mnl168 ph Donna Cipley of Levittown awarded $2M in suit alleging Nassau police falsely arrested herMy love of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is no secret. Last year, I dedicated 20,000 words to a two-part 20th-anniversary retrospective featuring several of the talented artists who worked on the seminal BioWare Edmonton RPG. From the refreshingly standalone story and strong cast of characters to the compelling D&D -inspired turn-based combat and diverse array of planets to visit, KOTOR is an absolute gem. It remains one of my top five games of all time, even to this day. And yet, I’ve always felt a twinge of sadness over that (deservedly) glowing reputation because it’s inadvertently meant that its sequel, Obsidian Entertainment’s Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords , has often been overlooked comparatively. That’s a real shame, because KOTOR II is easily my favourite Star Wars story ever told, a richly crafted and deeply engrossing yarn that deconstructs core tenets of the entire franchise. And now, as we approach KOTOR II ‘s 20th anniversary on December 6th, I’ve found myself revisiting the game and developing an even greater appreciation for it. The original KOTOR , like the original trilogy, revolved around the player character, Revan, stopping the genocidal Sith regime from harnessing a powerful space station and taking over the galaxy. While there’s certainly nuance to be found within the writing of individual characters and storylines, that overall conflict is undeniably black and white. KOTOR II , on the other hand, eschews any such binaries for a fascinating morally grey narrative. The game follows the Exile (also known as ‘Meetra Surik’), a former Jedi Knight who has been excommunicated from the Jedi Order for her role in aiding Revan in the controversial Mandalorian Wars. In the five years since the events of KOTOR , however, Revan has vanished in the outskirts of the galaxy and the Sith have nearly exterminated the Jedi, leading the Exile to embark on a desperate mission to unite the remaining Light Side warriors and strike back. Right off the bat, this premise creates a powerful sense of melancholy rarely seen in Star Wars. Over the course of 30 hours, KOTOR II presents a vivid depiction of a deeply solemn galaxy. In more direct cases, this is shown through returning planets Dantooine and Korriban, which were once teeming with Jedi and Sith but are eerily lifeless vestiges of civilization overrun by beasts and lingering spirits. But beyond that, there’s just a pervasive fatigue and depression throughout each planet you visit, from the sickly beggars on the crime-filled Nar Shaddaa to the civil war on the nationalist planet of Onderon. There’s always been an underlying darkness to Star Wars, of course, but KOTOR II is one of the first times it was put forward in such a layered and serious way. (Generally, there was something silly that dampened the impact to varying degrees, like the goofy Ewok teddy bears in Return of the Jedi or bad dialogue of the prequels.) Part of KOTOR II ‘s sophistication comes from its status as a video game, which means it’s able to leverage interactivity to strengthen your connection to the narrative. As the Exile, it’s your job to determine how to rebuild this galaxy ravaged by war. When you find each of the remaining Jedi Masters, you can choose to recruit them to your cause or harness their powers to increase your own Force-wielding prowess. (Given their hubris and complacency, you could make a case for doing either.) And expanding upon the strong writing of the first KOTOR , your interactions with your party members can lead to them becoming Jedi or Sith. Memorably, this includes Atton Rand, a seemingly Han Solo-esque scoundrel who harbours his own battle scars and complicated resentment towards the Jedi, and Visas Marr, a Sith apprentice who was the sole survivor of a planetary genocide. Having you fill your party with such characters, as well as the likes of Exchange syndicate droid G0-T0 and returning KOTOR mercenary and former Mandalorian Canderous Ordo, only further fleshes out the greyer sides of the galaxy. (If you love The Mandalorian , Canderous’ journey in this game, which explores the complexities of his warrior people’s creed, will prove especially exciting.) But nowhere is KOTOR II ‘s depth and moral ambiguity better exemplified than Kreia, one of the absolute greatest characters in the entire Star Wars pantheon. Interestingly, the enigmatic Force wielder, as masterfully portrayed by Sara Kestelman, is outwardly cold to pretty much everyone in the game except the Exile, leading her to become your maternal figure, of sorts, as you play. In this role, Kreia effectively plays devil’s advocate for every choice you make, resulting in a fascinating back-and-forth dynamic. While KOTOR II does retain the first game’s binary Light Side/Dark Side system, Kreia, quite interestingly, tends to serve as an active rebuttal of it, constantly questioning whether you made the “right” choice, regardless of your moral alignment, and pushing you to look beyond “Jedi” and “Sith.” Through Kreia, KOTOR II challenges the very nature of the Force itself and the role it plays in the cycles of war, making for some of the best storytelling in all of Star Wars. If that weren’t enough, KOTOR II presents some of the most memorable Sith in the entire franchise. While KOTOR ‘s Darth Malak was a serviceable enough riff on Darth Vader, the antagonists of the sequel are genuinely inspired. First, there’s Darth Nihilus (see above), the “face” of KOTOR II with a Revan-like tribal mask and hood. What makes Nihilus such an effective threat is that he’s genuinely terrifying in a way most Sith aren’t. This shell of a former man is so consumed by insatiable hunger for power that he feeds off the life force of all living things, only communicating to his disciples through hauntingly unintelligible rasps. Then we have Darth Sion, a comparatively more loquacious foe whose necrotic corpse-like body is literally being held together through the Force, leaving him in a constant state of unspeakable pain. And finally, an intriguing third character who completes the so-called Sith Triumvirate is revealed later in the story, solidifying KOTOR II ‘s villains as some of the most compelling in the series. In 2004, everything KOTOR II achives felt incredibly novel for Star Wars and even RPGs at large, and two decades later, that’s even more true. While I still adore Star Wars , I find myself frequently frustrated with how the franchise has basically become an ouroboros, constantly referencing itself as it desperately tries to tie everything back to nostalgic story beats, themes and characters. There is so much that can be done within the vast Star Wars template, yet we keep coming back to the Skywalker Saga and adjacent stories. Even The Acolyte , which was, ironically, partially inspired by Kreia , finds contrived connections to the Skywalker Saga despite being set a century before The Phantom Menace. That’s why I’ve always loved the first KOTOR ; BioWare was creative enough to leap literal millennia before Anakin Skywalker was even born and tell a completely standalone story. And even then that game, as amazing as it is, was really all about letting you live out your own version of Luke Skywalker’s adventure in RPG form. It hadn’t been done in games, to be sure, but there was still that sense of familiarity. That’s what makes KOTOR II even more of a revelation. Not only does it not draw any major inspiration from classic Star Wars stories, but it often actively critiques them. In a day and age when many fans can’t accept something like The Last Jedi daring to be even a little different, KOTOR II feels even more ahead of its time. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine Star Wars media like this ever getting made today. Even Andor, which is easily the best piece of live-action Star Wars media in decades, is really, first and foremost, a stellar political drama that just happens to be set in a galaxy far, far away. On top of all of that, Obsidian deserves even more praise for KOTOR II because it made the game under particularly difficult conditions. Infamously, publisher LucasArts only gave the team just over a year to follow-up one of the greatest games of all time, leading to, unfortunately, an excessive amount of crunch. What’s more, Chris Avellone, lead writer and designer on KOTOR II , wasn’t initially given access to the first game, meaning that many of his early concepts had to be reworked or scrapped entirely later on. Therefore, the fact that Avellone and the rest of the team were able to pivot and incorporate story beats from BioWare, and then actually use them so meaningfully, is beyond impressive. Admittedly, this especially tumultuous development cycle meant that KOTOR II launched with its fair share of issues. For one, it was remarkably buggy, but on a deeper level, cutscenes, quest lines and even an entire planet had to be cut to make the release date. These concessions are particularly felt in the game’s final level, which sees the Exile travel to Malachor V, the planet where the Mandalorian Wars reached their brutal conclusion. Setting the grand finale on a planet that had been so meticulously built up through its important connection to both Revan and the Exile was a conceptual masterstroke, but unfortunately, it feels unfinished in practice due to the cut content. Thankfully, dedicated fans have spent years restoring much of that material and have since released free mods that add it back to the game. But even if you don’t care about KOTOR II , its legacy is important because it was actually Obsidian’s first-ever game. “I mean, it’s what made Obsidian,” Dan Spitzley, KOTOR II senior programmer and now Obsidian lead programmer, told Eurogamer . “It’s the reason we’re still here. For me, KOTOR II just represents, how do I say it, Obsidian as a whole.” Without KOTOR II , we wouldn’t have gotten the many other acclaimed games that Obsidian has made, including Neverwinter Nights 2 , Pillars of Eternity , Pentiment and, of course, Fallout: New Vegas. (I also recently got to check out Avowed , Obsidian’s next RPG, and it looks like yet another winner from the prolific studio.) And so, 20 years later, I find even more reasons to love KOTOR II. Despite a brutal production, Obsidian had a remarkably fresh and philosophical take on Star Wars that feels even more revolutionary after all this time, both due to the nostalgia-driven direction of the franchise and the increasingly divisive and bleak modern climate. Admittedly, playing the game now can sometimes be a painful reminder of what Obsidian had been building up to for a once-planned third game, which, based on developer interviews , sounded absolutely unreal. But on the whole, it’s just been so great to revisit KOTOR II. I’ve long praised this game to everyone I know, and I’m happy for this anniversary to