2 hours ago
For most of its life, Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:PLTR) has been a government software company.
Even now, with shares near $186 as of this writing, the artificial intelligence (AI) software specialist's biggest business at home is still the one built on government contracts. U.S. government revenue was $809 million in the second quarter, against $764 million for U.S. commercial.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
But the gap is down to $45 million, and the two lines are not growing at the same speed. Last quarter, the U.S. commercial side grew 149% year over year. The government side grew 90%.
Roll those curves forward and they cross almost immediately. My prediction: U.S. commercial revenue passes U.S. government revenue in the third quarter of 2026 (the quarter that ends this month), and well before 2027 even if the timing slips.
#quarter
Even now, with shares near $186 as of this writing, the artificial intelligence (AI) software specialist's biggest business at home is still the one built on government contracts. U.S. government revenue was $809 million in the second quarter, against $764 million for U.S. commercial.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
But the gap is down to $45 million, and the two lines are not growing at the same speed. Last quarter, the U.S. commercial side grew 149% year over year. The government side grew 90%.
Roll those curves forward and they cross almost immediately. My prediction: U.S. commercial revenue passes U.S. government revenue in the third quarter of 2026 (the quarter that ends this month), and well before 2027 even if the timing slips.
#quarter
13 hours ago
Sydney Sweeney landed at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on Wednesday in Italy wearing one of 2026's hottest shoe trends, the clear heel. The "Euphoria" star went monochrome for her arrival in the floating city, opting for a sheer top with coordinated clear mules by Gianvito Rossi. Sydney Sweeney is seen during the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on Sept. 2 in Venice. GC Images While the Gianvito Rossi Elle Mule is a popular choice for those looking for a clear heel, "The Housemaid" star opted for the Sofia Mule 95. The Sofia style in all black has been picking up steam among Hollywood stars, but Sweeney opted for the mule in pink, which retails for $945. The mules are crafted from Nuit glossy leather. The style is a round-toe stiletto mule with a soft see-through Plexi upper. The style is defined by the luxury footwear brand's distinctive "Sofia" heel, which blends modernity and a retro feel with a glossy curved heel design that's wider at the base like a wedge. Handmade in Italy. The stiletto heel measures 3.8 inches. Sweeney arrived in Venice wearing a sheer lace Zimmermann Hypnotic Lace Bodice with matching shorts. The outfit features a floral lace halter-neck
Follow Footwear News on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.
#sweeney
Follow Footwear News on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.
#sweeney
16 hours ago
Another layer has been added to the seemingly never-ending saga the New York Jets have had in recent months and years regarding their kicking situation.
Fresh off adding a new kicker via the NFL's wavier wire, the Jets have brought in another... just for a workout to this point.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, it's Josh Karty who has had a workout in New York:
Free agent kicker Joshua Karty, who has kicked the last two seasons for the #Rams , is working out for the #Jets today. pic.twitter.com/Zo10rdDjW4
In the last week alone, the Jets' kicking situation has been all over the place. From naming Jason Sanders the starter, to his abysmal effort in the preseason finale, to Blake Grupe being claimed off of waivers... we could have another curve ball.
#Jets #york #kicking #kicker
Fresh off adding a new kicker via the NFL's wavier wire, the Jets have brought in another... just for a workout to this point.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, it's Josh Karty who has had a workout in New York:
Free agent kicker Joshua Karty, who has kicked the last two seasons for the #Rams , is working out for the #Jets today. pic.twitter.com/Zo10rdDjW4
In the last week alone, the Jets' kicking situation has been all over the place. From naming Jason Sanders the starter, to his abysmal effort in the preseason finale, to Blake Grupe being claimed off of waivers... we could have another curve ball.
#Jets #york #kicking #kicker
1 day ago
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Browns fans and fans across the country.
The Cleveland Browns faced several difficult decisions as they trimmed their roster down to 53 players. Every season, the organization makes a few decisions that catch fans by surprise. Which selections at this year's deadline were particularly surprising?
Taylen Green was far from a lock to make the roster throughout the summer. As training camp came to a close and Green took some snaps in the preseason, he proved to the front office and coaching staff that he deserved a roster spot.
Dillon Gabriel was questionable to make the roster because of the fact that keeping four quarterbacks seemed like a bit too much. After a strong third preseason performance, the belief was that the Browns would either find a trade partner for Gabriel, or that he'd make the final roster outright. Instead, a curveball was thrown when he landed on injured reserve with a "back injury."
Luke Floriea not making the 53-man roster was a bit of a surprise, but it is an even bigger surprise that the team does not intend to bring him back to the practice squad. The wide receiver group was certainly more competitive this season, so it was going to be tough for Floriea to make it in that group. Most felt Floriea did enough during the preseason to earn a spot with the team in some capacity, making the decision not to add him to the practice squad all the more surprising.
#surprise #green
The Cleveland Browns faced several difficult decisions as they trimmed their roster down to 53 players. Every season, the organization makes a few decisions that catch fans by surprise. Which selections at this year's deadline were particularly surprising?
Taylen Green was far from a lock to make the roster throughout the summer. As training camp came to a close and Green took some snaps in the preseason, he proved to the front office and coaching staff that he deserved a roster spot.
Dillon Gabriel was questionable to make the roster because of the fact that keeping four quarterbacks seemed like a bit too much. After a strong third preseason performance, the belief was that the Browns would either find a trade partner for Gabriel, or that he'd make the final roster outright. Instead, a curveball was thrown when he landed on injured reserve with a "back injury."
Luke Floriea not making the 53-man roster was a bit of a surprise, but it is an even bigger surprise that the team does not intend to bring him back to the practice squad. The wide receiver group was certainly more competitive this season, so it was going to be tough for Floriea to make it in that group. Most felt Floriea did enough during the preseason to earn a spot with the team in some capacity, making the decision not to add him to the practice squad all the more surprising.
#surprise #green
1 day ago
Two new working papers circulated by the authoritative National Bureau of Economic Research show the double squeeze the U.S. dollar and the Treasury market are facing both overseas and at home.
The first, from a team of European Central Bank and Banque de France economists, show how official demand for dollar ******* ets is waning as central banks increasingly seek sanctuary in gold after Russian ******* ets were frozen following the launch of the war on Ukraine in 2022. It's a topic that has certainly been discussed, but the paper quantifies that shift, finding nonaligned countries have moved nearly one-third of total reserve portfolios away from foreign-currency claims.
'It's not fair': My twin brother and I were left houses by our parents. Can I make him pay his share for taxes and upkeep?
'I feel tricked': My contractor handed my $42,000 pool upgrade to a subcontractor I had already rejected. What can I do?
Perhaps the more intriguing new paper comes from Massachusetts Institute of Technology economist Ricardo Caballero, who talks about a safe-debt Laffer Curve. The Laffer Curve represents the theory that, at a certain level, revenue actually starts to fall rather than rise as tax rates increase. Caballero's novel idea is that, at a certain level, federal debt actually hurts aggregate demand rather than helps it.
#curve #central #debt
The first, from a team of European Central Bank and Banque de France economists, show how official demand for dollar ******* ets is waning as central banks increasingly seek sanctuary in gold after Russian ******* ets were frozen following the launch of the war on Ukraine in 2022. It's a topic that has certainly been discussed, but the paper quantifies that shift, finding nonaligned countries have moved nearly one-third of total reserve portfolios away from foreign-currency claims.
'It's not fair': My twin brother and I were left houses by our parents. Can I make him pay his share for taxes and upkeep?
'I feel tricked': My contractor handed my $42,000 pool upgrade to a subcontractor I had already rejected. What can I do?
Perhaps the more intriguing new paper comes from Massachusetts Institute of Technology economist Ricardo Caballero, who talks about a safe-debt Laffer Curve. The Laffer Curve represents the theory that, at a certain level, revenue actually starts to fall rather than rise as tax rates increase. Caballero's novel idea is that, at a certain level, federal debt actually hurts aggregate demand rather than helps it.
#curve #central #debt
2 days ago
It doesn't take an advanced football mind to see that Deshaun Watson hasn't been a good starting quarterback since the Cleveland Browns acquired him.
It isn't the job of observers to fix Watson though. That is Browns head coach Todd Monken's job, especially since he named Watson his starting quarterback for the regular season.
And you'd think that the man in charge of the coaching staff that is now in charge of reviving Watson's career would watch a lot of tape to diagnose what has gone wrong since Watson joined the Browns in 2022. You'd be wrong.
Monken, who has been refreshingly honest with the media since becoming Browns coach, made a pretty startling confession on Tuesday: He has not watched any of Watson's old Browns games since becoming coach. His reasoning is very cheery, but we'll see if it works out.
Monken was asked about Watson's previous tape with the Browns, and he had a curveball for an answer.
