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It feels like yesterday that my wife and I were shopping for grade schools for our daughter the same daughter who just graduated from high school.

We visited a bunch of private schools where the children of Washingtons elite get turned into the feedstock of the meritocracy.

The most remarkable thing about the experience was how nearly all of the schools were obsessed with diversity and all the pedagogic and social issues attached to the term. Many pitched diversity not merely as important but as their sole comparative advantage. The headmaster of one prestigious school even advised a group of parents to look at the mission statements of other schools. Youll see a lot of buzzwords like academic rigor and scholarship,' he warned, making scare quotes in the air with his fingers. Well, we want you to know that we consider our social justice mission more important than academics.

I often tell this story to point out that school choice isnt the solution to political correctness that many conservatives think it is. Parents who can afford to send their kids to private schools dont need vouchers; theyve got cash. Im bringing this up for different reasons.

Proponents of critical race theory and antiracism (the idea that being nonracist isnt good enough; you have to embrace an antiracist agenda) as an approach to classroom instruction believe America is shot through with structural racism and white supremacy and that white people must atone for their privilege somehow.

Taking this approach, they claim, will usher in a long-overdue reckoning with our past and present. They make it sound as if before 2021, it never occurred to anyone that kids should be taught about racism or the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.

Currently, most k-12 students already learn a kind of Confederate Race Theory, whereby the Daughters of the Confederacy long ago imposed a version of history wherein slavery was not so bad and had nothing to do with the civil war, and lynchings and violence never happened, MSNBC host Joy-Ann Reid recently tweeted.

Well, I can report that this is otherworldly nonsense, going by my daughters experience or that of the children of people I know in Washington. At affluent K-12 schools, public or private, teaching about racism, slavery and civil rights has been central to social studies curricula for decades.

But you know what? This has also been the case at most non-elite schools. The idea that, absent a critical-race-theory lens, most students would be taught American history through the prism of Gone With the Wind or The Birth of a Nation is preposterous.

And parents know it. Which is why the debate over this new political hobbyhorse has people talking past each other.

Comparisons to the tea party protests of 2009 are imperfect but instructive. For liberals, the protests ignited by Barack Obamas stimulus package seemed illegitimate. For some, it was a racist backlash against a Black president. For others, it was a fake movement fueled by astroturfing political grifters. (The grifters eventually took it over, but that came later.) And some saw it as hypocritical. George W. Bush had his bank and auto industry bailouts, and conservatives went along. Why rediscover fiscal restraint now? But for increasingly populist conservatives at that time, more government spending by any administration was a last straw.

When proponents of critical race theory say they are merely proposing a belated corrective to the way American history has been framed, many parents dont buy it, having seen what their children are taught now.

The current battle over critical race theory is a wonderful gift to the Republicans in the short term. The GOP would love to win back white suburban parents with culture-war issues, now that it has no credibility on fiscal matters. But in the long run, this could be disastrous for the party and the country, because the last thing anyone needs is to redefine the culture war as a racial conflict.

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Battle over critical race theory won't benefit GOP in long run - Martins Ferry Times Leader

A Teesside grandad is raising a cuppa for the Trussell Trust.

Malcolm McGregor, 65, from Acklam, volunteered with Middlesbrough Foodbank during the covid-19 pandemic, and he is now encouraging local people to host a tea party with donations going to the anti-poverty charity.

Throughout this unprecedented period, Malcolm helped get thousands of emergency food parcels to people living in crisis in the town, along with a team of volunteers.

Read more: The hospital volunteers who made a massive difference during pandemic - and now have NHS jobs

When I was a young man in Middlesbrough there were lots of opportunities and really good jobs, but in recent years Ive seen more and more people affected by poverty.

The past year has been particularly tough for many of us and I wanted to do something in recognition of the hardship some people were going through, so I thought that helping and supporting the food bank would be a great way to give back, Malcolm said.

He was inspired to volunteer at his local food bank after seeing the levels of destitution and poverty rise across Middlesbrough in recent times.

Malcolm was born and bred in the town, and has dedicated hours of voluntary service to Middlesbrough Foodbank, which is part of the Trussell Trusts network.

He is a regular worshipper at Saint Barnabas in Linthorpe, along with his wife, and the pair became involved with the food bank station at the church.

