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ATLANTA , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cousins Properties Incorporated (the "Company" or "Cousins") (NYSE:CUZ) announced today that its operating partnership, Cousins Properties LP (the "Operating Partnership"), has priced an offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior unsecured notes due 2032 at 99.463% of the principal amount. The offering is expected to close on December 17, 2024 , subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Cousins intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to fund a portion of the purchase price of 601 West 2nd Street, also known as Sail Tower, an 804,000 square foot trophy lifestyle office property in Austin (the "Sail Tower Acquisition"), and the remainder to repay borrowings under its credit facility and for general corporate purposes. In the event the Sail Tower Acquisition is not completed, Cousins will use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition and development of office properties, other opportunistic investments and the repayment of debt. The notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company. J.P. Morgan, Truist Securities, US Bancorp, BofA Securities, Morgan Stanley, PNC Capital Markets LLC, TD Securities and Wells Fargo Securities are acting as joint book-running managers. A shelf registration statement relating to these securities is effective with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. Copies of these documents may be obtained by contacting J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York , 10179, Attention: Investment Grade Syndicate Desk, 3rd Floor, telephone collect at 1-212-834-4533; Truist Securities, Inc., Attention: Prospectus Department, 303 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, telephone: 800-685-4786, or e-mail: TruistSecurities.prospectus@Truist.com ; or U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., Attention: High Grade Syndicate, 214 North Tryon Street, 26th Floor, Charlotte, NC 28202, or by telephone at: (877) 558-2607. Electronic copies of these documents are also available from the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov . This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell the notes, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Cousins Properties Cousins Properties is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT"). The Company, based in Atlanta, GA and acting through the Operating Partnership, primarily invests in Class A office buildings located in high growth Sun Belt markets. Founded in 1958, Cousins creates shareholder value through its extensive expertise in the development, acquisition, leasing, and management of high-quality real estate assets. The Company has a comprehensive strategy in place based on a simple platform, trophy assets, and opportunistic investments. Forward-Looking Statements Certain matters contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws and are subject to uncertainties and risks, as itemized in Item 1A included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 . These forward-looking statements include information about the Company's possible or assumed future results of the business and the Company's financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, and objectives. They also include, among other things, statements regarding subjects that are forward-looking by their nature, such as: guidance and underlying assumptions; business and financial strategy; future debt financings; future acquisitions and dispositions of operating assets or joint venture interests; future acquisitions and dispositions of land, including ground leases; future acquisitions of investments in real estate debt; future development and redevelopment opportunities; future issuances and repurchases of common stock, limited partnership units, or preferred stock; future distributions; projected capital expenditures; market and industry trends; future occupancy or volume and velocity of leasing activity; entry into new markets, changes in existing market concentrations, or exits from existing markets; future changes in interest rates and liquidity of capital markets; and all statements that address operating performance, events, investments, or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to creating value for stockholders. Any forward-looking statements are based upon management's beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future performance, taking into account information that is currently available. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations may change as a result of possible events or factors, not all of which are known. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements due to, but not limited to, the following: the availability and terms of capital and our ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements on terms favorable to us or at all; the ability to refinance or repay indebtedness as it matures; any changes to our credit rating; the failure of purchase, sale, or other contracts to ultimately close; the failure to achieve anticipated benefits from acquisitions, developments, investments, or dispositions; the effect of common stock or operating partnership unit issuances, including those undertaken on a forward basis, which may negatively affect the market price of our common stock; the availability of buyers and pricing with respect to the disposition of assets; changes in national and local economic conditions, the real estate industry, and the commercial real estate markets in which we operate (including supply and demand changes), particularly in Atlanta , Austin , Tampa , Charlotte , Phoenix , Dallas , and Nashville , including the impact of high unemployment, volatility in the public equity and debt markets, and international economic and other conditions; threatened terrorist attacks or sociopolitical unrest such as political instability, civil unrest, armed hostilities, or political activism, which may result in a disruption of day-to-day building operations; changes to our strategy in regard to our real estate assets may require impairment to be recognized; leasing risks, including the ability to obtain new tenants or renew expiring tenants, the ability to lease newly-developed and/or recently acquired space, the failure of a tenant to commence or complete tenant improvements on schedule or to occupy leased space, and the risk of declining leasing rates; changes in the preferences of our tenants brought about by the desire for co-working arrangements, trends toward utilizing less office space per employee, and the effect of employees working remotely; any adverse change in the financial condition or liquidity of one or more of our tenants or borrowers under our real estate debt investments; volatility in interest rates (including the impact upon the effectiveness of forward interest rate contract arrangements) and insurance rates; inflation; competition from other developers or investors; the risks associated with real estate developments (such as zoning approval, receipt of required permits, construction delays, cost overruns, and leasing risk); supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and increased construction costs; risks associated with security breaches through cyberattacks, cyber intrusions or otherwise, as well as other significant