NoneTommy Martin: Still some joy and surprise amid the sporting effluentEarlier today (December 24) on Good Morning Britain (GMB) Kate Garraway opened up to her co-hosts Ranvir Singh and Ed Balls about her first Christmas without husband Derek Draper. Derek who was a former lobbyist and political adviser, died in January aged 56 after suffering long-lasting damage to his organs from coronavirus. On Tuesday’s GMB programme, Kate spoke about how this Christmas will be a “tough one” for their family. Kate Garraway opens up about first Christmas without Derek on GMB The said: “I think this one will be particularly hard, I’m lucky I’ve got family around me.” added: “But I think you do feel grief because that’s the point where you have the memories of previous years. “We were lucky enough to still have him [Derek] over the last four or five years even though there were times when he was very ill.” Kate recalled how this time last year Derek was in intensive care and she did “fear” for the worst but their two children didn’t and were still “very hopeful”. “Yeah, it’s a tough one this year,” she continued. “I think anyone experiencing grief, it does hit you when you feel something which is full of tradition, where you have memories, it comes back. “I’m thinking about everybody else, who’s feeling it this time.” 'It's a tough one this year.' talks to and about her first Christmas without her husband Derek. Speaking about her plans for New Year, Kate said she “isn’t planning on anything”. She added: “I think it will just be a little moment of thought, I think we’ll all probably go to the grave and have a little bit of time and welcome the New Year.” This year, Kate won her third National Television Award (NTA) in the best authored documentary category for a film which followed the final year before her husband died. It followed on from two other programmes about Derek’s battle with covid and her struggles navigating the care system, which picked up NTA gongs in the category in 2021 and 2022.vip slot 77 。

GREENFIELD — Francesca Passiglia, teen librarian at Greenfield Public Library, and Judy Raper, associate dean for community engagement at Greenfield Community College, put their heads together last year in an effort to combine their skills and passions while uniting people across generations. And so, Bookends, an intergenerational book club that meets four times a year, was born. Together, the pair decided that a book club would be the best way to foster community relationships between two groups whose media preferences don’t often combine: teens and older adults. “I feel like, because young people have grown up in such a technologically driven world where their communication is often via text or online, that face-to-face interactions are essential. What we know about young people is that they crave those, too. And so, offering opportunities for them to come face-to-face with older adults who have lived very different lives results in very diverse interpretations of reading,” Raper explained. “We’re not all that different, but the way we’ve come up in the world is so different.” Passiglia admits that it’s harder to get local teens involved with the program compared to adults because they have assigned reading in school and are generally busy with schedules that they aren’t necessarily in control of. To counteract this, Passiglia has managed to coordinate with local schools to include the book club meetings as extra credit assignments, which has shown to have a positive impact on teen attendance. Bookends has seen a steady number of participants since the first meeting back in 2023, which attracted roughly 40 people from multiple generations for a discussion on “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner. While they used a list of prepared questions to inspire discussion, everyone got to taste Korean food prepared by Manna House in Greenfield, aligning with the cultural themes expressed in the book itself. Article continues after... Cross|Word Flipart Typeshift SpellTower Really Bad Chess “We broke into four discussion groups and we had teenagers leading two of the groups. They were willing to do it and stepped right up,” Passiglia said, observing that the youngest participants were sophomores in high school, with the oldest being people in their 90s. Raper has been in charge of a wide array of community engagement projects over the years, with a lot of her work having been inspired by a Surgeon General Advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness. Through her experience, Raper has succeeded in creating other intergenerational programs, with Bookends feeling like a natural segue. Not only does Bookends provide food highlighting the cultures that the participants read about in their books, but they also occasionally invite authors to the events. For example, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of the graphic memoir “Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father and Dealt with Family Addiction,” visited the library in April. “We make an effort to read books that different generations will react to in different ways,” Passiglia said, thinking back to a discussion of “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption,” a nonfiction book by Bryan Stevenson about his time being a public defender. “I would say we do have some meeting guidelines, but we want people to know that they should feel comfortable saying what they feel and knowing they’re in a room with their peers. If they’re looking to try something new and looking to try a book club, I