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Articles by AJ King
8 major Chick-fil-A changes to expect in 2026 nationwide
8 Major Chick-fil-A Changes to Expect in 2026 Nationwide : Chick-fil-A is turning 80 this year, and the party comes with changes that go way beyond nostalgia. As America's third-largest fast-food company, according to QSR Magazine, it pulled in $22.7 billion last year. Now it's reworking 425 locations, pushing into new countries, and finally making some menu items permanent. These moves aren't just about getting bigger. They're about tightening control.
7 big changes every Kohl's store will see in 2026
7 Big Changes Every Kohl's Store Will See in 2026 : Walking into your local Kohl's this year, it won't look quite the same. The chain, still more than 1,150 stores strong, is pushing through a series of changes in 2026 that touch everything from what's on the shelves to whether the doors stay open at all.
10 middle-class jobs at risk of disappearing by 2030 due to AI
10 Middle-Class Jobs at Risk of Disappearing by 2030 Due to AI : Imagine walking into your office tomorrow and noticing something subtle: fewer people at desks and more screens running themselves. The jobs that pay your rent, keep routines, and offer stability are quietly under threat. The International Monetary Fund estimates that AI will affect nearly 40% of jobs worldwide, and it's happening right now.
UNTETHERED (A Poem)
From strangers to friends - to strangers and friends again Our journey together has taken us through worlds we could never have imagined We’ve been at the top of the world sat where kings ruled And suddenly dragged down to the seat of beggars blind alleys ending in hot tears We were brought together by a tenuous attraction like a magnet aiming for the true north Yet split apart by callous words And the vices of men We’ve walked through mazes together Close enough that I could feel the warmth...
Quality of education is on the line
I was fortunate to grow up here and graduate from Flathead High School. My graduating class consisted of 512 students and looking back I know that I received an excellent education. Not only did I receive a strong education in the basics, consisting of reading, writing, math and science, I also received complimentary classes and programs that established the person I am, and others are today. Unfortunately, if the levy fails, legacy programs will phase out and 20 plus teachers will lose their jobs.
the nature of Night
~ The Fisher King The last light fades from the sky Dusk is here A dark cloak covers the expanse And bright stars stain its surface It is night — the end of day Its sight is divine It bears not the radiance of dawn – the start of day – which with curiosity and gentleness takes its tentative first steps, spilling its light to the land, Invigorating the heart of the youth with a drive to explore and discover, to go where no man had ever stepped and seek the treasures of Smaug himself within his...
when the light gave out…
I watch the embers dance in the night sky The last hurrah of a great dynasty The great flame has been quenched It offers no more warmth to the soul And gives no more light to the heart This is how it ends; Not with a bang, but a whimper A quiet fade into the good night All its rage is gone Its passion — dried up Eaten up by the cold numbness Until all that is left are these embers sometimes what used to be a roaring fire gives out, no matter our best effort. and all we’re left with are the ashes.
Liquid Hell
There's a slight buzz in the air The world is off-kilter All the colours have fled The universe is painted in monochrome My blood is stained with poison Liquid hell burns through my veins Drums of war play in my head My eyes are bloodshot They've given all they can offer and more The glass calls to me once more Liquid hell tempts me again Its call is like the voice of a siren Singing out to me from the depths With promises of home Of the hearth and its warmth Of the white picket fence And the...
The Man on Fire - A Short Poem
Set yourself on fire The world will come watch you burn They'll come to see the skin melt off your bones They'll come to hear your lungs give out from screaming They'll be drawn to the scent of burning flesh They'll come to see your bones turn to dust It is the nature of humans To be fascinated at the misery of others Horrified but unable to look away Entranced by the sight of life snuffed away at its peak Set yourself on fire The world will come watch you burn But what if you did not?
Coward - A Poem
The truth is I'm a coward Spineless. Shifty-eyes. No backbone I'm a coward I'm so scared of everything Of doing something. Anything. What if it's bad. What if everyone hates me. Fear rules my life Fear of the unknown Fear of people Fear of consequences Fear of voices I've become its subject I long for everything My heart desires more To achieve.
