‘Let Go’ Movie Ending Explained & Summary: Did Gustav And Stella End Up Together?

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Let Go is a tale of a dysfunctional family, where a couple, Gustav and Stella, were finding it hard to be with each other. Deep down, they knew that their marriage was over, but they refrained from confronting each other. Amidst everything that was happening between Gustav and Stella, the kids suffered the most. Stella tried being there for her kids, but at times, she too felt handicapped. She wanted Gustav to be there, if not for her, then for her kids, but she had no clue how to make him do that. So, let’s find out what happened between Gustav and Stella, how they dealt with the conflicts that came their way, and if they were able to save their marriage in the end.

Spoiler Alert

What happened between Stella and Gustav? 

Stella was fighting hard to mend her relationship with her husband, Gustav. Things were not fine between them, but more often than not, they chose to overlook all the issues and not talk about them. I believe that sitting and talking like mature people can solve any problem in this world, but the problem is that people hate confrontation. Sometimes, escapism makes everything worse, and that is exactly what happens in Gustav and Stella’s relationship. Gustav was never emotionally available for his family. Stella looked after the kids and managed all the household chores single-handedly. It was not easy to deal with a teenage daughter and young boy. But Stella tried her level best, probably hoping that things would become fine on their own. But that is not how a relationship works. The already existing crevasses in Stella and Gustav’s relationship widened even more with time.

The silence eroded the strong foundation they had built over the years. Gustav started seeing another woman, and he didn’t feel like being a part of the relationship. He wanted to get a divorce, and one fine day, he decided to tell Stella. Gustav spoke about how their relationship had become toxic for both of them and how they needed to do something before it ruined them to the core. Stella didn’t say anything for sometime, as she too was shaken after hearing whatever Gustav told her. She knew that things were not good between them, but she hadn’t expected that Gustav could take such a grave step. Stella told Gustav that she couldn’t give him what he wanted. She told him that it was not the right time to separate, though she didn’t give any specific reason behind why she felt that. She asked Gustav to accompany her and Anna to the latter’s pole dancing competition, which was supposed to be held at Gustav’s parents’ native place. Gustav had no option but to do as Stella asked him to.

What brought about a change in Gustav? 

Gustav didn’t know that Stella had told his mother that they were coming. Gustav didn’t want to go to his parents’ place. He was already dealing with a lot in his life, and he didn’t want to justify his actions to anybody. Gustav did not share a very good relationship with his mother, and she, too, had a lot of problems with how Gustav dealt with a lot of things. Gustav and Stella decided to shift to a hotel that was near the competition venue. Over the period of time, it became clear what Stella was trying to do. She wanted Gustav to take care of their kids. She wanted him to understand that he needed to take their tantrums, understand them, and, most importantly, be emotionally present for them. Stella and Gustav had a heated argument while they were en route to the hotel. Stella realized that Gustav was secretly seeing another woman, but she chose not to react or say anything. The silence really affected Gustav. He wanted Stella to react; he wanted her to shout at him, fight with him, and express her emotions. Gustav told Stella that, at times, he felt that she didn’t let him take any responsibility on purpose because she liked being in control. She told him that more than his physical presence, his children craved his attention. But eventually, things started getting better between Stella and Gustav. He started opening up to her, and his perspective started to change. They didn’t have any option other than to spend time with each other during their trip, and that helped their cause massively.

Gustav decided that he was going to be there for his kids, and that’s when he realized how difficult it was to deal with them. Anna had a breakdown when she realized that Gustav had forgotten to bring her gear bag. Gusta tried his level best to make up for it. He took her shopping and told her to buy whatever she wanted, but Anna wanted her own kit. She told her father that if he had been there for her dance practices, he would have known why her kit bag was so important to her. Gustav and Stella’s deteriorating relationship had an impact on their children, too. Anna had grown to be this rebellious kid who snapped at every small inconvenience. She tried to fill in the void inside her by doing all sorts of things. Her father’s absence from her life affected her, and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it played a crucial role in shaping her personality. But there was light at the end of the tunnel. The trip had come at a time when Stella and Gustav needed it the most. 

