Their lead didn’t last, not after the Wolves finished off the first quarter with a 9-0 run of their own, led by the energy — and playmaking — provided by new supersubs Rob Dillingham and Jaylen Clark.
That brought them within 27-26 at quarter’s end before …
The Wizards countered by punching back, building back a quick 38-31 fueled by more three-pointers. They led 50-43 midway through the second quarter before the Wolves, with Ingles on the floor, answered back to pull within 52-50 with less than 2 ½ minutes left before halftime.
When the Wolves took a very brief 57-56 lead with 56 seconds before halftime, the Wizards’ Bilal Coulibaly drew two free throws and made both with 7.7 seconds left for a 58-57 halftime lead.
In a disappointing turn of events, the Minnesota Timberwolves fell short against the Washington Wizards as rookie sensation Anthony Edwards was sidelined due to illness. Despite putting up a valiant effort, the Timberwolves were unable to secure a victory, ultimately succumbing to a 115-107 defeat.
The absence of Edwards, who has been a key contributor for the Timberwolves this season, was sorely felt as the team struggled to find their rhythm on both ends of the court. Without his scoring prowess and energy on the floor, the Timberwolves were unable to keep pace with the Wizards, who took advantage of their depleted roster.
While it was a tough loss for the Timberwolves, they will need to regroup and bounce back quickly as they look to make a push for the playoffs. With Edwards expected to return to action soon, the team will be hoping to get back on track and continue their pursuit of a postseason berth.
Despite this setback, the Timberwolves remain a team on the rise, with a promising young core led by Edwards. Fans can expect to see more exciting performances from this talented squad as they look to make their mark in the competitive Western Conference.
“It’s a labor of love,” Mike Campbell says of his group, the Dirty Knobs. “It’s something I started doing between Heartbreakers tours to try out new songs and to keep in the groove. We would go and play clubs and do some recordings, and it just got better and better. I always had in the back of my mind it would be a great project to do if the Heartbreakers ever took a hiatus, or whatever.”
“Whatever” was, tragically, Tom Petty’s shocking death in 2017. That put the Heartbreakers — and, for a while, Campbell — in dry dock, numbed by his musical partner’s unexpected passing.
After a welcome jumpstart from Fleetwood Mac, however, Campbell began to go his own way in earnest, locking into the Dirty Knobs as his primary music-making vehicle. External Combustion followed in 2022, followed by their third album, Vagabonds, Virgins and Misfits, last June.
Through it all, Campbell has perfected his songcraft and frontman chops, but through the lens of a guitarman, filling each track with rich riffs and tasteful solos, as well as moments of occasional burning fury, such as “So Alive,” “Shake These Blues” and “Innocent Man” from the Knobs’ most recent album.
For Campbell — whose autobiography Heartbreaker: A Memoir comes out this March — it’s another step forward in a career that’s been in motion since he was 16 and bought his first Harmony acoustic guitar from a pawn shop in Jacksonville, Florida.
(Image credit: Chris Phelps)
But while he’s celebrated for his electric guitar work, Campbell says these days his focus is more on songwriting than woodshedding.
“When I started learning to play, I immediately began to craft my own chords and do a little bit of songwriting, and I’ve focused more on that as the years have gone on,” he says. “I think it’s interesting with the guitar players: They get to a level where they’re gonna be what they are, and they kinda stay there. They establish their craft and skills and they keep refining it.
“That’s anyone — Clapton, whoever — which is great. I’m the same. I’ve gotten to a level of competence where I know what I can do and I don’t really work at it or practice guitar. Usually, if I pick up the guitar now it’s because I’ve got an idea for a song. I’m more toward the song and less toward the guitar these days.”
(Image credit: Chris Phelps)
Unlike Petty — who famously took guitar lessons from Don Felder when he was young and referred to rhythm playing as “a lost art” — Campbell is self taught.
“I got my lessons off the records,” he says. “I would slow ’em down so I could hear what was going on and copy them, and then I’d speed them back up. I used to do that with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Mike Bloomfield to figure out what he was doing. I would slow it down to half speed and listen real close. That’s how I figured out he was bending the string. So that’s really how I learned, just by listening real close and copying off the records.”
Campbell has accrued scores of guitars over the years. He thinned the herd about a year ago. “I got rid of about 100 or more that I don’t use that often or only occasionally. I didn’t give away anything that would rip my heart out.”
