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casino games using paypal Six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick interviewed for the head-coaching job at North Carolina, Inside Carolina and the Raleigh News & Observer reported Thursday. According to the News & Observer, Belichick "blew them away in the interview," yet he is not likely to move forward because he is pushing 73 years old and has no experience in the college game. After he and the New England Patriots agreed to part ways following a 24-year stint, Belichick interviewed for the head job with the Atlanta Falcons, who instead hired Raheem Morris. The North Carolina interview is the first known instance of Belichick showing interest in a college position. Belichick is expected to draw interest for NFL openings in the upcoming hiring cycle. The Tar Heels retained an outside advisory firm to identify coaching candidates to replace Mack Brown, whom they fired at the end of the regular season. North Carolina went 6-6, including 3-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. "We've had a tremendous response of people across the country, of agents calling us, coaches, people calling on behalf of other people that are in the industry," North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in an in-house interview the school posted online earlier this week. "We are very optimistic of where we are, the interest in our program is just extraordinary, and we'll get a great coach to lead us. Who can lead us in the next three, five, 10 years? We need somebody that can come in and take us from good to great." --Field Level MediaCelebrities who had the worst year in 2024

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For centuries, rice has been the heartbeat of Sri Lankan agriculture, with over 1 million hectares of paddy fields cultivated annually, accounting for 37% of the country’s land use. But as climate change accelerates, the task of managing water resources, especially for paddy, has become ever more challenging. The Green Climate Fund-financed Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP) is responding to this challenge with an innovative solution – Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). The project, implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka, with technical support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, is transforming agricultural productivity, through integrated water management. Paddy fields have long been cultivated under the continuous flooding system, consuming around 2,500 litres of water to produce just 1 kilogram of rice, placing immense pressure on water resources, especially during periods of drought. Data from the project shows that through AWD, water usage is reduced by upto 27%, and increased cropping intensity from 1.2 to 2.1, which means farmers can now cultivate their land more frequently, leading to more harvests, more income, and food security. The success of this initiative is not just about introducing technology; it is about empowering Sri Lankan farmers with knowledge. The CRIWMP has worked closely with farming communities, providing them with training, tools, and climate advisory services to adopt the AWD system effectively. Take for example, the case of the Palugaswewa Farmer Organisation. President R.B.M. Anura Wasantha shared that, prior to the project’s intervention, they could only cultivate their land to its full extent during the Maha (major) season and just a fraction during the Yala (minor) season. The introduction of AWD technology has been a game-changer. Using simple tools like water pipes buried in the soil, farmers learned to monitor water levels and irrigate only when necessary. Agro-metrological advisories helped synchronise rainwater with their irrigation needs, ensuring that tank water is preserved for critical periods. “Earlier, we used tank water for land preparation without understanding ‘on-farm and off-farm’ water management and were not familiar with agro-meteorological advisories either. Now, thanks to the depth gauge that has been installed, we can calculate the tank water levels accurately and follow the advisories to make better use of rainwater, conserving a big proportion of the irrigation water in the tank.” “Now, we save the water in our tanks – it is like saving money in a bank for us,” says Wasantha, who proudly states that this practice has allowed them to cultivate their land fully even during the Yala season. As the AWD method became more established, the CRIWMP took it a step further by introducing two advanced technologies – the Sensor Light System and the Water Level Arrow Marking System. The Sensor Light System uses solar-powered sensors to monitor water levels. When the water level reaches a critical point, a red light switches on, signalling farmers to irrigate. The Water Level Arrow Marking System, on the other hand, uses a floating arrow that indicates water levels. Farmers can easily observe the water level from a distance, reducing