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casino games download free app Conte’s last public act as Spurs head coach after a 3-3 draw at St Mary’s in 2023 was to launch a furious tirade against his own “selfish” players who he claimed “don’t want to play under pressure” before he seemed to turn on the board as he questioned the club’s ongoing trophy drought. Eight days later Conte had left Tottenham by mutual consent after a whirlwind 16-month period, with Postecoglou his eventual permanent successor. A post shared by Antonio Conte (@antonioconte) Postecoglou has been in charge of the Premier League club for two months longer than the Italian, but managed 12 fewer matches and is currently in the middle of an injury crisis which has resulted in a drop in form, with Spurs only able to claim one victory from their last eight fixtures. However, when Postecoglou was asked if he would jump ship in the wake of making remarks like Conte did in March, 2023, he said: “Look, I don’t think it’s fair to comment. “Antonio is a world-class manager and has his own way of doing things, his own reasons for doing that. “I am here, I am in for the fight. I am in a fight, for sure. For better or worse I am not going anywhere at the moment because everything is still in my power and my responsibility. “I still have a real desire to get us through this stage so that people see what is on the other side. My resolve and determination hasn’t wavered one little bit. “I love a fight, I love a scrap, I love being in the middle of a storm when everyone doubts because I know what it is on the other side if you get through it. My job is to get through it.” Postecoglou was Celtic boss when Conte’s extraordinary 10-minute press conference made waves around the world, but acknowledged being aware of his predecessors’ comments and attempted to explain the psyche behind why a manager would make such a move. “I was on Planet Earth at that time, and yes I was well aware of it,” Postecoglou smiled. “I think you know when a manager gets to that point that there’s obviously some underlying issues. “I think most of the time when managers do that they’re trying to get a reaction, trying to get some sort of impact on the team. “In difficult moments, what you want from your leaders is action rather than inaction of just letting things drift along. He did it to try and get a positive impact on the group, one way or another. We’ve all been in that situation as a manager where you feel this is time to send a message.” Postecoglou sent out his own message on Thursday after a 1-1 draw away to Rangers when he insisted Timo Werner’s display “wasn’t acceptable” at Ibrox. Werner was replaced at half-time following an error-strewn performance, but was not alone in being below-par in Glasgow. A day later Postecoglou explained how with Spurs missing several key first-teamers, the onus is on their fit senior players to deliver a level of application and commitment – and admitted Werner will be required at St Mary’s on Sunday. “I’ve got no choice. Who else am I going to play? I’m pulling kids out of school, I literally am,” Postecoglou mentioned in reference to 16-year-old duo Malachi Hardy and Luca Williams-Barnett, who have recently made the bench. “That was the reasoning for me pointing it out last night. We need Timo. We need all of them. “In normal times if you have a poor game, there’s a price to pay. It doesn’t exist right now. We need everybody we’ve got.”

Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail a third time as he awaits sex trafficking trial NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has been denied bail as he awaits a May sex trafficking trial. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian made the decision in a written ruling Wednesday. The decision follows a bail hearing last week. The hip-hop mogul's lawyers say a $50 million bail package they proposed is sufficient to ensure Combs doesn't flee and doesn't pester prospective witnesses. Two judges previously had been persuaded by prosecutors' arguments that Combs was a danger to the community if he is not behind bars. Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges lodged against him when he was arrested in September. Federal court dismisses defamation lawsuit against Fox News for Jan. 6 conspiracy theory CROTON, N.Y. (AP) — A federal judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News brought by a former Marine and Trump supporter who claimed he was made a scapegoat by the network after the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol insurrection. Raymond Epps, whose claims against Fox were featured in a “60 Minutes” segment, said the network's false reports subjected him and his wife to death threats and forced them to move from their Arizona home. Under the false theory, Epps was a government agent in Washington that day trying to stir up trouble that would later be blamed on Donald Trump fans. Northern lights may be faintly visible across parts of the US this Thanksgiving NEW YORK (AP) — Solar storms may produce faint auroras across the northern rim of the United States this Thanksgiving. Pale auroras may be seen Thursday and Friday across northern states including Montana, Minnesota and upper New York — as well as much of Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin and Michigan. NOAA meteorologist Matt Bettwy says the auroras may last only briefly, and seeing them will depend on how intense the solar storms get. To spy the spectacle, wait for clear skies to get dark and then go outside away from bright city lights. Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye. NBC honors John Madden on Thanksgiving by taking the original Madden Cruiser on one last trip John Madden’s love of football and family came through the most on Thanksgiving. On Thursday, NBC will continue to honor Madden’s legacy when it opens its broadcast before the nightcap between the Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers. The two-minute open features the original Madden Cruiser traveling from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, to Lambeau Field last week. It has remained in Green Bay and will also be featured during the game. Madden will be honored during all three games on Thursday. It is the third year the NFL has had the “John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration” after the Hall of Fame coach and iconic broadcaster died in December 2021. Landmark fish and meat markets in London to close, ending 1,000 years of tradition LONDON (AP) — Two of London’s most famous markets — one selling fish, the other meat — are set to close in the coming years, bringing an end to traditions stretching back to medieval times. On Wednesday, The City of London Corporation, the governing body in the capital city’s historic hub, is set to present a bill to Parliament to bring an end to its responsibilities to operate the Billingsgate fish market and the Smithfield meat market, both of which have existed in some shape or form since the 11th century. That comes a day after the corporation decided not to relocate the markets to a new development just east of London in Dagenham. What stores are open on Thanksgiving? Not many since most stay closed to prepare for Black Friday WASHINGTON (AP) — With Thanksgiving and the formal launch of the holiday shopping season, Americans will again be consumed with the annual trifecta of turkey, travel and transactions — lots of them. Most national grocery store chains are open on Thursday for last-minute needs, although many close early. Most big U.S. retailers are closed on Thanksgiving Day, either giving their staffs the day off or preparing for Black Friday. Many will open early on the day after Thanksgiving, which is typically the biggest shopping day of the year but has lost some of its frantic energy as more customers look for gifts online. Hyundai recalling over 226,000 cars and SUVs to fix rearview cameras that can fail DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai is recalling more than 226,000 SUVs and small cars in the U.S. because the rearview camera image may not show up on the screens. The recall covers certain Santa Fe and Elantra vehicles from the 2021 and 2022 model years. Hyundai says in documents posted Wednesday by U.S. safety regulators that solder joints on a printed circuit board in can develop cracks that can worsen over time and cause the cameras to fail. That can reduce visibility and increase the risk of injury to pedestrians. Dealers will replace the cameras at no cost to owners, who will be notified by letters starting Jan. 19. Some of those Ocean Spray cranberries come from a bog in Massachusetts MIDDLEBORO, Mass. (AP) — Weeks before Thanksgiving, some of the cranberries that will be on dinner plates Thursday were floating on a bog in Massachusetts. The cranberries have turned this pond in coastal Massachusetts a bright color of pinkish crimson. Several workers, up