2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Taylor Swift and Tom Brady make staggering donations to Hurricane Milton victims ‘to make a real impact’
TAYLOR Swift and Tom Brady have both made sizeable donations to help the victims of Hurricane Milton.
The devastating storm has hit Florida, much of which is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, with 160mph winds and 15-foot surges.
The Mega AgencyHurricane Milton has left parts of Florida devastated[/caption]
GettyTaylor Swift has made a staggering seven-figure donation[/caption]
RexTom Brady posted an emotional message to his social media followers[/caption]
In the wake of the devastation, both Swift and Brady have donated to charities of their choice.
Rather than announcing her generous act to the world, the donation was actually revealed by Feeding America themselves, who thanked Swift for her kindness.
“Thank you, @taylorswift for standing with us in the movement to end hunger and helping communities in need in the wake of #HurricaneHelene and #HurricaneMilton,” they wrote on Instagram.
“Together, we can make a real impact in supporting families as they navigate the challenges ahead.
“Join Taylor if you’re able by donating at the link in our bio.”
Swift’s fans were full of praise for her incredibly generous donation.
One wrote on X, “she’s always on the right side of history and using her money well!!!”
“Hate her or love her she’s always giving and doing more for the issues happening in the world than 99% of the girls y’all stan,” a second agreed.
“This woman is literally so thoughtful and generous…” a third gushed.
“The Taylor Swift haters are real silent right now…” another added.
Brady, meanwhile, pledged to make a sizeable donation to Volunteer Florida.
The former NFL star, 47, posted a message for his 15million Instagram followers.
“In the wake of Hurricane Milton, I’ll be making a donation of $100k to help get essentials like food, water and first aid to fellow Floridians in need,” he began.
“My friends at @gopuff are matching this, along with all other donations made with ‘Give with Gopuff’, all benefiting the Volunteer Florida Foundation.
“Keep those impacted by these storms in your prayers, look out for your neighbors, and continue to help out in any way you are able.
“Stay safe, and stay strong Florida.”
Responding to Brady’s social media post, one wrote on X, “Thank you Tom!!!!”
“Thanks for the support, Tom!” a second added.
“Tom coming in clutch once again,” another commented.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Why answer to Man Utd’s full-back woes is staring Ten Hag in the face as Red Devils suffer new injury blow with Mazraoui
ERIK TEN HAG has been left with a mammoth size headache in defence when Manchester United return from the international break.
With no natural left-back to call on this season thanks to setbacks with Luke Shaw and the long-term injury of Tyrell Malacia, Diogo Dalot has filled in.
GettyErik ten Hag has been dealt a fresh blow in defence[/caption]
GettyNoussair Mazraoui is now a doubt for their next match[/caption]
GettyIt has left Diogo Dalot as the only recognised fit full-back, but he has been performing poorly at LB this season[/caption]
GettyTyrell Malacia has been a long-term absentee[/caption]
AlamyBut a star compared to and backed by Luke Shaw could be Ten Hag’s solution[/caption]
APThat star is U21 LB Harry Amass, who should be called up to help solve United’s problem[/caption]
However, the defender has gone from one of United’s most reliable players last season at right-back to one of their most suspect at left-back this year.
But with the former Bayern Munich star now a doubt for the Brentford game after undergoing a procedure after he experienced heart palpitations, it leaves Ten Hag with a familiar headache.
This means United now have just one recognised and fit senior full-back in Dalot, who as mentioned above as looked out of sorts playing at left-back.
This leaves Ten Hag with two choices.
One, to select another senior star at full-back – possibly Victor Lindelof at right-back or Toby Collyer at left-back – and keep Dalot at left-back, or two, to promote United youngster Harry Amass.
New club chiefs Ineos outlined the Dutchman’s promotion of youth talent as one of their reasons to keep him on, with the development of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho particularly pleasing.
Carrington has been a steady production line for the senior team in recent years, with midfielder Collyer the latest to make their senior debut.
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However, Amass, aged 17, has already been tipped to help the team this season.
