Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 266

After controversial call, Warriors bounced from NBA Cup with loss to Rockets

As aghast as Steve Kerr was last week when the referees didn’t see Christian Braun try to call a timeout he didn’t have in the waning moments of last week’s loss in Denver, it didn’t compare to his disbelief at how the end of the Rockets game ended.

With 3.5 seconds left and the Warriors leading by one, Rockets guard Jalen Green dove on a loose ball. His teammates tried to call timeout, mirroring the Braun play. Instead, the officials called a foul on Jonathan Kuminga, sending Green to the foul line for what became the game-winning free throws.

“I don’t even understand what just happened,” Kerr said as part of a two-minute rant postgame.

That’s how the Rockets beat the Warriors for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the globe in 2020, the Warriors lost a game to the Houston Rockets. Their winning streak against the Rockets entering Wednesday was 15 — the longest such streak over any particular team in the NBA.

This rare loss, a sluggish 91-90 defeat, knocked Golden State (14-10) out of NBA Cup contention.

Draymond Green chewed out crew chief Bill Kennedy after the final horn sounded, disgusted at the way the ending unfolded. The Warriors had been in command for most of the fourth quarter, but got outscored 7-0 in the last three minutes.

Kuminga, the recipient of the tough call at the end, finished with a team-high 20 points on the night.

“To call a loose-ball foul on a jump-ball situation with guys diving on the floor, with a game on the line?” Kerr said. “This is a billion dollar industry. People’s jobs are on the line. I’m stunned.”

Losing out on the Las Vegas portion of the NBA Cup isn’t necessarily a bad outcome for the Warriors. Rather than losing a home game, facing tougher competition, and possibly playing an extra, meaningless championship game, the Warriors get to head home to host the Mavericks next Sunday. They get to play two games all week instead of embarking on a 12-day road trip.

Kerr joked pregame that the Rockets’ bright red NBA Cup court was like descending into the depths of hell. What was really in hell, though, were both offenses.

Houston forced seven Warriors turnovers in the first quarter. Both teams combined for five total points in the last four minutes of the frame, with the Rockets ultimately winning 20-18 despite going 1-for-10 from deep.

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The Rockets’ tenacious defense prevented the Warriors from catching any sort of rhythm. Amen Thompson — face-guarding Curry for much of the time they shared the court — swatted Curry at the rim. Then Golden State committed shot-clock violations on back-to-back possessions.

Golden State’s turnover count ticked up to 13 as Houston ripped off a 12-2 run. Jalen Green threw down a dunk with authority, as did Tari Eason after an inexcusable turnover in the backcourt from Lindy Waters III.

The only thing keeping the Warriors in the game was Houston’s inability to make 3s. At one point, they missed 13 straight triples. The Rockets’ lack of range shooting gave the Warriors a chance to respond with an 11-2 run of their own.

A trio of Kuminga buckets and a Curry and-1 helped inch the Warriors within a point halfway through the third quarter. Then they took control, as Buddy Hield drained a trio of triples after starting 0-for-5 from deep. He scored 11 in the third quarter, putting the Warriors ahead with his hot hand.

Golden State’s defense kept straightjacketing the Rockets, even when they benched Sengun for their springier lineup combination that has given the Warriors issues this year.

Lindy Waters III added two 3s before Brandin Podziemski, in a season-long shooting slump, nailed a jab-step 3 of his own. Kuminga added one from the corner, putting the Warriors up 89-82.

After going without a field goal for over four minutes, Fred VanVleet hit a corner 3 to draw the Rockets within three. The Warriors turned it over on three straight possessions, repeating late-game troubles that have cropped up recently. The Rockets won the last 77 seconds 7-0.

Including the back-breaking call — one that Kerr said an elementary school referee would’ve had the feel to know not to make.

The game got decided at the foul line, sending the Rockets from the gates of hell to Sin City.

“I’m pissed off,” Kerr said. “We wanted to go to Las Vegas, we wanted to win this cup. And we aren’t going because of a loose ball 80 feet from the basket with the game on the line. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. And that was ridiculous.”

Thailand’s starring role in ‘The White Lotus’ is about to pay off

Stephanie Yang | (TNS) Los Angeles Times

KOH SAMUI, Thailand — Mike White, the creator of the HBO series “The White Lotus,” was in Thailand searching for the perfect place to film the show’s third season. His journey had led him to the island of Koh Samui and into the open-air lobby of the Four Seasons Resort, overlooking lush mountains, glimmering ocean and $9,000-a-night villas.

Related ArticlesTravel | 5 under-the-radar travel destinations the UN says you should visit Travel | Gift ideas for people planning their next trip Travel | Lights and decor, réveillon meals make Christmastime special in New Orleans Travel | Why American travelers are choosing Europe for Christmas Travel | Jaw-dropping holiday light displays worth the trip this December The hotel‘s general manager, Jasjit Singh Assi, was ready with his pitch. But it didn’t take much to persuade White.

“He was quiet for a bit,” Assi recalled. “Then he says, ‘All right, this is it.’ It was as if he fell in love with it.”

Nearly two years later, the entire country is preparing to reap the benefits when the new season is released next year.

Set at a fictional resort called the White Lotus, the murder-mystery dramedy has garnered acclaim for its satirical portrayal of wealthy tourists and the working locals who cater to them. It’s also known for sparking real-life travel booms as fans of the show seek out the set locations — a phenomenon that has been dubbed the “White Lotus Effect.”

