lodi game.ph
‘Christmas Light Fight’ Host Carter Oosterhouse on Holiday Traditions, Marriage to Amy Smart & More
New bill could halt federal funding for California High-Speed Rail Authority project
Envistudios Introduces AI-Powered Solutions for Business Excellence
Companies tighten security after a health care CEO's killing leads to a surge of threats
Google renews push into mixed reality headgearJudge grants dismissal of election subversion case against TrumpABC has made the holiday season a little brighter thanks to The Great Christmas Light Fight . Season 12 is currently underway with more elaborate and unique displays. Even though Carter Oosterhouse has been judging for more than a decade, the longtime judge continues to be impressed. The construction expert and interior designer Taniya Nayak has the difficult task of deciding who out of the four families they visit in each episode takes home $50,000 and the coveted trophy. Here Oosterhouse talks about the show’s longevity and what his residence looks like during the holidays with his wife, actress Amy Smart . It’s amazing how this show has become such an annual holiday tradition for families to watch together. Carter Oosterhouse: The Great Christmas Light Fight is the gift that keeps on giving. The more we are on, the more people come up to me at the airport and reflect on how it’s a tradition for them. They tell me, “We know it’s Christmas time when we see this show come on air.” The family programming this embodies is so sweet and perfect for the holiday season. You have the holiday movies on, which are nostalgic and fun. This is a little bit different, yet gives the same moment for families to gather and have a nice little night at home. Disney/Jim Gensheimer How would you say your judging eye has evolved? That’s a good question. I think sometimes as a judge you don’t even realize how these displays continue to get better. And it’s not just bigger. It’s more than more lights. I always say I can pick the winner right when the lights go on, but that’s not always true because now what I’ve seen is the creativity level has skyrocketed. People are more and more creative than ever before. It’s not just about putting lights on a tree or making sure the balance is correct or the color profile is engaging and interesting. It’s really about creativity. What that means is people are starting to tell stories with their lights. That’s fascinating. In scripted or nonscripted TV, it’s all about telling a story. When you watch something, that is why you keep going back to it. Now these families with these light displays are telling stories. As the viewer, it’s so much more dynamic and interesting to the point you have to scratch your head and say, “I’m blown away. I’m shocked. Just when you think you’ve seen them all, you haven’t.” Technology has also advanced within these displays through computer programming and drones. The technology is there and every year it gets better. Sometimes we do have people who are extremely good with computers and putting light and synchronized lights together, but that’s not always the winner. I don’t want to say it’s usually not the winner, but it seems to me what I have learned is over time I go back to the creative ones. Those are going to be the winners. If they can throw tech in there, even better because it makes it faster, more efficient maybe, and more interesting to some degree. As far as technology goes, every year we’re seeing something different. The light fighters who have been doing it for decades and are at the forefront of this technology, really geek out over that. I do too. I love learning more about it. Then some people who are doing it for the first time knock your socks off because they have no frame of reference. They just want to do something they want to do and in their mind is really cool. I’m always amazed at the dedication of these participants. The light fighters work extremely hard. They are very diligent with what they are doing. The families are in the grind. When September comes around, they are starting to put their lights up and it’s all hands on deck. It’s a lot of work. As a judge too, I want to make sure I applaud them and give them the credit they deserve. It is impressive to see the lengths they go. These guys are beyond the next level. They know the drill. They take the kids to school, go to work, and then come home to start working on their display at all hours of the night. Then they get up the next day and do the same thing. The cool thing is I’d say 99 percent of the people are happy to do this for their community. That’s the best part. On your travels, have there been places you never thought about going but are glad you went? For Trading Spaces , we traveled all over the United States. I think that was the indoctrination of a really crazy travel schedule. I’d say the good thing is I can go back to some of these areas. To your point, I do get to see areas that have lit up these lights or sometimes they are theme parks because we do heavyweights as well. We get into bigger areas that have the capability of dressing it up. Those are eye-opening. I’m in this last round of shooting right now where there are plenty of places I’ve said, “I want to bring my daughter back here.” That’s a sign they’ve done a really good job. You and Taniya are solo judging in these episodes, but do you talk much? We touch base a couple of times during the season and before. It’s funny because it is all very similar for us. There is a progression of what these light fighters are doing. I always feel like I can figure it out if they are going to be a top tier when the lights go on. Lately, I