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Check FAQAbout Nicholas
Nicholas Davis is a journalist based in Kingston, Jamaica.
English
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How to Know What Happens After You Die
The article discusses the Christian perspective on the afterlife, emphasizing that confidence in what happens after death is based on historical events in Palestine two thousand years ago, particularly the life and claims of Jesus. It contrasts this view with other religions and beliefs, asserting that Christianity offers a factual basis for the continuation of life after death.
3 Reasons Why Every Christian Needs the Church
The article argues that every Christian needs the local church for spiritual care, emphasizing that Christianity is a communal religion where believers are meant to be part of a community. It highlights the role of church elders in providing spiritual oversight and care, as mandated by biblical teachings.
Why She Left the Church
Many individuals, like Nicole, have left the church due to its focus on rules rather than the gospel of grace. The article emphasizes the importance of Christians actively sharing their faith, especially given the large number of unchurched and unbelieving Americans. The author shares personal experiences of evangelizing in public spaces and college campuses, highlighting the need for direct engagement with those who do not attend church services.
5 Things You Must do When Talking to People About Jesus
Effective evangelism requires more than just knowledge, training, and techniques. It involves loving and listening to non-Christians genuinely, understanding their life stories and worldviews, and being patient and persistent in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
10 Things We Learn from the Ten Commandments
The article discusses the significance of the Ten Commandments in understanding true spirituality, emphasizing that while humans cannot keep all the commandments, Jesus has fulfilled the law perfectly. It critiques the modern trend of individualized spirituality and underscores the importance of adhering to the commandments as set by God in the Bible.
4 Books that Made a Priest Leave the Church
The article explores the intellectual journey of Martin Luther during his transition from the medieval Catholic Church to the Reformation. It highlights the significant role of four books, particularly 'The Psalms,' in shaping Luther's theological views, including the concept of 'total depravity.' The narrative underscores Luther's intent to reform rather than create a new church, emphasizing his call for repentance and faith in the Word of God.
The Effect of White Social Prejudice on Support for American Democracy
The study explores the relationship between white social prejudice and support for democracy in the United States, using data from the World Values Survey. It argues that white Americans who exhibit social prejudice against racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to support non-democratic forms of governance, such as strongman or military rule. The analysis spans data from 1995 to 2011 and finds that social prejudice significantly correlates with anti-democratic orientations. The findings suggest that racial prejudice undermines democratic values and highlights the long-standing nature of these trends, predating the Trump era.
In his own words – Doc Ryan
Peter 'Doc' Ryan reflects on his extensive career in basketball, spanning roles as a player and coach. He recounts his journey from his early days in Aruba and New York, through his collegiate career in the United States, to his significant contributions to Canadian basketball. Ryan highlights his coaching stints at St. Francis Xavier University, Dalhousie University, and with the Canadian Men's National Program. He shares personal anecdotes, acknowledges influential figures in his life, and expresses gratitude for the opportunities basketball has provided him. Ryan emphasizes the positive impact of basketball on his life, including his educational achievements and his passion for teaching.
The Jesus Christ that Nobody Wanted
The article explores the contrast between the expected and actual nature of Jesus Christ as depicted in the Gospel of John. It emphasizes that Jesus, unlike the powerful and wealthy leaders people often desire, came as a powerless, poor, and weak figure. The Gospel of John aims to persuade readers to believe in Jesus as the Messiah, despite differing from traditional messianic expectations. The narrative underscores that Jesus' mission was to go to the cross, fulfilling God's plan from the beginning.
Democracy's Meanings
Democracy's Meanings explores the diverse perceptions Americans hold about democracy, beyond just voting and elected representation. The book, based on political theory and public opinion data spanning over 75 years, reveals that citizens have complex views on democracy's role in ensuring equality, fairness, and justice. It introduces a typology of views, contrasting procedural and social perspectives on democracy, and also discusses moderate and indifferent attitudes. The authors, Nicholas T. Davis, Keith Gåddie, and Kirby Goidel, provide insights into the challenges facing American democracy and suggest that a democracy delivering social and economic benefits is more likely to be supported by the public.
Your God Is Too Big
The article discusses the commercialization of Christmas, highlighting the grandeur of decorations and celebrations in places like Times Square and Idaho. It contrasts this with the true essence of Christmas, which is described as much smaller and more meaningful than the world's festivities. The author reflects on the humility of God becoming human in the form of Jesus, who was born as a small, fragile child, emphasizing that the incarnation is about God entering into the small and insignificant aspects of life.
