For the first time in a decade, the Maryville High School volleyball team is off to compete in the state semifinals.

The Spoofhounds (19-2) hit the road Wednesday to Cape Girardeau for the Class 3 State Tournament at Southeast Missouri State University.

Were very grateful for this opportunity, Maryville senior Serena Sundell said. I think we have a really special group of girls here and for us to be able to have this chance to go to state and continue our season, its really exciting.

The last time Maryville made it to the states final four was in the 2009-2010 season when the team went on to clinch 4th place in Class 2.

Now, the Spoofhounds face Hermann (24-6-3), a team they have never competed against according to MSHSAA records which date back to 2005.

I just try not to go into really any concrete expectations and to just focus on the things that have gotten us here and the successes that weve had up until this point, Maryville head coach Mirana Mizera said. We go in with a scouting report and we go in with goals and just keep them focused on those things and take it one point at a time.

The Spoofhounds enter the contest coming off a big win over Pleasant Hill in the quarterfinals, defeating the team that they fell to in the 2019 sectional round.

I think our sectional game last year when we didnt take care of that first one, that kind of sunk in and its been sticking with us this whole season. So every practice, we just remember that feeling, Sundell said. We had to dig in and give it everything we got to be where we are now.

As the team inches closer toward the chance to compete for a state championship, the Spoofhounds believe their chemistry has helped carry them this far.

Ive been saying it all year long, but I think its really due to their chemistry and just the camaraderie of the team and how theyre able to play so well together, Mizera said. Theyre just a bunch of goofballs. They love to have fun. They know how to add comedy to any scenario.

Sundell added, Were all just very comfortable with each other. Since weve all been playing together for a long, long time, especially the sophomores, theyve known all of us for awhile. Weve been playing in middle school for awhile. So just the relationships are really helping us compete in games and be successful.

Maryville takes on Hermann at 9 a.m. Thursday at Southeast Missouri State Universitys Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

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Maryville volleyball relies on chemistry in long-awaited state run - News-Press Now

Reductive elimination reactions, in which a transition metal catalyzes new bond formation between two molecules, are one of organic chemists most powerful tools. For example, one flavor of these reactions, palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylations can make new CC bonds while tolerating many functional groups. In addition, these mild reactions are one of the few ways chemists can generate compounds containing hindered quaternary carbons.

Through a detailed computational study, Brian Stoltz and coworkers have figured out that some Pd-catalyzed reductive eliminations go through a different mechanism than previously thought, providing a new understanding of how reductive eliminations work (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2020, DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c09575).

Traditionally, chemists thought the mechanism involved transition states featuring bond breaking and forming between three key atoms. Stoltz and coworkers studied a specific Pd-catalyzed reductive elimination reaction in which the desired C-C bond forms within the same molecule (shown). The chemists determined that the transition state for this reaction involves bond forming and breaking between seven atoms. Describing this seven-centered reductive elimination process allows chemists to expand the way they think about this fundamental reaction, Stoltz says. This mechanism is not the way chemists learn how reductive eliminations work in graduate school, he says, but it suggests that there are other ways that reductive elimination can happen. It could change the way people think about whats possible.

For this computational study, the researchers focused solely on the Pd-centered transition state. Generally, this transition state is difficult for chemists to study experimentally because its not the rate-limiting step of the reaction, so it exists briefly. Chemists have suspected that this transition state involves 7 key atoms, similar to well-known pericyclic reactions such as the Diels-Alder or Cope reactions. Not only did Stoltz and coworkers confirm this suspicion, but also they showed that the Pds d-orbitals allow the transition state to be aromatic, which means its stabilized through extended conjugation of orbitals across the seven atoms. This stabilization allows the transition-state energy to be low enough for the reaction to proceed. In addition, they found that because of the geometry of Pds d orbitals this aromaticity doesnt fit the traditional structure, instead it is shaped like a Mbius strip, which is a connected loop with one surface and a half turn.

The researchers also used a type of chemical bonding theory to explain the mechanism of the reaction in terms of arrow pushing. This drawing method in which arrows depict where electrons move in a chemical reaction is the way that many organic chemists are taught to understand these transformations.

Through detailed analysis, the researchers showed the inner workings of an important organometallic reaction, says Dean Tantillo, a computational organic chemist at the University of California, Davis. They used hardcore quantum chemistry to build a model using familiar, intuitive concepts, he says.

