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Falcons vs Vikings Prediction and Picks for December 8 2024 - Winners and Whiners
Chris Cenac Jr., the top center in the Class of 2025 according to the ESPN100, has committed to play for the Houston Cougars. The five-star recruit announced his decision Tuesday via the Bleacher Report's B/R App. Cenac previously said he wouldn't make his decision until the spring, but his stock soared over the summer after his impressive play on the Puma Pro 16 circuit with Dallas-based YGC, vaulting him into the national top-10 rankings. The 6-foot-10 New Orleans native was reportedly choosing between LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, Baylor, Kentucky, Tennessee and others before making the decision to join Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson's team. "I just like the coaching staff a lot, I like their plan to develop me and I like coming into a winning program," Cenac told 247Sports. "I'm looking forward to producing and just helping them win more. But the main thing was development and them being able to get me better so I can be ready for that next level." Cenac's rating of .9978 by 247Sports Composite makes him the Cougars' highest-rated commit in the modern era, according to multiple outlets. "They see me as a four who can kind of play all over the court and do everything," Cenac told 247Sports. "I can get rebounds, push the ball, shoot and play all over the floor." With Cenac joining other Houston commits like five-star shooting guard Isaiah Harwell, four-star point guard Kingston Flemings and three-star wing Bryce Jackson, Houston's Class of 2025 is ranked No. 2 in the nation by 247Sports and ESPN. --Field Level Media
NoneThe narrative of Greece’s economic recovery reads like a modern saga of revival. Since the 2019 elections, which ushered in a pro-business government for the first time since 2009, the nation has been rewriting its economic story. This government has managed to navigate Greece through the tumultuous waters of global economic crises, including the pandemonium of the Covid-19 era. Greek fiscal policy has consistently beat expectations. According to recent data from Bloomberg, Greece’s debt, while still the highest in the EU, is on a swift decline, projected to match Italy’s in the foreseeable future. This is not merely a numbers game; it signifies a strategic pivot from the austerity measures of the past, which, in hindsight, appear overly restrictive. The infusion of EU recovery funds post-crisis has underscored that a balanced approach of fiscal stringency and strategic investment might be the true path to sustainable growth. Over the past 30 years, Bloomberg has maintained a presence in Greece, observing the dynamic changes within its economic environment. Recently, I had the privilege of hosting a gathering in Athens, where Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis joined over 40 leading banking executives and regulators. Despite the prevailing global uncertainties, the atmosphere was that of cautious optimism. This reorientation in policy has not only helped in managing the national debt but has also fostered an environment where economic activity could rebound. Businesses have found fertile ground for investment, and the government’s commitment to overperforming budget targets has reassured creditors and investors alike. Turning to the financial sector, Greece’s banking system is undergoing a renaissance of its own. The introduction of the Hercules program, inspired by Italy’s own efforts to cleanse bank balance sheets, has dramatically reduced the bulk of nonperforming loans. From a peak that threatened economic stability, Greek banks now boast an NPL ratio of 6.7%, inching closer to the EU average of 2.3%. This overhaul has paved the way for privatization, with the recent sale of a 10% stake in National Bank of Greece for €690.6 million. In a further sign of a gradual return to normality, Greek banks were also allowed this year to pay dividends for the first time since 2008. The political landscape has played no small part in this economic turnaround. A one-party government, the first since 2009, has acted with a clarity and speed that has proven essential for such reforms. The ability to implement policies like Hercules without political gridlock has not only addressed the banking sector’s woes but has also sent a strong signal to the markets about Greece’s commitment to economic reform and stability. However, as Greece looks toward its next electoral cycle, the specter of political instability looms. The potential