#Browns #you 'd #starting
It isn't the job of observers to fix Watson though. That is Browns head coach Todd Monken's job, especially since he named Watson his starting quarterback for the regular season.
And you'd think that the man in charge of the coaching staff that is now in charge of reviving Watson's career would watch a lot of tape to diagnose what has gone wrong since Watson joined the Browns in 2022. You'd be wrong.
Monken, who has been refreshingly honest with the media since becoming Browns coach, made a pretty startling confession on Tuesday: He has not watched any of Watson's old Browns games since becoming coach. His reasoning is very cheery, but we'll see if it works out.
Monken was asked about Watson's previous tape with the Browns, and he had a curveball for an answer.
#Browns #you 'd #starting
2 days ago
HealthEquity (NASDAQ:HQY) posted second-quarter fiscal 2027 results on August 27, which pushed revenue growth to 8% year over year, up from the 7% pace set over the first half of the year, a rare acceleration for a company already sitting on 10.7 million health savings accounts/HSAs. Adjusted EBITDA jumped 11% to $167 million, translating into a record 48% margin. Management raised full-year revenue and profit guidance on the back of that performance, and the numbers suggest a business getting more efficient even as it gets bigger.
The account growth alone would make for a solid quarter. New HSAs from sales rose 24% year over year to 202,000, the strongest second quarter the company has posted and its best stretch outside the fourth quarter open enrollment window. Total HSA ***** ets reached $37.9 billion, up 14%, while HSA invested ***** ets climbed 28% to $20.6 billion as 939,000 accounts now hold investments, a 20% increase. That distinction matters because members who invest carry balances four times larger than those who do not, so every account that starts investing compounds the relationship's value without HealthEquity signing up a single new client.
Engagement is following the same curve. Monthly active users on the mobile app hit 1.4 million in July, up 62% year over year, and total downloads passed 5 million. Marketplace, still a small piece of the business with about 14,000 active members, is already showing that purchasers are more likely to start contributing to their HSA than members who never buy anything through it. AI-driven automation resolved 85% of routine chat inquiries and contained 55% of card-related phone contacts, helping cut human-handled service calls by 25% even as total accounts grew 4%. Gross margin expanded to 74% of revenue from 71% a year earlier, and the company returned $108.1 million to shareholders through buybacks during the quarter.
Not everything is friction-free. CFO James Lucania acknowledged the competitive pressure on pricing, telling ***** ysts there is "absolutely headline price erosion," a year-over-year reduction that weighs on service revenue even as that segment still grew 6% to $124.4 million. GAAP net income of $65.6 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, ran well below the $103.8 million and $1.24 per share reported on a non-GAAP basis, a gap that included $3.3 million in one-time disposal costs tied to internally developed software the company no longer uses.
#year #million #members #healthequity
The account growth alone would make for a solid quarter. New HSAs from sales rose 24% year over year to 202,000, the strongest second quarter the company has posted and its best stretch outside the fourth quarter open enrollment window. Total HSA ***** ets reached $37.9 billion, up 14%, while HSA invested ***** ets climbed 28% to $20.6 billion as 939,000 accounts now hold investments, a 20% increase. That distinction matters because members who invest carry balances four times larger than those who do not, so every account that starts investing compounds the relationship's value without HealthEquity signing up a single new client.
Engagement is following the same curve. Monthly active users on the mobile app hit 1.4 million in July, up 62% year over year, and total downloads passed 5 million. Marketplace, still a small piece of the business with about 14,000 active members, is already showing that purchasers are more likely to start contributing to their HSA than members who never buy anything through it. AI-driven automation resolved 85% of routine chat inquiries and contained 55% of card-related phone contacts, helping cut human-handled service calls by 25% even as total accounts grew 4%. Gross margin expanded to 74% of revenue from 71% a year earlier, and the company returned $108.1 million to shareholders through buybacks during the quarter.
Not everything is friction-free. CFO James Lucania acknowledged the competitive pressure on pricing, telling ***** ysts there is "absolutely headline price erosion," a year-over-year reduction that weighs on service revenue even as that segment still grew 6% to $124.4 million. GAAP net income of $65.6 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, ran well below the $103.8 million and $1.24 per share reported on a non-GAAP basis, a gap that included $3.3 million in one-time disposal costs tied to internally developed software the company no longer uses.
#year #million #members #healthequity
3 days ago
The name Dolly Parton immediately conjures an image of a larger-than-life figure with big hair, loud makeup, dazzling clothes, enhanced features, and a personality as magnificent as the music legacy ******* ociated with it. This multi-dimensional visual is only fitting for a cultural icon who fashioned a persona so colorful that to honor Parton's amazing life as an artist would be incomplete without celebrating her unmatched style.
The Grammy-winning country singer, who died on August 25, 2026, of cancer, was a truly original fashion icon — even though she demurred at the notion of being considered one. Right from her girlhood days in Tennessee, where she grew up as a poor farmer's daughter who found creative ways to beautify herself, to her time as a globally beloved celebrity who, despite relentless lampooning, stayed true to her authentic tastes, Parton was a masterclass in catching every curveball and turning it into an opportunity for greatness.
The best part was that she refused to compromise. "It took me probably years longer to be taken serious, but I wasn't willing to change it, and I figured if I had the talent, it'd show up sooner or later," she told The Guardian. And she did; the industry could overlook a talent as exceptional as Parton for only so long. There have been few, after all, who could play perfect chords with extra-long acrylic nails. Here is the significance behind Dolly Parton's signature style and why she was never seen without it.
Read more: Things You Don't Know About Cote De Pablo
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
#life #icon #talent #grammy
The Grammy-winning country singer, who died on August 25, 2026, of cancer, was a truly original fashion icon — even though she demurred at the notion of being considered one. Right from her girlhood days in Tennessee, where she grew up as a poor farmer's daughter who found creative ways to beautify herself, to her time as a globally beloved celebrity who, despite relentless lampooning, stayed true to her authentic tastes, Parton was a masterclass in catching every curveball and turning it into an opportunity for greatness.
The best part was that she refused to compromise. "It took me probably years longer to be taken serious, but I wasn't willing to change it, and I figured if I had the talent, it'd show up sooner or later," she told The Guardian. And she did; the industry could overlook a talent as exceptional as Parton for only so long. There have been few, after all, who could play perfect chords with extra-long acrylic nails. Here is the significance behind Dolly Parton's signature style and why she was never seen without it.
Read more: Things You Don't Know About Cote De Pablo
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
#life #icon #talent #grammy
3 days ago
NEW YORK - Eight pitches in, Ethan Pecko appeared on the edge of calamity. Francisco Lindor crushed a full-count fastball into the second deck at Citi Field. Juan Soto sent a first-pitch curveball over the wall in left-center. Bo Bichette punched a single through the right side of the Houston Astros' infield.
Houston pitching coach Josh Miller hustled to the mound for a visit. AJ Blubaugh began to throw in the visitors' bullpen. Turning there so early might have torpedoed an already tenuous staff. Pecko, still, was making his third major-league start, and a series against the Mets hung in the balance Sunday.
Miller's message?
"To be honest, I don't even know," Pecko said afterward. "I was pretty comfortable with where I was at. Obviously, you don't want to give up two home runs back-to-back. But even the single, like, I knew the stuff was good. And I kind of just knew I could shake it off and keep going."
Instead of an early exit, Pecko engineered a recovery. The 24-year-old right-hander stabilized his outing enough to work five innings that kept the Astros position to stage a comeback, preserved their pitching structure and offered perhaps the most encouraging step yet in his big-league introduction.
#astros
Houston pitching coach Josh Miller hustled to the mound for a visit. AJ Blubaugh began to throw in the visitors' bullpen. Turning there so early might have torpedoed an already tenuous staff. Pecko, still, was making his third major-league start, and a series against the Mets hung in the balance Sunday.
Miller's message?
"To be honest, I don't even know," Pecko said afterward. "I was pretty comfortable with where I was at. Obviously, you don't want to give up two home runs back-to-back. But even the single, like, I knew the stuff was good. And I kind of just knew I could shake it off and keep going."
Instead of an early exit, Pecko engineered a recovery. The 24-year-old right-hander stabilized his outing enough to work five innings that kept the Astros position to stage a comeback, preserved their pitching structure and offered perhaps the most encouraging step yet in his big-league introduction.
#astros
4 days ago
NEW YORK — Andy Green joked he was willing to force his own exit to ensure that Juan Soto stayed in the batter's box for the biggest at-bat of Sunday's game.
In the bottom of the fifth inning of a tie game with a runner in scoring position, Soto fouled a 2-2 fastball off his right shin. The superstar outfielder, who was playing his first game since landing on the injured list on July 25 with a left calf strain, jammed the handle of his bat into the grass, crouched near the on-deck circle and shook off the sting.
