Latest news with #20
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘America's Got Talent 20' recap: Simon declares ‘one of the craziest days' of auditions
America's Got Talent Season 20 continued Tuesday night with the eighth two-hour edition of its auditions episodes. This week features gym bros throwing weights over Mel B and Sofia Vergara's heads, a 13-year-old that defies gravity, a rapping comedian, a truly "unreal" Golden Buzzer moment from Howie Mandel, and a declaration from Simon Cowell that this set of auditions makes "one of the craziest days" in a long time. This season's competition follows the same format that AGT fans are used to. In the auditions phase, an act needs at least three "yes" votes from the judges to advance. If a judge or Terry Crews believes an act is exceptional they can hit the Golden Buzzer to award them an automatic bid to the final rounds. More from Gold Derby 'Big Brother 27' spoilers: Lauren's HOH reign goes from bad to worse after Veto meeting 'Big Brother 27' spoilers: Here's who wins the Week 3 Veto competition during Lauren's yawn-inducing HOH reign Read on for our "Auditions 8" recap of the contestants who performed on America's Got Talent Season 20, Episode 8, which aired July 29 at 8 p.m. on NBC. Darien Johnson & Scott MathisonAct: Stunt fitnessVotes Yes/No: Yes — Howie, Mel, Sofia, SimonMel's comments: "What you do is proper fit and hot."Sofia's comments: "This is very interesting ... it looks really hard."Howie's comments: "I think it's entertaining, it's a strength act, it's an agility act ... you checked a lot of boxes."Simon's comments: "It was surprising and very, very difficult." Sunny SaucedaAct: BandVotes Yes/No: No — Howie, Sofia, MelHowie's comments: "I don't get it. It'd be fun in a bar. It didn't do it for me, but I didn't know what I was watching. Silas Luke JonesAct: GuitaristHometown: AlaskaVotes Yes/No: Yes — Sofia, Mel, Howie, SimonSofia's comments: "What an audition. That was insane and so surprising. You became a rock star in front of our eyes."Howie's comments: "You're kind of like an Alaska techno-Hendrix."Mel's comments: "You're one of a kind, you really are."Simon's comments: "You're a very nice guy, very humble, and then you turn into that. ... That's what I love about the show — moments like that." UnrealAct: Dance crewHometown: IndiaBuzzers: Howie's Golden BuzzerSimon's comments: "Slightly speechless if I'm being honest with you. I just thought it was so creative, brilliant, scary. I can tell how much work you must have put into this ... that's what I call the business."Sofia's comments: "Perfect audition. Your personalities, the effort you put into your clothing ... it was one of the best shows we've seen this season."Howie's comments: "We've seen dance moves, we've seen contortions, but to put it all together and to show us something in a way we've never seen before. ... You deserve everything. You deserve to be taken all the way!" Evelyn ErranteAct: SingerHometown: PhoenixVotes Yes/No: No — Howie; yes — Mel, Sofia, SimonSofia's comments: "You are perfect for what you want to do."Howie's comments: "What you want to do is not something I really respond to."Mel's comments: "You can sing like that at 13, by the time you get to 18 your voice is gonna be amazing. I've done Broadway twice and it's so hard work. ... It wasn't perfect and you've got a lot of work to do, but I'm gonna say yes."Simon's comments: "You've got so much ambition, we should encourage someone like that on this show." Tej, Ibhan & LarsAct: VarietyHometown: Brooklyn, Yes/No: Yes — Mel, Simon, Howie; No — SofiaBuzzers: Red X - Howie, Sofia, MelSofia's comments: "That was disgusting."Mel's comments: "It was too long. ... You made me belly laugh so I'm gonna say yes."Simon's comments: "It was inventive, it was silly, but it kind of worked ... people are gonna like them."Howie's comments: "I didn't love this, but the fact that you said there's a human piñata — that's what I wanna see so you can take back my X." The Jet BoysAct: Boy bandVotes Yes/No: Yes — Mel, Sofia, Simon; no — HowieHowie's comments: "You guys put on an amazing show and you're amazing dancers ... once you started singing? I think you guys are amazing dancers. They're not good singers."Mel's comments: "Your energy you could just feel it coming off the stage ... I was not expecting any of that. It was brilliant."Sofia's comments: "It was surprising because I thought you guys were just gonna dance."Simon's comments: "I'm glad that you actually sung for us. You've got so much potential ... it was very difficult to hear if one of you has a really good lead vocal. I'm slightly on the fence." Dewayne JacksonAct: Stand-up comedianHometown: Stockton, Yes/No: Yes — Simon, Sofia, Howie, MelHowie's comments: "You are amazing. You are memorable. You are likable. You are real."Simon's comments: "That was one of the best auditions we've had today, genuinely. Partly because you're just naturally funny."Mel's comments: "You made me belly laugh