encourage me to finally write about it. If you’re someone who’s ever had even a passing interest in Star Wars , I can’t recommend enough that you play this game. Truly, it’s everything I love about the galaxy far, far away and RPG storytelling as a whole. Here’s to Star Wars . Here’s KOTOR II . Here’s to Obsidian. May the Force be with them, always. Image credit: DisneyHOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans made mistakes in every facet of the game Sunday against the Tennessee Titans to lose for the third time in four games. C.J. Stroud threw two interceptions, the defense gave up multiple big passing plays and Ka′imi Fairbairn missed a 28-yard field goal that would . “Just a disappointing loss for us,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We didn’t do anything well enough to win this game. Out of all the positives that we did have, there were way too many negatives, too many negative plays.” for a touchdown in the third quarter and the Texans tied a franchise record with eight sacks. Danielle Hunter led the group with a season-high three sacks and Will Anderson Jr. added two in his return after missing two games with an ankle injury. But the offense sputtered for most of the game as Joe Mixon was held to 22 yards on 14 carries. But Ryans refused to blame the offense for the loss. “Our offense did plenty,” Ryans said. “They gave us enough points. On defense, we have to be able to stop them.” Chig Okonkwo grabbed a short pass and rumbled 70 yards for a touchdown to put the Titans (3-8) up 30-27 with 9 1/2 minutes remaining. Safety Eric Murray missed a tackle that would have stopped him near midfield. It was the last of three big passing plays the Titans had Sunday. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine got in front of the defense and was wide open for a 38-yard TD catch that made it 10-7 late in the first quarter. Calvin Ridley had a 63-yard reception that set up their next touchdown in the second. “It was just way too many negative plays,” Ryans said. “Defensively, unexplainable explosives for touchdowns. We didn’t play good across the board and that starts with me.” Despite this, the Texans (7-5) had a chance to tie it with less than two minutes remaining, but Fairbairn’s short field-goal attempt sailed wide left. He fell to the ground after the miss before getting up and slamming his helmet on the field. “The most frustrating part about it is out of all the bad things that happened, we still had a chance to finish the game,” Ryans said. “Everything that could go wrong, it went wrong. We still had a chance there to tie it up and finish the game, and we didn’t.” The Texans forced a three-and-out, but couldn’t move the ball after that and Harold Landry sacked Stroud in the end zone for a safety to make it 32-27 and allow Tennessee to snap a two-game skid. Stroud threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, but his two interceptions Sunday give him five combined in the past three games. He now has more interceptions in 12 games this season (nine) than he had in 15 games as a rookie last season (five). “It’s no secret that I haven’t been playing well ... I’ve got to be harder on myself,” he said. “I’m not going to hold my head down. I know I can be a great player, but I’ve got to make better plays.” ___ AP NFL:Ireland's two main centre-right parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, are poised to maintain their grip on power following the recent election, but forming a stable government remains a challenge. They are expected to require additional coalition partners to achieve a majority, potentially leading to prolonged negotiations. The parties secured 20.5% and 21.9% of first-preference votes respectively, with Sinn Fein trailing at 19.1%. The prospect of forming a majority hinges on securing 88 seats, with Labour and the Social Democrats as potential coalition candidates. However, Ireland's proportional representation system may necessitate a wider coalition due to uncertain seat counts. Prime Minister Simon Harris's campaign suffered setbacks despite an expansive budget, affecting Fine Gael's standing. With public discontent over unfulfilled economic promises, and Sinn Fein's declining popularity, securing a stable government is crucial amid upcoming international economic challenges. (With inputs from agencies.)

Crypto enthusiasts are prepared to wait for the bull market, which they expect to return in 2025, but they are already looking for the winners among the tokens that may flourish. The next wave of optimism in the cryptocurrency markets is likely to be led by these assets that wield an appeal for strength, creativity, and growth. Some of the best picks include Rexas Finance (RXS), Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and Sui (SUI). Each of these projects has distinct attributes, but Rexas Finance is becoming a favorite for investment opportunities with large ROI. Rexas Finance (RXS): A Future Powerhouse in DeFi and RWA Tokenization Currently, in Stage 9, the token is priced at just $0.125, with over $22.3 million raised as of this writing. This impressive performance has captured the attention of investors worldwide, highlighting the growing demand for RXS tokens. Even when contacted, the development team purposefully shunned venture capital (VC) investment to keep the people at the center of this revolutionary movement. This decision emphasizes the project's aim of empowering individuals rather than prioritizing institutional interests. The RXS is an ERC-20 token designed for Real World Asset RWA asset tokenization, an unprecedented method of intertwining blockchain technology with physical assets such as real estate, art, and IP. Unlike many tokens with speculative value, Rexas Finance has already established strong fundamentals. Listed on CoinMarketCap, RXS is designed to deliver long-term value by making high-value investments accessible to retail investors. Its CertiK audit further strengthens its credibility and ensures that investors can trust the project's infrastructure. Currently, RXS remains undervalued compared to major tokens like Ripple and Solana, but its market valuation is poised to explode once it enters the public market. With nearly all presale stages almost sold out earlier than expected and a projected $0.20 listing price, early buyers are in a prime position to reap substantial rewards. Ripple (XRP): The Titan of Cross-Border Transactions With its focus on developing solutions for cross-border payments, Ripple has established itself as a provider of revolutionary services that can be presented as fast and economical without the help of intermediaries using blockchain technology. The XRP token acts as a bridge currency, enabling and reducing the cost of financial institutions worldwide. As it stands, Ripple is developing steadily in the industry because several regulatory constraints do not prevent the company from signing contracts with foreign payments and banking institutions. As demand for efficient cross-border payments increases, Ripple remains a significant player. Rexas Finance, which draws on the interest of retail investors for its broader possibilities and diversity, has little in common with XRP since it focuses heavily on institutional adoption, which makes RXS a better option. Solana: The Speed and Scalability Leader Known for its rapid transaction capabilities and cost efficiency, Solana is driven by a proof-of-history consensus mechanism. This feature allows it to process numerous transactions per second, making it optimal for DeFi, gaming, and NFTs. Solana’s high performance at reduced costs makes it attractive to developers and investors alike. According to coinmarketcap, Solana's market cap value is $122.64 billion as of this writing. Solana’s expanding ecosystem makes it an attractive choice for long-term growth, but it still lacks the disruptive edge that Rexas Finance brings with its RWA tokenization model. Cardano: The Smart Contract Innovator Another player which is in the top 10 and focuses on scalability and sustainability is Cardano (ADA). As of this writing, According to coinmarketcap, Cardano has the market capitalization exceeding $43.2 billion dollars. Cardano as a green and sustainable blockchain implements its features through its proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. This green blockchain is able to cut down energy usage on a much larger scale than the conventional blockchains. Founded on peer-reviewed research and strict scientific standards, Cardano enables the creation of decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. It prioritizes governance and environmental sustainability, continually advancing its ecosystem. Sui: The New Kid on the Blockchain Although the Sui (SUI) cryptocurrency is relatively new to the market, it has rapidly become well known due to its unique concepts of decentralized applications and smart contracts. Its market valuation, which is about $11 billion as of this writing, as per coin market cap, strengthens this fact. A distinctive parallel processing approach of the Sui blockchain facilitates high throughput and low latency, which makes the blockchain an ideal candidate for gaming, NFTs, and other use cases that require immense resources. Sui presents possibilities for a meteoric rise, but its noteworthy lack of presence in this market means that it has a long way to go before reaching the heights of competition like Rexas Finance. Why Rexas Finance (RXS) Stands Out While all these tokens have impressive qualities, Rexas Finance has the clearest edge heading into the next bull market. Its presale success, coupled with its focus on real-world asset tokenization, positions it as a leader in DeFi innovation. Unlike Ripple’s institutional focus or Solana’s technological limitations, Rexas Finance combines accessibility, scalability, and utility into a single compelling package. Furthermore, the $1 million giveaway by Rexas Finance makes everything even more fun, as 20 investors are guaranteed to each win $50,000 worth of RXS tokens. This initiative highlights the team’s devotion to community growth and rewards for early adopters. Conclusion: The Next Bull Run’s Biggest Winners An explosive January 2025 is coming for the crypto market. Ripple, Solana, Cardano, and Sui are promising gains, but Rexas Finance is the clear winner for a potentially revolutionary investment. With a presale price of just $0.125, an innovative focus on RWA tokenization, and a proven ability to attract investment, Rexas Finance is more than just another altcoin—it’s the future of decentralized finance. For those seeking a token that could redefine the crypto landscape, RXS is the clear choice. Website: https://rexas.com Win $1 Million Giveaway: https://bit.ly/Rexas1M Whitepaper: https://rexas.com/rexas-whitepaper.pdf Twitter/X: https://x.com/rexasfinance Telegram: https://t.me/rexasfinance Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.

