nba sports betting picks

nba sports betting picks

Even in this banner season for military academy football — complete with winning streaks, national rankings and a conference championship — the biggest goal remains the same. For Army: Beat Navy. For Navy: Beat Army. With the college football landscape changing at a furious rate, the significance of this matchup adds a dose of tradition to mid-December, amid all that talk about the transfer portal and the new expanded playoff. "We've had a good year. You make it a great year by winning this game coming up on Saturday. Frankly, that's just the way it goes around here," Army coach Jeff Monken said. "It's a game and a season really all of its own. We don't apologize for talking about it all the time. We talk about it all the time, and it's 365 days a year." Saturday in Landover, Maryland, is the 125th matchup between Army and Navy, and although these two programs are long removed from their days winning national titles and Heisman Trophies, this is a historic moment in the rivalry. The Black Knights and Midshipmen have combined for 19 wins this season, their highest total ever entering this game. Army (11-1) is ranked 19th in the AP poll after beating Tulane last week to win the American Athletic Conference — the first league title of any kind in the team's 134-year history. Navy (8-3) was ranked as well earlier this season after starting with six straight victories. "I knew we were going to be an improved football team," Navy coach Brian Newberry said. "Didn't know exactly what that was going to look like. I think certainly we've improved in a lot of different areas. I'm excited about the season we've had." This was Army's first season in the AAC, putting the Black Knights and Midshipmen in the same league, although their annual matchup is considered a nonconference game. For a while, there was a chance the teams could meet twice, with a conference championship clash coming before the regularly scheduled Army-Navy game, but that didn't happen. Their most prominent common opponent came from outside the league. Notre Dame handed both Navy and Army its first loss, beating the Midshipmen 51-14 and the Black Knights 49-14. Within the AAC, both teams beat Temple, UAB and East Carolina. Army beat Tulane and Rice and Navy lost to those two teams. Army and Navy also each won its nonconference game against Air Force. Those victories over Air Force mean this season's Commander-In-Chief's Trophy comes down to the Army-Navy game. It's the first time since 2017 that both teams enter this game with a shot at the trophy. It's also the first time since 2017 that both teams enter the game with bowl bids secured. Navy faces Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl and Army takes on Marshall in the Independence Bowl. This year's Army-Navy game is at the Washington Commanders' home stadium in Landover. It was also held there in 2011. This is the first time the game has been in Maryland since Baltimore hosted it in 2016. Baltimore is also up next in 2025. Army quarterback Bryson Daily has 29 rushing touchdowns this season, which is tied for the FBS lead with running back Ashton Jeanty, Boise State's Heisman finalist. Only one QB in FBS history has run for more TDs in a season than Daily. That was Navy's Keenan Reynolds, with 31 in 2013. "You come here to play in this game. The biggest stage possible, millions of people watching and a sold-out NFL stadium. It's awesome," Daily said. "None of the games that happened before this matter. We're going into this game like we're 0-0, they're 0-0 because that's just how you have to come into this game." Navy's closest game this season — win or lose — was a 56-44 win over Memphis. The Midshipmen are the only FBS team that hasn't had a game this season decided by eight points or fewer. AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Ex-DC Police Officer Became 'Double Agent' for Proud Boys: Prosecutor

Breaking into New Financial Terrain NVIDIA Corporation, a powerhouse in the GPU industry, remains at the forefront of investor discussions globally. Known for remarkable stock performance, NVIDIA captivates both seasoned and new investors. Understanding its market intricacies has become crucial with the revolution of real-time stock monitoring—a tool reshaping how investors approach this tech giant. Transformative Real-Time Tracking Thanks to innovative financial tech, monitoring NVIDIA’s stock has transformed significantly. Investors now enjoy immediate access to key financial data, enabling nimble responses to market volatility. This shift to real-time data tracking provides a competitive advantage, allowing for fast-paced decision-making in today’s rapidly shifting markets. Diverse Growth Avenues NVIDIA is strategically