Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is out for the remainder of the SEC Championship game after suffering an injury on the final play of the first half against Texas, according to the ABC broadcast. He did not take the field for Georgia’s first offensive snap of the third quarter, when backup Gunner Stockton entered the game. Beck dropped back to attempt a Hail Mary but was hit as he threw the ball. “He just said his hand got hit as he was throwing it there,” Kirby Smart said in his halftime interview . “Guy came all the way around the edge, which people do in that situation. He’s got to be aware.” Texas recovered the fumble on the play and ran it back before finally being tackled to end the half. Beck sat on the ground and was being attended to by trainers as they made their way off the field. In the first half, Beck completed seven of his 13 pass attempts for 56 yards. He was hindered by multiple drops, as has been the case all season. Stockton, a third-year sophomore, has seen action in three games this season, completing 13 of his 16 pass attempts for 135 yards heading into the Texas game. “I thought he operated well. I think he had the better line one time, and then we had the other group come in and didn’t get to play a whole lot,” Smart said of Stockton after the UMass game. “But he’s played well the last couple weeks. He’s practiced well. He’s done some good things. It’s awesome. I’m very happy he got to get in. I just wish it had been longer.”

Hottoerak Revolutionizes At-Home Skincare with Advanced Light Therapy Technology 12-20-2024 09:14 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Kjprnews Hottoerak, a pioneering brand in light therapy solutions, today announced the launch of its comprehensive collection of advanced light therapy masks, bringing professional-grade skincare technology into the comfort of homes. This innovative line features scientifically-backed wavelength combinations designed to address various skin concerns, from aging to acne treatment. Image: https://hottoerak.shop/cdn/shop/files/13.jpg?v=1716973176&width=1100 The cornerstone of Hottoerak's new collection is its flagship Red Light Therapy Mask [ https://hottoerak.shop/products/hottoerak-red-light-therapy-mask-black ], which harnesses the power of dual-wavelength technology (660nm and 850nm) to stimulate collagen production and promote deep cellular repair. This sophisticated combination delivers remarkable results in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and inflammation while improving overall skin texture. "Our mission at Hottoerak is to democratize access to professional-grade light therapy treatments," stated a spokesperson for Hottoerak. "We've invested extensively in research and development to ensure our products deliver optimal results while maintaining the highest safety standards." The collection includes four distinct products, each targeting specific skincare needs: The signature Red Light Therapy Mask combines 660nm and 850nm wavelengths for comprehensive skin rejuvenation. The innovative 7 Color Light Therapy Mask [ https://hottoerak.shop/products/hottoerak-colorful-therapy-mask ] features seven precisely calibrated wavelengths (415nm-660nm) to address various skin concerns. The specialized Neck & Decollete mask focuses on these often-overlooked areas, while the Upgraded 7 Colorful Therapy Mask introduces enhanced functionality by incorporating near-infrared technology [ https://hottoerak.shop/products/upgraded-colorful-therapy-mask ]. What sets Hottoerak apart is its commitment to scientific validation and technological innovation. Each device undergoes rigorous testing to ensure optimal wavelength delivery for maximum efficacy. The company's research has shown significant improvements in skin texture, reduction of fine lines, and enhanced collagen production with regular use of their devices. The entire collection is now available through Hottoerak's official website and select retail partners. Prices and detailed product specifications can be found at https://hottoerak.shop . About Hottoerak: Hottoerak is a leading innovator in light therapy skincare solutions, dedicated to bringing scientifically-proven, professional-grade treatments to the home care market. By combining cutting-edge technology with comprehensive research, Hottoerak continues to set new standards in the beauty and skincare industry. Media Contact Company Name: HOTTOERAK Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=hottoerak-revolutionizes-athome-skincare-with-advanced-light-therapy-technology ] Country: United States Website: https://hottoerak.shop/ This release was published on openPR.Wright Flyer to Space Shuttle: 7 aircraft that defined flight as we know it todayJuJu Watkins scores 21, No. 6 USC downs Oregon 66-53 in Big Ten opener