"I was certainly hoping we weren't taking him out of the game," Green said. "I was gonna give him all the time in the world he needed. I would've gotten ejected just to give him more time. The umpire was saying to speed things up."
On the very next pitch, Soto caught a hanging knuckle-curve from Cristian Javier and deposited it into right field for the go-ahead RBI single in the Mets' 6-2 victory over the Astros in front of 29,183 fans at Citi Field.
The interruption provided a brief scare for Soto, who has twice been on the injured list this season, but he proved his worth once again by flashing his dynamic bat in a key spot in his first game back.
#game #injured
In the bottom of the fifth inning of a tie game with a runner in scoring position, Soto fouled a 2-2 fastball off his right shin. The superstar outfielder, who was playing his first game since landing on the injured list on July 25 with a left calf strain, jammed the handle of his bat into the grass, crouched near the on-deck circle and shook off the sting.
"I was certainly hoping we weren't taking him out of the game," Green said. "I was gonna give him all the time in the world he needed. I would've gotten ejected just to give him more time. The umpire was saying to speed things up."
On the very next pitch, Soto caught a hanging knuckle-curve from Cristian Javier and deposited it into right field for the go-ahead RBI single in the Mets' 6-2 victory over the Astros in front of 29,183 fans at Citi Field.
The interruption provided a brief scare for Soto, who has twice been on the injured list this season, but he proved his worth once again by flashing his dynamic bat in a key spot in his first game back.
#game #injured
5 days ago
Alicia Keys looked phenomenal in bikini-clad photos she shared documenting her summer with her husband, Swizz Beatz, and their kids.
The 45-year-old displayed her curves in a leopard-print bikini top and loose striped pants while posing inside an opulent room that perfectly matched her summer ensemble.
Another photo showed a makeup-free Alicia in a patterned bikini top, this time pairing her look with a tiered black maxi skirt that flashed a hint of her stomach.
A third image featured the Grammy winner soaking up the sun on a boat, wearing a white-and-blue two-piece with a blue cover-up.
Several other photos captured her children, date nights with her husband, and outings with friends.
#bikini #alicia
The 45-year-old displayed her curves in a leopard-print bikini top and loose striped pants while posing inside an opulent room that perfectly matched her summer ensemble.
Another photo showed a makeup-free Alicia in a patterned bikini top, this time pairing her look with a tiered black maxi skirt that flashed a hint of her stomach.
A third image featured the Grammy winner soaking up the sun on a boat, wearing a white-and-blue two-piece with a blue cover-up.
Several other photos captured her children, date nights with her husband, and outings with friends.
#bikini #alicia
6 days ago
There is no greater gap between the college level of a sport and the pros than there is in football. That's why so many promising rookies struggle in their first year in the league—as the learning curve is steep, with many needing as much help as they can get.
Right or wrong, the Carolina Panthers seem to believe in letting first-round pick Monroe Freeling figure things out on his own. According to Mike Kaye at ESPN, he's blocking one-on-one at a 75-percent rate as the team's starting right tackle this preseason.
Here's Kaye's ****** ysis on Freeling's work from the summer:
Freeling has been thrust into the starting lineup due to two notable absences, with longtime starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee/PUP) and right tackle Taylor Moton (blood clot/NFI) expected to miss a chunk of the season. Freeling, who has been at right tackle all summer, will serve as a bookend to veteran left tackle Rasheed Walker in the meantime. Freeling allowed two pressures in 12 pass-blocking snaps during his first two preseason games, but he has received little help on that side, with a 75% one-on-one rate, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Freeling has had some rough moments, especially in this week's joint practice with the Houston Texans. (But who amongst us doesn't have a rough moment with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson hunting us down?)
#starting #many
Right or wrong, the Carolina Panthers seem to believe in letting first-round pick Monroe Freeling figure things out on his own. According to Mike Kaye at ESPN, he's blocking one-on-one at a 75-percent rate as the team's starting right tackle this preseason.
Here's Kaye's ****** ysis on Freeling's work from the summer:
Freeling has been thrust into the starting lineup due to two notable absences, with longtime starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee/PUP) and right tackle Taylor Moton (blood clot/NFI) expected to miss a chunk of the season. Freeling, who has been at right tackle all summer, will serve as a bookend to veteran left tackle Rasheed Walker in the meantime. Freeling allowed two pressures in 12 pass-blocking snaps during his first two preseason games, but he has received little help on that side, with a 75% one-on-one rate, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Freeling has had some rough moments, especially in this week's joint practice with the Houston Texans. (But who amongst us doesn't have a rough moment with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson hunting us down?)
#starting #many
6 days ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Christian Walker had three hits, including a two-run homer off Gerrit Cole in the sixth inning, and Jeremy Peña added a solo shot to power the Houston Astros to a 5-1 victory over the New York Yankees on Thursday night.
Astros starter Hayden Wesneski (4-1) allowed one run and three hits in five-plus innings against the team that drafted him in 2019 and traded him to the Chicago Cubs in 2022 for reliever Scott Effross.
Houston (67-67) took two of three at Yankee Stadium and leads the AL West by one game over Texas.
Walker broke an 0-for-11 skid with a single in the second and homered on Cole's 1-0 curveball for a 3-0 lead in the fifth. He doubled off Justin Topa in the eighth and scored when the Yankees committed two errors on one play.
Yainer Diaz's grounder caromed off George Lombard Jr.'s glove for the rookie shortstop's seventh error in 20 career games. The ball ricocheted to third baseman José Caballero and he was charged with a throwing error for his wild toss to first as Walker scored Houston's fifth run.
#houston
Astros starter Hayden Wesneski (4-1) allowed one run and three hits in five-plus innings against the team that drafted him in 2019 and traded him to the Chicago Cubs in 2022 for reliever Scott Effross.
Houston (67-67) took two of three at Yankee Stadium and leads the AL West by one game over Texas.
Walker broke an 0-for-11 skid with a single in the second and homered on Cole's 1-0 curveball for a 3-0 lead in the fifth. He doubled off Justin Topa in the eighth and scored when the Yankees committed two errors on one play.
Yainer Diaz's grounder caromed off George Lombard Jr.'s glove for the rookie shortstop's seventh error in 20 career games. The ball ricocheted to third baseman José Caballero and he was charged with a throwing error for his wild toss to first as Walker scored Houston's fifth run.
#houston
7 days ago
The following Dolly Parton interviewed originally appeared in the July 1997 issue of Out magazine.
Dolly Parton is ready for dinner. All five-foot-one of her bodacious curves and Dynel blondness is perched on Frederick's of Hollywood-style mules as she moves through the lobby of the posh Pierre hotel overlooking New York's Central Park. Hers is a Southern manner both gracious and "oh my gracious."
Patsy Cline in Jessica Rabbit's body, she offers a friendly ***** o to anyone who cranes his neck to glimpse her-which is everyone. As she descends the stairs and settles into a corner banquette in the hotel cafe, the waiters stand in awe, each wearing a grin that says, It's so nice to have you back where you belong. One thing is certain: She is looking swell, this Dolly. A triumph of style over fashion in "an Azzedine shirt and a K Mart skirt," she is a star and then some. An icon, I call her. "An icon or an eyesore?" Parton shoots back.
This is definitely going to be fun.
"I can't even begin to imagine dressing up in a nice business suit and coming down to dinner," she says, after ordering seared foie gras and mashed potatoes. "I would much rather have the shock value of walking down the steps with my ***** hanging out but knowing that I've still got the same brain and the same talent. What kind of fun would I have doing it if I had to be ordinary?"
#parton #style #gracious #back
Dolly Parton is ready for dinner. All five-foot-one of her bodacious curves and Dynel blondness is perched on Frederick's of Hollywood-style mules as she moves through the lobby of the posh Pierre hotel overlooking New York's Central Park. Hers is a Southern manner both gracious and "oh my gracious."
Patsy Cline in Jessica Rabbit's body, she offers a friendly ***** o to anyone who cranes his neck to glimpse her-which is everyone. As she descends the stairs and settles into a corner banquette in the hotel cafe, the waiters stand in awe, each wearing a grin that says, It's so nice to have you back where you belong. One thing is certain: She is looking swell, this Dolly. A triumph of style over fashion in "an Azzedine shirt and a K Mart skirt," she is a star and then some. An icon, I call her. "An icon or an eyesore?" Parton shoots back.
This is definitely going to be fun.
"I can't even begin to imagine dressing up in a nice business suit and coming down to dinner," she says, after ordering seared foie gras and mashed potatoes. "I would much rather have the shock value of walking down the steps with my ***** hanging out but knowing that I've still got the same brain and the same talent. What kind of fun would I have doing it if I had to be ordinary?"
