A one-hour particular referred to as The Furry Bikers: You’ll By no means Trip Alone in regards to the day, which noticed 46,000 motorcyclists participate, airs on BBC Two on December 23 at 9pm.
Myers died aged 66 in February following a most cancers analysis.
King mentioned he determined to make the documentary after celebrating the thirty second anniversary of their friendship and 23 years of working collectively.
Hello everyone- thanks for tagging alongside on this journey! Let me know within the feedback what sort of stuff you’d wish to see- nonetheless figuring it out! Si x pic.twitter.com/nalhqBHp8H
The 58-year-old instructed PA: “It appeared solely proper and becoming that after that date handed that we did one thing and we thought that this was the easiest way to rejoice his life.
“As a result of I believe what Dave Day did was give permission to a wider viewers, I’d say the Furry Bikers household, to start out that grieving course of for my greatest mate.
“So it was twofold, it was permission to grieve, as a result of all of us want that, don’t we, which is why now we have the funeral providers that now we have in our society and all of that, and in addition, he beloved his life.
“Sure it’s poignant, nevertheless it’s a celebration of a joyous man and his time that he shared with us all on the telly.”
The chef and biker mentioned it was “very nostalgic” to collate footage for the programme and added it introduced again “reminiscences of our travels collectively”.
He added: “We’ve been five-and-a-half instances all over the world, we’ve been to the moon and again, actually when it comes to mileage, and most of that was spent within the saddle of a bike as two buddies.
“So, after all, it was extremely nostalgic and one visible picture leaded to the following in your head.
Fancy becoming a member of me on some new adventures? In case you do, and I’d love you to, then please do comply with me right here @sikingofficial to search out out what I personally stand up to subsequent. However be relaxation assured they’ll nonetheless be heaps to see on the Furry Biker channels so do keep tuned! Si x pic.twitter.com/E55a1t4YG5
“It was like, oh god, do not forget that? It was simply that plethora of that journey, each bodily and emotional, that we went via collectively as buddies.
“It was a beautiful power to evoke and really particular, it was very particular, and in addition very exhausting once in a while.
“Once I needed to voiceover the present it was powerful, it was a tricky factor to do.”
King mentioned his “journey” along with his greatest good friend after his sickness was “totally different to the remainder of the populace”, saying: “What you see on the telly, is what you get off the telly” with the pair, including that Myers had needed him to proceed his TV profession after his demise.
He mentioned: “We simply did what we did as a result of we have been inquisitive, and we requested questions, and I’ll proceed to take action on Dave’s behalf as nicely.
“He would need me to proceed very a lot, and I do know that for certain, as a result of we had the conversations, that was essential to us each.”
Really useful studying:
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Furry Bikers: Lili Myers discusses ‘magical’ Dave Day present
Furry Bikers: Si King opens new restaurant for consolation meals
The TV presenter mentioned he needed these viewing the documentary to study “residing within the second and being joyous” as Myers had been.
He defined: “Life ain’t simple within the fashionable world and it’s to be taken as a celebration, the very last thing that Dave would need can be anyone crying into their soup.
“He used to say on a regular basis, seize life by the balls, give it a shake and see what occurs.
“That was the ethos of all of it, understanding that life throws curve balls at you every so often, so stay within the second, that’s what he’d need individuals to remove.”
The Furry Bikers: You’ll By no means Trip Alone airs on BBC Two on December 23 at 9pm.
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Si King has mentioned “Dave Day”, a 30-mile bike journey to have a good time the lifetime of fellow Furry Biker Dave Myers, gave him and their followers “permission” to begin grieving.
A brand new one-hour particular known as The Furry Bikers: You’ll By no means Journey Alone, paperwork the day which noticed 46,000 motorcyclists participate, in addition to the duo’s lengthy profession collectively and their many journeys all over the world.
Myers died, aged 66 in February following a most cancers prognosis. Myers, who hailed from Barrow-in-Furness, first revealed his most cancers prognosis on Agony Uncles, the podcast he shared with King, who just lately shared his all-time favorite reminiscence together with his buddy.
Forward of the published of the documentary on 23 December, King, 58, advised PA he made the choice to make the particular present after celebrating the thirty second anniversary of their friendship and 23 years working collectively.
King, 58, mentioned he made the choice to make the documentary after celebrating the thirty second anniversary of their friendship and 23 years working collectively.
‘The Furry Bikers: You’ll By no means Journey Alone’ airs on 23 December (BBC/South Shore Productions/Jon Boast)
He mentioned: “It appeared solely proper and becoming that after that date handed, that we did one thing, and we thought that this was the easiest way to have a good time his life.
“As a result of I feel what Dave Day did was give permission, to a wider viewers, I’d say the Furry Bikers household to begin that grieving course of for my finest mate.
“So it was twofold, it was permission to grieve, as a result of all of us want that, don’t we, which is why we’ve the funeral companies that we’ve in our society and all of that, and in addition, he beloved his life.
“Sure it’s poignant, however it’s a celebration of a joyous man and his time that he shared with us all on the telly.”
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The chef and biker mentioned it was “very nostalgic” to collate footage for the programme, and added it introduced again “reminiscences of our travels collectively”.
He added: “We’ve been five-and-a-half occasions all over the world, we’ve been to the moon and again, actually by way of mileage, and most of that was spent within the saddle of a bike as two buddies.
“So, in fact, it was extremely nostalgic and one visible picture led to the following in your head.
“It was like, oh god, do not forget that? It was simply that plethora of that journey, each bodily and emotional, that we went via collectively as buddies.
