Tourists in Bali are urged to avoid interacting with the wild and semi-wild monkeys at popular locations such as the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, the Sangeh Monkey Forest, and Uluwatu Temple.
Recent online footage highlights the monkeys’ intelligence, with one monkey seen tearing up a tourist’s passport that it had stolen from her bag at the Sacred Monkey Forest.
In the startling video released online, the woman attempts to approach the monkey to take her passport back, but the primate swipes at her. Despite her efforts to retrieve her torn apart document, she is forced to reluctantly accept the fate of her now torn passport.
Despite warnings and guidelines at these locations, tourists continue to be at risk of having their valuables damaged or stolen by the monkeys.
Bali primates have developed a street-smart approach. Monkeys have smartly learned to stay calm and quiet allowing them to seize opportunities to grab food or high-value items.
They know that they can get food as a bribe to give back the things they’ve stolen.
In order to safety of their belongings, authorities advise tourists to appreciate Bali’s wild monkeys from a distance and take simple precautions, such as securing valuable items in their accommodation’s safes, ensuring bags are properly zipped up, and refraining from carrying food into areas inhabited by monkeys.
Monkey-related claims amounting to over £8,000 have been reported, covering thefts and bites, according to Southern Cross Travel Insurance, a specialist provider of policies for Australian tourists in Bali.
Despite the routine vaccination of monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest against rabies, travelers are advised to ensure all their travel vaccinations, including rabies, are up to date before embarking on a trip to Indonesia.
In case of a bite or scratch from a monkey, dog, bat, or any potentially rabies-carrying creature, tourists are strongly urged to adhere to the World Health Organization’s guidelines on rabies and promptly seek immediate medical attention, irrespective of whether the skin has been broken.
This precautionary measure is crucial due to the potentially deadly consequences associated with rabies.
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Seafood Stuffed Shells is a comforting meal that’s sure to impress! Jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy, savory seafood filling and coated in a rich Alfredo-based sauce. Finish with a crispy crumb topping for an irresistible dinner!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulgence in Every Bite! This seafood stuffed shells recipe has the best flavor and is the perfect choice for a date night in, or a comforting meal to impress your loved ones!
Simple Assembly! This dish comes together easier than you think! It can be on the table in about 45 minutes, which includes prep and cook time!
Seafood Lovers Dream
Is it true that you either love seafood or hate it? Where are my seafood lovers at? This recipe combines creamy, cheesy deliciousness with succulent crab and shrimp, all loaded in a jumbo pasta shell. All my seafood-loving follower’s dreams just came true!
How to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells
You’re going to want to make this seafood stuffed shells recipe again and again. The prep and assembly time is only about 20 minutes, and then the oven does the rest of the work. It looks and tastes really elegant, but it’s actually so easy to make!
Cook the Shells: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook the shells according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, stir the ricotta cheese, egg, old bay seasoning, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Fold the shrimp and crabmeat into the filling mixture.
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the alfredo sauce, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour about ½ cup of the sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.
Fill the Shells: Take one jumbo shell in one hand and stuff it with about 2 tablespoons of the filling seafood mixture.
Pour Over the Sauce: Place the seafood stuffed shells open-side up in the sauce-lined baking dish. Until the filling has been used and the dish has been filled. Pour the rest of the sauce over the stuffed shells.
Make the Topping and Bake: In a small bowl, whisk together the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, butter, and seasoning. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the sauce-covered shells and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the shells are heated through and the topping is browned. Remove the seafood stuffed shells from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Seafood Stuffed Shells Tips and Variations
Here are my top tips for making these shells stuffed with seafood!
Using Uncooked Shrimp: If you use uncooked shrimp, boil it for a moment in the same water you boiled the pasta in, just until it turns pink, then remove and use as directed.
What Size Shrimp Should I Use? I like to use small shrimp for this recipe, even salad-size shrimp, so you get more in each shell. If you can only find larger shrimp, coarsely chop them before adding them to the filling.
Crab Meat Option: You can use real crab meat in this seafood stuffed shells recipe if you prefer.
Make Ahead and Storing Options
In the Refrigerator: Store leftover seafood stuffed shells in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make Ahead: Prepare all the elements of the dish and assemble, leaving off the crumb topping. Store the prepared casserole in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months before topping with crumb mixture and baking.
