(From left) Silver medallist India’s Neeraj Chopra, Gold medallist Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and Bronze medallist Grenada’s Anderson Peters have a good time after competing within the males’s javelin throw ultimate on the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris on August 8, 2024.
| Photograph Credit score: AFP

To be the person, you bought to beat the person.

Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan simply beat the person.

On the Stade de France on Thursday night time, he beat him as comprehensively as doable. On the sixth alternative he lastly bought the higher of the person he’d at all times thought-about a job mannequin and appeared as much as.

He beat India’s reigning Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra and it took an all time nice Olympic efficiency to do it.

He bettered an Olympic report that had stood for 16 years, not as soon as however twice. The primary — a throw of 92.97m in his second throw of the competitors ended it. The second of 91.79m in his ultimate try put the ultimate exclamation mark on a close to flawless efficiency.

Paris Olympics, Day 13 | Stay updates

Preventing onerous

Neeraj fought as onerous as he might. He pushed himself tougher than he ever had this season. Within the qualification spherical he produced his largest throw of the season. He improved on that in his second throw of the ultimate. 89.45m. It was the second finest throw of his profession. It wasn’t sufficient.

It says one thing of sort of confidence that Neeraj generates along with his achievement {that a} silver medal — one of the best for the nation in Paris — looks like like an underachievement.

It’s something however. It took Neeraj pushing himself to his very best to even stored him on the rostrum.

Unbelievable normal

This was an unbelievable normal of competitors. Julius Yego took fifth place right here with a throw of 87.70 — it might have gained gold in Tokyo.

Whereas India Pakistan rivalries at all times carry a touch of pressure, there may be something however on this one.

Arshad makes it some extent to take an image with Neeraj earlier than each competitors they participate in collectively.

Arshad had stated final yr after he took silver on the World Championship behind Neeraj that he needed to see India and Pakistan end 1-2 on the Olympics too.

Neeraj and Arshad did simply that. However the order of medals was reversed.

NPR is in Paris for the 2024 Summer time Olympics. For extra of our protection from the video games head to our newest updates.

SAINT-DENIS, France — The primary shocker got here when Noah Lyles, the quickest man on Earth, gained bronze in his specialty occasion, the 200-meter. Then, moments after race on Thursday night time, the opposite shoe dropped: Lyles mentioned he’d examined optimistic for COVID two days earlier.

After crossing the end line, Lyles seemed in poor health, bent right down to the bottom, struggled to manage his breath, and known as for water. He was later seen rolling out in a wheelchair.

Letsile Tebogo of Botswana gained gold and Kenneth Bednarek got here in second place for silver.

It wasn’t revealed till after the race that Lyles — recent off profitable the 100-meter dash on Sunday — had examined optimistic for COVID on Tuesday.

On the NBC broadcast after the race, Lyles appeared sporting a masks and confirmed the prognosis.

“I wakened early, about 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning simply feeling actually horrible,” he informed the Olympics broadcaster. “Sadly, it got here again that I used to be optimistic for COVID.”

“My first thought was to not panic, you realize, considering I have been in worse conditions — worse circumstances, I’ve felt,” he mentioned.

He mentioned he by no means thought of skipping out on the race.

“We simply took it daily, attempting to hydrate as a lot, quarantined off,” Lyles mentioned. “It is taken it is toll for certain however I’ve by no means been extra happy with myself for having the ability to come out right here, and getting a bronze medal.”

USA Observe & Area confirmed Lyles’ prognosis in a press release to NPR after the race.

“In response, [the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee] and USATF swiftly enacted all needed protocols to prioritize his well being, the wellbeing of our crew, and the security of fellow rivals,” the group mentioned, including that it has been following CDC pointers to stop the sickness’ unfold.

“Our main dedication is to make sure the security of Workforce USA athletes whereas upholding their proper to compete. After a radical medical analysis, Noah selected to compete tonight. We respect his choice and can proceed to watch his situation carefully.”

Lyles has one ultimate occasion — the boys’s 4 x 100m relay on Friday — however mentioned he is not certain whether or not he’ll keep within the race.

“For the time being, I do not know. I am feeling extra on the facet of letting Workforce USA do their factor. They’ve confirmed with nice certainty that they’ll deal with it with out me.”

Earlier than the gang of 80,000 on the Stade de France, the 27-year-old hoped to go down in dash double historical past — aiming to be simply the tenth man to win the 100- and 200- meter races in a single Summer time Video games.

Solely 9 males have pulled off the dash double this earlier than. A type of males — Jamaican Usain Bolt — did it at three straight Olympics. The final time an American managed the dash double was Carl Lewis 40 years in the past in 1984.

After profitable his 100-meter race, Lyles posted a motivational message to his social media:

“I’ve Bronchial asthma, allergy symptoms, dyslexia, ADD, anxiousness, and Melancholy,” he said. “However I’ll let you know that what you’ve got doesn’t outline what you may develop into. Why Not You!”

This overview incorporates full spoilers for Home of the Dragon Season 2.

Typically within the UK they are saying that an individual is “all mouth and no trousers”: They promise loads however by no means ship. Season 2 of HBO’s Home of the Dragon is commonly all-mouth-and-no-trousers TV. Certain, there’s a extremely achieved solid, carrying costumes clearly crafted by consultants and standing in gloriously realised environments. However they’re simply going round in circles, week after week. There are fantastically written monologues that result in dilly-dallying and a scarcity of decision; there’s good writing however far much less good storytelling. There are complete episodes price of chat that might have been an e mail – or OK, a raven. It’s all entertaining within the second, but it surely doesn’t really feel like a full season of ahead momentum. Nobody desires TV informed on the identical, sluggish tempo at which George R.R. Martin has been writing recently, even when there are fabulous scenes encountered alongside the best way.

