About 5,000 miles west of the Caribbean nation, similar climes awaited Maui Invitational men's teams in Hawaii. They’ve often been greeted with leis, the traditional Hawaiian welcome of friendship. College basketball teams and fans look forward to this time of the year. The holiday week tournaments feature buzzworthy matchups and all-day TV coverage, sure, but there is a familiarity about them as they help ward off the November chill. For four decades, these sandy-beach getaways filled with basketball have become a beloved mainstay of the sport itself. “When you see (ESPN’s) ‘Feast Week’ of college basketball on TV, when you see the Battle 4 Atlantis on TV, you know college basketball is back,” said Miller-Tooley, the founder and organizer of the Battle 4 Atlantis men's and women's tournaments. “Because it’s a saturated time of the year with the NFL, college football and the NBA. But when you see these gorgeous events in these beautiful places, you realize, ‘Wow, hoops are back, let’s get excited.’” MTE Madness The Great Alaska Shootout was the trend-setting multiple-team event (MTE) nearly five decades ago. The brainchild of late Alaska-Anchorage coach Bob Rachal sought to raise his program’s profile by bringing in national-power programs, which could take advantage of NCAA rules allowing them to exceed the maximum allotment of regular-season games if they played the three-game tournament outside the contiguous 48 states. The first edition, named the Sea Wolf Classic, saw N.C. State beat Louisville 72-66 for the title on Nov. 26, 1978. The Maui Invitational followed in November 1984, borne from the buzz of NAIA program Chaminade’s shocking upset of top-ranked Virginia and 7-foot-4 star Ralph Sampson in Hawaii two years earlier. Events kept coming, with warm-weather locales getting in on the action. The Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Cancun Challenge in Mexico. The Cayman Islands Classic. The Jamaica Classic. The Myrtle Beach Invitational joining the Charleston Classic in South Carolina. Numerous tournaments in Florida. Some events have faded away like the Puerto Rico Tipoff and the Great Alaska Shootout, the latter in 2017 amid event competition and schools opting for warm-weather locales. Atlantis rising Miller-Tooley’s push to build an MTE for Atlantis began as a December 2010 doubleheader with Georgia Tech beating Richmond and Virginia Tech beating Mississippi State in a prove-it moment for a tournament’s viability. It also required changing NCAA legislation to permit MTEs in the Bahamas. Approval came in March 2011; the first eight-team Atlantis men’s tournament followed in November. That tournament quickly earned marquee status with big-name fields, with Atlantis champions Villanova (2017) and Virginia (2018) later winning that season’s NCAA title. Games run in a ballroom-turned-arena at the resort, where players also check out massive swimming pools, water slides and inner-tube rapids surrounded by palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean. “It’s just the value of getting your passport stamped, that will never get old,” Miller-Tooley said. “Watching some of these kids, this may be their first and last time – and staff and families – that they ever travel outside the United States. ... You can see through these kids’ eyes that it’s really an unbelievable experience.” ACC Network analyst Luke Hancock knows that firsthand. His Louisville team finished second at Atlantis in 2012 and won that year’s later-vacated NCAA title, with Hancock as the Final Four's most outstanding player. “I remember (then-coach Rick Pitino) saying something to the effect of: ‘Some of you guys might never get this opportunity again. We’re staying in this unbelievable place, you’re doing it with people you love,’” Hancock said. “It was a business trip for us there at Thanksgiving, but he definitely had a tone of ‘We’ve got to enjoy this as well.’” Popular demand Maui offers similar vibes, though 2024 could be a little different as Lahaina recovers from deadly 2023 wildfires that forced the event's relocation last year. North Carolina assistant coach Sean May played for the Tar Heels’ Maui winner in 2004 and was part of UNC’s staff for the 2016 champion, with both teams later winning the NCAA title. May said “you just feel the peacefulness” of the area — even while focusing on games — and savors memories of the team taking a boat out on the Pacific Ocean after title runs under now-retired Hall of Famer Roy Williams. “Teams like us, Dukes, UConns – you want to go to places that are very well-run,” May said. “Maui, Lea Miller with her group at the Battle 4 Atlantis, that’s what drives teams to come back because you know you’re going to get standard A-quality of not only the preparation but the tournament with the way it’s run. Everything is top-notch. And I think that brings guys back year after year.” That’s why Colorado coach Tad Boyle is so excited for the Buffaloes’ first Maui appearance since 2009. “We’ve been trying to get in the tournament since I got here,” said Boyle, now in his 15th season. And of course, that warm-weather setting sure doesn’t hurt. “If you talk about the Marquettes of the world, St. John’s, Providence – they don’t want that cold weather,” said NBA