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Watch autonomous cars do doughnuts and drift sideways round corners

Driverless cars can now do doughnuts and drift like stunt drivers, skidding sideways around corners while maintaining control, which might help the cars recover from dangerous situations




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Jon Stewart is leaving 'The Daily Show'; who could take his place?

Host Jon Stewart of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" watches a video while taping "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Restoring Honor & Dignity to the White House" at the McNally Smith College of Music Sept. 5, 2008 in St. Paul, Minnesota.; Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Comedy Central

Mike Roe

Host Jon Stewart announced at Tuesday's "The Daily Show" taping that he is leaving the show.

Comedy Central confirmed the news in a statement, saying that Stewart will be leaving later this year:

"For the better part of the last two decades, we have had the incredible honor and privilege of working with Jon Stewart. His comedic brilliance is second to none. Jon has been at the heart of Comedy Central, championing and nurturing the best talent in the industry, in front of and behind the camera. Through his unique voice and vision, ‘The Daily Show’ has become a cultural touchstone for millions of fans and an unparalleled platform for political comedy that will endure for years to come. Jon will remain at the helm of ‘The Daily Show’ until later this year. He is a comic genius, generous with his time and talent, and will always be a part of the Comedy Central family."

The news comes less than two months after Stephen Colbert brought "The Colbert Report" to an end in order to prepare for hosting CBS's "Late Show," replacing David Letterman after he leaves later this year.

"The Daily Show" existed before Jon Stewart, hosted from 1996 until 1998 by Craig Kilborn, but Stewart took the show into a bolder political direction and made it a cultural landmark, becoming the go-to news source for numerous young people. Polls started to show Jon Stewart as being one of the most trusted newsmen in America.

It's just over three weeks after Comedy Central launched "The Nightly Show" with Larry Wilmore and details have yet to be announced about the future of Comedy Central's late night lineup.

The show has created hosts for other networks, with Colbert leaving for CBS after getting his start as a "Daily Show" correspondent and John Oliver, who served as a fill-in host while Stewart shot the film "Rosewater," left for his own weekly rundown of the news "Last Week Tonight" at HBO. The show's starmaking power also includes actors such as Steve Carell, Ed Helms and more, and new "Saturday Night Live" Weekend Update anchor Michael Che.

Stewart didn't announce his plans for what comes next. He directed the 2014 film "Rosewater," based on journalist Maziar Bahari's memoir detailing his imprisonment in Iran following an interview with "The Daily Show's" Jason Jones.

Stewart previously talked about "Rosewater" with KPCC's "The Frame," saying at the time that "The Daily Show" isn't all fun.

"As sad as it sounds, people might say, 'Man, working at 'The Daily Show,' that's gotta be a blast. You just sit around and laugh all day,'" Stewart said. "And you're like, 'No, we have a meeting at 9, and the 9 meeting has to be over by 9:30, and the scripts have to be in by 11, because if they're not, then we miss this deadline.'"

He also told the Hollywood Reporter last summer that he didn't know how much longer he would stay with the show.

"I mean, like anything else, you do it long enough, you will take it for granted, or there will be aspects of it that are grinding. I can't say that following the news cycle as closely as we do and trying to convert that into something either joyful or important to us doesn't have its fraught moments," Stewart said.

The show, one of Comedy Central's top franchises, will likely continue. John Oliver and Stephen Colbert would have seemed like the heirs apparent before they left; of the current staff, Samantha Bee, Jason Jones and Aaasif Mandvi are the longest-running correspondents, with Bee starting all the way back in 2003. Jones filled in for Stewart as anchor last fall, assisted by his wife Samantha Bee, when Stewart was out sick.

The show has also pushed for expanded diversity in its own cast, along with launching "The Nightly Show" with a black host and a minority panel, so that could point to a more diverse host in the future. The show has also recently expanded its international perspective, with Trevor Noah covering international news, Hasan Minhaj as the new Indian correspondent and Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef joining as a Middle East correspondent.

