San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will not play Sunday and head coach Kyle Shanahan said the lingering discomfort is a concern. Purdy sat out Friday after he participated in the start of Thursday's practice with the 49ers, then retreated indoors for what Shanahan said was a treatment session. Brandon Allen, 32, will start in Purdy's place, and the 49ers are also without defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique). Shanahan said players believe in Allen, even if he's an unknown. "Outside of here people haven't seen a lot of Brandon. But it's his second year (with the 49ers)," Shanahan said. "Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play." Shanahan said they are "a little surprised" Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern. "The way it responded this week, it's really up in the air for next week," Shanahan said of Purdy. Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen's two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21. Shanahan said Allen's confidence grew throughout the week and he doesn't anticipate a major change in how he calls the offense. Left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) also missed practice for the third consecutive day. Without disclosing the nature of the ailment to Purdy's throwing shoulder, general manager John Lynch confirmed Friday an MRI exam took place to determine the severity of any injury. Allen worked with the first team most of Thursday and Friday with Joshua Dobbs also taking snaps. Lynch described Purdy's status for the 49ers (5-5) this week as "tenuous." "Hopefully, he makes progress, and we can have a shot at this weekend, but we'll see," Lynch said in an interview with KNBR in San Francisco. "I think it's tenuous." When Purdy was on the field this week, he primarily worked on the side in position-specific drills with QB coach Brian Griese. Williams played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable but exited the stadium with an exaggerated limp on Sunday. Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren't where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven't won close games, not because of injuries. "Seven games left is like an eternity," Foerster said. "So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year." With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways. The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season. --Field Level MediaArsenal’s BIG win sends stern message; striker’s record-breaking hat-trick: EPL Wrap
CLEVELAND (AP) — Only the Cleveland Browns. Only a team beset by perpetual problems at quarterback for the better part of two decades can get a record-setting 497-yard, four-touchdown, jaw-dropping, where-did-that-come-from performance on Monday night from Jameis Winston — and still lose. History wrapped in misery. Only the Browns. Winston spoiled a high-level performance in Denver's thin air by throwing a pair of pick-sixes — the second with 1:48 remaining — as the Broncos rode big plays to a 41-32 win over the Browns (3-9), who have to wonder what their disappointing season might look like if Deshaun Watson had been benched before getting hurt. The loss ended any illusions the Browns had of making a late playoff push like they did a year ago. It also clinched the team's 22nd losing season since its expansion rebirth in 1999. In his fifth start this season, Winston provided further evidence that the Browns made a major mistake by not switching QBs long before Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon on Oct. 20 against Cincinnati. Cleveland's offense has come alive behind Winston, who has thrown for over 300 yards three times, something Watson didn't do in 19 starts over his three suspension-shortened, injury-riddled seasons with the Browns. While there were some positives, Winston's turnovers were too costly. "You’re not going to play perfect at the quarterback position. He knows that," coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday on a Zoom call. “I know that ultimately he wants to do anything in his power to help this team win and that’s going to be taking care of the ball. But he also had moments there where he was moving that offense and did a nice job.” Winston may not be the long-term answer for the Browns, but he's showing he can at least give them a viable option for 2025 while the club sorts through the tangled Watson situation, which continues to have a stranglehold on the franchise. In all likelihood, and assuming he's fully recovered, Watson will be back next season in some capacity with the Browns, who are still on the hook to pay him $92 million — of his fully guaranteed $230 million contract — over the next two seasons. Releasing Watson would have damaging salary-cap implications, and while that would be a bitter financial pill for owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam to swallow, it could the Browns' safest and easiest exit strategy. And if they needed any proof that such a strategy can work, the Browns only had to look across the field at the Broncos, who got out from under QB Russell Wilson's monster contract by cutting him, taking the financial hit and drafting Bo Nix. After some common early growing pains, Nix