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jilibet hack KUWAIT CITY, Dec 29: Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative technologies and digital lifestyle and ICT solutions operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, announces the end of another successful year for Zain Esports, the e-gaming arm of the Group. During 2024, Zain Esports undertook 50 tournaments and activations across Zain operations in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Iraq. Since first launching in 2021, Zain Esports has attracted around 70,000 participants and garnered over 160 million social media impressions regionally. Moreover, Zain Esports currently has 210,000 social media followers and during 2024, over 820,000 unique viewers watched Zain Esports tournaments streamed live on Twitch and YouTube. Zain has invested heavily in network upgrades in recent years, with gaming being one of the most significant business use cases for 5G and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH). Zain was able to identify this opportunity early on, working to cultivate the e-gaming community across the Middle East in general, and within its markets of operation in particular. This investment in network and resources has resulted in the development of a vibrant e-gaming ecosystem across regional markets, with Zain Esports leading and involved in multiple gaming activities centered around the main esports titles, namely Fortnite, Counter Strike, Call of Duty, PUBG Mobile, League of Legends, FC 24 (previously FIFA), Valorant, etc: Regionwide: Notably during 2024, Zain Esports partnered with Riot games in more than 15 venues across eight countries to launch the League of Legend MENA servers that saw more than five-thousand gamers participate and received more than 45 million impressions. Kuwait: Zain Esports conducted multiple offline FC (football) tournaments in Kuwait throughout 2024 with hundreds of gamers competing in the 62 matches that were played. Saudi Arabia- Zain Esports local arm PLAYHERA continued to support the Saudi gaming system Bahrain - Zain Esports partnered with universities to launch the Zain University League within the Kingdom, seeing more than 300 up and coming gamers participate in various tournaments and workshops held in the recently established Zain Esports Lab within the Zain HQ offices. Jordan - Zain partnered with the First Jordan Gaming and Esports Summit, as well as being the main sponsor of the Jordanian Esports Federation- collaborating in multiple tournaments across the year. Zain Esports in Jordan holds regular activations at its new state-of-the-art venue, the Dome, in partnership with gamerg.gg, a Jordanian esports company specializing in tournament organization. Iraq - Zain Esports participated in the Esports World Cup 2024 Tekken 8 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Zain Esports in Iraq was a strategic partner of the Iraq International Information & Telecommunication Technology Expo (ITEX), supporting its monthly events of esports tournaments. Malek Hammoud, Zain Group Chief Investment and Digital Officer said, “Gamers around the world are a passionate community, and in the Middle East this is no different. Zain remains committed to supporting the growth and development of this exciting, often youth-oriented activity, and we are extremely grateful to our partners and collaborators with whom we organize events, which capture the imagination and translate into successful opportunities for Zain Esports. All our stakeholders are impressed in how Zain Esports has evolved to become an integral part of the Zain’s data services across our footprint, with its popularity and reach having a positive impact on brand recognition and customer acquisition.” Beyond the brand and financial benefits accruing from participating in online gaming for the players, Zain’s activities in this area support operating companies to connect with the gaming community and provide data and similar high-value services. Spectators are also able watch the gaming and content live over Zain Esports social media channels, predominantly Twitch and YouTube, as well as over regular posts on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. With the continual investments in 5G and FTTH network upgrades across its markets, Zain Esports will be empowered to offer more appealing activities and competitions in gaming during 2025 and beyond.Chappell Roan/Instagram; ; Sabrina Carpenter/YouTube What do , and have in common — well, besides their thriving music careers? They all wear , and by extension, the woman behind the brand: . The Blondita owner, 30, didn't go to fashion school. She hasn't spent a cent on ads. She has no physical store, instead designing and creating each item of clothing at her Los Angeles home. Nevertheless, it-girls from far and wide — and their stylists — flock to her shop for ultra-miniskirts, ultra-specific slogan tees and everything in between. Founded in 2018, Blondita began as a side hustle for the self-taught designer — a Depop business where she hand-painted custom denim pieces. In 2023, she decided to pour herself into the brand, giving it all the “official bells and whistles,” she tells PEOPLE. "And it's just kind of been ticking off organically, honestly, ever since." Ruis is still wrapping her head around the way Blondita has blossomed this past year — growth she attributes to both luck and "genuineness ... just doing everything from like a really honest place." "It kind of blows my mind,” the New York native says of her growing client list, which also includes stars like , , , and . "How in the world did I get so lucky? I still don't know." Related: Celeb, influencer or otherwise, the Blondita customer (or “girlie,” if you will) tends to fit a bill, according to Ruis. “First of all, she’s gorgeous,” the designer explains. “Sometimes I just look at my tagged photos [on Instagram] and I'm like, ‘Everyone who buys Blondita is a baddie.’ ” And, much like the brand’s designs — and the celebs who wear them — the average Blondita shopper is also a riot. Chappell Roan/Instagram “There's some humor to the customer, and wit,” Ruis says, adding that they tend to be “tapped into the culture.” In other words, Blondita is made by and for the “chronically online,” finding fashion fodder in the cool girls of both past and present. “I love the playfulness. I love calling on our nostalgia and things we grew up with and putting a fun, new twist on it,” the L.A.-based designer says. “And just being light and girly and ... being a girl is just so cool.” Blondita is both casual and elevated, chic and kitsch, ironic and earnest. But most of all it’s referential, finding subtle yet unmistakable inspiration in it-girls of the ‘90s and 2000s. The , for example, is an ode to 's -era street style, while inspired the Gwen set — one of the shop’s most popular items. “I love niche references of that time,” Ruis tells PEOPLE. “Like, that era without being conventionally Y2K." Stefani (and more specifically, her ) also directly influenced the look of the Gwen set: an and matching . It is perhaps the most recognizable Blondita piece — and it almost didn't make it to the site. Related: With polka dots low on the list of trending patterns when Ruis first designed the set, everyone, including her mom (a Fashion Institute of Technology alum and Blondita’s “secret sauce”) was a bit hesitant. “She was like, ‘Are you sure? That's a really bold choice,’ ” Ruis recalls. “And I was like, ‘No, I'm telling you, I wanna do the polka dots.’ ” Taking a chance — and trusting her gut — Ruis designed and dropped the Gwen set, and received the ultimate stamp of approval: a Blondita cameo in Carpenter's . The designer had an inkling that it would end up in the viral visual after the pop star’s stylist, , reached out for some pieces, but she “didn't know it for a fact," she recalls. “When the video came out, I was literally counting down,” the designer tells PEOPLE. “And then all of the sudden, at the end, [Carpenter] pops out with it on. I was with my mom and my boyfriend and it was a fun moment with everyone that I loved. It was such an electric, like, ‘Oh, my god.’ ” Sabrina Carpenter/Youtube Related: And the "Espresso" singer has continued her Blondita streak, sporting the in the teaser for her Netflix special, which officially marks the shop’s second small-screen appearance. The first came in June, when Sexyy Red to the . Ruis not only designed two original 'fits for the “Pound Town” rapper — and provided for her dancers — she also headed backstage at the award show to assist the performer's stylist. “[Red] was putting glitter on herself. is walking by being like, ‘Good luck, Sexyy!' It was such a crazy, cool moment," the designer recalls. And, given her family tree, it was also a full-circle one. Before Blondita, Ruis was studying to be a producer, but "hit a wall" with music. "It wasn't something that came super naturally to me," she says. Fashion, on the other hand, is in her blood. A furniture upholsterer by trade, Ruis' late paternal grandfather spent much of her childhood hunched over a sewing machine. Her mom’s side of the family was similarly crafty. “I grew up very handy and DIY-y,” the designer says. “My mom was an art teacher. I lived with my nonno — that's your grandfather in Italian — and he had a bridal shop in Brooklyn. So fashion was kind of always around.” Her late maternal grandparents, who ran the dress store together, were an “American-dream business duo,” Ruis says. “They came to America and they just opened the shop and that was how they made their success. It was something that they took pride in, and it was something I always looked up to.” All of her grandparents "unfortunately passed away before all of this," she says, referring to her career pivot into clothing design. "But I always think about that, if they would be proud." As for the future of Blondita? Ruis has no shortage of ideas. "I would love to make children's clothes," she tells PEOPLE excitedly, adding that — in true Y2K fashion — she also has visions of tiny dogs rocking her slogan tees. Newly engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Ruis also has some custom looks to create: "That's the only thing I'm thinking of when it comes to my wedding: 'What am I wearing?' " And, in a callback to her former career goals, she also wants to recruit some musically inclined mutuals for a "Blondita mixtape," a concept she loves "'cause it's not me singing, or me-centered." "I get so shy sometimes, even with clothes — I feel like sometimes people don't even know it's me running the brand," Ruis says. "But I like highlighting other creatives and using my platform, in whatever way, to lift other people and bring other people together. I just love community." Read the original article on

