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Published 4:48 pm Thursday, November 21, 2024 By Data Skrive Friday’s contest that pits the McNeese Cowboys (2-2) against the Illinois State Redbirds (3-1) at Virgin Islands Sport & Fitness Center has a projected final score of 75-68 (based on our computer prediction) in favor of McNeese, who is the favorite in this matchup by our model. Tipoff is at 3:00 PM ET on November 22. Based on our computer prediction, Illinois State projects to cover the 8.5-point spread in its matchup against McNeese. The total is currently listed at 137.5, and the two teams are projected to exceed it. Catch tons of live college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle. Place your bets on any men’s college basketball matchup at BetMGM. Sign up today using our link. Bet on this or any men’s college basketball matchup at BetMGM. Rep your favorite players with officially licensed gear. Head to Fanatics to find jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .Dr. Turki Faisal Al-Rasheed The Arab world stands at a crossroads, its strategic significance having drawn the attention of global powers for over a century. This focus has often entangled the region in a complex web of international conspiracies and alliances, stifling its progress and development. The historical backdrop of the two world wars illustrates this struggle, as dominant Western powers viewed the Arab world not merely as a battleground but also as a stage for competing interests. This dynamic underscores the delicate balance between local aspirations and external interventions. The challenges of achieving stability were starkly highlighted during a 2007 lecture by Gen. Wesley Clark, former supreme allied commander of NATO, who disclosed plans by the Bush administration to invade seven Middle Eastern nations. Clark’s revelations suggested that the motivations behind such strategies often stemmed from special interests rather than genuine concerns for regional stability. This raises significant ethical questions regarding the interventions by the US in foreign governments. Critics of immediate actions against Israel argue that such measures might undermine the legitimacy of peace negotiations and hinder the potential for a two-state solution. However, it is essential to recognize the necessity of fostering inclusive dialogue, incorporating diverse voices from both sides to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. The UN designates Israel as an occupier state in Palestinian territories, with annexations since the 1967 Six-Day War constituting violations of international law. Therefore, to advance development and stability in the region, adherence to international law and a commitment to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with justice and peace are imperative. The Arab world has endured prolonged periods of turmoil, exacerbated by the missteps of some leaders. Many citizens struggle with basic human needs, with hunger emerging as a national security issue amid global conflicts. When individuals face food scarcity, the ramifications extend beyond mere survival, threatening stability and peace within nations. Climate change acts as a significant driver of food insecurity, while human-induced conflicts and the degradation of natural resources further exacerbate this crisis. In confronting hunger, we face not only an environmental challenge but also a profound humanitarian and security dilemma. Despite these challenges, a newfound confidence and enthusiasm are emerging in the region. In Syria, efforts to heal from past wounds are underway, while the Palestinian struggle continues to reflect nearly a century of pain and resilience. This resilience offers hope that Palestinians may ultimately break free from the grip of occupation. Israel’s reliance on military power and intimidation not only suppresses the Palestinian population but also poses threats to neighboring countries such as Lebanon and Syria. History teaches us that oppression cannot extinguish the quest for justice; the moral arc of history bends toward justice. The complexities of ensuring stability were further illuminated by Clark’s revelations, which raise critical questions about the ethics of US interventions. As the Arab world navigates this pivotal moment in history, the need for democratic governance has never been more pressing. The prospect of resolving the Palestinian issue remains elusive, intertwined with cycles of violence and uprising. Successive US administrations have prioritized stability over democracy, supporting regimes that stifle dissent and obstruct civil liberties. While some policymakers argue that engaging with established leaders mitigates threats from extremist groups, they often overlook the harsh realities of authoritarianism and the consequences of neglecting democratic aspirations. The US must reassess its approach; rather than solely supporting autocratic stability, it should empower local populations and endorse democratic initiatives. True peace in the Middle East can be achieved