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Message: [QUOTE="sutomcat, post: 4583014, member: 27"] [MEDIA=youtube]AWNIr3WMU3U[/MEDIA] [B][FONT=verdana][COLOR=rgb(84, 172, 210)][SIZE=7]Welcome to International Polar Bear Day![/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B] [SIZE=3][I][FONT=verdana]International Polar Bear Day, a day organized by Polar Bears International, draws attention to the threats that polar bears face in the warming Arctic, as a result of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The day is dedicated to reflecting on what can be done to help polar bears, and how carbon emissions can be reduced. Arctic warming has already had an effect. For example, in Western Hudson Bay there were about 1,200 polar bears in 1987, but by 2012 there were only 900. Climate change has lead to lower body weights in polar bears; lower body weight in females has affected their offspring, yielding smaller litters and causing fewer cubs to survive.[/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [FONT=verdana][COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)][SIZE=7][B]SU News[/B][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT] [IMG]https://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/TWCNews/syair_torrence_09102021[/IMG] [I][SIZE=3]Spectrum News[/SIZE][/I] [B][URL="https://insidetheloudhouse.com/2023/02/25/syracuse-football-2024-wide-receiver-commit-vaults-national-rankings/"]Syracuse Football: 2024 wide-receiver commit vaults into national rankings[/URL] (itlh; Adler)[/B] [I]Syracuse football 2024 commit Syair Torrence, [URL='https://insidetheloudhouse.com/?s=%22Syair+Torrence%22']a local product from Central New York[/URL], recently jumped into the national rankings from the industry-generated 247Sports Composite. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Torrence, a consensus three-star wide receiver in the junior class, attends the Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse. He is the younger brother of Syracuse basketball senior guard Symir Torrence. Last November, Syair Torrence gave a verbal commitment to the Orange, [URL='https://insidetheloudhouse.com/syracuse-football/']marking the team’s first pledge in its 2024 class[/URL]. More recently, in late January, Syracuse football also picked up a verbal commitment from 2024 athlete Sam Cooper. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Cooper is a junior at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills, Pa. While Cooper suits up at multiple positions in high school, SyracuseOnSI publisher Mike McAllister [URL='https://insidetheloudhouse.com/2023/01/31/syracuse-orange-news-big-man-plans-visit-football-scores-commit/']has said that the ‘Cuse coaching staff is recruiting Cooper as a running back[/URL]. Syracuse football 2024 commit Syair Torrence is climbing up in the national rankings. When I penned this column, Torrence checked in at No. 523 nationally, No. 68 at wide receiver and No. 3 in New York within the junior cycle, [URL='https://247sports.com/player/syair-torrence-46131361/']according to the 247Sports Composite[/URL]. ...[/I] [B][URL="https://insidetheloudhouse.com/2023/02/25/syracuse-football-remains-mix-4-star-athlete-no-1-player-ny-state/"]Syracuse football remains in mix for 4-star athlete, No. 1 player in NY state[/URL] (itlh; Adler)[/B] [I]Four-star athlete Josiah Brown, [URL='https://www.on3.com/db/josiah-brown-151944/']who is rated as high as No. 50 nationally in the 2024 class[/URL], included Syracuse football when he recently disclosed his top 10. The 6-foot, 170-pound Brown, regarded by virtually every primary recruiting service as the No. 1 prospect in New York state within the junior cycle, recently said via Twitter that his top 10 are the Orange, Michigan, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Nebraska, Miami, Duke, Penn State, Georgia and Rutgers. Brown says that his recruitment remains 100 percent open. Since his top-10 reveal, he has landed newer scholarship offers from teams including Florida State and Liberty. [/I] [I] Obviously, it’s encouraging that Syracuse football made his top 10, [URL='https://insidetheloudhouse.com/2022/04/21/syracuse-football-offers-4-star-athlete-no-1-new-york-prospect-class/']but the competition for the ‘Cuse to prevail for Brown is ridiculously steep[/URL]. Georgia, for one, has won the last two College Football Playoff national titles. Michigan has made the CFP two seasons in a row. And in recent years, Notre Dame has reached the CFP on two occasions. Syracuse football is still in the running for 2024 four-star athlete Josiah Brown. Brown, who suits up at wide receiver and defensive back, is a standout junior for the Holy Trinity Diocesan High School in Hicksville, N.Y. ...