16 films with Rotten Tomatoes scores under 25% that we’ll fight to the death for
16 films with Rotten Tomatoes scores under 25% we’ll fight to the death for | Metro News Metro Shorts This post was originally published on here
‘Creepy’ sci-fi movie savaged on release becomes Netflix hit 5 years later
‘Creepy’ sci-fi movie savaged on release becomes Netflix hit 5 years later | Metro News Metro Shorts This post was originally published on here
News24 Business | OPINION | Apple is fighting a massive antitrust case in the US. Here’s why it matters
An Apple corporate logo is displayed at their Grand Central Terminal store on June 13, 2024, in New York City. (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
The US Department of Justice has filed a case against Apple, alleging that it violated antitrust laws. The DOJ believes Apple – who has sought to have the case dismissed – has built a monopoly using an iPhone ecosystem that essentially locks out competitors by undermining innovative “super apps”, suppressing streaming services, excluding cross-platform messaging apps and even limiting non-Apple smartwatch functionality. A finding against Apple could mandate substantial changes to its business model, potentially reshaping the landscape of app development and functionality of the iPhone, say Phuti Mashalane and Dale Adams.Vertical integration is a powerful strategy employed by businesses to control more than one stage of their supply chain. By integrating operations upstream and or downstream, businesses can reduce costs, enhance efficiencies and improve competitiveness. However, vertical integration can sometimes be “illegal”. This is according to a lawsuit instituted by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in March 2024, along with 20 state and district attorneys general (four of which joined the lawsuit on 11 June 2024) against Apple Inc., alleging, in a 91-page lawsuit.The lawsuit alleges that Apple violated antitrust laws with practices intended to keep customers reliant on their iPhones and less likely to switch to a competing device. It says: Apple’s broad-based, exclusionary conduct makes it harder for Americans to switch smartphones, undermines innovation for apps, products, and services, and imposes extraordinary costs on Developers, Businesses, and Consumers.At a high level, the lawsuit alleges that: Apple illegally maintains a monopoly over smartphones by selectively imposing contractual restrictions on developers and withholding critical access points from them; and thatApple undermines apps, products, and services that would otherwise make users less reliant on the iPhone, promote interoperability and lower costs for consumers and developers. Through the above alleged monopolisation, the lawsuit further alleges that Apple is able to exercise monopoly power to extract more money from, among others, consumers, content creators, artists, publishers, small businesses and merchants. Further allegationsThe lawsuit further alleges that Apple has monopoly power, given its market shares of “over 70 percent of the performance smartphone market and over 65 percent of the broader smartphone market”.According to the lawsuit, Apple’s alleged anti-competitive course of conduct of Apple has taken several forms, many of which continue to evolve.This alleged conduct includes:blocking innovative “super apps”, disrupting the growth of apps with broad functionality that would make it easier for consumers to switch between competing smartphone platforms;suppressing mobile cloud streaming services, blocking the development of cloud-streaming apps and services that would allow consumers to enjoy high-quality video games and other cloud-based applications without having to pay for and rely on expensive Apple smartphone hardware. In this regard, the lawsuit notes that cloud streaming apps allow users to run computationally intensive programs without having to process or store the program on the smartphone itself. Instead, a user’s smartphone leverages the computing power of a remote server, which runs the program and streams the result back to the phone. Cloud streaming allows developers to bring cutting-edge technologies and services to smartphone consumers even if their smartphone includes hardware that is less powerful than an iPhone;limiting third party digital wallets in that Apple has prevented third-party apps from offering tap-to-pay functionality, inhibiting the creation of cross-platform third-party digital wallets;excluding cross-platform messaging apps, making the quality of cross-platform messaging (and, generally, third-party message apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook) poor, less innovative and less secure for users in order for its customers to continue buying iPhones to use, for example, Apple’s messaging platform, iMessage, which generally has better functionality due to its deep integration with Apple’s software system;diminishing the functionality of non-Apple smartwatches by limiting the functionality of third-party smartwatches in such a way that users who purchase the Apple Watch face substantial out-of-pocket costs if they do not buy iPhones to use it. In this regard, the lawsuit notes that the Apple Watch is only compatible with the iPhone. Consequently, the Apple Watch cannot be used, at least functionally, with any other phone apart from the iPhone. It says Apple uses its control of the iPhone, including its technical and contractual control of critical APIs (Application Programming Interface), to degrade the functionality of third-party cross-platform smartwatches in at least three significant ways.First, Apple deprives iPhone users with third-party smartwatches of the ability to respond to notifications. Second, Apple inhibits third-party smartwatches from maintaining a reliable connection with the iPhone and, third, Apple undermines the performance of third-party smartwatches that connect directly with a cellular network.Apple, as a brand, is ubiquitous, and all of the above allegations are, in substance, facets of Apple’s vertical integration in the performance smartphone market which are now alleged to be illegal from a competition law perspective. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the tech giant and the broader app economy. For example, a finding against Apple could mandate substantial changes to its business model, potentially reshaping the landscape of app development and functionality of the iPhone. This observation is echoed by Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz when he said the lawsuit “threatens who we are [our emphasis] and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets” and that “we believe this lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law, and we will vigorously defend against it”.In the broader context, this lawsuit reflects growing global concerns about the power wielded by major tech companies and the need for regulatory frameworks that ensure fair competition and consumer protection. Given Apple’s size and global presence, it is not inconceivable that other competition watchdogs across the globe will keep a close eye on the developments of this lawsuit. This may particularly be the case in light of the fact that the case comes up at a time when many competition watchdogs across the globe are trying to up their ante in the effort to effectively regulate digital markets. It remains to be seen whether Apple will be found guilty of violating antitrust laws. We await the outcome. * Apple has argued in court that the case should be dismissed at an early stage because it has not been demonstrated that the alleged monopoly was harmful to consumers, Bloomberg reported. A decision on the bid to dismiss is expected in January. Phuti Mashalane and Dale Adams, Director and Senior Associate at Werksmans Attorneys.News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24.