to their waist in water, gently corral the berries towards to a hose that suctions them up into a truck where they are transported to factories that dry them or turn them into sauce or juice. This bog is one of nearly 300 in Massachusetts that cover some 14,000 acres. This year, Massachusetts farmers are projected to produce 2.2 million barrels of cranberries, an increase of 12% over last year. Drake makes another legal move against Universal over Kendrick Lamar diss track 'Not Like Us' Drake has taken legal action against Universal Music Group for the second straight day in his feud with fellow hip-hop superstar Kendrick Lamar. The new filing in Texas alleges that UMG, the parent company of the labels for both artists, engaged in pay-to-play to get radio air time for the Lamar diss track “Not Like Us.” The song from earlier this year viciously attacks Drake, who says in the court petition that he could file a defamation lawsuit. UMG did not immediately reply to a request for comment. After a similar filing in New York on Monday, the company called Drake's allegations “offensive and untrue.” Harvey Weinstein files legal claim alleging lack of medical care and hygiene at Rikers Island jail NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers have filed a legal claim against New York City over allegedly substandard medical treatment and unhygienic conditions. The notice of legal claim filed Tuesday says the 72-year-old former film mogul has been denied medical care while jailed at the city's notorious Riker's Island jail complex. An appeals court has issued a ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction in New York, but he faces a retrial. He has denied any wrongdoing. The claim seeks $5 million in damages for mistreatment. Weinstein’s eponymous film production company went into bankruptcy proceedings after his convictions.The City of Calgary has a bunch of different job openings right now, perfect if you're looking to make a career move. The city is currently hiring for jobs in Calgary in various areas, and some will pay up to $55 an hour. There's a little something for everyone, with job openings in administration, human resources, labour, and more. Here are just some of the jobs you can apply for right now. Senior Administrative Assistant Salary: $34.33 - 45.94 per hour Who Should Apply: The Senior Administrative Assistant will be supporting the daily operation will support the daily operations of the Business Unit or Director's Office. You should be organized and you'll need a high school diploma or the equivalent, plus administrative experience. Learn more and apply here Parks Trainer Salary: $38.92 - $52.07 per hour Who Should Apply: As a Parks Trainer, you would be delivering training programs for the Calgary Parks strategy. You'll need a degree in Education, Social Sciences, Human Resources, Adult Education or related discipline, and three years of related experience. Learn more and apply here Anti-Racism Learning & Development Facilitator Salary: $41.28 - $55.18 per hour Who Should Apply: The Anti-Racism Learning and Development Facilitator will be a part of the Anti-Racism Program Team within the Community Strategies Business Unit. They're responsible for facilitating training and sharing educational tools and resources. To qualify you'll need a degree in Education, Social Sciences, or a related field. Learn more and apply here Greenskeeper Salary: $34.57 - 38.29 per hour Who Should Apply: This role will be performing various suited for the golf course operations, like evaluating the conditions, turf maintenance, and assisting in implementing programs. To qualify you need to be 18 years or older and have completed a 2-year diploma in Turf Management. Learn more and apply here There are lots of other job openings on the City of Calgary website .What Happened At Katy Mills Mall In Texas? Reports Of 'Shooting' And 'Active Shooter' Amid Police ResponseWho are the Border Patrol chaplains? And why does the agency need more of them now?

Vaccines don't cause autism. What does?Wall Street stocks finished a lackluster week on a muted note Friday as concerns about rising Treasury bond yields competed with enthusiasm over artificial intelligence equities. Of the major indices, only the Nasdaq mustered a gain in Friday's session. The tech-rich index was also the only of the three leading US benchmarks to conclude the week higher. "Equities are kind of treading water," said LBBW's Karl Haeling. "A negative influence to some extent is the rise in bond yields." The latest US consumer price index data released this week showed prices ticked higher in November and the wholesale data also showed stubborn inflationary pressures. "Yields rose to their highest levels in over two weeks as markets brace for the Federal Reserve's final meeting of the year, reflecting concerns over sticky inflation," said Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at online trading platform IG. There is also growing concern over the inflationary pressures from President-elect Donald Trump's pledges to cut taxes and impose tariffs, as inflation still stands above the Fed's target. "While the markets still anticipate a rate cut from the Federal Reserve next week, the likelihood of a move in January has dropped," said Patrick Munnelly, partner at broker Tickmill Group. The CME FedWatch tool shows the market sees a more than 75 percent chance that the Fed will hold rates steady in January. In Europe, the Paris CAC 40 index ended the