Category: Uncategorized

  • Longhorns’ Playoff Dreams Fizzle: Ohio State’s Late Surge Extinguishes Texas Hopes

    Longhorns’ Playoff Dreams Fizzle: Ohio State’s Late Surge Extinguishes Texas Hopes

    It’s a tale as old as time—or at least as old as the Longhorns’ recent football seasons. Texas once more found itself grappling with an all-too-familiar specter of inconsistency during their Cotton Bowl face-off with Ohio State. The scoreboard glowed ominously by the end of this duel, spelling out a 28-14 defeat that snapped the Longhorns’ playoff aspirations like a flimsy twig.

    The Texas squad began the year with a blazing hope, much like a fast-lit fuse. Yet, as the clock ticked on, that spark fizzled when it mattered most. Flashback to their quarterfinal with Arizona State—a game where they sprinted to a 24-8 lead and then stumbled. It demanded near-athletic heroics from quarterback Quinn Ewers to stave off disaster in the dying embers and overtime of that matchup.

    Friday’s encounter at AT&T Stadium might have been a chance for redemption—a slow burn that could turn into a roaring blaze. The Longhorns, playing solidly in what was arguably their best third quarter of the season, kept pace with the Buckeyes as they entered a tense fourth quarter tied. Hope flickered.

    Yet, with just over seven minutes left, Ohio State seized control. Texas, pinned on a fourth-and-8 at their opponent’s 8-yard line with a mere 2:13 remaining, watched the relentless Jack Sawyer charge like a predator. He pounced on Ewers, creating a fumble that he converted into an 83-yard score—a dagger to Texas’ heart. The Buckeyes’ defensive end, with swift feet and keen instinct, sealed victory for Ohio State—a game that started slipping away far before this pivotal moment.

    Quinn Ewers expressed the sting poignantly: “It sucks being on this side of things, for sure. I mean, back-to-back years pretty much a game decided in one play and it’s hard.”

    His words resonate in the cavernous echo of promise interrupted—a team that could not convert when the stakes demanded more than a whisper. The Buckeyes, now en route to face Notre Dame in the CFP national title, left Texas in the dust.

    The unraveling was not solely tied to that one fumble—like a thread tugged from a seam, it began earlier. Texas, for all its fight, was its own undoing. A second-and-1 at the Ohio State 1-yard line should have been routine, yet a pitch play gone sour turned a gimme into a seven-yard loss. A third-down pass to Ryan Wingo slipped from grasp, and the rest is quickly descending history. Texas, strong in metrics through three quarters, found its momentum sapped when it counted, out-passing and out-turnover-ing Ohio State but failing to cash in on crucial opportunities.

    Coach Steve Sarkisian lamented the cruel twist of fate: “They made two big plays, you know? They hit the screen at the end of the first half and got the sack fumble on fourth down there for a touchdown,” highlighting the game’s razor-thin margins.

    Despite holding Ohio State to just 46 yards of offense in the third quarter, the resolve and resilience of the team faltered under the fourth-quarter pressure. The Longhorns’ defensive line, akin to an iron curtain, shut down Ohio’s attempts, yet the offense could not capitalize.

    The journey for the Texas Longhorns may have ended here—in the arena of dreams dashed and lessons learned. As the echoes of defeat fade, it’s a reminder that in football as in life, it’s not just the talent on the pitch but the relentless spirit to seize moments that defines lasting success.

  • From the Court to the Ice: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Mastery and Sam Aston’s Grace Illuminate the Pursuit of Excellence

    From the Court to the Ice: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Mastery and Sam Aston’s Grace Illuminate the Pursuit of Excellence

    In the labyrinthine corridors of Madison Square Garden, the air was thick with anticipation—an arena famed for its electric atmosphere was ready for another spectacle. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the OKC Thunder’s maestro, orchestrated a performance that was nothing short of a masterclass, mesmerizing fans and critics alike as he led his team to a commanding victory over the New York Knicks.

    The Knicks, once hopeful, found themselves on the wrong end of a relentless storm. Jalen Brunson, amid the chaos, sought solace on the court, yet every move seemed preordained to fail against the unstoppable force that was Gilgeous-Alexander. Like a seasoned chess player, SGA maneuvered through the Knicks’ defenses—his 39-point performance leaving them, and the crowd, in awe.

