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Is This What To Expect From Tesla Home HVAC?

As wildfires become more common, can future Tesla home HVAC system users expect the same sort of defense against poor air quality that its vehicles have?




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Did Record Heat Boost HVAC Sales This Summer?

Sales of air conditioners and heat pumps were brisk this summer, as record heat blanketed much of the U.S.




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Artificial Intelligence is Taking on More Tasks, and This Can Help HVAC Office Workers Get More Done

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is now able to handle many of an HVAC contractor’s administrative tasks, and also help employees perform their own tasks better.




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Odds Are This Won’t Be The Last Refrigerant Transition

The transition to A2Ls will likely serve as an interim solution. Europe has already embraced propane in certain heat pump systems, and the U.S. may follow suit, albeit with a different low-GWP refrigerant.




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Keep An Eye On Other Regulations This Year

While refrigerant regulations are important, there are other rules and regulations being implemented that HVACR contractors need to understand.




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Common Combustion Testing Errors to Avoid This Fall

Just because an HVAC technician installs a system according to current codes and standards, it doesn’t always mean it’s safe.




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Why This Vegan Restaurant Introduced Meat

Sage Regenerative Kitchen’s executive chef explains why she added meat to the menu—and why she believes so deeply in regenerative farming.







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Injury to keep dancer Amy Dowden out of this year's Strictly

It has been announced that Strictly Come Dancing Star Amy Dowden will not be returning to this year's series of Strictly.




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Quiz of the Week: Have you been following this week's news?

Test your knowledge of recent news with our Quiz of the Week.




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Please watch!! ABC 27 talks of PA woman’s efforts to strengthen penalties for those who encourage others to commit suicide; PCC has worked on this bill as well

https://www.abc27.com/investigators/shawns-law-york-county-mom-fights-for-tougher-penalties-against-those-who-encourage-others-to-take-their-own-life/?fbclid=IwAR2vuraueQvuG0cAOXMuLd8uw9zWUIqA4Kbvm61m3x4aE_UIOM1ewT_WBfU




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This Past Week at the PA Capitol

The PA House and Senate were both in session this past week at the PA Capitol in Harrisburg. Here are a few highlights that were posted on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/kpVrbTF41UPcBL54/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/uik5nA16bt1GWLqq/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/QazY1igbzN39gMnp/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/xErRDMW4up3xqnUd/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/BTANcczmJ8tWi1nF/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Gir5L55U3Jmbjwbe/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/jkV5K1hAcJqWgv8R/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Qyo2YZxaYrJzf5wh/?mibextid=WC7FNe    




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This Past Week at the PA Capitol

The PA House and Senate were both in session this week in Harrisburg. Here are a few highlights, as posted on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/XacBkpVDrM8KK2wk/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/43GWBfQD9Ug8vQrn/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/pVnfMZ3LweFitSdt/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/XJ3jW2v9GmqTdYoH/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/kzUokt3YHpaa1AvD/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/QH6Gs5ErWZecLbtX/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/oE5iuzdYKwQpNqBs/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/V14dd8txoWRGF477/?mibextid=WC7FNe  




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This Past Week at the PA Capitol

There were actually a few things happening this past week at the PA Capitol, including a committee meeting. Here are the postings we featured on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/AzvyoRbqGz9T9eUb/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/ZuZMKFaYECxAHEb4/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/64FEnHSzn7y465JV/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/iHxcnGq66i1m4mtY/?mibextid=WC7FNe




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The PA Senate Returns to Session This Past Week; And Bishop Senior is There for Tuesday’s Opening Prayer

The PA Senate returned to the Capitol for full sessions and committee meetings. The Bishop of Harrisburg, Timothy Senior gave the opening prayer on Tuesday. That is in the first of our Facebook posts offered here. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/gji9z8diELbaWi5E/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/JLLp8LZNLFuBAyrH/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/XRs363N9Mvpog1pe/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/wGTgGutdEcf6vX6V/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/JRyWvi2KkipabkwQ/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/3aBxFaPwQxATNBJj/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/L7H8rK475qyztwnM/?mibextid=WC7FNe