8 Thanksgiving mistakes: Frozen or overcooked turkey, too many sides and other common holiday miscues

Anthony Scaramucci , former White House communications director, on Monday drew parallels between President-elect Donald Trump’ s nomination of Kash Patel for FBI director and Matt Gaetz ‘s unsuccessful bid for attorney general. The Details : Scaramucci told CNN's Anderson Cooper that Trump’s initial cabinet picks aim to please his MAGA base, but he likely has backup candidates if the initial nominations fail. "He‘s doing that because he looks at his base and saying these [picks] are for you," Scaramucci said. Scaramucci pointed to Trump's quick selection of Pam Bondi as a replacement candidate for attorney general after Gaetz withdrew, facing resistance from Senate Republicans and ongoing investigations into alleged misconduct. "I think it‘s the same thing with Kash Patel. I don‘t think the expectation is that he‘s going to get through," he added, referring to Patel’s chances of confirmation. Read Next: Friday’s Top 5 Trending Stocks: What’s Going On With SoundHound AI, GameStop, Lululemon? Patel is a staunch Trump ally who has been vocal in his criticism of the “deep state” and has defended Trump through various investigations. Patel also serves on the board of directors of Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. DJT the parent company of Truth Social . Trump Media CEO Devin Nunes recently congratulated Patel on Trump’s selection. “An immensely talented lawyer and investigator with an unimpeachable devotion to our Constitution, Kash is a brilliant pick to serve as Director of the FBI,” Nunes said in a press release. What's Next: Patel’s confirmation as FBI director could potentially occur in early 2025, following Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings and a vote which would then be reported to the full Senate. The full U.S. Senate would consider the committee's nomination and hold a confirmation vote. Read Next: UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Fatally Shot Outside NYC Hotel Image: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Crypto enthusiasts are prepared to wait for the bull market, which they expect to return in 2025, but they are already looking for the winners among the tokens that may flourish. The next wave of optimism in the cryptocurrency markets is likely to be led by these assets that wield an appeal for strength, creativity, and growth. Some of the best picks include Rexas Finance (RXS), Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and Sui (SUI). Each of these projects has distinct attributes, but Rexas Finance is becoming a favorite for investment opportunities with large ROI. Rexas Finance (RXS): A Future Powerhouse in DeFi and RWA Tokenization Currently, in Stage 9, the token is priced at just $0.125, with over $22.3 million raised as of this writing. This impressive performance has captured the attention of investors worldwide, highlighting the growing demand for RXS tokens. Even when contacted, the development team purposefully shunned venture capital (VC) investment to keep the people at the center of this revolutionary movement. This decision emphasizes the project's aim of empowering individuals rather than prioritizing institutional interests. The RXS is an ERC-20 token designed for Real World Asset RWA asset tokenization, an unprecedented method of intertwining blockchain technology with physical assets such as real estate, art, and IP. Unlike many tokens with speculative value, Rexas Finance has already established strong fundamentals. Listed on CoinMarketCap, RXS is designed to deliver long-term value by making high-value investments accessible to retail investors. Its CertiK audit further strengthens its credibility and ensures that investors can trust the project's infrastructure. Currently, RXS remains undervalued compared to major tokens like Ripple and Solana, but its market valuation is poised to explode once it enters the public market. With nearly all presale stages almost sold out earlier than expected and a projected $0.20 listing price, early buyers are in a prime position to reap substantial rewards. Ripple (XRP): The Titan of Cross-Border Transactions With its focus on developing solutions for cross-border payments, Ripple has established itself as a provider of revolutionary services that can be presented as fast and economical without the help of intermediaries using blockchain technology. The XRP token acts as a bridge currency, enabling and reducing the cost of financial institutions worldwide. As it stands, Ripple is developing steadily in the industry because several regulatory constraints do not prevent the company from signing contracts with foreign payments and banking institutions. As demand for efficient cross-border payments increases, Ripple remains a significant player. Rexas Finance, which draws on the interest of retail investors for its broader possibilities and diversity, has little in common with XRP since it focuses heavily on institutional adoption, which makes RXS a better option. Solana: The Speed and Scalability Leader Known for its rapid transaction capabilities and cost efficiency, Solana is driven by a proof-of-history consensus mechanism. This feature allows it to process numerous transactions per second, making it optimal for DeFi, gaming, and NFTs. Solana’s high performance at reduced costs makes it attractive to developers and investors alike. According to coinmarketcap, Solana's market cap value is $122.64 billion as of this writing. Solana’s expanding ecosystem makes it an attractive choice for long-term growth, but it still lacks the disruptive edge that Rexas Finance brings with its RWA tokenization model. Cardano: The Smart Contract Innovator Another player which is in the top 10 and focuses on scalability and sustainability is Cardano (ADA). As of this writing, According to coinmarketcap, Cardano has the market capitalization exceeding $43.2 billion dollars. Cardano as a green and sustainable blockchain implements its features through its proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. This green blockchain is able to cut down energy usage on a much larger scale than the conventional blockchains. Founded on peer-reviewed research and strict scientific standards, Cardano enables the creation of decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. It prioritizes governance and environmental sustainability, continually advancing its ecosystem. Sui: The New Kid on the Blockchain Although the Sui (SUI) cryptocurrency is relatively new to the market, it has rapidly become well known due to its unique concepts of decentralized applications and smart contracts. Its market valuation, which is about $11 billion as of this writing, as per coin market cap, strengthens this fact. A distinctive parallel processing approach of the Sui blockchain facilitates high throughput and low latency, which makes the blockchain an ideal candidate for gaming, NFTs, and other use cases that require immense resources. Sui presents possibilities for a meteoric rise, but its noteworthy lack of presence in this market means that it has a long way to go before reaching the heights of competition like Rexas Finance. Why Rexas Finance (RXS) Stands Out While all these tokens have impressive qualities, Rexas Finance has the clearest edge heading into the next bull market. Its presale success, coupled with its focus on real-world asset tokenization, positions it as a leader in DeFi innovation. Unlike Ripple’s institutional focus or Solana’s technological limitations, Rexas Finance combines accessibility, scalability, and utility into a single compelling package. Furthermore, the $1 million giveaway by Rexas Finance makes everything even more fun, as 20 investors are guaranteed to each win $50,000 worth of RXS tokens. This initiative highlights the team’s devotion to community growth and rewards for early adopters. Conclusion: The Next Bull Run’s Biggest Winners An explosive January 2025 is coming for the crypto market. Ripple, Solana, Cardano, and Sui are promising gains, but Rexas Finance is the clear winner for a potentially revolutionary investment. With a presale price of just $0.125, an innovative focus on RWA tokenization, and a proven ability to attract investment, Rexas Finance is more than just another altcoin—it’s the future of decentralized finance. For those seeking a token that could redefine the crypto landscape, RXS is the clear choice. Website: https://rexas.com Win $1 Million Giveaway: https://bit.ly/Rexas1M Whitepaper: https://rexas.com/rexas-whitepaper.pdf Twitter/X: https://x.com/rexasfinance Telegram: https://t.me/rexasfinance Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — Marcus Adams Jr.'s 25 points helped CSU Northridge defeat Utah Tech 89-79 on Sunday night at the Stew Morrill Classic. Adams added five rebounds for the Matadors (4-1). Keonte Jones added 23 points while shooting 8 of 15 from the field and 5 for 10 from the line while they also had nine rebounds and three blocks. Scotty Washington had 19 points and went 7 of 14 from the field (3 for 6 from 3-point range). The Trailblazers (1-5) were led by Hakim Byrd, who posted 23 points. Utah Tech also got 15 points from Noa Gonsalves. Samuel Ariyibi finished with 14 points and three blocks. The Matadors play Denver and Utah Tech takes on Montana when the event wraps up on Monday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Israeli air strike kills 5 in GazaCelebrities can spark change when they speak up about their health