disruptions of our information technology networks and related systems, which support our operations and our buildings; changes in senior management, changes in the Company's board of directors, and the loss of key personnel; the potential liability for uninsured losses, condemnation, or environmental issues; the potential liability for a failure to meet regulatory requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws or the impact of any investigation regarding the same; the financial condition and liquidity of, or disputes with, joint venture partners; any failure to comply with debt covenants under debt instruments and credit agreements; any failure to continue to qualify for taxation as a real estate investment trust or meet regulatory requirements; potential changes to state, local, or federal regulations applicable to our business; material changes in dividend rates on common shares or other securities or the ability to pay those dividends; potential changes to the tax laws impacting real estate investment trusts and real estate in general; risks associated with climate change and severe weather events, as well as the regulatory efforts intended to reduce the effects of climate changes and investor and public perception of our efforts to respond to the same; the impact of newly adopted accounting principles on our accounting policies and on period-to-period comparisons of financial results; risks associated with possible federal, state, local, or property tax audits; and those additional risks and environmental or other factors discussed in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company cannot guarantee the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements contained in this press release, and the Company does not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts Roni Imbeaux Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations 404-407-1104 rimbeaux@cousins.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cousins-properties-announces-pricing-of-senior-notes-offering-302330787.html SOURCE Cousins PropertiesDonald Bitzer, a Collinsville native whose invention of the plasma screen in the 1960s made possible the ultra-thin TVs used today, died at his home in Cary, North Carolina, on Tuesday at the age of 90. Bitzer’s career contributions earned him a litany of honors, including an Emmy Award in 2002 for the groundbreaking screen he helped develop decades earlier. “Right up until the very end, he was working on problems,” his son, David, said. “He never retired.” Bitzer was born in East St. Louis but grew up in Collinsville, graduating Collinsville High as salutatorian, according to a transcript of a 2022 interview by the Computer History Museum. Bitzer's family owned car dealerships there, he said, but he was more interested in engineering, science and math. Bitzer led the Computer Based Education Research Laboratory at his alma mater, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, until 1989, when he accepted a distinguished computer science research position at North Carolina State. Landing an academic of Bitzer’s stature was a notable hire for the Raleigh university; his role was established with special funding from the North Carolina General Assembly. “He brings us national exposure,” the head of N.C. State’s computer systems lab said at the time. “Almost everyone has heard of his work in computer-aided instruction and instructional programs.” In 1960, Bitzer introduced the world’s first electronic learning system, called PLATO (short for Program Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations). This interactive terminal accelerated student learning through its touchscreen technology and graphics. It later became popular with early video game players. To make PLATO more visually appealing, Bitzer in 1964 co-created a small-panel display with fellow University of Illinois professor Gene Slottow and graduate student Robert Willson containing sheet glass, gold electrodes, and neon gas. They energized the gas to put it in a plasma state. Ultraviolet light from the plasma then activated phosphors on the monitor, resulting in a more vibrant presentation than the then-standard cathode ray tube displays provided. Their screen technology was eventually applied in a range of industries, including the military and entertainment. With the advent of high-definition television and DVD players in the 1990s, plasma screens became household staples. Within a few years, Bitzer and his co-inventors received a Scientific and Technological Emmy Award for their contribution to television. Bitzer was also an inductee to the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame. In 1974, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Colleagues described Bitzer as markedly intelligent and cooperative. “Well, I’d call him brilliant,” N.C. State computer science professor David McAllister said in 2002. “He’s been very good for the department because he likes to work in teams. He likes to help students and faculty, and he’s always ready to tell you funny stories.” Bitzer was one of the top paid N.C. State faculty members, earning $173,000 in the mid-2000s. He continued to teach courses into the 21st century, even though his position didn’t require him to. As a studied magician, he would incorporate tricks into lectures. Bitzer married his Collinsville High School sweetheart, Maryann. They traveled the world together, bringing along their only child, David, as Bitzer gave talks in places like India and the Soviet Union. The couple had three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Maryann died in 2022. That year, Bitzer gave an extensive oral history interview to the Computer History Museum , during which he described his travels, inventions and passions. “He would always have a story,” David said. One other thing Bitzer had by the end of his life, his son noted, was a flat-screen TV. News & Observer reporter Dan Kane contributed reporting.
If you've been keeping track of automotive news in the past year or so, you know that U.S. Automaker Chrysler is in a tough spot. Its parent company, Stellantis, continues to face serious financial struggles, and while Stellantis claims that it has no plans to kill off or sell Chrysler, one has to imagine that could change if times continue to be tough for the company. Of course, this is hardly the first time Chrysler itself has faced such troubles, with the brand narrowly surviving the 2008 financial crisis through a merger with Fiat. However, when the company faced financial troubles in the early 1980s, Chrysler was ultimately able to save itself by releasing a successful run of new cars that were essentially based on the same platform. Those vehicles would be dubbed K-Cars in Chrysler's marketing materials, with the company boasting that the vehicles were the product of years of development, as well as a rash of technological advancements and some serious design ingenuity. Upon their 1981 release, gearheads and everyday consumers alike were no doubt curious about what the K in K-Cars actually stood for. More than 40 years later, many people still do not know what that K actually stands for, and we'd wager that one and all will be a touch disappointed to learn it doesn't really stand for anything. Instead, K is just the letter designation assigned by Chrysler to the platform on which the vehicles were built. [Featured image by IFCAR