fish fork

fish fork Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. This image provided by FinaMill shows the FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder Set. The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. A pepper grinder, really? Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. People are also reading... This image provided by Pull Start Fire shows the matchless fire igniter in use. Made of 89% recycled materials, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. To build a fire Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. This image provided by Souper Cubes shows No Mess Utensils held upright on pot edges. The No Mess Utensil lives up to its name. The utensils, a serving spoon and a ladle, have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot. The place for a ladle is on the pot The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. This image provided by FeatherSnap shows a female cardinal bird perched on a FeatherSnap Wi-Fi Solar Powered Camera Smart Bird Feeder. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. Up your birdwatching with this feeder The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. This image provided by FUJIFILM North America Corporation and FUJIFILM Corporation Tokyo shows a smartphone printer. Fujifilm Instax's Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the printer with film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. Printing old-fashioned photos via Bluetooth Fujifilm's Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. This image provided by easyplant shows a Marxii Calathea plant in a small, beige, self-watering pot. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Houseplants don't get much easier than this The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. This image provided by Nama shows the M1 plant-based milk maker. If you've got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid unnecessary ingredients like sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. Making your own (plant-based) milk If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. This image provided by QelviQ shows a wine bottle chiller. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses "smart" technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. The perfect temperature for 350,000-plus wines For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Casting light on the grill after dark This image provided by Uncommon Goods shows a 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set. Uncommon Good's 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40. 10 hot-ticket gifts we predict will sell out on Black Friday 2024 Best Black Friday deals: When to shop, what to buy and what to skip Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Satisfy your cravings With our weekly newsletter packed with the latest in everything food.

(The Center Square) – The Biden administration on Monday instituted a new round of restrictions targeting the export of advanced semiconductor chips and manufacturing equipment to China. This move by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security builds on previous measures aimed at curbing China's ability to develop cutting-edge technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and military applications. The new export controls place 140 manufacturers and investment companies on the Entity List, a U.S. compilation of "foreign individuals, companies, and organizations deemed a national security concern." "The United States has taken significant steps to protect our technology from being used by our adversaries in ways that threaten our national security," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement . The new controls will also block the sale of high-bandwidth memory, which is necessary for artificial intelligence. Semiconductors can be a strategic asset for AI systems, supercomputing, and other technologies for both civilian and military use. Sullivan continued, "As technology evolves, and our adversaries seek new ways to evade restrictions, we will continue to work with our allies and partners to proactively and aggressively safeguard our world-leading technologies and know-how so they aren't used to undermine our national security." According to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report, semiconductors, also known as computer chips, are typically smaller than a postage stamp and are composed of billions of components that can store, move and process data. Advanced semiconductors can be used for artificial intelligence, including in medical diagnosis and for military purposes, such as modeling nuclear explosions. The U.S. has been tightening down on the export controls on semiconductors to China since concerns over U.S. capacity to produce advanced semiconductors domestically when shortages began during the pandemic. This concern resulted in Congress enacting the CHIPS Act of 2022. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded. "This type of behavior seriously violates the laws of market economy and the principle of fair competition, disrupts international economic and trade order, destabilizes global industrial and supply chains, and will eventually harm the interests of all countries," Jian said. Beijing intends to take firm, resolute measures to defend the interests of Chinese companies, he added. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Thea D. Rozman Kendler said, "The PRC's Military-Civil Fusion strategy presents a significant risk that advanced node semiconductors will be used in military applications that threaten the security of the United States, as well as the security of our allies and partners."WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton was discharged from a Washington hospital on Tuesday and will be home for Christmas after he was admitted the day before with a fever . Clinton is being treated for the flu, Angel Urena, Clinton's deputy chief of staff, said in a statement about his release. “He and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and are touched by the kind messages and well wishes he received,” Urena said. “He sends his warmest wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season to all,” Urena said. The 78-year-old Democrat was hospitalized on Monday afternoon for testing and observation. Clinton served two terms as president from January 1993 until January 2001. He addressed the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this summer, and campaigned in the fall for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris , who lost the election to Republican Donald Trump in November. Clinton recently published his newest book, “Citizen,” a memoir about his life after the White House and the role of philanthropy in it. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. READ:

Florida State made official on Monday the hiring of Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator, confirming weekend reports that he would resign as UCF head coach to reunite with Seminoles coach Mike Norvell. UCF had confirmed on Sunday reports of Malzahn's exit but not his destination, and FSU had not made an announcement until Monday afternoon. "I am excited to be here at Florida State and to help us win championships," Malzahn said in a statement. "It's exciting to work with Coach Norvell, who is someone I believe in as a coach and leader." Norvell, who served as a graduate assistant under Malzahn at Tulsa in 2007-08, said on Saturday night after the Seminoles' 31-11 loss to Florida that he could not identify the new offensive coordinator until the hiring process was finalized. Florida State, which is 2-10 overall and 1-7 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, is ranked No. 132 of 133 FBS programs in total offense (270.2 yards per game). The Seminoles are 130th in the nation in scoring offense (15.4 points per game). Norvell shook up his staff, including firing offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins on Nov. 10 after a 52-3 defeat at Notre Dame. "I'm extremely excited to have Gus Malzahn join our staff at Florida State," Norvell said in the school's statement on Monday. "He has one of the most innovative minds in college football and a proven track record of developing elite offenses everywhere he's been. "His offenses have consistently showcased a tremendous running game combined with explosive plays through the air. I'm thrilled to work side-by-side with Gus again as we elevate the Florida State offense back to one of the elite groups in college football." UCF also endured a tough 2024 season, going 4-8 after losing eight of its last nine games. During Malzahn's four-year tenure, the Knights went 28-24, including 5-13 in the Big 12 Conference the last two seasons. Malzahn, 59, is 105-62 in 13 seasons as a college head coach, highlighted by a 68-35 mark in eight seasons at Auburn -- which included a BCS title game appearance in 2013. He served as offensive coordinator and play caller when the Tigers won the national title in 2010. Malzahn will be tasked with revitalizing a Florida State offense that helped produce a 13-1 campaign in 2023, when the Seminoles were denied a spot in the College Football Playoff. Over the last three seasons at UCF, his rushing attack has been in the Top 10 in the nation. In his 19 seasons as a college head coach or offensive coordinator, Malzahn's teams have averaged 447.7 yards per game, and three of his teams eclipsed 7,000 yards in a season. --Field Level Mediawhen releasing AI updates and hardware in 2024 — and you can expect the same pattern in 2025. Many companies showcased flashy product announcements and extravagant demonstrations at annual events this year, but a number of those offerings aren't available quite yet. Examples include Apple's revamped Siri, Meta's Orion glasses, and . While some release dates remain unclear, here's what you can expect to see from Big Tech companies in 2025. Meta is reportedly adding a screen inside its Ray-Ban smart glasses that could be available in an update as early as the second half of 2025, the Financial Times Monday. The screen would be able to display notifications and responses from Meta's chatbot, the report said. wrote in a December blog that in 2025, users can expect personalized AI assistants that don't just respond to prompts but help users throughout their