Latest news with #Cahn
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
Cat Has Kittens—Then Owner Notices Something Unexpected and Goes Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A woman's theory as to why her cat had kittens with various different fur colors has gone viral on social media, and now internet users can't stop laughing. In a viral TikTok video shared in April under the username @podwi3czorek, the poster picks up the kittens one by one, showing them to the camera to highlight their different fur colors. The first two kittens on screen have an intense gray fur, typical of Scottish folds, as the poster confirms in the comments. However, as the clip goes on, the kittens' fur colors keep getting lighter and lighter. The third kitten is a light gray, dusty color, while the fourth is almost completely white, and the fifth is white as snow. "Mom's printer ran out of ink," the poster writes in the clip, as the newborn kitties make cute playful noises in the background. It is not unusual for cats to birth kittens with different fur colors and patterns, but what is behind their unique coats? Dr. Liza Cahn, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, told Newsweek that a cat's fur color comes down to a complex interaction of genes. Cahn said that, for each gene, a cat inherits one copy, called an allele, from each parent. This determines how a particular trait will be expressed. A dominant allele requires only one copy for its trait to be expressed, while a recessive allele requires two. "In simple terms, genes control the production of two primary pigments within specialized cells called melanocytes: eumelanin (which produces black and brown colors) and pheomelanin (which produces red and orange colors)," Cahn said. "A primary gene determines which of these two base pigments is produced, determining a cat's overall color. Other genes then act as modifiers, leading to color dilution, white patches, tabby pattern, and more." The rainbow of colors and patterns within a litter of kittens, according to Cahn, comes from the unique combination of genes each one inherits from its parents. Cahn said: "Additionally, a female cat can mate with more than one male during her heat cycle, so it's possible for kittens in the same litter to have different fathers, leading to even more variation in their colors and markings." Stock image: A pair of hands holds three small kittens of different colors. Stock image: A pair of hands holds three small kittens of different colors. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 29.5 million views and more than 5.9 million views on the platform. One user, Kaname Hagiri, commented: "I have a pair of black cats, imagine my surprise when all the kittens were white as snow." Diderareda posted: "50 shades of gray." Samantha Dawn added: "Mine straight up malfunctioned. She had 4 black kittens and one singular orange tabby." Newsweek reached out to @podwi3czorek for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
AI Tracking of Homeless Camps: Crucial Resource or Civil Rights Nightmare?
In March of 2024, two men, disillusioned by traditional methods of combating homelessness, developed and released Nomadik: a ground-breaking app that uses AI to detect and track homeless encampments across the city of Austin, Texas. Nomadiks developers touted the app as a way to "[harness] the power of collective intelligence," by involving everyday people in the process of documenting homelessness in the city. But critics pointed out that "even well-intentioned efforts can lead to unintended consequences and further stigmatization." Now, just over a year since its release, the question is: Is Nomadik helping the homeless, or does it open the door for more sinister AI use down the road? Trevor Sorrells, co-founder and CEO of Nomadik, believes that the app is a crucial element in understanding and solving the homelessness problem. "Our tool isnt for surveillance," he stressed. "Its purpose is to take traditionally underfunded and understaffed organizations and give them the tools they need to apply their resources where they will have the biggest impact on both the clients and the community as a whole." When a user downloads the app, the first screen that appears is a camera, which can be used to photograph homeless encampments. The user can also toggle to a map with encampments outlined in red, and "info drop" what is happening in the area. The user can report things like hazardous waste, drug paraphernalia, and the scale of debris in the area. Another section on the app asks questions about whether the user is experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, etc., to determine what resources the user may need. Sorrells explained to RCP that the app is meant to expand access to care by creating a "pattern of life" so that service providers know where and whom to focus on. He added that since resources are limited, the app helps providers distribute care "based on the expected impact they will have." The Argument Against Nomadik The expanding use of AI tools like Nomadik in cities like Dallas, Waco, San Jose, and San Diego reflect the growing optimism of Sorrells and others that AI could be the key to ending homelessness. Yet Albert Fox Cahn, executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, is concerned that