    His artistry was evident in every motion, every calculated leap, culminating in a display that coach Mark Daigneault described as the epitome of growth. “He can make it look easy sometimes, but it’s not easy,” Daigneault noted, hinting at SGA’s ever-expanding prowess. The Thunder’s offensive salvo was equally supported by Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe, whose career-high eight 3-pointers were a tribute to resilience and the ‘law of averages’ he firmly believes in.

    Meanwhile, in a different spotlight, Sam Aston, beloved for his portrayal of Chesney Brown on Coronation Street, embarked on a new journey—all eyes turning to Dancing on Ice. While the icy stage might seem worlds away from the cobblestones of Weatherfield, Aston is quick to assure fans of his impending return. “I’m not being written out for this or anything like that,” he promised, emphasizing his enduring commitment to the show.

    Dancing on Ice presents a different sort of challenge—a spectacle of glitz and glamor that even Aston approaches with a touch of modesty. Despite being the bookmakers’ favorite, he laughed off the notion, attributing his success to sheer enjoyment and the thrill of learning to skate. Yet, one tradition—fake tan—remains unadopted. “I can’t be swanning around on the cobbles with a fake tan,” he quipped, maintaining a connection to his character’s frugal image.

    The narrative of both stars on different stages speaks to the broader themes of resilience and adaptability. Whether it’s Gilgeous-Alexander’s tactical brilliance on the court or Aston’s graceful pirouettes on the ice, both remind us of the pursuit of excellence—each in their unique arena. As the curtain falls on these tales, they leave us eagerly anticipating their next moves, whether it’s the Thunder’s continued dominance or Aston’s next twist on the ice.

  • Nigel Farage and the Nintendo Enigma: Power Plays in Politics and Pixels

    Nigel Farage and the Nintendo Enigma: Power Plays in Politics and Pixels

    Nigel Farage — a name that often stirs a pot of controversy and political intrigue in Britain’s ever-evolving landscape. Now, in an unexpected twist, the power to shape the nation’s political destiny seems to lie within his grasp. If you were to glance at the tumultuous political scene, you might think Labour’s Keir Starmer is on the ropes, eager to rebound, yet shadows of irreversible missteps loom large. His alleged extravagant inclinations — from accepting designer clothes to making dubious pre-election promises — paint a precarious picture.

    The latest electoral polls present a fragmented theatre, with the two right-wing parties in what some might call a precarious dance. Labour, Conservatives, and Reform appear clustered in a volatile contest of public favor, each party jostling for the upper hand. In this scenario, the strategic wisdom of a pact between the Conservatives and Reform looms large, potentially preventing Labour from holding sway with a fraction of the popular vote — a curious byproduct of Britain’s first-past-the-post electoral system.

    But such alliances are easier discussed than realized. Any hint of a collaboration sends reformists into a frenzy, denouncing the Conservatives for their flirtations with what they perceive as leftist ideologies. The scars of past governance weigh heavily, with criticisms aplenty over immigration control or decarbonization targets. Yet, the argument persists — the Conservatives are evolving, perhaps learning from their past errors, ready to embrace a new cohort of leaders.

    Enter Nigel Farage, a figure who, much like Milton’s Lucifer, seems more content to reign in his own realm than serve another’s. His sway over Reform is almost mythical — a party orbiting one charismatic sun. Farage has long resisted aligning himself with others, his political calculus always self-reliant and strategically sharp. Suggestions of his collaboration with the Tories often meet with a fiery resistance, his sights set singularly on dismantling the established conservative paradigm.

    Meanwhile, the technology sector is abuzz with speculation of a different kind — whispers of Nintendo Switch 2 crescendo across the digital realm, echoing through the fandom. A mysterious leaker, with a history of accurate predictions, offers a tantalizing prospect of the console seeing the light of day — January 17, they claim. With Nintendo’s typical veil of secrecy only partly lifted, these rumors spike curiosity and skepticism in equal measure.

    Past console launches provide a lens to interpret such a timeline, hinting at an announcement pattern that Nintendo has favored. Yet, the suspiciously low rumored price throws a wrench into the equation, inviting doubts and further scrutiny. Meanwhile, accessory brands, emboldened by leaked insights, claim readiness with products shaped around the anticipated hardware — but not without retractions, casting shadows of uncertainty as launch rumors swirl.

    Both realms—political and technological—offer tantalizing glimpses of the unforeseen. These landscapes teem with potential shifts and turns, revealing a tapestry woven with human ambition and a relentless yearning for power, whether it be Farage’s political influence or the anticipated innovation of Nintendo’s new console. In these narratives, the real intrigue lies not in the unknown itself, but in how these stories—of policy and pixels—will ultimately unfold.

