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Guerdy Abraira Celebrates With Fellow Housewives In Empowering Night Out

CelebrityInsider
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Guerdy Abraira Celebrates With Fellow Housewives In Empowering Night Out


Instagram/@guerdydesign

Guerdy Abraira from ‘The Real Housewives of Miami’ shared an evening with the rest of the reality stars. The ‘#TROPHYGIRLS’ event gathered famous personalities from the show who wanted to have fun during the fad. This meeting is still within the line of support systems in the Reality TV World.

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Guerdy Abraira was very happy and wanted to share a colorful picture with the Housewives. The picture showedwomen enjoying and having fun together. Abraira captioned the picture with the words of a powerful man: ‘Winning in Life ain’t easy but someone’s gotta do it.’ The hash tag #TROPHYGIRLS was just the right word for the night’s empowering theme. In fact, the group enjoyed dinner at the renowned KYU restaurant.

The meeting took place with a large number of reality TV personalities present. Among them were Angela Oakley, Stacey Rusch, Leva Bonaparte, and Katie Ginella. The great show of support was clearly indicated by their joint presence. These inter-franchise friendships are the ones that the audience loves the most.

A photo was shared all over the Internet and it received a lot of positive reactions immediately. Fellow Housewife Katie Ginella sent a very simple but sincere message, ‘Love you my sister,’ along with a red heart emoji. This act was a demonstration of the real connection between the actors.

One viewer was more neutral and commented about the housewives’ relationships in general. A user commented, ‘It’s sad that the support you should be getting from your own cast is instead coming from Housewives in other franchises.’ This comment led to another one, as an anonymous person just replied, ‘Notice the melanin,’ referring to the different representations in the group. This exchange very subtly raised the ongoing debates about diversity and inclusion in the reality TV industry.

The night may very well be considered a significant event by many. One very enthusiastic supporter shouted, ‘MY TEAM!!!!! THE DREAM TEAM!!!!!!’ Their exhilaration and approval of this strong alliance were clearly communicated through the multiple exclamation marks.

Amidst the toasting of friendship, the women’s beauty was also a topic of admiration. One comment read, ‘I love it when women’s beauty comes naturally from inside.’ The remark was not only a pleasure for the eyes but also talked about the inner strength and joy that the entire group was broadcasting.

Someone lightened the atmosphere in the comments section with a joke about a different kind of talent saying, ‘I know all of y’all recipes are seasoned as hell.’ The playful comment on their cooking skills was met with equally fun responses that included laughter and heart emojis and thus, the entertaining and interactive nature of the online conversation was mirrored.

A user who particularly liked Leva Bonaparte, pointed out that she was ‘so beautiful,’ in addition to the general praises. The overall reaction to Guerdy Abraira’s post creates an impression of an upbeat and party-like community. It shows that these stars are ready to use their influence to lift one another.

This gathering might have been a dinner or something else if you are a franchise fan. It was an artistic representation of the bond and success of their friendship. The word ‘#TROPHYGIRLS’ can easily be used to summarize their victories and unity. Such nights out are evidence that there are still some positive aspects in the competitive world of reality TV where sometimes competition can turn into real connection.

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Guerdy Abraira’s post was an excellent example of a victorious moment and a close-knit community at the same time. The importance of a good team was reiterated once again. The event at the KYU restaurant was certainly one that people will not forget. The tremendous positive feedback from the fans indicates that the togetherness portrayed through these moments is still very much in the hearts of the audience. It was a night out for a true celebration of winning in every way. Guerdy also recently celebrated her birthday with body positivity, and her husband Russell has been part of many memorable nights. Additionally, Guerdy’s book launch recently turned into an epic celebration.



This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider

Artist and chef Natalia Pereira pays homage to a coffee ritual in Brazil

LATimes
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Artist and chef Natalia Pereira pays homage to a coffee ritual in Brazil


This story is part of Image’s November Kinship issue, celebrating L.A.’s generous spirit and the artistic collaborations that happen among family and friends.

O café é uma linguagem espiritual. Coffee is a spiritual language.