Retired teacher Malcolm now welcomes people into the food bank, offering them a friendly welcome as they come to collect their food packages.

When I started volunteering, I used to label tins of food but now I work more closely with the people who come into the food bank and need help and support.

Im one of the first faces people will see when they walk into the food bank.

Before the pandemic, people would come in and sit down and I would chat to them and offer them tea, coffee and cakes whilst their order was being processed.

Although this has now changed due to social distancing restrictions, I am still there to offer everyone kind words, words of encouragement.

I feel its important to make that contact and show people that theyre not just coming in for food, but also to meet people who care, who take the time to spend a few minutes with them, Malcolm said.

He is now encouraging people across Middlesbrough to host a Tea for Trussell tea party and raise vital funds for the charity that aims to end the need for food banks in the UK.

Families, friends and colleagues can come together over a brew and cake on a day that suits them, with fundraisers able to host events at home or virtually to raise their mugs with love.

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, the event will be a brilliant way to get the team together over a cup of tea and cake, while supporting an important cause which is making a difference to thousands of people in crisis.

Its not right that anyone is forced to turn to a food bank and we owe it to each other to make sure that sufficient financial support is in place when we need it the most, Malcolm said.

Whether youre an expert baker or you prefer to buy pre-made goods, Tea for Trussell is a fun way to catch up over a cuppa and make a difference to thousands of people living in crisis.

I would urge everyone across Middlesbrough to get involved and join in with Tea for Trussell.

Its tough to hear about people needing to use food banks to get by, but together we can all make a difference and help build a UK where everyone can afford the basics, Malcolm said.

The charity supports a nationwide network of over 1,300 food bank centres, including the one in Middlesbrough, and provides support to thousands of people in poverty.

Between April 2020 and March 2021, Middlesbrough Foodbank distributed 8,594 emergency food parcels to those facing crisis.

Events engagement manager at the Trussell Trust, Kate Merrified said: We are incredibly grateful to Malcolm and the team at Middlesbrough Foodbank for supporting Tea for Trussell.

Hosting your own tea party is a brilliant way to bring friends, families and colleagues together this summer, while raising vital funds to end the need for food banks.

We all know that some of the best conversations happen over brew, which is why a cup of tea is also at the heart of our food bank network.

The warm welcome of a cuppa has the power to spark conversation and offer support to people coming into the food bank, while helping to uncover and address the underlying issues of poverty.

Free fundraising packs with recipes and top tips are available here or by emailing fundraising@trusselltrust.org

The Trussell Trust is determined to create a future where food banks would not be needed in the UK.

All money raised from Tea for Trussell will go towards the charitys vision of a country where everyone can afford life essentials.

Sign up to Teesside Live's newsletter here.

Kate said: Its not right that any of us need to use a food bank but we know that this can change.

Thats why were urging everyone across Middlesbrough to put the kettle on and get their loved ones involved in this exciting event.

Whether you prefer your tea milky or black, with sugar or without, builders brew or a masala chai, anything goes, as long as youre having fun!

Now is the perfect time to raise both a cuppa and donations, so that together we can build a hunger free future.-

Link:
Malcolm's seen what life on bread line is like for others - and now tells his food bank volunteer story - Teesside Live

She bought some new jams and wanted to put on her hat with them.

This is her face when we saw the neighbors dog when we were walking outside that night before going to bed. She only likes animals!

A friend of mine recently gave birth to a child, and she also has a one-year-old child and a two-year-old child they are raising. I went to spend an afternoon with her children so that she could have a little free time. I played a tea party and had a lot of fun with her daughters. When Kierstyn was two years old, it made me very excited!

I flew to Little Rock that day and recorded some family life radio interviews about my book, Love-centered parenting. This is my first business trip in a year and a half, and it feels very strange! But being able to record a subject that I am passionate about in the studio is so vital!

At the end of the interview, one of the moderators, Ann, asked if she could pray for me. This is such a special moment, and it makes me very lucky-I am very happy that someone in the sound studio took a picture!

This summer, Silas joined a tournament team and loved it. He must cast one of his games in his last game. This is his favorite game!

