Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 278
November 30, 2024
Why the Warriors don’t need to play Draymond Green more minutes at center
PHOENIX — In the X’s and O’s department, perhaps the biggest pendulum swing for the Warriors is how much to play Draymond Green with or without a center next to him.
Green and head coach Steve Kerr prefer to play either Trayce Jackson-Davis or Kevon Looney with Green for the bulk of his minutes. It protects the 34-year-old from the physical demands of boxing out and working for positioning against bigger, often stronger assignments. The configuration also helps defensively, allowing Green to roam as a help defender instead of being locked into the other team’s center.
But playing Green at the five creates vastly different spacing for the Warriors, which is beneficial especially for Jonathan Kuminga. Historically, Golden State has used Green at center in big spots, including closing games, blitzing teams with speed, athleticism and Green’s generational defensive acumen. They’ve deployed the look for more than half of Green’s minutes this year.
The Warriors have started Green next to Jackson-Davis almost every game this season; the exception is their most recent contest, against the smaller Thunder, in which Green started with Kuminga playing power forward next to him. The balance, on paper, comes down to how important it is to optimize Kuminga’s downhill ability versus how many miles they can afford to put on Green.
“I’ve never been a guy who won’t do what a team needs,” Green said after the Thunder loss. “I pride myself in being whoever the team needs me to be.”
The Suns, Golden State’s opponent on Saturday, coincidentally have a similar issue. Because Jusuf Nurkic’s viability fluctuates based on certain matchups, Phoenix has played Kevin Durant — notably not a center — 10% of his minutes at the five. That won’t be an issue on Saturday, with Nurkic (quad) ruled out.
But the Warriors’ conundrum appears more urgent given how central it is to their identity.
Related ArticlesGolden State Warriors | Warriors drop fourth straight after Suns bury them with blistering first half Golden State Warriors | Warriors star Steph Curry on track to return for upcoming road trip Golden State Warriors | ‘He went for broke’: Warriors’ loss to Thunder serves as reminder of Jonathan Kuminga’s value Golden State Warriors | Warriors rediscover fire but fall short without Curry to Thunder Golden State Warriors | Steph Curry ruled out for Warriors-Thunder matchup with knee issueGreen has played 53% of his minutes at center, per Cleaning The Glass. As the eye test would suggest, Golden State has been better in those situations, but only slightly. They’re +10 per 100 possessions with Green at the four compared to +11.3 when he plays center.
By all accounts, the Warriors are in line to continue starting Green at power forward.
“I’m a huge believer in Draymond playing the five, but for limited minutes,” Kerr said. “I think we’re in a really good place with Trayce and Draymond starting, letting Draymond play the four. And then I like getting to Draymond at the five within the game, whether it’s 10, 15 minutes. I think that’s very meaningful and a really powerful lineup for us, especially with JK at the four.”
The Warriors’ current starting lineup of Steph Curry, Lindy Waters III, Andrew Wiggins, Green and Jackson-Davis has outscored opponents by 11.1 points per 100 possessions. It was even better with De’Anthony Melton — who’s out for the season with an ACL sprain — playing shooting guard, but the core-four looks sustainable.
Last year, Green played a career-high 70% of his minutes at center, but it was mostly out of necessity; the Dario Saric experiment failed and Kevon Looney had a poor season, leaving Green as the best option and a rookie Jackson-Davis as his backup.
The move coincided with Golden State’s strong second half, but it wasn’t comfortable.
“I don’t think it’s a wise choice over the course of the year,” Kerr said.
While unlocking Kuminga is certainly important, especially as Golden State has struggled offensively during its current three-game losing streak entering Saturday’s game, keeping Green fresh is the ultimate priority. The Warriors are 6.1 points per 100 possessions better with Green on the court than when he sits, regardless of position. He has had a terrific start to the season, and the Warriors need him healthy to continue.
Playing him more at center wouldn’t be a step toward accomplishing that. Boxing out centers and taking punishment on screens, in transition, and on post-ups adds up. Guarding Nurkic, Isaiah Hartenstein, Nikola Jokic, Rudy Gobert, Anthony Davis and Ivica Zubac comes with bumps and bruises.
“It’s a big difference physically,” Looney said. “You’re playing against the five man, that’s always going to be the biggest guy on the court. He’s always going to be the one hitting you every play. You’re in every action.”
