Author Archives: Danzig

Lionel Messi’s evolution at PSG: After 20 years, is he finally learning not to do it all himself? – ESPN

Posted on by

Do you remember Lionel Messi? Little guy, used to have a bowl cut? Started off by dribbling past everyone, but getting fouled all the time? Then he turned into the best passer in the world and also the best goal scorer? Finally cut his hair, but bleached it blonde? Rinsed the peroxide out and grew a beard? Seemed like he'd washed out that crisis, only to then tattoo his entire leg in black ink? Won the Ballon d'Or seven times? Ever heard of him?

He used to be everywhere, always. To watch soccer for the past 15 years was to try to pay attention to someone else on a given Saturday or Sunday, only for Messi to remind you that you were wasting your time not watching him.

Enjoying that Bayern Munich match? Hey, I just dribbled through Getafe's entire team. Oh man, this Zlatan guy is pretty interesting, huh? You know what's interesting? I just scored 50 goals and tossed in 16 assists in 38 La Liga games. Whoa, is Manchester City ever going to lose a match? Uh, my team just took 20 shots in a game and I attempted or assisted every single one. All right, seems like it's time to enjoy some of this Erling Haaland business? I'm 32 years old and I'm going to put up a 20-20 goals and assists season just for fun.

Every month during the season, European Sports Media -- a group of 14 European magazines -- votes on a Team of the Month. There's an archive of their selections going all the way back to the 1995-96 season. Since then, Messi has been voted in 84 times. No other player has made more than 51 appearances (Cristiano Ronaldo). Put another way, over his 16 seasons with Barcelona, Messi was voted into the Team of the Month an absurd 60% of the time. For more than a decade-and-a-half, Messi's average month was better than everyone else's best. He's the only player who was more likely to be in the team than not.

Then, all of a sudden, he disappeared.

- ESPN+ viewers guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)- Don't have ESPN? Get instant access

There's just ... nothing. No breathtaking runs, no physics-defying free kicks, and barely any goals. Twenty-one matches into his first Ligue 1 season for Paris Saint-Germain, the greatest soccer player of all time has scored one time. In the 2012-13 season, he'd already scored 33 goals at this point in the domestic campaign. In his last three years at Barcelona, he'd averaged 16 goals through the first 21 matches of the La Liga season. Let me repeat: Lionel Messi has scored ONE GOAL in Ligue 1 this season. Unsurprisingly, given that -- and shockingly, given everything else -- he's yet to be selected to the ESM Team of the Month this season. He's been so absent from the everyday rhythms of European soccer that some people actually got mad when he won the Ballon d'Or.

It sure feels like the beginning of the end -- or maybe it's the start of something new.

The rest is here:

Lionel Messi's evolution at PSG: After 20 years, is he finally learning not to do it all himself? - ESPN

Negative observational learning might play a limited role in the cultural evolution of technology | Scientific Reports – Nature.com

Posted on by

Lewis, H. M. & Laland, K. N. Transmission fidelity is the key to the build-up of cumulative culture. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci. 367, 21712180 (2012).

Google Scholar

Tennie, C., Call, J. & Tomasello, M. Ratcheting up the ratchet: On the evolution of cumulative culture. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B. Biol. Sci. 364, 24052415 (2009).

PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar

Burdett, E. R. R., Dean, L. G. & Ronfard, S. A diverse and flexible teaching toolkit facilitates the human capacity for cumulative culture. Rev. Philos. Psychol. 9, 807818 (2018).

PubMed Google Scholar

Reindl, E., Gwilliams, A. L., Dean, L. G., Kendal, R. L. & Tennie, C. Skills and motivations underlying childrens cumulative cultural learning: Case not closed. Palgrave Commun. 6, 19 (2020).

Google Scholar

Legare, C. H. & Nielsen, M. Imitation and innovation: The dual engines of cultural learning. Trends Cogn. Sci. 19, 688699 (2015).

PubMed Google Scholar

Tomasello, M. The Cultural Origins of Human Cognition (Harvard University Press, 1999).

Google Scholar

Horner, V. & Whiten, A. Causal knowledge and imitation/emulation switching in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and children (Homo sapiens). Anim. Cogn. 8, 164181 (2005).

PubMed Google Scholar

Kenward, B., Karlsson, M. & Persson, J. Over-imitation is better explained by norm learning than by distorted causal learning. Proc. Biol. Sci. 278, 12391246 (2011).

PubMed Google Scholar

Hoehl, S. et al. Over-imitation: A review and appraisal of a decade of research. Dev. Rev. 51, 90108 (2019).

Google Scholar

Heyes, C. M. & Frith, C. D. The cultural evolution of mind reading. Science 344, 1243091 (2014).

PubMed Google Scholar

Csibra, G. & Gergely, G. Natural pedagogy. Trends Cogn. Sci. 13, 148153 (2009).

PubMed Google Scholar

Tomasello, M. & Carpenter, M. Shared intentionality. Dev. Sci. 10, 121125 (2007).

PubMed Google Scholar

Moll, H. & Tomasello, M. Cooperation and human cognition: The Vygotskian intelligence hypothesis. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B. Biol. Sci. 362, 639648 (2007).

PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar

Muthukrishna, M. et al. Innovation in the collective brain. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B Biol. Sci. 371, 137148 (2016).

Google Scholar

Heyes, C. Blackboxing: Social learning strategies and cultural evolution. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci. 371, 1693 (2016).

Google Scholar

Morgan, T. J. H., Rendell, L. E., Ehn, M., Hoppitt, W. & Laland, K. N. The evolutionary basis of human social learning. Proc. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci. 279, 653662 (2012).

CAS Google Scholar

Mesoudi, A. An experimental simulation of the copy-successful-individuals cultural learning strategy: adaptive landscapes, producerscrounger dynamics, and informational access costs. Evol. Hum. Behav. 29, 350363 (2008).

Google Scholar

Laland, K. N. Social learning strategies. Anim. Learn. Behav. 32, 414 (2004).

Google Scholar

Schlag, K. H. Which one should I imitate? J. Math. Econ. 31, 493522 (1999).

MathSciNet MATH Google Scholar

Smith, K., Kirby, S. & Brighton, H. Iterated learning: A framework for the emergence of language. Artif. Life 9, 371386 (2003).

PubMed Google Scholar

Zwirner, E. & Thornton, A. Cognitive requirements of cumulative culture: Teaching is useful but not essential. Sci. Rep. 5, 18 (2015).

Google Scholar

Haidle, M. N. & Schlaudt, O. Where does cumulative culture begin? A plea for a sociologically informed perspective. Biol. Theory 15, 161174 (2020).

Google Scholar

Saldana, C., Fagot, J., Kirby, S., Smith, K. & Claidire, N. High-fidelity copying is not necessarily the key to cumulative cultural evolution: A study in monkeys and children. Proc. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci. 286, 20190729 (2019).

Google Scholar

King, A. J., Cheng, L., Starke, S. D. & Myatt, J. P. Is the true wisdom of the crowd to copy successful individuals? Biol. Lett. 8, 197200 (2012).

PubMed Google Scholar

Hewlett, B. S. & Cavalli-Sforza, L. L. Cultural transmission among aka pygmies. Am. Anthropol. 88, 922934 (1986).

Google Scholar

Jimnez, . V. & Mesoudi, A. Prestige-biased social learning: Current evidence and outstanding questions. Palgrave Commun. 5, 112 (2019).

Google Scholar

Henrich, J. & Gil-White, F. J. The evolution of prestige: Freely conferred deference as a mechanism for enhancing the benefits of cultural transmission. Evol. Hum. Behav. 22, 165196 (2001).

CAS PubMed Google Scholar

McElreath, R. et al. Beyond existence and aiming outside the laboratory: Estimating frequency-dependent and pay-off-biased social learning strategies. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B Biol. Sci. 363, 35153528 (2008).

PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar

Nakahashi, W. A mathematical model of cultural interactions between modern and archaic humans. In Dynamics of Learning in Neanderthals and Modern Humans Vol. 1 (eds Akazawa, T. et al.) 255263 (Springer, 2013).

Olsson, A. & Phelps, E. A. Social learning of fear. Nat. Neurosci. 10, 10951102 (2007).

CAS PubMed Google Scholar

Galef, B. G. Social identification of toxic diets by Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). J. Comp. Psychol. 100, 331334 (1986).

PubMed Google Scholar

Ferrari, M. C. O. & Chivers, D. P. First documentation of cultural transmission of predator recognition by Larval Amphibians. Ethology 113, 621627. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0310.2007.01362.x (2007).

Article Google Scholar

Scalise Sugiyama, M. Lions and tigers and bears: Predators as a folklore universal. In Anthropology and Social History: Heuristics in the Study of Literature (eds Friedrich, H. Jannidis, F. Klein, U. Mellmann, K. Metzger, S. & Willem, M.) 319331 (Mentis, 1996).

Nakawake, Y. & Sato, K. Systematic quantitative analyses reveal the folk-zoological knowledge embedded in folktales. Palgrave Commun. 5, 161 (2019).

Google Scholar

Wilks, C. E. H., Rafetseder, E., Renner, E., Atkinson, M. & Caldwell, C. A. Cognitive prerequisites for cumulative culture are context-dependent: Childrens potential for ratcheting depends on cue longevity. J. Exp. Child Psychol. 204, 105031 (2021).

PubMed Google Scholar

Want, S. C. & Harris, P. L. Learning from other peoples mistakes: Causal understanding in learning to use a tool. Child Dev. 72, 431443 (2001).

CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar

Henrich, J. Demography and cultural evolution: How adaptive cultural processes can produce maladaptive lossesThe Tasmanian case. Am. Antiq. 69, 197214 (2004).

Google Scholar

Kobayashi, Y. & Aoki, K. Innovativeness, population size and cumulative cultural evolution. Theor. Popul. Biol. 82, 3847 (2012).

PubMed MATH Google Scholar

Mesoudi, A. & OBrien, M. J. The cultural transmission of Great Basin projectile-point technology I: An experimental simulation. Am. Antiq. 73, 627644 (2008).

Google Scholar

Mesoudi, A. & OBrien, M. The cultural transmission of Great Basin projectile-point technology II: An agent-based computer simulation. Am. Antiq. 73, 627644 (2008).

Google Scholar

Mesoudi, A. An experimental comparison of human social learning strategies: Payoff-biased social learning is adaptive but underused. Evol. Hum. Behav. 32, 334342 (2011).

Google Scholar

Mesoudi, A., Chang, L., Murray, K. & Lu, H. J. Higher frequency of social learning in China than in the West shows cultural variation in the dynamics of cultural evolution. Proc. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci. 282, 20142209 (2014).

Google Scholar

Thompson, B. & Griffiths, T. L. Human biases limit cumulative innovation. Proc. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci. 288, 20202752 (2021).

Google Scholar

Garcia-Retamero, R., Takezawa, M. & Gigerenzer, G. Does imitation benefit cue order learning? Exp. Psychol. 56, 307320 (2009).

PubMed Google Scholar

Gigerenzer, G., Todd, P. M., ABC Research Group. Simple Heuristics that Make Us Smart (Oxford University Press, 1999).

Google Scholar

Hastie, R. & Dawes, R. M. Rational Choice in an Uncertain World: The Psychology of Judgment and Decision Making (Sage, 2001).

Google Scholar

Acerbi, A., Tennie, C. & Mesoudi, A. Social learning solves the problem of narrow-peaked search landscapes: Experimental evidence in humans. R. Soc. Open Sci. 3, 160215 (2016).

ADS PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar

Higashi, M., Suzuki, R. & Arita, T. The role of social learning in the evolution on a rugged fitness landscape. Front. Phys. 6, 19 (2018).