This study allows us to think about some of the things we can improve on, in the current reaction, and gives a high-level theoretical backing for the feasibility of new kinds of reaction, Stoltz says.

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Chemists shine light on new way to think about reductive elimination - Chemical & Engineering News

Saturn's moon Titan just keeps getting weirder and more tantalizing when it comes to scientists' hopes for life beyond Earth.

Titan is perhaps the most Earth-like place in our solar system, except the ingredients are jumbled up: ocean below ground, landforms of water ice instead of rock, rains of organic compounds, an atmosphere even denser than our own. Now, two new research findings add still more intrigue to the strange moon, identifying an unexpected chemical in Titan's atmosphere and evidence of more complicated surface phenomena than scientists had previously realized.

"We think of Titan as a real-life laboratory where we can see similar chemistry to that of ancient Earth when life was taking hold here," Melissa Trainer, an astrobiologist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, said in a statement. Trainer wasn't involved in either of the new papers, but she is the deputy principal investigator of NASA's Dragonfly mission that will launch to Titan in 2027 and arrive in 2034.

Related: Dazzling views show Saturn moon Titan's surface like never before

Scientists' fascination with the chemistry of Titan is what makes the new findings so intriguing. Researchers turned the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile toward the moon and spotted the chemical signature of cyclopropenylidene, an awkward triangular compound made of three carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms.

"Titan is unique in our solar system," Conor Nixon, a planetary scientist at Goddard, said in the same statement. "It has proved to be a treasure trove of new molecules."

Cyclopropenylidene is only the newest of them. But finding it is surprising, the researchers say, because the little-known chemical is pretty friendly: if other compounds are near it, they tend to react, eliminating the cyclopropenylidene signature.

So while scientists have found the compound in the universe, it's usually out in the vast, cold, near-empty areas between star systems hardly an environment like that of Titan, although the chemical was only found in the moon's thinner upper atmosphere.

The newly spotted compound is also interesting because it is the second chemical found at Titan in which the carbon atoms lock in on each other to build a ring-like backbone. Other chemicals with that type of structure are crucial for the molecules that make up the information-containing part of DNA.

"The cyclic nature of them opens up this extra branch of chemistry that allows you to build these biologically important molecules," Alexander Thelen, a Goddard astrobiologist who worked on the research, said in the same statement. The researchers later checked archived data gathered by NASA's Cassini mission, which studied the Saturn system from 2004 to 2017, and saw supporting evidence for cyclopropenylidene in those observations.

Finding such a tantalizing compound in the upper atmosphere of Titan is particularly intriguing because scientists believe that sunlight-driven reactions in the area turn the simple compounds of Titan into increasingly complex, heavy molecules that eventually rain down onto the moon's surface.

The research is described in a paper published Oct. 15 in The Astronomical Journal.

That surface is the site of the other recent finding about the strange moon, which arose when researchers studied Cassini data about nine major craters on Titan's surface.

First, they realized that these craters came in two different flavors, and that they were geographically separated. Around Titan's equator, the craters were located in dunes and contained exclusively organic material, then are sprinkled with sand. North and south of that region, craters were found on plains and included both water ice and organic material then doused in methane rain, carrying away any sand blown into them.

"The most exciting part of our results is that we found evidence of Titan's dynamic surface hidden in the craters, which has allowed us to infer one of the most complete stories of Titan's surface evolution scenario to date," Anezina Solomonidou, a research fellow at the European Space Agency and the lead author of the new study, said in a NASA statement. "Our analysis offers more evidence that Titan remains a dynamic world in the present day."

Among the sites the researchers studied was one called Selk, where the scientists found a crater covered by organic material, with no sign of methane rain. But Selk Crater has something special going for it Dragonfly is already scheduled to visit the crater and scout it out, which should give scientists an even better view of what's happening on Titan's surface.

The research is described in a paper published Sept. 1 in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com or follow her on Twitter @meghanbartels. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.

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Saturn's moon Titan has a weird organic chemical in its atmosphere - Space.com

By: Editorial | Updated: November 5, 2020 7:51:04 amMaybe the machines have already taken over and no one really got wind of it.

