Bowl predictions: The Athletic staff picks every college football bowl game  The Athletic
source

Partly cloudy. High near 70F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph..
Evening clouds will give way to clearing overnight. Low near 55F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Updated: December 21, 2024 @ 12:16 pm
Google has countered a US call to sell its Chrome browser, suggesting a judge address antitrust concerns by barring the firm from making favorable treatment of its software a condition of licensing
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:

source

source

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – Meet the Medieval Cast | IGN First  IGN
source

Congress averts government shutdown as Senate passes funding bill  The Washington Post
source

Coin Master free spin and coin links for today (December 17, 2024)  Sportskeeda
source

YEAR IN REVIEW: When breaking news breaks downtown  Rome Sentinel
source

Four students from Missouri State University’s College of Education have been selected to receive money to return to their hometowns or another rural setting, to begin their teaching careers.
They will be part of the Ozarks Teacher Corps, a scholarship program funded by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
For their part, the future teachers commit to teaching in a rural district for at least three years after graduation.
As part of the corps, they gain professional development and are able to finish their degrees without financial pressure. The program is open to all college juniors and seniors in the region.
This slate of scholarship recipients include:
The Ozarks Teacher Corps was launched in 2010-11 as part of the CFO’s Rural Schools Partnership, an initiative driven by the belief that “public education is a linchpin issue in rural economic development.”
Crumm, who is from Marshfield, enrolled at Missouri State in fall 2023 after earning an associate degree in teacher education at Ozarks Technical Community College.
“Returning home to teach is something I’m looking forward to because I understand the specific needs and culture of my community,” she said, in a release. “I want to give back to the community that shaped who I am today.”
More:‘Tremendous interest’ exists in provost job at Missouri State as interim steps in
Rhonda Bishop, co-director for the Center for Rural Education at Missouri State, said public schools serve as the hub of the community. “The impact teachers have on the parents and children they serve is incredibly powerful.”
Bishop graduated from a rural high school and was an educator in rural districts for 29 years. “To know we’re sending some of the best into rural situations is what makes me the proudest.”
Applications for the Ozarks Teacher Corps Scholarship will open Jan. 1, 2025. The CFO provides about $1.7 million in scholarships every year for students from central and southern Missouri.
For more information, go to cfozarks.org/applyforscholarships.

source

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew formally inaugurated the 4th International Ecological Well-Being Conference, titled “Artificial Intelligence, Technoethics, and Youth,” on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Marasleio School. The conference, organized by the Laboratory of Applied Philosophy of the Department of Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, is held under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
In his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch highlighted that the topic of artificial intelligence had been thoroughly examined during the recent Synaxis of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne, where Archbishop Makarios of Australia delivered a highly insightful presentation. He also referenced the recent scientific conference organized by the Synodal Committee on Bioethics of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as the significant conference hosted by the Theological School of Athens, both of which contributed to a deeper understanding of this critical issue.
As the Ecumenical Patriarch stated, this demonstrates that “the Orthodox Church and its theology are not indifferent to the modern world, cultural and scientific developments, social events, or the historical conditions shaping the lives of the faithful.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch, among other things, pointed out:
“The Orthodox tradition is an inexhaustible source of vital principles and truths for humanity and the world. Naturally, the remarkable theological texts do not contain ready-made answers to address contemporary problems. Instead, they require study and serious theological effort to articulate the proposal of life, freedom, and the universal values of Orthodoxy. For this reason, we are pleased to see theology engaging with the topic of ‘artificial intelligence.’”
It reaffirmed its role as a “theology of dialogue” and highlighted the sanctity of the human person and the commitment to its full respect. Theology will persist in exploring the sources and monuments of our faith, drawing inspiration and nourishment from the Truth, which for Christians is not merely an “idea” but a “person”—the incarnate Word of God. He is both the foundation and the horizon of our freedom, encompassing its worldly expression and eternal dimension.
He will address modern humanity, conveying the salvific Gospel of Christ in a timely manner, always in relation to the central questions of human existence, the signs of the times, and humanity’s engagement with the culture and civilizations of our world.
In light of the remarkable advancements in science and technology, we affirm our conviction that these achievements, when used responsibly and ethically, can contribute to genuine progress without compromising fundamental moral and spiritual principles and values. We do not regard the conflict between faith and science as inevitable.
Such a perspective arises from a misunderstanding of the essence and purpose of these two profound spiritual forces, which together serve humanity. The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church (Crete 2016) underscored this harmony, stating that “for the Orthodox Church, the capacity for scientific research of the world is a God-given gift to man” (The Mission of the Orthodox Church in the Modern World, VI, § 11).”
Elsewhere in his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch stressed:
“Your conference – our conference – also focuses on young people, whose lives will inevitably unfold within the environment shaped by the dynamic integration of artificial intelligence into our daily existence.
Obviously, the new generation is neither technophobic nor indifferent to new technologies, as these are integral to the core of their lives. The Church, while advocating for the responsible use of artificial intelligence, encourages young people to cultivate “spiritual intelligence” by exploring and embracing the invaluable spiritual and cultural treasures of our Orthodox Tradition. This aligns with the invitation extended to them by the Council of Crete in its Message: “The Orthodox Church addresses young people, who seek a life of fullness enriched by freedom, justice, creativity, and love.
It invites them to consciously connect with the Church of Christ, who is the Truth and Life, and to actively engage with the ecclesiastical body, bringing their energy, concerns, aspirations, and expectations. Young people are not merely the future of the Church; they are its dynamic and creative presence, both locally and globally” (§ 11).
Childhood and adolescence are the most formative stages of life, offering the ideal opportunity to instill in young minds and hearts a profound respect for the sanctity and beauty of the human person, as well as a deep concern for the integrity of creation.
We humbly acknowledge that, more often than not, young people teach us through their sensitivities, ideas, and visions. They display a greater concern than adults for the protection of the natural environment, the pursuit of justice, the promotion of peace, and the cultivation of a culture of solidarity. In this sense, many young people today, even if not actively engaged in the liturgical life of the Church, serve as carriers, advocates, and practitioners of its communal and social ethos.”
Previously, Professor Evangelos Protopapadakis, Director of the Laboratory of Applied Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the MSc program Animals: Ethics, Law, Welfare, addressed the audience. Additionally, during the inaugural session, Archon Konstantinos Delikostantis, Professor Emeritus of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, delivered a speech.
The inaugural meeting was attended by Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, clergy, Consul Athanasia Iliaki, representative of the Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, university professors and participants in the Conference.
The speech of the Ecumenical Patriarch begins at 52:20:
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the feast of our Holy Father Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in Lycia the Wonderworker,…
A heartwarming event filled with joyful yet devout melodies, brimming with love, hope, and spiritual joy, took place in…
On December 19, 2024, the Fourth Annual Christmas Concert of the Holy Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, sponsored…
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew formally inaugurated the 4th International Ecological Well-Being Conference, titled “Artificial Intelligence, Technoethics, and Youth,” on Friday,…
Kimberly Guilfoyle expressed deep honor at being nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador…
The Orthodox Church commemorates today the martyr Themistocles and the holy virgin martyr Juliana. Saint Juliana came from a…