Correction: An earlier version of this story referred to "Rosewater" as a documentary; it is a drama, based on Maziar Bahari's memoir. KPCC regrets the error.

This story has been updated.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.




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Freeways in Los Angeles still the most congested in the nation

Business Update with Mark Lacter

Yesterday may have been a holiday on paper, but if you were navigating LA's major freeways, there was no sign people had the day off.

Steve Julian: Business analyst Mark Lacter, is this more evidence that Southern California traffic getting worse?

Mark Lacter: Steve, L.A. continues to be the most clogged-up city in the U.S. - according to something called the TomTom Traffic Index - with commuters caught up in delays, on average, 35 percent of the time.  Or, to put it another way, L.A. commuters are in congestion up to 40 minutes of each hour they're driving.  The worst time of the week to commute is Thursday night; that's when there's congestion more than 80 percent of the time.  Monday morning commutes are the lightest.

Julian: After L.A., where should you not live if congestion bugs you?

Lacter: The next worst cities in the U.S. are San Francisco, Honolulu, Seattle, and San Jose.  Now, the Census Bureau comes up with its own commuting surveys, and if you compare the most recent numbers with those back in 2000, you'll see that things aren't all that different.  Matter of fact, the percentage of commuters driving alone to work actually increased a little over the last decade to 72 percent, while the percentage of those carpooling has declined.

Julian: What about public transit?

Lacter: Well, the numbers are up slightly from 2000, but only to 7.3 percent of all commuters.  So, even assuming that the number inches up in the next couple of years when the Expo Line extends into Santa Monica, it's still a smallish piece of the pie.  And, since many of the other public transit projects being planned are decades away from being completed, those numbers might not change much.  One other thing, Steve: less than 1 percent of all L.A. commuters bike to work, which would throw cold water on the idea that biking in L.A. is becoming a popular way of getting to the office.

Julian: People just prefer commuting by car…

Lacter: It remains the most convenient way of getting around - despite the congestion.  New car sales are up 14 percent through the first nine months of the year in Southern California.  Add to that are generally affordable gas prices (they've been especially low in the last few weeks).  In other parts of the world, congestion is considered a good thing because it means that the economy is doing well.  Which explains that while L.A. is the most congested city in the U.S., it doesn't rank among the 10 around the world.  On that front, Moscow is tops, followed by Istanbul, and Rio de Janeiro.

Julian: What about driverless cars?

Lacter: Well, these vehicles hold the most promise for reducing accidents, lowering travel times, and improving fuel economy - and you don't have to give up your car.  Actually, a lot of the technology is already in place - that includes stuff like radar-based cruise control, and devices that keep you at a safe distance from the car in front of you.  The trick, of course, is taking these individual capabilities and integrating them into an entirely driverless car.  Several car companies say they could be ready to start selling by 2020, with Google saying that its car could be ready even sooner.

Julian: Is that realistic?

Lacter: Who knows?  But even if the dates can be met - and that's a big if, considering how complex these systems are - legislatures will have to determine, among other things, whether vehicles can be fully autonomous (meaning that you can curl up and take a nap while the computer is driving by itself).  Or, whether they will only be semi-autonomous, which would be like an airline crew using automatic pilot, but always prepared to take over the controls.

Julian: Is that a liability issue?

Lacter: Yes - if something does go wrong, who will get the blame?  The owner of the vehicle?  The carmaker?  The suppliers of the car companies?  These questions might take years to get resolved in the courts - and even then, it could be years before the percentage of these vehicles on the road is large enough to truly have an impact.  But, considering that most commuters aren't willing to give up their cars, this would seem to be the most exciting, most desirable idea.  One day.

Mark Lacter writes for Los Angeles Magazine and pens the business blog at LA Observed.com.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.




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Palm Springs Film Festival: Patrick Stewart's comedic talent lights up 'Match'

Actors Carla Gugino, Matthew Lillard and Sir Patrick Stewart pose at the "Match" screening during the Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 3, 2015 in Palm Springs, California. ; Credit: Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images for PSIFF

R.H. Greene

Is there a happier star in Hollywood than Patrick Stewart?

