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Savion Williams rushed for two touchdowns and Josh Hoover threw for 252 yards as TCU pulled away from Arizona in the second half, winning 49-28 on Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas. The Horned Frogs (7-4, 5-3 Big 12) scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions, starting late in the first half after the Wildcats (4-7, 2-6) pulled within 14-13. Williams carried nine times for 80 yards, scoring on runs of 1 and 20 yards in the first half. Hoover completed 19 of 26 passes, with one touchdown and one interception, before being pulled midway through the fourth quarter when the Frogs were up by 21. TCU took control after leading 21-13 at halftime, going up 35-13 on a 38-yard reception to JP Richardson midway through the third. Arizona kept its hopes alive, ending a 15-play, 75-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Chris Hunter on fourth down on the first play of the fourth quarter. The two-point conversion made it 35-21. But the Horned Frogs responded with another TD drive, capped by a 6-yard run by Cam Cook for a 42-21 advantage. Arizona added a 70-yard fumble return touchdown with one minute to go for the game's final score. Tetairoa McMillan caught nine passes for 115 yards to become the Arizona career leader in receiving yardage with 3,355. He surpassed his receivers coach, Bobby Wade (3,351), at the top spot. The Wildcats' Noah Fifita completed 29 of 44 passes for 284 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, which happened on the game's first snap. TCU promptly scored on a 4-yard run by Trent Battle, and Williams added a 1-yard TD run late in the first quarter for a 14-0 lead. But the Wildcats fought back, getting a 17-yard touchdown reception by Hunter and field goals of 53 and 43 yards from Tyler Loop to climb within 14-13 with 1:55 go before halftime. That's almost how the half ended, but the Horned Frogs converted third-and-18 on the ensuing drive and then gained 24 yards on third-and-25 to the Arizona 20. That set up a 20-yard run by Williams on fourth-and-1 with 13 seconds left for a 21-13 lead. --Field Level MediaFrom here on out, it gets real for the Washington Huskies. That’s not to suggest the first two months of the college basketball season didn’t matter, but the caliber of opponents will exponentially increase for the UW men, who clobbered New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) 90-53 on Sunday afternoon in their nonconference finale. The Highlanders (2-12), who have lost 14 straight road games, were overmatched and undermanned against Washington, which executed a flawless paint-by-numbers performance in front of 6,779 at Alaska Airlines Arena. The largest blowout of the season for UW allowed Sprinkle to rest starters, empty the bench and get a long look at seldom-used reserves. The Huskies also welcomed back senior forward Wilhelm Breidenbach who finished with 10 points and five rebounds in his first outing since sustaining a concussion on Dec. 18. “I was having symptoms right after and I couldn't play in our last game and was just getting back into practice,” said Breidenbach who converted 3 of 4 shots, including two 3-pointers. “But it's been fine. It's a good group of guys, so it's easy to easy to get back into the group.” Washington missed Breidenbach during its previous game when they lost 79-70 to Seattle U and was outrebounded 36-33. “We're totally different and you can see how much we missed him against Seattle U,” Sprinkle said. “Everything flows better with him in the game. We're a more normal team offensively, and then defensively we're way better because he knows coverages. He's played a lot of basketball. He rebounds and his size.” Forward Great Osobor added: “He just changes us in a way, like he's one of our highest IQ players and he’s 6-10. He just makes reads that come natural to him. ... It's stuff you can't teach he does, and he just makes us a better team.” Before his earliest departure of the season, Osobor, who had team-high tying 12 points and six rebounds in 17 minutes, connected on his first three-pointer of the season after missing eight attempts. Osobor also orchestrated the game’s biggest highlight when he pushed the pace on a fast break and delivered a pass through a thicket of defenders to a streaking Tyler Harris who flushed a crowd-pleading two-hand dunk for a 58-30 lead with 15:52 left. “When I got the rebound, my mind says, ‘Just go’,” Osobor said. “It’s just natural for me and I've been doing it my whole life. ... I see Tyler rim running. I’d already had one or two turnovers at that point, and the gap was kind of tight. “Then I thought, ‘Is this a bad pass?’ Maybe and then I just threw anyway and it got to where it needed to go and Tyler did the rest.” Speaking of firsts, backup center KC Ibeweke, who appeared in just four games before Sunday, scored for the first time and finished with nine points on 3-for-5 shooting in 16 minutes. “I thought he played hard,” Sprinkle said. “He did a really good job in ball screen defense. He did a lot of stuff the casual fan, they have no idea because they don't know what we're supposed to do defensively. “He executed all those and I'm proud of him, because we're going to need him. We’re going to need his size and his girth, In Big Ten play, he's got to play meaningful minutes for us.” Following a sporadic start, it took Washington about 10 minutes to seize control. After Osobor spun free for a layup, guard Tyree Ihenacho drove to the rim for a basket and collected a steal for a fastbreak layup that capped a 6-0 run, which put UW up 32-18 with 6:30 left in the first half. Minutes later, freshman guard Jase Butler drained an open 3-pointer off a feed from Butler that gave the Huskies a 42-22 lead just before the break. Washington led 46-26 at halftime and outscored NJIT 44-27 in the second half thanks in large part to freshman guard Zoom Diallo who finished with a career-high five assists and had 10 of his 12 points after the intermission. Sebastian Robinson had 16 points, Tim Moore 14 and Ari Fulton 11 for the Highlanders, which shot 37.3% from the field and converted 3 of 17 three-pointers. Meanwhile, Washington shot 55.7% on field goals, including 10 of 24 on 3-pointers and converted 12 of 14 free throws. The Huskies has more rebounds (33-29), assists (21-5), steals (12-2), bench points (47-4) and fewer