<br /> <br /> How the National Media Messed Up the Mavs Predictions<br /> by Bob McCullough 6/14/24<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Go into the recent archives of any major sports site, and you'll find a lot of names who should be embarrassed about their predictions for the Mavs-Celtics series. And they're not just the names of those who happened to cover the Mavs. <br /> <br /> <br /> The prediction split was close to 50/50. Maybe 60/40 in favor of the C's, which felt reasonable going into the Finals. Now it seems a little ridiculous. <br /> <br /> <br /> So what went wrong? Let's take a closer look at why the national media especially fell for the Dallas storyline, for it embodies a lot of what's wrong with sportswriting today and NBA coverage in particular. <br /> <br /> <br /> **** Mavs Story Lines<br /> <br /> <br /> This one's at the top of the list. Writers love superstars, and the NBA's entire culture is built around them. The old ebony/ivory combination of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic was irresistable as a result, especially given the story lines. <br /> <br /> <br /> Start with Irving, a fascinating wack job who's been shooting his career in the foot for a long time now. After getting in trouble for spewing anti-Semitic nonsense, breaking up teams, getting coaches fired and conveniently missing games due to his anti-vax rhetoric, Irving somehow managed to resurrect his career and transform himself into a supposedly responsible NBA elder in Dallas. It's the ultimate redemption storyline. <br /> <br /> <br /> If you really believe that I have deeds to several bridges I can sell you, but in a basketball context Doncic may be even worse, which hardly seems possible. He's the most offensively gifted player of his generation, and yet, to use the words of Bob Cousy, he "looks like a truck driver." <br /> <br /> <br /> Which is Cooz-speak for Luka being fat and out of shape, especially for a professional athlete, and the Celtics have relentlessly exploited that flaw. Add in the fact that he goes after the refs on EVERY play, and he's pretty sickening to watch, even with his incredibly skill set. That doesn't stop the writers from relentlessly loving the highlight plays; that's what they do. <br /> <br /> <br /> J's Fatigue<br /> <br /> <br /> This one's right up there, too. NBA writers especially are sick of writing the same old rivalry stories about Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown, i.e., who's better, who gets paid more, who cares more about winning vs endorsements and brand, and so on. <br /> <br /> <br /> Not surprisingly, the rest of us are just as sick of reading them. Even more so now that' they've become largely irrelevant. Whatever their differences were--and there likely were differences, rest assured--they've worked them out to get to within a game of their first title. <br /> <br /> <br /> ** hum. <br /> <br /> <br /> What Matters About the Mavs Previous Opponents<br /> <br /> <br /> This one hasn't been explored as much, but it's relevant. National writers especially saw three glamour teams in the Clippers, the Thunder and the Wolves, which wasn't exactly the case. <br /> <br /> <br /> Start with the Clippers. They were always a shell of a team with lots of older star power--Kahwi, Paul George, the artist formerly known as Westbrick. Without a healthy Leonard, however, that formula was yesterday's news, as the Mavs quickly proved. Simply put, it was a hidden mismatch. <br /> <br /> <br /> On to the Thunder. This one's slightly more interesting. OKC surprised everyone with a first-round sweep over a New Orleans shell team supposedly "led" by the ever injured and absent Zion Williamson, which led to the assumption that they were ahead of the curve when it came to being playoff ready. <br /> <br /> <br /> Dallas exposed them as a bit of a donut team without enough secondary scoring after SGA, giving Sam Presti a solid blueprint for what he needs to fix going forward. The Thunder are one of the few teams where "watch out for them next year" carries a lot of weight. <br /> <br /> <br /> Lastly, the Timberwolves, who have one of the most oddly mismatched rosters in recent memory. They were perfectly constructed to stop the Nuggets, however, with two seven-footers available to get Nicola Jokic off his game. Against the Mavs, though, young Anthony Edwards was exposed as far from Finals-ready, and KAT came off once again as a seven foot scorer who sometimes plays at 6'6" under pressure. <br /> <br /> <br /> What Now For the Mavs? <br /> <br /> <br /> This one's simple, at least on paper--get Luka in shape, and convince him to play a nominal amount of defense. According to reports, though, Dallas has been trying to get him to do this for years, so that's where the "on paper" part comes in. <br /> <br /> <br /> They also need him to grow up. Luka's referee theater routine grew thin when he was exposed to a team with two All-Defense defenders, and at least two more who should be considered for that roster. Whining about fouls is fine when you have inferior defenders, but it doesn't hold water when athletes like Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday are in your grill taking options away. <br /> <br /> <br /> Finally, the Mavs need a third scorer. Badly. They got by with guys like PJ Washington and Derrick Jones this year, but bargain basement options like that almost always wilt like March daffodils when the playoffs roll around in April, May and June. The future's still bright in Cuban Land, but it's going to take some serious attitude and personnel adjustments to get Luka, Kyrie and company over the top.

