Latest news with #Apollo11
Scotsman
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
I popped to Prague and it was alive with the sound of music
Marion Ainge pops to the stunning city of Prague for a cultural reset Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... From an open window, we hear a tinkling piano accompanying the voice of a soprano practising her musical scales. On Prague's famous Charles Bridge, a lively jazz quartet entertains. And at legendary composer Dvorak's former home, in Nelahozeves, we're surrounded by the sounds of his internationally renowned New World Symphony which fills every room. In 1969, Neil Armstrong, commander of the Apollo 11 spaceship and first man on the moon, took a cassette recording of this symphony, composed in the United States, on his epic mission. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The rooftops of Prague | Marion Ainge It's around two hours by EasyJet airline from northern UK airports to Prague, known as the city of 1,000 spires. Situated in the heart of Czechia, the blend of music, history, culture and gastronomy attracts around eight million visitors every year. Aria Hotel garden | Marion Ainge Our base is the luxurious, aptly named-5-star boutique Hotel Aria sited in the Old Town, just minutes from Charles Bridge. Rooms are dedicated to a specific style of music, artist or composer and there are other musical touches - the top of the bar counter is designed to resemble a piano keyboard. The exquisite, Baroque-themed Unesco Heritage garden is a favourite setting for the most romantic of wedding photographs. Breakfast at the Hotel Aria is a symphony of delights! I manage to resist the creamy pastries to choose a bowl of sweet, fresh strawberries and a truffle oil omelet. The building of one of the oldest bridges in Europe, the Medieval, stone-arched Charles Bridge began in 1357 during the reign of King Charles lV and was completed in the early 15th century. At 516 metres long and almost 10 metres wide, it crosses the River Vltava from the Old Town to the castle, features 30 stone statues and is bordered by two towers. Pedestrianised, it's always buzzing with two-way walkers and is full of activity with musicians, street entertainers, stalls, painters and artists. In the city, it's also worth seeing the psychedelic, colour-splashed John Lennon Wall; Devil's Canal also known as Little Prague Venice and the London-themed pub, complete with red telephone box. Beethoven and Mozart are listed among the city's most famous visitors over the years. The Bedrich Smetana Museum, within a neo-Renaissance building on the river banks, explores the life and works of one of the most influential Czech composers. The top of the Old Town Hall Gothic tower affords panoramic views of the city and houses the famous Astronomical Clock. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Brno main square | Marion Ainge A two-hour journey takes us to Brno in south Moravia, a university city which boasts a vibrant gastronomy scene with trendy coffee shops and bars. In the great composer Janacek's former house, now a memorial, a violinist plays a selection of Janacek's 15 famous folk songs. This Brno is a very different one from the memory I have of a visit with one of my sons many years ago. It was Bastille Day when we came across husband and wife French patriots clad in late 17th century blue, white and red costumes, who carried a large French flag on a pole. They were celebrating the historical turning point of the French Revolution. Our newfound friends spoke no English, but in a moody cavern bar, the language barrier was crossed with mother and son's limited French. Czech liqueur, Becherovka helped us along as we waved the French flag. In the historic town of Jihlava, an exhibition tour in Gustav Mahler's house follows the world-famous composer's life and work in his childhood home. We taste a shot with a kick of Mahlerovka, a Bohemian herbal liqueur, fragrant with linden blossom, which dates back to 1861 when the original recipe was created by Mahler's father Bernard. One of the most authentic dishes is Svickova, (tenderloin) or traditionally beef topside is served with cream-based vegetable sauce and dumplings. However, we enjoy lunch at the renowned 420 restaurant, situated in the oldest Prague square, where Czech cuisine, presented in an creative way with a difference, is designed by Michelin-starred chef, Radek Kasparek. Set within a former palace, the extraordinary interior design combines urban style with grandeur. Dishes are inspired works of art which taste incredible, but don't expect your chosen plate to look like anything you imagine. This is the surprise element. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Prague Offspring Ensemble Modern | Marion Ainge Our musical treats include a contemporary classical concert by the Prague Offspring Ensemble Modern 1 in the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, which is a leading venue for innovative culture and performance. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to classical music, but I'm open-minded about this new, avant garde musical experience. Following the last note, the orchestra and conductor receive rapturous applause and a standing ovation from an enthusiastic audience, who cheer and whoop, bringing the conductor back on stage several times for additional adulation. My favourite memory of this incredible musical journey is of the heart-warming, open air Prague Spring Teen annual family festival concert within the flower-filled grounds of the St Agnes, Monastery, a 13th century convent and gallery in Prague, on a balmy evening This event is the culmination of a festival day featuring crazy games and activities aimed at youngsters and families. The professional vocalists' selection of popular songs pleases adults and young ones alike. Everyone joins in the dynamic finale, which features the whole cast. Young children run up to jostle and jiggle about alongside the stage, singing loudly and playing 'instruments' they made in the workshops. I still have the song in my head!