turnovers (5-13). “We didn't get sloppy today,” Sprinkle said. “Sometimes in those games, you can get sloppy and guys try to do too much, but I thought we did a great job sharing the basketball and only had five turnovers. ... When we're passing the ball well and making the extra pass, those are the games where we go 10 of 24 from three.” Immediately after the game, the Huskies (9-4, 0-2) began preparing for Thursday’s pivotal matchup at home against Maryland (11-2, 1-1), which starts an 18-game trek through the Big Ten. “As a staff, we’ll get going tonight,” Sprinkle said. “I want our guys to get away, relax, get some treatment and enjoy this win. Like I said, winning at this level is hard. You have to be able to enjoy it. But once midnight hits, we got to, we got to turn our attention to Maryland.” The Terrapins are ranked 10 th in the NET and have rarely been tested while outscoring opponents by 26.2 points, which is tops among Division I teams. Maryland boasts a high-powered offense that ranks 10 th in the country in scoring (87.2 points per game) as well as a resilient defense that’s 13 th nationally in points allowed (61.1). “Obviously, it’s great team coming in,” Osobor said. “We already know they've been killing it all year and it's exciting. It’s why you come to Washington. So, I'm excited. “I feel like our team, we've had ups and downs, but one thing is, we’ve learned each game is who we are. And as long as we can keep establishing our identity and doing things we want to do, then I think we'll take it head on and handle these game one game at a time.” Note: --- UW fifth-year center Franck Kepnang who has played two games this season due to a knee injury is expected to return in 2-3 weeks, Sprinkle said. --- UW freshman forward Dominique Diomonde, who signed last week, is in France and awaiting a visa, which would allow him to travel to Seattle and play for the Huskies. “I wish I knew an exact date,” Sprinkle said. “It could be tomorrow he gets on a plane or it could be in two weeks. It just depends when the embassy over there give him his visa.” BOX SCORE
It was with the DJI Air 2 and DJI Air 2S that DJI began to fork the road for some drone models. The Mavic 3 series then followed suit with several models available. As many have anticipated, we have now seen the release of the DJI Air 3S just over a year after the DJI Air 3 . The Air 3S is an impressive dual-camera drone. Although there are only a handful of upgrades, they are pretty impressive, making it a highly attractive mid-size drone. Before we get into the details, you can be sure that the Air 3S is one of the best drones . Thanks to the impressive dual camera capable of producing excellent image quality for photos and videos, it is also one of the best camera drones . Reaching a level where a drone fits comfortably into these prestigious categories is no mean feat, but the Air 3S has casually flown into both. Where the Air 3 sports two cameras using a 1/1.3-inch CMOS but with different focal lengths, the Air 3S features a 50MP 1-inch CMOS in the 24mm equivalent main camera, while the 70mm equivalent medium telephoto uses a 48MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS. Video can be captured in professional and enthusiast profiles up to 4K 120 FPS, while photos can be captured in Raw and JPEG at 12MP and the full resolution of each sensor. Both Air 3 drones look practically identical. The main differences aside from the camera are improvements to the Omnidirectional Vision Sensing System, which includes forward-facing LiDAR and downward ToF sensors to make lowlight flying and the advanced Return to Home functionality safer and more reliable. Of course, there are other improvements, and we will delve into those later. Back to top DJI Air 3S: Design Standard DJI folding design Level 6 wind resistance 42 GB of internal storage and a microSD slot DJI consumer drones look remarkably similar and feature a practically identical folding design; this is where the propeller arms fold and twist out from a folded transport and storage position that makes the drone’s footprint significantly smaller to flight position when required. It’s a tried and tested design and clearly shows no signs of needing a revamp – it simply works. Unfolded dimensions are arguably negligible because the drone is in the air most of the time in this state, but at 8.43 x 3.96 x 3.51 in / 214.2 x 100.6 x 89.2 mm with a weight of 25.54 oz / 724 g, you can see just how compact it is. This is, of course, way above the 250 g threshold, which means that the Air 3S, like the Air 3, is subject to greater restrictions and pilot requirements in most regions including both the US and the UK. Despite this relatively compact size, weight aside because it is roughly three-quarters the weight of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro , it is a powerful and fast drone with some impressive credentials in this area. The Air 3S has a 47 mph top speed, Level 6 wind resistance which equates to 27 mph and the 4276 mAh batteries provide up to 45 minutes of flight time. This couldn’t be fairly tested in the cool fall temperatures in the UK, but flight times per battery were never an issue. The Air 3S also features 42 GB of internal storage and a microSD slot to expand storage potential if and when required. Plus, there’s a USB-C port that can be used for data transfer from the internal storage and/or to charge the currently installed battery. If you have the Fly More Combo, the included three-way charging hub is undoubtedly the better option for charging. You can buy the drone with either the DJI RC-N3 controller , which is a standard controller that requires a smartphone running the DJI Fly app to be attached, or the DJI RC 2 smart controller , with its bright 700 nit 5.5-inch 1080p touchscreen and 32 GB of onboard storage. The DJI RC 2 is the more convenient of the two and doesn’t cost a huge amount more than the DJI RC-N3 Fly More Combo. DJI Air 3S: Functionality Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance with forward-facing LiDAR New Free Panorama feature 10-bit 04 Video Transmission In many respects, the Air 3S is the same drone as the Air 3, but it has a few aces beyond the improved camera that we will discuss in the next section. The most significant is the 360-degree omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, which has been upgraded with forward-facing