Spectral Capital Announces Transformation into a Deep Quantum Technology Platform 12-24-2024 09:40 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: AIO Newswire Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/1735058514.jpg Seattle, WA - December 24, 2024 - Spectral Capital Corporation [ https://www.spectralcapital.com/](OTCQB: FCCN) [ https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/SPECTRAL-CAPITAL-CORPORAT-120789102/ ], a leader in quantum innovation, proudly announces its transformation into a Deep Quantum Technology Platform. This strategic evolution positions Spectral at the forefront of the quantum era, uniting proprietary technologies in quantum cloud computing, distributed quantum ledger databases, and plasmonic quantum chips. With the addition of renowned quantum physicist Dr. Moshik Cohen as Chief Technology Officer and the groundbreaking Verdant Quantum initiative, Spectral Capital is pioneering scalable, sustainable, and practical quantum computing solutions. From Incubator to Operator: Spectral's New Vision Spectral Capital has redefined its role in quantum technology by moving beyond incubation to develop, own, and operate its proprietary quantum systems. "This is not just a rebranding-it is a bold leap into the future of quantum computing," said Jenifer Osterwalder, CEO. "Spectral Capital is now delivering a fully integrated platform with technologies like the Vogon Decentralized Edge and Hybrid Cloud [ https://www.spectralcapital.com/vogon ], its embedded Distributed Quantum Ledger Database (DQLDB), plasmonic System-On-a-Chip (SOC) architecture, and energy-efficient quantum algorithms. These innovations bridge the gap between classical and quantum systems, offering the scalability and environmental responsibility required for the quantum era." Introducing Room Temperature Quantum Transfer and Compute To drive its ambitious vision, Spectral announced earlier this month the addition Dr. Moshik Cohen, an expert in quantum state dynamics and plasmonic computing as CTO. The Company is fusing the revolutionary initiative from Verdant Quantum to eliminate the need for cryogenic cooling by leveraging room-temperature plasmonic chips. This solution bridges classical and quantum computing with CMOS-compatible plasmonic processors allowing these chips harness energy waves controlled by light, called plasmons, to deliver near-light-speed data processing with unmatched precision and efficiency-all while dramatically reducing energy consumption and costs. Transformative Innovations Powering Spectral's Platform The world's first plasmonic-ready distributed quantum ledger database, Vogon, provides secure, scalable, and semantically enriched data management. Its key features include: * Deterministic Concurrency for low-latency performance. * Post-Quantum Cryptography with SPHINCS+ for unparalleled security. * Consensus Algorithms to ensure robust and scalable decentralized operations. The Vogon DQLDB seamlessly connects legacy systems to quantum ecosystems, enabling industries such as finance, logistics, and healthcare to harness quantum efficiencies today. Plasmonic System-On-a-Chip (SOC) Spectral's miniaturized plasmonic SOC technology redefines the potential of its Vogon Cloud data centers, enabling near-light-speed processing at room temperature. These chips will power Spectral's edge and hybrid compute data centers across 16 global regions, which will also serve as test beds for sustainable quantum computing. "This innovation addresses the global call for environmentally friendly quantum solutions, reducing infrastructure costs while increasing processing power," Brehm emphasized. Quantum Algorithms and Collective Intelligence Spectral's proprietary quantum algorithms leverage cooperative distributed inferencing and analytic tomography to unlock real-time insights. By integrating these algorithms with Vogon DQLDB, Spectral enables industries to optimize operations, from autonomous vehicles to investment portfolio management. Why Spectral Capital? The quantum computing market is projected to grow from $885.4 million in 2023 to $12.62 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of up to 34.8%. Spectral's technologies are poised to capture this growth while addressing urgent industry demands for scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable quantum solutions. "Over the next decade, quantum computing will redefine the global economy," said Brehm. "Spectral Capital is at the epicenter of this transformation. With Dr. Moshik Cohen, and our ecosystem partners, we are building not just for the future-we are building the future ." A Call to Visionary Investors Spectral Capital invites forward-thinking investors to join us in shaping the quantum revolution. With groundbreaking technologies and a commitment to sustainability, Spectral offers a unique opportunity to drive the next wave of global innovation. About Spectral Capital Spectral Capital Corporation (OTCQB: FCCN) is a Deep Quantum Technology Platform company delivering practical, scalable, and sustainable quantum solutions. Through its proprietary Vogon DQLDB, QuantumVM, and plasmonic SOCs, Spectral Capital is revolutionizing industries and paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable world. For more information, visit www.spectralcapital.com [ http://www.spectralcapital.com/ ] or contact our Investor Relations team at Rubenstein and Associates. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from expectations. Please review the company's filings for a full risk assessment. Media Contact Company Name: Plato Data Intelligence Contact Person: Bryan Feinberg Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=spectral-capital-announces-transformation-into-a-deep-quantum-technology-platform ] Phone: +1551 574-2169 Address:144 E 44th Street City: New York State: New York Country: United States Website: http://platodata.io This release was published on openPR.
