Havelock North movie theatre saved by Focal Point after Event Cinemas draws the curtainNone
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Rasheed Bello had 20 points in Purdue Fort Wayne's 87-81 victory over Drexel on Monday. Bello added eight assists for the Mastodons (4-2). Corey Hadnot II went 6 of 7 from the field (3 for 4 from 3-point range) to add 15 points. Jalen Jackson had 13 points and went 6 of 13 from the field. The Dragons (4-3) were led in scoring by Cole Hargrove, who finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Kobe Magee added 15 points and three steals for Drexel. Shane Blakeney finished with 12 points. Jackson scored nine points in the first half and Purdue Fort Wayne went into halftime trailing 37-35. Bello scored 15 second-half points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
By HILLEL ITALIE NEW YORK (AP) — Even through a year of nonstop news about elections, climate change, protests and the price of eggs, there was still time to read books. U.S. sales held steady according to Circana, which tracks around 85% of the print market, with many choosing the relief of romance, fantasy and romantasy. Some picked up Taylor Swift’s tie-in book to her blockbuster tour, while others sought out literary fiction, celebrity memoirs, political exposes and a close and painful look at a generation hooked on smartphones. Here are 10 notable books published in 2024, in no particular order. “House of Flame and Shadow,” by Sarah J. Maas Asking about the year’s hottest reads would basically yield a list of the biggest hits in romantasy, the blend of fantasy and romance that has proved so irresistible fans were snapping up expensive “special editions” with decorative covers and sprayed edges. Of the 25 top sellers of 2024, as compiled by Circana, six were by romantasy favorite Sarah J. Maas, including “House of Flame and Shadow,” the third of her “Crescent City” series. Millions read her latest installment about Bryce Quinlan and Hunter Athalar and traced the ever-growing ties of “Maasverse,” the overlapping worlds of “Crescent City” and her other series, “Throne of Glass” and “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” “The Anxious Generation,” by Jonathan Haidt If romantasy is for escape, other books demand we confront. In the bestselling “The Anxious Generation,” social psychologist Jonathan Haidt looks into studies finding that the mental health of young people began to deteriorate in the 2010s, after decades of progress. According to Haidt, the main culprit is right before us: digital screens that have drawn kids away from “play-based” to “phone-based” childhoods. Although some critics challenged his findings, “The Anxious Generation” became a talking point and a catchphrase. Admirers ranged from Oprah Winfrey to Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee, who in a letter to state legislators advocated such “commonsense recommendations” from the book as banning phones in schools and keeping kids off social media until age 16. “War,” by Bob Woodward Bob Woodward books have been an election tradition for decades. “War,” the latest of his highly sourced Washington insider accounts, made news with its allegations that Donald Trump had been in frequent contact with Russian leader Vladimir Putin even while out of office and, while president, had sent Putin sophisticated COVID-19 test machines. Among Woodward’s other scoops: Putin seriously considered using nuclear weapons against Ukraine, and President Joe Biden blamed former President Barack Obama, under whom he served as vice president, for some of the problems with Russia. “Barack never took Putin seriously,” Woodward quoted Biden as saying. “Melania,” by Melania Trump Former (and future) first lady Melania Trump, who gives few interviews and rarely discusses her private life, unexpectedly announced she was publishing a memoir: “Melania.” The publisher was unlikely for a former first lady — not one of the major New York houses, but Skyhorse, where authors include such controversial public figures as Woody Allen and Trump cabinet nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. And its success was at least a minor surprise. Melania Trump did little publicity for the book, and offered few revelations beyond posting a video expressing support for abortion rights — a break from one of the cornerstones of GOP policy. But “Melania” still sold hundreds of thousands of copies, many in the days