LiDAR and downward infrared time-of-flight (TOF) sensors. The LiDAR and downward TOF sensors aim to improve obstacle avoidance at night. This could not be tested in the UK because night operations require special authorizations from the CAA. However, their inclusion on the Air 3S can only benefit pilots in countries where night flights are allowed without jumping through complicated regulatory hoops. One thing to bear in mind, however, is that collision avoidance, even in daylight, can never be fully relied upon because as effective as it is, and it is amazing, it is not a failsafe, and errors, however infrequent, can occur. So, pilot awareness always remains the most critical collision avoidance system with any drone and the two should supplement one another. The DJI Air 3S features ActiveTrack 360° subject tracking, which is highly effective and aims to keep the subject sharp and in focus in the center of the frame. This feature utilizes the collision avoidance system and is designed to maintain an optimum flight path during automated subject-tracking flights. The drone also uses the same DJI O4 HD video transmission technology that is used in the Air 3, which is claimed to be able to transmit 1080p 60 FPS video at up to 12.4 miles in the US and up to 6.2 miles in other regions. This could not be tested to its extreme, but suffice it to say that connection between the drone and controller was never an issue during testing within legal flight distances. Other useful new features include the new free panorama mode where panoramic shots are manually selected rather than simply selecting a panorama preset option, and the results are stitched together in-camera. Then there is Off-State QuickTransfer, which lets you connect the Air 3S to a computer to download files without switching it on. It's a simple feature that would have been great if it had been implemented in DJI drones long ago, but better late than never. Finally, let's not forget the DJI Cellular Dongle 2, which can be inserted directly into the Air 3S to provide 4G connectivity when there is interference or disconnection from DJI O4 HD video transmission. This is not a necessity for everyone, but for some pilots working in complex environments, it will provide enhanced reliability and peace of mind. Back to top DJI Air 3S: Performance 24mm and 70mm equivalent cameras 1-inch sensor in the main camera Up to 4K 120 FPS 1080p 240 FPS video Regarding camera performance, the Air 3S features a stunning pair of cameras that not only provide versatility for professionals and enthusiasts but also produce excellent image quality. The main camera is a real gem, and although it doesn't offer an adjustable aperture like the Mavic 3 models’ main camera, you can use ND filters to control shutter speed when shooting video. The main camera uses a 50MP 1-inch CMOS sensor and provides an equivalent focal length of 24mm, alongside a fixed f/1.8 aperture. Focus is from 1.64 ft / 0.5 m to infinity. The medium telephoto features a 48MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and offers a 70mm equivalent focal length, alongside a fixed f/2.8 aperture and focus from 9.94 ft / 3 m to infinity. There’s also a digital zoom available for the cameras, but as always, the image quality drops as the zoom factor is increased since you’re cropping pixels rather than zooming optically. Overall image quality, as previously mentioned, is excellent from both cameras, with sharp and detail-packed photos and videos. There is a small amount of fall-off in sharpness towards the edges of the frame, but this is completely normal and minor. For photography, both cameras can be set to either their full resolution or 12MP if you only require a lower-resolution image. All resolution options allow for capture in RAW and JPEG formats, as well as all shooting modes including Automatic Exposure Bracketing (AEB) and Burst Shot, etc. Some DJI drones don't allow for these modes to be used when shooting in their high-resolution option. Both cameras can capture video in 4K at 24/25/30/48/50/60/120 FPS and in 1080p up to 240 FPS. For both 4K and 1080p video, capture at 120 and 240 FPS, respectively, requires the Slow Motion video option to be selected. 2.7K vertical video in 9:16 can be captured at 24/25/30/48/50/60 FPS, which is ideal for social media; this is a crop of landscape format rather than a rotation of the camera and gimbal like the Mini 3, 3 Pro and 4 Pro. Please note the footage below was shot in 4K but our video player only plays in HD. Video can be captured in Normal, HLG (HDR capture), and D-Log M color profiles with the former available in 8-bit and 10-bit with H.264 and H.265 encoding, and the latter two being 10-bit in H.265. This provides options for both straight-out-of-camera footage, which will appeal to enthusiasts, and flat profiles for professional workflows with color grading. Both cameras can also capture up to 14 stops of dynamic range, which is fantastic in high-contrast situations. DJI Air 3S: Price The Air 3S is available in three well-priced kit options considering the features on offer. It naturally sits between the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Mavic 3 models in terms of cost and offers something different to both. The standard kit uses the DJI RC-N3 controller and includes this, the drone, a battery, and a USB-C/PD cable. This base kit costs $1099 / £959. There are two Fly More Combos with the less expensive of the two offering the same controller as the standard kit, and this option costs $1,399 / £1,239. The premium kit is the DJ RC N2 smart controller option, and this costs $1599 / £1,439. The Fly More Combos include everything in the standard kit alongside the relevant controller, two additional batteries, a shoulder bag, a three-battery charging hub, and an ND filter set with three filters to help with controlling shutter speed when shooting video or for creative photographic effects. Should you buy the DJI Air 3S? The DJI Air 3S is an excellent drone. Although the main camera doesn't have an adjustable aperture like the Mavic 3 models, the Air 3S produces excellent image quality. The Omnidirectional Vision Sensing System, which includes forward-facing LiDAR and downward ToF sensors, makes lowlight flying and the advanced Return to Home functionality safer and more reliable. This is also a fast and powerful drone with respectable flight times per battery, and this additional power alongside the weight makes it much more stable in windy conditions than the DJI Mini 4 Pro . Ultimately, the question you have to ask yourself is do you go for the Air 3S (this drone) or the Mavic 3 Pro . Both are excellent drones, but the Air 3S does have the edge in a few areas, including cost. If this drone isn't for you If you would like a more powerful professional drone with three cameras, including an adjustable aperture in the main camera, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is the flagship model and provides fantastic image quality and features. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is the best sub-250 g camera drone available, and it's much more regulator-friendly than the DJI Air 3S. Its photo and video quality are great, and its small size and light weight make it highly portable. If you would prefer to capture FPV video, and photos are not important, the DJI Avata 2 is incredibly easy to fly with the DJI RC Motion 3 Controller. Flight is intuitive, even for beginners, and the quality of the 4K video is fantastic. Back to topNigerians of all classes should return to farming – SANBrendan Rodgers insists there will be no let-up as runaway leaders Celtic complete 'historic' year By STEPHEN MCGOWAN Published: 22:26, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 22:27, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments Brendan Rodgers hailed 2024 as a historic year for his table-topping Celtic side. The champions stretched their lead over Rangers at the summit of the SPFL Premiership to 14 points with a thrashing of St Johnstone at Parkhead. Goals from Nicolas Kuhn, Kyogo Furuhashi (2) and Daizen Maeda resolved a one-sided contest as Rodgers’ side rounded off a calendar year when they lifted all three domestic trophies and lost only two games, to Hearts and Borussia Dortmund . As focus turned to Ibrox and Thursday’s Old Firm clash, Rodgers dismissed talk of sealing a fourth straight title if they stretch their lead over their oldest rivals to 17 points. Satisfied with the relentless consistency displayed in the last 12 months, however, the Parkhead boss said: ‘We’re not even at the halfway point. I think that’s the thing, there’s still such a long way to go for us. I’m just so pleased with what 2024 has brought us in performance and statistics. ‘I thought last season was one of the best coaching seasons of my career. This season has just been a joy to work with the players and seeing them evolve and develop. Brendan Rodgers acknowledges the supporters after Celtic's 4-0 victory against St Johnstone Kyogo Furuhashi takes the acclaim of his manager after scoring two of the goals at Celtic Park Nicolas Kuhn celebrates scoring the opening goal in a victory that put Celtic 14 points clear ‘This will be one of those seasons that will be historic in terms of what we’ve achieved statistically.’ Top scorer Kuhn rattled home his 14th strike of the season on the half hour. A target for MLS side Atlanta United, Furuhashi moved in to double figures for the season with two in five minutes before substitute Maeda finished off the scoring. While Celtic’s home support revelled in the discomfort suffered by Rangers in Motherwell, Rodgers and his team kept their eye on the prize in a relentless display of attacking football. ‘Our focus was nowhere else but here,’ continued Rodgers. ‘We wanted to perform, we wanted to put effort into the game and get the three points. We did that in a really charismatic way.’ In an ominous warning to domestic rivals struggling to keep pace, Rodgers vowed to add more firepower to his team in the January window. In the market for at least one wide player, he acknowledged: ‘We hope so. I think I always like to add goals to my teams in January where I can. Add that threat and that freshness to the squad.’ Mail Sport revealed Atlanta’s interest in taking 10-goal Kyogo to MLS while American international Cameron Carter-Vickers is reported to be a target for Bayer Leverkusen. ‘Listen, I haven’t seen anything of that, to be honest,’ added Rodgers. ‘I suspect there will be interest in all our players and lots of gossip and speculation going about.’ Brendan Rodgers MLS Share or comment on this article: Brendan Rodgers insists there will be no let-up as runaway leaders Celtic complete 'historic' year e-mail Add comment
GAM Global Special Situations Fund Calls for Crypto Transparency and Value Maximisation in SBI HoldingsHow to Watch Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Games – Wednesday, December 11
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Greg McGarity had reason to be concerned. The Gator Bowl president kept a watchful eye on College Football Playoff scenarios all season and understood the fallout might affect his postseason matchup in Jacksonville. What if the Southeastern Conference got five teams into the expanded CFP? What if the Atlantic Coast Conference landed three spots? It was a math problem that was impossible to truly answer, even into late November. Four first-round playoff games, which will end with four good teams going home without a bowl game, had the potential to shake up the system. The good news for McGarity and other bowl organizers: Adding quality teams to power leagues — Oregon to the Big Ten, Texas to the SEC and SMU to the ACC — managed to ease much of the handwringing. McGarity and the Gator Bowl ended up with their highest-ranked team, No. 16 Ole Miss, in nearly two decades. People are also reading... "It really didn't lessen our pool much at all," McGarity said. "The SEC bowl pool strengthened with the addition of Texas and Oklahoma. You knew they were going to push traditional SEC teams up or down. Texas ended up pushing just about everyone down." The long waiting game was the latest twist for non-CFP bowls that have become adept at dealing with change. Efforts to match the top teams came and went in the 1990s and first decade of this century before the CFP became the first actual tournament in major college football. It was a four-team invitational — until this year, when the 12-team expanded format meant that four quality teams would not be in the mix for bowl games after they lose next week in the first round. "There's been a lot of things that we've kind of had to roll with," said Scott Ramsey, president of the Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee. "I