Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 301

Keep butter perfectly melted with these top butter warmers

Which butter warmers are best?

One of the most versatile and common ingredients in the kitchen, butter is so delicious that it can be used as a dipping sauce without any other ingredients being added. It has to be melted and kept warm to fully enjoy, however, which is where the usage of an excellent butter warmer comes in.

What to know before you buy butter warmersWhy a butter warmer?

Butter warmers have many benefits that tend to make them better than, say, using a microwave. Chief among them is the increased efficiency thanks to their smaller size; with less area to heat than a small saucepan, your butter warms faster with less energy used. They also greatly decrease the chance of messes, especially as butter is prone to “popping” when overheated in the microwave. Depending on the size they can also reheat other liquids like soups and sauces or even be used to melt delicate foods like chocolate and cheese.

Types of butter warmers

Butter warmers are available in either stovetop or candle forms:

Stovetop: These are the biggest options and use the heat of a stove to warm butter or most any other type of liquid. They are usually larger than candle warmers, and most can be placed directly on the table after being heated on the stove.Candle: Candle warmers are best for providing an individually sized portion of butter and frequently come in sets to allow for enough warmed butter for two or more people. They typically sit in wire racks over a tea candle on the table. Size

Most butter warmers are sized by the above types of warmer. Stovetop warmers are frequently large enough to serve multiple people or warm enough liquids like milk for drinking or melt cheeses. The candle warmers are rarely capable of holding more than a few tablespoons, which can be an excellent way of limiting your butter intake.

What to look for in quality butter warmersMaterial

Each type of butter warmer uses a different possible set of materials. Stovetop butter warmers generally use stainless steel or enameled cast iron to withstand the heat of the stove and may include nonstick coatings. Candle butter warmers are usually ceramic to withstand the heat of a small open flame and to retain more of the heat provided by that flame.

Handle

Stovetop butter warmers need handles to allow you to move them from stovetop to table once heated. They should be large enough to grip easily and preferably oven-safe to allow for stashing in the oven to keep the contents warm instead of left on the stove where it can more easily burn. Candle butter warmers rarely have or need handles.

How much you can expect to spend on butter warmers

Generally, a single stovetop butter warmer can be found for between $20 and $60, depending on the quality of construction and the brand, but sets of warmers that use tealights or other heating methods can cost anywhere in the same range while including any number of warmers and additional accessories.

Butter warmers FAQCan I cook any kind of food in a stovetop butter warmer?

A. You probably could, but it’s strongly recommended not to. Stovetop butter warmers are too small to be helpful when trying to cook something, and they aren’t designed to be able to do much else than heat up a liquid.

How long will a candle keep the butter warm in an appropriate butter warmer?

A. That mostly depends on the candle you use to warm the butter and the material of the warmer itself. Tealights will last for a few hours, which is more than enough to keep a small ramekin of butter warm, but you can up the amount of warmth time by using a ceramic ramekin with your tealights. This is especially helpful for long, multicourse meals.

How can I decrease the chances of my butter burning?

A. If you use a stovetop butter warmer, simply make sure to remove the butter warmer once the butter is at a good temperature and set the temperature to the lowest setting or off. Candle-warmed butter warmers can avoid burning by keeping the candle’s flame from touching the ramekin and by using thicker ramekins in general.

What are the best butter warmers to buy?Top butter warmer

Neoflam 1-quart Saucepan Butter Warmer

What you need to know: This stovetop butter warmer is a stylish and functional option that can pour from two sides.

What you’ll love: It’s nonstick, and the Bakelite handle stays cool. It’s also easy to wash. The two pouring spouts make it easy to pour any butter without spilling.

What you should consider: This butter warmer is better suited for use on the stove rather than for serving butter on the table.

Top butter warmer for the money

Progressive Prepworks by Progressive Ceramic Butter Warmer Set

What you need to know: This fondue-style set of two is perfect for a romantic dinner at home.

What you’ll love: The wire stands are included, and both bowls are dishwasher-safe.

What you should consider: The bowls are fairly small and can’t hold much butter.

 

Worth checking out

 

Norpro Seafood Serving Set

What you need to know: This set of butter warmers and shell crackers is the best option for enjoying fresh crab, lobster, and other shellfish.

What you’ll love: An odor remover is included to help remove any lingering, unpleasant smells.

What you should consider: The stands are low enough that there is a small possibility of the butter burning, should you not pay attention to it.

 

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our  Daily Deals  for the best products at the best prices and sign up  here  to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Festive Christmas stocking hangers to deck out your mantel

Which Christmas stocking hanger is best?

As you prepare to decorate for Christmas, it is important to have a secure way to hold and display your Christmas stockings. No matter your family size, the right Christmas stocking hangers for the mantel, fireplace and other surfaces can add a special touch to your seasonal decor.

The Northlight Set of Two Santa and Reindeer Glittered Christmas Stocking Holders is a great choice for any family’s mantel. Created to be an ornate decoration for your home, this set of two holders can be treasured heirlooms for years to come.

