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In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) finds itself at a pivotal juncture against a backdrop of thriving AI-related stocks. Despite a whirlwind of activity in the realm of AI investments, Oracle’s position remains intriguing amidst varying analyst insights. CJ Muse, an analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald, recently commented on the novel nature of AI investments, highlighting a significant departure from typical tech cycles. He noted major tech firms are channeling billions into AI, and yet they’re managing to generate substantial free cash flow. Muse emphasizes that this investment cycle is critical as companies push towards achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), requiring advanced computing power to enhance AI reasoning capabilities. As various AI stocks garner attention due to positive analyst ratings and noteworthy developments, Oracle’s performance draws mixed reviews. Monness, Crespi, Hardt analysts recently shifted their stance on ORCL to a “Sell” rating , citing that its stock price may have outstripped its value compared to historical benchmarks. Despite a strong showing fueled by generative AI trends, concerns about Oracle’s increased capital expenditure plans for fiscal 2025 linger, seen as possibly unsustainable. While Oracle continues to make strides in cloud infrastructure, bolstered by strategic partnerships like the one with Amazon, the firm faces stiff competition from industry giants in the public cloud space. Despite these challenges, Oracle ranks 7th among promptly buzzing AI stocks due to its continued innovation and market presence. For those eyeing promising AI opportunities, exploring under-the-radar stocks might offer a chance for more substantial returns over a shorter period than established names like Oracle, as noted in recent financial analyses. Is Oracle Navigating the AI Wave Successfully? Unveiling Insights and Predictions Oracle Corporation is at a critical juncture amidst a flourishing landscape of AI-related investments, with varied insights from analysts marking its trajectory. As the tech giant makes headway in the AI domain, let’s explore some fresh perspectives and critical elements that are shaping its journey. Market Insights and Analysis In the rapidly advancing realm of artificial intelligence, Oracle’s strategic positioning is under scrutiny. While Oracle is making significant inroads in cloud infrastructure and AI, its approach has drawn mixed reviews from analysts. In particular, there is debate about whether Oracle’s market value has exceeded its fundamental worth, a concern accentuated by Monness, Crespi, Hardt analysts’ recent “Sell” recommendation. Pros and Cons of Oracle’s AI Strategy # Pros 1. Cloud Expansion : Oracle is enhancing its cloud-based offerings, a critical growth area in the era of digital transformation. 2. Strategic Partnerships : Collaborations with major firms, such as Amazon, highlight Oracle’s efforts to stay competitive. # Cons 1. Valuation Concerns : Analysts have raised concerns about Oracle’s stock being possibly overvalued, given historical benchmarks. 2. Sustainability of Capital Expenditures : Increased spending in fiscal 2025 raises questions about the long-term sustainability of its investments. AI Investment Trends and Innovations Oracle is navigating an AI investment cycle marked by substantial enhancements in computing power. The broader tech industry is pushing toward achieving artificial general intelligence, and Oracle’s efforts are pivotal in this ambition. However, while Oracle is among the top AI stocks, other emerging companies are capturing attention due to potentially higher short-term returns. Predictions and Future Directions Moving forward, analysts predict Oracle will face stiff competition from leading cloud providers. However, its continuous investment in AI and infrastructure could bolster its position in the market. As AI becomes more ingrained in various industries, Oracle’s efforts in cultivating strategic partnerships and enhancing its offerings may prove influential. Final Thoughts Oracle’s journey through the AI landscape is emblematic of both the challenges and opportunities presented to established tech firms. Staying competitive requires balancing innovation with sustainable growth strategies. As the company navigates this pivotal period, stakeholders and investors will need to closely monitor these dynamics to fully leverage Oracle’s potential in the evolving tech market. For more information on Oracle and its technological advancements, visit the Oracle website .

