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Brisbane will host the Sydney Kings on Friday night with more than local pride on the line. A victory for the Kings would guarantee them the top seed in the National Basketball League (NBL) regular season, a feat they are approaching with focused determination, actively guarding against complacency. The Kings, currently boasting a record of 23 wins and 32 games played, enter the contest as heavy favorites against the Bullets, who have secured only six wins in 32 games.

Despite the significant disparity in records – Brisbane has also lost 13 games at home this season, whereas Sydney has secured 10 away victories – coach Brian Goorjian is emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus. The Kings have won their last ten games, a streak that has propelled them to the top of the NBL standings. However, Goorjian acknowledges the challenge of sustaining that level of performance. “It (consistency) has reach up quite a bit in the last month. One of the hardest things to do is to maintain (form),” Goorjian told the Big Sports Breakfast on Wednesday.

The Kings’ recent surge in form followed a period where they were battling for a lower playoff position. Goorjian explained that the team’s mindset shifted when they realized they had the potential to compete for the top spot. “You move back six weeks and we were fighting for the six. We got over the hump about a month ago and you think we are going to finish fifth or fourth. (It was a case of) no complacency, we’ve got to keep moving forward. We’ve got a chance to be good in the playoffs.”

Goorjian has been actively reinforcing the message of avoiding complacency within the team, both in practice and during games. “The word complacency has been used at practice and going into the games over this last month regularly,” he stated. He stressed the importance of securing a favorable playoff position, noting that avoiding a one-game knockout scenario is crucial in the NBL. “To go and lay an egg in Brisbane would be disappointing but what we have done is secure a position where we are not going to be playing a one game knockout. In this league, it is something you do not want to do.”

The Kings’ recent success includes victories over the Illawarra Hawks and the Perth Wildcats, results that solidified their position at the top of the ladder. ESPN reported that the team is currently on a six-game winning streak.

Fans can watch the game live on Kayo Sports.

Looking ahead, the Kings will aim to carry their momentum into the playoffs. Securing the top seed provides a significant advantage, and Goorjian’s emphasis on consistency suggests the team is determined to maintain its high level of play. The outcome of Friday’s game will not only determine the Kings’ final regular season standing but also set the tone for their playoff campaign.

What are your thoughts on the Kings’ chances in the playoffs? Share your predictions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow basketball fans!

Motorists traveling between Elma and Olympia, Washington, should be aware of lingering impacts from recent winter weather and the completion of a major fish passage project along State Route 8 (SR 8). While all lanes have reopened following the extensive construction, a trace of snow remained visible yesterday afternoon, potentially affecting travel conditions. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) recently concluded a multi-site project aimed at improving fish passage under the highway, impacting traffic for over a year.

The recent work focused on replacing outdated culverts with bridges and larger culverts along both U.S. Highway 12 and SR 8 in Grays Harbor County. This $109 million project not only enhances fish habitat but likewise strengthens the highway’s resilience against earthquakes and flooding, according to WSDOT. The completion of this project marks a significant step in improving infrastructure and environmental sustainability in the region.

Fish Passage Project Wraps Up

All lanes along U.S. 12 and SR 8 are now open after the completion of the fish passage project, which spanned five work zones near McCleary, Elma, and Montesano. Contractor crews reopened the final lanes near Elma on Wednesday, bringing an end to a period of reduced capacity that began in summer 2023. Three other locations in McCleary and Montesano reopened earlier this year. WSDOT expressed gratitude to travelers for their patience during the extended construction period and noted that occasional daytime lane closures may occur as crews complete landscaping and final touches.

During the project, crews strategically built temporary lanes across the median to maintain some level of traffic flow while working on one side of the highway at a time. This allowed for the replacement of nine bridges and one larger culvert, all designed to allow fish to swim freely under the roadways. The new structures are also built to modern earthquake standards, enhancing the overall safety and durability of the highway system.

SR 8 Route Details and Traffic Volume

SR 8 extends 20.67 miles (33.27 km) from U.S. Route 12 (US 12) in Elma, east to an interchange with US 101 approximately 5.90 miles (9.50 km) northwest of Olympia according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The route intersects SR 108 west of McCleary and serves as a vital connection between Elma and Olympia, forming a corridor between Aberdeen and the Puget Sound region. WSDOT data indicates that more than 17,000 motorists utilize the road daily at the interchange with US 101, based on annual average daily traffic (AADT) data.