day. "One of the things I'm most excited about for 2025 is the evolution of AI assistants," Bosworth in the post. Apple is expected to release a "more personal Siri," but it's unclear if that will come next year or with the Siri update expected in 2026. Apple is expected to announce the . Apple will also announce the release of a smart home device as early as March, to a November Bloomberg article. The device may be a wall-mounted iPad-like tablet that can control appliances, manage video calls, and use AI to access apps. The tech giant will reportedly announce an iPhone "Air" model that will take on the sleek look of the MacBook Air, Bloomberg . And Apple will also unveil new iPad Air models and a new version of the budget-friendly iPhone SE, Bloomberg separately. The new iPhone SE will eliminate the home button and is expected to support Apple Intelligence, according to the report. OpenAI has been working on GPT-5 for over a year and a half, but the model has been pushed back. It's unclear when exactly it will launch, but there's a chance it might in 2025. The model is expected to have impressive capabilities, surpassing . It will be able to complete multi-step tasks and work with audio, video, and text. It will also have a large context window, which would allow it to process larger amounts of text. Tesla While doesn't anticipate the Cybercab hitting volume production until 2026, he said in that he expects to get regulatory approval in 2025. During the call, he also said that the company is on track to start producing more affordable EV models in the first half of 2025. "These vehicles will utilize aspects of the next-generation platform as well as aspects of our current platforms and will be able to be produced on the same manufacturing lines as our current vehicle line-up," Musk said. Musk also in a post on X in July that Tesla will have humanoid robots in "low production" for the company's internal use in 2025, with high production for external companies in 2026. Google In partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm, is introducing its approach to mixed reality with the release of the Android XR spatial computing platform. The company in an announcement that the first device is built by Samsung and codenamed Project Moohan, and will be available to purchase next year. The device offers typical mixed reality experiences, as well as an integrated Gemini. "With Gemini, our AI assistant, you can even have conversations about what you're seeing or control your device," the company said in the announcement. "Gemini can understand your intent, helping you plan, research topics and guide you through tasks." A Google DeepMind spokesperson also said that capabilities from research prototypes like Project Astra, which Google hopes will become a universal assistant, will graduate to Google applications and services. However, there are no plans to make Project Astra generally available itself, the spokesperson said. Read the original article onOne of Australia's governments is considering the idea of a minister for as a new . or signup to continue reading NSW is conducting a state inquiry into as it has become a public health issue following the pandemic. Groundswell Foundation chairman Martin Blake said the impacts of loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes or having six alcoholic drinks per day. "Loneliness has a measurable economic impact - in Australia, the healthcare costs associated with loneliness are estimated at up to $2.7 billion each year in a 2021 report from Curtin University," he said. A - filed for the inquiry - suggested Australia appoint a minister for social connectedness, similar to Japan and the UK's ministers for loneliness, to help raise the topic as a priority issue. Part of the isolation is not knowing how to get help. More than 130 submissions were submitted for the inquiry from organisations including , , , and . VIEW Club's submission said women in its clubs report lower levels of depression and anxiety. "The strong social ties formed within these clubs contribute to better physical health, lowering the risk of chronic diseases and easing the overall burden on healthcare systems," it said. State mental health minister Rose Jackson said besides being an emotional experience, loneliness has profound impacts on people's mental and physical health. "While some people call loneliness the silent epidemic, it doesn't have to be suffered in silence. If you are experiencing loneliness, please speak up and reach out," she said. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare analysis of (HILDA) data showed in 2022, one in six people aged 55-64, and in 65+ felt lonely. Councillor Drew Staunton is a volunteer facilitator of Chatty Cafe, a charity-based initiative that aims to increase social interactions between people in communities. While he was undecided about whether a dedicated Loneliness Minister might help, he did call for more funding to promote and advertise existing services that connect people. "I think part of the isolation is not knowing how to get help," he said. He hosts a table at a cafe inside the Upper Coomera Centre on the Gold Coast each Thursday at 10am for about an hour, where anyone can sit and chat with others. Mr Staunton said people who are socially isolated, feel bewildered, or have experienced loss, can go along for a "good chat with some lightheartedness [and] try and make some friendships." "There's a lot of gratitude and a lot of relief that they can come and just have a chat with someone ...