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
World's biggest piece of ‘Mars rock' to sell for up to $4m
The biggest piece of Mars on Earth is going on sale and is set to become the most expensive space rock in the world. The 54lb Martian rock is expected to sell for between $2 million and $4 million (£1.5 million and £2.9 million) when it goes up for sale at Sotheby's on July 16. Meteorite NWA 16788 is being sold by collector Luca Calberi, who obtained it after meteorite scouts found it 90km to the west of the Chirfa Oasis in northwestern Niger on November 16 2023. Analysis of small fragments of the rust-red rock proved it was Martian in origin and had been flung into space at a high speed after the planet was hit by an asteroid at some point in the distant past. It is unknown how long the rock has been on Earth, but it is by far the biggest intact Martian rock on the planet. 'It's just a huge piece of Mars, it is the biggest piece of Mars on Earth,' Cassandra Hatton, senior vice president of science and natural history at Sotheby's in New York, who is running the sale, told The Telegraph. 'It is nearly double the size of the meteorite that we previously thought was the largest piece of Mars on Earth and it is around 54lb.' Meteorites are rare objects in their own right, but Martian meteorites are even more scarce, with only around 400 on Earth. Most such specimens of our celestial neighbour are tiny fragments, making the NWA 16788 slab even more remarkable. The combined weight of all Mars meteorites known on Earth is around 925lb, which makes the single biggest specimen, NWA 16788, more than six per cent of the entire mass. 'The only way something of this size, or really any meteorites that come from the Martian surface get here, is from a massive asteroid strike,' Ms Hatton said. 'We know that there've been about 19 asteroid strikes that had a great enough impact to send something of this size to Earth. But it's impossible to know which one of those was responsible for this.' The lot is one of the marquee items for sale as part of the auction house's 'geek week', founded by Ms Hatton in 2017. Another item available for bidding on July 16 is a juvenile ceratosaurus dinosaur fossil thought to be the only one of its kind in the world. It stands around 6 feet 3 inches tall and 10 feet 8 inches long and is one of just four ceratosaurus in the world, the only juvenile and the one in the best condition. This specimen was found in Wyoming in 2016 and is valued at between $4 million and $6 million (£2.9 million and £4.4 million). Sotheby's sold the famous Sue T-rex in 1997 as well as the Apex stegosaurus for more than $44 million (£32 million) last year. The enormous Mars rock could become not only the most expensive space rock ever sold, but also the most expensive space-related lot. Buzz Aldrin's Apollo 11 flight jacket fetched $2.8 million (£2 million), while the bag used by Neil Armstrong on Apollo 11 to bring back the first samples of the Moon ever collected sold for $1.8 million (£1.3 million). But despite the rocks and the spacesuits all having a link to space, Ms Hatton sees them as two separate types of item. 'When you look at the market for space exploration, that's really focused on humankind's journeys into space,' she said. 'That market is really more about the artefacts that were used by astronauts to get off of the Earth and go explore the planets. 'I think of meteorites more as a natural history object. We had nothing to do with this thing coming here. I'm not sure that it would be really an accurate comparison if this did sell at the high estimate to say it's the most expensive space object, because I just think those are wildly different markets.' The market for natural history, space and technology is booming, she said. 'The first geek week was such a success and we have seen that people really respond to these types of objects,' Ms Hatton said. 'People really love space, the history of science and tech, the natural history, the fossils, the meteorites, the minerals – our clients are really, really into it. 'And natural history in particular because these are objects that are both scientifically important but also aesthetically pleasing. These are cool things people can put on their desk, put in their boardroom or live with in their home.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dividend Aristocrat NextEra Energy (NEE) Celebrates 100 Years of Operation
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) is included among the 11 Best Dividend Aristocrat Stocks to Invest in Now. A wind turbine, its blades spinning to generate clean renewable energy. NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) traces its origins back to December 28, 1925, when it was founded as Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). In its early years, FPL operated a variety of businesses, including power plants, water and gas facilities, ice companies, laundry services, and even an ice cream venture. According to the company's website, FPL played a role in the historic 1969 Apollo 11 moon mission by building the Cape Canaveral Plant and strengthening the nearby electrical infrastructure. NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) is a strong dividend stock. Its dividend yield of 3.2% stands out among clean energy peers, and a five-year dividend growth rate of 10.5% highlights its strong focus on delivering value to shareholders. With a payout ratio of 59.7%, the company continues to strike a solid balance between reinvesting in future growth and maintaining consistent dividend payments. NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) has been raising its payouts for 29 years consistently and currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.5665 per share. While we acknowledge the potential of NEE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and Disclosure. None. Sign in to access your portfolio
