Day: December 27, 2024

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Chicago Med star Steven Weber is well aware that there’s a passionate contingent of viewers rooting for a romantic relationship between his character, Dr. Dean Archer, and Jessy Schram’s Dr. Hannah Asher.
“That’s incredibly flattering. I guess there’s a lot of people who like to see old, crumply guys and really hot, fit, young women,” Weber tells TVLine with a laugh.
The actor admits that the ‘shipper support “makes sense because [Dean and Hannah] have a bond. But at the end of the day, I can’t see that happening. But something else happened. Something that is, in a way, more important.”

Through their friendship and their support of each other, the characters have “built something that’s not romantic, but it is loving. Something that is intimate, but not sexual,” Weber describes. “And it’s hard for them to kind of express it, but you feel it when you see them.”
That said, Weber and Schram did at one point wonder if the pair was on the verge of veering from platonic into something more.
“For a second, we thought, too, like, ‘Hey, maybe they’ll get together. That’ll be weird and fun, but if that happens, let’s not make a traditional [relationship],” Weber shares. “These are people who are complicated, and they’re a bit broken. [It] should be hard for them to relate, and I think the writers did a good job in avoiding that potential mess. It’s very nice for people to think that [they should be a couple], but there’s something else at play here that’s still developing.”
Dean is also plagued by insecurities that stand in the way of his even considering Hannah, who’s currently dating Dr. Mitch Ripley, as a romantic option.
“I think there were a few moments in the preceding seasons where he had occasion to look at her with growing respect and true love, and I don’t even know that he entertained the thought,” Weber shares. “First of all, he’s still a guy who’s growing, who’s hated himself for years. Aside from the age difference, it’s hard for me to think that he would feel comfortable enough to think that he’s worthy of somebody as wonderful as Hannah.”
So while “it’s possible” that Dean and Hannah will explore a romantic relationship, “the fact that they don’t get together the way everybody expects is a smart thing to do,” Weber adds.

His co-star Schram, meanwhile, told TVLine ahead of Season 10 that “there’s nothing that’s ever completely off the table,” but “that not where the focus is.”
“For right now, I love where they’re at and just want to see more of their platonic love relationship,” the actress said. “But to be honest, it can go anywhere at any time, and I’m here for the ride.”
Chicago Med returns with a new episode on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 8/7c on NBC.
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I don’t watch this show, but Steven Weber is a treasure.
Terrible decision. It should be Hannah and Dean. Hannah and Ripley are beyond boring together.
I think this is one of those relationships where you love somebody at work. It should never be romantic between them, keep them buds.
It makes no sense to have the two characters that have the best chemistry on the show stay platonic. And instead put Asher with Ripley when they have almost no chemistry. But because the latter are more traditional and safe that’s the route the writers decided to take? The lack of creativity and vision here is so disappointing.
This is the reason why Dean and Hannah are the best love story on Med.. It’s intimacy and not sexual.. People have made sex so cheap.. What these two have goes beyond the physical.. It’s more than the age gap and more than sex.. It’s the mutual respect and true love that’s between them.. That friendship bond that is deeply rooted.. The trust.. And now Med is setting Hannah up for a dull relationship with Ripley.. No man.. It doesn’t make sense..
The Chicago Med writers are such incredible cowards. What else can you expect from NBC I guess. Always need to play it safe so you don’t ruffle any feathers. They have gold in their hands with Hannah and Archer but instead we have to suffer through Hannah and Ripley because it’s more “sensible” despite being so GD dull together.
This is disappointing to say the least. Really hope they turn this around. The chemistry between Hannah and Dean is one of the few reasons Med is worth watching. It is so clearly NOT platonic already. And could easily develop into romantic and sexual if given the chance. Hannah and Ripley’s “relationship” is devoid of substance and chemistry. We don’t want it! She deserves better. Stop this Ripley nonsense!
While I really like them together, don’t get your hopes up. I’ve waited 26 seasons for Stabler and Benson.🤣🤣. They’re both Wolf Productions.
Besides the awesome chemistry and incredible potential ,they have the cutest shippy name: #Dasher.
100% agree with this. A man and a woman can be best friends, they can love and support each other without being sexual. I wish more shows went this way.
When two characters are connected like Archer and Hannah, when their chemistry is so strong, when they have such potential for a great love, why would we just keep them as friends? Chemistry is the most important part of a good love story and no one has it more than Hannah and Archer. And no one has it less than Hannah and Ripley.
