The cause of the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 on Christmas Day near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan, is still unknown. As of Friday, flight recorders have been recovered from the scene and the investigation continues. But early indications may point to a possible cause: A US official told CNN a Russian anti-aircraft system may have downed the passenger jet. And that version of events – first floated by unnamed sources in Azerbaijan, then openly by an Azerbaijani lawmaker , Rasim Musabeyov – appears to be gaining traction, at least in international media. The official picture in Russia is somewhat different. At midday Friday, the lead news item on the tragedy on Russian state television channel Rossiya-24 noted that representatives of the aircraft manufacturer Embraer were expected to arrive in Kazakhstan, but made no mention of the possibility that the aircraft had been shot down. And Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has been tight-lipped about the disaster, in which at least 38 people died. Asked in a conference call with reporters Friday to comment on the calls by Musabeyov for a Russian apology, Peskov said: “This aviation incident is under investigation and until the conclusions are made as a result of the investigation, we do not consider ourselves entitled to give any assessments and will not do so. “At the same time, we have our aviation authorities who can do this and information can only come from them. We do not consider ourselves entitled to comment on this.” Peskov’s messaging may set the tone for Russian media, but apparent evidence of a shoot-down – video footage shows perforations in the plane’s body that look similar to damage from shrapnel or debris – presents a public-relations dilemma for the Kremlin. According to preliminary data, citizens of Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan were on board; several international carriers have now suspended flights to Russian cities. The original destination of the aircraft – the Russian republic of Chechnya, run by loyal, pro-Kremlin warlord Ramzan Kadyrov – makes the situation even more delicate for the Russian government. In a thread on X , Russian political observer Alexander Baunov noted the vague initial Russian coverage of the crash and wondered if the Kremlin would eventually take responsibility, or not. “Will Moscow obfuscate, deny, throw out conflicting narratives, and coerce Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan into a shared lie, leveraging its military, economic and diplomatic might?” he asked, suggesting the incident showed “shades of how Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was handled.” For those who may not recall, the downing of the MH17 in 2014 over Ukraine by a Russian surface-to-air missile became a master class in Russian spin and disinformation. The crash, which claimed the lives of 298 people, was followed by a blizzard of false and misleading information from Russia. The accounts that circulated in Russian media were confusing, contradictory and sometimes downright bizarre: The Ukrainians shot the plane down; Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plane was the actual target; or even that the plane had been packed with corpses. But the effect was the same, regardless of the story. The disinformation around MH17 created confusion, distraction and noise that diverted some attention away from the real cause, a Russian missile. A Dutch court eventually concluded that MH17 was shot down by a Russian Buk surface-to-air missile launched from territory held by pro-Russian separatists under the control of Moscow, and two Russians and a separatist Ukrainian were found guilty in absentia of mass murder for their involvement. That verdict took years to reach, and the investigation into the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines flight has only just begun. It remains to be seen if that investigation, too, will be obscured by the fog of disinformation.
Thanksgiving Weekend Sports Guide: Your roadmap to NFL matchups, other games, times, odds
Thanks to their compact design, V4 engines today dominate the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, Moto GP. Being narrower, they allow for greater lean angles and dominate the grid. However, V4 engines are nowhere to be found in modern cars. It's a shame — their compactness might make them a good solution for hybrid powertrains. And you might not know it, but the first V4s were developed for cars, not motorcycles. Sure, today we might find these engines may rank among the weirdest engines ever put in production cars , but they had their place under the spotlight. Some of the V4-powered cars even carry historical significance, making their story more interesting. Weird as they may be, these V4-powered machines offered unique driving experiences. This story is woven with wild cylinder-bank angle experimentation, peculiar sports cars, and even commercial vans. There was even a muscle car powered by a V4. This engine design was really quite prominent once, and it's time we gave it its well-deserved recognition. So, here are 10 underrated V4 cars you should know about! Lancia was one of the most innovative companies in early automotive history. The Italian automaker pushed the envelope on what was possible in a production vehicle, and no car made that more apparent than the Lambda. Sleek. Sporty. The polar opposite of the then ubiquitous "carriage" design. Designer Battista Falchetto created a car that launched Lancia into prominence. However, the underlying technology pioneered by company founder Vincenzo Lancia was what allowed for that modern styling. The Lambda didn't have a ladder frame chassis to lift the car and make it look utilitarian; instead, it featured a unitary body shell. Furthermore, Lambda's transmission tunnel was positioned beside the seats, and the car featured independent front suspension developed by Falchetto. In 1919, when Lancia filed the Lambda patent, this was exotic stuff. Still, one of the most prominent features was the engine. Lancia opted for a narrow-angle V4 design, with 13.6 degrees between the cylinder banks. By doing this, the company made the 2.1-liter unit shorter, while using one head to minimize cost. With 49 hp on tap, the compact V4 gave the Torpedo-styled Lambda a top speed of 68 mph (110 km/h); not bad for a 1920s four-cylinder car. Later models could go up to 75 mph (120 km/h), thanks to a power increase to 69 hp. But at the pinnacle were the race versions for the 1000 Miglia, which featured Pirrotta cylinder heads and made up to 80 hp. Lancia slowly started refreshing its model range after WWII. The first model to arrive was the 1951 Aurelia — one of the coolest Lancia models ever — which made waves in the industry by being the first-ever vehicle with a V6 engine. The Aurelia was expensive, but the sheer engineering brilliance and its stunning design made it an instant hit on the market. However, to truly make a mark on the automotive landscape, Lancia needed