A week ago, we went to Paducah, Kentucky, Branson, Missouri, and Wichita, Kansas for summer road trips. We stopped in Clarksville, Tennessee to let Jesse try the new Black Rifle Coffee Company store!

One of the best ways to keep young children in a hotel room: let them look out the window, watching all the cars and people!

In Paducah, we went to this highly recommended donut shop-Reds Donuts.

Its delicious-a box of 12 different doughnuts is only $8!

We also visited Pipers Tea & Coffee-this is also our recommendation!

He is such a good traveler! But he always acted very happy, getting up from his car seat, being hugged or lying on his stomach in the hotel room!

We went to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri-one of our favorite places! Jesse and I both grew up there, so it left us with a lot of special memories!

Very important first stop: cinnamon buns!

Jesse is not really a roller coaster fan, so I love to ride some bigger roller coasters with the girls.

Kierstyn started her first ride!

At first she was not sure what to think, but in the end she enjoyed it!

Some Harlem globetrotters are in Silver Dollar City, so we must go to see their performances.

After spending a day in Silver Dollar City, we went to Wichita, Kansas to visit our family.

Kierstyn really likes hanging out with Uncle Stephen.

She also likes grandma and grandpas dogs!

One morning, my mother and I went to Bramble Cafe on Eldersley Farm.

She bought me this goat cheese there (its delicious!)

Speaking of deliciousness, the one KS restaurant I always miss in Tennessee is Braums. So we had to stop for some frozen yogurt and burgers!

Caitlin can skate on the skating rink in Kansas, and my mother has to come and see her day.

Kierstyn likes hanging out with her cousins!

We finally went to Chicken N Pickle!

I met a friend I havent seen in 17 years! ! (She drove to pick me up from Oklahoma in the afternoon!)

My parents also invited a group of our friends to a grand picnic in one evening!

We are all going to visit my grandpa (Kierstyn loves his dog!)

We ended our time in KS and took some trolleys in Jesses house!

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A glimpse of the past two weeks (trips to Little Rock, Branson and Wichita) - QNT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds great promise for improving the delivery of healthcare and medicine worldwide, but only if ethics and human rights are put at the heart of its design, deployment, and use, according to new WHO guidance published today.

The report, Ethics and governance of artificial intelligence for health, is the result of 2 years of consultations held by a panel of international experts appointed by WHO.

Like all new technology, artificial intelligence holds enormous potential for improving the health of millions of people around the world, but like all technology it can also be misused and cause harm, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. This important new report provides a valuable guide for countries on how to maximize the benefits of AI, while minimizing its risks and avoiding its pitfalls.

Artificial intelligence can be, and in some wealthy countries is already being used to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis and screening for diseases; to assist with clinical care; strengthen health research and drug development, and support diverse public health interventions, such as disease surveillance, outbreak response, and health systems management.

AI could also empower patients to take greater control of their own health care and better understand their evolving needs. It could also enable resource-poor countries and rural communities, where patients often have restricted access to health-care workers or medical professionals, to bridge gaps in access to health services.

However, WHOs new report cautions against overestimating the benefits of AI for health, especially when this occurs at the expense of core investments and strategies required to achieve universal health coverage.

It also points out that opportunities are linked to challenges and risks, including unethical collection and use of health data; biases encoded in algorithms, and risks of AI to patient safety, cybersecurity, and the environment.

For example, while private and public sector investment in the development and deployment of AI is critical, the unregulated use of AI could subordinate the rights and interests of patients and communities to the powerful commercial interests of technology companies or the interests of governments in surveillance and social control.

The report also emphasizes that systems trained primarily on data collected from individuals in high-income countries may not perform well for individuals in low- and middle-income settings.

AI systems should therefore be carefully designed to reflect the diversity of socio-economic and health-care settings. They should be accompanied by training in digital skills, community engagement and awareness-raising, especially for millions of healthcare workers who will require digital literacy or retraining if their roles and functions are automated, and who must contend with machines that could challenge the decision-making and autonomy of providers and patients.

Ultimately, guided by existing laws and human rights obligations, and new laws and policies that enshrine ethical principles, governments, providers, and designers must work together to address ethics and human rights concerns at every stage of an AI technologys design, development, and deployment.