Bake from Frozen: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, cover the seafood stuffed shells dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the crumb mixture over, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes.
More Delicious Seafood Recipes
If you liked these seafood stuffed shells, you are sure to love these other seafood-inspired recipes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook the 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the filling. In a large bowl, mix the 1 (15-ounce) contianer ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Fold the 1 pound small cooked shrimp, and 1 pound imitation crab, into the filling mixture.
Make the sauce, in a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 (15-ounce) jar alfredo sauce, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and Salt and pepper to taste. Pour about ½ cup of the sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.
Fill the shells, take one shell in hand, and stuff it with about 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture.
Place the stuffed shells open-side up in the sauce-lined baking dish. Until the filling has been used and the dish has been filled. Pour the rest of the sauce over the stuffed shells.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup Italian bread crumbs, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning.
Sprinkle the crumb topping over the sauce-covered shells and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the shells are heated through and the topping is browned.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nothing screams a cozy night in quite like a good Romance movie. With so many streaming platforms at our disposal, each with their own select user fee, it’s hard not to spend an arm and a leg to tame that love story fix. However, viewers who know where to look can find some of their favorite go-tos free of charge if they know where to look. Fortunately, the number of no-charge streaming options has soared in recent years. Those willing to sit through an ad or five will find their options ripe for watching.
Oldie, but goodie, YouTubejust so happens to be one of these options. YouTube has a plethora of free movies to choose from. While obvious favorites like TheTwilight Saga and forgotten cult classics like Cry, Baby abound, there are far more options for those looking for a classic screwball or drama.
9
The Accidental Husband (2008)
Release Date
February 29, 2008
Runtime
90
The Accidental Husband is a romantic comedy from 2008 that starred Uma Turman as Emma and The Walking Dead‘s own Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Patrick. In this film, radio host and relationship advice guru Emma’s world is turned upside down when her upcoming marriage to Richard (Colin Firth) is delayed because she is still technically married to a man named Patrick. Patrick is a firefighter and the cunning mastermind behind Emma’s troubles. He fabricates an elaborate plan for revenge that eventually leads to an unintentional and unexpected love story.
A Classic 2000s Delight
The title alone practically guarantees a formulaic, feel-good time. Uma Thurman provides a knock-out performance worthy of screwball originals, and her co-stars aren’t too shabby either. Colin Firth is notorious for his leading roles in romcoms like Bridget Jones’ Diary, so his casting is perfect. Jeffrey Dean Morgan shows a familiarly scheming, but far more wholesome side to his acting repertoire. The film is chock-full of the typical screwball plot devices, from overly complicated problem-solving to impractically dramatic stakes, and has all the makings of a comfortable rom-com binge.
The fake dating trope remains an absolute favorite for romance lovers. And here are some of the best films that feature pretend couples.
8
Penelope (2006)
Release Date
March 1, 2006
Runtime
101
Penelope tells the story of a family cursed by the decisions of their ancestors not to accept a pair of young lovers. In the present day, Penelope (Christina Ricci), an aristocratic heiress, is born with a pig snout as a result. The only way to break the curse is to find her true love, someone who will wholeheartedly accept her, snout and all. Her well-meaning, but utterly misguided parents hide her from the world for years… that is until, sometime after her 18th birthday, when they decide to take her love life into their own hands. Their attempts to set her up with a fellow blueblood, however, go horribly awry, leading Penelope to strike off on her own in search of acceptance.
Elevated by a Brilliant Ensemble Cast
Released during the height of fable fantasy fervor, this modern take on classic fairy tale tropes is nothing short of delightful. There is a message of acceptance hidden deep beneath the overtures of classism. Plus, this cast reads like an understated who’s who, from Catherine O’Hara as Penelope’s mother, to James McAvoy as a kind, but subterfuging suitor, to Peter Dinklage and Reese Witherspoon as newfound friends Penelope finds along the way. And, with a PG rating, the film is wholesome enough to binge with some younger loved ones in tow.
Barbara Stanwyck
, Gary Cooper
, Oskar Homolka
, Henry Travers
, S.Z. Sakall
, Tully Marshall
, Leonid Kinskey
, Richard Haydn
, Aubrey Mather
, Allen Jenkins
, Dana Andrews
, Dan Duryea
, Ralph Peters
, Kathleen Howard
, Charles Lane
, Charles Arnt
, Elisha Cook Jr.
