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Tag: Bond
Serena Williams celebrates special bond with father Richard, husband Alexis Ohanian, & daughters Olympia and Adira during fun family outing
Serena Williams recently took a moment to celebrate her special bond with her father Richard, whom she has long credited as the driving force behind her legendary tennis career. The former World No. 1 enjoyed a family day with her father, her husband Alexis Ohanian, and their daughters.
Williams took to social media and shared an endearing clip, beaming as she posed with her father. The 23-time Grand Slam champion’s elder daughter Olympia adorably joined the duo for a sweet snap, with her husband Alexis Ohanian and younger daughter Adira also present during their fun family outing.
“Family bonds,” she captioned her Instagram post.
Serena Williams enjoys a close bond with her father Richard, often crediting him for relentlessly pushing her and her sister Venus Williams during their childhood. However, the 43-year-old has acknowledged that she struggled to give that same motivation to her daughters.
In a 2024 interview with the New York Times, the former World No. 1 confessed that while she would be “devastated” if she didn’t push her daughters as hard as her father had pushed her, she found it difficult to do so because of how young and adorable Olympia and Adira were.
“That’s a really good question. I don’t know. I always look at my dad, and I think, How were you able to do that? Because I’m like, Oh, they’re so cute. I just want them to relax and I don’t want to over-push them. But I would be devastated if I wasn’t pushed, because we wouldn’t be having this interview and there would never have been a Serena Williams,” she said.
“So I feel so fortunate that I had an opportunity to have that extra oomph. But for whatever reason, I’m having a hard time connecting to that extra push, and that’s something I’ve been trying to figure out myself, how to give that extra motivation to my daughters, because it’s definitely worth it, I can confirm from experience,” she added.
Serena Williams on daughter Olympia’s tennis talent: “I already told my dad, ‘Maybe you have to coach her’”
Serena Williams with her daughter Olympia – Source: Getty During the same interview, Serena Williams lavished praise on her daughter Olympia’s natural athletic ability, disclosing that even Venus Williams acknowledged that the seven-year-old possessed more talent than both of them combined.
However, the 23-time Grand Slam champion confessed that she was “too nice” to harness her daughter’s talent and disclosed that she had already told her father that he would have to be the one to coach Olympia in tennis.
“The 8-month-old is so tiny, but Olympia is such a bright light, and she’s so athletic, to the point where it’s just not even humanly possible. Even Venus, she was like, “That kid has more talent than you and I combined,” and she’s not lying,” Serena Williams said.
“So I can see how my dad may have seen some potential in us. I’m just trying to figure out a way to harness all that. I already told my dad, “Maybe you have to coach her, because I’m too nice,” she added.
Serena Williams further emphasized that she had immense respect for her parents due to the unwavering commitment they displayed towards her and Venus Williams’ tennis careers from a young age.
Edited by Urvi Mehra
Serena Williams celebrates special bond with father Richard, husband Alexis Ohanian, & daughters Olympia and Adira during fun family outingTennis superstar Serena Williams recently took to social media to share some heartwarming moments from a fun family outing with her loved ones. In a series of photos and videos, Serena showed off the special bond she shares with her father Richard, her husband Alexis Ohanian, and their two adorable daughters Olympia and Adira.
In one photo, Serena can be seen sharing a sweet moment with her father Richard, who has been a driving force behind her successful tennis career. The bond between father and daughter is palpable in the photo, showcasing the love and support they have for each other.
Another photo captures Serena and Alexis enjoying a playful moment together, highlighting the strong connection they share as a couple. The love and affection between them is evident, showing that their relationship is built on a foundation of mutual respect and admiration.
But perhaps the most heartwarming moments captured during the family outing are those featuring Serena’s two daughters, Olympia and Adira. The photos and videos show the sisters laughing, playing, and bonding with each other, demonstrating the special sisterly bond they share at such a young age.
Overall, Serena’s post is a beautiful tribute to the special relationships she has with her father, husband, and daughters. It serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the joy that comes from spending quality time with loved ones. The photos and videos are a testament to the love, support, and happiness that fill Serena’s life, both on and off the tennis court.
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(Bloomberg) — US bond markets are flashing a warning to US President Donald Trump that his move to unleash tariffs on top trading partners risks fueling inflation and stymieing growth.
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Short-end Treasury yields rose as much as eight basis points to 4.28% on Monday as longer-dated rates held steady, flattening the curve by the most since November.
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Such moves are typically associated with stagflation — when inflation and elevated interest rates harm bonds in the short term, only for subsequently weaker growth to make longer-term debt more appealing.
