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( MENAFN - Robotics & automation News) General Motors to shut down autonomous car developer cruise despite $10 billion spend General Motors is planning to close down Cruise , its autonomous vehicle technology development business, after the startup had racked up expenses of approximately $10 billion while generating revenues of only $500 million. The way GM announced the closure on its website was that it plans to“realign its autonomous driving strategy and prioritize development of advanced driver assistance systems on a path to fully autonomous personal vehicles”. GM will build on the progress of Super Cruise, the company's hands-off, eyes-on driving feature, now offered on more than 20 GM vehicle models and currently logging over 10 million miles per month. GM intends to combine the majority-owned Cruise LLC and GM technical teams into a single effort to advance autonomous and assisted driving. Consistent with GM's capital allocation priorities, GM will no longer fund Cruise's robotaxi development work given the considerable time and resources that would be needed to scale the business, along with an increasingly competitive robotaxi market. Mary Barra, chair and CEO of GM, says:“GM is committed to delivering the best driving experiences to our customers in a disciplined and capital efficient manner. “Cruise has been an early innovator in autonomy, and the deeper integration of our teams, paired with GM's strong brands, scale, and manufacturing strength, will help advance our vision for the future of transportation.” Dave Richardson, senior vice president of software and services engineering, says:“As the largest US automotive manufacturer, we're fully committed to autonomous driving and excited to bring GM customers its benefits – things like enhanced safety, improved traffic flow, increased accessibility, and reduced driver stress.” GM, which owns about 90 percent of Cruise, has agreements with other shareholders that will raise its ownership to more than 97 percent. The company will pursue the acquisition of the remaining shares. Contingent upon the repurchase of these shares and Cruise board approval, GM will work with the Cruise leadership team to restructure and refocus Cruise's operations. GM expects the restructuring to lower spending by more than $1 billion annually after the proposed plan is completed, expected in the first half of 2025. GM had made direct investments totalling $2.4 billion into Cruise, while Microsoft is reported to stand to lose $800 it had invested. MENAFN13122024005532012229ID1108992068 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.None
BOYS BASKETBALL The Brazoswood Bucs went 1-1 during the first day of the Alice Hub City Whataburger Classic. Brazoswood defeated Laredo Harmony, 90-26, Thursday and lost to Texas Lions Homeschool, 86-57. Four players scored in double figures in the win over Laredo Harmony, led by Kaden Solis’ 17 points. Kyle Mathews added 12, and Jose Trevino and Israel Williams each contributed 10 points. Miguel Nava had eight points, and Robert Young, Sayvion Dunlap and Jalen Davis each finished with six points. The Bucs made 11 3-pointers in the game. Williams’ 10 points paced the Bucs in their loss to Texas Homeschool. Mathews and Solis each added nine, Trevino finished with eight, and Davis scored six. On Dec. 6, the Bucs lost 61-43 to Baytown Sterling. The Rangers’ 17-2 first quarter padvantage ut the Bucs (5-6) behind the 8-ball. Nava scored 11 points, and Shaydon Coulter added seven. BCS wins 5th straight: After a 3-2 start to the season, Brazosport Christian has won five straight after beating Allen Academy, 55-28, Thursday in tournament action. Tyson Sullivan finished with nine points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three steals. Luke Coburn, James Moore and Shep Poe each scored eight points. Moore collected five steals. The Eagles (8-2) will finish the Founders Christian Tournament on Saturday. 