As for the guitars he’ll never get rid of? “There’s a lot of them,” he offers. They include his Rickenbackers and the Fender Broadcaster he picked up in Hollywood for $600 in 1976, when the Heartbreakers were working on their first album.
(Image credit: Chris Phelps)
“Of course my original goldtop ’59 Les Paul. Those I would never part with,” he adds. “I’ve got a couple of old Martin and Gibson acoustics I would probably never get rid of. There’s, like, six or eight that I would never give away. The other ones I could probably live without, but I’ve got room for them now.”
And while he knows the Dirty Knobs will never eclipse what he did with the Heartbreakers, Campbell feels the group is making headway and gaining acceptance three albums into its life.
“To a large extent I’m finding a new path for myself,” he says. “You always have to have a dream; my other dream ran its course, and I’m very proud of it and I’ve got to carry on. I always figured before the Heartbreakers came to an end, if they ever did — and I didn’t think it would end the way it did — that I would do my own band, just ’cause I gotta play and I love to play to people and to write songs.
“And I want to be good at it. I want to get better at it. And with Tom I had one of the best teachers in the world. So I’ve learned a lot about a lot of things: fronting a band, writing… I like the path we’re on. I have a lot of fun. I get to keep playing. And what more can a musician want?
Mike Campbell: Tom Petty & the guitars I’ll never part with
Mike Campbell, the legendary guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, has had a long and storied career in rock music. Throughout his time with the band, Campbell has become known for his masterful guitar playing and his signature sound that helped define the Heartbreakers’ sound.
In a recent interview, Campbell reflected on his time with Tom Petty and the guitars that have become an integral part of his musical journey. He spoke about the special connection he has with certain guitars, and how they have played a pivotal role in shaping his sound and style.
Campbell revealed that there are a few guitars that he could never imagine parting with, no matter what. These guitars have been with him through thick and thin, and have become like old friends to him. They have a unique history and significance that make them irreplaceable in Campbell’s eyes.
One such guitar is Campbell’s beloved 1960 Fender Stratocaster, which he has played on countless recordings and performances. This guitar has a special tone and feel that Campbell has come to rely on, and he considers it an essential part of his musical arsenal.
Another guitar that Campbell holds dear is his 1959 Gibson Les Paul Junior, which he acquired early in his career. This guitar has a raw, powerful sound that has become a trademark of Campbell’s playing, and he cherishes it for its unique character and versatility.
As Campbell continues to make music and tour with his band The Dirty Knobs, he remains grateful for the guitars that have been by his side throughout his career. These instruments have been a source of inspiration and comfort to him, and he knows that they will always have a special place in his heart.
In the world of rock music, Mike Campbell is a true guitar hero, and his connection to his instruments is a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft. As he continues to make music and share his talents with the world, fans can expect to hear the unmistakable sound of Campbell’s cherished guitars ringing out loud and clear.
My state, Vermont, is still recovering from two catastrophic floods in the past two years. That’s why I agree with President Trump that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is broken and needs serious reform if it is to meet local communities’ long-term recovery needs.
But to do away with it completely would be a disaster for red and blue states alike.
On Friday, while visiting victims of September’s Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, Mr. Trump said he was considering “getting rid of FEMA.” He now reportedly plans to sign an executive order as a step toward reshaping FEMA, which could eliminate the agency.
FEMA helps communities before, during and after disasters. The agency’s immediate disaster response — in the midst of a flood, a wildfire, tornado or other disaster — is crucial. FEMA helps Americans in times of chaos and crisis, and does it well. It is at work in Southern California helping people to recover from the devastating fires, something the president surely saw during his recent visit.
In July 2023, Vermont experienced torrential rain, which led to catastrophic flooding and landslides. Homes, farms and businesses were destroyed. Roads, rail lines, dams, bridges, wastewater plants and the post office of our capital city, Montpelier, were washed out. In July 2024, exactly one year later to the day, Vermont was again hit with brutal flooding.
FEMA’s emergency response was critical in the immediate aftermath of both floods. Emergency relief workers, in coordination with a volunteer network and state and local leaders, surged into our communities. Together, they rescued people trapped in their homes, provided displaced Vermonters with water, food, supplies and temporary shelter, and went door to door to start the recovery process. We were grateful for President Joe Biden’s quick assistance, and the immediate attention and visit to Vermont of the FEMA administrator, Deanne Criswell.
