Day: December 18, 2024

7 of the Best Boxing Movies That Will Inspire the Fighter In You  Blavity News
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Dec 18, 2024, 3:28 PM
Professor Sannoy Das joined Vanderbilt Law School last summer. He received an interdisciplinary doctorate (S.J.D.) from Harvard Law School earlier this year. Sannoy previously taught as an Assistant Professor at Jindal Global Law School in India and as a Lecturer at Boston University. He has also litigated corporate, commercial, and constitutional cases at the High Court at Calcutta, India. 
A Shift from Litigation to Academia
After a brief but enriching stint in litigation, Das realized that his intellectual curiosity required a different outlet. “I enjoyed my time in litigation,” he shared. “The interesting thing about doing litigation, especially where I was doing it in India, was that I saw a wide variety of cases. I’d litigate standard property disputes and big companies having disputes, to very meaningful constitutional cases as well.” 
His transition to academia was influenced by personal and professional factors. “While I was practicing, I also thought I wouldn’t have the time to think about the very things that I see in a more sustained manner,” he explained. “People do things for love and family and joy, and I think those are much more important than some well thought out plan.” 
Exploring Political Economy: What and Why?
Das’ research focuses on political economy, a field that examines the intersections of economic systems, politics, and governance. He credits his interest in the subject to personal experiences and global trends. “In 2014 in India, we had a shift in our regime. We went to an extreme right-wing government for the first time, and a couple of years later, here [in the U.S.] you had the election of Trump,” Das explained. “I was motivated largely by sympathy for… the sort of left-behind [people] of the world who decided that right-wing populism is their way to salvation.” 
This motivation led him to explore the historical and intellectual foundations of political economy. Das describes the field as encompassing “political questions of entitlements, distribution, inequality, and so on,” while drawing on the work of thinkers like Adam Smith, David Ricardo, and Karl Marx. As for his research, Das explained, “I bring some insights from political and economic philosophy in order to reflect on why these modern structures of international economic law have fallen into crisis as they have over the last 10 years, and then from this kind of debris, what better and newer forms of international economic order are possible.” 
Studying political economy for Das is about understanding and addressing inequality and disempowerment on a global scale. He argues that the “modern international economic order” has inflamed economic inequality and suffering across the world. “Jobs have been dislocated, people have felt disempowered, and people feel constrained, as if they have no freedom and no voice in their own governance,” he said.  
Das’ research aims to uncover ways to build more equitable international systems that still maintain global cooperation. “We need a degree of internationalism, but we need a kind of internationalism that’s more equitable and less inequality-inducing than the one that we have been living under,” he asserted. 
Teaching the Next Generation of Thinkers 
Das approaches teaching with the reflective mindset that defines his research. “My aim is [not to] teach people the material, but more so ways of academic thinking—to think deeply about how we think, is my primary goal in life,” he said. He encourages students to examine their instincts and reactions, questioning the sources and mechanisms behind their thought processes—“the job of a scholar is to think carefully about these reactions in some way.” 
In his international law classes, Das challenges misconceptions about the field, particularly the belief that international law lacks enforceability or relevance. For Das, understanding international law equips students with skills applicable to a broad range of professional contexts, including roles in government and international organizations. “The whole of our endeavor as international lawyers is to teach one of two things: why [international law is] meaningful as a legal system, and, if it is not a meaningful system, why do we think that, and what does that tell us about law in general?”
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The Federal Trade Commission approved a final order settling its complaint against Rytr for selling an artificial intelligence “Testimonial & Review” service.
The regulator alleged that Rytr violated the FTC Act by providing subscribers to this service with a means to generate false and deceptive content for reviews and that it engaged in an unfair business practice by offering this service, according to a Wednesday (Dec. 18) press release.
The final order prohibits Rytr from engaging in similar illegal conduct and bars it from promoting or selling any service that generates consumer reviews or testimonials, according to the release.
Rytr did not immediately reply to PYMNTS’ request for comment.
The FTC announced its law enforcement action against Rytr in September, saying the move was part of a crackdown on deceptive AI claims and schemes.
The law enforcement sweep was dubbed “Operation AI Comply” and targeted companies that the FTC said use “AI hype” or sell AI technology that can be used in deceptive and unfair ways.
“Using AI tools to trick, mislead or defraud people is illegal,” FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said in a Sept. 25 press release. “The FTC’s enforcement actions make clear that there is no AI exemption from the laws on the books.”
In the case of Rytr, the FTC said in the release that the company’s AI “Testimonial & Review” service generated reviews that contained details that had no relation to the user’s input and that “almost certainly” would be false for those who posted them online.
“In many cases, subscribers’ AI-generated reviews featured information that would deceive potential consumers who were using the reviews to make purchasing decisions,” the release said. “The complaint further alleges that at least some of Rytr’s subscribers used the service to produce hundreds, and in some cases, tens of thousands, of reviews potentially containing false information.”
In July, the FTC said it is using “all the tools at its disposal” to oversee the rise of AI technologies. The commission said it is working “to address the rapid emergence of new technologies powered by AI and their potential risks to consumers and businesses.”
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By Arthur Jones , Multimedia Reporter/Producer Nebraska Public Media News
Dec. 18, 2024, 2:37 p.m. ·
Santa Claus made an early trip to Lincoln’s Bryan East NICU Wednesday to say hello to the hospital’s smallest residents and their families.
Santa has been visiting the NICU at Bryan Health for over a decade.
“It's just really special to bring the magic of Christmas to them,” Santa said. “Especially to the little ones, since it's their first Christmas, and just being here and just bringing the magic of the North Pole, I think it does wonders.”
Each year, the nurses at Bryan Health’s neonatal intensive care unit decorate the rooms of their smallest patients with Christmas decorations, as well as the patients themselves in festive outfits.
One of the nurses, Rachel Kreikemeier, dresses up as an elf and accompanies Santa while he makes his visits.
“It's so nice to see the parents light up,” said NICU nurse Alex White. “All the staff lights up. It's just, it's so great. It just brings a little bit of holiday and fun to the NICU.”

