Annihilation released in 2018 with only a brief run in theaters. Despite earning positive reviews, the film did poorly at the box office and has continued to be overlooked by audiences ever since. Starring Natalie Portman, the sci-fi movie blended elements of action films, thrillers, and horror, along with hauntingly beautiful and bizarre visuals to produce a unique experience that deserves more attention than it received. Fans who were fortunate enough to check it out were likely struck by its brilliant writing and performances, as well as its message about illness and grief.
Sickness, death, and coping with loss are all explored in Annihilation through an approach that is simultaneously sad, terrifying, and comforting. While many viewers and critics picked up on these elements, however, few noticed just how deep these themes were embedded in the story. A close examination of the characters reveals that they all, in fact, represent different stages of grief according to the well-known Kübler-Ross model. Under this model, people facing death move through five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. In Annihilation, each member of the team that enters the Shimmer comes to embody a different one of these stages.
The Shimmer Spreads Like Cancer, Eliciting the Five Stages of Grief
While there isn’t a true villain or antagonist in Annihilation, the Shimmer is practically a character itself, overshadowing everything else in the film and, at times, appearing to have a will of its own. Growing out of a meteorite that struck the Earth three years earlier, it confounds researchers as it continues to expand and envelop more territory. In its sudden appearance and uncontrollable growth, this Shimmer seems to represent disease, and cancer in particular.
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Consuming everything in its path as it mindlessly grows and mutates, the Shimmer immediately sparks fear among those studying it. Little understood, it seems to absorb everything it touches and, from the beginning of the movie, appears to pose a threat to all life on earth. Like Cancer, it appears to feed on life itself, changing it in ways that result in death for its victims. Each character that enters the Shimmer, seeking a way to stop it, is soon forced to confront their own mortality and comes to represent a different stage in the classic (though controversial) model for explaining grief.
Cassie Dies First Only to Return Later
Cassie Represents Denial
Paramount Pictures
Fittingly, the first character to perish also represents the first stage of grief, denial. A geomorphologist studying the landscape of the environment within the Shimmer, Cassie is attacked and killed early by a terrifying, mutated bear, being dragged off into the forest. Her demise is horrifying in itself, but it’s what comes after that truly shocks her companions and viewers, and speaks to her place in the stages of grief.
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While Cassie dies before she has a chance to really contemplate the danger she’s in or express any elements of grief, the later return of the mutant-bear, and her voice coming from its mouth, is almost a symbolic form of denial. Her voice echoing from the creature that killed her seems to indicate that the Shimmer “refracted” some part of her into it, and she has not completely died. Her voice, seeming to scream in fear and pain, seems to deny her fate, desperately rejecting the fact that she has died at all. While her body has certainly perished, some piece of her refuses to accept that and clings to existence within the bear, making her a disembodied embodiment of denial.
Anya Lashes out at her comrades
Anya Represents Anger
Paramount Pictures
The easiest connection to make in Annihilation’s analogy of grief is Anya’s reflection of anger. Faced with the shocking truth of the Shimmer and the possibility that she will die, or else change to the point where she is no longer herself, Anya transforms her fear into rage and lashes out at those around her. Showing how those suffering or in pain can sometimes become their own worst enemies and harm the very people who are trying to help them, Anya nearly kills the rest of her team before dying herself.
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Anya is another example of a character dying in the same order as the stage of grief they represent. As anger, according to the model, comes after denial, Anya is killed after Cassie, by a creature that has partially absorbed Cassie. After this, however, the stages of grief appear to be shaken up by Annihilation, with characters reflecting the different stages perishing out of order or surviving until the end of the story.
Lena Is Constantly Making Deals
Lena Represents Bargaining
Image via Paramount Pictures
Intriguingly, the film’s protagonist does not represent the final stage of grief. Instead, Lena seems to embody bargaining throughout Annihilation. The cellular biologist and Army veteran finds herself negotiating with others throughout the film. When first seized by the government and questioned about her husband’s return from the Shimmer, she tries to bargain for information and ultimately makes a deal that involves her going into the Shimmer herself. While in the Shimmer, she urges other characters to continue on with their journey multiple times, seeming to conclude deals with them.
Despite Natalie Portman’s star power, Jane Got a Gun was a flop with fans and critics alike.
Further, in a more accurate depiction of the sort of bargaining that occurs in the stages of grief theory, Lena appears to bargain with herself during her adventure. Committed to completing her mission and reaching the lighthouse, she seems convinced that doing so will somehow save Kane. She appears to bemotivated by this hope and has subconsciously reached a deal with fate that, if she does her job, she won’t have to face the loss of her husband.
Ventress Succumbs to Despair
Ventress Represents Depression
Paramount Pictures
Ventress, the leader of the team and the character who is literally suffering with Cancer in Annihilation, plainly represents depression by the end of her story. During their journey, Ventress abandons her group and moves on alone, isolating herself from others. Speaking to the loneliness of depression and the tendency to self-destructively withdraw from friends and family, she succumbs to sadness, both about the Shimmer and her illness, and finds herself alone.
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When Lena eventually finds Ventress, the former leader has plainly lost all hope. Seeming to exude emotional agony, Ventress talks about the Shimmer in apocalyptic terms, claiming that it will continue to expand and eventually destroy the world. When she finally meets her end, it is literally in a black pit that reflects her inner turmoil. She dies, not having accepted her fate, but seeming to have simply lost the will to carry on.
Only Josie Finds Peace
Josie Represents Acceptance
J
Of the entire team, only Josie the physicist seems to find any beauty in the Shimmer, and only she seems to come to an end that could be described as peaceful. It’s Josie who first comes to understand the Shimmer, deducing that it refracts the DNA of creatures inside, changing them into new beings, and accepting that it will happen to her as well. In her final conversation with Lena, she reflects on the pain and fear that Cassie was in when she died and explains that she doesn’t want to go out the same way.