Certainly no one seems to be having more fun than the onetime Star Trek captain and current (and seemingly permanent) X-Man. And why shouldn't Sir Patrick be pleased with himself? He really has got it all: a thriving stage profile in both New York and London, the unconditional love of a vast and loyal fan base, and a film career that oscillates freely between franchise blockbusters and the small, character-driven chamber pieces Stewart so clearly relishes.

"Match" is about as small a movie as Stewart has ever appeared in: a well-intentioned three-character film studded with very funny dialogue courtesy of writer/director Stephen Belber, upon whose play "Match" is based.

Stewart plays an aging gay dance instructor named Tobi Powell, who may or may not have sired a child back in the swinging 60s – an era movies now take to have been 10 years of uninterrupted orgy punctuated by Beatles records and gunshots aimed at the Kennedy brothers.

As the saying goes, "If you can remember the '60s, you weren't there." Stewart's Tobi Powell was vibrantly there at the time, so it's perhaps natural that he can't seem to recall whether or not one of his rare couplings with a female partner might have had some unintended consequences.

Mincing slightly and speaking in an accent that sounds Midwestern by way of Wales, Stewart is an absolute blast to watch. His genuine (and usually underutilized) flair for comedy is roguishly on display, allowing "Match" to shift between pathos and farce with an assurance born more of the performer's bravado than the emotional contours of Belber's somewhat overeager text.

Though allegedly a bit of a shut-in, Tobi is a minor masterpiece of a lost and exuberant art form: the exaggerated star turn. It's unsurprising Frank Langella got a Tony nomination for playing him on Broadway a decade ago, and at least a bit unexpected that Stewart has gone completely unnoticed this awards season, even by the nomination-happy Golden Globes.

Belber's best writing is mostly his comedic stuff. One aria comparing cunnilingus to knitting may just be the best scene of its type since Meg Ryan faked an orgasm in "When Harry Met Sally" a quarter century ago.

Solid and believable supporting turns from Carla Gugino and Matthew Lillard add to the fun until Belber's script bogs down in the third act into the kind of paint-by-numbers epiphany shtick even TV has given up on at this point.

WATCH: The official trailer for "Match," starring Patrick Stewart

Everybody cries. Everybody changes. Everybody yawns.  Or I did anyway.

Still, go see this movie — or better yet, watch it on your phone, since it's shot almost entirely in close up — to see a grand and gracefully aging actor strut his stuff with contagious delight. You will definitely laugh, and, God, does this movie hope you'll also cry.

But if you do weep, don't be surprised if, like Tobi himself, you hate yourself in the morning.

Off-Ramp contributor R. H. Greene is covering the 26th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, where he recently saw the new comedy "Match" starring Patrick Stewart. "Match" comes to theaters and video-on-demand on Jan. 14.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.




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Bluefin improves PayConex Gateway to support FSA and HSA payments

Bluefin has expanded the capabilities of its PayConex Omnichannel Gateway to support Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) payments.




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India's energy shift: Renewables, EVs, and smart grids set to transform sector by 2025

The report, titled “2025 Predictions – Energy Transition & Utilities Technology and Industry Trends in India,” highlights key areas where technology and policy shifts are expected to drive India’s energy transition over the next two years.




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Paired Renewables

Combining the attributes of solar thermal collectors and a wood-gasification boiler.




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Risk vs. reward

Let’s look at some of the realistic possibilities for a contractor hoping for survival, as well as continued growth and success. One option is to expand whatever type of work that your employees can perform, based on their database skills inventories. 




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A Wastewater Surveillance Program Sounds the Alarm on Avian Influenza

Born from the COVID-19 pandemic, a viral-agnostic approach blends sequencing research and public health to get ahead of bird flu transmission.