What to know before you buy a Christmas stocking hangerMatches your Christmas decor

Incorporating your Christmas stockings into your holiday decor is largely contingent on finding the right Christmas stocking hangers. If you’ve chosen a specific theme for your interior holiday decor, it is important to ensure that your chosen hangers match your existing style.

To do this, decide whether you want hangers that are subtle and barely noticeable or ones that further enhance your current decorative scheme. Both hanger types are durable enough to hold stockings in place yet create a different feel.

Matches your Christmas stockings

You’ll want to decide whether to match your stocking holders with your actual stockings. Some individuals will forgo this step since they already have mismatched stockings. This consideration is completely up to personal preference and is not required to achieve a beautiful look.

However, some people want to coordinate all aspects of their holiday decor. In cases like these, you can search for stocking holders that work with your existing stockings. Alternatively, you can purchase brand-new stockings based on your favorite hanger designs. 

Fits your space

Some people forget to assess whether their chosen mantel hangers for Christmas stockings fit their space. Instead of guessing — and later realizing that your new holders do not fit — measure your mantel or designated space in advance. Compare this measurement to the measurements of the stocking hangers you are planning to purchase.

What to look for in a quality Christmas stocking hangerThe perfect design

From predesigned to personalized Christmas stocking hangers, this decor piece can be as elaborate as you want. Companies have enlisted talented designers to create works of art that serve as decorations on their own. From festive and fun to elegant and regal, a tremendous amount of care is put into their creation. If, however, you prefer a simpler stocking hanger, there are also plenty of those available.

Secure hold

Whether you’ve chosen metal or plastic Christmas stocking hangers, using ones with a secure hold is essential. Most of today’s top brands can accommodate stockings that are filled with goodies and presents of all sizes.

Made to last

Typically, individuals do not wish to replace their Christmas stocking holders regularly. Instead, many individuals hold onto their cherished hangers for years. Well-built stocking holders are made to last for a long time. Some of the best can even be passed down for several generations. If you’re considering making your stocking holders a family heirloom, opt for high-quality brands and designs that won’t break easily. 

How much you can expect to spend on a Christmas stocking hanger

Quality Christmas stocking hangers cost $10-$100.

Christmas stocking hanger FAQWhat Christmas stocking hanger style should you purchase?

A. Individuals purchasing new stocking hangers can be as subtle or extravagant as they desire. After browsing available designs, decide how much you’d like the hangers to stand out. Whether you want them to blend in completely or serve as their own decoration, your options are open.

How much weight can Christmas stocking hangers support?

A. Although specific numbers vary, most hangers support 10 pounds or more. Always check product specifications to confirm this figure.

What’s the best Christmas stocking hanger to buy?Top Christmas stocking hanger

Northlight Set of Two Santa and Reindeer Glittered Christmas Stocking Holders

What you need to know: Brimming with holiday magic, Santa and one of his reindeer are portrayed in beautiful detail.

What you’ll love: Made using polyresin and glitter, this set of two stocking holders paints a whimsical scene of Santa and a reindeer. Measuring 9.5 inches tall, these Christmas stocking hangers are weighted at the bottom for extra stability. Added details such as snow around Santa’s sleigh, presents and Santa’s ornamented robe further enhance the appeal of these lovely hangers.

What you should consider: This stocking holder set is one of the more expensive options.

 

Top Christmas stocking hanger for the money

Sunshane 5 Pieces Christmas Stocking Holders

What you need to know: Simple and budget-friendly, this five-pack of simple hangers provides a spot for everyone’s stocking.

What you’ll love: Anchored by gold circles, this fun yet understated set of hangers is the perfect fit for most decor styles. Even though each hanger features a slim design, they can hold up to 10 pounds per hook. Because they’re made of zinc alloy, they won’t corrode.

What you should consider: They’re not as sturdy as other options and are unsuitable for mantels under 2.76 inches thick.

 

Worth checking out

The Holiday Aisle Candy Cane Classic Rope Stocking Holder (Set of 4)

What you need to know: These festive candy cane stocking holders will add colorful Christmas cheer to any mantel.

What you’ll love: They are made with polyester and steel, making them very durable, and their rubber tips help them not to slip or fall. They swivel, making them safer than traditional counterbalance hangers.

What you should consider: They work best with lighter stockings; otherwise, they may fall.

 

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our  Daily Deals  for the best products at the best prices and sign up  here  to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Warriors destroyed by unbeaten Cavaliers to end win streak

If the Warriors were due for a stinker, the bill arrived in Cleveland.

The Cavaliers, the lone remaining undefeated team in the league, completely dominated Golden State, who never led in the contest. Former Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson’s group started 13-for-17 from 3 and built a commanding 40-point cushion in the first half.

Already having cemented a successful road trip with a win at the defending champion Boston Celtics’ place, the Warriors (7-2) didn’t come close to extending their five-game winning streak in Cleveland.

