big m casino winners
Judge orders Stephen Snyder held in contempt of court, jailed overnight following closing arguments
Could SoundHound AI Be Your Ticket to Becoming a Millionaire by 2035?
FIIs remain net investors in India this year amid robust economy, resilient marketTUI AG (OTCMKTS:TUIFF) Sees Significant Drop in Short Interest
Lions CBs Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. out vs. Colts
Texas will look to win its fourth straight game and carry a measure of momentum into its inaugural season as a member of the Southeastern Conference when it hosts Northwestern State on Sunday afternoon in Austin, Texas. It's the final tune-up before the SEC gauntlet for the Longhorns (10-2), who roll into Sunday's game with 10 days of rest and after a 98-62 win over New Orleans on Dec. 19. Justin Pope led Texas with a career-high 42 points, the most for a member of the Longhorns since Reggie Freeman had 43 against Fresno State in 1996. Arthur Kaluma added 15 points and Chendall Weaver scored 12 for Texas, which played without star freshman guard Tre Johnson for the second straight game. Johnson has been listed as day-to-day for a return but would be a likely participant to get at least some playing time before the Longhorns' SEC opener at No. 13 Texas A&M on Jan. 4. Texas coach Rodney Terry is looking for focus on the defensive end from his team as it heads into league play. "We want to be playing Texas basketball defensively," Terry said. "We try to protect the paint, we try to keep the guys off the glass, (and be) physical (with our) block outs. Then try to get out and play to a strength of ours. We're a fast team but you've got to be able to get stops to be able to do that and play in transition." Northwestern State (5-6, 2-0 Southland Conference) heads to Austin after an 89-79 win at home over Southern-New Orleans on Dec. 20. Addison Patterson turned in a career performance in the win with 33 points, 10 rebounds and four assists as the Demons won for the third time in four games. The Demons have played four teams from power conferences -- Texas Tech, Oklahoma, LSU and, most recently, Cal on Dec. 14 -- and have lost by at least 16 points in each game. "Our guys are always ready to play," Demons coach Rick Cabrera said. "We had a really good Christmas break to decompress and recuperate. They are just ready and willing to play anyone regardless of conference. Texas is extremely talented, and we are looking forward to competing with one of the top programs in the country." The contest against Texas is the final non-conference game for Northwestern State, which returns to Southland Conference play at home against Nicholls on Jan. 4. The Longhorns have won all five previous games with Northwestern State, most recently a 105-57 victory at home in November 2017. --Field Level MediaNo. 22 Xavier faces South Carolina St., eyes rebound from lone lossElon Musk digs in on German far right plug, sparking rowTrump taps Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law, as envoy to France
After South Korea's president and his replacement were both deposed over a failed bid to impose martial law, deepening political turmoil is threatening the country's currency and shaking confidence in its economy Seoul, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Dec, 2024) After South Korea's president and his replacement were both deposed over a failed bid to impose martial law, deepening political turmoil is threatening the country's currency and shaking confidence in its economy. The won, which plunged Friday to its lowest level against the dollar since 2009, has been in near-constant decline since President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to scrap civilian rule in early December. Business and consumer confidence in Asia's fourth-largest economy have also taken their biggest hit since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to figures released by the Bank of Korea. Lawmakers impeached Yoon in mid-December on charges of insurrection, and on Friday they impeached his successor, acting president and prime minister Han Duck-soo, arguing that he refused demands to complete Yoon's removal from office and bring him to justice. That thrust Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok into the additional roles of acting president and prime minister. Choi has pledged to do all he can to end "this period of turmoil" and resolve the political crisis gripping the country. - Constitutional question - At the heart of the stalemate is the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether to uphold parliament's decision to impeach Yoon. It must do so by a two-thirds majority, however. And because three of the court's nine seats are currently vacant, a unanimous vote is required to confirm the suspended president's removal. Otherwise, Yoon