GLASSBORO, New Jersey -- The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) at Rowan University's College of Engineering gives students a hands-on opportunity to build and compete with off-road vehicles. As juniors, students design the car and begin the building process. Then, they perfect it as seniors. At the South Jersey Technology Park, they can test drive it on an off-road course. Students also get the chance to travel with the car and compete against other clubs. To learn more, watch the video above and visit their website and Facebook page .Lea en español For many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there's a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect. If fulfilling your lengthy list feels overwhelming, learning what brain science and evolutionary psychology say about shopping and gift-giving might help you understand exactly why you're stressed – and even point you toward a healthier, happier holiday season. Our reactions are encoded into our nervous system, said Dr. Beth Frates, a part-time associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "By understanding these brain responses, people can develop strategies to manage stress better, such as setting realistic expectations, focusing on mindfulness and simplifying holiday preparations," said Frates, who also is the immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. The idea of exchanging gifts at this time of year can be traced back to pagan solstice celebrations. But the drive to share with another is as old as humanity itself, said Dr. Diego Guevara Beltran, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson who studies cooperation and generosity. The science of generosity is more about survival than stocking stuffers, Guevara Beltran said. Sharing food gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. "Generosity is just one of the ways by which we can accumulate resources, be it wealth itself or friendships or work partners or more attractive, more intelligent mates," he said. Sharing with other people, Guevara Beltran said, is "a signal that communicates how much you value them, their welfare, your relationship with them." Research has shown that helping people makes us feel good. Part of that, he said, is because when someone is part of a community, they feel protected. One way this manifests is through the act of giving gifts. But to derive happiness from gift-giving, the giver needs to feel both that it was not an obligation and that it was effective, according to the 2019 World Happiness Report . That means it could be stressful to be in a culture where gift-giving feels mandatory, or if we can't see that a gift helped someone, Guevara Beltran speculated. It also might be stressful if gift-giving becomes a competition to show that you care about somebody more than the others around them. Our brains on shopping Stressful shopping can cause several physiological responses to kick in, Frates said. First is the "fight or flight" reaction that comes with stress. The release of chemicals that increase our heart rate, raise our blood pressure and intensify our breathing evolved to give us bursts of energy to escape danger. Frates said that while holiday stressors are not life-threatening, they can still trigger the stress response. The pressure to stay within budget could create a sense of scarcity, she said. "This taps into an evolutionary response, where the fear of losing resources like money can feel urgent and distressing." The holiday season also involves a lot of choices. "The brain has limited capacity for decision-making, and making multiple decisions can lead to decision fatigue," Frates said. "This fatigue reduces the ability to self-regulate and cope, which can lead to heightened stress responses when confronted with even minor setbacks, like a long line or out-of-stock item." The stress of needing to complete tasks within a limited time can intensify the fight-or-flight response, she said, as the brain interprets the ticking clock as a sense of urgency or threat. Meanwhile, Frates said, holiday shopping can also trigger brain chemicals that affect our feelings. "Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we anticipate something exciting or enjoyable, like finding a great gift or finding a good deal," she said. "This anticipation can feel rewarding even before any actual purchase is made." For some people, this dopamine boost can make shopping a relaxing experience. "It provides a temporary distraction from other stressors and allows them to focus on something positive, creating a 'holiday high,'" Frates said. For some people, that can be problematic. "When shopping becomes a way to chase that next dopamine hit, it can lead to excessive spending or impulsive purchases," she said. "This can become a trap, particularly during the holidays, when deals, sales and gift-giving pressures are everywhere." Understanding how all these processes work can help people recognize why they feel the way they do and adopt strategies to cope, Frates said. Here are some of her suggestions. 1. Start with self-care before shopping Prioritizing self-care means people can be their best selves and make good decisions, Frates said. So, "eat food that is delicious and nutritious. Get seven to nine hours of sleep. Make sure to enjoy physical activity. Take walks when you can and invite friends along. Practice stress reduction like meditation or yoga to help you calm your body and mind." Before going shopping, try taking deep breaths using stress-relieving techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing (inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale through your mouth for eight) or box breathing (inhale through the nose for four counts, hold your breath for four, exhale for four, then hold for four). 