has settled in and the rookie has the Broncos in the mix for a postseason berth. It wasn't long ago that the Browns thought their quarterback concerns were behind them. Instead, they lie ahead. What’s working Stefanski's decision to hand over the play-calling duties to first-year coordinator Ken Dorsey has been a positive. While the move hasn't led directly to many wins, the Browns have moved the ball much more effectively and scored at least 20 points in three of five games since the switch after not scoring 20 in their first eight. What needs help An issue all season, Cleveland's defense was again gashed for long plays and TDs, including a 93-yard scoring pass in the third quarter. The Browns have allowed 48 plays of 20-plus yards and 12 of at least 40 yards. Stock up WR Jerry Jeudy. His return to Denver was a personal and professional triumph — except on the scoreboard. Vowing revenge on the Broncos, who traded him to the Browns in March, Jeudy had the best game of his career, catching nine passes for 235 yards and a TD. Since Winston took over as Cleveland's starter, Jeudy leads the league with 614 yards receiving. Jeudy just might be the No. 1 receiver the Browns have needed following Amari Cooper's trade. Jordan Hicks gets an honorable mention after recording 12 tackles. Stock down K Dustin Hopkins. He missed a 47-yard field goal to end Cleveland's first drive, setting the tone for a night of missed opportunities. After making 33 of 36 field goal tries in his first season with the Browns, Hopkins is just 16 of 23, with his inaccuracy raising questions why the team signed him to a three-year, $15.9 million contract in July. Injuries Stefanski had no updates from the game. ... LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah remains sidelined with a neck injury suffered on Nov. 2. Stefanski ruled him out again for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh. Key number 552 — Yards of total offense for the Browns, just 10 shy of the single-game franchise record set in 1989. Up next A short turnaround before visiting the Steelers (9-3), who will be looking to avenge their 24-19 loss in Cleveland on Nov. 21. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Tom Withers, The Associated Press
Gerald Winegrad: May Christmas bring peace to our troubled world | COMMENTARY
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — There’s plenty of concern and second-guessing to unpack from how the Bills unraveled on defense, special teams and clock management in their loss to the Los Angeles Rams to wonder whether it was premature labeling Buffalo as Super Bowl contenders only a week earlier. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — There’s plenty of concern and second-guessing to unpack from how the Bills unraveled on defense, special teams and clock management in their loss to the Los Angeles Rams to wonder whether it was premature labeling Buffalo as Super Bowl contenders only a week earlier. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — There’s plenty of concern and second-guessing to unpack from how the Bills unraveled on defense, special teams and clock management in their loss to the Los Angeles Rams to wonder whether it was premature labeling Buffalo as Super Bowl contenders only a week earlier. But first, the good news. There’s very little wrong with Buffalo’s Josh Allen-led offense after the quarterback strengthened his NFL MVP case. A week after a four-TD performance that included the statistical anomaly of him scoring two touchdowns on the same play in a 35-10 win over San Francisco, Allen became the NFL’s first player to throw and rush for three scores apiece in 44-42 loss to Los Angeles on Sunday. That Allen’s latest superhuman-like effort ended in defeat is what’s troubling for the five-time defending AFC East champions (10-3) in their bid to dispel questions of finding ways to fall short in the playoffs in each of the past five years. Buffalo’s defense had few answers in stopping the Rams’ dynamic attack while allowing a season-high 457 yards. Worse still, the Bills allowed Los Angeles to go 11 of 15 on third down for a 73.3 conversion percentage — the third highest allowed by Buffalo and worst since allowing Miami’s 75% conversion rate in 1986. If that’s not bad enough, the Bills lost for the first time in 39 games in which they scored at least 42 points, while becoming the NFL’s second team to lose when scoring 42 or more and not committing a turnover. Special teams didn’t help. Aside from allowing a blocked punt to be returned for a touchdown, the Bills couldn’t muster an attempt to block the Rams’ final punt from midfield with 7 seconds left because they only had nine players on the field. As coach Sean McDermott concluded after finally addressing reporters more than an hour after the game ended: “I thought we lost two of the three phases today.” He failed to mention yet another clock management misstep. Rather than have Allen spike the ball to stop the clock after a failed quarterback keeper from the Rams 1 with 62 seconds remaining, McDermott called timeout. That left Buffalo with two timeouts and essentially relying on the slim chances of recovering an onside kick after Allen scored on his next attempt. McDermott