10 Reasons Why You Should Trust the Bible
The article presents ten reasons to trust the Bible, emphasizing its historical accuracy, the abundance of New Testament manuscripts, the eyewitness accounts of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection, and the Bible's progressive stance on women's testimonies during a time when they were not valued. It argues for the Bible's credibility based on archaeological evidence, manuscript preservation, and the martyrdom of early disciples who witnessed Christ's resurrection.
The Two Words Every Christian Needs to Know to Read the Bible Without Confusion
Every Christian should understand the concepts of Law and Gospel to interpret the Scriptures correctly. The Law, inscribed on everyone's heart and once on stone tablets, shows where we go wrong and what we need to do to make things right, reflecting God's character. However, it exposes our sin, making it bad news for us. The Gospel, revealed by God in Christ, is the good news of what God has done to reconcile us to Himself, satisfying the Law's demands and atoning for sins. Unlike other religions, Christianity teaches that only Jesus can save us, not the Law.
The digital revolution is eating its young
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the divide between the digital and real economies, with digital companies like Facebook, Amazon, and Apple seeing their valuations soar while traditional businesses suffer. This has led to a K-shaped recovery, challenging neoliberal value creation assumptions and raising concerns about market efficiency and equity. The authors, affiliated with Arizona State University and the World Economic Forum, propose solutions such as government subsidies for technology diffusion, a multi-stakeholder innovation model, and digital protectionism to foster local innovation. They argue that the market alone cannot address the crisis of technological opportunity and access, and that a rethinking of innovation and value creation is necessary to ensure the digital revolution benefits many, not just a few.
Making Time for Family Worship in a Crazy, Busy World
Answering “How Far is Too Far?” “Is it a Sin?” and “Can I Look at Porn?” with a Biblical Sexual Ethic
The article discusses the concept of sexual immorality from a Christian perspective, translating the Greek word 'porneia' to encompass all sexual activities outside of marriage, including thoughts and feelings. It emphasizes that Christians are called to be holy and to flee from all forms of sexual immorality, which is anything other than marital sex between a husband and wife. The article suggests that adhering to this biblical sexual ethic will make Christians increasingly counter-cultural in America, especially with the legalization of same-sex marriage and the popularity of transgenderism.
10 Things We Learn from the Ten Commandments
The article discusses the significance of the Ten Commandments in understanding true spirituality, contrasting it with the individualized spirituality commonly practiced in America. It emphasizes the importance of worshiping the one true God, respecting His name, and observing His commandments as outlined in the Bible. The commandments teach worship of the right God, the sacredness of God's name, the need for human rest and sanctification, and respect for authority. The article suggests that Jesus has fulfilled the law by living a perfect life, thereby keeping the Ten Commandments on behalf of humanity.
How Not to Win Arguments and Lose People
The article discusses the importance of Christians presenting Christianity as not only true and reasonable but also as beautiful and attractive. It emphasizes that winning arguments should not be the sole aim; instead, the focus should be on attracting people to Christianity by showcasing its uniqueness and compelling message. The piece highlights Jared C. Wilson's book 'Unparalleled: How Christianity’s Uniqueness Makes It Compelling,' which argues that Christianity's unique aspects, particularly the gospel of Jesus Christ, are what make it compelling. Wilson's apologetic approach is to demonstrate the power of Christianity's message of grace and mercy to elicit faith, rather than engaging in typical apologetic arguments to defend the religion's credibility.
Here’s Why Jesus Never Said “I am God” in the Bible
The article addresses the claim that Jesus never explicitly stated 'I am God' in the Bible, explaining that while the exact phrase is not found, Jesus's statement 'Before Abraham was, I AM' in John 8:58 is a claim to divinity. This claim is supported by the reaction of the Jews who attempted to stone Jesus for blasphemy, which was the punishment for claiming to be God. The article also references the Septuagint and the Book of Revelation to further support the interpretation that Jesus claimed to be God.
Do we need a new law for AI? Sure – but first we could try enforcing the laws we already have
The article discusses the shift in the tech industry's attitude towards regulation, particularly in the context of AI. Ed Husic, Australia's federal minister for tech policy, is leading a review of Australian law to adapt it for the AI era. The article highlights the need for effective enforcement of existing laws and the creation of new regulations for high-risk AI applications like facial recognition technology. It also calls for political leadership and the establishment of an AI Commissioner to guide both government and private sector practices. The piece underscores Australia's lag in AI policy compared to other regions like the EU and North America.