via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | Public Domain] For a point of reference, the platform and vehicles that directly preceded K-Cars in the Chrysler lineup were called L-Cars. Despite the ' alphabetical designations, the K-Car was far from a step backward for Chrysler, with the company and then boss, Lee Iacocca, instead eyeing the vehicles as a necessary pivot from the smaller L-Car towards a line of fuel-efficient, front-wheel drive mid-size builds that focused on performance and comfort. Over its production run, the K-Car platform would prove both inexpensive to make and incredibly versatile, with Chrysler shaping and reshaping it for more than a decade to produce builds of every shape and size across several of its then subsidiaries, including Dodge and the now defunct Plymouth badge . When the platform debuted in 1981, there were just a pair of options available on the K-Car platform in the Plymouth Reliant and the Dodge Aries. Once those vehicles hit showroom floors, both builds were popular with consumers, reportedly accounting for 36% of vehicles sold under the greater Chrysler shingle. Those sales figures continued to grow over the ensuing years and eventually led Chrysler back from the brink of financial ruin. Emboldened by the success of the K-Car, bosses at Chrysler Corporation continued to lean on the platform in several other builds, including the Chrysler Le Baron, the Dodge 400 and 600 models, and even the revival-ready Chrysler Executive Limousine . The K-Car platform also served as the base for the O.G. Dodge Caravan. Successes aside, Chrysler eventually moved on from the platform in the mid-1990s, with the turbo-charged Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim closing out the line in 1995.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Back in September, an X/Twitter account known as Autism Capital posted a screenshot of a written theory that appeared to be taken from 4Chan. The theory postulated that only "high [testostrone] alpha males" and "aneurotypical people" can think freely and be trusted to know what is objectively true. That means "a Republic for high-status males is best for decision making," the theory continued. Elon Musk, the X owner and Tesla executive, responded: "Interesting observation." Little wonder that Musk found such proclamations interesting. He has talked in public a number of times about having "Asperger's syndrome" (a term that fell out of favor as researchers learned the extent of Hans Asperger's collaboration with the Nazi regime's child euthanasia program and one that hasn't been used clinically since 2013.) The concept of "Aspie supremacy" — a term some disability rights advocates coined for the deeply problematic idea that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who previously would be considered as having Asperger's are superior to both neurotypical people and other autistic people — has been around for a while. But it's gained traction in the past few years in some very online, very right-wing spaces. It is a comforting ideology for someone like Musk. Musk has talked in the past about his struggles misunderstanding social cues as a child. "I was bullied quite a lot, so I did not have a sort of happy childhood, to be frank," he said once. But he's also talked about the possible benefits of his autism, saying: "I think there's maybe some value, also from a technology standpoint, because I found it rewarding to spend all night programming computers just by myself." For... Eric GarciaBemba Royal Establishment Partners with Zambia's Telecom for SMS Technology
Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game for the 49ers with a shoulder injury
The fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat blends a terrific redesign with the smart features that we've all come to expect from the company's devices. Google arguably set the bar very high back in 2011, with a control set that mirrored an iPod, and the ability to learn your cooling or heating schedule from the get-go. Between the facelift that makes it look more like a piece of art on your wall and the 'AI' power infused into its already well-regarded learning features, the fourth-generation Learning Thermostat is a pretty easy recommendation for most folks. Even when accounting for the price increase of up to $280, the fourth-generation model is more than a bit smarter, and now includes a temperature sensor in the box as well. I especially liked the smaller changes, including the ability to accept or decline suggested temperature changes to my schedule, but besides the design, the best functionality change is the adjustable and more helpful display. Displaying the active temperature and visual for the weather from afar, and showing highs and lows as I get close, the FarSight feature means the new Nest Learning Thermostat is useful even when I'm not using it to adjust temperatures. Setup within the Google Home app was easy for me, but my colleagues weren't as lucky, and most of the experience with the app is pretty basic. It might be intentional, but something a bit more full-featured would have been nice. Even so, adding Matter will make the folks waiting to use a Nest natively in the Apple Home app pretty darn happy. Myself included. As a whole, the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat evolves into the modern age of the smart home in a successful fashion, which I think will make folks upgrading from a previous model quite happy (even though it's not plug-and-play). People new to Nest will find it to be feature-filled. That makes the decision of only releasing the fourth generation in the United States and Canada a bit more baffling. The Nest Learning Thermostat Fourth-Generation is available in the United States and Canada. You get your pick of Polished Gold, Polished Silver, or Polished Obsidian for $279.99 in the United States, or $379.99 in Canada. A temperature sensor is included in the box, but you can buy a single additional unit for $29.99 or a three-pack for $99.99. As of now, there is no timeframe for when the fourth generation might launch outside the United States or Canada. The new Nest Learning Thermostat looks stunning. It was a simple install, though it's not plug-and-play if you're upgrading from an existing Nest. The larger, upgraded display steals the show and navigation is still impressively simple. While the fourth generation model still inherently operates like the original Nest Learning Thermostat that dropped way back in 2011, it’s by far the biggest redesign the device has ever received. When mounted on the wall, it looks more like a piece of art hanging than a thermostat – especially in the ‘Polished Gold’ that I’ve been testing, which gives major rosy vibes when the light hits it right. It’s the best-looking smart thermostat around, neither screaming 'technology' nor resembling a classic plastic thermostat. It’s sort of a cross between the two, with a design that allows the true smarts of the Nest Thermostat to shine through. More on that later. Rather than a small, thick circular thermostat that gets placed on a bracket and then a mounting plate if you so desire, the Nest Thermostat fourth-generation has a slightly larger footprint on the wall itself. That’s not a bad thing, because this circular piece is attached via the bracket to your wall, acting as the stand for the thermostat's slim and elegant main hull. It’s