  • News
  • News & Opinion

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Watch: Martha Stewart Pushes Away Drew Barrymore During Talkshow Appearance -- 'You’re the Wrong Gender'

Talkshow host Drew Barrymore's touchy-feely approach to her guests didn't sit well with Martha Stewart on Tuesday. The homemaking diva appeared extremely uncomfortable when Barrymore began stroking her arm and back during the interview, prompting Stewart to physically push her away.

The post Watch: Martha Stewart Pushes Away Drew Barrymore During Talkshow Appearance — ‘You’re the Wrong Gender’ appeared first on Breitbart.




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Blockchain Rewards Email Scam

What is "Blockchain Rewards" scam campaign?

Our team has analyzed this scam campaign and found that there are at least two versions of this scam email. In both cases, the goal is to trick recipients into disclosing personal information on a deceptive website. Emails of this type are called phishing emails. Recipients should avoid such emails.




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News24 | Renewable energy programme brought nearly R300bn in investment into SA economy

Government's renewable energy programme has brought billions in investment, decreased load shedding, and empowered black South Africans.




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This hearty autumn stew highlights a Saskatchewan staple

Cozy, comfort food is the best food, and decidedly one of the best things about the weather getting colder. Cassoulet is a perfect example. It’s traditionally a hearty, rich, slow-cooked bean stew with several steps and a long ingredient list.



  • News/Canada/Saskatoon

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What's behind the movement to battle 'woke' civic election campaigns in Saskatchewan?

Third-party organizations are spending money to take aim at city spending, waste and ‘wokeism.’ We take a closer look at why.



  • News/Canada/Saskatchewan

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Titans star Dewald Brevis smashes Dolphins as Western Province get Proteas boost





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Latin America: Pass on Renewables, Fail on Efficiency

The Latin American and Caribbean region is a student with good grades in renewable energy, but not in energy efficiency, and has a long way to go in contributing to global climate action and overcoming the vulnerability of its population and economies. The recent energy crises in Ecuador and Cuba, with power outages ranging from […]




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FBI offering $25K reward for info leading to suspect wanted for ballot box fires in Oregon, Washington state

The FBI announced its offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect responsible for West Coast ballot box fires.



  • 06bb9e64-f8e0-5a1f-a895-764bbc42a5d8
  • fnc
  • Fox News
  • fox-news/politics/elections
  • fox-news/us/crime
  • fox-news/us
  • fox-news/us
  • article


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Tata Power Renewable Energy unveils 126 MW Omkareshwar floating solar project, setting new global standards

With this project, TPREL’s total renewable capacity reaches 10.9 GW, reinforcing its position in India’s journey towards a greener energy future.




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Renewable Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Waste Cooking Oil over Hierarchical Imidazole Supported Zeolite

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4TA00416G, Paper
Bipul Sarkar, Bhanu Joshi, Omvir Singh, Ankit Agrawal, Neha Dhiman, Bhanu Prasad Vempatapu, Navin Gopinathan , Anjan Ray
Unlike coal, oil, or natural gas, waste cooking oil (WCO) acts as a renewable source of carbon. It can be converted into energy, fuels, and fine chemicals, instead of being...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry




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Varun Hospitality announces eco-friendly mixed-use project to replace The Gateway Hotel in Visakhapatnam




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A Good And Faithful Steward

Fr. Barnabas welcomes Bill Marianes, Orthodox attorney and stewardship consultant to talk about the stewardship of our personal resources. Bill founded the Stewardship Calling ministry.




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FBI offers $25,000 reward for information on suspect in ballot box fires

The FBI said Wednesday it is offering up to $25,000 as a reward for information about the suspect behind recent ballot box fires in Oregon and Washington state.