don't think the extra games changed our selection model to much degree. We used to look at the New York's Six before this, and that was 12 teams out of the bowl mix. The 12-team playoff is pretty much the same." Ramsey ended up with No. 23 Missouri against Iowa in his Dec. 30 bowl. A lot of so-called lesser bowl games do have high-profile teams — the ReliaQuest Bowl has No. 11 Alabama vs. Michigan (a rematch of last year's CFP semifinal), Texas A&M and USC will play in the Las Vegas Bowl while No. 14 South Carolina and No. 15 Miami, two CFP bubble teams, ended up in separate bowls in Orlando. "The stress of it is just the fact that the CFP takes that opening weekend," Las Vegas Bowl executive director John Saccenti said. "It kind of condenses the calendar a little bit." Bowl season opens Saturday with the Cricket Celebration Bowl. The first round of the CFP runs Dec. 20-21. It remains to be seen whether non-CFP bowls will see an impact from the new dynamic. They will know more by 2026, with a planned bowl reset looming. It could include CFP expansion from 12 to 14 teams and significant tweaks to the bowl system. More on-campus matchups? More diversity among cities selected to host semifinal and championship games? And would there be a trickle-down effect for everyone else? Demand for non-playoff bowls remains high, according to ESPN, despite increased focus on the expanded CFP and more players choosing to skip season finales to either enter the NCAA transfer portal or begin preparations for the NFL draft. "There's a natural appetite around the holidays for football and bowl games," Kurt Dargis, ESPN's senior director of programming and acquisitions, said at Sports Business Journal's Intercollegiate Athletics Forum last week in Las Vegas. "People still want to watch bowl games, regardless of what's going on with the playoff. ... It's obviously an unknown now with the expanded playoff, but we really feel like it's going to continue." The current bowl format runs through 2025. What lies ahead is anyone's guess. Could sponsors start paying athletes to play in bowl games? Could schools include hefty name, image and likeness incentives for players participating in bowls? Would conferences be willing to dump bowl tie-ins to provide a wider range of potential matchups? Are bowls ready to lean into more edginess like Pop-Tarts has done with its edible mascot? The path forward will be determined primarily by revenue, title sponsors, TV demand and ticket sales. "The one thing I have learned is we're going to serve our partners," Saccenti said. "We're going to be a part of the system that's there, and we're going to try to remain flexible and make sure that we're adjusting to what's going on in the world of postseason college football." Be the first to knowWake Forest keeps Detroit Mercy at arm's length for winNone
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The World of Warcraft we know today is both intimately familiar and strikingly different from the game that launched two decades ago. This evolution, while sometimes jarring for long-time players, is entirely by design. Blizzard has consistently adapted WoW to changing player expectations, new technology, and evolving design philosophies. This article delves into the fascinating journey of World of Warcraft, exploring how it has managed to remain relevant while undergoing a constant metamorphosis. November 23, 2004, marked the dawn of a new era in online gaming . World of Warcraft, Blizzard Entertainment’s ambitious MMORPG, invited players to explore the vast and enchanting world of Azeroth. What started as a relatively niche genre exploded in popularity, with WoW at its forefront. The game’s success stemmed from its immersive world, engaging gameplay, and accessibility. It took the existing formula of Everquest and refined it, creating an experience that captivated millions. Twenty years and ten expansions later, World of Warcraft has become a titan of the gaming industry. Yet, it’s also a game that has undergone a dramatic transformation. From the simplistic class design of vanilla WoW to the complex specializations of today, from the grounded world of early Azeroth to the cosmic adventures in the Shadowlands, the game has continually reinvented itself. This constant evolution is a key reason for its longevity, but it also raises questions about the game’s identity and its future. The Ever-Shifting Sands of Time: A Personal Journey I remember stepping into Azeroth for the first time back in 2005. The world felt massive, dangerous, and full of wonder. Simple tasks like traveling from Elwynn Forest to Westfall were an adventure in themselves. Fast forward to today, and the game feels vastly different. Flying mounts, instant teleportation, and streamlined leveling have shrunk the world and accelerated the pace of play. While I appreciate the convenience these changes offer, I sometimes miss the sense of scale and exploration that defined early WoW. This feeling of change is echoed throughout the community . Veteran players often reminisce about the “good old days” of vanilla WoW, while newer players embrace the modern game with its faster pace and greater accessibility. This dichotomy highlights the challenge faced by Blizzard: how do you cater to a diverse player base with vastly different experiences and expectations? Evolving Gameplay: From Grind to Glamour One of the most significant changes in WoW’s history has been the shift in gameplay focus. Early WoW was defined by its challenging leveling process, time-consuming raids, and emphasis on community building. The game demanded patience, dedication, and a willingness to collaborate with others. Modern WoW, while still retaining elements of its hardcore roots, has become more accessible and streamlined. Leveling is faster, raids are more forgiving, and many quality-of-life improvements have been implemented. This shift has broadened the game’s appeal, but it has also led to criticism from some players who feel that WoW has lost its “soul.” The Lore Explosion: From Warcraft to World of Warcraft World of Warcraft’s lore has undergone a dramatic expansion since its inception. The original game drew heavily from the established Warcraft universe, focusing on the conflict between the Horde and the Alliance. Over time, the narrative has grown increasingly complex, introducing new races, cosmic forces, and alternate realities. This