all the way." Brandon RaffoAct: JugglerVotes Yes/No: Yes — Howie, Mel, Simon, SofiaHowie's comments: "That's faster than I've ever seen."Mel's comments: "You're the first person ever to make juggling hot."Simon's comments: "You might be the fastest juggler in the world." Rich and CarleneAct: Competitive eatingVotes Yes/No: No — Howie, Mel, Sofia, SimonBuzzers: Red X — MelSimon's comments: "I don't know what we're judging — that's the problem."Mel's comments: "It looked quite savage, I didn't really get it."Sofia's comments: "It's difficult to decide if this is really an AGT act." Chris TurnerAct: Rapping comedianHometown: Manchester, EnglandVotes Yes/No: Yes — Sofia, Simon, Mel, HowieSofia's comments: "That was one of the most fun things we've had all day."Howie's comments: "I'm fascinated by what you just did and I think the audience was."Mel's comments: "For you to be so articulate and creative, that is such a talent."Simon's comments: "It was so clever ... it was original and that's what we love on this show." Ksenia AngelAct: SingerBuzzers: Red X — Simon, Mel, SofiaSimon's comments: "I will pay not to [sing with you]." Campus University CascadesAct: Stunt fightingHometown:Votes Yes/No: Yes — SimonSimon's comments: "This is one of the craziest days — that's a good thing — we've had for a long time. However, I love this act." Andy Wigman YuAct: Quick-changeVotes Yes/No: No — Sofia, Mel, SimonBuzzers: Red X — MelSimon's comments: "Who has anything to say? Nope." Alexa MoralesAct: Singer-songwriterHometown: OaklandVotes Yes/No: No — Howie, Simon, Sofia, MelBuzzers: Red X — Simon, Mel, Howie, SofiaSimon's comments: "Werefoxes can't sing." Goldie HenAct: Comedic hula-hoopingHometown: New EnglandVotes Yes/No: Yes — Howie, Mel, Simon; no — SofiaHowie's comments: "You do have a talent, the question is what goes beyond this."Simon's comments: "I loved it. Seriously. It was like one of those crazy nightmares when you drank tequila and you can't stop it." SIGN UP for Gold Derby's free newsletter with latest predictions Best of Gold Derby From 'Housewives' overload to the 'shadiest queens' alliance: The dish on 'The Traitors' Season 4 lineup The 25 best 'Survivor' villains of the past 25 years 'Survivor' winners list: All seasons Click here to read the full article. Solve the daily Crossword
Skift
21 hours ago
- Business
- Skift
Fraudster Scams Event Planner Out of $20K
A scam is exploiting the credibility of big-name brands to defraud event planners. One planner is out nearly $20,000, and she's not alone. A veteran event producer says she lost nearly $20,000 after being targeted by a fraudster posing as a corporate executive planning a launch party. And she has since learned she's not the only one. A man posing as a representative from Glidden Paints reached out to Nirjary Desai, founder of KIS Cubed Events about a corporate event in Atlanta. Glidden was opening a new office in Atlanta, the man claimed, and wanted to throw a party and team-building event. There was a caveat: The company required the use of three 'preferred vendors.' Desai was instructed to pay these vendors directly and she'd be reimbursed. 'I explained I must do my due diligence and speak to each vendor, have them fill out W9s, and receive proper invoices,' Desai told Skift. Each vendor provided invoices, tax documents, and took Desai's calls, a layer of credibility that made the scam more convincing. To pay the vendors, the fraudster would send her $10,000 via credit card. There were multiple declines, but the payment finally appeared to go through and she paid out $9,400 to the 'vendors,' an audio visual company, a photographer, and a singer. Desai needed to see the space where the event would be held but the scammer canceled two site visits at the last minute. Chance Meeting Desai went to the office building anyway, and by coincidence, met another planner in the parking lot: Patricia Stinson, who had received the same lead. The two found the building's security team, who confirmed there was no Glidden Paints office there. She contacted Glidden's corporate office, which said it had no knowledge of an event, and no plans for an Atlanta office. Desai has since reported the incident to Atlanta police and is in contact with Glidden's legal team. Glidden did not respond to a request for comment from Skift. Then she realized a fraudulent $10,000 withdrawal had been taken from her account. A test deposit of one penny — a common step in ACH fraud — had preceded it. The withdrawal went through based on a fraudulent invoice using the bank account information Desai had provided to get set up in the centralized payment system. A second financial loss soon followed.. The initial $10,000 payment that she thought had gone through hadn't actually cleared before she paid vendors. The credit card company told her the fraudster used a stolen card to make the payment. In total, Desai is out nearly $20,000. 'I immediately froze all of our accounts and filed a cybercrime report,' she said. 