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Cowboys X-factor for huge NFC East clash with Commanders in Week 7

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The Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders meet Sunday in a critical NFC East showdown at AT&T Stadium. Dallas is currently 2-3-1, sitting third in the division, and desperately needs a win to stay in the playoff conversation.

**Dallas Defense and Running Game Struggles**

The Cowboys’ defense has struggled this season, allowing the second-most points in the league (30.7 PPG). While their running game has been solid overall, it sputtered in Week 6, managing just 31 rushing yards in a loss to the Carolina Panthers. With the team searching for answers, one key solution is finally ready to return.

### CeeDee Lamb: The Cowboys’ Ultimate X-Factor

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb makes his return after missing three games due to a high ankle sprain sustained in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears. Lamb practiced in limited fashion on Wednesday and Thursday, and by all accounts, he appears ready to suit up Sunday.

Lamb spoke confidently about his return when addressing the media Thursday, confirming he’s prepared to face Washington. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer also expressed enthusiasm about getting his top receiver back on the field.

The numbers illustrate why Schottenheimer is excited: before his injury, Lamb caught 16 passes for 222 yards across three games, surpassing 100 yards in both contests where he played all four quarters.

But Lamb’s value extends beyond statistics. He can beat defenses anywhere on the field — whether with short routes, deep routes, or contested catches in traffic. Defenses must dedicate extra attention to him on every snap, which opens up opportunities for others. This is the true X-factor: Lamb’s presence changes the entire defensive game plan before the ball is even snapped.

### How Lamb’s Return Transforms the Offense

In Lamb’s absence, George Pickens has stepped up brilliantly. Pickens caught nine passes for 168 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers in Week 6, has scored touchdowns in five straight games, and ranks fourth in the league with 525 receiving yards.

However, Pickens’s emerging success actually makes Lamb’s return even more dangerous. Defenses will face a tough dilemma: double-cover Lamb underneath, and Pickens beats them deep; focus on Pickens over the top, and Lamb exploits intermediate routes. Try zone coverage, and both receivers find soft spots while quarterback Dak Prescott picks defenses apart.

This dynamic is what makes Lamb the true X-factor. He doesn’t just accumulate yards and catches—he forces defenses into losing decisions. Everyone on the offense benefits, including tight end Jake Ferguson, who gets cleaner looks when Lamb draws safety help. Even running lanes open up as defenses cannot stack the box.

Lamb’s impact on the offense explains why Dallas struggled so much without him these past three weeks.

### CeeDee Lamb Faces Ankle Injury Test Against the Commanders

For all the optimism, Lamb must prove he’s fully healthy against a solid Washington secondary. The Commanders have been effective in coverage this season and will tailor a specific game plan to contain the Cowboys’ star receiver.

Lamb will need to shake off any rust quickly—Washington won’t make things easy. His ankle injury remains the biggest question mark. High ankle sprains are notoriously tricky for receivers who rely on quick cuts and sharp plants.

While Lamb insists he’s ready and the medical staff has cleared him, Sunday’s game will reveal if he fully trusts that ankle. Any hesitation or reduced mobility could disrupt the precise timing he’s built with Prescott over the years.

Washington’s own injury situation may play in Lamb’s favor. Terry McLaurin, the Commanders’ top receiver, has missed the last three games with a quad injury and will not play Sunday. Without McLaurin, Washington’s secondary has less depth to defend both Lamb and Pickens—a matchup advantage that could prove decisive in this close divisional game.

### The Stakes and Playoff Implications

The stakes in this game extend far beyond a single win. Dallas trails division leader Philadelphia by 1.5 games, and the Eagles haven’t been playing their best football lately. A loss would drop the Cowboys to 2-4-1, putting them three games behind with 11 games left—an uphill climb.

A win, however, keeps Dallas within striking distance and provides momentum heading into the second half of the season.

### Why CeeDee Lamb Determines the Cowboys’ Playoff Hopes

Lamb’s return won’t magically fix Dallas’ defensive woes or suddenly make their running game effective—those problems still require real solutions. But a high-powered offense can mask many weaknesses, at least in the short term.

Sunday will answer the most critical questions: Can Lamb move as before? Does he trust his ankle on sharp cuts? Will his timing with Prescott be spot on, or will it take a few series to click?

His practice reports and comments suggest he’s ready, but game speed tells the real story.

If Lamb looks like himself, the Cowboys have a genuine shot to turn their season around starting Sunday. If the ankle limits him or rust shows up at the wrong moments, Dallas’s margin for error vanishes.

The path forward runs directly through their All-Pro receiver—making CeeDee Lamb the ultimate X-factor in this vital NFC East showdown.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-x-factor-nfc-east-clash-commanders-week-7

comedy, culture, entertainment, lessons, television

Life lessons hidden in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ episodes

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**Life Lessons Hidden in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ Episodes**
*By Vinita Jain | Oct 11, 2025, 02:01 PM*

*What’s the story?*
*How I Met Your Mother* is a sitcom that has entertained audiences for years with its humor and storytelling. But beyond the laughs, the show offers valuable life lessons that resonate with many of us. From friendship to love, the series explores various aspects of life through its characters and their experiences.

Here are five life lessons from *How I Met Your Mother* that can guide you in your daily life.

**1. The Importance of Friendship**
Friendship is a major theme in *How I Met Your Mother*, showing how friends can become family. The bond between Ted, Marshall, Lily, Barney, and Robin illustrates how true friends are always there for you in times of need. It teaches us that the support of friends can make tough times easier and happy moments even more special.

**2. Embrace Change**
The characters in *How I Met Your Mother* experience many changes in their lives, including career shifts and moving to new places. While these changes are often difficult, they also provide opportunities for growth and learning. The show encourages embracing change as a path to new experiences and personal development.

**3. Value Honesty in Relationships**
Honesty is key to any relationship, a lesson emphasized through various story arcs in the series. The characters frequently find themselves in complicated situations due to lies or half-truths. *How I Met Your Mother* highlights that being honest with your loved ones builds trust and strengthens bonds over time.

**4. Learn from Past Mistakes**
Throughout its run, *How I Met Your Mother* shows how characters learn from their past mistakes. Whether it’s Ted’s romantic misadventures or Barney’s commitment issues, every character gains valuable insights from their experiences. This narrative underscores the importance of reflecting on past actions to avoid repeating them in the future.

**5. Appreciate Small Moments**
The series also teaches us to savor the small moments through its storytelling and character interactions. From simple hangouts at MacLaren’s Pub to spontaneous adventures around New York City, these moments remind us that joy often lies in everyday experiences rather than grand events or achievements.

*How I Met Your Mother* not only makes us laugh but also offers meaningful guidance that can inspire us in our own journeys.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/life-lessons-from-how-i-met-your-mother/story

comedy, culture, entertainment, lessons, television

Life lessons hidden in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ episodes

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**Life Lessons Hidden in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ Episodes**
*By Vinita Jain | Oct 11, 2025, 02:01 PM*

*What’s the story?*

*How I Met Your Mother* is a beloved sitcom that has entertained audiences for years with its humor and compelling storytelling. But beyond the laughs, the show offers valuable life lessons that resonate deeply with many of us. From friendship to love, the series explores various aspects of life through its vibrant characters and their unique experiences.

Here are five life lessons from *How I Met Your Mother* that can inspire and guide you in your daily life.

### 1. The Importance of Friendship

Friendship is a central theme in *How I Met Your Mother*. The bond shared between Ted, Marshall, Lily, Barney, and Robin illustrates how friends can become like family. The show teaches us that true friends are always there for you—whether in times of hardship or celebration. Their support makes difficult moments more bearable and joyful times even more special.

### 2. Embrace Change

Throughout the series, the characters face numerous changes such as career shifts, relationship developments, and moving to new places. While change can be challenging, it also opens doors to growth and new opportunities. *How I Met Your Mother* encourages embracing change as a path to self-discovery and personal development.

### 3. Value Honesty in Relationships

Honesty plays a vital role in maintaining strong relationships, as demonstrated by many story arcs in the show. Characters often find themselves tangled in complicated situations due to lies or half-truths. The series highlights that being truthful with your loved ones builds trust and strengthens bonds over time.

### 4. Learn from Past Mistakes

The characters in *How I Met Your Mother* frequently learn from their past errors. Whether it’s Ted’s romantic misadventures or Barney’s struggles with commitment, every character’s journey underscores the importance of reflecting on past actions. This reflection helps avoid repeating mistakes and fosters personal growth.

### 5. Appreciate Small Moments

One of the show’s most beautiful lessons is to appreciate the small moments in life. From casual hangouts at MacLaren’s Pub to spontaneous adventures across New York City, these seemingly ordinary experiences remind us that joy often lies in everyday moments rather than grand events or achievements.

—

*How I Met Your Mother* is more than just a comedy—it’s a treasure trove of meaningful insights about life, love, and friendship. These lessons help us navigate our own journeys with a bit more laughter, honesty, and appreciation for the people around us.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/life-lessons-from-how-i-met-your-mother/story

business, communication, electronics, finance, technology

PhonePe’s new SmartPOD smart speaker supports card payments too

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**PhonePe’s New SmartPOD Smart Speaker Supports Card Payments Too**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025, 08:03 PM*

PhonePe, a leading player in the digital payments space, has unveiled its next-generation SmartSpeaker, called SmartPOD, at the Global Fintech Fest 2025. This innovative device marks a significant step toward integrating card payments with UPI-based solutions, specifically targeting small merchants.

Designed and manufactured in India, the SmartPOD combines the functionalities of a Point-of-Sale (POS) device and a smart speaker into one compact unit, aiming to simplify digital payments for small businesses.

**Catering to Merchant Needs**

Small businesses in India primarily accept UPI payments but often miss out on sales due to the high costs and complexity of card acceptance solutions. The SmartPOD addresses this gap by offering an affordable way for smaller merchants to accept all forms of digital payments.

Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, PhonePe’s Chief Business Officer, explained, “It’s an ideal upgrade for smaller merchants who want to accept all forms of digital payments in an affordable way and helps them tap opportunities to expand and grow their business.”

**Enhanced Device Specifications**

Building upon the popular SmartSpeaker 2.0, the SmartPOD retains features such as celebrity voice confirmations, 4G connectivity, and fast charging. It also introduces a dual-display setup — one screen for the customer and another for the merchant — ensuring transparent transaction processes.

The device supports card payments across major networks including Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, and American Express, with NFC tap and EMV chip capabilities, making it versatile and user-friendly.

**Strategic Vision and Availability**

PhonePe emphasizes that the SmartPOD aligns with its broader mission to provide affordable digital payment devices to merchants of all sizes. The company also reassures that its existing hardware solutions will remain available, enabling businesses to choose options that best suit their operational requirements.

As of March 31, 2025, PhonePe boasts over 61 crore registered users and a merchant network encompassing 4.4 crore outlets across India, underscoring its significant footprint in the digital payments ecosystem.

With the launch of SmartPOD, PhonePe continues to empower merchants, especially small businesses, to embrace comprehensive digital payment methods seamlessly and affordably.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/phonepe-launches-smartpod-a-smart-speaker-with-card-payment-capabilities/story

business, communication, electronics, finance, technology

PhonePe’s new SmartPOD smart speaker supports card payments too

Leave a comment

**PhonePe’s New SmartPOD Smart Speaker Supports Card Payments Too**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 7, 2025, 8:03 PM*

PhonePe, a leading name in the digital payments space, has launched its next-generation SmartSpeaker, called the SmartPOD. Unveiled at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, the SmartPOD marks a significant advancement by integrating card payments alongside UPI-based solutions specifically designed for small merchants.

**Designed for Small Businesses**

The SmartPOD is designed and manufactured in India, combining the functionalities of a Point-of-Sale (POS) device and a smart speaker into one compact unit. This device caters to the growing demand among small businesses that primarily accept UPI payments but often miss out on sales due to the lack of affordable card acceptance options.

Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, PhonePe’s Chief Business Officer, commented, “It’s an ideal upgrade for smaller merchants who want to accept all forms of digital payments in an affordable way and helps them tap opportunities to expand and grow their business.”

**Advanced Features and Specifications**

Building on the foundation of the SmartSpeaker 2.0, the SmartPOD retains popular features such as celebrity voice confirmations, 4G connectivity, and fast charging. It also introduces a dual-display setup—one screen for customers and another for merchants—to enable transparent and seamless transactions.

Importantly, the SmartPOD supports card payments from all major networks including Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, and American Express. It supports modern payment technologies like NFC tap and EMV chip, broadening the payment options available to merchants.

