PITTSBURGH (AP) — A hamstring injury managed to do the one thing to George Pickens that nobody else has during the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver's three eventful years in the NFL, Pickens included. It kept him quiet. Temporarily anyway. Pickens missed the first game of his career on Sunday, watching from the sideline in Pittsburgh's 27-14 win over Cleveland that showcased the team's receivers group runs deeper than the unit's talented if occasionally petulant star. Instead of a reunion with Browns defensive back Greg Newsome II just over two weeks after the two spent the final play of Cleveland's victory on Nov. 21 pushing and shoving into a restraining wall — which led to a war of words between the two in the aftermath and run-up to the rematch — Pickens watched from the sideline as the players who have taken a back seat stepped to the forefront. Van Jefferson caught one of Russell Wilson's two touchdown passes. Mike Williams made his first grab in a month. Scotty Miller saw his most extensive playing time since September. None of them have Pickens' ability. For an afternoon anyway, they made sure it didn't matter as the Steelers (10-3) won comfortably as Wilson spread his 15 completions to eight players, a democratic approach that is becoming the norm. “Just knowing that it can come to you at any moment is a fun feeling as a playmaker,” said Miller, who had three catches for 38 yards, including a leaping sideline grab in the fourth quarter. “And it also means the defense can't focus on one player. They’ve got to guard all of (us).” Even if Pickens' absence came as a bit of a surprise, even to his teammates. Tight end Pat Freiermuth found out when he checked his phone in the locker room. His father had sent him a text message that Pittsburgh's leading receiver was out with a hamstring issue that forced him to miss practice Friday. After a shaky start in which the offense looked out of sorts — the Steelers had four three-and-outs in their first five drives — Wilson settled in and the players who have found themselves on the fringes of the depth chart were on the field in important moments. “We have so much confidence in everybody,” Wilson said. “We're having fun, enjoying the process, working our tails off every day.” And they're winning, one of the major reasons that it has been easier for Williams to stomach the fact he has become a role player for the first time in his career. His first catch with Pittsburgh just days after being acquired from the New York Jets was an over-the-shoulder game-winning touchdown grab in Washington. Yet Williams has served as a spectator or a blocker for most of the last month. He has tried to stay ready, and it showed when he made a leaping one-handed snag in the third quarter for a 20-yard gain that set up Wilson's touchdown pass to Freiermuth. “They was (winning) before I got here,” Williams said. “So for me, I just got to show up and when I need to come out and make a play, make a play.” It's a selfless approach that has permeated the offense during a season in which the Steelers (10-3) have surprised everyone but themselves. “The strength of the pack is the pack," Tomlin said. “We've got a bunch of guys that want to be the reasons why we're successful.” The supremely confident Pickens is part of that pack, though he often stands apart for a variety of reasons, not all of them good. Pickens has found himself in the spotlight regularly since being taken in the second round in 2022, not always for the right reasons . Tomlin has grown weary recently of fielding questions about Pickens’ actions. Tomlin said after a victory over Cincinnati that Pickens needs to “grow up, and grow up in a hurry” after Pickens drew a pair of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties against the Bengals for post-catch celebrations, actions that earned him another set of fines from the league. Still, Pickens figured to be in the lineup on Sunday even after being listed as “questionable” on Friday's practice report. When the team made him inactive, it caught the Browns a little off guard. “I was a little surprised,” Newsome said. “I mean, especially when you do a lot of back-and-forth talking and things like that.” Pittsburgh's offense found a way anyway. And the Steelers did it drama-free for once. “We believe in our group,” Tomlin said. “I know I've said that to you guys repeatedly. Maybe you'll start believing me.” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL The Associated PressWhy bribery is key to boosting our economic prosperityonline casino game plinko 。

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A 4.45 billion-year-old zircon grain, extracted from a Martian meteorite, that was found in the Sahara in 2011, has revealed new details about the Red Planet's past. The study, conducted by researchers from Perth's Curtin University, indicates that Mars once had boiling hydrothermal systems like Earth's volcanoes. This also means that the planet may have been habitable at some point in its history and could have supported microbial life. 