Panthers Softball rout RMU in cross-town battle

Pitt softball hosted their cross-town adversary Robert Morris University (16-10, 5-0 HLC) at Vartabedian Field for a Wednesday evening matchup. The Panthers needed a strong showing, losing seven straight games leading up to their bout with the Colonials. The Panthers (12-14, 1-7 ACC) got back in the win column, drubbing the Colonials 7-2 after posting a season-high 12 hits during the non-conference showdown.

Robert Morris posted the first two runs of the game in the first inning following first-year Dani Drogemuller’s pitching error, as well as two back-to-back singles from senior pitcher Taylor Rhinehart and sophomore outfielder Charlotte Grover to bring two Colonial runners in. Despite the recorded pitching error, Drogemuller ended the game with 10 strikeouts over six innings of work. Drogemuller became the third pitcher since Pitt joined the Atlantic Coastal Conference to record over 100 strikeouts in a single season.

Senior infielders Yvonne Whaley and Sarah Seamans both reached base on a single and walk, respectively. Whaley reached third off another single from sophomore outfielder Cami Compson, but the Panthers faltered and left two runners left on base. The Colonials led 2-0 at the end of the first inning.

Drogemuller made quick work of the visiting batters in the second frame. The first struck out, with the second retiring after a fly out to third, while the third batter struck out swinging. Despite an overall lackluster start to the season from the Panthers, Drogemuller has been consistent on the rubber.

Pitt junior infielder Kayla Lane reached first off of a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Lane then scored when first-year catcher Amanda Ramirez laced a double, bringing the game to 2-1 at the bottom of the second. Two popouts and a groundout from the Panthers finished out the inning.

Drogemuller continued her showcase in the circle, and the Panthers’ offense eventually followed suit. Lane singled to left field to open up the bottom of the third. She advanced to second off a single from Ramirez and then stole her way to third. First-year infielder Kylie Griggs then walked and stole second base, setting up a potential for a flurry of runs from the Panthers. Junior outfielder Bailey Drapola provided just that, with a single bringing both Lane and Griggs in to give the Panthers a 3-2 lead.

Following a double from Whaley, the Robert Morris coaching staff brought senior Dana Vatakis into the circle to replace sophomore Jane Garver. But this didn’t stop the Panthers from tacking on a few more. Senior infielder Seamans doubled to right field following the pitching change, bringing Whaley in to make the game 4-2 in Pitt’s favor.

Despite a few fielding errors and stolen bases, the Panthers held strong in the next inning, not allowing a single run to cross. The Colonials left two runners on base.

The Panthers wanted to put the game to rest, and first-year infielder Haylie Brunson kicked it off with a double down the line. Senior infielder Katlyn Pavlick followed up with a single, sending Brunson to third. Pavlick stole second, but Lane grounded one to the Robert Morris pitcher, handing the Panthers an out. But Ramirez connected yet again, this time with a single down the right-field line, bringing Brunson in and increasing the Panther’s lead to three. Pavlick scored another for the Panthers after a double from Griggs, bringing the game to 6-2.

The Panthers added another run in the fifth inning to put the Colonials away.

The game ended in a resounding 7-2 win for the Panthers, a welcome sight for the Panthers after losing seven straight.

Pitt will travel to New York State this weekend for an ACC matchup series against the Syracuse Orange (17-12, 1-8 ACC). This will be a pivotal series for the Panthers that could set the tone for conference play for the rest of the season. The Panthers will be back at Vartabedian field to host Saint Francis University (18-11, 6-0 NEC) on April 6 at 5 p.m.

Pitt’s series against Syracuse will start this Saturday with a doubleheader. The first game begins at 2 p.m. The teams will wrap up the series with a game at noon on Sunday. All games will be streamed on ACCNX through ESPN.

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Take 5 | Frozen Four predictions, Duke-UNC matchup and more

In this week’s edition of the Take 5, The Pitt News Sports Desk takes a look at everything from the impact of F1 racing in Las Vegas to who will win the college hockey national championship and more.

Michigan will win the Frozen Four // Alexander Ganias, Staff Writer

The NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament has whittled its way down to four teams — Michigan, Minnesota State, Denver and Minnesota. And when the dust clears, the team from Ann Arbor will lift the trophy.

Michigan is the favorite for a myriad of reasons, the foremost of which is the amount of NHL prospects on their roster. Sophomore defenseman Owen Power headlines the roster after the Buffalo Sabres selected him with the first overall pick in 2021.

There are also sophomore forwards Matty Beniers and Kent Johnson, who combined for 28 goals and 52 assists. They were also selected with top five picks, as Beniers went No. 2 overall to Seattle and Johnson went at No. 5 to Columbus.

The Wolverines are also on a mission, as they haven’t won a national championship since 1998. They defeated American International 5-3 and Quinnipiac 7-4 to get to this point, and they have scored more goals than the other three schools in the tournament — but they’ve also allowed the most goals. If Michigan can tighten up its defense, it will string together two more wins and take home its NCAA-record tenth championship.

Suns will continue to soar over the western conference // Will McGlynn, Staff Writer

The Phoenix Suns have quietly topped the western conference this season, silencing the doubters who claimed they only survived the western conference due to a flurry of injuries on opposing rosters. The Suns have been elite this season — going on long winning streaks, having an exceptional record away from home and playing well against the league’s best teams. 

The Suns had a relatively easy road to the finals last season, beating an injury-riddled Lakers team, sweeping past the Denver Nuggets and beating the Clippers without Kawhi Leonard. Things have changed this season in the NBA, but the Suns look even better, holding a massive lead in the west over the inexperienced Memphis Grizzlies at the No. 2 seed.

With an outstanding regular season, an all-star player in Devin Booker and the hall of fame point guard Chris Paul, it’s hard to say this team won’t return to the NBA Finals. This season has essentially been a rerun of last year’s Suns, but they look even better this season. Maintaining key veterans and continuing to develop young stars was the offseason plan for this group, and it has worked to perfection. The Suns are battle-tested and they are coming back for the crown this season.

Las Vegas Grand Prix comes at the perfect time for F1 // Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer

F1 drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Lewis Hamilton were prophetic in their answers about what they wanted new American ownership to implement into the sport back in 2017.

“Race in Vegas,” Ricciardo said.

“Miami,” Hamilton added.

Both drivers will get their wish in 2023, as F1 announced on Thursday that the series would take to the streets of Sin City for the third time ever. The Las Vegas Grand Prix will be one of three U.S. races in 2023, alongside Austin and the newly formed Miami Grand Prix.

While American fans rejoice, the rest of the world is skeptical — no other country hosts more than two races a season, and the United States is still far from being the sport’s biggest audience.

Despite the doubts, a third U.S. race is massive for F1 and their popularity. They are striking while the iron is hot, taking advantage of a blossoming market that’s already seen record numbers in viewership just two races into the nascent 2022 season.

If F1 manages to avoid its tendencies to lean toward greed over visitor experience, the Las Vegas Grand Prix will be a spectacle. The track looks fast and features lots of late-braking opportunities — a perfect fit for the 2022 car. The long, curved straight through the Vegas Strip should offer fans some of the most iconic views of the season. 