Growing up in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil, I was fortunate to be in contact with coffee’s source. We had one beautiful tree, and I remember the flowers and the birth of the bean as it would grow and turn red.

I love the transformation. The sweet and the bitter.

In Brazil, the café das duas is a moment to pause and celebrate. Setting up consists of opening the old crystal cabinet, reaching for heirloom tablecloths, cutlery and special cups. The best seat is for the guest.

Artwork for Outro

(Courtesy of Natalia Pereira)

The gathering might celebrate: A visit to a newborn. Someone in bed rest. Out-of-town visitors. The unexpected neighbor.

Sophisticated sweet bites made from grains of corn are also displayed. Roots get shredded, milk turns to cheese, wood burns. Coffee is made. The aroma is recognizable no matter where.

Café das duas. Eternal and delicious memories.

A hand setting down a coffee cup
Rows of coffee cups
Display of food and coffee

(Courtesy of Natalia Pereira)

Natalia Pereira, also known as AD105, originally from the town of Vianopólis in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil, is an acclaimed multifaceted artist, author and chef. Pereira’s childhood, and the unimaginable tapestry of stories that it contains, is the driving force behind her creations, many of which are forged from elements of nature — yucca repurposed as both a binding glue and drawing tool, dried flowers and seeds as integral parts of sculptures, and colors extracted from beets and turmeric. Pereira and her work have been featured in exhibitions at the MOCA Geffen in Los Angeles, and in solo exhibitions in Los Angeles, Italy, Zurich and beyond. Pereira’s book “Abundancia: My Life in Recipes” was published in 2021, and includes her recipes, stories, poetry, photography and sculptural work. As the head chef of her restaurant, Woodspoon, in downtown Los Angeles, Pereira has garnered international recognition, with accolades including a “Bib Gourmand” from the Michelin Guide as well as a 2022 finalist honor for the James Beard Foundation Award “Best Chef in California.” Pereira lives and works in Los Angeles.

Two cups of coffee displayed on a doile

(Courtesy of Natalia Pereira)



This story originally appeared on LA Times

Zelensky-Macron agreements: 'Very clearly a successful visit' after leaving the US empty-handed

France24
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Zelensky-Macron agreements: 'Very clearly a successful visit' after leaving the US empty-handed

French President Emmanuel Macron’s promise of 100 Rafales to Ukraine isn’t just about weapons deals and fighter jets, there’s a “dual purpose”: it’s about reclaiming agency and moral momentum in a fractured geopolitical landscape. All the while, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is grappling with deepening corruption scandals, as Russia intensifies its ruthless attacks, any diplomatic wins provide lifelines. Peter Zalmayev, Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, says that this was ‘clearly a successful visit’. Mr. Zalmayev offers deep insight into how Europe’s shifting alliances and Ukraine’s internal reckonings are shaping a broader narrative: one of resilience under pressure, as the future of European unity hangs in the balance.


This story originally appeared on France24

Man who stabbed woman in throat on L.A. Metro is guilty of murder

LATimes
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Man who stabbed woman in throat on L.A. Metro is guilty of murder


A 45-year-old man who was banned from L.A. Metro trains for past violent acts was convicted Monday in the 2024 stabbing death of a woman on a B Line train who was on her way home from an overnight shift.

Elliot Tramel Nowden offered no reaction as the jury in downtown L.A. found him guilty of murder and robbery in the killing of Mirna Soza Arauz, 67, at the Universal City station in April 2024. Since the jury found Nowden killed Soza Arauz while committing a felony, he will face life in state prison without the possibility of parole when he is sentenced next month.

Soza Arauz was working nights as she saved up money to buy a home in her native Nicaragua. She was on her way home from a shift as a security guard at an Original Tommy’s hamburger restaurant in North Hills when Nowden approached her with two knives, stabbed her in the throat and stole her bag, authorities said.

Video from the scene showed Nowden board the train at the Universal City stop and ride it to the next and last station, North Hollywood, where Soza Arauz entered, according to L.A. County Deputy Dist. Atty. Alexander Bott, who tried the case. As the train returned to the Universal City stop, Nowden attacked with a pair of serrated kitchen knives, Bott said.