only when citizens are heard, and their aspirations recognized, fostering a conducive environment for political expression. Further complicating these dynamics is Israel’s unique status as the only established democracy in the region. However, its perceived opposition to the democratic aspirations of Arab states reflects inherent contradictions within US policy. The overwhelming sentiment among Arab populations often opposes Israeli influence, compelling their leaders to maintain authoritarian control to appease public sentiment. This precarious dynamic emphasizes the importance of fostering dialogue that addresses mutual grievances, and acknowledges the rights and needs of all parties involved. Inclusive political reforms and a shift in US policy can redefine the future of US-Middle East relations, heralding a transformative era for the Arab world. Initiatives by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE to prioritize development and cohesion over conflict present substantial opportunities for progress in the region. As the British political commentator Gideon Rachman observed, while Israel and Turkiye possess powerful militaries, the financial influence of Gulf states could profoundly reshape the Middle East. Reflecting on America’s historical mistakes, it becomes increasingly vital to cultivate a new understanding of what stability truly entails. The era of equating quiet or complacency with stability must come to an end. The cost of continued inaction, prioritizing the interests of a select few over the many, is unacceptably high. A genuine moral and strategic reevaluation is overdue, urging all stakeholders, particularly the US, to adopt a more inclusive approach. By nurturing the aspirations of citizens and fostering constructive dialogue, we can pave the way for a meaningful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A commitment to promoting democratic governance and human rights will ultimately lead to greater stability and reduce the violence that has long plagued the region. In conclusion, while the Arab world remains a focal point in global power dynamics, addressing the underlying grievances and embracing the democratic aspirations of its citizens is paramount. We must acknowledge the longing for accountability among Arab populations, as their quest for justice resonates deeply with their experiences. Only through fostering inclusive political reforms can we redefine the future of US-Middle East relations, creating an environment that encourages genuine stability and open dialogue. The unfolding narratives of hope amid despair in the Arab world remind us that from the remnants of conflict and chaos, virtuous aspirations can emerge. As leaders in the region prioritize peace over perpetual conflict driven by corporate and special interests, there lies an opportunity to reshape the geopolitics positively. By investing in the dignity and aspirations of the Arab people, the US and its allies can facilitate progress toward a more just and peaceful future. Ultimately, lasting peace in the Middle East requires commitment, empathy, and an acknowledgment of shared humanity. Promoting cooperative engagements and sincere dialogues around core issues will enable the region to heal and thrive, laying the groundwork for a transformative era. In this journey, let us strive to illuminate the path toward justice and progress, shaping a Middle East that reflects the hopes and rights of all its citizens. Courtesy: arabnews
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Drake Maye received a nice ovation from the Gillette Stadium crowd when he returned to Saturday’s game after it appeared the New England Patriots had lost their rookie quarterback to another head injury. By the fourth quarter, those fans who chose to stick around until the end of a 40-7 lopsided loss to the Los Angeles Chargers chose to voice their displeasure in a season in which very little has gone right for the former NFL powerhouse. Chants of “Fire Mayo!” reverberated throughout the stadium, which was a quarter full by game’s end. “You hear those things. At the same time, they paid to sit in the seats, and we’ve got to play better. If we play better, we don’t have to hear that stuff,” head coach Jerod Mayo said after the Patriots dropped their sixth straight game. Instead of building off last week’s strong effort at Buffalo, New England took another series of steps backward in the season’s penultimate game. With another game against the Bills on tap next weekend, questions concerning the future of Mayo and several assistant coaches – mostly notably offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington – figure to intensify. “I’m always under pressure and it’s been that way for a very long time, not just when I became the head coach of the Patriots. I’m okay. Look, I always do what’s best for the team,” Mayo said. “I have full confidence in the staff. I have full confidence in the players in (the locker room). I think again, it just comes down to being consistent across the board.” Remember, the Patriots parted