Browns mortgage the future for more question marks // Jermaine Sykes, Staff Writer

The Cleveland Browns traded three first round picks, a third round pick and fourth round pick in exchange for Houston Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson and a fifth round pick. In what is a historic trade, the Browns finally have a household name at quarterback. While Watson is an arguable top five quarterback in the NFL — when he doesn’t have off-the-field issues — the Browns have deeper concerns than quarterback.

Watson will replace the Browns’ 2018 No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield at quarterback. Mayfield led the Browns to their first playoff appearance in 18 years in 2020, as well as their first playoff win against division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Mayfield regressed in 2021 due to injuries, and the Browns’ win-loss record took a hit as they fell to 8-9. While regression is never a good sign, Mayfield did not play poorly enough for the Browns to mortgage the future for his replacement.

The Browns have other needs as well. The Browns aren’t necessarily a “quarterback away” like we’ve seen with the Los Angeles Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in years past. 

Watson is definitely an upgrade over Mayfield. But Watson and his $230 million fully guaranteed contract won’t be able to fix all the problems in the Browns organization.

Take a minute to enjoy the North Carolina-Duke matchup // Zack Gibney, Senior Staff Writer

Every once in a while, the sports gods come together to create a matchup that just seems too good to be true.

This is the case with Friday’s Final Four nightcap between North Carolina and Duke — two of the biggest rivals in all of North American sports meeting in the most important game in the matchup’s history.

With a spot in the National Championship Game on the line, the stakes have never been higher.

This is especially true when you consider the fact that legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski announced that the 2021-22 campaign would be his last hurrah after an illustrious 47-year career. UNC played spoiler in the legendary coach’s final home game at Duke, and the Tar Heels will look to do so again on the sport’s biggest stage in New Orleans.

Add it all up, and you’re left with one of the most consequential games in modern history.

If North Carolina wins, they will not only be one win away from a national championship and leave an indelible blemish on the legacy of one of the most iconic figures in the history of college basketball.

A Duke victory would further cement Kryzyewski’s status as one of the greats and do so by knocking off a bitter rival one final time.

Sit back and enjoy.

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PDM raises more than $360k at first in-person dance event since 2019

Members of the Pitt community, including various Pitt Greek Life organizations and the cheer team, gathered at the Charles L. Cost Sports Center on Saturday for a 12-hour dance marathon celebrating the culmination of Pitt Dance Marathon’s year-long fundraising efforts. This year, PDM participants raised more than $366,000.

PDM is “the largest student-run philanthropy” at Pitt, according to PDM’s website. PDM works throughout the year to raise funds and awareness for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, which is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

PDM had around 1,500 participants and 130 staff members this year, according to Alyssa Berry, PDM’s director of recruitment and a senior English literature and law, criminal justice and society double major. Participants had until midnight on the day of the dance marathon to fundraise. At midnight, the PDM staff revealed how much participants fundraised — $366,817.32.

According to the PDM executive board, the top fundraising Greek team was Kappa Delta, which raised $17,066.28, and the top fundraising non-Greek team was CHAARG, which raised $2,710.62. Followed by Kappa Delta, the other top raising Greek teams included Delta Delta Delta, which raised $13,715, Sigma Sigma Sigma, which raised $12,178, and Theta Phi Alpha, which raised $11,448.

Emma Kappler, the marketing director of PDM, said they did not have any in-person programming the last two years due to COVID-19.

“It’s kind of crazy,” Kappler said. “I’ve been in this organization for three years, but this is my first dance marathon.”

According to Kappler, a junior political science and law, criminal justice and society major, the PDM recruitment team starts recruiting participants in the fall, using Child Health Day in the beginning of October as a big push day to get more participants.

A total of 76 student organizations, including social and academic fraternities and sororities, club sports teams and professional societies participated in PDM and were matched with other organizations to form “color teams,” according to Kappler. These color teams compete in different sports competitions for prizes on the day of the dance marathon event.

Music blasted throughout the Cost Sports Center during the 12-hour dance marathon for participants and miracle kids, who are a part of the Children’s Miracle Network, and families to dance. Various groups, such as Rince na gCathrach Cruach, the competitive Irish dance team, and Pitt Cheer performed the day of the dance marathon.

Harris Jayson, a sophomore human resource management and marketing major, spent about nine and a half hours at the dance marathon on Saturday. At the event, Jayson participated in a game of dodgeball with other members of the red team, made tote bags and ran through an inflatable obstacle course with some of the kids.

Jayson said he enjoyed participating in these various activities, something he and others who participated virtually in PDM last year could not do.

“It was great to have the event in person,” Jayson said.

Jayson said he liked getting to interact with the other teams at the event as well as seeing the kids enjoy the different games that day.

“There was a sense of community,” Jayson said. “I know everyone was really excited to raise money for the kids.”

Jayson individually raised $250, and his group, Zeta Beta Tau, raised $1,201.

PDM, in tandem with Greek Week, also hosted a fashion show with miracle kids. This year, the fashion show took place on March 2.

“I love the fashion show,” Kappler said. “We have a fashion show every year for the miracle kids. You get to see the kids in their element. You get to see them be happy and excited.”

Berry said this was the second in-person dance marathon she has attended. As a senior, Berry said she enjoyed watching others experience their first in-person dance marathon.

“It’s so exciting to watch all of our efforts,” Berry said. “Most of our staff has never been to the event in-person, except for our seniors. It’s exciting for our seniors to watch the other staff members get to enjoy what we have done.”

Despite all of the exciting games, performances and dancing, PDM Membership Director Colleen Gieringer said getting to speak to the families of the miracle kids was her favorite part of the dance marathon event.

“It was definitely a bit overwhelming to start, I didn’t really know what to expect,” Gieringer, a junior rehabilitation sciences major, said. “But I’ve just been so blown away. The entire Pitt community has shown up for us and for this amazing cause.”

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Review | ‘Bridgerton’ season two is the object of all our desires

If there’s one thing that Shonda Rhimes does right, it’s giving us representation that we’ve been waiting for too long to see. She did it with “Grey’s Anatomy,” and she did it when she decided that the “Bridgerton” series would have a racially diverse cast — despite the time period the show is set in.

The Netflix original takes place during the Regency era in London and is based on the collection of novels by Julia Quinn, which focuses on the eight wealthy Bridgerton siblings. Season one of the show centered around the eldest daughter of the family, Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), and the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page).

In her story, the Queen of England (Golda Rosheuvel) coined Daphne the “diamond” of the marriage season, making her the most desired lady by the men of that courting season. Daphne and Simon engaged in a fake-dating scheme that eventually led to them confessing their love for one another.

The first season received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback, and many doubted that the second season would be able to live up to the hype of the former. This rang especially true considering that season two centers around Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), the eldest son of the family — who wasn’t exactly the most likable character in the first season.

But Jonathan Bailey played Anthony to perfection as we watched him redeem himself and fall in love with the beautiful Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) — with an incredible enemies-to-lovers slow burn. This season is unlike the previous, which lacked the tension, small glances and chemistry that Anthony and Kate shared every time they graced the screen together.

