1 hr. ago
Eintracht's captain has suffered a mild concussion and will go through the corresponding recovery protocol.
After a clash during Saturday's friendly with Brentford, captain Robin Koch underwent medical tests, which did not reveal any structural damage.
The 30-year-old nevertheless suffered a mild concussion and will go through the corresponding recovery protocol.
#mild #corresponding #recovery
After a clash during Saturday's friendly with Brentford, captain Robin Koch underwent medical tests, which did not reveal any structural damage.
The 30-year-old nevertheless suffered a mild concussion and will go through the corresponding recovery protocol.
#mild #corresponding #recovery
14 hours ago
When the Tennessee **** ans took the practice field on Aug. 15 just a shade before 2:30 p.m., the AccuWeather "RealFeel" was 110 degrees and the heat index was a much-milder 104 in Nashville. So let's start off **** ans observations by highlighting the real heroes of the day: the hydration squad.
By The Tennessean's count, the **** ans had at least a dozen water runners on the field at all times. After practice, one of the staffers estimated for The Tennessean that they went through the equivalent of 20-30 bags of ice to make everything work. This is part of an **** embly-line process wherein the water runners bring caddies of four-to-six squeeze-top water bottles over to a golf cart with three multi-gallon coolers filled with ice water and a big green ladle. Some of the squeeze bottles are marked off with tape or elastic wristbands to signify they're the ones to be spiked with electrolyte powders and packets from companies like LMNT (specifically the raspberry flavor) and DripDrop. The cart is also stocked with dozens of fresh towels and mini bottles of Gatorade on ice to be used as needed.
During the 10 minutes of the opening team period alone, staffers refilled 29 water bottles.
The all-hands-on-deck mentality was evident. One staffer joking asked media in the middle of practice to hop over the ropes and help "water the players." The **** ans even took a 10-minute halftime in practice so players could go into the cold room and cool off.
"You acclimate yourself to this weather," coach Robert Saleh said. "The first couple of weeks of September you don't know what the heck you're going to get. It could be 93 degrees with 90% humidity or it could be a cool fall day in the upper Midwest. You just don't know."
#took #degrees #staffers
By The Tennessean's count, the **** ans had at least a dozen water runners on the field at all times. After practice, one of the staffers estimated for The Tennessean that they went through the equivalent of 20-30 bags of ice to make everything work. This is part of an **** embly-line process wherein the water runners bring caddies of four-to-six squeeze-top water bottles over to a golf cart with three multi-gallon coolers filled with ice water and a big green ladle. Some of the squeeze bottles are marked off with tape or elastic wristbands to signify they're the ones to be spiked with electrolyte powders and packets from companies like LMNT (specifically the raspberry flavor) and DripDrop. The cart is also stocked with dozens of fresh towels and mini bottles of Gatorade on ice to be used as needed.
During the 10 minutes of the opening team period alone, staffers refilled 29 water bottles.
The all-hands-on-deck mentality was evident. One staffer joking asked media in the middle of practice to hop over the ropes and help "water the players." The **** ans even took a 10-minute halftime in practice so players could go into the cold room and cool off.
"You acclimate yourself to this weather," coach Robert Saleh said. "The first couple of weeks of September you don't know what the heck you're going to get. It could be 93 degrees with 90% humidity or it could be a cool fall day in the upper Midwest. You just don't know."
#took #degrees #staffers
14 hours ago
When the Tennessee ******* ans took the practice field on Aug. 15 just a shade before 2:30 p.m., the AccuWeather "RealFeel" was 110 degrees and the heat index was a much-milder 104 in Nashville. So let's start off ******* ans observations by highlighting the real heroes of the day: the hydration squad.
By The Tennessean's count, the ******* ans had at least a dozen water runners on the field at all times. After practice, one of the staffers estimated for The Tennessean that they went through the equivalent of 20-30 bags of ice to make everything work. This is part of an ******* embly-line process wherein the water runners bring caddies of four-to-six squeeze-top water bottles over to a golf cart with three multi-gallon coolers filled with ice water and a big green ladle. Some of the squeeze bottles are marked off with tape or elastic wristbands to signify they're the ones to be spiked with electrolyte powders and packets from companies like LMNT (specifically the raspberry flavor) and DripDrop. The cart is also stocked with dozens of fresh towels and mini bottles of Gatorade on ice to be used as needed.
During the 10 minutes of the opening team period alone, staffers refilled 29 water bottles.
The all-hands-on-deck mentality was evident. One staffer joking asked media in the middle of practice to hop over the ropes and help "water the players." The ******* ans even took a 10-minute halftime in practice so players could go into the cold room and cool off.
"You acclimate yourself to this weather," coach Robert Saleh said. "The first couple of weeks of September you don't know what the heck you're going to get. It could be 93 degrees with 90% humidity or it could be a cool fall day in the upper Midwest. You just don't know."
#water #Titans
By The Tennessean's count, the ******* ans had at least a dozen water runners on the field at all times. After practice, one of the staffers estimated for The Tennessean that they went through the equivalent of 20-30 bags of ice to make everything work. This is part of an ******* embly-line process wherein the water runners bring caddies of four-to-six squeeze-top water bottles over to a golf cart with three multi-gallon coolers filled with ice water and a big green ladle. Some of the squeeze bottles are marked off with tape or elastic wristbands to signify they're the ones to be spiked with electrolyte powders and packets from companies like LMNT (specifically the raspberry flavor) and DripDrop. The cart is also stocked with dozens of fresh towels and mini bottles of Gatorade on ice to be used as needed.
During the 10 minutes of the opening team period alone, staffers refilled 29 water bottles.
The all-hands-on-deck mentality was evident. One staffer joking asked media in the middle of practice to hop over the ropes and help "water the players." The ******* ans even took a 10-minute halftime in practice so players could go into the cold room and cool off.
"You acclimate yourself to this weather," coach Robert Saleh said. "The first couple of weeks of September you don't know what the heck you're going to get. It could be 93 degrees with 90% humidity or it could be a cool fall day in the upper Midwest. You just don't know."
#water #Titans
2 days ago
By Pablo Sinha and Swati Verma
Aug 14 (Reuters) - Gold prices slipped on Friday and were headed for a weekly loss as investors locked in profits a day after bullion was propelled to its highest level in more than two months on mild U.S. inflation data that weakened the case for a near-term Federal Reserve rate hike.
Spot gold was down 0.5% at $4,330.70 per ounce, as of 0714 GMT. U.S. gold futures for December delivery slid 0.7% to $4,387.40.
Bullion climbed to its highest point since June 5 on Thursday, before settling lower, setting it on track for a weekly loss.
"There is some episodic and more speculative capital that's maybe taking a bit of profit in gold, because there's not a near-term catalyst quite so potent immediately in front of us," said Ilya Spivak, head of global macro at finance content network Tastylive.
#Gold #weekly #sinha
Aug 14 (Reuters) - Gold prices slipped on Friday and were headed for a weekly loss as investors locked in profits a day after bullion was propelled to its highest level in more than two months on mild U.S. inflation data that weakened the case for a near-term Federal Reserve rate hike.