following her husband’s election. “The Eras Tour Book,” by Taylor Swift Taylor Swift was more than a music story in 2024. Like “Melania,” the news about Taylor Swift’s self-published tie-in to her global tour isn’t so much the book itself, but that it exists. And how well it sold. As she did with the “Eras” concert film, Swift bypassed the established industry and worked directly with a distributor: Target offered “The Eras Tour Book” exclusively. According to Circana, the “Eras” book sold more than 800,000 copies just in its opening week, an astonishing number for a publication unavailable through Amazon.com and other traditional retailers. No new book in 2024 had a better debut. “Intermezzo,” by Sally Rooney Midnight book parties are supposed to be for “Harry Potter” and other fantasy series, but this fall, more than 100 stores stayed open late to welcome one of the year’s literary events: Sally Rooney’s “Intermezzo.” The Irish author’s fourth novel centers on two brothers, their grief over the death of their father, their very different career paths and their very unsettled love lives. “Intermezzo” was also a book about chess: “You have to read a lot of opening theory — that’s the beginning of a game, the first moves,” one of the brothers explains. “And you’re learning all this for what? Just to get an okay position in the middle game and try to play some decent chess. Which most of the time I can’t do anyway.” “From Here to the Great Unknown,” by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough Lisa Marie Presley had been working on a memoir at the time of her death , in 2023, and daughter Riley Keough had agreed to help her complete it. “From Here to the Great Unknown” is Lisa Marie’s account of her father, Elvis Presley, and the sagas of of her adult life, notably her marriage to Michael Jackson and the death of son Benjamin Keough. To the end, she was haunted by the loss of Elvis, just 42 when he collapsed and died at his Graceland home while young Lisa Marie was asleep. “She would listen to his music alone, if she was drunk, and cry,” Keough, during an interview with Winfrey, said of her mother. “Cher: The Memoir, Part One,” by Cher Meanwhile, Cher released the first of two planned memoirs titled “Cher” — no further introduction required. Covering her life from birth to the end of the 1970s, she focuses on her ill-fated marriage to Sonny Bono, remembering him as a gifted entertainer and businessman who helped her believe in herself while turning out to be unfaithful, erratic, controlling and so greedy that he kept all the couple’s earnings for himself. Unsure of whether to leave or stay, she consulted a very famous divorcee, Lucille Ball, who reportedly encouraged her: “F— him, you’re the one with the talent.” “James,” by Percival Everett A trend in recent years is to take famous novels from the past, and remove words or passages that might offend modern readers; an edition of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” cuts the racist language from Mark Twain’s original text. In the most celebrated literary work of 2024, Percival Everett found a different way to take on Twain’s classic — write it from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. “James,” winner of the National Book Award, is a recasting in many ways. Everett suggests to us that the real Jim was nothing like the deferential figure known to millions of readers, but a savvy and learned man who concealed his intelligence from the whites around him, and even from Twain himself. “Knife,” by Salman Rushdie Salman Rushdie’s first National Book Award nomination was for a memoir he wished he had no reason to write. In “Knife,” he recounts in full detail the horrifying attempt on his life in 2022, when an attendee rushed the stage during a literary event in western New York and stabbed him repeatedly, leaving with him a blinded eye and lasting nerve damage, but with a spirit surprisingly intact. “If you had told me that this was going to happen and how would I deal with it, I would not have been very optimistic about my chances,” he told The Associated Press last spring. “I’m still myself, you know, and I don’t feel other than myself. But there’s a little iron in the soul, I think.”Transgender San Jose State volleyball player won't be sidelined, judge rulesEx-DePaul guard leads N. Illinois against Chris Holtmann's Blue DemonsHas FIFA rigged voting system to award Saudi Arabia with 2034 World Cup host?