expansion of lore has been a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it has enriched the game’s world and provided countless hours of engaging storytelling. On the other hand, it has also led to criticism that the narrative has become convoluted and unfocused. Some players feel that the game has strayed too far from its Warcraft roots, venturing into territory that feels alien and disconnected. The Role of Nostalgia: Classic WoW and the Quest for the Past The launch of World of Warcraft Classic in 2019 was a testament to the enduring appeal of the original game. Millions of players flocked back to experience Azeroth in its “pristine” state, reliving the challenges and triumphs of vanilla WoW. The success of Classic WoW highlights the powerful role nostalgia plays in gaming. It also demonstrates the enduring appeal of the core gameplay loop that defined early WoW. While modern WoW may offer more content and convenience, Classic WoW provides a unique experience that cannot be replicated. Looking Ahead: The Future of World of Warcraft As World of Warcraft enters its third decade, the question remains: what does the future hold for this iconic MMORPG? Blizzard has shown a willingness to adapt and evolve, but it must also balance this with preserving the core elements that define the game. The upcoming expansion, Dragonflight, offers a glimpse into the future of WoW. It promises a return to Azeroth, a focus on exploration and discovery, and a renewed emphasis on player agency. Whether this will be enough to satisfy the game’s diverse community remains to be seen. One thing is certain: World of Warcraft will continue to evolve. The game that exists twenty years from now will likely be just as unrecognizable to us today as the current game is to players of vanilla WoW. This constant evolution is both exciting and daunting, but it is also a testament to the enduring appeal of Azeroth and its inhabitants. World of Warcraft at 20 is a game that is both familiar and unrecognizable. It has undergone a remarkable transformation, adapting to changing times and player expectations. While this evolution has sometimes been controversial, it has also ensured the game’s longevity. As WoW enters its third decade, it remains a vibrant and dynamic world, full of adventure and possibility.A post shared by Logan Jones (@logan.jones65) IOWA CITY — An Iowa senior offensive lineman announced his intentions to return to the program in 2025 on Tuesday. Center Logan Jones posted the announcement, a graphic with a short note explaining the decision, on Instagram. A caption "One last ride!" accompanied the post. "My time at the University of Iowa is something I will cherish forever," Jones said. "Representing the state of Iowa on Saturdays in the fall has created memories that will last a lifetime. To be able to wear the Black and Gold and swarm out with my teammates to the best fans in the country is truly special. "To have the chance to be able to play in the NFL is something I have dreamed of since I was a kid, but I am not done being a Hawkeye yet. Being a hawk has been a dream come true and I am excited for one last season with my brothers! Go Hawks!" Iowa offensive lineman Logan Jones (65) runs onto the field with teammates before an NCAA college football game against Western Michigan, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. Jones started 38 games over the last three seasons for the Hawkeyes since moving from defensive line to center. The Council Bluffs Lewis Central product earned All-Big Ten first team honors from the league's media and second team honors from the Associated Press and Big Ten coaches. Jones return marks a major win for the Hawkeyes as Pro Football Focus (PFF) rated the senior as the top center in the conference with one sack allowed all season. The 2024 winter transfer portal window opened for college football players on Monday. Keep track of all the departures and commitments. The Iowa football program was well-represented in postseason all-conference honors awarded by the Associated Press and the Big Ten's coaches and media following the conclusion of the 2024 season. Here are some options for Iowa football fans hoping to catch the final game of the 2024 season as the Hawkeyes face Missouri in the Music City Bowl. Get local news delivered to your inbox! University of Iowa Athletics Beat Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
London’s beleaguered NHS will be in a “very different place” in a decade, a health minister has vowed, ahead of a ‘Ten Year Plan’ to transform the health service. Speaking to the Standard ahead of an event where more than 100 Londoners were invited to share their experience of the NHS, Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne said the NHS was “broken but not beaten”. He vowed ministers would clamp down on soaring waiting lists , with around 1.2million Londoners in the queue for treatment, and use new technologies to shift the health service’s focus to prevention. Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting will unveil ten-year plans for what ministers have pledged will be a transformative overhaul of the NHS next year. “This is a 10 year plan and we're focused on a decade of national renewal,” Mr Gwynne said ahead of the consultation event on Sunday, alongside a visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital. “And I would hope and expect that the NHS in 10 years time is in a very different place to the NHS we've inherited. “We've done it before. Those of us that have been around the block for as long as I have, remember it in 1997 when the then Labour government came into office and the NHS was on its knees, the longest waiting times, the longest waiting lists and shocking patient experiences in many respects. “And when we left office, the NHS was far from perfect, but it was heading massively in the right direction.” Among the changes to feature in the plan is a shift from ‘hospital to community’, the phasing out of unnecessary letters with a single patient record, and new neighbourhood health centres to focus on prevention. The capital hosted the largest in a series of public events on how the NHS needs to change on Sunday, with residents telling ministers and senior NHS executives of their struggles to access timely care. Of the 1.2million Londoners on a waiting list, more than 34,000 of those have been waiting for