  • From Dream Chasers to Jackpot Masters: Navigating the Thrill of the Lottery Gamble

    From Dream Chasers to Jackpot Masters: Navigating the Thrill of the Lottery Gamble

    In a world fueled by chance and the allure of life-changing fortunes, the lottery remains a tantalizing prospect for many. The odds may seem daunting—akin to finding a needle in a haystack amidst a field of dreams—but that does not deter eager participants from vying for that elusive big win. While it’s often said that there’s no surefire way to boost your odds, the common sense approach to understanding the game might just be your best bet for maximizing your sweepstakes experience.

    The UK lottery, like many others, offers different levels of rewards, the chances of winning vary depending on the number of entries and the specific lottery in question. As highlighted in content from Oddsseeker.com, “it’s impossible to boost your odds of winning,” yet players still continue to flock to casinos and online platforms, drawn in by the siren call of potential prosperity. This isn’t unexpected—after all, who wouldn’t want to see a small wager turn into a life-altering jackpot?

    Take the example of Michigan Lottery’s million-dollar scratch-off games—players are advised to target games that still boast million-dollar top prizes. As the comforting adage goes: if you don’t play, you can’t win. So, players continue to diligently purchase these tickets, banking on the hope that they’ll uncover the golden opportunity hidden beneath a simple scratch.

    Meanwhile, factors like effective odds—layered in as they are with terms like RTP (Return to Player) and jackpot probabilities—complicate the world of gambling, yet they also offer calculated insights. For instance, Rainbow Riches from Barcrest boasts a 95% RTP, translating the intricacies of chance into tangible figures. For the uninitiated, understanding these numbers can be as complex as deciphering ancient scrolls, yet therein lies the beauty of such games: it’s about the thrill, the chase, and perhaps most significantly, daring to dream.

    In a historical nod to legendary streaks, let’s not forget the iconic Vegas Desert Inn hot roll, where an unnamed gambler defied chance—racking up 27 straight passes in a craps game, with odds of 12,467,890 to one. Such anecdotes fuel the fire of hope, illustrating that sometimes the improbable can indeed become possible.

    However, lottery and gambling games are not just about chasing the big win. The experience itself holds its own allure—the strategy, the anticipation, and the communal aspect when playing socially. And for those who prefer more structured odds, games like poker provide a more predictable environment where skill often trumps luck.

    For those eyeing multi-state lotteries like Powerball or Mega Millions, the allure is undeniably in the colossal sums at stake, yet the astronomical odds—sometimes in the hundreds of millions against—can be sobering. Alternatively, state-specific games might offer less hefty prizes but come with more favorable chances of winning. As the saying goes, sometimes it’s better to be a big fish in a small pond.

    Despite the complexities, one thing is clear—lotteries and sweepstakes remain a fascinating blend of chance, strategy, and psychology. They offer a unique lens through which the dynamics of risk and reward are brought to life, enthralling participants with the ever-enticing possibility of turning a mere ticket into a golden opportunity.

  • Rybakina’s Resilient Road: Navigating Controversy and Competition at the Australian Open

    Rybakina’s Resilient Road: Navigating Controversy and Competition at the Australian Open

    In an unfolding saga that underscores the intertwining complexities of sports, personal relationships, and organizational directives, Elena Rybakina, the Kazakh tennis sensation and 2022 Wimbledon champion, is at the center of a controversy as the Australian Open looms. The player is embroiled in a dispute that sees her former coach, Stefano Vukov, under scrutiny from the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

    Rybakina, the sixth seed at the Melbourne Grand Slam, has taken a firm stand, backing Vukov against allegations that have led to the WTA launching an investigation. The charges, albeit speculative at this stage, have resulted in Vukov’s provisional suspension. This means he cannot access player zones or badges that would otherwise facilitate his involvement during the tournament.

    “I don’t agree with a lot of things what WTA do in the sense of my relationship with Stefano,” Rybakina expressed, a statement resonating with a touch of frustration and defiance. “As I said before, I have never made any complaints or any of these things. I always said that he never mistreated me. That’s one thing. Since this situation is how it is now, I don’t really want to speak about this more. I want to focus on my matches here.”

    This tumultuous backdrop has not only cast a shadow over Rybakina’s preparations but has also brought to light the fragile dynamic between coaches and athletes. The role Vukov might assume upon his return remains undisclosed, leaving room for speculation among the tennis fraternity.