expanding beyond its core gaming segment, attracting investor interest in several growth areas: – AI and Deep Learning: By spearheading AI initiatives, NVIDIA fortifies its growth potential, leading to robust investor confidence. – Data Center Innovations: As data management needs rise, NVIDIA’s advancements in data centers seize emerging opportunities. – Self-Driving Tech: Entering the automotive sector with advanced solutions, NVIDIA is setting trends and gaining favorable market forecasts. Navigating New Opportunities Real-time monitoring offers both strategic benefits and challenges: – Pros: Immediate reaction abilities enhance gain potential, while comprehensive, updated data supports complex decisions. – Cons: The vast data flow can overwhelm, necessitating skilled navigation to avoid rash decision-making. Moving Forward As NVIDIA continues to innovate, sustaining its growth trajectory becomes intertwined with efficient real-time monitoring. This crucial tool not only assists in present analysis but predicts future trends, making it essential for investors to track NVIDIA’s strategic advancements closely. For further exploration, NVIDIA’s official website offers comprehensive insights into their ongoing developments. Unlocking NVIDIA’s Future: Trends, Innovations, and Market Dynamics The Rise of Real-Time Monitoring in Financial Markets In the fast-paced world of investment, real-time stock tracking has revolutionized how investors interact with companies like NVIDIA Corporation . This technological advancement has drastically changed the landscape, enabling investors to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently amid market uncertainties. By providing immediate access to crucial financial data, real-time monitoring has become a cornerstone tool for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in today’s volatile markets. Diversified Growth Beyond Gaming: NVIDIA’s Strategic Expansion While NVIDIA is renowned for its leadership in gaming graphics processing units (GPUs), the company’s strategic growth extends into several dynamic sectors, reinforcing its market position and attracting a new wave of investor interest: – Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning: NVIDIA’s significant investments in AI and deep learning technologies underscore its commitment to shaping the future of computing. This foresight positions the company as a leader in innovation, fostering a strong investor confidence in its potential growth. – Data Center Innovations: As the data economy expands, NVIDIA’s advancements in data center technology place it at the forefront of an essential industry. These innovations drive demand and open new revenue streams, reflecting NVIDIA’s adaptability to emerging market needs. – Self-Driving Automotive Technology: By venturing into autonomous vehicle technologies, NVIDIA is setting new industry standards. Its cutting-edge solutions in this field open up lucrative opportunities and highlight its capability to influence future mobility trends. Real-Time Monitoring: A Double-Edged Sword The benefits of real-time stock monitoring come with inherent challenges. On one hand, investors gain the ability to promptly respond to market shifts, leveraging instant data for optimal decision-making. The real-time flow of comprehensive data supports a strategic and analytical approach, crucial for navigating complex investment landscapes. Conversely, the sheer volume of data can be overwhelming. Investors must possess the skill and knowledge to sift through this information critically to prevent premature decisions that might arise from data overload. Key Predictions and Market Insights Looking ahead, NVIDIA’s continued innovation and adaptation to technology trends will be pivotal in maintaining its growth trajectory. Real-time data tracking will remain an indispensable tool for investors, enabling them to not only analyze current market positions but also forecast future developments and opportunities. Investors seeking detailed insights into NVIDIA’s strategy and market position are encouraged to explore the resources available on the company’s official site. With a wealth of information on ongoing projects and emerging technologies, the site serves as a valuable repository for understanding NVIDIA’s vision and its implications for the broader tech industry.AN ONLINE shopper was left mortified after her brand new kitten heels left her looking like Mrs Doubtfire. With the festive season in full swing, many fashionistas have been racing to get their hands on the perfect sparkly Christmas outfits - and amongst them is also mum Rebecca. The beauty lover, 34, already had a look in her mind for the festive get-together with her pals and went on ASOS to find a pair of heels to