Wrestling and recovery: A new start
Atlantic Watch
A Cape Breton man's journey form addiction recovery to the wrestling ring – has so many people cheering him in.
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National Post
28 minutes ago
- National Post
Sportsnet's Buck Martinez on Blue Jays' Bowden Francis: He can't make another start
Just because you haven't heard Buck Martinez on the air covering Blue Jays games over the past couple of weeks doesn't mean that the venerable voice of the team doesn't have some thoughts. Article content In fact, he has a few. Article content First things first: Martinez, who is taking some extended scheduled time off from his regular analyst's role on the Sportsnet broadcasts, will return for a home stand against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre starting on June 30. Article content In the interim, studio analysts Joe Siddall and Caleb Joseph will take turns filling the air alongside play-by-play voice Dan Shulman. Article content 'I'm taking some scheduled time off,' Martinez told the Toronto Sun on Monday. 'But I'll be back for that homestand (against the Yankees). And then I'll have a good chunk of July off for my 50th anniversary. My schedule is to do 100 games.' Article content And with that, the 76-year-old Martinez shifts the conversation to his favourite topic — the Jays — who were scheduled to begin a three-game series in St. Louis on Monday night, part of their current nine-game, 10-day trip. Article content Article content The long-time Jays broadcaster certainly is clear in what he thinks about the Toronto rotation minus Max Scherzer and the alarming struggles of Bowden Francis. Article content '(The Jays) are playing pretty good, but they can't start Bowden Francis another start,' Martinez said. 'It's the one thing that's causing them so many issues. The fourth and fifth spots (in the rotation) have been the issues all season long. Article content 'Unfortunately (Max) Scherzer can't pitch right now. It's just the way it is. Article content 'I'd be surprised if they start (Francis) again. He's just too inconsistent. It just highlights how difficult it is to be a long-term starter in the major leagues. It's the toughest position in baseball, to be a consistent starter. Article content 'Now hitters have made adjustments and he has to establish that he can throw on both sides of the plate.' Article content Martinez believes that if the struggles of Francis, combined with the bullpen days for the fifth spot in the rotation continue, the rest of the bullpen will wear down. Article content 'It's already cost them Yimi Garcia (who is on the injured list with a shoulder issue) and it's going to cost them someone else,' Martinez said. Article content The former catcher has been impressed with the Jays recent surge at the plate, which largely has been the reason they've gone on a 9-1 run and sit in a three-way tie for the top AL wild-card spot prior to Monday's action. Article content 'Everything has come together offensively,' Martinez said. 'They've cut down their strikeouts. They're more patient. And they're realizing one or two guys aren't going to carry the team. They're getting contributions from everywhere in the order.'
CTV News
33 minutes ago
- CTV News
Labubu: The viral monster toy taking over Canada
This image provided by 'Showcase', shows Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart. Labubu, the mischievous, pointy-toothed monster from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, is no longer just a viral sensation – it's a full-blown cultural phenomenon. And in Canada, demand is surging, thanks in part to Showcase, the national retailer bringing Pop Mart products to local malls. 'Labubu is one of many characters in the Monsters series of Pop Mart, but she's the most famous character by far,' said Samir Kulkarni, CEO of Showcase, in a video interview with 'We've been in business for 30 years. This is by far the largest toy trend that we have ever seen.' Pop Mart describes Labubu as 'a small monster with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth' who, despite its mischievous look, 'is kind-hearted and always wants to help.' Originally created in 2015 by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised illustrator Kasing Lung, Labubu first appeared in a trio of picture books inspired by Nordic mythology. '[The artist] remembered hearing Dutch bedtime stories about different monsters … and created figurines to go with those stories,' Kulkarni said. 'There's a story behind the story, and that's what creates that demand.' Although the character began as a background figure, Labubu has grown into the face of Pop Mart's global success, especially since plush versions hit the market in 2023. Labubu This image provided by 'Showcase', shows Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart. According to the company's annual report, Pop Mart's revenue more than doubled in 2024 to 13.04 billion yuan (US$1.81 billion), driven in part by Labubu's success. Plush toy sales alone soared more than 1,200 per cent, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of overall revenue. Labubu has been embraced by fans of all ages, though most buyers fall between the ages of eight and 25, according to Kulkarni. 'It definitely skews towards the younger side,' he said, adding there are older customers, especially when it comes to rarer and more expensive figures. Labubu has also become a fashion accessory, spotted dangling from designer handbags carried by celebrities including Olivia Attwood, Kim Kardashian and David Beckham, fuelling the toy's desirability. 