Newsletter
Daily
SA Money Daily
The biggest business, economic and market news of the day.
Sign up
USS George Washington’s Carrier Air Wing Returns to Japan with New Additions: F-35C and CMV-22B
CVW-5 was first deployed to Japan in 1973 alongside the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV 41) and has contributed to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region for over 50 years. In May of this year, CVW-5 departed Japan together with the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), which had been forward-deployed to Japan since 2015. The wing conducted a “hull swap” with USS George Washington (CVN 73), the Reagan’s successor, transferring equipment and personnel in San Diego.
This time, CVW-5 returned to Japan as the air wing assigned to USS George Washington, now equipped with three new aircraft types.
The first is the state-of-the-art stealth fighter, the F-35C. The F-35C is the carrier-based variant of the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter, featuring an enlarged wing area, folding wing mechanisms, and reinforced landing gear to enable carrier operations. In Japan, the U.S. Marine Corps already operates the F-35B, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fields the F-35A. With the addition of the F-35C, Japan becomes the only country outside the United States where all three variants of the F-35 are deployed.
The second is the CMV-22B Osprey. This tiltrotor aircraft serves as the successor to the long-serving C-2A Greyhound, tasked with transporting supplies and personnel between carriers and land-based facilities. Unlike other V-22 variants, the CMV-22B is equipped with massive fuel tanks housed in sponsons on its sides, granting it an impressive extended range.
PACIFIC OCEAN (June 15, 2024) A CMV-22B Osprey from the ÒTitansÓ of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Derek Kelley
The third is the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. While CVW-5 previously operated E-2D aircraft during its time assigned to USS Ronald Reagan, the newly deployed models are equipped with air-to-air refueling probes. This upgrade allows the E-2D to undertake longer missions compared to the previous version.
“Carrier Air Wing 5 represents the Navy’s determined investments in Naval Aviation through cutting-edge technology and our most advanced training with years of unmatched experience flying in this consequential theater. Our forward-deployed forces in Japan are among our most capable in the world and represent a tangible sign of America’s commitment to Japan and the region.” Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, commander of Task Force 70 and the George Washington Carrier Strike Group.
The squadrons of CVW-5 and their respective aircraft are as follows:
・Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 “Diamondbacks”
Aircraft: F/A-18F Super Hornet (two-seat variant)
・Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 “Royal Maces”
Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet (single-seat variant)
Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 “Eagles”
・Aircraft: F-35C Lightning II (carrier-based stealth fighter)
Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 “Dambusters”
Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
・Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 “Shadowhawks”
Aircraft: EA-18G Growler (electronic warfare aircraft based on the F/A-18F)
・Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 “Tigertails”
Aircraft: E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (airborne early warning and control aircraft)
・Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 “Titans”, Detachment Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF)
Aircraft: CMV-22B Osprey (carrier onboard delivery and transport aircraft)
・Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 “Saberhawks”
Aircraft: MH-60R Seahawk (multi-mission maritime helicopter)
・Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 “Golden Falcons”
Aircraft: MH-60S Seahawk (multi-mission helicopter for logistics, search and rescue, and other operations)
Gladiator II: The Long-Awaited Sequel to Ridley Scott’s Epic Historical Action Film
After a nearly two-and-a-half-decade wait, the sequel to Ridley Scott‘s acclaimed film *Gladiator* has finally hit theaters. *Gladiator II*, directed and produced by Ridley Scott, continues the story of the Roman Empire, this time focusing on Lucius Verus, the son of Lucilla from the original film. The movie stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, alongside a stellar cast including Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villainous Emperor Geta.
The film picks up approximately 16 years after the events of the first movie and follows Lucius on a journey across the vast Roman Empire. Lucius’s path takes him through various significant locations, including Antium, where he is recognized as a potential gladiator by Denzel Washington’s character, Macrinus. The narrative culminates with Lucius returning to the Colosseum, a setting that was iconic in the original film.
The development of *Gladiator II* was a long and arduous process. Discussions about a sequel began as early as 2001, but the project faced numerous delays and changes in ownership, with the rights eventually being sold to Paramount Pictures in 2006. It wasn’t until 2018 that the project gained momentum, with David Scarpa‘s script and Paul Mescal’s casting in January 2023 marking significant milestones.
Despite its challenging development, *Gladiator II* has received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the acting performances of the cast. However, some critics have noted that the film suffers from similarities to the original, with some scenes and plot elements feeling like retreads of *Gladiator*.
The film had its world premiere in Sydney, Australia on October 30, 2024, and was released in the United Kingdom on November 15. It debuted in the United States on November 22, 2024, competing at the box office with the musical film *Wicked*. As of its opening weekend, *Gladiator II* has grossed $87 million, though it trails behind *Wicked* in box office projections.
The movie also features notable CGI elements, including scenes with sharks and monkeys, which have been a subject of discussion among viewers and critics alike.