2. Be strategic Don't shop when you're hungry, tired, lonely or stressed, Frates said. And don't start shopping 15 minutes before a store closes or a website's online deals end, she said. That's setting yourself up for triggering the fight-or-flight response. 3. Be mindful Before making a purchase, take a moment to consider whether it's truly needed or whether it's an impulsive choice. To avoid overindulging, set a specific budget or limit yourself to a couple of hours or specific shopping days. "This keeps dopamine-driven spending in check while still allowing for the enjoyable aspects of holiday shopping," Frates said. Look for post-shopping activities that provide rewards without the financial cost. That can satisfy your brain's desire for more dopamine in a healthier way. "Plan enjoyable, stress-relieving activities after shopping, like going for a walk, spending time with friends or indulging in a hobby," she said. 4. Bring a friend Not only does this support healthy social connections, Frates said, but if things start feeling stressful, "you have a buddy, and you have a support system right there for you." 5. Rethink the focus of the season "With gift-giving, we need to change mindsets in order to be able to manage the stress," Frates said. The holidays could be used to emphasize social connections, she said. "Thinking about the connection with the person and making gift-giving more about deepening the connection than anything else, I think, will really help to reduce the stress around the process," she said. So instead of scouring shops and websites for the "perfect" gift, think about making a meaningful and personal one, she suggested. It could be a poem, a painting, a song or a framed photograph that captured a special time. 6. Lessons for children It's easy to get caught up in the hunt for a hard-to-get item, Frates said. But ask yourself what the holiday means in your family's traditions. "Is it about getting that perfect gift for the child? Or is it about celebrating the meaning of that holiday?" So instead of having children ask for one specific toy, or a specific brand of clothing, teach them to leave a little leeway on their lists. "It is a good reminder to express to children that this season is about giving and sharing what we can in the best way that we can," she said, "and sometimes the exact gift is not available." Encouraging such an attitude can be a tall order, Frates said, but it's a place to start. "A simple mindset shift could be the difference between a stressful holiday shopping season or a joyful journey to find meaningful gifts for people you care about." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!
LAHAINA, Hawaii — Andrej Jakimovski converted an off-balance layup with 8 seconds left, and Colorado handed No. 2 UConn its second loss in two days at the Maui Invitational, beating the two-time defending national champion 73-72 on Tuesday. A day after a 99-97 overtime loss to Memphis that left Huskies coach Dan Hurley livid about the officiating, UConn (4-2) couldn’t shake the unranked Buffaloes (5-1), who shot 62.5 percent in the second half. With Colorado trailing 72-71 in the closing seconds, Jakimovski drove to his right and absorbed contact from UConn’s Liam McNeeley. He tossed the ball toward the glass and the shot was good as he fell to the floor. Hassan Diarra missed a 3-pointer just ahead of the buzzer for UConn. Elijah Malone and Julian Hammond III scored 16 points each for Colorado, and Jakimovski had 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Huskies, who entered the tournament on a 17-game winning streak, led 40-32 at halftime and by nine points early in the second half, but Colorado quickly closed that gap. McNeeley led UConn with 20 points.Powell leads the Clippers to a 114-110 victory over the Grizzlies
Lea en español For many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there's a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect. If fulfilling your lengthy list feels overwhelming, learning what brain science and evolutionary psychology say about shopping and gift-giving might help you understand exactly why you're stressed – and even point you toward a healthier, happier holiday season. Our reactions are encoded into our nervous system, said Dr. Beth Frates, a part-time associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "By understanding these brain responses, people can develop strategies to manage stress better, such as setting realistic expectations, focusing on mindfulness and simplifying holiday preparations," said Frates, who also is the immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. The idea of exchanging gifts at this time of year can be traced back to pagan solstice celebrations. But the drive to share with another is as old as humanity itself, said Dr. Diego Guevara Beltran, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson who studies cooperation and generosity. The science of generosity is more about survival than stocking stuffers, Guevara Beltran said. Sharing food gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. "Generosity is just one of the ways by which we can accumulate resources, be it wealth itself or friendships or work partners or more attractive, more intelligent mates," he said. Sharing with other people, Guevara Beltran said, is "a signal that communicates how much you value them, their welfare, your relationship with them." Research has shown that helping people makes us feel good. Part of that, he said, is because when someone is part of a community, they feel protected. One way this manifests is through the act of giving gifts. But to derive happiness from gift-giving, the giver needs to feel both that it was not an obligation and that it was effective, according to the 2019 World Happiness Report . That means it could be stressful to be in a culture where gift-giving feels