Traders have pared bets on the extent of easing from the Federal Reserve this year and now see a 50% chance of two quarter-point rate cuts this year, down from 90% on Friday.
Over the weekend, Trump followed through on his threat to impose levies on the exports of Canada, Mexico and China, while reiterating a warning to the European Union that tariffs “will definitely happen.” Goldman Sachs Group Inc. is positioning for further curve flattening, and firms including BNP Paribas SA, Singapore’s DBS Bank Ltd. and Japan’s SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. said this puts the US economy at risk of falling into stagflation.
“Trump’s policy mix has increased stagflationary risks in the economy,” Calvin Tse, head of Americas macro strategy and US economics at BNP in New York, wrote in a note. That implies the Fed will keep rates on hold for the next couple of meetings while it judges whether growth or inflation risks are “more serious,” Tse added.
With gasoline and food not excluded from tariffs, the BNP strategists said long-term inflation expectations could keep rising, favoring 10-year inflation-linked Treasuries.
“If this does indeed materialize, we think that rate hikes become a real possibility from the Fed this year, even in the face of lower growth,” they added.
Euro-area bonds diverged sharply with US peers, rallying amid a broad flight to safety. The two-year German yield dropped eight basis points to 2.05%, more than 220 basis points lower than the US equivalent, the wides gap since late December.
“In terms of the strategic implications of this dramatic opening salvo on the trade war front, we would be firmly biased in favor of a wider Atlantic spread,” Rabobank strategists wrote in a note. They recommend positioning for that move via shorter-dated tenors given longer-dated Treasuries may gain on the view that trade frictions will weigh on future US growth.
Bond traders are sounding the alarm as the US yield curve continues to flatten, with some warning of a potential inflation shock on the horizon. The yield curve, which measures the difference between short-term and long-term bond yields, has been narrowing in recent months, a trend that is typically seen as a signal of economic uncertainty.Traders are concerned that this flattening yield curve could be a precursor to rising inflation, as historically low interest rates and massive government stimulus measures have the potential to drive up prices. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of fixed-income investments like bonds, leading to lower returns for investors.
The warning from bond traders comes as the Federal Reserve continues to keep interest rates near zero and has signaled that it is willing to tolerate higher inflation in the short term. While some economists believe that any increase in inflation will be transitory, others fear that the combination of loose monetary policy and fiscal stimulus could lead to sustained inflationary pressures.
Investors are being urged to closely monitor the yield curve and be prepared for potential shifts in the market that could impact their investment portfolios. As the debate over inflation and interest rates continues to unfold, bond traders are advising caution and vigilance in navigating the uncertain economic landscape.
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Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: RAYE On Her Long Road To Stardom, Writing Songs With Beyoncé & Her “Really Beautiful” Bond With Charli XCX
The 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards, will air live on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday, Feb. 2. Watch highlights from the 2025 GRAMMYs on live.GRAMMY.com.
The 2025 GRAMMYs telecast will be reimagined to raise funds to support wildfire relief efforts and aid music professionals impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Donate to the Recording Academy’s and MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals.
Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted before the onset of the wildfires in Los Angeles. The artist has since addressed the situation, telling GRAMMY.com, “My thoughts are with all those in Los Angeles affected by this heartbreaking and devastating tragedy. My heart goes out deeply to the working class communities impacted by these fires.”
In June 2021, RAYE made a declaration to herself and the world: “I’m done being a polite pop star. I want to make my album now.”
The message — one of several emotional, end-of-her-rope tweets the South London native shared on Twitter (now X) — was the result of years filled with heartbreak and compromise in her career as a singer/songwriter. Fortuitously, her sentiments of pent-up frustration went viral, giving her exactly the type of crucial (and public) leverage she needed to get out of her major-label recording contract, go independent, and make the album she was dying to make.
The result, 2023’s My 21st Century Blues, wasn’t just the debut album RAYE (born Rachel Keen) had always envisioned; it’s also the album that shot her to stardom, and helped earn the artist her first GRAMMY nominations in the process. RAYE’s GRAMMY nods — for Best New Artist, Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical, and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical (for her contribution to Lucky Daye‘s Algorithm) — are just the latest in a long list of accomplishments and accolades she’s added to her resume in the last two years.
Just weeks before the album’s release, her woozy, snarling single with 070 Shake, “Escapism.,” exploded in popularity on TikTok and pioneered the trend of sped-up audio that soon proliferated on the platform; the track landed the songstress both her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and a No. 1 hit in her native U.K. Cut to almost exactly one year later, and she’d become the most-awarded artist in a single night at the 2024 BRITs, winning British Artist of the Year, British Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best R&B Act, and Songwriter of the Year.