Google Scholar

Derex, M. & Boyd, R. Social information can potentiate understanding despite inhibiting cognitive effort. Sci. Rep. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-28306-z (2018).

Lyons, D. E., Damrosch, D. H., Lin, J. K., Macris, D. M. & Keil, F. C. The scope and limits of overimitation in the transmission of artefact culture. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B Biol. Sci. 366, 11581167 (2011).

PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar

Whiten, A., McGuigan, N., Marshall-Pescini, S. & Hopper, L. M. Emulation, imitation, over-imitation and the scope of culture for child and chimpanzee. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B Biol. Sci. 364, 24172428 (2009).

Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar

Derex, M., Bonnefon, J. F., Boyd, R. & Mesoudi, A. Causal understanding is not necessary for the improvement of culturally evolving technology. Nat. Hum. Behav. 3, 446452 (2019).

Read the original post:

Negative observational learning might play a limited role in the cultural evolution of technology | Scientific Reports - Nature.com

Is the 49ers evolution since Week 3 enough to beat the Packers? – Niners Nation

Posted on by

Sitting at 2-0, the 49ers hosted the Packers in their first home game with fans since the 2019 NFC Championship game. The 49ers paid homage to the 1994 team by donning the red throwback uniforms for the first time. It was a nationally televised game on Sunday Night Football.

The table was set for the 49ers, but they came out flat, fell behind 17-0, and their comeback fell short, as Aaron Rodgers and the Packers drove the field for a game-winning field goal in 37 seconds.

If youre a Packers fan, your natural inclination is to use that Packers win as evidence for why they will repeat that performance on Saturday. If youre a 49ers fan, youre hoping the outcome will be different during this weekends NFC Divisional battle.

But how much have the 49ers evolved since that Week 3 loss, and are those differences between the teams enough for San Francisco to advance to the NFC Championship game?

The development of the 49ers pass rush and their improved run defense

In Week 3, the 49ers generated seven pressures against Aaron Rodgers and only sacked the Packers signal-caller once. In the last two weeks, San Franciscos defense has generated 27 pressures and sacked the opposing quarterback 10 times.

Arden Key played three snaps as an edge rusher in that first matchup, whereas now Key is rushing from the inside as an extremely valuable piece on this defensive line.

Samson Ebukam has really developed into a capable rusher off the edge, which simply wasnt the case early in the season as he was still adapting to the role. Arik Armstead played 27 snaps at defensive end in Week 3. Since Week 9, hes exclusively moved inside as a 3T and been dominating. He finished with a season-high six pressures last week vs. Cowboys.

San Franciscos run defense hasnt been emphasized enough, but since Week 10, they have been the best in the NFL. Their rushing defense is No. 1 in the following categories: DVOA, EPA per play, Success Rate, and Explosive Runs allowed.

Theyll face a strong rushing attack, as the Packers are No. 1 in rushing success rate on offense. Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon will be a load to tackle in the freezing temperatures of Wisconsin, but the 49ers improved defense should be up to the task.

Kyle Shanahans mid-season discovery of 49ers offensive identity

The 49ers were a highly-efficient offense all season long, but they really discovered their offensive identity mid-season in Chicago. Early in the year, it felt like Shanahan was struggling to find a rhythm as a play-caller, balancing Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance.

Halfway through 2021, Shanahan punted the Trey Lance package into the sun, moved Deebo Samuel into his wide-back position, emphasized a run-heavy attack with Elijah Mitchell at the forefront.

Since Week 10, the 49ers offense has taken off to a whole another level. Their offense is second in passing DVOA and sixth in rushing DVOA. The 49ers offense also has the highest rate of explosive passing plays during this span as well. Shanahans bunch is also fourth in EPA per play and sixth in success rate. All of the advanced metrics show that the 49ers have assembled a Top-5 offense (based on efficiency) ahead of the Packers matchup.

Samuel has come into his own as a true running back, Jauan Jennings has developed into a legitimate third-down threat, and Brandon Aiyuk has become the 49ers best route runner. Not to mention George Kittles duality as a receiving or blocking tight end depending on the matchup.

Green Bays abysmal run defense

It doesnt make sense given their personnel, but all the advanced numbers show that the Packers run defense is one of the worst units in football.

Since Week 10, the Packers rushing defense is 27th in DVOA, 27th in EPA per play, 32nd in Success Rate, and 32nd in Explosive Run Plays allowed. They get gashed between every gap and havent been able to contain opposing running backs.

The Browns provided the blueprint for how to attack this Packers rushing defense, gashing them for 219 yards on 25 carries (8.8 yards per attempt). Thats similar to Raheem Mosterts box score from the 2019 NFC Title game.

Its clear how the 49ers are going to attack; its just a matter of winning in the trenches and dominating the blocks up front for San Francisco. If they can control the line of scrimmage, theyll have success running the ball against this Green Bay front.

San Franciscos dominance in the Red Zone

It was pretty clear early on in the season that the 49ers red-zone offense was dramatically improved this season. Its been an area of struggle the last few seasons under Kyle Shanahan for whatever reason. Between George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and the emergence of Jauan Jennings, the 49ers have some legitimate red-zone threats that should keep defensive coordinators awake at night.

Shanahans red-zone offense ranks No. 1 in the NFL this season at 67 percent, while the Packers red-zone defense ranks No. 28. I think its a significant advantage because every time the 49ers get into the red area, theyll look to punch it in for six. Theyve had success all year long doing it, and it seems like the Packers defense has struggled to stop opponents.

Will this be a George Kittle game?

There was a three-week stretch where George Kittle reminded everyone in the National Football League who the most dominant tight end was. He had back-to-back games of at least 150 receiving yards, with three touchdowns, followed up by a 93-yard performance.

Kittles dominance in the run game as a blocker is widely known, but hes been a force as a receiving threat whenever the 49ers have needed it especially on the road.

The Packers have struggled to cover tight ends all season long. Theyre 28th in DVOA when covering opposing tight ends. Kittle caught seven passes for 93 yards in the first meeting this season and has generally had a ton of success against the Packers.

Id expect Kittle to be a major factor over the middle in this game, especially as a big, easy target for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Prediction: Green Bay 31, San Francisco 27

I think the 49ers are the toughest matchup for anyone in the NFL right now. They play a brand of football that travels anywhere and is uncommon in this day and age. San Franciscos physical rushing defense and pass rush should wreak more havoc than it did in Week 3. Their rushing attack should have success against the Packers front and be able to control this game.

The biggest questions to me heading into a game are the same as always:

Its been the same questions with this team all year long. Theyve generally been able to manage it in wins, and when they have lost, its typically been because of one of these three things.

I think they match up very well with the Packers, and I can see them winning this game and advancing to the NFC Championship game. However, at the same time, I dont trust the 49ers offense (especially their quarterback) to put together four quarters of high-level football on the road, and thats the difference in this game.

Read the original post:

Is the 49ers evolution since Week 3 enough to beat the Packers? - Niners Nation

January: dinosaur movement evolution | News and features – University of Bristol

Posted on by

New research led by the University of Bristol has revealed how giant 50-tonne sauropod dinosaurs, like Diplodocus, evolved from much smaller ancestors, like the wolf-sized Thecodontosaurus

In a new study published today in the journal Royal Society Open Science, researchers present a reconstruction of the limb muscles of Thecodontosaurus, detailing the anatomy of the most important muscles involved in movement.

Thecodontosaurus was a small to medium sized two-legged dinosaur that roamed around what today is the United Kingdom during the Triassic period (around 205 million years ago).

This dinosaur was one of the first ever to be discovered and named by scientists, in 1836, but it still surprises scientists with new information about how the earliest dinosaurs lived and evolved.

Antonio Ballell, PhD student in Bristols School of Earth Sciences and lead author of the study, said: The University of Bristol houses a huge collection of beautifully preserved Thecodontosaurus fossils that were discovered around Bristol. The amazing thing about these fossilised bones is that many preserve the scars and rugosities that the limb musculature left on them with its attachment.

These features are extremely valuable in scientific terms to infer the shape and direction of the limb muscles. Reconstructing muscles in extinct species requires this kind of exceptional preservation of fossils, but also a good understanding of the muscle anatomy of living, closely related species.

Antonio Ballell added: In the case of dinosaurs, we have to look at modern crocodilians and birds, that form a group that we call archosaurs, meaning ruling reptiles. Dinosaurs are extinct members of this lineage, and due to evolutionary resemblance, we can compare the muscle anatomy in crocodiles and birds and study the scars that they leave on bones to identify and reconstruct the position of those muscles in dinosaurs.

Professor Emily Rayfield, co-author of the study, said: These kinds of muscular reconstructions are fundamental to understand functional aspects of the life of extinct organisms. We can use this information to simulate how these animals walked and ran with computational tools.

From the size and orientation of its limb muscles, the authors argue that Thecodontosaurus was quite agile and probably used its forelimbs to grasp objects instead of walking.

This contrasts with its later relatives, the giant sauropods, which partly achieved these huge body sizes by shifting to a quadrupedal posture. The muscular anatomy of Thecodontosaurus seems to indicate that key features of later sauropod-line dinosaurs had already evolved in this early species.

Professor Mike Benton, another co-author, said: From an evolutionary perspective, our study adds more pieces to the puzzle of how the locomotion and posture changed during the evolution of dinosaurs and in the line to the giant sauropods.

How were limb muscles modified in the evolution of multi-ton quadrupeds from tiny bipeds? Reconstructing the limb muscles of Thecodontosaurus gives us new information of the early stages of that important evolutionary transition.

This research was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

Paper:

Walking with early dinosaurs: appendicular myology of the Late Triassic sauropodomorph Thecodontosaurus antiquus by A. Ballell, E. J. Rayfield and M. J. Benton in Royal Society Open Science.

See the original post here:

January: dinosaur movement evolution | News and features - University of Bristol

Making Sense of the Interest Rate Evolution – Planadviser.com

Posted on by

News headlines in both financial services trade publications and national media outlets alike have homed in over the past several weeks on the topic of interest rateson where they have come from, where they stand now and what level rates may reach in the new year.

As often happens in such situations, PLANADVISER has received an extensive amount of written commentary from investment experts on the interrelated subjects of interest rates, inflation and economic growth. They offer viewpoints that seek to go beyond the headlines and illuminate the underlying market forces defining the day.

In the analysis of Brad McMillan, chief investment officer (CIO) for Commonwealth Financial Network, market watchers may be feeling an undue sense of panic about the current interest rate situation.

The panic of the day is the news about interest rates, he writes. The headlines state (correctly) that rates have moved up sharply in recent days. They state (correctly) that stocks have pulled back, noting this fact is due to that increase (which is possibly but not necessarily true). And they state (incorrectly, I believe) that higher rates are going to derail the economy and the markets, in that order.

McMillan says this narrative is pretty standard for this stage of the economic cycle.

The economy is growing, so the Fed, more worried about inflation than employment, starts to raise interest rates, he notes. Higher rates, mathematically, will mean slow growth and lower stock valuations. Cue the headlines. What is missing, as usual, is context.

In McMillans view, the growing concerns about the recent rise in interest rates are based on a couple of assumptions. First is the assumption that the increase reflects a problem with the financial markets.

Second, there is the thinking that current ratesfrom which we see the increaseare, by definition, correct, and the increase, therefore, represents a change from the correct rate levels, McMillan writes. Both assumptions are wrong.

For context, McMillan looks at the past 10 years of interest rates for the 10-year Treasury note. The current yield is about 1.8%, up in recent days from around 1.5%. McMillan agrees with the broader headlines that this is a sharp and sizable increase.

But this rate increase is dwarfed by the ones we saw in 2020 and 2021, he points out. Neither of those increases derailed the recovery, despite the headlines at the time. And, looking back before the pandemic, the interest rates take us back only to the lower end of the range in the latter part of the last decade. In other words, the recent spike is simply reversing part of the drop during the pandemica drop caused by extreme fiscal and monetary policy actions.