2 ’Necks score 20 points in win: The Columbia Roughnecks improved to 2-0 at their new court Monday with an 83-67 victory over Sealy. Two Roughnecks finished with at least 20 points, paced by freshman Drake Autenrieth’s 24. Kaison Lewis added 21, and Dassi Abdullah contributed 19 points. After tournament play this weekend, the Roughnecks (5-6) will host Brazosport (8-2) at 7 p.m. Tuesday at First Capital Court. Bulldogs win first game of season: A second-quarter advantage helped Sweeny to its first win of the season, 54-45, against an Australian travel team. Both Sweeny basketball teams hosted an Australian team last season, and the schools continued the tradition this year with the Bulldogs hosting the team from down under. Tatum Waller and Jacory Maisonet each scored a team-high 10 points and grabbed five rebounds. Miguel Garza scored eight points and recorded three steals. Marcus Pete added eight points and four rebounds and Ethan Miller had seven points and seven boards. The Bulldogs (1-5) were less fortunate Tuesday in a 94-37 non-district loss to in-county team Angleton. The Wildcats improved to 9-8. Bryson Campbell led all scorers with 29 points on 10-of-21 shooting and 10 steals. Kadyine Jones followed with 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals, and Noah Rossow added 11 points and four steals. Malaki Manzano and Braelin Williams each tallied eight points. Manzano dished four assists and six steals, and Williams grabbed five rebounds. For Sweeny, Deshaun James paced the Bulldogs with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, five rebounds and two steals. Waller and Clinton King-Varner each scored eight points. King-Varner snatched six rebounds. GIRLS BASKETBALL Coburn scores 25 in Lady Eagles’ win Brazosport Christian won its third straight game Tuesday with a 61-27 victory over Divine Savior Academy. Sophomore Bo Coburn scored nearly as many points as the Rays with 25 on 10-of-22 shooting. She also had four rebounds and three steals. Cayla Cloudt added 11 points and three steals, and Lexi Mendoza and Malerie Gonzalez each contributed eight points. Valerie Gonzalez grabbed eight rebounds, and Mendoza and Charity Catoe each snatched seven boards. In tournament play Thursday, the Lady Eagles (6-2) defeated Calvary Baptist, 46-36. After tournament action this weekend, the Lady Eagles will not play again until Jan. 7 Columbia goes 4-1 in tourney: The Columbia Lady ’Necks’ lone loss last weekend at the Tidehaven Tournament came against the host Tigerettes. Other than that, Columbia had a successful weekend by going 4-1. The Lady ’Necks beat Van Vleck, 43-29; Bay City, 31-30; Wharton, 39-28; and Calhoun, 40-25. The state-ranked Tigerettes beat Columbia, 50-19. Columbia (1-0, 12-3) will play Brazosport on Tuesday at E.E. “Flash” Walker Gymnasium. Lady Dogs drop district opener: The Sweeny Lady Dogs lost their sixth straight game Tuesday with a 41-29 District 29-4A-opening loss to Wharton. No Lady Dog (0-1, 4-10) scored in double figures. Kiah Woodard’s eight points led the team on 4-of-4 shooting from the field. Trinity McDaniel added six points and two rebounds. B’port snaps skid: The Brazosport Lady Exporters started District 29-4A play on the right foot Tuesday with a 69-25 victory over Needville. The win snapped a four-game skid for the Lady Ships (1-0, 5-7). The 69 points tied for the third-most scored in a game by Brazosport this season and the most since Dec. 3, when it beat Brazoswood, 69-48. Iowa Colony wins district opener: The reigning District 26-4A champion Iowa Colony Lady Pioneers opened their inaugural District 20-5A schedule Tuesday with a resounding 86-33 victory over Texas City. Since last season, Iowa Colony (1-0, 9-8) has won 13 straight district games. Three Lady Pioneers finished in double figures, with Eryn Roberts leading the way with 24 points on 11-of-15 shooting. Aaliyah Rogers finished with a double-double with 11 points on 5-of-12 shooting and 10 rebounds, and Kenadie Francis had 12 points with a 5-of-9 mark from the floor. Roberts and Payton Watson each tallied six steals. Watson contributed nine points and Kailee Scipio added seven points. at Emery-Weiner. WRESTLING B’wood takes 2nd at Stampede The Brazoswood Bucs had a strong showing at last weekend’s Maverick Stampede at Morton Ranch High School in Katy. The Bucs