Fox Sports
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
2025 College Football Playoff Predictions: Teams Capable of Making First Appearance
Right now, and perhaps for many decades to come, there is no better example of a fairytale, Cinderella-style run to the College Football Playoff than what Indiana accomplished last fall under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. Consider the circumstances surrounding Indiana's program ahead of the 2024 campaign: The Hoosiers owned the most losses of any program in FBS history; they hadn't won more than eight games in a season since before the Apollo 11 moon landing; they'd finished fourth place or worse in their own division — back when the Big Ten had such stratification — 12 times in the span of 13 years from 2011-23; they'd just hired a new coach in Cignetti, formerly of James Madison, who had never overseen a team in the power conferences; they bid farewell to more than three dozen players in the transfer portal; they were picked 16th in the preseason Big Ten poll. And yet, on Dec. 8, following a breathtaking regular season that began with 10 consecutive wins and finished with a school-record 11 victories overall, there stood the upstart Hoosiers firmly clutching an at-large berth in the College Football Playoff. To anyone even vaguely familiar with the general trajectory of Indiana football — a team that always plays second fiddle to the school's basketball program — everything about the preceding sentence would have seemed ludicrous until it inexplicably happened before our eyes. The same 12-team format that facilitated Indiana's inclusion last December now engenders similar flickers of hope among countless schools and fan bases entering a new campaign. Any team that retained key veterans or made shrew additions in the transfer portal — shoot, any team that brought in a new head coach — will begin to dream of matching the Hoosiers' incredible success, even if that program has never dared to dream before. So with that in mind, here are 10 teams capable of reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time in 2025: * Recruiting rankings and historical data courtesy of Head coach: Mario Cristobal, fourth year (22-16 at Miami) Last season: 10-3 overall, 6-2 ACC Returning starters: 3 offense, 4 defense Recruiting class: No. 14 overall, No. 1 ACC Transfer portal: No. 3 overall, No. 1 ACC Strength of schedule: 41st So much about Miami's viability as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender hinges on the health of quarterback Carson Beck, a splashy transfer from Georgia. Beck underwent elbow surgery in late December to repair the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury he suffered during the first half of last year's SEC Championship game. Coupled with some uneven performances throughout the season — Beck's interception total doubled from six in 2023 to 12 in 2024 — the injury prompted Beck to reconsider his NFL future and enter the transfer portal, where he was viewed as the highest-rated quarterback in the cycle until former Tennessee standout Nico Iamaleava joined earlier this spring. Beck reportedly accepted an NIL package from Miami worth north of $4 million for the upcoming season, a figure that has already elevated the expectations around him to stratospheric levels. He left Georgia with a 24-3 record as the Bulldogs' starter over the last two seasons, one of which included a trip to the College Football Playoff, and his career statistics include nearly 8,000 passing yards alongside 58 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Beck represents the crown jewel of Cristobal's effort to reload with one of the strongest transfer classes in the country after deflating late-season losses to Georgia Tech and Syracuse cost the Hurricanes, who started 9-0 in 2024, a spot in last year's playoff. A rebuilt secondary includes four newcomers who were rated among the top 100 overall transfers in former Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas (No. 20 transfer, No. 1 CB); former Jacksonville State safety Zechariah Poyser (No. 57 transfer, No. 2 S); former Washington State cornerback Ethan O'Connor (No. 81 transfer, No. 10 CB) and former Michigan State cornerback Charles Brantley (No. 96 transfer, No. 12 CB). Their primary goal will be helping first-year defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, another expensive addition from Minnesota, solidify a unit that finished tied for 68th in scoring last season (25.3 points per game) and only held three conference opponents below 30 points. Back-to-back games against Florida (Sept. 20) and Florida State (Oct. 4) should help clarify the state's balance of power in a year when all three programs will expect to contend for the College Football Playoff. Head coach: Shane Beamer, fifth year (29-22 at South Carolina) Last season: 9-4 overall, 5-3 SEC Returning starters: 5 offense, 4 defense Recruiting class: No. 18 overall, No. 11 SEC Transfer portal: No. 15 overall, No. 8 SEC Strength of schedule: 13th There is a direct correlation between the surging optimism at South Carolina, a program that has finished better than third in the SEC East just once over the last decade, and the rapid emergence of quarterback LaNorris Sellers as one of the most exciting players in the country. At