Former No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball after a stellar 14-year career in the NBA. The announcement came via a heartfelt post on Instagram where Griffin expressed his gratitude for the game and all the people who supported him throughout his journey.
Griffin, who was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, burst onto the scene in the 2010/11 season, averaging 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. He quickly established himself as one of the league's most exciting and dynamic players, earning an All-Star berth, a Rookie of the Year award, and a Slam Dunk Contest title in his debut season.
Throughout his career, Griffin was known for his high-flying dunks and his ability to dominate in the paint. He earned six All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBA Second Team three times and the Third Team twice. Griffin's time with the Clippers, where he was part of the "Lob City" era, was marked by several playoff appearances but no deep playoff runs.
In 2017, Griffin signed a five-year contract with the Clippers but was traded to the Detroit Pistons just six months later. He spent the next three seasons with the Pistons, earning his sixth All-Star nod in 2019. Griffin's tenure in Detroit was marred by injuries that limited his effectiveness on the court.
After being bought out by the Pistons in 2021, Griffin joined the Brooklyn Nets for a season-and-a-half before finishing his career with the Boston Celtics in the 2022/23 season. Despite being courted by the Celtics for another season, Griffin decided to retire to spend more time with his family.
Griffin's impact extended beyond the basketball court. He made appearances in television shows and movies, showcasing his comedic talents. He also engaged in philanthropic efforts, including fundraisers to fight childhood obesity and donations to support arena staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As he closes this chapter of his life, Griffin leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the most electrifying players of his generation. His contributions to the game and his impact on and off the court will be remembered by basketball fans worldwide. We wish Blake Griffin all the best in his future endeavors.
The New Deal, a pivotal series of programs and reforms enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt between 1933 and 1938, aimed to address the devastating effects of the Great Depression in the United States. This comprehensive initiative encompassed public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations, seeking to provide relief, recovery, and reform.
Key components of the New Deal included programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Civil Works Administration (CWA), the Farm Security Administration (FSA), the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933 (NIRA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA). These initiatives aimed to support various segments of society, including farmers, the unemployed, youth, and the elderly.
The New Deal also implemented significant constraints and safeguards on the banking industry and took measures to re-inflate the economy, which had suffered from a sharp decline in prices. The programs were a response to the urgent needs of the time, focusing on providing relief for the unemployed and poor, recovering the economy to pre-depression levels, and reforming the financial system to prevent future economic crises.
Politically, the New Deal led to a realignment, with the Democratic Party becoming the majority party, supported by progressive ideas, the South, big city machines, labor unions, and various ethnic groups. Republicans were divided, with progressive Republicans supporting the New Deal, while conservatives opposed it, viewing it as detrimental to business and economic growth. This realignment solidified into the New Deal coalition, which dominated presidential elections until the 1960s.
Despite its achievements, the New Deal faced criticism and opposition. Conservatives and some historians argue that it expanded federal debt, fostered bureaucracy and administrative inefficiency, and infringed upon free business enterprise. Some critics also contend that the New Deal prolonged the Great Depression and missed opportunities for more radical reforms.
However, supporters of the New Deal maintain that it restored hope and self-respect to millions, built labor unions, upgraded national infrastructure, and saved capitalism from potential collapse. They argue that the New Deal's most significant impact was preserving democracy during a period of uncertainty and crisis.
In conclusion, the New Deal was a transformative period in American history, marked by a series of bold initiatives that aimed to alleviate the suffering caused by the Great Depression. While its impact and legacy continue to be debated, the New Deal's influence on American society and politics cannot be overstated.
Republican governors from six states, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, have jointly condemned the United Auto Workers' (UAW) efforts to organize automotive factories in the South. They argue that unionization could lead to layoffs and fewer future investments. The statement comes ahead of a vote by more than 4,000 Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on whether to join the UAW.
The UAW's organizing drive, announced last year by UAW President Shawn Fain, targets 13 automakers operating in southern states and elsewhere. The union negotiated record contracts last year with General Motors, Ford Motor, and Chrysler parent Stellantis. However, Republican governors, including Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, believe that while these contracts may provide short-term assistance, they could have long-term negative implications on jobs and investments.
The governors stated, "We have worked tirelessly on behalf of our constituents to bring good-paying jobs to our states. These jobs have become part of the fabric of the automotive manufacturing industry. Unionization would certainly put our states' jobs in jeopardy — in fact, in this year already, all of the UAW automakers have announced layoffs."