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This Past Week at the PA Capitol

It was a very light week for activity inside the PA Capitol in Harrisburg. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/2twZhe3eUW5ZJvvj/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/WYgvZG5kRNGm5doS/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/p/qK1GmVTnFY4xtKu1/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/DAmTVrp7ytqHbrYM/?mibextid=WC7FNe  




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This Past Week at the PA Capitol

The PA House and Senate were both in session this past week at the PA Capitol. Here are the highlights as we posted them on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/91gte3oN22z3gcvd/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/36rT8WAJXtqMrdDR/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Mipw7kCWijArooH3/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/jmdqNWHwEFRMbsej/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/jmdqNWHwEFRMbsej/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/8a8QBvQ6KecfTUNp/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/sDwrwx4tiJfEw4qx/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/sDwrwx4tiJfEw4qx/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/hWRi35AmpYPNWqMH/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1RCQUhW2Tkq3kuyN/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1RCQUhW2Tkq3kuyN/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/H5sgwM6UTcTyqekr/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/QwZ9hNGA6rr9V1gz/?mibextid=WC7FNe https://www.facebook.com/share/v/3dCRP1MuPDNskLA1/?mibextid=WC7FNe  




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This Week at the PA Capitol

Both the House and Senate were in session this week in Harrisburg. The PA Catholic Conference saw a number of bills passed that we support. That included–in the House– a package of 8 bills to combat human trafficking and a bill to assure that clergy members would not be prevented from visiting long-term care facilities during any future government emergencies.  There were also 3 pro-life bills that passed the House Health Committee. Here are the postings that we made this week as these events occurred. Lawmakers are back at the Capitol today! Just underway…this joint public hearing by the Education and Human Services Committees on mental health services provided to PA’s secondary students in the wake of the pandemic and resulting shutdown. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/sypuExY2TR — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021 Rep. Curt Sonney and Rep. Stephen Kinsey ask Sherri Smith of the PA Dept. of Education about the issue of ‘chronic absenteeism’ over the past year or so. Smith says some students thrived on remote learning while others had problems with it. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/5ol4gjyxgT — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021 Many lawmakers and just as many interested/frustrated residents attend this public hearing on issues facing unemployment compensation in Pennsylvania. Lawmakers have also been sharing their frustrations with the system for several months. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/tW8QCHHGFf — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021 The PA House Transportation Committee unanimously passes SB 445 by Sen. Bob Mensch that will provide for contributions to breast cancer research during vehicle registration. The vote was welcomed by members of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/yIFS7myHYj — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021 It’s not often you get total consensus with PA lawmakers and residents on any issue. Maybe ever. But that’s the case with the answering of unemployment claims over the past several months. The House Labor & Industry Comm. is hearing from state officials. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/ccFU47ALbC — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021 PA House Transportation Comm. debates, then passes Senate Bill 114 by Sen. Lisa Boscola. It would require drivers to make reasonable efforts to clear snow and ice from their cars & trucks before driving. The bill had passed the senate last session. @SenLisaBoscola @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/SzeH1hrm9B — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021 Today in PA House: the second reading for eight bills designed to combat human trafficking. While no vote was taken, it paves the way for a final vote as early as tomorrow. The PCC supports these bills in our continued efforts to fight human trafficking. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/QoeA29Jswm — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021 Just underway at the PA Capitol….House Health Committee is discussing and and then voting on three pro-life bills. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/tPw8QNFari — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 Rep. Kate Klunk is giving comments on her HB 1500–the Down Syndrome Protection Act. It would protect an unborn child from being aborted solely on the basis of a diagnosis of Down syndrome. House Health Comm. will vote on it after member comments. @RepKateKlunk @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/3TXpMa9YFy — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 HB 1500 passes along party lines. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/1fFsvhFhdu — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 Rep. Frank Ryan’s addresses the PA House Health Committee on his HB 118, which would give parents the option of burial or cremation after the death of their unborn baby. @FrankRyanCPA @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/fZbUluEd02 — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 Rep. Stephanie Borowicz talks about her HB 904, the Fetal Heartbeat Bill, which would prohibit an abortion once a heartbeat is detected in the unborn baby. A vote is pending in the PA House Health Committee. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/8mwEcZtz32 — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 PA House Health Committee passes HB 118. On party lines. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/ZHBSIfY7FJ — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 PA House Judiciary Comm. has passed HB 1095. It calls for a life sentence for anyone convicted of 3rd-degree murder of an unborn child who has been convicted of murder, voluntary manslaughter, murder of an unborn child or voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/IJquQHkI2g — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 PA House Judiciary Comm. debates HB 659, which removes requirement for law-abiding individuals to obtain a concealed handgun permit before being allowed to carry concealed for self-defense. Sponsor Rep. Aaron Bernstine answers questions about the bill. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/iBkQ8A4qlI — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 PA House Judiciary Comm. debates HB 659, which removes requirement for law-abiding individuals to obtain a concealed handgun permit before being allowed to carry concealed for self-defense. Sponsor Rep. Aaron Bernstine answers questions about the bill. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/iBkQ8A4qlI — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 BEST PART OF THE WEEK HERE!! Great to see members of the Bishop Guilfoyle girls basketball team at the Capitol today!! State champions, by the way. Great job ladies!! ??? @BishopGuilfoyle @BG_LadyHoops pic.twitter.com/tiNaHM4go3 — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 The PA House Judiciary Comm. passes HB 1095. It would add the murder of someone’s unborn child to the offenses that are considered in order for a convicted defendant to be sentenced to life imprisonment. Rep. Rob Kauffman answered a question about his bill. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/2BxP71pRCB — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 Extensive debate this afternoon on the PA House floor on HB 1144, which would create separate regulations for the conventional oil and gas industry and the unconventional type, aka fracking. Rep. Kathy Rapp speaks in support by answering some of the criticism. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/KrJ2xm7lQ1 — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 The PA House is now passing a package of bills designed to fight human trafficking. The PCC supports these measures. They include HB 246, which prohibits evidence based on the victim’s past sexual history. Rep. Natalie Mihalek spoke on her bill. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/I9B7dwALpr — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 The PA House also passes HB 1130 by Rep. Craig Williams, which would require convicted human traffickers to register as sex offenders. Rep. Williams talked about his bill @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/gYotE5myKH — PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021 The PA House has completed the passage of bills […]




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Pharmaceutical Bottles Expected to Be in Highest Demand This Year

The global pharmaceutical packaging market is set to grow over 5% year-over-year in 2019, and bottles will remain highly sought after, followed by blisters, vials and ampoules.




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Quantum Design to Showcase KTI and CTC Products at Label Congress this Fall

Quantum Design will exhibit the KTI and CTC product lines this Fall at Label Congress 2021.




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NestFresh Seeks to Become a Bright Spot this Spring with Seasonal Packaging

The egg brand is using the redesign to celebrate spring and attract more customers.




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This Wednesday! Tuition: Which Model Works Best for You?

What do you charge for your teaching? If you want to take a fresh look at your tuition model, join us on Wednesday for an online discussion about this most important subject.




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US inflation data this week expected to show core CPI moving sideways - risk ahead higher

A note via Bank of America economists on expectations and wariness on US October CPI data due Wednesday at 8.30 am US Eastern time.