this time last summer, Sellers, then a largely unknown redshirt freshman, had only played 21 collegiate snaps and had yet to make his first start. He arrived at South Carolina as a modestly recruited four-star prospect — the Gamecocks were the only SEC program to offer him a scholarship — and it was difficult to predict how his dual-threat approach would translate after Sellers threw for 2,948 yards and 45 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,338 yards and 17 scores as a senior in high school. Few would have expected Sellers, a South Carolina native, to morph into the SEC's Freshman of the Year by leading the Gamecocks to an impressive 9-4 record, including six straight wins to end the regular season. He completed 65.6% of his passes while throwing for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns, in addition to finishing as the team's second-leading rusher with 166 carries for 674 yards and seven scores. Fast-forward to the present and Sellers, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound wrecking ball, is being discussed as both a potential Heisman Trophy candidate and a possible first-round pick in next year's draft ahead of the most anticipated South Carolina season in quite some time. He's the unquestioned linchpin for a roster that continues to improve under Beamer, the son of legendary former Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer, thanks to the coaching staff's tireless player acquisition efforts. The Gamecocks' high school classes have improved from 80th nationally during Beamer's first cycle to a string of four consecutive top-25 classes from 2022 through the present. And in the transfer portal, where South Carolina cracked the top 15 nationally for the first time in three years, Beamer added several potential plug-and-play starters in former Utah State tailback Rahsul Faison (No. 49 transfer, No. 2 RB), former NC State cornerback Brandon Cisse (No. 80 transfer, No. 9 CB) and former Texas A&M defensive tackle Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy (No. 165 transfer, No. 22 DL). But a brutal back half of the schedule includes games against LSU, Oklahoma, Alabama, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Clemson in a seven-week stretch. Head coach: Bret Bielema, fifth year (28-22 at Illinois) Last season: 10-3 overall, 6-3 Big Ten Returning starters: 9 offense, 7 defense Recruiting class: No. 46 overall, No. 13 Big Ten Transfer portal: No. 42 overall, No. 13 Big Ten Strength of schedule: 44th Illinois will likely be among the trendiest picks to reach the College Football Playoff after head coach Bret Bielema guided the Illini to their first 10-win season since 2001 and retained 16 starters for another push this fall. A four-game winning streak to end the year — capped by an impressive victory over red-hot South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl — helped Illinois assemble its highest-rated transfer class of the portal era. The most important collection of newcomers is along the defensive front, where Illinois lost three starters from its 2024 roster. Bielema added three likely starters in former Wisconsin defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. (No. 87 transfer, No. 12 DL), former Florida State defensive lineman Tomiwa Durojaiye (No. 278 transfer, No. 38 DL) and former Wisconsin edge rusher Leon Lowery Jr. (No. 325 transfer, No. 36 edge) to solidify a unit that jumped from 96th in scoring (29.4 points per game) during defensive coordinator Aaron Henry's debut season in 2023 to 31st in scoring last season (21.7 points per game). That Illinois returns all five starters in the secondary, plus standout edge rusher Gabe Jacas, a third-team All-Big Ten selection, means the defense should be formidable again this fall. Still, much of the excitement surrounding Illinois is linked to a glut of key returners on offense. Atop that list is quarterback Luke Altmyer, the former Ole Miss transfer now entering his third year under offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. and his third year as the Illini's starter — a rarity in modern college football. The success Altmyer enjoyed last fall while throwing for 2,717 yards and 22 touchdowns with only six interceptions made him a popular name amid speculation about potential transfers, especially after Tennessee said goodbye to starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava. But Altmyer remained firm with Illinois and should be among the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten. He will be protected by an offensive line that returns all five starters and complemented by a running back tandem of Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin that combined for 895 yards and seven touchdowns in reserve roles behind starter Josh McCray (117 carries, 609 yards, 10 TDs), who subsequently transferred to Georgia. The concern is at wide receiver, where top targets Pat Bryant (984 yards, 10 TDs) and Zakhari Franklin (652 yards, four TDs) both departed for the NFL. The return of former Murray State tight end Cole Rusk, a highly coveted transfer who missed all of last season with a knee injury, should provide a lift. Head coach: Billy Napier, 4th year (19-19 at Florida) Last season: 8-5 overall, 4-4 SEC Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 defense Recruiting class: No. 7 overall, No. 4 SEC Transfer portal: No. 116 overall, No. 16 SEC Strength of schedule: 1st What a difference half a year can make. An overtime defeat to then-No. 8 Tennessee last October changed the trajectory of Florida's program under embattled head coach Billy Napier, who, at