#jiliko

#jiliko Tundra Buggy. It’s a fun thing to say and even more fun to ride on. Picture your childhood school bus painted white, thrown into the air on top of six-foot-high wheels, tripled in width and with windows — that are basically the same as regular school bus windows. There’s still a driver who will ask you to behave and sit down when you’re supposed to. But if all goes well they will take you right up to some Polar Bears. This vehicle is where you’ll be spending most of your quality time on a Polar Bears Conservation Journey with Frontiers North Adventures , and it’s one of the richest travel experiences you’ll ever have. The trip begins with a charter flight from Winnipeg, Canada all the way up north to Churchill , just shy of the Arctic Circle. The town is billed as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’ and the bears pass through this area every fall as they wait for ice to form over Hudson Bay. Polar bears are very curious creatures but they do not feel threatened by the vehicle or the people on it. Some will walk right up and stretch up to the bottom of your window — being ten feet above the ground puts you safely out of their reach. Others will walk by and completely ignore you. A few will be shy and avoid the buggy altogether. Strict rules are in place: no calling to the bears, making noise or doing anything to get their attention. And especially: nothing to do with food . Violating any of these guidelines cancels your buggy ride for the day – and will earn the wrath of your travel mates. The unique experience of seeing Polar Bears in the wild creates a camaraderie among the group. Many have booked the expedition years in advance. While every passenger has their own window, people are very accommodating about sliding over and making room if the action is taking place on the other side of the bus. The sounds of slamming windows down to take photos and then slamming them back up to keep the Tundra Buggy warm is a constant rhythm on the trip. Before heading out to the tundra you’ll spend your first day and evening in Churchill, visiting the local museum , a Polar Bear experience center and taking a dogsledding ride with Wapusk Adventures . Owner Dave Daley will also give a talk on the local Métis culture; people who share both European and Indigenous ancestry. Then you’re taken to the outskirts of town where you’ll walk up 12 steps to a landing and enter the Tundra Buggy. After that it’ll be a few days before you set foot on the ground again. And where else would you drive in a Tundra Buggy but to a Tundra Buggy Lodge. This will be your home for the experience — high up above the ground in a group of interconnected large train-style cars that are wheeled in and out every season. There are two sleeping cars for guests divided into berths of upper and lower bunk beds — out on the tundra this is five-star luxury. Rest assured the beds are comfortable and have privacy curtains and outlets. Each car also has full showers and bathrooms. There is a lounge car for socializing with games and wifi where most people gather before and after dinner. It’s also where lectures are given by wildlife experts and researchers from Polar Bear International . Frontiers North Adventures supports the work of the organization by giving them their own Tundra Buggy, facilities and donating a portion of the proceeds from their bookings. And if bunk beds are a necessary compromise for the experience, the dining car, known as Dan’s Diner, is true gourmet — and along with more familiar fare also specializes in local delicacies like bison lasagna, elk and arctic char. While most of your sightings will be from the Tundra Buggy don’t be surprised if there is a sudden rush to the windows during dinner because some Polar Bears have come by to explore the outside of the lodge. Or you might have dessert interrupted when someone yells out that the Northern Lights are visible. There is an observation deck above the lounge car just for occasions like this. The ‘Conservation Journey’ trip has you out for three full days on the Tundra Buggy. You’ll leave the lodge early in the morning after breakfast and will not return until late afternoon. A lunch of soup and sandwiches is served onboard. Similar to a safari trip, drivers from multiple vehicles connect with each other to see where Polar Bears have been sighted that day. Unlike safaris, however, the Tundra Buggies stick to a set of pre-worn tracks to help protect the environment. They also try their best not to track and follow the animals or get in the middle of their path. The drivers know the territory and aim to park the vehicle in the best position and then stay put. Using your phone you can get some amazing photos and video, but if there’s one trip where you want to up your photography