finished with 157 points for second place in the team standings behind Katy Cinco Ranch’s 210.5 points. Senior Michael Villarreal finished 4-1 to take silver in the 285-pound weight class. In the two-day tournament, Villarreal (13-1) collected his 100th career victory, joining teammate Aaron Reyna, who notched his 100th career win last season. Reyna — who owns the school record in most wins in program history — also finished runner-up in the 120-pound eight class. Reyna went 4-1 in the tournament and is 12-2 on the season. Gavin Marks placed fifth in the 106 category by beating Marcos Nino of Corpus Christi Carroll by a 9-2 decision in his final tournament match. Marks is 10-4 this season. Aidan Marks (10-5) in the 132 class and Byron Dabney (14-2) in the 215 class each finished sixth. The Lady Bucs finished 11th with 91.5 points. Karen Kime (7-2) went 5-0 to win her 165-pound weight class. Maria Gonzalez (11-3) placed fourth in the 185 class, and Lupita Gonzalez (9-5) took fifth in the 152 category.The 50 best wines under $50 from our critic, who tasted 4,223
Disability ministers will ‘champion’ inclusion and accessibility, says Timms
By CLAIRE RUSH PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Googly eyes have been appearing on sculptures around the central Oregon city of Bend, delighting many residents and sparking a viral sensation covered widely by news outlets and featured on a popular late-night talk show. On social media, the city shared photos of googly eyes on installations in the middle of roundabouts that make up its so-called “Roundabout Art Route.” One photo shows googly eyes placed on a sculpture of two deer, while another shows them attached to a sphere. It’s not yet known who has been putting them on the sculptures. “While the googly eyes placed on the various art pieces around town might give you a chuckle, it costs money to remove them with care to not damage the art,” the city said in its posts. The Facebook post received hundreds of comments, with many users saying they liked the googly eyes. “My daughter and I went past the flaming chicken today and shared the biggest laugh,” one user said, using a nickname for the “Phoenix Rising” sculpture. “We love the googly eyes. This town is getting to be so stuffy. Let’s have fun!” Another Facebook user wrote: “I think the googly eyes on the deer specifically are a great look, and they should stay that way.” Others said the city should focus on addressing more important issues, such as homelessness, instead of spending time and money on removing the googly eyes. Over the years, the city’s sculptures have been adorned with other seasonal decorations, including Santa hats, wreaths, leis. The city doesn’t remove those, and views the googly eyes differently because of the adhesive, Bend’s communications director, Rene Mitchell, told The Associated Press. “We really encourage our community to engage with the art and have fun. We just need to make sure that we can protect it and that it doesn’t get damaged,” she said. The post and its comments were covered by news outlets, and even made it on a segment of CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert .” The city regrets that its post was misunderstood, Mitchell said. “There was no intent to be heavy-handed, and we certainly understand maybe how that was taken,” she said. “We own this large collection of public art and really want to bring awareness to the community that applying adhesives does harm the art. So as stewards of the collection, we wanted to share that on social media.” The city has so far spent $1,500 on removing googly eyes from seven of the eight sculptures impacted, Mitchell said, and has started treating some of the art pieces, which are made of different types of metal such as bronze and steel. The “Phoenix Rising” sculpture might need to be repainted entirely, she said. For some, the googly eyes — like the other holiday objects — provide a welcome boost of seasonal cheer. “I look forward to seeing the creativity of whoever it is that decorates the roundabouts during the holidays,” one social media commenter said. “Brings a smile to everyone to see silliness.”