more than a year already. The latest data also shows over 38,000 patients waited more than 4 weeks for a GP appointment in London, as of September. Mr Gwynne also reaffirmed a commitment to build new hospitals, with the last Conservative government announcing plans to build 40 new hospitals by 2030. The plans are being reviewed by ministers, which is slated to include several major London hospitals such as Charing Cross Hospital and Hillingdon Hospital. “We are committed to the hospitals program,“ he said. “We are looking at how we can best deliver that and how we can get the resources to be able to deliver that, but it remains our commitment that we will be building the hospitals in the program. We just need to work through the finances and the phases. “And that is a consequence of the terrible legacy that the last government left us with plans, but no money.” Last month, the Government invited the public to submit ideas for the future of the NHS on a dedicated website, attracting 9,000 submissions. Alongside some initial joke suggestions - such as putting beer on tap in hospitals - which have since been removed, ideas include pop-up or mobile clinics, an NHS research programme to target early prevention, and digitised records.TABER, Alta. - RCMP say four people are dead after a highway crash in southern Alberta. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * TABER, Alta. - RCMP say four people are dead after a highway crash in southern Alberta. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? TABER, Alta. – RCMP say four people are dead after a highway crash in southern Alberta. They say a Dodge Ram hauling a trailer, a GMC truck and a Ford Escape collided on Highway 3 west of Grassy Lake on Monday around 6 p.m. The 84-year-old male driver of the Dodge Ram and an 86-year-old passenger were declared dead at the scene. Mounties say they were both from Robsart, Sask. A 38-year-old man from Taber, Alta., who was driving the GMC truck also died at the scene. A passenger in that truck, a 20-year-old man from Taber, died in hospital. The male driver of the Escape received minor injuries. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The highway was closed for several hours and police are investigating what caused the collision. RCMP extended their condolences to the family and friends of all involved in the “horrible” crash. AdvertisementEvery Black Friday, there’s a number of viral products that everyone has on their Christmas wish list, and we don’t expect this year to be any different. However, not all of these popular items are going to stay in stock, and we have some insight on the ones that won’t. Black Friday is big business, and last year shoppers spent $222.1 billion during the entire holiday shopping season, according to Queue-it. Sales on Black Friday reached $16.4 billion (online and in stores), and this was a 9% increase from the year before. While it comes as no surprise that electronics are the most sought-after products of the holiday season, Queue-it said this accounts for the majority of holiday sales, jumping to $50.8 billion in 2023. Apparel, furniture, groceries and toys are the other hot sellers of Black Friday. Together, these five categories accounted for 65% of sales during the holidays last year and is only expected to grow in 2024. While many items that sell out over Black Friday are driven by a good deal, we also know that a hot product is just that — a gift that most people want to open on Christmas Day. So, here are our picks for the top 10 hot-ticket items that could sell out over Black Friday. 1. Big TVs The holidays are ripe for TV deals, and we expect shoppers to buy a ton of them in 2024, especially at Walmart. Consumers are trending toward bigger TVs and the super low-price deals over Black Friday force many models to sell out. This is especially true of popular models from Samsung, Hisense, LG and more favorites. 2. Apple Watches Apple's smartwatches are a top pick among Apple fans. We’ve seen prices on the Apple Watch continue to trend downward, which was only spurred by the release of the new Apple Watch 10 in September. This pushed down prices on earlier models, with the best deals coming on the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch 9. For Black Friday, we think the prices will drop even lower and sell out due to high demand. 3. Beats headphones Wireless headphones are one of the most popular products of 2024, and Beats are one of the top brands. We’re already seeing big markdowns on Beats Wireless Headphones, and we expect these price drops to continue into Black Friday. The Beats Solo3 is likely to be on sale for even cheaper than we’ve already seen, and we think they will sell out for Black Friday, with the possibility of other popular Beats headphones joining them. 4. Apple AirPods If you haven’t picked up a pair of Apple AirPods yet, this could be your year to do it. With Apple launching a fourth generation of AirPods earlier this year, the price on prevvious models are creeping lower. We think over Black Friday they’ll be at their cheapest price ever, with the AirPods (3rd Gen) likely to sell out. 5. JBL bluetooth speakers Bluetooth speakers are a must-have for many this year, and with the big sound that comes from JBL’s speakers, it’s easy to see why they might sell out for Black Friday. These popular speakers come in a variety of portable sizes and waterproof designs. We expect big deals on JBL’s top-rated Clip 5 and Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker models. 6. Apple iPad One of Apple’s most sought-after products of the year was the iPad, and we saw the 9th Gen and 10th Gen models drop to their lowest prices ever. We think this year will bring some iPad bliss with even better discounts, but these deals will disappear just as fast as they arrive. We think that mega discounts on the iPad (9th Gen) and iPad (10th Gen) could cause sell outs, especially on Amazon. 7. Dyson Airwrap The Dyson Airwrap just might be the top product of Black Friday, as this is one of the rare times there’s a discount on the beloved hair styling tool. At $600, the Airwrap carries a hefty price tag, so any discount presented is a welcome surprise. But as we’ve seen in the past, any Black Friday deal on the Dyson Airwrap causes a crush of interest that’s followed by a sell out. 8. UGG Tasman slippers If you’ve tried to scoop up the UGG Tasman Slippers in previous years, you already know they never stay in stock for long. As the “it” slipper of the holiday season, UGG’s Tasman sells out multiple times over the holidays, even without a discount offered. We think that this year will be similar, with popular sizes and colors of the Tasman Slipper snatched up fast over Black Friday. 