Latest news with #Sykes
USA Today
10 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles passed on two defenders before signing DT Jacob Sykes
Eagles reportedly ignored two other interior defensive linemen before settling on Jacob Sykes. We're off and running. The Philadelphia Eagles' first practice of training camp is coming today. The work has already begun. They finally signed the tenth and final member of their draft class, Andrew Mukuba. One day later, they announced four roster moves. Defensive end K.J. Henry and running back Lew Nichols are out. Defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and defensive tackle Jacob Sykes are in. Okoronkwo is an interesting addition. So is Sykes. Philadelphia ignored two other prospects to acquire the latter. Eagles worked out three defensive tackles before settling on one Seasons change, and so do the names and faces on the Philadelphia Eagles' roster. Certain things never change, though. The business model always involves building from the ground up. Sykes was a former undrafted free agent acquired by the Seattle Seahawks in 2023. Last season, he balled out for the UFL's San Antonio Brahmas. According toJohn McMullen, Philadelphia worked out three interior defensive linemen. Texas-San Antonio product Joe Evans went undrafted in April. They also invited former Colorado Buffaloes hybrid end/tackle Leonard Payne to the NovaCare Complex. In the end, they settled on Sykes, who spent four seasons with the Harvard Crimson (2018-21). He also spent a season with the UCLA Bruins in 2022. During his final NCAA season, he appeared in 13 games and notched 29 tackles and a sack. He re-signed with the Brahmas on August 26, 2024, but he'd ditch that opportunity if things work out with the Eagles. We'll see what happens. He will have a tough hill to climb if he's going to catapult himself onto the 53-man roster.
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
USOPC asks for tweak of college sports bill to set minimum spending limits for Olympic programs
'You look and you say, 'Is that effectively going to thwart the issue of allocating too many resources to football and not enough to other things?' And my assessment is, no, it's not going to do that,' Hirshland said. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The USOPC says all but three of the 67 Power Four schools sponsor more than 16 sports and the average school in that group has more than 21. Advertisement At last year's Paris Olympics, 75 percent of US Olympians and 53 percent of Paralympians had a connection with US college sports. The SCORE Act recently passed a House subcommittee and is set for markup this week, a process in which lawmakers amend certain facets of the bill. Hirshland said USOPC leadership has long been in discussions about adding provisions that would compel schools to spend at least the same percentage on Olympic sports as they do now. Advertisement 'The bill, as it's written, would make it too easy for a school to starve 15 programs and invest in one,' Hirshland said. 'It's important schools have the latitude to make decisions that are most effective for the school, but while also creating an environment that says 'You don't just need to be a football school.' ' She said she was encouraged that lawmakers were including provisions for protecting Olympic sports in a bill that would regulate the shifting college landscape. The SCORE Act proposes to provide limited antitrust protection for the NCAA and would place the college sports' name, image, likeness system under one federal law instead of a mishmash of state regulations. Starting this month, schools are allowed to pay up to $20.5 million to athletes in NIL deals. Most of that money will be funneled to football and basketball players, whose sports generate the bulk of college athletics revenue. It has left many to wonder about the future of the Olympic programs. The act also includes a section that purports to protect Olympic sports with the 16-team minimum, but in the letter to House leaders, Sykes and Hirshland were skeptical of that. 'The USOPC is committed to being a partner in this process and would welcome the opportunity to share further insights, data, and recommendations,' they wrote. It also mandates that athletes not be turned into employees of their schools, a sticking point for some Democrats that figures to keep the bill from moving along in the Senate, where it would need 60 votes to pass. Hirshland said the USOPC hasn't taken a 'strong position' on the employment issue, and is mostly concerned that any legislation includes strong protection for Olympic sports. Advertisement She says the USOPC-backed idea of keeping spending at certain percentages isn't the only answer to the issue, but might be the simplest and best. 'We don't want schools to starve Olympic sports by cutting them or starving them,' she said. 'We want them to continue to provide investment in the growth of these sports.'