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Regarding the shimmer, she tells Lena that “Ventress wants to face it, you want to fight it, but I don’t think I want either of those things.” With this dying declaration, Josie explicitly moves beyond both bargaining and depression, indicating that she wants to simply accept the Shimmer and what it will do to her. As she wanders off, Josie seems to transform into a flowering bush, becoming something beautiful even as she passes. Her refusal to fight her fate, her peaceful demeanor, and her noble end all speak to her acceptance of the Shimmer and her own death.
In many ways, Annihilation is a horror movie about fear itself. It explores death and how people respond to it. Through characters that personify the stages of grief, the movie examines both the positive and destructive ways people confront their own morality and the terror that arises from it. These elements, along with its amazing visuals and performances, make Annihilation a great sci-fi horror movie, worthy of more attention than it received.
In 2013, the sci-fi film “Elysium” hit theaters to mixed reviews and modest box office success. Despite its lukewarm reception, this underrated gem holds a deep hidden message that many fans may have missed.
Directed by Neill Blomkamp, “Elysium” takes place in a dystopian future where the wealthy live on a luxurious space station called Elysium, while the rest of humanity struggles to survive on an overpopulated and polluted Earth. The film follows Max (played by Matt Damon), a former convict who is determined to reach Elysium in order to access life-saving medical treatment.
While the film’s action-packed sequences and stunning visual effects may have captured audiences’ attention, the true heart of “Elysium” lies in its commentary on class inequality, healthcare access, and the consequences of unchecked corporate power. Through the stark contrast between the opulence of Elysium and the poverty on Earth, Blomkamp delivers a powerful message about the social and economic disparities that exist in our world today.
By shining a light on these pressing issues, “Elysium” challenges viewers to think critically about the systems of privilege and oppression that shape our society. It serves as a reminder that the choices we make today can have far-reaching consequences for future generations, and that it is up to us to fight for a more just and equitable world.
So, if you’re looking for a sci-fi film that offers more than just thrills and entertainment, give “Elysium” a second look. You may just discover a hidden message that resonates with you long after the credits roll.
The LA Clippers faced off against the Phoenix Suns on Monday night in one of the most important games of the season for both teams.
It seemed like LA was going to get blown out due to their poor three-point defense, but they rallied all the way back to make it a one-point game before losing. Throughout the game, there was one player in particular who was really unhappy with the officiating – Ivica Zubac.
After the loss, Zubac claimed his dunk over Mason Plumlee in the final minutes of the game should have been a three-point play. Not only that, but he felt like numerous plays didn’t receive a foul.
“It was an and-one. I don’t know what I have to do to get a foul call. I feel like I should’ve had like four and-ones tonight,” Zubac said. “I’m used to it, but like in the moment I’m always like how is that not a foul? What do I have to do? Should I flop like some of the guys? I don’t know.”
The NBA has officially admitted to a major missed call in the recent game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns. The controversial play occurred in the final minutes of the game, with the Clippers trailing by just two points.
As Clippers guard Paul George drove to the basket for a potential game-tying layup, Suns center Deandre Ayton appeared to make significant contact with him, causing George to miss the shot. However, the referees did not call a foul on the play, allowing the Suns to hold on for the narrow victory.
After reviewing the footage, the NBA has acknowledged that a foul should have been called on Ayton, which would have sent George to the free-throw line with a chance to tie the game. This admission has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with many questioning the consistency and accuracy of officiating in the league.
The missed call has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the outcome of the game, and serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate and fair officiating in professional sports. The NBA has promised to review the incident and take steps to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
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NBA, missed call, Clippers, Suns, basketball, officiating, controversial call, NBA news, sports, NBA controversy, NBA referees, NBA playoffs
The LA Clippers faced off against the Phoenix Suns on Monday night in one of the most important games of the season for both teams.
It seemed like LA was going to get blown out due to their poor three-point defense, but they rallied all the way back to make it a one-point game before losing. Throughout the game, there was one player in particular who was really unhappy with the officiating – Ivica Zubac.
After the loss, Zubac claimed his dunk over Mason Plumlee in the final minutes of the game should have been a three-point play. Not only that, but he felt like numerous plays didn’t receive a foul.
“It was an and-one. I don’t know what I have to do to get a foul call. I feel like I should’ve had like four and-ones tonight,” Zubac said. “I’m used to it, but like in the moment I’m always like how is that not a foul? What do I have to do? Should I flop like some of the guys? I don’t know.”
Ivica Zubac on his dunk over Mason Plumlee:
“It was an and-one. I don’t know what I have to do to get a foul call. I feel like I should’ve had like four and-ones tonight… I’m used to it, but like in the moment I’m always like how is that not a foul? What do I have to do? Should… pic.twitter.com/41s5sQpIw3
The league has admitted that Zubac should have received an and-one foul call for his dunk over Plumlee in the final minute of the game.
Jan 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) dunks over Phoenix Suns center Mason Plumlee (22) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
“Plumlee (PHX) holds down Zubac’s (LAC) shoulder, initiating illegal contact during the dunk attempt,” the NBA said.
For a game that was so tightly contested in the final minutes, an extra free throw would have made a world of difference for the Clippers, especially when they were only down one point.
Unfortunately for LA, they’ll now have to leave Phoenix losing the season series and deal with knowing the referees made a big mistake.
The NBA has officially admitted to a major missed call in the recent game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns. The controversial play occurred in the final minutes of the game, with the outcome hanging in the balance.
The missed call involved a crucial foul that was not called on a potential game-winning shot attempt by the Clippers. The league acknowledged that the referees failed to properly assess the situation and make the correct call, which could have ultimately impacted the outcome of the game.
Fans and analysts alike have been quick to criticize the officials for their oversight, with many calling for more accountability and transparency in the NBA’s officiating process. The league has since issued a statement apologizing for the error and vowing to address the issue moving forward.
