Central Garden & Pet Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial ResultsWhere to Watch Kentucky vs. Texas on TV or Streaming Live – Nov. 23
With skyrocketing gold prices , it’s no surprise that more people are investing in gold . However, despite the fact that gold can be a good long-term investment, it does have some limitations, particularly when it comes to liquidity. Finding a buyer at the best price can be time-consuming, and when you’re in a bind and need cash quickly, selling your gold may not be easy compared to selling other precious metal investments like shares of gold stocks or gold exchange-traded funds . However, there is a way to leverage your gold in order to quickly access cash: Use your gold as a collateral on a loan. Since your gold acts to secure the loan, you’re more likely to qualify for a loan — even if you have a less-than-perfect credit score . How do gold loans work? A gold loan is a secured loan, meaning you provide something valuable as collateral. If you stop making payments, the lender can keep your collateral and potentially sell it to recoup the amount you still owe. Here’s how a gold loan works: 1. You provide the gold Decide whether you want to offer gold coins, gold bars or gold jewelry as collateral. Depending on the type of gold you’re holding, you may need to have 10-karat, 14-karat, 18-karat, 22-karat or 24-karat gold in order to secure a loan. IRS-approved gold coins, such as American Eagle Gold Proof Coins, are 22-karat gold. Businesses that will accept these and other gold assets include online gold dealers or in-person coin collectors and pawn shops. 2. The lender offers an amount and terms Your gold will be assessed for its quality and value. If you have any certificates of authenticity, provide them to make the process easier. The lender will want to examine the gold to determine its purity, quality and weight. They will then offer you an amount and an interest rate based on those factors. 3. Leave the gold with the lender Your gold is collateral to secure the loan, so you must leave it with the lender. If you’re using a mail service, make sure it’s reputable. Normally, you need to send in your gold and they will store it at a secure facility until you’ve repaid the loan. Often, mail services include insurance. If they don’t, read our guide on how to insure physical gold . Local pawn shops and coin collectors will arrange to store the gold until you make your final payment. Typically, they will give you a receipt or some other paperwork stating what gold items the lender is holding in your name; make sure you keep those records! They may be necessary to redeem your gold later. You receive your gold back once you satisfy the loan amount with interest. Pros and cons of a gold loan Before you decide to use your gold as collateral, you should first understand the advantages and disadvantages of doing so to secure a loan. Pros Use something valuable for cash without selling it. When you get a gold loan, you still own the asset. You don’t have to sell your coins, bars or jewelry in order to get cash. You can get approved with bad credit. An unsecured personal loan requires that you have relatively good credit to avoid paying a very high interest rate. You might not even qualify for a personal loan with poor credit. However, with your gold as collateral, a lender might be willing to provide the cash amount knowing they can sell the gold if needed. Rates can be lower compared to unsecured loans. Depending on the lender and other factors, you might be able to get a lower interest rate than you would normally get with an unsecured loan. Receive a relatively large amount, depending on the value. Based on the value of your physical gold, you might be able to secure a relatively large amount. Some online lenders will provide as much as $25,000 or more if your gold is of high quality. Cons You could lose your gold collateral. As with any other secured loan, you run the risk of losing your asset if you fail to satisfy the loan’s terms. If you can’t make payments and you default on the loan, the lender can keep your gold. If you’re using jewelry with sentimental value, you might not want to risk the loss. Interest rates and fees can be high. Even though you might be able to get a gold loan with bad credit, it doesn’t stop you from paying potentially high interest rates and fees. The quality of the gold might influence your interest rate. You can save on interest and fees if your gold is of sufficiently high quality. Limited loan amounts. The value of your gold limits your loan. Additionally, you likely won’t receive 100% of the value of your loan. Depending on the situation, you might only get an advance of up to 75% of the gold’s value. Funding can take time. Because of the nature of using gold as collateral, receiving your funds can take up to a week or longer. You might get your cash faster at a local coin or pawn shop, but it might still take several days before you receive the money. Who should get a gold loan? Before getting a gold loan, make sure it’s the right move for you. It doesn’t make sense for everyone, so examine your situation before moving forward. Here are some factors to consider if