Fasting for Ramadan 'definitely hard,' says UConn's Adama Sanogo - ESPN

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4:03 PM ET

HOUSTON -- In the minutes leading up to tipoff Saturday night, Adama Sanogo is going to be focused on more than just keeping Miami's Norchad Omier off the backboard. The UConn center will be looking to quickly eat food and get fluids before the ball is tipped.

Sanogo and teammates Hassan Diarra and Samson Johnson all observe Ramadan and therefore abstain from eating or drinking from sunup to sundown.

"It's definitely hard because, like you say, it's my faith and this is something I didn't start doing this year," Sanogo said Thursday. "I've been doing this since I was in high school. I used to do it during AAU."

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"It's something I've been doing since I was little," he added on Friday. "I just have to do it."

UConn's Final Four game against Miami on Saturday isn't scheduled to tip until 7:49 p.m CT, which is about 10 minutes after the sun sets. Sanogo told ESPN he plans to drink coconut water and eat fruit in the minutes between sundown and tipoff.

"Obviously I can't eat nothing heavy," he said.

Ramadan began on March 22, so Sanogo, Diarra and Johnson fasted prior to their regional semifinal and final games against Arkansas and Gonzaga, respectively. While Sanogo admitted he was "a little bit tired" against Gonzaga, he still managed to go for 18 points and eight rebounds against Arkansas and 10 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists against the Zags. Diarra and Johnson came off the bench in both games.

"I think I play better when I'm fasting," Sanogo added. "I feel a little bit lighter eating nothing all day so I'm able to run a bit faster."

UConn head coach Dan Hurley said the late start of the game should provide a noticeable difference for Sanogo's energy levels.

"For me as a coach, navigating it was more like panic," Hurley said. "And I don't know much about diet and nutrition and human performance. But we've got a great strength coach and athletic trainer that have been able to get up with him early and get some food in him. And then obviously the late tip time helps us more.

"It was a bigger challenge out west because we were playing so early, and it was like really in the middle of him probably being at his weakest in terms of those things. I think it's probably the tip time is best-case scenario for us."

Sanogo said he initially debated not fasting during the NCAA tournament, but he looked into Hakeem Olajuwon's fasting in the 1990s while still maintaining his consistent excellent level of play.

"That's one of the reasons I'm doing it," he said. "If he did it, why can't I do it? I was thinking about not doing it -- should I do it during the tournament or wait until after the tournament -- he's one of the reasons I did it."

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Fasting for Ramadan 'definitely hard,' says UConn's Adama Sanogo - ESPN

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Google C.E.O. Sundar Pichai on Bard, A.I. 'Whiplash' and Competing With ChatGPT - The New York Times

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Listen and follow ‘Hard Fork’
Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Amazon | Google

---

Kevin Roose and

Davis Land and

Dan Powell, Marion Lozano and

For years, Google was seen as one of the most cutting-edge developers of A.I. But, with OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT, and other chatbots beating Google to market, is that distinction still the case? Google’s chief executive is in an unenviable position: Scramble to catch up or, in the face of potentially harmful technology, move slowly.

Today, Sundar Pichai on Google’s delicate balance between A.I. innovation and safety.

Photo Illustration: The New York Times; Photo: Caroline Brehman/EPA-EFE, via Shutterstock

On today’s episode:

• Sundar Pichai is the chief executive of Google.

Additional reading:

• The launch of ChatGPT caused a ‘code red’ inside Google and prompted the release of Google’s Bard.

• More than 1,000 technology leaders and researchers signed onto an open letter calling for a pause in the development of A.I.

---

Credits

“Hard Fork” is hosted by Kevin Roose and Casey Newton and produced by Davis Land and Rachel Cohn. The show is edited by Jen Poyant. Engineering by Alyssa Moxley and original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, and Rowan Niemisto. Fact-checking by Caitlin Love.

Special thanks to Paula Szuchman, Pui-Wing Tam, Nell Gallogly, Kate LoPresti and Jeffrey Miranda.

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France's hard-left CGT union elects first woman leader amid pension fight - FRANCE 24 English

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Issued on: 31/03/2023 - 10:47Modified: 31/03/2023 - 10:48

France's hard-left CGT union has elected its first woman leader, two CGT sources told Reuters on Friday. 