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Davonte Lee
December 26, 2024
In a move welcomed by PC gamers, Warhorse Studios has confirmed that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 will launch without Denuvo anti-tamper technology. This decision addresses long-standing concerns about potential performance impacts often associated with the anti-piracy software, signaling a commitment to providing a smoother and more optimized experience for players on PC.
This news arrives alongside the recently moved-up release date of February 4, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This highly anticipated sequel promises to expand on the original’s immersive medieval RPG experience with multiple endings and a massive 2.2 million word script.
Warhorse Studios has kept many details under wraps, but fans can expect a continuation of the historically accurate 15th century Bohemian setting. The game will likely feature enhanced graphics, refined combat mechanics, and more player choices that impact the story.
Players eager for more information can follow official Kingdom Come: Deliverance social media channels for updates. While the release date is still over a year away, the developers are likely to share more gameplay footage and features in the coming months.
Fans waiting for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 got some good news. The game won’t use Denuvo anti-piracy software on PC. This is a big deal for many PC gamers. Denuvo can sometimes cause performance issues. Many players don’t like it. Warhorse Studios listened to this feedback.
Denuvo is a type of software. Game companies use it to protect their games from being copied. It’s supposed to stop piracy. But some players say it can make games run worse. It can use up computer resources. This can lead to lower frame rates or other problems.
Many PC players worry about Denuvo. They fear it will make their games run poorly. Warhorse Studios’ decision is good news. It shows they care about the player experience. This choice will likely make more PC gamers happy to buy the game.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is coming on February 4, 2025. This is earlier than we first thought. The game will be on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. You play as Henry again. The game world is bigger than the first game. There will be more story and cutscenes too.
Not using Denuvo is a good sign. It shows Warhorse Studios is paying attention to what players want. This decision might make even more people excited for *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*. The game looks promising. The lack of Denuvo makes it even better for PC players.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is set to bring players back to medieval Bohemia with enhanced gameplay and a new chapter in Henry’s story. The game builds on its predecessor’s foundation while introducing new features and expanding the rich historical setting.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is scheduled for release on February 4, 2025. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Deep Silver is publishing the title, which is being developed using the CryEngine.
Pre-orders are now open for multiple editions. The Standard Edition includes the base game. The Gold Edition offers additional content and early access perks. An Expansion Pass will be available for players who want to extend their experience with future downloadable content.
Players can purchase the game through major digital storefronts and select retailers.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 retains the deep RPG elements of the original while refining and expanding its systems. The combat system has been improved, offering more fluid and realistic medieval warfare. Players can develop various skills to shape their playstyle.
The game features an open world with increased interactivity. Player choices have significant consequences, affecting both the story and the game world. New survival elements add depth to the medieval experience.
The story continues Henry of Skalitz’s journey in early 15th-century Bohemia. Players will engage in a mix of personal quests and larger political intrigues. The narrative branches based on player decisions, leading to multiple endings.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 expands its historical backdrop, offering a larger and more detailed recreation of medieval Bohemia. Players will navigate complex social structures and engage in diplomatic missions.
Key story elements include:

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has generated significant buzz among fans and critics alike. The game’s immersive medieval setting and attention to historical detail have captured the imagination of many players.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has received positive attention from gaming media outlets. Previews have praised the expanded world of Bohemia and improved combat mechanics. Fans on social media platforms express excitement for Henry’s continued quest for revenge.
The game’s realistic depiction of medieval life and combat has sparked discussions about historical accuracy in video games. Some critics have raised concerns about the portrayal of violence and brutality in the game’s medieval setting.
Steam forums are active with speculation about new features and storylines. Players debate potential plot developments and character arcs for Henry and Sir Hans Capon.
Warhorse Studios has announced plans for post-launch content. This includes free updates and paid DLC expansions. The developers aim to extend the game’s lifespan with new quests, weapons, and areas to explore in medieval Bohemia.
A “Letter of Hope” feature will allow players to impact the game world through choices made in side quests. This system promises to enhance player agency and replay value.
The studio is also considering mod support for PC players. This could open up possibilities for user-created content and extend the game’s longevity.