Chinese scientists found for 1st time a 1,360-meter impact crater on a mountain ridge in NE China’s Heilongjiang
Hailin impact crater Photo: XinhuaChinese scientists found for the first time a meteorite crater on a mountain ridge, the discovery of which enriches human’s understanding of the planetary collision history and provides a new perspective for exploring the crater formation mechanisms behind the unique terrain and landforms in China and researches on the impact or shock metamorphism of materials. According to the Center for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research (HPSTAR), the newly discovered Hailin impact crater, also the fourth confirmed impact crater discovered by Chinese scientists within China’s territory to date, is located among the northern mountains of Hailin city in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, the Xinhua News Agency reported. What is unique to this meteorite crater is that it was formed on the ridge of a mountain. It takes on an elliptical, dustpan-like shape with a diameter of up to 1,360 meters. The height difference between its highest rim and its lowest point exceeds 100 meters, as if a massive funnel suspended on the Zhangguangcai Range, a branch of the Changbai Mountains. Hailin impact crater is a geological imprint left by a significant planetary collision event in China’s geological history. According to Chen Ming, one of the researchers discovered the impact crater and a fellow researcher with HPSTAR, this impact occurred approximately hundreds of thousands of years ago. “Through field geological surveys and geological sample testing, we have identified a series of macroscopic and microscopic geological evidence related to the impact in this ‘small basin,’ confirming that it is a geological structure formed by the impact of an extraterrestrial asteroid,” Chen said, noting that except for some degree of erosion, the Hailin meteorite crater is generally well preserved. The discovery has recently been published in the English-language journal Matter and Radiation at Extremes. Reviewers believe that the discovery enriches human’s understanding of the planetary collision history and provides a new perspective for exploring the impact crater formation mechanisms behind the unique terrain and landforms in China and researches on the impact or shock metamorphism of materials. Meteorite craters on Earth are circular depressions formed by the impact of celestial bodies, such as asteroids falling to Earth from space. Meteorites are not only a unique phenomenon of nature, but also one of the important bases for scientists to study outer space.So far, over 200 impact craters have been identified and confirmed on Earth, such as the Barringer Meteor Crater in Arizona, the US, and the Wolfe Creek Crater in Australia. However, meteorite craters discovered within China’s territory are extremely rare. The Barringer Crater formed from the impact of an iron-nickel asteroid about 46 meters across is only 50,000 years old and remains unusually well preserved. The collision initially formed a crater over 1,200 meters across and 210 meters deep, but it is now only 150 meters deep due to subsequent erosion that has partially filled the crater, according to NASA. Almost circular in shape, Wolfe Creek Crater is considered the second largest crater in the world which geologists have estimated formed some 300,000 years ago when a meteorite weighing more than 50,000 metric tons struck the Earth at an estimated 15 kilometers per second, NASA said. Global Times
120 Bahadur: Farhan Akhtar to wrap his film’s shoot after its Mumbai schedule?
Farhan Akhtar has been busy with the shoot of 120 Bahadur for a while now. His upcoming project is one of his anticipated films. Farhan’s last acting project was Toofaan, released on Amazon Prime Video in 2021. Coming to 120 Bahadur, the film was being shot in Ladakh. After an extensive schedule there, Farhan and his team will reportedly shoot the final schedule in Mumbai. The movie is nearing its completion.Farhan Akhtar to wrap 120 Bahadur’s shoot in Mumbai?The cast and crew of 120 Bahadur will soon embark on a 15-day schedule in Mumbai. And with that, the shoot of Farhan Akhtar’s film will come to an end. The movie is set against the backdrop of the 1962 Indo-China War. The Farhan Akhtar-starrer is inspired by the real-life story of 120 Indian soldiers, who defended their post against an army of 5,000 Chinese troops.Farhan Akhtar.According to Mid-Day, Farhan and director Razzy Ghai are putting in a lot of effort to recreate the historic event with authenticity. “The Ladakh schedule was physically and emotionally taxing for everyone, but the landscapes brought the story alive. Farhan has been hands-on, ensuring every detail reflects the bravery and sacrifices of these soldiers. The more dialogue-heavy portions of the film will be shot in Mumbai, which will be a quick schedule,” a source told the tabloid.When Farhan Akhtar announced 120 BahadurFarhan Akhtar made an official announcement about his big screen project, 120 Bahadur, on September 4. While sharing a motion poster of his upcoming film, Farhan captioned his Instagram post: “What they accomplished will never be forgotten. It is an absolute privilege to bring you the story of Maj Shaitan Singh Bhati PVC and the soldiers of Charlie company, 13 Kumaon regiment (sic).”How excited are you about watching 120 Bahadur on the big screen? Tweet @ottplayapp and share your thoughts on X.
Zebra-Satyadev urges viewers to watch his film in theaters; criticizes reviewers
Zebra is Satyadev’s new film that hit the screens on November 22, 2024, alongside Mechanic Rocky, which features Vishwak Sen in the lead role. Zebra also stars Dhananjaya in a key role and opened to decent word of mouth. Satyadev gets emotional over his new release ZebraSatyadev has been touring theaters in Hyderabad, interacting directly with audiences and receiving solid feedback from them. However, Satyadev has expressed disappointment with the reviews. He remarked that a section of the audience relies on reviews before deciding to watch a film in theaters. Speaking at a press interaction, an upset Satyadev said, “I have been touring various theaters, and 80% of the audience seems to like the film a lot. However, this sentiment is not reflected by 80% of the reviewers. They have rated my film poorly, discouraging those who might otherwise have watched it on the big screen.”
Zebra’s OTT platform details Addressing the OTT trend, the young actor added, “I hear many reviewers saying that Zebra can be watched when it lands on OTT. Not just Zebra, but most films tend to perform better on OTT despite flopping in theaters. What’s the point of gaining a bigger audience on OTT when the film was made for the big screen? I create films for the theater-going audience. For this to work, low-budget films like ours need the support of reviewers.”Zebra Telugu filmIn Zebra, Satyadev plays a bank employee, while Priya Bhavani Shankar appears as the female lead. Despite positive audience feedback in some quarters, the film is struggling with low occupancy. It remains to be seen how it performs in the coming days. Stay tuned for more updates.