Did Gustav and Stella end up together? 

Gustav and Stella both started healing and understanding each other better. They rekindled the bond, and for the first time, after a long, long time, Stella felt seen and loved. He wanted to make a fresh start, and he was really looking forward to it. Gustav finally got the attention that he craved. He didn’t tell Stella, but he felt jealous of his kids. He felt like Stella didn’t want him in her life. Gustav apologized for everything he had done to hurt Stella. He told her that he wouldn’t mind if she decided to part ways, not knowing that she didn’t have a lot of time on her hands. But Stella was hiding something from Gustav. It was important for her to know that Gustav could look after their kids because she didn’t have a lot of time left. Stella was suffering from cancer, and she hadn’t revealed that fact to Gustav. She knew that she wouldn’t be there forever. Gustav was heartbroken when he got to know about it. Just before knowing about Stella’s illness, Gustav had asked her to give their relationship another chance.

In Let Go’s ending, Stella passed away, but in her last moment, she was at peace because she knew that Gustav would look after their kids and give them the best life possible. After we got to know about Stella’s illness things fell into perspective. We got to know what she did and why she did that. She was adamant to not part ways with Gustav because she wanted him to be there for their kids. In the beginning I felt that she had some selfish interests behind doing so but eventually we realized what she was trying to do. Gustav at the end realized the kind of sacrifice Stella had made and he respected that by making sure that he was there for his kids and he looked after them as his wife would have. 

Related

‘Let Go’ Movie Ending Explained & Summary: Did Gustav And Stella End Up Together?

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Let Go is a tale of a dysfunctional family, where a couple, Gustav and Stella, were finding it hard to be with each other. Deep down, they knew that their marriage was over, but they refrained from confronting each other. Amidst everything that was happening between Gustav and Stella, the kids suffered the most. Stella tried being there for her kids, but at times, she too felt handicapped. She wanted Gustav to be there, if not for her, then for her kids, but she had no clue how to make him do that. So, let’s find out what happened between Gustav and Stella, how they dealt with the conflicts that came their way, and if they were able to save their marriage in the end.

Spoiler Alert

What happened between Stella and Gustav? 

Stella was fighting hard to mend her relationship with her husband, Gustav. Things were not fine between them, but more often than not, they chose to overlook all the issues and not talk about them. I believe that sitting and talking like mature people can solve any problem in this world, but the problem is that people hate confrontation. Sometimes, escapism makes everything worse, and that is exactly what happens in Gustav and Stella’s relationship. Gustav was never emotionally available for his family. Stella looked after the kids and managed all the household chores single-handedly. It was not easy to deal with a teenage daughter and young boy. But Stella tried her level best, probably hoping that things would become fine on their own. But that is not how a relationship works. The already existing crevasses in Stella and Gustav’s relationship widened even more with time.

The silence eroded the strong foundation they had built over the years. Gustav started seeing another woman, and he didn’t feel like being a part of the relationship. He wanted to get a divorce, and one fine day, he decided to tell Stella. Gustav spoke about how their relationship had become toxic for both of them and how they needed to do something before it ruined them to the core. Stella didn’t say anything for sometime, as she too was shaken after hearing whatever Gustav told her. She knew that things were not good between them, but she hadn’t expected that Gustav could take such a grave step. Stella told Gustav that she couldn’t give him what he wanted. She told him that it was not the right time to separate, though she didn’t give any specific reason behind why she felt that. She asked Gustav to accompany her and Anna to the latter’s pole dancing competition, which was supposed to be held at Gustav’s parents’ native place. Gustav had no option but to do as Stella asked him to.

What brought about a change in Gustav? 

