12.1 C
New York
Sunday, May 25, 2025

Buy now

Home Blog Page 96

Hideki Matsuyama describes that winning feeling at 2021 Masters and more in this Q&A

vkpkuk
-
0
Hideki Matsuyama describes that winning feeling at 2021 Masters and more in this Q&A


Hideki Matsuyama is hungry to add another major to his resume.

In April 2021, Matsuyama won the Masters, becoming both the first Japanese player and the first Asian-born player to win the tournament.

To date, Matsuyama has 11 wins on the PGA Tour, making him the most successful Japanese member in Tour history, with his latest win coming at The Sentry in January 2025 where he finished with a Tour 72-hole record of 35 under par.

Advertisement

Matsuyama, who turned pro in 2013, is a Rolex Testimonee since 2016, and he explained what the association has meant to him and how the brand’s strengths relate to his game.

“Excellence and precision are two of the qualities required to succeed in the game of golf, especially at times when golfers are under high pressure – not just mentally, but also due to the varying environmental demands and golf course conditions,” he said. “It becomes more difficult to perform to the best of our abilities when faced with these circumstances, which is why the daily practice outside of tournament weeks and the way we spend our time away from the golf course are so important. This is what allows us to maintain our composure and consistency during the big moments.”

Matsuyama has proven he’s more than capable in the big moments and he’s motivated to do again.

“I’m still eager and hungry to win, but from a more mature and developed stand point,” he explained.

Advertisement

Here are seven questions with the Japanese champion, reminiscing about his 2021 victory at the Masters and more.

Q: Did winning the Masters Tournament in 2021 exceed all expectations and dreams you had as a golfer growing up?

HM: Yes. It was an incredible feeling making the last putt on 18th green. Now it has become my next dream to win another major title.

Hideki Matsuyama of Japan celebrates on the No. 18 green after winning the 2021 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, Sunday, April 11, 2021.

Q: How do you manage the pressure at such a prestigious event like the Masters?

HM: I just love being at the Augusta National Golf Club. Playing golf there is so exciting and fun for me. The pressure is there at certain occasions, but the enjoyment of being at the Augusta National Golf Club and the fun parts of competing in the Masters Tournament definitely outweigh the pressure and stressful situations.

Q: The Masters has produced some of the most iconic moments within sports history. What are your three most iconic Masters moments?

HM: Tiger Woods’ first Masters win back in 1997; his last in 2019; and mine in 2021 would be my most memorable and iconic moments.

Q: Following your 2021 Masters win, and becoming the first player from Japan and the first Asian-born player to win the Masters Tournament, you received the Prime Minister’s Award in Japan. What did that moment mean to you?

HM: Growing up in the rural countryside of Japan, I just loved to hit balls every day but never imagined that kind of moment would ever come. It was such a great honor to meet the Prime Minister and receive that award.

Hideki Matsuyama celebrates with the green jacket after winning the 2021 Masters Tournament. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)

Hideki Matsuyama celebrates with the green jacket after winning the 2021 Masters Tournament. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)

Q: What is the best piece of advice that you would pass down to aspiring professional golfers?

HM: To love what you do and work hard to become better, every single day.

Q: You have achieved so much in your career to date. What do you consider to be your personal highlight so far?

HM: While moments like winning the Masters Tournament in 2021 are real highlights, I always try to look ahead and keep working hard to reach an even higher level without reflecting too much on the past.

Q: When you were defending champion and it’s your dinner on that Tuesday, when you went back to the champions dinner, did you know where you were supposed to sit and how did you figure that out?

HM:Obviously I don’t speak great English, so I tried to sit next to someone who I don’t have to talk with — sit next to Adam (Scott).

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama answers questions about being a Masters champ



Source link

Two cheers for extended tax cuts and an IRS in chaos

vkpkuk
-
0
Two cheers for extended tax cuts and an IRS in chaos


With Tax Day rapidly approaching, I can’t be the only person who chuckles over reports about layoffs and top officials quitting at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). “Oh, that should put them off their game,” I think to myself. I’m equally pleased to see Congress moving to extend tax cuts even while knowing that the federal government really needs to balance its books. After all, the feds have never shown much willingness to cut spending even as they burn through every dime they collect and more. The fact is that I hate taxes and the system that collects them, and so do most Americans.

Most of Us Agree That Taxes Are Too High

According to a Gallup survey published this week, “when asked about the amount of federal income tax they have to pay, 59% of Americans say it is too high, 38% about right and 2% too low.”

A March WalletHub survey put the percentage saying their current tax rate is too high at 66 percent. Thirty-one percent said it’s just right and 3 percent wanted to be taxed more.

These results aren’t unusual. Gallup has tracked public opinion on taxes since 1956. Except for a few brief periods, including during the COVID-19 pandemic when too many people foolishly bought into the idea that government was looking out for them, majorities have always picked “too high.”

The distaste isn’t confined to federal income taxes. In January 2024, two-thirds of respondents told A.P.–NORC pollsters that federal income taxes are too high, while 7 in 10 said the same about local property taxes, and 6 in 10 voiced the same opinion of state sales taxes. Last week, 57 percent of those surveyed by Reuters/Ipsos opposed the import taxes (tariffs) which currently dominate headlines.

Americans (Kind of) Want To Pay Less for a Smaller Government

What’s interesting is that Americans understand that opposing high taxes requires tradeoffs, and they say they’re willing to make them. According to that same A.P.–NORC poll finding widespread agreement that we’re overtaxed, “half say they would prefer having fewer government services if it meant reducing their bill. One-third would keep their taxes the same in exchange for the same services, and 16% would opt to increase taxes for more services.”

That’s similar to the majority of Americans (55 percent in 2024) who say year after year that “the government is trying to do too many things that should be left to individuals and businesses,” according to Gallup. Like the belief that taxes are too high, more have consistently held to the position that government should do less than have advocated for an expanded role except for brief periods, such as during the pandemic. At least in the abstract, Americans seem to accept that if they want to pay a smaller chunk of their paychecks to the government, they must ask less of it.