One day, when actor and comedian Rosie O'Donnell was in her 50s, her body ached and her arms felt sore, but she pushed through the pain, not realizing she was having a massive heart attack. She had surgery to put in a stent that saved her life. Shortly after her 2012 heart attack, O'Donnell shared her experience on her blog. During her 2015 television standup special, she spoke about how the experience changed her life. The segment included a heart attack acronym the comedian coined: HEPPP (hot, exhausted, pain, pale, puke). O'Donnell's candidness about her heart attack helped spread awareness about how it can present differently in women. She's one of countless celebrities over the years who have opened up about their health conditions, including breast cancer, HIV, depression, heart disease and stroke. When celebrities reveal and discuss their health issues, the impact can be far-reaching. It not only helps to educate the public, but it also can reduce stigma and inspire others. "Health disclosures by celebrities do matter, and we know this from decades of research across a lot of different health conditions and public figures," said Dr. Jessica Gall Myrick, a professor of health communication at Pennsylvania State University in University Park. "They absolutely do influence people." Some of the earliest celebrity health disclosures happened in the 1970s and 1980s with U.S. presidents and first ladies. When first lady Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks after Gerald Ford became president in 1974, she spoke openly about her diagnosis, inviting photographers into the White House and helping make talk of cancer less taboo. In 1987, first lady Nancy Reagan used her breast cancer diagnosis as a chance to advocate for women to get mammograms. Her disclosure came two years after President Ronald Reagan's colon cancer diagnosis, about which the couple was equally as vocal. "Individuals throughout the country have been calling cancer physicians and information services in record numbers," the Los Angeles Times reported after Nancy Reagan's widely publicized surgery. The public showed a similar interest years earlier following Betty Ford's mastectomy. Another major milestone in celebrity health disclosures came in 1991, when 32-year-old NBA superstar Earvin "Magic" Johnson revealed he had tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. "Life is going to go on for me, and I'm going to be a happy man," Johnson assured fans during a news conference. He immediately retired, only to return to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996. His disclosure, along with his work as an advocate for safe sex, helped shatter stigmas around HIV and AIDS. Calls to testing centers increased significantly in the days and weeks after Johnson's announcement. "That celebrity disclosure really helped people see there was a wider susceptibly to HIV," Gall Myrick said. "People were more likely to say, 'I need to think about my own risks.' It was very powerful." When it comes to heart and stroke health, helped make heart attacks less frightening and mysterious. During a news conference in 1955, millions of Americans learned from the president's doctors about his heart condition, his treatment, and concrete steps they could take to reduce their own heart attack risk. Other notable figures have shared their health experiences over the years. Soap opera legend , who was diagnosed with heart disease in 2018, has advocated for women's heart health. Basketball great Kareem Abdul Jabbar talks about his irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation, and advocates for regular health screenings. Lawyer, author and television personality continues to speak about heart disease risk after having lifesaving heart surgery in 2010. Longtime TV and radio personality Dick Clark brought stroke and aphasia into the national spotlight when he returned to hosting "New Year's Rockin' Eve" in Times Square just a year after his 2004 stroke and continued until his death in 2012. And actor and comedian Jamie Foxx recently revealed he had a stroke last year. "Celebrity disclosures represent teachable moments," said Dr. Seth M. Noar, director of the Communicating for Health Impact Lab at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. "Searches for different health conditions often spike in the wake of these types of announcements. They cause people to think about these health issues, learn more about them, and in some cases change their behaviors." Celebrities have also highlighted the importance of CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator, or AED, to restore a person's heartbeat if they experience cardiac arrest. Interest in CPR and AEDs spiked in 2023 after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during an NFL game broadcast on national TV. Views of the American Heart Association's hands-only CPR pages jumped more than 600% in the days following Hamlin's cardiac arrest. Three months later, around 3 million people had watched the AHA's CPR video. Family members of celebrities who have died from a heart issue have also spread awareness. After actor John Ritter died of an undiagnosed aortic dissection in 2003, his wife, actor Amy Yasbeck, started the Ritter Foundation to raise awareness about the condition and help others avoid a misdiagnosis. A published in Systematic Reviews in 2017 found that people are conditioned to react positively to celebrity advice. Research also has found that people often follow advice from celebrities who match how they perceive – or how they want to perceive – themselves. The most effective celebrity disclosures are frequently the ones that tell a compelling story and include clear steps people can take to apply lessons the celebrity learned to their own health situation, Gall Myrick said. "People are more likely to take action when they feel confident and capable." Research has shown that celebrity disclosures often impact calls to hotlines and page views on health-related websites, and they can spark behavioral and even policy changes. Anecdotally, Gall Myrick said, people ask their doctor more questions about health conditions and request medical screenings. Celebrities can have a big impact because people tend to have parasocial relationships with them, Gall Myrick said. These are one-sided relationships in which a person feels an emotional connection with another person, often a celebrity. People may feel as if they know the basketball player they've watched on the court for years, or the Hollywood actor they've followed, she said. They want to comfort them after a health disclosure. Social media has only increased this feeling of familiarity, as celebrities regularly share mundane – but fascinating – details of their daily lives, like what they eat for breakfast, their favorite socks, or the meditation they do before bed. "We spend a lifetime being exposed to celebrities through the media, and over time, you get to know these public figures," Gall Myrick said. "Some feel like friendships." A published in the journal Science Communication in 2020 compared reactions to actor Tom Hanks, who had COVID-19 early in the pandemic, and an average person with COVID-19. Researchers found that participants identified more with Hanks when it came to estimating their own susceptibility to COVID-19. The participants also felt more emotional about the virus that causes COVID-19 when thinking about it in relation to Hanks versus an average person. When a celebrity reveals a health condition, it's a surprise that may feel personal, especially if they are well-liked and the health issue is dramatic and sudden. "We feel like we know them, and the emotional response is what can then push people out of their routine," Gall Myrick said. Noar said a celebrity health story is often a more interesting and powerful way to learn about a health condition than just the facts, which can feel overwhelming. People are drawn to the slew of media coverage that typically follows a celebrity disclosure, he said. "Some of these high-visibility public figures' stories are now woven into some of these illnesses," Noar said. For example, Angelina Jolie is often linked to the BRCA1 gene mutation after the actor shared she had a preventive double mastectomy because of her elevated breast cancer risk and had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed because of her increased risk for ovarian cancer. "It's a narrative, a story that humanizes the condition in a way that very informational communication really doesn't," Noar said. "People remember it, and it can potentially be a touch point." After a disclosure, patients may bring up a celebrity's story during a doctor's appointment and connect it to their own care. Today's multiplatform digital culture only amplifies celebrity messages. "You're seeing everyday people react to these events, and that can have a ripple effect too," Gall Myrick said. "We know from research that seeing messages more than once can be impactful. Often it's not just one billboard or one commercial that impacts behavior; it's the drip drip drip over time." Still, there's a cautionary tale to be told around the impact of celebrity health news, especially if the celebrity has died. An unclear cause of death may lead to speculation. Gall Myrick said that guesswork could potentially end up hurting rather than helping if patients were to act on misinformation or a lack of information. "Maybe the death was atypical or it needs more context," she said. "That's where advocacy groups and public health organizations come in. They need to be prepared for announcements or disclosures about celebrity deaths, and to fill in some of those gaps." covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!

