Latest news with #RGC
Hamilton Spectator
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
RGC advises sports fans to know and manage the risks when gambling as Stanley Cup finals loom
As many as 39 per cent of Ontarians betting on the Stanley Cup playoffs are betting more than they can afford and 25 per cent admit borrowing money or selling items to come up with gambling funds. Those are numbers from a survey by the Responsible Gambling Council, an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to problem gambling prevention. It is partially funded by the provincial ministry of health and long-term care and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. The survey reports 59 per cent of Ontarians said they are watching the playoffs and 41 per cent of that group is expected to wager on one or more of the games. Melissa Toney, RGC associate director of prevention programs, said gambling is a form of entertainment many people will enjoy without becoming a problem gambler. According to the survey, 38 per cent of respondents are concerned they are a problem gambler and 27 per cent report feeling mental health effects from stress or anxiety related to betting. Toney cites a number of risk factors which can lead to problems including the illusion that knowledge of a sport can help predict outcomes, the adrenalin rush from a big game or a winning bet, substance use and persuasive advertising. Those at greatest risk are males aged 18 to 24 who are moving into a stage of more independence in life. 'From a science perspective the prefrontal cortex of their brain isn't fully developed yet,' said Toney. 'When it comes to risk taking and those types of behaviours, the decision-making piece isn't fully developed.' The proliferation of sports betting since it was legalized in Ontario in April 2022, the onslaught of advertising and the embrace of it by sports organizations and media has made sports and sports betting seem synonymous, said Toney. 'When you have people who are really into sports who feel they know the game and they feel they will be able to make wagers that are going to be positive for them, you just have a tendency to bet a little bit more and more aggressively,' she said. 'That's when the challenges happen. When you're chasing losses. When you're not being mindful of how many online envelopes you are using or platforms that make these bets. You can now make in-play bets and all kinds of bets within the game. You can bet 24 hours a day. It has just become so easy.' She says knowing the risks and having strategies to manage the risk is the key to keeping gambling fun. 'We're not telling people that they shouldn't bet. We just want people to be mindful of why they are betting. What kind of mind frame emotionally and mentally they are at when they are betting so that they can make better decisions. We are giving people tips on how to keep the fun in the game,' she said. It's also important to understand the odds are not in your favour. 'Whether you are in a land-based casino or you are playing online the house is set to win. That's how it works. It's a game of chance,' she said. Alcohol and drugs can also impede decision-making and Toney cautions against wagering while under the influence. The challenge is to recognize the signs of problem gambling before it gets out of hand. Shame and stigma often cause people to avoid getting help before more significant damage is done. It's OK to admit you have a problem and there are resources to help, she said. 'Generally, people have to come forward for support when they have been devastatingly impacted by financial harm,' said Toney. There are numerous resources on RGC's website at , including self-assessment tools and information on addiction support services.
Press and Journal
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Cricket: Why Gordonians aren't in the North East Championship this season
Gordonians have been unable to compete in cricket's North East Championship this summer following the removal of the grass wicket at Countesswells. They have played in the Strathmore and Perthshire Cricket Union (SPCU) league since 1940, winning the title in 1994 and 2016 and also celebrated their centenary in 2024. As well as playing in the North East Championship, Gordonians field three teams in the North East Grades, and have had access to a grass pitch and an astroturf wicket at Countesswells to play their fixtures. But in November they were informed by Robert Gordon's College (RGC), who maintain the facilities, the grass pitch was going to be used for other sporting activities. That resulted in Gordonians having to pull out of the North East Championship because a grass wicket is mandatory for participation in the league – although they are still members of the SPCU. Gordonians president and first XI captain Indy Pandit has played for the club since 2012 and has been left dismayed by what's happened. The 41-year-old said: 'RGC informed us they were no longer going to maintain the grass wicket because it wasn't financially viable for them. 'We had two meetings to try to negotiate to keep the wicket for this season to allow us the breathing space to find somewhere else for next year. 'But they didn't budge – they feel the astroturf wicket they've got is enough, which is disappointing. 'They quoted £50,000 per annum is what they need to spend to maintain the grass wicket. 'However, we would question the £50,000 figure to maintain the pitch – we don't believe it would cost as much as that. 'We also proposed that if RGC were unable to maintain the wicket to let us take on the work, but unfortunately that wasn't an option either. 'It's a sad loss for cricket in the city and the region to lose a good grass wicket.' Addressing the matter, a spokesperson for Robert Gordon's College said: 'As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering high quality sports provision, we have undertaken a broader review of the operational model for Countesswells Sports Field. 'This review has been shaped by a range of factors, including the introduction of VAT on independent school fees and ensuring we continue to meet the future sporting needs of our pupils while maintaining the financial sustainability and flexibility of our operations. 'The changes will allow us to use the site more flexibly throughout the year to enhance the delivery of school sport and offer greater opportunities for the wider community. 'We understand that a combination of factors, including SPCU regulations and limited ground availability in the region, has contributed to Gordonians Cricket Club's decision not to participate in the North East Championship this season. 'We remain fully committed to supporting Gordonians Cricket Club wherever possible and to promoting cricket as a valued part of our school sports programme, providing pupils with opportunities to develop and pursue their passion for the sport. 'As part of this commitment, we upgraded the existing synthetic wicket earlier this year, and we plan to replace the outdoor practice nets as part of wider development works at Countesswells. 'We also support cricket more broadly in Aberdeen, using Aberdeenshire Cricket Club's facilities at Mannofield for our senior fixtures.' With no grass wicket at Countesswells, Gordonians did try to arrange to use other clubs' grounds to fulfil their home fixtures. They are also on the look-out for somewhere they could develop into a suitable facility in the future. Pandit added: 'In terms of using other clubs' grounds Huntly offered us Castle Park for three home games, which was a kind offer. 'In fairness to a lot of clubs, they came back and explained why they couldn't let us use their ground. 'There was talk about using Brechin Buccaneers' ground Guthrie Park, where Crescent are playing, for some of our games. 'That sounded brilliant – but unfortunately that didn't materialise. 'We've had to scrap the North East Championship team this year, but we're actively looking for a pitch for the future. 'If anyone knows of somewhere that would be suitable or Aberdeen City Council or Aberdeenshire Council can identify somewhere that we could develop, we're willing to put in the legwork and invest money to get a facility in place. 'If we get a suitable grass wicket we will return to playing in the SPCU. We're not pulling the plug yet. 'But if somebody wants to help us identify somewhere to play, or to support us financially to develop somewhere into a playable pitch then we would welcome them with open arms.' The secretary of the SPCU, Derek Traill, says the organisation did all it could to try to assist Gordonians with possible ground-sharing arrangements. He said: 'The crux of the story is that Robert Gordon's College has removed the grass wicket at Countesswells. 'The Union did everything we could to help. We held off on finalising the fixtures until March to keep things open for Gordonians finding another facility or sharing grounds. 'The problem is that all the facilities are being used by other clubs. 'I'm a volunteer at Guthrie Park preparing the ground and I also have a day job. 'Crescent already play here and it seems like there was an assumption I could give up more of my time to prepare the ground to stage more games on a Saturday at Guthrie Park. 'I don't want this pointed at me personally, or Brechin Buccaneers Cricket Club, because other clubs weren't in a position to assist Gordonians either. 'Unfortunately we couldn't get everything together. Clubs have teams using their facilities and it's a volunteer-run sport where people give up time to maintain the facilities for use. 'As secretary of the SPCU, I spent a lot of time with Gordonians trying to find a solution, but there was only so much we could do. 'The bottom line is most clubs have multiple teams using their facilities. 'This isn't something I wanted to happen, but ultimately I feel we did everything we could to help Gordonians.' The city derby between Aberdeenshire and Stoneywood-Dyce at Mannofield takes centre stage in the North East Championship this weekend. Shire have won two of their first three league fixtures, while Stoneywood-Dyce are winless after two matches. Encounters between the teams are always keenly-contested and this clash perhaps has added spice with new Aberdeenshire recruits like Ewan Davidson and Nathan Elliott coming up against their old team for the first time. Elsewhere, in the North Championship Crescent play Huntly at Guthrie Park, Brechin. On Sunday, Aberdeenshire and Huntly are in Scottish Cup action, both against Eastern Premier League opposition. The former face RH Corstorphine in Edinburgh, while the latter welcome Forfarshire to Castle Park. In the Grades, two of the three unbeaten teams in Grade One – Bon Accord and Knight Riders – clash at Harlaw. Grampian are the other team in the division yet to be beaten and they play Mannofield at Inverdee. Elsewhere, Master Blasters Aberdeen meet Gordonians, also at Inverdee, Aberdeen Grammar welcome Crescent to Rubislaw and Inverurie have home advantage against 2nd Grammar. In Grade Two, the top two Huntly and Cults have both won three out of three and they clash at Castle Park. Fraserburgh v 3rd Grammar, Portcullis v 2nd Grampian, 2nd Gordonians v Aberdeen Tigers and 2nd Knight Riders v Banchory are the other games. On Saturday in Grade Three, it's Dunecht v 3rd Gordonians, Crathie v Methlick and 2nd Banchory v 2nd Master Blasters. On Sunday, it's 2nd Mannofield v Stoneywood-Dyce. Saturday's Grade Four action is 2nd Stonehaven Thistle v 3rd Knight Riders and 2nd Methlick v 2nd Inverurie. The Sunday matches are Ceylon Deeside v 2nd Fraserburgh, 3rd Grampian v Granite City and 2nd Bon Accord v 3rd Mannofield.