What needs to change is the agency’s long-term recovery process, which kicks in months after the floodwaters recede. There is far too much delay and bureaucracy. Disaster victims in Vermont feel it, as do disaster victims in North Carolina. More control, leadership and resources must be given to local governments to ensure that disaster recovery efforts are implemented in a timely way.
Many homeowners in Vermont have struggled to get answers from FEMA, stuck in endless feedback loops after they applied to the Individual Assistance program, which helps secure permanent housing and other needs. Some Vermonters are still paying mortgages on homes they watched float down the river while they wait for a buyout from the agency.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program helps communities address infrastructure recovery needs, including washed-out roads, bridges and wastewater plants. In seeking help, town officials in Vermont have faced administrative hassles and extraordinary turnover among the FEMA staff that manages approvals for these projects.
One of the hardest-hit communities, Ludlow, was assigned eight different program delivery managers in a little over a year. And that wasn’t unique. Each time a new one took over, towns had to file their paperwork all over again. New managers provided different, often-conflicting, guidance.
FEMA asked one town to calculate the cubic volume of washed-out road before agreeing to pay for it to be rebuilt. Another town that experienced a total loss of its wastewater treatment facility was told it couldn’t buy a new generator because FEMA would pay only to rent one. Months later, a different FEMA manager told the town it needed to purchase a new generator for the plant immediately. Towns have borrowed millions of dollars at high interest rates waiting for project approvals that were slow or frozen, in part because of budget constraints caused by Congress’s slow action in replenishing the agency’s Disaster Relief Fund.
Administrative costs have dramatically outpaced the distribution of disaster aid in Vermont. For every dollar FEMA spent on disaster recovery for the 2023 flood victims, it spent nearly $2 on administrative costs. In response, I wrote legislation that would audit FEMA’s budget.
This ineffectiveness has led to an erosion of trust, both in FEMA and in the federal government. Local leaders should have more control and more responsibility. We have energy, effort, resources and talent in our own communities.
No state or municipality — not Vermont, North Carolina or California — has the capacity to respond on its own. Climate change will continue to worsen and communities across America will feel the pain of weather crises. Climate denialism and policies by the new administration that roll back progress made in the past four years will only exacerbate this problem.
That makes it all the more urgent for the federal government to show up in a time of crisis and not play politics with its response. All Americans deserve to know that Washington will have their back when disaster strikes. FEMA was one of President Jimmy Carter’s legacy achievements. Today, it employs more than 22,000 people, including more than 12,500 members in its emergency-response work force, a record. We owe it to Mr. Carter to improve FEMA, not tear it apart only weeks after his passing.
If President Trump wants to come to the table in good faith to reform FEMA’s broken long-term recovery efforts, I’ll work with him. I stand ready to work with Republican and Democratic legislators to help our fellow Americans hammered by natural disasters.
In a recent interview, Vermont Senator Peter Welch expressed his willingness to work with President Trump to improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Welch, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of putting partisan differences aside in order to ensure that FEMA is equipped to effectively respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.
Despite his criticisms of the Trump administration’s handling of FEMA in the past, Welch stated that he is committed to finding common ground and working together to address the agency’s shortcomings. He noted that FEMA plays a crucial role in providing assistance to communities in times of crisis, and that it is essential for the agency to be fully prepared and responsive.
Welch’s willingness to collaborate with the President on this issue highlights the importance of bipartisanship when it comes to disaster response and preparedness. By setting aside political differences and focusing on the needs of the American people, Welch is demonstrating true leadership and a commitment to finding solutions that benefit all Americans.
As natural disasters continue to pose a threat to communities across the country, it is crucial for lawmakers to prioritize the improvement of FEMA and ensure that it is able to effectively fulfill its mission. Senator Welch’s willingness to work with President Trump on this issue is a positive step towards achieving that goal, and serves as an example of how bipartisan cooperation can lead to meaningful change.
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Peter Welch, Vermont Senator, Trump administration, FEMA, disaster relief, bipartisan cooperation, government collaboration, emergency response, natural disasters, political unity
You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Scary Tales to Read Together – GOOD
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Looking for a fun and spooky way to bond with your little ones this Halloween season? Look no further than “You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Scary Tales to Read Together.” This collection of short and spooky stories is perfect for reading aloud with your children, taking turns to share the scares and giggles.
With its clever rhymes and engaging illustrations, this book is sure to captivate readers of all ages. From haunted houses to creepy creatures, each tale is just the right length for a quick bedtime story or a cozy storytelling session by the fire.
So grab a copy of “You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You” and get ready to spook and delight your little ones with these bite-sized tales of terror. Who knows, you might even find yourself looking over your shoulder as you read together! Happy reading and happy Halloween! #SpookyStories #FamilyTime #ReadingTogether
#Read #Ill #Read #Short #Scary #Tales #Read #GOOD,ages 3+
Lego has just revealed a collaboration with Netflix and Tomorrow Studio, who brought us the One Piece live action series, and it looks like there might be more to it than just some piratey Lego sets.
Aside from the “multiple new Lego sets” we’ve been told to expect –which are to be “inspired by some of the most iconic scenes straight out of the East Blue” – there’s also hints that something else might be in the works. I’m betting that, other than some stalwart contenders for the best Lego sets, there could be a Lego One Piece movie coming over the horizon. Though, maybe I’m just reading into it too much.
Consumer Products VP at Netflix, Josh Simon, says the collaboration will “build out the treasured manga’s adventures in iconic Lego form for the first time ever”. Not the biggest hint but it’s vague enough to interpret as a potential movie.
The thing that really got me wondering whether the designs really stop at new Lego sets was when Lena Dixen, Senior VP for Core Businesses at the Lego Group, hinted at “all the grand adventures [they] will begin to unveil soon.” Sure, this could just be marketing speak, but a girl can dream.
(Image credit: VIZ Media)
Even more of a teaser, the press release ends with an interesting little tidbit. It says the Lego One Piece collection reveal will include “products and experiences, bound to make waves in the coming months”.
Come on, they can’t just be talking about stacking bricks together, can they? I’m betting there’s a One Piece Lego movie in the making and I am definitely here for it. For updates, you can keep an eye on the new One Piece section on the Lego website.
For more recommendations, why not check out some other exciting new Lego sets or some Lego deals if you’re in the market for something cheap and cheerful.
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Ahoy, mateys! Avast ye, for some exciting news has just sailed into port: Lego has teamed up with the beloved anime and manga series One Piece! That’s right, the colorful and adventurous world of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew is coming to life in the form of everyone’s favorite building blocks.
And let me tell you, this collaboration has got me feeling like I’ve hit the jackpot buried treasure. Just imagine all the amazing sets and minifigures we could see from this partnership. From the Thousand Sunny ship to the iconic Straw Hat crew members, the possibilities are as endless as the Grand Line itself.
But the real question on everyone’s minds is: when are we getting a Lego One Piece movie? With the immense popularity of both franchises, it seems like a no-brainer to bring these two worlds together on the big screen. And if there isn’t a movie in the works, well, shiver me timbers, because I’ll eat my straw hat!
So, hoist the Jolly Roger, me hearties, and let’s set sail on this exciting new adventure with Lego and One Piece. Yo ho ho, it’s gonna be a brick-tastic ride!
Lyon predicted XI v Fenerbahçe: Ainsley Maitland-Niles ill, Georges Mikautadze to start
Olympique Lyonnais can take a huge stride towards securing their qualification for the top eight in the UEFA Europa League when they face Fenerbahçe on Thursday night, however, they will have to do so without Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Lyon are currently fourth and a win could even be enough to secure their spot in the top eight, ahead of the final round of games next week, if results elsewhere go their way. For the trip, Maitland-Niles has been left out. The versatile English player is suffering with illness. Nicolas Tagliafico is also a confirmed absence for the game in Turkey. The Argentina international misses the game through suspension.
Georges Mikautadze is expected to lead the line for OL with club captain Alexandre Lacazette dropping to the bench for this encounter.
Lyon likely line-up v Fenerbahçe
Lucas Perri; Abner, Moussa Niakhaté, Clinton Mata, Saël Kumbedi; Corentin Tolisso, Nemanja Matic; Malick Fofana, Rayan Cherki, Saïd Benrahma; Georges Mikautadze. (L’Éq)
Lyon predicted XI v Fenerbahçe: Ainsley Maitland-Niles ill, Georges Mikautadze to start
In a surprising turn of events, Lyon’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been ruled out of the upcoming match against Fenerbahçe due to illness. This has forced manager Peter Bosz to make some last-minute changes to his starting lineup.
One player who is expected to step up in Maitland-Niles’ absence is Georges Mikautadze. The young forward has shown great promise in recent games and will likely be given the chance to shine against Fenerbahçe.
Here is the predicted XI for Lyon:
Goalkeeper: Anthony Lopes
Defenders: Leo Dubois, Jason Denayer, Sinaly Diomande, Emerson
Midfielders: Maxence Caqueret, Thiago Mendes, Lucas Paqueta
Forwards: Karl Toko Ekambi, Tino Kadewere, Georges Mikautadze
With Mikautadze in the lineup, Lyon will be hoping to secure a crucial victory against Fenerbahçe. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting matchup!
Tim Cook is just three years away from retirement age, but don’t expect the Apple CEO to call it quits once he’s eligible to receive his full Social Security benefits.
The 64-year-old, who’s been working since starting a newspaper route at age 12 to save money for college, plans to keep going for as long as he can, he told the “Table Manners” podcast in an episode that aired on Wednesday.
Specifically, Cook said his eventual retirement won’t meet “the traditional definition” of the phrase. “I don’t see being at home doing nothing and not [being] intellectually stimulated and thinking about how tomorrow can be better than today,” he said. “I think I’ll always be wired in that kind of way and want to work.”
Cook probably doesn’t need to work forever. He took home $74.6 million in total compensation last year as Apple’s CEO, including a $3 million base salary and millions more in stock awards, according to recent regulatory filings. Forbes estimates his net worth at $2.2 billion.
But it’s hard to break a habit, and Cook has been working steadily for more than five decades by now. Growing up with “extremely modest means” in the small, rural town of Robertsdale, Alabama, Cook said his parents expected him and his two brothers to start working as soon as they were able.
“My upbringing, a lot of it was centered on work and the belief that hard work was essential for everybody, regardless of your age,” he said.
Cook also worked part-time at a local pharmacy as a kid, where his mother also had a job. At age 14, he “graduated to flipping burgers” at the fast-food chain Tastee-Freez, where he earned about $1.10 an hour and “wore a little hat” that his friends enjoyed mocking, he said.
At the time, he considered it important to earn enough money to become the first person in his family to ever attend college, he’s said. Now, he thinks his early jobs helped reinforce a strong work ethic that he inherited from his parents.
“They instilled [an appreciation of] hard work and that has stayed with me for a lifetime,” Cook said on the podcast. “The value of it [and] the idea that work can be a part of your purpose.”
There are health benefits to remaining busy as you age, whether that means delaying retirement or simply staying engaged with hobbies and other interests. Regularly challenging your brain by learning new things and tackling passion projects can help you sustain your mental health and memory while staving off cognitive decline, research shows.
Cook said he likely has many years left at Apple, though he doesn’t necessarily want to be a CEO for the entire rest of his life. But his desire to do fulfilling work will keep him from ever retiring in the traditional sense, he said.
“You want to be pushed a bit. You want to be uncomfortable a bit,” said Cook. “Maybe not as much as [I am] today. But, I think I’ll always want to be pushed.”
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Work is not just a means to earn a living, it is a way to express oneself, to contribute to society, and to constantly learn and grow. I have always had a strong desire to work, to challenge myself, and to strive for excellence in everything I do.
From a young age, I was taught the value of hard work and the importance of taking pride in my work. This mindset has stayed with me throughout my life, driving me to seek out new opportunities, to push myself out of my comfort zone, and to never settle for mediocrity.
No matter where life takes me, I know that I will always have a passion for work. Whether it’s in a traditional office setting, pursuing my own entrepreneurial ventures, or even just volunteering my time to help others, I find fulfillment in being productive and making a positive impact.
So, as I continue on my journey, I’ll always ‘want to work’ – not just for the paycheck, but for the satisfaction of knowing that I am using my skills and talents to make a difference in the world.
