Raheem Is A Gooner. PICTURE: A crestfallen Raheem Sterling at the final whistle in Girona, pictured moments after his late penalty miss. CREDIT: @laythy29
Sterling fails to shine as Arsenal’s Champions League draw looms
Here’s Ian Mills with his latest Three Things We Learned after Arsenal’s Champions League win at Girona
We secured a top three finish in the Champions League ‘League’ phase with a win in Spain in our final game of the opening eight fixtures.
Here is Ian Mills’ latest Three Things We Learned series piece below:-
1 – Nwaneri keeps on getting better –
A first Champions League start and a first goal for our wonderfully gifted Hale End graduate with the man of the match award to boot.
He has now scored in every competition he has played in this campaign and took his overall goalscoring tally to six so far with a great strike which was bent into the bottom corner for what tuned out to the winner in this entertaining clash.
He has taken to the right-wing position with aplomb and already offers a genuine goal threat in every game he plays.
At 17 he is clearly only going to get better and what a great time all us Gooners are going to have watching him blossom into a major first team star.
2 – Impressive Champions League form offers a chance of silverware –
Whilst finishing in third place in the League format was great to see, our record from eight games was really good, with six wins, a draw and a single defeat.
We conceded only three times and kept five clean sheets in total. While some of our fixtures were not overly entertaining (a fair summation of quite a lot of games in this new format) our strong defence helped to see us over the line and is the foundation upon which our Champions League hopes are built this season.
3 – Loan players fail to shine once more –
When we were awarded our second penalty of the evening, I assumed that either Martin Odegaard or Kai Havertz would take the spot kick.
You would have got long odds on Raheem Sterling being most Gooners first choice, and I was not at all confident he would score.
As it turned out, it was a reasonable save (albeit a good height for the Girona goalkeeper) and the taker looked crestfallen.
Whatever his confidence levels before the penalty, they are certain to have nosedived further still.
While Sterling was struggling in attack, Neto was having a debut to forget in goal. Having been caught out way off his line for Girona’s goal he then inexplicably tried to save it while out of his area.
I accept he has warmed our bench all season so far which is never an easy thing to do, however it is to be hoped that the injury that kept David Raya of the matchday squad is not too serious and that he can return for the crucial with Manchester City at the weekend.
The bid for Ollie Watkins shows that the club have money to spend on them right type of forward – let’s hope can either sign him or someone else to help us score the goals we are going to need for the remainder of the season ahead.
As the UEFA Champions League draw approaches, all eyes are on Arsenal and their star player Raheem Sterling. However, Sterling has failed to shine in recent matches, leaving fans concerned about the team’s chances in the upcoming tournament.
Despite his impressive performances in the past, Sterling has struggled to find his form this season. His lackluster performances have been a cause for worry among Arsenal supporters, who were hoping for a standout player to lead the team to victory in the Champions League.
With the draw looming, Arsenal’s hopes for a successful campaign rest on Sterling’s ability to rediscover his best form. The team will need him at his best if they are to compete with the top clubs in Europe and make a deep run in the competition.
As the pressure mounts, all eyes will be on Sterling to deliver when it matters most. Only time will tell if he can rise to the occasion and help Arsenal achieve their Champions League dreams.
Comcast (CMCSA) stock fell over 10% Thursday morning after the company reported a bigger-than-expected drop in broadband customers in the fourth quarter and failed to add more subscribers to its Peacock streaming service.
The company reported a decline of 131,000 broadband users, more than the 100,000 loss Comcast Cable CEO Dave Watson estimated in December. The escalating losses reflect competitive challenges as mobile providers like Verizon (VZ), T-Mobile (TMUS), and AT&T (T) have been able to attract lower-income consumers with more flexible offerings.
Still, the company said it remains committed to its connectivity business and announced strategic changes to “play to [its] strengths” as internet traffic rapidly expands amid the streaming boom.
“Wireless is a meaningful differentiator as our converged offers provide great savings to the consumer,” Comcast president Michael Cavanagh said on the earnings call. “And so you will see us shift our strategy to package mobile with more of our higher-tier broadband products, both for new and many of our existing customers.”
Comcast’s broadband struggles come as the company also reported a decline of 311,000 TV consumers as more consumers cut the cable cord in favor of less expensive streaming services. The company recently announced a new sports and news TV package, which includes Peacock, for a price of $70 a month. To note, that’s less than virtual competitor YouTube TV (GOOGL, GOOG).
On the earnings call, the company continued to stress the importance of Peacock, although it did not add or lose any subscribers in the quarter, with total paying users remaining at 36 million.
Comcast did improve profitability, reporting an adjusted EBITDA loss of $372 million compared to a loss of $825 million in the same period last year. Losses are expected to improve throughout the course of the year, according to management.
And as MoffettNathanson analyst Craig Moffett pointed out, “There was no fall-off in subscribers after the end of Summer Olympics. That’s a win.”
“Peacock is finding out that it’s expensive to compete in the streaming wars and gains are becoming more difficult to come by,” Ross Benes, senior analyst at Emarketer, wrote in reaction to the report. “As cord-cutting continues unabated, the decision to sell off TV networks continues to make sense, but buyer prospects of these assets will be limited.”
IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR COMCAST – In this image released on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, general views of the Comcast Center, Comcast headquarters, located in Philadelphia. (Jeff Fusco/Comcast via AP Images) ·ASSOCIATED PRESS
The spun-off company, dubbed SpinCo for now, will house most of NBCUniversal’s cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and the Golf Channel. On the earnings call, the company reiterated optimism over the venture.
