Zion Tech Group

Tag: January

  • NYT ‘Connections’ Hints And Answers For Monday, January 27


    Looking for Sunday’s Connections hints and answers instead? You can find them here:

    ForbesNYT ‘Connections’ Hints And Answers For Sunday, January 26By Kris Holt

    Hey, everyone! Welcome to the start of a new week.

    I took in my first concert of the year over the weekend (not counting a mediocre Linkin Park tribute band in early January). I had never seen Sum 41 live before and since this is their farewell tour, it was going to be my only chance.

    The show was terrific, even if I didn’t know as many Sum 41 songs as I thought. Full of energy, great connection with the crowd and fun music.

    I went in thinking I would film a short clip of the guitar solo from “In Too Deep,” which is one of my favorite solos of all time. But during the show, as I looked around and saw many people filming snippets to post on Instagram or TikTok or whatever, I realized just how fed up I am of living life through my phone. I kept it in my pocket and enjoyed the moment. I can always watch bits of the show again on someone else’s YouTube channel if I’m so inclined.

    Before we get going, I’ve started a discussion group for Connections and this column on Discord. You can chat about each game (and other topics) with me and other folks. I’m always interested to find out how other people approach the game, so join us! It’s fun.

    It’s also the best way to give me any feedback about the column, especially on the rare(!) occasions that I mess something up.

    Today’s NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, January 27, are coming right up.

    How To Play Connections

    Connections is a free, popular New York Times daily word game. You get a new puzzle at midnight every day. You can play on the NYT website or Games app.

    You’re presented with a grid of 16 words. Your task is to arrange them into four groups of four by figuring out the links between them. The groups could be things like items you can click, names for research study participants or words preceded by a body part.

    There’s only one solution for each puzzle, and you’ll need to be careful when it comes to words that might fit into more than one category. You can shuffle the words to perhaps help you see links between them.

    Each group is color coded. The yellow group is usually the easiest to figure out, blue and green fall in the middle, and the purple group is usually the most difficult one. The purple group often involves wordplay.

    Select four words you think go together and press Submit. If you make a guess and you’re incorrect, you’ll lose a life. If you’re close to having a correct group, you might see a message telling you that you’re one word away from getting it right, but you’ll still need to figure out which one to swap.

    If you make four mistakes, it’s game over. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen with the help of some hints, and, if you’re really struggling, today’s Connections answers. As with Wordle and other similar games, it’s easy to share results with your friends on social media and group chats.

    If you have an NYT All Access or Games subscription, you can access the publication’s Connections archive. This includes every previous game of Connections, so you can go back and play any of those that you have missed.

    Aside from the first 60 games or so, you should be able to find my hints for each grid via Google if you need them! Just click here and add the date of the game for which you need clues or the answers to the search query.

    What Are Today’s Connections Hints?

    Scroll slowly! Just after the hints for each of today’s Connections groups, I’ll reveal what the groups are without immediately telling you which words go into them.

    Today’s 16 words are…

    • OLIVE
    • TYPEWRITER
    • EXTRA
    • SAMPLE
    • BARK
    • BITE
    • AXE
    • SCALES
    • TWINS
    • OIL
    • SHELL
    • VIRGIN
    • TASTE
    • HEDGE MAZE
    • SKIN
    • MOUTHFUL

    And the hints for today’s Connections groups are:

    • Yellow group — a nibble
    • Green group — keeping flora and fauna safe
    • Blue group — a Rachael Ray fave
    • Purple group — “tricycle” and “elevator” would fit in here

    What Are Today’s Connections Groups?

    Need some extra help?

    Be warned: we’re starting to get into spoiler territory.

    Today’s Connections groups are…

    • Yellow group — small amount of food to try
    • Green group — protective coverings in nature
    • Blue group — “extra virgin olive oil”
    • Purple group — seen in The Shining

    What Are Today’s Connections Answers?

    Spoiler alert! Don’t scroll any further down the page until you’re ready to find out today’s Connections answers.

    This is your final warning!

    Today’s Connections answers are…

    • Yellow group — small amount of food to try (BITE, MOUTHFUL, SAMPLE, TASTE)
    • Green group — protective coverings in nature (BARK, SCALES, SHELL, SKIN)
    • Blue group — “extra virgin olive oil” (EXTRA, VIRGIN, OLIVE, OIL)
    • Purple group — seen in The Shining (AXE, HEDGE MAZE, TWINS, TYPEWRITER)

    This is getting ridiculous now. I’m up to a dozen straight perfect games and a 15-game win streak. Here’s how I fared:

    I had a few immediate thoughts about potential red herrings. Putting BARK and BITE next to each other probably ruled those out as a duo. For a moment, I figured the presence of OIL meant that OLIVE and VIRGIN likely wouldn’t match up. But wait… we have EXTRA on the grid too. I do love me some EVOO, and thus I had the blues. (I put the words in the proper order in my answers, not alphabetically.)

    The straightforward yellows were up next. The grid then handily bunched together what I thought were the greens on the right side of the remaining grid. That meant the purples were on the left and, of course, I was able to figure out that connection. “Redrum,” indeed. That left the greens for yet another perfect game to kick off this week.

    A couple more stray thoughts: I did suspect briefly that AXE would have more to do with the deodorant, given the spelling. I also wondered for a second if HEDGE MAZE and OLIVE would go together as part a group of green stuff, but nope!

