In the 1960s, my dad would occasionally take my brothers and me to see the Baltimore Bullets play their basketball games at the Baltimore Civic Center. It was pure joy for my brothers and me to see a pro basketball game! Real estate developer Abe Pollin purchased the National Basketball Association team, and they took the name, “Capital Bullets” before becoming the Washington Wizards with a home court in Landover, then moving to their current home at Capitol One Arena in downtown Washington, D. C. I took my son there to see Michael Jordan when he was winding down his career with the Wizards. They have been, and are, simply pathetic. They are a horrific team with inept front office folks. As I compose this letter, their record is 1-13. For the past 10 years, I have not bothered to even watch Wizards games. To me, that would just be a form of mental torture (“Wizards rally late but never really threaten Wolves,” Nov. 20). Patrick R. Lynch, Towson.
https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/11/21/wizards-nba-record/
Tag: occasionally
Paul Skenes Wins NL Cy Young As Speculation About Him Being A Yankee Appears
Paul Skenes was named the unanimous winner of the National League Cy Young Award on Wednesday night. Since achieving this feat with the Pittsburgh Pirates, speculation has begun about when he might leave a franchise that has not made a playoff appearance since 2015 and has not won a playoff series since 1979.
Among the teams frequently mentioned as potential destinations for Skenes in the near future are the New York Yankees. This narrative gained traction on the second day of the MLB General Manager meetings in Las Vegas, when NJ.com published a story highlighting a Pirates teammate’s remarks about Skenes’ apparent dream of playing for the Yankees someday.
So far, Skenes’ only experience with the Yankees was a brief two-inning cameo on the final Saturday of the 2024 season at Yankee Stadium. During that outing, he struck out both Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, while his gymnast girlfriend Livvy Dunne cheered him on. This came at the end of Skenes’ rookie season, during which he won Rookie of the Year over Jackson Merrill while playing for a Pirates team that finished with 76 wins. At the time, there was no speculation about his future, but it’s the kind of story likely to resurface occasionally unless the Pirates either lock him into a long-term contract or decide to trade him.
Though it’s not quite like Gerrit Cole’s well-known Yankees fandom—demonstrated as a child in 2001 with a sign at the World Series—the rumors surrounding Skenes have become prominent enough for Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington to address them directly.
“What we’re going to focus on is just how do we win games with him in a Pirates uniform,” Cherington told reporters. “I have a ton of respect for the Yankees but we’ll just focus on what we need to do.”
What Cherington and the Pirates need to do is build a competitive team around Skenes. Despite winning the Cy Young Award, Skenes recorded only 10 wins—tied for the fewest ever for a starting pitcher to win the award in a full season. He joined Jacob deGrom as the only pitchers to win the Cy Young with just 10 wins.
DeGrom’s 2018 season saw him finish 10-9 with a 1.70 ERA and 269 strikeouts while pitching for a Mets team that won 77 games and had a payroll of roughly $150 million. Skenes went 10-10 with a 1.97 ERA and 216 strikeouts, pitching about 30 fewer innings, for a Pirates team that won 71 games on a significantly smaller payroll.
Run support—or the lack thereof—played a major role in Skenes’ record. In all 10 of his losses, the Pirates scored three runs or fewer, including four shutout losses. In 19 of his 32 starts, Pittsburgh scored three runs or fewer. This lack of offensive production resulted in a 17-15 record in games he started and contributed to the Pirates finishing 71-91, marking the 14th time since 1992 that Pittsburgh has lost at least 90 games.
These figures echo deGrom’s 2018 struggles with run support. The Mets were 14-18 in deGrom’s starts that year, with three runs or fewer scored in 20 of his 32 starts—including seven of his nine losses.
The stark difference between the two pitchers, however, was payroll. The Pirates operated with a roughly $87 million payroll in 2024, which matched their final number of that year and was two million less than their 2019 payroll—the year Gerrit Cole would have become a free agent with Pittsburgh had he not been traded to Houston after the 2017 season.
Talk about Skenes’ future departure from Pittsburgh and links to the Yankees is expected to continue until something definitive happens. The Pirates have been consistently among the league’s lowest payroll teams, finishing in the bottom five 16 times since Bob Nutting purchased the franchise in 2007.
“In a nice way, it’s really simple because what matters most to [Skenes] is what matters to us,” Cherington said. “Win more games. That’s the focus because that’s what is going to be most important to him. What probably gives us the best chance to keep him in Pittsburgh for longer is winning games, and that’s what we need to do anyway.