kind of like a supersize Google Pixel Watch 3 , with the 3.9-inch circular, almost bezel-free dome giving the impression that it’s floating. You’ll turn this whole piece to the right or left to raise or lower the temperature. Google’s design team is still adamantly against touchscreens here, so you’ll click and turn it to complete most other tasks too (including some parts of the setup process), but you'll mainly use it to adjust heating and cooling modes. The installation was really a breeze; in my apartment in New Jersey, where I’ve been testing the fourth-generation Nest Thermostat for several months, it took me no more than about 15 to 20 minutes to install. I wasn’t upgrading from a previous Nest, but considering the plate here is a different size, you will need to swap those out if you are. That's kind of a bummer, as it’s not a super simple swap for the faithful already invested in the ecosystem. Still, Google provides mostly everything in the box, including the main bracket and a helpful wiring guide. Essentially, you’ll install the main steel bracket and use the included screws to get that on the wall. Then you have the thermostat base, which you’ll guide the wires through. You also get the mounting plate, which I opted to use, but that's optional. Google is continuously moving things into its main Google Home app, which my colleague Lance Ulanoff, TechRadar’s Editor-at-Large, found particularly troublesome when trying to install his fourth-gen Nest Learning Thermostat . In my case, since I was setting this up as new in my ‘Google Home,’ things went a bit more smoothly – though Google Home did take a few tries to successfully connect to the thermostat after proper installation with wiring in my HVAC system, and ultimately, it’s a very basic control app for this thermostat. The idea is that if you're currently using the Nest app, it will push you to use the Google Home app instead, and if you’re new, you’ll need to start with Google Home. Even if you bought the Nest Learning Thermostat for its Matter capability so you can use it with Apple's Home app (which does work eventually), you need to start with Google Home. Luckily, the team brought the easy installation help to the Google app, which will perform some checks, including a test of heating and cooling modes. Once it's set up in Google Home, you get to take advantage of the major benefit of the Nest Learning Thermostat, and that’s the Matter support. Oddly enough, there is no Thread connectivity here, which is a strange omission. If you select your Nest Learning Thermostat within the Google Home app and then navigate to Settings > Device information > Linked Matter apps & services, it will generate a code that you can scan or send to Apple’s Home app, for example. You can also select and review the Matter code on the Nest Learning Thermostat itself. You’ll need to set it up with a Google account in the Google Home app first, but the nice thing about a Nest thermostat is that the app eventually fades away, and you can focus on controlling it from the device itself or let the smart scheduling take the wheel. As far as the classic mechanic, it’s smooth as ever with just the right amount of resistance to maneuvering the dial I’ve had more than a few friends ask me what it is when spotting it on the wall in the front of my apartment – it’s simply an eye-catcher. The 3.9-inch LCD screen almost appears like it’s hidden behind the finish – a cool effect – and the content can change based on where you are. For example, if it doesn’t detect you directly nearby, it will use larger graphics that can be seen from a distance. If you approach, the Soli sensor – read as radar – will detect you and adjust the content as you get nearer. It’s dubbed the ‘Farsight’ display, and you can adjust it to show high and low temperatures, air quality, and even weather. You’ll set these from the device itself, but the weather animations are really neat. It’s also a point of difference with competing thermostats like those from Ecobee, which tosses a speaker and a microphone into select models. I think the Nest Thermostat packs features that make more sense. Seeing the weather quickly as you’re heading out the door or picking what coat to wear is neat. The display feels inherently meshed with this new look – it won’t steer away the folks who have loved Nest from the beginning, and it really looks dynamite. There also isn’t a better control system than just turning to the left or right and pushing in. Apple had it first with the iPod, but considering multitouch, I think it’s the gold standard for thermostat control. Design Score: 4.5/5 The Google Home app is pretty basic, and it has some connectivity issues. Yes, the Nest finally works with Apple Home. The AI-infused learning features impress and make cooling or heating a home easier. I’ve been testing the Nest Thermostat Fourth-Generation for several months, which means I’ve used it for a few seasons, including summer, fall, and winter. That’s pretty important to see how the smart scheduling reasoning and, ultimately, the functionality of the Nest handle the swap from cooling to heating. Much like any other gadget released in 2024, Google has tossed in some AI capabilities, mainly affecting how the Nest Thermostat adjusts the temperature. This makes the previous learning aspects of Nest – arguably, the main appeal – a bit smarter and quicker once you get in a rhythm, but also more actionable. For instance, with the new Smart Schedule feature, you can accept or decline the adjustments it suggests, whether that’s a degree or cooler at night or warmer in the morning. Further, as it begins to notice the change from cooling or heating, it takes a few days to stop suggestions and focus on learning before updating and delivering a custom schedule that you can manage if you like. These minute changes that the Nest Thermostat suggests could lower your energy bill (aka the cost of cooling or heating your home), but you may not see those impacts immediately. What you might be able to do here in the United States is to see if your utility provider offers any rebate for the cost, as the latest Nest isn’t the cheapest. Beyond learning from your habits and adjustments – on the thermostat, via the app, or through a smart assistant – it will consider conditions around your home. For example, if it’s a warmer day in the winter, it might lower your heating temperature to save on energy and factor in that your home might stay warmer for longer on its own. It's the same thing for a cooler summer day, and it works quite well. Similarly, if your forecast predicts a frigid temperature turn, it might turn the heating on earlier to ensure you’re still at a comfortable temperature in your home. As with previous Nest thermostats, you can expect all of these to get better as you spend more time with the unit, and that’s exactly what I’ve found. I wouldn’t go into it expecting it to master your desired temperatures after just a few days, but you need to spend a week or two with it to see meaningful suggestions. The thermostat also comes with a pebble-shaped sensor, which helps measure the temperature more accurately inside your home. The idea is to place this somewhere in your house away from the Nest Thermostat, which contains its own sensor, so it can get a proper read of the temperature and ensure the desired conditions are found throughout. Including this in the box is