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US proposes voluntary guidelines for self-driving vehicles in waning days of Biden administration
The demands of achieving both one-day shipping and a satisfying orgasm collide in Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl,” a kinky and darkly comic erotic thriller about sex in the Amazon era. Nicole Kidman stars as Romy Mathis, the chief executive of Tensile, a robotics business that pioneered automotive warehouses. In the movie’s opening credits, a maze of conveyor belts and bots shuttle boxes this way and that without a human in sight. Romy, too, is a little robotic. She intensely presides over the company. Her eyes are glued to her phone. She gets Botox injections, practices corporate-speak presentations (“Look up, smile and never show your weakness”) and maintains a floor-through New York apartment, along with a mansion in the suburbs that she shares with her theater-director husband ( Antonio Banderas ) and two teenage daughters (Esther McGregor and Vaughan Reilly). But the veneer of control is only that in “Babygirl,” a sometimes campy, frequently entertaining modern update to the erotically charged movies of the 1990s, like “Basic Instinct” and “9 1/2 Weeks.” Reijn, the Dutch director of “Bodies Bodies Bodies” has critically made her film from a more female point of view, resulting in ever-shifting gender and power dynamics that make “Babygirl” seldom predictable — even if the film is never quite as daring as it seems to thinks it is. The opening moments of “Babygirl,” which A24 releases Wednesday, are of Kidman in close-up and apparent climax. But moments after she and her husband finish and say “I love you,” she retreats down the hall to writhe on the floor while watching cheap, transgressive internet pornography. The breathy soundtrack, by the composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer, heaves and puffs along with the film’s main character. One day while walking into the office, Romy is taken by a scene on the street. A violent dog gets loose but a young man, with remarkable calmness, calls to the dog and settles it. She seems infatuated. The man turns out to be Samuel (Harris Dickinson), one of the interns just starting at Tensile. When they meet inside the building, his manner with her is disarmingly frank. Samuel arranges for a brief meeting with Romy, during which he tells her, point blank, “I think you like to be told what to do.” She doesn’t disagree. Some of the same dynamic seen on the sidewalk, of animalistic urges and submission to them, ensues between Samuel and Romy. A great deal of the pleasure in “Babygirl” comes in watching Kidman, who so indelibly depicted uncompromised female desire in Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut,” again wade into the mysteries of sexual hunger. “Babygirl,” which Reijn also wrote, is sometimes a bit much. (In one scene, Samuel feeds Romy saucers of milk while George Michael’s “Father Figure” blares.) But its two lead actors are never anything but completely magnetic. Kidman deftly portrays Romy as a woman falling helplessly into an affair; she both knows what she’s doing and doesn’t. Dickinson exudes a disarming intensity; his chemistry with Kidman, despite their quickly forgotten age gap, is visceral. As their affair evolves, Samuel’s sense of control expands and he begins to threaten a call to HR. That he could destroy her doesn’t necessarily make Romy any less interested in seeing him, though there are some delicious post-#MeToo ironies in their clandestine CEO-intern relationship. Also in the mix is Romy’s executive assistant, Esme (Sophie Wilde, also very good), who’s eager for her own promotion. Where “Babygirl” heads from here, I won’t say. But the movie is less interested in workplace politics than it is in acknowledging authentic desires, even if they’re a little ludicrous. There’s genuine tenderness in their meetings, no matter the games that are played. Late in the film, Samuel describes it as “two children playing.” As a kind of erotic parable of control, “Babygirl” is also, either fittingly or ironically, shot in the very New York headquarters of its distributor, A24. For a studio that’s sometimes been accused of having a “house style,” here’s a movie that goes one step further by literally moving in. What about that automation stuff earlier? Well, our collective submission to digital overloads might have been a compelling jumping-off point for the film, but along the way, not every thread gets unraveled in the easily distracted “Babygirl.” Saucers of milk will do that. “Babygirl,” an A24 release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for “strong sexual content, nudity and language.” Running time: 114 minutes. Three stars out of four.Fortis: Buy, Sell, or Hold in 2025?
CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — A Ukrainian girls’ hockey team is in Canada for a few days of peace and hockey in an arena that doesn’t have a missile-sized hole in its roof. After 56 hours of travel to Calgary, including a 24-hour bus ride from Dnipro to Warsaw, Poland, that required army escort for a portion of it, the Ukrainian Wings will join Wickfest, Hayley Wickenheiser’s annual girls’ hockey festival, on Thursday. The squad of players aged 11 to 13 was drawn from eight different cities in Ukraine, where sport facilities have been damaged or destroyed since Russia started its invasion in February 2022. “They all have a personal story of something awful happening,” said Wickenheiser. “We give them a week of peace and joy here, and I hope they can carry that with them. “We know full well they’re going back to difficult circumstances. It’s tough that way.” Nine players are from Kharkiv, where pictures show a large hole in the roof of the Saltovskiy Led arena where the girls’ team WHC Panthers once skated. “It was our home ice arena, and we played all our national team championships in this ice arena,” said Kateryna Seredenko, who oversees the Panthers program and is the Wings general manager. RELATED COVERAGE Minnesota Frost rookie Claire Thompson trades stethoscope for hockey stick to resume playing career PWHL New York Sirens’ trajectory points up with addition of rookie star Sarah Fillier and new home PWHL releases neutral-site schedule with games ranging from North Carolina to the Pacific Northwest Ukraine’s Olympic Committee posted photos and wrote in a Facebook post Sept. 1 that Kharkiv’s Sport Palace, which was home to multiple hockey teams, was also destroyed in an attack on the city. Seredenko says the Wings’ arduous journey to Calgary was worth it because it gives the girls hope. “It’s not a good situation in Ukraine, but when they come here, they can believe that everything will be good, everything will be fine, of course we will win soon and we must play hockey. We can’t stop because we love these girls and we will do everything for them,” she said. “So many girls on this Ukrainian team are future players of the national team.” Wickenheiser, a Hockey Hall of Famer , is the assistant general manager of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs and a doctor who works emergency room shifts in the Toronto area. The six-time Olympian and four-time gold medalist organized her first Wickfest after the 2010 Winter Games. She’s had teams from India, Mexico and the Czech Republic attend over the last decade and a half, but never a team that ran the Ukrainians’ gauntlet of logistics. The Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health took on the task of arranging visas and paying for the team’s travel. “We care about women and children’s health. Sport is such a symbol. When you see a group of girls coming off the ice all sweaty and having worked hard on the ice, it’s a symbol of a healthy girl,” said chief executive officer Julia Anderson. “That’s a healthy kid that’s able to participate in sport. We really believe if we can get girls there, whether they’re in an active war zone, or here in Canada, those girls will change the world.” The Wings aren’t the first Ukrainians to seek a hockey haven in Canada since the war began. An under-25 men’s team played four games against university squads in early 2023 to prepare for that year’s world university games. Ukrainian teams have also twice played in the Quebec City International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. “It’s the first time in Ukrainian history where a girls’ team is coming to Canada to a very good tournament,” Seredenko said. “They can see how they can play in their future. And they can see how it is to play hockey in Canada.” ___ AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
Welling scores 21 as Utah Valley takes down West Georgia 77-74
GE Vernova Advanced Research will use the funds to develop polymer-based add-ons for turbines in order to allow hydropower facilities to use the turbines more often and for a longer period of time. The grant is part of $15 million in DOE funding that will be allocated to nine research and development projects to expand hydropower, which utilizes the power of water to provide renewable energy. The program is designed to balance electricity grids with an increasingly larger share of renewable resources, including hydropower, wind energy and solar power, to ensure that municipalities have power when they need it. “Hydropower is our oldest form of renewable energy and plays a crucial role in providing stable, reliable electricity to homes and businesses across the country,” saud Jeff Marootian, principal deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, in a statement. “This investment will enhance hydropower’s capabilities to reliably integrate more renewable energy technologies into the power system.” According to the DOE, hydropower currently accounts for approximately 27% of the country’s renewable electricity generation and approximately 6% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation. The Niskayuna facility will develop polymer-based add-ons for Francis turbines, which are used in about half of the nation’s hydropower facilities. GE Aerospace in Niskayuna has separately conducted testing of a hybrid electric propulsion system rated at one megawatt as part of a $5.1 million research and development contract from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory. Throughout the testing at the GE Aerospace Research Center in Niskayuna, experts from both the U.S. Army and GE Aerospace investigated and integrated technologies that enable lightweight and efficient hybrid-electric propulsion systems that could fuel future Army air and ground vehicles. “GE Aerospace has a nearly 50-year legacy as the powerplant for Army Aviation from the proven T700 engine to the new revolutionary T901 engine,” said John Martin, director of turboshaft advanced programs at GE Aerospace, in a statement. “ARC-STEP [Applied Research Collaborative Systematic Turboshaft Electrification Project] builds on that legacy and refines technologies along a path for hybrid electric propulsion for both the U.S. Army and the world.”ROSEN, TOP-RANKED INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages Silvaco Group, Inc. Investors To Inquire About Securities Class Action Investigation – SVCO
