Milan's Via MonteNapoleone usurps New York's Fifth Avenue as world's most upscale shopping street

THREE topnotchers from Lapu-Lapu City were recently recognized by the City Government for earning spots in the top 10 of various board examinations. The top achievers are Kyle Christian Tutor, who ranked first in the 2024 Bar Examination; Antoneth Acerde, who placed 6th in the September 2024 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT); and Dana Athena Augusto, who secured 10th in the Radiologic Technology Board Examination (RTLE). Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan invited Tutor to his office on Friday, Dec. 20, to commend him for bringing pride and honor to the city and serving as a role model to fellow Lapu-Lapu residents. Tutor, a resident of Brgy. Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City, received a certificate of appreciation and a monetary gift from Chan. In a media press briefing following the awarding, Tutor described the 2024 Bar Examination as “one of the hardest in recent memory” and revealed that he wasn’t expecting the results. “I just wanted to pass. I didn’t expect at all that I would pass; in fact, every subject is...Walay subject na easy for me (No subject was easy for me),” said Tutor. Tutor clinched an impressive 85.77 percent passing rate. According to Supreme Court Bar Chairperson Associate Justice Mario Lopez, only 3,962 out of 10,490 examinees passed, yielding a passing rate of 37.8 percent. Meanwhile, Acerde and Augusto were recognized through separate Facebook posts of Chan and City Lone District Congw. Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan. RTLE top 10 Augusto, in an interview with SunStar Cebu on Sunday, Dec. 22, said it was her goal to become a topnotcher but was faced with doubts after the board exam. “I was not expecting anymore because I felt that I was not ready to take the examination and I know that there are more people who are better than me,” said Augusto. In the early months of her review, Augusto shared that she felt immense pressure from the high expectations placed on her by those around her. However, the unconditional support and encouragement from her family and friends provided a solid foundation, helping to ease the stress and keep her grounded. Despite the circumstances looming around her during the duration of her journey, Augusto continued to strive and received a passing rate of 91 percent and secured her place in the top 10. LEPT top 6 Acerde, in a Facebook post on Dec. 19, said she never planned to take the September 2024 LEPT but has constantly sought guidance from the Lord. Acerde said the grueling four months of study and review were marked by countless hardships. She said that all she prayed for was to pass the exams, hoping to honor the sacrifices her family had made for her. “Lord, bisa’g dili nako mag-top, basta makapasar lang ko Lord, bisag 75 akong rating Lord, dawaton nako, basta makapasar lang ko Lord, kay dili nako kaya nga mubagsak, kay grabe nami’g sacrifices sa akong family para ani,” reads a portion of her post. (Lord, even if I don’t top, just let me pass, Lord, even if my rating is only 75, I will accept it, as long as I pass, Lord, because I can’t bear to fail after all the sacrifices my family has made for this.) Acerde clinched the sixth spot with a promising score of 93.40 percent. Board passers who are bonafide residents and registered voters of Lapu-Lapu are entitled to a P10,000 cash incentive. / DPC

Ex-employees kept network access in three gov't departments: auditor

China is looking to challenge the U.S. in artificial intelligence. China's tech giants have launched their own AI models. Niphon | Istock | Getty Images China's race to develop smarter-than-human artificial intelligence may put it ahead of the U.S., but such ground-breaking technology could also risk lessening the stronghold that the ruling Communist Party has over the world's second-largest economy. That's the view of prominent AI scientist Max Tegmark, who told CNBC artificial general intelligence (AGI) is closer than we think and the narrative of a geopolitical battle between the U.S. and China racing to build the smartest AI is a "suicide race." While there is no singular definition of AGI, it is broadly taken to refer to AI that can outsmart humans. Applications like ChatGPT — that allow users to prompt a chatbot for answers — have exploded in popularity. But many AI companies are racing to develop the next level, with AI that has human-level intelligence. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has said that AGI could be achieved by 2025. While there are other major names in the tech sector who also think AGI is close, many others think true AGI is still very far away . As well as competition between technology companies, there is also the geopolitical battle taking place between the U.S. and China for dominance in realms from AI to chips. While this is often portrayed as a race to be first to the latest technology, Tegmark said this is not the right framing. "I think of this battle, this geopolitical battle to build AGI first as a 'hopium war'," Tegmark told CNBC in an interview last month. " I call it the 'hopium war' because it's fueled by ... delusional hope that we can control AGI." Tegmark is the president of the Future of Life Institute, a thinktank which penned a letter last year calling for AI labs to pause the development of advanced AI systems . The letter was signed by major tech names including Tesla CEO Elon Musk . Tegmark's concern is that AI is advancing rapidly with very few guardrails in place, and no way to control it should it begin to outsmart humans. "We are much closer to building AGI than figuring out how to control it. And that means that the AGI race is not an arms race, it's a suicide race," Tegmark said. Is China worried about AGI? China has little incentive to build AGI, according to Tegmark. The AI scientist recalled a story in which Elon Musk told him about a "high level meeting" the Tesla boss had with Chinese government officials in early 2023. Musk said to the Chinese government that if AGI is built, China "will not be controlled by the Communist Party, but by the super intelligence," Tegmark said. "[Musk] got a very strong reaction. Some of them, really hadn't thought about that, and with