for a shift back to a fragmented political scene could disrupt the economic calm that has been so painstakingly built. The recent European elections and polls hint at this possibility, suggesting that maintaining the momentum of reform could face new challenges. Yet, there’s a silver lining around the clouds of political uncertainty. The economic gains are now part of the Greek narrative, widely recognized by both domestic and international observers. The challenge and opportunity for the next government will be to not only maintain but enhance these reforms. This includes fostering an environment where investment thrives, confidence in the financial system is restored, and Greece continues to be seen as a beacon of economic resilience in Europe. The road ahead for Greece is paved with both opportunities and potential pitfalls. The economic policies that have led to this point need to evolve, focusing not just on macroeconomic stability but also on microeconomic vitality. This means continuing to support businesses, enhancing the labor market, and ensuring that growth benefits are distributed across society. Moreover, the narrative of Greece’s recovery should include a commitment to green investments and digital transformation, areas where the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility can play a key role. These sectors not only promise continued growth but also address global challenges like climate change. Greece’s economic journey from the brink of collapse to a state of cautious optimism is a testament to the power of governance with a clear vision. The lessons from its reforms are clear: fiscal prudence, targeted economic interventions, and political stability are crucial. For investors and policy makers alike, Greece’s story offers both a lesson in recovery and a case study in the virtues of political stability for economic reform. The future will hinge on how the Hellenic nation can safeguard what has happened in the past five years and remain on the same path that has started bearing fruit and has placed it in the epicenter of foreign investors. Constantin Cotzias is European director at Bloomberg LP.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Looking for hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbon to toast the holidays or add to a collection? Get your bids ready as the Bluegrass State launches its first online auction of confiscated alcohol. Whiskeys up for sale include two bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle, a Blanton’s Single Barrel Gold in box with Japanese markings and a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength 2011. The sale is the result of a new Kentucky law, which allows alcohol confiscated from closed criminal investigations by the state's alcoholic beverage control agency to be auctioned. Online bidding opens Wednesday and closes at midnight on Dec. 11. Proceeds will support programs promoting responsible alcohol use by adults and awareness programs for youths. “This is a really good auction,” Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, said by phone Tuesday. “There are some hard-to-find and rare bottles on there.” No estimate has been given on how much the auction might raise. “We look forward to seeing the response to this auction and have started planning additional auctions for 2025,” said Allyson Taylor, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The auction features 32 bottles of alcohol and includes a “stock the bar” bundle with bottles of wine, vodka, rum and whiskey, the agency said. But the stars are the hard-to-find and rare bourbons up for sale. “It’s not every day you go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Blanton’s Gold," Gregory said. “You never go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Four Roses 2011.” The lineup includes bottles of E.H. Taylor bourbon, Blanton’s Single Barrel, Eagle Rare 10 yr., Weller Antique 107, Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Rye, Michter’s, an Old Forester gift set and more. A link to the online auction is available at ABC.ky.gov . Auction items cannot be shipped, so winning bidders must pick up items in Frankfort, the state said. The auctions will become a “can't miss opportunity” for bourbon connoisseurs, Gregory said. Until this year's change in the law, Kentucky regulators were required to destroy confiscated alcohol once a case was closed, the agency said. “We don't like to see good bourbon poured down the drain,” Gregory said. Kentucky distillers produce 95% of the global bourbon supply, the Kentucky distillers’ group says.