skills and gear this is it. A zoom lens of at least 100-400mm is recommended, but if possible I’d go even longer. Members of your Frontiers North Adventures team are experienced photographers and they will do their best to help you get great shots with whatever you have with you. And while Polar Bears are the main attraction, there is plenty of other amazing wildlife to get in front of your lens. On my journey we saw Arctic Foxes, Willow Ptarmigans (birds that lose their red and brown colors for winter and become white) as well as an extremely rare sighting of an Arctic Wolf. Our driver said it was the first one he had seen in years. Watching Polar Bears in their natural habitat is an experience that will never leave you. Our group saw mothers and cubs taking naps together and going for walks. We spent quality time with one male Polar Bear who liked to bury himself in a snow bed and then poke his head out like a game of hide-and-seek. One bear fell through an ice hole and then struggled for fifteen minutes to get back out (he made it). And one time I was on the outdoor viewing deck in back while I was photographing an approaching bear. As he went under the platform I was racing to the other side to keep shooting and then realized — I could see him beneath me through the grated metal floor. I was only inches away from the world’s largest carnivore — right under my feet. Frontiers North Adventures is a family-run company that has been operating since 1987. Along with providing experiences of a lifetime for guests they are also dedicated to local conservation efforts. They are a Certified B Corporation , focussing on sustainability, as well as a financial supporter of Polar Bears International and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation . And their entire team, from the dining crew to the drivers to the guides, made sure this was a special experience for all the guests. A common question I’ve gotten: is it safe to be out among the Polar Bears? When you first enter the airport in Churchill you’ll see a ‘Welcome To Polar Bear Country’ sign along with the world’s only 911 hotline dedicated to one animal. Except it’s not ‘911’ — it’s a full 10-digit number with no cute mnemonic to memorize so it’s best to have it programmed beforehand if you need it. Most likely you won’t — but having a ‘Polar Bear Alert’ number in your phone contacts is a great conversation starter. There is always a chance of a Polar Bear straying into town — but the only one I saw was on the latte art of my morning coffee. The Frontiers North team is constantly with you in Churchill, and once you leave the town you are always safely above the Polar Bears in both the Tundra Buggy and Lodge. Remember, what makes this experience so amazing is its authenticity. Follow the common-sense rules of the area and you’ll protect yourself, the Polar Bears and the environment and have one of your most unique adventures ever. Experiences with Frontiers North Adventures are often booked a year or more in advance. Check here for 2025 and 2026 schedules .

In the ever-expanding digital era, young adults are increasingly turning to online communities for financial guidance. A 19-year-old college student, juggling his time as a server and reseller, finds himself at a crossroads with $70,000 saved but unsure of the next step in investing. With limited knowledge of the stock market and no investment advice from his parents, the young business major sought guidance from Reddit. Financial Advice from the Crowd This enterprising student, despite his savings and an impressive credit score, found the myriad of investing choices overwhelming. Posting on the r/FinancialPlanning subreddit, he was met with a multitude of helpful responses from seasoned Redditors. Among the various recommendations, three major investment strategies emerged. Invest in Index Funds Many users highlighted the potential of index funds, specifically advocating for VOO’s S&P 500 ETF. They emphasized the long-term growth benefits of this fund due to its low costs and absence of capital gains distributions. Other Redditors mentioned keeping a significant portion of their portfolio in similar funds as a testament to their stability and return potential. Consider Tech-Focused ETFs For those willing to embrace more market volatility, some redditors suggested exploring tech-focused ETFs like QQQ. Given the student’s youth, they noted his ability to withstand market fluctuations and reap higher returns over time, advocating a mix of steady and bold investments. Maximize Retirement Contributions Maxing out a Roth IRA was another consistently recommended strategy. The community underscored the importance of securing one’s future by contributing yearly, taking advantage of tax benefits, and investing steadily over