mandatory, or if we can't see that a gift helped someone, Guevara Beltran speculated. It also might be stressful if gift-giving becomes a competition to show that you care about somebody more than the others around them. Our brains on shopping Stressful shopping can cause several physiological responses to kick in, Frates said. First is the "fight or flight" reaction that comes with stress. The release of chemicals that increase our heart rate, raise our blood pressure and intensify our breathing evolved to give us bursts of energy to escape danger. Frates said that while holiday stressors are not life-threatening, they can still trigger the stress response. The pressure to stay within budget could create a sense of scarcity, she said. "This taps into an evolutionary response, where the fear of losing resources like money can feel urgent and distressing." The holiday season also involves a lot of choices. "The brain has limited capacity for decision-making, and making multiple decisions can lead to decision fatigue," Frates said. "This fatigue reduces the ability to self-regulate and cope, which can lead to heightened stress responses when confronted with even minor setbacks, like a long line or out-of-stock item." The stress of needing to complete tasks within a limited time can intensify the fight-or-flight response, she said, as the brain interprets the ticking clock as a sense of urgency or threat. Meanwhile, Frates said, holiday shopping can also trigger brain chemicals that affect our feelings. "Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we anticipate something exciting or enjoyable, like finding a great gift or finding a good deal," she said. "This anticipation can feel rewarding even before any actual purchase is made." For some people, this dopamine boost can make shopping a relaxing experience. "It provides a temporary distraction from other stressors and allows them to focus on something positive, creating a 'holiday high,'" Frates said. For some people, that can be problematic. "When shopping becomes a way to chase that next dopamine hit, it can lead to excessive spending or impulsive purchases," she said. "This can become a trap, particularly during the holidays, when deals, sales and gift-giving pressures are everywhere." Understanding how all these processes work can help people recognize why they feel the way they do and adopt strategies to cope, Frates said. Here are some of her suggestions. 1. Start with self-care before shopping Prioritizing self-care means people can be their best selves and make good decisions, Frates said. So, "eat food that is delicious and nutritious. Get seven to nine hours of sleep. Make sure to enjoy physical activity. Take walks when you can and invite friends along. Practice stress reduction like meditation or yoga to help you calm your body and mind." Before going shopping, try taking deep breaths using stress-relieving techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing (inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale through your mouth for eight) or box breathing (inhale through the nose for four counts, hold your breath for four, exhale for four, then hold for four). 2. Be strategic Don't shop when you're hungry, tired, lonely or stressed, Frates said. And don't start shopping 15 minutes before a store closes or a website's online deals end, she said. That's setting yourself up for triggering the fight-or-flight response. 3. Be mindful Before making a purchase, take a moment to consider whether it's truly needed or whether it's an impulsive choice. To avoid overindulging, set a specific budget or limit yourself to a couple of hours or specific shopping days. "This keeps dopamine-driven spending in check while still allowing for the enjoyable aspects of holiday shopping," Frates said. Look for post-shopping activities that provide rewards without the financial cost. That can satisfy your brain's desire for more dopamine in a healthier way. "Plan enjoyable, stress-relieving activities after shopping, like going for a walk, spending time with friends or indulging in a hobby," she said. 4. Bring a friend Not only does this support healthy social connections, Frates said, but if things start feeling stressful, "you have a buddy, and you have a support system right there for you." 5. Rethink the focus of the season "With gift-giving, we need to change mindsets in order to be able to manage the stress," Frates said. The holidays could be used to emphasize social connections, she said. "Thinking about the connection with the person and making gift-giving more about deepening the connection than anything else, I think, will really help to reduce the stress around the process," she said. So instead of scouring shops and websites for the "perfect" gift, think about making a meaningful and personal one, she suggested. It could be a poem, a painting, a song or a framed photograph that captured a special time. 6. Lessons for children It's easy to get caught up in the hunt for a hard-to-get item, Frates said. But ask yourself what the holiday means in your family's traditions. "Is it about getting that perfect gift for the child? Or is it about celebrating the meaning of that holiday?" So instead of having children ask for one specific toy, or a specific brand of clothing, teach them to leave a little leeway on their lists. "It is a good reminder to express to children that this season is about giving and sharing what we can in the best way that we can," she said, "and sometimes the exact gift is not available." Encouraging such an attitude can be a tall order, Frates said, but it's a place to start. "A simple mindset shift could be the difference between a stressful holiday shopping season or a joyful journey to find meaningful gifts for people you care about." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!
