DALLAS — Willy Adames makes the San Francisco Giants a better baseball team. He fills a position of need. He provides power and defense . In Buster Posey’s estimation, Adames and Matt Chapman, who signed his own lucrative deal , represent the best left side in baseball. But Adames, alone, does not elevate the Giants to contention status. Adames, alone, doesn’t guarantee they’ll be a playoff team. So, when Posey was asked if it was fair to say that the team still has multiple holes to fill — that one player alone doesn’t solve everything — Posey didn’t entirely disagree. “I think baseball is unique in the sense that that’s probably true for any team,” Posey said. Posey has repeatedly emphasized his desire to build a team with strong defense and strong pitching. Adames, one of baseball’s better defensive shortstops, addresses the former. With Adames in place, Posey and general manager Zack Minasian can turn their attention to addressing the latter. San Francisco’s rotation , as constructed, features Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison and Hayden Birdsong (Posey stated on Monday that Hicks will be in the rotation). Mason Black, Landon Roupp, Keaton Winn and Carson Whisenhunt could contribute innings as well. The Giants have options, yes, but after Webb, their rotation features a lot of variance. Ray has only pitched 34 innings over the last two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. Hicks battled fatigue in his first season as a full-time starter. Harrison experienced a velocity dip as he threw a career-high 124 1/3 innings. Birdsong flashed excellent stuff but struggled with command. The best way for the Giants to reduce that variance, then, is by acquiring external talent. The list of available free agents thinned out a bit during the Winter Meetings as left-hander Max Fried and right-handers Nathan Eovaldi and Alex Cobb signed deals, but plenty of arms remains unsigned. That list Corbin Burnes, Jack Flaherty, Sean Manaea, among others. With Fried receiving an eight-year, $218 million deal from the Yankees, Burnes stands to sign a deal in the $250 million range. “Anytime there’s players available, we’re going to look at them,” Minasian said on Monday. “I think most players who get to free agency have earned it through their career, so usually they’re pretty good. And just continuing to look at those options and balancing the cost and our internal opportunity that we can offer. Just continuing to look at every option out there.” Another one of those options is right-hander Roki Sasaki , whose agent, Joel Wolfe, held court on Tuesday . The Dodgers and Padres are the favorites to land “The Monster of the Reiwa Era,” but Wolfe outlined that the process will be open-ended with Sasaki willing to consider different options. “My advice to Roki is to go in with an open mind,” Wolfe said. Minasian, who has spent time scouting the NPB and KBO, has had Sasaki on his radar dating back to Sasaki’s amateur days, describing the right-hander as a “special arm” with “huge, raw stuff.” When Minasian was asked what would make San Francisco an alluring destination, Minasian cited Oracle Park’s pitcher-friendly dimensions; direct flights to Tokyo and Osaka; the culture of the city and organization; and a fan base “hungry for the star player.” “With the rules, we haven’t gotten to know him personally, but certainly done a lot of homework,” Minasian said. “We feel like we have a good sense of what makes him tick and we feel like it’s a situation we can make very comfortable for him, just give him the best chance for success as a big-league pitcher.” Along with the rotation, the Giants will continue to explore their options in the outfield. San Francisco can currently roll out an outfield of Heliot Ramos in left, Jung Hoo Lee in center and Mike Yastrzemski, who agreed to a one-year, $9.25 million deal to avoid arbitration , in right. Despite having those three in place, San Francisco reportedly expressing interest in right fielder Kyle Tucker, who will become a free agent after next season. Over the last five seasons, Tucker has earned three All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger Award and a Gold Glove Award, posting an .883 OPS and totaling 121 home runs. The Giants would likely need to package multiple prospects to acquire Tucker, and Minasian believes San Francisco has young talent that would be alluring other teams. “I think we feel pretty good about what we have, and if there’s players out there, I do believe we have the minor-league talent to entice a team to consider us in a trade,” Minasian said. Circling back to the infield, LaMonte Wade Jr. is currently slated as San Francisco’s starting first baseman, but Posey and Minasian both said the Giants will continue looking at other options. Wade has the 11th-best on-base percentage in baseball since 2023 (min. 900 plate appearances), but the soon-to-be 31-year-old has dealt with multiple injuries during his time in San Francisco. “LaMonte’s a special player,” Posey said on Monday. “LaMonte’s ability to get on base is, I don’t know specifically where he is, it’s like top 10 in the league. A lot of value there. He plays solid defense. I think we’re just trying as much as anything to keep options on the table.” Bryce Eldrige, the Giants’ top prospect per MLB Pipeline, could also see time at first base next season as well. The 20-year-old skyrocketed through the Giants’ system, hitting .291/.374/.516 with 23 homers and 92 RBIs across four levels and ending the season with Triple-A Sacramento (eight games). For as well as Eldridge played, he isn’t a lock to make his debut next season. “You never want to say never, but I think it is somewhat fair to temper expectations from my end just because — whether is this is right or wrong — I’m looking at it like he should be entering his sophomore year of college,” Posey said. “That doesn’t mean that we (haven’t) seen players before that could get to the big leagues at that age. ... We see the upside for this guy being tremendous and (want) to make sure that he gets the experience that he needs before he’s thrown into the fire. So that when he is called upon, he’s in the best place he possibly can be to just take off when the time is right.” Worth noting