feel as you’ve gotten into it, this is not what I expected at all and even better. That’s fun. Taniya and I have been on the same page with all that. Carter Oosterhouse and Amy Smart at “Common Ground” Screening. (Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images) Does this being known for this show put pressure on you at home to deliver a good display? Does Amy get you to work? Good question. It used to be my wife saying, “So what are we doing? Why aren’t we having any lights?” I say, “I am the judge of The Great Christmas Light Fight . I feel like I would not do a service and carry out the oath of being a judge and fail miserably putting lights up.” Usually, when I get home it’s a lot closer to Christmas. So, we do the inside. I’ve been trying to bring back things people make as a builder and duplicate them. There are a lot of makers out there. You see this guy who has been working in his workshop, who has this crazy Santa Claus walking up a ladder built on a timing system. I think that’s really cool that I want to go home and do that. So I have dabbled in those. You mentioned you’re filming right now for next year. Do you go back and watch the episodes airing as a family at home? We try to, absolutely, when I’m not shooting for next year. We critique. If my daughter is into it, I feel like I’m doing my job. There are tons of shows she can watch, especially during the holidays. I feel if she is into it, I’m doing alright. What’s your go-to Christmas movies to watch? Do you watch Amy’s movie Just Friends ? I feel sometimes people forget that is a Christmas movie. Just Friends , we do watch that. That is definitely a Christmas movie. We go back to all the nostalgic movies. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation , we run back through all that. Now there are all these shows, too. Like these Christmas baking shows. I feel like those are of interest to us too. I guess we’re finding shows I never thought I would watch and falling into. Also, being on a show this long, we’re so thankful it has been on the air this long and having such a successful run. You go through a rollercoaster of emotions. Right now, we’re doing great. It’s fun. It’s a new interest not just on the show but on Christmas too. It’s all about being loved ones. This experience has really helped me dive deeper into the whole Christmas world and look at it from other angles compared to when I first started on the show. Anything you can tease about the episodes to come? There is one episode that is coming up, and what was really of interest was the coordination. Not just of the lights but things that these blow molds were doing within the light display. We see a lot of coordination from the tech world, but when you can take traditional elements and mix those into a newer feel, that was really impressive. There was this choir of blow molds in the show, and that was so dynamic because you think, “Wait? Are those blow molds singing to me now?” There was a ton of them. Not only was it visually interesting but to hear it was amazing. What do you want to see from the show moving forward? I do like the heavyweights. Those are really fun to shoot because they are on such a different level. It’s also the community is helping out as well. You just have more people involved. I’d like to see more of those to tell you the truth because there seems to be a lot more people, which creates a bigger energy. That’s not to say the homes don’t do that. We only do one of these types of episodes a year, but I’d love to see more of them. The Great Christmas Light Fight , Thursdays, 8/7c, ABC More Headlines:
BIG MATCH VERDICT: Wanderers allow two points to slip at Cambridge UnitedPump.fun , a decentralized platform for creating Solana-based memecoins, has recently come under intense scrutiny due to the misuse of its livestream feature by some users. The platform, which has been a significant player in the cryptocurrency industry, is facing backlash as instances of explicit and harmful content broadcasted during token livestreams have surfaced. The Controversy Surrounding Livestream Misuse Reports have emerged of users engaging in dangerous content and financial scams on Pump.fun’s livestreams, sparking safety concerns and calls for moderation. The platform hit a new revenue milestone, but not without criticism over its live stream feature, which has become a hotspot for disturbing activities. From threats of self-harm to violent acts, the misuse of the livestream feature has raised alarms within the crypto community and beyond. Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025 ) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts. Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here. Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and i nvest in Africa’s finest startups here . In response to these incidents, community members have called for stricter moderation or the shutdown of the livestream feature. A notable incident involved a user threatening suicide if their token did not reach a specific market capitalization, prompting urgent calls for Pump.fun to intervene and disable the livestream. Other disturbing reports include threats of violence, such as a person firing a gun each time their coin’s value increased, and a child threatening to harm family members over token price goals. Pump.fun’s Response Alon , the pseudonymous leader of Pump.fun, acknowledged the community’s concerns and defended the platform’s moderation efforts. He stated that the team moderates’ images, videos, livestreams, and comments, with a large team of moderators working around the clock alongside an internal team of