#parton #style #gracious #back
8 days ago
Coffee closed nearly 6% higher to open the week, the backwardation/inverse in its forward curve strengthening along the way.
Corn followed Monday's solid rally by slipping lower overnight into Tuesday morning. However, Monday's trade volume in Dec26 appeared to be record large for a December corn issue.
Crude Prices Sharply Lower as Oil Supplies Move Through Strait of Hormuz
Why This Week Looks to Be Fun
Crude Prices Fall as Oil Supplies Move Through the Strait of Hormuz
#coffee
Corn followed Monday's solid rally by slipping lower overnight into Tuesday morning. However, Monday's trade volume in Dec26 appeared to be record large for a December corn issue.
Crude Prices Sharply Lower as Oil Supplies Move Through Strait of Hormuz
Why This Week Looks to Be Fun
Crude Prices Fall as Oil Supplies Move Through the Strait of Hormuz
#coffee
8 days ago
I think David Tepper made a mistake selling UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), and not a small mistake either. When I look at what this company is doing and where healthcare is headed, I would rather buy the stock than walk away.
For context, here's what happened: Tepper is a billionaire hedge fund manager, the founder and president of Appaloosa Management. Tepper didn't trim his stake in UnitedHealth. He sold every share, about 90,000 in total, refocusing his portfolio toward artificial intelligence (AI) with purchases of Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Micron (NASDAQ: MU), and Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE: TSM), which now account for nearly 40% of his fund. That tells me his move was about concentrating on a narrower theme, not about UnitedHealth losing its edge. In earlier filings, UnitedHealth ranked among his top positions, accounting for more than 10% of the portfolio, indicating he once saw it as a core holding.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
So what changed? The obvious worry is medical cost pressure, especially from GLP‑1 weight loss drugs and broader inflation in care. UnitedHealth's Q2 2026 numbers show medical costs of $75.36 billion and a medical care ratio of 86.7%, down from 89.4% a year earlier but still above the mid-80s range the company had framed as its target (lower is better). Some investors see that as a sign that margins will stay under pressure and that insurers will never fully catch up to medical care's rising cost curve. Tepper may have decided that the headache was not worth the trouble.
When I dig into the details, I see something different. UnitedHealth is not sitting still and hoping costs fall. It's reshaping how care is delivered across its UnitedHealthcare insurance arm and Optum pharmacy management services. On GLP‑1 drugs, the company has drawn a clear line, covering them for diabetes and cardiovascular risk under tight medical necessity rules and restricting coverage for weight loss alone. It has launched programs like Total Weight Support to combine medication with coaching and digital tools, which gives it a way to manage outcomes rather than paying for pills without structure. That kind of strategy matters when drug costs can top $1,000 per member each month.
#medical #costs
For context, here's what happened: Tepper is a billionaire hedge fund manager, the founder and president of Appaloosa Management. Tepper didn't trim his stake in UnitedHealth. He sold every share, about 90,000 in total, refocusing his portfolio toward artificial intelligence (AI) with purchases of Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Micron (NASDAQ: MU), and Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE: TSM), which now account for nearly 40% of his fund. That tells me his move was about concentrating on a narrower theme, not about UnitedHealth losing its edge. In earlier filings, UnitedHealth ranked among his top positions, accounting for more than 10% of the portfolio, indicating he once saw it as a core holding.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
So what changed? The obvious worry is medical cost pressure, especially from GLP‑1 weight loss drugs and broader inflation in care. UnitedHealth's Q2 2026 numbers show medical costs of $75.36 billion and a medical care ratio of 86.7%, down from 89.4% a year earlier but still above the mid-80s range the company had framed as its target (lower is better). Some investors see that as a sign that margins will stay under pressure and that insurers will never fully catch up to medical care's rising cost curve. Tepper may have decided that the headache was not worth the trouble.
When I dig into the details, I see something different. UnitedHealth is not sitting still and hoping costs fall. It's reshaping how care is delivered across its UnitedHealthcare insurance arm and Optum pharmacy management services. On GLP‑1 drugs, the company has drawn a clear line, covering them for diabetes and cardiovascular risk under tight medical necessity rules and restricting coverage for weight loss alone. It has launched programs like Total Weight Support to combine medication with coaching and digital tools, which gives it a way to manage outcomes rather than paying for pills without structure. That kind of strategy matters when drug costs can top $1,000 per member each month.
#medical #costs
8 days ago
Mark Grace perhaps said it best in the postgame show when he said, "Im not sure we have seen a more unlikely Dbacks win the season"
The almost Dback Clay Holmes shut this Dbacks offense down for 7 innings. The Dbacks had a deal in place for Holmes per multiple reports but the deal fell through at the last minute due to medicals. The fact that he was almost a Dback made the first 7 innings of this game sting all that much more, especially given the current status of this rotation.
Brandon Pfaadt was pretty good today pitching into the 7th inning tonight and allowing 4 runs while keeping his team within striking distance. The Cubs have the 2nd best offense in the league and Pfaadt did a decent enough job of keeping them in check. His first 3 innings were pretty easy getting lots of soft contact, however he gave up a 3 run HR in the 4th inning on a hanging curveball to Ian Happ. Most importantly however, like I mentioned earlier, he was able to settle back in after the home run and give his team 6.2 innings against a red hot offense.
The Dbacks offense finally woke up in the 8th inning as they were able to finally get on the board with 3 runs due to some linked up at bats with a couple of walks and a huge double from the red hot Gabi Moreno and a single from Geraldo Perdomo. When this offense has been clicking this season, it seems as though it is starting with the bottom of the order getting on base for the top of the order.
The story of the game however was Ryan Waldsschmidt who for the second time this season hit a walkoff home run off of a contending team's closer. This time it came as a pinch hitter with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th with Jose Fernandez pinch running at first base for Tim Tawa. The Dbacks were inches away from losing this game as Jose Fernandez was narrowly able to steal 2nd base and get into scoring position down 4-3. Then Waldschmidt got a hanging slider and did not miss it! What an electric moment and perhaps the biggest swing of the season thus far considering that the Dbacks were able to gain a game on both the Padres and the Phillies tonight on 1 single swing. What a great moment for this team!
#offense #game #first #however
The almost Dback Clay Holmes shut this Dbacks offense down for 7 innings. The Dbacks had a deal in place for Holmes per multiple reports but the deal fell through at the last minute due to medicals. The fact that he was almost a Dback made the first 7 innings of this game sting all that much more, especially given the current status of this rotation.
Brandon Pfaadt was pretty good today pitching into the 7th inning tonight and allowing 4 runs while keeping his team within striking distance. The Cubs have the 2nd best offense in the league and Pfaadt did a decent enough job of keeping them in check. His first 3 innings were pretty easy getting lots of soft contact, however he gave up a 3 run HR in the 4th inning on a hanging curveball to Ian Happ. Most importantly however, like I mentioned earlier, he was able to settle back in after the home run and give his team 6.2 innings against a red hot offense.
The Dbacks offense finally woke up in the 8th inning as they were able to finally get on the board with 3 runs due to some linked up at bats with a couple of walks and a huge double from the red hot Gabi Moreno and a single from Geraldo Perdomo. When this offense has been clicking this season, it seems as though it is starting with the bottom of the order getting on base for the top of the order.
The story of the game however was Ryan Waldsschmidt who for the second time this season hit a walkoff home run off of a contending team's closer. This time it came as a pinch hitter with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th with Jose Fernandez pinch running at first base for Tim Tawa. The Dbacks were inches away from losing this game as Jose Fernandez was narrowly able to steal 2nd base and get into scoring position down 4-3. Then Waldschmidt got a hanging slider and did not miss it! What an electric moment and perhaps the biggest swing of the season thus far considering that the Dbacks were able to gain a game on both the Padres and the Phillies tonight on 1 single swing. What a great moment for this team!
#offense #game #first #however
8 days ago
Tuesday night was an opportunity for the St. Louis Cardinals to rebound from a profoundly disappointing end to the road trip returning home from Philadelphia, but would they? Much of that would depend on which version of Matthew Liberatore took the mound for the Cardinals. The answer is not the one most Cardinals fans were hoping for and the end result was appalling. Not to spoil this for you if you didn't see the game, but everyone in Busch Stadium that was not an Oriole's fan should demand their money back.
The game would get off to an auspicious start in the top of the 1st inning when Matthew Liberatore fielded Jackson Holliday's dribbler on the 1st base side of the mound and fired the ball over Alec Burleson's head into right field. Pete Alonso followed that with a solid single into left field with Holliday running on the play which gave the Orioles runners at first and third with no outs. Matthew would find a way out of the jam as he got Gunnar Henderson to pop out and then struck out Mayo and Encarnacion-Strand.
