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Best MCAT prep book

Which MCAT prep books are best?

Also known as the MCAT exam, the Medical College Admission Test covers a diverse range of subjects, including critical reasoning and biology. The exam is also one of the most stressful and crucial parts of your medical school application process. That’s why it’s important to purchase an excellent MCAT prep book. The Kaplan Test Prep: MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review is a top choice that can help you prepare for your test.

What to know before you buy an MCAT prep bookUnderstand how the MCAT is scored

It’s important to know how the MCAT is scored before you even purchase your prep book. Your score features five results, including one score for each of the four test sections and one total combined score. The exam section scores range from 118-132, while the total combined score combines all of your section scores and ranges from 472-528.

Consider what the MCAT tests

The MCAT includes four different sections, including critical analysis and reasoning skills; psychological, social and biological foundations of behavior; chemical and physical foundations of biological systems and biological and biochemical foundations of living systems. The critical analysis and reasoning skills section features 53 multiple-choice questions that you have 90 minutes total to respond to, while the other three sections each have 59 multiple-choice questions that you have 95 minutes to respond to.

Choose a prep book with illustrations

It can help to select an MCAT prep book with illustrations, graphs, charts, tables and other diagrams to help you better understand the information, especially if you are a visual learner.

What to look for in a quality MCAT prep bookTest-taking strategies

Test-taking strategies can definitely help when you are studying for any standardized test. The best MCAT test prep books out there feature test-taking strategies that are specific to the MCAT exam.

Subject reviews

The MCAT exam will test your knowledge in the science subjects, so you should select an MCAT prep book that offers an in-depth review of every subject, including critical analysis and reasoning skills, psychology and sociology, physics and math, organic chemistry, general chemistry, biochemistry and biology.

Practice exams

Practice tests are an excellent way to prepare for the MCAT exam since they help you see your strengths and weaknesses. Choose a book with at least three practice tests but ideally more.

How much you can expect to spend on an MCAT prep book

You will typically pay somewhere between $12-$200 for an MCAT prep book. The most budget-friendly study guides range in price from $12-$30, while mid-range books with practice tests and subject reviews go for $30-$75 and in-depth premium test prep books range from $75-$200.

MCAT prep book FAQWhen should you start using an MCAT prep book?

A. It’s important to begin studying for the MCAT exam 3 months or more before you plan on taking the MCAT. Three months will give you sufficient time to take multiple practice tests and review all of the content on the exam. Since it’s better to start studying earlier, you should purchase the study guide about 6 to 9 months before you plan on taking the exam.

How important is your MCAT score for getting into medical school?

A. Your MCAT score is certainly a crucial part of the criteria used to evaluate possible med school students, but it is just one part of your application. Medical schools also evaluate your letters of recommendation, your activities, your awards, your personal statement and your undergraduate GPA. There is also typically an interview, which can have a huge impact on whether or not you are accepted.

What’s the best MCAT prep book to buy?Top MCAT prep book

Kaplan Test Prep: MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review

What you need to know: This concise yet comprehensive test prep guide uses helpful mnemonic devices and real-life examples to prepare you for the MCAT exam.

What you’ll love: This recently updated study guide features over 3,000 pages with access to three practice tests and multiple different education methods to reinforce the concepts that you need to know for the MCAT exam.

What you should consider: Keep in mind that the material in this guide doesn’t always match the real test questions.

Top MCAT prep book for the money

MCAT Exam Secrets Test Prep Team: MCAT Secrets Study Guide

What you need to know: This concise study guide is catered towards students looking for a Spark Notes version of test prep or those with anxiety around test-taking.

What you’ll love: The information in this budget-friendly study guide is written as concisely as possible. The test prep book features helpful links to online resources and real-world advice on test-taking.

What you should consider: It’s important to consider that this is more of a strategy guide around test-taking than a comprehensive test prep book.

Worth checking out

Princeton Review MCAT Subject Review Complete Box Set, 4th Edition: 7 Complete Books + 3 Online Practice Tests

What you need to know: This thorough test prep book from the Princeton Review goes over all parts of the exam rather than just the most common subjects.

What you’ll love: Many customers report that they received higher test scores after using this study guide. The test prep book includes helpful online material and access to one demo test and two practice tests.

What you should consider: Some of the material in this guide may be outdated.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Horoscopes Feb. 10, 2025: Elizabeth Banks, pursue what makes you happy

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Chloe Grace Moretz, 28; Emma Roberts, 34; Elizabeth Banks, 51; Laura Dern, 58.

