Latest news with #Cinderella
Newsweek
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Commanders Star Jayden Daniels Lands Notable Spot in Recent QB Rankings
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Over the years, there have been countless quarterbacks who have entered the NFL and had an immediate impact on their team. That said, few have burst on the scene the way Jayden Daniels did last season. Following an impressive rookie campaign, the rising star finds himself in the same breath as his top counterparts. After drafting him No. 2 overall, the Washington Commanders wasted no time handing the reins over to Daniels. This proved to be a wise decision, as he quickly altered the trajectory of the franchise. In the span of one season, he turned Washington from a rebuilding team to a budding contender in the NFC. In the regular season, Daniels threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns en route to leading the Commanders to a 12-5 record. Things didn't end there, as Washington punched their ticket to the postseason. It was there that Daniels proved he is on a path towards stardom in the NFL. Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders looks to throw the ball during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders looks to throw the ball during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, by strong play from Daniels, Washington managed to pull off multiple upsets in the playoffs. They made it all the way to the NFC Championship game, where their Cinderella run came to an end at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. While they were unable to reach the Super Bowl, Daniels and the Commanders still made a huge statement to the rest of the league. Also read: Kevin Durant Sends Message to Commanders Star Jayden Daniels After just one season, Daniels has managed to reach the upper tier of NFL quarterbacks. Earlier this week, ESPN put out the results from a poll of executives, scouts, and coaches about who the top 10 QBs are in the game right now. Daniels landed in the top five, one spot behind multi-time MVP Lamar Jackson. "The kid can read coverages, throw with accuracy and touch to all levels of the field," said an NFL coordinator who prepared for Daniels last season. "Just as dangerous as Lamar and Josh Allen with his legs and has a clutch factor to him because his team already believes that if he has the ball with a chance to win, he's going to find a way. If he repeats anything close to his rookie year, he's no lower than No. 3 on this list next year." Also read: Insider Details Commanders Star's Desired Price Range Amid Holdout Daniels being ranked so high is a testament to the lofty expectations he's facing heading into year two. Following what he showed as a rookie and the Commanders improving the roster around him, the pressure is on to deliver big results in 2025. For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Cosmopolitan
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
9 dress and kitten heel outfit ideas that nail this summer's most versatile shoe
The days of wearing sky scraper heels (except with your wedding guest dress) may be long behind us – and our feet are certainly thankful for it – but it'll take a lot for us to part with our kitten heels. Especially in 2025, when a lower heel has been embraced across the spring summer runways at the likes of Chloé, Miu Miu and Versace. Yep, kitten heels are having a major moment right now and it all comes down to their versatility. Beyond the heeled flip flop emerging as a frontrunner for 'shoe of the summer' block heeled silhouette, multi-strap designs and mule styles are all proving popular. From brunch with the girls to summer date nights, it's not just where you can wear kitten heels, but *how*. Despite their ability to elevate any outfit to workwear status, even barrel leg jeans and capris, our favourite way to wear kitten heels is with a summer dress. A classic combo that is eternally chic. So, for days or hemlines that require a small but significant boost, keep scrolling for dress and kitten heel outfit inspiration. Sure, a kitten heel is helpful for stopping long dresses from trailing on the floor, but more than that, they instantly dress up a jersey halterneck maxi dress. Ditch your flat sandals for strappy kitten heels to take you from beach to bar on holiday without taking up precious packing room in your luggage. The look works just as well in the city, so no need to wait to try this 'fit out. Lean into the grounded feel of the natural fibres of a crochet dress with a pair of kitten heels featuring a solid and sturdy block heel. A thong flip flop silhouette will stop it feeling heavy. When it comes to tailored shirt dresses featuring details such as collars, buttons and belts, keep your accessories simple and stick to a pair of minimal mule sandals. Balance the naked-ness of your see-through dress with a slingback kitten heel. Don't underestimate how much a thin heel strap can change a shoe's silhouette, not to mention providing extra security so there's less chance of a Cinderella moment and leaving a kitten heel behind. Heading to work? A closed-toe kitten heel adds extra formality, pairing well with a professional high-neck dress. Deciphering wedding dress codes can be tricky, so stick to our style rules to simplify the whole process. Black tie calls for formal, long gowns which pair perfectly with elegant kitten heels. Look for a pair with closed, pointed toes and delicate strappy detailing. There's nothing more ladylike than kitten heel Mary Janes, making them ideal footwear for a mini shift dress. Add a pearl necklace and you're good to go! Midi and maxi dresses with long floaty skirts or billowing sleeves – AKA boho detailing – look great when paired with knee-high boots to contrast the feminine, romantic aesthetic. Opt for a low, kitten heel and a pointed toe to keep the outfit feeling polished. Following Wimbledon, we're embracing preppy fashion with fresh aplomb. We love the idea of pairing a super cute mini polo or tennis dress with slingback kitten heels and socks. Follow Alex on Instagram. Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there's nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she's passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Germany's most-visited fairytale castle, inspired by Disney is now officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Source: UNESCO Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany's most iconic fairytale castle, has officially been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with three other royal residences built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria: Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, and Schachen. Best known for inspiring Walt Disney's Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty castles, Neuschwanstein is perched on a dramatic alpine cliff and attracts nearly 1.5 million tourists annually. These architectural masterpieces, constructed in the late 19th century, combine fantastical design with cutting-edge engineering. Their addition to UNESCO's list is both an international acknowledgement of cultural significance and a testament to the artistic obsession and tragic downfall of King Ludwig II. Germany's most visited castle is now a UNESCO World Heritage Neuschwanstein Castle, built in the 1860s and 1870s, stands 200 meters above the Bavarian countryside on a rocky alpine ridge. The castle combines an idealised medieval design with what were then state-of-the-art engineering techniques. Its richly decorated interiors pay homage to Germanic and Nordic legends, many of which inspired the operas of Richard Wagner, Ludwig's close friend and muse. Today, Neuschwanstein is Germany's most visited castle and a global symbol of romantic architecture. Bavaria's governor, Markus Söder called the UNESCO designation a dream realised, posting: 'A fairytale comes true for our fairytale castles : We are #WorldHeritage!' Royal residences of visionary King Ludwig II As reported by Euronews, alongside Neuschwanstein, three other royal residences built by King Ludwig II were also added to the World Heritage list: Herrenchiemsee palace Source: UNESCO Set on an island in a lake between Munich and Salzburg, Herrenchiemsee was Ludwig's lavish tribute to Louis XIV of France. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo Modeled after Versailles, this opulent residence was dubbed 'Meicost-Ettal', an anagram of the Sun King's phrase 'L'État, c'est moi' ('I am the state'). Linderhof palace Source: UNESCO The only palace Ludwig completed during his lifetime, Linderhof blends French Baroque elegance with German Rococo charm. Its standout feature is an artificial cave inspired by Wagner's opera Tannhäuser, equipped with advanced electric lighting to simulate natural colours—an astonishing innovation at the time. Schachen house Source: UNESCO Built in the style of a Swiss chalet, Schachen was Ludwig's secluded retreat at 1,800 meters above sea level. He celebrated St. Louis Day here each year, reflecting his deep personal connection to his namesake and spiritual solitude. UNESCO status celebrates and protects Bavaria's historic landmarks According to Peter Seibert of the Bavarian Castles Administration, the UNESCO World Heritage designation is not only a celebration but also a "great responsibility" in preserving these unique landmarks. The castles are 'part of Bavarian identity,' he emphasised, 'iconic and perfectly embedded in a beautiful landscape.' International visitors are often surprised that they weren't already protected under UNESCO. 'We're lucky to still be able to experience this,' said Philippe, a Canadian tourist. 'It's a very good idea.' From royal obsession to world heritage: Legacy behind Bavaria's castles While the castles are now treasured cultural assets and magnets for tourism, they played a central role in King Ludwig II's downfall. His obsessive building projects drained the royal treasury, prompting the Bavarian government to declare him insane and depose him. Soon after being confined to Berg Palace, Ludwig died under mysterious circumstances in Lake Starnberg—a tragic ending to the visionary king behind Bavaria's most famous landmarks. Today, the castles of Neuschwanstein, Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, and Schachen are not just tourist attractions—they are living monuments to one man's pursuit of beauty, fantasy, and transcendence. Their new World Heritage status ensures they will be protected and celebrated for generations to come, reinforcing their role as some of Europe's most discovery-worthy architectural treasures. Also Read | Anand Mahindra just added this unknown Kerala village to his bucket list calling it a must-visit destination - what makes it so special
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
No freak show — Everybody's Talking About Jamie is a musical with a gender-transcending hero