Do we need a new law for AI? Sure – but first we could try enforcing the laws we already have
The article discusses the urgent need for AI regulation in Australia, led by Ed Husic, the federal minister responsible for tech policy. It highlights the shift in the tech industry's stance towards regulation, exemplified by Sam Altman's call for AI regulation in the US Congress. The article argues that existing laws already apply to AI but are not consistently enforced. It calls for the creation of an AI Commissioner to provide clear guidance and ensure effective enforcement. The article also emphasizes the need for Australia to catch up with other regions like the EU and North America in AI regulation, particularly in high-risk areas such as facial recognition technology.
How should a robot explore the Moon? A simple question shows the limits of current AI systems
Rapid advancements in AI have led to calls for research pauses and government regulation due to concerns about losing control over powerful AI systems. However, a more fundamental issue is that current AI tools, like ChatGPT, do not help decision-makers understand causation or uncertainty and encourage massive data collection, raising privacy and ethical concerns. AI systems designed to infer causal relationships need useful information rather than big data. An example is a robot on the Moon using Bayesian optimization to learn efficiently about the surface. This approach can be applied to complex decision-making in government and industry, emphasizing the need for AI systems that are transparent, explainable, and co-designed with impacted communities. Reforming laws and choosing the right AI tools are crucial for safe and effective AI use.
Silicon Valley is knowingly violating ethical AI principles. Society can’t respond if we let disagreements poison the debate.
The article discusses the ethical violations by Silicon Valley companies, particularly OpenAI and Microsoft, in the development and deployment of AI technologies like ChatGPT. It highlights the divisions within the AI ethics community and the potential consequences of these disagreements. The author proposes a taxonomy of ethical concerns, including social justice, existential risks, and decision-making roles of AI, urging for unity and constructive debate to address these issues effectively.
Avoiding a surveillance society: how better rules can rein in facial recognition tech
Facial recognition technology, while useful, poses significant privacy risks and potential for misuse. Current Australian laws are inadequate to address these challenges. A proposed model law aims to regulate facial recognition based on risk, ensuring public benefit while protecting against harmful uses. This includes rigorous impact assessments, compliance with international standards, and specific legal regimes for high-risk applications. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner is suggested as the regulator. The proposal has garnered support from various stakeholders, emphasizing the need for immediate national reform to balance innovation and privacy protection.
Do we need new AI laws? Sure – but lets try enforce what we have first
The article discusses the urgent need for AI regulation in Australia, led by Ed Husic, the federal minister responsible for tech policy. It highlights the shift from self-regulation to government-imposed rules, citing examples like OpenAI's call for regulation and the OceanGate tragedy. The authors argue that existing laws already apply to AI but are not consistently enforced. They advocate for the creation of an AI Commissioner to guide regulation and emphasize the need for Australia to catch up with global standards, particularly in high-risk areas like facial recognition technology. The article calls for updated privacy laws and strong government leadership to ensure safe and responsible AI use.
How Should an AI Explore the Moon?
Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to calls for research pauses and government regulation due to concerns about AI's potential to become uncontrollable. The article argues that current AI systems, like ChatGPT, have limitations in understanding causation and uncertainty, and may encourage data privacy and ethical risks. It suggests that AI systems designed to infer causal relationships do not need large datasets but rather useful information. The article uses the example of a robot exploring the Moon to illustrate how AI can efficiently gather knowledge and update its understanding. This approach, known as active SLAM, is based on Bayesian optimization and can be applied to complex decision-making in government and industry. The article emphasizes the importance of choosing the right AI tools and reforming laws to guide the use of potentially dangerous AI systems.
Do we need a new law for AI? Sure—but first we could try enforcing the laws we already have
The article discusses the growing call for AI regulation, led by figures like Ed Husic, Australia's federal minister for tech policy, and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. It highlights the shift from a tech industry that once resisted regulation to one that now sees it as essential. The article argues that existing laws already cover many aspects of AI but are not consistently enforced. It calls for the creation of an AI Commissioner in Australia to provide clear guidance and ensure human rights and consumer protections. The article also emphasizes the need for Australia to catch up with other regions like the EU and North America in AI regulation, particularly in high-risk areas like facial recognition technology.
