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‘Diwali is more than fireworks, it’s about gratefulness’

Anil Images

The date of Diwali varies annually based on the lunar calendar

There’s much more to Diwali than simply launching fireworks, consuming Indian sweets and lighting divas.

4 religions have a good time the occasion in a different way and mark the event for separate causes.

Hindus and Jains have a good time Diwali on the 31 October, Sikhs on the 1 November and Buddhists on 15 November.

Members of every religion from round London inform the BBC what Diwali means to them.

‘Favorite time of the yr’

Vedika Apte Vedika is dressed in a dark purple saree wearing her hair in loose curls and smiling. She stands in front of a Hindu shrine.Vedika Apte

Hindu’s have a good time Diwali throughout 5 days

“It is actually one in every of my favorite occasions of the yr,” Vedika Apte, 23, from west London says.

The medical pupil has spent the previous few days making ladoos – spherical Indian sweets – together with her mum.

“We’re nonetheless going to be consuming them in two weeks,” she says, however that’s simply the beginning of the festivities.

Hindu communities throughout India have a good time Diwali in a different way and Vedika explains that she follows the Marathi method.

In addition to assembly family and friends, dancing and lighting candles, Vedika finds this time of yr a “reminder to be glad about the whole lot that is round you and to God as nicely”.

Vedika Apte Four plates with a laddoo or Indian sweet and three other savoury snacks. Vedika Apte

A laddoo is a spherical Indian candy made with flour, sugar and butter

“It isn’t all simply fireworks,” she says as she explains that on the primary of the five-day competition – Dhanteras – individuals purchase gold and metals which is believed to convey wealth and luck into properties.

On the second day – Narka Chaturdashi – Vedika’s household spend the morning washing with oils and sandalwood powder, which based on custom “prepares the physique for the winter months”.

Her household additionally clear and organise their dwelling to welcome the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, the following day.

On the third day Hindus gentle divas and fireworks but in addition pray “for blessings, wealth, prosperity for the household, the better world, and the better good”.

The fourth day is named the “husband and spouse day” the place the “spouse prays for the husband’s lengthy life and will get a gift in return” and on the ultimate day “sisters pray for his or her brothers and in return the brother offers a present and guarantees to take care of” their sibling.

‘A time of reflection and introspection’

Anil Photography Dev is in a cream traditional Indian top performing a prayer. He holds is a gold coloured plate with a diva. Anil Images

The primary purpose in life for Jains is to realize “liberation”

Dev, 19, who’s a Jain from north London, says Diwali is all about changing into extra religious and “in tune with your self”.

For Jains, the two-day occasion is concerning the second Jainism founder Lord Mahavira reached a state of being referred to as Moksha, or everlasting bliss.

“Diwali isn’t celebrated as consuming, ingesting, partying. It is extra specializing in your self, your personal soul, your personal actions. It is a time of reflection and introspection.”

Throughout this time, Dev additionally fasts “to cleanse the physique and eliminate toxins in preparation for the prayers and rituals”. He says that is executed to assist “attain liberation” and break the cycle of reincarnation.

“We don’t use firecrackers as a result of they’ll harm the jeev [soul] within the ambiance” however divas are lit as a substitute.

Anil Photography A plate with coloured powder in made in to flower designs. Dev is gently dropping the powder to create the detailing. Two candles are in front of it.Anil Images

Rangooli is a type of patterns created from vibrant powder

‘Good over evil’

Beant Dhillon Beant wears a red and white checkered turban with a black top and white shawl.Beant Dhillon

Sikhs typically have a good time by praying on the gurudwara

“I used to go to my bibi’s [grandmother’s] home and assist make contemporary samosas, spring rolls and gulab jamuns,” says Beant Dhillion, a trainee solicitor from east London.

He says now he focuses on making Diwali a time to “correctly mirror on the teachings and the message behind why we have a good time yearly”.

The Sikh competition referred to as Bandi Chhor Divas marks the discharge of the sixth guru, Hargobind Sahib, and 52 Hindu princes after being wrongly imprisoned in 1619.

“It speaks to that revolutionary side of Sikhism, and is about good over evil.”

‘Time to point out appreciation to nature’

Venerable Phramaha Bhatsakorn Piyobhaso The Venerable wears orange drapes and an orange hat, holding a krathong with green banana leaves and orange flowers and a candle in the middle. He is releasing it into a large pond of water. Venerable Phramaha Bhatsakorn Piyobhaso

Buddhists make choices to wish for forgiveness

As a Thai Buddhist, Venerable Phramaha Bhatsakorn Piyobhaso from south-west London celebrates Loy Krathong which is about honouring the water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha.

Through the chilly winter months, Venerable says the competition is about selecting “to mirror that we’re in a position to survive”.

“It is time to have a good time, present appreciation to nature and apologize,” he says, including this time of yr is a particular time to “apply the Buddhist instructing in our life”.

Venerable Phramaha Bhatsakorn Piyobhaso The monk is dressed in orange drapes and wears an orange hat while holding a kratong and performs prayers. Four worshippers on the right of him join in. Venerable Phramaha Bhatsakorn Piyobhaso

Buddhists celebrates Loy Krathong which is about honouring the water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha

Some Buddhists have a good time by making krathongs, that are generally created from banana leaves and made into the form of a ship.

Choices comparable to candles and incense sticks are put inside and they’re positioned on rivers to pay respect to the Buddha footprint and his existence on earth.

As soon as that is executed, the afternoon is spent consuming, dancing, singing and placing on cultural reveals.

The celebration occurs on the complete moon of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar, which is on 15 November.

Jets vs. Texans Game Recap 10/31/2024

In a microcosm of how issues had gone for the Jets throughout their five-game shedding streak, Malachi Corley’s first professional TD went for naught within the second quarter when the rookie dropped the ball earlier than crossing the purpose line on an finish round. As a substitute of a 7-0 lead, the Jets protection got here onto the sphere after the touchback with 14:54 remaining within the half.

