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Kensuke’s Kingdom Review: A Quiet and Beautiful Tale of Unlikely Friends
While desert island games and tales of Robinson Crusoe have long held a special place in the cultural imagination, the reality of life on a deserted island is far more dangerous. Yet, for generations, young readers and moviegoers have found this setup unbelievably exciting. Kensuke’s Kingdom follows in this lineage, allowing audiences to imagine the […]
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Jeopardy! fans call out Ken Jennings for accepting ‘illegible’ response & demand change as Rishabh Wuppalapati wins big
JEOPARDY! viewers have called out Ken Jennings for accepting an ‘illegible’ response that was ‘impossible’ to read before Rishabh scored his second win.
Due to the difficulty of the audience being able to make out what the handwritten Final Jeopardy! answer said, many are demanding the show change to a keyboard for the iconic segment.
On Wednesday night’s game, Rishabh – who has already become a season 41 fan favorite following yesterday’s dominating debut – seemed eager to continue his winning streak.
The Illinois native, who is currently a Sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania, played against Jay Eversman, an environmental attorney from St. Louis, Missouri and Rachel Cassidy, an associate professor from Providence, Rhode Island.
Rishabh tried making aggressive wagers early which cost him $1k when he incorrectly answered the first Daily Double.
He picked up momentum though and gained the lead back, having $3,000 by the time of the first break.
Jay and Rachel were tied in second place with $1,400 each.
Rachel began to pick up the pace and added $2k to her score when she correctly answered the second Daily Double under the category “The Book Nook.”
Her quick-thinking brought her total to $10,100 heading into Final Jeopardy! – just $300 behind Rishabh who had accumulated $10,400 and had to be smart with his wager for a chance to win.
Meanwhile, Jay was far behind with a total of $4,800 going into the last round.
Host Ken Jennings read out the clue for Final Jeopardy! under the category “College Towns.”
“Two schools in the Southeastern Conference are located in cities with this same name but in different states,” he read.
Rishabh and Rachel were both ruled to be right after writing “What is Columbia?” and he added $9,801 to win with $20,201 for a two-day total of $42,402.
After Rachel failed to wager enough when she found the second Daily Double, she could have taken the lead and likely would have won the game.
However, many viewers can’t help but call out Ken for accepting Rishabh’s answer that they claim was “completely illegible.”
The contestant appeared to be nervous and rushing, so quickly jotted down his answer which read more like “Cdumlacf” than actual “Columbia.”
Still, Ken and the judges the show uses to determine any discrepancies decided to take the two-day champ’s answer – leaving mixed reactions from fans.
MMM WATCHA SAY?
“Man I just do not know if that said ‘Columbia.’ I guess if it’s good enough for Ken though,” one person suggested.
Another agreed, writing: “It’s very messy (“Cdumlaq”?), but all the necessary strokes for “Columbia” are there as far as I can tell.
“Also, it’s not up to Ken. The judges can see what each contestant is writing in real time, and they make the ruling.”
“It’s beyond time for contestants to have a keyboard for FJ,” a third demanded – referencing the current tradition of the last answer being handwritten and timed.
Jeopardy! Contestant Rules
Passing Jeopardy!'s online Anytime Test is hard enough, but there are also many rules players must follow once they make it to the stage:
- The returning champion is always at the leftmost podium and keeps playing until they lose.
- Contestants don’t have to say “who is” or “what is” in the first round but must do so in Double Jeopardy! and Final Jeopardy.
- Contestants can change their responses as long as Ken Jennings or the judges haven’t made a ruling.
- The minimum wager for a Daily Double is $5. The minimum wager for Final Jeopardy! is $0.
- Written responses in Final Jeopardy! do not have to be spelled correctly, but they must be phonetically correct (the judges decide this).
- If there’s a tie after Final Jeopardy, the tied players enter a bonus clue shootout, and whoever buzzes in first correctly wins.
- If all three contestants wager everything in Final Jeopardy! and are incorrect, leaving them with $0, there will be no returning champion (it’s happened before—six times).
While one more said: “My ruling was that his response was illegible. Apparently my rulings have very little influence.”
Due to Rachel missing out on a win by the slightest margin, she grew a fanbase that hopes to have her back with the franchise in the future.