This season focused on small moments — such as holding hands for a second too long — to highlight Anthony and Kate’s feelings for one another. It was quite a change from season one where Daphne and Simon quickly consummated their relationship. There was clearly more development in Anthony and Kate’s relationship. Each almost-kiss was met with my screams of joy.

From confessing to Kate that she is the “bane of [his] existence and the object of all [his] desires” to worrying himself sick when she hurt herself falling off a horse, it’s obvious that Anthony has a way with words and deeds.

But what made this season stand out was the integration of South Asian representation throughout, as Kate was played by a dark-skin Tamil actress. Not only this, but the “diamond” of the season, appointed by the Queen, was Kate’s younger half-sister, Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran), who is also South Asian.

This season gave us something that has been lacking in Hollywood for years — the notion that South Asian women can be seen as desirable. There was no talk about why Anthony saw Kate as beautiful despite her being brown. There was no talk about Edwina being the “diamond” of the season despite her being brown. They simply were.

It is refreshing to see South Asian culture be so subtly intertwined into a show realistically — without being the butt of a joke.

We see Edwina refer to Kate as “Didi”—meaning “older sister” in Hindi, and Kate referring to Edwina as “Bon,” which means “younger sister” in Bengali. There is a Haldi ceremony for Edwina — a pre-wedding ritual where turmeric paste is applied to the bride’s face and body by close family and friends.

The costumes for this season incorporate embroidery that is usually sewn onto Indian clothes, and Kate and Edwina adorn traditional Desi jewelry as well. Kate prepares chai with cardamom, a common spice used in Indian tea, and massages warm coconut oil on Edwina’s scalp at night. Many South Asians have yearned for this subtle nod to Indian culture that brings brown representation to life.

Aside from Anthony and Kate’s chemistry and the much-needed diversity, this season did, however, lack in aspects that the first season flourished in. The main issue is that this season did not focus on Anthony and Kate as much as last season focused on Simon and Daphne. Instead, it followed multiple side plotlines that didn’t deserve as much screen time as they got.

As much as Lady Whistledown — the “gossip girl” of this show — is entertaining to learn about, there was too much emphasis on Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), one of the eight siblings, who tries to discover Whistledown’s identity. Along with this, we were given a deeper look into the Featherington family, a family that has many, many issues. I’ll be the first to say that every time they were on the screen, I had an urge to skip through the episode.

So much time was spent developing other characters who will feature in the later seasons that we did not get to see the couple most of us were watching for in the first place. 

This is especially disheartening because Anthony and Kate’s tension was palpable. The build-up to their first kiss was like teetering on the edge of a tall cliff and when it finally happened, it was a dream come true.

When they finally got together at the end of the last episode, I wanted more. I wanted to see them as a happy couple without constant obstacles keeping them apart. However, I suppose I can’t complain too much, as Anthony and Kate are expected to make multiple appearances throughout the later seasons of the show as the Viscount and Viscountess. I can only hope that we get to see as much of them in later seasons as we saw Eloise Bridgerton and the Featheringtons in this one.

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Khloe Kardashian Video Featuring True Thompson And Blac Chyna’s Girl, Dream Kardashian Will Make Your Day

Khloe Kardashian shared a video on her social emdia account that will definitely melt the hearts of a lot of fans and followers. Check out the sweet clip featuring her daughter, True Thompson, and Blac Chyna's daughter Dream Kardashian. Someone said: 'One thang bout Khloe baby she gone have Dream ! Love it !!!' and a commenter posted this: 'Dance routines with cousins made childhood worthwhile.'   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) One other follower said: 'Oh she trying to be funny cause Chyna lying and begging,' and a follower said: 'Lordt y’all confirming that baby ain’t with Chyna. He said M-S.' A fan wrote this message: 'She just trying to show that dream there, petty!' One fan posted this: 'Can’t help but to think she posted this ironically right after Rob said when he has Dream for confirmation. Petty??? I think so. And I’m here for it.' Khloe's baby daddy, Tristan Thompson was making headlines not too long ago as well. He was also with their daughter. Tristan Thompson showed his fans a video on his favorite type of date nights are while some people's hearts are melting, others are bashing him. Check out the post that he shared on social media. The video features True Thompson, his and Khloe Kardashian's daughter. A fan said: 'I absolutely love Cheesecake Factory dates with my baby girl she loves it and gets excited to wave to everyone it’s so cute.' One other commenter posted this: 'Father or not...I wouldn't let him kiss on my daughter. That's like kissing half of Cali.' Someone else said: 'Not cool when you have other children looking for that same time and energy sad.' Fans loved to see him with his daughter. People are talking about one other of his kids. Just to refresh your memory, Tristan Thompson made the following move before telling Khloe Kardashian that he has a baby with another woman. Check out the latest reports coming from TMZ and TSR here. https://ift.tt/lKhV5AN

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Pitt adds 29 new COVID-19 cases since March 23

Pitt officials said Thursday that 21 students and eight employees tested positive for COVID-19 from March 23 to 30.

An email sent by Pitt’s COVID-19 Medical Response Office said cases on campus remain “mild and low in number,” after relaxing the mask mandate on Monday.

Pitt still requires masks inside health care centers and on University shuttle buses. Additionally, the email said individuals in quarantine or isolation must remain masked in all public spaces — indoor and outdoor — for 10 days.

The email said while some community members may feel uncomfortable around unmasked individuals, studies have shown that masks are effective at reducing COVID-19 transmission, even among mixed masked and unmasked individuals.

The CMRO also said Pitt has second booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine available at the CoVax Vaccination Center, as well as initial doses and flu shots. The second booster doses are available after the FDA authorized the dosage, and are for anyone age 50 or older or anyone who has received a solid organ transplant or is equivalently immunocompromised. Those who have been vaccinated — including with booster doses — should update their vaccination record.

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Bryce Hulett looks to stay consistent as Panthers make Omaha push

For baseball players, sometimes it just clicks at the plate.

It’s certainly clicking as of late for senior first baseman Bryce Hulett, who is posting 1.175 OPS to this point in the season — the highest mark of his Pitt career, and good for No. 9 in a loaded ACC. Hulett’s rapid improvement is a welcome addition to the Panther offense this season.

Hulett put his power on display in game two in a series this past weekend against Clemson. The shot flew over the right-field wall. Once the ball connected with the bat, there was little doubt it would head over the fence. Hulett wasn’t always known for his long ball capability, but is seeing results after working to get stronger this offseason.

“I hit the weight room a lot harder this offseason,” Hulett said. “And I’ve gotten way more aggressive at the plate.”

The aggressiveness paid off as the home run put Pitt up 5-1 in the third inning, a lead the team didn’t surrender. The game was the second of a crucial series sweep in a Panther season that has been a rollercoaster. But Hulett’s play has been one of the few constants this season.

Hulett already has more home runs — five — in 22 games this season than in his prior two seasons combined. Hulett’s exponential growth in the batters’ box may be a surprise to some, but not to head coach Mike Bell.

“Bryce is taking what he’s learned the last few years and being more patient at the plate,” Bell said. “He hasn’t changed who he is, he’s just reaping the benefits of the work he’s put in.”

In his first season — shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic — Hulett posted a .339 average, a .413 on-base percentage and a .464 slugging percentage along with one home run.