This missed call serves as a reminder of the importance of fair and accurate officiating in professional sports, and highlights the need for continued improvement in the NBA’s refereeing standards. The league’s admission of fault in this situation is a step in the right direction, but more work remains to be done to ensure that such mistakes are minimized in the future.
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NBA, missed call, Clippers, Suns, officiating, controversial call, basketball, sports, NBA news, referees, game analysis, NBA controversy, basketball fans, game-changing call, NBA playoffs
Third-party launchers are never good. The horrific realisation that to play a game you just bought you must install, create an account for, and launch another app has long been a cause of headaches in the gaming world. Over the years, we have seen the likes of Ubisoft, Bethesda, Epic Games, Activision, and Electronic Arts launch programmes meant to house their digital libraries. Most of them suck.
Gamers are simple creatures, so once they have already downloaded an app like Steam it’s reasonable to expect that the vast majority of PC games should be available on the platform. I agree with this consensus, but thanks to the revenue split Valve puts forward, there’s a large enough incentive for other major players to create their own app and cut out the middleman.
Third-Party Launchers Do Nothing But Irritate Players
Having to juggle multiple different libraries, friends lists, and passwords is never fun. Picking up a game on Steam too late to notice it will launch onto Origin before going through the same tortuous steps all over again is never fun. But it won’t be necessary for too much longer, with EA recently announcing it will be bringing Origin to a close. However, it’s not all good news – EA will be moving PC operations over to the equally clunky EA app.
The new EA app will also be exclusive to 64-bit systems, meaning those running older computers will need to upgrade or lose access to their digital libraries. Otherwise, it appears the majority of other things such as owned games and cloud saves will carry over.
Origin first launched in 2011 and was one of the first third-party digital clients on the scene. It made headlines prior to the launch of Mass Effect 3 for being mandatory on PC, which didn’t sit well in a gaming environment that was already putting up with online passes and a vicious crackdown on used games.
But we went along with it for years as titles like Dead Space 3, Titanfall, Battlefield 3, and countless others arrived. Origin became a part of regular PC gaming, but I struggle to recall a moment when it was spoken about in positive terms.
And Origin Was The Worst Of Them All
It was slow to load, cumbersome to navigate, and there was rarely a reason to browse much of its digital storefront because chances are you logged in through Steam to jump into a very specific game anyway. Battlefield made use of Battlelog, a browser-based means of hopping into matches, which added yet another layer of needless complexity to the experience.
It feels like it was designed with a guarantee to inconvenience, or the incentive was to make money from digital sales over a rival like Steam, instead of making it a fun programme to interact with.
I will admit that the download speeds on Origin were pretty swift. Shame I didn’t want to play anything on it.
One saving grace was, in its later years, Origin developed a habit of releasing games for free and many of them were older titles you couldn’t find anywhere else. Over the years, I often logged on whenever one of these promotions reared its head to pick up a freebie.
It was a great initiative that pulled people into the ecosystem with a distant aim of making them stick around, but like the Epic Games Store years later, this didn’t work out. However, it showed us that EA cared, even if only a little bit, about its legacy and wanted to use Origin to preserve it. Now I just hope this new application carries these games over and doesn’t abandon them.
Recent years have seen Microsoft, Bethesda, and Ubisoft begin to transition their new and existing games onto Steam with native support, meaning you won’t be roped into launching another programme just to play them. Companies are beginning to realise that this strategy can actively harm sales if they don’t make the experience easier for audiences. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is one such example, which will be available on Steam on day one.
Origin hasn’t had a place in the gaming landscape for a long time, and with any luck EA is going to make its new app easier to use, less intrusive, and more willing to play ball with all the players on Steam. It isn’t going anywhere, and time and time again it’s been proven we want nothing to do with third-party launchers like this.
Released
March 6, 2012
ESRB
M for Mature: Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
Today, we bid farewell to Origin, the gaming platform that never quite lived up to its potential. From its clunky interface to its constant bugs and crashes, Origin has been a thorn in the side of gamers for far too long.
Despite EA’s best efforts to compete with Steam, Origin never quite managed to gain the same level of popularity or user satisfaction. And now, as EA announces plans to sunset the platform in favor of integrating its games with other services, we can’t help but feel a sense of relief.
So, rest in peace, Origin. You will not be missed. May your failures serve as a cautionary tale to other companies who dare to challenge the dominance of Steam. Goodbye, and good riddance.
TODAY’S Jeopardy! episode didn’t air in many parts of the country and viewers are furious they were unable to see breakout star Drew Goins snag his latest runaway win.
Drew Goins competes on the Jeopardy! Champions Wildcard semifinals Jeopardy! Ken Jennings hosts today’s game of Jeopardy! Jeopardy!
Jeopardy! did not issue any warning that it may not be airing the January 20th game due to the inauguration – leading many to believe the episode would proceed as normal.
However, footage from Donald Trump ’s inauguration continued to play in place of today’s game in most parts of the country.
The outrage over missing the episode was only increased when fan-favorite Drew delivered another impressive performance that some viewers won’t get to see.
One viewer wrote: “Can’t watch on my local ABC affiliate due to the inauguration, which really sucks, cause Drew is my fav.
“I was already bummed about today for obvious reasons but now it feels personal.”
“Here in Chicago we are preempted by the inauguration coverage. Talking heads keeping us from having 30 minutes of freedom from political craziness,” another said.
A third suggested: “Same. Total bummer. I really wish on national news pre-emption days that the Jeopardy Youtube channel would put up entire episodes.”
Drew, a journalist from Honolulu, Hawaii, has become a fan-favorite for his quick-witted game play, entertaining stories and fun fashion.
Jeopardy! players from L-R: Joey DeSena, Drew Goins, Jen Feldman Jeopardy! Footage from the inauguration aired in place of today’s Jeopardy! game for many viewers AFP
For today’s Champions Wildcard semifinals, he went up against Joey DeSena, a development engineer from Raleigh, North Carolina and Jen Feldman, a high school teacher from Brooklyn, New York.
