Daily Archives: December 13, 2019

Progress is relative and it can be fluid, sometimes difficult to quantify but unmistakable when it pierces the gloom of a dismal rebuilding process.

The Kings are a long ways from turning the corner, but theyre inching forward. Thats not based on them scoring a lot of goals or winning a lot of games, because thats not happening. The scoring part wont happen until they upgrade their finishing skills, whether this season or next.

Two goals a game in this league anymore, I know we did it in the past but it was a 2-1, 3-2 league back then. Now it seems more like a 4-3 league, so we need to score more goals, defenseman Drew Doughty said of the Kings solid defensive play and low-scoring wins during their 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup seasons.

Where theyve moved forward recently is in playing with a cohesiveness they lacked in the early weeks this season and a competitiveness that was far from consistent during their first 20 games. They trust their structure and their coaching, and with good reason.

For the Kings, who followed an abysmal season with a 4-9-0 start under new coach Todd McLellan and gave up at least five goals in seven of those games, close losses have become the equivalent of moral victories and close wins are precious gems. Their 2-1 victory over the Ducks on Thursday at Honda Center was a satisfying result for a team that is confident, after some unfortunate detours, that its finally headed in the right direction.

Doughty, always blunt, believes players are buying in to McLellans system. The Kings arent getting run out of the rink anymore, for one thing. We havent had one of those in a while. As much as weve lost a lot of games we havent had any full lopsided games at all, Doughty said. So I guess in a way we are happy with that. Even though we have too many losses were improving all the time. Everyones getting better individually and as a team and yeah, its exciting, but we have a lot of work to do.

Highlights from the Kings 2-1 victory over the Ducks on Thursday.

They also have a credible and organized coach in charge. Just having this new coaching staff, implementing these new things that we always have to be thinking about and demanding us to do these things, Doughty said of the advancement he has seen. We finally got that, I feel like, and now its just individually getting our games better. I definitely feel that were on the right track and guys are getting better every day and I think we do have some more talent coming up soon, so its looking bright for us.

How bright?

I would like to still, hopefully, somehow get in the playoffs this year, he said. I know were in last and its a long way away but I still want to try.

Bless him for being ambitious, but thats unlikely. And making the playoffs would take them out of the draft lottery, where theyd have a chance to find high-level talent to accelerate their rebuild. Putting a solid foundation in place and staying together through those close losses should be their main concern, and that seems to be their thinking.

Our game has improved incrementally and slowly but not dramatically over two or three weeks, McLellan said after the Kings opened a stretch of six straight road games and eight of nine away from Staples Center. Weve been playing the same gamewe just havent been getting the wins or a bounce here or there. Maybe now theyll start to go our way but I think the group has improved immensely from Day One at training camp through the first four or five games in a lot of different areas and were making progress. Finding some rewards every now and then with wins is always reassuring.

The Ducks, who have won only three of their last 10 games, are two points ahead of the Kings near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Both teams missed the playoffs last season but the Ducks had stockpiled enough young forwards to think theyd be far ahead of the Kings this season. But their kids havent produced, and thats becoming an issue. I would have expected a little bit more production out of them, coach Dallas Eakins said before Thursdays game. The good thing is theyve still got lots of time left.

True, but Troy Terry (three goals in 31 games), Sam Steel (two goals in 27 games) and Max Comtois (who had an assist on Thursday but has two goals and six points in 16 games) must start contributing because theres little scoring depth. The Ducks are 4-6-4 in one-goal games this season.

Eakins wants to see more net-front play. We do at times get caught off the side, he said. The game is different now. If it was 10 years ago youd maybe lose a leg or part of an arm going to the front of the net and you can just certainly go there now, and weve just got to keep pounding that home.

Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick and teammates Trevor Lewis (22) and Kyle Clifford (13) try to stop Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler from scoring during the second period Thursday.

(Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)

Without a lot of pure skill, they have to grind and get in the mix for rebounds, tips and screens. We know were going to score by committee, defenseman Cam Fowler said. We need to be a team that has all four lines contributing. We know we have to play stingy defensively, which weve been doing.

Were in these games. We need to find a way to tip the scales and get on the right side of them. You can talk so much about being so close and being right there, but eventually you need to get results.

Defenseman Josh Manson had a lot of time to observe his teammates while he recovered from a knee injury and missed 19 games. Manson, who returned to the lineup at Minnesota on Tuesday, took no consolation from the narrow losses he saw. We were close in a lot of games and that can be a real bad thing because you become satisfied with it almost, like, These games will turn. Sometimes they dont turn, he said.

The Ducks have to make those games turn in their favor. Exactly, Manson said.

Until they can do that, theyll continue to move sideways. The Kings might slip again but their overall direction is forward. Remember, progress is relative and at this point, even the smallest gain is a major victory.

Continue reading here:

Kings showing progress as they buy into Todd McLellan's system - Los Angeles Times

The latest edition of Pig Progress is now available online. Between the covers of this edition we look at ways to curb tail biting, a feed additive for happier pigs, and amino acids for gut health.

With the rapid development of pig herd performance over recent decades, it is not uncommon that upwards of 30 piglets are weaned per sow per year. Dr Klausing looks at feeding strategies and feed composition in light of this level of production on pages 6-8.

Only sows that have been specifically fed for their condition are able to produce enough nutritious milk from the very beginning. Photo: Ronald Hissink

Ideally, conventional pig producers must identify a tail-biting problem as early on as possible. In this article on pages 14-16 we understand what to look out for, and what to do about it.

Providing a distraction to a group of pigs is key. It is important to change the type of distraction regularly to keep the pigs interest. Photo: J-Y. Chou

Continuing the subject of tail biting on pages 20-22, in Finland, where tail cutting was banned in 2003, pig producers have shown excellent results of reduced tail biting through optimal feeding conditions.

Straw is given as an additional safeguard against tail biting. Photo: Henk Riswick

According to Russian scientists, the incidence of depression amongst pigs has seen an increase over recent decades. We look at a new feed additive on pages 12-13 that aims to help pigs to combat stress.

Russian scientists have tested a feed additive designed to make pigs happier. Photo: Vladislav Vorotnikov

Piglet gut health takes the limelight as producers are required to reduce the use of antibiotics and zinc oxide whilst maintaining performance. Reducing dietary protein content is an important factor in reducing gut disorders, but we also need to reconsider the way that amino acid nutrition in diet formulation is addressed. Pages 10-11.

A lower supply of dietary protein reduces protein microbial fermentation thereby preventing the development of pathogenic bacteria. Photo: Ajinomoto

Feed intake is dramatically affected by the space given to pigs. It is essential that pigs eat immediately after weaning, and so the need to ensure that pigs have the space to mimic the feeding and drinking behaviour of pen-mates should not be underestimated. Pages 24-25.

Researcher Dr Lindvall has shown that moderate overstocking depresses growth rate and feed intake in the learning phase immediately post weaning. Photo: Henk Riswick.

When an order of pig feed arrives at the farm, producers can access key ingredient data and make calculations quickly and easily with NutriOpt. This goes a long way in helping producers to maximise profits. Pages 26-27.

A smart feed simulation programme eliminates guesswork. Photo: Bart Nijs

A 3-pronged approach in the fight against post-weaning diarrhoea includes the use of undigestible fibre and inflammation biomarkers, as well as adhering to a total health plan. Pages 28-29.

Nutrition should be integrated into an overall health strategy. Photo: Gwenael Saliou

It is becoming clear that zinc cannot be replaced by a single product and that a combination of strategies is needed. Page 31-32.

Not only is zinc involved in protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism, but it is also important for skin and wound healing. Photo: Framelco

In the first of a 2-part series, columnist John Gadd discusses mastitis, metritis and agalactia as well as farrowing stress in pigs on page 17.