Take into consideration the place we’re on the finish of the season relative to eight episodes in the past. The “Black” Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) began off devastated by the loss of life of her son Lucerys in final season’s finale, however was reluctant to begin a devastating all-out warfare among the many dragon-riding Targaryen clan in an effort to declare her rightful throne. It has taken her the complete season to just accept the necessity for battle: even within the last episode, “The Queen Who Ever Wars,” she says that she hoped the brand new dragon riders she had recruited would act as “deterrents” to the “Inexperienced” wing of the household who’ve, as she sees it, usurped her throne. After eight episodes, she’ss nonetheless speaking about avoiding the battle, regardless of all these moments in earlier episodes the place she needs she’d been skilled extra for battle. That form of vacillation is one solution to present she’s her weak father’s daughter, but it surely doesn’t make for a gripping sequence lead. Her estranged husband, Daemon (Matt Smith), spends the entire season moping round Harrenhal earlier than a single last imaginative and prescient modifications his thoughts (why did the outdated gods not lead with that one?). In that very same span of time, her Grasp of Ships and newly appointed Hand of the Queen Corlys Velaryon (Steven Toussaint) has been rebuilding a single boat and ignoring his illegitimate sons – although no less than now we’ve met them, in order that’s one thing.

On the opposite facet of this slowly brewing civil warfare, there’s been development of a kind. Prince Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) has in some way turn into much more terrible, what with slaying the dragon Meleys and her rider, Rhaenys (Eve Greatest), in the course of the season (the tragic and heroic excessive level of the present to this point) and virtually murdering his brother King Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney). By the tip of the season, he has his mom and sister scared for his or her lives, whereas his convalescent brother is suggested to rush his restoration in case Aemond sneaks in to complete him off within the evening. Nonetheless, none of that could be a shock after final season, and so long as he rides the most important dragon in Westeros he has the firepower to again up his villainous instincts. The Dowager Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke) seems to just accept, in the long run, that every one her plotting has failed and that every one she will do is attempt to maintain as lots of her kids alive as doable (and to guard as many as doable in opposition to Aemond), however there’s no less than a touch within the finale that she might have ensured the flight of Aegon and the others first.

After two seasons, the so-called Dance of Dragons remains to be solely a matter of minor skirmishes. The infinite fascinating characters and intricately transferring components are all simply spinning in place. Home of the Dragon isn’t essentially boring, because of these fantastically written scenes and that casting, however while you assume again on an episode it’s arduous to recollect a lot that actually occurred, as a result of not a lot is taking place.

Does that make it a nasty present? That appears too harsh. Virtually any scene involving Smith, Greatest, or Simon Russell Beale this season is price watching; actors like Cooke and Abubakar Salim (the latter enjoying Corlys’ son Alyn of Hull) have charisma to burn. Even doubtlessly one-note villains like Aemond and Ser Criston Cole (Fabian Frankel) get moments of grace and complexity this season. And there’s that fantastic little bit of dragon-battling in the course of the season, with the shouting-at-the-screen-excitement of the conflict that we’d been promised all this time and the sense that now, lastly, shit is about to get actual. After which it simply… doesn’t.

It is not solely about grading this in opposition to its mega-successful (to a degree) predecessor both. After all, Home of the Dragon is its personal factor. It’s drawing from a e-book that’s written as a historic account, and embroidering that – closely – with character element that’s lacking or solely implied within the supply materials, and that’s a unique problem from Sport of Thrones. However on the identical time we’re not coming to Westeros for in-depth evaluation of how a reluctant chief decides to go to warfare. This isn’t Succession. The attraction of Martin’s world has all the time been the best way that individuals make crafty plans, just for some totally unexpected component to return alongside and screw them up. Ned Stark works to uncover a plot, however he doesn’t account for Littlefinger. Robb Stark plans a warfare, however fails to think about the Freys. Everybody focuses on the Lannisters, however doesn’t learn about Daenerys. Daenerys is so full of rage, she loses sight of Jon. Right here, the sabotage Rhaenyra faces is self-sabotage, and it makes for much less thrilling twists and turns. There are fewer massive battle scenes, and means fewer small confrontations alongside the best way too, and that’s an issue for viewers’ pleasure ranges. It doesn’t need to be Thrones, but it surely does need to have a compelling story of its personal.

The frustrations of the season finale are additionally arduous to get previous. Every little thing really in the episode is ok; you possibly can’t actually complain that you simply didn’t get some dramatic heavy lifting and truly fairly a little bit of character payoff. However it leaves a horrible style within the mouth as a result of it strikes all of the items into place for one thing thrilling to occur after which simply… ends. Is it a lot to ask for a fast skirmish? A bit of dragon battle? It’s arduous to think about a extra irritating season finale to a significant present like this. Sure, it’s given us time with the key characters and eventually moved all of the items in place; good work everybody. However the place’s the scene that reminds us the present could be surprising, and that it’s going to ship thrills in addition to promising them?

So it’s not a nasty present, then, however drawn out this fashion it’s lower than the present ought to be or desires to be. It’s a must to surprise if showrunner Ryan Condal stripped the motion out of season 2 to save lots of up a literal warfare chest for subsequent time when there should be extra battle. However then why not unfold the battles out throughout two seasons? We’re midway by means of this present’s deliberate four-season run, but it surely looks like we’re barely off the beginning blocks. Pretty much as good as the person scenes are – they usually are good, and their dialogue is often higher than Thrones’, too – Home of the Dragon will merely by no means get off the bottom and soar if it retains dawdling alongside at this tempo.

Tech large Microsoft (MSFT 0.73%) has been round for a very long time, so it is no stranger to inventory splits. The corporate break up its inventory 9 instances from the late Eighties to the early 2000s. However since then? Nada. In the present day, Microsoft inventory is buying and selling at over $400 per share. Cloud and synthetic intelligence (AI) development has pushed shares to new heights and will proceed over the long run.

Maybe it is time for administration to contemplate a inventory break up.

What does that imply for buyers? Would a inventory break up make Microsoft a purchase?

Here’s what you must know.

What do inventory splits imply for you?

The media loves making an enormous deal out of inventory splits. However are they as large a deal as they appear?

First, what’s a inventory break up? A inventory break up is when an organization divides its inventory to extend the variety of shares. Suppose one share of an organization’s inventory trades at $100. If administration did a 5-to-1 break up, that single share would develop into 5 shares buying and selling at $20 every.

Discover how the worth of the funding did not change. One share at $100 or 5 at $20 equals the identical whole. This is essential.

Inventory splits divide the whole lot, so every share represents much less of the corporate’s income, earnings, and fairness. So, whereas a inventory break up creates a decrease share worth, it is an phantasm. The corporate’s basic valuation would not change.

