Declining branch transactions and increasing mobile use suggest need for new strategy.by: Sam KilmerMembers today place a high expectation of value on their credit unions. They want a responsive and customizable customer experience across all channels—24/7—and they have no problem changing financial institutions to get it. These new expectations are impacting not only how credit unions interact with members to deliver value, but also how credit unions establish trust and meet the expectations of new members on their terms. Delivery in the financial services arena as we know it is changing—drastically and rapidly.In a recent study of mid-size banks conducted by Cornerstone Advisors, branch activity showed a marked decline, with the median number of transactions per teller per month dropping 24 percent between 2010 and 2013. Transactions processed per branch per month fell 14 percent in the same period. While there will continue to be physical channel niche players that focus on the branch experience, the number of branches and physical locations overall keeps shrinking (and, in some cases, disappearing). Meanwhile, the mobile channel continues to grow significantly and take on some of that branch traffic.According to a recent Federal Reserve Board survey, 33 percent of all mobile phone owners report having used mobile banking in the past 12 months, up from 28 percent in the prior year. In addition, 38 percent of mobile bankers deposited checks using their mobile phones in 2013, a 21 percent increase over 2012. Further, 66 percent of mobile users paid bills through an online system in 2013, up from 42 percent in 2012.It isn’t only in branches and mobile channels where we are seeing a dramatic shift in usage. Contact centers are growing in complexity, volume and staff and are performing a wide mix of functions, including servicing of inbound calls, handling of member emails and chat, home banking support, call routing within the credit union, outbound sales, loan origination, deposit origination, support for certain employee issues and member satisfaction surveys. continue reading » 7SHARESShareShareSharePrintMailGooglePinterestDiggRedditStumbleuponDeliciousBufferTumblr read more

Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance has promoted 23 lawyers to its partnership – including 12 in Asia.The firm said the partnership promotions, which took effect on May 1, reflected a new commitment to business in the Far East, with nine of the new partners focused on the Greater China region alone.The promotions are in addition to the 14 new partners admitted to the firm as a result of the finalised mergers with Chang Pistilli & Simmons and Cochrane Lishman Carson Luscombe in Australia.David Childs, Clifford Chance manager partner, said: ‘These new partners represent the future of the firm.’They already play leading roles in the development of our business and in ensuring that Clifford Chance provides the most integrated high-quality client offer of any international law firm.‘The significant number of promotions in Asia this year reflects the vibrant nature of our business in the region, which is further bolstered by the enthusiasm and dedication of these individuals.’The total number of partners at Clifford Chance now stands at 577. read more

Jamaican Artist, Peter Wayne Lewis reveals new art at his recent exhibition in Beijing.He draws his inspiration from his Jamaican heritage, the vibrant colors of the Caribbean, jazz, quantum physics, and the spiritual teachings of Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism.Jamaican artist extraordinaire, Peter Wayne Lewis, was on hand at the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA) to give Caribbean dignitaries an exclusive tour of his latest works on display in the heart of Beijing’s art district.Lewis’ multi-million dollar pieces were shown alongside the works of the late Frederick J. Brown, the first American artist who was granted permission to exhibit at the National Museum of China in 1988. Brown was a friend of Lewis for some 20 years and Lewis felt it his duty to remind Beijing of the historic nature of Brown’s work and his relationship to the city.Lewis’ effervescent pieces incorporate elements of avant-garde jazz as well as Caribbean, European, African, Chinese and Japanese music. Indicative in his work is a rhythmic element stemming from his passion for music, and his respect for dissonance, space and even silence. Lewis credits Jamaica and the Caribbean as being significant contributors to his work.“The biggest influence about living in the Caribbean are the colors, the texture, the light, the people and the conversations you have, all ripple through my body and come out in my work which really reflect my beginnings,” says Lewis.This renowned Jamaican artist has exhibited in several of the world’s greatest cities including London, Beijing, Berlin, New York and Tokyo. Lewis remarked that his ability to exhibit in Beijing is by far one of his most important and greatest accomplishments, one than took approximately ten years to achieve.