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Bestselling British authors mourning the “demise of handwriting” are encouraging more people to put pen to paper. Novelists including Philip Pullman, Tracy Chevalier, Joanne Harris and Julia Donaldson have told The Times of their efforts to keep penmanship part of their creative process despite the takeover of technology. They are among a cohort of creatives who have handwritten the opening sentences of their most famous works for charity before Christmas. Other authors auctioning off personalised passages from their books include Stephen Fry, Michael Morpurgo, Mark Haddon, Jacqueline Wilson and Adele Parks. Singers and screenwriters, such as Richard Curtis and Rick Astley, have also scribbled down words from their best movies and songs. The auction, which is raising funds for the charity Three Peas, follows warnings from education experts that the use of computers, tablets and smartphones has made some young children’s handwriting so illegible that they may need lessons in secondary school.New Delhi: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka arrived in India on Sunday on a three-day visit in his first foreign trip after assuming the top office in September. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with the Sri Lankan leader on Monday that is expected to focus on trade, investment, energy and maritime security. The Indian side is also likely to convey to the Sri Lankan leader New Delhi’s expectations from Colombo to fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil community in the island nation. Disanayaka was received at the Delhi airport by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan. In a post on ‘X’, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Disanayaka’s visit will be an opportunity to further deepen India-Sri Lankan ties and add momentum to the people-centric partnership. “Warm and special welcome!” he said along with photos of the Union minister receiving Disanayaka. The Sri Lankan leader will also meet President Droupadi Murmu. Disanayaka is also scheduled to attend a business event in Delhi to promote investment and commercial linkages between India and Sri Lanka. He is also scheduled to visit Bodh Gaya. Sri Lanka is India’s closest maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region and holds a central place in Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. “The visit of President Disanayaka to India is expected to further strengthen the multi-faceted and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries,” it said. Issues relating to maritime security cooperation are likely to figure during Disanayaka’s visit, people familiar with the matter said. India has been expanding its overall defence and strategic ties with Sri Lanka amid concerns over China’s attempts to increase its military presence in the Indian Ocean. The docking of the Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship ‘Yuan Wang’ at Hambantota port in August 2022 had triggered a diplomatic row between India and Sri Lanka. Another Chinese warship docked at the Colombo port in August last year. India has been supporting various capacity building measures of Sri Lankan defence forces including providing indigenously constructed Offshore Patrol Vessels.Jackson appeared to injure his neck while trying to tackle Missouri running back Jamal Roberts. Medical personnel tended to Jackson for approximately 10 minutes before he was placed on a backboard and driven to a waiting ambulance. Jackson gave a thumbs-up sign as he was carted off the snow-covered field. Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek said Jackson had movement in his arms and legs but was experiencing pain in his neck. He said Jackson was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Jackson leads the Razorbacks with 9 1/2 tackles for loss and 6 1/2 sacks, and is considered a potential first-round pick in next year's NFL draft. 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-football
The Titans have issues to fix and hope to keep slim playoff hopes alive when they host the JagsNo. 20 Texas A&M wins tight battle vs. Rutgers
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Has $4.77 Million Stake in Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU)The Intel ARC B580, built on the Battlemage architecture, offers an affordable entry point for gamers seeking smooth 1440p performance. Priced at $249, it positions itself as a direct competitor to , combining modern features, AI-driven technologies, and a value-focused approach. With its balance of performance and price, the ARC B580 appeals to gamers who want high-quality visuals without overspending. This GPU is particularly suited for those looking to upgrade their gaming rigs without breaking the bank, making it a practical choice for mid-range setups. The Intel ARC B580, priced at $249, is a budget-friendly GPU designed for smooth 1440p gaming, competing directly with NVIDIA’s RTX 4060. Key specifications include 20 Xe2 cores, 20 ray tracing units, 12GB GDDR6 VRAM, and a 192-bit memory bus, with modest power requirements for mid-range PC builds. Performance highlights include solid 1440p gaming capabilities, AI-driven XCSS frame generation for smoother gameplay, and low-latency technology for esports enthusiasts. Innovative features like the Intel Graphics Control Center, AI-driven enhancements, and customizable profiles enhance the gaming experience, though XCSS adoption remains limited. While offering great value, limitations include weaker ray tracing performance compared to higher-end GPUs and restricted XCSS support, which may improve with broader developer adoption. The ARC B580 is powered by Intel’s Battlemage architecture, delivering a robust set of hardware specifications designed for modern gaming: 20 Xe2 cores, 5 render slices, and 160 vector engines 20 ray tracing units for enhanced lighting and reflections 12GB of GDDR6 VRAM on a 192-bit memory bus Graphics clock speed of up to 2850 MHz These specifications ensure the GPU can handle demanding gaming workloads with ease, offering a solid foundation for both casual and competitive gamers. For connectivity, the card includes one HDMI 2.1a port and three DisplayPort 2.1 ports, supporting high refresh rates and resolutions for modern displays. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers using high-performance monitors. Its power requirements are modest, needing only a single 8-pin connector and a recommended 600W power supply, which simplifies integration into existing mid-range PC builds. The ARC B580 delivers solid performance in both benchmarks and real-world gaming scenarios. It competes closely with NVIDIA’s RTX 4060, particularly in 1440p gaming. Popular titles like , , and run smoothly, offering frame rates that meet the expectations of most gamers at this resolution. The GPU’s ability to maintain consistent performance across a variety of titles makes it a versatile option for gamers with diverse preferences. One of the standout features is Intel’s XCSS (Xe Super Sampling) frame generation technology. By using AI-based upscaling, XCSS boosts frame rates in supported games, providing a smoother experience without sacrificing visual quality. While its current availability is limited to a select number of titles, the potential for broader adoption in the future adds to its appeal. For esports enthusiasts, the ARC B580’s low-latency technology enhances responsiveness, making sure minimal input lag during fast-paced gameplay. Whether you’re into competitive shooters or real-time strategy games, this GPU delivers a seamless experience that caters to a wide range of gaming styles. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on Intel ARC that you might find useful. The ARC B580 introduces several features aimed at improving your gaming experience: Offers customizable profiles for performance and visual settings, giving you greater control over your gaming setup. Reduces input lag, catering to gamers who demand precision and responsiveness. Beyond XCSS, the GPU uses AI to improve textures and details in supported games, delivering sharper visuals and more immersive environments. These innovations highlight Intel’s commitment to integrating innovative technologies into its graphics solutions. The ARC B580’s AI-driven capabilities not only enhance gaming performance but also future-proof the card for upcoming titles that may use these advanced features. This makes it a forward-looking choice for gamers who want to stay ahead of the curve. Intel’s Special Edition ARC B580 features a clean, minimalist design that appeals to gamers who prefer subtle aesthetics. Its compact form factor and understated look make it a good fit for a variety of PC builds, from sleek gaming rigs to more traditional setups. For those looking for additional options, third-party manufacturers like Acer, ASRock, and Sparkle offer their own versions of the card. These variants may include enhanced cooling systems, factory overclocks, or unique designs, providing more choices to suit different preferences and needs. Third-party models often cater to specific user demands, such as improved thermal performance for overclocking enthusiasts or quieter operation for those prioritizing a silent gaming experience. This variety ensures that the ARC B580 can meet the needs of a broad audience, further solidifying its position as a versatile and accessible GPU. While the ARC B580 excels in many areas, it does have some limitations: While capable, it falls short compared to higher-end GPUs. In demanding titles like , allowing Ultra ray tracing settings can lead to noticeable performance drops, which may affect the overall gaming experience. The effectiveness of XCSS depends on developer support, which is currently limited to a small number of games. Broader adoption will enhance its value over time, but for now, its impact remains somewhat restricted. These limitations may not be deal-breakers for budget-conscious gamers but are worth considering if ray tracing or widespread XCSS support is a priority. Despite these drawbacks, the ARC B580 remains a strong contender in its price range, offering a compelling mix of features and performance. The ARC B580’s release has sparked interest in Intel’s broader plans for the Battlemage architecture. Rumors suggest the potential launch of higher-tier B700 series GPUs, which could target 4K gaming and further establish Intel as a serious competitor in the graphics market. This development indicates Intel’s commitment to expanding its presence in the GPU space, challenging established players like NVIDIA and AMD. For now, the ARC B580 remains a strong choice for gamers focused on 1440p performance at an affordable price. Its competitive pricing, innovative features, and solid performance make it a noteworthy option for those seeking a balance between cost and capability. As Intel continues to refine its GPU offerings, the ARC B580 serves as a promising indication of what’s to come, setting the stage for future advancements in gaming technology. Media Credit:
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