“So in a way it helps simplify it and focus it. My conversations with him, the only thing we talk about is winning and how to do that.”
For now, the Pirates may increase their payroll incrementally, but it remains to be seen if that will be enough to make them contenders in a league where 83 wins were required to reach the playoffs, as was the case with the Cincinnati Reds.
Until Pittsburgh demonstrates a payroll closer to the league median, the buzz surrounding when Paul Skenes will leave will persist. However, it seems unlikely that his departure will occur within the next year.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/paul-skenes-wins-nl-cy-young-as-speculation-about-him-being-a-yankee-appears/
![The M4 Mac mini has completely changed how I view all other desktops [Video]](https://latremie.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mac-mini-FI.jpg)
The M4 Mac mini has completely changed how I view all other desktops [Video]
Believe it or not, the M4 Mac mini was released just over a year ago. Apple changed the footprint, design, and form factor to create a compact 5in x 5in x 2in aluminum box with a fan at the bottom—a nice upgrade from its predecessor. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. I figured it would be a fine computer, especially since Apple debuted it at a $599 price point (now $499 on Amazon). I thought there must be some limitation everyday users would notice, right? But after using this as my main desktop for an entire year, it has completely changed how I think about computers and what real value in tech should look like.
Before we jump in, here’s my hands-on review of the M4 Mac mini after one year of use.
## Design and Specs
As I mentioned earlier, although the design did change, it wasn’t a drastic alteration. The Mac mini got more compact, a bit taller, and feels like a smaller but denser package. At this point, it almost feels portable. Viewed from the top down, it has the same corner radius as many Apple applications. The size is excellent and fits on any surface. It’s easy to tuck away, stand up, lay flat, and there are even cool casings that make it look like a mini Mac Pro!
While you can spec up the Mac mini with the M4 Pro and 64GB of unified memory, I went with the base model to see how it would hold up over time. The specs of the base version include:
– **Base M4 chip**
– **16GB unified memory**
– **256GB SSD storage**
– **Wifi 6E & Bluetooth 5.3**
### Ports
The port selection is also impressive:
– Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (rear)
– Gigabit Ethernet port (rear)
– HDMI 2.1 supporting up to 8K at 60Hz (rear)
– Two USB-C 10Gbps ports (front)
– 3.5mm headphone jack (front)
I wish there was at least one USB-A port and an SD card reader on the front, but at $499, some sacrifices are understandable. If you choose the M4 Pro variant, you get upgraded Thunderbolt 5 ports, if needed.
Another notable design choice is the power button’s placement on the bottom—slightly inconvenient, but with macOS standby mode, you’ll rarely need it. In a year of use, I’ve used the power button fewer than ten times.
## Everyday Performance
My goal with the baseline M4 Mac mini was to test how far I could go with a value-priced machine. My daily use includes email, Slack, other forms of communication, content consumption, extensive research, writing, web browsing, Excel work, Google Drive, file management, and occasional video editing.
The magic of the Mac mini lies in just how normal it feels to use. At $499, you’d expect some slowdown or for it to feel cheap, but I’ve never had that experience. It handles all my tasks seamlessly and remains whisper quiet—the fan has only kicked in a handful of times, proving that this machine can handle much more than basic day-to-day usage.
Here’s what my typical day looks like:
– Dozens of browser tabs open (Comet or Chrome)
– Slack, Monday.com, and Discord running constantly
– Occasional photo edits in Lightroom, quick video trims in Final Cut Pro
– Sidecar and Universal Clipboard with my iPad Pro
– iCloud Drive for seamless file syncing
I only have 16GB of RAM, and sometimes diagnostic tools show I’m using up to 14–15GB. Even when peaking, it never throttles down or slows.
## Other Uses and Limitations
But what if you’re a coder, gamer, or need to render 3D effects in Blender? Can the baseline Mac mini do it all?
The short answer: Yes and no.
Gaming works well for titles optimized for Apple Silicon, like NBA 2K on Apple Arcade. But if you want to play more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed with high settings, the experience won’t be the best. Casual gaming is great, but real AAA gaming still has room to improve.
The same goes for 3D rendering. Simple projects are handled fine, but for large files or fast rendering, you’d be better off with an M4 Pro or M4 Max.
It’s important to note that the Mac mini can handle most basic tasks and is great for learning new programs like Blender. However, for professional VFX work, 8K footage, or heavy project loads, you may find it stuttering.