A starring role is an imitable advertisement for Thailand, which has broader ambitions to make more money from Western film productions and tourists alike. Last month, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Hollywood executives in Los Angeles and announced a plan to increase cash rebates for foreign filmmakers.

The plan, which awaits approval by lawmakers, would lift the maximum rebate from 20% to 30%, with no upper limit on total cash back.

“It’s amazing,” said Cod Satrusayang, head of development at Indochina Productions, a Bangkok-based production services company. “It puts us literally within the first tier in Asia, and very competitive with the rest of the world.”

Two young wealthy couples are traveling companions in Sicily in Season 2 of “The White Lotus.” From left: Aubrey Plaza, Will Sharpe, Theo James and Meghann Fahey. The third season is expected to bring thousands of tourists to Thailand, where it was filmed. (Fabio Lovino/HBO/TNS)

With Hollywood under pressure from rising production costs, the streaming slowdown and last year’s strikes, many other countries have come courting with cheaper services and government-funded financial incentives.

“When people moved overseas for production, they realized that they could shoot a movie as well as they can in L.A. for a much cheaper rate,” Satrusayang said.

Canada, Australia and Britain are leading the way in offering incentives. But developing nations have also been getting into the game, with countries including Indonesia, Jordan and Morocco providing grants, tax rebates and cash back on local spending.

Thailand’s rebate program began in 2017. Udom Matsayawanigul, director of the Thailand Film Office, which is part of the Tourism Ministry, said that as competition to lure foreign productions has stiffened, Thailand has had to sweeten its offers to keep up.

The Thailand Film Office estimates that every dollar of foreign film investment generates $2.80 in economic activity. The government hopes the attention will help it reach its goal of attracting a record 40 million tourists next year.

There are risks.

A 2023 Chinese action film about a kidnapping in Thailand is thought to have contributed to a decline in tourism from China. More recently, an Apple ad shot in Thailand drew criticism that it unfairly portrayed the country as run-down and outdated. Apple apologized and pulled the spot from social media.

And after the 2000 release of the film “The Beach,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, as many as 8,000 tourists a day made the pilgrimage to the tiny islands of Koh Phi Phi, where it was filmed. They crowded Maya Bay with boats, driving away marine life and destroying coral reefs.

In 2018, the government closed the main beach in Maya Bay for restoration. It reopened in January 2022 with prohibitions on swimming and anchoring in coral areas — and periodic shutdowns for caretaking.

“‘The Beach’ was a lesson for Thailand,” Matsayawanigul said. “The National Parks Department has been mindful of this issue.”

“The White Lotus” is far from the only show to inspire travelers.

Misty Belles, vice president of global PR at Virtuoso, a network of luxury travel agencies, said “Emily in Paris” increased tourism to France, “Bridgerton” to Britain and “Squid Game” to South Korea.

But nothing quite measures up to the impact of Mike White’s creation. Bookings in Hawaii by Americans increased 25% after the first season, which was shot in Maui, according to the luxury tour operator Black Tomato. Bookings for Sicily tripled after Season 2, which was set in the town of Taormina, as travel came roaring back from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Tourists relax on Chawang Beach in Koh Samui, Thailand, in March. The upcoming season of “The White Lotus,” mostly filmed in Koh Samui, is expected to provide a big tourism boost for Thailand. (Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images/TNS)

“The location almost becomes a character in and of itself,” Belles said.

She said Thailand is already seeing an increase in bookings in anticipation of Season 3, which also includes scenes in Bangkok and Phuket.

On the island of Koh Samui, home to about 70,000 Thais, the Four Seasons is enjoying record-high occupancy rates amid a boom since the height of the pandemic, according to Assi, the general manager. He said he expects next year to be even bigger.

“Not everybody knows Koh Samui as a destination,” he said. “The resort is now going to be on the global stage, and there’s an excitement to that. We want people to come.”

While foreign visitors account for about two-thirds of tourism revenue in Thailand, excitement about “The White Lotus” is also growing among domestic tourists, thanks to the casting of Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, a Thai member of the K-pop group Blackpink.

Even outside of the luxury resort’s private infinity pools, two-person bathtubs and 24-hour butler service, preparations for an expected tourism boom are underway.

Kanokkorn Lamlert and Patrick Moukarzel, owners of the the Thai Tapas restaurant, said they began feeling logistical strains last year as tourism rebounded after the pandemic.

When the local seafood market sold out, they had to drive 45 minutes for sea bass or shrimp. Hotel and food prices have risen, and the roads have become more prone to traffic jams, they said.

However, the economic payoff of a tourism boom in Koh Samui would be felt across the nation, Moukarzel predicted.

“When you come here, you never just come to Samui,” he said. “Bangkok will also benefit. Some people will do one week in Chiang Mai. They will go back and say, ‘We’ve been there because of “The White Lotus”; you have to go.’”

Already the restaurant has welcomed about a dozen superfans of the show after they spotted the cast and crew dining there on social media.

The restaurant owners said they are planning a marketing campaign around the premiere of the season, which includes a scene shot on the street outside their restaurant. One idea is to introduce a new Thai dish made with lotus root, stir-fried mushroom and slow-cooked beef.

They will call it “The White Lotus Beef Ribs.”

(Special correspondent Poypiti Amatatham in Bangkok contributed to this report.)

©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Tech review: Gift options for the cord cutter

Jim Rossman | Tribune News Service

Cord cutting used to refer to abandoning pay TV and putting up an antenna to watch free over-the-air TV. Then cord cutting expanded to include streaming services like Netflix and Hulu and individual streaming sources.