So why break up the inventory within the first place? Normally, it is for liquidity. As a share worth rises, it is more durable for buyers to build up shares with out having some huge cash. Staff who’ve earned stock-based compensation is likely to be sitting on important positive factors and should not need to promote at excessive greenback increments. The next share rely and decrease share worth make it simpler for buyers and staff to regulate how a lot they purchase or promote at a time.

Why a inventory break up is sensible for Microsoft

You possibly can see that Microsoft break up a number of instances between the late Eighties and the early 2000s. That was because of outstanding inventory efficiency; Microsoft gained almost 60,000% from 1986 to 2000, simply earlier than the Dot-Com market crash. Microsoft’s inventory plunged within the crash and took 17 years to achieve the value it traded at in 2000. That is why Microsoft has solely break up as soon as since 2000.

MSFT knowledge by YCharts

Microsoft launched its cloud platform Azure in early 2010, sparking a brand new period for the corporate. Since then, Microsoft’s inventory has appreciated 1,400%, and the cloud is its largest and fastest-growing enterprise unit at present. A brand new era of staff who’ve been with the corporate through the years are doubtless sitting on hefty inventory positive factors.

Azure is already the world’s second-leading cloud platform. Microsoft’s partnership with main AI developer OpenAI is poised to funnel AI computing workloads by way of Azure as corporations undertake AI over the approaching years.

Is Microsoft a purchase?

Microsoft just lately reported fourth-quarter earnings for its fiscal yr 2024 and topped Wall Road’s expectations, fueled by stable momentum in its cloud and gaming companies. In the present day, Microsoft inventory trades at 32 instances its estimated 2025 earnings. Analysts consider earnings per share will develop at an annualized 16% price for the following three to 5 years.

Since inventory splits do not basically change the inventory, buyers ought to by no means make an funding determination based mostly solely on a inventory break up. A price-to-earnings ratio double the corporate’s earnings development share is not low cost, however Microsoft arguably provides a novel mixture of high quality and upside that is onerous to copy.

Lengthy-term buyers could also be keen to pay a slight premium to personal the inventory now, although market volatility may simply current higher shopping for alternatives.

Justin Pope has no place in any of the shares talked about. The Motley Idiot has positions in and recommends Microsoft. The Motley Idiot recommends the next choices: lengthy January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and quick January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Idiot has a disclosure coverage.

Season 2 of Home of the Dragon has come to an finish. The finale might not have featured any huge battles or gorgeous betrayals, however there actually was loads of story improvement that ought to repay … finally! What lies forward for Staff Black and Staff Inexperienced on this drawn-out Dance of the Dragons? And the way did the second season play as an entire? Let’s talk about.

1. What’s your tweet-length evaluate of the Home of the Dragon Season 2 finale?

Katie Baker: Nicely that was enjoyable, can’t wait to see how they wrap issues up subsequent week! Now to take an enormous sip of espresso and test the TV listings …

Ben Lindbergh: Nice episode! So psyched for the massive battle. It’s all been constructing as much as this—subsequent week would be the one we’ve all been ready for!

Wait. Did you say finale?

Claire McNear: ARE YOU KIDDING ME? DID THEY FORGET TO INCLUDE THE LAST SCENE IN THE FINAL CUT? IS THIS THING ON???

Austin Gayle: My least favourite episode of the sequence so far. It was (clearly) a letdown for anybody anticipating dragonfire, however even past that, a few of the writing—I can’t get the scene between Rhaenyra and Corlys out of my head—felt so rushed and spoon-fed. I anticipated a lot extra and didn’t get it.

Kai Grady: I loved this season and the finale fairly a bit, however there’s no denying the ending felt a tad bit anticlimactic. I really like Sport of Thrones politicking and scheming as a lot as the following particular person, however the truth that we’re nonetheless organising chess items 18 episodes into the sequence makes it fall considerably flat.

2. What was the most effective second of the episode?

McNear: “I need you to fuck my wives” could be very presumably the one finest line within the historical past of the Thrones-verse.

Baker: I liked each of Rhaenyra’s exchanges on this episode with former family members—Daemon and Alicent—as they sought to attraction to her. Her character all the time works finest when she will play off another person, and these scenes jogged my memory of how unbelievable Emma D’Arcy’s work is. The Rhaenyra-Alicent convo was good appearing, on either side: I liked how steely Rhaenyra turned as she appeared her determined pal within the eye and named her worth.

Grady: Ulf the White appearing an absolute FOOL at his first dinner with the rightful queen. Do you see what number of dragons Rhaenyra has now?! Ulf’s unseriousness brings HotD some much-needed levity and retains his actions unpredictable. He jogs my memory of Tyrion, but when Tyrion was lowborn, much less competent, and had no actual curiosity within the machinations that include pursuing the crown.

Lindbergh: Rhaenyra reuniting with Daemon at Harrenhal. These two problematic Targaryen lovebirds had been aside since Episode 2, and quite a bit has occurred to each of them since then. It was immensely satisfying to see them come collectively once more in such an atmospheric setting, underneath such suspenseful, high-stakes circumstances. I significantly favored the distinction between their theatrical change for public consumption, within the frequent tongue, and their non-public, private communion amid that pomp and pageantry, in Excessive Valyrian. Many Brackens and Blackwoods died to carry us this reconciliation, however in the end Daemon did the proper factor and resisted the temptation to coup-operate with Alfred Broome. Congrats to Rhaenyra on escaping confinement on Dragonstone, a minimum of for one scene.

Gayle: Surprisingly, Criston Cole’s scene with Alicent’s brother, Ser Gwayne. He was (and possibly nonetheless is) probably the most hated man on TV proper now, however I’ve grown to love Cole much more post-haircut. A few of his dialogue in his dialog with Gwayne minimize deep:

“Or maybe all males are corrupt. And true honor is a mist that melts within the morning.

“The dragons dance, and males are like mud underneath their toes. And all of our nice ideas, all our endeavors are as nothing. We march now towards our annihilation. To die can be a form of aid. Don’t you assume?”

I really like that he’s in his “all males suck, together with me, and life is meaningless” period. Be a part of the remainder of us, lad.

3. What was your least favourite half?

Lindbergh:

HBO

Truly, no—individuals pay good cash to see stuff like that on-line. Let’s go together with Rhaena working across the Vale in pursuit of a dragon that the sequence hasn’t set as much as appear significantly essential.