Like his past games, Drew was off to the best start as he secured the most amount of correct answers, six, by the first break.
He had accumulated $4,200 by the commercial break, while Jen had $1,400.
Joey found and missed the first Daily Double – landing him with $0 by the break.
After the Jeopardy! Round was complete, Drew’s lead increased to $7,200.
Though Joey remained in third, he got himself on the board with $800 while Jen stayed in second with $2,400.
Host Ken, 50, then revealed the categories of the second round: “French Geography; 18Th Century Writing; Broadway; Psychology; Let’s Talk About Politics; Starts With ‘D.’”
Jen closed the gap of Drew’s lead when she found the second Daily Double – and accurately answered, adding $5,000 to her score.
WHIZ KID
However, Drew quickly made that up by finding the third Daily Double which gave him a bonus $4,000.
Overall, Drew racked up an impressive 29 correct responses from today’s game – having only buzzed into two incorrectly.
Jen had 10 accurate answers with 0 mistakes while Joey made 3 incorrect guesses but had 12 right responses.
Jeopardy! Universe
Jeopardy! first aired in 1964 until 1975. Then the nighttime version began in 1974. Since then, many spinoffs of the game show have emerged. Here they all are:
Jeopardy! – (syndicated) 1974 to present, weekdays on ABC at 7 pm ET.
Tournament of Champions – 1984 to present, features the top champions who have appeared on the show since the last tournament.
Second Chance Tournament – 2022 to present features hand-selected non-winners from the season prior, where the prize is entry into Champions Wildcard.
Champions Wildcard – 2023 to present, features all one, two and three-day champions from the season prior worth entry into the Tournament of Champions.
Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament (syndication) – 2023 to present, features past greats invited by producers to vie for a slot in Masters.
Jeopardy! Masters (primetime) – 2023 to present, features the six highest-ranked Jeopardy! champions competing against each other.
Celebrity Jeopardy! (primetime) – 1992 to present, has celebrities compete against each other to raise money for charity.
Pop Culture Jeopardy (streaming) – 2024 to present, will feature teams of three tasked with pop culture trivia on Amazon Prime, hosted by Colin Jost, airdate TBD
Jeopardy! has done away with specialized tournaments like its College Tournaments, Kids Week, and Professor’s Tournament to gear towards a more sports-like model, with Masters being the top of the Jeopardy pyramid.
Other versions of Jeopardy! have fizzled out throughout the years as well, like Sports Jeopardy!.
Going into the final, Drew had $26,800 while Jen had $12,600 and Joey was close behind, having accumulated $9,200.
Only Joey was correct with the Final Jeopardy! and knowing he was too far behind to snag a win, used his opportunity to write a message for his opponent.
“What is the Nautalis? Go for it, Drew!!” Joey exclaimed in his answer.
The affection was mutual, as Drew – who bet $0 for the last round – wrote: “What is a mouse??? Thanks Jen and Joey! <3.”
For their final scores, Drew garnered $26,800 while Jen had $10,000 and Joey a solid $9,811.
Drew advances to the finals of the Champions Wildcard Tournament and is hoping to score a spot in the coveted Tournament of Champions.
Fan-favorite Drew wrote a sweet message to his opponents as he advanced to the finals After an impressive Jeopardy! run, Joey placed third Jeopardy!
Jeopardy! fans were left in shock as the popular game show abruptly stopped airing, leaving viewers feeling frustrated and disappointed. Many fans were eagerly anticipating the continuation of the episode in which breakout star Drew Goins was on the verge of snagging a runaway win.
Drew Goins had captivated audiences with his quick wit, vast knowledge, and strategic gameplay. Fans had high hopes for him to continue his winning streak and possibly even become a Jeopardy! legend.
However, their hopes were dashed when the show suddenly cut to a commercial break and never returned. Viewers took to social media to express their anger and disappointment, with many complaining that they had “missed” Drew Goins’ potential victory.
The sudden halt in airing has left fans wondering what happened and when they will get to see the conclusion of the episode. Some have even speculated that there may have been a technical issue or scheduling conflict that caused the abrupt stop.
As fans eagerly await an explanation and resolution, they have made it clear that they will not rest until they see Drew Goins’ final triumph on Jeopardy! and witness his well-deserved victory.
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jeopardy, jeopardy cancellation, jeopardy news, Drew Goins jeopardy, Drew Goins win, game show controversy, game show scandal, television drama, fan uproar, television news
Apple Inc. AAPL faces mounting pressure as Jefferies downgraded the tech giant to ‘underperform,’ citing concerns over revenue growth, following President Donald Trump‘s remarks about potential new U.S. investments from the company.
The Apple Analyst: Jefferies analyst Edison Lee cut his price target to $200.75 from $211.84, reported CNBC, projecting a 12.7% downside for the stock.
The rare bearish call stands in contrast to broader Wall Street sentiment, with only three other analysts recommending selling Apple shares compared to 19 buy ratings, according to Tipranks.com. The stock has already declined over 8% in 2024, following last year’s 30% gain.
The Apple Thesis: Lee warns Apple could miss its 5% revenue growth forecast for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 and expects disappointing second-quarter guidance, citing weak iPhone sales and limited artificial intelligence developments.
The downgrade comes as Trump announced potential “massive investment” plans from Apple in the United States, revealed during his recent victory rally in Washington D.C. Trump cited a conversation with CEO Tim Cook, linking the investment to his election win and broader initiative to expedite approvals for companies investing $1 billion or more in the U.S.
Apple, which recently approached but fell short of a $4 trillion valuation, is set to report earnings on Jan. 30, with investors closely watching for signs of revenue weakness highlighted in the Jefferies report.