Happy Birthday: Pursue what makes you happy. Engage in pastimes incorporating work and pleasure, and you’ll discover the fast path forward. Put a positive spin on everything you do, from how you present yourself to others to tantalizingly displaying your plans. Be the light everyone gravitates toward, and you’ll find your place in the spotlight. Refresh your surroundings to incorporate easy entertainment with loved ones. Make personal growth a priority. Your numbers are 4, 10, 18, 26, 32, 38, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Think big but refine your plans to meet your financial, physical and emotional demands. How you navigate the choices others make and what you must do to ensure positive results will be essential if you want to avoid being a martyr. Make a last-minute adjustment if it makes your life easier. 2 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep life simple. Put home, family and yourself first and set the precedent you want to live by. Do not let outside influences creep into your choices or plans. The less you share with outsiders, the easier it will be to go about your business and do things your way. 4 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A change of plans will lead to a change of heart. Liberate yourself from what and who is no longer prevalent in your life. Stretch your mind, learn something new and take the path that leads to something that stimulates your mind, body and soul. It’s time to help yourself. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put your effort and resources into making financial gains, upgrading your qualifications and reaching your goals. Take a unique approach to whatever you do, and you’ll gain respect, attention and results that will satisfy your needs. Choose a positive attitude and a worthwhile purpose, and change whatever isn’t working for you. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Consider what you enjoy doing most and pick up information and skills that point you in a direction that makes you feel good about your choices. More time spent perfecting something that can raise your income will give you hope for a brighter future. An encounter with someone will spark your interest. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A reset will be uplifting. Whether you seek a new position or to change the places you frequent, the people and prospects you meet along the way will give you something to consider and encourage you to adjust your schedule to accommodate your preferences. Dig in and make things happen. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Look over the rules and regulations before you adjust or conform to demands. Set standards and stick to what’s realistic. A connection you share with someone will grow due to your choices and what you intimately share about your life, love and long-term plans. Travel, learning and networking will pay off. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Keep your discussions to a minimum until you better understand what you want and what’s possible. Scour the internet for answers and verify your findings before you take a step forward. Discipline and mapping out a unique path will give you hope for a brighter future. 2 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Rely on your experience, intelligence and knowledge to outmaneuver anyone using unfair tactics that weigh on you emotionally, financially or physically. Make your position clear, and don’t hesitate to walk away from any unreliable or unreasonable situation. Hold your head high and be the one who maintains integrity. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Protect against exhaustion. Taking on more than you can handle to please others will backfire. Focus on what’s necessary and beneficial to you. Good choices will raise your value and make those you deal with daily appreciate who you are and what you can do. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Set boundaries, share your priorities and stick to your game plan. Being upfront will help you eliminate drama and accomplish what matters to you. Trust your instincts and focus on self-improvement and what brings you joy. It’s time to take responsibility for your happiness and move forward without regret. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Explore the lighter side of life by participating in something that makes you feel good about yourself or what you contribute. Socializing, getting fit or picking up a new hobby will encourage better days ahead. Love, romance and personal improvement are attainable. Share your thoughts and feelings. 5 stars

Birthday Baby: You are cheerful, informative and reliable. You are caring and imaginative.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

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Best highball glass

Which highball glasses are best?

To make a truly great cocktail, you don’t just need to get the proper alcohol, mixer, and garnish measurements, you also need to serve it in the right glass. There is no better choice than a highball glass when it comes to mixed cocktails featuring carbonated beverages. These tall and thin glasses offer enough capacity to accommodate the right alcohol to mixer ratio and have a subtle elegance that a pint glass just can’t match.

Take, for example, the Riedel Highball Glasses. They have just enough decorative accents to make a statement but aren’t so flashy that they completely overwhelm the simple aesthetics of a gin and tonic garnished with a lime wedge or a sprig of rosemary.

What to know before you buy highball glassesWhat is a highball glass?

A highball glass is a popular type of glassware found in every bar and many homes. They have a tall, thin shape and traditionally hold 8-12 ounces of liquid. Glasses that had a similar shape but larger capacity of around 12-14 ounces were referred to as Collins glasses. These days, however, the terms are generally used interchangeably, with most people referring to any glass with a tall, thin vertical shape and holds between 8 and 17 ounces as a highball glass.

Types of drinks served in highball glasses

One of the great things about highball glasses is how versatile they are. They are suitable for alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. They work perfectly as multipurpose household glasses because they can serve as everyday drinking glasses and cocktail glasses when the time comes.