Grady: Once I began to empathize with Criston Cole. I’m aware of your recreation, Thrones—look no additional than the arcs of former GOT characters like Jaime Lannister, the Hound, and Theon Greyjoy, to call a couple of.

McNear: “Nicely, subsequent season can be superior” is just not the compelling enterprise proposition that Max appears to assume it’s.

Gayle: Corlys’s dialogue in his ultimate scene with Rhaenyra; Daemon screaming giddily like a baby in entrance of a military that he barely cobbled collectively whereas a identified turncloak, Ser Alfred Broome, sneaked away effortlessly; the entire Triarchy scenes with Tyland Lannister—they included characters I didn’t care about and have been extra lighthearted than what I hoped from the finale. Additionally, the trailer-esque montage on the finish?! I imply, they have been laughing in our faces at that time.

Baker: So as from least to most egregious:

4. Criston Cole’s full lack thereof. Dude, you might be neither Laid-Again Jim NOR Cool, Hip Jim!

3. I favored assembly Admiral Lohar, who answered the unasked query of “What if Brienne of Tarth have been extra like Yara Greyjoy?” with bizarre leering aplomb. However! That mud-wrestling scene was cringe and tryhard and felt like one thing out of this season of The Boys. I shan’t be elaborating additional.

2. Everybody who claimed that Mysaria’s accent had “gotten higher” this season. I really feel lied to, hoodwinked, led astray.

1. That we now in all probability have to attend years, plural, for some decision. (I notice it is a very The meals is horrible! And such small parts! grievance.)

4. The finale eschewed a climactic battle in favor of setup for future occasions. What story or character improvement are you most intrigued by?

Gayle: Cole. He’s one way or the other come out of this season as the one character who nonetheless feels able to wowing me proper now. Larys and Aegon are gone. Alicent and Helaena are searching for methods out. Daemon spent a complete season away from the primary forged following ghosts round a citadel simply to have his total outlook and demeanor change with one contact of a tree. The extra Aemond spoke within the ultimate episode, the much less I feared him—his mystique carried a lot greater than his precise phrases (and boyish voice). I’m bored of Jace’s pouting. Corlys and his son Alyn are due for what ought to be enjoyable ship battles, however I don’t really feel tremendous related to both of them or to the Triarchy they’re set to sq. off towards. Rhaenyra and her new dragonriders can be cool when, um, WE ACTUALLY SEE THEM FIGHT OTHER DRAGONS. We bought as many dragon battles in Season 2 as we did in Season 1 … certain, the Season 2 escapade concerned three dragons as an alternative of two, however you get my level.

Baker: This query really helps me see that the finale was successful on some ranges, as a result of I’m having bother deciding. Form of a three-way tie between (a) seeing what depressive-pixie-dream-girl Helaena’s function within the battle will wind up being; (b) following together with Larys and Aegon out on the open street—somebody get these guys a very good Cameron Crowe soundtrack, stat!; and (c) seeing what occurs when Rhaenyra tries to take Alicent up on her provide and finds the king’s quarters unoccupied.

Lindbergh: I’m taken with seeing the dragonseeds sprout. Given Rhaenyra’s present dragon benefit—which can solely develop if Rhaena claims Sheepstealer—the queen all of the sudden appears OP. However with a minimum of two seasons of Dragon to go, this civil conflict can’t be near its finish. One thing has to occur to stability the scales (so to talk), and Rhaenyra’s impressed recruiting gambit might include a catch. Will her upjumped dragonriders ship? Or will the reaping be redder than the Sowing? As Addam informed Ulf, “There can be time sufficient to see which considered one of us is a coward.”

McNear: Let’s get Daemon again within the recreation! Matt Smith’s roguish efficiency was maybe the one finest aspect of Season 1—solely to have him spend Season 2 moping round Harrenhal, largely in solitude. With Daemon now formally again on Staff Rhaenyra, I’m trying ahead to him getting the heck out of the melted haunted home (and much, far-off from Alys Rivers) and resuming the drawling, canny efficiency that we all know and love.

Grady: Who the hell took Otto? He’s been off the board since early within the season, and the present little doubt suffered attributable to his absence. I have to know who took him and why. He’s a slippery snake, so it will presumably take somebody of equal or greater mental stature to nab him.

5. Who was the sneaky MVP of Season 2?

Lindbergh: Simon Russell Beale as Ser Simon Sturdy. This season spent a ton of time in Harrenhal, the place there was subsequent to no motion. A few of these scenes would’ve dragged way more than they did with out the presence of Ser Simon to tether the Targaryen imaginative and prescient quest to actuality, present a extra grounded counterpart to Alys, and add a bit levity to brooding Daemon.

Baker: Aemond! One thing in regards to the more and more chilly look on his face as he was speaking to his sister/sister-in-law Helaena sealed the deal on this for me. Each time he’s been on-screen this season I’ve perked up, and I’m absolutely on board with no matter “Aemond is the Night time King” idea it’s that I’ve seen cooking.

Grady: Woman Mysaria! The White Worm leveled up in an enormous method this season by proving her price to Rhaenyra, each within the streets and within the sheets (I’ll see myself out). Cozying as much as the once-heir to the Iron Throne was the neatest transfer she might have made and already has given her a larger function and a better standing. Oh, and Sonoya Mizuno’s accent work was sooooooooooo a lot better this time round.

Gayle: Cole, in fact. He’s off ladies for now and dealing on himself. We love a self-aware, self-caring king.

McNear: What’s Larys as much as? Final season, he was at Alicent’s beck and name. This season, he betrayed her to again Aemond as regent. Now he’s smuggled Aegon out of the Crimson Maintain to security—each from his stabby brother and his newly infanticidal mom. It’s not clear at this level that he serves anybody aside from himself, and he does it with aplomb.

6. A phrase on Daemon’s non secular journey this season, please. What are your ideas on his arc?

Grady: Daemon lastly accomplished his Harrenhal facet quest, and HotD is healthier for it. Whereas the opening few episodes of his hallucinogen-filled dungeon arc have been intriguing, it in the end overstayed its welcome. The return of fan favorites Milly Alcock and Paddy Considine was a deal with, but it surely wasn’t price sidelining the present’s most compelling wild card for an Aaron Rodgers–esque imaginative and prescient quest.