Gustav didn’t know that Stella had told his mother that they were coming. Gustav didn’t want to go to his parents’ place. He was already dealing with a lot in his life, and he didn’t want to justify his actions to anybody. Gustav did not share a very good relationship with his mother, and she, too, had a lot of problems with how Gustav dealt with a lot of things. Gustav and Stella decided to shift to a hotel that was near the competition venue. Over the period of time, it became clear what Stella was trying to do. She wanted Gustav to take care of their kids. She wanted him to understand that he needed to take their tantrums, understand them, and, most importantly, be emotionally present for them. Stella and Gustav had a heated argument while they were en route to the hotel. Stella realized that Gustav was secretly seeing another woman, but she chose not to react or say anything. The silence really affected Gustav. He wanted Stella to react; he wanted her to shout at him, fight with him, and express her emotions. Gustav told Stella that, at times, he felt that she didn’t let him take any responsibility on purpose because she liked being in control. She told him that more than his physical presence, his children craved his attention. But eventually, things started getting better between Stella and Gustav. He started opening up to her, and his perspective started to change. They didn’t have any option other than to spend time with each other during their trip, and that helped their cause massively.

Gustav decided that he was going to be there for his kids, and that’s when he realized how difficult it was to deal with them. Anna had a breakdown when she realized that Gustav had forgotten to bring her gear bag. Gusta tried his level best to make up for it. He took her shopping and told her to buy whatever she wanted, but Anna wanted her own kit. She told her father that if he had been there for her dance practices, he would have known why her kit bag was so important to her. Gustav and Stella’s deteriorating relationship had an impact on their children, too. Anna had grown to be this rebellious kid who snapped at every small inconvenience. She tried to fill in the void inside her by doing all sorts of things. Her father’s absence from her life affected her, and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it played a crucial role in shaping her personality. But there was light at the end of the tunnel. The trip had come at a time when Stella and Gustav needed it the most. 

Did Gustav and Stella end up together? 

Gustav and Stella both started healing and understanding each other better. They rekindled the bond, and for the first time, after a long, long time, Stella felt seen and loved. He wanted to make a fresh start, and he was really looking forward to it. Gustav finally got the attention that he craved. He didn’t tell Stella, but he felt jealous of his kids. He felt like Stella didn’t want him in her life. Gustav apologized for everything he had done to hurt Stella. He told her that he wouldn’t mind if she decided to part ways, not knowing that she didn’t have a lot of time on her hands. But Stella was hiding something from Gustav. It was important for her to know that Gustav could look after their kids because she didn’t have a lot of time left. Stella was suffering from cancer, and she hadn’t revealed that fact to Gustav. She knew that she wouldn’t be there forever. Gustav was heartbroken when he got to know about it. Just before knowing about Stella’s illness, Gustav had asked her to give their relationship another chance.

In Let Go’s ending, Stella passed away, but in her last moment, she was at peace because she knew that Gustav would look after their kids and give them the best life possible. After we got to know about Stella’s illness things fell into perspective. We got to know what she did and why she did that. She was adamant to not part ways with Gustav because she wanted him to be there for their kids. In the beginning I felt that she had some selfish interests behind doing so but eventually we realized what she was trying to do. Gustav at the end realized the kind of sacrifice Stella had made and he respected that by making sure that he was there for his kids and he looked after them as his wife would have. 

Related

Experimental Travel, Remote Work, and Travel-Related Health and Wellness Services