engineers addressing the increased scale of coins, streams, and comments. The Future of Pump.fun While Pump.fun claims it is actively addressing illicit content, the community has called for more transparency and immediate measures to prevent harmful broadcasts. The platform has yet to announce whether additional safeguards or changes to its livestream feature will be implemented. For those looking for alternatives to Pump.fun, the market offers several options that cater to different needs and preferences. DexScreener: A real-time price chart and trading history platform that supports multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, BSC, Polygon, and more. It’s a comprehensive tool for traders who want to stay on top of market movements. Solscan.io: This user-friendly tool provides real-time updates for the Solana ecosystem. It’s ideal for tracking transactions, blocks, and token details, making it a valuable resource for Solana token holders. Jupiter (Jup.ag) : Known as one of the largest decentralized trading platforms, Jupiter boasts an active governance community and aims to be the ‘everything exchange’ for all users. Dextools.io: Serving as a gateway to DeFi, Dextools offers real-time charts and token information directly from the blockchain. It’s a favorite among traders who require in-depth analysis tools. Birdeye.so : Birdeye provides traders with crypto data tracking tools across various decentralized exchanges and automated market makers on multiple chains, aiding in the identification of trading opportunities. Moonshot: A new platform for launching and investing in meme coins on the Solana blockchain, marketed as a security-focused alternative to Pump.fun. It promises better security features to attract investors seeking safer investment avenues. Other notable mentions include Base.Fun, PinkMoon, KickPad, TrustSwap, BSCPad, Solanium, DeFiDrop, and PEAKDEFI Launchpad . These platforms offer a range of services from launchpads to trading and investment tools, each with its unique features and community. The situation at Pump.fun highlights the broader challenge of content moderation on decentralized platforms. As these platforms grow and attract more users, the need for effective moderation tools becomes increasingly critical to ensure user safety and maintain credibility. The crypto community will be watching closely to see how Pump.fun and similar platforms navigate these challenges in the pursuit of innovation while upholding community standards and safety. The world of toys is ever evolving, with trends coming and going, but some characters capture the hearts of children and adults alike, ensuring their return season after season. One such beloved series is the Pudgy Penguin toys , which have announced their much-anticipated return to Walmart for a third season in 2025. The Pudgy Penguin series, which initially captured attention through its unique blend of physical toys and digital experiences, has become a staple in the toy industry. The toys, inspired by a collection of 8,888 non-fungible tokens (NFTs) , offer children not just a toy but an entry into a digital world where their physical toy can be registered online. This innovative approach has allowed kids to enjoy their Pudgy Penguins in both the real world and a digital landscape, fostering creativity and community engagement. Walmart’s decision to bring back the Pudgy Penguin toys for a third season comes as no surprise. The retail giant has been at the forefront of embracing the intersection between traditional retail and the burgeoning digital marketplace. By offering exclusive items such as Ice Chrome and Gold Chrome collectible figures , Walmart has set itself apart, providing unique experiences for its customers. The success of the Pudgy Penguin toys can be attributed to their adaptability and the brand’s commitment to staying current with technological advancements. The toys’ integration with blockchain technology, like Ethereum and zkSync, has not only provided a secure way for kids to engage with their toys online but has also introduced them to the concept of digital ownership and collectability. As we look towards 2025, the excitement for the third season of Pudgy Penguin toys at Walmart is palpable. The brand has promised to continue its tradition of offering a diverse range of toys, including Plush Buddies, Clip-on Plushes, Igloo Collectibles, and Action Figures. With new Walmart exclusives on the horizon, the anticipation for what’s to come is building. The Pudgy Penguin toys are more than just playthings; they represent a shift in how consumers, especially younger ones, interact with brands and experience play. As we await the arrival of season 3, it’s clear that Pudgy Penguins and Walmart are not just riding the wave of digital integration into retail but are actively shaping the future of the toy industry. The Pudgy Penguins series has been a unique addition to the toy market, blending the worlds of digital and physical play. Each toy comes with a digital adoption certificate, allowing children to unlock their Forever Pudgy in the digital realm of Pudgy World. This innovative approach has not only provided a new way for kids to engage with their toys but has also introduced them to the concept of digital ownership and online communities. For those eager to add to their collection or start a new one, the countdown to 2025 begins. With Pudgy Penguins’ proven track record and Walmart’s commitment to delivering exclusive, engaging products, the third season is poised to be another hit, further cementing the Pudgy Penguin toys as a mainstay in the world of retail and digital entertainment.