“This whole case is really sad. It’s so senseless,” said Bott, who said Nowden lacked a “moral compass.”

Bott said Nowden stole a bag on the victim’s shoulder. Nowden’s attorney declined to comment outside the courtroom. A spokeswoman for the L.A. County alternate public defender’s office, which represented Nowden, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In 2019, Nowden was arrested after stabbing a USC student in the chest on the Expo Line, according to testimony given by the victim in that incident at trial. The victim said Nowden approached him out of nowhere, cursed at him and referred to him by a racial slur before plunging a blade into his chest. Somehow, the victim was not seriously injured, Bott said.

Nowden was banned from L.A. Metro trains under the terms of a plea deal for assault in that case. A few weeks later, Nowden was again in court on assault charges, taking a second plea deal that sent him to state prison for four years, records show.

Nowden took the stand in his own defense at trial last week, according to Bott, who said the defendant admitted he had been homeless for years and used methamphetamine on a near daily basis.

Soza Arauz was maybe a year or two away from leaving the U.S. and moving back to Nicaragua, to the home that was halfway built by the time she died.

“She was very alone in [the U.S.]. Pretty alone, by herself until my brother got there,” her daughter, Mirna Roman Soza, previously told The Times. “What kept her going was her plans. Her dreams.”



This story originally appeared on LA Times

I asked ChatGPT to build me the perfect portfolio for earning a second income and it said…

Motley Fool
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I asked ChatGPT to build me the perfect portfolio for earning a second income and it said…


Image source: Getty Images

Earning a second income from the stock market sounds great, but which shares should I buy to try and make this happen? To find out, I tried asking ChatGPT for some ideas.

Taking investment advice from a source with a well-documented hallucination problem seems a bit strange to me. But I have another issue with what I found.

The portfolio

I told ChatGPT I had 30 years before I needed to draw down income from the portfolio, which is what I’m currently estimating. Its suggestion was the following:

Asset class Portfolio weighting
Global equities 35%
UK equities 30%
Gilts 10%
Corporate bonds 10%
UK REITs 10%
Alternative investments 5%

That’s pretty well-diversified. And it also suggested some well-known exchange-traded funds (ETFs) like the iShares Core FTSE 100 ETF for the UK equity part of the portfolio. 

Things got more interesting, though, when I asked it about some specific names. One that it offered me was Legal & General (LSE:LGEN). 

It’s easy to see why – it’s a well-established business and the stock has a high dividend yield. But I actually think the risks are quite high.

Investments go wrong in one of three ways. Either someone buys at the wrong time, sells at the wrong time, or the business makes less money than expected.

With Legal & General, this is complicated. In terms of buying and selling, there’s a lot to work out in terms of solvency ratios and the impact of market fluctuations on its balance sheet.

Ignoring these issues looks very risky. Sooner or later, there’s a good chance something makes the share price move sharply and I need to be able to figure out whether I should buy or sell.

If I can’t work that out, there’s a real danger that I’ll do the wrong thing, which could be a costly mistake. And that means me buying the stock involves a lot of unnecessary risk.

Dividends

Here’s an example of the kind of thing I have in mind: since 2022, Legal & General has paid out more in dividends than it has generated in earnings. That looks like a problem – but is it?

The answer is complicated. The company is currently well above its Solvency II capital requirements, so it can use the excess to fund investor returns without getting into trouble.

So far, so good. But the question for shareholders then becomes what happens to the firm’s Solvency II ratio if – for example – government bond prices fall sharply after the UK Budget. 

That probably wouldn’t be good, but would it be a problem? I don’t know and this makes me think owning the stock in my portfolio is asking for trouble sooner or later.

Just ask ChatGPT?

Of course, I could just keep asking ChatGPT what to do every time something happens to the Legal & General share price. But aside from the potential for inaccuracy, what happens if ChatGPT stops being free? 

That might seem unlikely, but OpenAI is losing money and needs to find $1.4trn to meet its spending commitments. This is why I think buying on the basis of AI advice is very risky.

