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Is Phillies Manager Joe Girardi Too Old-School For Even Philadelphia?

Philadelphia Phillies manager Joe Girardi told the Philly media that he won't reveal injury ... [+] information any more. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) ASSOCIATED PRESS Dont bash Joe. Not over this. Phillies manager Joe Girardi has been getting dissed in Philadelphia for behaving exactly like what the citys fanbase wanted: an old-school manager. A couple days ago, Girardi went alpha-dog with the local media after being asked why second baseman Jean Segura did not remain in the game after pinch-hitting Thursday. and he didnt care about playing nice-nice, telling the reporters on Zoom: Just so you guys know, were gonna approach this different. Ive talked to people in our organization ... just managers decision. And Im not gonna share whos available, or whos not available, because I think its somewhat unfair to us. Just like if you were going to do something, you wouldnt necessarily share it with a rival reporter. Some background: Girardi last weekend lied about the severity of Bryce Harpers wrist injury, saying Harpers day off was not injury-related. And soon the struggling Harper was placed on the IL. According to team sources, Girardi this week got the OK from team president Dave Dombrowski to not dispense any more injury news. Theres more... A little earlier this month, we saw something that felt so foreign so Dallas Green: a manager getting in the grill of his own player. Television cameras showed a dugout confrontation between Girardi and Segura, who just committed two errors. It wasnt Reggie Jackson vs. Billy Martin. But Girardi was barking in the players face, and at one point, Segura had to be restrained by coach Dusty Wathan. "That's a bench conversation, meant for the bench," said Girardi, who was asked about a half-dozen times about the incident. "You can ask all you want; you got everything you're going to get about it. I'm done with it." Take a look for yourself: So, Girardi is warring with the media and chewing out players in front of the world because hes ticked off that his injury-riddled team keeps sputtering. Mr. Cuddles himself, Gabe Kapler. Flashback: Two years ago, same player Segura dogged it out of the box, leading to Andrew McCutchen getting in a rundown, blowing out his knee and ending his season. And Kapler could not toss the salivating fanbase a crumb of criticism toward Segura, and the fans smashed Kapler for it. After Kapler got fired, Phillies fans demanded an old-school guy. They demanded a manager who didnt nurse players boo-boos. They demanded a guy who didnt have that perfect PR spin and smile. In essence, they demanded somebody who wasnt Kapler, who spoke of the wonders of analytics and gave out hugs as if it were kindergarten and not a major league baseball team. Quick little sidebar: The Yankees fired Girardi in 2017 for not connecting with his players. Yes, thats how Yankees general manager Brian Cashman termed it... Connecting. Thats an easy translation: Girardi was too old-school for the modern-day player, who apparently really, really needs a heart emoji to play baseball well. So this is Joe Girardi: old-school to the core, your kind of guy, Philadelphia.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonystitt/2021/05/29/is-phillies-manager-joe-girardi-too-old-school-for-even-philadelphia/

How long can the gold standard Browns offensive line stay together?

In one offseason, the Cleveland Browns turned a weakness into a strength. In 2019, the Browns had three out of their five positions on the offensive line struggling. Only veterans Joel Bitonio and J.C. Tretter played well and were seen as solid pieces for a few years. Then Kevin Stefanski was hired as the head coach and Andrew Berry was hired to run the front office. The team then brought in Bill Callahan, considered by many to be the best offensive line coach in the NFL, to help fix the weakness found in front of Baker Mayfield. When free agency opened up, Berry added Jack Conklin to fill one of the holes at tackle then used the Browns top draft pick to select Jedrick Wills to fill the other. Callahan was responsible for fixing the right guard spot with a number of players that were left on the roster. In the end, Callahan and company helped Wyatt Teller have the best year of his career and solidify the Browns offensive line with five good to great players. From three weaknesses to no weaknesses in one offseason leading Brian Baldinger of the NFL Network to have high praise for the Browns offensive line: Baldinger also dubbed the group The Union for how they work together on the field. While the team will have all five starters, and a solid group of depth players, back on the offensive line for 2021, the longevity of this specific group can be called into question. Wyatt Teller is scheduled to be a free agent after this upcoming season. Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin, and J.C. Tretter can be free agents after the following season with Tretter having a very small dead cap hit if cut after the 2021 season as well. Story continues Age could also start to catch up with the longest-tenured Browns offensive linemen. Both Bitonio and Tretter will play this season as 30-year-olds with free agency looing at the age of 32. The Browns seem to have started to plan for the future in the draft. Drew Forbes was drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL draft but sat out last season as a COVID-19 opt-out. Nick Harris was drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft and seen as a perfect fit for a zone-blocking scheme when drafted. This year, the team drafted James Hudson in the fourth round. Along with Wills, the Browns have four young guys who could be ready to take over if needed in the next few years. With Callahan in place, the team has to believe in their own ability to develop players as they go. At some point, the Browns wont be able to keep all of their players under contract especially at positions, like the offensive line, that can get quite expensive. Teller may be the first domino to drop if the team is unable to reach an extension after this year. Tretters fate could also be determined this upcoming offseason with Bitonio and Conklin coming up the following year. For 2020, the Cleveland Browns have the gold standard offensive line. While those five starters may not stay together for much more than this season, with Bill Callahan and young drafted players, the Browns might be well prepared for the future.

https://sports.yahoo.com/long-gold-standard-browns-offensive-134412274.html?src=rss

Is it time to give Obi Toppin some more minutes with Julius Randle?

Obi Toppin alley-oop dunk black uniform Hawks Game 2 The Knicks are facing a 2-1 hole heading into Game 4 in Atlanta on Sunday after another underwhelming offensive performance. New York shot 35.8% from the field as a team, and got nothing out of its two leading scorers - Julius Randle and RJ Barrett - who shot a combined 4--for-24 on the evening. Though plainly missing shots was part of the equation, nothing came easy to the Knicks on that end, and its clear a change is needed. The long awaited benching of Elfrid Payton was not enough to right the ship, and its unclear what aces Tom Thibodeau still has up his sleeve. One idea: run the Randle-Obi Toppin lineup. We saw close to none of it in the regular season, and we dont know if its made an appearance in practice. But barring some creative on-the-fly offensive playbook restructuring, this might be the best available move. Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson, though effective all season and a dependable center rotation this series, allow Atlanta to muck things up in the pick-and-roll. Neither have been able to impose themselves as roll threats and arent finding shooters consistently on dump-offs. Toppin offers some dynamic play Noel and Gibson dont. Hes the better three-point shooter, hovering in the low 30s since April and knocking in two of five this series. Hes the best lob threat, with Gibson ground-bound and Noel with questionable hands. That additional vertical spacing could help alleviate the pressure Randle is feeling from the constant shadow down low from Clint Capela/whatever big isnt on him. Toppin has proven a sharp passer as well, when given the chance. His presence on the court encourages ball movement, constantly handing off the ball to his teammates and setting ball screens, then relocating and starting over. His ability to get out and run in transition will help the Knicks push off stops, even makes, to get easy buckets. Thats the idea, anyway. Theres no telling how this holds up defensively or on the boards. Letting him loose to this extent in an intense postseason series is certainly a risk, but it can be argued the Knicks need to take some right now, instead of hope things turn around themselves. Story continues Toppin himself doesnt need to play the games of his life. That would be a much needed plus, but the change primarily serves Randle, in using Toppin's skillset to get him better looks. Even sticking Toppin in the corner gives Randle an easy release valve, one that theoretically can make some plays with the defense scrambling. Toppin should also work as a better screen option for Randle than Noel or Gibson. The Knicks ran a lot more 4-5 pick-and-rolls in Game 3, a smart move to ideally get Randle some good looks. However, he still felt the pressure of two players as Noel and Gibson were largely ignored or a pass thrown their direction led to a bad outcome. Toppin popping, or being a dunk-on-your-head threat rolling, is a new look worth trying. No, not yet. But its clear their offense isnt working right now, and unless the switch just flips, they need to throw new looks out there to get in running. Getting Toppin and Randle on the floor together could be the answer.

https://sports.yahoo.com/time-obi-toppin-more-minutes-132914056.html?src=rss

Will Saints Zack Baun Rebound From a Disappointing Rookie Season?

After a quiet rookie campaign while learning a new position, much bigger things are expected from New Orleans linebacker Zack Baun as he enters his second NFL season. The New Orleans Saints used a 3rd round choice in the 2020 NFL Draft, the number 74 overall selection, on DE/LB Zack Baun from Wisconsin. Baun was mainly a defensive end in college, but would convert to a linebacker with the Saints. The cancelation of offseason team activities and preseason games slowed Baun's development in learning a new position as a rookie. Hed appear in 17 of the teams 18 games, including playoffs, but mostly on special teams. Baun was in on 82 snaps defensively during the 2020 regular season, just 8% of the defensive snaps. His highest rep count was 22 snaps on defense during the regular season finale at Carolina. Baun registered 15 tackles as a rookie, including one for a loss. He also played in 54% of the teams special teams snaps. After 15 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles over his final two collegiate seasons some considered Baun a disappointment as a rookie. Remember that he was essentially learning a new position and didn't have any preseason games and an abbreviated offseason to develop. Now entering his second season, the Saints expect much more out of the 24-year-old Baun. Carolina tight end Ian Thomas (80) is tackled by Saints linebacker Zack Baun (53). Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Baun was an outstanding edge rusher in college, so I expect him to be used in that capacity in some pass rush packages. Given his size, he's 62 and 238-Lbs, Baun is too small to be an every down defensive end. New Orleans will continue to develop him at linebacker, expecting him to take over one of the outside spots alongside All-Pro LB Demario Davis. Baun has the athleticism to match up with opposing tight ends or running backs out of the backfield in pass coverage. He has excellent change of direction ability and natural fluidity for coverage duties, but is inexperienced in zone drops. Bauns speed and rapid reaction gives him excellent sideline-to-sideline range. He flows through traffic well in pursuit and shows terrific play diagnosis. He's a fundamentally sound tackler, with a great closing burst to the ball carrier. Despite being undersized as a defensive end, he has adequate upper body strength to take on blockers at the point of attack. Because of the offseason losses of starters Kwon Alexander and Alex Anzalone, linebacker was viewed as a position of need. The Saints nabbed former Ohio State linebacker Pete Werner with a 2nd Round pick this spring, but will need a bigger contribution from their 2020 3rd Round pick. CREDIT: USA Today Zack Baun was projected as a possible late 1st Round pick entering the 2020 NFL Draft because of his athleticism, versatility, and disruptive ability. He basically had a red-shirt rookie year because he was learning a new position after a shortened offseason. Baun will play a far bigger role for the New Orleans defense in 2021. His development alongside Demario Davis will be one of the major factors to how successful the Saints defense will be this upcoming season. You can follow Bob Rose on Facebook or on Twitter @bobbyr2613. Don't miss out on any Saints news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our FREE newsletter and get breaking Saints news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Saints News Newsletter: https://news.snts.us/saintsnewletter Subscribe to the New Orleans Saints YT Channel: https://news.snts.us/saintsnewsyoutube For more Saints News: https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/ or https://www.saints.media Like us on Facebook: https://news.snts.us/saintsnews-fb Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/saintsnews

https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/editorial-opinion/will-saints-zack-baun-rebound-from-disappointing-rookie-season

Are stimulus checks paving the way for a universal basic income?

As President Joe Biden commits to an expanded $3,000 child tax credit until 2025, some believe all these pandemic benefits signify a step forward in the conversation surrounding a universal basic income. Biden's stimulus checks bill, which upped the existing $2,000 credit to $3,000 and added a four-year extension, is expected to lift an additional 4.1 million children out of poverty, and Democrats in Congress are pushing to make this change permanent. Despite steadfast opposition, support is growing for dishing out guaranteed income payments to citizens regularly even after the COVID-19 crisis ends, with multiple cities already testing programs locally. Whether the relief money is being used for paying off debts, pay for household necessities or tucked away for unexpected emergencies, stimulus checks and other relief programs have opened the door to a conversation about universal basic income. Gage Skidmore./ Flickr Universal basic income (UBI) is meant to ensure a minimum income level, regardless of employment, so that all citizens can afford a basic standard of living. The government would hand out regular cash payments much like stimulus checks on a regular basis. Andrew Yang brought attention to this concept during his 2020 presidential run, when he recommended doling out $1,000 to American adults each month. However, the idea of guaranteed income is hardly novel. Centuries ago, English philosopher Thomas Moore proposed it in his 1516 book Utopia and Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for it in the 1960s to eradicate poverty. Recent reports have been suggesting the economic recession brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic may shows the need for a universal basic income. Beefed-up unemployment benefits were handed out to millions of Americans who lost their jobs during the pandemic. And Bidens expanded child tax credits are going out this July. Unemployment benefits and the labor shortage Artens / Shutterstock Not everyones onboard with the idea of a universal basic income. The Pew Research Center found that 78% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents oppose the federal government allocating $1,000 to each person, and 62% were strongly opposed. Story continues And some say all the unemployment benefits and government money that have gone out during the pandemic are already opening the doors to guaranteed income and may have led to the current labor shortage. "People are making more money sitting at home watching Netflix than they are at work, and they don't want to go back. I think one of the dangers that we've opened the door to is these stimulus checks are starting to feel like they might not go away," billionaire bond investor Jeffrey Gundlach told Yahoo! Finance, criticizing the free money thats been handed out by the government. Other experts think low wages, coupled with COVID-19 fears, are to blame. Lower-income workers, particularly in the hospitality industry, were hit hard by the pandemic. A University of Chicago study found 42% of those on benefits are receiving more than they did at their jobs. Middle- and higher-income earners, especially those working remotely, dont face the same hurdles. Several big businesses, including the Bank of America, have bumped up wages to attract more employees. So now may be the right time to negotiate a raise at your workplace, especially if you have been putting in some overtime during the pandemic. Some cities are already testing out monthly checks vetkit / Shutterstock On a more local level, several cities have begun to experiment with disbursing monthly checks to lower-income residents. Stockton, California did a guaranteed income program pilot in 2019. The city distributed $500 a month to 125 people for 24 months, and the results at the end of the experiment were overwhelmingly positive. The results showed recipients were more financially secure and many found full-time employment and came out emotionally healthier. We live in a time of pandemics, former Stockton mayor Michael Tubbs, who launched the pilot, told MIT Technology Review. Its not just COVID-19. Its an earthquake next month. Its wildfires. All these things are happening all the time not even mentioning automation. We have to have the ability for our folks to build economic resilience. About a half-dozen cities have conducted similar pilots, some are planning trials this year. Mayors in 30 cities across the country, as part of the Mayors for a Guaranteed Income Coalition, are pushing for unconditional, direct cash payments as well. Doucefleur / Shutterstock The possibility of the government considering a universal basic income is still pretty far off if it happens at all. So if you need extra income now, here are some ways to help put a little more money in your wallet.

https://news.yahoo.com/stimulus-checks-paving-way-universal-130000937.html

What is the best case scenario for Lynn Bowden Jr. in 2021?