McNear: I say this from a spot of affection: Daemon must go to rehab. Perhaps a pleasant one with a pool in Dorne! Extra to the purpose, I’m not a lot of a fan of the best way prophecy is utilized in George R.R. Martin’s work. Daemon’s newest binge of the great things has proven him that winter is certainly coming—which, certain, glad he’s on the identical web page as Rhaenyra (lastly). Is it one way or the other past the powers of weirwood to convey extra particular info—say, the best way to successfully battle the Night time King, or that Daenerys isn’t a very good egg, or, I don’t know, that the Night time King is in the end defeated and Westeros lives on? Maybe his imaginative and prescient conveyed to him some vital reality about why Rhaenyra should overcome the greens to ensure that his prophecy to come back true—but when so, why not share it far and extensive? In any case, I don’t know that I purchase that Daemon would immediately take this imaginative and prescient as canon however not, say, the dream the place he was rolling within the hay along with his mom.

Baker: Daemon was in all probability my favourite character within the first season, and I used to be excited to see what Matt Smith meant when he described his function as “softer, lazier, fatter, slower” this season. (In any other case often known as: me watching the Olympics.) I assume that his arc this time round was doubtless essential to arrange what’s to come back, however the precise week-to-week expertise of watching him mope and stagger round Harrenhal was largely fairly disagreeable! All that mentioned, it took only some strains of Excessive Valyrian exchanged with Rhaenyra, and I used to be instantly again in.

Lindbergh: I like the place it wound up, even when it was generally sluggish going to get there. I share Zach Kram’s considerations about Dragon’s dependence on predestination and ties to Sport of Thrones and the big Westeros small-screen universe—Alys’s line “It’s all a narrative, and you might be however one half in it” appears like one thing David Zaslav would say as he orders one other spinoff—however on a person stage, I really like this extra mature, chastened Daemon. Having been humbled by Oscar Tully and having acquired the identical foreknowledge that’s pushed Viserys and Rhaenyra, Daemon is embracing his brother’s needs and heeding the recommendation of the Viserys in his visions. “Go away me once more at your peril,” Rhaenyra warns her uncle/consort. Daemon solutions, “I couldn’t. I’ve tried.” Is he surrendering to destiny, or has he gained perspective? Daemon isn’t a very good man, however he’s a modified man, which makes for a compelling counterpoint to Ser Criston’s nihilistic flip.

Gayle: Boring. It was clearly vital, as a result of it turned him into the tree-toucher he wanted to be with the intention to see the longer term, however you possibly can’t argue that it wasn’t boring. Daemon is without doubt one of the most beloved characters within the present. Matt Smith is without doubt one of the sequence’ finest actors. I saved saying to my companion as we watched each Sunday, “Can Daemon simply do one thing cool?” I didn’t even care if it was good or unhealthy; I simply needed to see one thing.

7. What are you most trying ahead to in Season 3?

Baker: Extra footage of Otto Hightower cowering in a cage.

Gayle: Matt Smith appearing with extra of the primary actors from the present, PLEASE. His scene with Emma D’Arcy in Episode 2 is without doubt one of the most memorable moments of the sequence, and we didn’t see them collectively after that for over a month. I’m praying to the outdated gods and the brand new that Matt isn’t off on one other facet quest in Season 3.

Lindbergh: I’m particularly trying ahead to [redacted]. And [redacted]. Extra broadly, although, I’m anticipating the beginning of subsequent season tapping into the pent-up demand generated by this abrupt Season 2 finale and the following two-year wait. Early Season 3 can be nothing however bangers, and the remainder of the season ought to sustain the tempo. We’ve seen the setup; now put together for the payoff. The delayed gratification goes to be good.

Grady: BLUE DRAGONS!!! I’ve been anxiously ready to see Dreamfyre on-screen for no cause aside from that blue dragons are sick. I imply, let’s not neglect how cool Viserion sorted you recognize who did you recognize what. Sadly for me, my hopes and goals have been squashed when Helaena declined Aemond’s pleas for her to saddle up and be part of the conflict effort. So think about my nice shock when Daeron Targaryen’s dragon, Tessarion, swooped in over Cole’s military towards the top of the finale. I can’t wait to see the Blue Queen (and hopefully Dreamfyre) in motion!

McNear: One of many central issues with Hearth & Blood as a supply textual content is that most of the Dance of the Dragons’ key figures spend a lot of the conflict in separate locations. This season, the Home of the Dragon staff wasn’t shy about diverging from that and getting characters again collectively for occasions that don’t happen within the guide. These scenes—Rhaenyra sneaking into King’s Touchdown, Alicent coming to Dragonstone, Rhaenyra and Daemon’s standoff at Harrenhal—have been a few of the season’s strongest, and so they added new, fascinating dynamics to the written story. To me, this appears like an indication that the powers that be are rising extra comfy tweaking and including to the unique story, which is essential for the present to achieve the seasons to come back.

8. As humble viewers members, what’s your finest recommendation for the Home of the Dragon artistic staff going ahead?

Lindbergh: You’ve performed the arduous half: the introductions, the time jumps, the primary stirrings of civil conflict. Now simply get to the great things with out extra delay. And if HBO tries to shorten subsequent season, say no.

Grady: Extra dragon dancing selection, please.

Gayle: Extra Matt Smith. Extra dragonfire. (We didn’t even see Aemond torch Sharp Level … like, come on. Present us the goddamn dragons.) And higher plotters and schemers?! Larys is working away. Alicent is making an attempt to run away. Hearth is Aemond’s solely plot and scheme. I WANT MORE.

McNear: It was all the time going to be tough to inform a narrative with this many characters. The weaker episodes of this season typically felt like strings of conferences: This particular person went to speak to that particular person, after which that particular person went to speak to this particular person, for 75 minutes. The sooner seasons of Sport of Thrones are a helpful instance right here: That present additionally had a bounty of personas taking part in out their very own dramas elsewhere, however Thrones did a a lot better job of preserving the would-be tedium of noble home roulette at bay. That was principally completed by zeroing in on the extra compelling story strains and leaving some characters on the periphery, and even off digicam completely. I feel Home of the Dragon can be a lot better served by making an attempt to do this—possibly we don’t want 10 scenes of Rhaena’s soul-searching on the Eyrie, or Jace being a cranky teen, or Mysaria purring at Rhaenyra. A few of that can be vital setup for future occasions, however I’d go away a lot of it on the cutting-room ground and refocus on the motion.

