Yankees’ Anthony Volpe shines in ‘dream’ debut

In a competitive game, Anthony Volpe couldn’t recall the last time he had batted ninth.

The vivacious Yankees youngster has been the best hitter on every team he has played on for a large portion of his brief career. He has never been at his worst. Volpe earned the second-largest amount of applause behind only returning hero and 2022 AL MVP Aaron Judge, despite the fact that his name was the last of the Yankees hitters to be announced during Opening Day introductions on a bitterly cold Thursday afternoon.

Volpe leapt out of the home dugout as the crowd cheered, a huge, childlike grin covering his face. Everyone who knows the 21-year-old would tell you that he almost always has a smile on his face. wherever: during practise, in the weight room, at the DMV, or anywhere else. The young person is extremely lucky and is aware of it. Yet a baseball pitch is where he is happiest.

He was beaming from ear to ear as he passed through the team’s handshake line with the number 11 pasted over the pinstripes on his back. Why else would he not be? Simply put, his 5-0 victory over the Giants in his MLB debut stands as the pinnacle of his brief existence.

Volpe has always been a fan of the Yankees despite being a New York City native and a Watchung, New Jersey, native. Michael, his father, loved the New York Yankees. Anthony, Michael’s father, was also. Little Volpe spent evenings dreaming of one day playing shortstop for the Yankees, just like every other big-dreaming baseball child in the tri-state area. He grew up idolising Derek Jeter and had posters of him attached to his bedroom wall.

Except on Thursday, Volpe lived the dream.

At his postgame press conference, he admitted, “I probably had chills the entire day. “But just to be there, experience the same level of fan acclaim that I did, and then be free to play. That was possibly the most enjoyable.”

Volpe undoubtedly dreamed of hitting a home run or at the very least a single. But, the 5-foot-9 shortstop’s debut was more than commendable for someone who, a year ago, couldn’t even legally buy a beer. In his first professional plate appearance, it began with a cool-headed full-count walk against San Francisco ace Logan Webb, which was swiftly followed by a stolen base. His work would finally result in two terrific defensive plays: a quick charge and toss to first on a slow roller, then a slick feed to second for a double play.

A sizable group of extended friends and family down the first-base line stood up as the youngest Yankee to start on Opening Day in 27 years — coincidentally, since Jeter — went to the plate for his first at-bat to start the third inning. Lifelong friends who had travelled from out of town, cousins wearing Yankees blankets over their shoulders, and former travel ball coaches wearing hastily printed “VOLPE” shirseys all pulled their phones out of their pockets at the same time to capture a moment they had been thinking about for a very long time but hadn’t anticipated happening so soon.

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DeepSeek App Removed from Apple and Google Stores in Italy Amid Privacy Concerns

by George Mensah 2025-01-30

Chinese AI company DeepSeek has encountered a major obstacle as its app has been removed from Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store in Italy. This action follows an inquiry by Italian regulators into how the company manages user data. The sudden disappearance of the app comes as it gains widespread popularity, ranking as the most downloaded app in several countries, including the United States.

Italian Authorities Scrutinize DeepSeek’s Data Policies

Italian regulators launched an investigation after a complaint by consumer advocacy group Euroconsumers, demanding transparency about DeepSeek’s data handling practices. Authorities have given the company 20 days to provide detailed information regarding its data protection policies.

A key concern is that DeepSeek’s privacy policy specifies that user data is stored on servers in China. This has sparked fears regarding data security, regulatory compliance, and possible foreign access. According to the company’s policy:

“Where we transfer any personal information out of the country where you live, including for one or more of the purposes as set out in this Policy, we will do so in accordance with the requirements of applicable data protection laws.”

Given the strict European Union (EU) data privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), these assurances have not been enough to satisfy regulators.

Broader Implications for AI and Data Regulation in Europe

While Italy’s data protection authority (DPA) is the first to take formal action against DeepSeek, other European regulators are closely observing the situation. Although they have not specifically mentioned DeepSeek, several authorities have emphasized that AI-powered services must comply with EU data privacy and AI governance standards.

This scrutiny reflects growing concerns over how AI firms collect, store, and process personal data. As the EU moves toward stricter AI regulations, this case may set an important precedent for how AI applications are regulated and monitored in Europe.

What Lies Ahead for DeepSeek in Europe?

With Italy spearheading the probe into DeepSeek’s data practices, it remains uncertain whether other European nations will impose similar restrictions. The company’s response within the 20-day deadline will be crucial in determining its future in Italy and the broader EU market.

For businesses and users relying on AI-powered applications, this case highlights the increasing emphasis on data transparency and legal compliance. As AI continues to advance, companies in this sector must prioritize adherence to local regulations to maintain market presence in tightly regulated regions like Europe.