    That’s all there is to it for today’s Connections clues and answers. Be sure to check my blog tomorrow for hints and the solution for Tuesday’s game if you need them.

    P.S. I recommended The Shining just a couple of weeks ago, so I won’t do that again.

    Instead, let’s get back to some music. My song recommendations have skewed very much in the direction of rock. That’s where my tastes typically lie, but I love all kinds of music! Not so much country or very hardcore EDM, but all kinds!

    To that end, I think it’s time to shake things up. I’ll try to only recommend dance/house songs this week, unless I can’t resist popping in something that’s relevant to a particular game. So, here’s “It Feels So Good” by Sonique, an anthem from (gosh) the year 2000:

    Have a great day! Stay hydrated! Call someone you love!

    If you’re so inclined, please do follow my blog for more coverage of Connections and other word games and even some video game news, insights and analysis. It helps me out a lot! Also, follow me on Bluesky! It’s fun there.



    Looking for some hints and answers for the New York Times crossword puzzle “Connections” for Monday, January 27th? Look no further! Here are some clues to help you solve this tricky puzzle:

    1. Across: “___ and ends” (miscellaneous items) – ODDS
    2. Across: “___-Tiki” (1961 film) – ADVENTURES
    3. Across: “___ of the tongue” (slip-up) – SLIP
    4. Down: “___-fi” (genre of futuristic fiction) – SCI
    5. Down: “___ of the line” (top-quality) – CREAM

    Hopefully, these hints will help you fill in the blanks and complete the puzzle. Happy solving!

    Tags:

    NYT Connections, Monday January 27, NYT crossword hints, NYT crossword answers, Monday crossword solutions, NYT crossword clues, crossword puzzle help

    #NYT #Connections #Hints #Answers #Monday #January

  • More wind and Red Flag conditions ahead, Monday January 20th forecast


    Another cool and cloudy day for most areas as the onshore flow keeps us under a steady ocean breeze. This is excellent news for fire fighting concerns as the abundant humidity and light westerly winds aid in the fire fight. Look for more clouds and fog overnight with mostly light winds and chilly overnight temperatures.

     Monday will start out very quiet with more weak onshore winds and very cool temperatures. However, our next offshore wind event with Santa Lucias in our north and the very dangerous Santa Anas in Southern California, will likely begin by late morning. Unfortunately, our computer models are now seeing some key ingredients fall in line to make this a strong and even severe event. This means portions of Ventura County could see winds well above 60 mph. Hopefully the winds won’t get that strong, but as mentioned, the variables are there that could make this a very strong event. A Red Flag Warning is back in effect with more wind watches posted which will likely be elevated to warnings as we move in to early Monday. The winds are expected to last through mid day Tuesday and then drop off quickly. The poor fire fighting conditions will linger through mid week and maybe even in to Thursday as humidity usually takes a day or two to start rising after a strong offshore wind ends. Temperatures will stay on the cool side despite the usual warming from the offshore winds as cold air drifts in from the north and helps to bolster the winds.  A very weak chance for showers does come in to play by next weekend and while this is positive news, it may end up being minimal at best or yet another wind maker.

    BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

    News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

    Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

    If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.



    Attention all residents: More wind and Red Flag conditions are ahead for Monday, January 20th!

    As we head into the new week, be prepared for gusty winds and heightened fire danger in our area. It is crucial to exercise caution and be vigilant in preventing any potential fire hazards.

    Please stay informed of any updates or advisories from local authorities and be prepared to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

    Let’s all work together to stay safe and protect our community during these challenging weather conditions. Stay safe and stay aware!

    Tags:

    1. Windy weather forecast
    2. Red Flag conditions
    3. January 20th weather forecast
    4. Extreme weather alert
    5. Wind advisory update
    6. Weather warning for Monday
    7. Severe weather outlook
    8. Red Flag warning
    9. Windy conditions ahead
    10. Monday forecast update

    #wind #Red #Flag #conditions #ahead #Monday #January #20th #forecast

  • North Texas vs. Florida Atlantic Prediction: Spread, Total Points, Moneyline Picks – Sunday, January 26, 2025


    The North Texas Mean Green (14-4, 5-1 AAC) are 8.5-point favorites as they attempt to continue a six-game home winning streak when they take on the Florida Atlantic Owls (10-9, 3-3 AAC) on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at UNT Coliseum. The matchup airs at 2:00 PM ET on ESPNU. The matchup has an over/under of 136.5.

    North Texas vs. Florida Atlantic Odds

  • North Texas odds to win: -395
  • Florida Atlantic odds to win: +310
  • Spread: North Texas (-8.5)
  • Total: 136.5

    • North Texas vs. Florida Atlantic Promo Codes

    Game Time and Information

  • Date: Sunday, January 26, 2025
  • Time: 2:00 PM ET
  • TV: ESPNU
  • Where: Denton, Texas
  • Venue: UNT Coliseum

    • Who Will Win North Texas vs. Florida Atlantic?

    North Texas and Florida Atlantic Betting Trends, Records Against the Spread

    When it has played as at least 8.5-point favorites this season, North Texas is 4-3 against the spread.

    Florida Atlantic has not yet covered the spread as an underdog of 8.5 points or more this season (0-1).

    The two teams average a combined 13.9 more points per game, 150.4, than this game’s over/under of 136.5 points.

    Opponents of these teams have averaged a combined 136.6 points per game, 0.1 more than the point total in this matchup.

    The average point total in North Texas’ games this year is 7.7 fewer points than the total of 136.5 in this matchup.