One patient, Bo Niles, has been at the hospital for 12 weeks. According to White, he amazes them each time he meets another milestone. He was born 17 weeks early.
Bo’s mom, Faith Niles, enjoyed seeing Santa this year.
“I feel like Santa coming today kind of normalizes families who don't have family,” Niles said. “Like all of me and my partner's family are all two and a half and three and a half hours away. So I think it helps us normalize it a little bit with Christmas spirit, and then we have all of his primaries who are like his aunties and family to him. And I think it helps us a lot. Having them around and be in our support.”
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THE NATIONAL Lottery results are in and it's time to find out who has won a life-changing amount of money tonight (December 18, 2024).
Could tonight's jackpot of £5.2million see you handing in your notice, jetting off to the Bahamas or driving a new Porsche off a garage forecourt?
You can find out by checking your ticket against tonight's numbers below. Good luck!
Tonight's National Lottery Lotto winning numbers are: 18, 20, 28, 39, 52, 58 and the Bonus Ball is 38.
Tonight’s National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are:07, 15, 19, 28, 37 and the Thunderball is 04.
The first National Lottery draw was held on November 19 1994 when seven winners shared a jackpot of £5,874,778.
The largest amount ever to be won by a single ticket holder was £42million, won in 1996.
Gareth Bull, a 49-year-old builder, won £41million in November, 2020 and ended up knocking down his bungalow to make way for a luxury manor house with a pool.
Sue Davies, 64, bought a lottery ticket to celebrate ending five months of shielding during the pandemic — and won £500,000.
Sandra Devine, 36, accidentally won £300k – she intended to buy her usual £100 National Lottery Scratchcard, but came home with a much bigger prize.

The biggest jackpot ever to be up for grabs was £66million in January last year, which was won by two lucky ticket holders.
Another winner, Karl managed to bag £11million aged just 23 in 1996.
The odds of winning the lottery are estimated to be about one in 14million – BUT you've got to be in it to win it.
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Josie Perry is a National Board Certified teacher in Social Studies-His­tory. She teaches AP Human Geography and Honors United States History at Rising Sun High School in Cecil County.

As a kid, I went through a range of future careers, from meteorologist to paleontologist and everything in between. Teaching was never a con­sideration, until I realized it allowed me to do the two things I love most–helping people and continuing to learn.