Whether that holds once you get into details is another issue. Too many people like the idea of smaller government in the abstract but also want it to spend more in areas that cost a lot, like Social Security, Medicare, defense, education, border security, and other pet projects that immediately run up huge price tags. It’s impossible to cut the size and expense of government without paying serious attention to those big-ticket items. The contradiction here is a big part of why it’s much easier to get tax cuts through Congress than to even try to balance the budget by cutting back on what government does, beyond the usual nibbling around the edges inherent in hunts for “waste,” “fraud,” and “abuse.”

But, if we can’t easily get the government to cost less, for now we can cheer for congressional moves to keep federal income tax rates from jumping higher—even knowing that, without large cuts in government spending, we have a looming day of reckoning with the federal addiction to deficits and debt. The tax cuts in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are expiring unless Congress acts to extend them. After much wrangling, both the Senate and the House have now done so, likely sparing Americans additional pain in their future tax bills (the pain of a bankrupt government will be dealt with, whether anybody likes it or not, at a later date).

Welcome Relief From an IRS in Chaos

Also offering some relief is evidence that things are a little chaotic at the IRS. Even as the tax-collecting agency is preparing to mug Americans to support an institution and activities that many of us would rather leave to wither, its top officials are headed out the door. “The acting head of the Internal Revenue Service and other top officials are quitting the tax-collecting agency after it struck a deal this week to share data with federal agents on migrants living illegally in the United States,” Nathan Layne and Kanishka Singh of Reuters reported April 8.

The dispute is the result of a conflict between old arrangements to keep government data in silos and the Trump administration’s focus on border control and immigration. Officials uncomfortable with data sharing are expressing their displeasure by leaving. They’ll eventually be replaced by officials of the Trump administration’s choosing, but the turnover comes as millions of tax returns are being filed.

Turnover is also a fact of life for the rank and file at the IRS. They’re receiving reduction in force notices—word of pending layoffs—that will reduce the staffing of the tax agency by as much as 25 percent. “IRS went on a hiring spree under President Biden,” according to Government Executive, and the layoffs are meant to trim its bloated ranks. For awhile, at least, that means a little confusion for the federal government’s designated muggers.

Reductions in workforce mean fewer tax collectors to conduct intrusive audits of Americans. Those inquisitions are already less common than in the past, and according to Ben Blatt of The New York Times, “a decrease in staffing would inevitably lead to fewer audits.” The Biden administration’s IRS hiring spree was intended, in part, to increase the frequency of audits—especially, we were told, for the “rich.” But tax collectors inevitably shied away from people who could fight back and targeted lower-income Americans. A tax-collection agency with less ability to put the screws to us over taxes that Americans despise is good news.

Still Waiting for Real Reform of the Bloated Government

There’s more to real reform than preserving tax cuts and hobbling tax collectors, of course. At some point, Americans will have to address the large gap between what most are willing to pay for government and the large role many want that government to play (often in conflict with their expressed preferences) if we’re to get deficits and debt under control. It would be even better if we could all make our own choices, so we’re not stuck with whatever the majority picks.

But so long as Americans and their supposed representatives in government are unwilling or unable to make hard choices, we’ll settle for a little relief in the form of lower tax rates and an IRS in chaos.



Source link

Matic calls Onana one of Manchester United’s worst goalkeepers after Lyon claim | Manchester United

vkpkuk
-
0
Matic calls Onana one of Manchester United’s worst goalkeepers after Lyon claim | Manchester United


Nemanja Matic has described André Onana as one of the worst goal­keepers in Manchester United’s history after the Cameroonian claimed his team were far better than Lyon.

In an escalating row before the players face off in the Europa League quarter-final ­opening leg at Lyon on Thursday, Onana responded by pointing out that Matic had won ­nothing as a United player from 2017 to 2022.

Matic made his remarks when told in Lyon’s press conference of Onana’s claim that United are “way better” than the Ligue 1 club. The midfielder said: “I respect everyone but to say that then you need to get the answer. If you are one of the worst goal­keepers in Man United’s history you need to take care what you are talking.”

Matic compared the 29-year-old unfavourably with three of United’s first-choice goalkeepers before Onana. He said: “If David de Gea or Peter Schmeichel or [Edwin] van der Sar said that then I will ­question myself but if you are one of the statistically worst goalkeepers in Man United’s ­modern history then he needs to show that before he says, so we will see.”

Onana had said when discussing the challenge of Lyon after the goalless draw with Manchester City on Sunday: “Of course it’s not going to be easy but I think we are way better than them.”

On Wednesday he responded to Matic’s comments by posting on social media a picture of himself with the FA Cup and writing: “I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent. We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud. At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”

Ruben Amorim attempted to play down the spat. “Tomorrow this will not matter,” United’s head coach said with reference to the game. “If you see the full quote of André Onana, it’s quite different. The first sentence is Lyon is a very good team, so sometimes the players or the coaches don’t always listen to the full quote and sometimes it’s just a misunderstanding.”

Amorim referenced his knowledge of Matic, a former Benfica teammate. “All the quotes [from Onana], you can’t see disrespect there, just respect but trying to give confidence and to show confidence in the team, especially this year,” he said. “Everybody can talk bad things about Manchester United … I know Nemanja Matic, what a good guy he is. Tomorrow Onana is going to play.”

Kobbie Mainoo is in the squad after injury, having not played since United’s FA Cup victory against Leicester on 7 February. Amorim indicated Mainoo would not start. “We have to be careful with Kobbie,” he said.

United, 13th in the Premier League, are the only remaining unbeaten team in Uefa’s club competitions. Lyon sit fifth in Ligue 1.



