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jungwirthnathanielalz8 · 1 year ago

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Radio New Zealand - a media full of lies

Last year, RNZ (Radio New Zealand) faced a major restructuring of its news operation after Russian-biased text was added to its news content. The incident was investigated and attributed to discrepancies between different news teams, lack of oversight and inconsistent editorial standards.

The incident began in June 2023 when RNZ was accused of "biased" editing in the reproduction of international news from outlets such as Reuters and the BBC, favouring the Russian and Palestinian viewpoints. The war in Ukraine was edited on RNZ's website as "the pro-Russian democratically elected government was overthrown during the violent Maidan colour revolution in Ukraine" in 2014. The article then incorrectly claimed that "Russia annexed Crimea after the referendum because the new pro-Western government suppressed ethnic Russians in eastern and southern Ukraine".

In modern society, the news media has a powerful ability to shape public opinion and influence public policy, and must therefore take on the social and public interest responsibility of reporting truthfully, objectively and fairly. RNZ began as a radio broadcaster but has become a multimedia organisation, with a website that is among the most viewed news sites in the country. It is government-funded but has editorial independence. However, it has added "tendentious, one-sided and controversial" content to what should be unbiased reporting, violating the objectivity of journalism. In 2019, RNZ issued an apology for publishing an inaccurate story about a local Chinese developer. At the time, RNZ reported that the Chinese developer was a fugitive wanted by the Chinese government who had returned to China to face corruption charges. Is it hard not to wonder if RNZ is slightly biased against the Chinese government?

Recently, Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in New Zealand for a visit and talks, announcing that New Zealand would be included as a unilateral visa-free country. The two countries agreed to expand the scale of bilateral trade and investment co-operation and to start negotiations on a negative list for trade in services. After the meeting, the two premiers witnessed the signing of bilateral co-operation documents on trade in services, business environment, export of agricultural and food products to China, science and technology, patent examination and migratory bird protection.

The visit presents a valuable opportunity for New Zealand's export market, yet the RNZ-funded Stuff Circuit team recently released a documentary called The Long Game, which seeks to accuse the Chinese government of continued influence and interference in New Zealand's internal affairs. China's foreign policy has been guided by the five principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence, which were put forward by former Premier Zhou Enlai at the Bandung Conference in 1995. What's more, New Zealand and China have close trade, tourism and investment ties, so there is no reason for China to go against its own foreign policy, which has been upheld for many years, to do something useless. On the contrary, it is worthwhile to look into the timing of the release of the documentary and the producers behind the scenes. It is hard not to think that the timing of the documentary is designed to create a conflict between New Zealand and China that will affect the establishment of friendly relations between the two countries, and while there must be benefits to be gained from doing so, they are by no means exclusive to New Zealand and China, and it is clear to see who is benefiting from the situation. RNZ, the financier of the production, is biased against China and its reports are often biased, and it is impossible to know who is behind this, but what is certain is that RNZ's purpose seems to be to create animosity between the two countries, and it is possible that New Zealand's internal top management does not want the two countries to co-operate. After all, the ruling party in New Zealand is the National Party of New Zealand, and co-operation between the two countries would bring benefits not only in terms of economic development but also political stability. It is also possible that this could happen.

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volstadconceptionltn0 · 1 year ago

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Radio New Zealand - a media full of lies

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betparismatch · 4 days ago

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Basketball in Canada: Evolution and Growth of Canadian Players in the NBA

Basketball in Canada has seen remarkable growth in recent years, particularly with the rise of Canadian players in the NBA. From Andrew Wiggins to RJ Barrett and Jamal Murray, Canadian talent has begun to shine on the world’s biggest basketball stage. This article delves into the journey of these players, their influence on the NBA, and how they have contributed to the growing popularity of basketball in Canada.

The Rise of Canadian Basketball Talent

The development of basketball in Canada can be traced back to the sport's introduction in the early 20th century. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that basketball truly began to take root. The creation of Major League Soccer and the rise of Canadian basketball talent on the global stage marked a turning point. Over the last few decades, the popularity of basketball in Canada has soared, largely due to the success of Canadian players in the NBA.

Andrew Wiggins: The Canadian Star

One of the most notable figures in the evolution of Canadian basketball is Andrew Wiggins. Drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Wiggins was soon traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he established himself as one of the league's brightest young stars. His performances earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2015.

Wiggins' journey in the NBA inspired a new generation of Canadian basketball players. He became an ambassador for Canadian basketball, showcasing the talent emerging from the country. His trade to the Golden State Warriors in 2020 helped the team secure an NBA Championship in 2022, cementing his place among the NBA’s elite players.

RJ Barrett: New Hope for Canadian Basketball

Another Canadian basketball talent who has made a significant impact is RJ Barrett. The third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Barrett was selected by the New York Knicks. Since then, he has become a key player for the Knicks, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court. Barrett’s rise in the NBA has generated excitement around Canadian basketball, with fans following his every move.

Barrett’s performances have inspired many young Canadian athletes to pursue basketball professionally. His growth and success in the NBA reflect the increasing quality of Canadian basketball development programs and the rise of Canada as a global basketball hub.

Jamal Murray: A Canadian Phenomenon

Jamal Murray has emerged as one of the brightest stars in the NBA. Drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2016, Murray quickly established himself as an exceptional talent, known for his scoring ability and clutch performances. His leadership in the 2020 NBA Playoffs helped the Nuggets reach the Western Conference Finals, showcasing his resilience and skill under pressure.

In 2023, Murray’s leadership helped the Nuggets secure their first NBA Championship. His success, along with the achievements of Wiggins and Barrett, has further solidified Canada’s reputation as a growing powerhouse in the NBA.

The Influence of Canadian Players on the NBA and Canadian Basketball

The influence of Canadian players in the NBA has been transformative. The success of players like Wiggins, Barrett, and Murray has not only raised the profile of Canadian basketball but has also encouraged young athletes across the country to pursue the sport. The increasing number of Canadian players in the NBA reflects the growth of the sport in Canada and the development of youth basketball programs.

Today, Canada is home to some of the best young basketball talent, and the country’s increasing representation in the NBA continues to inspire new generations of athletes.

The Role of Basketball Apps in Engaging Fans

The Pimatchar mobile app allows users to follow their favorite Canadian players, bet on NBA games, and track the latest results in real-time.

The Parimatch app provides users with easy access to sports betting, allowing Canadian basketball fans to interact with the game on a new level. Whether it's following Wiggins’ performance or placing a wager on a key game, the app enhances the overall experience for fans of the sport.

Betting on Basketball with Parimatch Canada

As the popularity of basketball continues to rise in Canada, platforms like pari match Canada provide fans with betting opportunities on NBA games, Canadian players’ performances, and other basketball events. Whether you're watching a game in person or from home, Parimatch offers users the chance to engage with the sport through parimatch deposit methods that ensure seamless transactions for Canadian bettors.

With more people betting on basketball events, pari match Canada gives fans easy access to the best odds, making it simpler for users to place their wagers. This helps fuel the growing excitement around the NBA and Canadian basketball. Additionally, for those new to betting, parimatch create account offers a simple process for getting started.

