Burt died over the weekend, the Crocosaurus Cove reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia, said. He was at least 90 years old. “Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” Crocosaurus Cove wrote in social media posts. The aquarium added: “He wasn’t just a crocodile, he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years.” A saltwater crocodile, Burt was estimated to be more than 16 feet long. He was captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River and became one of the most well-known crocodiles in the world, according to Crocosaurus Cove. The 1986 film stars Paul Hogan as the rugged crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. In the movie, American Sue Charlton, played by actress Linda Kozlowski, goes to fill her canteen in a watering hole when she is attacked by a crocodile before being saved by Dundee. Burt is briefly shown lunging out of the water. But the creature shown in more detail as Dundee saves the day is apparently something else. The Internet Movie Database says the film made a mistake by depicting an American alligator, which has a blunter snout. The Australian aquarium where Burt had lived since 2008 features a Cage of Death which it says is the nation’s only crocodile dive. It said it planned to honour Burt’s legacy with a commemorative sign “celebrating his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared throughout his time at the park”.spinph apk 。

Senior IPS officer says AI has huge potential to transform private security industry

(The Center Square) – After an Iranian national was arrested on Monday in a Boston suburb for his alleged ties to a terrorist attack that killed three U.S. service members, the town's leaders unanimously voted to pass a sanctuary city ordinance. On Monday, Iranian-born Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, a resident of Natick, Mass., was charged in federal court in Boston "with conspiring to export sophisticated electronic components from the United States to Iran in violation of U.S. export control and sanctions laws," The Center Square reported. Sadeghi and others allegedly conspired to evade U.S. export control and sanctions laws by procuring goods, services, and technology from American companies and exporting them to an Iranian-based company that contracts with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a US-designated foreign terrorist organization. The company allegedly manufactured the drones used by the IRGC that killed U.S. soldiers stationed in Jordan in January. Sadeghi faces up to 20 years in prison for his role in a conspiracy that goes back nearly 10 years , according to the complaint . His arrest occurred after an unprecedented number of Iranian and special interest aliens were apprehended after illegally entering the U.S., The Center Square reported . It also occurred after Islamic terrorist incidents increased under President Joe Biden and after he extended a national emergency regarding Iran last month. The U.S. has been in a perpetual state of national emergency related to Iran since Nov. 14, 1979, The Center Square reported . Forty-eight hours after Sadeghi's arrest , on Wednesday night, Natick's Select Board members unanimously passed a sanctuary city policy, 5-0. It prohibits taxpayer-funded town employees from inquiring about or collecting information about residents' citizenship status, among other provisions. Natick joined Boston, Somerville, Northampton, Amherst Cambridge, Concord, Lawrence and Newton in adopting so-called sanctuary city policies ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's stated mass deportation policy. The policy is being implemented in response to more than 14 million illegal border crossers being reported under the Biden administration as crime and national security threat escalated, The Center Square reported. Natick's actions followed the all-Democratic Boston City Council unanimously voting to reaffirm the Boston Trust Act, which prohibits Boston Police Department officers from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with some exceptions. It also comes after Boston's mayor said the city wasn't planning on cooperating with ICE, The Center Square reported. Massachusetts' sanctuary policies work against law enforcement tasked with protecting residents, Todd Lyons, acting assistant director of field operations for ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations in New England, argues. Elected officials "preaching their sanctuary city status are making it easier for those who commit sex crimes and fentanyl dealers. We need cities and towns to work with us to keep these criminals out of neighborhoods. "We focus on the worst of the worst and all the political rhetoric is not helping," he told the Boston Herald. Democratic leaders describing Massachusetts "as a sanctuary to the international community and that they won't cooperate with federal authorities, sends a dangerous signal to bad actors around the world," the chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party, Amy Carnevale, said , "It tells them that Massachusetts is a safe haven where they can evade prosecution from the United States federal government." Last year, Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll urged residents to house illegal border crossers, saying, " step up if you're willing to have an additional family be part of your family." One year later, the state converted an empty former prison to house them, resulting in local outrage, The Center Square reported . Carnevale said it was time for Driscoll to "stand with the people of Massachusetts and declare that our state will no longer serve as a sanctuary for criminals whether they're here legally or illegally. For the safety and security of our communities, Massachusetts must send a clear message: there is no sanctuary for international criminals in our Commonwealth." ICE agents have been arresting violent criminals in Massachusetts, including men convicted of aggravated rape, assault and battery, and fugitives wanted in their home countries for violent sexual crimes. In many cases, sanctuary jurisdictions refused to cooperate with ICE, and instead released violent offenders into the community who then committed additional crimes, The Center Square reported . New Hampshire's incoming-Gov. Kelly Ayotte has had harsh words for Massachusetts, saying, "Our neighbors to the south seem intent on proving that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result. As they struggle with a billion-dollar illegal immigrant crisis, they are instead choosing to double down," she told Fox News Digital. Ayotte, who is replacing outgoing Gov. Chris Sununu, ran on a campaign against the "Mass-i-fication" of New Hampshire. "Here in New Hampshire, we are going to ban sanctuary policies and give law enforcement the tools to work together to ensure this crisis never comes to our towns," she said.Cowboys G Zack Martin, CB Trevon Diggs out vs. Commanders

