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Shady Shores resident Julio “Jay” Garcia Lence died on Thursday, December 5, 2024 after a short recurrence of lymphoma. He had battled Alzheimer’s disease for the last 5 years. Julio was born in Havana, Cuba on January 28, 1934 to Jesus Ramon Garcia Gimenez and Dr. Yda Lence y Barnet. He and his brother, Ramon (exactly 1 year older) never had to attend school on their birthday (Jose Marti’s Birthday). He graduated from Colegio de La Salle del Vedado in 1951. He attended Universidad de la Habana, working as a TV cameraman (known as “El Jefe”) before coming to the US with his brother to further his education. He attended Milwaukee School of Engineering, achieving an AAS degree in Radio and Television Technology in 1956 followed by a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1963. While in college, Jay was drafted by the US Army and served from 1959 to 1961 at Ft. Sill, OK where he taught mathematics as a Specialist 4th Class. He remained on reserves through July, 1965. He proudly became a naturalized citizen in 1963 and took his mother ́s maiden name (Lence) as his surname. He met his future wife, Marlene (Thiel) at Marquette University, and they married in Campbellsport, WI on September 22, 1962. Upon graduation, Jay worked for Collins Radio, Inc., first in Cedar Rapids, IA then in Richardson, TX as a technical writer and computer systems analyst until 1970. The couple welcomed their daughters, Elena Marie, Linda Kay, and Cynthia Ann during those years. In 1970, Jay opened Denton Datsun (later renamed Lence Nissan). He and Marlene owned and operated the dealership in Denton until 2000. After moving to Denton in 1973, they attended Immaculate Conception Church and were charter members of St. Mark Catholic Church. Jay was a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus in Cuba and Iowa. Jay loved family, cars, the latest gadgets and technology, travel, Cuban food, good jokes, British TV, Guinness beer, and fixing broken items. From soldering to sewing, woodworking to electrical wiring, it brought him great joy to be able to fix things for others. He also patiently spent many late evenings tutoring his kids in math. Friends that he made, especially while in the car business, were like extended family. Jay is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marlene, daughters Elena Lence Talley (Douglas), Linda Lence Thoms (Darell), Cynthia Lence Tanabe (Hitoshi), as well as grandchildren Mario, Cecilia, Keita, Julia, and Luna. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10am on December 27, 2024 at St. Mark Catholic Church (6500 Crawford Rd., Argyle, TX 76226); reception to follow at the church. The family suggests donations to the St. Mark Catholic Church Building Fund or Ann’s Haven Hospice ( https://www.vnatexas.org/ ).DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DKbitex , proudly headquartered in Dubai, has emerged as a trailblazer in the Middle East's cryptocurrency landscape. As the first advanced cryptocurrency exchange rooted in the region, DKbitex is revolutionizing the way people in the Middle East access and invest in digital assets. With a mission to empower the Middle Eastern community, DKbitex provides a seamless, secure, and innovative trading experience. DKbitex: Pioneering a New Chapter for Middle Eastern Crypto DKbitex's launch comes at a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency market. After weathering a challenging "crypto winter," the industry has entered a bullish phase fueled by Bitcoin's halving and its milestone breakthrough of $90,000. This resurgence has reignited global interest in digital assets, and DKbitex is positioned to lead the charge in the Middle East, offering a gateway for Saudi Arabia and neighboring nations to participate in this dynamic economy. Historically, the Middle East's economic identity has been linked to oil wealth, with cryptocurrencies gaining limited traction. However, the region's vast economic potential and rapid diversification make it ripe for digital transformation. DKbitex serves as the region's forerunner, ensuring that its communities can invest and thrive in the digital economy without being left behind. Key Features of DKbitex DKbitex is more than a trading platform-it's a movement aimed at integrating the Middle East into the global cryptocurrency ecosystem. By providing a reliable, locally-rooted exchange, DKbitex is empowering communities to invest, trade, and build wealth in a secure and innovative environment. The exchange's vision extends beyond just trading. It aspires to be a catalyst for economic inclusion, aligning with Dubai's ambition to be a global leader