pretty nice, and helps to make up for the price increase to $280. Unfortunately, although the Nest Thermostat works with Matter and therefore Apple Home the sensor doesn’t seem to move over. There were also several occasions when adjusting the temperature in the Apple Home app didn't work properly the first time, especially shortly after I first installed the unit. Thankfully that's now become far less frequent, and I’ve successfully controlled it from a range of Apple devices and through Siri. You can also integrate it through automation within Apple Home; the same goes for Google Home’s automation. As far as the Google Home app goes, it’s pretty basic for controlling the Nest Learning Thermostat, but that might be intentional as the real appeal is these AI-infused learning features, which ultimately still impress. The fourth-generation Nest Thermostat shows an evolution in terms of features and revolution with design, but it’s still a compelling experience that lets you spend less time fiddling with a thermostat. Performance Score: 4/5 Buy it if... You want an easy-to-use, good-looking thermostat There's never been a better-looking thermostat than the fourth-generation Nest, and luckily, it keeps the impressive controls that made it a winner back in 2011. You want a Nest Thermostat that works with Apple Home Thanks to Matter support, after setup in the Google Home app, you can easily generate a code and add the Nest to your Apple Home. You want a thermostat that factors in environmental conditions and does the heavy lifting for you... Like every Nest thermostat before it, the learning features are the stand out feature here and it now factors in your local weather to see if it needs to adjust the temperature. Don't buy it if... You're not in the United States or Canada Sadly, the fourth-generation Nest is only available in the US and Canada, so you'll need to consider a different model. You don't want to use the Google Home app You'll need to have a Google account and use the Google Home app to setup and get the most out of the Nest Learning Thermostat. Nest Thermostat E – Read our review here With a much more affordable price tag, the Nest Thermostat E is an excellent model to consider if you can find it in stock as it utilizes the same easy controls that put Nest on the map.When you think of the greatest offensive center of all time, who comes to mind? If the name Shaquille O'Neal or Hakeem Olajuwon immediately popped up in your head, you might be on the right track. However, Fat Joe took a completely different approach, as his GOAT for an offensive center just so happens to be New York Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns. Rapper Fat Joe was a recent guest on future Hall-of-Famer Carmelo Anthony's podcast, 7pm in Brooklyn , where the conversation centered around New York fashion, his once-in-a-lifetime World Series experience, and of course, New York basketball. As the conversation continued, the hip-hop legend then began expressing his admiration for Towns. He immediately states "I don't think I've seen a better offensive big man than KAT". Joe then went on to list his reasons as to why he believed in this statement so strongly. Fat Joe ultimately summed up KAT's game as "he's too hard to guard". The New York rapper says Towns' has more offensive moves in his arsenal than anyone he's ever seen at the position. He mentioned KAT's ability to shift his body in different positions to get to the rim, give his defender a number of different moves to the basket, and score from all areas of the floor. He also went on to reconfirm KAT is better than every NBA legend to date, including NBA superstars like Shaquille O'Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon. He says Shaq is the "most dominant big man ever", but offensively, Fat Joe stood ten toes down on his take. "I've sat in the game and watched KAT do ten moves. You cannot know what he's gonna give you. Hit em' with the left. Hit em' with the right. Spin on you this way, that way, that way. That's impossible to guard...best offensively ever. I'm talking about Olajuwon, Shaq is the most dominant big man but he ain't doing this...my take is he's too hard to guard." Is KAT the best offensive big man EVER? 🧐 Fat Joe did not hold back with this take. pic.twitter.com/yh0Esj1I27 Fans have been in an uproar since the clip of this conversation began circling the internet, with many saying he's disrespecting our NBA legends. Many are also in shock Fat Joe would give this title to KAT and not Denver Nuggets Center and three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokcić. Although lots of fans would disagree with KAT being the greatest offensive center of all time, he is off to a great start offensively in his new home with the New York Knicks. He plays a significant role in the Knicks offense averaging 24.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. That said, it's easy to disagree with the statement while also taking nothing away from the incredible career Towns has been able to put together. He is also clearly in good standings with the fans in New York, and we can expect to see lots of great things coming from the big man in the future. For more NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports .
Share Tweet Share Share Email Living in a world driven by digitization, where great visual aids can make all the difference for your social media profiles and portfolios, not to mention all the memories, distractions in pictures just don’t have to be a problem anymore. Want to remove backgrounds from photo scenes or remove people from the photos altogether? Welcome, AI Ease’s free object remover. This powerful utility tool leverages advanced AI and makes image editing seamless, rapid, and free of cost. Think about the perfect shot, only to find strangers, text, trash cans, or powerlines spoiling the composition. With the object remover from AI Ease, it is easy to get rid of such elements with no editing experience whatsoever. Why Choose AI Ease to Remove People from Photos? The object remover by AI Ease is not just a different photo editing tool; rather, it’s a game-changer for professional photographers, social media buffs, and casual users. 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Step 2: Mark the Background Outline the area to be removed using the brush tool. The rectangle tool will also allow you to select large sections really fast. Step 3: Remove Background Click “Remove,” and let the AI of this tool take care of it. Preview the result, refine it if needed, and download your image. Remove People From Photos Online Easily Using AI Unwanted people in your photos can take away the attention from the subject. AI Ease makes it easy to remove people from photos in a few clicks: Step 1: Upload Your Image Drop your photo in or upload directly in the online editor. Step 2: Select People to Remove Highlight a person or multiple persons to remove using the brush or rectangle tool. Finally, if necessary, swap in areas that you want to retain with the eraser tool. Step 3: Download Final Image Once you’ve hit “Remove, download your creation in the high-resolution and distraction-free image to your device or directly share on social media. Versatility of Ease in AI: Beyond People and Backgrounds AI Ease is not restricted to merely removing people or backgrounds. The robustness in capability of this tool extends its use for a range