When it comes to cocktails, highball glasses are a good choice for most mixed drinks with a lot of ice and are more mixer than alcohol. Some of the most common beverages served in highball glasses include a single alcohol and a carbonated beverage, think gin and tonic, seven and seven, rum and Coke and similar cocktails. There is also the ubiquitous whiskey highball, which is whiskey and soda at its most classic, but these days may include a variety of other flavored syrups or sodas. There is no reason to stick to any strict rules regarding what kinds of cocktails you can enjoy in a highball glass, so feel free to make any mixed drink you like in them as long as they offer the required capacity.

Highball glass sets

Most highball glasses are sold in sets. These sets may include anywhere from two to 10 glasses, all of which are the same. Some sets include matching but differently styled glasses, which gives each one its own feel.

Additionally, you can also find some highball glasses sold individually. These are often highly artistic and sometimes handmade. These can be a good choice for people who like to make a statement with their barware by serving their friends beverages in unique glasses.

What to look for in quality highball glassesShape

All highball glasses will be similarly shaped in that they will be tall and relatively thin. After that, many differences in their shape add to their aesthetics and the drinking experience. For example, some curve or angle inward as they move from the bottom or center toward the lip. These can help keep a drink carbonated for longer, but they can also make it more challenging to drink without a straw.

There are also highball glasses that expand outward from the base to the lip. These work well for cocktails with a lot of fruit garnishes since they have a bit of extra space to accommodate. Other highball glasses may have an oversized base, which adds some decorative flair and makes them more stable.

Capacity

As touched on previously, not all highball glasses have the same capacity. Most people prefer 10- to 12-ounce highball glasses for cocktails. These offer enough room to hold a lot of ice along with the cocktail but aren’t so large that you might be drunk after just a single glass. That said, if you’ll be using your highballs as all-purpose glassware or you plan on putting a lot of fruit garnish in them, something between 12-14 ounces might be better.

Material

Technically, only glasses made from glass, crystal or crystalline are truly glassware. In practice, though, many people refer to plastic, acrylic and even ceramic cups as glassware too. Of these, crystal is the most expensive, followed by crystalline, glass and potentially ceramic. Plastic and acrylic are the cheapest and the most durable but also the least refined. That said, if you are serving highballs near a pool, they are the best option.

Dishwasher-safe

Dishwasher-safe glasses are the easiest to clean, which will certainly be welcome after spending a couple of hours enjoying a few drinks with friends. Nearly all glass and crystalline glassware will be dishwasher safe; however, some crystal, acrylic and plastic glasses are not. Make sure to read the product details of any glasses you are considering before purchasing them if this is important to you.

How much can you expect to spend on highball glasses

On the low end of the price spectrum, you can expect to pay between $3-$5 per glass in a set. On the upper end, you may spend $15 or more per glass.

Highball glass FAQCan I use highball glasses for hot drinks?

A. Most highball glasses are not suitable for hot drinks. They tend to have thin walls and lack handles, making them too hot to hold if filled with a hot beverage.

How can I chill my highball glasses before serving a drink in them?

A. If you have the time, you can put your highball glasses in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before making your cocktail in them. However, if you are in a rush, you can use the old bartender’s trick of filling them with a bunch of ice and water. This will chill the glass in just 30 seconds or so.

What are the best highball glasses to buy?Top highball glasses

Riedel Highball Glasses

What you need to know: Elegant enough to elevate any beverage but not so flashy that they take center stage over the drink itself, these highball glasses are ideal for basic mixed cocktails like Cuba Libres and Tom Collins.

What you’ll love: The thick and sturdy base gives them nice stability, while the design creates an interesting distortion without totally obscuring the contents.

What you should consider: The set is pricey for just two glasses.

Top highball glasses for the money

Paksh Novelty Italian Highball Glasses

What you need to know: These simple highball glasses work equally well for serving cocktails and as daily drinking glasses in the home.

What you’ll love: Many will find the 13-ounce capacity to be just the right size for single-alcohol mixed drinks. Also, they are a surprisingly affordable price yet don’t look cheap.

What you should consider: They have thin walls and are prone to cracking or chipping if handled too roughly.

Worth checking out

Waterford Markham Marquis Hi Ball Glasses

What you need to know: With a classic diamond-cut pattern, these highball glasses are the perfect choice for traditionalists.

What you’ll love: They are attractive enough to be used for high-end dinner parties and have a substantial weight and feel that just screams quality.

What you should consider: Some people have received glasses with visible seams.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Hurts so good: Eagles dominate Chiefs on both ends to Super Bowl LIX

By ROB MAADDI | Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Cooper DeJean, Josh Sweat and the Philadelphia Eagles’ ferocious defense denied Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat.

It wasn’t even close.

DeJean got a pick-6 on his 22nd birthday, Sweat tormented Mahomes and the Eagles routed the Chiefs 40-22 on Sunday to secure the franchise’s second Super Bowl championship.

