fb 777 slots WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — It wasn’t how Duke drew up the final play, but it worked out perfect for the Blue Devils in Saturday’s 23-17 victory over Wake Forest. Maalik Murphy threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Moore as time expired, allowing Duke to end the regular season with three consecutive victories. Murphy said he realized he took too long to make a decision after the last snap. “I knew at that point I had to make a play,” he said. “The damage was already done, time was ticking.” With the score tied at 17, the Blue Devils (9-3, 5-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) moved 76 yards in 1:22 after forcing a Wake Forest punt. It appeared that Duke might run out of time in the slow-developing play, but Moore improvised and broke free along the right side, caught the ball at the 10-yard line and spun into the end zone to complete a comeback from 14 points down in the second half. “The play that Maalik and Jordan put together was magical,” Duke coach Manny Diaz said. “Nobody thought a 5-yard route would turn into a (long) touchdown.” So instead of a long field-goal attempt, Duke had something better. “I just decided to take it down the field,” Moore said. “I think that’s a testament to our chemistry. ... Maalik had the confidence in himself to make that kind of play.” It resulted in Duke’s sixth victory by seven points or less. “It’s like a perfect exclamation point to our season,” Diaz said. “An unbelievable way to finish our season.” Murphy racked up with 235 yards on 26-for-34 passing. Moore, who was down with an injury after a reception earlier in the second half, made five catches for 98 yards. Hank Bachmeier threw for 207 yards and a touchdown as Wake Forest (4-8, 2-6) ended its second straight four-win season with a four-game losing streak. “A heartbreaking loss,” Demon Deacons coach Dave Clawson said. “It’s a tough way to lose a game and a tough way to end the season.” Tate Carey’s 8-yard run, Matthew Dennis’ 37-yard field goal and Horatio Fields’ 9-yard reception across 11 minutes of game time gave Wake Forest a 17-3 lead with nine minutes left in the third quarter. Duke took advantage of a short field following a punt, moving 42 yards in four plays to score on Star Thomas’ 3-yard run. The Blue Devils recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and converted on Murphy’s 2-yard run with 12:57 left to pull even. “What has been proven is that we’re mentally tough,” Diaz said. “We’re not going to do everything perfect.” Taylor Morin became Wake Forest’s all-time leader in receiving yards with 2,974. He picked up 47 yards on eight catches on Saturday. Morin, in his fifth season, passed former NFL player Ricky Proehl, who had 2,929 yards in the late 1980s. Duke: The Blue Devils have secured at least a nine-win season for the second time in three seasons, this one coming in Diaz’s first season. They racked up a 4-0 record against in-state opponents, including comebacks to top North Carolina and Wake Forest. “Every quest that we have for championships starts in our own state,” Diaz said. Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons punted on their final three possessions of the season. They finished with a 1-6 record in home games. “It’s been a tough year, a long year, and I’m proud of our team and how hard they fought,” Clawson said. Duke: Awaits a bowl invitation Wake Forest: Enters the offseason with a losing record for the third time in five seasons. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Meetion Introduces DirectorC2 Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse Combo for Comfort and Efficiency 11-26-2024 07:00 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Meetion launches the DirectorC2 ergonomic keyboard and mouse combo, combining comfort, multi-device support, and advanced features for diverse users. Meetion [ https://www.meetion.com/ ], a global leader in gaming and ergonomic peripherals, has announced the launch of its innovative Dual-Mode Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse Combo DirectorC2, set to revolutionize productivity and comfort for users across industries. Designed with meticulous attention to ergonomics and advanced technology, this groundbreaking product caters to a diverse audience, from office professionals to gamers, with an emphasis on health and efficiency. Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/b4d57c20f7d08e362698dec97418bad2.jpg The DirectorC2 represents a leap forward in ergonomic design. Its split keyboard and vertical mouse are engineered to reduce wrist pressure and maintain a natural hand posture, combating the discomfort often associated with prolonged computer use. Adding to its comfort factor, the device features a soft synthetic leather palm rest layered with memory foam, ensuring support for extended periods of work or gaming. The combo's dual connectivity - 2.4G wireless and dual Bluetooth 5.3 - delivers unmatched flexibility. It seamlessly connects with Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android systems, making it ideal for multi-device users. With a rechargeable 500mAh lithium battery and convenient Type-C charging, the DirectorC2 ensures reliability and reduced downtime, a crucial feature for professionals and gamers alike. Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/1996491b7407a7e96b1e898ee80b9050.jpg Meetion's focus on user experience is evident in the product's customizable features. The keyboard boasts 112 keys (or 113, depending on configuration) and weighs 930 grams, while the mouse includes five functional keys, a vertical design for enhanced ergonomics, and a four-level adjustable DPI (800, 1200, 1600, 2400), allowing users to adapt to various scenarios effortlessly. Whether for precision-intensive design tasks or fast-paced gaming sessions, the DirectorC2 promises a smooth and responsive experience. The company has identified a wide target market for the product. Office workers, freelancers, and corporate professionals will benefit from its productivity-enhancing capabilities. Students and educators can take advantage of its ergonomic features during extended study sessions. Gamers seeking high sensitivity and comfort will find it indispensable, while health-conscious consumers can use it to alleviate posture-related ailments such as "office syndrome." Customer feedback has underscored the DirectorC2's excellence. Users report significant reductions in hand and wrist fatigue, praising its multi-device compatibility, long battery life, and sleek design. The keyboard and mouse combo not only enhances productivity but also transforms workspaces into more comfortable and efficient environments. Aaron, the spokesperson for Meetion, emphasized the company's commitment to delivering cutting-edge products that marry functionality with innovation. "The DirectorC2 is more than just a keyboard and mouse combo; it's a tool designed to elevate the user experience across all domains. Whether you're a student, gamer, or office professional, this product will redefine the way you work and play," he said. Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/285de7f9b5dad8f4d4333084f89e4596.jpg Meetion's journey from a Shenzhen startup in 2013 to a global player in over 50 countries is a testament to its dedication to quality and performance. With a product portfolio spanning over 158 peripherals, the company continues to push the boundaries of ergonomic and gaming technology. Learn more at: https://www.meetion.com/ For more details, contact Meetion at info@meetion.com or call +86 75523579736 About Company: Meetion is a global leader in ergonomic and gaming peripherals, offering high-quality products designed for performance and user comfort. Established in 2013, the company serves customers in over 50 countries with a diverse range of cutting-edge solutions. Media Contact Company Name: Meetion Contact Person: Aaron Lee Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=meetion-introduces-directorc2-ergonomic-keyboard-and-mouse-combo-for-comfort-and-efficiency ] City: Shenzhen Country: China Website: http://meetion.com This release was published on openPR.Lea en español For many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there's a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect. If fulfilling your lengthy list feels overwhelming, learning what brain science and evolutionary psychology say about shopping and gift-giving might help you understand exactly why you're stressed – and even point you toward a healthier, happier holiday season. Our reactions are encoded into our nervous system, said Dr. Beth Frates, a part-time associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "By understanding these brain responses, people can develop strategies to manage stress better, such as setting realistic expectations, focusing on mindfulness and simplifying holiday preparations," said Frates, who also is the immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. The idea of exchanging gifts at this time of year can be traced back to pagan solstice celebrations. But the drive to share with another is as old as humanity itself, said Dr. Diego Guevara Beltran, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson who studies cooperation and generosity. The science of generosity is more about survival than stocking stuffers, Guevara Beltran said. Sharing food gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. "Generosity is just one of the ways by which we can accumulate resources, be it wealth itself or friendships or work partners or more attractive, more intelligent mates," he said. Sharing with other people, Guevara Beltran said, is "a signal that communicates how much you value them, their welfare, your relationship with them." Research has shown that helping people makes us feel good. Part of that, he said, is because when someone is part of a community, they feel protected. One way this manifests is through the act of giving gifts. But to derive happiness from gift-giving, the giver needs to feel both that it was not an obligation and that it was effective, according to the 2019 World Happiness Report . That means it could be stressful to be in a culture where gift-giving feels mandatory, or if we can't see that a gift helped someone, Guevara Beltran speculated. It also might be stressful if gift-giving becomes a competition to show that you care about somebody more than the others around them. Our brains on shopping Stressful shopping can cause several physiological responses to kick in, Frates said. First is the "fight or flight" reaction that comes with stress. The release of chemicals that increase our heart rate, raise our blood pressure and intensify