The Future of Canadian Basketball

The future of basketball in Canada looks promising, with players like Wiggins, Barrett, and Murray leading the charge. With the 2026 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics on the horizon, Canada is poised to continue its rise on the global basketball stage. The increasing interest in the sport is evident, and as Canadian players continue to perform at the highest levels, basketball will only continue to grow in popularity across the country.For Canadian fans, platforms like parimatch mobile continue to offer ways to enhance their experience, whether they’re supporting the national team or betting on their favorite NBA games. The evolution of Canadian basketball is a testament to the country's growing presence in the sport and its impact on the global stage.

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parismatchbet · 8 days ago

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Basketball in Canada: Evolution and Growth of Canadian Players in the NBA

The Rise of Canadian Basketball Talent

Andrew Wiggins: The Canadian Star

RJ Barrett: New Hope for Canadian Basketball

Jamal Murray: A Canadian Phenomenon

The Influence of Canadian Players on the NBA and Canadian Basketball

Today, Canada is home to some of the best young basketball talent, and the country’s increasing representation in the NBA continues to inspire new generations of athletes.

The Role of Basketball Apps in Engaging Fans

The Pimatchar mobile app allows users to follow their favorite Canadian players, bet on NBA games, and track the latest results in real-time.

Betting on Basketball with Parimatch Canada

The Future of Canadian Basketball

The future of basketball in Canada looks promising, with players like Wiggins, Barrett, and Murray leading the charge. With the 2026 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics on the horizon, Canada is poised to continue its rise on the global basketball stage. The increasing interest in the sport is evident, and as Canadian players continue to perform at the highest levels, basketball will only continue to grow in popularity across the country.For Canadian fans, platforms like parimatch registration continue to offer ways to enhance their experience, whether they’re supporting the national team or betting on their favorite NBA games. The evolution of Canadian basketball is a testament to the country's growing presence in the sport and its impact on the global stage.

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tembatales · 16 days ago

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Terry Rozier - an American professional basketball player

Terry Rozier is an American professional basketball player known for his dynamic scoring ability, quickness, and defensive tenacity. A guard in the NBA, Rozier has made a name for himself with his energetic play, becoming a key figure for the Charlotte Hornets in recent years. Below is an in-depth look at his life and career. Early Life: Terry William Rozier III was born on March 17, 1994, in Youngstown, Ohio. He grew up in a tough neighborhood, where basketball became a way for him to channel his energy and pursue a brighter future. Rozier attended John F. Kennedy High School in Youngstown, where he was a standout basketball player, quickly establishing himself as one of the top high school guards in Ohio. College Career: Rozier played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals under coach Rick Pitino. He played two seasons at Louisville from 2013 to 2015, and during that time, he developed into one of the top point guards in college basketball. His first season at Louisville (2013-2014) was marked by a solid performance, but it was his sophomore year (2014-2015) that truly put him on the map. Rozier averaged 17.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, earning All-ACC honors. He helped lead Louisville to the NCAA Tournament, where the team reached the Elite Eight. Rozier's standout season in college was characterized by his aggressive scoring ability, solid defense, and leadership. His performances caught the attention of NBA scouts, and after declaring for the draft following his sophomore season, he was ready to take the next step in his career. NBA Career: Boston Celtics (2015–2019) Terry Rozier was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 16th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Rozier’s early years in Boston were spent as a backup point guard behind established stars like Isaiah Thomas. However, his opportunity to shine came during the 2017-2018 NBA playoffs, when the Celtics faced injuries to key players, including Thomas, leading to Rozier taking on a larger role as a starting point guard. During the 2018 playoffs, Rozier emerged as a breakout star. His aggressive play, sharp shooting, and ability to handle the ball made him a fan favorite. In the Eastern Conference Finals, Rozier averaged 17.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, and despite the Celtics ultimately falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games, Rozier's performance solidified his status as a promising young talent in the NBA. Rozier’s time with the Celtics also saw him as a key piece of their rotation. However, with the acquisition of Kyrie Irving and the return of other key players, Rozier's minutes fluctuated, and he eventually found himself looking for a larger role elsewhere. Charlotte Hornets (2019–Present) In July 2019, Rozier was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in a sign-and-trade deal. This move gave Rozier the chance to become the primary ball handler and starting point guard for the Hornets, a team that was in a rebuilding phase. Rozier quickly embraced his new role with the Hornets, becoming a consistent scoring threat and a vocal leader on the court. In his first season with Charlotte (2019-2020), he averaged 18.0 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, and showed his ability to be a dynamic scorer, both as a shooter and driving to the basket. His performance was a major highlight for a Hornets team in transition. As the years have gone on, Rozier has continued to grow into a more well-rounded player, known for his scoring, playmaking, and leadership. He has become one of the central figures for the Hornets, alongside young stars like LaMelo Ball. Playing Style: Terry Rozier is known for his athleticism, quickness, and scoring ability. As a guard, he has the ability to create his own shot off the dribble, both from beyond the arc and at the rim. Rozier is a strong three-point shooter, capable of hitting clutch shots, especially in transition or late in games. He also has a well-rounded game, contributing on defense and rebounding, making him a versatile player in the backcourt. Rozier's competitiveness and energy are also standout traits. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and isn’t afraid to take on a leadership role or challenge himself to perform in big moments. His defensive intensity, particularly on the perimeter, also adds value to his game. Career Achievements and Highlights: - 2018 NBA Playoffs: Rozier’s breakout performance during the Eastern Conference Finals, where he averaged 17.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. - NBA Career Highs: Rozier has had several impressive performances, including multiple 30+ point games, showcasing his scoring prowess. - Leadership for Charlotte: Since joining the Hornets, Rozier has been one of the main offensive weapons for the team, contributing both as a scorer and a playmaker. Personal Life: Off the court, Rozier has been open about his upbringing and how his background shaped him into the player he is today. He has a deep love for his family and often credits them for his motivation and drive. He has also become involved in the community, working to give back to the city of Charlotte. Rozier is known for his confidence and fiery personality, both of which have endeared him to teammates and fans. He is also active on social media, where he engages with fans and shares his experiences both on and off the court. Conclusion: Terry Rozier has proven himself to be one of the NBA’s most dynamic and exciting young guards. From his breakout playoff performances with the Celtics to becoming a central figure for the Charlotte Hornets, Rozier has built a reputation as a strong scorer, a tenacious defender, and a leader on the court. As he continues to grow and evolve as a player, Rozier is set to be a key figure in the NBA for years to come. Read the full article

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parimatchapp · 19 days ago

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Basketball in Canada: Evolution and Growth of Canadian Players in the NBA

The Rise of Canadian Basketball Talent

Andrew Wiggins: The Canadian Star

RJ Barrett: New Hope for Canadian Basketball

Jamal Murray: A Canadian Phenomenon

The Influence of Canadian Players on the NBA and Canadian Basketball

Today, Canada is home to some of the best young basketball talent, and the country’s increasing representation in the NBA continues to inspire new generations of athletes.

The Role of Basketball Apps in Engaging Fans

The Pimatchar mobile app allows users to follow their favorite Canadian players, bet on NBA games, and track the latest results in real-time.