Jalen Hurts threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score on a tush push, and Vic Fangio’s defense was so dominant that the Eagles didn’t need much from Saquon Barkley.

The game-changing running back finished with 57 yards, breaking Terrell Davis’ record for yards rushing in a season, playoffs included. Hurts threw for 221 yards.

With Donald Trump becoming the first president in office to attend a Super Bowl, the Eagles outplayed Kansas City in every facet, delighting a raucous pro-Philly crowd that celebrated each score with a familiar rendition of “Fly! Eagles! Fly!”

Even Taylor Swift’s presence couldn’t help the Chiefs. They lost for the first time in 10 games this season with the pop superstar in a suite watching boyfriend Travis Kelce, who didn’t catch a pass until late in the third quarter.

Not in Kansas City’s worst nightmares could its fans have imagined such a lackluster performance. The Chiefs had won three of the previous five Super Bowls, losing 31-9 to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers four years ago.

Mahomes was 8-0 against Fangio’s defenses before the longtime coordinator and former Broncos head coach outcoached Andy Reid, capping his first season with his hometown team. Reid fell to 3-3 in Super Bowls, including a loss with the Eagles.

The Eagles sacked Mahomes six times, the most of his career, including 2 1/2 by Sweat. And they did it without Fangio calling a single blitz.

Barkley, the 2024 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, only had 31 yards rushing in the first half when Philly built a 24-0 lead.

The Chiefs were aiming to become the third team in NFL history to win three straight championships and the first to three-peat in the Super Bowl era.

Hurts nearly led the Eagles to victory against the Chiefs two years ago in Arizona, but Mahomes led a comeback and Harrison Butker kicked the game-winning field goal in the final minute for a 38-35 victory. Mahomes rallied Kansas City to an overtime victory over San Francisco last year for the Chiefs’ second straight title.

This time, a revamped Philly defense featuring eight new starters from the 2022 team made sure Mahomes had no chance to pull off his magic.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, who mocked fans chanting “Fire Nick!” during a victory over Cleveland in October and was called a “clown” on national television, should finally silence critics by adding a championship ring to a resume that includes the fifth-best winning percentage in league history.

Sirianni was showered with Gatorade with nearly three minutes left in the game while backup QB Kenny Pickett took snaps in mop-up duty.

Barkley helped push Hurts into the end zone from the 1 to give Philadelphia a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Up 10-0 after Jake Elliott’s 48-yard field goal, Sweat and Jalyx Hunt sacked Mahomes on consecutive plays. Mahomes then rolled out and made an errant throw that was picked by DeJean, who returned it 38 yards for a 17-0 lead.

It was Mahomes’ first pick-6 in 21 career playoff games and ended a streak of 297 straight passes without an interception.

All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun picked Mahomes again late in the second quarter, and Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on a 12-yard TD pass for a 24-0 lead.

Hurts threw a perfect 46-yard TD pass to DeVonta Smith to make it 34-0 late in the third.

Mahomes fired a 24-yard TD pass to Xavier Worthy to avoid the shutout, but the 2-point conversion failed. He threw two late, mostly meaningless TD passes, one to DeAndre Hopkins and another to Worthy.

After two weeks of discussions about questionable calls that led to public perception that officials favor the Chiefs — a theory NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called “ridiculous” — the first penalty of the game only fueled critics.

A 32-yard pass from Hurts to Brown to the Chiefs 18 on fourth-and-2 was negated by a penalty for offensive pass interference. Brady, now a Fox analyst, and officiating analyst Mike Pereira both disagreed with the call, although Brown shoved Trent McDuffie’s facemask.

On the next possession, the Eagles benefited from an unnecessary roughness penalty on McDuffie against Dallas Goedert following an incomplete pass on third-and-5.

Hurts then connected with Jahan Dotson on a 27-yard pass to the 1 and scored on the next play.

Hurts’ streak of 217 passes without a pick ended in the first half when he was intercepted deep in Kansas City territory, but the Chiefs didn’t capitalize.

The Green Bay Packers are the only NFL team to win three championships in a row, doing it from 1929-31 and 1965-67.

The NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers from 2000-02, led by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neill, are the last team in the major American professional leagues to win three straight titles.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

College track and field: Hartnell sets school indoors marks

RENO — Hartnell College established 15 new indoor track and field records at the Reno Wolf Pack Classic.

Eduardo Morfin established new indoor school marks in the 60 (7.05) and 200 (22.97) for the Panthers.

Jacob Dizon broke the school record in the 800 (2:05.03), as did Giancarlo Mendo in the mile (4:31.62), Jesse Blanco in the 3,000 (9:12.15) and Ivan Martinez in the 5,000 (17:24.84).