Sophie Binet, 41, was elected secretary-general as a surprise compromise candidate after a long night of deliberations, coming ahead of Marie Buisson, who was backed by outgoing leader Philippe Martinez, and Celine Verzeletti, who was supported by a more hardline faction of the union.

The CGT press service said it could not confirm Binet's election as long as its members had not been informed.

Binet, a former school supervisor, is the head of CGT's UGICT division representing engineers, managers and technical staff and was responsible for equality issues in the union's executive committee.

She takes charge as France's unions are in a months-long standoff with President Emmanuel Macron over pension reform.

The CGT, France's second-largest union, has formed a united front with the more moderate CFDT — the first time in years — to block the government's planned increase of the retirement age by two years to 64. Since January, the unions have organised several nationwide days of strikes and demonstrations that have been attended by millions of people.

The unions have been invited by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne for talks early next week, but so far the CGT has not said whether it will attend. The unions have said they do not want to discuss other labour issues with the government if Macron does not withdraw the pension reform.

(Reuters)

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Bears' George McCaskey not interested in participating in Hard Knocks - NBC Sports

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The Bears are one of the four eligible teams to participate in the highly anticipated "Hard Knocks" show on HBO. The show televises one team during the offseason and follows a multitude of storylines.

The New Orleans Saints, New York Jets and Washington Commanders are the other candidates. 

RELATED: Report: Bears eligible for 'Hard Knocks' series

Chairman George McCaskey said to the media in Arizona, however, the Bears aren't interested in participating. The decision surrounding their participation is not up to them. It's mandatory if selected. 

"We feel there are several teams that have compelling stories to tell on Hard Knocks," McCaskey told Kevin Fishbain. 

Are the Bears included in that?

"31 others," McCaskey said. 

No surprise, but the Bears are not interested in being on "Hard Knocks." They are one of the teams eligible to be forced to do it in 2023.

George McCaskey: "We feel there are a number of teams that have compelling stories to tell on Hard Knocks."

Bears included?

"31 others."

— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) March 29, 2023

The Bears have several enticing storylines to captivate Hard Knocs enthusiasts. 

Justin Fields is the biggest one. He's on the fringe of a vital season about his future. Going into his third year, he'll be expected to improve his production at quarterback, especially in the passing game. 

New players DJ Moore, Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards and whoever the Bears draft with the No. 9 pick (assuming they don't trade it) will be interesting to follow. 

The tandem of Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus is another headline. The duo is heading into their second season with the Bears after recording the worst record in the NFL last season. 

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

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Bears' George McCaskey not interested in participating in Hard Knocks - NBC Sports

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Kevin Durant harbors no hard feelings for Nets, regrets lack of success - New York Post

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Kevin Durant is seeking another championship, but he’s not trying to cut down the Nets.

Seven weeks after he was traded to the Suns on the heels of running mate Kyrie Irving’s trade to the Mavericks, Durant harbors no ill will toward the Nets.

In fact, he wishes that his three-plus years — resulting in just one playoff series victory — turned out differently.

“I hated it had to go down like that,” Durant told The Athletic. “I wasn’t trying to prove the Nets is a s—y organization. I was trying to prove that the Nets are a great organization, that they care about their players, want the best for their players. Certain s–t just didn’t work out. I understand that. I’m not here trying to prove that the Nets was wrong, I think they did amazing by me the whole time I was there, not just with the trade.”

Durant last played for the Nets on Jan. 8. He was sidelined by injury — as he was for much of his tenure — when the Irving-forced teardown happened just before the Feb. 9 deadline.

“Once he asked out, I was just trying to figure out what direction the team is going in,” Durant said. “Once I had no understanding of what direction we’re going in, I tried to make the best decision for me.”

Durant has averaged 26.6 PPG in his three games with Suns

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The Nets sent Durant to one of his desired spots to form a new Big 3 with Chris Paul and Devin Booker, while getting back Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and four unprotected first-round draft picks.

