UConn's Dan Hurley Blames 'S--ty Calls' for Loss to Memphis; Technical Foul a 'Joke'
Top turkeys of the 2024 NFL seasonIt wouldn’t be without a glazed gammon, would it? And there is no need to complicate things. No intricate scoring needed, no need to place an individual clove in each square before roasting. Who started this clove thing? It’s a bit like when you’re eating a nice curry and you crunch through a whole cardamom seed – definitely not enjoyable. Just give me thick slices of sweet, smoky, salty ham. is a must, sweetness is needed – marmalade is the go-to in my house – and lots of black pepper to finish things off. Go big on your gammon, it’s great cold on Boxing Day, or with a fried egg and some chips, in a leftover turkey pie, in a baguette with lots of butter and some cornichons, I could go on... 10 mins 2 hrs 50 mins 10 4-5kg smoked boneless gammon joint 1 onion, roughly chopped 3 carrots, roughly chopped 1 celery stick, roughly chopped 1⁄2 garlic bulb, cut horizontally 4 sprigs of thyme 4 sprigs of rosemary 1 tbsp cracked black pepper 350g marmalade 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard There are two options for removing some salt from your , depending on how organised you are. My preferred method is to leave the joint to soak overnight in cold water, then rinse and cook it the next day. You could also bring it to the boil, simmer for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse. Place your soaked or pre-boiled gammon in a large pan of cold water and add , , , and . Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 11⁄2 hours. Remove the gammon from the pan, reserving the stock. Preheat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas mark 5. Peel off the top layer of skin – you want to leave as much fat on the joint as possible for maximum flavour. Roughly score the fat in a criss-cross pattern, season with and and place in the oven for 15 minutes. Pour and over the gammon and spread, then pour over and baste. Return the gammon to the oven for another 20 minutes. Remove and baste again. Continue to cook the gammon in this way, basting every 20 minutes until it is beautifully coloured and glazed all over (about 1 hour). Using a long, sharp knife, slice it with confident strokes. Serve with roast potatoes and braised greens.Why I signed new Man City contract – Guardiola
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2024-- Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL) (“Planet” or the “Company”), a leading provider of daily data and insights about Earth, today announced financial results for the period ended October 31, 2024. "We are pleased with the multiple large contracts secured with government customers globally this quarter, which we expect to ramp up into the year ahead. The third quarter represented Planet’s largest ever quarter of ACV bookings, helping lay the foundation for future growth," said Will Marshall, Planet’s Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson. "We continue to see strong demand for our data, particularly where enhanced with AI-enabled solutions. We also saw first light from our Tanager satellite, released the first set of over 300 CO2 and methane detections, and are progressing towards commercializing its hyperspectral data. The success of this program has led us to actively pursue other opportunities that similarly advance our technology roadmap while enhancing our financial position. Ultimately, we believe Planet is well positioned for growth going forward." Ashley Johnson, Planet’s President and Chief Financial Officer, added, “We saw significant improvement in the fundamentals of the business during the quarter, as evident in the year-over-year and sequential improvement in margins, as well as the continued progress on our path to profitability. I’m pleased to confirm that we’re on track to achieve our target of Adjusted EBITDA profitability next quarter. Meanwhile, we’re reducing our cash burn and our balance sheet remains strong with approximately $242 million of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments as of the end of the quarter, and we continue to have no debt.” Third Quarter of Fiscal 2025 Financial and Key Metric Highlights: Recent Business Highlights: Growing Customer and Partner Relationships New Technologies and Products Impact and ESG Fourth Quarter Financial Outlook For the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, ending January 31, 2025, Planet expects revenue to be in the range of approximately $61 million to $63 million. Non-GAAP Gross Margin is expected to be in the range of approximately 63% to 65%. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of approximately $0 to $2 million for the quarter. Capital Expenditures are expected to be in the range of approximately $8 million and $11 million for the quarter. Planet has not reconciled its Non-GAAP financial outlook to the most directly comparable GAAP measures because certain reconciling items, such as stock-based compensation expenses and depreciation and amortization are uncertain or out of Planet’s control and cannot be reasonably predicted. The actual amount of these expenses during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 will have a significant impact on Planet’s future GAAP financial results. Accordingly, a reconciliation of Planet’s Non-GAAP outlook to the most comparable GAAP measures is not available without unreasonable efforts. The foregoing forward-looking statements reflect Planet’s expectations as of today’s date. Given the number of risk factors, uncertainties and assumptions discussed below, actual results may differ materially. Webcast and Conference Call Information Planet will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT today, December 9, 2024. The webcast can be accessed at www.planet.com/investors/ . A replay will be available approximately 2 hours following the event. If you would prefer to register for the conference call, please go to the following link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=00196caf&confId=74075 . You will then receive your access details via email. Additionally, a supplemental presentation has been provided on Planet’s investor relations page. About Planet Labs PBC Planet is a leading provider of global, daily satellite imagery and geospatial solutions. Planet is driven by a mission to image the world every day, and make change visible, accessible and actionable. Founded in 2010 by three NASA scientists, Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest Earth observation fleet of imaging satellites. Planet provides mission-critical data, advanced insights, and software solutions to over 1,000 customers, comprising the world’s leading agriculture, forestry, intelligence, education and finance companies and government agencies, enabling users to simply and effectively derive unique value from satellite imagery. Planet is a public benefit corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange as PL. To learn more visit www.planet.com and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) or tune in to HBO’s ‘Wild Wild Space’. Channels for Disclosure of Information Planet intends to announce material information to the public through a variety of means, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts, the investor relations section of its website (investors.planet.com) and its blog (planet.com/pulse) in order to achieve broad, non-exclusionary distribution of information to the public and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. It is possible that the information Planet posts on its blog could be deemed to be material information. As such, Planet encourages investors, the media, and others to follow the channels listed above and to review the information disclosed through such channels. Planet’s Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures This press release includes Non-GAAP Gross Profit, Non-GAAP Gross Margin, certain Non-GAAP Expenses described further below, Non-GAAP Loss from Operations, Non-GAAP Net Loss, Non-GAAP Net Loss per Diluted Share, Adjusted EBITDA and Backlog, which are non-GAAP measures the Company uses to supplement its results presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company includes these non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by management to evaluate the Company’s core operating performance and trends and to make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital and new investments. Non-GAAP Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Gross Margin: The Company defines and calculates Non-GAAP Gross Profit as gross profit adjusted for stock-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangible assets classified as cost of revenue, restructuring costs, and employee transaction bonuses in connection with the Sinergise business combination. The Company defines Non-GAAP Gross Margin as Non-GAAP Gross Profit divided by revenue. Non-GAAP Expenses: The Company defines and calculates Non-GAAP cost of revenue, Non-GAAP research and development expenses, Non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses, and Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses as, in each case, the corresponding U.S. GAAP financial measure (cost of revenue, research and development expenses, sales and marketing expenses, and general and administrative expenses) adjusted for stock-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring costs, certain litigation expenses, and employee transaction bonuses in connection with the Sinergise business combination, that are classified within each of the corresponding U.S. GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP Loss from Operations: The Company defines and calculates Non-GAAP Loss from Operations as loss from operations adjusted for stock-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring costs, certain litigation expenses, and employee transaction bonuses in connection with the Sinergise business combination. Non-GAAP Net Loss and Non-GAAP Net Loss per Diluted Share: The Company defines and calculates Non-GAAP Net Loss as net loss adjusted for stock-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring costs, certain litigation expenses, and employee transaction bonuses in connection with the Sinergise business combination, and the income tax effects of the non-GAAP adjustments. The Company defines and calculates Non-GAAP Net Loss per Diluted Share as Non-GAAP Net Loss divided by diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding. Adjusted EBITDA: The Company defines and calculates Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before the impact of interest income and expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization, and further adjusted for the following items: stock-based compensation, change in fair value of warrant liabilities, non-operating income and expenses such as foreign currency exchange gain or loss, restructuring costs, certain litigation expenses, and employee transaction bonuses in connection with the Sinergise business combination. The Company presents Non-GAAP Gross Profit, Non-GAAP Gross Margin, certain Non-GAAP Expenses described above, Non-GAAP Loss from Operations, Non-GAAP Net Loss, Non-GAAP Net Loss per Diluted Share and Adjusted EBITDA because the Company believes these measures are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in Planet’s industry and facilitates comparisons on a consistent basis across reporting periods. Further, the Company believes these measures are helpful in highlighting trends in its operating results because they exclude items that are not indicative of the Company’s core operating performance. Backlog: The Company defines and calculates Backlog as remaining performance obligations plus the cancellable portion of the contract value for contracts that provide the customer with a right to terminate for convenience without incurring a substantive termination penalty and written orders where funding has not been appropriated. Backlog does not include unexercised contract options. Remaining performance obligations represent the amount of contracted future revenue that has not yet been recognized, which includes both deferred revenue and non-cancelable contracted revenue that will be invoiced and recognized in revenue in future periods. Remaining performance obligations do not include contracts which provide the customer with a right to terminate for convenience without incurring a substantive termination penalty, written orders where funding has not been appropriated and unexercised contract options. An increasing and meaningful portion of the Company’s revenue is generated from contracts with the U.S. government and other government customers. Cancellation provisions, such as termination for convenience clauses, are common in contracts with the U.S. government and certain other government customers. The Company presents Backlog because the portion of its customer contracts with such cancellation provisions represents a meaningful amount of the Company’s expected future revenues. Management uses backlog to more effectively forecast the Company’s future business and results, which supports decisions around capital allocation. It also helps the Company identify future growth or operating trends that may not otherwise be apparent. The Company also believes Backlog is useful for investors in forecasting the Company’s future results and understanding the growth of its business. Customer cancellation provisions relating to termination for convenience clauses and funding appropriation requirements are outside of the Company’s control, and as a result, the Company may fail to realize the full value of such contracts. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures presented are not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by U.S. GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to similarly-titled measures presented by other companies, which may have different definitions from the Company’s. Further, certain of the non-GAAP financial measures presented exclude stock-based compensation expenses, which has recently been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a significant recurring expense for the Company and an important part of its compensation strategy. Other Key Metrics ACV and EoP ACV Book of Business: In connection with the calculation of several of the key operational and business metrics we utilize, the Company calculates Annual Contract Value (“ACV”) for contracts of one year or greater as the total amount of value that a customer has contracted to pay for the most recent 12 month period for the contract, excluding customers that are exclusively Sentinel Hub self-service paying users. For short-term contracts (contracts less than 12 months), ACV is equal to total contract value. The Company also calculates EoP ACV Book of Business in connection with the calculation of several of the key operational and business metrics we utilize. The Company defines EoP ACV Book of Business as the sum of the ACV of all contracts that are active on the last day of the period pursuant to the effective dates and end dates of such contracts, excluding customers that are exclusively Sentinel Hub self-service paying users. Active contracts exclude any contract that has been canceled, expired prior to the last day of the period without renewing, or for any other reason is not expected to generate revenue in the subsequent period. For contracts ending on the last day of the period, the ACV is either updated to reflect the ACV of the renewed contract or, if the contract has not yet renewed or extended, the ACV is excluded from the EoP ACV Book of Business. The Company does not annualize short-term contracts in calculating its EoP ACV Book of Business. The Company calculates the ACV of usage-based contracts based on the committed contracted revenue or the revenue achieved on the usage-based contract in the prior 12-month period. Percent of Recurring ACV: Percent of Recurring ACV is the portion of the total EoP ACV Book of Business that is recurring in nature. The Company defines EoP ACV Book of Business as the sum of the ACV of all contracts that are active on the last day of the period pursuant to the effective dates and end dates of such contracts, excluding customers that are exclusively Sentinel Hub self-service paying users. The Company defines Percent of Recurring ACV as the dollar value of all data subscription contracts and the committed portion of usage-based contracts (excluding customers that are exclusively Sentinel Hub self-service paying users) divided by the total dollar value of all contracts in our EoP ACV Book of Business. The Company believes Percent of Recurring ACV is useful to investors to better understand how much of the Company’s revenue is from customers that have the potential to renew their contracts over multiple years rather than being one-time in nature. The Company tracks Percent of Recurring ACV to inform estimates for the future revenue growth potential of our business and improve the predictability of our financial results. There are no significant estimates underlying management’s calculation of Percent of Recurring ACV, but management applies judgment as to which customers have an active contract at a period end for the purpose of determining EoP ACV Book of Business, which is used as part of the calculation of Percent of Recurring ACV. EoP Customer Count: The Company defines EoP Customer Count as the total count of all existing customers at the end of the period excluding customers that are exclusively Sentinel Hub self-service paying users. For EoP Customer Count, the Company defines existing customers as customers with an active contract with the Company at the end of the reported period. For the purpose of this metric, the Company defines a customer as a distinct entity that uses the Company’s data or services. The Company sells directly to customers, as well as indirectly through its partner network. If a partner does not provide the end customer’s name, then the partner is reported as the customer. Each customer, regardless of the number of active opportunities with the Company, is counted only once. For example, if a customer utilizes multiple products of Planet, the Company only counts that customer once for purposes of EoP Customer Count. A customer with multiple divisions, segments, or subsidiaries are also counted as a single unique customer based on the parent organization or parent account. For EoP Customer Count, the Company does not include users that only utilize the Company’s self-service Sentinel Hub web based ordering system, which the Company acquired in August 2023, and which offers standard starter packages on a monthly or annual basis. The Company believes excluding these users from EoP Customer Count creates a more useful metric, as the Company views the Sentinel Hub starter packages as entry points for smaller accounts, leading to broader awareness of the Company’s solutions throughout their networks and organizations. The Company believes EoP Customer Count is a useful metric for investors and management to track as it is an important indicator of the broader adoption of the Company’s platform and is a measure of the Company’s success in growing its market presence and penetration. Management applies judgment as to which customers are deemed to have an active contract in a period, as well as whether a customer is a distinct entity that uses the Company’s data or services. Capital Expenditures as a Percentage of Revenue: The Company defines capital expenditures as purchases of property and equipment plus capitalized internally developed software development costs, which are included in our statements of cash flows from investing activities. The Company defines Capital Expenditures as a Percentage of Revenue as the total amount of capital expenditures divided by total revenue in the reported period. Capital Expenditures as a Percentage of Revenue is a performance measure that we use to evaluate the appropriate level of capital expenditures needed to support demand for the Company’s data services and related revenue, and to provide a comparable view of the Company’s performance relative to other earth observation companies, which may invest significantly greater amounts in their satellites to deliver their data to customers. The Company uses an agile space systems strategy, which means we invest in a larger number of significantly lower cost satellites and software infrastructure to automate the management of the satellites and to deliver the Company’s data to clients. As a result of the Company’s strategy and business model, the Company’s capital expenditures may be more similar to software companies with large data center infrastructure costs. Therefore, the Company believes it is important to look at the level of capital expenditure investments relative to revenue when evaluating the Company’s performance relative to other earth observation companies or to other software and data companies with significant data center infrastructure investment requirements. The Company believes Capital Expenditures as a Percentage of Revenue is a useful metric for investors because it provides visibility to the level of capital expenditures required to operate the Company and the Company’s relative capital efficiency. Forward-looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or Planet’s future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward looking statements because they contain words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “develop,” “evolve,” “plan,” “seek,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “can,” “should,” “would,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “strategy,” “opportunity,” “aim,” “conviction,” “continue,” “positioned” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern Planet’s expectations, strategy, priorities, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Planet’s financial guidance and outlook, Planet’s path to profitability (including on an Adjusted EBITDA basis) and target for achieving Adjusted EBITDA profitability, Planet’s growth opportunities, Planet’s expectations regarding future product development and performance, and Planet’s expectations regarding its strategies with respect to its markets and customers, including trends in customer demand. Planet’s expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results in future periods are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including risks related to the macroeconomic environment and risks regarding Planet’s ability to forecast Planet’s performance due to Planet’s limited operating history. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in Planet’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including Planet’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2024, and any subsequent filings with the SEC Planet may make. All forward-looking statements reflect Planet’s beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Planet undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. Planet’s results for the quarter ended October 31, 2024, are not necessarily indicative of its operating results for any future periods. For remaining performance obligations as of October 31, 2024, the Company expects to recognize approximately 82% over the next 12 months, approximately 98% over the next 24 months, and the remainder thereafter. For Backlog as of October 31, 2024, the Company expects to recognize approximately 70% over the next 12 months, approximately 91% over the next 24 months, and the remainder thereafter. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209391021/en/ CONTACT: Investor Contact Chris Genualdi / Cleo Palmer-Poroner Planet Labs PBC ir@planet.comPress Contact Claire Bentley Dale Planet Labs PBC comms@planet.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA BRAZIL UNITED STATES SOUTH AMERICA NORTH AMERICA LATIN AMERICA EUROPE GERMANY INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SOFTWARE MOBILE/WIRELESS NETWORKS OTHER DEFENSE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HARDWARE DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY DEFENSE SATELLITE OTHER TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) SOURCE: Planet Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/09/2024 04:08 PM/DISC: 12/09/2024 04:08 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209391021/enTrump has promised again to release the last JFK files. But experts say don’t expect big revelations
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani is keeping elite company. The Japanese superstar caps 2024 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, tying him with basketball great Michael Jordan. He trails only four-time winners Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and LeBron James. "I'm very honored," Ohtani said through translator Matt Hidaka in an exclusive interview with the AP. "Obviously all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I'll get the award again." In balloting by 74 sports journalists from the AP and its members, Ohtani received 48 votes. He previously won the award in 2023 and 2021, when he was with the Angels. "Growing up in Japan, I did follow Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods," he said. "I would see their accolades and how they were successful in the United States." The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Golfer Babe Didrikson won six times, the most by a man or woman. Swimmer Léon Marchand of France, who won four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, was second with 10 votes in balloting announced Monday. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose victories this year included the Masters and an Olympic gold medal, was third with nine. The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Tuesday. Moving from the beleaguered Los Angeles Angels to the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player award and first in the National League, led his new team to its eighth World Series championship and created Major League Baseball's 50/50 club by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. Ohtani signed a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Already a two-way superstar, he embellished his reputation even further despite not pitching all season while he rehabilitated from a second major right elbow surgery he had in September 2023. Ohtani went wild on offense, making every at-bat a must-see moment. The 6-foot-4 designated hitter batted a career-high .310 while easily surpassing his previous career highs in home runs and stolen bases. In September, he reached the previously unheard of 50/50 mark in a performance for the ages. Against the Miami Marlins in Florida, Ohtani went 6 for 6 with three homers, 10 RBIs, two stolen bases and 17 total bases. "It wouldn't shock me if he went 60/60 and 20 wins a year from now," Brad Ausmus, who managed the Angels in 2019 during Ohtani's second season in Anaheim, said recently. "This guy is the greatest athlete to ever play the sport of baseball and there's not a close second." Ohtani said he knew the Dodgers' franchise record for most homers in a season was 49. His previous best was 46, set in 2021. "I kind of wanted to get over that bar," he said. "I was pleasantly surprised I was able to pass that record." Ohtani carried the Dodgers offensively during the regular season, and he stayed healthy until Game 2 of the World Series. He injured his left shoulder trying to steal second base against the New York Yankees and finished the Series playing hurt. He underwent surgery a few days after the Dodgers celebrated their championship in early November. "I don't have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better," he told the AP. "There's no pain. There's obviously still a little bit of tightness, but slowly but surely it's getting better." Ohtani recently received an updated rehab schedule, and he's focused on the near-term. "It's the small steps that I think are very important to get me to the ultimate goal, which is to just get back healthy," he said. Ohtani is also throwing in the 70 mph range, which is typical for pitchers early in the offseason. "I'm going to continue to ramp up slowly," he said. The Dodgers' rotation for next season is in flux, and Ohtani is waiting to see how it shakes out. "We may go with a five-man rotation with a bullpen (game), which is what we did a lot during this season or we may have a six-man rotation," he said. "But it's all about balancing out when we can get rest and recuperate. We'll see where that takes us along the playoff chase. I've got to obviously pace myself, but again that situation will guide us to how we get there." The Dodgers open the 2025 season in Japan, where Ohtani is even more closely watched. "My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games do start," he said. "To be able to pitch