the need to enter the field. These innovations have enabled farmers like Wasantha to feel more confident in managing their water resources, even referring to themselves as “smart” farmers. CRIWMP Climate Smart Agriculture Program Coordinator Dr. Geethika Wijesundara sees this transformation as a paradigm shift in water management for Sri Lanka’s paddy cultivation. She explains: “By adopting AWD, farmers can now cultivate with just 2.9 to 3 acre-feet of water. This reduction means that water saved can be allocated to other field crops (OFCs) for a third season, leading to more yields and income.” Palugaswewa Farmer Organisation Secretary Susantha shares: “We cultivated 100% of our Yala land with AWD. Along with agro-meteorological advisories, we used only the necessary amount of water for paddy cultivation. After the Maha season, we had 240 acre-feet of water left in the tank, and we received more from the rains. So, for the Yala season, we were able to use water for both paddy and green gram. We still have 30 acre-feet of water left in the tank for our domestic purposes.” The impact of AWD goes beyond water conservation and paddy productivity. Methane emissions, a significant contributor to global warming, have been reduced by 40% in fields adopting the AWD system. In Sri Lanka, studies note that the average methane emission rate in flooded paddy fields is 570 mg/ha, which have been reduced to an impressive 325 mg/ha through AWD. Dr. Wijesundara explains: “This has opened our eyes to the fact that integrated water management in paddy farming is essential. If AWD is adopted across Sri Lanka’s paddy farming fields, we could potentially reduce methane emissions by 245,000 tons annually.” As the CRIWMP continues to introduce and promote innovative water management technologies, it is clear that the future of Sri Lankan paddy farming is becoming brighter, more sustainable, and more resilient. Susantha attests: “I never knew that paddy fields emit methane. Thanks to the CRIWMP, we learned about methane emissions and now, I am proud to say that we are working on reducing our contributions to global warming.” Taking AWD a step further, the project plans to conduct soil drainage class mapping in two village irrigation systems’ Yala programs, to determine the most optimal crop plan for the Yala season. This will ensure that paddy is cultivated based on water availability, while OFCs with higher market value are introduced, enhancing smallholders’ resilience and profitability, ensuring that they thrive in a changing climate. Sri Lanka’s journey towards climate-resilient agriculture is a testament to the power of blending traditional knowledge with modern technology. By embracing change and innovation, Sri Lankan farmers are not just growing rice – they are cultivating hope, resilience, and a sustainable future for generations to come.Randy Boissonnault, whose shifting claims to Indigenous identity cost him his job as employment minister, told a House of Commons committee today that he is not Indigenous. Boissonnault was called to testify at the Indigenous and northern affairs committee after a series of media reports, led by the National Post, raised doubts about his past claims related to his heritage. The Edmonton MP has been described as Indigenous multiple times in communications from the Liberal Party, has referred to himself as "non-status adopted Cree" and has said his great-grandmother was a "full-blooded Cree woman." He has since clarified that his adoptive mother and brother are Metis, and he apologized for his shifting claims. Boissonnault out of cabinet after shifting claims about Indigenous heritage Boissonnault apologizes for shifting statements about family's Indigeneity At the committee this morning, Boissonnault said he came up with the term "non-status adopted Cree" after a conversation with an Indigenous researcher and that he was trying to convey his family's heritage. NDP MP Lori Idlout, who is Inuk, pressed him on which Cree nation his family belonged to. Boissonnault had no answer. "I grew up understanding that my family was Cree, and I didn't question my family about which nation," he said, adding that his great-grandmother "married a settler and so there was no First Nation that she was connected to." Idlout later asked what he was doing to correct the mistakes about his identity. "I would be happy to meet with you separately to get your advice on what you think I should do," Boissonnault said, as Idlout replied "No, no." "I have not stated that I'm Indigenous, I've not ever stated that I seek Indigenous status so I haven't taken any step," he said. Idlout cut him off, saying in Inuktitut that "Pretendianism is not only harmful, it is fraud." WATCH | Boissonnault leaves cabinet after uproar over Indigenous heritage claims Boissonnault leaves cabinet after uproar over Indigenous heritage claims 15 days ago Duration 4:18 Alberta MP and now former employment minister Randy Boissonnault has stepped away from the Liberal cabinet after days of criticism