Related Articles Bûche de Noёl: the ultimate holiday dessert Make this pepper-infused vinegar to give as a holiday gift Gift ideas for people planning their next trip Pizza to the rescue during this frantic holiday season Make these luscious desserts for your next holiday get-together Now we also include streaming bundles, like YouTube TV or Hulu Live or DirecTV Stream. These bundled services mimic cable and satellite service, in that they have hundreds of channels.

The ease or complexity of the cord cutting experience depends on how you have things set up. Let’s take a look at some gift options for your favorite cord cutter.

DirecTV Gemini AirDirecTV Gemini Air. (DirecTV/TNS)

As far as I know DirecTV is the only streaming bundle service that offers its own hardware. The Gemini Air is a small dongle that plugs into an HDMI port on your TV. It is paired with a remote control to allow for easy navigation.

If you were an AT&T U-Verse TV customer, the Gemini Air/DirecTV Stream experience will be very familiar. The Gemini Air is a rarity in that it has number buttons.

DirecTV Stream has the option of turning on channel numbers in the guide.

I’ve used DirecTV Stream with my Roku TV and with the Gemini Air and the Air makes navigating the huge list of channels much easier.

The Gemini Air runs the Google operating system, so you can see and use all your other streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Max and more.

You can also load apps and games from the Google Play store.

The Gemini Air connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network, and it can stream 4K content to your TV.

The remote control has a microphone so you can use your voice to search or interact with Hey Google’s voice assistant.

DirecTV Stream customers can get a free Gemini Air from AT&T with their service. Additional units are available for $120.

Google TV Streamer (4K)Google TV Streamer. (Google/TNS)

There are lots of smart TV brands. Some run on the Roku operating system, some run Google TV and some use their own brand of smart TV apps.

If you’d like to add Google TV to any set, you can get Google’s new TV Streamer (4K) for just $99 from store.google.com.

The small device connects to your TV’s HDMI port. It also can connect to your home’s internet via Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet connection.

The Google TV interface is not tied to any specific streaming service. You can use any streaming service or app that’s available on the Google Play store.

It features a simple remote with voice control and the Google TV Streamer is also a hub and controller for Matter and Thread home devices that work with Google’s home ecosystem.

TabloTVTabloTV. (Tablo/TNS)

If you use an over-the-air antenna for watching your free local channels, I’m betting you’d like the option to record those channels. TiVo used to be the best/easiest way to record OTA TV, but they’ve discontinued their OTA recorders.

A great alternative is from TabloTV, which is a small box that you connect to your TV antenna. The TabloTV does not directly connect to your TV. Instead it connects to your home’s Wi-Fi, and the antenna signal is wirelessly sent to any TV or compatible device in your home.

Your TV picks up the signal through a free app, which is compatible with smart TV brands like Samsung, LG, Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV or Android TV.

This method is extremely handy if you don’t want to be bothered running an antenna wire from your attic or roof all the way to your TV. It’s also great if you want to use an indoor antenna, but your TV is not situated in a room that faces the broadcast towers. You can place the antenna and TabloTV where you get the best reception.

The TabloTV comes in two models – with either two or four tuners. This means you can record or watch two or four shows at a time.

TabloTV has onboard storage to record up to 50 hours of shows, but you can plug in any USB hard drive and expand to record thousands of hours of programming.

You can also bundle a TabloTV with an OTA antenna if you like, or you can use your own antenna.

Two things to know, there are no ongoing subscription costs for guide data, and there is no streaming service integration. You will need another way to add in streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.

TabloTV models start at $99.95 for the two tuner model at tablotv.com. The four-tuner model is $139.95, but they may be on sale during the holidays.

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Review: Timothée Chalamet is the best thing about the Bob Dylan biopic ‘A Complete Unknown’

While watching a screening of the new Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” attended by the film’s star last week, I kept asking myself the same question. Who, exactly, is this movie for?

Two stridently different, yet equally deranged, fandoms will certainly eat up the film, which opens in theaters on Dec. 25. Hardcore Dylan acolytes will find much to love, and hate, about it as well as plenty of opportunities to endlessly complain and/or debate its finest of points.

Meanwhile Timothée Chalamet fans will adore the 28-year-old movie star’s intensely focused performance that seemingly came from the ABS — Always Be Smoking — school of method acting. (Director James Mangold has said the film is more of a Robert Altman-style ensemble piece than a traditional biopic, but Chalamet is front and center pretty much the entire time.)

I’m unclear, however, what the audiences who made smashes out of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Rocketman” will think of this lengthy, ponderous film about an enormously gifted young performer who responds to his nearly instant fame by retreating into his own world and alienating the very people who lifted him up in the first place.

Director James Mangold and Timothée Chalamet on the set of “A Complete Unknown.” (Macall Polay / Searchlight Pictures)

“A Complete Unknown” opens in January 1961, with 19-year-old University of Minnesota dropout Robert Zimmerman arriving in Manhattan with the plan to meet his musical idol, Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy). The first sequence is pure magic, as Mangold and his production team did a gorgeous job of recreating the New York City of more than 60 years ago. It’s always a pleasure to see a period piece that nails even the smallest of details. (Unfortunately, Mangold doesn’t maintain that level of commitment and used some particularly flimsy and garish CGI to fill out the Newport Folk Festival crowd scenes later in the film.)