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By Hyunsu Yim and Joyce Lee SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's parliament impeached acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday over a short-lived martial law, plunging the country deeper into political chaos, as the Constitutional Court said it would swiftly trial suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol. The impeachment of Han, who has been acting president since Yoon was impeached on Dec. 14 for declaring martial law on Dec. 3, has thrown South Korea's once-vibrant democratic success story into uncharted territory. The motion led by opposition parties passed with 192 of the 300 votes amid rowdy scenes by ruling People Power Party members who surrounded the speaker's podium chanting the vote was invalid and parliament had committed "tyranny." Ahead of the parliamentary session, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said his Democratic Party, which has majority control of parliament, will go ahead with the plan to impeach the acting president, accusing Han of "acting for insurrection". "The only way to normalise the country is to swiftly root out all the insurrection forces," Lee said in a fiery speech, adding the party was acting on the public order to eradicate those who have put the country at risk. There has been overwhelming public support for Yoon's removal, according to opinion polls conducted after his martial law attempt. The plan for a vote to impeach Han was unveiled on Thursday by the main opposition Democratic Party after he declined to immediately appoint three justices to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court, saying it would exceed his acting role. Until just before voting began, it was unclear how many votes were needed to impeach Han as acting leader. The threshold for a prime minister is a simple majority, while a two-thirds majority is needed for a president. Speaker Woo Won-shik declared a simple majority would constitute parliamentary approval. Han said in a statement after the vote that he would step aside to avoid more chaos and will await a Constitutional Court ruling on his impeachment. By law Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will assume the acting presidency. Choi earlier pleaded with parliament to withdraw the plan to impeach Han, saying it would do serious damage to the country's economy. The South Korean won retreated to 1,475.4 per dollar, down 0.53% at 0707 GMT ahead of the parliamentary vote. The vote to determine Han's fate comes on the same day the Constitutional Court held its first hearing in a case reviewing whether to overturn the impeachment and reinstate Yoon or remove him permanently from office. It has 180 days to reach a decision. (Writing by Josh Smith, Jack Kim; Editing by Ed Davies and Michael Perry)Chelsea suffer worst Premier League collapse of century against Fulham as Enzo Maresca explains Noni Madueke snub
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US News Today Live Updates: In today’s dynamic landscape, staying updated on the latest developments across the United States is essential. US News delivers the most impactful and current stories from coast to coast, covering a broad spectrum of topics, including politics, economic trends, healthcare, social issues, and cultural shifts. From significant government actions and economic shifts to breakthroughs in technology and the latest social debates, we provide real-time updates and thoughtful analysis to keep you informed. Our goal is to keep you connected to the stories that shape American life, ensuring you’re always in the know on the news that matters. US News Today Live: Diddy hit with new lawsuit: Ex-employee claims forced to set up ‘Wild King Nights’ sex partiesIn an era when information travels at breakneck speed across vast digital networks, the very act of trying to hide certain data often paradoxically ensures its broader dissemination. This ironic dynamic, known as the “Streisand effect,” encapsulates a critical tension at the heart of contemporary media ecosystems: attempts to suppress or censor information frequently result in that information being shared more widely and gaining even greater cultural resonance. Conceptually, the Streisand effect aligns with a set of interrelated theories from communication studies, media ethics, political science, and sociology that explore how power, secrecy, and transparency collide in the digital sphere. The naming of this effect traces back to a high-profile incident involving the American singer and actress Barbra Streisand, who sought to remove an innocuous aerial photograph of her home from a public online archive. Her attempt at legal action not only failed to conceal the image but also propelled it into public