day down 0.2 percent after French President Emmanuel Macron named his centrist ally Francois Bayrou as prime minister, ending days of deadlock over finding a replacement for Michel Barnier. Frankfurt also dipped, with Germany's central bank sharply downgrading its growth forecasts on Friday for 2025 and 2026. It predicted a prolonged period of weakness for Europe's biggest economy. London stocks were also lower after official data showed that the UK economy unexpectedly shrank for the second consecutive month in October. The euro recovered after flirting with two-year lows against the dollar following a warning Thursday by ECB president Christine Lagarde that the eurozone economy was "losing momentum", cautioning that "the risk of greater friction in global trade could weigh on euro area growth". In Asia, Hong Kong and Shanghai both tumbled as investors were unimpressed with Beijing's pledge to introduce measures aimed at "lifting consumption vigorously" as part of a drive to reignite growth in the world's number two economy. President Xi Jinping and other key leaders said at the annual Central Economic Work Conference they would implement a "moderately loose" monetary policy, increase social financing and reducing interest rates "at the right time". The gathering came after Beijing in September began unveiling a raft of policies to reverse a growth slump that has gripped the economy for almost two years. "We're still not convinced that policy support will prevent the economy from slowing further next year", said Julian Evans-Pritchard, head of China economics at research group Capital Economics. Among individual equities, chip company Broadcom surged nearly 25 percent after reporting a 51 percent jump in quarterly revenues to $14.1 billion behind massive growth in AI-linked business. New York - Dow: DOWN 0.2 percent at 43,828.06 (close) New York - S&P 500: FLAT at 6,051.09 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 0.1 percent at 19,926.72 (close) London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.1 percent at 8,300.33 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.2 percent at 7,409.57 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.1 percent at 20,405.92 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.0 percent at 39,470.44 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 2.1 percent at 19,971.24 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 2.0 percent at 3,391.88 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0504 from $1.0467 on Thursday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2622 from $1.2673 Dollar/yen: UP at 153.60 yen from 152.63 yen Euro/pound: UP at 83.19 pence from 82.59 pence Brent North Sea Crude: UP 1.5 percent at $74.49 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: UP 1.8 percent at $71.29 per barrel burs-jmb/stGREENSBORO, N.C. — A police officer responding to a report of a man with a gun inside a North Carolina supermarket was fatally shot Monday and a suspect was later taken into custody, authorities said. Police announced the death of Greensboro police officer Michael Horan at a news conference, saying Horan was responding to the report when he was shot shortly before midday at a Food Lion store in Greensboro in the central part of the state. Ramona Miller told WGHP-TV she was shopping with her 6-year-old granddaughter when she heard shots being fired. “We were on our way out and I was purchasing a lottery ticket and I was just sitting there and heard a ‘pop-pop’ and then ‘pop-pop-pop.’ I think I heard five shots,” Miller said. “At first I didn’t know it was a shooting ... but an employee yelled out, ‘Shooting! Shooting!’” Miller said she and her granddaughter left the store and that police arrived soon afterward. Authorities said Monday afternoon that the circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation and they did not immediately release further details about how it unfolded. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the state’s lead law enforcement agency, is continuing the investigation. Horan was hired in 2017 and became a sworn Greensboro Police Department officer in early 2018, Assistant Police Chief Milford J. Harris said. Horan served in the department’s patrol bureau. He also was a U.S. Coast Guard member since 2000, according to his LinkedIn profile. “He was an excellent officer. He had an outstanding reputation inside the department and in the community,” Harris said at the news conference. Gov. Roy Cooper said he was monitoring the day’s developments. Cooper said on the social media platform X that his office had sent a “significant” number of state law enforcement officers to aid the emergency response in Greensboro. A heavy police presence was spotted outside the grocery store in Greensboro. The store will remain closed while authorities continue their investigation, Food Lion said in a statement, adding it was providing resources to its affected workers. It directed all questions to local law enforcement and said it was cooperating with the investigation. The shooting was another reminder that state lawmakers should strengthen resources and improve safety for law enforcement officers, said Democratic state Sen. Michael Garrett, who represents part of Guilford County where Greensboro is located. “During what should be a time of joy and celebration, another brave officer has been shot in the line of duty. Another family’s holiday season forever changed,” Garrett said in a Facebook statement.