Business Digest: Texas Bank and Trust receives national accolade
Texas Bank and Trust receives national accoladeTexas Bank and Trust has been named one of the 2024 Best Banks to Work For in an awards program by American Banker and Best Companies Group.That program is designed to identify banks that excel at creating positive and supportive workplaces for employees.#placement_588479_0_i{width:100%;margin:0 auto;}This year, 90 banks nationwide earned a spot in the ranking of Best Banks to Work For, based on an anonymous employee survey and a review of the benefits and perks offered. The full list is available at americanbanker.com.TBT was one of nine Texas banks selected for the recognition.”The Best Banks to Work For represent institutions helping employees achieve their goals,” said Chana Schoenberger, editor-in-chief of American Banker. “These banks recognize how important it is for their staffers to be happy about the work they do and the environment in which they spend their days.”The survey and awards program are designed to identify and honor banks with the best cultures for helping employees thrive.For more information on the Best Banks to Work For program, visit BestBankstoWorkfor.com.Longview Regional gets ‘A’ safety gradeLongview Regional Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety.Leapfrog assigns an “A” through “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.“Earning consecutive ‘A’ Leapfrog Safety Awards is a testament to our unwavering commitment to patient safety and quality care. It reflects the dedication of our entire team to uphold the highest standards and continuously improve our practices to ensure the well-being of those we care for,” said Steve Gordon, CEO of Longview Regional.For more information, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.Christus Health hospitals earn ‘A’ safety ratingsFour Christus Health hospitals in East Texas have earned the top rating for health care safety from the Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization that assigns grades to U.S. hospitals based on their ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients.@import url(https://fonts.bunny.net/css?family=ibm-plex-sans:400,600);
#_form_11_ { font-size:14px; line-height:1.6; font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin:0; }
#_form_11_ * { outline:0; }
._form_hide { display:none; visibility:hidden; }
._form_show { display:block; visibility:visible; }
#_form_11_._form-top { top:0; }
#_form_11_._form-bottom { bottom:0; }
#_form_11_._form-left { left:0; }
#_form_11_._form-right { right:0; }
#_form_11_ input[type=”text”],#_form_11_ input[type=”tel”],#_form_11_ input[type=”date”],#_form_11_ textarea { padding:6px; height:auto; border:#979797 1px solid; border-radius:4px; color:#000 !important; font-size:14px; -webkit-box-sizing:border-box; -moz-box-sizing:border-box; box-sizing:border-box; }
#_form_11_ textarea { resize:none; }
#_form_11_ ._submit { -webkit-appearance:none; cursor:pointer; font-family:arial, sans-serif; font-size:14px; text-align:center; background:#004cff !important; border:0 !important; -moz-border-radius:4px !important; -webkit-border-radius:4px !important; border-radius:4px !important; color:#fff !important; padding:10px !important; }
#_form_11_ ._submit:disabled { cursor:not-allowed; opacity:0.4; }
#_form_11_ ._submit.processing { position:relative; }
#_form_11_ ._submit.processing::before { content:”; width:1em; height:1em; position:absolute; z-index:1; top:50%; left:50%; border:double 3px transparent; border-radius:50%; background-image:linear-gradient(#004cff, #004cff), conic-gradient(#004cff, #fff); background-origin:border-box; background-clip:content-box, border-box; animation:1200ms ease 0s infinite normal none running _spin; }
#_form_11_ ._submit.processing::after { content:”; position:absolute; top:0; bottom:0; left:0; right:0; background:#004cff !important; border:0 !important; -moz-border-radius:4px !important; -webkit-border-radius:4px !important; border-radius:4px !important; color:#fff !important; padding:10px !important; }
@keyframes _spin { 0% { transform:translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(90deg); }
100% { transform:translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(450deg); }
}
#_form_11_ ._close-icon { cursor:pointer; background-image:url(‘https://d226aj4ao1t61q.cloudfront.net/esfkyjh1u_forms-close-dark.png’); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-size:14.2px 14.2px; position:absolute; display:block; top:11px; right:9px; overflow:hidden; width:16.2px; height:16.2px; }
#_form_11_ ._close-icon:before { position:relative; }
#_form_11_ ._form-body { margin-bottom:30px; }
#_form_11_ ._form-image-left { width:150px; float:left; }
#_form_11_ ._form-content-right { margin-left:164px; }
#_form_11_ ._form-branding { color:#fff; font-size:10px; clear:both; text-align:left; margin-top:30px; font-weight:100; }
#_form_11_ ._form-branding ._logo { display:block; width:130px; height:14px; margin-top:6px; background-image:url(‘https://d226aj4ao1t61q.cloudfront.net/hh9ujqgv5_aclogo_li.png’); background-size:130px auto; background-repeat:no-repeat; }
#_form_11_ .form-sr-only { position:absolute; width:1px; height:1px; padding:0; margin:-1px; overflow:hidden; clip:rect(0, 0, 0, 0); border:0; }
#_form_11_ ._form-label,#_form_11_ ._form_element ._form-label { font-weight:bold; margin-bottom:5px; display:block; }
#_form_11_._dark ._form-branding { color:#333; }