“Strong showing for Rachel. She’d make a good addition whenever they do another Second Chance Tournament,” an admirer wrote.
After winning his first game, Rishabh won over much of the audience with his intelligence and charming personality.
“Rishabh is the smartest (and my favorite) player of season 41,” an excited viewer said with a heart emoji.
The college student is no stranger to trivia, as he has a long resume competing in National Academic Quiz Tournaments.
He now is an intern with a pharmaceutical company and focuses on his studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where he will receive his Bachelor’s in Mathematical Economics in 2027.
Lottery player wins $2 million scratch-off prize but immediately lost $655,000 when they picked up their check
A LOTTERY player has instantly lost hundreds of thousands of dollars from their prize pot.
They lost the money after snagging a $2 million scratch-off win earlier this month.
Maryland Lottery officials confirmed the player bought the lucky ticket for the 200X The Cash game at a Giant Food supermarket in Owings Mills, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Baltimore.
Fortunately, the player came forward right away to claim the cash.
Maryland has one of the shortest lottery ticket claim windows in the United States at 182 days from the drawing date.
Given that the anonymous player’s win was well above $25,000, they also had to make an in-person appointment with the Maryland Lottery Claim Center in Baltimore to get their money, per the Maryland State Archives.
This was after they signed the back of the ticket to confirm the win.
Arguably, one of the toughest decisions to make in the lottery-winning process is how to collect the funds.
Winners are given the option of getting all of the cash up front in a one-time lump sum distribution or spread out over annuity payments for several years.
There’s a significant debate between lawyers and lottery experts as to which choice is better.
PROS AND CONS
Taking the annuity payments would allow for a consistent income stream and lessen the impact of certain tax implications, along with saving players from making any detrimental mistakes.
Still, once you choose the annuity payments, it’s locked in and can’t be changed.
With the lump sum, all the money is accessible right away and allows for opportunities to invest appropriately to create consistent income.
Hiring a financial advisor and lawyer is highly recommended to ensure that the best outcome for the winnings is reached.
Most players chose the lump sum, and so did the $2 million winner in Maryland.
The decision means they face the downside of the lump sum — taxes.
Lottery winnings: lump sum or annuity?
Players who win big on lottery tickets typically have a choice to make: lump sum or annuity?
The two payout methods can impact how much money you get from your prize.
Annuities pay out slowly in increments, often over 30 years.
Lump sums pay all at once but in a smaller amount, as taxes are withheld in one go. That means 24% of your prize goes to Uncle Sam right away. Many states tax winnings as well.
Annuities can provide winners time to set up the financial infrastructure required to take in a life-changing amount of money, but lump sums have the benefit of being taxed only once.
Inflation is also worth considering when making a choice, as payouts do not adjust with the value of a dollar. That means that you’ll likely be getting less valuable money towards the end of an annuity.
Each state and game pays out prizes differently, so it’s best to check with your state’s lottery to confirm payment policies. A financial advisor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Experts have varying opinions on whether to take the lump sum or take the annuity.
VALUE VANISHED
The federal government imposes a 24% tax on lottery winnings above $5,000.
States set their rate, and Maryland’s is 8.75% for residents.
That means the $2 million winner had about $655,000 taken out before they saw any of the cash.
They walked away instead with approximately $1.34 million.
That’s still a considerable return on their $30 investment for the ticket.
A Maryland player this spring also faced a similar situation after winning $50,000 this year, losing $16,475 instantly.
Liam Payne’s last social posts before death see One Direction star watching TV and revealing plans for his day
LIAM Payne’s last social posts before his death saw him watching TV and revealing his plans for his day.
The former One Direction star passed away in Argentina after falling from his hotel balcony this afternoon.
In Snapchats shared within the hour of local news reporting his death, the singer uploaded photos of his food and detailed his plans to play polo.
He filmed his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, as they ate breakfast, revealing they had been staying at their friend’s home.
The footage sees Liam addressing the camera saying: “This is the breakfast table, just enjoying breakfast and coffee even though it’s 1pm.”
Katie is heard in the background joking that the pair are “losers” for laying in so late.
Liam adds: “Today, we ride. I think I’m going to be playing polo again, which is going to put me out of action for about six weeks.
