Latest news with #Overdrive
Edmonton Journal
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Canucks this week: What the rest of the NHL is saying about the Canucks ahead of the draft and free agency
Article content The NHL draft starts on Friday but the Canucks aren't waiting … Evander Kane is now a Canuck and there is a lot of speculation about what other moves are coming. It's common knowledge that the Canucks biggest need is a centre. 'Let's just go with the simplest form of what the objective should be: Keep your captain happy. Find a way to keep Quinn Hughes happy at all costs,' said Frank Corrado on Sports Centre with Jay Onrait. Article content Article content TSN analyst Mike Johnson sums up the situation like this: '(The Canucks) are a team that almost feels like they got to make something happen or they got to be good this off season because if it goes wrong, Quinn Hughes to his credit has sort of acknowledged 'I think I might want to go play with my brothers in Jersey unless you give me a reason not to.'' In the same conversation O-Dog, former NHLer Jeff O'Neill, makes the analogy, 'If you're just going to go ahead and put skinny jeans on a monster – it's not going to work.' 'That's the Vancouver Canucks,' chimed in Overdrive host Bryan Hayes. Granted that was before Evander Kane signed but let's hope he's wrong. Keep in mind two of our three leading goal scorers from last season — Brock Boeser and Pius Suter — are pending UFAs and expected to sign elsewhere July 1. Here's a round up of what the national pundits and saying: Article content What are the Canucks getting with Evander Kane? Jamie McLennan for TSN – 'He brings some attitude. He brings some irritability. He's very tough to play against … I'll call him a unicorn in the National Hockey League because there's only a few players that play like him. I think of a guy like Brady Tkachuk. I think of a guy like Tom Wilson. He's a top six forward who can skate, shoot, hit, fight, score do it all. He's a combination of everything. But in that package is a big personality. Is a guy who can grate on either other teams or on his own team. But he is a guy that can be a difference maker.' Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet – 'This is the right time to do it if your Vancouver He's in his last year of his contract. He's going to be a highly motivated player, anytime you get a player who's playing for a new deal you think you are going to get the absolute best out of them on and off the ice.' Article content Article content Frank Seravalli on the Daily Faceoff when asked: What do you make of the Oilers able to get out of Kane's full cap hit? 'Pretty tidy work. It highlights just how good of a player Kane is. The fact the Oilers were able to get something in return at all from Vancouver indicates there were other teams that were involved in the mix. It was obviously a priority for the Oilers to clear out salary cap space. That was their thought process, that's still their thought process, with what's to come with Viktor Arvidsson. 'The fact he is trending towards being healthy for the first time in awhile, I think that stands out as important business for the Canucks. They're hoping to get a very motivated Evander Kane in a contract year that they can plug into their top-six, in an effort to find goals, which have been very hard to come by in Vancouver.' Thatcher Demko, Kevin Lankinen or Arturs Silovs: does one goalie get traded this week? If you are the Vancouver Canucks and you have confidence in Kevin Lankinen and you know the Arturs Silovs is ready for the jump that may be the prime time to move a player like Thatcher Demko … I think he's still a great goaltender but considering the position that the Canucks are in right now that may be the best timing to go out there and get value for Demko.' Article content Seravalli on the Daily Faceoff – 'Why would you head into this season if you are not extending Thatcher Demko with him as a pending UFA like goalies never get traded? You just going to let him walk for nothing? Asking a first round pick for Thatcher Demko even now with his health status doesn't make a lot of sense to me. They should change the ask and go with Lankinen and Silovs especially for a team that might not have super high expectations next year if they can't fill some of their other spots like the 2C that they are desperately trying to fill. I think the Canucks have a lot of questions to answer but in goal with three pretty solid goalies that's not one of them.' TSN analyst Travis Yost — 'Vancouver and Edmonton working out a trade for goaltender Thatcher Demko? I see both as extremely viable right now. 'I can't foresee any scenario where the Oilers run it back in net, but the options around the league still are few and far between. That said, a division rival in Vancouver may have the answer in Demko, a 29-year-old veteran with a proven track record of higher-end play. He also has struggled in recent years to stay healthy, which might be enough for the Canucks to consider moving on. Article content 'Compare Demko to the likes of Skinner, or Gibson for that matter, and you can get a sense of how productive – if healthy – he could be manning Edmonton's crease.' Is Elias Pettersson going to remain a Canuck? Pierre LeBrun for The Athletic writes: 'The trade rumours won't go away until we are past July 1, but regarding Elias Pettersson, it's still my understanding that the Canucks don't plan on trading him — or at least that was the case as of Monday. 