Opening weekend brought widespread joy to the intense world of the NFL.
Aside from officials that botched key calls in the 49ers-Packers and Texans-Chargers games, the usual slew of injuries that nibble away at the league’s vast appeal and the Jacksonville Jaguars, the only losing squad out of 16 to get crushed (by 28-2, the first such score ever), the only fitting emoticon was a smiley face.
The margin of 12 games was a touchdown or less, thus buttressing the “any given Sunday” mantra, which holds that every team (except maybe the Jags) has a chance.
The beloved Manning brothers, representing the league’s old guard, passed for a combined 912 yards. San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick, carrying the new wave’s banner, tossed for 412 while the other Bay Area quarterback, Oakland’s Terrelle Pryor, gained 112 ground yards in his coming out.
Philadelphia pulled the sheet off their futuristic fast-break offence and were downright dazzling under rookie coach Chip Kelly, cramming 53 offensive snaps into the first half against Washington.
Television ratings were through the roof, which already was as high as the ceiling in a domed stadium. The 49ers’ win was watched by the largest audience since the Academy Awards seven months earlier. Other networks set records for opening week.
Teams stress getting out of the gate quickly. For sure, the league to which they belong could not have bolted out any faster than it did in Week 1.
sports@thenational.ae
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What drives subscription retailing?
Once the domain of newspaper home deliveries, subscription model retailing has combined with e-commerce to permeate myriad products and services.
The concept has grown tremendously around the world and is forecast to thrive further, according to UnivDatos Market Insights’ report on recent and predicted trends in the sector.
The global subscription e-commerce market was valued at $13.2 billion (Dh48.5bn) in 2018. It is forecast to touch $478.2bn in 2025, and include the entertainment, fitness, food, cosmetics, baby care and fashion sectors.
The report says subscription-based services currently constitute “a small trend within e-commerce”. The US hosts almost 70 per cent of recurring plan firms, including leaders Dollar Shave Club, Hello Fresh and Netflix. Walmart and Sephora are among longer established retailers entering the space.
UnivDatos cites younger and affluent urbanites as prime subscription targets, with women currently the largest share of end-users.
That’s expected to remain unchanged until 2025, when women will represent a $246.6bn market share, owing to increasing numbers of start-ups targeting women.
Personal care and beauty occupy the largest chunk of the worldwide subscription e-commerce market, with changing lifestyles, work schedules, customisation and convenience among the chief future drivers.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
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Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