time. Through community dialogue, the young investor gained insights on balancing risk and reward to build a financially secure future. The Next Big Step for Young Investors: Navigating Reddit’s Financial Wisdom In today’s digital age, the quest for financial literacy among young adults has turned online platforms into vital resources. A notable case is that of a 19-year-old college student who has amassed $70,000 in savings, yet finds himself at a crossroads about where to invest. Without traditional guidance from his family, he turned to Reddit for advice from a community of experienced individuals. This social platform, known for its diverse opinions, provided him with actionable strategies—sparking broader interest on how these insights can benefit other young investors. Pros and Cons of Index Funds One of the most popular recommendations from seasoned Redditors was to invest in index funds, particularly highlighting the VOO’s S&P 500 ETF. The advantages of such funds are their low cost and potential for long-term growth. Index funds offer a diversified investment with historically lower volatility, making them a great option for risk-averse individuals. However, the cons include lower returns during market booms compared to more aggressive investment options. Trending Tech ETFs: Balancing Bold Investments Another investment path advised was tech-focused ETFs, such as the QQQ. These investments align well with a younger demographic capable of handling higher market fluctuations. Tech ETFs have been trending due to significant growth in the technology sector, and although they carry higher risk, the potential returns are compelling. Nevertheless, market volatility is a significant downside, requiring investors to maintain a long-term perspective. Maximizing Retirement Contributions: A Strategic Move The advice to max out a Roth IRA is a strategic long-term move. Utilizing this approach allows young investors to grow their savings tax-free, providing a secure financial future. The tax advantages during retirement can help individuals maintain a higher standard of living. One limitation, however, is the annual contribution cap, which could be a constraint for those wishing to invest more aggressively. Innovations in Online Financial Communities The interaction on Reddit highlights the emergence of online financial communities as innovative platforms for crowdsourced advice. The synergy created by collective intelligence can guide young investors through the often confusing maze of investment options, aiding them to construct well-balanced financial portfolios. Key Insights for Future Investments The case of the young investor using Reddit as a guide marks a broader trend among Gen Z—tech-savvy and resourceful, they rely on digital platforms for insights. This shift indicates an evolving landscape where decentralized advice might become a staple for personal financial planning. For more burgeoning investors looking to harness the power of online communities, the potential for informed decision-making becomes immensely valuable. Through platforms like Reddit, financial literacy is becoming democratized, empowering a new generation to navigate investment with both caution and courage.Volunteer teacher Chen Xiaohe gives a lecture at the Karamay campus of China University of Petroleum-Beijing in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Oct. 11, 2024. — Xinhua photo URUMQI (Dec 9): For decades, Xu Shuangmin had barely ventured beyond her community, confined to a comfortable 5-km radius in the central city of Wuhan. But at the age of 67, and fresh off her retirement, she stunned everyone with a decision to travel 4,000 km northwest, embarking on a new chapter as a volunteer teacher. In September 2021, Xu joined a national silver-age teacher action plan, an initiative launched by China’s Ministry of Education to tap into the wealth of experience and knowledge of retired educators to boost the educational quality of universities in the western regions. Retiring from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in Wuhan, Hubei Province, Xu started volunteering at the Karamay campus of China University of Petroleum-Beijing in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which has drawn 140 retired teachers like Xu from around the country. The plan comes as China’s population continues to age rapidly. According to the ministry, by 2025, the number of people over 60 in China will exceed 300 million, coinciding with a peak in teacher retirements. Most of the retired teachers come from the economically developed large cities in the central and eastern regions. However, they were not afraid of Xinjiang’s dry climate, sandy weather and relatively modest living facilities. Xu made just one request: to be allowed to cook in the