, Mary Field
, Alan Rhein
, Eddie Foster
, Aldrich Bowker
, Addison Richards
, Kenneth Howell
, Tim Ryan
, Gene Krupa
Runtime
111 minutes
Ball of Fire is a classic screwball comedy featuring Barbara Stanwyck and Gary Cooper. The story centers around a group of bachelors (and one widower) who live and work together in a prim and proper pad. Desperate to understand and learn some more modern colloquialisms to add to the work, the youngest of them, Professor Potts, a grammarian in American slang, turns to Katherine “Sugarpuss” O’Shea for advice. A nightclub performer by trade, she only agrees to stay after finding herself on the run from police as a result of her mob boyfriend’s shenanigans. The pair, of course, take a liking to each other, but are forced to put their feelings aside momentarily for the sake of the book and their lives after Sugarpuss’ angry boyfriend comes a’calling.
A Screwball Comedy that Stands the Test of Time
This title perfectly encapsulates Stanwyck’s character, a firecracker with a silver tongue for ‘modern’ American colloquialisms. Obvious references to the fable of Snow White aside, this juxtaposition of stuffiness and flamboyance makes for some incredible screwball shenanigans. The chemistry between the two leads is rife, though they are at times outmatched by those of their academic companions. A common matter in romantic comedies, the couple’s attempts to save each other are, of course, what ultimately keep them apart for so long. Viewers will have to refrain from yelling at the screen for more open and honest communication, which would have solved just about all the woes of these two lovebirds to begin with.
The iconic teen drama A Walk to Remember is based on an early Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name. The film stars Shane West as Landon and Mandy Moore as Jamie. What starts out as a classic ’50s Romeo and Juliet story meets 10 Things I Hate About You takes a hard turn into reality as forces beyond their control serve to push them apart. Will Jamie’s illness push them apart? Love, understanding, and passion are constants as they navigate their youth with what time they have left.
A Timeless Tearjerker
There’s nothing like young love and a coming-of-age romance, particularly when that film is as highly rewatchable as this one is. Melodramatic to its core, A Walk to Remember features iconic performances by both Shane West and Mandy Moore in one of her earliest roles. Moore’s musical performance is expected but stellar. Perhaps more poignant for fans of tearjerkers are their matrimonial scenes. Be prepared to break out the tissues for this one.
These are the best films where romance merges with suspense, tugging on your heartstrings as you cling to your seat.
5
Once in a Summer (2006)
Set during a tumultuous time in Korea’s history, Once in a Summer follows Suk-young, the politically apathetic son of a successful businessman, who volunteers to avoid working under his father. His volunteer work brings him to a small village, where he meets the local librarian, Jung-in, who faces heavy prejudice from the community coming from a family who fled North Korea. The two begin a slow courting, with the political chaos and Jung-in’s troubled past making them hesitant to realize their feelings for each other.
Love During Political Turmoil
Romance blooming in difficult times is always guaranteed to pull at the heartstrings, and Once in a Summer captures the unsteady environment of 1960s South Korea while weaving a believable relationship. At the same time, the movie also balances the political turmoil with the natural beauty of Korea but places its story in a visually idyllic small village. Combined with the phenomenal performance from Lee Byung-hun as Suk-young, the romance feature carries a weight that will pull at the heartstrings.
In Listen to Your Heart, struggling songwriter Danny Foster has a chance meeting with a deaf woman working at a diner who he instantly falls in love with. Protective of her daughter and not trusting Danny, Sam’s mother, Victoria, pushes back and tries to set Sam up with someone she sees as more suitable for her needs. Yet, the two slowly become inseparable and soon become companions during the most challenging moments of their lives.
The Universal Language of Love
There is something to be said about a romance movie that can capture an entire lifetime of love; it is one of the main reasons The Notebook remains a fan favorite 20 years after its release. Listen to Your Heart presents a wide swathe of a remarkable romance, but it also approaches it with positivity and authenticity that is as infectious as it is gut-wrenching. A lot transpires in Matt Thompson’s Listen to Your Heart, and viewers are best to go in blind to ensure the maximum impact of its highly emotional twists and turns.