over his shifting Indigenous ancestry claims. Boissonnault told the committee he has been speaking with Indigenous leaders and elders and seeking advice on how to make amends. He said the phrase "non-status adopted Cree" was something he came up with because there was no term that described his situation. He said he was sorry that it was "not as clear as it could have been." He also said he felt the committee's work in "unpacking the nexus of identity, heritage and status" is important. Bloc Quebecois MP Nathalie Sinclair Desgagne asked why Boissonnault used to begin some of his speeches in the Cree language, and whether that amounted to cultural appropriation. He defended that practice, saying in French that he wanted to be an ally of Indigenous Peoples, that some Indigenous people told him he was "talented in languages" and that it was important for him to add Cree to his speeches. It is not uncommon for politicians to include words in Indigenous languages in addresses to Indigenous communities. Newly released texts raise fresh questions about Randy Boissonnault's business dealings Boissonnault cleared in preliminary ethics probe of his business dealings Conservatives call for 'other Randy' to testify as minister's business dealings face ethics probe The National Post also reported that a company he co-founded when he was not an MP had described itself as wholly Indigenous-owned in order to apply for government contracts set aside for Indigenous businesses. It was not successful in those bids. Boissonnault said Thursday he was "glad the current safeguards worked correctly." He also said his former business partner and the company's other co-founder, Stephen Anderson, used his name without his consent and "conducted himself unethically." Boissonnault insists he has not been involved in the business since he was re-elected in 2021 and said he has sought legal advice on the matter. Conservative MP Michael Cooper asked why he hadn't sued Anderson already. Boissonnault said he has started the process to begin legal action and it was one of the reasons he resigned from cabinet. The pair's business dealings and the company they founded, Global Health Imports, have been the subject of two ethics committee probes. The Conservatives have accused Anderson of lying to committee and want to call him before the bar in the House of Commons for a formal reprimand. That authority has only been used twice since 1913.

Are you tracking your health with a device? Here’s what could happen with the dataCLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson reserve guard Trent Howard will miss the 12th-ranked Tigers game with No. 16 South Carolina after tearing the ACL in his left knee at practice this week. Tigers coach Dabo Swinney announced Howard's injury Wednesday. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound fifth-year graduate has been a backup much of the season, but had to step into a starter's role due to injuries along Clemson's offensive line. “My heart breaks for him,” Swinney said. Howard came in on the second snap in a 24-20 win at Pitt two games ago when lineman Elyjah Thurmon was hurt on the first play. Thurmon had an ankle injury that required surgery and will not return this season. Howard got his fourth career start last Saturday in a 51-14 win over The Citadel. and was in line for another if injured starter Marcus Tate was unable to go after missing the past three games. Howard was listed as a backup at both right and left guard on this week's depth chart. The Tigers (9-2) face the rival Gamecocks (8-3) on Saturday. —- Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballThe world according to Jim: • As we approach the latest edition of USC vs. UCLA – in other words, a 5-5 team against a 4-6 team, their game Saturday at the Rose Bowl shunted to a 7:30 Pacific time slot so people in the Eastern half of the country who don’t have a bet on the game need not bother – the question must be asked: Are there people in those athletic departments who have buyers’ remorse over the move to the Big Ten? And will that remorse only increase as the travel horror stories involving non-football programs’ conference travel pile up? ... • Here’s a reminder of the reason for this displacement, as well as the only thing that seemingly makes it make sense: The L.A. schools are getting full shares of the Big Ten media pie, somewhere in the neighborhood of $60 million a year, as the first programs to jump the Pac-12 ship on the final day of June, 2022. Given the way former Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff subsequently botched the conference’s media rights negotiations, which began the mass exodus, the L.A. schools’ move in retrospect was understandable if regrettable. ... • Hey, it is more expensive to live in L.A., right? ... • Oregon and Washington, among the last to defect, get half shares for the balance of the Big Ten contract, which runs through the spring of 2030 (although Phil Knight’s largesse almost certainly helps offset the difference