you’re thinking about using gold as collateral for a loan: Term length Consider getting a gold loan only if you know it will be a short-term advance. Try to pay off the loan as quickly as possible so you can recover your assets. Credit score In some cases, especially if you have poor credit, you might be better off getting a gold loan. While rates can be relatively high, they are often still lower on a secured loan than they would be for an unsecured loan with bad credit. If you can’t get the money you need with an unsecured personal loan due to a low credit score, using gold as collateral for a loan might be a good choice. You have high-quality gold Taking a gold loan works best if you have high-quality jewelry, coins or bars. Check to make sure your gold is investment-quality. If you have enough of it, and you don’t have to bring it all in, a gold loan might make sense. You can wait a few days for the money A gold loan can be a good choice if you’re not dealing with an immediate issue. If you need fast cash, you might be able to get it from a coin shop loan, but you still might have to wait. Bottom line on using gold as collateral for a loan High-quality gold can be used as collateral to get a secured loan. However, weighing the risk of losing your gold assets if you can’t make payments is important. Make sure you can get the money you need at a reasonable interest rate before moving forward.
Scores of (ASX: XJO) stocks are set to go before New Year's Eve. In fact, they're all scheduled to go ex-dividend on 30 December. This sets a deadline for ASX investors interested in racking up some extra before the year is out. However, act with caution. Don't go buying stocks just because they're about to pay a dividend! recommends making sure they stack up on a basis before investing your hard-earned money. ASX 200 stocks going ex-dividend on 30 December If you want the next dividend from these ASX 200 stocks, you need to buy them before the ex-dividend date. This is the first day that the stock will trade without its next dividend attached. The share price typically goes down on the ex-dividend date. This is because the stock is less appealing without the dividend attached. Investors also know that the company's will take a hit when the dividend is paid to shareholders. It's useful to be aware of the ex-dividend dates on the ASX 200 stocks you own or are watching. If you already own the stock, this awareness will forewarn you of the likely share price fall on ex-dividend day. By the way, that fall may present a good opportunity for . If you've been watching a stock and would like to buy it, and the price is right, knowing the ex-dividend date may help you plan the timing of your purchase. Here are a bunch of ASX 200 stocks going ex-dividend next week and the amounts they will pay investors. 15 ASX 200 stocks going ex-dividend on 30 December
As the year approaches its end, investors are gearing up for what promises to be a vibrant 2025, with artificial intelligence (AI) remaining a critical field of interest. While Nvidia often garners the spotlight as the AI frontrunner, other promising contenders are gradually emerging. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is making waves in the GPU industry. Although Nvidia has long dominated with an 88% market share, AMD’s strategic advancements, particularly with its MI300 accelerators, are beginning to challenge this status quo. The MI300 series has propelled AMD’s data center growth, keeping pace with Nvidia’s figures. As AMD prepares to launch the MI325X in 2025 to rival Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs, and the MI400 in 2026, the company is poised to capture more market share. Amazon continues to innovate across multiple channels, making it a compelling opportunity. The company melds AI features into its diverse operations, spanning e-commerce, cloud computing, and more. With new AI-driven initiatives and its collaboration with Anthropic, Amazon is gearing up for a strong performance. Its free cash flow, growing at a staggering 120% annually, positions the company to reinvest in its expansive ecosystem. Tesla , known for its groundbreaking EVs, is on the cusp of a new growth era with Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. Industry observers suggest 2025 could be pivotal for Tesla’s self-driving ambitions. Despite stock surges, investors should keep an eye out for market dips, making Tesla a long-term asset worth considering. In 2025, these companies may offer exciting avenues beyond Nvidia for those keen on AI investments. The AI Revolution: Companies to Watch in 2025 Beyond Nvidia As the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, investors are eyeing opportunities beyond the well-known leader Nvidia. While Nvidia remains a giant in the industry with its commanding market share, other companies are emerging with significant innovations and strategic plans for growth. Here’s a deeper dive into promising players like AMD, Amazon, and Tesla, each making compelling strides in their respective arenas. AMD is rapidly becoming a contender in the GPU market, challenging Nvidia’s dominant position with a strategic focus on data centers. The introduction of