The era of self-regulation over in the AI era
Tech companies, once resistant to regulation, are now advocating for it in the AI era. Australia's tech policy minister, Ed Husic, has announced a review of laws for AI, emphasizing the end of self-regulation. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has called for AI regulation in the US Congress. The article argues that existing laws apply to AI but are not consistently enforced, and suggests the creation of an AI Commissioner in Australia. It highlights the need for Australia to catch up with other regions in creating legal frameworks for AI, particularly for high-risk applications like facial recognition technology. The authors, affiliated with the University of Technology Sydney, emphasize the urgency of reform and the need for government to lead by example, referencing the Robodebt scandal as a cautionary tale.
Avoiding a surveillance society: how better rules can rein in facial recognition tech
The article discusses the need for better regulation of facial recognition technology in Australia to prevent harmful uses while allowing beneficial applications. It highlights the rapid growth of facial recognition and its potential risks, citing examples of misuse and regulatory failures. The authors propose a model law that includes rigorous impact assessments, technical standards, and a general prohibition on high-risk applications, with exceptions for justified uses under international human rights law, law enforcement with oversight, and academic research. The article emphasizes the importance of immediate reform and suggests the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner as a suitable regulator.
Avoiding a surveillance society: How better rules can rein in facial recognition tech
Facial recognition technology, while useful, poses significant privacy and human rights risks. Current Australian laws are inadequate to address these challenges. A proposed model law aims to regulate facial recognition based on risk, ensuring public benefit while preventing harmful uses. The law would require impact assessments, compliance with technical standards, and oversight by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. The proposal has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the Technology Council of Australia and CHOICE. Immediate federal action is urged to harmonize regulations and protect against misuse.
'Agile governance' could redesign policy on data protection. Here's why that matters
Technology regulation is evolving rapidly but remains fragmented across national and regional divides. Agile governance can address this issue by creating a more adaptive approach to regulation. The EU's GDPR has inspired similar efforts globally, but regulatory fragmentation persists, leading to inconsistent data protection and challenges for firms and governments. Agile governance, inspired by agile software development, promotes proactive, inclusive, and iterative policy design. However, it faces constraints such as limited policy space, stakeholder engagement, and trade-offs. Overcoming these constraints is essential to reap the benefits of agile governance in technology regulation.
The anatomy of technology regulation
Policy fragmentation in technology regulation is influenced by differing values and political ideologies across key jurisdictions like the United States, European Union, and China. However, even countries with similar ideological backgrounds, such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the U.S., and the UK, exhibit unique approaches to technology policy. Factors shaping these policies include constitutional decision-making authority, political cohesion, and government capacity for effective implementation. Additionally, incentives and trade-offs related to state power, national output, national security, consumer rights, and policymakers' own power further explain policy divergences. Understanding these factors provides a nuanced view of the future of technology regulation.
Can we better define what we mean by closing the digital divide?
The article discusses the significant investment in broadband funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, highlighting the role of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in distributing these funds. It critiques past efforts to bridge the digital divide and emphasizes the need for a clearer definition of the problem, advocating for a broader approach that includes addressing poverty, geographic, and social isolation. The author argues for the inclusion of diverse voices in policy-making to ensure that digital access can bridge economic and social divides, rather than just focusing on broadband availability and affordability.
Rethinking technology policy and governance for the 21st Century
Major technology firms exert significant social and political influence globally, challenging national sovereignty and norms. Governments in various regions are implementing regulations to protect national interests, though their effectiveness and impact on rights are debated. The Fourth Industrial Revolution poses risks to economic development, national security, social cohesion, and human rights. New forms of regulation and governance are needed to ensure values like fairness, inclusiveness, and accountability. Policymakers face challenges due to regulatory fragmentation, lack of data, and reliance on technology firms. Transparent, holistic policymaking, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and agile governance are essential for effective technology policy. The European Commission's approach to the Digital Services Act and initiatives by the World Economic Forum are highlighted as positive steps. Agile governance processes, such as regulatory sandboxes and risk-based approaches, offer opportunities to embed fairness, inclusion, and accountability in technological systems.
Interoperable, agile, and balanced: Rethinking technology policy and governance for the 21st century
Emerging technologies are altering market dynamics and introducing risks that necessitate regulation. Current governance approaches are inadequate, fragmented, and lack actionable goals. The paper suggests three tools for effective technology regulation: transparent and holistic policymaking, enhanced cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and a shift towards agile governance.