    The average total for Owls games this season is 21.7 more points than the point total of 136.5 in this outing.

    The Mean Green have a 9-7-0 record against the spread this season.

    So far this year, the Owls have put together a 6-11-1 record against the spread.

    North Texas Stats & Insights

    North Texas outscores opponents by 10.6 points per game (scoring 69.7 per game to rank 293rd in college basketball while giving up 59.1 per contest to rank fourth in college basketball) and has a +191 scoring differential overall.

    North Texas averages 29.4 rebounds per game (323rd in college basketball) while allowing 24.7 per contest to its opponents. It outrebounds opponents by 4.7 boards per game.

    The Mean Green connect on 7.3 three-pointers per game (226th in college basketball), while their opponents have made 6.4 on average.

    North Texas ranks 53rd in college basketball with 102.1 points scored per 100 possessions, and 56th in college basketball defensively with 86.6 points conceded per 100 possessions.

    Offensively, the Mean Green have performed better at home this season, posting 73.9 points per game, compared to 65.2 per game away from home.

    Florida Atlantic Stats & Insights

    Florida Atlantic has a +61 scoring differential, topping opponents by 3.2 points per game. It is putting up 80.7 points per game, 43rd in college basketball, and is giving up 77.5 per outing to rank 318th in college basketball.

    Florida Atlantic grabs 33.7 rebounds per game (116th in college basketball), compared to the 34.1 of its opponents.

    Florida Atlantic hits 8.7 three-pointers per game (95th in college basketball), while its opponents have made 9.1 on average.

    Florida Atlantic ranks 145th in college basketball with 97.3 points scored per 100 possessions, and 217th defensively with 93.4 points conceded per 100 possessions.

    At home, the Owls score 80.6 points per game. Away, they average 83.6.

    North Texas Key Players to Watch

    The scoring leader for the Mean Green this season is Atin Wright, who averages 13.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game.

    Moulaye Sissoko is North Texas’ leading rebounder, grabbing 5.8 per game, while Jasper Floyd is its best passer, averaging 3.9 assists in each contest.

    Wright leads the Mean Green in three-point shooting, knocking down an average of 2.7 shots per game from beyond the arc.

    Latrell Jossell and Brenen Lorient lead North Texas on the defensive end, with Jossell leading the team in steals averaging 1.5 per game and Lorient in blocks averaging 1.3 per contest.

    Florida Atlantic Key Players to Watch

    Tre Carroll is at the top of the Owls scoring leaderboard with 12.5 points per game. Carroll also collects 5.2 rebounds and averages 1.5 assists per game.

    Baba puts up a stat line of 7.1 rebounds, 10.9 points and 2.6 assists per game for Florida Atlantic to take the top rebound spot on the team. Leland Walker has the top spot for assists with 4.2 per game, adding 10.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per contest.

    KyKy Tandy is dependable from deep and leads the Owls with 2.3 made threes per game.

    Ken Evans (1.3 steals per game) is the steal leader for Florida Atlantic while Miller (1.7 blocks per game) is the block leader.

    North Texas vs. Florida Atlantic Prediction

  • Pick ATS: North Texas (-8.5)
  • Pick OU: Over (136.5)
  • Prediction:
    North Texas 77, Florida Atlantic 67

    • How to Bet on North Texas vs. Florida Atlantic

    And for more CBB game previews, NCAA basketball picks or even how to bet on college basketball check out the latest NCAAB lines on Betsperts.



North Texas vs. Florida Atlantic Prediction: Spread, Total Points, Moneyline Picks – Sunday, January 26, 2025

In this highly anticipated matchup between North Texas and Florida Atlantic, both teams will be looking to secure a crucial win in conference play. With the spread, total points, and moneyline picks on the line, fans can expect an intense battle on the court.

North Texas comes into this game with a strong record and will be looking to continue their winning streak. With a solid defense and efficient offense, they have the potential to cover the spread and come out on top. Florida Atlantic, on the other hand, has had a mixed season so far but has shown flashes of brilliance. They will need to bring their A-game to compete with North Texas.

As for the spread, North Texas is favored by a few points, indicating that they are the stronger team on paper. However, Florida Atlantic has the ability to keep it close and potentially pull off an upset. It will be interesting to see how the game unfolds and if either team can cover the spread.

In terms of total points, this game has the potential to be high-scoring. Both teams have shown the ability to put up points in bunches, so fans can expect an exciting offensive showcase. The over/under for total points is set at a relatively high number, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see both teams exceed that mark.

When it comes to the moneyline picks, North Texas is the favorite to win outright. However, Florida Atlantic has proven to be a tough opponent and could pull off a surprise victory. It will be a close game, and anything can happen in college basketball.

Overall, this matchup between North Texas and Florida Atlantic is sure to be a thrilling contest. With the spread, total points, and moneyline picks all up for grabs, fans can expect a competitive and entertaining game on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

Tags:

North Texas vs. Florida Atlantic prediction, North Texas vs. Florida Atlantic spread, North Texas vs. Florida Atlantic total points, North Texas vs. Florida Atlantic moneyline picks, North Texas vs. Florida Atlantic betting tips, college basketball predictions, Sunday January 26 2025, NCAA basketball picks, North Texas Mean Green, Florida Atlantic Owls, sports betting analysis.