Spot gold was down 0.5% at $4,330.70 per ounce, as of 0714 GMT. U.S. gold futures for December delivery slid 0.7% to $4,387.40.
Bullion climbed to its highest point since June 5 on Thursday, before settling lower, setting it on track for a weekly loss.
"There is some episodic and more speculative capital that's maybe taking a bit of profit in gold, because there's not a near-term catalyst quite so potent immediately in front of us," said Ilya Spivak, head of global macro at finance content network Tastylive.
#Gold #weekly #sinha
2 days ago
By Lucia Mutikani
WASHINGTON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales fell in July for the first time in nine months as the boost from big tax refunds faded, suggesting that consumer spending was slowing down and prompting economists to slash their economic growth estimates for the third quarter.
The unexpected decline in retail sales reported by the Commerce Department on Friday was also payback after Amazon pulled forward its Prime Day event to June from July, with other retailers offering competing promotions. A retreat in gasoline prices also weighed on receipts at service stations.
The report added to unexpected job losses last month and mild inflation readings in bolstering financial market expectations that the Federal Reserve would not raise interest rates in September, barring upward surprises to August price and employment data.
"This points to a material slowdown in real consumer spending growth in the third quarter," said Sal Guatieri, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets. "This, together with a weaker jobs report and subdued core CPI inflation, raises the odds of the FOMC staying patient again in September."
#july #retail #Growth
WASHINGTON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales fell in July for the first time in nine months as the boost from big tax refunds faded, suggesting that consumer spending was slowing down and prompting economists to slash their economic growth estimates for the third quarter.
The unexpected decline in retail sales reported by the Commerce Department on Friday was also payback after Amazon pulled forward its Prime Day event to June from July, with other retailers offering competing promotions. A retreat in gasoline prices also weighed on receipts at service stations.
The report added to unexpected job losses last month and mild inflation readings in bolstering financial market expectations that the Federal Reserve would not raise interest rates in September, barring upward surprises to August price and employment data.
"This points to a material slowdown in real consumer spending growth in the third quarter," said Sal Guatieri, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets. "This, together with a weaker jobs report and subdued core CPI inflation, raises the odds of the FOMC staying patient again in September."
#july #retail #Growth
4 days ago
The wrestling world is a close-knit community, and longtime announcer Jim Ross is one of its most beloved members. Ross has dealt with multiple health issues, including colon cancer, in recent years, and is facing another battle Wednesday.
During a recent episode of the Grilling JR with Jim Ross podcast, Ross, 74, revealed that he will be having brain surgery today to install a shunt.
"I've got a big week coming up. My surgery is this Wednesday in Norman," Ross said. "I don't want to say 'I'm looking forward to it.' But I guess I am to get to that point and get it over with. I've never had brain surgery before, so they're going to put a shunt in my brain."
On Wednesday morning, Ross' fellow WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair shared his best wishes for "Good Ol' JR" on X.
Flair, 77, has had his own health problems over the years, including two recent battles with skin cancer, a mild heart attack in 2022 and a brush with death due to multiple organ failure in 2017.
#Health
During a recent episode of the Grilling JR with Jim Ross podcast, Ross, 74, revealed that he will be having brain surgery today to install a shunt.
"I've got a big week coming up. My surgery is this Wednesday in Norman," Ross said. "I don't want to say 'I'm looking forward to it.' But I guess I am to get to that point and get it over with. I've never had brain surgery before, so they're going to put a shunt in my brain."
On Wednesday morning, Ross' fellow WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair shared his best wishes for "Good Ol' JR" on X.
Flair, 77, has had his own health problems over the years, including two recent battles with skin cancer, a mild heart attack in 2022 and a brush with death due to multiple organ failure in 2017.
#Health
7 days ago
For most coaches, the issue of player concussions requires sympathy. Moving forward, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan will easily be able to empathize with players who have suffered head trauma.
In his first training-camp press conference following a July 11 automobile accident, Shanahan was asked if the severe concussion that he sustained will change his perspective on players who are dealing with the effects of brain injuries.
"Yeah, no doubt," Shanahan said. "I've been told so much by these guys, don't compare a sports concussion to an accident like this. I'm starting to realize that now. Just little things, like when they label things, like whether it's severe or mild. You hear someone has a mild one, I'm like, 'Oh, alright. It might be one game, but usually that's two.' Then you kind of learn those are just words. Each one's a little bit different. I definitely can relate to how scary it is when you don't know if you will feel right again. It's definitely made me more educated on it. Usually I just listen, and like, 'Tell me when, OK?' and I move on, but I understand it a lot better and what guys got to go through and the protocol to get back. There's not a protocol for me on paper, but it's really cool to be in a profession that knows what to do with those things. All the people that I need help from, it was already built in here. They've got a lot of experience with it, and it's been really good for me."
If anything, players need to be encouraged to not return until they're fully back to normal. Some players will try to hide their symptoms. Some will resist being evaluated. Some will tank the baseline cognitive exams so that it will be easier to be cleared to return. (Peyton Manning once admitted to doing that, before walking it back as a joke.)
Starting in 2009, when Congress got involved in the issue of brain health, the NFL began to take concussions very seriously. For the most part, it does. (There are still periodic lapses in the concussion-spotting process.)
#like #things #back #usually
In his first training-camp press conference following a July 11 automobile accident, Shanahan was asked if the severe concussion that he sustained will change his perspective on players who are dealing with the effects of brain injuries.
"Yeah, no doubt," Shanahan said. "I've been told so much by these guys, don't compare a sports concussion to an accident like this. I'm starting to realize that now. Just little things, like when they label things, like whether it's severe or mild. You hear someone has a mild one, I'm like, 'Oh, alright. It might be one game, but usually that's two.' Then you kind of learn those are just words. Each one's a little bit different. I definitely can relate to how scary it is when you don't know if you will feel right again. It's definitely made me more educated on it. Usually I just listen, and like, 'Tell me when, OK?' and I move on, but I understand it a lot better and what guys got to go through and the protocol to get back. There's not a protocol for me on paper, but it's really cool to be in a profession that knows what to do with those things. All the people that I need help from, it was already built in here. They've got a lot of experience with it, and it's been really good for me."
If anything, players need to be encouraged to not return until they're fully back to normal. Some players will try to hide their symptoms. Some will resist being evaluated. Some will tank the baseline cognitive exams so that it will be easier to be cleared to return. (Peyton Manning once admitted to doing that, before walking it back as a joke.)
Starting in 2009, when Congress got involved in the issue of brain health, the NFL began to take concussions very seriously. For the most part, it does. (There are still periodic lapses in the concussion-spotting process.)
#like #things #back #usually
7 days ago
In the midst of a sterling season for the Atlanta Braves, Chris Sale was not going to let a perceived slight from an umpire go without a fight.
On Saturday, the Braves ace was called for a fifth-inning balk that allowed the New York Yankees to score a go-ahead run, given that they had a man on third base. Sale, to put it mildly, did not agree with the call that effectively allowed the Yankees to eventually win 5-4 over the NL East leaders, while ***** igning responsibility to him for the loss (three earned runs allowed).