defended his decision by saying he feared too much time would elapse before the Bills aligned for another snap. And yet, it would not have matched the 45 seconds the Rams ran off on their final possession after Buffalo used its final two timeouts. Together, these are the types of miscues that have haunted the Bills in their recent playoff losses. The bright side is the loss to the Rams didn’t end the Bills’ season, though they fell two games behind Kansas City (12-1) in the race for the AFC’s top seed. And perhaps, the loss can be chalked up to a team riding a little too high off a playoff-clinching win and having to travel across the country to face a Rams team in the thick of its divisional race. If that’s so, the Bills have a chance to address their flaws — and doubters — by how they respond in what still stands as a juicy showdown at the NFC-leading Detroit Lions (12-1) on Sunday. “They’re the top dog in football right now,” Allen said, looking ahead to Detroit. “We have to have a good week, learn from this one, and put it behind us.” What’s working Scoring. The Bills topped 30 points for a team-record seventh consecutive game and ninth time this season. Buffalo entered the day ranked second in the NFL averaging 30.5 points per outing, behind Detroit (32.1). What needs help Run defense. Though the Rams averaged just 3.3 yards per carry, they stuck with it in finishing with 137 yards, helping them enjoy a 17-minute edge in time of possession. Stock up Allen. If not for him, the Bills wouldn’t have been in position to nearly overcome a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit. His 424 yards (342 passing and 82 rushing) accounted for all but 21 yards of Buffalo’s total offense. Stock down With so many options, perhaps the focus falls on special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley. This is the second time in 13 months special teams personnel management became an issue. Buffalo was flagged for having too many men as time expired, providing Wil Lutz a second chance to hit a decisive field goal in sealing Denver’s 24-22 win last season. Injuries Starting CB Rasul Douglas was sidelined by a knee injury. ... DE Casey Toohill injured his ribs. Key number Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 80-1-1 — The Bills’ record when scoring 38 or more points, including a 38-38 tie with Denver in 1960. Next steps Facing Detroit represents Buffalo’s final major test before closing the season with two games against New England and hosting the New York Jets. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Advertisement Advertisement
Michigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun No. 2 Buckeyes 13-10CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Bryce Thompson scored 17 points, Marchelus Avery had 15 points and eight rebounds, and Oklahoma State beat Miami 80-74 on Friday in the consolation bracket of the Charleston Classic. Oklahoma State (4-1) will play in the fifth-place game on Sunday, while Miami (3-2) will try to avoid going winless in the tournament. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
NOVEMBER 2024, MANILA, PHILIPPINES — As the Philippines kicks off the longest Christmas season in the world, Coca-Cola ignites the spirit of the holidays with the largest drone show ever seen in the country! This dazzling display that promises to light up the night sky and warm the hearts of Filipinos everywhere, symbolizes hope, community, and the countless ways Filipinos embody the spirit of “The World Needs More Santas” this Christmas. A Symphony of Lights: The Country’s Largest Drone Show Takes Flight in Nuvali This year, Coca-Cola will mesmerize the crowd with a visual feast — a display of over 1,300 drones. This isn’t just a show of technological prowess; it’s a stunning narrative told through lights, celebrating the unique traditions that make a Filipino Christmas so special. Witness Santa Claus, the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck, and parol lanterns come alive against the night sky in a vibrant dance of colors and feel the heartwarming glow of families gathered for traditional feasts, reimagined under an enchanting celestial display. Teejae Sonza, ASEAN & South Pacific Category Director for Coca-Cola Trademark, shares, “It is an honor for the Philippines to be selected as one of six locations worldwide to host the incredible Coca-Cola drone show. The breathtaking display will weave a story of light that celebrates cherished Filipino traditions.” Sonza adds that being part of this global initiative allows the country to share this unique Filipino Christmas experience with the world, while simultaneously igniting the holiday spirit in our local communities. “Our ‘The World Needs More Santas’ campaign aims to foster community, spread joy, and embody the true essence of the season. We’re excited to inspire Filipinos to embrace their inner Santa this holiday.” The Journey Begins with Festive Cheer: A Celebration of Community The magic unfolds even before the drones take flight. The celebration kicks off with the illumination ceremony of the company’s biggest bottling plants: Coca-Cola Santa Rosa plants, adorned with dazzling Christmas lights. Following this, the beloved Coca-Cola Christmas