a mass-market model. Something cheaper, yet still classy enough. So, in 1953, it introduced the Appia, powered of course by a V4 engine. Barely. See, the 1.1-liter unit was again an engineering gem, with the cylinder blocks positioned at a hair over 10 degrees. This would make it the narrowest angle V4 engine to this day; heck, it's closer to an inline-four than a motorcycle V4, which has the pistons set between 60 degrees and 90 degrees. Another prominent feature was the dual in-block camshafts, in place of the traditional overhead camshafts. To crown it all, early Appia examples had aluminum body panels, keeping the car's weight down to 1,800 pounds. However the Appia's "pièce de résistance" trait was the absence of a B-pillar. Yup, a feature today reserved for Rolls-Royce owners was available on Lancia's entry-level vehicle during the 1950s. Crucially, it allowed for easy ingress-egress, particularly on the rear bench. At 12.66 feet (3.86 meters) long, the Appia needed that feature to maximize usability, but that doesn't take away from its eccentricity. If you take the Willys MB, make it smaller and more sophisticated, and equip it with a V4 engine, this is what you get. The AMC M422 Mighty Mite is one of the most adorable off-roaders the U.S. military ever deployed. The Mighty Mite actually didn't share any part with the Willys MB, and it was also way more advanced; hardly surprising, as it arrived almost two decades later. Penned by Ben F. Gregory, a self-taught engineer, pilot, and racing driver, the off-roader was made almost entirely from aluminum. Thus, it weighed just 1,700 pounds (771 kg). This was important because it was to be air-deployed via helicopter. Powering the Mighty Mite was an air-cooled 1.8-liter V4 engine, chosen because of its compactness. It made 52 hp and was initially connected to a three-speed manual gearbox, giving it a top speed of 55 mph. Later, AMC replaced that with a four-speed, which lifted the top speed to 65 mph. Still, the main appeal of the Mighty Mite was its all-terrain ability. Equipped with a dual-range transfer case, limited-slip differentials on both axles and fully independent front and rear suspension, the AMC M422 was capable of traversing the most difficult terrains. It also had a water-wading capacity of up to 60 inches with a special upgrade and could tow a 1,000-pound trailer. Unfortunately, larger helicopters soon became the norm, reducing the importance of a lightweight off-roader. As a result, AMC has built less than 4,000 examples of the Mighty Mite. The Corsair wasn't exactly one of Ford's most successful models , despite having a pretty advanced design for the era. Its V-shaped creases in the front made it instantly recognizable, and similar to the stunning third-gen Thunderbird. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to shake off the fact that it wasn't that much better than its smaller cousin, the Cortina. Notably, based on a stretched Cortina platform, the Corsair offered barely more space inside. However, Corsair's most prominent feature was the availability of V4 engines. Initially offered with a 1.5-liter inline-four, Ford's mid-size sedan was later available with a 1.7-liter V4 Essex engine, with a 60-degree angle between the cylinder banks. It produced a solid 73 hp, though a 2.0-liter V4 was later added with up to 103 hp in the Corsair 2000E Deluxe model. Not bad considering the capacity, and enough to push the speedometer needle to 110 mph. For a 2.0-liter mid-size car sold in the U.K. during the 1960s, that speed was pretty astonishing. According to Motor magazine at the time, the Corsair was also good to drive and had a slick-shifting four-speed gearbox and strong brakes. However, power was never the problem of Essex engines. Due to the narrower angle, these V4s were quite unrefined, which didn't match the Corsair's interior, which in the higher-end models, featured soft carpets and walnut veneer details on the dashboard. Perhaps an upgrade would've solved the issues, but Ford instead decided to discontinue the Corsair V4 after only five years on the market. An unrefined V4 engine was certainly not the best option for an executive car. But in a commercial van, that was less of an issue. In 1965, Ford chose the V4 Essex for the Transit van, which became its most successful commercial vehicle in Europe. The compact engine allowed for a relatively short hood, maximizing space on the inside. In fact, the first-gen Transit offered the highest cargo area of any van from its era. Ford installed two V4 Essex engines in the Transit. The 1.7-liter powered the SWB (short wheelbase) model and produced 73 hp, just like in the Corsair. Meanwhile, the LWB (long wheelbase) model was equipped with a 2.0-liter producing 85.5 hp. Later, though, Ford also equipped the Mk1 Transit with a 3.0-liter V6 Essex engine. The larger unit was essentially the 2.0-liter V4 with two added cylinders and produced 100 hp. It was even available with an automatic transmission, which was pretty rare for a commercial van of the time. Ford's 1.7-liter V4 worked in the Transit and gave the Corsair solid straight-line performance, but how about a sports car? The Matra M530 was a quirky, mid-engine proto-Miata, featuring a Cologne V4 from the Taunus 12M — not the Essex one. It was built in Ford's German factory in Cologne and had more oomph at 77 hp and 104 lb-ft of torque. It was chosen because of its compact dimensions, allowing Matra to fit it in front of the rear axle. The V4's figures sound underwhelming, sure, but there is more to a sports car than straight-line speed. Besides, the M530 could still reach 109 mph (175 km/h), more than enough for a car with 145-section front and 165-section rear tires. Its 0-60 sprint of 11.3 seconds was good for the era, too. The secret, as always with these older mid-engine sports cars, was the low weight. Thanks to the fiberglass bodyshell, the M530 weighed just 2,060 pounds (935 kg). The M530 was also good to drive in the corners, thanks to the balanced mid-engine layout. Doesn't it also look cool with the pop-up headlights? Unfortunately, Matra's mid-engine V4 machine never took off. This was even predictable at the time — the M530 was simply too costly for what it offered. Besides, legends like the Lotus Elan and Jaguar E-Type were also available at the time, offering superior performance. Still, the M530 deserves its place in history for the unique driving experience, if not for its sheer oddity. Saab was one of the most ingenious automakers, with unique cars that borrowed many design and engineering cues from their aircraft. To some, they might've appeared eccentric, but you can't deny they were standouts in the industry. That's perhaps the most evident with the Saab 96, introduced in 1960. Compare it to any other passenger car of the era, and the 96 looks way more interesting. More modern, if you will. Besides, with its unique teardrop shape, the 96 was cutting through the air more efficiently than other cars of the era, allowing Saab to get away with using smaller