think this is a really nice one just because of the broad age range of backgrounds and interests.” Raper came up with the name “Bookends” as a metaphor representing the opposite ends of the age spectrum that are represented in the club, as well as the physical role that bookends play in holding things together. So far, the club has read six books: “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner, “There There” by Tommy Orange, “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig, “Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father and Dealt with Family Addiction” by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” by Bryan Stevenson and, most recently, “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas. Their next book is undecided, but those who are interested in joining the book club will be able to find copies of any future book at the Greenfield Public Library, with large print and audiobook options also available. RSVPs are recommended for every meeting.Peter Anholt tried to keep things light as he emerged from one of the elevators at Canada’s hotel. The temperature had been turned way up on the veteran hockey executive and the country’s under-20 program after a stunning upset some 12 hours earlier. “You only want to talk to me when things are bad, eh?” Anholt joked to reporters Saturday morning. “Is that how this works?” That is indeed what happens when a powerhouse with a record 20 gold medals expected to roll over an opponent suffers one of its worst all-time defeats at the tournament. Canada was embarrassed on home soil 3-2 by Latvia — a country it had thumped by a combined 41-4 score across four previous meetings — in a shocking shootout Friday. Coming off a disastrous fifth-place finish last year in Sweden and having talked a lot about upping their compete level and preparation, the Canadians looked disjointed for long stretches against the plucky, hard-working Latvians. The power play finally clicked late in the third period, but stands at 1-for-7 through two games, while the top line of Easton Cowan, Calum Ritchie and Bradly Nadeau has yet to translate its pre-tournament chemistry into success in the spotlight. “We’re certainly trying to problem solve, but not throw the baby out with the bath water,” said Anholt, who heads the world junior setup. “We’ve got to be really careful.” Canada, which picked up a solid 4-0 victory over Finland to open its tournament Thursday, had plenty of offensive zone time and directed 57 shots at Latvian goaltender Linards Feldbergs. Included in that total, however, were far too many one-and-done efforts from the perimeter with little traffic in front. There were, of course, desperate spurts — especially late in regulation and in 3-on-3 overtime — but not nearly enough for a roster peppered with first-round NHL draft picks and top prospects. “We played really, really hard,” Anholt said in defending his players. “We controlled the puck lots. We created some chances. Their goalie was really good and they defended really good ... 99 times out of 100 we win that game.” Hoping for a big response Sunday against Germany before meeting the United States on New Year’s Eve to tie a bow on round-robin action in Group A, Canada will have to push ahead minus one of its best players. Star defenceman Matthew Schaefer was injured Friday and is done for the tournament after he slammed into Latvia’s net and skated off favouring his left shoulder area. “Tough blow for the kid,” Anholt said. “The way he plays the game, he plays it at such a high speed.” Cowan, a Toronto Maple Leafs first-round selection, said Canada remains confident despite Friday’s ugly result in the nation’s capital. “We’re good,” said the 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont. “Everyone’s lost a hockey game before.” But not like that — or to that opponent on that stage. “Bit of a (crappy) feeling,” said Nadeau, a Carolina Hurricanes prospect from St-Francois-de-Madawaska, N.B. “We all know what this group is capable of. Losing that game is not our standard. “We’ll bounce back.” Some corners of social media exploded following the Latvian debacle, with heavy criticism directed at head coach Dave Cameron and the team’s overall roster construction. “We’re not really worried about it,” defenceman and Ottawa native Oliver Book, who like Cowan is back from last year’s team, said of the outside noise. “We know we didn’t play well.” Canada appears poised to mix things up against the Germans. Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio of Kamloops, B.C., is set draw in for Schaefer, while Anholt indicated there’s a good chance forward Carson Rehkopf will get his first crack at the 2025 tournament as a returnee. The 19-year-old Seattle Kraken second-round pick from Vaughan, Ont., has scored a combined 78 goals over his last 97 regular-season and playoff games in the Ontario Hockey League. “Great player,” Cowan said. “He finds ways.” Anholt said taking a big-picture approach is key in challenging moments. “Let’s not panic,” he said. “The world hasn’t fallen in. It’s hard, but we’ll learn from it.” It’s something Canada will have to do under intense scrutiny. “People are gonna love you and people are gonna hate you,” said Cowan, who has a goal an assist through two games. “Gotta keep doing you.” Anholt, who was also at the helm 12 months ago when Canada never got in gear, isn’t getting 2024 vibes from this year’s group. “Not even in any way, shape or form,” he said. “We’ve just got to take care of business.” They get a first shot at redemption Sunday.