Clearway Energy, Inc. Signs Binding Agreement to Acquire 137 MW Wind ProjectATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are back in first place in the NFC South and again in control of their playoff hopes. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showed the poise in his first NFL start the Falcons will need to take advantage of their opportunity to end a six-year playoff drought. Powered by a big-play defense that produced two pick-6s, a solid starting debut by Penix and two rushing touchdowns by Bijan Robinson, the Falcons cruised past the hapless New York Giants 34-7 on Sunday. On Sunday night, the Falcons (8-7) received the assist they needed when Tampa Bay lost at Dallas . Because the Falcons swept the Buccaneers, they hold the tiebreaker advantage if they remain tied atop the division. The Falcons have games remaining at Washington on Sunday night and at home against Carolina to close the regular season. If Atlanta wins both games, it would win the division and have a home playoff game. The Falcons are assured of their best record since a 10-6 finish under coach Dan Quinn in 2017, their most recent playoff season. Quinn is in his first season as Washington's coach and has led the Commanders (10-5) to three straight wins, including Sunday's 36-33 victory over Philadelphia. Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, was promoted after coach Raheem Morris benched Kirk Cousins. Penix completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards with one interception on a pass that should have been caught by tight end Kyle Pitts. Penix is not a dual-threat quarterback, but he showed the ability to escape pressure in the pocket that Cousins lacks following his 2023 Achilles tendon injury. The left-hander's superior arm strength also was immediately obvious. What’s working Robinson's production provided a safety net for the offense which helped make for a smooth transition to Penix. Robinson had scoring runs of 2 and 4 yards. Robinson has rushed for 10 touchdowns this season. He's the first Atlanta player with 10 more more rushing touchdowns since Devonta Freeman during the 2016 Super Bowl season. Robinson ran for 94 yards on 22 carries and had 103 yards from scrimmage. His 11th game this season with at least 100 yards from scrimmage are the most for the Falcons since Warrick Dunn's 11 in 2005. Morris said Robinson deserves to be considered with Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley in discussions regarding the league's top running backs. “Bijan has been outstanding all year in the things that he’s able to do," Morris said. “He’s special. If it wasn’t for this other guy out in Philly, he’d get a lot more recognition across the league. But that guy is having a special year, and Bijan’s not far behind him.” What needs help With kicker Younghoe Koo on injured reserve and watching from the sideline, Riley Patterson was wide left on his first field-goal attempt from 43 yards. Patterson rebounded to make attempts from 52 and 37 yards. Stock up Jessie Bates III and Matthew Judon each had a pick-6 to highlight a day of big plays for the defense. Arnold Ebiketie had his fifth sack of the season and added a fumble recovery. Kaden Ellis added a strip-sack. He also has five sacks this season, including sacks in four consecutive games. It is the longest streak for Atlanta since Patrick Kerney had sacks in five straight games in 2001. Stock down There was some thought that a change at quarterback could be good news for Pitts, who often seemed to be missing in action with Cousins running the offense. After all, a tight end often is a natural target for quick passes from a rookie making his first start. Instead, Pitts had a poor start to the Penix era when he bobbled his first pass from the left-hander, creating an interception by cornerback Cor’Dale Flott. Pitts caught a 7-yard pass on his only other target. For the season, Pitts has 41 catches for 543 yards and three touchdowns. Injuries There will be much interest in this week's injury report after WR Drake London (hamstring) was hurt in the second half. Morris provided an optimistic postgame outlook on London. CB Antonio Hamilton (quad) did not return after leaving the game in the first half. Key number 8: Bates has four interceptions and four forced fumbles. His combined eight forced turnovers lead the NFL. Next steps The game against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders is a reminder Penix was only the fourth of six quarterbacks selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Daniels, from LSU, was the No. 2 overall pick behind Caleb Williams by Chicago. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Charles Odum, The Associated PressNoneDame Prue Leith throws her support behind Gregg Wallace and insists he 'shouldn't be sacked' amid misconduct allegations - admitting she's often warned over her own 'offensive' language