With Curry and Green, the Warriors are learning how to navigate the health of aging stars.
In a health sense, the status quo is working for the Green. It’s helpful that, unlike last year, the Warriors have more options.
“I play the five,” Looney said. “We’ve got Trayce. Draymond plays some, Kyle (Anderon) plays some. So we’ve got bodies. I just think it’s about what look Steve wants to go with. Sometimes when he wants to play faster and go small, Draymond’s perfect for that. He’s been great at that his whole career.”
Notable— The Suns ruled out both Bradley Beal (left calf) and Nurkic before their game against the Warriors.
“They’ve got capable reserves, so we just have to adjust to the other personnel,” Kerr said.
— Since suns superstar Kevin Durant left the Warriors, Kerr has coached him in two different Olympics deployments. It was clear by the end of Durant’s tenure with Golden State that he was “ready to move on and take on a different challenge,” Kerr said.
“We would have loved to have kept him forever, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
— Both Andrew Wiggins and Steph Curry warmed up at the Footprint Center with the expectation that they’d play. They were each listed on the official injury report as questionable.
PHOTOS: Cannery Row lights up for the holidays
People pack into Steinbeck Plaza as the tree is lit during the 30th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Cannery Row in Monterey on Nov. 29, 2024. (David Royal/ Monterey Herald Correspondent)
Steinbeck, top, and other statues of characters from his life wear Christmas hats at Steinbeck Plaza on Cannery Row in Monterey on Friday Nov. 29, 2024. (David Royal/ Monterey Herald Correspondent)
Elves Gabi Amselei, left, and Mike Cook hand out hot chocolate during the 30th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Cannery Row in Monterey on Friday Nov. 29, 2024. (David Royal/ Monterey Herald Correspondent)
Children stand under a snow machine during the 30th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Cannery Row in Monterey on Friday Nov. 29, 2024. (David Royal/ Monterey Herald Correspondent)
Santa Claus addresses the crowd beside Ted Balestreri during the 30th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Steinbeck Plaza on Cannery Row in Monterey on Friday Nov. 29, 2024. Balestreri, founding CEO and Chairman of the Cannery Row Company, was the host of the event. (David Royal/ Monterey Herald Correspondent)
Maddie Urquidez, center bottom, 9, and other children participate in a massive snowball fight inside Oscar's Playground during the 30th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Cannery Row in Monterey on Friday Nov. 29, 2024. The fake snowballs were made out of soft cloth. (David Royal/ Monterey Herald Correspondent)
Show Caption1 of 6People pack into Steinbeck Plaza as the tree is lit during the 30th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Cannery Row in Monterey on Nov. 29, 2024. (David Royal/ Monterey Herald Correspondent)
ExpandHigh School State cross-country: Carmel’s Aldi places 15th in Division IV finals
FRESNO >> The mental aspect of a distance runner is to push through the pain, telling yourself “don’t stop” when your legs are telling you “we’re done.”
For Mack Aldi, there will be no more cross-country competition next year as the Carmel High distance ace was running his last high school race, knowing his full attention will turn to track and field at the next level.
“There’s nothing really to hold me back,” Aldi told himself before stepping to the starting line in Saturday’s CIF State cross-country divisional championships. “This is it. How much do I want it?”
Aldi closed a chapter on his cross-country career with a 25-second personal best, clocking 15 minutes, 47.7 seconds over the 5K (3.1-mile) Woodward Park course in Fresno to finish 19th at the State Division IV championships.
“It was a little slower than I wanted,” said Aldi, the Carmel school record holder in the 800 in track. “But I’m past getting disappointed over a time. I’m super happy with the effort.”
The mental anguish that has challenged Aldi over the years was erased this fall with the help of a “W” that a former coach told him to put on his wrist before each race to remind him of the goals.
“I’ve been through so many ups and downs,” Aldi said. “Last year I wanted to quit during this race. It’s about having to overcome. I do this for fun. I had fun this year. It’s super sad that it’s my last race. There are memories that will last forever.”
Aldi’s time was the fastest among any county runner, as was his placement, which was 15 positions higher than last year, when he battled through a virus.
“The first mile was really fast today,” Aldi said. “I felt really good and confident. I knew if I hung on, I’d pass some people. Once I hit the back hill, I had to play mind games with myself. Just get another 200 meters and pass a person. Don’t die.”
