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has had two major talking points this year; and , both of which coalesce in its home appliances and SmartThings technology. It’s good timing, too. The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), a Washington-based anti-poverty non-profit organization, cites in its Net Zero Heroes report that appliances are responsible for 39 per cent of all energy-related CO2 emissions. With an already immense (and ever-growing) number of devices in use every day, it's a figure that will only increase without some form of change. There’s no time like the present, then, for manufacturers such as electronics giant Samsung to focus on improving the energy efficiency of its home appliances. It’s a move that has borne fruit, too, not least in the world of smart washing machines. According to Moohyung Lee, EVP and Head of Customer Experience Team for the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo sold 1,000 units in just three days when it launched in South Korea in February. By April, it surpassed cumulative sales of 10,000 units, an impressive number for a large appliance. Now, it’s launching in the US, with further plans for release in South America, Southeast Asia and Europe later this year – and there’s plenty more to get excited about in Samsung’s home appliance roster. Following the brand’s energy efficiency and AI-first display at IFA 2024, Lee told us more about how Samsung plans to continue its journey towards the smart home of the future. Clean and energy lean Through a combination of software and hardware, Samsung has been enhancing energy efficiency. Lee cites features like Ecobubble, which has been integral to Samsung washing machines for over a decade. Instead of using heat energy to offer a thorough clean, Ecobubble “turns detergent into bubbles that quickly penetrate the laundry, allowing for effective washing even in cold water, which reduces the energy consumption required to heat water”, he says. “Ecobubble can be combined with other technologies like Bubble Shot ― which further improves detergent penetration ― to uplift the energy efficiency,” he adds. There’s also Samsung’s Digital Inverter Technology, found in a variety of appliances from washer motors to refrigerator compressors, and serves to reduce energy wastage. “Not only is it an energy-efficient solution, but it reduces noise and increases durability,” Lee explains. “It reduces unnecessary use of energy by adjusting the components’ rotating speed according to different usage situations.” On the software side, the SmartThings Energy app allows users to monitor the energy consumption of connected appliances, and also supports AI Energy Mode to automatically optimize energy usage. “We have various opportunities like partnerships related to carbon intensity or Auto Demand Response (ADR) for example, which enhances the value of SmartThings Energy,” Lee adds “Looking ahead, Samsung plans to expand service availability from 68 countries at the end of 2023 to 110 markets by the end of 2024, increasing convenience and energy savings for consumers worldwide.” AI for all Samsung’s latest generation of washing machines, fridges and other large appliances also come decked with Bespoke AI, offering a host of clever features and some , too. “Samsung has introduced various AI-enhanced appliances that give solutions tailored to your needs,” says Lee. “Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI features AI Floor Detect that senses floor environment with AI, and the refrigerator with AI Family Hub brings AI Vision Inside for better food management for consumers.” However, it’s the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo that captured homeowners' hearts and minds, by selling those 1,000 units in South Korea over just three days post-launch. “It features AI Wash & Dry, which selects proper washing and drying cycles based on the types of fabric, weight, and soil level,” Lee explains. “Additionally, it features the AI Home, a 7-inch LCD touchscreen, which allows users to intuitively monitor the machine and control various functions. “One standout feature of AI Home is that it displays the status of SmartThings-connected appliances and gives users the ability to control them remotely.” Understanding the opportunity So, how does Samsung make sure its features and hardware can actually have an impact? According to Lee, the manufacturer uses the “standardized testing protocols” required in each region to meet its energy regulations. “This includes rigorous testing of our appliances against established energy efficiency standards," he continues. "For features like the AI Energy Mode, we also collaborate with third-party organizations to validate effectiveness and enhance credibility with consumers.” Samsung focuses not only on energy savings but also considers carbon emissions as an important indicator. “By obtaining the Carbon Trust's Carbon Footprint Certification and participating in the standard for quantifying carbon emissions, it is establishing objective indicators to measure the impact of its products,” explains Lee. “Samsung is researching and developing technologies to provide solutions that can reduce impact on the environment as much as possible, while also upgrading products and services to make it easier for consumers to participate in this journey. We are applying this vision from the beginning when designing our products.” This, he explains, can mean anything from developing energy-efficient products, utilizing recycled materials or reusing discarded components. “For example, certain Bespoke stick vacuum cleaner filters use recycled materials from discarded fishing nets, and recycled aluminum is applied to some of Bespoke panels of our refrigerators.” We all row the boat Consumer education plays an important role in making sure these features achieve