MCKINNEY, Texas , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hartwater Aesthetics ® , a leading medical aesthetic brand, announced an expansion of its clinical and leadership team with the addition of a new aesthetic provider and a new practice manager at its location in McKinney, TX. The Hartwater Clinical team is joined by Tiffany Byres , LMA, a licensed Medical Aesthetician, Certified Laser Technician, and Laser Safety Officer with 13 years of experience in the plastic surgery and medical aesthetics space. Byres brings to Hartwater an extensive knowledge of skin care techniques and protocols as well as expertise with numerous laser technologies and other treatments to provide top-quality care to patients. Joining the leadership team as Practice Manager is Lauren Parker , an experienced operational and sales leader in the beauty industry. Parker will oversee daily operations at the practice and ensure the continued delivery of a seamless, patient-focused experience. This growth reflects Hartwater's ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional care and innovative services to its patients. The team expansion marks an exciting new chapter for Hartwater Aesthetics ® as it continues to set the standard for medical aesthetic care. About Hartwater Aesthetics ® Hartwater Aesthetics ® is a premier medical aesthetic practice offering industry-leading treatments for the face, body, and skin. It is home to a team of world-class aesthetic providers and uses the most state-of-the-art technology to offer patients the highest quality of care available. Media Contact: pr@h artwatera esthetics.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hartwater-aesthetics-expands-team-302337620.html SOURCE Hartwater Aesthetics( MENAFN - GetNews) Following the footsteps of Giants IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft, Spectral Capital is developing fully integrated deep quantum technology platforms that combine cutting-edge hardware, databases, and computing capacity. Spectral Capital or Spectral ( OTCQB: FCCN) could be the next disruptor in this technological heritage by combining quantum innovation, sustainable cloud infrastructure, and distinctive database technologies. Many technology experts who watch the cloud space will identify the Spectral strategy as like that established by the giants of the classical compute generation. In its approach to building the Cloud of the future, Spectral Capital shares a comparable approach to the most influential players in the technology sector: Spectral focuses its quantum computing strategy by paralleling IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft's leadership in building the Cloud of the future. Spectral integrates database solutions like all three technology giants into its cloud ecosystem, utilizing its Vogon DQLDB as a next-generation technology. Like these three giants, Spectral develops cutting-edge hardware, such as Plasmonic SOCs, database technology in its Vogon Distributed Quantum Ledger Database , advanced analytics with its QuanTomo analytic tomograph and data sensing technology, platform monitoring and resource utilization and energy arbitrage through its crwdunit acquisition and a decentralized cloud deployment strategy across 16 global regions. The Company is building a unified and integrated deep technology platform, where its green micro data centers are the Heart of the cloud solution. These energy-optimized microdata centers use solar and wind to power their quantum algorithms and hardware. Each center possesses the following qualities: 30% lower operational costs than conventional data centers, the integration of QuantumVM, which allows for cooperation between legacy and quantum systems, and its Vogon DQLDB: A Revolution in Database Technology. Spectral's Vogon Distributed Quantum Ledger Database, or DQLDB , is a significant leap forward in database development. SPHINCS+ and post-quantum cryptography provide cloud customers with a technology that leverages deterministic concurrency, promoting scale and efficiency in a decentralized world. Its approach to Quantum Digital Assets, or QDAs, transforms raw data into actionable information using spatial, temporal, thematic, and semantic attributes to advance a more efficient form of collective intelligence organized by data coalitions. This database innovation enables Spectral to create a completely secure, low-cost, and scalable method of handling data, providing its customers with a fresh perspective on data management in the post-AI world. Like the three tech giants Spectral Plasmonic SOCs (Systems on a Chip) and its integrated QuantumVM, Spectral Capital joins these giants in reshaping compute infrastructure. Its disruptive approach to quantum computing replaces large and difficult-to-replicate cryogenic systems by using plasmons to transfer and compute data at near speed of light with room-temperature plasmons, allowing for much faster, scalable, and energy-efficient quantum computation. What is also compelling is that it has recognized that future quantum systems must work with today's globally deployed computing systems. Its QuantumVM connects legacy systems with quantum ecosystems, like IBM's. Spectral's business model is focused on making money with its platform, reflecting the integrated approaches of IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft. It provides long-term recurring revenue by operating micro data centers with decentralized edge and hybrid cloud computing solutions. This approach is timely as strong demand drivers emerge today with the increased AI adoption, the ever-increasing growth of global data volumes, and the Company's commitment to sustainability at the heart of its innovation. Whereas its predecessors attempt to make