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Long before she rocketed to fame as an artist, RAYE had spent the better part of a decade establishing herself as one of the most ferociously hard-working and in-demand songwriters in the industry. Now 27, she actually started working as a professional songwriter at just 14 years old, signing her first publishing deal at 16.
In the decade that followed, the British star racked up songwriting credits for Beyoncé, Little Mix, Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora, Quavo, Anitta, Hailee Steinfeld, John Legend, Mabel and several other big-name artists. She had also signed a four-album deal with Polydor Records at 17, but while her career as a songwriter blossomed, her goal to be a solo artist in her own right was met by obstacle after obstacle.
Upon entering the industry, RAYE had envisioned herself as an R&B artist in the vein of “The Weeknd and PARTYNEXTDOOR mixed with Jill Scott“; instead, label executives pushed her toward the dance-centric sound dominating radio at the time. She ultimately released three EPs as part of her contract — 2016’s Second, 2018’s Side Tape and 2020’s Euphoric Sad Songs — but none of those projects were musically or creatively in line with the full-length album she was being held back from making.
“I had zero creative control,” RAYE recalls. “I blinked, and I’d turned into something I didn’t recognize. I was honestly really heartbroken and had gone against everything I said I’d never compromise. I just felt like a puppet, and I was for a long time.”
Only by breaking free of her contract was RAYE able to cut the puppet strings, rediscover her voice and make the music she’d held inside for so many years.
My 21st Century Blues unfurls RAYE’s story with unflinching honesty, as evidenced on visceral album cut “Hard Out Here.”: “After years and fears and smiling through my tears/ All I ask of you is open your ears/ ‘Cause the truth ain’t pretty, my dear.” She combines R&B melodies, hip-hop beats and pop balladry with shades of dancehall and retro jazz, crafting a sound that’s uniquely hers — and delivered entirely on her own terms.
Ahead of the 2025 GRAMMYs, RAYE chatted with GRAMMY.com about her long-awaited solo success, writing songs with superstars like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez, why she’s rooting for longtime pal Charli XCX to win, and more.
What do you remember feeling when you found out you were a GRAMMY nominee?
On that particular day, I was just really in my head and worried about the future. I was speaking to my mum on the phone, like, “Mum, like, what if this is it?” You know, I was just going through it. [Laughs.] And then someone on my team was like, “We should put the GRAMMY nominations on the telly!” And I was like, “Please, not today. I’ll just check Twitter when they come out.”
I had zero expectations. The first one they announced was Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical, they said my name! And then I lost it. Started screaming, started crying. I was shocked. My mind was blown. And then they [announced] Best New Artist and I nearly threw up. It was just, like, “What the f— is happening right now?” It was just the most ridiculously overwhelming and beautiful surprise.
Now that you’ve had some time to process, what do your GRAMMY nominations mean to you?
When you first reckon with the idea of dedicating your life to being a musician, one of the first things you picture is that beautiful golden gramophone with your name engraved in gold on the front. I think for all of us musicians, that’s the dream — a very huge, wild, massive dream. Even being recognized and nominated is the most overwhelming sense of feeling seen as a musician by fellow creatives, fellow writers, it’s a real affirmation. It makes me emotional. It’s just it.
I still can’t really believe that we’ve even made it this far. Just, like, this is nuts. This is f—ing real. It’s a whole mind game, as well, to wrap your head around that being a reality. It really is insane.
You’ve obviously gained so many new fans throughout this process. If there was one song on My 21st Century Blues that you could point new listeners to, what would it be?
Hmm…obviously it depends on taste, ’cause there’s a lot of different styles on there. Like, songs like “Body Dysmorphia.” and “Environmental Anxiety.” are quite heavy topics. You know, it gives me anxiety listening to “Environmental Anxiety.,” so… [Laughs.]
“Body Dysmorphia.” is a little bit more simple and a little bit more relaxed — not in terms of the lyricism, but musically. I feel like maybe there’s some people out there who would really relate to those songs. Oh, and “The Thrill Is Gone.” I’ve sang that everywhere. I open the show with “Thrill Is Gone.” I’m like, “You WILL listen to this song!”
Your ability to reinterpret your songs and create different versions of them from what’s on the album — whether it’s for your live album My 21st Century Symphony. at Royal Albert Hall, “Saturday Night Live,” or any given award show — is so impressive. Is that process something that you have in mind when you’re writing and recording in the studio?
It’s really important to me as a performer; I want it to be fresh and exciting. And also ’cause we live in a world where everything’s documented and filmed, if you do something one way, people will know it. And I love that element of change and surprise. Even in the writing process, I would take a song and be like, “Let’s try it in four different genres and see which one feels the best.”