Warhorse has hinted at potential crossover events with other medieval-themed games. These collaborations could bring unique items or quests to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has generated significant interest among gamers. Many are eager to learn about its release date, platforms, and pre-order options.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is set to launch on February 4, 2025. This date was officially announced after initial expectations of a 2024 release.
The game will be released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It will not be available on previous generation consoles like PS4 and Xbox One.
Exact pricing details have not been officially announced. Players can expect standard pricing for new AAA game releases on current-generation platforms.
Pre-orders for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are now open. Three editions are available:
The game’s release was initially expected in 2024. It has been pushed to February 2025, giving developers more time to refine the game.
The exact development timeline is not publicly known. The game was officially announced in April 2024, with less than a year between announcement and release.
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December 27, 2024e-Paper
The Hindu On Books Books of the week, reviews, excerpts, new titles and features.
Data Point Decoding the headlines with facts, figures, and numbers
First Day First Show News and reviews from the world of cinema and streaming.
Health Matters Ramya Kannan writes to you on getting to good health, and staying there
The View From India Looking at World Affairs from the Indian perspective.
Science For All The weekly newsletter from science writers takes the jargon out of science and puts the fun in!
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December 27, 2024e-Paper
Published – December 27, 2024 07:00 am IST
The emergence of zoonotic diseases like Nipah and COVID-19 highlights the critical importance of the ‘One Health’ approach.  Photograph used for representational purposes only | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
As we observe International Epidemic Preparedness Day on December 27, India stands at a crucial juncture in its journey towards building robust health security systems. The COVID-19 pandemic and recurring Nipah outbreaks in Kerala have provided valuable insights that can shape our approach to future health emergencies. 
Kerala’s successful management of Nipah outbreaks since 2018 offers a compelling blueprint for handling emerging infectious diseases. The State’s response demonstrates how local healthcare systems can effectively contain potential pandemic threats through rapid detection, systematic contact tracing, and coordinated public health measures. The Kerala model emphasises three critical elements: early detection through surveillance, swift response via established protocols, and proactive community engagement.
The State’s experience with the Nipah virus underscores that successful containment requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes strengthening healthcare infrastructure, establishing clear communication channels, and maintaining robust surveillance systems. Importantly, Kerala’s ability to detect and contain single-case spillovers demonstrates the necessity of vigilance, even during non-outbreak periods.
The Nipah virus outbreaks in Kerala have highlighted the critical importance of engaging with communities, particularly those living in close proximity to animals, in health surveillance and preventive measures. One key lesson is the necessity of proactive education about zoonotic diseases. Communities must be informed not only about the risks associated with animal-to-human transmission but also about practical steps they can take to reduce these risks. This involves teaching them about the signs of illnesses in animals, the importance of proper sanitation, and safe practices related to handling animals and their products. Open lines of communication ensure that community members feel empowered and motivated to participate in health initiatives, thus fostering a collaborative approach to outbreak prevention. 
Another vital lesson is the importance of building trust through consistent engagement and involvement. Establishing strong relationships with community leaders and local organisations can bridge gaps between health authorities and the public. These trusted figures can act as conduits to disseminate information and mobilise community action during health crises. Additionally, incorporating local knowledge, such as cultural practices and environmental connections to wildlife, can enhance disease prevention strategies. When communities feel their voices are heard and their input is valued, they are more likely to adhere to public health recommendations and cooperate with health authorities during outbreak responses, ultimately leading to more effective containment measures.
The emergence of zoonotic diseases like Nipah and COVID-19 highlights the critical importance of the ‘One Health’ approach. This framework recognizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and environmental factors. Kerala’s establishment of the One Health Centre for Nipah Research and Resilience (KOHCNRR) represents a significant step toward implementing this approach.
For India to mitigate future pandemics effectively, it must expand this model nationally, creating a network of One Health centres dedicated to monitoring potential disease outbreaks, studying environmental factors, and tracking animal-human disease transmission patterns. This approach is particularly relevant in light of India’s diverse ecology and high population density, which create numerous opportunities for disease spillover events.
A key lesson from both COVID-19 and Nipah outbreaks is the importance of early detection through comprehensive surveillance systems. To enhance preparedness, India needs to strengthen its Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) in the following ways: establishing more diagnostic facilities with advanced testing capabilities; implementing real-time data-sharing systems across states; training healthcare workers in early detection of unusual disease patterns; creating networks of sentinel surveillance sites in high-risk areas and integrating human and animal health surveillance systems.
