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    Aric Aric_Feeney


    72 0

    Bob bobm


    How the National Media Messed Up the Mavs Predictions
    by Bob McCullough 6/14/24






    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.


    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.


    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.


    **** Mavs Story Lines


    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.


    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.


    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."


    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.


    J's Fatigue


    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.


    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.


    ** hum.


    What Matters About the Mavs Previous Opponents


    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.


    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.


    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.


    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.


    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.


    What Now For the Mavs?


    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.


    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.


    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.
    37 0

    Millie Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Cold brew coffee continues to be a hot trend. Recent market research shows an increase in sales of 580 percent between 2011 and 2016 as coffee drinkers have embraced the smooth flavor of cold brew.

    Cold brew is coffee made with cold water. It sounds simple, but making cold brew concentrate from ground coffee at home can be a messy and time-consuming process. Most devices on the market require 12 to 24 hours of steep time at room temperature to brew a coffee concentrate suitable for cold brew coffee, so serving cold brew coffee has traditionally required advance planning. But now a specialized coffee press allows cold brew coffee lovers to get their fix in a couple of minutes.

    By briskly stirring coffee grounds and room temperature water together in the AeroPress coffee maker, you can cut brewing time from many hours to just two minutes. Simply add finely ground coffee and room-temperature water, stir, press, and enjoy a cup of smooth, flavorful cold brew coffee.

    Another advantage of the AeroPress is a quick and easy cleanup. Unlike typical cold brewers, the AeroPress does not leave a large filter full of messy coffee grounds after brewing. It is designed to consolidate the used grounds and filter into a small, neat puck that pops out ready for composting.

    A huge advantage of cold brewing is it can be done where there is that no access to hot water. When traveling, hiking, biking, or doing other activities away from the home kitchen, there is almost always a source of water but often no way to heat it. However with a lightweight, portable AeroPress, it is easy to brew a cup of smooth rich cold brew using tap water in about two minutes.

    Not only does the AeroPress brew delicious hot coffee in addtion to cold brew, but as a multipurpose coffeemaker, it helps cut kitchen clutter by eliminating the need for separate machines.

    Visit aeropress.com for more information about how to enjoy cold brew (or hot) coffee with ease in the comfort of your home.

    Ref: Drinks - in Blogs
    76 0

    Millie Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - How much will I need for my kid's college education? And how the heck will I pay for it?

    With the cost of a four-year degree rising nearly eight times faster than wages since the 1980s, those two questions are enough to give today's parents a serious case of night sweats. You can argue about the reasons for the disconnect -Administrative costs? Fancy amenities? - but you know there's a problem when a writer at Education Week is incensed.

    "Madness," she decried.

    Which is all the more reason to mark May 29 down on your calendar.

    Otherwise known as National 529 College Savings Plan Day -Get it? 5/29? - it's the perfect time to consider setting up one those tax-advantaged 529 plans, as they're called, to help sock money away to cover tuition, books and other education-related expenses at most accredited two - and four-year colleges, universities and vocational-technical schools.

    "It's a way of keeping your son or daughter from being saddled with too much debt when it's time to jump start their careers," explained Melissa Ridolfi, vice president of retirement and college products at Fidelity Investments. "Plus, any investment earnings compound on a tax-deferred basis, and qualified withdrawals are entirely free from federal and state income taxes."

    And now to the big question: How much?

    Two factors are mainly at play:

    * Public vs. private schools. The cost difference can be about as mind-boggling as "Avengers: Endgame's" record $357.1 million opening weekend domestic haul: an average of $21,370 a year at the former, according to the College Board's latest figures, as opposed to $48,510 at the latter.

    * The percentage of the bill you plan to foot. If you were counting on scholarships and other grants to pick up all or most of the tab, you should probably rethink that unless your kid is either a bona fide child prodigy or football star. Sallie Mae's "How America Pays for College" 2018 report found that both categories combined paid for just 28 percent of college costs.

    One guess where 47 percent of the costs came from. That's right, "family income and savings," with another 24 percent covered by borrowing.

    In other words, as Ridolfi said, "any way you look at it, the family is on the hook to pay the lion's share of college expenses." Which probably helps explain why a recent Fidelity study found that parents are increasingly starting to save before their child even reaches the age of two.

    To see where you stand, try using what Fidelity calls "the college savings 2K rule of thumb." Simply multiply your child's current age by $2,000 to figure whether your savings to date are generally on track to handle approximately 50 percent of the College Board's $21,370-a-year average cost of attending a four-year public college.