in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency adoption. Exciting Developments Ahead After over half a year of rigorous planning and preparation, DKbitex is set to unveil a series of exciting updates. From expanding its list of tradable assets to launching new features and services, DKbitex is committed to meeting the evolving needs of its users. These updates underscore its dedication to innovation and excellence in the cryptocurrency space. Industry Optimism Around DKbitex Crypto experts are optimistic about DKbitex's potential to reshape the region's digital economy. "DKbitex is not just the first advanced cryptocurrency exchange in Dubai; it's a bold step towards democratizing access to digital assets in the Middle East," noted a leading blockchain analyst. "Its strong focus on user experience, security, and innovation makes it a platform to watch." A New Era of Cryptocurrency Investment in the Middle East DKbitex represents a landmark moment in the Middle East's financial evolution. As Bitcoin's rise continues to fuel global interest, DKbitex offers the tools and infrastructure needed to harness this momentum. With a commitment to empowering the region and keeping pace with global trends, DKbitex is set to become a cornerstone of the Middle Eastern cryptocurrency market. Media Contact: Company Name: DKbitex Contact Person's Name: Sarah Malik Email: [email protected] Website: https://dkbitex.io/ Disclaimer: This content is provided by sponsor. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5099bb33-7375-4b77-b1f9-f2e04e6c9787Asian shares were mixed on Monday after stocks fell broadly on Friday as Wall Street closed out a holiday-shortened week on a down note. U.S. futures were lower while oil prices were little changed. In Asia, South Korea’s Kospi added 0.6% to 2,418.80. But shares of Jeju Air Co. lost 8.8% after one of the company’s jets skidded off a runway , slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames Sunday in South Korea as its landing gear failed to deploy. 179 people died in the crash. Political turmoil continued as South Korean law enforcement officials requested a court warrant on Monday to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. They are investigating whether his martial law decree on Dec. 3 amounted to rebellion. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index lost 0.9% to 39,914.21 as the dollar gained against the Japanese yen, trading at 157.83 yen, up from 157.75 yen. The Tokyo market will wrap up trading for 2024 with a yearend ceremony as Japan begins its New Year holidays, the biggest festival of the year. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong shed 0.3% to 20,030.63 while the Shanghai Composite index was up 0.3% at 3,408.72. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dipped 0.9% to 8,191.50. On Friday, the S&P 500 fell 1.1% to 5,970.84. Roughly 90% of stocks in the benchmark index lost ground, but it managed to hold onto a modest gain of 0.7% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.8% to 42,992.21. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite fell 1.5%, to 19,722.03. The losses were made worse by sharp declines for the Big Tech stocks known as the “Magnificent 7”, which can heavily influence the direction of the market because of their large size. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 1.5% and Best Buy slipped 1.5%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. The S&P 500 gained nearly 3% over a 3-day stretch before breaking for the Christmas holiday. On Thursday, the index posted a small decline. Despite Friday's drop, the market is moving closer to another standout annual finish . The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of around 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. The stream of upbeat economic data and easing inflation helped prompt a reversal in the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy this year. Expectations for interest rate cuts also helped drive market gains. The central bank recently delivered its third cut to interest rates in 2024. Even though inflation has come closer to the central bank's target of 2%, it remains stubbornly above that mark and worries about it heating up again have tempered the forecast for more interest rate cuts. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market’s path ahead and shifting economic policies under incoming President Donald Trump. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. In other dealings early Monday, U.S. benchmark crude oil picked up 1 cent to $70.61 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, lost 1 cent to $73.78 per barrel. The euro fell to $1.0427 from $1.0433.