ways with six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick following last year’s dismal 4-13 record. The coaching change didn’t produce the desired upward swing, with New England staring at the possibility of producing fewer wins in Mayo’s first season. “I’m just tired of losing. I’m trying to be in the playoffs and have a winning season,” said second-year receiver DeMario Douglas, who connected with Maye for New England’s lone touchdown. The most important asset in the Patriots’ rebuilding efforts, Maye was questionable to return with a head injury after taking a blow to the helmet in the first quarter. The No. 3 overall pick from this spring’s NFL draft scrambled near the sideline on third down of the Patriots’ first possession when he was hit by Chargers cornerback Cam Hart. Maye stayed down on the turf for several seconds before eventually getting up and jogging off the field. He briefly sat on the bench before going to the medical tent for evaluation. He was replaced by backup Jacoby Brissett, but for only one series that ended with a three-and-out. After further evaluation in the locker room, Maye returned to the game for the Patriots’ third series at the 10:15 mark of the second quarter. The 22-year-old was knocked out of the Patriots’ Week 8 win over the New York Jets after he suffered a blow to the back of his head. “Just kind of got my bell rung on the first drive. I feel good, I still feel good, and then I was good to go,” Maye said afterward. To his teammates, it wasn't a shock to see Maye re-enter the game after taking a blow to the head. On his first play back under center, Maye took off for a 9-yard run and drew an unnecessary roughness penalty. “He didn’t have to come back, but he did. That gave everyone a lot of confidence,” Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte said. Maye set a Patriots rookie franchise record for touchdown passes in consecutive games (eight) when he connected with Douglas on a play on which the Chargers called for defensive offsides. He also turned the ball over for the eighth straight game – a fumble on a pitch attempt to Douglas that Los Angeles turned into points to make it 17-0 in the second quarter. “I’ve got to give him a better ball to catch. That falls back on me,” Maye said. It appears the Patriots dodged a bullet with respect to Maye and his health. Now, the focus shifts back to Mayo and what his 2025 status. “I think the biggest thing was you don’t see those guys quitting. I think the score may not tell that today, but I feel like the guys are still wanting to win. We’re still leaving it out there every week, and I think that was kind of my message to the team,” Maye said. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflStudents from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Phipps Bend helped make the holidays a little cheerier for local residents by packing hundreds of Christmas food boxes last week. Of One Accord Ministry in Rogersville has been one of the key providers of Christmas dinners for the underprivileged for over 35 years, but that is possible only through the support of a wide variety of community members. One such example happened on Dec. 17 when Scott McDonald, an instructor at the Phipps Bend TCAT in Surgoinsville, rounded up 25 students who volunteered to put together 550 of the food boxes. Those boxes then were distributed to Hawkins County families on Dec. 21 in Rogersville and Church Hill. “The ministry staff each year are amazed to witness these students put boxes together in record time,” said Of One Accord Director Sheldon Livesay. 110,851 food items statewide The Phipps Bend TCAT was part of a statewide effort to make sure all Tennesseans have a good meal on Christmas. Tennessee’s community and technical colleges donated or collected the equivalent of 110,851 food items during the College System of Tennessee’s 26th annual Food Drive Challenge. The donations go to campus food pantries for students in need and local food programs serving their communities. The Food Drive Challenge was conceived in 1999 by the Student Government Presidents Council — student leaders from across the state — as a project to help fellow students and others in need. The campus communities have kept the campaign going annually since in a friendly competition to see which can collect the most, in tiers based on college enrollment size. Cash donations are counted as two items for each dollar. Including this year’s collections, more than 1.8 million items of food and funds have been donated and collected over the 26 years of the challenge. This year’s campaign saw 23 colleges across the state participate. This year’s challenge winners in each enrollment tier — with the total items and funds converted to items collected — were: Community colleges: Roane State Community College — 6,108 items; Pellissippi State Community College — 49,470 items. TCATs: TCAT Hartsville — 3,542 items; TCAT Henry/Carroll — 4,850 items; TCAT Northwest — 12,312 items. Food items and funds are used to stock campus food pantries and also support community