[about] what's happening for them," he said. Mr Staunton said the benefit of being in a group scenario was potentially meeting someone and befriending them. "That can be one of the major factors on recovery and getting better... or feeling normal, when someone else has been through something similar and they've come out the other side, and they're OK and they can empathise with you," he said. Mr Staunton said the modern means of communication didn't help mature Australians with loneliness and social isolation. "Back in their heyday, things were different and it's social media and everything has changed so much now," he said. "Sometimes it's hard to articulate and move forward if you're not familiar with that sort of technology." While some people call loneliness the silent epidemic, it doesn't have to be suffered in silence. Bobby Blake, 66, of Upper Coomera, is a full-time carer to her partner, who lives with dementia. She goes to Drew's Chatty Cafe as an opportunity to mingle and relax with others. "It can be quite difficult to get out about and socialise, so something like the Chatty Cafe is a good platform to meet people," she said. 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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen may be hard-pressed to top 4,000 yards passing for a fifth consecutive season. And that’s not a bad thing. As much as the five-time defending AFC East champion Bills (12-3) rely on Allen to run what’s still a highly productive offense that’s averaging 31.3 points per outing, a James Cook-led running attack has provided Buffalo an added dimension. Take Buffalo’s 24-21 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday, for example. In a first half in which the defense struggled to get the Pats off the field and Allen went 9 of 17 for 78 yards, Cook injected the necessary spark with a 46-yard touchdown run in helping Buffalo rally from a 14-0 deficit. The touchdown was Cook’s 14th rushing of the season, moving him into a tie for the NFL lead entering Monday. And it was Buffalo’s 29th TD rushing of the season, matching the team record set in 2016. Allen’s passing numbers have dipped — he’s averaging 237 yards per outing, as opposed to 284 in 2020 when he shattered the Bills single-season record. The run game has picked up the slack. Buffalo is averaging 366.5 yards per outing — down slightly from last season (374.5). And yet it hasn’t dented the team’s record. The Bills have 12 wins for the eighth time in team history, and third since 2020. This is the balance coach Sean McDermott not only envisioned, but demanded when changing offensive coordinators midway through last season by replacing Ken Dorsey with Joe Brady. McDermott has always emphasized his belief of games being won at the line of scrimmage. And the Bills have been a different team with Brady overseeing the offense and incorporating six-man fronts to help open holes for the running game. Buffalo’s running attack takes the pressure off Allen having to win games with his arm. It also gives the Bills a ball-control dimension to ease the load from a patchwork and injury-depleted defense , which should be McDermott’s most pressing concern entering the playoffs. The defense — missing four starters including three in the secondary — overcame its depleted ranks against New England with takeaways on the Patriots first three possessions of the second half. The turnover run was capped by cornerback Taron Johnson falling on a loose ball for a touchdown to put the Bills ahead 24-14 with 10:10 left after rookie Drake Maye’s backward pass glanced off the hands of Rhamondre Stevenson. The Bills improved to 24-2 against quarterbacks with 16 or fewer starts since 2019. But that won’t matter much if Buffalo envisions a deep playoff run in an AFC bracket that already includes the experienced likes of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson. Meantime, McDermott has another growing concern on his hands involving a mistake-prone special teams unit. Three weeks ago, in a 44-42 loss to the Rams, Buffalo couldn’t muster a punt block in the final seconds because it only fielded nine players. Against New England, the Patriots caught Buffalo sleeping with a fake punt to convert a fourth-and-1 at its 23. “We got to do a better job there in making sure we get the right grouping on the field,” McDermott said, before acknowledging the decision fell on coordinator Matthew Smiley. Generating takeaways. The defense has forced a turnover in all but one outing this season. Buffalo enjoys a league-best 20-plus turnover differential entering Monday. An injury-depleted defense that allowed 379 yards to New England — the ninth time this season an opponent has topped 350 yards. In its past three games, Buffalo has allowed a combined 1,357 yards and 86 first downs, with opponents going 24 of 40 on third