truck, a beacon of festive cheer, rolls into Nuvali, spreading excitement and merriment through the streets. Families and friends gather around this iconic symbol, sharing stories and rekindling the simple pleasures that make the season so special. Adrian Manlapig, Frontline Marketing Director at Coca-Cola Philippines, says, “Santa Rosa is home to Coca-Cola Philippines’ largest bottling plant. This year, Coca-Cola is thrilled to bring the festive spirit to life, not just at our bottling plants, but across many parts of the country, with Nuvali as the dazzling backdrop for this magical evening. We believe this event will not only delight the community we proudly serve but capture the hearts and contribute to the overall holiday spirit.” The World Needs More Santas Like You Beyond the awe-inspiring drone show, Coca-Cola recognizes that the true essence of Christmas lies in human connection. With one in four adults worldwide feeling lonely*, the brand is dedicated to reigniting the spirit of human connection and spreading joy and kindness through various initiatives. The iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan/Truck Tour will be making its rounds across the Philippines, spreading joy and kindness to communities nationwide. As the Coca-Cola truck rolls into different towns and cities, it will be accompanied by festive music with dazzling lights and exciting activities for the whole family. From heartwarming giveaways to interactive experiences, the Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan/Truck Tour promises to create unforgettable memories and strengthen the bond between communities. The festivities do not stop there! Coca-Cola continues to celebrate the power of kindness and compassion building on its powerful and inspiring message: “The World Needs More Santas.” The brand is introducing a captivating digital AI experience that allows users to engage with the Snow Globe Avatar and create personalised, shareable snow globe animation based on personal memories. Users can access the digital experience by scanning the QR code on a Coca-Cola Christmas bottle or can. This ‘Create Real MagicTM Experience’ uses multi-modal AI including 3D avatar generation, gen AI-enabled real-time conversation, and image generation to create a highly unique and personal experience for each user. The Heart of Filipino Christmas This Christmas, Coca-Cola hopes to make kindness travel even further. The beverage brand understands that the magic of Christmas in the Philippines goes far beyond sparkling lights and presents; it’s about early mornings spent singing carols with loved ones, elaborate decorations that transform streets and communities into festive wonderlands, and the warmth of extended family gatherings that stretch long past December 25th. It’s also about “ malasakit ” (compassion) – the willingness to go the extra mile for neighbours and strangers alike. This Christmas, Coca-Cola empowers Filipinos to embrace their inner Santas, spreading kindness and creating unforgettable memories. Follow Coca-Cola Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and www.coca-cola.com and discover ways to share your acts of kindness this Christmas. Remember, the world needs more Santas, and the Philippines is overflowing with them! Let’s ignite the spirit of the season and show the world the true magic of Filipino Christmas. The Coca-Cola Philippines’ Christmas Drone Show was inspired by the groundbreaking drone shows orchestrated by Red Cliff Aero Studios, who have pioneered captivating aerial displays in Japan. ■ Note to Editor: * Data source: A Meta-Gallup survey of more than 140 countries conducted in 2023. https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/512618/almost-quarter-world-feels-lonely.aspx Being business-savvy should be fun, attainable and A+. BMPlus is BusinessMirror's digital arm with practical tips & success stories for aspiring and thriving millennial entrepreneurs.SAN ANTONIO, Texas (AP) — Zach Calzada threw for 182 yards and his 17-yard scoring pass to Roy Alexander was the game's only touchdown and Incarnate Word beat Villanova 13-6 on Saturday in the second round of the FCS playoffs. The Cardinals (11-2), who earned their highest seed in program history at No. 6, travel to face third-seeded South Dakota State in the quarterfinals. Brack Peacock kicked a 23-yard field goal to give the Cardinals a 3-0 lead with 8:48 before halftime. Villanova (10-4) tied it on 49-yard field goal by Ethan Gettman almost five minutes later. Late in the third, Gettman gave the Wildcats their lone lead when he kicked a 52-yarder. Calzada connected with Roy early in the fourth and Peacock added insurance in the last stanza with a 35 yarder with 4:14 remaining. Lontrell Turner had 120 yards rushing on 18 carries for Incarnate Word. Connor Watkins threw for 103 yards and an interception for Villanova whose offense was outgained 437-138. The Wildcats hadn't been kept out of the end zone since Nov. 5, 2022 when Towson beat Villanova 27-3. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Today’s energy sparks passion and connection. Whether single or in a relationship, embrace heartfelt conversations and meaningful gestures to strengthen bonds. Some may experience intense emotions, while others find joy in simple, tender moments, creating opportunities for growth and deeper love. Aries:Nostalgia fills the air as you reconnect with memories of past love. A chance encounter with an old flame could leave you questioning current priorities. Be mindful of what truly makes your heart happy. Taurus:Love blossoms through shared intimacy today. Simple acts, like preparing a meal together, can deepen your bond. Don't shy away from expressing gratitude—it will work wonders. Gemini: Social gatherings bring thrilling opportunities for connection. Sparks might fly in unexpected places, but tread carefully to discern fleeting attraction from meaningful interest. Cancer: Emotional depth defines the day. A heart-to-heart conversation with a loved one could bring clarity to unresolved issues. Trust your instincts to guide the interaction. Leo: Your fiery confidence is irresistible today. Plan a bold romantic gesture or surprise someone special to reignite passion. The day rewards those who act fearlessly in love. Virgo: Reflection is key today as you evaluate your relationship dynamics. An honest discussion about future goals could bring you closer to your partner or open new romantic paths. Libra: Unexpected romantic surprises may add excitement to the day. Be open to spontaneity—a surprise outing or heartfelt confession could lead to joyful moments. Scorpio: Deep emotions rise to the surface, offering a chance to connect on a profound level. Sharing your vulnerabilities may strengthen bonds with your partner or attract a new love interest. Sagittarius: A lighthearted, adventurous mood sets the tone. Whether single or committed, embrace playful experiences that deepen your connection and create unforgettable memories. Capricorn: The day invites you to focus on creating meaningful memories with your partner. Even small gestures, like a handwritten note, can have a lasting impact on your relationship. Aquarius: A moment of introspection helps clarify your feelings about someone special. Let go of lingering doubts and embrace honest communication to deepen the connection. Pisces: Romance flourishes in creative spaces. Whether painting, cooking, or writing, expressing your emotions through art can create a magical bond with someone close. Also See: Horoscope Predictions for 2025Aries Horoscope 2025Taurus Horoscope 2025Gemini Horoscope 2025Cancer Horoscope 2025Leo Horoscope 2025Virgo Horoscope 2025Libra Horoscope 2025Scorpio Horoscope 2025Sagittarius Horoscope 2025Capricorn Horoscope 2025Aquarius Horoscope 2025Pisces Horoscope 2025 Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Astrology and around the world.THE penal colony of Coal River - later Newcastle - was full of desperate exiled villains, scoundrels and rogues. Login or signup to continue reading Their prison settlement was a hellhole, meant to hold Australia's worst felons, with the most troublesome inmates shuffling around shackled in heavy darbies (leg irons), as they were known in the convict 'flash' language. Started in 1801 and then abandoned, this grim outdoor prison was re-established in 1804 after Sydney's Vinegar Hill (now Castle Hill) revolt and lasted for 20 years. Most felons were then shifted to Port Macquarie. In 1855, the few remaining convicts - left to build Nobbys breakwater - were moved back to Sydney. But in its heyday, our harsh Coal River prison was meant to hold the "double-distilled villains", the colony's repeat offenders. In truth, it was Sydney's Siberia. And there was no escape from this hot, remote outpost. Perched on the edge of the coast, surrounded by sea and bush, the prison's only visitors were often foreigners: exotic, red-tailed, glossy black cockatoos, down from the mountains, soaring overhead towards dusk in formation. But coal became the saviour of this barbarous place. Newcastle's later reputation as the world's biggest exporter of coal came on the backs of the original convict miners, who hew two and a half tons of coal daily in cramped, candle-lit conditions after crawling hundreds of metres to the coal face deep down under Watt Street. Little wonder then, that at least one convict sought an easier way to survive his sentence in this severe place of punishment. His name was Joseph Lycett, a prolific landscape artist but also an alcoholic and a con man. Convict Lycett literally painted his way out of leg shackles, cedar-cutting duties, the mines and the dreaded lime gangs. This enterprising former forger is now the subject of a play, hoped to be performed sometime next year, by master wordsmith Carl Caulfield, of Cooks Hill. He comes to the project with an impressive pedigree after staging 28 plays, both here and overseas, and winning the City of Newcastle Award (CONDA) for Best New Play five times since 2002. For the past six months, Caulfield has been extensively researching artist Lycett as the University of Newcastle Library's' inaugural creative in residence, sponsored by the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund. Caulfield's extensive research into the convict era, including reading rare books and digging into the university's archive, culminated last month in an onsite performance of his play-in-progress, entitled The Reformation