consciousness, transforming an obscure photo into a widely recognized symbol of the futility of certain censorship efforts. In the years since, the Streisand effect has been invoked to describe countless scenarios in which a suppression attempt has had precisely the opposite outcome, inadvertently amplifying the visibility of the contested information. The Streisand effect has long-since moved beyond a cultural anecdote into a conceptual lens through which we can examine the interplay between censorship, digital activism, and networked people. It resonates with theoretical frameworks in media studies and cyberlaw that explain how information—once digitized—does not simply vanish at the behest of a single authority figure. Instead, the attempt to stifle speech often triggers counterforces that intensify attention and circulation. More than a curiosity or quirk of the internet age, the Streisand effect raises profound questions about control, audience psychology, viral mechanisms, trust in authoritative institutions, and the ethics of public communication. The Streisand effect sits at the intersection of several core ideas in the study of media and communication. On one side, classical theories of censorship and propaganda have long held that efforts to control what the public sees, hears, and reads run the risk of sparking resistance and curiosity. J.S. Mill’s philosophical arguments about the importance of free speech and John Milton’s “Areopagitica” both highlight that suppressing ideas can inadvertently make them more appealing. Even a five-year-old child interacting with their parents embodies that. While these thinkers operated in pre-digital worlds, their observations resonate powerfully in an internet-driven context. In the digital era, communication occurs within a decentralized web of platforms, forums, and social media channels, allowing information to ricochet from one node to countless others at lightning speed. This distributed network structure makes it inherently more difficult to control narratives. Here, the Streisand effect can be seen as a manifestation of network theory principles, where attempts to remove content from a node can trigger attention from multiple connected nodes. Information becomes replicated and mirrored, spreading like wildfire, often beyond the jurisdictional reach of the initial censor. Conceptually, the effect is in dialogue with ideas about “forbidden fruit” and psychological reactance: when individuals perceive that certain knowledge is being withheld from them, their desire to access and disseminate it intensifies. The cognitive interplay between scarcity, curiosity, and the innate human impetus to resist perceived control fosters conditions ripe for the Streisand effect. Likewise, within political communication and digital activism, the effect dovetails with notions of “information cascades,” wherein social proof and the bandwagon effect drive people to share content precisely because it is being suppressed. In 2003, environmental photographer Kenneth Adelman took thousands of aerial images of the California coastline for the California Coastal Records Project, a public initiative to document coastal erosion. Among these images was a photograph of Barbra Streisand’s home. Although the image was not initially singled out or widely circulated, Streisand’s attempt to sue Adelman and the associated website for $50 million to have the photograph removed brought widespread media attention to it. Before the lawsuit, the image had been downloaded only a handful of times; in the aftermath, its visibility soared as global news outlets covered the story and internet users flocked to view what Streisand wanted hidden. The Streisand effect quickly transcended its origin story. Since then, it has been referenced in relation to a host of incidents spanning entertainment, politics, corporate branding, social justice campaigns, and beyond. WikiLeaks, for example, became a lightning rod for the Streisand effect: when governments and corporations attempted to block access to leaked documents, supporters and activists replicated and redistributed those files across mirror sites, magnifying their reach. Similarly, efforts by authoritarian regimes to tamp down dissenting voices often trigger widespread international attention, human rights reporting, and solidarity campaigns that amplify the suppressed message. More recently, attempts by political figures to remove incriminating tweets or videos have ignited the Streisand effect. The internet’s permanent memory—embodied in archiving tools like the Wayback Machine—thwarts erasure. Efforts to edit history, conceal past statements, or disappear embarrassing content often lead to journalists and activists spotlighting these very attempts at suppression. The effect has even extended into celebrity culture: attempts by public relations teams to quash rumors or scandalous images can inadvertently accelerate their spread, turning minor gossip into major controversy. Moreover, as social media algorithms privilege engagement—likes, shares, and comments—censorship attempts can become their own form of viral currency. The more a piece of content is framed as “secret” or “forbidden,” the more likely users are to engage with it, share it, and comment on its significance. In this environment, trying to stifle discourse can resemble tossing gasoline onto a