'Black Beauty' meteorite offers unique insights The research team analyzed meteorites from a space rock named NWA7034, or 'Black Beauty.' Unlike most Martian meteorites, which are mostly igneous or mantle rocks, these offer unique insights into Mars's geological history. Aaron Cavosie, a planetary scientist from Curtin University's Space Science and Technology Centre in Australia, said Black Beauty is unique as it is a regolith sample from Mars's surface and contains hundreds of rock and mineral fragments from different sources across the planet. Zircon grain analysis reveals hot water on Mars About 20 meteorites discovered on Earth are thought to have come from Mars during the impact that brought the original Black Beauty stone here. A minuscule zircon grain inside one of these meteorites, studied for the first time in 2022, provided clues about Mars's early crust formation and preserved evidence of past meteorite impacts. Cavosie said these meteorites offer valuable clues to reconstruct Mars's geological history. Element patterns hint at Mars's early history The research team studied the Martian zircon grain's trace elements to gain insight into its early history. Researchers used nano-scale geochemistry to uncover evidence of hot water on Mars 4.45 billion years ago. They also detected element patterns in zircon, like sodium, iron, yttrium, as well as aluminum. These patterns revealed that these elements were incorporated into the grain as it grew. "Hydrothermal systems were essential for life on Earth and our findings suggest Mars also had water," Cavosie said.

NoneThe final of the beauty pageant Miss World Latina Peru 2024 in which Flor Polo obtained the title of Miss Tourism After coming in second place, she left a question among the followers of Peruvian entertainment: why was her mother, Susy Díaz, not present to support her at this important moment? Although both had declared that they had reconciled after episodes of media conflicts, the former star chose not to attend her daughter’s event. Susy Díaz ‘chotea’ her daughter Flor Polo’s beauty pageant While Flor Polo received her recognition at the contest, Susy Díaz attended the Inspira 2024 awards a ceremony organized by the tiktoker Cristhian Palomino known as ‘ The news boy’. This event, focused on highlighting influential figures from social networks and local entertainment, featured the participation of various entertainment personalities. During the award ceremony, Susy Díaz was captured in videos and images broadcast by Choca Mandros which showed the comedic actress taking photos with attendees and taking the stage for a special performance. Susy herself shared these moments on her official Instagram account, evidencing her presence at the parallel event. At the moment, neither of the two has given statements about this situation, which has left the real reason behind the decision of Susy Diaz. Followers of both public figures have expressed their desire to see them together again, either at an event or sharing a moment that demonstrates their renewed family bond. Let us remember that in the middle of the media confrontation, Florcita published on her social media account instagram a photograph with his mother, accompanied by a message dedicated to her. “Ties that are never broken,” reads the influencer’s post on social media. Join our entertainment channel

Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. (AP) — Po'Boigh King had 28 points in North Carolina Central's 78-77 victory over Gardner-Webb on Saturday. King added six rebounds for the Eagles (4-7). Isaac Parson scored 13 points and added seven assists and three steals. Keishon Porter shot 2 of 7 from the field, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 3 for 4 from the line to finish with eight points. The Runnin' Bulldogs (4-6) were led in scoring by Anthony Selden, who finished with 25 points. Jamaine Mann added 15 points for Gardner-Webb. Shahar Lazar finished with 10 points and four assists. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Christmas in the Park Auckland: Guy Sebastian, Kaylee Bell, and the best musical moments in 30 yearsChennai: Demanding a CBI probe into the rape of a female student at Anna University, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said the statewide protest demanding safety for women, which was postponed, would be held on Dec 30 in all 84 AIADMK party districts, barring Chennai. Addressing reporters in Chennai on Friday, Palaniswami said the rape survivor in her complaint said the accused spoke to somebody on his cellphone and addressed the person as ‘sir'. "They are refusing to reveal who that sir is," he said. This is a govt which appealed against CBI probe into the rape of a minor girl in the Madras high court's suo motu case, said Palaniswami, adding, it was shameful. Palaniswami showed posters with the name Gnanasekharan on them and said the DMK was removing all posters with his name to conceal the fact that the accused in the sexual assault case was a DMK member. He said such crimes were dealt with an iron hand during the AIADMK regime and police were given a free hand to investigate such cases. When reporters pointed to allegations that there were videos of many women on the accused's cellphone, Palaniswami said "women would never bravely file complaints under the DMK regime, as all details of the victim were revealed in the FIR". The minister for social welfare and women empowerment P Geetha Jeevan, who spoke to reporters in Tuticorin on Friday, praised the survivor for bravely coming forward to file a complaint and said none of those involved would be spared. Women's safety is priority to DMK, she added. Meanwhile, the AIADMK, which was using the hashtag 'Say No to Drugs' in its social media handles, has put up posters throughout the state in many places, saying ‘#save our daughters', after the Anna University rape case . Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .

ROME (AP) — Robert Lewandowski joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the only players in Champions League history with 100 or more goals. But Erling Haaland is on a faster pace than anyone by boosting his total to 46 goals at age 24 on Tuesday. Still, Haaland's brace wasn't enough for Manchester City in a 3-3 draw with Feyenoord that extended the Premier League champion's winless streak to six matches. Lewandowski’s early penalty kick started Barcelona off to a 3-0 win over previously unbeaten Brest to move into second place in the new single-league format. The Poland striker added goal No. 101 in second-half stoppage time. Ronaldo leads the all-time scoring list with 140 goals and Messi is next with 129. But neither Ronaldo nor Messi play in the Champions League anymore following moves to Saudi Arabia and the United States, respectively. The 36-year-old Lewandowski required 125 matches to reach the century mark, two more than Messi (123) and 12 fewer than Ronaldo (137). Barcelona also got a second-half score from Dani Olmo. The top eight finishers in the standings advance directly to the round of 16 in March. Teams ranked ninth to 24th go into a knockout playoffs round in February, while the bottom 12 teams are eliminated. Haaland converted a first-half penalty to eclipse Messi as the youngest player to reach 45 goals then scored City's third after the break to raise his total to 46 goals in 44 games. Ilkay Gundogan had City's second. But then Feyenoord struck back with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko. Inter Milan beat Leipzig 1-0 with an own goal to move atop the standings with 13 points, one more than Barcelona and Liverpool, which faces Real Madrid on Wednesday. The Serie A champion is the only club that hasn't conceded a goal. Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 — the same score from the 2020 final between the two teams. PSG ended with 10 men and remained in the elimination zone. The French powerhouse has struggled in Europe after Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid. Kim Min-jae’s first-half header was enough for Bayern, especially after Ousmane Dembelé was sent off in the 56th with his second yellow. Atalanta moved within two points of the lead with a 6-1 win at Young Boys. Charles De Ketelaere scored two and assisted on three other goals for Atalanta. Also, Arsenal kept red-hot striker Viktor Gyokeres quiet in a 5-1 win over Sporting Lisbon; and Germany star Florian Wirtz scored two goals and was involved in two more as Bayer Leverkusen boosted its chances of finishing in the top eight with a 5-0 rout of Salzburg. AC Milan followed up its win at Real Madrid with a 3-2 victory at last-place Slovan Bratislava in an early match. Christian Pulisic put the seven-time champion ahead midway through the first half by finishing off a counterattack. Then Rafael Leao restored the Rossoneri’s advantage after Tigran Barseghyan had equalized for Bratislava and Tammy Abraham quickly added another. Nino Marcelli scored with a long-range strike in the 88th for Bratislava, which ended with 10 men. Bratislava has lost all five of its matches. Argentina World Cup winner Julian Alvarez scored twice and Atletico Madrid routed Sparta Prague 6-0 in the other early game. Alvarez scored with a free kick 15 minutes in and Marcos Llorente added a long-range strike before the break. Alvarez finished off a counterattack early in the second half after being set up by substitute Antoine Griezmann, who then marked his 100th Champions League game by getting on the scoresheet himself. Angel Correa added a late brace for Atletico, which earned its biggest away win in Europe. Atletico beat Paris Saint-Germain in the previous round and extended its winning streak across all competitions to six matches. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerData Center Rack Power Distribution Unit Market: Trends, Growth, and Future Demand to 2030