Rivalries can often bring the toughest of matchups and pettiest of posts after the game. On Monday, the New Jersey Devils proved the latter part true. Editor's Picks World Junior Championship preview: Top contenders, key players to watch 10h Rachel Doerrie Rangers send Kakko to Kraken for Borgen, picks 5d Kristen Shilton NHL Power Rankings: Capitals take No. 1 spot, plus betting trends for every team 2d Sean Allen, Victoria Matiash The Devils handled the New York Rangers 5-0 at home behind two goals and an assist from center Jack Hughes . It marked New Jersey's second win over their rivals this season, the first coming earlier this month in a 5-1 game. After this victory, the Devils went on the offensive on social media. First, New Jersey edited a video of New York's draft party at Madison Square Garden in 2019 when the crowd celebrated the Devils selecting Hughes at No. 1 -- fans wanted winger Kaapo Kakko , whom the Rangers picked at No. 2. The Devils added an "L" on the jumbotron and emphasized the letter in the caption. They even played the video on their jumbotron while up 4-0 during the game and included Hughes' in-game reaction to the clip. ceLebrate good times. pic.twitter.com/OAJ8upgmEV Deemed the "Battle of the Hudson," New Jersey offered its opponents safe travels across the Hudson -- but with a twist. The Devils edited the Rangers' logo on a floating burning dumpster, a final jab at the team with a 16-17-1 record. Safe travels across the Hudson. pic.twitter.com/0zgZbQ47E1 New York will face its rivals two more times this season: Jan. 9 and April 5. For now, however, New Jersey has the last laugh.In the age of increasing cyber threats and data breaches, protecting one's personal information has become a top priority. Instances like the one experienced by this man serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard our digital identities.
FAIRPORT, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 21, 2024-- Monro, Inc. (Nasdaq: MNRO), a leading provider of automotive undercar repair and tire services, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.28 per share on the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, including the shares of common stock to which the holders of the Company’s Class C Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled. The dividend is payable on December 17, 2024 to shareholders at the close of business on December 3, 2024. About Monro, Inc. Monro, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNRO) is one of the nation’s leading automotive service and tire providers, delivering best-in-class auto care to communities across the country, from oil changes, tires and parts installation, to the most complex vehicle repairs. With a growing market share and a focus on sustainable growth, the Company generated almost $1.3 billion in sales in fiscal 2024 and continues to expand its national presence through strategic acquisitions and the opening of newly constructed stores. Across approximately 1,300 stores and 9,000 service bays nationwide, Monro brings customers the professionalism and high-quality service they expect from a national retailer, with the convenience and trust of a neighborhood garage. Monro’s highly trained teammates and certified technicians bring together hands-on experience and state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and address automotive needs every day to get customers back on the road safely. For more information, please visit corporate.monro.com . Source: Monro, Inc. MNRO-Fin View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121779750/en/ CONTACT: Investors and Media: Felix Veksler Senior Director, Investor Relations ir@monro.com KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER AUTOMOTIVE TIRES & RUBBER GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE & SPECIAL INTEREST SOURCE: Monro, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/21/2024 04:30 PM/DISC: 11/21/2024 04:28 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121779750/enFurthermore, experts emphasize the importance of incorporating a broader range of behaviors into the definition of sexual harassment. While overt acts of harassment such as unwanted touching or explicit remarks are often the focus, it is essential to also address subtle forms of misconduct, such as verbal microaggressions or gestures that create a hostile or intimidating environment. By including these less overt behaviors in the definition, organizations can create a more inclusive and safe environment for all individuals, while also holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Moreover, engaging with all Syrian groups underscores the importance of inclusivity and representation in the peace process. All segments of Syrian society, including ethnic and religious minorities, women, and civil society organizations, must have a seat at the table to ensure that their concerns are addressed and their voices heard.As news of the incident spread, discussions surrounding human-wildlife interactions and the importance of respecting animals in their natural habitats gained traction. Many pointed out that the encounter serves as a reminder of the need for caution and sensitivity when observing and studying wildlife, especially in environments where encounters with potentially dangerous animals are common.