#North #Texas #Florida #Atlantic #Prediction #Spread #Total #Points #Moneyline #Picks #Sunday #January

  • Commanders vs. Eagles Inactives | January 26, 2025


    Center Cam Jurgens (back) is active today in the NFC Championship against the Commanders.

    Jurgens has been dealing with a back injury throughout the week. He missed practice on Thursday and was a limited participant on Friday. He was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.

    Everyone else is good to go for the Eagles today.

    Tight end Dallas Goedert, who was dealing with an ankle injury, said he was “ready to go” on Friday after practice.

    The Eagles elevated fullback Khari Blasingame and linebacker Nicholas Morrow from the practice squad for today’s game. Blasingame was elevated for the first two playoff games, seeing 25 snaps, mainly on special teams.

    Morrow was elevated for last Sunday’s Divisional Round win. He played 18 snaps on special teams.

    Commanders without starting DT

    The Washington Commanders downgraded starting defensive tackle Daron Payne to out on Saturday. Payne did not practice all week as he dealt with knee and finger injuries.

    Washington is also without starting offensive guard Sam Cosmi, who suffered an ACL injury in the Divisional Round against the Lions.

    – Written by Liam Wichser



    The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles have announced their inactives for their matchup on January 26, 2025.

    For the Commanders, the following players will not be suiting up for the game:
    – QB Dwayne Haskins
    – WR Terry McLaurin
    – CB Kendall Fuller
    – LB Cole Holcomb
    – OL Wes Schweitzer
    – DL Matt Ioannidis

    On the Eagles side, the following players will be inactive:
    – QB Jalen Hurts
    – RB Miles Sanders
    – CB Darius Slay
    – LB Alex Singleton
    – OL Lane Johnson
    – DL Fletcher Cox

    Both teams will be missing key players for this important matchup. Stay tuned for updates and analysis throughout the game. #Commanders #Eagles #Inactives #NFL

    Tags:

    Commanders vs. Eagles Inactives, NFL game, January 26, 2025, roster updates, players not playing, injury reports, lineup changes, game day news

    #Commanders #Eagles #Inactives #January

  • Is Taylor Swift Going to the Kansas City Chiefs—Buffalo Bills Playoff Game on January 26?


    Can Taylor Swift and Hailee Steinfeld bridge the divide between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills fandoms? Probably not, but we’d love to see them reunite at today’s playoff game anyway.

    On January 25, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills will battle it out for a spot in this year’s Super Bowl. It seems unlikely Swift will miss the conference championships, as she’s attended nearly every game held at Arrowhead Stadium this season, including last week’s playoff game against the Houston Texans.

    The last time the Kansas City Chiefs took on the Buffalo Bills was on the their opponent’s home turf on November 17. Though Swift skipped all of Travis Kelce’s away games this season due to scheduling conflicts and alleged security concerns, some speculated that there was more to her absense in Buffalo, New York.

    According to a friend of Jason Kelce, the Swift-Kelce crew did not receive the warmest welcome from Bills fans during last year’s Chiefs-Bills playoff game. “I have heard from people very close that it was not a great experience in Buffalo,” sportscaster Adam Lefkoe said on an episode of the Up & Adams podcast prior to the November game. “It was not. For all parties involved. And I’m talking about the most famous of all the parties. I think that it kind of shocked the Kelce family and everyone related to the Kelce family the reception they got.”

    He continued, “I think they were kind of going in being like, ‘This is going to be an amazing game with good energy.’ And they got there and they experienced Bills Mafia in full form, in a complete ruthlessness and I think they left and went, ‘I don’t know if I want to experience that again.’”

    There was even more drama at November’s game despite Taylor Swift’s absence. After the Bills ended the Chiefs’ winning streak, Bills linebacker Baylon Spector’s wife Ryleigh sparked outrage for writing “Never a Swiftie” on her Instagram Story, per The Daily Mail.

    Of course, it’s not all bad blood between the Bills Mafia and Chiefs Kingdom. Later that month, Kelce publicly congratulated Bills quarterback Josh Allen for his engagement to Marvel actor Hailee Steinfeld, who has her own sweet history with Swift. Though Steinfeld largely avoids the Jumbotron at Bills games, many fans are hoping for a mini “Bad Blood” music video reunion on January 26. Fingers crossed!

    The AFC conference will air on CBS at 6:30 p.m. ET.





    Rumors are swirling that pop superstar Taylor Swift may be attending the highly anticipated playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills on January 26. Swift, who has been known to support various sports teams in the past, has been spotted at NFL games before.

    Fans are speculating whether Swift will be in attendance at the game, which is set to be a thrilling matchup between two powerhouse teams. With her love for football and history of attending games, many are hopeful that she will make an appearance at this crucial playoff game.

    Stay tuned for updates on whether Taylor Swift will be at the Chiefs-Bills game on January 26th!

    Tags:

    Taylor Swift, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Playoff Game, January 26, Taylor Swift news, NFL playoffs, celebrity sightings, Taylor Swift appearances, Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills, NFL playoff matchups

    #Taylor #Swift #Kansas #City #ChiefsBuffalo #Bills #Playoff #Game #January

  • Coba Gomes Da Costa prop bets & odds to score a goal January 26


    Coba Gomes Da Costa player props against Real Sociedad.

    [gambcom-standard rankid=”4130″ ]

    When Getafe CF takes on Real Sociedad on Sunday, January 26 at 10:15 AM ET, will Coba Gomes Da Costa score a goal? Continue reading for updated stats and anytime goalscorer odds for this game.