As Dylan soon learns, Guthrie is actually in a psychiatric hospital in New Jersey, where he’s confined to his bed and struggling with a case of Huntington’s disease that has left him barely able to move or speak. Dylan makes his way to the hospital, where he meets another folk icon, Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), and performs a song for the both of them.

Seeger takes Dylan under his wing and introduces him to Greenwich Village’s booming folk scene, where he begins performing in clubs. After an enthusiastic New York Times review, Dylan picks up a record deal and a manager, Albert Grossman (Dan Fogler). A mere 14 months after his arrival, Dylan’s self-titled album hits stores.

PREVIOUSLY: Timothée Chalamet leaves University of Minnesota buzzing after surprise visit

From there, the film follows Dylan’s dizzying rocket ride to the top and concludes with his career-defining performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival when he stunned the audience by playing an electric guitar backed by a full rock band. Chalamet, who did his own singing in the film, doesn’t so much explain the enigmatic man he’s portraying as he does luxuriate in his many eccentricities. Still, Chalamet feels like a slam dunk for an Oscar nomination given his full bodied, all encompassing approach here.

Those looking for ties to Dylan’s home state of Minnesota won’t find much, beyond some early, minor intrigue about his actual surname of Zimmerman. There’s even a scene where Dylan’s girlfriend Suze Rotolo (renamed Sylvie Russo and played by Elle Fanning) berates him for not sharing anything at all about his life before New York.

Beyond Chalamet, the rest of the cast offer some memorable performances. Norton excels as the almost comically wholesome Seeger, while Fogler lands the perfect combination of charisma and sleaziness as Dylan’s manager. Boyd Holbrook makes Johnny Cash his own, a nifty trick given that Joaquin Phoenix did the same in Mangold’s 2005 Cash biopic “Walk the Line.” Even the smaller roles boast some great turns, like stage/screen actor Norbert Leo Butz giving indignant flair to folk music purist and field recorder Alan Lomax. (By the way, Butz is also fantastic in a completely different context as coach Bill Belichick in FX’s recent “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez.”)

Both Mangold and Chalamet clearly aren’t afraid to show Dylan as a deeply flawed man, a chain smoking narcissist who treats everyone around him like garbage — especially the women in his life, especially Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro). Poor, poor Joan Baez.

And that brings me back to wondering just who “A Complete Unknown” is for. Yes, the acting is great, but the 141-minute running time does tend to drag. The back end gets particularly tedious with a number of repetitive scenes of uptight folkies clutching their pearls at the thought of Dylan playing rock music.

It’s tough to root for Dylan, and when he finally does plug in and crank it up, folks may be more excited by the fact that the film is finally over.

‘A Complete Unknown’

Directed by: James MangoldStarring: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica BarbaroRated: R for action and endless smokingShould you go? Chalamet’s impressive performance is worth a look. 2 1/2 stars.

What’s next for SF Giants after signing Adames? Posey admits there are more roster holes to fill

DALLAS — Willy Adames makes the San Francisco Giants a better baseball team. He fills a position of need. He provides power and defense. In Buster Posey’s estimation, Adames and Matt Chapman, who signed his own lucrative deal, represent baseball’s best left side of the infield.

But Adames alone does not elevate the Giants to contention status. Adames alone doesn’t guarantee they’ll be a playoff team. So when Posey was asked if it was fair to say that the team still has multiple holes to fill, the Giants’ president of baseball operations didn’t entirely disagree.

“I think baseball is unique in the sense that that’s probably true for any team,” Posey said.

Posey has repeated his goal to build a team with strong defense and pitching. Adames, one of baseball’s better defensive shortstops, addresses the former. With Adames in place, Posey and general manager Zack Minasian can turn their attention to addressing the latter.

San Francisco’s rotation, as currently constructed, features Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison and Hayden Birdsong. (Posey said on Monday that Hicks will be a starter.) Mason Black, Landon Roupp, Keaton Winn and Carson Whisenhunt could contribute innings as well. The Giants have options but after Webb, their rotation features a lot of variance.

Ray has only pitched 34 innings over the last two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. Hicks battled fatigue in his first season as a full-time starter. Harrison experienced a velocity dip as he threw a career-high 124 1/3 innings. Birdsong flashed excellent stuff but struggled with command.

The best way for the Giants to reduce that variance is by acquiring external talent. The list of available free agents thinned out a bit during the Winter Meetings as left-hander Max Fried and right-handers Nathan Eovaldi and Alex Cobb signed deals, but plenty of arms remain unsigned. That list includes Corbin Burnes, Jack Flaherty, Sean Manaea, among others. With Fried receiving an eight-year, $218 million deal from the Yankees, Burnes stands to sign a deal in the $250 million range.

“Anytime there’s players available, we’re going to look at them,” Minasian said on Monday. “I think most players who get to free agency have earned it through their career, so usually they’re pretty good. And (we are) just continuing to look at those options and balancing the cost and our internal opportunity that we can offer.”

Another one of those options is right-hander Roki Sasaki, whose agent, Joel Wolfe, held court on Tuesday. The Dodgers and Padres are the favorites to land “The Monster of the Reiwa Era,” but Wolfe outlined that the process will be open-ended with Sasaki willing to consider different options.

“My advice to Roki is to go in with an open mind,” Wolfe said.