The UAW, currently in the process of organizing a vote of Mercedes-Benz workers in Alabama, has not yet responded to the governors' statement. Since the ratified UAW contracts with the Detroit automakers, there have been buyout offers and layoffs of salaried and hourly workers at the companies. Automakers have been cutting costs to invest in all-electric vehicles and prepare for market conditions and economic downturns.
Stellantis, formed by a merger between Fiat Chrysler and PSA Groupe, has led the cuts, mainly affecting supplemental or temporary workers who do not have the same pay or benefits as traditional assembly plant workers. Ford has offered voluntary buyouts and announced layoffs, while GM is offering voluntary buyouts and has laid off workers due to changes in factory production.
Apart from Tennessee's Lee, other Republican governors who signed the statement are Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. The UAW, founded as part of the Congress of Industrial Organizations in the 1930s, represents workers in the United States and southern Ontario, Canada, in industries including autos, health care, casino gambling, and higher education.
In a recent escalation, an uneasy alliance of Arab states aided in defending Israel from Iran. Iran's retaliatory attack was thwarted over the weekend with assistance from the United States and its Middle Eastern allies. The Biden administration praised the coalition's efforts for averting a regional war.
However, analysts suggest that an Israeli response could strain the informal coalition comprising Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. These countries have recently cooperated against Iran, but their alliance may be fragile. After Iran's barrage of more than 300 missiles and drones, which caused limited damage, many were shot down by American, British, Israeli, and Jordanian forces. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby described the operation as "an extraordinary military success," highlighting Israel's regional isolation.
Jordan's council of ministers reported that its armed forces intercepted 'flying objects' breaching its airspace. However, there was no public boasting from America's partners in the Middle East, where acknowledgment of the weekend's events was muted.
Jordan, the only Arab state sharing a border with Israel and the only one participating in the air operation to destroy the drones, finds itself in a critical position. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates shared intelligence with the U.S. about Iranian plans, safeguarding their airspace.
Both Gulf monarchies are heavily reliant on Western states. Saudi Arabia "wants a U.S. security pact," according to Tahani Mustafa, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group. Jordan's participation in the operation shows its reliance on American and Israeli support, despite being critical of Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
The ball is now in Israel's court. Were Israel to launch a tit-for-tat strike on Iran, it would risk further alienating public opinion among its hard-won Middle East partners.
Israel fended off the attack with the help of allies, with the Israeli Defense Forces claiming that roughly 99% of the attack had been thwarted by their forces and allies. The U.S., France, Jordan, and the United Kingdom also played roles in intercepting the attack.
Israel itself has sophisticated air defenses, including the Iron Dome and David's Sling. The Arrow Missile Defense System is capable of intercepting missiles fired from close to 1,500 miles away. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country's forces had been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran.
The Biden administration advised Israel against a strike against Iran while affirming U.S. support for the longtime ally.
A reimagined production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical, "Sunset Boulevard," triumphed at this year’s Olivier Awards, Britain’s prestigious theater awards akin to the Tonys in the United States. The musical, starring Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond, a silent film star spiraling into madness, captured seven awards, including Best Musical Revival, Best Actress in a Musical for Scherzinger, and Best Actor in a Musical for Tom Francis, who portrays a screenwriter entranced by Desmond’s allure. Director Jamie Lloyd also earned recognition as Best Director.
The production’s success was widely anticipated after its debut last fall garnered acclaim for its modern approach. Critics lauded Lloyd’s innovative use of cameras to magnify actors’ expressions onto a screen, adding a contemporary edge to the timeless story. Matt Wolf of The New York Times hailed the production’s relevance, stating that Lloyd had revitalized the musical, infusing it with contemporary relevance.
Scherzinger’s portrayal of Norma Desmond received particular acclaim for its compelling and vulnerable depiction. Sarah Hemming of The Financial Times praised Scherzinger's performance, noting her fearlessness in portraying the character's intimidating and fragile sides. Scherzinger’s rendition of Norma Desmond resonated deeply with audiences, securing her the Best Actress award.
“Sunset Boulevard” triumphed over strong contenders for Best Musical Revival, including “Guys & Dolls” and “Hadestown.” The musical’s success underscores its enduring appeal and relevance to modern audiences.
In addition to "Sunset Boulevard," several other productions received accolades at the Olivier Awards. “Operation Mincemeat,” a play about a World War II intelligence mission, won Best New Musical, while “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” a prequel to the popular Netflix series, was named Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play.
