viral – Cincy Link

How a fake juror in the Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard trial ended up going viral on TikTok

cincylink — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 10:28:40 +0000

Related video above: Court TV correspondent on courtroom atmosphere in Depp-Heard trialA man purporting to be a member of the seven-person jury that deliberated in the Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard trial made a series of posts on TikTok last week about what he claimed were his insights from the high-profile trial that captivated the world.While some social media sleuths were quick to cast doubt on his account — including closely examining the pixelated image of what he claimed was juror paperwork he posted as alleged proof of his service — the man's eight videos posted to TikTok last Thursday and Friday generated much attention. Combined, the posts garnered more than 2 million views and were recirculated on YouTube and Instagram by large-scale content creators reaching exponentially more people before he deactivated the account sometime Friday evening after CNN Business' attempt to seek comment. TikTok did not respond to a request for comment.The Daily Mail circulated his remarks as an "exclusive," while also noting in the headline how little it knew about him: "Man claiming to be JUROR in Depp-Heard trial says moment Amber lied about donating divorce settlement sunk her case and that jury believed Johnny was physically abusive — but not the instigator." Daily Mail did not respond to a request for comment. Several other outlets similarly went forward with the story.But the man behind the account isn't a resident of Virginia where the trial took place ---- and he did not, in fact, serve on the jury. In a text message Sunday, the man admitted it "was just a prank."It is the latest development in how the defamation trial involving the two celebrities has been seized upon by content creators and influencers on TikTok, which spawned news cycles, revealed insight into the consciousness of users, and shone a light on what content is rewarded on social media. According to Casey Fiesler, an assistant professor of information science at University of Colorado Boulder and a TikToker, TikTok tends to promote content that is controversial in some ways, or that the platform's algorithm has determined people want to see. Because the man pretending to have been a juror in the case said he believed Depp's story over Heard's, it reinforced beliefs held by Depp's supporters."People believe the things that they want to believe, absolutely," said Fiesler.Posting under an account name "seekinginfinite," the faux juror stated in a TikTok that he wanted to remain anonymous for the time being but would "consider confirming my identity" in the future. His videos, in which he did not show his face, largely echoed common criticisms and observations made by social media creators throughout the course of the trial. He claimed that he grew "extremely uncomfortable" with Heard's eye contact with him so much so that he stopped looking at her while she testified. (Heard's frequent eye contact with the jury was one major topic of discussion during her time on the stand.) He claimed to have been a fan of Depp's lawyer, Camille Vasquez, who became such an internet sensation that one TikToker said she gave herself a tattoo of Vasquez."I just think she was really sharp and knew what she was doing and did it with purpose and integrity," said @seekinginfinite in one of the TikTok posts, responding to another user's question about what the jury thought of Vasquez. "All the business stuff aside, she wasn't too bad on the eyes."Importantly, the TikToker made clear that he didn't believe Heard, validating a viewpoint that many spent weeks expressing on the platform: "Everything she was saying came off like ," he said in his original post, calling Heard a "crazy woman."The man is in his late 20s and works as a cinematographer. He appears to have been in Hawaii during deliberations and post-verdict, based on Instagram posts. When asked Friday whether the purported juror badge posted by the TikToker user could plausibly be legitimate, a spokesperson for Fairfax County's Department of Public Affairs said it could not confirm based on the image shared on TikTok. Moreover, the spokesperson said it cannot confirm the identities of jurors who deliberated in the trial because they are under seal for one year. Jurors are, however, free to speak about their experience before then should they choose to do so.Lending some credibility to his TikTok page was the fact that it wasn't an entirely new account spun up just for the purpose of claiming to be a juror — there were two earlier posts pertaining to travel. But CNN Business was able to trace back to the account's previous name and avatar for the TikTok account which linked to the man elsewhere online."I deleted everything"Asked whether he served on the trial, he initially texted: "I'm sorry that is none of your business," before acknowledging that he was behind the account: "I deleted everything, leave me alone and don't spread my information please. I do not give you permission to use any of my information in any article," he said. "There's more important things to write about, such as mass shootings, climate change, war, etc."It is unclear what he hoped to accomplish, or why he himself would devote time to posting about the trial given the other pressing societal issues. Asked what inspired him to post at all purporting to be a juror, he said: "I'm sorry but I'm not answering any more questions."Throughout the trial, the vocal majority on TikTok indicated support for Depp whose case centered around whether Heard had falsely and maliciously accused him of domestic abuse in an opinion piece in The Washington Post in 2018. Heard, for her part, countersued Depp — and after six weeks of hearing their cases, the jury ultimately found that both Depp and Heard had defamed each other, with Depp being awarded $15 million in damages and Heard just $2 million.TikTok's algorithm works in such a way that it featured a never-ending rabbit hole of pro-Depp content, with many finding virality by posting favorable content to Depp. By nature of its algorithm, on TikTok, Fiesler pointed out, "the odds that someone with very few followers can have something go viral is higher .""My first thought was, 'Why do people think this is real?'" said Fiesler. "At the same time, there were a lot of comments — clearly just people assuming that it was real, and there was certainly nothing to support that. There was no kind of evidence. It seemed to me that this is totally the kind of thing somebody would just do for views, for a joke or whatever."Fiesler said there's incentive for creators to post content that people engage with — to get more views, followers and an eventual financial payoff if one's platform grows large enough.For those who primarily consume their news through social media, the danger is in believing that what's shown is the full picture, said Fiesler. "One of the big challenges with misinformation on social media is its very, very hard to correct it," she added.

Related video above: Court TV correspondent on courtroom atmosphere in Depp-Heard trial

A man purporting to be a member of the seven-person jury that deliberated in the Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard trial made a series of posts on TikTok last week about what he claimed were his insights from the high-profile trial that captivated the world.

While some social media sleuths were quick to cast doubt on his account — including closely examining the pixelated image of what he claimed was juror paperwork he posted as alleged proof of his service — the man's eight videos posted to TikTok last Thursday and Friday generated much attention. Combined, the posts garnered more than 2 million views and were recirculated on YouTube and Instagram by large-scale content creators reaching exponentially more people before he deactivated the account sometime Friday evening after CNN Business' attempt to seek comment. TikTok did not respond to a request for comment.

The Daily Mail circulated his remarks as an "exclusive," while also noting in the headline how little it knew about him: "Man claiming to be JUROR in Depp-Heard trial says moment Amber lied about donating divorce settlement sunk her case and that jury believed Johnny was physically abusive — but not the instigator." Daily Mail did not respond to a request for comment. Several other outlets similarly went forward with the story.

But the man behind the account isn't a resident of Virginia where the trial took place ---- and he did not, in fact, serve on the jury. In a text message Sunday, the man admitted it "was just a prank."

It is the latest development in how the defamation trial involving the two celebrities has been seized upon by content creators and influencers on TikTok, which spawned news cycles, revealed insight into the consciousness of users, and shone a light on what content is rewarded on social media.

According to Casey Fiesler, an assistant professor of information science at University of Colorado Boulder and a TikToker, TikTok tends to promote content that is controversial in some ways, or that the platform's algorithm has determined people want to see. Because the man pretending to have been a juror in the case said he believed Depp's story over Heard's, it reinforced beliefs held by Depp's supporters.

"People believe the things that they want to believe, absolutely," said Fiesler.

Posting under an account name "seekinginfinite," the faux juror stated in a TikTok that he wanted to remain anonymous for the time being but would "consider confirming my identity" in the future. His videos, in which he did not show his face, largely echoed common criticisms and observations made by social media creators throughout the course of the trial. He claimed that he grew "extremely uncomfortable" with Heard's eye contact with him so much so that he stopped looking at her while she testified. (Heard's frequent eye contact with the jury was one major topic of discussion during her time on the stand.) He claimed to have been a fan of Depp's lawyer, Camille Vasquez, who became such an internet sensation that one TikToker said she gave herself a tattoo of Vasquez.

"I just think she was really sharp and knew what she was doing and did it with purpose and integrity," said @seekinginfinite in one of the TikTok posts, responding to another user's question about what the jury thought of Vasquez. "All the business stuff aside, she wasn't too bad on the eyes."

Importantly, the TikToker made clear that he didn't believe Heard, validating a viewpoint that many spent weeks expressing on the platform: "Everything she was saying came off like [expletive]," he said in his original post, calling Heard a "crazy woman."

The man is in his late 20s and works as a cinematographer. He appears to have been in Hawaii during deliberations and post-verdict, based on Instagram posts. When asked Friday whether the purported juror badge posted by the TikToker user could plausibly be legitimate, a spokesperson for Fairfax County's Department of Public Affairs said it could not confirm based on the image shared on TikTok. Moreover, the spokesperson said it cannot confirm the identities of jurors who deliberated in the trial because they are under seal for one year. Jurors are, however, free to speak about their experience before then should they choose to do so.

Lending some credibility to his TikTok page was the fact that it wasn't an entirely new account spun up just for the purpose of claiming to be a juror — there were two earlier posts pertaining to travel. But CNN Business was able to trace back to the account's previous name and avatar for the TikTok account which linked to the man elsewhere online.

"I deleted everything"

Asked whether he served on the trial, he initially texted: "I'm sorry that is none of your business," before acknowledging that he was behind the account: "I deleted everything, leave me alone and don't spread my information please. I do not give you permission to use any of my information in any article," he said. "There's more important things to write about, such as mass shootings, climate change, war, etc."

It is unclear what he hoped to accomplish, or why he himself would devote time to posting about the trial given the other pressing societal issues. Asked what inspired him to post at all purporting to be a juror, he said: "I'm sorry but I'm not answering any more questions."

Throughout the trial, the vocal majority on TikTok indicated support for Depp whose case centered around whether Heard had falsely and maliciously accused him of domestic abuse in an opinion piece in The Washington Post in 2018. Heard, for her part, countersued Depp — and after six weeks of hearing their cases, the jury ultimately found that both Depp and Heard had defamed each other, with Depp being awarded $15 million in damages and Heard just $2 million.