Hulett saw a slight drop-off in 2021, as he only posted a .247 batting average, .364 on-base percentage and a .370 slugging percentage. But this season Hulett has boosted each of those numbers to .387, .495 and .680, respectively  — which are all team-leading and career highs.

Hulett attributed some of his progression this season to his work with hitting coach Ty Megahee.

“Working with coach Ty has me focusing more on the little things,” Hulett said. “Swinging at strikes early inside the count and just staying inside the ball. They just helped me improve upon my confidence.”

Megahee and Hulett worked with each other in spring ball to improve his batting. The two saw improvement in some metrics and knew that Hulett could be in for a big season.

“We went over numbers in the fall and we knew we had to keep it going,” Megahee said. “We told him not to change a thing.”

The beginning of the season didn’t get off to the hottest start for Hulett, though. During the month of February, he only tallied five RBIs with one home run. It seemed as if Hulett would continue his production from years prior. But Bell wasn’t concerned.

“Baseball is baseball,” Bell said. “There will be ups and downs but you just have to stay at-bat to at-bat, and we preached that.”

March was the turning point in Hulett’s season. He has doubled his RBI numbers and added four home runs on top of that. Hulett fully showcased his offensive talent and plate discipline in a game against High Point on March 9, hitting a home run along with two walks. The Panthers utilized his abilities on the way to a 15-5 victory on the road.

While Hulett leads the Panthers in most hitting categories, their offense as a whole has shined for most of the season and that is not necessarily represented by their win-loss record. The Panthers rank No. 5 in home runs in the ACC. Yet they are just 12-10 and are No. 12 in the ACC standings. The Panthers at times are lackluster against higher levels of competition, but Hulett believes the team’s culture can afford the Panthers a few big wins down the stretch.

“Chemistry is a big part of our program,” Hulett said. “Everyone clicks and gels and we know that will translate on the field.”

Everyone within the program knows Hulett has been successful this season. But everyone also knows that maintaining this success is key.

With a tough schedule coming up, Hulett and the Panthers know they will have to step up their game if they want to stay afloat in the ACC. Hulett is up for the challenge.

“I’ve been here for a while now,” Hulett said. “I know it will be a challenge but it will not be new to me anymore. I’m ready.”

While Hulett has welcomed the success, he’s trying to keep himself focused and not pay too much attention to statistics.

“Just to keep going,” Hulett said. “I don’t like to look at the numbers.”

Hulett was much less passive about the team’s aspirations for the rest of the season.

“Omaha,” Hulett said. “That’s the goal.”

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Column | Pitt lacrosse has met, exceeded expectations in inaugural season

As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. But “Rome” in this situation is well ahead of schedule.

Coming into its inaugural season, few had high expectations for Pitt’s lacrosse program. While the idea of a new team on campus was a fun and compelling concept, many expected the rest of the ACC to leave Pitt behind.

That sentiment has since changed.

While head coach Emily Boissonneault and the Panthers are still yet to pick up an ACC win, the team has impressed on several levels. The Panthers sit at 5-6 on the season, and in their losses to Virginia Tech, No. 7 Duke and No. 2 Boston College, the Panthers were either ahead or well within arm’s reach of the lead in each game.

Pitt came up just one goal short in the games against Virginia Tech and No. 7 Duke. The Panthers took Virginia Tech to double overtime at home and nearly knocked off Duke in Durham after holding a 5-4 lead at halftime.

While their record may not reflect it, the Panthers have been far more competitive than many expected them to be — a testament to an effective coaching staff and a promising group of players who refuse to accept their underdog status.

Pitt has a roster of players from a variety of different backgrounds ranging from graduate transfers to former members of the club team. Despite the different journeys, the team has clicked and the results are beginning to show.

Through 11 games, Pitt has two 20-goal scorers in graduate student attacker Paige Petty and sophomore attacker Kate Elam, who have 29 and 20 goals, respectively. Petty has scored five goals on three separate occasions, including once against Virginia Tech — her former school.

Petty, who set Tech’s single-season goals record just three seasons ago, has spearheaded Pitt’s attack throughout the season. After making the move to Pitt, she has picked up right where she left off with the Hokies.

Between the pipes, the Panthers have another contributor who arrived via the transfer portal in graduate student goalkeeper Paulina DiFatta. After attending Fairfield and Elon before her arrival in Pittsburgh, DiFatta cemented herself as the team’s No. 1 goalkeeper. DiFatta started all 11 of Pitt’s games and has a save percentage of .442 so far this season.

Petty and DiFatta are both part of a group of older players who have laid the groundwork for the program’s future. Despite the fact that the program may not contend at a national level while they’re on the roster, it will feel their impact going forward.

There’s something to be said for a months-old program taking some of the nation’s top teams down to the final whistle.

Pitt women’s lacrosse players pose for a photo after their victory against Akron Monday night. (Nate Yonamine | Staff Photographer)

Looking toward the remainder of their schedule, the Panthers will face Syracuse, Louisville and Notre Dame to finish out conference play. They will also travel to Happy Valley to face Penn State on April 12, and George Mason at Highmark Stadium to close out the regular season on April 19.

Aside from the on-field product, the players and coaching staff have created a sense of family within the program. Boissonneault prioritized building a strong culture since taking over the program, and she said the players have bought in.

“I’m super impressed with the team’s commitment to the process. The players understand that the culture piece is more important than anything to me,” Boissonneault said. “That’s going to drive our success. If we don’t have a strong culture, then a lot of the work we are doing doesn’t have the same value.”

In a season full of firsts, the Pitt lacrosse program is showing extremely promising signs for the future. The Panthers’ mentality is a prime reason they’re outperforming expectations for a team that’s only a month and a half old. The team had not played a game before mid-February, but the bond between the players and coaches is something that can define the program going forward.

 “I love every person on this team and I think we do a good job of making everyone feel that,” Boissonneault said. “I really value the community that they’re creating and the family atmosphere … that’s really special.”

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Pitt swim and dive concludes season at NCAA Championships in Atlanta

Three divers and one swimmer from Pitt went to the NCAA championships over the past two weeks in Atlanta, but none managed to make it past the preliminary stages of the competition.

In a historic year for the Panthers, divers Amy Read, Dylan Reed and Cameron Cash all qualified for the NCAA Championships after their respective NCAA Zone A Championship performances in Annapolis, Maryland, earlier this month. Senior swimmer Cooper van der Laan was the fourth Panther from the program and only swimmer to qualify for the NCAA Championships, managing to do so in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke events.

Read, already one of Pitt’s most decorated divers, became the only diver in program history to qualify for the NCAA championships four times. After finishing third in the women’s platform in Annapolis, the senior ensured that she would compete in all three events — 1-meter, 3-meter and platform — at the women’s national championships in Atlanta.

Read struggled in all three events compared to her scores from earlier in the season. Her season ended in the preliminary round for each event, finishing at No. 46 out of 47 in the 1-meter, No. 50 out of 51 in the 3-meter and No. 45 out of 46 in platform.

Finishing with a combined score of 675.45, Cash became the only first-year in program history to qualify for all three diving events at the NCAA Championships. Reed, competing alongside him, also qualified for all three events. The junior only competed in the 1-meter event in last year’s championships. Combined, the two divers qualified for six events, which was another school record for men’s diving.