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington was minding his own business during practice recently, doing his due diligence while running his route when the ball suddenly came his way. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington was minding his own business during practice recently, doing his due diligence while running his route when the ball suddenly came his way. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington was minding his own business during practice recently, doing his due diligence while running his route when the ball suddenly came his way. Washington wasn’t sure what option he was on the play. he certainly wasn’t first. Probably not even second. Maybe not even third. Washington was on the back side all by his lonesome while a sea of wide receivers and running backs zig-zagged across quarterback Russell Wilson’s field of vision. Only, Wilson didn’t like what he saw. Not enough to throw it anyway. So he pivoted to his left and found Washington wide open for a big gain. Asked if he was surprised to find the ball in his hands, Washington nodded. “A little bit,” he said. “I don’t know. I don’t know what was going on with the other people.” Wilson did. He almost always seems to these days for the first-place Steelers (9-3), who find themselves atop the AFC North behind the play of their resurgent 36-year-old quarterback, who has taken a decidedly democratic approach to resurrecting his career. The nine-time Pro Bowler threw the ball to 10 different players while piling up 414 yards last week against the Bengals. Sure, mercurial star George Pickens got the ball. But so did Washington. And third tight end MyCole Pruitt. And wide receiver Ben Skowronek, who turned his second catch of the season into a 23-yard gain on a drive that ended with one of Wilson’s three touchdown passes. “You never know when it’s coming your way,” Skowronek said. Not with Wilson at the controls. Fourteen different players have at least one catch this season for the Steelers. That includes Mike Williams, whose lone grab a month since being acquired from the New York Jets is a 32-yard rainbow for the winning score in the final minutes against Washington. It also includes Skowronek, who spent the early portion of the season on injured reserve and worried he’d sort of lost his place in line while he rehabbed. Skowronek and his teammates have quickly learned that with Wilson, there is no “line.” During his six starts since returning from a calf injury, Wilson has thrown it wherever, whenever. “It’s like in baseball,” said Wilson, a former minor league second baseman. “You’ll never hit a home run if you don’t swing. And I really believe that you’ve got to swing, you’ve got to trust guys. You’ve got to be able to trust yourself.” Something that hasn’t been an issue for Wilson for years, even if he arrived in Pittsburgh at a crossroads following an abrupt fall from grace in Denver. The Steelers couldn’t sign Wilson to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum fast enough, and Wilson wasted little time building a rapport with players who were relative strangers. What began with throwing sessions in San Diego has morphed into team dinners and Friday nights where Wilson and first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will hole themselves up in the team facility poring over tapes and bouncing ideas off each other until their wives call wondering where they are. On game days, that work manifests itself in various ways. It’s tight end Pat Freiermuth drifting toward an open area while Wilson scrambles, as he did two plays after Skowronek’s grab for a 25-yard touchdown. It’s Wilson calling an audible at the line of scrimmage late against Cincinnati to hit Van Jefferson for a 43-yard gain that led to a clinching field goal. It’s not just good for the stat sheet, it’s good for the vibes. “Morale is a big part,” Smith said. Guys who want to be invested. Spreading it around is beneficial in a myriad of ways. It means players don’t feel they are “decoys on every play,” as Smith put it. It also means once you put it on film, it means opponents have to find a way to defend it. And the more things an opponent has to defend, the better for an offense, particularly one led by a quarterback who will make his 195th start on Sunday when Cleveland (3-9) visits. “Russ has seen every coverage,” Skowronek said. “He’s ran all these concepts before. So he knows progressions like probably the back of his hand.” Besides, Wilson knows he can’t just preach about the importance of being unselfish without practicing it a little bit too. That means giving opportunities to those who have worked for it, no matter where they might fall on the depth chart. “I think that the best part about it is that we’re all super close,” Wilson said. “And I think that bond is really everything too, and just the understanding of each guy and the relationships that we have together, it’s fun. We’re having a great time.” It sure looks like it. The Steelers are averaging a healthy 28.7 points since Wilson recovered from a calf injury that forced him to watch the first six games from the sideline. For the first time in a long time, Pittsburgh no longer has to rely exclusively on its defense to get by. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. While Mike Tomlin will never get comfortable with the idea of getting into a shootout — blame his defensive coaching roots before taking over in Pittsburgh in 2007 — it’s nice to know his team can match opponents score for score if necessary. Another one could be looming against the Browns, who piled up more than 500 yards in a loss to Denver on Monday night. If one materializes, Wilson is ready to do whatever is necessary and find whoever is necessary, regardless of pedigree, salary or resume. “We got to love that part of it,” Wilson said. “We can’t fear it. We’ve got to want it. We’ve got to expect it. We’ve got to embrace it. We’ve got to challenge that. We’ve got to be in those moments and be locked into that moment. I think we do an extremely good job of that.” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Advertisement Advertisement

Review: Inflation, interest rates and investmentsKolkata: Religious leaders from Hindu and Muslim communities in West Bengal on Saturday called for the restoration of peace and amity in trouble-torn Bangladesh and an end to atrocities against the Hindu minority, including women, in the neighbouring country. Prominent leaders of ‘Hindu Sanatani Sangathan’ and ‘All India Imams Organisation’ attended a meet here where they discussed the continuing attacks on minorities and their places of worship in Bangladesh. Voicing concern over the situation, the religious leaders said there was an immediate need for restoration of peace and harmony and the interim government must step in to protect lives and properties in Bangladesh. Faizen Munieer of All India Imams Organisation said, “Every community must enjoy the right to practice its religion without any intimidation. But we are worried and saddened over the situation in Bangladesh from where reports of attacks against minorities continue to pour in. We want an end to these hostilities and stand for the rights of every minority community member everywhere.” Munieer said after another meeting with leaders of different faiths in the country, they will take up with the Bangladesh government the issue of providing safety and security for minority community members there and propose to send a peace delegation if given consent by the governments of both India and Bangladesh. A prominent leader of the Hindu Sanatani Sangathan said religion teaches tolerance, non-violence and peaceful co-existence. “We are alarmed over the continuing attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Even women are not being spared by fundamentalists. We wish the interim government puts an end to such attacks before things turn worse,” the Hindu leader said. When contacted, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Kolkata vice-president Radharamn Das told PTI that attacks are regularly taking place in Bangladesh. “We are holding prayers for peace and amity and end to hostilities against minorities in Bangladesh. The situation has become such that even women are not being spared from brutal attacks,” he said.Flight attendant reveals the real rules on empty middle seats including who gets to use the tray tableiShares Global Infrastructure ETF (NASDAQ:IGF) Short Interest Down 19.0% in December

More than 10 million people empowered so far through the 34 by 34 initiative ATLANTA , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises today announced that it has empowered 10.6 million people to live more prosperous lives since 2020, a significant milestone in its 34 by 34 social impact initiative . This achievement represents a wide range of efforts across Cox and its businesses, Cox Communications and Cox Automotive. Cox is committed to solving business problems that also remove obstacles present in communities and society at large, from bridging the digital divide to addressing social equity and environmental sustainability challenges. "Cox is a company of innovators, changemakers and believers of being part of something bigger than ourselves," said Maury Wolfe , vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Social Impact at Cox Enterprises. "To drive our 34 by 34 social impact initiative forward, employees across our businesses have led countless acts of volunteering and community engagement, from cleaning up waterways and building outdoor learning labs to mentoring students. We're humbled to see the ripple effect throughout our communities." 34 by 34 focuses on six key pathways to create positive change: technology access, access to lifelong education, employment skills, social equity, environmental sustainability, and good health. These pathways provide a holistic approach to empowering individuals and communities. Key examples of Cox's business and employee volunteering impact include: Lifelong Education: Since 2020 Cox has helped more than 100,000 elementary school students through its work with Junior Achievement Biztowns, where students run a simulated town for a day. Through activities like managing banks, operating restaurants and electing a mayor, students experience firsthand how their lessons apply to real-world scenarios. Social Equity: Through Techstars Powered by Cox Enterprises, startup companies like Branch are helping drive social impact. For example, Branch partnered with local media in Georgia to create a best-in-class voter guide for the 2024 