NoneThe Atlanta Hawks were fined $100,000 by the NBA on Tuesday after a league investigation into star guard Trae Young missing an NBA Cup game two weeks ago. The NBA found the Hawks violated the league's Player Participation Policy when the 26-year-old American missed a November 12 contest at Boston. The probe, which included a review by an independent physician, determined the Hawks held Young out of a game, in which he could have played, under the medical standard clause of the policy, which is aimed at having top NBA talent play in regular-season contests. The Hawks, who beat Boston 117-116, said Young was unavailable due to tendinitis in his right Achilles tendon. Three-time NBA All-Star Young, who has not missed another game this season, has averaged 21.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and an NBA-best 11.9 assists so far this season. At 7-11, the Hawks are 11th in the Eastern Conference. The NBA also fined Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown $35,000 for aggressively pursuing a referee during his team's 108-103 home loss to Brooklyn on Sunday. The Kings are 8-10, 12th in the Western Conference after dropping four games in a row. js/bsp
NEW YORK , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RIA Eyewear (" RIA "), a New York -based performance eyewear company, is thrilled to announce that professional golfer Rocco Mediate has joined the brand as its latest ambassador. Mediate, renowned for his charismatic personality and remarkable on-course achievements, will bring his years of professional golf experience to further RIA's commitment to performance and innovation. Rocco's impressive career includes 6 PGA Tour victories along with 5 wins on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior PGA Championship. With his latest PGA Tour Champions victory, Mediate has now won PGA Tour-sanctioned events in 5 decades. As one of the game's greats, Mediate will be an integral part in representing RIA Eyewear's commitment to providing athletes with high-quality eyewear, designed for optimal performance on the course. "I'm excited to partner with RIA Eyewear," said Mediate. "Their commitment to innovation and quality is something I truly admire. In golf, having the right equipment can make all the difference, and I believe RIA's eyewear will help me—and golfers everywhere—perform at our best." RIA Eyewear is dedicated to enhancing the visual experience for golfers. With their proprietary Golf HD+ technology, RIA's lenses are designed to provide optimal contrast on the course while keeping golfers' eyes feeling fresh and protected during long rounds in the sun. "Rocco is not only a world class golfer but also an inspiration when it comes to pushing the boundaries of product development," said Jordan Kemp and Chris Hanson , co-founders of RIA Eyewear. His passion for the sport and commitment to excellence makes him a great ambassador for RIA." The addition of Rocco Mediate to RIA's ambassador team comes as the company continues to expand its collection in response to the overwhelming success of its proprietary Golf HD+ lens technology. RIA's Golf HD+ lens offering was designed with ZEISSTM, the global leader in lens optics, using rigorous color science research to find the balance between enhanced contrast and eye comfort, all while providing 100% UVA/B protection. RIA's lenses are specifically not polarized to help golfers maintain their depth perception, making it easier to see slopes and breaks on the greens. All of RIA's performance frame styles are handmade in Italy and built to stand up to the most challenging conditions. To find out more about RIA Eyewear, visit www.riaeyewear.com About RIA Eyewear RIA Eyewear is an independent performance eyewear brand started in 2017 to give athletes a visual edge on the court and course while protecting their eye health. RIA's lenses are developed through extensive color science research with world-renowned lens maker Carl ZEISS to enhance a wearer's visual acuity and eye comfort. With a growing list of pro ambassadors from the golf, tennis, and pickleball pro tours, including Rocco Mediate , Kim Clijsters , and the Bryan Brothers, RIA is changing the way golfers and racquet sport athletes see the game for the better. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ria-eyewear-welcomes-golf-legend-rocco-mediate-as-new-brand-ambassador-302325280.html SOURCE RIA IncBears reach deal on Arlington Heights property taxes, but team insists new stadium in Chicago is its focus
Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the USNone