BC.GAME CONTINUES ONGOING EFFORTS IN STRENGTHENING ITS GLOBAL COMPLIANCE STRATEGYChess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen makes U-turn, will return to World Blitz Championship after dress code dispute

A 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and prevent an artificial intelligence "dictatorship" is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker's ongoing shift into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. The world's richest man, whose companies include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X, last year started his own rival AI company, xAI. Musk says it faces unfair competition from OpenAI and its close business partner Microsoft, which has supplied the huge computing resources needed to build AI systems such as ChatGPT. “OpenAI and Microsoft together exploiting Musk’s donations so they can build a for-profit monopoly, one now specifically targeting xAI, is just too much,” says Musk's filing that alleges the companies are violating the terms of Musk’s foundational contributions to the charity. OpenAI is filing a response Friday opposing Musk’s requested order, saying it would cripple OpenAI’s business and mission to the advantage of Musk and his own AI company. A hearing is set for January before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. At the heart of the dispute is a 2017 internal power struggle at the fledgling startup that led to Altman becoming OpenAI's CEO. Musk also sought to be CEO and in an email outlined a plan where he would “unequivocally have initial control of the company” but said that would be temporary. He grew frustrated after two other OpenAI co-founders said he would hold too much power as a major shareholder and chief executive if the startup succeeded in its goal to achieve better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence , or AGI. Musk has long voiced concerns about how advanced forms of AI could threaten humanity. “The current structure provides you with a path where you end up with unilateral absolute control over the AGI," said a 2017 email to Musk from co-founders Ilya Sutskever and Greg Brockman. “You stated that you don't want to control the final AGI, but during this negotiation, you've shown to us that absolute control is extremely important to you.” In the same email, titled “Honest Thoughts,” Sutskever and Brockman also voiced concerns about Altman's desire to be CEO and whether he was motivated by “political goals.” Altman eventually succeeded in becoming CEO, and has remained so except for a period last year when he was fired and then reinstated days later after the board that ousted him was replaced. OpenAI published the messages Friday in a blog post meant to show its side of the story, particularly Musk's early support for the idea of making OpenAI a for-profit business so it could raise money for the hardware and computer power that AI needs. It was Musk, through his wealth manager Jared Birchall, who first registered “Open Artificial Technologies Technologies, Inc.”, a public benefit corporation, in September 2017. Then came the “Honest Thoughts” email that Musk described as the “final straw.” “Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a nonprofit,” Musk wrote back. OpenAI said Musk later proposed merging the startup into Tesla before resigning as the co-chair of OpenAI's board in early 2018. Musk didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comment sent to his companies Friday. Asked about his frayed relationship with Musk at a New York Times conference last week, Altman said he felt “tremendously sad” but also characterized Musk’s legal fight as one about business competition. “He’s a competitor and we’re doing well,” Altman said. He also said at the conference that he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence with President-elect Donald Trump. OpenAI said Friday that Altman plans to make a $1 million personal donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration. —————————— The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives.

The San Francisco 49ers claimed running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets on Tuesday, one day after placing running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason on injured reserve. The Jets released Abanikanda on Monday after adding Kene Nwangwu to the active roster. Nwagwu had been a practice-squad elevation for the Jets last Sunday against Seattle and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the game. Abanikanda, 22, was a fifth-round draft pick by the Jets in 2023. After running 22 times for 70 yards and catching seven passes for 43 yards in six appearances as a rookie, Abanikanda did not play a regular-season game for New York in 2024, buried on the depth chart behind Breece Hall and others. When the Niners placed McCaffrey and Mason on IR, rookie Isaac Guerendo was left as the only healthy running back on their active roster. In Sunday night's loss at the Buffalo Bills, McCaffrey left the field in pain in the second quarter and was diagnosed with a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee. Mason also suffered a high ankle sprain in the game. McCaffrey was playing in just his fourth game of the season after missing the first eight because of Achilles tendinitis in both legs. He was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season, when he led the league