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DENVER (AP) — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's “America’s Got Talent” meets “American Idol,” with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it’s never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at “Dream Team” status given the men’s side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023 . The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. “We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport,” said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. “We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world.” Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores . “Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That’s something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok , the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado’s two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. “If a receiver is running around, I’m thinking, ‘OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,’” Daniels explained. “They’re like, ‘No, you can’t.’ I’m just like, ‘So I’m supposed to let this guy just run?!’ I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn.” The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. “I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. “I’m not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, ‘I played NFL football for five years. I’m popular. I have a huge name.’ I’m still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise.” Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It’s his way of working on avoiding a “defender” trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. “You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the ‘Redeem Team’ led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, ‘That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. “Everybody thinks, ‘Yeah, the U.S. just wins,’” Daniels said. “But we work hard all the time. We don’t just walk in. We don’t just get off the bus thinking, ‘We’re going to beat people.’” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLFlorida social media influencer arrested for stealing from TargetThe crypto market keeps evolving and investors' focus chiefly shifts to projects that offer real utility and transformative potential. Among the pool of innovative projects, institutional and retail investors have swiftly taken notice of Lightchain AI (LCAI) . With its mission of advancing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology, Lightchain AI is poised to challenge leading cryptocurrencies by 2025. Become an early supporter of this revolution by checking out the Lightchain AI Presale . Explore how the project bridges the gaps between blockchain and AI. Lightchain AI Accelerates the Blockchain-AI Future Lightchain AI distinguishes itself from the herd with its mission to decentralize AI development while tackling key challenges like scalability, transparency, and data privacy. At the core of its platform are three groundbreaking innovations. First is the Proof of Smartness (PoS). This approach gives rewards to nodes for running useful AI tasks. This enables the network to drive progress in smart machines through services beyond just checking trades. Second is the Smart Machine (SM) which lets builders deploy AI tools for building apps that are not restricted to one central location. 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Using AI-driven tools, it provides a secure and dynamic environment to support the creative economy, unlocking endless possibilities and driving a thriving ecosystem. The frame of Lightchain AI is made to face the hardest tasks of the future. At its center is a Smart Mind Virtual Tool (SMVT), a special layer made for AI jobs like model learning and guessing, smoothly joined into the bloc͏k chain Lightchain AI has Proof of Intelligence (PoI) which is a new way to agree that not just keeps the network safe but also gives rewards to nodes for doing good AI tasks. To make it better, its smart size-up tools, like splitting and Level 2 techs, help fast, lots-of-work AI jobs easily. This makes Lightchain AI a strong and good platform. In a world where data dominates everything, Lightchain AI s ets a new standard for privacy and security. ZKPs secure sensitive data during computations. Furthermore, homomorphic encryption guarantees confidentiality at every stage by enabling computations on encrypted data. Roadmap Milestones Catalyzes Long-Term Growth Lightchain AI’s comprehensive roadmap reflects its commitment to innovation and scalability. Prototype Development: Testing PoI and AIVM functionalities in a controlled environment to ensure performance and security. Testnet Launch: Enhancing platform functionality via real-world testing with node operators and developers. Mainnet Launch: All features become available and in particular, staking, governance and dApp. Expanding the ecosystem: Integration of cross-chain solutions and establishment of partnerships for global expansion. These milestones demonstrate a methodical approach to growth and drive the evolution of Lightchain AI in response to community and industry needs. Could Lightchain AI Rival Top Cryptocurrencies in 2025? Lightchain AI’s unique value proposition makes it a strong contender in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. By combining AI and blockchain, the platform addresses critical challenges such as bias, scalability, and data sovereignty. As one of the few platforms to seamlessly integrate AI into its blockchain architecture, Lightchain AI benefits from a first-mover advantage. From healthcare to finance to supply chain, its utilities provide disruptive opportunities across a wide variety of verticals. Furthermore, with a well-defined roadmap and ambitious expansion plans, Lightchain AI is primed to grow into a major player in the crypto space by 2025. With demand for both AI and blockchain technology on the rise, it’s only a matter of time before Lightchain AI gains widespread recognition and adoption. https://lightchain.ai https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf https://x.com/LightchainAI https://t.me/LightchainProtocol 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.