Both Reed and Cash found their strongest success on platform from March 24-26 at the NCAA Championships, with Cash’s 300.95 score putting him in No. 26 overall and Reed’s 297.45 allowing him to finish a slightly lower No. 28. 1-meter, and 3-meter both proved to be more of a struggle for the two divers, with Reed finishing at No. 37 and Cash at No. 43 in 1-meter. Cash put in his second strongest performance in the 3-meter, placing at No. 30 with Reed behind him at No. 40.

Van der Laan earned his second consecutive bronze in the 100-meter breast at the 2022 ACC Championships with a score of 51.64. His time of 51.42 earlier in the season at the Ohio State Invitational was good enough for an NCAA A Cut distinction as No. 11 in the nation. It also set a program record in the process. His 200-meter breast time of 1:53.23 ranked No. 30 nationally and put him in the NCAA B Cut for the event.

Despite finishing No. 8 in the 100-meter breast at last year’s NCAA championships, Van der Laan regressed in the event this year, finishing at No. 23 overall with a 52.14 second run. Normally his weaker event, Van der Laan set a season-best mark of 1:53.04 in the 200-meter breast, putting him at No. 20 overall for the category.

Just two days after the men’s NCAA championships concluded, athletic director Heather Lyke announced John Hargis wouldn’t return to his position as head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming program. The former Olympic gold-medalist spent six years with the program, and Lyke announced the program is actively searching for another head coach.

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Spring temperatures bring spikeball back to the outdoors

It’s the time of year when the grass becomes visible again, the temperature is just warm enough for short sleeves and one of the more familiar signs of spring in Oakland — the sight of students playing spikeball.

Oakland is no stranger to the game of spikeball — Pitt even has its own spikeball club, called Club Roundnet. Nick Genkinger, a sophomore chemistry major, describes the game as the love child of volleyball and foursquare, if beginners need a visual way to think about it.

“When you get really into the game, it becomes a lot more intricate than that, but when you’re first learning this is the easiest way of thinking about it,” Genkinger said.

The game features a net similar to a small trampoline and three balls. The object of the game is to throw the ball into the net so the opposing team can’t catch and return it, but each team only has three chances to accomplish this before switching off. Genkinger had his first introduction to the game after Harry Yen, the current president of Club Roundnet, introduced it to him and a friend.

“We were instantly hooked, even after he destroyed us,” Genkinger said. “We were so shocked to see how good some people were at spikeball because we always played it as more of a casual game, but that’s the great thing about the game, is that it can be played at all competitive levels and be just as fun.”

Sam DeGrace, a senior business major, started playing spikeball while he and his volleyball teammates were waiting for the next game at a volleyball tournament. He said he’s been hooked since then, and his favorite spot to play is Schenley Park.

“I like playing in Schenley when it’s warm out and there aren’t too many people around,” DeGrace said. “That way we don’t bother them too much by possibly hitting them with the ball.”

Both the space and the location of Schenley Park are what make it a favorite for Demitri Magriples, a junior civil engineering major. Magriples, who has played spikeball since starting casually with his friends in between classes in high school, said Schenley Plaza is also great because it gets a lot of sun.

“Schenley Plaza is a great spot to play,” Magriples said. “It’s got a lot of room, granted there isn’t a lot of other students there, and it gets good sunshine to stay warm for most of the day.”

Another favorite spot is the green spaces around the Cathedral of Learning. This is where Genkinger spends most of his time playing, both casually and during Roundnet tournaments.

“My favorite spot is easily Cathy Lawn, and you will see the circles of dead grass that is evidence left behind by the people playing spikeball there,” Genkinger said. “Playing in front of a big crowd is definitely super fun when we host tournaments, and everyone in the club is so supportive, and whenever you or someone else makes a good play there is always a lot of cheering and of course some friendly banter.”

Whether a professional or novice at the game, anyone can play  — and anyone can join the club at Pitt, according to Genkinger. He said one of the best things about the sport is how inclusive it can be, as skill level and physical ability have no influence on how well someone can play.

“The great thing about spikeball is that, unlike a lot of other sports, your physical size doesn’t limit your ability to play the game just as well as the person you’re playing against,” Genkinger said.

Students interested in getting some exercise or just getting outside and meeting new people will have plenty of opportunities to do so in the very near future. According to Genkinger, the tournaments will soon start back up, twice a month.

He said the low entry fee of $5 goes toward various local causes. They even were recently able to raise enough money to get spikeball equipment for Pittsburgh’s Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“The entry fees into the tournaments also go towards great causes, and we recently raised enough money to buy spikeball nets for Big Brothers Big Sisters here in Pittsburgh,” Genkinger said. “On April 16 we will be going to donate them and teach the kids how to play in order to support a new generation of spikeballers.”

If the Pitt club sounds too intimidating as a starting point, students will have no problem just finding a net and some pro players willing to help them out, according to Magriples. The game provides a space where friends and strangers alike can enjoy time together, which is why Magriples believes it is so popular on campus.

“If you don’t want to get your own net, you can just walk up to anybody you see playing and ask to join,” Magriples said. “The community of people who play spikeball is very nice and encouraging and always willing to show someone how to play.”

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Alec Baldwin Compared The Oscars To A Show Following Will Smith Event

Alec Baldwin had something to say about this year's Oscars. He obviously talked following the event that happened around Will Smith and Chris Rock. The Shade Room said: 'The Will Smith and Chris Rock debacle has everybody and their mamas giving all types of opinions, including Alec Baldwin.'   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) TSR said: 'On Tuesday, Alec Baldwin, who is facing a wrongful death lawsuit for the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of his film, ‘Rust,’ took to Twitter and wrote, 'I am not reading much about how, or even if, the producers attended to Chris.' Baldwin continued, 'But I love you, @chrisrock. And I’m sorry the Oscars turned into the #JerrySpringer show.' Alec Baldwin has a long history of being labeled as aggressive and doing things deemed inappropriate that spans over a decade. I Someone said: 'And what does he compare the movie set he was on when he shot and killed that lady?.' A follower said: 'This weirdo killed a whole human on set…. Sitcho ass down,' and someone else posted this: 'It’s always the last person who should be talking that be talkin.' A fan said: 'Just caught a body bout a week agooo” - Bobby Shmurda,' and a commenter posted this message: 'Not the killer talking about a little slap now.' Someone else posted this: 'Y’all was alll tryna defend him months ago now y’all throwing it in his face cause he got an opinion.' The other day, The Shade Room noted: 'If there’s one thing #WillSmith doesn’t play about, it’s his wife and he made that clear tonight at the #Oscars. #ChrisRock made a joke about #JadaPinkettSmith starring in a remake of the ‘G.I. Jane’ due to her bald haircut, and Will clearly was not feeling it. Not only did he get physical with Chris, he let him know he better keep his wife’s name out of his mouth!' https://ift.tt/yIjGWN6

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Jane Campion: ‘I needed this Oscar for The Power of the Dog. equality matters

The director, one of the winners of the fateful night that blurred Will Smith, talks about the importance of representation after winning the Oscar for best direction for 'The Power of the Dog.' The last gala of the Oscar Awards, in which tapes like CODA, Drive my Car, or Dune should have dazzled, has ended up marked by Will Smith's attack on presenter Chris Rock. Although the Academy will investigate the incident, the cinema was in second place. But there were surprises, some very pleasant, such as the first victory of a film released on streaming like CODA or the well-deserved award for directing by Jane Campion for The Power of the Dog, being the third woman to win the Oscar for Best Director. and the second in a row after the success of Chloe Zhao and Nomadland in 2021. As the actress has confessed in Variety, she needed this award to promote equality. Jane Campion's achievement is no more minor. They have had to spend 93 years awarding statuettes to two women like those mentioned to be able to raise their awards consecutively. Although Campion's happiness was remarkable, the one that promised to be the great winner of the night, The power of the dog, was left almost empty when tapes like CODA or Dune managed to prevail in the most varied categories to the production of Netflix. The streaming platform's advertising campaign opted for the Apple film, but the show took home one of the most important awards: best direction. Until 2010, with Kathryn Bigelow and her On Hostile Ground, no woman had won this Oscar, with only seven women nominated for that category in the entire history of these awards. Campion highlighted this, who was visibly happy and excited to receive this statuette. "I am proud to have won today, for my film, my team, and my cast, but also to be another woman who is going to be followed by a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, and an eighth. So I am very excited because now this is moving fast. We need it. Equality matters," she explained. In 1994 it was very close. While Jane Campion, who lashed out at superhero movies a few days ago, picked up the best screenplay award for The Piano, she almost received the Academy's highest directing honors. Instead, Steven Spielberg received the award for his Schindler's List. CODA director and screenwriter Sian Heder, who took home the award for best screenplay, was full of praise for Campion, who she considers an inspiration in her career. " I love a job well done; when people do it, I don't care who they are or where they come from. It just excites me. I think it is very rewarding that lately, they are women because they have brave energy. Thanks to the #MeToo movement, I think this is their moment," he concluded. The Hollywood industry, little by little, seems to be heading towards new horizons and times, rewarding talent. https://ift.tt/yIjGWN6

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Satire | ‘Don’t Say Gay’ is really effective legislation

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the controversial “Parental Rights in Education” bill on Monday, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The bill prohibits classroom instruction involving gender identity and sexual orientation, specifically for children in kindergarten through grade three, or “in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate.”

And maybe I’m crazy, but … does anyone else think this is like, super effective, necessary legislation?

No, seriously. Because developmentally inappropriate discussion of sexual orientation desperately needs addressing! I mean, don’t you guys remember that completely real day in kindergarten where our teachers used two Barbies and two G.I. Joe action figures to simulate gay sex in vivid detail? Mortifying. We need to regulate these kinds of lessons, which, might I remind you, definitely happen.

Everybody knows that children have never been gay until recent history. There was definitely no devastating epidemic — exacerbated by an apathetic Republican administration — that wiped out an entire generation of queer people. The growing population of LGBTQ+ people is all because of the woke public school curriculum. English classes reading “The Color Purple”? Gay. AP Government and Politics covering Obergefell v. Hodges? Queer propaganda. Homozygous genotypes in biology? HOMO?!?! Gay.

If our schools don’t address queerness, then kids won’t ever know queer people exist! Floridian children don’t have lives outside of the classroom. Every morning, an alligator chases them for five miles to school. Exhausted from a day of learning, they go to bed promptly at 4 p.m. There are no children with gay parents, especially not in South Beach, where you can get a good ol’ heterosexual french toast at a drag queen-free brunch. Florida — aside from the snowflake-appeasing public school curriculum — is a completely straight, cisgender state. Once you exit the state and enter Georgia, glitter assaults the windshield of your 2013 Honda Civic and “Rain On Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande reverberates through the interstate like a tornado warning.

If we were to address homosexuality with our students, we would have to address homophobia. But why address something that doesn’t exist anymore? Everybody knows that Hilary Duff ended homophobia with an earth-shattering public service announcement. Problem solved.

And not to mention, this bill is perfect for young queer educators! After all, they keep saying “do not perceive me” on TikTok. Now, we are largely barred from teaching about fundamental aspects of their identities. You’re welcome, teachers! There will be virtually no dissent, which we wouldn’t have to worry about anyway because it’s not like teachers are currently quitting en masse or anything. That’d be crazy!

Like I said about backlash — there is none! Now, I know what you’re thinking. What about this video of Florida high school students walking out to protest the bill? Fake news. This is actually a site-specific immersive production of the play “The Laramie Project.” And thank heavens “Don’t Say Gay” might prohibit high school theater programs from ever performing “The Laramie Project” again. The play’s content is way too heavy, and high school actors aren’t good enough to perform it. High school theater programs can just mount “The Crucible” for the fourth time in 20 years. Besides, arts programs don’t have the budget for new sets and costumes. Reduce, reuse, recycle, am I right?

Ultimately, this legislation has one goal — keep parents comfortable in their inability to foster difficult conversations. I mean, God forbid little Huxley comes home and asks, “Mommy, how is it that my friend Kaighleigh has two mommies? I’ve never seen that before.” Mom could say, “You know how Daddy and I loved each other before he left us for his cousin? Kaighleigh’s mommies love each other like that, too.” But that’s too much pressure! Instead, Florida moms will panic and Naruto run into their gator-proofed pools to create a diversion.

In all seriousness, this legislation is stupid, needless and harmful. Times are changing, and we need to change with them. We can’t pretend queer people don’t exist. Kids will be born queer no matter what we do and, lucky for us, we are bringing them up in a more vibrant, accepting world. It’s time to brave what we don’t know and choose love and life for our nation’s children.

Paige Wasserman (she/her) writes about the arts, pop culture, campus culture and things that make her want to scream. You can reach her at PLW15@pitt.edu.

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Pitt routs Akron, 18-6, on frigid evening at Highmark Stadium

Pitt women’s lacrosse was fresh off a loss to the No. 2 team in the country and, after some competitive losses in conference play, eager to earn something other than a moral victory.

They did more than just that against Akron on Monday afternoon. The Panthers (6-6 overall, 0-5 ACC) earned their second-highest margin of victory of the season against visiting Akron (2-10 overall, 1-4 MAC). They won by a score of 18-6 in their final non-conference game of the season.

With another top-five opponent looming on the horizon, Pitt wanted to avenge last weekend’s loss to Boston College, according to junior attack Carlie Leach. She said her team felt more connected on Monday night and finally put together a full 60-minute performance.

“I think it was kind of a bit of revenge,” Leach said. “We know that we’re capable of more and capable of putting a full 60 minutes together. So it was really great to see that tonight.”

Amid frigid temperatures at Highmark Stadium, Pitt followed a simple formula. Defensive stops created fastbreak opportunities and the Panthers used their quickness advantage to find easy shots around the net.

They dominated possession in the early minutes and goals naturally followed. The Panthers found the back of the net twice within the game’s first two and a half minutes. They shot four times to no avail, before netting their first score at the 10:41 mark and second 53 seconds later.

Graduate attack Madisyn Kittell assisted on both goals and, after dicing up the Zips for 30 minutes, extended her team lead in assists from three over the next highest total to six. Against Akron, she and junior attack Leach tied for the team lead in assists with three apiece.