“As a well-capitalized independent company with a focused management team and strong portfolio of news, sports and genre-based entertainment, SpinCo will be well positioned to lead in the changing cable and digital media landscape,” Cavanagh said.
Alexandra Canal is a Senior Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X @allie_canal, LinkedIn, and email her at alexandra.canal@yahoofinance.com.
Comcast investors were left disappointed as the company’s stock took a hit following the underwhelming performance of its streaming service, Peacock, and disappointing broadband subscriber losses.
Despite high hopes for Peacock to attract more subscribers and compete with other streaming giants, the service failed to meet expectations, causing concern among investors.
Additionally, Comcast reported a decline in broadband subscribers, which further added to the negative sentiment surrounding the stock.
As a result, Comcast’s stock sank, leaving investors questioning the company’s ability to keep up with the rapidly changing media landscape and fierce competition in the streaming market.
Stay tuned for updates on Comcast’s efforts to turn things around and regain investor confidence.
There were plenty of box office flops in 2024, and while some were easier to predict than others, perhaps the one that everyone saw coming was Kraven the Hunter. The film came at a time when the world was seemingly at the end of its rope with the SSU (Sony’s Spider-Man Universe), which features movies centered on Spider-Man villains but no Spider-Man. Kraven was the most expensive Sony Marvel movie yet, boasting a budget of around $110 million, but the film is poised to finish its theatrical run as the lowest-grossing movie in the franchise by a long shot. At the time of writing, Kraven the Hunter has grossed $24.8 million domestically and $34.9 million internationally, bringing its worldwide total to $59 million globally, and it does not look like it will reach the $60 million threshold.
Kraven the Hunter will become the only Sony Marvel movie to finish with less than $100 million at the box office, as even Madame Web was able to narrowly scrape by and get its earnings into the nine-figures. However, while most people view the SSU as a colossal financial failure, the franchise has actually fared better than you might expect. Thanks to the success of the Venom movies, which have collectively grossed over $1.8 billion from three films at the worldwide box office, Sony has been able to recuperate its losses from other movies such as Morbius, Madame Web, and now Kraven. Each Venom movie needed around $200 million to break even with the rest being pure profit, so the symbiote franchise collectively earned the studio more than $1 billion to pad its pockets.
Who Stars in ‘Kraven the Hunter’?
Aaron Taylor-Johnson features in the lead role of Kraven the Hunter, and even his undeniable charm wasn’t enough to win over audiences or critics. Ariana DeBose also features alongside Taylor-Johnson as Calypso Ezili, with Gladiator 2 star Fred Hechinger portraying Dmitri Kravinoff. The Brutalist star Alessandro Nivola also features in Kraven the Hunter alongside Christopher Abbott and Russell Crowe. It almost makes it both more sad and impressive that Kraven the Hunter was able to fail so spectacularly at the box office, considering it has arguably a stronger cast than any other Sony Marvel movie.
Kraven the Hunter is still playing in extremely limited theaters, but the film is also available to watch at home on digital platforms. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and watch Kraven the Hunter on Prime Video.
Kraven the Hunter
Release Date
December 13, 2024
Runtime
127 Minutes
Director
J.C. Chandor
Writers
Art Marcum, Richard Wenk, Matt Holloway
Franchise(s)
Marvel Comics, Marvel Cinematic Universe
Despite being a highly anticipated film, “Kraven the Hunter” has failed to reach one final worldwide box office milestone. The film, which follows the story of the iconic Spider-Man villain, has fallen short of crossing the $500 million mark globally.
Despite strong performances from the cast and a visually stunning production, “Kraven the Hunter” has struggled to attract audiences in some key international markets. The film’s lackluster performance in countries like China and Russia has contributed to its inability to hit the $500 million mark.
While “Kraven the Hunter” has been praised for its action sequences and character development, it seems that it may not be able to achieve the same level of success as other superhero films in the box office. Despite this setback, the film’s producers remain hopeful that it will find success in other avenues, such as streaming services and home video sales.
Overall, “Kraven the Hunter” may have fallen short of one final box office milestone, but it has still managed to make a mark in the superhero genre. Fans of the character will no doubt continue to support the film and hope for future installments in the franchise.
Tags:
Kraven the Hunter, worldwide box office, milestone, movie, film, Marvel, superhero, box office record, failure, hunt, villain, Spider-Man, Sony Pictures, action, adventure, comic book adaptation
Virat Kohli celebrated his 24th birthday on the final day of his previous Ranji Trophy game, in November 2012, when he was a mere ten Tests young. As he closes in on his first first-class appearance for Delhi in more than a dozen years, Kohli is 36, has 123 Test caps, boasts 30 centuries and an average of 46.85 despite producing just three hundreds in the last five years.
Virat Kohli during a training session ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 cricket match between Delhi and Railways, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium(Hindustan Times)
In normal course, Kohli wouldn’t be playing against Railways in the final round of league games, starting on Thursday. He is coming off a gruelling five-Test tour of Australia (never mind his returns after the Perth century or the 1-3 score line), is recovering from a neck strain and will figure in a three-match One-Day International series against England from February 6, morphing into the Champions Trophy where India begin their campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20. But these aren’t normal times in Indian cricket. Defeats in six of their last eight Tests, allied with collective and repeated top-order meltdowns, have culminated in the Board of Control for Cricket in India insisting on its star players representing their states whenever available.