of Joseph Lycett . But the award-winning playwright is the first to admit the task is a challenge. "It's filling in the gaps. Most people might know of Lycett's 14 amazing paintings while he was here between 1815-1818 painting the traditional practices of the Awabakal people, including a corroboree." Caulfield says. "And they might know of his close link with the Newcastle penal commandant Captain James Wallis, himself a painter. Wallis began the Nobbys breakwater and built the first church in 1817, which became Christ Church Cathedral," he says. Caulfield says that while exploring the flawed Lycett, he sought an Indigenous insight into the gifted painter from the university's Wollotuka Institute and Professor John Maynard. "But all felt that Lycett was enigmatic. We do know though that he had two daughters and Burigon had his son educated at a European school," Caulfield says. Burigon was the chief of the Newcastle tribe. He and James Wallis hunted together and their close relationship probably allowed Lycett access to the natives to observe their cultural practices and paint them. Later, in 1822, a pardoned Lycett left the colony for England. Six years on, Lycett forged some bank notes, was arrested and immediately cut his throat rather than go to jail again. But all this is unconfirmed. Such is the intriguing nature of the material Caulfield is moulding into a play. To familiarise himself with the convict era, the playwright immersed himself in period detail, including the 'flash' language of the day. This argot of the criminal class came from the published work of another convict, the infamous James Hardy Vaux. "I've been interested in Lycett for ages, and writing this play is an opportunity for some creative recycling as his life is so sketchy, to say the least. You only get the bare bones of the man," Caulfield says. "But the play's initial public feedback, through the workshop, has been excellent. Lycett's a colourful, flawed, dodgy character. His story, you might say, is all about a liar who, through his art, is left to tell the truth. "And as for Wallis, he was full of his own personal demons. And through building Newcastle's first church I think he was seeking personal salvation," Caulfield said. (Wallis was earlier involved in a massacre of Aboriginal people at Appin, in Sydney.) When finished, Caulfield's play will consist of dramatic vignettes of the convict artist's life against the backdrop of his unique paintings of early colonial Newcastle. "There's 13 scenes so far, but it's a work-in-progress. Eventually, there might be 20 scenes or less," he jokes. Caulfield is especially proud of his "terrific cast" already waiting in the wings to perform, and the play's eye-catching poster (pictured) of how Lycett saw Newcastle is all framed inside a man's face in profile. "It's great, isn't it? The artwork is by Danylo Motkya," the playwright says. Caulfield suspects that until commandant Wallis took over in 1816, Lycett was a repressed and servile convict. Then, he blossomed as an artist with a patron. I can't wait to see the Lycett play. But looking ahead, what are the chances of Caulfield again tackling a play with a Newcastle historical background? After all, it's a rich field of research with some colourful contemporaries of Lycett. Others with enough fatal flaws to make them fascinating and their lives dramatically feasible might include Francis Greenway (1777-1837), who is buried at Maitland. Tetchy but talented, former convict Greenway became Australia's first government architect. Well, he did design Sydney's Hyde Park Barracks and construct the original Macquarie lighthouse at South Head as well as the grandiose stables off Macquarie St, Sydney. Regarded initially as a folly, the building now houses Sydney's famous Conservatorium of Music. Greenway was also the man on the $10 note for 27 years (until 1993) of Australia's first decimal currency. Perhaps more unbelievable is that Greenway is today seen as the only convicted forger in the world to be honoured on a banknote. Then there's the flash James Hardy Vaux, mentioned here earlier, the English-born convict transported to Australia on three separate occasions. A professional thief, swindler and forger, Vaux (1782-1841), of course, compiled A Vocabulary of the Flash Language in 1819 to help magistrates decipher the slang criminals in the dock were muttering. Vaux spent most of his time in Newcastle's open-air prison (between 1811 and 1818) and compiled his two most famous works here. His second manuscript was his memoirs of an ill-spent life. To probably make his daily life easier in Coal River, he dedicated his reminiscences to the commandant of the prison settlement (by then a Captain Thompson, not Wallis) who had allegedly encouraged Vaux to compile his memoir. Later, to Weekender's suggestion of creating another convict-era play, or maybe a series, based on early Newcastle's cavalcade of knaves and vagabonds, playwright Caulfield just smiles, as if to mysteriously say: "We'll see what happens". DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. 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NoneFalcons drafting Penix no longer a head-scratcher with rookie QB shining in place of benched Cousins