dormitory, because she likes light meals and cannot eat strong-flavored local dishes. Despite being a volunteer, the teachers work with great energy, rivaling those half their age. Take 63-year-old Zhong Dakang, for instance. He works overtime and is frequently seen engrossed at his office computer throughout the day. Due to his dedication, he often forgets to take his blood-pressure pills. Chen Xiaohe, 70, is a retired teacher at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Having difficulty walking following a car accident, he still enjoys standing in front of a class. Chen even stayed at the Karamay campus during the winter and summer vacations, preparing lessons and teaching materials. He has extended his initial one-year volunteering contract to three years. The praise he received from his students might be the reason behind his decision to extend his stay. The course he teaches — “Socialist Market Economy” — has often been lauded for its “clarity” and being “easy to comprehend.” The petroleum university has a history of over 70 years, but its Karamay campus in Xinjiang is relatively new, having only started admitting undergraduates in 2016. When Sun Xudong, a retired English teacher from the university’s Beijing campus, arrived in 2020, the Karamay campus had just begun recruiting English majors. Volunteer teacher Dai Xilong gives a lecture at the Karamay campus of China University of Petroleum-Beijing in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Oct. 14, 2024. — Xinhua photo “At that time, the courses, materials and teams were all started from scratch,” said 64-year-old Sun, recalling the early busy days in Karamay. He took the lead in making the teaching syllabus, setting up the translation discipline, and managing the recruitment and training of master’s students. “I hope to contribute my efforts to the education here and help more students realize their dreams,” Sun said. “Go where your country needs you the most.” This slogan, once a call for the educated youth after the founding of New China in 1949, resonates anew with today’s silver-haired educators. “I initially came to Karamay with the goal of educating students, but over the past three years, I’ve come to realize that I, too, am learning and growing,” Xu said. The city of Karamay was once a typical desert settlement, but in the past decades, it has been transformed into a thriving oil hub. This achievement can be attributed to the dedication of several generations of oil workers who persevered through supply shortages and harsh weather conditions, devoting their lives to the country’s oil industry and local development. Xu recalled a letter to her elder sister, in which she said that, amidst the strong force-10 winds, and inspired by the determination of the oil workers, she had gained a true understanding of the slogan about going where the country needs you the most. The term “Silver-haired Power” has emerged as one of China’s top 10 buzzwords this year. It means that the vitality of the elderly should not be hindered by aging, as they deserve care and happiness, as well as opportunities to continue making contributions to society. Xu and other retired teachers are the shining examples of such silver-haired power. While many elderly Chinese people choose to spend their retirement looking after their grandchildren or traveling around the world, they have chosen a different path. By volunteering in Xinjiang, they are employing their wealth of experience and dedication to aid the development and talent cultivation of this remote region. In the run-up to International Volunteer Day on Dec. 5, the silver-age volunteer teachers have come under the spotlight. In September, China’s National Working Commission on Aging has proposed the establishment of a national team of silver-age volunteers, integrating it into the coordinated development of the country’s eastern and western regions, while guiding elderly intellectuals to contribute to the economic and social development of less-developed areas. “I believe that if our parents were alive today and knew that I am volunteering in Xinjiang, they would feel proud of me,” Xu said in the letter to her sister. — XinhuaASX set to slide, Wall Street hits more records