downs. Cook. The third-year running back’s 14 rushing TDs rank third on the team’s single-season list. Only Allen, with 15 last season, and O.J. Simpson, with 16 in a 14-game season in 1975, have more. Smiley. Special teams breakdowns continue to grow for a coordinator who was promoted to the job after Heath Farwell left Buffalo following a 42-36 OT loss to Kansas City in the 2021 playoffs. The Bills were second-guessed for kicking off into the end zone, allowing the Chiefs to gain 44 yards on two plays in the final 13 seconds to set up Harrison Butker’s game-tying 49-yard field goal. Allen hurt his throwing elbow but did not miss a snap. Buffalo’s defense was minus LB Matt Milano (groin), safeties Taylor Rapp (neck shoulder) and Damar Hamlin (ribs), and cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee). 4 — Number of times the Bills have finished with 13 wins. Have a chance to finish 8-0 at Orchard Park for just the second time in team history in closing their home schedule against the New York Jets on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — In some sports, playing three games in 11 days would be considered a lull in the schedule. Football is different — although this type of stretch is becoming more common in the NFL. “I just kind of put myself in a basketball perspective. Those guys play back to back, so I guess there’s a little merit behind us quote-unquote complaining about it, but they are playing 82 games,” Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said. “MLB players are playing 162 games, and we have 17, and we’re trying to fight them to go to 18 right now. I think it’s good in a sense that we’ll see who is most prepared down the stretch, and it’s really challenging for teams — everybody that’s involved.” The Ravens are one of the five teams that are about to go through a three-game, 11-day stretch. The Ravens, Chiefs, Steelers and Texans are playing Sunday, the following Saturday and then the Wednesday after that on Christmas. Chicago has a game this coming Monday night, then plays the following Sunday before a Thursday game on Dec. 26. Before this season, 21 teams in the Super Bowl era had played three games in 11 days, according to Sportradar. In 2024 there are nine stretches like that on the schedule. In addition to the five teams above, four others have already gone through a three-game, 11-day period. The Jets, Seahawks, Saints and Cowboys all had Monday-Sunday-Thursday runs like the Bears are about to face. The Jets and Cowboys managed to go 2-1 during those stretches, but the Seahawks and Saints went 0-3. “Try to win the first one, rest, try to get your body back how it should be,” Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson said. “If it’s not 100 percent, try to get it close as possible — just get ready to play football. That’s all.” For Baltimore, the easiest game of the three is in theory the first. As of Thursday afternoon, the Ravens were favored by 16 points at the New York Giants this weekend, according to BetMGM Sportsbook — but Baltimore has already lost to last-place teams like the Raiders and Browns this season. So the Ravens need to be careful not to overlook the lowly Giants. After the trip to New Jersey, Baltimore returns home to face Pittsburgh in a game that figures to be vital to the Ravens’ AFC North title hopes. Then there’s a road game against AFC South-leading Houston on Christmas. “The big picture is, ‘All hands on deck.’ We’re focused toward playing our best game so far on Sunday,” coach John Harbaugh said. “We’re going to need to do that, and that’s what we’re training and preparing to do. We have a plan for the three-game stretch, and that plan starts with Sunday.” The Ravens played on Christmas last year too, but that was on a Monday, so it wasn’t that big a change in the schedule. If there’s one factor in Baltimore’s favor this season, it’s that the Ravens had their open date last week — immediately before their rugged three-game stretch. But that meant Baltimore was among the last teams to have a week off. And the Ravens started earlier than almost anyone else, having been part of the NFL’s opening game against Kansas City. “We reported to camp earlier than everybody else for that Thursday night game, and I think KC had their bye a little while ago,” Hamilton said. “I guess we had the longest stretch, continuous, of anybody else. It’s just going to be that much better at the end of it all, when we do what we need to do, and we can look back on that and say, ‘We did that, and we came out and won these three games.’” ___ AP NFL:John Swinney admits girls are scared of using mixed-sex toilets over ‘fear of being photographed’