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Geochemistry of uranium-bearing veins from the Uranium City-Beaverlodge district, northern Saskatchewan

Potter, E G. Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 7873, 2021, 12 pages, https://doi.org/10.4095/328980
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/gid_328980.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/gid_328980.jpg" title="Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 7873, 2021, 12 pages, https://doi.org/10.4095/328980" height="150" border="1" /></a>




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Regional stagnation of the western Keewatin ice sheet and the significance of meltwater corridors and eskers, northern Canada

Sharpe, D R; Lesemann, J -E; Knight, R D; Kjarsgaard, B A. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences vol. 58, issue 10, 2021 p. 1-22, https://doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2020-0136
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20200745.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20200745.jpg" title="Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences vol. 58, issue 10, 2021 p. 1-22, https://doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2020-0136" height="150" border="1" /></a>




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Relict glacial terrains in west central Keewatin Sector, Laurentide Ice Sheet, Northwest Territories and Nunavut

Campbell, J; Godbout, P -M; McMartin, I; Normandeau, P. GAC®-MAC 2021, London, Canada: Exploring Geosciences Through Time and Space/GAC®-MAC 2021, London, Canada : Explorer les géosciences à travers le temps et l'espace; Geological Association of Canada-Mineralogical Association of Canada, Joint Annual Meeting, Abstracts Volume vol. 44, 2021 p. 57
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20200639.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20200639.jpg" title="GAC®-MAC 2021, London, Canada: Exploring Geosciences Through Time and Space/GAC®-MAC 2021, London, Canada : Explorer les géosciences à travers le temps et l'espace; Geological Association of Canada-Mineralogical Association of Canada, Joint Annual Meeting, Abstracts Volume vol. 44, 2021 p. 57" height="150" border="1" /></a>




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New insights into Keewatin glacial landsystems

McMartin, I. GAC®-MAC 2021, London, Canada: Exploring Geosciences Through Time and Space/GAC®-MAC 2021, London, Canada : Explorer les géosciences à travers le temps et l'espace; Geological Association of Canada-Mineralogical Association of Canada, Joint Annual Meeting, Abstracts Volume vol. 44, 2021 p. 213
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20200633.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20200633.jpg" title="GAC®-MAC 2021, London, Canada: Exploring Geosciences Through Time and Space/GAC®-MAC 2021, London, Canada : Explorer les géosciences à travers le temps et l'espace; Geological Association of Canada-Mineralogical Association of Canada, Joint Annual Meeting, Abstracts Volume vol. 44, 2021 p. 213" height="150" border="1" /></a>




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Geophysical contributions to a synthesis of western Churchill geology and metallogeny, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Saskatchewan

Tschirhart, V; Pehrsson, S; Wodicka, N; Percival, J; Jefferson, C; Peterson, T; Berman, R. Canada's northern Shield: new perspectives from the Geoscience for Energy and Minerals Program; Geological Survey of Canada, Bulletin 612, 2024 p. 295-325, https://doi.org/10.4095/332502
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/gid_332502.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/gid_332502.jpg" title="Canada's northern Shield: new perspectives from the Geoscience for Energy and Minerals Program; Geological Survey of Canada, Bulletin 612, 2024 p. 295-325, https://doi.org/10.4095/332502" height="150" border="1" /></a>




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Geology and metallogeny of the northeast Thelon Basin region, Nunavut, and comparison with the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan

Jefferson, C W; Pehrsson, S; Tschirhart, V; Peterson, T; Chorlton, L; Bethune, K; White, J C; Davis, W; McNicoll, V; Paulen, R C; Rayner, N. Canada's northern Shield: new perspectives from the Geoscience for Energy and Minerals Program; Geological Survey of Canada, Bulletin 612, 2024 p. 163-281, https://doi.org/10.4095/332499
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/gid_332499.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/gid_332499.jpg" title="Canada's northern Shield: new perspectives from the Geoscience for Energy and Minerals Program; Geological Survey of Canada, Bulletin 612, 2024 p. 163-281, https://doi.org/10.4095/332499" height="150" border="1" /></a>




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Arnold Competes In West County Gateway Cup

Gabriella Arnold participated in the final stage of the four-stage Bommarito Audi West County Gateway Cup, a cycling race held in historic Old Town Florissant. The challenging course wound through the nostalgic streets of one of St. Louis’ most beloved neighborhoods. Representing LA Sweat Racing in the women’s pro/1/2 division, Arnold crossed the finish line […]