smoldering fire. Human psychology lies at the heart of the Streisand effect. One key ingredient is the principle of psychological reactance, identified by psychologist Jack Brehm in the 1960s. Reactance posits that when individuals perceive their freedom of choice or access to information is threatened, they experience an emotional drive to restore that freedom. Attempts at censorship, particularly in open societies accustomed to broad speech protections, often ignite a collective reactance. Audiences do not merely consume information passively; they become motivated participants seeking to undermine the censors and affirm their autonomy. Another psychological dimension is the “forbidden fruit” phenomenon, where information labeled as suppressed or secretively removed attains a heightened allure. Social beings are drawn to that which is hidden, as uncovering secrets promises insider knowledge, prestige, or the thrill of rebellion. This dynamic is supercharged in digital spaces, where communities form around discovery, investigation, and sharing. The democratization of communication tools means anyone can become a whistleblower, archivist, or curator of hidden truths. These psychological drivers interact with group identities and in-group/out-group dynamics. When people identify as part of an information community—be it Reddit sleuths, political dissidents, or fandom collectors—they take collective pride in outsmarting suppression efforts. The Streisand effect can thus catalyze a sense of camaraderie and mission. The very networks that censorship attempts aim to disrupt become even tighter-knit and more determined to keep the contested information in circulation. The digital architecture underlying modern communication amplifies the Streisand effect. Unlike traditional, top-down broadcast models, digital platforms function as decentralized, user-driven networks. The spread of information is often organic, fueled by peer-to-peer sharing. However, it is also algorithmically orchestrated, as platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube use recommendation engines designed to boost user engagement. When content is “forbidden,” engagement often skyrockets. Users rush to view, share, and debate it. The algorithms notice this surge and respond by pushing it into more feeds, magnifying its visibility. Each attempt to remove or block the content may prompt a new wave of re-uploads, mirrors, and commentary, ensuring that it remains accessible through a variety of back channels. The Streisand effect also intersects with the darker realms of information warfare. State actors, intelligence agencies, and strategically motivated hackers might plant controversial documents or misinformation online precisely to lure their targets into attempts at suppression. By prompting heavy-handed takedowns, they trigger a wave of viral attention and inadvertently legitimize the content’s significance. In this sense, the Streisand effect can be weaponized as a strategic tool: provoking an opponent into censorial overreach that backfires spectacularly. Through this lens, controlling the narrative in digital spaces becomes an intricate game of psychological manipulation, platform maneuvering, and memetic spread. Corporate entities are increasingly aware of the Streisand effect’s implications. In attempts to manage reputational crises, companies sometimes try to remove negative reviews, unflattering images, or damaging press. Ironically, these efforts can escalate minor issues into public-relations catastrophes. The brand, which intended to appear protective of its image and values, comes across as secretive, manipulative, or untrustworthy. In contrast, some brands have learned to embrace transparent communication policies. Rather than hiding criticism, they publicly address concerns, provide context, and invite dialogue. By doing so, they can transform potential scandals into opportunities for authenticity and trust-building. When customers see that a company is not trying to suppress information, they are more likely to view that company as accountable and honest. The Streisand effect, in this sense, serves as a cautionary tale: attempting censorship in the age of digital empowerment can do more harm than good. Politically, the Streisand effect often plays out when authoritarian regimes try to silence dissent or democratic leaders attempt to manage controversies behind closed doors. For instance, efforts to censor media outlets or online platforms to hide state-sanctioned abuses, leaked corruption files, or embarrassing diplomatic cables can unleash a torrent of attention from international media, human rights organizations, and activist networks. The result is often the opposite of what the censor intended: global scrutiny, condemnation, and sustained coverage of the originally suppressed information. After the French government tried to remove Wikipedia's article on the military radio station Pierre-sur-Haute, the article rocketed to the top of French Wikipedia (attribution: S. RIMBAUD). The Streisand effect is not solely the domain of corporate or political players. Grassroots social justice movements and marginalized communities sometimes leverage the effect to draw attention to issues that powerful actors attempt to hide. When police departments try to suppress video evidence of misconduct, activists seize upon the censorship