engines. Initially, the car was offered with three-cylinder, two-stroke 841cc units, making 38 hp, which was still enough for an excellent top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h). From 1966, though, Saab equipped the 96 with Ford's Cologne 1.5-liter V4 from the Taunus. With 65 hp on tap, the V4 pushed the needle to 93 mph (150 km/h) and allowed for a respectable 0-60 mph sprint of 16.5 seconds. The Saab 96 is also one of those cars made from the mythical "Swedish steel." Saab used higher-quality steel to deal with the Swedish winters, which inevitably made the car more robust than its rivals. Furthermore, the strong body encompasses a roomy and practical cabin, thanks mainly to the more bulbous outer shape. Larger Swedish families at the time could also opt for the Saab 95 — a three-door wagon with two back-facing seats in the trunk. Unsurprisingly, people still wonder what happened to Saab. The first-generation Mustang became an icon as the original pony car , with power to spare and design to die for. To this day, it remains the quintessential American sports car. European buyers could only ever see it in magazines. Instead, they got the Capri's more compact dimensions, which were a better fit for European roads, anyway. Unfortunately, the Capri was never equipped with a V8, but it at least got a plethora of V4 and V6 options. A chopped V8, so to speak. 1.3-liter, 1.5-liter and 1.7-liter Essex versions were available, but real enthusiasts opted for the Capri 2000GT with the 2.0-liter V4 engine. It had an unimpressive 93 hp, but it only had to carry 2,211 pounds (1,003 kg), so 60 mph arrived in a solid 10.6 seconds and the top speed was 106 mph (171 km/h). Like the Mustang, the Capri wasn't an exotic sports car by any stretch and had a live rear axle. Still, at the time Autocar said the Capri 2000 GT had neat handling and a precise four-speed manual gearbox. On Europe's tight, twisty roads, that's all you need to enjoy driving. Of course, like in the Corsair, the V4 Essex wasn't smooth, but the Capri was never a luxury car, anyway. Fortunately, the Capri 2000 GT was later equipped with a 2.0-liter V6 with 104 hp. However, there was also the RS2000 Group 2 homologation special. Packing a 148-hp, 2.6-liter V6, the legendary race-bred Capri reached 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 7.5 seconds. The Stratos and Delta Integrale left a lasting impact on the automotive industry as rally-bred engineering marvels, but the Lancia Fulvia also has every ingredient necessary to earn legendary status. The Fulvia was a driver-oriented coupe, but without the usual ingredients. It was front-wheel drive. It also had front and rear leaf springs and a Panhard bar in the back. Yup, but that's not all — a narrow-angle V4 engine sat over the front axle to mess up the weight distribution. Like with most cars it produced during the post-war era, Lancia showcased its engineering prowess on the Fulvia. Despite the platform's deficiencies, it is regarded as one of the best front-wheel-drive cars ever made. Surefooted in the corners, yet light and nimble, the Fulvia showed what it takes to make a great-handling FWD car decades before it was a thing. Oh, and it's not just journos that were impressed by the Fulvia; the car proved its mettle by winning the International Championship for Manufacturers in the 1972 rally championship. Those "incorrectly-positioned" narrow-angle (13 degrees) V4s were also a work of art. Spanning from 1.1 to 1.6 liters, and characterized by smooth revving until the red line, Lancia's V4s only add to the driving experience. They were quick, too; the most potent Fulvia 1.6 HF Corsa had 113 hp, and reached 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds, while also looking super-handsome. With the adorable Sonett I roadster, Saab provided the world an example of a car that shows three cylinders can still be fun . And by fun, we mean a toyish weight of 1,102 pounds (500 kg), a characterful 748cc two-stroke three-cylinder with 58 hp, and front-wheel drive! However, Saab chose a different path with the second-gen model. Less elegant on the outside, but perhaps even quirkier, the Sonett II was now a coupe. Saab retained the lightweight fiberglass body and upgraded the three-cylinder engine to 841cc and 60 hp. The small engine wouldn't live in Saab's sports car for long, though. Enter the Ford-sourced 1.5-liter V4, borrowed from the German Taunus. That significantly larger engine added only 5 hp to the mix. It also unfortunately added 155 pounds (70 kg), resulting in a slower 0-60 time of 13.7 seconds. However, the V4 brought the Sonett II to a higher top speed (97 mph), and its 16 lb-ft higher torque made it easier to live with. The third time was the charm for the Sonett, though. Initially available with the same 1.5-liter V4, but later upgraded to a 1.7-liter V4, the Sonett III was an even more serious fun machine. The larger engine gave it a top speed of 106 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 11.6 seconds. As a result, sales went up, but not enough for Saab to consider a replacement. The Sonett was simply too different to become a legend, though that doesn't its significance in Saab's history.Netflix getting set to air NFL on Christmas Day
The long sports-filled Thanksgiving weekend is a time when many Americans enjoy gathering with friends and family for good food, good company and hopefully not too much political conversation. Also on the menu — all the NFL and college sports you can handle. Here's a roadmap to one of the biggest sports weekends of the year, with a look at marquee games over the holiday and how to watch. All times are in EST. All odds are by BetMGM Sportsbook. • NFL: There is a triple-header lined up for pro football fans. Chicago at Detroit, 12:30 p.m., CBS: Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears go against the Lions, who are one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl in February. Lions favored by 10. New York at Dallas, 4:30 p.m., Fox: The Giants and Cowboys are both suffering through miserable seasons and are now using backup quarterbacks for different reasons. But if Dallas can figure out a way to win, it will still be on the fringe of the playoff race. Cowboys favored by 3 1/2. Miami at Green Bay, 8:20 p.m., NBC/Peacock: The Packers stumbled slightly out of the gate but have won six of their past seven games. They'll need a win against Miami to try to keep pace in the NFC North. Packers favored by 3. • College Football: Memphis at No. 18 Tulane, 7:30 p.m., ESPN. If college football is your jam, this is a good warmup for a big weekend. The Tigers try to ruin the Green Wave’s perfect record in the American Athletic Conference. Tulane is favored by 14. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes works in the pocket against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of Sunday's game in Charlotte, N.C. • NFL: A rare Friday showdown features the league-leading Chiefs. Las Vegas at Kansas City, 3 p.m. Prime Video: The Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are 12-point favorites over the Raiders. • College Basketball: Some of the top programs meet in holiday tournaments around the country. Battle 4 Atlantis championship, 5:30 p.m., ESPN: One of the premier early season tournaments, the eight-team field includes No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 14 Indiana and No. 24 Arizona. Rady Children's Invitational, 6 p.m., Fox: It's the championship game for a four-team field that includes No. 13 Purdue and No. 23 Mississippi. • College Football: There is a full slate of college games to dig into. Oregon State at No. 11 Boise State, noon, Fox: The Broncos try to stay in the College Football Playoff hunt when they host the Beavers. Boise State favored by 19 1/2. Oklahoma State at No. 23 Colorado, noon, ABC: The Buffaloes and Coach Prime are still in the hunt for the Big 12 championship game when they host the Cowboys. Colorado favored by 16 1/2. Georgia Tech at No. 6 Georgia, 7:30 p.m., ABC: The Bulldogs are on pace for a spot in the CFP but host what could be a tricky game against rival Georgia Tech. Georgia favored by 19 1/2. • NBA. After taking Thanksgiving off, pro basketball returns. Oklahoma City at Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m., ESPN: The Thunder look like one of the best teams in the NBA's Western Conference. They'll host Anthony Davis, LeBron James and the Lakers. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks during the first half of a Nov. 23 game against the Denver Nuggets in Los Angeles. • College Football. There are more matchups with playoff implications. Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State, noon, Fox: The Wolverines are struggling one season after winning the national title. They could make their fan base a whole lot happier with an upset of the Buckeyes. Ohio State favored by 21. No. 7 Tennessee at Vanderbilt, noon, ABC: The Volunteers are a fairly big favorite and have dominated this series, but the Commodores have been a tough team this season and already have achieved a monumental upset over Alabama. Tennessee favored by 11. No. 16 South Carolina at No. 12 Clemson, noon, ESPN: The Palmetto State rivals are both hanging on the edge of the CFP playoff race. A win — particularly for Clemson — would go a long way toward clinching its spot in the field. Clemson favored by 2 1/2. No. 3 Texas at No. 20 Texas A&M, 7:30 p.m. ABC: The Aggies host their in-state rival for the first time since 2011 after the Longhorns joined the SEC. Texas favored by 5 1/2. Washington at No. 1 Oregon, 7:30 p.m., NBC: The top-ranked Ducks have been one of the nation’s best teams all season. They’ll face the Huskies, who would love a marquee win in coach Jedd Fisch’s first season. Oregon favored by 19 1/2. • NBA: A star-studded clash is part of the league's lineup. Golden State at Phoenix, 9 p.m., NBA TV: Steph Curry and the Warriors are set to face the Suns' Big Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. • NFL: It's Sunday, that says it all. Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m., CBS: Joe Burrow is having a great season for the Bengals, who are struggling in other areas. They need a win to stay in the playoff race, hosting a Steelers team that's 8-3 and won five of their past six. Bengals favored by 3. Arizona at Minnesota, 1 p.m., Fox: The Cardinals are tied for the top of the NFC West while the Vikings are 9-2 and have been one of the biggest surprises of the season with journeyman Sam Darnold under center. Vikings favored by 3 1/2. Philadelphia at Baltimore, 4:25 p.m., CBS: Two of the league's most electric players will be on the field when Saquon Barkley and the Eagles travel to face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Ravens favored by 3. San Francisco at Buffalo, 8:20 p.m. NBC/Peacock: The 49ers try to get back to .500 against the Bills, who have won six straight. Bills favored by 7. • NBA. The best teams in the Eastern Conference meet in a statement game. Boston at Cleveland, 6 p.m., NBA TV: The defending champion Celtics travel to face the Cavs, who won their first 15 games to start the season. • Premier League: English soccer fans have a marquee matchup. Manchester City at Liverpool, 11 a.m., USA Network/Telemundo. The two top teams meet with Manchester City trying to shake off recent struggles. • Auto Racing: The F1 season nears its conclusion. F1 Qatar Grand Prix, 11 a.m., ESPN2 – It's the penultimate race of the season. Max Verstappen already has clinched his fourth consecutive season championship. Before the 2023 National Football League season started, it seemed inevitable that Bill Belichick would end his career as the winningest head coach in league history. He had won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and 298 regular-season games, plus 31 playoff games, across his career. Then the 2023 season happened. Belichick's Patriots finished 4-13, the franchise's worst record since 1992. At the end of the year, Belichick and New England owner Robert Kraft agreed to part ways. And now, during the 2024 season, Belichick is on the sideline. He's 26 wins from the #1 spot, a mark he'd reach in little more than two seasons if he maintained his .647 career winning percentage. Will he ascend the summit? It's hard to tell. Belichick would be 73 if he graced the sidelines next season—meaning he'd need to coach until at least 75 to break the all-time mark. Only one other NFL coach has ever helmed a team at age 73: Romeo Crennel in 2020 for the Houston Texans. With Belichick's pursuit of history stalled, it's worth glancing at the legends who have reached the pinnacle of coaching success. Who else stands among the 10 winningest coaches in NFL history? Stacker ranked the coaches with the most all-time regular-season wins using data from Pro Football Reference . These coaches have combined for 36 league championships, which represents 31.6% of all championships won throughout the history of pro football. To learn who made the list, keep reading. You may also like: Ranking the biggest NFL Draft busts of the last 30 years - Seasons coached: 23 - Years active: 1981-2003 - Record: 190-165-2 - Winning percentage: .535 - Championships: 0 Dan Reeves reached the Super Bowl four times—thrice with the Denver Broncos and once with the Atlanta Falcons—but never won the NFL's crown jewel. Still, he racked up nearly 200 wins across his 23-year career, including a stint in charge of the New York Giants, with whom he won Coach of the Year in 1993. In all his tenures, he quickly built contenders—the three clubs he coached were a combined 17-31 the year before Reeves joined and 28-20 in his first year. However, his career ended on a sour note as he was fired from a 3-10 Falcons team after Week 14 in 2003. - Seasons coached: 23 - Years active: 1969-91 - Record: 193-148-1 - Winning percentage: .566 - Championships: 4 Chuck Noll's Pittsburgh Steelers were synonymous with success in the 1970s. Behind his defense, known as the Steel Curtain, and offensive stars, including Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Lynn