Minasian, who has spent time scouting the NPB and KBO, has had Sasaki on his radar dating back to Sasaki’s amateur days, describing the right-hander as a “special arm” with “huge, raw stuff.” When asked what makes San Francisco an alluring destination, Minasian cited Oracle Park’s pitcher-friendly dimensions; direct flights to Tokyo and Osaka; the culture of the city and organization; and a fan base “hungry for the star player.”

“With the rules, we haven’t gotten to know him personally, but certainly done a lot of homework,” Minasian said. “We feel like we have a good sense of what makes him tick and we feel like it’s a situation we can make very comfortable for him, just give him the best chance for success as a big-league pitcher.”

Along with the rotation, the Giants will continue to explore options in the outfield. San Francisco can currently roll out an outfield of Heliot Ramos in left, Jung Hoo Lee in center and Mike Yastrzemski, who agreed to a one-year, $9.25 million deal to avoid arbitration, in right. Despite having those three in place, San Francisco expressed interest in right fielder Kyle Tucker, a pending free agent, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Over the last five seasons, Tucker has earned three All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger Award and a Gold Glove Award, posting an .883 OPS and totaling 121 home runs. The Giants would likely need to package multiple prospects to acquire him, and Minasian is confident in San Francisco’s stable of minor leaguers.

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“I do believe we have the minor-league talent to entice a team to consider us in a trade,” Minasian said.

Circling back to the infield, LaMonte Wade Jr. is currently slated as San Francisco’s starting first baseman, but Posey and Minasian both said the Giants will explore their options. Wade has the 11th-best on-base percentage in baseball since 2023 (min. 900 plate appearances), but the soon-to-be 31-year-old has dealt with injuries during his time in San Francisco.

“LaMonte’s a special player,” Posey said on Monday, citing his on-base ability. “He plays solid defense. I think we’re just trying as much as anything to keep options on the table.”

Bryce Eldrige, the Giants’ top prospect per MLB Pipeline, could also see time at first base next season. The 20-year-old skyrocketed through the Giants’ system, hitting .291/.374/.516 with 23 homers and 92 RBIs across four levels and ending the season with eight games at Triple-A Sacramento. For as well as Eldridge played, he isn’t a lock to make his major-league debut next season.

“You never want to say never, but I think it is somewhat fair to temper expectations from my end just because — whether is this is right or wrong — I’m looking at it like he should be entering his sophomore year of college,” Posey said. “We see the upside for this guy being tremendous and (want) to make sure that he gets the experience that he needs before he’s thrown into the fire.”

Worth noting

The Giants will have the 13th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft following Tuesday’s draft lottery. They would’ve had the ninth pick based solely on record.With a full 40-man roster, San Francisco did not select anyone in the major-league portion of the Rule 5 Draft. During the minor-league portion, the Giants selected left-hander CJ Widger and right-hander Sadrac Franco, but lost right-handers William Jensen and Julio Rodriguez; outfielder Cesar Quintas; shortstop Will Wilson; left-hander Nick Swiney; and catcher Andy Thomas.

Bill to award Gold Medal to Salinas native awaits Biden’s signature

MONTEREY – The Everett Alvarez, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act, authored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, to honor the Salinas native and Vietnam War Veteran, was passed by the U.S. Senate following passage by the House, and now moves to President Biden’s desk for his signature.

After receiving the President’s signature, the medal will be commissioned and a ceremony will be held in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Retired Cmdr. Everett Alvarez Jr., who will be 87 on Dec. 23, attended Salinas Union High School, Hartnell Junior College and received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Santa Clara. The grandson of Mexican immigrants, Alvarez joined the U.S. Navy in 1960 as an aviator.

Alvarez was a 26-year old Navy pilot based on the USS Constellation aircraft carrier in the South China Sea when, on Aug. 5, 1964, while flying Operation Pierce Arrow, Commander Alvarez’s A-4 Skyhawk was shot down, and he became the first aviator captured in Vietnam. He spent eight years and six months in captivity or 3,113 days. Despite facing torture, isolation and starvation, Commander Alvarez encouraged and inspired fellow POWs to “Return with Honor,” by not cooperating with the enemy, and remaining loyal to the United States. He was released from captivity on Feb. 12, 1973.

Alvarez has said that he survived imprisonment thanks to primarily his faith in God, and the mutual support of the other prisoners who communicated with each other by tapping on the prison walls. “We had a philosophy that you didn’t ever let your fellows down,” he said in the interview. “If they couldn’t take care of themselves, you took care of them because you knew darned well they would do the same. And we had a goal. We were determined to come home with our personal integrity, our reputation and with our honor.”

The Congressional Gold Medal is bestowed by the United States Congress to honor individuals or groups for major achievements that have an impact on American history and culture. Congress has issued gold medals to honor recipients from the military since the American Revolution. The legislation must be passed by the House and the Senate and signed into law by the President for the Gold Medal to be awarded.

“When our nation faces tough times and serious challenges for our future, we look to the service and sacrifice of those like Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr. to remind and inspire us as to what it takes for our democracy to endure,” said Panetta in a press release. “The Everett Alvarez, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act recognizes his heroism with the highest honor Congress can bestow.”

Panetta’s legislation honors Alvarez who demonstrated immense courage and resilience as the nation’s second longest-serving prisoner of war. Panetta said he appreciates the work and leadership of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, who carried Panetta’s bill in the Senate where it passed with unanimous consent and was passed unanimously in the House of Representatives earlier this year.