Baker: Expensive artistic staff, sustain the bizarre work! I really assume it is best to flip this complete operation into a proper high-concept bit by which each season is only a greater and bolder commercial for the season to come back. The sport throughout the recreation, if you’ll. Maybe Nathan Fielder can advise? See what number of instances you possibly can drive the guide readers to get into that tremendous mode the place they’re concurrently internally apoplectic and outwardly defensive in regards to the materials. (“Oh, simply you wait! They’re laying the muse!” is to GRRM followers what “Uh, really, the automobile is supposed to collapse like that; it’s a characteristic, not a bug” is to Cybertruck homeowners.) You may’t spell Home of the Dragon’s vastly anticipated third season! with no bunch of e-d-g-i-n-g, in any case.

SAINT-DENIS, IDF —

Sam Kendricks appreciates the Olympics once more. Valarie Allman by no means stopped.

It’s simply the therapeutic energy that medals have to fix and reinforce emotions.

In a brief span Monday evening, Allman gained her second straight Olympic title within the discus throw, whereas Kendricks captured silver in a pole vault competitors that featured Sweden’s Armand “Mondo” Duplantis breaking his personal world document.

The medals from Allman and Kendricks, 31, gave the U.S. 11 to date within the meet, together with three golds.

Three years in the past in Tokyo, Kendricks didn’t get the prospect to compete. He was positioned in isolation due to a constructive COVID-19 take a look at and didn’t really feel supported by Olympic officers.

It led to some fairly exhausting emotions — emotions that had the Mississippi native questioning if he even needed to compete in Paris.

His love-loathe relationship is again on path to like after he earned a silver medal. It pairs with the bronze he captured on the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Video games.

“I used to be undoubtedly bitter,” Kendricks mentioned. “I wasn’t going to come back to Paris till it was confirmed to me that it was going to be nice and shining into the long run.

Associated Tales Mondo Duplantis breaks personal pole vault world document at Olympics Richardson, McLaughlin and Lyles set to guide the Individuals to a giant medal haul at Olympic monitor Simone Biles and LeBron James are amongst athletes anticipated to bid ‘adieu’ to the Olympics in Paris

“It’s powerful, being turned away from. Hastily you’re sick, and each physician throws you to the wolves, and swiftly you’re caught in isolation when Workforce USA is meant to like you.”

It took some soul-searching for him to reach in Paris for one more Olympics.

“Somewhat than run away from it like I actually needed to, you’ve received to come back again,” Kendricks mentioned. “You’ve received to face that lion.”

Kendricks went up in opposition to a pole-vaulting beast in Duplantis, the 24-year-old from Louisiana who competes for his mom’s native Sweden. Kendricks watched the journey up shut of Duplantis blossoming into the world’s greatest. It culminated Monday with Duplantis clearing 6.25 meters (20 ft, 6 inches) to defend his gold medal.

“His story is written within the stars, for certain,” mentioned Kendricks, who cleared 5.95 meters (19-6 1/4) to carry off Emmanouil Karalis of Greece. “However I feel mine may have a tapestry hanging on my wall sooner or later worthy of studying.”

Similar with Allman’s story. After successful in Tokyo, the 29-year-old who competed for Stanford realized she wanted to dial again on the discus coaching. It had grow to be her sole focus out and in of the worldwide pandemic.

“I feel I is perhaps the one particular person on the earth that in all probability had an excessive amount of discus of their life,” Allman joked. “Once you need to be nearly as good as you may at one thing, you slowly begin making sacrifices, and also you don’t understand that it’s occurring.”

To reduce, she purchased a home and frolicked with mates.

“Such staple items,” Allman mentioned. “Once I went out to carry out, I mentioned that regardless of the way it performed out, I’m so grateful that I get to do what I like. Irrespective of if I get a medal, no matter colour it’s, if I don’t get a medal, that is going to be an evening that I’m happy with the battle that I confirmed. I feel there was one thing releasing in that.”

Early on, Allman confirmed some jitters by fouling on her first try.

“I felt the burden of like, ‘Holy crap, that is the Olympics,’” Allman defined. “It took me a minute to search out my groove.”

She went 68.74 meters (225-6) on her second throw and 69.50 (228-0) on her fourth. It was sufficient to beat Feng Bin of China and Sandra Elkasevic of Croatia.

“Strain is changing into my good friend,” Allman mentioned. “I feel it’s a type of issues I’ve discovered can deliver out the perfect in you in case you embrace it.

“To stroll into the ring having one try left and figuring out I’d already gained, it was exhausting preventing again tears.”

Within the thick of vice presidential consideration, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addressed an enthusiastic home-state viewers at a Democratic fundraiser Monday night time and made gentle of his sudden political rise.

“Life comes at you quick,” Walz mentioned, recounting his climb from classroom trainer to six-term congressman to governor and now one of some Democrats deemed a potential working mate to probably presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Harris, the present vp, is ready to call her selection forward of a Tuesday afternoon rally in Philadelphia. Walz is amongst a handful of contenders to satisfy both in particular person or nearly with Harris in latest days, in keeping with quite a few media stories.

At a fundraiser in Minneapolis attended by lots of of cheering backers, Walz didn’t disclose whether or not he expects to be named. However he spoke for about 10 minutes — a bit about himself however extra about how Democrats will distinction themselves with former Republican President Donald Trump this fall.

“He’s throwing insults and she or he’s smiling and saying ‘Say it to my face, say it to my face.’ Guess what? she will be able to deal with herself as properly,” Walz informed the gang, referring to Harris. “We’ve bought to have her again.”

He added, “We bought to run this marketing campaign as if the intense risk is there. However we now have to do it each single day with a way of pleasure.”

Reporters have been allowed into the fundraiser for the remarks however not allowed to take pictures or report for broadcast.

Walz was preceded by different Minnesota Democratic Get together leaders, together with Sen. Tina Smith.

She praised Harris and Walz.