Swann, Noll led the squad to four Super Bowl victories from 1974 to 1979. Noll's Steelers remain the lone team to win four Super Bowls in six years, though Andy Reid and Kansas City could equal that mark if they win the Lombardi Trophy this season. Noll was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, two years after retiring. His legacy of coaching success has carried on in Pittsburgh—the club has had only two coaches (Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin) since Noll retired. - Seasons coached: 21 - Years active: 1984-98, 2001-06 - Record: 200-126-1 - Winning percentage: .613 - Championships: 0 As head coach of Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington, and San Diego, Marty Schottenheimer proved a successful leader during the regular season. Notably, he was named Coach of the Year after turning around his 4-12 Chargers team to a 12-4 record in 2004. His teams, however, struggled during the playoffs. Schottheimer went 5-13 in the postseason, and he never made it past the conference championship round. As such, the Pennsylvania-born skipper is the winningest NFL coach never to win a league championship. - Seasons coached: 25 - Years active: 1946-62, '68-75 - Record: 213-104-9 - Winning percentage: .672 - Championships: 7 The only coach on this list to pilot a college team, Paul Brown, reached the pro ranks after a three-year stint at Ohio State and two years with the Navy during World War II. He guided the Cleveland Browns—named after Brown, their first coach—to four straight titles in the fledgling All-America Football Conference. After the league folded, the ballclub moved to the NFL in 1950, and Cleveland continued its winning ways, with Brown leading the team to championships in '50, '54, and '55. He was fired in 1963 but returned in 1968 as the co-founder and coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. His other notable accomplishments include helping to invent the face mask and breaking pro football's color barrier . - Seasons coached: 33 - Years active: 1921-53 - Record: 226-132-22 - Winning percentage: .631 - Championships: 6 An early stalwart of the NFL, Curly Lambeau spent 29 years helming the Green Bay Packers before wrapping up his coaching career with two-year stints with the Chicago Cardinals and Washington. His Packers won titles across three decades, including the league's first three-peat from 1929-31. Notably, he experienced only one losing season during his first 27 years with Green Bay, cementing his legacy of consistent success. Born in Green Bay, Lambeau co-founded the Packers and played halfback on the team from 1919-29. He was elected to the Hall of Fame as a coach and owner in 1963, two years before his death. You may also like: Countries with the most active NFL players - Seasons coached: 29 - Years active: 1960-88 - Record: 250-162-6 - Winning percentage: .607 - Championships: 2 The first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Tom Landry held the position for his entire 29-year tenure as an NFL coach. The Cowboys were especially dominant in the 1970s when they made five Super Bowls and won the big game twice. Landry was known for coaching strong all-around squads and a unit that earned the nickname the "Doomsday Defense." Between 1966 and 1985, Landry and his Cowboys enjoyed 20 straight seasons with a winning record. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1990. - Seasons coached: 26 - Years active: 1999-present - Record: 267-145-1 - Winning percentage: .648 - Championships: 3 The only active coach in the top 10, Andy Reid has posted successful runs with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City. After reaching the Super Bowl once in 14 years with the Eagles, Reid ratcheted things up with K.C., winning three titles since 2019. As back-to-back defending champions, Reid and Co. are looking this season to become the first franchise to three-peat in the Super Bowl era and the third to do so in NFL history after the Packers of 1929-31 and '65-67. Time will tell if Reid and his offensive wizardry can lead Kansas City to that feat. - Seasons coached: 29 - Years active: 1991-95, 2000-23 - Record: 302-165 - Winning percentage: .647 - Championships: 6 The most successful head coach of the 21st century, Bill Belichick first coached the Cleveland Browns before taking over the New England Patriots in 2000. With the Pats, Belichick combined with quarterback Tom Brady to win six Super Bowls in 18 years. Belichick and New England split after last season when the Patriots went 4-13—the worst record of Belichick's career. His name has swirled around potential coaching openings , but nothing has come of it. Belichick has remained in the media spotlight with his regular slot on the "Monday Night Football" ManningCast. - Seasons coached: 40 - Years active: 1920-29, '33-42, '46-55, '58-67 - Record: 318-148-31 - Winning percentage: .682 - Championships: 6 George Halas was the founder and longtime owner of the Chicago Bears and coached the team across four separate stints. Nicknamed "Papa Bear," he built the ballclub into one of the NFL's premier franchises behind players such as Bronko Nagurski and Sid Luckman. Halas also played for the team, competing as a player-coach in the 1920s. The first coach to study opponents via game film, he was once a baseball player and even made 12 appearances as a member of the New York Yankees in 1919. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963 as both a coach and owner. - Seasons coached: 33 - Years active: 1963-95 - Record: 328-156-6 - Winning percentage: .677 - Championships: 2 The winningest head coach in NFL history is Don Shula, who first coached the Baltimore Colts (losing Super Bowl III to Joe Namath and the New York Jets) for seven years before leading the Miami Dolphins for 26 seasons. With the Fins, Shula won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1972 and 1973, a run that included a 17-0 season—the only perfect campaign in NFL history. He also coached quarterback great Dan Marino in the 1980s and '90s, but the pair made it to a Super Bowl just once. Shula was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997. Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. You may also like: The 5 biggest upsets of the 2023-24 NFL regular season Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Mapua Cardinals at Benilde Blazers, magtatapat sa men's basketball finals ng NCAA Season 100A 'mean one' from McDonald's? The Grinch Happy Meal not coming to US in 2024