The Cavaliers scored a franchise-record 83 points in the first half en route to a 136-117 victory — their 10th consecutive victory to begin the season. Their starters, led by Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, outscored those of the Warriors 91-40.

“There’s going to be games in the 82 where things don’t go your way and you have to show where you are,” Steve Kerr told reporters postgame, via the San Francisco Chronicle. “I was impressed with the guys’ energy and the way they kept playing (in the second half). And that’s important to establish.”

With everyone available at their disposal, the Warriors started Steph Curry, Gary Payton II, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis. But from the start, the Cavaliers took control.

Garland, fully healthy after spending much of last year battling a broken jaw, carved up the Golden State defense that entered the game ranked second in efficiency. Cleveland ripped off a 17-0 run across five minutes and hit seven of 10 3-pointers en route to a 39-22 opening period.

Kerr played 10 Warriors in the first quarter, leaving Moses Moody and Kyle Anderson on the bench. Anderson started the second quarter and Moody joined him shortly thereafter as Kerr continued to use a deep 12-man rotation.

The Cavaliers handled Golden State’s traps on high ball screens much better than other teams have, finding release valves and then open shooters. A pair of corner 3s from Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade helped prevent the Warriors’ bench from turning the game like it has all season.

Related ArticlesGolden State Warriors | Warriors announce creative celebration plans for anticipated Klay Thompson return Golden State Warriors | Contenders? Elite? There's one thing we can certainly call these Warriors Golden State Warriors | The Warriors got their statement win. They’re still hungry for more. Golden State Warriors | Warriors lean on defense to defeat defending-champion Celtics in hostile territory Golden State Warriors | Warriors coach Steve Kerr gives his take on Trump’s election win

A Donovan Mitchell step-back 3 over Brandin Podziemski capped a 16-2 Cleveland run, and the Cavs soon pushed their lead to a game-high 34. Right after Steph Curry air-balled a 3 — a tell-tale sign it wasn’t Golden State’s night — former Warrior Ty Jerome sank Cleveland’s 13th trey (of 17). At that point, eight different Cavaliers had already hit at least one triple.

Before Friday night, the Warriors ranked first in 3-point defense, holding opponents to 29.5% from behind the arc. As much as their personnel is more equipped to lock up and as much of a difference as new assistant Jerry Stackhouse has made, they were due for some regression.

It came in a tsunami in Cleveland.

Even when the Cavaliers’ jump shots started to dry up, they found ways to dominate in other ways. Jarrett Allen controlled the boards and their defense forced 12 Warriors turnovers in the first half.

Draymond Green threw the type of ill-advised turnover — trying to launch a hit-ahead pass — Kerr has been harping on, and then committed a frustration foul for his fourth of the game. Before the end of the first half, Golden State trailed by 41 and had their best defender in serious foul trouble.

Some of Cleveland’s intensity waned, as it tends to do with a 40-point lead, in the second half. Even though the Warriors capitalized by turning the game into more of a fast-paced affair, they hardly made up ground.

Jonathan Kuminga was the Warriors’ only consistently productive scorer, and he didn’t check back in until halfway through the third quarter. He finished with a team-high  21 points, six rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes.

Kuminga, De’Anthony Melton — in his first game back from a mild back injury — and the Warriors’ bench cut the deficit to 18, but Curry and Green never returned. The reserves were playing so much better than Golden State’s starters, it made more sense to ride with them.

For most of this season, the Warriors have been able to use their depth to ease the workloads of their stars, smoothing out the distribution of minutes across the roster. Against the Cavaliers, they didn’t have to play their veterans too many minutes for the wrong reason.

What to know about the House push to expand some Social Security benefits

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House is expected to try next week to pass a Social Security-related bill to ensure benefits for workers who are also eligible for other pensions despite a surprise move by hard-right Freedom Caucus leaders to derail the effort.

It’s a quick turnaround to salvage what had been a bipartisan effort to pass the bill during what’s now the lame-duck post-election period of the Congress.

Here’s what’s going on:

WHAT DOES THE BILL DO?

The measure that would repeal the so-called “government pensions offset” has been gaining support in the House — a robust 300 lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have signed on to it.

The bill summary says the government pensions offset “in various instances reduces Social Security benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own.”

The bill would repeal that provision and reinstate full Social Security benefits.

HOW WAS THE BILL ADVANCING?

To force the legislation forward, the sponsors of the bill, Republican Rep. Garrett Graves of Louisiana and Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia used a rarely successful process called a discharge petition.

They collected the minimum 218 signatures needed from House lawmakers to dislodge the bill from committee and send it to the floor for a vote.

The move is often seem as an affront to House leaders, particularly the House speaker and the majority leader who determine the floor schedule.

But Spanberger and Graves — who both did not seek reelection — had little to lose. Besides, Johnson backed the bill before becoming speaker.

HOW DID CONSERVATIVES BLOCK IT?

Two leaders of the conservative House Freedom Caucus intervened when the rest of Congress was away from Capitol Hill, mostly in home states for Election Day.