WYOMISSING, Pa., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (NASDAQ: GLPI) (the “Company”), announced today that the Company’s Board of Directors has declared the fourth quarter 2024 cash dividend of $0.76 per share of its common stock. The dividend is payable on December 20, 2024 to shareholders of record on December 6, 2024. The fourth quarter 2023 cash dividend was $0.73 per share of the Company’s common stock. While the Company intends to pay regular quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future, all subsequent dividends will be reviewed quarterly and declared by the Board of Directors at its discretion. About Gaming and Leisure Properties GLPI is engaged in the business of acquiring, financing, and owning real estate property to be leased to gaming operators in triple-net lease arrangements, pursuant to which the tenant is responsible for all facility maintenance, insurance required in connection with the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties, taxes levied on or with respect to the leased properties and all utilities and other services necessary or appropriate for the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including our expectations regarding the payment of future cash dividends. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “expects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should” or “anticipates” or the negative or other variation of these or similar words, or by discussions of future events, strategies or risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about GLPI and its subsidiaries, including risks related to the following: the potential negative impact of inflation on our tenants' operations; the availability of and the ability to identify suitable and attractive acquisition and development opportunities and the ability to acquire and lease those properties on favorable terms; the ability to receive, or delays in obtaining, the regulatory approvals required to own and/or operate its properties, or other delays or impediments to completing acquisitions or projects; the effect of pandemics, such as COVID-19, on GLPI as a result of the impact such pandemics may have on the business operations of GLPI’s tenants and their continued ability to pay rent in a timely manner or at all; GLPI's ability to maintain its status as a REIT; our ability to access capital through debt and equity markets in amounts and at rates and costs acceptable to GLPI; the impact of our substantial indebtedness on our future operations; changes in the U.S. tax law and other state, federal or local laws, whether or not specific to REITs or to the gaming or lodging industries; and other factors described in GLPI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and current Reports on Form 8-K, each as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to GLPI or persons acting on GLPI’s behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this press release. GLPI undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release may not occur as presented or at all.Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street Thursday, as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% after spending the day wavering between small gains and losses. The tiny loss ended the benchmark index’s three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, and Amazon and Netflix each fell 0.9%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, finishing 1.8% lower. Some tech companies fared better. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.4%, Micron Technology added 0.6% and Adobe gained 0.5%. Health care stocks were a bright spot. CVS Health rose 1.5% and Walgreens Boots Alliance added 5.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3%, Ross Stores added 2.3%, Best Buy rose 2.9% and Dollar Tree gained 3.8%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 16.4%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier last week that the two companies are in talks to combine. All told, the S&P 500 fell 2.45 points to 6,037.59. The Dow added 28.77 points to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points to close at 20,020.36. Wall Street got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week , though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.58% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued last week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up 26.6% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed.Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen seemed to sense the question might arise after his club was eliminated from playoff consideration Sunday with a ghastly 45-33 loss to the host New York Giants in East Rutheford, N.J. The Giants were 2-13 and had lost a franchise-record 10 straight games entering the contest and their season-high point total Sunday more than tripled their season average of 14.3 points per game. It was the type of bad loss that leads to head coaches being asked about their job security. "I control what I can control," Steichen said of the employment situation. The Colts (7-9) were outplayed all contest by the team that entered the day with the worst record in the NFL -- and with their playoff hopes on the line. Last season, Steichen's first as Indianapolis coach, the Colts also fell short, losing to the Houston Texans in the final week of the season to miss the playoffs. "It was as disappointing as it gets," Steichen said of the setback against the Giants. "As the leader of a football team, shoot, I always say I've got to be better, we've all got to be better. That's a group effort, everyone's got to chip in and do their part, so stuff like that doesn't happen." Giants quarterback Drew Lock passed for 309 yards and tied his career high of four touchdowns while also running for a score. Meanwhile, the Colts also went with a reserve quarterback in veteran Joe Flacco and he turned the ball over three times on two interceptions and a fumble. He also passed for 330 yards. Flacco started because rookie Anthony Richardson couldn't play due to back and foot injuries. Indianapolis completes the season next weekend at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. "I know it's a tough situation, obviously, when you're out of the playoff hunt, but again, I told (the team) we've got to be professional about it," Steichen said. "That's the biggest thing. We've got to show up and do our job still with one week left." The Colts last made the playoffs in the 2020 season. Their last playoff win was two seasons earlier. --Field Level Media
Rose Bowl: Oregon, Ohio State gear up for rematch of thriller won by DucksSharks make roster moves ahead of game vs. L.A. KingsAP Business SummaryBrief at 4:09 p.m. EST
Share this Story : It's anybody guess when Linus Ullmark will return to Ottawa Senators net Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Breadcrumb Trail Links Ottawa Senators Hockey NHL Senators Extra It's anybody guess when Linus Ullmark will return to Ottawa Senators net Author of the article: Bruce Garrioch Published Dec 23, 2024 • 4 minute read Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account. Viktor Arvidsson of the Edmonton Oilers (33) celebrates his goal against Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark with his teammates during first period NHL action in Edmonton on Dec. 22, 2024. Photo by Timothy Matwey / The Canadian Press Article content It was like Santa dropped a lump of coal in the Christmas stockings of fans of the Ottawa Senators even before he was supposed to arrive. Twenty minutes into the club’s 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday at Rogers Place, goaltender Linus Ullmark left the game with a back issue and didn’t return as the backup as the club’s six-game winning streak came to an end. Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account Email Address Continue or View more offers If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, online access is included in your subscription. Activate your Online Access Now Article content Ullmark allowed one goal on seven shots before leaving the game, and only Nick Cousins was able to beat Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner. “His back tightened up so felt it was best that he came out,” said Ottawa coach Travis Green following the loss. There was no update on Monday because the Senators had the day off after returning to Ottawa in the wee hours of the morning after a lengthy overnight flight from Edmonton. The only good news is that the Senators don’t play again until they face the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night as this nine-game road trip continues, and maybe with a rest over the National Hockey League’s mandated holiday break, Ullmark will be ready to return. Anybody who tells you they know how long Ullmark will be out is guessing. If this was precautionary, then he’ll return against Winnipeg, but at this point, nobody knows. The hope is that the back ailment suffered by the 30-year-old Ullmark isn’t serious, especially since the club is also without veteran backup goaltender Anton Forsberg. Remember him? He suffered what the club called a “minor ailment” in the gym getting ready to face Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins a week ago at home. Sports Get the latest sport headlines and breaking news. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sports will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again Article content Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content The lower-body injury suffered by Forsberg didn’t allow him to make the trip West with the Senators, and he now has missed four straight games, so it doesn’t sound like it was nearly as minor as the club hoped. The last time Ullmark suffered a muscle strain, it started with the club describing it as a “maintenance day” initially. He ended up missing four straight games from Oct. 14 to Oct. 22. We’ll have to see if Ullmark is on the ice when the Senators resume skating on Friday in preparation for the Jets. Rookie goalie Leevi Merialinen did a solid job in Ullmark’s absence in the final 40 minutes in Edmonton, but he wasn’t able to make the necessary stops to secure the win. That’s not a knock on Merilainen, that’s reality and he has shown he can compete at the NHL level. The Senators were able to help him secure his first win in the league on Saturday night in Vancouver with Jake Sanderson scoring the winner in the club’s 5-4 OT decision. Merilainen was papered back to the club’s American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville Monday along with forwards Cole Reinhardt and Zack Ostapchuk. These moves are made to save money on the salary cap and the expectation is all three will be recalled Friday. Advertisement 4 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content If Ullmark isn’t ready, then the club will also have to recall goalie Mads Sogaard from Belleville as well. The Senators have veteran netminder Jordan Subban on an AHL contract, and he would have to be signed to an NHL deal to be part of the mix in Ottawa. The hope is that it doesn’t come to this and Ullmark is ready to go, because he has played a massive role in Ottawa’s return to the playoff race in the East. Ullmark went into the game against the Oilers with an 8-0-1 record in his previous nine appearances, along with a 1.43 goals-against average and a .960 save percentage. He has posted seven straight wins and Ullmark’s last loss was on Dec. 1 against the Anaheim Ducks in overtime. He hasn’t lost a regulation start since Nov. 23 against the Canucks. The injury to Forsberg last weekend forced Ullmark to play three games in four nights. The most games Ullmark has played in one season is 49 games two years ago in Boston. With 48 games left in the Senators’ regular season and the club in need of every point it can get to make the playoffs for the first time in eight years, the workload is only going to get heavier for Ullmark if he’s healthy. Advertisement 5 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content He has appeared in 23 games already this season. He’s posted a 12-7-2 record with a 2.38 GAA and a .915 save percentage. That’s 67 percent of the games the Senators have played already. If that pace continues, Ullmark will play at least 32 more games after Christmas and that would result in the most starts he has made in his career. Marc Methot, a former Senators defenceman and TSN analyst, noted on the social media platform X on Monday that the Senators will have to manage Ullmark’s workload. “I just don’t think he’s used to playing that much. Now contrast those numbers with guys like Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg) or Sergei Bobrovsky (Florida),” Methot wrote. “Ullmark is a great goalie, but he’ll need to be managed accordingly for recovery or injuries will be frequent.” bgarrioch@postmedia.com Recommended from Editorial Senators lose Ullmark and two points against Oilers Senators rolling since owner stood up in their defence over Brady Tkachuk trade talk Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : It's anybody guess when Linus Ullmark will return to Ottawa Senators net Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Comments You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments. Create an Account Sign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Trending Deachman: Is there Christmas if you're homeless in Ottawa? Local News Guilty pleas in 'grandparent scam' expose prolific fraud network targeting seniors News Here's how it feels to be homeless at Christmas Local News Ottawa weather forecast calls for white Christmas snow storm News Bah Humbug! Senators lose goaltender Linus Ullmark and two points against Oilers Ottawa Senators Read Next Latest National Stories Featured Local Savings
10 notable books of 2024, from Sarah J. Maas to Melania Trump
New coach Chris Holtmann has been tasked with rebuilding DePaul to the point where it can return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004. Northern Illinois coach Rashon Burno knows what it takes to steer DePaul to the NCAAs because he was the starting point guard on the 2000 team that made the tournament -- the Blue Demons' only other NCAA appearance since 1992. Perhaps they can compare notes Saturday afternoon when Burno leads the Huskies (2-3) back to his alma mater as DePaul (5-0) hosts its sixth straight home game in Chicago. Last season, Burno's NIU squad helped accelerate DePaul's need for a new coach -- as the Huskies waltzed into Wintrust Arena and owned Tony Stubblefield's Blue Demons by an 89-79 score on Nov. 25. The Huskies built a 24-point second-half lead before coasting to the finish line. Can history repeat for NIU? There's just one problem with using last year's game as a potential barometer for Saturday's rematch: Almost no players