Later within the second quarter, the Jets did not reap the benefits of the fifth-longest punt in franchise historical past. After Thomas Morstead’s 75-yard increase was downed on the Houston 2, C.J. Stroud led the Texans on a 14-play, 98-yard march that culminated on Joe Mixon’s 2-yard scoring run. Mixon rushed for 91 yards within the first half on 17 carries and completed with 106 yards on 24 makes an attempt.

The Jets protection ‘smothered Stroud from the outset on the onset. Cornerback D.J. Reed received the sack get together began with a blitz from the sting after which Micheal Clemons was credited with a strip-sack contained in the Jets’ crimson zone that was recovered by Will McDonald. Later Quinnen Williams, coming off a recreation the place he had 1.5 sacks, exploded up the center for a sack of Stroud because the unit gave the offense a possibility to get untracked. The Inexperienced & White completed with 8 sacks as Williams and Haason Reddick mixed for the ultimate sack of the evening.

The Jets battled accidents all through, particularly up entrance alongside the offensive line. Already enjoying with out beginning RG Alijah Vera-Tucker, the Jets misplaced LG John Simpson (groin) and alternative RG Jake Hanson (hamstring) to damage throughout the recreation. The Jets patched issues up with Max Mithcell at LG and rookie Olu Fashanu at RG. Adams and DB Isaiah Oliver every had been evaluated for a concussion and cleared protocol.

“The efficiency by the O-Line is a testomony to Keith [Carter] and a testomony the fellows that we now have,” Ulbrich mentioned. “And the truth that guys had been capable of play in addition to they did. Olu practiced at guard very little or no, so for him, particularly as a rookie, to play a place that he is not acquainted with it was distinctive.”

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For a second consecutive week, the Jets began Isaiah Oliver and Jalen Mills at security. Tony Adams (hamstring) and Ashtyn Davis (concussion) had been among the many gameday inactives. …. Previous to Thursday evening’s kickoff, the Jets made a number of transactions together with inserting WR Allen Lazard (chest) and DT Leki Fotu (knee) on Injured Reserve. Lazard, who leads the Jets with 5 TDs and was a gameday inactive final Sunday towards the Pats, has 30 catches for 412 receiving yards. … The group additionally signed Okay Riley Patterson and OL Alec Lindstrom to the energetic roster. Patterson, who’s had stints with 5 groups and had made 88% of his field-goal makes an attempt coming into the evening, received a kicking competitors this week. …. Following a mini-bye, the Jets will get again to work subsequent Monday in preparation for a Week 10 date towards the Cardinals in Arizona.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade lineup: Ariana Madix, T-Pain, ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’

NEW YORK (AP) — A eclectic group of stars — together with actuality TV’s Ariana Madix, Broadway belter Idina Menzel, hip-hop’s T-Ache, members of the WNBA champions New York Liberty and nation duo Dan + Shay — will characteristic on this 12 months’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Warfare and Treaty, Lea Salonga, Kylie Cantrall, The Temptations, Chlöe, Charli D’Amelio, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Coco Jones, Walker Hayes, Bishop Briggs, Joey McIntyre, Natti Natasha, Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia and Rachel Platten are additionally slated to carry out. The Related Press acquired the checklist early.

The vacation custom will start at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 28 in all time zones and might be kicked off by actor Alison Brie, the “Glow” star at present starring in Apple TV’s “Apples By no means Fall.”

This 12 months’s parade will characteristic 17 big character balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns and 10 efficiency teams.

“The work that we do, the chance to affect hundreds of thousands of individuals and convey a little bit of pleasure for a few hours on Thanksgiving morning, is what motivates us day-after-day,” Will Coss, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade govt producer, mentioned in an interview.

The parade airs on NBC and streams on Peacock. Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker from “Today” will host and a Spanish language simulcast on Telemundo will be hosted by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza.

There will be six new featured character balloons, including Minnie Mouse, Extraordinary Noorah” with The Elf on the Shelf, “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” “Goku” and “Spider-Man.”

The “Gabby’s Dollhouse” float will include a 55-foot-tall (17-meter-tall) balloon featuring Gabby and Pandy Paws that will have 10 different shades of pink.

“As a little girl growing up in New Jersey, the Thanksgiving Day parade was what you always tuned into and the balloons were, of course, the best part,” says Traci Paige Johnson, the co-creator of “Gabby’s Dollhouse” with Jennifer Twomey.

“That little 7-year-old girl in me is just like, ‘Oh my God!’ — something from your brain that you created that all the world watches floating down New York City is just absolutely incredible.”

She and Twomey, who also produced “Blue’s Clues,” are the rare creators who get to celebrate having a second balloon in the parade. Johnson advises watchers this time to look for all the hidden cats in Gabby’s sneakers and costume.

The Macy’s parade has been a traditional holiday season kickoff and spectators line-up a half-dozen deep along the route to cheer the floats, entertainers and marching bands. The parade has lately asked icons to be the last guest before Santa, with last year Cher fitting the bill. This year’s headliner will be revealed later.

Broadway will be represented by performances from “Death Becomes Her,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “The Outsiders,” as well as the iconic Radio City Rockettes and “Riverdance” dancers.

New floats include ones from brands like Disney Cruise Line, Haribo, “Wednesday” from Netflix,” Universal Orlando Resorts and “The Grannies Car” from BBC Studios’ “Bluey.” Nickelodeon and Paramount’s “Dora the Explorer” will have both a float and a balloon.

One new float will spotlight the Rao’s food brand, featuring a knight and a dragon in battle made with actual pasta elements.

“It’s one of those opportunities to really combine the whimsy and the artistry of our great artists and artisans at our studio and deliver on that iconic spectacle that’s known and loved of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Coss.