The Miami Dolphins have a busy, crowded, competitive wide receiver room at their disposal for the upcoming 2021 NFL season a group that has plenty of players with a lot to prove. Even the players at the top of the perceived depth chart, such as Will Fuller, are going to need a strong season to establish their rooting as essential pieces of what the Dolphins overhauled passing game will look like this season. Theres going to be a lot of mouths to feed and some difficult personnel decisions ahead before the season even starts. But one player who will certainly be entering the 2021 season with a chip on his shoulder is Lynn Bowden Jr., who was profiled yesterday by Tyler Dunne in a very enlightening look at Bowden Jr.s unceremonious departure from the Las Vegas Raiders program just months after being drafted in the 3rd round. The best thing Bowden Jr. has going for him as compared to some of the other talents in the Dolphins wide receiver room is the working reps with Tua Tagovailoa that the duo got last season. Bowden Jr., unlike Albert Wilson and Robert Foster and Allen Hurns and others, was working with Tagovailoa at a very high clip last year between practice and games combined. That familiarity should help Bowden Jr. start faster than he may otherwise in training camp and, by extension, win a spot higher on the depth chart. Add in Bowden Jr.s versatility as a former option quarterback and the Dolphins have two very clear pathways for success for Bowden Jr. on this years team. Hell have a chance to beat out Albert Wilson (who is a much more expensive contract, too) for the multi-tool, jack of all trades, tough and powerful slot receiver type as expectations are that Miamis top-3 receivers will be Fuller, DeVante Parker and 1st-round pick Jaylen Waddle with health pending. The best case scenario for Bowden Jr. entering this season is to make the Dolphins feel that Wilson is expendable as a player. That can be accomplished with a strong showing in camp and the preseason via more polished routes and a continuation of the tenacity and toughness Bowden Jr. showed on the field last year to play physical. Whatever stats come after that is secondary: beating out Albert Wilson is Bowden Jr.s most likely ticket to a productive role in Miamis 2021 offense.

https://sports.yahoo.com/best-case-scenario-lynn-bowden-114608392.html?src=rss

Will the Jaguars have a Tim Tebow package?

When Tim Tebow officially got a spot on the 90-man roster in Jacksonville, many said it wont last. Quickly, many of those many have realized that, with the man who hired Tebow in the first place being the same man who will decide whether Tebow makes the team, the chances of Tebow having a spot on the roster come September are far greater than they would be for the usual last man in. On PFT Live in the days before Tebow finally was signed, Simms and I said (partially in jest) that it was just a matter of time before coach Urban Meyer found a way to get Tebow on the field, as a quarterback. Its now looking like its no joke. And its easy to say, Well, the Saints have done it with Taysom Hill for the past few years to justify the Jaguars doing it with Tebow. Indeed, the fact that Saints coach Sean Payton didnt bat an eye about taking the ball out of Drew Brees hands has undercut the long-held belief that gadget plays should be used only rarely when a true franchise quarterback is on the team. So if Brees could stand down for Hill, Trevor Lawrence should have no qualms about periodically splitting wide or leaving the field for Tebow to take a snap in shotgun formation to run it, hand it off, or throw it. Frankly, it seems inevitable at this point. Inevitable that Tebow will make the team, either as a member of the 53-man roster or as a participant on the practice squad, getting called up to the game-day roster as part of the rule that allows two of the extra players to be promoted each week. That said, Tebow isnt close to being as skilled as Hill, who is now part of the competition to become the starting quarterback in New Orleans. Hill is much faster than Tebow ever was. Hill is a more accurate passer than Tebow ever was or will be. Hill, unlike Tebow, doesnt have a release that conjures memories of the gradual cranking of a catapult. None of that matters. If Meyer wants it, Meyer gets it. And if Meyer uses it at the right time (like from the one-yard line) and Tebow powers his way into the end zone with the Hulk Hogan-style 24-inch pythons he has sprouted on his upper arms, Meyer will be justified for showing faith in a man who football had forgotten. That wont change the fundamental nature of the exercise. Its a Refrigerator Perry-style gimmick. But if the gimmick passes the eyeball test, the gimmick will draw even more eyeballs, and dollars, to Jaguars games. originally appeared on Pro Football Talk

https://sports.yahoo.com/jaguars-tim-tebow-package-142952742.html?src=rss

Has a climate change reckoning come for Big Oil?

The 360 shows you diverse perspectives on the days top stories and debates. Whats happening Three of the worlds largest oil companies suffered defeats within a span of less than 24 hours that could force them to make radical changes to reduce their carbon emissions in a series of decisions that activists say could be a game changer in the fight against climate change. On Wednesday, a court in the Netherlands ordered Royal Dutch Shell to cut its carbon dioxide emissions to 45 percent of its 2019 levels by 2030 a ruling that would dramatically accelerate the companys self-imposed emission reduction plans. The court believes that the consequences of severe climate change are more important than Shells interests, a spokeswoman for the court said after the ruling. A few hours later, a majority of shareholders of Chevron voted to demand the company drastically cut the emissions its products generate. That move was followed by a victory for activist investors at Exxon Mobil , who were able to secure at least two seats on the firms board of directors for candidates who have pledged to take climate action. Why theres debate In isolation, any of these individual events would be a significant story in the business world. But climate activists argue that all three happening at once represents a breakthrough in the decades-long fight to rein in one of the worlds most environmentally harmful industries. Today, fossil fuel companies got a big wake up call! former Vice President Al Gore tweeted Wednesday. The time to change is now. Keep up the pressure. Its working! Legal experts say the Dutch courts decision against Shell could become a precedent that provides a framework for activists to win similar cases against the other oil companies. Industry analysts say the votes at Chevron and Exxon Mobile show how intense the pressure has become from shareholders who want companies to transition away from crude oil either because of a sincere desire to curb climate change or pessimism about the long-term profitability of fossil fuels. Story continues Skeptics say its doubtful this weeks events will prove to be a harbinger of a green revolution in the oil industry. Court rulings and shareholder pressure may force these individual companies to reduce their environmental impact, they argue, but one way they might do that is by selling off their high-emissions assets to other firms that will keep them running a result that wouldnt decrease net global emissions at all. Others say progress on green energy sources isnt moving forward quickly enough to provide a viable alternative to fossil fuels any time in the foreseeable future. Whats next Shell intends to appeal the courts ruling, but the company said it remains committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Courtrooms appear primed to become one of the most important venues for climate change action in the coming years. By one count, there are currently more than 1,800 active cases related to climate change worldwide. Perspectives Optimists Climate activists now have a winning strategy to challenge Big Oil in the courts Obviously not all courts are the same. We have different laws in different countries. But what you see here is a successful strategy and that is worth everything. Emily Atkin, MSNBC The Shell ruling shows climate activism now has the force of the law behind it Its clear that the arguments that many have been making for a decade have sunk in at the highest levels: there is no actual way to evade the inexorable mathematics of climate change. If you want to keep the temperature low enough that civilization will survive, you have to keep coal and oil and gas in the ground. That sounded radical a decade ago. Now it sounds like the law. Bill McKibben, New Yorker The collapse of Big Oil has begun All in all, the climate story has taken a decisive turn; Big Oils fortress walls, which for decades have been the strongest obstacles to climate action, might finally be crumbling. Mark Hertsgaard, the Nation The growing viability of renewables has made divesting from oil smart business This is a watershed moment for the oil and gas industry. Investors are now recognizing that companies need to plan for a very different future. Its not just environmentalists saying it. Environmental Defense Fund president Fred Krupp to Houston Chronicle Investors have the power to force oil companies to change from the inside Shareholders are demanding that all companies, including U.S. fossil fuel companies, take the climate crisis seriously. I think the big takeaway is get real or get out of the way. Matt Egan, CNN The climate movement has become too strong for even Big Oil to ignore It is a time of reckoning. As governments and people begin to play their part to curb climate change, it looks like big corporations are finally having to get on board too. Sophie Mellor, Fortune Skeptics Activists should hold off celebrating until emissions actually go down Dont get it twisted. Big Oils day of reckoning was a pick your superlative historical moment. But it remains to be seen whether the success of climate activism in forcing large oil and gas companies to diversify and move faster off fossil fuels will actually lead to meaningful emissions reductions. Josh Siegel and Abby Smith, Washington Examiner Oil companies can reduce their own impact without reducing global emissions at all Divesting certain projects in the Middle East, Nigeria, Malaysia and few other countries would probably be the easiest way to comply with the court ruling if the company chooses or is forced to do so. Even if Shell divests high emission assets, they will just change hands, not be taken off the global energy map. Energy industry analyst Artem Abramov to Wall Street Journal Renewables arent nearly where they need to be to meet the worlds energy demands For demand to drop quickly enough to ward off the worst effects of climate change would require massive investments in renewable power, widespread adoption of electric vehicles, lifestyle changes to cut energy demand, the political will to make disruptive policy changes and international cooperation among rivals and outright enemies. The world is not currently on track for that kind of transformation. Camila Domonoske, NPR The climate reckoning for Big Oil could be short lived This could mark a turn from companies offering broad, vague pronouncements about climate change to establishing concrete timelines, goals, and numbers. But that depends on whether this trend actually catches onor flames out. Nitish Pahwa, Slate The oil industry is changing, but that may be happening too slowly Theres no longer much doubt that public and institutional pressure is fueling momentum for policy change. The question is whether it translates into action fast enough to stem the damage to the planet. Karl Maier, Bloomberg Oil companies will find a way to hang on Publicly traded companies in North America and Europe may face a similar stock-market trajectory to another industry, one whose public relations strategies fossil fuel executives borrowed over much of the past three decades in a bid to stave off regulations. Send your suggestions to the360@yahoonews.com. Read more 360s Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images

https://news.yahoo.com/has-a-climate-change-reckoning-come-for-big-oil-162203555.html

What is critical race theory, and why do some states want to ban it in schools?

