This initiative is set to offer additional functionalities such as exclusive rights and digital identity authentication, aiming to transform the way digital assets are perceived and utilized. The decision to launch these innovative NFTs will be democratically made through a community vote scheduled from December 27 to December 30, 2024. BurgerCities is calling on its community members to actively participate in this crucial decision-making process. Voters will have the choice to either support the proposal, recognizing the potential for new opportunities in the digital market, or oppose it due to concerns over market volatility and potential technical challenges. The 2025 NFT series proposed by BurgerCities seeks to enrich the digital asset market by integrating sophisticated elements of art and technology. These NFTs aim to go beyond mere collecting; they are envisioned as a medium to appreciate digital art and leverage it for more practical applications like identity verification and exclusive access rights. This approach could potentially set a new standard for how NFTs are utilized, making them more than just collectible items but also functional assets that carry significant cultural and technological value. The outcome of the community vote will significantly influence the direction of this project and its potential impact on the digital asset landscape. BurgerCities emphasizes that the introduction of these art and technology-infused NFTs could revitalize the market and foster the development of a digital culture that celebrates technological innovation alongside artistic expression. The results of the vote will be announced promptly on various social media platforms following the conclusion of the voting period. BurgerCities aims to ensure transparency and community involvement in the evolution of its platform and the broader digital market.BOSTON — Forty years ago, Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie rolled to his right and threw a pass that has become one of college football’s most iconic moments. With Boston College trailing defending champion Miami, Flutie threw the Hail Mary and found receiver Gerard Phalen, who made the grab while falling into the end zone behind a pair of defenders for a game-winning 48-yard TD. Flutie and many of his 1984 teammates were honored on the field during BC’s 41-21 victory over North Carolina before the second quarter on Saturday afternoon, the anniversary of the Eagles’ Miracle in Miami. “There’s no way its been 40 years,” Flutie told The Associated Press on the sideline a few minutes before he walked out with some of his former teammates to be recognized after a video of The Play was shown on the scoreboards. A statue commemorating Doug Flutie's famed "Hail Mary" pass during a game against Miami on Nov. 23, 1994, sits outside Alumni Stadium at Boston College. Famous football plays often attain a legendary status with religious names like the "Immaculate Reception," the "Hail Mary" pass and the Holy Roller fumble. It’s a moment and highlight that’s not only played throughout decades of BC students and fans, but around the college football world. “What is really so humbling is that the kids 40 years later are wearing 22 jerseys, still,” Flutie said of his old number. “That amazes me.” That game was played on national TV the Friday after Thanksgiving. The ironic thing is it was originally scheduled for earlier in the season before CBS paid Rutgers to move its game against Miami, thus setting up the BC-Miami post-holiday matchup. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie rejoices in his brother Darren's arms after B.C. defeats Miami with a last second touchdown pass on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami. “It shows you how random some things are, that the game was moved,” Flutie said. “The game got moved to the Friday after Thanksgiving, which was the most watched game of the year. We both end up being nationally ranked and up there. All those things lent to how big the game itself was, and made the pass and the catch that much more relevant and remembered because so many people were watching.” There’s a statue of Flutie winding up to make The Pass outside the north gates at Alumni Stadium. Fans and visitors can often be seen taking photos there. “In casual conversation, it comes up every day,” Flutie said, when asked how many times people bring it up. “It brings a smile to my face every time we talk about it.” A week after the game-ending Flutie pass, the Eagles beat Holy Cross and before he flew off to New York to accept the Heisman. They went on to win the 49th Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Day. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie evades Miami defensive tackle Kevin Fagan during the first quarter of a game on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami, Fla. “Forty years seem almost like incomprehensible,” said Phalen, also standing on the sideline a few minutes after the game started. “I always say to Doug: ‘Thank God for social media. It’s kept it alive for us.”’ Earlier this week, current BC coach Bill O’Brien, 55, was asked if he remembered where he was 40 years ago. “We were eating Thanksgiving leftovers in my family room,” he said. “My mom was saying a Rosary in the kitchen because she didn’t like Miami and wanted BC to win. My dad, my brother and I were watching the game. “It was unbelievable,” he said. “Everybody remembers where they were for the Hail Mary, Flutie pass.” Mike Tyson, left, slaps Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal serves during a training session at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, in Malaga, southern Spain, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) A fan takes a picture of the moon prior to a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Uruguay and Colombia in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich) Rasmus Højgaard of Denmark reacts after missing a shot on the 18th hole in the final round of World Tour Golf Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Taylor Fritz of the United States reacts during the final match of the ATP World Tour Finals against Italy's Jannik Sinner at the Inalpi Arena, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) fails to pull in a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Brynn Anderson) Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) India's Tilak Varma jumps in the air as he celebrates after scoring a century during the third T20 International cricket match between South Africa and India, at Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski warms up before facing the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Kansas State players run onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Arizona State Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) A fan rapped in an Uruguay flag arrives to the stands for a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) People practice folding a giant United States flag before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Marquinhos attempts to stop the sprinklers that were turned on during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Venezuela at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Georgia's Georges Mikautadze celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League, group B1 soccer match between Georgia and Ukraine at the AdjaraBet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili) Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, right, attempts to score while Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) keep the puck out of the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt) Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misses the third goal during the Nations League soccer match between Italy and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President-elect Donald Trump attends UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Fans argue in stands during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Israel at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Thursday Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova hits a return against Danielle Collins, of the United States, during a tennis match at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Malaga, southern Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) falls after driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) England's Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Katie Taylor, left, lands a right to Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner, right, tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington, left, on a punt return during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) UConn's Paige Bueckers (5) battles North Carolina's Laila Hull, right, for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) Get local news delivered to your inbox!Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100https://arab.news/bzn37 LONDON: The UK is set to join a security pact between Bahrain and the US designed to build “long-term stability in the Middle East.” The UK government said it would sign a deal to join the US-Bahrain Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement on Saturday in Manama. The original agreement between the US and Bahrain, which have long-standing security ties, was signed in September last year. At the time the State Department said it would “enhance cooperation across a wide range of areas, from defense and security to emerging technology, trade, and investment.” Bahrain’s foreign minister confirmed on Friday that the UK had been invited to be a partner in the agreement, Reuters reported. “The comprehensive security integration and prosperity agreement is designed not as a bilateral arrangement, but as the beginning of a multilateral framework that aims to bring together countries with an equal interest in delivering stability and prosperity,” Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani told the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain. Hamish Falconer, the UK’s minister for Middle East and North Africa, will travel to Bahrain on Saturday to sign the agreement with officials from Bahrain and the US. He said the pact was a “joint commitment to be at the forefront of global efforts to promote the rule of law and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.” Falconer added: “The Middle East is subject to instability and the risks of escalation and miscalculation are high. It is more important than ever for the UK to join efforts to build long-term regional security in the region, alongside key partners Bahrain and (the) US.” Both the UK and the US have major naval bases in Bahrain, home to America’s Fifth Fleet. Bahrain has supported American and British efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which has been targeted by attacks from Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen for more than a year. By entering the agreement the UK will bolster its strong security and economic cooperation with Bahrain, the British government said. The first UK Bahrain Strategic Investment Partnership agreed in 2023 has provided over £1 billion of investment in the UK, the announcement added The security agreement comes as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to deepen relations with Arab Gulf states. The emir of Qatar this week took part in a two-day state visit to Britain, during which the two countries signed an agreement for Qatar to invest £1 billion in British climate technologies.
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Boopie Miller's 24 points spark SMU to a 98-82 win over Longwood in nonconference finale
Educate. Advocate. Act nowMATT JAMES scored an injury-time equaliser as Hereford Pegasus rescued a 2-2 draw against city rivals Westfields following an intense Hellenic Premier clash at allpay.park on Boxing Day. Both sides came up against familiar faces with Hereford Pegasus having nine former Fields players in their starting 11. Despite sitting low in the league than their opponents Pegasus worked hard throughout the game and twice came back after Westfields had taken the lead. It was the hosts who broke the deadlock after seven minutes when Cawley Cox struck the crossbar from Zac Powell's driven cross on the right. However, Owen Taylor pounced on the loose ball to fire home past Matt Gwynne. Peggy hit back and Shay Sterry in the Fields goal produced two brilliant diving saves. However, the visitors were level on the stroke of half-time when Jordan Williamson got free down the left flank and beat Sterry from an acute angle to send the sides in level at the break. After the interval the 246 Boxing Day crowd were treated to a third goal when Cawley Cox was brought down in full flight by goalkeeper Matt Gwynne resulting in a penalty being awarded. Cox got up to beat the Peggy keeper from the spot to give Westfields a 2-1 lead on the 53rd minute. Westfields then produced their best spell and should have increased their lead but Zac Powell twice failed to convert gilt edge chances and a Cox shot flew inches past the Peggy upright . Hereford Pegasus came more into the game as the half progresses as Westfields gave away free-kicks and corners. With the clock ticking down Hereford Pegasus had their last throw of the dice with a last minute corner and substitute Matt James tucked the ball away as Westfields failed to attack the corner kick for a dramatic late equaliser in the Hellenic League derby. The result leaves Westfields in 10th position and nine points from the play-off positions as they head to promotion contenders Mangotsfield United on New Years Day (kick-off 3pm). During a hectic Christmas period Pegasus were also in action on Saturday, when they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Thornbury Town. Callum Chambers saw his 20th minute opener for the hosts cancelled out by Jack Gittoes’ goal. However, Chambers struck again in the second half before Zak Kempster secured the points. In the Hellenic Division One, Wellington had the Christmas spell away from action but return with a home clash against Clanfield this weekend.NEW YORK (AP) — Top-ranked chess player is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for . Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he'd let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, and other “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code. He said Carlsen's stand — which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday — highlighted a need for more discussion “to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport.” Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. “I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side,” the 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster said. But he added that he loves playing blitz — a fast-paced form of chess — and wanted fans to be able to watch, and that he was encouraged by his discussions with the federation after Friday's showdown. “I think we sort of all want the same thing,” he suggested in the video on his Take Take Take chess app’s YouTube channel. “We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable.” The events began when Carlsen wore jeans and a sportcoat Friday to the Rapid World Championship, which is separate from but held in conjunction with the blitz event. The chess federation said Friday that longstanding rules prohibit jeans at those tournaments, and players are lodged nearby to make sartorial switch-ups easy if needed. An official fined Carlsen $200 and asked him to change pants, but he refused and wasn't paired for a ninth-round game, the federation said at the time. The organization noted that another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined earlier in the day for wearing sports shoes, changed and continued to play. Carlsen has said that he offered to wear something else the next day, but officials were unyielding. He said “it became a bit of a matter of principle,” so he quit the rapid and blitz championships. In the video posted Sunday, he questioned whether he had indeed broken a rule and said changing clothes would have needlessly interrupted his concentration between games. He called the punishment “unbelievably harsh.” “Of course, I could have changed. Obviously, I didn’t want to,” he said, and “I stand by that.”