With Sale not pitching in Sunday's series finale, he decided to throw his hands up from the dugout and continue pleading his case. He argued with the same umpire, Dan Bellino, who gave him the balk call a day before. Hilariously, he got himself ejected in the process. Honestly, since Sale was almost certainly not going to pitch right after giving the Braves six innings the day before, I suppose he thought the (ultimately fruitless; what was he going to accomplish, really?) dialogue was worth the risk.
I can't blame him:
Let's think about this from a logical perspective. Who's the real winner here: The umpire who has to stay in the 90-plus-degree heat at the stadium in New York, or Sale, who wasn't going to pitch on Sunday anyway, getting to go sit in an air-conditioned locker room for all nine innings? Hmm, what a tough one here, even if a balk initially hurt Sale much more.
#Braves #umpire #allowed #york
On Saturday, the Braves ace was called for a fifth-inning balk that allowed the New York Yankees to score a go-ahead run, given that they had a man on third base. Sale, to put it mildly, did not agree with the call that effectively allowed the Yankees to eventually win 5-4 over the NL East leaders, while ***** igning responsibility to him for the loss (three earned runs allowed).
With Sale not pitching in Sunday's series finale, he decided to throw his hands up from the dugout and continue pleading his case. He argued with the same umpire, Dan Bellino, who gave him the balk call a day before. Hilariously, he got himself ejected in the process. Honestly, since Sale was almost certainly not going to pitch right after giving the Braves six innings the day before, I suppose he thought the (ultimately fruitless; what was he going to accomplish, really?) dialogue was worth the risk.
I can't blame him:
Let's think about this from a logical perspective. Who's the real winner here: The umpire who has to stay in the 90-plus-degree heat at the stadium in New York, or Sale, who wasn't going to pitch on Sunday anyway, getting to go sit in an air-conditioned locker room for all nine innings? Hmm, what a tough one here, even if a balk initially hurt Sale much more.
#Braves #umpire #allowed #york
10 days ago
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — When starting slot cornerback Dru Phillips left practice early on Wednesday after getting tangled up with wide receiver Xavier Gipson, head coach John Harbaugh was hopeful Phillips would be able to return to practice on Thursday.
That wasn't the case. Phillips sat out practice on Thursday with what Harbaugh called "a mild knee sprain."
"He came out of it pretty well," Harbaugh said. "It's going to be a little bit. He won't be back tomorrow. But the good news is he's going to be okay."
Phillips' knee sprain is, thus far, the most significant injury the Giants have suffered during training camp.
Phillips, a 2024 third-round pick, has played in 31 games over two seasons with the Giants as the team's primary nickel cornerback.
#practice #sprain #going
That wasn't the case. Phillips sat out practice on Thursday with what Harbaugh called "a mild knee sprain."
"He came out of it pretty well," Harbaugh said. "It's going to be a little bit. He won't be back tomorrow. But the good news is he's going to be okay."
Phillips' knee sprain is, thus far, the most significant injury the Giants have suffered during training camp.
Phillips, a 2024 third-round pick, has played in 31 games over two seasons with the Giants as the team's primary nickel cornerback.
#practice #sprain #going
12 days ago
Gio Reyna has a new home.
The United States international has spent most of his career in Germany, surging onto the scene as a Borussia Dortmund prospect and most recently suiting up for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Now, he is headed for France, joining RC Strasbourg on a contract that will take him through the 2031 season.
While still only 23, Reyna has appeared in each of the last two World Cup tournaments for the United States – though his lack of minutes in the 2022 tournament became a controversial moment after conversations between Reyna's parents – former U.S. internationals Claudio and Danielle Reyna – and then-U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter were made public.
Reyna was included on Mauricio Pochettino's roster for the 2026 tournament and was able to make the mildly surprising decision pay off, scoring with the outside of his foot to put the cherry on top of the United States' 4-1 win over Paraguay in the opening match.
#states #germany
The United States international has spent most of his career in Germany, surging onto the scene as a Borussia Dortmund prospect and most recently suiting up for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Now, he is headed for France, joining RC Strasbourg on a contract that will take him through the 2031 season.
While still only 23, Reyna has appeared in each of the last two World Cup tournaments for the United States – though his lack of minutes in the 2022 tournament became a controversial moment after conversations between Reyna's parents – former U.S. internationals Claudio and Danielle Reyna – and then-U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter were made public.
Reyna was included on Mauricio Pochettino's roster for the 2026 tournament and was able to make the mildly surprising decision pay off, scoring with the outside of his foot to put the cherry on top of the United States' 4-1 win over Paraguay in the opening match.
#states #germany
12 days ago
Arnold Schwarzenegger loves being a dad.
The actor, bodybuilder and former governor of California is the father of five kids: daughters Katherine and Christina and sons Patrick and Christopher with ex-wife Maria Shriver, as well as son Joseph, whom he had with longtime housekeeper Mildred Patricia Baena. Through Katherine, he became a grandfather to three: Lyla, Elena and Ford.
"Fatherhood is really the greatest joy. Watching all five of my kids grow into their own successful lives is fantastic," he told Men's Health in October 2018.
While the Fubar star supports his five children in all of their endeavors, he told PEOPLE in October 2023 that "there were certain moments that I did the discipline" when they were growing up. Now, his kids tells humorous stories about their dad burning their shoes and tossing a mattress off the balcony to teach them lessons.
"Funny enough, those kind of things are what they bring up all the time [now] with tremendous laughter and telling other people as a joke," The Terminator star added.
#kids #told #star #california
The actor, bodybuilder and former governor of California is the father of five kids: daughters Katherine and Christina and sons Patrick and Christopher with ex-wife Maria Shriver, as well as son Joseph, whom he had with longtime housekeeper Mildred Patricia Baena. Through Katherine, he became a grandfather to three: Lyla, Elena and Ford.
"Fatherhood is really the greatest joy. Watching all five of my kids grow into their own successful lives is fantastic," he told Men's Health in October 2018.
While the Fubar star supports his five children in all of their endeavors, he told PEOPLE in October 2023 that "there were certain moments that I did the discipline" when they were growing up. Now, his kids tells humorous stories about their dad burning their shoes and tossing a mattress off the balcony to teach them lessons.
"Funny enough, those kind of things are what they bring up all the time [now] with tremendous laughter and telling other people as a joke," The Terminator star added.
#kids #told #star #california
12 days ago
Tom Selleck's mild criticism of President Donald Trump while claiming he avoids politics managed to tick off many people on Monday. (Watch the video below.)
The former "Magnum, P.I." and "Blue Bloods" star's tight relationship with his "favorite" president, Ronald Reagan, back in the day, in addition to his former NRA board membership, would indicate he's conservative. But as for his stance on Trump, that isn't so clear.
Politics: 'WTH?': Trump's Public Struggle To Recall A Basic Word Leaves People Very Confused
CNN's Elex Michaelson at least got something out of the ex-"Friends" actor.
Noting Selleck's bond with the Reagans, Michaelson pivoted to the current GOP occupant of the White House.