less than a month from that, China came out with their first AI regulations," Tegmark said, referencing new regulation governing generative AI . China's ministry of foreign affairs was not immediately available for comment on the anecdote. CNBC also contacted Tesla for a response from Musk. "The U.S. doesn't need to convince China to not build AGI. Even if the U.S. didn't exist, the Chinese government would have an incentive to not build it because they want to be in control," Tegmark said. "[The] last thing they want is to lose that control." China's approach to AI AI is a strategic priority for the Chinese government. The country's biggest firms such as Alibaba , Huawei and Tencent have been developing their own AI models . The capabilities of those models are also advancing. China was also among the first countries in the world to bring in regulation around various aspects of AI . The country's internet is heavily censored and any information that appears to go against Beijing's ideology is blocked. OpenAI's ChatGPT is banned and it is well-noted that chatbots in China won't answer questions related to politics and topics deemed sensitive by the Communist Party. The country's approach to AI is therefore an attempt to push innovation while also balancing its own interests. When it comes to AGI, China is likely to pursue a similar approach, according to analysts. "I would not count on China to limit its own AI capabilities due to fears that such technologies would threaten Party rule. Similar predictions were made about the internet, they all proved to be false," Kendra Schaefer, a partner at consultancy Trivium China," told CNBC. "China will attempt to dominate AGI while creating a techno-regulatory apparatus that limits what AGI is permitted to do domestically." U.S.-China AI battle Despite Tegmark's view that the the race to build AGI is a "hopium war," geopoltiics remains front and center between the U.S. and China when it comes to development of the technology. "Right now, China is viewing AI through a dual-lens: geopolitical power and domestic growth," said Abishur Prakash, founder and geopolitical strategist at Toronto-based strategy advisory firm, The Geopolitical Business. watch now VIDEO 3:04 03:04 Underestimating China in the AI 'multi-decade arms race' would be a mistake Street Signs Asia "With AI, China hopes to shift the balance of power around the globe, like creating a new export model. And, in parallel, China wants to power its economy in new ways, from government efficiency to business applications," Prakash told CNBC. The U.S. has pursued a policy of attempting to restrict China's access to key technologies, mainly semiconductors like those designed by Nvidia , that are required to train more advanced AI models. China has responded by attempting to build its homegrown chip industry. Will the U.S. and China partner on AI rules? Technologists have warned of some of the risks and dangers when AGI does finally arrive. One theory is that without guardrails, AI will be able to improve itself and design new systems independently. Tegmark believes that any such risks will be realized by both the U.S. and China, which will force both countries' governments to individually come up with rules around AI safety. "So my optimistic path forward is the U.S. and China unilaterally impose national safety standards to prevent their own companies from doing harm and building uncontrollable AGI, not to appease the rivals superpowers, but just to protect themselves," Tegmark said. "After that happens though, there's this really interesting stage where the U.S. and China will be like, wait, how can we guarantee that North Korea doesn't build AGI or someone else? And then the U.S. and China have an incentive now to push the rest of the world to join them into an AGI moratorium." Indeed, governments are already trying to work together to figure out how to create regulations and frameworks around AI. Last year, the U.K. hosted an AI safety summit, which the U.S. and China were both in attendance, to discuss potential guardrails around the technology. But regulation and rules around AI are currently fragmented. This year, the European Union enacted the AI Act , the first major law globally governing the technology. China has its own set of rules, while many other countries have not yet moved to create any regulation. Tegmark's hope of co-ordination around AI safety is echoed by others. "When the dangers of competition are greater than the rewards, nations will ideally be motivated to come together and mutually self-regulate," Trivium China's Schaefer said. "Indeed, some Chinese policymakers have advocated for getting out ahead of that potential issue and establishing an international governance body under the UN – similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency – so there is desire on Beijing's side to establish a global governance body," she said.MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) — Kenny White Jr. scored 25 points as Morehead State beat Tennessee State 74-68 on Saturday night. White added 17 rebounds for the Eagles (6-6, 2-0 Ohio Valley Conference). Jerone Morton added 15 points while shooting 5 for 10 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line and also had six rebounds. Tyler Brelsford shot 2 of 5 from the field and 8 for 8 from the line to finish with 13 points. The Tigers (4-9, 0-2) were led in scoring by Travis Harper II, who finished with 22 points, six rebounds and three steals. Aaron Nkrumah added 14 points and two blocks for Tennessee State. Carlous Williams had 14 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