“It was a stunning vitality to evoke and really particular, it was very particular, and in addition very onerous every so often.
“Once I needed to do the voiceover for the present it was powerful, it was a tricky factor to do.”
Dave Myers and Si King (BBC/South Shore Productions/PA Wire)
King mentioned his “journey” together with his finest buddy after his sickness was “completely different to the remainder of the populace”, saying “what you see on the telly, is what you get off the telly” with the pair, including that Myers had wished him to proceed his TV profession after his dying.
He mentioned: “We simply did what we did as a result of we have been inquisitive, and we requested questions, and I’ll proceed to take action on Dave’s behalf as nicely.
“He would need me to proceed very a lot, and I do know that for positive, as a result of we had the conversations, that was crucial to us each.”
The TV presenter mentioned he wished these viewing the documentary to find out about “residing within the second and being joyous” as Myers had been.
He defined: “Life ain’t straightforward within the fashionable world and it’s to be taken as a celebration, the very last thing that Dave would need could be anyone crying into their soup.
“He used to say on a regular basis, seize life by the balls, give it a shake and see what occurs.
“That was the ethos of all of it, understanding that life throws curve balls at you every so often, so dwell within the second, that’s what he’d need individuals to remove.”
The Furry Bikers: You’ll By no means Journey Alone airs on BBC Two on December 23 at 9pm.
The entry numbers are in for the 2025 Montague County Youth Honest has 1,160 tasks will likely be thought of by the judges Jan. 8-11 at varied areas within the county. Youth truthful officers stated of the 1,160 there are 333 college students taking part from golf equipment and faculties all through the county. These contests present one thing for everybody from robotics and skills-a-thons to prime cake bakers and welders. The house economics divisions will welcome 596 entries up considerably from the 471 this previous 12 months. There will likely be 132 for inventive arts, 64 in cloth development, 160 in meals and 240 in pictures. There are junior and senior divisions for every class. Dwelling economics entries might be checked in from 7-9 a.m. on Jan. 8 on the Nocona Neighborhood Middle. They are going to be judged that day with outcomes posted at 6 p.m. The silent public sale for dwelling economics objects will open at 6 p.m. within the present barn and finish at 9 p.m.
Learn the total story on all of the entry numbers in your mid-week Bowie Information.
Prime photograph – Bowie Excessive Faculty welders work on their tasks. (Courtesy images)
Nocona FFA college students have been busy engaged on their youth truthful tasks because the Christmas break arrived this previous week. (Courtesy photograph)
Former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz spent tens of 1000’s of {dollars} on intercourse and medicines whereas serving as a US congressman, based on a long-awaited report from the Home of Representatives ethics committee.
It follows a years-long investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use by Gaetz, who President-elect Donald Trump needed to function the nation’s high lawman.
The committee additionally discovered proof that Gaetz, 42, obtained items in extra of permissible quantities in connection to a 2018 journey to the Bahamas.
The previous lawmaker has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, saying he’s the sufferer of a smear marketing campaign. Amid the controversy, he withdrew from consideration to function US legal professional normal.
The congressional ethics report discovered that “there may be substantial proof that Consultant Gaetz violated Home guidelines and different requirements of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible items, particular favours or privileges, and obstruction of Congress.”
From 2017 to 2020, Gaetz made funds totalling greater than $90,000 (£72,000) to 12 totally different ladies “that the Committee decided had been probably in reference to sexual exercise and/or drug use”, the report discovered.
Moreover, the report comprises testimony that Gaetz paid for intercourse with a 17-year-old at a celebration in 2017, giving her $400 “which she understood to be cost for intercourse”. Gaetz has denied having intercourse with a minor.
The Division of Justice additionally investigated an allegation that he had intercourse with a minor however in the end didn’t file any felony prices towards him.
In a last-minute court docket submitting on Monday, Gaetz sought a short lived restraining order to forestall the report’s launch. He accused the ethics committee of making an attempt to train its jurisdiction over a non-public citizen.
The committee’s 42-page report accuses Gaetz of being “uncooperative” all through its evaluation, and that he would continuously “deflect, deter, or mislead” the panel “in an effort to stop his actions from being uncovered”.
Regardless of a subpoena, he by no means appeared earlier than the committee to testify.
Gaetz represented Florida’s first congressional district within the US Home of Representatives, having come to energy in the identical election in 2016 that propelled his ally Trump to the White Home the primary time.
Gaetz bought married in 2021 to his present spouse, Ginger, who has supported the previous Florida congressman as he is confronted the allegations.
She posted a photograph on X of her husband with the caption “unemployment has by no means regarded so good” after he withdrew his title to function legal professional normal after resigning from Congress.
Gaetzwas believed to be past the attain of the committee when he resigned from Congress final month, following his nomination by Trump to function US legal professional normal – America’s high regulation enforcement official who heads the Division of Justice.
Trump picked Gaetz partly as a result of he’s an ultra-loyalist who had additionally pledged to tackle the “weaponised” authorized system that supporters consider focused Trump.
He has been one in every of Trump’s most strident defenders on Capitol Hill. However many Republicans in Congress, together with these tasked with voting on such nominations, had been aghast on the alternative and efficiently challenged it.
Gaetz dropped out simply eight days after being nominated by Trump amid a groundswell of controversy. Trump then tapped former Florida legal professional normal Pam Bondi as his nominee for legal professional normal.
Trump has not but commented on the report’s findings.
Whereas it’s uncommon for the committee to launch its findings after a lawmaker leaves public workplace, the report famous {that a} “majority” of members discovered it was within the public curiosity to take action on this occasion.