will be automatically returned to office. Lawmakers on Thursday nominated three judges to fill the vacant seats, but acting president Han refused to approve them, precipitating his own impeachment. After an acrimonious day in which lawmakers from Yoon's party erupted in protest, the country's newest acting president sought to project calm. "Although we are facing unexpected challenges once again, we are confident that our robust and resilient economic system will ensure rapid stabilisation," Choi said Friday. The 61-year-old career civil servant has inherited a 2025 budget -- adopted by the opposition alone -- which is 4.1 trillion won ($2.8 billion) less than the government had hoped for. "There are already signs the crisis is having an impact on the economy," Gareth Leather of Capital Economics wrote in a note to clients, citing the dip in consumer and business confidence. "The crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of a struggling economy," he added, with GDP growth expected to be just two percent this year, weighed down by a global slowdown in demand for semiconductors. "Longer term, political polarisation and resulting uncertainty could hold back investment in Korea," Leather wrote, citing the example of Thailand, another ultra-polarised country whose economy has stagnated since a coup in 2014. - Democratic resilience? - But other economists noted that the South Korean economy has so far weathered the chaos well. As early as December 4, the day after Yoon declared martial law following a budget tussle with the opposition, the central bank promised to inject sufficient liquidity to stabilise the markets, and the Kospi Index has lost less than four percent since the start of the crisis. "Like everyone, I was surprised when Yoon took those crazy measures," Park Sang-in, a professor of economics at Seoul National University, told AFP. "But there was a resilience of democracy." "We come from being an underdeveloped country to one of the world's most dynamic economies in very few years, and Yoon Suk Yeol is a side effect of the growth," he added. "Korean society was mature enough to counter his crazy actions." roc/tmt/tym/scoGeorgia Tech cruises past Alabama A&MTwo Red Sox received AL MVP votes for impressive 2024 showings | Sporting NewsOnly one more half stands between Texas A&M and the win they were favored to collect coming into this afternoon. After one quarter their offense has really been able to impose its will, dominating Abilene Christian 48-29. Texas A&M entered the matchup having won six straight and they're just one half away from another. Will they make it seven, or will Abilene Christian step up and spoil it? We'll know soon. Abilene Christian Wildcats @ Texas A&M Aggies Current Records: Abilene Christian 8-5, Texas A&M 10-2 When: Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 4 p.m. ET Where: Reed Arena -- College Station, Texas TV: SEC Network Follow: CBS Sports App Online Streaming: Catch select College Basketball matches on Fubo (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.) Ticket Cost: $7.00 Wildcats fans better hope the squad plays one heck of a game on Saturday as the odds are decidedly against them. They and the Texas A&M Aggies will round out the year against one another at 4:00 p.m. ET at at Reed Arena. The Wildcats are strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 76.2 points per game this season. Abilene Christian took a loss when they played away from home last Wednesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Saturday. They secured a 69-65 W over Texas So. Meanwhile, Texas A&M had already won five in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 6 points) and they went ahead and made it six last Friday. They claimed a resounding 77-45 victory over the Huskies. The Aggies were heavily favored coming into this match, and the results showcase why. Texas A&M's success was spearheaded by the efforts of Hayden Hefner, who went 7 for 13 en route to 19 points plus two steals, and Pharrel Payne, who went 5 for 7 en route to 10 points plus seven rebounds and three blocks. Hefner had some trouble finding his footing against Purdue two weeks ago, so this was a nice turnaround. Texas A&M smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 20 offensive rebounds (they're ranked first in offensive rebounds per game overall). That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive rebounds in 24 consecutive contests dating back to last season. Abilene Christian's win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 8-5. As for Texas A&M, their victory bumped their record up to 10-2. This contest is shaping up to be a blowout: Abilene Christian just can't miss this season, having made 47.4% of their field goals per game. It's a different story for Texas A&M, though, as