Kuki has been on one of the longest first dates ever. Since October 24, she has been chatting 24/7 with a chap that looks like a muscly version of Mark Zuckerberg, sports a cap which says Make Facebook great again, says he likes Hitler and has killed people. Kukis date is Blenderbot, an AI-powered chatbot built by Facebook, as is Kuki (the creation of an individual out of the UK). Their tryst is part of a competition to see which bot can pass off more easily as a human.

The experiment/contest is meant to see if bots can simulate the most human of interactions a romantic encounter. But, as with many a real date, it has been boring, horrifying (Blenderbot, after casually admitting to murder, asked if Kuki has killed people too) and seemingly interminable. Given that ever-greater numbers of people have been turning to AI-powered online companions in recent years, the prospect of a digital being harbouring a love for Hitler while having the same hobbies you do opens up a can of worms about the nature of love and human society in the tech age that challenges the limits of science fiction, let alone ethics.

Maybe the machines have already taken over and no one really got wind of it. The bot Vera works in HR and can interview as many as 1,500 candidates per day, including for Ikea Russia. IBMs bot assistant (Watson) works for some of the largest companies in the world. And producers of pornographic content have long been moving into more interactive, AI and robotic products. On the flip side, human beings are becoming more and more cyborg-like, outsourcing memory, reason and even emotion to machines. And if Kukis terrible date is anything to go by, machines can be pretty horrible people too.

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Wheres the chemistry? - The Indian Express

When you think about it, the cannabis plant is a pretty amazing specimen. Not only do these green leafy plants have the potential to boost creativity and productivity in an individual, but they also have some amazing medical uses for conditions ranging from Alzheimers Disease to eating disorders.

Whether youre more interested in the recreational uses of marijuana or youre looking for relief from pain, anxiety, or another common medical condition, the marvels of marijuana all come down to one thing: trichomes.

Trichomes are the tiny hairs that line the outer surface of plants, and they are often referred to as the chemical factories of cannabis.

In this guide to trichomes, learn all about this tiny yet powerful part of the cannabis plant and why it plays such a vital role in both recreational and medical marijuana use.

What Are Trichomes?

The official definition states that trichomes from the Greek (trichma) meaning hair, are fine outgrowths or appendages on plants, algae, lichens, and certain protists. They are of diverse structure and function.

These small (virtually microscopic) hairlike structures resemble tiny crystals at first glance, but when examined more closely, its obvious that they have a mushroom-like shape. They cover the surface of a cannabis plants leaves and buds and tend to be shiny and sticky.

What Is the Importance of Trichomes?

Trichomes are nothing short of beautiful, giving a plant a crystal-like appearance that glitters and gleams under the light. But their function is so much more than aesthetic. Aside from creating sparkle and shininess that resembles a blanket of frost, trichomes serve many different purposes.

Defense Mechanism

First and foremost, trichome production in plants is done as a defense mechanism against harmful things in the surrounding environment, like insects, animals, and UV rays. Trichomes taste extremely bitter and tend to give off a skunky smell, so animals are quickly turned off and leave the plant untouched.

By covering the surface of the more vulnerable parts of the plant, trichomes also protect against environmental harms like too much sunlight, extreme heat, strong winds, and even some forms of fungal pathogens.

Water Absorption

Another important function of trichomes is the absorption of water and minerals that are required by a plant to survive. Of course, the root system is more vital for water and nutrient absorption, but trichomes help to keep water in to keep the plant hydrated.

Cannabinoid & Terpene Production

This last function is arguably the most important function of trichomes, at least to humans. In order to perform their other functions and stay protected, trichomes produce a wide range of chemicals. As weed plants move into their flowering phases and start blooming, trichomes start making something called cannabinoids.

The most famous cannabinoid is THC, which is the chemical compound responsible for the high effect cannabis is known for, but there are over 100 different cannabinoids produced by these tiny hairs.

Trichomes are also responsible for producing terpenes, which are the aromatic compounds found in many plants. Terpenes are responsible for those pungent smells that cannabis is known for, and without trichomes, we wouldnt have those terpenes and unique smell/flavor profiles for different strains.

3 Types of Trichomes in Marijuana

In cannabis plants, there are 3 main types of trichomes that help to fulfill the functions listed above. Heres what they are:

1. Bulbous Trichomes

2. Capitate Sessile Trichomes

3. Capitate Stalked Trichomes

Bulbous

These are the smallest trichomes out of the 3 categories, and they can be as tiny as 10 micrometers. Youll notice small and pointed bulbous trichomes lining the entire surface of the plant, not just the leaves and buds.