#president #Politics #Monday #watch
The former "Magnum, P.I." and "Blue Bloods" star's tight relationship with his "favorite" president, Ronald Reagan, back in the day, in addition to his former NRA board membership, would indicate he's conservative. But as for his stance on Trump, that isn't so clear.
Politics: 'WTH?': Trump's Public Struggle To Recall A Basic Word Leaves People Very Confused
CNN's Elex Michaelson at least got something out of the ex-"Friends" actor.
Noting Selleck's bond with the Reagans, Michaelson pivoted to the current GOP occupant of the White House.
#president #Politics #Monday #watch
12 days ago
In 2007, actor and comedian Robin Williams traveled to Kuwait for an appearance at Camp Arifjan.
Williams was doing his best to entertain the troops when they suddenly stopped paying attention to the stage. They immediately shifted their focus behind them to render honors as the American flag was lowered. Williams wasn't so much offended as mildly perplexed. At first, he didn't understand what was going on.
Related: Bob Hope entertained the troops from WWII to Desert Storm
Once the service members explained it to Williams, he brought it back to why he traveled 8,000 miles from home.
"Sort of reminds you why we're here, doesn't it?" Williams replied, according to a 2014 Defense Department article.
Here are seven celebrities who were committed to showing their appreciation for the United States military.
Bob Hope (middle) and his USO troupe visit a hospital ward in the South Pacific in 1944. (Library of Congress)
We start with the OG of military entertainers. Hope performed for troops domestically and overseas for five decades, beginning with a performance at March Field in California in 1941. Hope, whose "Road to…" films with Bing Crosby became popular with moviegoers, never tired of traveling to see troops.
His 57 tours with the United Service Organizations conveyed his appreciation to his adopted country. Born in London in 1903, Hope moved to America at an early age. He became a U.S. citizen when he was 17 years old.
"He brought such enthusiasm, brought your life back to you," Navy Seabee Ron Ronning said of Hope's last USO show during the Vietnam War in late 1972. "You felt like you were renewed."
Hope died on July 27, 2003, at the age of 100.
Country singer/songwriter Toby Keith salutes more than 1,000 service members who came to see his concert at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, April 27, 2009. (U.S. Army/Capt. Michael Greenberger)
Lee Greenwood has "God Bless the USA," perhaps the quintessential patriotic song. Few singers, though, compiled a music catalog that honored the military quite like Keith.
The "American Soldier," "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue," and "Call a Marine" singer participated in 18 USO tours. By one estimate, he performed in front of 250,000-plus troops in 17 countries. When mortar fire interrupted a set in Afghanistan, Keith left the stage. He and troops sprinted about a hundred yards to a concrete bunker. There, he signed autographs until he could return to doing what he did best.
"I've met so many great, brave service men and women over the years and had so many wonderful experiences, that I can barely remember them all," Keith said in 2012. "… I won't ever stop doing my part to extend my thanks."
Keith died in 2024 at the age of 62.
#williams
Williams was doing his best to entertain the troops when they suddenly stopped paying attention to the stage. They immediately shifted their focus behind them to render honors as the American flag was lowered. Williams wasn't so much offended as mildly perplexed. At first, he didn't understand what was going on.
Related: Bob Hope entertained the troops from WWII to Desert Storm
Once the service members explained it to Williams, he brought it back to why he traveled 8,000 miles from home.
"Sort of reminds you why we're here, doesn't it?" Williams replied, according to a 2014 Defense Department article.
Here are seven celebrities who were committed to showing their appreciation for the United States military.
Bob Hope (middle) and his USO troupe visit a hospital ward in the South Pacific in 1944. (Library of Congress)
We start with the OG of military entertainers. Hope performed for troops domestically and overseas for five decades, beginning with a performance at March Field in California in 1941. Hope, whose "Road to…" films with Bing Crosby became popular with moviegoers, never tired of traveling to see troops.
His 57 tours with the United Service Organizations conveyed his appreciation to his adopted country. Born in London in 1903, Hope moved to America at an early age. He became a U.S. citizen when he was 17 years old.
"He brought such enthusiasm, brought your life back to you," Navy Seabee Ron Ronning said of Hope's last USO show during the Vietnam War in late 1972. "You felt like you were renewed."
Hope died on July 27, 2003, at the age of 100.
Country singer/songwriter Toby Keith salutes more than 1,000 service members who came to see his concert at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, April 27, 2009. (U.S. Army/Capt. Michael Greenberger)
Lee Greenwood has "God Bless the USA," perhaps the quintessential patriotic song. Few singers, though, compiled a music catalog that honored the military quite like Keith.
The "American Soldier," "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue," and "Call a Marine" singer participated in 18 USO tours. By one estimate, he performed in front of 250,000-plus troops in 17 countries. When mortar fire interrupted a set in Afghanistan, Keith left the stage. He and troops sprinted about a hundred yards to a concrete bunker. There, he signed autographs until he could return to doing what he did best.
"I've met so many great, brave service men and women over the years and had so many wonderful experiences, that I can barely remember them all," Keith said in 2012. "… I won't ever stop doing my part to extend my thanks."
Keith died in 2024 at the age of 62.
#williams
13 days ago
Despite Andrew Friedman's allusions to the contrary on Sunday, the Los Angeles Dodgers ended up making more moves during Monday's trade deadline.
After trading for Tarik Skubal on Saturday night, the Dodgers found themselves with no other pressing needs over 48 hours before Monday's deadline. Rather, Friedman pursued marginal additions, two of which just so happened to be catchers that he's familiar with: Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia.
The Dodgers re-acquired Rortvedt from the New York Mets in exchange for right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott, who had been designated for ******* ignment on July 31. With Will Smith still working his way back from a neck injury and Dalton Rushing heading to the injured list with a mild right elbow strain after being scratched from the lineup on Sunday, depth behind the plate suddenly became a priority.
#sunday #andrew #skubal
After trading for Tarik Skubal on Saturday night, the Dodgers found themselves with no other pressing needs over 48 hours before Monday's deadline. Rather, Friedman pursued marginal additions, two of which just so happened to be catchers that he's familiar with: Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia.
The Dodgers re-acquired Rortvedt from the New York Mets in exchange for right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott, who had been designated for ******* ignment on July 31. With Will Smith still working his way back from a neck injury and Dalton Rushing heading to the injured list with a mild right elbow strain after being scratched from the lineup on Sunday, depth behind the plate suddenly became a priority.
#sunday #andrew #skubal
13 days ago
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing moved to the injured list Monday, but the Dodgers prepared for this contingency during the deadline by trading for two catchers.
The Dodgers scratched Rushing from Sunday's loss against the Boston Red Sox, citing arm irritation as the reason for his absence. The official reason, per manager Dave Roberts, is a mild elbow strain.
LA clearly prepared for this to happen, though, as they acquired catchers Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia—both of whom are familiar with the team's pitching staff—just before Monday's trade deadline. Per The California Post's Jack Harris, the Dodgers will activate Rortvedt ahead of Tuesday's game.