An intense debate had erupted over whether or not or not the report must be launched, notably after Gaetz withdrew his title from consideration for the highest justice division position.
He mentioned that he hoped to keep away from a “needlessly protracted Washington scuffle”.
Gaetz’s slated position as legal professional normal was a type of that required the affirmation of US senators, and it didn’t appear that he had the required help.
The secretive ethics committee had investigated Gaetz on and off since 2021 – not solely on the claims about intercourse and medicines, but in addition on allegations he accepted bribes and misused marketing campaign funds. In all circumstances, he strongly denied any wrongdoing.
Home Republicans beforehand blocked Democratic efforts to unveil the outcomes of the report, however two of them later voted to take action, based on CBS.
On Monday, Gaetz posted on X that the committee selected to launch the report near Christmas “and never in a courtroom of any sort the place I might current proof and problem witnesses”.
Final week, he posted that the ethics committee planed to “publish a report on-line that I’ve no alternative to debate or rebut as a former member of the physique.”
He acknowledged in a earlier publish on X that his 30s was an period of “working very onerous – and taking part in onerous too”.
“It is embarrassing, although not felony, that I in all probability partied, womanized, drank and smoked greater than I ought to have earlier in life,” he wrote. “I dwell a distinct life now.”
A number of Home Democrats criticised their former colleague and Trump for having chosen him as an ally.
Rep Glenn Ivey, one of many 5 Democrats on the ethics committee, mentioned the allegations towards Gaetz present there is a sample by Trump of not “placing individuals in these positions who’re actually as much as doing the job”.
“President-elect Trump ought to have thought twice earlier than he nominated Matt Gaetz and among the different nominations he is made, I feel would bear reconsideration as effectively,” he informed CBS Information, the BBC’s US associate.
Since leaving Congress, Gaetz has signed a deal to turn out to be an anchor on One America Information Community (OAN). He’ll be part of the conservative information community in January.
He has additionally began promoting personalised video messages on the video platform Cameo.
Home investigators stated Gaetz paid greater than $90,000 (£71,843) to ladies for intercourse and medicines, however created an advanced net of transactions that had been laborious to hint, in keeping with the report.
“The committee was unable to find out the complete extent to which Consultant Gaetz’s funds to ladies had been compensation for participating in sexual exercise with him,” the report discovered.
He allegedly used his good friend Joel Greenberg, at present serving 11 years in jail for crimes he stated he dedicated with Gaetz, as a frequent go-between and logged onto Greenberg’s account on SeekingArrangement.com, which payments itself as a “luxurious relationship web site”, to work together with younger ladies.
Gaetz additionally paid ladies straight, typically by way of platforms resembling Venmo, in keeping with the report. However the committee stated he typically used one other individual’s PayPal account or an account linked to an electronic mail handle with a pretend title.
He additionally obscured funds, the panel wrote. In a single instance, he gave a university scholar a cheque made out to “money” with “tuition reimbursement” within the memo line. The girl stated she obtained it after a bunch encounter, which “may doubtlessly be a type of coercion as a result of I actually wanted the cash”.
Gaetz has posted on social media that he gave cash to ladies he was concerned with as presents, not funds. The committee discovered that two ladies, aged 27 and 25, didn’t contemplate their relationships transactional.
One other lady who was thought of his girlfriend invoked her Fifth Modification proper towards self-incrimination when requested if she was given cash for intercourse or medication, or to pay others.
The committee tried to show Gaetz often paid for intercourse by way of proof resembling a textual content message the place he reportedly balked at a lady’s request that he ship her cash after he accused her of “ditching” him one night time. The girl then asserted she was “handled in another way” than different ladies he was paying for intercourse.
In one other message, his then-girlfriend stated that he and Greenberg had been “just a little restricted of their money stream” and requested a bunch of ladies “if it may be extra of a buyer appreciation week”.
Just a few months later, in keeping with the committee, she wrote: “Btw Matt additionally talked about he’s going to be a bit beneficiant reason for the ‘buyer appreciation’ factor final time.”
As a Congressman, Gaetz earned $174,000 (£138,843) a yr.
His internet price is bigger: On his most up-to-date federal monetary disclosure, exterior filed in August, he reported proudly owning belongings price a minimum of $575,000. His father Don Gaetz, who co-founded hospice supplier Vitas Healthcare, has a fortune of about $35m, Forbes reported.
After the elation of profitable the NBA Cup on Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks regarded drained and outdated in opposition to the Cleveland Cavaliers final night time, dropping 124-101 with out Damian Lillard, who missed with a calf pressure. Giannis Antetokounmpo was beneath the usual he set for himself over the previous month and by some means nonetheless had 33 factors, 14 rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Khris Middleton additionally regarded extra like himself, ending with 14 factors and three assists. It was a really balanced assault from the Cavs, with six gamers scoring in double digits, however Donovan Mitchell starred with 27 factors and 6 assists. Learn our full abstract of the sport right here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast Bucks In Six Minutes beneath.
What Did We Study?
This recreation was all the time going to be a slog and really tough to win with out Dame’s potential to get into the enamel of the defence. Having mentioned that, I believed the eye to element was very underwhelming. Perhaps this was all the time going to be a loss, however the way in which the group went about it didn’t precisely encourage a lot confidence. The perfect groups don’t beat themselves, and it was evident that the Bucks weren’t all that dedicated to fixing the puzzle Cleveland offered. Doc spoke concerning the lack of combat postgame:
“We have been flat early. I truly contemplated not taking part in anybody within the second half, actually. I simply thought we have been flat, drained, no matter you need to name it. It was a tricky turnaround—we knew that. We’ve bought to maneuver the ball extra. We didn’t run a variety of stuff tonight. We’ve bought to get extra organised. We don’t do that usually, however we have now video games like that, and when that occurs, we often don’t win these video games. And that was tonight.”