9. Bissell Little Green The Bissell Little Green carpet cleaner is a popular home product that just can’t seem to stay in stock. With prices falling under $90, this mighty machine can be a blessing for pet owners and parents, as its compact size makes it easy to store and use when needed. We’ve seen the Little Green Machine sell out before, and we’d be surprised if it didn’t do it again over Black Friday. 10. Furby Galaxy Edition We’d be remiss if we didn’t include a top toy that we think will be hard to find and gift this year. Our pick is the Furby Galaxy Edition. This glow-in-the-dark Furby is based on the original Furby from the late ’90s with even more features, interactive modes and more fun. Making a comeback in 2023, we saw the revival of this popular toy sell out last year, and we expect the new Furby Galaxy Edition to do the same.
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 1:40 p.m. ESTLennox International Inc. ( NYSE:LII – Get Free Report ) declared a quarterly dividend on Friday, December 6th, RTT News reports. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of 1.15 per share by the construction company on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $4.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.74%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 31st. Lennox International has increased its dividend payment by an average of 12.3% per year over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 15 years. Lennox International has a payout ratio of 19.7% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Lennox International to earn $23.35 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $4.60 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 19.7%. Lennox International Price Performance Shares of NYSE:LII opened at $620.03 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $633.77 and a 200-day simple moving average of $592.75. Lennox International has a 52 week low of $412.09 and a 52 week high of $682.50. The company has a market cap of $22.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.44, a P/E/G ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. Insider Transactions at Lennox International In related news, Director Shane D. Wall sold 325 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $612.97, for a total transaction of $199,215.25. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 2,035 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,247,393.95. This represents a 13.77 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, EVP John D. Torres sold 581 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $620.98, for a total transaction of $360,789.38. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,668 shares in the company, valued at $2,898,734.64. This represents a 11.07 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last quarter, insiders sold 2,106 shares of company stock worth $1,353,233. 10.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Lennox International from $604.00 to $619.00 and gave the stock a “sector perform” rating in a report on Thursday, October 24th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Lennox International from $570.00 to $615.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Monday, October 7th. KeyCorp cut shares of Lennox International from an “overweight” rating to a “sector weight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 15th. Robert W. Baird raised their price objective on Lennox International from $648.00 to $656.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 24th. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on Lennox International from $624.00 to $674.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Thursday, December 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Lennox International presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $579.38. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on LII Lennox International Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Lennox International Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets a range of products for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The Home Comfort Solutions segment provides furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, packaged heating and cooling systems, indoor air quality equipment, comfort control products, and replacement parts and supplies; residential heating, ventilation, cooling equipment, and air conditioning; and evaporator coils and unit heaters under Lennox, Dave Lennox Signature Collection, Armstrong Air, Ducane, AirEase, Concord, MagicPak, Advanced Distributor Products, Allied, Elite Series, Merit Series, Comfort Sync, Healthy Climate, iComfort, ComfortSense, and Lennox Stores name. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Lennox International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennox International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
WASHINGTON — FBI Director Christopher Wray told the bureau workforce Wednesday he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January, an announcement that came a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the job. Wray said at a town hall meeting that he would step down “after weeks of careful thought,” three years short of the completion of a 10-year term marked by high-profile and politically charged investigations, including that those led to two separate indictments of Trump last year. Wray’s intended resignation is not unexpected considering that Trump settled on Patel to be director and repeatedly aired his ire at Wray. By stepping down rather than waiting to be fired, Wray is trying to avert a collision with the new Trump administration that he said would have further entangled the FBI “deeper into the fray.” Wray was put in the job by Trump and began the 10-year term — a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations — in 2017, after Trump fired then-FBI Director James Comey. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Kelly Services stock hits 52-week low at $14.19