people have not fully thought through where such technology could lead. This type of AI use is, in his words, a "civil rights nightmare." Cahn pointed out that treating homelessness like crime rather than a humanitarian issue is already a popular practice in many cities. Just because AI technology is used for benign reasons today does not mean that it couldnt be used to "arrest people tomorrow, or even deport them," he stressed. Cahn told RCP that the idea of using AI to track homeless encampments is born out of a false understanding of what drives homelessness. AI tracking of homeless camps does not solve the problem of homelessness, he pointed out. It simply documents it. One of Sorrells primary arguments for Nomadik is that its documentation of homelessness allows service providers to better understand a communitys needs and tailor their efforts accordingly. But Cahn dismissed the idea that better data is what is most needed and argues that we should be more focused on prevention. "[AI] tracking can help police put unhoused folks behind bars, but how can it put a roof over their head?" Cahn asked. If we are to use AI at all, Cahn said, we should be using it to prevent homelessness through tracking "predatory landlord practices," for example. While Sorrells agrees with Cahn that there are many root causes of homelessness, including the opioid epidemic, mental health struggles, and other systemic challenges, he maintains that AI is part of the solution. Sorrells is not afraid that the technology could be misused and is instead enthusiastic about the ways in which it can streamline outreach and resource distribution. The broader question still lingers, with no satisfactory answer: Is Nomadik a help or a danger to one of the U.S. most vulnerable populations? Homelessness still remains high in Austin, and continues to rise throughout the U.S. It is unclear how much the app has helped, if at all, but it is clear that Nomadik and other AI advancements will remain a point of controversy as state and federal legislators try to keep pace with AIs constantly evolving technology. Madelynn McLaughlin is an intern at RealClearPolitics. She graduated from Liberty University in 2025 with a degree in Government: Politics and Policy.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
It Starts On The Page: Read ‘The Diplomat' Season 2 Finale Script 'Dreadnought' With Foreword By Debora Cahn
Editor's note: Deadline's It Starts on the Page (Drama) features standout drama series scripts in 2025 Emmy contention. The Diplomat creator Debora Cahn loves a cliffhanger. After leaving multiple major characters' fates up in the air at the end of the first season of the Netflix thriller, Cahn throws another huge wrench into international relations between the U.S. and the UK by the end of Season 2. More from Deadline Keri Russell & Allison Janney Talk Going Head-To-Head As Female Power Players In 'The Diplomat' Season 2 & Tease What's To Come After That Finale Twist 'Ginny & Georgia' Season 3 Soundtrack: From Remi Wolf To Sofi Tukker 2025 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming The breakneck six-episode season picks up right where things left off in Season 1, plunging viewers into the panic that broke out after a car bomb exploded in the heart of London, killing Parliament member Merritt Grove and leaving Kate's (Keri Russell) husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) as well as her deputy chief of mission Stuart Hayford (Ato Essandoh) severely injured. Kate and British Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison (David Gyasi) have just started to think they might have solved the mystery surrounding the bombing of a British aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf. But, as they soon learn, the truth is far more complicated than they could have ever imagined, and their quest only becomes more thorny with the arrival of U.S. Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney). Written by Cahn and directed by Alex Graves, the Season 2 finale, titled 'Dreadnought,' does provide both the audience and the characters with the answers they are desperately seeking. But at what cost? A pretty steep one, that's for sure. Russell earned an Emmy nomination for her performance as the ambassador to the UK, and Season 2 has already racked up a few major nomination including a DGA Awards nod for Graves and Golden Globes recognition for Russell and Janney. Here is the script for 'Dreadnought' with an intro by Cahn, in which she describes how she tried to do a 'non-sh*tty' version of the idea for the big 'Hal kills the President' finale plot twist that may have sounded 'stupid' and 'problematic' at first, and the one line in the script that reassured her that they have pulled it off. Every idea, when it first drops, sounds stupid. Maybe not every, but a lot of them, and 'Hal kills the President' sounded particularly Vice President has done a very bad thing. Hal, believing his wife Kate would be a better vice president anyway, tells the President about the bad thing and the President drops was problematic on a number of levels. One, our fictional president was a white male of a certain age, who bore a passing resemblance to Joe Biden, who was, when we were writing the story, running for a second term. Our season was slated to drop four days before the