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iran Sends Stark Warning to US: "Gates of Hell"
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iranian military officials have issued a stark warning, with the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declaring that Tehran would "open the gates of hell" if attacked by the United States or Israel. Major General Hossein Salami made the threat amid escalating tensions and a series of confrontational statements between Iranian, Israeli, and American officials, set against the backdrop of stalled nuclear talks and renewed U.S. sanctions targeting Iran's oil sector. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and the foreign ministries of Iran and Israel. Why It Matters Rising tensions between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. are pushing the region toward greater instability, where diplomatic efforts and military deterrence are increasingly intertwined. Tehran's stance, coupled with renewed sanctions and Israeli threats, suggests that negotiations are nearing a breaking point. The recent deployment of B-52 bombers nearer to Iran underscores Washington's reinforced military posture as nuclear talks remain stalled. President Donald Trump's upcoming Middle East visit will likely focus on reinforcing regional security and strengthening alliances, further heightening the stakes in an already volatile environment. RGC commander-in-chief Major General Hossein Salami speaks during a memorial service for slain Hezbollah leader Hasssan Nasrallah and his successor Hashem Safieddine at Tehran's Grand Mosque in Iran's capital Tehran on February 23, 2025. Iran's... RGC commander-in-chief Major General Hossein Salami speaks during a memorial service for slain Hezbollah leader Hasssan Nasrallah and his successor Hashem Safieddine at Tehran's Grand Mosque in Iran's capital Tehran on February 23, 2025. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed "resistance" against Israel as Tehran-backed Hezbollah held a funeral on February 23 in Beirut for Nasrallah, killed in an Israeli strike last year. MoreWhat to Know In a video shared by state news agencies on Thursday, Major General Salami warned the U.S. and Israel of dire consequences if either country initiates an attack. He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to drag the U.S. into an "unending war" and emphasized that Iran is ready to fight on all levels while still prioritizing diplomacy. Salami's statements align with similar warnings made earlier this week by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who accused Washington of provocative behavior. Iranian officials have also denied any involvement in a recent missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport, instead attributing Houthi actions to independent support for Palestinians. Israel Vows to Strike Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz escalated rhetoric by warning Iran that it would face direct retaliation for recent events, including Houthi missile strikes. Katz cited Israeli actions in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria as precedents for possible future operations in Tehran. Israeli soldiers stand on armoured vehicles after crossing the security fence near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams, Dec. 21, 2024. Israeli soldiers stand on armoured vehicles after crossing the security fence near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams, Dec. 21, 2024. Matias Delacroix/AP Photo Fresh Oil Sanctions Meanwhile, President Trump's administration announced new sanctions targeting Chinese firms allegedly involved in buying or facilitating Iranian oil shipments. Among them is Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, a private Chinese refinery. The U.S. also targeted vessels and operators linked to Iran's "shadow fleet," which Washington says funds terrorist proxies and regional destabilization. Nuclear Talks to Resume Despite heightened rhetoric, both Washington and Tehran have agreed to continue negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. A fourth round of talks is expected this weekend in Oman. So far, three rounds have been completed. What People Are Saying IRGC Major General Hossein Salami warned: "These are serious warnings to the Zionist and American authorities. if you make the slightest mistake, we will open the gates of hell for you." Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said: "What we have done to Hezbollah in Beirut, to Hamas in Gaza, to Assad in Damascus, we will do to you in Tehran." What Happens Next The upcoming nuclear negotiations in Oman, alongside President Donald Trump's upcoming Middle East visit, may determine whether a diplomatic breakthrough is still possible or whether escalating threats will push the region closer to conflict.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Regencell Bioscience Holdings Limited (RGC) is Surging in 2025