Capitate Sessile

This type of trichome is slightly larger and contains a head and a stalk. Capitate sessile hairs start forming before the plant even enters the flowering phase, containing many of the lesser-known cannabinoids.

Capitate Stalked

Capitate stalked trichomes are the largest in size and they can measure as much as 100 micrometers. Although its easier and more effective to use a magnifying glass or microscope, these trichomes can be seen with the naked eye.

This type of trichome only starts forming once the plants have begun flowering. Theyre very important in the production of cannabinoids and terpenes, especially THC.

Keep in mind, you will need a digital microscope to examine these different types of trichomes more closely. You can use this guide to digital microscopes to choose a device that will magnify a plants trichomes up to 1000x.

Why Is It So Important to Monitor Trichome Lifecycle?

It can be very difficult for a grower to know exactly when its time to harvest a crop; this is where trichomes really come into play. Paying close attention to the trichome lifecycle by examining color changes can help a grower to determine exactly when its time to harvest.

Because trichomes play a major role in cannabinoid and terpene production, harvesting at the proper time when trichomes are at their peak can take the potency, aromas, and flavors of the bud to the next level. Harvesting too early or too late could result in weaker cannabinoids and terpenes, which basically means weak bud.

When Is the Ideal Time to Harvest?

The ideal time to harvest is different for everyone depending on overall preferences and strain types. It really comes down if youre looking for an energetic high or a more relaxing couch-lock effect.

The general guideline is to harvest when the majority of the trichomes (90% or more) turn from a milky white to an amber hue if you want a more relaxing effect. If you prefer the highest level of THC and just want to get high, youll want to harvest earlier when only about 70% of the trichomes have darkened to amber and the rest are still milky white.

How to Choose a Magnifying Tool for Your Trichomes

The very last trichome topic well cover is how to choose the right magnifying tool. Never rely solely on the human eye to examine trichomes and determine when its time to harvest this more often than not results in poor judgment.

A quality magnifying glass is usually enough for a beginner grower, but more advanced growers with high numbers of plants and commercial operations generally opt for a digital microscope instead.

When in doubt, its always a good idea to have both handy. Use the magnifying glass for quick peaks at the trichomes, but for more intense examination, pluck a bud and check it out under the microscope.

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All About Cannabis Trichomes, the Incredible Chemical Factories of Marijuana - SpaceCoastDaily.com

Posted: Nov 4, 2020 / 05:47 PM EST / Updated: Nov 4, 2020 / 05:47 PM EST

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) Students of Medicine at WVUs main campus, and the chemistry department at WVU Tech will benefit from nearly $1.4 million dollars between to the two programs.

The large sum comes from an estate gift made by Mary Lou Hudnall in honor of her late husband, Dr. Leonard P. Hudnall, who graduated from both programs. A native of Wheeling, WV, Mary Lou passed away on Sept. 27, 2019 at the age of 92.

Mary Lou was a very generous and giving lady, her friend Linda Stuckey said. WVU was left in her will because of her husband. She was very fond of WVU and WVU Tech. She was just an all-around sweet and caring lady.

The generous gift provides discretionary funding to support academic enrichment within the WVU School of Medicine. It will also address the highest needs in the WVU Tech chemistry program.

Hudnalls gift was made through theWest Virginia University Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.

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WVU Tech chemistry program and WVU School of Medicine benefit from nearly $1.4 million dollar gift - WVNS-TV

When Vanderbilt linebacker Alston Orji arrived on West End, football was certainly on his mind. After all, as a former four-star recruit, he committed to Vanderbilt in order to play in the premier athletic conference in the country, the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

But at the forefront of his decision to become a Commodore was not the tackles he may make in the black and gold or the wins that he would be a part of in Nashville. Instead, the former Rockwall High School (TX) standout pondered which of his many offers would embrace the values that he had grown up with.

It was these values that helped him perform as an Honor Roll Student at Rockwall. It was these values that taught him to dedicate himself to everything he took the time to do. It was these values that he fostered during family visits and mission trips to his parents native country, Nigeria. And it was Vanderbilt and Coach Derek Mason that he knew would not lose sight of who he was off the field.