HAS Deadline: HAS Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K Have Opportunity to Lead Hasbro, Inc. Securities Fraud LawsuitWall St. gains ground as it notches a winning week and another Dow record
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.Share Tweet Share Share Email What if I told you this December could be the turning point for your crypto portfolio? Imagine being in on Bitcoin at $10 or Ethereum before smart contracts took off. The crypto world is buzzing again, with some projects set to deliver jaw-dropping returns. Whether it’s the game-changing potential of Qubetics ($TICS) or the proven strength of Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Aave (AAVE), there’s no shortage of opportunities to capitalise on before 2024 ends. But let’s not just stick to the big names. Qubetics is leading the charge with its revolutionary real-world asset tokenisation, making it easier than ever for businesses and individuals to bridge the gap between physical assets and the blockchain. With a presale already raising millions, it’s clear people are catching on to its game-changing potential. And that’s just the beginning. Let’s break down why these projects deserve your attention and how you can make this December your most profitable month yet. 1. Qubetics ($TICS): Redefining Asset Tokenisation Qubetics isn’t just another crypto project—it’s a game-changer. Known as the world’s first Web3 aggregator, Qubetics has introduced Real-World Asset Tokenisation (RWAT) , a revolutionary application that bridges the gap between physical assets and blockchain technology. Imagine this: A small business owner in Texas tokenises their warehouse, enabling investors worldwide to own a fraction. Or consider an artist in Brooklyn tokenising their latest collection, ensuring global buyers can invest in authentic pieces without intermediaries. That’s the power of RWAT on Qubetics. Qubetics ($TICS) is turning heads, and for good reason. In its 10th presale stage, it’s already raised $4.2 million, with over 261 million tokens sold to 5,900+ holders. At just $0.025 per token, now’s your chance to jump in before a 10% price hike this weekend. Analysts are buzzing with predictions: $0.25 by presale’s end (871% ROI), $1 post-presale (3,787% ROI), and a staggering $15 after the mainnet launch (58,213% ROI). If you’ve been waiting for your moment to invest big, this might just be it. Invest $7,500 now, and you’re potentially looking at $435,975 at the $5 milestone. This is more than an opportunity; it’s a golden ticket for both early adopters and believers in innovation. Why does Qubetics top this list? Its unmatched utility, visionary roadmap, and ROI potential make it a no-brainer. 2. Bitcoin (BTC): The Resilient King of Crypto Bitcoin remains the gold standard of cryptocurrency. After nearing the $100,000 mark recently, its growth potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. Analysts like Robert Kiyosaki have even predicted a $500,000 price by 2025. BTC is more than just a digital currency—it’s a hedge against inflation, a store of value, and the backbone of decentralised finance. What’s driving this growth? Institutional adoption is ramping up. Major corporations are integrating Bitcoin into their treasuries, and ETFs are paving the way for mainstream investments. With economic uncertainties looming, BTC’s scarcity (capped at 21 million) makes it more appealing than ever. For investors, Bitcoin offers stability in a volatile market. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto enthusiast or a newbie, allocating part of your portfolio to BTC isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Why does Bitcoin deserve a spot? Its unmatched market dominance and proven resilience make it the ultimate crypto asset. 3. Ethereum (ETH): The Home of Innovation Ethereum isn’t just a cryptocurrency; it’s an ecosystem powering DeFi, NFTs, and countless decentralised applications. With Ethereum 2.0 upgrades significantly reducing gas fees and boosting scalability, it remains a favourite among developers and investors alike. Recently, Ethereum faced resistance at the $3,700 mark, but analysts are confident about a breakout. A decisive weekly close above this level could propel ETH towards $5,000. This optimism stems from increasing adoption, particularly in gaming, DeFi, and tokenisation. Ethereum’s ability to host projects like Qubetics further solidifies its position as a critical player in the crypto space. Why is Ethereum on this list? Its adaptability, innovation, and massive developer community ensure it remains a powerhouse in blockchain technology. 