match the vibe. ''So I wanted some new shoes for my Christmas girls' night out this weekend and I thought I'll try some red pointy shoes.'' This is when she decided to check the online fast fashion giant where she found a pair of burgundy red kitten heels selling for £28. ''I'm wearing leather trousers, so you wouldn't be able to see the heels anyway,'' the mum-of-one shared her vision in the video . Unfortunately for the trendy make-up artist, when the heels finally arrived, they turned out to be an epic fail. ''I tried them on and it's giving Caitlyn Jenner / Mrs Doubtfire ,'' Rebecca left everyone in stitches, as she shared the hilarious photo on her page . Horrified by the purchase, the online shopper also tagged the brand in the caption, writing: ''@ASOS, keep them. ''Deffo don’t recommend,'' she warned fellow fashionistas to steer clear of the ''rancid'' heels. Since being posted on the platform, Rebecca's clip has taken the internet by storm, winning the mum a whopping 90k views. More than 100 viewers flooded to comments in total hysterics and one person had, fortunately, seen what the kitten heels looked like in person just in time. ''omg girl you saved me these were in my basket I just yeeted them out.'' ''Oh they’re .... They’re something,'' another was quite lost for words. ''It's giving Supernanny ,'' an eagle-eyed social media user joked. However, the red kitten heels appear to have sparked a fierce debate - as there were also plenty of those who liked the trend. ''I bought these and I love them,'' wrote one ASOS fan. ''Omg I love mine, now I’m sat here thinking was I deluded,'' another wondered. HERE are some of the best ways you can save and get the best prices at ASOS and other outlet stores. Save money with ASOS Flash Sales and promo codes Flash Sales are mini-sales that last anywhere between a couple of hours to a few days - such as the 'Sample Sale'. When one occurs, an ASOS promo code will often be advertised that can be used on a particular product or range. Flash Sales also happen around bank holidays and other 'special' days like Valentine's Day, Halloween and April Fools' Day. Get an ASOS birthday discount code When signing up to ASOS, or any retailer for that matter, make sure to put in all your personal details, including your birthday, for special rewards. If a retailer knows your birthday, they'll send you a code two weeks before for you to use on full-price items. Sign up to the ASOS newsletter Again, this doesn't just apply for ASOS, but signing up to newsletters keeps you in the loop with all the latest deals and discounts as soon as they're announced. By signing up, you're usually rewarded with a new customer promo code for money off your first purchase. Buy from the multipack section Multipack sections often go unnoticed but they're a lifesaver for saving money on wardrobe essentials. For example, a plain white ASOS DESIGN women's t-shirt costs £8* when bought by itself, but a pack of two t-shirts comes in at £15* and a pack of three comes in at £22*. Get cheaper delivery While it's understandable you wan't your new product as soon as possible, try and pay for the least expensive delivery option - even if it means waiting an extra day or two for it to arrive. ASOS offers free Standard Delivery (usually £4.50) on all purchases over £40, too. Find deals in the sales If you're looking for ASOS discounts, make sure you check the outlet. The ASOS Outlet is great for finding cheap out-of-season stock, just as you'd expect at a regular outlet shop. You can find items with huge discounts of up to 70%. This comes after ASOS made a major change to its return fees , sparking fury amongst shoppers. The online retailer started charging customers when they return items unless they spend a certain amount. UK shoppers who frequently return orders will be charged £3.95 unless they keep up to £40 of their order. The new rule, which has been introduced to crack down on serial returners, came into effect in October. Talk of the rule change has upset ASOS shoppers, with some even threatening to boycott the online store. Commenting on X, formally known as Twitter, one user wrote: "The problem for large returns is the fact half of your stock is ill-fitting and poor quality. "You’re another brand now alienating your loyal customers." "Well ASOS if you actually made clothes that fit so I wouldn’t need to buy multiple sizes we wouldn’t have that problem, consider me no longer a customer," posted another. While another wrote; "Did you [ASOS] consider that returner fee isolates customers who don't fit ideal body standards? "As a curvy girl, I have to order several sizes and often make returns as your sizing is not consistent, now I'm going to be charged for it? Way to make me feel bad about my body."