“Commander Alvarez is an American hero who served as an inspiring source of hope for other Prisoners of War during his time in Vietnam,” said Padilla in the release. “A Salinas native, his unwavering courage and bravery in the face of torture and isolation deserves the highest recognition in Congress. I am proud to have worked with Congressman Panetta to pass this fitting honor, and I look forward to celebrating Commander Alvarez’s enduring legacy.”

Among the many military decorations and accolades Alvarez holds, including having Everett Alvarez High School in his native Salinas named after him, he also has received the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronzes Stars, two Purple Hearts and the Prisoner of War Medal.

After he returned from Vietnam, Alvarez received a Masters Degree in Operations Research and Systems Analyst at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey where he has been installed into the Alumni Hall of Fame. He also has earned his juris doctor from George Washington School of Law where he is a distinguished Alumnus. He is a member of the Washington D.C. Bar. He went on to serve as Deputy Director of the Peace Corps, Deputy Administrator of the Veterans Administration (now known as Department of Veterans Affairs) and vice president for government services with the Hospital Corporation of America.

After retiring from government service, he founded and is presently Chief Executive Officer of the consulting firm Alvarez LLC. Alvarez and his wife, Tammy, serve on various projects involving wounded warriors, including the Green Road Project at Walter Reed that provides a natural healing environment for wounded service members and their families. He also served for 21 years on the Board of Regents of the Uniformed Services University. The Alvarez’s, who have two sons, have made Rockville, M.D. their home since 1976.

Hegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the Senate

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday as he pushed to win enough votes for confirmation. He said he will not back down after allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct.

Related ArticlesNational Politics | Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell. It’ll be a first for him National Politics | The Trump and Biden teams insist they’re working hand in glove on foreign crises National Politics | ‘You don’t know what’s next.’ International students scramble ahead of Trump inauguration National Politics | Trump is threatening to raise tariffs again. Here’s how China plans to fight back National Politics | Trump won’t be able to save the struggling US beef industry Collins said after the hourlong meeting that she questioned Hegseth about the allegations amid reports of drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. She said she had a “good, substantive” discussion with Hegseth and “covered a wide range of topics,” including sexual assault in the military, Ukraine and NATO. But she said she would wait until a hearing, and notably a background check, to make a decision.

“I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters as she left her office after the meeting. “I pressed him both on his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him, so I don’t think there was anything that we did not cover.”

The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, did not shy from opposing Trump in his first term when they wanted to do so and sometimes supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for the judicial and executive branches.

And Hegseth, an infantry combat veteran and former “Fox & Friends” weekend host, is working to gain as many votes as he can as some senators have expressed concerns about his personal history and lack of management experience.

“I’m certainly not going to assume anything about where the senator stands,” Hegseth said as he left Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and appreciate. And we hope, in time, overall, when we get through that committee and to the floor that we can earn her support.”

Hegseth met with Murkowski on Tuesday. He has also been meeting repeatedly with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault and has spent time in the Senate working on improving how attacks are reported and prosecuted within the ranks. On Monday, Ernst said after a meeting with him that he had committed to selecting a senior official to prioritize those goals.

Republicans will have a 53-49 majority next year, meaning Trump cannot lose more than three votes on any of his nominees. It is so far unclear whether Hegseth will have enough support, but Trump has stepped up his pressure on senators in the last week.

“Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform last week.

Horoscopes Dec. 11, 2024: Gary Dourdann, a passionate approach to earning your living

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Mo’Nique, 57; Gary Dourdann, 58; Jermaine Jackson, 70; Bess Armstrong, 71.

Happy Birthday: Test yourself, do the legwork and push your mind to figure out what matters most and how to get your life on a fast track to achieving your goals and finding your bliss. It’s up to you to control what you believe and how you follow through. A passionate approach to earning your living and utilizing your cash to ensure comfort and peace of mind is in your best interest. Your numbers are 8, 14, 24, 27, 31, 38, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Listen and assess situations carefully. Learn all you can, verify what you discover, revise your goals and plot out a plan to stay in control while building a solid financial foundation. Attend events that interest you and expand your circle of friends. Romance is in the stars. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Emotional situations will escalate fast. ‘Tis the season to be kind, generous and forgiving, so avoid getting into an argument or a no-win situation. Protect your relationships from outside influences that pressure you or your loved ones. Pay attention to price tags and avoid overspending. Channel your energy wisely. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll have plenty of opportunities, but not all will be in your best interest. Consider what’s important and how to get the most for your money, time and skills. Charm, showing interest in what others do and using your intelligence to market your vision will pay off. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take the high road and utilize your skills to separate yourself from anyone who chooses to compete with you. A display of compassion or letting down your guard can cost you if you don’t get your facts straight before standing up for someone else. Avoid risky situations. 4 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Refrain from getting tangled up in the hustle that the festive season inevitably fosters. Take a moment to breathe deeply, rethink your strategy and organize your day accordingly. Your aim should be helping others during this frantic time of the year and reducing the onus of buying love with elaborate gifts. 2 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Situations will escalate quickly if someone close to you overreacts, spends or indulges in an unhealthy manner. Establish boundaries and set a good example through your actions and invitations to participate in healthy activities and intelligent lifestyle choices. The best way to impress someone is with charm. 5 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Traveling, attending get-togethers or fixing up your space for upcoming festivities will stimulate your mind and encourage positive personal change that updates your look and appeal. Someone from your past will impact how you raise your profile or lifestyle. Explore the possibilities. Love is in the stars. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your actions will not go unnoticed. Be fair and honest and live up to your promises to avoid upsetting someone you love or depend on for help. Rely on your creative imagination to use what’s available to brighten your surroundings and reflect this time of the year. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Dismiss anyone interfering in your affairs or limiting what you can do or say. Pay attention to how you present your ideas and develop your skills. Remember what’s trending, but refuse to buy into an idea or plan benefiting someone else more than you. Make fitness a priority. 5 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Intelligence and charm will help you march forward with less interference. Pay attention to what others are going through while offering kindness and easy solutions; you will win favors in return. A secretive approach to domestic change will help you achieve your objective. Avoid participating in events that pose health risks. 2 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Dodge a bullet and avoid situations that promote emotional mayhem. Set your sights on changes you can implement that make life more convenient and that mellow out the personalities of those you encounter daily. Keeping the peace will encourage others to pitch in and help instead of standing in your way. 4 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Source information carefully and share only what’s verified. Investigate your options and consider how to use your skills to do something that you feel is more exciting or lucrative. Be careful not to let your emotions take over when dealing with money matters or trying to buy love. 4 stars