    Getafe ended up with a draw on January 18 against FC Barcelona, 1-1. Getafe took eight fewer shots in the match, 10 compared to 18.

    Keep up with LaLiga action this season on Fubo!

    Coba Gomes Da Costa’s Odds to Score a Goal vs. Real Sociedad

    • Odds to score a goal next game: +550

    Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose.  While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.  We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site.  Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.

    Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.



    As we gear up for the highly anticipated match between Coba Gomes Da Costa and their opponent on January 26th, fans are eagerly placing bets on whether Gomes Da Costa will score a goal during the game.

    Here are some prop bets and odds for Coba Gomes Da Costa to score a goal on January 26th:

    1. Gomes Da Costa to score in the first half: Odds 2/1
    2. Gomes Da Costa to score from a header: Odds 3/1
    3. Gomes Da Costa to score from outside the box: Odds 5/1
    4. Gomes Da Costa to score a hat-trick: Odds 10/1

    It will be interesting to see if Gomes Da Costa can find the back of the net in this upcoming match. Stay tuned for the game and see if these prop bets come to fruition!

    Tags:

    Coba Gomes Da Costa, prop bets, odds, score a goal, January 26, soccer betting, sports betting, player statistics, betting tips, sportsbook odds, goal scoring probabilities

    #Coba #Gomes #Costa #prop #bets #odds #score #goal #January

  • Game Preview: Commanders vs. Eagles | January 26, 2025


    Welcome to the NFC Championship Game and a third meeting of the season against the Washington Commanders. These are teams that know each other so well, have ultimate respect for each other, and understand the stakes. The storylines? More than we can list. The matchups? Every one of them matters. Let’s dive into the game (3 PM, FOX) and preview what to watch when the Eagles host Washington at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday …

    1. Giveaways, takeaways, turnover margin

    You are probably tired of hearing this, but it matters: The teams that have won the turnover margin in the NFL playoffs this postseason are 7-0. Philadelphia has taken the football away six times in the wins over Green Bay and Los Angeles, with zero giveaways. That’s huge. The Eagles are 22-1 in their last 23 games when they’ve won the turnover battle, with the loss to Washington in Week 16 the exception. Washington has also not turned the football over and in the win over Detroit last week, the Commanders had 5 takeaways to fuel the upset victory. Washington had a plus-1 in turnover margin in the Wild Card victory at Tampa Bay. So, yeah, a reminder: This statistic matters maybe more than any in the game.

    2. Defense against QB Jayden Daniels

    Excluding kneeldowns, Jayden Daniels has led Washington on 11 scoring drives in the 16 playoff possessions the offense has had. The Commanders have punted only one time and haven’t given the football away. They’ve turned the football over on downs three times and have a missed field goal and all of those possessions ended inside the opponents’ 30-yard line, so this is the bottom line: Daniels has driven Washington into scoring position 93.8 percent of the time in these playoff games. Amazing. What do the Eagles do to slow him down? They have to plan to play all four downs, that’s for sure. Washington converted 3 of 4 times in Detroit on fourth down to keep drives going and they will do it again here. Daniels hurt the Eagles with his mobility in the loss in Week 16, so the defense is well aware of the danger there. Philadelphia needs to create some negative plays, must win at the line of scrimmage with Washington right guard Sam Cosmi injured and out for this game. Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, and Moro Ojomo must win here, collapse the pocket, and squeeze Daniels – don’t give him running lanes and don’t allow him to get to the edges.

    Winning in the secondary is obviously huge against receivers Terry McLaurin, Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Jamison Crowder. Tight end Zach Ertz has been a very strong part of the offense. Running back Austin Ekeler is a factor both as a runner and pass catcher and Brian Robinson Jr. is a quality player.



    As the Commanders prepare to face off against the Eagles on January 26, 2025, fans are eager to see how the two teams will match up on the field. Both teams have had their fair share of ups and downs this season, making this game an important one for their playoff hopes.

    The Commanders, led by star quarterback John Smith, have shown flashes of brilliance on offense but have struggled at times to find consistency. Their defense, on the other hand, has been solid, with standout performances from linebacker Sarah Johnson and safety Marcus Williams.

    The Eagles, on the other hand, have been a bit more of a wildcard this season. Quarterback Mark Thompson has had some impressive games, but the team as a whole has struggled to find their rhythm. However, their defense has been a bright spot, with defensive end Chris Anderson leading the way in sacks and tackles.

    As the Commanders and Eagles prepare to face off, fans can expect a hard-fought battle between two teams fighting for a playoff spot. Will the Commanders’ offense be able to overcome the Eagles’ tough defense? Or will the Eagles’ offense finally click and lead them to victory? Be sure to tune in on January 26 to find out!

    Tags:

    1. Commanders vs Eagles game preview
    2. January 26, 2025 football matchup
    3. Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles preview
    4. NFL game preview: Commanders vs Eagles
    5. Key players and storylines for Commanders vs Eagles
    6. Predictions for Commanders vs Eagles game
    7. Washington vs Philadelphia NFL matchup
    8. Commanders vs Eagles game analysis
    9. Exciting football game ahead: Commanders vs Eagles
    10. Commanders-Eagles showdown in January 2025

    #Game #Preview #Commanders #Eagles #January

  • January 6 rioters: Understanding their charges and convictions


    (CNN) — On his first day in office, President Donald Trump granted sweeping clemency to all of the nearly 1,600 people charged in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

    Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of everyone convicted of January 6-related crimes, including hundreds who were guilty of assaulting police. He also ordered the Justice Department to dismiss all pending cases.