that point, had lost more games than he'd won across three-plus seasons. Having slumped to a 3-3 record to begin the 2024 campaign, including a blowout loss to rival Miami, it was widely assumed that Napier would be fired less than halfway through his seven-year contract. But a season-ending knee injury to starting quarterback Graham Mertz prompted Napier to insert five-star freshman DJ Lagway, the No. 2 signal-caller in the cycle and the second-best quarterback recruit in program history behind Brock Berlin in 2000. The canon-armed Lagway helped catalyze an impressive second half in which Florida won five of its final seven games, headlined by a pair of ranked victories over then-No. 22 LSU and then-No. 9 Ole Miss, and stormed into the offseason on an emotional high, preserving Napier's job for at least one more year. Lagway, who completed 115 of 192 passes (59.9%) for 1,915 yards with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions, earned Freshman All-American honors from a host of media outlets to ignite conversation about the heights he might reach in 2025. The Gators' late-season revitalization aided Napier in assembling the No. 7 recruiting class in the country, which was Florida's highest finish since it ranked third under former coach Will Muschamp in 2013. Napier's group included four of the state's top nine prospects in wide receiver Vernell Brown III (No. 30 overall, No. 6 WR), wide receiver Dallas Wilson (No. 35 overall, No. 8 WR), safety Drake Stubbs (No. 54 overall, No. 4 S) and cornerback Ben Hanks III (No. 59 overall, No. 8 CB) to anchor a class featuring nine top-150 recruits overall. Those newcomers should blend nicely with an existing depth chart that returns four starters along the offensive line and four starters in the secondary. The problem, however, is an exceedingly brutal schedule that might be too difficult for Lagway & Co. to handle, even if they build on last year's success. An SEC slate that includes games against LSU (away), Texas (home), Texas A&M (away), Georgia (neutral), Ole Miss (away) and Tennessee (home) is supplemented by traditional rivalry games against Miami (away) and Florida State (home) that will both be tricky. It's hard to say if the Gators are more likely to reach the College Football Playoff or hover around .500 in the rugged SEC. Head coach: Matt Campbell, 10th year (64-51 at Iowa State) Last season: 11-3 overall, 7-2 Big 12 Returning starters: 6 offense, 4 defense Recruiting class: No. 55 overall, No. 13 Big 12 Transfer portal: No. 61 overall, No. 15 Big 12 Strength of schedule: 59th Despite an unsightly performance in last year's Big 12 Championship game — Iowa State was pummeled, 45-19, by Arizona State — the Cyclones still enjoyed what was arguably the best campaign in program history. Never before had an Iowa State team reached double-digit victories, which head coach Matt Campbell's group accomplished before November expired. The Cyclones were included in the final AP Poll, checking in at No. 15, for just the third time since 1976. And when four Iowa State players were selected in this spring's NFL Draft, including three in the first three rounds, that matched a number the Cyclones have equaled on several occasions but haven't exceeded since 1975. Given that Campbell and both coordinators, Taylor Mouser (offense) and Jon Heacock (defense), are returning for another run this fall, the excitement over another potential Big 12 title chase is real. The last time Iowa State won a conference championship of any kind was in 1912, when the Cyclones finished as co-champions of the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Any chance of replicating or exceeding last year's success likely hinges on the performance of veteran quarterback Rocco Becht, who is entering his third season as the Cyclones' starter. Becht was named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2023 after completing 62.9% of his passes and throwing for 3,120 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He bettered those numbers last fall by throwing for 3,505 yards and 25 touchdowns while also chipping in 318 rushing yards and eight scores, ultimately earning honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition from the league's coaches. The primary question surrounding Iowa State's offense is whether the Cyclones can replace star wideouts Jaylin Noel (80 catches, 1,194 yards, eight TDs) and Jayden Higgins (87 catches, 1,183 yards, nine TDs), both of whom were drafted by the Houston Texans in the first three rounds. Iowa State added former East Carolina wideout Chase Sowell (No. 30 transfer, No. 7 WR) and former UCF wideout Xavier Townsend (No. 553 transfer, No. 106 WR), but neither player has come close to reaching 1,000 yards in a single season. A tricky schedule by Big 12 standards will test the Cyclones immediately with a high-profile opener against Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland, and a rivalry game against Iowa two weeks later. Head coach: Joey McGuire, 4th year (23-16 at Texas Tech) Last season: 8-5 overall, 6-3 Big 12 Returning starters: 4 offense, 3 defense Recruiting class: No. 48 overall, No. 8 Big 12 Transfer portal: No. 2 overall, No. 1 Big 12 Strength of schedule: 69th No team swung for the fences quite like Texas Tech this past offseason. Fueled by billionaire donor Cody Campbell, an oil magnate who doubles as both the chairman of Texas Tech's board of regents and the founder of its NIL collective, The Matador Club, the Red Raiders spent more than $10 million upgrading their roster via the transfer portal in hopes of forcing their way into college football's