We recently published a list of . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Regencell Bioscience Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:RGC) stands against other healthcare stocks that are surging in 2025. After lagging behind the broader market in 2024, many healthcare stocks are making a comeback this year. Healthcare spending has been continuously soaring and is projected to do so in the coming years due to demographic tailwinds. The industry now accounts for a fifth of the U.S. economy, and it's a good idea to have exposure to it. Most executives now hold a favorable view of the industry's prospects, a notable increase from 52% just a year ago. Moreover, it's an industry that is more insulated from tariffs and macro risks. Of course, the top gainers here are not defensive healthcare stocks, but it's still worth looking into the winners here if you are chasing potential multibaggers. Even during bear markets, there are pockets of the market that perform exceptionally well. For example, I identified in another article. For this article, I screened the best-performing healthcare stocks year-to-date. I will also mention the number of hedge fund investors in these stocks. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (). Syda Productions/ Number of Hedge Fund Holders In Q4 2024: N/A Regencell Bioscience Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:RGC) is an early-stage bioscience company focused on the research, development, and commercialization of traditional Chinese medicine formulas for neurocognitive disorders like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, as well as infectious diseases affecting the immune system. The stock has surged dramatically in 2025, with the most significant catalyst being the announcement of promising clinical trial results for its herbal formula targeting ADHD and ASD in Malaysia. However, this is from an unreliable source. It is more likely that the surge is due to technical reasons. Regencell Bioscience Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:RGC) stock is up 487.25% year-to-date. Overall, RGC ranks 3rd on our list of healthcare stocks that are surging in 2025. While we acknowledge the potential of RGC as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than RGC but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this . READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
South Wales Guardian
29-04-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Chance of Llandovery RFC drawing Quins in semi-final
Long odds perhaps but an in-form Quins could be the surprise packet at the quarter-final stages of the first ever running of the SRC competition. The Carmarthen side's outstanding 15-12 win over RGC at Colwyn Bay last Saturday at the so called 'wild card' stage , pitting eighth-placed RGC against ninth-placed Carmarthen Quins, now gives the West Walians a place in the quarter finals on May 3. They face a difficult trip to Ebbw Vale in the realisation that a win at Eugene Cross Park would secure a place in the semi finals. If they were indeed to get to the last four, they would proceed to play the winners of this Saturday's S4C televised Llandovery-Pontypool quarter final. A Llandovery victory over Pooler on May 3 would guarantee a semi final spot for the Drovers against Ebbw Vale or Carmarthen Quins on May 10. If it were to be an all West Walian semi final, the venue would be at Church Bank by dint of Llandovery having finished the higher of the two sides at the end of the regular season. Were Ebbw Vale to beat the Quins and Llandovery beat Pontypool in the quarter finals, then the Steelmen would have home advantage over the Drovers through the same reasoning. So what might happen in the quarter finals this Saturday? Ebbw Vale are undefeated at home so the challenge for the Quins is huge but they will take confidence from an excellent win at RGC, through tries from wing Louis Rees, fly half Ifan Davies and replacement prop James Newnian. If skipper and lock Lee Taylor can galvanise his pack to stand up to the aggressive power play of the Ebbw eight and get parity of possession, then a shock could be on the cards. At Church Bank, the Drovers will have to be at their best against in-form Pooler who recently beat top of the league Cardiff 47-27. Shorn of their top players, Llandovery slipped up 34-33 at Bridgend in their last game of the regular season but, even with the return of the likes of Lee Rees, Adam Warren and Joe Powell, they will have it all to do. All West Wales rugby men will be keeping their fingers crossed that Llandovery and Carmarthen Quins can record a famous double over Gwent opponents, to set up a prospectively momentous Church Bank clash on May 10. Wild card results: Bridgend 33 - 30 Swansea; RGC 12 - 15 Carmarthen Quins. Quarter finals - May 3 Cardiff v Bridgend; Llandovery v Pontypool; Ebbw Vale v Carmarthen Quins; Newport v Aberavon All kick off at 2.30pm except the televised Llandovery v Pontypool (5.15pm). Semi finals - May 10 Cardiff or Bridgend v Newport or Aberavon; Ebbw Vale or Carmarthen Quins v Llandovery or Pontypool. Final – May 17 Sides with highest regular season placing have home advantage at the semi-final and final stage.