The marching bands will hail from Massachusetts, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, South Dakota, Georgia, South Carolina, West Virginia and New York.

Members of the New York Liberty, who earlier this month won their first-ever WNBA Championship, will march alongside their popular mascot, Ellie the Elephant.

The Macy’s parade team, if you can believe it, are already working on sketches and ideas for the next parade, since each cycle takes 18 months. Coss calls it “the largest variety show on television.”

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Mark Kennedy is at

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Suns vs. Clippers odds, line, score prediction, time: 2024 NBA picks, Oct. 31 best bets from proven model

The Los Angeles Clippers (2-2) and the Phoenix Suns (3-1) are set to match up in a Western Convention showdown on Thursday night time. The Suns head into this recreation rolling, profitable two video games in a row. On Monday, Phoenix beat the Lakers, 109-105. In the meantime, the Clippers are coming off a loss on Wednesday night time. Los Angeles fell to the Portland Path Blazers, 106-105. Kawhi Leonard (knee) is out for the Clippers and Josh Okogie (hamstring) will miss tonight’s matchup for Phoenix. 

Tip-off from Intuit Dome in Los Angeles is about for 10:30 p.m. ET. Phoenix is a 4.5-point favourite within the newest Suns vs. Clippers odds through SportsLine consensus, whereas the over/below for whole factors scored is 221. The Suns are -188 cash line favorites (danger $188 to win $100), whereas the Clippers are +157 underdogs. Earlier than locking in any Clippers vs. Suns picks, ensure to take a look at the NBA predictions and betting recommendation from the SportsLine Projection Mannequin.

The SportsLine Projection Mannequin simulates each NBA recreation 10,000 instances and has returned properly over $10,000 in betting revenue for $100 gamers on its top-rated NBA picks over the previous six-plus seasons. The mannequin enters Week 2 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a scorching 98-63 roll on all top-rated NBA picks courting again to final season, returning greater than $2,900. Anybody following at sportsbooks and on betting apps has seen big returns. 

Now, the mannequin has simulated Suns vs. Clippers 10,000 instances and simply revealed its coveted NBA picks and betting predictions. You’ll be able to head to SportsLine now to see the mannequin’s picks. Listed below are a number of NBA odds and NBA betting traces for Suns vs. Clippers:

  • Suns vs. Clippers unfold: Phoenix -4.5
  • Suns vs. Clippers over/below: 221 factors
  • Suns vs. Clippers cash line: Phoenix -188, Los Angeles +157
  • PHO: The Suns are 1-3 ATS this season
  • LAC: The Clippers are 3-1 ATS this season
  • Suns vs. Clippers picks: See picks at SportsLine
  • Suns vs. Clippers streaming: FuboTV (Attempt without spending a dime)

Why the Suns can cowl

Ahead Kevin Durant is an distinctive scorer and difference-maker for the Suns. Durant has the offensive skillset and jumper to get a bucket from any space on the court docket. The 36-year-old leads the crew in scoring (29) to go together with seven rebounds, three assists, and 1.8 blocks per recreation. He is dropped 30-plus factors in three straight video games. In his final outing, Durant had 30 factors, eight boards, 4 assists, and 4 blocks. 

Guard Devin Booker gives the Suns with a further ball handler and shot creator. Booker has a crisp jumper and has elevated his playmaking capability. The Kentucky product logs 23 factors, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per recreation. Within the win over the Lakers on Monday, Booker had a season-high 33 factors, three boards, and knocked down three 3-pointers. He is additionally knocked not less than two 3-pointers in all 4 video games in 2024. See who to again at SportsLine.

Why the Clippers can cowl

Guard James Harden is an all-around playmaker within the backcourt. Harden is a top-notch facilitator with the flexibility to attain from all three ranges on the court docket. He is recorded three double-doubles up to now with not less than 10 assists. In Sunday’s recreation towards the Golden State Warriors, Harden had 23 factors, seven rebounds, and 11 assists. He is averaging 23.5 factors, 7.5 rebounds, and 11.3 assists per recreation.

Guard Norman Powell is a high-energy participant for Los Angeles. Powell is ready to put the ball on the ground to assault the paint but in addition has an excellent jumper to be an asset on the perimeter. The 31-year-old has scored 20-plus twice this season. On Oct. 26 towards the Denver Nuggets, Powell had 37 factors, three rebounds, and went 7-of-11 from past the arc. He logs a team-high 26 factors with 3.3 rebounds per recreation. See who to again at SportsLine.

The right way to make Suns vs. Clippers picks

SportsLine’s mannequin is leaning Over the entire, projecting 227 mixed factors. The mannequin additionally says one facet of the unfold hits over 50% of the time. You’ll be able to head to SportsLine to see the mannequin’s picks. 

So who wins Suns vs. Clippers on Thursday, and which facet of the unfold hits over 50% of the time? Go to SportsLine now to see which facet of the Suns vs. Clippers unfold to again, all from the mannequin that has returned properly over $10,000 on top-rated NBA picks, and discover out. 

Phoenix Suns Overcome 21-Point Deficit in Win vs Los Angeles Clippers

Issues have been trying awfully spooky for the Phoenix Suns early of their Thursday night time assembly with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Nothing may go proper for the Suns, who discovered themselves making errors on each side of the ground and down by over 20 factors within the second quarter.

But when all was mentioned and accomplished, Phoenix persevered, and exited the Intuit Dome with a 125-119 win over the Clippers.

The Suns at the moment are 4-1 on the season and are 2-0 in opposition to the Clippers after additionally defeating them of their common season opener.

Devin Booker was the principle supply of Phoenix’s huge comeback, scoring 40 factors on the night time.