    Meanwhile, Goran Ivanisevic, who has recently joined Rybakina’s coaching team and brings with him the legacy of guiding Novak Djokovic, appears to tread carefully in the scenario. “I am, for the moment, here,” he stated, underlining the precarious nature of his current position. “What’s going to happen in a couple of days, I don’t know. Hopefully, I will stay, and hopefully, everything is going to be OK. But let’s take day by day.”

    Rybakina’s immediate task is to overcome local wildcard Emerson Jones in her first-round match. While focusing on her path to possibly clinching her second Grand Slam, she faces an environment rife with speculation—fuelled by comments from figures like Pam Shriver, who hasn’t shied away from criticizing Vukov’s past conduct. Vukov himself defended, asserting, “definitely never abused anyone.”

    The narrative of resilience is not restricted to Rybakina alone. Jack Draper, Britain’s No. 1, makes his return to competition, stepping onto Melbourne’s courts after a hip injury sidelined him during the season’s opening week. His off-season narrative has been one of recovery and recalibration, substantiated by training sessions with tennis giants like Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.

    “When I first came onto the tour, I remember putting my name down. I was in Miami. No one wanted to hit with me, which is a bit different now being able to play with top players,” Draper reminisces, illustrating his journey from burgeoning talent to recognized contender. “It was amazing to be on court with Novak and Andy especially. Jannik I hit with a couple days ago. They just bring such a high quality to the practice court, as well. It’s really great to be able to spar with that kind of level of intensity and work ethic, just what they bring to the court.”

    The tennis season unfolds with layers of personal and professional stakes for these athletes. It’s a reminder of how intertwined personal dynamics, institutional decisions, and professional commitments are in shaping the world of competitive sports.

  • Tennis Turbulence: Rybakina’s Loyalty, Vukov’s Probe, and Draper’s Ascent Amidst Australian Open Drama

    Tennis Turbulence: Rybakina’s Loyalty, Vukov’s Probe, and Draper’s Ascent Amidst Australian Open Drama

    In a world where sports and drama intersect, the realm of tennis is not immune to perturbation. The ongoing investigation into Stefano Vukov, helmed by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), has created ripples that even seasoned players like Elena Rybakina cannot escape. As the Australian Open looms, the sixth seed finds herself embroiled in a situation that diverges from her primary focus — her matches.

    The WTA’s probe centers on a potential breach of conduct by Vukov, who until recently held the role of Rybakina’s coach. Vukov, provisionally suspended, now finds his access to the Australian Open curbed. Yet, Rybakina stands firm in her defense. “I don’t agree with a lot of things what the WTA do in the sense of my relationship with Stefano,” she remarked, dismissing allegations that he ever mistreated her. The duo’s professional rapport had seen previous success when Rybakina clinched the Wimbledon title in 2022 — a testament perhaps to their mutual understanding.

    Her ambivalence towards the investigation is palpable, as she underscores her desire to “focus on [her] matches here.” The return of Vukov to her team in an unspecified capacity further complicates the narrative, raising eyebrows among observers and prompting speculation in tennis circles.

    On another note, the tennis community is abuzz with the upcoming hearing of Jannik Sinner’s anti-doping case, set for mid-April. His defense rests on claims of inadvertent contamination — a narrative accepted by an earlier independent hearing, yet contested by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The situation echoes the complexity of regulatory frameworks in sports, where even minute traces of prohibited substances can spiral into significant disputes.

    In the shadows of these controversies, Jack Draper, the British No. 1, prepares to make his mark at the Australian Open. His recent practice sessions with stalwarts like Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray reflect his growing prominence. Draper recounts a time when, “No one wanted to hit with me,” highlighting his evolution from an aspiring player to one who now spars with the sport’s elite. His journey exemplifies the blend of talent and perseverance crucial for ascending the ranks in professional tennis.

    As the tournament progresses, the intertwining narratives of Rybakina’s loyalty, Vukov’s uncertain future, Sinner’s legal battle, and Draper’s rise paint a rich tapestry of the current tennis landscape. In this multifaceted drama, the game continues to be both a sport and a stage — where strategy, emotion, and controversy intermingle under the searing Australian sun.

  • Katie Piper reveals ‘artificial eye’ decision 16 years after acid attack

    Katie Piper reveals ‘artificial eye’ decision 16 years after acid attack

    The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

    Katie Piper has shared her decision to try out an “artificial eye”, 16 years after an acid attack that left her partially blind.

