Los discos DVD y Blu-ray están siguiendo rápidamente a las cintas de vídeo en el basurero tecnológico.
Best Buy dijo a CBS MoneyWatch el viernes que detendrá las ventas de películas físicas en tiendas y en línea a partir de 2024, aunque los discos seguirán disponibles durante las vacaciones. El minorista seguirá vendiendo videojuegos.
“Para decir lo obvio, la forma en que vemos películas y programas de televisión es muy diferente hoy que hace décadas”, dijo un portavoz de Best Buy en un comunicado. “Realizar este cambio nos brinda más espacio y oportunidad para ofrecer a los clientes tecnología nueva e innovadora para que exploren, descubran y disfruten”.
El blog de la industria del entretenimiento, The Digital Bits, fue el primero en informar la noticia, citando fuentes familiarizadas con el asunto.
Menos de 1 millón de personas todavía estaban suscritas al servicio de DVD de Netflix cuando cerró el 29 de septiembre. Sólo el 30% de los estadounidenses todavía veían películas en un disco durante el último año, según una encuesta de Statista Consumer Insights.
Los discos de vídeo digitales surgieron a mediados de los años 90 como una nueva forma de almacenar y ver películas, y aparecieron los primeros reproductores de DVD en Japón.
In an electrifying match at Shell Energy Stadium, Houston Dynamo FC triumphed 1-0 against Sporting Kansas City in front of a packed crowd, securing a spot in the Audi MLS Cup Western Conference Final. The team will now face either LAFC or Seattle Sounders on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 8:30 p.m. CT.
Article: Houston Dynamo FC emerged triumphant with a 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in a riveting match at Shell Energy Stadium, advancing to the Audi MLS Cup Western Conference Final. The team, buoyed by a sell-out crowd, will now face either LAFC or Seattle Sounders on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 8:30 p.m. CT.
Fans can catch the action live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV on Dec. 2, and the club is set to host watch parties across Houston, with details available on HoustonDynamoFC.com.
This victory marks Houston’s eighth appearance in MLS Conference Finals, with the latest being in 2017. Ending the year with an impressive 17-3-6 (WLD) record at Shell Energy Stadium in all competitions, the Dynamo showcased their prowess throughout the season.
The winning goal came in the 39th minute when captain Héctor Herrera delivered a corner, met by the head of defender Franco Escobar, who expertly lifted the ball past goalkeeper Tim Melia. This marked Escobar’s fourth postseason goal, with Herrera securing his second assist of the postseason.
Goalkeeper Steve Clark played a pivotal role, making three crucial saves throughout the game and securing his 13th clean sheet in all competitions this year. The Dynamo had several early chances, with Nelson Quiñónes and Corey Baird testing Melia’s skills in the opening minutes.
Despite Kansas City’s attempts to equalize, including a blocked attempt by Alan Pulido and a line clearance by defender Erik Sviatchenko, Houston maintained their lead. The Dynamo had opportunities to extend their advantage, with Amine Bassi and Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla coming close in stoppage time.
With this victory, Houston boasts an impressive all-time postseason record of 5-1 against Kansas City.
As the December 9 Joint Runoff Election kicks off its early voting phase, Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth encourages voters to cast their ballots ahead of the bustling Holiday shopping season to avoid forgetting. With 41 voting centers accessible to registered voters in Harris County, individuals can exercise their right to vote from November 27 to Tuesday, December 5, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. On Sunday, December 3, the voting centers will operate from noon to 7 p.m.
“Don’t delay—vote now!” emphasized Hudspeth, the chief election official for the county.
Hudspeth outlined that Houston voters will play a crucial role in determining half of the city’s elected government positions, including the Mayor, Controller, four at-large council members, and three single-member council members. Voters in Houston Council Districts D, G, and H will encounter seven contests on their ballots, while all other Houston voters will encounter six. Additionally, District 4 voters in Baytown will elect a council member, and Bellaire voters will choose a new Mayor.
Highlighting an important note, Hudspeth reminded voters that only citizens registered within the legal boundaries of a city on the ballot are eligible to vote on the city’s offered contests. For instance, having a “Houston” postal address does not guarantee residency within Houston proper.
Sample Ballots for the December 9 Joint Runoff Election can be accessed at www.HarrisVotes.com. Information on the City of Houston’s runoff election candidates is available at https://houstontx.gov/2023-runoff-election.html.
When voting in person, the following forms of photo ID are acceptable:
Texas Driver’s License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
United States Passport (book or card)
Voters who lack or cannot obtain these forms of photo ID may complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration (RID) at a Vote Center and present an alternative form of ID, such as a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or voter registration certificate.
For additional election information, visit www.HarrisVotes.com. Stay updated with news and announcements on social media by following @HarrisCoTxClerk and @HarrisVotes.