its MI300 series has marked a significant milestone, offering competitive alternatives to Nvidia’s GPUs. Innovations and Future Releases: – AMD’s MI300 accelerators have already contributed to a notable increase in its market share within data centers. – The anticipated launch of the MI325X in 2025 aims to directly compete with Nvidia’s next-gen Blackwell GPUs, setting the stage for increased competition. – Looking further ahead, AMD’s roadmap includes the MI400 series, expected in 2026, which could further disrupt the market dynamics. These advancements underscore AMD’s strategy to not only increase its share of the GPU market but also enhance its presence in AI and cloud computing applications. Amazon’s strategic integration of AI across its massive operations positions it as a fascinating entity for investors. The company’s efforts in e-commerce and cloud computing leverage AI-driven advancements, making it a critical player in the industry. Strategic Growth and AI Integration: – Amazon’s collaboration with Anthropic highlights its commitment to leading in AI development, potentially enhancing not only its technological capabilities but also its competitive edge. – The impressive growth of Amazon’s free cash flow, at around 120% annually, empowers it to continually reinvest in innovation and expansion. For those observing market trends, Amazon’s ability to integrate AI into its expansive ecosystem is an indication of its sustained potential for growth. Tesla, already a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) market, is investing heavily in Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, setting the stage for significant advancements. Pioneering Full Self-Driving Technology: – As 2025 approaches, Tesla is poised to realize substantial progress in its self-driving technology, which could redefine its market position. – Despite fluctuations in stock prices, Tesla presents a potentially lucrative long-term investment given expected breakthroughs in autonomous driving. Tesla’s journey into self-driving tech suggests a transformative era for the company, potentially leading to new opportunities and market influence. While Nvidia continues to be a noteworthy player in AI, companies like AMD, Amazon, and Tesla offer additional avenues for investment with their innovative efforts and clear strategic visions. Observing their progress through 2025 may provide critical insights for investors looking to diversify in the AI domain. For more information about these companies, visit their official websites: AMD , Amazon , and Tesla .Iconic Tower of London’s Prison Section’s Graffiti Deciphered
Gaza Strip: Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Sunday killed at least 22 people, including five children, Palestinian medical officials said. Also on Sunday, Israeli authorities allowed Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the leader of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, to enter Gaza and celebrate a pre-Christmas Mass with members of the territory's small Christian community. A strike on a school housing displaced people in Gaza City killed at least eight people, including three children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The Israeli military said it struck Hamas militants sheltering there. A strike on a home in the central city of Deir al-Balah late Saturday killed at least eight people, including three women and two children, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which received the bodies. Another six people were killed in separate strikes on Sunday, according to local hospitals. Israel has carried out daily strikes in Gaza more than 14 months into the war with Hamas. It says it only targets militants, accusing them of hiding among civilians, but the bombings frequently kill women and children. Web Development Django & PostgreSQL Mastery: Build Professional Web Applications By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Leadership Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Office Productivity Advanced Excel Course - Financial Calculations & Excel Made Easy By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Entrepreneurship Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Design Canva Magic Write: Ideas to Stunning Slides in No Time By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass By - CA Himanshu Jain, Ex McKinsey, Moody's, and PwC, Co - founder, The WallStreet School View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Analysis Learn Power BI with Microsoft Fabric: Complete Course By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Israel and Hamas have recently appeared to draw closer to a ceasefire agreement that would include the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, but several obstacles remain, and the long-running indirect talks have repeatedly stalled. Vatican envoy celebrates Mass with Gaza's Christians Dozens of worshippers gathered in the Holy Family Church in Gaza City as Pizzaballa and other clergy celebrated Mass. A Christmas tree was decorated with golden ornaments and twinkling white lights, and altar boys wearing red and white robes held candles. "For Christmas, we celebrate the light and we