our breathing evolved to give us bursts of energy to escape danger. Frates said that while holiday stressors are not life-threatening, they can still trigger the stress response. The pressure to stay within budget could create a sense of scarcity, she said. "This taps into an evolutionary response, where the fear of losing resources like money can feel urgent and distressing." The holiday season also involves a lot of choices. "The brain has limited capacity for decision-making, and making multiple decisions can lead to decision fatigue," Frates said. "This fatigue reduces the ability to self-regulate and cope, which can lead to heightened stress responses when confronted with even minor setbacks, like a long line or out-of-stock item." The stress of needing to complete tasks within a limited time can intensify the fight-or-flight response, she said, as the brain interprets the ticking clock as a sense of urgency or threat. Meanwhile, Frates said, holiday shopping can also trigger brain chemicals that affect our feelings. "Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we anticipate something exciting or enjoyable, like finding a great gift or finding a good deal," she said. "This anticipation can feel rewarding even before any actual purchase is made." For some people, this dopamine boost can make shopping a relaxing experience. "It provides a temporary distraction from other stressors and allows them to focus on something positive, creating a 'holiday high,'" Frates said. For some people, that can be problematic. "When shopping becomes a way to chase that next dopamine hit, it can lead to excessive spending or impulsive purchases," she said. "This can become a trap, particularly during the holidays, when deals, sales and gift-giving pressures are everywhere." Understanding how all these processes work can help people recognize why they feel the way they do and adopt strategies to cope, Frates said. Here are some of her suggestions. 1. Start with self-care before shopping Prioritizing self-care means people can be their best selves and make good decisions, Frates said. So, "eat food that is delicious and nutritious. Get seven to nine hours of sleep. Make sure to enjoy physical activity. Take walks when you can and invite friends along. Practice stress reduction like meditation or yoga to help you calm your body and mind." Before going shopping, try taking deep breaths using stress-relieving techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing (inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale through your mouth for eight) or box breathing (inhale through the nose for four counts, hold your breath for four, exhale for four, then hold for four). 2. Be strategic Don't shop when you're hungry, tired, lonely or stressed, Frates said. And don't start shopping 15 minutes before a store closes or a website's online deals end, she said. That's setting yourself up for triggering the fight-or-flight response. 3. Be mindful Before making a purchase, take a moment to consider whether it's truly needed or whether it's an impulsive choice. To avoid overindulging, set a specific budget or limit yourself to a couple of hours or specific shopping days. "This keeps dopamine-driven spending in check while still allowing for the enjoyable aspects of holiday shopping," Frates said. Look for post-shopping activities that provide rewards without the financial cost. That can satisfy your brain's desire for more dopamine in a healthier way. "Plan enjoyable, stress-relieving activities after shopping, like going for a walk, spending time with friends or indulging in a hobby," she said. 4. Bring a friend Not only does this support healthy social connections, Frates said, but if things start feeling stressful, "you have a buddy, and you have a support system right there for you." 5. Rethink the focus of the season "With gift-giving, we need to change mindsets in order to be able to manage the stress," Frates said. The holidays could be used to emphasize social connections, she said. "Thinking about the connection with the person and making gift-giving more about deepening the connection than anything else, I think, will really help to reduce the stress around the process," she said. So instead of scouring shops and websites for the "perfect" gift, think about making a meaningful and personal one, she suggested. It could be a poem, a painting, a song or a framed photograph that captured a special time. 6. Lessons for children It's easy to get caught up in the hunt for a hard-to-get item, Frates said. But ask yourself what the holiday means in your family's traditions. "Is it about getting that perfect gift for the child? Or is it about celebrating the meaning of that holiday?" So instead of having children ask for one specific toy, or a specific brand of clothing, teach them to leave a little leeway on their lists. "It is a good reminder to express to children that this season is about giving and sharing what we can in the best way that we can," she said, "and sometimes the exact gift is not available." Encouraging such an attitude can be a tall order, Frates said, but it's a place to start. "A simple mindset shift could be the difference between a stressful holiday shopping season or a joyful journey to find meaningful gifts for people you care about." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!