The top of the 3rd inning would be similar to the top of the 1st, but the result would be much different. Taveras reached as he beat out an infield hit. Jackson Holliday whistled a single into center which brought up Pete Alonzo who was not fooled by an 88 mph changeup which he sent soaring 435 feet deep into the left field stands for a 3-0 Baltimore lead. Two outs later, Encarnacion-Strand absolutely annihilated a 94 mph four-seam Liberatore fastball 450 feet even deeper into the left field stands for a 4-0 Orioles lead. That's the longest home run in Busch Stadium this season.
The Cardinals would not go away silently. Nathan Church waited on a 72 mph curveball from Orioles pitcher Chris Bassett and ripped it 405 feet into the Cardinals bullpen giving St. Louis a run making the score 4-1.
That brief moment of St. Louis Cardinals optimism was short-lived. Matthew Liberatore would not survive the 5th inning. Jackson Holliday led off with his third hit of the night followed by another single from Cardinals nemesis Pete Alonzo. Matthew Liberatore then walked Gunnar Henderson to load the bases with no one out. Liberatore's last batter was Mayo who he surrendered a single to making it 5-1 Orioles and even though Matthew was done, Baltimore wasn't done scoring. Liberatore's replacement was Peter Strzelecki who didn't fare much better than his predecessor. He immediately gave up a single to Encarnacion-Strand which plated two more Orioles upping the Baltimore lead to 7-1. Stzelecki did accomplish one good thing during his relief outing. He struck out Basallo and…yeah, that's it. Next he hit Franklin with a pitch, gave up a single to Taveras, a single to Holliday and a double to Alonzo. When the dust settled, it was 12-1 Orioles and by the time the horrific 5th inning was done, Caleb Ferguson was in the game as the designated "you're pitching until you're too tired to pitch for the rest of the game" guy.
#matthew #holliday #inning
The game would get off to an auspicious start in the top of the 1st inning when Matthew Liberatore fielded Jackson Holliday's dribbler on the 1st base side of the mound and fired the ball over Alec Burleson's head into right field. Pete Alonso followed that with a solid single into left field with Holliday running on the play which gave the Orioles runners at first and third with no outs. Matthew would find a way out of the jam as he got Gunnar Henderson to pop out and then struck out Mayo and Encarnacion-Strand.
The top of the 3rd inning would be similar to the top of the 1st, but the result would be much different. Taveras reached as he beat out an infield hit. Jackson Holliday whistled a single into center which brought up Pete Alonzo who was not fooled by an 88 mph changeup which he sent soaring 435 feet deep into the left field stands for a 3-0 Baltimore lead. Two outs later, Encarnacion-Strand absolutely annihilated a 94 mph four-seam Liberatore fastball 450 feet even deeper into the left field stands for a 4-0 Orioles lead. That's the longest home run in Busch Stadium this season.
The Cardinals would not go away silently. Nathan Church waited on a 72 mph curveball from Orioles pitcher Chris Bassett and ripped it 405 feet into the Cardinals bullpen giving St. Louis a run making the score 4-1.
That brief moment of St. Louis Cardinals optimism was short-lived. Matthew Liberatore would not survive the 5th inning. Jackson Holliday led off with his third hit of the night followed by another single from Cardinals nemesis Pete Alonzo. Matthew Liberatore then walked Gunnar Henderson to load the bases with no one out. Liberatore's last batter was Mayo who he surrendered a single to making it 5-1 Orioles and even though Matthew was done, Baltimore wasn't done scoring. Liberatore's replacement was Peter Strzelecki who didn't fare much better than his predecessor. He immediately gave up a single to Encarnacion-Strand which plated two more Orioles upping the Baltimore lead to 7-1. Stzelecki did accomplish one good thing during his relief outing. He struck out Basallo and…yeah, that's it. Next he hit Franklin with a pitch, gave up a single to Taveras, a single to Holliday and a double to Alonzo. When the dust settled, it was 12-1 Orioles and by the time the horrific 5th inning was done, Caleb Ferguson was in the game as the designated "you're pitching until you're too tired to pitch for the rest of the game" guy.
#matthew #holliday #inning
8 days ago
NEW YORK - There was some encouraging Yankees pitching news before Tuesday night's three-game series opener against the Houston Astros.
On Monday, lefty Max Fried (elbow bone bruise) tossed four simulated innings (60-pitches) vs. live hitters, putting him in line for activation Saturday, when the Yanks host the Red Sox in a day-night doubleheader.
And earlier Tuesday afternoon, Clarke Schmidt tossed a 20-pitch live BP session at Yankee Stadium, putting him on track to begin a minor league rehab ****** ignment by this weekend.
Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake thought Schmidt (Tommy John surgery rehab, forearm cramp) looked sharp, with some good curveballs and a live fastball.
"The competition was a little weak,'' Blake said with a smile, noting that two Yankees coaches, including Brad Ausmus, were in the batter's box. "But overall the stuff looked sharp.''
#yankees
On Monday, lefty Max Fried (elbow bone bruise) tossed four simulated innings (60-pitches) vs. live hitters, putting him in line for activation Saturday, when the Yanks host the Red Sox in a day-night doubleheader.
And earlier Tuesday afternoon, Clarke Schmidt tossed a 20-pitch live BP session at Yankee Stadium, putting him on track to begin a minor league rehab ****** ignment by this weekend.
Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake thought Schmidt (Tommy John surgery rehab, forearm cramp) looked sharp, with some good curveballs and a live fastball.
"The competition was a little weak,'' Blake said with a smile, noting that two Yankees coaches, including Brad Ausmus, were in the batter's box. "But overall the stuff looked sharp.''
#yankees
10 days ago
Kourtney Kardashian and her kids made sweet memories during their "big family vacation" this month. On August 22, the Poosh founder shared a carousel of photos featuring her, her husband, Travis Barker, and their blended family. She gave a rare glimpse at her older kids, Mason, Penelope and Reign Disick.
Kourtney Kardashian enjoyed her time with her family during an unforgettable holiday in Utah. She also shared rare photos of her kids. In one photo, her oldest son, 16-year-old Mason Disick, stood on a rock formation while facing away from the camera. He was wearing a black tee with a graphic print on the back. He paired it with gray sweatpants and brown hiking boots. A blue backpack sat on his shoulders.
The mother-of-four also posted glimpses of her other kids having fun during the vacation. One video captured Reign Disick on the waves with a friend as they went tubing. The final slide featured Penelope Disick in a pink bikini set from KHY x Frankies Bikinis, a collaboration between her aunt Kylie Jenner's brand KHY and the iconic swimwear brand. In the clip captured from behind, Disick waved at her mother, who was approaching on a different boat.
One photo showed Travis Barker holding his and Kardashian's two-year-old son, Rocky Thirteen Barker, under an archway. While only the father-son duo's silhouettes were visible in the shadowy picture, it gave a peek at the little boy's long brown hair. In another photo, Barker's 20-year-old son, Landon Barker, could be seen lounging on a boat deck.
The 47-year-old showed off her curves in some pictures, donning several skimpy pieces from the KHY x Frankies Bikinis collection, including a leopard print set. She captioned the post, "big family vacation girl." Khloe Kardashian expressed her love by dropping a string of red hearts in the comments, while Kris Jenner commented with heart-eyes emojis.
#family #year #kourtney #mason
Kourtney Kardashian enjoyed her time with her family during an unforgettable holiday in Utah. She also shared rare photos of her kids. In one photo, her oldest son, 16-year-old Mason Disick, stood on a rock formation while facing away from the camera. He was wearing a black tee with a graphic print on the back. He paired it with gray sweatpants and brown hiking boots. A blue backpack sat on his shoulders.
The mother-of-four also posted glimpses of her other kids having fun during the vacation. One video captured Reign Disick on the waves with a friend as they went tubing. The final slide featured Penelope Disick in a pink bikini set from KHY x Frankies Bikinis, a collaboration between her aunt Kylie Jenner's brand KHY and the iconic swimwear brand. In the clip captured from behind, Disick waved at her mother, who was approaching on a different boat.
One photo showed Travis Barker holding his and Kardashian's two-year-old son, Rocky Thirteen Barker, under an archway. While only the father-son duo's silhouettes were visible in the shadowy picture, it gave a peek at the little boy's long brown hair. In another photo, Barker's 20-year-old son, Landon Barker, could be seen lounging on a boat deck.
The 47-year-old showed off her curves in some pictures, donning several skimpy pieces from the KHY x Frankies Bikinis collection, including a leopard print set. She captioned the post, "big family vacation girl." Khloe Kardashian expressed her love by dropping a string of red hearts in the comments, while Kris Jenner commented with heart-eyes emojis.