with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven scores. Mason is the leading rusher for San Francisco (5-7) this season with 789 yards and three touchdowns on 153 carries. It was his third season in the league. --Field Level MediaKey Medical Carts Market Trend 2024-2033: Focus on Mobile Medical Carts for Enhanced CareMONTRÉAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2024 / Valsoft Corporation Inc. ("Valsoft") , a Canadian company specializing in the acquisition and development of vertical market software businesses, has solidified its position as a leader in the local government software sector with the acquisitions of Keystone Information Systems ("Keystone") and Cott Systems ("Cott Systems"). These acquisitions mark a significant expansion of Valsoft's portfolio in the local government sector, enabling them to provide enhanced solutions to school boards, local governments, and other public-sector organizations. Founded in 1975, Keystone has earned a reputation as a trusted provider of enterprise-wide ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) applications, for small and mid-sized public sector organizations. The functional depth and integration of its complete product suite simplifies complex tasks and interdepartmental workflows, enabling greater efficiency and productivity. "This acquisition is more than a transaction; it's an investment in Keystone's legacy," said Judson B. Van Dervort, Jr., President and CEO of Keystone Information Systems. "Joining Valsoft provides a secure foundation for Keystone's current and future customers and employees, through continued innovation and growth, ensuring we can exceed customer expectations and continue our positive impact on the communities we serve." Valsoft's acquisition of Keystone expands its growing portfolio in the local government sector, reinforcing its ability to support mission-critical services for public organizations. "We are thrilled to welcome Keystone to the Valsoft family," said Costa Tagalakis, Investment Partner at Valsoft. "Their longstanding reputation for excellence in serving local government and public-school sectors aligns perfectly with our strategy of delivering high-quality, impactful solutions. We're excited to continue supporting Keystone's existing customers while exploring new growth opportunities." Earlier this year, Valsoft also acquired Cott Systems, a leader in public records management with a history spanning over 135 years. Cott Systems provides solutions for managing and digitizing land and court records, enabling local governments to modernize operations while preserving their jurisdictions' historical integrity. Products like Resolution 3, VERDICT, and OIB offer local officials' comprehensive tools to streamline processes and serve their communities more effectively. "This acquisition of Cott Systems represents the next step in our ongoing efforts to innovate and simplify the records management process," said David Scheine, Portfolio Manager at Valsoft. "Cott's customer-centric approach and innovative solutions coupled with Valsoft's support and resources will enable us to accelerate Cott's vision of delivering secure, cloud-based, and user-friendly solutions that empower local government offices to serve their communities better." Both acquisitions position Valsoft as a leader in GovTech software solutions with an established offering to assist the local government and public records management sectors in navigating public sector regulations and compliance. Valsoft remains committed to supporting these businesses as they continue to grow, innovate, and enhance the services they provide to their communities. About Keystone Founded in 1975, Keystone is a trusted provider of enterprise-wide information management solutions for Municipal and County Governments and Public-School Districts in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Missouri, and Rhode Island. Known for its cost-effective and efficient software, Keystone's user-focused approach helps smaller and mid-sized organizations optimize operations and exceed stakeholder expectations. For more information, visit www.keyinfosys.com . About Cott Systems Cott Systems has been an innovator in public records management since 1888, providing trusted technology solutions that preserve and protect public records while empowering local governments to serve their constituents more effectively. From land record management systems like Resolution 3 to comprehensive criminal and civil court case management tools like VERDICT, to online digitalization products like OIB, Cott Systems' products and services enable local officials to modernize their operations and safeguard their jurisdiction's rich history. For more information: https://cottsystems.com About Valsoft Valsoft acquires and develops vertical market software companies that deliver mission-critical solutions. A key tenet of Valsoft's philosophy is to invest in established businesses and foster an entrepreneurial environment that shapes a company into a leader in its respective industry. Unlike private equity and VC firms, Valsoft does not have a predefined investment horizon and looks to buy, hold, and create value through long-term partnerships with existing management and customers. Learn more at www.valsoftcorp.com For the Keystone Information Systems acquisition, Valsoft was represented internally by David Felicissimo (General Counsel) and Pamela Romero (Senior Corporate Paralegal). Keystone Information Systems was represented by Rosenbloom Law Group LLC. For the Cott Information Systems acquisition, Valsoft was represented internally by David Felicissimo (General Counsel), Ambra Del Busso (Legal Counsel), and Elisa Marcon (Senior Corporate Paralegal). Cott Information Systems was represented by Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. Media contact information: Communications and Public Relations Valsoft Corporation communication@valsoftcorp.com SOURCE: Valsoft Corp View the original on accesswire.com