of editing needs: Remove Text from Images: Watermarks, unwanted captions, and text overlays all disappear completely and without a trace, thanks to AI Ease. Remove Powerlines and Trash Cans: This process will ensure that professional photos have no distracting objects. Smoothing Over the Minor Flaws: Edit out blemishes, scratches, or other imperfections quickly and add to the overall allure of your picture. Use Cases for AI Ease’s Free Object Remover With versatility as the strong suit, AI Ease fits most scenarios: Social Media Posts: Make them look professional by removing photo bombers or messy backgrounds. Product photography: Let your products stand out amongst all others on e-commerce listings, thanks to amazingly clear images that boast clutter-free backgrounds. Travel Memories: Living all over again your favorite trips, with no strangers in the frame, but all sceneries breathtaking. Professional portfolios: Present your work in an environment free from distraction, where the item is the focus of attention. Creative Projects: Editing photos with AI Ease for posters, presentations, or digital art. How AI Object Removal Works AI Ease object remover is powered by the latest AI technology to achieve high precision and quality. This tool identifies the marked area, analyzes surrounding pixels, and then merges the edited section into the background. Whether a complex background or simple edits, it can deliver professional results. The technology of AI eases automatically and in real-time processes images, thus saving the user’s time. Its artificial intelligence keeps on refining many images and editing situations. Tips for Best Results Although the Object Remover of AI Ease is simple to use and provides results one can be proud of, some tips will help to expand your experience: Fine Brush for Precise Editing: During the detailed editing, zoom in and outline the object or person with a fine brush. Clean Up with the Eraser Tool: If the AI removes some things that you want to keep in, simply use the eraser to put them back in easily. Preview Before Download: Always check the preview to ensure it meets your expectations. Upload High-Resolution Images: The better the quality of the image uploaded, the better the outcome, as there is much more information for the AI to work from. Try various tools: The rectangle tool will serve bigger objects, and the brush tool gives a lot of control when doing complex edits. The Future of AI in Photo Editing As AI technology is improving over time, AI Ease is among those tools that are becoming a game changer in photo editing. No more will you have to invest in costly software or put years into training to get professional-grade results. AI Ease offers a free, user-friendly platform democratizing photo editing for all. The ability of the tool to remove backgrounds from photos or remove people from photos in mere seconds is just the tip of the iceberg. Future updates promise even more features, such as enhanced editing precision, additional customization options, and expanded file compatibility. Conclusion AI Ease object remover is the perfect tool for editing photos easily. It removes people in a photo, removes distracting backgrounds, and even minor imperfections in images with this free AI tool. Since this free AI tool requires no signing up and allows unlimited usage, it is ideal for professional and casual users. Don’t let distractions let the air out of your photos. Get wowed with AI Ease, and turn your snapshots into masterpieces. 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LONDON , NEW YORK , and SYDNEY , Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DAZN , a world-leading sports entertainment platform, has today announced an agreement to acquire Foxtel Group (' Foxtel ') from its majority shareholder News Corp and minority shareholder Telstra at an enterprise value of US$2.2 billion , subject to regulatory approval. The acquisition establishes DAZN as a leader in sports entertainment in Australia – a highly attractive sports market – while also expanding DAZN's global footprint and enhancing the group's standing as the global home of sport. The addition of Foxtel to DAZN brings the Group's pro-forma revenues towards US$6 billion and provides the additional content, expertise, and expansion opportunities to accelerate DAZN's growth trajectory. Foxtel is one of Australia's leading media companies, with 4.7 million subscribers, who will benefit from DAZN's extensive portfolio of sports content, platform technology, and global reach. From its beginnings as Australia's original pay-TV innovator, Foxtel has evolved to become a digital and streaming leader in sports and entertainment and the proposed transaction positions Foxtel for continued expansion as a digital-first, streaming-focused business. Foxtel will maintain its local character, led by the CEO, Patrick Delany , and his world-class management team. DAZN, a sports streaming platform with a truly global reach, is committed to growing the global audience for domestic Australian sports across the 200 territories in which it is available. Under the terms of the transaction, News Corp and Telstra will become minority shareholders in DAZN, enabling them to retain an interest in Foxtel. Shay Segev , Chief Executive Officer of DAZN, said: "Australians watch more sport than any other country in the world, which makes this deal an incredibly exciting opportunity for DAZN to enter a key market, marking another step in our long-term strategy to become the global home of sport. Foxtel is a successful business that has undergone a remarkable digital transformation in recent years, and we are confident that our global reach and relentless pursuit of innovation will continue to drive the business forward and ensure long-term success. "We are committed to supporting and investing in Foxtel's television and streaming services, across both sports and entertainment, using our world-leading technology to further enhance the viewing experience for customers. We are also committed to using our global reach to export Australia's most popular sports to new markets around the world, and we will continue to promote women's and under-represented sports. "We're looking forward to working closely with Patrick Delany and his team, as well as News Corp and Telstra as shareholders in DAZN, to realise our ambitious vision for the future of sport entertainment." Siobhan McKenna , the Chairman of Foxtel , said the agreement with DAZN was international recognition of the transformation of Foxtel from an incumbent pay TV operator to a sports and entertainment digital and streaming leader. "Over the last seven years the Foxtel team, with the strong support of News, have achieved an extraordinary turnaround in an intensely competitive environment." Foxtel Group CEO, Patrick Delany , said: "Today's announcement is a natural evolution for the Foxtel Group, having reinvented the company over the past five years as Australia's most dynamic technology-led streaming company. "Kayo and Foxtel provide Australian sports fans with access to the best Australian and international sport and shows, including AFL, NRL and Cricket with 4.7 million subscribers. "We are excited by DAZN's commitment to the Australian market. They are experts in the sports media business and can play a significant role in supporting Foxtel as the business grows its streaming capabilities, bringing