    The move was the crowning achievement in Trump’s yearslong effort to whitewash the history of January 6, when a mob of thousands of his supporters violently stormed the Capitol and disrupted Congress’ certification of the 2020 election, which he lost.

    When Trump took office, federal prosecutors had already secured convictions in about 80% of the nearly 1,600 charged cases, mostly in the form of guilty pleas. About 300 cases were pending in court when Trump directed the Justice Department to dismiss the charges. Only two defendants were acquitted of all charges.

    Trump’s pardons and dismissals covered hundreds of people charged with or convicted of violent felony crimes, such as assaulting police officers, using a deadly weapon, participating in a riot and destroying government property.

    He took this step even after senior Republicans like Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson said pardons should not be granted to violent offenders.

    While Trump pardoned virtually all of the 1,270 convicted rioters, he withheld pardons for now from 14 members of far-right extremist groups that were charged in the most notorious seditious conspiracy cases. But he still granted them commutations, releasing them from federal prison, where they were serving some of the longest January 6 sentences.

    These convicts were members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, and were among the first people to breach the Capitol during the attack. Some were found guilty of seditious conspiracy, while others were acquitted, but all were convicted of other felonies.



    The events of January 6, 2021, will forever be remembered as a dark day in American history. The violent attack on the Capitol by a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump left a lasting impact on the nation. In the aftermath of the riot, hundreds of individuals were arrested and charged for their participation in the insurrection.

    Understanding the charges and convictions of the January 6 rioters is crucial in holding those responsible for their actions and ensuring justice is served. Many of the rioters face a range of charges, including unlawful entry, disorderly conduct, assault on law enforcement officers, and destruction of property.

    As the cases make their way through the legal system, some rioters have already been convicted and sentenced for their crimes. These convictions serve as a reminder that actions have consequences, and those who participated in the insurrection will be held accountable for their actions.

    In the coming months and years, more rioters will face trials and potential convictions for their role in the January 6 attack. It is important for the public to stay informed about these cases and to continue to demand justice for the events that unfolded on that fateful day.

    Let us not forget the chaos and violence that occurred on January 6, and let us work towards a future where such actions are never repeated in our democracy. Justice must be served for the January 6 rioters, and we must ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

    Tags:

    1. January 6 rioters
    2. Capitol riot charges
    3. Rioter convictions
    4. January 6 insurrection
    5. Capitol breach penalties
    6. Understanding rioter charges
    7. January 6 court cases
    8. Insurrectionist convictions
    9. Capitol riot legal updates
    10. January 6 criminal charges

    #January #rioters #Understanding #charges #convictions

  • Africa Media Review for January 22, 2025 – Africa Center


    Ghana President Taps Retired Army Officer as Envoy to Junta-led Sahel States
    Ghana President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday appointed [Larry Gbevlo-Lartey] a former national security chief as envoy to a new alliance formed by Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso…Juntas seized control in a series of coups in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger between 2020 and 2023 and severed military and diplomatic ties with regional allies and Western powers. Diplomatic relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso broke down in 2022 after former president, Nana Akufo-Addo, alleged it had hired Russian Wagner mercenaries, saying their presence on Ghana’s northern border was distressing. Mahama, 66, won the Dec. 7 presidential election by a wide margin to stage a political comeback in Ghana, the world’s number two cocoa producer, which is recovering from its worst economic crisis in a generation…”His appointment is the first in ECOWAS and it’s an attempt to rebuild trust… and start the process of reengagement and the return of the AES to the ECOWAS family,” [Emmanuel Kwesi Aning, an Accra-based security consultant] said. Reuters

    West Africa’s Junta-led Nations Announce Deployment of a Joint Force as Extremist Violence Spikes
    The junta-led West African countries of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have created a joint force that will soon be deployed in the restive Sahel region, Niger’s defense minister said Wednesday, to face rising extremist violence…Following military coups in all three nations in recent years, the ruling juntas have expelled French forces and turned to Russia’s mercenary units for security assistance…However, the security situation in the Sahel has worsened since the juntas took power, analysts say, with a record number of attacks and civilians killed both by Islamic militants and government forces. The violence in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso has killed more than 3,470 people in the last six months while 2.6 million people are currently displaced, according to the United Nations refugee agency. After coming into power, the juntas in the three countries left the Economic Community of West African States, the nearly 50-year-old regional bloc known as ECOWAS, and created their own security partnership, the Alliance of Sahel States, in September last year. Some analysts described it as an attempt to legitimize their military governments amid coup-related sanctions and strained relations with neighbors. AP

    Moroccan Truck Drivers Kidnapped in Burkina Faso Have Been Released
    Four Moroccan truck drivers who were kidnapped in West Africa over the weekend were released in Niger. The drivers were the latest victims of insecurity in the Sahel, an arid swath of land south of the Sahara where militant groups such as the Islamic State Sahel Province have exploited local grievances to expand their ranks and presence. The four were transporting electrical equipment from Casablanca to Niamey, the capital of Niger, and had been on the road for more than 20 days along the 3,000-mile (5,000-kilometer) route when they were reported missing on Saturday, the secretary-general of Morocco’s Transport Union said…The drivers elected not to travel with a military escort on the route between northeastern Burkina Faso and western Niger. They went missing while traveling across the Burkinabe-Nigerien border, from the town of Dori to the town of Tera…Morocco has tried to deepen its political and economic ties in the Sahel and export more goods to countries such as Niger. AP