they've only made 42% of their field goals this season. Given Abilene Christian's sizable advantage in that area, Texas A&M will need to find a way to close that gap. Abilene Christian suffered a grim 77-58 defeat to Texas A&M in their previous meeting back in November of 2022. Can Abilene Christian avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough. Texas A&M is a big 23.5-point favorite against Abilene Christian, according to the latest college basketball odds . The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Aggies as a 24.5-point favorite. The over/under is 141 points. See college basketball picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Get picks now . Texas A&M has won both of the games they've played against Abilene Christian in the last 3 years. Nov 11, 2022 - Texas A&M 77 vs. Abilene Christian 58 Nov 12, 2021 - Texas A&M 81 vs. Abilene Christian 80
Patrick Fishburn leads at Sea Island as Joel Dahmen keeps alive hopes of keeping his job
Photo shows the book ‘Iban Bejalai’, written by Dr Peter M. Kedit. THIS week, I have taken the liberty to depart from the nearly formulaic manner in which I have previously critiqued contemporary issues, social and economic, and chosen instead to analyse some of the key ideas and topics of interest that have surfaced from a book entitled ‘Iban Bejalai’ that was recently published by Unimas and written by Dr Peter M. Kedit. The concept of Iban ‘bejalai’, traditionally associated with the Iban people’s migratory lifestyle and their connection to nature, has evolved significantly as the community adapts to the complexities of contemporary life, according to Kedit. Indeed, as he rightly describes at the outset, the notion of ‘bejalai’ goes back to the early longhouse days when it represented a rite of passage for young Ibans, involving travels that strengthened cultural identity while simultaneously promoting commercial and social ties. As a student of social anthropology, I should be pardoned for applying a sociological viewpoint to assess the vast corpus of anthropological work in the book by renowned anthropologist Kedit, choosing just that which I feel is suitable and relevant to Putman’s sociological framework vis-à-vis the Iban contemporary society. Essential elements The essential elements of ‘bejalai’, culture, tradition, and commercial endeavours are worth mentioning because they continue to define the adventure story, driven by monetary gain and identity advancement, though not without being influenced by changes and outside forces over time. However, ‘bejalai’ is neither a ritual nor a process that is absolute in its entirety. Times have changed, so have the character and contextual relevance of ‘bejalai’. The core of ‘bejalai’ has changed as a result of the socio-economic context being reshaped by globalisation and urbanisation, as Kedit admits. Under the changing circumstances, the Ibans have to cope with the need to navigate their identity in a world that is becoming more interconnected because it represents a dual cultural space where traditional customs and contemporary influences converge. The challenges of balancing two distinct cultural environments are aptly reflected in the Iban ‘bejalai’ long-distance migration habit. They have a history of seasonal migration, moving to neighbouring cities or countries in search of work opportunities from their rural settlements. In addition to indicating a need for financial stability, this pattern demonstrates the profound cultural interaction that occurs when people are torn between two different cultures. It might be challenging for individuals to maintain their cultural identity, while acclimating to their new surroundings since they frequently encounter contradictory societal norms, attitudes, and expectations in metropolitan environments. Dual cultural domain The passage that has been bequeathed by the ‘bejalai’ tradition is not without its undulating and sometimes repressive features. I share the view of Kedit that the dual cultural domain presents opportunities as well as difficulties for the Iban ‘bejalai’ in that on the one hand, migrants might encounter diverse lifestyles and perspectives, which can foster social mobility and improve their own cultural understanding. On the other, assimilation pressure may also weaken community ties and cultural practices, which can lead to an identity crisis for younger generations. Finding a balance between preserving their cultural heritage and assimilating into a rapidly changing socioeconomic environment is challenging. Given the shifting dynamics within the Iban social and cultural milieu, however, Kedit’s proposal to settle this dispute and eventually recreate themselves in a world that is becoming more networked seemed audacious and urban. For the Ibans, who must respect and uphold