TikTok's algorithm works in such a way that it featured a never-ending rabbit hole of pro-Depp content, with many finding virality by posting favorable content to Depp. By nature of its algorithm, on TikTok, Fiesler pointed out, "the odds that someone with very few followers can have something go viral is higher [that on other platforms]."

"My first thought was, 'Why do people think this is real?'" said Fiesler. "At the same time, there were a lot of comments — clearly just people assuming that it was real, and there was certainly nothing to support that. There was no kind of evidence. It seemed to me that this is totally the kind of thing somebody would just do for views, for a joke or whatever."

Fiesler said there's incentive for creators to post content that people engage with — to get more views, followers and an eventual financial payoff if one's platform grows large enough.

For those who primarily consume their news through social media, the danger is in believing that what's shown is the full picture, said Fiesler. "One of the big challenges with misinformation on social media is its very, very hard to correct it," she added.

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Best Super Bowl moments from commercials to Rihanna’s concert

cincylink — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 19:25:54 +0000

Video above: Rihanna teases 'almost impossible' Super Bowl halftime showFrom pregame entertainment to commercial breaks and of course, the halftime show, there's a lot more to the Super Bowl than just football. Here's a look at the biggest moments from Super Bowl LVII: (All updates in ET)9:45 p.m. ET Rihanna was pregnant with her second child as she performed her Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.The singer's representative confirmed the pregnancy shortly after she ended her 13-minute set at Super Bowl 57.The baby bump that was visible in the tight clothes she wore under her baggy red jumpsuit during the show set off a wave of social media speculation that she might be pregnant again.The 34-year-old has a 9-month-old son with rapper A$AP Rocky.9:15 p.m. ET FanDuel says it is still going to give $10 million in free bets to spread among its Super Bowl bettors.In a much-hyped ad for betting site FanDuel customers, Rob Gronkowski attempted a 25-yard field goal. A voiceover said he missed the kick, but they’d still give out the free bets. But online, onlookers were confused and thought it was good.Gronk’s “Kick of Destiny” landed the gaming site plenty of free publicity for the live stunt, as well as plenty of new customers who registered to be part of the campaign.8:45 p.m. ET Rihanna was shining bright like a diamond in her Super Bowl halftime performance. She began her show hanging high above the field. She wore a puffy, bright red jumpsuit as she stood on a transparent square that moved her up and down as she hovered in the air over the turf at State Farm Stadium.Dancers wearing what looked like white ski suits moved in sync on their own suspended platforms.She and her dancers were lowered to a stage that matched her outfit, and moved in sync as she sped through two other hits, “Where Have You Been,” and “Only Girl."There were none of the instant costume changes, scene shifts or guest appearances that have been a constant at other Super Bowl halftimes.The theme — and the color scheme — stayed the same throughout her set, with red lights bathing the long stage.More of the dancers in white flooded and filled the field as the performance went on.Fireworks went off and lights sparkled from the stand as she was raised alone back into the air and sang “Diamond” — with its refrain of “shine bright like a diamond” — as the set closed.The performance was her first live event in seven years, and her first since becoming a mother nine months ago. 8:15 p.m. ET The first half of Super Bowl 57 was an action-packed doozy as the Philadelphia Eagles took a 24-14 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs.Philadelphia’s Jake Elliott made a 35-yard field goal at the halftime buzzer to put the Eagles up by 10.Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts ran for two touchdowns in the first half and also connected on a 45-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Brown. Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes also threw a touchdown pass and Nick Bolton returned a fumble 36 yards for another score.An important development to watch: Mahomes limped off the field late in the second quarter. The two-time NFL MVP has been fighting a badly sprained right ankle and looked like he re-aggravated the injury.7:50 p.m. ET Brittney Griner is in the crowd representing the Philadelphia Eagles at the Super Bowl.It was the third public appearance for the WNBA star since her release from a Russian prison.Griner is skipping USA Basketball's training camp in Minnesota so she can be with her wife and recover from her time abroad. She was traded in a dramatic prisoner swap in December. 7:15 p.m. ET In its first Super Bowl ad, Dunkin’ Donuts enlisted superfan Ben Affleck and wife Jennifer Lopez for its spot.In the ad, Affleck mans the drive-through booth at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Medford, Massachusetts and shocks customers. Finally, Lopez comes through the drive-through and asks Ben what he’s doing. “You’re embarrassing me in front of my friends,” he says. “Grab me a glazed” she demands.Affleck has a long association with the brand, often spotted carrying Dunkin’ Donuts drinks in paparazzi photos. He directed the ad, too.6:30 p.m. ET Country musician and songwriter Chris Stapleton performed the national anthem for Super Bowl.The Super Bowl might be known for its extravagance, but the anthem was anything but fancy. All that was needed was a Stapleton’s smooth baritone voice and a guitar. Deaf actor Troy Kotsur — who won an Oscar for the movie “CODA” — signed the anthem alongside Stapleton.Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and starting center Jason Kelce both had tears in their eyes during Stapleton’s emotional performance. Before Stapleton stepped to the microphone, Grammy Award winner Babyface performed “America The Beautiful.”The series of pregame canonical songs began with “Abbot Elementary” star Sheryl Lee Ralph performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a song that’s been dubbed the Black national anthem.Ralph, wearing a flowing red velvet gown, began the song as a reflective ballad, and it became a soaring hymn as it went on, with military-style drums joining her and a choir dressed all in white chiming in behind her.6:20 p.m. ET During the pregame pageantry, the NFL honored the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals training and medical staffs, along with the staff at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. A minute later, Damar Hamlin joined them, putting his hands together to form a heart. He also received hugs from several of the first responders.5:40 p.m. ET Damar Hamlin has made it to the Super Bowl. The Buffalo Bills safety made his third appearance in Phoenix during Super Bowl week, this time on the field at State Farm Stadium prior to Sunday's game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.It's another milestone in Hamlin's recovery. It's been a little more than a month since Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated on the field in Cincinnati.He also appeared on stage at “NFL Honors” on Thursday night after the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals training and medical staffs, along with the staff at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, were recognized.“My entire life, I felt like God was using me to give others hope and now with a new set of circumstances, I can say he’s doing what he’s always done,” Hamlin said from the stage at the Phoenix Convention Center. “I have a long journey ahead, a journey full of unknowns and a journey full of milestones, but it’s a lot easier to face your fears when you know your purpose.”Hamlin collapsed on the field after a collision with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on Jan. 2. The sight of an elite-level athlete nearly dying on the field sent a shock across the NFL and the world. 5:30 p.m. ET For the first time in Super Bowl history, a pair of siblings will play each other on the NFL’s grandest stage.Travis Kelce helped the Kansas City Chiefs return to their third championship game in four seasons, while brother Jason has the Eagles back for the second time in six years.“Cool scenario to be in, you know?” Travis Kelce said. “My mom can’t lose.”Donna Kelce took to Twitter on Sunday to show off her "Gameday fit." Her outfit features equal parts Chiefs and Eagles. 4:20 p.m. ETThe Kansas City Chiefs welcomed two new fans to the world on Super Bowl Sunday, with a third apparently on the way.Chiefs offensive lineman Nick Allegretti’s wife, Christina, gave birth in the early hours to twin girls back home in Chicago, a team official confirmed to The Associated Press. Allegretti was able to watch everything unfold on FaceTime from the lobby of the team hotel while the rest of the Chiefs slept ahead of their game against the Philadelphia Eagles.Allegretti, who has started three games this season, will be available for the Chiefs in the big game.About the same time his wife was giving birth, Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman tweeted that his girlfriend, Chariah Gordeon, had gone into labor. Hardman went on injured reserve this week and was not available to play in the game.There are plenty of Eagles on baby watch, too.Starting center Jason Kelce, whose brother Travis is a tight end for Kansas City, and his wife are expecting their third child at any moment. In fact, Kylie Kelce, who is 38 weeks pregnant, has said that her obstetricians would be on hand at State Farm Stadium on Sunday should the baby make a dramatic appearance during the game.3:15 p.m. ETCardi B teamed with her husband Offset onstage, embraced Serena Williams and later partook with a lively crowd during the rapper’s energetic pre-Super Bowl concert in suburban Phoenix.The Grammy winner joyfully danced and performed her biggest jams from “Up” to “I Like It” at the Hall of Fame party early Sunday. She brought high energy into a laid-back nightclub atmosphere at the Gila River Resorts & Casino in Chandler, Arizona.The crowd rose to their feet and pulled out their phones to capture Cardi B's show as they recited almost word-for-word all the lyrics during her 30-minute set. She kicked off her performance with “Money” as she pranced across the stage. Offset also joined her onstage to perform their hit “Clout.” Cardi B went on to perform her other hits such as "Finesse” and “Bodak Yellow,” her final song of the night. Afterward, she hugged Williams onstage before the rapper ventured offstage and marched with her security through a sea of audience members, which included comedian Tiffany Haddish, who cheered her on and took selfies and videos of her.Earlier, Offset opened up for his wife, performing “Roc Flair Drip,” “Taste” and played a snippet of “Bad and Boujee” from his former group Migos.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Video above: Rihanna teases 'almost impossible' Super Bowl halftime show

From pregame entertainment to commercial breaks and of course, the halftime show, there's a lot more to the Super Bowl than just football.

Here's a look at the biggest moments from Super Bowl LVII:

(All updates in ET)

9:45 p.m. ET

Rihanna was pregnant with her second child as she performed her Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.

The singer's representative confirmed the pregnancy shortly after she ended her 13-minute set at Super Bowl 57.

The baby bump that was visible in the tight clothes she wore under her baggy red jumpsuit during the show set off a wave of social media speculation that she might be pregnant again.

The 34-year-old has a 9-month-old son with rapper A$AP Rocky.