Then there’s storage. For many, 256GB is sufficient, especially for cloud-based and lightweight files. But video creators with terabytes of 4K footage will need external storage. I typically recommend starting with base storage on Macs, as Apple’s upgrades are expensive.
## Who is the M4 Mac mini For?
The baseline M4 Mac mini fits a wide range of users:
– Students who want power without paying MacBook prices
– Remote workers needing a reliable home setup
– Creators handling 4K footage, photo editing, or light content creation
– Families using it as a shared computer or home server (great for Plex)
This computer is truly versatile. As long as you know what you’re looking for, the $499 M4 Mac mini is enough computer for about 95% of potential buyers.
## Final Thoughts
The M4 Mac mini has completely shifted my perspective on tech value. At $499, it outperforms most machines two or three times its price. It’s versatile and powerful for so many uses. Unless you need a crazy Pro-level machine, this Mac mini will work wonders for most people.
**Note:** When you buy the Mac mini, it only comes with the computer and the power cable. You’ll need your own mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Fortunately, there are great accessories for budget setups:
– Logitech Pebble keyboard (under $35)
– Satechi M1 mouse (under $30)
– 27in Dell monitor (under $140)
So, for just about $700, you can set up an awesome and powerful desk space. We live in amazing times!
**What do you think? Have you used the Mac mini? Are you thinking about getting one? Let’s discuss in the comments below.**
—
**Mac mini deals and accessories:**
https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/11/the-m4-mac-mini-has-completely-changed-how-i-view-all-other-desktops-video/
Khaby Lame & Maria Sharapova Kick Off Annual Web Summit In Lisbon; Delegates Told Culture & Art Are “Secret Ingredients” To Digital Innovation & “Era Of Western Tech Dominance Is Fading”
**Web Summit 2025 Kicks Off in Lisbon with High Energy and Focus on AI’s Impact Across Industries**
Hollywood may be moving at a somewhat glacial pace when it comes to embracing AI, but the annual tech conference Web Summit felt anything but slow as it kicked off its 10th edition in Lisbon on Monday night.
The packed stadium in Portugal’s capital hosted a panel featuring Khaby Lame, the world’s most followed TikTok star; tennis champion Maria Sharapova; and Anton Osika, CEO of Swedish AI unicorn Loveable. Each shared insights on how the global tech industry is shaping their respective sectors.
—
### Khaby Lame on Creativity and AI
Khaby Lame, who boasts 161.1 million followers on TikTok, sat down with Visa’s Global Head of Production Mark Nelson to discuss how technology and new financial tools are reshaping the business of creativity.
Lame stressed that “AI is not everything in this world,” a sentiment that earned him a big round of applause from the tech crowd.
“This is the moment for the creator to make original content because people love watching something that is not always AI,” he said. “So it’s good for creators to start making something different and creative that people will enjoy.”
He added that he only uses AI or ChatGPT “occasionally” but never for producing his own content. Lame also hinted that he is “working on his own movie” but did not elaborate further.
When asked about the future for content creators, he remained optimistic:
“The future is bright for everybody. I think as long as you keep going with what you are doing, and as long as you keep loving what you are doing, you can get everywhere.”
He continued, “Keep going and don’t get influenced by other people because the limits of other people are not your limits.”
—
### Web Summit 2025: A Gathering of Innovators
More than 70,000 attendees are set to participate in the four-day event in Lisbon, including over 2,500 startups alongside some of the most influential speakers and leaders in technology.
Web Summit CEO and co-founder Paddy Cosgrave opened the conference at the city’s MEO Arena, emphasizing how “fast the world is changing today.”
Reflecting on the growth of Web Summit since its 2009 debut in Dublin and subsequent move to Lisbon in 2016, Cosgrave remarked that the event was once defined by competition among Western tech companies and startups.
However, he now believes that “the era of Western tech dominance is fading.”
Cosgrave told delegates they would encounter “the most advanced humanoid robots in the world,” noting that “they are not European, they are not American — they are Chinese.” He predicted China will “likely win the AI race” thanks to open-source and free-to-use models.
“This was utterly unimaginable just 12 months ago, but the world is changing faster than ever before,” he said.
He also highlighted Brazil’s real-time, free payment system Pix as a revolutionary development in global money transfers.
“Just like Chinese AI models, Pix is entirely free,” Cosgrave explained. “It’s so revolutionary that it has become the repeated target of President Trump in recent weeks and months.”