When I first came here, I had conversations with Coach Mason a lot about becoming a better man, Alston told The Hustler. There werent a lot of head coaches out there interested in Alston the man. They were more interested in the linebacker. And while football is a lot of my identity, I really needed a coach who was going to push me to be more than just a football player.

More than just a football player. That is a phrase Alstons parents, Willy and Mariam Orji, sought to ingrain in each of their three sons, Alston, Anfernee and Alex, who is still in high school. Despite their God-given athletic abilities, despite the dozens of world-renowned universities that came knocking on their door, and despite the opportunity football may provide them, the Orji brothers were expected to work hard off the field as well.

Raising our kids, it was very important [that] it wasnt about sports, Mariam Orji told The Hustler. I told them they are smart because they are, and prior to becoming very good in sports, it was important for them to understand that they should be able to get a scholarship. And for me, it was always an academic scholarship.

Therefore, when it became time for their second son, Anfernee, to make his college decision just one year later, it was no surprise that he ended up alongside his brother at Vanderbilt, cementing the Orjis as Vanderbilt footballs next great brother duo.

I have more of a connection with him so I know what he is going to do, I know he is going to do his job, Anfernee said. Its just like second nature, every other year or every year I am playing with my brother.

But to fully appreciate this brotherly connection, one must understand the roots of the Orji boys passion for football and drive for success, roots nourished by their role-model parents and a hint of perspective.

When Anfernee was seven years old, not one member of the Orji family was familiar with football. Despite his love for athletics, even Anfernees father Willy admits that he did not know much about the game when his son was invited to try out for the Rockwall Yellow Jackets Pee Wee Football team.

He came home with his backpack as usual, and one of the other parents had put a note for us in Anfernees bag about wanting Anfernee to play in their Pee Wee league, Mariam said. And I remember reading it and talking to his dad about it and I said, What is this? because I didnt know anything about football at that point.

Willy and Mariam allowed Anfernee to try out and, quickly, Willy recognized not just the entertainment value of the game but the fundamental life lessons that came from it.

What they were doing to teach the kids things about life, not just football, interested me a lot, Willy said. So I went to learn about football myself and eventually joined the coaching staff and tried to help do whatever I had to get the kids going.

As a big and athletic seven-year-old, Anfernee quickly fell in love. The Man-Child, as his coaches began referring to him, remembers welcoming the physicality of the game and appreciating its team-oriented nature.

Being able to help other people is the reason I fell in love with it [football] and just being able to be physical. You can do stuff you cant really do outside of football, Anfernee said.

But Alston was not so quick to adopt his younger brothers love for football. Instead, as Anfernee wreaked havoc on the grass, Alston kept his nose in his books.

Alston was more of a bookworm. He would go to Anfernees practice and would take his books with him, Mariam said, laughing. He would be the only kid sitting on the sideline reading his book while the other kids are running around playing

But thanks to a slight push from his loving mother, Alston joined his brother on the field and found a similar passion for football. And much to the delight of his parents, he did not abandon his books, embracing his coaches much different nickname, The Professor.

I remember the day I told him you know what, put the books away for a second, just put them away for a second. We are going out to the field, you go play like all the other kids, Mariam said.

When the two eldest Orji boys finally took the field together, football became a true family affair, and everyone bought in. But unlike many parents, Willy and Mariam were learning alongside their sons, quickly picking up on the intricacies of the game, slowly realizing the opportunities that it may create down the road for their sons.

Alston Orji played was highly recruited as a four-star linebacker from Rockwall High School in Texas. (247Sports/Greg Powers).

It became a family affair. My wife, myself, and then the three boys all kind of got immersed in football, Willy said. I realized that God blessed them with physical abilities.

Their growth was rapid. With the intelligence to back up their incredible physical gifts, the legend of the Orji brothers quickly grew. And despite fighting over clothes and food at home like typical brothers do, Anfernee and Alston formed a special bond on the field.

I remember one time in Pee Wee, Alston said. I picked up a fumble, and I started to slip because it was rainy and muddy. And my brother actually caught me and picked me up, and we ran to the endzone together. It was just insane. We have been doing stuff like that since day one.

But just as any other talented duo of brothers, there was certainly competition between the Orji boys. As the premier players on Rockwalls defense, Alston explained how they were often pitted against each other in what Mariam explained as iron sharpening iron.