Chuck Woolery Dies: Former ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Love Connection’ Host Was 83

Seibert misses an extra point late as the Commanders lose their 3rd in a row, 34-26 to the Cowboys LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game with 21 seconds left after Washington’s Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin connected on an 86-yard touchdown, Dallas’ Juanyeh Thomas returned the ensuing onside kick attempt for a touchdown, and the Cowboys pulled out a 34-26 victory Sunday that extended the Commanders’ skid to three games. Seibert was wide left on the point-after attempt following a bad snap. On the ensuing onside kick attempt, Juanyeh Thomas returned it 43 yards for a touchdown as the Cowboys ended their losing streak at five in improbable fashion. Earlier in the fourth quarter, KaVonte Turpin returned a kickoff 99 yards for a TD. Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs win at the buzzer again, topping Panthers 30-27 on Shrader's field goal CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns, Spencer Shrader kicked a 31-yard field goal as time expired and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Carolina Panthers 30-27 to reach double-digit wins for the 10th straight season. The Chiefs bounced back from last week’s 30-21 loss at Buffalo and won at the buzzer yet again in a season of narrow escapes. Noah Brown caught two TD passes and DeAndre Hopkins also had a touchdown catch. Bryce Young finished 21 of 35 for 262 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers, who had their two-game winning streak snapped. Sam Darnold leads game-winning drive in OT and Vikings beat Bears 30-27 after blowing late lead CHICAGO (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 90 of his 330 yards in overtime to set up Parker Romo’s game-ending 29-yard field goal, and the Minnesota Vikings outlasted the Chicago Bears 30-27 after giving up 11 points in the final 22 seconds of regulation. Darnold threw two touchdown passes, Jordan Addison caught eight passes for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown, and T.J. Hockenson had 114 yards receiving for the Vikings, who remained one game behind Detroit in the rugged NFC North. Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears, who lost their fifth straight. No. 1 South Carolina women stunned by fifth-ranked UCLA 77-62, ending Gamecocks' 43-game win streak LOS ANGELES (AP) — Londynn Jones scored 15 points and fifth-ranked UCLA stunned No. 1 South Carolina 77-62. The Gamecocks' overall 43-game winning streak and their run of 33 consecutive road victories were snapped. The Gamecocks, who fell to 5-1, lost for the first time since April 2023. Te-Hina Paopao scored 18 points for South Carolina. The Bruins knocked off a No. 1 team for the first time in school history. The Bruins dominated from start to finish and their defense prevented the Gamecocks from making any sustained scoring runs. AP Top 25: Alabama, Mississippi out of top 10 and Miami, SMU are in; Oregon remains unanimous No. 1 Alabama and Mississippi tumbled out of the top 10 of The Associated Press college football poll and Miami and SMU moved in following a chaotic weekend in the SEC. Oregon is No. 1 for the sixth straight week and Ohio State, Texas and Penn State held their places behind the Ducks. The shuffling begins at No. 5, where Notre Dame returned for the first time since Week 2 after beating Army for its ninth straight win. No. 6 Georgia moved up two spots, No. 7 Tennessee and No. 8 Miami rose three and No. 9 SMU jumped four places. Indiana dropped from No. 5 to No. 10 following its first loss. Thitikul finishes eagle-birdie to win CME Group Tour Championship and claim record $4M prize NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — Down by two shots with two holes to play, Jeeno Thitikul knew exactly what was needed to capture the biggest prize in women’s golf history. And a eagle-birdie finish for the second straight day made it happen. Thitikul claimed the record-setting $4 million first-place check by winning the CME Group Tour Championship on Sunday. It was the biggest money prize in women’s golf history. Thitikul shot a 7-under 65 on Sunday and finished the week at 22 under, one shot ahead of Angel Yin (66). Yin had a two-shot lead