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Online library drops its legal battle to provide free e-books without publishers' permission – ABC News

A prolonged and closely watched copyright case involving an online library’s unauthorized offering of free e-books has ended after the Internet Archive decided not to fight an appeal’s court’s ruling against it
NEW YORK — A prolonged and closely watched copyright case involving an online library's unauthorized offering of free e-books has ended after the defendant, Internet Archive, decided not to challenge an appeal's court's ruling against it.
In September, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld a Manhattan federal court's decision that found the Archive in violation of copyright law and granted a permanent injunction. The Archive had until this week to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but declined to do so.
In 2020, four major publishers — Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, John Wiley & Sons and Penguin Random House — sued the Archive, alleging that it had illegally provided free copies of more than 100 books, including fiction by Toni Morrison and J.D. Salinger. The Archive had contended that its program of scanning and sharing books, “controlled digital lending,” was protected by fair use law.
“After five years of litigation, we are thrilled to see this important case rest with the decisive opinion of the Second Circuit, which leaves no room for arguments that ‘controlled digital lending’ is anything more than infringement," Maria A. Pallante, president and CEO of the Association of American Publishers, said in a statement.
The Archive’s director of library services, Chris Freeland, posted a brief statement on the Archive's web site saying that “While we are deeply disappointed with the Second Circuit’s opinion,” they would “continue to honor” an agreement to “remove books from lending at their member publishers’ requests.”
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Engineer Alaa Kamel Diab from Pico in Egypt remembered – FreshPlaza.com

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Salma Diab, daughter of the late Engineer. Alaa Kamel Diab from Pico in Egypt, pays tribute to her father:
“In this moment of profound sadness, we come together to honour the remarkable life of Engineer Alaa Kamel Diab, a visionary leader and a pillar of strength whose immense passion for agriculture was outmatched only by his love for his family and his community. His untimely passing is a significant loss, not just for those who knew him personally, but for the entire agricultural community at large. Eng. Alaa built on the foundations laid by his esteemed father, Dr. Kamel Diab and devoted his career to expanding his family’s legacy into one of global repute and excellency – a success that became the hallmark of his career.

His innovative approach and bold vision led to significant breakthroughs, particularly with the introduction of the avocado crop in Egypt, a product once unfamiliar to many, which he transformed into what is now a flourishing industry for export. Under Eng. Alaa’s leadership, table grapes underwent a remarkable transition from a modest local crop to one of Egypt’s foremost exports, marked by his adamant pursuit of varietal development. His keen eye for novelty fostered the great success of high-demand strawberry varieties, berries, stone fruit varieties, and exotic produce, reflecting his unwavering commitment to nurturing relationships with leading R&D centers and programs and renowned plant genetic producers worldwide.
Eng. Alaa’s contributions to agricultural techniques pioneered the establishment of Egypt’s first tissue culture lab, transforming and modernizing plant propagation practices across Egypt, Moreover, he led the modernization of agri-techniques via sustainable energy practices, and reduction of water usage while maximizing yields, benefiting both the environment and farmers. His vision during his time at PICO led to its transformation from a family-run farm into a professionally governed institution dedicated to agricultural innovation. Above all, Eng. Alaa was celebrated for his kindness, generosity, and humility. He empowered his team to operate freely, surrounding them with an unwavering shield of support, and his genuine care for those around him fostered a culture of collaboration as well as timeless friendships. He always believed that the foundation of a strong institution lies in the quality of its human capital as well as the ability of individuals to come together, and work as a team in harmony. He promoted a culture of respect, altruism, and unity.

Eng. Alaa shared his extensive knowledge in and out of agricultural practices, selflessly. Believing in development of his surrounding community at large. Beyond his professional achievements, Eng. Alaa was a mentor who was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He empowered countless individuals through education and knowledge-sharing, ensuring that his impactful work would ripple through generations. As we reflect on the legacy of Eng. Alaa Kamel Diab, let us honour his memory by committing ourselves to upholding the values he cherished and the vision he passionately pursued in all that we do. May he rest in peace.”
For more information:
Nevine Abdel Rasoul
PICO
Tel: (+202) 2737-1000
E-mail : : [email protected]
www.picoagriculture.com
FreshPublishers © 2005-2024 FreshPlaza.com

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Football Announces 2025 Schedule, Will Play 12 Games Over 13 Weeks For Second Straight Year – Villanova University Official Athletic Site

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Vanderbilt Law Faculty Spotlight: Sannoy Das – Vanderbilt Law

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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FTC to Settle Complaint Against Rytr for Enabling AI-Generated Reviews – PYMNTS.com

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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Santa Claus visits Bryan Health East NICU – Nebraska Public Media | News

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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Lottery results and numbers: Lotto and Thunderball draw tonight, December 18, 2024… – The Sun

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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Breakthroughs: Professional Development That Takes You Around the World – Maryland State Education Association

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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