The Suns have been with out Bradley Beal attributable to an elbow damage whereas Clippers star Kawhi Leonard remains to be out with a knee damage that is saved him sidelined for every sport early within the common season.

Rookie Ryan Dunn acquired the beginning nod in Beal’s place and scored a career-high 16 factors.

This is how the motion panned out:

The Suns acquired down early 13-4 because of a mixture of turnovers and poor taking pictures, ultimately main to teach Mike Budenholzer calling a timeout. Phoenix’s power did not shift all through the following stretch of the primary, as Budenholzer once more was pressured to name for time down 27-13 with simply over three minutes left within the quarter.

Los Angeles introduced a 37-20 benefit into the second quarter with James Harden posting a clean 12-7-5 stat line.

The Suns collected themselves between quarters and pieced collectively a 13-2 run to begin the second and slicing the Los Angeles lead all the way down to single digits with just below 9 minutes to go within the half.

That momentum did not final lengthy, because the Clippers constructed their lead again as much as 18 shifting into halftime in 70-52 style. Kevin Durant had a -24 plus-minus ranking with 4 turnovers on the break whereas Harden was simply two rebounds shy of a triple-double.

Phoenix went on a 17-3 run to chop the Clippers’ result in six midway by way of the third. The Suns hit 15 straight pictures within the third – erasing a 21-point deficit and tying the sport at 89-89 earlier than Los Angeles carried a 93-91 lead into the fourth quarter.

It wasn’t lengthy earlier than the Suns took their very first lead of the sport simply two minutes into motion, ultimately going up by 4 earlier than Ty Lue stopped motion with a timeout.

Very like their prior matchup, baskets have been exchanged by each squads all the way down to the ultimate moments, although momentum swung in Phoenix’s approach with just below three minutes left. Booker knocked residence a contested three-point try earlier than Royce O’Neale stole the ball and laid it in on the opposite finish on the following possession to push the Suns forward to their largest lead of the night time, 115-107.

With the Clippers inside three with underneath a minute left, O’Neale transformed a wide-open shot from deep to push the Suns again up by six.

Two extra free throws by O’Neale all however iced the sport, seeing Phoenix stroll off the court docket as winners when the ultimate buzzer sounded.

Kevin Durant: 18 factors, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
Devin Booker: 40 factors, 5 rebounds, eight assists
Ryan Dunn: 16 factors, 4 rebounds
Royce O’Neale: 21 factors, seven rebounds

The Suns are again residence for a three-game homestand, starting with the Portland Path Blazers on Saturday.

How a group chat has helped C.J. Stroud, Texans click

WHEN C.J. STROUD obtained residence from a Week 2 follow, he freshened up and began watching tape on the Chicago Bears’ protection.

Halfway by the session, the Houston Texans second-year quarterback began firing off textual content messages to his group chat of receivers and tight ends with ideas on the right way to assault the opposition.

Stroud included the weekly cut-up clips that quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson and senior offensive assistant Invoice Lazor despatched him to level out their upcoming opponent’s weaknesses.

One message learn, “Be able to cross the protection’s face,” foreshadowing what would happen within the Texans’ lone landing of their 19-13 win.

Within the second quarter, the Texans confronted second-and-28 from the Bears’ 28-yard line after huge receiver Nico Collins drew a penalty for slapping Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik thought the Bears can be in a two-high security look, probably operating cloud protection (Cowl 6), and referred to as the play the group chat had mentioned.

Collins was the remoted wideout and had the submit. When Stroud caught the snap, the defensive protection unfolded as predicted. Collins crossed the face of security Kevin Byard III and located the window behind linebacker Tremaine Edmunds as Stroud threaded the move for the rating.

That has been the routine for Stroud and his playmakers since he ascended to starter. He fires texts off Wednesday by Saturday explaining how they are going to assault upcoming defenses, one thing he first began doing at Ohio State.

“I wished to deliver that to the league, to see if it really works, and it has been,” Stroud informed ESPN. “I simply need to maintain that going. Simply looking for these little clips of leverage and the way coverages are run and stuff like that.”

The group chat has been a consider Stroud’s early success (he was named the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Yr and led the Texans to their first playoff win since 2019). In Yr 2, Houston is off to a 6-2 begin and Stroud ranks sixth in passing yards (1,948) and tied for tenth in landing passes (11).

The New York Jets are up subsequent for Stroud and the Texans on “Thursday Night time Soccer” (8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime), and a shorter week means an earlier begin to the textual content string.

By way of two seasons, the group has talked about varied defensive eventualities, from the right way to assault Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ Cowl 0 blitzes to New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen’s pink zone Tampa 2 protection and even making the most of three-time All-Professional cornerback Patrick Peterson’s path method.

These weekly discussions helped construct the connection between Stroud and Collins, who was main the NFL in receiving yards (567) earlier than being positioned on injured reserve (hamstring) following the Texans’ Week 5 win over the Buffalo Payments.

DeMeco Ryans, additionally in Yr 2 because the coach of the Texans, stated this initiative reveals how a lot Stroud is “dialed into profitable.”

“I have been round a variety of completely different quarterbacks,” Ryans informed ESPN. “The nice ones, that is the kind of issues that they do. Whether or not it is group chats or getting the group collectively for conferences and watching additional movie on their very own, that is what the good quarterbacks do. It is all in regards to the additional.”


THE IDEA STARTED throughout Stroud’s two-year stint (2021 and 2022) as a starter at Ohio State. His receiver group contained 4 future first-rounders: Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. As an alternative of texting, they communicated on Snapchat.

“Everyone was on Snapchat,” Stroud informed ESPN. “It was cool to speak about seems. After which once you discuss it, and it occurs on the sphere, it is simply tremendous dope.”

Stroud threw for 85 touchdowns and eight,123 yards in his school profession and completed second within the 2021 Heisman race. Harrison, Wilson, Olave and Smith-Njigba all had 1,000-yard seasons with Stroud.