Bridges, who the Suns reportedly were reluctant to include, is off to a historic start, and Johnson just scored a team-high 31 points in a win to add breathing room in the playoff race.

Durant isn’t looking for the Nets to struggle and gain vindication.

“Nah. Hell nah,” he said. “I want the best for that organization. I wanted the best for us every game.”

It all traces back to the Nets signing him to a four-year, $164 million contract knowing that he had to sit out the 2019-20 season with a ruptured Achilles.

“Coming off the Achilles injury, get back into playing — they made sure they were there for me every step of the way,” he said. “And I appreciate that for life. I feel like we’ll be tied as family members for life regardless of how it finished.”

---

In a candid moment, Bridges admitted that it is difficult to block out other results that impact the Nets’ playoff seeding.

“Even when I don’t [look], it always randomly pops up when I’m on my phone or something,” Bridges said. “The NBA posts the standings because the East and the West is getting tight. Even when I’m not looking for it, I see it. It’s always there.”

The Nets gained a game in the battle for the No. 6 seed with the combination of their last win and the Heat’s loss to the Knicks.

“Obviously, we have to take it a game at a time,” Bridges said, “but it’s also good to see things working in our way.”

---

Day’Ron Sharpe (left ankle sprain) is probable for Friday against the Hawks. The backup center attempted three shots in seven minutes against the Rockets.

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Kevin Durant harbors no hard feelings for Nets, regrets lack of success - New York Post

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Kevin Durant harbors no hard feelings for Nets, regrets lack of success - New York Post

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Kevin Durant is seeking another championship, but he’s not trying to cut down the Nets.

Seven weeks after he was traded to the Suns on the heels of running mate Kyrie Irving’s trade to the Mavericks, Durant harbors no ill will toward the Nets.

In fact, he wishes that his three-plus years — resulting in just one playoff series victory — turned out differently.

“I hated it had to go down like that,” Durant told The Athletic. “I wasn’t trying to prove the Nets is a s—y organization. I was trying to prove that the Nets are a great organization, that they care about their players, want the best for their players. Certain s–t just didn’t work out. I understand that. I’m not here trying to prove that the Nets was wrong, I think they did amazing by me the whole time I was there, not just with the trade.”

Durant last played for the Nets on Jan. 8. He was sidelined by injury — as he was for much of his tenure — when the Irving-forced teardown happened just before the Feb. 9 deadline.

“Once he asked out, I was just trying to figure out what direction the team is going in,” Durant said. “Once I had no understanding of what direction we’re going in, I tried to make the best decision for me.”

Durant has averaged 26.6 PPG in his three games with Suns

Getty Images

The Nets sent Durant to one of his desired spots to form a new Big 3 with Chris Paul and Devin Booker, while getting back Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and four unprotected first-round draft picks.

Bridges, who the Suns reportedly were reluctant to include, is off to a historic start, and Johnson just scored a team-high 31 points in a win to add breathing room in the playoff race.

Durant isn’t looking for the Nets to struggle and gain vindication.

“Nah. Hell nah,” he said. “I want the best for that organization. I wanted the best for us every game.”

It all traces back to the Nets signing him to a four-year, $164 million contract knowing that he had to sit out the 2019-20 season with a ruptured Achilles.

“Coming off the Achilles injury, get back into playing — they made sure they were there for me every step of the way,” he said. “And I appreciate that for life. I feel like we’ll be tied as family members for life regardless of how it finished.”

---

In a candid moment, Bridges admitted that it is difficult to block out other results that impact the Nets’ playoff seeding.

“Even when I don’t [look], it always randomly pops up when I’m on my phone or something,” Bridges said. “The NBA posts the standings because the East and the West is getting tight. Even when I’m not looking for it, I see it. It’s always there.”

The Nets gained a game in the battle for the No. 6 seed with the combination of their last win and the Heat’s loss to the Knicks.

“Obviously, we have to take it a game at a time,” Bridges said, “but it’s also good to see things working in our way.”

---

Day’Ron Sharpe (left ankle sprain) is probable for Friday against the Hawks. The backup center attempted three shots in seven minutes against the Rockets.

