Looking for a reliable and efficient IT services provider for your IBM 4869 External 5.25“ Floppy Disk Drive Personal System/2 Computer PS/2 WORKS? Look no further than Zion, the fastest growing Global IT Services Company. With 26 years of experience, Zion offers global 24x7x365 services for datacenter equipment, including servers, storages, networking, and more. Our proprietary AI-powered systems and proven track record of reducing incident resolution time by 50% or more make us the top choice for all your IT needs. Plus, we prioritize sustainability with our green IT practices and equipment recycling services. Contact us today at commercial@ziontechgroup.com for a commercial proposal!
SAN FRANCISCO — This will be an actual All-Star matchup. On one side, there’s a team with 86 combined All-Star selections, $2.7 billion in on-court earnings and where every single player on the team is either an NBA champion, an Olympic gold medalist, or both.
On the other, there’s a bunch of young guys without much in the way of resumes yet.
Welcome to the reimagined NBA All-Star Game, a single-elimination mini-tournament: four teams of eight players, three games, first to 40 points wins and a David vs. Goliath element thrown in there for good measure. It happens Sunday night in San Francisco, the NBA’s latest way of trying to make the midseason showcase event competitive again.
“It’s definitely different, definitely interesting,” New York’s Jalen Brunson said. “We’ll see. I’m just as interested as you.”
There’s no more Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference. There are four teams with new names: Shaq’s OGs, Kenny’s Young Stars, Chuck’s Global Stars and Candace’s Rising Stars, all a nod to TNT analysts and basketball greats Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Candace Parker.
It’ll be Smith’s team against Barkley’s team in the first semifinal. The second one is the one with all the intrigue: O’Neal’s team of some of the biggest names in basketball history – LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
They’re going up against this group of first- and second-year players that earned their way into the All-Star mix by winning Friday’s Rising Stars competition: San Antonio’s Stephon Castle, Utah’s Keyonte George, Phoenix’s Ryan Dunn, Memphis teammates Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells, Golden State’s Trayce Jackson-Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Dalton Knecht and Houston’s Amen Thompson. Fine players, for sure, but they’re not All-Stars – at least, officially.
And yet, they could win the All-Star Game.
“I think that’s probably why they put this type of format in, to kind of heighten that sense of pride and not wanting to be on the wrong end of that,” Lillard said. “I mean, we’ll see. I think one thing about a team full of young players is they’re going to come out there and they’re going to play with some energy. They’re going to play fast. I think that’ll probably heighten the competition.”
The Rising Stars team is, by far, the long shot to win this thing, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. It’s fair to say that they won’t have much expected of them. But that said, Mac McClung – who went up against that team in the Rising Stars competition title game Friday night – said he wouldn’t count them out.
“They’re still NBA basketball players. They’re still really good basketball players,” McClung said. “And I think everybody’s vibe is just joy right now. We’ll see how competitive the game is. I’m excited to watch it myself.”
That’s the whole reason for the change: Competition, or at least the hope of having some.
The All-Star Game last year set all sorts of records: a 211-186 final score, almost everything 3-pointers or dunks, and it didn’t sit well with Commissioner Adam Silver and the rest of the NBA decision-makers. They don’t want Game 7-type mayhem. They want a better product.
So, the tournament idea became reality.
“I like taking chances on something different, knowing that the game had kind of stalled out for a couple of years,” Curry said. “I think it’ll work just because it’ll be something new for everybody.”
Stephen Curry, of the Golden State Warriors, speaks to media during the NBA All-Star game media day, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, in Oakland, Calif.
AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez
At least one player is vowing to play defense in this All-Star Game. San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, a top defensive player of the year candidate who is in the All-Star Game for the first time, said he’s bringing his best.
“That’s the goal,” Wembanyama said. “The goal is not to chill, for sure.”
Inside the numbers
To illustrate the size of the mismatch – on paper – in the second semifinal, consider this:
Shaq’s OGs have the No. 1 (James), No. 8 (Durant), No. 13 (Harden), the No. 27 (Curry), No. 37 (Lillard), No. 81 (Irving), No. 220 (Tatum) and No. 337 (Brown) scorers in NBA history.
The Rising Stars’ leading scorer: That would be George, tied for 1,813th on the all-time scoring list.
The format
It’s fairly simple: untimed games, first team to 40 points wins, no fouling out, regular rules pretty much apply. There is no consolation game.
Players on the winning team get $125,000 each. Players on the team that finishes second get $50,000 each. The other two teams get $25,000 per player.