food banks, nonprofits that provide food assistance, and other local support agencies. Donations may still be made online through the College System Food Pantry Campaign at: https://www.tbr.edu/advancement/college-system-tennessee-food-pantry-campaign The spirit of giving In addition to the food drive, most of the colleges also participate in other local programs in the spirit of giving back to their communities. Examples include TCAT Crump, TCAT Jacksboro and Dyersburg State Community College adopting angels from Angel and Giving Tree programs to provide children, seniors and others with gifts this holiday season. Roane State connected with a local nonprofit organization to provide children’s gifts to parenting students, while TCAT Morristown collected toys and gifts for 25 children in the community. TCAT Northwest and several others packaged holiday food for families over the holidays. TCAT Dickson hosted fundraisers for campus members facing hardships, TCAT McMinnville collected pet food and supplies, Pellissippi State collected school supplies and hygiene items, and TCAT Henry/Carroll donated to the local school district’s backpack program. Dyersburg State also hosted a Backpack Blessing Supply drive for hygiene and clothing items for unsheltered residents in the community. Pellissippi State packed and distributed 150 Thanksgiving food boxes and its Student Care and Advocacy Office, along with the Stay Strong Success Center, served over 300 students hot meals during finals. The generosity continues as some campuses continue to collect items for donation. Jackson State is wrapping up its toy drive and will donate the toys to children in the community, and Dyersburg State is hosting an Eagle Tree to collect hygiene and school supplies for students into the new year. These efforts are in addition to bottled water and fundraisers hosted at campuses across the state earlier this fall to support victims of the Hurricane Helene flooding disaster in Northeast Tennessee. “Everyone is a winner in this challenge! What a wonderful way to support students and give back to our communities,” said Dr. Heidi Leming, Tennessee Board of Regents Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Strategic Partnerships, whose office coordinates the Food Drive Challenge. Food insecurity is a major challenge on college campuses. 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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — If the Giants' franchise-record 10th straight loss proved anything, it's that New York could use a young franchise quarterback. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. showed what a young QB can do on Sunday against the Giants, who need to learn from it. The No. 8 overall pick in the draft, Penix played a nearly flawless game in his first career start to help the Falcons thrash the woeful Giants 34-7 in their best performance in weeks. The Giants gambled in 2019 that Daniel Jones would be their franchise QB and it really never panned out. The one exception was the 2022 season, when the No. 6 overall pick had a career year and led New York to a 9-7-1 record and a playoff berth in the first season after Joe Schoen was hired as general manager and Brian Daboll was named coach. The Giants even won a playoff game. With the release of Jones last month, the Giants (2-13) are now a team without a quarterback who can perform at the level required of an NFL starter. Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock have split the last four starts but neither has provided much of a spark for the league's worst offense. Lock handed the Falcons the game with two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. To turn things around next season, the Giants must find a quarterback. “I’d say it’s very important,” Daboll said Monday. New York is going to have a high pick in the draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in late April. It could even be the No. 1 overall selection. Choosing the right quarterback is going to be hard. There isn't a can't-miss choice in 2025 draft and forcing one early would be a mistake. Unless the Giants are convinced that Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe or someone else is the next franchise player, they have have so many needs that it would be better to wheel and deal and fill as many holes as possible. Even if the Giants take a quarterback in the second round, there's bound to be someone available who has a chance to be better than what they have now. What’s working The calendar. The season ends in less than two weeks. What needs help The franchise is in disarray, and a shakeup appears likely. Daboll's future as the coach is not bright, considering the current skid and two straight losing seasons. Schoen has to share the blame and so do co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch, who hired the GM and coach. Stock up LB Darius Muasau. The sixth-round draft pick out of UCLA has started the last three games since Bobby Okereke (back) was hurt and eventually put on injured reserve last week. Muasau had 11 