The pandemic exposed gaps in our healthcare infrastructure. Moving forward, India should focus on several key areas, critical among them: creating dedicated isolation facilities in major hospitals; establishing clear protocols for managing highly infectious diseases; maintaining stockpiles of essential medical supplies and protective equipment; training healthcare workers in infection control practices and developing surge capacity plans for emergency situations.
India’s experience with COVID-19 vaccine development demonstrates our capability to respond to health emergencies; however, we need sustained investment in research on emerging infectious diseases and development of diagnostic tools and therapeutics. In addition to paying attention to vaccine research and manufacturing capabilities and genomic surveillance infrastructure, collaborative research networks with international partners are absolutely essential.
Future preparedness plans should include a number of communication strategies that will help influence health-seeking behavior. This includes laying out clear communication strategies for health emergencies, in addition to continuing, steadily, all regular public health education programmes, besides engaging with community leaders and local organisations. More importantly, as witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic we must put in place robust systems for countering misinformation, and additionally, exhibit cultural sensitivity while implementing control measures.
Given India’s geographical position and population mobility, cross-border disease surveillance and coordination are crucial. We need very strong international collaboration mechanisms and standardised protocols for information sharing. Joint response exercises with neighboring countries, on the lines of what happens with bilateral military exercises, and collaboration with regional disease surveillance networks are vital. Such sharing will be possible, we must remember, only if we have harmonised quarantine and testing procedures. The pandemic, as we know, accelerated digital health adoption. Thanks to this, we now know that future preparedness should include robust telemedicine systems, digital disease surveillance platforms and electronic health records. While AI-powered disease prediction systems are gaining ground, the value of mobile health applications were once again apparent during the pandemic. 
The economic impact of COVID-19 that we have already witnessed demonstrates the need for financial preparedness. This means ensuring dedicated funding mechanisms for emergency responses, readying insurance systems for pandemic-related healthcare and providing economic support systems for affected communities. If we are able to plan for supply chain resilience and public-private partnership frameworks, we are reasonably prepared for the future and we might be able to avert some of the economic fall-outs of a health crisis.
India needs a comprehensive pandemic preparedness policy framework that includes clear command and control structures, and standard operating procedures for different scenarios. Unless existing health systems keep up with regular mock drills and simulations, it is likely they will be out of touch at the time of a crisis. It is necessary to update public health laws and also ensure that inter-state coordination mechanisms work well. 
As we face an increasingly interconnected world with growing pandemic risks, India must build on these lessons to create a comprehensive preparedness system. This requires sustained investments in public health infrastructure, research capabilities, and human resources. The recurring Nipah outbreaks in Kerala serve as constant reminders that the next pandemic threat could emerge anywhere, anytime. Our preparedness systems must be agile enough to respond to known threats while being robust enough to handle unknown ones.
Success in pandemic preparedness requires a whole-of-society approach, bringing together government agencies, healthcare providers, research institutions, and communities. Only through such coordinated efforts can we build a resilient health system capable of protecting our population from future health emergencies.
The time to prepare is now. As we mark International Epidemic Preparedness Day, let it serve as a reminder that investing in preparedness today is far less costly than responding to pandemics tomorrow. India’s experience with COVID-19 and Nipah provides a valuable lesson: it’s crucial that we learn from them to build a safer, more prepared future. 
(Dr. Anoop Kumar A.S. is director, Critical Care Medicine, ASTER North Kerala Cluster, anoop.as@asterhospital.in
Dr. Anish T.S. Is Nodal Officer, Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research and Resilience, Kozhikode. doctrinets@gmail.com)
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Published – December 27, 2024 07:00 am IST
health / healthcare policy / Coronavirus / Nipah Virus / Kerala / disease prevention
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NEW YORK — A prolonged and closely watched copyright case involving an online library’s unauthorized offering of free e-books has ended after the defendant, Internet Archive, decided not to challenge an appeal’s court’s ruling against it.
In September, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld a Manhattan federal court’s decision that found the Archive in violation of copyright law and granted a permanent injunction. The Archive had until this week to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but declined to do so.
In 2020, four major publishers — Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, John Wiley & Sons and Penguin Random House — sued the Archive, alleging that it had illegally provided free copies of more than 100 books, including fiction by Toni Morrison and J.D. Salinger. The Archive had contended that its program of scanning and sharing books, “controlled digital lending,” was protected by fair use law.