their full potential. Lee says Samsung encourages consumer participation right from the get-go: “For example, when a product is connected to SmartThings, the app gives users the suggestion to utilise AI Energy Mode. “Furthermore, AI Energy Mode supports frequently used wash cycles such as Cotton, AI Wash, Synthetics, Mixed Load, and Super Speed to deliver more consistent energy savings. Once a user turns on AI Energy Mode in SmartThings Energy, it works its magic until deactivated, allowing continuous energy saving.” Once connected, the SmartThings Energy platform can be accessed in myriad ways, whether that’s via on-device screens like the Family Hub or AI Home, using other SmartThings-connected Samsung appliances with a screen or, of course, using a mobile phone. “Whether it’s simply monitoring energy usage or using AI Energy Mode to reduce additional energy consumption in daily life, consumers can decide how extensively they want to use the platform," says Lee, explaining that users can even choose to set their own goals on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. “Samsung designs home appliances not just as functional machines, but as companions that improve and enhance the user experience,” says Lee, a principle that extends to SmartThings Energy. “Moving forward, we’ll continue to provide new ways for users to stay true to their values in daily life.” The increased focus on efficiency in the home comes at an important crossroads on the road to carbon zero, though, of course, . For now, though, energy-conscious brands like Samsung are at the forefront of using such technology to its advantage – it's not 'just a washing machine' anymore.
NEW YORK (AP) — Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans . Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he'd let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, and other “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code. He said Carlsen's stand — which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday — highlighted a need for more discussion “to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport.” Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. “I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side,” the 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster said. But he added that he loves playing blitz — a fast-paced form of chess — and wanted fans to be able to watch, and that he was encouraged by his discussions with the federation after Friday's showdown. “I think we sort of all want the same thing,” he suggested in the video on his Take Take Take chess app’s YouTube channel. “We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable.” The events began when Carlsen wore jeans and a sportcoat Friday to the Rapid World Championship, which is separate from but held in conjunction with the blitz event. The chess federation said Friday that longstanding rules prohibit jeans at those tournaments, and players are lodged nearby to make sartorial switch-ups easy if needed. An official fined Carlsen $200 and asked him to change pants, but he refused and wasn't paired for a ninth-round game, the federation said at the time. The organization noted that another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined earlier in the day for wearing sports shoes, changed and continued to play. Carlsen has said that he offered to wear something else the next day, but officials were unyielding. He said “it became a bit of a matter of principle,” so he quit the rapid and blitz championships. In the video posted Sunday, he questioned whether he had indeed broken a rule and said changing clothes would have needlessly interrupted his concentration between games. He called the punishment “unbelievably harsh.” “Of course, I could have changed. Obviously, I didn’t want to,” he said, and “I stand by that.”ATLANTA (AP) — Quarterback Carson Beck's status for No. 2 Georgia's Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal is uncertain after he suffered an elbow injury in Saturday's Southeastern Conference championship game win over Texas. Georgia announced Monday there is no timetable on Beck's return as he and his family explore treatment options. Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Sunday the team was awaiting results of tests. The school did not announce details of the injury in Monday's announcement. Beck was injured on the final play of the first half in the Bulldogs' 22-19 overtime win over Texas on Saturday. Beck made a dramatic return to the field for the handoff on the game-winning play. Beck was needed after backup Gunner Stockton had his helmet knocked off, forcing him to leave the game for one play. Beck's injury was to his right (throwing) arm. Even though he was able to take the snap and hand off to Trevor Etienne for the running back’s decisive 4-yard touchdown run, Beck was unable to raise his right arm. Smart said Sunday that Beck attended the team meeting for the CFP draw announcement. “He was pretty somber,” Smart said. “It was a tough deal for him in terms of not being able to go out there and finish in the second half.” Georgia announced punter Brett Thorson will need season-ending surgery after injuring his non-kicking leg against Texas. “Carson and Brett are both fierce competitors and extremely hard workers,” Smart said in a statement released by the school. “I’m confident they will attack their rehab with the same determination they exhibit in their daily habits. We will be here to support them every step of the way.” Stockton would be the likely starter if Beck can't return for the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl. Stockton completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards with one interception against Texas. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday as Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag and were met by Buckeyes who confronted them. Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game. Ohio State police said in a statement “multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.” Ohio State police will investigate the fight, according to the statement. After the Ohio State players confronted their bitter rivals at midfield, defensive end Jack Sawyer grabbed the top of the Wolverines' flag and ripped it off the pole as the brawl moved toward the Michigan bench. Eventually, police officers rushed into the ugly scene. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood the actions of his players. “There are some prideful guys on our team who weren't going to sit back and let that happen,” Day said. The two Ohio State players made available after the game brushed off questions about it. Michigan running back Kalel Mullings, who rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, didn't like how the Buckeyes players involved themselves in the Wolverines' postgame celebration. He called it “classless.” “For such a great game, you hate to see stuff like that after the game," he said in an on-field interview with Fox Sports. “It’s just bad for the sport, bad for college football. But at the end of the day, you know some people got to — they got to learn how to lose, man. ... We had 60 minutes, we had four quarters, to do all that fighting.” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said everybody needs to do better. “So much emotions on both sides," he said. "Rivalry games get heated, especially this one. It’s the biggest one in the country, so we got to handle that better.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballMichigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun Buckeyes 13-10I'm A Celebrity Junkyard twist confirmed for new arrivals as ITV show continues
Percentages: FG 39.726, FT .588. 3-Point Goals: 9-21, .429 (Lacey 3-6, McMiller 3-5, Petticord 2-6, Thompson 1-3, Perkins 0-1) Blocked Shots: 3 (Adams 1, McMiller 1, Perkins 1) Turnovers: 9 (McMiller 4, Thompson 2, Lacey 1, Perkins 1, Walker 1) Steals: 8 (Adams 6, Lacey 1, McMiller 1) Technical Fouls: None Percentages: FG 39.394, FT .667. 3-Point Goals: 4-21, .190 (Mays-Prince 3-5, Jackson 1-6, Gaines 0-1, Gwynn 0-3, Akinsola 0-1, Eddings 0-5) Blocked Shots: 5 (Johnson 2, Jackson 1, Green 1, Akinsola 1) Turnovers: 16 (Gaines 4, Gwynn 4, Mays-Prince 3, Jackson 2, Johnson 1, Green 1, Akinsola 1) Steals: 5 (Gwynn 2, Eddings 2, Green 1) Technical Fouls: None A_0 Officials_Erika Herriman, Kenya Kirkland, Angelica SuffrenNEW YORK (AP) — Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans . Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he'd let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, and other “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code. He said Carlsen's stand — which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday — highlighted a need for more discussion “to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport.” Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. “I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side,” the 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster said. But he added that he loves playing blitz — a fast-paced form of chess — and wanted fans to be able to watch, and that he was encouraged by his discussions with the federation after Friday's showdown. “I think we sort of all want the same thing,” he suggested in the video on his Take Take Take chess app’s YouTube channel. “We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable.” The events began when Carlsen wore jeans and a sportcoat Friday to the Rapid World Championship, which is separate from but held in conjunction with the blitz event. The chess federation said Friday that longstanding rules prohibit jeans at those tournaments, and players are lodged nearby to make sartorial switch-ups easy if needed. An official fined Carlsen $200 and asked him to change pants, but he refused and wasn't paired for a ninth-round game, the federation said at the time. The organization noted that another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined earlier in the day for wearing sports shoes, changed and continued to play. Carlsen has said that he offered to wear something else the next day, but officials were unyielding. He said “it became a bit of a matter of principle,” so he quit the rapid and blitz championships. In the video posted Sunday, he questioned whether he had indeed broken a rule and said changing clothes would have needlessly interrupted his concentration between games. He called the punishment “unbelievably harsh.” “Of course, I could have changed. Obviously, I didn’t want to,” he said, and “I stand by that.” Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Sam Darnold-led Vikings down Packers for ninth straight win
We are at the end of college football’s regular season, which coincides with the unofficial start of the stretch run for the NFL season: Thanksgiving Day games. Right now, we have a pretty good idea of who the best teams are in the league, and can start to predict with a little bit of certainty what needs teams will have as the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around and which college football players could do a good job filling them. As such, it’s time for us to roll out the second version of our mock draft for next April — you can check out how things played out the last time we did this . As for how this one is going to go, well, how about a team trading up for Shedeur Sanders to get us started? ( ) 1. New York Giants (via JAX) – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado If it’s not evident by the fact that they benched and are currently starting Tommy DeVito when he’s healthy, the Giants really want a high pick and really need a quarterback, and a trade up to 1 to take Sanders