Latest news with #Elly
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Why Terry Francona's teams get better in second half. Can Reds follow trend?
A few nights ago, during a pitching change in a game the Cincinnati Reds were losing, with manager Terry Francona trying to coax a much-needed comeback win, star shortstop Elly De La Cruz chose to get playful and snatch the glasses off Francona's face. De La Cruz put them on his own face, then mocked a grimace, laughed and took them off. The bemused look on Francona's face suggested it wasn't the tone he expected in the moment. Maybe not the time for goofing off? Francona took the glasses back and allowed a laugh with De La Cruz at the shortstop's reaction, then put them back on and got back to work. 'I know we're losing out there, but they're playing their ass off,' Francona said. 'I don't ever want to just be their buddies when we're winning. That doesn't work. '(Carlos) Santana used to always do that with me on the mound (in Cleveland),' Francona added. 'He probably (expletive) told Elly. He'd always pull my socks down. Like, 'Dammit, Carlos.' ' One of Francona's great strengths as a manager through a career that has led to more than 2,000 wins and has him headed to the Hall of Fame has been an uncommon level of personal trust, connection and (in turn) accountability he builds with players. Moments like these can trust any manager trying to do his job, win games, run a tight ship, hold players accountable. Baseball managers have snapped on a player for less. That Francona is able to walk the fine line that lets Elly be Elly in that moment, whatever his own sensibilities might suggest is appropriate, might speak to the success he has had with players of all ages, stature and personalities in his career. This wasn't Trevor Bauer throwing the ball over the center-field wall when Francona took him out of a game in 2019 and getting traded from Cleveland to Cincinnati three days later. 'It's OK. They're trying their asses off,' Francona said. 'We're not gonna win every night. And there's some nights where things don't go (well). But I don't want to be just patting them on the back when (it's going good) — they're actually great kids.' Francona has had barely five months since the start of spring training to get to know his new group of ballplayers. And as they opened the toughest remaining schedule in the majors over the weekend with the start of a three-series homestand, against the Tampa Bay Rays, it's the relationships with those players he'll lean on to try to replicate perhaps his most impressive career accomplishment. Francona's teams almost always perform better after the All-Star break. Often significantly better. And that's especially true in his first year with a new team in three previous managerial stops. 'That's not surprising,' said veteran catcher Jose Trevino, who's in his first year with the Reds after a trade from the Yankees. 'There's calmness but with a sense of urgency,' Trevino said. 'A sense of urgency to play the game right. A sense of urgency to do things right. But the calmness comes in the craziest times, when there's runners on, there's bases loaded, we need a hit, or need somebody to get out of a jam. 'You can look over in that dugout and see just that calm presence.' Whether that level of calm feeds a growth arc of performance over the course of a six-month, 162-game season, or whether it's the more tangible levers Francona tends to pull as he decides what his roster can do and starts managing with more urgency down the stretch, it has worked. In his last stop, in Cleveland, Francona took over a last-place team, went 51-44 (.537) before the All-Star break, then went 41-26 out of the break to reach the playoffs — 90 percentage points better in the second half. Even when he inherited a loaded Boston Red Sox team in 2004, that team was 48-38 (.558) in the first half and 50-26 out of the break — a 100-point difference in winning percentage. That team of personalities as divergent as they were big called themselves 'idiots' all the way to a World Series championship, as Francona let his stars play and their personalities flow. The secret to all that second-half growth with his new teams? 'I don't know,' Francona said. 'If I knew, we'd play better in the first half.' If he pulls it off again this year, it might even be more impressive than either of those two. Forty of the Reds' final 60 games were against teams with winning records, including the defending-champ Dodgers in town this week. Actually, he may never pull off what his first Phillies team did in his first year as a big league manager in 1997. That team won barely 28 percent of its games in the first half: 24-61. 'They were running a daily (update on) if we were going to have a worse record than the (1962) Mets,' Francona said, referring to the Mets' all-time record for losses in a season that the White Sox broke last year. 'Every day. 'That's always fun.' That same, awful first-half team went 44-33 after the All-Star break — for a stunning jump of nearly 300 points in winning percentage. 'You're always trying to build,' Francona said. 'Tthere's some years where some guys get hurt so much and then you just can't play as well as you want, or win as much as you want. 'But you're always trying to build toward getting better,' he said. 'That's the object. I think as guys learn how you want to play the game, it's easier for them also.' That's what the players say. The expectations have been clear, the accountability consistent, the calm constant, the roles ingrained, the comfort growing. 'You go back to the first month of the season. We were kind of up down, still trying to see where we were,' Trevino said. 'And then all of a sudden we take off. But Tito's the same guy the whole time, telling us to trust ourselves and play the game hard, play the game fast and do what we do. 'We know what he's trying to tell us. There's a great understanding of what he wants from us,' Trevino added. 'It takes some time. It's just like anything." Just in the past week, he pulled the lever on trying Noelvi Marte in right field to create a way a get two of his more trusted right-handed bats in the lineup, with Santiago Espinal, and potentially get tighter fielding out of two positions (also third). Marte had never played in the outfield in his professional career. Three days later, Espinal played first base for the first time in his career. These aren't moves that would have been made in April. 'He's constantly setting guys up to succeed,' Trevino said. 'Constantly.' Whatever is next, the Reds seem ready for anything the manager might ask. That much trust seems to be there five months in. Whether it leads to another one of those second-half surges, they seem to be ready for that, too. 'He has that reputation of getting the best out of his players,' first baseman Spencer Steer said. 'He's had a couple meetings where we've been in a little bit of a rut or not playing well, and he says, 'This is when it gets fun. This is when it really gets fun. You see what you're made of. This is when it really matters about playing for the guy next to you and really caring about the ultimate goal of winning. When it gets tough, that really comes out.' 'That's kind of where we're at,' Steer said. 'We're not in the perfect spot by any means. But we've got life. And as long as we've got life, there's a chance.'