Russia shares higher at close of trade; MOEX Russia Index up 1.05%I am often asked if I celebrate Christmas, something usually asked by people who only know me casually. The question implies that to many Americans, the African continent is uniformly non-Christian, most likely Muslim. A Christmas celebration in Africa is therefore beyond their ken. The question’s implications traverse knowledge of history, geography and geopolitics. Of course, I and many I left behind in Africa, celebrate the birth of Christ. Colonial Africa was converted to Christianity by European missionaries. Worthy of mention is that prior to Whites’ arrival, many tribes had their god — the Kikuyu, my tribe, had Ngai — who was officially supplanted by Jesus. Often our Kikuyu Ngai was used in place of the Christian god. For Catholics the virgin birth was at the center of our faith. We celebrated Christ’s birth, with the Magi bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh; the manger signified implied poverty. Christmas was a worthy addition to our tribal celebrations. There was no red gowned, wool capped Santa Claus. My family went to the midnight mass, which with its celebratory rituals was full of light. As we suffered under the colonial yoke, we thought Jesus would save us. He understood our poverty, and knew our colonizer’s mind. But the White colonialists prayed to the same Jesus in their White churches. Such is the contradiction of humanity’s prayers to one God. We also sang and danced, dressed in our Sunday best on the dance floor, on sandy, dusty arenas where the clan congregated. Relatives came from far away to visit and renew the flame of family love. Commercial aspects of Western Christmas had not yet seeped into our psyches. Much has changed on the African continent, as it has around the globe. If at one time Christmas meant a holy celebration of Christ’s birth, for many today, Christmas’ meaning has changed. It’s now a time of commercial enterprise, when we buy presents. The power of the consumer is manifested by swings in the stock market. It has crossed the oceans and is now an important occasion across Asia, symbolizing the West’s cultural conquest of the world. A sign of global prosperity. If at one time bright colored lights festooned some homes in America and Europe, the reality today is the whole world loves yuletide’s bright colored lights. There no longer is a little Jesus in a cradle with a lugubrious ass eyeing him pitifully. Colored lights shine on expensive merchandise: gowns, jewelry, pricey clothing. I celebrate Christmas now by remembering how, as a poor boy, eyes full of envy, I looked at wealthy Asian and Arab merchants who had everything. In comparison we had nothing. The Bible castigates the indifferent wealthy — Pharisees and corrupt priests — people Christians of yore resented. Theirs was not the kingdom of heaven. Today, Christ’s name is used to fulfill so much that is patently un-Christian. It is unfortunate that many who no longer pay homage to the Christian church, agnostics, atheists and others, are more charitable, more humane, filling many more empty cups of the poor than those who claim devotion to their own effigy of Christ. Christ’s name has been used as a shield by many, including colonialists, who belong in purgatory. After deciding we have all we need, for some time now we no longer frequent malls. We feel the most important gift we can give each other is our company, friendship and love. More than anything, to soulfully sit in gentle conversation or in silence is the heaven we seek. Perhaps this was what the birth of Christ was meant to signify all of this time — charity and generous peace. Looking back at our Christmas celebrations in Africa living under our colonial masters fills me with a tinge of nostalgia. Not the kind you want to relive; but the kind you’re glad you passed through. When they ask me if I celebrate Christmas, I want to ask them if they, too, celebrate it. I want to know what Christmas is to them, and how they celebrate it. I of course imagine they spend weeks buying gifts. I can imagine their Christmas morning ritual; or the ritual of large numbers gathered together to exchange gifts, to sing, eat and drink. We can wish these occasions have more ethereal meaning, but perhaps it is enough that citizens meet and peacefully enjoy each other. Jesus’ birth, after all, meant peace on earth. Pius Kamau, M.D., a retired general surgeon, is president of the Aurora-based Africa America Higher Education Partnerships; co-founder of the Africa Enterprise Group and an activist for minority students’ STEM education. He is a National Public Radio commentator, a Huffington Post blogger, a past columnist for Denver dailies and is featured on the podcast, “Never Again.”