9:15 p.m. ET

FanDuel says it is still going to give $10 million in free bets to spread among its Super Bowl bettors.

In a much-hyped ad for betting site FanDuel customers, Rob Gronkowski attempted a 25-yard field goal. A voiceover said he missed the kick, but they’d still give out the free bets. But online, onlookers were confused and thought it was good.

Gronk’s “Kick of Destiny” landed the gaming site plenty of free publicity for the live stunt, as well as plenty of new customers who registered to be part of the campaign.

8:45 p.m. ET

Rihanna was shining bright like a diamond in her Super Bowl halftime performance.

She began her show hanging high above the field. She wore a puffy, bright red jumpsuit as she stood on a transparent square that moved her up and down as she hovered in the air over the turf at State Farm Stadium.

Dancers wearing what looked like white ski suits moved in sync on their own suspended platforms.

She and her dancers were lowered to a stage that matched her outfit, and moved in sync as she sped through two other hits, “Where Have You Been,” and “Only Girl."

There were none of the instant costume changes, scene shifts or guest appearances that have been a constant at other Super Bowl halftimes.

The theme — and the color scheme — stayed the same throughout her set, with red lights bathing the long stage.

More of the dancers in white flooded and filled the field as the performance went on.

Fireworks went off and lights sparkled from the stand as she was raised alone back into the air and sang “Diamond” — with its refrain of “shine bright like a diamond” — as the set closed.

The performance was her first live event in seven years, and her first since becoming a mother nine months ago.

8:15 p.m. ET

The first half of Super Bowl 57 was an action-packed doozy as the Philadelphia Eagles took a 24-14 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Philadelphia’s Jake Elliott made a 35-yard field goal at the halftime buzzer to put the Eagles up by 10.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts ran for two touchdowns in the first half and also connected on a 45-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Brown. Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes also threw a touchdown pass and Nick Bolton returned a fumble 36 yards for another score.

An important development to watch: Mahomes limped off the field late in the second quarter. The two-time NFL MVP has been fighting a badly sprained right ankle and looked like he re-aggravated the injury.

7:50 p.m. ET

Brittney Griner is in the crowd representing the Philadelphia Eagles at the Super Bowl.

It was the third public appearance for the WNBA star since her release from a Russian prison.

Griner is skipping USA Basketball's training camp in Minnesota so she can be with her wife and recover from her time abroad. She was traded in a dramatic prisoner swap in December.

7:15 p.m. ET

In its first Super Bowl ad, Dunkin’ Donuts enlisted superfan Ben Affleck and wife Jennifer Lopez for its spot.

In the ad, Affleck mans the drive-through booth at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Medford, Massachusetts and shocks customers. Finally, Lopez comes through the drive-through and asks Ben what he’s doing. “You’re embarrassing me in front of my friends,” he says. “Grab me a glazed” she demands.

Affleck has a long association with the brand, often spotted carrying Dunkin’ Donuts drinks in paparazzi photos. He directed the ad, too.

6:30 p.m. ET

Country musician and songwriter Chris Stapleton performed the national anthem for Super Bowl.

The Super Bowl might be known for its extravagance, but the anthem was anything but fancy. All that was needed was a Stapleton’s smooth baritone voice and a guitar. Deaf actor Troy Kotsur — who won an Oscar for the movie “CODA” — signed the anthem alongside Stapleton.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and starting center Jason Kelce both had tears in their eyes during Stapleton’s emotional performance.

AP
Chris Stapleton sings the national anthem before the NFL Super Bowl

Before Stapleton stepped to the microphone, Grammy Award winner Babyface performed “America The Beautiful.”

The series of pregame canonical songs began with “Abbot Elementary” star Sheryl Lee Ralph performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a song that’s been dubbed the Black national anthem.

Ralph, wearing a flowing red velvet gown, began the song as a reflective ballad, and it became a soaring hymn as it went on, with military-style drums joining her and a choir dressed all in white chiming in behind her.

6:20 p.m. ET

During the pregame pageantry, the NFL honored the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals training and medical staffs, along with the staff at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. A minute later, Damar Hamlin joined them, putting his hands together to form a heart. He also received hugs from several of the first responders.

5:40 p.m. ET

Damar Hamlin has made it to the Super Bowl.

The Buffalo Bills safety made his third appearance in Phoenix during Super Bowl week, this time on the field at State Farm Stadium prior to Sunday's game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.

It's another milestone in Hamlin's recovery. It's been a little more than a month since Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated on the field in Cincinnati.

He also appeared on stage at “NFL Honors” on Thursday night after the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals training and medical staffs, along with the staff at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, were recognized.

“My entire life, I felt like God was using me to give others hope and now with a new set of circumstances, I can say he’s doing what he’s always done,” Hamlin said from the stage at the Phoenix Convention Center. “I have a long journey ahead, a journey full of unknowns and a journey full of milestones, but it’s a lot easier to face your fears when you know your purpose.”

Hamlin collapsed on the field after a collision with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on Jan. 2. The sight of an elite-level athlete nearly dying on the field sent a shock across the NFL and the world.

5:30 p.m. ET

For the first time in Super Bowl history, a pair of siblings will play each other on the NFL’s grandest stage.

Travis Kelce helped the Kansas City Chiefs return to their third championship game in four seasons, while brother Jason has the Eagles back for the second time in six years.

“Cool scenario to be in, you know?” Travis Kelce said. “My mom can’t lose.”

Donna Kelce took to Twitter on Sunday to show off her "Gameday fit." Her outfit features equal parts Chiefs and Eagles.

4:20 p.m. ET

The Kansas City Chiefs welcomed two new fans to the world on Super Bowl Sunday, with a third apparently on the way.

Chiefs offensive lineman Nick Allegretti’s wife, Christina, gave birth in the early hours to twin girls back home in Chicago, a team official confirmed to The Associated Press. Allegretti was able to watch everything unfold on FaceTime from the lobby of the team hotel while the rest of the Chiefs slept ahead of their game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Allegretti, who has started three games this season, will be available for the Chiefs in the big game.

About the same time his wife was giving birth, Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman tweeted that his girlfriend, Chariah Gordeon, had gone into labor. Hardman went on injured reserve this week and was not available to play in the game.

There are plenty of Eagles on baby watch, too.

Starting center Jason Kelce, whose brother Travis is a tight end for Kansas City, and his wife are expecting their third child at any moment. In fact, Kylie Kelce, who is 38 weeks pregnant, has said that her obstetricians would be on hand at State Farm Stadium on Sunday should the baby make a dramatic appearance during the game.

3:15 p.m. ET

Cardi B teamed with her husband Offset onstage, embraced Serena Williams and later partook with a lively crowd during the rapper’s energetic pre-Super Bowl concert in suburban Phoenix.

The Grammy winner joyfully danced and performed her biggest jams from “Up” to “I Like It” at the Hall of Fame party early Sunday. She brought high energy into a laid-back nightclub atmosphere at the Gila River Resorts & Casino in Chandler, Arizona.

The crowd rose to their feet and pulled out their phones to capture Cardi B's show as they recited almost word-for-word all the lyrics during her 30-minute set. She kicked off her performance with “Money” as she pranced across the stage.

Offset also joined her onstage to perform their hit “Clout.”

Cardi B went on to perform her other hits such as "Finesse” and “Bodak Yellow,” her final song of the night. Afterward, she hugged Williams onstage before the rapper ventured offstage and marched with her security through a sea of audience members, which included comedian Tiffany Haddish, who cheered her on and took selfies and videos of her.

Earlier, Offset opened up for his wife, performing “Roc Flair Drip,” “Taste” and played a snippet of “Bad and Boujee” from his former group Migos.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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A French bulldog is smitten with actor Henry Cavill

cincylink — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 13:31:06 +0000

It's a classic love story about a French bulldog and "Superman" star Henry Cavill. Too bad Cavill doesn't know about it. About six months ago, Heather Land was watching TV when her French bulldog, Rory, became smitten by Cavill. Now, every time he's on TV, she moves closer to the screen, seemingly entranced by his voice. "If he comes on the screen and she hears his voice she will wake up out of a deep sleep and pop up and look for him," Land told CNN. One video even shows Rory struggling to get out from under the covers to get a closer look. This is not the norm for Rory, Land said. Many times, Rory isn't excited by people and never used to watch TV. Now, even if Land displays a photo of Cavill, Rory can't look away. "I don't think she'd even look at pictures of me like that if I wasn't around and I'm her favorite person," Land said. Videos of Rory's infatuation had TikTok fans sending so much Cavill-themed merchandise, it's become a shrine of sorts. "It's just a one-way love story," Land said. She's hopeful that one day, the two can meet in person.

It's a classic love story about a French bulldog and "Superman" star Henry Cavill.

Too bad Cavill doesn't know about it.

About six months ago, Heather Land was watching TV when her French bulldog, Rory, became smitten by Cavill.

Now, every time he's on TV, she moves closer to the screen, seemingly entranced by his voice.

"If he comes on the screen and she hears his voice she will wake up out of a deep sleep and pop up and look for him," Land told CNN.

One video even shows Rory struggling to get out from under the covers to get a closer look.

This is not the norm for Rory, Land said. Many times, Rory isn't excited by people and never used to watch TV.

Now, even if Land displays a photo of Cavill, Rory can't look away.

"I don't think she'd even look at pictures of me like that if I wasn't around and I'm her favorite person," Land said.

Videos of Rory's infatuation had TikTok fans sending so much Cavill-themed merchandise, it's become a shrine of sorts.

"It's just a one-way love story," Land said.

She's hopeful that one day, the two can meet in person.