Travel

Experimental travel is all about taking unusual routes and challenging traditional norms to create memorable experiences and innovative approaches to travel.
Mindful travel for example, focuses on engaging with the environment and culture through sensory experiences like local music, food, and traditions.
Reverse travel involves starting with a random location and letting that determine the itinerary, while Theme travel centers around specific interests such as cuisine, festivals, or street art.
Distance travel, on the other hand, involves exploring local areas. To immerse themselves in a different culture, travelers can stay with locals through platforms like Couchsurfing or participate in exchange programs. They can also use random route generators or apps to make spontaneous travel decisions. For a more rewarding experience, travelers can set personal travel goals, such as only speaking the local language or trying a new daily activity.
The essence of experimental travel lies in exploring unique ways to fully engage with the world, resulting in exclusive and unforgettable experiences. One important goal is to revitalize endangered cultures by promoting experiential travel. By actively engaging with local communities and traditions, travelers can contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable tourism, all while breaking away from traditional tourist activities.
When marketing experimental travel, we need to emphasize its positive impact on mental health benefits and overall well-being. Individuals can experience personal growth and enhance their psychological well-being by stepping out of their comfort zones and facing challenges. However, it is equally important to consider the environmental impact of travel. By combining these different approaches to travel, travelers can discover hidden destinations, have unique experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of the world.
Experimental travel involves exploring rare destinations to engage in immersive cultural exchanges. For instance, Kyoto, Japan, offers traditional tea ceremonies and a glimpse into the geisha culture. Reykjavik, Iceland, features breathtaking volcanic landscapes and Northern Lights tours. Vang Vieng, Laos, is known for its stunning limestone karst landscapes and river activities. Chiang Mai, Thailand, provides opportunities for cooking classes and ethical elephant interactions. Buenos Aires, Argentina boasts tango and gaucho experiences. Lisbon and Porto, Portugal, have Fado music and port wine tours. Havana, Cuba, offers a taste of classic culture and historic architecture. These destinations offer enriching experiences beyond traditional tourism, immersing travelers in local cultures and landscapes fully.
Remote work and travel are closely intertwined with experimental travel, offering freedom but may present some challenges. The advantages include the flexibility to work from inspiring locations, an improved work-life balance, and exposure to different cultures. However, there are also obstacles to overcome, such as the need for reliable internet, coordinating across different time zones, and maintaining a healthy work-life boundary. To succeed, digital nomads or remote workers should carefully plan their trips, stay organized with digital tools, and establish precise work hours and a dedicated workspace. They need to research their destination for resources and support, efficiently manage their tasks, and establish boundaries to separate work from leisure. Ultimately, this dynamic combination of remote work and travel can lead to a fulfilling and well-balanced lifestyle.
Remote work has become popular among many businesses, supporting employees who want to integrate travel into their job responsibilities. It is expected to find flexible work options, remote work policies, and benefits for digital nomads. Companies like 15Five, Buffer, GitLab, and Togg are recognized for their remote-first approach. Companies like Microsoft and Meta provide opportunities for both hybrid and remote work. Remote Year and We Work Remotely are specifically designed for professionals who have a nomadic lifestyle and offer various travel and hospitality options.
Platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr make it possible to work remotely and travel. Companies in the e-commerce industry, like Shopify and HubSpot, offer the option for remote work. Nonprofit organizations, creative industries, professional networks, and co-working spaces provide options for individuals seeking to work remotely while traveling.