Also known as Pure Love, Unforgettable follows five friends on vacation together on a small fisherman’s island, with one of them narrating aspects of the story decades later. The primary focus is on Soo-ok, a young girl with mobility issues who sees her friends taking care of her, and Beom-sil, who has harbored feelings for her for a long time leading up to the trip.
Thoughtful Reflections on Youth and Love Lost
If you need a good cry, Unforgettable deals with themes of grief told through the highly emotional coming-of-age period of life. The film is less an affirmation of the power of love and more a mediation on losing out of what could have been. Still, leading up to a rather tragic conclusion, the movie has that idyllic setting, emotional performances, and thoughtful dialogue that has made Korean romance/drama movies such a fan-favorite.
Nazanin Boniadi
, Riley Smith
, Amy Madigan
, Marshall Manesh
, Maz Jobrani
, Anita Khalatbari
Runtime
104
Shirin (Nazanin Boniadi) is going through the steps expected by her and her family as a mid-twenty-something Iranian-American woman living in Los Angeles. Expected to marry a wealthy surgeon, Shirin finds that her life is missing something. It is a chance to meet up with a man named William, the son of her most recent interview subject, a famous author named Rachel Harson, that begins to open the young woman’s eyes to another world outside of her forced expectations. Rachel’s reclusive nature forces her to get closer to William to understand the creative better, and love begins to bloom, much to the disdain of Shirin’s family.
Foregoing Tradition to Find Happiness
While Shirin in Love highlights the skills of actor Nazanin Boniadi, the movie also touches on deeper universal themes of community and expectations that will resonate with many viewers. At the same time, the movie offers an authentic and engaging view of the Iranian-American community in Los Angeles, which gives the film a unique edge over others. Shirin in Love also shucks some expected rom-com tropes through its exploration of traditions and witty script.
In moments when you’re in need of a romantic fix but only have limited time to commit, you can turn to any of these short series where love triumphs.
1
Charade (1963)
Charade
Release Date
December 5, 1963
Runtime
113 minutes
Regina “Reggie” Lampert (Audrey Hepburn) is not left with much time to mourn the death of her husband after she learns he was involved in stealing a considerable sum of gold along with three other men. While unaware of her husband’s riches, the remaining three men hunt her down for the share of money they want to claim for themselves. Peter Joshua (Cary Grant), one of her husband’s war buddies, seems to be an empathetic and helpful ally to Reggie, and the two begin to have feelings for each other. However, Peter’s motives remain questionable as Reggie struggles to find her husband’s money.
Mystery and Romance
Fans of classic cinema will adore the pairing of Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, whose on-screen chemistry helps push the caper forward. For those wanting a few extra thrills and intrigue, with romance incorporated, Charade is the perfect mash-up of genres certain to please. Capturing the aesthetic of the 60s, the movie also boasts a witty script that still charms decades after its release.
Sister Wivesstar Janelle Brown has made it clear that her life is changing in 2025 with her plan to detox from the negativity that’s been swirling around her, but I’m not sure where she stands with Christine Brown during this new chapter. Although Janelle, who left her marriage to Kody Brown in 2022 after over thirty years of living in the plural family, has been clear and intentional since her split, she’s stepping things up in 2025. While Janelle is still grieving a major loss after her son Garrison Brown passed in early 2024, she’s trying to move forward.
After seeing how things have transpired throughout Sister Wives season 19, Janelle has been working hard to ensure that she’s happier as she moves forward with her life in the wake of tragedy. Janelle’s marriage to Kody, which he was hopeful they would revisit in the future, has been something she’s genuinely disregarded. She’s fully committed to moving away from the negativity in her life with her 2025 detox. Sharing her plans to be intentional with her mental and physical health, Janelle’s also planning to be mindful of her relationships. This could potentially spell trouble for her friendship with Christine.
Janelle Announced Her 2025 Detox On Instagram
She’s Detoxing The Negativity From Her Life
While Janelle shared some difficult feelings surrounding the holiday season in the wake of her son’s passing, she opened up about the fact that she’s hoping 2025 will be a more positive year for her. Janelle’s decision to make 2025 a year of detox was something she was open about early, as she wanted her followers to understand the intention behind her posts in the coming months. Explaining that she wants to purge the things no longer serving her or bringing negativity into her life, Janelle opened up about her intentions for the year, clarifying what she hopes to achieve.