Lawsuit for Investors who Lost over $100,000 in shares of DMC Global Inc. (NASDAQ: BOOM) between May and Nov. 2024 announced by Shareholders FoundationFORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — MiLaysia Fulwiley’s 14 points led seven players in double figures as fourth-ranked South Carolina overwhelmed Purdue 99-51 in the Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off on Saturday. Ashlyn Watkins and Tessa Johnson added 13 points, Chloe Kitts and Bree Hall had 12, Joyce Edwards 11 and Maddy McDaniel 10 for the Gamecocks (7-1). Purdue’s Destini Lombard led all scorers with 24 points. At one point, Purdue (4-3) and South Carolina (7-1) were tied 10-10. But coming out of a timeout, the Gamecocks went on a 13-2 run. South Carolina kept extending the lead. The Gamecocks led 53-18 at halftime and 78-31 after three quarters. No. 10 MARYLAND 66, GEORGE MASON 56 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Kaylene Smikle scored 16 points and made a couple key baskets down the stretch to help No. 10 Maryland hold off George Mason in a matchup of unbeatens at the Navy Classic. The Terrapins (7-0) led by just two when Smikle stole the ball and made a layup while being fouled. The free throw pushed the lead to 58-53. Then a putback by Smikle put Maryland up by seven. The Terps won despite shooting 13 of 26 on free throws. George Mason (6-1) trailed by 10 at halftime before outscoring Maryland 18-7 in the third quarter. The Patriots’ final lead was 49-48 in the fourth after a jumper by Kennedy Harris. Harris led George Mason with 26 points. Maryland is off to its best start since winning its first 12 games in 2018-19. No. 15 IOWA ST. 75, MIDDLE TENNESSEE 59 FORT MEYERS, Fla. (AP) — Audi Crooks scored 21 points and No. 15 Iowa State rebounded from a 40-point loss to South Carolina with a win over Middle Tennessee in the Fort Meyers Women’s Tip-Off. The Cyclones closed the first half on a 10-2 run to lead 41-33. Mackenzie Hare had a steal she turned into a three-point play and Addy Brown had a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. Brown finished with 12 points and eight rebounds for the Cyclones (6-2), who shot 55% from the field with eight 3-pointers. Ta’Mia Scott scored 24 points, 17 in the second half, for the Blue Racers (6-2). Anastasiia Boldyreva and Jalynn Gregory both added 14. The Blue Racers shot 28% in the first half and finished at 31.5%. No. 18 MISSISSIPPI 89, ALABAMA ST. 24 OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Sira Thienou scored 16 points with six rebounds, five assists and four steals and No. 18 Mississippi coasted to an win over Alabama State. Starr Jacobs and Christeen Iwuala both added 12 points and Kennedy Todd-Williams had 11 for the Rebels (5-2), who had a breather after losing to No. 2 UConn by 13 in the Bahamas. Kaitlyn Bryant had seven points to lead the Hornets (2-5), who shot 19% with 33 turnovers and were outrebounded 43-25. Alabama State was 1 of 8 with 11 turnovers in the first quarter, falling behind 24-4. The Hornets were 2 of 11 with seven giveaways in the second quarter when they were outscored 33-6 to trail 57-10 at the half. No. 24 LOUISVILLE 79, COLORADO 71 BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Nyla Harris had 14 points and Jayda Curry scored 10 of her 14 points in the fourth quarter to help No. 24 Louisville get past Colorado. The Cardinals led 56-55 after three quarters before pulling away in the fourth by scoring 16 unanswered points, capped by a fast-break layup by Curry, before Colorado made its first field goal of the frame with 2:48 left. Colorado scored the next six points to get within single digits at 72-63, but freshman Tajianna Roberts banked in a jumper in the lane at the other end. Izela Arenas sealed it on two free throws with 24.9 seconds left for a nine-point lead. Roberts finished with 13 and Arenas had 11 for Louisville (5-2).

8 Thanksgiving mistakes: Frozen or overcooked turkey, too many sides and other common holiday miscues

India's perfume market is witnessing an upswing, fuelled by rapid growth in sales on ecommerce platforms, attracting foreign brands to launch their premium and luxury fragrances here and local players to expand their offerings. Online sales have surged 25-30% in the past one year, said Manish Gupta, chief executive of Titan's Fragrances and Fashion Accessories Division, triggering a sudden spike in a market that he estimates is now worth ₹4,500 crore. "The hockey-stick curve is starting now in the perfume category," Gupta said, highlighting the rapid market evolution from basic deodorants to sophisticated fragrances. To meet this demand, the Tata Group company launched an extensive range of perfumes priced across a price range starting from ₹699 going up to a premium Oud collection priced from ₹4,995. Retailers like Nykaa and Reliance 's Tira too have reported strong growth in premium fragrance sales, boosted by accessibility, consumers' increasing global exposure and personalised shopping experiences. Young consumers, say industry insiders, are increasingly gravitating toward luxury brands like Jo Malone and YSL and niche brands such as Maison Margiela. 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While French perfume house Diptyque made its India debut earlier this month, luxury fragrances distributor Baccarose Perfumes & Beauty brought global brands, including Billie Eilish, The Merchant of Venice, M.Micallef and Tory Burch to the local market. The premium and luxury segments registered 14-15% growth by value in 2023, according to Gupta, though he clarified that this could be due to an increase in prices that have shot up by 15-20% in this category. The growth in the premium and prestige category is particularly evident in distributor Baccarose Perfumes' financial performance in fiscal 2024. The Mumbai-based company's net profit surged 82% to ₹11.61 crore up from ₹6.38 crore in FY23, while total income rose 77% to ₹639.77 crore, according to its filings sourced from business intelligence platform Tofler. Transformative moment The luxury fragrance market is no longer confined to metropolitan areas. Cities like Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur and Indore are emerging as significant markets for premium fragrances, with consumers increasingly viewing luxury scents (priced ₹7,000 and above) as expressions of personal identity, said Baccarose Perfumes director Kadambari Lakhani. "India is experiencing a transformative moment in luxury - where rising affluence, global exposure, and a heightened sense of individuality are shaping the demand for international brands," said Lakhani. In the next two years, Lakhani said, his company will focus on introducing new niche and luxury brands as well as high-demand luxury brands. It is also planning to increase its market presence through partnerships with new retailers such as Tira, Nykaa Luxe and SS Beauty. At present, the company has more than 1,200 direct points of sales and supplies to 11 ecommerce platforms. Major retailers are aggressively expanding their presence in the premium fragrance space. Nykaa reported 74% growth in prestige fragrances between the first quarters of FY22 and FY25. It is aiming to increase its market share in prestige fragrances to 19% by the end of this fiscal year from 10% two years ago. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 15, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

AP News Summary at 1:32 p.m. ESTOne day, when actor and comedian Rosie O'Donnell was in her 50s, her body ached and her arms felt sore, but she pushed through the pain, not realizing she was having a massive heart attack. She had surgery to put in a stent that saved her life. Shortly after her 2012 heart attack, O'Donnell shared her experience on her blog. During her 2015 television standup special, she spoke about how the experience changed her life. The segment included a heart attack acronym the comedian coined: HEPPP (hot, exhausted, pain, pale, puke). O'Donnell's candidness about her heart attack helped spread awareness about how it can present differently in women. She's one of countless celebrities over the years who have opened up about their health conditions, including breast cancer, HIV, depression, heart disease and stroke. When celebrities reveal and discuss their health issues, the impact can be far-reaching. It not only helps to educate the public, but it also can reduce stigma and inspire others. "Health disclosures by celebrities do matter, and we know this from decades of research across a lot of different health conditions and public figures," said Dr. Jessica Gall Myrick, a professor of health communication at Pennsylvania State University in University Park. "They absolutely do influence people." Some of the earliest celebrity health disclosures happened in the 1970s and 1980s with U.S. presidents and first ladies. When first lady Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks after Gerald Ford became president in 1974, she spoke openly about her diagnosis, inviting photographers into the White House and helping make talk of cancer less taboo. In 1987, first lady Nancy Reagan used her breast cancer diagnosis as a chance to advocate for women to get mammograms. Her disclosure came two years after President Ronald Reagan's colon cancer diagnosis, about which the couple was equally as vocal. "Individuals throughout the country have been calling cancer physicians and information services in record numbers," the Los Angeles Times reported after Nancy Reagan's widely publicized surgery. The public showed a similar interest years earlier following Betty Ford's mastectomy. Another major milestone in celebrity health disclosures came in 1991, when 32-year-old NBA superstar Earvin "Magic" Johnson revealed he had tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. "Life is going to go on for me, and I'm going to be a happy man," Johnson assured fans during a news conference. He immediately retired, only to return to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996. His disclosure, along with his work as an advocate for safe sex, helped shatter stigmas around HIV and AIDS. Calls to testing centers increased significantly in the days and weeks after Johnson's announcement. "That celebrity disclosure really helped people see there was a wider susceptibly to HIV," Gall Myrick said. "People were more likely to say, 'I need to think about my own risks.' It was