on this year's teams were part of last year's squads. At DePaul, only assistant coach Paris Parham remains as Holtmann had the green light to bring in an all-new roster. UIC graduate transfer Isaiah Rivera (16.0 ppg, .485 3-point rate) and Coastal Carolina transfer Jacob Meyer (15.4 ppg, .406 on 3s) lead a balanced attack that focuses on getting half its shots from beyond the arc. At NIU, Burno retained only two players who competed against DePaul last year -- Ethan Butler and Oluwasegun Durosinmi -- and they combined for three points in 26 minutes in that game. The Huskies' main players used the transfer portal to join such programs as Kansas, Wisconsin, Penn State, Colorado State, James Madison, Georgia State and Niagara. With every starting job open, Butler has jumped into the lineup and produced 11.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. Transfers Quentin Jones (Cal Poly) and James Dent (Western Illinois) pace the Huskies with 14.4 and 14.0 points per game. NIU is on a two-game losing streak, most recently a 75-48 home defeat at the hands of Elon on Wednesday. Holtmann hopes to have Arkansas transfer Layden Blocker for Saturday's game. Blocker missed Tuesday's 78-69 win over Eastern Illinois with a quad injury. With the combo guard unavailable, point guard Conor Enright handed out a career-high 11 assists in a season-high 38 minutes. "We need (Blocker)," Holtmann said. "I don't want to play Conor 38 minutes." --Field Level MediaFor many people, including myself, the year-end festivities are often replete with food and drink, and friend and family get-togethers. In the media industry, seasonal schmoozing is also an expected annual affair. But as much as I love to make merry, I prefer to be consistent with my mingling throughout the year than breathlessly cram numerous reunions into a month, only to exit the holiday season desperate for another holiday to recharge. Truthfully, my ideal Christmas and New Year’s Day would be spent doing what I’d do on any other public holiday – which is essentially a day off from work. Sleep in. Run errands. Work out. Catch up on reading. Binge-watch TV shows or movies I’ve saved for a stretch of free time. Avoid the usual public holiday crowd in the usual public holiday attractions. And most important, have no fixed schedule. Yet for all my self-assuredness any other time of the year, I've rarely managed to spend Christmas and New Year’s Day the way I secretly desire. I often caved in to peer pressure and FOMO to celebrate these occasions, convincing myself that painting the town red was the solution to holiday blues. No surprise: I sometimes felt lonelier with a packed calendar than I would having no plans. EXTERNAL EXPECTATIONS Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for using the festivities to get together. But only when I want to, not when I believe I should. “Aligning with conventional holiday practices” may seem like a way to mitigate feelings of isolation, as does engaging in “socially normative” activities, which can provide a “temporary sense of belonging or distraction from being alone”, the principal clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology also acknowledged. Dr Annabelle Chow pointed out, however, that when opportunities for social connection are limited, our expectations of how we should be spending the holidays may “intensify feelings of loneliness by highlighting the gap between personal experiences and societal ideals”. Heightened societal and cultural expectations around the festivities are amplified by social media’s tendency to create a false sense that everyone is having a magical time. It's easy to forget that the “right way” to celebrate the holidays is not about how it looks – but how it feels. “The problem arises when we conflate connection with specific actions or events, such as a big family dinner or a party," explained Dr Ong Mianli, principal clinical psychologist at Lightfull Psychology. "We fall into the ‘expectation trap’; we start equating the form of connection with its value, which leads to unnecessary pressure if our reality doesn’t match our expectations.” When connection is narrowly defined, it becomes conditional, Dr Ong added. "People may feel disappointed, alienated or less worthy if they can’t replicate an idealised version of togetherness ... whether due to geography, finances, strained relationships or personal choice." Some might even internalise these unmet expectations as “personal failures”, resulting in feelings of inadequacy, loneliness or resentment. So, we may intellectually know that our friend's 30-second reel of a well-decorated home is a mere fraction of their life, but loneliness is rarely logical. And while the obvious answer may be to take a social media detox during the holiday period, shutting out external factors that reinforce comparison culture is one thing. INTERNALISED MEMORIES, BELIEFS A more insidious, lesser discussed cause driving the belief that