First 12-team CFP set: Oregon seeded No. 1, SMU edges Alabama for final spotEn année de récoltes fructueuses, les propriétaires des champs, chez les Gourounsi, sollicitent l'aide des groupements et des associations. En effet, les greniers doivent être remplis au plus vite afin de protéger les récoltes des pluies inattendues, des incursions animales et des feux de brousse. Focus sur une pratique ancestrale de récoltes dans le champ de Félix Bado, situé à Pouni-nord, un village de la commune rurale de Didyr, dans la province du Sanguié, région du Centre-Ouest. Le village de Pouni-nord, situé dans la région du Centre-Ouest se trouve à 35 km de Koudougou sur l'axe Koudougou-Didyr et à plus de 100 km de la capitale, Ouagadougou. Cette petite bourgade voit s'installer progressivement, en ce mois de novembre 2024, la saison sèche, marquée par les récoltes. Ici, l'entraide sociale, un concept fondamental qui incarne la collaboration entre individus pour surmonter des défis communs, est une réalité palpable, renforçant les liens communautaires. googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display('div-gpt-async-ad-inread-a');}); Les moissons battent leur plein mêlant solidarité et entraide, des pratiques courantes et ancestrales de récoltes chez les Lyéla, les Nouni et les Kassena, des ethnies Gourounsi. En cette matinée du mardi 26 novembre 2024, le soleil amorce sa course dans le ciel. Il est 8 h 27 mn. Visiblement, le centre du village est moins animé que d'habitude, la majorité des habitants étant mobilisés dans les champs pour les travaux de récoltes. Félix Bado accueille du 26 au 27 novembre 2024, les hommes et les femmes de la grande famille Bado, originaire de Piadyr, un quartier du village de Pouni-nord pour la récolte de son champ de plus de 4 hectares. A défaut de la viande de chien qu'il n'a pas pu avoir, Félix Bado a apprêté du tô accompagné de la viande de bouc et quelques poulets, en plus du dolo pour ses moissonneurs qui vont l'aider à relever le défi de ranger au plus vite les céréales dans les greniers. « La viande de chien est très appréciée dans cette localité. Cela fait que pour l'avoir, c'est très compliqué », justifie l'hôte du jour. Félix Bado soutient que s'il avait pu obtenir la viande de chien pour ses moissonneurs, son champ n'allait pas atteindre les deux jours prévus. « Il suffisait seulement que les gens soient informés que j'ai tué un chien et certaines personnes allaient venir spécialement pour déguster sa viande accompagnée du tô. L'entraide dans la cuisine Car, le tô accompagné de la viande de chien est la nourriture préférée de chez nous », fait-il savoir avec un large sourire. M. Bado estime que sa récolte avoisine 2,4 tonnes chaque année. Le chef de ménage donne le nécessaire pour la restauration et les femmes s'occupent du reste. « Il nous a donné le mil pour le tô, deux jours avant. Notre travail est de l'apprêter pour les moissonneurs. Il faut piler le mil d'abord, ensuite, enlever le son, puis l'écraser. Avant, on le faisait à la meule, mais de nos jours, c'est au moulin que nous partons l'écraser et enfin, nous venons faire le tô. Nous sommes quatre femmes à monter les marmites numéro 12 pour préparer. Une seule personne ne peut pas le faire. Quand une femme tient la spatule, une autre femme l'aide à mettre la farine. C'est une relation d'aide », détaille Eyombouè Badolo, la belle fille de Félix Bado. Le représentant du chef de terre de Pouni-nord, Balibié André Bazié, est convaincu que seul, on ne peut pas réussir, avant de remonter aux origines de l'entraide dans la localité. « Ce sont les familles Bazié et Bado qui sont arrivées premièrement dans le village vers le 11e siècle. L'histoire raconte que le jour qu'elles se sont rencontrées, aucune famille n'a revendiqué l'arrivée en premier. Elles se sont acceptées mutuellement et ont commencé à s'organiser dans toutes les pratiques jusqu'à l'organisation des travaux champêtres. Donc, ce sont les premiers habitants de Pouni-nord qui sont les dépositaires de la pratique ancestrale de la solidarité et de l'entraide. En pays gourounsi, c'est la gérontocratie. Le clan est dirigé par l'aîné en général. Ce sont les fondements socio-culturels en rapport avec l'organisation sociale et sexuelle du travail transmis et promus dans les sociétés conservatrices », raconte Balibié André Bazié. Il révèle que c'est une pratique ancienne et chaque famille ou ménage possède un champ collectif dirigé par le plus âgé. Dans ce champ, précise-t-il, tous ceux qui ont l'âge de labourer, partent travailler ensemble pour s'occuper de toute la famille qui constitue les germes de la solidarité et de l'entraide qui traversent le temps. « L'union fait la force. Lorsque les hommes se mettent ensemble, ils peuvent relever les défis. Quand les autres familles sont venues dans le village, elles ont emboîté le pas au regard de bonnes récoltes des anciens. C'est ainsi que sont nés les premiers groupements et associations de travaux champêtres à Pouni-nord », ajoute le notable Balibié André Bazié. De l'organisation du travail Au niveau villageois, la « génération d'entraide » est sollicitée pour aider dans les différentes opérations culturales. Le rappel du rendez-vous est fait la veille par des flûtes. Au petit matin, les flûtes et les tam-tams sonnent le rassemblement et accompagnent la « génération d'entraide » au