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The beloved Donkey Kong Country Returns is making a triumphant comeback, this time on the Nintendo Switch! Originally released on the Wii in 2010, this critically acclaimed platformer brought Donkey Kong back to his side-scrolling roots with a vengeance. Now, with updated HD graphics, a new playable character, and all the challenging levels you remember, Donkey Kong Country Returns is ready to delight a whole new generation of gamers. Get ready to swing, jump, and roll your way through Donkey Kong Island when the game launches on June 15th, 2018. This isn’t just a simple port, though. Nintendo has polished the game with a fresh coat of HD paint, making the vibrant jungle environments and expressive character animations pop like never before. But the biggest addition has to be Funky Mode, a new difficulty option that lets players experience the game as Funky Kong. This cool dude comes equipped with a surfboard that lets him hover over dangerous terrain, infinite rolls, and even underwater breathing! This makes Funky Mode perfect for younger players or those who want a more relaxed experience. Of course, for the hardcore platforming veterans, the original game’s challenging difficulty is still available. A Classic Returns Donkey Kong Country Returns was a huge hit on the Wii, capturing the spirit of the classic SNES Donkey Kong Country games while adding modern gameplay mechanics. Developed by Retro Studios, the team behind the Metroid Prime series, the game was praised for its tight controls, creative level design, and stunning visuals. Now, with the Switch’s portability, you can take this classic adventure on the go. I remember playing Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Wii with my younger brother. We spent hours working through the challenging levels, sharing the Wii Remote and taking turns whenever one of us lost a life. The game’s difficulty provided a real sense of accomplishment when we finally conquered a particularly tough section. I’m excited to revisit this game on the Switch and experience it with a whole new generation of gamers. I’m especially curious to try out Funky Mode and see how it changes the gameplay. What Makes Donkey Kong Country Returns So Special? New Features in the HD Version Diving Deeper into Funky Mode Funky Kong isn’t just a cosmetic change. He plays significantly differently from Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. Here’s a breakdown of his unique abilities: These abilities make Funky Mode a great option for players who are new to platforming games or those who found the original game too challenging. It also adds a new layer of replayability for experienced players who want to experience the game in a new way. Why This Re-release Matters In a world of constant new releases and ever-evolving technology, it’s easy to forget about the classics. But Donkey Kong Country Returns proves that some games are timeless. This re-release gives a new generation of gamers the chance to experience a true platforming gem. It also provides a great opportunity for longtime fans to revisit a beloved game with updated visuals and a fresh new way to play. Nintendo has a knack for breathing new life into its classic franchises. Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Switch is a perfect example of how to do a re-release right. By adding meaningful new features like Funky Mode and HD graphics, Nintendo has made this game even more appealing than before. Whether you’re a seasoned platforming pro or a newcomer to the genre, Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Switch is an adventure you won’t want to miss. So grab your banana hoard and get ready to swing into action!In the era of interconnectedness and global communication, instant messaging applications have become an integral part of our daily lives. WeChat, one of the leading messaging platforms in the world, has recently announced a significant upgrade to its group voice call functionality. This new feature not only enhances the user experience but also reflects WeChat's commitment to innovation and staying ahead of the competition.