Kittell gets the glory of having filled the box score, but after the game, she credited her teammates with finding free space on their own.

“I think my team did a great job of working off the ball and getting open,” Kittell said. “And I think it’s mostly on them. Yeah I saw them, but they did a really good job working off ball.”

Pitt led 3-0 after one quarter and stretched its advantage in the second. The Panthers scored six times in the frame, primarily off of fast breaks. Pitt’s defenders stonewalled the Akron attack and won the battle for ground balls. Meanwhile, the midfield unit made transitions smooth and attackers closed out possessions with easy scores off effective passing and cutting.

At times, the Panthers simply ran past their opponents on offense and outmuscled them on defense, but that was by design, according to Leach. She said the Panthers wanted to run their fastbreaks often, something they haven’t practiced a lot.

“We just haven’t really worked on our fastbreak game and for the first time tonight, we were really able to do that,” Leach said. “We’ve been working on that in practice and seeing those different gaps where we could find the back of the net … And now I think we’ll keep doing it.”

In the second half, Akron shored up its defense and began to pressure Pitt on the other end. Instead of trying to match the Panthers’ speed, the Zips played deliberately. Their first goal came after they used up almost the entire 90-second shot clock and moved the ball to within close range. Akron also benefited from some sloppy Pitt fouls that gave first-year midfielder Noelle Boyd open looks at the net. She scored four of six Akron goals and gave the Panthers fits all evening.

Pitt women’s lacrosse players pose for a photo after their victory against Akron Monday night. (Nate Yonamine | Staff Photographer)

Because the score ended up so lopsided, head coach Emily Boissonneault mixed in some of her reserves. As a result, a trio of Pitt first-years — Rachel Familetti, Devon Cavanaugh and Maeve Murray — each scored their first career goals. Leach said she was happy that they got to celebrate their teammates’ milestones during the win.

“It was so incredible to see so many of them have their first goal tonight,” Leach said. “Just being there to celebrate them was awesome. I think especially Devon and Rachel, I was really proud of them tonight. They were able to find the back of the net and looked so confident and composed doing it.”

The Panthers will be back in action on Saturday at noon, when they take on No. 4 Syracuse.

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Sports Podcast | March Madness

Brian Sherry and Jermaine Sykes discuss upcoming March Madness games and their predictions on who will win it all. This podcast was recorded on Friday March 25t.

Music by Wataboi from Pixabay.

Audio edited by Sinéad McDevitt.

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Host Trevor Noah sold his Bel Air mansion for less than expected

Trevor Noah was asking $29.5 million for his Bel Air mansion; However, he sold it for only $26.4 million. American host Trevor Noah, known for The Daily Show, recently sold his mansion in Bel Air, California, for less than the asking price. Noah's property entered the real estate market with a price of $29.5 million dollars; five months later, the place was sold for only 26,400,000 dollars. The host of The Daily Show bought this property in 2020 from architect Mark Rios. At that time, he paid 27,500,000 dollars. It is strange that no millionaire has wanted to give the total figure for this Japanese-style mansion, which is eight years old. The mansion is 11,375 square feet spread over three floors with six bedrooms, eight full baths, three half baths, a foyer, kitchen, dining room, living room, great room, TV room, movie theater, library, office, wine cellar, bar, gym, sauna, elevator, and more luxuries. In addition to the main house, there is also a guest house with everything you need and its own games room. Thanks to its location and three stories high, the new owners will have a stunning view of the Bel Air area and beyond. Not only the interior of the Japanese-style mansion is enviable, but its interior has everything you need to spend pleasant afternoons outdoors. Outside is a 0.98-acre lot with a pool, spa area, beer garden, and fire pit. https://ift.tt/uEJhCoO

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Kandi Burruss Continues To Follow Her Routine No Matter What And Fans Love It

Kandi Burruss continues to follow her routine and her fans and followers could not be happier to learn more about it. Check out the video that she shared on her social media account below. I’m so tired but still have to follow my routine follow @kaleidoscopehairproducts for the hair growth gummies My hair growth gummies are important in this journey of growth and healthy hair! Kaleidogrow @darealbbjudy Someone said: 'Mrs Kandi we should collaborate together! Let’s spread motivation & positivity around the helping people whom may be going through depression and anxiety #mentalhealthmatters.'   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kandi Burruss (@kandi) A commenter psoted this: 'Listen to your body mind and soul it's telling you something protect it.' One other follower saiad: 'Kandi you look so beautiful I love you. I think you deserve your own show. Your think your such a great person!' Someone else said: 'Really enjoyed you on the real today that was soo touching luvvv you sweetie.' A follower said: 'Hardest working lady in Atlanta!!!! Get plenty of Rest !!! God bless you!!!' Kandi Burruss flaunted a massive cleavage in her latest video. Check out the clip below to see why fans are gushing over her. 'Nothing like a song that makes you wanna do the electric slide! #KandiAndTheGang,' Kandi wrote. Kandi Burruss made her fans and followers smile with a new video featuring her son, Ace Wells Tucker. Check out the clip below. Someone said: 'He's growing so fast!! Aww ! I hope all is well boooooo,' and a commenter posted this: 'Love watching the new series! Lot of love from Phoenix Arizona.' In other recent news,   Kandi Burruss is mourning the passing of Traci Braxton . Check out the message that she shared on her IG account. 'I’m sad to hear about the loss of @therealtracibraxton. She was a beautiful person. My prayers go out to the entire Braxton family,' Kandi wrote. https://ift.tt/uEJhCoO

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Nova: Marvel Studios will produce a series or movie for Disney +

The House of Ideas has the odd unannounced project that will continue to expand its television universe of superheroes. With Moon Knight on the horizon as far as the television section is concerned and with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness set to be released in theaters in May (and even with Thor: Love and Thunder on the horizon), it has just been reported from Deadline that Marvel Studios would currently be developing a Nova project, one of the unknown characters in this superhero universe, which, however, is one of the most powerful that we can find. Of course, those who have played the Guardians of the Galaxy video game will already know what we mean. Nova is part of Marvel's cosmic branch, rubbing shoulders with those Guardians above of the Galaxy and Thor. This is Richard Rider, an enhanced member of the Nova Corps, the police force that we could see in James Gunn's 2014 feature film starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, and company. Hardly anything is known about the project, but in principle, a series for Disney + is already being written. Sabir Pirzada, the screenwriter of Moon Knight, would be working on the project, and of course, Kevin Feige would be the producer. The rumors are unclear, and it is not known if this is a series or a movie. Still, for now, it is more firmly believed that we are facing a new television series, which would make all the sense in the world not to break the cinematic chronology that Marvel has stipulated right now. However, it could also work (and maybe even better). It was already rumored in 2020 that there was a Nova project on the table, but now the rumors have gained a lot of strength, and it is clear that this character is wanted to be officially presented. We don't know how he will be integrated or what his impact will be because he should be linked to the Guardians somehow, and the next stop for these is the third installment that will be released in 2023 with Gunn again in the direction. So maybe we will have the first official teaser or something like that by then. https://ift.tt/uEJhCoO

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Tom Cruise makes more money from his films than the studios themselves

