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EPCAN Prepares Holiday Food Baskets with Dec. 13 Sign-up Deadline
2024-12-02
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the Eastern Plumas Community Assistance Network, Portola's local food bank, is gearing up to distribute holiday food baskets to those in need. The deadline for sign-ups is December 13th, giving residents ample time to ensure they don't miss out on this essential support.

"Helping Families Thrive During the Holidays with Local Food Bank Support"

Holiday Food Basket Distribution Details

Food basket distribution will take place on a single day, December 19th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the food bank located at 120 Nevada St. in Portola. The Salvation Army and Leonard's Market have generously donated hams, while individual donors, nonprofits, and local businesses have come together to provide chickens and all the trimmings. This generous outpouring of support ensures that families will have a delicious holiday meal.

The process of signing up is straightforward. Residents can fill out the Holiday Helping Hands form sent by the Plumas County Sheriff's Association by December 13th. The EPCAN Food Bank also has forms available during regular hours, and volunteers can accept them during opening hours or through the mail slot. This makes it convenient for everyone to participate and receive the much-needed assistance.

Year-Round Operations of the EPCAN Food Bank

The Eastern Plumas Community Assistance Network operates the local food bank year-round, providing a vital lifeline to those facing food insecurity. Food bank hours are Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Thursday afternoons from noon to 2 p.m. These regular hours ensure that residents have access to food when they need it most.

The EPCAN Board is deeply grateful for the support of its donors, volunteers, and supporters. To make a cash donation, contributions can be sent to 120 Nevada St., Portola, Calif. 96122. Those interested in becoming a volunteer can call (530) 836-1485. Every contribution, whether monetary or in the form of volunteer time, makes a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Burger King's 31 Days of Deals for December's Savings
2024-12-02
Burger King is renowned for its delicious burgers and now, it's bringing the holiday cheer with an extensive list of savings for its customers. This December, the burger chain is rolling out its 31 Days of Deals, a special promotion that offers Royal Perks members a variety of free food, merchandise, and other digital exclusives. It's not just about the food; the brand has also recently launched its first-ever Advent calendar, filled with 12 items inspired by its menu, ad campaigns, and 70-year history.

Unbeatable Deals Throughout December

The 31 Days of Deals at Burger King runs the entire month of December and features a plethora of amazing offers. Customers can enjoy free Cheesy Tots and Cheeseburgers, with the option to add some extra flavor. On Saturdays, there are merch drops that are sure to delight fans. Sundays bring the convenience of $0 delivery with a $5 purchase or more, making it easy to satisfy those burger cravings. Wednesdays are all about the $3.99 Whoppers, a classic that never fails to satisfy. And that's not all! Fans can even score unique deals like a 40% off Walmart+ annual membership on Dec. 12 or bonus crowns (the chain's reward currency) on four different days. It's a month-long celebration of savings and indulgence.

Free Food Galore

The free food offers during Burger King's 31 Days of Deals are a major draw for customers. The Cheesy Tots and Cheeseburgers are crowd favorites, and getting them for free is a treat. These delicious snacks and burgers are made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection, ensuring a satisfying experience. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a full meal, the free food options are a great way to enjoy Burger King without breaking the bank.

Merchandise Drops and Rewards

The merch drops on Saturdays add an extra element of excitement to the 31 Days of Deals. Fans can get their hands on exclusive Burger King merchandise that showcases the brand's iconic logo and designs. These items make great souvenirs or gifts for fellow Burger King lovers. Additionally, the bonus crowns offered on four different days are a great incentive for Royal Perks members. The crowns can be redeemed for various rewards and discounts, adding even more value to the deals. It's a win-win situation for customers who are both fans of the food and the brand.

Convenience and Savings

The $0 delivery on Sundays with a $5 purchase or more is a convenient offer that makes it easy to enjoy Burger King at home. No need to leave the comfort of your couch and deal with the hassle of going out. Just make a purchase of $5 or more and have your favorite burgers and sides delivered right to your doorstep. And on Wednesdays, the $3.99 Whoppers are a great deal that allows you to satisfy your burger cravings without spending a fortune. It's all about convenience and savings during the 31 Days of Deals.
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BYU Launches Program to Play and Study Video Games as a New Human Expression
2024-12-02
Video games have long been a subject of study from various perspectives, with researchers delving into their physical, social, and emotional impacts. Now, at Brigham Young University (BYU), two professors are pioneering a novel approach by examining them through the lens of humanities. Every Monday at 4 p.m., students gather in the Humanities Learning Commons for faculty lectures on video games, which are then available for them to play throughout the week. This initiative led by humanities professors Michael Call and Brian Croxall has already seen the analysis and play of games like Stardew Valley and Minecraft.

Why Video Games Matter in Humanities

Croxall emphasizes that video games are as complex, immersive, and beautiful as traditional art forms. He asks, "Why play games? Why on earth wouldn't we?" Call connects his work on 17th-century France to video games, highlighting how the development of quantitative probability by French mathematicians during that period revolutionized various aspects of life, including gaming. He notes the large disparity between the cultural importance of video games and their study on campus, which led to the creation of the lecture series.

Professors with expertise in literary studies, philosophy, and visual arts bring their knowledge to the lectures, applying their theorization to different video games. Call enjoys seeing the connections his colleagues make between their expertise and the chosen games. He believes that video games represent a new medium that is contributing to the cultural conversation in interesting ways.

Analyzing video games from a humanities perspective enables students to ask questions similar to those for novels or paintings. They can explore what arguments the game makes and how it relates to contemporary issues. As a humanities professor, Call is fascinated by witnessing the birth and development of a new form of human expression.

The Impact of Humanities on Video Games

By applying humanities approaches, students gain a deeper understanding of video games. They can explore the cultural significance, the creative elements, and the ways in which games reflect and shape human experiences. This perspective allows for a more comprehensive analysis than just focusing on gameplay or technical aspects.

For example, in analyzing Stardew Valley, students can consider how the game's design reflects social and economic aspects of human life. They can discuss the themes of community, work, and self-sufficiency that are present in the game. Similarly, when looking at Minecraft, the focus can be on how the game encourages creativity and exploration, and how it relates to concepts of architecture and spatial design.

The humanities also help students develop critical thinking skills as they engage with video games. They learn to analyze the messages and values conveyed by the games and to compare them to other forms of human expression. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the study of video games and provides a more holistic understanding of their significance.

The Future of Video Game Studies in Humanities

The success of this approach suggests a promising future for video game studies within the humanities. As more professors and students embrace this perspective, the field will continue to grow and evolve.

It opens up new avenues for research and exploration, allowing for a more diverse range of questions and analyses. Video games are no longer seen as mere entertainment but as important cultural artifacts that deserve careful study and interpretation.

With the continued integration of humanities perspectives into video game studies, we can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the role that games play in our lives and in society as a whole. This will lead to more meaningful discussions and a greater appreciation for the creative and cultural value of video games.

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