The NBA All-Star game has been a staple event in the basketball world for decades, bringing together the best players in the league for a night of high-flying dunks, jaw-dropping three-pointers, and electrifying plays. However, in recent years, the format of the All-Star game has come under scrutiny, with many fans and players feeling that the traditional East vs. West matchup has become stale and predictable.
In response to this feedback, the NBA announced a new All-Star format for the 2025 game, which will take place this Sunday night. The new format will see the top vote-getters from each conference serving as team captains, who will then draft their own teams from the pool of All-Star players. This means that fans will no longer see the traditional East vs. West matchup, but rather a mix of players from both conferences on each team.
Many are curious to see how this new format will play out on the court. Will the competitive spirit of the captains lead to intense matchups and strategic gameplay, or will we see a lighthearted, more playful approach to the game? Will the mix of players from different conferences create new and exciting on-court chemistry, or will it lead to disjointed play and lackluster performances?
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is for certain: the NBA All-Star game in 2025 is sure to be a must-watch event for basketball fans everywhere. So grab your popcorn, settle in on the couch, and get ready to witness the future of All-Star basketball this Sunday night.
Tags:
NBA All-Star 2025, new NBA All-Star format, NBA All-Star game 2025, NBA All-Star weekend, NBA All-Star Sunday, NBA All-Star game changes, NBA All-Star event update, NBA All-Star 2025 preview, NBA All-Star game analysis
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,another spin-off is set to be released in late 2025. The series is based on George RR Martin’s novella The Hedge Knight and starsPeter Claffey as Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tal. The book is the first in the Dunk and Egg series, with subsequent novellas The Sworn Sword and The Mystery Knight also set to be adapted for following seasons.
HBO is clearly happy to keep diving back into the Game of Thrones well as the network’s Head of Drama Series and Films, Francesca Orsi, has revealed that another series is in the works.
Speaking to Deadline, Orsi said: “We have other spinoffs that we’re working on right now, one of which – which I won’t get into – is very promising, and it is still the Targaryen line.”
She added: “There’s a number of other spinoffs, we can’t really guarantee what’s going to go forward, but we are very big budget on the other ones. I would say this [A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms] is the most intimate one.”
House Targaryen was at the centre of House of the Dragon where the family had united the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros under one ruler.
Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen in ‘House of the Dragon’ (Theo Whiteman/HBO)
Game of Thrones creator George RR Martin has been vocal about his criticism of House of the Dragon claiming that changes made to the storyline from his original books served to “weaken” the show. The author added that there could be “larger and more toxic” changes planned for seasons three and four of the fantasy show.
In a blog post, the 76-year-old wrote: “Ira [Parker, showrunner] and his team wrapped the first season months ago, and moved right on to post-production,” the author wrote.
“I’ve seen all six episodes now (the last two in rough cuts, admittedly), and I loved them. Dunk and Egg have always been favourites of mine, and the actors we found to portray them are just incredible.
“The rest of the cast are terrific as well. Wait until you guys meet the Laughing Storm. and Tanselle Too-Tall.”
Fans of the hit series Game of Thrones have something new to look forward to as HBO has officially confirmed that another spin-off is in the works.
Following the success of the first prequel series, House of the Dragon, which is set to premiere in 2022, HBO has announced that they are developing another spin-off that is said to be “promising” according to sources close to the project.
Details about the new spin-off are being kept under wraps for now, but fans can expect the same epic storytelling and rich world-building that made Game of Thrones a cultural phenomenon.
With the success of the original series and the anticipation surrounding House of the Dragon, it’s no surprise that HBO is doubling down on expanding the Game of Thrones universe.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new project as they become available!
Hulu is developing a follow-up to the cult favorite series, with original star Sarah Michelle Gellar attached. The new project comes from writers Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (Poker Face, Fringe) and 20th Television and is described as “the next chapter in the Buffyverse.” Oscar winner Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, Eternals) is set to direct.
Hulu and 20th TV declined comment.
Sources say the new Buffy would focus on a younger Slayer and that Gellar’s Buffy Summers would not be the central character. Although Buffy lore dictated that only one Slayer could exist at a time, its final season upended that notion with the awakening of hundreds of potential Slayers for the show’s endgame.
Gellar, who’s currently starring in Showtime’s Dexter: Original Sin, had said in the past that she wouldn’t be interested in a Buffy redo, but in a December interview, she said she was now open to the idea: “I always used to say no, because it’s in its bubble, and it’s so perfect,” she said during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show. “But watching Sex and the City [sequel And Just Like That] and seeing Dexter, and realizing there are ways to do it, definitely does get your mind thinking, ‘Well, maybe.’”