—
### Culture and Innovation at the Forefront
Amid the technology discussions, culture and art remained key themes throughout the two-hour opening night.
Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, expressed ambitions to make Lisbon the “capital of innovation in Europe,” crediting culture and art as the “secret ingredients” in this vision.
“In a digital world, where everything is zero and one, the only thing that is different is our human nature through culture,” he said. Moedas also highlighted the recent second edition of Tribeca Festival Lisboa as a badge of honor for the city.
—
### Maria Sharapova on AI’s Role in Sports
Tennis star Maria Sharapova joined IBM Chief of Corporate Affairs & Brand Officer Sarah Meron for a discussion on how AI is reshaping the $680 billion sports industry.
In a wide-ranging conversation with TIME CEO Jessica Sibley, Sharapova praised AI tools for helping athletes better understand “how the body performs and how it recovers.”
“One of the reasons I love sports so much was that it really relied on instinct,” she said. “But what I’ve learned over the years is that the smarter you are as a player, the better your instincts become. So, the more accurate data you have that you apply with repetition, the smarter you become and the better your instincts are.”
Though initially skeptical of AI, Sharapova said she is “certainly warming up to it because I’m actually seeing the benefits of it.”
—
### Anton Osika on Democratizing Software Development
Anton Osika wrapped up the evening by unveiling his AI-powered platform Loveable, which has become the fastest-growing tech startup in history this year, hitting $100 million in annualized revenue just eight months after launch.
Explaining the company’s origins, Osika said:
“The idea was super simple. What if we could let anyone who has an idea be able to build software on that idea?”
Currently, 100,000 projects are being created on Loveable every day. Osika shared that his focus is on “how do I talk to users to make sure that we are building the platform very rapidly.”
—
### Web Summit Lisbon 2025
Web Summit Portugal’s flagship gathering continues from November 10–13, 2025, bringing together thousands of attendees from around the world to explore the future of technology, creativity, and innovation.
https://deadline.com/2025/11/khaby-lame-maria-sharapova-lovable-web-summit-lisbon-1236613514/
Escape from Duckov: How to get and use gems
Gems in Escape from Duckov: A Comprehensive Guide
Gems in Escape from Duckov introduce an additional layer to the game’s loot and weapon systems. They possess the real ability to enhance your close-combat weapons and can provide significant advantages during fights if used correctly. However, gems are uncommon to find and come at a high cost. Learning their locations and the proper methods to use them becomes essential for maximizing their potential.
Note: This article is a work in progress. More information will be added later.
How to Get Gems in Escape from Duckov
Gems are rare but can be found if you know where to look. During scavenging runs, you might occasionally spot gems as high-value loot drops, especially in secure or high-risk areas. It’s worthwhile to check every chest, crate, and enemy drop carefully, since the game does not give them out generously.
A more reliable way to obtain gems is through the Black Market Contact located inside your hideout. This NPC sells some of the rarer gems, including the coveted Gold Badge, but be prepared to spend a significant amount of in-game currency. If you’re saving up for a special upgrade, the Black Market is one of the few consistent methods to acquire specific gems without relying solely on luck.
How to Use Gems in Escape from Duckov
Gems can be slotted into melee weapons that have modification slots. Not every weapon supports gems, but weapons like the Goose Axe do. To equip a gem, simply drag and drop it onto a melee weapon with an open gem slot.
Once equipped, the gem provides a direct stat boost, transforming an ordinary melee weapon into a powerful backup tool — or even a main weapon if you prefer close combat.
What Do Gem Effects Do?
Each gem offers unique bonuses, but the Gold Badge stands out as one of the most powerful. Equipping the Gold Badge boosts your melee damage by 10%, increases your critical hit chance by 10%, and adds a 100% bleed effect to your attacks. This bleed effect can quickly tear through tougher enemies if you consistently land hits.
Given how strong these boosts are, it’s wise to keep a gem-equipped melee weapon handy for emergencies. Even if you mainly rely on guns, a powered-up melee weapon can be a lifesaver when you run out of ammo or when enemies close in too quickly.
More Game Guides You May Like
- How to Use Totems in Escape From Duckov
- Is Escape From Duckov Multiplayer?
- How to Unlock Mechanical Key in Escape From Duckov
https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/escape-duckov-how-get-use-gems
Kiké Hernández makes Dodgers history with 87th playoff appearance with LA
Before the Los Angeles Dodgers scored a run in the first inning, added two more in the seventh, or another two in the eighth, Kiké Hernández had already made history simply by stepping on the field for his team in World Series Game 2.