“As you know, thousands of Hakka people from China migrated to Jamaica in 1854. These people are a part of what makes Jamaica what it is and is a part of who I am … Coming to China is like coming back home … I have been to West Africa, Germany, France and other places, as a human being it is important to travel and experience our collective humanity,” said an enthusiastic Lewis.The exhibition consists of 15 paintings; however, this is the first time that “Monk Time Suite” and “Buddha Plays Monk” have been on display publicly. Lewis further notes the role each individual plays in his work:“This is my humble attempt to try and understand what the world is … this is my way of documenting the journey …. This is reality, it is not abstract. The completion [of each piece] starts with you, it is a conversation, it is what we do as human beings, it’s a dialogue.”Born in Jamaica in 1953, Lewis migrated to the United States as a child in 1962. He spent 30 years in California before taking up his current position as a Professor at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. read more

Puffins, flying fish, and dolphins are naturals in both the air and sea, moving from one to the other with ease. Now, for the first time, a tiny robot is joining their routine. The bee-sized bot, which can fly by flapping its tiny wings, has been re-engineered to dive into water, swim, take off again, and land safely. Once it dries off, the “robo-bee” can repeat the whole routine—or go back to flying. But engineering for water wasn’t easy. The researchers realized early on that their 175-milligram bot needed help staying upright underwater. So they added stabilizing cross beams and slowed down how quickly it beat its wing: In air, the wings flap about 250 times per second; in water, they average about nine beats per second. Any faster than that, and the bot starts to tilt and twist and can even fall apart. The bot also needed help breaking through the water’s surface tension, so the researchers figured out how to give it a push with an electrical device that converts water into oxygen and hydrogen, plus a “sparker” that can ignite these gases. After 2 minutes, the gases build and make the bot buoyant enough to get its wings out of the water. Then the spark blows up the gases, and the bot shoots up about 35 centimeters at a speed of more than 2 meters per second, the researchers report today in Science Robotics. The bot can’t fly again until it dries out, but its design helps it glide to a safe landing. And though it’s unlikely to perform at Sea World, this versatile bot may one day help with ocean search and rescue, fish surveys, and environmental monitoring. Sign up for our daily newsletterGet more great content like this delivered right to you!Country *AfghanistanAland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBolivia, Plurinational State ofBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos (Keeling) IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, The Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCote D’IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEthiopiaFalkland Islands (Malvinas)Faroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and Mcdonald IslandsHoly See (Vatican City State)HondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIran, Islamic Republic ofIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People’s Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People’s Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyan Arab JamahiriyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMacedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic ofMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMoldova, Republic ofMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorwayOmanPakistanPalestinianPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalQatarReunionRomaniaRussian FederationRWANDASaint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Martin (French part)Saint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint Maarten (Dutch part)SlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwazilandSwedenSwitzerlandSyrian Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkeyTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuela, Bolivarian Republic ofVietnamVirgin Islands, BritishWallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweI also wish to receive emails from AAAS/Science and Science advertisers, including information on products, services and special offers which may include but are not limited to news, careers information & upcoming events.Required fields are included by an asterisk(*) By Elizabeth PennisiOct. 25, 2017 , 2:00 PM These ‘robo-bees’ can dive, swim, and jump like dolphins read more