#_form_11_._dark ._form-branding ._logo { background-image:url(‘https://d226aj4ao1t61q.cloudfront.net/jftq2c8s_aclogo_dk.png’); }
#_form_11_ ._form_element { position:relative; margin-bottom:10px; font-size:0; max-width:100%; }
#_form_11_ ._form_element * { font-size:14px; }
#_form_11_ ._form_element._clear { clear:both; width:100%; float:none; }
#_form_11_ ._form_element._clear:after { clear:left; }
#_form_11_ ._form_element input[type=”text”],#_form_11_ ._form_element input[type=”date”],#_form_11_ ._form_element select,#_form_11_ ._form_element textarea:not(.g-recaptcha-response) { display:block; width:100%; -webkit-box-sizing:border-box; -moz-box-sizing:border-box; box-sizing:border-box; font-family:inherit; }
#_form_11_ ._field-wrapper { position:relative; }
#_form_11_ ._inline-style { float:left; }
#_form_11_ ._inline-style input[type=”text”] { width:150px; }
#_form_11_ ._inline-style:not(._clear) + ._inline-style:not(._clear) { margin-left:20px; }
#_form_11_ ._form_element img._form-image { max-width:100%; }
#_form_11_ ._form_element ._form-fieldset { border:0; padding:0.01em 0 0 0; margin:0; min-width:0; }
#_form_11_ ._clear-element { clear:left; }
#_form_11_ ._full_width { width:100%; }
#_form_11_ ._form_full_field { display:block; width:100%; margin-bottom:10px; }
#_form_11_ input[type=”text”]._has_error,#_form_11_ textarea._has_error { border:#f37c7b 1px solid; }
#_form_11_ input[type=”checkbox”]._has_error { outline:#f37c7b 1px solid; }
#_form_11_ ._error { display:block; position:absolute; font-size:14px; z-index:10000001; }
#_form_11_ ._error._above { padding-bottom:4px; bottom:39px; right:0; }
#_form_11_ ._error._below { padding-top:8px; top:100%; right:0; }
#_form_11_ ._error._above ._error-arrow { bottom:-4px; right:15px; border-left:8px solid transparent; border-right:8px solid transparent; border-top:8px solid #fdd; }
#_form_11_ ._error._below ._error-arrow { top:0; right:15px; border-left:8px solid transparent; border-right:8px solid transparent; border-bottom:8px solid #fdd; }
#_form_11_ ._error-inner { padding:12px 12px 12px 36px; background-color:#fdd; background-image:url(“data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg width=’16’ height=’16’ viewBox=’0 0 16 16′ fill=’none’ xmlns=’http://www.w3.org/2000/svg’%3E%3Cpath fill-rule=’evenodd’ clip-rule=’evenodd’ d=’M16 8C16 12.4183 12.4183 16 8 16C3.58172 16 0 12.4183 0 8C0 3.58172 3.58172 0 8 0C12.4183 0 16 3.58172 16 8ZM9 3V9H7V3H9ZM9 13V11H7V13H9Z’ fill=’%23CA0000’/%3E%3C/svg%3E”); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:12px center; font-size:14px; font-family:arial, sans-serif; font-weight:600; line-height:16px; color:#000; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; -webkit-border-radius:4px; -moz-border-radius:4px; border-radius:4px; box-shadow:0px 1px 4px rgba(31, 33, 41, 0.298295); }
#_form_11_ ._error-inner._form_error { margin-bottom:5px; text-align:left; }
#_form_11_ ._button-wrapper ._error-inner._form_error { position:static; }
#_form_11_ ._error-inner._no_arrow { margin-bottom:10px; }
#_form_11_ ._error-arrow { position:absolute; width:0; height:0; }
#_form_11_ ._error-html { margin-bottom:10px; }
.pika-single { z-index:10000001 !important; }
#_form_11_ input[type=”text”].datetime_date { width:69%; display:inline; }
#_form_11_ select.datetime_time { width:29%; display:inline; height:32px; }
#_form_11_ input[type=”date”].datetime_date { width:69%; display:inline-flex; }
#_form_11_ input[type=”time”].datetime_time { width:29%; display:inline-flex; }
@media all and (min-width:320px) and (max-width:667px) { ::-webkit-scrollbar { display:none; }
#_form_11_ { margin:0; width:100%; min-width:100%; max-width:100%; box-sizing:border-box; }
#_form_11_ * { -webkit-box-sizing:border-box; -moz-box-sizing:border-box; box-sizing:border-box; font-size:1em; }
#_form_11_ ._form-content { margin:0; width:100%; }
#_form_11_ ._form-inner { display:block; min-width:100%; }
#_form_11_ ._form-title,#_form_11_ ._inline-style { margin-top:0; margin-right:0; margin-left:0; }
#_form_11_ ._form-title { font-size:1.2em; }
#_form_11_ ._form_element { margin:0 0 20px; padding:0; width:100%; }
#_form_11_ ._form-element,#_form_11_ ._inline-style,#_form_11_ input[type=”text”],#_form_11_ label,#_form_11_ p,#_form_11_ textarea:not(.g-recaptcha-response) { float:none; display:block; width:100%; }
#_form_11_ ._row._checkbox-radio label { display:inline; }
#_form_11_ ._row,#_form_11_ p,#_form_11_ label { margin-bottom:0.7em; width:100%; }
#_form_11_ ._row input[type=”checkbox”],#_form_11_ ._row input[type=”radio”] { margin:0 !important; vertical-align:middle !important; }
#_form_11_ ._row input[type=”checkbox”] + span label { display:inline; }
#_form_11_ ._row span label { margin:0 !important; width:initial !important; vertical-align:middle !important; }
#_form_11_ ._form-image { max-width:100%; height:auto !important; }
#_form_11_ input[type=”text”] { padding-left:10px; padding-right:10px; font-size:16px; line-height:1.3em; -webkit-appearance:none; }
#_form_11_ input[type=”radio”],#_form_11_ input[type=”checkbox”] { display:inline-block; width:1.3em; height:1.3em; font-size:1em; margin:0 0.3em 0 0; vertical-align:baseline; }
#_form_11_ button[type=”submit”] { padding:20px; font-size:1.5em; }
#_form_11_ ._inline-style { margin:20px 0 0 !important; }
}
