1 hr. ago
Phoebe Bridgers embraced her natural beauty while stepping out at the Venice Film Festival with unshaven legs.
In pictures published in an article by Vogue, the singer, 32, confidently showed off her natural body hair while posing in a Gucci skirt at a press event for her new film, Primetime, on Saturday, September 5.
Bridgers appeared alongside costars Robert Pattinson and Bokeem Woodbine, but her decision to ditch the razor attracted plenty of attention of its own, with social media users praising the musician for confidently displaying something completely natural.
"Rather than undermining the femininity of the look, unapologetic hair sharpened it," the outlet wrote in their article which was published Sunday, September 6, while one X user noted, "this is literally so rare for public figures omg…. queen."
Added another, "The people yearn for the normalisation of body hair on women!!"
#film #confidently
In pictures published in an article by Vogue, the singer, 32, confidently showed off her natural body hair while posing in a Gucci skirt at a press event for her new film, Primetime, on Saturday, September 5.
Bridgers appeared alongside costars Robert Pattinson and Bokeem Woodbine, but her decision to ditch the razor attracted plenty of attention of its own, with social media users praising the musician for confidently displaying something completely natural.
"Rather than undermining the femininity of the look, unapologetic hair sharpened it," the outlet wrote in their article which was published Sunday, September 6, while one X user noted, "this is literally so rare for public figures omg…. queen."
Added another, "The people yearn for the normalisation of body hair on women!!"
#film #confidently
4 days ago
On August 12, Flywire (NASDAQ:FLYW) expanded its partnership with Trustly, bringing "Pay by Bank" open banking payments to customers across the US and Canada. The expansion lets payers authorize ACH and Pre-Authorized Debit transfers straight from their bank login, skipping the routing and account numbers that trip up so many cross-border payments. It is the kind of unglamorous plumbing upgrade that rarely makes headlines, but for a company built on moving money across borders, cutting payment friction is close to the whole business model.
Flywire and Trustly have partnered since 2017, first in Europe, and this expansion carries that same playbook into North America. Trustly runs a real-time balance check the moment a payer authorizes a transaction, catching insufficient funds before the payment is submitted rather than after. For cross-border transfers, Flywire manages the funds through the return window itself, which cuts down on the reversals that have long made international payments messy for clients and their customers alike. "We're applying the open banking infrastructure we've successfully scaled across Europe to North America, enabling our clients to confidently offer their payers a proven experience," said Kate Moran, Flywire's Vice President of Global Payments.
The timing lines up with a quarter of accelerating growth. On August 4, 2026, Flywire reported second-quarter revenue up 27.2% year over year to $167.7 million, while total payment volume jumped 38.2% to $8.2 billion. Management raised its full-year guidance for both revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA margin, and the business is no longer leaning on education alone. Flywire signed more than 200 new clients across 45 countries during the quarter, with hospitality wins spanning nearly 90 U.S. hotel properties and education revenue outside its core markets growing more than 30% year over year.
Growth came with a cost. Gross margin slipped to 53.4% in the second quarter of 2026 from 57.0% a year earlier, and adjusted gross margin fell even further, from 61.1% down to 56.6%. That is a meaningful step backward on a per-dollar basis even as the top line expanded by double digits, and it raises the question of whether faster growth is being bought with thinner margins on the payments themselves.
Flywire also still posted a GAAP net loss of $8.1 million for the quarter, an improvement from the $12.0 million loss a year earlier but a loss nonetheless. And the company's own leadership flagged caution ahead: CFO Cosmin Pitigoi said Flywire is keeping its ***** umptions for the education vertical conservative because of the current visa policy environment, an acknowledgment that the company's largest historical vertical faces headwinds outside its control.
#trustly #across #payment
Flywire and Trustly have partnered since 2017, first in Europe, and this expansion carries that same playbook into North America. Trustly runs a real-time balance check the moment a payer authorizes a transaction, catching insufficient funds before the payment is submitted rather than after. For cross-border transfers, Flywire manages the funds through the return window itself, which cuts down on the reversals that have long made international payments messy for clients and their customers alike. "We're applying the open banking infrastructure we've successfully scaled across Europe to North America, enabling our clients to confidently offer their payers a proven experience," said Kate Moran, Flywire's Vice President of Global Payments.
The timing lines up with a quarter of accelerating growth. On August 4, 2026, Flywire reported second-quarter revenue up 27.2% year over year to $167.7 million, while total payment volume jumped 38.2% to $8.2 billion. Management raised its full-year guidance for both revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA margin, and the business is no longer leaning on education alone. Flywire signed more than 200 new clients across 45 countries during the quarter, with hospitality wins spanning nearly 90 U.S. hotel properties and education revenue outside its core markets growing more than 30% year over year.
Growth came with a cost. Gross margin slipped to 53.4% in the second quarter of 2026 from 57.0% a year earlier, and adjusted gross margin fell even further, from 61.1% down to 56.6%. That is a meaningful step backward on a per-dollar basis even as the top line expanded by double digits, and it raises the question of whether faster growth is being bought with thinner margins on the payments themselves.
Flywire also still posted a GAAP net loss of $8.1 million for the quarter, an improvement from the $12.0 million loss a year earlier but a loss nonetheless. And the company's own leadership flagged caution ahead: CFO Cosmin Pitigoi said Flywire is keeping its ***** umptions for the education vertical conservative because of the current visa policy environment, an acknowledgment that the company's largest historical vertical faces headwinds outside its control.
#trustly #across #payment
13 days ago
Lowe's Companies (NYSE: LOW) recently reported its fiscal second-quarter results. This covered the period that ended on July 31. What do the company's sales and earnings tell us about the company's long-term growth prospects and total return potential? Let's take a closer look at the results.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
There's no getting around it. Lowe's second-quarter sales were weak. Its same-store sales (comps) were essentially flat, growing a scant 0.2%. Management blamed the tepid sales result largely on macroeconomic pressures that have affected do-it-yourself homeowners' willingness to take on projects. Positively, sales to professional contractors, an area of focus, were strong.
In the near term, management doesn't expect sales growth to pick up. It now anticipates flat comps for the year, down from its previous expectation of 0% to 2%.
Still, shareholders can confidently rely on dividends. Lowe's has raised the payout annually for more than a quarter of a century. Most recently, it increased the quarterly dividend by more than 4% to $1.25 per share. At the new rate, Lowe's shares have a 2.3% dividend yield. That's more than double the S&P 500 index's 1.1% yield.
#flashing #down
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
There's no getting around it. Lowe's second-quarter sales were weak. Its same-store sales (comps) were essentially flat, growing a scant 0.2%. Management blamed the tepid sales result largely on macroeconomic pressures that have affected do-it-yourself homeowners' willingness to take on projects. Positively, sales to professional contractors, an area of focus, were strong.
In the near term, management doesn't expect sales growth to pick up. It now anticipates flat comps for the year, down from its previous expectation of 0% to 2%.
Still, shareholders can confidently rely on dividends. Lowe's has raised the payout annually for more than a quarter of a century. Most recently, it increased the quarterly dividend by more than 4% to $1.25 per share. At the new rate, Lowe's shares have a 2.3% dividend yield. That's more than double the S&P 500 index's 1.1% yield.
#flashing #down
14 days ago
The Vikings quarterback battle did not even make it to the first preseason game. After weeks of build-up, OTAs, and training camp practices, we have now arrived at a decision on the starter by head coach Kevin O'Connell.
The Minnesota Vikings named Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback for the start of the regular season back on August 11. ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report the news of the decision, and ever since then, the noise around the position has not gotten any quieter for the Vikings.
One thing that folks are doing is projecting out what could happen. ESPN's Kevin Seifert did a fun look at the most likely and least likely outcomes related to Murray. For the least likely outcome. Seifert hinted that injury is going to be their biggest issue that could somehow present a unique opportunity.
He wrote, "Murray gets hurt and/or struggles. McCarthy steps in to replace him, and a light goes on. McCarthy plays the way the Vikings hoped he would when they drafted him, and Minnesota picks up his fifth-year option and confidently anoints him the starter for 2027."
That outcome seems beyond unlikely based on what everyone has seen from McCarthy. If this were the case, one would have to imagine that they draft a quarterback to compete with McCarthy.
#mccarthy #quarterback
The Minnesota Vikings named Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback for the start of the regular season back on August 11. ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report the news of the decision, and ever since then, the noise around the position has not gotten any quieter for the Vikings.
One thing that folks are doing is projecting out what could happen. ESPN's Kevin Seifert did a fun look at the most likely and least likely outcomes related to Murray. For the least likely outcome. Seifert hinted that injury is going to be their biggest issue that could somehow present a unique opportunity.
He wrote, "Murray gets hurt and/or struggles. McCarthy steps in to replace him, and a light goes on. McCarthy plays the way the Vikings hoped he would when they drafted him, and Minnesota picks up his fifth-year option and confidently anoints him the starter for 2027."