walking to the 17th tee, only to wind up settling for the $1 million runner-up check. From Maui to the Caribbean, college hoops' Thanksgiving tournaments a beloved part of the sport College basketball is ready for its Thanksgiving Week closeup. The schedule is full of early season tournaments that could create buzzworthy marquee matchups. And many of those come in warm-weather locations. The Maui Invitational in Hawaii turns 40 years old this year. It opens Monday with a field that includes two-time reigning national champion and second ranked UConn. The Battle 4 Atlantis men's tournament in the Bahamas opens Wednesday. It has a field topped by No. 3 Gonzaga. There are also multiple women's events in the Bahamas featuring ranked teams, including the fourth Atlantis women's tournament. Jannik Sinner leads Italy past the Netherlands for its second consecutive Davis Cup title MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Jannik Sinner clinched Italy's second consecutive Davis Cup title and capped his breakthrough season at the top of tennis by beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (2), 6-2 for a 2-0 win over the Netherlands in the final of the team competition in Malaga, Spain. Matteo Berrettini won Sunday's opening singles match 6-4, 6-2 against Botic van de Zandschulp. The Italians are the first country to win the Davis Cup twice in a row since the Czech Republic in 2012 and 2013. The No. 1-ranked Sinner stretched his unbeaten streak in singles to 14 matches and 26 sets. Netherlands reached the Davis Cup final for the first time. Verstappen still manages to win 4th straight F1 title in one of worst seasons of his Red Bull career LAS VEGAS (AP) — Max Verstappen won an unbelievable 19 races last season that included an incredible streak of 10 in a row in what would arguably go down as one of the greatest years in Formula 1 history. And yet it is this year’s eight-win season — his lowest victory total since 2020 — that Verstappen considers a career-defining campaign. Those eight wins were enough to win him a fourth consecutive F1 championship on Saturday night with his easy drive at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The championship made Verstappen only the sixth driver in F1 history to win four or more titles. Maverick McNealy birdies the last hole at Sea Island to finally become PGA Tour winner ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — Maverick McNealy is finally a winner on the PGA Tour, and it took a shot he won't soon forget. McNealy was part of a four-way tie for the lead when he drilled a 6-iron to 5 feet on the final hole at Sea Island for birdie and a 68. That gave him a one-shot victory over Daniel Berger, Nico Echavarria and Florida State sophomore Luke Clanton. Berger and Henrik Norlander moved into the top 125 to keep full PGA Tour cards for next year. Clanton continued to show his promise. It was his second runner-up finish and fourth top 10 this year.

The Chicago Cubs acquired All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros on Friday. In return, the Astros received infielder Isaac Paredes, right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski and third base prospect Cam Smith. Tucker, 27, batted .289 with 23 home runs and 49 RBIs in 78 games last season. An All-Star in each of the past three seasons, Tucker missed three-plus months this year with a small fracture in his right shin from his own foul ball in early June. He is expected to make around $16 million in arbitration for 2025 and is a free agent at the end of the season. In 633 career games for Houston since making his debut in 2018, Tucker is a career .274 hitter with 125 homers, 135 doubles and 417 RBIs. Smith, 21, is the No. 7 prospect in the Cubs' organization according to MLB Pipeline. Drafted 14th overall in the first round earlier this year, Smith is primarily a third baseman but has played left field. Paredes, 25, was used at three infield positions last season and hit 31 home runs with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023 before a combined total of 19 homers last season split between the Rays and Cubs. Chicago acquired Paredes for three players in July. Paredes won't be a free agent until 2028. He originally signed with the Cubs for $500,000 out of Mexico in 2015. --Field Level Media