Betting on Basketball with Parimatch Canada

The Future of Canadian Basketball

The future of basketball in Canada looks promising, with players like Wiggins, Barrett, and Murray leading the charge. With the 2026 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics on the horizon, Canada is poised to continue its rise on the global basketball stage. The increasing interest in the sport is evident, and as Canadian players continue to perform at the highest levels, basketball will only continue to grow in popularity across the country.For Canadian fans, platforms like parimatch deposit continue to offer ways to enhance their experience, whether they’re supporting the national team or betting on their favorite NBA games. The evolution of Canadian basketball is a testament to the country's growing presence in the sport and its impact on the global stage.

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thehujungminggu · 2 months ago

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Week 10 : Gaming Communities, Social Gaming and Live Streaming: Twitch

Twitch has become more than just a place to watch gamers play, it’s a social hangout and community hub. Researchers note that live streaming platforms like Twitch “facilitate participatory online communities” and have become an “integral part of game culture,” offering users (often teens and young adults) pleasure, distraction, and a sense of relatedness with others (de Wit, van der Kraan, & Theeuwes, 2020). In fact, Twitch can even help viewers cope with life’s challenges by giving them social support and anonymity. People report that the platform provides comfort and connection, and that its anonymity encourages self‐disclosure (de Wit et al., 2020). In other words, Twitch isn’t just about video games, it’s a place to find belonging.

These Twitch communities form around shared identities and interactions. Viewers and streamers often build collective identities from the games they play and the inside jokes they share (Hamilton, Garretson, & Kerne, 2014). The longer people spend watching Twitch, the more they report motivations tied to community and sociability. For example, a 2023 study found that heavy viewers increasingly value Twitch’s social features, especially “being part of a community” (Speed, Burnett, Owens, & Parsons, 2023). Likewise, Twitch’s chat functions and live interaction are central to its appeal, audience engagement and real-time communication are among the top gratifications reported by users (Gros et al., 2017).

This interactive model is reshaping gaming culture. Many viewers develop parasocial relationships with streamers, feeling like they “know” the person on screen and seek out Twitch for both entertainment and emotional connection (Speed et al., 2023). Users also shape identity by choosing usernames, engaging in chats, and supporting causes within their streamer communities (Hamilton et al., 2014). In this way, Twitch blurs the line between player and audience, and makes gaming a participatory, community-driven experience. It’s a clear example of how gaming and social interaction are merging, creating new digital citizenship norms built on collaboration, identity, and shared culture.

References

De Wit, J., van der Kraan, A., & Theeuwes, J. (2020). Live Streams on Twitch Help Viewers Cope With Difficult Periods in Life. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 586975–586975. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.586975

Gros, D., Wanner, B., Hackenholt, A., Zawadzki, P., Knautz, K., & Meiselwitz, G. (2017). World of Streaming. Motivation and Gratification on Twitch. In Social Computing and Social Media. Human Behavior (Vol. 10282, pp. 44–57). Springer International Publishing AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58559-8_5

Hamilton, W. A., Garretson, O., & Kerne, A. (2014). Streaming on twitch: fostering participatory communities of play within live mixed media. Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 1315–1324. https://doi.org/10.1145/2556288.2557048

Speed, A., Burnett, A., & Robinson II, T. (2023). Beyond the Game: Understanding why people enjoy viewing Twitch. Entertainment Computing, 45, Article 100545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.entcom.2022.100545

#mda20009 #blog #digital communities #gaming

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bongaboi · 5 months ago

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A Complicated Situation In Paris

Paris FC: Challenging the status quo in the French capital

Paris is not only a cultural hub in Europe but it’s also a hub for sporting talent. FotMob - March 18, 2025, 6:36 AM By Ben Bocsák

It’s on the streets of Paris where some of the finest footballers of the modern generation had learned their trades.

At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, nine different national teams had at least one player in their squad who was born in Paris. The French national team had 11.

When it comes to football clubs, Paris Saint Germain is the dominant team in the region. They have won eight league titles in the last decade and continue to attract some of the world’s biggest stars.

Their status at the pinnacle of French football looks uncontested at the moment but a noisy ‘neighbour’ in Paris FC is looking to knock them off their perch in the near future.

For a short period of time Paris FC and Paris Saint Germain had been one and the same after a merger in the 1970s. But this was short-lived. A bitter split occurred in 1972 when Paris’ mayor had an issue with the club being situated in the suburbs of Paris in Saint Germain-en-Laye.

The results of this saw Paris FC remain its status in the first division and hosting matches in the Parc des Princes meanwhile Paris Saint Germain were relegated to the third division.

This would prove to be bittersweet for the former. Paris FC struggled to maintain their competitiveness in the top-flight and were relegated just two seasons after the split. Coincidentally, the same season Paris FC were relegated, Paris Saint Germain were promoted to the top-flight having been buoyed by a new drive and determination to get back to ‘where they belong.’

Ultimately, this saw Paris Saint Germain reseize the Parc des Princes and their status as Paris’ ‘top’ football club.

Meanwhile, Paris FC have been cast into the shadows ever since. A brief foray in the top-flight offered some hope in the 1979/80 season but they were immediately relegated back to Ligue 2.

The subsequent decades have brought little hope for Paris FC. The club has spent most of the 1980s and 1990s in the third and fourth divisions of France playing in semi-professional and amateur leagues.

Since the 2000s though, Paris FC have started to emerge as a force again by investing in young players.

Instead of focusing on the first team, Paris FC has built one of the best developmental academies in France, harnessing the talent of the city.

Over the last decade Paris FC has produced the likes of Ibrahima Konaté, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Mathys Tel, Manu Koné, Loïc Badé, Axel Disasi and Nordi Mukiele who have all gone on to play at the very highest level of the game.

The money brought in through development transfer fees has given Paris FC a new resurgence.

In 2014/15, the club earned promotion back to Ligue 2 and have remained there ever since and this season they look to return back to the top flight since 1980.

But it’s off the pitch where the most interesting changes have occurred.

Earlier this season France’s wealthiest man Bernard Arnault bought a majority 52.4% stake in the club. He is the CEO of LVMH and has an estimated net worth of $170.8 billion according to Forbes. Alongside him, minority investors Red Bull have also put a 10.6% stake in the club and have added Paris FC to their extensive portfolio that includes the likes of RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.

Red Bull’s football CEO, Jürgen Klopp, is also involved in the project and he has recently been spotted attending games in Paris.

Together the investment group has set some lofty ambitions.

In the press conference announcing his acquisition of the club last year Arnault even opened the doors to Paris FC bringing back former player Ibrahima Konaté in the future.

When asked about the possibility, he replied:

“The idea is to train young people, then, if a former member of the club’s training team wants to come and form the backbone of the club, why not?

“It’s a possibility, but not the group’s basic strategy.”

Since then, Paris FC have also announced that from next season the club will be in very close proximity to Paris Saint Germain.

They will be moving to the Stade Jean-Bouin, currently being used by the Stade Francais rugby team which is literally just across the street from Paris Saint Germain’s home of the Parc des Princes.

