For decades, Black women have been the most ardent supporters of the Democratic party. Most recently, in the 2024 election, they voted for Kamala Harris at 92%. Since 1972, Black people’s overall support for Democrats has stayed at about 90% during a presidential election, with Black women voting even more Democratic than Black men. No…
Despite the necessity of filling in the gaps of Black American history, viewers could be forgiven for feeling a little fatigued, after a decade of highly worthy but often gruelling stories of slavery, civil rights abuses and institutional racism, from 12 Years a Slave to Till to The Hate U Give to Get Out, and many more besides.Nickel Boys is something very different: rather than more “trauma porn”, it gives us direct emotion, poetic imagery and radical invention. It owes more to Terrence Malick and Gaspar Noé than Ava DuVernay.On one level, you could categorise it as another missing piece of the historical puzzle. The setting is a segregated reform school in remote 1960s Florida, based on the real-life Arthur G Dozier school, where past abuses and unmarked graves were uncovered in the early 2000s.We follow doe-eyed Elwood (Ethan Herisse), a promising young student who’s cruelly condemned by association before he even gets to college, and thrown into what amounts to a juvenile prison, with its own rules and hierarchies and horrors. He falls in with Turner (Brandon Wilson), a more seasoned, more jaded inmate, and their fates intersect in ways we never quite understand until the final frames. Adapted from Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer-winning novel, the story is a bracing blend of historical fiction, character drama and even prison-break thriller.Not only does Nickel Boys have a powerful story to tell, it has an audacious way of telling it: the entire movie is shot in first person. We see everything through the eyes of either Elwood or Turner – the landscape, the minutiae of life, the characters’ own bodies or the faces of other characters (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, as Elwood’s grandmother, makes a particularly powerful impression). The experience is vividly immersive and intimate. We’re not watching these people; we are them. Things aren’t happening to them; they’re happening to us.As a technical feat, it’s almost unfathomable; as a viewing experience, it’s unforgettable; and as a way out of serving up yet more trauma porn, it’s ingenious.Director RaMell Ross is a multidisciplinary artist more than a film-maker, and he seems to have approached this, his first feature film, with no baggage, let alone film-school training. Ross achieved a similar mix of lyricism and earthiness in his 2018 documentary Hale County This Morning, This Evening, following ordinary Black life in rural Alabama. Nickel Boys goes even further: the point-of-view imagery becomes a collage of present-tense experience, gorgeous or ugly landscapes, fleeting impressions, details, memories, snatches of television and other media – something closer, perhaps, to waking life than conventional cinema.As well as being floored by the feeling and the ambition of Nickel Boys, you’re left wondering why more movies aren’t made this way.
Abhishek Boddu – Simplifying Business Finance for the Next Generation of EntrepreneursThe Hans IndiaHans News Service | 19 Dec 2024 4:44 PM IST
As the UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have failed to secure the release of British-Egyptian blogger, coder, and activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah, UK politicians call for tougher measures to secure Alaa’s immediate return to the UK. During a debate on detained British nationals abroad in early December, chairwoman of the…
Vehicles wait in standstill traffic on Interstate 70 between Silverthorne and the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. After seeing all-time-high travel over the Thanksgiving holiday period, AAA projects Christmas and New Year’s traffic will also break records this year.Andrew Maciejewski/Summit Daily News
Less than a month after slogging through a record-breaking holiday travel period during Thanksgiving, Colorado motorists are gearing up for it again.
Nationally, 119.3 million people are projected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, according to a new report from AAA. That represents a 3 million increase from last year and a new all-time high.
“This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, we’re anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the weekend after the holiday,” said AAA Vice President of Travel Stacey Barber, in a statement.
AAA, one of the largest travel organizations in the United States, pairs economic data with individual bookings made through the agency to make its travel projections. Denver International Airport ranks in the top destinations for car rental demand during the holidays, according to data from AAA car rental partner Hertz.
“I guarantee you most of those folks who are renting a car are not driving anywhere except the High Country where they are going to ski and dine and drink in our world-class ski environments,” said AAA regional spokesperson Skyler McKinley.
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Securing Our Digital Lifelines: Quantum Technology and the Battle for Arctic Supremacy – Technology Today – EIN Presswire
Artificial Intelligence (AI) could transform the tourism sector for the better, particularly in G7 countries. This is by driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, according to the OECD’s latest policy paper, “Artificial Intelligence and Tourism.”
In the report, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) emphasized that AI offers a transformative force in addressing tourism’s most pressing challenges, including managing visitor flows and optimizing resource usage.
“AI applications offer highly personalised travel experiences through customised recommendations and virtual assistant services, analysing individual preferences to tailor suggestions for each traveller,” OECD stated.
AI-driven applications are already making headway in the industry, as tourists can now get tailored travel recommendations, automate operational tasks, and facilitate real-time traffic management.
The policy paper also notes that AI has the potential to enhance visitor experiences with more interactive and personalized offerings while ensuring that tourism benefits are distributed equitably, especially in G7 countries comprising Germany, France, the US, Canada, the UK, Japan, and Italy.