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Kevin Durant harbors no hard feelings for Nets, regrets lack of success - New York Post

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James Ryan: 'I understand now how hard it is to get to that point' - The Irish Times

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From Ireland v England on St Patrick’s weekend, and the million-plus viewers, to Leinster v Ulster this coming Saturday. Same venue, same full house, but different competition and different context. At face value, the adjustment certainly doesn’t look easy.

At the very least, being bulk suppliers to Ireland’s memorable 2023 Six Nations campaign must be a double-edged sword, and not just because of the inevitable injury toll.

Of the 18 Leinster players who contributed to the Slam, 16 of them played in at least part of the coronation against England two weeks ago.

Re-acquainting themselves with their UCD HPC and systems and calls and moves is one thing. That’s why they came back to ‘work’ last Wednesday. Recalibrating the motivation for a win-or-bust Champions Cup Last 16 tie at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm) is entirely another. This is even truer against an Ulster team packed with players who were either in the Aviva stands a fortnight ago or watching at home, and at least a tad enviously.

Yet not so according to James Ryan.

“I think this week the mindset is just excitement. The Aviva is nearly sold out at this point; 52,000 supporters, with probably about 90 per cent Leinster fans. These are the weeks that you put all the work in for. These are the weeks that you live for in Leinster, so loads of excitement and loads of energy.”

Indeed, in this respect, a knockout European tie may sharpen the mind more than, say, a regular season URC game.

Ryan even goes so far as to say: “I think it’s easy this week. I think if you’re not motivated by this week then you’re probably in the wrong room. But yeah, it’s a big game and that comes with risks as well.”

This too from a key cog in Ireland’s Slam, not just for the voluminous work-rate in playing all 400 minutes, but in the quality of his aerial skills, his physicality, tackling and carrying. There were even two tries and an extraordinary 80-metre gallop in the Murrayfield endgame that frustratingly came within one offload of being the Irish try of the championship.

James Ryan is brought down during Ireland's Six Nations' win in Scotland. Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA

Ryan is now a more mature 26-year-old, as opposed to the mature-beyond-his-years 21-year-old in Ireland’s 2018 Grand Slam, when he started four of the five matches.

He’s also a little less guarded, more inclined to reveal the joker he is among the squad and those close to him. Ryan laughed when Rob Kearney told him to enjoy the 2018 Grand Slam, but he appreciates the advice better five years on.

“Yeah, I did enjoy it more than I did in 2018. Because I was just naive. It was ‘What’s this lad talking about, this old eejit?’ So yeah, I did enjoy it more this time because we’ve had days that have been a lot tougher and days that didn’t go our way.

“I understand now how hard it is to get to that point and how much effort it takes to get you there. I don’t think I’d the same understanding or appreciation as a 21-year-old,” he admits.

That 2017-18 season also featured Leinster’s fourth Heineken Cup triumph. One of Ryan’s more acute disappointments came a season later with a defeat in the final against Saracens. That followed an epic quarter-final win over Ulster at the Aviva in strikingly similar circumstances to this Saturday’s game, the memory of which is tarnished by the damage it did to the career of one of his fellow St Michael’s buddies.

Dan Leavy receives treatment on the pitch after suffering a knee injury in Leinster’s Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final against Ulster at the Aviva Stadium in March 2019. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho

“Dan Leavy is my first memory of it,” says Ryan of that 21-18 win. “But I remember it was a very, very close contest and it was a game that could have gone either way really. We were watching some of the clips from it this week and some of the footage is so loud - and that’s what it’s going to feel like this weekend.

[ Gerry Thornley: Leavy’s star shone so bright but all too briefly ]

“I just remember the noise, and it felt like a Test match. It felt like an international game. I think those interpros always bring a little bit extra. There are 50,000-plus, how many teams are going to get that for a last-16 game? So, I think the whole occasion is going to be cool.”

The ensuing 11 meetings pale by comparison as a yardstick of what to expect from Ulster, but he anticipates Saturday’s contest to be as momentous as the 2018 clash.

“Yeah, big time. I think they’ll be hugely motivate coming down, like we will be. It’s a knock-out game as well. It’s not like a normal URC game. It’s not like a Six Nations game. If you lose, you’re out. You don’t get to repeat this next week, so there’s a lot at stake for both teams. It’s a different feel to the whole week.”