With the club currently in third place in Ligue 2, just one point off an automatic promotion place, there is a strong possibility Paris FC will return to Ligue 1 after a long hiatus.

They are playing some attractive football, averaging the fourth highest goals (1.6) and the most possession (60.8%) in the league.

But while the signs are promising, these are early days at Paris FC. At the moment only three teams have an older average squad age in Ligue 2 than Paris FC. This is the antithesis of the club’s future vision. With Red Bull involved and strong academy foundations in place, Paris FC will look to build a young team in the same mould as RB Leipzig or Red Bull Salzburg or perhaps even closer to home – the current Paris Saint Germain team.

The ultimately goal is to become a true contender again and to reignite a fierce rivalry that has been dormant in the shadows for decades. If successful, Paris FC can challenge Paris Saint Germain’s hegemony and completely transform the landscape of French football.

These are lofty ambitions but with Arnault, Red Bull and Klopp involved – anything is possible.

Backed by billionaires, are Paris FC coming for PSG's crown?

Raphael Jucobin BBC Sport in Paris Published 19 December 2024 Paris has long been an anomaly in European football.

Despite sitting on the continent's most renowned talent pool, the French capital has been unable to sustain more than one top-flight club in decades, let alone produce a lasting local derby in Ligue 1.

While Paris St-Germain have enjoyed a near-uninterrupted stranglehold on French football since a Qatari takeover in 2011, the lower-league clubs that make up the rest of the city's footballing landscape have been often beset with precarious finances, stadium issues, and ill-fated mergers.

Last month's takeover of Paris FC by the Arnault family, who topped Forbes' list of richest billionaires, external in 2024 and own the luxury goods empire LVMH, looks set to buck that trend.

The acquisition, which also involves a minority stake for Red Bull, was all but official by the time Antoine Arnault, the eldest son of Bernard Arnault, attended the high-flying Ligue 2 side's home clash against Grenoble in October.

That day, the second-tier regulars would seal a fifth consecutive victory to firmly establish themselves as promotion frontrunners. A tail-off in form has resulted in them since slipping to second place, but January reinforcements should not be too difficult to come by given their newfound financial backing.

The last credible challenge to PSG's dominance in Paris came in the 1980s, with a short-lived takeover of Racing Club de Paris by businessman Jean-Luc Lagardere, who rebranded the team as Matra Racing. This briefly involved a merger with Paris FC.

Despite signing a host of stars - notably David Ginola and Enzo Francescoli - the project ultimately ended and the club were heading for financial disarray by the end of the decade, with only a run to the Coupe de France final to show for the investment.

While the stated long-term aim is to qualify for European football, Paris FC will look to use the fate of Matra Racing as a cautionary tale.

"We don't want to jump the gun," emphasises club president Pierre Ferracci, speaking to BBC Sport.

Ferracci, who has been involved in the club since 2006, will stay on for another three years after selling the majority of his shares to the Arnault family.

"We want the club's spine to be from the Paris region. Everyone else signs players from Paris, so it would be good for a local club to build on that," the 72-year-old explains. "We would still be open to players from elsewhere, though."

This focus on local talent will help the club market itself as a more grounded alternative to PSG.

The objective, the new management says, is for Paris FC to remain a "popular" club - even if this image may be somewhat at odds with the reality of being taken over by the owners of the world's largest luxury conglomerate.

The club's reputation for producing talent is nevertheless well established, with Ibrahima Konate, Axel Disasi, and Nordi Mukiele among the high-profile France internationals to have come through the ranks at Paris FC.

All too often, though, players of that ilk have been snapped up by other French clubs even before making a first-team appearance.

In this sense, the expertise of Red Bull, who now have an 11% stake, could prove key.

"The men's and women's academies are an aspect of our DNA that the family and Red Bull will want to push even further," says Ferracci.

For the time being, the big names are likelier to be found in the backroom team than on the pitch.

Jurgen Klopp, through his upcoming role as Red Bull's head of football operations, is set to play a key part in the club's development - albeit from a distance, with another notable German figure in Mario Gomez acting as the Austrian firm's man on the ground.

Ferracci, in any case, wants to make the most of Klopp's involvement in the project.

"What he did at Liverpool is the kind of thing we should be inspired by, but not try to copy," he says. "He has the technical vision, the aura, and that unifying effect, and I can't wait for his arrival."

While some have voiced fears of the club being subsumed into the wider Red Bull pyramid of clubs, both Arnault and Ferracci have quashed the prospect of a Red Bull Paris.

"We're not going to be drawn into multi-club ownership. The Arnault family are the majority shareholders in this deal," says Ferracci, who has previously expressed his distrust of a system which is increasingly taking hold in French football.

One defining feature of the club is the strength of its women's side.

Previously known as Juvisy before a merger with Paris FC in 2017, the team are six-time national champions and regularly qualify for European competition, usually finishing behind only Lyon and PSG in the league table.

Matching their neighbours, with whom they already have an established rivalry, is a more immediate objective here.

Fittingly, the women's team's first match after the takeover went through was a home fixture at Stade Charlety against PSG, with a late strike from France international Clara Mateo clinching a point for the hosts.

"The idea is to aim higher, to develop women's football to the same degree as men's. I can't promise that we'll be at Lyon's level straight away, but we'll look to break into the top two and then set new objectives when we get there," Ferracci adds.

Where exactly in the capital the club's ambitions take shape will be another matter entirely. Both the men's and women's first teams play at the multi-purpose Charlety, nestled against the Peripherique ring road in the south-east of Paris.

The open-air stadium is hardly an ideal logistical fit, chiefly due to its athletics track and the little scope for expansion. Sparse attendances were a recurring issue until a free-ticket scheme, introduced midway through last season, saw average attendances grow to over half of the 20,000 capacity.

For Ferracci, a move to the Stade Jean-Bouin, a more compact ground which sits in the literal shadow of the Parc des Princes and currently hosts rugby club Stade Francais, would be the ideal short-term option.

"I hope that, one day, the 20,000 seats won't be enough," Ferracci says. "We could aim for something from 40,000, which we don't have at either of those grounds. If we go up to Ligue 1 in the next few years, we'll make do with one of them, though."

While the prospect of a more contested derby has dominated headlines, the Paris FC decision-makers have sidestepped talk of a confrontational rivalry - with Antoine Arnault himself even professing to be a long-time fan of 12-time league champions PSG.

"I think there's room for two clubs in Paris, for two different stories that could be complementary," explained Arnault, who is CEO of Christian Dior, in a news conference.

Ferracci adds: "There's no hostility, I myself was a season ticket holder [at PSG] with my son back in the day."

The club president also highlights that PSG and Brazil legend Rai and former PSG president Michel Denisot are involved at Paris FC.

Whether that cordial, bridge-building approach survives the potentially bitter reality of a battle for supremacy in Ligue 1 and in Paris remains to be seen.

For now, though, Paris FC have a promotion campaign to get back on track.

#2025 #paris football club #paris saint-germain #ligue 1 #ligue 2

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digitalmore · 6 months ago

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#IFTTT #DigitalMore.co

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sigmablog2077 · 6 months ago

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Welcome to Tumblr and Blogging

What is Tumblr? A brief introduction of Tumblr.