'Police told me this isn't just fraud. It's a major crime targeting small businesses.' The scammer's fake LinkedIn profile – he went by 'Gregory Mount' – and the vendor websites have been deleted. The URL he had provided was a phishing scheme, Desai has learned. Although it did direct her to the Glidden website, it was designed to steal all of her data, financial information included. A Wider Scam Unfolds In an industry Facebook group, dozens of Atlanta-area planners have reported similar outreach from a Gregory Mount. Some caught the fraud in time. Stinson, the planner Desai met at the office, had not exchanged any funds with Mount. She did waste time though. 'From now on, we'll only take clients via referral. When I asked who referred me, the man gave me a name I didn't recognize. I should have left it at that,' said Stinson. 'But I trusted him and went to the office building to look around.' Another target, Steve Moore, director of special events at Affairs at the Fox, received a similar inquiry from Mount. 'He insisted we would have to process credit card payments in order to get the job,' said Moore. That was a red flag and Moore began digging: 'I couldn't find any Glidden office set to open in Atlanta. I couldn't find Mount on social media and his email was which didn't seem right.' Moore credits his skepticism to his company's weekly security training. 'That made a difference,' he said. Industry on High Alert For Desai, the financial hit is devastating. But the emotional toll is equally painful. 'This is a coordinated attack on our industry,' Desai said. 'They're exploiting trusted brands to gain credibility. We need stronger safeguards, and better brand accountability.' According to the 2025 AFP Payments Fraud and Control Survey, 79% of organizations experienced attempted or actual payments fraud last year. The most common method is business email compromise — often through spoofed emails and fake vendor scams like this one. For the events industry, the takeaway is to verify everything: names, domains, projects — and especially payments. In addition, cyber insurance policies usually cover losses caused by phishing attacks. Desai is in talks with her insurance provider about adding this to her coverage.
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Business Wire
betterview Reaches 20,000 Eyes Treated in Four Years
WINTERTHUR, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--betterview, a Swiss provider of refractive eye surgery, has announced that it has reached the milestone of 20,000 eyes treated since its founding in 2021. Since its launch, the company has built a network of ten clinics and its own surgical center, covering all language regions of Switzerland. This continued expansion has positioned betterview as one of the country's leading providers of laser vision correction. betterview offers a range of refractive surgery procedures, including Femto-LASIK, Trans-PRK, and the modern SMILE Pro method. Treatments are performed using advanced laser systems from manufacturers such as Alcon and Zeiss. In early 2025, the company introduced the SMILE Pro procedure, a minimally invasive laser eye surgery technique. Utilizing the ZEISS VisuMax 800 laser system, the procedure can reduce treatment time to under 10 seconds per eye. The company's growth is driven by a combination of cutting-edge technology, transparent pricing, and patient care. Financing options are available starting at CHF 90 per month. betterview's strategy emphasizes both geographic accessibility and continuous innovation. The 20,000 eyes treated include procedures across all clinic locations and methods, reflecting steady growth since the company's inception. betterview is also the first company in Swiss ophthalmology to establish an independent ombuds office in partnership with the national consumer forum. This offers patients a neutral point of contact for inquiries or complaints and underscores the company's commitment to patient rights and transparency. Since 2021, betterview's ongoing expansion has made it one of the leading laser eye correction providers in Switzerland, with a focus on innovation and nationwide availability. About betterview Founded in 2021 in Winterthur, betterview specializes in refractive eye surgery. The company operates clinics in Zurich, Bern, Basel, Aarau, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Chur, Lugano, and Geneva. Its services include various laser procedures to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. betterview uses technology from leading manufacturers such as Alcon and Zeiss, offering treatment methods including Femto-LASIK, Trans-PRK, and SMILE Pro. The company follows a fixed-price model with flexible financing options. All locations are in urban areas and exclusively focus on laser vision correction. Since its founding, betterview has consistently invested in new technologies and expanded its network of locations. The company prioritizes high standards of care and transparent pricing.