Birthday Baby: You are energetic, playful and bold. You are resourceful and disciplined.

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.

Keep feet warm with these must-have women’s snow boots

Which women’s snow boots are best?

There’s no reason to settle for cold feet, even through ice and snow. The best women’s snow boots will keep your toes toasty all season long. Traverse through icy streets or snow-covered terrain with confidence, knowing your socks are secure against water and cold.

And you don’t need to sacrifice fashion for function. The best women’s snow boots will keep you safe from the elements while complementing your outfit. If you want a classic, reliable choice, check out the Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Snow Boot.

What to know before you buy women’s snow bootsWinter vs. snow boots

Much like their names imply, a snow boot is uniquely designed to be worn in the snow, while a winter boot is simply for colder weather. Winter boots may have more variety in terms of style and materials. They are not necessarily waterproof and aren’t ideal for snow. A snow boot provides optimal warmth with thick insulation and waterproof outer material. Snow boots may have more traction than your average winter boot since they are designed to be worn on slick, slippery surfaces.

Material

Snow boots need to be warm and waterproof while remaining durable and comfortable. This is important not only for the foot area of the boot but also for the upper area covering the top of your foot. The boot material needs to be strong. Otherwise, it won’t withstand the harshness of winter or keep your socks dry. Look for nylon or even leather materials that are treated with waterproofing to keep your feet dry.

Insulation

Insulation is a vital part of winter apparel. Whether you need a pair of gloves, boots or a new jacket, you want to go with the option that will keep you warmest. Wool is one of the most popular types of insulation for clothing since it offers great temperature regulation. Synthetic materials are also widely loved for their moisture-wicking abilities. When you shop for your next pair of snow boots, check the insulation to ensure your toes don’t freeze while you walk in the cold.

What to look for in quality women’s snow bootsTraction

The best women’s snow boots provide durable tread. Some soles may be engineered to offer extra traction. Check the bottoms of your snow boots before purchasing to see how suitable they will be for icy conditions. Deep grooves, raised patterns and even spikes on the bottom of the boot will keep you safe through snow and ice.

Waterproofing

While not all snow boots are 100% waterproof, the best women’s snow boots will keep you safe from moisture from the toe to the top. Water resistance does help, but if you plan on spending a significant amount of time out in the snow, then you want a fully waterproof boot.

Temperature rating

For extended times outside in the coldest climates, you want to be sure you go with a boot rated for the cold. It’s always better to be a tad too warm in the winter than too cold, so consider investing in a pair of snow boots rated for colder temperatures than you need.

Fit

Style, closure type and material are all worthwhile things to consider when purchasing your snow boot, but they’re less important than the fit of your boot. When you try on your snow boots, wear the type of socks you would plan to wear — something thick that will keep your feet warm. It’s also important to consider that your feet may swell as the day goes on, so make sure your feet aren’t pinched. Your toes should be free to wiggle, but your foot shouldn’t slide around.

How much you can expect to spend on women’s snow boots

Some affordable women’s snow boots are in the range of $30 to $50, but you can pay $100 to $200 for a warm pair of snow boots with the highest-quality tread.

Women’s snow boots FAQHow can you tell if boots are good for snow?

A. The traction, temperature rating and level of waterproofness help you know if a boot is suitable for the snow. The height of the boot should extend well above the hem of your pants and over your ankle to keep snow from falling inside. The deeper the snow, the higher you want your boot to be.

Should I size up or down for snow boots?

A. Ideally, you shouldn’t size up or down for a snow boot. Check the sizing chart of any pair you’re considering. Try the boots on if you can before purchasing. You should be able to wear thick socks and still be comfortable.

What are the best women’s snow boots to buy?Top women’s snow boots

Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Snow Boot

What you need to know: Waterproof, warm and offering plenty of colors to choose from, these snow boots provide the perfect balance between fashion and functionality.

What you’ll love: With waterproof leather and textile construction, these boots will keep your feet warm and dry. They are lightweight and insulated. They offer a luxurious, feminine appeal. These boots are true to size, so you should feel comfortable ordering your normal size.

What you should consider: Some users were disappointed with these boots when spending long hours in the snow or in temperatures well below freezing.

Top women’s snow boots for the money

Bearpaw Women’s Emma Short Snow Boot

What you need to know: These 100% suede boots have plenty of colors and all offer a comfortable, relaxed style.