The Freedom Caucus chairman Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., and former chair Rep. Bob Goode, R-Va., used a routine pro forma session of the House on Tuesday to swiftly table part of the measure.

The Freedom Caucus tends to block new spending. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would add some $196 billion to the federal deficit over a decade.

Graves said that’s the amount people are missing out on without reinstating full Social Security benefits.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

In tabling the legislation the conservatives actually set back its procedural rule, but not the bill itself.

The legislation is expected to move forward with a House vote anyway, possibly in the week ahead.

That said, passage will now be tougher, requiring a supermajority threshold rather than a simple majority as had been planned under the rule that the Freedom Caucus leaders turned back.

WHO WOULD BENEFIT IF THE BILL PASSES?

The summary says the legislation, if approved, would repeal the provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government.

Related ArticlesNational Politics | Trump’s shunning of transition planning may have severe consequences, governance group says National Politics | Chinese national jailed on charges that he tried to enter Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate National Politics | Trump put Elon Musk on phone with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy during congratulatory call, official says National Politics | Trump’s win brings uncertainty to borrowers hoping for student loan forgiveness National Politics | Trump’s election may usher in leadership change at FBI It says the bill also eliminates the so-called “windfall elimination provision” that “in some instances reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes.”

If it passes the House, it’s unclear if the bill has enough support to clear the Senate. But the wide margin in the House indicates potentially broad support.

It would then go to President Joe Biden’s desk. If signed into law, the summary says the changes are effective for benefits payable after December 2023.

Trump’s shunning of transition planning may have severe consequences, governance group says

By ZEKE MILLER and WILL WEISSERT

WASHINGTON (AP) — A good-governance group is warning of severe consequences if President-elect Donald Trump continues to steer clear of formal transition planning with the Biden administration — inaction that it says is already limiting the federal government’s ability to provide security clearances and briefings to the incoming administration.

Without the planning, says Max Stier, president and CEO of the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, “it would not be possible” to “be ready to govern on day one.”

The president-elect’s transition is being led by Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term. They said last month that they expected to sign agreements beginning the formal transition process with the Biden White House and the General Services Administration, which acts essentially as the federal government’s landlord.

But those agreements are still unsigned, and the pressure is beginning to mount.

The delay is holding up the federal government’s ability to begin processing security clearances for potentially hundreds of Trump administration national security appointees. That could limit the staff who could work on sensitive information by Inauguration Day on Jan. 20.

It also means Trump appointees can’t yet access federal facilities, documents and personnel to prepare for taking office.

The agreements are required by the Presidential Transition Act, which was enacted in 2022. They mandate that the president-elect’s team agree to an ethics plan and to limit and disclose private donations.

In that act, Congress set deadlines of Sept. 1 for the GSA agreement and Oct. 1 for the White House agreement, in an effort to ensure that incoming administrations are prepared to govern when they enter office. Both deadlines have long since come and gone.

Stier, whose organization works with candidates and incumbents on transitions, said on a call with reporters on Friday that a new administration “walks in with the responsibility of taking over the most complex operation on the planet.”

“In order to do that effectively, they absolutely need to have done a lot of prework,” he said, adding that Trump’s team “has approached this in a, frankly, different way than any other prior transition has.”

“They have, up until now, walked past all of the tradition and, we believe, vital agreements with the federal government,” Stier said.

In a statement this week, Lutnick and McMahon said Trump was “selecting personnel to serve our nation under his leadership and enact policies that make the life of Americans affordable, safe, and secure.” They didn’t mention signing agreements to begin the transition.

A person familiar with the matter said that the congressionally mandated ethics disclosures and contribution limits were factors in the hesitance to sign the agreements.

Trump transition spokesperson Brian Hughes said Friday that the team’s “lawyers continue to constructively engage with the Biden-Harris Administration lawyers regarding all agreements contemplated by the Presidential Transition Act.”

“We will update you once a decision is made,” Hughes said.

Related ArticlesNational Politics | What to know about the House push to expand some Social Security benefits National Politics | Chinese national jailed on charges that he tried to enter Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate National Politics | Trump put Elon Musk on phone with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy during congratulatory call, official says National Politics | Trump’s win brings uncertainty to borrowers hoping for student loan forgiveness National Politics | Trump’s election may usher in leadership change at FBI The Trump team’s reluctance has persisted despite Biden’s White House chief of staff, Jeff Zients, reaching out to Lutnick and McMahon to reiterate the important role the agreements with the Biden administration and GSA play in beginning a presidential transition.

“We’re here to assist. We want to have a peaceful transition of power,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “We want to make sure they have what they need.”

The unorthodox approach to the presidential transition process recalls the period immediately after Trump’s Election Day victory in 2016. Days later, the president-elect fired the head of his transition team, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and tossed out a transition playbook he’d been compiling.

But Stier said that, even then, Trump’s team had signed the initial agreements that allowed the transition to get started — something that hasn’t happened this time.

“The story’s not finished. But they’re late,” he said. “And even if they manage to get these agreements in now, they’re late in getting those done.”