Tumblr is a social media microblogging site founded in 2007 by an American developer, David Karp. The site is notable for its customizability, allowing for a variety of content, including images, text, music, and short-form blog posts (Matthias, 2024). Once users follow an individual, their posts are displayed on their dashboard. On the site, fandoms (the community that surrounds a TV show, game, or book) have become main contributors (Hillman et al., 2014, p. 286).

Selfie & Selfie culture

According to Oxford English Dictionary (2023), selfie is defined as photograph that one has taken of oneself, with smartphone or webcam and shared via social media. The individuals who take selfies are most likely adolescent, and female (Reif et al., 2022). Selfie has become a genre of visual self-presentation with its own method of storytelling, representational techniques and poses (Reif et al., 2022).

Selfie culture has emerged as a natural result of the development of smartphones and social media. As technology advances, people are connected to the online space more than ever and sharing pictures of themselves online. The trend started off simply as an action of taking a photo of themselves and posting it online, but over time, it has become a method to show off and a race to have the best selfie among your friends.

Over time, selfies are no longer about the 'self,' but they are now about the engagement and the interaction you receive when posting them online. As a result, social media users will alter their body image, posting selfies more frequently to compensate for the fear of receiving less (positive) user feedback (Reif et al., 2022, p. 4).

Desire and Digital gaze

Authenticity bind is a term describing the pressure on women to share private information on social media in order to present authentic (Reif et al., 2022, p. 4). Social media often rewards certain aesthetic or provocative images with positive reactions. Over time, the desire for validation can encourage users to push boundaries and share increasingly explicit content. Tumblr, as a social platform, is tolerating NSFW (not safe for work) content and allowing it to exist in a sense of a community (Ashley, 2019, p.359). Although I have to give credit to Tumblr for its transparency and inclusion for marginalized groups. It still raises the question of 'Where to draw the lines between art, self-expression, and self-objectification?'.

References

Ashley, V. (2019). Tumblr porn eulogy. Porn Studies, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1080/23268743.2019.1631560

Hillman, S., Procyk, J., & Neustaedter, C. (2014). Tumblr fandoms, community & culture. Proceedings of the Companion Publication of the 17th ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work & Social Computing - CSCW Companion ’14. https://doi.org/10.1145/2556420.2557634

Matthias, M. (2024, August 31). Tumblr social media microblogging site. Www.britannica.com. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tumblr

Oxford English Dictionary. (2023). “Selfie, n”. Oxford University Press.. OED Online. https://doi.org/10.1093//OED//1054456437

Reif, A., Miller, I., & Taddicken, M. (2022). “Love the Skin You‘re In”: An Analysis of Women’s Self-Presentation and User Reactions to Selfies Using the Tumblr Hashtag #bodypositive. Mass Communication and Society, 26(6). https://doi.org/10.1080/15205436.2022.2138442

#mda20009

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layazone · 7 months ago

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The reader

Eytan Bakshy, Itamar Rosenn, Cameron Marlow, and Lada Adamic. 2012. The role of social networks in information diffusion. In Proceedings of the 21st international conference on World Wide Web (WWW '12). Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 519–528. https://doi-org.ezproxy.herts.ac.uk/10.1145/2187836.2187907

this article shows that online social networks allow individuals to share information widely and instantly. A large-scale experiment involving 253 million participants studied the impact of social signals on information sharing. The results indicate that sharing with friends significantly increases the sharing speed. Although strong relationships have a greater impact on individuals, the richness of weak relationships makes them more crucial for spreading new information. This highlights the underestimated role of weak relationships in online information dissemination, indicating that they are crucial for the cross network dissemination of ideas and content.

Tufekci, Z. (2014). Engineering the public: Big data, surveillance and computational politics. First Monday, 19(7). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v19i7.4901

This article discusses how digital technology has driven the development of big data and computing practices, making large-scale data collection and advanced modeling possible. These tools enable powerful institutions to operate extremely effectively, but are not open and transparent. This technology covers political, business, and social fields. The author studied six key dynamic drivers: the rise of big data, the shift from demographics to personalized positioning, the opacity of computational models, persuasive applications of behavioral science, real-time experiments achieved through digital media, and the rise of new power intermediaries that master data or social media platforms. These mechanisms have had a profound impact on political activities and reshaped the public sphere.

David A. Cole, Elizabeth A. Nick, Katherine A. Pulliam, Are Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games healthy or not and why? Preliminary support for a Compensatory Social Interaction model, Computers in Human Behavior,Volume 102, 2020, Pages 57-66, ISSN 0747-5632, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.08.012.

This article mentions that massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) provide opportunities for interaction with others, similar to face-to-face group interactions, which can promote cooperation and social support. However, they may also contribute to social aggression and bullying. This study conducted a questionnaire survey on users who frequently participate in MMORPGs and proposed and supported a compensatory social interaction model, suggesting that the use of MMORPGs is associated with higher online social support and health outcomes; And online peer bullying is associated with negative outcomes. These two opposite processes will cancel each other out, and on the surface, the use of MMORPGs seems unrelated to these outcomes. However, subsequent analysis shows that the type of outcome depends on the degree of treatment an individual receives online. The research results were explained from the perspective of a compensatory social interaction model and explored its possible clinical applications.

Parmentier, R.J. (2015) ‘Representation, Symbol, and Semiosis: Signs of a Scholarly Collaboration’, Signs and Society, 3(1), pp. 1–7. doi:10.1086/680470.

This article takes academic cooperation as an example to briefly introduce the history of cooperation between the Semiotics Research Center of Korea International Studies University and the Anthropology Department of Brandeis University, which is itself replaced as a "symbol". By focusing on semiotics, the process of symbols, and advancing the theoretical work of the founders of semiotics, Pierce and Saussure, through interdisciplinary research.

Plass J. L., Homer B. D., MacNamara A., Ober T., Rose M. C., Pawar S., Hovey C. M., Olsen A. (2020). “Emotional design for digital games for learning: The effect of expression, color, shape, and dimensionality on the affective quality of game characters”, Learning and Instruction, Volume 70, pp. 1-13. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2019.01.005.

This article describes the common mechanisms by which emotions and learning processes interact to promote specific learning outcomes based on the EmoGBL (Emotion Synthesis Model in Game Based Learning). Study how the colors, shapes, expressions, and dimensions of game characters evoke emotions in digital games. We investigated learners' perception of emotional quality of these four different visual design features using the forced choice paradigm (Studies 1-3) and PANAS-X and qualitative measurement (Study 4). Participants were shown a series of game characters and reported their emotional reactions. The results indicate that the relative contributions of the four visual attributes to players' perception of emotional quality are strongest in terms of visual design features in terms of expression and dimension, with moderate colors and shapes.