Source link

Lyon vs Man United: Nemanja Matić hits back at ‘worst GK’ André Onana

vkpkuk
-
0
Lyon vs Man United: Nemanja Matić hits back at ‘worst GK’ André Onana


Nemanja Matić has blasted André Onana‘s claim that Manchester United are “way better” than Lyon by branding the Cameroon international as “one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s history.”

Onana responded later on Wednesday by throwing shade at Matić, saying “not everyone” can say they have lifted a trophy at United — Matić played in a series of finals during his five years at Old Trafford but left without winning any silverware.

Onana had been bullish about United’s chances in their Europa League quarterfinal first leg in France on Thursday, saying ahead of the game that “I think we are way better than them.”

Matić, who is now playing for Lyon, was asked about the comments at a pre-match news conference on Wednesday.

The Serbian midfielder hit back by savaging the form Onana has shown since joining United.

“You need to have cover to say something like that,” said Matić, who made 189 appearances for United between 2017 and 2022.

“I respect everyone but to say that then you need to get an answer.

“If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history, you need to take care about what you are talking about.”

Onana replaced David De Gea — a former teammate of Matić — as United’s No.1 when he joined from Inter Milan in a deal worth more than £40 million ($51m).

The 29-year-old has been heavily criticised after making a series of mistakes since arriving in 2023.

United travel to Lyon on Wednesday sitting 13th in the Premier League and on the back of a run of just four wins from their last 12 games in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Lyon are fifth in Ligue 1 and have six of their last seven games.

“If David De Gea, Peter Schmeichel or [Edwin] van der Sar said that, then I would question myself,” Matić said.

“But if you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s modern history, he needs to show that before he says. We will see.”

In response, Onana posted a picture on X of himself lifting last season’s FA Cup and wrote: “I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent.

“We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud. At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”

Man United manager Ruben Amorim said that Matić has misconstrued Onana’s comments.

“Tomorrow it will not matter,” he told a news conference later on Wednesday. “If you see the full quote of Andre Onana it’s quite different. The first sentence is that we know it’s a very, very good team. Sometimes the players or coaches don’t listen to the full quote and sometimes it’s a misunderstanding. I know Matic, he’s a great guy.

“It’s really hard to deal with that [for Onana], that is for sure. If you go through all the quotes, you cannot see any disrespect there. Just respect but trying to give confidence and show confidence in his team. Especially this year.

“Everybody can talk bad things about Manchester United. Sometimes our group — players, coaches, staff — has to show some confidence in our team. I think that’s all. I think he [Matic] hears some things by half. Not the whole story. For me that’s clear in this situation.”





Source link

Manchester United kulübünde yedek olan kaleci için 46 milyon euro ödemeye hazır!

vkpkuk
-
0
Manchester United kulübünde yedek olan kaleci için 46 milyon euro ödemeye hazır!


Andre Onana’nın yediği hatalı gollerden bıkan Manchester United yönetimi yeni bir kaleci transferi için harekete geçti.

Manchester United kalecisi Andre Onana, UEFA Avrupa Ligi çeyrek final ilk maçında Olympique Lyonnais karşısında yaptığı hatalarla yeniden eleştirilerin odağı oldu. Karşılaşmada Rayan Cherki’nin uzatma dakikalarında attığı golle Lyon 2-2’lik eşitliği yakalarken, Onana’nın performansı Manchester’da yeni bir kaleci arayışını gündeme getirdi.

Mücadelede ilk olarak Thiago Almada’nın serbest vuruşunu uzaklaştıramayan Onana, maçın son anlarında da Cherki’nin golünde topu rakibin önüne bırakarak hata yaptı. Manchester United efsanesi Paul Scholes, Onana’yı açıkça eleştirerek, “İlk golde büyük bir hata yaptı. Böyle bir seviyede daha iyisini yapmalı” ifadelerini kullandı.

Ancak teknik direktör Ruben Amorim kalecisini savundu. “Bir oyuncu hata yaptığında tüm takım hata yapmış olur. Bu bir ekip oyunu” diyen Portekizli çalıştırıcı, Onana’ya olan güveninin devam ettiğini belirtti.

Yeni Hedef Caoimhín Kelleher

Manchester United, yeni kaleci arayışında Liverpool’un yedek kalecisi Caoimhín Kelleher’i gündemine aldı. 26 yaşındaki İrlandalı file bekçisi, Alisson Becker’in yokluğunda Premier Lig’de birçok maçta gösterdiği performansla övgü toplamıştı.

Kelleher’in 2026 yılına kadar sözleşmesi bulunuyor ancak oyuncunun yeni kontrat imzalamaya sıcak bakmadığı ve birinci kaleci olmak istediği biliniyor. Football Insider’a göre Liverpool, Kelleher için 30-40 milyon sterlin arasında bir bonservis bedeli talep ediyor. Ancak bu rakamın Manchester United gibi doğrudan rakip bir kulüp için daha yüksek tutulabileceği belirtiliyor.

United ile Liverpool arasında doğrudan oyuncu transferi uzun süredir gerçekleşmiyor olsa da, Kelleher’in Old Trafford’a geçmesi halinde birkaç iyi performansla taraftarları ikna edebileceği düşünülüyor. United’ın sınırsız bir bütçesi olmasa da, 40 milyon sterlinin bu yaşta bir kaleci için makul bir yatırım olacağı ifade ediliyor.

Bu arada Liverpool’un da bu yaz kaleci değişikliğine hazırlandığı ve bonservisi geçen yaz alınan Giorgi Mamardashvili’nin gelecek sezon takıma katılacağı haberler arasında. Bu durum, Kelleher’in Anfield’dan ayrılma ihtimalini daha da güçlendiriyor.



Source link

3 Best MLB Home Run Prop Bets for Thursday 4/10/25

vkpkuk
-
0
3 Best MLB Home Run Prop Bets for Thursday 4/10/25


Across all of sports, few things are more exciting than the long ball.