and college TV analyst Terrence Oglesby, who played for Clemson in the 2007 San Juan Invitational in Puerto Rico. “They’re going to have to deal with that all January and February. You might as well get a taste of what the sun feels like.” Packed schedule The men’s Baha Mar Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, got things rolling last week with No. 11 Tennessee routing No. 13 Baylor for the title. The week ahead could boast matchups befitting the Final Four, with teams having two weeks of action since any opening-night hiccups. “It’s a special kickoff to the college basketball season,” Oglesby said. “It’s just without the rust.” On the women’s side, Atlantis began its fourth eight-team women’s tournament Saturday with No. 16 North Carolina and No. 18 Baylor, while the nearby Baha Mar resort follows with two four-team women’s brackets that include No. 2 UConn, No. 7 LSU, No. 17 Mississippi and No. 20 N.C. State. Then come the men’s headliners. The Maui Invitational turns 40 as it opens Monday back in Lahaina. It features second-ranked and two-time reigning national champion UConn, No. 4 Auburn, No. 5 Iowa State and No. 10 North Carolina. The Battle 4 Atlantis opens its 13th men’s tournament Wednesday, topped by No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 16 Indiana and No. 17 Arizona. Michigan State Hall of Famer Tom Izzo is making his fourth trip to Maui, where he debuted as Jud Heathcote’s successor at the 1995 tournament. Izzo's Spartans have twice competed at Atlantis, last in 2021. “They’re important because they give you something in November or December that is exciting,” Izzo said. Any drawbacks? “It’s a 10-hour flight,” he said of Hawaii.
The new partnership will unveil ScreenX and 4DX theaters in El Segundo , Folsom , and Concord, California HOLLYWOOD, Calif. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CJ 4DPLEX , the world's leading producer of premium film formats and cinema technologies, has partnered with Cinema West, an independently owned movie theater company with locations throughout California and Idaho , to launch a new lineup of premium auditoriums. This collaboration will introduce three expansive 270-degree panoramic ScreenX theaters, starting with Cinema West's Palladio 16 Cinema in Folsom, CA , which will open this week featuring the highly anticipated film "Wicked" from Universal Pictures. The CinemaWest Beach Cities location in El Segundo, CA , and the Veranda Luxe Cinema in Concord, CA , are both scheduled to open in December. Additionally, two state-of-the-art 4DX auditoriums will be established at the CinemaWest Beach Cities location in El Segundo and Palladio 16 Cinema in Folsom , with expected openings early next year. The CinemaWest Beach Cities location, servicing the Manhattan , Hermosa, & Redondo Beach neighborhoods, formerly known as ArcLight Beach Cities, is the latest addition to the exhibitor's portfolio and is poised to make a significant impact upon its opening. This location has undergone extensive renovations and upgrades, featuring ScreenX and 4DX auditoriums as part of its top premium offerings. "With ScreenX and 4DX, we will showcase the future of cinema, delivering unforgettable and upscale experiences. There is no other cinema experience like CJ 4DPLEX's ScreenX and 4DX technologies, which dramatically highlight the difference between cinema and home viewing. These exceptional cinema innovations will set our complexes apart from the rest in the important Los Angeles market," said Dave Corkill , President, and CEO of Cinema West. "The addition of a ScreenX and 4DX auditorium to the beautifully remodeled CinemaWest Beach Cities perfectly complements the needs of moviegoers seeking next-generation, super-premium offerings that are distinct from the home viewing experience," said Don Savant , CEO and President of CJ 4DPLEX Americas. "The Beach Cities location has a remarkable legacy, and we are excited to partner with Cinema West to deliver both our cutting-edge premium experiences to moviegoers in the South Bay area of Los Angeles . We are also looking forward to launching our super-premium experiences at Cinema West's Concord and Folsom locations." The ScreenX format lets moviegoers experience key scenes from each film in a stunning, 270-degree panoramic view that is displayed across dual-sided screens. This creates all-encompassing visuals like never before and provides the most differentiated and premium moviegoing experience available. 4DX pushes movie-going boundaries through a multi-sensory experience that incorporates motion-based seating synchronized with more than 21 different effects. 