The anatomy of technology regulation
The 2020s will be marked by new technology regulations, but global policy fragmentation persists due to differing values and political ideologies in key jurisdictions like the US, EU, and China. Even among similar countries, such as the Five Eyes members, technology policies vary significantly due to factors like constitutional authority, political cohesion, and government capacity. These differences are influenced by state power, economic impact, national security, consumer rights, and policymakers' self-interest. Understanding these factors provides a nuanced view of future technology policy directions.
The Disruptive Power Of Grace
Grace is portrayed as a disruptive force that transcends ethnicity, privilege, and personal achievements. It is described as an unearned favor from God that challenges societal norms and personal assumptions. The article emphasizes that grace is not something that can be achieved through human effort but is a divine gift that comes unexpectedly. Biblical references and the hymn 'Amazing Grace' are used to illustrate the transformative power of grace.
The digital revolution is eating its young
Massive online platforms have created a gap between the real and digital economy, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) aims to integrate tangible and intangible elements for productive synergies, but the decoupling of digital and real sectors is evident. Digitally native companies like Facebook, Amazon, and Apple have seen accelerated growth during COVID-19, raising concerns about market efficiency and equity.
Is the Unbelievable Truth About the Hopeful Resurrection Actually Believable?
The article explores various theories surrounding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, ultimately arguing that the resurrection is the most plausible explanation for the empty tomb. It dismisses alternative theories such as the 'swoon' theory, the 'wrong tomb' theory, and the 'stolen body' theory, among others, citing historical evidence and the transformation of Jesus' disciples as key points. The author concludes that the resurrection is a believable event, supported by historical and theological evidence.
10 Reasons Why Nobody Likes Your Church
The article outlines ten reasons why a church might be unappealing to visitors and members alike. Key issues include being unwelcoming, internal conflicts, lack of engagement with visitors, boring services, small congregations, and a general dislike for people and the local community. It also highlights the importance of having a plan for outreach and evangelism, and the potential for a church to be dying due to demographic imbalances. The final point acknowledges that sometimes a church may be faithful but still not grow, emphasizing the need for genuine faithfulness and outreach.
Justice is Always Social
The article discusses the concept of justice from a Christian perspective, emphasizing that justice is inherently social and involves caring for the poor and marginalized. It critiques the current state of the American church, urging Christians to embody the principles of justice and charity as exemplified by early Christians and biblical teachings. The author argues that justice should not be politicized but should be a fundamental aspect of Christian life, advocating for a return to the values of the early church.
The digital revolution is eating its young
The article discusses the widening gap between the digital and real economies, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the rapid growth of digital firms like Facebook, Amazon, and Apple, contrasting it with the struggles of traditional economy companies like ExxonMobil. The authors propose three solutions: government grants and subsidies to promote technological diffusion, a multistakeholder model of innovation, and digital protectionism to foster local innovation ecosystems. They argue that these measures are necessary to ensure that the benefits of the digital revolution are more equitably distributed.
Helping Protect Your Pastor from Death by Suicide
The article addresses the mental health struggles faced by pastors, highlighting the tragic suicides of Andrew Stoecklein, Jarrid Wilson, and Darrin Patrick. It discusses contributing factors to depression in ministry, such as loneliness, the weight of pastoral responsibility, and spiritual warfare. The author shares a personal account of battling suicidal thoughts and emphasizes the importance of support systems, including family, counseling, and medical treatment. The article underscores the need for the church community to actively support pastors dealing with depression and to approach mental health with compassion and understanding.
The digital revolution is eating its young
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has created a divide between the tangible and intangible economies, with digitally native companies like Facebook, Amazon, and Apple experiencing unprecedented growth, while traditional sectors suffer. This has led to a K-shaped recovery, exacerbating economic inequality. The article critiques the current business model for failing to support equity and inclusion and suggests government intervention through grants, subsidies, and digital protectionism to promote technological diffusion and balanced economic power. The post-pandemic world requires rethinking innovation and value creation to ensure the digital revolution benefits all.