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The best moments from the 2023 Oscars

cincylink — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 09:26:49 +0000

The producers of the 95th Academy Awards have promised a show that will pull audiences in and keep them entertained for the duration. Actor Will Smith's slap of host Chris Rock dominated headlines after last year's show and a crisis team is in place for any unexpected twists, but the showrunners want to move forward with new material at this year's ceremony. Here are the moments everyone is talking about from the 2023 Oscars. (All updates in ET).10:25 p.m. On her way on stage to present the Oscar for Visual Effects, actress and director Elizabeth Banks nearly tripped on her gown, but caught herself before arriving to the microphone. When she finally announced the nominees, someone in a bear suit stood next to her, a reference to "Cocaine Bear," a film she directed that recently hit theaters. The bear made hand signals that Banks translated for the audience.“Avatar: The Way of Water” won the 2023 Oscar for Visual Effects.10:10 p.m.“All Quiet on the Western Front,” scored by Volker Bertelmann, won the 2023 Oscar for Best Original Score. The film also won the Oscar for Best Production Design.How does voting for the Oscars work? This is how winners are decidedOscars producers promise they're 'not trying to be rude' by playing off winners during speechesWhy Tom Cruise is skipping the 2023 Oscars despite all those 'Top Gun: Maverick' nominations10 p.m.Lady Gaga changed out of her elegant black Versace runway gown and opted for black ripped jeans and a black T-shirt for her performance of the Oscar-nominated song "Hold My Hand" from "Top Gun: Maverick."The singer and actress showed up on the red carpet following reports that she would be unable to attend due to her filming schedule for the "Joker" sequel.9:35 p.m. Jenny, who played the donkey in “The Banshees of Inisherin,” graced the Oscars stage wearing a bedazzled emotional support animal vest.“Not only is Jenny an actor, she’s a certified emotional support donkey,” host Jimmy Kimmel said. “At least that’s what we told the airline to get her on the plane from Ireland.”As Kimmel pointed out her co-stars seated in the audience, Colin Farrell blew her a kiss.Farrell thanked Jenny when he won a Golden Globe earlier this year.9:30 p.m. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” won the 2023 Oscar for Best Costume Design.9:15 p.m.“The Whale” won the 2023 Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.9:55 p.m.“The Elephant Whisperers” won the 2023 Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film. Shortly after, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse” won the 2023 Oscar for Best Animated Short Film.9:50 p.m. Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone — who got her start in South Indian cinema with a Kannada-language film — introduced the performance of best original song nominee “Naatu Naatu,” from the Telegu-language “RRR.”The high-energy performance, featuring playback singers Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj and a squadron of dancers, was still relatively tame — there was no dancing in the aisles like there's been at screenings in Hollywood.9:40 p.m. “All Quiet on the Western Front” won the 2023 Oscar for Best International Feature Film. Earlier in the ceremony, James Friend, who shot the movie, won the 2023 Oscar for Best Cinematography. 9:20 p.m.Jenny, who played the donkey in “The Banshees of Inisherin,” graced the Oscars stage wearing a bedazzled emotional support animal vest.“Not only is Jenny an actor, she’s a certified emotional support donkey,” host Jimmy Kimmel said. “At least that’s what we told the airline to get her on the plane from Ireland.”As Kimmel pointed out her co-stars seated in the audience, Colin Farrell blew her a kiss.Farrell thanked Jenny when he won a Golden Globe earlier this year.8:55 p.m. Melissa McCarthy and Halle Bailey took the Oscars stage to introduce a brand new trailer for Disney's newest live-action version of "The Little Mermaid."In the trailer, audiences get a fuller glimpse of McCarthy as Ursula and Bailey as Ariel, along with Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric and Javier Bardem as King Triton."The Little Mermaid," which is directed by Rob Marshall, will hit theaters on May 26. 8:50 p.m. “Navalny” won the 2023 Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film."My husband is in prison just for telling the truth. My husband is in prison just for defending democracy," Yulia Navalnaya said. “Alexei, I am dreaming of the day when you will be free and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love.”The documentary “Navalny ” follows the Russian opposition leader and his poisoning. Navalny is now in solitary confinement in prison in Russia.8:45 p.m. Here’s an Oscar song that wasn’t planned: “Happy birthday” was performed, on stage and by many in the audience, for “An Irish Goodbye” star James Martin after its win for Best Live Action Short Film. The actor turned 31 on Sunday.Martin has Down syndrome, and his story — from Starbucks barista to the Oscar stage — has captured the imagination of many in recent weeks.8:35 p.m. Jamie Lee Curtis won the 2023 Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”“My mother and father were both nominated for Oscars in different categories — I just won an Oscar," Jamie Lee Curtis said, crying. Her parents were actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.8:30 p.m. Ke Huy Quan won the 2023 Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”Ke Huy Quan tends to get emotional any time he contemplates his sudden reversal of fate. Ever since “Everything Everywhere All at Once” opened in theaters earlier this year, 51-year-old Quan — who a lifetime ago was the iconic child star of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” as Short Round and Data in “Goonies” — has been, he says, “overwhelmed by emotions every day.”After being one of the most recognizable faces of the 80s, Quan, disheartened by a lack of roles and opportunities, decided to quit in his 20s. At 49, he gave it one last shot and two weeks later booked “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”“For the longest time, all I wanted was just a job,” Quan said. “Just an opportunity to act, to show people what I can do. This movie, ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once,’ has given me so much beyond anything I could have ever asked for.”“There are so many people out there who doubt themselves, who have dreams they’ve given up or didn’t think would ever come true,” Quan added. “To those people, I hope my story inspires them.” 8:20 p.m. “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinnochio” has won the 2023 Oscar for Best Animated Feature.8:15 p.m. Jimmy Kimmel opened the 95th Academy Awards with lighthearted jokes directed at several nominees after pretending to parachute onto the stage.In an opening skit, Kimmel seemingly sits behind Tom Cruise in a "Top Gun" fighter jet, pulls off a helmet with the call sign "Meatball" and then appeared on stage shortly after being advised to eject from the plane.Kimmel told jokes about "Top Gun: Maverick," Steven Spielberg and addressed the 2022 incident where Will Smith slapped Oscars host Chris Rock. 8 p.m. Lady Gaga isn’t kidding around — she’s not only added a last-minute performance at the Oscars, but also walked its carpet.The “Hold My Hand” singer wasn’t expected at the show but was confirmed as a performer Sunday. She was among the late arrivals on the Oscars’ champagne-colored carpet.Producers had initially cited her schedule on the “Joker” sequel as the reason she couldn’t perform.The superstar could win her second Academy Award if the “Top Gun: Maverick” track wins best original song Sunday. The Associated Press contributed to this story.

The producers of the 95th Academy Awards have promised a show that will pull audiences in and keep them entertained for the duration.

Actor Will Smith's slap of host Chris Rock dominated headlines after last year's show and a crisis team is in place for any unexpected twists, but the showrunners want to move forward with new material at this year's ceremony.

Here are the moments everyone is talking about from the 2023 Oscars. (All updates in ET).

10:10 p.m.

“All Quiet on the Western Front,” scored by Volker Bertelmann, won the 2023 Oscar for Best Original Score. The film also won the Oscar for Best Production Design.

10 p.m.

Lady Gaga changed out of her elegant black Versace runway gown and opted for black ripped jeans and a black T-shirt for her performance of the Oscar-nominated song "Hold My Hand" from "Top Gun: Maverick."

The singer and actress showed up on the red carpet following reports that she would be unable to attend due to her filming schedule for the "Joker" sequel.

How does voting for the Oscars work? This is how winners are decided

Oscars producers promise they're 'not trying to be rude' by playing off winners during speeches

Why Tom Cruise is skipping the 2023 Oscars despite all those 'Top Gun: Maverick' nominations

9:35 p.m.

Jenny, who played the donkey in “The Banshees of Inisherin,” graced the Oscars stage wearing a bedazzled emotional support animal vest.

“Not only is Jenny an actor, she’s a certified emotional support donkey,” host Jimmy Kimmel said. “At least that’s what we told the airline to get her on the plane from Ireland.”

As Kimmel pointed out her co-stars seated in the audience, Colin Farrell blew her a kiss.

Farrell thanked Jenny when he won a Golden Globe earlier this year.

9:30 p.m.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” won the 2023 Oscar for Best Costume Design.

9:15 p.m.

“The Whale” won the 2023 Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

9:55 p.m.

“The Elephant Whisperers” won the 2023 Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film. Shortly after, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse” won the 2023 Oscar for Best Animated Short Film.

9:50 p.m.

Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone — who got her start in South Indian cinema with a Kannada-language film — introduced the performance of best original song nominee “Naatu Naatu,” from the Telegu-language “RRR.”

The high-energy performance, featuring playback singers Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj and a squadron of dancers, was still relatively tame — there was no dancing in the aisles like there's been at screenings in Hollywood.

9:40 p.m.

“All Quiet on the Western Front” won the 2023 Oscar for Best International Feature Film. Earlier in the ceremony, James Friend, who shot the movie, won the 2023 Oscar for Best Cinematography.

9:20 p.m.

Jenny, who played the donkey in “The Banshees of Inisherin,” graced the Oscars stage wearing a bedazzled emotional support animal vest.

“Not only is Jenny an actor, she’s a certified emotional support donkey,” host Jimmy Kimmel said. “At least that’s what we told the airline to get her on the plane from Ireland.”

As Kimmel pointed out her co-stars seated in the audience, Colin Farrell blew her a kiss.

Farrell thanked Jenny when he won a Golden Globe earlier this year.

8:55 p.m.

Melissa McCarthy and Halle Bailey took the Oscars stage to introduce a brand new trailer for Disney's newest live-action version of "The Little Mermaid."

In the trailer, audiences get a fuller glimpse of McCarthy as Ursula and Bailey as Ariel, along with Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric and Javier Bardem as King Triton.

"The Little Mermaid," which is directed by Rob Marshall, will hit theaters on May 26.

8:50 p.m.

“Navalny” won the 2023 Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film.

"My husband is in prison just for telling the truth. My husband is in prison just for defending democracy," Yulia Navalnaya said. “Alexei, I am dreaming of the day when you will be free and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love.”