elite tier. The end result was a 21-player haul that included 13 four-star prospects — more than any other school in the country — and the No. 2 overall portal class behind LSU. The group includes seven players rated among the top 65 available transfers in former Stanford edge rusher David Bailey (No. 12 transfer, No. 3 edge), former North Carolina offensive tackle Howard Sampson (No. 14 transfer, No. 3 OT), former Georgia Tech edge rusher Romello Height (No. 27 transfer, No. 5 edge), former Illinois State offensive tackle Hunter Zambrano (No. 39 transfer, No. 5 IOL), former Miami (Ohio) offensive tackle Will Jados (No. 53 transfer, No. 7 OT), former UCF defensive tackle Lee Hunter (No. 62 transfer, No. 9 DL) and former Texas A&M wide receiver Micah Hudson (No. 64 transfer, No. 15 WR), who began his career at Texas Tech and has now rejoined the program. The Red Raiders also just opened the new Womble Football Center, which cost more than $240 million to build, a state-of-the-art practice facility on par with any other in the country. Texas Tech's overhaul expanded to the coaching staff as well. Offensive coordinator Zach Kittley left to become the head coach at Florida Atlantic, while defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter was fired in early December. They've been replaced by former Texas State offensive coordinator Mark Leftwich and former Houston defensive coordinator Shiel Wood, respectively, with three new position coaches also joining the fray. And while there will be droves of new faces on both sides of the ball — among coaches and players alike — the biggest need for improvement is on defense, where Texas Tech finished 127th overall (460.2 yards per game) and 122nd in scoring (34.8 points per game) last fall. The only Big 12 team below them in both categories was Oklahoma State, which failed to win a single conference game. This year's defense is expected to include at least a half-dozen transfer starters, though it will still be anchored by veteran linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, the team's only first-team All-Big 12 selection from 2024. The first real test for the new-look Red Raiders comes Sept. 20 at Utah. Head coach: Jeff Brohm, 3rd year (19-8 at Louisville) Last season: 9-4 overall, 5-3 ACC Returning starters: 4 offense, 3 defense Recruiting class: No. 68 overall, No. 16 ACC Transfer portal: No. 31 overall, No. 5 ACC Strength of schedule: 36th Before Jeff Brohm became the head coach at Louisville, his alma mater, ahead of the 2023 season, he did exemplary work in guiding Purdue to an appearance in the Big Ten Championship game, a feat that seems even more remarkable given what's happened to the program since his departure. One reason for Brohm's success was his development of quarterback Aidan O'Connell, a former walk-on with the Boilermakers, into a fourth-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. His unique ability to mentor quarterbacks followed Brohm to Louisville, where he transformed journeyman Jack Plummer, whose career actually began at Purdue, into a viable undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers. Brohm did the same with former Oregon and Texas Tech transfer Tyler Shough, who seemed to emerge from nowhere and throw for 3,195 yards with 23 touchdowns and six interceptions during his only season at Louisville. Such production was enough to convince the New Orleans Saints that Shough was worth a second-round pick in this year's draft, enhancing Brohm's reputation even further. Brohm's next challenge is salvaging the career of former USC quarterback Miller Moss, the No. 142 overall transfer and No. 10 signal-caller in the portal. An in-state recruit, Moss waited his turn with the Trojans behind Heisman Trophy winner and eventual top overall pick Caleb Williams before finally winning the starting job last fall. He mixed brilliant moments with untimely interceptions in an uneven blend that prompted head coach Lincoln Riley to bench Moss late in the season, effectively preempting the transfer decision. Now, Moss will be the unquestioned No. 1 for a team that believes it can reach the College Football Playoff. He'll be aided by an excellent running back duo in Isaac Brown (165 carries, 1,173 yards, 11 TDs) and Duke Watson (67 carries, 597 yards, seven TDs) that helped the Cardinals finish 33rd nationally and third in the ACC in rushing yards per game last season. There are legitimate concerns on defense, however, with Louisville needing to replace eight starters from a unit that ranked outside the top 50 in both scoring (24.1 points per game) and yards (368.7 yards per game), even with a pair of middle-round draft picks in edge rusher Ashton Gillotte (No. 66 overall) and cornerback Quincy Riley (No. 131 overall). Still, a friendly opening stretch on the schedule could see the Cardinals enjoy a 5-0 start entering their game at Miami on Oct. 17. Head coach: Chris Klieman, 7th year (48-28 at Kansas State) Last season: 9-4 overall, 5-4 Big 12 Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense Recruiting class: No. 35 overall, No. 2 Big 12 Transfer portal: No. 56 overall, No. 14 Big 12 Strength of schedule: 64th Many expected Kansas State to break through this barrier last fall when the Wildcats were picked to finish second in the Big 12 preseason poll — they fell one first-place vote short of Utah for the top spot — and rocketed toward a 7-1 start that saw them reach No. 16 in the AP Poll following a 45-18 pummeling of West Virginia. The Wildcats had one of the nation's most exciting young quarterbacks in dual-threat sophomore Avery Johnson, who finished