and hit would be great, but the situation will kind of guide itself." Each time Ohtani comes to the plate or steps on the mound, there's great pressure and expectation for him to perform spectacular feats. "I just go out there and try to stay within myself," he said. "I can only control what I can control and that's where you trust your teammates. The guys behind me, you trust they're going to make the plays for you. I don't really try to overthink it." Ohtani generated big bucks for the Dodgers off the field, too. Fans traveled from Japan in droves to see him play around the U.S. At Dodger Stadium, they paid extra for tours of baseball's third-oldest venue narrated by Japanese-speaking guides and to be on the field during pre-game batting practice. A majority of the fans bought Ohtani-branded merchandise, especially his No. 17 jersey. Ohtani's presence also helped the Dodgers land a bevy of new Japanese sponsors. Because Ohtani prefers to speak Japanese and use an interpreter with the media, he is shrouded in a bit of mystique. Asked before his first postgame series if he was nervous, he dropped a one-word answer in English: "Nope," which drew laughter. Japanese-born Dodgers manager Dave Roberts observed Ohtani's behind-the-scenes interactions with his teammates, coaches and staff, and came away impressed. "I really do believe that as good of a ballplayer as he is, he's a much better person. He's very kind, considerate, he cares," Roberts told the AP. "I'm just proud of any fame or glory or award that he receives because he just does it in such a respectful and humble way." Ohtani relishes his privacy and rarely shares details about himself off the field. That's why his February announcement via Instagram that he had wed Mamiko Tanaka, a former basketball player, stunned his new teammates and the rest of the world. The following month, after the Dodgers arrived in South Korea to open the season, he was enveloped in scandal when his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers after being accused of using millions of dollars of Ohtani's money to place bets with an illegal bookmaker. His new teammates rallied around Ohtani, who was found to have no part in the wrongdoing, and publicly it didn't seem to affect him even if he was privately distressed by it. By June, the uproar had subsided. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to federal bank and tax fraud charges and admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. The public got a glimpse of Ohtani's softer side in August, when his dog Decoy delivered a first pitch to his owner on their shared bobblehead night. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje exchanged an endearing high-five with Ohtani at the plate. As a result, Decoy became a celebrity in his own right, with his breed (pronounced COY-ker-HUND-che) making the list of the most mispronounced words of 2024. He and Ohtani were mentioned during the telecast of last month's National Dog Show, where the small Spaniel-type breed was among the competitors. "The number of the breed has kind of dwindled, so by him gaining a little bit of popularity hopefully that brings up the number of his breed," Ohtani said. "I do feel like we were able to, in a small way, contribute to the popularity of the dog and I'm sure Decoy himself would be happy about that." Ohtani will be looking to top himself next year while eyeing a repeat World Series title. "It's almost like right now you can lock in the Most Valuable Player in the National League award because no one has that ability or talent," Roberts said. "I'm just excited to see what '25 has for Shohei Ohtani." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Daily Post Nigeria EPL: Martin Keown picks player to replace Saka in Arsenal squad Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport EPL: Martin Keown picks player to replace Saka in Arsenal squad Published on December 26, 2024 By Don Silas Former Arsenal star Martin Keown believes Ethan Nwaneri is ready to step up and fill the void left by Bukayo Saka in the Gunners’ squad. Saka is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and is expected to be out of action for several weeks. “I don’t know of a player who has created more chances for his teammates in the Premier League this season, so he’s obviously going to be a really big miss,” Keown told talkSPORT when asked about Saka’s absence. “It’s up to someone to step up, maybe [Ethan] Nwaneri, who has been playing in the [Martin] Odegaard role. Perhaps he could come into the front line and give us something different. “He’s a left-footed player, so why not push him into the top line? There are options for the manager.” Related Topics: arsenal EPL Martin Keown Saka Don't Miss EPL: Danny Murphy urges Liverpool to sign Chelsea star as Alexander-Arnold’s replacement You may like EPL: Danny Murphy urges Liverpool to sign Chelsea star as Alexander-Arnold’s replacement EPL: Chelsea’s title hope takes hit after 2-1 defeat to Fulham EPL: Guardiola reacts to Man City’s 1-1 draw with Everton EPL: Haaland misses penalty as Man City fail to beat Everton EPL: Silva lauds Iwobi for selfless Christmas gesture EPL: Man United legend slams Rashford for saying he’s ready to leave Old Trafford Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd
Arab League urges Iran not to fuel 'strife' in SyriaSpecial counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he was simultaneously running for another term. Trump emerges indisputably victorious, having successfully delayed the investigations through legal maneuvers and then winning reelection despite indictments that described his actions as a threat to the country’s constitutional foundations. “I persevered, against all odds, and WON,” Trump exulted in a post on Truth Social, his social media website. He also said that “these cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought.” The judge in the election case granted prosecutors’ dismissal request. A decision in the documents case was still pending on Monday evening. The outcome makes it clear that, when it comes to a president and criminal accusations, nothing supersedes the voters’ own verdict. In court filings, Smith’s team emphasized that the move to end their prosecutions was not a reflection of the merit of the cases but a recognition of the legal shield that surrounds any commander in chief. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” prosecutors said in one of their filings. They wrote that Trump’s return to the White House “sets at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: on the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities ... and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law.” In this situation, “the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated,” they concluded. Smith’s team said it was leaving intact charges against two co-defendants in the classified documents case — Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira — because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” Steven Cheung, Trump’s incoming White House communications director, said Americans “want an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and we look forward to uniting our country.” Trump has long described the investigations as politically motivated, and he has vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. Now he will start his second term free from criminal scrutiny by the government that he will lead. The election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing Trump as he tried to reclaim the White House. He was to Joe Biden in 2020, an effort that climaxed with his supporters’ violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. But the case quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump’s sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year’s election. Smith’s team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence it planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden. In dismissing the case, Chutkan acknowledged prosecutors’ request to do so “without prejudice,” raising the possibility that they could try to bring charges against Trump when his term is over. She wrote that is “consistent with the Government’s understanding that the immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office.” But such a move may be barred by the statute of limitations, and Trump may also try to pardon himself while in office. The separate case involving classified documents had been widely seen as legally clear cut, especially because the conduct in question occurred after Trump left the White House and lost the powers of the presidency. The indictment included dozens of felony counts accusing him of illegally hoarding classified records from his presidency at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and obstructing federal efforts to get them back. He has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. The case quickly became snarled by delays, with U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon slow to issue rulings — which favored Trump’s strategy of pushing off deadlines in all his criminal cases — while also entertaining defense motions and arguments that experts said other judges would have dispensed with without hearings. In May, she indefinitely canceled the trial date amid a series of unresolved legal issues before dismissing the case outright two months later. Smith’s team appealed the decision, but now has given up that effort. Trump faced two other state prosecutions while running for president. One of them, a New York case involving hush money payments, on felony charges of falsifying business records. It was the first time a former president had been found guilty of a crime. The sentencing in that case is on hold as Trump’s lawyers try to have the conviction dismissed before he takes office, arguing that letting the verdict stand will interfere with his presidential transition and duties. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office is fighting the dismissal but has indicated that it would be until Trump leaves office. Bragg, a Democrat, has said the solution needs to balance the obligations of the presidency with “the sanctity of the jury verdict.” Trump was also indicted in Georgia along with 18 others accused of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election there. Any trial appears unlikely there while Trump holds office. The prosecution already after an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Four defendants have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty.AKOOL Announces Strategic Bollywood Partnership to Revolutionize AI in Digital Immersion and Video Markets
I'm a sleep expert - here's how you can get your children to doze off quickly on Christmas Eve Dave Gibson has teamed up with Viabiotics to share strategies to help kids sleep READ MORE: Kylie Minogue to take on CBeebies Bedtime Stories this Christmas By JOWENA RILEY Published: 18:03, 23 December 2024 | Updated: 18:11, 23 December 2024 e-mail View comments Christmas Eve is perhaps the most exciting night of a young child's year - which makes getting them to sleep as they await Santa's arrival a little challenging. According to experts at Viabiotics, the excitement of Christmas triggers the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and adrenaline, which can make children feel more alert. Sleep expert Dave Gibson has shared his in-depth strategies to help parents get their children to drop off on the magical night. His eight tips include setting a later bedtime in the days leading up at Christmas, sticking to regular routines and advice for managing anxiety and excitement. Gibson says: 'For parents with young children, Christmas Eve is possibly the most difficult night of the year for getting a good night’s sleep. 'The excitement of Santa's impending arrival overstimulates children, making it harder for them to fall asleep. 'Add the broken sleep patterns, early waking to open gifts, and the fear of missing out on the festive fun downstairs, and you have a challenging combination.' Here, he shares his complete guide to help both children and parents get a restful night's sleep this Christmas Eve. Renowned sleep expert, Dave Gibson, has teamed up with Viabiotics to share his in-depth strategies to help parents get their children to sleep on Christmas Eve (stock image) Stick to your regular routine Consistency is especially important in a child's sleep routine during the festive season, Gibson says. A consistent sleep routine amidst the chaos and excitement of Christmas helps to anchor children's brains into feeling calm. He shared: 'With routine, our brains anticipate what follows and then prepare for and expect this to happen. 'Whether it's the regular bedtime story or the usual winding-down activities, your child will automatically expect to sleep by sticking to their normal bedtime routine, even during the excitement of preparing for Santa.' Make bedtimes later The days leading up to Christmas require slight adjustments to a child's sleep routine. Gibson advises making gradual changes to accommodate this - whether it's late-night visits or trips away. According to the expert, if parents are planning to allow their children to stay up later than usual on Christmas Eve - in the hopes they will wake later in the morning - it is recommended to stagger the change during the nights leading up to the big day. Gibson said: 'Stagger the change during the nights before with smaller steps so their body clock naturally adjusts to this time. Then, gradually undo the stagger from Boxing Day afterwards. 'Vice Versa, if the plan is to wake up earlier than usual on Christmas Day to open presents together, you are best setting this up by waking up earlier on Christmas Eve, too. 'For example, if your child’s usual wake time is 7.30 am for school and you are going to allow them to wake at 6.30 am on Christmas morning, you could set an alarm for 7 am on Christmas Eve.' Managing anxiety and excitement To help combat anxiety and excitement in young children, Gibson recommends a bath, gentle music, reading or selecting bedtime stories that are calming rather than exciting (stock image) Read More What NOT to say to your woke kids at Christmas To help combat anxiety and excitement in young children, Gibson recommends a bath, gentle music, reading or selecting bedtime stories that are calming rather than exciting. He added: 'Acknowledging the excitement and reminding children that a good night’s sleep will help them have the best Christmas possible encourages them to embrace getting to sleep.' For older children, Gibson advises parents to encourage mindfulness techniques, including breathing exercises and visualisation of calm places before they sleep. For some children, the excitement of Christmas can trigger anxiety, but this can be alleviated with creating an open space for discussion. Gibson said: 'If they are anxious at bedtime, writing a note on a piece of paper about what they are worried about and putting it away in a "worry box" overnight can often help children with specific worries. 