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taya 777 online casino real money On Dec. 23, I made a year-end resolution. For the remaining nine days of the year, I won’t be touching a single drop of alcohol. When friends commented that this quest was quite unrealistic given all the upcoming parties, I reasoned that I don’t like alcohol anyway— especially the debilitating headache that I always get from a hangover even if I only had one drink. I was successful for a grand total of 24 hours. At “noche buena,” one of my cousins brought a bottle of Limoncello—a drink I genuinely love— and my year-end resolution was immediately discarded and demoted to a humorous holiday-related anecdote. This episode is typical of people’s various resolutions as the year changes. Due to what psychologists call the “fresh start effect,” individuals are more inclined to pursue positive changes following temporal landmarks such as birthdays or, in this case, the end and start of a year. However, as many of us know from personal experience (and confirmed by research), many of these pursuits toward self-betterment often falter and fail. The self-help industry has often trumpeted positive thinking as the key to achieving our goals. Proponents assert that we will be more motivated and focused if we just take the time to properly visualize our desired outcome while engaging in encouraging self-talk. Positive thinking also includes telling other people about one’s plans. They claim that sharing our resolutions with others enables us to attract support and compels us to be more accountable. While these insights sound good in theory, they often fall short in practice. For instance, a study conducted among hip replacement surgery patients found that the more they imagined themselves having a smooth recovery, the less motivated they were to move their new joints. Another study found that the more overweight individuals imagined a thinner version of themselves, the less success they had in losing weight. Dr. Gabriele Oettingen, a renowned psychology professor and researcher, argues that our hyperfixation on positive thinking is actually what could be hindering us from reaching our aspirations. After 20 years of researching the impact of positive thinking on people’s lives, Oettingen discovered that when people imagine themselves attaining the future they want, they tend to hold on to the positive feelings that come with that image while neglecting the need to strategize and mobilize. She also highlighted that telling others about our plans could make us less likely to do it consistently. Since we have already received social affirmation for our intention to act, many might no longer feel motivated to put in the actual work. As an alternative, Oettingen suggests practicing a concept she calls “mental contrasting.” This cognitive strategy focuses on helping an individual visualize their desired goals and imagine how it feels like to attain them while simultaneously acknowledging the obstacles that may hinder their achievement. The strength of the mental contrasting technique lies in its ability to promote a more pragmatic kind of optimism. By envisioning both the positive aspects of achieving a goal and the potential difficulties, one also becomes more proactive in developing actionable plans to overcome them. Mental contrasting also helps people see how their habits contribute to obstacles. This translates into concrete behavioral changes and a stronger sense of responsibility for their progress and challenges. Oettingen crafted the “Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan” or the WOOP goal-setting strategy to guide individuals on operationalizing mental contrasting in their day-to-day lives. It starts with identifying your Wish or what you want to accomplish, imagining the best Outcome from this goal, reflecting on the Obstacles that could keep you from completing it, and then developing a Plan using if-then statements that outline how one will overcome those barriers. Subsequent studies have shown that mental contrasting effectively facilitates behavior change across various contexts, from helping students perform better academically and enabling professionals to reach their career objectives to assisting individuals to achieve desired health-related behaviors (e.g., weight loss and smoking cessation). This approach is particularly relevant in my work with low-income communities. Given that many of our scholars routinely encounter various poverty-related barriers to success, we have always incorporated Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset in our lessons—encouraging students to embrace challenges and setbacks as a necessary component of learning and growth. While this is a good start, teaching them mental contrasting concretely helps them to navigate circumstance-specific barriers better. The beauty of mental contrasting is that it doesn’t diminish the power of hope or optimism; it grounds them in reality and action. As we prepare to welcome a new year, it is worth reflecting on how we could embrace this approach to guide the success of our goals and for all those we mentor. —————- [email protected] Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .

Researchers achieve near-unity quantum efficiency in 2D photon emitters

The Biden administration is preparing to initiate a trade investigation into Chinese semiconductor imports, aiming to safeguard US national security and domestic industries. The move, expected in the coming days, focuses on older-model semiconductors, which are widely used in products such as medical devices, cars, smartphones, and weaponry, according to sources familiar with the matter. Section 301 Investigation into Unfair Trade Practices Officials have debated for months whether to proceed with the probe under Section 301 , which allows the US to impose trade restrictions on countries engaging in unfair trade practices. This week, the administration agreed to move forward, marking a significant step to shield the US semiconductor industry. The inquiry could lead to tariffs or import restrictions but is unlikely to conclude until President-elect Donald Trump’s team assumes office. By initiating the investigation now, the Biden administration ensures the incoming leadership will have the option to impose measures to protect domestic semiconductor production. White House Focus on Semiconductor Industry Bolstering the US semiconductor industry has been a central focus of Biden’s economic and national security policies. The administration has taken steps to limit advanced US technology exports to China while promoting domestic chip production through significant legislative incentives. “The Biden administration’s resolve to protect national interests has paved the way for this probe,” a source indicated, underscoring the critical role semiconductors play in national security and economic competitiveness. Global Competition and Concerns over Market Disruption Over the past two years, the US has imposed export controls on advanced semiconductors produced with American and allied technology. However, China has continued to manufacture older, more accessible chips at lower costs, raising concerns that Beijing could flood global markets with inexpensive semiconductors. Officials worry this strategy could drive US and allied manufacturers out of business, undermining efforts to expand domestic semiconductor production. In May 2024 , the White House announced plans to increase tariffs on Chinese legacy semiconductors from 25% to 50% by 2025. Despite this, Biden officials determined additional measures were necessary to prevent long-term disruptions. Looking Ahead: Incoming Trump Administration The upcoming trade probe aligns with a broader effort to curtail China’s influence in global semiconductor markets. As Biden’s term concludes, his administration’s decision ensures President-elect Trump’s team will have actionable findings and the authority to impose new tariffs or restrictions. By leveraging the same trade authority Trump previously used to impose tariffs on $300 billion worth of Chinese goods, Biden’s move underscores the bipartisan concern about China’s role in global technology markets and national security. The impending investigation highlights ongoing US efforts to counter Beijing’s trade practices while promoting domestic semiconductor production. With national security at stake, the Biden administration’s decision sets the stage for the next administration to address challenges in the global semiconductor industry. Read More : Elon Musk’s Net Worth Reaches Historic $500 Billion

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singhdeo and Pravati Parida and Ministers are scheduled to visit different districts tomorrow to assess loss of crops due to unseasonal rain. As per reports, subsequent to the review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister today in the CM’s Conference Hall of Lok Seva Bhawan to assess the loss of crops due to unseasonal rain since 20 of December 2024, the following arrangement has been made for district visit of the CM, Deputy CMs and Ministers on December 29, 2024 that is tomorrow. Reportedly, CM Mohan Majhi and Suresh Pujari, Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management will visit Ranapur in Nayagarh district, Gosani of Gajapati district and Rangeilunda/ Chhatrapur of Ganjam district. Similarly, Deputy CM KV Singhdeo will visit Cuttack and Jagatsinghpur districts. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida will visit Bhadrak and Balasore district. Besides, Krushna Chandra Patra, the Minister of Food Supply and Consumer Welfare, Science and Technology will visit Kendrapara and Jajpur. Also, Pradeep Bal Samanta, the Minister of Cooperation, Handloom and Textile will visit Khordha.

Stock market today: Dow hits another record as stocks rise( MENAFN - The Peninsula) AFP Centurion, South Africa: An emotional Temba Bavuma hailed the character of his team after South Africa qualified for the World Test championship final with a dramatic two-wicket win over Pakistan on the fourth day of the first Test at SuperSport Park on Sunday. Needing 148 to win, South Africa crashed to 99 for eight owing to superb bowling by Mohammad Abbas. But Kagiso Rabada turned batting hero as he and Marco Jansen took South Africa to victory with an unbeaten ninth wicket partnership of 51. Rabada, so often a match-winner as a bowler, went on the attack as a batsman, hitting an unbeaten 31 off 26 balls, while Jansen provided solid support in making 16 not out. "It is an emotional moment for me," South African captain Bavuma said at the post-match presentation. "As a team, we have overcome a lot. We haven't been super-dominant with our performances, we haven't been ruthless but we have always found a way to ensure the result was on our side. "Today was testament to that. It speaks a lot to the talent and character of the group." South Africa's win meant that only one of Australia and India can qualify for the final at Lord's in June. Pakistan captain Shan Masood said he was proud of the effort of his players but lamented the failure to take ruthless advantage of their opportunities. "Twice we had them eight down and with the bat we could have extended our first innings and could have extended our lead (in the second innings). We have to learn to seize the moments." 'The only spike' Masood said Abbas, playing in his first Test in more than three years, had been "sensational". The 34-year-old Abbas took a career-best six for 54. He bowled unchanged for 19.3 overs -- four of them on Saturday when he took his first two wickets -- in a spell of unremitting accuracy on a pitch which gave seam bowlers help throughout the match. Man of the match Aiden Markram and Bavuma batted solidly at the start of the day after resuming on 27 for three. However, Markram was bowled by Abbas for 37 by a virtually unplayable ball which kept low and seamed back off the pitch. Bavuma and David Bedingham added another 34 runs until Bavuma uncharacteristically charged down the pitch at Abbas and was given out caught behind for 40. He walked off immediately but Ultra Edge technology showed the only 'spike' was when the ball brushed his trouser pocket. It was the first of four wickets which fell for three runs in 12 balls. Naseem Shah bowled Kyle Verreynne and Abbas had Bedingham and Corbin Bosch caught behind off successive deliveries. Rabada and Jansen saw South Africa through to lunch at 116 for eight -- then polished off the match in just 5.3 overs after the interval, with each stroke cheered by the home spectators. Both sides have a short break before they meet for the second and final Test in Cape Town on January 3. MENAFN29122024000063011010ID1109039795 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