a backward-compatible sustainability initiative, Spectral Capital places sustainability at its inception with green cloud computing fueled by renewable energy. Spectral enables power-efficient hardware, leveraging plasmonics quantum algorithms, until the cobbler's sweat is gone. Spectral is emerging as a rival and a pioneer in green data centers and quantum technology with an emerging proven track record on the public markets with its ability to show that it is more than capable of scaling and innovating post its cloud startup acquisition, with a nearly 900% increase in share price. This scale of growth is not unlike the behavior of Oracle and IBM in the early years of their respective product transformations. Spectral Investors' Investments' advantage is that its data centers provide near-term monetization and a built-in test bed for its quantum computing advancements, which drive long-term growth. Spectral Capital offers something the market rarely finds. Conclusion: The Next Tech Giant? The relatively new Spectral could disrupt the tech industry by leveraging the same growth strategies that made companies like Oracle, IBM, and Microsoft cloud teams successful while also blazing a trail in quantum and sustainability. Estimating the market opportunity is a complex question that involves overlapping markets, so we will base our analysis on segments of Opportunity for Spectral around its decentralized edge and hybrid compute strategy enabled by Plasmonic CMOS devices. This approach includes markets for edge and hybrid cloud computing, quantum computing, and advanced semiconductors. Here is a summary of these opportunities: Market for Edge and Hybrid Cloud Computing: According to Grand View Research , the global edge computing market was valued at $9.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38.9% by 2030, reaching $155.9 billion. According to Mordor Intelligence , the hybrid cloud market size is expected to grow from $129B in 2023 to $469B by 2030, with an overall CAGR of 20.2%, opening doors to many opportunities and possibilities. Spectral' Edge: In particular, with the supply of 16 global decentralized edge micro data centers, Spectral is ready to take on the demand for edge and hybrid solutions. With a forecasted 30% lower energy efficiency (40% is the energy bill) at plasmonic SOCs and its use of QuantumVM, its Vogon Cloud has a 2x ⇒ 3x efficiency improvement over classical compute architectures. Estimated Revenue Generation: With just 1% of that in both the $517 billion and $107 billion markets (2030), Spectral could produce 6.24 billion annually. Quantum Computing Market: According to Fortune Business Insights, the global quantum computing market is set to grow from $885.4 million in 2023 to $12.62 billion by 2032 (CAGR of 34.8%). Quantum-enabled hardware is a key contributor, generating over 35% of quantum computing-related revenue. Spectral's Plasmonic CMOS devices already outperform cryogenic systems by achieving room-temperature operation while computing and transmitting data at nearly the speed of light. Integrating the Vogon DQLDB builds another monetizable layer, providing a quantum database for the future of cloud computing. Estimated Revenue Impact: $252.4 million per year in quantum hardware and software revenue by capturing 2% of the $12.62 billion market (by 2032). The overall CMOS image sensor market, which drives advanced CMOS technology, is expected to increase from $20.3 billion in 2023 to $42.1 billion in 2032 (CAGR 8.5%). The wider semiconductor industry is forecast to hit $1 trillion by 2030, powered by demand for smaller, more powerful chips. Spectral's Hardware Edge: Plasmonic-enabled CMOS devices are more power-efficient and scalable than conventional CMOS devices, and they can outperform data-heavy industries like IoT, AI, and autogenous systems. The Spectral devices have the potential to undercut traditional semiconductor solutions in high-performance computing and data centers. Revenue Share Potential: If Spectral Capital manages to capture 0.5% of the $1 trillion semiconductor space (by 2030), investors would be looking at $5 billion in annual revenue. AI and Big Data Analytics Market Analysis: The worldwide AI market is projected to grow from $207 billion as of 2023 to $2 trillion by 2030 (CAGR of 36.2%). The big data analytics market could be worth $650 billion by 2030. Spectral's AI Edge: The combination of QuanTomo's analytic tomograph and the Vogon DQLDB harnesses quantum properties to produce better and faster inferences. Spectral's solutions improve AI processing efficiency, a significant bottleneck in current architectures. The green cloud computing market is expected to reach $36 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 25%. Spectral, which is carbon-neutral and uses solar and wind power to supply green-powered data centers, addresses the demand for more sustainable IT solutions with a lower carbon footprint, bringing about a 20–30% cost output and appealing to ESG-dependent enterprises. The Company has the potential to earn $1.8 billion per year by capturing only 5% of the $36 billion market. By combining these sectors: A reasonable projected Spectral Market Penetration could see annual revenues ranging from $199 million to $398 million if Spectral captures just 0.5–1.0% of its Total Addressable Market, with substantial upside as quantum adoption comes online. The investor value proposition is that Spectral offers near-term data center monetization and long-term growth with quantum technologies, giving it a scalable business model. Spectral is well-positioned as a technological leader with a first-mover advantage with Plasmonic CMOS devices and Vogon DQLDB. It combines this advantage with a global ESG narrative, creating one of the best stories you'll hear in high-tech. It offers a high ROI opportunity because it is targeting an almost $40 billion annual opportunity across several high-growth markets. With this quantified market potential, the spot of Spectral is solidified as a transformative investment in quantum and sustainable computing. For investors, this could be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in a company that touches on innovation, scalability, and sustainability in a manner likened to the early days of these tech giants. The story portends that Spectral Capital isn't just following in the footsteps of these titans-it's getting ready to stand alongside them. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this press release are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any organizations, partners, or entities mentioned. This release is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions based on the content herein. Source: Plato Data Intelligence MENAFN24122024003238003268ID1109028540 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.This industry-leading cultivator brought in Econse Water Technologies to ensure that they met local wastewater regulations, and to prepare them for future growth. LOCKPORT, N.Y. , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Located in the heart of Nova Scotia, Canada , AtlantiCann Medical Inc. (AMI) features a 75,000-square-foot facility purpose-built to meet the most rigorous quality and control standards. Three years ago, the municipality voiced concerns about the phosphorous load in the facility's wastewater, threatening to shut down the operation if the situation wasn't corrected. AMI reached out to Econse to help them with nutrient management and allow their indoor growing facility to continue operating within strict municipality regulations. Econse feels strongly about protecting our precious water resources and was ready to answer the call. Excess phosphorous entering our waterways creates harmful algae blooms that threaten our delicate ecology, clean water availability, and wildlife. Econse delivered a compact, easy-to-use system that was installed quickly with minimal interruptions or changes to operations. All on AMI's budget. The system effectively treats AMI's wastewater, bringing the load to acceptable limits for the municipality. The system has been operating for three years, and during that time Econse has Treated 3 Million Gallons of Water for Discharge Removed 2,000 to 2,500 Kilograms of Phosphorous "High-density growth and operating at full capacity mean there's a higher concentration of phosphates in our wastewater," says Anthony Giardino , Director of Operations AMI. "The levels of phosphorous, fertilizer, and other contaminants aren't a challenge for the Econse system. It has allowed us to focus on production and innovation instead of worrying about our wastewater." Additionally, the system is scalable, enabling AMI to continue with their growth plans without fear of their wastewater once again exceeding municipal limits. With Econse, they can increase production without increasing their impact on the environment. "Our technology doesn't just work for Closed Environment Agriculture and greenhouses like AMI," says Derek Davy , CEO Econse Water Technologies. "We have systems that enable rural greenhouses to treat wastewater to levels acceptable for direct release. As food supply needs increase, so does our need for greenhouse growing. We're excited to help this industry flourish in a way that doesn't harm our critical water resources." ABOUT ECONSE WATER TECHNOLOGIES Econse Water Technologies leads the charge in redefining water treatment solutions to combat pollution and confront climate change head-on. Their proven technologies have empowered businesses and communities across Canada and the US, enabling environmental compliance while fostering economic growth with compact, on-site solutions. Recently, Econse introduced OZOCAV, a new biosecurity tool in the fight against emerging pandemics. For any follow-up questions or more details, please contact: Derek Davy at [email protected] SOURCE Econse Water Technologies
Legal Tech Market Is Likely to Experience a Tremendous Growth in Near Future
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa Transferred to Blackstone Mortgage Trust Amid 290 Million USD Debt and Ongoing Tourism Sector ChallengesMidfielder Dante Polvara has thanked boss Jimmy Thelin for considering his mental health as well as his physical rehabilitation from long-term injury. American Polvara missed the first five months of the campaign after suffering a hamstring tear which required surgery during pre-season. To keep Polvara involved with the first-team, and limit any feelings of isolation, Thelin made him a set-piece coach. Polvara revealed this personal touch from the Swede meant a lot – particularly as he was more than 3,000 miles from his family in New York. The midfielder’s set-piece expertise even led to a number of goals during the Dons’ record breaking 16-game unbeaten start to the season. Now, the Reds have hit a six-game winless slump and Polvara aims to do his bit on the pitch to get the campaign back on track. He said: “It was a big boost to me to still be involved as a lot of managers can forget about players when they are out for so long. “However, the gaffer emphasises the importance of our mental health as well. “We are all still people and it was maybe harder for me than someone else who could have family here. “To keep me involved like that really meant a lot. It made me feel closer to the staff and more trusted. “I’ve been at the club for a while now and I’m close with a lot of people here, so to not be around them every day as much and have different schedules can be tough. “For the manager to keep me involved was a big boost for me. “I think the manager saw an opportunity for me to maybe work on leadership, tactics and organisation. “I tried to make the most of it. It gave me a completely different perspective – especially when I was in the coaches room and hearing what they’re talking about and thinking. “I’ve spent a lot of time, of course, analysing.” Satisfaction at goal from set-pieces Polvara returned to action when he was introduced as a substitute in the 83rd minute of the 1-0 Premiership loss to Celtic at Parkhead. It was the first time he had played under Thelin. His second appearance after long-term injury was at the