4. Solana (SOL): The Speed Demon of Blockchain Solana has emerged as the go-to blockchain for developers looking for speed and low fees. Known for handling up to 65,000 transactions per second, it’s become the darling of decentralised apps, NFTs, and gaming. Recent ETF filings for Solana have created a buzz, with approval expected by late 2025. Globally, Solana ETFs are already available in Brazil and Canada, and their success could pressure U.S. regulators to follow suit. SOL’s price recently hit an all-time high of $264.31, up 160% this year, making it one of the best-performing assets. As a fast and scalable network, Solana is driving blockchain adoption in ways many of its competitors can’t match. Why is Solana here? Its lightning-fast transactions, rising adoption, and ETF buzz position it as a must-watch investment. 5. Aave (AAVE): The DeFi Powerhouse Aave has revolutionised decentralised lending, making it one of the most popular DeFi platforms. Its ecosystem now boasts $33 billion in deposits and $15.96 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL), with active loans surpassing $10 billion in 2024. Recently, AAVE broke above the $200 resistance, signalling a bullish trend. Analysts predict a potential rally towards $260 if it maintains momentum. With whales accumulating significant amounts, Aave’s future looks bright. Aave’s success isn’t just about numbers. Its innovations in decentralised lending, such as flash loans and multi-chain support, make it a cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem. Why does Aave make this list? Its consistent growth, innovation, and strong fundamentals ensure it stays ahead of the curve. Conclusion: The Time to Act Is Now The crypto market is brimming with opportunities, but timing is everything. Projects like Qubetics are redefining industries, while stalwarts like Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to pave the way. Solana and Aave showcase how innovation can drive adoption and ROI. If you’re ready to make 2024 your breakout year, don’t wait. Qubetics, with its groundbreaking approach to asset tokenisation and potential for life-changing returns, deserves your immediate attention. Curious about the future of Qubetics? Watch this exclusive video and discover why it’s the investment opportunity of a lifetime! For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics Related Items: Blockchain , Qubetics Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you 4 Game-Changing Altcoins to Watch This December—Don’t Miss These Opportunities! 5 Best Meme Coin Presales to Buy in December 2024 That You Can’t Ignore! Pepememe.io: Reevaluating Meme Coins – Presale in Full Swing Comments
49ers claim RB Israel Abanikanda off waivers from Jets
Pharma market rebounds, asthma drug top sellerST. LOUIS — Jake Neighbours scored the lone shootout goal, Jordan Binnington denied all three San Jose Sharks and the St. Louis Blues snapped a four-game home losing streak with a 3-2 victory Thursday night. Binnington bounced back after allowing Alexander Wennberg’s tying goal with 8.8 seconds left to notch his 151st career victory and tie Mike Liut’s franchise record. Wennberg had both goals for the Sharks. Mikael Granlund and Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL draft, assisted both goals. Jordan Kyrou and Nathan Walker scored in regulation for the Blues, who won for just the second time in their last nine games. Walker scored 11 seconds into the game after Radek Faksa intercepted a pass from Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. Kyrou, sandwiched between Granlund and Timothy Liljegren at the top of the crease, jammed home a pass from Pierre-Olivier Joseph for his sixth goal of the season with 8:13 left in the second. Binnington had 22 saves in the win, while Askarov had 29 saves. Takeaways Sharks: San Jose, which has been outscored 28-10 in the first period this season, had another rocky start despite getting a first-period goal for the third straight game. St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington, right, is congratulated by center Brayden Schenn, center, and center Robert Thomas, left, after defeating the San Jose Sharks in the shootout of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in St. Louis. Credit: AP/Jeff Le Blues: Binnington ranks second among goalies in franchise history with 295 games played. He reached the 151-win mark in 56 fewer games than Liut, who went 151-133 with 52 ties from 1979-1985. Key moment Neighbours delivered the victory in the shootout with a wrist shot that beat Askarov on his glove side. Key stat The Blues have been outscored 14-2 in the third period of their last seven games. Up next The Blues play seven of their next eight games on the road, beginning Saturday against the New York Islanders, the same day San Jose starts a four-game home stand Saturday against Buffalo.