“C.J. was taking management, particularly his final yr there, and ensuring all people’s on the identical web page and ensuring we’re doing what we’re imagined to be doing,” stated Smith-Njigba, who’s in his second yr with the Seattle Seahawks. “It was sort of like a bit cheat sheet. It constructed my confidence, understanding that I do know what these guys are doing and what to anticipate.”

Texans follow squad huge receiver Xavier Johnson, a walk-on at Ohio State as a operating again and receiver (2019-2023), stated the chat benefited him too.

Johnson and Stroud talked a few play wherein Johnson would have a checkdown out of the backfield of their opening-round recreation of the Faculty Soccer Playoff on New Yr’s Eve in 2022. They knew Georgia inside linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson was in a quarters protection and can be one-on-one versus Johnson.

As an alternative of checking down, Johnson blew previous Dumas-Johnson down the seam. Stroud floated the move for a 37-yard landing with 49 seconds left within the second quarter to place Ohio State up 28-24.

“We noticed the look, and we knew that they have been doing one thing that we wished,” Johnson informed ESPN. “It was a slight audible from the play that was referred to as in. I used to be like, ‘What do you need to do?’ He is like, ‘Let’s take it.’ And so we took it.”

Ohio State would go on to lose 42-41 to the eventual nationwide champs, nevertheless it’s one of the memorable video games of Stroud’s profession; he went 23-of-34 for 348 yards and 4 touchdowns. 4 months later, the Texans chosen him No. 2 general within the draft.


STROUD DID VARIOUS issues to earn his teammates’ belief his rookie yr, although he entered coaching camp in a contest with incumbent starter Davis Mills.

Stroud hosted a bowling occasion for the offense. He flew his receivers out to Los Angeles to run routes at UCLA. He invited teammates over to have his chef cook dinner for them or watch motion pictures. When the season arrived, Stroud added the group chat in his efforts to construct crew chemistry.

“It is nice, dude,” tight finish Dalton Schultz informed ESPN. “It correlates on to recreation day as a result of it is the seems that we’re speaking about. The entire discourse is simply being on the identical web page. … [Stroud is] the last word teammate, and he desires to win. Doing that, particularly so younger, it is nice. That is management.”

Large receiver Xavier Hutchinson’s favourite instance of the chat from final season got here in Week 4 towards the Pittsburgh Steelers. Stroud was texting the group about how Peterson beloved to undercut inside routes. Peterson had achieved so within the opener towards San Francisco 49ers wideout Jauan Jennings on an in-breaking path to power an incompletion.

“C.J. confirmed us that they are keen to undercut if we go together with a heavy inside launch,” Hutchinson stated. “[He said] when you simply maintain going, he’ll ultimately undercut you. In the event that they undercut, you simply maintain it sizzling. And guess what occurred?”

Late within the fourth quarter, Peterson tried to undercut Collins, so he modified his route and minimize exterior, catching Peterson off guard. Stroud delivered the ball, and Collins sprinted down the sidelines for a 52-yard landing to cap a 30-6 win.

Veteran wideout Robert Woods’ landing towards the Saints in Week 6 was Stroud’s favourite. Schultz had a deep over path to the center of the top zone from the 6-yard line with Woods having a drag route. Stroud informed the chat when Allen referred to as for the Tampa 2 base, Saints center linebacker Demario Davis would carry something vertical. Stroud anticipated Davis would cowl Schultz, making a void. He informed Woods to take a seat within the gap and he would hit him.

“I despatched that clip earlier within the week, so simply cool to see it sort of repay,” Stroud stated. “There’s been moments like that this yr.”


THE CHAT HELPED combine newcomer Stefon Diggs into the combination when he was acquired in a commerce with the Payments in April.

Sadly for the Texans, Diggs tore an ACL within the Texans’ 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday and is out for the remainder of the season. Earlier than the damage, Stroud had a passer ranking of 104 and accomplished 73% of his passes when focusing on Diggs. Diggs ranked seventh in catches (47) and second on the Texans in receiving yards (496).

“[Diggs] may see the seems that [Stroud] sees,” huge receiver Tank Dell stated. “In fact we speak all through follow, however sending a clip of the opposing crew and really taking a look at what they’re doing and [he sees] what 7 is considering. … Stef will inform [Stroud] what he sees and [Stroud] tells him what he sees. And so they’d be making performs.”

Even within the Texans’ 34-7 loss to the Vikings in Week 3, the chat communication helped Stroud and Diggs convert a 3rd down when Diggs ran a slant route towards Flores’ Cowl 0 blitz, in line with Woods. Towards the Colts, Diggs’ longest reception of the season (a 49-yard completion) got here on a Stroud scramble that was aided by the chat.

“Simply discovering holes within the protection, understanding how the protection performs. Simply staying alive and simply understanding that their protection has some gaps in it that is capable of be uncovered when the quarterback leaves the pocket,” Woods stated of their use of the scramble drill. “We all know how the safeties transfer, the linebackers transfer. We all know the right way to manipulate the protection.”

An enormous distinction from Yr 1 to 2 of the group chat is the addition of Diggs. However the different change is the timing of the messages.

As a rookie, Stroud would textual content always of day, in line with Hutchinson. However in Yr 2, Stroud tries to ship most of his messages earlier than it will get too late at night time.

“This yr I have been a bit early hen. I am getting a bit extra relaxation this yr,” Stroud informed ESPN with a smirk. “Final yr I used to be an evening owl. I am studying to get my relaxation now.”

One in all Stroud’s favourite components of the chat is the closeness that it brings between the offensive ability gamers. It reminds him of the camaraderie at Ohio State.

“The brotherhood in that room is sort of what I had in school with Garrett, Chris, Jackson, Marvin and even all the best way to our walk-ons,” Stroud stated. “Everyone was shut, and also you sort of have a look at this crew like that.”