“Are you prepared to listen to from Gov. Walz in a few minutes? Are you prepared for only a few extra dad jokes in your life?” Smith mentioned to cheers and a smatter of laughter.

She pivoted to the change in perspective of Democrats in latest weeks in regards to the upcoming election.

“I believe all of us have been form of like making an attempt to maintain our power up,” Smith mentioned. “After which all of the sudden we have been simply flooded with enthusiasm and a way of risk of believing that not solely that we might win this election, however in so doing we will preserve our nation transferring ahead in a route all of us need.”

Walz, 60, catapulted to the highest tier of selections for Harris within the abbreviated vice presidential vetting course of.

Harris deliberated over the choose Sunday in Washington, the place Walz and different contenders reportedly sat for closing interviews.

Walz abruptly canceled a visit to New Hampshire, the place he was imagined to attend some Democratic Get together rallies on Sunday.

Harris has quickly turn into the clear favourite to lock down the presidential nomination since President Joe Biden dropped his bid for reelection. And she or he has gained sufficient assist within the digital roll name to safe the nomination she’ll formally settle for on the Democratic Nationwide Conference in simply over two weeks.

Her ascension opened an abbreviated however intense vetting course of for her personal working mate. Walz was at first seen as a longshot however, over latest days, wound up squarely within the image.

It’s been by way of a mixture of his message, media consideration and his biography that Walz has climbed into competition. Walz put himself on the market so much within the final two weeks. He has been throughout cable tv and in nationwide publications drawing contrasts between Democrats and the Republican presidential ticket led by Donald Trump.

Walz has spoken forcefully about methods authorities actions have improved and might enhance individuals’s lives. He talks about his personal upbringing in small-town America and his pre-politics profession as a trainer. He has steered that Democrats do extra to attach with rural voters who’re aligning extra with Republicans of late. He does all of it with humor and catchy traces that high Democrats, together with Harris, have taken discover of. He — now famously — criticized Trump and his working mate JD Vance for sounding “bizarre” in how they forged America.

Walz shouldn’t be the one contender to be Harris’ working mate. No less than two others are additionally reported to have met with Harris over the weekend — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. Others are nonetheless being thought of.

Former Legal professional Basic Eric Holder, who has helped lead the VP search, was noticed arriving Sunday on the Naval Observatory in Washington. That’s the official residence of the vp and the place Harris was hunkered all the way down to assess her choices.

MPR Information didn’t hear again from Walz advisers after searching for remark over the weekend, and didn’t come throughout any video or photographic proof of his assembly with Harris.

We are going to probably know Harris’ choose someday Monday — or Tuesday on the newest. That’s as a result of Harris’ marketing campaign has already arrange a five-day, seven-state battleground tour with Harris and her vice presidential candidate. The primary rally is Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

Democrats additionally wish to finalize their ticket by Tuesday with a purpose to file for the Ohio poll — the state with the earliest deadline, Aug. 7.

Minnesota’s poll deadline for main occasion presidential candidates doesn’t come till Aug. 26.

SAINT-DENIS, France — Pole vaulters, American Sam Kendricks likes to say, use each single a part of their physique and uniform to excel of their occasion. 

So when Kendricks was “actually committing” to leaping 6.0 meters — a top he tried to clear thrice — and his spikes punctured his hand, he didn’t fear. He wiped it on his arm and carried on, all the way in which to securing a silver medal. 

“I’ve obtained very sharp spikes,” stated Kendricks, who took second within the males’s pole vault Monday evening at Stade de France within the 2024 Paris Olympics after he cleared 5.95 meters. “As I used to be actually committing to first leap at six meters (19 ft, 6 1/4 inches), I punctured my hand thrice and it wouldn’t cease bleeding. And slightly than wipe it on my good uniform, I needed to wipe it on my arm.

“I attempted to not get any blood on Outdated Glory for no good functions.” 

So, bloodied and bruised however not damaged, Kendricks goes residence with a silver medal, so as to add his Olympic assortment. He additionally has a bronze, which he received in Rio in 2016. 

2024 Olympic medals: Who’s main the medal rely? Comply with alongside as we monitor the medals for each sport.

Why not any medal illustration from Tokyo? He’d be blissful to let you know. 

In 2021, Kendricks was in Japan for the delayed Olympic Video games when he examined optimistic for COVID-19. He was devastated — and livid. He stays satisfied that it was a false optimistic as a result of he didn’t really feel sick. Nonetheless he was pressured to quarantine. He is talked about how he was “positively bitter” about what occurred then and struggled to let it go. On the U.S. Olympic monitor and subject trials in June, he threatened to not come to Paris. 

“Fairly than run away from it, like I actually needed to, you gotta come again, you gotta face that lion,” Kendricks stated. 

Requested if one other Olympic medal has erased the heartbreak of 2021, Kendricks stated, “I don’t wish to discuss Tokyo anymore.” 

He’d slightly gush concerning the present he obtained to observe in Paris.  

After he’d secured the gold Monday night, Swedish sensation Armand Duplantis, a Louisiana native recognized merely as “Mondo,” determined he was going to go for some data. First he cleared 6.10 to set an Olympic document. 

Then, with greater than 77,000 breathless folks zeroed in on him — each different occasion had wrapped up by 10 p.m., which meant pole vault obtained all the eye — Duplantis cleared 6.25, a world document. It set off an eruption in Stade de France, led by Kendricks, who went streaking throughout the monitor to have fun along with his pal.

“Pole vault breeds brotherhood,” Kendricks stated of the celebration with Duplantis, the 24-year-old whiz child who now has two gold medals.

The occasion went greater than three hours, with vaulters passing time chatting with one another between jumps.

“Most likely lots of it’s simply nonsense,”  Duplantis joked of the subjects mentioned. “If it’s Sam it’s most likely completely different nonsense. I’ll say this, we chatted rather a lot lower than we normally do. You possibly can positively sense when it’s the Olympics — folks begin to tense up a bit bit.” 

Requested if he’s additionally bitter at coming alongside across the identical time as Duplantis, Kendricks simply smiled. He has two of his personal world titles, he reminded everybody, successful gold on the World Championships in each 2017 and 2019.

“I’ve had my time with the golden handcuffs,” Kendricks stated. “Mondo earned his time.” 