Put another way, McMillan argues, rates right now are moving back to the lower end of the normal range for the past decade. He says this should give individual and institutional investors some solace amid the frightening headlines.

Comments sent from investment management firm Ninety One, penned by strategist Russell Silberston, sound a decidedly different note. Silberston argues investors may actually be underestimating how far interest rates will rise, meaning bond yields have much further to riseand bond prices to fallthan commonly expected. He says his argument is based on some basic market history from the past 10 years.

In December 2015, six years after the global financial crisis overwhelmed the global economy and caused interest rates around the world to be slashed, the U.S. Federal Reserve raised the target for its benchmark federal funds rate by 0.25% to 0.5%, Silberston recalls. However, it then took a year for the tightening cycle to kick off in earnest, with another 25 basis point [bps] hike in December 2016, which, in turn, was followed by a series of 25-point hikes each calendar quarter that followed.

This took the Feds overnight rate to 2.5% by December 2018, Silberston explains, and, within seven months, the Fed was forced to partially reverse some of this tightening, reducing its rate to 1.75% over the second half of 2019 as financial markets wobbled badly despite the economy performing well.

With the Federal Reserve again on the verge of a tightening cycle, financial markets are replaying the post-crisis playbook and assuming the Fed is only going to be able to raise its rate to around 1.75%, Silberston says. This is well short of any assessment of the economically neutral level of interest rates, as they will be stymied by the desire to shrink their balance sheet, too. Why, then, in the face of multi-decade highs in inflation, are markets so sanguine about the interest rate outlook? The answer lies in the Feds balance sheet, and in particular the level of excess reserves placed there by commercial banks.

As Silberston observes, when a central bank undertakes quantitative easing, it creates reserves for itself and, with these, buys government bonds and other assets. These sit as an asset on the banks balance sheets.

The money they created to buy those assets ends up in the banking system, and in turn finds its way back to the central bank as excess reserves, he writes. These, like any bank deposit, are a liability for the central bank. Thus, in accounting terms, both assets and liabilities at the central bank have grown. When it comes to quantitative tightening, the process is reversed. The central bank either sells or allows a bond to mature, thus shrinking their assets. However, their liabilities also shrink as commercial bank excess reserves fall in tandem.

Looking forward and comparing the Federal Reserves policy options that are available today relative to what was possible in the wake of the Great Recession, Silberston says the situation is quite differentmore different than some market watchers appear to realize. His arguments are fairly technical and have to do with the way the Federal Reserve estimates its liabilitieshow it did so in the period before the pandemic and how it is doing so now.

Whatever the reason, [in the prior cycle] the Feds compass was on the wrong setting and it overdid quantitative tightening and withdrew far more liquidity than the banking sector needed, Silberston writes. It is this rather technical aspect of the Feds operations that we believe was behind the aborted tightening cycle in 2016 to 2018, rather than the federal funds rate being driven to a level that the economy could not withstand.

This time, in Silberstons view, is different. He warns that, to avoid the same whipsaw happening again when it embarks on quantitative tightening in this cycle, the Fed has introduced new on-demand tools to control overnight interest rates, both to the upside and downside. In theory, at least, policymakers should be able to run the balance sheet down more quickly without causing the liquidity shortages that characterized the last tightening cycle.

Again, if this view is correct, the market is underestimating how far high interest rates will rise, meaning bond yields have much further to rise, and bond prices to fallthan hitherto, Silberston concludes.

For his part, McMillan does not fully agree with that take, but he also acknowledges that investors may be overlooking some potential risks.

Lets look at a few assumptions. The first one says the current spike is a problem in financial markets, McMillan suggests. Looking at the [historical rate] chart, however, the problem seems to have come from the pandemic. Now, from an economic perspective, this problem is starting to fade. In this sense, the recent increase is a recovery from a problem, not an indicator of one.

The second assumption says recent rates are the correct and normal ones, McMillan writes.

Yet here again, due to the pandemic, this is definitely not the case, he argues. If both of these assumptions are wrongand they arethe narrative we are seeing in the headlines must be wrong as well. This logic would also extend to further rate increases. If rates for the 10-year Treasury notes go to 2.5%, they would be within the central range over the pre-pandemic years. It is only when rates begin to rise above 3% for a sustained period, not briefly, that the prospects of significant economic damage will start to get material. The years from 2013 to 2019 show that the economy and the markets can do quite well with rates between 2% and 3%.

After making that point, McMillan is quick to point out that significant risks remain.

Growth stocks are showing the strain, and this has had a disproportionate impact on the market, he observes. The housing sector might slow down as mortgage rates increase, but again this trend would be an adjustment, not a wholesale change. The economy and markets can and do adjust to changes in interest rates. This environment is a normal part of the cycle and one we see on a regular basis. The current trend is perhaps a bit faster than weve been seeing, but it is a response to real economic factorsand, therefore, normal in context. That is why there is no need to panic.

Link:

Making Sense of the Interest Rate Evolution - Planadviser.com

Nutritional Products International’s Evolution of Distribution Platform Helps Health and Wellness Brands Enter the U.S. Market – Digital Journal

Posted on by

Mitch Gould Developed a System to Centralize Essential Services that New Products Need to Thrive in America

This press release was orginally distributed by ReleaseWire

Boca Raton, FL (ReleaseWire) 01/24/2022 Product manufacturers have many obstacles when they decide to launch a new product to American consumers.

A launch campaign needs at least a sales staff, logistical and operational support, and marketing expertise.

"Everything costs money, especially if you are an international health and wellness brand," said Mitch Gould, founder and CEO of Nutritional Products International, a global brand management firm based in Boca Raton, FL. "International brands often don't understand the American retail industry or our culture."

Gould said he developed the "Evolution of Distribution" system to streamline the product launch process and keep costs down.

"I brought all the services involved in a product launch under the NPI banner," Gould said. "NPI provides a seasoned sales staff, warehousing, logistics, regulatory compliance, and specialized marketing services."

With NPI, Gould said domestic and international product manufacturers don't have to rent office or warehouse space.

"They don't have to hire a sales team with support staff. We have a Food Scientist to make sure their labels are FDA approved," he added. "We have the knowledge and experience our clients are seeking."

Gould said he also founded InHealthMedia, a marketing agency that specializes in the health and wellness sector.

"You have to understand the products and the industry to market them effectively," he said.

The marketing plan can include social media influencers, strategic professionally written press releases, TV segments that can reach more than 100 million households, and media outreach.

"We also have gotten major general and trade publications to cover our clients," Gould said.

For more information, visitnutricompany.com.

About NPI and Its Founder NPI is a privately-held company specializing in the retail distribution of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, functional beverages, and skin-care products. NPI offers a unique, proven approach for product manufacturers worldwide seeking to launch or expand their products' distribution in the U.S. retail market.

Mitch Gould, the founder of NPI, is a third-generation retail distribution and manufacturing professional. Gould developed the "Evolution of Distribution" platform, which provides domestic and international product manufacturers with the sales, marketing, and product distribution expertise required to succeed in the world's largest market the United States. In the early 2000s, Gould was part of a "Powerhouse Trifecta" that placed more than 150 products on Amazon's new health and wellness category.

Gould, known as a global marketing guru, also has represented icons from the sports and entertainment worlds such as Steven Seagal, Hulk Hogan, Ronnie Coleman, Roberto Clemente Jr., Chuck Liddell, and Wayne Gretzky.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/nutritional-products-internationals-evolution-of-distribution-platform-helps-health-and-wellness-brands-enter-the-us-market-1352240.htm

Read the rest here:

Nutritional Products International's Evolution of Distribution Platform Helps Health and Wellness Brands Enter the U.S. Market - Digital Journal

Black History Month 2022 – Edinboro University

Posted on by

Throughout Black History Month, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities will host a series of events honoring the unique legacies, accomplishments and struggles of African Americans everywhere.

The monthlong celebration will open at 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31, with a virtual discussion featuring POC artists Danielle and Roland Slade and civic leader Autumn Parker. Part of Edinboros ongoing Diversity Dialogues series which tackles converging issues surrounding race, politics and economics the public talk will be livestreamed on Edinboros YouTube channel.

About the participants:

The Slades' collaborative artwork, "Texture Evolution," is on display as a part of the LINE show at Edinboro's Bruce Gallery in Doucette Hall through Feb. 4.

On Thursday, Feb. 3, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey will address The Story of Civic Engagement via Zoom from 5-6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Cal U, the lecture is open to students and employees at all three sister campuses.

Additional highlights include:

Our StoriesIllustrated Paint & ChipMonday, Feb. 7, from 6-9 p.m.Location: Cal U TBD: Carter Hall Multipurpose Room or the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Center

The event will feature local artist Jeff Jenkins. Pre-registration is required. Pre-registration is required. For more information, contact dei@calu.edu.

The Souls of Clayhatchee: A Southern TaleMonday, Feb. 14, at 6 p.m.Location: Online Zoom link

A virtual reading of the Anthony Todd Carlisle novel and discussion featuring author Dr. Anthony Carlisle, associate professor of Culture, Media and Performance at Cal U.

Professors of Color in the Ivory TowerWednesday, Feb. 16, at noonLocation: Online Zoom link

A virtual Red Table Talk Discussion facilitated by Dr. Michelle Torregano, associate professor and PreK graduate coordinator (Cal U). Faculty participants include Dr. Adrienne Dixon, assistant professor, Counseling, School Psychology and Special Education (Edinboro); Dr. Kevon Bruce, assistant professor, Counseling, School Psychology and Special Education (Edinboro); and Dr. Darla Timbo, assistant professor, Psychology (Cal U).

Akeem OlajThursday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m.Location: Edinboro University Frank G. Pogue Student Centers Scot Cinema

Olaj is spoken-word artist whose poetry focuses on family dynamics, public health, politics, domestic violence and LGBTQ issues. The event is sponsored by Edinboro University Programming Board.

Harriet TubmanSunday, Feb. 20, at 3 p.m.3 p.m. - Screening of 2019 biographical film directed by Kasi Lemmons5 p.m. - Group discussion6 p.m. - Soul Food Sunday DinnerLocation: Clarion University Suites on Main North movie theater

The film screening, discussion and dinner are sponsored by Little Leaders of Clarion and the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Education.

The History of Soul Food: Lunch & LearnWednesday, Feb. 23, from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.Location: Cal U Goldrush

Attendees will learn about and sample soul food, a term used for ethnic cuisine traditionally prepared and eaten by African Americans in the Southern U.S. The event is sponsored by AVI Dining and Catering Services.

Have You Ever Seen the Crowd Goin Apesh*t?: Art, Pop Culture and Artistic Challenge to PowerWednesday, Feb. 23, from 6-7 p.m. Location: Online Zoom link coming soon

A Bruce Gallery screening of Beyonc and JayZs 2018 music video, Apeshit, (filmed inside the Louvre in Paris), followed by a panel discussion featuring Edinboro faculty members Dr. Rhonda Matthews (Political Science), Dr. Charlotte Wellman (Art History) and Lisa Austin (Studio Art and director of Bruce Gallery) and Dr. Ginger Jacobson, associate director of behavioral research at the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.

Character Narratives: Creating a Black FilmWednesday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m.Location: Clarion University Hart Chapel

Award-winning writer/film director Hezreel Robertson of Pittsburgh has written and produced several short films. His filming style hails from German expressionist and has been described as voyeuristic. Robertsons internationally recognized short film, Forlorning, has received seven Mokkho Film Festival selections and five festival awards. He is producing several short films and two feature films. The event is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Education, Leadership Institute and NAACP.

Black History Month TriviaMonday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m.Location: Edinboro University Frank G. Pogue Student Centers Multipurpose Room

The student trivia event is sponsored by Edinboro University Programming Board.

Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dr. Joseph Laythe Awards CeremonyThursday, March 3, at 3 p.m.Location: Edinboro University Van Houten North Dining Hall

Black History Month Charity WalkFeb. 1 28

Cal U, Clarion and Edinboro students are asked to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by walking for a charity that is important to their story. To participate:

Prizes will be awarded to the top four students on each campus. Winners will be announced on March 3.

California, Clarion and Edinboro universities are proud to join the nation in celebrating the culture and rich traditions of our diverse communities. To learn more about Black History Month programming or the institutions diversity initiatives, contact Dr. Terrence Mitchell, vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or visit calu.edu, clarion.edu and edinboro.edu.

See the original post:

Black History Month 2022 - Edinboro University

History Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster

Posted on by

1 : the study of past events I studied history in college. a professor of medieval/American history

2a : a chronological record of significant events (such as those affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes a history of Japan

c : an account of a patient's medical background reviewing her medical history

d : an established record a prisoner with a history of violence

3 : a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events medieval history

4a : events that form the subject matter of a history the history of space exploration

b : events of the past History has shown that such efforts rarely succeed.

c : one that is finished or done for the winning streak was history you're history

d : previous treatment, handling, or experience (as of a metal) a history of repeated exposure to freezing temperatures

'; container.parentNode.insertBefore(header, container); // Add the div for the openweb comments. var openwebDiv = document.createElement("div"); openwebDiv.className = "pitc-div"; openwebDiv.setAttribute("data-spotim-module", "pitc"); container.parentNode.insertBefore(openwebDiv, container); // Create the openweb tag. var openwebScript = document.createElement("script"); openwebScript.type = "text/javascript"; openwebScript.src = "https://launcher.spot.im/spot/sp_704FKM73"; openwebScript.setAttribute("data-spotim-module", "spotim-launcher"); openwebScript.setAttribute("data-post-id", "owl:history"); openwebScript.setAttribute("data-post-url", "http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/history"); openwebScript.setAttribute("data-messages-count", "3"); container.appendChild(openwebScript); }, 5000);

Read more:

History Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

NFL overtime rules: A history of every failed NFL team proposal to change OT format since 2010 – Sporting News

Posted on by

The NFL's overtime rules have changed quite a bit since 2010, but that hasn't stopped NFL teams from attempting to tweak them in recent offseasons.

The NFL employs an overtime format that is unique among major North American sports. There is a sudden-death element to the overtime period, as the team that first receives the ball can end the game if they score a touchdown.

However, in recent years, teams like the Chiefs, Eagles and Ravens have made proposals to change up that rule. The proposals differ, but they all have at least one thing in common. At a minimum, they want to mitigate the impact that the overtime coin toss has on the outcome of the game. Some even strive to guarantee that both sides will possess the ball in the extra period.

Since 2010, there have been a few major changes to the NFL's overtime rules, but there have been even more proposals that have fallen by the wayside. But after the Chiefs-Bills game during the divisional round of the2022 NFL playoffs, it feels like we're bound to get some more rule change requests in the coming months and years.

Below is a recap of the major NFL overtime rule changes both enacted and proposed since the league implemented its new postseason overtime rules in 2010.

RIVERA: Revisiting the 11 NFL postseason OT games since 2010

The NFL first changed its sudden-death overtime rules in 2010. At that time, the NFL adopted new overtime rules for the postseason alone. The major change was that a made field goal no longer ended overtime; only a touchdown on the first possession would end the extra period.

The new rule was passed by a vote of 28-4, and it was recommended by the NFL's competition committee at a 6-2 clip. The main reason was thatRich McKay the team that won the overtime coin toss won the game nearly 60 percent of the time and 34.4 percent of the time on the first possession.

"Plenty of people on the committee, myself included, are so-called traditionalists," then-Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian said, per ESPN. "I am proud to be one. But once you saw the statistics, it became obvious we had to do something."

Then co-chairman of the competition committee, Rich McKay, also explained that the proposal was popular because it maintained the sudden-death aspect that is unique to NFL overtime.

The rule change came in wake of the Saints' overtime win over the Vikings in the NFC Championship Game in 2010, but it wasn't directly tied to the rule change. In fact, Vikings owner Zygi Wilf, reportedly voted against the change.

"You need consistency of the regular season and the postseason," Wilf said.

Two years later, Wilf got the consistency he thought was important in the implementation of any rule change. The NFL expanded its new postseason overtime rules to the regular season beginning in 2012.

This came after twopostseason games were played with the new overtime rules. The first was the 2011 Broncos-Steelers game,which Tim Tebow ended immediately by throwing a game-winning touchdown to Demaryius Thomas on the first offensive play of the overtime period. The second was the 49ers-Giants game in 2012, which saw the Giants win despite being stopped on their opening drive. They stopped the 49ers and drove down for the game-winning field goal.

The sample size was small, but the playoff overtime rule change was popular enough among NFL ownership that they moved it to the regular season. The possibility always existed when they first implemented the rule change that it would expand in that capacity, andafter a two-year test run, they evidently felt comfortable enough to roll with it.

In 2017, the NFL's competition committee recommended that the NFL shorten its overtime period to 10 minutes. It had previously been the same length as a normal quarter, 15 minutes. The league obliged, thus creating 10-minute overtime periods.

Why did the NFL agree to do this? According to commissioner Roger Goodell, it was all in the name of player safety.

"We think this is an important change, particularly for teams that may be into an overtime situation and a lengthy overtime situation that may have to come back and play on a Thursday night, so this is another positive change," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, per NFL.com.

In the five years prior to the rule change, there had been83 overtime games played in the NFL. Only 22 of them (26.5 percent) lasted at least 10 minutes into overtime. Thus, the league shortened the overtime period to prevent injuries and extra plays from occurring, at the cost of slightly more frequent ties.

BENDER: 13 games that caused NFL's overtime changes

The Chiefs made a major overtime rule change proposal in 2019 after they lost to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. In that contest, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense never saw the ball in extra time, as Tom Brady and the Patriots drove 75 yards for a touchdown on their first possession, enacting the sudden-death touchdown rule.

As such, the Chiefs set out to change that. They proposed a rule that would allow each team at least one possession in overtime, even if the team that first possessed the ball scored a touchdown. The proposal also set out to eliminate the coin flip and just to rely on the pre-game coin flip to decide which team gets to whether to receive or kick in overtime.

I think everybody wants a chance for guys to do what they do," Chiefs general manager Brett Veachtold Pro Football Talkwhen asked about the rule change proposalin March of 2019. "I dont really see the downside of having that. Especially when you have a player like Pat Mahomes. It would have been a lot of fun. I think people, if they werent already tuned in for a great game, would have turned on that overtime.

However, the NFL owners didn't agree with Veach, Andy Reid and the Chiefs. Kansas City's motion got little support during the meetings and was tabled due to a "lack of support" for the change, per Boston.com. The owners didn't even vote on the issue.

Ironically, those very unchanged rules ended up benefitting the Chiefs three years later during their playoff win over the Bills.

The Eagles crafted a proposal in 2020 that looked to"minimize the impact of the overtime coin toss." How? Well, it involved using total touchdowns to determine who got the ball in overtime, as described by SB Nation.

At the end of regulation playing time, whichever team has scored more touchdowns during regulation will have the same options as a team that wins the pregame coin toss. If the teams have scored an equal number of touchdowns, the Referee shall immediately toss a coin at the center of the field, in accordance with rules pertaining to a usual pregame toss. The visiting team captain is to again call the toss.

The Eagles cited "competitive equity" and "fan engagement" for the primary reasons for their requested rule change.

To recap, the team that was better offensively and recorded more touchdowns would get the ball first. So, instead of relying on a coin to choose which team would go first, they are relying on a stat related to the game.

Of course, as the proposal noted, that rule change wouldn't entirely eliminate the need for a coin toss. It would still be necessary ifthe teams had an equal number of touchdowns.

That's part of why the proposal never made it to the voting process as a potential NFL rule change. And it may also be part of the reason that the Eagles switched to support another potential overtime rule change in 2021.

The Ravens and Eaglestook an unorthodox approach to change the NFL's overtime rules. They designed a proposal to give the overtime coin toss less of a clear competitive edge in the extra period.

Here's how overtime would have looked under theproposal. The winner of the coin toss can choose one of two things. They can choose to start the ball on offense or defense or they can choose where to spot the ball to begin overtime.

For example, a team could choose to receive the ball, but then their opponent could choose to spot the ball at their own 1-yard line, making it necessary for the team on offense to drive the length of the field to score. Conversely, a team could choose to spot the ball on their own 15-yard line and that would force their opponent to make the difficult choice about whether they'd like to be on offense or defense.

This would create a true sudden-death format that would minimize the impact of the overtime coin toss. Why? Because the winning team wouldn't automatically benefit from winning the toss, as if they elect to receive, they could see the ball placed deep in their own territory. And if they elect to spot the ball, they would have to play on defense.

We think the main thing is the spot-and-choose aspect of it is to make it fair, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said, per Ravens.com. Any luck involved would be the bounce of the ball, not the flip of the coin. I think thats something the fans would appreciate."

MORE:Current NFL overtime rules, explained

"While its really intriguing and fun, theres a lot to it strategically. Its a very simple concept," he added. "Easy to understand, I think, once you get your arms around it. It's a lot fewer lines in the rule book, I can tell you that."

Still, the NFL owners weren't ready to embrace that rule in 2021. The proposal was rejected as it "did not receive enough support" from the competition committee. Nor did the team's proposal for a 7 1/2 minute non-sudden-death overtime.

That said, competition committee chairman Rich McKay praised the Ravens' proposal of the idea and noted that it could "take a long time" to fully understand.

"That was an out-of-the-box idea," McKay said in a conference call with reporters. "I thought Baltimore did a really nice job in explaining it. I think ideas like that take a long time to marinate and understand. It didn't have a lot of support, but I've been around rules before that didn't have a lot of support over the years and all of a sudden passed. I think it's good they brought it up."

Theleague did make one overtime change before 2021. Theyfinallyeliminated overtime for preseason games in 2021 after several years of teams proposing that go away. It's simply not needed in exhibition games where third- and fourth-string players are often playing at the end of regulation.

For context, here's how OT games have shaken out since the NFL changed the rule in 2010.

Will there be a rules change after the Bills loss to the Chiefs? Time will tell.

The rest is here:

NFL overtime rules: A history of every failed NFL team proposal to change OT format since 2010 - Sporting News

49ers-Rams: What NFL history tells us about beating division foe three times – NBC Sports Bay Area

Posted on by

Its no secret: The 49ers have dominated the Los Angeles Rams for the past three seasons.

San Francisco has won six consecutive meetings between the two division rivals, dating back to a 20-7 win at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 13, 2019. The 49ers defeated LA twice during the 2021 regular season a 31-10 rout in Week 10 and a 27-24 victory in the regular-season finale in which San Francisco rallied back from a 17-point deficit to clinch a playoff spot.

According to Sportradar, Sundays NFC Championship Game will mark the sixth occurrence in the Super Bowl era of a team defeating a divisional foe twice in the regular season, only to match up again for a conference title.

Three of the five previous occasions resulted in the 2-0 team improving to 3-0.

It was most recently accomplished by the Tennessee Titans in 1999. Tennessee, in its first season playing with the nickname Titans, defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars twice during the regular season and advanced to Super Bowl XXXIV after a 33-14 victory over the Jags.

In 1986, coach Bill Parcells and the New York Giants beat Washington twice before ending its season with a 17-0 shutout in the NFC Championship Game.

Four years prior, in 1982, the Miami Dolphins took down the New York Jets in two regular-season clashes. When the teams met again for a conference championship, the Dolphins exited with a 14-0 win.