Get away from the hustle bustle of daily life this month, and prepare to be pampered at the region’s best spas and wellness centres. From relaxing Swedish massages that soothe tired muscles to herbal oils trickling down your back at Ayurvedic centres, and from rigorous workouts to sessions on healing,Get away from the hustle bustle of daily life this month, and prepare to be pampered at the region’s best spas and wellness centres. From relaxing Swedish massages that soothe tired muscles to herbal oils trickling down your back at Ayurvedic centres, and from rigorous workouts to sessions on healing with music, Punjab’s wellness centres have varied options to keep your body and mind in good health.Hotel Cabbana Spa and AyurvedaThis spa offers a wide range of beauty treatments- and there’s also reflexology and shiatsu, which work on the body’s acupressure points to balance the body’s energy. Set in lush, sprawling 17 acre premises, the Cabbana Spa is the one-stop-shop in the state for a complete spa experience. With a selection of treatment rooms, friendly staff and a variety of options for massage therapies, Cabbana is bound to leave you spoilt for choice. The services offered here include a beauty salon, a health bar and an outdoor Jacuzzi for your postmassage relaxation needs.Highly skilled therapists and personal trainers offer bespoke therapies and health programmes. Choose from therapies like marma abhyanga, deep tissue sport massage and Indian head massage. While marma abhyanaga therapy stimulates the energy centres of the body with synchronised strokes; deep tissue massage is customised according to your needs and it promises to relax sore muscles and it is sepcially recommended for sportsmen. The bestseller, however, is the Indian head massage that improves blood circulation to hair follicles, which helps stimulate hair growth.We recommend: Indian head message and marma abhyanga.Expert touch: All therapists are trained in-house for a few months before they go onboard.Where: Phagwara-Jalandhar Highway, NH-1.Cost: Rs 5,500- 9,500.Tel: 01824 505060; hotelcabbana.comUSP: Experienced masseurs, beauty booster, energiser packages and health programmes.-Puja RainaadvertisementSpa at IstaA sense of peace fills the air as soon as you enter Ista. From the white uniforms of the staff to ample natural light and lots of greenery, everything at the Spa at Ista is perfect, making for a calm and tranquil environment. Spread across the first floor of the hotel, it offers a bouquet of Ayurvedic as well as international treatments apart from yoga and meditation sessions.Inspired and created by IHHR Hospitality Private Limited (the group behind the world renowned Ananda in the Himalayas), the Spa at Ista is recreating its magic in the bustling city of Amritsar. The gorgeously carved stone motifs make the space look extremely rich and beautiful as well. Before any treatment starts, the feet of the client are washed and then an aarti is performed. This is followed by mantra chanting by the masseurs. This ritual is believed to calm the senses. When at Ista, the Shirodhara treatment is a must try. Three litres of lukewarm ghee are poured in an even stream on your forehead, which is followed by steam and a hot shower. This helps you reach a blissful and meditative state. Other favourites here are aromatherapy and crystal therapy. Choose from invigorating, detoxifying or spice-blended oils, which are applied using lymphatic and pressure point massage techniques for aromatherapy. The crystal therapy works on your chakras (centres along the spine) to achieve equilibrium and balance.We recommend: Shirodhara, aromatherapy, facials and crystal therapy.Expert touch: All the masseurs are trained at The Ananda Spa Institute, Hyderabad.Where: Ista Hotel, GT Road Amritsar. Cost: Rs 1,500 onward.Tel: 0183 2708888; istahotels.comUSP: Treatments offered in a luxurious setting with the added draw of welltrained therapists.-Ekta MarwahaQuan SpaHead to Quan Spa if you’re looking for a customised spa treatment that can enhance both your wellness and beauty quotients. Located just three kilometres from the city centre, Quan Spa offers its guests an oasis of healing and rejuvenation. A Chinese word meaning “the source of pure water”, Quan draws on the restorative properties of water and natural products sourced from sea minerals.The stress starts melting away as soon as you step out of the elevator and walk into the aroma oils-infused spa section. One can either indulge in the specially-crafted Ayurvedic treatments like abhyanga, shirodhara and spice bundle or try out Oriental and European deep tissue massages. A unique concept here are the “Quan journeys” that use theraputic oils which provide relief to your sore muscles. Or you can also indulge in the ‘indoceane journey’, which is a three-step relaxation treatment. Another highlight is their mer and sens ritual, which helps you unwind with aroma therapy oil blends. If you’re interested in experiencing the effects of the ancient herbs and timeless treatments, then try the kumkumadi therapy.We recommend: Saffron facials and vichy shower.Expert touch: All therapists are trained in-house by experts from reputed spa academies.Where: JW Marriott, Sector35, Chandigarh. Cost: Rs 1,500 onwards.Tel: 0172 3955677; marriott.comUSP: The ‘Quan journeys’ that use theraputic oils to provide a body renewal experience.