attempt to highlight systemic issues, circulate the suppressed evidence more widely, and mobilize public outrage. The initial attempt at concealing wrongdoing ironically strengthens the movement’s moral leverage, showing how even clumsy censorship can serve as a catalyst for greater awareness and calls for reform. Social justice campaigns can thus find tactical advantage in understanding how the Streisand effect functions. It encourages a strategic approach: activists anticipate censorship, set traps for attempted suppression, and design their messaging so that any blocking attempt backfires into broader coverage. Here, the effect aligns with the broader ecology of digital activism, where information asymmetries and suppressive tactics often energize rather than deter reformist energies. Academics and thought leaders in communications, cyberlaw, and sociology have helped frame and elaborate the Streisand effect in more formal theoretical terms. Scholars like Ethan Zuckerman have discussed how digital networks facilitate the rapid spread of information in unexpected ways, highlighting the “cute cats” theory of internet content—meaning that platforms designed for innocuous sharing can become powerful tools for political mobilization once censorship attempts occur. Legal theorists such as Lawrence Lessig have pointed to how intellectual property law and content takedown notices can trigger counterproductive amplification. Sociologist Manuel Castells’ theory of networked society also provides a framework for understanding the decentralized power dynamics that foster the Streisand effect. Critical voices in media ethics have explored how content moderation efforts on large platforms can backfire. They emphasize that while some moderation is necessary, overly secretive or draconian measures can lead to a sense of disenfranchisement and erode public trust. Meanwhile, journalists and media watchdogs document case studies that illustrate the Streisand effect’s ubiquity. By cataloging these instances, they contribute to a growing body of evidence that suppression attempts often yield unintended consequences. At its core, the Streisand effect raises pressing moral questions about communication in the digital age. Should all information be freely accessible, regardless of its context or harm potential? What responsibilities do individuals, platforms, and institutions have in shaping the knowledge landscape? On one hand, the effect underscores the value of transparency and openness. It discourages paternalistic attempts to manage public discourse behind closed doors. When the public learns that certain truths are being hidden, trust in those concealing the truth erodes, and skepticism toward authority grows. This dynamic serves as a check on corporate and governmental overreach, potentially strengthening democratic ideals. On the other hand, not all information is innocuous. Certain data might infringe on privacy, promote hate, or endanger vulnerable populations. Complex moral dilemmas arise when preventing the spread of harmful content unintentionally boosts its profile. The Streisand effect forces communicators and regulators to navigate a precarious tightrope, balancing the public’s right to know with the moral imperative to avoid spreading damaging or false information. It also implicates the role of technology platforms, which must decide how to respond to takedown requests without unintentionally fanning the flames of controversy. These moral dimensions invite a reevaluation of censorship policies. If attempts at suppression often fail or backfire, perhaps a more nuanced approach—founded on contextualization, critical literacy, and open debate—is necessary. The Streisand effect nudges us toward transparency as a virtue, but transparency alone is not a panacea. An informed public must be equipped with the media literacy skills to analyze and contextualize the information they encounter. The reality of the Streisand effect means institutions and individuals must be prepared to engage with it. This means: Transparent Communication Policies: Institutions should adopt policies that favor openness and clarity over secrecy. When confronted with unflattering facts, addressing them head-on rather than attempting concealment can build trust. For corporations facing a scandal, a prompt and honest statement acknowledging mistakes and outlining remediation steps is often more effective than a covert takedown strategy. Contextualizing Controversial Content: Instead of deleting or blocking information, communicators can provide context, fact-checking, and expert commentary. By reframing potentially damaging material within a broader narrative, they reduce its allure as “forbidden knowledge.” This approach empowers audiences to engage critically rather than sensationalizing the hidden. Media Literacy Education: An informed public is less susceptible to knee-jerk reactions and the allure of secrecy. By equipping citizens with the tools to evaluate sources, understand media ecosystems, and recognize disinformation tactics, media literacy education can minimize the effectiveness of both censorship and the counterproductive effects of censorship attempts. Proactive Crisis Management: Anticipating controversies before they arise and having a roadmap for ethical, transparent responses can help organizations avoid overreactions. Strategists