LION ELECTRIC REACHES DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT IN RESPECT OF THE SALE OF INNOVATION CENTER LOCATED IN MIRABEL, QUÉBECGitlab soars in afterhours on upbeat guidance, Q3 results beat; names new CEO

Asia’s gasoline margins climbed above $10 on Thursday, as overall demand continued to rise on the back of a seasonal jump. The crack jumped to $10.21 per barrel over Brent crude, from $9.09 on Wednesday. In naphtha, the margins climbed by $2.65 to $82.83 per metric ton over Brent crude. The backwardation between second-half January and second-half February narrowed to $1.75. Oil prices were mostly stable ahead of an OPEC+ meeting later in the day, with investors waiting to see what the producer group would do next on supply cuts while also monitoring geopolitical tension in the Middle East. The oilfield service sector is poised for more consolidation in 2025, according to Deloitte’s 2025 Oil and Gas Industry Outlook, with President-elect Donald Trump expected loosen regulations on the U.S. oil and gas industry. Singapore’s light distillate stocks rose by 691,000 barrels to a two-week high of 14.035 million barrels in the week ending Dec. 4, data from Enterprise SG showed. U.S. gasoline stocks rose by 2.4 million barrels to 214.6 million barrels, and distillate stockpiles USOILD=ECI rose by 3.4 million barrels 118.1 million barrels in the week ending Nov. 29, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. Two gasoline deal and no naphtha trade. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Haridas; Editing by Varun H K)Rockwell Automation Inc. stock outperforms competitors on strong trading dayABC has made the holiday season a little brighter thanks to The Great Christmas Light Fight . Season 12 is currently underway with more elaborate and unique displays. Even though Carter Oosterhouse has been judging for more than a decade, the longtime judge continues to be impressed. The construction expert and interior designer Taniya Nayak has the difficult task of deciding who out of the four families they visit in each episode takes home $50,000 and the coveted trophy. Here Oosterhouse talks about the show’s longevity and what his residence looks like during the holidays with his wife, actress Amy Smart . It’s amazing how this show has become such an annual holiday tradition for families to watch together. Carter Oosterhouse: The Great Christmas Light Fight is the gift that keeps on giving. The more we are on, the more people come up to me at the airport and reflect on how it’s a tradition for them. They tell me, “We know it’s Christmas time when we see this show come on air.” The family programming this embodies is so sweet and perfect for the holiday season. You have the holiday movies on, which are nostalgic and fun. This is a little bit different, yet gives the same moment for families to gather and have a nice little night at home. Disney/Jim Gensheimer How would you say your judging eye has evolved? That’s a good question. I think sometimes as a judge you don’t even realize how these displays continue to get better. And it’s not just bigger. It’s more than more lights. I always say I can pick the winner right when the lights go on, but that’s not always true because now what I’ve seen is the creativity level has skyrocketed. People are more and more creative than ever before. It’s not just about putting lights on a tree or making sure the balance is correct or the color profile is engaging and interesting. It’s really about creativity. What that means is people are starting to tell stories with their lights. That’s fascinating. In scripted or nonscripted TV, it’s all about telling a story. When you watch something, that is why you keep going back to it. Now these families with these light displays are telling stories. As the viewer, it’s so much more dynamic and interesting to the point you have to scratch your head and say, “I’m blown away. I’m shocked. Just when you think you’ve seen them all, you haven’t.” Technology has also advanced within these displays through computer programming and drones. The technology is there and every year it gets better. Sometimes we do have people who are extremely good with computers and putting light and synchronized lights together, but that’s not always the winner. I don’t want to say it’s usually not the winner, but it seems to me what I have learned is over time I go back to the creative ones. Those are going to be the winners. If they can throw tech in there, even better because it makes it faster, more efficient maybe, and more interesting to some degree. As far as technology goes, every year we’re seeing something different. The light fighters who have been doing it for decades and are at the forefront of this technology, really geek out over that. I do too. I love learning more about it. Then some people who are doing it for the first time knock your socks off because they have no frame of reference. They just want to do something they want to do and in their mind is really cool. I’m always amazed at the dedication of these participants. The light fighters work extremely hard. They are very diligent with what they are doing. The families are in the grind. When September comes around, they are starting to put their lights up and it’s all hands on deck. It’s a lot of work. As a judge too, I want to make sure I applaud them and give them the credit they deserve. It is impressive to see the lengths they go. These guys are beyond the next level. They know the drill. They take the kids to school, go to work, and then come home to start working on their display at all hours of the night. Then they get up the next day and do the same thing. The cool thing is I’d say 99 percent of the people are happy to do this for their