After touring 215 communities with gifts and palliatives, PINL, one of the pipeline protection firms, has returned with a message of hope for crude oil boost. Nigeria slumped to as low as 900 barrels per day before the amnesty programme was launched. The FG later gave out contracts to some companies to protect the pipelines especially those that deliver crude to export terminals in Bonny and Escravos. This led to growth of daily crude oil output to 1.3mbpd and recently to almost 1.7mbpd. One of the pipeline protection companies, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), has mandate in four states of Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Abia states. Loads of food items meant for pipeline communities The company employs youths in the areas of coverage and has launched a robust corporate social responsibility (CSR) scheme that makes them corporate helper to the 215 communities. Now, information filtering in from the communities indicate that hope is high that the target of 1.8mbpd is achievable and the larger dream of 2.4mbpd could be attempted in the near future. PINL last weekend concluded a week-long palliatives distribution to its 215 host communities in the four mandate states. This is as the communities have commended the company for what they described as an ‘unprecedented show of love’ since the pipelines passed through their communities. The exercise had the company reaching out to benefitting communities assembled at six different strategic distribution points to receive different food items including rice, beans, garri, Indomie, salt, among others. They also gave out palliatives to flood victims within their mandate areas. The humanitarian tour was led by Deborah Okunbo, CEO of Learn and Leadwise Resources Limited, assisted by Akpos Mezeh (PhD), the Community Relations Consultant for PINL. The palliatives distribution, which concluded without any mishap began on Monday with a press conference during which the CEO Learn and Leadwise Resources Limited, consultants to PINL on CSR programme, explained that the exercise was part of a bouquet of CSR programme packaged by PINL for its pipeline host communities. Preceding the palliatives distribution was a consultation of 11 top traditional rulers of the host communities to inform them about the planned exercise, with the monarchs praising the move and pledging their support. In some instances, they made suggestions on the modalities to ensure a hitch-free exercise. This way, the buy-in of the communities was fully obtained. The exercise which commenced at the Tai local government secretariat at Saapkenwa, for about 35 communities across Andoni, Bonny Eleme, Gokana and Tai local government areas, moved to Owaza community (Ukwa West LGA of Abia State and Rivers States) for 32 different communities. The team moved to Bayelsa state where 52 communities of southern Ijaw, Ogbia, and Yenagoa were treated to mouth-watering gifts in addition to food palliatives of mattresses and blankets as part of relief package for the recent flooding experienced by some communities there. According to the PINL schedule, some 19 communities in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State were next and it took place at Ohaji LGA. The PINL food palliatives train landed at Ahoada East at St. Paul’s State Primary School, Ahoada, where 37 communities from Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Abual/Odual and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas were assembled to receive their portion of food palliatives and relief materials. The six days palliatives tour of communities was concluded at Emohua Local Government Secretariat where Emohua, Etche, Ikwerre and Obio/Akpor local government areas gathered to receive their share of the food palliatives. Speaking to the communities at Emohua on the last day, Okunbo (CEO, Learn and Leadwise Resources Limited, consultant to PINL on the CSR programme) repeated the message to all the other benefitting communities. She restated that; “The purpose of this is to first appreciate the support and corporation we’ve enjoyed from the host communities along this axis and also to solicit for more support and effort towards curbing pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and illegal bunkering”. She said it was to emphasise that the main target of the CSR Programme is to give the people a sense of ownership and responsibility to the assets on their land, encourage them to be part of their security and protection thereby eliminating pipeline vandalism, oil theft and kpo-fire in the communities. I his response, which also echoed what representatives of other communities had said earlier, a chief, Adolphus Nyegbeke Umesi, Paramount Ruler of Omuobizu and Chairman, Ibaa Council of Chiefs, expressed appreciation to PINL for the gesture, describing it as the first of its kind to the communities. He said; “We celebrate PINL for the palliatives. We have not seen this before, but this one has motivated us to be here. That’s why we are patient, we are salivating, we are hoping, we are celebrating. So that’s why we are here. “My feeling is that these people will not be like other multinationals in our communities because what they’ve done now is a conviction that good things will come. And we also have assured them that vandalization has to stop. We have to make sure of that promise by working day and night. So, we just urge them to keep up the good work”. In an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the end of the palliatives distribution, Okunbo assessed the programme as a huge success devoid of any sad incident. “I feel fulfilled. I really thank God for the success of it. There were no incidents, no issues whatsoever. Everything went seamlessly. I mean all the 215 communities have been attended to and each has received their palliatives and looking forward to the next feature on the initiative, on the CSR initiative by the organization”. So, she said, most of the community members spoke highly of PINL. They were quite happy with the gesture. She added: “Of course, they solicited for more, but they said it was first of its kind. And, you know, they would give their full support to whatever PINL is expecting of them. And they hope for better working relations with the organization. “Yes, of course, it was a positive response. I was glad to hear what they had to say. I’m hoping that the cordial relationship with the communities will continue and it would lead to elimination of pipeline vandalism and Kpo fire”. She assured the people that with their continued cooperation with the company, the CSR programme, which she said is a one-year programme, would be concluded with a medical outreach, skill acquisition, agriculture training, among others. She encouraged youths to stop pipeline vandalism saying “If they’re able to contain that, then we’re able to increase production, the economy will get better. “I do understand that there are challenges all around, but if you’re innovative enough and intelligent enough to bust pipeline, you can actually use the intelligence to do something more positive. So what I would encourage is for us to look for better ways to channel our intelligence to doing productive and positive things. This is because we see that when we burst pipelines it actually affects the environment our lands become not useful to us and we are not able to farm or fish. Such things affect the livelihoods of the people in the community, their health as well and in the long run you find out that poverty would become prevalent in that environment. But if we’re able to channel our energies and our intelligence to more productive things then you find out that prosperity would abound in the communities and there’ll be little or no, in fact elimination of vandalism altogether. There was a time there was no vandalism of pipelines. That’s where we want to get back to and improve on that as well”. Various community leaders and persons who spoke with newsmen across the 215 communities were united in their demand for other forms of CSR projects to transform the lives of the youths, and an assurance that this would put a stop to pipeline vandalism.