Dr Manmohan Singh and Osamu Suzuki, both invested tremendous faith in the India story working relentlessly over the decades to drive the Indian economy to its current leadership. He is hailed as the original middle class hero who dared to dream. And here is this original India bull who worked tirelessly to make one such dream come true. As irony would have it, both died within a day of each-other, one in New Delhi and the other in Tokyo. Dr Manmohan Singh, 92, silent architect of India’s economic reforms died on December 26, while Osamu Suzuki, 94, died on Christmas Day. His death, however, was announced on December 27. Both invested tremendous faith in the India story working relentlessly over the decades to drive the Indian economy to its current leadership. Call it serendipity, just a few days ago, I happened to discover a prized possession, a letter written to me by Suzuki, about 27 years ago. All these years I thought I had misplaced it but found it while shifting home as I rummaged through some old clippings and files. It came to life as Osamu walked into history. The November, 14, 1997, letter penned by Suzuki (then the President & CEO, Suzuki Motor Corporation), was delivered at my New Delhi Zee News office, where I served then as the Business Editor. All my professional life I have never ever received any similar personal communication from any Indian or global business owner. A matter of introspection for business leaders in how they engage with the newsroom. Romance Gone Sour The opening para of the letter gave it all away: “I am writing to you as I believe that given the full and correct facts about Suzuki and Maruti, you would form views and take decisions which are in the best interests of the Indian automobile industry and India.” Humbled by the confidence, I sensed his deep hurt and displeasure with the then Union government. India was then ruled by I K Gujral, who became Prime Minister as a consensus candidate of a coalition government supported by Congress from the outside. Gujral’s industry minister happened to be Murasoli Maran, an important DMK leader, a party which was headed by his maternal uncle and mentor, M Karunanidhi. Maran was a Union Minister in three separate central governments, in charge of Urban Development in the V.P. Singh government, Industry in the Gowda and Gujral governments, and finally Commerce and Industry under AB Vajpayee. Suzuki’s anguish was palpable: “In 1982, Suzuki agreed to invest in India in a JV where the Government was a majority partner. At that time most car manufacturers were not willing to invest in markets traditionally given very low priority..... It was difficult for us to understand why despite the several achievements of Maruti, this trust has been lost in the last two to three years and we are being treated as adversaries of the government,” Suzuki said in his November 1997 letter. Establishing the chronology, Suzuki lamented, “The safeguards and rights given to us when we decided to invest in Maruti in 1982 , and which were observed until 1994, were totally disregarded. Our protests were considered unpatriotic.” The Maruti Story The man who built Suzuki as a global behemoth concluded the letter with the confidence that “Maruti has a future that will span any individual or event. It is a fusion of two cultures that has enabled it to establish a benchmark of excellence.” Prophetic words, indeed, uttered 27 years ago by a business visionary who simply loved India. Osamu Suzuki passed away at a time when Maruti is among world’s top passenger vehicle companies driving the parent’s profitability. In May 2007, when Dr Manmohan Singh, was the Prime Minister, the Union government fully exited from Maruti selling its 10.3% putting an end to the bitter past. One man who made it possible besides Osamu is former bureaucrat turned evergreen Maruti leader, R C Bhargava, who enjoyed complete trust and confidence of the Japanese auto owner. The famed Suzuki and Bhargava, current non-executive chairman, friendship, is a case study. Asked to describe the relationship, Bhargava once told me that it was born out of trust, transparency and target. Suzuki stood by Bhargava even in the most trying circumstances. Bhargava (former civil servant), 90, symbol of continuity at Maruti, said that without his vision (Suzuki’s) the Indian automobile industry could not have become the powerhouse that it has become. Indeed, the largest market for Japan’s fifth biggest carmaker – India accounted for over 61% of total output in the previous financial year (FY-24) and 57% of its total global sales. Maruti Suzuki continues to dominate the proceedings riding the boom at a time when India witnessed exits of some of the top global auto brands. It endures a 40 per cent plus market share. What began in 1982 has been a journey of the making of a truly Indian brand respected in the global arena. For Osamu Suzuki, the spectacular growth despite turbulence in between is a vindication of the immense trust and faith in India. Meanwhile, up above, Dr Singh can regale Suzuki with anecdotes of his love for the only car he owned and loved, the Maruti 800. Click for more latest India news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. The author is a senior editor having spent over three decades in the newsroom, spanning print, television, digital & OTT domain. He writes at the intersection of business, politics, and civil society. Currently he serves as the Editor, News9 Mediaverse (English Cluster), TV9 Network.