The latest front in the culture wars over how U.S. students should learn history and civics is the concept of critical race theory, an intellectual tool set for examining systemic racism. With roots in academia, the framework has become a flash point as Republican officials across the country seek to prevent it from being taught in schools. In reality, there is no consensus on whether or how much critical race theory informs schools heightened focus on race. Most teachers do not use the term critical race theory with students, and they generally do not ask them to read the work of legal scholars who use that framework. Some lessons and anti-racism efforts, however, reflect foundational themes of critical race theory, particularly that racism in the United States is systemic. The New York Timess landmark 1619 Project, which addresses slaverys role in shaping the nation, also has an associated school curriculum. At least five Republican-led state legislatures have passed bans on critical race theory or related topics in recent months, and conservatives in roughly nine other states are pressing for similar measures. Some teachers have said they worry that the legislation will have a chilling effect on robust conversations, or could even put their jobs at risk, at a time when the nation is embroiled in a reckoning on race relations. A: Critical race theory is an academic framework centered on the idea that racism is systemic, and not just demonstrated by individual people with prejudices. The theory holds that racial inequality is woven into legal systems and negatively affects people of color in their schools, doctors offices, the criminal justice system and countless other parts of life. The writings that coalesced into critical race theory date from the 1970s, when the late Harvard Law School professor Derrick Bell expressed frustration with what he saw as the limitations of the civil rights movement. He and other legal scholars including Kimberl Crenshaw, Richard Delgado and Mari Matsuda, among others contended that civil rights laws and court victories had not actually managed to eradicate racial injustice. Advertising Khiara Bridges, author of Critical Race Theory: A Primer, said traditional civil rights discourse maintained that racism would end when people stopped thinking about race. The dissenting scholars, she said, rejected that conclusion and believed race consciousness was necessary to overcoming racial stratification. Critical race theory emerged as an organized field in 1989, when academics gathered for the first Workshop on Critical Race Theory. This way of thinking compels us to confront critically the most explosive issue in American civilization: the historical centrality and complicity of law in upholding white supremacy, some of the founding scholars wrote in 1995 in Critical Race Theory: The Key Writings that Formed the Movement. While critical race theory does not have a set of doctrines, its scholars say they aim to overturn what they characterize as a bond between law and racial power. Critical race theory holds that race is a social construction upheld by legal systems and that racism is banal and common. Under this framework, George Floyds killing and Black Americans higher mortality rate from COVID-19 are not aberrations, Bridges said. A: Critics of this intellectual framework often contend that it is divisive and even racist to examine the role of race in U.S. systems and structures. Opponents also argue that critical race theory is a Marxist framework that suggests the nation is inherently evil and that White people should feel guilty for their skin color. On May 14, several Republican members of Congress introduced a bill banning the teaching of critical race theory in federal institutions and a resolution highlighting the dangers of teaching the theory in schools. In statements accompanying the announcement, the representatives said critical race theory promotes discrimination and stokes division. Advertising I grew up attending segregated schools in the Jim Crow South during a time when people were treated differently based on the color of their skin, wrote Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah. Critical Race Theory preserves this way of thinking and undermines civil rights, constitutionally guaranteed equal protection before the law, and U.S. institutions at large. The 1776 Project PAC, a new political action committee established to back school board candidates who oppose critical race theory, alleges that adherents to this framework are trying to remake the United States to reject capitalism and the nations founding principles. The PAC contends that critical race theory is hostile to white people. While critical race theory is not characteristically Marxist, there is a loose connection. Scholars of critical legal studies, a precursor to critical race theory, included neo-Marxists and other varieties of oppositionists in law schools, according to Critical Race Theory: The Key Writings That Formed the Movement. Critical race theorists diverged from critical legal studies scholars to focus on studying race, Bridges said. Some critical race theorists also believe that racism endures because it is profitable and that fighting racism therefore must mean opposing capitalism, Bridges said but that opinion is far from universal within the field. Critical race theorists disagree about whether the United States can overcome racism. While some believe racial discrimination will always exist, Bridges said others are more optimistic. Thomas said in his understanding, critical race theory maintains that racism does not have to define our future if we have the will and the courage to reckon with it. Rather than encouraging White people to feel guilty, Thomas said critical race theorists aim to shift focus away from individual peoples bad actions and toward how systems uphold racial disparities. A: Although the phrase critical race theory refers to an area of academic study, its common usage has diverged from its exact meaning. Conservative activists and politicians now use the term as a catchall phrase for nearly any examination of systemic racism in the present. Critical race theory is often portrayed as the basis of race-conscious policies, diversity trainings and education about racism, regardless of how much the academic concept actually affects those efforts. In a public presentation this month, a member of Utahs state school board offered a long list of words that she said were euphemisms for critical race theory, including social justice, culturally responsive and critical self-reflection. The Heritage Foundation, a right-leaning think tank, recently attributed a range of events to critical race theory: property destruction and violence during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, efforts to fire a Yale University professor amid a Halloween costume controversy, two White actresses stating that they would not play mixed-race characters, and the school shooting in Parkland, Fla., that killed 17. They reasoned that critical race theory makes race the primary lens through which people see the world and reimagines the United States as divided by factions that are pitted against each other. Christopher Rufo, a prominent opponent of critical race theory, in March acknowledged intentionally using the term to describe a range of race-related topics and conjure a negative association. We have successfully frozen their brand critical race theory into the public conversation and are steadily driving up negative perceptions, wrote Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank. We will eventually turn it toxic, as we put all of the various cultural insanities under that brand category. The goal is to have the public read something crazy in the newspaper and immediately think critical race theory. A: Since the murder of George Floyd by a police officer last year, schools across the country have been overhauling their curriculums to address systemic racism and seek to make classrooms more equitable. Among other efforts, districts are instituting anti-bias training for teachers and requiring that history lessons include the experiences of marginalized groups. Conservative politicians have pushed back on these attempts to talk about race more often. Critics say teachers are trying to rewrite history and should not consider race when interacting with students. Proponents counter that discussing race creates more inclusive schools and helps students overcome systemic barriers restricting their achievement. Academic critical race theorists do not necessarily agree on whether schools are promoting critical race theory. A: In September, President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to cease any trainings related to critical race theory, White privilege or other forms of what he called propaganda. A federal judge later blocked the directive on First Amendment grounds, and President Biden rescinded the ban after he took office. Advertising The anti-critical race theory movement is now focused on classrooms, with Senate Republicans criticizing the Biden administration in April for pushing for federal funding for U.S. history programs that reflect the diversity of all students. Most efforts to stop the teaching of systemic racism have played out in state legislatures, at least a dozen of which have taken up the issue in recent months. Republican-led legislatures in Arkansas, Idaho, Tennessee, Texas and Oklahoma have passed bans, with some restricting the teaching of critical race theory in public colleges, in addition to lower-level classrooms. A teacher at Oklahoma City Community College said this week that the race theory class she has taught for six years was canceled because of her states new law. A spokesman for the college confirmed that the class has been paused while administrators evaluate the legislations ramifications. Republican lawmakers, governors, prosecutors and political candidates are also pressing the issue in a range of other states, from Utah to New Hampshire. While some bills name critical race theory, others reference divisive concepts or race-related guilt. Let me be clear, theres no room in our classrooms for things like critical race theory, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said in March at a news conference. Teaching kids to hate their country and to hate each other is not worth one red cent of taxpayer money. In Utah, Democratic members of the states House walked off the floor to protest a resolution recommending the state review school curriculums that address how racism influences American politics, culture and law. What this is about is an attempt or first step in assuring that my history and the history of many people of color are not taught in our school system in the state of Utah, Rep. Sandra Hollins, the only Black member of Utahs legislature, told The Associated Press at the time. Advertising The American Civil Liberties Union characterized the bans as an attempt to silence teachers and students and impose a version of American history that erases the legacy of discrimination and lived experiences of Black and Brown people. Our country needs to acknowledge its history of systemic racism and reckon with present day impacts of racial discrimination this includes being able to teach and talk about these concepts in our schools, the ACLU wrote. These attempts to restrict the teaching of critical race theory and broader lessons about racism are likely to face legal challenges focused on the constitutional right to free speech, and it is unclear how courts will rule. The Washington Posts Laura Meckler and Hannah Natanson contributed to this report.

https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/what-is-critical-race-theory-and-why-do-some-states-want-to-ban-it-in-schools/

Are towering Sixers simply just too big for Washington Wizards?

WASHINGTON The 76ers size is something the Washington Wizards mention over and over and over again. They talk about the Sixers dominance in that way with an imposing center in Joel Embiid, a towering point guard in Ben Simmons, and a height advantage at just about every position. Dwight Howard didnt disagree with the Wizards on Saturday morning, hours before the teams met in the Capital One Arena for Game 3 of the opening-round, best-of-seven playoff series. The Sixers were holding a 2-0 series advantage. I just think that the lineup we present with Joel being 7-2, 300 [pounds is imposing], Howard said. You got Ben being 6-11, 265 [pounds] and you got Tobias Harris at 6-11. We got some big guards. In our second unit, Im a little bit undersized (6-10) as a center, but I like the way we are set up. READ MORE: Doc Rivers faced a major challenge 10 years ago with the Celtics. Hes handled a similar one so far with the Sixers. | Mike Sielski Harris is actually 6-8. However, the Sixers do a solid job of creating switches for him. That often leads to the athletic power forward being guarded by Wizards guard who are at least five inches shorter than him. Small forward Danny Green (6-6) and shooting guard Seth Curry (6-2) round out the Sixers starting lineup. Meanwhile, the Wizards starters are guards Bradley Beal (6-3), Russell Westbrook (6-3), and Raul Neto (6-1), forward Rui Hachimura (6-8), and center Alex Len (7-0). Forwards Davis Bertans (6-10) and Chandler Hutchinson (6-7), center Daniel Gafford (6-11), and guard Ish Smith (6-0) were the first four players off the Wizards bench on Wednesday. The Sixers top four reserves were guards George Hill (6-3), Matisse Thybulle (6-5), and Shake Milton (6-5) and Howard. Furkan Korkmaz (6-7) and Tyrese Maxey (6-2), both guards, also saw considerable action off the bench. The Sixers barely outrebounded the Wizards, 85-81, through two series games. The teams were also tied with 126 points in the paint. However, things could be trending nicely for the Sixers, considering they outscored the Wizards, 68-50, in the paint in Game 2. READ MORE: Sixers-Wizards Game 3 notebook | 12 things to know But the Sixers dont rely just on their height advantage. Theyve also gone to an all-reserve lineup, which has featured four guards and Howard. I like the way our lineups are set up, Howard said. I like the way we play. I think [it] provides a lot of different options for the defense to try to break down. I think our team has done an excellent job this year of really executing on offense when we play big. But also when we go small, we are able to still execute, get shots off and play great defense.

https://www.inquirer.com/sports/sixers-have-height-advantage-over-wizards-20210529.html

Has the Stock Market Begun to Turn Around?

Benzinga If youre looking for penny stocks to buy right now, Im sure youve seen plenty of attention placed on social media, namely Reddit. The phenomenon that began earlier in the year thanks to GameStop (NYSE: GME) stock has caused an avalanche of trading activity spilling over into other heavily shorted names. Whether youre talking about beaten-down meat alternative stocks like Beyond Meat (NASDAQ: BYND) or bankrupt car rental companies like Hertz (OTC: HTZGQ), Redditors are going against the grain and focusing on the anti-trade in the market. This week AMC Theatres (NYSE: AMC) took the leading role among meme stocks. Its hard to believe that earlier this year, shares were trading around $2 a share. The first big Reddit-fueled move took the broken-down theatre stock to highs of $20.36 before taking an abrupt turn during the weeks to follow. As Im sure many have already seen, that meme stock has not only managed to recover but surge to new, all-time highs this week. No, but Redditors have certainly gotten behind AMC stock in a big way. Hedge funds have long been seen as groups that have controlled markets for far too long. Thats the general thought process resonating from retail traders using Reddit and Twitter for their soapboxes. As we approach the mid-point of 2021, a new chapter is being written. Its no longer a hunt for heavily shorted stocks alone. These same groups of retail traders are finding that the mob mentality can dramatically influence markets. Enter penny stocks. Subreddits like r/PennyStocks are gaining thousands of followers per day, looking for the next round of top penny stocks to buy. Reddit Penny Stocks to Buy Right Now If youre a novice trader or brand new to the stock market in general, there are a few things youll need to keep in mind. The first and probably most obvious is that there are massive amounts of risk involved. This isnt just the typical market risk but, with the hype of Reddit factoring in, youve also got other things to consider. Needless to say, being on the right side of a Reddit stock trade isnt usually a bad thing. Remember, there are far more things you can use to find top penny stocks. One of these research tools is looking into what analysts are saying. Comments from some top firms, price targets, and research reports seem to have resonated well with retail investors. In this article, well discuss some of the popular penny stocks on Reddit that have also gained interest from some of Wall Streets top firms covering smaller companies. After seeing what theyve discussed, it could bring some extra data to add to your diligence process to decide if certain hyped-up stocks are worth the risk. Penny Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street Analysts: Ideanomics Inc. (NASDAQ: IDEX) Ideanomics has seen a surge of interest over the last few weeks on Reddit. Traders are circulating rumblings of interest in electric vehicle penny stocks. If you look at Ideanomics model, the company focuses on a diversified entry into the space. It offers everything from electric cars and motorcycles to charging systems and EV agriculture products like tractors. Since May 11th, shares of IDEX stock have climbed by more than 30%. If analysts at Roth Capital are to be believed, there could be much more upside based on their target. Roth currently has a Buy rating on the penny stock and gave it a $7 target earlier this quarter. Based on the recent $3 level, that would equate to a move of more than 130%. Whether or not the penny stock actually reaches those levels is to be seen. The current 52-week high sits at $5.53, which is also its all-time high. Coming off of a strong earnings beat this month, retail traders have placed IDEX on their list of penny stocks to watch. According to CEO Alfred Poor, the outlook could be even brighter for the company. On a conference call earlier this month, Poor explained that its WAVE charging product line is being introduced in China with growing interest from seaports, airports, and trucking businesses. Also, the first vehicles under Treeletrik orders in Indonesia will be exported from Malaysia as finished products with deliveries anticipated beginning in Q3 with the Indonesia-based assembly facilities online in Q4 or early 2022. Poor explained that elsewhere, the Treeletrik team is finalizing these new headquarters and showroom in Kuala Lumpur with an August timeline for moving in. Redditors are also circulating the recent update of Ideanomics acquisition agreement with U.S. Hybrid, which manufactures and supplies fuel cells, drive trains, and components for zero-emission vehicles. In light of the Biden Administrations stance on carbon neutrality, this could be an interesting development to keep tabs on as the deal materializes. Tellurian Inc. (NASDAQ: TELL) Shares of Tellurian have also surged this month on the back of the bullish retail trading sentiment. Since May 3rd, shares of TELL stock have climbed by more than 80%. It reached highs this week of $4.13, just 26 cents shy of the 52-week high it set back in January. Tellurian hasnt only been one of the Reddit penny stocks to watch. With growing interest in the reopening trade and epicenter stocks, natural gas companies have gained ground. These were some of the hardest hit during the early days of the pandemic, thanks to a drop in travel and commerce. Tellurian stock was actively trading over $7 per share before the pandemic melt-down last year to give you an idea. If Wolfe Research analysts are to be believed, Tellurian ould be set to return to those levels as well. The company recently boosted its price target from $5 to $7 while maintaining its Outperform rating. Wolfe analyst Sam Margolin highlighted that prospects for Tellurians Driftwood liquified natural gas project are improved based on a recent jump in global LNG prices. Margolin further explains that the project's "appeal is durable in commodity price environments." Margolin's comments could be further supported in light of the companys recent agreement with Gunvor Singapore Pte Ltd. In May, Tellurian signed a 10-year deal with Gunvor for the sale and purchase of liquefied natural gas, which includes 3 million tons per year during the period. Emphasizing the potential of the deal, Executive Vice President LNG Marketing & Trading Tarek Souki said, Our business model creates significant value for Tellurian; at todays LNG prices, this agreement represents the equivalent of approximately $12 billion in revenue over the 10-year term of the agreement. Organigram (NASDAQ: OGI) Some marijuana stocks have cooled in recent weeks. However, thanks to a mix of corporate milestones and Reddit--fueled hype, shares of Organigram have gone against the broader trend. If you look at industry ETFs like the ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (NYSE: MJ) or the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (NYSE: MSOS), they paint a relatively muted cannabis market. However, if you look at OGI stock this month, the trend is different. Shares have climbed from around $2.50 to highs this week of over $3. If analysts at Stifel Nicolaus and Raymond James are to be believed, Organigam could have more upside to it. Earlier this quarter, both firms raised their targets to $6 CAD or roughly $4.97 USD. Raymond James analysts have found that the companys recent M&A strategy could add to its value proposition. Analyst Rahul Sarugaser wrote, We see todays acquisition of EIC as OGIs move to consolidate its already-strong position in the Canadian edibles market, adding top-quality soft chew manufacturing expertise to its industry-leading automated chocolate manufacturing capabilities. Organigram purchased The Edibles & Infusions Corporation (EIC) in April for $22 million, plus up to an additional $13 million in OGI stock based on milestones. The focus of this acquisition was to gain access to EICs edibles portfolio. First sales of its products are expected in Q4 of this year. This M&A trend seems to be a focus for several cannabis companies right now. This week, Hexo Corp. (NYSE: HEXO) announced a $925 million CAD purchase of Redecan, creating a massive Canadian recreational cannabis company. The milestone deal is broken up into a $400 million CAD cash payment with the remaining portion due in shares of HEXO stock. You also cant forget Tilrays (NASDAQ: TLRY) acquisition of Aphria. Final Thoughts on Penny Stocks Whether youre new to trading penny stocks or a seasoned veteran, the choice to buy or sell ultimately falls on your shoulders. How you arrive at a decision is up to you. Outlets like Reddit, Twitter, or even financial media platforms are great places to get information and build your thesis. Analyst ratings and company headlines are also useful in researching penny stocks to buy. Due to the high-flying nature of cheap stocks, theres usually something for everyone. Just remember that penny stocks can fall just as quickly as they can climb, so having a plan in place even before hitting the buy button is a must. "GameStop" by JeepersMedia is licensed under CC BY 2.0 See more from BenzingaClick here for options trades from BenzingaMORE Act Reintroduced In The House As Senate Readies Its Own Cannabis Reform LegislationEuropean Drug Regulator Supports Use Of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine In Adolescents: Reuters 2021 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/stock-market-begun-turn-around-175500768.html

Are Tampa Bay Rays considering Nashville relocation for MLB franchise?