there is a “right way” to spend the holidays could be the fact we have actually celebrated prior holiday seasons with such fanfare. Our memories and nostalgia can encourage us to “chase past experiences”, even if they’re “no longer feasible or fulfilling”, said Dr Ong. “We tie self-worth to whether we can keep up with others’ – and even our – holiday traditions, forgetting that genuine connection doesn’t need to be performative.” Some people, particularly women, may also feel the pressure to align with internalised societal and familial expectations, and hence “take on a disproportionate share of planning and execution”. They may feel like they’re expected to host, entertain and decorate the house, in addition to juggling regular work and family responsibilities, noted Dr Chow. “This imbalance (even if perceived) can lead to feelings of frustration and exhaustion, especially when these roles feel unfair or are misaligned with personal preferences or values, (which can) strain family dynamics.” RESPECTING NORMS – AND OUR FEELINGS Wanting to spend Christmas and New Year’s Day like a regular public holiday doesn’t have to mean going against the grain entirely, though. Suggest having the annual family get-together before or after Christmas, for instance, instead of on the date itself. Or make plans to combine Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations into one day. Actively question societal expectations, advised Dr Ong. “We can be respectful to traditions and expectations while calmly creating our own. Who decided what the ‘right’ way is, and does that align with your values?” Besides, the reality is that people have family circumstances and financial means that completely differ from the picture perfect Instagram update. For example, some lack close family ties or are grieving the loss of loved ones; others struggle with participating in costly holiday activities like gift exchanges or travelling overseas for a “white Christmas”, noted Dr Chow. Recognising this reality for others inadvertently helps us validate our own feelings. So, i t’s okay to say no to plans or traditions that don’t resonate with us. You could say, “I’m keeping things simple this year”, she suggested. “ Politely declining invitations that feel like obligations rather than genuine enjoyment can protect our time and emotional energy ... Setting these boundaries can help to avoid unnecessary stress and focus on what truly matters during the holiday season.” Ultimately, there is no single fixed way that dictates how holidays should be celebrated, Dr Chow highlighted. Each individual’s personalised way of marking the occasion is “just as valid as anyone else’s”. “Whether that means spending the day alone, engaging in a quiet activity, or celebrating with a few close loved ones, we should prioritise what makes us feel genuinely happy and fulfilled. Embracing our personal preferences allows us to experience the holiday in a way that feels authentic and meaningful," she said. The “right way” to celebrate is “whatever leaves you feeling most at ease, even if it’s unconventional”, echoed Dr Ong. “True connection doesn’t come from meeting expectations. It comes from honouring what makes us feel genuinely whole.” And that goes both ways – whether you want to stay in or head out. The holiday blues are rarely caused by our reality, but that we don't realise (or can't accept) that we expected otherwise. After all, loneliness isn't so much being disconnected from others as it is being disconnected from oneself.
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Mog Coin surges 20%, nearing all-time high amid speculative market trends. Memecoin market is driven by community support and social media influence. Mog Coin (MOG), a cryptocurrency that has gained attention within the meme coin space, is currently trading at $0.000002841, marking an impressive 20% surge in the past 24 hours. This significant uptick has drawn interest from traders, as the coin nears its all-time high (ATH) of $0.00000298, reached just six days ago. The recent surge in Mog Coin's price highlights its potential for volatility within the cryptocurrency market. Meme coins, such as Mog Coin, have often been influenced by market sentiment, social media buzz, and community-driven enthusiasm. As retail investors continue to... Janani