However, two teams have saved revenge for the conference title game. The 1983 Los Angeles Raiders topped the Seattle Seahawks 30-14 in the AFC Championship Game to pay back losses of 38-36 and 34-21 in the regular season. In 1969, the Kansas City Chiefs thumped the Oakland Raiders 17-7 for the conference title to erase a pair of previous losses.

There were another four such examples before the Super Bowl era. Three of those four teams who won the first two meetings were victorious in the third.

That means in all, teams with two prior wins over a division rival are 6-3 against that same roster in conference championship games.

What does all this history mean for the 49ers? Not much. Old sports cliches tell us its hard to beat a team twice in one season. Three times is even tougher.

But history on the gridiron tells us its certainly possible.

Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast

Go here to read the rest:

49ers-Rams: What NFL history tells us about beating division foe three times - NBC Sports Bay Area

Penguins Announce Return of Black Hockey History Game – BlueJackets.com

Posted on by

The Pittsburgh Penguins will kick off a month of Black History Month celebrations on Sunday, January 30, when the team hosts the Los Angeles Kings at 1 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena.

During the month of February, the Penguins will celebrate Black History Month through virtual programming focused on elevating Black leaders and change-makers, sharing inspiring stories of historic resilience, and connecting our fans to one another through their love for hockey.

Last summer the Penguins opened the Willie O'Ree Academy to offer free, high-quality training and support to local Black youth hockey players and their families. This fall the team opened a seasonal indoor hockey rink at the Hunt Armory in Shadyside to host its hockey diversity programming.

"The Penguins are devoted to supporting the youth of our city and the Black community. It's part of our mission, and we're happy to lead the National Hockey League and the city of Pittsburgh in celebrating Black History Month all through February," Penguins President David Morehouse said.

Join the Penguins this Black History Month, as we inspire, connect, and elevate in person and virtually through programming that unites our community, staff, and fans. These programs will feature NHL players and executives, community leaders, and Penguins front office staff, as we come together this Black History Month.

On Sunday, January 30 at 1 p.m., the team will hold a Black Hockey History Day at PPG Paints Arena as the Penguins play the Los Angeles Kings. Prior to the puck drop, there will be opportunities for fans to connect in person with networking events, and there will be a special exhibit on Black hockey from the Hockey Hall of Fame.

All fans in attendance will receive a rally towel presented by CNX.

At the Black Hockey History game, fans will be able to visit the first-of-its-kind exhibit from the Hockey Hall of Fame detailing the history of Black hockey with memorabilia from HHOF Honored Members Grant Fuhr, Jarome Iginla, Angela James, and Willie O'Ree, in addition to hockey artifacts dating as far back as 1905. The Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award will also be on display.

The exhibit is being funded by a grant to the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation from the Irene W. and C.B Pennington Foundation to highlight and celebrate diversity in hockey.

Fans will also connect with diverse organizations at concourse activation tables near the exhibit, which will be located in the Hallmark Hall of Champions, behind the Captain Morgan Club.

Through the month of February, the Penguins will honor and celebrate Black History Month by providing a series of virtual programming for our partners, community, staff, and fans.

"We take seriously our responsibility to institute positive, systemic change as we look to use our sport and influence to be champions of diversity and inclusion, both on and off the ice, and our virtual Black History Month programming allows us to reach our fans in our community and beyond," said Delvina L. Morrow, the Penguins' Senior Director of Strategic and Community Initiatives, and DEI.

Programming will feature NHL players and executives, community leaders, and Penguins front office staff, as they celebrate Black History Month, sharing inspiring stories of historic resilience, connecting our fans to one another through their love of

hockey, and elevating Black leaders and change-makers.

More details on the virtual events will be announced soon. Please visit the team's Black History Month webpageto sign up for updates.

Read more from the original source:

Penguins Announce Return of Black Hockey History Game - BlueJackets.com

FORTRESS COLUMBUS: Detailing the USMNT’s History of Success in Central Ohio – U.S. Soccer

Posted on by

In 2009, Michael Bradleys brace helped the USAto a third-consecutive Dos a Cero home qualifying win against Mexicoto open the final round of qualifying with another 2-0 victory.

The Dos a Cero tradition against El Tr continued in 2013 as the USMNT again booked a spot at the World Cup with a 2-0 triumph against their rivals. Donovan had a big say in that match as his corner kick set up the first goal by Eddie Johnson in the 49th minute before he celebrated his own in the 78th minute. Goalkeeper Tim Howard produced some stellar saves late in the first half when it was still scoreless.

"Anytime you win a game to qualify for the World Cup, and it happens to be against Mexico, it's hard to top that," Donovan said. "That was a very memorable night."

In 2016, Mexico broke the streak, using a last-minute header by Rafa Marquez to earn a 2-1 win against the USA in the opening match of the final round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying.

Beyond the wins against Mexico, Columbus has also served as a welcoming place for the team to recover after difficult road results.

Only four days after losing an early lead and suffering a 2-1 semifinal round defeat at Jamaica on Sept. 7, 2012, the USMNT returned to Historic Crew Stadium, using Herculez Gomezs 55th minute free kick to earn an emotional 1-0 win on the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The team faced a similar scenario during the semifinal round in 2016. A poor performance led to a disappointing 2-0 defeat in Guatemala, pushing the teams back against the wall for advancement when it faced Los Chapines again four days later in Columbus.

The home crowd again provided the perfect backdrop to the USAs resounding 4-0 thumping of Guatemala on March 29, 2016, a match that also marked then 17-year-old Christian Pulisics senior team debut.

While the streak against Mexico ended, Columbuss importance to the USMNT continued last fall as the team hosted Costa Rica in its first match at brand-new Lower.com Field on Oct. 13.

In a similar situation to the 2012 matches against Jamaica, the USMNT landed in Ohio on the back of a 1-0 defeat at Panama.

Though the side surrendered a first-minute goal to Keysher Fuller, the boisterous Columbus crowd willed a thrilling comeback. The USMNT equalized behind Sergio Dest's 25th-minute wonder strike before the right back set up the game-winner in the 66th minute. The Barcelona defender sent a short pass to Tim Weah on the right side of the penalty area, where the Lille forward drilled a shot that hit the right post, then caromed off goalkeeper Leonel Moreira before entering the net.

Read this article:

FORTRESS COLUMBUS: Detailing the USMNT's History of Success in Central Ohio - U.S. Soccer

A matter of time: Union professor’s new book explores the history of timekeeping – Union College

Posted on by

The tracking of time, Chad Orzel writes in the introduction of his latest book, A Brief History of Timekeeping, is a signature preoccupation not just of modern society, but also of human civilization.

The process of building and refining timekeeping devices has been one of the great drivers of progress in science and technology for millennia, the author writes. From Neolithic solstice markers through mechanical watches to ultra-precise laser frequency standards, we are and always have been a species that builds clocks.

That is more than 5,000 years to unpack of the science and technology humans have used to track time. If anyone can deliver a fascinating, fun and engaging take on sundials and Su Song, it is Orzel, associate professor of physics and astronomy.

Hes proven to be quite adept at explaining complex subjects to non-scientists, in previous books How to Teach Physics to Your Dog, How to Teach Relativity to Your Dog, and Eureka: Discovering Your Inner Scientist, and in his regular blog entries for Forbes and Substack.

Orzel even offers something for those who are not intimidated by scientific content. Throughout the book, shaded bars along the sides of the page highlight sections that go deeper into the scientific principles underlying methods of timekeeping. The non-scientist may choose to skip those pages.

The American Physical Society recently honored Orzel as a member of the Societys Fellows. Orzel was nominated in part for his work in improving the public's knowledge of and appreciation for physics.

Orzel joined Union in 2001.

When did you start writing the book?

The proposal was done in mid-2019, so the writing started in earnest around that time. I had been kicking the idea around for a while, though.

The book has its origins in a sophomore research seminar course at Union?

The actual first iteration of this idea was a guest lecture in an SRS taught by Anastasia Pease in English, who asked me to give a quick run-down on the science of time. I put something very general together for that and thought, Hey, there's something here."

I pitched it as a possible SRS for the Scholars program. I have done it three times, in 2012, 2015 and 2018. The first time, I allowed students the option of doing standard library research papers, but the other two, I required them to do some sort of actual measurement of time or a timekeeping device as part of their final projects, and this has been a lot more fun. I have had students build and test sundials, build and test an impressive variety of water clocks, and test the performance of a bunch of kinds of watches. I think this ends up giving students a much more accurate sense of what research is like in the sciences - they are not just reading books; they're actually investigating the behavior of things in the real world.

How has the class been received by students?

It has gone over pretty well, overall; students have done some really nice and inventive projects. My favorite might be the student who decided to look into the effect of temperature changes on a pendulum clock, who built a long pendulum from a rod of plastic and measured its oscillation period both in the kitchen at Dutch Hollow and in the courtyard outside Reamer on a freezing-cold day, and saw a measurable difference between them. I have also had a couple of students make surprisingly elaborate water clocks, including at least one of a type I had never heard of before they proposed it.

How did you conduct research for the book?

A lot of internet searching, and a lot of ordering books through Schaffer Library. This was complicated by the fact that I was about four chapters into the first draft when COVID hit and everything shut down. I owe a huge debt to the librarians who pulled books from the stacks for me.

In doing research for the book, what was the most interesting thing you learned?

This was actually research for the class, but I was surprised to learn how recent an invention the sandglass is - in fact, hourglasses were invented right around the same time as mechanical clocks. The first depiction of something that is unambiguously an hourglass is in a fresco in Siena, Italy, from 1330, but the idea had probably been around for a good while before then, and the first mechanical clocks are also from the 1200s. That was surprising, because it seems like an idea that ought to be really ancient - water clocks date back to before 1500 BCE - but it was not in common use until surprisingly recently.

What do you hope the reader takes away from the book?

Two things: One, that our obsession with telling time is not a modern American development; its something that goes back thousands of years and turns up in basically every culture we have decent information about. Many of the oldest human structures we know of have a timekeeping function, with alignments that help keep track of the time of year. And the science of tracking time led to the development of sophisticated calendars and clocks in ancient cultures not only around the Mediterranean but in East Asia and the Americas, as well.

And two, that the modern science of timekeeping touches all sorts of areas of modern life, beyond using Google Calendar on your phone to keep your day on schedule is. The Global Positioning System that we use to navigate to new places or to play augmented reality games is based on time kept by atomic clocks, for example, so it has a very direct application. It also has some significant philosophical implications - the origins of the theory of relativity, and its dramatic revision of our understanding of time and space, are closely related to practical concerns regarding clocks.

Link:

A matter of time: Union professor's new book explores the history of timekeeping - Union College

The Gilded Age: Real History, Inspirations & Figures – BBC History Magazine

Posted on by

The Gilded Age as a historical era refers to the 1870s through the 1890s in America, and lines up with the later years of the Victorian era in Britain. If you were to ask Americans what they associate with the 1880s, they would most likely mention the great businessmen and their families that have come to symbolise the era: the Vanderbilts; the Astors; the Rockefellers, to name a few.

Others associate the 1880s with the development of the American West. Americans of colour will likely respond with Jim Crow/post Reconstruction restrictions on Black Americans, Indian Removal and the development of reservations, and the Chinese Exclusion Act, which was passed in 1882. Some may even associate the 1880s with the rise of the labour movement, social reforms, and the American womens suffrage movement. But often, this era gets less attention in American history compared to other decades in the 19th century. While period drama viewers will have seen the era depicted work such as the 1970s adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilders Little House on the Prairie, or numerous Western films focused on railroad expansion leading to the new towns and cities, cowboys, and conflicts with tribes who had lost their land to the federal government, New York and the East Coast has been absent.