New indoor field event records went to Aiden Ishimaru in the weight throw, and Gianni Ponce in the high jump.

Setting new standards in the women’s division included Jenna Emerson in the 60 (9.99) and 200 (26.45), Roselyn Olivo in the mile (5:38.75) and 800 (2:28.77) and Jimena Hernandez in the 3,000 (12:18.43).

Breaking field event records included Taylan Flower in the long jump, Marissa Avelar in the weight throw and Jimena Guardardo Ortiz in the shot put

Pro baseball: Santora set for eighth spring training with Angels organization

MESA, ARIZONA – The contract presented each year to Jack Santora is for one year. Performance dictates whether another offer will be put on the table.

For eight years, Santora has had his minor league baseball contract as a coach in the Los Angeles Angels organization extended, with a handful of promotions along the way.

With spring training set to start on Feb. 17, the 1994 Monterey High graduate will begin his third season with the Angels Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake City.

“The role I’m doing now suits me very well compared to roles I have had in the past,” Santora said. “And Ron Washington has really helped me grow in that specific job title.”

Monterey High grad Jack Santora has been working his way up the Los Angeles Angels’ ladder as a coach. (Courtesy photo)

A first base/bench coach at Salt Lake City, Santora worked with Washington, the Angels’ second-year manager during spring training last year and will do the same this season.

Part of Santora’s duties at Salt Lake City include handling the defense and base running, two of Washington’s strengths as a player and now a manager.

“My only connection with him prior to his arrival was Mike Aldrete,” Santora said. “But it was a good connection.”

Aldrete, a 1979 Monterey alum, who is following the A’s to Sacramento this year as their bench coach, coached with Washington when both were with Oakland in 2016.

Having spent 17 years as a player – nine in the minors and 10 in Italy, Santora still has visions of reaching the big leagues – only now as major league baseball coach.

“I feel closer to that goal than when I started,” said Santora, who has been working with players in the Angels organization at a mini-camp in Mesa, Arizona.

Since becoming a coach in the Angels organization in 2017, Santora has worked his way up the ranks, even managing for two years at the Class A level.

Promoted to Salt Lake City after a stint as a coach in Double A, Santora understands the rigors of the sport, how changes happen sometimes without notice.

“Every year you get evaluated,” Santora said. “But it’s not like you get tenure and there’s a lot of security. Either your contract gets renewed or you are looking for work.”

For eight seasons, Santora has built a reputation in the organization for his ability to handle players and develop their talents for the big league club.

“I treat each day like it’s my last,” Santora said. “It’s helped me as a person. I’m very passionate about it. I don’t know if it’s about proving yourself each year. But it’s always in the back of your mind.”

It’s not always performance that sends coaches packing. Changes in the front office at the big league level may constitute changes at all organizational levels.

“It’s very hard that each contract is for just one year,” Santroa said. “What you do know is the weather always changes in baseball. It’s the one thing that’s constant.”

A peek at Santora’s eight seasons in the organization shows that the Angels parent club has changed managers four times in an effort to jump start the franchise.

Washington is someone who Santora has gravitated toward, as the pair have a lot of similarities, with their strengths being defense and communication skills.

“I love how Ron (Washington) goes about his business as an instructor,” Santora said. “I’m loyal to a fault. But I’m grateful and would not want to be anywhere else at this point in my career.”

Drafted by the Diamondbacks out of UCLA in 1999, Santora also spent time in the Padres and Phillies organizations as a shortstop before taking his career to Italy.

Santora spent a decade playing in his native country, taking part as a player in two World Baseball Classics before retiring. He also served as an assistant coach for Italy in the WBC under Mike Piazza.

“When you’ve gone through stuff and have had experiences, it’s a huge thing,” Santora said. “I don’t think it’s my No. 1 asset. That’s the relationships and trust I build with players. I don’t think it’s a necessity. But it helps to have my experiences to grab from.”

The 48-year-old is relatable to players trying to reach the big leagues, having risen as high as Triple-A as a player. He understands the emotions and anxiety that comes with it.

“There’s so much you see at the Triple-A level that you will not see at any other level,” Santora said. “You see players crying from getting released, tears of joy from getting called up. The emotions of being sent down. It’s hard to get to the big league and stay.”

Part of Santora’s role with the Angels is reestablishing confidence when a player comes down or is on rehab assignment from an injury.

“Where I’ve progressed is knowing the intricacies between the big leagues and minor leagues,” Santora said. “How the process works. Being able to work with players that have come down and get them back to the majors. There’s a big reward in that.”