#_form_11_ { position:relative; text-align:left; margin:25px auto 0; padding:20px; -webkit-box-sizing:border-box; -moz-box-sizing:border-box; box-sizing:border-box; *zoom:1; background:#fff !important; border:0px solid #b0b0b0 !important; max-width:500px; -moz-border-radius:0px !important; -webkit-border-radius:0px !important; border-radius:0px !important; color:#000 !important; }
#_form_11_ ._form-title { font-size:22px; line-height:22px; font-weight:600; margin-bottom:0; }
#_form_11_:before,#_form_11_:after { content:” “; display:table; }
#_form_11_:after { clear:both; }
#_form_11_._inline-style { width:auto; display:inline-block; }
#_form_11_._inline-style input[type=”text”],#_form_11_._inline-style input[type=”date”] { padding:10px 12px; }
#_form_11_._inline-style button._inline-style { position:relative; top:27px; }
#_form_11_._inline-style p { margin:0; }
#_form_11_._inline-style ._button-wrapper { position:relative; margin:27px 12.5px 0 20px; }
#_form_11_ ._form-thank-you { position:relative; left:0; right:0; text-align:center; font-size:18px; }
@media all and (min-width:320px) and (max-width:667px) { #_form_11_._inline-form._inline-style ._inline-style._button-wrapper { margin-top:20px !important; margin-left:0 !important; }
}
#_form_11_ .iti.iti–allow-dropdown.iti–separate-dial-code { width:100%; }
#_form_11_ .iti input { width:100%; height:32px; border:#979797 1px solid; border-radius:4px; }
#_form_11_ .iti–separate-dial-code .iti__selected-flag { background-color:#fff; border-radius:4px; }
#_form_11_ .iti–separate-dial-code .iti__selected-flag:hover { background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); }
#_form_11_ .iti__country-list { border-radius:4px; margin-top:4px; min-width:460px; }
#_form_11_ .iti__country-list–dropup { margin-bottom:4px; }
#_form_11_ .phone-error-hidden { display:none; }
#_form_11_ .phone-error { color:#e40e49; }
#_form_11_ .phone-input-error { border:1px solid #e40e49 !important; }
Christus Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler, Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, Good Shepherd Medical Center – Longview and Good Shepherd Medical Center – Marshall all earned “A” grades in Leapfrog’s most recent national hospital safety survey.“These grades really signify a validation for our ministries serving our patients to the effort our teams put in to doing the right things right every single time,” said Chris Glenney, senior vice president for group operations for Christus Northeast Texas and North Louisiana.This year, Christus Health announced expansion projects that include a freestanding emergency room in Henderson, emergency hospital in Palestine and multi-specialty clinic in Sulphur Springs.According to Leapfrog, of the nearly 3,000 hospitals graded, less than one-third received an A rating.“These grades are hard to get. If they were easy, everyone would get them,” Glenney said. “For us to have multiple Christus ministries earn an ‘A,’ it makes me very proud of the quality care we provide across the region.”Mineral rights program set in HallsvilleThe Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Harrison County will host an East Texas Oil and Gas, Mineral Rights program Dec. 3 in Hallsville.Attorney Phillip Baldwin Jr. will be the featured speaker. The free event is 6-9 p.m. at Gold Hall, 101 East Elm St. Interested people are asked to RSVP by calling (903) 935-8413 by Dec. 1.Baldwin has 38 years of experience in the East Texas oil and gas industry. Topics include: recent leasing and drilling activity; understanding your oil and gas lease; how to protect your mineral rights; and royalty payment issues.There will also be an update on the future of natural gas prices and guidance on how to find oil and gas information online.For information, contact Kaki Crim at [email protected] food drive underway through Dec. 7The East Texas Food Bank, which serves the Longview and Tyler areas, is one of the organizations that will benefit from the End Hunger Here campaign hosted by the Kroger Dallas Division and The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation.The effort hopes to raise $500,000 in cash and in-kind donations this year, which translates to 1.5 million meals. The campaign is in partnership with hunger relief organizations, including East Texas Food Bank, North Texas Food Bank, Tarrant Area Food Bank, Food Bank of Central Louisiana and Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, as well as the Dallas Mavericks Foundation.Customers can provide relief to food-insecure families through the End Hunger Here program through Dec. 7. At checkout, shoppers will have the option to make a donation of $1, $5 or $10 that will be added to their total. All donations raised in North Texas, East Texas and Northwest Louisiana will stay in those areas.
‘The Lil’ Player That Could’: Bills CB Ja’Marcus Ingram inspires with new children’s book
John Woodruff remembers many different and meaningful conversations with Ja’Marcus Ingram over the years, but two at Ingram’s house stand out.The first was right before Ingram was heading from his Dallas-area home to University at Buffalo. After walking on at Utah State and then spending two years as a backup at Texas Tech, Ingram knew it was time for his next step. He knew that to catapult himself to his ultimate goal, he needed one more year to showcase his talents. Still, Ingram was a little apprehensive about the move to Western New York.
Bills cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram celebrates after sacking Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on Sept. 23.
