingly warlike tendencies of the world situation and also of the international movement in solidarity with Palestine. But the struggle against imperialism and capitalism are intertwined, so it is not possible to recreate a socialist and anti-imperialist perspective without class independence. To deepen these debates seems more and more necessary. Originally published in Spanish in La Izquierda Diario . Translated by Sou Mi. Capitalism China Imperialism Karl Kautsky

Burns puts up 17 points as Maine edges Canisius 84-79The award-winning Aston Martin DBX707 has become the marque’s single powertrain in the British ultra-luxury performance brand’s SUV portfolio, a statement from Alfardan Luxury Motors said. Launched in 2022, the DBX707’s blend of performance, exceptional dynamics, style and luxury saw it rapidly ascend to the pinnacle of the sector, as the “true Supercar of SUVs”. “With its best-in-class performance and dynamics, world-class design and the highest levels of luxury, the DBX707 immediately established a new ultra-luxury SUV benchmark,” said Marco Mattiacci, global chief brand and commercial officer of Aston Martin. “Now upgraded with state-of-the-art technology and a completely new interior, the DBX707 moves the game on once more, further elevating the standard by which all competitors are judged.” In parallel to a comprehensive interior redesign, the DBX707 now receives Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system. This bespoke, fully integrated multi-screen system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus multiple USB-C connections and full online connectivity supported by the Aston Martin customer app. Information is displayed using best-in-class Pure Black touchscreen technology with full capacitive single and multi-finger gesture control. The main driver’s instrument cluster is a 12.3” screen – 1.5” larger than those found in the DB12 and Vantage – with a second 10.25” central infotainment display screen integrated into the new dashboard and centre console. The DBX707 features buttons for the key mechanical operations of gear selection, drive mode, heating and ventilation, continuing Aston Martin’s philosophy of creating the perfect blend between digital and analogue controls. There are also control switches for suspension, ESP and exhaust, lane keep assist and park distance control, ensuring the most used controls are always conveniently to hand. Complementing the integration of Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system, the DBX707 also showcases an all-new interior; the latest evolution of the bold new design debuted in the DB12 and Vantage. The clean, contemporary lines create a fabulous sense of space and cohesion, with a striking horizontal design line bisecting the upper and lower sections of the new dashboard. Every area of the interior has been enhanced, from the new steering wheel to redesigned D-pull door release handles and elegant vertical air vents, both of which are now matched to bright chrome or dark chrome interior jewellery. New front door veneer panels are larger and available in a variety of new materials, including gloss smoked oak, gloss titanium mesh and updated ziricote wood, piano black and carbon fibre veneers. There are three different interior trim specifications, each with its own signature detailing: “Inspire Comfort” features matrix embroidery and quilting, “Inspire Sport” has vector embroidery, and “Accelerate with Alcantara” has an extra element of sportiness. Additional detailing comes in the form of micro piping and sateen embroidery. And, of course, there is extensive scope for further personalisation via Aston Martin’s bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin. The DBX707 is now fitted as standard with the Aston Martin Premium Audio 800w 14 speaker audio system. Developed utilising advanced hardware, this system features a surround sound mode with QuantumLogic surround sound processing for a totally immersive soundscape. True audiophiles will delight in the optional system developed with Aston Martin’s audio partner, Bowers & Wilkins. Acoustically engineered to the DBX707’s interior volume and shape, this exceptional system uses technologies and innovations found in Bowers & Wilkins’s acclaimed world-class loudspeakers. Aluminium Double Dome tweeters and Continuum midrange speakers give this 23-speaker, double-amplified 1,600W surround sound system a balanced and accurate sound. Dedicated 3D headline speakers, bass speakers and a powerful subwoofer deliver a powerful and dynamic sound experience. The DBX707, the latest in the core model line-up to behold the new Aston Martin Wings, also introduces a number of detail changes to the exterior. Foremost amongst these are five new paint colours – Epsilon Black, Helios Yellow, Sprint Green, Malachite Green, and Aura Green – plus the addition of Podium Green, first exclusively available on the DBX707 AMR23 Edition. There are two new wheel finishes: Satin Black on the 23” Fortis wheel, and Copper Bronze on the 23” Forged wheel. Design of the 22” Sport, 23” Fortis and 23” Forged rims remain unchanged, with Silver, Gloss Black, Textured Black, Satin Black and Satin Black Diamond Turned finishes also available on selected wheels. Other visible changes include new “presenting” door handles, which power outwards when the car is unlocked, and new flush glass swivel-head door mirrors. Driven by the adoption of a more sophisticated Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), the new mirror design features improved fully integrated cameras to support the 3D parking camera functionality, which sees the whole mirror and shell assembly swivel as-one to provide adjustment. In