What Santora has learned in his career is he’s more than just a coach to a lot of these players, some of whom are still 19 or 20.

“You have to be everything from a mentor to a friend,” Santora said. “When you’re in the trenches with someone for six months, 10 to 12 hours a day, I’m probably with them more than their own families. There’s a lot of trust. You’re dealing with a lot of emotions. That’s the reality of it.”

While Santora is critiqued after each season, the one thing he was told when promoted to Triple-A three years ago is not to stop what he is doing.

“You’re never really sure where you stand going forward,” Santora said. “But I was told ‘you would do well at the next level.’ The reality is there are not many big league jobs. It’s a coveted spot.”

One that Santora has been chasing since being drafted as a player, just with a different mindset today.

“It has to be the right fit,” Santora said. “But of course, it still remains the goal. I don’t know what the future holds. But right now my job is to help whoever is in front of me.”

49ers OK Deebo Samuel to seek trade partner: report

SANTA CLARA – Deebo Samuel wants out, again.

Samuel, a 49ers team captain whose production has tailed off since his 2021 All-Pro season, is seeking a trade after the most tumultuous and disappointing season of his six-year tenure.

Getting traded, per his request, seems a more realistic exit plan than three years ago, when a March trade request was merely a step toward a contract extension in training camp (three years, $72 million). The greater mystery now is how much — or how little — the 49ers can fetch in return for Samuel, who didn’t generate enough of a market in 2022 or again last March to garner a trade.

The 49ers granted Samuel and his agent permission to seek a trade once this latest request came a month ago, when Samuel, 29, sat with coach Kyle Shanahan following the 49ers’ 6-11 season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle because of the relationship that we have,” Samuel told ESPN. “But I have to do what’s best. I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, but now I think it’s best that we find another team.”

The 49ers did not immediately issue a statement or confirmation regarding Samuel’s potential split. The NFL Network also reported that the 49ers are “expected to explore” moving Samuel.

General manager John Lynch said last month the 49ers expected Samuel back because “he’s under contract,” at a $15.9 million charge on their salary cap and with a $1.17 million base salary in 2025.

Trading or releasing Samuel before June 1 would cost the 49ers $31.5 million against their 2025 salary cap, or half that figure if they designate a move after that date.

“(Samuel is) a good player and has done a ton for this organization,” Lynch said Jan. 8, “and we’re not in the business of letting good players out of here.”

Samuel was disgruntled throughout this past season, complaining on the social media platform X about a perceived lack of opportunities following a Dec. 8 win over the Chicago Bears, their only victory over their final two months of the season. In their previous victory, Nov. 10 at Tampa Bay, Samuel came off the 49ers sideline to confront kicker Jake Moody after his third missed field-goal attempt, and Samuel proceeded to swipe at long snapper Taylor Pepper’s neck.

Samuel, a captain for the second straight year, missed two games this past season, not counting the Oct. 20 loss to Kansas City, which exited early and required a two-night hospitalization for pneumonia-like symptoms.

Samuel scored just four touchdowns this past season, three receiving and one rushing. He caught 51-of-81 targets (and infamously dropped a potential touchdown pass in a Dec. 12 loss to the Rams) for 670 yards. While moonlighting as a rusher in his “wide-back” role, Samuel averaged a career-low 3.2 yards per carry (42 rushes, 136 yards); he also had a career-high 17 kick returns for 533 yards.

Samuel, through his ups and downs, is one of the 49ers’ most productive play-makers over the past 25 years. His 4,792 receiving yards rank 11th in 49ers history, and his 334 receptions are 13th-most. He ranks 16th with 42 touchdowns – 22 receiving, 20 rushing.

In the 2023 season, he totaled 1,117 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns as the 49ers reached the Super Bowl.

His 2021 emergence as a “wide back” netted him his only All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, while he racked up his only 1,000-yard receiving season (77 catches, 1,405 yards, six touchdowns) and ran for 365 yards and eight scores.

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Earlier this week in New Orleans, Samuel showed up to media interviews wearing a replica Philadelphia Eagles jersey as a nod to A.J. Brown, his close friend who will be attempting to dethrone the Chiefs in Sunday’s Super Bowl, something Samuel and the 49ers failed to do a year ago and in the 2019 season.

As trade talk swirled around Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk before last year’s draft, the 49ers did not receive a strong enough offer to part with either. Aiyuk eventually signed an extension just before the season, only to sustain a season-ending knee injury against the Chiefs. Going into next season, the 49ers will have Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall as their top receiving options if they part with Samuel — or even if he returns, perhaps.