Laudable as that concept is, a more commonsensical approach would have been prudent. Instead, ahead of a string of white-ball internationals, the likes of Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, his 50-over deputy Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja (who all played in Australia and are in the ODI set-up) were practically compelled to play in the previous set of matches. That responsibility has been thrust on Kohli and KL Rahul in the latest round, in many ways a pyrrhic exercise because even if their respective teams make it to the knockouts, neither of these stalwarts will be available for selection.
Let’s stick with Kohli, him of 25 previous Ranji appearances. He will play under Ayush Badoni, like Pant did last week, against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the national capital, in a nothing-to-gain situation. Railways, the two-time former champions, are perched ahead of Delhi in the points standings – 17 to 14 after six rounds apiece – but without any disrespect, they don’t possess the most threatening bowling attack. If Kohli makes a hundred, or a double or even a triple, big deal, right? After all, it is against Railways. And if he picks up another low score like he did in the last seven innings in Australia, his growing band of critics will have a field day. ‘Can’t even score against Railways.’
There is no denying the astronomic increase in interest levels and the dramatic uplift of the profile of the Ranji Trophy when the big names turn up for their respective states. The DDCA has been seized of the need to throw open multiple stands in anticipation of a rare occurrence – Kohli playing a domestic game – but token appearances don’t really serve any purpose. India’s next red-ball fixture isn’t until June 20, when they face England in the first of five Tests at Leeds. These Ranji Trophy runs will have little import by then, not with the IPL serving as the final competitive outing before that Test series. But given their losses to New Zealand and Australia, the players are left with no bargaining chips and have little option but to toe the line espoused by head coach Gautam Gambhir and selection panel chairman Ajit Agarkar.
One wonders what’s going through Kohli’s mind. Even during his worst phases – and there have been a few of those, especially in recent times – he has been short on neither intensity nor commitment. Let’s get one thing clear: Virat Kohli doesn’t play a game of cricket for the sake of it, out of a sense of (forced?) duty or responsibility. When he is on the field, he gives it all, like he has done from the time he started playing representatively two decades back. But nothing has energised him more than the scent of serious battle – international games, franchise action. There was a reason why Kohli stayed away from meaningless ‘practice’ games on overseas tours; he found it hard to rouse himself, given the relative lack of stakes. He has now been thrust into a situation where he has to lump it and dig deep to summon the fire whose flames have threatened to lick the sky from time to time, but which is increasingly losing sparkle, if not heat.
Himanshu Sangwan, Kunal Yadav, Purnank Tyagi and Karn Sharma (the leggie who played his only Test under Kohli, in Adelaide in December 2014). Hardly Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon. What does Kohli have in store over the next four days?
Virat Kohli hitting triple century against Railways in Ranji Trophy won’t be a big deal but if he fails…
Virat Kohli, the captain of the Indian cricket team and one of the greatest batsmen of all time, is known for his incredible batting prowess and ability to score big runs in crucial situations. So, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he were to score a triple century against a domestic team like Railways in the Ranji Trophy.
However, what would be truly shocking is if Virat Kohli were to fail to score big runs in such a match. Given his track record and reputation as a run-scoring machine, a failure to perform against a relatively weaker team like Railways would raise eyebrows and lead to questions about his form and mindset.
Fans and critics alike would be left wondering what went wrong and if there were any underlying issues affecting Kohli’s performance. It would certainly be a rare and unexpected turn of events for a player of his caliber.
In conclusion, while a triple century from Virat Kohli may not be a big deal considering his past achievements, a failure to do so would definitely be a major talking point in the world of cricket.
The volleyball world is absolutely buzzing right now. And it’s all thanks to the Nebraska Huskers and TikTok—especially with the dynamic duo of Harper Murray and Coach John Cook in the mix. In October 2024, Harper Murray shared a super fun montage, showcasing heartwarming moments from the court. With an adorable snap of her sister, Kendall Murray, giving Harper a piggyback ride to this sweet hug with Michigan’s Carly Greskovics, it had it all. But the real showstopper?
A pic of Harper and Coach Cook with their faces printed on her jersey!
It’s such a twist, and Husker Nation couldn’t help but share it! Hail Varsity dropped it on X with the caption, “This might be the best thing we’ve seen all year. @jcook2 @harpermurray4.”
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But wait, the story gets even juicier! As if it wasn’t enough, Coach Cook can’t even pick up Harper’s calls! The departure of the Nebraska Huskers’ star has left other coaches feeling uneasy, which only adds to the comedic nature of this unfolding saga.
Harper Murray posted a TikTok video a day ago, which was a hilarious prank on all her coaches Jordan Larson, Jaylen Reyes, Kelly (Hunter) Natter, Lindsay Peterson, and the legend, Coach John Cook. But plot twist—guess who didn’t pick up her call? Yup, Coach Cook. Harper couldn’t resist spilling the tea in her caption: “GUYS @coachjohncook1 WOULDNT ANSWER MY CALLS. I’ll try again with him tho.”
Well, perhaps she’ll have to get him another time, but for now, she is having us all in stitches with her sly antics.
Harper Murray’s latest TikTok prank had us all cracking up. In the video, she FaceTimed her coaches, but here’s the kicker—she had her laptop set up with a video of a guy just staring blankly at the camera, while she used her back camera for the call. When Jordan Larson finally answered the call, she remained silent before responding, “Harperrr.”
The confusion on the coaches’ faces was priceless! Jaylen Reyes just sat there looking at the screen until his screen froze, and the rest either burst into laughter, hung up the phone, or uttered that familiar ‘huh?’ look.
It’s clear Harper’s got this playful, special bond with her coaches, always ready with a good prank. But beyond the laughs, Harper also recently shared a heartfelt moment with one of her coaches, showing how deep her connection goes.