the year with more than 2,700 passing yards, more than 600 rushing yards and 32 total touchdowns. The team's rushing defense would rank among the best in the Big 12 at 118.7 yards per game, trailing only Arizona State, the league's eventual College Football Playoff entrant. But Kansas State suffered three backbreaking defeats in the final month of the season to Houston (five points), Arizona State (10 points) and Iowa State (eight points) that dropped head coach Chris Klieman's team from contention for both a spot in the Big 12 title game and the playoff as a whole. A crumbling ending to the once-promising season left the Wildcats to face unranked Rutgers in the Rate Bowl, a game they ultimately won. The preseason outlook for Kansas State in 2025 should be similar to the hype it enjoyed last season, with this year's version of the Wildcats mentioned alongside Arizona State, Texas Tech and BYU in the Big 12's highest tier. Having lost leading rusher DJ Giddens to the NFL, where he was a fifth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts, the Wildcats will turn to former Colorado running back Dylan Edwards as the primary runner alongside Johnson, whose ability to stay healthy might be the team's biggest barometer for long-term success. Edwards averaged an eye-catching 7.4 yards per carry on 74 attempts last season to finish as Kansas State's third-leading rusher and now steps into a larger role. The biggest question is at wide receiver, where veteran Jayce Brown (47 catches, 823 yards, five TDs) is the only returner with noteworthy production from 2024. Klieman added several new receivers via the transfer portal in former Boston College wideout Jerand Bradley (No. 619 transfer, No. 113 WR), former New Mexico wideout Caleb Medford (No. 756 transfer, No. 141 WR) and former Purdue wideout Jaron Tibbs (No. 1,038 transfer, No. 177 WR), but none of those players exceeded 400 yards last season. Kansas State's schedule begins with a difficult opener against Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland, and includes another tricky non-conference game against Army on Sept. 6 before settling into Big 12 play. Head coach: Kirk Ferentz, 27th year (204-124 at Iowa) Last season: 8-5 overall, 6-3 Big Ten Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense Recruiting class: No. 39 overall, No. 11 Big Ten Transfer portal: No. 60 overall, No. 17 Big Ten Strength of schedule: 32nd For reasons that were partially cynical, Iowa's offense spent a considerable chunk of last season beneath the national microscope following an embarrassing sequence of events that placed the program's 2023 campaign among the most unforgettable in recent memory. It was during that year when former offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, the son of head coach Kirk Ferentz, oversaw a truly heinous unit that finished 133rd out of 133 FBS teams in total offense (234.6 yards per game), 132nd in scoring offense (15.4 points per game) and 130th in passing (118.6 yards per game) ahead of Navy, Army and Air Force — three teams who intentionally limit their number of pass attempts. Brian Ferentz was unceremoniously informed by interim athletic director Beth Goetz of his impending firing a month before the season ended, though he was allowed to coach the remainder of the year. Kirk Ferentz eventually tabbed former Western Michigan head coach Tim Lester, who was previously the quarterbacks coach at Purdue and the offensive coordinator at Syracuse, as the replacement for 2024 and beyond. Year 1 under Lester saw the Hawkeyes improve to 72nd in scoring offense (27.7 points per game) and t-117th in total offense (328.8 yards per game) despite shoddy quarterback play from Cade McNamara and Brendan Sullivan, neither of whom are still with the program. The second phase of Iowa's attempted offensive revamp includes two noteworthy additions ahead of the 2025 campaign. First is quarterback Mark Gronowski, an accomplished transfer from South Dakota State and the No. 10 signal-caller in this year's portal cycle. Gronowski tied the FCS record for wins by a quarterback with his 49-6 mark across four seasons. He won the Walter Payton Award given to the most outstanding offensive player at the FCS level in 2023 and guided South Dakota State to a pair of national championships. His dual-threat ability produced 93 career passing touchdowns and 37 career rushing scores with the Jackrabbits. The second key addition is senior offensive analyst Warren Ruggiero, who spent the last 11 years as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Wake Forest, a program that finished among the top 20 nationally in scoring for three straight seasons from 2020-22. Ruggiero, Lester and Gronowski will form the Hawkeyes' offensive brain trust this fall. They'll need to provide some ballast for an inexperienced defense that lost a handful of starters to graduation and the NFL. Head coach: Brian Newberry, 3rd year (15-10 overall) Last season: 10-3 overall, 6-3 AAC Returning starters: 8 offense, 3 defense Recruiting class: No. 132 overall, No. 13 AAC Transfer portal: N/A Strength of schedule: 87th This list wouldn't be complete without at least one team from beyond the power conferences, and Navy fits the bill given everything the Midshipmen are returning from a team that won 10 games for the first time since finishing 11-2 in 2019. The addition of first-year offensive coordinator Drew Cronic, who was previously the head coach at Mercer (2020-23) and Lenoir-Rhyne (2018-19), catalyzed an explosive unit that ranked 39th in scoring at 31.3 points per game and sixth in rushing at 247.5 yards per game. The