Jimmy Carter, a one-term president who became a globe-trotting elder statesman, dies at 100

Kansas City (14-1) at Pittsburgh (10-5) Wednesday, 1 p.m., EST, Netflix. BetMGM NFL Odds: Chiefs by 2 1/2. Against the spread: Chiefs 7-8; Steelers 10-5 Series record: Steelers lead 25-14. Last meeting: Chiefs beat Steelers 42-21 in the first round of the playoffs on Jan. 16, 2022, in Kansas City. Last week: Chiefs beat Texans 27-19; Steelers lost to Ravens 34-17 Chiefs offense: overall (13), rush (15), pass (12), scoring (11). Chiefs defense: overall (3), rush (3), pass (17), scoring (3). Steelers offense: overall (19), rush (11), pass (25), scoring (12). Steelers defense: overall (11), rush (8), pass (20), scoring (7). Turnover differential: Chiefs plus-4; Steelers plus-16. WR Marquise Brown, who hurt his shoulder on the first play of the preseason and landed on injured reserve, made an impressive regular-season debut against Houston last week. “Hollywood” caught five passes for 45 yards, including an early 13-yarder that converted a fourth down and led to an eventual touchdown. But perhaps most importantly, Brown's mere presence kept Houston from double-teaming Xavier Worthy, DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce all afternoon. LB T.J. Watt. The perennial All-Pro is dealing with an ankle injury and had a quiet game in the loss to Baltimore, finishing with just four tackles and didn’t have a single hit against Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. Pittsburgh's best chance at pulling the upset relies heavily on disrupting Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes at every turn. To do it, Watt will need to do some Watt-like things. The 30-year-old leads the NFL in forced fumbles for a defense that thrives on takeaways. Steelers RBs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris against the Chiefs rush defense, which is ranked third in the NFL and allowing just 91.4 yards per game. The Chiefs held the Texans' Joe Mixon to just 57 yards rushing last week, the latest in a season-long trend of shutting down top running backs. The Browns' Nick Chubb had 41 yards the previous week, and the Ravens' Derrick Henry, the Falcons' Bijan Robinson and the Saints' Alvin Kamara are among those who have similarly struggled against Kansas City. Chiefs: LT D.J. Humphries (hamstring) and CB Chamarri Conner (concussion) are likely to miss a second straight game. DT Chris Jones (calf) and RT Jawaan Taylor (knee) are iffy after getting hurt against Houston. Steelers: WR George Pickens (hamstring) should return after missing the past three games. S DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and DT Larry Ogunjobi (groin) may also be back after sitting the past two weeks. Starting CB Joey Porter Jr. (knee) and backup wide receiver/special teams ace Ben Skowronek (hip) are out. The Steelers have dominated the series, leading 23-14, but the Chiefs have won the past three games. That includes a 42-21 rout in their most recent matchup in the wild-card round of the playoffs on Jan. 16, 2022 — the last game played by Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Prior to the Chiefs' three-game win streak, the Steelers had won three in a row, including an 18-16 victory in the divisional round on Jan. 15, 2017, that they won despite not scoring a touchdown. Kansas City can clinch the No. 1 seed and first-round playoff bye with a win over the Steelers, or if the Bills lose or tie when they play the Jets on Sunday. ... Pittsburgh has dropped two straight, but can still earn its first AFC North title since 2020 by winning its last two games. ... The Chiefs can set a franchise record for regular-season wins with their 15th by beating Pittsburgh or Denver in their regular-season finale, breaking a tie with the 2020 and ‘22 teams. ... The Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes needs three TD passes to break Peyton Manning’s record of 244 for a QB's first eight seasons. Mahomes did not start as a rookie and has played just 111 games while Manning played 128 over that span. ... Mahomes has dominated the Steelers so far in his career, throwing 14 touchdowns without a pick while leading Kansas City to three victories in as many tries. ... Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins has an NFL-leading 177 straight games with a catch. TE Travis Kelce is second with 173. ... Kelce has 76 TD catches, tied with Tony Gonzalez for the Chiefs record. Kelce has 79 total TDs, four shy of Priest Holmes' franchise record. ... WR Xavier Worthy has five TD catches, tied for the sixth most by a rookie in Chiefs history. Worthy also has three TD runs, and the eight total is also tied for sixth most in franchise history. ... Chiefs DB Trent McDuffie has intercepted a pass in back-to-back games. He did not have a pick in his first 48 games. ... This is the 12th game in Steelers history to be played on Wednesday and the first since 2020, when a showdown with the Ravens was repeatedly postponed because of COVID-19 issues. Pittsburgh is 5-6 all time on Wednesdays. ... A healthy Pickens will likely give the Steelers passing game a serious boost. QB Russell Wilson is averaging just 167.7 yards per game in Pickens' absence, down from 271 yards per game with Pickens in the lineup. ... This is Pittsburgh's first regular-season game against a team with 14 wins. ... The Steelers have five wins against the defending Super Bowl champions since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. ... Pittsburgh is 26-12 in Weeks 17 and 18 since the start of the 1990 season, the second-most wins in the NFL over that span behind Green Bay (28). ... The Steelers have won seven straight games and 12 of their past 13 the week following a loss of at least 17 points. ... Pittsburgh leads the NFL with 31 takeaways. and has forced at least two turnovers 11 times. It might be championship week in your league, so why not turn to a championship quarterback. Mahomes has earned the benefit of the doubt even in a “down” season by his standards and with Pittsburgh missing its top cornerback and the pass rush slowed of late, give Mahomes a start against a team he has toyed with in his career. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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Jobless salesman demanding extortion for 'D-Company' heldThe Bank of Scotland’s business barometer poll showed 73% of Scottish businesses expect to see turnover increase in 2025, up from 60% polled in 2023. Almost a quarter (23%) of businesses expect to see their revenue rise by between six and 10% over the next 12 months, with just over a fifth (21%) expecting it to grow by even more. The poll found that 70% of businesses were confident they would become more profitable in 2025, a two per cent increase when compared with the previous year. Revenue and profitability growth was firms’ top priority at 52%, though 40% said they will be targeting improved productivity, and the same proportion said they will be aiming to enhance their technology – such as automation or AI – or upskill their staff (both 29%). More than one in five (22%) want to improve their environmental sustainability. Other areas businesses are hoping to build upon AI-assisted technology (19%), and 24% will be investing in expanding into new UK markets and 23% plan to invest in staff training. The business barometer has surveyed 1,200 businesses every month since 2002, providing early signals about UK economic trends. Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland commercial banking, said: “Scottish businesses are looking ahead to 2025 with stronger growth expectations, and setting out clear plans to drive this expansion through investments in new technology, new markets and their own teams. “As we enter the new year, we’ll continue to by their side to help them pursue their ambitions and seize all opportunities that lie ahead.”Man accused in the burning death of a woman on a New York subway appears in courtLong live the memory of Dr. Jose Rizal!

Trailblazing model Dayle Haddon dies from suspected carbon monoxide poisoningUConn announced a two-year contract extension for head football coach Jim Mora on Saturday, just before the team took the field for the Fenway Bowl against North Carolina. Mora’s contract extension will run through 2028 and will pay him $10 million through the remaining four years, with the opportunity to earn more in incentives. The 63-year-old coach is set to make $1.7 million next season, $1.9 million in 2026 and $2.3 and $2.4 million in 2027 and 2028, respectively. UConn then went out and thrashed North Carolina, 27-14, in a game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated. “I am forever grateful. I’m grateful to (athletic director) David (Benedict) and (school president) Radenka (Maric) and the Board of Trustees, but this is about what the (UConn players) did today,” Mora said when asked about the extension in the postgame press conference. In a statement released by UConn ahead of the game, Mora said: “I’d like to thank David Benedict, Radenka Maric and the University of Connecticut leadership for their trust in me and their commitment to our football program. When I first got here, I talked about where we wanted this program to go and we have shown great progress but we still have plenty of work to do. The commitment and dedication from the university and the athletic department has me excited about the future for our football team.” “Three years ago, I tasked Jim Mora with the challenge of leading our football team back to success and through his experience, energy and leadership he has done just that,” UConn athletic director David Benedict said in a statement. “He has taken our program to post season bowl games twice and just guided our team to one of the best seasons in UConn football history, building a momentum to keep this program moving forward. I look forward to his leadership of our football team in the years ahead.” Mora is coming off one of the most successful seasons in UConn football history, having led the team to an 8-4 record and an appearance in the Fenway Bowl. It’s the Huskies’ second bowl appearance in three years. UConn’s eight wins is the most for the program since 2010, and the Huskies had their first winning season since that year, too. A win Saturday would give UConn nine wins for just the third time in program history, with the last two such seasons coming in 2003 and 2007. UConn quarterbacks coach Brad Robbins is heading to Tulsa as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, according to a report from CBS Sports. Robbins was part of a coaching staff that helped the offense produce its most prolific attack since the 2009 season and fifth-most in program history (32.3 points per game). Robbins worked at FCS Tennessee Tech and Division II North Greenville before joining Jim Mora’s staff in spring 2023. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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More airlines warn passengers as they crack down on carry-on baggage allowancesTrailblazing model Dayle Haddon dies from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 30The Calgary Board of Education said overall attendance rates are up across the board, which the district said is a key predictor of learning excellence. According to the CBE’s Annual Education Results Report (AERR), students were absent 11.7 per cent of the time in the 2023-2024 school year. This is 0.7 percentage points lower than the 2022-2023 school year, which saw 12.4 per cent absenteeism. Students who are English As Additional Language Learners (EALs) were absent around 11.4 per cent of the time in the 2023-2024 school year, while those with special education needs were absent 15.6 per cent of the time. Mike Nelson, a superintendent of school improvement, said the overall improvement in attendance rates indicates that current processes for addressing student absenteeism are providing positive outcomes. According to the AERR, the CBE’s Attendance Team supported 