A two-time Pacific Coast Athletic League champion, the senior ran faster on a longer course at the state championships then he did two weeks ago in finishing third at the Central Coast Sections finals on Crystal Springs’ 3-mile loop in Belmont.
“I’ve struggled in the past with wanting to give up sometimes,” Aldi said. “I worked hard on the mental aspect of the sport. I tried to be more of a role model to the younger kids. I hope was able to pass along the positives in the sport.”
Santa Cruz phenom Eli Fitchen-Young, who set a Crystal Springs CCS course record last week, won the Division IV state title by nearly 17 seconds with a blistering time of 14:41.3.
Giovanni Ochoa’s third straight trip to the state finals for Gonzales resulted in the senior running 16:10.9, a 32-second improvement from last season in Division IV to finish in the top 50 among 203 runners.
Marina’s magical season, which included a Pacific Coast Athletic League Gabilan Division boys’ team title and the program’s first CCS Division IV championship, ended with them finishing 15th as a team in Division IV.
Miguel Flores was one of four runners for the Mariners to dip under 17 minutes, clocking 16:38.6. Following him were Kevin Azpeitia (16:45.7), Tarin Riner (16:52.9), Eduardo Bernal-Samaro (16:58.7), Juan Carlos Perez (17:34.6) and Victor Cano (18:13.70).
Gustavo Perez put together arguably his best race on the biggest stage for Alisal, running the second fastest time in school history in clocking 15:48.0 in the Division I finals.
“I was with the lead pack for the first 2 miles,” Perez said. “I went out and ran 4:50 in the first mile. It felt good. The last mile, it was not enough. But I still ran fast. I’m happy with that.”
The Gabilan Division champion and a top-five finisher at the CCS Division I finals, Perez’s time of 15:48.0 trails only Olympian Diego Estrada, who ran 15:20.0 in 2007 at Alisal.
“The one thing that was different this year is we trained to peak for state,” Alisal coach Steve Munoz said. “Realistically we weren’t quite there in the past. This year I knew we had kids that had a shot. I slightly adjusted our training to peak here.”
On the heels of setting an Alisal girls’ school course record at Crystal Springs in Belmont two weeks ago, sophomore Yaretzi Cornelio added another massive personal best in setting a school course record at Woodward Park.
Cornelio, who holds four course records at Alisal, shattered the old mark of 19:47.0 when she clocked 19:06.9 Saturday over the 3.1-mile loop in the Division I championship race.
“She went out in a 5:50 first mile, which is right around where we’ve been training at,” Munoz said. “The second mile shifted to a slower pace among the leaders, which is normal at Woodward. She ran a great last mile.”
Cornelio — the only female athlete from the county to qualify for the state championships — ran 22:30.0 on the same course last fall as a freshman at an invitational at Woodward Park.
“She’s a completely different runner than she was as a freshman,” Munoz said. “She’s just tipping the scales. She’s going to have a great track season in the spring.”
The first Alisal female athlete to qualify for the state meet in 17 years, the Gabilan Division champion ran 18:57.5 over 3 miles two weeks ago at Crysal Springs.
“Today the conditions were great,” Cornelio said. “I felt like I could keep pushing. I tried to stick with girls that usually are in front of me. I could tell I was running a good race. What I’ve learned is I need to get out of my comfort zone, not be afraid to push harder.”
Watsonville senior Katelynn Ruiz ran 19:02.1 in the Division I race to finish a few strides in front of Cornelio, while Hollister’s Prienna Chavez was timed in 19:14.0.
Both Lopez and Cornelio will compete next week at the Western Regionals at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut.
Fabian Serrano’s second trip to the state finals resulted in the Greenfield senior clocking 16:36.0 in the Division III finals, while Palma senior Wells Lilly climbed 14 spots in the second mile, clocking 17:01.3 in the Division V race.
Newsom tours California’s conservative counties with post-election message
California Gov. Gavin Newsom picked an unlikely spot for one of his first appearances since Democrats took a walloping in the November general election: a Kern County cement plant in Lebec, population 1,200.
Newsom is on a tour of the Central Valley, far from his native San Francisco, to highlight a statewide economic development plan rolling out in January. That initiative, California Jobs First, is years in the making and will dole out $120 million for workforce development and green industries early next year. Last week, the governor also touted the initiative at a community college in Fresno.