community. That’s the best part. On your travels, have there been places you never thought about going but are glad you went? For Trading Spaces , we traveled all over the United States. I think that was the indoctrination of a really crazy travel schedule. I’d say the good thing is I can go back to some of these areas. To your point, I do get to see areas that have lit up these lights or sometimes they are theme parks because we do heavyweights as well. We get into bigger areas that have the capability of dressing it up. Those are eye-opening. I’m in this last round of shooting right now where there are plenty of places I’ve said, “I want to bring my daughter back here.” That’s a sign they’ve done a really good job. You and Taniya are solo judging in these episodes, but do you talk much? We touch base a couple of times during the season and before. It’s funny because it is all very similar for us. There is a progression of what these light fighters are doing. I always feel like I can figure it out if they are going to be a top tier when the lights go on. Lately, I feel as you’ve gotten into it, this is not what I expected at all and even better. That’s fun. Taniya and I have been on the same page with all that. Carter Oosterhouse and Amy Smart at “Common Ground” Screening. (Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images) Does this being known for this show put pressure on you at home to deliver a good display? Does Amy get you to work? Good question. It used to be my wife saying, “So what are we doing? Why aren’t we having any lights?” I say, “I am the judge of The Great Christmas Light Fight . I feel like I would not do a service and carry out the oath of being a judge and fail miserably putting lights up.” Usually, when I get home it’s a lot closer to Christmas. So, we do the inside. I’ve been trying to bring back things people make as a builder and duplicate them. There are a lot of makers out there. You see this guy who has been working in his workshop, who has this crazy Santa Claus walking up a ladder built on a timing system. I think that’s really cool that I want to go home and do that. So I have dabbled in those. You mentioned you’re filming right now for next year. Do you go back and watch the episodes airing as a family at home? We try to, absolutely, when I’m not shooting for next year. We critique. If my daughter is into it, I feel like I’m doing my job. There are tons of shows she can watch, especially during the holidays. I feel if she is into it, I’m doing alright. What’s your go-to Christmas movies to watch? Do you watch Amy’s movie Just Friends ? I feel sometimes people forget that is a Christmas movie. Just Friends , we do watch that. That is definitely a Christmas movie. We go back to all the nostalgic movies. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation , we run back through all that. Now there are all these shows, too. Like these Christmas baking shows. I feel like those are of interest to us too. I guess we’re finding shows I never thought I would watch and falling into. Also, being on a show this long, we’re so thankful it has been on the air this long and having such a successful run. You go through a rollercoaster of emotions. Right now, we’re doing great. It’s fun. It’s a new interest not just on the show but on Christmas too. It’s all about being loved ones. This experience has really helped me dive deeper into the whole Christmas world and look at it from other angles compared to when I first started on the show. Related 2024 Holiday TV Roundup: Full Schedules for NBC, CBS, ABC, More Anything you can tease about the episodes to come? There is one episode that is coming up, and what was really of interest was the coordination. Not just of the lights but things that these blow molds were doing within the light display. We see a lot of coordination from the tech world, but when you can take traditional elements and mix those into a newer feel, that was really impressive. There was this choir of blow molds in the show, and that was so dynamic because you think, “Wait? Are those blow molds singing to me now?” There was a ton of them. Not only was it visually interesting but to hear it was amazing. What do you want to see from the show moving forward? I do like the heavyweights. Those are really fun to shoot because they are on such a different level. It’s also the community is helping out as well. You just have more people involved. I’d like to see more of those to tell you the truth because there seems to be a lot more people, which creates a bigger energy. That’s not to say the homes don’t do that. We only do one of these types of episodes a year, but I’d love to see more of them. The Great Christmas Light Fight , Thursdays, 8/7c, ABC More Headlines: ‘Firefly’ Reunion! Who Will Be at Emerald City Comic Con 2025 for ‘Serenity’s 20th Anniversary? ‘Christmas Light Fight’ Host Carter Oosterhouse on Holiday Traditions, Marriage to Amy Smart & More Snoop Dogg Gives Daughter Pre-Wedding Pep Talk in E! Docuseries Sneak Peek (VIDEO) ‘Bold and the Beautiful’ Breakup? 