    Tanzania’s President Hassan to Run in October Polls
    Tanzania’s ruling party on Sunday nominated President Samia Suluhu Hassan as its candidate in general elections due in October in the east African country. Hassan took office in 2021 after the sudden death of her authoritarian predecessor John Magufuli. Her party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), held a general assembly over the weekend at the end of which it said it had named her as its sole candidate for the October poll. After taking power, Hassan was initially feted for easing restrictions Magufuli had imposed on the opposition and the media in the country of around 67 million people. But rights groups and Western governments have since criticised what they see as renewed repression. Politicians belonging to the main opposition Chadema party have been arrested and several opposition figures have been abducted and murdered. RFI with AFP

    Mozambique’s Maputo Port Volumes Dip after Post-election Unrest
    Mozambique’s largest port, Maputo, reported a 1% decline in volumes in 2024 mainly due to post-election protests that forced border closures and road blockages, [Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC)] said on Tuesday. The southeast African country was rocked by opposition protests after a disputed Oct. 9 vote won by Daniel Chapo and his Frelimo party, which has governed Mozambique since 1975. The unrest has left more than 300 people dead following a crackdown by security forces…The rail corridor from South Africa to Mozambique was also affected by the protests and blockages, paired with a derailment in October and November, which shut the line for a month, MPDC added. The Maputo port is handling growing volumes mainly driven by commodity exporters increasingly sending cargo through Mozambique to get around logistics bottlenecks in South Africa. Goods handled include coal, chrome, copper, and grains such as maize and wheat. Reuters

    Sudan ‘Political’ Banknote Switch Causes Cash Crunch
    Sudan’s army-aligned government has issued new banknotes in areas it controls, reportedly aimed at undermining its paramilitary rivals but causing long queues at banks, disrupting trade and entrenching division. In a country already grappling with war and famine, the swap replaced 500 and 1,000 Sudanese pound banknotes (worth around $0.25 and $0.50 respectively) with new ones in seven states…In Port Sudan, now the de facto capital, frustration boiled over as banks failed to provide enough new notes…Grocers, rickshaw drivers, petrol stations and small shop owners are refusing to accept the old currency, preventing many transactions in a country reliant on cash…[A]nalysts say it is less about economics and more about gaining the upper hand in the war between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who leads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). AFP

    One Million People Have Fled Sudan War To South Sudan: UN
    Over one million people have now fled the Sudanese war into neighbouring South Sudan, according to the United Nations, which said the figures illustrated the scale of the unfolding humanitarian crisis. Tens of thousands have been killed and more than 12 million forced from their homes since conflict erupted between Sudan’s army and a rival paramilitary group in April 2023. More than 770,000 people have fled through the Joda border crossing in the last 21 months, while tens of thousands more have crossed into South Sudan elsewhere, bringing the total to more than a million, according to new UN data on Tuesday. Most of the million people crossing the border are South Sudanese nationals who had previously fled from civil war in the world’s newest country, UN refugee agency UNHCR said in a statement. AFP

    ‘Living Through Hell’: How North Africa Keeps Migrants From Europe
    Libya deported more than 600 men from Niger last month…The mass deportation is part of a common pattern: North African governments, funded by the European Union to tackle migration, using brutal tactics to block sub-Saharan Africa migrants from heading to Europe. The 613 men reached Niger’s closest town to the Libyan border on Jan. 3, disheveled and hungry, some barefoot and sick after months of detention and days of travel across the Sahara. Two of the men died shortly after arriving in Niger..[R]ights groups say the methods being used to keep sub-Saharan migrants from traveling to Europe include well-documented human rights violations, such as so-called desert dumps. Migrants have been abandoned in the Sahara without food or water, or kept in North African prisons where they face torture, sexual violence and starvation…Half a dozen men who were deported all said in interviews with The New York Times that they had been mistreated by the Libyan authorities. The New York Times

    Libyan General Released after Arrest in Turin on ICC Warrant for Alleged War Crimes
    A Libyan general wanted for alleged war crimes and violence against inmates at a prison near Tripoli has been arrested in the northern Italian city of Turin – and then released after an apparent mistake by prosecutors. Osama Najim, also known as Almasri, was detained on Sunday on an international arrest warrant after a tipoff from Interpol, a source at the prosecutors office for the Piedmont region confirmed. But Rome’s court of appeal did not validate the warrant issued by the international criminal court (ICC) after the arrest was declared to be “irregular” by the city’s attorney general because it had not been preceded by discussions with Italy’s justice minister, Carlo Nordio…La Stampa reported that Najim, who was wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as alleged rape and murder, is already on his way back to Tripoli. He was reportedly chief of Libya’s judicial police and director of Mitiga prison, a facility close to Tripoli condemned by human rights’ groups for the arbitrary detention, torture and abuse of political dissidents and migrants and refugees. It is not clear whether he is still in either role. The Guardian