The contrasting narratives emerge amid strong market performance, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 gaining 1.9% in its best week since November. Apple’s consensus price target stands at $245.17, based on 30 analyst ratings, with recent analysis from MoffettNathanson, Bernstein, and B of A Securities suggesting a modest 2.25% upside potential.
Price Action: Apple closed at $229.98 on Friday, up 0.75% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock dipped 0.21%. Year to date, Apple’s stock is down 5.69%, but over the past year, it has gained 18.61%, according to data from Benzinga Pro.
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Image Via Shutterstock
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Apple Gets Rare Downgrade From Jefferies: Analyst Warns On Slowing Revenue Growth, Missed Forecasts, And Falling iPhone Demand
In a surprising move, tech giant Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has received a rare downgrade from Jefferies analyst, warning investors about slowing revenue growth, missed forecasts, and falling iPhone demand.
The downgrade comes as a blow to Apple, which has been a market leader in the tech industry for years. Analysts had previously been bullish on the company’s prospects, but recent trends have raised concerns about its future performance.
According to the Jefferies analyst, Apple’s revenue growth has been slowing down in recent quarters, leading to missed forecasts and disappointing earnings reports. This has raised questions about the company’s ability to maintain its strong position in the market.
In addition, the analyst highlighted a decline in demand for Apple’s flagship product, the iPhone. With competition increasing in the smartphone market, Apple has been facing challenges in maintaining its market share and attracting new customers.
Despite these challenges, Apple remains a strong player in the tech industry, with a loyal customer base and a strong brand reputation. However, investors will be keeping a close eye on the company’s performance in the coming quarters to see if it can overcome these obstacles and continue its growth trajectory.
Overall, the downgrade from Jefferies serves as a reminder that even the strongest companies can face challenges in a rapidly changing market. Investors should carefully monitor Apple’s performance and future strategies to assess its long-term potential.
It’s now well known that pushing of a runner is allowed in the NFL. Pulling of the man with the ball, however, is not.
That didn’t stop Bills guard O’Cyrus Torrence from trying to pull running back James Cook into the end zone last night in Buffalo.
With a little over nine minutes left in the first half with the scor tied at seven, quarterback Josh Allen handed the ball to Cook on first and goal from the eight. Near paydirt, Torrence first pushes Cook before swinging around and trying to pull him across the goal line.
It happened right in front of line judge Greg Bradley. But no flag was thrown.
The rule is clear. “No offensive player may pull a runner in any direction at any time.” The penalty is ten yards.
And so the Bills should have faced second and goal from the 11, not second and goal from the one.
Making the situation more strange was that the CBS broadcast made no mention of the missed penalty.
“Look at Torrence trying to just wrestle him across,” Jim Nantz said.
Rules analyst Gene Steratore could have chimed in, reminding them that it’s still a foul to pull a runner.
The Bills scored on the next play, taking a 14-7 lead. If the penalty had been called, who knows what would have happened during the rest of the drive.
And it might be something for the league and/or the officials to start calling. In the Wild Card round, tackle Dion Dawkins pulled Cook at the end of a run. No foul was called there, either.
During Sunday’s game between the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins, officials missed an obvious pulling of a runner near the goal line that could have potentially changed the outcome of the game.
In the fourth quarter, Bills running back Devin Singletary appeared to be on his way to scoring a touchdown when Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker clearly grabbed his jersey and pulled him back just short of the goal line. Despite the blatant foul, no penalty was called and the Bills ultimately settled for a field goal instead of a touchdown.
Many fans and analysts are questioning how such a clear infraction could have been missed by the officials, especially in a crucial moment of the game. The missed call has sparked debate on social media and highlights the ongoing issue of inconsistent officiating in the NFL.
While the Bills were able to secure the victory in the end, the missed call raises concerns about the integrity of the game and the need for better enforcement of the rules by officials. Fans are left wondering how such an obvious pulling of a runner near the goal line could have gone unnoticed and what steps can be taken to prevent similar oversights in the future.
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Tomorrow’s the big day for Big Orange. At noon EST on Jan. 20, Donald Trump will take the oath of office to become the 47th President of the United States.
We’ve been here before. The pomp and circumstance (and hysteria) of the first Trump inauguration was eight years ago. Here in Cedar Rapids, I organized a little watch party with some friends at an upscale hotel.
It was just a handful of us, so when the cheers of the crowd on the TV as Trump finished his oath were supplemented by a smattering of applause behind us, I was taken by surprise as I turned in my chair to see almost two dozen hotel guests and staff members standing behind us, having joined in watching the occasion.
That wasn’t my favorite moment from the 2017 coverage. That honor goes to the telling of a story by Fox News’ Bill Hemmer — not about Trump, but about his (first) predecessor, then-outgoing President Barack Obama — based on an interaction he had during Obama’s first inauguration in January 2009.
Hemmer, who had been in Washington, D.C. covering the occasion, described for his largely pro-Trump audience a moment when he stood on the National Mall next to a 65-year-old Black man wearing an old purple Louisiana State University jacket. The man had driven through the night from Louisiana to witness the inauguration of the nation’s first Black president. As the newly-installed President Barack Obama was introduced, tears of joy and pride streamed down the man’s face.
“Those were moments,” Hemmer said in January 2021 when he shared the same story with Adweek’s TVNewser shortly before President Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Clearly Hemmer was quite moved by the interaction. I was (and remain) moved just by his telling of it.
Though I was opposed to Obama’s policies — his opponent’s 2012 campaign was the first experience from my pre-journalism life of grassroots politics — I knew all along that Obama rose to the presidency with an inspiring message and a boatload of enthusiasm. Most who were keen to support the 44th president as he took office were also sure to miss him after he left.
I can’t say the same for our 46th president, whose time in office finally expires tomorrow. Regardless of who was bound to replace him or where one falls on the ideological spectrum, I submit that few Americans will actually miss Joe Biden.