Tire companies have begun making EV tires . There’s nothing really special about them. Despite all their claims, most are no different from a tire that’s on a gas powered vehicle. They’re working to change that it seems as the race is on to develop the perfect, all around EV tire. Wired reports that tire manufacturers such as Michelin and Continental are developing the next generation of EV tires. It’s not an easy task as these tires will have to deliver on multiple fronts. One of the challenges is rolling resistance. Less rolling resistance means more range, so manufacturers are experimenting with different compounds to get less rolling resistance. Manufacturers are experimenting with nanomaterials in their tires, such as nanocarbon and nanosilica , to improve performance, traction, and durability. There is also research into bio-based alternative compounds such as guayule and dandelion rubber . You can reduce rolling resistance by reducing tread depth, but this also means the tire won’t last so long and produces increased noise. Continental, however, thinks it has the answer. “We have developed special soft rubber compounds that allow us to reduce rolling resistance and noise at the same time without sacrificing mileage,” says Thomas Wanka, principal technology development engineer at Continental. Another issue is tire particulates. EVs do not produce emissions, however they do produce particulates from tires and brake dust. Since electric powertrains are so heavy, EVs burn through tires 20 percent faster than a internal combustion engine. However, it’s tricky directly comparing the pollution from particles shed by tires to exhaust fumes from an internal combustion engine. Even though 1.5 kilograms of rubber particles still sounds bad, there is a significant difference between particle sizes. The major culprit for public health is NOx , which causes smaller particulates in the “PM2.5” category (meaning the particles are 2.5 microns in diameter). For tires, only 1 percent of particulates are below PM10 (10 microns), and 0.2 percent PM2.5 or below. Most PM2.5 pollution in urban areas still comes from vehicle exhaust NOx. Unfortunately, there is scant research into the health effects of tire particulates. One of the few comprehensive studies was completed more than a decade ago, in 2012. “At that time, it was not decided that it was the priority subject,” says Gary Guthrie, senior vice president at Michelin. “The priority subject was more understanding the fate of particles in water and how they degrade.” Another innovation corporate scientists are exploring is biodegradable tires made from sustainable materials like recycled tires. Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, CEO of a startup tire company called Enso says that while this would be a win for the environment, a biodegradable tire wouldn’t have great durability. “A tire that biodegrades on the vehicle would not be good for durability. However, it would be beneficial if the tire particles that shed during driving could biodegrade in the environment, preventing them from accumulating in our air, land, and oceans,” he said. Tire particulate is pretty terrible, and not just for humans. Research scientists in the Pacific Northwest called tire particulates the “DDT of our generation” for its affect on salmon and other wild fish. If memory serves, DDT ended up not being so good for human life either.KANSAS CITY, Missouri -- Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver are the three finalists to become the NWSL's 16th team, commissioner Jessica Berman announced on Friday at CPKC Stadium. The league is in the final stages of a yearlong expansion bidding process and a decision is expected in the coming weeks. The team will begin play in 2026 alongside another expansion team from Boston. "As we think about the geographic footprint of our country, we know that a 14-team league is not where we will end up," Berman said. Editor's Picks Fever's Clark joins Cincinnati NWSL expansion bid 18h Jeff Kassouf KC Current's Chawinga named NWSL MVP 7h Jeff Kassouf In strategic shift, NWSL aims to be a great sports league first, women's league second 14h Jeff Kassouf "All the men's leagues are 30-plus teams for a reason, and in order to build the kind of national exposure, visibility and media deals that we think this league deserves and our fans deserve, we know that we need to be in more markets." Multiple sources told ESPN that the expansion fee could approach $100 million for the team selected. Boston and Bay FC , which began play this year, paid $53 million to enter the league last year. Cincinnati, led by MLS' FC Cincinnati ownership, announced on Thursday that basketball star Caitlin Clark is part of the bidding group's investors . "Her accomplishments and contributions to women's sports is incredible, historic," Berman said. It's changed the game for everyone and she's amazing. Having her interest in the NWSL is an honor." Boston and the city that joins them will be the first expansion teams in league history to not have the benefit of an expansion draft to build their rosters. Allocation money is being phased out of the NWSL; historically, expansion teams were given extra allocation money (effectively cash) to help them build out their roster. Berman said that the league is developing mechanisms to help the expansion teams launch in spring 2026, but she declined to say what those are. "We are developing mechanisms to ensure that those teams can be competitive, as we think about the value of expansion and the importance of setting those teams up for success both on and off the pitch," Berman said. Cleveland and Denver hope to build stadiums and play in temporary venues upon launching in 2026 if their bid is accepted, multiple sources said. The group in Cleveland, which multiple sources also consider to have a strong bid, recently announced that it acquired the downtown land on which it intends to build a stadium.