The One Story
In the beginning there was ONE That dwelt in light yet was Three Split united in bright fellowship divine. The Split of the trinity came down into time and ONE For a moment took on the cap of man.
For the Greater Good
Roman couldn’t sleep. He tossed and turned and prayed but still nothing. He let out a sigh. “Might as well get up now,” he mumbled to himself as he stood up from his small cot in the corner of the room. He carefully made his way to the door, stepping over the sleeping forms of his friends. Just as he reached his objective, the door swung open and standing in the doorway was his oldest friend — Sean. He stared at Sean, his form darkened in the shadows cast by the lamp hanging in the hallway behind him.
Inputs
This is a living list of cybersecurity inputs and will change as I curate what brings me value over time. Shoot me a message on Twitter and let me know if I missed any gems.
Despite Bulls Winning 10 Of Their Last 13 Games, Bobby Portis And Nikola Mirotic Still Don't Talk | Def Pen
Not much has changed relationship-wise between Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune) After the Chicago Bulls’ season got off to a horrid start on and off the court, the franchise has started to turn things around recently. The altercation between Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis in which the former suffered a fractured face seems to be in the rearview mirror. On the court at least. Off it, things may be just as tense as they were earlier in the season.
Detroit Lions Fire Head Coach Jim Caldwell | Def Pen
Jim Caldwell (Rob Carr/Getty Images) The Detroit Lions went to the playoffs three times since 2000 and twice in the last four season thanks to the leadership of head coach Jim Caldwell. Despite Caldwell being the first head coach to post a positive record as head coach of the Lions since Joe Schmidt’s tenure with the franchise ended in 1972, the team elected to fire him. They made a formal announcement on Twitter on the morning of New Year’s day.
Oakland Raiders Fire Jack Del Rio, Clearing Space for Gruden? | Def Pen
Jan 16, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Jack Del Rio at the press conference to announce his hiring as Oakland Raiders head coach at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Jack Del Rio was the 20th head coach in the history of the Raiders organization. “Was” being the operative word there, as the team will now look to hire its 21st head coach after firing Del Rio. The Raiders were considered by some to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender entering this season.
After 0-16 Season, Browns Plan To Retain HC Hue Jackson | Def Pen
Hue Jackson Credit: Kirk Irwin/Getty Images North America It’s official, after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-24 the Cleveland Browns have ended the 2017 season defeated. Under Hue Jackson the Browns become the second team in NFL history to complete a season without a win. The @Browns did it. They lost every game! Wow. Lord please help the Browns.
Nazr Mohammed Joins Thunder in Front Office Role | Def Pen
18-year NBA veteran Nazr Mohammed isn’t done with the league just yet; he’s back, but not as a player. Mohammed announced Monday that, since Nov. 20, he’s been with the Oklahoma City Thunder in a front office role. He announced the news via the Players Tribune in a piece called I’m Back (Again): As of November 20, I became a professional evaluation scout/identification and intelligence for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
REPORT: Grizzlies Fire Head Coach David Fizdale After 7-12 Start | Def Pen
David Fizdale (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) The Memphis Grizzlies have fired head coach David Fizdale, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN: Memphis has fired coach David Fizdale, league sources tell ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 27, 2017 Associate head coach JB Bickerstaff will be promoted to Memphis' interim head coach, league sources tell ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 27, 2017
Marc Gasol Sounds Off On 4th Quarter Benching: 'If I'm Not Out There, I'm Not Valued' | Def Pen
Even with the rise of younger, more athletic bigs, Grizzlies center Marc Gasol is still considered one of the league’s best (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) As one of the premier two-way big men in the NBA, Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol has high standards for himself. That includes personal success as well as helping Memphis rack up wins in an unforgiving Western Conference, something he and point guard Mike Conley have excelled at in recent years.
REPORT: 76ers Refuse to Buyout Jahlil Okafor, Seeking Second-Round Pick in Trade | Def Pen
It’s apparent that Jahlil Okafor’s future will not be in Philadelphia (Bill Streicher/USAToday Sports) One of the ongoing sagas early on during this eventful 2017-18 campaign has been the situation surrounding Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor. With Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons cemented as the team’s foundational pieces moving forward and a crowded frontcourt rotation that includes Dario Saric and Amir Johnson, the 21-year-old Okafor has become largely expendable.
NBA Fines Dwight Howard $35,000 For "Making an Obscene Gesture Toward" Cavs Fans | Def Pen
Dwight Howard (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) When the Charlotte Hornets acquired former NBA All-Star Dwight Howard over the summer, they also acquired the antics that come along with Dwight. At times they are just fun and playful things with his teammates and others around the organization. On the other hand, there’s also the instances when he might not be as funny with some fans.
Biggest NFL Injuries in Week 12 | Def Pen
Amari Cooper was added to the NFL injuries list after a gruesome hit on Sunday against the Denver Broncos (D. Ross Cameron/AP Photo) Below is a list of the most significant NFL injuries in week twelve. Amari Cooper – WR – Oakland Raiders Amari Cooper was drilled while running a slant route late in the second quarter. Here was the hit. Big hit by Stewart and Amari Cooper was left motionless on the ground. scary….
It's Time to Free Otto Porter | Def Pen
Otto Porter (Rob Carr/Getty Images) This past summer on July 4, it was reported the Washington Wizards would match the four-year, $106 million max-offer sheet from both the Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets, keeping restricted free agent Otto Porter Jr. a Wizard for the near future. The move was highly scrutinized, seeing that Wizards are in a load of cap trouble, highlighted by Ian Mahinmi’s outlandish four-year, $65 million contract given out in the 2016 offseason.
The 7th Report Weekly Recap: NFL Regular Season Week 11 | Def Pen
Week eleven in the NFL regular season comes to a close after the Atlanta Falcons hold on to defeat the Seattle Seahawks 34-31 (Troy Wayrynen/USA TODAY Sports) Week eleven is complete and it’s hard to fathom. How is the NFL nearly three-quarters of the way over? For those who enjoy long-winded posts, you’re in luck. Stay a while as we dive into all things surrounding the NFL in week eleven. NFL Week Eleven Injuries Week eleven saw a tremendous amount of injuries.
NFL And Mexico's Ministry Of Tourism Agree To Play An NFL Mexico Game Through 2021 | Def Pen
Danny Amendola (80) celebrates with Rob Gronkowski (87) after a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in Mexico City Credit: Buda Mendes/Getty Images North America The NFL’s aspirations to broaden its international influence continue as the league announced that they have agreed to play future games in Mexico City. The league and Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism have agreed on playing one regular season NFL Mexico game during the 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons.
Ray Allen Accused of Stalking, Claims he was C
Ray Allen (Thos Robinson/Getty Images for Nike/Levi’s/Rookie USA show) Legendary NBA three-point marksman Ray Allen is about to undergo a tricky legal battle in Florida very soon. The two-time NBA champion has filed an emergency motion on Tuesday after he was being accused of stalking by a Florida man. According to Ray Allen and his representatives, Allen was the victim of a catfish ploy in which the man posed as different women to trick Ray into exposing details about himself and his life.
Missouri Star Freshman Michael Porter Jr. to Undergo Back Surgery, Expected to Miss Entire Season | Def Pen
Michael Porter Jr. is likely out for the remainder of the season (Jeff Roberson/Associated Press) Michael Porter Jr., a projected top three pick in next summers will likely miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his L3-L4 spinal discs. The projected recovery time is three to four months according to the Mizzou Hoops Twitter account.
The 7th Report Weekly Recap: NFL Regular Season Week 10 | Def Pen
Week ten in the NFL regular season provided little interest on Sunday Night Football as the New England Patriots waxed the Denver Broncos 41-16 (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) As a fan of the NFL, week ten was a poor week to watch football. Over half of the games played this weekend were decided by double-digit margins. By contrast, only two games in week ten were decided by a field goal or less.
Aaron Gordon Would Do 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest | Def Pen
Aaron Gordon (Gerald Herbert – Pool/Getty Images) Coming into the 2017-18 season, if you were told Aaron Gordon could be eligible for the 2018 Slam Dunk Contest and 2018 Three-Point Shootout, how much convincing would you need? The Orlando Magic star forward is surprising everyone with his hot start to the season, averaging 18 points per game, shooting 51.9 percent from three 7.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 12 games played for a Magic team currently fifth in the Eastern Conference.
Enes Kanter Isn't Scared of 'King, Queen, Princess' LeBron | Def Pen
LeBron James and Enes Kanter get into it (Elsa/Getty Images) The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers squared off at the historic Madison Square Garden on Monday night. After a weekend in which the two sides exchanged words and comments, headlined by Enes Kanter and LeBron James, things got a little physical. After the Cavaliers win on Saturday night over the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron proclaimed that the Knicks missed on a good one by not drafting Dennis Smith Jr and selecting Frank Ntilikina.
Compensation Committee Talks Roger Goodell Deal, Jerry Jones | Def Pen
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. .(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) It seems like the new Roger Goodell contract was all but done. Before ink hit paper, however, the NFL commissioner’s relationship with Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones soured, and talks revolving around the commissioner’s new deal have stalled. The NFL Compensation Committee held a conference call to discuss Goodell’s new contract and also took the opportunity to tell Jones to stop obstructing the deal.
Cleveland Browns LB Jamie Collins Done for Year with Torn MCL | Def Pen
Cleveland Browns linebacker Jamie Collins. (Getty Images) Logic might suggest that all the losing the Cleveland Browns have done that they were paying for taking big risks. Risks that didn’t pan out. In actuality, they’ve been too conservative in their roster construction. Draft after draft, they’ve passed on quarterbacks and other skill position players in favor of some others. One of the risks they did take was acquiring linebacker Jamie Collins from the New England Patriots.
College Football Playoff Week 11 Rankings | Def Pen
Nick Chubb (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) College Football Playoff Week 11 Rankings In this week’s edition of the College Football Playoff rankings, the top four remains the same. Those teams being Georgia, Alabama, Notre Dame and Clemson. Yes, the top-2 teams are both in the SEC, which will possibly make for an incredible SEC Title Game. While this shouldn’t be an issue, they are both the best teams in the country hands down.
2017 ACC Basketball Predictions: Will UNC Lead the Way Again?
Grayson Allen and Joel Berry ACC basketball 2017 ACC Basketball Predictions The ACC is often thought of as the measuring stick in college basketball and with the defending champion North Carolina Tar Heels as well as a heavily favorited Duke Blue Devils it is going to be a great year in ACC basketball. Boston College The Boston College Eagles are coming off of an abysmal year with a  2-16 record in the ACC and a 9-23 record overall.
LiAngelo Ball along with UCLA teamamtes arrested in China for Shoplifting
LiAngelo Ball (Source: Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) The often forgotten middle son of Lavar Ball has found a way to make headlines, but not in typical Big Baller fashion. LiAngelo Ball along with UCLA teammates Cody Riley and Jalen Hill were arrested in Hangzhou, China for reportedly shoplifting. The information around the arrest is unclear at this time, but UCLA issued a report to TMZ Sports saying they were aware of the incident and were cooperating with Chinese officials.
Luol Deng Seeking Buyout or Trade From Lakers | Def Pen
Luol Deng (Photo: Rocky Widner/Getty Images) 32-year-old forward Luol Deng is seeking a trade or buyout from the Los Angeles Lakers, reports ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne: Deng said he and his agent, Jeff Austin from Octagon sports management, have been working with the Lakers to resolve the situation, either via trade or buyout. He understands it may take weeks, months or even years to settle, as he has two years and nearly $37 million remaining on his contract after this season.
Nike "Working to Implement a Solution" for NBA Jerseys That Keep Ripping | Def Pen
Nike’s NBA jerseys keep ripping (Photo: Leah Klafczynski / TNS) This year is the first in which players don NBA jerseys created by Nike, not Adidas. From a visual standpoint, the jerseys are superb. They’re gorgeous. The structural integrity of the jerseys, though, is suspect; at least five have ripped this season.
2017-18 Big East Basketball Predictions and Awards | Def Pen
Jalen Brunson (MIKE DINOVO-USA TODAY SPORTS) 2017-18 Big East Basketball Preview Projected Standings Georgetown New Georgetown coach, Patrick Ewing has his work cut out for him as he takes over a program that slumped the past several years under John Thompson III. They may have a few extra wins on their schedule going into the conference slate because they are playing the worst non-conference schedule in Ken Pom history.
LeBron James Files to Trademark 'Nothing is Given. Everything is Earned' Phrase | Def Pen
LeBron James is filing for trademark on the phrase that he used when he announced his return to Cleveland (Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America) Earlier this month, Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James has filed to trademark the phrase “Nothing is given. Everything is earned,” reports Darren Rovell of ESPN. James first used this quote in the 2014 article that announced his return to the Cavaliers following his time with the Miami Heat.
2017 NFL Trade Deadline: Trade Grades | Def Pen
The San Francisco 49ers found their franchise quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and won the 2017 NFL Trade Deadline (Jim Rogash/Getty Images) Adam Schefter can normally take the NFL trade deadline off because, well, nothing major ever happens. This year we have already seen a flurry of moves that have already changed the NFL landscape. This year, it appears the NFL has taken the MLB trade deadline approach where teams are either in go for it mode or ready to sell for draft picks.
REPORT: Magic Exploring Trade Market on Mario Hezonja, Have Discussed Deal With Kings | Def Pen
Mario Hezonja (Photo: Grant Halverson/Getty Images North America) The Orlando Magic have been exploring the trade market for 22-year-old guard Mario Hezonja, reports Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders: Sources: Orlando has explored the trade market on Mario Hezonja. The Magic must decide on his fourth-year $5.2 million team option by today.
REPORT: 76ers Decline Jahlil Okafor's Option, Making Him Free Agent in 2018 | Def Pen
Jahlil Okafor will become a free agent next summer (Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports) The Philadelphia 76ers have elected not to pick up Jahlil Okafor’s fourth-year option, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2018: Jahlil Okafor's fourth-year option will not be picked up by the #Sixers, according to a team source. — Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) October 31, 2017 Jahlil Okafor's tenure with #Sixers will end following this season. Source confirms the team will not pick up his fourth-year option.
Victor Oladipo Ready for Career Year with Indiana Pacers
After spending one season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Victor Oladipo has been shipped to the Indiana Pacers, where his career may just take off. Image: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images Victor Oladipo has been misused and poorly coached his entire career. Now a member of the Indiana Pacers, his third team in three seasons, Oladipo is in desperate need of continuity. He’ll have a great chance to enjoy that continuity in the city that grows basketball.
Sixers made the right move in betting on Joel Embiid - Def Pen
Joel Embiid (Getty Images North America) When ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news of Joel Embiid’s extension with the Philadelphia 76erslast Monday, many people around the league were surprised by the timing of the deal. Philadelphia center Joel Embiid has agreed to a five-year, $148 million designated rookie scale max extension, league sources told ESPN.
Ezekiel Elliot Suspension On Hold After Being Granted Restraining Order | Def Pen
Ezekiel Elliott got his suspension put on hold for a second time. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images) The Ezekiel Elliot war on the NFL continues as the star running back got some good news on Tuesday night. After the courts ruled in favor of the NFL and reinstated his suspension, Elliot took the fight to New York and was granted his restraining order. The restraining order will last for 14 days which the courts will then have a verdict afterward.
Gordon Hayward Suffers Fractured Ankle in Celtics Season Opener | Def Pen
Gordon Hayward (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) The Boston Celtics loaded up over the summer with superstar talents. They brought in All-Stars Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving to play alongside Al Horford to showcase a new big three in the eastern conference. Unfortunately for the Celtics, that dream ended a little over five minutes into the season. Gordon Hayward went up for an alley-oop dunk off a Kyrie Irving pass when LeBron James met him at the rim.
Nikola Mirotic Hospitalized After Fight with Bobby Portis | Def Pen
Nikola Mirotic (AP PHOTO/DAVID ZALUBOWSKI) Chicago Bulls forwards Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic took fighting for the starting power forward spot on the team to a whole new level. The two Bulls big men were involved in an altercation during practice that left the newly signed Mirotic hospitalized and out indefinitely. Following comes from Shams Charania of The Vertical.
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