Who are the Border Patrol chaplains? And why does the agency need more of them now?Amazon Goodreads just announced the winners of the 16th annual — and the results for the 15 best books of 2024 are in! The Goodreads Choice Awards is the only major annual book award in which the winners are chosen by readers. Each year, Goodreads nominates a selection of books in categories ranging from best romance and horror to best historical fiction and memoirs — and users weigh in by casting their votes. Amazon This year, over 6.2 million dedicated bookworms voted, and some of this year’s winners just so happen to be books that PEOPLE recommended throughout the year, as well. We have a full winners list below, but first, here are the winning books that were also PEOPLE picks. Riverhead Books Liz Moore’s was Goodread’s pick as this year’s best mystery & thriller. Set in 1975, the story follows a camp counselor who discovers that 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar, the daughter of the wealthy family who owns the summer camp, has gone missing. But she isn’t the only Van Laar who has disappeared before. Her older brother went missing 14 years earlier. As a panicked search ensues, dark family secrets are revealed along the way. Earlier this year, . Related: 'The Wedding People' by Alison Espach Henry Holt and Co. Taking home the best fiction of the year award was Alison Espach's . For years, Phoebe Stone has dreamed of a romantic getaway with her husband at the Cornwall Inn, a luxurious hotel in Newport, R.I. But when she finally checks in, she’s divorced and at rock bottom and has plans to end it all — after one last decadent splurge on herself. When she’s mistaken as a wedding guest and befriends the spoiled-rich bride, she’s soon swept into bridal service and the two become unlikely friends. Goodreads describes Espach’s novel as “a propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help her start anew.” It was also chosen as a . Related: 'The Women' by Kristin Hannah Best historical fiction novel of the year went to Kristin Hannah's . The plot follows a 24-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath. She follows her brother into the Vietnam War and finds purpose serving as a surgical nurse for the Army Nurse Corps. Her parents are less evolved, with her military father withholding a place for her on his Wall of Heroes. noted that the book is at its best when it focuses on the nurses in the evac hospital but doesn’t skirt the issues that plague military homecomings. Related: 'Funny Story' by Emily Henry Penguin Random House Emily’s Henry’s was deemed the best romance novel of the year by Goodreads members. The story follows a reserved children’s librarian named Daphne as she plots to reconnect with her ex-fiancé Peter, who left her for his childhood best friend Petra. But things get complicated when she falls for her new roommate Miles, who also happens to be her ex’s best friend’s ex. "Stranded in her ex’s lakeside hometown, Daphne becomes roommates with Petra’s ex, Miles, and despite their differences, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan to get back at — or with — their exes," adds the official synopsis. Not only did score the best romance novel prize, but it’s also being . Related: 'The Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt And last, but not least, won the award for best nonfiction. The social psychologist investigates the epidemic of teen mental illness that’s affecting many countries across the globe and closely examines what he calls the "great rewiring of childhood," as well as how technology interferes with the neurological and social development of today’s youth. Haidt’s book also made the . Want to see if any of your favorite authors took home a trophy? Here is the . Read the original article on

MADRID (AP) — Real Valladolid beat Valencia 1-0 and rose off the bottom of La Liga on Friday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * MADRID (AP) — Real Valladolid beat Valencia 1-0 and rose off the bottom of La Liga on Friday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? MADRID (AP) — Real Valladolid beat Valencia 1-0 and rose off the bottom of La Liga on Friday. Moroccan forward Anuar scored with a solo effort after 19 minutes. “It’s a sense of relief because we needed the three points,” Anuar said on broadcaster DAZN. “It was like a final, and fortunately, we managed to come out on top.” Valladolid’s Juanmi Latasa was sent off 12 minutes from time after a video review showed he used an elbow, but the home side managed to hold on for the win against a toothless rival. It was a welcome three points for caretaker coach Álvaro Rubio and his first since replacing Paulo Pezzolano, who was fired at the start of December. Valencia replaced Valladolid on the bottom of the table. Valencia has only two wins in 15 league games, but two games in hand. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer AdvertisementGlobal stocks pressured ahead of Fed decisionSouth Carolina mayor killed in car accident was subject of law enforcement investigation