Saturday, December 14, 2024 Houston Airports is excited to announce the opening of its new International Arrivals Curb , set to debut at 5 a.m. on Saturday, December 14 , at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) . This newly designed pick-up area marks a major step forward in improving traffic flow and elevating the passenger experience, addressing previous challenges that have caused congestion and negative attention. For nearly two years, passengers and visitors have faced crowded and chaotic conditions at the temporary pick-up zone near Terminal E on South Terminal Road. This makeshift curb was necessary to allow for ongoing construction of the $1.458 billion International Terminal project, a crucial upgrade to the airport’s infrastructure. The new International Arrivals Curb is designed with efficiency and safety in mind, featuring eight dedicated pick-up lanes . The expanded capacity and modern design will streamline traffic and provide a smoother experience for those arriving at IAH. Six of the eight lanes will be available in time for the busy December holiday travel season , with the remaining two lanes scheduled to open in January 2025 . In addition, the closure of the temporary Terminal E pick-up zone will restore the airport’s exit to its original four-lane configuration , effectively eliminating the traffic bottleneck that has plagued the area since January 2022. This long-awaited improvement is expected to significantly reduce congestion, ensuring a smoother transition for travelers arriving and departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. As Houston Airports continues to grow and evolve, this development represents a critical investment in the region’s transportation infrastructure, enhancing both the airport’s functionality and its service to the community. “The bane of our existence—the temporary Terminal E arrivals curb—will finally close on December 14,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “With the opening of the new International Arrivals Curb, we’ve listened to feedback, addressed frustrations and delivered a safer, more streamlined solution. This marks a new chapter in how we serve our passengers, fulfilling our commitment to providing a world-class experience while laying the groundwork for the future of international travel in Houston.” Navigating the New IAH International Arrivals Curb Drivers arriving at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) can easily access the new International Arrivals Curb by following clear signage along North Terminal Road . Directional signs will guide vehicles toward Terminals C/DE , where drivers will be directed left onto a dedicated lane, separated from other traffic by a barrier. This lane will lead vehicles directly to the new pick-up area for Terminal E International Arrivals . Once on the curb, Houston Airports Landside Agents and law enforcement personnel will assist drivers, directing them to the appropriate pick-up zones based on their vehicle type—whether for private vehicles , taxis , or ride-share services . For passengers clearing U.S. Customs and Border Protection , the process is simple. After exiting the customs area, travelers will proceed to the International Arrivals ‘Meet and Greet’ zone, where they will follow a newly established hallway leading directly to the International Arrivals Curb . Airport personnel will be on hand to guide passengers to their designated pick-up points. Once at the curb, passengers can order their ride-share through their app, hail a taxi at the designated stand, or notify their friends or family to pick them up. This streamlined system ensures a smoother and more efficient process for all arriving passengers. Houston Airports Celebrates New Curb with Special “International” Guest In a unique celebration of its new International Arrivals Curb , Houston Airports , in collaboration with Intuitive Machines , welcomed a very special guest on Thursday, December 12: the Moon RACER . This lunar rover, developed at the Houston Spaceport , took a test drive on the new curb in a fun and symbolic demonstration. The Moon RACER is a finalist for a NASA contract under the Artemis program , which aims to return astronauts to the moon by 2028 . This exciting milestone highlights both Houston’s contributions to space exploration and the city’s ongoing commitment to innovation and infrastructure development. The test drive marked a celebratory moment for the airport and its partners as they continue to enhance the passenger experience while showcasing Houston’s leadership in space technology. “Houston’s identity as Space City is built on a foundation of innovation, connectivity and bold ambitions,” said Jack Fischer, VP of Intuitive Machines and retired NASA astronaut. “As Intuitive Machines competes in humankind’s next space race, having seamless global connections is critical for our team and the growing network of aerospace companies in Houston. This terminal is more than an infrastructure project; it’s a gateway to the future of exploration, innovation and discovery.” Why the Moon RACER? When George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) first opened its doors in June 1969 , it offered only a few international destinations, coinciding with the historic moment when man was about to land on the moon. Now, 55 years later , the airport is preparing to unveil its new international terminal, set to offer nonstop flights to 195 destinations across five continents . The Moon RACER symbolizes this full-circle moment. Developed by Intuitive Machines , it represents the next frontier in space exploration—just as IAH is expanding its global reach. While Bush Airport connects travelers to the world, Intuitive Machines is developing the technology to send humans back to the moon, paving the way for lunar exploration and the future of space travel. The collaboration between space and aviation underscores Houston’s pivotal role in both industries.Rudy Giuliani in a courtroom outburst accuses judge in assets case of being unfair, drawing a rebuke