The recent visit by Xue Jia Ning to the set of Zhao Lu Si's new project once again showcased the depth of their friendship. Despite both actresses being at the peak of their careers, Xue Jia Ning took time out of her busy schedule to surprise Zhao Lu Si with a bouquet of flowers and a heartfelt note of encouragement. The genuine smile on Zhao Lu Si's face as she embraced her friend spoke volumes about the special connection they share.
In the end, John's persistence in the face of adversity only led him further away from his goal. His journey serves as a poignant reminder that true self-discipline requires more than just outward displays of commitment. It demands honesty, introspection, and a willingness to confront one's inner demons.
Through sheer determination and hard work, the couple's business gradually began to thrive. Customers from far and wide flocked to taste their signature radish-infused meatballs, and word of their unique delicacies spread like wildfire. With each crispy bite, patrons not only enjoyed the delectable flavors but also witnessed the couple's relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.Texans foiled by mistake after mistake in 32-27 loss to TitansEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — With tears occasionally welling in his eyes, Daniel Jones disagreed Thursday with the New York Giants' decision to bench him earlier this week and perhaps end his five-plus tenure as the team's quarterback. The 27-year-old Jones said he gave the team everything he had after being taken sixth overall in the 2019 draft and he believes he still has a future in the NFL. He held himself accountable for the Giants making the playoffs once in his tenure as the starter. The Duke product took over early in his rookie season when then-coach Pat Shurmur benched two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, who was near the end of his career. Coach Brian Daboll benched Jones Monday after the Giants (2-8) returned to practice following a bye week and 20-17 overtime loss to Carolina in Germany. Tommy DeVito will start Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Daboll hoping he can spark the team. “Definitely not happy about it," said Jones, who read a 90-second statement before taking questions from reporters. “Yeah, not what you want to hear. So, yeah, all those emotions you have. But at the end of the day, this is football. We’re in a business where your expected to get results and we weren’t doing it.” Wearing his no-contact red jersey with a faded No. 8, Jones indicated the Giants offered him the opportunity to walk away from the team with seven games left in the season. He said he is considering it, but he also wanted to stay and help DeVito get ready this week. It is unlikely the Giants are going to let him play again. He has two years left on a four-year, $160 million contract. Next season includes a $23 million guarantee that will kick in if he is hurt and is not ready to start the 2025 season. Since being benched, Jones is barely getting any snaps, with most of them being taken by DeVito and backup Drew Lock. “I got the injury guarantee," Jones said of his lack of work. Asked if he would have waived the guarantee, Jones said general manager Joe Schoen and his agent, Brian Murphy, discussed the issue but that was it. Jones spoke for almost 11 minutes. He got emotional when told receiver Darius Slayton and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence both referred to him as still the best quarterback on the team. All three were drafted in 2019. Jones called the Giants a first-class organization, cherished the relationships he has and thanked his teammates, coaches and staff. “There have been some great times. But of course, we all wish there had been more of those,” Jones said. “I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. No one wanted to win more games worse than me. I gave everything I had on the field and in my preparation.” Jones called the 2024 season disappointing and took responsibility. “The idea to change something happens, and I understand. I love the game,” Jones said. “I love being part of a team. I’m excited for the next opportunity. I know that there’s a lot of good football in front of me.”
Speaking to local authorities and media representatives, the villagers emphatically denied any accusations of imprisoning or confining the graduate against her will. They explained that they had merely provided her with a place to stay for the night, offering her food, warmth, and a comfortable bed until she could retrace her steps and find her way back home.