The Bay Area and California managed modest job gains in November, but the pace of statewide employment increases have begun to fade at the same time the local nine-county region has perked up. More than half of the job gains in the Bay Area were produced by the East Bay as the tech-heavy South Bay and San Francisco metro region lagged by a wide margin, according to a report from the state’s labor agency. The Bay Area added 3,000 jobs in November — but the East Bay accounted for 1,900 of those employment additions, the report from the state Employment Development Department showed. The South Bay’s job totals were unchanged while the San Francisco-San Mateo region managed to add just 600 jobs last month, the EDD reported. California added 11,100 jobs in November and the statewide unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.4%. California has one of the highest jobless rates in the nation. All of the numbers were adjusted for seasonal volatility. Despite the employment gains in the state, this news organization’s assessment of the EDD figures hints at a deterioration of the California job market. During the most recent four months from August through November, California averaged a gain of 7,900 jobs a month — but during the prior eight months, from December 2023 through July 2024, the statewide job gains averaged 22,100 a month. In the Bay Area, the pattern was reversed. In the most recent four months, the Bay Area averaged gains of 2,500 a month, while during the eight months before, the average gain was 1,400 a month.Georgian police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of pro-EU demonstrators on Monday, who had rallied in the centre of Tbilisi amid a deepening political crisis in the Black Sea nation. The country's prime minister hours earlier had vowed "no negotiations" with the opposition, enraged by the ruling Georgian Dream party's decision to shelve EU accession talks after it claimed victory in an election they decried as fraudulent. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The claim: Image shows brain deformed by alcohol consumption A Nov. 20 Instagram post ( direct link , archive link ) shows images of two brains. One is deformed, discolored and labeled "DRINKERS (sic) BRAIN," while the other seems relatively normal and is labeled "NON-DRINKERS (sic) BRAIN." The caption of the post encourages readers to quit drinking alcohol. More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page Our rating: False There is no evidence the brain shown in the post was deformed by alcohol use. It is a naturally preserved specimen estimated to be more than 2,000 years old, but a study examining it makes no mention of alcohol. The other brain matches stock imagery. Image shows brain thousands of years old The deformed brain was found inside a roughly 2,600-year-old decapitated head that was excavated from a waterlogged pit in the U.K. in 2008. The image in the post is from a research paper about the specimen that was published in 2020. In scientific studies reviewed by USA TODAY, researchers reported that while the brain was about 20% of its original size and its tissues had deteriorated, it is remarkable that it was preserved at all because of how quickly brains decompose after death. There was no mention of alcohol use. The other brain in the Instagram post matches stock images on Adobe Stock and Alamy − where it is described as a model of a human brain. Fact check : It's not one or the other: CO2 can drive global warming and fertilize plants While there is no evidence the brain in the post was deformed by alcohol use, m any studies have shown an association between alcohol consumption and physical changes in the brain . USA TODAY reached out to the Instagram user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Our fact-check sources Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here . USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta .

Teachers Are Dropping Their Hot Takes About Education Today, And It’s Honestly Deeply ConcerningThe Host Communities of Nigeria producing oil and gas ( HOSTCOM) , has commended President Bola Tinubu for attracting $5billion Bonga North Deep Offshore Field. This is as it claims that efforts of the President on security across the various oil communities and that of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), have facilitated increase in daily oil production to 2.06million barrels per day. The National President, HOSTCOM, Benjamin Tamaramiebi, stated these in Abuja on Monday at an interactive session with journalists in his Asokoro office. He said: “HOSTCOM as the umbrella body of oil and gas producing communities in Nigeria , commend President Bola Tinubu for recently atteacting $5billion to the Bonga North Deep offshore. “This underscores the transformative impact of President Tinubu administration’s policies in revitalising Nigeria Oil and Gas sector”. He also commended the Honorable Minister of state, Petroleum Resources Oil, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri his counterpart Honorable Minister of state Gas, Chief Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo , for also working tirelessly in achieving the dream. According to him, “The enabling environment created by the federal government and strict monitoring of implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act ( PIA) by NUPRC, has made daily oil production to hit 2million barrels”. “Today Host Communities can boast of billions of naira for self developmental projects in Niger Delta region. ” When Engr Gbenga Komolafe, took over martle of leadership of NUPRC , the oil production was 1.6 to 1.7 million barrels of Crude per day but today it has increased to 2.06 million barrels per day. “With a deep sense of responsibility, we have observed with keen interest and observed the transparency demonstrated by the Commission in the conduct and adherence to established protocols and regulations to ensure effective conduct of their practices and accountability. “Following the reassurances of the Commission to continue to engage the Host Communities of Nigerian Producing Oil and Gas, we rates the score card of the Commission by passing a vote of Confidence on the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the management team ably led by the Commission Chief Executive, Engr Gbnega Komolafe – FNSE CFR for an award of excellence for its commitment to Petroleum Communities’ sustainable development and protection of their participatory rights. “With regards to the aforementioned strides of the NUPRC for delivering within record time, we call on all meaningful stakeholders to join hands with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to facilitate the speedy implementation of the 3% OPEX which is overdue by some settlors”, he added .

Running back Jace Clarizio flipped his commitment from his local team, Michigan State, to Alabama. The decision, announced by Clarizio on social media Tuesday, comes after the East Lansing (Mich.) High standout visited head coach Kalen DeBoer's Crimson Tide on Nov. 16. "Great program," Clarizio told On3. "Playing on the biggest level. ... All the people and coaches I met and interacted with were all great people. The atmosphere was crazy." The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder is ranked as the No. 33 running back by On3 and tabbed No. 35 in their industry ranking. In May, he had verbally committed to the Spartans, where his father, Craig Johnson, was a running back and defensive back who was a member of the 1987 Rose Bowl-winning squad under coach George Perles. --Field Level Media

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A agent who the says conspired with another agent to sell an illicit drug known as “bath salts” pleaded not guilty to a drug distribution conspiracy charge Friday in federal court. A grand jury in Salt Lake City brought the criminal charge against Special Agent David Cole of the Homeland Security Investigations unit earlier this week. The indictment alleges that Cole abused his position as a federal law enforcement agent to obtain and sell drugs for profit. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Cole took drugs that had been seized as evidence, telling colleagues he was using them for legitimate investigations, and instead sold them to a confidential informant who resold the drugs for profit on the streets of Utah, according to the indictment. The informant, who has a lengthy criminal history, had been recruited by federal agents to work for them upon his release from prison. But in addition to conducting controlled buys from suspected drug dealers as directed by investigators, the informant said he was compelled by Cole and another agent to also engage in illegal sales. The investigation began after the informant’s defense attorney contacted the U.S. Attorney in Utah in October to report that agents had required him to engage in potentially illegal acts dating from last spring to early December. Details of drug sales offered by the informant were confirmed through surveillance and other sources, the FBI said. Cole and the second agent — identified in court documents only as “Person A” — profited up to $300,000 from the illegal scheme, according to an FBI affidavit filed in the case. FBI spokesperson Sandra Barker said Friday that “Person A” had not been arrested or charged, but the investigation was ongoing. Cole, 50, of South Jordan, Utah, entered the courtroom Friday handcuffed and hunched over, wearing a white and gray, striped jumpsuit. U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin Pead accepted Cole’s not guilty plea and scheduled a trial for the week of Feb. 24. Federal officials say Cole’s indictment sends a message that officers who break the law and undermine the public’s trust in law enforcement will be prosecuted. “A drug dealer who carries a badge is still a drug dealer — and one who has violated an oath to uphold the law and protect the public,” said Nicole Argentieri, head of the U.S. Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “No one is above the law.” Special Agent Shohini Sinha, who leads the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office, said Cole’s alleged actions helped fuel an already devastating . Ingestion of synthetic bath salts, also known as Alpha-PVP or cathinone, can lead to bizarre behavior such as paranoia and extreme strength, according to authorities who say it’s similar to methamphetamine, cocaine or ecstasy. They are unrelated to actual bathing products. Cole’s attorney, Alexander Ramos, has declined to directly address the criminal allegations but said his client has a strong reputation within the federal law enforcement community. Ramos did not immediately respond Friday to emails seeking comment on the not guilty plea. The Homeland Security Investigations department where Cole worked conducts federal criminal investigations into the illegal movement of people, goods, money, weapons, drugs and sensitive technology into, out of and across the U.S. Cole and the second agent had their credentials suspended but have not been fired, according to court documents. Hannah Schoenbaum, The Associated PressFORESTVILLE, Calif. (AP) — A major storm moving through Northern California on Thursday toppled trees and dropped heavy snow and record rain after damaging homes, killing two people and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands in the Pacific Northwest. Forecasters warned that the risk of flash flooding and rockslides would continue, and scores of flights were canceled at San Francisco's airport. In Washington, more than 320,000 people — most of them in the Seattle area — were still without power as crews worked to clear streets of electrical lines, fallen branches and debris. Utility officials said the outages, which began Tuesday, could last into Saturday. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.Israel and its key ally the United States have attacked the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Several European nations say they would execute the warrants if either man steps on their soil. So what might happen next? Presenter: Bernard Smith Guests: Francesca Albanese – UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory Ori Goldberg – political commentator and former academic specialising in Middle East studies Stephen Zunes – professor of politics at the University of San Francisco