But the tour is also a venue for the staunch Democrat to make his presence known among voters in conservative counties, where Republican President-elect Donald Trump made significant inroads this year, fueled by anxiety about the economy and living costs.
“I’m not focusing on the politics,” Newsom told reporters this week. “But I’m deeply mindful of the politics.”
The governor, who helped lead the opposition to Trump during his first presidency by touting California’s progressive policies on everything from the environment to immigration, is widely expected to run for president in 2028 — a lane that opened for him with the defeat of his political colleague, Vice President Kamala Harris. Even as he’s promised to protect reproductive rights and environmental regulations, he’s made a habit of visiting rural counties that don’t fully support him as governor.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom touts Kern County’s economic development plan Monday, Nov. 25 at a cement plant in Lebec.“It’s no secret he’d be interested in running for president some day,” said Jack Pitney, a professor of political science at Claremont McKenna College and a former Republican. “Smarter Democrats understand they’d have to make some inroads into rural America.”
At the moment, they’re losing ground. Trump won Fresno County this year by 4 percentage points, marking the first time a Republican candidate for president has won there since 2004. Trump also trounced Harris in once-purple Kern County this year. Though he made gains throughout the state, Harris easily won California’s 54 electoral college votes.
Newsom himself is down in the polls. A Public Policy Institute of California survey in October found only 47% of California likely voters approved of Newsom’s performance as governor, down from 52% shortly before he won reelection two years earlier.
Since Trump’s victory, Newsom has held a nationwide livestream on Zoom with voters and solicited donations to his political committee, Campaign for Democracy, which raised millions of dollars this year for Democratic candidates nationally. He may be able to use those funds for a possible run for president, said Richard Hasen, an election law expert and political science professor at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law.
Last week, Newsom told The New York Times that voters had sent a clear message to Democrats: they should be focused on economic issues.
“People are being left behind, their regions are being left behind,” the governor told the newspaper. “We as a party will be history if we don’t heed the call to address the economy.”
While acknowledging the ire of voters, Newsom is also preparing to spar once again with Trump. In the wake of the election, he quickly called a special session of the state legislature “to protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action and immigrant families” from the new administration.
On Monday, Newsom also announced that California would create its own tax credit for electric vehicles if Trump follows through with his promise to gut a federal incentive. Notably, Tesla vehicles, even those made in Fremont, wouldn’t be eligible for the state incentive under Newsom’s draft plan, Bloomberg reported. CEO Elon Musk is slated to take a role in Trump’s cabinet to slash government spending.
Clad in his signature slim-tailored suit at a news conference Monday, Newsom praised the National Cement plant about 40 miles south of Bakersfield.
It’s considered one of the lowest-carbon cement factories in the U.S. in an industry with an enormous climate impact, Newsom said. The company is set to receive $500 million for carbon capture and the development of lower-carbon cement in California as part of President Joe Biden’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
The plant is emblematic of a “circular” economic investment that provides good-paying union jobs, Newsom said.
His remarks and those of other officials mostly focused on the new regional economic development roadmap for Kern County. The county, which is bigger than Connecticut, is a longtime hub for agriculture and trucking. It also produces more oil than any other county in the state.
The plan calls for job-creating investments in agriculture technology, clean energy and advanced manufacturing to replace oil jobs that are blinking out amid the clean energy transition, said Manpreet Kaur, a Bakersfield city commissioner who led the process to write the plan.
“Kern County is the legacy land of oil country,” she told Bay Area News Group. “As we look toward the new economy for Kern County, we are also humble enough as a region to know that it’s going to take a collaborative effort to design what that looks like.”
Last week, Newsom and local officials also unveiled an economic development strategy for Fresno County at Fresno City College, where they also spoke with technical students.
Kaur credited Newsom for visiting Kern County early in his tour and said that was intentional. It’s unclear where future tour stops will be located, but the governor is expected to visit more conservative areas.
“I respect that highly,” she said, “and I think it speaks volumes.”
Another honor for CSUMB’s Limon on the soccer field
Jennifer Limon is piling up the hardware this fall for the Cal State Monterey Bay women’s soccer team, as she was named to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association West Region first team.
The California Collegiate Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year, the senior defender logged a team high 1,676 minutes this season for the Otters, helping them to their first ever CCAA tournament.
Limon also produced a goal and an assist for the Otters, whose defense shutout nine opponents. CSUMB also set a school record for ties this past fall with eight, allowing .63 goals a match.