With my own money, I’m sticking to investments that I can work out for myself. And even without technical or specialist knowledge, I think there are enough of them out there.



This story originally appeared on Motley Fool

LeBron James knows he must adjust to Lakers’ chemistry upon return

LATimes
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LeBron James knows he must adjust to Lakers’ chemistry upon return


LeBron James said his lungs felt like those of a “newborn baby” and his voice was “already gone” after his first Lakers practice Monday as he moved a step closer toward making his season debut after being sidelined by sciatica.

The Lakers listed James as questionable for Tuesday night against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena, and he sounded as if he was close to playing in his NBA-record 23rd season.

“We got a long time,” said James as he wiped sweat from his face while speaking to reporters. “I mean, we’ve been taking literally one minute, one hour, one step at a time throughout this whole process. So, see how I feel this afternoon, see how I feel tonight. When I wake up in the morning. … We’ll probably have [a] shootaround [Tuesday]. So, just gotta see how the body responds over the next 24 hours-plus.”

James, who will turn 41 next month, was asked how long it took him to become pain-free.

“I wouldn’t take it that far,” James said. “Like I said, if you ever had it, you go about it and you wake up one day and you hope that when you step down from the bed that you don’t feel it. You go to bed at night, and you hope that when you’re in the bed that you don’t feel it. So I’ve been doing pretty good with it as of late. There’s a lot of exercises and a lot of mobility things and a lot of things you can do to help it. So I’m just keeping a positive mindset.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick said it was like having a new player in practice with James on the court.

James agreed, saying, “Definitely feels new, for sure.”

The Lakers have four days off after Tuesday’s game against Utah — including three practice days — before playing the Jazz in Salt Lake City on Sunday.

“One day back, barking out calls and assignments and stuff, getting my voice working again,” said James about his first day at practice. “Be a lot of tea and rest tonight.”

James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer (42,184 points), admitted he had to mentally adjust to missing the start of a season for the first time in his career.

“It sucks. It definitely sucks,” James said. “Never in my life since I started playing the game of basketball have I ever not started the season — in my life. It’s been a mind test, but I’m built for it and it’s been putting in the work, both mentally and physically trying to get myself ready to rejoin the team.

“It’s just been kind of the same revolving door. Just repetition, repetition, repetition; rehabbing, rehabbing, rehabbing. Just trying to get back where I can feel like myself again. It’s great to be out here today.”

James said this wasn’t the first time in his career that he had sciatica.

“I had it two years ago,” he said. “You had it, then you know what the hell it’s about. If you ain’t never had it and people are making jokes about it, I pray you never get it. It’s not fun.”

James practiced with the Lakers’ G League team, the South Bay Lakers, twice last week, getting in some five-on-five work.

“It was great,” James said. “I got cleared to play some five-on-five for the first time since … hurting my MCL versus Minnesota. And that was the blessing.”

The Lakers have gone 10-4 without James. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have led the way as one of the most potent two-way tandems in the early part of the NBA season.

Doncic leads the NBA in scoring (34.4 points per game) and Reaves is ninth (28.3). Doncic is fifth in assists (8.9) and Reaves is seventh (8.2).

James, who is 50 games away from breaking Robert Parish’s all-time record of most games played in NBA history (1,611), knows he’ll have to adjust things when he returns.

“I have to work my way back into it,” James said. “The guys have been going on road trips, shootarounds, flights. So it’s kind of like a kid going to a new school again. Got to learn the guys and everything. So they got some great chemistry. Feeling my way back in and do it organically. It shouldn’t be hard. But it’s definitely a feel-out process.”

Etc.

Redick said all 14 players practiced for the first time this season and that Rui Hachimura (left call soreness) and Marcus Smart (viral illness) will be available to play against the Jazz after sitting out against Milwaukee on Saturday.




This story originally appeared on LA Times

4 key signs of condition that risks ‘jobs and lives’ without diagnosis

Express.co.uk
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4 key signs of condition that risks ‘jobs and lives’ without diagnosis


Bipolar UK has estimated that out of the one million people in the UK living with bipolar disorder, 56% are yet to receive a diagnosis. This lack of diagnosis and subsequent support could be putting their jobs, families and even their own lives at significant risk.

It takes an average of nine-and-a-half years for someone to receive a bipolar diagnosis from the moment they start seeking help. The condition is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to incorrect treatment which could potentially exacerbate the condition. The charity has highlighted four key symptoms of hypomania as part of its new campaign ‘Maybe It’s Bipolar’, urging those experiencing these issues or those who know someone who is, to take their online test.

The first key symptom is difficulty sleeping, with the charity asking: “Have you ever had periods of time where your brain has been too wired to sleep?”. This could lead to people not getting much sleep while in a hypomanic state.

Another symptom is impulsive shopping or ‘out of control’ spending. Periods of irritability or seemingly uncontrollable rage can also be an indicator.

Hypersexual behaviour, defined as an unusual or excessive concern with or participation in sexual activity, is another common but often misunderstood symptom experienced by the vast majority of people with bipolar.

CEO of Bipolar UK, Simon Kitchen, said: “The earlier someone gets a diagnosis and specialist treatment, the better their long-term outcome. Yet in the UK, after first telling a healthcare professional about their symptoms, it takes an average of nine-and-a-half years to get a diagnosis.

“During this lost decade, people living with undiagnosed bipolar are at risk of losing their jobs, relationships, homes and lives. By getting people who are struggling with their mental health to consider that ‘maybe it’s bipolar?’ we are supporting them to take the first step on the journey to diagnosis so they can get the treatment and support they need to live well.”

The charity has also launched its short film ‘Maybe It’s Bipolar‘, produced by ambassadors Rosie Viva and April Kelley, both of whom have personal experience of bipolar.

April said: “After over a decade of misdiagnoses of depression and anxiety, and incorrect medication that actually exacerbated my bipolar symptoms – making me hypomanic and leading to many questionable life choices – I finally received the right diagnosis.

“During that time, I unintentionally frightened loved ones, sometimes I can remember those moments, but other times the depression was so severe it resulted in memory loss. I genuinely believe my diagnosis saved my life.”

Rosie revealed: “At the age of 22, my depression and anxiety worsened during a very busy period at work. I started experiencing vertigo, paranoia, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. I couldn’t work anymore, so I went to the doctors. That year, I trialled six or seven antidepressants – everything seemed to make things worse, and I feared I would never get better or return to myself.

“Then my boyfriend broke up with me. This triggered a manic high that progressed into psychosis. While the years that followed were extremely challenging, looking back, my diagnosis ultimately saved my life.”



This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk

The Voice Season 28 Knockouts Results, Carolina Rodriguez Eliminated

TVLine
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The Voice Season 28 Knockouts Results, Carolina Rodriguez Eliminated








NBC

“The Voice” Season 28 Knockouts continued on Monday with Part 4, sending three more contestants through to the Playoffs — and nominating one more Rose Parade performer via Reba McEntire’s coveted Mic Drop.

Part 4 brought back an eclectic group of performers we’ve had our eye on all season, including Niall Horan’s beloved Carolina Rodriguez, who was stolen by Snoop Dogg in the Battles (much to Horan’s delight), and Teo Ramdel, who first captured our attention with his beautiful performance of “Historia De Un Amor” in the Blind Auditions.

The episode also featured some of the countriest voices in the game, including Aaron Nichols, one of the many jewels on McEntire’s crown this season. (Hey, she isn’t called the Queen of Country for nothing.)

Read on for a full breakdown of Monday’s results, including which three singers were eliminated, which three are moving on — and which one received the show’s third-ever Mic Drop. Once you’ve revisited the night, vote for your favorite performance in the poll below, then drop a comment with your personal picks for Season 28.

Team Reba: Aaron Nichols (Hurricane) vs. Cori Kennedy (You And I)


The Voice Season 28 Results Knockouts Aaron Nichols Cori Kennedy
NBC

The grit! The growl! Johnny Country was fully in element with this Luke Combs jam, confidently performing like it was his own song. And things only got more explosive after that sick guitar solo, with Nichols showing the full power of his voice.