Your full guide to Kmart Australia's Black Friday sale: See the best deals as store ships in high-end buys for 'biggest event ever' Kmart is set to launch a huge Black Friday sale Deals will be available from 8am (AEDT) on Thursday, November 28 By LAURA HOUSE FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 20:30, 21 November 2024 | Updated: 20:32, 21 November 2024 e-mail View comments Kmart has revealed its top Black Friday deals for 2024, with 'unmissable' offers on more than 100 new products. Spanning across home, beauty, tech, toys and fitness, the sale will include huge savings on one-off big ticket items shipped in for a limited time. Shoppers will be able to preview the sale list today, with items available to add to carts both in-store and online from 8:00am (AEDT) on Thursday 28 November 2024. Much to the delight of savvy shoppers ahead of Christmas , blockbuster brands include De'Longhi, NutriBullet, Braun, Singer, Apple, and more. In addition to an eagerly anticipated Pilates Reformer machine for just $249, other big ticket buys include a $59 LED Lip Mask (RRP $139) and a $119 Body Dome (RRP $329). For the home, shoppers can score a fun $59 Light Up Wavy Floor Mirror, $9 28CM frypans and a $99 De'Longhi Espresso Machine - the latter usually retails for $235. Other home buys set to sell out include the $169 Singer Sewing Machine (RRP $299), a $75 NutriBullet Mega Pack (RRP $119), an $89 23L French Door Air Fryer and a $69 Braun Juicer. For kids (and those looking to treat their inner child), the $69 Slide and Pool Set is a hot pick, followed by the $199 Razor HoverTrax Hoverboard (RRP $319), $179 Racer E Go Kart and a $120 Bestway 3M Rectangle Pool. For the home, shoppers can score a fun $59 Light Up Wavy Floor Mirror (right), $9 28CM frypans and a $99 De'Longhi Espresso Machine (left) - the latter usually retails for $235. $9 28CM frypans are likely to be one of the best sellers in the kitchen category Among the top deals, which are available both in store and online, is a Pilates Reformer machine for just $249 There's also a $99 XXXL Human Pet Bed on offer, a $99 32' electric guitar and a refurbished iPhone 12 for $469. 'Black Friday has firmly established itself as a key event on the Australian retail calendar, with more customers planning their purchases to get ahead on their Christmas shopping,' the store's Chief Merchandise Officer, Callum Smith, said. 'We understand that value is more important than ever to shoppers, which is why we are thrilled to offer a range of incredible gifting options at accessible price points. 'Our team has carefully selected each product to ensure there is something for everyone.' Kmart's huge range of Black Friday deals can be viewed online now and will be live in-store, online and via the app on the 28th - and only while stocks last. OnePass members will have early access from 8pm till midnight (AEDT) on Wednesday November 27. Kmart Australia's 'big ticket' sale items for Black Friday Under $50 28CM Frypan, $9 Rainbowcorns Epic Giant Golden Egg, $39 SBB Hair Styling Tools, $29 Squishmallows 24” Assorted, $29 Under $100 Light Up Wavy Floor Mirror, $59 Nutribullet Megapack, $75 25L French Door Air Fryer, $89 Roller Coaster Ride On, $99 Under $250 Body Dome, $119 LED Face and Neck Mask, $155 Singer Sewing Machine, $169 Razor HoverTrax Hoverboard, $199 Pilates Reformer, $249 Advertisement Apple Share or comment on this article: Your full guide to Kmart Australia's Black Friday sale: See the best deals as store ships in high-end buys for 'biggest event ever' e-mail Add comment
From a 10-year-old to a Muppet to a president-elect, NYSE bell-ringers range from famous to obscureAsia-Pacific markets are set to open higher on Christmas Eve, tracking Wall Street gains before the holidays. Traders will monitor any developments related to the planned merger of Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda. Asia-Pacific markets were set to open higher on Christmas Eve, after key U.S. benchmarks rose overnight helped by gains in tech stocks. Japan's Nikkei 225 futures pointed to a stronger open for the market, with the futures contract in Chicago at 39,305 and its counterpart in Osaka at 39,300 compared to the index's previous close of 39,161.34. The Bank of Japan is slated to release the minutes of its October meeting. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index futures were at 19,924, higher than the HSI's last close of 19,883.13. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 traded slightly above the flatline in a shortened trading day. Traders will monitor any developments related to the planned merger of Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda, which announced Monday that they had started formal discussions to merge, paving the pay to create the world's third-largest automaker by sales . Discussions are set to conclude in June 2025. Overnight in the U.S., stocks rose as strength in technology names helped the broader market. The S&P 500 gained 0.73% to 5,974.07. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 0.98% to 19,764.89, as Tesla and Meta Platforms added more than 2% and Nvidia climbed more than 3%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average erased earlier losses and ended the day 66.69 points higher, or 0.16%, to 42,906.95. Trading was thin on Monday and is expected to remain muted during the week. The New York Stock Exchange closes early Tuesday for Christmas Eve at 1 p.m. ET, and the market is shut on Christmas Day. —CNBC's Yun Li contributed to this report.
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