their tradition while accepting modernity, the study by Kedit indicates an open and unmapped social path. Kedit uses both qualitative and quantitative data from a mixed research style to support his claims and conclusions. When traversing numerous cultural contexts, people must carefully balance honouring their ancestors’ customs with adapting to the shifting social dynamics of modern life. This is one of the troubling concerns that have emerged from Kedit’s book. As they try to maintain the rich traditions of their culture while also adapting to the expectations of a modern society that values independence and material prosperity, the Ibans find themselves walking a tightrope. Ancestral customs’ expectations – such as social bonds, shared duties, and respect for the natural world – can occasionally conflict with the reality of urban life, where individual success and self-improvement are frequently praised. Navigating two cultures is made more difficult by preconceptions and external opinions that may marginalise local practices. For the Ibans, spreading knowledge and appreciation requires teaching people about the significance of bejalai, whether via storytelling, traditional celebrations, or educational initiatives. Transcendental journey By sharing the meanings embedded in their traditions and their experiences, they may take back control of their narratives and contribute to a broader discussion on cultural diversity and resilience. Bejalai’s journey ultimately transcends national boundaries and symbolises a multifaceted fabric of identity that is both firmly rooted in the wisdom of past generations and changes throughout time. The Christian values of promoting peace and helping others strike a strong chord with the cultural tradition of many young Ibans as they set out on their ‘bejalai’. Today’s ‘bejalai’ experience, which frequently includes travel and self-discovery, adds a spiritual component where people want to exhibit Christ-like qualities. This mixture enhances the ‘bejalai’ experience and makes them more eager to form cordial bonds within their communities. Furthermore, conversations concerning identity and cultural preservation have been sparked by the ‘bejalai’ framework’s acceptance of Christian ideals. While some elders worry that their customs may be disappearing, others welcome the chance to give their rites fresh significance. This continuous discussion illustrates the dynamic interaction between upholding cultural traditions and accepting Christian moral principles. Christianity and identity of modern Dayak Christianity has significantly shaped the psyche and identity of the modern Dayak. The religious transformation has led to a shift in communal values, emphasising notions of individual morality and community cohesion through church participation. This change is evident in how many Dayaks now prioritise education and personal development, viewing these as essential components of their new identity as Christians. However, this transformation is not without challenges; the tension between traditional Dayak beliefs and the tenets of Christianity sometimes leads to generational divides within families and communities. The elders may hold on to ancestral practices, while younger generations increasingly gravitate towards a Christian identity, which they perceive as more aligned with modern values and opportunities. And as people go through their lives with a sense of purpose derived from both tradition and religion, the incorporation of Christian principles into ‘bejalai’ reveals a significant shift in the community’s spiritual environment. Additionally, navigating two different cultural areas promotes a conversation between tradition and modernity within the Iban community. They are not only leaving their origins behind when they set out on their ‘bejalai’, whether it is through actual or virtual trips; rather, they are enhancing their cultural fabric. By combining the old with the new, the Ibans are able to reinvent themselves in a way that respects their culture and seizes the potential of the modern world. The Iban people’s inventiveness, tenacity, and dedication to preserving their traditional identity in the face of contemporary difficulties and changes are so powerfully demonstrated by the idea of ‘bejalai’. * Toman Mamora is ‘Tokoh Media Sarawak 2022’, recipient of Shell Journalism Gold Award (1996) and AZAM Best Writer Gold Award (1998). He remains true to his decades-long passion for critical writing as he seeks to gain insight into some untold stories of societal value.Will Foster Moreau Play in Week 13? NFL Injury Status, News & Updates