When requested if he discovered something about this recreation, Rivers answered, “there’s no barometer, there’s no learn on tonight’s recreation, I’m simply going to say that. We discovered nothing.”
Three Issues
When Dame is out, you may actually inform.
It’s good that Khris may help with some of the playmaking and scoring that Dame leaves when he’s absent, however this group is actually restricted in these departments with out Lillard. The Bucks rank 24th in help proportion within the NBA, which implies they rating largely off particular person creation. Fortunately, the Bucks have two of the very best creators within the recreation, to allow them to get by on that technique. However when one in all Lillard or Antetokounmpo is out… there aren’t many others who could make performs. And that was very evident final night time with how typically the offence was lowered to standing round. It’s a weak spot to observe. How a lot can the entrance workplace do about it? Most likely not lots.
“Bucks position participant Whac-A-Mole” was on full show.
It was evident that Andre Jackson Jr. was the very best defender for both Donvan Mitchell or Darius Garland, and on the similar time, this seems to be a actually unhealthy matchup for him on offence—like, among the many worst AJax will run into. The Cavs simply put Evan Mobley on Andre and let Mobley roam, mainly betting that if Jackson needs to shoot from three, advantageous. If he needs to play within the dunker spot and problem the Cavs’ twin towers on the rim, additionally advantageous. So Doc put Trent in, and he was at the very least a menace offensively, however he additionally couldn’t actually restrict both of these guards, particularly Mitchell. That is the place having a Herb Jones-type—a hybrid of those two gamers—can be such a useful deadline addition. However till then, I wish to name this recreation “Bucks position participant Whac-A-Mole.”
Milwaukee solely misplaced badly in a single key space.
As I touched on within the speedy recap, the Bucks misplaced the three-point battle by 30 factors final night time, and that was the sport. However they performed Cleveland to a attract many different key areas. Factors within the paint: Bucks received 48-40. Second-chance factors: Cavs received 9-12. Quick-break factors: Bucks received 10-7. Perhaps that’s a constructive they depart with.
Bonus Bucks Bits
Bobby had some downright embarrassing efforts on each ends final night time. Chief amongst them, this sequence:
That is pretend effort. Seems to be like he is hustling, however by no means had an opportunity for the steal. Simply took himself utterly out of place and gave up a layup. pic.twitter.com/vcMl3ccDPG
In stark distinction to his final go to to Cleveland, AJ Inexperienced couldn’t get something going, going 0/4 and a -20. Though, many gamers have been round that plus/minus mark, to be truthful.
There was some worrying Ryan Rollins footage just a few weeks again the place it regarded as if he didn’t need to use his left arm. Throughout his fourth-quarter run final night time, I didn’t discover any favouring of the correct arm.
The reply to the playmaking guard query, long run, would possibly truly be AJ Johnson.
The Cavs figuring out Ty Jerome—and him turning out to be an actual discover—is what the Bucks want to copy if they’re to maximise their probabilities of contending sooner or later with minimal draft picks.
At the very least former Buck Sam Merrill didn’t mild Milwaukee up, ending 1/5 from deep.
Up Subsequent
The Bucks are again at dwelling tonight in opposition to the Washington Wizards at 7:00 PM CST. Watch the sport on FanDuel Sports activities Community Wisconsin.
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[This story contains spoilers from Squid Game season one.]
Three years after taking Netflix by storm to develop into the streamer’s hottest sequence of all time, Squid Recreation returns Dec. 26 with its extremely awaited sequel season. Set within the aftermath of the primary finale, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk’s thriller seems to plunge deeper into the titular competitors’s violent historical past, with Lee Jung-jae as soon as once more braving the video games as Seong Gi-hun.
Earlier than diving into Squid Recreation 2, you’re most likely questioning if it is advisable recall each single element concerning the unique. That reply is sophisticated. You don’t want to recollect each character and beat, however there are positively recurring figures and plot factors it’s best to refresh your self on earlier than hitting play. In case you don’t have time for the total rewatch, right here’s a pocket-sized primer on what it is advisable know earlier than Squid Recreation 2 (trailer, under).
Filmed and set in South Korea, Squid Recreation adopted Gi-hun, a down-and-out gambler and deadbeat father, regardless of his love for his child. He usually gambles and runs schemes alongside his finest good friend Jung-bae (Lee Search engine optimisation-hwan), set to return in season two. Jung-bae barely registers in season one, nevertheless, as an more and more determined Gi-hun takes an enigmatic salesman (Gong Yoo) up on a suggestion to earn actual cash taking part in within the Squid Recreation, leaving his world behind. (That salesman, by the way in which? Additionally set to return in season two.)
After sleeping by means of a gas-filled limousine trip, Gi-hun wakes up sporting a inexperienced jumpsuit, in an enormous bunk corridor, alongside a small military of equally dressed people. They’re all right here to compete for an insane sum of money, all having signed on earlier than absolutely understanding the foundations of the sport. They determine the foundations out rapidly, with an enormous swath of rivals dying within the opening Crimson Mild Inexperienced Mild recreation, an immediately iconic sequence. A majority of the survivors vote to finish the Recreation and go residence. However inside per week, these exact same survivors resolve to return, preferring their odds in a sequence of loss of life matches to their odds of surviving at residence.