To view these articles and other editions of Pig Progress online, simply click on the digital magazine section and then on Pig Progress 2019-10 to view this edition. Registration is free.

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Curly tails, happy pigs and gut health in Pig Progress 10 - Pig Progress

For the past couple of months, when Adam Thielen has been out and about in the Twin Cities, there has been one thing foremost on the minds of Vikings fans.

I get a lot of hamstring questions, Thielen said.

The star wide receiver injured his right hamstring Oct. 20 at Detroit and has been on the field for part of just one quarter since then. He has missed four straight games and five of the past six.

But Thielen said Thursday he is more optimistic now than in past weeks about returning. He practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday, and could be back for Sundays road game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Right now, Im just taking it one day at a time, just focusing on the day, Thielen said. (Thursdays practice) was a win for me and getting back out there. Everything has gone well so far and (I am) very happy with the progression. Well see how (Friday) goes.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection acknowledged two weeks ago he returned too soon for the Nov. 3 game at Kansas City after sitting out just one game. He aggravated the injury in the first quarter against the Chiefs and hasnt played since.

Thielen practiced on a limited basis Nov. 29 and 30 and was listed as questionable for a Dec. 2 game at Seattle. But he was downgraded to out the day before the game.

I just wasnt ready to go, he said. I couldnt do my job at the way I needed to do it to be successful or to even help this team. So, if I cant go 100 percent, I cant do my job, I cant play.

Thielen, 29, didnt practice last week and sat out last Sundays 20-7 home victory over the Lions. He returned to practice Wednesday.

Tight end Kyle Rudolph said Thielen looked good in Thursdays workout, and is hopeful he can play against the Chargers.

Its awesome any time you get a Pro Bowl-caliber player back offensively, Rudolph said. Weve been playing some good football, and if you can add a guy with Adams skill set and his ability, its only going to make us better.

Including the 26-23 loss to the Chiefs, the Vikings have gone 4-2 since Thielen was initially hurt. During his absence, wide receiver Stefon Diggs has had some big games, but quarterback Kirk Cousins also has spread the ball around a lot more. He completed passes to 11 different receivers against the Lions.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski will have a plan against the Chargers for if Thielen plays and if he doesnt.

Theres certain things that a specific player like Adam does really well and youre going to do it with Adam, and I could say the same with some of our tight ends and our running backs, Stefanski said. There are some things in mind as you put a plan together that you really have him in mind for. If hes not up, you move on to the next guy.

Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 2017-18, Thielen has 27 catches this season for 391 yards. Before his injury, he had played in all 87 games in his six-year pro career.

Thielen has been frustrated at times while sitting out. However, he said he has learned a lot, just about myself during the process.

Ive learned how to be patient and learned how to be smart and things like that in practice and progression and things like that, so, yeah, just trying to get better every day, he said.

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Vikings Adam Thielen very happy with progress from hamstring injury - St. Paul Pioneer Press

What more could have gone wrong for the regions farmers in 2019?

But now comes a bit of good news with forward movement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the trade deal expected to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. Mexico ratified the USMCA this past summer, and now as both U.S. political parties come into agreement the deal is likely to be formalized.

Unfortunately, politics may come into play. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell this week said he will delay a vote on the USMCA until the conclusion of a Senate impeachment trial of the president. As reported in The Hill a newspaper that covers the U.S. Capitol McConnell said from my perspective, (the USMCA) is not as good as I had hoped.

Come on, Mitch. Judging by comments made from the regions congressional delegates, USMCA deserves quick passage.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said it will provide important certainty regarding our two biggest trading partners and significant benefits for U.S. agriculture.

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., called the recent agreement on USMCA long overdue and said that advancing it will be a win for North Dakota.

Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., also called it a huge win for North Dakota.