Combining remote work with experiential travel may offer opportunities to work and explore simultaneously. Digital nomads can adopt several strategies to achieve a successful balance. They should select destinations that provide reliable internet and co-working facilities while immersing themselves in the local culture. Establishing a productive workspace with the necessary tools and utilizing co-working spaces can enhance efficiency. Managing time zones by adjusting schedules and maintaining clear communication is crucial. Staying organized with digital tools and adhering to deadlines is vital. Ensuring a stable internet connection and using a VPN for security is also essential, along with maintaining health through exercise and local activities. Preparing for unexpected situations with backup plans and travel insurance would also be necessary. Lastly, engaging with local culture and regularly assessing the work-travel balance is essential. One can reap the rewards of remote work and travel by implementing these strategies.
Combining remote work with travel can offer several benefits for personal and professional development. These include the rise of bleisure, quiet trips, enhanced work-life balance through flexible scheduling, and reduced commute stress. Working in varied environments can increase productivity and creativity, and visiting new cultures can broaden perspectives and create networking opportunities. Travel encourages personal development by instilling self-reliance and adaptability. It can promote better mental health by lowering stress and enhancing contentment. It offers new experiences, financial savings, enhanced work connections, increased flexibility, and learning possibilities. One can live a happier and more balanced life by managing work responsibilities and enjoying travel.
Combining remote work with travel might present additional challenges, including blurred boundaries and diversions, connectivity issues such as unreliable internet, and time zone differences that cause schedule conflicts. Unstable settings and a lack of routine may cause productivity issues. Legal and tax implications may necessitate work permits and tax administration in various jurisdictions. A lack of community and social support can cause isolation and loneliness. Health risks include irregular schedules and restricted access to healthcare.
Security concerns involve data breaches and personal safety risks. Maintaining professional ties is more difficult when working remotely. Visa issues and the search for adequate housing are examples of administrative challenges. Cultural and linguistic barriers might impede communication and adaptation. Managing personal finances is critical owing to rising travel costs and fluctuating living expenses.
The hospitality industry can provide tailored lodging options like long-term stays and work-oriented environments equipped with facilities for remote workers. Some accommodations provide co-working spaces and flexible booking policies, such as free cancellations and easy reservation changes. Improved connectivity will be a priority, with high-speed internet and technical support services available. Business services such as meeting rooms and printers will be provided, as well as wellness facilities and leisure activities to achieve work-life balance.
Networking events and community bulletin boards will foster connections among remote workers, while local cultural experiences and customized workplace packages will cater to the needs of remote workers. Health and safety measures, including enhanced cleaning protocols and contactless services, will be implemented. Integrating smart rooms and virtual concierge services will improve the remote work experience. Partnerships with remote work platforms and digital nomad communities can help the industry attract and support remote workers, making working from different locations worldwide easier.
Hotels around the globe provide an extensive array of health and wellness services for their guests, including those traveling for leisure, seeking unique experiences, or working remotely. In the Asian hotel industry, traditional practices are incorporated into the services offered, with a strong emphasis on health and wellness. Asia offers various opportunities, such as Ayurvedic treatments in India and Sri Lanka, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China and Hong Kong, and Thai massage in Thailand.
Spa facilities emphasize holistic experiences, such as Onsen baths in Japan and Bali-style spas. Regarding healthy dining, Asian superfoods, and farm-to-table dining is center stage. Fitness programs provide classes in yoga, Tai Chi, and martial arts. Zen spaces, mindfulness workshops, and cultural immersion are all part of mental wellness. Luxurious bedding and aromatherapy kits can enhance the quality of your sleep.
Educational opportunities include health discussions, cultural well-being sessions, and cooking workshops. Sustainability practices focus on eco-friendly certifications and local products. Specialized wellness packages include detox retreats and recovery programs. Some Asian hotels strive to provide their guests with a unique and enriching health-oriented experience by embracing regional traditions.
The European hotel industry integrates contemporary luxury with age-old traditions to provide a diverse array of health and wellness options. These offerings encompass spa services such as thermal baths, saunas, and unique therapies rooted in European heritage. Additionally, fitness initiatives, including yoga sessions, personal training, and outdoor pursuits in beautiful locations, are highly sought after. Culinary choices emphasize health, featuring farm-to-table meals and European superfoods tailored to various dietary preferences.
Mental wellness is prioritized through mindfulness workshops, tranquil spaces, and cultural experiences designed to promote relaxation. Enhancements for better sleep include premium bedding, sleep kits, and thoughtfully designed rooms conducive to rest. Educational programs focusing on health, cooking, and wellness retreats contribute to a comprehensive wellness journey. Furthermore, sustainability efforts and tailored wellness packages enrich the overall guest experience. Traditional wellness practices, like thermal bath rituals and herbal therapies, provide a distinctive element to European hotels, distinguishing them in a competitive landscape.
Integrating health and wellness services within the African hotel industry presents an opportunity to create distinctive experiences that reflect the continent’s rich cultural and environmental diversity. Such opportunities may include the incorporation of traditional wellness methods such as herbal remedies and cultural ceremonies, the establishment of spa facilities designed with African aesthetics and sustainable practices, the provision of nutritious dining options featuring indigenous superfoods, the development of fitness and recreational programs set in natural surroundings, an emphasis on mental well-being through mindfulness activities and cultural engagement, improvements in sleep quality through premium bedding and sleep enhancement kits, the organization of educational workshops focused on health and wellness, the implementation of sustainable practices, and the creation of tailored wellness packages. These strategies can meet the growing demand for wellness-oriented travel experiences and celebrate Africa’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
The South American hotel industry is elevating guest experiences by incorporating health and wellness services that showcase the continent’s rich cultural and natural diversity. Opportunities for South American hotels include the introduction of traditional wellness offerings, such as indigenous healing practices, classic massage techniques, and ayahuasca ceremonies. Hotels can feature spa amenities by incorporating tropical elements, hydrotherapy options, and sustainable practices.
Culinary experiences can emphasize healthy dining with South American superfoods and local dishes, while fitness initiatives may include outdoor excursions, cultural dance lessons, and yoga classes. Services for mental wellness and sleep improvement, educational workshops, sustainability efforts, and tailored wellness packages can further enhance the guest experience. These offerings provide a distinctive and unforgettable stay that honors South America’s cultural legacy and natural splendor.
The Middle Eastern hotel sector has a unique opportunity to deliver health and wellness services by integrating traditional practices with luxurious spa amenities, nutritious dining choices, fitness initiatives, and additional offerings. Key strategies may involve traditional wellness therapies such as Oriental medicine and Turkish baths, highlighting healthy Middle Eastern superfoods in their culinary selections, providing outdoor activities alongside cultural fitness classes, and improving sleep quality through premium bedding and sleep kits. By embracing these services, hotels in the Middle East can craft distinctive experiences that meet guest expectations while honoring the region’s vibrant cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.
Health and wellness services within the U.S. hotel sector are increasingly appealing to travelers who wish to sustain or enhance their well-being while traveling. Hotels now provide various options, including spa treatments such as massages and holistic therapies, and fitness centers equipped with advanced machinery and diverse class offerings. Additionally, they are introducing healthy dining options, mental wellness initiatives, sleep improvement strategies, educational workshops, sustainable practices, tailored wellness packages, and technology-driven solutions.
By integrating these services, hotels can fulfill modern travelers’ expectations, elevate their overall experience, and differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape. The U.S. hotel industry has the potential to expand its customer base by incorporating a range of services that are successfully utilized in other countries. Diverse wellness practices have replaced traditional spa and massage offerings.
Guests now anticipate innovative experiences, and hotels that introduce new service offerings can create and maintain a competitive edge. Consequently, as long as hotels follow these trends, they will continue attracting guests interested in wellness services, unique experiences, and remote work options.
Reprinted from the Hotel Business Review with permission from http://www.hotelexecutive.com/.