So the video games go on, with all eyes on Gi-hun and an accompaniment of fellow contestants, allies and enemies alike. The eyes belong to a masked determine referred to as the Entrance Man, performed by Lee Byung-hun, whose undercover brother of a cop Jun-ho (Wi Ha-Joon) has infiltrated the sport, hoping to seek out his long-missing sibling. The Entrance Man and Jun-ho have a quick however tense reunion in season one, ending with Jun-ho shot and presumed useless — however very a lot nonetheless alive, if out of the equation.
Each the Entrance Man and Jun-ho will play roles in season two, however different returning gamers? Not a lot, contemplating how season one ended with the deaths of each single considered one of Gi-hun’s allies. As the only survivor of the sport, Gi-hun walks away with more cash than he may ever spend in his lifetime. However the associated fee far outweighs the reward, as a 12 months on from his victory, Gi-hun seeks down the architect of the sport, Oh Il-nam (Oh Yeong-su), a dying outdated man who pretended to be Gi-hun’s ally within the recreation.
With “Participant 001” useless, Gi-hun lacks any actual leads on find out how to cease the sport, so he does what anyone else would do in his sneakers: dye his hair sizzling pink and head out to the US, the place his daughter now lives. However proper earlier than he boards the aircraft, Gi-hun will get a cellphone name from the Entrance Man, and the siren tune of revenge units in. The season ends with Gi-hun turning proper round, vowing vengeance — and that’s precisely the place we’ll start when Squid Recreation 2 drops all episodes on Dec. 26.
“He’s a really modified particular person,” Lee not too long ago teased of his Gi-hun when Squid Recreation returns for a season that has already been nominated for a Golden Globe. “How he perceives the circumstances round him and engages with the world, he’ll nearly seem to be a special particular person. He’s goal-driven greater than anything — and he has an especially sturdy conviction to place an finish to the sport.”
The conflict between Lee’s Participant 456 and the Entrance Man will proceed till the sequence finale with the already confirmed season three, which will probably be launched in 2025.
With the upcoming second season of “Squid Recreation” putting Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) again within the combating ring — now with a dedication to finish the sport from inside — what higher time to look again at the place this sensational South Korean present started?
After releasing on Netflix in September 2021, “Squid Recreation” shortly turned a world sensation, changing into the streaming big’s most-watched TV sequence ever. The present, created and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, went on to win six Primetime Emmy awards, together with for actors Lee Jung-jae and Lee You-mi.
Learn beneath for a refresher on the bloody occasions that went down within the first season, the truth present that capitalized on the present’s success and what audiences can count on from the second season earlier than it drops Dec. 26 on Netflix.
What Transpired in That Fateful First Season
With a demented twist on childhood video games, “Squid Recreation” follows 456 contributors in South Korea who settle for a mysterious invitation for the prospect to win $45.6 billion received (roughly simply over $31 million USD) after struggling to repay their money owed. What the contributors don’t understand is that the video games are a battle to the loss of life, with the primary “Pink Gentle, Inexperienced Gentle” competitors ending within the ugly loss of life of all of the shedding contestants.
Gi-hun is likely one of the individuals who fatefully survives that first recreation alongside Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo), Kang Sae-byeok (Jung Ho-yeon), Jang Deok-su (Heo Seong-tae), Abdul Ali (Anupam Tripathi) and Oh Il-nam (O Yeong-su), all of whom Gi-hun will get to know over the course of the season earlier than their game-related deaths.
The video games proceed on all through every episode, starting from tug-of-war, glass-bridge stroll, dalgona to marbles. The viewers begins to study among the mysterious underpinnings of the group behind the Squid Video games and the VIPs that benefit from the demise of the poor folks combating for survival of their thirst for cash. As “Squid Recreation” exhibits the recognition of betting on horse races amongst decrease lessons in Korea, this fight-to-the-death competitors offers the identical thrill for the elite.
Detective Hwang Jung-Ho (Wi Ha-joon) goes undercover to search out his lacking brother and discovers that he was a earlier winner of the video games. After being confronted by The Entrance Man (Lee Byung-hun), Jung-Ho shockingly discovers that his brother is now the top guard of the entire operation. Jung-Ho doesn’t agree to affix his brother and is shot off a cliff, presumably lifeless.
The primary season ends with Gi-hun profitable the prize cash in a ultimate battle to the loss of life together with his final remaining competitor Sang-woo however sinking to an all-time low despair after the traumatic expertise of watching a whole bunch of individuals round him die, together with, Sang-woo, his childhood greatest buddy who sacrificed himself within the ultimate spherical after taking part in viciously up till that time. He doesn’t contact the cash for a yr.
Gi-hun quickly discovers that Participant 001, the sick outdated man Oh Il-nam, truly created the Squid Video games and put himself by means of them this time round to really feel the push of the stakes in his favourite childhood video games. After Gi-hun wins a wager to study concerning the recreation’s secrets and techniques, Oh Il-nam dies earlier than he can reveal something.
Gi-hun provides Sang-woo’s mom a part of his winnings and decides to go residence to see his daughter in the US. However after recognizing extra folks being recruited on the best way to the airport, indicating that the video games are persevering with, he decides to remain put and return to finish the video games from inside.
The ‘Squid Recreation’ Universe within the Meantime
Capitalizing off the success of the primary season, Netflix introduced the “Squid Recreation” craze to the world of actuality TV with “Squid Recreation: The Problem,” which launched November 2023. The UK-based present recreated most of the unique notorious video games, even replicating the precise variety of contestants, albeit with the prize cash quantity decreased to a extra modest $4.56 million USD vs. $45.6 billion South Korean received. It was renewed for a second season final December.