The Hulu project is the second Buffy reboot to emanate from 20th TV in the recent past. In 2018, the studio (which produced the original WB/UPN series) worked on a reboot with writer Monica Owusu-Breen and series creator Joss Whedon, but it didn’t get past development. Whedon — who has since been accused of mistreating actors on Buffy, its spinoff Angel and the Justice League feature film — is not involved in the Hulu show.
Nora and Lilla Zuckerman will executive produce the Buffy reboot with Zhao, Gellar, and the original show’s EPs Gail Berman, Fran and Kaz Kuzui of Suite B, and Dolly Parton via Sandollar. Parton wasn’t a credited executive producer on the original show, which ran from 1997-2003, but her Sandollar Television was one of its producers.
Nora and Lilla Zuckerman are repped by UTA and Lichter Grossman. Zhao is repped by CAA, Lichter Grossman and Ilene Feldman Management. Gellar is with CAA, Linden Entertainment and Yorn Levine. Berman and her company The Jackal Group are repped by Sam Fischer at Ziffren Brittenham.
Fans of the iconic 90s TV show ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ rejoice! A reboot of the beloved series is in the works at Hulu, and even more exciting, original star Sarah Michelle Gellar is set to reprise her role as the kickass vampire slayer.
The new series will reportedly pick up where the original left off, following an older and wiser Buffy as she navigates the challenges of being a slayer in a modern world. With Gellar on board, fans can expect the same fierce and fearless portrayal of the character that made her a cult favorite.
While details about the reboot are still scarce, the news of Gellar’s involvement has already sparked excitement among fans of the original series. With her return, it’s sure to be a thrilling and nostalgic trip back to the world of Sunnydale and all its supernatural inhabitants.
Stay tuned for more updates on the ‘Buffy’ reboot with Sarah Michelle Gellar, coming soon to Hulu! #BuffyReboot #SarahMichelleGellar #Hulu
In today’s fast-paced world, technology has made it possible for us to remotely monitor various aspects of our lives, from our homes to our businesses. Remote monitoring is a form of surveillance that allows us to keep an eye on things even when we are not physically present. In this article, we will explore what remote monitoring is, how it works, and the benefits it can provide.
What is Remote Monitoring?
Remote monitoring is a method of monitoring and controlling devices, systems, or processes from a distance. This can include everything from checking the temperature of your home while you are on vacation to monitoring the performance of industrial equipment in real-time. Remote monitoring typically involves the use of sensors, cameras, and other monitoring devices that can transmit data to a central location for analysis.
How Does Remote Monitoring Work?
Remote monitoring works by using sensors or other monitoring devices to collect data on various aspects of a system or environment. This data is then transmitted to a central monitoring station, where it can be analyzed in real-time. Depending on the system being monitored, alerts can be set up to notify users of any abnormalities or issues that may require attention.
For example, in a home security system, sensors can be installed on doors and windows to detect any unauthorized entry. If a sensor is triggered, an alert is sent to the homeowner’s smartphone, allowing them to take action, such as contacting the authorities. Similarly, in a manufacturing plant, sensors can be used to monitor the performance of equipment and detect any potential issues before they escalate into costly downtime.
Benefits of Remote Monitoring
There are numerous benefits to implementing remote monitoring systems, including:
1. Increased Efficiency: Remote monitoring allows for real-time tracking of various parameters, enabling quicker responses to issues and reducing downtime.
2. Cost Savings: By detecting issues early, remote monitoring can prevent costly repairs and equipment failures.
3. Improved Safety: Remote monitoring can help identify potential safety hazards and prevent accidents before they occur.
4. Peace of Mind: Whether you are monitoring your home or your business, remote monitoring provides peace of mind knowing that you can keep an eye on things even when you are not there.
Overall, remote monitoring is a valuable tool that can enhance security, efficiency, and safety in a variety of settings. Whether you are a homeowner looking to protect your property or a business owner seeking to optimize operations, remote monitoring is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals.
Disasters can strike at any moment, whether it be a natural disaster like a hurricane or a man-made disaster like a cyber attack. That’s why it’s crucial for businesses to have a disaster recovery plan in place to ensure they can continue operating in the event of a crisis. However, simply having a plan is not enough – it must be effective and actionable in order to truly protect your organization. Here are some key steps to creating a disaster recovery plan that works.