How satellites can solve Africa's eco-challenges, from deforestation to illegal mining
Satellites like NASA's Landsat and ESA's Sentinel are crucial in addressing Africa's environmental challenges, such as deforestation and illegal mining. The Digital Earth Africa platform leverages satellite imagery and data cube technology to provide detailed, analysis-ready geospatial data, aiding in sustainable development and informed decision-making. This technology supports various sectors, including agriculture, urban development, and environmental protection, and has significant economic potential. Initiatives like these are essential for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and combating illegal activities through advanced analytics and machine learning.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is driving Globalization 4.0
Globalization and technology are deeply interconnected, with each phase of globalization being shaped by technological advancements. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is driving a new phase, termed 'Globalization 4.0,' characterized by the integration of digital technologies and global standards. This phase emphasizes the importance of global systems over individual technologies, the role of digital foundations in creating a 'Global Village,' and the geopolitical implications of technological advancements. The article advocates for a human-centered approach to technology, aiming for inclusivity, trustworthiness, and sustainability to address past shortcomings and build a shared future.
The power of trust and values in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Trust is essential for innovation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where technologies like AI, robotics, and IoT can transform lives but also raise concerns about privacy and data use. The trust gap is growing, with significant distrust in institutions and companies' handling of data. Businesses must act transparently and align their values with societal impact to regain and foster customer trust. Regulations like GDPR offer frameworks for building trust, and companies must genuinely prioritize customer interests and broader community responsibilities. Trust, not just data, will determine the success of businesses and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Website aims to help residents live happier, healthier lifestyles
Wichita County residents have access to a new resource, the Live Well Website, designed to promote healthier and happier lifestyles. The website organizes content into six categories: Basic Needs and Welfare, Medical Care, Healthy Eating, Family Corner, Active Living, and Mental Health and Substance Use. It offers resources on various topics, including clothing, domestic violence, shelter assistance, healthy eating, anti-venom, and tobacco cessation. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Wichita County Public Health District, United Regional Physician Group, Community Healthcare Center, and the Clinics of North Texas.
Racism and authoritarianism go hand in hand
A study analyzing World Values Survey data from 1995 to 2011 reveals a negative relationship between social intolerance and support for democracy among white Americans. The research indicates that social intolerance correlates with authoritarian preferences and that education may amplify this effect. The findings suggest that democracy's failure to protect minority rights may be linked to social norms of intolerance and political values that enable illiberal behavior. The article also reflects on the current political climate, including President Donald Trump's rhetoric and policies, as a possible manifestation of these anti-democratic orientations.
Inequality in Australia: four ways technology is creating a new divide
The article discusses how technology could exacerbate inequality in Australia through four main avenues: automation threatening low-income jobs, the need for skills to use new technologies, capital shifts away from workers, and the encoding of biases in technology. It references the Committee for Economic Development of Australia's report on inequality and the World Economic Forum's concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The article suggests that Australia can manage these challenges through worker augmentation, education innovation, and technology governance, while emphasizing the importance of political cooperation to address these issues.
Hope and fear surround emerging technologies, but all of us must contribute to stronger governance
Emerging technologies like AI, synthetic biology, and distributed ledgers are rapidly advancing, but their governance is lagging, leading to significant societal and ethical challenges. The article stresses the need for stronger governance involving both public and private sectors to ensure these technologies benefit society equitably. It highlights the importance of ethical considerations in technology development and calls for active participation from all citizens to shape the future direction of these technologies. Key examples include Google's energy efficiency improvements, Microsoft's ethical AI initiatives, and collaborative efforts like the Swinburne Factory of the Future and the World Economic Forum's Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Hope and fear surround emerging technologies, but all of us must contribute to stronger governance
Governance solutions are lagging behind the rapid development of emerging technologies, leading to significant societal and ethical challenges. The article highlights the need for collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to bridge the knowledge gap and create inclusive governance structures. It emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in technology development and calls for active participation from all citizens to shape the future of technology in a way that benefits society. Key examples include the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Commonwealth Bank's data loss, and Google's AI energy-saving initiatives. The text advocates for a proactive approach to governance, cross-sector collaboration, and the integration of moral values in technological advancements.
Winners and losers of the NFL draft
The article reviews the key picks and potential impacts of the 2018 NFL draft, highlighting the selections made by various teams and evaluating the prospects of the players chosen. The Cleveland Browns' picks of Baker Mayfield and Denzel Ward are discussed, with mixed opinions on their potential. Saquon Barkley is praised for his abilities and expected impact on the New York Giants. Sam Darnold is criticized as a potential bust for the New York Jets. Other notable picks include Bradley Chubb for the Denver Broncos, Josh Allen for the Buffalo Bills, and Roquan Smith for the Chicago Bears. The article also highlights the Arizona Cardinals' selection of Josh Rosen and Christian Kirk, and the New England Patriots' picks of Isaiah Wynn and Sony Michel. Lamar Jackson's potential as a quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens is also discussed.