That outcome seems beyond unlikely based on what everyone has seen from McCarthy. If this were the case, one would have to imagine that they draft a quarterback to compete with McCarthy.
#mccarthy #quarterback
14 days ago
What did Target, Starbucks, and Nike have in common barely a year ago? All three consumer icons had freshly announced new CEOs, which were wrongly greeted with hasty skepticism from ***** ysts. Target's Michael Fiddelke was scoffed at as an uninspired insider; Nike's Elliott Hill was underestimated as a nostalgia hire, unable to stem Nike's loss of market share, while questions abounded over whether Brian Niccol could actually turn around Starbucks amidst pervasive in-store service struggles, despite his sterling record at Chipotle.
We saw it differently. At the time of their appointments, we vocally and presciently touted all three new CEOs as the right person for the job at the right time, while other ***** ysts rolled their eyes. Unlike the frequent, sometime successful model of the messianic hiring of industry outsiders as turnaround tians, these new CEOs hit the ground running as each had decades of experience in their sectors with glowing track records, priceless relationships, and balanced expertise across marketing, finance, strategy, and operations,.
Furthermore, we were the first to confidently predict the certainty of their success, even knowing that it would take some time to reposition their enterprises and for their new leadership to gain traction. Now the receipts are in, showing striking progress in all three cases, with each already well on their way to cementing their reputations as the architects of some of the most remarkable corporate turnarounds of our era.
When Michael Fiddelke, a Target lifer who had risen up the ranks from a lowly intern over two decades ago, was named CEO, cynics sneered that the board had chosen entrenched groupthink over fresh blood. We argued precisely the opposite—that the data overwhelmingly shows internal candidates outperform splashy external saviors, with insider CEOs appointed over the prior year delivering roughly 15% annualized shareholder returns while external hires averaged negative 9%. New brooms sweep clean, but the old broom knows the corners. Furthermore, we argued that Fiddelke was uniquely positioned to build on the many successes of his widely admired predecessor, Brian Cornell, despite simultaneous urgent challenges.
This week brought resounding vindication. Target's second-quarter sales jumped 5.3%, digital sales grew nearly 9%, Target raised its full-year outlook for the second consecutive quarter, and the stock soared nearly 5%. Indeed, on a year to date basis, Target stock has soared nearly 60%.
#year #time
We saw it differently. At the time of their appointments, we vocally and presciently touted all three new CEOs as the right person for the job at the right time, while other ***** ysts rolled their eyes. Unlike the frequent, sometime successful model of the messianic hiring of industry outsiders as turnaround tians, these new CEOs hit the ground running as each had decades of experience in their sectors with glowing track records, priceless relationships, and balanced expertise across marketing, finance, strategy, and operations,.
Furthermore, we were the first to confidently predict the certainty of their success, even knowing that it would take some time to reposition their enterprises and for their new leadership to gain traction. Now the receipts are in, showing striking progress in all three cases, with each already well on their way to cementing their reputations as the architects of some of the most remarkable corporate turnarounds of our era.
When Michael Fiddelke, a Target lifer who had risen up the ranks from a lowly intern over two decades ago, was named CEO, cynics sneered that the board had chosen entrenched groupthink over fresh blood. We argued precisely the opposite—that the data overwhelmingly shows internal candidates outperform splashy external saviors, with insider CEOs appointed over the prior year delivering roughly 15% annualized shareholder returns while external hires averaged negative 9%. New brooms sweep clean, but the old broom knows the corners. Furthermore, we argued that Fiddelke was uniquely positioned to build on the many successes of his widely admired predecessor, Brian Cornell, despite simultaneous urgent challenges.
This week brought resounding vindication. Target's second-quarter sales jumped 5.3%, digital sales grew nearly 9%, Target raised its full-year outlook for the second consecutive quarter, and the stock soared nearly 5%. Indeed, on a year to date basis, Target stock has soared nearly 60%.
#year #time
14 days ago
Kanye West's daughter North West has revealed that she wants to work at Starbucks. West's daughter, whom he shares with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian, is a budding musician and has already released music. However, despite her decent music career, the teenager wants to be employed at the popular coffee franchise when she turns 14.
Kanye West's daughter North West opened up about her wish to work at Starbucks next year in an interview with Dazed. At one point, the interviewer asked: "If you weren't an artist, what do you think you would be? I know you wanted to be a basketball player at one point. Is that still on the cards?"
To which the 13-year-old replied: "I still wanna work. I wanna work at, like, Starbucks next year. I think I can next year 'cause I'm gonna be 14, so… I think I can. I want to have a regular job, I guess." However, North also made it clear that she remains committed to her music career.
When the interviewer asked: "What's the worst piece of advice you've ever been given?" the "Aishite" hitmaker replied that she was asked to start her career at a later stage. "It's like, nah, this is my hobby, this is what I like to do, this is what I wanna do with my life," she added confidently.
North is already making big strides in her career. She released her debut EP, N0rth4evr, on May 1 at 12 years old. This was followed by the horror-inspired and graphic music video for her song "Aishite" on August 7. She also made her first-ever solo music festival performance at Summer Smash in June.
#next #asked
Kanye West's daughter North West opened up about her wish to work at Starbucks next year in an interview with Dazed. At one point, the interviewer asked: "If you weren't an artist, what do you think you would be? I know you wanted to be a basketball player at one point. Is that still on the cards?"
To which the 13-year-old replied: "I still wanna work. I wanna work at, like, Starbucks next year. I think I can next year 'cause I'm gonna be 14, so… I think I can. I want to have a regular job, I guess." However, North also made it clear that she remains committed to her music career.
When the interviewer asked: "What's the worst piece of advice you've ever been given?" the "Aishite" hitmaker replied that she was asked to start her career at a later stage. "It's like, nah, this is my hobby, this is what I like to do, this is what I wanna do with my life," she added confidently.
North is already making big strides in her career. She released her debut EP, N0rth4evr, on May 1 at 12 years old. This was followed by the horror-inspired and graphic music video for her song "Aishite" on August 7. She also made her first-ever solo music festival performance at Summer Smash in June.
#next #asked
14 days ago
Chelsea claimed a 3-2 win over Fulham in their Premier League opener as Xabi Alonso marked his debut with three points.
The Blues went ahead after just 32 seconds as Cole Palmer, seemingly back to his best, slipped in Joao Pedro, who finished confidently.
However, Chelsea allowed their opponents back into the game as Robert Sanchez let a Joshua King shot in at the near post following a poor diving attempt.
Moments earlier, the Chelsea shot-stopper had made a basic kicking error. Luckily for him, Morgan Rogers got the second, and Palmer struck in the third.
Another subpar moment from Sanchez gifted Gonzalo Garcia a goal, but Chelsea saw out the victory, winning their opening league game for the first time since 2022/23.
#back #fulham #xabi
The Blues went ahead after just 32 seconds as Cole Palmer, seemingly back to his best, slipped in Joao Pedro, who finished confidently.
However, Chelsea allowed their opponents back into the game as Robert Sanchez let a Joshua King shot in at the near post following a poor diving attempt.
Moments earlier, the Chelsea shot-stopper had made a basic kicking error. Luckily for him, Morgan Rogers got the second, and Palmer struck in the third.
Another subpar moment from Sanchez gifted Gonzalo Garcia a goal, but Chelsea saw out the victory, winning their opening league game for the first time since 2022/23.
#back #fulham #xabi
16 days ago
Brazil won its second eFootball ***** le this Saturday (22) by defeating the FIFAe Nations League Console at Nave do Conhecimento, in Rio de Janeiro. In addition to sealing the category's continental back-to-back championship, the Brazilian eNational Team secured a direct spot in the FIFAe World Cup, which will take place at the end of the year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Brazilian team, made up of the duo HenrykinhO and JVictorPRO and led by coach Thiago Avaré, secured qualification in second place in the group stage with 13 points, tied with Argentina but behind on goal difference. The campaign included wins over Venezuela (1-0), Bolivia (4-0), Chile (3-1), and Peru (4-2), as well as a scoreless draw against the Argentinians.
In the semifinal against Chile, the Brazilian eNational Team repeated what it had done in the group stage and showed its superiority, winning both legs by a score of 2-0. The place in the grand final secured Brazil's qualification for the FIFAe World Cup. Player JVictorPRO highlighted the match against the Chileans during the victorious campaign.
"We felt a little provoked. They scored and I was dealing with delay, the game restarted and a whole story came out of it. So we kind of turned that into a positive anger to keep going in the tournament very calmly and very confidently," commented João Victor.
In the continental final, the Brazilian eFootball Console eNational Team faced Peru once again. After a tense and scrappy first leg that ended 1-1, Brazil routed its opponent 5-0 to seal the back-to-back ***** le.
#enational #console
The Brazilian team, made up of the duo HenrykinhO and JVictorPRO and led by coach Thiago Avaré, secured qualification in second place in the group stage with 13 points, tied with Argentina but behind on goal difference. The campaign included wins over Venezuela (1-0), Bolivia (4-0), Chile (3-1), and Peru (4-2), as well as a scoreless draw against the Argentinians.
In the semifinal against Chile, the Brazilian eNational Team repeated what it had done in the group stage and showed its superiority, winning both legs by a score of 2-0. The place in the grand final secured Brazil's qualification for the FIFAe World Cup. Player JVictorPRO highlighted the match against the Chileans during the victorious campaign.
"We felt a little provoked. They scored and I was dealing with delay, the game restarted and a whole story came out of it. So we kind of turned that into a positive anger to keep going in the tournament very calmly and very confidently," commented João Victor.
In the continental final, the Brazilian eFootball Console eNational Team faced Peru once again. After a tense and scrappy first leg that ended 1-1, Brazil routed its opponent 5-0 to seal the back-to-back ***** le.
#enational #console
18 days ago
Michael Chiesa remains bullish on Ian Machado Garry's upside despite falling short in his first bid at gold.
Machado Garry (17-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) suffered a unanimous decision loss to Islam Makhachev (29-1 MMA, 18-1 UFC) in their UFC 330 welterweight ******* le fight this month, but the Irishman was more competitive than many pundits and the oddsmakers indicated.
Although Machado Garry did not get the belt at UFC 330, retired welterweight standout turned UFC ******* yst and commentator Chiesa still saw flashes of brilliance. If Machado Garry can build on those going forward, it could lead him to the ultimate prize.
"Ian Garry's stock to me still goes up," Chiesa told MMA Junkie. "I don't think his stock goes down at all. There are people that definitely had him picked to win, and he didn't fight a bad fight. But he could have fought better. But his stock still goes up. He was able to defend takedowns. He made it really hard for Islam. He made Islam have to ditch MMA and focus on wrestling to get through the late rounds of that fight.
"Ian's stock still goes up. I can confidently say there is a world where he has a world ******* le someday. Especially given how young he is. 28 years old. He's got a lot of time to win a ******* le."
#still #Stock #title
Machado Garry (17-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) suffered a unanimous decision loss to Islam Makhachev (29-1 MMA, 18-1 UFC) in their UFC 330 welterweight ******* le fight this month, but the Irishman was more competitive than many pundits and the oddsmakers indicated.
Although Machado Garry did not get the belt at UFC 330, retired welterweight standout turned UFC ******* yst and commentator Chiesa still saw flashes of brilliance. If Machado Garry can build on those going forward, it could lead him to the ultimate prize.
"Ian Garry's stock to me still goes up," Chiesa told MMA Junkie. "I don't think his stock goes down at all. There are people that definitely had him picked to win, and he didn't fight a bad fight. But he could have fought better. But his stock still goes up. He was able to defend takedowns. He made it really hard for Islam. He made Islam have to ditch MMA and focus on wrestling to get through the late rounds of that fight.
"Ian's stock still goes up. I can confidently say there is a world where he has a world ******* le someday. Especially given how young he is. 28 years old. He's got a lot of time to win a ******* le."
#still #Stock #title
18 days ago
For decades, Natalie Portman has been one of our most cerebral stars. A 1999 Vanity Fair cover, promoting "The Phantom Menace," asked whether the then-17-year-old might "choose Harvard over Hollywood." She managed to do both, earning an Ivy League degree and an Oscar. Her characters in movies from "Jackie" to "May December" are often overthinkers, and her Instagram book club picks tend toward high literature.
Who better, then, to serve as the heroine of a Rachel Cusk novel?
Cusk, the experimental novelist, is set to publish "Life of M," about an unnamed actress coping with feelings of alienation and depersonalization, on Aug. 25. Cusk's work, like the well-loved "Outline" trilogy, favors deep excavation of inner turmoil over what might be called "plot," and "Life of M" is no exception. Still, the obvious similarities to the known facts of Portman's life have earned the book plenty of buzz.
To wit: M, a former child star who received her greatest acclaim for playing a ballerina, is raising children, seemingly solo, in Paris. All of this checks out, and Portman's putative connection to Cusk — she selected Cusk's last novel, 2024's "Parade," for Natalie's Book Club, and both actress and author live in Paris — lends the enterprise a juicy overlay of gossip.
There's no public information indicating Portman's involvement in the project, or whether she approved it at all. (Portman's rep and the book's publicist at Farrar, Straus and Giroux did not respond to requests for comment.) And if people are reading "Life of M" as a document of truth, it may be in part because the novel so confidently places its reader within restricted access zones. We see M through the eyes of a narrator, an unnamed person who has obtained M's permission to document her life. And so we accompany M to a spa, where she and a younger actress chitchat about their peers and discuss Hollywood's gender pay gap, and to an interview at a chic restaurant, where she observes strangers snapping her picture. The access Cusk grants extends deep into M's mind as well: With her friend, M ponders how she might help a new generation of actresses despite her own "ennui" about the industry; with the journalist interviewing her, M is burdened "by the impossibility of anyone ever understanding what she is."
The project of this book is to help us to know a person who rejects examination, just as journalists have struggled to crack Portman, who avoids discussing her personal life in interviews. "Life of M" is not the sort of novel that one can "spoil," but suffice it to say that M ultimately makes her displeasure at the narrator's project plain: Being under a writer's gaze is, for her, intolerable. M comes by this aversion to fame honestly. We're informed that "starring in a film as a child had immediately brought her childhood to an end," and that press coverage of her entanglements as an adult have strained her relationship with her family. She has constructed a series of walls, and w
Who better, then, to serve as the heroine of a Rachel Cusk novel?
Cusk, the experimental novelist, is set to publish "Life of M," about an unnamed actress coping with feelings of alienation and depersonalization, on Aug. 25. Cusk's work, like the well-loved "Outline" trilogy, favors deep excavation of inner turmoil over what might be called "plot," and "Life of M" is no exception. Still, the obvious similarities to the known facts of Portman's life have earned the book plenty of buzz.
To wit: M, a former child star who received her greatest acclaim for playing a ballerina, is raising children, seemingly solo, in Paris. All of this checks out, and Portman's putative connection to Cusk — she selected Cusk's last novel, 2024's "Parade," for Natalie's Book Club, and both actress and author live in Paris — lends the enterprise a juicy overlay of gossip.
There's no public information indicating Portman's involvement in the project, or whether she approved it at all. (Portman's rep and the book's publicist at Farrar, Straus and Giroux did not respond to requests for comment.) And if people are reading "Life of M" as a document of truth, it may be in part because the novel so confidently places its reader within restricted access zones. We see M through the eyes of a narrator, an unnamed person who has obtained M's permission to document her life. And so we accompany M to a spa, where she and a younger actress chitchat about their peers and discuss Hollywood's gender pay gap, and to an interview at a chic restaurant, where she observes strangers snapping her picture. The access Cusk grants extends deep into M's mind as well: With her friend, M ponders how she might help a new generation of actresses despite her own "ennui" about the industry; with the journalist interviewing her, M is burdened "by the impossibility of anyone ever understanding what she is."
The project of this book is to help us to know a person who rejects examination, just as journalists have struggled to crack Portman, who avoids discussing her personal life in interviews. "Life of M" is not the sort of novel that one can "spoil," but suffice it to say that M ultimately makes her displeasure at the narrator's project plain: Being under a writer's gaze is, for her, intolerable. M comes by this aversion to fame honestly. We're informed that "starring in a film as a child had immediately brought her childhood to an end," and that press coverage of her entanglements as an adult have strained her relationship with her family. She has constructed a series of walls, and w
19 days ago
No fewer than five new signings made their competitive debuts for the Black and Yellows in the starting lineup: Jacqueline Meißner and Lara Schmidt bolstered the defense, Ricarda Walkling played in central midfield, while Ramona Maier and captain Alexandra Popp featured on the attack. Head coach Markus Högner went all out on offense with the forward quartet of Maier, Popp, Schumacher, and Enderle – together, they had scored 20 goals in the six preseason matches.
Amid the exuberant atmosphere at Rote Erde Stadium, the Borussia women dominated the match from the start. The team created its first dangerous scoring chance in the fifth minute after a cross to Jacqueline Meißner. The low cross found Ramona Maier, whose low shot was cleared for a corner by the Bielefeld goalkeeper. In the minutes that followed, the BVB Women repeatedly combined down the right flank to penetrate the Bielefeld penalty area – Arminia goalkeeper Johanna Wende was also able to parry two more shots by Maier (10th, 20th).
The match turned into a test of patience for the BVB Women; the visitors from Bielefeld retreated deeper and deeper in front of their own goal as the half progressed. Alex Popp covered the entire width of the field, often dropping deeper during build-up play to distribute the ball in the center. The captain was rewarded for her efforts in the 38th minute when she powered a cross from Enderle into the Bielefeld goal with a header to give her team a 1–0 halftime lead.
The Borussia women continued to focus on counter-pressing in the second half, immediately regaining possession and launching a focused build-up. The BVB Women created their first offensive opportunities of the second half through a low free kick by Schumacher (51st') and a shot by Sara Ito following a corner (52nd). In the 60th minute, the Borussia women had their next shot on goal when Alex Popp broke through, but the visitors' in-form goalkeeper deflected the ball around the post. At the other end, the alert Jacqueline Meißner successfully tackled one of Bielefeld's few forays forward (71st minute).
The closing stages briefly brought some frantic action to a match in which the BVB Women, despite their narrow lead, kept pushing forward relentlessly. Relief came in the 82nd minute: BVB's captain once again converted a sharply taken corner kick by Schumacher. Alex Popp rose highest at the near post and headed the ball into the near corner to make it 2–0. The much-celebrated finishing touch came from the two substitutes, Steenwijk and Leubner, who had only just come on: Ronja Leubner confidently finished off a through ball played with the outside of the foot by Jenske Steenwijk to seal the 3–0 final score.
#popp #borussia #alex
Amid the exuberant atmosphere at Rote Erde Stadium, the Borussia women dominated the match from the start. The team created its first dangerous scoring chance in the fifth minute after a cross to Jacqueline Meißner. The low cross found Ramona Maier, whose low shot was cleared for a corner by the Bielefeld goalkeeper. In the minutes that followed, the BVB Women repeatedly combined down the right flank to penetrate the Bielefeld penalty area – Arminia goalkeeper Johanna Wende was also able to parry two more shots by Maier (10th, 20th).
The match turned into a test of patience for the BVB Women; the visitors from Bielefeld retreated deeper and deeper in front of their own goal as the half progressed. Alex Popp covered the entire width of the field, often dropping deeper during build-up play to distribute the ball in the center. The captain was rewarded for her efforts in the 38th minute when she powered a cross from Enderle into the Bielefeld goal with a header to give her team a 1–0 halftime lead.
The Borussia women continued to focus on counter-pressing in the second half, immediately regaining possession and launching a focused build-up. The BVB Women created their first offensive opportunities of the second half through a low free kick by Schumacher (51st') and a shot by Sara Ito following a corner (52nd). In the 60th minute, the Borussia women had their next shot on goal when Alex Popp broke through, but the visitors' in-form goalkeeper deflected the ball around the post. At the other end, the alert Jacqueline Meißner successfully tackled one of Bielefeld's few forays forward (71st minute).
The closing stages briefly brought some frantic action to a match in which the BVB Women, despite their narrow lead, kept pushing forward relentlessly. Relief came in the 82nd minute: BVB's captain once again converted a sharply taken corner kick by Schumacher. Alex Popp rose highest at the near post and headed the ball into the near corner to make it 2–0. The much-celebrated finishing touch came from the two substitutes, Steenwijk and Leubner, who had only just come on: Ronja Leubner confidently finished off a through ball played with the outside of the foot by Jenske Steenwijk to seal the 3–0 final score.
#popp #borussia #alex
23 days ago
TOPEKA (KSNT) — Last season, Washburn volleyball earned a share of the MIAA regular season **** le and made it to the NCAA Central Regional semifinals. This season, the Ichabods expect nothing less.
"I can confidently say that we're hungry for more as a good team is, and we're trying to find that line between good and great," Washburn senior Libero Taylor Rottinghaus told 27 Sports. "We want that so bad that we've made it a goal to own it, and we want to do that so bad that we're going to put the work in on the court with practice, with the games, all of it."
In 2025, Washburn finished 27-5 and 13-3 in MIAA play. Heading into this season, the squad looks a little different after losing key All-American playmakers.
"You know, any time that you remove pieces and add pieces, you've changed the makeup of the team, and so every single year is just a little bit different," Washburn head coach Chris Herron said. "And so we're starting to see, you know, which direction we're going in and what the makeup of the team is going to be like."
One of the key leaders on this year's squad, who has been for the last couple of seasons, is Shawnee Heights' own Taylor Rottinghaus. Last season, the libero led the team with 468 digs.
#we 're
"I can confidently say that we're hungry for more as a good team is, and we're trying to find that line between good and great," Washburn senior Libero Taylor Rottinghaus told 27 Sports. "We want that so bad that we've made it a goal to own it, and we want to do that so bad that we're going to put the work in on the court with practice, with the games, all of it."
In 2025, Washburn finished 27-5 and 13-3 in MIAA play. Heading into this season, the squad looks a little different after losing key All-American playmakers.
"You know, any time that you remove pieces and add pieces, you've changed the makeup of the team, and so every single year is just a little bit different," Washburn head coach Chris Herron said. "And so we're starting to see, you know, which direction we're going in and what the makeup of the team is going to be like."
One of the key leaders on this year's squad, who has been for the last couple of seasons, is Shawnee Heights' own Taylor Rottinghaus. Last season, the libero led the team with 468 digs.
#we 're
23 days ago
Como lose the second match of the day at Anfield. The first behind-closed-doors game between the Reds and the Lariani had ended 0-0, but in the evening clash it was Liverpool who came out on top 2-0 thanks to goals from Gakpo(24') and new signing Jacquet(44').
Fabregas' side, just as had happened against **** nal, looked far from out of place despite the defeat, and the coach can be satisfied, also with the upcoming international commitments in next season's Champions League in mind.
Now, for both teams, the focus shifts to the league. Como will begin on Saturday, August 22 with an afternoon clash against Udinese, while Iraola's Liverpool will open their Premier League campaign on Sunday the 23rd in a blockbuster match against Newcastle.
In the second half, Liverpool controlled the game and until the 84th minute there were no major chances for either side. But it was right at the end that the match came alive again, first through Diao and then Gravenberch.
The Como player was picked out after a fine counterattack by new signing Cuoto! The Senegalese forward tried a curling right-footed shot from the edge of the box, but it went just wide! A few minutes later, Liverpool had the chance to make it 3-0 through Gravenberch: the Dutchman confidently went for a placed finish, but the ball crashed against the crossbar and went out.
#went #second #clash
Fabregas' side, just as had happened against **** nal, looked far from out of place despite the defeat, and the coach can be satisfied, also with the upcoming international commitments in next season's Champions League in mind.
Now, for both teams, the focus shifts to the league. Como will begin on Saturday, August 22 with an afternoon clash against Udinese, while Iraola's Liverpool will open their Premier League campaign on Sunday the 23rd in a blockbuster match against Newcastle.
In the second half, Liverpool controlled the game and until the 84th minute there were no major chances for either side. But it was right at the end that the match came alive again, first through Diao and then Gravenberch.
The Como player was picked out after a fine counterattack by new signing Cuoto! The Senegalese forward tried a curling right-footed shot from the edge of the box, but it went just wide! A few minutes later, Liverpool had the chance to make it 3-0 through Gravenberch: the Dutchman confidently went for a placed finish, but the ball crashed against the crossbar and went out.
#went #second #clash
24 days ago
Felix Hirschnagl had to do without several key players in the match against Schalke: Jan-Luca Riedl and Enzo dos Santos were with the first team, while Fadi Zarqelain and Luke Fahrenhorst were with the U23s. In addition, Ahmad Najdi, Johann Lasse Jaensch, Peniel Poba, and Hamzath Mohamadou were out with injuries. As a result, the coach largely stuck with the starting lineup that had won the season opener in Oberhausen 4–2. Luis Alaze moved into midfield in place of Najdi, and Liam Kante played defense in place of Lenni Strößner.
BVB started confidently, moving the ball around, and capped off their promising start with a 1–0 lead in the eighth minute. The goal was set up by Tom Faust, who sent Justin Hoy on his way with a diagonal pass. Schalke defender Lasse Deutschmann deflected the captain's cross over the line just before Bjarki Gardarsson could get a shot off. The Black and Yellows dominated the match and created further chances, but the standout Justin Hoy, in particular, lacked both luck and precision in front of goal (16th, 26th). Luis Alaze was unlucky: After a mistake by goalkeeper Kyrylo Khadesevych, he shot on goal from 16 meters, but Amir El Abdouni headed the ball clear of the danger zone (44th minute).
Schalke coach Norbert Elgert had reacted early, making personnel and tactical changes in the 36th minute. These changes took effect immediately after the restart. Swiss player Timo Wiesner was initially denied in a one-on-one situation by BVB goalkeeper Julien Froese, who reacted brilliantly; he then struck a free kick from 18 meters that hit the outside post (51st/52nd). Schalke was much more present and active in the second half. Mika Brocks hit the post in the 72nd minute, while on the other end, Justin Hoy was the standout player and struck the crossbar with a free kick in the 70th minute. All in all, it was a well-deserved derby victory for Borussia.
"After the break, it was a bit of youthful madness. But we put in a lot of effort overall, and maybe that's why we were rewarded. I always believe in karma," summarized coach Felix Hirschnagl, who recalled last year's unfortunate 3–3 draw in the regular season: "Back then, we didn't pull off the derby win in the decisive phase; this time, we did it."
BVB now faces two away games: on Sunday (23 August, 11:00) at VfL Osnabrück, and on Wednesday (26 August, 18:00) at MSV Duisburg.
#schalke #coach
BVB started confidently, moving the ball around, and capped off their promising start with a 1–0 lead in the eighth minute. The goal was set up by Tom Faust, who sent Justin Hoy on his way with a diagonal pass. Schalke defender Lasse Deutschmann deflected the captain's cross over the line just before Bjarki Gardarsson could get a shot off. The Black and Yellows dominated the match and created further chances, but the standout Justin Hoy, in particular, lacked both luck and precision in front of goal (16th, 26th). Luis Alaze was unlucky: After a mistake by goalkeeper Kyrylo Khadesevych, he shot on goal from 16 meters, but Amir El Abdouni headed the ball clear of the danger zone (44th minute).
Schalke coach Norbert Elgert had reacted early, making personnel and tactical changes in the 36th minute. These changes took effect immediately after the restart. Swiss player Timo Wiesner was initially denied in a one-on-one situation by BVB goalkeeper Julien Froese, who reacted brilliantly; he then struck a free kick from 18 meters that hit the outside post (51st/52nd). Schalke was much more present and active in the second half. Mika Brocks hit the post in the 72nd minute, while on the other end, Justin Hoy was the standout player and struck the crossbar with a free kick in the 70th minute. All in all, it was a well-deserved derby victory for Borussia.
"After the break, it was a bit of youthful madness. But we put in a lot of effort overall, and maybe that's why we were rewarded. I always believe in karma," summarized coach Felix Hirschnagl, who recalled last year's unfortunate 3–3 draw in the regular season: "Back then, we didn't pull off the derby win in the decisive phase; this time, we did it."
BVB now faces two away games: on Sunday (23 August, 11:00) at VfL Osnabrück, and on Wednesday (26 August, 18:00) at MSV Duisburg.
#schalke #coach
24 days ago
Felix Hirschnagl had to do without several key players in the clash with Schalke: Jan-Luca Riedl and Enzo dos Santos were with the senior team, while Fadi Zarqelain and Luke Fahrenhorst were part of the U23 squad. In addition, Ahmad Najdi, Johann Lasse Jaensch, Peniel Poba and Hamzath Mohamadou were absent through injury. As a result, the coach largely stuck with the starting XI that had won the opening match in Oberhausen 4-2. Luis Alaze came into midfield for Najdi, while Liam Kante defended in place of Lenni Strößner.
BVB started confidently, moved the ball around well and crowned their promising start with the opening goal in the eighth minute. The move was initiated by Tom Faust, who sent Justin Hoy on his way with a diagonal pass. Schalke defender Lasse Deutschmann turned the captain's cross over the line ahead of the waiting Bjarki Gardarsson. The Black and Yellows dominated the match and created further chances, but Justin Hoy in particular, who stood out, lacked luck and precision in front of goal (16th, 26th minute). Luis Alaze was unfortunate too: after a mistake by goalkeeper Kyrylo Khadesevych, he shot at goal from 16 meters, but Amir El Abdouni headed the ball clear of danger (44th).
Schalke coach Norbert Elgert reacted early, making personnel and tactical changes in the 36th minute. They had an immediate effect after the restart. Switzerland's Timo Wiesner first failed in a one-on-one against BVB keeper Julien Froese, who reacted brilliantly, and then struck the outside of the post with a free-kick from 18 meters (51st/52nd). Schalke were much more present and active in the second half. Mika Brocks hit the post after 72 minutes, while at the other end it was mainly Justin Hoy who provided the spark and hit the crossbar with a free-kick in the 70th minute. All in all, Borussia deservedly came away with the derby win.
"After the break, it was a bit of youthful madness. But overall, we put a lot into it, and maybe that's why we were rewarded. I always believe in karma," said coach Felix Hirschnagl, recalling last year's unfortunate 3-3 draw in the main round: "We didn't get the derby win over the line in the decisive phase then, but this time we did."
BVB now have two away games in a row: on Sunday (23/08, 11:00) at VfL Osnabrück and on Wednesday (26/08, 18:00) at MSV Duisburg.
#justin #goal
BVB started confidently, moved the ball around well and crowned their promising start with the opening goal in the eighth minute. The move was initiated by Tom Faust, who sent Justin Hoy on his way with a diagonal pass. Schalke defender Lasse Deutschmann turned the captain's cross over the line ahead of the waiting Bjarki Gardarsson. The Black and Yellows dominated the match and created further chances, but Justin Hoy in particular, who stood out, lacked luck and precision in front of goal (16th, 26th minute). Luis Alaze was unfortunate too: after a mistake by goalkeeper Kyrylo Khadesevych, he shot at goal from 16 meters, but Amir El Abdouni headed the ball clear of danger (44th).
Schalke coach Norbert Elgert reacted early, making personnel and tactical changes in the 36th minute. They had an immediate effect after the restart. Switzerland's Timo Wiesner first failed in a one-on-one against BVB keeper Julien Froese, who reacted brilliantly, and then struck the outside of the post with a free-kick from 18 meters (51st/52nd). Schalke were much more present and active in the second half. Mika Brocks hit the post after 72 minutes, while at the other end it was mainly Justin Hoy who provided the spark and hit the crossbar with a free-kick in the 70th minute. All in all, Borussia deservedly came away with the derby win.
"After the break, it was a bit of youthful madness. But overall, we put a lot into it, and maybe that's why we were rewarded. I always believe in karma," said coach Felix Hirschnagl, recalling last year's unfortunate 3-3 draw in the main round: "We didn't get the derby win over the line in the decisive phase then, but this time we did."
BVB now have two away games in a row: on Sunday (23/08, 11:00) at VfL Osnabrück and on Wednesday (26/08, 18:00) at MSV Duisburg.
#justin #goal
28 days ago
We're officially past the point in the U-23 rankings where potential alone will get you a spot. When you make your way closer and closer to #1 , you have to show ability in a top-flight league, preferably Serie A, to show that you're a serious hope for the future and for the present. There's no doubt that Santiago Castro has the Serie A experience necessary to view him as a player that Roma can rely on now and for the next five seasons. The biggest question circling the new Giallorossi #9 is whether he will be able to seize the opportunity handed to him confidently, with Donyell Malen ahead of him in the pecking order.
Age: 21
Position: Striker
Shades of: Lautaro Martinez, Julián Álvarez, Carlos Tevez with less wide play
Santiago Castro (who likes to go by Santi) was born in San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina, nearly 22 years ago. He first came to the attention of the Argentine football system while playing for the youth team at Vélez Sarsfield, the club he joined at age seven. After a decade in that youth system, Castro was given the chance to debut for their senior side in August 2021 at the age of sixteen. Since then, it's been a generally quick rise to the top for the young striker, as he racked up 65 appearances across all competitions for Vélez Sarsfield before transferring to Bologna in January 2024 for around €13.2 million.
#sarsfield
Age: 21
Position: Striker
Shades of: Lautaro Martinez, Julián Álvarez, Carlos Tevez with less wide play
Santiago Castro (who likes to go by Santi) was born in San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina, nearly 22 years ago. He first came to the attention of the Argentine football system while playing for the youth team at Vélez Sarsfield, the club he joined at age seven. After a decade in that youth system, Castro was given the chance to debut for their senior side in August 2021 at the age of sixteen. Since then, it's been a generally quick rise to the top for the young striker, as he racked up 65 appearances across all competitions for Vélez Sarsfield before transferring to Bologna in January 2024 for around €13.2 million.
#sarsfield
29 days ago
AI chatbots confidently recommend outdated Social Security strategies, such as the restricted application, that were eliminated for anyone born after January 2, 1954.
A wrong Social Security filing date locks in a reduced monthly benefit for life, reshaping your tax bracket and survivor benefits for decades.
Verify any claiming decision at ssa.gov or with a fee-only advisor, keeping in mind that chatbots work for general concepts but cannot account for your personal details.
Many financial professionals are salespeople paid on what they push, not whether you end up wealthier. A fiduciary is the opposite. The SEC legally requires them to put your interests first. Advisor.com's free matching tool pairs you with vetted fiduciaries from major national firms, all in under three minutes. See who you match with today.
Picture a 63-year-old widow who still works part-time and is deciding whether to claim Social Security now. She could start a survivor benefit on her late husband's record, wait for her own retirement benefit to grow, or reverse the order if the numbers favor that approach. She asks an AI chatbot. It responds that deemed filing prevents her from claiming only one benefit while delaying the other. The explanation is fluent, detailed, and wrong.
#chatbots #filing #survivor
A wrong Social Security filing date locks in a reduced monthly benefit for life, reshaping your tax bracket and survivor benefits for decades.
Verify any claiming decision at ssa.gov or with a fee-only advisor, keeping in mind that chatbots work for general concepts but cannot account for your personal details.
Many financial professionals are salespeople paid on what they push, not whether you end up wealthier. A fiduciary is the opposite. The SEC legally requires them to put your interests first. Advisor.com's free matching tool pairs you with vetted fiduciaries from major national firms, all in under three minutes. See who you match with today.
Picture a 63-year-old widow who still works part-time and is deciding whether to claim Social Security now. She could start a survivor benefit on her late husband's record, wait for her own retirement benefit to grow, or reverse the order if the numbers favor that approach. She asks an AI chatbot. It responds that deemed filing prevents her from claiming only one benefit while delaying the other. The explanation is fluent, detailed, and wrong.
#chatbots #filing #survivor
1 month ago
CHICAGO – Alessio Milivojevic confidently strode across the stage and sat down on the dais, snappily dressed in a dark-colored pinstripe suit that blended into the black table cloth and microphone in front of him.
Any nervousness that he showed last fall as a redshirt freshman who was thrust into the Michigan State football quarterback job also faded with every answer to every question at Big Ten media day. He knows now he is the starter and face of the program going into Pat Fitzgerald's first season, and Milivojevic's comfort at the podium came from advice he got recently from his new coach.
"I think it's just being yourself at the end of the day," Milivojevic said last week. "I'm just coming up here talking as if I was talking to one of my best friends right now."
As the Spartans prepare to open preseason camp on Thursday, Aug. 6, Milivojevic and his 104 teammates will spend the next month building their bonds inside the walls of Case Hall. That's where they will be living when they are not across Chestnut Road at the football complex working toward Fitzgerald's debut game against Toledo on Friday night, Sept. 4, across Shaw Lane at Spartan Stadium.
Fitzgerald, a former All-American and College Football Hall of Fame linebacker who spent 17 seasons as head coach at his alma mater Northwestern, flashed back to his days in high school and college. He brought back the tradition of putting the Spartans in the dorms for camp because of the friendships and connections he cultivated as a player and watched as a coach before being dubiously dispatched by Northwestern before the 2023 season.
#northwestern
Any nervousness that he showed last fall as a redshirt freshman who was thrust into the Michigan State football quarterback job also faded with every answer to every question at Big Ten media day. He knows now he is the starter and face of the program going into Pat Fitzgerald's first season, and Milivojevic's comfort at the podium came from advice he got recently from his new coach.
"I think it's just being yourself at the end of the day," Milivojevic said last week. "I'm just coming up here talking as if I was talking to one of my best friends right now."
As the Spartans prepare to open preseason camp on Thursday, Aug. 6, Milivojevic and his 104 teammates will spend the next month building their bonds inside the walls of Case Hall. That's where they will be living when they are not across Chestnut Road at the football complex working toward Fitzgerald's debut game against Toledo on Friday night, Sept. 4, across Shaw Lane at Spartan Stadium.
Fitzgerald, a former All-American and College Football Hall of Fame linebacker who spent 17 seasons as head coach at his alma mater Northwestern, flashed back to his days in high school and college. He brought back the tradition of putting the Spartans in the dorms for camp because of the friendships and connections he cultivated as a player and watched as a coach before being dubiously dispatched by Northwestern before the 2023 season.
#northwestern
1 month ago
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been the invisible man in the early days of training camp as the third man in a depressing two-man quarterback competition.
Some of that is to be expected given that veteran Deshaun Watson is healthy enough to participate after missing all of last year with a twice-torn Achilles tendon. And Gabriel did not exactly light up the NFL in his six starts as a rookie, completing just 59.5 percent of his passes and seeing the Browns win just one of his starts.
Gabriel was statistically better than fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders in just about every metric that matters, however, so one could begrudge him for feeling a bit left out with the spotlight shining so brightly on Watson and Sanders.
But Gabriel does not seem wired that way, at least outwardly, as on Wednesday he said he never felt "disrespected" and that he understands the NFL is a business.
He also spoke confidently about being able to pick up what head coach Todd Monken wants from the offense given the similarities to what Gabriel ran in college (quote via a team-provided transcript):
#starts
Some of that is to be expected given that veteran Deshaun Watson is healthy enough to participate after missing all of last year with a twice-torn Achilles tendon. And Gabriel did not exactly light up the NFL in his six starts as a rookie, completing just 59.5 percent of his passes and seeing the Browns win just one of his starts.
Gabriel was statistically better than fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders in just about every metric that matters, however, so one could begrudge him for feeling a bit left out with the spotlight shining so brightly on Watson and Sanders.
But Gabriel does not seem wired that way, at least outwardly, as on Wednesday he said he never felt "disrespected" and that he understands the NFL is a business.
He also spoke confidently about being able to pick up what head coach Todd Monken wants from the offense given the similarities to what Gabriel ran in college (quote via a team-provided transcript):
#starts
1 month ago
Certain NBA teams generate an incredible amount of hype after a good season, or the front offices make a blockbuster trade/signing. Some of that excitement is justified, but expectations can quickly get out of hand. Whether it's depth concerns, an aging roster, or chemistry issues, here are three teams who are way too overhyped headed into this next season.
MORE: 3 Eastern Conference teams that can compete with the 76ers after LeBron James signing
Apr 12, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
There's no denying adding Giannis Antetokounmpo makes Miami better, but the rest of the roster raises a lot of questions.
The Heat gave up much of their future to make the blockbuster move, leaving them with no future and very little depth. While their frontcourt is probably the league's best, the backcourt lacks perimeter scoring and, I can confidently say, they are the worst backcourt in the league.
#philadelphia #make #blockbuster #roster
MORE: 3 Eastern Conference teams that can compete with the 76ers after LeBron James signing
Apr 12, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
There's no denying adding Giannis Antetokounmpo makes Miami better, but the rest of the roster raises a lot of questions.
The Heat gave up much of their future to make the blockbuster move, leaving them with no future and very little depth. While their frontcourt is probably the league's best, the backcourt lacks perimeter scoring and, I can confidently say, they are the worst backcourt in the league.
#philadelphia #make #blockbuster #roster
1 month ago
Isabelle Harrison shows off chiseled abs in striking pregame look despite missing Tempo game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Isabelle Harrison was not available to help the Toronto Tempo on the court Thursday night, but that did not stop her from making a statement before the game.
Harrison showed off her chiseled abs in a striking pregame look ahead of Toronto's matchup against the Minnesota Lynx at Scotiabank Arena. Athlete Vanity shared photos of the 6-foot-5 forward's outfit shortly before the opening tip.
It was another eye-catching tunnel appearance from Harrison, who has been sidelined by soreness in her left knee. Toronto officially ruled her out approximately 15 minutes before Thursday's game after initially listing her as questionable. Although Harrison could not play, she still made sure to support her teammates while bringing plenty of personality to the arena.
Harrison has long been one of the WNBA's most fashionable players, and Thursday's appearance continued that trend. The 32-year-old confidently displayed her toned midsection in a pregame outfit that perfectly blended athleticism and style. Her visible abs immediately stood out as she arrived for the Tempo's home game.
#chiseled #striking
Isabelle Harrison was not available to help the Toronto Tempo on the court Thursday night, but that did not stop her from making a statement before the game.
Harrison showed off her chiseled abs in a striking pregame look ahead of Toronto's matchup against the Minnesota Lynx at Scotiabank Arena. Athlete Vanity shared photos of the 6-foot-5 forward's outfit shortly before the opening tip.
It was another eye-catching tunnel appearance from Harrison, who has been sidelined by soreness in her left knee. Toronto officially ruled her out approximately 15 minutes before Thursday's game after initially listing her as questionable. Although Harrison could not play, she still made sure to support her teammates while bringing plenty of personality to the arena.
Harrison has long been one of the WNBA's most fashionable players, and Thursday's appearance continued that trend. The 32-year-old confidently displayed her toned midsection in a pregame outfit that perfectly blended athleticism and style. Her visible abs immediately stood out as she arrived for the Tempo's home game.
#chiseled #striking
1 month ago
Raiders' Fernando Mendoza unveils true feelings on getting invaluable Tom Brady mentorship originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tom Brady has skin in the game when it comes to the Super Bowl race once again. He used to root for the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers but that was only because his legacy in those areas preceded him. This time around, he is confidently rooting for and actively trying to help the Las Vegas Raiders win the Super Bowl. The first step? Mentoring the former Indiana Hoosiers star and 2026 NFL first overall pick, Fernando Mendoza.
A lot of pressure is on the shoulders of Fernando Mendoza. After a five-year drought, he became the first player to win the Heisman Trophy while also nabbing the College Football Playoff National Championship. Mendoza also led the greatest program turnaround during his stay with the Indiana Hoosiers. Now, he also has Tom Brady giving him advice as he navigates the NFL as the Raiders' new quarterback.
Obviously, all of this can be a lot for the Raiders' rookie quarterback. But, the mentorship with Brady seems to be helping Mendoza a lot. He even discussed his feelings when it came to his newfound relationship, via Grant Gordon of NFL.com.
"It's surreal. However, you know, he's been such a great resource and he's been, from a young age, he's been a big idol of mine and then now it's, OK, Tom is a human being. Yes, he's an exceptional human being, but he's a human being. So, take what you can, learn from him, and make sure that you value that relationship, rather than looking at him with googly eyes every second," the Raiders quarterback declared.
#super
Tom Brady has skin in the game when it comes to the Super Bowl race once again. He used to root for the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers but that was only because his legacy in those areas preceded him. This time around, he is confidently rooting for and actively trying to help the Las Vegas Raiders win the Super Bowl. The first step? Mentoring the former Indiana Hoosiers star and 2026 NFL first overall pick, Fernando Mendoza.
A lot of pressure is on the shoulders of Fernando Mendoza. After a five-year drought, he became the first player to win the Heisman Trophy while also nabbing the College Football Playoff National Championship. Mendoza also led the greatest program turnaround during his stay with the Indiana Hoosiers. Now, he also has Tom Brady giving him advice as he navigates the NFL as the Raiders' new quarterback.
Obviously, all of this can be a lot for the Raiders' rookie quarterback. But, the mentorship with Brady seems to be helping Mendoza a lot. He even discussed his feelings when it came to his newfound relationship, via Grant Gordon of NFL.com.
"It's surreal. However, you know, he's been such a great resource and he's been, from a young age, he's been a big idol of mine and then now it's, OK, Tom is a human being. Yes, he's an exceptional human being, but he's a human being. So, take what you can, learn from him, and make sure that you value that relationship, rather than looking at him with googly eyes every second," the Raiders quarterback declared.
#super
2 months ago
If you've ever spent a Saturday afternoon in the north of Rome, you'll know that the air feels different when Lazio are playing at home. It's a mixture of nervous energy, the scent of roasting meat from street stalls, and a very specific kind of quiet tension that hums through the crowds heading toward the Stadio Olimpico.
For the Biancocelesti faithful, a match isn't just ninety minutes of football; it's a complex dance with fate. In Italy, they have a word for this that goes beyond simple superstition: Scaramanzia. It's the art of fending off bad luck. It's the belief that if you wear the wrong socks, take the wrong bridge over the Tiber, or speak too confidently about a win, you'll personally be responsible for a last-minute goal from the opposition. While some might call it irrational, for those in the Curva Nord, it's a science.
The journey to the stadium usually starts at the Ponte Milvio. This ancient bridge, famous for its history and more recently for its "love locks," serves as the psychological gateway for Lazio fans. You'll see thousands of supporters gathered here, and if you look closely, you'll notice the patterns. It isn't just about getting a drink before the game; it's about the repetition of specific actions that have "worked" in the past.
I've spoken to fans who have worn the same faded shirt to every home game for a decade. It doesn't matter if it's thirty degrees in August or freezing in January; that shirt is a lucky charm. If they wash it, they're washing the luck away. It sounds absurd to an outsider, but when you're standing in the middle of a crowd of passionate Italians, you start to believe it too.
The food rituals are just as strict. Many fans won't dream of entering the stadium without a specific meal at a specific stall near the bridge. Whether it's a porchetta sandwich or a simple slice of pizza, the consistency provides a sense of control over an outcome that is, in reality, entirely out of their hands. It's a way of grounding themselves before the emotional rollercoaster begins.
#fans #lazio #isn 't #luck
For the Biancocelesti faithful, a match isn't just ninety minutes of football; it's a complex dance with fate. In Italy, they have a word for this that goes beyond simple superstition: Scaramanzia. It's the art of fending off bad luck. It's the belief that if you wear the wrong socks, take the wrong bridge over the Tiber, or speak too confidently about a win, you'll personally be responsible for a last-minute goal from the opposition. While some might call it irrational, for those in the Curva Nord, it's a science.
The journey to the stadium usually starts at the Ponte Milvio. This ancient bridge, famous for its history and more recently for its "love locks," serves as the psychological gateway for Lazio fans. You'll see thousands of supporters gathered here, and if you look closely, you'll notice the patterns. It isn't just about getting a drink before the game; it's about the repetition of specific actions that have "worked" in the past.
I've spoken to fans who have worn the same faded shirt to every home game for a decade. It doesn't matter if it's thirty degrees in August or freezing in January; that shirt is a lucky charm. If they wash it, they're washing the luck away. It sounds absurd to an outsider, but when you're standing in the middle of a crowd of passionate Italians, you start to believe it too.
The food rituals are just as strict. Many fans won't dream of entering the stadium without a specific meal at a specific stall near the bridge. Whether it's a porchetta sandwich or a simple slice of pizza, the consistency provides a sense of control over an outcome that is, in reality, entirely out of their hands. It's a way of grounding themselves before the emotional rollercoaster begins.
#fans #lazio #isn 't #luck
2 months ago
WNBA star Angel Reese is proving that her fashion game is just as strong as her skills on the basketball court, rocking a pair of Reebok sneakers with a chic cutout top and micro shorts. In her latest campaign photoshoot, the athlete showed off a stunning mix of athletic gear and high-fashion style. Posing confidently on a sculptural chair, she looked absolutely fierce.
Angel Reese wore a cutout top and micro shorts with her Reebok sneakers for a new promotional shoot. The WNBA star chose a monochromatic base that highlighted her athletic physique. Specifically, she donned a sleek black long-sleeve top. It featured an asymmetrical, one-shoulder neckline with a chic cutout.
She paired the statement top with matching high-waisted black micro shorts. The all-black outfit created a sharp silhouette. However, she chose to keep her accessories minimal to ensure the focus remained on her vibrant footwear. She then completed the base of her look with black crew socks that blended seamlessly into her outfit.
Reese used her footwear to make a major statement. To add a pop of color to her all-black fit, she slipped into a vibrant pair of sneakers from her own collection in collaboration with Reebok. She wore the brand-new Angel Reese 1 shoes in the striking "Expressive Pink" colorway. The bright pastel sneakers feature bold design and black accents on the heels.
In one of the close-up photos, she playfully poses by holding up one of the pink sneakers next to her face. Consequently, the shoe took center stage. The bright pop of color instantly transformed a simple sporty look into a major fashion moment.
Angel Reese wore a cutout top and micro shorts with her Reebok sneakers for a new promotional shoot. The WNBA star chose a monochromatic base that highlighted her athletic physique. Specifically, she donned a sleek black long-sleeve top. It featured an asymmetrical, one-shoulder neckline with a chic cutout.
She paired the statement top with matching high-waisted black micro shorts. The all-black outfit created a sharp silhouette. However, she chose to keep her accessories minimal to ensure the focus remained on her vibrant footwear. She then completed the base of her look with black crew socks that blended seamlessly into her outfit.
Reese used her footwear to make a major statement. To add a pop of color to her all-black fit, she slipped into a vibrant pair of sneakers from her own collection in collaboration with Reebok. She wore the brand-new Angel Reese 1 shoes in the striking "Expressive Pink" colorway. The bright pastel sneakers feature bold design and black accents on the heels.
In one of the close-up photos, she playfully poses by holding up one of the pink sneakers next to her face. Consequently, the shoe took center stage. The bright pop of color instantly transformed a simple sporty look into a major fashion moment.
2 months ago
A Fort Worth Police officer ticketed a preacher in late June, claiming the content of his speech was offensive. This week the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division launched an inquiry into the incident to determine if the officer violated the First Amendment.
The widely circulated video of the confrontation shows an officer and a protester during the Trinity Pride Fest on June 27. "If someone is offended by your talking, then we have a problem," said Officer Sara Stogner.
"That's a constitutional violation of our rights," responds David Grisham, a street preacher and retired federal law enforcement officer. The two continue to argue when Stogner **** erts, "OK, then I'll write you the ticket, and we'll go from there."
"Wait, you're going to ticket us for offensive speech?" the cameraman asks incredulously. To which the officer confidently responds, "Yes, absolutely."
Stogner continues to claim she can ticket the two men for disorderly conduct "if someone complains that your language or what you're saying is offensive."
But that's not how the First Amendment works, according to legal experts. "The First Amendment does not allow government officials to shut down speech simply on account of it being 'offensive,'" said Brennan VanderVeen, program counsel at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. "The government can restrict certain types of conduct or restrict noise above a certain volume level," he continued, but citing someone because people are offended by the content of protected speech is "precisely what the First Amendment does not allow."
The widely circulated video of the confrontation shows an officer and a protester during the Trinity Pride Fest on June 27. "If someone is offended by your talking, then we have a problem," said Officer Sara Stogner.
"That's a constitutional violation of our rights," responds David Grisham, a street preacher and retired federal law enforcement officer. The two continue to argue when Stogner **** erts, "OK, then I'll write you the ticket, and we'll go from there."
"Wait, you're going to ticket us for offensive speech?" the cameraman asks incredulously. To which the officer confidently responds, "Yes, absolutely."
Stogner continues to claim she can ticket the two men for disorderly conduct "if someone complains that your language or what you're saying is offensive."
But that's not how the First Amendment works, according to legal experts. "The First Amendment does not allow government officials to shut down speech simply on account of it being 'offensive,'" said Brennan VanderVeen, program counsel at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. "The government can restrict certain types of conduct or restrict noise above a certain volume level," he continued, but citing someone because people are offended by the content of protected speech is "precisely what the First Amendment does not allow."
2 months ago
WNBA star Angel Reese is proving that her fashion game is just as strong as her skills on the basketball court, rocking a pair of Reebok sneakers with a chic cutout top and micro shorts. In her latest campaign photoshoot, the athlete showed off a stunning mix of athletic gear and high-fashion style. Posing confidently on a sculptural chair, she looked absolutely fierce.
Angel Reese wore a cutout top and micro shorts with her Reebok sneakers for a new promotional shoot. The WNBA star chose a monochromatic base that highlighted her athletic physique. Specifically, she donned a sleek black long-sleeve top. It featured an asymmetrical, one-shoulder neckline with a chic cutout.
She paired the statement top with matching high-waisted black micro shorts. The all-black outfit created a sharp silhouette. However, she chose to keep her accessories minimal to ensure the focus remained on her vibrant footwear. She then completed the base of her look with black crew socks that blended seamlessly into her outfit.
Reese used her footwear to make a major statement. To add a pop of color to her all-black fit, she slipped into a vibrant pair of sneakers from her own collection in collaboration with Reebok. She wore the brand-new Angel Reese 1 shoes in the striking "Expressive Pink" colorway. The bright pastel sneakers feature bold design and black accents on the heels.
In one of the close-up photos, she playfully poses by holding up one of the pink sneakers next to her face. Consequently, the shoe took center stage. The bright pop of color instantly transformed a simple sporty look into a major fashion moment.
Angel Reese wore a cutout top and micro shorts with her Reebok sneakers for a new promotional shoot. The WNBA star chose a monochromatic base that highlighted her athletic physique. Specifically, she donned a sleek black long-sleeve top. It featured an asymmetrical, one-shoulder neckline with a chic cutout.
She paired the statement top with matching high-waisted black micro shorts. The all-black outfit created a sharp silhouette. However, she chose to keep her accessories minimal to ensure the focus remained on her vibrant footwear. She then completed the base of her look with black crew socks that blended seamlessly into her outfit.
Reese used her footwear to make a major statement. To add a pop of color to her all-black fit, she slipped into a vibrant pair of sneakers from her own collection in collaboration with Reebok. She wore the brand-new Angel Reese 1 shoes in the striking "Expressive Pink" colorway. The bright pastel sneakers feature bold design and black accents on the heels.
In one of the close-up photos, she playfully poses by holding up one of the pink sneakers next to her face. Consequently, the shoe took center stage. The bright pop of color instantly transformed a simple sporty look into a major fashion moment.
2 months ago
According to Mundo Deportivo, Toni Fernandez's future at Barcelona will become clearer over the coming weeks as the highly rated academy midfielder begins another pre-season under Hansi Flick.
The teenage prodigy, who is celebrating his 18th birthday today, is entering his third consecutive summer with the first team, but this time important decisions await.
After joining the senior squad on the 2024 pre-season tour of the United States and travelling to South Korea and **** an in 2025, Toni has once again been included in Flick's plans and will be part of Barcelona's training camp in England.
His first pre-season left a lasting impression, particularly after confidently converting a penalty against Manchester City. Two years later, the club believes this summer could play a defining role in his development.
Fernandez continues to be one of the brightest talents in Barça Atletic and enjoys the complete confidence of Hansi Flick.
The teenage prodigy, who is celebrating his 18th birthday today, is entering his third consecutive summer with the first team, but this time important decisions await.
After joining the senior squad on the 2024 pre-season tour of the United States and travelling to South Korea and **** an in 2025, Toni has once again been included in Flick's plans and will be part of Barcelona's training camp in England.
His first pre-season left a lasting impression, particularly after confidently converting a penalty against Manchester City. Two years later, the club believes this summer could play a defining role in his development.
Fernandez continues to be one of the brightest talents in Barça Atletic and enjoys the complete confidence of Hansi Flick.
2 months ago
Tottenham's Pedro Porro scored the second goal to seal a 2-0 win and send Spain through to the World Cup final with a convincing semi-final victory over favourites France at Dallas Stadium.
Luis de la Fuente's side blunted a France team brimming with attacking talent, controlled a game of few chances and will deservedly take their place in Sunday's showpiece thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first half after a lapse from France left-back Lucas Digne resulted in him giving forward Lamine Yamal an unceremonious wallop as he tried to clear the ball.
The spot-kick was confidently thumped into the corner by Oyarzabal and with a lead to defend, Spain's control of the match only grew.
After a below-par first-half, France were expected to come out fighting but it was an increasingly confident Spain who seized the upper hand once more as Porro played a lovely one-two with Dani Olmo before slotting in the second at the near post.
Luis de la Fuente's side blunted a France team brimming with attacking talent, controlled a game of few chances and will deservedly take their place in Sunday's showpiece thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first half after a lapse from France left-back Lucas Digne resulted in him giving forward Lamine Yamal an unceremonious wallop as he tried to clear the ball.
The spot-kick was confidently thumped into the corner by Oyarzabal and with a lead to defend, Spain's control of the match only grew.
After a below-par first-half, France were expected to come out fighting but it was an increasingly confident Spain who seized the upper hand once more as Porro played a lovely one-two with Dani Olmo before slotting in the second at the near post.
2 months ago
Defensive upgrades have been the main focus of the Bengals offseason, but they'll need to remain a potent offensive team as well if they are going to make it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
Part of that puzzle will be protecting quarterback Joe Burrow and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. thinks the team is ready to go on that front. Brown is one of five returning starters on the offensive line and he said during an appearance on the Locked on Bengals podcast that he believes the unit is as good as it gets when it comes to slowing down opposing pass rushers.
“I really think — and I say this confidently — I really feel like we got the best pass protection unit in the NFL,” Brown said. “There isn’t a lot of groups that could come do what we do on a week-to-week basis and have the success that we’ve had, especially with the circumstances.”
Playing with three different quarterbacks last season didn't make life easier for the line, which explains Brown's comment about the circumstances. The lack of a consistent run game was also an issue and an upgrade on that front would make it harder to find ways to slow down the Cincinnati offense in 2026.
Part of that puzzle will be protecting quarterback Joe Burrow and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. thinks the team is ready to go on that front. Brown is one of five returning starters on the offensive line and he said during an appearance on the Locked on Bengals podcast that he believes the unit is as good as it gets when it comes to slowing down opposing pass rushers.
“I really think — and I say this confidently — I really feel like we got the best pass protection unit in the NFL,” Brown said. “There isn’t a lot of groups that could come do what we do on a week-to-week basis and have the success that we’ve had, especially with the circumstances.”
Playing with three different quarterbacks last season didn't make life easier for the line, which explains Brown's comment about the circumstances. The lack of a consistent run game was also an issue and an upgrade on that front would make it harder to find ways to slow down the Cincinnati offense in 2026.
2 months ago
Angel Reese continues to turn heads for her fashion. Her WNBA pregame outfits have been a must-see as she confidently flaunts different looks. The Atlanta Dream center once again drew attention for her attire on Monday before the game against the Los Angeles Sparks.
She arrived at Gateway Center Arena wearing a Superman/Chanel mashup sweater layered over a white collared ***** on-up shirt. Reese paired it with light-wash, wide-leg relaxed denim jeans with a cuffed hem and a white Chanel belt. She completed her look with hair styled back into a sleek, long braid.
MORE: Angel Reese snubbing former LSU teammate during Dream vs. Storm was justified
The WNBA posted her photo on Instagram and received a lot of fan reactions.
"Superwoman Angel Reese," one fan wrote.
She arrived at Gateway Center Arena wearing a Superman/Chanel mashup sweater layered over a white collared ***** on-up shirt. Reese paired it with light-wash, wide-leg relaxed denim jeans with a cuffed hem and a white Chanel belt. She completed her look with hair styled back into a sleek, long braid.
MORE: Angel Reese snubbing former LSU teammate during Dream vs. Storm was justified
The WNBA posted her photo on Instagram and received a lot of fan reactions.
"Superwoman Angel Reese," one fan wrote.