However a actuality present based mostly on a present a couple of group of poor folks being exploited for leisure and violence didn’t come with out its personal controversy. In her evaluate for Selection, Alison Herman described how “the contradictions solely heighten with ‘Squid Recreation: The Problem,’ a contest sequence that brings Hwang [Dong-hyuk]’s imaginative and prescient to life, minus the mass homicide and many of the social commentary.’”
In February 2023, Manori Ravindran revealed a bit in Selection detailing experiences from contestants on the present about alleged poor situations. Netflix and producers Studio Lambert and The Backyard went on the report claiming that every one obligatory security and well being precautions had been taken.
The expansive experiences haven’t stopped there as an in-person activation referred to as “Squid Recreation Expertise” has already launched in New York Metropolis, Madrid and Sydney. These real-life variations of the video games intention to duplicate the expertise of taking part within the challenges — minus the cold-blooded homicide.
What Season 2 Has in Retailer
The second season of “Squid Recreation” guarantees extra violence with Gi-hun, as soon as once more Participant 456, giving up on returning residence and as an alternative re-entering the sector after already profitable the money prize. “I’m making an attempt to place an finish to the sport,” Gi-hun proclaims in the course of the official trailer, which teases new video games and contestants that Gi-hun must go up towards.
In an interview with author and director Hwang Dong-hyuk, he teased that Season 2 will function “Gi-hun [being] confronted together with his recollections of the primary recreation — the experiences of going by means of a brand new realization and awakening and returning as soon as once more to the sport with a purpose to cease this unjust recreation.”
The Entrance Man, detective Jun-ho and the Squid Video games recruiter (Gong Yoo) are all set to return for the second season whereas being joined by a model new forged of contestants together with Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Jo Yu-ri, Lee David and lots of extra.
The third season is about to premiere on Netflix in 2025.
Can’t-Miss Cavs: Cleveland hits 20 treys to decelerate the surging Bucks
Friday Fireplace: Embiid returns because the Sixers warmth up, and the Thunder preserve rumbling
Star Guard Saturday: One night time, three matchups and 6 electrifying playmakers
Huge Males Battle: AD & Sabonis conflict inside for the second time in three days
Beasts In The East: Keys to look at as the highest six groups within the East take the ground tonight
BUT FIRST … ⏰ Friday’s scores and a stacked Saturday slate…
Twelve video games tip off at present, together with an interconference conflict on NBA TV because the Pelicans host Karl-Anthony Cities and the Knicks, who’re looking for a 3rd straight win (8 ET).
Comfortable World Basketball Day! Right now, the NBA household comes collectively to rejoice basketball’s energy in uniting and connecting folks worldwide. See how hoopers across the globe are celebrating under:
Why Do You Love Hoops? Your favourite web hoop creators share what makes basketball so particular to them
Trivia Time! Have some enjoyable and check your data on at present’s NBA Play Trivia, centered round World Basketball Day
Be a part of the worldwide celebration! Share the way you’re honoring the day through the use of the hashtag #WorldBasketballDay.
1. CAVS COOL OFF BUCKS IN STATEMENT WIN
The Bucks rolled into Friday on hearth, successful 12 of their final 15 video games, resulting in a visit to the Emirates NBA Cup championship, the place they knocked off the West-leading Thunder to hoist the Cup.
However then the Cavs, sitting atop the East standings for practically two months, reminded the league why they personal the very best report within the NBA.
Cavaliers 124, Bucks 101: Giannis Antetokounmpo had 33 factors and 14 boards, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient to take down Cleveland, as Donovan Mitchell (27 pts) led six scorers in double figures, and the Cavs sank 20 3s to earn an announcement dub. | Recap
Cavs In Focus: Cleveland shot 50.5% from the sphere and 42.6% from 3, marking its league-high twelfth sport this season with a 50/40 capturing break up or higher
Balanced Buckets: Cleveland’s beginning 5 outscored Milwaukee’s 83-48, led by Mitchell and Darius Garland (16 pts)
All Cleveland: The Cavs trailed for simply 29 seconds early within the 1st quarter. By halftime, they led 69-51, and their benefit ballooned to 36 within the 4th
“We did it for 48 minutes tonight,” mentioned Mitchell. “Only a degree of tenacity and starvation — not being happy with the place we’re.”
What It Means: The Cavs’ victory pushed their report to 24-4, staying on tempo with their 2008-09 squad as the very best begin in franchise historical past. Additionally they improved to 15-1 at house.
Collection Dub: The Cavs at the moment are 3-0 towards the Bucks (who have been with out Damian Lillard because of a strained calf), clinching the regular-season sequence with one sport left
3 In A Row: It’s additionally Cleveland’s third straight victory, all of which have come by double figures
2. EMBIID RETURNS, THUNDER STRIKE IN FLORIDA AGAIN
Don’t look now, however the Sixers are heating up.
76ers 108, Hornets 98: After struggling a sinus fracture final Friday, a masked Joel Embiid returned with a bang, notching 34 factors, 9 assists and two blocks to steer Philly previous Charlotte, marking the Sixers’ fourth win in 5 video games. | Recap
Embiid Eats: It’s Embiid’s third 30+ level sport in simply seven outings this season, and he scored 12 factors within the 4th quarter to seal the win
Extra Buckets: Tyrese Maxey (23) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (22) each added 20-pieces for Philly, whereas Vasilije Micić (20) led Charlotte with LaMelo Ball out
“He’s battling lots,” mentioned Oubre on Embiid. “He fights for us … he put us on his again within the 4th quarter, and did what Joel does.”