at Oregon). The teams that scattered to the Big XII and Atlantic Coast Conference similarly received reduced shares from their new conferences. Oregon State and Washington State have been living off the Pac-12’s surplus and a stopgap TV deal and teamed with Octagon this week in search of a new media rights agreement for the rebuilding conference. ... • On the football field, at least, it has been an unqualified triumph for Oregon, undefeated and currently at the top of the College Football Playoff pecking order. Washington is 6-5 overall and 4-4 in the Big Ten. The L.A. schools are reduced to playing for bowl scraps. And the idea that Washington, USC and UCLA are respectively eighth, 12th and 13th in their conference is its own special kind of culture shock. ... • We’ve had more than a year to get used to it, but I still miss the old Pac-12 and its regional rivalries. That’s not going to change for a good, long while. ... • Meanwhile, Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin said the quiet part out loud the other day, as he is prone to do. His team’s on a heater – 8-2 overall, 4-2 in the SEC, No. 9 in the last College Football Playoff rankings and winner of three in a row, including a 28-10 thumping of then-No. 3 Georgia. Yet in an expanded SEC that – like the Big Ten – no longer has divisions and sends its first- and second-place teams to the conference championship game, Kiffin said he wanted no part of that 13th game and a potential third loss that would knock his team out of playoff contention. He indicated other SEC coaches had similar feelings. ... • In other words: The bloated nature of the current Power Four conferences – and, as former colleague Mark Whicker noted in his Substack column, the realization that contenders don’t all play each other because of that bloat – has already made the 12-team playoff unwieldy and borderline obsolete. Nice work, guys. ... • And let the empha$i$ on the bottom line, both among athletic programs and among those players getting NIL money, be one more reminder that the NCAA’s insistent reference to “student athletes,” parroted by its member schools, is as big a fallacy as ever and maybe more so. Reverse the order of that phrase and it’s closer to the truth. ... • The other aspect of what at first glance seems to be a diminished crosstown rivalry – at least until the game starts and the emotions on the field take over – is that one coach, UCLA’s DeShaun Foster, is digging out from the Chip Kelly era, and his team has already displayed progress this season. The other, USC’s Lincoln Riley, is drawing comparisons to predecessor Clay Helton among some alumni – and that’s not good. ... • The Rams will be honoring their 1999 team, which won the franchise’s first Super Bowl for St. Louis, at Sunday evening’s game against Philadelphia at SoFi Stadium. And if you are an L.A. Rams fan, all in on the team once again, do you really care about the ’99 champs, never mind willing to celebrate them? Or is there still a void between the team’s departure for St. Louis in 1995 and its return to Los Angeles in 2016? ( The Reddit conversation from this past May, “What Is Your Opinion of Georgia Frontiere,” indicates where longtime L.A. Rams fans stand on this.) ... • From the “things I wish I’d written” file, Washington Post columnist Sally Jenkins’ wonderful description of the monstrosity that was the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson “fight” a week ago: “Was Jake Paul’s not the most punchable face in the history of punched faces? It was a face with all the character and lived experience of a canned ham. It was the consummate face of an influencer, with all the smirky grifting in search of the lux life that term suggests. There wasn’t a hint of true toughness — much less truth — in it. Just blandness cloaked in a poseur-pharaoh’s beard and topped by some box-color bleached curls, and God did you ever want Mike Tyson to put his very real fist in it.” Priceless. ... • The ball from Freddie Freeman’s World Series Game 1 walkoff grand slam, grabbed by 10-year-old Zachary Ruderman of Venice – who was told he was leaving school early that Friday to go to a orthodontist’s appointment only to have his dad take him to Dodger Stadium instead – is going to be auctioned off by SCP Auctions from Dec. 4-14. It should fetch seven figures, easy, maybe even more than the $4.392 million top bid last month for Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run (which is currently held up by a dispute over who actually had the right to auction it). ... • If I could afford to make the winning bid on Freeman’s ball – and if I actually could, you wouldn’t be reading this column – I’d lend it to the Dodgers to prominently display among their MVP and Cy Young and Silver Slugger trophies, with the stipulation that it would eventually go to the Hall of Fame. That’s where it belongs. Now if someone could just find the Kirk Gibson ball from 1988. ... jalexander@scng.com

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