-Monita SharmaadvertisementStrands Salon and Spa Treatments take a whole new dimension when they are being administered at this fast growing spa chain in India. The biggest selling point here is the vast variety of treatments on offer.Strands, in association with L’oreal and Matrix, offers a vast number of skin, hair, spa and beauty treatments by trained experts from L’oreal, Matrix, Aroma Treasure, Krylon and H2O. Take your pick from 11 types of body massages apart from a variety of body scrubs and packs. Some of the more popular packages here include the Bali discovery tour (Balinese massages), Chocolate Spa and the Wine Spa. Be sure to try the volcanic earth clay, which is a refreshing body mask treatment. It is great for those with tanned skin and other common skin problems. Your body will be re-mineralised, detoxified and energised with the application of the clay mask.Their facials are also popular and can help resolve problems like pigmentation, ageing, and wrinkles. They also have specialised masseuses for acute cervical and back problems.We recommend: Virtual earth clay ritual.Expert touch: All therapists are diploma holders and trained from reputed spa academies.Where: SCO 421-22, Sector 35-C, Chandigarh. Tel 0172 4248006; SCO 233, Sector 20, Panchkula.Cost: Rs 1,000- 5,000.Tel: 0769 6707742; strands.inUSP: One of the few spas to have special masseuses for acute cervical and back problems.-Puja RainaCleopatra Day SpaWhat started as a hotel spa in 2003 has become a chain that spreads beyond the Tricity to Jalandhar, Mumbai and recently, Delhi. Cleopatra Day Spa, housed in Hotel Bella Vista wants to take the concept of spa to a new level.Done up in earthy colours with Buddha motifs all around, the music, ambience and mild aroma of lemongrass is instantly soothing. As you choose your spa treatment, the experts analyse your skin to tell you about your skin texture and the kind of products required to keep it healthy. Agarwal personally monitors the treatments and often gives a tip or two to suggest the right diet for you. The highlight here is the one-and-a-half hour body polish ritual that opens the pores and breathes life into your skin, giving it a perfect sheen. Brides-to-be can indulge at their outlet in Sector 44, Chandigarh which is a three floor Bridal Spa. The bangles hanging from the ceilings and colourful duppattas running from one end of the spa to the other set a creative wedding ambience.We recommend: Body polish ritual and facials.Expert touch: The staff is trained at Cleopatra’s academy in Jalandhar.Where: Hotel Bella Vista Sm-8, City Centre, Scetor 5, Panchkula.Cost: Rs 1,500 onward.Tel: 0172 506 4848; cleopatradayspa.comUSP: Personalised treatments followed by a skin mapping session and a dedicated Bridal Spa.-Ekta MarwahaadvertisementForest Spa, Kikar LodgeA two hour bone-cracking drive from Chandigarh takes you to a beautiful private forest reserve that makes the journey worth the effort. The Kikar Lodge, spread over 1,800 acres allows you to pamper yourself at the fully functional Ayurvedic spa that is being run in conjunction with Kairali. Be sure to try their hotseller, akhada malish-a traditional oil malish given by a masseur from a local akhada. No fancy and fragrant oils are used for this massage. In fact, pungent mustard oil is used because of its therapeutic properties. “The idea behind introducing this in the spa menu was to promote Punjabi culture,” says Amrinder Singh Chopra, CEO, The Kikar Lodge. After your massage, there is the steam room to look forward to; from here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the property through huge glass windows.We recommend: The akhada malish.Expert touch: The spa has two trained Ayurvedic practitioners from south India along with a traditional Punjabi malishwala.Where: Village Kangar, Nurpur Bedi District Ropar. Cost: Rs 300 to Rs 1,500.Tel: 01887 252218; thekikarlodge.comUSP: One of the best destination spas that offer soothing treatments amidst lush green forests.-Ekta MarwahaPuneet’s Dance and Fitness HubWhen you walk into Puneet’s Dance and Fitness Hub, you will find the usual dance or exercise forms missing. Don’t be surprised if you see a yoga class being conducted on hip hop beats. That’s Yogahop for you. Puneet Jewandah, the owner of the hub whose passion lies in dance aims to offer dance workouts that are designed to alleviate the tedium of exercise and combine fun tunes with common asanas. She herself experienced her first Yogahop class at Asia Fitness Convention 2010 in Bangkok. While Yogahop promises to heal muscles and increase your heart rate, this is not the only innovative workout that Puneet has in store for you. There’s bhangra aerobics too. The lively, foot-tapping rhythms of Punjabi folk find a place in her dance and fitness regimen.Quality is something Jewandah doesn’t compromise on. Therefore, she doesn’t enroll more than 15 students in each class. Hailing from an army background, Jewandah was among the few Indians who performed at the closing ceremony of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.We recommend: Bhangra aerobics.Expert touch: Jewandah is a certified teacher and fitness expert from New York. The other instructors are trained by her.Where: 34C, Chandigarh; puneetshub.comCost: Rs 2,000 onward.USP: The only fitness centre to offer bhangra aerobics, Zumba, power yoga and Bollywood dancing.-Ekta MarwahaMoksha Himalaya SpaBefore the summer heat takes its toll on you, head out for a weekend of complete relaxation away from the dirt and grime of the city at the Moksha Himalaya Spa in Parwanoo, just an hour away from Chandigarh. The 62-suite wellness sanctuary is well equipped with yoga and meditation rooms where guests can practice under expert supervision.The main draw here though, is their luxurious spa. Set in the lush Shivalik valley, at the base of the Himalayas, this spa offers elaborate rituals that are a great way to detox your body as well as provide muscular relief and relaxation. Try the three-hour Moksha signature journey in which local garden herbs are used to massage your body, followed by a bath in tea blends and a deep tissue massage with hot herbal ball compress. Other highlights include outdoor heated infinity lap pools, infrared sauna, Ayurvedic treatments rooms, a trendy nail bar, hair salon, and Thai massage stations.We recommend: Moksha Signature Journey.Expert touch: Experienced therapists, all trained by renowned spa academies.Where: Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort, Parwanoo. Cost: Rs 5,000 onward.Tel: 086790 32340; mokshaspa.comUSP: A luxurious spa experience in a beautiful, private sanctuary of wellness in Shivalik valley.Burn GymBarely two years old, Burn Gym has revolutionised the concept of gymming in Punjab. Spread over 7,500 square feet, it is not just the largest gym in Panchkula but also the biggest in the Tricity.Brainchild of Pankaj Kasrija, the health and fitness club provides state-of-the-art gym and spa equipment for the region’s wellness enthusiasts. The selling point here is the idea that created a health club where all sorts of services could be availed of under one roof. With people working out to the tunes of Punjabi pop music, the energy levels inside the gym are quite high. From yoga and pilates to kick boxing and abs workouts- you name it and you can get it here. What’s unique is their concept of Burn Olympics- a holiday package or spa voucher given to the person who loses the maximum weight.The gym has more than 12 trainers who are always ready to assist you. A nutritionist is there to suggest the appropriate diet chart for you. For those who want to snack on titbits while working out can feast on protein shakes and low-calorie sandwiches at Abdiets cafe, a tiny health cart, right outside the gym area.We recommend: The personal training sessions, which chart a holistic wellness plan.Expert touch: All certified health trainers are hired by the gym. Their spa boasts of 12 fully trained masseurs.Where: Sector 11, Panchkula.Cost: Annual membership is priced between Rs16,000-Rs 23,000.Tel: 09780612000; burngym.inUSP: One of the few gyms with a health cafe that offers protein shakes and low-cal dishes.-Ekta MarwahaHeadmastersThis spa is proof that true luxury isn’t always damaging to your wallet. Spread over a whopping 20,000 square feet across four levels, Headmasters is one of Asia’s largest salon-cum-spas. With simple but chic interiors and plenty of natural light, the ambience soothes you instantly.From the plethora of massages offered, Cloud 9 is particularly recommended. A 60 minute full body massage followed by fifteen minutes on the hot floating water bed, it surely sets your worries floating away. Follow this with a steam and hot shower, and you are rejuvenated for the day.And while you pamper yourself in their most luxurious rooms, your children can spend time at a special salon created for them. They can either go for a cool haircut, attend a story telling session or hang out in the play area with seats designed as rockets and fighter planes.We recommend: Cloud 9 therapy.Expert touch: Each therapist is trained in-house.At: Sector 8 C, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh. Cost: Rs 1,500-15,000.Tel: 9988880327.USP: Free organic juices, tea and coffee and other refreshing drinks at the juice bar in the spa.-Ekta MarwahaSeven Seas Spa “The Seven Seas spa” brings together, Ayurveda, Oriental therapies, mineral exquisites from the dead sea and various western spa therapies. The spa follows the traditional massage therapies and is completely a no-machine zone.Their in-house experts are friendly and helpful; they recommend treatments and give post massage consultation as well. Before undergoing any spa treatment, the customer undergoes a clinical check-up, where their medical history is examined and the most suitable treatment is recommended. In addition to the spa, they also have a well-equipped Oxygym. The elaborate set-up here offers several fitness facilities-a multispeciality gym, a poolside spa, an aqua pool plus a variety of other services ensuring that there is something for everyone. Well-equipped with the latest fitness equipments, Oxygym offers all kinds of cardio and advanced weight training facilities under expert supervision.We recommend: Shirodhara.Expert touch: All therapists are diploma or degree holders and also undergo in-house training.Where: Hotel Mountview, Sector 10, Chandigarh. Cost: Oxygym Membership for Rs 32,000; Treatments for Rs 1,000 onward.Tel: 0172 4670640-41.USP: Green surroundings; a spa and a swimming pool along with the gym provide an edge.-Monita Sharma read more

Indian hockey team on Sunday clinched the Asian Champions Trophy after beating traditional-rivals Pakistan 3-2 in the final in Kuantan, Malaysia. Coach Roelant Oltmans said he was “proud” of the team on winning the title.It was an high-octane clash and Oltmans said he knew the excitement of the sub-continental encounters.”For the Indian players, there was no option other than winning the title here. We went in as the favourites and were the target of other teams, who faced no such pressure,” said Oltmans.”I’m really proud that the team showed its mental strength in the last quarter to clinch victory after we conceded two goals and allowed the opposition to come back into the contest.”For India’s hockey fans this is a major title win, but we have to go on and win bigger global events,” Oltmans added.’DIWALI GIFT TO THE NATION’India’s most-experienced player Sardar Singh, who was adjudged most outstanding player of the final for marshalling the midfield and playing a pivotal role in two Indian field goals, said the team played in this manner after a long time.”This trophy is the hockey team’s Diwali gift to the nation,” said Sardar, the former Indian captain and one of the players designated as team leaders.”We reclaimed the Asian Champions Trophy by repeating our victory over Pakistan in the Asian Games final two years ago,” said Sardar, adding that the pressure was on the Indians as they were now the continent’s champions and were tipped to claim the title.advertisement’SPECIAL VICTORY’Goals from Rupinder Pal Singh (18th minute), Yousuf Affan (23rd) and Nikkin Thimmaiah (51st) helped India surmount the challenge from Pakistan, who rallied from two goals behind to push India close through strikes from Muhammad Aleem Bilal (26th) and Ali Shaan (38th).India had won the inaugural edition of the Asian Champions Trophy by defeating Pakistan in the final in 2011.Pakistan reversed the result in the title contest the next year and went on to retain the title in 2013 by defeating Japan in the final.India played the final without its team skipper PR Sreejesh, who was ruled out due to a hamstring injury suffered during the semifinal against South Korea, which India won through the penalty shootout.Sreejesh said he could feel the emotions of the players sitting on the sidelines.”An India-Pakistan match is always special and this is a special victory,” said Sreejesh.(With PTI inputs) read more

Arsenal Wishere scores first Premier League goal since 2015 Ben Valentine Last updated 1 year ago 05:44 1/4/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(1) Getty Images Arsenal Arsenal v Chelsea Chelsea Premier League The midfielder netted against Chelsea, marking his first strike in a league match since he scored against West Brom more than two years ago It’s been a long time between Premier League goals for Jack Wilshere.While never the most prolific of scorers from midfield, Wilshere did have periods in which he could be counted on for the odd goal.He scored three goals in 24 league games with Arsenal in the 2013-14 season, then added two in the 2014-15 campaign in just 14 contests. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Little did Wilshere — or the Gunners for that matter — realize that his goal in May 2015 against West Brom would be the last he’d get in the Premier League until netting against Chelsea on Wednesday at the Emirates Stadium.A run of 43 league games had passed, with Wilshere overcoming injury and making a loan stop at Bournemouth along the way. But that duck has finally been broken, as Wilshere buried a chance in the 63rd minute to open the scoring in what ended as a thrilling 2-2 draw.43 – Jack Wilshere scored his first goal in his last 43 Premier League games, since netting v West Brom in May 2015. Timely.— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 3, 2018He was starting his sixth Premier League contest of the season for the Gunners.The 26-year-old did get himself on the scoresheet earlier this season, but it came in the Europa League as scored in a 6-0 rout over BATE on December 7.The goal against the Blues brings Wilshere’s Premier League total up to eight, with one coming when he played for Bolton in 2009-10, and his haul in all competitions for Arsenal up to 13. read more

We are trying something a little bit different today as we look back on the weekend. Winners and losers from OSU’s 37-20 win over West Virginia by several writers on our staff. Let’s get right to it.Kyle PorterWinner: This blog. Not to make this about me (which is exactly what I’m about to do), but the traffic differential for the rest of the year between winning this game and not winning it is monumental. I am indebted (literally) to Mike Gundy for his 100th win (and many others as well).Winner: Stillwater. Same concept here. Stillwater was lit up on Saturday afternoon and evening. The lines on The Strip were long. The restaurants were full. The beverages were flowing. Glenn Spencer said it at the Homecoming and Hoops event on Friday, but there are few college towns like Stillwater, and never is that place better than after a monstrous football win.Loser: The Big 12. The CFB Playoff hopes of the Big 12 rest on … uh … I have no idea. I guess if OU wins out they could get in. Same for OSU. Maybe. I guess. It’s not pretty out here. Especially if nothing crazy happens to Alabama, Michigan/tOSU or Clemson/Louisville. The one thing that could get interesting is if Washington goes down a couple of times. What then?Kyle CoxWinner: Chris Lacy. He caught three balls for two touchdowns and a 19-yard drive-saving 3rd down play. Glenn Spencer wins as well. His defense pretty much saved the day after being a big reason the Cowboys have two (one) loss(es).Loser: Dana Holgorsen. He was not a happy camper with the refs after a couple of those penalties. I could almost hear what he was saying in the club level. OSU’s running backs lost. Even with WVU playing back deep the Cowboys averaged below three yards a carry and failed to reach triple digits.The full Dana meltdown is downright glorious. pic.twitter.com/ck01Uf2hsu— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguy) October 29, 2016Sam AldrichWinner: The President. James Washington got back on track in a big way Saturday, torching the Mountaineer secondary all afternoon to the tune of six catches for 117 yards. It was Chris Lacy that reached the end zone twice, but it was Washington that opened the field up for the rest of the offense, commanding attention all day long. It was a big bounce back for no. 28 after the Kansas game.Loser: Ramon Richards haters. I will admit, I have my fair share of frustrations with Ramon, despite his fantastic hair and interviews. But Saturday was another big day for no. 7, who had 6 tackles, 2 pass deflections, and a (slightly fortunate) interception. Sure, he dropped another sure pick, but it’s hard to complain with his day on Saturday..@CowboyFB likes to score off turnovers.Latest case in point – Ramon Richards INT.#Big12FB on FOX https://t.co/j5VGNPAnVL— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) October 29, 2016Caleb DeckLoser: West Virginia uniform department. The Mountaineers truly put together a beautiful combo this week. The colors were amazing, the throwback tie adds intrigue, and it all truly looked very clean cut. I say the West Virginia Uniform Department are losers this week because they made such a wonderful kit and still came out looking second-best.If they had saved those combos for Tech or Iowa State or even Texas, they would have been top notch. But against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, they stood no chance. OSU has amazing jerseys, which we have talked about extensively, but the throwback helmets this week nearly made me faint.I am biased in that I grew up with that 80s stacked OSU logo all over my childhood room and it is still my second-favorite OSU logo. Sadly West Virginia had to pull out all the stops at the worst time. Better luck next time Mountaineer Uniform Department.Winner: Zach Sinor’s dad.  Sinor is obviously amazing and killed it this game. Kyle already talked in his 10 Thoughts post-game about Sinor’s great stat line, so I figured I would take a different (and slightly more fictional and imaginary) approach and say the real winner in my imagination is Zach Sinor’s dad.I like to imagine Zach Sinor’s dad was a huge baseball fan and had dreams of his son becoming the next Chipper Jones or something but all childhood, lil’ Zach just ran around kicking things.Their house was a mess because of all the kicking: holes in all the walls, no table leg was safe, all pets they had cowered as Zach’s tiny feet thunder by…True to his dream, Zach Sinor’s dad diligently trained his son in the ways of baseball for years, despite seeing the obvious natural kicking talent. Finally one crisp fall afternoon, Zach and Zach Sinor’s dad were doing some batting practice at the elementary school field when Zach Sinor’s dad decided to give him a bit of heat.It was a decent fastball for a kid, mid 60mph and a bit low, right over the plate. But to Zach Sinor’s dad’s surprise, lil Zach planted his left foot, and instead of swinging the bat, he used all his force and God-given ability to swing his mighty right foot right through the ball.He crushed the pitch and Zach Sinor’s dad watched slack-jawed as the ball sailed over his head and over the outfield wall for a homerun. After that day, I imagine they started Zach in football, but in the back of his mind, Zach Sinor’s dad always wondered if he made a mistake by not making Zach play baseball.Was Zach destined for greater succeed in the MLB or was Zach Sinor’s dad really just projecting his own dreams on his son for all these years? I imagine the question lay heavy on Zach Sinor’s dad’s mind for many weeks. This weekend, my imaginary version of Zach Sinor’s dad is a winner, because this weekend, Zach Sinor proved beyond a shadow or a doubt he was born to kick a football. While you’re here, we’d like you to consider subscribing to Pistols Firing and becoming a PFB+ member. It’s a big ask from us to you, but it also comes with a load of benefits like ad-free browsing (ads stink!), access to our premium room in The Chamber and monthly giveaways.The other thing it does is help stabilize our business into the future. As it turns out, sending folks on the road to cover games and provide 24/7 Pokes coverage like the excellent article you just read costs money. Because of our subscribers, we’ve been able to improve our work and provide the best OSU news and community anywhere online. Help us keep that up. read more