In the acting categories, Sarah Snook of "Succession" was honored as Best Actress for her performance in “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” a one-woman show where she portrays all 26 roles. Mark Gatiss took home the Best Actor award for his portrayal of actor and director John Gielgud in “The Motive and the Cue.”
The success of "Sunset Boulevard" at the Olivier Awards sets the stage for its highly anticipated transfer to Broadway’s St. James Theatre. Preview performances are set to begin on September 28, 2024, with the official opening night scheduled for October 20, 2024. Nicole Scherzinger will reprise her role as Norma Desmond, joined by her West End co-stars Tom Francis, David Thaxton, and Grace Hodgett Young.
The accolades received by "Sunset Boulevard" highlight the enduring power of theater to captivate audiences and tell compelling stories that resonate across generations.
Unveiling the Mysteries of Smell
In the realm of senses, we've mastered the art of splitting light into colors and sounds into tones. Yet, the world of odor has long remained an enigma. Is it too complex, too personal to map? Surprisingly, the answer is no.
Recent advancements have revolutionized our understanding of smell, drawing on collaborations between neuroscientists, mathematicians, and AI experts. Unlike our intuitive grasp of colors and sounds, the world of smells has eluded easy categorization. But now, a groundbreaking 'odor map' published in Science has changed the game.
This map isn't just a catalog of smells; it's a set of rules for understanding them. Just as a geographical map tells you that Buffalo is closer to Detroit than to Boston, the odor map reveals that the smell of lily is closer to grape than to cabbage. More remarkably, it allows us to pinpoint any chemical's location on the map, predicting how it smells based on its properties. It's akin to a formula that, given a city's population size and soil composition, can precisely locate Philadelphia's coordinates.
The Evolution of Odor Perception
But how do our noses create this 'odor space'? Unlike Newton's study of light or the analysis of pitch, smell defies simple tools like tuning forks. Early attempts to categorize odors, like Linnaeus' and Haller's schemes, lacked empirical rigor. They were more about intuition than data.
One bold attempt, by Hans Henning in 1916, proposed an 'odour prism' with six vertices corresponding to primary odors. While Henning's theory was flawed, it sparked a quest for the underlying principles of smell. Later efforts, like Susan Schiffman's odour maps in the 1970s, provided valuable insights but fell short of a complete solution.
The Rise of AI in Decoding Odors
Enter the age of AI. In 2017, the DREAM challenge brought AI into the fold, leading to models that could predict odors with impressive accuracy. These 'random forests' of AI models can be complex, mimicking human judgment in convoluted ways. They can predict that a chemical smells like rose based on a multitude of factors, not just its structural properties.
The Osmo Revolution: Giving Computers a Sense of Smell
Osmo, a startup born from Google Brain's digital olfaction group, is at the forefront of this revolution. Led by Alex Wiltschko, Osmo is training AI models to understand smells using simplified molecular graphs. These models, inspired by the brain's processing, can compute distances and angles in 'odour space', predicting how a chemical will smell based on its relationship to others.
The Future of Odor Science
The odour space isn't a simple geometric shape like a circle or prism. It's more like a rugged landscape of chemical continents, each representing a different aspect of human ecology. Two chemicals might smell alike not because they're structurally similar, but because they play similar roles in nature.
In conclusion, the study of smell has evolved from introspective musings to data-driven AI models. While we're far from fully understanding the geometry of odor, these advancements have brought us closer than ever. Perhaps smell has been the last great sensory mystery because its mathematics are the most esoteric. But with the ongoing work of researchers like those at Osmo, we're unlocking the secrets of scent, revealing a world rich in meaning and possibility.
Rolling Fork, Mississippi, was forever changed when a deadly tornado tore through the town, leaving a path of destruction and tragedy in its wake. For the Cartlidge family, the storm was a harrowing experience that shattered their home and nearly took their lives.
Ida Cartlidge, holding her 1-year-old son, Nolan, tightly in her arms, huddled with her family as the tornado ripped through their mobile home. In an instant, their home was gone, and the family was left injured and displaced.
The tornado, which struck last March, claimed the lives of 14 residents and left Rolling Fork in ruins. The town, already grappling with high poverty rates and economic challenges, faced a long and difficult road to recovery.
For the Cartlidge family, the months that followed were spent in a cramped motel room, as they searched for a new place to call home. With limited resources and few options, they, like many others in Rolling Fork, struggled to find stable housing and employment.
The tornado not only destroyed homes and businesses but also took a toll on the town's infrastructure. Public buildings were damaged, streets were left impassable, and the local high school remains closed, forcing students to travel to neighboring towns for classes.