Rushing has taken on the majority of reps behind the plate since late June, as catcher Will Smith is also currently on the injured list with an inflamed disc in his neck. Rushing has played 74 games on the year, hitting 12 home runs and tallying 36 RBIs with an .810 OPS while hitting towards the bottom of the lineup.
Neither Rushing nor Rortvedt will play in Monday's series opener against the Cubs, as Eliezer Alfonzo will bat ninth and serve as the Dodgers' backstop.
#catcher #prepared #deadline
The Dodgers scratched Rushing from Sunday's loss against the Boston Red Sox, citing arm irritation as the reason for his absence. The official reason, per manager Dave Roberts, is a mild elbow strain.
LA clearly prepared for this to happen, though, as they acquired catchers Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia—both of whom are familiar with the team's pitching staff—just before Monday's trade deadline. Per The California Post's Jack Harris, the Dodgers will activate Rortvedt ahead of Tuesday's game.
Rushing has taken on the majority of reps behind the plate since late June, as catcher Will Smith is also currently on the injured list with an inflamed disc in his neck. Rushing has played 74 games on the year, hitting 12 home runs and tallying 36 RBIs with an .810 OPS while hitting towards the bottom of the lineup.
Neither Rushing nor Rortvedt will play in Monday's series opener against the Cubs, as Eliezer Alfonzo will bat ninth and serve as the Dodgers' backstop.
#catcher #prepared #deadline
13 days ago
The hits keep coming for the San Francisco 49ers. Wide receiver Mike Evans isn't practicing on Monday due to a quad strain. Rookie running back Kaelon Black has an adductor injury and will also miss Monday's session.
Depending on the grade of the strain, Evans could miss anywhere from one week to multiple months. If it's a Grade 1 strain, Evans would be sidelined anywhere from 1-to-3 weeks. The problem there is a strain could feel fine early, but a re-tear of the fibers is possible, just as they begin to knit together. It's how these kinds of injuries can go from two weeks to two months. Needless to say, expect the 49ers to be overly cautious with Evans.
Kyle's update, 12:32 p.m. PT: Ian Rapoport said Evans' injury wasn't serious and that he could return to practice sooner rather than later:
Black is the second player in as many practices to suffer a groin injury. Again, depending on the grade, Black could miss anywhere from a week or two to a couple of months, depending on whether it's a mild strain or a complete rupture.
The 49ers have suffered injuries to three of their top four running backs before they made it to the third window of the practice blocks. That explains why they went out and signed Khalil Herbert this weekend.
#black
Depending on the grade of the strain, Evans could miss anywhere from one week to multiple months. If it's a Grade 1 strain, Evans would be sidelined anywhere from 1-to-3 weeks. The problem there is a strain could feel fine early, but a re-tear of the fibers is possible, just as they begin to knit together. It's how these kinds of injuries can go from two weeks to two months. Needless to say, expect the 49ers to be overly cautious with Evans.
Kyle's update, 12:32 p.m. PT: Ian Rapoport said Evans' injury wasn't serious and that he could return to practice sooner rather than later:
Black is the second player in as many practices to suffer a groin injury. Again, depending on the grade, Black could miss anywhere from a week or two to a couple of months, depending on whether it's a mild strain or a complete rupture.
The 49ers have suffered injuries to three of their top four running backs before they made it to the third window of the practice blocks. That explains why they went out and signed Khalil Herbert this weekend.
#black
14 days ago
Sean Astin recalled a moment when his mom, actress Patty Duke, got angry after a crew member made a negative comment about him on set
"Her upset was way more traumatic than me not having even heard this mildly disparaging thing that this guy had whispered to himself," he said
Duke suffered abuse from her talent agents when she was a child star
Sean Astin had a very protective mom.
The 55-year-old actor recalled a moment when his mom, actress Patty Duke, got angry after a crew member made a negative comment about him on set.
#crew
"Her upset was way more traumatic than me not having even heard this mildly disparaging thing that this guy had whispered to himself," he said
Duke suffered abuse from her talent agents when she was a child star
Sean Astin had a very protective mom.
The 55-year-old actor recalled a moment when his mom, actress Patty Duke, got angry after a crew member made a negative comment about him on set.
#crew
16 days ago
GAME 1: ROCHESTER 6, SYRACUSE 1 (BOX)
Jack Wenninger did not have his best start, to put it mildly. He gave up all six of Rochester's runs in his start, which lasted three-and-two-thirds innings.
CF Nick Morabito: 0-4, 3 K
1B Ryan Clifford: 0-4, 2 K
SS Ronny Mauricio: 0-2, BB, E
#start #syracuse #wenninger
Jack Wenninger did not have his best start, to put it mildly. He gave up all six of Rochester's runs in his start, which lasted three-and-two-thirds innings.
CF Nick Morabito: 0-4, 3 K
1B Ryan Clifford: 0-4, 2 K
SS Ronny Mauricio: 0-2, BB, E
#start #syracuse #wenninger
17 days ago
Our ***** ysts just identified a stock with the potential to be the next Nvidia. Tell us how you invest and we'll show you why it's our #1 pick. Tap here.
Performance was driven by strong rate recovery from capital trackers and O&M efficiencies in vegetation management, offsetting milder weather impacts in Texas and Indiana.
The company identified 14 gigawatts of large load projects eligible for ERCOT's 'batch zero' process, representing a 65% increase over Houston Electric's current system peak demand.
Management increased the 10-year capital plan by $1.2 billion, primarily to support modest system upgrades for large load connections and the Downtown Houston revitalization project.
The Houston Electric system's existing 10 gigawatts of hosting capacity allows for efficient load connection at a disciplined cost of less than $60 million per gigawatt.
#capital #gigawatts #system #tell
Performance was driven by strong rate recovery from capital trackers and O&M efficiencies in vegetation management, offsetting milder weather impacts in Texas and Indiana.
The company identified 14 gigawatts of large load projects eligible for ERCOT's 'batch zero' process, representing a 65% increase over Houston Electric's current system peak demand.
Management increased the 10-year capital plan by $1.2 billion, primarily to support modest system upgrades for large load connections and the Downtown Houston revitalization project.
The Houston Electric system's existing 10 gigawatts of hosting capacity allows for efficient load connection at a disciplined cost of less than $60 million per gigawatt.
#capital #gigawatts #system #tell
18 days ago
Detroit — No windows were broken, dang it.
But Rickie Fowler, good company man that he is as a longtime Rocket pitchman, did his best to go viral, plunking the side of the new Hudon's building with one of his tee shots during Par 3 in the D.
"I kind of broke the ice, and then there was a couple others," Fowler said as the sun was starting to set on downtown Detroit on a mild but breezy summer Tuesday night. "With the wind, the buildings were in play.
No broken windows to report in downtown Detroit. But it wasn’t for a lack of trying from Rickie Fowler. He’s a good company man. pic.twitter.com/R5xC5cUJgb
"Definitely probably one of the harder shots we've had to try and hit, between some buildings.
#rickie
But Rickie Fowler, good company man that he is as a longtime Rocket pitchman, did his best to go viral, plunking the side of the new Hudon's building with one of his tee shots during Par 3 in the D.