The Under-21 left-back impressed when playing with the senior team during pre-season and looked set to be part of the senior squad.
But Amass is yet to even make a Premier League squad this season, instead getting his minutes in the youth team.
While it is important not to place too much pressure on him at a tender age, Amass has already been named in the club’s Europa League squad registration.
The 5ft 9in defender also earned the backing of Shaw, who he has also drawn similarities to in terms of his style of play.
When speaking in June, and asked who he reckons could break into the first team this season, he said: “He’s a young left-back from Man United. Harry Amass.”
The teen proved he had a strong relationship with Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo in pre-season, and that could make the world of difference to the Red Devils attacking play.
Ten Hag's left-back solutions
Erik ten Hag has tried to answer his left-back riddle with a number of different solutions with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined for the majority of last season.
Diogo Dalot proved himself to be useful tucking inside when playing there, but he has struggled more than excelled there.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was consequently drafted in to swap Dalot around, and generally performed admirably in a more defensive specialist role, which helped United win the FA Cup final last season.
Sofyan Amrabat started out his Man Utd career playing from LB, and his first game showed some promising signs before better opposition quickly saw that idea squashed.
Toby Collyer played there against Barnsley earlier this season. The youngster played well but is a natural midfielder who could easily be caught out if used in the future.
Lisandro Martinez played at LB at times for Ajax, but this role looked painfully alien to him when he played there in the first half against Man City in the Community Shield.
Even Jonny Evans has played there under Ten Hag when trying to defend a lead late on, but at 36 he should not be relied upon to play there, it is wild enough he has been one of the best CBs at the club despite the many millions spent on the position in previous years.
Antony played there briefly last season – kicking up a mighty fuss in the process – but kept a clean sheet in the brief minutes he has there. Some have even argued he has been wasted at right wing and could be retrofitted to play LB or LWB.
Amass himself has said he intends to play first-team football at the club, while Ten Hag also said that he was “not that far away now”.
He has represented England at all youth levels from Under-15 to Under-18, and was named in the most recent squad to face Sweden and one of Ukraine or the Netherlands in Marbella.
Speaking in August, Ten Hag said Amass could be involved in first team matches within three months.
That means in an ideal world Amass would be eased into the first-team in November.
However, injuries and a lack of suitable alternatives could, and arguably should, force Ten Hag’s hand in terms of granting his promotion into the senior ranks.
It was legendary United boss Sir Matt Busby who coined the term: “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”
And there is a very real argument to be made that Amass is currently the best option available at left-back to Ten Hag for matches later this month.
GettyAmass impressed in pre-season and was backed by Ten Hag to break into the first team this season[/caption]
Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man Utd
SunSport's DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag's time at Man Utd is up… and explains what's wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.
THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.
And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.
If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.
The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.
He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.
None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.
Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.
Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.
And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.
Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.
Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.
Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.
Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.
Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.
Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.
Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.
Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.
Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.
Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.
Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.
GettyFrank Fritz died in hospital care from medical complications[/caption]
The History ChannelSeason 26 saw the cast back in action – but fans noticed there was no Frank dedication[/caption]
GettyMike Wolfe has vowed to dedicate the rest of his time on the show to him[/caption]
Ahead of the show’s return on Wednesday night, the History Channel dedicated a night of coverage to highlights of Frank’s time on the show.
But when season 26 actually launched, fans were saddened to see there was no mention of him on the episode itself.
Taking to Reddit, one fan wrote: “There was no dedication to Frank on the season premiere last night.
“I feel like they should have at least made a title card at the end or something to honor him?”
“Total disrespect! This show was and is still dead to me,” commented another.
“I saw the title card on one of the Frank-centric reruns last night but not on the new episode premiere,” wrote a third.
This ultimately ruled out the possibility of him ever returning to the show.
His death was announced on October 1 by co-star Mike Wolfe, revealing he was by Frank’s side when he died.
“We’ve been on countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home,” he wrote.
“I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know you’re in a better place.”
Ahead of the season 26 premiere, Wolfe took to Instagram to share his own tribute to his friend.
