Category Archives: culture

“Backbone of the establishment”: College football mascot Pudge the Cat comforts grieving a son, saves his team, and goes viral

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Fans of college football, cats, and especially both are in love with Pudge, the exotic shorthair who tours with the Bowling Green Falcons. The flat-faced feline belongs to starting long-snapper George Carlson and has been dubbed their official mascot since rising to online stardom in August 2025.

### Meet Pudge the Cat, Emotional Support Mascot

Carlson first met Pudge after doctors diagnosed his mother, Cristen, with stage four ovarian cancer in 2021. The young long-snapper was particularly close to his mother, and the news was devastating enough to interrupt his football career, according to ESPN. Cristen raised her son on a small farm and constantly brought home animals to care for, including cats. Carlson had a special affinity for the flat-faced ones like Persians and exotic shorthairs.

While still fighting her illness, Cristen went out and adopted Pudge for her son in 2023. The following year, Cristen sadly passed away due to complications from the cancer—but Carlson still had Pudge by his side.

### Pudge Boosts Team Morale and Goes Viral

Last August, after a rough practice, Carlson brought Pudge into the locker room, where the cat instantly improved morale. The resulting Instagram reel went viral, set to the sound of the Jet2Holiday meme.

The caption read: “Fall camp so rough we got a locker room cat.” Fans flooded the post with love for Pudge.

Comments included:

– “Might come to homecoming after 9 years just to see this cat,” said @uvtides.
– “Cat you mean backbone to the establishment,” wrote @ryannemarieorosco.

### Pudge Becomes a Star

In the weeks after Pudge went viral, he received his own line of merchandise, gained a dedicated security escort, and appeared in EA’s College Football 26 as the “Star of the Week” in early September. At this point, he likely has more name recognition than any of Bowling Green’s players.

On September 20, three different college football organizations joined forces with Pudge’s official Instagram account to post photos of the cat on the field at Louisville. Pudge was safely tucked in his bubble carrier backpack, strapped to a large man wearing a hat labeled “PUDGE SECURITY.” It’s clear: don’t mess with the star.

### A Humble Celebrity

Thankfully, Pudge hasn’t let the fame go to his head. He regularly greets fans for selfies at tailgate parties and even participates in the game-day Simba cam, allowing handlers to lift him for a better view.

Interviews with the feline tend to be one-sided, but in early October, Steve Hartman of CBS News profiled Pudge and credited him with turning the team’s luck around. The adorable cat has helped bring back fans, filling stadium seats with cat lovers.

“Home game attendance is up almost 60 percent this year,” Hartman reported. “That’s the largest increase of any Division One school in the country.”

“No doubt due in part to the long-snapper and the long napper, who have given everyone in this community a reason to cheer.”

On October 11, the Falcons managed an incredible rally to keep the Battle of I-75 Trophy from their rivals—an achievement fans are sure to celebrate alongside their new favorite mascot, Pudge.

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https://www.dailydot.com/news/college-football-mascot-pudge-the-cat/

Sabrina Carpenter Sings “House Tour” Live For The First Time In Pittsburgh

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Sabrina Carpenter is currently on tour celebrating her new album, *Man’s Best Friend*.

At ACL Fest, the pop star brought out Shania Twain and playfully “arrested” Djo as part of the “Juno” bit.

Then, on Thursday (Oct. 23), she gave a live debut of her song “House Tour” in Pittsburgh.
https://www.stereogum.com/2327752/sabrina-carpenter-sings-house-tour-live-for-the-first-time-in-pittsburgh/news/

Paul Simon Released “Still Crazy After All These Years” 50 Years Ago Today

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50 years ago today, Paul Simon released *Still Crazy After All These Years*. The album—and its title track—have become emblematic of reflection and nostalgia, capturing old familiar ways that resonate across generations.

In MAGNET magazine, Rachael Yamagata offers a compelling take on the song, delving into its enduring appeal and lyrical depth. Her insights provide a fresh perspective on a timeless classic.
https://magnetmagazine.com/2025/10/25/paul-simon-released-still-crazy-after-all-these-years-50-years-ago-today-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=paul-simon-released-still-crazy-after-all-these-years-50-years-ago-today-2

Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg staying ‘locked in’ despite ‘Fire Nico’ chants at AAC

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**Wizards Defeat Mavericks 117-107 Amid Fan Frustration and “Fire Nico” Chants**

**DALLAS** — The Washington Wizards defeated the Dallas Mavericks 117-107 on Friday night, extending Dallas’ 0-2 start to the season. The loss, to a Wizards team that is expected to struggle this year, has fueled the frustration of an already upset Mavericks fanbase.