"I kind of broke the ice, and then there was a couple others," Fowler said as the sun was starting to set on downtown Detroit on a mild but breezy summer Tuesday night. "With the wind, the buildings were in play.
No broken windows to report in downtown Detroit. But it wasn’t for a lack of trying from Rickie Fowler. He’s a good company man. pic.twitter.com/R5xC5cUJgb
"Definitely probably one of the harder shots we've had to try and hit, between some buildings.
#rickie
19 days ago
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) on Sunday said President Trump likes the daily strikes on Iran, which paused going into the weekend after nearly two straight weeks of attacks on Iranian infrastructure.
"I think we ought to continue the blockade and starve them out. I think we ought to bomb Pickaxe Mountain and try to reach what's underneath it, " Kennedy told CBS News's Margaret Brennan during his appearance on "Face the Nation."
"The president likes the daily attacks," Kennedy added. "He believes that sometimes you have to kill a few chickens to scare the monkeys."
Kennedy compared Iran's leaders to American serial killer Son of Sam and cult leader Charles Manson, calling them "more than mildly insane." But he added that the U.S. should not "just cut and run."
"If we can stand the pain of the rising cost of energy, we need to stay the course," he said. "At least for a few more months. I also don't think we need to send in troops. That's my opinion, for what it's worth."
#think
"I think we ought to continue the blockade and starve them out. I think we ought to bomb Pickaxe Mountain and try to reach what's underneath it, " Kennedy told CBS News's Margaret Brennan during his appearance on "Face the Nation."
"The president likes the daily attacks," Kennedy added. "He believes that sometimes you have to kill a few chickens to scare the monkeys."
Kennedy compared Iran's leaders to American serial killer Son of Sam and cult leader Charles Manson, calling them "more than mildly insane." But he added that the U.S. should not "just cut and run."
"If we can stand the pain of the rising cost of energy, we need to stay the course," he said. "At least for a few more months. I also don't think we need to send in troops. That's my opinion, for what it's worth."
#think
22 days ago
DGJL uses SPY options to deliver a fixed 9.37% digital return as long as SPY doesn't fall more than 10% over its one-year period.
The digital structure caps gains at 9.37% even if SPY surges 30%, making DGJL most advantageous in flat or mildly declining markets.
Losses beyond the 10% buffer fall entirely on shareholders, and defined outcomes only hold for investors who buy on day one and hold through July 2027.
Act now: the ***** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and DGJL didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
First Trust has rolled out another entry in its lineup of defined-outcome funds, and this one carries an unusual twist. The FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Digital Return ETF – July (NYSEARCA:DGJL) began its first outcome period on July 20, 2026 and lists on the Cboe BZX Exchange. It is an actively managed fund, meaning a team picks the holdings rather than tracking an index, and it is sub-advised by Vest Financial LLC, the firm behind most of First Trust's buffer product family.
#first #digital #vest
The digital structure caps gains at 9.37% even if SPY surges 30%, making DGJL most advantageous in flat or mildly declining markets.
Losses beyond the 10% buffer fall entirely on shareholders, and defined outcomes only hold for investors who buy on day one and hold through July 2027.
Act now: the ***** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and DGJL didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
First Trust has rolled out another entry in its lineup of defined-outcome funds, and this one carries an unusual twist. The FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Digital Return ETF – July (NYSEARCA:DGJL) began its first outcome period on July 20, 2026 and lists on the Cboe BZX Exchange. It is an actively managed fund, meaning a team picks the holdings rather than tracking an index, and it is sub-advised by Vest Financial LLC, the firm behind most of First Trust's buffer product family.
#first #digital #vest
23 days ago
The Minnesota Vikings' quarterback competition will dominate training camp conversation, but another important offensive battle is developing in front of whoever wins that job.
Minnesota still must settle its center position after Ryan Kelly's retirement left the offensive line without an established starter in the middle. The competition may not generate the same attention as the quarterback room, but it could have a major impact on Kevin O'Connell's offense.
According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Blake Brandel is expected to get the first opportunity. The longtime utility lineman gave the Vikings a surprisingly effective nine-game stretch at center in 2025, providing enough stability to enter camp as the logical favorite. His versatility has long made him valuable, but this summer gives him a chance to secure a more defined role.
The retirement of Ryan Kelly left the Vikings looking for a new starter. Long-time utility lineman Blake Brandel will get the first look, following his surprisingly effective nine-game stint there in 2025. The Vikings also want to monitor third-year backup Michael Jurgens and seventh-round pick Gavin Gerhardt. It was mildly surprising that the Vikings didn't sign a free agent at the position, and it could still happen.
That opportunity comes with pressure. Center is more than a blocking position. The starter must handle protection calls, identify fronts, help set the tone in the run game and maintain clean communication with the quarterback. That responsibility becomes even more important in an offense that asks quarterbacks to process quickly and play with timing.
#Vikings #game #kevin
Minnesota still must settle its center position after Ryan Kelly's retirement left the offensive line without an established starter in the middle. The competition may not generate the same attention as the quarterback room, but it could have a major impact on Kevin O'Connell's offense.
According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Blake Brandel is expected to get the first opportunity. The longtime utility lineman gave the Vikings a surprisingly effective nine-game stretch at center in 2025, providing enough stability to enter camp as the logical favorite. His versatility has long made him valuable, but this summer gives him a chance to secure a more defined role.
The retirement of Ryan Kelly left the Vikings looking for a new starter. Long-time utility lineman Blake Brandel will get the first look, following his surprisingly effective nine-game stint there in 2025. The Vikings also want to monitor third-year backup Michael Jurgens and seventh-round pick Gavin Gerhardt. It was mildly surprising that the Vikings didn't sign a free agent at the position, and it could still happen.
That opportunity comes with pressure. Center is more than a blocking position. The starter must handle protection calls, identify fronts, help set the tone in the run game and maintain clean communication with the quarterback. That responsibility becomes even more important in an offense that asks quarterbacks to process quickly and play with timing.
#Vikings #game #kevin
23 days ago
Mississippi has, to put it mildly, a complicated history when it comes to race relations. Even as times have changed and attitudes have modernized, a number of the all-time best athletes to compete in college sports did so at schools other than the state’s flagship campuses.
From our perspective, however, it has made the task of choosing the 10 greatest college players more fun. Six different schools are represented on this list, including some hall-of-fame gridiron talents from the state’s trio of HBCU’s. The Magnolia State’s two SEC schools are also represented, of course, and though football is a rather big deal there we’ve found some worthy candidates in other sports as well.
The Football Championship Subdivision player of the year award bears Payton’s name with good reason. Before becoming a household name with the Chicago Bears and the NFL's all-time leading rusher (now No. 2 on the list), ‘Sweetness’ was rewriting the record book with the Jackson State Tigers, where he scored a total of 464 points and rushed for 3,563 yards.
