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MLB Notes: Revisiting the Mookie Betts trade, and all its ramifications

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:11:59 GMT

How much different would things be today if the Red Sox had never traded Mookie Betts?So much has changed that it’s impossible to know for sure, but for better or worse the decision forever altered the trajectories of two franchises and left a sour taste in the mouths of Red Sox fans that lingers to this day.Even after three and a half years there is still disagreement over the deal’s ultimate legacy. Was it a disaster for Boston or a difficult decision that was ultimately worth making? Was it a blunder of Ruthian proportions or a gamble that could eventually lay the foundation for the next great Red Sox contender?It’s a complicated question with no simple answer, but those who look at it through the lens of “Betts vs. No Betts” aren’t seeing the full picture.Let’s break it down.First, the background. The Red Sox traded Mookie Betts and right-hander David Price to the Dodgers in exchange for outfielder Alex Verdugo and prospects Jeter Downs ...

3 US Marines killed, 20 injured in an aircraft crash in Australia during a training exercise

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:11:59 GMT

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — A United States Marine Corps aircraft crashed on a north Australian island Sunday, killing three Marines and injuring 20 during a multination training exercise, officials said.Three had been confirmed dead on Melville Island and five of the 23 on board were flown in serious condition 80 kilometers (50 miles) to the mainland city of Darwin for hospital treatment after the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crashed around 9:30 a.m. local time, a statement from the Marines said.“Recovery efforts are ongoing,” the statement said, adding the cause of the crash was under investigation.Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft had been deployed to return from the remote location with the rest of the injured, Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said. One of the injured was undergoing surgery at the Royal Darwin Hospital, Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said around six hours after the crash..Some were critically injured and were ...

Teachers turn to AI to make workload more manageable, chart lesson plans

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:11:59 GMT

Jessica Reid has thought about quitting the career she’d dreamed of since childhood hundreds of times.Until recently, she was overwhelmed by her workload as an elementary school teacher— planning lessons for all subjects, creating behavioural support plans for students, grading, not to mention actual classroom time — while also raising three young kids of her own.But then Reid turned to artificial intelligence, joining droves of other teachers who say the technology keeps their workload manageable, especially as they chart the course for a new school year.“I really wanted to dedicate this summer to exploring some of these AI tools and how to help me in my planning and my administrative duties,” she said from her home in Muskoka, Ont.“Either I was sacrificing my family and using my evenings and weekends on hours and hours of planning, or I was dedicating more time to my family and … didn’t feel like I was doing my students justice,” she said....

Abundant sunshine the week ahead, September may open warm/hot

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:11:59 GMT

The combination of a blue moon and a supermoon on August 30th is a relatively infrequent occurrence, adding an extra layer of significance to the event. Skywatchers can anticipate a moon that is both larger and more luminous, casting an ethereal glow across the landscape.

Daily horoscope for August 27, 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:11:59 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Capricorn.Happy Birthday for Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023:You are a generous humanitarian. You are happiest when you’re of service to others, especially if they’re in need. Happily, for you this is a year of service, which means it’s important to take care of yourself so you can be available for others, especially family members.ARIES(March 21-April 19)★★★★You create a fabulous impression on others today. Go after what you want. Doors will open for you. People see you as successful and affluent, even if you aren’t. Tonight: Someone important? This Week: Be patient with others, and yourself.TAURUS(April 20-May 20)★★★★★Today you want stimulation and adventure! Do something different so you feel you’re getting a change of scenery. If you can’t travel, take a short trip or be a tourist in your own town. Whatever you do today will bring you joy, and very likely broa...

Baltic Black Sea Defence Alliance

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:11:59 GMT

The Baltic-Black Sea defence alliance will complement the Crimean platform and protect Europe's eastern borders.On 23 August Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested creating a security alliance between the countries that have access to the Baltic and Black Seas. Ukraine has come up with similar initiatives before: on 5 December 2014, the Alliance of Baltic-Black Sea Nations was established in Kyiv with the main goal of fighting against Russia's imperial policy and liberating the occupied territories of Ukraine and Georgia. But given Putin's full-scale war against Ukraine and the total militarisation of the Russian Federation, such a proposal takes on a completely different meaning: no country neighbouring Russia can feel safe anymore. This is the meaning of the proposal voiced by Zelenskyy. The Baltic-Black Sea defence alliance should strengthen the defence potential of the CCE countries (in fact, turning them into a "mini-NATO") and anticipate potential risks and threats from Russia. The cha...