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TimesLIVENASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have the slimmest of playoff hopes and must win out to have any chance of keeping them alive. Figuring out who they are would be a first step in the right direction. The Titans (3-9) also must bounce back from last week's ugly loss at Washington that cost this franchise yet another chance to string together consecutive wins for the first time in more than two years. “We know that this is a big opportunity for us to develop as a team and to create and to continue developing our identity,” quarterback Will Levis said. “And so we’re going to make sure that we do our best throughout these next few weeks to do that.” The Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10) lost Trevor Lawrence for the rest of the season after the hit he took from Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair in last week's 23-20 loss to Houston. Their already dim playoff hopes were extinguished Monday night when Denver won. That leaves the Jaguars playing for pride and potentially drafting No. 1 overall for the third time in five years. “It’s all about how you finish,” tight end Evan Engram said. “How we finish probably won’t erase the feeling we have of the season. But as the pride of this franchise, the pride of the team, it’s definitely worth going to finish strong and going to get some wins and fighting for that.” The Titans went into Washington with one of the NFL's stingiest defenses and wound up shredded, giving up a season-worst 267 yards rushing. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson said, “We can’t allow what happened last week to happen again.” Wide receiver Calvin Ridley says he's excited to see some old teammates Sunday and downplayed a question about how close Jacksonville's offer to keep him last March might've been when he chose to sign with division rival Tennessee instead. “Doesn't matter right now,” Ridley said. “I'm excited for this week. Jags come in here, play with my boys. I'm excited.” Ridley played one season with Jacksonville after the Jaguars traded for him . He had 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight TDs last season with the Jaguars. So far this season, Ridley has 43 receptions for 679 yards and three TDs. “I just know I'm going to be ready,” Ridley said. Jacksonville has lost 16 consecutive games when tied or trailing at halftime. It’s a complete flip from the 2022 season, in which the Jaguars rallied to beat Dallas, the Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee down the stretch to make the playoffs. The 20-16 victory against the Titans in the regular-season finale that year is the last time coach Doug Pederson’s team has come from behind to win after trailing or being tied at the break. Tennessee led 13-7 at the half in that one and was minutes from winning a third straight AFC South title . Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen needs 4 1/2 sacks to break the franchise record of 55 held by Tony Brackens. Hines-Allen has at least half a sack in four consecutive games against Tennessee, which has given up 43 sacks in 2024. “My family knows about it probably more than me,” Hines-Allen said. “My wife tells me all the time, ‘Hey, get that record. All you just need is four sacks.’ Like, you can just (get) four sacks. “I had a couple games last year where I had three, so I can’t say it’s out of the realm. But I never had four sacks; don’t know what it feels like to do that in one game. But hopefully speak it into existence.” Mac Jones will be starting at quarterback and is 0-2 with the Jaguars this season. He has one more interception (three) than touchdown passes (two) in five appearances. The Titans are looking to see if Levis can keep building on his strong play of the past month and start turning those into wins. Levis is 1-3 since returning from a strained throwing shoulder. He has seven TD passes with two interceptions for a 101.3 passer rating in his past four games. He also is completing 61.7% of his passes for 960 yards. “The cool thing right now for Will is that as we’ve corrected things, he’s corrected them,” Titans coach Brian Callahan said . “And that’s been really fun to watch as he’s made adjustments from game to game, sometimes even from in the game made an adjustment to a coverage or a read, and that part’s been good to see.” AP Pro Football Writer Mark Long in Jacksonville, Florida, contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Opinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes letters from readers online and in print each day. To contribute, click here . ••• Dick Schwartz’s Thanksgiving Day commentary, “The year a mother’s turkey encountered a son’s new vegetarian ways” was an utter delight. A wonderful and refreshing change from the usual holier-than-thou rants about progressive insanity or conservative evil. The rants are now tedious. This was the opposite to me. Uplifting, giving me a smile, and relatable. What son or daughter hasn’t gotten sideways with Mom because we did something young and stupid? Just a wonderful thing to read. Michael Heiser, Eden Prairie ••• I read with some perplexity the expressions of horror over suggesting that cannabis could be a part of Thanksgiving celebrations (Readers Write, Dec. 2). A simple substitution illustrates it better: “Apparently there are people who want to add the odor of [alcohol] to the smell of turkey and pumpkin pie. ... What will the safe dose be for the children at the feast? How will anyone keep the little ones away if everyone is so mellow? What will be the safe dose for the designated drivers driving, or staggering away, from grandmother’s house?” If you’re serving alcohol at your own Thanksgiving celebration, don’t presume to lecture others about cannabis. Steve Hoffmann, Anoka ••• First, to the Minnesota Star Tribune Editorial Board regarding a quote from “Thankful, mindful, hopeful, realistic” (editorial, Nov. 28): “Be thankful for free and fair elections, and for the peaceful transfer of presidential power that has endured throughout our nation’s history.” You all must have missed the insurrection and the unpeaceful transfer of power following the 2020 election. Second, I also agree with the writer of “Let’s take it a step further” (Readers Write, Nov. 28) that civics should be taught in schools. Marla Riemer, Maple Grove Keep holding Trump accountable There were two versions of