    Or, especially if you want a more customized estimate - one that lets you play around with percentages and switch back and forth between public and private schools - the firm's free online college savings calculator takes the angst out of doing the math yourself.

    Fidelity provides 12 savings ideas to help reach your own goal, and offers a choice of two different investment strategies in the 529 savings plans it manages - including an age-based portfolio of funds that automatically becomes more conservative as the beneficiary nears college age.

    Hopefully, armed with all that info, you'll be sleeping better at night.

    Ref: Family - in Blogs
    53 0

    Alkuansinta alkocoko
    Bali is renowned not only for its stunning beaches but also for its breathtaking mountain landscapes that captivate visitors from around the world. Among these natural treasures lies Lake Wanagiri, a hidden gem that offers spectacular panoramic views in the highlands of North Bali. This enchanting lake is located in Wanagiri Village, Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency, Bali Province.

    Breathtaking Natural Beauty Throughout the Day

    Lake Wanagiri possesses extraordinary charm with its panoramic beauty that can be enjoyed at any time of day. In the early morning, visitors are greeted by thin mist that blankets the lake's surface, creating a mystical and peaceful atmosphere. During midday, sunlight reflects golden sparkles on the crystal-clear water surface, while the evening presents romantic sunsets with stunning sky color gradations. Even at night, this lake remains captivating with its clear starry sky, providing an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
    The popularity of Lake Wanagiri as a premier tourist destination in Bali continues to grow thanks to its Instagram-worthy natural panoramic beauty. This lake has become one of the famous tourist attractions that not only draws domestic tourists but has also gained international recognition.

    Cool Highland Climate

    The uniqueness of Lake Wanagiri lies in its highland location, providing a cool and refreshing atmosphere that differs from typical beach destinations. The air temperature around this lake remains relatively cool throughout the day, with morning temperatures that can reach 15-18 degrees Celsius, offering natural coolness that is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.

    Lake Formation History

    Lake Wanagiri was formed within a large caldera as a result of past volcanic activity. This geological process created a natural basin that was later filled with rainwater and natural springs, forming this beautiful lake. The position of Lake Wanagiri, which is aligned with other lakes in the Bedugul area such as Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, makes this region a fascinating lake complex to explore.

    Wanagiri Village: The Best Spot to Enjoy Lake Beauty

    On the slopes of Lake Wanagiri lies Wanagiri Village, located in Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency. This village offers a strategic location with the most aesthetic views for enjoying the lake's beauty. From this village, visitors can witness spectacular lake panoramas from height, creating amazing photo opportunities.
    Wanagiri Village not only offers beautiful lake views but also features various traditional warungs (local eateries) scattered along the slope edges. At these places, tourists can sit and relax while enjoying traditional Balinese tubruk coffee and local snacks with the stunning lake view as their backdrop.

    Supporting Tourist Attractions Around Lake Wanagiri

    The Wanagiri Village area holds various hidden gems that enrich the tourism experience. In this village, there are several enchanting waterfalls, including Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall hidden within the protected forest, Banyumala Waterfall often called the twin waterfall with three different sections, and various other waterfalls that offer authentic natural experiences.
    Banyumala Waterfall, which stands approximately 20 meters high, has become one of the main attractions with its unique structure that appears to be divided into three sections. This waterfall was first opened to tourists in 2015 and has now become a popular tourist destination frequently visited by international travelers.

    International Recognition

    Lake Wanagiri has gained recognition as an international-class tourist destination. Its spectacular natural beauty and Instagram-worthy photo spots have attracted the attention of international tourists from various countries. Many international travel bloggers and influencers have captured their precious moments at this lake, further increasing its popularity on global social media.
    The combination of authentic natural beauty, cool mountain atmosphere, and adequate facilities makes Lake Wanagiri a perfect destination for spending quality time. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature while witnessing the lake's amazing panorama from various viewpoints.

    Accessibility and Transportation

    Access to Lake Wanagiri is quite easy to reach from various cities in Bali. From Singaraja, the journey to this lake takes approximately 1 hour, while from Denpasar it requires about 2.5-3 hours of travel time depending on traffic conditions. The road infrastructure leading to the lake area is already in good condition, allowing various types of vehicles to access this amazing tourist destination.
    The route to Lake Wanagiri can be reached via Jalan Raya Wanagiri, which is well-paved. Throughout the journey, tourists will be treated to views of green plantation expanses and hills that soothe the eyes, making the journey to the lake part of an enjoyable tourism experience.