49ers’ Christian McCaffrey talks about his injury and recovery

Christian McCaffrey took a few minutes to address reporters Friday for the first time since Sept. 12, which was the last time he spoke publicly before going on injured reserve for Achilles’ tendinitis in both feet.

A transcription of what McCaffrey had to say the 49ers (4-4) departed to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) Sunday:

Q: Can you take us through the Germany trip?

McCaffrey: I keep all that stuff private. When you’re on I.R. and you’re hurt, you’ll do anything to come back. I’m feeling good now and that’s all that matters.

Q: It was said that rest was an important component to your recovery. Would you agree with that?

McCaffrey: I wish it was that easy. It’s a combination of a lot of things that go into it. Our staff did an amazing job. The last eight weeks were extremely unfortunate for me. It’s very tough being injured. It’s tough physically, mentally, emotionally. Especially when it’s not how you planned it and it wasn’t expected and some stuff just went wrong, but I’m feeling great now and I’m ready to go.

Q: How did you get through that time?

McCaffrey: One day at a time. You’ve just got to trust in God and just take it one day at a time. It can be dark sometimes, especially when it’s something like that and you feel like it’s . . . having to watch games, you’re physically in pain. Trying so hard not to let stuff like that happen and a lot goes into it. I think about football pretty much every day of my life. It consumes about 98 percent of my life. So when it doesn’t go right, it can be very tough. All I know is it makes you realizes how blessed and fortunate you are when you are on that field, so I’m happy to be back.

Q: Kyle Shanahan said going on I.R. kind of took the pressure off in terms of giving it some time. Was it the same for you?

McCaffrey: I can say this — from John (Lynch) to Kyle, to Jed (York) and the whole training staff, the way that the treated everything and the way that they went about it was amazing. Sometimes you need people in your corner that can look after you and maybe they know what’s best for you when there are times when you want to suck it up and do something that might be risky. They handled it, and the training staff and the strength staff, I’m really fortunate.

Q: What was your mindset getting back on the field for practice?

McCaffrey: Ah, just a lot of gratitude. Sometimes you take it for granted that you play this game for a living. It’s what you do, it’s what you train for, but when it’s taken from you, even for just a little bit of time, it makes you appreciate every single day you’re on the grass.

Q: Were you able to stay in the meeting room and was it gratifying to see what Jordan (Mason) and Isaac (Guerendo) were able to do?

McCaffrey: I stayed as much as I could. When you’re on I.R., there’s no need to. Well, there is a need to, but pretty much every hour of the day is devoted to getting healthy and not necessarily in the meetings. It’s a lot of treatment, a lot of prehab stuff, rehab, training, etcetera. Sleep, rest, you name it. But it was amazing to see what those guys have done and will continue to do. We have such an amazing room, I’ll put our guys up against anybody’s. To see what those guys have done is no shock when you’ve got a guy like Bobby Turner as your coach. There’s a standard in that room and the guys did a hell of a job and will continue to do a hell of a job.

Q: Is there anything you have to train about your pregame routine because of these injuries?

McCaffrey: I’ve changed a good amount, yeah. A lot of people have asked me, `What do you do for training?’ And I’m done answering. I’m figuring it out every day. All I know is I’ve got a good routine right now and I feel good, and that’s all that matters.

Related ArticlesSan Francisco 49ers | 49ers officially list McCaffrey as questionable, but he’ll play against Bucs San Francisco 49ers | 49ers, Brock Purdy seek to continue post-bye magic with Tampa Bay up next San Francisco 49ers | 49ers’ first post-bye challenge is defending Bucs QB Baker Mayfield San Francisco 49ers | 49ers’ Nick Bosa enjoyed election night, says pro-Trump cap worth potential fine San Francisco 49ers | 49ers give updates on Christian McCaffrey, Charvarius Ward before visit to Tampa Bay

Q: What level of confidence do you have that you’re done with these Achilles issues?

McCaffrey: I feel good now. I wouldn’t be out here if it was still bothering me. I feel great.

Q: What do you feel about the positioning of this team right now at 4-4 with nine games left in the regular season?

McCaffrey: I feel great. I love where our attitude is at. You can feel the energy in practice and in the meeting room. Hungry, with our backs against the wall is right where we want to be.

 

 

Rocky Creek slip-out repair work near Big Sur prompts overnight closures

BIG SUR – Emergency repairs to Highway 1 near the Rocky Creek Bridge, 12 miles south of Carmel, continue and will include extended night closures in the coming days, according to Caltrans.

There will be full overnight closures of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek on Sunday and Monday from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. On Tuesday, there will be a full overnight closure from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Daytime travelers on this stretch of the roadway can expect intermittent delays of up to 20 minutes as crews bring equipment on site for continued construction activities.

A slip-out occurred just south of Rocky Creek Bridge on Highway 1 – post mile 60 – on March 30 resulting in the undermining of the southbound lane. Emergency stabilization measures by Caltrans crews have been achieved and one-way, 24-7, signalized traffic control established to allow traffic to flow freely south to businesses in Big Sur. The emergency project continues with the construction of a viaduct to support the roadway and repairs to a concrete seawall at the base of the cliff.