Thunder 104, Warmth 97: After successful in Orlando on Thursday, OKC took down the Warmth in Miami as Jalen Williams dropped a season-high 33 factors, whereas Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 25 to stave off Tyler Herro (28 pts) and firm. | Recap
Thunder Streak: It’s OKC’s seventh straight dub (the Emirates NBA Cup championship doesn’t depend towards reg. season report) and its twenty second on the season, pushing it previous Boston for the second-most within the NBA
Stingy OKC: Boasting the league’s finest protection, the Thunder have now held their opponent underneath 100 factors 13 instances this season — probably the most within the NBA
Bam Passes Alonzo: Bam Adebayo (17 pts, 10 rebs) tallied his 206th profession double-double, passing Alonzo Mourning (205) for the second-most in Warmth historical past
3. STAR GUARDS TAKE CENTER STAGE SATURDAY
Saturday’s slate options among the finest guards within the NBA going head-to-head, from all-time bucket-getters to electrifying dime-droppers.
Let’s activate the tape and break down a particular ability set to look at in every matchup:
Clippers at Mavericks (8:30 ET) | James Harden vs. Kyrie Irving
Two generational scorers, Harden and Irving have feasted in isolation for years, however they’re additionally among the many finest finishers within the paint — standing out not solely amongst guards however all gamers.
Powerful Buckets: Since 2011-12, (the primary season each have been within the league), Harden ranks second in factors scored within the restricted space (5,794), whereas Irving ranks sixth (4,166)
Effectivity: Their area objective share from the RA? 61.1% and 60.4% — rating second and fifth, respectively, in that span
How Harden Does It: Typically attacking from the highest of the important thing, The Beard thrives at getting downhill and maneuvering round bigs together with his well-known euro-step
Kyrie’s Creativity: Regardless of being undersized at 6-foot-2, Irving’s post-up sport is elite, as he makes use of ball fakes and masterful footwork to create house
Grizzlies at Hawks (7:30 ET) | Ja Morant vs. Trae Younger
Put together for takeoff. Whereas Younger leads the NBA in assists per sport (12.2), Morant is averaging a career-high (8.1). Tonight, followers can anticipate some high-flying lobs, as they rank first (41) and second (31) in alley-oop assists.
Transition Oops: Rating third in transition factors, Atlanta (26.8) creates lob alternatives on the run, with Younger main the cost
Halfcourt Highlights: In 5×5 conditions, Morant — a high-flyer himself — takes benefit of hedging defenders on the rim for straightforward oops, including to an NBA-best 58.6 PITP per sport for Memphis
Warriors at Wolves (8 ET) | Steph Curry vs. Anthony Edwards
In Yr 5, Ant is having a Steph-like season from 3, hitting a career-high 4.3 triples per sport — the second-most within the NBA. Ranked fourth within the league? Curry, with 4.0 3s an outing.
Splashing In House: Ant is capturing 46.5% on open 3s, whereas Steph is capturing 36.7% — rating third and fourth amongst gamers averaging 5+ open triples per sport
Creating Seems: However how do such harmful threats from deep get so open? For the NBA’s all-time 3-point chief, it’s about staying energetic off-ball
Ant’s Athleticism: In the meantime, Edwards makes use of the specter of him moving into the lane to create house off the dribble and splash
Extra Should-See Matchups: One other duel of elite guards takes place tonight as Devin Booker and the Suns host Cade Cunningham and the Pistons (9 ET).
Plus, the NBA’s second all-time help chief, Chris Paul, will lead the Spurs towards the Blazers (8:30 ET).
4. IN-STATE RIVALS & STAR CENTERS TIP OFF SATURDAY
To open Saturday’s slate, two of probably the most dominant bigs within the NBA — Domantas Sabonis and Anthony Davis — will conflict for the second time in three days because the Kings host the rival Lakers (6 ET).
Recognized for his or her physicality, Sabonis leads the league with 24 double-doubles this season, whereas Davis is the one participant averaging 25+ factors, 10+ rebounds and a couple of+ blocks.
Of their head-to-head battles, Davis (23.6 ppg, 11.3 rpg) has outscored and outrebounded Sabonis (15.0 ppg, 10.8 rpg), however the Kings maintain a 10-2 report towards the Lakers with each stars within the lineup.
“He’s a hell of a participant,” mentioned Davis on Sabonis. “An All-Star. One of many premier bigs on this league. Hats off to him for what he’s in a position to do on each ends.”
Flipping The Script: Sacramento swept Los Angeles final season, however the Lakers have taken each matchups this 12 months, together with a 113-110 win on Thursday.
The driving power? Davis, who posted 21 factors, 19 rebounds and a season-high six blocks.
“AD is particular,” mentioned LeBron James postgame. “Don’t take these performances without any consideration … that’s a particular expertise, and we wanted each final a type of 20 boards.”
The Lakers shot simply 40.4% from the sphere — their second-lowest mark this season — however outrebounded the Kings 53-43, with 35.8% of their boards coming from Davis.
“This is likely to be my favourite win we’ve had all season,” mentioned Lakers coach JJ Redick postgame. “Simply because our offense wasn’t environment friendly…
“AD was phenomenal tonight. It simply exhibits you the way elite he’s as a participant that he can have a 7-for-20 night time and nonetheless dominate a basketball sport.”
On the opposite aspect, Sabonis tallied 18 factors, 12 rebounds and 9 assists for Sacramento, however each he and Kings coach Mike Brown demanded extra depth.
“They touched our paint every time they needed,” mentioned Brown. “They manhandled us the boards … we have now to raised.”