makes sense if they can’t tank their way to the top pick. While he doesn’t have the strongest arm on earth, Sanders is an excellent processor of the game and can throw the ball accurately all over the place. He’s gotten better about getting the ball out and not hunting big plays that lead to sacks — Colorado’s OL taking a step forward helps, of course — and while the Giants don’t have nearly the level of playmakers that Colorado has relative to their level of competition, he’d love getting to throw to Malik Nabers. Add in that he has the sort of big personality that can handle New York and the Giants could theoretically hire his father if they fire Brian Daboll and Sanders checks a ton of boxes here. 2. Jacksonville Jaguars (via NYG) – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado The Jaguars move down a spot, pick up some extra picks for their trouble, and get the best football player in this Draft — and in fact, if you were to look up “football player” in a dictionary, there should be a photo of Travis Hunter there. Hunter is doing things we’ve never really seen playing both ways at an elite level in college, and while it’s possible he eventually has to choose a primary position in the NFL – I could see him picking receiver or corner and then playing mostly high leverage snaps at the other – his versatility and ability at either spot would be a welcome addition or a Jags team that just needs more talent. Also, if his goal is to play both sides in the NFL, the Jags are a team that needs help at both spots, so they’d likely be thrilled to let him give it a go. 3. Las Vegas Raiders – Cam Ward, QB, Miami Ward’s rise from a QB at Incarnate Word to a Heisman contender for the College Football Playoff-bound Miami Hurricanes really has been impressive. He’s a dynamic thrower of the ball with good mobility and has gotten better and better over the course of his career. He’ll take some sacks and put the ball in danger a little more than I’d like, but that’s an area where he’s grown during his time with the Canes. The Raiders need a lot of help in a lot of different places, but above all else, their top priority this April should be getting a franchise quarterback they can build around. Ward would provide that. 4. New England Patriots – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas The Patriots need to bolster their offensive line to better protect Drake Maye. The rookie QB has impressed in flashes since taking over as the starter, but he’s under pressure far more often than New England would like. This isn’t the best tackle class in history, but Kelvin Banks Jr. has been terrific for the Longhorns and would be welcomed with open arms by Maye and the Pats. He’s just a junior but has 37 starts already under his belt at Texas and has excellent movement skills and strength. 5. Carolina Panthers – Luther Burden, WR, Missouri It’s still unclear if Bryce Young is the long-term answer for the Panthers, but it has been impressive how he’s managed to earlier this year — he hasn’t been an MVP candidate or anything, but it looks like getting a hard reset has led to the game slowing down a bit for him. No matter who the QB is, Carolina could use a No. 1 receiver to add to an interesting group of pass catchers, and Burden is that guy. He’s got everything you want outside of the fact he’s 5’11, as he’s a major big play threat who can line up just about anywhere and would give Young another really fun target to go alongside promising youngsters Xavier Legette and Ja’Tavion Sanders. 6. Tennessee Titans – Will Campbell, OT, LSU The Titans could be in play for a new QB, but if Sanders and Ward are off the board, I think their focus needs to be in the trenches. Will Campbell is the other top tackle in this Draft and whether Tennessee rolls with Will Levis for one more year or addresses the QB situation in free agency, they’ll want to do a better job keeping them upright. Campbell figures to be capable of providing that help, and it’s time to build inside-out in Tennessee. 7. New York Jets – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State The Jets are in the middle of one of the most disappointing years we’ve ever seen out of an NFL team relative to preseason expectations, and they’re going to need throw the baby out with the bathwater as they move on from the Aaron Rodgers era, which means a big roster shakeup that should include Haason Reddick leaving as a free agent. There isn’t really a QB worth taking here, so New York should just go with the best player available, which we think means Carter. The linebacker-turned-edge rusher has seemingly gotten better every week for the Penn State defense, he’s going to destroy the Combine, and would bolster a good Jets defensive line that features building blocks in Quinnen Williams and Will McDonald. It’s can come off as lazy to compare Carter to Micah Parsons as another LB-turned-EDGE from Penn State who wears 11, but also, that’s a pretty good comp. 8. Cleveland Browns – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona The Browns would be in a really interesting spot at this spot in the Draft. Perhaps by April a third QB will emerge as a consensus top-10 guy, but based on the play on the field this year, I’m not willing to put any other QB up here. Whoever is under center in Cleveland next year is going to need some guys to throw to, as Amari Cooper is gone and the current receiving corps is far from loaded. Tet McMillan would immediately give them a big-bodied No. 1 that can help any quarterback that ends up taking snaps in Cleveland next year. Arizona may have fallen off as a team, but the 6’5 McMillan is a one-man wrecking crew on the outside that no one has been able to figure out. As long as they don’t go down with this pick, they should really target McMillan if they can’t get one of the QBs. 9. New Orleans Saints – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia Good things tend to happen when teams select guys who played in Georgia’s defense. The Saints need to figure out a direction after firing Dennis Allen midseason (it does seem like interim coach Darren Rizzi has a real shot at getting the job), but a big part of that direction is figuring out a succession plan for guys like Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis. Chase Young is a free agent after this year, too, so they have a big hole at EDGE, and Williams is a long and talented option to build the pass rush around going forward. His numbers haven’t been quite as imposing as you might expect, but the measurables, good tape, and Georgia pedigree all make him worth a top-10 pick. 10. Cincinnati Bengals – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan The Bengals can’t stop anyone this year, and as a result, they are completely wasting what should be an MVP season from Joe Burrow. If they’re picking 10th and the best corner is sitting on the board still available, they should sprint to the podium to get this pick in. Johnson has been a bit out of sight, out of mind while sitting out with an injury, but he’s a bad dude on the outside and Cincy desperately needs an upgrade in their secondary. I know the temptation will be to replace Tee Higgins (who is almost assuredly not going to be back) with a top-10 receiver, but this is a thin receiver class at the very top once Burden and McMillan are off the board and their bigger issues are on defense, anyway. 11. Dallas Cowboys – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan Dallas has to figure out a ton of stuff this offseason, and in my eyes, none are bigger than “how do we keep opposing offenses from moving the ball on us at will?” Sorting out Micah Parsons’ future is important, but so is bolstering the heart of their defensive line, which is just not good enough. Graham could fix that immediately, as he’s the rare gigantic defensive tackle (6’3, 315 pounds) who is disruptive on all three downs and would make it easier for a guy like Parsons to eat off the edge. You can go in a lot of directions here, but Graham is the perfect mix of best player available and fills a need for the Cowboys. 12. Chicago Bears – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State The Bears have to upgrade their line this offseason in front of Caleb Williams. The interior of the line is really the biggest need, but they could use an upgrade at tackle, as well. Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury against Oregon, but was in the mix as one of the top tackles coming into this year after the way he played as a junior in 2023. They addressed the skill positions last year, but this Draft should be all about the trenches (on both sides of the ball) for the Bears. 13. Indianapolis Colts – Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M Don’t discount a tight end here, as the Colts do seem like they’re still all-in on Anthony Richardson and that’s the biggest skill position hole on their offense — both Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren would be outstanding fits in Indianapolis. But their defense is not great, and Scourton would give them a powerful EDGE who can play the run or the pass, and is big enough (6’4, 285 pounds) that he can line up at defensive tackle in some situations. He’s been a key piece on the Aggie defense this year, and would be a good fit on a Colts defensive line that prioritizes big, physical dudes. 14. Miami Dolphins – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia Miami might see both of their safeties leave this offseason, and just generally could use a talent upgrade in the middle of the field. Malaki Starks would provide that, as the Georgia safety is a special player with positional versatility at either safety spot and can play some nickel. Starks flies around at the back end of the Georgia secondary and would bring some needed juice to the Dolphins defense. 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame It’s unfortunate that Morrison is out for the year with a hip injury, because he is a fantastic player and would make a Notre Dame defense that might be the best in America even better. He has just about every tool in the toolkit that you want out of a star cornerback, as he’s comfortable manning up opposing receivers or dropping into a zone, and he’s very willing to do what he needs to do against the run. A starting outside corner is going to be high on the list of priorities for the Bucs this offseason, and they manage to get one here. 16. Los Angeles Rams – Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina The Rams would be slightly upset they can’t get Morrison, but then, they’d remember they can get Revel and would be over the moon. If he didn’t tear his ACL before the season, Revel would have a real shot at going in the top-10 this year because of his elite size, athleticism, and competitive nature. Los Angeles desperately needs to come out of the Draft this year with one of the three standout cornerbacks, and while they miss on Johnson and Morrison, Revel fills the need they have, and it won’t shock us if you see a number of comparisons between him and Eagles rookie standout Quinyon Mitchell. 17. San Francisco 49ers – Cameron Williams, OT, Texas The Niners are going to be in a fascinating spot this offseason if things don’t turn around quickly. But whether they are making major changes to personnel or just trying to retool for one more run with this group, adding some talent on the offensive line would be a good idea. Upgrading their right tackle spot would make a ton of sense, and if Williams doesn’t stay another year at Texas (which is in play if he thinks that’d get him a top 5-10 pick next year), he’s a mountain of a man that would likely intrigue John Lynch and company in the Bay. 18. Arizona Cardinals – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State James Conner is a free agent, and the Cardinals have seen the value in having a physical, bruising rushing threat alongside Kyler Murray this season. Well, there’s no one better at that style of running than Ashton Jeanty, and while it’s always a little tricky to find the spot for a running back in the first round, he’s a no-doubt talent. The Cardinals would be thrilled to land him at this spot, and the likely Heisman finalist would be very fun to see alongside Murray in the desert. 