It’s an exciting thing when you’re creating a live show to be like, “Let’s reimagine this in this way now.” Because why not? There’s no rules and it’s fun. And sometimes you can think, What if people just want to hear it how the record is? But then you go and listen to the album to hear it how the record is!
I remember going to a Jill Scott concert at the Apollo where she played every single song entirely differently. I was so blown away and completely didn’t expect it. I really took a leaf from that. I was really inspired and so moved.
In my head there are moments where you want to hear something similarly [to the studio version], but that can be bent here and it can move there, and we can extend this intro and we can do this. It also, as a musician, keeps me stimulated and excited. You don’t wanna be doing the same thing over and over — you’ve got to reinvent it and push the wheel and give something new. Anytime any of my hardcore supporters [come to a show], I want them to be like, “Oh s—! There’s a different version, this is so exciting!”
You’re the first artist in GRAMMY history to be nominated simultaneously for Best New Artist and Songwriter Of The Year, Non Classical. What does it mean to you to be recognized for your songwriting alongside your artistry?
That one really hit deep. I mean, I identified first as a songwriter. Before I was ever an artist, that was always who I was even when I didn’t have any cuts. It was the first goal and the first dream. And I also dedicated so much heart and so much of my life to wanting to be one — to learn how to be a better one, to soak in more, to study the greats. I’m so passionate about the craft.
It’s like crack cocaine to me, even though I don’t know what crack cocaine feels like. But I imagine it’s pretty amazing. And that’s what it feels like to me, you know, that combination of the correct melody or that lyric that just cuts you, that evokes those emotions, is completely an art form I’m obsessed with.
So to be recognized by my peers and my fellow songwriters is just such a ridiculous honor and something that young RAYE would be like, “Holy f—ing s—. LOOK! You’ve actually gone and made waves as a songwriter!”
I remember being 16 and being like, “I’m gonna do this until I’m respected in this craft.” And what an absolute pinnacle, physical example of that, in that nomination, for me.
One thing that really stands out in your songwriting catalog is how incredibly dextrous you are at writing across genres and moods and personalities and inspirations. Is there a guiding principle that you follow to write for all these different artists and styles of music?
That’s a good question. I think because of how seriously devoted I was to the craft of songwriting at such a young age, that I realized it was so important for me to want to learn all the different skills. I spent a lot of time in Sweden as a kid and these guys are some of the best in the world at writing pop songs. We all know Max Martin and his camp, and there are so many ridiculously incredible songwriters [there] who continue to hit the mark again and again across spans of tens and twenties of years.
Learning from those guys was invaluable to understanding what makes a hook, what makes something stick, what makes a really great pop song. So that’s a craft that never came natural to me, but something that I studied.
And then the other aspect of it: I grew up in a church environment where it was all very free-flowing gospel — it’s a form of freestyle, worship. So it’s this element of just embracing melody and letting it just come out.
Then between those two worlds, when I was 14, I went on a road trip around America with my dad and my uncle. Before that trip, I didn’t understand country music. I was never exposed to it, you know?
I was sat in the car for hours, listening and soaking it in and understanding how beautiful and powerful country music was. It had this down-to-earth, poetic, beautiful [quality of] “I’m gonna tell you a story: She was in a blue dress. The sky was gray. He sipped his whiskey on a cold winter’s day.” So my mind was opened.
Then we went to New Orleans — that was my favorite place. It was all jazz. And we went to a place called The Conservation Jazz Hall and I sat on the floor, ’cause the room was full, and I was directly under the trombone, And it was spit blowing in my face and everything, and I loved it! I was like, “This is incredible!”
So I think it comes from a deep-rooted love of music — wanting to understand what each genre consists of, feels like, what instruments are going into it. How are these guys writing this? Why is it like that? Why are the lyrics still like this?
When I go into a room and someone’s like, “Let’s do a rock ballad,” I’m like, “OK, let’s dig into this.” So I’ll go away, I’ll do my research, I’ll listen to things in that genre, I’ll try to understand what that took, studying the greats and then being like, “OK, let’s get into this.” I could talk passionately about this for hours because this s— absolutely turns me on, to be honest.
Speaking of country music, what can you tell me about writing “RIIVERDANCE” with Beyoncé for COWBOY CARTER?
Probably not much! [Laughs.] But I can say, what an honor. The way the song originally started was very different to how it turned out. So it was a whole evolution.
Look, I had one cut with Miss Queen Bey before [“Bigger” from 2019’s The Lion King: The Gift], and I was like, “Holy f—ing s—,” you know what I mean? And then this time, you’re like, “F—ing hell.” There’s only curse words I can really say to express how that feels.
A lot of fans may not realize that you actually worked with Charli XCX years ago on what was supposed to be XCX World in 2016 and then again on Number 1 Angel in 2017. Given your history together, what’s it been like seeing her blow up alongside you this past year with brat?
Listen, I am so proud of that woman. I met Charli when I was maybe 18. And before I met her, the experience and the environment that I was in was around a lot of men who were, on a daily basis, telling me that I needed to be threatened by all these other women [in the industry]. And that, as a kid, can really do something to you and really skew and confuse you.
And Charli completely broke that lie. She actually directed a video for me called “I, U, Us.” It was a really long time ago, but the video was great — it was on an ice rink. And I got to share creative space with her writing on many different occasions as a young writer, and she’s just absolutely brilliant. She is a true artist. She is a true songwriter.
She’s actually one of the artists who inspired me to be a writer as well as an artist; it was examples like Charli and Emeli Sandé when I was in those pivotal early years, that I was like, “I can really do this, ’cause they’re doing it.” Which is crazy, ’cause Charli literally looks the same age as me, if not younger. My girl!
Anyway, it was just really, really invaluable what she poured into me. And then I had one of my first really big cuts with her, which was [2016’s] “After The Afterparty,” so she was a really beautiful part of my early career.
On top of that, we always related to each other. Because it was a hardship for her as well. Like, my girl went through it. And we would always talk and have real, down-to-earth, deep conversations about the struggles and the things we’d be going through. So it is just so beautiful to see her get her just. I couldn’t speak higher of her. I’m so happy for her, bursting with pride. And I hope she cleans up!
You’ve also written with lots of other amazing women this year like Jennifer Lopez, Halle Bailey, Kylie Minogue and Rita Ora. Do you have favorite memories from any of those sessions?
Working with Halle was an absolute dream. That girl — first of all, we giggled like little frickin’ children. We had a great time, we clicked instantly. And we made some beautiful songs I’m really excited for the world to hear. She’s such a rare, beautiful soul. Such an incredible voice, such a brilliant talent. So I have some really dear and beautiful memories writing with her.
And J.Lo, it’s like, “F—ing hell, it’s J.Lo!” So I was just telling myself, Just write! Just make something great!
It’s always quite funny being in spaces with people you’ve grown up watching on telly, do you know I mean? So I try to play it cool — I’m pretty good at playing it cool, I think. But then after the moment, you’re like, “Umm…holy s—.” [Laughs.]
Needless to say, it’s been such a huge year for you. What’s next?
Well, I want to write another album. So I want to begin that. I think it’s important that I go into writing mode. I’m so all or nothing, so if I’m on the road, I’m on the road doing shows, and I’m all over the live arrangements. My head is in what we’re doing, I can’t pull out to write. So there has to be designated time for that.
I have a couple exciting other things that I’m part of musically, that I can’t really digress much into. It’s a year of creation. And hopefully it won’t take me… well, it might take loads of time. I don’t know how long it’s gonna take to write some good music, do you know what I mean? It’s been a minute since I’ve been in the lab, so we’ll see how it goes.
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Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: RAYE On Her Long Road To Stardom, Writing Songs With Beyoncé & Her “Really Beautiful” Bond With Charli XCXBritish singer-songwriter RAYE has been making waves in the music industry for years, but it wasn’t until recently that she received her first-ever GRAMMY nomination. The talented artist has been nominated for Best Dance Recording for her collaboration with David Guetta and MORTEN on the track “Make It To Heaven.”
RAYE’s journey to this moment has been a long and challenging one, but her hard work and dedication have paid off. She first burst onto the scene in 2016 with her debut EP “Welcome to the Winter,” which garnered critical acclaim and helped her establish herself as a rising star in the music world.
In the years since, RAYE has continued to release hit after hit, collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Beyoncé. The two artists worked together on the track “Bigger” from Beyoncé’s album “The Lion King: The Gift,” and RAYE described the experience as “surreal” and “a dream come true.”
But perhaps one of RAYE’s most special collaborations has been with fellow singer-songwriter Charli XCX. The two artists have formed a “really beautiful” bond, with RAYE describing Charli as “incredible” and “such a talented songwriter.”
As she prepares for the upcoming GRAMMY Awards, RAYE is grateful for the recognition and the opportunity to share her music with a wider audience. She hopes that her journey will inspire other aspiring artists to never give up on their dreams and to always stay true to themselves.
With her unique sound, powerful lyrics, and infectious energy, RAYE is sure to continue making a name for herself in the music industry for years to come. And who knows, perhaps this GRAMMY nomination is just the beginning of an incredible career ahead.
