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No. 12 Oklahoma pulls away late vs. Prairie View A&MNo. 23 Arkansas will close its nonconference schedule Monday night by hosting Oakland in Fayetteville, Ark., in the final tune-up before beginning Southeastern Conference play. With Arkansas (10-2) rotating just nine players due to injuries, coach John Calipari wants Jonas Aidoo, a second-team All-SEC selection for Tennessee last season, to go all out on the court as he continues to rehab an offseason injury. "(His presence) makes us different," Calipari said after the 6-foot-11 Aidoo's strong showing in a 95-67 win over North Carolina A&T on Dec. 21. "Going for three, four minutes at a time, in that time, he has a huge impact on the game." Aidoo produced season-high totals in points (17), rebounds (11) and blocks (three) to go with two assists. When healthy, Aidoo provides good size for the Razorbacks and creates a three-man rotation with Trevon Brazile and Zvonimir Ivisic that allows Calipari to put two big men on the court at once -- though Ivisic is nursing an ankle injury. Aidoo said he was glad to see electric guard Boogie Fland achieve a double-double with 12 points and 11 assists against NC A&T. "A five-star guard, really young ... his mind is just racing," Aidoo said after Arkansas won for the fifth straight time. "Definitely great to play with a player like that. He's a special player, for sure." Fourth in the SEC in field-goal percentage at 50.8 percent, Arkansas leans on forward Adou Thiero, who leads with 17.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Fland and fellow guard D.J. Wagner score 15.3 and 10.1 per game, respectively. As a No. 14 seed last March, Oakland stunned third-seeded Kentucky and Calipari 80-76 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, but the current version of Oakland (4-9) is very much different. In the middle of December as his team prepared to face in-state foe Michigan State, coach Greg Kampe admitted he had plenty of thinking and decisions to make regarding his Golden Grizzlies' offense. With his team sputtering with the ball -- it scored 50 points in a loss to Youngstown State on Dec. 7 -- Kampe, the longest-tenured coach in the NCAA with 41 seasons, said he had hard decisions to make. "By the time you are (10 games in), you should have a pretty good idea of your personnel and what's going to happen," said Kampe, whose first season at the Horizon League school was 1984-85. "I've got to make some decisions on playing times and minutes. "I've got to figure out what can we do offensively to have success ... (because) it's not successful." However, he may have something offensively in reserve Malcolm Christie, who has scored in double digits in five straight games and set a season high in points (27) in a 73-70 overtime loss to Hawaii in the Diamond Head Classic's third-place matchup on Christmas night. Christie, a senior from Fredericton, New Brunswick, made 7 of 22 shots from distance. During his streak, he has canned 26 of 70 (37.1 percent) from beyond the arc, but Oakland is 1-5 since losing to Youngstown State. Joining Christie (11.2) in double-figure scoring this season are leader Allen Mukeba (13.1), DQ Cole (11.4) and Buru Naivalurua (11.3). --Field Level Media
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Mixcat: From Pioneer Search Engine to Leading Tech Innovation Powerhouse 12-09-2024 09:06 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Tech Industry Veteran Continues to Shape Digital Landscape with Cutting-Edge Solutions Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/401beb4f86faac0b74e02e69b68a8aa3.png KISSIMMEE, FL - Mixcat, the innovative technology company that revolutionized web search in the 1990s, announces an exciting expansion of its service offerings, solidifying its position as a comprehensive technology solutions provider for the modern digital age. From its humble beginnings as one of the web's first PHP/MySQL-based meta search engines competing with giants like Yahoo and Lycos, Mixcat has evolved into a powerhouse of technological innovation. The company's journey from a popular search platform - processing millions of monthly queries - to a full-spectrum IT solutions provider showcases its ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing tech landscape. "Our history of innovation, dating back to our groundbreaking search engine technology, has always been about solving real problems for real people,". "Today, we're taking that same innovative spirit into new frontiers of technology." Expanding Horizons with Cutting-Edge Solutions Mixcat is proud to announce its expansion into several cutting-edge technology sectors: * Artificial Intelligence Solutions: Custom AI implementation for businesses of all sizes * Point of Sale Systems: State-of-the-art POS solutions for retail and hospitality POS.CAT [ https://pos.cat/ ] * Application Development: Mobile and web applications tailored to specific business needs Mixcat Interactive! [ https://mixcatinteractive.com/ ] * Premium Web Hosting: Enterprise-level hosting solutions with worldwide data centers Ghosted Hosting [ https://ghosted.com/ ] * SEO and Digital Marketing: Comprehensive digital presence optimization Mixcat SEO [ https://mixcat.com/seo-optimization/ ] * Domain Services: Premium domain acquisition and management A Legacy of Trust and Innovation With over two decades of experience in the technology sector, Mixcat has built an unparalleled reputation for reliability and innovation. From their early days of pioneering search technology and