Toward the end of the game, Mavs fans made their feelings known, chanting a familiar two-word expression from last season: “Fire Nico.” The chant refers to Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who shocked the NBA world last February by trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Although it may seem unfair, rookie Cooper Flagg has found himself enduring those chants while on the floor. Flagg, who the Mavericks selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft after unexpectedly winning the lottery, was not part of last year’s team. In fact, he only learned about the Doncic trade from a distance while still playing college basketball at Duke.

On Friday night, some fans didn’t hesitate to voice their desire for new management. When asked about the chants after the game, Flagg initially said he hadn’t noticed them. After reporters explained the “Fire Nico” chant, the Mavs rookie responded,

> “I’m just locked in on the game. I didn’t even hear those. I’m listening to coach, listening to the guys on the team, the vets. Just trying to figure out as many ways as I can to help the team impact the game in a positive way. I try to tune all that stuff out.”

Flagg’s response speaks volumes about his character. At just 18 years old, he already exhibits remarkable maturity and a fierce commitment to winning. His focus on the game rather than the surrounding distractions highlights his determination to help the team succeed.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd also addressed the issue, acknowledging the fans’ frustrations.

> “I think they have a right to vent,” Kidd said. “This is a different team, this is a new team. Just getting to understand each other, we’re gonna keep learning each other. So I would say be patient, but I understand the frustration. We all want to win, we all want to compete at a high level. This is a game of expression and fans have a right to express themselves. It doesn’t stop us from coming to work tomorrow and getting better and getting ready for Sunday.”

Looking ahead, the Mavericks hope to bounce back with a strong performance against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. A rebound effort could be exactly what the team—and the fans—need to quiet the noise and regain confidence.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/dallas-mavericks/mavericks-news-cooper-flagg-fire-nico-chants-aac

Sushi without the catch: Plant-based Japanese dishes shine at Gokoku in North Hollywood

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**Cozy Up to Delicious Plant-Based Eats at Gokoku in North Hollywood**

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — If you’re craving big bowls of ramen, stacks of sushi rolls, teriyaki chicken, and more, look no further than Gokoku, a vegetarian hotspot nestled in Los Angeles’s North Hollywood community.

Owner Shan Shan Estacio, who grew up in China surrounded by family and food, shares a heartfelt perspective on her cuisine. “Everything is really amazing,” Estacio says. “In our culture, the food is love.” This sentiment is evident throughout Gokoku, a restaurant that, much like the city of Los Angeles itself, serves as a melting pot. Japanese cartoons line the walls while the menu features dishes inspired by various countries.

“A lot of people drive one hour, two hours, just to come and eat that vegan teriyaki chicken,” Estacio reveals. At Gokoku, everything is 100% plant-based — from steamed dumplings to Beyond Meat ramen and sushi creations. Estacio’s love for animals inspired her to embrace a plant-based lifestyle. Here, the “chicken” is crafted from soybeans and the “salmon” is made from rice, delivering authentic flavors without animal products.

Reflecting on her journey, Estacio says she is living the American dream, thanks to the support of the North Hollywood community and beyond. “I came here 11 years ago, started with zero,” she shares. “I’m really very thankful for their support. All the love from them, I am truly grateful.”

Gokoku also gives back to the community. During recent wildfires, the restaurant collaborated with local groups to provide free meals to victims. Additionally, Estacio and her team engage in numerous charity efforts focused on animal welfare.

Gokoku is located at 4147 Lankershim Blvd., Studio City.

*Thank you to Lauren Bendik for the submission.*
https://abc7.com/post/sushi-catch-plant-based-japanese-dishes-shine-gokoku-north-hollywood-abc7-community-eats/18066767/

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere cast & characters – Meet the stars behind the show and the roles they play

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**Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere**
*Directed by Scott Cooper*
*In theaters October 24, 2025*

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**Overview**
Scott Cooper’s *Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere* is set to open theatrically in the United States on October 24, 2025, through 20th Century Studios. The film is based on Warren Zanes’ 2023 book and chronicles the creation of Bruce Springsteen’s landmark 1982 album *Nebraska*. This project was both a triumphant and deeply challenging period for Springsteen, capturing the emotion and artistry behind the album’s unique sound.