    The 41-year-old activist and Loose Women host has undergone hundreds of operations over the years, since the attack that was arranged by her ex-boyfriend, Daniel Lynch, in March 2008.

    The former model gave up her right to anonymity to share her ordeal in the Channel 4 documentary Katie: My Beautiful Face, and shot to fame as a result. She has gone on to advocate for those with burns and disfigurement injuries ever since, founding the Katie Piper Foundation in 2009.

    Piper revealed she’d “reached the end of [the] road” in regards to her eye health and had made the decision to be fitted with the artificial eyeball in an Instagram post on Friday (10 January). She shared a video of her appearing to begin her treatment with a medical tool inserted into her eye socket.

    “After many years battling with my eye health, I’ve reached the end of road somewhat, and the decision has been made to try a prosthetic eye shell,” she wrote.

    “This marks the start of a journey to have an artificial eye, with an incredible medical team behind me.

    “As always I’m incredibly grateful to all those in the NHS and private health care system for their talent and kindness.

    “I will share my journey, I’m hopeful and nervous about being able tolerate it and would love to hear from any of you in the comments if you’ve been on this journey or have any advice.”

    TV presenter Stacey Dooley and radio star Gaby Roslin left heart emojis in the comments, with model and presenter Lisa Snowdon describing Piper as a “warrior” and “true inspiration”.

    “I was just trying to think of a word to describe you and I literally can’t, your energy surpasses words,” commented singer and former X Factor contestant Lucy Spraggan. “And it is felt by so many people. You are a wonder.”

    In 2022 Piper told ITV’s Loose Women that she had an “emergency procedure of a cornea transplant” after she noticed a perforation and pain in her left eye, which she is blind in.

    Piper, who hosts ITV’s Katie Piper’s Breakfast Show, was made an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list in 2021 for her services to charity and victims of burns and other disfigurement injuries.

  • A Simple Favour 2 director has cutting response to cancellation rumours

    A Simple Favour 2 director has cutting response to cancellation rumours

    Paul Feig, director of A Simple Favour, has given a scathing reply to speculation that Blake Lively’s ongoing lawsuit has impacted the sequel.

    In a rare move, Feig, 62, took to X to directly address the ‘total BS’ reports that Amazon had ‘indefinitely shelved’ A Simple Favour 2.

    Originally, the Gossip Girl star accused Baldoni of sexual harassment as well as orchestrating a smear campaign against her.

    The Jane The Virgin actor has sued the New York Times and reportedly plans to countersue Lively, claiming he was bullied by herself and her husband.

    While the legal drama unravels, Feig defended A Simple Favour 2 and said: ‘This is total BS. Sorry. The movie is finished and coming out soon.’

    The Freaks and Geeks creator added: ‘Don’t believe anything you read on social media these days.’

    The original poster, Eric B, hit back at Feig and doubled down that it had been cancelled, leading to the Bridesmaid director giving him a schooling in post-production.

    Feig wrote: ‘My friend, it’s called post-production, which generally takes over half a year at least when you factor in editing, scoring, special effects, sound mixing, close captioning and all the technical quality control that has to be done.

    ‘Our post schedule always had us finishing everything by mid-January. Movies don’t come out the second they’re finished because the studio spends the previous year deciding the best date to release it.

    ‘We’ve always planned on something in the spring/summer of this year. That’s how movies work. I hope this helps.’

    A community note was added to the original post to fight against the misinformation, with Eric B appearing to have no credible sources for his claims.

    In a bizarre twist, Bryan Freedman has recently claimed Baldoni had been told to hide in a basement during a premiere for It Ends With Us.

    He appeared on an episode of the podcast The Megyn Kelly Show and played a voice message said to be from Baldoni’s team.

    Meanwhile, in the legal complaint, Lively alleged she told producers that she was concerned about Baldoni’s behaviour on set and claimed that he improvised ‘physical intimacy’ scenes without rehearsal or an intimacy coordinator.

    It was also claimed that Baldoni entered Lively’s trailer when she was nude several times, treated her like a ‘sexual object’, let his ‘friends’ watch Lively film sex scenes, ‘routinely degraded’ her appearance and demanded she lost weight, and caused Lively ‘severe emotional distress.’

    Reportedly, Baldoni and producer James Heath signed a document promising to abstain from behaviours that made cast and crew uncomfortable.

    Baldoni and his team have denied the allegations.

    Metro previously reached out to Lively and Baldoni’s teams for comment.

    Got a story?