Nashville's pursuit of an MLB franchise might be gaining steam, if a Tampa City Council member is to be believed. Tampa Bay Rays president Brian Auld told councilmember Charlie Miranda that a relocation to Nashville could be on the table, though Auld later refuted Miranda's account of that statement, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Miranda said Auld and Rafaela Amador, the Rays' vice president for public affairs and corporate communications, both said a move was possible. "They mentioned Nashville. They said Nashville wants to do it," Miranda told the Times. According to Miranda, Auld characterized Nashville as an appealing city to go to. Theyre very into sports." In a statement to the Times, Auld said he "explicitly stated" to Miranda that the Rays were not in conversations with other cities. Auld said he did mention that cities such as Nashville and Charlotte had expressed strong interest in acquiring a franchise. "We are solely focused on the Sister City plan and keeping the Rays in Tampa Bay for generations," Auld said. Miranda and Auld's comments come as the Rays weigh their future in St. Petersburg, Florida, where they were established as an expansion franchise in 1998. Nashville is seen as an attractive option for MLB expansion or franchise relocation in part because of the Music City Baseball group, which is committed to bringing a team to the city. The ownership group has built an all-star cast of advisers, such as three-time World Series champion Dave Stewart, Hall of Famer and Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa and former general manager Dave Dombrowski, now the president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies. I know that theyre looking at building a new ballpark in Tampa and they are also looking at playing half their season in Montreal," Music City Baseball executive director John Loar told The Tennessean on Saturday. "And Ive heard some rumblings about Orlando. If none of those situations work, the reason why were here is Nashville works. In our opinion, its the next market in this region, certainly in the South, thats Major League Baseball ready. Whether its a relocation team or expansion thats where we are now. I certainly wouldnt be surprised if Tampa cant figure everything out at the end of the day that this is one of the top markets that they will consider. The naming of the franchise would be up for debate in a relocation scenario, Loar said. The Nashville ownership group hopes to call the team the Nashville Stars if it acquires an expansion team, making it the first MLB club to be named after a Negro League team. But in a relocation scenario, the team's name would determined by the existing ownership group. If it were an expansion situation I think its an ownership and Major League Baseball executive decision (about the name). But when I first came to this market and came up with the name, the Nashville Stars, and the connection to the Negro Leagues and the history, I saw it as an opportunity for Major League Baseball to do something unique. I think the (Stars) brand survives and it should. I think its worth it. Loar told The Tennessean on May 11 that Nashville would have a better chance of landing the Rays franchise than the Oakland Athletics in relocation. Both are seeking new stadium deals, but Las Vegas is the geographical favorite for the A's. "I don't think Oakland is going to come to this market; I think Oakland is going to stay on the West Coast because of the way the leagues are situated," Loar said. "I don't think Oakland comes to this time zone. If there are two expansion teams I think one will be in the West and one will be in the East or in the South. The South is a great market, Nashville is a top market, in my opinion. This just shows that unless a city is willing to support its team they're probably going to go to a market that will." Chris Thomas is the South Region sports director of the USA Today Network. Contact him at cdthomas@gannett.comor follow him on Twitter @bychristhomas.

https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/2021/05/29/tampa-bay-rays-considering-nashville-relocation-mlb-franchise/5265219001/

Who is Nicholas Burns, Bidens reported pick for ambassador to China?

Here are some key things to know about Burns, who teaches diplomacy and international relations at the Harvard Kennedy School: The Associated Press reported Wednesday that President Biden will nominate Nicholas Burns, a Wellesley native and former diplomat in the George W. Bush administration with Harvard and Boston College ties, to serve as ambassador to China. Burns would bring nearly three decades of government service to the ambassadorial post, should Biden pick him. According to his bio on the Kennedy School site, Burns, a career Foreign Service officer, served as undersecretary of state for political affairs from 2005 to 2008 and was the lead negotiator on Irans nuclear program. Advertisement Earlier in his career, he was a top aide in Bill Clintons administration, serving from 1990 to 1995 on the National Security Council as senior director for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia affairs, and he went on to direct Russian affairs in the George H.W. Bush administration, the biography says. More recently, he served on then-Secretary of State John F. Kerrys Foreign Affairs Policy Board from 2014-2017. In 2015, he published an opinion piece in the Globe lauding the talks that would lead to the Iran nuclear deal, and saying progress had been made due to the work of both Republican and Democratic administrations. What seems lost in the furious, partisan debate about the Iran nuclear deal is just how long it took the United States to actually get back to a negotiating table with the Iranian government nearly 35 years, Burns wrote. The talks have already achieved something tangible and rare: The United States and Iran are talking again, after decades of a bitter divorce and near total isolation from each other. Burns added that Democrats dont give President George W. Bush enough credit for his critical decision in 2005 to seek negotiations with Iran before considering the use of force, and he faulted Republicans for failing to admit that President Obama has been skillful in adopting Bushs original construct of combining tough sanctions and the threat of force with diplomacy to pressure Iran to negotiate. Advertisement Work on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Burns currently chairs the board of Our Generation Speaks, a Boston-based group working to unite young Palestinians and Israelis in common purpose, according to the bio. The groups website says its mission is to create an entrepreneurial community of leaders to shape a more peaceful Israeli-Palestinian future built on trust. In addition, the Harvard bio says, Burns served early in his career in the American Consulate General in Jerusalem from 1985 to 1987, where he coordinated aid to Palestinians in the West Bank. His BC ties and other local connections Burns serves on the Board of Trustees at Boston College, where he earned his bachelors degree in 1978, according to the Harvard bio. He also delivered the BC commencement address in 2002. The BC website says he told graduates at the time that they had been imbued whether we consciously realized it or not, with the Jesuit tradition of faith and service to others to our families and friends, our communities, our country, the world. This is BCs distinguishing feature. It is the core belief that how we lead our lives should not be just about and for ourselves but about what we all can do, in the poet Tennysons words, to seek a newer world here on earth. Advertisement Burns considers himself a life-long member of Red Sox Nation and serves as fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society, the Harvard bio says. Other top diplomatic posts He served as ambassador to NATO from 2001 to 2005 and ambassador to Greece from 1997 to 2001, according to the bio. Last year, he reflected on what he said were the challenges facing the Foreign Service. The foreign service today faces one of the greatest crises in its history, Burns said in November 2020 at a remote conference sponsored by the Belfer Center at the Kennedy School. It faces a crisis in lack of support, it faces a crisis in lack of leadership in some cases. Travis Andersen can be reached at travis.andersen@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @TAGlobe.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/27/metro/who-is-nicholas-burns-bidens-reported-pick-ambassador-china/

What kind of numbers game is dating?

Q. I wrote to you sometime ago and you published my letter and I got some great feedback so I thought: Lets try again. Ive been divorced almost two years and have been on most of the major dating sites. I think, for me, the 80/20 rule applies and I express an interest in maybe 20 percent of the women I see and read profiles of (yes, I do read profiles). On the sites where Ive paid to see who looks at my profile/get messages, I would say 20 percent of the women I message (I write well and ask good questions, I think) check out my profile, and I hear from less than 1 percent of them. Advertisement Ive had two friends help me rewrite my profile, and recently had a friend whos an amateur photographer take a bunch of pictures (I used one as my Facebook profile and it got more likes than any other post), but nothing seemed to improve my engagement from the ladies on the sites. My profiles (all of them) share my interests that Im a proud dad, gainfully employed, etc. My pictures (before and after my friends help) avoided all the donts (no pics of me and fish, no topless shots in the bathroom). While I wouldnt describe myself as easy on the eyes, I also dont think Im particularly hard on them either, and I think I look a little younger than my age (56, hair is still there and only a bit gray). As for unsolicited communications from women, I dont get many. Its almost as if something in my profile or pics has the equivalent of spinach in its teeth. Advertisement A fellow divorced male once told me he read an unsupported claim that on Tinder (Im not on that one), 20 percent of the males have the attention of 80 percent of the women. If this was true across all dating platforms, it might explain my less than desired connectivity (or less than desired desired rate, if you will). THE RETURN OF MR. AMPERSAND ... A. I cant speak to the math of dating apps. Its all so random. Maybe that last stat you mentioned is true, but its possible that the men who receive 80 percent of the attention respond to 10 percent of it. I would imagine that Tinder has a different match rate than an app like The League. Its like going to different parties at different times of the year. For the record, Ive come full circle on fish photos. I could write a whole essay about why I now approve of them, but for now all Ill say is that you should present yourself as you are. Theres no right recipe of photos other than to put up shots that make you feel good about your life. People should get a sense of what puts a smile on your face. If you doubt your friends expertise with profiles, there are services that give feedback and offer ideas. Its not necessary to hire one, but they exist, if you want to try. I do wonder about your settings. Also, I love that you ask good questions because that is a wonderful skill. Theres some happy medium between deep, existential probing and hey lol. Give yourself time to warm up to the big stuff. Advertisement One more thought: its been a global pandemic! Only now are people coming out of their cocoons, wondering who they can see. A lot of people spent the year swiping without much purpose. Consider this a fresh start. Also, spend less than an hour a day on this. Because if youre constantly on your phone waiting and counting, that mood comes through. The impatience is palpable. Give yourself space to get back into your life and youll have more to say when someone turns the questions to you. MEREDITH READERS RESPOND: Maybe mix in a few other ways to meet women and dont rely solely on the Internet. Look around in the real world and maybe expand some of the things you do so you meet different people. SUNALSORISES Exactly. Choosing people based on photos and a few words is kind of unreal. No interaction, and you are thinking about what their personalities might be like. Im amazed these connections ever work out, though my friend did it for 10 years and finally met a really fine woman. Right off the bat they had a major misunderstanding many would never recover from. Amusing only in hindsight. A very similar background and similar families helped it to work out. Advertisement QUADROPENTA I think you need to post your profile here so we can judge you for ourselves. :) Seriously, though, I have no idea why you havent found a partner yet. SURFERROSA 1. Stop thinking about the math .2. Try harder to meet women in real life so the dating sites are just an extra way to meet someone and youll not be so focused on it. 3. Be realistic about whom you contact choose regular-looking women in your age group. Women who are 40 and/or look like JLo should be excluded. 4. The gainfully employed, proud dad is a little ordinary to lead with. Most people hope their match has a job and likes their own children. Try something thats a little more of an attention grabber. FREEADVICEFORYOU I always thought the odds were stacked in the guys favor when it came to dating in a 50+ age bracket. It doesnt sound like anything is wrong with you or your profile. I think its timing and serendipity; keep at it if you enjoy it. Now that COVID restrictions are easing up, more people will be eager to meet in person. Good luck! LUPELOVE Hey, give me a call. I am in your age group and single. LEFTYLUCY7 Send your own relationship and dating questions to loveletters@globe.com. Catch new episodes of Meredith Goldsteins Love Letters podcast at loveletters.show or wherever you listen to podcasts. Column and comments are edited and reprinted from boston.com/loveletters.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/28/lifestyle/what-kind-numbers-game-is-dating/

Is it finally time for a changing of the tennis guard at the French Open?