To limit the risks and maximize the opportunities intrinsic to the use of AI for health, WHO provides the following principles as the basis for AI regulation and governance:

Protecting human autonomy: In the context of health care, this means that humans should remain in control of health-care systems and medical decisions; privacy and confidentiality should be protected, and patients must give valid informed consent through appropriate legal frameworks for data protection.

Promoting human well-being and safety and the public interest. The designers of AI technologies should satisfy regulatory requirements for safety, accuracy and efficacy for well-defined use cases or indications. Measures of quality control in practice and quality improvement in the use of AI must be available.

Ensuring transparency, explainability and intelligibility. Transparency requires that sufficient information be published or documented before the design or deployment of an AI technology. Such information must be easily accessible and facilitate meaningful public consultation and debate on how the technology is designed and how it should or should not be used.

Fostering responsibility and accountability. Although AI technologies perform specific tasks, it is the responsibility of stakeholders to ensure that they are used under appropriate conditions and by appropriately trained people. Effective mechanisms should be available for questioning and for redress for individuals and groups that are adversely affected by decisions based on algorithms.

Ensuring inclusiveness and equity. Inclusiveness requires that AI for health be designed to encourage the widest possible equitable use and access, irrespective of age, sex, gender, income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability or other characteristics protected under human rights codes.

Promoting AI that is responsive and sustainable. Designers, developers and users should continuously and transparently assess AI applications during actual use to determine whether AI responds adequately and appropriately to expectations and requirements. AI systems should also be designed to minimize their environmental consequences and increase energy efficiency. Governments and companies should address anticipated disruptions in the workplace, including training for health-care workers to adapt to the use of AI systems, and potential job losses due to use of automated systems.

These principles will guide future WHO work to support efforts to ensure that the full potential of AI for healthcare and public health will be used for the benefits of all.

Continue reading here:
WHO issues first global report on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health and six guiding principles for its design and use - World Health Organization

Dublin, June 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Technology Themes 2021 - Tracking Development of 3 Key Trends, 5G, Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

5G, Quantum Computing and AI have been discussed at length for a number of years and the hype that surrounds them can lessen the understanding of real world impacts these themes are already having. This report aims to track their present position, explain their potential benefits and see where any issues have arisen. 2021 promises to be a significant year for all three industries.

Key Highlights

5G consists of the fifth generation of cellular technology and is built to enable faster mobile data speeds than previous 4G LTE and earlier technologies, providing the potential for revenue growth and lower customer churn. 5G will allow networks to be virtually sliced to provide a range of different service characteristics for different use cases. For example, ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC) will support use cases including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), automated and remotely operated robotics, and many others. Meanwhile, massive machine-type communications (mMTC) will eventually support millions, and eventually billions, of sensors and meters that can provide value through data analytics and automation in use cases such as agriculture, healthcare, and public safety.

While widespread enterprise use remains years away, the hype around quantum computing (QC) continued to build in 2020, and with good reason. More people than ever are getting to grips with QC, with many companies now offering quantum cloud experiences for beginners and developers alike. Two separate organizations, Google and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), have claimed the quantum advantage, but practical use cases need to be proven in 2021 for the field to continue to attract investment.

AI is ubiquitous today. It can be found everywhere, from wearable tech to automated home devices, smart cities, cars, offices, and more. The technology is embedded in a range of systems, making it challenging to identify revenue explicitly generated by AI. GlobalData forecasts that the market for AI platforms will reach $52bn in 2024, up from $29bn in 2019. AI is one of the most hyped technologies, with reality often falling short of vendors' world-altering promises.

Scope

Story continues

Learn how AI is developing

See how quantum computing is becoming more mainstream

See how 5G is now ubiquitious

Understand what the major technology themes are and how they are developing

Reasons to Buy

What are the major themes developing in the technology sector?

How developed is the 5G network now?

Is quantum computing having a major impact?

What sectors has AI now developed into?

Key Topics Covered:

Executive Summary

5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology

Mobile network operator deployments are patchy

Mobile 5G subscription evolution

Mobile 5G revenue evolution

5G capabilities and use cases

Ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC)

Massive machine-type communications (mMTC)

Quantum Computing

Artificial Intelligence

Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7qp3yw

About ResearchAndMarkets.comResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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5G, Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology Development Trends Report 2021 - Yahoo Finance