Naomi Osaka missed a large chunk of the 2024 season primarily due to injuries. In an attempt to make up for it, she has already begun preparations for the upcoming campaign. Osaka, who often shares intimate details of her life on social media, gave fans insights into her first grueling preseason practice session with coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Osaka’s recent Instagram updates showcase a glimpse into the demanding life of a professional tennis player. Just weeks after the 2024 WTA season wrapped up, she is already back on the court, dedicating herself to training. The former World No.1 is coming off multiple injuries, particularly pain in her lower back. Hence, she found her first training session at UCLA’s facility to be extremely tiring. It was so tedious that the 27-year-old considered herself fortunate to make it out alive. She also shared insights on a different social media platform, writing on Threads, “Just finished the first practice of preseason. I thought it was over for me.” To be fair, the Japanese professional had an extended offseason due to lingering injuries. She made the most of her downtime by relaxing in the Cayman Islands. Now that she’s back on the court, practicing is crucial to help her regain her form. Osaka went viral for her photoshoot in the Cayman Islands Numerous tennis players are using their downtime to vacation and rejuvenate after a tiring season. Jasmine Paolini and Marta Kostyuk were seen spending time in the Maldives, Paula Badosa was holidaying in Iceland, and Osaka spent her time in the Cayman Islands. During this trip to the British Overseas Territory, Osaka shared a series of pictures from what seems to be a photo shoot for Louis Vuitton. Wearing a gorgeous pink outfit and carrying a Louis Vuitton bag, the photoshoot instantly went viral on social media, becoming her most-liked post since late October. One glance at the photo and it’s easy to see why!Philadelphia takes on Vegas after overtime winAfter a sprawling hacking campaign exposed the communications of an unknown number of Americans, U.S. cybersecurity officials are advising people to use encryption in their communications. To safeguard against the risks highlighted by the campaign, which originated in China, federal cybersecurity authorities released an extensive list of security recommendations for U.S. telecom companies — such as Verizon and AT&T — that were targeted. The advice includes one tip we can all put into practice with our phones: “Ensure that traffic is end-to-end encrypted to the maximum extent possible.” End-to-end encryption, also known as E2EE, means that messages are scrambled so that only the sender and recipient can see them. If anyone else intercepts the message, all they will see is garble that can't be unscrambled without the key. Law enforcement officials had until now resisted this type of encryption because it means the technology companies themselves won't be able to look at the messages, nor respond to law enforcement requests to turn the data over. Here's a look at various ways ordinary consumers can use end-to-end encryption: Texting Officials said the hackers targeted the metadata of a large number of customers, including information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts. They also managed to see the content from texts from a much smaller number of victims. If you're an iPhone user, information in text messages that you send to someone else who also has an iPhone will be encrypted end-to-end. Just look for the blue text bubbles, which indicate that they are encrypted iMessages. The same goes for Android users sending texts through Google Messages. There will be a lock next to the timestamp on each message to indicate the encryption is on. But there's a weakness. When iPhone and Android users text each other, the messages are encrypted only using Rich Communication Services, an industry standard for instant messaging that replaces the older SMS and MMS standards. Apple has noted that RCS messages “aren’t end-to-end encrypted, which means they’re not protected from a third party reading them while they’re sent between devices.” Samsung, which sells Android smartphones, has also hinted at the issue in a footnote at the bottom of a press release last month on RCS, saying, “Encryption only available for Android to Android communication.” Chat apps To avoid getting caught out when trading texts, experts recommend using encrypted messaging apps. Privacy advocates are big fans of Signal, which applies end-to-end encryption to all messages and voice calls. The independent nonprofit group behind the app promises never to sell, rent or lease customer data and has made its source code publicly available so that it can be audited by anyone to examine it “for security and correctness.” Signal's encryption protocol is so reputable that it has been integrated into rival WhatsApp, so users will enjoy the same level of security protection as Signal, which has a much smaller user base. End-to-end encryption is also the default mode for Facebook Messenger, which like WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms. What about Telegram? Telegram is an app that can be used for one-on-one conversations, group chats and broadcast “channels" but contrary to popular perception, it doesn't turn on end-to-end encryption by default. Users have to switch on the option. And it doesn’t work with group chats. Cybersecurity experts have warned people against using Telegram for private communications and pointed out that only its opt-in ‘secret chat’ feature is encrypted from end-to-end. The app also has a reputation for being a haven for scammers and criminal activity, highlighted by founder and CEO Pavel Durov's arrest in France. Making calls Instead of using your phone to make calls through a wireless cellular network, you can make voice calls with Signal and WhatsApp. Both apps encrypt calls with the same technology that they use to encrypt messages. There are other options. If you have an iPhone you can use Facetime for calls, while Android owners can use the Google Fi service, which are both end-to-end encrypted. The only catch with all these options is that, as with using the chat services to send messages, the person on the other end will also have to have the app installed. WhatsApp and Signal users can customize their privacy preferences in the settings, including hiding an IP address during calls to prevent your general location from being guessed. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
Texans foiled by mistake after mistake in 32-27 loss to TitansLaunching Australia’s quickest car