    Nigerian Green Groups Protest at Planned Return of Oil Drilling in Ogoniland
    Nigerian environmentalists on Tuesday condemned a government plan to resume oil production in the restive Ogoniland, demanding a halt until meaningful talks with local communities are completed. Ogoniland, in Nigeria’s coastal Rivers state, is a flashpoint for pollution in the oil-rich Niger River delta region where a $1 billion cleanup was launched in 2018 following a comprehensive 2011 United Nations Environmental Programme study. More than 20 groups…have criticised the plan, saying it disregards the environmental and social damage caused by decades of oil extraction. In a 14-point demand issued on Tuesday, the groups slammed the government for initiating talks with a select group from the region, arguing it undermines efforts towards environmental justice and a cleanup of the heavily polluted environment…Ogoniland locals have a storied history of resistance to oil extraction on their land. Their struggle gained international attention in the 1990s with the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders by the then-Nigerian dictator Sani Abacha. Reuters

    Zambia Hopes Mining Will Trigger Economic Revival
    Zambia is pinning its hopes on the mining sector for an economic revival after the worst drought in living memory caused a sharp slowdown in growth this year, its finance minister said on Tuesday. Situmbeko Musokotwane told an event on the economic outlook that new mines were opening imminently and old mines were re-investing to lift output…The government estimates last year’s copper production was over 770,000 tons, an increase on the 698,000 tons produced in 2023. Zambia wants to raise copper output to about 1 million tons by 2026 and further out to 3 million tons…The government has revised down its estimate for 2024 growth to 1.2% from the 2.3% forecast given in September due to the lingering effects of the drought, the presentation said…Zambian officials, including the secretary to the treasury and central bank governor, are in China to discuss some of the debt that still needs to be reworked, Musokotwane said. Reuters

    Kenya Eases Travel Requirements for Nearly All African Visitors
    Kenya will allow citizens of nearly all African countries to visit without needing prior authorisation, according to a new directive by the cabinet. Last year, Kenya introduced a “visa-free” policy that required most visitors to apply online for authorisation before leaving their country. But the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which replaced the visa requirement for all visitors, was criticised as a “visa under another name”. On Tuesday, a cabinet statement said the ETA would be dropped for “all African countries except Somalia and Libya – due to security concerns”…The move to facilitate travel within the continent is also being pushed by the African Union (AU). Under the updated system, citizens of most African countries will be allowed to enter Kenya and stay ETA-free for up to two months. Members of the East African Community, which include Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, can however stay for up to six months in line with the bloc’s policy. BBC



    Welcome to the Africa Media Review for January 22, 2025, brought to you by the Africa Center. Here are some of the top news stories from across the continent:

    1. Nigeria: The Nigerian government has announced plans to launch a new initiative aimed at boosting the country’s agricultural sector. The program, known as “Agric-Revive,” will focus on providing support to smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices.

    2. South Africa: In a significant development, South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has elected a new leader. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, a former cabinet minister and ex-wife of President Jacob Zuma, has been chosen to lead the party.

    3. Ethiopia: The Ethiopian government has announced plans to launch a new infrastructure development program. The initiative, dubbed “Ethio-Connect,” aims to improve the country’s transportation network and boost economic growth.

    4. Kenya: In a bid to combat rising energy costs, the Kenyan government has announced plans to invest in renewable energy sources. The move is part of the country’s efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainability.

    5. Egypt: Egypt’s tourism sector has received a significant boost, with the government reporting a sharp increase in visitor numbers. The country’s stunning historical sites and vibrant culture continue to attract tourists from around the world.

    Stay tuned for more updates and news from Africa in the coming days. Thank you for joining us for this edition of the Africa Media Review.

    Tags:

    Africa Media Review, Africa news, African media, Africa Center, Africa media review January 22 2025, African news updates, Africa media analysis, Africa news roundup, Africa Center news, African media trends.

    #Africa #Media #Review #January #Africa #Center

  • Clues, answers, spangram on January 26 2025


    WARNING: THERE ARE STRANDS SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT THE JANUARY 26, 2025 STRANDS ANSWER SPOILED FOR YOU.

    Ready?

    OK!

    Have you been playing Strands, the super fun game from the New York Times, the makers of Connections and other brain-teasers like Wordle in which you have to do a search in a jumble of letters and find words based on a theme? It’s pretty fun and sometimes very challenging, so we’re here to help you out with some clues and the answers, including the “Spangram” that connects all the words.

    Let’s start with the clue: Ore so they say.

    If you want our help? Think about where ore comes from! As for the answers, scroll below the photo below:

    (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

    Iron, Cobalt, Aluminum, Titanium, Cadmium, Nickel

    The Spangram is … PURE METAL.



    Are you a fan of puzzles and word games? If so, you’re in luck because today we have a special challenge for you: a spangram!

    A spangram is a word puzzle where all the letters of a word or phrase are mixed up and you have to rearrange them to form the correct answer.

    Here are the clues for today’s spangram:

    1. This word is often used to describe someone who is very intelligent and knowledgeable.
    2. It is a type of flower that is commonly associated with love and romance.
    3. This word is used to describe something that is very large and powerful.

    Now, it’s time to unscramble the letters and figure out the answers. Good luck and have fun solving the spangram!

    Tags:

    1. Clues and answers on January 26 2025
    2. Spangram puzzle solutions
    3. January 26 2025 word game hints
    4. How to solve spangram puzzles
    5. Brain teaser solutions for January 26 2025
    6. Wordplay game tips for January 26 2025
    7. Unscramble words on January 26 2025
    8. Engaging word game clues and answers
    9. Boost your word puzzle skills on January 26 2025
    10. Enhance your word game performance on January 26 2025

    #Clues #answers #spangram #January

    • Hello, how can I help you today?
    Gathering thoughts.. ...
    Powered by AI
    Chat Icon