( MENAFN - UkrinForm) Ukraine has successfully completed the testing phase for a range of drones equipped with fiber-optic communication, with the process of obtaining a NATO code nearing completion. As reported by Ukrinform, this information was shared on facebook by the General Staff of the armed forces of Ukraine. "Leading the lineup is the Black Widow Web 10 project drone - a fiber-optic kamikaze. This drone can travel over five kilometers and carry approximately two kilograms of payload. Developers of this project have received NATO codes not only for this model but for an entire range of UAV solutions," the post reads. Colonel Vitalii Dobrianskyi, Head of the Innovation Activities Department of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, commented on the achievement, highlighting that a crucial task was accomplished - overcoming enemy electronic warfare systems when using drones. This is not just a new type of weapon but a gateway for further research and development in the field of fiber-optic communication. Robotics and unmanned technologies have gained a new trajectory of development. "FPV drones with this technology are becoming a significant problem for the enemy on the front lines," the General Staff added. As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that next year's budget allocates 775 billion UAH for the production of Ukrainian drones. MENAFN20122024000193011044ID1109018538 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Commanders place kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserveVirginia starting quarterback Anthony Colandrea plans to enter the transfer portal, he said Monday. "This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the best step for my academic and athletic future," Colandrea said in a statement posted to social media. Colandrea started 11 games this season as a true sophomore, throwing for 2,125 yards, 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He struggled in his last four starts, however, with seven interceptions and just two touchdowns. Virginia benched him in favor of senior Tony Muskett for the regular-season finale against Virginia Tech with a chance to gain bowl eligibility. The Cavaliers lost anyway as they ended the season with losses in six of their last seven games. With Colandrea transferring and Muskett exhausting his eligibility, Virginia will be in the market for a quarterback.

The Christmas tradition has become nearly global in scope: Children from around the world track Santa Claus as he sweeps across the earth, delivering presents and defying time. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages , from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” “There are screams and giggles and laughter,” said Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, “Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early.” NORAD’s annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . Here’s how it began and why the phones keep ringing. It started with a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy’s mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80 foot (18-by-24 meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from “those who do not believe in Christmas.” Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup’s story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy’s call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child’s call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. “When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,’” Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. “People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” NORAD’s tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa’s story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada — known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That’s when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, Mountain Standard Time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.

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No. 25 UConn working on climbing back up poll, faces No. 15 BaylorAmerican rugby sevens star Ilona Maher will join 15-a-side club Bristol in January in a bid to play in next year's women's Rugby World Cup, the English club announced on Monday. Maher, 28, helped the USA to a bronze medal at this summer's Olympic Games in Paris and is the sport's most popular player on social media. "This is a huge coup to be able to bring Ilona Maher to Bristol Bears on a short-term deal," Bristol head coach Dave Ward said. "She is one of the biggest names in women's sport, let alone rugby, and we believe she will add real value to our programme on and off the field." Last week Maher finished second on US television show "Dancing with the Stars", and she was on the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition in July. Maher has signed a three-month deal with Bristol ahead of the World Cup, which starts in England in August. She made her 15-a-side debut for the USA in 2021. "I am excited to join the Bristol Bears and put myself in the best position to earn a spot to represent USA in the 2025 Rugby World Cup alongside such a talented and driven group as the Bears," Maher said in a club statement. Bristol's first game next month is on January 4 against local rivals and Premiership Women's Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury, in a repeat of last season's final. obo/iwd/mw