very powerful." When it comes to heart and stroke health, President Dwight Eisenhower helped make heart attacks less frightening and mysterious. During a news conference in 1955, millions of Americans learned from the president's doctors about his heart condition, his treatment, and concrete steps they could take to reduce their own heart attack risk. Other notable figures have shared their health experiences over the years. Soap opera legend Susan Lucci , who was diagnosed with heart disease in 2018, has advocated for women's heart health. Basketball great Kareem Abdul Jabbar talks about his irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation, and advocates for regular health screenings. Lawyer, author and television personality Star Jones continues to speak about heart disease risk after having lifesaving heart surgery in 2010. Longtime TV and radio personality Dick Clark brought stroke and aphasia into the national spotlight when he returned to hosting "New Year's Rockin' Eve" in Times Square just a year after his 2004 stroke and continued until his death in 2012. And actor and comedian Jamie Foxx recently revealed he had a stroke last year. "Celebrity disclosures represent teachable moments," said Dr. Seth M. Noar, director of the Communicating for Health Impact Lab at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. "Searches for different health conditions often spike in the wake of these types of announcements. They cause people to think about these health issues, learn more about them, and in some cases change their behaviors." Celebrities have also highlighted the importance of CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator, or AED, to restore a person's heartbeat if they experience cardiac arrest. Interest in CPR and AEDs spiked in 2023 after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during an NFL game broadcast on national TV. Views of the American Heart Association's hands-only CPR pages jumped more than 600% in the days following Hamlin's cardiac arrest. Three months later, around 3 million people had watched the AHA's CPR video. Family members of celebrities who have died from a heart issue have also spread awareness. After actor John Ritter died of an undiagnosed aortic dissection in 2003, his wife, actor Amy Yasbeck, started the Ritter Foundation to raise awareness about the condition and help others avoid a misdiagnosis. A literature review published in Systematic Reviews in 2017 found that people are conditioned to react positively to celebrity advice. Research also has found that people often follow advice from celebrities who match how they perceive – or how they want to perceive – themselves. The most effective celebrity disclosures are frequently the ones that tell a compelling story and include clear steps people can take to apply lessons the celebrity learned to their own health situation, Gall Myrick said. "People are more likely to take action when they feel confident and capable." Research has shown that celebrity disclosures often impact calls to hotlines and page views on health-related websites, and they can spark behavioral and even policy changes. Anecdotally, Gall Myrick said, people ask their doctor more questions about health conditions and request medical screenings. Celebrities can have a big impact because people tend to have parasocial relationships with them, Gall Myrick said. These are one-sided relationships in which a person feels an emotional connection with another person, often a celebrity. People may feel as if they know the basketball player they've watched on the court for years, or the Hollywood actor they've followed, she said. They want to comfort them after a health disclosure. Social media has only increased this feeling of familiarity, as celebrities regularly share mundane – but fascinating – details of their daily lives, like what they eat for breakfast, their favorite socks, or the meditation they do before bed. "We spend a lifetime being exposed to celebrities through the media, and over time, you get to know these public figures," Gall Myrick said. "Some feel like friendships." A study published in the journal Science Communication in 2020 compared reactions to actor Tom Hanks, who had COVID-19 early in the pandemic, and an average person with COVID-19. Researchers found that participants identified more with Hanks when it came to estimating their own susceptibility to COVID-19. The participants also felt more emotional about the virus that causes COVID-19 when thinking about it in relation to Hanks versus an average person. When a celebrity reveals a health condition, it's a surprise that may feel personal, especially if they are well-liked and the health issue is dramatic and sudden. "We feel like we know them, and the emotional response is what can then push people out of their routine," Gall Myrick said. Noar said a celebrity health story is often a more interesting and powerful way to learn about a health condition than just the facts, which can feel overwhelming. People are drawn to the slew of media coverage that typically follows a celebrity disclosure, he said. "Some of these high-visibility public figures' stories are now woven into some of these illnesses," Noar said. For example, Angelina Jolie is often linked to the BRCA1 gene mutation after the actor shared she had a preventive double mastectomy because of her elevated breast cancer risk and had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed because of her increased risk for ovarian cancer. "It's a narrative, a story that humanizes the condition in a way that very informational communication really doesn't," Noar said. "People remember it, and it can potentially be a touch point." After a disclosure, patients may bring up a celebrity's story during a doctor's appointment and connect it to their own care. Today's multiplatform digital culture only amplifies celebrity messages. "You're seeing everyday people react to these events, and that can have a ripple effect too," Gall Myrick said. "We know from research that seeing messages more than once can be impactful. Often it's not just one billboard or one commercial that impacts behavior; it's the drip drip drip over time." Still, there's a cautionary tale to be told around the impact of celebrity health news, especially if the celebrity has died. An unclear cause of death may lead to speculation. Gall Myrick said that guesswork could potentially end up hurting rather than helping if patients were to act on misinformation or a lack of information. "Maybe the death was atypical or it needs more context," she said. "That's where advocacy groups and public health organizations come in. They need to be prepared for announcements or disclosures about celebrity deaths, and to fill in some of those gaps." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. 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Terra Luna Co-Founder Do Kwon To Be Extradited To The US: ReportThe avoided arbitration with two pitchers Friday, agreeing to contracts for next season with right-handers and both of whom will be returning to the mound after missing all of this past season because of injuries. According to people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly, May settled with the Dodgers at $2.135 million and Gonsolin at $5.4 million. The Dodgers on Friday also non-tendered relief pitchers Brent Honeywell Jr. and Zach Logue, making them free agents and clearing two spots on the club's 40-man roster. The moves came ahead of Friday's deadline for teams to tender contracts to pre-arbitration and arbitration-eligible players. May, 27, has a 3.10 earned-run average in 46 appearances but has yet to fulfill his promise as a top prospect because of struggles with injuries. Since the start of 2021, May has made just 20 starts. In May 2021 he underwent Tommy John surgery. After returning near the end of 2022, his 2023 season was cut short by another elbow surgery, this time to repair his flexor tendon. Then, after hoping to return this past season, May required esophageal surgery in July, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. Despite that, the Dodgers still envision May as a potential impact player in his final season under team control before free agency, hopeful that he still will possess much of his old, wicked stuff. Gonsolin, 30, is in a similar situation. After his breakout All-Star campaign in 2022 was derailed by a late-season arm injury, Gonsolin struggled in 2023 before undergoing Tommy John surgery that August. He came close to returning at the end of this past season, including completing a minor-league rehab assignment. But the Dodgers didn't put him on their postseason roster, deciding against rushing him back. Both Gonsolin, who won’t be a free agent until after the 2026 season, and May are expected to be ready for opening day. The Dodgers have six other players still eligible for arbitration: Evan Phillips (who is estimated to receive $6.2 million, ), Michael Kopech ($5.2 million), Brusdar Graterol ($2.7 million), Gavin Lux ($2.7 million), Alex Vesia ($1.9 million) and Anthony Banda ($1.1 million). Another arbitration-eligible player, reliever Connor Brogdon, was outrighted to triple-A Oklahoma City last week. Honeywell was non-tendered Friday after serving in a notable — and, to both the team and its fans, much-appreciated — innings-eating role in the postseason; including a 42⁄3 innings outing in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series that saved the rest of the bullpen ahead of the Dodgers' pennant-clinching win in Game 6. He also had a 2.63 ERA in 20 outings in the regular season. Logue was a late-season pick-up who made just two outings with the Dodgers. The team's 40-man roster now has four open spots as they proceed into the rest of the offseason. This story originally appeared in .Most of us are not professional chefs or caterers or decorators, so the thought of cooking for and entertaining a Thanksgiving crowd can be daunting. That's why we turned to the experts — professional chefs and caterers and interior designers — to discuss some typical Thanksgiving mistakes and how to avoid them. 1. Not prepping "The overriding first mistake people make is they think they have more time than they do," said Bistro to Go Cafe and Catering executive chef Kate Kobylinski. She regularly hosts her extended family of 30 and knows "every single problem." "Food takes longer to cook, the table takes longer to set and houses take longer to clean than you think." Clean your house on Monday. On Wednesday, dice vegetables so they're "food-show ready," as Kobylinski put it. Prepare (but don't cook) your green bean casserole (leaving off garnishes like fried onions) so it can just be popped in the oven and set the dining room table. People are also reading... 