Joshua Bessex, Buffalo News
Woodruff, once the offensive coordinator at Ingram’s South Oak Cliff High School, stopped by.“We were sitting in his bedroom,” Woodruff said. “I was sitting down. He was packing, and I told him, I said, ‘You know you won’t be back, right?’ And he was like, ‘No, I won’t.’
People are also reading…
“And I said, ‘So make sure you get everything and stuff like that, because you’re not coming back here.’ ”Woodruff was right. Ingram played for one year at UB, where he was a starting cornerback. That earned him a two-day rookie minicamp tryout with the Buffalo Bills in 2022. Ingram landed a spot on the Bills’ practice squad, and eventually he worked his way to the 53-man roster.Ahead of the 2022 Bills season, Ingram went home for a bit. Standing in his kitchen with Woodruff, Ingram and his former coach took a moment to revel at all he had achieved.“At the start of the first season, I was like, ‘Dude, you’ve got to write a book,’ ” Woodruff said. “’You’ve got to write a book.’”Woodruff was right. And once again, Ingram proved he can accomplish anything.Ingram’s debut children’s book, “The Lil’ Player That Could,” is set to hit shelves on Nov. 30. It will be available at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, on Amazon, or through Ingram’s website, storytalewonderland.com.The book, illustrated by Sandra Figueras, follows Ingram’s remarkable journey from walking on at college to making it in the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
Ja’Marcus Ingram’s debut book, “The Lil’ Player That Could,” is set to hit shelves this month. The Bills cornerback hopes produce a series of books.
Courtesy: Ja’Marcus Ingram
Now 27, Ingram has played all 11 games for the Bills this season. While his role is primarily special teams, he’s had some splash plays this year, including a pass breakup to secure the season-opening win Sept. 8 over Arizona along with two interceptions — one a pick-six — against Miami just four days later.When Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich looks at Ingram’s unlikely path, he can’t pick just one stage that most impresses him.“Yeah, it’s everything,” Babich said. “Everything that Ja’Marcus has overcome.”Now, Babich knows that Ingram can be an inspiration for others.“For all the people, all the kids out there, anybody that might be dealing with a little adversity or maybe a rockier path to get to something — all those are signs that good things happen if you do it the right way,” Babich said. “And just really proud of him. He comes in here, very consistent, smile on his face every day, works his tail off, wants to be good.“It’s what’s good in this world, it’s what’s good in this life.”Tumultuous journeyIngram says he wasn’t necessarily a huge reader or writer when he was little, but at a young age, sports books caught his eye at the Scholastic Book Fair. He remembers reading books about LaDainian Tomlinson, Tiki Barber and Muhammad Ali.“Those were my first inspirations and hopes to play the game of football, or just even be athletic,” Ingram said.Ingram was drawn to the illustrations, something he would remember when partnering with Figueras.“I never was a reader, but I would say that the inspiration that I got from the creativity or art that I’d seen in books,” Ingram said. “That was important for me. Seeing art in a book was important to me more so than reading.”When Ingram was 9, he had a gruesome injury, breaking his leg and needing to have a pin in his ankle.“It was very scary to me,” said his mother, Tresa McMillian. “I’m just seeing my child laying there and his bone laying out of his skin. So, you know, it was so nerve-wracking.“And for him to get back up after all of that and say, ‘Hey, I still want to play football,’ like that’s a humongous step that takes courage. Because, honestly, I never felt like he would want to play football again after his injury.”By the time Ingram got to high school, Woodruff saw an “insatiable appetite to be successful.” But Ingram was playing wide receiver and he wasn’t getting offers. His coaches encouraged him to switch to defense.“He never played a snap at corner or (defensive back) in a high school football game, ever,” Woodruff said.Ingram was up for the challenge. Besides, he had been through much worse off the field.In 2018, his father, Godfrey, passed away. That painful loss would remind Ingram to lean on the support of his community, a theme that would prevail in his book years later.Meanwhile, Ingram poured himself back into football as a way to keep going.At Utah State, coaches would tell Ingram that most walk-ons don’t get a scholarship until their senior year. He would corroborate the news by watching YouTube videos of players who were finally awarded a scholarship, and cross-check what year they were.But Ingram was ahead of schedule.
“I think until McDermott can get the Bills over the hump and get them to the Super Bowl, he’s going to fall short of Coach of the Year honors – whether or not that is fair,” Katherine Fitzgerald writes in this week’s Bills Mailbag.
