Day: December 26, 2024

DALLAS (AP) — While the Dallas Mavericks wait to see how long they’ll be without Luka Doncic because of his latest left calf injury, they have another example of how to stay afloat until the superstar’s return.
Doncic exited late in the second quarter of a 105-99 Christmas Day loss to Minnesota on Wednesday, and the deflated Mavs found themselves down 28 points late in the third.
Yet, Kyrie Irving had a 3-point attempt in the final minute that would have put Dallas in front. His shot was short, as was the rally.
“It’s kind of deflating,” said Klay Thompson, who passed Reggie Miller for fifth on the career 3-point list during the spirited Dallas rally. “We have such a deep roster, and that’s why we can withstand this time without him. We obviously are not the same without Luka in the lineup. We are going to do everything we can to go on a run here without him.”
Dallas coach Jason Kidd had no update on Doncic after the game.
The five-time All-Star was running a play on offense when he stopped, passed and reached toward his lower legs. Doncic stayed where he was until the Mavs could call timeout. He limped off with 2:31 remaining in the first half.
It was the second game back for Doncic after he missed two games with a left heel contusion. The 25-year-old has a history of issues with his left calf, missing all or most of the past two preseasons while previously sitting the first three games of the 2022 playoffs.
Doncic, who scored 14 points in 16 minutes against the Wolves and is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game, missed five games this season with a right wrist sprain. He has missed eight overall, but Dallas is 6-2 without him.
Now the Mavs have managed a huge rally without him, even if it wasn’t enough for the victory.
“I think this is a group that can win,” Kidd said. “They believe that. And they’ve shown that. The record speaks for itself. But we also need him. He’s just been hit with some injuries here of late. Hopefully this one isn’t that serious. But we do need him if we want to win a championship.”
Irving scored 39 points in the loss to the Timberwolves, while Thompson finished with 12 on 4-of-10 shooting from 3. Thompson now has 2,562 career 3-pointers to Miller’s 2,560.
Irving is averaging 24 points without Doncic. Both missed a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last week.
Spencer Dinwiddie, who returned to the Mavs this offseason and has been an important option with Doncic sidelined, missed all seven of his shots against the Wolves and finished with two points.
It’s likely time for Dallas to find a rhythm again among the supporting cast for at least a few games without the franchise player.
“Just playing selfless basketball,” said Thompson, who is in his first season with the Mavs after winning four championships with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in Golden State.
“Realize Kyrie’s going to take us home, he’s our closer. But for everybody else on the team, it’s just about getting in good rhythm and trusting one another and playing hard, especially defensively. He’s obviously our best player, but we’ve got to be tested, and this is a good test ahead.”
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public File may contact KSTP via our online form or call 651-646-5555
This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
© KSTP-TV, LLC
A Hubbard Broadcasting Company

source

“As Much As I Love The Novel…”: Why Robert Eggers Remade Nosferatu Instead Of Just Adapting Dracula  Screen Rant
source

Google AI Scam Detection takes online safety to the next level as Chrome introduces an AI-powered scam detection tool, reaffirming its position as the world’s most popular web browser. This groundbreaking feature, named “Client-Side Detection Brand and Intent for Scam Detection,” is currently available on the experimental Chrome Canary browser, setting new standards for combating fraudulent websites.
The AI-powered scam detection tool is designed to analyze websites in real-time to identify potential scams. Leveraging a Large Language Model (LLM), it evaluates the brand and intent of web pages to flag suspicious sites attempting to deceive users.
Key features include:
The tool uses advanced AI techniques to:
For instance, if you land on a phishing page mimicking a legitimate service, Chrome’s AI flags it as unsafe, highlighting concerns like unverified domains or fake malware warnings.
To experience Google AI Scam Detection firsthand, follow these steps:
Online scams are growing increasingly sophisticated, targeting unsuspecting users with deceptive websites. This new AI-powered approach by Google aims to:
Google AI Scam Detection complements Chrome’s Enhanced Protection feature, which already leverages AI to:
This initiative underscores Google’s commitment to integrating AI for superior user protection.
Currently in testing, this feature is a milestone in browser security. While a timeline for its stable release remains unannounced, its potential to redefine web interaction is immense.
What’s next?
In the meantime, follow these safety tips:
Google AI Scam Detection is a testament to the company’s dedication to online safety. By leveraging AI for on-device analysis, it provides real-time protection against fraudulent websites, ensuring a safer browsing experience. If you value online security, explore this innovative feature on Chrome Canary and stay ahead in the fight against cyber threats.