2. Not enlisting help Don't feel that you have to do everything yourself. But be as specific as possible when doling out the assignments. "Don't let them make their own decisions!" Kobylinski said emphatically. Thanksgiving is "micromanager's heaven." For example, have someone bring ice on Thanksgiving Day because going out to buy it takes time and ice hogs freezer space. If you don't like making desserts, have someone bring one. If a guest wants to prepare a side dish, great, but decide beforehand what they will bring. Ahead of dinner, interior designer Kacie Cope likes to set out all of her serving platters with Post-it notes attached denoting what will go on them. "You'll be amazed if you have them labeled," she said. "People can help in a jiff." During the evening, Kobylinski gives people assigned jobs, such as serving drinks or taking charge of an after-dinner game. And the chef is forgiving about using premade ingredients, like gravy or cranberry jelly. "There's no right or wrong way to make any of your foods," she said. But you might want to give a homemade touch to prepared ingredients, like adding sauteed onions or celery to prepared gravy. 3. Not defrosting your turkey "Everyone goes into Thanksgiving Day with a half-frozen turkey," said Kobylinski. "And you can't get the bag of giblets out because they're frozen in place." It takes one day for every 4 pounds of turkey meat to defrost in the refrigerator. (No, it is not safe to leave your frozen turkey out on the counter to thaw and breed bacteria.) So if you've got a 20-pound bird, you've got to start thawing on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. However, there are other methods. Kobylinski suggests submerging the bird and running a thin stream of cold water over it. "It doesn't have to be a lot of water." The U.S. Department of Agriculture says there are only three ways to safely thaw food: In the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave. To safely thaw turkey in cold water, the USDA says it takes about 30 minutes per pound. Put the turkey in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination and submerge it. Change the water every 30 minutes, and cook immediately when it's thawed. If opting for your microwave, follow its instructions for thawing and cook immediately. Then, if you're running late and need to speed things up to satisfy the hungry hordes, you can cut the bird in half before cooking (skin side up). This significantly reduces cooking time, requiring about 10 minutes per pound. Kobylinski also recommends resting the turkey on vegetables in the oven to keep the bottom from getting burned. 4. Serving a dry, overcooked turkey Private chef and culinary educator Emily Larsen warns that those plastic thermometers in supermarket turkeys are setting you up for failure. The USDA says that you should cook a turkey until the internal temperature is 165 degrees. Plastic thermometers don't pop out until the breast meat is at about 180 degrees, "when your turkey is completely dry," Larsen said. Plus, people forget that meat continues to cook once it's out of the oven. She recommends taking a bird out of the oven when it is at 155 degrees — she likes to use an inexpensive instant-read folding probe thermometer — and continue to monitor it. (Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone.) "Ten dollars [for the thermometer] can save your Thanksgiving," she said. Some feel that buying a frozen rather than fresh bird is another no-no, since freezing leaches water out of the turkey. However, if, despite your best efforts, your turkey is lacking moisture, Kobylinski has a fix: Put warm chicken or turkey stock and clarified butter into a mister and spritz sliced turkey with it before serving. "The same with stuffing if it's too dry," she said. Grocery chains vie for a place on Thanksgiving tables with turkey dinner deals 5. Overcomplicating the menu Thanksgiving Day is not the time to try out a completely new recipe. And you don't have to lay out 10 side dishes. In addition to opting for a simple menu, Kobylinski also recommends figuring out how long your items will take to cook and what method of cooking it requires ahead of time. Your turkey will be monopolizing your oven for four hours, so other oven foods should be limited or be easily reheated during the time that the turkey is resting. (As for resting a turkey, the chef puts her turkey on a hot plate with towels over it so "the meat rebinds itself and stabilizes for a smoother cut.") "Stovetop items should be staggered," she said, so you don't have a frying pan and three pots all going at once. As a sample menu, she suggests you might have one baked potato dish and one mashed. And for vegetables, one baked dish and one that is blanched or grilled. 6. Overcomplicating the decorating Interior designers advise against going too crazy with holiday-specific décor. "There's a lot that's being sold to us that we feel like we need," said Pittsburgh interior designer Amanda Bock. Do you really need a turkey-shaped vase or pilgrim figurines? "They're out for two weeks, and then you have to figure out where to store them," agreed Cope. "It takes an already busy season and makes it stressful in an unnecessary way." Cope says you can take things that are already part of your menu and use them as décor — a bowl of nuts or cranberries, or even removing the label from a cranberry sauce tin and repurposing it as a vase for flowers and fall leaves. Bock adds that dining room table décor should be kept to a minimum, since you'll need space for your food. You don't have to have "big chargers and five plates and three different glasses, plus all of your Thanksgiving food on the table," Bock said. If you do have flowers or a centerpiece in the middle of the table, keep it low, Cope advised. "That way, you can actually see the person who's across the table from you." Tableware and tablecloths might be in fall colors, so they can be repurposed throughout the season. Water glasses or wine goblets could be amber-toned, Bock suggests. 7. Inhibiting the party flow Well in advance of your guests' arrival, think critically about the setup of your home. Don't be afraid to rearrange your furniture so your guests move to different areas and don't all congregate in your kitchen. "You want to make sure that there are areas where people can sit and chat, watch the parade or just hang out together," Bock said. Set up a drinks station and an hors d'oeuvres station in different parts of the house, Bock suggests. Though, she admits, "I can't do that in my house because my dogs would just gobble up the hors d'oeuvres." She suggests repurposing a kitchen nook for kid seating, or as a serving area. Kobylinski might set up a half-built puzzle in a side room. She even puts out winter jackets and boots for "the gentlemen" for the moment when she urges them to go out on the porch to smoke cigars and drink brandy so they won't be underfoot. 8. Forgetting to set the mood As a finishing touch, don't neglect to set the mood by using lamps around the room instead of harsh overhead lights. Putting out tapers or tea candles establishes an intimate feeling. "That just leans into the cozy fall vibe," Cope said of low lighting. But don't use scented candles, Bock warns. Or a smelly flower arrangement. "That can overwhelm you when you're eating," Bock said. Putting on a favorite music playlist can set the mood and take away self-consciousness, especially early in the evening. The most important thing on Thanksgiving is simply for everyone to enjoy each other's company. A little advance preparation can help you, the host, stay relaxed throughout the evening so you can interact with your guests. As Bock advised, "Keep it simple for Thanksgiving." Let friendship and fellowship be the stars of the show. Best Black Friday deals: When to shop, what to buy and what to skip 100 years of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 100 years of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade The 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade coverage is slated from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST Thursday, Nov. 28. This year's event will feature 28 clown crews, 26 floats, 16 giant balloons, 11 marching bands, five performance groups, three "baloonicles"—cold-air inflatables driven down the parade route, and numerous performers. Stacker curated a selection of photographs from the past century of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to help illustrate the history of the iconic event. The parade in New York City, presented by department store chain Macy's, was first held in 1924 under the heading "Macy's Christmas Parade" to promote holiday sales and spotlight the newly expanded and, at the time, largest in the world Herald Square store in Manhattan. The success of the event led organizers to turn the spectacle into an annual tradition. Each year, the parade ends outside the same Herald Square Macy's location. The event has been televised nationally since 1953 on NBC. The parade at first featured Central Park Zoo animals escorted by Macy's employees and professional entertainers for 6 miles from 145th Street in north Manhattan's Harlem to Macy's. A quarter of a million onlookers lined the streets. Real animals were replaced with balloons in 1927; that same year, the name of the event was changed to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The longest-running parade float is the event's unofficial mascot, Tom Turkey. Tom features moving wings, head, and eyes and usually functions as the lead float in the parade. Bringing up the caboose in virtually all the parades is Santa Claus who ushers in the holiday shopping season with his arrival at Macy's Herald Square. The parade offers a glimpse into pop culture of the time, from beloved children's entertainment to hit Broadway shows and musical acts. The Radio City Rockettes, formed in 1925, have performed in the parade annually since 1957. In 1933, the outside temperature was 69 degrees F, the warmest it's been; 2018 was the coldest day in parade history at 19 degrees F. In 2022, for the first time, the event featured a trio of women hosts. Today, more than 44 million people tune in to watch the parade. Keep reading to learn more about the parade's history and see some iconic shots of the event. You may also like: Game on: The booming growth of online gaming 1924: Macy's first parade In Macy's first Thanksgiving parade, Santa Claus sat atop a float pulled by a team of horses down Broadway. That year floats, bands, and Central Park Zoo animals were featured in the procession. At the parade's end, Santa Claus was crowned "King of the Kiddies" on Macy's balcony at the 34th Street entrance. Macy's quickly announced the parade would be an annual event. 