election. Suggesting that a white male president of a certain age hears a piece of bad news and drops dead in the Oval seemed if it didn't rhyme with the real election, President clutches chest and expires behind Resolute Desk sounded lame. But it was the finale, and anything finale-worthy was likely to sound lame in its baldest form, so I found myself saying, 'Yes, but we'll do the not-shitty version,' like that was some sort of literary device I'd learned from a close reading of not-shitty version required underplaying pretty much everything. We didn't want to see it happen, we just wanted to see Hal telling Kate. We didn't want to see Hal freak out. We wanted to see him caught in some kind of administrative snaggle – he needs to call his wife, he needs his cell phone, but he's in the CIA station and they don't allow cell phones in the station, so somebody's getting their assistant to call Kate's assistant and he finally erupts – slams his hand on the glass wall and says, 'Get my wife on the phone.'It seemed important that the eruption be both vocal and physical. We'd delayed it and contained it and this would be the only place where the magnitude of the situation was visible. I try not to write a lot of stage directions so that when they appear they make an impact. I even used all caps, which I also try to avoid. SLAMS. When we were filming the scene, I asked our director, Alex Graves, if it felt like a SLAM or just a slam because I really wanted it to be a SLAM, and Alex pointed out that if Rufus Sewell hit the glass any harder it would shatter, and perhaps we could make the slam a SLAM in then there was Hal's delivery of the news. Hal struggles to find the words, and lands on, 'He got really upset.'That's when I decided it would be okay. Which is what happens. An idea sounds implausible or trite and you spend a lot of time trying to build it out and ground it and support it with a great deal of research and nuance and complexity, but ultimately you have to fall in love with some piece of it, and for me it was that line, describing the cardiac death of a president.'He got really upset.' Debora Cahn Here is the script: Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 'Stick' Soundtrack: All The Songs You'll Hear In The Apple TV+ Golf Series 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out?
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jobs Report Paints Uncertain Picture of US Manufacturing Prospects
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways New jobs numbers paint an uncertain picture of the future of American manufacturing in the wake of President Donald Trump's tariff announcements. Despite promises that the country's production force would come roaring back under the new trade policy, U.S. factories collectively dropped 1,000 jobs during the month of April, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More from Sourcing Journal 'It's not terribly surprising that factory jobs were flat last month, as they have been for the past five months, reflecting a modest but steady decline since early 2023,' Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) president Scott Paul said following the release of the jobs report Friday. While there have been significant reshoring announcements in industries like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals over the course of the past three years, 'it hasn't been enough to tip the scales,' Paul said. 'The bigger question is, what happens next? Until there is certainty on tariff policy, many manufacturers will likely be treading water.' The production market for hard goods and technology has indeed seen only middling advancement in recent months, but the industries officials have been quick to write off may be the ones to buck the trend. Many footwear and apparel firms from coast to coast have experienced increased interest since the tariffs took effect—though its too soon to tell whether commitments are short-term or partners are in it for the long haul. Mitch Cahn, owner and president of Unionwear, said he was surprised to see the decline in U.S. manufacturing roles. 'We have seen a serious uptick in business since the tariffs went into effect.' The Newark, N.J.-based manufacturer of hats, bags, promotional products and military gear 'rarely get[s] real inquiries from the fashion business and the merchandise business for Made-in-U.S.A. products, and that's been all the inquiries that we're getting these days,' Cahn told Sourcing Journal. 'I will say we worked overtime the entire month of April which is a rarity for us.' Asked whether he has had to make any cuts to factory roles as a result of the duties, Cahn answered, 'We haven't.' The data could be skewed by the automobile industry, which has faced supply chain issues due to dependence on Canada and Mexico for parts and inputs, he believes. On the flip side, 'Most of the domestic sewing companies that I'm talking to are busy,' Cahn said. 'However, we have only added a couple of heads because we are operating under the assumption that the tariffs are fleeting.' No one knows whether the next news cycle will bring reports of a new tariff threat or a new trade deal, though the president and his cabinet have intimated that agreements with allies—and even a truce with China—could be imminent. Asked whether such developments could halt the progress his business is seeing, Cahn said, 'On a strictly fashion B-to-C basis, yeah, I think that if the wind blows in the other direction, we're going to see brands, in general, go back to the cheapest possible product.' 