Despite the challenges, the people of Rolling Fork have shown remarkable resilience. Nonprofits, the state, and the federal government have stepped in to provide assistance, offering hope to those struggling to rebuild their lives.
For the Cartlidge family, a new beginning came in the form of a renovated trailer near downtown Rolling Fork. As they settled into their new home, they reflected on the journey that brought them here and the challenges that lie ahead.
Rolling Fork may never be the same after the tornado, but its residents are determined to rebuild and create a better future for themselves and their community. The road ahead may be long, but with perseverance and unity, Rolling Fork will rise again.
The quest for longevity and good health is as old as humanity itself, but in recent years, it has taken on a new intensity. Peter Attia, a prominent figure in the field of longevity, challenges the notion that our bodies and minds must inevitably deteriorate in our final years. In his book "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity," Attia argues that with the right approach, we can maintain our vitality well into old age.
Attia's philosophy is rooted in the belief that science, technology, and targeted efforts can address the challenges of aging. He emphasizes the importance of proactive measures such as regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, and nurturing relationships. According to Attia, these lifestyle choices can significantly impact our health span, the period of our lives when we are healthy and free from debilitating illnesses.
One of Attia's key messages is the need to become "athletes of life" by taking care of our bodies and minds throughout our lives. He suggests specific exercises and activities to maintain muscle mass and cardiovascular fitness, highlighting the importance of staying active as we age.
However, Attia's approach has sparked controversy, with critics questioning the validity of his recommendations. Some argue that his intensive regimens may be excessive and unnecessary, advocating instead for a more balanced and holistic approach to aging. Others caution against the pursuit of longevity at all costs, emphasizing the importance of accepting the natural process of aging.
Despite the debate, Attia's message resonates with many who are seeking ways to improve their health and quality of life as they age. His focus on evidence-informed medicine and practical, actionable advice has attracted a large following, inspiring people to take control of their health and well-being.
As we navigate the complexities of aging, Attia's insights remind us of the importance of living a fulfilling life, regardless of our age. While we may not be able to control the passage of time, we can strive to make the most of each day, ensuring that we live with purpose and vitality for as long as possible.
Ludwig von Mises, an Austrian-American economist, historian, and sociologist, was born on September 29, 1881, and passed away on October 10, 1973. Mises was a prominent figure in the Austrian School of economics and a staunch advocate for classical liberalism. He is best known for his work on praxeology, a methodology for understanding human action, and his critiques of socialism and communism.
Mises wrote extensively on economics, and his magnum opus, "Human Action," is considered a foundational text of the Austrian School. He argued that economics should be based on praxeology, the study of human action, and that individual subjective values are the driving force behind economic activity. Mises was a strong advocate for laissez-faire economics and argued that government intervention in the economy leads to inefficiencies and economic downturns.
Mises was a vocal critic of socialism and communism, arguing that these systems are based on flawed economic theories and lead to economic and social chaos. In his 1920 article "Economic Calculation in the Socialist Commonwealth," Mises argued that socialist economies cannot efficiently allocate resources because they lack a pricing system. He expanded on this critique in his 1922 book "Socialism: An Economic and Sociological Analysis."
Mises's ideas have had a significant impact on libertarian and conservative movements. His students, including Friedrich Hayek and Murray Rothbard, have gone on to become prominent economists and thinkers in their own right. Mises's work continues to be studied and debated by economists, political scientists, and philosophers around the world.
Mises's views have not been without controversy. Some have criticized his views on fascism, arguing that he was too sympathetic to the movement. However, Mises's biographer, Jörg Guido Hülsmann, argues that these criticisms are based on a misunderstanding of Mises's views. Mises was a strong critic of fascism and nationalism, and he believed that these ideologies were a threat to individual liberty and economic prosperity.
Ludwig von Mises' magnum opus, "Human Action: A Treatise on Economics," is a seminal work that presents a compelling case for laissez-faire capitalism based on praxeology, his innovative method for understanding human decision-making. Widely regarded as a masterpiece of economic thought, this treatise rejects positivism within economics and instead defends an a priori foundation for praxeology, methodological individualism, and laws of self-evident certainty.
Mises argues that the free-market economy is not only superior to any government-planned system but also serves as the very foundation of civilization itself. He contends that market-generated money prices are essential for determining the most highly valued uses for resources to satisfy consumer demands. Furthermore, Mises demonstrates the inconsistencies of piecemeal political intervention in the market economy and the pernicious effects of political control and manipulation of the monetary system.