USA 250 LISTS: Alaska | Alabama | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri
The greatest pass catcher ever to take the field NFL first made his mark on the college game at Mississippi Valley State. From 1981-84 he caught 301 ***** for 4,693 yards and 50 touchdowns for the Delta Devils. Along the way he set records for most catches (102) and yards (1,454) in a season and in a game (24) while earning first-team All-America honors.
#college #schools #bears
From our perspective, however, it has made the task of choosing the 10 greatest college players more fun. Six different schools are represented on this list, including some hall-of-fame gridiron talents from the state’s trio of HBCU’s. The Magnolia State’s two SEC schools are also represented, of course, and though football is a rather big deal there we’ve found some worthy candidates in other sports as well.
The Football Championship Subdivision player of the year award bears Payton’s name with good reason. Before becoming a household name with the Chicago Bears and the NFL's all-time leading rusher (now No. 2 on the list), ‘Sweetness’ was rewriting the record book with the Jackson State Tigers, where he scored a total of 464 points and rushed for 3,563 yards.
USA 250 LISTS: Alaska | Alabama | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri
The greatest pass catcher ever to take the field NFL first made his mark on the college game at Mississippi Valley State. From 1981-84 he caught 301 ***** for 4,693 yards and 50 touchdowns for the Delta Devils. Along the way he set records for most catches (102) and yards (1,454) in a season and in a game (24) while earning first-team All-America honors.
#college #schools #bears
23 days ago
Let's address the elephant in the room: Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is down 48% from October's 52-week highs as of July 20.
For longtime crypto observers, this drop feels familiar. Digital ****** ets have suffered several drawdowns of this magnitude, and the decline in 2026 isn't even unusual by historical standards. If anything, it's milder than the first three multiyear crypto winters.
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 »
Each time Bitcoin prices plunge, many obituaries are written. Each time, the ****** et has eventually recovered to new highs. The rumors of Bitcoin's death have been exaggerated so far. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results, of course, but the pattern does suggest that dramatic price cycles are a predictable feature of this ****** et class rather than a sign of imminent extinction.
The more interesting development isn't the price action; it's how you can now participate without feeling like you need to minor in cryptography.
#Crypto #signal #down #highs
For longtime crypto observers, this drop feels familiar. Digital ****** ets have suffered several drawdowns of this magnitude, and the decline in 2026 isn't even unusual by historical standards. If anything, it's milder than the first three multiyear crypto winters.
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 »
Each time Bitcoin prices plunge, many obituaries are written. Each time, the ****** et has eventually recovered to new highs. The rumors of Bitcoin's death have been exaggerated so far. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results, of course, but the pattern does suggest that dramatic price cycles are a predictable feature of this ****** et class rather than a sign of imminent extinction.
The more interesting development isn't the price action; it's how you can now participate without feeling like you need to minor in cryptography.
#Crypto #signal #down #highs
24 days ago
Giverny Capital ******* et Management, LLC, an investment management company, recently published its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The model portfolio returned 13.70% this quarter, compared to the S&P 500's 15.20% return. YTD, the portfolio gained 5.89%, while the index increased by 10.21%. The long-term link between stock appreciation and earnings growth is strong; Benjamin Graham described the market as a "voting machine" in the short term and a "weighing machine" in the long term. Despite the S&P 500's 10.2% rise in the first half of the year, 210 stocks lost value, indicating market anomalies. High-quality earnings compounders that benefit from AI capabilities are likely to maintain their competitive edge. Recently, the market has increasingly chased momentum. Tech giants are taking advantage of the optimism of investors amid fears of an AI bubble. Despite strong profit margins, reliance on "moonshot" investments raises sustainability concerns. The author recommends investing in both emerging tech leaders and established firms. In addition, please check the Strategy's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Giverny Capital ******* et Management highlighted Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP). Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) is a construction company that engages in the installation of insulation for residential and commercial builders. On July 21, 2026, Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) closed at $222.09 per share. One-month return of Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) was -0.54%, and its shares gained 6.77% over the past 52 weeks. Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) has a market capitalization of $5.98 billion.
Giverny Capital ******* et Management stated the following regarding Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"This push and pull between greed and fear creates itchy trigger fingers. Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP), reported mildly disappointing earnings and lost 28% of its value. IBP's primary business is installing fiberglass insulation into new home construction, and it has a large presence in the Northeast. Home construction overall is sluggish, and the Northeast had its harshest winter in years, making construction delays common. IBP's weaker volumes were not surprising, but the stock cratered. We expect IBP's shrewd management will respond to the lower valuation by buying back stock."
#building #management #construction
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Giverny Capital ******* et Management highlighted Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP). Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) is a construction company that engages in the installation of insulation for residential and commercial builders. On July 21, 2026, Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) closed at $222.09 per share. One-month return of Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) was -0.54%, and its shares gained 6.77% over the past 52 weeks. Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) has a market capitalization of $5.98 billion.
Giverny Capital ******* et Management stated the following regarding Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"This push and pull between greed and fear creates itchy trigger fingers. Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP), reported mildly disappointing earnings and lost 28% of its value. IBP's primary business is installing fiberglass insulation into new home construction, and it has a large presence in the Northeast. Home construction overall is sluggish, and the Northeast had its harshest winter in years, making construction delays common. IBP's weaker volumes were not surprising, but the stock cratered. We expect IBP's shrewd management will respond to the lower valuation by buying back stock."
#building #management #construction
24 days ago
The Commonwealth Games might be the only sporting event for which the most-Googled terms are asking what they are and why they exist. One of the top stories on BBC Sport at the time of writing was simply headlined: “What are the Commonwealth Games?”
It’s a good question. They are an anachronistic idea, vaguely defined, thinly justified, a relic of our imperial past, like a mildly offensive heirloom quadrennially hauled down from the attic, modern sport’s unwelcome inheritance from another age.
So yes, the so-called Friendly Games are clearly a little unloved, given the battle to find a willing host. They were tossed aside by Melbourne before a stripped-back version was salvaged by Glasgow, a rescue Games.
They are not fully respected, given not all the stars will show up over the next 10 days. Keely Hodgkinson is prioritising other events. Canadian sensation Summer McIntosh is focused on the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, preferring to compete against serious American rivals rather than a bunch of island nations.
The Games might even be hard to find, given they are behind a paywall on TNT Sports in the UK, with only highlights on Channel 5.
#commonwealth
It’s a good question. They are an anachronistic idea, vaguely defined, thinly justified, a relic of our imperial past, like a mildly offensive heirloom quadrennially hauled down from the attic, modern sport’s unwelcome inheritance from another age.
So yes, the so-called Friendly Games are clearly a little unloved, given the battle to find a willing host. They were tossed aside by Melbourne before a stripped-back version was salvaged by Glasgow, a rescue Games.
They are not fully respected, given not all the stars will show up over the next 10 days. Keely Hodgkinson is prioritising other events. Canadian sensation Summer McIntosh is focused on the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, preferring to compete against serious American rivals rather than a bunch of island nations.
The Games might even be hard to find, given they are behind a paywall on TNT Sports in the UK, with only highlights on Channel 5.
#commonwealth
24 days ago
With less than a month to go until the start of the new season, Bristol City fans are again wondering if this is going to be our year for achieving promotion to England's top flight after an absence of 46 years.