I wasnt always so aggressive, so they would have to get me angry, and the best way to get me angry was to tell me my brother was better than me, Alston said. Of course, he thought he was better than me, so we would go at it in practice, and it eventually made us better.

As they progressed through high school, the offers quickly came pouring in thanks to their stellar play at Rockwall and their high athletic ceiling. On the field, the Orji brothers were tackling machines, each racking up over 85 tackles their senior seasons en route to four-star status, according to Rivals.

With offers pouring in, the stresses of recruiting can be overwhelming. Between the phone calls, recruiting visits and constant courting, what kept both the Orjis grounded was perspective and a firm commitment to their family values.

Willy and Mariam Orji immigrated to the United States from Nigeria in 1987 and 1996 respectively, both seeking opportunity and higher education. Willy, a computer engineer, and Mariam, a doctor, met at the University of North Texas and began a fruitful life in the United States. That fruitful life was in large part thanks to the values and work ethic instilled in them by their Nigerian heritage.

As an immigrant, obviously, there were certain things about my growing up that I didnt like. But there were also certain things that I wanted to teach my kids about my heritage, Willy explained. Respect for others, respect fo
r your elders, perseverance and things like that I learned growing up.

Both Willy and Mariam were tremendous role models for their sons. But in addition to the lessons gleaned simply from their example, the Orji brothers were exposed to their family heritage through regular trips to Nigeria. At just three months old, Alston made his first journey halfway across the world, and all three Orji boys have now become incredibly familiar with the culture that shaped their parents.

But it took time for Anfernee and Alston to fully appreciate this worldly opportunity to explore Nigeria. In their youth, the nearly 24 hours it took to travel to Nigeria was overwhelming. And leaving behind McDonalds and video games during the summer was, admittedly, difficult. Even deeper was the feeling of insecurity that, at times, came with their African heritage. In a society so dominated by American culture, Alston recalls being shy about his Nigerian ancestry throughout his youth.

Growing up, African culture wasnt as widely accepted as it is today. It wasnt one of those things people were looking to experience for themselves, Alston said. I kind of ran from it myself because I felt like that would be labeled as weird, as different.

However, as they matured, they found deep respect for their Nigerian ancestors and the hard work of their parents. And one particular experience provided them reason to not only be proud of their Nigerian heritage but to also expand their connection with it.

In 2016, the Orji family traveled to Nigeria with a fellow family of talented football players and Nigerian parents, the Achos. The families conducted a mission trip to Nigeria and Alston and Anfernee were able to work side-by-side with Sam and Emmanuel Acho, former NFL players dedicated to serving the home of their ancestors.

Seeing guys who are well-accomplished doing the sport I want to do, and also Nigerian and embracing it and loving it, it made me want to love it too. And [it] made me want to idolize the way they do that, Alston said. After they kind of opened my eyes to it, it became something I wanted to really dive deep into.

Going on that mission trip, seeing NFL dudes there, its a good feeling. You know you are doing the right thing. And you can grow up, and you dont have to stop, Anfernee echoed. You can keep doing it, even when you get in the NFL.

The connections they made with their ancestry and the perspective they gained from their trips to Nigeria solidified the Orjis commitment to hard work and success and has given them a deep appreciation for what they have here in the United States.

Part of it [trips to Nigeria] is to see how, now that they are older, opportunity is so critical. They are in college because they are fortunate to have played football, Willy explained. Whereas people who are probably more talented than them back home in Nigeria do not have that opportunity, because it does not matter how great they are, nobody cares.

For the Orji boys, the fit at Vanderbilt was obvious. Coming from a household driven by hard work, commitment, education, and respect, West End was truly the perfect place for Alston and Anfernee. Butmaybe surprisinglyit was not solely these factors that had Willy and Mariam ready to hand off their boys. It was the people and the culture.

Anfernee Orji is in his second year at Vanderbilt and is second on the team in total tackles. (Getty Images/Frederick Breedon)

The culture of we are going to make a man out of you, Willy explained. My feeling is that what football teaches is not so much of wins and losses, it goes beyond that. Its developing men; its getting the education that will help you after football.

One story in particular stands out for Willy from Alstons recruitment process. And it involves Coach Masons staff and specifically, former Commodore linebacker and linebackers coach, Chris Marve.