“Honestly, polo, out of everything I’ve ever done sports-wise, not that I’m taking up polo professionally, by the way, I’m just like, I had a go for some fun.
“It’s so hard to do, number one. Number two, my back and my neck from swinging that hammer around, or mallet, I think it’s called, if you’re in the know, it’s polo language.”
Later on, he films himself saying: “I look like the Joker, my hair’s a bit cray-cray.”
Liam goes on to record his girlfriend and their dog watching Jimmy Carr on TV in a different post, asking fans to write a caption for him.
He then poses shirtless with Kate for a mirror selfie, before they pucker up for a video.
The Strip That Down hitmaker admires a painting at his friend Gon’s house, where he tells fans he is staying.
“It’s a lovely day here in Argentina. Yeah. It hurts a lot. It’s very tough to do,” he says of playing polo again.
“But we’re enjoying ourselves here at our lovely friend Gon’s house. Shout out, Gon, wherever Gon is. Shout out, Gon. Big bad Gon.”
Liam also admires a painting of a tree inside the home.
He says: “I envy things like this, painting-wise. Once again, shot from the back. It’s really beautiful. So yeah, that’s what we’re doing today.”
“This was the first wheel that was ever invented,” Liam adds of an ornament inside the home.
The pop star was in Buenos Aires for pal Niall Horan’s tour when he tragically plunged from the third floor this afternoon, TMZ reported.
A source later confirmed to The Sun that Liam had died.
Liam was staying at Hotel CasaSur in the neighbourhood of Palermo, local media report.
A red tent has reportedly been put up over the body as cops begin the investigation into the death.
Cops were called to an “an aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”, local media claim.
But when they arrived, they found Liam dead.
Witnesses said Liam smashed his laptop and had to be carried back to his room following the incident.
The 31-year-old rose to fame through the boy band and then carried on with his own solo career after the group broke up.
Liam was part of the One Direction between 2010 and 2015 and had released one solo album in 2019 – LP1.
The Sun revealed last week that Liam had parted ways with his management and had shelved plans for a second solo album.
And earlier this week Liam’s ex Maya Henry called in the lawyers after accusing Liam of repeatedly messaging her, her friends, and her mum.
Liam made his debut as a singer when he auditioned for The X Factor in 2008.
After being eliminated as a solo artist he auditioned again in 2010 and was put into a group with four other contestants to form One Direction.
Liam dated singer Cheryl Cole with the pair having a child named Bear in 2017.
They split in 2018 before he was linked to supermodel Naomi Campbell in 2019.
He had an on-off, three-year relationship with ex-fiancée Maya Henry which was said to have ended for good in May, 2022.
The singer had been open about his battles with drugs.
In 2021, he blamed a “pills and booze phase” for bloating his face to “ten times the size”, while also revealing he used to guzzle the contents of his mini bar when band chiefs checked the lads into hotels to keep fans at bay.
Watch Liam Payne’s very first audition on X Factor ahead of boyband stardom with One Direction
LIAM Payne fans have flocked online to watch his very first X Factor audition following reports that he has died.
The singer, 31, was in Buenos Aires for pal Niall Horan‘s tour when he tragically plunged from the third floor this afternoon, TMZ reports.
Liam was just 14 when he first tried his luck on the ITV singing show in 2008.
It was also his first encounter with Cheryl Cole, who he went on to welcome son Bear seven years ago.
As this unearthed clip shows, baby-faced Liam told the X Factor cameras: “When I’m at school, in general, I think about singing all the time.
“I should really be concentrating on my school work but I just think about singing too much.”
He is then shown introducing himself to judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Cheryl.
“A lot of people say I’m a good singer and I’ve got The X Factor but I don’t really know what The X Factor is and I believe you guys do.”
Liam wowed the three judges with a rendition of Fly Me To The Moon, by jazz crooner Frank Sinatra.
Once he had performed, music mogul Simon told him: “I’m just missing a bit of grit, a bit of emotion and actually a bit of fun, funnily enough.”
Smiling, Cheryl said: “I liked it. I think you’re really cute. I think you’ve got charisma.. you gave us that cheeky little wink.”
Agreeing, Louis added: “I think this kid could do fantastic in the show.”
Simon, unfortunately, butted in to say there was “20 per cent missing” for him.