Perhaps the closest screen link thematically to The Gilded Age is the 1993 film adaptation of Edith Whartons novel The Age of Innocence. Wharton grew up in an elite New York family, and her debutante years in the 1880s were the basis for later writings. So its perhaps inevitable that Wharton and analysis of her works would have been included in background research for Fellowes latest drama.

The Gilded Age at first appears to be following Whartons thematic path quite closely, by centring the richest residents of New York and their country estates in Newport, Rhode Island. However, the appearance of the original characterPeggy Scott (played by Dene Benton) sets the story on a path towards something entirely new in the American period drama space. Peggy Scott is a young African-American woman who is travelling to New York to seek new employment and create distance from past conflicts with her family.

Dr Erica Armstrong Dunbar is the main historical consultant for The Gilded Age and a co-executive producer. She has spent the last 20 years researching the lives of African-American women in the 19th century. Dunbar was recruited by the production team in 2019. It was very clear that we were going to have characters that allowed us entry into a world that really hasnt been covered on television before, she said. Thats the world of the Black elite in the 1880s.

Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook & Dene Benton as Peggy Scott. (Image by Alison Cohen Rosa 2021 Heyday Productions, LLC and Universal Television LLC)

My work as a historian and the books that Ive written, that was the reason that they called, but also to help them once again stay as true as possible to a world that, although is based on fiction, was still authentic and felt as though audiences can be transported back to 1880 in a very kind of real way.

In terms of chronology, the majority of recent African-American period dramas move from Underground, Roots, and Mercy Street which take place right before or during the Civil War to Self-Made and Passing which are set during the Harlem Renaissance without much pause for the 1880s. The recent 2021 Black cowboy film The Harder They Fall has some chronological overlap with Peggy Scotts story but very little thematic overlap, as it is set in the American West.

Social history book Black Gotham (2012) by Carla L Peterson was key for Dunbar in cementing Peggys plotline in the history of the era. Petersons book is a combination of genealogy and social history as she traces her great-great-grandfather Peter Guignon through the archives of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Guignon lived in Fort Greene, Brooklyn during the mid-19th century and was part of a thriving community of African-American professionals, business owners, and their families. Harlems development as an epicentre for Black culture occurred in the decades after 1882, and the stories of Guignon and other family members offer a picture of the lives of African-American elites in New York City.

In The Gilded Age, Peggys story isnt written in isolation to the rest of the white characters, though. She has employment and friendship ties with other characters. Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) is a white woman, but Peggy ends up becoming friends with her. Audiences may at first glance believe this is purely fictional.

When we think about the worlds that were pretty segregated in the 1880s, says Dunbar, for Peggy and Marian to come upon one another and to find a way to create and maintain a relationship that was honest and not based on some odd power dynamic, that was important in part because, yes, while somewhat rare, it still existed.

It also gave us the opportunity to look at two young women who, at this moment in time, were trying to figure out their paths in life, one white, one Black, and to look at the challenges, the hurdles, but also the opportunities presented, and expectations presented to both.

The theme of womens roles inside and outside the home in a world dominated by men are at the centre of many of the plotlines for The Gilded Age; it has a large ensemble cast and there are two households at the centre of the story. The tension between the old elite of New York and the nouveau riche leading to social changes is represented through womens social and familial relationships. In the drama, fictional character Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) and her railroad tycoon husband George (Morgan Spector) build a new mansion across the street from where some of New Yorks oldest families live. Bertha wants their children, Larry (Harry Richardson) and Gladys (Taissa Farmiga), to make friends with the elite children of the same age in order to keep climbing the social ladder.

Cynthia Nixon as Ada Brook & Christine Baranski as Agnes Van Rhijn. (Image by Alison Cohen Rosa 2021 Heyday Productions, LLC and Universal Television LLC)

The Russells new neighbours Agnes Van Rhijin (Christine Baranski) and Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon) are middle-aged sisters who despise Bertha for her social climbing attempts. Agnes is a widow with a son Oscar (Blake Ritson) while Ada never married; however, their family tree goes back to the 17th century, when New York was owned by the Dutch. Not only do Agnes and Ada (often referred to as the Aunts) have to contend with the Russells interloping, their niece Marian is moving in after the death of her father (and their brother) Henry. Marian grew up middle class and estranged from her aunts. Marian also introduces Peggy to Agnes which adds another layer of tension. The men legally control the purse strings, but true to the era, the women are the ones who determine whos in or out of fashionable society.As the series progresses, the younger characters may end up taking a different view than their older relatives on the social wars based on friendships and romantic relationships.

Agnes and Ada, as well as the Russells, are composites of more identifiable biographical figures of the era, but the choice to focus on these original characters removes some of the preconceived notions viewers may have when seeing anyone named Vanderbilt or Rockefeller, for example, as a main character. The Astors, however, are represented by Mrs Caroline Astor (Donna Murphy) and her daughter, also Caroline Carrie (Amy Forsyth), who have extremely busy social calendars.

The Astors were very much a real family whose fortune was rooted in the fur trade, and in late 19th-century New York Mrs Astor (as she was known) and her daughter were prominent socialites who famously led the Four Hundred a controversial list of acceptable New York society published in 1892 in The New York Times.

Clara Barton (Linda Emond), the founder of the American Red Cross, also makes an appearance. Her appearance represents not only the role of elite women in charities of the era, but is an opportunity to further cement commentary on womens roles outside the household.

Fellowes stylistic trademarks appear most prominently in The Gilded Age when the audience sees the servants that make the decadent lifestyles of the Russells and their neighbours possible.

Electricity was not widely used in this era, and the appliances that would simplify household chores did not exist. Domestic staff doing the manual labour of cleaning, cooking, and household organisation was essential not just to the elites, but also to middle-class households as well. The servants are not just the source of household gossip; they are a window into the lives of New Yorkers whose existences revolve around the elite world. However, the opportunities for social advancement, whether by marriage or the economy creating new jobs outside of domestic service between the US and UK, will likely influence later plot lines.

Amy Forsyth as Caroline Carrie Astor & Ashlie Atkinson as Mamie Fish & Harry Richardson as Larry Russell. (Image by Alison Cohen Rosa 2021 Heyday Productions, LLC and Universal Television LLC)

Addressing approaches to so-called historical accuracy, and underpinning both Peggys world and the world of the elite classes, is extreme attention to detail in terms of set design and costuming. I wasnt the only historical consultant on the show, Dunbar explains. There were others who focused on things like flatware on a banquet table, stemware, the placement of crockery, of livery outfits and what have you. There was a great deal of attention paid to the details of the world in a material sense, because thats important when you bring your viewers in.

Listen | A panel of experts tackle the big questions surrounding period drama in the 21st century and ask: whats next?

Experts who specialise in the history of the era may well find things to highlight about the set design or the costumes of The Gilded Age, but the real danger in traditional methods of analysing historical accuracy are false assumptions based on whitewashed history that Black figures didnt exist and live in this society portrayed on screen. Viewers and critics alike may fall into the trap of believing all Black people who lived in 1882 were of lower economic status. Others may recognize prominent Black historical figures such as WEB DuBois and Booker T Washington were active in society and politics during the 1880s but their work is often separated from the elite Black community they belonged to. The real-life figures Peggy Scott, her family, and their associates are based on have a clear historical paper trail. And even if the series decided to cast an actor of colour to play a character originally written as white, modern-day racism should not be a factor in determining how extant objects were recreated in set design and costuming.

The Gilded Age melds familiar period drama tropes with history previously untold on screen to create a sweeping miniseries. The audience may not be able to predict the trajectories of each character, but the drama may set a trend other American period dramas will follow. Peggy Scotts story is only the beginning of filling the void of Black history on screen between the end of the Civil War and the 1920s.

The Gilded Agewill premiere in the US on HBO on Monday 24 January 2022 at 9pm.

It will launch in the UK on Sky Atlantic on Tuesday 25 January 2022 at 9pm, and it will be available to stream on NOW.

The Gilded Age will premiere in the US on HBO on Monday 24 January 2022 at 9pm. In the UK it launches on Sky Atlantic on Tuesday 25 January 2022 at 9pm, and it will be available to stream on NOW. Check out our lists of thebest historical movies on Netflix, the best history documentaries on Netflix and thebest historical drama series on Netflix, or discover the latest historical TV and radio airing in the UK this month

Note: This article contains references to characters and events from the first two episodes. Information from future episodes is solely based on material from press releases/other articles. Future episode plots and historical details may vary from this article.

See the original post here:

The Gilded Age: Real History, Inspirations & Figures - BBC History Magazine

Ranking the Greatest Games in NFL Playoff History – NBC Chicago

Posted on by

Ranking the greatest games in NFL playoff history originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

On the Monday after what was arguably the NFL's best weekend of playoff football, Prince Akeem from the classic movie "Coming to America" speaks for all of us.

"Did you happen to catch the professional football contest on television last night?" asks Prince Akeem, played by Eddie Murphy. "Oh, it was most exhilarating."

Exhilarating is the perfect word to describe what it was like watching four postseason games decided on the final play. The weekend was capped with an epic, last-minute, back-and-forth, overtime affair between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills that has entered the discussion for greatest football game of all time.

Let's continue that discussion.

Here's a ranking of the NFL's best games, all of which were most exhilarating.

Everyone knew Marshawn Lynch was getting the ball, and then everyone was stunned when he didn't.

The Patriots erased a 10-point deficit in the fourth after Tom Brady threw two touchdown passes, the second of which was a 3-yard strike to Julian Edelman with 2:02 remaining that put the Pats in front 28-24.

The Seahawks marched down field, reaching the red zone when Russell Wilson found Jermaine Kearse for a 33-yard gain to get to the New England 5-yard line. Lynch ran for four yards on first-and-goal, bringing the ball to the 1 and putting the Seahawks mere feet away from back-to-back Super Bowl victories. With the world expecting the ball to go back to Lynch, Pete Carroll elected to throw and Wilson was intercepted in the end zone by Malcolm Butler.

Long recognized as the NFL's greatest non-Super Bowl playoff game, this game was so epic that it's known simply as the "Epic in Miami."

What became the highest-scoring playoff game at the time included a shootout between the Chargers' Dan Fouts, who threw for 433 yards and three touchdowns, and Miami's Don Strock, who had 403 yards and four touchdowns.

The Dolphins erased a 24-0 deficit and ultimately took a 38-31 lead. The Chargers evened the score when Fouts' overthrown pass intended for Kellen Winslow was caught by running back James Brooks with 58 seconds remaining. Winslow's heroics came shortly after when he blocked the Dolphins' 43-yard field goal attempt at the end of regulation. The Chargers' Rolf Benirschke missed a 26-yard field goal wide left in overtime before getting a second opportunity on the team's next possession and making a game-winning 29-yarder.

Winslow finished with 13 receptions for 166 yards and a touchdown. The lasting image from the classic game is of a battered and exhausted Winslow being helped off the field by two teammates.

The only NFL team to complete a perfect season was the 1972 Dolphins, who pop champagne each season when the league's final unbeaten team suffers its first loss.

Their annual champagne toast was in serious jeopardy when the 16-0 Patriots were 2:42 away from winning the Super Bowl after Tom Brady found Randy Moss for a 6-yard touchdown that gave New England a 14-10 lead. But then Eli Manning escaped the grasp of the Patriots, David Tyree made a magical reception that became known as the "Helmet Catch" and Plaxico Burress caught a 13-yard touchdown with 39 seconds remaining. The Giants won their first Super Bowl since 1990, the Patriots were denied a perfect season and the Dolphins popped some champagne.

This game is like a celebrity who goes only by a nickname: "The Catch."

Nothing more must be said to identify it. With the 49ers trailing 27-21, Joe Montana orchestrated an 89-yard drive that was capped with a 6-yard touchdown pass on third down to a leaping and fully-extended Dwight Clark in the back of the end zone for what became the NFL's most well-known catch.