With his 87th playoff appearance for LA, Hernández officially took sole possession of the record for the most games played by any player in a blue and white Dodgers uniform. He leapfrogged Justin Turner, whom he had tied the night before in Game 1.
Originally drafted in the sixth round of the 2009 MLB June Amateur Draft from American Military Academy in Puerto Rico, Hernández’s journey to the 2025 World Series was a long one. He played for the Houston Astros and Miami Marlins in 2024 before joining the Dodgers in 2015.
From there, Hernández landed in Boston in 2021 before the Red Sox traded him back to LA. Since returning, he has been a fixture in the Dodgers lineup and occasionally even taken the mound.
Making his playoff debut in 2015, all but 11 of Hernández’s playoff appearances have come wearing Dodgers blue. His total of 97 playoff games ranks among the most of any active player in baseball today.
Known as the Dodgers’ certified “Mr. October,” it’s clear the legend of Kiké Hernández will only continue to grow with each passing game—especially if he can help bring a third World Series trophy back to LA.
https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/dodgers-news-kike-hernandez-history-87th-playoff-appearance-la
Neo Tennis Codes [Upd] (October 2025)
In Roblox Neo Tennis, formerly known as Tennis Clash and simply Tennis, you can enjoy fast-paced tennis matches featuring special abilities and power-ups on unique courts. Customize your character and compete in singles or doubles modes against other players online in this exciting game that offers a gameplay experience similar to Mario Tennis.
Get Free Rackets with Neo Tennis Codes
Use codes to get free rackets and other rewards in Neo Tennis. All you need to do is redeem them so you can start winning games in style. Searching for working codes can take a long time, but we’ve already found the latest ones for you!
All Codes for Neo Tennis Clash
Active Neo Tennis Codes (Working)
- Y7Q667XRSJK – Redeem this code for freebies (NEW)
- GHZT2Q8MGDH – Redeem this code for freebies
- MCZW25EASR7 – Redeem this code for an Ice Racket
Looking for codes for other Roblox games? Be sure to check out our Roblox Games Codes page for more.
Expired Neo Tennis Codes (Not Working)
Currently, there are no expired codes for Neo Tennis.
How to Redeem Neo Tennis Codes
To redeem codes in Roblox Neo Tennis, follow these simple steps:
- In the lobby, locate the Discord symbol with the word Code written above it in purple text; it’s positioned to the left of the Pro Server.
- Press the E key next to the symbol to open the code redemption box.
- Enter a working code in the Type code here text box.
- Hit the check button to redeem the code.
If the code is still active, you will receive your free rewards instantly. If it doesn’t work, try closing and reopening the game to join a new server with an updated build, then try redeeming the code again.
Don’t forget to use codes quickly, as they can expire without notice. If you find a code that doesn’t work, please let us know in the comments so we can update the list.
How to Get More Neo Tennis Codes
To stay updated with the latest Neo Tennis codes, try these methods:
- Bookmark this page (press Ctrl + D) and check back regularly for updates.
- Join the Century Athletes Roblox Group.
- Join the Tennis Clash Discord community.
Why Are Neo Tennis Codes Not Working?
If you’re having trouble redeeming a Neo Tennis code, here are some common reasons and how to fix them:
- Typos: Even a small mistake can invalidate a code. Double-check your entry or copy and paste the code from a reliable source.
- Expiration: Codes often have limited lifespans. Redeem them as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
- Case Sensitivity: Some codes are case-sensitive. Ensure you enter uppercase and lowercase letters exactly as shown.
- Server Issues: New codes might not work immediately on all servers. Try rejoining the game or switching servers to resolve this.
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting tips and a code still isn’t working, it’s likely expired. Feel free to leave a comment below, and we’ll update the list to help other players.
When Are New Neo Tennis Codes Released?
Century Athletes has not announced a specific schedule for releasing new codes, but here are some common occasions when new codes tend to appear:
- Game Updates: Major updates or patches often come with new codes as player bonuses.
- Special Events: Holidays, milestones, and other special occasions usually trigger new code releases—stay tuned to official channels for announcements.
- Community Goals: When the game hits a certain number of likes, favorites, or visits, developers sometimes reward players with codes.
- Apologies or Compensation: Codes may be issued to apologize for server downtime or bugs.
Keep an eye on the official Neo Tennis social channels and community groups to catch new codes as soon as they drop!