FINDING the perfect Secret Santa present can be a challenge but there are certain items you'll want to avoid. A poll of British adults revealed the festive gifts most people hate, including a popular Christmas buy. The research, carried out by online retailer Northerner , uncovered which Secret Santa gifts people truly hate to receive, And since Secret Santa gift giving is at an all-time high, this information may be useful as you draw up your shopping list. With festive tunes already playing on the radio and Christmas markets packed with people, now is the time to hone in on your buys. And while your little ones outline exactly what they want in a letter to Santa, your co-workers or extended friend group aren't quite so forward. If you're looking for some inspiration on what to get them, we can reveal what not to buy. And what better time than ahead of the Black Friday Sales next week? As Brits continue to feel the pinch on the purse strings, Secret Santa style exchange of gifts is becoming increasingly popular. Research found that the number one most hated Secret Santa gift of all time is socks. According to Northerner, up to 81% of Brits admitted that receiving a pair of socks is a disappointment. A total of 85% of those polled agreed that novelty socks are even worse. A big trend for gifts this year has been "useful gifts" so while a pair of socks might tick that box, the public have spoken - do not purchase socks for your Secret Santa. Other seemingly useful gifts were also rated badly by respondents with items such as shower gel receiving 76% of votes. Mugs also proved to be unpopular at 68% and beers edged them out with 69% of the vote. Stationary, key rings, and cigarettes also featured in the top 10 list. Inappropriate gifts also left a bad taste in Brits mouths with drinking games, naughty calendars, and penis shaped chocolates also receiving poor ratings from respondents. While the Secret Santa tradition has become popular amongst colleagues, this research revealed that 41% of working Brits would like to see the routine banned from the workplace. On the other hand, 63% agreed that a Secret Santa system works well for friendship groups and large families. Saving money was reported as being the biggest benefit, with 71% of people agreeing. “Gift giving can be very stressful, especially if you receive a Secret Santa who you don’t know very well," said Markus Lindblad from Northerner. "It’s interesting to see that some of the most commonly given gifts are actually the most hated by Brits - perhaps the secret to a good gift is creativity. "Hopefully this list is helpful for people searching for inspiration and if you are considering buying someone cigarettes or beers, maybe think twice this year. "Look at some more interesting and healthier alternatives like nicotine replacement products or alcohol-free drinks."Can Anything Stop Nvidia?

Ange Postecoglou fights on as Tottenham return to scene of Antonio Conte rant‘Donegal speaks for itself on-screen’ – Why filmmakers love the wild north west

First downs and second guesses: Volleyball season in Nebraska isn’t over. In fact, it’s just beginning. On Monday the Omaha Supernovas announced their draft class, including Creighton All-America Kendra Wait and Nebraska’s Lindsay Krause. They join former Husker Ally Batenhorst, Briana Holman and Kayla Caffey on the roster of the defending Pro Volleyball Federation champions. A couple hours later, the Love Volleyball League announced the signing of its “LOVB 6,” a rookie class that includes Lexi Rodriguez (Omaha) Jess Mruzik (Houston), Sarah Franklin (Madison), Sophie Fischer (Salt Lake), One Ofoegbu (Atlanta), and Madisen Skinner (Austin). Rodriguez joins a LOVB Omaha roster that already is loaded with local star power in Jordan Larson, Justine-Wong-Orantes, Madi Kubik, Lauren Stivrins and Jaali Winters. Is this town big enough for two pro volleyball teams? We’ll find out in a few weeks. The Supernovas open their season on Jan. 10 at the CHI Health Center. Two weeks later, on Jan 24., Omaha LOVB (team name?) opens