Its been a long time coming, and especially for aggies. Meteorological crises notwithstanding, they have dealt with all sorts of body blows, the most recent being a shortage of propane the key fuel used for drying corn. Trade wars have added to their anxiety.

After all, Canada and Mexico are North Dakotas top trading nations according to state data, North Dakota exports roughly $5 billion annually to those countries. USMCA will lock in an agreement between the United States and these important and nearby partners for years to come. It also could help move forward a trade agreement with China, since that country may have lost leverage over the U.S. now that Canada and Mexico will be back in the trading mix.

And it seems to be a political win for many, especially President Trump, whose declared goal has been to update trade agreements to better position the U.S. in the future. Even Democrats should see this as a win, since it shows they are able to push forward GOP-backed legislation amid the impeachment controversy.

Some are saying the benefits of USMCA arent as great as advertised. A gloomy report by The Washington Post notes that passing the USMCA will provide a minimal macroeconomic boost and that its broad effects will be negligible. But it also cites economists who say the USMCA will prevent a breakdown in cross-border trading between the United States chief trading partners.

We prefer a brighter outlook. The USMCA is a win for Trump, a good concession by Democrats and applauded by regional lawmakers, farm organizations and chambers of commerce.

Now, the goal should be to quickly ratify the USMCA avoiding the politics of impeachment proceedings and giving farmers some peace of mind during the holiday season.

Here is the original post:

Our view: USMCA is progress, so ratify it - Grand Forks Herald

Another line of inquiry into Trumps business deals unearthed a flow of Russian money into his projects, what Fritsch once called a tour de sleaze. Needing a clearer sense of what was happening inside Russia itself, where public records were hard to come by, Fusion reached out to Steele.

The authors chronicle how Steele became so alarmed by what his sources were telling him that he asked Fusions permission to share his raw intelligence notes with the F.B.I. and, later, an adviser to Sen. John McCain.

Steele, Simpson and Fritsch started talking on deep background to journalists, too, though the authors say they took care not to share the dossier with the media before the election, and were furious when BuzzFeed posted the document in January 2017, 10 days before President Trumps inauguration. (They show little love for The Times and its 2016 election coverage, either.) This timeline, they repeatedly argue, is key: Republicans have tried to portray the dossier as a hoax or a dirty trick designed to prejudice the electorate, but how could it have swayed voters if it was kept hidden before the vote?

Simpson and Fritsch are able guides to a byzantine world; their presentation is methodical, almost lawyerly, which isnt as bad as it sounds. When reading a story full of weird financial transactions, narratives and counternarratives, its helpful to have everything laid out as plainly as possible even if the layers of chicanery are sometimes so densely packed that their syntax gets squeezed into ugly shapes. The story described how a former senator from Putins political party who had gone on to run the Central Bank of the Russian Federation was the subject of an investigation in Spain into money laundering by a Russian organized crime syndicate called the Taganskaya Gang, they write, describing a news article; its a sentence only the most grimly determined reader could love.

Simpson and Fritsch try to address conservative conspiracy theorists head on, devoting an entire chapter to their work with a Russian real-estate company named Prevezon and its lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya who, unbeknownst to Fusion at the time, arranged a notorious meeting with the Trump campaign. For a couple of guys who spent their careers investigating how money can shape incentives, or at least appear to, they seemed for a while either defensive or nave when it came to the murkier aspects of their own business model.

Fusions conservative critics doubtless wont be placated by this book, even though the authors say that those critics were ultimately what made the book possible. Only when Republican members of Congress forced Fusion to provide documents and testimony in an attempt to ferret out a vast left-wing conspiracy were Simpson and Fritsch freed to write about interactions they would have otherwise been contractually obligated to keep confidential.

Its a nice bit of irony in a book that reads like a morality tale about unintended consequences. As Simpson told congressional investigators back in 2017: We threw a line in the water and Moby Dick came back.

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Crime in Progress Tells the Story Behind the Steele Dossier - The New York Times