Ive said it a thousand times. I dont know how many times people want me to repeat it. Of course the Next Gen a marketing slogan pushed by the ATP is there, is coming, whatever. But here we are, still winning the biggest tournaments and Slams. I dont know what to tell you other than that, Djokovic said. Or, put another way, whether a younger generation of men finally is poised to consistently win Grand Slam titles. Forgive Novak Djokovic if hes just a little bit tired of hearing about, and being asked to address, how much longer he, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer can stay at the top of tennis. Advertisement Im not focused on the Next Gen, even though I know ... it creates a story. People like to talk about it. Fine. The guys are there. They are already establishing themselves in the top five, top 10 of the world. Nothing new, he continued, then noted with pride: But we are still there. When the French Open begins in Paris on Sunday, it will feel in some ways like order restored after the 2020 edition was altered in two significant ways because of the coronavirus pandemic: Only 1,000 spectators were let into Roland Garros per day, and competition started in September instead of May. A lot of people underestimate the time and the era we are playing in, with by far the three best players in the history of the game, said Dominic Thiem, whose US Open title last September makes him the only first-time major mens champion since 2014. Its more than clear that its incredibly tough to win Grand Slam tournaments, having to beat, most of the times, two of them. Advertisement A glimpse at the dominance: 15 of the past 16 Grand Slam tournaments were won by the Big Three; starting with the 2005 French Open, they collected 54 of the past 63 major titles; in that same span, 23 Slam finals involved one of these matchups: Djokovic vs. Nadal, Djokovic vs. Federer, or Nadal vs. Federer. That cant happen at Roland Garros because they are in the same half of the bracket for the first time at a Grand Slam tournament. No. 1 Djokovic could face No. 8 Federer in the quarterfinals; one of them could meet No. 3 Nadal in the semifinals. The other half includes No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas and No. 6 Alexander Zverev, who are among the 20-something men considered contenders to grab a first major trophy, along with No. 2 Daniil Medvedev (although even he would acknowledge not in Paris, where he is 0-4 so far) and No. 7 Andrey Rublev. Things look quite different in the womens game, where the question is which player might extend the recent run of success of the younger set in womens tennis. Iga Swiatek, for example, won last years French Open at age 19 (she turns 20 on Monday). Other relatively recent Slam champs include Ash Barty, 25; Sofia Kenin, 22; and Bianca Andreescu, 20. Advertisement And then there is someone like Coco Gauff, still just 17, who keeps moving up the WTA rankings. She, like 19-year-old Jannik Sinner in the mens game, is seen as part of a group of possible future stars, ready to step forth as Serena Williams, who is 39, and the top men move on. As in any sport or, truthfully, any business eventually there is turnover. Has to be, of course. The guessing game in tennis has been about both who will break through and when. With Federer turning 40 in August, Nadal turning 35 Thursday, and Djokovic now 34, there did seem to be some recent evidence that such a shift might be happening, including in the rankings, where Medvedev is the first man other than the Big Three or Andy Murray to be ranked in the top two in 15 years. Thiems triumph in New York at age 27 made him the first man born in the 1990s to win a Grand Slam title. Runner-up Zverev and the other semifinalists at Flushing Meadows also belong to that decade and the 2020 US Open was the first Slam since 2004 without at least one of Djokovic, Nadal or Federer in the semifinals. A caveat, though: Neither Federer (coming off two knee operations that sidelined him for more than a year) nor Nadal entered the US Open, and Djokovic was disqualified in the fourth round. Advertisement Three recent Masters 1000 finals featured matchups between up-and-comers, including Tsitsipas vs. Rublev at Monte Carlo. But at the last Masters 1000, on clay at the Italian Open this month, Djokovic faced Nadal in the final (Nadal won, perfect preparation for his bid for a 14th French Open title and 21st Grand Slam trophy overall). After beating Tsitsipas in the semifinals in Rome, Djokovic ran into Nadal in the locker room. We kind of joked around, Djokovic said, that the old guys are still not giving up.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/29/sports/is-it-finally-time-changing-tennis-guard-french-open/

Who has the goaltending edge as the Canes host the Lightning in Game 1 of their series?

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic makes a pad save on a shot from Tampa Bay Lightnings Ryan McDonagh as Steven Lorentz (78) defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) AP Alex Nedeljkovic of the Carolina Hurricanes is the kind of person and goalie who rarely gets caught up with whos in the other net, playing for the other guys. Honestly, it doesnt matter, Nedeljkovic said Saturday. In the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs it was Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators. Saros was brilliant at times and twice won double-overtime games, but Nedeljkovic and the Canes won the series in six games. But the second round brings a sterner test, perhaps the ultimate playoff test. The Canes face the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 2020 Stanley Cup champion. They have Andrei Vasilevskiy, arguably the best goalie in the NHL, and the world. On paper, and in the opinion of many who follow the NHL, thats a key mismatch Vasilevskiy versus Nedeljkovic and one could be the winning edge for Tampa Bay in the Central Division second-round series. Vasilevskiy, 26, has the Stanley Cup championship ring. He won the 2019 Vezina Trophy and could win it again this year, and has led the league in wins the past four seasons. He will making his 60th career playoff start Sunday in Game 1 against the Canes at PNC Arena. Hes one of the best in the league and hes been that way for a long time now, Nedeljkovic said. He knows what it takes to get to the end. The end being raising up the Cup in victory. Theres also this to consider: In beating the Florida Panthers in six games in the opening round, Vasilevskiy was on the ice for 364 minutes. Nedeljkovic, in six games against the Predators, played 433 minutes, although he did face fewer shots (206) than Vasilevskiy (226). Carolina Hurricanes goalie Alex Nedeljkovic (39) stops a shot attempt by Brock McGinn (23) during practice on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com Nedeljkovic, 25, has a simple approach to handling that kind of workload: Keep a clear head, focus on the next puck. Rinse and repeat, he said. Keep doing the same thing over and over. Canes coach Rod BrindAmour said he no longer considered Nedeljkovic, who started 23 games in the regular season, a rookie after clinching the Nashville playoff series. Canes captain Jordan Staal feels much the same about the player known as Ned to his teammates, fans, family and friends. He looked calm and comfortable and hes got a lot of gamer attitude of making those big saves when you need them, Staal said Saturday. Obviously he has consistently played the puck really well for our D and our forwards and helped us break out a lot. He has just done a lot of the little things that help us win and the boys feel comfortable when hes in net. The Predators were impressed with Nedeljkovics puck-handling ability, tying to keep him from being in position to play it as the series wore on. Thats a keep-away approach the Lightning could copy. Tripp Tracy, the Canes TV analyst and a former goalie, has watched Nedeljkovic develop from a second-round NHL draft pick to the American Hockey League to being the Canes starter in the playoffs. Tracy, in a recent interview, said he likes the way Nedeljkovic goes about his business, about his positive demeanor on the ice. He said Nedeljkovic has adopted an I want to dominate kind of mentality An alpha thing, Tracy said that all the really good goalies have. That means hes looking at any goalie in the league, though hes not directly going against the goaltender at the other end, and believe he can absolutely be the guy who wins the goaltending dimension, Tracy said. And you absolutely have to have that self-belief. Youve got to have that belief that you can be the difference. And Alex Nedeljkovic has those things. Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (39) blocks a shot by Nashville Predators center Nick Cousins (21) during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. Associated Press Nedeljkovic allowed three goals in three games against the Lightning this season, shutting out Tampa Bay 4-0 on Feb. 20. He was 2-1-0, all against Vasilevskiy, and won 4-1 in his last start against the Lightning on April 20 in Tampa. Nedeljkovic had a .922 save percentage against the Predators in the first round. Vasilevskiy closed at . 929 in his six games against Florida, allowing six goals in a Game 3 loss but shutting out the Panthers 4-0 with 29 saves in Game 6 to close out the series. Nedeljkovic said he watched some of Lightning-Panthers series, but only a little, saying, Sometimes its good to get away from the rink a little bit, including watching other games. You just try to re-set and recharge and refocus. Nedeljkovic goes into the second-round series realizing there will be good times and bad, respectful of the firepower of a Tampa Bay lineup that now has winger Nikita Kucherov back in it. Its really no different than any other position that Ive been in, Nedeljkovic said Theres obviously more people in the buildings now, so its a bigger audience, and more cameras in your face. Youve got to stay as even keel as possible. Ride the highs and try to get out of the lows as quick as you can, because theyre going to be there. Its trying to avoid them as best you can and try to keep them as small as you can. Carolina Hurricanes vs Nashville Predators What: Game 1, Stanley Cup playoff series When: Sunday. 5 p.m. Where: PNC Arena, Raleigh TV: NBCSN

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/article251775798.html

Did Saturday's Loss Ruin Cal's Bid to Reach Baseball Postseason?

Bears lose their final regular-season game to No. 10 Oregon on Saturday. Cal must wait until Monday to see if it gets berth in NCAA baseball playoffs. D1 Baseballs projection of the 64-team field posted on Thursday had Cal in the postseason tournament. Barely. Cal was listed as the fifth team among the final five teams in, giving the Bears the final at-large berth in the postseason event. However, Baseball Americas projections of the 64 berths posted Friday did not have Cal in the field, nor did it have Cal among the eight teams that were barely left out. That was before Cal's series with the Ducks, who are 16th in the current RPI rankings. The Bears finished the regular season 29-26 overall and 15-15 in the Pac-12. Cal is just 87th in the RPI rankings. Cal finished seventh in the Pac-12 standings, and the six teams ahead of the Bears Arizona, Oregon, Stanford, Oregon State, UCLA and Arizona State are all expected to receive bids to the NCAA playoffs. There was a belief that two Cal wins in the three-game series in Berkeley against the nationally ranked Ducks might be enough to get the Bears into the postseason. Oregon won Thursdays game, Cal won on Friday, and Oregon won a tight game on Saturday, with the turning point being Cals inability to score in a bases-loaded, one-out situation with its best hitter coming to the plate in the eighth inning. Cal trailed 5-4 at the time, and it was Dylan Beavers at the plate with the bases jammed and one out. Beavers had hit three home runs over the first two games of the series, giving him the Pac-12 lead with 18 homers. But facing Oregons top reliever, Andrew Mosiello, Beavers hit a ground ball to first that was turned into a forceout at the plate. Nathan Martorella then struck out looking for the final out. Oregon added a run in the top of the ninth, and Cals Quentin Selma countered that with his 16th homer of the season in the bottom of the ninth to cut the margin to 6-5. After Keshawn Ogans kept the game alive with a two-out single, Cole Elvis flied out to center to end the game, and perhaps Cals season. The odds are against the Bears making the postseason field now, but they will be eager viewers of the selection show, which will be televised by ESPN2 on Monday starting at 9 a.m. Pacific time. NCAA Regional play begins Friday. . Cover photo of Quentin Selma by Andrew Madsen, KLC Fotos . Follow Jake Curtis of Cal Sports Report on Twitter: @jakecurtis53 Find Cal Sports Report on Facebook by searching: @si.calsportsreport or going to https://www.facebook.com/si.calsportsreport

https://www.si.com/college/cal/other-sports/cal-loses-final-game-against-oregon

What next for Steve Cooper and Swansea City after play-off final loss?

Missing out on promotion to the Premier League is, of course, hugely disappointing. But it throws up a host of questions and a lorry load of uncertainty - not least over the future of head coach Steve Cooper. Just as a prophet is not always recognised in his own land, Cooper appears not be adored by Swansea City fans. But his talents are clearly recognised around the rest of football and links with other jobs can hardly be ignored. Wembley heartache cannot mask the establishment of Cooper in his two seasons at the club. In his first full season at the helm, Cooper inspired a late surge to the play-off semi-finals, notably with his recruitment of youngsters Marc Guehi from Chelsea and Rhian Brewster, then of Liverpool. This term, he has defied pessimism among many observers at the start of the season, little financial backing from the owners and the extra demands of a packed Covid-wracked campaign, to earn a club record equalling Championship points tally and ultimate disappointment in the play-off final. He also lost the services of Wales defender Joe Rodon at the heart of the defence as he was sold to Tottenham Hotspur. Defensively Cooper coped. The failure to sign an out-and-out striker in January - as he had so successfully done with Brewster a year previously - ensured there was insufficient firepower to make a burst for the top two. Some Swansea fans will insist the football is nothing like as attractive as in the days of Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup. But with the manpower available that was not a surprise and usually Swansea found a way. Until Wembley. There are clearly major doubts over the future of highest earner Andre Ayew, whose is out of contract this summer. The Ghana captain has been a real talisman, but his quality is deserving of a higher stage and finances may dictate there is no option. Wales defender Connor Roberts and captain Matt Grimes have impressed throughout the season - and in Roberts' case, the international stage. Chelsea loanee Marc Guehi looks a cut above the Championship, Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman's future could also be in doubt. With Swansea losing parachute payments after this season and like every other club having to cope with Covid-19 enforced games behind closed doors virtually all this campaign, offers for Roberts or Grimes could be hard to refuse. Andre Ayew (left) is Swansea City's highest earner Then there is Cooper. He has friends in high places who can influence people. Having started at the Wrexham Academy, he was lured by Liverpool. Leading England under-17s to their World Cup victory in 2017 is a gold star on any CV. Gareth Southgate is a confidante. The departure of chairman and chief executive Trevor Birch last autumn, appears to have left Cooper cocooned only by his tight-knit coaching team of Mike Marsh, Martyn Margetson and Alan Tate. Cooper has a year left on his contract and would surely find it difficult to turn down the advances of a Premier League club like Crystal Palace. Even a Championship post with owners more ready to speculate to accumulate and with less manpower changes in the offing, would be enticing. If Wembley was a swansong for Steve Cooper it is a sad end. And it may be he will only be really appreciated for the job he has done at the Liberty Stadium, when he has gone.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57296138

What is that remodel really worth?

Its exciting to update a kitchen, remodel a bathroom, add a primary suite, convert a garage to a workout room or add skylights. However, homeowners are sometimes surprised to learn how remodeling projects affect a homes price when it comes time to sell. Consider the personal value you get: If you plan to live in your house for some time before you sell, dont overlook the enjoyment or utility you will get from a remodeling job. Regardless of the eventual sales price, that may be reason enough to embark upon the project. Appraised value matters, too: When a homebuyer applies for a loan, the lender usually requires an independent appraisal to determine if the value of the home is in line with the purchase price. That can be when the seller ultimately finds out the return on the project. For example, a pool that cost $85,000 to install could add only $30,000 to the appraised value of a home, compared to a similar nearby home without a pool. Remodels may improve marketability: Some improvements dont raise the eventual sales price of a home, but may still make the home more attractive to buyers. A remodel may even be the difference between not receiving any offers and getting multiple offers on a property a short time after it goes on the market. Dont assume a dollar-for-dollar return: Some projects add more value to a home than others a new front door often tops the list but a host of factors can influence how much a specific remodel will pay off. Variables include the quality and appeal of the finished project and how it compares with similar features of other homes in the neighborhood. In many cases, a homes sales price will increase, but not by as much as the actual cost of the project. Your Realtor can help you understand how remodeling projects can affect marketability and sales prices of homes and can offer guidance on all your options when youre considering buying or selling a home. The largest Realtor association in North Texas and sixth-largest real estate association in the U.S., MetroTex provides programs and services to over 24,000 professionals involved in all aspects of real estate. For more information, visit www.dfwrealestate.com.

https://www.dallasnews.com/sponsored/real-estate/2021/05/30/what-is-that-remodel-really-worth/

What next for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola?