Prior to arriving at CSUMB, Limon led Cabrillo College to a pair of Coast Conference titles.
Thousands of DACA immigrants are now eligible for Covered California. Here’s how to apply
Thousands of undocumented immigrants who arrived in the country as children can now sign up for subsidized health plans through California’s insurance marketplace.
The expansion comes from a rule change approved in May under President Joe Biden’s administration. Under the change, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients — known as Dreamers — are included in the Affordable Care Act and can purchase insurance federal or state marketplaces such as Covered California. Enrollment for eligible Dreamers in California opened earlier this month.
The future of this expansion remains uncertain given President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to overhaul the nation’s immigration policy. During his first term, he backed efforts to end both the ACA and DACA which grants legal residence and work permits to some undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
Still, state officials encourage uninsured residents to take advantage of the new opportunity. Roughly 40,000 DACA recipients in California gained eligibility, said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California.
“Right now, you are eligible for all the financial assistance we make available. … Let’s focus on what we have right now,” Altman said.
Altman noted that concerns around DACA eligibility existed before the presidential election results. In August, a group of Republican attorneys general filed a federal lawsuit against Biden’s health insurance marketplace expansion.
The lawsuit argues the expansion burdens states running their own marketplaces and encourages undocumented immigrants to stay in the country. California and other states have since filed a brief in defense of the federal rule change.
“We’ve always known there’s uncertainty and unfortunately that’s something that our DACA recipients have dealt with,” Altman said.
Covered California began its special open enrollment for those DACA recipients on Nov. 1. Those who enroll before the end of the month will have coverage beginning in December.
The enrollment period ends Dec. 31 for uninsured residents wanting coverage by the start of 2025. About 90% of Covered California enrollees receive financial help to pay their monthly premiums.
This new benefit follows a successful and more than decade-long effort in California to expand Medi-Cal eligibility to all undocumented immigrants.
The need for the Covered California expansion exists, however, as many people remain uninsured even with eligibility for low-income programs, said Shelby Gonzales, vice president for immigration policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
The uninsured population is disproportionately Latino and Black, immigrants and are not primarily English speakers, Altman added. This can lead to challenges in navigating the system, lack of language services and a fear of interacting with the government.
The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research estimates that more than 1.3 million uninsured Californians qualify for subsidies through Covered California or are eligible for Medi-Cal.
“Having access to affordable health coverage is important for everyone in our nation,” Gonzales said.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Lisa Wooninck, Finding Sanctuary: Monterey Bay Aquarium celebrates four decades of ocean advocacy
Protecting and conserving our ocean is paramount to our health, as it serves as a source of food, oxygen and medicine for our well-being. The ocean also plays a vital role in regulating the planet’s temperature, absorbing carbon dioxide and storing heat, thereby helping to mitigate the effects of our changing global climate. Despite this monumental importance and the countless benefits to ourselves and our planet, the ocean needs a strong voice to be better cherished for its essential value to our humanity.
Since opening its doors 40 years ago on Oct. 20, 1984, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has been that voice. It is a world leader in inspiring ocean conservation, focusing on storytelling through the lens of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s incredible habitats and marine life. Understanding that the path to change only comes by identifying problems and implementing solutions, the aquarium has educated more than 70 million visitors on the diversity and fragility of ocean communities. Brad Rutherford, aquarium deputy director, says, “No other aquarium was taking that approach when we opened, and it’s been a powerful way to connect with people and encourage them to take action to protect the ocean.”
Through nearly 200 beautifully engaging exhibits, visitors deepen their knowledge of the ocean world, but more importantly, they see how our ocean is threatened by ever expanding human-caused impacts: climate change, plastic pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, habitat loss and vanishing species, to name a few. This ocean story also needs to be told.
The aquarium leads the call for action by bringing these issues to the forefront and encouraging positive change now and for the future. From creating robust conservation science programs that inform policymakers and eliminating single-use plastic packaging in its gift stores, to inspiring a new generation of youth leaders, the aquarium has become an ocean champion.
“By engaging our members, guests and supporters, building alliances and doing the hard work, we’ve really made a difference for the ocean over the past 40 years,” Rutherford says.
When educating students, the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s school programs manager, Pamela Wade, takes the approach that “it is important that the conservation actions shared are developmentally appropriate and within a student’s control. Building empathy for wildlife is an important first step toward conservation.”