That translates to the prop market, too, where each crack of the bat can get our heart pumping.

Which home run props stand out for today’s MLB action?

Utilizing our MLB home run projections as a guiding light, here are some MLB home run props bets that look appealing via the MLB odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Please note that betting lines and our MLB projections may change throughout the day after this article is published. All stats come from FanGraphs and Baseball Savant unless noted otherwise.

Today’s Best Home Run Props

William Contreras to Hit a Home Run (+500)

The Milwaukee Brewers are enjoying their trip to Coors, and they wrap up the series this afternoon.

The Brew Crew plated 17 runs last night and 7 runs on Tuesday. Over the past two games, they’ve racked up six homers, with William Contreras launching one in each game. At +500 odds, he’s an appealing bet to hit another tater today.

Odds not available at this time.

Please check back later

Ryan Feltner is getting the ball for the Colorado Rockies. The righty is off to a solid start in 2025 through his first 10 frames, but last season, he permitted a .341 wOBA and 1.27 homers per nine innings at Coors.

Plus, after Feltner exits, Contreras will face a Rockies bullpen that is gassed after the staff has allowed 24 runs in two days.

Our MLB player projections have Contreras tied for the day’s third-best HR projection. He’s easy to like at +500.

Ryan McMahon to Hit a Home Run (+540)

On the flip side of the Coors game, Ryan McMahon and the Colorado offense get to tangle with Quinn Priester, and it’s a good matchup for the Rox.

Odds not available at this time.

Please check back later

Priester has struggled over 99 2/3 career innings, pitching to a 4.74 SIERA and 15.2% strikeout rate. Despite a 55.2% ground-ball rate, homers have been a huge issue for him as he’s surrendered 1.72 dingers per nine in his career.

A low-K pitcher who has a gopher-ball problem? Doesn’t seem like a guy who will have success at Coors.

McMahon has five 20-homer seasons to his name, and he’s off to a nice start in 2025, popping two taters en route to a .351 wOBA. He amassed a 44.1% hard-hit rate at home against right-handers last year and is plenty capable of putting one in the seats today.

Marcell Ozuna to Hit a Home Run (+450)

The lone night game tonight pits two good pitchers against each other as it’s Jesus Luzardo versus Spencer Schwellenbach. Luzardo is usually a fly-ball pitcher, and with him being a southpaw, I’m intrigued by Marcell Ozuna‘s home run prop.

Odds not available at this time.

Please check back later

Luzardo has always had talent but has struggled with injuries. He might be in for a breakout season in his first year with the Philadelphia Phillies as he’s posted a silly 41.3% strikeout rate through two starts. But Luzardo has given up fly-ball rates of 40.8% and 40.2% the last two years, which has led to him being tagged for 1.14 home runs per nine innings over that span.

Ozuna has put up 39 and 40 homers the last two seasons. He absolutely mauls lefties, recording a .393 wOBA in the split in 2024, and he’s a solid pick to go yard tonight.

New to FanDuel Sportsbook? You’ll receive $250 in Bonus Bets if your first $5+ bet wins! See here for full terms and conditions. Learn about today’s other offers at FanDuel Sportsbook Promos.

Which home run props stand out to you today? Check out FanDuel Sportsbook’s MLB betting odds to see the full menu of options.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.



Source link

Albums Of The Week: Jeff Bridges | Slow Magic, 1977-1978

vkpkuk
-
0
Albums Of The Week: Jeff Bridges | Slow Magic, 1977-1978


THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Slow Magic, 1977-1978 is a collection of never-before-heard songs that Jeff Bridges wrote and recorded with a band of his oldest and closest friends. At turns unruly, inventive, vulnerable and joyfully weird, the tapes capture him singing and playing with total joy and abandon. The ragtag exuberance of these recordings not only evokes L.A. at a specific place and time-they reveal a missing link in the life of Bridges, an actor who has always considered himself a musician.

A native of West Los Angeles, Bridges was born into a showbiz family that happily encouraged him to follow them into movies and television. “I had other interests like music, painting, ceramics, all different kinds of things,” he says. “And my dad would say, ‘Jeff, don’t be ridiculous. That’s one of the great things about acting. You’re going to be called upon to tap into all the talent and different interests you have.’ ”

Even after being nominated for an Academy Award at age 22 for his role in 1971’s The Last Picture Show, Bridges was uncertain if acting would his path. He bought a ramshackle house in the hills above Malibu, which became a clubhouse for a group of close friends who had been the misfits of University High School, class of 1967. Among them were Stan Ayeroff (a guitar virtuoso who later wrote books about Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian); David Greenwalt (a guitarist and songwriter who later started writing scripts and eventually co-produced Buffy The Vampire Slayer); Matthew Bright (a bassist who went onto to direct Reese Witherspoon in the gonzo cult film Freeway); and Steve Baim (their fearless leader, famous for his spontaneous art-making, taking over 300 acid trips, and auditioning to be James Brown’s drummer).

At the Malibu pad, they surfed and flew kites and soaked in the hot tub and sweated in the sauna that Jeff installed. Everyone played music. Songwriting was just an extension of the hang-as effortless as dancing or sharing a joint. While Bridges worshipped Bob Dylan and The Beatles, his approach to making music was spiked with weirdness — he also loved Captain Beefheart and Moondog.

After Jeff finished 1976’s blockbuster remake of King Kong, he and his friends rented a warehouse in Venice, CA, where they recorded songs that included Obnoxious, a gloriously chaotic waltz that satirizes self-consciousness, and Slow Magic, a sweet shuffle about stoned enlightenment. The sessions were overseen by songwriter and orchestrator Ken Lauber, who had recently relocated to L.A. to work with Dylan and The Band at Shangri-La studio in Malibu. He and Bridges met when Lauber did the soundtrack for Hearts Of The West. “Jeff was going to EST seminars with Werner Erhard, and that enabled him to get in touch with these psychological underpinnings of his life experiences up to this point,” says Lauber. “I thought he’d honed his writing and singing to a point where it could be recognized as a commercial venture.”

An assortment of old friends and L.A. oddballs floated through the sessions. Horns were played by Sam “Sluggo” Phipps or Billy Superball — both members of the guerilla theater troupe The Mystic Knights of Oingo Boingo, which later morphed into Oingo Boingo, led by composer Danny Elfman. While Jeff was recording at Village Recorder, the storied studio soon to be taken over by Fleetwood Mac for Tusk, he ran into the legendary character actor Burgess Meredith, who wrote and directed Jeff’s second film-the surreal thriller The Yin & Yang of Mr. Go (1970). Meredith was an early supporter of Jeff’s music and encouraged him to contribute original songs to the film. A few years later, fresh off his role in Rocky (1976), Meredith added extraordinary monologues to Kong and Here On This Island, two mind-bending slices of mutant disco. The inspiration for Kong came from Jeff’s concept for a sequel to King Kong; when producer Dino De Laurentiis rejected his pitch, Jeff turned it into a song.

At times, their music occupied the same airspace as Arthur Russell, Talking Heads or Frank Zappa — or all of them playing together. They were aware their tastes might be too weird or vulnerable for public consumption. After the sessions were shelved, Jeff and his friends continued to meet privately for “The Wednesday Night Jam,” a drug-fueled, free-form ritual held every Wednesday night at Baim’s storefront art studio in Culver City. The rules were simple: 1) No songs, 2) No blues, 3) No preparation. The racket they made together could be disastrous or glorious. Either way, they loved it. For Jeff, it was a refuge from the pressure of movie stardom, a place where he was allowed to lose himself, surrounded by the old friends he trusted most. The instrumental collages of Space #1 and Space #2 come from that space.

As Jeff’s fame grew, the friends continued to meet, generating new songs and accumulating self-recorded tapes traded among themselves like Deadheads. Meanwhile, his movie career and his music started to converge. He and T-Bone Burnett became lifelong friends and collaborators after meeting on the set of Heaven’s Gate (1980). Burnett and Bridges worked closely to develop the character and music of Crazy Heart (2010), for which Jeff won the Oscar for Best Actor. Burnett went on to produce Jeff’s self-titled 2011 album, the followup to his first solo album Be Here Soon (2000). Following Crazy Heart, Jeff started touring with The Abiders, who have been his live band ever since.

After collaborating with Jeff on the 2015 ambient / spoken-word album Sleeping Tapes, Keefus Ciancia was in the studio with Jeff when Bridges happened to pull up some old recordings from the 1970s. Ciancia was blown away. He said that the old tapes sounded like “The Band playing at CBGB with The Exploding Plastic Inevitable.”

The music on Slow Magic, 1977-1978 comes from a single decaying cassette labeled “July 1978.” It represents a cross-section of those lost 1970s sessions. Ciancia, Jean Sievers and Matt Sullivan spent the second half of 2024 working closely with Bridges to prep the music for release. Though he’s on a tight filming schedule, Bridges devoted himself to every aspect of this release-sharing stories for countless hours, studying mixes and sequences, and even hand-drawing a version of the label logo for the artwork.

Whether films, music, or visual art, his process has always been to joyfully immerse himself in whatever opportunity surfaces in the moment. He just never thought that opportunity would emerge for these tapes. “Pretty wild that this thing that happened around 50 years ago wants to bloom,” says Jeff. “I guess weirdness is what’s happening these days. You never can tell what’s gonna happen.” The spirit of these tapes is connected to Emergent Behavior, a series of raw, unpolished songs that Jeff has been recording and releasing in recent years via his website.

All physical formats include extensive liner notes by Sam Sweet featuring a new interview with Bridges and a treasure trove of never-before-seen archival photos courtesy of photographers Loretta Ayeroff and Candy Clark. The album features 11 previously unreleased tracks newly mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer John Baldwin. Behind the scenes, filmmakers Isaac Gale, Paul Lovelace and Ben Wu (the team behind the acclaimed 2025 documentary Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted) have produced a series of short docs surrounding the project.”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries



Source link

Fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups featuring Ben Rice, Kyren Paris and more

vkpkuk
-
0
Fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups featuring Ben Rice, Kyren Paris and more


Even though it’s very early into the 2025 fantasy baseball season, many of you might be looking at a roster that only partially resembles the team you drafted. Since roster churn is the name of the game, I’m running it back with your favorite speculator piece with my patented data-backed, formulaic approach to discover next week’s waiver wire headliners … today.

Going position by position, I mine my favorite obscure player statistics regarding control, batted ball quality and swing-and-miss ability. Then I mash them together to identify some cheap gems to grab before the squares figure it out next week. At the bottom, I rank my favorite available players around the diamond, two-start pitchers and speculative adds.

Access The Athletic’s guide for abbreviations used in fantasy baseball. 

Hitters

When it comes to hitting, opportunity may be king, but we still need production — which comes from underlying skills. Scores of studies have proven the impact of exit velocity and its direct relationship with slugging percentage, so raw power is always a great place to start. The list below utilizes contact quality, paired with advanced statistics and, last but not least, pulled fly balls/line drives — because staying on-brand matters.

Ranking available hitters

PLAYER

  

POS

  

TEAM

  

PA

  

ZC%

  

HH%

  

XWOBA

  

OF

TBR

29

100.0%

57.1%

0.399

1B/OF

BAL

32

96.8%

44.0%

0.366

3B

PIT

46

93.2%

50.0%

0.372

3B

BAL

35

91.4%

42.3%

0.351

1B

CHW

35

90.9%

59.3%

0.351

2B/OF

SEA

30

87.5%

42.1%

0.401

C

TEX

21

87.0%

52.9%

0.384

OF

NYY

33

85.7%

52.2%

0.459

C

MIN

29

85.7%

42.9%

0.404

C

CHW

26

85.3%

53.3%

0.345

Hitters in this table have +86% zone-contact, +43% hard-hit, a +.345 expected weighted on-base average and a minimum of 20 plate appearances. 

You’d think all the hubbub surrounding torpedo bats in the Bronx would’ve vaulted New York’s designated hitter Ben Rice into universal rostership, but that’s not the case thus far. Still just 40% rostered on Yahoo, Rice offers more than just power, and his balanced 5×5 production thus far  — .305 BA/9 R/4 RBI/3 HR/2 SB — could be foretelling a monster breakout on the horizon.

For starters, he’s penciled in the lineup every day, and he even played his way into a top-two lineup spot in six of the past seven games. Rice represents your prototypical Bronx Bomber — he’s patient (16.3% BB), doesn’t chase (19.0% O-Swing) and possesses tons of pop (72.75 HH%, 28.0 Barrel%, .622 xwOBAcon). I’m not sure what’s stopping fantasy managers from adding Rice, but just make sure you’re not one of them.

What waiver wire article would be complete without mentioning Earth’s hottest hitter, Kyren Paris? The 23-year-old former second-round pick finally finds himself in a full-time role for the Angels after playing terribly through two short cups of coffee since 2023 — 105 PA, .110 BA, .378 OPS, 32.4% K, 10 wRC+. Yikes. Apparently, all it takes to turn your entire career around is a trip to see Aaron Judge’s swing doctor, Richard Schenck.

Better known as “Teacherman,” the unorthodox hitting coach must be doing something right if his pupil’s production is any indication — Paris is the first player in American League history with 5 HR and 4 SB in his first 10 games played of a season. Wow. This type of potential breakout should never be ignored, so check if he’s available before reading another word. That said, temper expectations before betting on an Ohtani-esque 50 HR/50 SB season — there are still some holes in his disciplinary metrics (17.0% SwStr, 78.6% Zone-Contact) that could be taken advantage of as scouting reports develop.

Unfortunately, injuries are a major, yet inevitable, part of fantasy baseball — and it’s a fantasy manager’s ability to respond to their subsequent effects that separates the wheat from the chaff. When Arizona signed infielder Geraldo Perdomo to a one-year, $2.25M deal this offseason, it felt more like an afterthought in fantasy circles than anything. Perdomo has never eclipsed 500 PA in a season, nor consistently cracked the bottom third of the Diamondbacks lineup.

Well, that all changed when superstar Ketel Marte hurt his hamstring and is now set to miss “significant time.” Perdomo, who was already playing every game, now slides into the two-hole for the D-backs. Do not underestimate the impact of a significant lineup boost, people. Not only are plate appearances the universal commodity in this game of ours, but he’s now set to see a huge boost in counting stats, given his profile. The 25-year-old shortstop boasts an elite plate approach (3.4% SwStr, 17.3% O-Swing, 95.0% Zone-Contact), which should provide a nice batting average in the middle of a good lineup with just enough power and speed to move the needle.

Top hitter waiver wire adds, by position

Catcher

  1. Hunter Goodman (COL): 10+ teams
  2. Sean Murphy (ATL): 12+ teams
  3. Carson Kelly (CHC): 12/15 teams
  4. Ryan Jeffers (MIN): 12/15 teams
  5. Dillon Dingler (DET): 15+ teams
  6. Pedro Pagés (STL): 15+ teams
  7. Matt Thaiss (CHW): AL only
  8. Austin Wynns (CIN): NL only

First Base

  1. Ben Rice (NYY): 10+ teams
  2. Jonathan Aranda (TB): 12+ teams
  3. Andrew Vaughn (CHW): 12/15 teams
  4. Ryan O’Hearn (BAL): 12/15 teams
  5. Ty France (MIN): 12/15 teams
  6. Kyle Manzardo (CLE): 15+ teams
  7. Donovan Solano (SEA): AL only
  8. Enmanuel Valdéz (PIT): NL only

Second Base

  1. Kyren Paris (LAA): 10+ teams
  2. Gavin Lux (CIN): 12+ teams
  3. Colt Keith (DET): 12/15 teams
  4. Max Muncy (ATH): 12/15 teams
  5. Michael Massey (KC): 15+ teams
  6. Tim Tawa (ARI): 15+ teams
  7. Tsung-Che Cheng (PIT): 15+ teams
  8. Will Wagner (TOR): AL only
  9. Thomas Saggese (STL): NL only

Shortstop

  1. Geraldo Perdomo (ARI): 10+ teams
  2. Jacob Wilson (ATH): 12+ teams
  3. Isiah Kiner-Falefa (PIT): 12+ teams ***
  4. Tyler Fitzgerald (SF): 12/15 teams
  5. Trey Sweeney (DET): 15+ teams
  6. Taylor Walls (TB): 15+ teams
  7. Jacob Amaya (CHW): AL only
  8. Edmundo Sosa (PHI): NL only
  9. Nick Allen (ATL): NL only

Third Base

  1. Ke’Bryan Hayes (PIT): 10+ teams
  2. Jorge Polanco (SEA): 10/12 teams
  3. Ramón Urías (BAL): 12+ teams
  4. Gabriel Arias (CLE): 12/15 teams
  5. Joey Ortiz (MIL): 12/15 teams
  6. Miguel Vargas (CHW): 15+ teams
  7. Graham Pauley (MIA): 15+ teams
  8. Oswaldo Cabrera (NYY): AL only
  9. Santiago Espinal (CIN): NL only

Outfield, 10/12 teams

  1. Jung Hoo Lee (SF) ***
  2. Heston Kjerstad (BAL)
  3. Pavin Smith (ARI)
  4. Jordan Walker (STL)
  5. Zac Veen (COL)

Outfield, 12/15 teams

  1. Sal Frelick (MIL)
  2. Kameron Misner (TB)
  3. Trent Grisham (NYY)
  4. Jake Mangum (TB) ***
  5. Kyle Stowers (MIA)

Outfield 15+ teams only

  1. Leody Taveras (TEX)
  2. Trevor Larnach (MIN)
  3. Alek Thomas (ARI)
  4. Gavin Sheets (SD)
  5. Alan Roden (TOR)
  6. Mickey Moniak (COL)
  7. Zach McKinstry (DET)
  8. Harrison Bader (MIN)
  9. Mike Yastrzemski (SF)
  10. Jake Meyers (HOU) ***
  11. Ryan Kreidler (DET) – AL only
  12. Davis Schneider (TOR) – AL only
  13. Oscar Gonzalez (SD) – NL only
  14. Dane Myers (MIA) – NL only

*** = Prioritize for speed

Graduating class 

Players from previous articles no longer under 50% rostered (Yahoo) who should be rostered first

  • Keibert Ruiz (C, WAS)
  • Spencer Torkelson (1B, DET)
  • Tyler Soderstrom (1B, ATH)
  • Willi Castro (2B/SS/3B, MIN)
  • Victor Scott (OF, STL)

Hitter stash candidates

  • Nick Kurtz (1B, ATH) — Depending on Tyler Soderstrom’s injury, Kurtz’s call-up could be imminent.
  • Austin Hays (OF, CIN) — He’s on a rehab assignment, and the Reds desperately need his bat.
  • Roman Anthony (OF, BOS)
  • Marcelo Mayer (SS, BOS)
  • Nick Yorke (2B, PIT)

Hitter drop candidates

  • Cam Smith (3B, HOU)
  • Victor Robles (OF, SEA)
  • Jose Miranda (3B, MIN)
  • Jordan Beck (OF, COL)
  • Orlando Arcia (SS, ATL)

Pitchers

As far as pitching goes, the thesis couldn’t be simpler — do our best to avoid any bias attached to surface stats (outputs) by instead focusing on underlying metrics (inputs). The most important SP skills are suppressing runs by keeping runners off base and striking out batters. Though simply showing up on this list so early may be noise, there’s an argument that this combination of skills signals an immediate call to action.

Ranking available starters

PLAYER

  

TEAM

  

IP

  

xERA

  

WHIP

  

K-BB%

  

TOR

10.1

2.01

0.68

21.1%

COL

19.0

2.58

1.00

19.7%

PIT

12.0

2.60

0.92

21.3%

LAA

12.1

2.81

0.97

19.6%

STL

12.1

3.26

1.14

22.4%

Pitchers in this table have a ≤3.75 expected earned run average, ≤1.20 WHIP, +20.0% strikeout minus walk rate, with a minimum of five innings pitched.

Similar to hitters, the season’s opening month provides an opportunity to front-run players with tremendous ceiling potential before they become household names. Enter Landen Roupp, San Francisco’s right-handed hurler, who won an opening day rotation spot against tough competition.

File this next speculation under “better to be a week early than a day late.” The recent injury tsunami just swallowed Minnesota’s ace starter Pablo López, leaving a rotation spot open in the Twin City. While it hasn’t been announced yet, I’m guessing it could be 24-year-old Zebby Matthews, who is next in line — and his potential is massive. Why churn through mediocre free agents when you can aim high on ceiling outcomes that could single-handedly swing your fantasy team’s trajectory?

Matthews doesn’t have much left to prove after dominating the minors over 96 IP in 2024 (2.60 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 28.6% K-BB) and following it up with just as sharp an encore this season in Triple A (1.80 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, 33.3% K-BB). Matthews has an excellent four-seam fastball with two devastating secondaries — slider and changeup. Sure, he struggled in his first taste of MLB action last season. Who cares? If anything, I hope that small sample will deter your league mates from scooping up Matthews before you get a chance.

There’s also a chance the Twinkies turn to righty David Festa, who has some upside. I’m more worried about his command than Matthews’, plus Festa just got hit around by the Columbus Clippers last time out (3.1 IP, 10 Hits, 5 ER). Even if Matthews doesn’t get the first crack, the price suppression to add him could be worth it. He’s the guy I want for the rest of the season, and I don’t mind playing the long game — it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Top waiver wire pitcher adds

Finding Mr. Right: Starters who could stick all year

  1. Jack Leiter (TEX)
  2. Landen Roupp (SF)
  3. Max Meyer (MIA) ^^^
  4. Matthew Boyd (CHC)
  5. Tyler Mahle (TEX) ^^^
  6. Cade Povich (BAL)
  7. Jackson Jobe (DET)
  8. Griffin Canning (NYM)
  9. Hayden Wesneski (HOU)
  10. Easton Lucas (TOR) ^^^
  11. Matthew Liberatore (STL)

Team Streamers: Hold and deploy from the bench

  1. Edward Cabrera (MIA) — He could start as soon as Friday, April 11.
  2. Sean Burke (CHW)
  3. Jordan Hicks (SF)
  4. Shane Smith (CHW)
  5. Kumar Rocker (TEX)
  6. Will Warren (NYY)
  7. Nick Martinez (CIN)
  8. José Soriano (LAA)
  9. AJ Smith-Shawver (ATL)
  10. Martín Pérez (CHW)
  11. Osvaldo Bido (ATH)
  12. Mitchell Parker (WAS)
  13. Landon Knack (LAD)
  14. Ben Brown (CHC)

One-and-done: Pitch-and-ditch desperation plays

  1. Richard Fitts (BOS)
  2. Zack Littell (TB)
  3. JP Sears (ATH)
  4. Kyle Hart (SD)
  5. Kyle Hendricks (LAA)
  6. Davis Martin (CHW)
  7. Jack Kochanowicz (LAA)
  8. Carson Spiers (CIN)
  9. Taijuan Walker (PHI)
  10. Germán Márquez (COL)
  11. Randy Vasquez (SD)
  12. Brad Lord (WAS)
  13. Andrew Heaney (PIT)