its inaugural season at Liberty Credit Union First Arena (Ralston), where it will play four matches and two more at Baxter Arena. The level of play in both leagues will be incredible. But are there enough fans to go around? The “Novas” averaged 9,656 fans last year in 12 matches at the CHI Health Center. They led the rest of the teams by a lot. Now add local heroes Wait, Krause and Batenhorst and attendance should improve. But what if fans also want to go see Larson, Rodriguez, Stivrins and Winters, along with familiar opponents like Franklin and Mruzik? How will it all play out? Apparently, LOVB’s pockets run deep. For old San Diego Chargers fans like myself and John Cook, an easy comparison is the National Football League and American Football League wars in the 1960’s. Which resulted in the creation of the Super Bowl and then a merger. This winter should be a blast. But I can already see a couple of questions that might need asking come April. Shouldn’t these two pro volleyball leagues have a championship series at the end? Wouldn’t a merger be the best possible thing for the sport of volleyball? See you next month, ladies. I can still sense a Nebraska volleyball hangover with Husker fans. That’s the impact that team had on folks. Those ladies reached in and grabbed them by the heart. It was an incredible ride and they celebrated all the joys. But that pain at the end is going to leave a mark. The four College Football Playoff quarter final match-ups look terrific. Like, get-me-to-a-TV on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 terrific. So, is eight the right number? Don't give up on 12 yet. I still like 12. I’m a brand name sports guy. I like watching the big boys battle for championships. But I also want the non-brands, the little guys, in there. Underdogs bring a lot to the postseason. They bring the "what if" factor. What if the long shot gets on a roll? That's why we watch. You wouldn't just want a playoff with all SEC and Big Ten teams would you? That's not a national championship. The first-round blowouts weren’t good. But it happens, and it happened in the four-team playoff era. But one day there will be upsets, too. Football can't be basketball. But upsets are the magic in the NCAA tournament. When the field was announced, I thought Indiana and SMU belonged. A loss on an opponent's home field can't change that. Alabama’s problem was its loss to Oklahoma. And who would have imagined that OU would drag mighty Bama out of the playoff? I’m real tired of the SEC whining. It just hurts more. Hey, you guys wanted OU and Texas. You got ‘em. There has been arguing and debates over college football's national champion forever. Expansion to 12 was never going to change that. Until the college game goes to 32 teams and puts them into divisions, ala the NFL, with equal scheduling, there's going to be arguing. I would only change one thing with the first weekend: no first-round byes. The campus atmospheres were fabulous. Give me more of ‘em. One of the great things about the transfer portal is when an athlete settles in and makes the community better. Creighton senior Steven Ashworth is doing that. Ashworth is headlining a local charitable initiative called “Light The World.” The unique project features vending machines, or “Giving Machines,” which are located in Westroads Mall near Von Maur. The machines offer items (10 Blankets for $50 for a homeless shelter) that people can swipe a credit card and donate the item of their choice. The machines will be at Westroads until Dec. 31. Ashworth and a group of Creighton athletes from men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball will be at Westroads on Dec. 28 between 5-8 p.m., to visit and sign autographs. Bill Belichick is used to coaching the best of the best. The majority of college football players are not NFL players. They work hard, and they can make mistakes. Belichick will recruit well at North Carolina, but he’s not going to have an NFL roster. There are going to be mistakes. How will he deal with that? I bet this caught Belichick’s attention: Tulane redshirt quarterback Darian Mensah hit the portal and wound up at Duke. According to CBS Sports, Mensah received an NIL deal at Duke reportedly worth $8 million over two years. When did North Carolina and Duke start spending like Ohio State and Alabama for football? The New Year is upon us. I’m taking nominations for top sports stories in 2024. Send them my way this week.Global stocks pressured ahead of Fed decisionLululemon Athletica earnings beat by $0.16, revenue topped estimates