“It has taken me a long time to figure out what I was going to say or if I even wanted to post that we have new episodes starting tomorrow night,” he wrote.
“The timing of this and Frank’s passing is not great however we have been making shows without Frank for four years now and we have always wanted him to be back with this crew, but he couldn’t due to health issues.”
“Every time the crew and I were in Iowa, we would go and sit by Frank’s side and let him know how much he was missed, how he could never be replaced and we will work incredibly hard on every episode to make him proud,” he added.
“As always, since Frank has left, I dedicate this show and all the others this season in his honor.”
History ChannelHistory Channel hosted a day in Frank’s honor, airing highlights of his time on American Pickers[/caption]
Coleman-RaynerThe star had been a long-time fan favorite on the show[/caption]
Mike Wolfe was with Frank when he died
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on PC gamers can grab two games completely free saving $28 – a couple more are coming next week
EPIC Games Store gives away games every week, saving PC gamers money on great titles.
This time around, it’s a pair of survival games you can get for free, which will save you about £24 / $28.
Eleon Game StudiosEmpyrion – Galactic Survival lets you build space stations and explore the galaxy, and it’s now free on the Epic Games Store[/caption]
GbrossoftThe other freebie this week is Outliver: Tribulation in which you survive in supernatural realm based on African myths[/caption]
Empyrion – Galactic Survival and Outliver: Tribulation are Epic Games Store’s free games this week, from October 10 to 17, 2024.
A space sandbox game, Empyrion – Galactic Survival will have you build vessels and settlements as you explore the galaxy and uncover its mysteries.
It combines open-world exploration, building, survival-crafting mechanics, and even FPS gunplay.
You can play solo or team up with friends, for both player versus environment activities or more challenging action against other players.
Outliver: Tribulation is a survival horror game set in a supernatural world inspired by African myths.
It ups the challenge with soulslike combat, so you can expect some intense battles.
As you unravel the mystery of The Realm of Tribulations, you will also be solving various riddles to advance your trials.
Unlike Empyrion, Outliver: Tribulation is a single-player experience.
Players will have a week to claim these games from the Epic Games Store for free.
Once claimed, the titles remain in your library forever, and you can always download them from the Epic Games Launcher on your PC.
The launcher and the required Epic Games account are completely free, with no subscriptions or hidden fees.
Once the current selection of freebies is gone, this week’s games will be replaced by Invincible Presents: Atom Eve and Kardboard Kings.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Lottery officials looking for anonymous winner who’s holding $16.3 million ticket and it was sold in a major city
LOTTERY officials from a major US city announced an exciting milestone for one lucky player.
The winner of a huge ticket worth $16.300,000 has yet to come forward to claim the cash.
The game requires matching six numbers to win the jackpot, and prizes must be claimed within a yearGetty Images - Getty
The New York Lottery has revealed that the winning ticket was sold for the October 9 LOTTO drawing.
Whoever won the prize bought the ticket at Flying Phoenix, located at 790 11th Ave in Manhattan, New York.
In the LOTTO game, six winning numbers and a bonus number are drawn from a pool of numbers ranging from 1 to 59.
To win the jackpot, players must match all six drawn numbers.
Additionally, those who match five numbers plus the bonus number can win significant second prizes.
The LOTTO drawing occurs every Wednesday and Saturday at 8:15 pm, providing regular opportunities for players to test their luck.
CLAIMING THE PRIZE
For the lucky winner, claiming the prize requires keeping the ticket secure and signing the back of it, as it functions as a bearer instrument.
Winners must act quickly, as tickets expire one year from the draw date, per the state’s lottery website.
For prizes under $600, winners can redeem their tickets at any licensed New York Lottery retail location, Customer Service Center, Prize Claim Center, or by mail.
However, for prizes of $600 or more, claiming must occur at a New York Lottery Customer Service Center, Prize Claim Center, or through the mail.