E mail Lindsay Schnell at lschnell@usatoday.com and comply with her on social media @Lindsay_Schnell 

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What’s Tim Walz’s affect on swing states?

Minnesota has not voted Republican in a presidential race since 1972, but Trump’s marketing campaign has focused it in November.

The state additionally borders Wisconsin and is near Michigan, two key battlegrounds Ms Harris must win to assemble 270 electoral faculty votes.

Specifically, Mr Walz’s messaging ought to resonate with Midwestern counties that are typically much less prosperous and educated than the US common.  

Such counties are typically rural or small-town oriented – the sorts of locations the place Democrats have been dropping votes to Trump in latest elections.

On the similar time, he may not provide the same-swing state strategic worth in different components of the US as Mr Shapiro, the Pennsylvania governor, or Mark Kelly, the Arizona senator, two of the running-mate prospects that Ms Harris bypassed.

What’s Tim Walz’s background?

Mr Walz, who’s married to Gwen and has two youngsters, Hope and Gus, has had help throughout the occasion, together with progressives comparable to Bernie Sanders, the US senator, and congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Freddie Freeman singled and bought a hug from Phillies star Bryce Harper in his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup on Monday evening after lacking eight video games to be along with his ailing 3-year-old son, who’s out of hazard after a critical medical analysis.

“I’m again,” he stated earlier than the Dodgers’ 5-3 victory, “so which means good issues are taking place on the Freeman residence.”

Freeman acquired a standing ovation in his first at-bat. The Phillies joined the applause from their dugout. The pitch clock was stopped as he stepped out of the batter’s field, eliminated his helmet and waved to the group, then touched his proper hand to his coronary heart.

“It means loads that the Phillies have been respectful of that state of affairs,” Freeman stated. “I wasn’t anticipating it, however very a lot appreciated from the Dodgers followers. They made it actually exhausting to hit in that first at-bat, however that’s an excellent factor.”

The response clearly moved Freeman, who took a number of deep breaths earlier than stepping in towards Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola.

“I used to be doing OK tipping my hat after which my dad was sitting first row with my stepmom,” he stated. “He was, I don’t know if I might name him crying, however he was choked up and teary-eyed and that’s what actually bought me going.”

Freeman struck out swinging to finish the primary inning.

“It was one of the potent strikeouts I’ve ever had in my large league profession,” he stated.

The gang chanted “Freddie! Freddie!” earlier than Freeman singled within the third. Harper was ready for him with a consoling embrace.

“Bryce in all probability texts a minimum of 4 occasions in the course of the 9 days, actually checking in,” stated Freeman, including that each Phillies participant who reached first prolonged effectively needs to him.

“I’m drained and worn out,” he stated, fatigue evident in his voice. “It’s simply an emotional day.”

After an preliminary analysis proved incorrect, Maximus Freeman was discovered to have Guillain-Barre syndrome, one thing Freeman and his spouse, Chelsea, had by no means heard of. The uncommon neurological dysfunction happens when the physique’s immune system assaults the peripheral nervous system and causes nerve harm and muscle weak point.

“Seeing one in every of your children on a ventilator preventing, it was exhausting,” Freeman stated, his voice choking. “That’s the heartbreaking factor. Nobody deserves to undergo one thing like this. I do know you dad and mom perceive that. You’d swap in a second to take that ache, that struggling away out of your child in a heartbeat. Once you really feel hopeless, like Chelsea and I did, that’s exhausting.”

Talking earlier than the sport, he cried at occasions and wiped his eyes and nostril with a towel.

“In case you talked to me six days in the past, I might by no means have been capable of communicate,” Freeman stated. “The explanation I’m capable of get by way of that is due to the massive wins we’ve been getting the previous couple of days with him. It’s been a miraculous restoration, that’s what they are saying to us.”

Maximus first bought sick in the course of the All-Star break in July, when the household traveled to the sport in Texas to cheer on Freeman. 4 days later, the kid couldn’t sit up or stroll and finally stopped consuming and ingesting.

Freeman stated his son skilled a lack of sensation that unfold from his toes to his shoulders and had issue respiration.

He was rushed to the hospital close to the household’s residence in Orange County and placed on a ventilator. Maximus acquired two rounds of intravenous immunoglobulin, a organic agent and pooled antibody that helps restore a compromised immune system.

“Then it was a ready recreation,” Freeman stated.

He and Chelsea sat bedside within the pediatric intensive care unit for hours, staring intently at their son for even the slightest twitch.

“He began to shoulder shrug, which was a large signal for us,” Freeman stated. “It means we have been nearer to probably getting the ventilator out.”

Medical doctors have been inspired at how rapidly Maximus’ paralysis retreated from the highest to the underside of his physique.

“We ticked (off) the little wins we might get throughout this time,” stated Freeman, whose mom died of melanoma when he was 10.

The ventilator got here out “at 10:46, I’ll always remember it,” he stated. “Inside six minutes he was sitting on me. I can’t inform you how good that felt, to have the ability to maintain my son once more.”

Maximus is among the Freemans’ three sons. Charlie is the oldest, adopted by Brandon and Maximus, a reputation Chelsea stumbled on.

“That was a robust title,” Freeman stated. “I didn’t comprehend it was going to be confirmed to be true inside 4 years of his lifetime of how robust this little boy is.”

Freeman was greeted Monday by his teammates and Dodgers workers members carrying blue #MaxStrong T-shirts along with his final title and jersey quantity 5 on the again. Supervisor Dave Roberts stated a workforce worker got here up with the concept.

“That was the primary time I cried at the moment, once I walked in and noticed these,” Freeman stated. “It means loads.”

His baseball household reached out to Freeman in the course of the disaster, together with his present teammates, his former workforce the Atlanta Braves, and Arizona Diamondbacks supervisor Torey Lovullo.

“The assist and the love which have been proven to us, it gave us hope,” Freeman stated. “It was wanted, it actually was.”

Maximus is again residence, doing bodily remedy to relearn the way to stroll and transfer his fingers, that are in a claw place.

“You may see his smile once more,” Freeman stated.

The boy was keen to look at his dad play towards the Phillies on Monday.

“We’ve been informed that he’s going to make a full restoration,” Freeman stated. “We simply don’t know the way lengthy that might be.”

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb