Monthly Archives: September 2025

baseball, leadership, sports, world cup

Cardinals legend Albert Pujols reveals approach to managing Juan Soto-starring Dominican Republic at 2026 WBC

Leave a comment

A four-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger award winner, Juan Soto is undoubtedly one of the best hitters in the business. Currently batting .265, with 43 home runs and 105 RBIs, the Dominican standout has once again enjoyed an exceptional season.

Looking ahead, Soto is set to represent the Dominican Republic at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, continuing his role as a key figure on the international stage.

Another Dominican superstar who will be involved in the 2026 tournament is Albert Pujols. However, instead of featuring on the field, Pujols will take on a leadership role as the manager of the Dominican Republic baseball team.

In an exclusive interview on the “New York Post Sports” YouTube channel, Pujols spoke about the “honor” of being chosen to lead his country in the competition and his commitment to preparing for the challenge.

“I’m a player’s manager. I have the opportunity to go back this year to the Dominican Republic and to be able to lead them to a championship. They honored me and gave me the opportunity to lead the World Baseball Classic team. So, I’m doing a lot of hard work with that. Now I’m really focused on it,” Pujols shared.

He also discussed his aspirations beyond the Classic, expressing a hope to manage a Major League Baseball team in the future. “Hopefully [after this] I get an opportunity to be a manager in the big leagues. I’m staying busy with the things that I know and that I’m good at, just trying to continue to set an example for others,” Pujols added.

Alongside Juan Soto, several other big league stars are expected to suit up for the Dominican Republic in 2026. Given the wealth of Dominican talent currently active in Major League Baseball, it’s no surprise the country boasts a stacked National Team roster.

On the pitching side, the team can call upon talented arms like Freddy Peralta, Luis Gil, and Emmanuel Clase. The infield will feature big names such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado, Elly De La Cruz, and Willy Adames. Meanwhile, the outfield is anchored by stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Teoscar Hernandez, and Julio Rodriguez.

Behind the plate, catchers Yainer Diaz and Gary Sanchez are among the favorites to represent the Dominican Republic.

With such a star-studded lineup and the leadership of Albert Pujols, the Dominican Republic looks poised to make a strong impact at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-cardinals-legend-albert-pujols-reveals-approach-managing-juan-soto-starring-dominican-republic-2026-wbc

collectible card games, entertainment, fantasy, gaming, science fiction

Magic: The Gathering’s 2026 sets feature Marvel Super Heroes, The Hobbit & Star Trek

Leave a comment

Some big crossover sets were among the seven 2026 expansions revealed at MagicCon 2025. Wizards of the Coast kicked off one of the biggest weekends of the year for *Magic: The Gathering* in grand fashion. MagicCon: Atlanta featured a special preview panel announcing what’s next for the long-running card game.

There are a whopping seven expansions set to release in 2026, including some major crossovers. Among these crossovers are another collaboration with Marvel, a journey into the world of *The Hobbit*, and an exciting adventure into the universe of *Star Trek*.

The Wizards of the Coast team acknowledges that releasing seven expansions in one year is unusual and emphasizes that this will not become the standard going forward.

### 2026 Tentative Release Schedule

**Lorwyn Eclipsed (January 23):**
The MTG year begins with a return to a fan-favorite setting. *Lorwyn Eclipsed* marks a comeback to the mystical realm of Lorwyn. Players can expect to see familiar creatures as Planeswalkers join forces with some Strixhaven students for a grander exploration of this strange realm.

**Untitled Universes Beyond (TBA):**
The second MTG set of 2026 remains a mystery. The curtain will be lifted at New York Comic Con on Friday, October 10, revealing more about this upcoming expansion.

**Secrets of Strixhaven (April 2026):**
Following their journey in *Lorwyn Eclipsed*, April’s set takes players back to Strixhaven University itself. This expansion will delve into life on and off campus, as graduates venture into the wider world and explore their new paths.

**Marvel Super Heroes (June 2026):**
Riding high on the recent success of the *Marvel’s Spider-Man* set, Wizards of the Coast is continuing its collaboration with Marvel. This upcoming set will explore more heroes and villains from the vast Marvel Universe.

**The Hobbit (August 2026):**
It has been over two years since *Magic: The Gathering* crossed over with *The Lord of the Rings*. On Friday, Wizards of the Coast announced a new set based on *The Hobbit*. This set will feature iconic characters like Bilbo Baggins and the fearsome dragon Smaug, diving deeper into Tolkien’s world.

**Reality Fracture (October 2026):**
Wizards of the Coast is hinting at a major narrative shift with this expansion. A mysterious villain promises to shake the world of Magic to its core. Details are scarce for now, but fans can expect more information as the October release approaches.

**Star Trek (November 2026):**
Earlier this summer, a false rumor about a *Magic: The Gathering Star Trek* set made the rounds as an SEO stunt. While the initial story was fiction, there is truth behind it: Wizards of the Coast has officially confirmed a *Star Trek* set lined up for November 2026. This exciting expansion will feature beloved characters, stories, and ships from across *Star Trek*’s many eras. More details will be revealed closer to the release date.

—

All these sets will be available both in physical form and on MTG Arena. Pre-orders for *Lorwyn Eclipsed* are available now at local retailers as well as on Amazon. Images from the *Lorwyn Eclipsed* set are being uploaded today on the official *Magic: The Gathering* website.

—

**About the Author:**
Ozzie has been passionate about video games since picking up his first NES controller at age five. His love for gaming only grew stronger over the years, despite a brief hiatus during college. With a background in QA at THQ and Activision—where he helped push forward the *Guitar Hero* series at its peak—Ozzie has developed a fondness for platformers, puzzle games, shooters, and RPGs. Above all, he’s a sucker for games with a compelling narrative because, as he puts it, “What are video games if you can’t enjoy a good story with a fresh Cherry Coke?”

From The Chatty.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146125/magic-the-gathering-2026-sets-marvel-hobbit-star-trek

business, health, industry, politics, trade

UK to offer to pay more for some drugs to appease Trump, FT reports

Leave a comment

The British government is reportedly planning to offer higher payments for medicines purchased for the National Health Service (NHS), according to a report by the Financial Times on Friday. This move aims to address one of U.S. President Donald Trump’s major complaints after he announced steep tariff increases on branded medications.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief business adviser, Varun Chandra, is expected to travel to Washington next week, the report added. Reuters was unable to immediately verify these claims.

President Trump has expressed frustration over the high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S., which are often nearly three times more expensive than in other countries. He has demanded that pharmaceutical companies lower prices in the U.S. while increasing them elsewhere. The proposed price increases in the U.K. could potentially offset the impact of U.S. price cuts on drugmakers’ revenues.

A spokesperson for the UK government did not directly confirm the Financial Times report but stated that Britain is engaged in constructive dialogue with both the U.S. and the pharmaceutical industry. “We will always put patients and taxpayers first, striking the right balance between creating an environment where this innovative sector can thrive whilst ensuring best value for money,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier on Friday, the British government announced that it was pressing the United States on pharmaceutical tariffs in hopes of achieving a beneficial outcome. This follows President Trump’s announcement of a potential 100% tariff on firms unless they establish manufacturing sites within the country.

Major British pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline have already set up manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and have announced plans for further investments.

The Trump administration has given drugmakers until September 29 to voluntarily lower prices for certain U.S. drugs, threatening tariffs if the president remains unsatisfied.

— REUTERS
https://thesun.my/world-news/uk-to-offer-to-pay-more-for-some-drugs-to-appease-trump-ft-reports-KL14978705

celebrity, entertainment, health, hollywood, showbiz

PHOTOS: 90s Hollywood Icon, 70, Who Starred in ‘Seinfeld’ Looks Totally Unrecognizable During Very Rare Outing in Los Angeles

Leave a comment

**Wayne Knight’s Remarkable 100-Pound Weight Loss Nearly 30 Years After *Seinfeld***

*Published: September 26, 2025, 3:27 p.m. ET*

Hello, Newman! Wayne Knight, best known for his iconic role as Jerry’s postal nemesis Newman on the groundbreaking sitcom *Seinfeld*, has undergone a striking transformation. Nearly three decades after the show ended, the actor was recently spotted in Los Angeles looking almost unrecognizable following an impressive 100-pound weight loss.

At 70 years old, Knight was seen arriving for a workout in L.A., dressed casually in a dark gray polo, black athletic sweats, and comfortable sneakers. Despite his noticeable limp and grimace after the session, his new, leaner appearance is a clear testament to his commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

### From Newman to a Health Transformation

Wayne Knight is also known for other memorable roles, such as Dennis Nedry in the 1993 classic *Jurassic Park*, as well as appearances in *Space Jam* and *Basic Instinct*. At his heaviest, the 5-foot-7 actor weighed over 300 pounds. His health took a serious turn when a cardiologist warned him he was at high risk for diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. This shocking wake-up call prompted Knight to make drastic lifestyle changes.

A source shared with RadarOnline, “That was the ultimate wake-up call.”

### The Turning Point

Knight has joked about his lifelong struggle with overeating, once quipping, “I used to get a tan from the light in the refrigerator.” However, it was during the filming of *Seinfeld* that he first realized his health was in jeopardy. Recalling a scene in which he was running through a cornfield being fired upon, Knight said, “At some point in the middle of shooting, I couldn’t catch my breath.”

“It scared me literally to life,” Knight admitted. Taking his cardiologist’s advice seriously, he sought help from fitness professional Marc Vahanian and began a dedicated fitness regimen.