champ. Les absences non excusées sont sanctionnées. « L'homme qui conduit sa génération est choisi selon son caractère, son courage, sa bravoure, son sérieux, son humilité, ses rapports avec les autres », précise la sociologue chercheure à l'Institut de l'environnement et de recherches agricoles du Burkina Faso du Centre national de la recherche scientifique et technologique (INERA/CNRST, Dr Nessenindoa Julienne Gué. Selon le président de l'un des plus grands groupements de travaux champêtres de Pouni-nord, Bajoulou Adama Bazié, un homme avec ses deux ou trois garçons ne peuvent pas cultiver un champ de 4 à 5 ha. Il faut nécessairement se constituer en société ou en groupement. « Nous cultivons les champs, 2 à 3 fois par saison. Si 40 à 50 personnes se retrouvent dans un champ de 4 hectares, elles peuvent finir rapidement ce champ et revenir pour le deuxième tour avant que l'herbe ne pousse encore. Il en est de même pour les récoltes », a laissé entendre Bajoulou Adama Bazié. Pour lui, les grands groupements des travaux champêtres facilitent la tâche. « Le groupement que je dirige a des règlements que nous sommes nés trouvés. Ils sont toujours d'actualité et nous n'osons pas les modifier. Avant, il n'y avait pas de montre pour marquer l'heure limite d'arriver au champ. C'était le lever du soleil qu'on regardait, cela est toujours d'actualité. Quand le soleil se lève et qu'un membre n'est pas encore au champ, sans raison valable, il est amendé soit d'un ou deux poulets, de l'argent ou un caprin ou encore d'un ovin. L'amende est en fonction de la gravité de l'infraction », confie-t-il. A Pouni-nord, la même organisation du travail est applicable aux femmes du village. Elles commencent le travail collectif, du sarclage aux récoltes. « Nous travaillons à tour de rôle dans le champ de chaque membre du groupement. Notre association a également un règlement intérieur, nous amendons les membres fautifs. Quand quelqu'un est en retard ou n'a pas de raison valable pour s'absenter, elle a l'obligation de payer deux plats de céréales ou de l'argent », explique Ewaboué Badolo, la présidente du groupement « Gniridou wô connaa », qui veut dire « ensemble, on gagne » en langue Lyélé. Les récoltes impliquent tous ceux qui ont l'âge de travailler. Les jeunes garçons rabattent les plans des céréales pour les plus âgés. Les hommes comme les femmes sont chargés d'enlever les épis. Les jeunes femmes et les jeunes filles ont la tâche de rassembler les épis au lieu indiqué par le propriétaire. « Notre travail est de rabattre les plans pour les moissonneurs », renchérit le jeune garçon Aimé Bado. La porte-parole du groupement des ramasseuses de céréales, Clarisse Bassané, explique que sa structure compte sept membres qui suivent les moissonneurs pour rassembler les épis afin de les transporter sur la tête au lieu indiqué par le propriétaire. Obligation de transmettre un legs Le pouvoir chez la plupart des gourounsis n'est pas centralisé. Mais, ils ont un chef de terre qui s'occupe des rituels. Avant le début des travaux champêtres, le chef de terre implore les mânes des ancêtres, à travers des sacrifices qu'il fait pour que les pluies soient abondantes et espérer une bonne récolte. Il arrive souvent des années de sècheresse, soit au début, soit vers la fin de la saison. Pour le représentant du chef de terre de Pouni-nord, la sècheresse vers la fin de la saison est très dangereuse. « S'il y a de la sècheresse ou pénurie d'eau dans le village, nous convoquons tous les responsables de chaque quartier, nous exposons le problème et ensemble, nous l'examinons afin de trouver le type de sacrifice qu'il faut pour décanter cette situation », soutient-il. Le temps est passé, les choses ont évolué, les traditions et les coutumes ont pris un coup à Pouni-nord. De l'avis de Nessenindoa Julienne Gué, avec l'éducation, les migrations et autres départs des populations, l'urbanisation, le développement des technologies de l'information et de la communication, l'ouverture des générations actuelles aux religions importées, la réduction des superficies moyennes de production, les équipements agricoles obtenus et l'orpaillage, l'on peut s'attendre à un fléchissement. « Les gourounsis ont compris ce que nos grands-parents nous ont légué à savoir la solidarité et l'entraide. Si on nous enlève ces deux valeurs, ce sera la défaite assurée dans ce village et dans le reste de la localité. C'est pourquoi, nous avons l'obligation de transmettre, ce que nous ont légué les devanciers, aux générations futures », assure le notable du village de Pouni-nord. Hubert Bado http://www.sidwaya.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Video-2024-12-13-at-11.24.43.mp4 Lire l'article original sur Sidwaya .ChatGPT’s second birthday: What will gen AI (and the world) look like in another 2 years?