1. Identify your critical assets: The first step in creating a disaster recovery plan is to identify your organization’s critical assets. These could include things like data, equipment, facilities, and key personnel. By understanding what is most important to your business, you can prioritize your recovery efforts and ensure that you can quickly get back up and running after a disaster.
2. Conduct a risk assessment: Once you have identified your critical assets, you need to assess the risks that could impact them. This could include natural disasters, cyber attacks, power outages, and more. By understanding the potential threats to your organization, you can better plan for how to mitigate these risks and respond in the event of a disaster.
3. Develop a response plan: With a clear understanding of your critical assets and the risks they face, you can now develop a response plan. This plan should outline the steps that need to be taken in the event of a disaster, including how to protect your assets, how to communicate with employees and stakeholders, and how to continue operations in a disrupted environment. Make sure to test your response plan regularly to ensure it is effective and up to date.
4. Backup your data: One of the most important aspects of a disaster recovery plan is backing up your data. Make sure to regularly back up all of your critical data and store it in a secure location. This will ensure that you can quickly recover your data in the event of a disaster and continue operating without significant disruption.
5. Train your employees: Your employees are a key part of your disaster recovery plan, so make sure to train them on their roles and responsibilities in the event of a disaster. This could include things like how to safely evacuate a building, how to access critical systems remotely, and how to communicate with other team members during a crisis.
6. Review and update your plan regularly: Finally, it’s important to regularly review and update your disaster recovery plan to ensure it remains effective. As your organization grows and changes, so too will the risks it faces. By regularly reviewing and updating your plan, you can ensure that it continues to protect your organization in the event of a disaster.
In conclusion, creating a disaster recovery plan that works requires careful planning, assessment, and testing. By following these key steps, you can ensure that your organization is prepared to respond effectively to any disaster that may come its way. Remember, it’s not a matter of if a disaster will strike, but when – so make sure you have a plan in place to protect your business and keep it running smoothly in the face of adversity.
Cloud computing has become an integral part of our daily lives, yet many people still struggle to understand how it works and why it’s so important. In this article, we will demystify cloud computing and explain its key concepts and benefits.
At its core, cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services – including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics – over the internet. Instead of storing data and running applications on physical servers or personal computers, cloud computing allows users to access these resources remotely via the internet.
There are several key components that make up cloud computing:
1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): This is the most basic form of cloud computing, where users can rent virtualized hardware resources, such as servers, storage, and networking, on a pay-as-you-go basis. This allows organizations to scale their infrastructure up or down as needed without the need for physical hardware.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS provides a platform for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without having to worry about the underlying infrastructure. This allows for faster development and deployment of applications, as well as reduced operational costs.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. Users can access these applications from any device with an internet connection, eliminating the need for installation and maintenance of software on individual devices.
Cloud computing offers several key benefits that make it an essential tool for businesses and individuals alike:
1. Cost-Effectiveness: Cloud computing eliminates the need for upfront investments in hardware and software, as well as the costs associated with maintenance and upgrades. Users only pay for the resources they use, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.
2. Scalability: Cloud computing allows organizations to scale their resources up or down quickly and easily to meet changing demands. This flexibility ensures that businesses can adapt to market changes and seasonal fluctuations without the need for additional infrastructure.
3. Accessibility: Cloud computing enables users to access their data and applications from any device with an internet connection, making it easier to collaborate and work remotely. This accessibility also allows for greater flexibility and productivity for employees.
4. Security: Cloud service providers invest heavily in security measures to protect data and applications stored in the cloud. This includes encryption, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication to ensure that data is secure and protected from cyber threats.
In conclusion, cloud computing is a powerful technology that offers numerous benefits for businesses and individuals. By understanding how it works and its importance, organizations can leverage cloud computing to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in today’s digital world.
Post Malone, the Grammy-nominated singer, has teamed up with Vault Comics for an exciting new project—a horror graphic novel called ‘Big Rig,’ described as a thrilling mix of ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ set in medieval Europe.
‘Big Rig’ is based on an idea by Post Malone himself, with the singer co-writing the story alongside Vault Comics’ editor-in-chief Adrian Wassel. Vault co-founder Nathan Gooden, known for his work on’ Barbaric,’ is illustrating the novel.
The story is set during the Dark Ages and follows an epic battle against demon hordes invading Europe. The story’s central characters are a secret sect of the Knights Templar called the Six Petals, who are struggling to defend against the demons.