'As I said a few weeks ago, the Canucks are encouraged by Pettersson's approach this offseason. His full no-move kicks in July 1.' How do the Canucks replace Boeser and Suter if they don't sign? Thomas Drance for the Athletic – 'The Canucks will need to identify and acquire replacements and upgrades, as the potential departure of Boeser and Suter will fundamentally alter the depth chart. 'When you scan the options in unrestricted free agency, however, it's no surprise that Canucks hockey operations leadership intends to be aggressive on the trade market in seeking to find answers to their significant top-six forward questions. Article content 'Vancouver has some meaningful cap flexibility going into this offseason, with just a hair over $12 million in available cap space to spend and a roster that's more or less filled out with NHL-level talent and only Aatu Räty to sign among key restricted free agents. 'The real cap problem that Vancouver is facing isn't an overall lack of space; it's a relative lack of space. There are several teams, including younger sides that finished close to where the Canucks did in the standings like Utah, Anaheim and Columbus, that will head into this summer with nearly $30 million or more in available cap space. 'Vancouver has the space to make significant changes, but it doesn't have the sort of purchasing power that other teams will be able to wield over the course of what promises to be a wild NHL offseason.' What are The Canucks going to do in the NHL draft? 'The Canucks first pick in the draft is No. 15 and ' It will be something of a surprise if the Canucks actually use their 2025 first-round pick, ' says Drance. 'There are players in this draft class that Vancouver is high on, but the short-term needs are pressing, and even though this draft class is widely viewed as below average from a depth of talent perspective, the pick could have some meaningful value as a trade chip.' Article content Do the Canucks want Braeden Cootes or Roger McQueen? In his off-season primer Drance writes: 'Seattle Thunderbirds centre Braeden Cootes is said to have piqued Vancouver's interest, according to reports from The Athletic and CHEK TV's Rick Dhaliwal. Big, WHL goal-scoring centre Roger McQueen is an interesting, volatile name to track as the draft unfolds, given his unique upside and concerning recent injury history.' Mocking birds While Mock Drafts have become their own industry in the NFL, the NHL doesn't generally have the consensus of the prospects available like in college football. But here's how some experts see the draft breaking down for Vancouver. From 15. Vancouver Canucks Kimelman — Kashawn Aitcheson: 'Aitcheson brings an entertaining mix of offensive skill and brute strength that makes him a nightmare to play against, similar to the Bruins' Charlie McAvoy or the Ducks' Jacob Trouba. The left-handed shot set a Barrie record for goals by a defenseman (26) this season and was a physical menace. However, he showed the maturity needed to hit hard and often while avoiding unnecessary penalties; he went from 126 penalty minutes in 2023-24 to 88 in 2024-25 while playing 64 games each season. Aitcheson also was trusted enough to draw the toughest defensive assignments each game.' Article content Morreale — Carter Bear: 'The versatile forward can play center but seems most effective on wing, where he led Everett in goals (40), points (82) and power-play goals (14) in 56 games. The left-handed shot plays the bumper on the power play and also had four short-handed points (two goals, two assists). Bear can scale a lineup, is hard on plays and will finish checks. The Achilles injury may drop him to the mid-to-late teens in the draft, but he's too good to pass up at this point and projects to be a solid pro.' Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino: 'Throwback player with personality and swagger to boot. Aitcheson may not produce the same kind of offence in the NHL as he did this year in Barrie, but he's still a defenceman who will eat pucks, throw big hits and drop the gloves when required. TSN's Craig Button has Vancouver selecting Braeden Cootes with their first rounder. The Score has a real shocker, the Canucks selecting a Swedish first rounder. 'The Canucks would love to see RW Victor Eklund – the No. 2-ranked international skater who was once thought to be a top-10 lock – fall into their lap. They've used their first pick on a Swede in each of the last three drafts under Swedish GM Patrik Allvin. The brother of Sharks winger William Eklund, Victor is a fiery competitor at 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, with more than enough offence in his game to be an effective top-six winger.' Bleacher Report has the Canucks taking Kashawn Aitcheson. Latest National Stories
Chicago Tribune
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Biblioracle: The Institute of Museum and Library Service may lose funding. Here's why that's important.
A couple of weeks ago, for the first time in her life, Mrs. Biblioracle got a library card. The impetus for the choice was a tip from her book club that you can listen to audiobooks for free (something possible through services like Libby and Overdrive), but once a member, she was introduced to additional benefits, including free access to the New York Times, which meant we no longer had to fight over the Wordle. Of course, there are numerous other benefits, including admission to county parks and some local museums. You can check out a computer if yours is on the fritz. You can book a meeting room or get any book you can think of through interlibrary loan. Also, telescopes. You can check out a honking big telescope. The reason why Mrs. Biblioracle did not previously have a library card should be obvious: Her partner (me) has enough books in the house to stock a small, but robust library. By virtue of a previous academic appointment, I maintain access to an institutional academic library covering my needs. Even though Mrs. Biblioracle and I have not been directly interacting with our public library all that much, we remain staunch supporters and believers in libraries as vital parts of a functioning, shared, thriving society. Unfortunately, there is a significant threat to not just libraries but public museums in the currently proposed federal budget, which aims to almost zero-out something called the Institute of Museum and Library Service. The IMLS had already been a casualty of the Department of Government Efficiency cuts back in March, cuts which were halted at least temporarily after state attorneys general sued and temporary restraining orders were issued. But the proposed 2026 budget obviates those suits, reducing IMLS funding from $313 million to $6 million. The number of things that the IMLS does is almost impossible to list. They give grants that make institutions such as zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and, of course, libraries capable of providing programming to the public. In some cases, these grants are the difference between being able to keep the doors open and not existing. The IMLS is also home to the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, which provides for the training and development of library professionals and working archivists. In recent years, the IMLS has also been at the forefront of investigating the 'digital divide' and increasing access to broadband services for poor and rural communities. They provide a literal line to the online world. While $313 million may seem like a lot, this amount is literally spread across all 50 states and more than 150,000 libraries and museums. As Kelly Jensen points out, writing at Book Riot, this amount is 0.005% of the overall federal budget. I'm going to confess that until recently, I had no idea the IMLS existed because why would I? This is one of the innumerable governmental bodies that churns away doing stuff Congress has decided is worth funding, allowing for things like visits from authors to libraries or new exhibits at museums to happen. It's impossible to know which institutions might be threatened with closure, but every institution's operations would undoubtedly be degraded. This budget proposal is exactly that, a proposal. I hope it doesn't come to fruition, and it's a reminder to maybe be a bit more aware of how different interconnected systems work to provide services and opportunities I've come to take for granted. As Joni Mitchell once said, 'Don't it always seem to go, you don't know what you got 'til it's gone.' John Warner is the author of books including 'More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI.' You can find him at Book recommendations from the Biblioracle John Warner tells you what to read based on the last five books you've read. 1. 'The One and Only Ivan' by Katherine Applegate 2. 'Mad Honey' by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan 3. 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik 4. 'In This Grave Hour' by Jacqueline Winspear 5. 'Life Sentences' by Billy O'CallaghanAlways pleased to find a good occasion to recommend this book by Chicago writer Kathleen Rooney: 'Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk.' 1. 'Honor' by Thrity Umrigar 2. 'The Sellout' by Paul Beatty 3. 'James' by Percival Everett 4. 'Heat and Light' by Jennifer Haigh 5. 'High Dive' by Jonathan LeeI think 'Chain-Gang All-Stars' by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah will be an exciting read for Kathleen. 1. 'Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road' by Neil Peart 2. 'My Effin' Life' by Geddy Lee 3. 'The Wide, Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook' by Hampton Sides 4. 'In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the U.S.S. Jennette' by Hampton Sides 5. 'The Watchmaker's Daughter: The True Story of World War II Heroine Corrie ten Boom' by Larry LoftisI've got just the book for Cliff, a story of seafaring and history: 'Shadow Divers: The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II' by Robert Kurson. Get a reading from the Biblioracle Send a list of the last five books you've read and your hometown to biblioracle@
Korea Herald
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
QWER paves its own path
Band christens own music as 'Q-pop,' emphasizing unique qualities With its third mini album 'In a Million Noises, I'll Be Your Harmony,' QWER showcased an evolved musicality as well as the growth the group has achieved. Since its debut in October 2023, QWER has quickly risen to become one of K-pop's representative all-female bands, earning enthusiastic responses from fans at various festivals and live shows. 'This album completes the first page of QWER's story and promises moments that will remain unchanged forward,' said bassist Magenta. The album includes six tracks: the main song 'Dear,' along with 'Be Happy,' '#QWER,' 'Overdrive,' 'D-Day' and 'Yours Sincerely.' Notably, the members participated directly in the songwriting and composition for all the tracks, further shaping the group's musical identity. Drummer Chodan shared, 'We wrote lyrics while traveling on concert tours and recorded between concert schedules. It was tough, but it left us with a strong sense of pride.' The Korean title of the track 'Dear' is 'Holding Back Tears,' and it conveys the determination to bravely carry on despite overwhelming sadness. 'The instrumentation is powerful and energetic, but it carries a deeply emotional story within. I think this track perfectly fits the summer vibe,' explained Chodan. Magenta stressed that the instrumentation of the new songs was more difficult than before, and they practiced endlessly to the point where her fingerprints were worn down — a testament to QWER's tireless dedication. The music video centers on themes of tears and rain, featuring emotional acting and intense performances. 'There's a scene where I cry in the rain, so I practiced crying a lot. It was my first time acting, so I was really nervous, but the director gave detailed direction, which helped me a lot,' recalled vocalist Siyeon. Even before the band's debut, QWER faced popular doubts due to the individual members' unconventional backgrounds on livestreaming platform Twitch and TikTok. However, with a distinct musical identity and continued success on the music charts, QWER has been collecting invitations to major music festivals. 'We're so grateful for all the love. Last year, we even attended year-end music award shows. The growth we made together truly defines who we are,' said Chodan. Guitarist Hina expressed her ambition to define QWER's unique musical identity as 'Q-pop,' saying, 'We hope our sound becomes so distinct that when people hear it, they immediately know it's a QWER song.'
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Brad Marchand to the Maple Leafs? Critics argue it's the only way to toughen up Toronto
The Toronto Maple Leafs are once again being linked to a major name — this time, Florida Panthers veteran Brad Marchand. While the idea might raise eyebrows due to his deep playoff run with the Panthers and strong chemistry in the Florida locker room, some prominent voices in the hockey world are pushing Toronto to make the bold move. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Maple Leafs urged to chase Brad Marchand despite Panthers chemistry On TSN's Overdrive, hosts Bryan Hayes and former Leafs forward Jeff O'Neill passionately backed the idea of the Leafs going all-in on Brad Marchand when free agency opens on July 1. 'I confirm it. 100%. 110%,' Hayes declared. O'Neill echoed the sentiment, suggesting that Marchand's gritty demeanor and championship pedigree are exactly what the Leafs are missing. 'If you look at that Evander Kane, I'm pretty sure not everyone's his best friend... He just got an edge to him, and he goes out and he's a different player,' O'Neill said, arguing that players like Kane and Marchand shake up complacency and bring real fire to the room. Bryan Hayes took things even further, saying, 'I'm strapping an A on his jersey immediately.' The idea of naming Marchand an alternate captain highlights just how much these analysts believe his influence could benefit Toronto — even if he's considered a villain by Leafs fans from his Bruins days. O'Neill added that Toronto's history of bringing in 'nice guy' veterans without Cup experience has failed. 'They've decided... to bring in the veteran guy that hasn't won yet... as opposed to the guy who has won,' he said. It's a shot at Toronto's front-office strategy, suggesting they value hunger over proven success. But luring Marchand won't be easy. The 37-year-old has settled in well with the Panthers, who are chasing another Stanley Cup and have embraced him with open arms. 'The group is incredible. And it's a very easy group to feel at home with,' Marchand said. Teammates like Aleksander Barkov praise his impact, and coach Paul Maurice sees him as a mentor figure in the locker room. Also Read: Unless Toronto offers something extraordinary, Marchand may prefer to finish his career in Florida — chasing rings, not relocations.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bexley Library patrons compete for limited digital access amid increased demand
BEXLEY, Ohio (WCMH) — Bexley Library card holders hoping to digitally borrow books and movies are hitting a snag: The service often reaches its daily limit in the early morning hours, leaving patrons competing for limited access. The Bexley Public Library offers virtual downloads through Hoopla, a company headquartered in Holland, Ohio, that allows people to log in with a library card and enjoy virtual movie, TV, audiobook and eBook downloads for free at participating libraries. Library spokesperson Paige Bilotta said although the service is free for library card holders, each transaction costs the library money, so it needs to limit its use each day. 'Unlike other platforms, Hoopla operates on a 'pay-per-use' model, which means we have to set daily, monthly and individual borrowing limits to stay within our budget,' Bilotta said. 'As more of our cardholders get savvy about using platforms like Hoopla to bypass wait times on services like Libby — which have limited copies of each title — those limits are reached more quickly.' Columbus officer confronts school board after being denied access to school According to the Delaware County District Library, prices vary among items but an eBook usually costs libraries $3 per checkout, movies and music cost around $1.50 and eAudiobooks, the most expensive and popular category, cost as much as $3.99. Laura Moskow Sigal is a Bexley resident and longtime patron of the library. She said she recently joined Hoopla to enjoy the library's movie collection, but every time she logs in to use the service, she gets an error message that the library has reached its quota for the day. She said this usually happens around 9 a.m. 'When I called the library, they said the reason for that is that Columbus Public Libraries has stopped using Hoopla, so all the Columbus folks are now getting Bexley Library cards,' Sigal said. Columbus Metropolitan Libraries provided NBC4 with the message they sent to patrons after they discontinued Hoopla last November. The library said the costs associated with Hoopla required them to significantly limit daily use for patrons. 'Although it's free for customers to use, the library is charged a fee for every item that is checked out,' the library said. 'We've had a significant increase in customer use the past few years and costs have increased substantially. Unfortunately, we just can't sustain Hoopla in a manner that meets customer demand.' 2,500 gallons of fuel spill in Whitehall, Fire official says Instead, the Columbus library invested in more eBooks and eAudiobooks, as well as other digital options like Libby, Overdrive and Kanopy. Bilotta said she spoke with the Bexley Library's collection manager, who said an influx of Columbus patrons may be a factor, but it is not the only cause. 'She mentioned that while a small number of Columbus Metropolitan Library users might be contributing to some of the strain, the bigger factor is the continued rise in digital checkouts overall,' Bilotta said. Sigal said she was told the Columbus library patrons were the main source of the strain, and suggested a solution. She said she had no problem paying taxes to support the library, but because Bexley residents do so, she asked if they could be prioritized for digital downloads. 'Since we all have a Bexley address, I don't think that would be a major problem for a computer system,' Sigal said. Bilotta said only Bexley Public Library cardholders are able to access the library's Hoopla. However, the library also receives funding from the state, allowing them to offer library cards to any Ohio resident. 'As a BPL cardholder, your address doesn't limit your access,' Bilotta said. 'Once you have a card, you're eligible to use Hoopla and all of our materials just like any other patron.' Bilotta said the library is glad so many users take advantage of the resources, and that the Bexley Library is always evaluating how best to meet growing demand. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