Crews have made substantial progress in a construction phase involving the drilling and casting of reinforced concrete columns to support the weight of the viaduct structure. Due to the need for a large crane and other heavy equipment to span the roadway during upcoming construction activities, travelers will encounter full overnight closures in addition to intermittent daytime closures, says Caltrans. The overnight closure schedule is weather dependent and updates will be provided as needed if wind speeds exceed thresholds for crane operations.

Once construction of the southbound section of the Rocky Creek viaduct is complete, travel will be directed onto this southbound section and work will begin on construction of the northbound portion of the viaduct.

The estimate for completion of the Rocky Creek viaduct is summer 2025 and is dependent on conditions encountered during construction. The contractor for this project is Gordon N. Ball, Inc. of Alamo. The estimated price tag for the repair work at the Rocky Creek slip-out is $21 million.

Highway 1 remains closed 40 miles south of Carmel due to the Regent’s Slide — post mile 27.8 — which occurred March 9 and where top-down removal of slide material by crews began on April 30. Challenging conditions associated with the extreme slope at the site and continued slide activity has extended its reopen date, however, the vast majority of the Big Sur coast remains accessible and open.

Due to continued cracking occurring at the Regent’s Slide repair site, a portion of previously damaged roadway located on Highway 1 at Regent’s Slide will not reopen in late fall 2024, as previously estimated.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: X/Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

Horoscopes Nov. 8, 2024: Gordon Ramsay, do the legwork

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jack Osbourne, 39; Parker Posey, 56; Gordon Ramsay, 58; Bonnie Raitt, 75.

Happy Birthday: Trust your instincts. A lifestyle change that points you in a direction offering long-term benefits will put your mind at ease. A proactive approach to investments will pay off. Do the legwork, research your options and go the distance to reach your goal. A passionate approach to life will lead to knowledge and to pastimes that encourage you to explore what’s available and to connect with people heading in a similar direction. Your numbers are 5, 16, 26, 32, 37, 45, 49.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Make choices that put your mind at ease. Put your trust in facts, not hearsay. Create opportunities that enhance your looks or encourage better health. Take a journey that propagates a healthy lifestyle and connects you to a group that helps you build strong values and set a routine. 4 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It’s time to stop talking and act. A change will exhilarate you and help get your confidence back. Rethink your strengths and weaknesses and aim to enforce a healthier routine. Let go of the past and tone down indulgent behavior. Refuse to let drama overcome common sense. 2 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Refuse to let anyone ruin your plans or take advantage of you financially. Consider what you want to achieve and keep an eye on your objective. An unexpected offer will have flaws. Research thoroughly and walk away from any deal that lacks authenticity. Partnerships will lead to personal gain. 5 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Now is not the time to be a homebody. Engage in networking events, exhibits or activities that interest you. You’ll gain insight into something that brings you joy or points you in a direction that helps you get ahead professionally. Mix business with pleasure, and prosper. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Look for opportunities to shine. Step into the spotlight and let your dynamic personality inspire others to see the possibilities. Your input will attract attention and offers that are worth considering. Both personal and professional deals can turn into lifelong partnerships. Romance is favored. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Respond carefully. Someone will overreact or misinterpret what you say. Pay attention to detail and leave nothing to the imagination. Bring forth positive ideas with solid proof that what you propose is doable, and you’ll gain ground and avoid being upstaged by someone trying to outmaneuver you. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Accumulate information that can make your journey easier. A mental or physical exercise will allow you to test the plausibility of setting out on a new adventure or educational pursuit, or attending a reunion that either reopens or concludes unfinished business. 5 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Try something new and explore the possibilities. A creative outlet or a novel proposition will lead to reimagining how to use your skills, possessions or ideas to bring in extra cash or make your life easier. Take care of your physical and mental health. Say no to temptation. 2 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Put an investment plan together, or use your skills and talents to bring in extra cash. Hard work will pay off if you refuse to let outsiders interfere or scammers take advantage of you. A chance to meet someone of interest or reconnect with an old friend is likely. 4 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): It’s up to you to initiate a change if that’s what you want. Altering your environment will spark your imagination and influence your perception. Don’t let negativity or lack of understanding stand in your way. Seize the moment, get the lowdown and turn a thought into a reality. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Refuse to let your emotions stand in the way or lead you astray. Keep situations in perspective and go directly to the source before you act on hearsay. You stand to make the most progress if you use your intelligence and engage in events that concur with your beliefs. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Spend time rearranging your workspace to optimize output. It’s up to you to organize, customize and declutter your life. Allowing someone to define what’s best for you will hinder your chance to advance. Refrain from letting anyone else handle your money, health issues and decisions. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are bold, charismatic and determined. You are energetic and shrewd.

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.