To successfully claim a prize, winners need to provide:
Their winning ticket
A completed Winner Claim Form
A valid government-issued ID
A valid Social Security Number or FEIN
When visiting a Lottery Customer Service Center, it may be necessary to schedule an appointment, although some locations allow walk-ins.
Acceptable forms of identification include US or Foreign Passports, driver’s licenses, government IDs, and military IDs.
Lottery winnings: lump sum or annuity?
Players who win big on lottery tickets typically have a choice to make: lump sum or annuity?
The two payout methods can impact how much money you get from your prize.
Annuities pay out slowly in increments, often over 30 years.
Lump sums pay all at once but in a smaller amount, as taxes are withheld in one go. That means 24% of your prize goes to Uncle Sam right away. Many states tax winnings as well.
Annuities can provide winners time to set up the financial infrastructure required to take in a life-changing amount of money, but lump sums have the benefit of being taxed only once.
Inflation is also worth considering when making a choice, as payouts do not adjust with the value of a dollar. That means that you’ll likely be getting less valuable money towards the end of an annuity.
Each state and game pays out prizes differently, so it’s best to check with your state’s lottery to confirm payment policies. A financial advisor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Philadelphia Phillies tipped to cut ties with $69 million All-Star in huge shock after playoff loss to New York Mets
THE Philadelphia Phillies have been predicted to release an expensive All-Star from their roster.
Philadelphia is coming off a devastating MLB playoff series loss to the divisional rival New York Mets on Wednesday night.
ReutersThe Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets players lineup for the national anthem before Game 1 of the 2024 NLDS last week[/caption]
ReutersPhillies pitcher Carlos Estevez pitches in the eighth inning versus the Mets during Game 3[/caption]
After the team’s elimination, the Phillies will have major question marks regarding the upcoming free agency.
Philadelphia has numerous players that will hit the open market, including relievers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez.
It’s expected at least one of the pitchers will sign elsewhere, and Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer thinks the Phillies should let go of Estévez, who is projected to get over $69 million over five seasons, per Spotrac.
“It was a good year for the Phillies bullpen, which ultimately ranked sixth in fWAR,” Rymer wrote.
“But with Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez slated for free agency, it’ll take some effort to keep the good times lasting into 2025.
“The Phillies should want Hoffman back, but Estévez should give them pause.
“Though he was effective this year, he didn’t even rise to the level of a strikeout per inning.”
Rymer referenced fWAR, which stands for the advanced stat website Fangraphs’ Wins Above Replacement, a statistic that estimates a player’s value to their team by comparing them to a replacement-level player.
The analyst’s opinion comes after Estévez came on in relief of Hoffman in the sixth inning of Game 4 of the National League Division Series.
Estévez allowed a grand slam to Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor which proved to be the deciding factor of the contest.
Nicknamed CBum, he has amassed a whopping 24million Instagram followers and 3.9million YouTube subscribers.
The star also has a massive following on TikTok, with almost five million followers, where he shows off his training, diet and lifestyle to his eager supporters.
Asked about his popularity during an interview with Muscle and Fitness he explained: “I think it’s because I’ve been authentic my whole career. My parents raised me that way.
“I’ve never tried to be someone I’m not. I’ve never tried to be the big, tough, intense, angry, bodybuilder that no one can relate.
“I’ve always been genuine and honest when I’m anxious, nervous, excited, and I share a lot of that through my prep on my YouTube and social media channels.
He continued explaining how back when he started the typical bodybuilder didn’t take selfies or talk about their lives to a camera.
He said: “I wanted to bridge these two worlds together by entering a prep for the Olympia and recording every single workout, everything I eat when I’m having good days when I’m having bad days.
“I think people relate to that.”
As a very successful businessman he also owns two companies – Raw Nutrition, a line of nutritional supplements, and Cbum fitness, a clothing line that has gym fanatics lining up to get the new gear.
He has an autoimmune disease – IGA Nephropathy that means his kidneys get attacked by antibodies making his wins even more impressive.
Has Chris Bumstead won Mr Olympia?
As his greatest bodybuilder in the world title suggests, Bumstead has won Mr Olympia five times.
