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Heads up, online daters: You may be wooing a robot

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:02 GMT

In a development that should surprise exactly no one, the online dating world is embracing newfangled chatbots, making it entirely possible that would-be Romeos are in fact courting virtual Juliets.Popular dating apps such as Tinder and Hinge are already incorporating AI into their technology, allowing users to turn over online exchanges to chatbots.The automated systems are also serving as trainers and matchmakers for people who consider themselves lovers, not fighters.And there are apps available that serve as your digital Cyrano de Bergerac, offering snappy responses to online queries from potential partners.This was probably inevitable in light of how quickly AI and chatbots have entered workplaces and education, allowing users to skip a lot of the work that once went into reports or school assignments.Roughly half of all adults under 30 have tried a dating site or app, according to Pew Research. But many come away with a negative experience -- shallow conversations, endless swi...

Donations and supplies needed for cats and dogs in fire-ravaged Maui

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:02 GMT

As the devastating wildfires continue in Maui, many across the country are doing their part to help those deeply affected. One resident in Southern California is helping dog and cat owners, who have lost everything, get to keep their furry friends. Map shows where Maui suffered estimated $5.5B in damages Shelley MacEwen has been a volunteer at the Agoura Hills Animal Care Center for almost 15 years. Before the pandemic, she vacationed in Maui while also volunteering her time at the Maui Humane Society. She's now acting as a liaison between the two and taking donations to help pets in need. People watch as smoke and flames fill the air from raging wildfires on Front Street in downtown Lahaina, Maui on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (Alan Dickar via AP)So far, she's donated 270 pounds of supplies to the island and is still looking for more items like strong leashes, big harnesses, large collars, plastic collapsable dog and cat bowls and toys. Money is also welcomed whether it's cash, check...

Teenage founder Justin Jin turns YouTube channel into billion-view entertainment empire

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:02 GMT

A study published in The Sun says that 75% of children aged 6 to 17 want to become influencers. So Justin Jin, a high school freshman at the time, posted Minecraft videos on YouTube as50mMidas. By 2020’s New Year’s Eve, he took home $100. The next month, he pulled in a thousand. “For the first year, I saw it as a complete side thing,” Justin shares in USA Today.Generation Z spends less time watching television, and a lot more time scrolling their smartphone screens. Any media company that wants to stay relevant has to create quick, fun, and informative content. The realization was all the validation Justin needed to finally debut a project that he had fantasized for years.“Okay, let’s just put content [on social media],” he said. “Let’s do what Condé Nast or Penske does, but more for Gen Z. And let’s make it relatable and authentic. Let’s build a community.” Justin opened up accounts on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and started with two videos a day. He dove headfirst into R...

Adnan Dedic’s Recent Success Story Redefines Luxury for Fort Myers

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:02 GMT

Meet Adnan Dedic, a young and ambitious real estate agent who recently achieved a remarkable career milestone by selling an extravagant 8.95 million dollar home in Fort Myers, Florida. This achievement, made possible with the assistance of his esteemed partner Cindy Cyrus, is just one of the many successes marking Dedic’s increasingly impressive career. The luxury property they sold now holds the prestigious title of the most expensive home ever sold within the last 20 years in Fort Myers, setting a new standard for luxury living in the area.“I remember when I first started in the real estate world eight years ago, I was trying to sell anything I could get my hands on. My first deal was $135,000. It’s a truly euphoric feeling of gratitude to look at how far I’ve come today, not only for the prestige of the home, but for the opportunity to be part of real estate history in Fort Myers with this sale. Even dealing with the most expensive home to be listed in Fort Myers in 20 year...

Karmic Neighborhood’s Latest Single, “That’s Me”, Unleashing Resilience in Melody

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:02 GMT

Music has always been the universal language for artists who express their deep emotions through rhythms resonating with listeners. One such track that will take listeners on a ride through resilience, perseverance, and hope is “That’s Me”, the latest single by Karmic Neighborhood. The song is the fifth track in a series of pre-album singles leading up to the soundtrack release for Equinox the Musical. While the album is scheduled to drop in September 2023, the single, “That’s Me”, takes listeners to the depths of emotions, capturing the essence of a young lover’s plight through life’s most challenging circumstances.We have all faced a crossroad in life where no path takes us to the destination we planned, and we have no option to turn back. Jason, the protagonist of Equinox the Musical, is navigating a situation that makes him more relatable to us. In this musical journey, Jason’s vulnerability and courage are reflected as he leaves h...