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — There's more than just school pride and bragging rights to all that bellyaching over who might be in and who might be out of college football 's first 12-team playoff. Try the more than $115 million that will be spread across the conferences at the end of the season, all depending on who gets in and which teams go the farthest. According to the College Football Playoff website , the 12 teams simply making the bracket earn their conferences $4 million each. Another $4 million goes to conferences whose teams get into the quarterfinals. Then, there's $6 million more for teams that make the semifinals and another $6 million for those who play for the title. Most of this bonanza comes courtesy of ESPN, which is forking over $1.3 billion a year to televise the new postseason. A lot of that money is already earmarked — more goes to the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference than the Big 12 or Atlantic Coast — but a lot is up for grabs in the 11 games that will play out between the opening round on Dec. 20 and the final on Jan. 20. In all, the teams that make the title game will bring $20 million to their conferences, all of which distribute that money, along with billions in TV revenue and other sources, in different ways. In fiscal 2022-23, the Big Ten, for instance, reported revenue of nearly $880 million and distributed about $60.5 million to most of its members. The massive stakes might help explain the unabashed lobbying coming from some corners of the football world, as the tension grows in advance of Sunday's final rankings, which will set the bracket. Earlier this week, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark lit into the selection committee, which doesn't have a single team higher than 15 in the rankings. That does two things: It positions the Big 12 as a one-bid league, and also threatens to makes its champion — either Arizona State or Iowa State — the fifth-best among conference titlists that get automatic bids. Only the top four of those get byes, which could cost the Big 12 a spot in the quarterfinals — or $4 million. “The committee continues to show time and time again that they are paying attention to logos versus resumes,” Yormark said this week, while slamming the idea of teams with two losses in his conference being ranked worse than teams with three in the SEC. The ACC is also staring at a one-bid season with only No. 8 SMU inside the cut line of this week's projected bracket. Miami's loss last week all but bumped the Hurricanes out of the playoffs, a snub that ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said left him “incredibly shocked and disappointed." “As we look ahead to the final rankings, we hope the committee will reconsider and put a deserving Miami in the field," Phillips said in a statement. The lobbying and bickering filters down to the campuses that feel the impact. And, of course, to social media. One of the most entertaining episodes came earlier this week when athletic directors at Iowa State and SMU went back and forth about whose team was more deserving. There are a few stray millions that the selection committee cannot really influence, including a $3 million payment to conferences that make the playoff. In a reminder that all these kids are going to school, after all, the conferences get $300,000 per football team that meets academic requirements to participate in the postseason. (That's basically everyone). Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballA teenage West Ham academy goalkeeper has died aged 15 after suffering from cancer. Oscar Fairs from Benfleet, Essex, was diagnosed with a rare 7cm ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 and underwent seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy and one round of radiotherapy to be told palliative care was the only option. A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family raise £100,000 towards a treatment trial in France. It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer. Rest in peace, brave Oscar. — West Ham United (@WestHam) West Ham footballers donated £27,000, chairman David Sullivan donated £10,000 and Arsenal footballer and former West Ham star Declan Rice gave £5,000, according to Ms Fairs. On Friday, West Ham announced that the 15-year-old had died. Sporting director Mark Noble said: “Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. “I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – (my son) Lenny and his teammates all loved him. “He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age. “The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.” All scheduled Academy fixtures over the weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .

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(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .Jimmy Carter is widely acknowledged as the first president to effectively use music and musicians to help propel himself into office. But the way he harnessed the star power of artists such as Bob Dylan, Greg Allman and Willie Nelson never appeared transactional or cynical, and also predated those other musical presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. From Carter’s earliest years growing up in rural Georgia, music was a constant in his life. Quite simply, he was a fan (although he was never a performer). The music he was first exposed to was gospel. Raised as a Southern Baptist, his affinity for the music from the black churches of Plains, Georgia, along with his lifelong position as an anti-segregationist, has been credited in part for his overwhelming popularity with black voters. Later, after he became governor of Georgia and was weighing up a run for the presidency, Carter’s musical tastes had expanded to encompass a wide range of genres, from country and blues to jazz and rock’n’roll. Along with much of the country, he had become a fan of Georgia group the Allman Brothers Band. After Greg Allman visited the governor’s mansion in 1974, he agreed to do some fund-raising gigs for Carter’s campaign, which was just about broke. “It was the Allman Brothers that helped put me in the White House by raising money when I didn’t have any money,” Carter said in 2020 documentary Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President . If there was a political risk in associating himself with long-haired counterculture figures such as the Allmans, Carter didn’t seem to care. “I was practically a nonentity, but everyone knew the Allman Brothers,” he said. “And when the Allman Brothers endorsed me, all the young people said if the Allman Brothers like Jimmy Carter then we can vote for him.” A diverse roster of other artists, including John Denver, Toots and the Maytals and Charlie Daniels, also helped top up Carter’s election war chest. After he beat Gerald Ford to the presidency, Carter wasn’t about to forget other big-name music friends, including Dylan and Nelson, who had helped him along the way. “People didn’t like me being deeply involved with Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan,” said Carter in the documentary. “But I didn’t care about that because I was doing what I really believed, and the response from the followers of those musicians was much more influential than a few people who thought being associated with rock’n’roll and radical people was inappropriate for a president.” Throughout Carter’s presidency, some of the biggest names of the era played at the White House, including in a 1978 concert when he brought together an unimaginable collection of jazz greats – Dexter Gordon, Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Ron Carter, Dizzy Gillespie and George Benson. Looking back in 2020, Carter summed up his thoughts. “I think music is the best proof that people have one thing in common,” he said. 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A Gazette notification has been issued establishing an 18 member Presidential Task Force to plan and implement the “Clean Sri Lanka” Programme, a key feature in President’s policy statement. They have been tasked with preparing a plan, guide, implement, review the progress, and complete the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme within a given time frame aiming to achieve the objectives of elevating society to a more advanced status through a social, environmental and ethical awakening. Create an organisational structure to facilitate the implementation of this programme from the national level to rural level, obtain the subject knowledge and contribution of scholars, professionals, experts and representatives of institutions relating to the subject areas covered by the “Clean Sri Lanka” Programme, prepare a structure to engage stakeholders such as government and semi government sectors, private sector, research institutions, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, international organisations and development practitioners, consultancy and professional organisations, community and citizen organisations, mass media and communication institutions, financial institutions, religious organisations, technology providers and inventors, Sri Lankan diaspora in this programme. Raising funds for the “Clean Sri Lanka” Fund and provide the necessary instructions and guidance to manage the “Clean Sri Lanka” Fund as required. Identify programmes implemented in concurrence with this programme by various stakeholders such as government institutions, private sector, international organisations and institutions, non-governmental organisations and align them with the “Clean Sri Lanka” Programme. Identify and formulate legal provisions required to ensure the sustainability of the outcomes of this programme and establish an institutional framework to which the responsibility for enforcing such laws and rules in the long term is conferred upon. Leverage digitalisation to plan, guide, implement, review the progress and sustainably continue this programme. ix. Develop and implement a multi-mode communication strategy to positively influence and engage all stakeholders. The Task Force is headed by Secretary to the President Dr.N.S. Kumanayake with Senior Additional Secretary to the President G.M.R.D.Aponsu acting as the Convener and Secretary. The other members are, Commanders of the Army, Navy and the Air Force, Acting Inspector General Priyantha Weerasuriya, Urban Development Authority Chairman, Kumudu Lal De Silva, I. S. Jayaratna, Gihan De Silva, Sandya Salgado, Dr. Gamini Batuwitage, Dr. Anuruddha Gamage, Dilruk Wanasinghe, Deepal Sooriyaarachchi, Sisira Amarabandu, Krishantha Cooray, Jayathu Perera, Ruwan Weerasooriya and Dayan Karunarathna. The said Presidential Task Force should submit reports to the President from time to time, in respect of the execution of the aforesaid tasks. The “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, a nationwide programme to enhance cleanliness and environmental responsibility. The program focuses on preserving natural beauty, cleaning public spaces, and protecting coastal areas. The programme is designed to foster the social, environmental, and ethical awakening of the country while strengthening environmental, economic and social sustainability. It also aims to enhance the efficiency of state machinery to ensure the successful realization of its objectives.

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