As a new President of the United States is elected, the NASA administrator role is usually reviewed. With the election of Trump, a new administrator has been chosen, Jared Isaacman. He is a billionaire entrepreneur, an experienced jet pilot and has himself completed to private flights to space. He was also the first to complete a spacewalk during the Polaris Dawn mission. Isaacman replaces the outgoing administrator Bill Nelson, a former space shuttle astronaut and senator. Jared Isaacman was born on 11 February 1983. At 41, he is probably most well known for commanding the Inspiration 4 mission, the first all civilian spaceflight. He is also well known for initiating the Polaris Program to push forward private space exploration. It was during the Polaris Dawn mission that Isaacman became the first private astronaut to successfully undertake a spacewalk. As a skilled pilot he holds a number of aviation records including having circumnavigated the world in a light jet. His wealth of experience that means Isaacman is well placed to drive NASA forward as it continues partnering with private companies like SpaceX. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Isaacman to serve as NASA’s administrator and, if confirmed, will be the first person to run the agency that has experience in command of a space mission. Previously Isaacman founded the Shift4 Payment financial technology company. He launched the company at the age of 16 and led the organisation into a multibillion dollar success. Clearly having aptitude in the technology sector, Isaacman soon showed his ability manage large organisations, something he can take to his new role managing NASA’s wide ranging portfolio. Like all who take on the administrator role, Isaacman has a vision for NASA. He is keen to drive forward public-private collaboration and global partnerships as a cornerstone to NASA’s mission. Pledging to ensure NASA remains at the forefront of technological development and discovery. The nomination comes at a key point for NASA as the Artemis mission ramps up toward its Moon landings. As part of the announcement on TruthSocial.Com , Trump said “Jared’s passion for space, his astronaut experience, dedication to pushing the boundaries of exploration, unlocking the mysteries of the universe and advancing the new space economy, make him ideally suited to lead NASA into a bold new era.“ Even though President-elect Trump has nominated Isaacman, his appointment has to be confirmed by the Senate. If successful he will lead NASA’s 18,000 employees and $25 billion budget! Certainly not a job for the faint hearted. Source : Jared Isaacman’s X Feed
Rudy Giuliani in a courtroom outburst accuses judge in assets case of being unfair, drawing a rebukeMicrosoft is reportedly looking to reduce its reliance on OpenAI for the AI models powering its Microsoft 365 Copilot assistant. Citing cost and speed concerns, reported yesterday that Microsoft is developing in-house, smaller AI models to make its flagship AI assistant more efficient. The company is also said to be looking at third-party AI models to diversify the technology behind Microsoft 365 Copilot. “In addition to training its own smaller models including the latest Phi-4, Microsoft is also working to customize other open-weight models to make 365 Copilot faster and more efficient,” Reuters said citing sources familiar with the efforts. “The goal is to make it less expensive for Microsoft to run 365 Copilot, and potentially pass along those savings to the end customer, one of the sources said.” Sign up for our new free newsletter to get three time-saving tips each Friday — get free copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides (normally $9.99) as a special welcome gift! In recent years, Microsoft invested billions of dollars into OpenAI to get an exclusive license to use and customize OpenAI’s GPT-4 model, which powers its Microsoft 365 Copilot offering for commercial customers. The AI assistant is priced at $30 per user per month on top of a qualifying Microsoft 365 plan, and it’s integrated into various Microsoft 365 apps. Organizations can also add agents to Copilot to automate business processes. In a statement shared with Reuters, a Microsoft spokesperson said “We incorporate various models from OpenAI and Microsoft depending on the product and experience.” The company also said that OpenAI remains Microsoft’s main partner to work on the most advanced AI models coming to the market. While Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI allowed the company to get its hands on cutting-edge AI models, the earlier this year probably in an increasingly complex relationship. Led by DeepMind and Inflection co-founder Mustafa Suleyman, this new AI division is now developing proprietary AI models. The that Microsoft launched in October actually uses a combination of in-house AI models and OpenAI models. According to Reuters, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and other Microsoft leaders are keeping a close eye on the company’s efforts to reduce its reliance on OpenAI. In addition to the consumer version of Microsoft Copilot no longer relying as much on OpenAI technology, Microsoft also announced in October that GitHub Copilot was . At the time, the company acknowledged that developers should be able to “decide which models work best for them.” Laurent is a Senior News Editor at Thurrott.com. He's been writing about the tech industry for many years and his favorite topics to cover include Big Tech, media, and gaming. He was also the former Editorial Manager of the from 2022 to 2023. Join the crowd where the love of tech is real - become a Thurrott Premium Member today! Sign up for our new free newsletter to get three time-saving tips each Friday
Hundreds pack Union Station for 9th annual tree lighting ceremonyLuke Tagi extends at Bayonne until 2028