### A New Lifestyle

Now, Knight commits to at least two 20-minute workouts per week at a gym in Los Angeles and follows a gourmet delivery service diet, maintaining a daily caloric intake of about 1,500 calories. Today, he weighs under 200 pounds.

Ironically, his weight loss has also impacted his acting career. Knight has shared that losing so much weight affected the types of roles offered to him. “It takes time for people to accept you as you are, and they find out whether or not you can still do things without being fat,” he explained. Yet, he is happy with the tradeoff, stating, “You just have to accept the fact that you can’t sell something that you’re not.”

### The Secret to Success

Wayne Knight echoed these sentiments in a 2004 interview, revealing people often react with surprise at his slimmer appearance. At his peak weight of 327 pounds during *Jurassic Park*, Knight was frequently typecast as “the fat guy.”

Back then, he shared with CBS News, “We’ve got my cardiologist. We have my trainer. We have my psychiatrist. We have my support group.”

More than the weight loss itself, Knight emphasizes the importance of his improved health. “I was eating for reasons that have nothing to do with hunger,” he reflected. “I was eating to numb myself, and when I began to have to look at the fact that I was eating as an addiction and treat it as such, that’s when I turned a corner.”

Wayne Knight’s journey is an inspiring example of how recognizing and addressing health issues head-on can lead to profound life changes—and a new lease on life.
https://radaronline.com/p/seinfeld-wayne-knight-unrecognizable-los-angeles-photos-hollywood-icon/

free speech, politics, public safety, uk

English man arrested for ‘f*** Islam post’ claims investigating officer knew nothing of Hamas

Leave a comment

**English Man Arrested for ‘F*** Islam’ Post Claims Investigating Officer Knew Nothing of Hamas**

Pete North, 47, was arrested over a meme posted on social media on suspicion of committing a public order offence. The incident has sparked controversy regarding the knowledge and actions of law enforcement during the investigation.

A delegate looks on as Britain’s Reform UK Party leader Nigel Farage (not pictured) signs shirts on the second day of Reform’s national conference in Birmingham, Britain, September 6, 2025.
(Photo credit: PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS)

The Jerusalem Post Staff continues to follow the developments in this case.
https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-868703

history, international, ireland, peace, politics

Fianna Fáil adviser and key figure in peace process, Martin Mansergh, dies aged 78

Leave a comment

Tributes have been paid to former junior minister and key Northern Ireland peace process adviser Martin Mansergh, who has died aged 78.

Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin expressed his deep sadness upon learning of Mr Mansergh’s passing. Mr Mansergh was on a trip to the Sahara with other retired parliamentarians at the time.

Mr Martin said, “I had the honour of knowing Martin for over four decades. He was unquestionably one of the most important public servants in our recent history, filling many different roles and having a profound impact on issues deeply important to the Irish people.”

Throughout his career, Mr Mansergh served as an adviser to leaders of Fianna Fáil, both in government and in opposition. According to Mr Martin, he was exceptional in his knowledge and devotion to the cause of peace on the island of Ireland and throughout Europe.

He added, “His contribution to securing peace on this island marks him as a figure who will always be honoured. His early, secret negotiations in Belfast on behalf of Taoisigh and his work through more than a decade were essential in securing the peace settlement and overcoming many later hurdles.”
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/martin-mansergh-dies-aged-78-1811482.html

general

“Don’t think there will be any training” – Morne Morkel sheds light on India’s recovery process ahead of Asia Cup 2025 final

Leave a comment

Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel has revealed that the players are unlikely to train on the eve of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan.

This decision comes as the team focuses on rest and recovery ahead of the highly anticipated match. Skipping the final practice session is aimed at ensuring the players are in peak physical and mental condition.

Morkel emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s energy levels, highlighting that adequate rest can often be more beneficial than extra training before such a crucial game. The team management is expected to finalize the lineup and strategies well in advance to avoid any last-minute pressure.

As the excitement builds up for the Asia Cup final, fans eagerly await an intense and competitive clash between the two cricketing giants.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-morne-morkel-sheds-light-team-india-recovery-process-ahead-asia-cup-2025-final-pakistan

culture, festivals, local, spirituality, travel

Walking, singing, eating, praying: Embracing the year ahead in Jerusalem

Leave a comment

Walking, Singing, Eating, Praying: Embracing the Year Ahead in Jerusalem

From early morning walks to karaoke nights and Sukkot shopping, discover seven uplifting ways to make the coming year more joyful, spiritual, and meaningful.

An “I Love Jerusalem” sign outside of the Old City.
(Photo credit: Shutterstock)

By Alan Rosenbaum

Loading…
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868576

general

Boy, 13, arrested over multiple hit-and-runs

Leave a comment

Three cyclists and an elderly pedestrian were involved in separate incidents, Lincolnshire Police report.

Each individual was hit in different locations, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the area. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding these incidents. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/boy-13-arrested-over-multiple-205840785.html