Donald Trump has threatened to seize the Panama Canal, revived calls to buy Greenland and joked about annexing Canada -- leaving the world guessing once again whether he is serious or not. By challenging the sovereignty of some of Washington's closest allies four weeks before he even returns to the Oval Office, the US-president elect has underscored his credentials as global disruptor-in-chief. His comments have renewed fears from his first term that Trump will end up being harsher on US friends than he is on adversaries like Russia and China. But there are also suspicions that billionaire tycoon Trump is looking for leverage as part of the "art of the deal" -- and that the former reality television star is grabbing headlines to look strong at home and abroad. "It's hard to tell how much of this he really wants, and how much is the latest soundbite that will be heard around the world," said Frank Sesno, a professor at George Washington University and former White House correspondent. "He puts other leaders in position of having to figure out what is literal and what is not," he told AFP. The idea of buying Greenland is not a new one for Trump. He also raised the prospect of purchasing the vast strategic island, a Danish territory, during his first term in office. He revived his push over the weekend when naming his ambassador to Copenhagen, saying the "ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity" for US national security. But he received the same answer this time as he did then, with Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede saying on Monday that the resource-rich island was "not for sale." Yet his most headline-grabbing remarks have been on Panama, as he slammed what he called unfair fees for US ships passing through and threatened to demand control of the Panama Canal be returned to Washington. Trump said on Sunday that if Panama did not agree "then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America -- in full, quickly and without question." He also hinted at China's growing influence around the canal, which was built by the United States in 1914 to link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It was returned to Panama under a 1977 deal. Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino dismissed Trump's threats, saying that "every square meter" of the canal would remain in Panamanian hands. Trump responded on TruthSocial: "We'll see about that!" Trump also teased neighboring Canada last week that it would be a "great idea" to become the 51st US state -- but against a dark backdrop of threatened tariffs. Sesno said it was hard for other countries to know how to deal with Trump's comments. "Well, it's clearly a joke. Or is it? said Sesno. "Imagine if you're the President of Panama, how do you react to something like that? You can't ignore it and your country will not let you. So the ripple effect of these comments is extraordinary." Trump's harsh treatment of US allies also stands in stark contrast to his repeated praise for the leaders of US foes -- including Russia's Vladimir Putin, who invaded Ukraine in 2022 in a bid for a land-grab. But there is still likely to be method behind Trump's rhetoric. "Maybe the message is for China" when Trump talks about buying Greenland, said Stephanie Pezard, senior political scientist with the Rand Corporation. Just as Trump expressed concern about Beijing's influence in Panama, China's growing presence in the Arctic and its ties with Russia were "something that the US is really worried about," Pezard told AFP. But there could also be a signal to Denmark that 'If you're too friendly with China, you'll find us in your way" -- even though Denmark and Greenland had been "very good NATO allies." And perhaps Trump knows the reality. Any US plan to "buy" Greenland would be unfeasible "not just in international law but more broadly in the global order that the US has been trying to uphold," she said. dk/bgs
Matt Gaetz will not return to CongressHurley, No. 2 UConn Upset by Hardaway, Memphis at Maui Invitational; CBB Fans StunnedNEW ORLEANS — A scruffy little fugitive is on the lam again in New Orleans, gaining fame as he outwits a tenacious band of citizens armed with night-vision binoculars, nets and a tranquilizer rifle. Scrim, a 17-pound mutt that's mostly terrier, has become a folk hero, inspiring tattoos, T-shirts and even a ballad as he eludes capture from the posse of volunteers. And like any antihero, Scrim has a backstory: Rescued from semi-feral life at a trailer park and adopted from a shelter, the dog broke loose in April and scurried around the city until he was cornered in October and brought to a new home. Weeks later, he'd had enough. Scrim leaped out of a second-story window, a desperate act recorded in a now-viral video. Since then, despite a stream of daily sightings, he's roamed free. The dog’s fans include Myra and Steve Foster, who wrote “Ode to