Janelleshared that she plans to detox her life in four different ways, sharing that she wants to focus heavily on reshaping herself into the person she wants to be. Explaining that she wants to focus on her physical and mental health, Janelle also narrowed down some other spaces where she wants to practice more intentionality and gain more control. She shared that she wants to be more intentional with her emotional connections, build a better physical environment around her, and spend more time practicing her spirituality in the coming year. Janelle’s detox will be thorough, but worth the effort.
Janelle & Christine’s Relationship Grew After Divorcing Kody
The Pair Had A Lot More In Common
After separating from Kody over the course of Sister Wives season 17, Christine quickly made it clear that she wanted to distance herself from her past life. Her decision to leave Kody wasn’t necessarily surprising, but her move from Arizona to Utah did shock some Sister Wives viewers. Watching Christine was inspirational to Janelle, and when she wound up finding her relationship struggling during Sister Wives season 18, she decided to leave her marriage with Kody as well. Janelle found strength in Christine throughout her separation, and though Christine was pushy at times, she was grateful for the kind support.
Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.
Janelle and Christine quickly improved a rapport that they’d shared for years when they were in the same boat as Kody’s ex-wives. Showing each other grace and sharing in a new way, the women built a relationship that has seemed transformational to Sister Wives viewers. I’ve watched as Christine and Janelle have supported one another through a difficult few years, and their connection has been incredible to watch as it has grown. I’ve enjoyed seeing the women support one another and move into a new chapter of their lives, although it’s been interesting to watch as their relationship has changed.
There’s A New Distance Between Janelle & Christine
The Women Are Physically Distant, Which Could Lead To Emotional Distance
Custom image by César García
Although Janelle has been clear about the fact that she cares for Christine, it’s interesting to watch their relationship change as their lives change outside of their plural marriage. As Janelle settles into her new North Carolina home to be closer to her grandchildren and Christine continues her life in Utah with her husband David Woolley, there’s a whole new distance between the women that we haven’t seen before. Having never been so far apart so consistently, I’m wondering if the physical distance between them could lead to an emotional distance in the future, especially with Janelle’s detox in 2025.
I’m Worried Janelle’s Detox Could Push Christine Out Of Her Life
She May Not Find The Relationship As Valuable At This Stage
Although I’m hopeful that Janelle and Christine will continue to have a wonderful relationship as they move through their lives, I’m worried that Janelle’s 2025 detox could put a damper on her relationship with her former sister wife. Janelle has pledged to spend this year focusing on what brings her joy and makes her stronger in several ways, and while I believe her relationship with Christine has in the past, I don’t know where they stand currently. With Janelle trying to move forward, it’s possible she’ll leave most of her Sister Wives memories behind, potentially including her relationship with Christine.
Sister Wives is a TV series created for TLC that follows Kody Brown and his four wives as they raise their eighteen children and tackle the challenges associated with their massive family dynamic and the stigma that comes with their way of life.
LeBron James made a young Lakers fan’s night Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena. And then for good measure, he did it again.
During the first quarter of the Lakers’ game against the Miami Heat, James noticed a girl sitting courtside and wearing a replica of his jersey. So he gave her a wave, then turned his attention back to the game.
James didn’t notice the girl’s priceless reaction at the time, but the camera operators at Spectrum SportsNet did. The station’s clip of the youngster crying tears of joy while smiling from ear to ear after being acknowledged by the NBA’s all-time leading scorer quickly went viral — so much so that James actually saw it during the intermission.
“Family friends sent me the clip at halftime,” James told reporters after the game. “Thank goodness that I actually looked at my phone at halftime or I wouldn’t have even seen the reaction when I waved to her in the first half. …
“To have that type of connection with someone, where they can have that type of reaction, I think that’s what it’s all about, you know? I’ve always tried to be a role model and someone that kids can look up to.”
He added: “That was a super-dope moment.”
James had an even doper moment in store for the kid after the game.
The Lakers trailed by 12 at halftime but mounted a furious comeback in the second half. After James hit a three-pointer to pull the Lakers to within one at the 6:40 mark of the third quarter, the girl was on her feet cheering and then yelled, “Yeah, LeBron!”