primaries, boosting political engagement. Branch is just one of over 80 startups supported by Techstars Powered by Cox Enterprises, which has positively impacted more than 12,000 additional people through purpose-driven innovations. Environmental Sustainability: Cox is always mindful in its use of natural resources. To date, more than 1.2 million people have benefited from Cox's work to protect and preserve the environment as part of its 34 by 34 initiative. Cox's commitment to environmental sustainability was recently recognized by Keep America Beautiful and the organization's "Do Beautiful Things" Corporate Volunteer Award, which highlights Cox's dedication to volunteerism and environmental sustainability. Visit Cox34by34.com to see stories of our impact and watch this video to learn more about the 34 by 34 initiative. About Cox Enterprises Cox Enterprises is dedicated to empowering people to build a better future for the next generation. Cox is a leader in the broadband, automotive, and media industries, as well as a leading investment platform with strategic positions in emerging technologies driving the future of agriculture, renewable energy, healthtech, and public sector software. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia , Cox is a global company with $23 billion in annual revenues and a proud history spanning more than 125 years. To learn more about Cox and its commitment to its people, planet and communities, visit coxenterprises.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cox-enterprises-nearing-one-third-of-its-ambitious-goal-to-empower-34-million-people-to-live-more-prosperous-lives-by-2034-302324319.html SOURCE Cox EnterprisesFacepalm: Large language models have a long, steep hill to climb before they prove trustworthy and reliable. For now, they are helpful in starting research, but only fools would trust them enough to write a legal document. A professor specializing in the subject should know better. A Stanford professor has an egg on his face after submitting an affidavit to the court in support of a controversial Minnesota law aimed at curbing the use of deepfakes and AI to influence election outcomes. The proposed amendment to existing legislation states that candidates convicted of using deepfakes during an election campaign must forfeit the race and face fines and imprisonment of up to five years and $10,000, depending on the number of previous convictions. Minnesota State Representative Mary Franson and YouTuber Christopher Kohls have challenged the law, claiming it violates the First Amendment. During the pretrial proceedings, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison asked the founding director of Stanford's Social Media Lab, Professor Jeff Hancock , to provide an affidavit declaring his support of the law (below). Expert Declaration of Professor Jeff Hancock via CourtListener The Minnesota Reformer notes that Hancock drew up a well-worded argument for why the legislation is essential. He cites several sources for his conviction, including a study titled "The Influence of Deepfake Videos on Political Attitudes and Behavior" in the Journal of Information Technology & Politics. He also referenced another academic paper called "Deepfakes and the Illusion of Authenticity: Cognitive Processes Behind Misinformation Acceptance." The problem is that neither of these studies exist in the journal mentioned or any other academic resource. The plaintiffs filed a memorandum suggesting that the citations could be AI-generated. The dubious attributions challenge the declaration's validity, even if they aren't from an LLM, so the judge should throw it out. "The citation bears the hallmarks of being an artificial intelligence 'hallucination,' suggesting that at least the citation was generated by a large language model like ChatGPT," the memorandum reads. "Plaintiffs do not know how this hallucination wound up in Hancock's declaration, but it calls the entire document into question." Click to enlarge If the citations are AI-generated, it is highly likely that portions, or even the entirety of the affidavit, are, too. In experiments with ChatGPT, TechSpot has found that the LLM will make up quotations that do not exist in an apparent attempt to lend validity to a story. When confronted about it, the chatbot will admit that it made the material up and will revise it with even more dubious content (above). It is conceivable that Hancock, who is undoubtedly a very busy man, wrote a draft declaration and passed it on to an aide to edit, who ran it through an LLM to clean it up, and the model added the references unprompted. However, that doesn't excuse the document from rightful scrutiny and criticism, which is the main problem with LLMs today. The irony that a self-proclaimed expert submitted a document containing AI-generated misinformation to a legal body in support of a law that outlaws that very information is not lost to anyone involved. Ellison and Hancock have not commented on the situation and likely want the embarrassing faux pas to disappear. The more tantalizing question is whether the court will consider this perjury since Hancock signed under the statement, "I declare under penalty of perjury that everything I have stated in this document is true and correct." If people are not held accountable for misusing AI, how can it ever get better?