Chris Marve, who was recruiting Alston then, one of the greatest people I can tell you in recruiting circles, really spoke to me, Willy said. He looked at Alston and said, If you come here to play for me, I am not promising to be your friend. I am promising to make the best of what you can do. I cried. I literally cried in that room because its like having another father with my son.

Little did Willy know, just one year later, Alstons Vanderbilt family would continue to grow, as he welcomed Anfernee to Nashville. And finally, this year, the Orjis are making an impact on the field. The two have combined for 31 tackles while lining up alongside each other and continue to grow into the Vanderbilt men their parents hoped they would become.

Amazing. Thats the only word I can use, is amazing. They started playing right away together, and at Rockwall, the two of them became kind of a feature. There are going to be these two Orji boys, both of them on defense, and I didnt think it would also happen at Vanderbilt, Willy said proudly.

This year, for the first time, when I saw them start together, I just had to give it to God and say thank you.

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'Instant chemistry': The Orji brothers bond on the field is rooted in family and perspective - The Vanderbilt Hustler

Theres a certain expectation to Michigans press conferences after a stunning loss.

Theres deflection and reflection, combined with a fair bit of coach-speak. Players and coaches alike take responsibility without ever divulging enough to pointedly criticize.

It is, by now, a routine well-drilled into Jim Harbaughs Wolverines. They repeat it every year at the start of bowl season a few weeks after losing to Ohio State and a few other times dispersed throughout each season. Such is the nature of Michigans position in college footballs hierarchy good enough for losses to be cataclysmic, not good enough to avoid them all together.

So when graduate student tight end Nick Eubanks diverged from the expectation Monday, it was eye-opening.

We got a lot of younger dudes and chemistry isnt there, Eubanks said on a Zoom call with local media.

Two weeks into the season, five weeks into padded practices and four months into team workouts, the chemistry isnt there. Thats notable.

And in Saturdays 27-24 loss to unranked Michigan State, it was clear from the start, even if it wasnt the defining feature of Michigans offensive performance.

More notable was junior quarterback Joe Miltons lack of comfort in the pocket, as well as his tendency to force passes into double coverage.

There were positives, though, too. Milton threw for 300 yards thanks to a slew of well-delivered passes into tight windows. And at times, he showed good chemistry with his pass-catchers, improvising to find receivers on broken plays.

But a week after a comfortable, commanding performance against Minnesota, Michigans lack of offensive cohesiveness shone through too often.

On this play, Miltons timing with sophomore receiver Mike Sainristil is a touch late. A curl route like this one is all timing. A moment early and Sainristil wont be ready to catch the ball. A moment late and the defensive backs will have adjusted to the route. Either outcome can lead to an interception.

Here, Milton is fortunate to sail his throw, preventing the slot corner from cutting off Sainristils route for a likely pick-six. Still, the lack of timing costs Michigan a six-yard first-down pickup, forcing one of far too many second-and-longs on the day.

Too many drives without getting any points from the drive, Harbaugh said Monday. 12 drives and not enough points per drive. And a lot of that was a lot of second-and-longs.

This first-down play late in the third quarter exhibits another case of Milton lacking chemistry. Sophomore tight end Erick All is lined up in the slot to the left, running a post route over the middle. All seems to recognize the strong-side linebacker dropping over the top of his route and runs a shallower route, cutting over the middle of the field. Milton, though, seemingly expects All to run a skinny post, leading him to throw the ball well behind All.

Milton and All being on different pages here cost Michigan a first down in field-goal range. Three plays later, the Wolverines punted in a game they would eventually lose by three points.

According to Eubanks, building chemistry between Milton and his receiving corps has been an emphasis for Michigan this week.

Just being able to watch film and being able to put in more work in practice, getting the timing right with Joe would be very good in terms of us moving the ball down the field, especially in the passing game, Eubanks said.

For the Wolverines, unlocking the deep passing game would be a critical step toward maximizing their offensive potential. Josh Gattiss offense is at its best when it can spread out opposing defenses, giving its fastest weapons space to make plays.

Through two weeks, though, Milton has struggled to connect with his receivers downfield a problem exacerbated by a lack of chemistry. And when safeties can crowd the box without fear of being beaten over the top, it makes everything else more challenging for both Gattis and Milton.