(NewsUSA) - The phrase 'six degrees of separation,' suggests that only a minuscule measurement is what divides one person from another. Today, the Internet of Things (IoT) has decreased those degrees dramatically, connecting us not only to each other, but to everything from our fitness trackers to our coffee makers.<br /> <br /> Consider this: according to a recent report by the Federal Trade Commission, the number of Internet-connected devices tops 25 billion worldwide. And that number is expected to double in the next five years, according to experts cited in the report.<br /> <br /> In a world where everyone and everything is connected, digital security is a must-have, just as important as the lock on your front door or the keys to your house.<br /> <br /> "Technology is revolutionizing the way consumers use cars, homes, work spaces and everyday items," Rep. Darrell Issa, R- Calif., told USA Today in a recent interview. "These devices raise both opportunities and questions about regulatory policy, spectrum space, privacy and more."<br /> <br /> Underscoring Issa's concerns are high-profile hacks, including one that took remote control of a Jeep on a busy highway. Experts warn who consumers need to understand that, although convenient, the IoT is an interconnected system, and security is needed to prevent a weakness in one device (like a SmartWatch) from becoming an open door to attack in another device (such as a connected car).<br /> <br /> The good news is that sensitive industries such as banking, government, and healthcare have worked with companies like Gemalto, a global leader in digital security, to solve difficult security challenges. While most may not recognize the name "Gemalto," experts say that almost everyone uses at least one or two of the company's solutions, which are embedded in a wide variety of connected devices, credit cards, passports, and ID badges.<br /> <br /> So, to ensure that your data is protected from hackers, Gemalto recommends the following tips:<br /> <br /> * Secure the device. Sensitive devices need an added layer of protection, such as a SIM card or a tamper-resistant Secure Element that stores data in a safe place.<br /> <br /> * Control the access. Implement two-factor authentication to ensure that only authorized people are granted access to the data.<br /> <br /> * Secure the data. Ensure that sensitive data is encrypted and that encryption keys are stored in a separate and safe place.<br /> <br /> For more information, please visit www.gemalto.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Codes - in Blogs

Bent in Heaven's Twist<br /> <br /> I wear a smile, a fragile disguise<br /> A mask that hides, the tears I've cried<br /> The heavens twist, in a cruel design<br /> A fate that's sealed, yet I'm left to redefine<br /> <br /> In heavenly design, I'm lost in pain<br /> A twist of fate, that drives me insane<br /> The stars align, yet I'm still unsure<br /> A celestial guide, that's hard to endure<br /> <br /> I'm bent and broken, in a world so grand<br /> A fragile soul, in a body so unplanned<br /> The heavens whisper, "You're strong and free"<br /> But I'm trapped in doubts, that haunt me relentlessly<br /> <br /> I search for answers, in the darkest night<br /> A glimmer of hope, that shines with all its might<br /> But the twist of fate, it plays a cruel game<br /> Leaving me shattered, with a heart that's tamed<br /> <br /> In twisted threads, I'm woven with flaws<br /> A fragile fabric, with scars that never fade<br /> The heavens bend, in a mysterious spin<br /> A divine irony, that I'm forced to give in<br /> <br /> I'm a paradox, of strength and weakness combined<br /> A human heart, that's constantly redefined<br /> The twist of heaven's hand, a mysterious fate<br /> A life that's unpredictable, with moments that create<br /> <br /> I yearn for solace, in the chaos and strife<br /> A peaceful haven, where I can be alive<br /> But the heavens twist, in a celestial rhyme<br /> A melody of pain, that echoes through my prime<br /> <br /> In this twisted world, I'm searching for a light<br /> A guiding star, that shines through the darkest night<br /> A beacon of hope, that leads me to the shore<br /> Where I can find peace, and be forever more.<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Writing - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - When it comes to getting fit, many consider cardio exercise the best solution. But strength training is also an essential part of any comprehensive exercise routine. Strength training can boost cardio health, burn calories and fat and put you on the fasttrack for fitness success.<br /> <br /> It's no surprise that strength training was listed as a top fitness trend for both men and women by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). It's also a key step towards improving quality of daily life -- whether that's countering long hours spent at a desk job or staying active with the family.<br /> <br /> "Everyone can benefit enormously from strength training," says celebrity trainer and Bowflex Fitness Advisor Tom Holland. "Muscle helps our bodies work optimally, providing us with functional strength and the ability to perform daily activities with ease."