Eric Wright then made a potential game-saving tackle after a 31-yard catch by the Cowboys' Drew Pearson and Lawrence Pillers sealed the win by sacking Danny White to force a fumble that was recovered by the 49ers.

Its based on the fact that the game was unlike anything seen before and unlikely to be seen again (even with these teams projected to be entrenched atop the AFC standings for the next decade).

The numbers seem to defy reality.

Three go-ahead touchdowns scored in the final two minutes of regulation for the first time in NFL history.

A total of 188 passing yards thrown by Patrick Mahomes after the two-minute warning.

Gabriel Davis made NFL history with four touchdown receptions in a postseason game, two of which came in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter.

The race to 400 passing yards in the league's newest quarterback rivalry between the 26-year-old Mahomes, who finished with 378 yards, and the 25-year-old Josh Allen, who had 329.

Thirteen seconds for the Chiefs to set up and convert a game-tying field goal.

All of that combined to set the stage for Mahomes to find Travis Kelce for an 8-yard touchdown in overtime, sending the Chiefs to a fourth consecutive AFC Championship Game and ending the greatest playoff game in NFL history.

More:

Ranking the Greatest Games in NFL Playoff History - NBC Chicago

Author to share tips on writing a family history – Mail Tribune

Posted on by

Author, historian and genealogist Dina Carson will share tips on writing an interesting family history Wednesday. Photo detail from her book Publish Your Family History: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing the Stories of Your Ancestors

Online event is Wednesday afternoon

Borrowing tricks from fiction writing can help you write a more interesting family history, while still telling the truth, according to author, historian and genealogist Dina Carson.

One of the important things to remember is to include description and detail, she said. When writing from dry historical documents, people forget theres a lot of information out there. You can do extra research and pump up the story while still making sure its accurate.

Like fiction writers, authors of family histories should try to flesh out their characters and settings.

If you dont have a diary left behind, look at an archive in the place they settled or traveled through. Youll find similar information to what they experienced, Carson said. What was it like being in a covered wagon train for seven weeks? What was it like to practice medicine during the Civil War?

Carson will share these tips and others on writing an interesting family history from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday during a Zoom presentation. To register, see rvgslibrary.org/FormPage.asp?FormID=10.

The event costs $10 for Rogue Valley Genealogical Society members and $20 for nonmembers. Registration closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Based in Colorado, Carson is the author of a string of books about writing and self-publishing family histories. She noted almost nobody who undertakes a family history project is a professional writer, and most have rusty writing skills.

When people finally have the time, their last high school English class was usually 50 years ago, she said.

Telling your family history in chronological order is usually easier. Jumping back and forth in history and using flashbacks is not a natural writing style for most people who dont write a lot, Carson said.

But be careful not to fall in the trap of providing a plodding account.

Just retelling what they did on this date and what they did on this date and what they did on this date is boring, she said.

Telling the story from the point of view of one character can make a family history more engaging and personal. It also makes the story easier to follow and less confusing for readers, she said.

Carson said print-on-demand technology is so accessible these days that people shouldnt feel pressured to put their whole family history in one book, or even to write a book-length story. You could choose a nuclear family, then research, write and publish that short story, then move on to your next project.

Focus on the ancestors whose stories are meaningful and interesting to you.

Carson said one of her favorite ancestors is a woman who played professional golf at a time when there were few opportunities for women to be professional athletes.

Its better to do one story and to do it well than to try to tell the story of every descendant of an immigrant family. You cant possibly tell 500 peoples stories well in a single book, she said.

Reach Mail Tribune reporter Vickie Aldous at 541-776-4486 or valdous@rosebudmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @VickieAldous.

Excerpt from:

Author to share tips on writing a family history - Mail Tribune

AFC Championship Game History: Most Wins, Losses and Appearances – NBC Chicago

Posted on by

AFC Championship Game history: Most wins, losses and appearances originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

This years AFC Championship Game will feature a familiar franchise along with an up-and-coming organization.

On one side, there are the Kansas City Chiefs. They will host the conference title game for the fourth straight time, reaching the contest every year since making Patrick Mahomes their full-time starting quarterback.

While making the game has become an annual tradition, it hasnt always been that way for Kansas City. For the first four decades following the merger between the NFL and AFL, the Chiefs were closer to the team they will face on Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals are making just their third ever AFC Championship Game appearance and their first since 1988. The Chiefs, meanwhile, only reached the conference title game once from 1970 to 2018.

With Joe Burrow in Cincinnati and Mahomes in Kansas City, the two organizations are poised to have a major presence in future conference championship games. But which organizations were the most common participants in the title games over the last 51 years?

Here is a look at which teams have won, lost and reached the most AFC Championship Games:

The New England Patriots have far and away the most AFC Championship Game victories with 11.

Nine of those wins came from 2001 to 2019, when Tom Brady was the teams starting quarterback. Those nine wins translated to six Super Bowl victories for Brady, head coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most in NFL history.

Speaking of the Steelers, they are tied with the Denver Broncos for the second-most AFC Championship Game victories with eight. The Miami Dolphins are next on the list with five conference title game wins.

Along with eight wins, the Steelers also have eight losses in AFC Championship Games, the most of any team.

Second on the list for most losses are the Las Vegas Raiders with seven. After them, the Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans and New York Jets are tied for third with four losses apiece.

The Steelers have played in a record 16 AFC Championship Games overall, one more than the Patriots. The Raiders (11) and Broncos (10) are the only other teams with double-digit appearances.

Sixteen teams have reached an AFC Championship Game, but they are not the 16 teams that make up the current AFC. The Seattle Seahawks played in the AFC West from the time they joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1976 up until the 2002 season, when they joined the NFC West. Their AFC Championship Game appearance came in the 1983 season, when they lost to the Oakland Raiders 30-14.

The only present-day AFC team to never reach the conference title game is the Houston Texans.

Here is the full list of teams listed by AFC Championship Game appearances:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers: 16 (8-8)

2. New England Patriots: 15 (11-4)

3. Las Vegas Raiders: 11 (4-7)

4. Denver Broncos: 10 (8-2)

T-5. Miami Dolphins: 7 (5-2)

T-5. Indianapolis Colts: 7 (3-4)

7. Buffalo Bills: 6 (4-2)

T-8. Tennessee Titans: 5 (1-4)

T-8. Kansas City Chiefs: 5 (2-2)

T-10. Baltimore Ravens: 4 (2-2)

T-10. Los Angeles Chargers: 4 (1-3)

T-10. New York Jets: 4 (0-4)

T-13. Cincinnati Bengals: 3 (2-0)

T-13. Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 (0-3)

T-13. Cleveland Browns: 3 (0-3)

16. Seattle Seahawks: 1 (0-1)

T-17. Houston Texans: 0

T-17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 0

Link:

AFC Championship Game History: Most Wins, Losses and Appearances - NBC Chicago

SW Biweekly – The Greatest World Records In History – On Sale Now! – Swimming World Magazine

Posted on by

The latest issue of Swimming World Biweeklyis now available for download in the Swimming World Vault

Non-subscribers can download this issue here only $.99 for a limited time!

In this issue of SW Biweekly, read about the greatest world records in history, featuring Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, and more! Also featured is Jeff Julian, hired by Mission Viejo to lead their postgraduate training center; Michael Andrew on Michael Phelps 200 Individual Medley criticism: Hes right; Olivia Smoliga moves to Arizona State to train with Bob Bowman; Three-time Paralympic gold medalist Becca Meyers announces retirement; Unconventional training move leads to historic World Championships and ISL performances for Dylan Carter; Ice swimming: an extreme challenge in temperatures difficult to fathom; Commentary: Ariarne Titmus and other Australians skipping World Champs would hurt swimming also- In a latest error, NCAA runs away from transgender decision, turns back on womens sports; FINA to stage international events at the ancient pyramids of Egypt from 2023-26; Indiana junior Emily Weiss announces medical retirement; Natalie Hinds teases return to college roots in Gainesville; and more!

[On the cover: Michael Phelps by Peter H. Bick]

008 MISSION VIEJO HIRES JEFF JULIAN TO LEAD POSTGRADUATE TRAINING CENTERMission Viejo has announced plans to create a new postgraduate training group under the leadership of former Rose Bowl Aquatics coach Jeff Julian, who also helmed the Cali Condors during the 2021 ISL season.

010 MICHAEL ANDREW ON MICHAEL PHELPS 200 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY CRITICISM: HES RIGHTby David RiederAfter watching Michael Andrew swim the 200 IM at last summers U.S. Olympic Trials, Michael Phelps commented then that he thought Andrew was tiring at the end of his race and was no longer catching enough water at the front of his freestyle strokesomething that could be fixed with his training. Andrew agreed: It makes sense.

011 OLIVIA SMOLIGA MOVES TO TRAIN WITH BOB BOWMAN AT ARIZONA STATEby Dan DAddonaAfter training in Georgia for the better part of a decade, two-time Olympian Olivia Smoliga has decided to train at Arizona State with Coach Bob Bowman. Shell be joining other post-grad Olympians at ASU, including Allison Schmitt and Hali Flickinger.

012 BECCA MEYERS, THREE-TIME PARALYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENTby Matthew De GeorgeBecca Meyers, one of Americas highest-profile Paralympic swimmers, announced her retirement from the sport. The 27-year-old made her Paralympic debut in 2012 with a silver medal and a bronze, but her signature moments came in 2016 at Rio, where she won gold in the S13 400 free and 100 fly plus the SM13 200 IM.

014 UNCONVENTIONAL TRAINING MOVE LEADS TO HISTORIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AND ISL PERFORMANCES FOR DYLAN CARTERby Jesse MarshSometimes, a change in training environment is all an athlete needs to get back on track. Thats what worked for Dylan Carter after he returned to his home country of Trinidad and Tobago during the middle of the ISL season to train with local coach Dexter Browne. The two-time World Short Course Championships medalist was one of the breakout performers in ISL Season 2, setting numerous national records and proving to be a valuable point scorer for the L.A. Current.

016 THE GREATEST WORLD RECORDS IN HISTORYby John LohnAs the 2022 campaign gets underway, Swimming World Biweekly decided to look at the greatest world records in history. No, this is not a perfect science, but the eight records featured areplain and simplespectacular in nature and deserve all-time recognition.

018 ICE SWIMMING: AN EXTREME CHALLENGE IN TEMPERATURES DIFFICULT TO FATHOMby Ned DenisonIce swimming is one of the fastest-growing extreme aquatic sports. Tens of thousands of swimmers now hit the cold water daily, and before the COVID restrictions, thousands traveled to events from Siberia to Argentina to Antarctica to the mountains of California and the loughs of Ireland.

020 COMMENTARY: ARIARNE TITMUS AND OTHER AUSTRALIANS SKIPPING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WOULD HURT SWIMMINGby David RiederIf the powers-that-be in swimming want the sport to extend the sports reach in the non-Olympic years, it needs to be less Olympic-centric, and that means having at least one major international meet in long course each year, where the results truly matter.

022 FINA TO STAGE INTERNATIONAL EVENTS AT THE ANCIENT PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT FROM 2023-26by Liz ByrnesThe ancient Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, will provide the most historic and breathtaking of backdrops to international FINA high diving, artistic swimming and diving events between 2023 and 2026, including the FINA High Diving World Cup (2023-24), the Diving Grand Prix (2023-26) and the 2023 Artistic Swimming World Series.

024 COMMENTARY: IN LATEST ERROR, NCAA RUNS AWAY FROM TRANSGENDER DECISION; TURNS BACK ON WOMENS SPORTSby John LohnSoon, we should see how the transgender-participation policy is worked through by USA Swimming and FINA. Well find out if Lia Thomas will race at the NCAA Championships, and how the policy will affect the sport in the future. Then, and only then, well also learn how the transgender issue is handled by the NCAA.