BoA expect core CPI to show an increase of 0.3% m/m month

  • holding at 3.3% y/y
  • would be the third consecutive month with a 3.3% core reading

BoA say that looking ahead, the rise is inflation tilted to the upside:

  • "We see pro-growth fiscal policy, tariffs, and tighter immigration as potential sources of upside inflation risk over the coming years if they are implemented"

Higher inflation to come would slow/halt/reverse (you can pick more than one ;-)) Federal Reserve rate cuts.

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.




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November financial market seasonals: Japanese FX officials won't want to read this

The election is going to dominate early November trading so making moves based on seasonals is unwise. That said, it's useful to keep them in mind as the dust settles.

  • November is the best month for USD/JPY
  • Best month for the Nasdaq
  • Third-best month for the US dollar
  • The November through February is strong for gold
  • Second-best month for the S&P 500
  • Second-best month for the MSCI world index
  • Second-best month for the German DAX
  • Best month for the Nikkei 225
  • The final month of the seasonal slump for oil. Seasonals neutral in Dec-Jan then strongly positve from Feb-June

Going into last November, the S&P 500 had declined for three straight months but that month marked a turning point as it recouped nearly all the gains in what was the beginning of a five-month rally. This time, we're coming into the month with better momentum, though October was negative for stocks.

This article was written by Adam Button at www.forexlive.com.




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Gold futures is playing with fire with this key support ????

Gold futures warning: bull flag breakdown points to further downside risk for GC traders ????

Gold futures (GC) have recently broken out of a significant bull flag formation, and after a strong rally, prices have now pulled back, raising concerns among traders and investors. Let’s dive into the details and what it means for those holding or trading gold.

Understanding the measured move: a key level for professional traders ????

After breaking out of the yellow bull flag on the 4-hour chart, gold prices made a “measured move” from the low point A to the top of the bull flag pole at B, reaching as high as C. In trading, a measured move is a projection based on the initial rally (or decline) within a pattern, allowing traders to estimate where the price might head next. This level often aligns with Fibonacci retracements, with the 50% level in this case acting as a key decision-making point for professional traders and algorithms, who tend to sell at the completion of a measured move.

In this case, the measured move fulfilled its target, and prices began to pull back, signaling that some traders are locking in gains and potentially positioning for a reversal. This is often seen as an exhaustion point, where buyers lose steam, and sellers start stepping in.

Retesting the broken bull flag: signs of weakness? ????

Now, gold is retesting the previously broken bull flag, a critical area that could either act as support or become a point of resistance. As of the latest data, GC futures are trading below the Value Area Low (VAL) of approximately 2635-2636, adding further bearish pressure to the outlook. If prices close below this level today, it may signal that support is not holding—a significant concern for gold bulls.

What traders should watch ????

  • Closing price relative to VAL (2635-2636): A close below this level today would be a bearish signal, indicating that the support zone is failing to hold.
  • Consecutive closes below VAL: If today and tomorrow both close below 2635-2636, it could reinforce a bearish trend, making it even harder for gold to recover in the short term.
  • Bull flag as potential resistance: Now that the bull flag is broken, it may act as a new resistance point, which could further press down on prices.

Bottom line: is gold at risk of further downside? ⚠️

The recent breakdown from the bull flag, the completion of the measured move, and the failure to hold above the Value Area Low are all red flags for gold bulls. Should prices continue to close below 2635-2636, it could signal a stronger bearish trend for GC futures. As always, traders should approach with caution and assess their risk, as the market could face additional selling pressure if these support levels fail to hold. Trade at your own risk and visit ForexLive.com for additional views.

This article was written by Itai Levitan at www.forexlive.com.




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Don’t Push Your Luck This St. Patrick’s Day – Designate a Sober Driver

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Cynthia Cavett, Delaware Office of Highway Safety, (302) 744-2743 Kellie Boulware, MDOT MVA, 410-762-5188 Brandy Brubaker, Virginia DMV, 804-367-6834   Joint Effort Targets Impaired Drivers Along US 13 and US 113 in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia   Dover, DE (March 15, 2019) – The Delaware Office of Highway Safety, Maryland Department […]




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From ballet to medicine, a love of stories has driven this bioethicist

Stanford Medicine bioethicist Tyler Tate found high levels of success in ballet, miming, acting, fencing and collegiate tennis. But his love of storytelling ultimately led him to medicine.