“I got my scholarship the first year,” he said. “And I was at the bottom of the depth chart, and I came out of spring starting, and so I got put on scholarship. That’s one of my main highlights.”“Then the next (highlight) would have to be making the Bills as a tryout,” Ingram added. “It’s kind of along the same lines, as far as just having to persevere and overcome obstacles to get to this point. Because nothing was ever (given) to me.“And so that’s kind of some of the same things that I’m preaching and mentioning in the book for kids.”Trust the processThere were times in the writing process when Ingram hit roadblocks.“I started writing, and I had got stuck for probably, like, two months,” Ingram said.No stranger to adversity, Ingram kept pushing. He wanted the book to rhyme, feeling that sing-songy passages would be more likely to stick in the minds of kids. He consulted thesauruses and rhyming dictionaries as he worked through his writer’s block.Ingram thinks he gets his best ideas while flying, and indeed, inspiration struck when he was on a plane between Utah and Texas.“I was writing on my phone in my notes, just thinking of catch phrases, or how I could grab the reader’s attention,” Ingram said.He wanted to strike a balance of making it poetic, but keep it true to his own voice — a little Southern and less formal for young readers. Ingram revised and revised.He checked in with former Bills defensive lineman Brandin Bryant, who authored his own children’s book “So, You Want To Be an Athlete?” in January. Like football, Ingram was open to any coaching. He recognized he was challenging himself in a big way. Ingram embraced it.“I had to step outside my comfort zone and try to make something meaningful, and something that my son can have,” Ingram said. “Something that he could look at and be like, ‘Dang, that was my dad.’”Anytime Ingram felt like he couldn’t write the book, he pushed on to prove it to himself and to his son. Ingram knows his platform is larger while he’s still playing. He accepted that hurdles were part of the process.“I went back, rewrote it, and then as time went on, I just added little bits and pieces to it,” Ingram said. “And then here we are today.”‘One of the coolest things ever’When Ingram told the news to family members, the reactions were emotional.“My mama, she cried,” Ingram said. “My cousins and my aunties, they cried. But they haven’t even seen it, though. So, it’s like, once they see it, I think that’s gonna be even more emotional, where I’ll probably get a few more tears.”McMillian said the moment was both “tear-dropping” and exciting. She was a bit surprised, too, mainly because McMillian knows the demanding schedule for an NFL player. But she never doubted her son’s abilities.“It means everything to me,” McMillian said, “because not only is he an athlete, he’s excelling outside of the athlete world. … You know, my baby’s an author, like, oh my God! Not only is he an NFL player, but somebody that can write a book.“Oh my God, an overachiever is all I can say.”And Ingram has more to achieve in the publishing realm.He wants to eventually turn the project into a book series, hitting on other career paths to which kids can aspire. Some early contenders for future books are lawyers, firefighters, businesspeople and musicians.Even as an active player in the NFL, he wants kids to know there’s more out there.“I think we’re so much more than athletes, but we get put in a box,” Ingram said. “So, I don’t want them to limit (themselves) to just being an athlete, because you got so much more to live outside of being an athlete.”It’s a message that will hit home in the Bills locker room. Teammate Cam Lewis knows Ingram’s journey well, having traveled a similar path. Lewis also played at UB before joining the Bills as an undrafted rookie and worked his way up from the practice squad to the active roster. Lewis has plans to get copies of the book.“I have two kids myself, so I’m gonna give it a read to them,” Lewis said.Ingram can’t wait to read to his kids, too. His son, Sencyr, is 18 months old, and Ingram is expecting a daughter early next year. But the storytime sessions will go far beyond his own house.The busy cornerback is scheduling times to host book readings, whether in Buffalo next month or in Dallas during the offseason. A staple at many Bills community events, Ingram is kicking up his own endeavors a notch.When Woodruff first made his pitch to Ingram about writing an autobiography, he wasn’t expecting Ingram to go the children’s book route. Now, Woodruff finds it extra meaningful that Ingram is reaching out to the youth.“I’m still an educator,” Woodruff said, “And all that stuff is one of the most amazing things. I never would have thought it would be this, but I think it’s one of the coolest things ever.”As Ingram has learned, the most meaningful part of any journey is sharing it with those around you. His book will allow him to do that for years to come.“I was always taught that we never go through anything in life just for ourselves, but to help somebody else,” McMillian said. “This book is really going to help somebody else.”
0 Comments
#lee-rev-content { margin:0 -5px; }
#lee-rev-content h3 {
font-family: inherit!important;
font-weight: 700!important;
border-left: 8px solid var(–lee-blox-link-color);
text-indent: 7px;
font-size: 24px!important;
line-height: 24px;
}
#lee-rev-content .rc-provider {
font-family: inherit!important;
}
#lee-rev-content h4 {
line-height: 24px!important;
font-family: “serif-ds”,Times,”Times New Roman”,serif!important;
margin-top: 10px!important;
}
@media (max-width: 991px) {
#lee-rev-content h3 {
font-size: 18px!important;
line-height: 18px;
}
}
#pu-email-form-preps-email-article {
clear: both;
background-color: #fff;
color: #222;
background-position: bottom;
background-repeat: no-repeat;
padding: 15px 0 20px;
margin-bottom: 40px;
border-top: 4px solid rgba(0,0,0,.8);
border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,.2);
display: none;
}
#pu-email-form-preps-email-article,
#pu-email-form-preps-email-article p {
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, “Segoe UI”, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, “Apple Color Emoji”, “Segoe UI Emoji”, “Segoe UI Symbol”;
}
#pu-email-form-preps-email-article h2 {
font-size: 24px;
margin: 15px 0 5px 0;
font-family: “serif-ds”, Times, “Times New Roman”, serif;
}
#pu-email-form-preps-email-article .lead {
margin-bottom: 5px;
}
#pu-email-form-preps-email-article .email-desc {
font-size: 16px;
line-height: 20px;
margin-bottom: 5px;
opacity: 0.7;
}
#pu-email-form-preps-email-article form {
padding: 10px 30px 5px 30px;
}
#pu-email-form-preps-email-article .disclaimer {
opacity: 0.5;
margin-bottom: 0;
line-height: 100%;
}
#pu-email-form-preps-email-article .disclaimer a {
color: #222;
text-decoration: underline;
}
#pu-email-form-preps-email-article .email-hammer {
border-bottom: 3px solid #222;
opacity: .5;
display: inline-block;
padding: 0 10px 5px 10px;
margin-bottom: -5px;
font-size: 16px;
}
@media (max-width: 991px) {
#pu-email-form-preps-email-article form {
padding: 10px 0 5px 0;
}
}
.grecaptcha-badge { visibility: hidden; }
Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter
Sent weekly directly to your inbox!