Sure, it’s a harsh thing to say as the “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory” takes his leave. But the first draft of history is written while it happens. Time may soften Biden’s legacy, but it won’t change it. It may heal the scars of bad leadership, but it won’t erase the effects of his poor decision-making.
And Biden’s four years in office were riddled with poor decision-making.
On his first day in office, he canceled the Keystone XL pipeline with the mere stroke of a pen, destroying the multibillion dollar investment in the production and transport of crude oil from Canada, a reliable ally whose partnership didn’t carry hefty geopolitical implications.
Had it not been canceled, the Keystone XL pipeline would have likely been completed in 2022. That year, war flared as Russia invaded Ukraine. OPEC+ countries, particularly Saudi Arabia cut oil production to keep prices higher. Gas prices in the U.S. skyrocketed during the summer to over $5.00 per gallon on average.
Gas prices at the pump at the Casey’s gas station on Eighth Avenue SE i in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Friday, June 17, 2022. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)
Biden’s answer was to release a million barrels a day from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve and threaten “consequences” against Saudi Arabia, which fell on deaf ears and were never acted on. So much for a show of strength.
He attempted to halt deportations on his first day in office. By March 2021, illegal border crossings had doubled from only two months earlier. Over the next three years, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol would have over 10.8 million encounters with unauthorized entrants, over triple the number from the previous three years.
Some of the unauthorized entries from those three years were by well-adjusted individuals who saw illegal entry as the better way to establish a life in the United States, thanks to a broken system of legal immigration that has seen no significant reform under the Biden administration.
FILE - President Joe Biden, center, looks over the southern border, Feb. 29, 2024, in Brownsville, Texas. Walking with Biden are from l-r., Peter Flores, Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Jason Owens, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol and Gloria Chavez, Sector Chief, U.S. Border Patrol. U.S. authorities say border arrests during July have plummeted to a new low for Joe Biden’s presidency, raising prospects that a temporary ban on asylum may be lifted soon. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
Some entrants were hardened criminals with existing convictions for rape and murder. Some had already been deported multiple times, yet waltzed back in. Some were children transported by cartel members.
At least 382 people whose names appear on the terror watchlist have been caught attempting to illegally cross the southern border. That’s up from a grand total of 11 during the previous three-year period under Trump.
In a move halted by the Supreme Court, Biden attempted to cancel a staggering $400 billion in student loan debt. A court also pumped the brakes on his subsequent “Plan B” move. Apparently if the law requires student loans to be — get this — repaid, a president and his administration can’t just say, “Nah, you’re good.”
Yet in a series of smaller actions announced during an election year or performed during the final weeks of his lame duck presidency, Biden has successfully managed to wipe away almost $189 million of student loan repayments owed to the American taxpayer.
Politico called it a “parting gift.” Those who paid their own way for college, went into the trades, or — again, get this — paid off their loans in full might call it a parting shot.
Meanwhile, no meaningful reforms have been applied to the student loan system, and the current academic year’s student loan interest rates are at their highest since the Great Recession. Great.
Biden turned his only Supreme Court pick into a DEI stunt by declaring before the search process even began that he would appoint a Black woman. In April 2022, Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed with a metaphorical asterisk next to her name and legacy, denoting that she was judged by the color of her skin and her sex before the content of her character or her judicial merit.
He attempted to enact rules that would allow boys in girls’ locker rooms and force unwilling students to use inaccurate pronouns under threat of punishment in the name of “inclusion.” And had the 2024 election gone a different way, he would have followed through with rules forcing female student-athletes to compete both alongside and against male athletes with distinct physical advantages, ruining women’s sports.
He botched the United States’ exit from Afghanistan with devastating results: A suicide bombing followed by a gunfire attack by members of ISIS-K resulted in the death of at least 169 Afghan civilians and 13 American service members. And a trove of U.S. weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and other tactical equipment worth over $7 billion was left behind to be seized by the Taliban.
According to reports, the Taliban has sold some of the weapons left behind by the U.S. to American adversaries like China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
Those same adversaries preferred for the U.S. to remain “tied down” in Afghanistan, Biden claimed in a speech defending his foreign policy last week.
FILE - President Joe Biden speaks about the end of the war in Afghanistan from the State Dining Room of the White House, on Aug. 31, 2021, in Washington. In the ensuing two years following the pandemic, as inflation slowed but persisted, the confidence Biden hoped to instill steadily waned. And when he showed his age in a disastrous debate in June against Donald Trump, he lost the benefit of the doubt as well. That gave him the legacy of having built the legislative scaffolding of a renewed America without convincing voters that better days were ahead. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
But if the U.S. military was stretched thin by its commitments to the region, it defies logic that at roughly around the same time, Biden signed off on a defense department policy that would result in the subsequent discharge of U.S. service members leery of the new COVID-19 vaccine who refused to get the jab.
While young adults are the least likely to die from COVID-19 or experience long COVID, studies have shown that males under 25 — a significant portion of the U.S. military — have an increased risk of COVID vaccine-related cardiac inflammation.
Over 8,000 American service members were discharged from the military for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, while the pool of potential replacements is shrinking: Seventy-seven percent of Americans ages 18-24 are unqualified for military service due to obesity, drug use, mental health or chronic illness. Forty-four percent are unqualified due to more than one of those reasons.
Biden spent a significant portion of his Jan. 15 farewell speech warning about “the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of very few ultra-wealthy people.” It was a thinly-veiled reference to the incoming Trump administration.
But he was supposed to be the one who led the country out of the Trump era.
Most Biden voters didn’t actually desire to see Biden as president so much as they desired to see Trump not be president. Biden was just supposed to be the one to hit the reset button, hand the baton to the next generation of presidential leadership, and take a bow.
But he tripped over the button. He dropped the baton. He wasn’t all there upstairs The country struggled, and voters went back to Donald Trump — in larger numbers than the first time.