Having served as captain of every team he has played for, Ryan will have to assume more of a leadership role owing to the loss of Johnny Sexton, almost certainly for the remainder of the season.

Leinster tradition decrees that the most fitting way of honouring retiring players is for them to be presented with trophies whilst suited. Ryan knows no one deserves that more than Sexton.

“It’s a huge motivation. To be honest, this week is more about getting our performance right and not worrying too much about it. And that’s what he would want as well.

“But hopefully if we go well, that will become more and more of a driver for us because I think Leinster have had many great players over the last ten, 15, 20 years - players that I grew up watching - but I think he’s at the very top of the list,” Ryan admits, with words you know he does not use lightly.

“I think he’s the best ever. It’s another little driver for us. There is plenty there. But he has to come into it in some way.”

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James Ryan: 'I understand now how hard it is to get to that point' - The Irish Times

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Ominous trend spells a hard landing for economy: Lakshman Achuthan - CNBC

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Ominous trend spells a hard landing for economy: Lakshman Achuthan - CNBC

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Bears hoping not to do Hard Knocks - profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

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The Bears are one of four teams that the NFL can force to do Hard Knocks, but they’re hoping not to be chosen.

Bears Chairman George McCaskey said he’d like to see the league pick some other team.

“We feel there are a number of teams that have compelling stories to tell on ‘Hard Knocks,’” he said, via TheAthletic.com. “Thirty-one others.”

The NFL can require a team to do Hard Knocks if that team hasn’t done the show in the last 10 years, hasn’t made the playoffs in the last two years, and doesn’t have a first-year head coach. This year, four teams meet that criteria: The Bears, Saints, Jets and Commanders.

Justin Fields and the Chicago market could make the Bears an appealing choice for the annual training camp reality show that is produced by NFL Films and airs on HBO. McCaskey wouldn’t like it, but the league may give him no choice.

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Bears hoping not to do Hard Knocks - profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

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The Chicago Bears still want nothing to do with Hard Knocks - Awful Announcing

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Four NFL teams are eligible to be featured in the upcoming season of HBO’s Hard Knocks, based on the following selection criteria:

• They don’t have a first-year head coach.
• They haven’t made the playoffs in two straight seasons.
• They haven’t been on Hard Knocks over the last decade.

The teams that meet the criteria to be selected for the training camp series are the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and Washington Commanders. And the teams that stand out as the most appealing options are the Bears and Jets.

The Jets are the biggest story in the NFL right now as they try to acquire quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. Like it or not, Rodgers coverage sells. We’ve also never seen him in a non-Packers uniform or in a big market. If Rodgers indeed ends up in New York, HBO and NFL Films would surely drool at the opportunity to land the Jets on Hard Knocks.

The Bears had the worst record in the NFL in 2022, but they were actually very fun to watch due to dual-threat quarterback Justin Fields. That record also led to Chicago having the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, which was traded earlier this month to the Carolina Panthers for a haul that includes the No. 9 overall pick and star wide receiver D.J. Moore. The Bears are loaded with draft capital going forward and have the league’s most cap space. It’s a huge year for Fields, and it will be year two for general manager Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus. They check a ton of boxes for the ideal Hard Knocks format, especially as a big market and historic franchise.

But the Bears have made it clear in the past that they do not want to be on Hard Knocks, and that stance has not changed.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday at the NFL league meeting in Phoenix, Bears chairman George McCaskey was asked if the organization would like to be on Hard Knocks.

According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin and The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain, McCaskey said that “there are a number of teams that have compelling stories to tell on Hard Knocks.”

The media then asked him if the Bears are included among those teams.

McCaskey replied, “31 others.”

Couple of notes from our availability with Bears chairman/CEO George McCaskey

-On whether the Bears would like to be on Hard Knocks: "There are a number of teams that have compelling stories to tell on Hard Knocks."

That are not the Bears?

"31 others."

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) March 29, 2023

No surprise, but the Bears are not interested in being on "Hard Knocks." They are one of the teams eligible to be forced to do it in 2023.