The post From ballet to medicine, a love of stories has driven this bioethicist appeared first on Scope.




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New Club Launching this Spring: The Free Wheelchair Mission

Junior Isabella Reyes is bringing a new club to Pepperdine's campus in support of her father's impact with the Free Wheelchair Mission. The club is expected to launch in the spring semester.

The post New Club Launching this Spring: The Free Wheelchair Mission appeared first on Pepperdine Graphic.




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U.S. says this video shows Iran's military recovering a tanker mine

The U.S. military released a video it said showed Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) removing an unexploded mine from the side of one of the two oil tankers attacked earlier in the day. - REUTERS




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Gore depressed by Trump’s victory: ‘All major reform efforts, from civil rights to the climate movement, suffer dark days. And this is surely one’

Al Gore, Founder and Chairman of The Climate Reality Project on Trump winning: “In a moment such as this, it is important to remember that all major reform efforts, from civil rights to the climate movement, suffer dark days. And this is surely one.” Via Gore’s email list on November 6, 2024  




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Watch: Morano on Fox & Friends en route to UN climate summit: Trump will fight the ‘anti-human, demented climate agenda’ – This was ‘the most consequential election for the UN’

Fox and Friends – Fox News Channel – Broadcast November 11, 2024 Partial Transcript: Morano: “When Donald Trump won the first time in 2016, their attitude was: ‘We’re going to hold this off — this is an anomaly. We have a net zero climate agenda.’ Fast forward eight years later to 2024, and that entire […]




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Clint Eastwood And Paul Newman Declined Roles In This M. Night Shyamalan Classic

M. Night Shyamalan had his eye on casting Clint Eastwood and Paul Newman in Signs at one point. Here's why they passed on his alien invasion thriller.




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Disney to begin first of 3 layoff rounds this week, CEO says

Disney is starting the first of three waves of layoffs this week as part of its plan to cut 7,000 jobs across the company.




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Disney to resume new annual-pass sales this month

Walt Disney World will again start selling annual passes to its theme parks on April 20.




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Xander the Great! Schauffele wins the British Open for his 2nd major this year

By DOUG FERGUSON TROON, Scotland (AP) — Xander Schauffele won the British Open on Sunday for his second major of the year, delivering a masterpiece at Royal Troon with a 6-under 65 to overcome a two-shot deficit and give the Americans a sweep of the four majors for the first time since 1982. Schauffele, who […]




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Xander the Great! Schauffele takes British Open for 2nd major title this year

His 6-under 65 at Royal Troon overcame a two-shot deficit and gave the Americans a sweep of the four majors for the first time since 1982.




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Holiday flights are cheaper this year — here’s how to book smart

The holiday airfares out there have dipped across the board this year, compared with the same period in 2023.




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You Can't Beat This Googly-Eyed Robot With A 3D Printed Hand At Rock, Paper, Scissors

YouTuber and former NASA engineer Mark Rober is betting on his robot being able to beat anyone, every time, in Rock-Paper-Scissors. He is so confident about his robot, affectionately named Rocky, beating any competitor he has offered $10,000 to anyone who can win against the googly-eyed robot. Don't worry, it should not be able to break a




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Wall Street bonuses will likely be heftier this year. Here’s why

Wall Street firms are expected to pay heftier bonuses for this year, the first increase since a bumper year in 2021, according to a report by compensation consultancy Johnson Associates.

Payouts will probably rise after financiers benefited from several factors in recent months: a recovery in dealmaking, the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates and equity markets surging to record highs, said the consultancy’s founder, Alan Johnson.