Former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira has confirmed he will be in attendance at the Intuit Dome for UFC 311 this weekend — and insists if offered the opportunity, he will confront the winner of Islam Makhachev’s title clash with Arman Tsarukyan in a bid to land himself a rematch with the main event victor. Oliveira, the current number two ranked lightweight contender, returned to the Octagon at UFC 309 back in November, landing himself back in the winning column to boot. Co-headlining the Madison Square Garden card, Brazilian fan-favorite finisher, Oliveira turned in a second career win over the…
Charles Oliveira, the newly crowned UFC lightweight champion, is set to attend UFC 311 and has expressed his willingness to face off with the winner of the upcoming title fight.
After his impressive victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 262, Oliveira is eager to prove himself as the best in the division and is open to taking on any challenger. In a recent interview, Oliveira stated, “I’ll definitely do it. I’m not afraid of anyone in this division. I’ve worked hard to get to where I am, and I’m ready to take on all comers.”
With UFC 311 just around the corner, fans are buzzing with excitement at the prospect of seeing Oliveira in action once again. Whether he will be facing off against the current champion or a new contender remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – Oliveira is ready for whatever challenge comes his way.
Stay tuned for more updates on Charles Oliveira and his potential future opponents at UFC 311. It’s sure to be a night to remember for MMA fans everywhere.
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Charles Oliveira, UFC 311, title fight winner, MMA, Charles Oliveira UFC, UFC news, UFC updates, Charles Oliveira fight, Charles Oliveira title fight, UFC championship, Charles Oliveira UFC 311, UFC event, UFC fighter, UFC match, Charles Oliveira interview
I’ll be the first to admit that most years, you’ll find me enjoying a few drinks and ringing in the New Year with friends. But some years, I’d much rather stay in, snuggle up under a blanket and watch a heartwarming movie to welcome the new year. And this time around? That’s exactly what I’ll be doing when the clock strikes midnight.
“Begin Again” is my movie choice for welcoming 2025. I only recently discovered this drama, and while it isn’t set on New Year’s Eve and doesn’t revolve around celebrations, its themes really resonate this time of year — in particular, the ideas of embracing change and becoming a better version of yourself. It’s the perfect reflection of the “new year, new me” mindset, but “Begin Again” goes much deeper than that. Plus, Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo make an incredibly charming duo on screen, and they’re a pairing you won’t want to miss.
So, if you’re currently hunting for a lighthearted and charming movie to watch this New Year’s Eve, look no further. Here’s why “Begin Again” is my top pick, and why I think you should stream it too.
‘Begin Again’ is all about accepting change, even when it’s hard
Begin Again Official Trailer #1 (2014) – Keira Knightley, Adam Levine Movie HD – YouTube
“Begin Again” has one of those movie titles that pretty much explains the plot. In this case, Greta (Keira Knightley) and Dan (Mark Ruffalo) are both in need of a fresh start after facing separate relationship struggles. Greta has just broken up with her boyfriend, Dave (Adam Levine), a successful musician who struggles with temptation. Meanwhile, Dan, a disgraced record executive, is on the verge of losing his wife and has failed to connect with his daughter.
One day, Dan hears Greta sing one of her songs in a bar and offers to sign her to his old record label. After some thought, Greta agrees, and the two form a life-changing bond while producing an album together. It’s a heartwarming premise, but at its core, the movie is about two broken people who discover a lifelong friendship and the courage to embrace the change they desperately need.
If you haven’t already guessed, “Begin Again” captures the spirit of this time of year. Greta and Dan may be very different people, but they share the common struggle of being stuck in their own lives. Greta is hesitant to take a leap with her music, while Dan is unable to repair his fractured relationships, turning to drinking as an escape. Though it’s an easy, feel-good watch that may not leave you stunned, it’s a deeply sentimental story that I think a lot of people could benefit from seeing and hearing.
(Image credit: Alamy / Cinematic / The Weinstein Company)
A lot of the movie’s charm comes from the undeniable chemistry between Knightley and Ruffalo, but it’s also elevated by the impressive music that weaves throughout the story. This drama marks Knightley’s first foray into singing, and her performance of the song “Lost Stars” even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. The “Begin Again” soundtrack also features contributions from Adam Levine, CeeLo Green and Hailee Steinfeld.
The music complements the tone of each scene perfectly. Whether it’s Greta pouring her heart out through a heartbreak ballad for her ex, or the upbeat tune Greta and Dan create together on a bright, hopeful morning. Director John Carney (“Once”) has a sharp sense of how to use music to enhance the narrative, and the result is a delightful indie with great performances and clever storytelling.