Elton John has broken his silence about the closing of his multimillion-dollar musical Tammy Faye just days after it opened on Broadway . The EGOT winner, 77, opened up about the rapid cancellation of the Broadway musical, based on the life of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker , following its opening on November 14. In an interview with Time magazine, which named John its “Icon of the Year,” the composer said it’s simply par for the course in the name of showbiz. “It’s a shame for everyone who put so much work in it,” he said. “But that’s what happens when you take a chance.” John, who was joined by his husband David Furnish for an interview on the evening after opening night, suggested that the failure had something to do with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump securing a second term in the White House days before the musical opened. “It’s a fairly political piece of work,” the British singer said. “And with that you have to press somebody’s buttons. The buttons we pressed last night with the critics weren’t the right ones.” In the weekend after Tammy Faye’s opening, the musical drew a gross of $374,371 with an overall attendance of 5,732 at 63 percent of capacity. It closed with a final performance at New York’s Palace Theatre on December 8, after just 24 previews and 29 regular performances. According to Time , Tammy Faye cost a whopping $22 million to produce. The reviews were immediately scathing, with the New York Post calling it “a disaster of biblical proportions.” Meanwhile, Variety wrote: “Tammy finally comes to terms with her all-too-mortal sins and sees the light of a presumably forgiving God. Audiences may not be so charitably inclined.” The show featured music by John, lyrics by Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters, and a book by Dear England playwright James Graham. It starred Katie Brayben in the title role, with Christian Borle as her husband Jim Bakker and Michael Cerveris as fellow televangelist Jerry Falwell. The production previously ran in London from October to December 2022. Brayben originated the role of Tammy Faye, with Andrew Rannells as her husband and Zubin Varla as Falwell. Tammy Faye isn’t the only Broadway musical that John has recently played a role in producing. The “Rocket Man” singer wrote the score for the new West End musical The Devil Wears Prada , starring Vanessa Williams. At a gala performance of The Devil Wears Prada on December 1 — staged to raise funds for the Elton John Aids Foundation — John spoke about his ongoing health issues after revealing that he had lost vision in his right eye. “I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I have lost my eyesight. So it’s hard for me to see it. But I love to hear it and boy it sounded good tonight,” he said while onstage. In September, the “Yellow Brick Road” singer shared he was slowly healing from a “severe eye infection” that had left his vision impaired. He later explained in an interview with Good Morning America that he and his doctors are “taking an initiative” to treat his eye problems, but maintained that “it’s never fortunate for anything like this to happen.”