can rehearse crisis scenarios, developing responses that reduce panic and minimize the temptation to suppress information in the heat of the moment. Critical Discourse Forums: Encouraging open discussion and debate in moderated forums allows contentious topics to be aired without resorting to deletion. By fostering respectful dialogue, platforms and organizations create a public sphere where misinformation can be challenged, and harmful content can be contextualized or debunked. Leveraging the Effect for Good: Activists and social justice groups, aware of the Streisand effect, can leverage suppression attempts to draw attention to critical issues. By documenting censorship attempts and highlighting them as evidence of wrongdoing, they can rally public support and galvanize meaningful change. The Streisand effect also symbolizes a broader cultural shift in how power operates in networked publics. Traditional gatekeepers—governments, mainstream media outlets, powerful companies—no longer enjoy uncontested control over narratives. Instead, networked citizens possess a heightened ability to counter attempts at censorship. The Streisand effect emphasizes that information is not a single, discrete commodity that can be centrally managed. It is a fluid, replicable, crowd-driven phenomenon. The Streisand effect is more than an internet curiosity. It stands as a crucial case study in understanding the unpredictability, interconnectedness, and evolving power relations of the global information landscape. From its origin in a legal battle over a single photograph, this phenomenon has grown into a robust conceptual framework for examining how efforts to silence information can result in louder, more widespread conversation. The effect bridges multiple disciplines—communications theory, psychology, sociology, cyberlaw, political science—and resonates with thinkers who have long warned about the unintended consequences of censorship. In a world where information flows at unprecedented volumes and speeds, attempts to control that flow are often counterproductive. Instead, the Streisand effect encourages a pivot toward transparency, dialogue, and critical engagement. As we navigate a future rife with challenges—misinformation wars, authoritarian clampdowns, corporate PR disasters, and the struggle for digital rights—the Streisand effect remains instructive. It teaches us that the networks we have built thrive on the interplay of curiosity, resistance, and shared identity. Censorship often triggers rebellion, and secrecy can breed discovery. The moral imperative is not merely to acknowledge the effect but to engage thoughtfully with what it implies about power, ethics, and the responsibilities of all communicators, from individual citizens to multinational platforms. The Streisand effect is, at its core, a reminder that information ecosystems have personalities and patterns of their own. Attempts to shape these ecosystems through force or concealment frequently backfire. The more you try to hide something in the digital age, the more it demands to be found. And once found, it spreads uncontrollably, carried along by human curiosity, algorithmic affinities, and the moral heartbeat of a public that will not be kept in the dark. Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.
Published 5:20 pm Thursday, December 26, 2024 By Jim Gazzolo Last Sunday, the Cowboys traveled to Lafayette to play their annual game against the Ragin Cajuns. It has been a holiday tradition for fans of both teams since Louisiana-Lafayette left the Southland Conference. The two teams have played at least once every season since the 1998-99 campaign. ULL holds the series lead, 63-37. The Cowboys won Sunday’s contest 64-56 in a hard-fought, hard-played game. It wasn’t always pretty, but there was a lot of intensity on both sides. It is the perfect pre-league contest. Excited crowds, cheap travel, local interest. Yet Sunday’s game was the last in the current series, and while both sides have said they want to continue, no contract has been signed. “We have talked to them and hope we can continue to play them,” said McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer. “It makes sense we play them every year.” Maybe the sides can soon sign a new four-year deal for home-and-home contests. That would solve each side’s problem of getting games. Scheduling has been a major problem for several if not most, mid-major programs. It was easy for McNeese to find games before Will Wade hit town, but now nobody is lining up to play a team that has been 36-9 over the last two seasons. Regarding scheduling, the Cowboys have become too good for their own good. During the offseason, Wade’s schedule maker, Brandon Chambers, had difficulty getting games, especially at home. In November, an invitation to the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands helped. A couple of other solid mid-majors, Santa Clara and North Texas, were willing to sign for home-and-home games that started this fall in Lake Charles. Those are great additions, but staples are what make a good schedule. ULL playing McNeese is a staple. There should be others. It would be nice for fans and players alike from all Louisiana programs if they played each other. The Cowboys should schedule games against UL-Monroe and Louisiana Tech every year. Schroyer would like even more. He