integration with cPanel's web hosting platform to their current position as a leading IT solutions provider, Mixcat has consistently stayed ahead of the technology curve. "What sets us apart is our deep understanding of both traditional IT infrastructure and emerging technologies,". "Our clients benefit from solutions that aren't just cutting-edge, but are also practical and reliable." Commitment to Excellence Mixcat's commitment to excellence is evident in their: * Multiple state-of-the-art data centers across the United States * Award-winning customer support team * Innovative research and development department * Strong presence in Central Florida with retail locations * Growing international client base Looking to the Future As technology continues to evolve, Mixcat remains at the forefront of innovation. The company's investment in artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and digital transformation solutions positions them as a key player in shaping the future of business technology. "We're not just keeping pace with technology - we're helping to define it. "Our expansion into AI and advanced POS systems represents our commitment to providing tomorrow's solutions today." Experience the Mixcat Difference Businesses looking to leverage cutting-edge technology solutions while working with a proven industry leader are invited to experience the Mixcat difference. With a track record spanning over two decades and a portfolio of successful implementations across various industries, Mixcat continues to set the standard for technology innovation and service excellence. For more information about Mixcat's comprehensive technology solutions and services, visit https://mixcat.com or contact sales@mixcat.com About Mixcat Mixcat.com [ https://mixcat.com/ ] has been a pioneer in technology solutions since the mid-1990s. From its origins as a revolutionary search engine to its current position as a comprehensive technology solutions provider, Mixcat continues to lead the industry in innovation and customer service. Based in Central Florida, with a global reach, Mixcat provides cutting-edge technology solutions to businesses of all sizes. Media Contact Company Name: Mixcat Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=mixcat-from-pioneer-search-engine-to-leading-tech-innovation-powerhouse ] Country: United States Website: https://mixcat.com/ This release was published on openPR.
Having concluded the nonconference portion of its schedule with four consecutive wins, No. 15 Houston will open Big 12 play with something of a clean slate. The Cougars (8-3) resemble the squad that claimed the regular-season Big 12 title in their first year in the league last season as they head to Stillwater, Okla., to face Oklahoma State on Monday. Their balanced offense was on full display in an 87-51 home victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Dec. 21, with Emanuel Sharp (18 points), L.J. Cryer (17), Terrance Arceneaux (13) and Milos Uzan (12) sharing the load as Houston made a season-high 14 3-pointers. The offensive display provided a complement to the Cougars' usual brand of stifling defense and tenacious rebounding, and Houston coach Kelvin Sampson found it worth celebrating for a team whose shortcomings are too often overanalyzed. "You can't always just focus on things you've got to get better at," Sampson said. "You'll never focus on the things you're good at." Oklahoma State will represent a step up in weight class, with the depth and athleticism to challenge the Cougars' emerging offense. That comes as no surprise for the Cougars, who quickly became accustomed to the rigors of the Big 12, especially when the stakes are highest on the road. "Being able to get shots at the goal and taking care of the ball in the hostile environment is always going to be a challenge when you go on the road in this league," Sampson said. "That's what we'll be challenged with." The Cowboys (8-3) improved to 5-0 at home with their 86-74 victory over Oral Roberts on Dec. 22. Senior forward Abou Ousmane paired a season-high 19 points with a team-high seven rebounds in the victory, further validating the need for Oklahoma State to run more of its offense through its second-leading scorer. Ousmane averages 12.2 points per game for the Cowboys, second to Marchelus Avery (13.0). "It helps when we get him the basketball," first-year Cowboys coach Steve Lutz said of Ousmane. "We don't throw him the basketball enough. To his credit, he runs in transition, he seals for the most part darn near every time and our guards have to do a better job as they come across halfcourt of getting their head up and reading where the big is and (determining) can we get him the basketball. "That's going to be our quickest and best opportunity to score. We've got to continue to focus on throwing the ball inside to him." Oklahoma State enters conference play with momentum, having won four of its last five games. And while nonconference losses to Florida Atlantic, Nevada and Oklahoma proved disappointing, the setbacks showed the Cowboys have room for improvement. "We still have a lot of work to do," Lutz said. "We still have a lot of growth. I don't ever like to look ahead at the beginning of the season and say our record should be X and X. I try to focus more on the day-to-day progress of our team, and there are days where I think we make progress and days where we slip back a little bit. "We've got to continue with the process and get better and better each day." --Field Level MediaChip Wars! Will AI Propel These Stocks to New Heights?