#family #year #kourtney #mason
10 days ago
Timothée Chalamet may have won multiple awards for his movies, but he isn't getting any awards for wedding guest attire, as the outfit he wore to a friend's wedding in Malibu on Saturday, August 15th is being slammed as "tacky," "underdressed," and "disrespectful." Yikes! Check out some pictures here.
The Wonka actor and girlfriend Kylie Jenner attended Jordyn Woods and Karl-Anthony Towns' wedding, with the Kylie Cosmetics mogul's attire also raising eyebrows. While Chalamet was criticized for seemingly ignoring the formal dress code – not the first time he has done so in his life! – Jenner was slammed for choosing a dress some deemed too risqué for the occasion. And the internet understandably let them have it!
The mom-of-two, 29, flaunted her curves in a vintage Roberto Cavalli 2004 halter dress with seriously risqué cutout detailing all over, as well as a thigh-high slit. It certainly wasn't for the faint-hearted! (Celine Dion wore a cream-colored version of the dress at the 2003 Billboard Music Awards, in case you're getting a case of déjà vu!)
But while her choice was deemed too risqué for a wedding, her boyfriend's attire was roasted even more online. Instead of going for a traditional suit or tux – men have it a lot easier, don't they?! – the Marty Supreme actor, 30, went for a black leather blazer, trousers, and a blue shirt, accessorized with black sunglasses. He also chose to forgo a tie, making him stand out from many of the other male guests, including Justin Bieber, who appeared to embrace the formal dress code.
"Timothée is honestly too much for me. Like you aren't too cool to wear a suit to someone ELSE'S wedding. Everyone else managed. Including Justin. Like dude, get real," slammed one Instagram user. "What is Timothée wearing? Looks terrible," echoed a second, as a third said his casual attire was "so disrespectful."
#timoth #awards #risqu #jenner
The Wonka actor and girlfriend Kylie Jenner attended Jordyn Woods and Karl-Anthony Towns' wedding, with the Kylie Cosmetics mogul's attire also raising eyebrows. While Chalamet was criticized for seemingly ignoring the formal dress code – not the first time he has done so in his life! – Jenner was slammed for choosing a dress some deemed too risqué for the occasion. And the internet understandably let them have it!
The mom-of-two, 29, flaunted her curves in a vintage Roberto Cavalli 2004 halter dress with seriously risqué cutout detailing all over, as well as a thigh-high slit. It certainly wasn't for the faint-hearted! (Celine Dion wore a cream-colored version of the dress at the 2003 Billboard Music Awards, in case you're getting a case of déjà vu!)
But while her choice was deemed too risqué for a wedding, her boyfriend's attire was roasted even more online. Instead of going for a traditional suit or tux – men have it a lot easier, don't they?! – the Marty Supreme actor, 30, went for a black leather blazer, trousers, and a blue shirt, accessorized with black sunglasses. He also chose to forgo a tie, making him stand out from many of the other male guests, including Justin Bieber, who appeared to embrace the formal dress code.
"Timothée is honestly too much for me. Like you aren't too cool to wear a suit to someone ELSE'S wedding. Everyone else managed. Including Justin. Like dude, get real," slammed one Instagram user. "What is Timothée wearing? Looks terrible," echoed a second, as a third said his casual attire was "so disrespectful."
#timoth #awards #risqu #jenner
10 days ago
The Washington Commanders have endured a lot of changes this offseason. Beyond roster changes, the Commanders also brought in new offensive and defensive coordinators, David Blough and Daronte Jones.
David Blough was already with the Commanders and was promoted from ***** istant quarterbacks coach. Because he was already with the Commanders, the learning curve wasn't as big as it could have been. He has installed a new offensive scheme that changes how the offense will operate and will see Jayden Daniels spend more time in the pocket than using his legs.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer has thoughts on how Blough's offense will look and function in 2026.
Blough brings new ideas after serving as the team's ***** istant quarterbacks coach. This won't be the Kliff Kingsbury offense he worked under the past two years. There are sprinkles of that, and the Sean McVay–influenced offense he played in under Kevin O'Connell. But there are more of Ben Johnson's concepts than anyone else's in what the Commanders are doing, if you had to drill down on the specifics. And that means a pretty significant change for Jayden Daniels, as he heads into his third season after an injury-stricken sophomore campaign. I'd look for Blough to highlight what Daniels is capable of as a passer. You'll see that in the play-action and keeper game. What might be tougher to pick up is how Blough also plans to leverage Daniels's football IQ by putting more on him and giving him more command at the line. How Daniels is now working cadence, kills and checks presnap are evidence that he can more than handle it. And, quietly, I get the sense that the staff can't wait for the football world to see what Daniels is going to be in 2026—especially since a lot of that world seems to have forgotten 2024.
After the 2025 debacle, the entire NFL world has dismissed Jayden Daniels' 2024 season as if it never happened. As if he didn't play at an elite level before enduring multiple injuries. And the thing with Daniels is that he didn't have any major injuries; he had several minor ones. He didn't have to have surgery; he had to rest and let his body heal. Let's also remember that his major injury was dislocating the elbow in his non-throwing arm, and his throwing arm was never a problem.
#Commanders #offense #offensive
David Blough was already with the Commanders and was promoted from ***** istant quarterbacks coach. Because he was already with the Commanders, the learning curve wasn't as big as it could have been. He has installed a new offensive scheme that changes how the offense will operate and will see Jayden Daniels spend more time in the pocket than using his legs.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer has thoughts on how Blough's offense will look and function in 2026.
Blough brings new ideas after serving as the team's ***** istant quarterbacks coach. This won't be the Kliff Kingsbury offense he worked under the past two years. There are sprinkles of that, and the Sean McVay–influenced offense he played in under Kevin O'Connell. But there are more of Ben Johnson's concepts than anyone else's in what the Commanders are doing, if you had to drill down on the specifics. And that means a pretty significant change for Jayden Daniels, as he heads into his third season after an injury-stricken sophomore campaign. I'd look for Blough to highlight what Daniels is capable of as a passer. You'll see that in the play-action and keeper game. What might be tougher to pick up is how Blough also plans to leverage Daniels's football IQ by putting more on him and giving him more command at the line. How Daniels is now working cadence, kills and checks presnap are evidence that he can more than handle it. And, quietly, I get the sense that the staff can't wait for the football world to see what Daniels is going to be in 2026—especially since a lot of that world seems to have forgotten 2024.
After the 2025 debacle, the entire NFL world has dismissed Jayden Daniels' 2024 season as if it never happened. As if he didn't play at an elite level before enduring multiple injuries. And the thing with Daniels is that he didn't have any major injuries; he had several minor ones. He didn't have to have surgery; he had to rest and let his body heal. Let's also remember that his major injury was dislocating the elbow in his non-throwing arm, and his throwing arm was never a problem.
#Commanders #offense #offensive
11 days ago
The transition from college football to the NFL challenges every young quarterback, and in most cases, it does so differently. Some struggle with the game's speed. Others need time to adjust to more complex defenses. For Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe ******* nano, one of the biggest hurdles has been learning how all the moving pieces in an NFL offense must work together.
After helping guide the Ravens to a preseason victory over the Minnesota Vikings, there was no shortage of media members who sought him out for comment. In each case, he showed both humility and maturity.
When asked where he believes he has made the biggest strides during training camp and the preseason. His answer offered an honest glimpse into the learning curve young quarterbacks face when they arrive in the league.
"I think, overall, [I am] just getting the grasp of an NFL offense. It's a lot different than college offense, at least in my particular situation. [I am] taking that one day at a time. Obviously, like I said, there's a lot that I need to improve on. [I'm] happy with the performance today, but I have to watch the film, and I know there are a couple of throws that I'm going to want back."
The response reflected the same humility that has defined many of ******* nano's media appearances this summer. Even after another productive outing, he focused less on the positives and more on areas where he still believes he needs to grow.
#offense #biggest
After helping guide the Ravens to a preseason victory over the Minnesota Vikings, there was no shortage of media members who sought him out for comment. In each case, he showed both humility and maturity.
When asked where he believes he has made the biggest strides during training camp and the preseason. His answer offered an honest glimpse into the learning curve young quarterbacks face when they arrive in the league.
"I think, overall, [I am] just getting the grasp of an NFL offense. It's a lot different than college offense, at least in my particular situation. [I am] taking that one day at a time. Obviously, like I said, there's a lot that I need to improve on. [I'm] happy with the performance today, but I have to watch the film, and I know there are a couple of throws that I'm going to want back."
The response reflected the same humility that has defined many of ******* nano's media appearances this summer. Even after another productive outing, he focused less on the positives and more on areas where he still believes he needs to grow.