North Wales Live
4 days ago
- North Wales Live
The UK's top 10 beach bars where you can soak up the rays in style
It's been a sweltering summer so far and with the heat not showing any signs of letting up for long, so travel experts have got together to name the UK's top 10 beach bars. From coastal cocktail spots to laid-back hangouts, these seaside locations promise holiday vibes without the long-haul flight and to help holidaymakers find their ideal accommodation, Sykes Holiday Cottages has also shared standout properties near each bar in the ranking. James Shaw, from Sykes, said: 'With summer well underway, there is no better time to soak up the warm weather than by catching up with friends and family at one of our country's many beach bars. 'Our recent Staycation Index report revealed that nearly two-thirds of Brits are planning a staycation in 2025, so whether it's the coast, countryside or city, this season offers a wealth of chances to make lasting memories close to home.' Top 10 best beach bars in the UK: OHSO Social, Brighton The Beach Deck, Eastbourne Surfside, Polzeath Tavern on the Bay, Benllech The Pier Tavern, Great Yarmouth Revo Kitchen, Weston-super-Mare Jeromes & Pavilion, Bridlington The Watering Hole, Perranporth Hive Beach Café, Burton Bradstock Porthminster Beach Café, Carbis Bay OHSO Social, Brighton Nestled at the base of Brighton's Palace Pier, OHSO Social has a spacious terrace that opens straight onto the sand. It's the perfect pitstop for drinks and food while soaking up sea views and coastal vibes. Open daily and from 10am on weekends, it's great for early beachgoers and it's dog-friendly, meaning holidaymakers can bring their pooches for a day out. Guests looking to explore Brighton with their dog in tow can stay at Cliffe Cottage, a two-bedroom retreat nestled in the heart of Lewes, Sussex. Inside, travellers can discover a cosy living room, modern kitchen-diner, and peaceful rear garden. The Beach Deck, Eastbourne Perched right at the water's edge, The Beach Deck pairs its laid-back atmosphere with its wooden stools, palm-frond decor and floor-to-ceiling windows, making it the ultimate pit-stop in Eastbourne. From 9am till 4:30pm daily, the menu offers everything from hearty brunch bowls and fresh seafood wraps to light bites and gooey cakes. Sip on local ales, crisp ciders or a chilled glass of rosé as you watch the tide roll in before heading back to Portland Cottage, a two-bedroom getaway adjacent to Eastbourne's beaches. Here, visitors can expect a fully equipped kitchen, comfy furnishings and off-road parking. Surfside Nestled on Cornwall's stunning northern coastline, Surfside Polzeath opened in 2017 before expanding in 2022 with adding extra seating, a larger terrace and year-round opening hours. Home to one of the UK's largest rum selections, you'll find over 90 varieties behind the bar and kids and pets are welcome too, with a children's menu packed with bite-sized fish goujons, mini flatbreads and creamy ice-creams. Those looking to stay locally to Polzeath can try Seascape, which has space for up to 12 guests, as well as a utility, games room, and plunge pool. Tavern On The Bay, Benllech Perched on Traeth Benllech's shoreline, Tavern on the Bay boasts panoramic views of North Wales coast - from Llandudno 's Great Orme to the sandy bay right below. Rustic interiors and a spacious terrace make it the ideal spot for sunset cocktails, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views. Open until 9:30pm on weekdays, and 10:30pm at weekends, the menu features shareable nibbles, hearty mains and a standout cocktail list, plus craft beers and Welsh ciders. Regular live-music nights mean the party often carries on past dusk for those wanting to stay nearby, Steps Away in the Isle of Anglesey promises an open plan living space and private garden for up to four people. The Pier Tavern, Great Yarmouth Located steps from the golden sands of Great Yarmouth, The Pier Tavern doubles as both a laid-back beach bar by day and one of the town's top nightlife spots by night. Pull up a stool on the open terrace or head inside to neon-lit booths to find arcade classics, a pool table and DJ sets. Open until midnight on weekdays, the bar's drink list covers everything from crisp pilsners and local ciders to inventive cocktails and spritzers. Pop in for a pre-beach pint at 11am or stay on for late-night tipples before heading back to Sandpiper Court. This charming cottage features historic architecture, as well as a snug living room and patio, and is only a short walk to the coastline. Revo Kitchen, Weston-super-Mare One of the largest beach bars on this list, Revo Kitchen sprawls across the shore