Seahawks reporter Brady Henderson contributed to this report.

C.J. Stroud’s struggles continue as Texans fall to resurgent Jets

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was celebrated all final season, and rightfully so. He had one of many best rookie seasons of all time.

And the conventional conclusion was that Stroud can be even higher his second season. The NFL doesn’t all the time work that manner, and Thursday was a shining instance. Whereas his former school teammate Garrett Wilson helped gas the Jets with a tremendous landing seize within the fourth quarter, Stroud got here up quick.

Stroud has been good, however not nice, in his follow-up to that rookie season. It hadn’t mattered a lot as a result of he and the remainder of the Texans had finished sufficient to begin the season 6-2. However towards a 2-6 New York Jets staff on Thursday night time, Stroud wanted to hold his staff to a win, and he couldn’t.

The Jets received an unsightly 21-13 sport by which Aaron Rodgers lastly got here alive after a foul first half, throwing for 3 touchdowns after halftime. The Texans produced little or no offense. Houston was with out injured receivers Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, and that’s a viable excuse. However nonetheless, it was the continuation of some regression for Stroud in his second season.

Each groups struggled to begin the sport. The Texans got here in coping with plenty of accidents, which was a giant purpose they seemed off. The Jets simply aren’t an excellent soccer staff.

Neither staff scored till deep into the second quarter. The Jets thought they scored, however rookie receiver Malachi Corley dropped the ball. Corley took an end-around, which was his second profession contact, for an obvious 19-yard landing. However proper earlier than he scored, he let up, dropped the ball in celebration, and he hadn’t but crossed the aim line. That large mistake value the Jets the landing and possession, because the ball rolled out of the tip zone for a Texans touchback.

However the Texans didn’t reap the benefits of it. Joe Mixon scored a 3-yard landing, and that was the one rating of the primary half. Houston couldn’t prolong the lead any additional. Stroud didn’t produce sufficient massive performs. However within the first half, the Jets had been even worse they usually trailed 7-0.

Aaron Rodgers had 32 yards passing within the first half. It was the fewest passing yards Rodgers has ever had within the first half of a sport in his profession, with a minimal of 10 makes an attempt. By the the tip of the half, an more and more agitated Jets crowd began chanting “promote the staff” in hopes that staff proprietor Woody Johnson was listening.

The Jets wanted a rally within the second half simply to calm the group.

The Jets lastly did some good issues within the second half.

The most effective got here from Wilson. The previous Ohio State star made a one-handed seize as he crossed the sector within the third quarter and ran in for the rating. Within the fourth quarter, he made a extra spectacular one-handed seize ultimately zone on third-and-19, catching it backhanded and someway getting his shin down in bounds for the landing. The Jets led 14-10 after Wilson’s second landing.

The Jets caught an enormous break after that. The Texans made a subject aim, however the Jets received an pointless roughness penalty for hitting the snapper. However Houston couldn’t get a primary down, after which Ka’imi Fairbairn someway missed a 27-yard subject aim, clanging it off the crossbar. Nonetheless, Fairbairn doesn’t miss a subject aim if Stroud had capitalized on that Jets penalty and brought his staff to a landing. Rodgers’ third landing, on a pleasant play to Davante Adams, sealed the win.

The Texans (6-3) are nonetheless a great staff, and certain on the way in which to an AFC South title. However Stroud hasn’t emerged as an MVP candidate, as some figured he can be. Final season, as a rookie, he had a 100.8 passer ranking. This season, he was right down to 95.6 earlier than Thursday’s sport and it’ll dip a bit once more after he struggled to an 11-for-30, 191-yard passing night time with no TDs.

He has had some poor video games this season, just like the Jets loss, an 86-yard sport in a loss to the Packers and a two-interception day in a loss to the Vikings. He nonetheless is an effective quarterback, he simply has taken a small step again in his second season. There’s nonetheless loads of time for him to rally, though he’ll have to take action with out Diggs who is completed for the season with a torn ACL.

Thursday night time simply wasn’t his night time. Stroud set the bar very excessive throughout a historic rookie season and thus far, it has been arduous to recover from that bar.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER57 updates

  • Story of Two Halves

    Remaining Stats

    Texans : 322 yards offense

    C.J. Stroud 11-30, 115 yards

    Joe Mixon 106 yards, 1 TD, 24 carries

    Tank Dell 6 catches, 126 yards

    Jets : 293 yards offense

    Aaron Rodgers 22-32, 211 yards, 3 TD

    Davante Adams 7 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD

    Garrett Wilson 9 catches, 90 yards, 2 TD

    Breece Halls 74 yards, 15 carries

  • FINAL: Jets 21, Texans 13

    Actually a narrative of two halves. The Jets seemed like a totally completely different staff within the second half, whereas the Texans might by no means actually get on observe with their offense.

    Jets win, 21–13. They enhance to three–6. Houston drops to six–3.

  • C.J. Stroud sacked for the eighth time

    The Texans’ drive stalls on the Jets’ 11-yard line after C.J. Stroud is sacked by Haason Reddick and Quinnen Williams.

    Houston wanted two possessions anyway and takes a 29-yard subject aim by Ka’imi Fairbairn.

    Jets 21, Texans 13 with 0:30 left. Houston will now try an onside kick.

  • Marvelous and unbelievable

    Garrett Wilson’s one-handed, 26-yard landing catch may need been the very best of the NFL season up to now, writes Frank Schwab.

    “The catch itself was marvelous. Wilson secured the ball backhanded, utilizing only one hand. However then to have the presence of thoughts to get his foot down, then get his shin down in bounds earlier than his knee landed out of bounds, is past description.”