    Conclusion

    Lake Wanagiri represents an extraordinarily beautiful and comfortable tourist destination for spending vacation time. The combination of spectacular natural beauty, cool mountain weather, good accessibility, and various supporting tourist attractions makes this place a perfect choice for travelers seeking a different experience in Bali. For anyone visiting Bali, Lake Wanagiri is a must-visit destination to experience the natural wonders of the Island of the Gods from a different perspective.
    14 0

    Millie Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Summertime. It's the time of year to put your feet up, relax and have a little fun. So, why not make it a little safer for the whole family?

    The following tips can help keep everyone healthy and injury-free -- and, with any luck, away from the doctor's office:

    * Handle vacation baggage with caution. Be careful handling your luggage. There were more than 75,500 luggage-related injuries in 2013 alone. To avoid luggage-related injury and pain, keep your body straight when lifting and carrying luggage -- do not twist. Instead, point your toes in the direction you are headed, and then turn your entire body in that direction. Also, only use luggage that is sturdy and light weight with wheels and a handle.

    * Dive into summer safety. Diving and swimming is a popular summer activity for many families and their children, but it does carry some risk.

    "Swimming and diving injuries are most common among children, 17 or younger," says A. Jay Khanna, MD, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) spokesperson and orthopedic surgeon. "For that reason, it's important to equip kids with the proper safety precautions at an early age."

    The AAOS suggests that individuals never dive into above-ground pools or into water that isn't clear -- where sand bars or objects below the surface may not be seen. As for swimming, never swim alone, always swim in supervised areas, and avoid rip currents.

    * Follow the rules of the road while biking. More than 80 million Americans enjoy cycling because it's an environmentally efficient way to get around, a great form of exercise and a fun activity for the whole family. However, according to 2013 statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, bike-related injuries were the reason for more than 1.3 million visits to hospitals, emergency rooms and doctors' offices.

    To avoid being a statistic, always wear a helmet and ride in the direction of traffic. Also, don't listen to music with headphones, talk on your phone, text or do anything else that would distract you while riding.

    * Beware of bouncing. Jumping on a trampoline is a favorite pastime among kids because of the thrill that comes with it. Unfortunately, it also carries risks. The most common injuries are sprains and fractures that result from falls on the mat, falls on the frame or springs, collisions with another jumper and falls off the trampoline, according to the AAOS. To protect kids, trampolines should not be used for unsupervised recreational activity.

    For more information and safety tips this summer, visit OrthoInfo.org.

    Ref: Bicycles - in Blogs
    46 0

    Ramiro Ramiro_Williamson


    68 0

    Millie Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - No matter who you are or what business you are in, you're vulnerable to a cyber attack. That's the unfortunate reality of the times we live in.

    Think you're immune? There are millions of cyberattacks in the United States every year, with big companies like Home Depot, Adobe Systems, Sony, Citigroup, Target, Facebook, Evernote and The New York Times taking the biggest hits and falling victim.

    And like Fortune 500 companies that seemingly have the resources to battle data breaches, small businesses are just as exposed, if not more so. According to a Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report more than 70 percent of the businesses in the study that were breached had fewer than 100 employees. Those breaches result in huge losses. Trend Micro found that "cybercriminals steal as much as $1 billion a year from SMBs in the United States and Europe, alone."

    Which begs the question: If both large and small companies and the U.S. government can be compromised (even with security protocols in place), then what does that mean for individuals?

    It's a question that Dr. Robert Short, chief technology officer and chief technical scientist of VirnetX, struggled with and finally answered in the form of Gabriel, a set of secure encrypted communication apps derived from a CIA-sponsored Department of Defense project.

    "The genesis of Gabriel really was trying to solve the problem of how you make security transparent to the user. The means to automatically create a secure connection whenever a secure connection is needed to wherever it is needed, and create it on demand," says Short. "That has always been the vision behind Gabriel."

    The difference between Gabriel and other products, says Short, is that users do not have to transmit data to or store data with any third party, including VirnetX. In this way, data is stored only on their own devices. Essentially, users maintain control of their own data.

    Gabriel users also have secure, encrypted (spamless) email, text messages, free voice and video calls and picture or file share with other trusted Gabriel users in their network -- all directly from their personal device.

    Gabriel runs on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows and Mac OSX. For more information or to download Gabriel go to gabrielsecure.com, the App Store or the Google Play store.

    Ref: Datacenters - in Blogs
    41 0

    Rebecca Rebecca_Ebert



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