When Donald Trump ’s former national security adviser John Bolton appeared on CNN Friday night, he didn’t hold back when commenting on Trump’s pick for his counterterrorism director. “ Sebastian Gorka is a con man,” Bolton told host Kaitlan Collins . “He needs a full-field FBI background investigation about his educational claims and things like that,” he added. “I think he is a perfect example of somebody who owes his position purely to Donald Trump, he doesn’t display loyalty, he displays fealty, and that’s what Trump wants.” Boltson said Trump “doesn’t want Gorka’s opinions.” “He wants Gorka to say, ‘Yes, sir,’ and I am fully confident that’s exactly what will happen, no matter what it is Trump says,” Bolton argued. To hear Trump put it, Gorka has been a “tireless advocate for the America First Agenda and the MAGA Movement” since 2015, according to the president-elect’s announcement on Friday. Gorka, who was born in the UK to Hungarian parents, is “a legal immigrant” with “more than 30 years of National Security experience,” Trump said. What Trump neglected to mention was that Gorka was pushed out of his White House role as a strategist to the president in his first administration. Divisive and combative as he staunchly defended Trump, Gorka was one of the main backers of the then-president’s ban on refugees and people from several Muslim-majority countries. Gorka’s views on Islam have been a source of controversy — specifically, comments he has made about violence being an intrinsic part of the Islamic faith. His academic credentials have also been questioned, as Bolton suggested on CNN. “Obviously he’s not the expert he claims to be — obviously,” Hungarian newspaper editor Gabor Horvath told NBC News in 2017. “He got his master’s degree and his PhD from the Corvinus University in Hungary. The Corvinus University is not a center for national security studies, certainly not internationally recognized studies of this kind,” he added. An op-ed in The New York Times once referred to him as “ The Islamophobic Huckster in the White House .” Trump’s then-White House chief of staff John Kelly reportedly pulled Gorka’s security clearance when he was on vacation, making it impossible for him to do his job, HuffPost noted at the time. This time around, Trump has suggested sidestepping the background check process usually conducted by the FBI to get his nominees and appointees into their expected roles. Gorka has dismissed the threat of white nationalism, and instead argued that Islamist extremists constituted the biggest threat to the US. His supposed ties to the Nazi-connected Hungarian political group Vitezi Rend have also worried some during his first short stint in the White House. The group collaborated with the Nazis during the Second World War and reformed following the end of the country’s Communist government in 1989, according to HuffPost . Jewish outlet The Forward reported in March 2017 that Gorka was a member of the group. Gorka wore the group’s insignia at Trump’s first inaugural ball, later saying that the medals he wore belonged to his father, who was handed them as “a declaration for his resistance to [Communist] dictatorship,” Gorka told Breitbart , one of his former employers. Before coming to the US in 2008, Gorka moved to Hungary in 1992 and worked for the country’s Ministry of Defense before becoming an adviser to Prime Minister Viktor Orban in 1998. Gorka ran for mayor in the small town of Piliscsaba in 2006, coming in third place. Several members of the community told NBC News that he was a member of Vitezi Rend; one of the group’s leaders told CNN that the organization was never connected to the Nazis and that Gorka was not a pledged member. Gorka became a US citizen in 2012, which made it possible for him to work for the federal government. He lasted about eight months in the White House before he was forced to leave. He claimed he resigned, a version of events disputed by the Trump White House. “Sebastian Gorka did not resign, but I can confirm he no longer works at the White House,” a White House official told several news outlets at the time. After his departure, Gorka became a political and counterterrorism commentator on right-wing media, with his own radio show and frequent appearances on Fox News and Newsmax. The 54-year-old pugilist is well-known for his aggressiveness towards the press, often telling reporters to “take a long jump off a short pier,” as Politico noted. “I wouldn’t have him in any US government,” Bolton told CNN. “Fortunately, it’s not the highest position he had been mentioned for,” he added. “But I don’t think it’s going to bode well for counterterrorism efforts when the [National Security Council’s] senior director is somebody like that. ... But the questions of who are the deputy secretaries, who are the undersecretaries, and so on, is also going to tell us a lot about who’s actually running the government.”USDA’s $116 Million Fertilizer Boost Could Revolutionize Farming—And Lower Your Grocery Bill