GUANGZHOU, CHINA: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Saturday announced plans to facilitate Chinese companies through a one-window operation, declaring Punjab as a “land of opportunities” for investors. Maryam Nawaz also announced the establishment of a working group with the appointment of a focal person, and the creation of a help desk to facilitate investment. She chaired an investment conference in Guangzhou on the sixth day of her China visit and expressed gratitude to the conference attendees. The Punjab CM briefed them on Punjab’s economic, geographical, and business significance. The roundtable conference witnessed participation from representatives of over 60 prominent companies from China and Hong Kong. Representatives from health, artificial intelligence, agriculture, information technology, waste management, solar energy, and other sectors participated in the conference. Key Chinese companies provided detailed briefings on their operations, while suggestions and recommendations on Pakistan-China free trade were also reviewed. Maryam Nawaz invited Chinese technology firms to launch operations in Punjab, with many expressing keen interest in investment opportunities in the province. Chinese representatives appreciated the “No to Plastic” campaign launched in Punjab to protect the environment. Maryam Nawaz reiterated her government’s commitment to banning the production, sale, and use of environmentally harmful plastics. She highlighted ongoing efforts under the “Clean Punjab” initiative, including a zero-waste mission and projects to convert waste into renewable energy. Maryam Nawaz emphasised the focus on affordable energy through windmills, solar energy, and other renewable sources. She welcomed partnerships in a mega solarisation project, underscoring Punjab’s growing demand for solar energy. In agriculture, the government is modernising through mechanisation and fostering collaboration in sub-sectors such as machinery manufacturing, food processing, and hybrid seed development. Maryam Nawaz also underlined the importance of innovation in the IT sector, welcoming investments in e-commerce, incubator centres, and e-learning. She invited Chinese firms to contribute to making the Nawaz Sharif IT City a state-of-the-art hub. She noted that Punjab aims to utilise its young, skilled workforce and explore bio and hydrogen technologies. Maryam Nawaz described Pakistan as a gateway to Central Asia, the Middle East, and other global markets, reaffirming its strategic role in international trade. She called the positive response from Chinese investors encouraging for fostering Pak-China relations. In health, she highlighted plans to benefit from China’s telemedicine technologies, while in agriculture, she pointed to potential breakthroughs with nanotechnology and water-efficient irrigation systems. “This is the best time for Chinese companies to seize business opportunities in Punjab,” Maryam Nawaz concluded. Huawei to help make Lahore smart city Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the Huawei Technologies have decided to turn Lahore into the first modern smart city of Pakistan. During her visit to the company’s Bantian headquarters in Shenzhen, the chief minister discussed various initiatives with the company’s executives to make Lahore a modern digital city. She invited the Huawei Technologies president to visit Lahore and invest in Pakistan, especially Punjab. She offered Huawei cooperation in setting up an office in the Nawaz Sharif IT City and after-sales service centres across Punjab. The chief minister also discussed issues relating to e-commerce, ecosystem and ICT infrastructure development, digitisation of health and education departments. She assured Huawei of her full cooperation in setting up an assembly and manufacturing plant in Punjab. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );Islamic FinTech: Adapting Financial Technology to Sharia ComplianceEDITOR'S NOTE: On Football analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL from week to week. No one wants to see any player take a vicious hit like the one that knocked Trevor Lawrence out of the game. It’s easy to agree on that point. Eliminating violent shots is the hard part. The NFL has instituted several rules to protect quarterbacks but football is a physical sport and players have to react instantly and make split-second decisions going at high speeds so injuries keep occurring. Lawrence was carted off the field in the first half of Jacksonville’s 23-20 loss to Houston on Sunday after Azeez Al-Shaair leveled the defenseless quarterback with a forearm to the facemask. The late hit put Lawrence in the fencing position — both fists clenched — and he stayed on the ground for several minutes, while a brawl ensued. Lawrence didn’t require hospitalization for his concussion but it’s unknown when he’ll return. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out/been praying for me,” Lawrence wrote on X. “I’m home and feeling better. Means a lot, thank you all.” Al-Shaair was ejected from the game and faces a fine and potential suspension after his latest unsportsmanlike penalty. The Texans' linebacker was flagged and later fined $11,255 for a late hit out of bounds on Titans running back Tony Pollard last week. He was fined earlier this year after he punched Bears running back Roschon Johnson on the sideline in Week 2. That occurred during a scuffle that started after his hard shot on quarterback Caleb Williams near the sideline that wasn’t flagged. Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence slides in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair during the first half of a game on Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla. Lawrence was injured on the play. Al-Shaair once got away with grabbing Tom Brady by the throat on a pass rush in a game between the 49ers and Buccaneers. Outraged Jaguars players called Al-Shaair’s hit “dirty” and Texans coach DeMeco Ryans made it known he didn’t condone it. “It’s not what we’re coaching,” Ryans said. “Want to be smart in everything we do and not hurt the team, get a penalty there. Have to be smarter when the quarterback is going down. Unfortunate play. Not representative of who Azeez is. He’s a smart player, really great leader for us. We felt his presence not being there. His loss really affected us on the defensive side. Just not what we’re coaching. Didn’t want to see the melee and all the aftermath. That’s not what we’re about. Not representative of us. I’ll talk to Azeez, address him personally, and we’ll move forward from it.” Fox Sports color analyst Daryl Johnston, a former fullback for the Dallas Cowboys, didn’t hold back his criticism, calling it a “cheap shot.” “It’s everything you’re not supposed to do,” Johnston said. “Everything. You’ll see this in slow motion and Azeez Al-Shaair does everything you’re trying to prevent in this situation. It’s reckless. It’s disrespectful. There’s an honor that you give to your opponent on the football field and you respect him. And there’s opportunities to be physical and give big hits and play this game in that manner. And there’s other times when there’s a respect that you grant to your opponent.” Some former NFL quarterbacks blasted Al-Shaair on social media. “There is no place in the game of football for dirty hits like this one,” Robert Griffin III wrote on X. Chase Daniel called it “one of the dirtiest hits” he’s ever seen on a quarterback. Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram, right, jumps on Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair after his late hit on quarterback Trevor Lawrence, bottom, during the first half of a game on Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla. Even defensive players struggled to defend Al-Shaair. “That was uncalled for,” Hall of Fame defensive lineman Michael Strahan said on Fox’s studio show while fellow Hall of Famer Howie Long agreed. But the play also sparked debate about the quarterback slide. Lawrence slid feet first, which signals that he’s giving himself up on the play. The NFL rulebook states: “A defender must pull up when a runner begins a feet-first slide.” But defensive players aren’t automatically penalized if they make contact with a sliding quarterback if they already committed and the contact is unavoidable. The rules state it’s a foul when “the defender makes forcible contact into the head or neck area of the runner with the helmet, shoulder, or forearm, or commits some other act that is unnecessary roughness.” Al-Shaair did that so he was penalized and will face other repercussions. Still, given the hard-hitting nature of the sport, it won’t be the last time this happens. When Caleb Williams took the field for the Chicago Bears' first regular season game against the Tennessee Titans, the anticipation for the rookie's debut game—possibly the most ever—was on full display. Despite a tough debut for the quarterback, the Bears secured a 24-17 win, a notable feat for the rookie. The victory made Williams the first #1 overall pick with a Week 1 win in over 20 years. Going forward this season, Williams is expected to eclipse C.J. Stroud's record-breaking 2023 rookie campaign with the Houston Texans. However, Stroud's success is an anomaly. Drafting a successful quarterback, especially one who is effective right away, is difficult. When teams have a high first-round draft pick, and they're coming off an unsuccessful few seasons, it's assumed that they will use their first pick on a quarterback . That player will assume the title of "the face of the franchise" and will get the central attention, win or lose. To see which quarterbacks have faced that challenge and triumphed, ATS.io compiled a ranking of the 10 best rookie quarterbacks since 1960 using data from StatHead . Rookies were defined as players who are in their first season of professional football and have not been on the roster of another professional team. Quarterbacks were ranked according to adjusted net yards per pass attempt, which quantifies efficient passing skill. Ties were broken using passer rating. Only rookie quarterbacks with at least 10 games played and 200 total passing attempts were considered. Since 1967, 130 quarterbacks have been drafted in the first round. Of those drafted, only 61 have won a playoff game as a starter, according to The Athletic, which used data from NFL Research . The biggest reason this success rate is not guaranteed is because there are differences between college and pro offensive systems. In the collegiate game, the ball is snapped at different points on the field, passing windows are wider, and defenders and linemen are not as quick, making the adjustment to the pro level more difficult. NFL scouts and general managers are gambling on what skills can be transferable and how long those adjustments might take, which is why some teams prefer redshirt quarterbacks to ease the transition. However, just because a team may not want to use their first-round pick on a quarterback, doesn't mean they can't find a diamond in the rough later in the draft. Think about Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, and Dak Prescott, all of which were not first-round picks, but have gone on to make a name for themselves in the NFL. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 6.44 - Passer rating: 91.2 - Season stats: 3,271 yards, 21 touchdowns, 6 interceptions Coming out of college, Gardner Minshew was not a highly sought-after quarterback for NFL teams. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 draft—a draft that was headlined by Kyler Murray, Dwayne Haskins, and Daniel Jones. Nonetheless, Minshew's rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars was filled with many accomplishments. He won Rookie of the Week seven times despite not winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Minshew also had the highest passer rating of any rookie quarterback that started in 2019. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 6.77 - Passer rating: 93.7 - Season stats: 3,725 yards, 27 touchdowns, 14 interceptions Pressure was high for Baker Mayfield as the first overall pick in the 2018 draft. When he joined the Cleveland Browns, there was an expectation that once the team figured out the quarterback position, it could be playoff-ready. After trading for Jarvis Landry, a young wide receiver from the Miami Dolphins, in the offseason, the Browns were on their way. Mayfield's rookie season was filled with many firsts, and the Landry-Mayfield connection filled the stat sheet. Mayfield set the record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback in 2019 with 27 surpassing prior marks from Payton Manning and Russell Wilson. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 6.84 - Passer rating: 98.3 - Season stats: 4,336 yards, 31 touchdowns, 10 interceptions Justin Herbert was the third quarterback selected in the 2020 NFL draft behind Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa. As the No. 6 overall pick, expectations were high, but there was also an assumption that it would be a few years before Herbert's development would take shape. Then, Chargers starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor was accidentally punctured in the lung by a team doctor administering a painkiller before the second game of the season, and it wasn't clear what Taylor's status would be moving forward. When Herbert was given the nod to start minutes before the game, fans didn't know what to expect. Herbert shocked viewers when he threw for over 300 yards and only one interception in that game. He continued his strong rookie showing throughout the season and went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 6.93 - Passer rating: 98.1 - Season stats: 2,621 yards, 17 touchdowns, 11 interceptions Ben Roethlisberger was the third quarterback selected in his draft class behind the likes of Eli Manning and Philip Rivers—though fans wouldn't have been able to tell. From the moment Roethlisberger was called up by the Pittsburgh Steelers to play in his first game—Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens—it was clear he had a special arm, gaining the nickname "Golden Arm." While the next several games were bumpy for Steelers fans, it was clear that Roethlisberger was the future of the franchise. The Steelers had a solid running game and its receiving core, led by Hines Ward, was one of the best in the league . Once Roethlisberger gained his footing a few games in, he was unstoppable. He led Pittsburgh to its best record ever: 15-1. He also started the season on an eight-game winning streak, becoming the first rookie to do so. Additionally, Roethlisberger became the first quarterback to win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.01 - Passer rating: 87.7 - Season stats: 3,440 yards, 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions As the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, there were high expectations on Matt Ryan's shoulders heading to the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons were coming off back-to-back losing seasons and off-the-field legal troubles with its starting quarterback Michael Vick overshadowing the team's play. Ryan was expected to pick up the pieces. He did that immediately, leading the Falcons to an 11-5 record in his rookie season and becoming the clear favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year halfway through the season, which he went on to win. The tag team of Ryan and running back Michael Turner was one of the best offensive forces in the sport that season. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.01 - Passer rating: 100 - Season stats: 3,118 yards, 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions Russell Wilson was drafted in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Considering Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck headlined the NFL Draft that year, it was not believed that Wilson would be a starter come Week 1, but that quickly changed. Going into the 2012 NFL Draft, Tarvaris Jackson was the Seattle Seahawks' starting quarterback, and the team signed NFL veteran quarterback Matt Flynn as an insurance policy on the injury-prone Jackson . It was assumed in the short term that either Jackson or Flynn would lead the franchise. Once training camp arrived, however, the Seahawks' quarterback position was uncertain. Jackson was traded to the Buffalo Bills, and Flynn was underwhelming at camp, forcing Head Coach Pete Carroll to take a gamble on his rookie quarterback, Wilson, in Week 1. Carroll, nor Wilson, ever looked back. Wilson was one of the best passing quarterbacks that season. He led the Seahawks to an 11-5 record and went on to win NFL Rookie of the Year. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.39 - Passer rating: 96 - Season stats: 2,210 yards, 20 touchdowns, 6 interceptions When Dan Marino was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1983, the NFL looked very different. Running the ball was the name of the game. The quarterback would either run the football himself at the line of scrimmage or hand it off to the running back, and the offensive linemen would claw and push the pile forward as the runner powered his legs. It was not a pretty sight. However, Marino took a different approach, throwing the ball with a unique quick release for that era. He led the Dolphins to a 9-1 record after replacing David Woodley midway through his rookie season, ending with a 12-4 record. He went on to win Rookie of the Year and was the first rookie to start a Pro Bowl. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.47 - Passer rating: 102.4 - Season stats: 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns, 5 interceptions Leading into the 2012 draft, it wasn't a matter of whether Washington would pick a quarterback, it was a matter of who. After several seasons of mediocre quarterback play and losing seasons from the likes of Jason Campbell, Donovan McNabb, and Rex Grossman, it was time for a new face to lead the offense. At No. 2, Washington selected Robert Griffin III making him the second quarterback selected in the 2012 NFL draft behind Andrew Luck. Griffin started his rookie year campaign with one of the best performances football fans have ever seen. He completed 19 of his 26 pass attempts for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns, beating the New Orleans Saints. That game earned him the highest passer rating by a rookie ever, 158.3. He now shares that record with Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota. Griffin III went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.86 - Passer rating: 104.9 - Season stats: 3,667 yards, 23 touchdowns, 4 interceptions Dak Prescott is statistically the best rookie quarterback ever, racking up the best passer rating as a rookie. After losing his first game, he led the Cowboys on an 11-game winning streak. That season, he led the team to its fourth-best season ever with a 13-3 record. Prescott was the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and became the first NFL quarterback to be drafted in the fourth round or later to start all 16 regular season games. Data reporting by Karim Noorani. Story editing by Shanna Kelly. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on ATS.io and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.47 - Passer rating: 100.8 - Season stats: 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, 5 interceptions When C.J. Stroud was drafted No. 2 by the Houston Texans last year, there were a lot of questions, not about his ability, but about the organization that he would be playing for. The Texans were coming off of a 3-13-1 season in 2022, finishing with the worst record in the league, and a lot of volatility in its front office. The team fired its head coach and a top executive before the draft. Weeks later, the team hired former Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans as its next head coach. While Ryans is a defensive-minded coach, Stroud was seen as a key ingredient to the team's success since Ryans hired his coaching staff around the quarterback. Stroud led the NFL in yards and TD-to-interception ratio during his rookie season, which is an efficiency statistic considering he didn't get his first interception until his sixth regular-season game against the New Orleans Saints. While Stroud was a part of the league MVP conversation for most of the season, he didn't ultimately win the title. However, he was named 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and his rookie season is seen as one of the best in NFL history. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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It’s that time of the year when people find themselves scrambling to check shopping and wish lists, trying to figure out the best gifts to give others as well as themselves for the upcoming year. It’s a time when people are looking not just for the best products but also for the best value they can get for their money’s worth. That includes the latest gadgets like smartphones that will accompany their new owners to the next year and beyond. There’s no shortage of designs to choose from in this market, whether in terms of aesthetics, features, or price. Many try to appeal to brand loyalty while others resort to gimmicks and extravagant designs to stand out from the crowd. While this may work for some, not everyone is in the market for a novel smartphone that will end up quickly losing its charm after a few months. In contrast to these, the Vivo X200 looks like a familiar face that is ready to support an old friend, so we take it for a spin to see if it can really deliver that sense of confidence despite its unassuming appearance. Designer: Vivo If you’ve seen the Vivo X100 that was launched late last year, you might feel a sense of deja vu. The Vivo X200 looks almost exactly like its predecessor, though there are definitely some improvements here and there, most of which you won’t be able to immediately notice. That’s not to say that it looks dated, because there are definitely significant changes to the design that prove it’s still a step forward, small as it may be. The edges, for example, are now flat, matching the current design trends in the smartphone market. The 6.67-inch screen is somewhat flat as well, though the bezels do curve down to the midframe. This is mirrored on the fiberglass back plate whose curve is now less pronounced. In other words, the Vivo X200 exudes a modern and stylish design that keeps in touch with minimalist trends. The circular camera bump is still large, but that, too, is becoming more common. Large as it may be, it offers not only visual symmetry but also balance that prevents the phone from wobbling on tables. This symmetry is also reflected in the arrangement of the cameras that point in the cardinal directions rather than a square. One of those black circles isn’t a camera, though, but it’s a smart design decision rather than leaving the arrangement a bit odd, literally and figuratively. The metal Sunburst Ring surrounding the camera is still there, along with a knurled surface that gives it the semblance of a luxury watch bezel or a camera lens focus ring. All in all, the Vivo X200 offers a simple yet stylish design that embodies the strengths of minimalism. There are very few unnecessary details, aside from the ZEISS branding in the center of the cameras and the triple LED flash in the corner. Rather than pushing boundaries and presenting a new but unfamiliar face, it prefers to offer something more recognizable and comforting, bucking the common business sense of changing designs every year. In a way, the Vivo X200 seems to combine the best of both design worlds. It has flat edges that some argue give a better grip, but the screen and backplate still curve a bit so they don’t exactly bite into your skin. That said, the matte glass surface of the phone’s back might be tricky for some who find the material slippery, despite the advertised benefits of the artificially crafted texture. With a weight of around 197g (6.9oz) and an average thickness of 8mm (0.31 in), the phone isn’t exactly the lightest nor the thinnest among this year’s flagships. It isn’t the worst, either, so you’re not exactly taking a loss. It has a nice balance in your hand and feels solid enough to give you confidence when you hold it. It definitely has a premium feel to it that matches its sleek and elegant appearance. Unlike some other smartphone brands, Vivo opted to place its bets on MediaTek for its X-series flagships. This particular batch utilizes the new Dimensity 9400 5G, promising a notable jump in performance in gaming and AI. It’s paired with 16GB of RAM, which you can extend up to another 16GB from storage, and 512GB of that fixed storage capacity. In other words, the Vivo X200 is quite the beast, handling any task you throw at it with finesse. Benchmarks put it head-to-head with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, though take it with a grain of salt as that is last year’s Qualcomm flagship. Thanks to the use of solid-state battery technology, Vivo is able to cram no less than a 5,800mAh battery inside such a compact body. With average use, it can easily last up to two days before needing a charge, and when it comes time to plug it in, just half an hour is enough to get it up to 80% with its 90W charging speed. As great as battery performance sounds, Vivo has chosen to leave out wireless charging yet again, falling behind its peers and rivals in this modern convenience. The phone’s 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED screen is very bright and colorful, easily the highlight of the Vivo X200’s face. It has a fast 120Hz refresh rate that makes games responsive and the UI fluid, but it can only switch between 60Hz and 120Hz. It does boast a 2,160Hz PWD dimming that is touted to be as