'Their worry is safe in the box overnight and can be taken out in the morning to talk more about after a good night’s sleep. Often, we don’t need to do this as everything always feels better in the morning, having slept on the problem overnight.' The bedtime snack secret Studies have shown poor sleep quality is significantly related to higher added sugar intake - but combining carbs and dairy can help improve a child's ability to fall - and stay - asleep. Although there's no scientific evidence to support the idea that sugar speeds children up and causes hyperactivity, Gibson recommends reducing sugar intake across the day, especially as bedtime approaches. He advises giving children an evening snack consisting of fruit, dairy, protein or fat about an hour before sleep, with protein and fat taking longer to digest, which is likely to fill them up more. Bananas are also effective in getting kids to sleep as they contain magnesium, which helps regulate to neurotransmitters and melatonin. Gibson added: 'Oatmeal with Greek yoghurt or cheese and crackers are excellent snacks to try. 'Combining carbohydrates and dairy is a great way to release an amino acid called tryptophan. 'Tryptophan aids sleep as it is a building block of melatonin, our sleep hormone. Warm milk with honey is the perfect soothing bedtime drink, as the honey helps release tryptophan from the milk.' Set expectations to avoid late bedtime negotiations To ensure a smooth Christmas Eve sleep experience for all members of the family, managing expectations in young children is crucial. Gibson recommends discussing bedtime expectations, holiday plans and potential changes in sleeping arrangements with children well in advance of Christmas Eve. He added: 'This proactive approach will help garner cooperation, especially with older children who may want to negotiate an extension of their usual bedtime!' How to tackle waking up in the night Sleep expert Dave Gibson (pictured) has shared his tips for getting children to sleep on Christmas Eve If your child wakes up in the middle of the night during Christmas Eve, it's important to remain calm and centered so that your little one can be reassured that what is on their mind will be sorted in the morning. Gibson advises to keep an interaction simple and straightforward to avoid stimulating their mind. He also recommends dimming the lights during the night, as bright lights can prevent children from getting back to sleep. It's equally crucial to keep technology and other electronics switched off they will stimulate children's brains - even if blue light filers are used. Gibson said: 'Have a relaxation technique or two that you can use, which involves slow breathing and calming visualisations which can help them settle again. 'The Progressive Muscle Relaxation technique can work well in these instances. Start by contracting each muscle group from the feet to the head. Your child breathes in during the contraction and then out in the relaxation phase.' The ‘first night away’ effect According to Gibson, the 'first night away' effect refers to the challenge of getting a restful night's sleep in an unfamiliar setting. To alleviate this, the expert recommends 'making things as familiar as possible.' He recommends sticking to the usual bedtime routine, as well as 'incorporating familiar elements, such as their bedding, pillow, and cuddly toy, to help your child feel more secure'. How to structure Christmas Eve Gibson recommends planning Christmas Eve activities in advance so the day gradually calms towards bedtime. Morning Gibson advocates for a structured approach to activities, and suggests beginning the morning with outdoor activities, which allow children to 'expel energy and benefit from natural tiredness at night.' Getting sunlight first thing is also an important component for strengthening our body clock, which in turn helps us get to sleep more easily at night. Afternoon Gibson said: 'After lunch is a good time for screen time and boisterous indoor activity. Ideally, you want to stop screen time two hours before bedtime. 'Having family time with a digital detox, where everyone in the family is off tech, including mobile phones, is a great way of setting this up.' Evening Gibson suggests embracing quieter activities for a soothing wind-down as the evening approaches. 'Playing cards, engaging in a family board game, or participating in a gentle craft like drawing can help make things more relaxing as part of a wind-down period and try to avoid stimulating activities like party games.' Christmas Share or comment on this article: I'm a sleep expert - here's how you can get your children to doze off quickly on Christmas Eve e-mail Add comment
Tamil Nadu police have issued a warning about a new phishing scam targeting UPI users. Fraudsters are distributing a malicious app disguised as the " PM Kisan Yojna " app. Once installed, this app can gain control over users' SMS and device permissions, allowing scammers to intercept sensitive information and authorize unauthorized transactions . The malicious app collects personal data, including Aadhaar number, PAN, and date of birth, and uses it to register devices on UPI platforms. IPL 2025 mega auction IPL Auction 2025: Who went where and for how much IPL 2025: Complete list of players of each franchise This enables the scammers to initiate unauthorized transactions. "The fraudsters intercept SMS traffic and use it to manipulate UPI applications. They use the intercepted data to register devices on UPI platforms, enabling unauthorized transactions. It also collects sensitive personal data, such as name, Aadhaar number, PAN, and date of birth, through a web form," said a statement from state headquarters of cyber crime wing. It further added, "This sophisticated method of attack has caused financial and emotional distress to several individuals, with the scammers exploiting the trust associated with government benefit schemes and urgency." The Police warned users that multiple incidents of unauthorised bank transactions through UPI apps, particularly PhonePe, have been reported recently. "Upon investigation, it has been discovered that in all reported cases, the deducted amounts were transferred exclusively to Amazon Pay," the official release added. How to protect yourself from such scams To protect yourself, the police advise against downloading apps from unofficial sources, especially those shared via WhatsApp . Always use official government websites and apps downloaded from official App Stores for financial transactions. If you suspect any unauthorized activity, report it immediately to the authorities.