'It's a mystery' What sets Pop Mart apart, and Labubu in particular, is the blind-box format. Shoppers never know exactly which figure they'll receive until opening the box. 'It's very different than most toys that are sold in retail,' Kulkarni said. 'In this case, it's a mystery. Sometimes there are rare characters that only appear once every 72 boxes. So, people are looking for the super rare ones, as well.' Those rare figures, once discovered, can skyrocket in value. The result is a frenzied aftermarket, with online resellers charging eye-watering prices for coveted pieces. 'They definitely do get more expensive over time because they are limited edition items,' Kulkarni said. 'There just isn't enough … and demand is much higher than the supply.' Showcase has leaned into the collector culture by offering in-store trading for duplicates and pre-order options for upcoming releases. New Labubu series drop almost monthly, according to Kulkarni, including the wildly popular 'Big Into Energy' collection featuring neon-coloured versions of the character. Labubu This image provided by 'Showcase', shows Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart. 'That line is the most popular Labubus ever created,' he said. 'We allow for those trades in-store, as well, so that people can … complete their collections.' Labubu vs. Lafufu Tracking down a Labubu isn't always easy. While Pop Mart operates an online store that ships to Canada, there are no physical Pop Mart locations in the country. Labubu figures are also available through a range of retailers — including Showcase, its national partner — as well as independent shops and online resellers. But fans should beware: a growing number of fakes, known online as 'Lafufus,' are circulating in the market. Lafufu, a counterfeit of Pop Mart's hit toy, has gained unexpected traction on social media. The name riffs on the word 'fake,' and their exaggerated flaws like misaligned eyes, uneven fur and lumpy bodies have turned them into a meme of their own. Despite being knockoffs, Lafufus have attracted a following. They're cheaper and more accessible than the genuine article, offering a low-cost entry point into the fandom for buyers who aren't fussy about official branding. There are a few general ways to tell the difference between a Lafufu and an authentic Labubu: genuine figures typically come in Pop Mart packaging with verifiable details, such as a QR code. Lafufus, by contrast, are often sold in unbranded bags and may have visible flaws.
CTV News
40 minutes ago
- CTV News
Argos players, coaches and staff receive their '24 Grey Cup rings
DaVaris Daniels of the Argos gives CP24 Breakfast a first look at the team's Grey Cup championship ring. TORONTO — Toronto Argonauts personnel will have two ways to commemorate the franchise's 2024 Grey Cup championship. Players, coaches and team staff received their custom-made championship rings Sunday. The Argos captured a CFL-record 19th title in November with a 41-24 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at B.C. Place Stadium. A unique element of the item, crafted by Baron Championship Rings, is the detachment feature of its top, allowing the wearer to transform the piece into a pendant by attaching it to a chain. Upon detachment, the top reveals an engraving of the quote 'an underdog is a hungry dog ready to eat,' referencing receiver DaVaris Daniels' speech from the '24 championship rally. Opposite of the engraving, the interior features a detailed tribute to the stadium where the Argos earned their victory. 'Last season, the team rose to a new level of dedication, perseverance and teamwork in their pursuit of adding another Grey Cup to the Argonauts' rich championship history,' said Argos GM Michael (Pinball) Clemons. 'A championship ring is a permanent reminder of a special season and a special achievement, and it will bring the team together again this season as we look forward to building on that success.' The ring itself features several unique elements, including the face showcasing the Grey Cup trophy in addition to the Argos' logo being encrusted with diamonds. The left shoulder includes detailing of Toronto landmarks, including the CN Tower, City Hall and BMO Field, the club's home stadium. The right shoulder is personalized for each of the players with their name and number sitting atop of a jersey motif and boat oars that symbolize the franchise's origins as the Argonaut Rowing Club. At the bridge of the ring is the player's signature, along with the final score and date of the game. The outside bottom shank captures another one of the team's mottoes 'Start 2 Finish.' On the upper side, the design includes numeral detailing of '111,' in reference to the 111th Grey Cup game. On the bottom is the number '24' for the year, with a sapphire bejewelled wave set above it. Nineteen radiant stones wrap around the ring, symbolizing every title in Argos' history. 'Creating the 2024 Grey Cup champions ring was an incredible opportunity to celebrate the team's legacy and the pride of their fans,' said Baron president Drina Baron-Zinyk and CEO Peter Kanis in a joint statement. 'Every detail of the 2024 ring was designed to embody the grit, determination, and unforgettable moments that define this team's journey.' The Argos will distribute replicas of the '24 ring to the first 10,000 fans attending their home opener versus the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday afternoon. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2025.