After the Lakers’ 117-108 win, James made it a point to find the girl, give her one of his foundation’s I Promise wristbands and pose for a photo in what was clearly another memorable moment for the fan.
“I think it’ll be something that hopefully she will never forget,” said James, who finished the game with 22 points, four rebounds and nine assists. “I’m happy to be a part of her life now and that small little moment was such a bigger moment. And hopefully she brags about it in school.”
Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.
LOS ANGELES — Speaking for the first time since the Southern California wildfires forced him and his family to evacuate their home last week, LeBron James acknowledged Wednesday that the fires — which have burned through 60 square miles and killed at least 25 people — have taken a mental toll.
“I have a couple of dear friends that have lost their homes in the Palisades,” James said after the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 117-108 win over the Miami Heat. “Obviously, my heart goes out to all of the families, all across not only the Palisades, but all across L.A. County and all the surrounding areas because of the fire. … It’s been a lot of emotions. Kind of been off. Personally, I’ve been off.
“I’ve just been completely off for obvious reasons, but hopefully things are contained or continue to be contained. And hopefully, at some point, we can start to push forward and move forward and put it behind us and rebuild our city, rebuild this beautiful city.”
His team has also not looked like the group that was seemingly building momentum just a couple of weeks ago, winning eight out of 11 games and fortifying its roster by trading for a coveted 3-and-D wing in Dorian Finney-Smith.
L.A. had lost three games in a row and was trailing the Heat by 12 at halftime when James checked his phone in the locker room during the break.
A family friend sent him a clip of a young girl sitting courtside in a replica James No. 23 jersey who was overcome with emotion when the Lakers star acknowledged her in the first quarter.
“Thank goodness that I actually looked at my phone at halftime, or I wouldn’t have even seen the reaction when I waved to her in the first half,” James said after the game. “I waved to her, and then I got back to play. So, to have that type of connection with someone, where they can have that type of reaction, I think that’s what it’s all about. And I’ve always tried to be a role model and someone that kids can look up to. … Try to make them proud and want to come see me play or if they’re not able to see me play, hopefully some of the things that I do off the floor continue to inspire them.”
Perhaps it was the connection James needed to switch back on.
He scored 15 of his 22 points after halftime — including seven straight in the fourth quarter to stretch L.A.’s lead from two with 3:51 remaining to nine with 1:52 to go — and the Lakers held on to beat Miami.
“His comfort level closing the basketball game is obviously very high,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick — one of James’ friends who lost their homes in the Pacific Palisades.
On Monday, the first game the Lakers played following a six-day layoff because of the fires, L.A. lost 126-102 and was outscored by 33 points in the second half by the San Antonio Spurs. At shootaround in preparation for the Heat game, Redick said, he challenged his entire team to provide better leadership in their own way. L.A. responded with a team effort, with James one of six players to score 14 points or more in the win.
James said the Lakers’ performance against Miami, and more games like it in the future, is something he wants Los Angeles to be able to draw some positivity from.
“I hope that by us going out on the floor and us playing the way we played tonight — not the way we played against San Antonio — but the way we played tonight and hopefully the next few months or whatever it is, years, until the city is back up, that we as a Lakers franchise and the players that are playing for the Lakers give a sense of hope and pride and excitement,” James said. “Sports has always given people an opportunity to kind of just like temporarily forget about whatever they may have been going through. And us being such a big part of the L.A. community — along with a lot of other sports teams, but we know how important the Lakers is to the community — hopefully we can provide that to a lot of families.”
After the final buzzer, James beelined over to the girl sitting courtside before she and her family exited the arena. He took off one of his I Promise wristbands and placed it on the girl’s wrist and crouched down on one knee so his 6-foot-9 body would fit in the frame next to her while they posed for a photograph.
“I think it will be something that hopefully she will never forget,” James said. “I’m happy to be a part of her life now and that small little moment, but such a bigger moment. And hopefully she brags about it in school.”
Augusta National has a few less trees but otherwise is in “spectacular condition” ahead of the 89th playing of the Masters in April.
Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National, shared the update Thursday, some three months after Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage throughout the Southeast, including to Augusta, Georgia, home of golf’s famed major championship.