'But there is the possibility, and I'm thinking the probability, that for many businesses, there is going to be more interest in the Made-in-U.S.A. product—and not because of the tariffs,' he added. Over the next three years alone, the U.S. will celebrate its 250th anniversary and it will host the World Cup and the Olympics. Not to mention, a 2028 election cycle will bring out a fresh batch of presidential hopefuls from both parties looking for branded merch—a key element of Unionwear's offerings. Alex Zar, CEO of Los Angeles-based Lalaland Production and Design, told Sourcing Journal he was in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday participating in discussions on The Hill designed to educate lawmakers about advanced manufacturing in the U.S. 'Onshoring trends and vocational training is talk of the town in D.C.,' he said. 'As far as Lalaland goes, we are just starting to ramp up hiring for traditional production as well as our 3D-printing technology we are building here stateside, to get ready for mass-scale local production.' The manufacturer, which deals in premium and luxury leather goods, has been fielding inquiries from fashion brands looking to bring a portion of their production closer to their end market. Zar said he's confident the trend will continue, but the industry could use the government's support. L.A. Fashion District neighbor ComunityMade is also experiencing 'a surge in business,' according to Sean Scott, the company's co-founder and CEO. 'We've been laying the groundwork for several years so we can't attribute all new business to the tariffs,' he explained. Over the course of the past year, the footwear production studio and factory has seen a steady stream of new business coming through its doors. 'That said, since the tariffs were announced, our metaphorical phone has been ringing off the hook. So Comunity is growing and will be hiring people,' he added. 'In short, these tariffs are a shock to the system that has heightened a trend toward local production that was already in progress.' But there is still a 'big question about what happens next,' Scott said, noting that the administration's unpredictability and the resulting uncertainty are 'business killers.' Manufacturers are uniquely positioned to recognize the disruption on the horizon, from higher prices on consumer goods to order cancellations at China-based factories and significant supply chain disruptions like those at the ports, 'as they manage the stops and starts from this administration's actions and corrections.' And just like during the Covid-19 crisis, delays, frequent logistics rate changes and 'Chaos, basically' are driving decision-makers to scramble. 'This disruption may not be on the same scale as the pandemic but that's not a bad analogy either. This local production movement needs the active support of bigger brands so we can invest in infrastructure and grow the industry,' he said. 'If these bigger brands suffer too much from tariff disruption, they may 'pump the brakes' on any unproven business, like local production. So, we don't feel our recent uptick in business is stable.' At Gambert Shirtmakers in Newark, N.J., 'The tariffs are creating a lot of tire kicking from potential new business, but nobody is doing anything actionable per se,' said CEO and owner Mitch Gambert. Brands and retailers might be picking up the phones for informal conversations where they might probe their options, but they're not signing on the dotted line. 'As for employment, we have not had any layoffs, however, we are working a four-day work week because the normal volume is off.' According to Gambert, whose business specializes in premium men's shirting for brands and retailers across the U.S., many clients are seeing a 20-percent to 30-percent decline in business—and that's impacting the firm's orders. 'I think consumer confidence is way off, and I know supply chain disruption as a result of the tariffs is not causing any boosts to the economy,' he said. Even if companies are open to producing closer to home, consumers may not be making as many discretionary purchases now that so many necessities have jumped in price. 'If crippling China was the only goal. they are succeeding; if it was to boost the American economy, it is not kicking in yet,' he added. Gambert previously told Sourcing Journal that the small manufacturing operation has also experienced difficulty sourcing the materials and fabrics it needs from Canada, Europe and Asia, with prices on the rise and availability in question. 'If they don't eliminate tariffs on raw materials, then the tariffs imposed on all imported goods will only increase my prices and keep me still more expensive than off-shore production,' Gambert lamented, noting that he might not be able to capitalize on a Made-in-the-U.S.A. resurgence if the conditions aren't right. Needless to say, these factors complicate the firm's future hiring plans. 'I'm not really sure who is evaluating these policies, but they are not working from the perspective of someone with a manufacturing facility here in the United States,' he said.