^^^ = Riser

Pitcher stash candidates

  • Zebby Matthews (MIN)
  • Braxton Ashcraft (PIT) — Like David Festa, Ashcraft could get the first shot over Bubba Chandler even if he’s my close second choice for the long haul.
  • Lucas Giolito (BOS) — He looked sharp in a 3.1 IP rehab outing for the Woo Sox.
  • David Festa (MIN)
  • Bubba Chandler (PIT)
  • Hayden Birdsong (SF)
  • Kyle Gibson (BAL)

Pitcher drop candidates

  • Reynaldo López (SP, ATL)
  • Thomas Harrington (SP, PIT)
  • Mike Clevinger (RP, CHW)
  • Calvin Faucher (RP, MIA)

Relievers

  1. Luke Jackson (TEX)
  2. Dennis Santana (PIT)
  3. José Alvarado (PHI)
  4. Tommy Kahnle (DET)
  5. Seth Halvorsen (COL)
  6. Emilio Pagán, (CIN)
  7. Tony Santillan (CIN)
  8. Anthony Bender (MIA)
  9. Camilo Doval (SF)
  10. Victor Vodnik (COL)
  11. Jordan Leasure (CHW)

Graduating class

Players from previous articles no longer under 50% rostered (Yahoo) who should be rostered first

Ranking next week’s available two-start pitchers

PLAYER TEAM OPP. OPP. SP OPP. OPP. SP

Jake Irvin

WAS

at PIT

Mitch Keller

at COL

Antonio Senzatela

Brad Lord

WAS

at PIT

Paul Skenes

at COL

Kyle Freeland

Tyler Alexander

MIL

vs. DET

Tarik Skubal

vs. ATH

Jeffrey Springs

Patrick Corbin

TEX

vs. LAA

Yusei Kikuchi

vs. LAD

Dustin May

Carlos Carrasco

NYY

vs. KC

Seth Lugo

at TB

Ryan Pepiot

Logan Allen

CLE

at BAL

Charlie Morton

at PIT

Mitch Keller

Connor Gillispie

MIA

vs. ARI

Merrill Kelly

at PHI

Jesus Luzardo

Antonio Senzatela

COL

at LAD

Dustin May

vs. WAS

Jake Irvin

That’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed the second speculative piece on the 2025 season.

For more MLB news, follow me on X @JohnLaghezza. 

(Top photo of Ben Rice: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images)



Source link

Best MLB Home Run Prop Bet Picks Today (Target Bobby Witt Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr.)

vkpkuk
-
0
Best MLB Home Run Prop Bet Picks Today (Target Bobby Witt Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr.)


Only five games are taking place in Major League Baseball on Thursday, but there are a bunch of afternoon starts that are intriguing to bet on. 

Every day at SI Betting, we’re here to share our favorite players to bet on to go deep for that day’s action. While it’s hard to hit a home run prop, they do usually pay out at a pretty solid price when you do. 

For Thursday’s action, I’m targeting two stars that are the sons of MLB players and have become premier hitters in the American League. Let’s break it down! 

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Bobby Witt Jr. to Hit a Home Run (+425)

This season, Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. only has one home run in 12 games, but he has a great matchup this afternoon against Minnesota Twins starter Bailey Ober (12.15 ERA).

Witt has dominated against Ober in his career, going 9-for-19 (.474) with two triples, one homer and five runs batted in.

Ober gave up eight runs and two homers in just 2.2 innings of work in his season debut, and he allowed a solo shot (the only run) in his second outing. 

With the Twins starter struggling, I think this is the perfect time to take a shot on Witt to go deep. 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to Hit a Home Run (+600)

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was awarded with a massive extension from the Toronto Blue Jays, and he’s hitting a solid .288 to open the 2025 campaign. The only problem? 

He’s yet to hit a home run.

Fenway Park is a perfect stadium for Vladdy with the Green Monster in left field, and I think this is a prime matchup for him to hit his first homer of the season. Boston Red Sox starter Walker Buehler has given up three homers and 14 hits in just two starts for Boston, and he allowed 16 homers in 16 starts last season.

It’s hard to find a much better matchup for the Jays slugger so far this season.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Are you new to DraftKings? Sign up today and place a $5 bet to earn a guaranteed $150 in bonus bets. Win or lose, DraftKings will issue six $25 bonus bets instantly.



Source link

Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree headlines Azerbaijan debut

vkpkuk
-
0
Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree headlines Azerbaijan debut


The UFC will touch down in Azerbaijan for the first time this summer, and its bringing a light heavyweight contender main event with it.

At UFC Fight Night on June 21 at Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, top 205-pound contenders Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree will meet in a five-round headliner, the promotion announced Friday.

Both fighters look to bounce back from TKO losses.

A former UFC light heavyweight champion, Hill (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) never lost his title. He was forced to vacate after an Achilles injury in a celebrity basketball game, then returned and was knocked out by Alex Pereira in the UFC 300 headliner in April. He returned in January and was finished by Jiri Prochazka via TKO.

Rountree (13-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC) fought Pereira at UFC 307 in August as a sizeable underdog. Despite the odds, Rountree fought valiantly and had his moments against the champion. The fight was a grueling and violent affair. Rountree was finished in Round 4, but respect was heaped on him from every edge of the combat sports world for his performance.

The latest lineup for the card now includes:

  • Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree
  • Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev
  • Ismail Naurdiev vs. JunYong Park
  • Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Mohammed Usman

Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.





Source link

1...959697...108Page 96 of 108

Newbie Pro News brings you the latest trends, insights, and expert analysis across various industries. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, our news, tips, and updates help you stay informed and ahead. Explore tech, business, and more with content designed to bridge the gap between learning and mastery!

Contact us: contact@yoursite.com

© Copyright Newbiepronews 2025