“After five years of litigation, we are thrilled to see this important case rest with the decisive opinion of the Second Circuit, which leaves no room for arguments that ‘controlled digital lending’ is anything more than infringement,” Maria A. Pallante, president and CEO of the Association of American Publishers, said in a statement.
The Archive’s director of library services, Chris Freeland, posted a brief statement on the Archive’s web site saying that “While we are deeply disappointed with the Second Circuit’s opinion,” they would “continue to honor” an agreement to “remove books from lending at their member publishers’ requests.”
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Seahawks vs. Bears score, live updates: Seattle needs a win to keep playoff hopes alive in final Thursday Night Football game of the year  Yahoo Sports
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Tampa police are searching for the brother of a 16-year-old boy who was found dead near the Courtney Campbell Causeway last month.
Adelana Olafemi, 15, was last seen leaving his home on the 4200 block of East Ellicott Street around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Tampa Police Department said in a news release. Adelana is still grieving the death of his brother, Eniola, who was found dead in the water near the Courtney Campbell Causeway on Nov. 17, police said.
Adelana was wearing a black shirt and black pants when he left his home Wednesday, the news release states. He is 5 feet, 6 inches tall, approximately 150 pounds with a medium build and has short braids in his hair. He did not take his medicine or his cellphone when he left his house.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Tampa Police Department’s nonemergency number at 813-231-6130.
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‘Music Will’ brings music education to public schools  NBC New York
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It’s been nearly four years since “super prospect” Aaron Pico signed an unprecedented deal with Bellator MMA before ever having a professional MMA fight. Despite a shocking debut loss, the man who was once referred to as “the greatest prospect ever” has done little to prove that statement wrong.
As MMA fans, the sport has taught us to be leery when it comes to “hype trains,” as often times they are chewed up and spit out unceremoniously.
We might need to ignore these teachings when it comes to Aaron Pico.
One only needs to examine Pico’s staggering pedigree and unprecedented rise to international wrestling standout to understand why he was, and remains, the premiere “blue chip prospect” in MMA.
The path for Aaron Pico’s transition into MMA had been paved from an early age. While he and his family may not have always been focused on mixed martial arts, his jaw-dropping pedigree in combat sports eventually made it an obvious choice.
Pico’s endeavors in amateur wrestling are well documented and probably most synonymous with his name, but he also boasts an impressive jacket in both boxing and Pankration. In Pankration, Pico earned himself a 2008 State Pankration championship, a National Pankration championship in the same year and a Golden Cup European Championship in 2010. When it comes to the “sweet science” Aaron owns a 2008 State PAL championship, a 2008 National PAL title, a 2009 Desert Showdown championship and a National Junior Golden Gloves title.
However, it was not until after his freshman year of high school when Pico’s credentials went from extremely impressive to downright extraordinary.
In Pico’s first year as a high school wrestler, he capped a 42-0 season at St. Bosco in California with a State Championship at the 132lb weight class. Naturally Pico was slated to follow-up this performance with an equally dominant and impressive season as a Sophomore, this time at 152 lb, however, that would never come to fruition. In January of 2014, Pico signed with “Crazy” Bob Cook’s management company, Zinkin Entertainment. This move meant Pico would forego the rest of his high school and collegiate career and eventually pursue an MMA career. After years of dominating as an amateur, Pico was officially a professional athlete.
The thought process behind this move was ambitious but concise. Pico favored freestyle wrestling that high school wrestling did not offer. This move would allow him to compete on the world level in freestyle wrestling with the ultimate goal being representing his country in the Olympics, followed by a career as a professional mixed martial artist. In an interview, Pico expressed his desires with this move:
“If I had to choose between an Olympic gold medal and a UFC championship, it would be a gold medal hands down because I’d be representing my family and every American.”
“I am nervous about what’s ahead, but I’m excited and ready. I think it would be a very emotional and special moment to be standing on the podium in two years with my hand across my heart as they play our national anthem.”
On his way to his ultimate goal of Olympic glory, Aaron Pico dominated wrestling on an international level. He racked up numerous achievements, highlighted by junior national freestyle championships in 2014 and 2015, Henri Deglane Challenge Senior Men Freestyle 65 kg championship in 2014 and Cerro Pelado Int’l Senior Men Freestyle 65 kg championship in 2015 as well as multiple FILA titles. His only setbacks usually came to world-class talent like future Olympic gold medalist Hassan Charati and Teymur Mammadov.