addition to providing better camera packaging, the flush-fit edge-to-edge mirror design maximises the size of the reflective surface for a greater field of view. Underpinning this extensive suite of changes is the formidable hardware package for which the DBX707 is renowned. Star of the show is the 707PS/900Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and 9-speed “wet clutch” automatic gearbox. Mated to a sophisticated all-wheel drive system capable of sending up to 100% of the torque to the rear axle on demand, the DBX707 can launch from 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of 310kph. With braking power delivered by 420mm front and 390mm rear Carbon Ceramic brakes, the DBX707 sits on 22” wheels as standard, with a choice of cast or forged 23” alloy wheels available as options. Aston Martin engineers have further honed the DBX707’s class-leading dynamics, the quest for continual improvement resulting in a new calibration for the electronic dampers and air springs. Implemented to increase transient body control, the resulting improvement in response, precision and driver confidence extends the DBX707’s dynamic superiority in its Supercar of SUV’s class, the statement added. 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ORLANDO, Fla. — Blue Origin continued to prep for the maiden flight of its massive New Glenn rocket as it went vertical on the launch pad Thursday ahead of an upcoming hot fire test needed before a launch attempt that is targeting before the end of the year. “Up we go! The steel launch table that New Glenn sits on weighs 1.7 million pounds (roughly 726 metric tons), including the clamps that connect to the vehicle’s aft ring,” the company posted on social media after the rocket was lifted into a vertical position at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 36. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Vincent Logue has joined the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust after spending 30 years as a police officer, including 22 years in Wiltshire, where he served as a PC and sergeant in several towns, including Salisbury, Warminster, Chippenham, and Devizes. Vincent replaces Will Todd, who retired from the charity earlier this year. The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust operates in partnership with Wiltshire Police and has three operators, including Vincent, who visit homes in Wiltshire and Swindon. READ MORE: Police officer who died in plane crash honoured with 'Elizabeth Emblem' from the King Vincent replaces Will Todd, who retired from the charity earlier this year (Image: Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust) They offer and fit free home security measures and conduct fire safety assessments for people over 60, those at risk of domestic abuse or adults with a registered disability. They also have a team of Stay Safe Online volunteers who visit older and vulnerable individuals to educate them on recognising fraud and give talks to groups. Vincent said: "I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of the team, and I’m already loving the job." The Bobby Van Trust also provides support for victims of burglary and domestic abuse, as well as those at risk. They replace door and window locks, check smoke alarms, and offer security advice, along with reassurance. Vincent said: "With elderly people and people who have suffered domestic abuse, it is really nice to see the relief on their face when you change the lock because the perpetrator has taken the key. "You can just see them relax, and it's great." SEE MORE: RNLI receives generous £5k in memory of loved one saved by rescue crew in 1970s Charity director, Jennie Shaw, welcomed Vincent to the team. She said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Vincent to the team. "Like our other operators, he brings a great deal of experience and knowledge, as well as kindness which is so important. "We are incredibly proud of the service we provide, and the fact that we do it without any local or central government funding. "Vincent will help us to reach more people and make what we do even more valuable." Vincent has been familiar with the charity's work for many years, having served as the force’s Bobby Van liaison during his time with Wiltshire Police. He said: "That’s where I got to know more about what the Bobby Van did. "I worked really well with the team and Jennie Shaw, the director, so when I retired, I got back in touch because I heard they were looking for someone." Having grown up in Northern Ireland and lived in London, Vincent came to Wiltshire after visiting a friend in Wilton and falling in love with the county. He said: "I was looking for a change and saw the then Chief Constable Elizabeth Neville’s message on the force’s website talking about how it embraced new technology and the opportunities it offered, and I applied. "I started in Warminster, and I thought to myself I’d landed on my feet, I’ve loved it here. "Wiltshire Police is like a family, the Bobby Van’s office is at headquarters, and when I go in, it takes me ages to get anywhere because I stop and say hello to so many people." For more information about the charity and its work, visit wiltshirebobbyvan.org.uk .Semester 2 registration is open at Saskatchewan’s Distance Learning Centre. Sask DLC is a fully accredited online school that offers Kindergarten to Grade 12 education to Saskatchewan students of all ages and backgrounds. The straightforward school supply list includes a computer with internet access and, as part of the computer or as an add-on, a mouse, microphone, and webcam. Students also need headphones/earbuds, a scanner/cell phone camera for submitting work, a printer