Enhancing sustainability and accessibility
AI’s role in promoting sustainable tourism practices is a focal point of the OECD’s recommendations. By leveraging real-time data, AI can help destinations manage visitor flows to avoid overcrowding, preserve cultural heritage sites, and minimize environmental impacts.
OECD mentioned Barcelona Zoo’s AI chatbot, Zoobot, as an example of how technology can enhance accessibility for visitors with disabilities. Similarly, it highlighted Notre Dame Cathedral’s use of AI-driven digital twins for restoration efforts, demonstrating AI’s capability to aid in the preservation of historical landmarks.
Additionally, per the report, AI can improve the socio-economic value of tourism by fostering green mobility options, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting local economies.
OECD also encouraged international collaboration among G7 nations to align AI research and policy efforts, which could make it easier to address global challenges collectively.
OECD: AI supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
In the paper, the OECD echoes the importance of supporting SMEs in tourism as they adapt to AI. These smaller enterprises often struggle to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, facing barriers such as high implementation costs, limited expertise, and regulatory complexities.
According to the OECD, the divide in AI adoption risks exacerbating existing inequalities within the tourism sector, favoring large, tech-savvy enterprises over smaller players. The organization deems tailored support programs and training initiatives imperative to bridge this gap and ensure inclusive growth.
However, for SMEs to leverage AI effectively, governments and industry bodies need to focus on accessible innovation hubs, practical training opportunities, and financial support mechanisms.
Addressing risks and challenges
Despite its benefits, the OECD cautions against the risks of AI adoption. Data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and workforce displacement require careful management. While AI has the potential to automate routine tasks and create more complex, rewarding jobs, there is also a risk of job displacement, particularly in roles reliant on manual labor or repetitive tasks.
OECD shed light on the misuse of AI for manipulative marketing, such as deepfake tourism videos or fake reviews, which can erode trust and harm destination reputations. To address these concerns, the organization calls for international cooperation in developing ethical AI standards and ensuring compliance.
“Existing regulatory and legal frameworks can promote responsible AI use in tourism by providing clear guidelines for developers and operators, and facilitate the safe and ethical integration of AI technologies. It is also important to provide a safe environment for businesses to test and pilot innovation including AI applications,” the paper outlined.
The OECD report concludes that while AI adoption in tourism is still in its early stages, its potential to revolutionize the sector is immense.
From Zero to Web3 Pro: Your 90-Day Career Launch Plan
Gangtok, Dec 19: The 8th Edition of Bengal Travel Mart 2024 -the largest B2B & B2C Travel Mart in East & North East India is being held from 17th to 19th of December ’24 at The Grand Casa Hotel, Siliguri. The goal of BTM 2024 is to establish North Bengal & Sikkim as a platform for the inbound domestic market for the stakeholders of this region.The event is organised by EHTTOA (Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators Association) and is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (MoT) and WBT (West Bengal Tourism). The event has the participation of states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Tripura, Odisha and also the Ministry of Tourism, along with the Tourism Board of Nepal and Pokhara Tourism Council.This event offered great opportunity and wonderful platform to sell Sikkim Tourism to the local people and all the trade visitor for the mart who come from Darjeeling Hills, Bhutan, Bangladesh and also the seven sister states of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram & Tripura.Officials of Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim along with Stakeholder representatives from Sikkim is participating in this prestigious event. During the Award Ceremony held on 18th December 2024 , the Bengal Travel Mart bestowed Sikkim Tourism with “World’s First Organic State ” award which was received by Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department , Government of Sikkim Shri. Prakash Chhetri.During the speech Secretary Tourism and Civil Aviation highlights the potential of tourism of sikkim, upcoming plans to boost tourism by State Government and the vision of Chief Minister’s ” Sunaulo Samriddha ani Samarth Sikkim” and he informed the gathering that the Department of Tourism is committed to give best hospitality, services, infrastructure to the visitors.
Gangtok, Dec 19: The 8th Edition of Bengal Travel Mart 2024 -the largest B2B & B2C Travel Mart in East & North East India is being held from 17th to 19th of December ’24 at The Grand Casa Hotel, Siliguri. The goal of BTM 2024 is to establish North Bengal & Sikkim as a platform for the inbound domestic market for the stakeholders of this region.The event is organised by EHTTOA (Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators Association) and is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (MoT) and WBT (West Bengal Tourism). The event has the participation of states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Tripura, Odisha and also the Ministry of Tourism, along with the Tourism Board of Nepal and Pokhara Tourism Council.This event offered great opportunity and wonderful platform to sell Sikkim Tourism to the local people and all the trade visitor for the mart who come from Darjeeling Hills, Bhutan, Bangladesh and also the seven sister states of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram & Tripura.Officials of Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim along with Stakeholder representatives from Sikkim is participating in this prestigious event. During the Award Ceremony held on 18th December 2024 , the Bengal Travel Mart bestowed Sikkim Tourism with “World’s First Organic State ” award which was received by Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department , Government of Sikkim Shri. Prakash Chhetri.During the speech Secretary Tourism and Civil Aviation highlights the potential of tourism of sikkim, upcoming plans to boost tourism by State Government and the vision of Chief Minister’s ” Sunaulo Samriddha ani Samarth Sikkim” and he informed the gathering that the Department of Tourism is committed to give best hospitality, services, infrastructure to the visitors.