Another country artist through and through, Cori tackled this Lady Gaga country ballad with enough attitude to make Mother Monster proud. The song fit her voice perfectly, offering moments for her to showcase her emotional tone while also allowing her to let loose and give in to the song’s intense vibe.

WINNER: Aaron Nichols (A)
ELIMINATED: Cori Kennedy (A-)

“Aaron could go the whole way in this competition,” Niall Horan acknowledged, making it no surprise that McEntire would choose him as her Mic Drop nomination.

Team Snoop: Mindy Miller (In Color) vs. Carolina Rodriguez (Lovesong)


The Voice Season 28 Results Knockouts Mindy Miller Carolina Rodriguez
NBC

Miller took the storytelling route with a laid-back Jamey Johnson ditty, and the coaches hung on her every word. More importantly, they hung on her every note, especially in the moments she chose to really show what she’s made of, taking advantage of the song’s every emotional turn.

Next up, Horan’s beloved former team member opted for a more sensual direction with a Cure throwback, resulting in a performance that felt both intimate and explosive. Soft and slinky, then suddenly big and boisterous, this was a solid sampling of the many different sides of Rodriguez as a performer. Did she go for a couple of notes that weren’t quite there? Sure, but it was solid overall.

WINNER: Mindy Miller (A-)
ELIMINATED: Carolina Rodriguez (B+)

Team Bublé: Teo Ramdel (It’s My Life) vs. Jazz McKenzie (Cruisin)


The Voice Season 28 Results Knockouts Jazz McKenzie Teo Ramdel
NBC

Oh, you want showmanship? Look no further than Ramdel’s dramatic take on one of Bon Jovi’s biggest hits. There was an undeniable element of theatricality to this performance, from Ramdel’s rockstar look (the trifecta of heavy eye makeup, black fingernails and spiky jewelry) to his choreography, which was heavy on fist bumping. The notes were all there, but it was clear that the coaches weren’t sure what to make of the overall presentation.

And now for something completely different: McKenzie followed that up with a laid-back, crowd-pleasing rendition of a Smokey Robinson classic. Nary a nerve was detected as McKenzie sang her heart out, whether it was in the song’s groovier moments or the standout bits where her voice was given license to soar. And that effortless rasp? Come on, now.

WINNER: Jazz McKenzie (A)
ELIMINATED: Teo Ramdel (A-)





This story originally appeared on TVLine

Quentin Lake injury: Sean McVay gives ominous-sounding update

LATimes
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Quentin Lake injury: Sean McVay gives ominous-sounding update


Rams safety Quentin Lake will be sidelined for an undetermined amount of time because of an elbow injury suffered during the Rams’ victory over the Seattle Seahawks, coach Sean McVay said Monday.

McVay said the Rams were awaiting results from an MRI exam and a consultation with team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache before deciding how long Lake might be out, whether he will be placed on injured reserve or if it is a season-ending injury that would require surgery.

“Not great for our captain and leader,” McVay said during a videoconference with reporters. “Bummed out for him.”

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Gary Klein breaks down what went right for the Rams in a 21-19 victory over the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.

Lake, a team captain, has been something of an ironman the last few seasons. He played every defensive snap in 2024 before starters were rested for the season finale. He played every snap this season before he was injured on Sunday in the 21-19 victory that improved the Rams’ record to 8-2, extended their winning streak to five games and put the Rams in sole possession of first place in the NFC West.

Josh Wallace replaced Lake at the nickel spot on Sunday.

Safety Kamren Kinchens, who intercepted two passes against the Seahawks, got increased snaps in Lake’s absence. Cornerback Cobie Durant can also play inside and Roger McCreary also is a candidate to play in that spot when the Rams play host to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.

Safety Kam Curl is an experienced veteran. But replacing Lake’s leadership is a tall order.

“You don’t replace a Quentin Lake,” McVay said. “He’s so valuable for so many reasons with what he can do, with who he is as a human, with the way that he elevates and leads. … We’ll have to figure out what is the next best thing for us to be able to do.