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Arnold Competes In West County Gateway Cup

Gabriella Arnold, representing LA Sweat Racing, finished 46th in the Women Pro/1/2 Division at the Bommarito Audi West County Gateway Cup in St. Louis. Arnold completed the race with a time of 1:09.07, 1:05 behind the winner, Mejias Garcia. Related Stories Cyclists Head To Guyana For Championships National Criterium Championships Results Arnold And Narraway Compete […]




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Orbitofrontal Cortex Mediates Sustained Basolateral Amygdala Encoding of Cued Reward-Seeking States

Basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons are engaged by emotionally salient stimuli. An area of increasing interest is how BLA dynamics relate to evolving reward-seeking behavior, especially under situations of uncertainty or ambiguity. Here, we recorded the activity of individual BLA neurons in male rats across the acquisition and extinction of conditioned reward seeking. We assessed ongoing neural dynamics in a task where long reward cue presentations preceded an unpredictable, variably time reward delivery. We found that, with training, BLA neurons discriminated the CS+ and CS– cues with sustained cue-evoked activity that correlated with behavior and terminated only after reward receipt. BLA neurons were bidirectionally modulated, with a majority showing prolonged inhibition during cued reward seeking. Strikingly, population-level analyses revealed that neurons showing cue-evoked inhibitions and those showing excitations similarly represented the CS+ and behavioral state. This sustained population code rapidly extinguished in parallel with conditioned behavior. We next assessed the contribution of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a major reciprocal partner to the BLA. Inactivation of the OFC while simultaneously recording in the BLA revealed a blunting of sustained cue-evoked activity in the BLA that accompanied reduced reward seeking. Optogenetic disruption of BLA activity and OFC terminals in the BLA also reduced reward seeking. Our data indicate that the BLA represents reward-seeking states via sustained, bidirectional cue-driven neural encoding. This code is regulated by cortical input and is important for the maintenance of vigilant reward-seeking behavior.





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Man found dead in Toa Payoh flat: Neighbour thought foul smell was from wastewater

The body of a 52-year-old man was discovered in his Toa Payoh flat last Sunday (Nov 10), several days after his death. The police told AsiaOne they were alerted to the case at 11.15am on Sunday, where they pronounced the man dead at the scene. It is not known when he died.  The man, Bai Zongren (transliteration), had been living alone in his unit at Block 157 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 for several years after divorcing his wife, according to a neighbour who spoke to Shin Min Daily News. He also had a daughter, who moved out with his ex-wife after they split.  The neighbour, who did not want to be named, added that Bai would occasionally get visits from relatives. "His mother used to live on the fifth floor, but she died a few years ago."  The neighbour told Shin Min that she was unaware of Bai's death when she passed by his unit several days ago. As Bai's door was locked, she assumed the flat was empty.  When she passed by his unit again on Saturday, she detected a foul smell but thought that it was from wastewater. She said she only found out about his death when she saw the police at his door.





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Tejasvi Jaiswal's selfless sacrifice for brother Yashasvi Jaiswal rewarded with life's greatest gift

In 2012, both brothers moved to Mumbai, but just two years later, Tejasvi made the ultimate sacrifice for his brother's success.




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Renewable Energy: Power generation expert Shahroz Anjum leads way in solar optimisation

At Alliant Energy, Anjum's leadership is more than technical expertise; she also implements sustainable energy solutions. Her responsibilities include overseeing the design, construction, and maintenance of large-scale solar projects, ensuring they meet high performance and sustainability standards.




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<strong>HAKAN LANS LOST AGAINST DELL AND GATEWAY</strong>

I wonder why we haven't read more about Håkan Lans's fight against Dell and Gateway in American media. Here is an excerpt from Peter Zura's post, Håkan Lans Is Back at The Federal Circuit (and Sweden Will Be Watching):


In one of the strangest, and most controversial patent infringement cases in recent history, Håkan Lans (aka Uniboard Aktiebolag) returns to the Federal Circuit on October 6, where the court will determine his fate on the disastrous enforcement effort regarding U.S. Patent No. 4,303,986 (Panel J: Friday, October 6, 2006, 10:00 A.M., Courtroom 203 - 2006-1070 Lans v. Gateway 2000) .