Led by a dynamic one-two punch, the Vernon (VSS) Panthers girls basketball team booked their spot in the annual Tsumura Basketball Invitational (TBI) quarterfinals. The TBI, hosted in Langley, features 64 of the best teams across B.C., split into two 16-team brackets. VSS was drawn against the Brittania Bruins from Vancouver in the opener in the Select 16 bracket. After a back-and-forth battle, the Panthers eked out a 67-58 victory. Leading the way for the Panthers was the Grade 11 duo of Adie Janke and Chloe Collins, who combined for 43 of the team's 67 points. Janke's 23 points came off of three triples and numerous clutch buckets in the late fourth quarter as the Panthers clawed their way back down 56-53 with four minutes to go. Through six games so far this year, the Panthers are without a loss. They will look to continue that streak on Thursday, when they play the South Delta Sun Devils in the quarterfinals after the Sun Devils won, 84-58, over the Centennial Centaurs from Coquitlam. Two other Okanagan teams are playing in the tournament, the Okanagan Mission (OKM) Huskies and the Kelowna Secondary School Owls, competing in the Super 16 bracket. The Huskies were humbled, 60-48, by Surrey's Holy Cross Crusaders, while the Owls won a close one, 57-56, against St. Michaels University School from Victoria. KSS plays the Brookswood Bobcats out of Langley next, at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday.NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Coach Brian Callahan is sticking with Mason Rudolph at quarterback for a second straight game to see if the Tennessee Titans can build on the veteran who's played in four of their highest scoring games this season. Callahan said Tuesday that he thinks Rudolph earned another chance to play despite a 38-30 loss to Indianapolis. “Obviously the one interception was probably his only really poor moment," Callahan said. "The rest of it was pretty well executed on his part and operated in a drop-back passing game and had to fight his way back through it. And it was good to see, so we’ll let him take another crack at it.” Rudolph is 2-4 in the six games he's played in this season. That includes coming in for an injured Will Levis on Sept. 30 in a 31-12 win at Miami , and he tried to rally the Titans in a turnover-plagued 37-27 loss to Cincinnati before being selected as the starter last week. Rudolph, who is in Tennessee on a one-year deal, was 23 of 34 for 252 yards with two touchdown passes and three interceptions. One went off running back Tony Pollard's hands with the final pick coming on the last play of the game after Rudolph led a rally from a 38-7 deficit in the final 18 minutes. Rudolph's ability to avoid sacks is a key piece of sticking with him over Levis, the 33rd pick overall in the 2023 draft. The quarterbacks' stats are similar with Rudolph having eight TD passes and eight interceptions, completing 63.8% of his passes with a 78.8 passer rating. That’s similar to Levis completing 63.7% of his passes with 12 TD passes and 12 interceptions. But Levis has been sacked 40 times compared to just seven for Rudolph. “He’s got the ability to avoid the negative play when it comes to sacks," Callahan said of Rudolph. “He gets the ball out. He knows where to go with it quickly.” That means Rudolph gets a chance Sunday when the Titans (3-12) visit the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12) to see if he can guide the offense to more than the six points Levis managed against their AFC South rival in a 10-6 loss on Dec. 8 in Nashville. Rudolph said he knows he put the Titans defense in a bad spot with some turnovers. "I’m ready to prove that I can take care of the ball better and keep scoring points,” Rudolph said. Holiday adjustment The Titans held a walk-through Tuesday with Callahan giving the team Wednesday off for Christmas. An injury report won't be released until Wednesday, and Callahan said it'll likely be lengthy. RG Dillon Radunz, who was knocked out of last week's game with an injury, will be on that report. Lineman Jaelyn Duncan, who hurt a hamstring badly enough early in his first start at right tackle Oct. 20 that he wound up on injured reserve , will be available. Callahan said he is excited to see Duncan play. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press

The finale of Shrinking Season 2 is just around the corner. The finale episode will begin streaming on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, exclusively on Apple TV+. ET Year-end Special Reads Gold outshines D-St with 20% returns, but 2025 may be different The year of the pause: How RBI maneuvered its policy in 2024 2024, the year India defeated China's salami-slicing strategy While fans are excited for the conclusion of the comedy-drama’s extended second season, the holiday release timing has sparked mixed reactions. For viewers juggling Christmas festivities, the release schedule offers some flexibility. Apple TV+ drops episodes at 12 a.m. ET, which translates to 11 p.m. CT on Tuesday, December 24, or 9 p.m. PT for those on the West Coast, as mentioned in a report by Showsnob. This means some fans might sneak in an early watch on Christmas Eve, avoiding the busier Christmas Day schedules. Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Collaborative AI Foundations: Working Smarter with Machines By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Legal Complete Guide to AI Governance and Compliance By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Web Development 12-Factor App Methodology: Principles and Guidelines By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Web Development Maximizing Developer Productivity: The Pomodoro Technique in Practice By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader View Program What to Expect in the Finale As Season 2 approaches its conclusion, several unresolved storylines promise an emotional and dramatic finale. Jimmy continues to struggle with his emotional turmoil, facing a strained relationship with his daughter Alice, who remains close to Louis, as per a report by Showsnob. Meanwhile, Gaby finds herself at odds with Derek2 following a significant fight, compounded by her mother's insistence on moving in with her. Other key characters are also grappling with pivotal changes. Sean is ready to move out and find his own place, while Brian and Charlie are preparing for the arrival of their baby. Fans are also deeply concerned about Paul’s declining health, which has been a major emotional arc this season. Given the complexity of these storylines, viewers can expect a mix of heartfelt moments and drama, capped off by a likely cliffhanger. Fortunately, fans can take solace in knowing that Shrinking has already been renewed for a third season, promising a continuation of the beloved characters’ journeys. A Supersized Second Season Unlike its debut season, which featured 10 episodes, Shrinking Season 2 expanded to 12 episodes. The additional episodes have allowed the series to dive deeper into its characters and their relationships, exploring a broader range of emotional and comedic arcs, as mentioned in a report by Showsnob. The show’s mix of humor and heartfelt storytelling has been widely praised, with Season 2 delving into themes of personal growth, grief, and family dynamics. The extended runtime has proven beneficial in building on the foundations laid in Season 1, giving fans a richer narrative experience. Looking Ahead to Season 3 While the finale will likely leave fans with a cliffhanger, there’s plenty to look forward to in Shrinking Season 3. The renewal ensures that the show’s intricate character arcs and unresolved conflicts will continue to unfold. FAQs Is Shrinking Season 2 over? The Season 2 finale of Shrinking is set to premiere on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, exclusively on Apple TV+. Is there a season 3 of Shrinking? The return of Shrinking for Season 3 is no longer in doubt—it’s simply a matter of when. The series was officially renewed for a third season, with the announcement made public just one day after the premiere of Season 2 (as reported by Deadline ). ET Year-end Special Reads An Indian's guide to moving abroad as the world looks for 'better' immigrants The year of the HNIs: How India's rich splurged in 2024 (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Ravens coach John Harbaugh briefly addressed Diontae Johnson's future with the team during a Monday press conference.

President-elect Donald Trump has once again suggested he wants to revert the name of North America’s tallest mountain — Alaska's Denali — to Mount McKinley, wading into a sensitive and about what the peak should be called. Former President Barack Obama changed the official name to Denali in 2015 to reflect the as well as the preference of many Alaska residents. The federal government in recent years has endeavored considered disrespectful to Native people. “Denali” is an Athabascan word meaning “the high one" or “the great one.” A prospector in 1896 dubbed the peak “Mount McKinley” after President William McKinley, who had never been to Alaska. That name was formally recognized by the U.S. government until Obama changed it over opposition from lawmakers in McKinley's home state of Ohio. Trump suggested in 2016 that he might undo Obama's action, but he dropped that notion after Alaska's senators objected. He raised it again during a rally in Phoenix on Sunday. “McKinley was a very good, maybe a great president,” Trump said Sunday. “They took his name off Mount McKinley, right? That’s what they do to people.” Once again, Trump's suggestion drew quick opposition within Alaska. “Uh. Nope. It’s Denali,” Democratic state Sen. Scott Kawasaki posted on the social platform X Sunday night. , who for years pushed for legislation to change the name to Denali, conveyed a similar sentiment in a post of her own. “There is only one name worthy of North America’s tallest mountain: Denali — the Great One,” Murkowski wrote on X. Various tribes of Athabascan people have lived in the shadow of the 20,310-foot (6,190-meter) mountain for thousands of years. McKinley, a Republican native of Ohio who served as the 25th president, was assassinated early in his second term in 1901 in Buffalo, New York. Alaska and Ohio have been at odds over the name since at least the 1970s. Alaska had a standing request to change the name since 1975, when the legislature passed a resolution and then-Gov. Jay Hammond appealed to the federal government. Known for its majestic views, the mountain is dotted with glaciers and covered at the top with snow year-round, with powerful winds that make it difficult for the adventurous few who seek to climb it. Rush reported from Portland, Oregon.B.C. ballers compete at Langley high school tournamentKroger Announces Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer Succession

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