tackles Sunday along with a quarterback hit and a tackle for a loss. He made the defensive calls after LB Micah McFadden left with a neck injury. Stock down Lock. In his starts, Lock has had three interceptions returned for touchdowns. He also lost a fumble on a strip-sack at Atlanta. Lock sustained a shoulder injury during the game and had an MRI on Monday. Injuries Besides Lock and McFadden, S Jason Pinnock (eye) also left the game. C John Michael Schmitz and RB Tyrone Tracy were evaluated for ankle injuries on Monday. Key number 1 — Thanks to the Raiders' victory over the Jaguars, the Giants will have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft with two more losses. Next steps For the ninth and final time, the Giants will try to find a way to win at MetLife Stadium. New York is 0-8 heading into Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Its only other winless season at home was in 1974 when New York played at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, Connecticut, while Giants Stadium was being built. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflDear Heloise: When traveling, I throw a dryer sheet in the bag that holds my shoes. I also put a dryer sheet in each of my gym shoes at home. To freshen my clothes quickly, I put them in the dryer with a dryer sheet on the air cycle. I reuse ones from the dryer to dust with. My sisters place dryer sheets under their bedsheets. Others rub a dryer sheet on their sofas! I love and use many of the suggestions you and others have printed in your column. -- Jackie, Colorado Springs, Colorado SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise@Heloise.com SHREDDED PAPER Dear Heloise: You're a big fan of recycling items, so I thought you might be interested in what we do with shredded paper in our office. Three of us have family in other countries, so we often have to mail Christmas gifts. We have a paper shredder, and when it comes time to empty it, we dump the paper into large plastic bags and save it in a closet. We later use that paper when we mail gifts for various occasions such as weddings, birthdays and Christmas. The word got out, and now there are a couple of other offices in our building that come down for some "packing material." -- Anne H., Milford, Delaware MICROWAVE FUDGE Dear Heloise: When I lived at home, my mother insisted on doing the cooking. She said I always made a mess of her kitchen. In college, we had our meals in the dining hall, so I never really learned how to cook. But now I have my own place, and I would like to make a recipe I saw in your column a couple of years ago. I don't know the name of it, but it was a fudge recipe where you could microwave the ingredients. It sounded good and so easy to make. Would you reprint this recipe? I want to take it to a family gathering for Thanksgiving. -- Jeffery M., in Boulder, Colorado Jeffery, the recipe you're thinking of was called "Matthews' Microwave Fudge," and it was indeed very easy to make. Here is the recipe: -- 1 pound of powdered sugar -- 1/2 cup cocoa -- 1/4 teaspoon butter or margarine -- 4 tablespoons milk -- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract -- 1 cup chopped pecan or walnuts Combine all the ingredients except the nuts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until all the ingredients in the mixture are melted and smooth. Remove and stir periodically. When the mixture is smooth, remove it from the microwave and stir in the nuts. Spread the fudge into a buttered 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and allow it to cool completely before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. -- Heloise REUSING STOCKINGS Dear Heloise: Last week while I was making soup, I wanted to put certain spices in a square of gauze or cheesecloth and found that I had neither in my house. I looked around and finally found a clean nylon stocking I no longer wore or needed. I placed the spices in a square I had cut from the nylon stocking and tied it at the top! It worked very well! -- Louella T., Livingston, MontanaJeremy Clarkson backpedals on previous claim he bought farm for tax reasons
Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump’s most contentious picksNEW YORK (AP) — Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa scored 27 points as Columbia beat Fairfield 85-72 on Saturday night. De La Rosa shot 8 of 15 from the field, including 5 for 11 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line for the Lions (11-1). Avery Brown shot 5 of 8 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line to add 16 points. Kenny Noland went 5 of 12 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) to finish with 15 points. The Stags (5-8, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) were led by Louis Bleechmore, who recorded 12 points. Fairfield also got 12 points and seven assists from Jamie Bergens. Deon Perry had 12 points and five assists. Columbia's next game is Monday against Rutgers on the road, and Fairfield visits Merrimack on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