    The catch was additionally extremely unbelievable, in line with NFL’s Subsequent Gen Stats:

  • A special shove

    Perhaps a extra affectionate shove between Aaron Rodgers and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich after the Jets’ landing?

  • TOUCHDOWN, Jets

    The Jets have most likely locked this sport up. Davante Adams seemed simply superb catching a 37-yard move for a landing and a 21–10 lead with 2:56 remaining within the fourth quarter.

  • Jets driving and burning clock

    On Third-and-1 from the Jets’ 44, Aaron Rodgers finds Kenny Yeboah for a 12-yard acquire and a primary down. Yeboah is knocked out of bounds, stopping the clock at 3:55. However the Texans have to begin worrying if they’re going to get the ball again right here.

  • Davante Adams returns to sport

    Davante Adams takes the sector on 2nd-and-5 through the Jets’ subsequent possession.

  • Ka’imi Fairbairn misses 27-yard subject aim

    The Texans blew an enormous probability to attain the go-ahead landing. Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked a 43-yard subject aim, however the Jets had been known as for an pointless roughness penalty that gave Houston an automated first down.

    Nonetheless, the Texans cannot get the ball ultimately zone and should accept one other subject aim attempt. However this time, Fairbairn hits the left upright and the kick try is not any good.

  • Texans stalling in crimson zone

    On 2nd-and-7 from the 10-yard line, Joe Mixon takes a direct snap and overthrows C.J. Stroud working into the tip zone.

    Making issues worse, Stroud is sacked on the subsequent play for a 15-yard loss by Micheal Clemons.

  • Texans coming proper again

    Houston is driving towards a rating on the next possession. C.J. Stroud hits Tank Dell for a 50-yard acquire.

    Then on 4th-and-1 from the Jets’ 15-yard line, Joe Mixon runs for 2 yards.

  • Wider take a look at Garrett Wilson’s TD catch

    Garrett Wilson’s TD catch wasn’t on a goal-line toss. It got here on a 26-yard throw from Aaron Rodgers.

  • TOUCHDOWN, Jets

    After evaluate, officers overturned the decision on the sector, ruling that Garrett Wilson received his left shin down in bounds. An amazing one-handed seize on a 26-yard throw stands for a landing.

    Jets lead 14–10 early within the fourth quarter.

  • Jets potential TD beneath evaluate

    Garrett Wilson caught a move within the again nook of the tip zone that seemed to be a landing, however was dominated incomplete. The play is beneath evaluate to see if Wilson received each toes in bounds

  • Davante Adams being checked for a concussion

    After being checked within the medical tent, Davante Adams went to the locker room. He is being checked for a potential concussion.

  • Jets go for it once more on 4th down

    The Jets went for it once more on 4th down, this time a 4th-and-1 from the Houston 22. A play-action faux did not idiot the Texans’ protection and Aaron Rodgers practically threw an interception after scrambling.

    Nonetheless, New York is bailed out by an unlawful contact penalty on Derek Stingley Jr.

  • Davante Adams’ 4th down catch

    Here is the play on which Davante Adams might have been injured. A 17-yard catch for a primary down, however he took a giant hit.

  • Davante Adams within the medical tent

    Davante Adams seemed to be all proper on the sideline. However Prime Video’s Kaylee Hartung studies {that a} staffer requested for his helmet and escorted him to the medical tent to be checked out.

  • Jets get a 4th down

    Jets go for it on 4th-and-2 from the Houston 48 and convert with Aaron Rodgers hitting Davante Adams for a 17-yard acquire.

    Nonetheless, Adams was shaken up on the deal with.

  • Subject aim: Texans 10, Jets 7

    Houston drives solely 20 yards for its opening drive of the second half, but it surely’s sufficient for Ka’imi Fairbairn to kick a 54-yard subject aim.

    Texans retake the lead, 10–7.

Mark Cuban Defends Saying Donald Trump Is Intimidated By ‘Strong, Intelligent Women’

Billionaire and Shark Tank entrepreneur Mark Cuban says he’s not backtracking on his remark that former President Donald Trump has a problem with sturdy ladies after Trump supporters known as on the marketing campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris to “disavow” Cuban’s remarks.

“Donald Trump, you by no means see him round sturdy, clever ladies. Ever,” Cuban mentioned Thursday on ABC’s The View. “It’s simply that easy. They’re intimidating to him. He doesn’t wish to be challenged by them.”

Cuban, who mentioned throughout the ABC interview that he believed “ladies are going to win this election for the vp,” argued that it was revealing that Trump had but to name on former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley—probably the most outstanding ladies within the Republican Social gathering—to marketing campaign for him.

ForbesNikki Haley Says Trump’s Messaging Is Turning Off Ladies Voters

In an interview with Fox Information Channel’s Bret Baier Wednesday, Haley mentioned that the Trump marketing campaign was risking turning off ladies voters within the closing days earlier than Election Day with messaging that “borders on edgy to the purpose that it’s going to make ladies uncomfortable.” Haley mentioned he had not spoken to Trump since June and had not been requested by the marketing campaign to assist the previous president make his closing argument to voters.

Republicans like Kellyanne Conway have been fast to sentence Cuban’s feedback. “Whether or not it’s Joe Biden calling us rubbish, or Mark Cuban denying our power and intelligence,” Conway mentioned in a video posted on X, the social media platform previously often called Twitter, that Trump was “unafraid” to encompass himself with clever and succesful “women and men.”

The Trump marketing campaign’s “warfare room” account on X known as Cuban’s remark “disgusting” and accused him of “brazenly attacking the hundreds of thousands of sturdy, clever ladies preventing” alongside the previous president.

However Cuban’s not backing down.

“Nikki Haley will name him on his nonsense with reproductive rights and the way he sees and treats and talks about ladies,” Cuban mentioned Thursday. “I imply, he simply can’t have her round. It wouldn’t work.”