Harper Murray gets emotional for a coach!
Well, it’s no longer hush-hush—Olympic champ and Nebraska Huskers assistant coach Jordan Larson has officially stepped down from her post. The information came out on Monday and the Huskers head coach John Cook clearly could not mask his feelings.
“While I am disappointed we won’t have her on staff anymore, I am thankful to Jordan for all that she has done,” he said. And now? The fan-favorite outside hitter Harper Murray is stepping in with nothing more than love and appreciation for her former coach.
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Harper isn’t just a star on the court—she’s got a heart full of appreciation and she’s making sure the world knows just how much Larson meant to her journey. Turns out, “part of the reason” she went with NU was because she was a huge fan of Jordan Larson. She only wished to continue the grand tradition Larson created and nothing could have been more shocking for her in 2023 when Jordan joined the coaching staff.
“The day I found out Jordan would be joining our staff two years ago, I cried on the court during practice,” she revealed. And now, with Larson stepping down? Harper’s feeling all the emotions, but if there’s one clear thing—it’s just how deep her connection runs with her coaches!
In a shocking turn of events, Nebraska Huskers star John Cook failed to receive a call from Harper Murray, a top recruit, leaving other college coaches in fear of his recruiting prowess.
According to sources close to the situation, Murray attempted to reach out to Cook multiple times, only to be met with silence on the other end. It is reported that Cook simply “wouldn’t answer” Murray’s calls, leaving the recruit feeling frustrated and confused.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the college volleyball world, with other coaches now wary of Cook’s ability to land top recruits and build a powerhouse program at Nebraska. Many are speculating that Cook’s intimidating reputation and track record of success are driving away potential recruits from other programs.
As the drama unfolds, all eyes will be on John Cook and the Nebraska Huskers to see how they navigate this latest controversy. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Artificial intelligence is attempting to transform travel, offering everything from itinerary planning to last-minute rebookings and airline help. More and more island travelers are relying on AI-powered tools like Chat GPT, believing they can simplify the complexities of planning a trip to Hawaii. But even with as much potential as these new travel services have, they come with significant pitfalls—one that could turn a dream vacation into a logistical mess.
When AI gets Hawaii wrong.
Chat can process vast amounts of data in seconds, but they often struggle with important nuances of planning a trip to Hawaii. For example, AI suggested visiting The Contemporary Art Museum in Honolulu and giving us details on its collections. The problem is that the museum closed in 2019, and the building was recently sold, and the property is gated.
On the island of Molokai, we were told it was easy to hike to Kalaupapa, the former leper colony, and book through Damien Tours. As many of you know, tours of the historical Kalaupaa settlement closed four years ago, and the hiking trail is off-limits. Someone visiting Molokai for the first time will have the wrong information when planning their stay.
Our recent experience planning for the South Pacific also highlighted one of AI’s biggest weaknesses: confidently delivering incorrect information. That, in an area where we don’t have the same familiarity as we do with Hawaii.
When researching transportation options, an Chat repeatedly insisted that Bora Bora was next to Moorea when, in reality, it was next to Taha’a. Moorea is 156 miles away. Despite corrections, the AI continued to provide inaccurate guidance, potentially leading to costly mistakes for travelers who simply take its advice at face value.
This type of AI hallucination—where the system generates plausible, assured, but entirely wrong information—is a recurring issue impacting travel planning.
For Hawaii visitors, Chat often overestimates the availability and convenience of public transportation outside of Honolulu, potentially leaving visitors stranded when they discover that rental cars or rideshares are their only viable options.
Hotel recommendations from Chat can also be misleading. AI booking platforms may suggest accommodations as “beachfront” when they are actually several blocks inland, causing disappointment upon arrival. Additionally, AI might not account for Hawaii’s unique resort fees and parking charges, which can significantly increase the total cost of a stay.
Hawaii’s cultural events and local holidays present another challenge. Chat may suggest travel dates without factoring in major events like the Merrie Monarch Festival or the Honolulu Marathon, leading to unexpected crowds, inflated prices, and limited availability.
Inaccurate recommendations can lead to unnecessary frustration, wasted money, and missed opportunities to experience the best Hawaii has to offer. Travelers should be cautious and cross-check AI-generated advice to avoid these common pitfalls.
AI also struggles with the financial side of travel planning. While it can analyze historical data and suggest when to book flights or hotels, it often fails to recognize real-time market fluctuations and local events that could impact pricing. Special events, cultural festivals, or even airline sales that are not widely advertised may go unnoticed by AI systems, potentially leading to travelers missing out on better deals.
There were also many things that Chat got right.
It understands that areas of Lahaina are restricted, ferries do not travel to most of the islands, and permits are required to hike the Kalalau Trail on Kauai and to visit Haleakala for sunrise. It also gave correct advice for where to swim in the winter.
How to avoid AI Hawaii travel planning pitfalls.
While Chat can be helpful, travelers should approach it cautiously and take proactive steps to ensure accuracy. Double-checking all AI-generated recommendations with official websites and reputable sources can prevent potential mistakes. Using AI for inspiration rather than final decisions allows travelers to maintain flexibility while ensuring they have accurate information.
Seeking local advice is another essential step. Consulting with travel advisors, resident-run websites, and verified Hawaii travel forums can provide insights AI might miss. Travelers can also benefit from comparing results across multiple AI tools, as different platforms may provide varying levels of accuracy.