In 2016, Pico took one giant step toward his Olympic aspirations by astonishingly qualifying for the Olympic trials at just 19 years old. Sadly, Aaron fell painstakingly short of his final goal losing in the narrowest of margins to NCAA champion Frank Molinaro. Despite the setback, another door was about to open for the wrestling phenom. A door that he received the keys for back in 2014.
In 2014, the same year that Pico decided to forego high school and collegiate wrestling, he made another unprecedented move to help further his career. In November of that year, Bellator MMA signed Pico to a “long-term contract.” This move raised more than a few eyebrows in the MMA community. A major MMA organization just signed a kid who was barely old enough to vote to a long-term contract knowing he was still several years away from making MMA his main priority.
Was Bellator making one of its many misguided decisions or was the ceiling that high for Pico?
After Pico’s long-awaited début, many would have said it was the former.
In 2017, Pico made his cage fighting premiere at Bellator 180 at “the world’s most famous arena,” Madison Square Garden and suffered a stunning 24-second loss to underdog Zach Freeman in what many called a “disastrous” result. MMA fans and pundits alike believed this was karma for the hubris shown by both Bellator and Pico’s management in thinking he would live up to the lofty expectations set by both parties without first paying his “dues” in the MMA world. Many went as far as openly celebrating Pico’s failure.
Not being a stranger to adversity on a large stage, Pico has unsurprisingly avenged his debut disaster in the form of three straight wins all via first-round TKO stoppages. All three wins came in the featherweight division, a division believed to be better suited for his 5’7” frame than the lightweight division where he made his debut. In all three he has displayed blistering hand-speed and face (or liver) melting power while keeping his most obvious weapon, world-renowned wrestling, in its holster. Despite only being able to legally purchase alcohol for less than a year, the 21-year-old Pico has shown a poise and maturity, in and out of the cage, that most veterans are still striving to replicate.
So just how high is Aaron Pico’s ceiling? Only time will truly tell how far the California native can go in the sport, but it’s fair to see a bright future for the former wrestling standout. He has done everything in his power to show fans that his debut loss was just a case of biting off a little more than he can chew and not a symptom of an issue.
Since the loss, Pico has simplified his training regimen by joining Body Shop MMA instead of traveling to various camps. It also doesn’t hurt that some guy named Freddie Roach is coaching him; I don’t know if you’ve heard of him.
The foundation to succeed has been carefully built throughout Pico’s life. This cannot be over-simplified. There is a vast difference between having a good background in a few disciplines and being a Golden Gloves champion who was an inch away from qualifying for the Olympics in wrestling at the age of 19. There are levels to these things, and Pico is on one of his own when it comes to combat sports pedigree. Now that he has learned arguably the greatest lesson a fighter can learn, defeat, the “blue-chip prospect” Pico seems to be headed in the right direction on the path to MMA glory.
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ESA’s Solar Orbiter spacecraft obtained the highest-resolution full views of the Sun’s surface to date taken from less than 74 million kilometres (45.9 million miles from the Sun.
LOS ANGELES – Stargazers across the United States will have numerous chances to witness celestial spectacles in 2025, with events ranging from meteor showers to planet alignments filling the calendar.
North American viewers secured front row seats for one of the most dramatic shows – a total lunar eclipse visible across the continent in March. This marks one of several astronomical events experts highlighted for the upcoming year.
The year kicks off with the Quadrantid meteor shower on January 3, offering prime viewing conditions under a crescent moon. Mars reaches its brightest point two weeks later, making the red planet an easy target for backyard stargazers.
A total lunar eclipse takes center stage March 14, visible across North America. The moon will darken and take on a reddish hue as Earth's shadow passes across its surface.
West Coast viewers see the clearest views of the March lunar eclipse in the early evening hours. East Coast observers catch peak viewing around midnight.
Northern states get extended meteor shower viewing times during the summer months due to shorter nights. Southern states often experience clearer viewing conditions during winter events.
Venus shines brightest on February 16, visible in the western sky after sunset. Saturn's rings appear to vanish from Earth's perspective between March and November as they align edge-on with our planet.