What you’ll love: These boots are easy to pull on and sport with any outfit. A rubber sole and round toe keep you comfortable and protected. A mid-height boot and fur lining will keep your feet and legs warmer for longer.

What you should consider: If you want these boots to be waterproof, you’ll have to treat them with a waterproof spray.

Worth checking out

Muck Boot Women’s Arctic Ice Mid Snow Boot

What you need to know: Excellent traction and extended rubber coverage keep these boots waterproof and warm for snowy conditions.

What you’ll love: A strong insole gives extra support, while a fleece lining creates sublime warmth. A Vibram Arctic Grip outsole gives you superior confidence on slick, icy surfaces. 100% waterproof material means you’ll stay dry for hours while enjoying the shock absorption and heat retention properties.

What you should consider: Some customers say these boots are difficult to break in, especially around the ankle and heel area.

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

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‘One of those guys’: With deal official, Posey offers praise for Adames

DALLAS — To Buster Posey, there’s a vibe certain shortstops possess, an aura that other positions on the diamond just don’t have. Posey saw these intangibles in Brandon Crawford. Before Crawford, there was Edgar Renteria. Now, he’ll get to see Willy Adames carry that mantle in San Francisco.

“There’s something about that position in particular – and I would say catcher is up there, too – the way that guys walk on the field, stand on the field, move around. It makes a difference,” Posey said. “(Adames is) one of those guys, and that feels really good.”

The Giants made official their seven-year, $182 million contract with Adames — the largest in franchise history — on the second day of the Winter Meetings at the Hilton Hotel Anatole in Dallas. The deal includes a full no-trade clause as well as no opt outs.

Posey and general manager Zack Minasian couldn’t discuss the deal on the Winter Meetings’ first day since it was not yet finalized, but with the logistics finalized by Tuesday afternoon, Posey didn’t hesitate to wax poetic about his first big acquisition as president of baseball operations.

“This is who we wanted to get,” Posey said. “It’s been really fun to hear the excitement from players, coaching staff. Just the feedback we’ve gotten from people who know him well. I’m just excited about the person. I think our fans are going to latch on to how the guy plays the game. I want the same flair. I don’t want anything different. We need that, we need a little energy and edge and I think he’ll bring that.”

Posey raved about Adames as a player, referencing the 29-year-old’s combination of power and defense. He labeled the newest Giant a “complete ballplayer,” arguing that Adames at short and Matt Chapman at third represent the “best left side in the game, with those two.”

The praise only began with the calculable, the tangible, the quantifiable. Posey said he heard nothing about glowing reviews about Adames, the person, during his inquiries, citing his “willingness to buy into the grit mentality that we want to have.” Pat Murphy, Adames’ manager in Milwaukee last year, provided validity to those sentiments.

“The human being that he is, that’s what makes him great,” Murphy said on Monday. “His attitude that he brings every single day, how he goes about his business, consummate professional. He was a leader in our clubhouse. He did as much for the ballclub as anybody. Played 161 games and would’ve played 162. This kid is special. He deserves everything he gets. I couldn’t be happier.”

With Adames now in the fold and set to be introduced in a news conference Thursday, Posey and general manager Zack Minasian can turn their attention to addressing other parts of the team, namely the starting rotation. Whether that will involve dolling out big money remains ambiguous.

When asked if the Giants could give out another nine-figure contract, Posey responded that the team is “keeping all options open” and that the team has to make decisions for the present and future. With left-hander Max Fried signing an eight-year, $218 million deal with the Yankees, the Giants would likely need to offer Corbin Burnes somewhere in the $250 million range to have a realistic chance at signing him.

Posey was then asked if San Francisco’s payroll could increase. He paused for several long seconds to contemplate his response, ultimately deciding he did not want to comment on the matter.

“I just think it’s better for me, for a lot of different reasons, not to discuss it publicly,” Posey said. “I just think it’ll help me and Zack operate better not discussing that publicly.”

Despite steering away from finance talk, Posey provided his thoughts on Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki. The right-hander was officially posted on Monday and his 45-day window to negotiate began on Tuesday. “The Monster of the Reiwa Era” would instantly elevate San Francisco’s starting rotation, a unit that features plenty of options but plenty of uncertainty.

“Obviously, like probably all the other 29 teams, it would be a dream for us to get this guy. Just tremendous upside. Not too many arms in the world like his,” Posey said. “He’s a tremendous talent. He’s 23 years old. It’s fun to dream on. It’s fun to think about him at Oracle Park and him pitching deep into a game late in the year, the place rocking. We’d be over the moon to add a guy like that.”

Joel Wolfe, Sasaki’s agent, fielded questions for about half-an-hour at the Winter Meetings on Tuesday afternoon. During his time on the dais, Wolfe noted that he’s “not entirely sure yet” what Sasaki will prioritize and said the process will be open-ended. Wolfe shot down rumors of a predetermined deal and expects the meetings with teams to begin next week.

Due to the intricacies of the posting system, Sasaki is only eligible to receive a minor-league contract (plus a signing bonus). The Giants are tied with the Dodgers for the smallest international signing bonus pool ($5,146,200) after signing Chapman and Blake Snell last year, but money will not be a factor in Sasaki’s decision making. With Sasaki slated to make less than a million, every team has the financial capital to sign a nine-figure talent for a six-figure salary.

“My advice to him is don’t make a decision based on that because the long-term arc of your career is where you’re going to earn your money,” Wolfe said. “So it’s probably not advisable to make a short-term decision in that regard.”