174 schools with 658 students experiencing attendance concerns, the report said. Less than 10 per cent of students who were consulted needed additional intervention through the Provincial Attendance Board. Nelson also said that the improvement is a key indicator of learning excellence at the CBE. According to the National Center for Education Statistics in the U.S. students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels compared with peers who chronically miss school. Kindergartners who constantly miss school were associated with greater absenteeism in subsequent years and lower achievement in reading math and general knowledge. Children with higher levels of absenteeism throughout their childhood also have higher high school dropout rates. A 2023 study published in Frontiers In Education also suggests that chronic absenteeism is associated with deficits in academic and social-emotional functioning and the effects can last several years. “We, of course, will continue monitoring attendance data and collaboration with students, parents, community partners, and this will help build to the success,” he told trustees at a Nov. 26 board meeting. However, Grade 10 to 12 students continued to see the highest rates of absenteeism. More than six per cent of these students were missing more than half of their high school classes, and many were absent for reasons that aren’t clear because the school didn’t receive contact from legal guardians. Grades 1 to 3 and Grades 4 to 6 students tend to miss less school than Grade 7 to 9 and Grade 10 to 12 students, the report added. Jennifer Turner, another superintendent of school improvement, said the district will continue to work with parents to drive home the importance of regular school attendance. “We know that we do have robust processes in our schools. They may work with our Attendance Team, but [mostly] through our assistant principals, guidance counselors and teachers,” she said. “If a student misses a certain number of days, [Attendance Team members] either connect with that independent student or their parent and if it continues, they use guidance counselors to try to leverage those relationships to improve attendance.” Turner also noted that students with identified special education needs are often absent from school due to medical appointments, treatment and therapy outside of the school environment. Staff are working with families to better understand the reason for the absence and the duration of the absence, as well as making plans to ensure that the student can keep up with school work during their absence. “We are not aware of any legal concerns as a result of [the absence] not being identified, although school staff do take a consistent relational approach with those families to ensure that we are understanding and finding ways to pull them back prior to moving forward through the more formalized attendance process,” she added.

SPEAKING OUT On this 128th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom, we pause to remember and honor the sacrifices of a man whose love for his country and his people knew no bounds. Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero, once declared: “Death does not matter if one dies for those one loves - his country and for others dear to him.” His words resonate today, reminding us of the profound dedication and patriotism that fueled his life and legacy. Rizal’s unwavering commitment to the Philippines was evident in his words and actions. Through his novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” he exposed the injustices and ignited a movement for reform. His intellect, courage and passion became the catalyst for change, inspiring Filipinos to rise against oppression. On Dec. 30, 1896, Dr. Rizal faced his execution with the same bravery and dignity that defined his life. He was very calm as he walked his final steps from Fort Santiago to Bagumbayan. Moments before he was shot, a Spanish doctor felt his pulse and found it incredibly normal. Denied of his request to be shot facing the firing squad, Rizal made the supreme effort to turn around, upon being hit by the firing squad’s bullets. He fell to the ground on his back, his face towards the sky. His sacrifice was not in vain as it united a nation and fueled the drive for freedom. Today, we look back with gratitude and admiration for a man who taught us that true patriotism is not just about loving one’s country, but also about being willing to sacrifice for it. As we commemorate this solemn day, let us reflect on Rizal’s enduring legacy. May his words and actions continue to inspire us to work toward a better future for our nation. Let us embody the same love, dedication, and selflessness that he demonstrated, always striving for the greater good. Long live the memory of Dr. Jose Rizal! Prayers and wishes for 2025 As we welcome the New Year, let us collectively hope and pray for new beginnings, boundless opportunities, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. As we celebrate , let us also express our hopes and dreams for our beloved Philippines. Let us hope and pray for unity and harmony within our nation. May we continue to bridge divides, foster understanding, and work together as one resilient and compassionate community. Let us cherish our shared heritage and build a future where every Filipino feels a sense of belonging. Let us hope and pray for prosperity and progress. May the Philippines thrive in all aspects –economically, socially, and culturally. Let innovation and creativity flourish, bringing forth opportunities for growth and development that will uplift every Filipino. Lastly, let us hope and pray for peace and safety. May our country be a sanctuary of peace, free from conflict and fear. Let us stand strong together, protecting and supporting each other, so that every Filipino can live a life of security and freedom. As we embark on this New Year, let us carry forward the spirit of hope, love, and determination. Here’s to a prosperous 2025 for our beloved Philippines. Mabuhay! ( [email protected] )