Another effective strategy is to test Chat-generated itineraries before relying on them. Travelers can plug these suggested routes into trusted mapping tools to confirm drive times, distances, and availability of transportation options. This extra layer of verification can help avoid unexpected travel disruptions like we were about to encounter in the South Pacific.
Staying flexible is key when using Chat to plan Hawaii travel. While it can suggest efficient itineraries, it may not account for local delays, peak tourism seasons, or transportation changes. Building in buffer time and alternative options can help travelers stay on track even when Chat-generated plans are not as expected.
The future of AI and Hawaii travel.
Travel companies continue to invest heavily in AI, with promises of seamless trip planning and automated rebooking services. Some airlines and hotels have already introduced AI-driven chatbots to handle customer inquiries and bookings, with varying levels of success. While these tools can be helpful for basic tasks, they often struggle when faced with complex, multi-stop itineraries like those typical for a trip to Hawaii.
One of the biggest challenges facing AI in travel is its inability to understand traveler preferences and emotions fully. Hawaii vacations often involve personal experiences like milestone celebrations, family reunions, and cultural exploration. AI lacks the human touch to provide tailored recommendations that align with these personal elements, which can be a critical shortcoming for travelers seeking meaningful experiences.
While improvements in AI technology are endless, travelers should remain cautious and prioritize human insight over automation when planning trips to the islands. The best approach is to use AI as a starting point, not the final say. Relying on a mix of Chat and human expertise ensures a well-balanced travel experience that aligns with individual preferences and Hawaii’s unique travel landscape.
For now, keeping a critical eye on Chat-generated advice can ensure a smoother, stress-free Hawaii vacation.
How have you used Chat in Hawaii travel planning?
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Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. However, not everything goes according to plan when traveling to the Aloha State. From unexpected weather to confusing directions, here are some of the travel fails we experienced in Hawaii that we definitely didn’t expect:
1. Weather Woes: We thought we would be enjoying sunny days and clear skies in Hawaii, but Mother Nature had other plans. We encountered unexpected rain showers and even a tropical storm during our trip, which put a damper on our outdoor activities.
2. Lost in Translation: Despite being in the United States, we were surprised by the language barrier we encountered in certain parts of Hawaii. Some locals spoke Hawaiian or Pidgin English, which made it difficult for us to communicate and navigate our way around.
3. Rental Car Rumble: Renting a car seemed like a convenient way to explore the islands, but we didn’t anticipate the long wait times and confusing rental car policies. We also had trouble finding parking in popular tourist areas, which added to our stress and frustration.
4. Tourist Traps: We fell victim to some tourist traps in Hawaii, such as overpriced souvenirs and crowded attractions. It was disappointing to realize that some of the popular tourist spots were not as authentic or enjoyable as we had hoped.
5. Unexpected Expenses: Hawaii is known for being an expensive destination, but we were still surprised by the high costs of food, activities, and transportation. Our budget quickly went out the window, and we had to cut back on certain experiences to stay within our means.
Overall, our trip to Hawaii was filled with unexpected challenges and surprises. Despite the travel fails, we still managed to create lasting memories and enjoy the beauty of the islands. It just goes to show that not everything goes according to plan when exploring a new destination.
In what mathematically may have been the biggest game so far for University of Cincinnati men’s basketball, the Bearcats picked the wrong day to be statistically inaccurate, losing to Arizona 72-67.
It wasn’t without a fight as the Bearcats, on the verge of being blown out in front of a crowd of 11,212 at Fifth Third Arena, tied the game in the final minute. From there, they could only get a Day Day Thomas 3-pointer in the final seconds. UC had its worst shooting day of the year from the perimeter, hitting only 5-of-25 for a lowly 20%.
“We did a nice job of digging back in the game,” UC coach Wes Miller said. “I was proud of that part. I was not pleased with the offense and defense execution in the last minute but you’ve got to give them (Arizona) credit for making plays.”
Down as many as 19 points in the second half, UC livened the crowd up with a 9-0 run with just under nine minutes to go, cutting the Arizona lead to 58-52 and forcing a timeout with 7:19 left.
With just over three minutes to go, Jizzle James whittled the Wildcats lead to three at 64-61. An Aziz Bandaogo free throw at 1:51 made it 64-62. Then, Dan Skillings tied it with a putback with 59 seconds left. From there it came down to Arizona’s free throws to pull away as the Wildcats finished 21-for-27 in that category for the five-point win.
UC was a woeful, 12-for-23 for just 52% from the line. For the game, they were outshot 43-39%. The Bearcats did outrebound the Wildcats 39-34.
Arizona was led by Jaden Bradley with 15 points while Carter Bryant added 14. Bradley drove straight to the basket for a layup 15 seconds after UC tied the game to give Arizona the lead for good.
“We drew up something out of the timeout that we’d never really done before,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said. “It allowed Jaden Bradley to get downhill to make a lay-up. The play wasn’t necessarily for that but that was one of the options. We were able to possession-by-possession find a way from there.”
UC got 18 for a second straight game from Skillings. Dillon Mitchell had 13 points.
“We all knew that we had to turn that switch on and have that switch on in the second half,” Mitchell said of the failed comeback. “It starts on the defensive end. Offensively, even if we’re not making shots, we eventually will. That’s something that we have to continue to lock on.”
Though UC carried the No. 16 Associated Press ranking into the game, Arizona was ranked higher in the KenPom.com ratings (No. 20 to UC’s No. 23) and NCAA NET rankings (No. 21 to UC’s No. 25).
Arizona has won all five games in the series, but this was the Wildcats first visit to Cincinnati. The other matchups were played in neutral sites with two in Phoenix and two in Hawaii.