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bride leaves her groom and guests to have a haircut in the middle of her wedding day - before emerging with a drastically different evening look
A bride has divided opinion after she left her groom and guests to have a haircut in the middle of her wedding party - before returning with a dramatic 'second look'. Within a 30-minute window, newlywed Elly frantically touched up her makeup while hairdresser George Curran - the stylist behind Sofia Richie 's bob - chopped and styled her locks. In a now-viral video posted by the bride's makeup artist Katie Daisy, UK-based Elly can be heard saying: 'Not as short as Sofia, because I want something a bit different. I'm starting my own style.' Katie wrote: 'Anyone want some tequila? A second look in 30 minutes. The most iconic bride Elly. I would expect nothing less - the best energy. 'The wedding day look was a soft, romantic pink-toned look with a chic up do. 'For the evening, we changed into a bronzed look with nude lip paired with her very own "Elly" bob… by the hair stylist who cut Sofia Richie's bob.' As the nuptials were well underway, the alcohol was flowing and a tipsy Elly kept her glam squad entertained during the quick makeover. 'I don't know why I'm doing this,' she giggled. 'I got peer pressured into this. I feel a bit sick.' At the first chop, Elly exclaimed: 'Oh my god, that felt like a lot. My mum's going to kill me.' Sipping tequila shots all the while, Elly said: 'I really regret this. If I don't like it, can you give me free hair extensions next week?' But the final reveal proved worth the wait, with stylist George working soft, textured curls into the long bob. Katie also captured the moment in which the groom saw his wife's new hair for the first time as she came down an ornate wooden staircase. Beaming, he shouted: 'Oh my god!'. For confused viewers, makeup artist Katie clarified that Elly's new look was entirely planned and consensual and not, in fact, the product of the booze-filled ceremony. 'Elly was going to cut her hair before the honeymoon,' she wrote. 'Hair and makeup were given 30 minutes for the look change, we made it work, hence why all hands were on deck. 'Elly missed no more of her wedding party than any other bride would have done.' But the drama of the makeover was not lost on Elly herself, who asked in another video: 'Do you think it's a bit extra that I'm cutting my hair for my look?' To which Katie responded: 'You only have one wedding day.' Viewers, however, were divided. While many felt that Elly's decision was 'iconic', others deemed it a waste of time. One admirer asked 'Who is this queen?' while another called it an 'absolutely stunning transformation'. Many praised Elly's spontaneity, with one person writing: 'This is brave, no matter what I do to my hair it takes me a good week to get used to it. You looked beautiful!' Another wrote: 'Stunning! I love the final look. At first I was like "oh no, why cut it?" but it actually makes her face pop!' 'Who is this? I'm obsessed with her,' one commenter added. But some sceptics expressed concern about the time Elly spent away from her wedding guests. 'How much of your wedding did you miss out on to do this?' asked one, while another said: 'It's pretty but such a waste of time when you could be enjoying your day with your partner, friends and family.' Viewers were divided over Elly's decision, with many arguing she missed out on valuable time with her loved ones Before artist Katie clarified that Elly was more than comfortable with the move, commenters felt she might have been too tipsy. 'I think the tequila is in full effect,' wrote one, while a second added: 'Not sure this was a completely informed decision. Looks great.' But the majority of responders saw the light-hearted side of things. 'This is such a good idea,' one person said. 'If you want a big hair change before the wedding do it for the second part in case you regret it. 'But also it gives you the chance to do it and still get wedding pictures with it. This was definitely worth it, she looks stunning!' Although Elly's wedding day choices are likely too bold for most other brides, she pulled off the last-minute move marvelously.