A new report published in The Hollywood Reporter details that the veteran actor pockets more benefits than those responsible for his feature films. Tom Cruise is one of the few actors today who remains true craftsman, doing his own action sequences without the need for a double to come into play to not risk the life or safety of the artist in question. Mission Impossible brought fame to the man who then gave a memorable show with Risky Business in 1983, starring in a dance sequence that is currently being studied and is being recreated at universities.  Through The Hollywood Reporter, it has now become known that the actor pockets more money than the same studios that make his feature films. It is a case similar to what we have seen with Robert Downey Jr. and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, since the actor who gives life to Iron Man is by far the one who has earned the most money with his comic performances on the big screen, spending a lot above his peers and even establishing clauses in his contract to take benefits from movies like Avengers: Endgame, which is one of the highest-grossing works in the history of celluloid (it even stole Avatar's position). The studio in question with which Cruise works usually takes 50% of the gross profits of each feature film, about the total income. Cruise is one of the few movie stars who take benefits from the film from the moment it is released in theaters since it is usual for the artists to take an extra part when that is already profitable for those responsible. For the same reason, the actor is currently fighting for the next installment of Mission Impossible to have an exclusive 45-day pass through theaters and not go directly to Paramount + (there, he would not take extra benefits in addition to his salary). Tom Cruise is one of the last of his kind since the Star-system is disappearing (even Spielberg has confirmed it ), and these practices are less and less common, if not almost non-existent, except for some cases such as that of the protagonist of Top Gun. https://ift.tt/uEJhCoO

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Students voice hesitancy, optimism with shift to mask-optional policy

Pitt’s relaxed mask rules went into effect Monday, after the University’s Healthcare Advisory Group announced the changes last week. The current COVID-19 rules now state that “all community members are welcome to wear face coverings based on their own comfort levels and needs.”

Anvay Raje, a sophomore neuroscience major, said he was not sure how to feel about the change and will make his choice on whether to unmask after gauging how things progress on campus.

“I feel like it’s going to be a transition,” Raje said. “I think it’ll depend on what people around me are doing.”

The University said in its announcement that the policy shift came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated the communities Pitt occupies to be low to medium risk for COVID-19. Pitt will continue other virus mitigation efforts, including providing N95 masks at building entrances, weekly COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated individuals and building access restrictions. University shuttles and buses, and labs where PPE are required, will continue to require masks.

Students showed cautious optimism about the ability to unmask after years of dealing with pandemic restrictions. Anthony Zygmunt, a sophomore microbiology major, said while he was excited for the change, he was still wary of the larger implications of the new policy.

“As much as I appreciate the freedom, I don’t know how I feel about it entirely,” Zygmunt said. “I trust public health officials, but the CDC has been prone to making things that might not have been great decisions for the sake of keeping the economy going.”

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said at last week’s Senate Council meeting that the decision to shift to optional masking was a “step in moving forward for the University and community.”

In its update last Thursday, the University’s COVID-19 Medical Response Office said the Pittsburgh campus had a seven-day averages of 3.3 positive student tests and 1.3 positive faculty and staff tests per day. The office has said that more than 90% of students, faculty and staff across all campuses are vaccinated with many having additionally received a booster dose.

Julieta Zabala, a sophomore nursing major, said knowing she and her peers are vaccinated makes her feel better about the masking change.

“I’m pretty comfortable with it, especially since the vaccine rates are high,” Zabala said.

With the unvaccinated and immunocompromised at higher risk for contracting COVID-19, the University released a message last week encouraging professors to be mindful of all students and “recognize and manage both the impacts on, and reactions of, our students and colleagues to the new posture.”

Zygmunt said some of his professors and classmates encouraged community members to remain masked in light of those who are at a higher risk of infection.

“Professors and a lot of people in classes are asking that people wear masks still because they have immunocompromised friends or relatives,” Zygmunt said.

Gaurav Badham, a sophomore neuroscience and anthropology major, is not optimistic that the change is going to proceed without consequence.

“Honestly, I feel like it’s going to backfire pretty quickly,” Badham said. “Everybody gets comfortable and then something happens and there’s a new spike in cases and then we go backwards.”

Despite this, Badham said he believes it is better that the University is doing what it can to move “forward.”

“I think it’s better because we’re still trending forward even though we fall back. It’s not as bad as it was with the initial lockdown,” Badham said “I’m more comfortable with it now than I was before.

While some rules are changing, others remain the same. Pitt still recommends that any individuals who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms get tested, regardless of vaccination status or known exposure.

“I’m staying home if I have any symptoms,” Zabala said. “I trust people around me to do the same.”

Zabala said while she is comfortable in the more open areas on campus, she does not think she is ready to attend classes without a mask.

“In places where people are spread out I feel comfortable because I’m vaccinated,” Zabala said. “I personally will probably be using it in classrooms where we’re a little more crowded.”

Casey Mulcahy, a sophomore nursing student, shares in the apprehension to unmask in crowded classrooms. Mulcahy said she would continue to wear a mask when students are “shoulder to shoulder.”

Mulcahy said she is using this week as a bellwether for how she is going to operate going forward.

“This will be like a trial week. If COVID cases go up a lot after this week then I’ll probably go back to masking indoors,” Mulcahy said. “But I’m pretty comfortable right now.”

Despite unknowns, Zabala said she believes that it is important that the University is following the CDC guidance in their efforts to get the campus community back to some semblance of normalcy.

“I think it’s important that we’re following the CDC guidelines,” Zabala said. “Eventually we’re going to have to move on.”

The post Students voice hesitancy, optimism with shift to mask-optional policy appeared first on The Pitt News.

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Chris Brown Has Fans Freaking Out That He Has Another Kid!

Chris Brown is freaking out after a video featuring himself and a child is flaunted on the Internet. Check out the clip below. The Shade Room notes 'Aww! Baby girl is all smiles watching #ChrisBrown on that tv! : @gettyimages ).' Someone said: 'That’s how I used to be seeing him on tv.'   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) A commenter posted this: 'Thought y’all was finna say this his new baby,' and a commenter said: 'Yall In These Comments Talking Bout His Twin ... When That's Not His Child In The Video.' A fan said: 'WAIT!! How many kids he got?!? It was just like yesterday he was runnin it with juelz santana,' and a commenter posted this: 'For those of who are confused, that is not his daughter. The baby is a random baby that is just laughing and dancing to his and DaniLeigh song . Super cute tho.' Someone else said: 'I was bout to say “who's baby is that!?” Idk y I assumed he randomly had another 😂 IM GOOD NOW do not correct me.' One follower posted this: 'Why is it that men have all these different baby mamas and no one complains but they complain when a women has different baby daddy’s. This is why I’m determined to stay with only 1 person and only have kids with them.' It's been just revealed that Chris Brown shared a voice note of the woman who accused him of rape. Check out the latest reports about this disturbing subject. The Shade Room notes that Chris is speaking out after a woman hit him with a $20 million lawsuit alleging he raped her at a party back in 2020. 'As we previously reported, the woman filed the suit against Chris claiming he forced himself on her on a yacht in Miami, and allegedly forced her to take a plan b pill,' TSR said. https://ift.tt/w0PyuAa

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