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PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Luke Altmyer found Pat Bryant for a catch-and-run, 40-yard touchdown pass with 4 seconds left, sending No. 24 Illinois to a wild 38-31 victory over Rutgers on Saturday. Illinois (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten) was down 31-30 when it sent long kicker Ethan Moczulski out for a desperation 58-yard field goal with 14 seconds to go. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano then called for a timeout right before Moczulski’s attempt was wide left and about 15 yards short. After the missed field goal was waved off by the timeout, Illinois coach Bret Bielema sent his offense back on the field. Altmyer hit Bryant on an in cut on the left side at the 22, and he continued across the field and scored untouched in a game that featured three lead changes in the final 3:07. Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) gave up a safety on the final kickoff return, throwing a ball out of bounds in the end zone as players passed it around hoping for a miracle touchdown. Altmyer was 12-of-26 passing for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Bryant finished with seven receptions for 197 yards. Altmeyer put Illinois in front with a 30-yard TD run with 3:07 to go. He passed to Josh McCray on the 2-point conversion, making it 30-24. Rutgers responded with a 10-play, 65-yard drive. Athan Kaliakmanis had a 15-yard run on fourth down. He passed to running back Kyle Manangai for a 13-yard TD with 1:08 remaining. Illinois then drove 75 yards in eight plays for the unexpected win. Kaliakmanis was 18 for 36 for 174 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 13 carries for 84 yards and two TDs. Monangai had a career-high 28 carries for 122 yards. Kaliakmanis found Ian Strong for a 2-yard touchdown in the final seconds of the first half, and he scored on a 1-yard run to lift Rutgers to a 24-15 lead early in the fourth quarter. Illinois responded with Aidan Laughery’s 8-yard TD run, setting up the roller-coaster finish. The start of the second half was delayed because of a scrum between the teams. There were no punches thrown and the officials called penalties on both schools. Monangai become the third player in Rutgers history to rush for 3,000 yards when he picked up 4 on a third-and-1 carry early in the second quarter. The defending conference rushing champion joins Ray Rice and Terrell Willis in hitting the mark. Illinois: The great finish keeps the Illini in line for its first nine-win season since 2007 and a prestigious bowl game this season. Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights were seconds away from their first in-conference three-game win streak since joining the Big Ten in 2014. Illinois: At Northwestern next Saturday. Rutgers: At Michigan State next Saturday. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll
NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs ‘ lawyers tried for a third time Friday to persuade a judge to let the hip-hop mogul out of jail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial, but a decision won’t come until next week as prosecutors warned of his “concerted effort” from behind bars to disrupt the case. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian said he’ll rule promptly on Combs’ bail request after the defense and prosecution file letters by noon Monday fleshing out some of the arguments they made during a two-hour hearing in Manhattan federal court. Combs’ lawyers pitched having him await trial under around-the-clock surveillance either at his mansion on an island near Miami Beach or — after the judge scoffed at that location — at an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Their $50 million bail proposal, secured by his Florida home, essentially amounts to keeping Combs on house arrest instead of in custody at the troubled Brooklyn federal jail where he’s been held for 67 days since his September arrest. Under their plan, Combs’ lawyers said he’ll be under near-total restrictions on his ability to see or contact anyone but them. But prosecutors argued that no bail conditions can mitigate Combs’ “risk of obstruction and dangerousness to others.” Combs has routinely flouted jail rules while locked up at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, prosecutors said, accusing him of attempting to interfere with witnesses and taint the jury pool. “Really, this amounts to the defendant paying his way out of custody,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik told Subramanian. Defense lawyer Anthony Ricco countered that the prosecution’s portrayal of Combs as “a lawless person who doesn’t follow instructions” or “an out-of-control individual who has to be detained” is inaccurate. Another Combs lawyer, Teny Geragos, added that given the strict release conditions they’ve proposed, “it would be impossible for him not to follow rules.” Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years with help from a network of associates and employees while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. His trial is slated to begin May 5. Two other judges previously concluded that the Bad Boy Records founder would be a danger to the community if he is freed, and an appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals weighs his bail request. Friday’s hearing was the second time Combs was in court this week. On Tuesday, a judge blocked prosecutors from using as evidence papers that were seized from his cell during a jail-wide sweep for contraband and weapons. As he entered through a side door, Combs waved to relatives including his mother and several of his children in the courtroom gallery, tapping his hand to his heart and blowing kisses at them. He then hugged his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, before sitting at the defense table. Combs was not handcuffed or shackled and wore a beige jail uniform, occasionally pulling a pair of reading glasses from his pocket as he peered at papers in front of him. Prosecutors contend that while incarcerated the “I’ll Be Missing You” singer has orchestrated social media campaigns aimed at influencing potential jurors. They allege that he has also attempted to leak materials he believes would help his case and is contacting potential witnesses via third parties. “Simply put, the defendant cannot be trusted,” Slavik argued. In renewing their push for Combs’ release, his lawyers sought to undercut the strength of a potential key piece of evidence: a March 2016 video showing him hitting and kicking his then-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie , in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Prosecutors contend the assault happened during a “Freak Off,” an event in which they allege Combs used his “power and prestige” to induce female victims into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances with male sex workers. Combs’ lawyers said in court papers that newly unearthed evidence refutes that, and that the video, which first aired on CNN in May, was “a minutes-long glimpse into a complex but decade-long consensual relationship” between Combs and Cassie. Slavik, responding to defense claims that the recording was manipulated or taken out of context, said prosecutors don’t have the full version because Combs paid hotel staff $100,000 “to make the original video go away.” “This is a case about violence,” Slavik told Subramanian in a final plea to keep Combs locked up. “The defendant has engaged in physical, sexual and emotional abuse of his romantic partners for years. ... He’s hit. He’s kicked. He’s dragged.”Share Tweet Share Share Email Financial security becomes increasingly important as individuals enter their senior years. Aging often comes with unique challenges, such as reduced income, rising healthcare costs, and the need for long-term care. However, there are many tools and strategies available to help seniors achieve financial stability. This article explores effective solutions to secure financial well-being during the golden years . Understanding the Financial Challenges of Aging Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand the common financial obstacles seniors face. These include: Reduced Income: Retirement often means living on a fixed income from pensions, Social Security, or retirement savings. Increased Healthcare Costs: Aging is often accompanied by medical expenses, including medications, treatments, and possibly long-term care. Longevity Risk: With increased life expectancy, many seniors risk outliving their savings. Inflation: The rising cost of goods and services can erode purchasing power over time. Unexpected Expenses: Emergencies, home repairs, or health crises can significantly strain finances. Being aware of these challenges is the first step toward finding effective financial solutions. Creating a Comprehensive Budget A well-planned budget is the cornerstone of financial security for seniors. It helps track income, expenses, and savings. Here’s how to create an effective budget: Assess Income Sources Identify all sources of income, including: Social Security benefits Pension payments Investment income Annuities Part-time employment (if applicable) Track Expenses Categorize expenses into fixed (e.g., rent or mortgage, utilities) and variable (e.g., groceries, entertainment). This helps prioritize spending and identify areas for cost-cutting. Plan for Emergencies Allocate a portion of income to an emergency fund. Experts recommend having at least three to six months’ worth of expenses saved. This buffer can help cover unexpected costs without jeopardizing other financial goals. Leveraging Government Programs Government programs provide vital support to seniors. Some key programs include: Social Security Benefits Social Security remains a primary income source for many retirees. Seniors can maximize benefits by delaying claims until full retirement age or later, if possible. Understanding the nuances of Social Security, such as spousal and survivor benefits, can also help maximize income. Medicare and Medicaid These programs help cover healthcare costs. While Medicare is available to most seniors, Medicaid offers additional support for low-income individuals needing long-term care. Supplemental plans like Medicare Advantage or Medigap can further reduce out-of-pocket costs. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) SNAP provides food assistance, helping seniors afford nutritious meals without compromising other essential expenses. Local social service offices can assist with applications and eligibility requirements. Exploring Investment Options Investments can play a crucial role in maintaining financial security during retirement. However, seniors should adopt a conservative approach to reduce risk. Diversify Your Portfolio A well-diversified portfolio minimizes risk while ensuring steady returns. Consider a mix of: Bonds: Low-risk and reliable income sources. Dividend-paying stocks: Provide regular income. Mutual funds: Offer diversification and professional management. Real estate investment trusts (REITs): Provide income from property investments without direct ownership. Utilize Annuities Annuities provide guaranteed income for life or a specified period. They are particularly useful for seniors concerned about outliving their savings. Options like immediate, deferred, and fixed annuities can be tailored to individual needs. Safe Withdrawal Rate Adopting a safe withdrawal rate, such as the 4% rule, ensures that retirees do not deplete their savings too quickly. Adjusting withdrawals based on market performance adds an extra layer of security. Long-Term Care Planning Planning for long-term care is critical to avoid financial strain. Options include: Long-Term Care Insurance This insurance helps cover costs associated with assisted living, nursing homes, or in-home care. Purchasing a policy earlier in life reduces premiums and increases coverage options. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) HSAs allow individuals to save for healthcare expenses tax-free. Seniors can use these funds to pay for medical needs during retirement. Contributions made during working years can grow significantly over time. Reverse Mortgages A reverse mortgage enables seniors to convert home equity into cash while continuing to live in their homes. This option suits those with significant home equity but limited liquid assets. However, it’s essential to understand the terms and risks involved . Debt Management Strategies Managing debt is essential for financial stability. Seniors should prioritize paying off high-interest debts, such as credit card balances, to free up income for essential needs. Consolidate Debt Debt consolidation simplifies repayment by combining multiple debts into a single, lower-interest loan. This approach reduces monthly payments and overall interest costs. Seek Professional Guidance Financial advisors can provide tailored strategies to manage and reduce debt effectively. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies also offer free or low-cost services. Embracing Technology for Financial Management Technology offers seniors innovative ways to manage finances. Digital tools and apps simplify budgeting, bill payments, and investments. Budgeting Apps Apps like Mint and YNAB (You Need A Budget) help seniors track expenses, set financial goals, and monitor spending habits. These tools provide real-time insights into financial health. Online Banking Most banks offer online platforms for easy access to account balances, bill payments, and transaction histories. Features like automated payments and fraud alerts enhance security and convenience. Robo-Advisors Robo-advisors provide automated investment management, making investing accessible and affordable for seniors. They use algorithms to recommend portfolios based on risk tolerance and financial goals. The Importance of Estate Planning Estate planning ensures that seniors’ assets are distributed according to their wishes. Key components include: Drafting a Will A will outlines how assets should be distributed after death. Without one, state laws determine asset distribution, which may not align with personal preferences. Establishing a Trust Trusts provide greater control over asset distribution and can reduce estate taxes. They also protect assets from probate, ensuring a smoother transfer to beneficiaries. Designating Power of Attorney A power of attorney authorizes a trusted individual to make financial or medical decisions on behalf of the senior if they become incapacitated. Advance directives, like living wills, further clarify healthcare preferences. Community Resources and Support Local communities often provide resources to help seniors manage finances. Examples include: Senior centers offering financial literacy workshops. Nonprofits providing free or low-cost financial counseling. Local banks with programs tailored to senior citizens. Community groups that connect seniors with trusted advisors and support networks. Maintaining a Frugal Lifestyle Adopting a frugal lifestyle can stretch retirement savings further. Simple tips include: Shopping during sales or using coupons. Downsizing to a smaller home. Using public transportation instead of owning a car. Cooking at home rather than dining out. Staying Informed and Proactive Financial security requires staying informed about changes in policies, market conditions, and available resources. Regularly reviewing and adjusting financial plans ensures alignment with current needs and goals. Education, whether through online resources or workshops, empowers seniors to make informed decisions. Conclusion Achieving financial security in aging is possible with the right tools and strategies. By budgeting, leveraging government programs, exploring investment options, and planning for long-term care, seniors can navigate their financial future confidently. Additionally, embracing technology, reducing debt, and seeking professional guidance further enhance financial well-being. With proactive planning and informed decisions , the golden years can truly be a time of peace and financial stability. Related Items: Financial Security in Aging , Medicare and Medicaid , Patriarchal & Senior Financial Solutions Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments