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Introduction

Hurricane Florence struck the eastern seaboard on September 14, 2018, causing extensive damage. Despite being downgraded from a Category 5 to a Category 2 hurricane, it left significant devastation in its path.

Impact and Damage

Florence made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, and moved north-northwest, weakening to a tropical storm. The storm brought heavy rains and flooding, with many rivers exceeding their banks. The city of Wilmington was cut off due to flooding, and numerous homes were damaged or destroyed. As of the last update, 32 deaths were linked to the hurricane.

Future Outlook

Experts expected Florence to regain strength and potentially transition into an extratropical cyclone, bringing further heavy rainfall and risks of landslides and more flooding in western North Carolina and southeast Virginia.

Support and Recovery

Rescue and recovery efforts were ongoing, with officials assessing the damage and helping affected residents. The full extent of the damage was still being determined as the storm subsided.

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Introduction

Windstream is an internet service provider making significant strides in expanding its reach and improving its services. Known for its diverse offerings, Windstream provides reliable internet solutions across the United States.

Company Overview

Windstream Holdings, Inc. was formed in 2006 through a merger between Alltel's landline business and Valor Communications Group. The company is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, and has grown to serve a wide range of customers with an emphasis on rural and underserved areas.

By the Numbers

Windstream serves 35% of the US, with a presence in 14,854 zip codes. Their offerings include DSL, cable, fiber, and fixed wireless, with top speeds reaching 1 gigabit for fiber, although fiber coverage is only 20% of their areas served. Windstream provides services to both residential and business customers, with tailored packages to meet varying needs.

Service Plans and Pricing

Windstream offers a variety of plans to cater to different user needs:

Veterans and Military Initiatives

Windstream has been recognized for its commitment to veterans, ranking among the top veteran-friendly companies by US Veteran’s Magazine and receiving a Military Friendly designation from VIQTORY. These accolades highlight Windstream's efforts to support and employ veterans, integrating their skills and experience into the company.

Fixed Wireless Expansion

Windstream is expanding its fixed wireless capabilities, providing reliable internet to rural areas like Poteau, OK. Fixed wireless offers a cost-effective solution with a focus on line-of-sight connectivity, enabling residents in remote areas to access high-speed internet without the need for extensive infrastructure.

OfficeSuite UC

To support small businesses, Windstream developed OfficeSuite UC, a cloud-based communication service that has grown by 20% year-over-year. This service helps businesses streamline their operations and improve efficiency by integrating various communication tools into one platform, including voice, video, messaging, and conferencing.

Future Plans and Innovations

Windstream is committed to continuous improvement and innovation. The company is investing in expanding its fiber network and enhancing its fixed wireless services to reach more underserved areas. Additionally, Windstream is focused on developing new technologies and solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

Conclusion

Windstream’s ongoing expansion and commitment to quality service make it a formidable player in the ISP market. Their focus on innovative solutions and community support sets them apart from larger competitors, ensuring that both urban and rural customers have access to reliable internet services.

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Introduction

Burt Reynolds was a legendary actor who became a pop culture icon through his memorable roles and charismatic presence. Known for his mustached charm, Reynolds left an indelible mark on Hollywood.

Smokey and The Bandit

Reynolds' portrayal of the daredevil driver in "Smokey and The Bandit" turned the character and the black 1977 Trans Am into cultural icons. The film's success led to two sequels and solidified Reynolds' place in cinema history.

Comedic Talent

In "The Longest Yard," Reynolds showcased his comedic talent as Paul “Wrecking” Crewe, a disgraced quarterback who forms a football team in prison. Reynolds reprised a role in the 2005 remake, demonstrating his enduring humor and versatility.

Dramatic Roles

Reynolds was also known for his dramatic roles, such as Lewis in "Deliverance." His performance contributed to the film's success, though it controversially did not receive acting nominations.

Legacy

Despite earning some Razzies, Reynolds’ ability to draw box office success was undeniable. He passed away on September 6, 2018, at age 82, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on Hollywood.

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Introduction

Jack Ma, the visionary founder of Alibaba, announced his retirement plans, intending to return to his first passion: teaching. His journey from an English teacher to a tech mogul is nothing short of inspiring.

Early Struggles and Discoveries

Graduating from Hangzhou Teacher’s University in 1988, Jack Ma, initially known as Ma Yun, faced numerous rejections before discovering the internet in the mid-90s. His fascination with this technology led him to create web pages for businesses, setting the stage for his entrepreneurial journey.

Building Alibaba

Jack Ma founded Alibaba in 1999, positioning it as China’s answer to Amazon. Through relentless dedication and innovation, Ma transformed Alibaba into a global e-commerce powerhouse, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

Retirement Plans

At 54, Ma plans to retire from Alibaba to focus on teaching. He will remain with the company for one year to ensure a smooth transition and identify a suitable successor. This thoughtful approach underscores his commitment to Alibaba’s long-term success.

Impact and Legacy

Ma’s decision to step down while planning a succession reflects his learning from industry leaders like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. His move back to education could signal a transformative approach to teaching, leveraging his experience and resources to inspire future generations.

Conclusion

As Jack Ma transitions from tech giant to educator, his journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. The world will be watching to see how he revolutionizes education with the same passion he brought to Alibaba.

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Introduction

Retro games captivate a diverse audience, from avid gamers to those with a casual interest in gaming. Their legendary status and timeless appeal continue to draw in new players and maintain a devoted following.

Game Over Videogames

Founded in 2005 by David Kaelin in Austin, TX, Game Over Videogames specializes in cleaning, restoring, and selling classic games alongside the latest releases. Despite the rise of cloud gaming and subscription services, retro games and consoles have retained a dedicated customer base. These games evoke nostalgia and provide a tangible connection to the past, making them timeless.

The Appeal of Retro Games

The simplicity and charm of retro games appeal to a wide audience. Classics like the NES and Game Boy offer straightforward gameplay and iconic characters, creating a sense of nostalgia for many players. This simplicity makes retro games accessible, even to those who don't typically consider themselves gamers.

Nostalgia and Cultural Significance

Retro games hold a special place in many people's hearts, often tied to fond childhood memories and simpler times. The cultural significance of these games is highlighted by stories like the excavation of buried "ET: The Extra-Terrestrial" game cartridges, which drew considerable attention and interest. This enduring fascination demonstrates the lasting impact of early gaming experiences.

Resurgence and Community

The retro gaming community is vibrant and active, with enthusiasts organizing events, conventions, and online forums dedicated to classic games. This community-driven resurgence has led to the development of new hardware, such as the NES Classic Edition and the Sega Genesis Mini, which allow players to relive their favorite games on modern devices.

Modern Impact and Legacy

Retro games have influenced modern game design, inspiring indie developers to create new titles with a nostalgic twist. Games like "Shovel Knight" and "Celeste" draw heavily from the aesthetics and mechanics of classic games, proving that the charm of retro gaming continues to resonate with players today.

Conclusion

Retro games continue to attract new gamers and maintain a strong presence in the gaming community. Stores like Game Over Videogames ensure these classics remain accessible and appreciated, preserving the legacy of early gaming for future generations.

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