A prolific inventor and a folk hero in his native Sweden, Lans was granted the '986 patent in 1981, which covered Video Graphics Array (VGA) technology. In 1989, Lans agreed to license the ’986 patent to IBM. However, for tax reasons, Lans wanted to have his shell company, Uniboard, grant the license. To assure that Uniboard possessed the rights it was purporting to license, IBM requested that Lans first execute an assignment of the ’986 patent to Uniboard. Lans executed the assignment to Uniboard personally and then, on behalf of Uniboard, executed the license to IBM. Lans soon obtained licenses from others, including Hitachi, HP, and Apple.

In 1996, Lans sent letters to the computer industry accusing numerous companies of infringing the ’986 patent. The letters identify Lans as “the inventor and owner” of the ’986 patent, but did not mention Uniboard.

In 1997, Lans personally sued numerous companies for infringement of the ’986 patent. The complaint did not include Uniboard as a plaintiff. During discovery, the defendants found out about the assignment, and concluded that Lans had no business asserting the patent claim, because he wasn't, in fact, the owner.

And that's when everything started to unravel for Lans. (271patent.blogspot.com, 09/28/06.)




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Conext Engages with Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College, and Tidewater Tech Family of Schools for Improved Processes for Students, Faculty, and Administration

Conext Engages with Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College, and Tidewater Tech Family of Schools for Improved Processes for Students, Faculty, and Administration




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What's A Gateway Game? Take a Look at RACCOON TYCOON by University Games

Raccoon Tycoon, a successful game in the hobby channel, has just the right amount of "next-step" complexity to allow casual players to commit to a strategic game play experience.




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Win10 BrightnessSlider 1.8.11 (Freeware)

Win10 BrightnessSlider adds a Monitor Brightness icon to on Taskbar Tray that lets you adjust the brightness of your monitor(s) with a simple slider. If you use multiple monito....




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WhatsApp 2.2444.5.0 (Freeware)

WhatsApp is an extension to the mobile WhatsApp app that allows you to send and receive messages from the comfort of your desktop. Simply install WhatsApp on your computer an....




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XMedia Recode 3.6.0.4 (Freeware)

XMedia Recode is an audio and video conversion tool that supports nearly all common formats, including 3GP, 3GPP, 3GPP2, AAC, AC3, ADTS, AMR, ASF, AVI, AVISynth, DVD, FLAC, FLV,H.261, H.263, H.264, M....




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JPEXS Free Flash Decompiler 22.0.0 (Freeware)

JPEXS Free Flash Decompiler enables you to decompile and edit the content of SWF Flash files, including .swf, .gfx and .swc. You can view and extract resources (shapes, sprites, fonts, buttons...), c....




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Waterfox 6.5.1 (Freeware)

Waterfox is a 64-bit variant of the Firefox platform that has been built with and Intel compiler, optimized for speed and performance on Windows systems. Waterfox does not ad....




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USB Device Tree Viewer 4.4.3 (Freeware)

USB Device Tree Viewer provides detailed information for all USB ports and hubs on a computer in a tree view format. If a device is connected to a port, it also provides detailed information for the ....




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Absolute Uninstaller 6.0.1.10 (Freeware)

Absolute Uninstaller offers an alternative to the standard Windows Add/Remove (Programs and Features) applet. It provides a user friendly interface that automatically highlights newly added programs ....




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ImageMagick 7.1.1.40 (Freeware)

ImageMagick is a command-line image processing software to create, edit, compose, or convert bitmap images. It can read and write images in a variety of formats (over 100) inclu....




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EverNote 10.115.2 (Freeware)

EverNote is an all-in-one notes organizer that enables you to keep track of notes, To-Do items, memos, sketches, website snippets, ideas and other things and automatically synchronize them between mu....