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Gen Z adults more likely to host teddy bear's picnics than actual kids amid Jellycat and Labubu craze
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GEN Z are more likely to host a tea party for their cuddly toys than actual children according to a recent survey. 'Plushie parties' are surging in popularity amongst grown-ups as Jellycat and Labubu push record sales. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Young adults are more likely to host 'plushie parties' than primary school kids 2 Gen Z are even using amusable food Jellycat toys to mimic picnic items Credit: Elly It comes as a whopping 72% of under-28s said they wanted to throw a bash for their stuffed toys – compared to just 69% of five to 10-year-olds. In fact, over a quarter (26%) of Gen Z openly admitted to hosting their own teddy bear picnics, with 85% of those inviting their grown-up pals to come along. Meanwhile, a shameless 41% admitted the events are purely designed to be flogged on social media. AO, which surveyed 1,000 Gen Zers and 1,000 kids aged five to ten on their love for stuffed-animals, found young adults are putting their own spin on the nursery-rhyme tradition by bringing premium plushies like Jellycats. Jellycats, which can cost up to thousands of pounds, are most popular with late teen and 20-somethings, according to the survey. 37% of Gen Z adults said they prefer to bring the pricier Jellycat toys to picnics - rather than traditional teddies. Some of the Jellycat toys are even designed to look like food - so make-believers can pretend their cuddly companions are part of the picnic itself. The high-value toys have become the latest global obsession, with many Brits sharing how they have built up collections worth a fortune. Gangs of thieves have even targeted stores selling Jellycats -- in one instance looting £20,000 worth. 'B----, I'LL KILL YOU' Chilling rise of Jellycat gangs - how toys sparked crimewave where KIDS are used as cover & scammers terrorise families Squishmallows (31%), Hello Kitty (31%) and Labubu (22%) were also popular mentions in the survey. But while grown-ups are rediscovering their love for soft toys, the magic seems to be fading for little ones. AO shockingly found almost a third of children have never had a teddy bear picnic at all. And for those who do, their menus no longer feature traditional jam sandwiches and crisps - but instead barbecued burgers, homemade pizzas, and even sushi rolls. Some 23% of parents use air fryers to rustle up the feast, and one in five (20%) say their espresso machine is an essential part of the teddy bear's tea. Isabella Forgione, small appliance expert at AO said: "Today's families are using small appliances in all sorts of creative ways, and it's great to see that even teddy bear picnics are being brought into the modern age." In honour of the generational shift, AO has unveiled a limited-edition contemporary teddy picnic set - featuring its own mascot, Bear. Punters can win the set by heading to their Instagram page and entering the competition between before July 25. Why are Jellycats so popular? THEY were made for kids, but Jellycat toys remain incredibly popular with adults too. So just what is the appeal? The London-based company started making toys in 1999, and enjoyed success from the outset thanks to the fabrics used to make their plushies suitable for children of all ages. In recent years, they have branched out from making toys of various animals into turning virtually anything you can think of into a Jellycat. Their vegetable offerings, which range from broccoli to avocado, can help kids eat their greens. And even their April Fools - a toilet paper toy - was a hit with fans. Jellycat also has numerous celebrity fans, including Princess Charlotte, with a picture released in 2015 showing the royal with her Fuddlewuddle dog. The hefty price tag of the toys also promote the idea of luxury, and the value of the toys increases over time - meaning they are often a worthwhile investment. Jellycat releases two new collections a year - in January and in the summer, in either June or July.