eye-friendly as you can get on screens. There’s really not much else to say about the phone’s display other than how great it looks even under bright outdoor light. Contrary to what the design suggests, the Vivo X200 only has three cameras, all of them boasting 50MP sensors. This addresses one of the longest-standing problems with smartphone cameras where different lenses produce widely different results. They’re not all the same sensors, of course, but this at least narrows the gap considerably, ensuring that switching between focal lengths is no longer jarring nor disadvantageous. All three also use ZEISS T* coated lenses that reduce lens flares and reflections. Leading the trio is a 50MP Sony IMX921 sensor with an f/1.57 lens and a focal length of 23mm. This wide camera boasts the usual PDAF and OIS features, producing vibrant, detailed, and clear photos under any lighting condition. This is joined by an ultra-wide camera with a 50MP sensor and an f/2.0 aperture lens with a 119-degree field of view. With its highly detailed output and minimal distortion, it’s a welcome break from smartphone cameras that often leave this particular aspect lagging behind. The third member of the group is a 50MP Sony IMX882 with a f/2.57 aperture lens and a 70mm equivalent focal length. It’s capable of 3x optical zoom, which is quite good in terms of the level of detail, and 10x hybrid zoom which is actually still decent despite the noticeable loss of quality. The camera does seem to have some difficulty with indoor lighting at 3x magnification, leading to blurry and pixelated patches of color. The really outstanding camera, however, is on the opposite side. In addition to a 32MP sensor, this front-facing ultra-wide camera can record in 4K at 30 or 60fps, which really upgrades the video quality of a camera that’s often overlooked. Not only will it make you look good in video calls, it will also give vloggers and influencers an edge over the competition, presuming their chosen social media platform supports high-quality video in the first place. As the Vivo X200’s design looks familiar, so is the formula for its parts. In other words, the company hasn’t yet taken any big step forward in using more sustainable materials other than the usual metal or glass you’d find in any other smartphone. Instead, it focuses on making it last a little bit longer, whether because of its durability or its length of support. More than just the usual IP68 rating, the Vivo X200 also boasts an IP69 certification, which means the phone can be washed with hot water without that much fear, though you’re not advised to do that anyway. The phone also runs FuntouchOS 15 that’s based on Android 15, and it’s promised to receive up to four major OS upgrades, which means you won’t have to worry about being outdated for another four years. With how fast people change their smartphones every two years or how quickly some are obsoleted, these features guarantee a long life for Vivo’s flagship. There are two ways to stand out in the rat race known as the smartphone market. Either you do something so radical that you turn people’s heads, or you do something so well that people can’t help but take notice. The Vivo X200 is clearly in the latter camp, preferring to prioritize substance over style. Not that it’s lacking style, either, with an elegant minimalist aesthetic that inspires familiarity and confidence, instead of opting for novelty that will quickly wear off. The Vivo X200 delivers a solid all-rounder device that checks the right boxes without going overboard. The one box it does miss out on is its availability. Although it has recently launched in global markets, its reach is still few and far between. The price tag that goes around $700 to $800 makes it a more difficult choice to make when there are more affordable options available that offer nearly the same capabilities. Smartphones have evolved to become more than just a communication or productivity tool but also a reflection of ourselves. And just as not all of us need fancy designer items or extravagant accessories, not everyone needs a smartphone that screams for attention. Some prefer a minimalist aesthetic that extols the virtues of good design that encompasses color, material, finish, and, most importantly, user experience. The Vivo X200 is one such design, bearing a simple appearance that belies the power it holds within. It has a well-balanced and solid set of features, empowered by AI, that is ready to handle any task you throw at it. It is by no means unattractive, but it is designed to appeal to people whose tastes go beyond flashy gimmicks and short-lived features. It is, at the end of the day, a reliable companion on life’s adventures.

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. (AP) — CJ Luster II's 20 points helped Stony Brook defeat Rider 72-55 on Saturday. Luster shot 7 for 11, including 6 for 9 from beyond the arc for the Seawolves (3-7). Joseph Octave scored 14 points, shooting 5 for 12 (1 for 4 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line. Ben Wight shot 5 of 7 from the field to finish with 12 points. The Seawolves snapped a five-game losing streak. Jay Alvarez led the Broncs (4-7) in scoring, finishing with 13 points and two steals. Rider also got 13 points, four assists and two steals from Aasim Burton. Tariq Ingraham also had seven points. Stony Brook took the lead with 4:48 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. Luster led their team in scoring with 12 points in the first half to help put them up 34-24 at the break. Stony Brook extended its lead to 50-33 during the second half, fueled by a 12-0 scoring run. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

RUSTON, La. (AP) — Daniel Batcho scored 27 points as Louisiana Tech beat Rust 108-60 on Saturday night. Batcho also had 11 rebounds for the Bulldogs (11-2). Kaden Cooper scored 17 points while going 8 of 10 from the field and added 11 rebounds. Amaree Abram shot 7 for 13, including 3 for 8 from beyond the arc to finish with 17 points, while adding seven rebounds. Jordin Jackson finished with 17 points and five assists for the Bearcats. Isiah McCallum added 13 points for Rust. Jalin Thomas finished with 11 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .None‘Gladiator II’ review: Are you not moderately entertained?