would love to see home-and-home games each year between state rivals. He would love to see the Cowboys play LSU, but let’s be honest, that doesn’t happen while Wade still calls McNeese home. Imagine the egg on the Tigers’ faces if they lost that game or it was even close. Louisiana Tech used to play McNeese. The two teams even matched up last year in Ruston during a small event. Tech won that game. There are other good teams in Texas to play as well outside the Southland Conference. Sam Houston State, Texas-San Antonio, and Texas-Arlington come to mind. Those games are all driveable for McNeese fans, who continue to show they will travel to watch their Cowboys. Sunday’s game was the most attended in the Cajundome this year. A total of 2,407 fans showed up, 995 more than for any other ULL home game this season. Last year, when the teams met in Lake Charles, a crowd of 4,307 was in the sold-out Legacy Center. Compare that to the 1,187 who watched the Cajuns host Louisiana Tech this season or the 1,391 who showed up to see the Sun Belt Conference opener last Wednesday against Appalachian State, and you realize it makes dollars and common sense to play local games. Let’s hope all involved in scheduling understand the economic value and community pride that can go with these games. And how much the players love to play in them. “It’s a great rivalry,” McNeese forward Joe Charles said. “Both groups of fans are intense about this game.” Charles should know he played for ULL for three years before transferring to McNeese this year. “They are fun games to play in,” Charles said. They have also been fun to watch. Let’s hope we get that chance again next year in Lake Charles. Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers McNeese State athletics for the American Press. Email him at jimgazzolo@yahoo.com
Revolutionary Technology Steals the Show at Epic Sports EventParts of Ba, Nadi, Rakiraki and Tavua are already flooded and the Nadi Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre says residents living in flood-prone areas need to remain vigilant. The Nadi RSMC says a flood alert remains in force for flood-prone areas adjacent to and downstream of all major rivers in Fiji. At 10 am today, the center says the water level at Ba FSC station is 5.61m which is above warning level and increasing, water level at Nakauvadra town center station in Rakiraki is 4.24m which is above warning level and increasing and the water level at Nadi town bridge station is 3.92m which is above warning level and increasing The country is experiencing showers caused by an active trough of low pressure with associated clouds and rain which is expected to affect the group until Sunday. People living in flood-prone areas should take the necessary precautions by stocking up on food and water, and ensuring their phones and devices are charged. They should also ensure all valuable goods are placed in elevated areas, and be aware of their closest evacuation centre.
Sacramento State knocks off Air Force 63-61Red Violet director Peter Benz sells $935,429 in stockNana Obiri Boahen, former Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed profound shock at the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections, describing the outcome as “not normal.” In an interview with Kasapa FM, Boahen emphasized that the loss was unexpected, especially considering the party’s extensive campaign efforts and the Vice President’s active engagement with the grassroots as reported by Ghana Web. “I am in a big shock over NPP’s defeat in the 2024 election,” Boahen remarked, highlighting his disbelief at the results. He noted that the party had run what he considered the most effective and attractive campaign in its political history, reaching out to the grassroots in unprecedented ways. “Since 1992, I have never witnessed the NPP organize a campaign that is as attractive and effective as that of the 2024 campaign,” he added. Boahen’s sentiments echo those of other party members who are grappling with the unexpected loss. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, NPP Member of Parliament for the Akim Oda constituency, suggested that there might be a “spiritual orchestration” behind the defeat, given the significant voter apathy in the party’s strongholds. Political analysts have pointed to internal divisions and economic challenges as contributing factors to the NPP’s defeat. Anthony Obeng Afrane, in his analysis, noted that the party’s internal struggles and failure to address economic concerns eroded public trust, leading to their electoral loss. “The NPP’s defeat in the 2024 elections was not a single event but rather the culmination of long-standing internal divisions and a failure to address the pressing economic needs of the Ghanaian people,” Afrane observed. In the aftermath of the defeat, there have been calls within the party for introspection and restructuring. Some members have criticized the leadership’s approach, suggesting that arrogance and a disconnect from the electorate contributed to the loss. As the NPP reflects on the election results, there is a growing consensus on the need for unity and a renewed focus on addressing the concerns of the Ghanaian populace. Boahen’s remarks underscore the party’s commitment to understanding the factors behind their defeat and working towards rebuilding trust with the electorate.