“I think it would be insincere to think that you’re going to ask somebody to do the things that he’s capable of. It’s what makes him so special. But I do have a lot of confidence in the other guys.”



This story originally appeared on LA Times

Comcast CEO confident in winning bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery — but Wall Street not convinced

NYPost
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Comcast CEO confident in winning bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery — but Wall Street not convinced

The people at Comcast are saying “We got this in the bag.” Most of Wall Street isn’t so sure. 

The word coming from the cable giant is that it has the money that Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav wants – and that it will scoop up at least parts of the media conglomerate it’s most interested in: its HBO Max streaming service and its top-ranked Hollywood studio.

But the enthusiasm from Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and his bankers at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley is drawing skepticism on Wall Street and in Hollywood, which have been captivated by the bidding war for one of media’s most prize possessions. Final bids for the company are scheduled to be delivered later this week.

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts has the money to win a bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery assets — at least that’s what the word is — but big bankers on Wall Street see problems — especially regulatory ones. Donald Pearsall/NY Post Design

A combination of money issues and regulatory hurdles makes Comcast a dark horse to complete the deal even if it can come up with a winning bid, the skeptics tell On The Money.

“Comcast’s problem is their stock is trading low and their leverage high, but their biggest problem is regulatory,” said an antitrust lawyer involved in the deal. “It will be more than a two-year process and still fail.”

A Comcast spokesman had no comment but a senior person at the firm says it’s as well positioned as anyone to make a run for the company. 

“We have plenty of growth opportunities in our six growth drivers, and we are investing in those,” this person said. “We have the best balance sheet and credit rating in our industry. We have an obligation to look at things so we do that.”

It will certainly need all of that and more. Warner Bros Discovery, aka WBD, houses a movie hit machine studio, the No. 3 largest streamer in HBO Max, and big time cable properties like HBO and CNN. A deal could run as high as $70 billion.

A deal for David Zaslav’s Warner Bros. Discovery could run as high as $70 billion. WireImage

Even so, Roberts, with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley at his side, is said to be lusting to combine WBD with Comcast, a media company that is breaking off its lefty cable network, MSNBC and financial news outlet CNBC into a separate company while leaving Roberts to manage a middling studio, ratings challenged NBC and some broadband and cable pipes.

What’s unclear is how he can pay for a deal that will cost many tens of billions of dollars depending on how much of WBD he bids on. Comcast has a weak cash position—just $9 billion. It has an A-minus bond rating that could easily be destabilized with a large borrowing to finance the deal since it has nearly $100 billion in debt.

Its stock price has cratered over the past year amid investor business-model concerns. It’s down 36% compared to a nearly 6% decline in arch rival Disney and a 14% spike in the S&P.

Comcast’s stock price has cratered over the past year amid investor business-model concerns. REUTERS

Roberts’ access to cash has been in question at least in Wall Street and media circles; he was recently spotted in Saudi Arabia, meeting with officials from its massive public investment fund for financing, Wall Street executives say. Bringing in a foreign owner for a major US media asset could be an issue in getting regulatory approval for any deal.

In the end Roberts might get the money (Goldman and Morgan can be persuasive) but money won’t buy you love from President Trump, whose regulatory apparatus, namely the DOJ antitrust division, is needed to OK any transaction.

Let’s just say Trump isn’t a fan of the CEO who runs the Trump-hating MSNBC, and “Saturday Night Live,” which mocks the president on a weakly basis far more harshly than it did former President Biden, despite Sleepy Joe’s lack of mental acuity while in office.

Meanwhile, Trump, as The Post has previously first reported, would like his pals at Paramount Skydance to emerge victorious in the WBD bake-off, which has also attracted interest in streaming giant Netflix, the streaming giant that is said to be offering payment in stock.

The president has all but guaranteed the green light for Paramount Skydance’s nearly $60 billion all-cash bid for the entire WBD. It would be run by independent movie producer David Ellison, the son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, the billionaire Trump donor.



This story originally appeared on NYPost

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