There have been massive changes at the club over the past five months with a new CEO, the sacking of boss Gerhard Struber, Roy Hodgson's managerial swansong, the appointment of James Ellis as sporting director, the departure of playing legend Brian Tinnion as technical director and the arrival of Michael Skubala as manager.
Are fan expectations more elevated than they have been for a while as City approach their 12th successive Championship season? On balance I would say yes, even though the hierarchy at the club say this is the start of a three-year plan to achieve Premier League status.
My mildly positive view is based on the fact that City have done a lot of their transfer activity early rather than in the latter stages of the window.
First through the door was goalkeeper Sam Tickle from Wigan while former England Under-21 midfielder Sam Greenwood was signed for an undisclosed fee from Polish side Pogon Szczecin.
#season #director #bristol #james
There have been massive changes at the club over the past five months with a new CEO, the sacking of boss Gerhard Struber, Roy Hodgson's managerial swansong, the appointment of James Ellis as sporting director, the departure of playing legend Brian Tinnion as technical director and the arrival of Michael Skubala as manager.
Are fan expectations more elevated than they have been for a while as City approach their 12th successive Championship season? On balance I would say yes, even though the hierarchy at the club say this is the start of a three-year plan to achieve Premier League status.
My mildly positive view is based on the fact that City have done a lot of their transfer activity early rather than in the latter stages of the window.
First through the door was goalkeeper Sam Tickle from Wigan while former England Under-21 midfielder Sam Greenwood was signed for an undisclosed fee from Polish side Pogon Szczecin.
#season #director #bristol #james
24 days ago
UnitedHealth's stock is flying high after it raised guidance, but on its latest earnings call, ***** ysts zeroed in on an underlying margin divergence running right through the business.
After a +50% run over the past year, UnitedHealth (UNH) stock trades near its 52-week high, and on the surface, its latest earnings report was a clean beat. The company raised its full-year outlook, and the headline numbers looked strong. But the Q&A session with ***** ysts kept circling one critical tension: is the impressive turnaround in the large Medicare business strong enough to offset a new, worsening problem in the company's commercial insurance segment?
The core worry for investors is that stubbornly high medical costs in the commercial business are getting worse. On the call, management confirmed that cost trends are running "modestly above 11%," a deterioration from prior expectations. This is not a small corner of the business; if its margins cannot recover, it puts a real ceiling on the company's growth.
When pressed for the cause, management gave a surprisingly specific answer. The answer went beyond general inflation, pinpointing a federal arbitration process under the No Surprises Act that management ***** erts is being leveraged aggressively by select provider groups. This is now adding "at least 100 basis points of total cost" to the commercial business. The issue is highly concentrated, and according to data cited by management, roughly 60% of their arbitration disputes are brought by one of just five entities. The response quantified the problem, but the admission that came with it was stark: the timeline for a full margin recovery in this segment has been pushed out "past 2027." That is a concrete delay to a key part of the investment case.
While the commercial segment is a growing headache, the equally large Medicare Advantage business is performing better than planned. The key question here was whether this was just good luck from a mild flu season or the result of management's own actions. The answer was more confident than vague.
#management
After a +50% run over the past year, UnitedHealth (UNH) stock trades near its 52-week high, and on the surface, its latest earnings report was a clean beat. The company raised its full-year outlook, and the headline numbers looked strong. But the Q&A session with ***** ysts kept circling one critical tension: is the impressive turnaround in the large Medicare business strong enough to offset a new, worsening problem in the company's commercial insurance segment?
The core worry for investors is that stubbornly high medical costs in the commercial business are getting worse. On the call, management confirmed that cost trends are running "modestly above 11%," a deterioration from prior expectations. This is not a small corner of the business; if its margins cannot recover, it puts a real ceiling on the company's growth.
When pressed for the cause, management gave a surprisingly specific answer. The answer went beyond general inflation, pinpointing a federal arbitration process under the No Surprises Act that management ***** erts is being leveraged aggressively by select provider groups. This is now adding "at least 100 basis points of total cost" to the commercial business. The issue is highly concentrated, and according to data cited by management, roughly 60% of their arbitration disputes are brought by one of just five entities. The response quantified the problem, but the admission that came with it was stark: the timeline for a full margin recovery in this segment has been pushed out "past 2027." That is a concrete delay to a key part of the investment case.
While the commercial segment is a growing headache, the equally large Medicare Advantage business is performing better than planned. The key question here was whether this was just good luck from a mild flu season or the result of management's own actions. The answer was more confident than vague.
#management
25 days ago
Giverny Capital ****** et Management, LLC, an investment management company, recently published its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The model portfolio returned 13.70% this quarter, compared to the S&P 500's 15.20% return. YTD, the portfolio gained 5.89%, while the index increased by 10.21%. The long-term link between stock appreciation and earnings growth is strong; Benjamin Graham described the market as a "voting machine" in the short term and a "weighing machine" in the long term. Despite the S&P 500's 10.2% rise in the first half of the year, 210 stocks lost value, indicating market anomalies. High-quality earnings compounders that benefit from AI capabilities are likely to maintain their competitive edge. Recently, the market has increasingly chased momentum. Tech giants are taking advantage of the optimism of investors amid fears of an AI bubble. Despite strong profit margins, reliance on "moonshot" investments raises sustainability concerns. The author recommends investing in both emerging tech leaders and established firms. In addition, please check the Strategy's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Giverny Capital ****** et Management highlighted Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP). Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) is a construction company that engages in the installation of insulation for residential and commercial builders. On July 21, 2026, Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) closed at $222.09 per share. One-month return of Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) was -0.54%, and its shares gained 6.77% over the past 52 weeks. Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) has a market capitalization of $5.98 billion.
Giverny Capital ****** et Management stated the following regarding Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"This push and pull between greed and fear creates itchy trigger fingers. Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP), reported mildly disappointing earnings and lost 28% of its value. IBP's primary business is installing fiberglass insulation into new home construction, and it has a large presence in the Northeast. Home construction overall is sluggish, and the Northeast had its harshest winter in years, making construction delays common. IBP's weaker volumes were not surprising, but the stock cratered. We expect IBP's shrewd management will respond to the lower valuation by buying back stock."
#building #NYSE #management #asset
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Giverny Capital ****** et Management highlighted Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP). Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) is a construction company that engages in the installation of insulation for residential and commercial builders. On July 21, 2026, Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) closed at $222.09 per share. One-month return of Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) was -0.54%, and its shares gained 6.77% over the past 52 weeks. Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) has a market capitalization of $5.98 billion.
Giverny Capital ****** et Management stated the following regarding Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"This push and pull between greed and fear creates itchy trigger fingers. Installed Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:IBP), reported mildly disappointing earnings and lost 28% of its value. IBP's primary business is installing fiberglass insulation into new home construction, and it has a large presence in the Northeast. Home construction overall is sluggish, and the Northeast had its harshest winter in years, making construction delays common. IBP's weaker volumes were not surprising, but the stock cratered. We expect IBP's shrewd management will respond to the lower valuation by buying back stock."
#building #NYSE #management #asset