Jupiter's moon Europa takes focus as NASA's Europa Clipper mission makes a Mars flyby March 1 on its journey to study the icy moon.

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You can play sweepstakes slots anywhere these days. Most major sweepstakes casinos function fantastically on mobile, with some even having dedicated apps. We explored some of the best slots that run perfectly on mobile devices. So no lag, no glitching, and high-quality animations still. This was a challenge, but we will help you find some fantastic games you can play on the go! 
This is a great game on mobile because the board is so tiny! It’s only a three-by-four board, so everything scales perfectly to smaller screens. The best part is that it is entertaining, too! One of my favorite features of the game is that it allows you to pick the number of lines you want to play. You can play one to three rows. The more lines you play, the more expensive each spin is, but the higher the chance you hit the bonus!
To hit the bonus, you need to have four coins in a row, which will activate the hold and win bonus feature. That’s where you can win tons of coins on this game. It works like most other hold-and-win games, where you get three free spins that reset every time you hit another coin during the bonus. 
Alternatively, there are three other bonuses in this game, too: life, multi, and grow. To unlock these, you have to get enough color-coordinated coins. Once you hit the limit, it activates. Life gives you free spins, multi gives you multipliers on the board, and grow makes the board larger so you can hit more coins! These also all activate on the hold and win mode! I got very lucky and hit the bonus twice in ten spins, so this slots one of the looser games on the platform!
This is just one of the fantastic games on Spree. They have one of the platforms for mobile gameplay. Pair that with a killer bonus offer, and there is no wonder this is one of our favorite sweepstakes casinos! If you haven’t played there yet, you should try! It’s worth it!
^{Must be 18 or older to play based on your location. Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.} 
This is another smaller game with hold-and-win features. It’s a three-by-three board, so even smaller than 3 Coin Volcano. It’s a great little game I always play every time I log into High 5 Casino. 
The goal of this one is similar, too. You just need to line up three coins in a row to hit the bonus feature. This one doesn’t have all the other bonus features, but it doesn’t matter. It still pays fine! 
You can still hit multipliers, making each coin you land even more valuable. My favorite part is the mystery banks you can win. These can pay out with anything from small prizes to massive jackpots. Alternatively you can hit the portals that will absorb all the coins on the board, clearing it so you can land even more. These will bank up coins, and you can land multiple to double or even triple dip on each coin you win. At a 95% return to player rate, the winnings feel sizeable. 
This is just one of many games on High 5 Casino that work wonderfully on mobile. The best part is that High 5 Casino has a mobile app you can download, so it’s all optimized to run on smaller devices. I’ve run into issues with games hitching and lagging on mobile, but with the amount of optimization done on the platform, that never happens. If you have a device from the last six years, it will easily be powerful enough to run the app effortlessly. You can even grab some free coins just for signing up, so don’t hesitate to sign up, and get the app! 
^{Must be 18 or older to play based on your location. Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.} 
I’m keeping with the theme of small boards here with another three by three hold and win. This is similar to Piggy Power, but it’s not all about hitting the bonus round. This might be even easier to hit than Piggy because you don’t need to land coins in the center row. You can hit on all three, increasing your odds of activating the bonus heavily. 
Additionally, you have other symbols on the board that can also get you some coins. I always like those because it cuts the cost per spin. You can earn some coins that pay for a few spins while chasing the bonus. It has a 95.6% return to player rate so you can come out ahead quickly on this game with luck. 
You can also land Thunder coins that will collect the value of all the coins on the board that spin and pay you out instantly. So you don’t necessarily have to land the bonus to hit on this game, either. 
The bonus round is where the real value is. The more you roll and the more coins you get, the more it powers up the Thunder Coins. So when you hit the bonus, you’ll earn more bonuses and coins. So don’t stop spinning just because you’ve missed a few. It will pay off. 
If hold-and-win games are your thing, either, they have a ton of other titles at Crown Coins Casino. You can find classic slots, link and collect, and progressive jackpots. Most of these games work well on mobile, too. The best thing about Crown Coins Casino is their bonuses, though.
They set you up with a ton of free coins to start with, and their daily bonus is the best in the industry. They give you free coins every day you log in and collect. So, on day seven, you can land a ton of free coins. I’ve gone from 0 coins to nearly a million in a week from playing and collecting bonuses. Give them a shot; it’s a fun spot. 
^{Must be 18 or older to play based on your location. Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.} 
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