Men’s Baseball makes two comebacks to sweep St. Lawrence
Men’s Baseball team at the University of Rochester achieved two significant comebacks in a doubleheader against St. Lawrence, winning 7–6 and 16–13. Key performances included Corey Ziring's base-clearing triple, Tyler Schmidt's solo home run, and Owen Gabbey's impressive pitching debut. The team showcased strong offensive and defensive plays, leading to notable statistical achievements and securing wins for pitchers Luke Meyerson and Gabbey, with saves by Will Conroy and Tyler McConway.
Women’s Lacrosse falls to St. Lawrence and Ithaca
Women’s Lacrosse team from the University of Rochester faced defeats against Ithaca College and St. Lawrence University. Despite a strong first half against Ithaca, the team was outscored in the second half, leading to a 9–19 loss. Against St. Lawrence, the team showed resilience, narrowing the gap in the second half but ultimately losing 8–9. Key players included Brigid Regan, Madeline Levy, and Jamison Seabury. The team remains optimistic and is preparing for upcoming matches against Bard College and Vassar College, focusing on strong defense, midfield coordination, and offensive decision-making.
Records broken in swim and dive championships
UR Swimming and Diving teams finished seventh at the University Athletic Association Championships in Atlanta, hosted by Emory University. The women's team broke several school records, with notable performances by Becca Selznick, Monica Jackson, and others. The men's team also had strong showings, with divers Max Adler and Stephen Savchik qualifying for the NCAA Championships. The event saw multiple top-20 finishes across various swimming and diving events.
When Government Fails
Political scientists express concern over the state of American democracy, noting trends that could undermine democratic norms. Despite these concerns, survey data indicates that Americans still value democracy highly, though they are dissatisfied with specific political actors and government performance. The article distinguishes between diffuse support for democratic principles and specific support for political actors, arguing that dissatisfaction with the latter does not necessarily indicate a decline in support for democracy itself. The piece also contextualizes current attitudes within historical and global perspectives, emphasizing the need to understand public opinion accurately to support democratic integrity.
How governance is changing in the 4IR
The article discusses the challenges and changes in governance during the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), emphasizing the need for agile governance that involves public-private cooperation. Traditional governance models are being disrupted by emerging technologies, leading to a need for new rules and norms that can adapt to rapid innovation. The article highlights the role of public policy labs and innovation hubs in fostering experimental and citizen-centered policy-making. It also mentions the World Economic Forum's initiative on Agile Governance, which aims to support stakeholders in reimagining policymaking for the 4IR.
Australia's luck is running out. Could the Fourth Industrial Revolution change that?
Australia's economic success is notable, but the country faces challenges such as lower growth rates post-financial crisis, weak non-mining sector growth, and stagnant wages. The IMF describes this as 'symptoms of the new mediocre.' The Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by the convergence of digital, biological, and physical technologies, presents an opportunity for Australia to leverage its highly-educated population. Collaboration, technology adoption, and public discourse are essential for Australia to benefit from this revolution. The biotech sector exemplifies successful collaboration and growth. Investments in automation technologies could significantly boost Australia's national income, but this requires supporting workers through the transition. Ultimately, the Fourth Industrial Revolution offers a chance to shape a more inclusive, fair, and sustainable future.
Learning from Martin Luther About Technological Disruption
Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther's posting of the '95 Theses' sparked the Protestant Reformation, significantly influenced by the advent of the printing press. This technological innovation allowed for rapid dissemination of ideas, transforming religious and political landscapes. Luther's use of the printing press to spread his message in the vernacular led to widespread religious upheaval and the eventual Thirty Years' War. The article draws parallels to today's Fourth Industrial Revolution, emphasizing the need for constructive engagement with new technologies to avoid deepening societal divisions and to harness their potential for positive change.
Cut Peronists
The article draws parallels between the populist policies of Juan Perón's Argentina and the current economic strategies of the Trump administration in the United States. It criticizes the Republican Party's shift away from fiscal responsibility, highlighting the potential negative impacts of proposed tax cuts on the national debt and economic inequality. The text underscores the dangers of populism, suggesting that the promised benefits for the working class are unlikely to materialize, with the primary beneficiaries being the wealthy.
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