Another one of those who had their sentences commuted by President Joe Biden was notorious University of Miami booster and convicted Ponzi schemer Nevin Shapiro. Shapiro was convicted of a Ponzi scheme that raked in nearly a billion dollars in 2010 after he bilked thousands of people who invested in his fake company, Capital Investments. His crimes included creating fake documents purportedly showing how CI made tens of millions a year from owning and operating a nonexistent grocery wholesale business. He was convicted and handed a 20-year prison sentence in 2010. Meanwhile, Shapiro was spending $400,000 for floor seats to watch the Miami Heat, $26,000 a month on rent for his home in Miami Beach, a $1.5 million yacht, expensive cars, and other luxuries. He reportedly hobnobbed with NBA players such as Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, and Kevin Garnett. Shapiro also worked closely with the University of Miami, pledging $150,000 to help the school build a student lounge in his name. The convicted felon also got caught up in doling out impermissible benefits to players for nearly a decade to boost the university’s sports programs, mostly Hurricanes football. While there were never any legal charges, the school eventually suffered under a series of penalties for violating NCAA rules. The school lost scholarships, suffered setbacks in recruiting, and was hit with various suspensions. Shapiro was already let out of jail in 2020 thanks to COVID policies and was serving the rest of his sentence under house arrest. But now, according to TMZ , that is all behind him after Biden has canceled the rest of his sentence. Shapiro has still made no effort to repay any of the $82,657,362.29 he owes his victims. Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook at: facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Huston , or Truth Social @WarnerToddHuston
By CLAIRE RUSH PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Googly eyes have been appearing on sculptures around the central Oregon city of Bend, delighting many residents and sparking a viral sensation covered widely by news outlets and featured on a popular late-night talk show. On social media, the city shared photos of googly eyes on installations in the middle of roundabouts that make up its so-called “Roundabout Art Route.” One photo shows googly eyes placed on a sculpture of two deer, while another shows them attached to a sphere. It’s not yet known who has been putting them on the sculptures. “While the googly eyes placed on the various art pieces around town might give you a chuckle, it costs money to remove them with care to not damage the art,” the city said in its posts. The Facebook post received hundreds of comments, with many users saying they liked the googly eyes. “My daughter and I went past the flaming chicken today and shared the biggest laugh,” one user said, using a nickname for the “Phoenix Rising” sculpture. “We love the googly eyes. This town is getting to be so stuffy. Let’s have fun!” Another Facebook user wrote: “I think the googly eyes on the deer specifically are a great look, and they should stay that way.” Others said the city should focus on addressing more important issues, such as homelessness, instead of spending time and money on removing the googly eyes. Over the years, the city’s sculptures have been adorned with other seasonal decorations, including Santa hats, wreaths, leis. The city doesn’t remove those, and views the googly eyes differently because of the adhesive, Bend’s communications director, Rene Mitchell, told The Associated Press. “We really encourage our community to engage with the art and have fun. We just need to make sure that we can protect it and that it doesn’t get damaged,” she said. The post and its comments were covered by news outlets, and even made it on a segment of CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert .” The city regrets that its post was misunderstood, Mitchell said. “There was no intent to be heavy-handed, and we certainly understand maybe how that was taken,” she said. “We own this large collection of public art and really want to bring awareness to the community that applying adhesives does harm the art. So as stewards of the collection, we wanted to share that on social media.” The city has so far spent $1,500 on removing googly eyes from seven of the eight sculptures impacted, Mitchell said, and has started treating some of the art pieces, which are made of different types of metal such as bronze and steel. The “Phoenix Rising” sculpture might need to be repainted entirely, she said. For some, the googly eyes — like the other holiday objects — provide a welcome boost of seasonal cheer. “I look forward to seeing the creativity of whoever it is that decorates the roundabouts during the holidays,” one social media commenter said. “Brings a smile to everyone to see silliness.”