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The worst James Bond theme ever, according to Elton John
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Since its inception in 1962, the James Bond film franchise has featured some of cinema’s most iconic music. Each instalment contains a theme song that is an encapsulation not only of the film but of the cultural zeitgeist. Over the years, performers like Duran Duran, Paul McCartney and Wings, and Billie Eilish have dated each movie by default, without needing to allude to the year in which each film was released.
With more than two dozen movies, it’s no surprise that some of the theme songs have been better than others. In 1962, John Barry and Orchestra performed the now classic ‘James Bond Theme’. Composed by Monty Norman and arranged by Barry, it features a brassy swagger and an opening guitar riff that instantly characterises the suave action hero about to appear on screen.
Later films featured iconic vocal performances from some of the greatest musical acts of the era. However, no matter how much you love Adele or Louis Armstrong, no one will ever top Shirley Bassey, whose booming voice has echoed through cinematic history ever since she lent her unparalleled skills to the franchise in 1964. Whether you prefer the showstopping drama of ‘Goldfinger’, the mystery and sexiness of ‘Diamond Are Forever’, or, however unlikely, the ethereal romance of ‘Moonraker’, she was bested by no one.
In all those years, there have, of course, been some thudding disappointments. Sam Smith defied all odds by winning an Oscar for his mind-numbingly aimless and self-indulgent ‘Writing’s on the Wall’ from Spectre, and Jack White and Alicia Keys did themselves no favours by trying to reinvent a perfect formula with Quantum of Solace’s ‘Another Way To Die’.
One person who has a very strong opinion about all of this is Sir Elton John, who, through some glaring oversight by the Bond producers, and possibly the cosmos itself, has not yet created one of the 007 themes. In 2002, the EGOT winner said that Madonna’s ‘Die Another Day’ from that year’s film of the same name was “the worst Bond tune ever,” and he did not mince his words when explaining why.
“It hasn’t got a tune,” he said flatly. “James Bond themes are usually very camp, and this one’s different… They should have gone for somebody like Lulu and Shirley Bassey, or maybe I’m in that league?”
You could easily dismiss his putdown as sour grapes. John’s distaste for Madonna goes back decades, and based on the end of his comment, he clearly (and justifiably) felt short-changed for never having been asked to do one of the themes himself. However, he was objectively correct. With ‘Die Another Day’, Madonna opted to stay true to herself, which would have been just fine if she was releasing a single but made no sense in a Bond film. Her theme is Madonna-forward, featuring a mixture of electropop and techno with a smattering of strings to demonstrate just how poorly her musical style blended with the usual Bond fare.
As a Madonna song, ‘Die Another Day’ is serviceable, but when she utters the line “I’m gonna kill my ego”, it is clear that nothing could be further from the truth.
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Elton John’s pick for the worst James Bond theme ever may surprise you! In a recent interview, the legendary singer-songwriter revealed that he believes the worst James Bond theme of all time is “Die Another Day” by Madonna. John described the song as “shocking” and “not a good tune at all,” criticizing its lack of a memorable melody and overall quality compared to other Bond themes.While opinions on Bond themes may vary, it’s clear that Elton John is not a fan of “Die Another Day.” Do you agree with his choice for the worst James Bond theme, or do you have another pick in mind? Let us know in the comments below!
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James Bond theme, worst James Bond theme, Elton John, music criticism, iconic film soundtracks, James Bond franchise, Elton John’s opinion, musical analysis, pop culture critique
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Price:$13.99– $11.97
(as of Jan 30,2025 11:53:04 UTC – Details)
Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector Body Lotion was voted the 2022 Product of the Year in the skin care category.** Formulated with 7 moisturizers and 3 vitamins, this lotion for crepey skin is clinically shown to improve skin firmness and elasticity in 2 weeks. In fact, 82% had visible improvement in crepey skin on back of hands and arms in just 2 days. The replenishing formula features a unique smoothing concentrate made with nourishing omega-fatty acids, powerful botanicals and protective anti-oxidants. Best of all, it’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and dermatologist tested. **Based on a survery of 40,000 American shoppers by Kantar
Package Dimensions : 8.23 x 2.24 x 2.01 inches; 14.82 ounces
Item model number : 834060
Date First Available : September 24, 2024
Manufacturer : Chattem Inc.
ASIN : B0DHWG1DZH
Country of Origin : USAContains: One (1) 13-oz. bottle of Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector Body Lotion, Replenishing & Smoothing Formula
Gold Bond Crepe Corrector Lotion helps diminish visible signs of crepey skin, such as fine, thin wrinkles
This unique smoothing concentrate features protective anti-oxidants, powerful botanicals and nourishing omega-fatty acids
Gold Bond Lotion for Crepey Skin moisturizes skin for 24 hours for lasting hydration
This lightweight lotion is fragrance free, fast absorbing, non-greasy and tested by dermatologists
Voted the 2022 Product of the Year in the skin care category** **Based on a survey of 40,000 American shoppers by KantarCustomers say
Customers find that the skin moisturizer improves their skin appearance and softness. They find it effective, leaving their skin smooth and soft. Many customers are satisfied with the results, describing it as working well within 2 days. The product quality is also appreciated, with many finding it to be a nice cream and great value for money.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
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Day It Rained Hearts – Paperback By Bond, Felicia – GOOD
Price : 4.07
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Looking for a heartwarming story to brighten your day? Look no further than “Day It Rained Hearts” by Felicia Bond. This charming paperback book is filled with beautiful illustrations and a touching story that will melt your heart.Follow along as a young girl named Cornelia catches hearts falling from the sky and uses them to create special Valentine’s Day gifts for her friends. With its sweet message about friendship and creativity, this book is perfect for readers of all ages.
Whether you’re looking for a gift for a loved one or simply want to treat yourself to a heartwarming read, “Day It Rained Hearts” is sure to bring a smile to your face. Pick up a copy today and let the love rain down! #DayItRainedHearts #FeliciaBond #ChildrensBooks #GoodReads
#Day #Rained #Hearts #Paperback #Bond #Felicia #GOOD,ages 3+How Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman and Niele Ivey created a bond as they chase championships
In hindsight, Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey isn’t surprised that football coach Marcus Freeman was one step ahead. Knowing him as well as she does now, it tracks.
But in December 2021, when Notre Dame promoted Freeman from defensive coordinator to head coach, she had asked someone in her office to get his number so she could congratulate him. In his first season on campus, their paths had not yet crossed, but as a fellow Fighting Irish coach who thought they could connect on quite a bit, she wanted to extend a hand in his first days as head coach.
But before anyone could return with Freeman’s number, a text message popped up from an unknown number.
Hey, this is Coach Freeman. Here’s my number. Would love to connect.
“Of course,” Ivey said, “he was already on top of it.”
Even before sitting down, Ivey noticed their Venn diagrams of experience in life and coaching overlapped. They were former college athletes who also played professionally. They were new first-time head coaches (Ivey was hired as head coach at her alma mater in 2020) and young Black coaches in professions that lacked Black coaches but predominantly featured Black players. Additionally, Ivey and Freeman were in the challenging positions of following the winningest coaches in the history of their respective programs: Muffet McGraw (848 wins and two national titles) in women’s hoops and Brian Kelly (92 wins) in football.
Over the past four years, as they’ve ascended in their professions, parallels of their experiences have become even tighter, and their friendship and support for each other has strengthened, too. Monday night, Freeman will coach the Irish in the national title game against Ohio State. He’s the first Black head coach to appear in a national title game as he aims to bring Notre Dame its first championship since 1988. Ivey’s squad, ranked No. 3 in the AP poll, could find itself knocking on the door of a national title this April. Though she hasn’t won that elusive national championship as a head coach (she did as a player and assistant coach), last season Ivey became the first Black coach to win an ACC regular-season women’s basketball title as Notre Dame’s first Black women’s basketball coach.
But thinking back to that winter in 2021, Ivey said her main goal for her first conversation in Freeman’s office was to make sure he understood she was in his corner. Though Ivey had stepped into the role of head coach after spending 16 years on campus as a player and assistant coach, building deep relationships in the South Bend community and on campus, she recognized Freeman had less than a year at Notre Dame before assuming the top position. She assumed that could be overwhelming.
“I understand the magnitude. I understand the heaviness of that job. I just went through it a year prior,” she told him. “You’re not out here on an island by yourself. You have a lot of love and support. People want to see you win. Yeah, this is a big job. Expectations are high. Both of us knew what we were stepping into. … I just wanted him to know, ‘I understand what you’re going through.’ So if he ever needed anything, I could be a sounding board for him because I’m in the same scenario.”
From that initial conversation, Ivey said their friendship was immediate and they leaned on each other through the ups and downs of their seasons. She sat in on some of his practices, and he did the same with women’s hoops. Freeman became a mainstay in courtside seats with his family at Purcell Pavilion, and Ivey has been a sideline guest at Notre Dame Stadium, too. After one women’s basketball game last season, Ivey even brought Freeman into the locker room to speak to her team.