Donald Trump’s call with Mexico. Thanks to the Minnesota Star Tribune for making this front-page news (”2 versions of Trump call with Mexico,” Nov. 29). MAGA media was already trying to promote Trump as a brilliant negotiator with his 25% tariff gambit, supposedly causing Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum to cave in to his demands. The truth is, Mexico had already responded to President Joe Biden’s negotiations that resulted in a 75% reduction in border apprehensions since December 2023. I trust the Star Tribune will also continue to call out Trump, the consummate credit-grabber, for claiming he is responsible for the infrastructure transformation, new factories being built, significant job gains and huge private investments that are the result of Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and CHIPS and Science Act. Please keep reminding people of all the promises that Trump made to the workers of this country that he will not keep, while he makes sure his billionaire buddies get their tax breaks made permanent. Roland Hayes, Shoreview ••• Why do I believe the president of Mexico is telling the truth and not the newly elected president of the United States. So, so sad. Four years of lies. Bill White, Eagan Bremer’s sale is good for Minnesota It’s disappointing that Evan Ramstad felt compelled to criticize the leaders of Bremer Bank for the announced sale to Old National Bank ( ”Bremer Bank’s inglorious ending,” Nov. 26). The Bremer management team has strong integrity and character and, importantly, expert judgment about what is best for the shareholders, employees and communities Bremer serves. While it’s easy to think prior arrangements that never had firm footing would have been better, litigation caused a change in approach, or remaining independent is better for Minnesota, Ramstad fails to address the fundamental shifts occurring in the banking industry. Progressing regulation, rapidly advancing technology and intense competition are leading all banks to re-evaluate their strategy, and consolidation is a critical element of improving scale that addresses the numerous environmental challenges. What is best for Minnesota is a solid and competitive banking sector, and I am confident Old National and Bremer will help ensure this. Benefiting from my 35-year career in banking, this is how Bremer’s shareholders, employees and communities will succeed. Elliot Jaffee, Minneapolis The writer is the former executive vice president of U.S. Bank. Well, I’m staying I have read with amusement the recent debate on the opinion pages between people vowing to either keep or cancel their subscriptions to the Star Tribune. It amazes me the degree to which people become exercised and the myriad subjects that push their buttons. Well, I’m staying. Even though the agenda and mission of the Star Tribune’s columnists and the great majority of the Editorial Board are anathema to me, I’m continuing to subscribe as a tip of the cap to the great Chinese general and military strategist Sun Tzu, who is credited with saying, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” I want to keep learning what you guys are up to. Phil Larsen, Dayton ••• I was initially confused about why a reader suggested the paper should try to make conservatives smile by covering stories about criminals, grocery prices and student loans ( “Switch up your coverage,” Readers Write, Nov. 30). However, I’m trying to lean into Becky Kennedy’s advice in her book “Good Inside” about making the MGI (most generous interpretation) about someone’s behavior. I’m going to assume the reader simply does not have time to read the entire paper every day. For example, on Nov. 29 the front page featured a picture of two siblings serving a meal to a guest at a homeless shelter who had two cats on their shoulders (”On Thanksgiving, furry family gets a seat at the table”). Big smile from my four-year-old daughter when I showed her. Strib Voices featured a couple celebrating fifty years of marriage and their meet-cute story ( ” ‘Where did you meet?’ It was my 157th visit to the Joint Bar, and it was Mary’s first ... “ ). Big smile from me, an unabashed romantic comedy lover. Below that article was a holiday memory of two young sisters from 1960 that I shared with my mom ( ”A Christmas lunch in Minneapolis, 64 years ago” ). She texted back saying it brought back a “feel good feeling” from her own childhood. If those were not enough, I find Arlo and Janis, F Minus, and Pearls Before Swine (notice I left out Doonesbury!) often bring a nonpolitical smile to my face most days. I believe there are plenty of subjects that would make folks across the political spectrum smile in this paper, if one is lucky enough to have the time. Joe Kennealy, Eden Prairie More than meets the tie I attended the recent Gophers-Nanooks hockey game that your paper reported as simply ending in a “tie” ( “U shoots plenty, settles for tie,” Nov. 30). This description understates a great match that went into double overtime and ultimately a shootout. As a grandfather who went with his grandsons, we witnessed an excitement that built throughout the overtime periods. While the game is officially recorded as a tie for NCAA tournament purposes, the teams played through additional overtime periods and a shootout to determine crucial conference points. This distinction explains why the score appeared as a tie in your reporting, despite the game’s dramatic extended conclusion. There’s no way that those of us at 3M Arena at Mariucci experienced a tie — we experienced a game that deserved nuanced coverage. Future reporting might better serve your readers by explaining both the official result and the exciting conclusion that determined conference points. Andy Halper, Edina