The biographical adaptation features Jeremy Allen White in the role of Bruce Springsteen, supported by a talented ensemble cast including Jeremy Strong, Odessa Young, Stephen Graham, Gaby Hoffmann, Paul Walter Hauser, Marc Maron, and David Krumholtz. The film also includes Johnny Cannizzaro, Harrison Gilbertson, Grace Gummer, and Chris Jaymes in important supporting roles.

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### Main Cast and Characters

**1) Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen**
Jeremy Allen White portrays Bruce Springsteen during the early 1980s, a time when the singer-songwriter worked from his New Jersey home using a simple four-track recorder to produce the *Nebraska* album. The narrative explores the songwriting sessions, Springsteen’s rising recognition, intense personal reflection, and struggles.

White is widely recognized for his roles as Lip Gallagher in *Shameless* (2011–2021) and Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto in *The Bear* (2022–present). His film credits include *The Rental* (2020), *After Everything* (2018), and *Fingernails* (2023).

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**2) Jeremy Strong as Jon Landau**
Jeremy Strong plays Jon Landau, Springsteen’s producer and longtime manager. The film portrays Landau’s early collaboration with Springsteen during the production of *Nebraska*, a partnership that would continue throughout Springsteen’s career.

Strong gained prominence for his Emmy-winning role as Kendall Roy in *Succession*. His filmography also includes *The Big Short*, *Molly’s Game*, and *The Trial of the Chicago 7*.

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**3) Johnny Cannizzaro as Steven Van Zandt**
Johnny Cannizzaro portrays Steven Van Zandt, a close friend and guitarist with Bruce Springsteen. Van Zandt was integral to Springsteen’s music and tours. Cannizzaro appeared in *Jersey Boys* (2014) and has experience in both theater and independent film projects.

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**4) Paul Walter Hauser as Mike Batlan**
Paul Walter Hauser takes on the role of Mike Batlan, a key supporter who managed Springsteen’s gear and recordings, playing a pivotal role in bringing together the *Nebraska* album’s setup. Hauser’s notable works include his lead role in *Richard Jewell* (2019), along with appearances in *I, Tonya* (2017), *Black Bird* (2022), and *Cruella* (2021).

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**5) Odessa Young as Faye Romano**
Odessa Young portrays Faye Romano, a significant figure in Springsteen’s personal story and a romantic interest who influences his journey. Young is an Australian actress known for roles in *The Daughter* (2015), *Assassination Nation* (2018), and *Shirley* (2020). She also starred in the CBS miniseries adaptation of *The Stand* (2020–2021).

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**6) Stephen Graham as Douglas Springsteen**
Stephen Graham plays Douglas Springsteen, Bruce’s father. The film depicts Douglas as an alcoholic with a strained, distant relationship with Bruce—an emotional dynamic that influenced Springsteen’s music and public reflections.

Graham is acclaimed for his roles in *Boardwalk Empire* (2010–2014) and *Peaky Blinders* (2017–2019). His film credits include *The Irishman* (2019), *Boiling Point* (2021), and *Venom: Let There Be Carnage* (2021).

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**7) David Krumholtz as Al Teller**
David Krumholtz plays Al Teller, a record executive responsible for managing the release of *Nebraska* through Columbia Records. Teller had a longstanding career in the music industry, holding executive roles at several labels.

Krumholtz is known for his role in *Numb3rs* (2005–2010), *The Santa Clause* series, and more recent appearances in *The Ballad of Buster Scruggs* (2018) and *Oppenheimer* (2023).

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### Supporting Cast

– **Gaby Hoffmann as Adele Springsteen**
Bruce Springsteen’s mother, who nurtured and supported his musical ambitions from a young age.

– **Marc Maron as Chuck Plotkin**
Producer who assisted with mixing and mastering the *Nebraska* album for its commercial release.

– **Harrison Gilbertson as Matt Delia**
A close friend of Springsteen.

– **Grace Gummer as Barbara Landau**
Wife of Jon Landau.

– **Chris Jaymes as Dennis King**
The mastering engineer for the *Nebraska* album.

– **Brian Chase as Max Weinberg**
The drummer of the E Street Band.

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**Release Date**
*Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere* is scheduled to hit theaters on October 24, 2025.