The documentary “Navalny ” follows the Russian opposition leader and his poisoning. Navalny is now in solitary confinement in prison in Russia.

8:45 p.m.

Here’s an Oscar song that wasn’t planned: “Happy birthday” was performed, on stage and by many in the audience, for “An Irish Goodbye” star James Martin after its win for Best Live Action Short Film. The actor turned 31 on Sunday.

Martin has Down syndrome, and his story — from Starbucks barista to the Oscar stage — has captured the imagination of many in recent weeks.

8:35 p.m.

Jamie Lee Curtis won the 2023 Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

“My mother and father were both nominated for Oscars in different categories — I just won an Oscar," Jamie Lee Curtis said, crying. Her parents were actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.

8:30 p.m.

Ke Huy Quan won the 2023 Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Ke Huy Quan tends to get emotional any time he contemplates his sudden reversal of fate. Ever since “Everything Everywhere All at Once” opened in theaters earlier this year, 51-year-old Quan — who a lifetime ago was the iconic child star of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” as Short Round and Data in “Goonies” — has been, he says, “overwhelmed by emotions every day.”

After being one of the most recognizable faces of the 80s, Quan, disheartened by a lack of roles and opportunities, decided to quit in his 20s. At 49, he gave it one last shot and two weeks later booked “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

“For the longest time, all I wanted was just a job,” Quan said. “Just an opportunity to act, to show people what I can do. This movie, ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once,’ has given me so much beyond anything I could have ever asked for.”

“There are so many people out there who doubt themselves, who have dreams they’ve given up or didn’t think would ever come true,” Quan added. “To those people, I hope my story inspires them.”

8:20 p.m.

“Guillermo del Toro’s Pinnochio” has won the 2023 Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

8:15 p.m.

Jimmy Kimmel opened the 95th Academy Awards with lighthearted jokes directed at several nominees after pretending to parachute onto the stage.

In an opening skit, Kimmel seemingly sits behind Tom Cruise in a "Top Gun" fighter jet, pulls off a helmet with the call sign "Meatball" and then appeared on stage shortly after being advised to eject from the plane.

Kimmel told jokes about "Top Gun: Maverick," Steven Spielberg and addressed the 2022 incident where Will Smith slapped Oscars host Chris Rock.

8 p.m.

Lady Gaga isn’t kidding around — she’s not only added a last-minute performance at the Oscars, but also walked its carpet.

The “Hold My Hand” singer wasn’t expected at the show but was confirmed as a performer Sunday. She was among the late arrivals on the Oscars’ champagne-colored carpet.

Producers had initially cited her schedule on the “Joker” sequel as the reason she couldn’t perform.

The superstar could win her second Academy Award if the “Top Gun: Maverick” track wins best original song Sunday.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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The ‘Wheel of Fortune’ feather fiasco that’s being called the show’s ‘most painful 2 minutes’

cincylink — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 14:37:14 +0000

A "Wheel of Fortune" puzzle recently had contestants scratching their heads, while viewers grew frustrated at their numerous incorrect guesses. The puzzle's answer was "another feather in your cap," but Laura Machado, a high school dean of students, was thrown off after her initial guess of "another feather in your hat," was incorrect. Even when a "P" appeared on the board as the last letter of the last word, Machado's next guesses were lap and map, but the other contestants were stumped as well. One viewer tweeted that unsuccessful attempts to solve the puzzle were "the most painful two minutes of Wheel of Fortune I've ever seen," while Josh Gad, the actor who voiced Olaf in "Frozen," also weighed in."God help us all," he said. Previous "Wheel of Fortune" puzzles have stumped contestants, including one in which "Jolly good fellow" was guessed as "Jolly goof fellow."But this incident had viewers enraged, with one headline reading, "Wheel of Fortune contestants spend two minutes reminding us America is in decline."The show's longtime host, Pat Sajak, came to the contestants' defense."It always pains me when nice people come on our show to play a game and win some money and maybe fulfill a lifelong dream, and are then subject to online ridicule when they make a mistake or something goes awry," Sajak wrote in a post on Twitter."Sitting at home, it seems incredible that they couldn’t solve it, but I knew in real time what was happening," another tweet from Sajak says.Sajak wrote that the puzzle's first answer, "feather in your hat," is how a lot of people say it and so, the other contestants believed it was a good guess. "Now imagine you’re on national TV, and you’re suddenly thrown a curve and you begin getting worried about looking stupid, and if the feather isn’t in your hat, where the heck can it be? You start flailing away looking for alternatives rather than synonyms for 'hat,'" Sajak wrote. Sajak added that he's been "praised online for 'keeping it together' and not making fun of the players," but said he feels for contestants."Truth is, all I want to do is help to get them through it and convince them that those things happen even to very bright people," he tweeted. In closing, Sajak asked viewers to stop mocking the players or calling them names and to "have a little heart.""These are good people in a bad situation under a kind of stress that you can’t begin to appreciate from the comfort of your couch," he wrote.

A "Wheel of Fortune" puzzle recently had contestants scratching their heads, while viewers grew frustrated at their numerous incorrect guesses.

The puzzle's answer was "another feather in your cap," but Laura Machado, a high school dean of students, was thrown off after her initial guess of "another feather in your hat," was incorrect.

Even when a "P" appeared on the board as the last letter of the last word, Machado's next guesses were lap and map, but the other contestants were stumped as well.

One viewer tweeted that unsuccessful attempts to solve the puzzle were "the most painful two minutes of Wheel of Fortune I've ever seen," while Josh Gad, the actor who voiced Olaf in "Frozen," also weighed in.

"God help us all," he said.

Previous "Wheel of Fortune" puzzles have stumped contestants, including one in which "Jolly good fellow" was guessed as "Jolly goof fellow."

But this incident had viewers enraged, with one headline reading, "Wheel of Fortune contestants spend two minutes reminding us America is in decline."

The show's longtime host, Pat Sajak, came to the contestants' defense.

"It always pains me when nice people come on our show to play a game and win some money and maybe fulfill a lifelong dream, and are then subject to online ridicule when they make a mistake or something goes awry," Sajak wrote in a post on Twitter.

"Sitting at home, it seems incredible that they couldn’t solve it, but I knew in real time what was happening," another tweet from Sajak says.

Sajak wrote that the puzzle's first answer, "feather in your hat," is how a lot of people say it and so, the other contestants believed it was a good guess.

"Now imagine you’re on national TV, and you’re suddenly thrown a curve and you begin getting worried about looking stupid, and if the feather isn’t in your hat, where the heck can it be? You start flailing away looking for alternatives rather than synonyms for 'hat,'" Sajak wrote.

Sajak added that he's been "praised online for 'keeping it together' and not making fun of the players," but said he feels for contestants.

"Truth is, all I want to do is help to get them through it and convince them that those things happen even to very bright people," he tweeted.

In closing, Sajak asked viewers to stop mocking the players or calling them names and to "have a little heart."

"These are good people in a bad situation under a kind of stress that you can’t begin to appreciate from the comfort of your couch," he wrote.

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Video showing police breaking up fight between Black teen, white teen in mall prompts outrage

cincylink — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 06:17:11 +0000

A video showing police officers breaking up a fight between a Black teenager and a white teenager at a New Jersey mall has prompted outrage over the police response.New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said Wednesday that the "appearance of what is racially disparate treatment is deeply, deeply disturbing."One video of the incident reviewed by CNN shows the boys arguing before the white teenager points his finger at the Black teenager's face, and the Black teenager pushes the white teenager's hand back. The white teenager pushes the Black teenager, who begins to throw punches at the other boy. The white teenager punches back.The Black teenager ends up on the ground. Two Bridgewater Township police officers arrive and separate the two boys.The Black teenager begins to get up and is pinned to the ground by one officer and rolled onto his stomach, with his hands behind his back. The other officer pushes the white teenager onto a nearby couch and then assists in handcuffing the Black teenager. Eventually, officers stand the handcuffed Black teenager up.It is unclear how the incident escalated between the boys or what happened after the Black teenager was handcuffed.CNN has not been able to speak to either teenagers or their parents.The Black teenager, who identified himself by his first name, Kye, spoke to CNN affiliate WABC, saying his friend was arguing with the white teenager and he "just kind of jumped in" before it turned into a physical fight. He said the officers on scene "basically tackled (him) to the ground" and one officer put his knee on his back."The male officer put his knee in my back, then he started putting me in cuffs and then the female officer came over and put her knee on my upper back too, and started helping putting cuffs on me ... while (the white teenager) was just sitting down on the couch watching the whole thing," Kye said.The Bridgewater Township Police Department said in a Facebook post that they know video of the incident has upset members of the community. They have asked the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office to investigate the incident."We recognize that this video has made members of our community upset and are calling for an internal affairs investigation," the department wrote."The officers were able to respond quickly to this incident and stop it from escalating because of a tip we received from the community. We have requested that the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office assist us in this matter and are requesting patience as we strictly adhere to the New Jersey Attorney General's Internal Affairs Directive."We appreciate the videos that we have already received from community members and ask that anyone who has a video of this incident please email it to tips@bridgewaterpd.com. The men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department are thankful for our community partners and look forward to continuing to build our positive relationships."Gov. Murphy on Wednesday also said that the incident is "just another reminder that the progress we made on the relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve ... our work is not done, and we need to continue that."The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office confirmed to CNN Wednesday that their Internal Affairs Unit is investigating both the fight and the police response. The Mayor of Bridgewater, Matthew Moench, said in a letter to residents that it is "not appropriate for or any other Township official to comment any further" while the investigation is ongoing, but said he is "completely confident that the Prosecutor's review will be impartial, objective and thorough."The New Jersey Attorney General's office also said in a statement Wednesday that they are working closely with the prosecutor's office on the investigation. "The SPCO will follow the Attorney General's Office's strict guidelines and procedures for investigating possible misconduct, and to ensure transparency and accountability," a spokesperson said.Kye's mother told CNN affiliate WCBS that she wants the officers involved to become "unemployable.""Maybe they could have broken up the fight and maybe set them aside and called their parents. No cuffs, no aggression. Dealt with them like they were teenagers," the mother said. "I'm not happy about it, and I do want those two cops to become unemployable. That's what I would like."

BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, N.J. —

A video showing police officers breaking up a fight between a Black teenager and a white teenager at a New Jersey mall has prompted outrage over the police response.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said Wednesday that the "appearance of what is racially disparate treatment is deeply, deeply disturbing."

One video of the incident reviewed by CNN shows the boys arguing before the white teenager points his finger at the Black teenager's face, and the Black teenager pushes the white teenager's hand back. The white teenager pushes the Black teenager, who begins to throw punches at the other boy. The white teenager punches back.

The Black teenager ends up on the ground. Two Bridgewater Township police officers arrive and separate the two boys.

The Black teenager begins to get up and is pinned to the ground by one officer and rolled onto his stomach, with his hands behind his back. The other officer pushes the white teenager onto a nearby couch and then assists in handcuffing the Black teenager. Eventually, officers stand the handcuffed Black teenager up.

It is unclear how the incident escalated between the boys or what happened after the Black teenager was handcuffed.

CNN has not been able to speak to either teenagers or their parents.

The Black teenager, who identified himself by his first name, Kye, spoke to CNN affiliate WABC, saying his friend was arguing with the white teenager and he "just kind of jumped in" before it turned into a physical fight. He said the officers on scene "basically tackled (him) to the ground" and one officer put his knee on his back.

"The male officer put his knee in my back, then he started putting me in cuffs and then the female officer came over and put her knee on my upper back too, and started helping putting cuffs on me ... while (the white teenager) was just sitting down on the couch watching the whole thing," Kye said.

The Bridgewater Township Police Department said in a Facebook post that they know video of the incident has upset members of the community. They have asked the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office to investigate the incident.

"We recognize that this video has made members of our community upset and are calling for an internal affairs investigation," the department wrote.

"The officers were able to respond quickly to this incident and stop it from escalating because of a tip we received from the community. We have requested that the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office assist us in this matter and are requesting patience as we strictly adhere to the New Jersey Attorney General's Internal Affairs Directive.

"We appreciate the videos that we have already received from community members and ask that anyone who has a video of this incident please email it to tips@bridgewaterpd.com. The men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department are thankful for our community partners and look forward to continuing to build our positive relationships."

Gov. Murphy on Wednesday also said that the incident is "just another reminder that the progress we made on the relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve ... our work is not done, and we need to continue that."

The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office confirmed to CNN Wednesday that their Internal Affairs Unit is investigating both the fight and the police response. The Mayor of Bridgewater, Matthew Moench, said in a letter to residents that it is "not appropriate for [him] or any other Township official to comment any further" while the investigation is ongoing, but said he is "completely confident that the Prosecutor's review will be impartial, objective and thorough."

The New Jersey Attorney General's office also said in a statement Wednesday that they are working closely with the prosecutor's office on the investigation. "The SPCO will follow the Attorney General's Office's strict guidelines and procedures for investigating possible misconduct, and to ensure transparency and accountability," a spokesperson said.

Kye's mother told CNN affiliate WCBS that she wants the officers involved to become "unemployable."

"Maybe they could have broken up the fight and maybe set them aside and called their parents. No cuffs, no aggression. Dealt with them like they were teenagers," the mother said. "I'm not happy about it, and I do want those two cops to become unemployable. That's what I would like."

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NHL team staff member thanks fan who spotted melanoma at game

cincylink — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 20:37:22 +0000

Two NHL teams have combined to give ice hockey fan Nadia Popovici a $10,000 scholarship for medical school as a thank you for advising Vancouver Canucks assistant equipment manager Brian "Red" Hamilton to get a mole behind his neck checked out.Popovici was sitting behind Hamilton as she watched the Canucks play the Seattle Kraken on Oct. 23. Unsure if Hamilton was aware of the mole, Popovici banged on the glass window to catch his attention and showed him a message she had typed on her phone.Following her advice, Hamilton did get the mole checked out and it proved to be a malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer.With the Canucks scheduled to play the Kraken in Seattle on Saturday, the Vancouver team posted a message on social media as they tried to track down Popovici so Hamilton could thank her personally."I'm trying to find a very special person and I need the hockey community's help," wrote Hamilton in a social media post."To this woman I am trying to find, you changed my life, and now I want to find you to say THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH."That evening Oct 23rd, and the message you showed me on your cell phone will forever be etched into my brain and has made a true life-changing difference for me and my family."Your instincts were right and that mole on the back of my neck was a malignant melanoma and thanks to your persistence and the quick work of our doctors, it is now gone."'What wonderful news!'It didn't take long for the internet to work its magic as Popovici's mother replied to the Canucks' original Facebook post."This was my daughter!!! We are the season ticket holders for the Kraken who sit behind the visitors bench at the Climate Pledge Arena. This was my daughter's first game and the Canucks have always been my team before the Kraken existed."She noticed the mole on the back of Red's neck and she wasn't sure he knew about it. So she typed the message on her phone and knocked on the glass window to get his attention. He finally looked at the message, nodded and smiled and continued working."She hasn't even seen this message yet as she worked graveyard shift at the suicide crisis center in Seattle so she's still asleep. She'll be shocked to see this message!"She will be at the game tonight in the same seats. She'll be so happy and excited to know he got it checked! What wonderful news!!!! She just got accepted into multiple medical schools!"In a video posted by the Canucks on Facebook, Popovici and Hamilton are shown together in an emotional meeting.Both wearing masks, Popovici asks if Hamilton is OK with shaking hands or hugging, but they quickly opt for the hug given the moment's poignancy.Hamilton explained in the video that when Popovici knocked on the glass and showed him the message on her phone that he initially had been quite taken aback."The next day I woke up," continued Hamilton in the video. "I said to Jess ... 'It was your effort and your persistence ... the way you wrote it on your phone. I owe it to this person to get checked, if she went this far, I don't know her, I don't know anything about her.'"I am fortunate we have doctors on the team who can help," added Hamilton.It was during Saturday's game that a stunned Popovici learned about the $10,000 scholarship award.Vancouver won 5-2, but as the Canucks tweeted a picturing of Hamilton and Popivici together taking a selfie, the tweet's caption said it all: "The biggest win tonight."

Two NHL teams have combined to give ice hockey fan Nadia Popovici a $10,000 scholarship for medical school as a thank you for advising Vancouver Canucks assistant equipment manager Brian "Red" Hamilton to get a mole behind his neck checked out.

Popovici was sitting behind Hamilton as she watched the Canucks play the Seattle Kraken on Oct. 23. Unsure if Hamilton was aware of the mole, Popovici banged on the glass window to catch his attention and showed him a message she had typed on her phone.

Following her advice, Hamilton did get the mole checked out and it proved to be a malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

With the Canucks scheduled to play the Kraken in Seattle on Saturday, the Vancouver team posted a message on social media as they tried to track down Popovici so Hamilton could thank her personally.

"I'm trying to find a very special person and I need the hockey community's help," wrote Hamilton in a social media post.

"To this woman I am trying to find, you changed my life, and now I want to find you to say THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

"That evening Oct 23rd, and the message you showed me on your cell phone will forever be etched into my brain and has made a true life-changing difference for me and my family.

"Your instincts were right and that mole on the back of my neck was a malignant melanoma and thanks to your persistence and the quick work of our doctors, it is now gone."

'What wonderful news!'

It didn't take long for the internet to work its magic as Popovici's mother replied to the Canucks' original Facebook post.

"This was my daughter!!! We are the season ticket holders for the Kraken who sit behind the visitors bench at the Climate Pledge Arena. This was my daughter's first game and the Canucks have always been my team before the Kraken existed.

"She noticed the mole on the back of Red's neck and she wasn't sure he knew about it. So she typed the message on her phone and knocked on the glass window to get his attention. He finally looked at the message, nodded and smiled and continued working.

"She hasn't even seen this message yet as she worked graveyard shift at the suicide crisis center in Seattle so she's still asleep. She'll be shocked to see this message!

"She will be at the game tonight in the same seats. She'll be so happy and excited to know he got it checked! What wonderful news!!!! She just got accepted into multiple medical schools!"

In a video posted by the Canucks on Facebook, Popovici and Hamilton are shown together in an emotional meeting.

Both wearing masks, Popovici asks if Hamilton is OK with shaking hands or hugging, but they quickly opt for the hug given the moment's poignancy.

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Hamilton explained in the video that when Popovici knocked on the glass and showed him the message on her phone that he initially had been quite taken aback.

"The next day I woke up," continued Hamilton in the video. "I said to Jess [Hamilton's partner] ... 'It was your effort and your persistence ... the way you wrote it on your phone. I owe it to this person to get checked, if she went this far, I don't know her, I don't know anything about her.'

"I am fortunate we have doctors on the team who can help," added Hamilton.

It was during Saturday's game that a stunned Popovici learned about the $10,000 scholarship award.

Vancouver won 5-2, but as the Canucks tweeted a picturing of Hamilton and Popivici together taking a selfie, the tweet's caption said it all: "The biggest win tonight."