of Weston-Super-Mare's golden sands and is perfect for families, groups and anyone craving space to stretch out. Open from 9am until 10:30pm (11 pm on weekends), its vibrant, relaxed setting means you can drop in for a breakfast bap, seaside lunch or an evening cocktail with equal ease. Couples looking to stay nearby can visit Acorn, a charming lodge ideal for unwinding from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its wood fired hot tub, patio and off-road parking, it offers the perfect home away from home. Jerome's & Pavilion, Bridlington Set in a restored Victorian pavilion just steps from Hornsea's sandy beach, Jerome's & Pavilion pairs seaside café vibes with a laid-back bar atmosphere. Grab Britain's best-voted fish and chips inside or settle on the sun-soaked terrace with a pint of local ale or a classic G&T. Open from breakfast through evening, the menu includes flaky cod, hand-cut chips and hearty grills, and travellers looking to visit the area can stay in Waggoner's Cottage. A two-bedroom bungalow which has a private garden and open-plan living space, it's the ideal spot for families. The Watering Hole, Perranporth The UK's only bar built on sand, The Watering Hole has been a Perranporth favourite since 1978 and now houses its own surf school and year-round live music events, making it a perfect hub for holidaymakers. Open 9am to 10pm daily, with this extending to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, its seasonal menu features staples like the Catch of the Day, gourmet burgers and a hearty kids' menu, alongside refreshing cocktails, local ales and ciders. Holidaymakers can stay at 3 Spyrys Heyl, which overlooks the beach and has an outside shower for those wanting to get rid of sandy toes before relaxing in the open-plan living area. Hive Beach Café, Burton Bradstock Established in 1991 beside National Trust's Hive Beach on the Jurassic Coast, Hive Beach Café combines a restored beach pavilion with a spacious sea-view terrace and picnic benches on the sand. Dog-friendly and open year-round, it's the perfect pit-stop for takeaway coffees, hearty brunches and homemade cakes before or after a coastal wander. Travellers looking to visit can stay in Apple Tree Cottage, which is located only a short distance away from Hive Beach. With a private garden, two bedrooms and array of amenities, it's a relaxing spot for both families and couples alike. Porthminster Beach Café, Carbis Bay Tucked around the corner from St Ives in the picturesque village of Carbis Bay, Porthminster Beach Café serves Michelin-accredited seafood in a casual, dog-friendly setting. With ingredients fresh from its cliffside garden and local suppliers, it's the perfect spot for a light lunch after a dip in the sea or a sunset supper. Sea Glass, a modern two-bedroom apartment, can be found nearby and has a seaward facing terrace, as well as a communal garden for al fresco dining.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'Magical' coastal town named UK's most popular staycation destination
The stunning Yorkshire town of Whitby has been named the UK's most popular staycation destination - and it's easy to see why Staycations are all the rage these days, with a surge in Brits choosing to holiday at home rather than venturing overseas. A recent survey has revealed that a whopping 63% of Britons are planning a UK-based break this year, and by 2025, the average holidaymaker is expected to enjoy three domestic getaways, each spanning roughly six days. Sykes Holiday Cottages has put together a list of the top ten staycation spots, crowning the picturesque Yorkshire town of Whitby as the number one choice. The charm of this northern gem has tourists raving, with one visitor recently describing Whitby as "absolutely magical" on TripAdvisor. It's no wonder Whitby has emerged as Sykes's most booked destination for the fast-approaching school summer holidays. Whitby boasts an array of attractions suitable for the whole family, including the Whitby Museum, brimming with fascinating collections from fossils to maritime memorabilia, and the awe-inspiring historic abbey that sparked Bram Stoker's imagination for his novel Dracula. Additional highlights include the Whitby Marine Discovery Centre, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, and the enchanting Falling Foss Tea Garden and Waterfall, reports the Express. Not to mention, Whitby is dotted with beautiful sandy stretches such as Whitby Beach, Sandsend Beach, and Saltwick Bay Beach. These beaches are a haven for dogs, offering either full access or dedicated dog-friendly zones even during the height of summer, ensuring your pooch can also bask in the charm of