For decades, the trusty desktop PC has been a cornerstone of personal and professional computing. From the to creative hubs, home office setups, and so on, desktops have stood the test of time thanks to their versatility. But as we prepare to welcome 2025, a nagging question looms: are desktops on the verge of extinction? The popularity of the , cloud services, and powerful alternatives like compact PCs have dramatically changed the way we think about computing, and some notable trends are now shaping the future and could mark the end of an era for the classic desktop PC. Laptops and compact PCs take center stage Laptops have evolved into powerhouse computers that rival even the most robust desktop PCs. From ’s latest M-series MacBooks to high-performance gaming laptops from brands like and ASUS, portable computing is more powerful than ever. Many users are ; as they offer desktop-grade performance in sleek, portable designs, making desktop PCs less appealing than they were before. Compact PCs like the Mac mini and formerly 's but now Asus's NUC series also rival traditional desktops. These pint-sized systems deliver impressive power while taking up a fraction of the space. Add external GPUs and high-speed connectivity like , and you’ve got a setup that challenges traditional desktops without the bulk. The gap between desktops and other computing devices is closing rapidly. Recent advancements in cooling technology, battery efficiency, and modular designs mean that even portable devices can perform demanding tasks such as video rendering and 3D modeling. Businesses and freelancers alike are increasingly opting for portable solutions that provide high performance without sacrificing mobility. Cloud computing is easily accessible Cloud computing has been on the rise for some time now, making local storage and processing power less critical. Services like Workspace, OneDrive, and Creative Cloud enable users to work seamlessly across devices without being tied to a specific machine. As long as you have an account with one of these services, you can access relevant apps across desktop, laptop, and mobile devices. Meanwhile, cloud gaming platforms like GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming offer console and PC-quality gaming experiences on almost any device. You no longer need the or to play the latest AAA titles at high-quality settings; if your device meets the minimum bandwidth and system requirements, you can play high-end games without the need for a traditional gaming rig. Even traditional tasks like coding and video editing are migrating to the cloud. Platforms such as GitHub Codespaces and Frame.io have made it easier than ever to collaborate remotely, reducing the dependency on high-spec local machines. As internet speeds improve globally, cloud-based workflows are becoming practical for more users. However, reliance on cloud services comes with its own challenges. Concerns about data privacy, ongoing subscription costs, and latency issues may keep some users tethered to their desktops. For some individuals, local power and storage still hold the upper edge over cloud-based solutions. Do gamers still need desktops? Gamers have long been the staunchest defenders of desktop PCs, and for good reason. Customizable, upgradeable, and capable of delivering unparalleled performance, desktops remain the gold standard for serious gamers. But even here, the landscape is shifting. Gaming laptops like the now feature RTX 40-series GPUs, high-refresh-rate displays, and improved cooling systems, narrowing the gap between portable and desktop gaming. Additionally, cloud gaming platforms are steadily improving latency and reliability, offering a glimpse of a future where gaming hardware might even become unnecessary. is another area where desktops have traditionally reigned supreme. Professional gamers often prefer desktops for their reliability and ability to sustain high frame rates. However, advancements in gaming laptops and external peripherals mean the esports community is gradually warming up to portable solutions. That said, the desktop’s ability to house the absolute cutting-edge of GPU and CPU technology ensures it won’t be fully obsolete in the gaming sphere anytime soon. Sustainability and efficiency The environmental impact of computing is becoming a bigger concern for consumers and manufacturers alike. Laptops and compact PCs are often more energy-efficient than desktops, thanks to advances in -based processors and other low-power designs. For businesses and individuals prioritizing sustainability, this shift makes desktops less appealing. However, desktops do have the upper hand when it comes to longevity. With upgradeable components, desktops can often outlast laptops by years, reducing e-waste. The trade-off is that they consume significantly more energy, potentially offsetting their environmental benefits. Companies are also starting to address the sustainability concerns of desktop PCs. Modular and repairable desktop designs are becoming more common, allowing users to replace individual components rather than discarding the entire system. Initiatives like these could extend the lifecycle of desktops and reduce their overall environmental footprint. The evolution of workspaces The shift to remote and hybrid work has had a huge impact on the decline of desktop PCs. Home offices are now designed for flexibility, with laptops and compact PCs dominating the market to offer greater versatility and save space. Docking stations that connect laptops to multiple monitors, keyboards, and other peripherals can now easily replicate the desktop experience without the need for a permanent setup. In industries like graphic design and software development, desktops still hold appeal due to their ability to handle resource-intensive tasks. However, the rise of remote work has emphasized the importance of portability and adaptability, which laptops and compact PCs deliver in ways traditional desktops never could. A hybrid future While the desktop’s dominance is waning, it’s unlikely to disappear entirely. Professionals in fields like video editing, 3D modeling, and AI development still benefit from the raw power and customization options that desktops provide. Similarly, gamers seeking the ultimate performance won’t abandon their rigs anytime soon. It’s more likely that we’ll see a shift toward hybrid setups. Many users might rely on laptops or compact PCs for day-to-day tasks while connecting