For many, “profes­sional development” is met with an eye roll and probably an audible groan. I get it! I have been through plenty of PD where it was a six-hour lecture on a “relevant” topic as determined by an “educational expert.” The most transformational PD for me has always been self-selected and self-guided; it has taken me around the world.

A student once asked me about the Armenian genocide and I real­ized I didn’t know much about the often labeled “forgotten genocide.” We found an answer to his ques­tion, but I wanted to know more. I found a free self-directed course offered by Facing History and Ourselves. I grew in my knowledge, but I had more questions. A colleague shared her experience with the Genocide Education Project Fellowship and learning about the genocide and Armenian culture in Armenia. While I wasn’t sure I would be selected, I know there is nothing more pow­erful than place-based learning, so I took a risk and applied for the fellowship—and received it.

To study the genocide at the Armenian Genocide Museum–In­stitute with leading scholars was invaluable to my understanding both the events and the enduring legacy of the genocide that continues to shape geopol­itics today. The museum artifacts tell the stories of not only the victims, but the survivors. In an exhibit on women’s experiences, there was a case containing two sugar cubes that had sustained a small family during one of the many deportation marches into the Syrian Des­ert. There were numerous stories of resistance in the face of Turki­fication, including by children keeping their Armenian names written on small strips of paper hidden in their shoes. When learning about genocide, these stories of survival and resistance are important to move students beyond the numbers and humanize the lives lost and those who survived.
Being surround­ed by a people who have endured so much tragedy yet remain resilient in spite of ongoing threats was inspiring. Whether it was through traditional carpet weaving or the delicious foods served at every meal, the richness and depth of Armenian culture is ever-present. I learned traditional dances, how to create Armenian bird letters, and how to make delicious lavash. I experienced Vardavar, a pre-Christian tradition that is literally a city-wide water fight. Sharing these experiences with my students allows them to see cultures around the world and appreciate them for their uniqueness and commonalities with American culture.
Whether it’s teaching an eco­nomics lesson in the Philippines or helping the Sacred Valley Project clear land for a new dormitory for high school girls in Peru, when I am engaging in PD around the globe, I keep one question at the forefront: How can I bring this experience back to my classroom to enhance my students’ learning experience?

Bringing the world into my class-room allows my students to see that distant countries are not as far away as they may seem. It also helps students see themselves as part of a larger global community because they can see they are more similar than differ­ent from others around the world. When students can see themselves as a part of something bigger that is when true intellectual and social-emotional growth can happen, which is our ultimate goal as teach­ers. Don’t forget the need for your own growth, so take a risk on a new PD experience!
MSEA has members all over the state. Find your affiliate today.

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Youngkin proposes $50 million for private-school vouchers in Virginia  The Washington Post
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Live Briefing: U.N. envoy to Syria expresses ‘hope’ in new rebel-led government  The Washington Post
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Films like “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Spy Kids” will live on forever in cinema’s hall of fame, better known as the National Film Registry.
The National Film Preservation Board announced Tuesday the 25 movies that are joining its sacred list, rounding out the total to 900. This year’s class of movies range over a century and across genres, from the 1885 silent documentary “Annabelle Serpentine Dance” to the 2010 Facebook origin story “The Social Network.”
Horror fans will be thrilled to see the 1974 cult classic “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” while sci-fi fans are rejoicing at the entry of “Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan.”
More than 6,700 titles were considered to join the registry but a surmountable 25 will be cemented on the list, which has long honored classics like “When Harry Met Sally,” “The Lion King,” “Ghostbusters” and “The Godfather.” Films are selected based on their “cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to preserve the nation’s film heritage,” according to Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.
A television special honoring the 25 additions to the National Film Registry will be hosted by Turner Classic Movies (TCM) on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. ET.
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“The wealth of American film history is sometimes rather overwhelming, and people often wonder: how do you recommend this film or that film?” National Film Preservation Board Chair Jacqueline Stewart said in a news release. “It’s through a lot of research, conversation and discussion, and it’s through a commitment to showing the true diversity of filmmaking.”
The public can submit nominations throughout the year on the Library of Congress’ website, but movies will be only be considered until Aug. 15, 2025. Cast your vote at loc.gov/film.
Last year’s selections included noteworthy movies from “Home Alone” and “Apollo 13” to “12 Years a Slave.”

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