This connection fuels curiosity, imagination and engagement.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium continues to inspire wonder, awe and conservation of the ocean. (Courtesy Amity Wood/NOAA)“When working with older students, I invite them to participate in projects that benefit their local communities,” says Wade.
Dedication to ocean conservation goes beyond the aquarium walls, having impacts from global climate action and promoting sustainable seafood to more locally focused efforts, such as the Sea Otter Program that supports the recovery of threatened Southern sea otters. This species plays a key role in maintaining healthy iconic kelp forests in sanctuary waters.
Aquarium staff also support local conservation through participation on the sanctuary’s advisory council, in which members provide input on sanctuary management, science and stewardship. Wade currently serves as the council’s chair and says she is “proud to work to build connections with community members who are also dedicated to protecting the ocean.”
Not only is the Monterey Bay Aquarium a 40-year landmark for our community, but it is globally celebrated for inspiring change, hope and optimism towards creating a healthier ocean planet. Since the Aquarium’s beginnings, its commitment to innovation, education and advocacy have risen to meet our environmental challenges ahead, giving the ocean a voice for a better future.
“So many people have fallen in love with our exhibits and Monterey Bay’s marine life,” says Rutherford. “They’ve truly embraced this place as their own – it’s a remarkable achievement. I’m so grateful to be part of it.”
Superintendent Lisa Wooninck and her staff at NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary conduct research, education and resource protection in one of most biodiverse marine protected areas in the world. Learn about new and exciting stories by the sanctuary within these articles Lisa can be reached at lisa.wooninck@noaa.gov. To learn more about the sanctuary, visit montereybay.noaa.gov.
Horoscopes Nov. 30, 2024: Ben Stiller, commit to what matters to you and forge ahead
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kaley Cuoco, 39; Elisha Cuthbert, 42; Ben Stiller, 59; Billy Idol, 69.
Happy Birthday: Change what’s out of date and replace it with something magical. Spend more time doing what puts a smile on your face and less worrying about what you cannot control. Choose your battles wisely, your friends carefully and pastimes that encourage you to participate in self-improvement projects, learning and nurturing meaningful relationships. Don’t limit the possibilities; commit to what matters to you most and forge ahead. Your numbers are 3, 12, 20, 27, 33, 35, 46.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Pay more attention to where your money goes and how responsive you are to health issues. Rely on your resourcefulness for the truth and fact-check any information you receive from institutions and authority figures. Keep your plans and decisions to yourself until you are fully prepared to move forward. 5 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Personal improvements will turn out better than anticipated. Pay attention to detail and focus on finishing what you start. The results require a seamless finish to impress supporters or donors. Step outside your comfort zone if necessary to solidify your position. Love and romance are on the rise. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll be torn between what you should do and what you want to do. Observation is your best choice when uncertainty prevails. Small but significant changes will eventually uncover what’s best for you. A change of heart or direction will capture your attention and encourage you to rethink what’s next. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Participate in something that makes you feel passionate and good about yourself. How you apply your skills and experiences will determine how others treat you. Be bold and take a unique approach to whatever you pursue. A romantic encounter or connection you make will encourage positive change. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Participation will energize you emotionally, intellectually and personally. Refuse to let anyone get in your way or tempt you with nonsense hindering your chance to follow your dream. Opportunity is within reach if you do what’s right and best for you. Channel your energy into positive change. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Protect your home and possessions from scammers. Stick to whatever feels comfortable. A personal change you make will give you the boost in confidence you require to take advantage of whatever opportunity comes your way. Refuse to let anyone manipulate you or the choices you make. 2 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Avoid risks. Protect your home, possessions, family and health from outside influences. Gather the facts and adjust whatever is necessary to ensure you are safe and sound, and you’ll find a passage forward that can spare you grief and push you toward a lucky break. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): An emotional shift will lead to a unique opportunity. Network, socialize or start a new project that offers insight into stronger ties with like-minded people and improves your understanding of what’s possible. A romantic gesture is encouraged. Confide and commit to someone you love. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Source what you need to take care of pressing matters before you hire someone to help. Uncertainty will result due to poor communication. A last-minute change will cause emotional resistance. Establish what you want and how best to get it before you commit. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Change begins with you and at home. Look around you, and you’ll figure out how to make your domestic domain more convenient for your current objectives and lifestyle. The more dedicated you are to using your skills innovatively, the more interest you’ll gather. Romance and positive change are favored. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Observation will offer insight into what others think and do, and by participating in functions that can introduce you to futuristic ideas, you can apply your skills and experience to manifest something new and exciting. Joy comes from following your heart and using your talents to excel. 4 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be careful what you promise and know whom you are dealing with before you engage in talks and commitments. A steady pace forward will also require surrounding yourself with individuals who have as much to contribute as you. Don’t be fooled by someone’s empty promises. Proceed with caution. 2 stars
Birthday Baby: You are colorful, engaging and optimistic. You are resourceful and insightful.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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November 29, 2024
Black Friday deals are live now — don’t miss out
For seasoned shoppers, Black Friday is a holiday in its own right. Whether you’re ready to start ticking names off your holiday shopping list or just want to treat yourself to items you’ve had your eye on, you can score big savings on everything from laptops to sunscreen.