Best Meal Replacement Bars to Avoid Snacking

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:02 GMT

In today’s world where convenience is paramount, meal replacement bars have become a go-to snack for people wanting to stay fit and healthy.However, figuring out which is the best meal replacement bar to help you with your goals is not as easy.Many meal replacement bars are filled with artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols like erythritol that have recently been linked to negative long-term consequences (1).Other meal bars are filled with sugars and syrups that make your blood sugar spike after eating them (2).The rest are often protein bars that lack the calories or the nutrients to be able to fully replace a meal. We’ve tried many from Slimfast Bars, Clif bars, to Huel bars, and GreenBelly Bars. Most of them offer around 20g of protein per serving, which reduces ghrelin levels and decreases your appetite (3).So what is the healthiest meal replacement bar you can buy to replace your meals with?The Benefits of Meal Replacement Bars Meal replacement bars provide a ...

Two Injured in DUI Crash on Panama Lane [Bakersfield, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:02 GMT

Car Accident on Akers Road Sent Two People to the HospitalBAKERSFIELD, CA (August 14, 2023) – Late Sunday night, two people were sent to a hospital after being injured in a DUI crash on Panama Lane.The incident took place at the area of Panama Lane and Akers Road, at around 10:20 p.m., August 6th.According to the Bakersfield Police Department, two vehicles were involved in the collision, and both vehicles were occupied by a driver.Upon investigation, the officers discovered that a driver was headed westbound on Panama Lane when he ran over a stop sign and slammed into another vehicle traveling northbound on Akers Road.Moreover, the suspect’s vehicle slammed into a brick wall at the corner of the intersection.As a result, the reckless driver only suffered moderate wounds and the involved driver obtained serious injuries.Furthermore, emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported both drivers to the hospital for treatment.Consequently, the officers have determin...

Man Fatally Struck in Pedestrian Collision on Vermont Avenue [Harbor Gateway, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:02 GMT

52-Year-Old Man Pronounced Dead after Fatal Collision near Knox StreetHARBOR GATEWAY, CA (August 14, 2023) – Thursday night, one man was fatally struck in a pedestrian collision on Vermont Avenue.Police responded to the scene around 10:30 p.m., near Knox Street on August 10th.Investigators say the driver of a northbound beige BMW SUV struck a man that was attempting to cross Vermont Avenue outside of a marked crosswalk. Paramedics arrived and pronounced the 52-year-old male pedestrian dead at the scene.Meanwhile, the 42-year-old driver remained at the scene. At this time, it is unknown if alcohol or drugs contributed to the collision.Emergency crews closed off the surrounding area for a brief time during cleanup and preliminary duties. Once available, further details will be provided.The Sweet James team would like to extend their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased man. May the memories of your loved one give you strength in the difficult days ahead.It is impo...

One Hurt in Bicycle Crash on Sycamore Canyon Road [Montecito, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:02 GMT

Car Collision on Westmont Road Left Cyclist Badly InjuredMONTECITO, CA (August 14, 2023) – Wednesday afternoon, a rider sustained injuries following a bicycle crash on Sycamore Canyon Road.The incident occurred on August 12th, at around 11:00 a.m., on Sycamore Canyon Road and Westmont Road.According to reports, a 27-year-old bicyclist sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash.Responding emergency personnel transported the bicyclist to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.Authorities are conducting an active investigation of the crash and will release more information once available.Injuries sustained in a bicycle-auto collision can take a toll on a person’s financial, physical, and emotional well-being. That is why it is important to exercise due care and abide by all traffic laws whether you are a driver or a bicyclist. If you’re driving, always look out for bicycle riders at all times. Also, do not engage in any non-driving activity that creates a ...

Tampa Bay Rays to play series against SF Giants without Wander Franco as MLB looks into social media posts

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:02 GMT

By MARK DIDTLER | The Associated PressThe Tampa Bay Rays arrived in San Francisco without All-Star Wander Franco, who will miss the team’s series against the Giants this week at Oracle Park as Major League Baseball looks into social media posts involving the 22-year-old shortstop.The posts, which went viral Sunday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, allege that Franco has been involved in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.Monday morning, the Rays in a statement said they and Franco “have mutually agreed that he will go on the Restricted List and take leave from the Club for the duration of the current road trip.”The Tampa Bay Rays and Wander Franco have mutually agreed that he will go on the Restricted List and take leave from the Club for the duration of the current road trip.— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) August 14, 2023Franco did not play in Sunday’s 9-2 home loss to Cleveland, and did not accompany the team to San Francisco for the sta...