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15 on Saturday. All Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 2) has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in a wild one back on Oct. 12. The Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1, No. 5 CFP) had their best chance to beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 1988 but were hurt by special teams mistakes and disrupted by an Ohio State defense that sacked quarterback Kurtis Rourke five times. “In life, all good things come to an end,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. Late in the first half, Indiana punter James Evans fumbled a snap and was buried at his own 7-yardline with the Buckeyes taking over. That turned quickly into a 4-yard TD run by Henderson that gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead. Early in the second half, Caleb Downs fielded an Evans punt at the Ohio State 21, raced down the right sideline, cut to the middle and outran the coverage for a TD that put the Buckeyes up 21-7. It was the first time a Buckeye returned a punt for a touchdown since 2014. Howard finished 22 for 26 for 201 yards. Emeka Egbuka had seven catches for 80 yards and a TD. “Our guys just played with a chip today, and that’s the way you got to play the game of football,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. Indiana scored on its first possession of the game and its last, both short runs by Ty Son Lawson, who paced the Hoosiers with 79 rushing yards. Rourke was 8 for 18 for 68 yards. “We had communication errors, pass (protection), every time we dropped back to pass, something bad happened," Cignetti said. Indiana's 151 total yards was its lowest of the season. And it was the most points surrendered by the Hoosier's defense. Indiana: Its special season was blemished by the Buckeyes, who beat the Hoosiers for the 30th straight time. Indiana was eyeing its first conference crown since sharing one with two other teams in 1967. That won't happen now. “Ohio State deserved to win,” Cignetti said. “They had those (third quarter scores), and we just couldn’t respond.” Ohio State: Didn't waste the opportunities presented by the Hoosiers when they got sloppy. The Buckeyes led 14-7 at the break and took control in the second half. An offensive line patched together because of multiple injuries performed surprisingly well. “We know what was at stake," Day said. “We don't win this game, and we have no chance to go to Indianapolis and play in the Big Ten championship. And that's real. We've had that approach for the last few weeks now, more than that.” Some voters were obviously unsure of Indiana because it hadn't played a nationally ranked team before Ohio State. After this one, the Hoosiers will drop. Howard made history by completing 80% of his passes for the sixth time this season. No other Ohio State quarterback has done that. He completed his first 14 passes in a row and finished with a 85% completion rate. “I think Buckeye nation is now seeing, after 11 games, that this guy is a winner, he's tough, he cares about his teammates, he's a leader,” Day said. Indiana hosts Purdue in the regular-season finale next Saturday. Ohio State hosts rival Michigan on Saturday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
RICHMOND, Va. – December 12, 2024 – Bowlero Corporation, a household name in the world of location-based entertainment, is rolling into a new era. The company has officially rebranded to Lucky Strike Entertainment Corporation , marking a transformative step in its journey. Alongside the new name comes a fresh ticker symbol—NYSE: LUCK—a fitting nod to its ambition to become a premier entertainment powerhouse. The rebrand signals more than just a name change. According to Thomas Shannon, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, this is about "redefining what location-based entertainment can be." For young retail investors, this pivot presents a unique opportunity to watch a legacy business innovate and evolve for modern audiences. Lucky Strike Entertainment isn’t just about bowling anymore. With over 360 locations across North America, the company is diversifying its offerings to include amusements, water parks, and family entertainment centers. By broadening its scope, Lucky Strike taps into growing consumer demand for experiential activities that blend fun, nostalgia, and modern flair—a trend especially popular with Millennials and Gen Z. The Lucky Strike brand has long been associated with premium bowling and social experiences. This rebrand amplifies that ethos, aiming to position the company as a destination for memorable experiences, whether it’s a family day out, date night, or group hangout. The rebrand also sets the stage for Lucky Strike to leverage its strong brand equity to introduce new offerings and partnerships that align with evolving consumer preferences. Lucky Strike owns the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), a growing media property with millions of global fans. With sports betting, livestreaming, and niche sports all on the rise, the PBA represents a significant growth opportunity. As Lucky Strike expands its entertainment empire, the PBA could serve as a critical pillar for audience engagement and revenue diversification. The move to rebrand as Lucky Strike Entertainment comes at a time when experiential entertainment is seeing a resurgence. From arcades to axe-throwing bars, consumers are seeking out unique social experiences. Lucky Strike’s rebrand positions it as a leader in this space, with its scale and resources giving it a competitive edge. The name change to Lucky Strike Entertainment and the ticker symbol LUCK underscore the company’s renewed focus on its core mission: creating exceptional entertainment experiences. For retail investors, this rebrand could signal a turning point for the stock as the company broadens its appeal, diversifies revenue streams, and attracts new audiences. If Lucky Strike Entertainment succeeds in delivering on its bold vision, it could unlock new growth opportunities and position itself as a market leader in the booming location-based entertainment industry. For young investors, this is a story worth watching—LUCK might just live up to its name. Stay tuned on Stocktwits for more updates on Lucky Strike Entertainment (NYSE: LUCK) and join the conversation with fellow investors.How Trump's bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woes