“This year has been surprisingly good, and the industry is quite optimistic about 2025, especially with the potential of announcing more M&A deals,” he said, referring to mergers and acquisitions.

While bonuses will be more generous, they will remain below the record levels from 2021, when revenue and compensation were “abnormally good,” Johnson said.

Investment bankers in debt underwriting are projected to receive the biggest surge in bonuses of 25% to 35% for 2024, the estimates showed, buoyed by a resurgence of activity. Their counterparts in equity capital markets will likely get boosts of 15% to 25%.

Meanwhile, a slower recovery for M&A will result in more modest bonus increases of 5% to 10% for bankers advising on transactions.

Traders will also reap a windfall from more volatility and rising equities, the report showed. Equity sales and trading professionals can expect their bonuses to climb about 15% to 20%, while in fixed income, payouts will probably rise 5% to 10%.

But not all bankers will share in the recovery, the consultant said. Bonuses for retail and commercial bankers will probably decline or stay flat for the year.

—Tatiana Bautzer, Reuters




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Microsoft and the Vatican unveiled this AI collaboration

The Vatican and Microsoft on Monday unveiled a digital twin of St. Peter’s Basilica that uses artificial intelligence to explore one of the world’s most important monument’s while helping the Holy See manage visitor flows and identify conservation problems.

Using 400,000 high-resolution digital photographs, taken with drones, cameras and lasers over four weeks when no one was in the basilica, the digital replica is going online alongside two new on-site exhibits to provide visitors—real and virtual—with an interactive experience.

“It is literally one of the most technologically advanced and sophisticated projects of its kind that has ever been pursued,” Microsoft’s president Brad Smith told a Vatican press conference.

The project has been launched ahead of the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee, a holy year in which more than 30 million pilgrims are expected to pass through the basilica’s Holy Door, on top of the 50,000 who visit on a normal day.

“Everyone, really everyone should feel welcome in this great house,” Pope Francis told Smith and members of the project’s development teams at an audience Monday.

The digital platform allows visitors to reserve entry times to the basilica, a novelty for one of the world’s most visited monuments that regularly has an hours-long line of tourists waiting to get in.

But the heart of the project is the creation of a digital twin of St. Peter’s Basilica through advanced photogrammetry and artificial intelligence that allows anyone to “visit” the church and learn about its history.

The ultra-precise 3D replica, developed in collaboration with digital preservation company Iconem, incorporates 22 petabytes of data—enough to fill five million DVDs—Smith said.

The images have already identified structural damage and signs of deterioration, such as missing mosaic pieces, cracks and fissures invisible to the naked eye, with a speed and precision far beyond human capabilities.

Francis has called for the ethical use of AI and used his annual World Message of Peace this year to urge an international treaty to regulate it, arguing that technology lacking human values of compassion, mercy, morality and forgiveness were too great.

On Monday, he thanked the Microsoft team and basilica workers responsible for the project and marveled at how modern technology was helping spread an ancient faith and preserve a piece of world patrimony, which celebrates the 400th anniversary of its consecration in 2026.

“This house of prayer for all peoples has been entrusted to us by those who have preceded us in faith and apostolic ministry,” he told Smith and the delegation. “Therefore, it is a gift and a task to care for it, in both a spiritual and material sense, even through the latest technologies.”

Smith declined to give a price tag for Microsoft’s investment in the project, saying only it was “substantial” and was borne of Francis’ initiative in 2018 to bring tech companies together to promote ethnically minded AI.

He said Microsoft had done similar AI projects at Mont Saint-Michel in France and Ancient Olympia, in Greece.


Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

—Nicole Winfield, Associated Press




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GeoGuessr- Build critical thinking skills with this map-based game

What it is: GeoGuessr is a fun map-based game where students get virtually “dropped” somewhere in the world, and must explore the landscape around them through Google Street View to determine where in the world they are. When they’ve determined where in the world they are, they click on the world map to make a...