Marcus Freeman here supporting Niele Ivey and #NotreDame while his team awaits a bowl game. https://t.co/7QAqo2znEn pic.twitter.com/8mAnQBrrSg
— Bennett Wise WSBT (@BennettWiseWSBT) December 4, 2022
As is true of most friendships, Ivey and Freeman most appreciate how the other has shown up in the hard moments.
Ivey texted Freeman after the Irish’s lone football loss this season: a Week 2 upset to Northern Illinois at home. She reminded him that losses can be fuel and that he could use it as a motivation for himself and his players.
“Even as a coach, some people don’t reach out, or they only reach out after wins — big wins,” Ivey said. “But it’s the people who reach out after tough losses. I know that firsthand. So, every tough loss he’s had, I’ve texted him right after. I think you need to hear the support when you’re in your darkest times.”
Freeman has returned the favor. At the end of November, on a flight back from USC after the football team had reeled off its 10th consecutive win since the NIU loss, Freeman checked the women’s basketball scores and saw that Ivey’s Irish had just endured their second loss of the season — in fact, their second loss in two days — just a week after upsetting then-No. 3 USC on the road.
“Sometimes only coaches know what coaches go through. If I can text her after a big win, I do, but more than anything, I make sure to reach out to her after a difficult loss,” Freeman said. “I remember saying, ‘They’re looking at you more now than they ever have. So, pick your head up, let’s go back to work.’
“It’s great to have that type of relationship with people that understand what you’re going through as the head coach of a program.”
Given the winning traditions both have established early in their careers — Ivey is 105-34 in her fifth year, becoming the fastest coach in ACC history to reach 100 wins, and Freeman is 33-9 in four seasons — there haven’t been that many opportunities for consoling messages. But they’ve remained steadfast in helping each other build their careers and programs over the past few years.
Congrats @Marcus_Freeman1 ! No one more deserving!!! https://t.co/UsRhReESL8
— Niele Ivey (@IrishCoachIvey) December 31, 2024
Ivey will be in the stands Monday night in Atlanta, where the Irish will play Ohio State in the College Football Playoff championship. She couldn’t imagine missing this game to support not only her university but also her colleague and friend. It’s fair to assume Freeman will be along for the ride this March (and potentially April) when the women’s basketball team embarks on its national title quest.
“It shows who we are,” Ivey said. “At Notre Dame, we don’t just talk about being family. We really, truly are.”
— The Athletic’s Ralph Russo contributed to this report.
(Photo of Marcus Freeman and Niele Ivey courtesy of Fighting Irish Media)
In the world of college sports, building strong connections and relationships between coaches and players is essential for success. This is especially true for Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman and Niele Ivey, who have formed a special bond as they chase championships for their respective teams.Marcus Freeman, the defensive coordinator for the Notre Dame football team, and Niele Ivey, the head coach of the Notre Dame women’s basketball team, have both experienced success in their coaching careers. Freeman, a former standout linebacker at Ohio State, has quickly made a name for himself as one of the top defensive minds in college football. Ivey, a former Notre Dame basketball player and assistant coach, has proven herself as a skilled leader on the sidelines.
Despite coaching different sports, Freeman and Ivey have found common ground in their shared goal of bringing championships to Notre Dame. Both coaches are known for their passion, determination, and leadership abilities, and they have quickly formed a strong bond as they work towards achieving their goals.
Their connection goes beyond just coaching, as Freeman and Ivey have also become close friends off the field. They support each other through the ups and downs of their respective seasons, offering advice, encouragement, and a listening ear when needed. Their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s coaching abilities have created a strong foundation for their partnership.
As they continue to chase championships for Notre Dame, Marcus Freeman and Niele Ivey will undoubtedly lean on each other for support and guidance. Their bond serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and friendship in the world of college sports. And with their shared commitment to excellence, there’s no doubt that they will continue to achieve great things together.
Tags:
Notre Dame, Marcus Freeman, Niele Ivey, bond, championships, college football, coaching, mentorship, teamwork, success, leadership, NCAA, Fighting Irish, football coaching staff, player-coach relationship.
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NIB Full Size URBAN DECAY FACE BOND Waterproof Foundation 10 LIGHT NEUTRAL
Price : 32.00
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Gold Bond Strength & Resilience Age Defense Body Firming Lotion LOT OF 3 NEW
Price : 30.00
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Are you looking to improve the strength and resilience of your skin as you age? Look no further than Gold Bond Strength & Resilience Age Defense Body Firming Lotion! This powerful lotion is designed to help firm and tighten skin, while also providing essential hydration.This listing is for a lot of 3 brand new bottles of Gold Bond Strength & Resilience Age Defense Body Firming Lotion. With regular use, you can help improve the overall appearance of your skin, leaving it looking smoother and more youthful.
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