What’s up with Bearcats vs. Wildcats?
Villanova, Kansas State, Arizona. Those are UC’s losses. Though the Bearcats came back and tied, they are now 11-28 under Wes Miller when trailing at halftime, 1-3 this season. UC is now 10-2 (0-2 Big 12). The Arizona Wildcats go to 8-5 (2-0 Big 12).
The Bearcats outscored Arizona 41-33 in the second half when Miller preferred the ball movement.
“We played the right way in the second half offensively, then we missed a bunch of open shots and free throws,” he said. “It’s got to be consistent and you didn’t see that in the second half at all.”
An assist from Xavier
With Xavier coach Sean Miller formerly heading up the Arizona Wildcats, coach Tommy Lloyd’s squad took advantage of his hospitality by getting in a practice at Cintas Center. There are still several connections among the two teams. Among those is current Arizona Assistant AD/Equipment Operations Brian Brigger who facilitated the practice. Brigger is from nearby Wyoming and graduated from Xavier, working with Skip Prosser and Thad Matta, then Sean Miller at Arizona.
Takeaways from Cincinnati Bearcats basketball vs. Arizona
1. Was UC able to contain Arizona Wildcats star Caleb Love?
Love didn’t score for nearly the first 14 minutes in the first half. When he did, his 3-pointer gave Arizona a 21-19 lead and the Wildcats finished the half on an 18-7 run from there with Love leading Arizona with nine points. Love would only score three more points to finish with 12, but Carter Bryant, who came into the game averaging 4.5 points had 14 for Arizona to offset Love.
Bryant made all five of his shots including a trio of threes.
“It was just one we had to get,” Bryant said of the game. “We fought with it, we stuck with it, we trusted the game plan, we executed everything not necessarily to a tee, but as well as you can ask for in an environment against a great defensive team like this.”
2. Was pace of play a factor?
Both teams like to get up and down and the Wildcats came in having surpassed the century mark five times. In four of their losses, they were held below 80 points with former Bearcats coach Mick Cronin’s UCLA Bruins keeping them to a season-low 54. For most of the first half, it looked like UC would be able to keep the Wildcats in check. But, while Arizona caught fire, UC couldn’t buy a bucket, not scoring in the final 2:40 of the first half. Their 13-point deficit at halftime was the largest of the season. On the final free throws, Arizona’s 72 points was the most scored against UC this season.
“I was displeased with defense in the first half, I thought we were casual to start the game and slow to the basketball,” Miller said. “I was very pleased with us defensively to dig back in the game. You can’t keep spotting people and digging yourself in holes. We did that tonight in the first half.”
Several times in the game the Bearcats clanked both free throws. Those were momentum killers. They finished 12-for-23. Dillon Mitchell missed all five tries and Aziz Bandaogo was 1-for-4. UC has only surpassed 70% from the line in four games: Morehead State, Xavier, Dayton and Grambling State.
“I believe in our guys,” Miller said. “Guys the ball goes in some, it doesn’t go in some. I don’t concern myself a lot with the things we can’t control. Guys, they’re going to step up and make free throws. It’s a long season. They’re going to make them.”
As for three-point shooting, Saturday’s 20% was their lowest output since shooting just 25% vs. Xavier. In four of their last five games, the Bearcats have shot less than 30% from behind the arc. Among UC’s shooters, Skillings Jr. was 2-for 7, but Simas Lukošius, Day Day Thomas and Tyler Betsey combined to go 2-for-13.
New Cincinnati Bearcats signee Keyshuan Tillery on scene
Four-star point guard Keyshuan Tillery from the New Hampton School in New Hampshire was flying the Bearcat colors at the UC/Arizona game. Tillery committed in September and signed with Wes Miller and company in November. Tillery was introduced during one of the first half timeouts.
Next up on Big 12 menu?
UC heads to Waco, Texas for a Tuesday night encounter with the Baylor Bears at 8 p.m. Eastern on ESPN+. Baylor, ranked No. 25, lost by 19 at No. 3 Iowa State Saturday, 74-55 so they’ll be hungry for a win. Arizona heads to Morgantown for West Virginia Tuesday night. The Mountaineers won at home over Oklahoma State Saturday 69-50.
Cincinnati Bearcats football notes
UC guard Luke Kandra from Elder High School earned a Hula Bowl invite Saturday. The game is next Saturday, Jan. 11 at UCF’s FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando. Friday UC running back and Roger Bacon product Corey Kiner was invited to the NFL Combine Feb. 27-March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Last night, the UC Basketball team faced off against Arizona in their Big 12 home opener, and despite a valiant effort, they ultimately fell short in a thrilling matchup.
After falling behind early in the game, the Bearcats made a strong comeback in the second half, narrowing the gap and even taking the lead at one point. However, Arizona’s offense proved to be too much to handle, as they were able to regain control and secure the victory.
Despite the loss, the Bearcats showed great determination and resilience, and their performance has given fans hope for a successful season ahead. With plenty of games left to play, there is still plenty of time for the team to bounce back and make a strong push towards the top of the Big 12 standings.
Stay tuned for more updates on UC Basketball as they continue their journey in the conference and aim to make a statement in the postseason. #GoBearcats
Once again, the Auburn Tigers were unable to claim the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll this week. With Bruce Pearl’s squad, and many other programs, dormant this week due to winter break on college campuses, movement among ranked teams was highly unlikely to begin with.
Still, the now 12-1 Tigers are considered the best team in the country by most experts without a vote in the AP’s weekly ranking. Most importantly, Johni Broome and company continue to lead the ‘NET Rankings’. by a wide margin with 6 ‘Quad 1’ victories, 6 neutral site victories, and one, highly-respected road loss to Duke, who is ranked third in the NET and fourth in the AP.
Despite all the other accolades and top rankings, Auburn would love to earn the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll for historical reasons. The Tigers have not been given the title by the Associated Press since the 2021-2022 season, when the Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler-led Auburn squad spent three weeks ranked in the top spot from late January to mid-February. Auburn’s “bar” for sustained sucsess in the AP Poll came in the 1999-2000 season, when the Tigers spent 13 weeks ranked in the top 10. Considering how much love Bruce Pearl has shown for college basketball history, I’m sure he has his eyes on breaking both of those long-standing records this season.
In order to claim the top spot the Tigers will likely need a loss from No. 1 ranked Tennessee. Along with the Volunteers, Alabama (5), Florida (6), and Kentucky (10), make up the five programs from the SEC ranked among the top 10 in the AP Poll. Oklahoma (12), Texas A&M (13), Mississippi State (17), Arkansas (23), and Ole Miss (24), finish out the ridiculously impressive list of ranked teams in the SEC.
The conference finishing with a 40% share of the AP Poll is unlikely with cannibalization coming in conference play, but teams at the top should have every chance to stay there with nearly every conference game presenting itself as a ‘Quad 1 opportunity’. As it currently stands, every road contest played in the SEC, excluding the few in South Carolina, will be considered top-tier victories.
Given that opportunity, Auburn could rise to the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll as soon as next week. To do so, the Tigers will have to take care of business against Missouri and Texas.
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Despite a strong season, the Auburn Tigers fell just short of claiming the top spot in the final AP Poll of 2024. After finishing with an impressive record and making a deep run in the playoffs, Auburn was unable to surpass the top-ranked team and had to settle for a slightly lower ranking.
Many fans and analysts were surprised by Auburn’s placement in the final poll, as they had been considered a strong contender for the top spot throughout the season. Despite their impressive performances on the field, it seems that other teams were able to edge out Auburn in the eyes of voters.
While it may be disappointing for Auburn and their fans to not claim the number one ranking, they can still take pride in their accomplishments this season and look forward to building on their success in the future. With a talented roster and strong coaching staff, there’s no doubt that Auburn will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in college football.
The Miami Dolphins will not be parting ways with head coach Mike McDaniel after this season, but after the 2025 season, things look a lot different.
There is a lot that needs to happen for McDaniel to stick around beyond the 2025 campaign. First, they have to play a lot better than they have in 2024, but McDaniel himself has to grow as a coach, something he hasn’t done in three full seasons in the position.
Any questions about McDaniel’s future ended when owner Dolphins owner Stephen Ross threw him a game ball after he led the team to a win over the San Fransisco 49ers in Week 16. It was a somewhat meaningless game that kept Miami’s playoff hopes alive, but for Ross, it was an exclamation point to his support of the coach.
Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, asked how he will prepare for any head coaching interviews: Last night “spoke to my agent. He said: What are you doing to prepare for those opportunities? Absolutely nothing. [I’m just focusing on this game]. Just praying to get the help we need. If…
McDaniel should enter the 2025 season on the hot seat. The Dolphins have underperformed in 2024 and a repeat won’t keep McDaniel employed. If McDaniel does lose his job, his replacement may already be on the staff.
Anthony Weaver has created a top-10 defense in one year as Miami’s defensive coordinator. He has done so without his best defenders, Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips. He has done so with his safeties underperforming and his offense not giving them great situational play. Weaver has the makings of not just a good coach but a great one.
Like McDaniel, the players love playing for Weaver. Unlike McDaniel, Weaver holds them accountable. He doesn’t act like they are his friends, and there seems to be a clear line between the respect and the position.
Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver will be a sought-after coaching candidate as early as 2025
There is speculation that Weaver could be interviewed for a couple of the 2025 head coaching vacancies but the chances of him landing a job this year seem a little tougher than they might be next offseason. This could be good for the Dolphins. He will get interview experience but if McDaniel fails, Weaver might be the best option to take over.
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was thrilled about Weaver getting the Miami defensive coordinator job, and when he talked about Weaver, he said he would make a great head coach someday. Weaver is showing he has the ability to relate to players and get a lot of them.
Miami will likely lose Weaver after the 2025 season especially if the Dolphins have a good season defensively. Weaver’s job with Miami’s defense has put GMs on notice and that will inevitably open the pathway for him to get a head coaching job.
More Dolphins News and Analysis
As the Miami Dolphins head into the 2025 season with Mike McDaniel at the helm as their new head coach, there is already speculation about his potential success in the role. And while many are hopeful that McDaniel will bring about positive change for the team, there are also concerns about what will happen if he fails to meet expectations.
One thing that Dolphins fans can take comfort in is the fact that they won’t have to look far for their next head coach if McDaniel does indeed falter. In fact, there is already a strong candidate within the organization who could step in and take over the reins.
That candidate is none other than defensive coordinator Josh Boyer. Boyer has been with the Dolphins since 2019 and has played a key role in shaping the team’s defense into a formidable unit. His knowledge of the game, leadership skills, and ability to connect with players make him a natural choice for the head coaching position if the need arises.
Of course, it’s still early days in McDaniel’s tenure as head coach, and there is a chance that he could prove his doubters wrong and lead the Dolphins to success. But it’s also reassuring to know that the team has a capable backup plan in place if things don’t go according to plan.
So, while the future remains uncertain for the Dolphins under McDaniel’s leadership, fans can take solace in the fact that the team is prepared for whatever may come their way. And if the time does come for a coaching change, they won’t have to look far for a worthy successor in Josh Boyer.
The Traitors, one of the biggest streaming hits of the last year, is coming back with another season and I’m hopeful that the upcoming season of the show doesn’t make the same mistakes that nearly ruined the last. During its first season, The Traitors used an interesting format that made it a bit more complicated to follow. The game of deception, which is hosted by actor Alan Cumming in a massive Scottish castle, began with a cast of reality stars mixed with everyday people who don’t have a background in reality TV. The combination made for some intense, interesting drama.
While the first season of the series incorporated reality stars and civilians, the series decided to shift gears for The Traitors season 2. With things moving in a new direction for the second season, the US version of the show moved away from the UK version, differentiating itself with a full cast of reality TV stars. The Traitors UK features a cast of everyday people playing the game, and the US sat somewhere in the middle before deciding to shift to a reality TV star cast. While some were wary of The Traitors season 2’s choice, it was mostly smooth.
The Traitors Season 3 Has An All-Star Cast Of Reality Royalty
Reality TV Stars Are Thrilled At The Opportunity
Although The Traitors season 2’s cast was believed to be the ultimate reality TV lineup, The Traitors season 3’s cast may have upped the ante even further. As The Traitors season 2’s season came to a close, it was clear that cast members like Big Brother legend Dan Gheesling, The Bachelor star Peter Weber, and Survivor champion Parvati Shallow had been able to find a new niche for themselves in the game, while others had a different experience. The Traitors is a competition based around a fast-paced social strategy, which reality TV gamers often have a lot of experience with.
Reality stars coming into The Traitors season 3 were aware early on that they had some big shoes to fill, and the Emmy award-nominated casting team behind The Traitors delivered. The Traitors season 3’s cast includes some of the most infamous faces in reality TV mixed in with some of the most incredible players from other reality competitions. From Vanderpump Rules villain Tom Sandoval to Survivor icon Boston Rob Mariano, the caliber of the reality stars on The Traitors season 3 seems like it will make for an incredible season of treachery and deception, which could make another great season.
The Traitors Season 2 Suffered From Issues Of Gamers Vs. Stars
The Competition Became More About Morality
Custom image by César García
Throughout The Traitors season 2, it was clear to me that there was a major divide between the two types of reality TV stars in the game. On one side were the gamers, the players who had past experiences in reality TV competition shows, and on the other side were the stars, the players who were either unfamiliar with reality TV or were on unstructured shows like The Real Housewives. While both groups were capable of playing hard, the cast divided quickly as they moved through the early stages of the competition, making it clear there would be an issue.
Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.
As the numbers began to dwindle, it was clear that the group of gamers had a different style of play than the stars of unstructured shows. The gamers understood that they were in a strategy game that would sometimes push them to make decisions based less on their values and more on the desire to win the game. They knew how to check the morality at the door of The Traitors castle and compete, while the majority of the reality TV stars who had no background in competition or reality TV gaming didn’t.
Making decisions based on who was more deserving and what they felt was right or wrong made for difficulties in choosing who to eliminate, whether or not to accept the offer to become a Traitor, and generally bottlenecked the game throughout the second half of the season. While The Traitors season 2 was an exciting back-and-forth, the divide between the groups of stars made it tough to watch in moments, because the unstructured stars weren’t aware of how to put themselves into “game” mode. It was also frustrating for the gamers, who understood what was happening but couldn’t fix it.
The Traitors Season 3 Could Avoid A Predictable Fate With A Few Moves
The Show Could Be Rejuvenated Easily
Although The Traitors season 3 has a cast that is divided between gamers and stars, there are ways the series can ensure things are less predictable. While there are traditionally multiple Traitors chosen at the game’s beginning, using only one Traitor for the beginning missions and round tables could be an interesting way to create tension throughout the group, who would assume there were more. The gamers would be pushed to work more closely with the unstructured stars, who would be faced head-on with the realities of the game. This could ensure The Traitors season 3 continues the show’s success.
The Traitors premieres January 9, 2025 on Peacock.
The Traitors is a reality competition series that features celebrity and civilian contestants vying for a grand prize. They must engage in challenges while trying to uncover the traitors in their midst. Based on the Dutch series, The US incarnation of Traitors is hosted by actor Alan Cumming. As the faithful try to avoid being “murdered” by the traitors, the traitors must work together to evade banishment.
Cast
Alan Cumming
Release Date
January 12, 2023
Seasons
3
Writers
Lee Grant
, Christine Rose
Showrunner
Stephen Lambert
Creator(s)
Stephen Lambert
, Marc Pos
I Hope The Traitors Season 3 Doesn’t Make This Crucial Mistake That Nearly Ruined Season 2 (The Show May End If This Season Fails)
Fans of the hit thriller series “The Traitors” are eagerly anticipating the release of Season 3, but there is one crucial mistake that nearly ruined Season 2 that they are hoping the showrunners will avoid this time around.
In Season 2, the pacing of the show was off, with episodes dragging on and storylines feeling disjointed. This led to a decline in viewership and critical reception, leaving many wondering if the show would even be renewed for another season.
If Season 3 fails to address this pacing issue and fails to deliver a cohesive and engaging storyline, it may be the end of “The Traitors” as we know it. Fans are hopeful that the show will learn from past mistakes and deliver a thrilling and well-executed season that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Only time will tell if “The Traitors” can redeem itself in Season 3, but one thing is for sure – the stakes are higher than ever, and the future of the show hangs in the balance.
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