this picturesque town. James Shaw, managing director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, commented: "It's no surprise to see Whitby leading the way for school summer holidays this year. "It's mix of natural beauty, rich history and family-friendly activities continues to draw visitors, both with and without children, from across the country. "We're seeing more families prioritise stress-free getaways that cater to all ages - whether that means scenic coastlines, charming local towns or easy access to the great outdoors. "The destinations featured in the top 10 strike the right balance between convenience and character, making them ideal for switching off, reconnecting, and creating lasting memories together." Following closely behind Whitby is Windermere in the Lake District, securing second place, while Weymouth on the Dorset coast clinched third. Both locations are renowned for their outdoor pursuits, vibrant town centres, and an array of walking paths. Top 10 most popular locations for the school summer holidays Whitby, North Yorkshire Windermere, Cumbria Weymouth, Dorset Ambleside, Cumbria Lyme Regis, Dorset Keswick, Cumbria Scarborough, North Yorkshire Dartmouth, Devon Salcombe, Devon Carbis Bay, Cornwall
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Five key benefits of AI for women in business
AI can help close longstanding gaps in access to resources and information, empowering women to compete in male-dominated sectors. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has reshaped the way people live, work and interact with the world – from managing everyday tasks to revolutionising industries such as healthcare, finance and marketing. For women entrepreneurs, in particular, the rise of AI opens up exciting new possibilities. It offers smart, accessible tools that can help streamline operations, enhance customer engagement and make data-driven decisions with greater ease. AI can help close longstanding gaps in access to resources and information, empowering women to compete more fairly in male-dominated sectors. Nicole Sykes, National Head, Women in Business at FNB, unpacks five benefits that can support women in business and complement technological advancement to foster a more inclusive and dynamic business environment. ALSO READ: Hidden dangers of increasingly advanced AI assistants Enhanced decision-making She says AI-powered analytics tools can provide women entrepreneurs with valuable insights into market trends, customer behaviour and business performance. By analysing large sets of data, AI can help identify patterns and forecast future trends, enabling business owners to make informed decisions that drive strategic growth. 'For instance, AI can analyse sales data to predict inventory needs or assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.' Personalised customer experience Sykes adds that AI can enhance customer interactions through chatbots and virtual assistants that offer 24/7 support. 'These tools can handle routine inquiries, schedule appointments, and provide personalised recommendations based on customer data. This level of personalisation helps build stronger relationships with clients and improves customer satisfaction, which is crucial for business success.' ALSO READ: Will AI replace your psychologist? Operational efficiency 'Automating routine tasks with AI can free up valuable time for women entrepreneurs to focus on strategic aspects of their business,' says Sykes. From automating financial processes like invoicing and payroll to managing supply chains and inventory, AI can streamline operations and reduce administrative burdens. 'This increased efficiency can be particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources.' Marketing and sales optimisation She emphasises that AI-driven marketing tools can help women entrepreneurs create targeted advertising campaigns and analyse their effectiveness. 'AI algorithms can segment audiences based on various factors such as behaviour and demographics, allowing for more precise and cost-effective marketing strategies. Additionally, AI can assist in A/B testing, optimising email marketing, and predicting customer churn.' Financial management Sykes adds that AI can play a significant role in financial management by providing real-time insights into cash flow, expenses, and investment opportunities. AI-based financial tools can help with budgeting, forecasting and identifying potential financial risks. 'These insights empower women entrepreneurs to manage their finances more effectively and make data-driven financial decisions.' NOW READ: 'AI already reshaping traditional job functions,' says Microsoft SA