[/I] [B][URL="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco"]Andre Cisco - Wikipedia[/URL] (wiki) [I]Andre J. Cisco[/I][/B][I] (born March 23, 2000) is an [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_football']American football[/URL] [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_(gridiron_football_position)']safety[/URL] for the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville_Jaguars']Jacksonville Jaguars[/URL] of the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League']National Football League[/URL] (NFL). He played [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_football']college football[/URL] at [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse_Orange_football']Syracuse[/URL], and was drafted by the Jaguars in the third round of the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NFL_Draft']2021 NFL Draft[/URL].[/I] [HEADING=1][I]Early years[[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Andre_Cisco&action=edit&section=1&editintro=Template:BLP_editintro']edit[/URL]][/I][/HEADING] [I]Cisco attended [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Anthony%27s_High_School_(South_Huntington,_New_York)']St. Anthony's High School[/URL] in [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Huntington,_New_York']South Huntington, New York[/URL], before transferring to [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMG_Academy']IMG Academy[/URL] in [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradenton,_Florida']Bradenton, Florida[/URL] prior to his junior season.[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-1'][1][/URL] He committed to [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse_University']Syracuse University[/URL] to play college football.[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-2'][2][/URL][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-3'][3][/URL][/I] [HEADING=1][I]College career[[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Andre_Cisco&action=edit&section=2&editintro=Template:BLP_editintro']edit[/URL]][/I][/HEADING] [I]As a freshman at Syracuse in 2018, Cisco started 11 of 13 games.[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-4'][4][/URL] He recorded 60 tackles and seven [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interceptions']interceptions[/URL], which was tied for most in the nation.[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-5'][5][/URL] He was the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Coast_Conference']ACC[/URL] Defensive Rookie of the Year and was a freshman [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-American']All-American[/URL].[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-6'][6][/URL] Cisco started nine games his sophomore season, missing three due to injury, and had 65 tackles, five interceptions and a [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touchdown']touchdown[/URL].[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-7'][7][/URL][/I] [HEADING=1][I]Professional career[[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Andre_Cisco&action=edit&section=3&editintro=Template:BLP_editintro']edit[/URL]][/I][/HEADING] [I]Pre-draft measurables[/I] [TABLE] [TR] [TH][I]Height[/I][/TH] [TH][I]Weight[/I][/TH] [TH][I]Arm length[/I][/TH] [TH][I]Hand span[/I][/TH] [TH][I][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_Scouting_Combine#Bench_press_records']Bench press[/URL][/I][/TH] [/TR] [TR] [TD][I]6 ft 0+5⁄8 in (1.84 m)[/I][/TD] [TD][I]216 lb (98 kg)[/I][/TD] [TD][I]32+1⁄2 in (0.83 m)[/I][/TD] [TD][I]10+5⁄8 in (0.27 m)[/I][/TD] [TD][I]17 reps[/I][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][I]All values from Pro Day[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-8'][8][/URL][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-9'][9][/URL][/I][/TD] [TD][I][/I][/TD] [TD][I][/I][/TD] [TD][I][/I][/TD] [TD][I][/I][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [I]Cisco was selected by the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville_Jaguars']Jacksonville Jaguars[/URL] in the third round (65th overall) of the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NFL_Draft']2021 NFL Draft[/URL].[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-10'][10][/URL] He signed his four-year rookie contract with the Jaguars on June 10, 2021.[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-11'][11][/URL] Cisco appeared in 17 games, of which he started the last three, as a rookie. He totaled 26 total tackles, two passes defended, and two forced fumbles.[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-12'][12][/URL] In Week 4, against the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Philadelphia_Eagles']Philadelphia Eagles[/URL], he recorded a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown in the 29–21 loss.[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-13'][13][/URL] He appeared in 15 games, of which he started all of them. He finished with one sack, 73 total tackles, three interceptions, and ten passes defended.[/I][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cisco#cite_note-14'][I][14][/I][/URL] [FONT=verdana][COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)][SIZE=7][B]ACC News[/B][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT] [B][URL="https://www.outkick.com/clemson-ad-graham-neff-revenue-split-comments/"]Clemson AD Makes Concerning Comments About Revenue Split, Might Be Hinting At Inevitable ACC Departure[/URL] (outkick.com; Hookstead)[/B] [I]Clemson AD Graham Neff’s view of revenue sharing in the ACC should terrify the rest of the conference. The [URL='https://www.outkick.com/dabo-swinney-clemson-duke-trolling-video/']Tigers[/URL] have been the most dominant program in the ACC for several years at this point, and it’s unlikely that changes in the near future. One of the main issues facing the ACC is the conference’s TV contract with ESPN runs through 2036. So, while the Big Ten and SEC are printing cash, the ACC is more than a decade away from getting a huge pay bump. In the meantime, Neff thinks it’s time to let the big dogs eat more than the rest of the conference. Clemson AD endorses uneven revenue split. “In all candor, I put it as a need. We certainly recognize the investment that we’ve continued to make as an institution, in our community, in athletics, namely in football, which certainly drives a lot of value that is important from a television and revenue-generation standpoint. Is it time revenue distribution within conferences, or at least the ACC, is done differently? Yeah, I’ve been very active in those conversations within the league and continue to expect to take a leadership role in our desire for that to be a changed circumstance. Urgently,” Neff told The Post and Courier when asked about his outlook on a potential uneven revenue distribution. ...[/I] [B][URL="https://theclemsoninsider.com/2023/02/25/where-is-klubnik-in-this-ranking-of-accs-projected-starting-qbs/"]Where is Klubnik in this ranking of ACC's projected starting QBs?[/URL] (theclemsoninsider.com; Staff)[/B] [I]This college football website recently ranked the ACC’s projected starting quarterbacks for next season. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik is in the upper part of that group and checked in at No. 4 in [URL='https://collegefootballnetwork.com/acc-qb-rankings-2023/']College Football Network’s 2023 ACC QB Rankings[/URL]. Here’s what College Football Network’s Cam Mellor wrote about the Tigers’ rising sophomore signal-caller and former five-star prospect from Texas: [/I] [I] The former Texas Gatorade Player of the Year, Klubnik flashed his ability late in his freshman campaign in 2022 and enters 2023 having completed 61-of-100 career passes for 697 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions over 10 games (one start). He also rushed 42 times for 139 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman in 2022. Florida State’s Jordan Travis took the top spot in College Football Network’s ACC QB rankings, followed by North Carolina’s Drake Maye at No. 2 and Duke’s Riley Leonard at No. 3. Rounding out the top five behind Klubnik is Syracuse’s Garrett Shrader. ...[/I] [B][URL]https://athlonsports.com/college-football/acc-power-something-has-to-change-with-conference[/URL] (athlonsports.com; Forde)[/B] [I]As seems to be the case just about every offseason in college football, speculation about continued conference realignment has swirled. Schools that are not currently part of the Big Ten or SEC clearly want to join those leagues, and after each conference has made a significant addition during the past two offseasons, those who follow the sport are always trying to figure out who might be next. One potential candidate: Florida State. The Seminoles brass fired a clear warning shot to the ACC on Friday, [URL='https://www.tampabay.com/sports/seminoles/2023/02/24/fsu-football-florida-state-acc-conference-realignment/']according to Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times[/URL]. During a board of trustees meeting, Florida State athletics director Michael Alford said "something has to change" with regard to the school's financial gap compared to its SEC and Big Ten peers. Alford took issue with the ACC's media rights deal, which was signed by former commissioner John Swofford in 2016. The contract, which runs through 2036, pays the league $240 million per year. The SEC, by contrast, will receive $811 million per year under their new deal with ESPN, which takes effect in 2023, and the Big Ten will rake in $1.1 million annually. ...[/I] [B][URL="https://duckswire.usatoday.com/lists/can-the-acc-save-pac-12-teams-introducing-the-apac-an-intriguing-new-conference-idea/"]Can the ACC save Pac-12 teams? Introducing the APAC, an intriguing new conference idea[/URL] (duckswire.com; Neel)[/B] [I]More conference realignment talk. [URL='https://duckswire.usatoday.com/?s=conference+realignment']Who’s surprised?[/URL] While we are currently in a slow part of the offseason for college football, waiting for spring practices to start up in the next couple of weeks, [URL='https://duckswire.usatoday.com/lists/where-each-pac-12-team-could-land-in-realignment-if-conference-were-to-break-up/']the Pac-12 is making a lot of news[/URL] off the field when it comes to a potential media rights deal. We’ve covered the happenings of this a lot at Ducks Wire, [URL='https://duckswire.usatoday.com/2023/02/18/as-pac-12-pursues-media-deal-oregon-washington-to-the-big-ten-is-picking-up-steam/']looking at the potential ramifications[/URL] should Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff prove unable to land a contract with a new partner, which could ultimately lead to a number of teams leaving for a new league — much like USC and UCLA did a year ago — and killing the Pac-12 as we know it. [URL='https://www.ticketsmarter.com/oregon-ducks?utm_source=duckswire.usatoday.com&utm_medium=thescoreplacement&utm_campaign=gannett']Buy Ducks Tickets[/URL] A lot of ideas have been thrown out over the past several weeks: [URL='https://duckswire.usatoday.com/2023/02/18/as-pac-12-pursues-media-deal-oregon-washington-to-the-big-ten-is-picking-up-steam/']Oregon and Washington to the Big Ten,[/URL] the “four corner” schools to the Big 12, and a merger [URL='https://duckswire.usatoday.com/lists/eight-potential-candidates-should-the-pac-12-look-to-expand/']between the Mountain West and Pac-12.[/URL] All of that is still possible down the road. However, another idea has started to pick up steam, and [URL='https://www.forbes.com/sites/zengernews/2023/02/20/the-pac-12s-leadership-needs-to-ink-a-new-media-deal-then-start-acc-merger-talks/?sh=792bf8466973']according to Forbes,[/URL] it has been discussed by the commissioners and conferences involved. The idea is that the Pac-12 and ACC could potentially merge and form a “coastal conference” that could ultimately be as powerful and robust as what the SEC and Big Ten are looking to build. The two conferences were already in discussions a summer ago about an alliance of scheduling in football, basketball, and other Olympic sports, but a deal was unable to come to fruition. However, [URL='https://www.forbes.com/sites/zengernews/2023/02/20/the-pac-12s-leadership-needs-to-ink-a-new-media-deal-then-start-acc-merger-talks/?sh=792bf8466973']according to Forbes,[/URL] this idea has been brought back up by some decision-makers in the ACC, and it could be picking up steam. [/I] [I] While this may seem like a pipe dream, there is reportedly some buzz generating for the potential merger. Not only would it help save face for the Pac-12 after a tough negotiating cycle in hopes of a new TV deal, but it would also keep a lot of the rivalry schools together, rather than seeing schools like Oregon/Oregon State and Washington/Washington State break into new conferences. ...[/I] [FONT=verdana][/FONT] [FONT=trebuchet ms][B][URL="https://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2023/02/dismantling-college-football-part-1.html"]Dismantling College Football, Part 1[/URL] (RX; HM)[/B] [I]Dismantling College Football, Part 1[/I][/FONT] [I] There is a saying: when whales fight, shrimp get eaten. Much of what has happened in college football over the last few decades can be explained in terms of the struggle between two whales: the [B]SEC[/B] and the [B]Big Ten[/B]. It all started in the 1990's, when conferences had no more than 10 teams (including both of our whales). There was a lot of parity in the sport, but the SEC put together a plan to become the #1 college football conference. ...[/I] [B][URL="https://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2023/02/dismantling-college-football-part-2.html"]Dismantling College Football, Part 2[/URL] (RX; HM)[/B] [I]Dismantling College Football, Part 2 By the start of the 21st century, these were the member counts for the power five (P5) conferences: [/I] [CENTER][TABLE] [TR] [TD][I]SEC[/I][/TD] [TD][I]12[/I][/TD] [TD][I]============[/I][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][I]Big XII[/I][/TD] [TD][I]12[/I][/TD] [TD][I]============[/I][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][I]Big Ten[/I][/TD] [TD][I]11[/I][/TD] [TD][I]===========[/I][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][I]Pac-10[/I][/TD] [TD][I]10[/I][/TD] [TD][I]==========[/I][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][I]ACC[/I][/TD] [TD][I]9[/I][/TD] [TD][I]=========[/I][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE][/CENTER] [I] Obviously, the ACC was still the smallest power conference, and still 3 teams short of being able to sponsor a championship game.So, around 2002, the [B]ACC[/B] made its move to try to catch up by adding Miami and Virginia Tech in 2003, then Boston College a year later, all from the Big East. ...[/I] [B][URL="https://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2023/02/ncaa-violation-in-nil-age.html"]NCAA violation in the NIL age?[/URL] (RX; HM)[/B] [I]NCAA violation in the NIL age? A ruling came down a couple of days ago regarding the recruitment of the Cavinder Twins (women's basketball) to Miami, John Ruiz had this to tweet... [/I] [I]...[/I] [B][URL="https://chopchat.com/2023/02/26/fsu-football-michael-alfords-chess-move-acc-powerful/"]FSU football: Why Michael Alford’s chess move on the ACC was powerful[/URL] (chopchat.com; Hunt)[/B] [I]FSU football is one of the most valuable brands in college football. Ironically, unlike most colleges, FSU is good and even elite in a ton of other sports too, but football is the driver of everything regarding revenue and TV contracts. FSU has carried the ACC since joining the conference in the early 90s. If you’re a casual fan, it’s no coincidence that FSU football seemingly always gets the primetime spots. The Noles had eight primetime games in the 2022 season after finishing the 2021 season 5-7. It’s the byproduct of playing at an elite level for so many years. Folks either want to see the Noles win or lose, but either way, they tune in, and that’s music to the ears of TV executives. FSU Athletic Director Michael Alford understands the value of the FSU football brand to the ACC, but more importantly, the value of FSU’s national brand. It’s no coincidence Michael Alford has been slowly building up to what he did Friday with his public statements on FSU and the ACC. It began throughout the 2022 season as FSU set excellent TV ratings in primetime games, and Alford promoted those feats on social media. After further research and many conversations, Michael Alford finally said what every FSU football fan has been saying for the past few years: FSU has to get more money from the ACC or find an alternative route to receive more money(leave the ACC). Here’s why the decision to make public statements on the issue were powerful.[/I] [B][I]...[/I] [URL="https://fansided.com/2023/02/25/florida-state-acc-warning-shot-conference-realignment/"]Florida State sends ACC a warning shot amid rampant conference realignment[/URL] (fansided.com; Buhler)[/B] [I]Florida State sends a warning shot at the ACC in the latest wave of conference realignment. The ACC has been awfully quiet in the latest wave of conference realignment, but Florida State could be bringing a swift end to that. With the Big Ten and SEC adding members, the Big 12 replacing members and the Pac-12 fighting for its dear life, the ACC has sat back and watched the chaotic world of realignment unfold before their very eyes. Although the Pac-12 could die, no conference is in worse shape long-term than the ACC, and Florida State knows this. Their media rights deal is horrific, and they will get lapped. So it comes as no surprise that [URL='https://www.tampabay.com/sports/seminoles/2023/02/24/fsu-football-florida-state-acc-conference-realignment/']Florida State athletic director Michael Alford had some blunt criticism of the league[/URL] in which the Seminoles play. [/I] [I]Florida State had been a successful national independent before joining the ACC in the early 1990s, so don’t think for a second the Seminoles won’t bail on the league for a better financial opportunity long-term. Simply put, the writing is on the wall for the ACC to get better or get left behind in athletics. Let’s look at why Alford is absolutely right when it comes to Florida State’s beef with the ACC. ...[/I] [B][URL]https://thespun.com/more/top-stories/sports-world-reacts-to-florida-state-acc-rumors[/URL] (thespun.com; Hodies)[/B] [I]Realignment is always a hot topic around college sports these days. Teams have moved conferences plenty of times over the years, including last year when USC and UCLA agreed to move to the Big Ten in 2024. That came after Texas and Oklahoma agreed to join the SEC starting that year, too. Florida State might be the next college to move conferences. [URL='https://twitter.com/On3sports/status/1629185662036463617']According to Mike Baker of the [I]Tampa Bay Times[/I][/URL], FSU athletic director Michael Alford presented buyout figures to the board of trustees while discussing the topic of leaving the ACC. [URL='https://twitter.com/MBakerTBTimes/status/1629228139145469954?s=20']Baker then reported[/URL] that it would cost the school $120 million to leave the conference. The sports community, especially Clemson fans, was quick to react to this story. "Alford is not only incredibly smart but incredibly prepared. This feels more like due diligence on his part than an impending move, but you never know," another tweet read. ...[/I] [B][URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbSnVcXjF58"]Florida State starts the implosion of the ACC?ACC now wants West Virginia but West Virginia says NO?[/URL] (youtube.com' podcast; Gold and Blue Dude)[/B] [I]Florida State may have just started the implosion of the ACC!! If so, does the ACC finally invite West Virginia to the ACC? Well if they do,I hope West Virginia says NO!![/I] [B][FONT=verdana][COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)][SIZE=7]Other[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B] [IMG]https://www.syracuse.com/resizer/Osk517x6FKUfDmVj16Wbi-7-tgk=/500x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/XZQ4YGMHBNBQTBYQ5OSTI5ZUPA.jpg[/IMG] [I][SIZE=3]Longtime eyesore in DeWitt has been demolished, making way for a new business.[/SIZE][/I] [B][URL="https://www.syracuse.com/business/2023/02/longtime-retail-eyesores-in-dewitt-demolished-what-will-open-in-their-place.html"]Longtime retail eyesores in DeWitt demolished; what will open in their place?[/URL] (PS; Doran)[/B] [I] Two vacant buildings that have long been eyesores along East Genesee Street in DeWitt have been demolished and will soon be replaced with a new business, according to town of DeWit officials. The buildings at 6808-6810 E. Genesee St. were home to three businesses. Tucci Jewelers closed in 2013. The other two, Conan Real Estate and Yunus Custom Tailoring, closed in 2016. One building was behind the other. Through the years, area residents repeatedly asked town officials and the owner to do something with the property. The lot, next to Aldi and across from Wegmans, will now be home to a 6,000-square-foot building housing Chapter Aesthetic Studio. That business specializes in non-surgical and cosmetic treatments such as laser hair removal, injectables, fillers skin rejuvenation and more. There are more than a dozen Chapter Aesthetic Studios in the U.S. The closest location to DeWitt is New Hartford, and there are also locations in Pittsford, Orchard Park and Tonawanda. Each Chapter Aesthetic Studio is independently owned and supported by Chicago-based TAG – The Aspen Group, which also operates Aspen Dental, ClearChoice and WellNow. DeWitt planning officials said it’s not clear when construction will begin. Plans have been approved.[/I] [IMG]https://www.syracuse.com/resizer/2Kck2xM91srMlibWe5Q-xlJSYbg=/500x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/47TU2B4U45DFZNYS7JJ6IG5NAA.jpg[/IMG] [I][SIZE=3]Special Olympics New York[/SIZE][/I] [B][URL="https://www.syracuse.com/news/2023/02/cheers-tears-high-fives-more-than-500-compete-in-special-olympics-winter-games-in-syracuse.html"]Cheers, tears, high-fives: More than 500 compete in Special Olympics Winter Games in Syracuse[/URL] (PS; Alba)[/B] [I]For more than 20 years, Lianne Knapp has been volunteering for the Special Olympics in New York. She’s been a judge, the head of delegations and everything else in between. This year she was a coach for the figure skating teams. She said she comes back each year for the athletes. “I can’t imagine not being in their lives,” she said Saturday night at closing ceremonies in the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. “It’s the dedication that they have for their sports, the way they compete but more how they lift each other up.” More than 500 athletes from across the state competed Saturday in six sports: snowboarding, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, floor hockey and snowshoeing. The events were held at Highland Forest, Greek Peak Ski Resort, Thornden Park, the War Memorial and the Oncenter. About 300 volunteers joined in to help. Emma Cahill was coached in figure skating by Knapp this year. Cahill said she’s been competing for about seven years now. She tries to practice as much as she can. “I’ve been wanting to do figure skating all my life,” said Cahill, 20, “because of how graceful it can be and how competitive it can be. But it’s all about having fun and being with my friends.” This year, Cahill won a gold medal. Cahill said that after the closing ceremony she expected to go home and start working on moves for next year. ...[/I] [/QUOTE]

Verification: What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?