Kazakh President urges greater cooperation between BRICS and Central Asia

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:11:59 GMT

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has addressed the BRICS summit in South Africa, in his capacity as chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. It promotes security, economic and political cooperation between Russia, China and most countries in Central and South Asia. Speaking from Astana by video link, the President said the SCO and BRICS could combine their efforts in key areas where they shared the same interests and priorities, writes Political Editor Nick Powell.In his speech, President Tokayev stressed that they were meeting at a time of mounting tensions in the international arena, marked by extensive political pressure, confrontation and the widespread use of sanctions. He said that Kazakhstan, as one of the founding members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, is determined to use its time in the chair to transform it into a more effective organisation able to meet these challenges.Given the interests and priorities shared by BRICS and the SCO, the President propose...

The algorithm: how Russia and its allies impose their views on the West

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:11:59 GMT

Mistaken is the one who believes that with the beginning of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin's hybrid aggression has completely ceased. No, it is taking on active forms and remains relevant for many hotspots. Especially for the Southern Caucasus, a place of high importance for Russia, where resides one of its few allies - Armenia - writes Yevhen Mahda.Stian Jenssen, Director of the Private Office of the NATO Secretary General, has become a household name in Ukraine this week. While fame comes in many forms, this Alliance official has opted for a rather rapid ascent. His public suggestion that Ukraine could cede territory in exchange for guaranteed NATO membership is a dangerous and cynical ploy. Jenssen quickly backtracked on his words, effectively undermining his own position, but the damage was done.There are several other factors that make this statement worthy of attention:-Jenssen, like other NATO officials, did not have the formal authority to speak on beh...

Brewers host the Padres on home winning streak

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:11:59 GMT

San Diego Padres (61-69, fourth in the NL West) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (72-57, first in the NL Central)Milwaukee; Sunday, 2:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Padres: Michael Wacha (10-2, 2.63 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 85 strikeouts); Brewers: Adrian Houser (5-4, 4.28 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 75 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Padres -121, Brewers +101; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Milwaukee Brewers will try to keep a five-game home win streak going when they face the San Diego Padres.Milwaukee has a 72-57 record overall and a 37-27 record in home games. The Brewers are 26-12 in games when they did not give up a home run.San Diego has gone 26-36 in road games and 61-69 overall. The Padres have the eighth-ranked team slugging percentage in the NL at .408.The teams meet Sunday for the seventh time this season. The Brewers lead the season series 5-1.TOP PERFORMERS: Christian Yelich has 30 doubles, two triples and 16 home runs while hitting .282 for the Brewers. Willy Adames is 13-for-39 with a...

Cubs face the Pirates with 2-1 series lead

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:11:59 GMT

Chicago Cubs (68-61, second in the NL Central) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (58-72, fourth in the NL Central)Pittsburgh; Sunday, 1:35 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Cubs: Javier Assad (2-2, 3.12 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 53 strikeouts); Pirates: Bailey Falter (1-7, 4.53 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 46 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Cubs -123, Pirates +103; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Cubs lead 2-1 in a four-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates.Pittsburgh has a 58-72 record overall and a 32-35 record at home. The Pirates have gone 23-8 in games when they hit at least two home runs.Chicago is 68-61 overall and 33-31 on the road. The Cubs have gone 32-16 in games when they hit at least two home runs.The teams meet Sunday for the 10th time this season. The Cubs lead the season series 8-1.TOP PERFORMERS: Jack Suwinski leads the Pirates with 21 home runs while slugging .436. Ke’Bryan Hayes is 14-for-43 with three doubles, two home runs and four RBI over the past 10 games.Cody Bellinger...