Over consecutive years between 2019 and 2023, he has remained Mr Olympia – winning in the prestigious Classic Physique category.
He also finished runner up In 2017 and 2018.
GettyChris Bumstead competing at the Olympia Fitness & Performance weekend in 2022[/caption]
What bodybuilding competitions has Chris Bumstead won?
Since getting his pro license in 2016, Bumstead has competed in nine national competitions – scooping up six winners medals along the way.
But the pro athlete has been competing since 2014 in junior tournaments.
They include:
2023 Mr Olympia Classic Physique – 1st place
2022 Mr Olympia Classic Physique – 1st place
2021 Mr Olympia Classic Physique – 1st place
2020 Mr Olympia Classic Physique – 1st place
2019 Mr Olympia Classic Physique – 1st place
2018 Mr Olympia Classic Physique – 2nd place
2018 Arnold Classic Ohio – 1st place (Classic Physique)
2017 Mr Olympia Classic Physique – 2nd place
2017 IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow – 1st place (Classic Physique)
2016 IFBB North American Championships – 1st place (Classic Physique)
How tall is Chris Bumstead and how much does he weigh?
Chris is 6ft 1in and weighs 230lbs when competing.
The big man walks around slightly heavier out of season at 264lbs according to his social media posts.
His height doesn’t make him very tall despite his massive physique but he still towers over legends like Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler and Eddie Robinson.
GettyChris Bumstead is allegedly not natural[/caption]
Is Chris Bumstead natural?
No, he is allegedly not natural and has taken anabolic steroids.
The IFBB who run bodybuilding are supposed to deter athletes from taking steroids and they are technically banned, but for decades now people have been getting away with abuse.
Very rarely are drug tests done according to former competitors.
Rumours have circulated online about CBum’s hair loss, red patchy skin and oversized deltoids all pointing towards steroid use.
In a YouTube video titled Talking About My Cycle, Bumstead discussing blood tests he does for his health issues and talks about his “supplement” regimen.
Many took this to not mean protein shakes or creatine but more so steroids.
CBum allegedly alludes to taking 200mg to 500mg of synthetic testosterone per week and mentions that he cycles off all steroids at least once a year.
In the video, Bumstead also reveals he takes “other compounds” in the off-season and contest preparation phases.
These compounds are generally believed to be injectable bulking or cutting anabolic agents.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Dollar Tree shoppers are clearing shelves for $1.25 Halloween essential that’s identical to Walmart’s but 75% cheaper
BUDGET-savvy shoppers are racing to stock up on Halloween essentials ahead of the spooky holiday that is just weeks away.
Shoppers are rushing to buy a Halloween coconut lime-scented hand soap from Dollar Tree.
Dollar TreeHalloween Coconut Lime-Scented Hand Soap at Dollar Tree selling for $1.25[/caption]
WalmartWalmart’s “Cute Ghost” soap selling for $15.44[/caption]
It’s a fraction of the price of an identical item at Walmart.
The discount store is selling the dupe for just $1.25.
This is compared to Walmart which has a “cute ghost” soap dispenser for $15.44.
Decorating for Halloween is a great way to enjoy fall and shoppers can do it on a budget.
They can choose between a ghost design or a black skull for just $1.25 each.
Walmart is also celebrating the spooky season, describing the shape as “whimsy and fun” and “a great gift for the fun-loving people in your life!”.
The product is made of clay, featuring a thick frosted porcelain surface and sturdy base.
Consumers say the Dollar Tree dupe is “very cute” and like the ability to refill it with their own soap.
They like the fact they can re-use it each year around the spooky holiday.
Another customer urged the discount store to “please make more of these.”
“The scent and soap are so good and I love the skull bottle so much,” they wrote.
“I’ve been to 3 Dollar Trees looking for these.”
“I bought one yesterday at my Dollar Tree and had to come here to find out exactly what scent that was!!! Now I’m hoping they have that same scent hand soap in regular bottles as well! Love it!!!” another wrote.
Consumers are warned that prices and availability may vary by each store location.