Horoscopes Feb. 9, 2025: Joe Pesci, do your part to open doors and expand your circle of friends

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Tyson Houseman, 35; Mia Farrow, 80; Joe Pesci, 82; Carole King, 83.

Happy Birthday: Do your part to open doors and expand your circle of friends. Discover pastimes that encourage you to be more creative and entrepreneurial. Put more thought and energy into physically improving your lifestyle and pay more attention to your health. Find your passion and pursue a path that is lucrative and intellectually rewarding. It’s up to you to incorporate what makes you happy into your everyday routine. Your numbers are 3, 18, 20, 24, 33, 36, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Bide your time; refrain from letting anger overwhelm other emotions. Keeping the peace is easier if you are physically active. Blow off steam by hiking, going to the gym or participating in a competitive activity. Choose peace and love over discord and animosity. Choose self-improvement over critiquing others. 2 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Share your enthusiasm, and you’ll gain support. Refuse to let last-minute changes alter your mood or plans. Adjust to whatever unfolds and move forward with a smile and a positive attitude. Make a concerted effort to put those you encounter at ease and welcome them to join you on your journey. 4 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You can think big, but be realistic about putting your time, effort and cash on the line. Scour the internet for answers to the legitimacy of organizations, companies and those making unrealistic offers. Focus on exploiting what you offer instead of buying into someone else’s plot. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Refuse to let laziness set in when action is necessary. Change begins with you; if you aren’t happy with your lifestyle or situation, do something. Dedication, truth and positive solutions will help you rectify the problem. Show compassion and kindness, and you’ll get the same in return. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Relax, give yourself a chance to think matters through and devise a plan that compensates everyone you love. You’ll discover something about who you are and what you can do if you put your best foot forward and help those facing trials and tribulations. Do good, and you’ll feel good. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Changing your environment will give you a new perspective regarding life, love and what’s possible with some work, ingenuity and patience. Participate in events offering insight into what’s possible and achievable. Incorporate what’s working for you already into your upcoming prospects and plans. Use your imagination and make things happen. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): An open mind will help infuse exciting prospects. Social events, communication and time spent with people who stimulate your mind will encourage you to stop procrastinating. Don’t waste pent-up energy and angst on criticism and complaining. Put your plans in motion, and you’ll gain confidence and satisfaction from your achievements. 2 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Dig in and do something that requires concentration, enthusiasm and energy. Challenge yourself to a fitness regime that entails top performance, and the rewards will rejuvenate you and validate what you can do when motivated. Dream big, follow through and reward yourself. Your happiness depends on yourself, not on outside acceptance. 5 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Remove limitations before you start something new. Let go of what’s holding you back; it will be uplifting and help you give your all to something that feels right and makes you happy. Align yourself with those who share your mindset and pass along information that will make your journey easier. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): People in the know and moving in a direction that intrigues you will draw your interest. Attend a function that allows you to interact with movers, shakers and motivators, and you will get yourself on the fast track you want to pursue. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Broaden your horizons and explore what’s available in your community. Express your feelings and discover where you stand with someone you enjoy being around. An honest approach to friendship and love will help clarify the possibilities. Self-improvement and taking time out to nurture yourself is favored. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Participate in something that interests you, and you’ll meet someone special. Sharing experiences and dreams will prompt you to plan and give you something to look forward to. Be bold and make the first move. Share your desires and be receptive to trying something different. A positive change is apparent. 5 stars

Birthday Baby: You are talkative, restless and active. You are engaging and attentive.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

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Jimmy Butler explains why he changed his jersey name with Warriors

CHICAGO — Jimmy Butler took the court for the first time as a Warrior Saturday night, and he did so with a new-look jersey.

When Butler discarded his warmup suit, the six-time All-Star revealed a distinct change to his jersey: above number 10 reads “Butler III.”

“Forever and ever,” Butler said.

New team, new name. Butler decided to add “III” to his name plate to honor his family lineage. Butler’s Warriors debut came on the one-year anniversary of the death of his father, and he’ll now pay homage to him.

“This was big for me to change it, and realize that I am his son,” Butler said. “I’m very grateful. That’s why I’m Butler III.”

With the new threads, Butler registered 25 points and four assists while shooting 7-for-12 from the field and 11-for-13 from the foul line. He helped the Warriors come back in a 132-111 win over the Bulls.

At his introductory press conference in Los Angeles, Butler asked Mike Dunleavy if he could add “III” to his name. The Warriors naturally obliged, starting their partnership on the right foot.

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Number 10 for Neymar and “Butler III” for his late father.

According to media accounts, Butler’s dad left the family when he was an infant and his mother kicked him out of the house when he was 13. But Butler reconnected with both of them because he didn’t want to hold grudges. He grew close with his father and visited him in the hospital as he fought a terminal illness.