Kinder Morgan Inc. stock falls Wednesday, still outperforms marketExposure to light is key in adjusting drivers' body clocks to new time zones. The Las Vegas Grand Prix is "the nastiest one of the season," one performance coach said. This article is part of " Behind the Wheel ," a series about the highly competitive and high-tech world of Formula 1. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview Thanks for signing up! Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . You can opt-out at any time by visiting our Preferences page or by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the email. In Formula 1, sleep is a precious commodity. The global series' 24-race calendar spans 21 countries across five continents. Teams travel from China to Miami to Italy over the course of just a few weeks — making jet lag a constant problem throughout the season. It's such a concern that many teams employ doctors and coaches dedicated to helping drivers adjust quickly to different time zones. "In the case of Formula 1 drivers, sleep is right up there as one of the main things we can control to put them in the best place possible to perform," Tom Clark , a senior performance coach with the Alpine F1 Team, said. "It's a thing we prioritize very highly. Being exposed to jet lag, we can manipulate it so we're ahead of the curve." Even now, as the 2024 season heads into the home stretch, Clark is preparing for next year, looking up available flights for the team and mapping out calendars to see how early his drivers can make it out to a race based on other team responsibilities. "Drivers have a great many commitments, so we can't always prioritize sleep and jet lag above all else," he said. "But we start planning right away so we have the best options available to negate jet lag and put the athletes in the best position." Monitoring light and 'zeitgeber' When it comes to fighting jet lag, Clark said, there's one main factor to consider: exposure to light. "Light from the sun and light from electronic devices, and the absence of light — if we can manipulate those things in accordance to where we're trying to travel, we'll be able to shift the body clock closer to that given time zone," he said. As an example, Clark points to Esteban Ocon, the Alpine driver with whom he works most closely. In preparation for heading to Las Vegas this week — about a nine-hour time shift from Ocon's home in Switzerland — Clark began shifting the driver's bedtime and wake-up time later and later last week. "We also look at his timing to light exposure, which we try to replicate to the time zone he's traveling to," Clark said. "From a basic first principle, that's what we do fundamentally to thrive in the new environment." Tom Clark works closely with the Alpine driver Esteban Ocon to optimize his performance on the track. Alpine F1/Tom Clark Additionally, Clark closely monitors Ocon's "zeitgeber" — a German word for external circadian time cues that contribute to the body's clock. This includes physical activity and fitness, socializing, and eating. "All of those have an influence on moving the body clock closer" to the new time zone, Clark said, adding: "But it's light that is the most influential, so that's what we prioritize the greatest." 'Las Vegas is the nastiest one of the season' Plane travel is another factor. When traveling west, Clark wants his drivers to take daytime flights so that they stay awake. When flying east, he encourages them to sleep on flights — particularly when the series heads to Australia, which entails about a 24-hour door-to-door travel period. With Formula 1 heading to Las Vegas this weekend to kick off the final triple-header of the season, Clark said the battle against jet lag would be particularly important. "Las Vegas is the nastiest one of the season," he said, adding that because the race happens so late — the Grand Prix begins about 10 p.m. local time — drivers have to modify their sleep schedules so that they essentially become nocturnal, sleeping during most of the day. Lewis Hamilton taking his F1 car for a spin in Las Vegas. Dan Istitene - Formula 1/Getty Images "If you're like Esteban and you get a huge amount of sleep, he effectively will sleep the entire daylight hours of Las Vegas — which actually might be quite a normal thing for most Vegas visitors and tourists," Clark said with a laugh. "It's a bit of a weird way to live, but it's a necessity to cash in on the sleep opportunities that we have. We use other means to help with what we lose from not seeing the sun, like vitamin D supplements. We'll have to contend with that during the week." Once the Las Vegas Grand Prix ends, the series immediately shifts to Qatar, meaning every team member once again has to rapidly adjust their body clocks. "Effectively, you're doing a full circulation of the globe in time zones in the space of just a couple of weeks," Clark said. Last year, when Las Vegas was also part of a triple-header, many people discovered they could "continually be in a state of sleep deprivation and poor quality of sleep if you don't prioritize it," he added. Clark began working with Alpine in 2018 in a performance role and said he viewed battling jet lag as an "elephant in the room" when it came to race prep. "We were doing everything we could from a training, nutrition, and recovery standpoint, but when it came to sleep, there wasn't much in place," he said. "That's where my appetite came from to pursue and understand jet lag more." Most Formula 1 teams, he said, now task their performance coaches and doctors with monitoring drivers' sleep patterns and adjusting them to new time zones. Outside Formula 1, Clark is pursuing doctoral work on jet lag — a topic that, he said, is not studied extensively in academic literature. "Jet lag itself is a hard thing to research and understand just by the nature of it," he said. "You can study it in a lab environment, but you can't replicate getting on a plane, the large amount of time in the air, all the stresses you go through at the airport, and arriving in a widely different culture and environment." That makes Formula 1 an ideal industry in which to conduct this research, with the sport featuring perhaps the most condensed global travel of any other sport series. "I've been working within the Formula 1 population and yes, it's not the easiest thing to fit in around my day job," Clark said, laughing. "But it's fascinating, and I'm enjoying it very much."City Council Passes 2025 Budget That Avoids Property Tax Hike