Liam replied: “Well give me another audition and I’ll show you I’ve got that 20 per cent.”
Simon agreed to give him another chance and all three judges put him through to the next round.
Liam made it to the Judges’ Houses round but Simon decided to send him home, telling him to return two years later.
The hopeful did just that when he was 16 – and ended up landing a spot in One Direction.
On Wednesday night, a source confirmed to The Sun that Liam has died.
The singer-songwriter was staying at Hotel CasaSur in the neighbourhood of Palermo in Argentina.
Witnesses said Liam smashed his laptop and had to be carried back to his room following an erratic incident earlier in the day, TMZ reports.
Cops were called but on arriving found Liam dead, local media have reported.
A red tent has reportedly been put up over the body as cops begin the investigation into the death.
The spokesperson for the local ambulance service said Liam’s death had been confirmed on the spot after he had fallen and suffered severe injuries.
LA Lakers owner Jeanie Buss makes rare public admission over new comedian husband Jay Mohr
LOS Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss opened up about her relationship with her new husband Jay Mohr.
The NBA executive married to the comedian in September of 2023.
On Monday, Buss appeared on former NBA star Dwight Howard on his Above The Rim with DH 12 podcast.
The 63-year-old Los Angeles Lakers owner spoke about her personal life and was asked by Howard what she does to stay away from the public world.
Buss answered and brought up her significant other Mohr.
“I got married last year,” Buss said.
“I’m very happy.”
She then wasn’t afraid to reveal an update on her new marriage.
Buss said she didn’t expect to like it as much as she does.
“I really love it,” Buss admitted.
“I really do.
“I didn’t think I would like it as much as I do.”
Buss is the daughter of Jerry Buss, the team’s owner from 1978 until he died in 2013.
She was then given the keys to the legendary franchise.
Buss has been at the helm of four Lakers playoff teams.
She became the first female owner to win an NBA championship in 2020.
Buss married Mohr in a private Malibu ceremony.
The couple began dating in 2017 and announced their engagement in Christmas of 2022.
Mohr currently hosts a Los Angeles Rams pregame show and NASCAR Cup Series awards ceremony.
He used to work as a cast member on NBC‘s Saturday Night Live.
And Mohr has appeared in numerous movies including Jerry Maguire, Picture Perfect and Are We There Yet?
Who is Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy?
GLOBAL superstar Liam Payne shot to fame as a member of the popular boyband One Direction but recently passed away.
As well as achieving success and stardom, the singer also found romance with US model Kate Cassidy. But who is she? Here’s everything you need to know.
Who is Kate Cassidy?
Kate Cassidy is an American model from New Jersey.
According to sources, she is the daughter of a British father and went to top university Charleston in South Carolina.
As of September 2023, Kate has an impressive 47,000 followers on Instagram – where she regularly posts stunning selfies, snaps from her sun-soaked travels and pictures with former One-Direction star, Liam Payne.
Aside from this information, not much else is known about Kate’s personal life.
How long were the couple together?
Until his passing in October 2024, Kate Cassidy and Liam Payne were still together – despite previously calling it quits.
The on/off couple split in May 2023, before later rekindling their romance.
In September, it was reported that the singer had been rushed to hospital with agonising kidney pain after he fell ill on a trip to Lake Como in Italy with girlfriend Kate.
Liam was celebrating his one-year anniversary with Kate when he fell ill at their property beside the lake.
The pair first got together in July 2022, with the superstar spending the majority of the Christmas period with Kate and her family in the States before flying back to the UK.
Does Liam Payne have a child?
Ex-One Direction star and singer Liam Payne was a father to son Bear – who he shared with former girlfriend Cheryl.
The couple welcomed their son on March 22, 2017.
At the time, the proud new mum posted a picture on Instagram of Liam cradling their 7lb 9oz new baby.
She captioned the sweet shot: “On Wednesday Liam and I became parents to an incredibly beautiful, healthy baby boy looking like a dream.”
Liam famously dated Cheryl, who he met when he auditioned on The X Factor back in 2008, where she was on the judging panel.
After two years of dating, pair announced their split on Sunday, July 1, 2018.
Barnes ready for regular-season return
It's been the better part of eight months since Scottie Barnes was in a regular-season NBA game. A week away from the Toronto Raptors' home opener, he feels he's ready.
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