only teams in the country to amass more 50-yard gains than Navy (13) — which matched Ohio State in that category — were Boise State (16) and the quartet of Louisville, Miami (Ohio), Ole Miss and UTSA (14 each). A triumphant 21-20 win over Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl capped an exemplary campaign for second-year head coach Brian Newberry, who was previously the team's defensive coordinator and safeties coach from 2019-22. Eight starters from last season's high-powered offense return in 2025, headlined by dual-threat quarterback Blake Horvath, now a senior. Horvath threw for 1,353 yards and 13 touchdowns last season while also finishing as the team's leading rusher with 1,254 yards and 17 touchdowns on 176 carries. His primary backfield partners, Alex Tecza (124 carries, 568 yards, eight TDs), Eli Heidenreich (65 carries, 444 yards, three TDs; 39 catches, 671 yards, 6 TDs) and Brandon Chatman (48 carries, 250 yards, three TDs; 18 catches, 257 yards, 4 TDs) are also back for another campaign. It's worth noting, however, that Navy's exciting collection of skill players will be working behind a retooled offensive line that must replace both starting tackles and one starting guard. A soft strength of schedule in the American Athletic Conference remains arguably the biggest impediment to the Midshipmen's hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff. The early November showdown at Notre Dame will likely be their only game against a ranked opponent, which makes Navy's margin for error throughout the rest of the season exceedingly slim. Michael Cohen covers college football and college basketball for FOX Sports. Follow him at @Michael_Cohen13. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily . FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience College Football recommended Get more from College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
India Today
5 days ago
- Science
- India Today
Axiom-4 Mission docking LIVE updates: Indian astronaut calls home
Welcome, Earthlings, from Grace! We're aboard a brand-new spacecraft with three new astronauts in space, and we're excited to have you join us on this journey. There's a lot of science ahead, and we're looking forward to arriving at the International Space Station soon. Our mission carries high scientific goals — and the return of three countries to space makes this moment even more special. "After spending a month in quarantine, we launched from the very same site where the Apollo 11 mission once took off. In that moment, I felt immensely proud. Seeing the Indian tricolour reminded me that all of you are with me on this journey. This is a strong step forward for India's human space program and for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. I want each one of you to feel like a part of this mission. It's not just about technical ambition — it's about the spirit and purpose behind the entire journey. Over the next 14 days, I aim to complete key tasks and capture my experiences, so I can share them with you all," says Shubhanshu Shukla. All four astronauts, part of Ax-4 mission, praised the Dragon spacecraft they have named Grace. The Dragon spacecraft is the vehicle taking them to space. It's a brand-new vehicle developed by SpaceX for the Mission. Astronaut Shukla was all praises for the vehicle as he said that In his first call from space Shubhanshu Shukla says: Namaskar from space! I'm absolutely thrilled to be up here — one veteran and three rookies on this incredible ride. Sitting on the launchpad, all I could think was, let's just go. After 30 days in quarantine, I was more than ready. The launch was something else — and then suddenly, silence. Floating in the vacuum… it's indescribable. An amazing, humbling feeling. I want to thank everyone who made this possible. This isn't just my achievement — it's a collective one, shared by so many people back home. Apparently, I've been sleeping a lot up here! I'm still getting used to zero gravity — like a baby learning how to walk, figuring out how to move and control myself. But I'm really enjoying every moment. It's okay to make mistakes — in fact, it's even more fun watching someone else make them too! It's been a fun, surreal time so far, and I'm sure there's much more ahead. Looking forward to what comes next! The four astronauts are flying at a staggering speed of over 17,000 kph at an altitude of 418 km above Earth. The team is preparing for the historic docking in the next five hours. Ax-4 mission's media event with the crew to begin shortly. Stay tuned. WATCH LIVE HERE The crew has taken off their spacesuits, had their first meal and undergone medical checks. The crew is well-rested ahead of the historic docking with the Space Station. Listen in to the first message from the Indian astronaut as he feels zero gravity, ending a 41-year-long wait after Rakesh Sharma's historic flight. Relive the moment India's Shubhanshu Shukla launched into space on his maiden mission. The Ax-4 crew will have their first interaction with Mission Control in the next 15 minutes. First opportunity to talk live with the Ax-4 crew on-orbit will be in roughly 15 minutes at ~1:47 a.m. ET this morning — SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 26, 2025 Good Morning, Welcome to India Today Science LIVE blog as we bring you all the updates from the historic docking of the Dragon spacecraft with Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla aboard. The mission pilot will oversee the docking with the International Space Station. Stay with us as we bring you all the updates unfolding 400 km above Earth.