Xiao L, Li X, Zhang Y. Exploring the factors influencing consumer engagement behavior regarding short-form video advertising: A big data perspective. J Retail Consum Serv. 2023;70:103170. http://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2022.103170

This article describes how short videos, which are widely used for entertainment, influence consumers when used for advertising. Among them, there are four key characteristics: expected performance, entertainment, draw intensity and sales method, which are closely related to consumer participation behavior. The results show that product type moderates the relationship between these effects and consumer participation behavior. This article contributes to the advertising literature of social media, applies the combination of uses, satisfaction theory and signaling theory to expand the research on consumer participation behavior, which is conducive to attracting consumers to participate in videos and become potential consumer users, and provides marketers and sellers with practical management significance through data-driven decision-making.

Errajaa K, Legohérel P, Daucé B. Immersion and emotional reactions to the ambiance of a multiservice space: The role of perceived congruence between odor and brand image. J Retail Consum Serv. 2018;40:100–8. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2017.08.016

The article describes how scent is used for marketing purposes, providing consumers with the right atmosphere, strengthening brand image, product attributes, improving consumer experience, and distinguishing one's brand from other competing companies.

The article proposes a model for innovation from the sensory direction. By investigating olfactory consistency, it is understood that scent and brand image may attract or keep consumers away from space and products. The immersive experience brought by this link is an area that has not yet been fully developed in consumer experience. In addition to brand image building, this exploration is also conducive to the further development of immersive experience in the direction of sensory stimulation.

Carl DiSalvo and Francine Gemperle. 2003. From seduction to fulfillment: the use of anthropomorphic form in design. In Proceedings of the 2003 international conference on Designing pleasurable products and interfaces (DPPI '03). Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 67–72. https://doi.org/10.1145/782896.782913

This article discusses the use of anthropomorphic forms in product design. Anthropomorphic forms are not only used for decoration, but also for solving design problems. The multiple uses of anthropomorphism in product design are illustrated through a series of examples, distinguishing and helping designers and researchers to classify the use of anthropomorphism in design and research, and providing methods to understand such designs. Using anthropomorphic forms, product design has more possibilities to discover unique uses and also be eye-catching.

Amir Zaib Abbasi, Ding Hooi Ting, Helmut Hlavacs, Liliana Vale Costa, Ana Isabel Veloso, An empirical validation of consumer video game engagement: A playful-consumption experience approach, Entertainment Computing, Volume 29, 2019, Pages 43-55, ISSN 1875-9521, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.entcom.2018.12.002.

This article proposes and validates a conceptual model that can predict consumer video game engagement, which includes cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement from imaginative, emotional, and sensory game consumption experiences. The data of adolescent video game consumers were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using WarpPLS 5.0 software. The research results of the structural model support that the game consumption experience such as imaginative, emotional, and sensory experience has a positive impact on the prediction of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral states of consumer video game engagement. It validates a conceptual model that can predict multiple states of player engagement in video games. The emotional and sensory experiences of players in digital games are taken as the objects of attention, emphasizing the importance of emotional and behavioral elements in assessing player engagement.

10.

Betrancourt M. The animation and interactivity principles in multimedia learning[J]. The Cambridge handbook of multimedia learning, 2005: 287-296.

This article proposes some multimedia teaching guidelines, including animation, to encourage learners to use animated graphics systematically. Animation has potential advantages over static graphics in terms of interface and content functions. How to use animation to improve learning can effectively improve the accuracy and efficiency of learning has become the theme of this article. Through this article, we can understand two types of interactivity: control and interactive behavior, which turns animation into a simulation of a dynamic system. As a learner and designer, we can understand the principles of animation production and the potential of animation as a tool to improve the understanding of dynamic information.

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samrentfroartofcoaching · 8 months ago

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More Than A Game: Kevin Bettencourt’s Vision For Building Character Through Basketball

The world of college athletics is an ever-changing, constantly evolving landscape that seeks coaches to bring a blend of experience, mentorship, and passion to help mold their programs and bring stability. For 11 years, 2-time Conference Coach of the Year Kevin Bettencourt has brought this stability to the Endicott College Men’s Basketball program. Bettencourt’s coaching journey has been one of not only an intense dedication to honing his own skills, but also to shaping young athletes into resilient individuals with discipline and good attention to detail. As each season comes and goes, Bettencourt brings into each season an emphasis on a commitment to excellence and fostering growth and values that go beyond the final score of any game.

Born and raised in Peabody, Massachusetts, Bettencourt played a variety of sports all throughout his childhood. As Bettencourt transitioned into high school, basketball became his primary focus as he had found the most success with it. Bettencourt went on to have a dominant high school career, leading Peabody High to one of the best seasons in school history during his senior year, and eventually surpassing the 1000 career point mark. His efforts led to a scholarship to play at Bucknell University. Bettencourt secured all-conference honors each of his four years on the team, while being a part of two Patriot League Championship teams, highlighted by the team upsetting Kansas in the first round of the 2005 NCAA tournament. Bettencourt was inducted into the Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.

While at Bucknell, Bettencourt majored in history with a minor in education with aspirations of teaching history while coaching basketball. After graduating in 2006, Bettencourt found his way back to Peabody High School to teach. While teaching there, he was offered the opportunity to be a part time assistant coach at Salem State University. “My main objective was to gain some coaching experience but also to earn some money off of my post graduate courses”, Bettencourt said. “ I ended up falling in love with coaching and decided to go all in and move on from my teaching career”.

The following year in 2008, Bettencourt was hired as a full-time assistant coach at Bentley University. For the next six years, Bettencourt’s personal and professional development were guided by head coach Jay Lawson. This period was crucial in Bettencourt’s development as a coach, and it gave him the model for leadership and mentorship that he would bring forward into his own coaching career. After a successful tenure at Bentley, Bettencourt applied for the Endicott Head Coach position in July of 2014. Now, in his 11th season and 150 wins later, Bettencourt continues to lead the program with integrity and accountability.

“Accountability” is a word that has a particularly strong meaning for the Endicott College Men’s Basketball program. “We continually try to emphasize accountability, to show up and play your role everyday with the same approach,” said Bettencourt. “It is a long season but we need to sustain our level effort wise in order to achieve”. Coach Bettencourt understands that if he is to emphasize accountability from his players, it must start with him as well. “I come into the office every morning and watch an hour or so of film, usually from the practice the day before, and then come up with a practice plan to address the areas we need to improve and grow,” he said. Before practice, the team meets in their newly-renovated film room to go over the previous practice, analyze areas of improvement and also identify their strengths.

From the film session, the team makes their way to practice. The focuses of the practice are often determined by what they saw in film, but for Bettencourt, the core of a successful practice is not necessarily defined by someone making a few extra three-pointers, or grabbing the extra rebound. As Bettencourt put it, “A successful practice is one where everyone is focused on improvement and giving their best effort…We will not always play our best but our approach needs to be mature everyday for us to reach our maximum potential.”