CCS volleyball divisional semifinals: Salinas headed back to the Division I finals

SAN JOSE — Having won a section volleyball title as a player and a coach, Chloe Goldman never forgot the one she lost in her first finals appearance as Salinas’ coach.

Six years after being humbled by Homestead, a shot at redemption awaits on Saturday as the Cowboys punched their ticket back to the Central Coast Section Division I finals after knocking off No. 2 seed Branham of San Jose.

Salinas, the reigning section champion, won its 13th straight match, sending Branham (26-5) home Thursday after a 25-13, 14-25, 25-16, 25-22 road win in the semifinals.

“I don’t know much about them (Homestead) other than we have some common opponents,” Goldman said. “At this point, whatever team is the smartest will come out on top. I’ll wait until Friday to watch film.”

The last time top-seeded Homestead — who swept Carlmont in the semifinals — and Salinas met in the CCS Division I finals, it was the Mustangs sweeping them in 2018.

Runner ups in the Santa Clara Valley’s De Anza League to Los Gatos, Homestead has swept its first two opponents in the playoffs to improve to 27-8. Five players have over 120 kills, including freshman Katie Hamberger and her team leading 230.

During its current 13 game winning streak, the Cowboys (23-10) have swept 11 opponents, including two teams that are headed to their respective section divisional title matches.

“I remember telling someone earlier in the year this team has the potential to repeat as CCS champions,” Goldman said. “It was a matter of how bad they wanted it and how bad they were willing to work to get there.”

Unlike last year when Salinas rode the arm of current San Jose State beach volleyball player Sabrina Moore and her 500 plus kills, it’s been a committee approach this year with five different players compiling six or more kills a match.

“That’s why we’re so hard to defend,” said Goldman, who won a CCS title as a player in 2004. “If someone is having a hard night, someone else can contribute. We have a lot of balance. It’s fun, but unpredictable.”

Understanding their roles took some time for the chemistry to mesh on the court. Salinas was just 9-8 in non-league matches and suffered more league losses this year (2) then it had in its three previous Gabilan Division seasons.

“I know we’ve lost more matches than we normally do,” said Goldman, whose squad was 40-1 during its run of three consecutive Gabilan Division titles from 2021-23. “But as long as we got better, I felt good about the direction we were headed.”

With setter Cadee Guzman spreading the ball around the floor in the first set, Salinas made quick work of the Bruins, before getting a wakeup call in a second set loss.

Branham outside hitter Giselle Paedon, who came into the match with 385 kills and 998 for her career, was a disruptive force in the second set.

“We got away from our game plan in the second set,” Goldman said. “The game plan was to slow down their Division I hitter. These girls have the ability to lock in and focus. When we don’t mess around, we excel at it.”

That was evident in the final two sets, where Salinas regained its focus, dominating the third set, building an eight-point lead in the fourth set before holding off a late Branham charge.

Bella Storelli has elevated her game in the postseason, compiling 18 kills for Salinas, while Mackenzie O’Hara finished with 13. The pair have combined for 45 kills in seven sets in the playoffs.

Part of Salinas’ resurgence in the second half stems from the return of Indy Aguilar, who missed seven matches with an injury. The defensive specialist has solidified the back row, finishing with 21 digs against Branham.

Division V

Crystal Springs Upland 3, Palma 0: The defending State Division V champion Gryphons are headed back to the Central Coast Section finals after ending Palma’s 11-game winning streak in the Division V semifinals in Hillsborough.

Seeded No. 2, Crystal Springs Uplands secured its 25th win of the season with a 25-15, 25-23, 25-19 decision, as it will face top-seed Shasta Summitt for the section title on Saturday.

Showcasing girls’ sports for the first time in 60 years, the No. 6 seeded Chieftains inaugural season of girls’ volleyball ends at 15-6. They earned the programs first ever postseason win 24 hours earlier in sweeping No. 3 seed Santa Catalina.

“There was some pressure, especially without our libero,” Palma coach Ivan Garcia said. “We were in unfamiliar territory. We made a lot of mistakes we could have fixed.”

The Chieftains played the first two sets without libero and captain Frankie Rossi, who suffered a lower back injury in the first set of Wednesday’s quarterfinals match against Santa Catalina.

However, the senior convinced Garcia to put her into the match in the third and final set, where she recorded seven kills in her final high school match.

“She came up to me before the third set and said it might be my last time on the floor,” Garcia said. “Let me at least give it a try. I put myself in her shoes. If I was a senior and this was potentially my last high school set, I’d want to play.”

Palma had been unbeaten since five starters were cleared to play after missing the first nine matches of the year because of the CIF transfer rule, having played varsity volleyball at another school in 2023.

Champions of the West Bay Skyline Division and owners of 12 consecutive postseason victories dating back to 2023, the Gryphons have won eight straight matches and are 21-2 over their last 23 games.

“It’s a learning experience,” said Garcia, whose team will likely be moved to the Gabilan Division next fall. “Lets take this with us and get better, be better. I have a young group. We’ll be young again next year, but with a little more experience.”