are wondering where the light is. This is one of the places where the light is," Pizzaballa said. The buzz of Israeli drones circling overhead, a sound that has grown ubiquitous across Gaza during the war, could be heard throughout the Mass. The rare visit to Gaza by the Latin Patriarch came a day after Pope Francis had again criticized Israel's actions in Gaza. Francis said Saturday that his envoy had been unable to enter the territory because of Israeli bombing. "Yesterday children have been bombed. This is cruelty, this is not war," Francis said during his annual Christmas greetings at the Vatican. The pope recently called for an investigation to determine if Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide, a conclusion later reached by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. The International Court of Justice is investigating genocide allegations brought against Israel by South Africa. Israel, which was founded as a refuge for Jews after the Nazi Holocaust, adamantly rejects such allegations. It says it has made great efforts to spare civilians and is only at war with Hamas, which it accuses of genocidal violence in the attack that ignited the war. War grinds on as winter sets in Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel in a surprise attack on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250. Around 100 hostages are still in Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israel's subsequent bombardment and ground invasion have killed over 45,000 people in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. The offensive has caused widespread destruction and displaced some 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million people, often multiple times. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps along the coast as the cold, wet winter sets in. Israel has been carrying out a major operation in northern Gaza since early October, battling Hamas in the most isolated and heavily damaged part of the territory. Tens of thousands have fled as the military has ordered a complete evacuation and allowed almost no humanitarian aid to enter. The Israeli military body overseeing civilian affairs in Gaza, known as COGAT, said it had facilitated the evacuation of over 100 patients, caregivers and others from the Kamal Adwan Hospital and Al-Awda Hospital in the far north, which have struggled to function. COGAT said it had also facilitated the delivery of 5,000 liters of fuel and food packages to the hospitals. Palestinian security force member killed in West Bank In the volatile northern West Bank town of Jenin, militants shot and killed a member of the Palestinian security forces and wounded two others. The Western-backed Palestinian Authority launched a rare crackdown there earlier this month. A statement from the security forces blamed the shooting on "outlaws," without elaborating. The PA is internationally recognized but deeply unpopular among Palestinians, in part because it cooperates with Israel on security matters. Under interim peace agreements reached in the 1990s, the PA exercises limited authority in population centers in the West Bank. Israel captured the territory in the 1967 Mideast War, and the Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )WARSAW, Ind. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZBH), a global medical technology leader, today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Premarket Approval Application (PMA) Supplement approval for the Oxford ® Cementless Partial Knee. The approval is based on safety and effectiveness data from an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) study and non-clinical testing for cementless partial knee replacement (PKR). 1 The Oxford Cementless Partial Knee allows surgeons to perform a PKR with improved fixation, 2 better long-term implant survival rate 2,3 and improved efficiency in the operating room 4 (OR) compared to the Oxford Cemented Partial Knee procedure. Following more than 20 years of clinical experience and over 300,000 procedures across Canada , Europe , Middle East , Africa , and Asia , 5 the Oxford Cementless Partial Knee is now the only FDA-approved cementless partial knee implant in the U.S. "Cementless knee replacement procedures are increasingly preferred by surgeons seeking to improve surgical efficiency. The Oxford Cementless Partial Knee is coming into the U.S. with a proven track record of retaining more healthy anatomy with a less invasive approach and improved outcomes 6 as compared to a total knee replacement," said Joe Urban , President, Knees at Zimmer Biomet. "We are excited to address the unmet U.S. demand for a cementless partial knee with a new offering which has 20 years of clinical experience in more than 50 countries. 5 " Compared to traditional partial knee replacements that use bone cement to secure the implant in place, a cementless approach allows patients' natural bone growth to secure the implant for better long-term fixation. 2 The Oxford Cementless Partial Knee features a mobile bearing that can move with the femoral component throughout the entire range of motion to mimic natural knee movement. This design provides better range of motion, a more natural feel and a more stable implant-to-bone fixation for improved long-term implant survival. 2,3 The system's tibial and femoral components have a titanium and hydroxyapatite coating to promote bone growth into the implant 7 . The UK national joint registry has more than 33,000 patients treated with Oxford Cementless Partial Knees recorded with a 94.1% rate of implant survival at 10 years after surgery, 3 which is higher than the average 10-year survivorship for all other partial knees (89.9%). 3 Enthusiasm and usage of partial knee replacement continues to grow around the world as published research continues to demonstrate that PKR in appropriate cases provides improved patient outcomes compared to TKR. 6 "For younger and more active patients, the Oxford Cementless Partial Knee amplifies the benefits of a traditional partial knee replacement by offering knee flexion that resembles natural knee movement, and stronger adhesion of the implant to the bone for better long-term durability," said Adolph V. Lombardi Jr. , MD, FACS, President of JIS Orthopedics in New Albany, Ohio . "In my own practice, a cementless approach has increased OR efficiency by shortening my surgery time and reducing costs associated with cement preparation." Since its initial launch in England in 2004, the Oxford Cementless Partial Knee has become the preferred partial knee implant for Zimmer Biomet's European customers. 5 As part of the U.S. nationwide launch in Q1 2025, Zimmer Biomet will provide FDA-required training, focusing on the cementless surgical technique and proper patient selection. For patients in the U.S., the Oxford Partial Knee is the only implant with a lifetime limited warranty that covers the cost of Zimmer Biomet replacement implants.* Important Safety Information: The Cementless Oxford Partial Knee System is intended for use in unilateral knee procedures with osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis limited to the medial compartment of the knee. It is intended to be implanted without the application of cement for patients whose clinical condition would benefit from a shorter surgical time compared to the cemented implant. The Oxford Partial Knee is not indicated for use in the lateral compartment or for patients with ligament deficiency, or for use in simultaneous bilateral surgery or planned staged bilateral procedures. Potential risks include, but are not limited to, loosening, dislocation, fracture, wear and infection, any of which can require additional surgery. For a full list of product indications, contraindications and warnings, as well as further information on product IDE data, please see the associated product Information for Use (IFU) and Surgical Technique available at https://labeling.zimmerbiomet.com/ For more information about the Oxford Cementless Partial Knee, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com/oxfordcementless . About Zimmer Biomet Zimmer Biomet is a global medical technology leader with a comprehensive portfolio designed to maximize mobility and improve health. We seamlessly transform the patient experience through our innovative products and suite of integrated digital and robotic technologies that leverage data, data analytics and artificial intelligence. With 90+ years of trusted leadership and proven expertise, Zimmer Biomet is positioned to deliver the highest quality solutions to patients and providers. Our legacy continues to come to life today through our progressive culture of evolution and innovation. For more information about our product portfolio, our operations in 25+ countries and sales in 100+ countries or about joining our team, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com or follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/zimmerbiomet or X / Twitter at www.twitter.com/zimmerbiomet . Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning Zimmer Biomet's expectations, plans, prospects, and product and service offerings, including new product launches and potential clinical successes. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of management and are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. For a list and description of some of such risks and uncertainties, see Zimmer Biomet's periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in Zimmer Biomet's filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Zimmer Biomet disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers of this news release are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements, since there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this news release. *Subject to terms and conditions set forth within the written warranty References: Media Heather Zoumas-Lubeski 445-248-0577 heather.zoumaslubeski@zimmerbiomet.com Kirsten Fallon 781-779-5561 kirsten.fallon@zimmerbiomet.com Investors David DeMartino 646-531-6115 david.demartino@zimmerbiomet.com Zach Weiner 908-591-6955 Zach.weiner@zimmerbiomet.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zimmer-biomet-receives-fda-approval-for-oxford-cementless-partial-knee-only-cementless-partial-knee-replacement-implant-in-the-us-302315755.html SOURCE Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.