It will be hard even for supporters to miss a guy whose most impactful decision was also his worst: The decision to run for president.
How Joe Biden will be looked at as a figure in history is up in the air. After all, there was so much to his life in federal politics before he became commander in chief. Between the swearing-in of a just-widowed 30 year-old senator in a Delaware hospital following a car accident and an elderly president’s final trip on Marine One is a federal career totaling almost a half-century.
But we all know the most consequential part of that career. No matter how or if Biden’s legacy continues, his presidency will finally meet its end.
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As the Biden administration comes to a close, many Americans are reflecting on the past four years and looking towards the future. However, not everyone is sad to see President Biden go. In a recent article published by The Gazette, the author argues that Biden won't be missed by many Americans.
The article highlights several key reasons why Biden's presidency has been divisive and controversial. From his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic to his economic policies, Biden has faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Many believe that his presidency has been marked by a lack of leadership and a failure to deliver on his campaign promises.
Additionally, the article points out the numerous scandals and controversies that have plagued the Biden administration, including the recent crisis in Afghanistan and the ongoing border crisis. These issues have left many Americans feeling disillusioned and frustrated with Biden's leadership.
Overall, the article makes a compelling case for why Biden won't be missed by a large portion of the American population. As the country prepares for the next presidential election, it will be interesting to see who steps up to take Biden's place and lead the nation in a new direction.
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While Josh Allen and his Bills are currently attempting to break the team’s Super Bowl drought, in the early 90s the Bills were the team to beat.
First Round Playoffs
But unfortunately for Marv Levy’s men, they produced their worst games in each of those four championship matches to go down in history as the NFL’s biggest losers.
The Scott Norwood field goal sailed wide, and so began the Buffalo Super Bowl curse. Picture: Four Falls of BuffaloSource: Supplied
“There’s always that – ‘but you didn’t win the Super Bowl’,” Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly said on his legacy on Kayo documentary Four Falls of Buffalo.
And still to this day, the Bills are yet to claim a Super Bowl victory – one of 12 teams in the NFL to never taste that Lombardi Trophy success.
Bills fans will ask: How different could Buffalo’s dynasty be had kicker Scott Norwood’s potential Super Bowl match-winner not sailed wide right in 1991 – the first of the four straight defeats?
What would have happened if assistant Chuck Dickerson hadn’t lit a fire under Washington players with his pre-Super Bowl ‘hog’ taunts in 1992?
Ravens sink Steelers to progress | 00:50
Would Thurman Thomas have made an impact if a member of Harry Connick Jnr’s band did not move his helmet during Super Bowl XXVI – ensuring he missed precious match time looking for it/searching for a replacement?
The Bills of the 1990s could be considered cursed.
Norwood would become the poster boy for Buffalo’s misery – with his missed 47-yard field goal with just eight seconds to play in Super Bowl XXV etched in every NFL fan’s mind as the infamous ‘Wide Right’.
Everything was riding on Norwood’s kick but as Al Michaels famously called it in commentary, it was “no good … wide right” and the Bills were defeated 20-19 in crushing scenes.
Players and staff stood hand-in-hand before the Norwood miss. Picture: Four Falls of BuffaloSource: SuppliedPlayers get around Scott Norwood after his match-winning field goal sailed wide right.Source: Supplied
The kicker, who would later be dumped by the Bills after their second straight Super Bowl loss – missing the next two defeats, relives the moment in the Four Falls of Buffalo documentary.
“I had expected a very, very positive, exciting result (in the first Super Bowl appearance). To so quickly turn to the other end of the spectrum is really quite an emotional flip-flop,” he said.
“What recollection I would have after would definitely be categorised as a blur.
“I almost relate it to being in some kind of accident where it’s almost shock, the magnitude of it not working out kind of seeping on top of me.
“Sorrow, I guess, and disappointment in letting down teammates that are there on the field of battle with you (were the first emotions).
“I get choked up thinking about it, putting myself back in the situation on the sidelines.”
Kicker gets ‘CRUNCHED’ in Texans return | 00:42
By the time they made their way to a fourth straight Super Bowl in 1994, there was nothing left to give.
“We got together as a team and almost said let’s not go (to a third straight Super Bowl),” Bills star James Lofton said on Four Falls of Buffalo.
“If you lose, you will be the greatest losers of all time,” Buffalo general manager Bill Polian was warned at the time.
The likes of Kelly, Thomas, Bruce Smith and Darryl Talley would all finish their careers without that ultimate victory – despite double digit win seasons in four straight years of dominance (and four straight AFC Championship titles).
“It hurt me then, it still hurts me now,” Thomas says.
“I’m still upset about losing four Super Bowls.
“I went to all four!”
The Scott Norwood field goal sailed wide, and so began the Buffalo Super Bowl curse. Picture: Four Falls of BuffaloSource: Supplied
The Bills were so bad in the championship game that fans dubbed them the acronym Boy I Love Losing Superbowls (BILLS).
Current day Buffalo fans are desperate for their team to be remembered for something other than the four straight Super Bowl losses.
Could Sean McDermott’s men, led from the front by star quarterback Josh Allen, be the ones to do it?
The 2024/25 NFL playoffs begin from January 11, with the Bills taking on the Broncos in the Wildcard Playoff from 5am AEDT.
Watch the Four Falls of Buffalo documentary onKayo.
The Four Falls of Buffalo: The Super Bowl Curse
The Buffalo Bills are known for one of the most infamous streaks in NFL history – four straight Super Bowl losses. This heartbreaking drought, often referred to as the “Super Bowl curse,” has haunted the Bills and their fans for decades.
The first of the four falls came in Super Bowl XXV in 1991, where the Bills faced the New York Giants. With just seconds left in the game, kicker Scott Norwood missed a potential game-winning field goal, sealing a victory for the Giants.
Despite this devastating loss, the Bills returned to the Super Bowl for three consecutive years, only to come up short each time. Led by head coach Marv Levy and quarterback Jim Kelly, the Bills were a dominant force in the AFC, but could never clinch the championship.
The “Four Falls of Buffalo” has become a symbol of perseverance and heartbreak in football history. In 2015, ESPN released a documentary of the same name, chronicling the highs and lows of the Bills’ Super Bowl runs.
Despite the curse that has plagued the Bills for so long, their resilience and determination have made them a beloved team in the hearts of fans. The four falls may have been devastating, but they have also become a defining moment in the history of the Buffalo Bills.
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Four Falls of Buffalo, Super Bowl curse, four straight Super Bowl losses, Buffalo Bills, Scott Norwood missed field goal, cursed sports teams, Marv Levy, Jim Kelly, NFL documentary, football history
Marvel Studios has the perfect opportunity to finally bring a missing element from T’Challa’s costume into the MCU if the Black Panther is recast. T’Challa is one of Marvel’s most notable and important superheroes, which made him an instant favorite in the MCU when the late Chadwick Boseman brought T’Challa’s Black Panther to life in Captain America: Civil War. Boseman’s sudden passing in 2020 led to T’Challa being written out of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, however, leaving a huge void in the MCU.
According to insider Jeff Sneider, Marvel Studios is “firmly open” to recasting T’Challa’s Black Panther in the MCU. This was avoided in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, as the sequel instead dealt directly with the cast, crew and audience’s grief of losing both Chadwick Boseman and T’Challa, but, now, the exploration of the multiverse means a new T’Challa can debut in the MCU. This new iteration could be vastly different from Boseman’s version, and could be even more comic-accurate than the MCU’s original Black Panther.
Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa Never Wore A Cape In The MCU
While Chadwick Boseman did an incredible job at delivering a T’Challa full of likable qualities and a charismatic and vulnerable personality, not everything about his character stayed faithful to the Wakandan protector from Marvel Comics. Notably, Marvel Studios massively upgraded the Black Panther’s costume for the live-action MCU, making it far more modern and armored, and, crucially, removing the cape. T’Challa’s Black Panther sported a cape in his very first Marvel Comics appearance back in 1966’s Fantastic Four #52, but this hasn’t been a permanent addition.
Many superheroes sported capes in Marvel Comics which were subsequently removed in the live-action MCU. While the likes of Thor and Vision retained updated versions of their classic comic looks, the Black Panther’s cape was permanently removed for the MCU, but recasting the iconic hero now presents the opportunity for it to be reintroduced. Debuting a variant of T’Challa’s Black Panther means Marvel can take some creative liberties with the new iteration, and kitting him out with a cape would be a great development.
What Other Black Panther Costume Changes Could A Recast T’Challa Make?
A New Black Panther Could Be Very Different
A cape isn’t the only addition that Marvel Studios could make to the new Black Panther costume if T’Challa is recast in Avengers: Doomsday, Secret Wars or the MCU’s upcoming Black Panther 3. In fact, the Black Panther has sported many different costumes in Marvel Comics that could inspire the hero’s new suit in the MCU, most notably, the Black Panther’s iconic sleek bodysuit outfit that has perhaps already been glimpsed in Bashenga’s appearance in Black Panther. This is T’Challa’s most prominent costume in Marvel Comics, so would be great to see in the MCU.
While I would love to see T’Challa’s Black Panther recast in the MCU, these recent reports have me worried about the future of Letitia Wright’s Shuri.
Alternatively, the MCU’s new Black Panther could sport a half-mask costume, don a cloak inspired by his 1800s look, be depicted as more of a cowboy or take on his heavy-duty Man Without Fear design. The latter saw T’Challa operate as the protector of Hell’s Kitchen in Daredevil’s absence, which could be a fun story to explore following the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again series. One thing’s for sure, recasting T’Challa’s Black Panther in the MCU creates some enormous and exciting opportunities for Marvel Studios.
Black Panther is the eighteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and sees the titular hero return after the events of Captain America: Civil War. Set in the fictional nation of Wakanda, Black Panther sees the succession of T’Challa as the nation’s new king. However, when a mysterious soldier with ill intentions arrives with proof of his claim to the throne, the future of Wakanda is thrown into jeopardy.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the sequel to the 2018 film Black Panther and is part of Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Gripping with the passing of their king, the nation of Wakanda attempts to figure out how to move forward with Queen Mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright) at the helm. However, a nation in grieving is not observed by all, as soon Wakanda comes under attack by the underwater civilization of Talocan, led by Namor (Tenoch Huerta.) Wakanda will enlist allies outside and from within to push back this new invading threat and ensure that Wakanda truly does live on forever.
Upcoming MCU Movies
Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa in Black Panther was iconic, and his costume was a key element in bringing the character to life. However, there was one key element missing from the costume that we would love to see when T’Challa is recast in future films.
That missing element is the inclusion of the Black Panther’s cape. In the comics, T’Challa is often depicted wearing a sleek black cape that not only adds a regal flair to his appearance but also serves as a practical tool in battle. The cape is made of vibranium, the same material as T’Challa’s suit, and can be used for protection, stealth, and even as a weapon.
While the absence of the cape in Boseman’s costume was a stylistic choice that helped to modernize the character for the big screen, we believe that incorporating it into future iterations of the Black Panther would be a fitting tribute to the comic book origins of the character.
The cape could be designed in a way that is both functional and visually striking, adding an extra layer of depth to T’Challa’s character and making him even more formidable in battle. Plus, seeing T’Challa don the cape for the first time in a future film would be a powerful moment that pays homage to the legacy of Chadwick Boseman while also propelling the character forward into new and exciting adventures.
In conclusion, while Boseman’s Black Panther costume was undeniably amazing, we can’t help but hope that the next actor to take on the role will have the opportunity to wear the Black Panther’s iconic cape and continue to honor the character’s rich history in the Marvel universe.