Presto’s Picks: Navy and Virginia Tech hit the road while we hold a conference call

Technology

The start of college football’s closing month adds a sense of urgency to the mix. Can you get to six wins and bowl eligibility? And if you’re in contention for a conference title or seat at the expanded playoff, can you lock things up?
With two full months in the books (and most of the local FBS schools off this weekend) now is a suitable time to check in with the power conferences (now four instead of five). Who legitimately has postseason hopes? Who’s dealing with a nightmare instead of a dream season? And how are each conference’s “new kids” finding the neighborhood their first trip around?
SEC Hopefuls: Eight schools in the Top 25, with No. 2 Georgia owning the highest ranking and No. 10 Texas A&M standing as the only team still unbeaten in league play. Other contenders include No. 6 Texas, No. 7 Tennessee, and two-loss teams LSU, Ole Miss and Missouri, as well as Alabama (who still controls their path to the College Football Playoff).
Sad Sack: Woe is Mississippi State, who’s dropped seven of their first eight games while starting league play 0-5. First-year Head Coach Jeff Lebby has his work cut out for him.
New Kids: While Texas has mostly held its own, the Longhorns melted on the field in their first half against Georgia and melted off the field in the second half when fans threw bottles from the stands to argue a call. Oklahoma (4-4, 1-4) hasn’t been that good, spiraling out of the rankings with three straight double-digit defeats.
Big Ten Hopefuls: Five schools in the Top 25 with three in the top four (No. 1 Oregon, No. 3 Penn State, No. 4 Ohio State) and perhaps the best story this fall residing at No. 13 (8-0 Indiana). And the best thing this fall is that there is no West Division to suffer watching.
Sad Sack: Purdue (1-6, 0-4) may be two years removed from playing Michigan for the conference championship but they’ve have coughed up 50, 52, and 66 points in losses to Illinois, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame. Thank goodness they had Indiana State on their schedule (49-0 win).
New Kids: Take No. 1 Oregon out of the mix and the trio of Washington, USC, and UCLA are 10-11 (5-11 in the league). While much has been made of the two-time zone travel that league expansion has created, the Bruins are 0-3 at home in the Big Ten.
Big 12 Hopefuls: Four schools in the Top 25 including a pair of unbeaten teams in No. 9 BYU and No. 11 Iowa State. And No. 23 Colorado after a September slip is surging.
Sad Sack: Oklahoma State (3-5, 0-5) played for the conference championship last year and had hoped to take advantage of a league without Oklahoma and Texas, but so far this fall they’re without a league win.
New Kids: Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah are a combined 8-11 in league play with the Utes going from Top 10 contender to .500 pretender thanks to four straight losses. Their only conference win was Oklahoma State.
ACC Hopefuls: Four Top 25 teams with one from the pre-Big East raiding era as No. 11 Clemson has recovered from their season-opening loss to Georgia. Both No. 5 Miami and No. 18 Pitt have won national championships, albeit in pre-ACC form (while Tony Dorsett and Clinton Portis remain “ACC legends”) and No. 20 SMU’s lone loss is to unbeaten BYU.
Sad Sack: Florida State (1-7, 1-6) is already out of bowl contention one season after getting robbed of a playoff berth at 13-0. I believe their mojo somehow got misplaced with their luggage on the way to Dublin, Ireland, for their season-opening loss to Georgia Tech.
New Kids: While the Mustangs haven’t missed a beat, the Bay Area duo of Cal and Stanford is a combined 1-8 in league play.
Saturday’s Games:
Virginia (4-4, 2-3) may be idle, but Kippy and Buffy will most definitely be busy this weekend. Pumpkin patch perusing and apple picking are on the docket as well as wolfing down the candy not handed out on Halloween. To complement their sweets, they’ll be enjoying a glass or two from their bottle of Royal Oporto Late Bottled Vintage Port.
“Deep in color, it offers a complex bouquet of berries and spice, enriched by luscious notes of red fruit and raisins,” according to its website. “On the palate, it presents a refined experience with firm, round tannins that underscore its robust structure.”
Virginia Tech (5-3, 3-1 ACC) at Syracuse (5-2, 2-2), noon, CW
Bowl eligibility goes to the winner at the JMA Wireless Dome, where in addition to numbers honored for the likes of football’s Jim Brown and basketball’s Pearl Washington, musician Billy Joel is saluted for performing more concerts than any other artist at the venue. The Hokies haven’t won there in the longest time (2000), although they’ve played here sparingly since moving out of the Big East two decades ago. The Orange learned they were only human in a 41-13 loss at No. 18 Pitt last Thursday, as quarterback Kyle McCord threw three pick-sixes. Will they get a second wind?
Pressure is a priority for the Hokies who are tied for the ACC lead with 26 sacks. Despite issues running the ball (16th in the ACC) or stopping the pass (14th in efficiency) this fall the Orange are the second-best team on third down at moving the chains (50.4%) AND keeping teams from reaching the marker (29.3%). It’s also homecoming and can the Syracuse faithful delude themselves into thinking they can beat a Hokie team that’s heating up (three straight wins by double digits)?
Sometimes a fantasy is all you need. Don’t ask me why.
Presto’s Pick: You may be right but the Hokies win 34-30.
Navy (6-1, 4-0 AAC) at Rice (2-6, 1-3), 4 p.m., ESPN2
The Midshipmen look to bounce back from their loss to Notre Dame and the Owls are a great team to try to bounce back against. Head coach Mike Bloomgren guided the program to consecutive bowl games but was fired this past week after losing to Connecticut (don’t knock these Huskies: they’re 5-3 with one-possession losses to Duke and Wake Forest).
The offense has been an issue this fall as the Owls rank near the bottom of the conference in scoring, rushing and total yards. But they boast a quarterback in EJ Warner (son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner), who at Temple carved up Navy for 402 yards and four touchdowns passing last fall. Injury kept the junior out of the loss to UConn while freshman Drew Devillier threw for just 88 yards against the Huskies. But the Owls despite all of their faults are good at keeping their QBs upright, allowing less than one sack per game.
Navy’s won four straight in the series and even though this is their first meeting as AAC foes, one feels the trend will continue.
Presto’s Pick: Midshipmen bounce back with a 47-17 blowout.
Georgetown over Lehigh, Howard defeats Delaware State, Richmond tops Towson, William & Mary wins over North Carolina A&T, Morgan State edges Norfolk State.
Last Week: 8-3.
Overall: 51-29.