to docking stations, external monitors, and peripherals for a desktop-like experience when needed. This approach offers the best of both worlds in terms of portability and power. Hybrid workspaces also make it easier to mix and match. Employees and students might use powerful desktop setups in shared environments like labs or offices while relying on lightweight devices at home. This blend of solutions ensures that users get the right tool for the right task, rather than being tied to a single device. The end of the beginning It seems unlikely that 2025 will be the year we bid farewell to desktop PCs, but it’s certainly a turning point. As mobile computing, cloud technology, and compact systems continue to evolve, the role of the traditional desktop will undoubtedly shrink. For many, the days of a massive tower under the desk are already over. However, desktops will remain indispensable for niche audiences and power users who demand ultimate performance and flexibility. So, while the desktop PC’s heyday may be behind us, it’s far from extinct. Instead, it’s evolving to fit a new era of computing where mobility, sustainability, and versatility reign supreme. Ultimately, the future of computing isn’t about replacing one form factor with another, it’s about choice. Whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or a casual user, the tools available in 2025 will reflect your needs and priorities.Jimmy Carter, the 100-year-old former US president and Nobel peace laureate who rose from humble beginnings in rural Georgia to lead the nation from 1977 to 1981, has died, his nonprofit foundation said Sunday. Carter had been in hospice care since mid-February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia -- the same small town where he was born and once ran a peanut farm before becoming governor of the Peach State and running for the White House. Carter died "peacefully" at his home in Plains, "surrounded by his family," The Carter Center said in a statement. "My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love," Chip Carter, the former president's son, said in the statement. Carter was the oldest living ex-US leader and the nation's longest-lived president -- an outcome that seemed unlikely back in 2015 when the Southern Democrat revealed he had brain cancer. But the US Navy veteran and fervent Christian repeatedly defied the odds to enjoy a long and fruitful post-presidency, after four years in the Oval Office often seen as disappointing. During his single term, Carter placed a commitment on human rights and social justice, enjoying a strong first two years that included brokering a peace deal between Israel and Egypt dubbed the Camp David Accords. But his administration hit numerous snags -- the most serious being the taking of US hostages in Iran and the disastrous failed attempt to rescue the 52 captive Americans in 1980. He also came in for criticism for his handling of an oil crisis. In November of that year, Republican challenger Ronald Reagan clobbered Carter at the polls, relegating the Democrat to just one term. Reagan, a former actor and governor of California, swept into office on a wave of staunch conservatism. As the years passed, a more nuanced image of Carter emerged -- one that took into account his significant post-presidential activities and reassessed his achievements. He founded the Carter Center in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy, and he was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless efforts to promote social and economic justice. He observed numerous elections around the world and emerged as a prominent international mediator, tackling global problems from North Korea to Bosnia. Carter, known for his toothy smile, said basic Christian tenets such as justice and love served as the bedrock of his presidency. He taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist, his church in Plains, well into his 90s. In recent years, he had received various hospital treatments, including when he revealed in August 2015 that he had brain cancer and was undergoing radiation. US Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia, who is the pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church where Martin Luther King Jr preached, wished the Carter family comfort as the former president entered hospice last year. "Across life's seasons, President Jimmy Carter, a man of great faith, has walked with God," Warnock wrote on X, then Twitter. "In this tender time of transitioning, God is surely walking with him." In April 2021, President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, met with the Carters at their home in Plains. The White House later released a photo showing the couples smiling together, although only Rosalynn was seen by the press outside, bidding the Bidens farewell while using a walker. Rosalynn, Carter's wife of 77 years, died on November 19, 2023 at age 96. The former president, who looked frail, poignantly appeared at her memorial service in a wheelchair, with a blanket on his lap bearing their likenesses. Carter is survived by the couple's four children, three sons and a daughter. 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In Pictures: Jimmy Carter continued campaigning long after leaving powerDelegates of Norfund, Societe Generale, NDB Bank, and SAEL Ltd. meet Andhra Pradesh CM NaiduFormer Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah has already found a new program in Duke, while Mississippi State's Michael Van Buren Jr., Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke and Cal's Fernando Mendoza are exploring changes of their own in the transfer portal. Mensah, a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining, told ESPN on Wednesday he has transferred to Duke. He attended the Blue Devils men's basketball game against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils (9-3) will face Mississippi in the Gator Bowl, but without 2024 starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and backup Grayson Loftis, who also entered the portal. Mensah, viewed as one of the top players in the portal, threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns and completed 65.9% of his passes. He led the Green Wave to a 9-4 record and the American Athletic Conference championship game, where they lost 35-14 to Army. Tulane will play Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl on Sunday. Van Buren, Mendoza and Locke announced on social media they had entered the portal. Van Buren started eight games as a true freshmen for the Bulldogs. He threw for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Bulldogs (2-10, 0-8 Southeastern Conference). He took over as the starter when Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in a 45-28 loss to Florida on Sept. 21. Shapen has said he plans to return next season. Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound passer from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, had two 300-yard performances for the Bulldogs, including 306 yards and three touchdown passes in a 41-31 road loss against Georgia. Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards in 2024 with 16 TDs, six interceptions and a 68.7 completion percentage. "For the sake of my football future this is the decision I have reached," he posted. Locke passed for 1,936 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Wisconsin this season. He said he will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has joined defensive tackle Mason Graham in the NFL draft. Johnson declared for the draft on Wednesday, one day after Graham decided he would also skip his senior season with the Wolverines. Both preseason All-America players are expected to be first-round picks. Johnson was limited to six games this year due to an injury. He had two interceptions, returning them both for touchdowns to set a school record with three scores off interceptions. Johnson picked off nine passes in three seasons. Graham played in all 12 games this season, finishing with 3 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for losses. He had 18 tackles for losses, including nine sacks, in his three-year career. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is The Associated Press offensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference and South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard is the top defensive player. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was voted the top newcomer on Wednesday while the Gamecocks' Shane Beamer is coach of the year in voting by the panel of 17 media members who cover the league. Sampson led the SEC and set school records by rushing for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is tied for third nationally in rushing touchdowns, recording the league's fifth-most in a season. Sampson was chosen on all but two ballots. Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris and his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, each got a vote. Kennard led the SEC with 11-1/2 sacks and 15-1/2 tackles for loss. He also had 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles. Beamer led the Gamecocks to just their fifth nine-win season, including a school-record four wins over Top 25 opponents. They've won their last six games and ended the regular season with a win over eventual ACC champion Clemson. South Carolina plays Illinois on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Pavia helped lead Vandy to its first bowl game since 2018 after transferring from New Mexico State. He passed for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns with four interceptions. He ran for another 716 yards and six touchdowns, directing an upset of Alabama. AMES, Iowa — Matt Campbell, who led Iowa State to its first 10-win season and became the program's all-time leader in coaching victories, has agreed to an eight-year contract that would keep him with the Cyclones through 2032. University president Wendy Wintersteen and athletic director Jamie Pollard made the announcement Wednesday, four days after the Cyclones lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. “Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program,” Pollard said. “Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program. Leadership continuity is essential to any organization’s long-term success." The Cyclones won their first seven games for their best start since 1938 and are 10-3 heading into their game against Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 28. BRIEFLY FLAG PLANT: Ohio Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. MALZAHN: Gus Malzahn, who resigned as UCF’s coach last month to become Mike Norvell’s offensive coordinator at Florida State, said he chose to return to his coaching roots rather than remain a head coach distracted by a myriad of responsibilities. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Imphal: An armed militant was killed and six others were apprehended after a fierce exchange of fire between Manipur Police Commandos and a militant group in Thoubal District on Saturday, officials said. A significant cache of arms and ammunition, along with multiple electronic devices, were also recovered from the spot. A senior police official in Imphal said that armed militants attacked the Manipur Police Commandos at Salungpham Thongkhong during a routine patrol in Thoubal district. The Commando personnel also retaliated against the attack and nabbed six militants while another was injured in the gun battle. The injured cadre subsequently succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital. Another police official said that the armed militants, travelling in two cars, were initially pursued by the police on suspicion. The armed group opened fire on the police commando, prompting the security personnel to retaliate, which led to the fierce encounter, the official said. The body of the slain militant Laishram Prem alias Loktak Singh (18) was shifted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for an autopsy examination. The arrested militants have been identified as Thokchom Momocha alias Sunny (41), Sarangthem Anand Singh alias Malem (36), Ningthoujam Karna Singh alias Pishak (27), Ningthoujam Manoranjan Singh alias Khagemba (21), Thongam Phalguni alias Urikpa alias Khoithol (27) and Moirangthem Johnson alias Thouna (21). A large cache of arms and ammunition, along with multiple electronic devices, were also recovered from the spot. The recovered arms and ammunition include two INSAS Rifles (5.56 mm), one Amogh Rifle (5.56 mm), one .303 Rifle, one SLR (7.62 mm), one INSAS Folding Rifle (5.56 mm), and a huge quantity of various types of ammunition, and five mobile phones. Thoubal District Police, however, are verifying whether the slain individual and the arrested persons are militants of any outfit or armed village volunteers. Further details are awaited.

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