a bigger and better service to customers across entertainment, news and sport. They are a perfect match for us as we look toward this next era of growth. "We have been grateful for the support of News Corp while we reimagined the future of Foxtel. In 2019, when we merged Foxtel and Fox Sports we had many people questioning our future. "After launching Kayo later in 2019 and BINGE in 2020, today we are the largest Australian-based streamer of sport and entertainment, we have stabilised our Foxtel base and launched Hubbl to help consumers find all the streamed content they love all in one place. This wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement of News Corp." NOTES TO EDITORS About DAZN As a world-leading sports entertainment platform, DAZN streams over 90,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide. DAZN is the home of European football, women's football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN. DAZN partners with leading pay-TV operators, ISPs and Telcos worldwide to maximise sports exposure to a broad audience. Its partners include Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Sky, Movistar, Telenet, Vodafone, and many more. DAZN is a global, privately-owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 3,000 employees. The Group generated $3.2bn in revenue in 2023, having grown its annual revenues by over 50% on average from 2020 to 2023, through diverse revenue streams comprising subscriptions, advertising, sponsorship, and transactional. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit www.dazngroup.com . About Foxtel The Foxtel Group is one of Australia's leading media companies with 4.7 million subscribers. Its businesses include subscription television, streaming, sports production and advertising. The Foxtel Group is owned 65% by News Corp and 35% by Telstra. The Foxtel Group's diversified business includes Fox Sports, Australia's leading sports production company, famous for live sports and shows with the best commentators and personalities. It is also the home of local and global entertainment content and continues to be the partner of choice for the widest range of sports and international content providers based on established, long-term relationships, growing streaming audiences, and position as the largest Australian-based subscription television company. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dazn-advances-global-expansion-with-acquisition-of-foxtel-a-leading-australian-sports-and-entertainment-media-group-302337994.html SOURCE DAZN
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Newsom wants CA consumers to pay to replace $7,500 federal EV credit, Tesla excludedThe International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has eased its fund management rules to make it more attractive for fund managers to set up shop at Gift IFSC. The Fund Management Entity (FME) rules allow retail schemes, non-retail schemes (alternative investment funds), investment trusts and portfolio management services. As on March 31, 2024, there were 104 FMEs registered with IFSCA, with 92 non-retail ones. The minimum corpus for schemes has been reduced from $5 million to $3 million. For open-ended schemes, the investment activities may commence upon achieving a corpus of $1 million and the minimum corpus of $3 million may be achieved within 12 months. The minimum investment amount for PMS has been reduced to $75,000 from $150,000. Clients under PMS are also permitted to transfer their funds in a designated broking account which may be then managed by the FME under PMS, subject to certain safeguards. The valuation of a scheme’s assets by an independent service provider is exempted for fund of funds if the underlying fund has already been valued. The requirement to appoint key managerial personnel with the prior nod of IFSCA is done away with. FMEs may open branch or representative offices in other jurisdictions without prior approval from IFSCA for marketing their offerings and client service. “The recent amendments by IFSCA are a significant step towards aligning GIFT IFSC with global financial hubs. The reduction in minimum corpus requirements, flexibility in PMS investments, and relaxed regulatory norms will not only attract new fund managers but also provide existing players with the operational agility needed to scale efficiently,” said Jaiman Patel, Partner, EY India. For non-retail schemes, the contribution by the fund management entity (FME) and its associates in a scheme, currently restricted at 10 per cent, is permitted up to 100 per cent, provided the FME and its associates that invests in the scheme and their ultimate beneficiary owners are persons not resident in India. Such schemes will not invest more than one-third of their corpus in a single company and its associates. The valuation of a non-retail scheme’s assets by an independent service provider is exempted for fund of funds scheme if the underlying fund has been valued by an independent service provider. The criteria of five years of experience in managing assets of $200 million and 25,000 investors may be evaluated by considering the experience of FME, its holding company or their subsidiaries. The requirement of listing of close-ended retail schemes on recognized stock exchanges is made optional if minimum amount of investment by each investor in the scheme is at least $10,000. Single company and single sector restrictions in a retail scheme will not apply to fund of funds scheme. The cap of investment in single company by a sectoral, thematic or index scheme will be linked to the weightage of that company in the representative index that such scheme intends to benchmark with or 15 per cent, whichever is higher. CommentsDefence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) is aware of a document prepared in Russia forecasting the development of the military-political situation in the world until 2045, which includes a plan to divide the Ukrainian territory into three parts. Source: Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Head of DIU, in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine Quote: "The first thing is that DIU is aware of this document... I will say more, this document was prepared by the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces around December last year. This document serves as the basis for long-term defence plans for a certain period – at least 10 years. Specifically, this document was developed for 2026-2035 with a perspective until 2045." Details: Skibitskyi added that the document addresses the further development of the situation at the global and regional scale, and the threats that Russia sees for itself. He also emphasised that in order to have a powerful economic, demographic, territorial and military potential, Putin needs all of Ukraine. Quote: "Regarding the possible division of Ukraine. Undoubtedly, Russia's strategic goal remains the complete occupation of our country... And this scenario of further development with a possible division of the territory is relevant, not even for 2035-45. It will already be relevant in the near future, in 2026, and maybe even earlier. You have heard Putin's statements about Ukrainian territories. He is already saying that Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts and Crimea are allegedly Russian territories according to their Constitution." Support UP or become our patron !