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PickMe’s partnership with Moratuwa University to boost logistics sectorATLANTA (AP) — the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. years old. The died on Sunday, more than a year after entering , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, who , spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, and well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A president from Plains A moderate Democrat, as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. And then, the world Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of . He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” ‘An epic American life’ Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, . He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. A small-town start James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. , would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. ‘Jimmy Who?’ His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Accomplishments, and ‘malaise’ Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. ‘A wonderful life’ At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” . “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” ___ Former Associated Press journalist Alex Sanz contributed to this report. Bill Barrow, The Associated PressPublished 5:03 pm Saturday, December 28, 2024 By Data Skrive The Alabama State Hornets (4-8, 0-0 SWAC) meet a fellow SWAC team, the Jackson State Tigers (0-12, 0-0 SWAC), on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center. The game will start at 4:30 PM ET and you can watch via SWAC Digital Network. Looking for men’s college basketball tickets? Head to StubHub today and see your team live. Catch tons of live college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle. Watch college basketball, other live sports and more on Max. Use our link to sign up today. Watch men’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up.

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Rabada Unlikely Batting Star As South Africa Edge Pakistan In ThrillerTottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is supposedly under no immediate threat of the sack, but the Spurs board could rethink their decision if the team lose a crucial knockout tie next year. After taking the most points of any manager in their first 10 Premier League games in charge last season, the former Celtic treble winner has overseen a miserable 2024-25 domestic campaign to date. Spurs' 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day was their fourth defeat from their last five Premier League matches, a dampening run that has left them 12th in the top-flight standings approaching the halfway point. Tottenham came agonisingly close to qualifying for the Champions League last season, but they are already 11 points off the top four and six back from Newcastle United in the Europa League position. However, the Lilywhites are in a respectable ninth place in the Europa League table and are just 180 minutes away from the EFL Cup final, as they prepare to face Liverpool in a two-legged semi-final in 2025. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy committed to a long-term project when he hired Postecoglou, who is under contract until 2027, and the Daily Mail reports that there are no immediate plans to sack the Australian despite Tottenham's dismal Premier League run. The powers-that-be have apparently stressed that performances and results must improve in the near future, though, and the EFL Cup semi-final with Liverpool could be make or break for Postecoglou. Should Tottenham lose to Arne Slot 's men over two legs, and they show no signs of a revival in the Premier League, Postecoglou's job could come under serious threat as the season hits its business end. The 59-year-old has won 50% of his games in charge of the Lilywhites, who have been victorious in 34 of their 68 competitive matches under his wing, while drawing a further 10 and losing 24. Spurs close out 2024 with a home Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon, where Postecoglou's team could set two unwanted firsts with defeat . Spurs fans pleading for attacking football to return to North London saw their prayers answered when Postecoglou took the reins, as the Lilywhites faithful were forced to witness their side stagnate during the latter stages of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte 's ill-fated reigns. However, as scintillating and merciless as Tottenham can be on the attacking front, their gung-ho approach under the Australian leaves room for defensive calamities - see their recent home matches against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. If Spurs' 4-1 loss to Chelsea in 2023 - where they persisted with an aggressive approach with nine men - taught us anything, it is that Postecoglou will not compromise on his principles, but such an approach has already seen one managerial casualty this season. Ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin was accused of failing to adapt his methods when the situation called for it and paid for it with his job, but Postecoglou has had to deal with a raft of injury problems this season; he may not even have one fit senior centre-back available against Wolves. Sacking the 59-year-old would also have negative financial consequences for Tottenham given the length of his contract, so unless Spurs are sliding towards the relegation zone and Postecoglou still refuses to change his ways, Levy ought to stick rather than twist.

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ALBANY 93, PUERTO RICO-MAYAGUEZ 50