“I feel we are able to play lots harder — me first,” added Sabonis. “That’s one thing we acquired to alter for the subsequent sport.”
Tonight, Sacramento goals to make an announcement whereas stopping its first season sequence loss to Los Angeles since 2019-20. With Sabonis and Davis every seeking to impose their will — the battle begins inside.
5. BEASTS IN THE EAST: WINNING KEYS TO WATCH
The highest six groups within the East — Cleveland, Boston, New York, Orlando, Milwaukee and Miami — all take the ground on Saturday.
Beneath is one successful key to look at for every workforce tonight.
76ers at Cavaliers (8 ET): After incomes a giant win over the Bucks on Friday, the Cavs face one other powerful check towards a rejuvenated Sixers squad with Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid beginning to gel after 4 video games collectively.
Profitable Each Methods: Whereas their offense ranks first in each area objective (50.4%) and 3-point share (40.0%), the Cavs protection has held its opponent underneath 110 factors 13 instances this season. In these video games, they’re 13-0
Knicks at Pelicans (8 ET, NBA TV): Coming off a 26-point win towards the Wolves in Karl-Anthony Cities’ return to Minnesota, the Knicks will search for a 3rd straight win as they go to the Pelicans.
The KAT Key: Cities’ monster night time marked his seventeenth sport of 20+ factors and 10+ rebounds — the second-most within the NBA behind solely Giannis (20). New York’s report in these 17 video games? 14-3
Celtics at Bulls (8 ET): After Thursday’s loss to the Bulls in Boston, the Celtics will goal to keep away from their first back-to-back defeats since April 11 as they face Chicago once more — this time, on the United Middle.
Boston 3 Social gathering: Main the league in 3-point makes an attempt (51.3) and makes (18.8), Boston is 13-2 this season after they shoot over 35% from deep
Warmth at Magic (7 ET): In one other in-state rivalry matchup tonight, the Magic host the Warmth, with each groups coming off a loss to the Thunder. A win for Orlando would snap a three-game skid.
Stops & Photographs: Whereas permitting the second-fewest opponents’ ppg this season, Orlando is 13-2 when it shoots above its season common of 45.1%
Wizards at Bucks (8 ET): Trying to bounce again from final night time’s loss, Giannis and the Bucks will host Jordan Poole and the Wizards.
Deer From Deep: Since their 2-8 begin, the Bucks have moved from 14th in 3-point share (35.6%) to first (40.7%). They’ve received their final six video games wherein they’ve shot over 40% from deep
Donald Trump has threatened to retake management of the Panama Canal – accusing Panama of charging extreme charges to make use of the essential commerce passage and warning of potential Chinese language affect.
The US president-elect has additionally renewed his name for the US to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
In asserting Ken Howery as his ambassador to Denmark, Mr Trump wrote on Fact Social: “For functions of nationwide safety and freedom all through the World, the US of America feels that the possession and management of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”
Picture: A girl walks within the snow-covered road in Nuuk, Greenland. File pic: Reuters
However the island’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has hit again, insisting Greenland was not on the market.
Mr Egede stated: “Greenland is ours. We aren’t on the market and can by no means be on the market. We should not lose our lengthy wrestle for freedom.”
The world’s largest island, which sits between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, is 80% coated by an ice sheet and is residence to a big US army base. Greenland gained autonomy from Denmark in 1979.
Mr Trump beforehand referred to as for the US to purchase the island throughout his first time period in workplace.
‘We’re being ripped off on the Panama Canal’
The president-elect’s outburst concerning the Panama Canal has additionally sparked a row with the chief of the Central American nation, who defended the canal’s independence.
Picture: A cargo ship traverses the Panama Canal in Colon, Panama. Pic: AP
Talking to a crowd in Arizona, Mr Trump stated he wouldn’t let the canal – which has been underneath Panamanian management for many years – fall into the “improper arms”.
“Has anybody ever heard of the Panama Canal?” Trump requested supporters at AmericaFest on Sunday.
“As a result of we’re being ripped off on the Panama Canal like we’re being ripped off in every single place else.”
A important waterway for world commerce, the canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and permits ships to keep away from prolonged and dangerous journeys across the southernmost tip of South America by chopping by the center of the Americas.
After the bold mission was opened in 1914, the canal and surrounding territory have been managed by the US till an settlement with Panama in 1977 paved the best way for it to return to full Panamanian management in 1999.
“It was given to Panama and the folks of Panama, but it surely has provisions,” Mr Trump stated. “If the rules, each ethical and authorized, of this magnanimous gesture of giving usually are not adopted, then we’ll demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, shortly and with out query.”
It isn’t clear how Mr Trump would go about reasserting US management over the canal.
Learn extra: Trump appoints producer as UK particular envoy US authorities avoids shutdown
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Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino stated his nation’s independence was non-negotiable and that China had no affect on the canal’s administration.
China doesn’t management the canal however a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has lengthy managed two ports on the canal’s Caribbean and Pacific entrances.
“Each sq. metre of the Panama Canal and the encompassing space belongs to Panama and can proceed belonging (to Panama),” Mr Mulino stated in his assertion, which was launched on social media.
Mr Trump then responded: “We’ll see about that!”
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her help for Panama’s authorities after Mr Trump’s remarks.
“Certainly, the Panama Canal belongs to the Panamanians,” she throughout her common morning press convention.
The Panama Canal permits as much as 14,000 ships to cross annually and accounts for some 2.5% of world seaborne commerce.
In current weeks, Mr Trump has repeatedly mused about turning Canada right into a US state.
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