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Here’s how TikTok creators are making people laugh through science and history

cincylink — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 17:57:11 +0000

In a TikTok video with more than 30 million views and 7 million likes, a chipmunk is paying for groceries at the cashier.The rabbit cashier asks, "Paper or plastic?"The chipmunk ominously replies — and repeats, at the rabbit's confusion, "Mouth."In the next frame, the groceries (a pile of nuts) and the rabbit's hand are engulfed by the chipmunk in one mouthful.This points audiences to the punchline, and an animal fact — chipmunks' cheeks can expand to a size three times larger than their heads.By animating the chipmunk's elastic cheeks (and morbid tendencies), the creators with Natural Habitat Shorts say they're experimenting with "animals in human situations" — allowing the creatures to turn the tables for entertainment and drop some knowledge in the process."To animals, everything they do is very mundane. It's just survival to them," said Nicole Low, one of the creators behind the account. "This is how we must look to them filming their lives."The brains behind the videos — college classmates-turned-roommates Low, Brennan Brinkley and Tyler Kula — saw TikTok as an opportunity to reimagine nature documentaries from the perspectives of animals. Their videos feature bats drinking coffee upside down at a cafe (and spilling the scalding drink on other customers) and crows dressing up as scarecrows for Halloween, using Cartoon-Network-style animations and voiceovers.Like most animal videos on the internet, there's an audience for that. Since starting in August, the account has amassed over a million followers and nearly 20 million likes.Less than a minute long each and averaging well over millions of views, videos from creators like Natural Habitat Shorts aren't going viral just for laughs. The TikToks are based on science and history — subjects that elementary school teachers dream of making their students excited for.The concepts explored by Natural Habitat Shorts are all anchored around a fun fact about the animals. But nature — and its absurdity — lends itself to humor, which can help make complex concepts easier to understand, Brinkley said."There's so much irony in comedy," Brinkley said. "Finding the irony in the interesting things about these animals is really important."The science of humorThere's a humor to science, and a science to humor.Science and history as comedic entertainment isn't a new phenomenon. Comedy Central's "Drunk History," which featured historical reenactments based on inebriated narration, tackled topics like former U.S. presidents and famous inventions for six seasons.Researchers like Stephen Hupp, a psychology professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, have studied the use of humor in engaging students and found that consistently entertaining students with humorous facts or visuals can help them retain information.TikTok videos, while not nearly as extensive as the content covered in a full class period, can help pique interest in topics of natural history, Hupp said."It's a good tool to get engagement," Hupp said.TikTok creator Adrian Bliss said he's always enjoyed museums and history. He converged his affinity for these subjects with his deadpan humor, garnering more than 3.5 million followers over the past year. His sketches are live-action reenactments, inspired by funny, strange scenarios that he said pop into his head — like an audience of crickets at a comedy show, or a dinosaur trying to sneak onto Noah's Ark.Bliss said the all-knowing algorithms of TikTok have helped him reach niche "corners" of the platform. His video on Henry the VIII found its way to "Tudor-Tok," as fans of the House of the Tudor informed him."It has to be entertaining and funny — that's the most important thing," Bliss said. "If it ends up being educational or inspires anyone to take interest in certain subjects, that's the perfect thing to make."Bliss didn't expect the popularity — or for educators and scientists to reach out in the way they have. Bliss said he's seen comments from teachers saying they showed the videos to their class. Brinkley said a bat sanctuary reached out after seeing Natural Habitat Shorts' videos on bats."A teacher thinks your comment is interesting enough to be shown in their class," Bliss said. "It's quite cool ... a really nice feeling."Christine Greenhow, an associate professor of educational psychology and technology at Michigan State University, researches the use of social media in the classroom. She said engaging students with funny videos can be "very powerful.""Educators would benefit from greater understanding of how students are using social media for learning purposes outside of school and building on those practices within classrooms," Greenhow said.Putting joke to factBliss has a wardrobe of costumes for nearly every historical occasion. He's been Noah and all the animals on the ark in the same TikTok sketch. He's played both Romeo and Juliet, a cast of biblical figures and a Mona Lisa painting. (Yes, there's a costume for her.)All the one-man show needs is a green screen, costume, tripod and a fact -- which he gets from places like the Natural History Museum in London and National Geographic articles. Sometimes his account's bio, "Down with the fourth wall" (which alludes to his characters making eye contact with the camera and breaking that invisible barrier between actor and audience), applies a little too well in real life."It's a strange — very strange — experience filming stuff on your own in a costume," Bliss said. "It's only bad when the doorbell goes, and you're dressed as a bumblebee or an egg."Natural Habitat Shorts is also a lean operation. The trio met studying film at Florida State University, and they cite memories of the children's television show "Zoboomafoo" and educational videos from the Crash Course YouTube channel as inspirations. (Hank Green, one of the brothers behind Crash Course, now follows the Natural Habitat Shorts account.)The three of them handle everything, including storyboards, animations, voiceovers and editing."Anyone can do it," Brinkley said. "You just need people around you that you trust their sense of humor."TikTok, with its infinite feed and loops of videos under three minutes, is a platform for concise content and instant punchlines — Bliss and Natural Habitat Shorts' videos have never surpassed one minute. Brinkley said the limited timeframe is just long enough to introduce an idea and deliver a punchline.Bliss said the intent for his videos was never to supplant a lecture or even be used in a classroom. But he hopes he can pique interest in topics he thinks are amusing."If you can access an interesting fact ... in a humorous way, I think it just makes it much more accessible," Bliss said. "You can't necessarily teach everything about the subject, of course, but it's a good entry point."Bliss and Natural Habitat Shorts both said the key to their videos is to make content they find intriguing and entertaining. As the old saying goes — where there's a fact, there's a gag."I can't see us ever running out," Kula said. "There's too many animals."

In a TikTok video with more than 30 million views and 7 million likes, a chipmunk is paying for groceries at the cashier.

The rabbit cashier asks, "Paper or plastic?"

The chipmunk ominously replies — and repeats, at the rabbit's confusion, "Mouth."

In the next frame, the groceries (a pile of nuts) and the rabbit's hand are engulfed by the chipmunk in one mouthful.

This points audiences to the punchline, and an animal fact — chipmunks' cheeks can expand to a size three times larger than their heads.

By animating the chipmunk's elastic cheeks (and morbid tendencies), the creators with Natural Habitat Shorts say they're experimenting with "animals in human situations" — allowing the creatures to turn the tables for entertainment and drop some knowledge in the process.

"To animals, everything they do is very mundane. It's just survival to them," said Nicole Low, one of the creators behind the account. "This is how we must look to them filming their lives."

The brains behind the videos — college classmates-turned-roommates Low, Brennan Brinkley and Tyler Kula — saw TikTok as an opportunity to reimagine nature documentaries from the perspectives of animals. Their videos feature bats drinking coffee upside down at a cafe (and spilling the scalding drink on other customers) and crows dressing up as scarecrows for Halloween, using Cartoon-Network-style animations and voiceovers.

Like most animal videos on the internet, there's an audience for that. Since starting in August, the account has amassed over a million followers and nearly 20 million likes.

Less than a minute long each and averaging well over millions of views, videos from creators like Natural Habitat Shorts aren't going viral just for laughs. The TikToks are based on science and history — subjects that elementary school teachers dream of making their students excited for.

The concepts explored by Natural Habitat Shorts are all anchored around a fun fact about the animals. But nature — and its absurdity — lends itself to humor, which can help make complex concepts easier to understand, Brinkley said.

"There's so much irony in comedy," Brinkley said. "Finding the irony in the interesting things about these animals is really important."

The science of humor

There's a humor to science, and a science to humor.

Science and history as comedic entertainment isn't a new phenomenon. Comedy Central's "Drunk History," which featured historical reenactments based on inebriated narration, tackled topics like former U.S. presidents and famous inventions for six seasons.

Researchers like Stephen Hupp, a psychology professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, have studied the use of humor in engaging students and found that consistently entertaining students with humorous facts or visuals can help them retain information.

TikTok videos, while not nearly as extensive as the content covered in a full class period, can help pique interest in topics of natural history, Hupp said.

"It's a good tool to get engagement," Hupp said.

TikTok creator Adrian Bliss said he's always enjoyed museums and history. He converged his affinity for these subjects with his deadpan humor, garnering more than 3.5 million followers over the past year. His sketches are live-action reenactments, inspired by funny, strange scenarios that he said pop into his head — like an audience of crickets at a comedy show, or a dinosaur trying to sneak onto Noah's Ark.

This content is imported from TikTok.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Bliss said the all-knowing algorithms of TikTok have helped him reach niche "corners" of the platform. His video on Henry the VIII found its way to "Tudor-Tok," as fans of the House of the Tudor informed him.

"It has to be entertaining and funny — that's the most important thing," Bliss said. "If it ends up being educational or inspires anyone to take interest in certain subjects, that's the perfect thing to make."

Bliss didn't expect the popularity — or for educators and scientists to reach out in the way they have. Bliss said he's seen comments from teachers saying they showed the videos to their class. Brinkley said a bat sanctuary reached out after seeing Natural Habitat Shorts' videos on bats.

"A teacher thinks your comment is interesting enough to be shown in their class," Bliss said. "It's quite cool ... a really nice feeling."

Christine Greenhow, an associate professor of educational psychology and technology at Michigan State University, researches the use of social media in the classroom. She said engaging students with funny videos can be "very powerful."

"Educators would benefit from greater understanding of how students are using social media for learning purposes outside of school and building on those practices within classrooms," Greenhow said.

Putting joke to fact

Bliss has a wardrobe of costumes for nearly every historical occasion. He's been Noah and all the animals on the ark in the same TikTok sketch. He's played both Romeo and Juliet, a cast of biblical figures and a Mona Lisa painting. (Yes, there's a costume for her.)

All the one-man show needs is a green screen, costume, tripod and a fact -- which he gets from places like the Natural History Museum in London and National Geographic articles. Sometimes his account's bio, "Down with the fourth wall" (which alludes to his characters making eye contact with the camera and breaking that invisible barrier between actor and audience), applies a little too well in real life.

"It's a strange — very strange — experience filming stuff on your own in a costume," Bliss said. "It's only bad when the doorbell goes, and you're dressed as a bumblebee or an egg."

Natural Habitat Shorts is also a lean operation. The trio met studying film at Florida State University, and they cite memories of the children's television show "Zoboomafoo" and educational videos from the Crash Course YouTube channel as inspirations. (Hank Green, one of the brothers behind Crash Course, now follows the Natural Habitat Shorts account.)