Pep Guardiola and the Champions League trophy - REUTERS Manchester City's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday means the club are still waiting for their first Champions League title and Pep Guardiola has now gone 10 years since he managed a club to victory in the competition. It will also likely usher in some soul searching and questions as to how they can make the leap from challengers to European Cup winners. Here are the key issues that City will have to address over the summer. In the short-term, a well-deserved holiday. Guardiola mentioned before the final that he has not seen his father Valentini for some time. Now I want to go home, with my family, he said on Saturday. Guardiola, understandably, took obvious delight in having easily won the Premier League title without an overwhelming contribution from a specialist centre-forward - Aguero had four league goals, Gabriel Jesus nine - but he admits that life would be easier with one in his ranks. That has led to City being linked with Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, the two most high-profile strikers who may move this summer. However, it is not completely certain that either or both will exit their respective clubs, leaving this very much a priority for City this summer. Romelu Lukaku and Danny Ings have also both been mooted as potential targets. The England forward had appeared to have fallen out of favour with Guardiola in the second half of the season and his start in Porto was all the more surprising given that it was his first in the Champions League since the last-16 first leg against Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of February. Saturday was just Sterlings second in the knock-out stages of the Champions League this season. Sterling was not alone in enduring a poor night against Chelsea but he, arguably, had more to lose than any of his team mates. The forward has two years remaining on his City deal, and reportedly expects a new one to match the 320,000-a-week contract recently signed by Kevin De Bruyne. Whether City still make such an offer this summer remains to be seen and Sterling could well be sacrificed as part of Citys rebuilding. As always, City find their names linked with a host of big European targets but it does seem as though this summer will see City more active than usual in the market. Aston Villas Jack Grealish is, certainly, one realistic target while the performance of Oleksandr Zinchenko in the final suggests a left-back - such as Atalantas Robin Gosens - will be in their sights. Veteran Fernandinho, whose exclusion against Chelsea caused such shockwaves, is likely to be offered a one-year deal, such is his influence at the club, but City have been linked with Borussia Monchengladbachs Denis Zakaria in their quest for a long-term defensive midfield replacement. In terms of outgoings, as well as Sterling, reports suggest Riyad Mahrez, Jesus and Aymeric Laporte could all be sacrificed as part of team restructuring, although Mahrez had a stunning campaign and his departure would be a major shock. The decision not to play a holding midfielder - for the second time in 61 games this season, he started without Fernandinho or Rodri in that role - will go down as one of the all-time Champions League Final blunders. It even eclipsed last summer when Guardiola switched to a back five against Lyon and was soundly beaten in the quarter-final. The City manager refused to say afterwards whether he regretted his decision but, it is safe to say, he will not. This sort of tactical micro management and constant adjustment is very much part of Guardiolas DNA and, as he frequently points out, when it works he is labelled a genius. When it does not, as it clearly did not on Saturday, he is pilloried for over thinking. There is no way Guardiola will change, or become more conservative, on the back of this setback. Of course. By his own admission, 12 months ago, Guardiolas motivation was lacking but talks with Citys owners in the autumn led to a new contract, which ties him to the club until 2023, and an inspired performance by the coach and his players that carried them to a third title in five years and the Champions League final. Yet the Champions League remains a curious Kryptonite for modern footballs managerial Superman. In nine attempts since he last won the competition in 2011, he has now lost a final, four semi-finals, three quarter-finals and once in the last 16. It is hard to see Guardiola resting until he has lifted it for a third time as a manager. Its a dream being here, unfortunately we could not win, said Guardiola after the defeat. Its the first time for most of us in this club, we tried and we couldnt do it. We will work hard to come back one day we will come back in the future stronger.

https://sports.yahoo.com/next-manchester-city-pep-guardiola-105623814.html?src=rss

How big can my cooler be for the Indianapolis 500, and what should I pack in it?

This story originally ran May 9, 2014 Attending events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, whether it be the Grand Prix, Carb Day or the Indianapolis 500, is an exciting way to spend a day in Indy. But a quick way to ruin that trip is to go unprepared. Here is a checklist of items to pack for a day at the track. For more on the Speedway's gate entry search policy, visit indianapolismotorspeedway.com. Coolers must not exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches. If it does not meet this requirement, you will be asked to walk the oversized cooler back to your car. Carts and wagons are allowed except on Race Day. Glass containers are not allowed. Bottles of water Ice packs Sandwiches Fruit (grapes, melon) Pop (If you prefer, but be sure to stay hydrated!) Beer/alcoholic beverages (If you prefer and only if you are 21 years or older. Be sure to stay hydrated.) In a bag no larger than 18 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches, you may want to bring the following: Tickets Seat cushion Umbrella/rain poncho Sunscreen Hand-held fan Hat Sunglasses Small trash bags Napkins Moist towelettes Hand sanitizer Headset radio Extra batteries Ear plugs/noise-canceling headphones Binoculars Koozies Chips, cookies, granola bars and other snack foods 'Dude, I'm really nervous':Indy 500 could play host to IndyCar's changing of the guard Some other tips to make your day the best

https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/indy-500/2021/05/30/whats-maximum-cooler-size-indy-500-and-other-tips/5271566001/

Whats the Bears most important position battle heading into training camp?

There are plenty of positional battles that will be on display during Chicago Bears training camp in late July. From the battle at cornerback for the starting outside cornerback opposite Jaylon Johnson and the slot corner position to wide receiver to offensive tackle, there are starting spots and roster spots up for grabs. But according to Bleacher Report, Chicagos most important position battle is the one where the Bears arent leading anyone to believe theres going to be a competition the quarterback position. Nagy did mention that the team wants to utilize both quarterbacks this year, however, saying the coaching staff will implement strategies for each in the playbook. Nick Foles is also still on the roster, but barring injuries or unforeseen circumstances, the Super Bowl MVP isnt likely to see the field. Fields has the talent to be the next star quarterback in this leaguegiving the Bears the elite player under center it has long lackedbut hell need a standout training camp to usurp Dalton at the top of the depth chart. Chicago has already laid out the groundwork for the 2021 season, where the intent is to ride with veteran Andy Dalton while developing rookie Justin Fields. One thing is clear: The Bears dont want to make any mistakes when it comes to Fields development. They dont want to rush him, and they feel that Dalton is someone they can ride with while they develop their young quarterback. And while Fields has only practiced three times as a Bear during rookie minicamp he already looked calm and in control. Although, theres certainly a long way to go with Chicagos new quarterbacks both learning a new offense. While the Bears might not consider it to be a competition at quarterback heading into training camp, Fields performance might just turn it into one. Story continues List

https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-most-important-position-battle-125443555.html?src=rss

Is Bitcoins High Computing Power its Achilles Heel?

Data collated from the Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance (CCAF), show the worlds most popular crypto asset presently consumes around 13.37-gigawatt annum 0.6% of global electricity supply, or roughly equivalent to the annual energy draw of an emerged market countries as Sweden. Elon Musk, some weeks stunned crypto investors arbitrarily when he unexpectedly announced via Twitter, Tesla was no longer accepts Bitcoin as a means of payment citing environmental concerns. Bitcoin minings energy-intensive process was the major reason behinds Elon Musk decision as the most popular crypto asset relies on a significant amount of electricity generated from coal known for high carbon prints and toxic gases. We are concerned about rapidly increasing use of fossil fuels for Bitcoin mining and transactions, especially coal, which has the worst emissions of any fuel, Elon Musk said. Just recently the government of Iran recently placed an embargo on the mining of bitcoin as revealed by the countrys president, Hassan Rouhani, partly because of Bitcoins energy-intensive process triggering blackouts in a significant number of Iranian hubs. Miners on the blockchain often use powerful computing power in solving complex mathematical tasks that effectively facilitate a bitcoin transaction to go through, triggering Bitcoin miners to be rewarded for their efforts with the digital asset. The energy requirement in auditing such bitcoin transactions requires a huge amount of computing power which translates to a huge amount of electricity. Iranian fiscal officials further revealed most of the energy consumption gotten from Bitcoin mining is largely attributed to illegal miners, or those operating such permits. Although, Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of Crypto derivatives exchange FTX recently disclosed that most of the current energy usage will decay away as block rewards go down the rest of the energy usage will scale linearly with Bitcoins price. Story continues Sam also disclosed that the Ethereum blockchains recent upgrade to proof of stake will enable a less energy-intensive system that will likely address some of the climate concerns, Still, a growing number of environmentalists are increasingly becoming impatient on the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining. Today, Bitcoin mining creates about the same pollution footprint per unit of energy as natural gas, says Alex de Vries, who oversees Digiconomist, a company that monitors Bitcoins electricity usage. Thats because hydro in China offset much of the effect of coal in that nation and other parts of the world. Not forgetting China accounts for more than three-quarter of the Bitcoin mining activity globally as of April 2021, However, current reports reveal that Chinas recent ban is more of an economic issue with its officials trying to prevent an economic shock just in case a Crypto bubble burst as the worlds second-biggest economy aims for a stable and viable financial architecture immune to volatility that often prevails in many Crypto assets. Present price actions show the environmental concerns of Bitcoin seem to be receding as it broke above $35,000 price levels after Elon Musk disclosed, he held potentially promising talks with North American bitcoin miners on how to make Bitcoins mining process more environmentally friendly. This article was originally posted on FX Empire More From FXEMPIRE:

https://news.yahoo.com/bitcoin-high-computing-power-achilles-075412292.html

Is the Stock Market Closed on Memorial Day 2021?