It’s almost time for Spotify Wrapped. When can you expect your 2024 recap?How did the JMM win Jharkhand?

Sixth-year player Dane Olson continues to make the most of his opportunities for CSU RamsIs the NORAD Santa tracker safe from a government shutdown?Cowboys G Zack Martin, CB Trevon Diggs out vs. Commanders

‘One conversation really changed my mind’: the personal stories driving MPs’ decisions on assisted dying

Fake credentials offer novel solution to e-voting challenges

Huge Australian crocodile made famous by cameo role in Crocodile Dundee dies

Huge Australian crocodile made famous by cameo role in Crocodile Dundee dies

It’s that special time of year. ‘Tis the season of good cheer. The family gathers at the table. And eats as much as they are able. Under the tree are presents in wraps. Politics come up, then everyone snaps. “You’re an idiot!”...“I hate your views!”... “I watch CNN!”...”I watch Fox News!” “Trump plans to build that evil wall.” “The border is a free-for-all!” “About the environment, he couldn’t care less.” “Russia’s in Ukraine and the Middle East’s a mess!” “He’s as fascist as can be.” “Criminals are running free!” “He’s a pompous, orange bore.” “Every product now costs more!” “Kamala would’ve been just fine!” “At word salad and drinking wine.” “‘Joy’ tops ‘MAGA’ as a slogan.” “She should’ve gone on Joe Rogan.” “And JD Vance! I don’t like him!” “He’s way better than Tiresome Tim!” “Vance is mean. His ideas are crud.” “Walz reminds me of Elmer Fudd.” The argument is fiercely fought. But in the end, it’s all for naught. Since your family is so unstable: No politics at the dinner table! For someone’s political thoughts, you shouldn’t give a penny, Happy holidays to all and may your blessings be many! Name withheld by request, Beachwood The writer is a graduate of Cleveland Heights High School.Key Takeaways World Labs, a unicorn AI startup with a valuation of over $1 billion, unveiled a new AI on Monday that can transform any image into a 3D world. World Labs wrote in a thread on X that its new AI system works by taking an image, approximating 3D geometry, and filling in the scene so that there's more to see. The AI adapts to different art styles and scenes. The output is fully interactive, so viewers can view the 3D scenes as if they were inside them with a movable camera. They can zoom in and out and move around the space. Related: Testers Leak OpenAI's New AI Video Generator, Claiming They Were Used as 'Unpaid Labor' "Most GenAI tools make 2D content like images or videos," World Labs wrote in a blog post. "Generating in 3D instead improves control and consistency. This will change how we make movies, games, simulators, and other digital manifestations of our physical world." While World Labs isn't the first to explore this area, it is the first to make its 3D worlds explorable, per TechCrunch . Viewers can interact with the AI-created scenes on the World Labs website from within a web browser. In one demonstration , World Labs brings viewers into the 1942 painting Nighthawks by Edward Hopper. With a few clicks, viewers can freely move within the world created by the painting. The painting Nighthawks by Edward Hopper. Photo by VCG Wilson/Corbis via Getty Images In another demo, content creator and animator Eric Solorio showcases how he uses the technology to quickly generate 3D environments and scenes. "The process was very fast and easy," Solorio stated. "Something previously impossible, with this level of precision." World Labs says that AI-generated images can be used as the foundation for 3D spaces, too, and the entire process of creating a 3D world, from the image to the world itself, can be AI-generated. Although these demos are a "first early preview" of what its technology can do, according to the company, the team is working on making the generated worlds bigger and more true to form. The company hopes to have its first product ready sometime next year. Related: I Tried 3 AI Headshot Generators and There Was a Clear WinnerMT. STERLING, Ohio , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WillowWood, a global leader in prosthetic solutions, is proud to announce its receipt of the prestigious Gold Anthem Award Honor in the Product and Innovation category for its 2024 rebrand. The award recognizes the transformative collaboration with DD.NYC that has redefined WillowWood's visual identity, emphasizing its mission to improve mobility, push the forefront of the prosthetic industry, and enhance the quality of life for individuals worldwide. The Anthem Awards is the largest and most comprehensive social impact award, recognizing work across five areas of impact including Awareness, Fundraising, Community Engagement, Product, Innovation & Service, and Team & Internal Initiatives, for seven causes: Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Education Art & Culture, Health, Human & Civil Rights, Humanitarian Action & Services, Responsible Technology, and Sustainability Climate & Environment. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. With over 2,300 submissions from 44 countries around the world, 10,000+ reviews from jurors, and over 33,000 supporters in the Anthem Community Voice, the 4th Annual Anthem Award Winners were announced on November 19, 2024 . WillowWood's rebrand stood out among this global competition, showcasing an unwavering commitment to empowering prosthetic users through advanced technology and compassionate care. "This recognition is a testament to the heart and soul of WillowWood's mission and DD.NYC's commitment to reimagining brands in a way that stays true to that heart and soul," said Mahesh Mansukhani , CEO of WillowWood. "Our partnership with Digital Design NYC allowed us to craft a brand identity that not only honors our legacy but also propels us into the future. The rebrand reflects our promise to provide innovative prosthetic solutions that enhance mobility and transform lives." The creative process was a seamless collaboration between WillowWood and DD.NYC. Together, the teams developed a rebrand strategy that blends contemporary design elements with an innovation-centered focus. Key features include a revitalized logo, a cohesive color palette inspired by movement and vitality, and a redesigned website offering an intuitive user experience for clinicians and prosthetic users alike. "From the outset, we sought to encapsulate the essence of WillowWood's dedication to improving lives through innovation," said Anjelika Kour , Creative Director at DD.NYC. "The resulting rebrand is both striking and meaningful, capturing the spirit of mobility and resilience that defines WillowWood." The Gold Anthem Award underscores the significant impact of WillowWood's reimagined brand, resonating with both the prosthetics community and broader audiences. As a leader in the industry, WillowWood continues to champion inclusivity, innovation, and hope. To explore the award-winning rebrand and learn more about WillowWood's mission and products, visit willowwood.com . To learn more about the many industry-changing projects and services of DD.NYC, visit dd.nyc . About WillowWood: Based in Mount Sterling, Ohio , WillowWood Global is an industry leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of prosthetic products, including liners, feet, vacuum systems and components. Recognized for its products' superior innovation, quality, and patient outcomes, WillowWood's portfolio includes the Alpha ® family of liners, including the first myoelectric Alpha ® Control Liner, the META ® family of feet, the LimbLogic ® vacuum system, and now the XtremityTT ® socket system. For over 117 years, WillowWood's prosthetic products have helped individuals with limb loss find comfort and functionality, remain active and live life to the fullest. About DD.NYC: DD.NYC® is an award-winning Manhattan -based creative agency specializing in branding, web design, packaging, and video storytelling. Since its founding in 2015, the agency has been recognized for its innovative approach and adaptability across industries, with a strong focus on the medical and healthcare sectors. About The Anthem Awards: Launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards honors the purpose & mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, we're defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. The Anthem Awards honors work across seven core causes: Diversity; Equity & Inclusion; Education; Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment & Climate. This season's partners include Ms. Magazine, The Female Quotient, Sustainable Brands, NationSwell, and TheFutureParty. The Awards were founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ. About The Webby Awards: Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by The New York Times , The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites and Mobile Sites; Video; Advertising; Media & PR; Apps & Software; Social; Podcasts; Games and AI, Metaverse & Virtual. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received nearly 13,000 entries from all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide this year. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include WP Engine, LinkedIn, Meltwater, NAACP, KPMG, Wall Street Journal, Vox Media, Deadline, AdAge, TechCrunch, The Hollywood Reporter, The Hustle, Morning Brew, Passionfruit, Embedded, Link in Bio, Creator Economy NYC, Creator Spotlight, AIGA, Vote Save America, and The Publish Press. Media contact: Marketing@willowwood.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/willowwood-rebrand-by-ddnyc-wins-gold-anthem-award-for-product-and-innovation-in-2024-rebrand-302337766.html SOURCE WillowWood Global

Amazon expands use of robots