In their desperate attempt to fight back, the Six Petals discover a strange, powerful weapon: a fully loaded tractor trailer, called ‘The Rig,’ which crashes to Earth. The twist? The…
Post Malone is known for his unique style and creativity, and his latest project is no exception. The rapper-turned-artist has announced the release of a graphic novel titled ‘Big Rig’, which combines elements of ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Mad Max’ in a medieval horror adventure.
The story follows a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world where they must navigate a dangerous landscape filled with monsters, mutants, and other dangers. The protagonist, Big Rig, is a badass warrior who drives a massive, armored truck that serves as both his home and his weapon.
The graphic novel is filled with stunning artwork and intense action sequences, making it a thrilling and immersive read for fans of the horror and post-apocalyptic genres. And to make things even more exciting, a movie adaptation of ‘Big Rig’ is already in the works, with Post Malone himself set to star in the lead role.
Fans of Post Malone and fans of graphic novels alike are sure to be excited about this new project, which promises to be a wild and unforgettable ride. Keep an eye out for ‘Big Rig’ hitting shelves soon, and get ready for a new kind of horror adventure unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Tags:
Post Malone, Big Rig, graphic novel, Evil Dead, Mad Max, medieval horror adventure, movie adaptation, horror genre, dark fantasy, apocalyptic world, action-packed, supernatural elements, post-apocalyptic setting, cult classic, graphic novel adaptation, horror film, fantasy adventure, movie adaptation, thrilling journey, pop culture references, iconic imagery, unique storytelling, graphic novel series, visual storytelling, horror fantasy blend.
A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is a crucial document that outlines the expectations and responsibilities between a service provider and a client. It serves as a roadmap for both parties to ensure that the services provided meet the agreed-upon standards. Creating an effective SLA is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive relationship between the two parties. Here are some tips on how to create a service level agreement that works for your business:
1. Understand the Needs of Your Business: Before drafting an SLA, it is important to understand the needs and requirements of your business. Identify the key services that are critical to your operations and determine the performance standards that need to be met. This will help you define the scope of the agreement and establish clear expectations.
2. Define Key Metrics and Performance Indicators: To measure the performance of the services provided, it is important to define key metrics and performance indicators in the SLA. These could include response times, uptime, resolution times, and other relevant criteria. Ensure that these metrics are realistic and achievable for both parties.
3. Set Clear Goals and Objectives: Clearly outline the goals and objectives of the SLA to ensure that both parties are aligned on the desired outcomes. This will help prevent misunderstandings and disputes in the future. Make sure that the goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
4. Include Penalties and Incentives: To ensure compliance with the SLA, consider including penalties and incentives for meeting or failing to meet the agreed-upon standards. Penalties could include financial penalties or termination of the agreement, while incentives could include bonuses or discounts for exceeding performance targets.
5. Establish Communication Protocols: Effective communication is key to the success of any SLA. Clearly outline the communication protocols in the agreement, including how issues and escalations will be handled, how often performance reviews will be conducted, and how changes to the agreement will be managed.
6. Review and Update Regularly: A service level agreement is not a one-time document; it should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective. Schedule regular meetings with the service provider to review performance, discuss any issues, and make any necessary adjustments to the agreement.
In conclusion, creating a service level agreement that works for your business requires careful planning, clear communication, and ongoing monitoring. By following these tips, you can ensure that your SLA effectively outlines the expectations and responsibilities of both parties, leading to a successful and mutually beneficial partnership.
Smart Bedside Table Lamp with USB C+A Port, Touch Works w/Alexa for Gold
Price : 85.35
Ends on : N/A
View on eBay
Upgrade your bedside table with the Smart Bedside Table Lamp with USB C+A Port, Touch Works w/Alexa in stunning gold finish. This sleek and modern lamp not only provides adjustable lighting for reading or relaxing, but also features a convenient USB C+A port for charging your devices overnight.
With touch controls and compatibility with Alexa, you can easily adjust the brightness and color temperature of the lamp with just a tap or voice command. Say goodbye to fumbling for the switch in the dark – this smart lamp makes bedtime routines a breeze.
Add a touch of elegance and functionality to your bedroom with the Smart Bedside Table Lamp with USB C+A Port, Touch Works w/Alexa in gold. Upgrade your nighttime routine and simplify your life with this stylish and practical lighting solution.
#Smart #Bedside #Table #Lamp #USB #Port #Touch #Works #wAlexa #Gold,1 smart charging port
You must be logged in to post a comment.