#offense #biggest
11 days ago
Today was the much-anticipated debut of Mariners pitching prospect Kade Anderson, but it was a more familiar face who stole the show. Randy Arozarena bookeneded the game with a pair of homers, peppering in a dramatic home run robbery and a clutch infield single, to deliver the Mariners an improbable 5-4 win, meanwhile racking up one of the highest WPAs I've ever seen for a position player in a single game: 1.08. It's not Brandon Crawford's seven-hit game from 2016, but it's gotta be up there. Arozarena, in his free agency year, is having his best season by wRC+ as a big-league regular: 138 before today's game is factored in. He's been the most valuable Mariner in 2026 offensively, and has contributed to more than his fair share of wins while the rest of the team has struggled through injury and doldrums. He's also been the author of more than his fair share of miscues, some outfield defense that at times looks indifferent, and an occasional inattention (like missing the team photo) that makes you wonder what planet Randy is living on.
The answer: Planet Randy. It's Randy's planet. And like Taylor Swift, he makes the rules. Today, Randy decided to orbit himself directly in front of what looked like a surefire Cubs win, repelling Chicago and their hefty dose of fans packed into a sellout crowd at T-Mobile Park and instead delivering the Mariners a series win. It might have been Kade Anderson **** p Day, but it was Randy Arozarena Precession Day (this is a science term that my science friend says means when a planet **** ps how it spins on its axis. I am **** ured the joke works.).
Kade Anderson was as advertised in the first inning, living around the strike zone and challenging hitters. He got his first big-league out on his first big-league pitch, tempting Pete Crow-Armstrong into making weak contact on a well-located heater for an easy pop out. He struggled a little after that with locating the curve, and got into a long battle with Alex Bregman before getting him to chase after a changeup for his first big-league strikeout:
Your browser does not support the video tag. Download the video.
With the warm-up act out of the way, it was time for Planet Randy to take the stage. Arozarena gave his rookie pitcher some run support right away, jumping on the first pitch he saw from lefty David Peterson and driving it into a packed T-Mobile 'Pen: 105.3 mph and 416 feet for Randy's 18th on the season.
#randy #arozarena #kade #league
The answer: Planet Randy. It's Randy's planet. And like Taylor Swift, he makes the rules. Today, Randy decided to orbit himself directly in front of what looked like a surefire Cubs win, repelling Chicago and their hefty dose of fans packed into a sellout crowd at T-Mobile Park and instead delivering the Mariners a series win. It might have been Kade Anderson **** p Day, but it was Randy Arozarena Precession Day (this is a science term that my science friend says means when a planet **** ps how it spins on its axis. I am **** ured the joke works.).
Kade Anderson was as advertised in the first inning, living around the strike zone and challenging hitters. He got his first big-league out on his first big-league pitch, tempting Pete Crow-Armstrong into making weak contact on a well-located heater for an easy pop out. He struggled a little after that with locating the curve, and got into a long battle with Alex Bregman before getting him to chase after a changeup for his first big-league strikeout:
Your browser does not support the video tag. Download the video.
With the warm-up act out of the way, it was time for Planet Randy to take the stage. Arozarena gave his rookie pitcher some run support right away, jumping on the first pitch he saw from lefty David Peterson and driving it into a packed T-Mobile 'Pen: 105.3 mph and 416 feet for Randy's 18th on the season.
#randy #arozarena #kade #league
11 days ago
Lea Michele showed off her incredibly toned abs in a strapless yellow bikini on social media.
The star posed in a mirror shot as she showed off her "summer outfits" in a carousel online.
The performer also shared another bathing suit picture as she sported a black one-piece that displayed her curves.
Fans loved Lea's post and flocked to the comments to cheer her on. One person wrote: "The queen of summer fits." A second fan added: "You're so tea."
A third commenter continued: "Looking good!!!" One fan joked: "And, she can sing!!"
#showed
The star posed in a mirror shot as she showed off her "summer outfits" in a carousel online.
The performer also shared another bathing suit picture as she sported a black one-piece that displayed her curves.
Fans loved Lea's post and flocked to the comments to cheer her on. One person wrote: "The queen of summer fits." A second fan added: "You're so tea."
A third commenter continued: "Looking good!!!" One fan joked: "And, she can sing!!"
#showed
12 days ago
Following the Jacksonville Jaguars' Week 2 preseason matchup with the Carolina Panthers, how did the members of the 2026 rookie draft class perform?
Let's take a closer look, along with where each player stands within their respective position groups.
Boerkircher did not play in this preseason game, which highlights the important role he will have right away this season. He will be the No. 2 option at tight end behind Brenton Strange, bringing a blocking-heavy presence to the position, although the Jaguars believe he can impact the passing game as well.
Regis did not play in this preseason matchup either. He is projected to be the backup nose tackle behind DaVon Hamilton. This is a role that won't always fill the stat sheet and is one that can come with a learning curve, as Liam Coen mentioned recently.
Like Boerkircher and Regis, Pregnon did not play either. He is slated to be the backup left guard and has impressed as of late.
#jaguars #regis #matchup #behind
Let's take a closer look, along with where each player stands within their respective position groups.
Boerkircher did not play in this preseason game, which highlights the important role he will have right away this season. He will be the No. 2 option at tight end behind Brenton Strange, bringing a blocking-heavy presence to the position, although the Jaguars believe he can impact the passing game as well.
Regis did not play in this preseason matchup either. He is projected to be the backup nose tackle behind DaVon Hamilton. This is a role that won't always fill the stat sheet and is one that can come with a learning curve, as Liam Coen mentioned recently.
Like Boerkircher and Regis, Pregnon did not play either. He is slated to be the backup left guard and has impressed as of late.
#jaguars #regis #matchup #behind
12 days ago
Let's get to the Philadelphia Eagles news and links …
Eagles notebook: Their star of joint practices, a great nickname and more – NBCSP
Bowling ball of knives. Eagles second-year offensive lineman Willie Lampkin has become a fan favorite this summer. But the 5-foot-11 offensive lineman has also become a favorite in the locker room. Well, maybe not when his teammates have to face him. "Love Willie," Jordan Davis said. "I call him a bowling ball of knives. Because he's so short, he's so small, he's so stubby but he is so quick and powerful and precise with his hands that it's really, for a taller guy like me, it gives me a lot of trouble, it gives me a lot of fits. That's one of the things that keeps me up at night with Willie. "But he's a tremendous player. He has a certain tenacity about him when he goes and plays a game, especially at center, and he commands that line. It's really special to see and I'm excited to see where his game goes."
The Eagles need to win back the fourth quarter in 2026 – BGN
This is the time of year when everything new is being installed, and training camp darlings are created. There will be a ton of things to look at this Saturday night when the Eagles face the Baltimore Ravens, and Sean Mannion's offense, or what small portion of it is shown, will get scrutinized. But the real reality of the Eagles' 2026 season will not arrive until around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, September 13 at Lincoln Financial Field. It's about the time when the Eagles will be in the throes of their first fourth quarter of the season, in the season opener against the Washington Commanders. Winning the fourth quarter will be a big key to the Eagles' 2026 success. In 2025, the Eagles did not win the fourth quarter. Last season, the Eagles wilted offensively and defensively.
Five things to watch in the Eagles' second preseason game vs. the Patriots – PhillyVoice
4) Can Darius Cooper separate from Makai Lemon? Makai Lemon began practicing in a limited capacity on Thursday. He will be returning to practice full-time soon. The Eagles' WR1 (DeVonta Smith) and WR2 (Dontayvion Wicks) spots are spoken for, but the WR3 spot remains wide open. Cooper is challenging for that role, and I imagine he'll be given the opportunity to play against the Patriots on Saturday night. In the first preseason game against the Ravens, Cooper had 2 catches on 5 targets for 21 yards. Can he improve on that performance, and at least get the Eagles' staff to consider starting him Week 1? If not, Lemon will have a golden opportunity to swoop in at the tail end of camp and claim that spot.
Eagles-Pats Day 2 – Iggles Blitz
It is great that Hurts and the offense came through this time around. We know that there will be a learning curve for the offense this season. There will be ups and downs. Hurts isn't afraid of adversity so I think he'll be able to work his way through issues. The offense was up and down from an overall perspective. Hurts got picked off a couple of times. While I
Eagles notebook: Their star of joint practices, a great nickname and more – NBCSP
Bowling ball of knives. Eagles second-year offensive lineman Willie Lampkin has become a fan favorite this summer. But the 5-foot-11 offensive lineman has also become a favorite in the locker room. Well, maybe not when his teammates have to face him. "Love Willie," Jordan Davis said. "I call him a bowling ball of knives. Because he's so short, he's so small, he's so stubby but he is so quick and powerful and precise with his hands that it's really, for a taller guy like me, it gives me a lot of trouble, it gives me a lot of fits. That's one of the things that keeps me up at night with Willie. "But he's a tremendous player. He has a certain tenacity about him when he goes and plays a game, especially at center, and he commands that line. It's really special to see and I'm excited to see where his game goes."