Adventures on special teams made the Washington-Dallas showdown a clumsy affair, yet Joe Davis and Greg Olsen saw to it that the broadcast of the chaotic finish was pure gold. After Terry McLaurin weaved his way past five defenders for an 86-yard touchdown catch from Jayden Daniels to cut the Cowboys lead to 27-26 with 21 seconds left, Fox's No. 2 broadcast crew captured the chaos before admonishing the audience not to count on anything as a certainty on this helter-skelter afternoon. "Lightning strikes twice in Washington!" Davis shouted in an homage to Daniels' 52-yard Hail Mary to Noah Brown that stunned the Bears last month. "They dropped 11 guys in coverage," Olsen marveled. "If they just tackle him inbounds the game is over. I don't even know what to say. I'm absolutely speechless." Not for long he wasn't. Olsen quickly cautioned the audience that "Automatic" Austin Siebert had already missed an extra point along with a field goal Sunday in his return from a right hip injury. "Before anyone in Washington gets too fired up, remember, we've seen a missed PAT already," Olsen said. "Yeah, you hold your breath with anything special teams-related on this day," Davis agreed. After all, this was the first game in NFL history to feature two kickoff returns for touchdowns, two errant extra points and a blocked punt. In the 41-point fourth quarter that erased the game's snoozer status, Washington allowed KaVontae Turpin's 99-yard kickoff return for a score. Earlier, the Cowboys missed a field goal and saw another one blocked along with a punt. Sure enough, the snap was low ... the hold was better ... "It is no good!" Davis hollered. "And the worst special teams day in history has a fitting finish!" Actually, no. More ruckus remained. Siebert's onside kick bounced twice in front of safety Juanyeh Thomas, who gathered it in and returned it 43 yards for Dallas' second kickoff return for a touchdown. If Thomas takes a knee short of the goal line, he effectively seals the Cowboys' win. Instead, the score, while pushing Dallas' lead to 34-26, also left enough time for Daniels and the Commanders for a shot at yet another miracle touchdown. Austin Ekeler returned the kickoff to the Washington 36 and after a short gain, Daniels' Hail Mary was intercepted by Israel Mukuamu as time expired. And that's how what Davis called the "worst special teams day in NFL history" came to an end. "What a wild special teams moment of blocked punts, kicks, kickoff returns, blocked field goals," Commanders coach Dan Quinn said. In keeping with the not-so-special-teams theme, there were several foibles in the kicking game across the NFL in Week 12, where the Broncos gave up a 34-yard pass completion on a fake punt that Denver coach Sean Payton swore the team saw coming — and not as it was unfolding, either, but five days earlier. "We met Tuesday as a staff. It wasn't a matter of if, it was when they were going to run a fake punt," Payton said. "You're struggling as a team like this, we had it on the keys to victory, so credit them, they executed it." Thanks to AJ Cole's 34-yard pass to linebacker Divine Deablo that set up a second-quarter field goal, the reeling Raiders took a 13-9 advantage into the locker room, just their second halftime lead of the season. In the second half, the Raiders succumbed to surging rookie QB Bo Nix and veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton in their 29-19 loss. That's seven straight losses for the Raiders, their longest skid in a decade. The Broncos (7-5), who blew a chance to beat the Chiefs in Week 10 when their 35-yard field goal try was blocked as time ran out, also allowed a 59-yard kickoff return that led to Las Vegas' only touchdown Sunday. The Texans (7-5) lost for the third time in four games after Ka'imi Fairbairn shanked a 28-yard field goal try that would have tied the Titans just after the two-minute warning. Like the Broncos, the Vikings (9-2) overcame a special teams blunder and escaped Soldier Field with a 30-27 overtime win against the Bears after allowing Chicago (4-7) to recover an onside kick with 21 seconds left. Caleb Williams followed with a 27-yard pass to D.J. Moore to set up Cairo Santos' tying 48-yard field goal as the fourth-quarter clock hit zeros. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Implantable Loop Recorder Market Generated Opportunities, Future Scope 2024-2031