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How long do FBI directors normally serve? What to know as Wray announces resignationRepresentatives from the Chamber of Technology visited President-elect John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday to congratulate him on his victory in the 2024 presidential election. The delegation also expressed its readiness to collaborate with Mahama’s incoming administration to leverage technology for the advancement of Ghana’s economic and social objectives, emphasizing the importance of supporting and empowering local technology firms to drive the sector forward. Kofi Owusu-Nhyira, speaking on behalf of the Chamber, commended Mahama for his longstanding support of the technology sector. He highlighted several key initiatives implemented under Mahama’s leadership, including the establishment of the National Communication Authority (NCA) Headquarters, the rural fiber network from Accra to Bawku, the Accra Digital Centre, and significant projects like e-Justice, e-Health, and the e-payment gateway. These initiatives, Owusu-Nhyira said, laid a solid foundation for Ghana’s digital transformation and demonstrated Mahama’s understanding of the sector’s transformative potential. The Chamber also expressed its appreciation for the technology-focused proposals in Mahama’s manifesto, including the establishment of a $50 million fintech fund to support innovation and growth within the sector. Owusu-Nhyira further suggested the creation of a private equity fund on a merit-based system to aid technology businesses, along with other initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive development and bridging the technological gender gap. Sam George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and the digital/ICT policy lead for Mahama’s manifesto team, underscored the President-elect’s commitment to inclusive technology initiatives. He cited the affirmative action bill and programs like ICT skills training for girls as examples of Mahama’s focus on equitable opportunities. George also emphasized the vital role technology would play in achieving a 24-hour economy, crucial to Ghana’s economic recovery and long-term growth. In his response, Mahama expressed gratitude for the Chamber’s congratulations and the constructive proposals presented. He acknowledged the importance of building upon the work already done in the technology sector and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering innovation across all sectors. Mahama emphasized that his government would work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure regulatory frameworks support technological growth while safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaians. The President-elect assured the Chamber of regular engagements to ensure technology remains a central pillar in Ghana’s development, both economically and socially. The meeting concluded with a shared enthusiasm for the future of Ghana’s technology sector as a key driver of economic and social transformation.Q. I recently retired as a customer service specialist in the healthcare industry. I loved my work, the connection to people and feeling I made a difference. I have been slow to look for volunteer work. When I finally decided to do so, I could not find the right fit. Any suggestions? L.G Great news, you made the decision to volunteer. In addition to doing good for individuals or organizations, volunteering in later life has many personal benefits, and that’s for the volunteer. Here are a few reasons to volunteer: Promotes physical and mental health. We know aging ultimately is a declining and gradual process. Volunteering can counter the risk of decline of one’s physical health, reducing risks of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment and even mortality. That’s according to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine . The National Institute on Aging reports that volunteering also can affect cognitive aging by keeping the brain engaged, thereby lowering the risk of dementia. Prevents loneliness. Social isolation is a major challenge for many older adults and is considered a public health crisis , according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Volunteering can be part of the solution by providing opportunities to socialize and even make best friends. It can support those suffering from depression. Those who volunteer report their depression is shorter compared to those who do not volunteer, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service . Provides a feeling of purpose. For many, retirement can be a period of relief and at the same time, uncertainty about one’s purpose. In the workplace, purpose typically is well defined. In retirement, not so much. Volunteering can be a reason to get up in the morning, to make a difference or have an opportunity to learn something new. It can help a person feel recharged and needed. Reduces the rate of aging. Individuals age at different rates. According to a study by Associate Professor Cal Halverson at Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, even a small amount of volunteering is linked to slowing the acceleration of biological aging among retirees, even more than for working folks. Volunteers in the study just aged a bit slower. Bridges the generation gap. Interacting with younger generations provides older adults the opportunity to share life lessons. At the same time, younger generations can offer older adults a new way of looking at life that incudes technology. Respect and affirmation are most often shared by both. Here are a few resources that promote intergenerational relationships. CoGenerate, a nonprofit organization, features new multigenerational initiatives and research. See https://cogenerate.org/ . Then there is Sages and Seekers that connects young people with vetted older mentors for weekly virtual conversations. Eldera is a global virtual village where generations come together to connect, learn from each other, have fun and at the same time, create a better future. Now ask yourself a few questions. What do I love to do? Is it working with older adults, children or those with challenges? Do I prefer an outdoor volunteer experience as opposed to spending time in an office, workroom or even remotely. Do I want a hands-on experience or working at a board or policy level?? How many hours a week or days do I want? Am I comfortable making a commitment? Most communities are rich with volunteer resources. One example is the South Bay, Harbor and Long Beach Volunteer Center. It connects volunteers to over 20 organizations that need and welcome volunteers in areas of gardening, education, those with special needs, history and the arts. Also check out Volunteer Match with opportunities linked to your geographic area. AmeriCorps Seniors , a network of volunteer programs for Americans 55 years and older, is another option. Volunteers work in their community and are engaged in academic tutoring and mentoring, elder care, disaster relief, and more. They also are the umbrella organization for the Foster Grandparent Program, RSVP and Senior Companion Program. And don’t forget to check volunteer opportunities at your local hospital, library, school district, botanical gardens as well as art museums. Use your network. If you know someone who has an interesting volunteer position or experience, meet with that individual and learn about possibilities. Finding the right volunteer position takes research, networking and more than that, it involves taking a risk. Know you have nothing to lose. One thing is clear, whatever you chose, you are bringing your life experience and knowledge with you. So, before you even begin, you are an asset. Stay well, enjoy the holiday season and know, “No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of others.” ~ Joseph Addison, English poet, playwright and politician. (1672-1719). Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com . Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity
Chaos at Capitol as Marylanders retain Key Bridge funding pledge in new spending bill, source says10 notable books of 2024, from Sarah J. Maas to Melania Trump