La empresa de redes sociales X de Elon Musk, anteriormente conocida como Twitter, presentó una demanda contra el grupo de defensa liberal Media Matters for America el lunes, diciendo que fabricó un informe para mostrar las publicaciones de los anunciantes junto con publicaciones neonazis y nacionalistas blancas con el fin de “impulsar a los anunciantes”. desde la plataforma y destruir X Corp.”
Los anunciantes han estado huyendo de X por preocupaciones de que sus anuncios aparezcan junto a contenido pronazi (y discursos de odio en el sitio en general), mientras que el propietario multimillonario Musk ha inflamado las tensiones con sus propias publicaciones que respaldan una teoría de conspiración antisemita.
IBM, NBCUniversal y su empresa matriz Comcast dijeron la semana pasada que dejaron de hacer publicidad en X después de que el informe Media Matters dijera que sus anuncios aparecían junto con material que alababa a los nazis. El informe de Media Matters también señaló anuncios de Apple y Oracle que aparecieron junto a material antisemita en X, y el grupo dijo que había encontrado anuncios de Amazon, NBA México, NBCUniversal y otros junto a hashtags nacionalistas blancos.
Otras empresas importantes, incluidas Apple, Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney y Paramount Global (la empresa matriz de CBS), anunciaron que retirarían la publicidad de la plataforma. Fue un nuevo revés mientras la plataforma intenta recuperar las grandes marcas y su dinero publicitario, la principal fuente de ingresos de X.
Pero X, con sede en San Francisco, dice en su demanda presentada ante un tribunal federal en Fort Worth, Texas, que Media Matters “a sabiendas y maliciosamente” presentó anuncios junto a material de odio “como si fueran lo que los usuarios típicos de X experimentan en la plataforma”.
La denuncia de X afirma que Media Matters “manipuló algoritmos que gobiernan la experiencia del usuario en X para eludir las salvaguardas y crear imágenes de las publicaciones pagadas de los anunciantes más importantes de X junto a contenido racista e incendiario, dejando la falsa impresión de que estos emparejamientos son cualquier cosa menos lo que realmente son: fabricado, inorgánico y extraordinariamente raro.”
La presentación siguió a la publicación de Musk durante el fin de semana prometiendo: “El tribunal de fracción de segundo se abre el lunes, X Corp presentará una demanda termonuclear contra Media Matters y TODOS aquellos que se confabularon en este ataque fraudulento a nuestra empresa”.
Media Matters, con sede en Washington, D.C., respondió a la demanda el lunes por la tarde con una declaración de su presidente, Angelo Carusone, diciendo: “Esta es una demanda frívola destinada a intimidar a los críticos de X para que guarden silencio. Media Matters respalda su informe. “
Carusone dijo en un comunicado anterior que Media Matters continuará su trabajo. “Si nos demanda, ganaremos”, afirmó.
En una entrevista con Reuters el lunes, Carusone dijo que los hallazgos del grupo sugieren que las protecciones de seguridad promocionadas por X no lograban evitar que aparecieran anuncios junto a contenido dañino.
“Si buscas contenido nacionalista blanco, florecen los anuncios. El sistema que dicen que existe no funciona como tal”, afirmó.
Poco después de que X anunciara su demanda, el fiscal general de Texas, Ken Paxton, emitió un comunicado diciendo que su oficina investigaría Media Matters por “actividad potencialmente fraudulenta”, haciéndose eco de la afirmación de X de que la organización sin fines de lucro manipuló sus resultados.
Los anunciantes se han mostrado nerviosos con X desde la adquisición de Musk hace más de un año. Bajo su propiedad, el sitio redujo drásticamente su fuerza laboral, disolvió su grupo asesor de Confianza y Seguridad y eliminó su sistema de verificación de usuarios.
En julio, Musk publicó que el sitio por el que pagó 44 mil millones de dólares tenía un “flujo de caja negativo” debido a una “caída del 50% en los ingresos por publicidad más una fuerte carga de deuda”.
Musk también ha provocado indignación con sus propias publicaciones, incluida una la semana pasada en la que respondió a un usuario que acusó a los judíos de “impulsar… el odio contra los blancos” escribiendo: “Has dicho la verdad real”.
Musk ha enfrentado acusaciones de tolerar mensajes antisemitas en la plataforma desde que la compró el año pasado. Bajo su propiedad, X revocó las reglas que eliminaban el “contenido violatorio de odio” en la plataforma, dijo la Liga Antidifamación en un informe de junio. Según el análisis de la ADL, el 27% del acoso online en el primer semestre de 2023 se produjo en X, frente al 21% en 2022.
As the festive season approaches, Houstonians are gearing up for a visual feast of twinkling lights and holiday cheer. From traditional neighborhoods to dedicated light displays, the city offers a plethora of options for those seeking the magic of Christmas illumination. Here’s a guide to the must-see Christmas lights in Houston.
1. River Oaks – The Epitome of Elegance: Known for its opulent estates, River Oaks transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays. The streets are adorned with tasteful and elaborate light displays that capture the spirit of the season. Take a leisurely drive through this upscale neighborhood to bask in the glow of exquisite decorations.
2. Prestonwood Forest – A Community Tradition: A time-honored tradition in Houston, the Prestonwood Forest subdivision in Northwest Houston is renowned for its elaborate decorations and themed street displays. Many residents participate in this community-wide effort, creating a festive atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the city.
3. Magical Winter Lights – Gulf Greyhound Park: For a more organized and immersive experience, head to the Magical Winter Lights at Gulf Greyhound Park. This annual event features larger-than-life lantern sculptures, vibrant light displays, and cultural exhibits. It’s a family-friendly outing complete with a holiday market and live entertainment.
4. Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo: The Houston Zoo transforms into a sparkling paradise during the holiday season with its Zoo Lights extravaganza. Millions of lights illuminate the zoo grounds, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Stroll through themed sections, enjoy seasonal treats, and take in the enchanting sights.
5. Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field: Head southwest to Sugar Land for a dazzling display at Constellation Field. The Sugar Land Holiday Lights offer a festive experience with over 3 million lights, a carnival, and Santa’s workshop. It’s a perfect outing for families, complete with amusement rides and holiday treats.
6. Christmas Village at Bayou Bend: Immerse yourself in the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. The Christmas Village features thousands of lights, festive decorations, and activities for the whole family. Explore the beautifully decorated gardens and historic estate for a magical holiday experience.
Whether you prefer a neighborhood drive or a structured event, Houston has something for everyone when it comes to Christmas lights. Grab your hot cocoa, load up the car, and embark on a magical journey through the twinkling streets of the city. As the lights dance in celebration, Houstonians are reminded of the joy and warmth that the holiday season brings.
The tenure of Head Football Coach Dana Holgorsen at the University of Houston has come to an end, as confirmed by KPRC 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy, following a decision made late Saturday night. The initial report of Holgorsen’s firing came from Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle.
Holgorsen took charge in 2019 after an eight-year stint at West Virginia. His leadership spanned the program’s transition from the American Athletic Conference to the Big 12 Conference, where they faced challenges in the current season as anticipated. The highlight of Holgorsen’s tenure at UH was the 12-2 finish in 2021.
Despite having time remaining on his UH contract, Holgorsen’s departure comes with a projected buyout in the ballpark of $15 million. The team concluded the current season with three consecutive losses, culminating in a defeat at the hands of Central Florida on Saturday. The Cougars finished with a 4-8 overall record and a 2-7 standing in the Big 12.
The search for a new head coach is set to commence promptly under the guidance of AD Chris Pezman. Early contenders for the position include the highly regarded UTSA Head Coach Jeff Traylor and Tulane’s Willie Fritz, with additional candidates expected to emerge in the coming days. The University of Houston is gearing up for a new chapter in its football program, seeking leadership to guide the team to future successes.
In a significant development today, Hamas released seventeen hostages, including 4-year-old American Abigail Edan, as part of a negotiated deal with Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office provided a list confirming the release, while in exchange, Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners, all of whom were minors, according to a spokesperson from Qatar.
This follows the release yesterday of 13 Israelis and four Thai citizens, marking a total of 26 Israelis released out of the expected 50 from Gaza. Simultaneously, 39 Palestinian prisoners were freed as part of the broader hostage-prisoner swap.
The cease-fire has enabled a flow of aid trucks into Gaza, providing much-needed relief to civilians who have faced shortages of food, water, and medicine in recent weeks. Among the aid, fuel shipments have been crucial in addressing pressing needs.
Despite these positive developments, challenges persist. The Israeli military is cautioning civilians who fled to southern Gaza not to return home, emphasizing preparations for the next phase of the conflict once the cease-fire concludes.
The human toll of the conflict in Gaza is staggering, with over 1.7 million people displaced, and health officials reporting a death toll exceeding 14,500 after weeks of Israeli attacks. The Israel Defense Forces estimate that 1,200 people were killed in the October 7 Hamas attack, with over 200 individuals being held hostage in Gaza.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the hostage release and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, NBC News correspondents Keir Simmons, Raf Sanchez, Ali Arouzi, Erin McLaughlin, and David Noriega are on the ground, reporting on the unfolding situation. The situation remains fluid, with international attention focused on efforts to maintain the fragile peace and address the urgent needs of those affected by the conflict.
Although Americans generally support immigration, there is a growing willingness to embrace stricter enforcement measures, presenting a potential challenge for hard-line proponents of anti-immigrant policies in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Both Democrats and Republicans are sounding the alarm about a perceived “crisis” at the border, fueled by record encounters reported by the Border Patrol. Adding to the concern, former President Donald Trump has vowed to build upon the tough immigration stances of his initial term. This has raised concerns among immigration advocates and even some conservative Republicans.
Trump’s rhetoric has intensified, likening immigrants to a threat, using language reminiscent of Nazi ideology. He has proposed drastic measures, including a sweeping deportation initiative inspired by the Eisenhower-era “Operation Wetback” and the creation of detention camps drawing parallels to Japanese internment camps.
His agenda encompasses ending the constitutional right to birthright citizenship, utilizing a World War II-era law to unilaterally detain and deport non-U.S. citizens, and cutting off funding for transportation and shelter for those without legal status, according to The Associated Press.
This unfolds against a backdrop of diminishing support for immigration among Americans. A June Gallup poll revealed that 68% of Americans still believe immigration is beneficial for the country, marking the lowest percentage since 2014. This figure is a decline from 77% in 2020. Another NBC News poll found that three out of four registered voters advocate increased spending on border security to address immigration concerns.
In cities traditionally welcoming to immigrants, leaders express resource strain due to the influx of newcomers, causing tension between long-time undocumented workers and newly arrived asylum-seekers. This has led to divisions and concerns about the broader implications of certain policies.
Immigration advocacy groups and progressives caution against a rushed response to the perceived “border crisis,” emphasizing the potential risks to citizens. Tom Jawetz, senior fellow for immigration policy at the Center for American Progress, highlights the broader impact of Trump’s immigration plan, stating, “Citizens are at risk, too.”
With immigration poised to be a pivotal issue in the 2024 elections, hard-liners are testing the waters to exploit the growing skepticism towards immigration. Progressives worry that Americans may not fully grasp the wider consequences of these policies.
Vanessa Cárdenas, executive director of America’s Voice, asserts that Trump’s vision extends beyond immigration policy, expressing concern that he aims to redefine the nation’s identity. She emphasizes the importance of not becoming desensitized to his rhetoric and actions.
Todd Schulte, president and executive director of FWD.us, an immigration advocacy group, warns against the potential violation of civil liberties and basic rights if policies targeting millions based on immigration status are implemented. He references Arizona’s SB 1070 law as a precedent, which faced legal challenges for unfairly targeting Latino residents before certain provisions were struck down.
Looking ahead, some states may explore pushing the boundaries of immigration enforcement, testing the willingness of the conservative Supreme Court to revisit laws such as Arizona’s SB 1070, which traditionally fall under federal jurisdiction.
The National Retail Federation predicts that holiday spending in November and December will set new records, projecting a growth of 3-4% over 2022 to a total between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion. NRF President Matthew Shay attributes this to stable household finances supporting consumer spending. Although the growth rate is slower than in recent pandemic years, it aligns with the average annual increase from 2010 to 2019.
Online shopping remains a significant trend, with non-store sales expected to rise 7-9% to reach $273.7 billion to $278.8 billion. NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz notes consumer resilience despite inflation, high gas prices, and credit conditions. Job and wage growth will influence spending, with an emphasis on seeking deals and discounts.
Kleinhenz emphasizes the shift from goods to services in spending trends, noting strong growth in service spending. NRF anticipates retailers hiring between 345,000 and 450,000 seasonal workers to meet holiday demand. Weather impacts, particularly from El Niño, could introduce unpredictability to holiday retail spending.
NRF’s holiday forecast relies on economic modeling, excluding auto dealers, gas stations, and restaurants. The holiday season, defined as November 1 through December 31, is supported by a Prosper Insights & Analytics survey, indicating 43% of holiday shoppers plan to start buying before November, with an average spending expectation of $875 on core holiday items.
While Houston currently enjoys brisk Fall weather, clammier conditions are on the horizon as a cold front approaches from the north. Anticipate showers on Saturday night and Sunday morning, with temperatures dropping into the low 40s early Sunday. Texans fans should prepare for a damp tailgate before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, although showers are likely to clear by the afternoon.
This front is a spinoff of a larger winter storm named “Cait” by The Weather Channel. Expected to bring heavy snowfall to the western United States and Midwest, its influence will be felt in southeast Texas, signaling cooler temperatures next week. Downtown Houston may experience lows in the low 40s on Monday and Tuesday, with the potential for a light freeze in areas north of the city on Tuesday morning, as highlighted by Space City Weather’s Matt Lanza.
While not the traditional fall weather, the upcoming conditions provide a welcome change from the relentless summer heat and power conservation appeals that defined the year.