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Gen Z adults more likely to host teddy bear's picnics than actual kids amid Jellycat and Labubu craze
GEN Z are more likely to host a tea party for their cuddly toys than actual children according to a recent survey. 'Plushie parties' are surging in popularity amongst grown-ups as Jellycat and 2 Young adults are more likely to host 'plushie parties' than primary school kids 2 Gen Z are even using amusable food Jellycat toys to mimic picnic items Credit: Elly It comes as a whopping 72% of under-28s said they wanted to throw a bash for their In fact, over a quarter (26%) of Gen Z openly admitted to hosting their own Meanwhile, a shameless 41% admitted the events are purely designed to be flogged on social media. AO, which surveyed 1,000 Gen Zers and 1,000 kids aged five to ten on their love for Read more from news 37% of Gen Z adults said they prefer to bring the pricier Jellycat toys to picnics - rather than traditional teddies. Some of the Jellycat toys are even designed to look like food - so make-believers can pretend their cuddly companions are part of the picnic itself. The high-value toys have become the latest global obsession, with many Most read in The Sun Gangs of thieves have even targeted stores selling Jellycats -- in one instance looting £20,000 worth. 'B----, I'LL KILL YOU' Chilling rise of Jellycat gangs - how toys sparked crimewave where KIDS are used as cover & scammers terrorise families Squishmallows (31%), Hello Kitty (31%) and Labubu (22%) were also popular mentions in the survey. But while grown-ups are rediscovering their love for AO shockingly found almost a third of children have never had a teddy bear picnic at all. And for those who do, their menus no longer feature traditional jam sandwiches and crisps - but instead barbecued burgers, homemade pizzas, and even sushi rolls. Some 23% of parents use air fryers to rustle up the feast, and one in five (20%) say their espresso machine is an essential part of the Isabella Forgione, small appliance expert at AO said: "Today's families are using small appliances in all sorts of creative ways, and it's great to see that even In honour of the generational shift, AO has unveiled a limited-edition contemporary teddy picnic set - featuring its own mascot, Bear. Punters can win the set by heading to their Instagram page and entering the competition between before July 25. Why are Jellycats so popular? THEY were made for kids, but Jellycat toys remain incredibly popular with adults too. So just what is the appeal? The London-based company started making toys in 1999, and enjoyed success from the outset thanks to the fabrics used to make their plushies suitable for children of all ages. In recent years, they have branched out from making toys of various animals into turning virtually anything you can think of into a Jellycat. Their vegetable offerings, which range from broccoli to avocado, can help kids eat their greens. And even their April Fools - a toilet paper toy - was a hit with fans. Jellycat also has numerous celebrity fans, including Princess Charlotte, with a picture released in 2015 showing the royal with her Fuddlewuddle dog. The hefty price tag of the toys also promote the idea of luxury, and the value of the toys increases over time - meaning they are often a worthwhile investment. Jellycat releases two new collections a year - in January and in the summer, in either June or July.
IOL News
27-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Degrees for Sale: The scam killing education
A disturbing undercurrent flows through South Africa's higher education system with whispers of postgraduate degrees being 'bought', not earned. Image: Elly/Pixabay IN Sean O'Casey's scathing definition, universities have ignominiously become 'places where they polish pebbles and dim diamonds'. Thomas Jefferson, one of history's most persuasive and poetic writers, left an enduring vision for higher education. His words, inscribed on the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, remain resonant: 'If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilisation, it expects what never was and never will be.' Jefferson's ideas were revolutionary, not just in curriculum or architectural design, but in his belief that universities should enshrine 'the illimitable freedom of the human mind… for here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it.' He imagined institutions that extended beyond classrooms, embracing museums, galleries, and gardens open to the public. Though his views carried the elitism of his era, Jefferson's core ideals — education as vital to democracy, universities as communities of inquiry — still challenge us today. As S Aronowitz argued in The Knowledge Factory, higher education should cultivate 'knowledge of the broadest possible kind,' making learning 'a way of life that is first pleasurable, then rigorously critical.' Universities, he insisted, must be places where 'teachers gladly teach and students gladly learn'. Yet this vision is increasingly distant from reality. Economist Paul Heyne, in his lecture Researchers and Degree Purchasers, observed that most students now enrolled not to learn, but to 'purchase a degree'. Universities, he contended, have become transactional spaces: faculty prioritise research in exchange for minimal teaching demands, while students seek credentials, not knowledge. Globally, Jefferson's ideals have suffered irreparable damage. The rise of degree mills, fake institutions selling counterfeit credentials, has corrupted the value of legitimate education. Alan Contreras and George Gollin, in The Real and the Fake Degree and Diploma Mills, exposed how thousands bought degrees from sham operations like St Regis 'University'. These mills flood the market with fraudulent qualifications, undermining trust in genuine degrees. Worse, some accredited universities now 'launder' degrees through partnerships with disreputable foreign providers. South Africa is not immune. A disturbing undercurrent flows through its higher education system: whispers of postgraduate degrees being 'bought', not earned. At one KwaZulu-Natal university, allegations suggest a shadow industry where ghostwriters — sometimes faculty — craft dissertations for students who merely pay. The University of Zululand's past scandals pale beside this sophisticated fraud, which operates under the veneer of legitimacy. The consequences are dire. When knowledge production becomes commodified, universities cease to be centres of learning — they become credential mills. Public trust erodes, and the value of legitimate qualifications is hollowed out. The crisis extends beyond academia. With PhD graduates outpacing academic job openings, many face unemployment while fraudulent degree-holders infiltrate institutions. Cláudia Sarrico, Portugal's Secretary of State for Higher Education, warns that doctoral education must adapt to societal needs — or risk irrelevance. This is not mere institutional decay; it is a regression to an era where credentials are meaningless, and the cost of pretence is incalculable. Without urgent reform, we risk a future where diamonds remain dimmed—and pebbles pass as gold. * Dr Vusi Shongwe works in the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture in KwaZulu-Natal and writes in his personal capacity. ** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, IOL, or Independent Media. Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.