026 INDIANA JUNIOR EMILY WEISS ANNOUNCES MEDICAL RETIREMENTby David RiederEmily Weiss, a former U.S. National Junior Team standout and a junior at Indiana, announced her retirement from swimming for undisclosed medical reasons.

027 NATALIE HINDS TEASES RETURN TO COLLEGE ROOTS IN GAINESVILLEby Matthew De GeorgeNatalie Hinds teased a return to Gainesville to train with Floridas postgrad group, returning the 28-year-old to her college roots, where she was a 20-time All-American from 2012-16. After a two-year break following the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, Hinds shifted her training base to Georgia, and last summer, she earned a relay spot in the womens 100 freestyle, which turned into a bronze medal, swimming the third leg of the Olympic final in Tokyo.

028 USC SEEKING NCAA TITLE REPEAT AS WOMENS WATER POLO SEASON OPENSby Lauren MatticeThe University of Southern California, the reigning national womens water polo champ, claimed the top spot in the initial CWPA preseason rankings poll, holding a single-point lead over Stanford.

030 BEFORE THE BEEP: HOW NCAA CHAMPION MAX McHUGH PREPARES FOR A BIG RACEby Shoshanna RutemillerMax McHugh, a senior team captain at the Universsity of Minnesota, shares his typical pre-race routines and evolving view of mental preparation while on the national stage.

032 DAVID MARSH TO FILL IN AS CAL MENS ASSISTANT COACH WITH CHASE KREITLER EXPECTING FIRST CHILDby David RiederDavid Marsh, who led his teams to a dozen NCAA titles (seven mens, five womens) during his 17-year career as head coach at Auburn from 1990-2017, will be working as a mens assistant coach at Cal for the final two months of the college season. He will be filling in for fourth-year Cal assistant coach, Chase Kreitler, as Kreitler and his wife prepare to welcome their first child.

033 CLAIRE WEINSTEIN TIES 13-14 NAG SET BY SIPPY WOODHEAD IN 1978by Dan DAddonaClaire Weinstein, 14, of the Sandpipers of Nevada clocked 1:58.53 in the 200 meter freestyle to tie the 13-14 USA national age group record set by Sippy Woodhead in 1978.

Swimming World is now partnered with the International Swimming Hall of Fame. To find out more, visit us at ishof.org

Related

Read the original here:

SW Biweekly - The Greatest World Records In History - On Sale Now! - Swimming World Magazine

Save the date: Bootlegging history topic of Feb. 17 virtual Humanities Washington program – My Edmonds News

Posted on by

Steve Edmiston

Learn about local bootlegging history and its impacts on Northwest politics and culture during an upcoming free program,Whiskey and Wiretaps: The Northwests Rumrunning King. The virtual program, set for 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, is presented bySno-King School Retirees organization and Humanities Washington.

The speaker is Steve Edmiston, a member of the 2020-2022 Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau, and abusiness and entertainment lawyer with Bracepoint Law. He is also an indie film screenwritier and producer, a founder of Quadrant45, and a co-founder of The Good Bootleggers Guild. He has spoken locally for the Washington State Historical Museum as well as on the Travel Channels Legendary Locations.

Edmiston will tell the story of Seattle bootletter Roy Omstead, who on Thanksgiving Day 1925 was trapped by federal prohibition agents and their Tommy guns on a lonely Puget Sound dock. His reign as the Northwests most prolific bootlegger had ended. But big questionspolitical, cultural and legalremained

Why did Olmstead, the youngest lieutenant in the Seattle Police Department history, form a secret gang to take over Prohibition bootlegging in the Northwest? What can we learn today from The Good Bootleggers story of whiskey-driven politics, culture wars, criminalization of popular social behavior, illegal surveillance, spies, sensational trials, and Constitution-bending trips to the Supreme Court?

Using photographs, documents, newspapers and court cases, speaker Steve Edmiston breathes life into Olmsteads story by exploring historical context, his entrepreneurial brilliance, his code of conduct, and the profound impact of his legal battles today.

Register in advance for this webinar here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Humanities Washington is a statewide nonprofit whose mission is to spark conversation and critical thinking using story as a catalyst, nurturing thoughtful and engaged communities across the state. Speakers Bureau presenters give free public presentations on history, politics, music, philosophy, spiritual traditions, and everything in between.

View original post here:

Save the date: Bootlegging history topic of Feb. 17 virtual Humanities Washington program - My Edmonds News

Ranking 12 greatest NFL playoff games of all-time: Chiefs’ epic OT win over Bills among best ever – CBS Sports

Posted on by

The road to the Super Bowl still runs through Kansas City, but it took a herculean effort by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense to get past the Bills in Sunday's AFC divisional round playoff game. The Chiefs' 42-36 overtime win capped off a memorable weekend that saw all four games come down to the wire. The weekend's first three games were decided on last-second field goals, while the Chiefs needed a 49-yard field goal byHarrison Butker at the end of regulation before winning it in overtime.

Anyone who watched the Bills-Chiefs game quickly realized that they were witnessing an instant classic unfold in real time. The frantic and furious action in the game's final stages merits it a place on the all-time list of greatest playoff games in NFL history. Here's where the game officially stands where compared with the NFL's other all-time playoff games.

The criteria used when determining the list was as follows:

This game, played on Christmas Day, 1971, remains the longest game in NFL history at 82 minutes and 40 seconds. Miami won despite an all-time performance by Chiefs running back Ed Podolak, who amassed 350 total yards and two touchdowns. The Dolphins won the game in the second overtime on Garo Yepremian's 37-yard field goal that was set up by Larry Csonka's 29-yard run through an exhausted Chiefs defense.

"I lost like 18 pounds that day," Csonka said years later. "I lost so much weight that my pants were loose."

Sports Illustrated billed it asSuper Bowl VIII 1/2, and the game certainly didn't disappoint. The game started with an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Dolphins' rookie Nat Moore. Down 19-14, Cliff Branch's 72-yard touchdown catch gave Oakland a slim fourth quarter lead. The two-time defending champion Dolphins countered with rookie Benny Malone's 23-yard score with just over two minutes left. With time running out, Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler moved his team to the Dolphins' 8-yard line before throwing in heavy traffic to running back Clarence Davis, who managed to pull Stabler's pass amidst a "Sea of Hands" from Dolphins defenders. The win was one of John Madden's greatest as the Raiders' coach, as it ended Miami's reign as NFL kingpin.

The closest Super Bowl ever, this game started with Whitney Houston's emotional rendition of the national anthem and ended with Scott Norwood missing a game-winning field goal attempt. Down 12-3 in the first half, the Giants got back in the game by controlling the ball for a Super Bowl record 40 minutes and 19 seconds. Despite barely having the ball, the Bills were in position to win the game with eight seconds left. Thurman Thomas ran roughshod over the Giants with 190 total yards in a losing effort. The Giants' received a gritty effort from backup quarterback Jeff Hostetler, who completed a series of critical third down throws to help the Giants win their second Super Bowl under Bill Parcells.

Down 28-3, New England scored 25 unanswered points in the final 17 minutes of regulation before winning the first overtime in Super Bowl history. The Patriots' unprecedented comeback was fueled byDont'a Hightower'scritical forced fumble ofMatt Ryan,Julian Edelman'sfingertip catch andDanny Amendola's2-point conversion to force overtime.James White's2-yard touchdown in overtime capped off the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.

The first-ever overtime NFL game, the Colts' rode the dominant passing duo of quarterback Johnny Unitas and receiver Raymond Berry to an historic win inside Yankee Stadium. Unitas hit Berry 12 times for 178 yards and a touchdown while defeating a supremely talented Giants team, led by Frank Gifford and Sam Huff. The game played a major role in the NFL eventually surpassing baseball as America's premier sport.

This game had its dull moments, but it makes the list based on its thrilling ending. Down 20-7, theCardinalstook a late lead after Kurt Warner hitLarry Fitzgeraldon a 64-yard touchdown with 2:37 left. Backed up on his own 12,Ben Roethlisbergerengineered one of the greatest game-winning drives in NFL history that was capped off by his remarkable touchdown pass toSantonio Holmes, who caught the ball before scraping both of his feet inside the back of the end zone. The game also featuredJames Harrison'seye-popping, 100-yard interception return for a touchdown just before halftime.

In -13 degree weather, both teams braved the elements with a trip to Super Bowl II at stake. The Cowboys took their first lead when running back Dan Reeves hit Lance Rentzel on a 50-yard bomb in the fourth quarter. With a second consecutive NFL title at stake, Packers quarterback Bart Starr methodically drove Green Bay to the Cowboys' 1-yard-line with under 20 seconds left. WIth no timeouts left, Vince Lombardi decided to go for the win instead of a tie. Instead of giving the ball to his running back, Starr instead kept the ball while following Jerry Kramer across the goal line for one of the most dramatic scores in league history.

Dan Fouts and the "Charger Power" offense sprinted out to a 24-0 lead before Miami took a 38-31 lead on a series of crazy plays that included a hook and lateral for a score just before halftime. Trailing late in regulation, the Chargers tied the score when Fouts' overthrown pass for tight end Kellen Winslow was instead caught by running back James Brooks in the end zone. Winslow, who needed to be carried off the field at the game's conclusion, forced overtime when he blocked the Dolphins' game-winning field goal attempt at the end of regulation. His clutch catches in overtime set up Rolf Benirschke's 29-yard field goal.

The greatest upset win since theJets' win over the Colts in Super Bowl III. The Giants spoiled the Patriots' dreams of an 19-0 season whenEli Manninghit Plaxico Burress for the game-winning score with 35 seconds left. The score was set up by Manning's insane completion to David Tyree, who famously caught the ball by using his helmet. The Giants' defense put constant pressure onTom Brady, who threw just one touchdown pass after tossing 50 during the regular season.

This game had three lead changes in the final two minutes of regulation before Butker forced overtime after Mahomes moved the Chiefs' offense 44 yards in10 seconds. Kansas City won the game when Mahomes hitTravis Kelceon an 8-yard score four minutes into overtime. The Chiefs survived a gallant effort by Bills quarterbackJosh Allen, who threw four touchdown passes toGabriel Davisthat included the go-ahead score with 13 seconds left. Along with throwing for a combined seven touchdowns, Allen and Mahomes were also their team's leading rushers with 68 and 69 yards, respectively.

Ranked as the greatest Super Bowl of all-time by CBS Sports senior writer Will Brinson, the Patriots overcame a 10-point deficit on two Tom Brady touchdown passes. Seattle appeared to be on their way to a second straight title when Russell Wilson hit Jermaine Kearse on an incredible 33-yard completion. One yard away from the game-winning score, Seattle attempt a pass instead of giving ball to Marshawn Lynch. The decision backfired, as Wilson's pass was picked off by Malcolm Butler, an undrafted rookie who had been on the receiving end of Kearse's crazy catch two plays earlier.

Down 27-21, Joe Montana led the 49ers on a 89-yard drive that was punctuated by his game-winning touchdown pass to Dwight Clark. The touchdown, which lives in NFL lore as "The Catch," sealed San Francisco's first Super Bowl berth while subsequently ended Tom Landry and the Cowboys' reign as an NFL powerhouse.

With victory in hand, Montana was approached by Cowboys Pro Bowl pass rusher Ed "Too Tall" Jones, one of the defenders who had pressured Montana on his game-winning touchdown pass.

"You just beat America's Team," Jones said to Montana.

"Well," Joe Cool replied, "You can sit on your ass with the rest of America and watch the Super Bowl."

See the article here:

Ranking 12 greatest NFL playoff games of all-time: Chiefs' epic OT win over Bills among best ever - CBS Sports