I refer to Maneesha Seneviratne’s excellent tribute to Senator A. Ratnayake in The Island of 25 Nov. One of the most valuable events in A. Ratnayake’s career stands as a powerful reminder for those who fervently compete for positions in governments and within political parties driven by sheer greed. This is about how he became the first Cabinet Minister of Food, Co-operatives, under D S Senenayake. Ratnayake had often been a vocal critic of D. S. Senanayake and his policies during their time in both the State Council [in 1936-47] and later in Parliament. He had, on occasion, even supported Marxists like Dr. N. M. Perera and Philip Gunawardene, representatives of Ruwanwella and Avissawella electorates, respectively. Ratnayake believed this history of dissent would make his chances of being offered a ministerial position highly unlikely. To his surprise, one evening, the phone rang. When he answered, the familiar voice of D. S. Senanayake greeted him with an unexpected question: “I say, Rat, how would you feel about joining my Cabinet?” Ratnayake was momentarily stunned into silence. Regaining his composure, he replied in Sinhala with a hint of humour, “Sir, ara ibba waturata danawa wage ne ” (It’s like asking a tortoise to willingly enter the water). Senanayake burst into hearty laughter, momentarily deafening Ratnayake. Once the laughter subsided, Ratnayake inquired about the portfolio being offered. He expressed a preference for the Education Ministry, noting his extensive experience serving on education committees in the State Council and even acting as Minister of Education. However, Senanayake was firm. “No, Rat. I want you to handle the subjects I managed during my time in the State Council. Will you honour me by accepting the position of Minister of Food and Cooperative Undertakings? The other part, Agriculture, I want Dudley to take over—he has already agreed. You are the only person I trust to carry forward the plans I initiated, even though you’ve been one of my harshest critics.” This unexpected offer left Ratnayake both surprised and deeply hounored. After the first Parliamentary election under the Soulbury Constitution in 1947, D. S. Senanayake gave Sir John Kotelawala a practical instruction. “I say, Lionel, check if we have a majority. If not, see if you can get a few chaps to join the government. The Eastern Province members are the best bet—they always come to Parliament with open minds,” he remarked, laced with humour. Reflecting on his tenure in the first Parliament, Senator A. Ratnayake once said, “After 16 years of giving the government hell, I found myself on the receiving end—and what an unrelenting opposition it was. Among them were NM and Philip, and, of course, Dr. Dahanayake. Taming that opposition was like trying to humanise hell.” Dr. Dahanayake, in particular, stood out as one of the most vocal critics of Ratnayake’s policies, challenging and dissecting his decisions with vigour. These spirited exchanges underscored the era’s vibrant democratic ethos and the intense parliamentary discourse that shaped policy and governance. KKS PereraThe New York Giants have not gotten many things right in recent years, especially in 2024. Another decision made by the team's "brain" trust has seemingly backfired. Pass rusher Azeez Ojulari, who was not traded before this year's deadline despite the team's losing record and the fact Ojulari is a pending free agent, has been placed on injured reserve with a toe injury. "The #Giants are placing pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari on Injured Reserve because of his toe injury, source said," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted . "No surgery is required and not major, but the injury will take a few weeks to heal. The team will exercise caution, as Ojulari remains in a boot while the ailment heals." Given the going rate for pass rushers leading up the deadline, it's unlikely the Giants would have gotten more than a Day 3 pick for Ojulari, their 2021 second-round selection. Still, it would have been better to recoup something for the former Georgia star--and wide receiver Darius Slayton for that matter--rather than letting them walk in the offseason for free. Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images Compared to letting Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney go and the ill-fated Daniel Jones contract, holding onto Ojulari for too long is not nearly as painful a decision. However, it still speaks to the franchise's inability to get out of its own way and make the correct decision for the team's future. Ojulari is unlikely to be re-singed, so get something for him while you can. After appearing in all 17 games with 13 starts as a rookie in 2021, Ojulari has been hampered by injuries the last three seasons. He still displays impressive pass rushing chops though, racking up six sacks in 11 games this year and playing particularly well when Kayvon Thibodeaux was out of action with a wrist injury. In October, Ojulari posted 14 tackles and five sacks in a three-game span against Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. For his career, he has 22 sacks in 46 games. At 2-9 on the season, the Giants will take on the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving afternoon. Related: The Giants Have Claimed A New Tight End Heading Into Thanksgiving Day
Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fightingManchester City not ‘stable’, says Guardiola after Feyenoord collapseAn energized SMU squad will carry a three-game winning streak against up-and-down Virginia in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for each team on Saturday in Dallas. The game is the first for the Mustangs' basketball team as a member of one of the nation's perennial powerhouse leagues, but don't expect SMU (7-2) to wilt in the spotlight. The Mustangs lambasted Alabama State 101-72 on Tuesday in their most recent outing. Their two losses came against Butler on the road by 11 points and against Mississippi State at home by five. Kario Oquendo poured in a season-high 20 points to lead seven SMU scorers in double figures in the win over Alabama State. Matt Cross added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Mustangs while Samet Yigitoglu and Chuck Harris scored 12 points apiece. Yohan Traore and B.J. Edwards each had 11 and Jerrell Colbert hit for 10. "I think it's finally getting to the point where we are starting to figure out how to play as a team," Oquendo said. "You can see it from game to game. We're getting better, and every practice, we're getting better. I believe the more games we play together, the more the things start coming together." SMU is second in scoring per game in the ACC (averaging 88.3 points) and assists per game (16.4). The Mustangs lead the ACC in rebound margin (plus-10.9), total rebound average (43.3 per game) and offensive rebounds (15.2 a game) -- all in all, an impressive start to their campaign. Boopie Miller is the SMU leader in scoring average (15.6 points per game) and assists (5.8), with Cross the top rebounder (7.5 per game). The Cavaliers (5-3) head to Dallas after an 87-69 loss at No. 13 Florida on Wednesday in the SEC/ACC Challenge. Elijah Saunders scored 19 points for Virginia while Isaac McKneely added 12 points -- all on 3-pointers. The Cavaliers, however, had no answer for the Florida defense, committing 15 turnovers that led to 20 points for the Gators. Virginia led 18-9 early but were down by four at halftime. They got to within a point after a deep basket by Saunders in the opening minute of the second half, but that was as close as the Cavaliers would come. "Overall, I was very, very pleased with the first half," Virginia interim coach Ron Sanchez said. "I think that we handled adversity well. This group is on its way of becoming who they're going to be. It's painful growth, but you grow nonetheless." McKneely leads the Cavaliers with 13.1 points per game, followed by Saunders at 10.3. Jacob Cofie is the top rebounder at 6.4 per game, while Andrew Rohde has a team-best average of three assists. The teams have met just once before, with the Cavaliers outlasting SMU 76-73 in the semifinals of the Corpus Christi Challenge on Nov. 29, 2013. --Field Level Media
Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fighting
With rookie QB Penix showing poise in starting debut, the Falcons again control their playoff hopes
Nano Dimension Responds to Desktop Metal’s Lawsuit Regarding Merger AgreementCreating a robust passive-income portfolio with $40,000 doesn’t have to be complicated. It just requires thoughtful planning and a strategic approach. First, you want a mix of reliable dividend-paying stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and potentially real estate investment trusts (REITs). The idea is to ensure your portfolio is diversified enough to minimize risks while generating consistent returns. A good starting point is deciding how much of your portfolio you’d like allocated to growth-oriented assets versus steady-income assets. So, let’s look at one stock to consider adding for further gains. BAM stock ( ) should absolutely be on your radar when constructing this portfolio. As one of the largest alternative asset managers globally, BAM is a powerhouse in real estate, , and private equity. Its business model thrives on generating fees from managing funds and deploying capital effectively. With its recent price sitting near $80.88, BAM offers a dividend yield of 2.63%. Providing a steady passive-income stream while retaining growth potential. One thing to consider is BAM’s recent earnings and market performance. For the quarter ending September 2024, the company reported a quarterly earnings growth year over year of 5.7%. Underlining its resilience in challenging market conditions. Moreover, with a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 29.15, the stock presents as a balanced investment. It is not overly expensive but is priced to reflect its quality. Another aspect to appreciate about BAM is its track record and future outlook. Over the past year, BAM has grown significantly, with its 52-week range moving between $48.30 and $81.87. This upward trajectory demonstrates investor confidence in its long-term strategy. Its global diversification across sectors ensures it’s well-poised to continue generating robust returns even during economic uncertainties. Considerations When crafting your passive-income portfolio, think about allocation. Start by earmarking 40-50% of your funds to Dividend Aristocrats like BAM, which combine with growth. Allocate another 20-30% to ETFs that focus on dividends or growth. The remainder can be directed to higher-yielding REITs for a consistent income stream, especially in sectors like residential or industrial real estate. Tax considerations also play a role. In Canada, dividends from Canadian companies like BAM are taxed more favourably in non-registered accounts. This can make a big difference in your net income. Consider utilizing your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) to shelter the income and maximize compounding growth. A critical factor to passive-income investing is consistency. While BAM is an excellent foundation for your portfolio, remember to reinvest dividends where possible. For example, BAM’s payout ratio of 133.94% might seem high, but this is due to