19. Atlanta Falcons – James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee At some point, the Falcons will be good at rushing the passer again. It really is stunning just how long it has been since they’ve had a player record double-digit sacks in a season (it hasn’t happened since 2016!), and it’s not going to happen this year barring a miracle, either. They don’t even really pressure quarterbacks. Enter Pearce, who has been a load off the edge for Tennessee over the last two seasons — as of this writing, he has 17 sacks in two years. He could use some polish, but he’d be as good of a bet as Atlanta’s made on a young pass rusher in quite some time. 20. Seattle Seahawks – Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky Seattle is gonna be looking for some help up the middle on defense at just about every level this offseason. If the board shakes out this way, Seattle would have to at least consider adding the big fella from Kentucky to bolster the interior of their defensive front, with Jarran Reed a potential free agent departure. Mike MacDonald is going to want to beef up his defense and what better way to do that than adding a 6’6, 344 pound wrecking ball up front, as Walker pops off the screen every time you watch Kentucky. 21. Washington Commanders – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State This is a bit of a luxury pick, but Washington has its face of the franchise under center in Jayden Daniels, and one of his favorite targets is soon-to-be free agent tight end Zach Ertz, who turns 35 this offseason. As such, we’ll give him Warren, who has been the best tight end in college football this year and a remarkably versatile piece for the Nittany Lion offense. He’ll play as a tight end, outside receiver, slot receiver, running back, quarterback, and snap the ball, all in the same game. An offense built around Daniels, Warren, and Terry McLaurin would be one of the most fun in the NFL, and if the Commanders want to challenge the Eagles in the NFC East, they’re going to need guys who will help them win shootouts. 22. Houston Texans – Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State The Texans have two great edge rushers in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson, but their interior line play has left something to be desired. Williams helps anchor the excellent defensive front for Ohio State, as very few teams find room to run in the middle against the Buckeyes this season. Putting the 327-pounder between Hunter and Anderson would help address some of Houston’s problems, and the Texans have shown in the past they want to invest heavily in their defensive line. 23. Denver Broncos – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan One of the biggest surprises in the NFL this year has been the Broncos, which look like they struck gold by picking Bo Nix last year. Their tight end room hasn’t given them much of anything this year — Adam Trautman has nine catches on 15 targets — but as we saw with Jimmy Graham in New Orleans, Sean Payton can do some really fun things with a big time player in that position. Loveland fits that bill. He’s a good blocker for a college tight end who hasn’t been able to show off his effectiveness in the passing game as much this year because of how bad the QB play has been in Ann Arbor. And with no receivers really worth taking here, Denver brings in the best skill position player on the board for their young QB. 24. Los Angeles Chargers – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan Wow, crazy, Jim Harbaugh takes one of his former Michigan players, what a shock. Truth be told, if Loveland is on the board, we think Harbaugh himself might sprint to the podium to say his name within 10 seconds of the Chargers getting on the clock, as he would fill a critical need for another pass catcher. Instead, they go with another Michigan ManTM who fills a need in Grant, who moves really well for his size (6’3, 339 pounds) and would know exactly what he needs to do in Jesse Minter’s defense from day one. He can slide right in at nose tackle and make life easier for everyone in the Chargers’ front seven. 25. Baltimore Ravens – Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia The Ravens defense has not been playing at the level folks in Baltimore are accustomed to, and that figures to be the focal point of their offseason. Walker would give the Ravens a really talented and versatile linebacker that they can use as an edge rusher and play off ball some when needed next to fellow Bulldog Roquan Smith. Walker has shown flashes this season, particularly in the Texas game where he had three sacks in a blowout win for the Dawgs, and Baltimore could find plenty of ways to use his talents. 26. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama A real wild card team at the end of the first round right now, the Steelers could be all over the place. One thing they’ll at least have to think about is a quarterback, as they don’t have a long-term answer right now. I’d expect Russell Wilson to be back on a short-term deal, but at this pick, they might consider taking the hyper-talented Milroe and letting him sit and learn some of the finer points of the passing game at the NFL level before throwing him out on the field. Milroe is an S-tier athlete, and the Steelers could get him some touches and action in running packages, where he’d be even more dynamic than Justin Fields is in those spots now. 27. Green Bay Packers – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas In a division that features three opposing teams with a wealth of pass catching options, Green Bay could really stand to upgrade its cornerback room and put someone on the other side of Jaire Alexander, who has also missed some time this year due to injuries. Bolstering their pass rush wouldn’t be a bad idea, either, but Barron is a veteran, battle-tested member of the Longhorn secondary who plays all over the place and would brings some versatility and tenacity to Lambeau. 28. Minnesota Vikings – Omarion Hampton, RB, UNC Aaron Jones has been great for Minnesota on a 1-year rental, but they will likely be looking for a long-term answer at running back next year as they presumably prepare for JJ McCarthy to take over as their starting quarterback. Hampton doesn’t get a lot of discussion because UNC stinks, but he’s a crazy talented back and I think he’s going to be really good in the NFL. The Vikings love using running backs in the pass game, too, and Hampton has 34 catches for 295 yards this season. 29. Cleveland Browns (via PHI) – Carson Beck, QB, Georgia Beck has had a rollercoaster season in Athens, which has led to some reconsidering his position in this Draft. That said, I think by the time we get to April, he’ll be firmly back in the first round conversation thanks to some Pro Day buzz, and this might be too late to get him. If he is still on the board, someone that missed out early on the top two guys would have to look at trading back in to get him, and I think the Browns should seriously consider doing that. Philly is a willing trade-back team and there’s no one particularly exciting here to add for them. Cleveland desperately needs an answer at QB long-term after the disaster that has been Deshaun Watson. Beck had a really bad stretch of turnover-prone games and the decision-making has been questionable at times, but he also makes the kinds of throws that make scouts and coaches go wild. Perhaps the Browns would rather bottom out next year to chase on of the top QBs then — a top guy in the 2026 class if he stays in school another year, Penn State QB Drew Allar, is from northeast Ohio and a childhood Browns fan — but I think someone will look to jump back into the first round to secure Beck if he slides this far. 30. Buffalo Bills – Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon Receiver wouldn’t be a bad course of action for the Bills, but there really isn’t anyone who would step right in and raise the group’s ceiling, plus they can just re-sign Amari Cooper. Instead, let’s have them get a running mate at defensive tackle for Ed Oliver in Harmon, who has been really good for the Ducks this year after transferring in from Michigan State. He’s big, disruptive, plays the run well, and is among Oregon’s leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. 31. Kansas City Chiefs – Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota The name of the game in Kansas City is keeping Patrick Mahomes upright, and despite being only 11 games into the season, he’s been sacked 27 times — he’s never been sacked more than 28 times in his career, and he’s getting sacked on 6.62 percent of his dropbacks, a career-high. They have to protect him better, and targeting Ersery to replace Wanya Morris at LT would make a ton of sense. A three-year starter for PJ Fleck, Ersery is 6’6, 325 pounds, a good athlete for his size, and brings some bite as a run blocker, too. He impressed in his biggest test of the season (Abdul Carter had zero sacks when Minnesota played Penn State), and we wouldn’t be surprised if he’s off the board sooner than this, especially if he tests well in Indianapolis. 32. Detroit Lions – Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State The Lions will have a vanity pick, which is pretty wild to consider, and what says “Dan Campbell vanity pick” more than taking an interior offensive lineman. The tackle position is set for years in Detroit, but they could use some help bolstering their guard spot between them — it’s worth remembering that Graham Glasgow turns 33 this offseason, while Kevin Zeitler turns 35. I think the Lions would love to have a swing guy that can move around as needed on the line, and Jackson started the year as a guard for the Buckeyes but kicked out to left tackle when Josh Simmons got hurt and will presumably finish the year there.NoneNone
To play Maria Callas, Angelina Jolie had to learn how to breathe againFalcon Gold Corp. ( CVE:FG – Get Free Report )’s share price reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02, with a volume of 139000 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$0.03. Falcon Gold Stock Performance The company has a market cap of C$3.80 million, a PE ratio of -2.50 and a beta of 0.61. The stock’s 50 day moving average is C$0.03 and its 200-day moving average is C$0.04. The company has a quick ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. About Falcon Gold ( Get Free Report ) Falcon Gold Corp. generates, acquires, and explores mineral properties in the Americas. It explores for gold, silver, copper, and base metal deposits, as well as diamonds. Its flagship project is the Central Canada Gold Mine located approximately 20km southeast of Agnico Eagle’s Hammond Reef Gold Deposit. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Falcon Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Falcon Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Navigating Christmas in the digital age: avoiding pitfalls and embracing meaningful celebrationsBY ROBERT KOEHLER If you want to play the game of politics, here’s step one: Reduce everything to a linear political viewpoint: “right” or “left.” No matter how deep and large and complex that viewpoint is, politicize it, turn it into something that’s either right or wrong. It’s all about winning or losing. Did Harris lean too far left? Oh gosh. Neither Liz Cheney nor Taylor Swift could save her. I’m still immersed in my own recovery process – recovery from the election, of course. And yes, I’m feeling pain because “my side” lost, but my emotions are complicated by the fact that I didn’t really have a side in the election. It wasn’t simply that I was frustrated with the campaigns and claims of both major parties (the only ones that mattered, right?). I’ve apparently reached a point in my life where the entire political game feels problematic; it minimizes our world in a way I can no longer tolerate. How do we transcend our collective awareness beyond the artificial borders we’ve created? I ask this question not from some higher state of awareness, but from the middle of it all. How do we reach a collective state that isn’t competitive? How do we actually live our values rather than simply attempt to impose them – and in the process of doing so, oh so often, completely disregard and violate those values? Suddenly I’m thinking about the good old Crusades , summarized thus by history.com : “The Crusades were a series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims started primarily to secure control of holy sites considered sacred by both groups. In all, eight major Crusade expeditions – varying in size, strength and degree of success – occurred between 1096 and 1291. The costly, violent and often ruthless conflicts enhanced the status of European Christians, making them major players in the fight for land in the Middle East.” Now it’s all just history, which is the story we tell about ourselves from one war to the next. But, come on: “violent and often ruthless” battles to reclaim, good God, holy sites? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you? Actually, that Biblical quote sums up the cost of war pretty precisely. But the paradox sits there like an open wound. Love thy neighbor, love thy enemy – but first you’re going to have to kill him. And his children. Charge! I’m not saying all this simply to point a moral finger at the political leaders of the world. Rather, I feel the need to embrace and transcend this paradox: the reduction of our deepest values to a “cause,” which then frees us from actually having to honor those values and reduces the process to winning vs. losing. Apparently, we can’t have a cause without an enemy, or at least an inconvenience (Palestinians, for example), which . . . uh, needs to be eliminated. It always seems to come down to this: some glaring irritation that stands in the way of the good we want to do. And yes, there are many pushbacks against this mindset – many people who, in defiance of the cynics, believe in, practice and, indeed, create loving and courageous approaches to conflict resolution. But such approaches cannot be reduced to simple stories of good vs. evil, and thus lack large social resonance. So here I am, dealing with my own frustrations in the present moment – the ongoing genocide in Palestine that the U.S. funds, the possibility of Trump’s increased militarization of our southern border, the ever-intensifying climate crisis, the ongoing possibility of nuclear war . . . and oh my God, it gets ever more insane. For that reason, I bring back a story I wrote about a decade ago, which remains close to my heart. It’s a small story: a single incident in the midst of the brutal civil war going on in South Sudan. It involves the international peacekeeping NGO, Nonviolent Peaceforce , which had several of its members in the country to help facilitate communication between the various sides in the conflict. They were unarmed, of course, which gave them credibility and trust among the warring sides. As I wrot e at the time: “Being unarmed doesn’t mean being disempowered. This is worth paying attention to. In South Sudan, unarmed, international peacekeepers have credibility. They stand above the local conflict, facilitating communication between the various sides but not taking sides themselves.” What happened was that armed men attacked a U.N. base on the perimeter of the city of Bor, where thousands of civilians had sought refuge. Two Nonviolence Peaceforce representatives found themselves in the middle of the chaos and took refuge inside a mud hut, which was occupied as well by four women and nine children. On three separate occasions, I noted, armed men came and ordered the peacekeepers out so they could kill the women and kids. The peacekeepers refused, holding up their Nonviolent Peaceforce IDs and saying they were unarmed. They were there to protect civilians and would not leave. After the third time, the armed men left for good. Some 60 people were killed in the assault, but 13 precious lives were saved. As one of the peacekeepers said afterward: “I think if we had a gun we would have been shot immediately.” The peacekeepers had had intense training in nonviolence and were able to keep their cool. They didn’t panic. And, crucially, Nonviolent Peaceforce had credibility in South Sudan. They stood beyond the conflict. “We also had a humanitarian mandate,” one of the peacekeepers said. Being unarmed “opens the doors to look for solutions. If we were armed peacekeepers, the solution is you shoot back. Because we were unarmed, we could find other ways.” This story transcends the moment of its occurrence. I wish I could multiply it by a million. All I can do is repeat: Being unarmed opens the door to look for solutions. ( Robert Koehler is a Chicago award-winning journalist and editor. He is the author of Courage Grows Strong at the Wound , and his newly released album of recorded poetry and art work, Soul Fragments .)Hand over your ID or your facial data? The would-you-rather buried in the teen social media ban