4DX connects audiences with movies through motion, vibration, water, wind, snow, lightning, scents, and other special effects that enhance the visuals on-screen. Upcoming titles in ScreenX and 4DX include Universal Pictures Wicked , Paramount's Gladiator 2 and Sonic The Hedgehog 3 , Disney's Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King and Sony's Kraven The Hunter . About CJ 4DPLEX: CJ 4DPLEX is a leading, next-generation cinema technology company, headquartered in Seoul with international offices in Los Angeles and Beijing . The company has created innovative film technologies for theaters worldwide that include 'ScreenX', '4DX', and '4DX Screen' for consumers to experience films in ways that were never before possible. CJ 4DPLEX is a part of the CJ Group conglomerate that also includes entertainment powerhouses CJ CGV, the fifth largest theater chain in the world, and CJ ENM (CJ Entertainment & Media), who produced the Academy Award®, Golden Globe® and SAG Awards winning film, "Parasite". ScreenX is the world's first multi-projection cinema with an immersive 270 degree field of view. By expanding the image beyond the frame and onto the walls of the theater, ScreenX places the audience directly at the center of the story, creating a visually immersive viewing experience unlike any other. To date, there are over 370 ScreenX auditoriums around the world in 40 countries. 4DX provides moviegoers with a multi-sensory cinema-going experience, allowing audiences to connect with movies through motion, vibration, water, wind, snow, lightning, scents, and other special effects that enhance the visuals on-screen. Each 4DX auditorium incorporates motion-based seating synchronized with more than 21 different effects and optimized by a team of skilled editors. To date, there are over 790 4DX auditoriums around the world, spanning over 70 countries. About Cinema West: Headquartered in Petaluma, CA , Cinema West is a privately owned company that owns and operates 18 locations throughout California and Idaho . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cj-4dplex-and-cinema-west-sign-multi-theater-deal-to-launch-270-degree-panoramic-screenx-and-multisensory-4dx-auditoriums-across-california-302313629.html SOURCE CJ 4DPLEX
FOX45: Maryland leaders opposed to Trump’s immigration policies risk federal fundingThe vulnerability in question allows hackers to inject malicious code into the operating system, enabling them to execute remote commands and potentially take control of the switch. This opens up the possibility for a wide range of malicious activities, including eavesdropping on network traffic, launching denial-of-service attacks, and even exfiltrating sensitive data from the network.According to reports, Liu Yusheng is being investigated for suspected violations of discipline and law related to his professional conduct. The exact nature of the allegations has not been disclosed, but sources indicate that they are of a serious nature and could have far-reaching implications for his career and reputation.
Q: How do other countries view China's economic development?
Acquitted accused’s counsel sends notice to Rahul, seeks ₹50 lakh compensation
In the digital age, photo sharing has reached new heights with products like the . Recommended by trusted sources such as The New York Times, Wired, and even Oprah's Favorite Things, the Aura frame offers a blend of technology and simplicity that's hard to beat. Thankfully, for a limited time, you can purchase it on at a 10% discount, making today the perfect opportunity to enhance your home or find that perfect gift for a loved one. One of the standout features of the is its convenience in photo sharing. You can effortlessly send photos and videos directly from your phone to the frame, regardless of where you are. Even better, family and friends are welcome to contribute their own memories, creating a diverse collection of heartfelt moments with free, unlimited storage. Setting up your new Aura frame is straightforward and quick, requiring just a WiFi connection and the user-friendly Aura app, compatible with both Apple and Android devices. The design, featuring a sleek white frame and HD display that is both color-calibrated and adaptable, ensures that every photo is presented at its best. With built-in smart features, the automatically adjusts screen brightness, optimizes photo cropping, and powers down during the night to conserve energy. Another compelling reason to purchase the Aura frame is its suitability as a gift. The ability to pre-load photos, videos, and even a personalized message using the Aura app makes it an unparalleled gift idea for any occasion, from birthdays to anniversaries. With a 10% discount currently available on , there is no better time to buy the . Whether you want to keep cherished memories close or share them with others, this top-rated frame promises an elevated photo experience, blending ease of use with cutting-edge technology. Don't miss this opportunity to bring joy and connection into your life with a truly innovative product.To combat the growing threat of invasive species, cooperation and coordination among government agencies, scientific institutions, and the public are essential. Early detection, rapid response, and targeted eradication efforts are key strategies in preventing the establishment and spread of alien species. Public education campaigns can also raise awareness about the risks associated with invasive species and the importance of responsible trade and travel practices.
In a case that has sparked outrage and renewed discussions about race, justice, and accountability in the United States, a former U.S. Marine has been acquitted by a jury in the choking death of an African American man. The incident, which took place in a crowded street on a summer evening, resulted in the tragic and unnecessary loss of life.