Not sure where to start? We’ve gathered our favorite Black Friday discounts to save you the trouble. We’re excited to see deals on popular items like the Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop, SAMSUNG 75-Inch Class QLED 4K The Frame Series Quantum HDR Smart TV and LEVOIT Air Purifier. So, no matter who you’re shopping for, you’ll find plenty of great sales to make your budget stretch a little further.
We will continue updating this page throughout the sale, so keep this page bookmarked and come back for more early Black Friday deals!
Last updated on Nov. 20, 2024, at 7:56 a.m. PT.
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With up to 40 minutes of fade-free battery power, this convenient stick vacuum makes it easy to spot-clean anywhere in your home. It has two power modes to effectively clean both hard flooring and carpeting and an anti-tangle vacuum head that can handle pet hair. It even converts to a handheld vac for cleaning the car and stairs.
With Active Noise Cancellation that removes up to two times more background noise than previous models, these top-of-the-line earbuds make listening to your favorite music and podcasts even more enjoyable. The H2 chip also provides more immersive sound when listening and isolates voices to improve call quality.
A favorite of the BestReviews Testing Lab, this portable carpet cleaner weighs under 10 pounds and has a convenient carrying handle, so you can easily take it to any mess. It also has a fairly long cord and hose, allowing you to clean a large area without moving the machine too frequently.
With a front-facing camera and smart mapping capabilities, this robot vacuum offers some of the most precise navigation among those on the market. Its obstacle avoidance is so advanced that iRobot guarantees it will detect and avoid pet waste, or the brand will replace your robot for free. It also has a self-emptying base that can hold up to two months’ worth of dirt and debris.
Get the brightest smile possible with the pro-grade whitening kit that can get teeth up to 20 levels whiter. It comes with 44 strips, including 20 upper and 20 lower strips, plus two bonus 1-hour express whitening treatments. The strips are also designed to grip the teeth without slipping, so you can talk and drink water while whitening.
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Keep track of your belongings with these convenient tags. They are extremely easy to set up, instantly connecting with your iPhone or iPad. They emit a sound from a built-in speaker to let you know where your missing items are, or you can just ask Siri. They also provide a map with instructions when your belongings are further away.
This premium smart TV transforms into a stunning art exhibit when in art mode. It can even display personal photos if you prefer. As a TV, it delivers crystal-clear resolution, ultrasharp contrast and bright, vivid color with its 4K HDR picture. Its built-in streaming capabilities allow you to watch your favorite TV shows and movies from your chosen apps.
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Get your meal prep work done as quickly as possible with this easy-to-use veggie chopper that’s earned rave reviews on TikTok. It has rust-resistant stainless steel blades that can slice, dice and chop potatoes, onions, tomatoes, carrots and more. The entire chopper is dishwasher-safe, too, so cleanup is a breeze.
This impressive charcuterie board can make a lovely gift for the foodie on your holiday shopping list. It is made of durable, eco-friendly bamboo and includes four cheese knives, two sauce bowls and slate labels with a chalk marker to identify your offerings. The deep grooves around the board also help keep crackers, bread and other foods in place.
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This super-quiet air purifier can clean the air in spaces up to 1000 square feet. Its HEPA filter removes at least 99.97% of dust, pollen and other airborne particles that are at least 0.3 microns. With the connected Vsync app, you can also adjust the settings when you’re out of the house.