source

Color Scheme
Subscriber Actions
Staff Options
Connect With Us
Support Local Journalism
From bunnies and chickens to full-sized horses, a new Whatcom County program is offering mobile farm animal therapy to hospice patients.
Bellingham nonprofit Animals as Natural Therapy (ANT) started the Rainbow Bridge program this fall. Volunteers bring barnyard animals to visit seniors in care facilities across Whatcom County in an effort to bring joy and comfort to local hospice patients, bereaved families and hospice staff.
It’s the latest program addition for the nonprofit which has offered animal-guided mental and behavioral health programs for youth, veterans, families and seniors since 1999.
“Their work is based on the knowledge that animals can provide great comfort and connection as well as teach important life skills such as respect for self & others, healthy boundaries, self-management, empathy, and clear communication,” the organization said in an announcement about the hospice program.
Research on animal intervention programs suggests various benefits to participants including reductions in stress, pain and anxiety. ANT says petting animals supports relaxation by releasing serotonin, lowering heart rate and inhibiting cortisol production.
“All of our work is based on the belief that animals have the capacity to be a huge support for humans’ mental health. As hospice patients approach the end of their life and process all that comes with that, animals can be a huge part of that journey and show a lot of support,” Mobile ANT Coordinator Lindsey Witus told The Herald.
Barnyard animals may have a specific effect, according to the nonprofit.
“For many people from older generations who grew up with backyard chickens and goats, the animals also bring a warm sense of nostalgia,” the ANT said in the announcement.
The nonprofit is partnering with Whatcom Hospice and PeaceHealth to provide ongoing services. Volunteers with the program had their first visit with hospice patients Dec. 4 at Hospice House in Bellingham.
“One of the residents was petting our chicken, Evie, and she said it was like seeing an old friend,” Witus said. “I think that really encapsulates why we do what we do.”
The program comes at no cost to patients or their families. The nonprofit expects to schedule visits to hospice patients every other week beginning in January. The organization can also make itself available for home visits, according to Witus.
“Because end-of-life care is often expensive and full of unexpected costs and difficult decisions, the program provides Rainbow Bridge visits free of charge to hospice patients and bereaved families, relying on donations, sponsorships and grants to cover the costs,” the announcement states.
The volunteers in the Rainbow Bridge program are specifically trained to support dying patients and grieving families, according to ANT. The nonprofit relies heavily on the support of volunteers and is taking applications on its website.
Local journalism is essential.
Give directly to The Spokesman-Review’s Northwest Passages community forums series — which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper — by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds.

Get breaking news delivered to your inbox as it happens.
Across the Spokane area, so many residents and organizations work year-round to help make our communities a brighter place.
Follow Us
Support Local Journalism
Subscribe
Help
User
Advertising
More
Contact Us
© Copyright 2024, The Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy

source

The relationship between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat may be beyond repair.
NBA Rumors: Jimmy Butler wants out of Miami and new details have emerged to help explain why that may be the case.
Over the past five years, Jimmy Butler has helped lead the Miami Heat to three Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals appearances. On the surface, all seemed right between Jimmy and the Heat. However, with what we know now, that may not be the case. In fact, the recent details seem to point out that this relationship between the two sides may be beyond repair – and that may be one of the bigger reasons why Jimmy may want out of Miami.
On Christmas morning, it was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania that Jimmy "prefers" to be traded by the NBA Trade Deadline. In fairness, Shams didn't say that Jimmy had officially demanded a trade, just that he preferred one. Whether you can have one without the other is a fair question, though. While a trade may not be imminent, there was some additional reporting by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that added credence to this ESPN report. And it revolves around a shaky relationship between Jimmy and the Heat.
According to the reporting from Jackson, Jimmy was surprised when he was publically scolded by Heat president Pat Riley at the end of last season and was also disappointed that the team didn't flat-out shoot down the whispers that the Heat was "open" to listening to trade offers for Jimmy a few weeks ago. Jimmy was also clearly upset that he didn't get the contract extension he was seeking during the offseason.
It's pretty clear that the relationship between Jimmy and the Heat is fractured and it does help explain why one side may be pushing for a trade ahead of the deadline. Whether Miami will feel the need to trade Jimmy remains to be seen. However, at this point, it's certainly a move the Heat has to consider. It would be malpractice if they didn't at least explore the option over the next few weeks.
What the Heat will end up doing is anyone's guess. And they may not have much leverage either, which could make a trade of Jimmy that much more tricky. Maybe Jimmy and the Heat are able to salvage their relationship. However, if I had to make a prediction, I'd say that Jimmy's days in a Heat uniform are numbered. At this point, there's a very good chance he will end up finishing this season on another team.
© 2024 Minute Media – All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Minute Media or its affiliates and related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.

source

Libya’s eastern-based government agrees to proposal to end fuel subsidies  Reuters
source