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AP News Summary at 6:06 p.m. ESTLifeist Announces Reorganization of the Board of DirectorsThe Newark Board of Education on Tuesday approved paying back more than $33,000 in state aid spent on a “Fun Day” for district staffers and their children at a woodsy catering facility last June, after Department of Education auditors concluded the event failed to meet standards for public spending. “The Fun Day activities, while fostering camaraderie, did not align with the specific education or organizational goals required for events funded through public sources,” Jamar Purnsley, director of the department’s Office of Accountability and Compliance , wrote in an Oct. 25 letter to Newark Superintendent Roger León . The June 1 event, formally titled “Central Office Staff Fun Day,” was held at the Forest Lodge in Warren Township, about 24 miles from Newark. Activities that day included basketball and volleyball games, egg toss competitions, a corn hole tournament, scavenger hunt, limbo competition, trivia contest, and hula hoop contest, among others. There was also a social media photo booth, caricature artists, and a 10-minute opening address by León. Purnsley’s letter noted that, in seeking to justify spending on the event, the district “contended that the Fun Day event was intended to promote team building and enhance a positive organizational culture, aligning with the district’s broader goals for climate improvement.” But the accountability office said the Fun Day had little if any academic value, and that the activities were led by Forest Lodge staff, not district officials or faculty. “The activities held during Fun Day were largely recreational and focused on leisure, competition, and amusement,” the letter stated. “There was no apparent involvement of district leadership in directing, overseeing, or structuring the team-building sessions in a manner that linked them to district goals.” Ultimately, the state found that spending on the event violated state statues N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-5.8(e)2 , which governs fiscal accountability, efficiency and budgeting, and N.J.S.A. 18A:11-12(a) , involving travel and field trips. Purnsley ordered that the district refund $33,649 of the $43,813 total cost of Fun Day. The refund amounts to 76% of the event’s cost, a percentage officials said was based on the share of the district’s 2024-25 budget of $1.5 billion paid for by state aid. The state contributed $1.25 billion to Newark’s budget, or 83%, though the district’s total spending and state’s total aid figures include $400 million dedicated solely to Newark’s publicly-funded but independently operated charter schools. Although several wealthier school districts throughout New Jersey had their state aid cut for 2024-25, Newark officials noted when the district budget was adopted in March that the $101 million in additional aid allocated by Gov. Phil Murphy made this the first year the district received the full amount it was due under New Jersey’s education funding formula. Last month’s letter from Purnsley further ordered district officials to review and discuss the state’s findings during a public board meeting and to approve a corrective action plan addressing the issues cited by the state — resulting in Tuesday night’s discussion and unanimous approval of a resolution to refund the money and initiate a corrective action plan. The district also had the option of appealing the state’s findings. However, León and the district’s lawyer, General Counsel Brenda Liss, advised board members not to appeal, advice they ultimately followed. Board member Crystal Williams questioned León and Liss on the matter, asking how the district could have been cited for multiple violations, why the event lacked a sufficient professional development component, and where the $33,000 refund money come from? “We have to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” said Williams. District Business Administrator Valerie Wilson told Williams that the state hadn’t yet demanded payment, and she suggested it could be deducted from future aid disbursements to the district. At one point, Board Co-Vice President Veraliz Santana asked, “Wait, so does that mean no more Fun Day going forward?” But León suggested there would be more fun to come, and that the state had merely provided “guidance” for how the event should be conducted in the future. Liss assured board members that agreeing to refund the money and undertake a corrective action plan did not amount to an admission of wrongdoing. “We are not asking the Board of Education to admit any violation,” Liss told members. After the meeting, Board President Hasani Council defended Fun Day’s value as a morale booster that would help retain valued employees. He also rejected criticism of the event earlier this year that prompted the state to look into it. “We probably have to add some things to it, according to what was given back to us,” Council said. But, he added, “One, it wasn’t a party, it was an appreciation process. And two, this district has been underfunded for several years, and no one has complained about us being under-funded for those years.” Stories by Steve Strunsky After 33 years, N.J. sheriff leads his final Thanksgiving food drive With expansion plans approved, Newark Museum of Art CEO is stepping down Newark public safety director resigns, mayor names police chief to replace him Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com .