its unique structure and revenue streams. This can support a sustainable passive-income policy. Bottom line In terms of BAM’s future outlook, the company’s focus on infrastructure investments aligns with global trends like renewable energy and urbanization. This ensures it remains at the forefront of sectors poised for significant growth. Moreover, its management’s ability to adapt and innovate underscores its commitment to delivering shareholder value. Just remember: keep reviewing your portfolio periodically. Stocks like BAM can remain cornerstones for years, but as your portfolio grows, you may want to adjust allocations to reflect changing goals or market conditions. With $40,000, a clear strategy, and consistent reinvestment, you’re well on your way to building a passive-income machine that could fund your future adventures or simply let you enjoy the good life.Tenant, Inc., a leading self-storage management software platform company, teamed up with Storelocal ® Storage to head up a donation drive to deliver goods to the OC Rescue Mission, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in Orange County, CA. NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tenant, Inc., a leading self-storage software company, along with Storelocal Storage, led a successful donation drive to give back during the holiday season. Tenant, Inc. is the only Vertical Software as a Service (VSaaS) technology platform company that offers a complete digital ecosystem tailored to the Self-Storage industry. Storelocal Storage, with 93 self storage facilities across the US, leverages Tenant, Inc.'s technology for all their stores. The donation drive supports OC Rescue Mission, a Tustin, California -based nonprofit organization with one of the most successful homeless charity programs in California . The organization supports people experiencing homelessness in the county with food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and the resources necessary to help them become financially independent. Tenant, Inc. began the donation drive on Nov. 1, 2024 , and plans to conclude it on Dec. 31, 2024 , by delivering truckloads of goods to the rescue. The primary contributors to the donation drive were Tenant, Inc., their employees, and Storelocal Storage who donated non-perishable food items, new and gently used clothing, baby & toddler products, bedding & towels, hygiene products, and more. "We began this annual donation drive 2 years ago because we wanted to support reputable organizations such as the OC Rescue Mission that are improving the lives of people in our community. As a provider of self-storage property management software, we are in a position to reach out to self-storage operators in the area to team up with us to support efforts that benefit local residents," said Lance Watkins , CEO of Tenant, Inc. This is the second year that Tenant, Inc., has partnered with OC Rescue Mission to support local homeless relief efforts. Tenant, Inc. and Storelocal Storage have a history of supporting the communities of their customers. For the past 2 years, Tenant, Inc. and Storelocal Storage have provided support for communities they serve in the Southeastern United States as they recovered from natural disasters. This is just the beginning of a large-scale effort to organize efforts between Tenant, Inc., their employees, and their self-storage customers for community outreach. About Tenant, Inc. Tenant, Inc. is a technology company which offers a cloud-based, all-in-one vertical SaaS technology solution, purpose-built for the self-storage industry. Tenant, Inc., provides a single platform of storage facility management software, storage rental websites, marketing, payment processing, data analytics, and other technology solutions that give self-storage operators everything they need to run their business efficiently across point of sale, operations, self-storage automation, and online rentals. To learn more about Tenant, Inc., please visit tenantinc.com About Storelocal Storage Storelocal is a membership organization created to empower independent self-storage owners and operators to increase their competitive advantage in the marketplace. Storelocal members gain access to a multitude of discounts, enabling them to lower operational costs and increase profits through access to best-in-class products and services, in-house technology development, and vendor partnerships. In addition to membership, Storelocal offers the ability to join the Storelocal Storage brand licensing program , which offers self-storage owners a complete Ops-in-a-Box platform, including Tenant, Inc.'s state-of-the-art property management software, branding elements, and storage rental websites on the storelocal.com domain with recognized domain authority. About OC Rescue Mission Orange County Rescue Mission is a faith-based, life-transformation program that provides on-campus housing, basic needs, and comprehensive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The organization provides solutions for the root causes of homelessness. Through its network of campuses, programs, and comprehensive services, people receive the support they need to better their lives. To learn more about OC Rescue Mission, visit their website here . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tenant-inc-and-storelocal-storage-team-up-with-oc-rescue-mission-for-holiday-donation-drive-302338632.html SOURCE Tenant Inc.