The highway was originally part of the Elma – Grand Mound branch of Primary State Highway 9 (PSH 9 EG) from 1937 until 1964. It has undergone several changes over the years, eventually becoming part of the current SR 8 designation.

Current Conditions and Travel Resources

While the major construction is complete, drivers should remain cautious, especially given the recent snowfall. The Washington State Patrol recommends checking current road conditions before traveling, utilizing resources provided by WSDOT as outlined on their website. Real-time travel data for SR 8 between Elma and Rock Candy Mountain is available on the WSDOT Travel Center website here. Road conditions from Olympia to Aberdeen can also be checked on Roadconditions.com.

Looking ahead, WSDOT will continue to monitor traffic flow and address any remaining landscaping or finishing work. The completed fish passage project represents a long-term investment in both transportation infrastructure and environmental stewardship, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient highway system for the future.

Share your travel experiences and report any road hazards in the comments below. We encourage you to share this information with fellow commuters.

In the face of unimaginable loss, one woman transformed her grief into a global movement of intentional kindness. What began as a tiny act of healing in the wake of a child’s death has blossomed into a non-profit organization, Ben’s Bells, distributing handmade ceramic bells and fostering kindness education programs that have reached over 1.6 million students. The story of Jeannette Maré and Ben’s Bells is a testament to the power of community and the enduring impact of even the smallest gestures of compassion.

The seeds of Ben’s Bells were sown in 2002, when Jeannette Maré experienced the devastating loss of her three-year-old son, Ben. Unable to cope with the immense pain, Maré, along with friends and family, turned to a creative outlet: crafting ceramic wind chimes. This shared activity, undertaken in her backyard studio, proved to be a therapeutic balm during a profoundly difficult time. It was through this process that Maré realized the profound difference a simple act of kindness could make, regardless of circumstance.

On the first anniversary of Ben’s death, Maré and her collaborators distributed 400 of these handmade bells randomly throughout the Tucson, Arizona community. The response was immediate and deeply moving. Those who discovered the bells began sharing their own stories of grief, healing, and hope, creating a ripple effect of connection and empathy. As Tucson.com reported, the local newspaper even featured the story on its front page, sparking widespread interest and involvement.

Today, Ben’s Bells operates as a thriving non-profit organization, sustained by thousands of volunteers and offering open workshops and educational programs in schools. The organization’s philosophy centers on the idea that kindness isn’t about grand gestures, but rather about the cumulative effect of small, everyday actions. The bells themselves have become symbols of remembrance and hope, appearing in locations touched by tragedy – from schools impacted by violence to communities recovering from natural disasters – as discreet reminders of compassion and resilience.

The Science Behind the Kindness

Jeannette Maré’s commitment to understanding and promoting kindness extends beyond the creation and distribution of the bells. In 2023, she earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication from the University of Arizona, and is now a research professor at the Frances McClelland Institute for Children, Youth and Families. Her academic function focuses on exploring how to increase kindness in interpersonal relationships, organizations, and communities. As detailed on her University of Arizona profile, Maré is the Director of the Science of Kindness Community Collective.

Maré’s research is particularly focused on equipping people with the skills to navigate difficult conversations with kindness and empathy. “In my generation, you were taught not to talk about things like race, religion, politics or grief, but if we don’t learn how to talk about these things, how can we expect to solve any of these problems?” she explained to Tucson.com. Her work seeks to understand the mindset required to engage in these challenging dialogues constructively.

A Legacy of Compassion

Ben’s Bells has grown significantly since its humble beginnings. The organization now distributes thousands of bells annually and its free kindness education programming has reached over 1.6 million students, according to Ben’s Bells’ website. The organization’s impact extends far beyond Tucson, with bells now found around the world.

Maré’s journey, from personal tragedy to academic pursuit and community leadership, exemplifies the transformative power of kindness. Her work, and the enduring legacy of Ben’s Bells, demonstrate that even in the face of profound loss, it is possible to create something beautiful and meaningful that benefits others.

Looking ahead, Ben’s Bells will continue to expand its kindness education programs and distribute bells as symbols of hope and connection. Maré’s ongoing research promises to further illuminate the science of kindness and provide practical tools for fostering more compassionate communities. The organization’s commitment to small acts, collective healing, and intentional kindness offers a powerful message in a world often marked by division and hardship.

What are your thoughts on the power of small acts of kindness? Share your experiences in the comments below, and please share this story to spread the message of compassion.