South Wales Argus
7 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Home Instead UK named highest-rated home care in Wales
Home Instead UK has earned the title based on glowing client reviews on an independent site often described as 'the TripAdvisor for home care.' The company's Monmouth, Newport, Cowbridge and Swansea branches all made the top 20 list, which is compiled annually from feedback provided by clients and their families. Only five per cent of home care providers in Wales secured a spot on the list. Lisa Rosser, care manager at Home Instead Swansea, said: "We are absolutely delighted to once again receive Top 20 Provider award. "While our office team works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly, we know that it's is our incredible care professionals who truly make the difference in the lives of our clients and their families. "Not a day goes by without hearing wonderful feedback about their kindness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care. "Their compassion and expertise shine through in everything they do, and this award is a testament to their hard work." The reviews reflect the experiences of those receiving care, including one client's daughter who described the service as 'absolutely first-class.' Amanda Hopkins, reviews manager at said: "Top quality home care is vital as it supports people so they can continue living in their own homes and retain their independence. "People who are less mobile due to illness, a disability or age can become hidden away from society. "When this happens their home care worker often plays a crucial role in keeping them both mentally and physically well." The reviews come directly from clients and their families, offering valuable insight for others seeking trustworthy, compassionate care. All companies featured in the top 20 help older people remain in their own homes while receiving the support they need.
The Mainichi
23-07-2025
- The Mainichi
Belgian man arrives in Japan's Itami after 448-day, 20,000-km bicycle journey
ITAMI, Hyogo -- A man who embarked on a bicycle tour from Hasselt, Belgium, to Itami, Hyogo Prefecture -- international sister cities -- recently completed his journey at Itami City High School, where he interacted with about 120 students. Jolan Bollen, 32, originally from Hasselt and now residing in Brussels, covered approximately 20,000 kilometers across 15 countries over 448 days. He shared with the students the joy of connecting with people worldwide and the importance of a spirit of challenge. The two cities established their sister city relationship in 1985. Their exchanges continue as the Hasselt city government gifted a carillon installed in front of JR Itami Station, and the Itami Municipal Government is assisting in the creation of a Japanese garden in Hasselt. Bollen planned his first bicycle journey to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the sister city relationship, aiming to reaffirm the bond between the two cities. He departed from Hasselt in April 2024. An Itami city government employee who maintained contact with Bollen through social media during his adventure suggested the interaction with local high school students, and the event was realized. On July 9, Bollen was greeted and congratulated by students in the school's gymnasium. Showing no fatigue, he smiled and recounted his days of adventure. Apart from crossing the sea by ship, Bollen pedaled continuously. He spent a month cycling through a desert without encountering anyone. He also camped in temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius. Although the journey was tougher than expected and he felt like giving up at times, people in each country showed him kindness, he said. In Uzbekistan, an 80-year-old woman offered him a place to stay. Bollen said that the world is kind and that he now has "family" all over the globe. He added that the most important thing is to share happiness with others and that he hopes the students will be curious and take on challenges. When asked by a student if his bottom hurt from riding the bicycle for so long, Bollen laughed and replied that it was painful at first but now his buttocks are as hard as a rock. Third-year student Nayu Sugawara, 17, remarked, "His words that not giving up is important were impressive. I also want to take on challenges." (Japanese original by Yukiharu Sakurai, Kobe Bureau)