This powerful iron produces over 30% more steam than similar steam irons, so it can smooth the deepest wrinkles for all-day crisp results. Its auto-clean system helps flush out mineral deposits to keep it in working order, so it requires minimal maintenance. The automatic shut-off also turns off the iron when left unattended for 30 seconds, so you don’t have to worry about accidents.
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This lightweight essence repairs and freshens the skin to help fight dryness, dullness and uneven texture. It absorbs easily and leaves behind a healthy, natural glow that instantly gives you a more youthful look. It also provides all-day hydration without leaving a heavy residue behind.
This unique baked powder foundation is handmade in Italy and leaves the skin with a natural, demi-matte finish. It contains a blend of several different shades that combine to form the perfect shade to match your skin. It’s also good for your skin, containing antioxidants like Centella Asiatica and White Tea Extracts that help protect and nourish.
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Keep your teeth and gums in top conditioner with this easy-to-use water flosser. It has 10 settings that allow you to customize your cleaning, a gum massage mode and a built-in timer to ensure you floss as long as you should. The wand is also small, so it’s easy to maneuver around your mouth for more thorough flossing.
Deal with sore muscles as soon as they happen with this powerful massage gun. It has five speeds and five different massage heads that allow you to target various muscle groups. It also has a 10-minute auto-off feature that prevents you from overmassaging sore body parts.
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Warriors star Steph Curry on track to return for upcoming road trip
SAN FRANCISCO — As the team expected, Steph Curry’s knee pain likely won’t knock him out for multiple games, with the superstar on pace to play against the Suns on Saturday.
Curry, 36, practiced in full on Friday after missing Wednesday night’s game — a 105-101 loss to the Thunder. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said the team plans to list him as questionable for Saturday’s game in Phoenix, but the tea leaves point to Curry returning.
“We’ll see how he holds up after today’s practice, but yeah, he’s doing better,” Kerr said after Friday’s practice.
Curry has missed four games this season — three with an ankle sprain and one with the knee issue. He’s playing a career-low 29.7 minutes per game in an effort to get him through the year healthy. While remaining the best shooter in the league, Curry is averaging 22.4 points, 6.5 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Curry’s current injury, listed as bilateral patellofemoral pain, is commonly known as “runner’s knee” — discomfort around or behind the kneecaps. Kerr had described the ailment as “tendonitis” and Curry had previously been on the injury report this year with knee “bursitis.” Regardless of the official medical jargon, Curry’s knees have been bothering him for the past couple weeks.
But since he rested against Oklahoma City this week, he’ll have four days between games to recover. At Friday’s practice, amid three straight losses, the Warriors (12-6) focused on getting into their offensive sets quicker and with more authority instead of being a “half-step slow,” Kerr said. Curry was in the mix for that work.
“He looks good to me,” Brandin Podziemski said.
Without Curry against the Thunder, the Warriors’ offense struggled, especially in the fourth quarter. Jonathan Kuminga was, at times, the only player who could consistently get into the lane and score. Golden State went 19-for-46 as a team in the paint. Podziemski slid into Curry’s starting role and reserve Pat Spencer backed him up, playing the best game of his career.
Related ArticlesGolden State Warriors | ‘He went for broke’: Warriors’ loss to Thunder serves as reminder of Jonathan Kuminga’s value Golden State Warriors | Warriors rediscover fire but fall short without Curry to Thunder Golden State Warriors | Steph Curry ruled out for Warriors-Thunder matchup with knee issue Golden State Warriors | Warriors need to ‘find that energy again’ for tough stretch after recent blown leads Golden State Warriors | Kendrick kismet? Warriors weigh in on their Kendrick Lamar-NBA title correlationCurry’s absence was particularly apparent during the fourth quarter, when the Warriors scored just 18 points.
Golden State is 3-1 in games Curry has missed this season, which matches its win total without him from last year. But the team has put together its first losing streak and is entering a brutal stretch of the schedule against Western Conference contenders.
First up is Phoenix, which is 9-2 in games with Kevin Durant. From there, the Warriors head to Denver, which has found some answers after a concerning first couple weeks.
“Just too comfortable with winning,” Buddy Hield said. “I feel like getting back to our principles, stuff we normally do — communication on offense, defense, executing down the stretch. Finishing plays and doing the little things that matter. Practice always helps with that. Trying to regroup so we can get refocused for this road trip.”