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'Chemistry isn't there': Michigan's passing offense aiming to increase cohesiveness - The Michigan Daily

The recent treatment of two waste collection workers for chemical burns due to the improper disposal of hydrochloric acid offer an opportunity for renewed focus on the need for safety in waste management, said a news release from ecomaine and theSolid Waste Association of North America, Northern New England Chapter.

The Mid-Coast Solid Waste Corp., which is the municipally-owned transfer station of Camden, Hope, Lincolnville and Rockport, contracts with ecomaine to transport and process solid waste in Portland.

Two collection workers for Casella Waste Systems,were hospitalized on October 26 for chemical burns in Dayton,after a container filled with hydrochloric acid burst and caused a fume cloud, the release said.

SWANA recommends that:

Safety is the top priority for all of our people, said John W. Casella, Chairman and CEO of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. Every day, regardless of circumstances, our people are providing an essential service that ensures public and environmental health and safety. It is imperative that our customers and communities continue to play an active role in helping to ensure everyones safety. We believe these workers will make speedy and full recoveries, but this incident serves as a reminder that there are specific times and places for residents to dispose of hazardous waste.

Specifically, waste collection employee ranks as the fifth most hazardous occupation in the United States, behind fishing and timber cutting, with about 44 deaths per 100,000 workers, according to the U.S. Department of Labors Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, collection workers are more than twice as likely to be injured on the job than other employees.

Waste collection and disposal is among the most dangerous jobs in the United States and Canada, said David Biderman, CEO and Executive Director of SWANA. It is critical that residents and industry professionals work together to make safety the number one priority to avoid incidents like this.

Kevin Roche, SWANAs Northern New England Chapter Chair, added: This incident is a truly unfortunate reminder that, as we often say, there is no such thing as away. When we throw things away, there are real people who have to deal with the very real consequences of improper disposal. We all need to work together to prevent occurrences like this one. Roche is the CEO of ecomaine in Portland, Maine.

About the Solid Waste Association of North America:

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is an organization of more than 10,000 public and private sector professionals committed to advancing from solid waste management to resource management through their shared emphasis on education, advocacy and research. For more than 50 years, SWANA has been the leading association in the solid waste management field. SWANA serves industry professionals through technical conferences, certifications, publications and a large offering of technical training courses.

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In the wake of Southern Maine chemical burns, ecomaine issues advisory - PenBayPilot.com

A perfect match! Halle Berry is feeling better than ever about her love life after confirming her relationship with singer Van Hunt, a source exclusively reveals in the new issue of Us Weekly.

Shes had some negative experiences [with men] but Van has taught her to love again and love herself, the insider adds. Hes a wonderful, caring man. Their chemistry is through the roof.

The Oscar winner, 50, revealed via Instagram in September that she was dating the Ohio native, also 50, after weeks of hinting at a new mystery man in her life. Though theyve only been dating a few months, the source says the Kingsman: The Golden Circle actress thinks sometimes you just know when youve found The One.

A month before announcing the identity of her new flame, Berry shared a snapshot from her birthday getaway to Las Vegas, posting a photo of her feet intertwined with someone elses in bed.

Thank you for all the beautiful birthday wishes from my friends and my very supportive and loyal fans! You ALL helped to make my birthday extra special , she captioned the romantic Instagram post.

The X-Men actress was previously married to David Justice from 1993 to 1997, to Eric Bent from 2001 to 2005, and to Olivier Martinez from 2013 to 2016. She shares son Maceo, 7, with Martinez, 54, and daughter Nahla, 12, with ex Gabriel Aubry. During a February 2017 Q&A at the City Summit & Gala, Berry opened up about her search for a soulmate.

I have learned to deal with three failed marriages, which has not been easy, especially when theres children involved, she said at the time. [As] women, we go into marriage thinking its going to last forever and that this is our prince on a shiny horse. Thats what fairy-tales taught me as a kid and Im kind of anti-fairy-tales today.

Despite her rocky road to finding love, the Emmy winner credited her ups and downs with making her the strong woman she is today.

All of those relationships were necessary for me, she explained during the Q&A. We all come here with lessons that we have to learn, and those relationships provided me with lessons that got me to where I am right now. For that, Im grateful. But it has been hard. Its been a difficult part of my life.

For more on Berrys love life, watch the video above and pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly, on newsstands now.

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Halle Berry's Chemistry With Van Hunt Is 'Through the Roof' - Us Weekly