“As far as the impact, the long-term impact, we have not quite as many trees as we did a year ago,” Ridley told reporters in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where this year’s Latin America Amateur Championship — and a spot in the Masters for the winner — is being played. “As far as the golf course goes, it’s in spectacular condition. I think we had minor damage to the course, the playing surfaces themselves, but we were able to get that back in shape, but I don’t think you’re going to see any difference in the condition for the Masters this year.”
Ridley previously announced that Augusta National was donating $5 million toward the Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund.
He acknowledged Thursday how “devastating” the hurricane was to the Southeast and the Augusta community but praised the work of the club in helping with the recovery.
“I think what I’m the most proud of is the response of our entire organization to that natural disaster, which is really what it was,” he told reporters. “And not only what they did to get Augusta National back in shape, but as importantly, how they pitched in with the Augusta community and really helped out because there were many, many people, many of our people were out of their homes for a number of weeks. No electricity. The community didn’t have water for a while.
“So, I’m just really proud of how our entire organization responded to that.”
This year’s Masters will be held April 10-13. Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion.
FireAid, a Jan. 30 benefit concert for fire relief efforts in Los Angeles, announced its lineup Thursday.
Billie Eilish and Finneas, Lady Gaga, Joni Mitchell and Red Hot Chili Peppers are among the headlining acts.
Other top billings include Earth, Wind & Fire, Gracie Abrams, Green Day, Gwen Stefani, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lil Baby, Pink, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rod Stewart, Sting, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks, Tate McRae, and Dave Matthews and John Mayer (who will perform together for the first time). More artists and specific lineups for each venue will be announced soon.
The event — a co-production of Live Nation, AEG, the Clippers and the Azoff Company — will be split between the Intuit Dome and the nearby Kia Forum, and will also be broadcast live in select AMC Theatres and on streaming services, including Apple Music and Apple TV, Max, Netflix, Prime Video and Spotify, among others.
Charitable contributions made to FireAid will be overseen and distributed by the Annenberg Foundation, marked for both immediate relief efforts and long-term fire-prevention initiatives.
The Palisades and Eaton fires, among others, devastated Los Angeles over the last week, leaving at least 25 dead, tens of thousands of structures burned, thousands displaced and billions in damage in neighborhoods including Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Altadena.
Tickets for both concerts will go on sale at noon Wednesday, Jan. 22 through Ticketmaster.
Like a bandage for the heart, Argentine singer-songwriter Yami Safdie teams up with multi-award-winning Colombian artist Camilo to release her new single “Querida Yo,” a sweet pop ballad loaded with incredible performance.
The new ballad is a tribute to personal empowerment and the hope of releasing the vulnerabilities we face by choosing to become our greatest strength, conveying the true message of the meaning of faith.
“It’s like a letter to myself,” Yami Safdie tells Billboard Español during an interview in Miami. “I do this a lot of spoiling songs on TikTok when I don’t even have them finished or recorded.” If I wrote something that I liked, I uploaded it, and that video went quite viral, many people connected.”
Safdie continues, “Then I uploaded a story, and Cami saw it and told me: ‘What a beautiful song.’ And I’ve been following him for a long time; I admire him a lot; it was like, ‘Well, let’s do it together! It’s for you. “I invited him, and we finished it together.”
As a manifestation, the Argentine singer-songwriter visualized this collaboration in a certain way. For his part, Camilo tells how he connected to join this collaboration. “I found it to be a sincere, unpretentious way to have a conversation with yourself. I saw myself in that song, more than singing it, and as an artist, I was part of the song,” Camilo reveals. “I saw myself, my story, and my life in that song. I saw myself reflected. It is the power of the song, and it is very nice to see how it happened to me.”
For Yami, this collaboration is another dream come true in his career. Camilo also remembers some of the collaborations that he dreamed of at some point and that have occurred in his career. “I remember, for example, when I was in the pandemic, there was one day when Pablo Alborán uploaded a video, and he was singing a song of mine, and he told me, ‘Let’s make this song together,’ says Camilo. “And I was like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe it.’ Or when Shakira sent me a message and said, ‘I love this song,’ to see if I wanted to join in. Suddenly, those kinds of things don’t happen if you plan them. “It’s very nice when things happen in a real way.”
“But if I tell you the truth, my favorite moment in my life and career is this,” the Colombian singer-songwriter confesses. “I love doing this with Yami because it is also very important to see [the] perspective. “I see the future, and I see someone as talented as Yami.”