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

© 2023 OrthodoxTimes.com – All rights reserved.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

source

Sweepstakes casinos serve as an alternative to real money casinos as they are entirely free and can be enjoyed without spending real money. Even if you are in a market that has yet to legalize online casinos, free-to-play sweepstakes casinos are an option in most markets.
While also being free to play, these casinos offer sweepstakes casino no deposit bonuses, or no purchase bonuses. There are bonuses you can get only with purchases, but the best sweepstakes casinos offer no purchase bonuses as well. These bonuses range from bonuses granted for creating an account to daily log-in bonuses and more.
These are the best sweepstakes casinos with no purchase bonuses.
Sweepstakes casinos are entirely free to play. If you elect to purchase more coins, the option is there but it is not a requirement. The entire library of games is accessible entirely without ever having to spend money. With no purchase bonuses, you can see an increase in the digital currencies for top sweepstakes casinos.
The only thing you need to do to claim a no purchase bonus is to sign up and log-in daily. These promos are available for everyone who signs up, and the daily bonuses are issued every 24 hours. See the table below for details on the best no purchase bonuses at the top sweepstakes casinos:
There are two currencies used at popular sweepstakes casinos. Those currencies are gold coins (GCs) and sweepstakes coins (SCs). Both currencies can be used to play games at popular sweeps sites, but there are some important differences to note.
GCs can be used only to play games and cannot be withdrawn or redeemed for real cash prizes. While GCs are obtainable for free, sweepstakes casinos offer the option to purchase more GCs via the sweepstakes store.
What makes SCs different is that you cannot directly purchase SCs from sweepstakes stores. SCs can be collected through winning games or as bonuses included in GCs purchases. SCs can be redeemed for cash prizes and gift cards at sweepstakes casinos.
When you accumulate a specific amount of sweepstakes coins, you will be able to redeem them for cash prizes or gift cards. The amount required to redeem is different depending on the sweepstakes casino. Redeeming SCs is as simple as clicking the redeem option while on the sweepstakes casino’s main site.
When you select redeem, you can then convert the SCs into your selected prize. This is how you can win real money with sweepstakes coins. Play games at popular sweepstakes casinos and win. Collect enough SC and convert them into cash prizes. Remember SCs can be collected for free and cannot be purchased SC.
Sweeps casinos are legal in most US states despite not being regulated like real money online casinos. While the games and layout of sweeps casinos are similar to real money casinos, the business model is completely different.
Sweepstakes casinos operate under sweepstakes laws, and are not regulated by state gambling laws. At sweepstakes casinos, you can play for free and cannot withdraw gold coins for cash. With real money casinos, you are wagering real cash to win real money.
Online casinos work the same as brick-and-mortar casinos and are regulated by the same gaming commissions in each state.
Since sweepstakes casinos are free-to-play, they are not required to obtain gambling licenses to operate. In the same manner that video games offer digital currencies that players can earn or pay for benefits in the game, sweepstakes casinos offer digital currencies.
You do not have to spend any money to access all of the social casino gaming options at popular sweepstakes sites. They are legal and accessible through local sweepstakes laws. That is why sweepstakes casinos are legal without gaming licenses.
See more: Alabama sweepstakes casinos
Claiming a sweepstakes casino no purchase bonus is as easy as creating a new account at the sweeps casino of your choice. Follow these steps:
LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234
Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.
If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025).
© 2024 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us).
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.
YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here.
Ad Choices

source