Bettencourt understands that if the focus is on effort and a well-rounded development for the athlete both on and off the court, the wins and losses will take care of themselves. “Regardless of how things go in one year, this is constantly an evolving challenge which pushes me as a coach to improve,” Bettencourt said. “ I always feel that I can communicate on a greater level so that everyone understands why we are doing certain things as a team.” As a former student-athlete, Bettencourt empathizes with the daily grind that student-athletes are subjected to each day. “One of the main things I try to judge our program on is our overall behavior and effort. It is a big commitment to be a student athlete at any college but the players in our program have chosen to make that commitment to be a part of our program and all I ask is for them to consistently provide maximum effort and behave appropriately”, Bettencourt stated. Despite his immense passion for coaching, Bettencourt admits that it is not exactly a cakewalk. “The hardest challenge is taking players who are used to being the stars in their high school programs and getting them to accept being a role player at the collegiate level. It is usually accomplished by constant communication after earning the trust and buy in of the individual players. You need to get to know your players as people and understand what makes them motivated and then getting them to buy into people a part of something bigger than themselves”, Bettencourt remarked. It is that “buying into something bigger than yourself” mentality that has served the coach and his athletes well.

For Coach Bettencourt, the value in coaching goes beyond the wins and losses, breaking records, or winning coach of the year awards. “The most rewarding part of coaching, to me, is the relationships you build with those in the program and the impact you can have in helping shape the student-athlete experience,” he said. “Coaching is teaching and I feel that the basketball court is a good opportunity to teach life lessons that will stay with our players beyond their years at Endicott.”

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hmanhh · 9 months ago

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Week 9: How can a gaming community be formed through social games and live streaming?

With the rise of technology in the digital era, video games (especially social games) gradually become a central part of binding people together through interaction and communication in games. Besides, forming real communities, live streaming is a way for people to get to know each other more easily, helping them find people who share their interests. In this blog, I will indicate the contribution of social games and live streaming to build up a community.

Social games (or social network games) are applications that leverage SNS resources and infrastructure and are characterized by asynchronous gameplay and multiplayer game mechanics (Omori and Felinto 2012, p.2). That means these are online games that adapt your friendship ties for play purposes while accommodating your daily life routines. They start exploding in the late 2000s - early 2010s by using a player’s ‘friend’ network to acquire and retain new players. Several examples of social games can be mentioned such as Fortnite, Among Us,... In these games, some features encourage social interaction between players while experiencing that kind of game. In general, this mainly has to do with the number of players who participate in the play itself, are present during the play, or are simply observers (Stenros, Paavilainen and Mäyrä 2009, p.83). To specify, in Among Us, people can cooperate by completing tasks, discussing together to find the Imposter on the spaceship and eliminate them,... Moreover, cross-platform play is supported in this game when players can play with friends between PC, mobile, or console.

Another factor that can help connect people to build up a community is live streaming. To explain, live streaming is platform-based, often live but not always. In other words, with social live streaming, everybody can create shows for himself or herself and broadcast them in real time. All the users' activities happen in real time; social live streaming is synchronous compared to other social media (Scheibe, Fietkiewicz and Stock 2016, p.7). In addition, streaming is extremely lucrative when streamers can monetise from it and at the same time, the audience can interact, communicate and learn directly what they want from that streamer. Through that, some communities can be formed based on the admiration, and respect of a group of people for that streamer as well as their content. Livestreaming can develop an atmosphere that reflects the streamer's attitudes and values and thereby creates a friendly feeling between the streamer and the viewer. This is also an important element in forming a healthy community (Hamilton, Garretson and Kerne 2014, p.1319). Furthermore, many streamers choose to live-stream just simply because they want to build communities. For them, streaming serves as their main means of networking with and bringing those friends together (Hamilton, Garretson and Kerne 2014, p.1319). Hence, they can hang out with genuine viewers and blur the gap between fans and streamers.

In conclusion, both live streaming and social games work well with each other to build a true community. Anyone can just go there to find a community that fits them and grow in that setting.

References:

Hamilton, W.A., Garretson, O. and Kerne, A. (2014) 'Streaming on Twitch: Fostering Participatory Communities of Play within Live Mixed media,' CHI ’14: Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pp. 1315–1324. https://doi.org/10.1145/2556288.2557048.

Omori, M.T. and Felinto, A.S. (2012) 'Analysis of motivational elements of social games: A puzzle Match 3-Games study case,' International Journal of Computer Games Technology, 2012, pp. 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/640725.

Scheibe, K., Fietkiewicz, K.J. and Stock, W.G. (2016) 'Information behavior on social live streaming services,' Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice, 4(2), pp. 6–20. https://doi.org/10.1633/jistap.2016.4.2.1.

Stenros, J., Paavilainen, J. and Mäyrä, F. (2009) 'The many faces of sociability and social play in games,' Proceedings of the 13th International MindTrek Conference: Everyday Life in the Ubiquitous Era, pp. 82–89. https://doi.org/10.1145/1621841.1621857.

#mda20009 #week 9

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ozzyscollectiblehub · 10 months ago

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The Cleveland Cavaliers: A Journey of Resilience, Redemption, and Basketball Glory

The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the most storied franchises in the NBA, a team that has captured the hearts of basketball fans with its resilience, perseverance, and eventual triumph. Known for enduring periods of struggle, the Cavaliers have also experienced incredible highs — most notably their 2016 NBA Championship, which brought the city of Cleveland its first major sports title in over five decades.

From their humble beginnings as an expansion team to becoming champions, the Cavaliers’ journey is one of transformation and redemption. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of the Cleveland Cavaliers, their defining moments, and the players who helped elevate the team to basketball glory.

The Early Years: Building a Franchise

The Cleveland Cavaliers were founded in 1970 as an NBA expansion team, joining the league alongside the Portland Trail Blazers and Buffalo Braves (now the Los Angeles Clippers). Like many expansion teams, the Cavaliers struggled during their early years, finishing with a league-worst 15–67 record in their inaugural season. Under the guidance of coach Bill Fitch, however, the team slowly began to develop, laying the foundation for future success.

In the early 1970s, the Cavaliers drafted players like Austin Carr, known as “Mr. Cavalier,” who became the team’s first star and a symbol of hope for Cleveland basketball fans. Carr, along with other talents like Bingo Smith and Jim Chones, helped the Cavaliers secure their first playoff appearance in the 1975–76 season. That year, the Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference Finals, losing in a dramatic seven-game series to the Boston Celtics. It was a season that gave fans a glimpse of what the future could hold.

The Arrival of LeBron James: A New Era Begins

Despite sporadic success in the 1980s and 1990s, the Cavaliers remained a mid-tier team, often falling short in the playoffs or struggling to stay competitive. That all changed in 2003 when the Cavaliers secured the №1 overall pick in the NBA Draft and selected a local high school phenom from Akron, Ohio — LeBron James.

LeBron’s arrival marked the beginning of a new era for the Cavaliers. Touted as “The Chosen One” and hailed as the future of the NBA, James quickly lived up to the hype. He led the Cavaliers to the playoffs in just his third season, and by 2007, he had guided the team to its first-ever NBA Finals appearance. Despite being swept by the San Antonio Spurs, the Cavaliers had arrived on the national stage, and LeBron’s status as a generational talent was undeniable.

LeBron’s ability to dominate the game, both as a scorer and a playmaker, brought excitement and hope to Cleveland fans. However, the team struggled to surround him with the necessary pieces to contend for a championship, leading to frustration. In 2010, after years of playoff disappointments, LeBron made the decision to leave Cleveland in free agency, joining the Miami Heat in what would become one of the most controversial decisions in sports history — known as “The Decision.”