I’ll be watching ‘Begin Again’ for New Year’s Eve
(Image credit: Alamy / AJ Pics / The Weinstein Company)
“Begin Again” will definitely become my New Year’s Eve tradition. It’s an inspiring movie anchored by its two incredible leads, and I found it moving, funny and truly charming. It delivered just the right mix of laughter and tears, making it an enjoyable flick that’s definitely worth watching again.
Beyond that, “Begin Again”is also about finding your people and navigating the confusion of your twenties. As someone in my mid-twenties, I found it really inspiring to watch a character my age struggle with uncertainty and face challenges that demand change. Ultimately, it’s a feel-good movie that anyone can enjoy, especially those who have a love for music.
I’m not the only one who enjoyed “Begin Again” either. This drama has a solid 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Steve Pond from TheWrap put it simply: “There are times when the thing you want most is not a big, important movie but a simple, beautiful story told with sensitivity, warmth, humor and a big heart.”
Meanwhile, USA Today’s Claudia Puig said: “Ruffalo and Knightley make an engaging pair of colleagues and their musical adventure together results in an enchanting, gently funny and occasionally poignant story.”
If you’re interested in watching it too, “Begin Again” is available to rent or buy on Amazon and Apple TV.
More from Tom’s Guide
As someone who loves cozying up on the couch with a feel-good movie, I am thrilled to announce that I have found the one heartwarming film that will become a yearly tradition on New Year’s Eve.
After much searching and watching countless movies, I stumbled upon a hidden gem that captured my heart and left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside. The movie is filled with touching moments, beautiful cinematography, and a heartfelt message that resonates with me deeply.
From now on, every New Year’s Eve, I will be snuggled up with a bowl of popcorn and a box of tissues, watching this heartwarming film that never fails to put a smile on my face and bring tears to my eyes. It’s a movie that reminds me of the importance of love, family, and the power of second chances.
I can’t wait to continue this tradition for years to come and share this special movie with my loved ones. If you’re looking for a movie that will warm your heart and fill you with joy, I highly recommend adding this gem to your list of must-watch films. Cheers to a new tradition and many more cozy movie nights ahead!
At least three members of a family have died, and three others have been hospitalized, after eating a traditional Christmas cake — months after the baker’s husband died from food poisoning.
Tatiana Denize Silva dos Anjos, 43, and Maida Berenice Flores da Silva, 58, suffered a cardiac arrest after consuming Bolo de Natal, a homemade Brazilian Christmas cake, in Brazil on Monday, Dec. 23. Neuza Denize Silva dos Anjos, 65, meanwhile, died a day later due to “shock after poisoning,” according to the hospital Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes de Torres, The Independent reported.
Zeli Terezinha Silva dos Anjos, 61, who prepared the cake with her sister, and a 10-year-old boy were hospitalized after falling ill. The third victim hospitalized has not been revealed.
According to local news outlet O Globo, Brazil’s Civil Police are running tests to confirm the cause of death for the three women.
The outlet reported that initial laboratory tests found arsenic was present in their bodies.
The discovery has now prompted police to reopen an investigation into the death of Zeli’s late husband, Paolo Luiz.
His death from food poisoning in September wasn’t investigated because it was considered natural, O Globo reported.
“As we became aware of this fact today, we opened a police investigation and we are going to exhume this man’s body to check whether there was also poisoning,” Detective Marcos Vinícius Velho, who is leading the investigation, told the outlet.
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According to The Daily Mail, Zeli ate two slices of the cake that she and her sister baked.
A friend of the family told RBS TV, per O Globo, that the family had baked the cake in years past and there were no problems between them.
“It was a traditional family cake, a king’s cake, which they always, always, always made,” he said, according to the outlet.
In a tragic turn of events, three family members have died after consuming a homemade Christmas cake, while three others have fallen ill. The incident took place during a holiday gathering where the cake was served as a dessert.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the contamination that led to the deaths and illnesses. It is suspected that the cake may have been contaminated with a toxic substance or spoiled ingredients.
The family is devastated by the loss of their loved ones and is urging others to be cautious when consuming homemade food items, especially during holiday gatherings. They are also warning others who may have consumed the cake to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any symptoms of illness.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. May the deceased rest in peace and may the ill family members have a speedy recovery.
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