George McCaskey: "We feel there are a number of teams that have compelling stories to tell on Hard Knocks."

Bears included?

"31 others."

— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) March 29, 2023

It was thought that the organization might be more willing to welcome such media opportunities with a new president and CEO in place, former Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren.

Additionally, the idea that Hard Knocks is a debilitating distraction for teams took a hit with head coach Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions embracing the coverage last year en route to a surprising nine-win season (and if the Lions want to volunteer to do Hard Knocks again this year, we’d approve of that).

Hard Knocks is a great way for a bad team to sell their franchise, management, coaches, players, facility, etc. to prospective free agents. The Lions generated a ton of good PR from their appearance last season. Any team that fears exposure is living in the past.

— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) March 29, 2023

Hard Knocks debuted in 2001 and the Bears have never been on it (or, they’ve avoided it). Maybe the NFL will “force” the Bears to be on Hard Knocks for the first time this year, but the McCaskeys seem determined to do everything in their power to guide the league and HBO in a different direction.

[Courtney Cronin; Kevin Fishbain]

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March 29, 2023 at 09:06PM
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The Chicago Bears still want nothing to do with Hard Knocks - Awful Announcing

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Bears' George McCaskey not interested in participating in Hard Knocks - Yahoo Sports

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Bears not interested in participating in Hard Knocks originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The Bears are one of the four eligible teams to participate in the highly anticipated "Hard Knocks" show on HBO. The show televises one team during the offseason and follows a multitude of storylines.

The New Orleans Saints, New York Jets and Washington Commanders are the other candidates.

RELATED: Report: Bears eligible for 'Hard Knocks' series

Chairman George McCaskey said to the media in Arizona, however, the Bears aren't interested in participating. The decision surrounding their participation is not up to them. It's mandatory if selected.

"We feel there are several teams that have compelling stories to tell on Hard Knocks," McCaskey told Kevin Fishbain.

Are the Bears included in that?

"31 others," McCaskey said.

The Bears have several enticing storylines to captivate Hard Knocs enthusiasts.

Justin Fields is the biggest one. He's on the fringe of a vital season about his future. Going into his third year, he'll be expected to improve his production at quarterback, especially in the passing game.

New players DJ Moore, Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards and whoever the Bears draft with the No. 9 pick (assuming they don't trade it) will be interesting to follow.

The tandem of Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus is another headline. The duo is heading into their second season with the Bears after recording the worst record in the NFL last season.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

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March 29, 2023 at 08:34AM
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Bears' George McCaskey not interested in participating in Hard Knocks - Yahoo Sports

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This Toyota GR Corolla Engine Carnage Is Hard to Look At - Road & Track

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One of the best things about the new Toyota GR Corolla is its 1.6-liter three-cylinder, a 300-hp turbocharged marvel. Its excellence is what makes it so hard to look at—and hard to look away from—this destroyed example that's going around on GR Corolla forums. Thankfully, it's being replaced under warranty.

The poster of these videos, Simez Garage on YouTube, appears to work at a Toyota shop, and they're tasked with replacing this GR Corolla's engine. They don't say exactly what happened here, but it looks to us an awful lot like a missed shift, with a connecting rod punching a hole through the block, valves embedded into the cylinder head, and all sorts of carnage in the oil pan. There's even a hole in the all-wheel-drive transfer case. A box of parts is getting sent to Toyota for investigation, and a new engine for the GR Corolla is on its way. The car's owner should be very grateful they're not on the hook for what the YouTuber says would be approximately $32,000 in replacement parts.

This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

For those of you who don't know, missing a shift can wreak havoc on an engine. As a hypothetical, if you accidentally made a 5-2 downshift in your GR Corolla instead of a 5-4 downshift, the engine could far exceed its 7000-rpm redline. If that happens, all hell breaks loose, which is how you end up with connecting rods punching through the block. I don't want to say definitively that's what happened here, but signs point to it being likely.

There are more clips detailing the damage on the Simez Garage YouTube page if, like me, you just can't look away. I'm just glad the engine is getting replaced.

Chris Perkins Senior Editor Chris Perkins is the Web Editor for Road & Track magazine.