“I don’t think you really understand until you understand that athletes are human, too,” Butler said during the Netflix show “Starting 5.” “That we hurt and we cry and we grieve and we’re angry. Something is going on in our life and you can’t see it just like we don’t understand what’s going on in your life either. But that doesn’t make us a bad person for being human.”

Curry, Butler take turns taking over in Warriors’ comeback win over Bulls

CHICAGO — Trading for Jimmy Butler started a sprint to the finish line in the Warriors’ last 31 games, with the break tape being a playoff spot.

They stumbled at the sound of the race gun in Butler’s debut, but recovered to leave a tank-tastic Bulls team in their dust.

Steph Curry went on an all-time scoring binge in the third quarter, turning a 24-point deficit into a lead entering the fourth. He poured in 24 points — four off his career-high in a quarter — while shooting 7-for-11 from the field and hitting five 3-pointers.

Curry added to his NBA record for 20-point frames, and Butler took over in his own way in the fourth quarter of a 132-111 comeback win.

Curry finished with 34 points and Butler added 25 on 7-for-12 shooting and 11-for-13 from the line. Together, they flipped the game so dramatically that neither needed to play in the last four minutes. Quinten Post (18 points) and Brandin Podziemski (16 points) also filled it up during Golden State’s second-half comeback in which the Warriors (26-26) outscored Chicago 77 to 40.

“He made his presence felt across the board,” Curry said postgame.

In his first two minutes as a Warrior, Butler jammed an alley-oop and muscled his way to the line for a pair of foul shots.

He wasn’t on a minutes restriction, but given he’d played just five games in the past seven weeks, fatigue was to be expected. After four minutes of up-and-down play, he bent over at halfcourt with his hands on his knees, getting a rest as Steve Kerr called a timeout.

“Tired,” Butler, 35, said postgame. “Extremely tired. Like somebody that had a month off. Not that I wanted a month off.”

Wearing number 10 and “Butler III” on the back of his black and gold jersey, the wing gives the Warriors the type of offensive juice they’ve been lacking for months. He can knife his way into the paint, punish mismatches in the post and free teammates with off-ball screens and movement. With him, the Warriors won’t have the fourth-lowest free throw rate in the league for long.

Butler led the team in the non-Curry minutes to close the first quarter and start the second. He drove a closeout and dropped off a dime to Kevon Looney underneath the rim. It was the kind of play no Warrior outside of Curry has been capable of making: driving into the lane and staying under control to make the right decision.

Butler never practiced with the Warriors before Saturday night’s game and wasn’t even permitted to participate in morning shootaround because of logistical hurdles. He needs time to learn the Warriors’ terminology and playbook. He was out there with teammates he’d never played with, and it looked like it in the first half.

Chicago started the second quarter on a 15-0 run, sending Butler back to the bench at a timeout down seven and forcing Kerr to call another one a minute later.

Bulls reserve center Jalen Smith got hot from behind the arc, hitting four 3s and scoring 14 points in his first seven minutes. He keyed Chicago’s 25-2 run. In that stretch, the Warriors missed 11 straight shots, including nine 3s. They scored just two points in 6:45.

Butler fit in fine, but the Warriors around him tripped over themselves. Golden State gave up 38 points in the second quarter and 69 in the half, falling behind 69-55. Much of the struggles could be attributed to the feeling-out process with Butler.

Then the Bulls, showing their record, melted down.

Going small with Draymond Green at center opened up things offensively for the Warriors in the second half, and the removal of Quinten Post aided their interior defense. After falling behind by 22, the Warriors ripped off a 31-9 run to claw within four.

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Curry put a charge in the Warriors with a pull-up 3 over Nikola Vucevic and a four-point play. He later poured in an impossible lookaway 3 from the wing, dusted Patrick Williams in an isolation and sank another triple.

Curry dropped 24 in the third quarter, frying Chicago on a patented heater. He even skied in for an offensive rebound, leading to a Butler putback tap-in. After his fifth 3 of the period, Curry froze and admired his shot as it rippled through the net.

Butler sealed his man under the rim and caught a lob for an and-1 early in the fourth as Curry got some much-deserved rest. That was the start of seven straight points for Butler and a 9-0 run overall for the Warriors.

To give the Warriors a 16-point lead, Butler finished an and-1 reverse layup, pointing at Curry on the bench in celebration.

Curry took over the game and Butler blew it open. The Warriors could get used to that.

“Pretty fun having Jimmy on our team,” Kerr said. “He’s an amazing player…He’s a lion out there.”