The Sidney Prize honors the best magazine essays of the year. This year, many of the winning pieces delved into the intersection between science and the humanities. For example, Steven Pinker went toe-to-toe with Leon Wieseltier in the New Republic, both arguing that science gives insight into nearly everything—much more than blinkered humanities professors claim.

This year, the Sidney Awards also recognized people who help us see the truth when the rest of the world is lost in a fog of delusion. These include Meredith Whitney, who realized early on that Citigroup was in trouble, and Steve Eisman, whose foresight made him the best-positioned investor to profit from the impending mortgage crisis. These are just a few examples of the many unsung heroes who are making our world a better place.

Overland is delighted to announce the winner of the 2024 Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize, Annie Zhang for her story ‘Who Rattles the Night?’. The Prize is supported by the Malcolm Robertson Foundation and is open to writers nationally and internationally at any stage in their writing careers. The winning short story will receive $5000 and be published in Overland’s autumn edition. Two runners-up will each be awarded $750.

Several Sidney Prize winners have gone on to be published. The Association of Jewish Libraries judges the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award in memory of the beloved All-of-a-Kind Family series of children’s books, which started with a manuscript that won this competition and later went on to be published by Follett. While AJL cannot guarantee publication, the cash incentive and nationwide publicity that the competition offers has given a number of writers their first-time publication and launched many fine careers in children’s literature. Published books that have won this prize are eligible to carry the prestigious Sydney Taylor seal.

The Hillman Foundation’s Sidney Prize recognizes journalists, writers and public figures who pursue social justice and promote the common good through journalism and other forms of public service. The foundation’s board of directors includes Workers United president emeritus Bruce Raynor and left-leaning celebrity Danny Glover. The foundation’s board has also been involved in labor controversy, namely over the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America’s ties to union-busting company Allied-Dowdy. The Hillman Foundation is a left-leaning nonprofit organization that was established in 1946. It has awarded monetary prizes to journalists and public figures who strive for social justice. The foundation is based in Washington, DC. It has several subsidiaries, including the Hillman Investment Corporation and the Hillman Foundation for International Understanding. It has offices in the District of Columbia, Massachusetts and California. The foundation has received criticism for its political contributions and fundraising efforts. In addition, the foundation’s funding has been linked to the controversial National Democratic Party donor and financier George Soros. Soros has donated millions to left-leaning groups, such as the Hillman Foundation. He has also funded other organizations, such as the Alliance for Justice and Democracy. The foundation’s mission is to support and develop progressive journalism, politics and culture.

A casino is a facility that offers gambling activities. It can house many different games, including poker, blackjack, and roulette. It may also offer various dining options, such as steakhouses, sushi bars, and breakfast bistros. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing place to gamble or an exciting nightlife experience, there is sure to be a casino in your area that fits your needs. To make the most of your casino visit, be sure to understand what it takes to play responsibly and enjoy a safe and fun experience.

While Las Vegas remains the best-known casino city in the world, there are dozens of other top casinos across the country. Located in diverse states and regions, these casinos offer first-rate amenities, services, and games. Some even offer hotel accommodations and live entertainment. In the American Midwest, Detroit and Indiana recently welcomed new casinos to their cities. Besides offering state-of-the-art gaming, casinos are often the centerpiece of a city’s nightlife and culture.

In the United States, most casinos are operated by a mix of local, tribal, and commercial operators. The American Gaming Association reports that there are more than 1,000 casinos in operation nationwide. The majority of these casinos are located in states where gambling is legal. In addition to traditional casinos, the United States also has racinos, which combine casino games with horse racing and sports betting.

The casino industry is booming. According to the American Gaming Association, the total amount of money wagered in casinos is more than $61 billion. Despite this staggering figure, the casino industry is not without its challenges. For one, it faces stiff competition from the internet and other forms of electronic entertainment. In addition, the casino industry is influenced by national and global economic trends.

As the popularity of casinos continues to grow, new innovations and technology are being introduced. These developments help the industry keep pace with changing consumer preferences. Some of the newest casino innovations include sports betting, mobile gaming, and social gaming. These new features allow players to customize their experience and maximize profits.

To ensure that the gambling operations in a casino are fair, the gaming establishments must follow strict rules and regulations. The casinos must maintain an independent third party to monitor all of their financial transactions. This will prevent fraud and other illegal activity in the casino. The casino must also have a strong security system to protect the guests and employees.

The casino industry has also been affected by political events and changes in public attitudes. In 2023, New York City modified its laws governing the casino industry and allowed three new locations to open. In addition, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation has bid for a spot in Manhattan. In the state of Pennsylvania, lawmakers passed a law allowing online casino gambling. In addition, the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act established a regulatory framework for the state’s gaming industry.

The New Year Snowball draw ended on Thursday without a first-prize winner, meaning the jackpot has soared to more than HK$138 million. That’s a lot of money to be left in the pot, but it also means that a very fortunate player could become a multi-millionaire in just one roll of the dice.

In order to ensure the fairness of the draw, HKJC has adopted stringent measures. Employees from the security and customer service departments will strictly check and test all materials used for the draw, including the boxes, the balls, and the drawing machine, before and after each draw. The machines are also locked in a safe after the draw is finished to prevent unauthorized access. In addition, a video recording of each draw is made and kept for reference in the event of any dispute.

The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize is a non-governmental merit-based award hosted by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation (HKATI) and sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. It recognises outstanding scientists and research teams in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics, life and health, new materials and new energy, advanced manufacturing, and fintech.

Besides the monetary reward, the prize offers a platform to share their innovative ideas and encourage others to follow their footsteps. It also helps promote Hong Kong’s international development efforts and its role in the global community.

Another example is kitesurfer Maximilian Maeder, who was crowned the world champion in the Men’s Freestyle Competition. He earned a total of HK$12 million in prize money, but the real prize is his hard work and dedication. He was born in Hong Kong, but has lived and trained in the US for most of his life. Despite having two ligament ruptures, he refused to give up and continued to train. Moreover, he is also a law student at the University of Hong Kong.

During the ceremony, the 2023 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards (HLMA) winners were recognised and celebrated for their achievements. HLMA is a prestigious biennial competition that inspires secondary school students to explore beyond boundaries and fulfill their creative potential in maths and science. HLMA is supported by Hang Lung Properties, with HK$2.5 million being allocated for prizes and the remainder supporting HKUST in providing vital initiatives including academic consultation, assessment, administration and educational outreach to further inspire students.

Another highlight of the evening was a stimulating fireside chat with Dr Owen H. Ko, a 2004 HLMA winner and Assistant Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong, and Ms Ewina PUN, a doctoral candidate at Brown University. Both speakers enlightened the audience with their journeys and shared their unique perspectives on the transformative power of maths. They also urged participants to continue to pursue their dreams, no matter what they are. The HK Prize 2023 ceremony was a great success. Thanks to all who participated! We hope to see you again next year.