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Trump alleges Chinese Military presence at Panama CanalLOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani is keeping elite company. The Japanese superstar caps 2024 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, tying him with basketball great Michael Jordan. He trails only four-time winners Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and LeBron James. "I'm very honored," Ohtani said through translator Matt Hidaka in an exclusive interview with the AP. "Obviously all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I'll get the award again." In balloting by 74 sports journalists from the AP and its members, Ohtani received 48 votes. He previously won the award in 2023 and 2021, when he was with the Angels. "Growing up in Japan, I did follow Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods," he said. "I would see their accolades and how they were successful in the United States." The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Golfer Babe Didrikson won six times, the most by a man or woman. Swimmer Léon Marchand of France, who won four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, was second with 10 votes in balloting announced Monday. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose victories this year included the Masters and an Olympic gold medal, was third with nine. The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Tuesday. Moving from the beleaguered Los Angeles Angels to the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player award and first in the National League, led his new team to its eighth World Series championship and created Major League Baseball's 50/50 club by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. Ohtani signed a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Already a two-way superstar, he embellished his reputation even further despite not pitching all season while he rehabilitated from a second major right elbow surgery he had in September 2023. Ohtani went wild on offense, making every at-bat a must-see moment. The 6-foot-4 designated hitter batted a career-high .310 while easily surpassing his previous career highs in home runs and stolen bases. In September, he reached the previously unheard of 50/50 mark in a performance for the ages. Against the Miami Marlins in Florida, Ohtani went 6 for 6 with three homers, 10 RBIs, two stolen bases and 17 total bases. "It wouldn't shock me if he went 60/60 and 20 wins a year from now," Brad Ausmus, who managed the Angels in 2019 during Ohtani's second season in Anaheim, said recently. "This guy is the greatest athlete to ever play the sport of baseball and there's not a close second." Ohtani said he knew the Dodgers' franchise record for most homers in a season was 49. His previous best was 46, set in 2021. "I kind of wanted to get over that bar," he said. "I was pleasantly surprised I was able to pass that record." Ohtani carried the Dodgers offensively during the regular season, and he stayed healthy until Game 2 of the World Series. He injured his left shoulder trying to steal second base against the New York Yankees and finished the Series playing hurt. He underwent surgery a few days after the Dodgers celebrated their championship in early November. "I don't have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better," he told the AP. "There's no pain. There's obviously still a little bit of tightness, but slowly but surely it's getting better." Ohtani recently received an updated rehab schedule, and he's focused on the near-term. "It's the small steps that I think are very important to get me to the ultimate goal, which is to just get back healthy," he said. Ohtani is also throwing in the 70 mph range, which is typical for pitchers early in the offseason. "I'm going to continue to ramp up slowly," he said. The Dodgers' rotation for next season is in flux, and Ohtani is waiting to see how it shakes out. "We may go with a five-man rotation with a bullpen (game), which is what we did a lot during this season or we may have a six-man rotation," he said. "But it's all about balancing out when we can get rest and recuperate. We'll see where that takes us along the playoff chase. I've got to obviously pace myself, but again that situation will guide us to how we get there." The Dodgers open the 2025 season in Japan, where Ohtani is even more closely watched. "My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games do start," he said. "To be able to pitch and hit would be great, but the situation will kind of guide itself." Each time Ohtani comes to the plate or steps on the mound, there's great pressure and expectation for him to perform spectacular feats. "I just go out there and try to stay within myself," he said. "I can only control what I can control and that's where you trust your teammates. The guys behind me, you trust they're going to make the plays for you. I don't really try to overthink it." Ohtani generated big bucks for the Dodgers off the field, too. Fans traveled from Japan in droves to see him play around the U.S. At Dodger Stadium, they paid extra for tours of baseball's third-oldest venue narrated by Japanese-speaking guides and to be on the field during pre-game batting practice. A majority of the fans bought Ohtani-branded merchandise, especially his No. 17 jersey. Ohtani's presence also helped the Dodgers land a bevy of new Japanese sponsors. Because Ohtani prefers to speak Japanese and use an interpreter with the media, he is shrouded in a bit of mystique. Asked before his first postgame series if he was nervous, he dropped a one-word answer in English: "Nope," which drew laughter. Japanese-born Dodgers manager Dave Roberts observed Ohtani's behind-the-scenes interactions with his teammates, coaches and staff, and came away impressed. "I really do believe that as good of a ballplayer as he is, he's a much better person. He's very kind, considerate, he cares," Roberts told the AP. "I'm just proud of any fame or glory or award that he receives because he just does it in such a respectful and humble way." Ohtani relishes his privacy and rarely shares details about himself off the field. That's why his February announcement via Instagram that he had wed Mamiko Tanaka, a former basketball player, stunned his new teammates and the rest of the world. The following month, after the Dodgers arrived in South Korea to open the season, he was enveloped in scandal when his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers after being accused of using millions of dollars of Ohtani's money to place bets with an illegal bookmaker. His new teammates rallied around Ohtani, who was found to have no part in the wrongdoing, and publicly it didn't seem to affect him even if he was privately distressed by it. By June, the uproar had subsided. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to federal bank and tax fraud charges and admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. The public got a glimpse of Ohtani's softer side in August, when his dog Decoy delivered a first pitch to his owner on their shared bobblehead night. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje exchanged an endearing high-five with Ohtani at the plate. As a result, Decoy became a celebrity in his own right, with his breed (pronounced COY-ker-HUND-che) making the list of the most mispronounced words of 2024. He and Ohtani were mentioned during the telecast of last month's National Dog Show, where the small Spaniel-type breed was among the competitors. "The number of the breed has kind of dwindled, so by him gaining a little bit of popularity hopefully that brings up the number of his breed," Ohtani said. "I do feel like we were able to, in a small way, contribute to the popularity of the dog and I'm sure Decoy himself would be happy about that." Ohtani will be looking to top himself next year while eyeing a repeat World Series title. "It's almost like right now you can lock in the Most Valuable Player in the National League award because no one has that ability or talent," Roberts said. "I'm just excited to see what '25 has for Shohei Ohtani."
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