The Eagles need to win back the fourth quarter in 2026 – BGN
This is the time of year when everything new is being installed, and training camp darlings are created. There will be a ton of things to look at this Saturday night when the Eagles face the Baltimore Ravens, and Sean Mannion's offense, or what small portion of it is shown, will get scrutinized. But the real reality of the Eagles' 2026 season will not arrive until around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, September 13 at Lincoln Financial Field. It's about the time when the Eagles will be in the throes of their first fourth quarter of the season, in the season opener against the Washington Commanders. Winning the fourth quarter will be a big key to the Eagles' 2026 success. In 2025, the Eagles did not win the fourth quarter. Last season, the Eagles wilted offensively and defensively.
Five things to watch in the Eagles' second preseason game vs. the Patriots – PhillyVoice
4) Can Darius Cooper separate from Makai Lemon? Makai Lemon began practicing in a limited capacity on Thursday. He will be returning to practice full-time soon. The Eagles' WR1 (DeVonta Smith) and WR2 (Dontayvion Wicks) spots are spoken for, but the WR3 spot remains wide open. Cooper is challenging for that role, and I imagine he'll be given the opportunity to play against the Patriots on Saturday night. In the first preseason game against the Ravens, Cooper had 2 catches on 5 targets for 21 yards. Can he improve on that performance, and at least get the Eagles' staff to consider starting him Week 1? If not, Lemon will have a golden opportunity to swoop in at the tail end of camp and claim that spot.
Eagles-Pats Day 2 – Iggles Blitz
It is great that Hurts and the offense came through this time around. We know that there will be a learning curve for the offense this season. There will be ups and downs. Hurts isn't afraid of adversity so I think he'll be able to work his way through issues. The offense was up and down from an overall perspective. Hurts got picked off a couple of times. While I
12 days ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Rookie Spencer Jones hit a towering two-run homer in the second inning that was upheld on replay, and the New York Yankees beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 on Friday night for their fifth straight victory.
New York starter Cam Schlittler (11-6) held the Blue Jays to one run and six hits in six innings. The tall right-hander allowed one earned run or fewer for the major league-leading 19th time and got his first win since July 24.
After Trent Grisham opened the second with a walk, Jones lifted Spencer Arrighetti's 2-1 curveball to right field. The ball stayed fair, passed the foul pole before landing about halfway up the second deck.
Jones watched the flight of the ball before starting his home run trot. As he was about halfway through, Toronto manager John Schneider called for a review and the home run stood following a brief delay.
It was Jones' seventh homer and the second time he homered in consecutive games. Jones also went deep at Wrigley Field July 31-Aug. 1.
#spencer #july
New York starter Cam Schlittler (11-6) held the Blue Jays to one run and six hits in six innings. The tall right-hander allowed one earned run or fewer for the major league-leading 19th time and got his first win since July 24.
After Trent Grisham opened the second with a walk, Jones lifted Spencer Arrighetti's 2-1 curveball to right field. The ball stayed fair, passed the foul pole before landing about halfway up the second deck.
Jones watched the flight of the ball before starting his home run trot. As he was about halfway through, Toronto manager John Schneider called for a review and the home run stood following a brief delay.
It was Jones' seventh homer and the second time he homered in consecutive games. Jones also went deep at Wrigley Field July 31-Aug. 1.
#spencer #july
13 days ago
Weddings come and go, and most of us forget the little details within a few months. But when the couple getting married is Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, even a wedding ring becomes a puzzle people study.
Swifties have spent weeks zooming in on photos, comparing angles and swapping theories. So when a clearer look at Swift's ring finally surfaced, jewelry experts jumped in to explain what it all means.
MORE: Travis Kelce flexes wedding band before Chiefs' NFL preseason opener
Travis Kelce celebrates with partner Taylor Swift after the Chiefs beat the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.
Fans got their best glimpse yet of Swift's wedding band this past weekend. She stepped out solo for the wedding of musical collaborators Laura Sisk and Oli Jacobs in the English countryside. Sitting just below her engagement ring was a curved yellow gold band, lined halfway around with small diamonds.
#wedding #swift
Swifties have spent weeks zooming in on photos, comparing angles and swapping theories. So when a clearer look at Swift's ring finally surfaced, jewelry experts jumped in to explain what it all means.
MORE: Travis Kelce flexes wedding band before Chiefs' NFL preseason opener
Travis Kelce celebrates with partner Taylor Swift after the Chiefs beat the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.
Fans got their best glimpse yet of Swift's wedding band this past weekend. She stepped out solo for the wedding of musical collaborators Laura Sisk and Oli Jacobs in the English countryside. Sitting just below her engagement ring was a curved yellow gold band, lined halfway around with small diamonds.
#wedding #swift
13 days ago
The numbers have reached a scale that markets can no longer ignore. The U.S. fiscal deficit jumped to $432 billion in July alone, the biggest monthly shortfall since early 2021, pushing the year-to-date gap to nearly $1.8 trillion, with the full-year deficit expected to approach $2 trillion. The national debt is nearing the $40 trillion milestone, and the cost of financing it has ballooned to roughly $1.2 trillion so far this year, on pace for about $1.37 trillion for the full fiscal year.
The result has been a sharp move higher in long-term Treasury yields. The 30-year bond hit 5.33% in mid-August — its highest level in 19 years — while the 10-year note pushed toward 4.75%, a 20-month high before the Treasury stepped in this week to announce increased buying of longer dated bonds. Bond strategists point to a combination of forces for the recent high: mounting deficit concerns, inflation still stuck above the Fed's 2% target, and a wave of corporate debt issuance competing with Treasurys for investor cash. Some are calling it the return of the "bond vigilantes" — investors demanding higher yields to keep funding a government that keeps borrowing more.
Because bond prices move opposite to yields, when yields rise, existing bonds — which pay lower fixed rates — become less valuable, so their prices fall. And the longer a bond's maturity (its duration), the more its price drops for a given rise in yields. A 25 basis point rise in long-term yields can translate to roughly a 4% price loss in a long-duration bond fund.
That's why the debt story is fundamentally an ETF story. The funds holding long-dated Treasurys were absorbing the full force of the yield spike, while short-duration and alternative funds are becoming the market's refuge. While yields have since retreated post-Treasury announcement and there is a potential for a surge in buying 20+ year bond ETFs, the longer term impact to long-dated bonds remains to seen.
TLT is ground zero for the debt-and-yields story. As the most popular long-duration Treasury ETF, it holds bonds with 20+ years to maturity — exactly the part of the curve recently hammered as the 30-year yield hit multi-decade highs. TLT has slumped into a correction and touched a 22-year low in August, and investors have pulled more than $4.4 billion out of the fund this year. Strikingly, even a near-5% yield wasn't enough to stem the slide: the price losses from rising rates have overwhelmed the income the fund pays. TLT is the clearest example of how duration risk works against investors when the government's borrowing costs climb.
#year
The result has been a sharp move higher in long-term Treasury yields. The 30-year bond hit 5.33% in mid-August — its highest level in 19 years — while the 10-year note pushed toward 4.75%, a 20-month high before the Treasury stepped in this week to announce increased buying of longer dated bonds. Bond strategists point to a combination of forces for the recent high: mounting deficit concerns, inflation still stuck above the Fed's 2% target, and a wave of corporate debt issuance competing with Treasurys for investor cash. Some are calling it the return of the "bond vigilantes" — investors demanding higher yields to keep funding a government that keeps borrowing more.
Because bond prices move opposite to yields, when yields rise, existing bonds — which pay lower fixed rates — become less valuable, so their prices fall. And the longer a bond's maturity (its duration), the more its price drops for a given rise in yields. A 25 basis point rise in long-term yields can translate to roughly a 4% price loss in a long-duration bond fund.
That's why the debt story is fundamentally an ETF story. The funds holding long-dated Treasurys were absorbing the full force of the yield spike, while short-duration and alternative funds are becoming the market's refuge. While yields have since retreated post-Treasury announcement and there is a potential for a surge in buying 20+ year bond ETFs, the longer term impact to long-dated bonds remains to seen.
TLT is ground zero for the debt-and-yields story. As the most popular long-duration Treasury ETF, it holds bonds with 20+ years to maturity — exactly the part of the curve recently hammered as the 30-year yield hit multi-decade highs. TLT has slumped into a correction and touched a 22-year low in August, and investors have pulled more than $4.4 billion out of the fund this year. Strikingly, even a near-5% yield wasn't enough to stem the slide: the price losses from rising rates have overwhelmed the income the fund pays. TLT is the clearest example of how duration risk works against investors when the government's borrowing costs climb.
#year