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March 27, 2023 at 10:08PM
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This Toyota GR Corolla Engine Carnage Is Hard to Look At - Road & Track

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Whoopi Goldberg backs Snoop-quoting news anchor: ‘It’s hard to keep up’ - New York Post

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Whoopi Goldberg has come to the defense of disgraced weatherwoman Barbie Bassett.

Goldberg slammed a Mississippi news station’s decision to oust Bassett, ostensibly because the anchor quoted a Snoop Dogg lyric on live television.

On Monday’s episode of “The View,” Goldberg insisted that “just because we’re on television, doesn’t mean we know everything.”

“We don’t know everything you’re not supposed to do,” she said earlier this week, taking a jab at NBC affiliate WLBT during her routine criticism bit.

Bassett, the Jackson network’s first chief meteorologist, was let go from her desk after uttering a racial epithet — “fo shizzle, my nizzle” — on air while reporting on rapper Snoop Dogg’s latest addition to his Cali wine line.

Following the on-screen gaffe, which quickly went viral on social media, Bassett was removed from the station’s team page online and has been absent from broadcasts since March 8.

On “The View” this week, Goldberg said it’s “hard to keep up” as times change.

ABC

Goldberg, 67, said it’s “hard to keep up” with the seemingly ever-changing social rules of what people can and can’t say — especially “if you’re a person of a certain age.”

“There has to be a book of stuff that nobody could ever say, ever, ever, ever. Include everything,” Goldberg said. “The things that change, you can say this, but you can’t say that, but next week you might not be able to say this. It’s hard to keep up.”

If someone slips up, they should “at least” be allowed to take responsibility, Goldberg continued, and admit — as she’s done herself multiple times — “You know what, I’ve just been informed that I should not have done that.”

“Because saying ‘You’re out’ means that you don’t want to hear what people have to say or the mistakes that they might have made that could have helped somebody else not make that mistake,” she concluded.

The Post has reached out to Bassett for comment.

Bassett quoted Snoop Dogg during a broadcast earlier this month.

WLBT

The screen star knows a thing or two about on-air blunders — and public apologies. Goldberg used a slur for Romani people while discussing former President Donald Trump earlier this month. She also sparked controversy last year after using a Holocaust slur that resulted in a temporary suspension from “The View.”

Myriad others have shown support for Bassett following her removal from the network.

Radio host Charlamagne tha God also sprang to the news anchor’s defense on his syndicated radio show “The Breakfast Club” last week, saying, “I don’t think she should have been fired for that.”

“She might not even know what ‘nizzle’ means, yo,” he added. “Come on, like stop. That’s not a reason to fire that woman.”

WLBT has yet to issue a public statement on the matter; however, Ted Fortenberry, the station’s regional vice president and general manager, told The Post that WLBT “cannot comment on personnel matters,” adding that their “policies are clear” and “communicated fully to all team members” through “ample resources and training.”

In 2022, the anchor apologized for using insensitive language during a broadcast.

WLBT

“WLBT enforces all station policies in a manner that is fair and even-handed,” Fortenberry concluded.

For her part, Bassett has also refrained from public comment on the incident and merely posted a cryptic quote on Instagram referring to the ability to “withstand this storm.”

Bassett previously issued an on-air apology in October 2022 for referring to a black reporter’s grandmother as “grandmammy.”

“Though not intentional, I now understand how my comment was both insensitive and hurtful. I have apologized to Carmen Poe,” Bassett said, referring to her aggrieved colleague.

WLBT has not issued a statement on the matter but the station has removed Bassett’s bio from their team page.

WLBT3

Bassett continued, “Now, I would like to apologize to you. That is not the heart of who I am. And for that, I humbly ask for your forgiveness and I apologize to everyone I have offended.

“I will learn from this and participate in training so I can better understand our history and our people,” she added. “I can’t mend the hurt my comment caused. I pray you’ll forgive me and that you’ll extend grace through this awful mistake.”

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March 29, 2023 at 03:05AM
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Whoopi Goldberg backs Snoop-quoting news anchor: ‘It’s hard to keep up’ - New York Post

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