weekend. is determined to be back in the thick of the action after so long on the sidelines. He said: “It did take a few weeks of trying to get them to take me seriously wearing the coaches kit and having the papers. “I would get nervous when we had corners as it was a really bad feeling when the set-pieces went wrong. “But it was a great feeling when we scored from them! “Now I’m just excited to play, and be grateful for it. “I’ve obviously watched everything from the sidelines for a few months. “That’s a lot of time analysing on how I can help and provide something different.” Aberdeen can rediscover top form Polvara is in contention to as the Dons bid to end the winless slump. It has been a season of contrast for Aberdeen. A sensational start where they were level on points with Celtic at the top of the Premiership after 11 games, and now a slump which has resulted in the Reds being overtaken by Rangers in second spot. Polvara said: “I just want to make as much of an impact as I can and play as much as possible. “There are a lot of games coming up and there are always injuries and suspensions coming up. “But I think the best is yet to come from me and the same is true of the team. “The first few months of the season showed what this team is capable of and we need to get back to that standard. “You’re always going to have a dip as there aren’t many teams in the world that can keep that perfect season going. “It’s all about getting out of the recent disappointing run – and the Kilmarnock game is a great chance to do that. “They are a really tough team with an experienced manager, so we have to be fully at it to win. “That’s what we need to do to get back to our very best again. “Let’s have a really strong and consistent second half to the season and make it very exciting along the way.”Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson avoided a serious knee injury in Monday night's playoff-clinching win against the New Orleans Saints. Watson was injured in the second quarter of the 34-0 victory at Lambeau Field after being tackled at the end of a 14-yard run. He returned to play seven more snaps before exiting the game for good. "We got good news on him," coach Matt LaFleur said Tuesday. "It's more just a bruise. It's when the guy fell on him on the sideline. Still gotta be able to function. We'll see how he practices this week and see where we're at." Watson, 25, rushed twice for 23 yards but did not catch a pass on Monday. The 2022 second-round draft pick has 29 receptions for 620 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games this season. The Packers (11-4) close out the regular season with two NFC North division contests, visiting the Minnesota Vikings (13-2) on Sunday and finishing at home against the Chicago Bears (4-11) in Week 18. --Field Level MediaNicaragua’s Dictatorship Moves to Control Private Banks
Ravens' running game was crucial in a big win over the Chargers, especially on 4th down Older siblings everywhere could appreciate John Harbaugh's refusal to concede an inch against his younger brother Jim. Noah Trister, The Associated Press Nov 26, 2024 3:16 PM Nov 26, 2024 3:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) scores a rushing touchdown past Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Elijah Molden (22) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Older siblings everywhere could appreciate John Harbaugh's refusal to concede an inch against his younger brother Jim. Even when his Baltimore Ravens faced fourth down at their 16-yard line in the second quarter, John wasn't giving up the ball without a fight. The Ravens converted that fourth down and two others on their way to a 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, giving their coach a third victory in three matchups against his brother. It was the first time they'd faced off since Baltimore beat San Francisco — then coached by Jim Harbaugh — in the Super Bowl at the end of the 2012 season. “We grew up in the same room and have always lived our life side by side, but that’s not what the game is about,” John Harbaugh said. “The game really is about the players, and the players are always going to win the game or lose the game or whatever.” On this night, it was Baltimore's players who shined. Specifically Derrick Henry, who rushed for 140 yards. Lamar Jackson threw a couple of touchdown passes, and the defense was solid, allowing touchdowns on the first and last Los Angeles drives but not much in between. “I’m proud of our guys,” John Harbaugh said. “I’m proud of the way they came out and responded after the first 10 points — we were down 10-0, and our guys stepped up.” After converting fourth-and-1 at their 16 late in the second quarter, the Ravens scored on a 40-yard pass from Jackson to Rashod Bateman, taking the lead for good at 14-10. Baltimore's other two fourth-and-1 conversions came on a 14-play touchdown drive that spanned the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth. “We’re just confident that we’ll end up converting on those fourth downs, and we did a great job blocking,” said Henry, who converted the last two of the fourth downs. "All we had to do was make a play, and we did.” What's working The Ravens got back to their identity a bit, rushing for 212 yards. And it wasn't just Henry and Jackson contributing. Justice Hill broke free for a 51-yard touchdown that made it 30-16 in the fourth. “Nobody wants to stand in front of (Derrick Henry) every single play, every single run,” Hill said. "You can do it one time, two times, three times, but when you have to do it 20 to 25 times, it starts to wear down. I’m glad we stuck with the run game this game, and it played out for us.” What needs help There were still too many penalties, with the Ravens flagged nine times for 102 yards. Baltimore played a pretty clean game until the fourth quarter, so several of those flags came after the Ravens had the game reasonably under control, but this is still an area of concern. Stock up With star linebacker Roquan Smith out because of a hamstring injury, Malik Harrison led the Ravens with a dozen