In a submit later within the day on X, Cuban clarified that “I do know many sturdy, clever ladies voting for Trump, together with in my prolonged household. I’m definitely not saying feminine voters usually are not sensible, sturdy and clever.”

Cuban additionally famous that Trump—throughout his time in workplace—labored with ladies like Elaine Chao, Haley, and his personal daughter, Ivanka.

Spiritual, not spooky. After Halloween, Christians observe All Saints’ Day

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — It’s the time of yr — custom says — when the veil between the worlds of the residing and the lifeless is lifted.

That conventional perception has morphed over the centuries into the spooky and secular celebration of Halloween.

However sooner or later later, Christians in lots of international locations around the globe are celebrating All Saints’ Day on Friday, a somber and non secular day within the church’s liturgical calendar that shares pagan roots with Halloween.

The phrase “Halloween” derives from “All Hallows Eve,” which implies the eve of All Saints’ Day, a vacation that has additionally been often called All Hallows. It honors martyrs and saints — those that had been hallowed, or deemed holy — a practice begun by the Roman Catholic church within the early medieval interval.

Students consider that the spectral elements of Halloween emerged primarily from Samhain, an historic Celtic competition that occurred throughout the harvest season, mentioned Morgan Shipley, a professor of spiritual research at Michigan State College in East Lansing.

It was a time when folks had been “transitioning from harvest and bounty and the fullness of summer season to the desolation of winter,” he mentioned. “And it was mentioned that on this time the veil between the bodily, materials human world and the non secular world primarily dissipates away.”

Among the spirits or spectral beings had been seen as demonic in nature, and bonfires grew to become a method to ward them away, or had been utilized in divination by druid monks and priestesses when the veil between the fabric and non secular world broke down, he mentioned.

As Christianity unfold, many pagan rituals had been tailored to the brand new religion to be extra enticing to converts. The interval of reflecting on the lifeless continues although Nov. 2, which is All Souls’ Day.

In Central Europe, the Slavic and Baltic populations had their very own rituals during which the residing communed with the lifeless between Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

Believers and non-believers alike in lots of historically Roman Catholic societies observe the day.

In Poland, it is among the most essential days of the yr. Many journey again to their household houses to collect with these nonetheless residing and replicate on those that have left them.

So many individuals observe the vacation that cemeteries are remodeled into flickering carpets of sunshine so spectacular that even probably the most secular can’t assist however really feel moved. Cities together with Warsaw and Krakow run many extra tram and bus traces to ferry the large numbers to — and between — cemeteries.

Whereas the reflections are principally private, folks additionally go away candles on the graves of nationwide heroes. So many individuals go to cemeteries on the similar time that the celebration takes on a communal high quality.

It has grow to be a lot a part of the broader tradition in Poland that folks place candles within the Jewish and Muslim cemeteries as nicely.

In the Philippines, hundreds of thousands trooped to cemeteries throughout the nation Friday to look at the annual custom, visiting tombs of their family members. Hundreds had been seen visiting and providing flowers and candles to be positioned on the graves of their deceased family members on the Manila North Cemetery within the capital.

“Even when I’m previous, I nonetheless go to the tombs of my relations, particularly my husband’s, throughout All Saints’ Day. So long as I can stroll, I’ll go to him,” mentioned Manila resident Dory Oliquino.

All Saints’ Day has been a household reunion for a lot of Filipinos, the place they preserve vigil on the tombs.

“All Saints’ Day is the day we rejoice and keep in mind our departed family members, in order that even when they’re gone our recollections with them would nonetheless be contemporary on our minds,” mentioned Luis Montibon.

Italians historically go to cemeteries to pay tribute to deceased relations on All Souls’ Day, lighting candles or laying flowers. Pope Francis will go to Rome’s third-largest cemetery, the Laurentino Cemetery, to rejoice Mass and lead prayers for the lifeless. The pope visited the identical cemetery in 2018, stopping to hope in an space devoted to fetuses.

Lately as the vacation approaches, there are discussions about Halloween and its compatibility with Christian beliefs within the afterlife.

Poles started to rejoice Halloween after the autumn of communism in 1989, however some fear that the overseas cultural import might eventual dilute the custom of All Saints’ Day. Some Catholics fear that it additionally is perhaps sinful because of allusions to devils and ghosts. Pushing again, some church teams have begun holding various occasions for All Saints’ Day.

This week, a church group organized the third All Saints’ Ball within the Polish city of Plock, based on a Catholic information website, Niedziela — that means Sunday — which reported that “the kids got here dressed as saints and blessed of the Catholic Church and as angels.”

___

Related Press journalist Colleen Barry contributed from Milan. Basilio Sepe contributed from Manila, Philippines.

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Jets WR returns after concussion check

The New York Jets had been in a detailed recreation with the Houston Texans on “Thursday Night time Soccer”. There was a worry they might have needed to end the sport with out one in every of their high receivers: Davante Adams.

The Jets had been driving to shut the third quarter when Adams produced a 17-yard achieve on a vital fourth-and-1 from the Texans’ 48. He beat Houston’s Kamari Lassiter off the road of scrimmage and made it nicely previous the first-down marker earlier than cornerback Eric Murray pressured him out of bounds.

However Adams was sluggish to rise up after the play and later was evaluated for a concussion. He was seen on the sport broadcast leaving the sector and heading to the locker room.

Adams did return, nevertheless, taking the sector within the fourth quarter with the Jets clinging to a 14-10 lead. And it was an emphatic return, Adams hauling in his first landing with the Jets to offer the staff a 21-10 lead with 2:56 to go.

Adams had six receptions for 54 yards on 10 targets when he left the sport. That is essentially the most catches he is had in a Jets uniform since a commerce introduced him to the Jets from Las Vegas.

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He completed with seven catches for 91 yards and the landing.

This story was up to date so as to add new data.

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