—

*Also Read:*
Is Bruce Springsteen planning a ‘Deliver Me from Nowhere’ sequel? Director Scott Cooper shares the details.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/movies/springsteen-deliver-me-nowhere-cast-characters-meet-stars-behind-show-roles-play

After more than 50 years, Dodger Stadium’s beloved ‘Peanut Man’ is still winning the hearts of fans

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LOS ANGELES (KABC) – If you’ve been to Dodger Stadium, chances are you’ve purchased snacks from one beloved vendor known as “The Peanut Man.” For more than 50 years, Robert Sanchez has been a familiar face serving up snacks to baseball fans.

Sanchez began his journey at Dodger Stadium when he was just 16 years old, starting out by selling, you guessed it, peanuts. Now in his 52nd season, he sells pizza at the Pavilion, walking approximately five miles per game while carrying around 20 pounds of snacks.

“Like my dad told me years ago, ‘a little sweat on the forehead never killed anybody,'” Sanchez said. “That’s what I do, baby! Hike those stairs and sell my product!”

For Sanchez, working at Dodger Stadium is about more than just keeping fans fed—it’s about connecting with them. His infectious energy draws people in, and he often stops to take photos and videos with fans, which he shares on his Instagram account.

“I’ve been told I have the gift of the gab,” he shared. “Staying busy with the phone and still being a top dog at Dodger Stadium with sales.”

Fans love seeing “The Peanut Man,” and at 68 years old, Sanchez says he has no plans to slow down anytime soon. “As long as I’m having fun, you’ll see me at Dodger Stadium.”

https://abc7.com/post/dodger-stadiums-beloved-peanut-man-robert-sanchez-is-winning-hearts-fans-more-50-years/18064697/

“It’s a real challenge”: Tom Brady feels for Arch Manning over incessant negativity in 2025 season

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In the changing landscape of college football, young athletes often find themselves under unwarranted attention from the media and fans. Texas quarterback Arch Manning experienced a similar situation even before the 2025 season began. Media outlets drew comparisons between him and his legendary uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, expecting him to follow a similar path in just his first year as the starting quarterback for the program.

According to NFL great Tom Brady, times have changed, and the mental toll on young players is now out of bounds. He addressed the intense media scrutiny that players like Manning face and reflected on how different it was during his own college days at Michigan.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated while shooting a commercial, Brady said, “Before, players had the kind of ability to fail when people weren’t watching, to build that resiliency within themselves. So I think it’s a real challenge these days for these young kids because Arch Manning, you know, seems like a great kid and great player.”

Brady went on to express hope that players can find ways to cope with criticisms. He also noted that Arch’s uncles, Eli and Peyton, had many years to develop and grow into their roles as quarterbacks.

“Peyton had a lot of years to develop. Eli had a lot of years to develop, and, you know, I was a college kid once, too, and I wasn’t the best quarterback at that time. How people remember me after my pro career was a lot different than how I remember me after my college career,” Brady explained.

### Arch Manning Not Concerned by Rumors Around His Starting Role

Although Texas rebounded after a jittery showdown early in the season, Manning has remained under the constant radar of critics. His on-field struggles with accuracy and footwork have stirred rumors about a possible step-down from his role as Texas’s starting quarterback.

However, Manning remains unfazed by the outside noise. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Nah, I can control what I can control. I work hard during the week, prepare my best, and go out and try my hardest on game day. That’s all you can do.”

### Looking Ahead: Texas vs. Mississippi State

This coming weekend, Texas will face Mississippi State on the road. With two losses so far this season, the Longhorns aspire to become one of the SEC teams to earn a playoff spot. Every game in the upcoming weeks is crucial for Manning and his team as they fight to stay in contention.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/news-it-s-real-challenge-tom-brady-feels-arch-manning-incessant-negativity-2025-season

South Park Nails Depiction Of Peter Thiel’s Antichrist Obsession

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“South Park” mocked conservative billionaire Peter Thiel over his obsession with the Antichrist in the show’s latest episode aired on October 15.

Thiel recently gave a lecture series in which he warned about the return of the Antichrist, the destruction of capitalism, and the collapse of the United States—breezy topics, to say the least. He even bizarrely called AI skeptics “legionnaires of the Antichrist.”

The satirical series, which has been poking fun at the Trump administration throughout season 27, tackled Thiel’s Antichrist fixation, his relationship with Vice President JD Vance, and a supposedly demonic TikTok trend spreading among Generation Alpha.

Thiel’s character in the episode is obsessed with the “6-7” TikTok trend and delivers a TED Talk to South Park Elementary School students about the Antichrist and demonology.