The three of them handle everything, including storyboards, animations, voiceovers and editing.

"Anyone can do it," Brinkley said. "You just need people around you that you trust their sense of humor."

TikTok, with its infinite feed and loops of videos under three minutes, is a platform for concise content and instant punchlines — Bliss and Natural Habitat Shorts' videos have never surpassed one minute. Brinkley said the limited timeframe is just long enough to introduce an idea and deliver a punchline.

Bliss said the intent for his videos was never to supplant a lecture or even be used in a classroom. But he hopes he can pique interest in topics he thinks are amusing.

"If you can access an interesting fact ... in a humorous way, I think it just makes it much more accessible," Bliss said. "You can't necessarily teach everything about the subject, of course, but it's a good entry point."

Bliss and Natural Habitat Shorts both said the key to their videos is to make content they find intriguing and entertaining. As the old saying goes — where there's a fact, there's a gag.

"I can't see us ever running out," Kula said. "There's too many animals."

Source link

Massive tornado caught on camera in Kentucky

cincylink — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 06:07:08 +0000

Yeah. Mhm. Yeah Yeah. Mhm.

WATCH: Lightning flashes in dark sky illuminate massive tornado in Kentucky

Updated: 12:12 AM EST Dec 12, 2021

A massive tornado was caught on camera in Sacramento, Kentucky.The video, taken by Eddie Knight, shows the tornado that was occasionally illuminated by lightning flashes. Knight told CNN that he thought the tornado was coming right at them. His home was not hit. At least 70 people are feared dead in Kentucky after tornadoes and severe weather tore through multiple states and caused catastrophic damage. Here's how you can help the victims of the tornadoes

A massive tornado was caught on camera in Sacramento, Kentucky.

The video, taken by Eddie Knight, shows the tornado that was occasionally illuminated by lightning flashes. Knight told CNN that he thought the tornado was coming right at them. His home was not hit.

At least 70 people are feared dead in Kentucky after tornadoes and severe weather tore through multiple states and caused catastrophic damage.

Here's how you can help the victims of the tornadoes

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Mortgage company CEO is taking time off after laying off 900 employees via Zoom

cincylink — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 01:07:25 +0000

Yeah Yeah.

Mortgage company CEO is taking time off after laying off 900 employees via Zoom

Updated: 7:59 PM EST Dec 10, 2021

Better.com CEO Vishal Garg, who laid off 900 employees over a Zoom meeting that lasted less than three minutes, is taking time off from the company, Vice reported."If you're on this call, you are part of the unlucky group that is being laid off," Garg said on the Dec. 1 webinar. "Your employment here is terminated, effective immediately," he told them.Garg's leave is also effective immediately, according to a Friday email from the company's board of directors, and day-to-day operations will be taken over by the company's CFO, Kevin Ryan. Better.com added that it is hiring a third-party firm to do a "leadership and cultural assessment," whose recommendations "will be taken into account to build a long-term sustainable and positive culture at Better."CNN Business has viewed the email and has asked Better.com for comment. "The recommendations of this assessment will be taken into account to build a long-term sustainable and positive culture at Better," the email said.The online mortgage company's mass layoff affected about 9% of its staff. Just days later, three of the company's top communications executives resigned, according to multiple media reports.In a later post on the professional network Blind, Garg accused the fired employees of "stealing" from their colleagues and customers by being unproductive and only working two hours a day, according to Fortune, which confirmed those sentiments in a later interview with the CEO.In a Dec. 7 letter addressed to the Better.com team, Garg apologized for the way he handled the layoffs, and for making "a difficult situation worse." He added, "I failed to show the appropriate amount of respect and appreciation for the individuals who were affected and for their contributions to Better," the letter reads. "I own the decision to do the layoffs, but in communicating it I blundered the execution. In doing so, I embarrassed you."

Better.com CEO Vishal Garg, who laid off 900 employees over a Zoom meeting that lasted less than three minutes, is taking time off from the company, Vice reported.

"If you're on this call, you are part of the unlucky group that is being laid off," Garg said on the Dec. 1 webinar. "Your employment here is terminated, effective immediately," he told them.

Garg's leave is also effective immediately, according to a Friday email from the company's board of directors, and day-to-day operations will be taken over by the company's CFO, Kevin Ryan. Better.com added that it is hiring a third-party firm to do a "leadership and cultural assessment," whose recommendations "will be taken into account to build a long-term sustainable and positive culture at Better."

CNN Business has viewed the email and has asked Better.com for comment. "The recommendations of this assessment will be taken into account to build a long-term sustainable and positive culture at Better," the email said.

The online mortgage company's mass layoff affected about 9% of its staff. Just days later, three of the company's top communications executives resigned, according to multiple media reports.

In a later post on the professional network Blind, Garg accused the fired employees of "stealing" from their colleagues and customers by being unproductive and only working two hours a day, according to Fortune, which confirmed those sentiments in a later interview with the CEO.

In a Dec. 7 letter addressed to the Better.com team, Garg apologized for the way he handled the layoffs, and for making "a difficult situation worse." He added, "I failed to show the appropriate amount of respect and appreciation for the individuals who were affected and for their contributions to Better," the letter reads. "I own the decision to do the layoffs, but in communicating it I blundered the execution. In doing so, I embarrassed you."

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After ski trip is canceled due to virus, filmmaker creates awesome stop motion video at home

cincylink — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 05:28:10 +0000

BARCELONA -- For adventure-seekers and travelers, the pandemic has put a damper on outdoor excursions. But for one filmmaker in Barcelona, a canceled family ski trip turned into an opportunity to bring adventure home to his living room.

Philipp Klein Herrero is fanatical about skiing.

“I am always skiing,” he said. “It's my passion.”

So, when the pandemic lockdown forced him to cancel a long-planned family ski trip to France, the filmmaker decided to create a video for them.

“I wanted to send them love from where I am and that's how the idea came about.”

He taped a GoPro to his ceiling and cleared the room, bringing to life the adventure of a lifetime – on his living room floor.

“It starts with me waking up on the side of the mountain in my sleeping bag and having my skis right next to me,” he said. “Once, it gets too steep to walk I switch into ice-climbing mode.”

Over the next six and a half hours Klein painstakingly captured this stop-motion odyssey – one frame at a time. He used bed sheets for the side of the mountain.

“And of course, nowadays the first thing you do when you reach the summit is you cheer and then take some selfies,” he said.

The 57 second film has gone viral, making international headlines.

“It just went absolutely crazy from there on,” he said.

Klein says his only true desire was to spread a message of hope, inspiring others in challenging times.

When asked what the most important thing that he wants people to take away from watching his video, he said that we all have to stay positive.

“We have a tricky situation among us, and we literally don’t know how it’s going to end up, but it’s within us to make the best out of it.”

He’s proving adventure can be found just about anywhere.

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Maryland skateboarder goes viral for heartwarming interaction

cincylink — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 04:28:35 +0000

BALTIMORE — What started as a small interaction in Baltimore has turned into inspiration for people around the world.

In between showings in Federal Hill Sunday, realtor Alyssia Essig parked at the Museum of Industry to eat lunch.

It’s where 19-year-old Asen Gyenyame was practicing a tough skateboard trick.

“I probably sat there for a solid 20 minutes watching him continue to try,” said Essig. “I know the power of being told that someone believes in you, so I just thought I’m gonna hop out of the car real quick, give him a little love, and then be on my way.”

And that’s what she did, unknowingly on camera.

“Whatever you do in your life, you’re going to knock it out of the park. Only because you’re sitting here, busting your (expletive) to nail this one trick. You’ll do that the rest of your life,” Essig told him.

“I didn’t expect what she gave me,” said Gyenyame.

He was inspired. Minutes later, he nailed the trick. The next day, he decided to post the interaction on TikTok.

“It got a lot of traction,” said Gyenyame.

In just a few days, it has captured the hearts of millions of people.

“I think we made the world a little better just because of it,” said Gyenyame.

But Essig had no idea… until her husbands’ friend in California saw it on Reddit.

“I was crying reading these comments because it seems like people are so starved for love and attention and affection, “said Essig.

They hadn’t even exchanged names.

Scripps Baltimore station WMAR’s Abby Isaacs found them both on social media. It brought them together for a heartfelt reunion Thursday at the place they met, the Museum of Industry parking lot.

“I love your energy, so thank you so much for giving me that support,” said Gyenyame to Essig.

What they gave the world as inspiration, but they got something out of it too.

For Gyenyame, it was supporting.

“We can support each other, and everyone doesn’t have to stand alone and be by themselves. A lot of people have the mindset, even I do. That’s why I was skating alone, that you have to do it by yourself and that’s the only way, but you can reach out to other people, and it can be beneficial for the other person,” said Gyenyame.

For Essig, it was affirmation.

“I have a very big loud personality, and I struggle. Not everyone likes that. A lot of people think it’s too much or too loud or too in your face, but when a million people like it and 30,000 comments are like, ‘You’re amazing.’ ‘Your energy is 'awesome,' it’s very reaffirming like you know what no I’m actually pretty okay and I can be who I am,” said Essig.

The pair have vowed to stay connected and carry positivity into their everyday lives.

Essig wants to start sharing words of encouragement on her TikTok page @alyssiaessig_realtor, and Gyenyame hopes his newfound following on TikTok @skatevibes01 will help turn his passion into a business where he teaches kids how to skateboard.

Abby Isaacs at WMAR first reported this story.

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The internet loves this 13-year-old pug, Noodle, and trust him with setting the tone for the day

cincylink — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 04:19:26 +0000

The internet loves this 13-year-old pug, Noodle, and trust him with setting the tone for the day

Updated: 10:57 AM EDT Oct 19, 2021

viral – Cincy Link

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A mom has gone viral on TikTok after she brought her 1-year-old son to a job interview