In Mises' view, government interventions that distort market prices inevitably result in misdirections of resources, including labor, and malinvestments of capital, leading to inflationary upswings followed by inevitable economic downturns. He believed that the market economy was the only system that provided freedom and personal choice to all members of society while generating the means for coordinating the actions of billions of people in the most economically rational manner.
Mises was particularly critical of monetary manipulation by central banks, which he saw as one of the most disruptive distortions to the process of economic calculation. He argued that such manipulation was a key factor in the boom-and-bust cycle of economic activity and that it ultimately led to economic instability and crisis.
The roots of "Human Action" can be traced back to Mises' earlier work, "Nationalökonomie: Theorie des Handelns und Wirtschaftens," which was first published in German in 1940. While "Human Action" was not a direct translation of the earlier work, it used its general framework and expanded on it significantly.
The first edition of "Human Action" was published by Yale University Press in 1949. However, due to production delays, the planned release date of a revised and expanded second edition was pushed back. Mises used this opportunity to negotiate with the publisher and eventually secured a deal with Lyle Munson, publisher of Bookmailer, Inc., to publish the book. The resulting 1963 edition was unfortunately marred by numerous typographical errors, and another edition had to be printed quickly afterwards by another editor.
The third edition, published by Henry Regnery in 1966, was a significant improvement over its predecessors. A posthumous fourth edition was published in 1996, with revisions by Bettina B. Greaves. This edition is available in various formats, including hardback, paperback, and a portable "Pocket Edition" published by the Ludwig von Mises Institute in 2010.
Throughout its various editions, "Human Action" has remained a seminal work in the field of economics, influencing generations of economists.
The Oakland Athletics' decision to relocate to Sacramento has sparked skepticism and concern among players and fans alike. The team's announcement that it will play its home games at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento for the next three seasons has raised questions about the ballpark's readiness to host Major League Baseball (MLB) games.
Former Sacramento River Cats player Trevor Hildenberger, who retired last year, pointed out the lack of amenities at Sutter Health Park based on his experience playing there. Players like Logan Webb, who grew up nearby, have also expressed doubts about the park's suitability for MLB games, citing concerns about the ball flying more due to the park's characteristics.
The A's decision to move comes at a time of discontent among fans towards owner John Fisher. The move to Las Vegas, which was approved by MLB owners, follows a series of unpopular decisions by Fisher, including the dismantling of the team's roster and a perceived lack of investment in the Oakland community.
Fans have organized protests and boycotts against Fisher's ownership, with the latest being an Opening Day boycott. The event, intended as a statement against Fisher, saw fans gathering in the parking lot rather than attending the game. Despite efforts to accommodate the boycott, including opening parking lot gates earlier than planned, the game saw a significantly low turnout.
The boycott reflects fans' frustration with the uncertainty surrounding the team's future. While many fans still support the team, there is a strong sentiment against Fisher and the potential move to Las Vegas. The boycott and protests are a testament to the passion and dedication of Oakland A's fans, who continue to show their support for the team amidst challenging circumstances.
The A's move to Sacramento has raised questions about the future of baseball in Oakland. The team's departure would leave a void in the city's sports landscape and could have economic and cultural implications for the community. However, some fans see the move as an opportunity for Sacramento to establish itself as a major league city.
Despite the uncertainty, fans remain hopeful that the A's will eventually return to Oakland. The team's history and legacy in the city are deeply rooted, and many believe that Oakland is the rightful home for the Athletics. In the meantime, fans are determined to make their voices heard and show their unwavering support for the team, no matter where they play.
The situation has also drawn attention from MLB players, both current and former. Some have criticized the move, questioning the decision to play at Sutter Health Park and expressing skepticism about the team's future in Sacramento. These players argue that the park may not meet the standards required for MLB games and that the move could have negative consequences for the team and its fans.
Despite the criticism, the A's are moving forward with their plans to play in Sacramento. The team has expressed confidence in Sutter Health Park and its ability to host MLB games. The move is part of the A's efforts to secure a long-term home for the team, following years of uncertainty and speculation about their future in Oakland.
As the A's prepare for their new chapter in Sacramento, fans and players alike are watching closely. The team's success in its new home will depend on a variety of factors, including the support of the community, the quality of the ballpark, and the team's performance on the field. Only time will tell what the future holds for the Oakland Athletics, but one thing is certain: the passion and dedication of the team's fans will remain unwavering, no matter where they play.