Five guaranteed games remain on Mike McCarthy’s contract. hopes the keep his head coach for more. The Cowboys quarterback can’t meaningfully impact his team’s performance as he . That bothers him. “Your coach seems like he's playing on his last contract and [I’m] almost feeling helpless like I can’t help him in this situation, especially a guy you believe in so much and you believe in being your head coach,” Prescott told Yahoo Sports during a Tuesday afternoon Zoom call. “Control what I can control, help and support Mike to every extent that I can.” In nine seasons with the Cowboys, Prescott has played for two head coaches. He leans on his experience watching Jason Garrett coach the final year of his deal in 2019 to manage this season. Prescott said he was glad to hear team owner and general manager to consider McCarthy returning for a sixth season and beyond. “I believe in him wholeheartedly,” Prescott said, speaking in partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods. “I don't want to necessarily get into the nuts and the screws of it all obviously, but I think he definitely deserves a chance — another contract and a chance to coach this team amongst more influence. ‘On his terms’ may be a good way to say it. “But I wholeheartedly believe in him.” The Cowboys posted three straight 12-win seasons from 2021 through 2023 under McCarthy. They’ve made the playoffs each of McCarthy’s years in which Prescott has been healthy for more than half of the games but fallen far short of their postseason goals. The Cowboys have not advanced to the NFC championship, much less the Super Bowl, since the 1995 season. After the 2021 season, the San Francisco 49ers upset the Cowboys in the wild-card round, 23-17. Dallas was the only division winner to lose in that round. The next year, Dallas beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a soon-to-be-retired-for-good Tom Brady in the wild-card round. But the 49ers eliminated them again in the divisional round. And after the 2023 season, the seventh-seeded Green Bay Packers trounced the Cowboys at home in a 48-32 win that was more lopsided than late-game points suggested. The Packers led 27-0 with two minutes remaining in the first half. The Cowboys, who had won 16 straight games at home before then, went on to lose six straight before they . Jones said Tuesday morning on 105.3 The Fan that he believed momentum carries from season to season, and that the Packers loss continued to influence the Cowboys’ struggles this year. Can Cowboys carry strong end of season over to 2025? Interesting Jerry Jones response on . "No question you can carry over good play from one season to the next. Potentially we carried over not-so-good play against Green Bay that we had in our playoffs last year." — Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) Dallas went 3-5 in games Prescott played. “It hurt,” Prescott said of the Packers loss. “You've got to learn from your lessons [and] you can't come in a playoff game starting slow, especially against a team that is hot. What Jerry is saying is a late come-on rally [can help]. I mean, look at Green Bay, a team that almost didn't make the playoffs last year, got going late in the year, able to make the playoffs and not only make the playoffs, [but] make a run and beating us, playing San Fran tight to the end and then that's propelled them into this season. “Winning two games back to back is huge, so we can continue to just do that and take some momentum, take some confidence, understanding that a huge amount of this team will still be on the team next year.” With Cowboys on two-game win streak, Jerry Jones tells that Mike McCarthy is "steady as a rock." "He’s genuine. He’s no B.S. for these players. I never thought for one second that the team had quit recognizing what an outstanding coach he is." — Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) Coming off division wins against the Washington Commanders and Giants, the 5-7 Cowboys have a 4 percent chance of making the playoffs, per Next Gen Stats. The Cowboys next host the Cincinnati Bengals on "Monday Night Football." The Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders follow on Dallas’ schedule. Jones and the Cowboys' front office will decide the franchise’s coaching future afterward. Prescott knows his vote. He wants the coach who’s helped him sharpen his footwork and timing, teaching him nuances of the game that propelled Prescott to MVP runner-up last season. “The guy’s won a Super Bowl — I know Jerry's attested to that,” Prescott said. “There's not many guys or coaches who have done that and to have one that can do it from experience? I know how valuable he’s been for me.”Yogi targets Cong for ‘insulting’ Ambedkar since Nehru’s days

Qatar tribune dpa Kiev Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has taken stock of Russia’s attacks against his country over the past seven days, counting hundreds of drones, bombs and missiles largely targeting energy infrastructure. “In total, Russia has used more than 370 attack drones, around 280 guided glide bombs and 80 missiles of various types against Ukraine this week,” Zelensky wrote on Facebook. “Even on Christmas night, the terrorists carried out a massive airstrike.” The Russian military’s attacks were primarily directed against energy infrastructure in Ukraine, Zelensky noted, adding that residential buildings were also attacked and damaged, apparently at random, with several people being killed. According to the UK’s Ministry of Defence, Russia is using a modified tactic in its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. Russia has now most likely decided to allow more time to pass between attacks in order to build up stocks, the ministry wrote on X, and hopes that fewer but larger waves of attacks can inflict more damage than more frequent, smaller attacks. With these combined mass attacks, the Russian military aims to overwhelm the Ukrainian air defence. Copy 30/12/2024 10