Delaware judge reaffirms ruling that invalidated massive Tesla pay package for Elon Musk

Trump IIWashington State wins 76-68 against Northern Iowa

Automobile Seat Frame Assembly Market Outlook and Future Projections for 2030 11-24-2024 01:50 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Automobile Seat Frame Assembly Market The automobile seat frame assembly market represents a dynamic and continually evolving landscape, shaped by changing consumer demands and technological advancements. In this comprehensive report, we provide an in-depth exploration of the market, designed for a wide range of stakeholders including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Our goal is to equip industry participants with essential insights that enable informed decision-making in an ever-changing market environment. This analysis not only examines the current state of the automobile seat frame assembly market but also forecasts its future trends. Scope and Purpose This report serves as an extensive resource, thoughtfully curated to deliver actionable intelligence to industry stakeholders. It covers critical elements such as market dynamics, competitive environments, growth opportunities, challenges, and regional differences. The insights provided go beyond mere descriptions, offering a valuable tool for stakeholders to refine their strategies and make informed choices in a competitive market. Request for Sample Report: https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Automobile-Seat-Frame-Assembly-Market/request-for-sample-report Comprehensive Market Analysis We are committed to providing a thorough analysis that explores every aspect of market growth, including shifts in consumer preferences and technological innovations driving demand for automobile seat frame assembly products. We also address the challenges faced by the industry, such as economic uncertainties and intense competition, offering insights to help stakeholders navigate these complexities. Key Players in the Automobile Seat Frame Assembly Market: Brose Faurecia Toyota Boshoku Johnson Controls Magna Camaco-Amvian Lear HYUNDAI DYMOS TS TECH Futuris Group HANIL E-HWA SI-TECH Dongchang XuYang Group Yanfeng Strategic Guidance for the Future This report invites stakeholders to delve into a detailed examination of the competitive landscape. By profiling key players in the automobile seat frame assembly market and analyzing their strategies, we offer crucial insights to help industry participants make informed strategic decisions. Whether it's about outpacing competitors or learning from successful approaches, our analysis is designed to guide stakeholders toward success. Anticipated Insights Understanding the diverse segments within the automobile seat frame assembly market is critical to success. Our report breaks down segment sizes, potential growth trajectories, and key trends, offering actionable insights that allow stakeholders to develop targeted strategies and optimize resource allocation. The knowledge provided empowers stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the automobile seat frame assembly market with clarity and confidence. Balancing Market Forces and Strategic Impact This report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the factors shaping the automobile seat frame assembly market. By evaluating both the drivers of market growth and the obstacles that could impede it, stakeholders gain a holistic understanding of the market's dynamics. For manufacturers, this analysis helps align innovation efforts with consumer demands and regulatory trends, while investors and decision-makers gain a deeper understanding of economic risks and supply chain vulnerabilities, allowing them to make more informed strategic choices. Our goal is to provide stakeholders with the knowledge needed to confidently and successfully navigate the automobile seat frame assembly market. Competitive Landscape Our in-depth examination of the automobile seat frame assembly market's competitive landscape highlights key players, scrutinizing their strategies and impacts on the industry. By analyzing the approaches of major companies, stakeholders gain a valuable understanding of market dynamics and can leverage these insights to identify growth opportunities, innovate, and make informed strategic decisions. Market Segmentation The report begins with a detailed analysis of the unique characteristics defining each segment within the automobile seat frame assembly market. Segmentation can occur across various dimensions, including product types, customer demographics, or specific use cases. Understanding these differences allows stakeholders to tailor their strategies, products, and marketing efforts to meet the specific needs of each segment, enhancing competitive positioning and maximizing opportunities for success. Market Segments: Product Type: Electric Headrest Module Manual Headrest Module Application: Commercial Vehicles Passenger Vehicles Market Size and Segment Growth Potential A crucial part of the report focuses on understanding the size and significance of each market segment. We provide quantitative data that illustrates the market share and contribution of each segment, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, strategic prioritization, and investment. This section offers insights into the growth potential of each segment, including factors driving future expansion, evolving consumer preferences, and technological adoption. Conclusion This report serves as a strategic guide for stakeholders in the automobile seat frame assembly market, offering comprehensive insights into market segmentation, competitive dynamics, and growth potential. By understanding the market's complexities and emerging opportunities, industry participants can make well-informed decisions that drive success and innovation in this rapidly evolving market. Other Reports Activated Coagulation Test Kit Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Activated-Coagulation-Test-Kit-Market Surgical Adhesion Barrier Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Surgical-Adhesion-Barrier-Market DFB Laser Chip Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/DFB-Laser-Chip-Market Semiconductor UV Tape Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Semiconductor-UV-Tape-Market "Contact Us Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Private Limited Contact No: +91 7580990088 Email Id: sales@dhirtekbusinessresearch.com" "About Us Dhirtek Business Research & Consulting Pvt Ltd is a global market research and consulting services provider headquartered in India. We offer our customers syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our objective is to enable our clientele to achieve transformational progress and help them to make better strategic business decisions and enhance their global presence. We serve numerous companies worldwide, mobilizing our seasoned workforce to help companies shape their development through proper channeling and execution. We offer our services to large enterprises, start-ups, non-profit organizations, universities, and government agencies. The renowned institutions of various countries and Fortune 500 businesses use our market research services to understand the business environment at the global, regional, and country levels. Our market research reports offer thousands of statistical information and analysis of various industries at a granular level." This release was published on openPR.Is Washington positioned for long-term success in the Big Ten? We aren't convinced, for a variety of reasons.

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