The Daily Beast Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/HandoutsThis summer is full of expectations as the first vaccinated season free from isolation. There are missed trips to be made up for, friends to reconnect with, and parties to remind us what life was like before. This feeling and fervor is matched by an exciting slate of books published this spring and summer.Whether youre looking for a reason to escape the unfamiliar overload of social interactions or whether you need a novel to pair with your beachside pia colada, here are 18 of the best books to read this summer.The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts This showstopper of a debut novel is framed as a piece of journalisman oral history of the 1970s rock duo Opal & Nev. In this conversational format, Walton weaves together a symphony of unique voices to tell the story of how the wholly original Opal, a Black singer from Detroit, and the British Nev came together to make music history. Unsparing and raw in its exploration of the personal and political complications these characters face, the novel explodes with color, style, and music as it explores the challenges of love and art, racism and gender inequality in a story that doesnt leave a single note out of place.Available NowThe Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts Like watching a garden grow from seed to harvest, this novel quietly unfolds to tell the story of several generations of Dakhta women and the land that connects them. In 2002, Rosalie Iron Wing returns to the home she was ripped away from after decades spent in foster care and married to a white farmer. Wilson, who is also Dakhta, writes beautifully of the historical sins that have been passed down and are still present in the people and in the earth, both of which bear the scars. But as Iron Wing begins to deal with her past, she realizes its not too late for hope.Available NowGreat Circle by Maggie Shipstead Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts Maggie Shipsteads latest is epic in both length and scope. Great Circle ranges from Antarctica to the middle of the Atlantic, from the vast open skies to the scandal-ridden public eye of Hollywood stardom. Centering around an early 20th-century aviatrix and the actress who plays her nearly a hundred years later, plus the characters who orbit their lives, Shipstead brings this complex world to life in a fresh and engaging structure to create a propulsive and entertaining read.Available NowPeaces by Helen Oyeyemi Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts Its the season of travel and weve all been longing for a long, luxurious train ride. But The Lucky Day is no ordinary locomotive and the trip Xavier, Otto, and their pet mongoose embark on for a quasi-honeymoon is no ordinary vacation. In this delightfully strange novel, Oyeyemi proves yet again that her imagination is unparalleled as the bewitching journey unfolds and the couple is forced to look more closely at their lives, their pasts, and each other. : An Unlikely Search for Meaning in the Worlds Most Magnificent Bird by Sean Flynn Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts Journalist Sean Flynns title poses a good questionone that probably hasnt crossed the minds of most readers. But from the earliest chapters of this compulsive account of one familys foray into raising peacocks, you will wonder why not. Flynns family romp is full of colorful and quirky details, beautiful writing, and unexpected twists that will have you viewing these magical birds in a new light. As far as Flynns answer to that big question that brought these extraordinary new members into his family: Im sure it was from exasperation that George Mallory finally said he was climbing Mount Everest simply because it was there. So: because of feathers. That is the reason. And colors.Available NowThe Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts The author of the book behind HBOs blockbuster The Undoing is back with another psychological thriller, this one based on the machinations of the male-dominated literary world. Jacob Finch Bonner is steadily proving himself to be a washed up one-hit wonder, relegated to teaching no-talents in a low-residency MFA program. There, he meets an arrogant student whose plot really is a guaranteed bestseller. When Bonner later learns that Evan Parker (who plans to use the pseudonym Parker Evan) has died, he steals the idea for himself and achieves the literary fame of his dreams. But his act of theft may not have been the first time this idea was stolen, and the suspense ramps up as someone begins threatening to expose his secret.Available NowUnsettled Ground by Claire Fuller Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts This novel opens with an elderly woman dying after a fall on her isolated English cottages hearth in an accident that goes unheard by her middle-aged twins sleeping in the rooms above. As the siblings come to terms with the death of the woman around whom their lives have revolved, the world that they thought they knew slowly begins to unravel. Fullers novel is slow and brooding as one mystery after another arises and two siblings who have been left behind by the modern world face changes both gentle and profound.Available NowPop Song: Adventures in Art and Intimacy by Larissa Pham Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts Larissa Pham has written a stunning collection of essays that blends memoir with reflections on art and criticism. Her lyrical prose roils with emotion as she reflects on love and longing, heartbreak and travel, the search for meaning and ultimately herself. She is one of those writers whose words light a fire in your soul, making you restless with inspiration and the need to begin your own journey through the life-changing works of art and forgotten corners and that have come to populate your life.Available NowThe Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts Just in time for the return to the office, Zakiya Dalila Harriss debut brings a compelling new voice to the workplace drama. The Other Black Girl is a timely, smart, and humorous exploration of the lily-white book publishing world centered around Nella, the sole Black employee at Wagner Books who is thrilled when another Black woman is hired onto the team. Part dramatic thriller, part horror story, this book deals with urgent topicsworkplace diversity, racial politics, and identitywith a deftness that will make readers think while also entertaining them on every single page.Available June 1Somebodys Daughter by Ashley C. Ford Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts Ashley C. Ford has been one of the standout voices of the past decade, so its no surprise that the announcement she was writing a memoir came with much fanfare. And Somebodys Daughter delivers. Ford excavates her childhood memories and her relationships with her incarcerated father and tough mother and grandmother with a tender heart and clear-eyed insight that will stay with you long after the last page.Available June 1The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts In this retelling of the Great Gatsby, Vo turns Fitzgeralds American classic on its head to present a world recognizable in outline, but brought to new life in imaginative detail. The Chosen and the Beautiful is magical, quite literally. In this Jazz Age New York, ghosts haunt mansion corridors, flappers drink special elixirs that make them float, and members of the elite have obtained their fame and fortune by selling their souls to demons. Vos razor sharp eye on social conventions, sexual politics, and personal desire, will delight, entertain, and make you entirely rethink the world of Jay Gatsby.Available June 1Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts In her latest, Taylor Jenkins Reid time travels back to 1980s Malibu where four siblings in various shades of rich and famous are on the eve of hosting what has become the citys annual party of the year. Reid has produced the perfect summer novel, a vibrant story filled with sun, surfing, and flawed but lovable characters who are forced to come to terms with their familys history and the secrets they are keeping from each other as the past converges with the present in a day whose hours tick down to an explosive inferno.Available June 1How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts From the grounds of Monticello to the gift shop at Angola, journalist Clint Smith takes readers on a tour of nine places to examine the legacy of slavery and how that history is being remembered and passed on. This book is a beautiful, painful tour of some of the darkest and most complicated parts of American history that will make readers rethink the truth being told about the sins of our past that are still very much alive in the present.Available June 1The Maidens by Alex Michaelides Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts When her nieces best friend is murdered, group therapist Mariana rushes to her side at Cambridge University, where she becomes fixated on a young, charismatic Greek tragedy professor who holds a cult-like sway over a secret society of female students who call themselves The Maidens. Michaelidess psychological thriller simmers with an eerie, sinister atmosphere as Mariana is stalked by men and the gods of fate as she relentlessly pursues the truth to its startling twist.Available June 15Filthy Animals by Brandon Taylor Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts There is a deep fear in the publishing world of the second book slump, the idea that the follow-up to a blockbuster hit can never match the originals genius. But Taylor has blown this myth to pieces with his new collection of short stories that comes a year after his debut novel Real Life received rave reviews. He stays in the same world of the Midwest with a cast of characters who allow him to explore the dark, vulnerable, and often ugly side of being human and searching for connection.Available June 22Seek You: A Journey Through American Loneliness by Kristen Radtke Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts This past pandemic year has exacerbated one of Americas growing health problems: loneliness. Writer and illustrator Kristen Radtke began exploring this topic for her latest graphic novel in 2016, but it became even more relevant four years later when we were plunged into a mandated lockdown. From amateur radio operators sending out CQ calls into the night to the invention of the laugh track to combat solo viewing of at-home entertainment, Radtke looks at the ways the isolation of our modern society and the biological imperative to cultivate social connections are at odds.Available July 13Afterparties: Stories by Anthony Veasna So Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/Photos Getty/Handouts This collection of stories brims with life and heart as its characters all first-generation Cambodian Americans from an immigrant community in central California struggle to come of age and come to terms with their cultural identities and the legacies of their parents trauma as survivors of the Cambodian genocide. From the universal, often mundane, concerns of growing up and trying to get out to the realities specific to this refugee community, Sos debut collection explores the youth experience in exciting, immersive prose that is all the more urgent and tender given the authors untimely death in December at the age of 28.Available Aug. 3Damnation Spring by Ash DavidsonThis lengthy novel spans just one year over four decades agothe summer of 1977 to the summer of 1978but it couldnt be more relevant today. Damnation Spring follows three different members of one family: a logger who has just spent his life savings on a stand of redwood trees that he hopes will be the foundation for his familys financial future; his wife plagued by a series of miscarriages who begins to suspect that the logging industry is poisoning the areas water; and their son. Davidsons well researched debut explores the rifts that develop in a community facing the detrimental effects their way of life is having on the environment.Available Aug. 3Read more at The Daily Beast.Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.

https://news.yahoo.com/stock-market-closed-memorial-day-103000594.html

Are businesses really tackling racial inequality?

Roger Ferguson: "It has everything to do with the colour of one's skin" George Floyd's murder at the hands of police in the US city of Minneapolis last year shocked the world and prompted a reckoning on race. Businesses were quick to speak out, from #BlackLivesMatter posts to promises to fight racism, pay inequality and diversity at work. Yet a year later, boardrooms remain overwhelmingly white and black workers dominate low-wage, entry-level jobs. Roger Ferguson is a rarity in corporate America. One of just five black chief executives (CEO) running a US Fortune 500 firm until this March, when he stepped down from the helm of financial services giant TIAA. He was one of Wall Street's elite, yet still faced racism: "I still found it difficult to get a taxi going uptown in Manhattan," he tells BBC World TV's Talking Business programme. He recalls another time he was mistaken for a waiter at a corporate dinner. "One of the guests called me over thinking I was a waiter and said 'I've dropped my spoon, will you pick it up?'." "This has nothing to do with position, socio-economic status, what you might be wearing. It has everything to do with the colour of one's skin." Mr Ferguson believes any changes sparked by George Floyd's murder will take years to see. "The death of George Floyd, and many other related matters that all came crashing down around the same time, have forced corporate America to take another look at our black employees and give them a bit more voice." "America has been on a journey regarding race for well over 400 years," he adds. "This will take time, patience and persistence to move corporate America and all of America forward towards the dream of equality that all of us share in this country." Story continues His departure from TIAA makes boardrooms across the world's richest economies even whiter. In the US, there have only been 19 black CEOs out of 1,800 bosses in the 66-year history of the Fortune 500 list. In Britain, there are no black chairmen, CEOs or financial chiefs in FTSE 100 firms. Baratunde Thurston: "Be open to listening to your employees" Baratunde Thurston has been advising bosses as they grapple with racial inequality alongside revenues. He is a podcaster and the author of How To Be Black, and advised the Obama White House. "At the light end, there's been a heavy PR-managed crisis response. Let's use certain hashtags, put up a post on our website, say Black Lives Matters - and hope this is all over by the next quarter so we can get back to business. "At the deeper end, I've seen organisations not just focus externally on what they can do in the world, but look inside and listen to their black employees." He advises firms to centre on truth and reconciliation: "Take stock of the history of your organisation. Be open to listening to your employees, there are probably things you're not hearing because they haven't trickled up to you." Roger Ferguson urges CEOs to look at the economic gains of inclusivity: "We should not think of closing the wealth gap between blacks and whites in America as a zero sum game - some win and some must lose. If we close the racial wealth gap in America, the entire GDP of this country could be 4-6% higher, that's really quite a move." Melanie Eusebe: "CEOs must take responsibility for how they foster inclusive workforces" Melanie Eusebe founded the Black British Business Awards and is Accenture's inclusion and diversity lead. She says bosses must look at equality in pay, promotion, culture and hiring. "Promotion and retention means looking at barriers that underrepresented communities face and investing in accelerator programmes." She emphasises that business leaders need to drive this cultural change: "CEOs and boards must take responsibility for how they foster inclusive workforces and cultures." The murder of George Floyd jolted some of the world's biggest companies into social action. Sony Music Group (SMG) created a $100m Global Social Justice Fund to fight racial injustice. "We are forging deep, meaningful partnerships with global organisations to scale their local efforts to fight intolerance," says Towalame Austin, SMG's executive vice president, philanthropy and social impact. Sony's fund has flowed across the Atlantic to help the UK charity Key4Life. It aims to curb youth re-offending through rehabilitation programmes and works with firms in construction, banking and media, to encourage them to hire ex-offenders. Eva Hamilton: "Companies that don't comply will be called out" Key4Life founder Eva Hamilton says corporate support, especially during the pandemic, has been critical: "Employment is the single most important route out of crime. But more than 50% of companies will not employ an offender." Ms Hamilton wonders if fear is fuelling corporate activity: "I feel some companies were very quick to respond in the wake of George Floyd. I wonder are they're coming from a place of fear or are they genuinely concerned?" One year on, she says expectations have changed: "We're entering a new world of equality and opportunity. Companies that don't comply will be called out." Melanie Eusebe says she is seeing more progressive company policies - such as making supply chains, sales and services more diverse - in order to woo a wider consumer base. "By improving an organisations' progressiveness, you are not only doing the right thing - it's just good business." For Roger Ferguson, it's a far cry from his childhood growing up in a segregated Washington DC. "I had to stand in the back of a major department stores waiting for my aunt the seamstress, to come out to measure my little suit jacket, to a place today where it's far from perfect. But we have certainly made progress." Baratunde Thurston's optimism is tempered. "The sad truth is, I know we will be having some version of this conversation in 10 years' time. My optimism says, we can always do better. We have to try." You can watch Talking Business with Aaron Heslehurst, on BBC World News, for full details of broadcast times click here.

https://news.yahoo.com/businesses-really-tackling-racial-inequality-105254115.html

Has Pep Guardiola Been Good Value For Money For Manchester City?

PORTO, PORTUGAL - MAY 29: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City leaves the pitch with their ... [+] runners up medal following the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) UEFA via Getty Images For the best part of a decade, the Champions League has been the final frontier for Manchester City. Funded by Abu Dhabi oil money, the club won its first Premier League PINC title in 2012. And its second in 2014. By the time Pep Guardiola arrived at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2016, the objective was clear - conquer Europe. Five years on and the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has yet to deliver on that objective. Saturday was meant to be Citys continental coronation, but Chelsea had other ideas as they claimed a 1-0 win in the 2020/21 Champions League final in Porto. Everything had been in the favour of Guardiolas side. It still wasnt enough. Of course, losing to Chelsea is no great humiliation. Thomas Tuchel is considered one of the best coaches in the game right now and his team is packed full of elite level talent. Manchester City, however, have more elite level talent. And in Guardiola they have the greatest coach of his generation. PORTO, PORTUGAL - MAY 29: Phil Foden of Manchester City consoles teammate Sergio Aguero after defeat ... [+] during the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Getty Images There is no measure by which Guardiola been a failure at City. Any manager who wins three Premier League titles in four seasons deserves acclaim, and plenty of that has come the Catalans way. Many believe he has changed English soccer for the better, with his ideology taking root in the country. However, its entirely fair to ponder whether Guardiola has delivered value for money for Manchester City. No club in Europe has had a greater net spend (505.6m) since Guardiolas appointment five years ago. No club can match Manchester Citys total transfer expenditure (818.5m) in that time either. Whatever Guardiola has demanded, City have delivered for him. When 15.4m goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was deemed unworthy for the first team by the Catalan coach in his first season at the club, a 34.7m replacement arrived 12 months later in the form of Ederson. PORTO, PORTUGAL - MAY 29: Ruben Dias of Manchester City applauds prior to the UEFA Champions League ... [+] Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Jose Coelho - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images Last summer, when Guardiola wanted defensive reinforcements made, close to 100m was spent on Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake. This was after close to 300m had been splurged on central defenders and full backs in the four years beforehand. No expense has been spared in the construction of the current squad at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola is also reportedly the highest-paid manager in the sport right now, collecting a salary of around 20 million. PORTO, PORTUGAL - MAY 29: A dejected Pep Guardiola the manager / head coach of Manchester City ... [+] reacts during the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images) Getty Images The great Barcelona side of 2010/11 might be Guardiolas greatest test, but this Manchester City group is the strongest squad he has ever possessed. This was evident in the options they had on the bench in the Champions League final against Chelsea, with 58.5m Aymeric Laporte, 52m Ferland Mendy, 40m Ake, 58.5m Joao Cancelo, 21m Ferran Torres and 56m Rodri not even getting on the pitch. City might well use the experience of what unfolded in Porto to fuel another challenge next season, but until then Guardiola will have to face questions on why he has been unable to translate his teams domestic dominance into European success, the thing he was hired in the first place to achieve.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/grahamruthven/2021/05/30/has-pep-guardiola-been-good-value-for-money-for-manchester-city/

Who is Roman Protasevich, the blogger seized by Belarus?