Maya Giannini finished with 21 kills and 10 digs for Palma, while Reese Amaral tallied nine kills and seven digs. Rachelle Andrade compiled 26 assists and nine digs.

GOP picks up more key House seats while Democrats insist they still have a path to a majority

By LISA MASCARO

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican leaders projected confidence Thursday that they will keep control of the U.S. House as more races were decided in their favor, while Democrats insisted they still see a path toward the majority and sought assurances every vote will be counted.

The GOP picked up two more hard-fought seats in Pennsylvania, which became a stark battlefield of Democratic losses up and down the ticket. Democrats notched another win in New York, defeating a third Republican incumbent in that state.

Both parties in the House huddled privately on conference calls to assess the political landscape as Congress prepared to return next week to a changed Washington, where a sweep of MAGA-infused GOP power is within reach for President-elect Donald Trump.

“The latest data indicates that we will also hold — and likely grow — our Republican majority in the House,” Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson said in a letter to colleagues, seeking support to remain as House speaker.

But Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said “it has yet to be decided” which party will control the House as several key races remained uncalled.

Seeing their options narrow, Democrats focused on flipping a handful of seats in Arizona, California and possibly Oregon to close the gap.

“We must count every vote,” Jeffries said.

A final tally in the House will almost certainly have to wait until next week, at the soonest, when Congress is back in session and prepares to elect its new leaders, including nominees for House speaker and the senator who will replace outgoing GOP Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

The election results were beyond what Republicans had even hoped for, including a majority in the Senate, where two races were still undecided — in Arizona between Democrat Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake and in Nevada between Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen and Republican Sam Brown.

The Associated Press called more races Thursday. In Pennsylvania, Republican Ryan Mackenzie defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Susan Wild in the Allentown-area district, and Republican Robert Bresnahan dislodged Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright in the Northeast part of the state.

Pennsylvania’s Senate race between Sen. Bob Casey and wealthy businessman Dave McCormick was decided in McCormick’s favor, giving Republicans a 53rd seat in the chamber.

Democrats made up some ground in New York, where Laura Gillen beat incumbent GOP Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, the third flip for Democrats in Jeffries’ home state.

Attention increasingly focused on the West, where Democrats were eyeing what’s left of their path to the majority.

Democrats would need to sweep the most contested races, including two in Arizona and several in California, to win power. But tallies are expected to drag on as California, in particular, counts mail in ballots that are arriving in the week after the election.

Republican Rep. Richard Hudson, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, told lawmakers on a private call that he’s confident the GOP will hold the House majority, according to a Republican who is familiar with the call but spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose details.

Trump is consolidating power in Washington, returning to the White House a much more dominant force than in his first term, when Republicans split over their support for him and some were openly skeptical if not opposed to his rise.

This time, Johnson and Senate GOP leaders have drawn closer to Trump, relying on his power for their own as they drive a common Republican agenda more aligned with his MAGA priorities than what had been a more mainstream conservative GOP approach.

Johnson, in his letter to colleagues, used a football metaphor to say he’s “ready to take the field with all of you” to play “the biggest offense of our lives.”

While Johnson is in line to remain House speaker in the new Congress, if Republicans keep control, the question of who will replace McConnell, who led his party in flipping Senate control, is its own intense contest.

The choices facing Republican senators for a new leader are between the “Johns” — No. 2 Republican Sen. John Thune and Texas Sen. John Cornyn — and a longshot, Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, who is favored by hard-right Senate conservatives who want Trump to weigh in on the race.

Cornyn and Thune, who both campaigned for Trump, are building support among senators in what is expected to be a close race on private ballots.

Thune has worked to mend a rocky relationship with Trump, and the two spoke as recently as Wednesday, according to another Republican familiar with the private conversation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss it.

The South Dakota senator had been critical of Trump in the aftermath of the 2020 election for stoking claims of fraudulent voting ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Thune and Trump have been in touch throughout the year, the person said.

Related ArticlesNational Politics | National Politics | Pentagon chief presses military to carry out a smooth transition and obey all lawful orders National Politics | A Texas border county backed Democrats for generations. Trump won it decisively National Politics | Putin congratulates Donald Trump on his election victory in first public comments on US vote National Politics | White evangelical voters show steadfast support for Donald Trump’s presidency Thune has suggested it might be best if Trump stayed out of the leadership race.

“It’s his prerogative to weigh in on that,” Thune said on Fox News. “Frankly, I think if he lets it play out, we’ll get the right person. I’ve had conversations with him and have told him that we want to get his team in place so that he can hit the ground running and get to work on an agenda to make sure that he and our team succeeds.”

The Republicans are eyeing quick action aligned with Trump’s day-one priorities, which revolve around cutting taxes, deporting immigrants who are in the country without certain legal status, and reducing federal regulations and operations.

But after the chaos of the past two years of GOP control of the House, it’s unclear how much Republicans will be able to accomplish, especially if they have another razor-thin majority with few seats to spare for dissent, in the face of resistance from Democrats.

Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Farnoush Amiri and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.