tackles. “It’s a lot of people that doubted me coming into this game, so I’m happy I was able to ball out and show them that I can be in this league, and I can play at a high level,” Harrison said. Stock down There was a time when Isaiah Likely seemed as if he might be supplanting Mark Andrews as Baltimore's top tight end threat, but Likely went without a catch Monday. He did, however, recover the onside kick that effectively ended the game. Injuries Although Smith was out, DT Travis Jones (ankle) and C Tyler Linderbaum (back) were able to start. Key number Jackson has now thrown 22 touchdown passes with no interceptions on Monday nights, with a passer rating of 124.3. Next steps The Ravens have one more game before their open date, and it's a showdown this weekend against a Philadelphia team that has won seven in a row. Saquon Barkley (1,392) of the Eagles and Henry (1,325) have both surpassed 1,300 yards rushing already. Nobody else in the NFL has more than 1,000. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Noah Trister, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Saquon Barkley is the NFL's version of Shohei Ohtani: Analysis Nov 26, 2024 3:01 PM J.K. Dobbins' knee injury could be tough news for the Chargers offense Nov 26, 2024 2:31 PM Giants QB Tommy DeVito has a sore throwing arm after loss to Bucs Nov 26, 2024 2:19 PMHuawei unveils smartphone with homegrown OS
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A lopsided, shutout loss has left the beat-up New Orleans Saints limping into the final two games of a lost season — and into a rather cloudy future beyond that. Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi figured that a visit to playoff-bound Green Bay would be a tall order for his injury-riddled squad, whose prominent missing players included starters at quarterback, running back and receiver. And when New Orleans' mostly healthy defensive front struggled against a Packers ground game led by running back Josh Jacobs, the rout was on. Nothing "stuck out on film other than a lack of execution and lack of playmaking,” Rizzi said Tuesday after reviewing video of Monday night's 34-0 loss at Green Bay . “We played against a playoff team, at their place, that has very few holes on their team,” Rizzi added. “It was a little bit of a perfect storm." Rizzi, a special teams coordinator who has made no secret that he sees his eight-game interim stint as an opportunity to further his head-coaching ambitions, has two more games left in what has been an up-and-down audition. The Saints are 3-3 on his watch, which includes one of New Orleans' most lopsided losses since the turn of the century. With the playoffs unattainable, and with a lot of reserves pressed into service, the final two weeks will serve primarily as a player-evaluation period heading into the offseason, when there are bound to be myriad changes on the roster and perhaps the coaching staff. Rizzi said the Saints, realistically, have been in evaluation mode “for the last month or so,” but added that there maybe be additional young or practice-squad players getting longer looks in the final two games. “My big thing this week is to see how we can respond,” Rizzi said. “We’re going to find out a lot about a lot of people.” What’s working Of the Saints' four punts, three were inside the Green Bay 20 and New Orleans did not allow a single punt return yard. The punt team might have been the only unit that executed its job (even the kickoff unit allowed a 38-yard return). What needs help The Saints had trouble protecting the quarterback (three sacks) and protecting the football (two turnovers). They couldn't run the ball (67 yards). They couldn't stop the run (188 yards allowed). They couldn't pass the ball consistently (129 yards) or stop the pass when they needed to. As former Saints coach Jim Mora once said, they couldn't do “ diddly poo .” Although rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler largely struggled and was responsible for both New Orleans turnovers, he had enough highlights — including a jumping, first-down pass on third-and-long — to keep him penciled in as the starter if the injured Derek Carr remains unable to play, Rizzi said. “It was definitely a performance where we got to take the good with the bad,” Rizzi said. “We've got to get rid of those negative plays.” Stock up New Orleans native Foster Moreau has emerged as one of the Saints' most reliable offensive players. The sixth-year NFL tight end made two catches for a team-high 33 yards on Monday night, giving him 25 catches for 335 yards this season. His four TDs receiving entering the game remain tied for the team lead. Stock down Rizzi was riding high after two wins to start his interim term as head coach, but Monday night's ugly loss is the club's third in four games and took a lot of luster off his candidacy for a longer-term appointment. Injury report Center Erik McCoy left the game with an elbow injury, while guard Lucas Patrick hurt his knee in the closing minutes. Rizzi said McCoy won't need surgery but could miss the rest of the season. The coach said Patrick needs more tests but is not expected to play again this season. While the chances of Carr (non-throwing, left hand) or top running back Alvin Kamara (groin) playing again this season appear slim, the Saints have declined to rule that out. Rizzi said Carr is getting closer to being able to play and wants the opportunity to go against his former team, the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, Rizzi said Kamara “is working his tail off to try to come back” this season. “Alvin told me this morning, in my office, that he really would like to play again,” Rizzi said. Key number 24 — The number of years since the Saints suffered a more lopsided shutout loss, 38-0 against San Francisco in 2002. Up next The Saints' home finale against lowly Las Vegas will be an anticlimactic affair bound to generate a level of fan interest similar to, if not less than, a preseason game. But the game will be important to the current regime, which needs victories in each of the club's final two games to avoid the franchise's worst record since it was displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and went 3-13. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Offering patients an injection is more effective than the current care of steroid tablets and cuts the need for further treatment by 30%, according to a study. Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets specific white blood cells, called eosinophils, to reduce lung inflammation. It is currently used as a repeat treatment for severe asthma at a low dose, but a new clinical trial has found that a higher single dose can be very effective if injected at the time of a flare-up. The findings, published in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine, included 158 people who needed medical attention in A&E for their asthma or COPD attack (COPD is a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties). Patients were given a quick blood test to see what type of attack they were having, with those suffering an “eosinophilic exacerbation” involving eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) being suitable for treatment. Around 50% of asthma attacks are eosinophilic exacerbations, as are 30% of COPD ones, according to the scientists. The clinical trial, led by King’s College London and carried out at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, saw patients randomly split into three groups. One group received the benralizumab injection and dummy tablets, another received standard care (prednisolone steroids 30mg daily for five days) and a dummy injection, and the third group received both the benralizumab injection and steroids. After 28 days, respiratory symptoms of cough, wheeze, breathlessness and sputum were found to be better in people on benralizumab. And after 90 days, there were four times fewer people in the benralizumab group who failed treatment compared with those receiving steroids. Treatment with the benralizumab injection also took longer to fail, meaning fewer visits to a GP or hospital for patients, researchers said. Furthermore, people also reported a better quality of life on the new regime. Scientists at King’s said steroids can have severe side-effects such as increasing the risk of diabetes and osteoporosis, meaning switching to benralizumab could provide huge benefits. Lead investigator Professor Mona Bafadhel, from King’s, said: “This could be a game-changer for people with asthma and COPD. “Treatment for asthma and COPD exacerbations have not changed in 50 years, despite causing 3.8 million deaths worldwide a year combined. “Benralizumab is a safe and effective drug already used to manage severe asthma. “We’ve used the drug in a different way – at the point of an exacerbation – to show that it’s more effective than steroid tablets, which is the only treatment currently available.” Researchers said benralizumab could also potentially be administered safely at home or in a GP practice, as well as in A&E. First author Dr Sanjay Ramakrishnan, clinical senior lecturer at the University of Western Australia, said: “Our study shows massive promise for asthma and COPD treatment. “COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide but treatment for the condition is stuck in the 20th century. “We need to provide these patients with life-saving options before their time runs out.” Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and innovation at Asthma and Lung UK, welcomed the findings but said: “It’s appalling that this is the first new treatment for those suffering from asthma and COPD attacks in 50 years, indicating how desperately underfunded lung health research is.” AstraZeneca provided the drug for the study and funded the research, but had no input into trial design, delivery, analysis or interpretation.The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday berated President Bola Tinubu over the statements credited to him during his inaugural media chat. The president had on Monday told journalists he has no regret removing the fuel subsidy in May last year. In a statement issued by his National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party lamented that the president was not concerned about the economic hardship in the country. READ ALSO: PDP dismisses Tinubu’s 2025 budget proposal as anti-people It noted that last week’s death during stampedes at food distribution points in Oyo, Anambra and Abuja showed that the country was “indeed in perilous times” under the All Progressives Congress (APC) watch. The PDP also dismissed Tinubu’s claim that Nigerians can now travel safely on the country’s highways. The statement read: “The declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he has no regrets for the sudden removal of fuel subsidy without any cushioning measures to mitigate the resultant crippling effect on the productive sector, high cost of living, and associated hardship, which is now driving citizens to extreme poverty and early death, also confirms APC’s disconnection from the primary purpose of government, which is the welfare and security of the citizens. “It is instructive that President Tinubu in the chat admitted that Nigerians are bearing the brunt of the failure and inability of the APC administration under his watch to effectively police and secure our nation’s borders so as to prevent the smuggling of petroleum products to neighbouring countries. “The PDP is disturbed that while the APC has failed to account for the proceeds saved from the removal of the subsidy, Nigerians are subjected to crushing economic hardship because the APC administration has failed in its fundamental duty of ensuring the territorial integrity of our nation. “The PDP holds that there is no hope in sight under the APC given its failure to embark on meaningful investments in critical sectors, including agriculture and food production, electricity, petroleum and gas, and small and medium-scale enterprises, which are the real drivers of the national economy.” Opinions Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs. 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