“Hello, kids, I’m Peter Thiel, and I’m here to talk to you about the Antichrist,” he says. “OK, so first, what is the Antichrist? The Antichrist is a newer, more human form of Satan that will soon walk the Earth. We don’t know how soon it will walk the Earth, but it could be within the next six to seven weeks.”

The show also pokes fun at Palantir, the data analytics company Thiel co-founded, which has faced criticism for its intrusive AI surveillance tools. At one point, Thiel’s character, dead set on uncovering the truth behind the demonic TikTok trend, uses the school’s data center to spy on students.

“I’ve downloaded all the students’ information and loaded them into an AI face detection program so the school’s security cameras can watch their every move,” Thiel’s character explains. “Now look. Two students passing each other in the hallway. They give each other the sign: six, seven. Exactly 67 seconds later, this odd parka-wearing child makes the same gesture. And then inside the girls’ bathroom, two girls doing the same thing!”

Later in the episode, referencing the classic horror movie *The Exorcist*, Thiel’s character performs an exorcism on Eric Cartman, believing him to be a spawn of Satan.

Through its trademark satire, “South Park” continues to lampoon contemporary political figures and cultural phenomena, this time highlighting Peter Thiel’s eccentric conspiracy theories and tech surveillance controversies.
https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/21/south-park-peter-thiel-antichrist-trump-jd-vance-satan/

Baptist Zionist group says ‘no need for another Palestinian state’, calls for Israeli sovereignty over Judea, Samaria

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**Baptist Zionist Public Affairs Committee Criticizes Trump’s Gaza Peace Agreement**

The Baptist Zionist Public Affairs Committee (BZPAC) has voiced strong criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace agreement, warning that it “risks repeating the failures of the past.” The statement, issued earlier this month via social media, reflects the organization’s concerns about the proposed framework.

“BZPAC honors the sincere intentions behind efforts to secure Israel and stabilize the Middle East,” the statement reads. “We commend contributions that have strengthened Israel’s sovereignty. Yet we must speak plainly: the U.S. 21-point peace framework risks repeating the failures of the past and undermines God’s covenant with His people.”

Claiming to represent over 20,000 Baptist churches and approximately 15 million supporters across the United States, BZPAC’s executive director, Dr. Doug Thompson, personally presented a copy of the statement to Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council.

**Call for Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria**

In the statement, BZPAC called for the application of Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. This is a direct response to President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would not support a unilateral declaration of Israeli sovereignty in those disputed territories.

Under a section titled, “Why a Two-State ‘Solution’ is No Solution,” BZPAC argues that a two-state solution is unnecessary. The organization points out that Jordan is already majority Palestinian, citing the CIA World Factbook’s 2022 estimate that Palestinians comprise 55-60% of Jordan’s population.

“Jordan has both the land and the capacity to absorb the Palestinian population of Judea and Samaria,” the statement insists. “The internal concerns of its monarchy cannot dictate Israel’s survival.”

BZPAC further claims that the two-state solution plan is essentially a “one-state” plan intended to establish a ‘State of Palestine’ designed to erase Israel.

**Mobilizing Support Against Two-State Solution**

To demonstrate opposition to any U.S. efforts to impose a two-state solution on Israel, BZPAC has encouraged its members and followers to print, sign, and send the statement directly to the White House. The organization aims to ensure President Trump is aware of their stance.

**Response from Israeli Leadership**

Yossi Dagan expressed gratitude to Dr. Thompson and BZPAC for their continued support. “I thank our friend Dr. Doug Thompson and all the members of the BZPAC organization for their steadfast stand with the people of Israel and the justice of our path,” Dagan said.

He added, “Their unwavering support for Israeli sovereignty in Judea, Samaria, and Jerusalem is an important and inspiring reinforcement.”

“At a time when political pressure on Israel is increasing, such courageous friendship is a source of encouragement and strength for the people of Israel and the settlers of Samaria. We will continue to work together for Israel’s security, the development of Samaria, and the strengthening of a united Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Together we will bring sovereignty to the land of the Bible,” he concluded.

**Context on Recent Developments**

Earlier this year, the Israeli Knesset passed a resolution expressing support for Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. However, this measure was largely symbolic and did not amount to an official declaration of sovereignty over the disputed territories.

President Trump’s Gaza peace agreement outlines steps aimed at moving towards a two-state solution but leaves the specifics of a Palestinian state to future negotiations between Israel and Palestinian leaders. The details of the peace framework remain subject to ongoing diplomatic discussions.
https://www.christianpost.com/news/baptist-zionist-group-says-no-need-for-another-palestinian-state.html