1928: Fish and tigers The large balloons that replaced live zoo animals in 1927 were filled with regular air and had no release valves—they were simply let go to pop in the air following the parade. 1928 marked the first year of Macy's inflating balloons with helium to allow them to float. They were also outfitted with valves so the helium could gradually escape rather than waiting for the balloon to inevitably pop, and featured a return address so anyone who found them could return them and receive a reward. In this photo from 1928, a 35-foot fish and 60-foot-long tiger were featured prominently in the parade. A $100 prize was offered for each balloon recovered after its release. 1931: Hippo on parade The Thanksgiving parade enjoyed rapid growth throughout the 1930s, with more than 1 million revelors lining the parade route in 1933. In this 1931 photo, a giant hippopotamus balloon makes its way down Broadway. A blue hippo balloon—possibly this one—released after the parade was still at large several days later, thought to be somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. 1932: Balloon mishaps end rewards In this image, the Felix the Cat balloon is led down Broadway by its four handlers tailed by Terrible Turk and Willie Red Bird. The original Felix the Cat character balloon made its parade debut in 1927, but was destroyed after its post-parade release by a high tension wire in 1931. The Terrible Turk also was destroyed the same year by an electric sign. In 1932, Macy's Tom Cat balloon got stuck in the propeller of a plane when the aviator flying the plane tried recovering the balloon for a reward. While the plane eventually landed safely, that event marked the final year of releasing balloons after the parades and offering prizes for their return to Macy's. 1939: View from the top Pinnochio, Tin Man, and Uncle Sam make their way along the parade route in 1939. Mickey Mouse made his debut five years earlier with a balloon designed in part by Walt Disney; Mickey's handlers were also dressed as mice. New iterations of Mickey appeared over the next 70 years as the character evolved. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was canceled from 1942-1944 because of supply shortages during World War II, namely helium and rubber. Festivities returned in 1945. The Christmas classic "Miracle on 34th Street" was released in 1947 and prominently features actual footage from the 1946 parade. 1948 marked the parade's first network television broadcast. You may also like: Legendary interior designers from every decade of the 20th century 1952: Space explorer Macy's original character The Giant Spaceman made his debut in 1952's parade, measuring 70 feet long and 40 feet wide and weighing 600 pounds. More than 25 gallons of paint went into painting the astronaut. An estimated 2.25 million people lined the streets for the festivities that year. 1955: Flying high Throngs of onlookers pack the sidewalks in Manhattan's Times Square during this 1955 parade. Mighty Mouse, an animated superhero created by Terrytoons, is seen in the back left of the photo. Mighty Mouse made his debut in the Thanksgiving Day parade in 1951; he appeared in 80 short films between 1942-1961. 1958: 'I am what I am' Popeye makes his way through Times Square in the 1959 parade. A year earlier, another helium shortage meant balloons were inflated with air and hung from construction cranes to make their way through the parade route. Also in 1958, the first celebrity performances were added with the Benny Goodman sextet. Live music proved a challenge technically and logistically. The parade was transitioning to the now-familiar lip syncing by 1964. 1961: Peacockery The iconic peacock float makes its debut in this photo of the 1961 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. That same year, Miss Teenage America Diane Lynn Cox appeared in princess attire sharing a float with "Prince Charming" actor Troy Donahue. You may also like: Baltimore buried its urban streams—now an artist is bringing one back 1961: 'A Fantasy of Christmas' Teen performers appear in classic roller skates in this image from the 1961 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The sign above the skaters reads "Macy's presents A Fantasy of Christmas in New York." 1961: Shoulder to shoulder This 1961 photo shows shoulder-to-shoulder parade onlookers at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The year marks the first balloon featuring Bullwinkle Moose and the first year for floats with Pinocchio, The Racetrack Grandstand, Cinderella, Peacock, Ferris Wheel, Brigadoon, Meet the Mets, and Santa's Sleigh. Several years later, in 1968, Macy's creative team figured out how to design floats up to 40 feet tall and 28 feet wide that could fold into 12.5-by-8-foot boxes for strategic transportation from New Jersey to Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel. 1972: 'Hey, Rocky!' A Bullwinkle Moose balloon floats down Broadway in this 1972 photograph of the parade. The 46th annual parade featured five firsts for floats: Alphabet Blocks, Snow Mountain, Windmill, Curious George, and Santa's Holiday Home. 1974: A 'hareless' tortoise A solo tortoise float makes its way down the street near Columbus Circle in this 1974 parade photo. Not pictured is the accompanying hare. This marked the seventh appearance of the duo. 1982: It's not easy being green A giant inflatable balloon of Kermit the Frog makes its way down the 1982 parade route in this photo. The parade marked Kermit's sixth appearance. First-time balloons included Olive Oyl and Woody Woodpecker. You may also like: Far from making their last calls, LGBTQ+ bars evolve to imagine a new world 1989: Woody Woodpecker is a crowd favorite Woody Woodpecker greets the crowd as he floats past One Times Square during the 63rd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1989. In the coming years, safety concerns troubled '90s-era parades—namely the wind. Strong gusts in 1993 pushed a Sonic the Hedgehog balloon into a Columbus Circle lamppost that broke and hurt a child and off-duty police officer. Four years later, intense winds caused a Cat in the Hat balloon to hit a lamppost, hurling debris into the air that fractured the skull of a spectator who spent 24 days in a coma. The incident, among others, led then-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to form a task force. 1995: 'Soaring Spirit' The Soaring Spirit Canoe float, pictured here in 1995, made its debut in the parade in 1986. Popular '90s balloons included Bart Simpson, Cat in the Hat, and The Rugrats. 2005: Dora's debut Dora the Explorer makes her balloon debut in this 2005 photo. That same year, the M&M 's chocolate candies balloon collided with a streetlight in Times Square, and debris from it injured two siblings. 2015: Familiar faces Snoopy and Woodstock made their way along the 89th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route Nov. 26, 2015. To date, Snoopy boasts the most years flown as a character balloon in the event. 2016: A most massive audience In this 2016 photo, spectators like this one recorded videos of the parade on their phones. More than 24 million people were estimated to have streamed the parade that year on TV. 2017: Pikachu and so much more The Pikachu balloon floats down Central Park West for its fourth time during the 91st annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2017. That year's lineup featured 1,100 cheerleaders and dancers, more than 1,000 clowns, 28 legacy balloons, 26 floats, 17 giant helium balloons, 12 marching bands, and six performance groups. 2020: The show must go on Performers in this photo prepare at the 94th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 26, 2020. The event was one of few public occasions to be kept on schedule during the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit in a tempered manner. Much of the performances were pre-taped and the parade route was massively reduced. Participants wore masks and balloon handlers were cut by nearly 90%. 2023: 97 years Santa Claus celebrates at the 97th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in this photo from Nov. 23, 2023. First-time giant balloons included Beagle Scout Snoopy, Leo (Netflix), Monkey D. Luffy, Po from "Kung Fu Panda," and The Pillsbury Doughboy. Copy editing by Lois Hince. You may also like: From the Roman Empire to your therapist's office: The history of the chaise lounge 1949: Teddy bear on parade The 23rd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held Nov. 24, 1949. In this photo, a teddy bear makes its way through Times Square. This parade marked the second appearance for the bear. Other balloons made their debut: Freida the Dachshund, Howdy Doody on the Flying Trapeze, and Macy's Hobo Clown. 2001: 9/11 looms large New York City first responders carry two American flags during the Nov. 22, 2001, 75th Anniversary of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which was also held on the heels of 9/11. They honored those killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that year. New Yorkers crowded the streets to watch the parade, which featured 15 giant balloons and marching bands that all added an air of patriotism to the event. 2011: Elf sprinkles A woman dressed in an elf costume sprinkles spectators with confetti in Times Square during Macy's 85th Thanksgiving Day parade on Nov. 24, 2011. Sonic the Hedgehog and Julius the sock monkey, which was created by Paul Frank, made their balloon entrances that year. You may also like: 5 tips for making your next event more affordable Make your house a home For the holidays: Get inspiring home and gift ideas – sign up now!

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