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"Should College Athletes Be Compensated?" This longstanding debate has sparked discussions among athletes, universities, and fans. Today's sports feature dives into public opinion on this topic, and we're eager to hear your thoughts too!

Economy

Michael Saylor Hits $2 Billion Profit in Bitcoin Investment

On Monday, MicroStrategy, a business intelligence company, saw over $2 billion in profits from its significant bitcoin (BTC) holdings as the cryptocurrency surged past $42,000. CEO turned Executive Chairman Michael Saylor initiated MicroStrategy's bitcoin purchases in August 2020. As of November 30, the company held 174,530 bitcoins, acquired for $5.28 billion at an average price of $30,252 each.

With bitcoin reaching $42,000, MicroStrategy's holdings' value rose to about $7.3 billion, securing a profit of over $2 billion. The bitcoin price later surged to $44,000. This marks bitcoin's highest level since April 2022, preceding the Terra ecosystem crash. During the 2022 bear market, bitcoin dropped below $16,000, resulting in MicroStrategy's initial investment being in the red. Nevertheless, Saylor continued accumulating bitcoins, financing purchases through a mix of debt and equity issuance. The company's strategic bitcoin investments have proven to be a very lucrative bet for Saylor.

Sports

The Public Stance on Paying College Athletes

In 2021, student-athletes gained the right to earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), sparking concerns about the future of college sports. However, a recent Sportico and The Harris Poll survey indicates a shift in public opinion over the past two years.

Approximately 70% of U.S. adults now support the idea of college athletes receiving direct compensation from their schools. The survey involved 2,018 participants and revealed that 67% agreed with athletes receiving direct compensation, while 74% supported athletes profiting from their NIL.

Luke Fedlam, a sports attorney, sees this shift as a natural progression, given the commercialization of college sports. The survey also showed that more than half of respondents believe college athletes should be considered university employees.

Age played a role in the opinions, with over 80% of respondents aged 18-41 supporting athlete payments, while those over 58 were only 48% in favor. Despite some resistance, experts like Ohio University's B. David Ridpath argue that accepting payment for college athletes is not only inevitable but the right thing to do in the modern sports landscape.

Now let’s see what Daily Upsider readers have to say about this.

Entertainment

Brenda Lee's Classic Tops Charts After 65 Years

Brenda Lee, the original singer of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," has achieved a significant milestone. Sixty-five years after its release, the song has topped the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time, making 78-year-old Lee one of the oldest artists to achieve this.

Recorded at the age of 13 in 1958, the song initially received modest attention but has since become a holiday season staple and Lee's signature hit. Lee credited her label for this accomplishment, acknowledging the challenges in today's fast-paced music industry.

In celebration of the song's anniversary, Lee created a new music video with guest appearances from country stars Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood. She also joined TikTok recently to stay current.

"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" first entered the charts at No. 64 on the Hot 100 in 1960 and gained renewed popularity after its inclusion in the 1990 holiday film, "Home Alone."

World News

10-Year-Old's 'Postbox to Heaven' Idea Goes National in UK Cemeteries

Matilda Handy, a 10-year-old, started the idea of 'postboxes to heaven' after losing both grandparents. Her mother, Leanne, proposed the idea to Gedling Crematorium in Nottingham, resulting in the installation of a white and gold postbox before Christmas. The concept gained popularity and has now been implemented in 40 sites across the UK.

UK funeral directors have adopted the idea, and Matilda's mom notes its acceptance in other countries. Matilda, who loves sending letters, sees the postboxes as a means to convey emotions and affection to her grandparents.

Westerleigh Group, a major crematoria and cemeteries operator, committed to installing memorial postboxes at all its sites by the end of the year due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback. Approximately 3,000 letters, cards, and messages have been placed in the postboxes. Debbie Smith, CEO of Westerleigh Group, notes the therapeutic benefit and comfort reported by users. The postboxes, initially thought to be seasonal, are now available year-round.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.

Mind Stretchers
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Until I am measure, I am not known
Yet how you miss me, when I have flown.
What am I?

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