<br /> <br /> Here are some easy ways to add some strength training into your exercise routine:<br /> <br /> * Commit to a regular routine, and build from there. If you are new to strength training, consider lighter weights and fewer repetitions to get started. You can challenge yourself with larger increments and higher repetitions as you progress. "Success in strength training is all about overloading the muscle with precise weight and progressing appropriately," Holland says.<br /> <br /> * Use equipment, or keep it simple. Equipment such as kettle bells, dumbbells and medicine balls are all great options. For example, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells (www.bowflexselecttech.com) replace 15 sets of weights with a space-saving design -- adjustable from 5 to 52.5 pounds at the turn of a dial. If you don't have easy access to weights, or want to start off simple, everyday objects, such as a frozen water bottle or cans of soup, can be used as substitutes.<br /> <br /> * Get back to the basics with functional fitness. Functional fitness focuses on strength and bodyweight training exercises to improve balance, develop muscle and condition our bodies. Basic exercises, such as squats or sit-ups, mimic movements used in daily life. Another option to keep your body tuned to daily activities is walking. You might not be ready for a 5k walk, but a machine like the Bowflex TreadClimber (www.treadclimber.com) can help you get started by combining the motions of a treadmill, a stair climber and an elliptical.<br /> <br /> * Fuel your strength training with protein. "Protein is essential to building lean muscle," says Holland. One easy solution is a protein shake or smoothie. For example, the new Bowflex Body (www.bowflexbody.com) nutrition line includes fitness shakes that provide a 15-gram punch of protein and essential vitamins for only 125 calories.<br /> <br /> Ref: Body Building - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Are all those stories about crippling student debt having an effect on college campuses? Just ask post-Millennials now trying - albeit not always successfully - to avoid being saddled with the same heavy burden of debt as their predecessors.<br /> <br /> According to Fidelity Investments' new "College Savings: Lessons Learned Study," not only did 83 percent of current college students surveyed consider what their total costs would be before matriculating - just 69 percent of recent graduates had such foresight - but 39 percent of them said the potential price tag was such "a huge factor" that they purposely limited their choice of schools to the most affordable. Only 32 percent of recent graduates, alas, had shown similar restraint.<br /> <br /> "It seems today's college students are perhaps more aware of the financial situation they entered into than those who graduated before them," said Melissa Ridolfi, Fidelity's vice president of retirement and college leadership. "That's a positive development."<br /> <br /> All told, student debt in the U.S. now totals more than $1.5 trillion - second only to mortgage debt, Forbes reported. And the 69 percent or so of the Class of 2018 who took out student loans graduated with an average debt balance of $29,800.<br /> <br /> So you can understand why recent graduates would be so stressed out over whether they'd ever be able to pay off their loans that they're now having second thoughts about their decisions:<br /> <br /> * 40 percent said that while they don't regret going to college, they would've made different choices in hindsight.<br /> <br /> * Only 14 percent felt the value of their education was worth more than the money they'd spent.<br /> <br /> Oh, and future college students should listen up for this sage advice from the more than 4,000 respondents surveyed - all recent graduates, current undergraduates, and parents of either or both - on what would've done wonders to ease their own stress levels.<br /> <br /> "When asked 'If you knew then what you know now when it comes to school selection, what would you do differently?' the number one answer for all respondents was 'I would've started saving earlier,'" Ridolfi said.<br /> <br /> Which logically brings us to another key finding of the study: Only 17 percent of current students and recent graduates had taken advantage, prior to college, of what's arguably one of the best ways to fund higher education: 529 savings plans.<br /> <br /> Unlike regular bank savings accounts, they provide a tax-advantaged way to save money to cover tuition, books and other education-related expenses at most accredited two- and four-year colleges, universities and vocational-technical schools.<br /> <br /> The key phrase being "tax-advantaged." Meaning, earnings grow federal income tax-deferred and withdrawals for qualified expenses are free from federal (and, in many places, state) income taxes - thus affording the opportunity to have even more saved for college.<br /> <br /> Significantly, Ridolfi said families using a 529 plan managed by Fidelity have been starting to sock money away earlier than ever before, with contributions beginning on average when the child is about age six and a half. Thirty-six percent of Fidelity 529s are even opened for beneficiaries under - yes - age 2.<br /> <br /> You say a child hasn't even uttered his or her first complete sentence before they're two? Probably not. But just so you're not bushwhacked when they suddenly hit their late teens, free online resources like Fidelity's College Savings Learning Center and College Savings Quick Check - a calculator that even shows you the impact of saving a few dollars more a month - can help prepare you for what lies ahead.<br /> <br /> Ref: Education - in Blogs