    If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

  • Will Grammy Awards Be Postponed Due to L.A. Wildfires? Discussions Are Underway

    Will Grammy Awards Be Postponed Due to L.A. Wildfires? Discussions Are Underway

    With music’s biggest night just weeks away, the question on many minds is whether the 67th Annual Grammy Awards will be delayed due to the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles.

    The Grammys are currently scheduled to take place on Sunday, Feb. 2, at Crypto.com Arena in downtown L.A. And while it’s typically a glamorous event to celebrate the past year’s biggest artists and top hits, the city has bigger priorities at the moment.

    Multiple sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that discussions are underway to either postpone the CBS show (and all its ancillary events) or pivot the broadcast to a fundraiser. One senior television executive says it’s highly likely the Grammys will postpone, namely because the fire, sparked by a wind event earlier in the week — and the overall disaster status of the city — is still active.

    Another music industry source says what transpires in the coming days will be key to determining if the show will, indeed, go on. Recording Academy head Harvey Mason Jr. is said to be contemplating multiple scenarios. Talks are also ongoing for a possible benefit concert in the days leading up to the scheduled Feb. 2 date that would involve MusiCares, the Grammys’ own foundation aimed at aiding music professionals in need.

    THR has reached out to the Recording Academy and CBS for comment.

    The Recording Academy has postponed the Grammys twice in recent years. The 2021 show was moved from January to March due to COVID-19. The 2022 Grammys faced a similar fate, moving from January to April due to a spike of the virus’ Omicron variant. The Recording Academy moved the 2022 ceremony to Las Vegas, a first for the Grammys.

    Crypto.com Arena, home to the NBA’s Lakers and NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, has also already postponed several scheduled games this week “to focus on what matters most,” the Lakers shared in a previous statement.

    Since Tuesday, when the initial wildfire broke out in Pacific Palisades before spreading to parts of Malibu and Santa Monica overnight, first responders across Los Angeles have been working tirelessly to contain active wildfires erupting across the county, including the Eaton, Hurst and Kenneth fires. The death toll has also risen to 11 people, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office said Friday.

    The Palisades Fire alone is being reported as the most destructive in Los Angeles history, claiming more than 5,300 structures, including homes, apartment buildings and businesses across more than 20,000 acres. And the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena has claimed thousands more.

    Thousands of L.A. residents have lost their homes in the destruction from the flames, with many taking to social media to document the devastation and the impact the fires had on their communities. Among them are also numerous celebrities, including Mandy Moore, Anna Faris, Milo Ventimiglia, Paris Hilton, Jeff Bridges, Bozoma Saint John, Mel Gibson, Billy Crystal and Diane Warren, whose houses were destroyed by the blazes.

    As of Saturday afternoon, the Kenneth Fire was 80 percent contained; the Palisades Fire near the coastline was 11 percent contained; and the Eaton Fire was 15 percent contained. The Hurst Fire, south of Santa Clarita, was 77 percent contained.

  • ‘Soul Man’ Singer Sam Moore Dies at 89

    ‘Soul Man’ Singer Sam Moore Dies at 89

    Sam Moore, the surviving half and higher voice of the 1960s duo Sam & Dave that was known for such definitive hits of the era as “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” has died. He was 89. The AP reports Moore died Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications while recovering from surgery. No additional details were immediately available.

    Moore, who influenced musicians including Michael Jackson, Al Green, and Bruce Springsteen, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 along with bandmate Dave Prater. They transformed the “call and response” of gospel music into a frenzied stage show and recorded some of soul music’s most enduring hits. The duo broke up in 1970 and neither had another major hit. Moore told the AP in 2006 that a drug habit, which he kicked in 1981, played a part in the band’s troubles and later made entertainment executives leery of giving him a fresh start.

    Although Sam & Dave faded after the 1960s, “Soul Man” hit the charts again in the late ’70s when the Blues Brothers — SNL’s John Belushi and Dan Akroyd — recorded it with many of the same musicians. Moore had mixed feelings about the hit becoming associated with the Blues Brothers and said young people didn’t know the song’s actual origin. He married his wife, Joyce, in 1982, and she helped him get treatment for his addiction that he credited with saving his life. Moore kept recording and singing and was a frequent performer at the Kennedy Center Honors. He performed for presidents, including Barack Obama, and in 2017, he was among the few entertainers who performed for Donald Trump’s inaugural festivities. Moore is survive by his wife, daughter Michell, and two grandchildren. (More