**Strategic Vision and Availability**

PhonePe emphasizes that the launch of SmartPOD aligns with its broader vision to provide affordable and accessible digital payment devices to merchants of all sizes. The company also confirmed that all its existing hardware solutions will remain available, allowing businesses to choose devices that best suit their operational requirements.

As of March 31, 2025, PhonePe boasts over 610 million registered users and an extensive merchant network comprising 44 million outlets across India, underscoring its dominant position in the digital payments ecosystem.

—

With the introduction of SmartPOD, PhonePe continues to empower small merchants by offering versatile and cost-effective payment solutions, further driving digital payment adoption across the country.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/phonepe-launches-smartpod-a-smart-speaker-with-card-payment-capabilities/story

aging, culture, education, society, technology

Japan’s Seniors Rediscover the Joy of Learning

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A recent survey revealed that more than 70 percent of people aged 50 and over are interested in reskilling after retirement. This reflects a strong desire among seniors to stay active and engaged in society even after leaving the workforce.

To explore this trend, a reporter visited Takatsuki City, where a local initiative known as the Takatsuki Civic College offers learning opportunities specifically for seniors. The atmosphere in the classroom was lively and focused, with most participants being retirees intently listening to lectures.

Established five years ago, the program aims to help seniors form friendships and participate in their communities. Enrollment has been increasing annually, and today around 300 students are taking part in its 38 courses, all at an affordable cost.

One student explained, “I have two reasons for coming here. First, to prevent dementia, and second, to make new friends — although that part is not always easy.” Formerly a nurse, she said joining the classes allows her to rediscover herself and learn new things.

“There’s still so much I don’t know. Being among other people helps me see myself from a different perspective, and that’s interesting,” she added with a smile.

The story of 76-year-old Hiyo Okada in Takarazuka City offers another inspiring example of lifelong learning. Okada is now a second-year student in the Faculty of Psychology at Koshien University, a private four-year institution typically filled with younger students.

“When I’m at school, I feel so young,” she laughed. “But when I get home and see myself in the mirror, I’m surprised.”

Okada, who had spent over 50 years working as a hairdresser in Saitama, left her job at 70 and moved to Kansai, where her daughter lives. Feeling a long-held regret about not finishing high school, she enrolled in a correspondence high school before deciding to pursue higher education.

“Through my work, I realized how much I enjoy interacting with people,” she said. “When I told my teacher that, they suggested I study psychology, and I thought, why not?”

Although Koshien University offers full tuition and admission fee exemptions for adult learners over 35, Okada did not qualify because she entered through a high school recommendation program, meaning she pays all fees herself.

“Yes, I pay everything out of my own pocket,” she said cheerfully, describing the cost as an investment in herself.

At lunchtime, she often eats in the student cafeteria with classmates decades younger than her. “They call me A-chan,” she said. “That’s what my grandchildren call me at home, so it makes me feel comfortable here too.”

Her younger peers said they were initially surprised to see an older student but quickly grew close.

“When I first saw her, I thought she might be a staff member,” one classmate laughed. “But now, she’s like a bridge connecting everyone. Without her, I wouldn’t have made so many friends.”

Far from being isolated, Okada has become an indispensable presence in her department, organizing study sessions and helping younger students prepare for exams.

“She taught us every day for a week before finals,” said another student. “I wouldn’t have passed without her.”

After classes, Okada returns to her apartment, where her desk is covered with psychology textbooks and English materials.

“English is difficult,” she said, “but I keep trying.”

Her grandson often visits, and the two share warm moments together.

“She’s incredible,” he said proudly. “She’s living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment.”

Okada’s next goal is to become a certified psychological counselor.

“I want to be the kind of grandmother who sits quietly in the corner of an elementary or junior high school, someone children can talk to about anything,” she said. “That’s my dream.”

Experts note that the rise of such learning initiatives highlights a changing role for seniors in Japanese society.

“In the past, grandparents held important positions within extended families and communities,” one commentator said. “Now, as families become more nuclear, these new forms of community involvement give seniors a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.”

As Japan’s population continues to age, stories like Okada’s suggest that reskilling and lifelong learning may become key not only to personal fulfillment but also to strengthening the fabric of local communities.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147173.php