Medical Fluid Bags Market Size: Strong Growth Ahead (2024-2032) 12-16-2024 07:28 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Cognate Insights Medical Fluid Bags Market Latest Market Overview The global medical fluid bags market is expected to reach USD 7.8 billion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2024 to 2032. Medical fluid bags are essential medical devices used for the collection, storage, and administration of fluids such as intravenous (IV) solutions, blood, and other therapeutic fluids in clinical settings. These bags are vital in procedures such as IV therapy, blood transfusions, and drug administration. The demand for medical fluid bags is largely driven by the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, an aging global population, and the increasing use of IV therapy in hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare settings. The Medical Fluid Bags Market has experienced steady growth in recent years and is expected to continue expanding at a strong pace from 2024 to 2032. This analysis offers a comprehensive overview, providing valuable insights into key trends and developments within the Medical Fluid Bags industry. These findings equip business leaders with the necessary knowledge to devise more effective strategies and enhance profitability. Furthermore, the report serves as a useful resource for new and emerging businesses, helping them make informed decisions as they navigate the market and seek growth opportunities. Key players in the global medical fluid bags market include: Baxter International Inc. (USA) - Revenue: USD 12.2 billion (2023) B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany) - Revenue: USD 7.4 billion (2023) Fresenius Kabi AG (Germany) - Revenue: USD 9.1 billion (2023) Terumo Corporation (Japan) - Revenue: USD 6.5 billion (2023) Smiths Medical (USA) - Revenue: USD 4.5 billion (2023) Get Latest PDF Sample Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/request-sample/medical-fluid-bags-market-research Our Report covers global as well as regional markets and provides an in-depth analysis of the overall growth prospects of the market. Global market trend analysis including historical data, estimates to 2024, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecast to 2032 is given based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market segments involving economic and non-economic factors. Furthermore, it reveals the comprehensive competitive landscape of the global market, the current and future market prospects of the industry, and the growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and constraints in emerging and emerging markets. Global Medical Fluid Bags Market Landscape and Future Pathways: North America: United States Canada Europe: Germany France U.K. Italy Russia Asia-Pacific: China Japan South Korea India Australia China Taiwan Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Latin America: Mexico Brazil Argentina Korea Colombia Middle East & Africa: Turkey Saudi Arabia UAE Korea Speak to Our Analyst for A Discussion on The Above Findings, And Ask for A Discount on The Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/check-discount/medical-fluid-bags-market-research Key drivers and challenges influencing the Medical Fluid Bags market: Regional Analysis: The report involves examining the Medical Fluid Bags market at a regional or national level. Report analyses regional factors such as government incentives, infrastructure development, economic conditions, and consumer behaviour to identify variations and opportunities within different markets. Market Projections: Report covers the gathered data and analysis to make future projections and forecasts for the Medical Fluid Bags market. This may include estimating market growth rates, predicting market demand, and identifying emerging trends. Company Analysis: Report covers individual Medical Fluid Bags manufacturers, suppliers, and other relevant industry players. This analysis includes studying their financial performance, market positioning, product portfolios, partnerships, and strategies. Consumer Analysis: Report covers data on consumer behaviour, preferences, and attitudes towards Medical Fluid Bags This may involve surveys, interviews, and analysis of consumer reviews and feedback from different by Application. Technology Analysis: Report covers specific technologies relevant to Medical Fluid Bags. It assesses the current state, advancements, and potential future developments in Medical Fluid Bags areas. Reason to Buy this Report: -Analysis of the impact of technological advancements on the market and the emerging trends shaping the industry in the coming years. -Examination of the regulatory and policy changes affecting the market and the implications of these changes for market participants. -Overview of the competitive landscape in the Medical Fluid Bags market, including profiles of the key players, their market share, and strategies for growth. -Identification of the major challenges facing the market, such as supply chain disruptions, environmental concerns, and changing consumer preferences, and analysis of how these challenges will affect market growth. -Evaluation of the potential of new products and applications in the market, and analysis of the investment opportunities for market participants. For In-Depth Competitive Analysis - Purchase this Report now at @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/purchase-report/medical-fluid-bags-market-research Contact Us: Cognate Insights Web: www.cognateinsights.com Email: info@cognateinsights.com Phone: +91 8424946476 About Us: We are leaders in market analytics, business research, and consulting services for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, financial & government institutions. Since we understand the criticality of data and insights, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. To be at our client's disposal whenever they need help on market research and consulting services. We also aim to be their business partners when it comes to making critical business decisions around new market entry, M&A, competitive Intelligence and strategy. This release was published on openPR.Guidehouse Names Shannon White Leader of Defense & Security Segment
Until now, Ms Weinstein has been the US firm’s vice president and managing director in the UK and Ireland, having previously worked at Unilever. She said her focus will be on “unlocking AI-powered growth for everyone”, calling the current AI boom a “pivotal” time for the tech giant. Google has joined many of its rivals in launching a string of high-profile generative AI products in recent times, led by the firm’s generative AI-powered assistant, Gemini. “Europe, the Middle East and Africa is an amazingly diverse and varied region, but the enormous growth opportunity that AI can create is universal,” she said. “My focus will be on unlocking that AI-powered growth for everyone – users, businesses, partners and governments across every part of the region. “I’m excited to be stepping into this role at a pivotal time, in a company where I’ve spent the last ten years and leading a region where I’ve spent much of my life.” Google employs more than 29,000 people across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with 56 offices across 35 countries in those regions working on many of the firm’s largest products, including its search engine, the Android mobile operating system and its Chrome web browser. Its AI research arm, at Google DeepMind, is also led from London. Philipp Schindler, Google senior vice president and chief business officer, said: “This is the AI era and we are only just beginning to see its transformative impact on business and society. “In such a pivotal moment for technology, I’m thrilled we’ve appointed a visionary leader to be our President of Google EMEA. “Debbie brings a track record of unlocking growth that benefits everyone, alongside the passion and focus needed to help our customers succeed, as we bring the best of Google’s Gemini-era to everyone across EMEA.”
Fed chair Powell dropped a big lump of coal in the market’s stocking last week as he reigned in the Fed’s rate cut projections for 2025. While the Fed cut its key benchmark rate by the expected 25 basis points, Powell tempered expectations on future rate cuts based on sticky inflation data and the continued robust spending from American consumers. The Fed's so-called ‘dot plot,' which anticipates the frequency and strength of future rate activity, now indicates only two rate cuts in 2025, with a Fed funds rate at 3.75% – 4.00% by the end of next December. Markets did not take kindly to the news, and major indices closed starkly lower after being flat for most of the day. Nasdaq led the losers, with the tech-heavy index dropping more than 3.5%. After hours, AI-darling Micron Technology added to the pain with a significant earnings miss, and the stock had its worst performance since March 2020 the following day. Add in a close-call government shutdown and low holiday trading volume, and it was the perfect storm for some year-end volatility. And it won’t stop there. A cautious Fed means cautious investors and a change in strategy is necessary for 2025. How We Chose These Stocks Is this the end of the AI-infused tech rally? The prospects of rate reductions slashing capital costs and juicing stock prices have diminished, and AI stocks are beginning to see some cracks form. Even the stalwart NVIDIA is in correction territory after touching the $152 mark earlier this month. While AI isn't exiting the investment landscape anytime soon, the big winners over the last two years look to be finally taking a breather. In their place, we've identified five tech stocks not dependent on AI that could lead the way in 2025. Alphabet Inc. GOOG Google-parent Alphabet Inc. seems to battle antitrust action every few years, causing a drawdown that eventually rebounds once investors realize the company still makes boatloads of cash every quarter. GOOG revenue and earnings have increased every quarter since March 2023, and profit margins are finally back above 27% for the first time since March 2022. The stock slumped in the summer following a poor earnings report and again in November on (you guessed it) antitrust concerns , but it’s currently back near all-time highs. Google's recent quantum computing breakthrough unveiled a chip capable of speeds beyond any in the known universe , which could become an investment theme in 2025 (more on that later). Additionally, Waymo is one of the most significant success stories related to autonomous driving to date. The company recently announced a new service in Tokyo, its first international city, and recent testing data continues to show impressive safety statistics . Alphabet is also the parent of YouTube, which is the dominant way people consume podcasts and short-length videos and its YouTubeTV streaming service has an impressive sports package (and little pushback to price increases). Uber Technologies Inc. UBER It's been a tumultuous year for Uber. The company finally posted a positive annual net income figure in 2023, and the stock rallied from $25 to $80 between December 2022 and February 2024. But the rally stalled there, and the stock bounced between $60 and $80 for most of the last nine months. We think this recent drawdown is overdone, and the stock could be poised for a rally in 2025. Despite the proliferation of Waymo, Uber is still the dominant force in rideshare, and its ride-hailing market share is actually expanding compared to its biggest rival, Lyft. From a technical standpoint, the stock is oversold according to the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the 50-day moving average is still hovering above the 200-day MA. As long as the 50-day stays above the 200-day, UBER shares might be an interesting buy at this level. [ End-of-Year Sale: Unlock Benzinga Pro for 60% Off] Rigetti Computing Inc. RGTI As mentioned above, if AI takes a breather over the next few months, one investment theme that could emerge is quantum computing. Quantum computing stocks have rallied hard in the last month, led by the aptly named Quantum Computing Inc. QUBT . However, Quantum Computing Inc. used to be known as Innovative Beverage Group, which raises some questions about its dedication to the industry. There may be better choices to take advantage of this trend, like Rigetti Computing Inc. RGTI shares also experienced a meteoric rise over the last month, but not at the level of QUBT despite a much longer history in the quantum computing space. That could be a good development for investors, as Rigetti is better positioned to thrive if quantum computing takes off thanks to its innovative product line and decade-plus history in the industry. CACI International Inc. CACI CACI provides technology solutions as a defense contractor, and it could see tailwinds in the coming months due to an increased focus on defense spending in the incoming Trump administration and its sterling business reputation. CACI International provides cybersecurity, cyberspace and digital solutions for domestic and international clients. CACI shares may have been unfairly unloaded as the price plunged down to $400 after approaching $580 in early November. The RSI reading of 27 indicates an oversold stock, and the company has good fundamentals with a 19.9 P/E ratio and a consensus Buy rating from analysts. Apple Inc. AAPL Sometimes, you don't need to overthink it. Apple has been one of the biggest winners in the tech sector since Trump's election, and the company's cash pile is the envy of the business world. Despite already being one of the largest companies in the world by market cap, investors may have an opportunity here as the AI rally spins down. AAPL is a staple in any long-term investment portfolio, but the time is ripe to add more shares. The stock has been roaring upward since May 2024 and made another new all-time high as the third week of December came to a close. AAPL is now approaching a $4 trillion market cap, and its rally could continue in 2025 if the company is granted tariff exemptions similar to the ones it received during the first Trump administration. Don't let profit opportunities slip away in 2025. Get Benzinga Pro today and receive exclusive market news alerts 30 minutes ahead of the competition. Trade smarter with powerful tools at 60% off. Act now— this deal ends December 31! Inage via Midjourney © 2024 Benzinga.com. 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