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The repetitive pedalling helps blood and oxygen flow to the muscles and tissues in your leg (Image: Amazon)
The rise of remote work has many tied to their desks at home, clocking up hours that can take a toll on wellbeing. From strained eyes to aching backs, the sedentary nature of these jobs puts us at risk of a host of health issues; not least because our bodies are fundamentally not built for prolonged periods of sitting down.
However, there are ways to mitigate these risks without sacrificing work productivity or precious time. A nifty approach is to snap up a mini exercise bike, and there’s one catching attention – the Portable Pedal Leg Exerciser available on Amazon for only £30.59.
It’s an affordable option that currently boasts hundreds of positive feedback. Due to its space-saving design, it slides effortlessly under most desks, allowing users to pedal their way to enhanced circulation and focused minds, all while deep in work mode.
The portability factor means your fitness journey isn’t confined to the desk. You might as well get a leg workout in while watching the TV, reports Surrey Live.
According to Amazon, the Portable Pedal Leg Exerciser helps improve blood circulation, stamina, muscle strength and fitness. It can also be used on your arms.
It’s ideal for anyone looking to exercise without placing stress on joints (Image: Amazon)
Long hours of sitting aren’t just uncomfortable; they’re linked to an alarming array of health issues, such as increased chances of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, stroke, and even dementia. Being seated too long may cause blood pooling in the lower extremities, potentially triggering deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Sitting down too much can have detrimental effects on your health. It can slow down your metabolism, making it tougher to manage blood sugar and blood pressure levels, as well as metabolise fat.
Additionally, sitting, particularly with bad posture, can strain your spine and joints. If you’re not moving regularly, you risk shortening your hip flexors, which could lead to problems with your hip joints.
The NHS says: “Evidence is emerging that sedentary behaviour, such as sitting or lying down for long periods, is bad for your health. Not only should you try to raise your activity levels, but you should also reduce the amount of time you and your family spend sitting down.”
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The Portable Pedal Leg Exerciser has adjustable resistance, controlled by a tension knob, meaning you remain in charge of your workout intensity. Its easy-to-read LCD monitor displays all the vital stats: time, speed, count, and the all-important calories burned.
Weighing just 5kg, this piece of equipment offers a choice between black or silver finishes. Although the silver has a slightly higher price tag.
Many customers have praised the mini exercise bike in the reviews, citing it as perfect for their exercise regime and meeting their needs splendidly. Many hail it as fantastic value for money and celebrate its smooth operation.
Taylor enthuses: “It’s amazing. I can take it to work and use under my desk. It’s strong and easy to assemble. Easy to adjust pressure so different strength users can change settings. 1 AAA battery is all that’s needed for the calorie counter and timer. Well worth it’s money.”
Leg workout: Simple exercises you can do at home
Meanwhile, Mona mentions: “When rainy weather and cold can’t go out walking so ideal for steps.” “It’s amazing. I can take it to work and use under my desk. It’s strong and easy to assemble. Easy to adjust pressure so different strength users can change settings. 1 AAA battery is all that’s needed for the calorie counter and timer. Well worth it’s money.”
“When rainy weather and cold can’t go out walking so ideal for steps.” Jonathan raved: “This very compact but effective exercise bike is perfect for a small space. I use it when I am seated working on my computers or just watching the TV… It has proven itself time and time again. I am really pleased with this purchase.”
Everade was also positive, saying: “I use mine every day, has helped greatly with my hip mobility. Exactly what the Dr ordered, and it burns calories too.”
Another customer’s feedback highlighted the product’s rehabilitative benefits: “This item was bought for a relative who had just come out of hospital it was ideal thing for her to help her to build her muscles up after her hip surgery she is very pleased with it and she is doing fine.”
Not all feedback was glowing, though; Richard reported an issue with stability: “Portable and convenient but on the downside, as you are pedaling it moves further away so you have to stop and re-position it.”
Moreover, Sophia noted a noise problem, stating it “squeaks a lot.” While another buyer pointed out inaccuracies with the display: “Display isn’t as accurate as more expensive models.”
As fitness enthusiasts consider adding such devices to their home gym collection, retailers offer a variety of options. Debenhams has listed SPORTNOW’s Mini Exercise Bike at a discounted price of £39.99, down from £59.99.