James Washington’s 82-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter against Kansas State not only jump-started the Cowboy’s comeback, it pushed the junior wideout into the top five in all-time receiving yards at Oklahoma State.Here’s the current list:Rashaun Woods – 4,414 yardsJustin Blackmon – 3,564 yardsHart Lee Dykes – 3,510 yardsD’Juan Woods – 2,751 yardsJames Washington – 2,517 yardsDez Bryant – 2,425 yardsAfter a career-low one catch for nine yards against Kansas, Washington has strung together back to back 117-yard performances.I outlined the likelihood of Washington making it to No. 4 after that KU-game.That goal is even more realistic now. Washington needs to get 235 yards in the last four games (including the bowl game) to pass D’Juan Woods. That’s an average of 58.5 yards per game, almost 50 yards less than his current average of 108.2.At that average, Washington is on pace to reach 1,407 yards this year. That’s the most at OSU since Justin Blackmon’s 2011 1,522-yard campaign.Here’s the most impressive part.Rashaun Woods is the all-time Cowboy receiver with 4,414 yards. If Washington reaches that 1,407 yards this year (2,950 career yards) he would be only 1,465 yards short of passing Woods as the all-time receiver in OSU history.If Mason Rudolph pushes off the NFL Draft buzz and the duo stay put for another run next season, that feat is more than attainable. While you’re here, we’d like you to consider subscribing to Pistols Firing and becoming a PFB+ member. It’s a big ask from us to you, but it also comes with a load of benefits like ad-free browsing (ads stink!), access to our premium room in The Chamber and monthly giveaways.The other thing it does is help stabilize our business into the future. As it turns out, sending folks on the road to cover games and provide 24/7 Pokes coverage like the excellent article you just read costs money. Because of our subscribers, we’ve been able to improve our work and provide the best OSU news and community anywhere online. Help us keep that up. read more

It’s NFL Draft week so let’s take a look at some former Oklahoma State players and where they are projected to be chosen.NFL.comOne NFL.com mock drafter, Chad Reuter, had Victor Salako as the first Cowboy off the board as a fifth-round selection by the Tamp Bay Buccaneers.Here’s a look at the where he has several OSU players going.Victor Salako – No. 162 (5th Round) by Tampa Bay BuccaneersChris Carson – No 213 (6th Round) by Pittsburgh SteelersVincent Taylor – No. 222 (7th Round) by Jacksonville JaguarsPreferred Free Agents: Ashton Lampkin, Blake Jarwin, Jordan SternsSalako is interesting going this high. My only guess is that it has to do with OSU’s dropping of their allowed sack total to 32 in 2016. They were still last place in the Big 12, but allowed 10 less than in 2015 and their lowest total since 2012. Salako is a big reason for that. Or maybe he’s just really big and he’s benefiting of blocking for a really good QB.Fox SportsFox Sports’ Dieter Kurtenbach has a couple of Cowboys going in the 5th round in his mock draft.Chris Carson – No. 169 (5th Round) by Houston TexansVincent Taylor – No. 173 (5th Round) by Pittsburgh SteelersCarson being the first Cowboy drafted? I would not have believed that a year ago. Or halfway through the 2016 season. I still may not believe it.CBS SportsR.J. White of CBS Sports projects Taylor as a 4th round selection of the Baltimore Ravens.Vincent Taylor – No. 122 (4th Round) by Baltimore RavensAshton Lampkin – No. 194 (6th Round) by Philadelphia EaglesThis is the most love Taylor has gotten from any of the “authorities” on draft-day predictions. Hopefully, this is closer to accurate for his sake.ESPNESPN’s draftologists Mel Kiper and Todd McShay only go two rounds deep with their mock drafts and there were no Cowboys in either. But the worldwide leader in sports content does has a ranking for 300-plus potential draftees. Here’s what they thought of four former Cowboys. Vincent Taylor – No. 150Ashton Lampkin – No. 210Blake Jarwin – No. 284Jordan Sterns – No. 326Note: This is a ranking not a mock draft. There will only be 253 players drafted this weekend.Walter FootballWalter Football has Blake Jarwin as the first Cowboy off the board.Blake Jarwin – No. 188 (6th Round) by Cleveland BrownsChris Carson – No. 216 (6th Round) by Kansas City ChiefsLet’s hope not for Jarwin’s sake. If so, he can maybe bunk up with Ogbah until he gets settled. And Carson teaming up with another former Juco running back who transferred to OSU. What are the odds?DraftBlasterDraftBlaster.com only has one Cowboy going in its 5-round mock draft. Why you would go through the trouble of projecting five rounds and then stopping, I do not know.Ashton Lampkin – No. 158 (5th Round) by Indianapolis ColtsI don’t get it. Lampkin is a fine player but if only one Cowboy is picked, I don’t see it being him.So, as you can see, it’s all over the place and it’s hard to imagine that most late-round projections amount to more than uneducated guesses. There may be guys drafted that were not mentioned above and several that aren’t will get a chance to sign with teams as undrafted free agents. Either way, it will be fun to see how it unfolds. While you’re here, we’d like you to consider subscribing to Pistols Firing and becoming a PFB+ member. It’s a big ask from us to you, but it also comes with a load of benefits like ad-free browsing (ads stink!), access to our premium room in The Chamber and monthly giveaways.The other thing it does is help stabilize our business into the future. As it turns out, sending folks on the road to cover games and provide 24/7 Pokes coverage like the excellent article you just read costs money. Because of our subscribers, we’ve been able to improve our work and provide the best OSU news and community anywhere online. Help us keep that up. read more