Pay first, deliver later: Some women are being asked to prepay for their babyWith Marc de Grandpre as president and GM and Julian de Guzman as sporting director, the New York Red Bulls come with a distinctly Canadian flavour. On Saturday, both will be cheering on their team as it takes on the Los Angeles Galaxy, led by former Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney, in the MLS Cup final in Carson, Calif. De Grandpre is in his second stint with the Major League Soccer club while de Guzman, a Toronto native and former Canada captain, joined the front office in February. "We're all excited. This is a big moment for the club," said de Grandpre, a Montreal native. "We haven't been here since 2008 (when the Red Bulls lost 3-1 to Columbus in their first final appearance). "This is like a Game 7 ultimately and we're going to leave it all out there and hope for the best," he added. "We're very proud of the team, the players and where we're at. (Saturday), I guess, before kickoff anxiety will kick in but we have to enjoy the moment. These are not moments that occur every year or every other year. We're lucky, fortunate and we're grateful to be here and we'll soak it all in as an organization." While the fourth-place Galaxy (19-8-7) finished 12 places and 17 points ahead of the Red Bulls (11-9-14) in the overall league standings, one can argue the New Yorkers arrive at Dignity Health Sports Park as the team of destiny. Entering the playoffs as the seventh-ranked team in the Eastern Conference, the Red Bulls are the lowest-ever seed to reach the MLS championship game. The Red Bulls started the season with just one loss in their first 10 league outings (4-1-5) and went unbeaten in their first 12 league outings at Red Bull Arena (7-0-5) before losing 2-0 to Philadelphia on Aug. 31. But they limped into the playoffs after winning just one of their last nine regular-season outings (1-5-3). The lone win (4-1) during that run came Oct. 2 at lowly Toronto. De Grandpre points to the break for the Leagues Cup, which ran July 26 to Aug. 25, for the loss of form during that run. The Red Bulls played just two Leagues Cup games, losing to Toronto and Mexico's Pachuca both on penalty kicks, with a 25-day pause before resuming MLS play. "The team managed to persevere, stay resilient and get us into the playoffs," said de Grandpre. "And they're true to the form they were showing early in the season. "It's a group of players who truly enjoy being with each other, love each (other), care for each other and have totally embraced what (German coach) Sandro (Schwarz) has brought to the table in terms of culture and the way we approach the matches. You can feel it in the room. It's a special group of people." The Red Bulls are making the most of their record 15th-straight post-season appearance. They started the playoffs with a bang, upsetting defended champion and second-seeded Columbus 1-0 on the road and then via penalty shootout in Harrison, N.J., to win the best-of-three first-round series. They went on to dispatch No. 6 New York City FC 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinal and No. 4 Orlando City 1-0 in the conference final. The Red Bulls have made sure their fans will be on hand to cheer on the team. The club bought almost 2,000 tickets for members of its supporters groups and season-ticket holders as well as for its front office, custodial and security staff from its stadium and training facility, and food and beverage partners. "We want to make sure we reward our fans and that our most important human capital is with us — our staff, the people who make it happen ever day. We want to reward them as well," said de Grandpre. Some 700 members of the Red Bulls supporters groups also each received US$300 as well as a ticket to help defray travel costs. De Grandpre started with Bauer Hockey in Montreal and then, after graduate school in the U.S., became one of the first marketing employees for Red Bull North America in late 1999. In 2006, when the Austria-based energy drink giant bought the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, de Grandpre was tasked with rebranding the franchise to the Red Bulls. He spent two years as the team's managing director before moving on to Qualcomm (wireless technology), Imax (immersive cinema) and KIND (healthy snack foods), rejoining the Red Bulls in April 2014 as GM. "Ever since then, it's been a pleasurable experience, very rewarding. I've surrounded myself and the organization with the best talent in the business," he said. "And I believe that is why we are here today. It's been a long road, but the right way to get there, that's for sure." In 2015, de Grandpre was honoured with the league's Doug Hamilton Executive of the Year award. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 6, 2024. Follow @NeilMDavidson on the X platform. Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reiterated that “everyone is innocent until proven guilty” as he responded to comments from Jose Mourinho about winning “cleanly and fairly”. Towards the end of Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Liverpool, Guardiola was subjected to chants that he would be “sacked in the morning” from Reds fans and responded by holding up six fingers, to represent the number of Premier League titles he has won with City. Two days later, when was asked about former Chelsea boss Mourinho holding up three fingers before being axed by Manchester United in 2018, he said: “I hope not in my case. Maybe in the end we are quite similar, like Jose. But he won three, I won six.” Mourinho, now in charge at Fenerbahce, on Friday was quoted by Turkey’s Sporx as saying: “I want to win, but I want to win cleanly and fairly. He won six trophies and I won three, but I won fair and clean. If I lost, I want to congratulate my opponent for being better than me. I don’t want to win by dealing with 150 cases.” City were charged with 115 alleged breaches of top-flight financial rules in February 2023, and with failing to co-operate with the subsequent investigation. The club have denied the charges and an outcome is expected next year. Asked about Mourinho’s remarks at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace, Guardiola said: “It was a joke. But he’s another one in the huge list that they want the team being in, I don’t know, League One or the Conference. “I would say to Jose the same – we are innocent until proven guilty, and after that we will see what happens. It is what it is. It was completely a joke. “I think both with our teams, him with Chelsea, myself with Man City, we can sit at the table with Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger , right? For the many, many titles we won. “If I have offended him I’m so sorry, but it was a joke. The fact is he has three and I have six. This is a fact. But the intention was completely fine. “It is another one from the huge list in this country and more around the world that want us at the bottom. “It’s OK, it’s fine. I’ve said many times wait for the sentence and everyone, especially in democracy, is innocent until proven guilty. Right? So we’ll wait, and after we’ll see.” As well as the six league titles, City’s haul of silverware since Guardiola took charge in 2016 includes two FA Cups and four League Cups, and he has also overseen them winning the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup. Guardiola was asked if he had ever envisaged it being as good as it has been when he arrived at the club, and the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach said: “No. I remember many people say ‘he wins because it’s Barcelona with Leo Messi and the other ones’, I had to prove it in England. OK, we did it.” The result at Anfield was a sixth defeat in a seven-game winless run for City, and fourth league loss in a row – a sequence they then ended with Wednesday’s 3-0 home victory over Nottingham Forest. The champions currently lie fourth, nine points behind Arne Slot’s leaders Liverpool, and Guardiola said: “We broke that bad run. Always it’s not easy when you don’t win for a long time, and now you break it and we have to try to continue with the players, the spirit we show, and we’ll see what happens.” The last two matches have seen Stefan Ortega play in goal, with Ederson on the bench, and asked what the latter had to do to get back in the team, Guardiola said: “He needs the manager to select him. This is what he needs, it’s simple.” This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Thanksgiving Travel Latest: Airport strike, staff shortages and weather could impact holiday travel
These holiday gifts change the game when building fires, printing photos, watching birds and moreLA Times Owner Plans to Launch Tech-Driven 'Bias Meter' to Show Readers 'Both Sides'
Jaland Lowe, Pitt charge past LSU in second half to move to 6-0
One of the top runners in college football will be on display when Joshua Carter and the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (7-4) take on the North Alabama Lions (3-8) on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Find out how to watch this game on ESPN+ in the article below. Watch college football live without cable. Stream ACC, SEC, ESPN and more with Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Start your risk free trial today and start watching college football games now. Stop missing games and start streaming college football right now on Fubo. Stop missing games and start streaming college football right now on ESPN+. Get tickets for any college football game this season at Ticketmaster. Rep your favorite players with officially licensed gear. Head to Fanatics to find jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more.