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Downton Abbey star says third film will ‘pay tribute’ to late Dame Maggie Smith following her death at 89

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

DOWNTOWN Abbey’s third film is set to pay a ‘lasting tribute’ to one of its much loved stars. Dame Maggie Smith passed away last month at the age of 89 once filming for the third movie in the franchise had wrapped. 5Hugh Bonneville has said the Downtown Abbey movie will pay tribute to the much-loved star5The prolific actress won two Oscars and eight Baftas during her 70-year careerAnd now fellow star, Hugh Bonneville, has told how the movie will pay tribute to the prolific actress. Maggie played Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey in the ITV series and subsequent films, becoming known for her acerbic wit and put-downs. In the wake of her passing, several co-stars paid tribute to the Oscar-winning star with Hugh telling Virgin Radio UK that the third film would pay tribute to her. He said: “We finished a third – and I think probably final – Downton Abbey film this summer, which will come out next September.”Read More Downtown Abbey“That is a wonderful sort of closing off of all the stories, so it’s a proper film for the fans.”He continued: “It’s very much set in the house and saying goodbye to all these characters and we obviously say goodbye to Dame Maggie, which was very poignant on screen and now in real life.” “She’ll be sorely missed. But the final film will obviously be a great lasting tribute to her.”The Paddington star had previously paid tribute to the late star by saying: “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.”“She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances.”Another Downtown star Dan Stevens, who played Matthew Crawley, also described Maggie as “one of the greats.”Michelle Dockery, who plays Mary Crawley, also paid tribute saying: “There was no one quite like Maggie. I feel tremendously lucky to have known such a maverick.”Downtown Abbey creator and writer Julian Fellowes said she was a joy to write for: “Subtle, many-layered, intelligent, funny and heart-breaking,” he said. “Working with her has been the greatest privilege of my career, and I will never forget her.”Dame Maggie’s career began in 1950, with starring roles in Harry Potter and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie among many others, and saw her go on to win two Oscars and eight Baftas.Smith was married twice: to fellow actor Robert Stephens from 1967 to 1975, and to Beverley Cross from 1975 to his death in 1998.The news of her passing was announced by her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, who said: “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27 September.”The third movie, written and directed by Julian Fellowes and Simon Curtis respectively is set for release on September 12, 2025.5The devastated Downtown Abbey cast paid tribute to the late star calling her a ‘maverick’ and ‘one of the greats’5Hugh Bonneville said “the final film will be a great lasting tribute to her”5The Paddington star told how it had been very ‘poignant’ saying goodbye to the star in the film and in real life