Wales Online
01-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
10 healthiest dog breeds that may save you money on vet bills
10 healthiest dog breeds that may save you money on vet bills Getting a furry friend can be a costly business, but these ten dog breeds are said to be 'hardy' Some dog breeds are typically healthier than others (Image: Brighton) Everyone knows that getting a dog is an investment. Your new furry friend can bring plenty of joy to your life, but they come with plenty of bills too. Food, vaccines, toys and of course, the dreaded vet bill can all add up pretty quickly and leave your wallet feeling much lighter, reports the Express. However, there are certain breeds of dog which are less prone to illness, potentially saving you some cash if you decide to invest in one of these charming canines. According to Dr Liza Cahn, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, there are 10 different breeds which are less likely to see you spending half your life at the vet. 1. Australian Cattle Dog Starting off strong, the Australian Cattle Dog is known to be a hardy breed. These working dogs are incredibly high energy and require an owner who has plenty of time to dedicate to tiring them out on walks, but they are not prone to disease. Fans of the kids' show Bluey will recognise the Australian Cattle Dog - AKA Heeler (Image: (Image: Getty) ) Article continues below Dr Cahn praised these dogs: "Australian Cattle Dogs are built for endurance and benefit greatly from an active lifestyle." 2. Border Collie Another hardy working breed is the Border Collie. Not only are they among the smartest of breeds, but their drive for work and exercise also helps ensure they remain robust as they get older. 3. Australian Shepherd Next up is another Aussie favourite - the Australian Shepherd. These stunning dogs are celebrated for their beautiful coats and, as working dogs, they are inherently bred to be resilient. 4. Huskies Huskies are known to be a demanding breed, requiring plenty of grooming to keep their luxurious double coats in pristine condition, but they're also recognised as one of the most robust breeds you can find. Huskies have evolved into a naturally strong and hearty breed (Image: (Image: Getty) ) Dr Cahn remarked: "Bred for cold climates and tough physical tasks, Huskies have evolved into a naturally strong and hearty breed." 5. Basenji These distinctive dogs are not only robust in health but are discreetly quiet as well. Due to their vocal chord structure, Basenji's essentially cannot bark, making them an ideal choice for those who prefer a more silent companion. 6. Shiba Inu With their ancient lineage and powerful genetic makeup, these dogs boast good health. Their striking, fox-like looks and relatively diminutive stature make them a crowd-pleaser among avid dog lovers. 7. Beagle Another sprightly breed is the Beagle, originally reared for hunting, which contributes to its status as one of the healthier dog varieties. Dr Cahn noted: "As active hunting dogs, Beagles stay fit, contributing to their overall robust health." 8. Labrador Retriever This particular breed has won over households with its affable and endearing personality; they're not just a popular breed, but typically healthy as well. While Labradors do need a balanced diet and consistent exercise to flourish, their upkeep is critical to avoiding joint problems that may arise. 9. Cocker Spaniel The smaller size of this breed makes it a top choice for healthy domestic pets, even though attention must go towards the upkeep of their ears to fend off potential infections. 10. Mixed breeds Article continues below According to a vet, mixed-breeds such as Labradoodles often benefit from "hybrid vigour," meaning their genetic diversity can reduce the risk of inherited conditions.