and paper, along with standard supplies such as pens/pencils, an eraser, ruler, scissors, markers, geometry set, binders, and paper or notebooks. New courses in practical and applied arts and elective courses will give students greater opportunities to explore their interests or try something new and see if it sparks their curiosity. Tourism 10 and 20 courses will introduce students to food and beverage, accommodation, recreation and entertainment, transportation and travel services. Tourism 10 provides the theoretical component necessary for Tourism 20. Tourism 20, newly available in Semester 2, provides more theory and is coupled with a work placement. Other new courses available in Semester 2 include Energy and Mines – Oil & Gas 20 and Football Skills 10. Students enrolling in Energy and Mines 20 will learn about energy exploration, production and environmental stewardship practices, as well as industry trends, safety, economic impacts and technological advancements. This course, available in Semester 2 only, provides 50 hours of online theory and a 50-hour work placement. Football Skills 10, one of the courses offered as part of a grouping of unique electives, will introduce students to the basic concepts of football. They will explore the elements and rules of tackle, touch and flag football while developing fitness levels, mental training and leadership skills. Students will examine the importance of basic training, conditioning, nutrition and mental wellness in developing an athlete. They will learn about game strategy and tactics, individual and team goal setting, leadership, communication and team building, sportsmanship and fair play and have the opportunity to explore pathways in football beyond high school. Football 20 and 30 are expected to be available in the 2025-26 school year. Also, Baseball 10, 20, and 30 are part of the unique electives grouping. Whether new to baseball or having some experience, students will find that these courses cater to all skill levels. Starting with the basics and rules, students progress to intermediate topics like statistics and metrics for athlete development and can explore non-playing careers such as coaching, umpiring, recruiting, and broadcasting. Baseball 30 will be available in Semester 2. Sask Polytech provided high school students taking online automotive courses, with the opportunity to get practical, hands-on learning in the automotive mechanical field, through a one-day learning camp at the Sask Polytech Saskatoon Campus. Sask DLC and Sask Polytech learning camps provide students from across the province with opportunities to learn about potential career paths and make informed choices for their future beyond high school. The camps allow students to either confirm their current career aspirations or discover new ones. Students got a preview of the Automotive Service Technician certificate program and apprenticeship training options available at Sask Polytech. “Sask Polytech is excited to support students interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry,” Sask Polytech President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said in a News Release. “High school students can gain numerous benefits from exploring the trades and participating in the camp. It is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the automotive industry and to learn about the Automotive Service Technician program.” Interest among students in Sask DLC’s Mechanical and Automotive courses continues to increase. More than 300 students registered for Mechanical and Automotive courses, including 168 with work placements so far this school year. Last year, 124 students registered in Mechanical and Automotive 10, 20 or 30-level courses, completing more than 4,500 work placement hours. An additional 98 students took the introductory theory-only course. Sask DLC offers five Mechanical and Automotive courses for students across the province, including a 10-level introductory course where students can choose to do full-online theory or participate in 75 hours of online theory with a 25-hour work placement. At the 20-and-30- level each course is a combination of 50 hours of online theory and 50 hours of an in-person work placement at a local business. Students participating in the optional learning camp at Sask Polytech will earn six credit hours toward their work placement requirement. Student work placements are possible due to a partnership between Sask DLC and the Saskatchewan Automobile Dealers Association (SADA). Through this partnership, students are provided with opportunities to complete their work placement at a SADA member dealership. This partnership provides students with work placement opportunities near their home community and supports the automotive sector’s recruitment of future qualified employees to serve the industry. These courses complement several other 35 Sask DLC trades courses with work placements or hands-on learning opportunities available to students including Agriculture Equipment Technician, Autobody, Construction and Carpentry, Electrical, Energy and Mines - Oil and Gas, Parts Technician, Power Engineering, Precision Agriculture, Tourism, and Welding. Sask DLC’s Mechanical and Automotive, and other courses are open for semester 2 registration. Courses are available to full-time Sask DLC students and high school students attending local schools throughout the province to supplement their in-person learning. High school students can contact their local school administrator or guidance counsellor for help registering. Learn more about all online courses with work placements available through Sask DLC at .Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’