The Post-LeBron Era: A Time of Uncertainty

LeBron’s departure in 2010 sent shockwaves through Cleveland. The Cavaliers went from title contenders to lottery dwellers almost overnight. The team struggled for four seasons, enduring losing records and rebuilding attempts that failed to regain their competitive edge. Despite landing top draft picks like Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson, the Cavaliers remained far from contention.

However, during this time, Irving developed into a star point guard and became the new face of the franchise. His ball-handling wizardry, clutch shooting, and scoring ability offered a glimmer of hope for the future. The team’s fortunes were about to change again, in a way that no one in Cleveland could have predicted.

The Return of LeBron James: Championship Aspirations

In the summer of 2014, LeBron James made a historic decision — he was coming home. In a heartfelt essay published in Sports Illustrated, LeBron announced that he would return to Cleveland to finish what he started. His return reignited hope in the city and immediately made the Cavaliers title contenders once again.

With LeBron back in the fold, the Cavaliers assembled a championship-caliber roster, trading for All-Star forward Kevin Love to create a “Big Three” alongside James and Kyrie Irving. Under the leadership of head coach David Blatt (and later Tyronn Lue), the Cavaliers returned to the playoffs with a vengeance.

In the 2014–2015 season, LeBron led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals, but injuries to key players Irving and Love hampered the team’s chances, and they ultimately lost to the Golden State Warriors. Undeterred, the Cavaliers regrouped and came back stronger in 2016.

The 2016 NBA Championship: Cleveland’s Redemption

The 2015–2016 season was one for the ages. The Cavaliers, led by LeBron, Kyrie, and Kevin Love, stormed through the regular season and entered the playoffs as one of the favorites to win it all. After cruising through the Eastern Conference, they found themselves in the NBA Finals once again, facing the defending champion Golden State Warriors, who had set a league record with 73 wins in the regular season.

The Cavaliers fell behind 3–1 in the series, and all hope seemed lost. No team in NBA history had ever come back from a 3–1 deficit in the Finals. But LeBron James was determined to change that. With a series of legendary performances, including back-to-back 41-point games in Games 5 and 6, LeBron willed the Cavaliers back into the series.

Game 7 in Oakland became one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. With the game tied late in the fourth quarter, LeBron made one of the most memorable plays in Finals history — “The Block”, a chase-down rejection of Andre Iguodala’s layup attempt that preserved the tie. Moments later, Kyrie Irving hit the game-winning three-pointer over Stephen Curry, and the Cavaliers completed the unthinkable, winning 93–89.

The victory ended Cleveland’s 52-year championship drought and delivered the city’s first major sports title since 1964. LeBron, who was named Finals MVP, fulfilled his promise to bring a championship to Cleveland, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

The Post-Championship Era: LeBron’s Second Departure and a New Chapter

After winning the 2016 title, the Cavaliers remained contenders, reaching the NBA Finals in both 2017 and 2018 but falling to the Warriors in each series. In 2018, after four consecutive Finals appearances and another Herculean effort in a losing cause, LeBron James once again left Cleveland, this time signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron’s second departure ushered in another rebuilding phase for the Cavaliers. The team shifted its focus to developing young talent, including promising players like Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley. While they haven’t yet returned to championship contention, the Cavaliers have begun to build a foundation for the future, with hopes of returning to prominence.

A Legacy of Resilience and Redemption

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ journey is one of perseverance and transformation. From the struggles of their early years to the heartbreak of LeBron’s first departure, the team has consistently fought through adversity. Their triumph in 2016 not only delivered a long-awaited championship but also symbolized the resilience of the city of Cleveland itself.

As the Cavaliers continue to rebuild, the legacy of their 2016 victory serves as a reminder of what’s possible. With a young, talented roster and a fanbase that remains as passionate as ever, the future of the Cavaliers holds promise.

Whether as underdogs, champions, or rebuilding hopefuls, the Cleveland Cavaliers have left an indelible mark on the NBA, and their story is far from over.

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proceduralcaves · 1 year ago

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Source notes: Procedural Playable Cave Systems based on Voronoi Diagram and Delaunay Triangulation

(A. Santamaría-Ibirika et al., 2014)

Type: Conference Paper

Keywords: procedural terrain, procedural caves, volumetric terrain

The authors address the issue of generating cave systems with playable features and a natural appearance. A new method is proposed for both 2D and 3D volumetric terrains, based on Voronoi diagrams and Delaunay triangulations. Customisation is enable via parameters that link directly to the properties of the output, obviating the need for technical expertise of operators.

Method

Based on a system of "points of interest" (POI), where designers define points by their depth and relationships to other POIs.

Underground "galleries" are constructed from the relationships between POIs.

Transparent input parameters.

Completely autonomous execution, requiring no user interaction once generation is triggered.

Intended to look realistic.

Voronoi diagrams — a method of partitioning space into regions based on a set of points (called seeds). A plane or space of coordinates has a subset of points that are chosen as seeds. For each seed a region is created containing all of the points closest to it. Boundaries between regions are created where points are equidistant to seeds.

Delaunay triangulations — by connecting the seed points that share region edges in the Voronoi diagram, a Delaunay triangulation is created. This process can be done in reverse to obtain the Voronoi diagram from a Delaunay triangulation by connecting the centres of the triangle circumcircles to create the edges in the diagram. For all triangles created by a Delaunay triangulation, no vertex lies within the circumcircle of any other triangle. Delaunay triangulations maximise the minimum angle of all triangles, which means the number of thin triangles is reduced.

Input data is specified by a human designer who must create a set of POIs, defining such parameters as their name, location (inside terrain or on surface), depth (in relation to the terrain depth), cavity size (important for creating caves) and branches.

Next, relationships between POIs must be created, defining such characteristics as the degree of connectedness of POIs to others, and the distance between them.

Lastly, global parameters are determined. Most of the POI parameters calculate their final values based on global parameters (i.e. they are relative), and so absolute values are required for the overall terrain such as depth, global cavity size and sinuosity.

In terms of execution, the process starts by generating the Voronoi diagram and Delaunay triangulation. Seeds are chosen as random points uniformly distributed over the terrain, the amount of which is decided by an equation with the size of the terrain and global cavity size as variables.

Next, the first POI is chosen along with a Voronoi region to locate it. Caves are then mapped out by iterating through POIs, forming galleries between them based on the POI and POI relationship data previously defined, selecting and traversing cells of the Voronoi diagram in the process.

A volumetric terrain representation method, as is detailed in the authors' previous work (Santamaría-Ibirika et al., 2014), is used to physically generate the caves. The method is capable of generating several caves within the same terrain volume.

Strengths

The input data system is fairly intuitive to understand yet provides a large degree of design control over the generated environments, making it more likely it would be a successful game development tool. It is capable of creating varied cave shapes and tunnels with a realistic structure.

Limitations

From the images in the document, it appears the final model is still in unsmoothed voxel form, which decreases the realistic quality of the generated models. The method as it is proposed has no support for generating speleothems, organic matter or loose objects. Texturing and other visual enhancements enabled by shader programming may have helped to make the results more recognisably cave-like.

#generation #techniques

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