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(NewsUSA) - With so many TV shows, videos, and games vying for a child's attention, it can be hard to keep him or her inspired to read. It can be even harder to do so in "real life" settings, but interacting with other kids and sharing excitement for a series or character is often more powerful than swiping a screen.<br /> <br /> Enter the Barnes & Noble Kids' Book Hangout. This new nationwide program invites kids aged 6 through 12 to go to their local Barnes & Noble to hang out, talk books, and play fun games and activities - all "in real life."<br /> <br /> Through this new program, Barnes & Noble booksellers will lead kids in games and activities related to select titles that showcase a range of genres and tastes.<br /> <br /> "The whole idea of the Hangout is for kids to see how much fun reading can be, and that enjoying characters, stories, and books really can be a social experience," says Stephanie Fryling, Vice President of Merchandising, Children's Books. "If the kids walk away with a new favorite character or series that motivates them to keep reading, then we'll have done our job."<br /> <br /> The first Kids' Book Hangout starts Saturday, July 28, at 2 p.m. in every Barnes & Noble store nationwide. Kids don't have to read the featured books, and everyone from 6-12 is welcome. The national bookseller will continue to host Hangouts on a seasonal schedule.<br /> <br /> For the inaugural gathering, Barnes & Noble has teamed up with Penguin Young Readers to showcase titles that include heartfelt poetry, a hilarious Caveboy, a mysterious adventure, and a Beatle-crazed young woman. The books are:<br /> <br /> * Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson<br /> <br /> * More Scrawny Than Brawny, by Aaron Reynolds<br /> <br /> * The Basque Dragon, by Adam Gidwitz<br /> <br /> * She Loves You (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah), by Ann Hood<br /> <br /> The four titles will be 20 percent off all day at Barnes & Noble on July 28, and Frappuccinos and smoothies will be $1 off for Hangout participants.<br /> <br /> The first Hangout comes at a great time for parents struggling to keep their kids reading during the summer. When school starts up again, the Hangouts will be a good reminder that books aren't just for classrooms.<br /> <br /> "The relationship people have with books and reading often starts in childhood, and we hope these Hangouts will help parents and caregivers lay a great foundation for young readers," Fryling says.<br /> <br /> The program adds to Barnes & Noble's other offerings for kids, including the earn-a-free-book Summer Reading Program, and weekly Storytimes for younger kids.<br /> <br /> The bookseller has more information on its website: www.bn.com/bnhangout, and will be posting about the event at <a class="btn-scroll hashword" href="https://stallios.com/search/hashtag/BNHangout">#BNHangout</a>.<br /> <br /> Ref: Communities - in Blogs

Why do people put pressure on others to be themselves then get mad when they do just that? What's meant by "be yourself" if it's not meant to be something to encourage others to be more genuine rather than pretending to socialize the same ways as everyone else? <br /> <br /> Every time I'm told to be myself, I genuinely don't know what's expected of me. Do people want me to fit in with normal behaviors? If that's the meaning, then don't tell me to be myself, because I'm nothing close to normal.<br /> <br /> Me being myself is me explaining that I read Atlas Shrugged because of the fact most of the plot revolves around saving train companies from collapsing under the financial ruin of the country, not because of the commentary on Communism being bad, because I already knew that it didn't work, so I didn't need the politics of it. <br /> <br /> Me being myself is rambling about how the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Doctor Who Universe makes sense together because they both have moments of time travel, the Stark Tower from the MCU got reused as UNIT Headquarters in Doctor Who, and they'd all get along if they met because they're fighting to save reality day in and day out. There's more in-depth reasons, but I'll spare the details for now. <br /> <br /> Me being myself is me being goofy and nerdy, not fitting in to a social standard that doesn't make sense to me. If I wanted to know if the weather was nice, I wouldn't ask someone who has a different perspective on what nice weather is, as I'm the odd one to prefer rain over sun, I'll just look out a window. <br /> <br /> All of that to say I don't understand why people say to just be myself then get upset if I'm too nerdy for them. If you ask for it, don't be surprised and angry that you got it.<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Discussion - in Blogs</span><br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Discussion - in Blogs</span>