At present, DeepSeek’s app remains unavailable in Italy, leaving users uncertain about its return. The upcoming weeks will be critical in shaping the company’s trajectory in the European digital landscape.

News

Meet DeepSeek’s Founder: Liang Wenfeng and His Vision to Reshape AI in China

by George Mensah 2025-01-28

Liang Wenfeng, the 39-year-old mastermind behind DeepSeek, has rapidly emerged as a central figure in China’s quest for AI supremacy. His rise to prominence comes at a time when China faces increasing technological restrictions from the U.S., making homegrown innovation more crucial than ever.

Until recently, Liang maintained a remarkably low profile, rarely engaging with the media. However, his influence became undeniable when he was among nine individuals invited to speak at a high-level symposium led by Chinese Premier Li Qiang on January 20. This exclusive event underscored the significance of DeepSeek’s contributions to China’s AI ambitions, positioning the company as a key player in the nation’s technological strategy.

DeepSeek’s Disruptive AI Model and Market Impact

DeepSeek recently launched an AI assistant that has already sent shockwaves through the global tech sector. The company claims its model operates with significantly reduced data requirements and at a fraction of the cost compared to existing AI solutions. This breakthrough has led to widespread market reactions, including a selloff in tech stocks, as investors recognize the potential disruption DeepSeek poses to established AI giants.

Unlike many Chinese tech firms that focus on consumer applications, DeepSeek prioritizes research and model development. Liang’s vision is clear: rather than competing in the crowded app market, DeepSeek aims to create cutting-edge AI models that other businesses can integrate into their own products. This strategy contrasts with China’s traditional approach of rapidly scaling foreign innovations, a practice that has long defined its tech industry.

Breaking Free from the “Follower” Mentality

Liang has been vocal about the need for China’s AI sector to shift from imitation to true innovation. “China cannot remain in a perpetual state of following others,” he said in a rare interview. “The real gap between China and the U.S. is not just a matter of time—it’s about originality versus replication.”

He believes that China’s tech industry has historically prioritized short-term financial gains over groundbreaking research. “For decades, the focus has been on making money rather than pushing the boundaries of innovation,” he remarked. “True breakthroughs require not just investment but a deep curiosity and a passion for creation.”

Championing Open-Source AI for Global Influence

A defining characteristic of DeepSeek’s approach is its commitment to open-source AI models. Unlike OpenAI, which has opted for a closed-source strategy, DeepSeek makes its core AI technology available for public use and modification. Liang sees this as more than just a business decision—it’s a philosophy.

“Open-source is not just a corporate strategy; it’s a cultural mindset,” he explained. “Even if OpenAI remains closed, it cannot prevent others from catching up. Companies that embrace open-source gain a unique form of soft power that extends beyond their immediate business interests.”

This perspective aligns with the collaborative ethos that has driven Silicon Valley’s success and could play a crucial role in shaping China’s AI development on a global scale.

Liang Wenfeng: From Academia to AI Leadership

Liang’s journey began in Guangdong, a region known for its entrepreneurial spirit and rapid economic development. Despite growing up in an environment where business acumen was highly valued, Liang was drawn to academia. At just 17, he entered Zhejiang University, one of China’s top institutions, to study Electronics and Communication Engineering. He later earned a master’s degree in Information and Communication Engineering, completing his studies in 2010.

His career took a significant turn in 2015 when he co-founded a quantitative hedge fund, leveraging advanced mathematical models for algorithmic trading. Under his leadership, the fund grew to manage assets exceeding 100 billion yuan ($13.79 billion). However, in 2023, Liang announced a dramatic shift in focus—his firm would redirect resources toward AI research, specifically in the field of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Just a month later, DeepSeek was born.

The Pursuit of AGI: DeepSeek’s Ultimate Goal

DeepSeek is not merely building AI tools—it is striving to develop AGI, a form of artificial intelligence that can outperform humans in most economically valuable tasks. This ambitious mission has attracted top-tier talent from China’s most prestigious universities, many of whom are drawn by the challenge of solving AI’s most complex problems.

“What motivates the best minds in the world is the opportunity to tackle the hardest problems,” Liang stated. “Our goal remains clear: we are pursuing AGI.”

What Lies Ahead for DeepSeek and Liang Wenfeng?

Under Liang Wenfeng’s leadership, DeepSeek has positioned itself as a game-changer in the AI industry. By focusing on foundational AI research rather than consumer applications, championing open-source collaboration, and striving for AGI, DeepSeek is reshaping China’s role in the global AI race.

Liang’s approach challenges traditional business strategies in China’s tech sector, advocating for a shift from profit-driven innovation to research-led breakthroughs. As DeepSeek continues to evolve, its success could signal a new era where China is no longer just catching up in AI—but leading the way.

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