Scrim” to the tune of Ricky Nelson’s 1961 hit, “I’m a Travelin’ Man.” Michelle Cheramie, founder of Zeus' Rescues, at her office in New Orleans on Dec. 9 with a whiteboard index of sheltered cats and dogs and a Scrim look-alike recuperating in the background. Leading the recapture effort is Michelle Cheramie, a 55-year-old former information technology professional. She lost everything — home, car, possessions — in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and in the aftermath, found her calling rescuing pets. “I was like, ‘This is what I should be doing,’” Cheramie said. “I was born to rescue.” She launched Zeus’ Rescues, a nonprofit shelter that now averages 600 cat and dog adoptions a year and offers free pet food to anyone who needs it. She helped Scrim find the home he first escaped from. It was Cheramie's window Scrim leaped from in November. She's resumed her relentless mission since then, posting flyers on telephone poles and logging social media updates on his reported whereabouts. She's invested thousands of dollars on wildlife cameras, thermal sensors and other gear. She took a course offered by the San Diego Zoo on the finer points of tranquilizing animals. And she's developed a network of volunteers — the kind of neighbors who are willing to grid-search a city at 3 a.m. Scrim on Oct. 24 at the Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie, La. People like writer David W. Brown, who manages a crowd-sourced Google Map of all known Scrim sightings. He says the search galvanized residents from all walks of life to come together. As they search for Scrim, they hand out supplies to people in need. “Being a member of the community is seeing problems and doing what you can to make life a little better for the people around here and the animals around you,” Brown said. Neighbor Tammy Murray had to close her furniture store and lost her father to Parkinson's disease. This search, she says, got her mojo back. “Literally, for months, I’ve done nothing but hunt this dog,” said Murray, 53. “I feel like Wile E. Coyote on a daily basis with him.” Murray drives the Zeus' Rescues van toward reported Scrim sightings. She also handles a tactical net launcher, which looks like an oversized flashlight and once misfired, shattering the van's window as Scrim sped away. After realizing Scrim came to recognize the sound of the van's diesel engine, Murray switched to a Vespa scooter for stealth. Michelle Cheramie, director of Zeus' Rescues, left, walks with Scrim on Oct. 24 at the Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie, La. Near-misses have been tantalizing. The search party spotted Scrim napping beneath an elevated house, and wrapped construction netting around the perimeter, but an over-eager volunteer broke ranks and dashed forward, leaving an opening Scrim slipped through. Scrim's repeated escapades prompted near-daily local media coverage and a devoted online following. Cheramie can relate. “We’re all running from something or to something," she said. "He's doing that, too.” Cheramie's team dreams of placing the pooch in a safe and loving environment. But a social media chorus growing under the hashtag #FreeScrim has other ideas — they say the runaway should be allowed a life of self-determination. The animal rescue volunteers consider that misguided. “The streets of New Orleans are not the place for a dog to be free,” Cheramie said. “It’s too dangerous.” Scrim rests in a kennel Oct. 24 at the Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie, La. Scrim was a mess when Cheramie briefly recaptured him in October, with matted fur, missing teeth and a tattered ear. His trembling body was scraped and bruised, and punctured by projectiles. A vet removed one, but decided against operating to take out a possible bullet. The dog initially appeared content indoors, sitting in Cheramie's lap or napping beside her bed. Then while she was out one day, Scrim chewed through a mesh screen, dropped 13 feet to the ground and squeezed through a gap in the fence, trotting away. Murray said Cheramie's four cats probably spooked him. Cheramie thinks they may have gotten territorial. Devastated but undeterred, the pair is reassessing where Scrim might fit best — maybe a secure animal sanctuary with big outdoor spaces where other dogs can keep him company. Somewhere, Murray says, “where he can just breathe and be.” Scrim sits in the arms of Zoey Ponder on Oct. 24 at Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie. Scrim at the Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter in Louisiana. A Scrim sticker for sale Dec. 9 at Zeus' Rescues office to raise money for the shelter in New Orleans. A homemade portrait of Scrim hangs Dec. 9 in the Zeus' Rescues shelter in New Orleans. Scrim spends some time outside Oct. 24 with Michelle Cheramie, director of Zeus' Rescues, in a fenced-in area at Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!