Looking ahead, as the global economy gradually recovers and international trade dynamics continue to evolve, China's foreign trade will face both opportunities and challenges. The country's commitment to pursuing an open and inclusive trade policy, enhancing cooperation with other countries, and promoting trade liberalization will be crucial in sustaining the positive momentum in foreign trade growth.Some tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen National Politics | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone The heart of the argument is, for America to remain competitive, the country needs to expand the number of skilled visas it gives out. The previous Trump administration did not increase the skilled visa program, instead clamping down on visas for students and educated workers, increasing denial rates. Not everyone in corporate America thinks the skilled worker program is great. Former workers at IT company Cognizant recently won a federal class-action lawsuit that said the company favored Indian employees over Americans from 2013 to 2022. A Bloomberg investigation found Cognizant, and other similar outsourcing companies, mainly used its skilled work visas for lower-level positions. Workers alleged Cognizant preferred Indian workers because they could be paid less and were more willing to accept inconvenient or less-favorable assignments. Question: Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy YES: Innovation is our superpower and it relies on people. Sourcing talent from 8 billion people in the world instead of 330 million here makes sense. Nearly half our Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Growing them also relies on expanding our skilled workforce. The cap on skilled-worker visas has hardly changed since the computer age started. With AI on the horizon, attracting and building talent is more important than ever. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research YES: After years of openly allowing millions of undocumented entrants into the country, why is there controversy over legally increasing somewhat the number having desirable skills? Undocumented immigration significantly impacts lower skill level jobs and wages competing with domestic workers at every skill level. Why should special cases be made against those having higher skills? Could they just not walk across the border anyway, why make it more inconvenient to those with desirable skills? James Hamilton, UC San Diego YES: Knowledge and technology are key drivers of the U.S. economy. Students come from all over the world to learn at U.S. universities, and their spending contributed $50 billion to U.S. exports last year. Technological advantage is what keeps us ahead of the rest of the world. Highly skilled immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The skills immigrants bring to America can make us all better off. Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: According to Forbes, the majority of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. I’ve interviewed dozens of data analysts and programmers from Berkeley, UCSD, USD and a few other schools and 75% of them are foreign. There simply are not enough American graduates to fill the AI and data mining related jobs now exploding in the U.S. If we wish to remain a competitive economy, we need highly skilled and bright immigrants to come here and stay. David Ely, San Diego State University YES: Being able to employ highly skilled workers from a larger pool of candidates would strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies by increasing their capacity to perform research and innovate. This would boost the country’s economic output. Skilled workers from other nations that cannot remain in the U.S. will find jobs working for foreign rivals. The demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the current cap of 85,000, demonstrating a need to modify this program. Phil Blair, Manpower YES: Every country needs skilled workers, at all levels, to grow its economy. We should take advantage of the opportunity these workers provide our employers who need these skills. It should be blended into our immigration policies allowing for both short and long term visas. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: San Diego is a premiere example of how highly skilled workers from around the globe enrich a community and its regional economy. Of course Visa levels need to be increased. But let’s go further. Tie visas and immigration with a provision that those who are admitted and educated at a U.S. university be incentivized, or even required, to be employed in the U.S. in exchange for their admittance. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates NO: While attracting high-skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in sectors like technology, health care and advanced manufacturing, increasing high-skilled immigration could displace American workers and drive down wages in certain industries. There are already many qualified American workers available for some of these jobs. We should balance the need for specialized skills with the impact on the domestic workforce. I believe we can begin to increase the number of visas after a careful review of abuse. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth YES: We should expand skilled visas to drive innovation and economic growth. Individuals who perform high-skilled work in labor-restricted industries or graduate from respected colleges with relevant degrees should be prioritized for naturalization. We depend on immigration for GDP growth, tax revenue, research, and so much more. Despite the abhorrent rhetoric and curtailing of visas in the first term, I hope the incoming administration can be persuaded to enact positive changes to a clearly flawed system. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: But it should be based upon need, not politics. There are several industries that have or could have skilled workforce shortages, especially if the next administration tightens immigration as promised and expected. Over the years, there have been nursing shortages that have been met partially by trained and skilled nurses from other countries. The physician shortage is expected to get worse in the years to come. So, this visa program may very well be needed. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere NO: While skilled immigration could boost our economy and competitiveness, the U.S. should prioritize developing our domestic workforce. Hiring foreign nationals in sensitive industries or government-related work, especially in advanced technology or defense, raises security concerns. A balanced approach could involve targeted increases in non-sensitive high-demand fields coupled with investment in domestic STEM education and training programs. This could address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term STEM capabilities of the American workforce. Not participating this week: Alan Gin, University of San DiegoHaney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationRay Major, economist Have an idea for an Econometer question? Email me at phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com . Follow me on Threads: @phillip020
The case of Liu Yusheng serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and adhering to professional conduct in the medical field. As a leading expert in reproductive medicine, Liu Yusheng's alleged misconduct has prompted calls for greater oversight and accountability within the profession.Blowout loss to Packers leaves the 49ers on the playoff brink
In addition to promoting water conservation, the new tax reform also aims to better manage water resources in Shandong Province. The revenue generated from the water resource fees will be allocated to water infrastructure projects, water quality monitoring, and other initiatives to ensure the sustainable use of water resources. This investment in water management will not only benefit the environment but also support the long-term development and prosperity of the region.