The shock and a sense of sickening horror were immediate among Roman Protasevich's family and colleagues in Belarus' pro-democracy movement, they say, when they realized the passenger plane carrying him was in a place it should never had been. The 26 year-old journalist and activist had been hunted by Belarus' authorities even before mass protests broke out against its dictator, Alexander Lukashenko, last summer. But during the peaceful uprising that had nearly toppled Lukashenko, often called 'Europe's last dictator', Protasevich had become one of the regime's most wanted opponents. And now he was in its hands. "It was really scary because I knew what would happen to Roman," said Hanna Liubakova, a prominent journalist who had a fellowship with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that Protasevich also received. The extraordinary lengths Belarus' government went to get hold of Protasevich reflects the importance they attribute to his role in last year's protests. Belarus used a false bomb threat to force the Ryanair flight carrying Protasevich and another 120 passengers from Athens to Lithuania to divert to Minsk, sending a fighter jet to escort it. After detaining Protasevich and his 23 year-old girlfriend, Sofia Sapega, Belarusian authorities released a video which showed the journalist appearing to make a forced confession, and with physical signs he may have been beaten. "He was really wanted," Liubakova told ABC News in an interview this week. "Because Lukashenko is so afraid of information." It was also, she said, a "signal to everyone that we are not safe." Protasevich became involved in journalism and Belarus' pro-democracy movement as teenager, covering pro-democracy protests. In 2019, he was forced to flee Belarus for Poland after his work began to attract dangerous attention from the authorities. There he linked up with another young blogger Stsiapan Putsila, who had founded the online news outlet, NEXTA, that was based on YouTube and the messenger app, Telegram, which is widely used as a news source in former Soviet countries. From Warsaw, NEXTA built up a following in Belarus, relying on tips sent to it by readers, which multiplied as its success grew. The channel had already attracted the attention of Lukashenko's security services and its offices were placed under Polish police protection. Then the protests began last August after Lukashenko declared victory in a presidential election widely rejected as rigged. Authorities shut off Belarus' internet for three days as police attacked demonstrators in Minsk, using rubber bullets and stun grenades. With the internet down, NEXTA -- based in Poland quickly became the go-to source for both Belarusians in the country and the outside world trying to understand what was happening. NEXTA and its sister channel NEXTA Live's following ballooned -- at their peak, growing to over 2 million subscribers, making NEXTA the largest information source in the country. The channels allowed people to see protesters taking to the streets. NEXTA also issued calls in real-time telling people where to gather, guiding them away from police and how to link up with one another. Videos showing violence from police and the torture and beating of hundreds of people in Minsk's jails circulated widely on NEXTA, fueling the anger that swelled protests. In the weeks following, NEXTA and other Telegram channels published dates and locations for where demonstrations would begin -- playing an essential role in coordinating the largely leaderless movement. "Given the fact that NEXTA is the largest source of information in Belarus right now, he was probably seen as the main threat, enemy number one or at least in top three," said Tadeusz Giczan, NEXTA's current editor-in-chief, who took over part of Protasevich's role running its Telegram posts last year. Protasevich left NEXTA last year and joined another popular Telegram channel. He was deeply involved in Belarus' exiled democracy movement when he was arrested. "He knows a lot, he knows everything. He was the one behind all the planning process, all the organization process," Giczan said. Belarus' authorities had put Protasevich on a terrorism watch list and opened criminal cases against him on charges of organizing mass disorder and inciting hatred. In the video aired by Belarusian authorities, Protasevich said he would confess to the disorder charges which carry a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison. He just showed the truth, he showed -- not just to Belarusians but the whole world what is happening," Protasevich's mother Natalya, told ABC News this week from Poland, where she and her husband Dmitry moved from Belarus last year. She said she had worried about her son's work sometimes but that she had believed in what he did. It's my profession. I must cover these events. I must get the truth to the people,'" she said. Inside Belarus, authorities have been intensifying repression, targeting journalists in particular. Since last year, NEXTA had been receiving dozens of death threats posted under their content, Giczan said, but also said they had not taken them very seriously. "Obviously now we need to reconsider this -- maybe take our security more seriously," he told ABC News by phone. But he said there was little they could do since they had limited protection. "I don't know what we can do really in these cases. Because if the Belarusian authorities want to kill or to kidnap us, it's not very difficult, to be honest," he said.

https://abcnews.go.com/International/roman-protasevich-blogger-seized-belarus/story?id=77964394

Which Cincinnati schools clinched spots in the boys volleyball state tournament?

A win on Saturday did not just give teams a regional championship to put in the trophy case, but put each winner into the state tournament. A loss on Saturday punched a ticket to watching the battle for state from home. Eight Cincinnati teams were still competing, but only four came out on top. Division II - West The No. 1 seed in the west, Fenwick had a familiar foe standing in its way for a regional championship. The Falcons won the Greater Catholic League Coed partly because of wins over Alter. A third win over Alter would put Fenwick into the state tournament with a chance at its first state championship since 2013. In the regional final played at Centerville. Alter gave Fenwick a bigger battle than it did in either regular season meeting. Instead of beating Alter in three sets, it took four on Saturday. The Falcons won the four sets 25-16, 25-19, 17-25, 25-19. The victory sent Fenwick to the state semifinals on Saturday, June 5, at Pickerington Central. Division II - South The first of three regional finals to be played at Princeton on Saturday, a top-two battle between No. 1 Badin and No. 2 La Salle broke out. Despite both teams playing for the same regional championship, the game was slightly more personal for the Rams: La Salle had been the team to eliminate Badin from the last two postseason tournaments. La Salle was one set from eliminating Badin again, but the Rams took the final two sets and won in five, 25-23, 18-25, 24-26, 25-14, 15-9. "We knew coming in it was going to be a battle," Badin head coach Anitra Brockman said. "It wasn't going to be a cakewalk and we struggled initially in the beginning and had to find our way, but it's an amazing feeling. I got emotional in the locker room with the boys because it's the first time we've ever gone to the state final four." Badin and Fenwick split regular season meetings and a third match will send one to the state finals. The two lockup again at 5 p.m. on June 5. Division I - West After sailing to a three-set over Wayne in the regional semifinal, Lakota East drew a match, as the fifth seed, against No. 1 Beavercreek. Beavercreek dispatched the Thunderhawks almost as easily as they sent Wayne packing. Beavercreek claimed the regional from Lakota East in three sets, 25-13, 25-16, 25-22. Just the winner of Saturday's marquee matchup between St. Xavier and Elder. Division I - South #1 In the second of Princeton's regional finals and the first of two Division I showdowns, No.1 Moeller met No. 4 Walnut Hills, a newer, but sill powerful challenger on the court. Standing head-to-head against Moeller, the Eagles from Walnut Hills went on a strong run in the middle of the first set, cushioning the score enough to win 25-21 to go up 1-0. Moeller, the program with more state titles than any other boys volleyball team in Ohio, was undeterred and responded with a 25-11 win in set two. The final two sets were closer, but Moeller still took both 25-23 and 25-21. "It's a remarkable feeling, " Moeller head coach Lee Meyer said after winning his first regional as a head coach. "I thought our guys, despite starting off slow in game one, came out and settled into their own culture and composure and started to rally behind one another. "To beat a very tough Walnut Hills team in four, especially after dropping the first set, is a remarkable win for our guys." The loss ended Walnut Hills' season at 18-4, losing just twice to Moeller and once each to St. Xavier and Elder. When the region is typically won by two of those three every year, Walnut Hills' surge to top ranking and competitive volleyball was a welcome sign for the program and the region. "It's probably one of the best seasons a public school team from the south region has ever had," Walnut Hills head coach Zac Ober said. "We end the year ranked top five in the state. It stinks to end our season this way, but its great to show that with the time and the effort, any school can come and play volleyball at a high level." Moeller will be the kickoff to the state tournament, meeting Centerville at 10 a.m. on June 5. The Crusaders beat Centerville twice in the regular season, the first in a five-set game that concluded with a 15-2 final set win, and the second a three-set win at Centerville on May 11. Division I - South #2 Walnut Hills and Moeller were strong teams who played a strong game, but the final game of the night was a true heavyweight bout between GCL South opponents St. Xavier and Elder. In five physical, back-and-forth sets, the Panthers and the Bombers traded blows with Elder landing the final punch, winning 27-25, 21-25, 29-27, 13-25, 15-11. St. Xavier seemed to have set one all wrapped up. The Bombers had set-point with a 24-20 lead, but Elder snapped off five-straight points to take a 25-24 lead. St. Xavier tied the match at 25-25, but Elder took the final two points and the opening set. The Panthers almost played comeback again in set two, cutting a 19-13 deficit to a 21-20 deficit, before St. Xavier ran away to take it 25-21. More:St. Xavier lacrosse outlasts Springboro for DI regional title, return to state Final 4 Elder had a thing with comebacks on Saturday. After set one and two, Elder had to come from behind to win both the third and the deciding fifth set. "Another great GCL contest," Elder head coach Sean Tierney said. "Both teams were battling. It wasn't the prettiest volleyball sometimes. It came down to rebounding after that fourth set and even rebounding in that fifth set. We were down 10-7 and this team just didn't quit. Ultimately I'm very proud of how they grinded it out and they believed in each other and snared victory from the jaws of defeat." Elder will see Beavercreek at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday. The Panthers saw Beavercreek twice and won both, most recently a 25-16, 25-20, 25-14 decision on April 27. If Elder and Moeller both reach the state finals, it will be an all-GCL South final for the second tournament in a row. Elder and Moeller have met in the state final four times, splitting with two title apiece. "To fight your way out of the south region is an accomplishment in itself," Tierney said. "Especially this year I think the south region was particularly strong in the state. To get back to state is a goal we have every year, but as we talked about in the post-match locker room, our goals aren't accomplished yet."

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/high-school/high-school-sports/2021/05/30/four-gcl-schools-punch-tickets-boys-volleyball-state-tournament/5267574001/

Is It Safe To Drink Alcohol After Getting Covid-19 Vaccines?

(Photo by John Keeble/Getty Images) Getty Images So you just got your Covid-19 vaccine. Well, certainly dont pull out that beer bong. Excessive alcohol drinking can suppress your immune system and in turn reduce the amount of protection that the Covid-19 vaccine can offer. A review paper published in the British Journal of Nutrition described how alcohol may impair the movement and functioning of key immune system cells white blood cells such as B and T lymphocytes, natural killer cells and monocytes/macrophages as well as alter the immune systems ability to produce important chemicals (e.g., cytokines). Excessive drinking can even make you more susceptible to infectious diseases like the Covid-19 coronavirus. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows, its either binge drinking or heavy drinking in general. Binge drinking would be four or more drinks for women and and five or more drinks for men over a two to three hour period. So if you need a full hand to count the number of shots that you just had, you just binged on alcohol. Heavy drinking would be at least eight drinks for women and at least 15 drinks for men over the course of a week. Note that one drink does not mean one beer bong. A drink consists of a single 12-ounce can, bottle, or glass of beer, five ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits like bourbon, vodka or gin. Well, the clinical trials for the Covid-19 vaccine didnt explicitly test how alcohol consumption may affect the vaccines effects. It wasnt part of the protocol to give study participants the vaccine and then say, now try some Sex on the Beach, meaning the alcoholic drink and not Cake by the Ocean, which incidentally is not about cake. Researchers have debated over whether a few drinks a day will impair, do nothing to, or even enhance your immune system. The jury is still out on this question and some of them are having drinks. The other issue is Covid-19 vaccine side effects. According to the CDC, common side effects include tiredness, headaches, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. Drinking too much alcohol before or after the Covid-19 vaccine could end up worsening whatever side effects you may get from the vaccine. Plus, it is a good idea to monitor your symptoms after getting the vaccine, just in case you are one of those rare individuals who has a worse reaction. It would be preferable if you can. There are plenty of other ways to celebrate getting your Covid-19 vaccine dose. Instead of a gin and tonic toast, you can try avocado toast. Rather than have a margarita, you can chat with Rita. You can go for a hike. You can wax different parts of your body. Just be reasonably safe with your alternative activity, because the pandemic is still continuing. Dont replace a Dark and Stormy, with storming the Capitol. Maybe youve already waxed everything on your body that you could possible wax. Perhaps Zachary is a douche-bag. Well, one drink (or possibly two drinks) on occasion is probably not going to mess with your immune system or the potential Covid-19 vaccine side effects. So it is OK to celebrate your vaccination with some alcohol in moderation.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2021/05/30/is-it-safe-to-drink-alcohol-after-getting-covid-19-vaccines/

Should Dak Have A Bigger Say In Cowboys Decisions?

Such a notion is, after all, very much in vogue now in the NFL, where headlines and storm clouds gather over Seattle, Green Bay and Houston because of conflict regarding the issue of QB power. I trust the people around here that have those titles and have those positions to do what they need to, Prescott said, waving off the idea that he needs more front-office pull. And I feel like they do ask me and bring me into the loop on things when they feel like they should.'' And there is the key: With subtlety and without storm clouds, Dak Prescott already has a voice that is listened to, all the way up to the Jones family. Listen closely over the years and you will note Jerry and Stephen Jones referring to Troy Aikman, Tony Romo and now Dak as, essentially, business partners. That is the nature of the leadership position at QB - and it's also the result of paying Prescott $160 million in his new four-year contract. There are issues in other NFL cities with exactly how to do this. Seahawks QB Russell Wilson has made noises about wanting to get out because he wants a bigger voice in the playbook. Aaron Rodgers perpetually feels unloved by Packers management and seems steadfast in his trade wish. Deshaun Watson feels betrayed by Texans management as it fudged on its pledge to include him in front-office hirings, and along with his legal limbo, wants to escape Houston. READ MORE: Dak's OTAs: 'I'm Pretty Much Full-Go,' Says Dallas QB "I dont want to ever begin to compare whats going on here in Dallas and how we handle things to other organizations,'' said Prescott, who is busying himself with his successful pretty much full-go'' rehab following 2020 season-ending ankle surgery. "We have a great relationship.'' Prescott is the highest-paid player in franchise history. That's a good start to a "good relationship'' with the front office. It's not an issue in Dallas, as it is elsewhere, because Dak Prescott, to his satisfaction, already has that voice.

https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news/dak-prescott-bigger-say-dallas-cowboys-decisions