Based on the true story of a British schoolboy who set out to attend his high-school dance in a dress, the show addresses teenagers on their own terms. Despite some salty language and a scene or two featuring teenaged boys comically discussing rapacious plans for their ambitious penises, Everybody's Talking About Jamie hits just the right notes for young audiences caught up in some of the existing and emerging complexities of our time. The British musical is based on a 2011 documentary (Jamie: Drag Queen at 16) about a Sheffield schoolboy who not only wanted to attend his high school dance wearing a dress, but also aspired to become a drag queen. The show premiered in Sheffield in 2017, became a hit on the West End and on Broadway, and was turned into a film. It owes a little something to everything from the transformative magic of Cinderella to the queer celebration of cross-dressing in Rocky Horror. And, like the musical Kinky Boots, it explores drag culture in the context of a poorer, working-class north England town. Its message of acceptance, of self and others, though, is universal. And vital. It takes on homophobes, absent fathers and the tricky path to unconditional self-love (don't worry, the path is definitely not twee), all while making a case for mean-spirited dullards to stop policing other people's identities. The iteration that's just opened in Cape Town at Artscape's intimate Arena theatre is a student production, a showcase of the triple-threat talents of a large ensemble cast from the Waterfront Theatre School. Challenges for young cast It comes with plenty of challenges for the young, enthusiastic cast, including Sheffield (and Jamaican) accents, boys sashaying and dancing in heels, a set that gets a little bit in the way of the action, and – along with a lot of scene changes – a roller-coaster of emotional ups and downs on the way to catharsis, healing and redemption. Whether or not all of these challenges are surmounted, isn't really the point. While the show perhaps lacks polish, it is not without its triumphs: there is tremendous life, passion and energy on stage – and the songs, the big-hearted story and the celebration of an independent spirit will win you over. And while some of the best scenes are its intimate moments (such as when Jamie's mum, played by Danielle Bosman, tenderly sings about her unconditional love for her boy), it's the energising large-scale sequences that really make the Arena come alive with the whizz-bang choreography, the best of which includes riffs on ballroom vogueing and snatches of distinctly South African dance moves that make it all feel very much of the moment and quite close to home. The titular Jamie New is played by the spry young John Marshall, who has both the cheekbones and the legs for the part. Jamie's a bit of a paradox, though. Bright, sunshiny and perennially positive, there's something in the performance here that perhaps reflects the conservative backlash against personal freedom that is emerging across the globe. While Jamie exudes a fierce confidence that occasionally veers into unabashed narcissism, there are moments when he's less certain, almost held back, making him a lot more gritty and complicated than you'd expect from a teenage boy who, within the first few scenes, is given a pair of red high-heel shoes by his working-class single-and-struggling mum. This isn't a show about a boy's battle to come out of the closet – we're beyond that, and Jamie is a hero designed for a brave new openminded world – but there are moments (such as when he butts heads with his school counsellor over his right to equality) when you're reminded of the ways in which the so-called Free World seems to be going backwards. Marshall has a tough task balancing the multiple nuances and intricacies of the role, and he does a commendable job. What he allows to come through is the fact that the show is not actually about a boy getting his own way in an unjust world, but about a boy who learns that there is more to life than being the centre of the show. Sure, everybody is eventually talking (and singing) about Jamie, but only because Jamie has nabbed the spotlight while disappearing into the guise of an alter ego – what he learns in the second act, though, is that there's more to life than 'me' (or Mimi Me, his drag persona). As wonderful as Jamie feels when he achieves social acceptance (in the form of 'everybody' talking about him), the real lesson is that genuine happiness lies in self-acceptance, being himself rather than escaping into the superficial joy of wearing a pretty dress. And while there's plenty of acceptance – from his mother, his best friend and by most of his classmates who don't seem to care either way about his sexuality – many familiar negative tropes and stereotypes are there, too. Chief among them are his homophobic and neglectful father and a school bully who, in a touching performance by Khanya Gwe, manages to convey some glimmer of the broken soul that dwells inside Jamie's bigoted nemesis. Which means that, as much as this is one of those feel-good musicals with a predictably upbeat outcome, it's not without its more sobering moments. The show is what some might call 'woke', with some colossal moments of the gay hero reclaiming homophobic slurs. It also shapes an interesting conversation around the theory (posed in the show by Asanda Mngadi's semi-retired drag queen, Loco Chanelle) that, while 'a boy in a dress is something to be laughed at, a drag queen is something to be feared'. As it turns out, neither is true. Charmingly bitchy There's nothing at all scary, in fact, about the show's trio of charmingly bitchy queens – Laika Virgin (Andrew Woods), Tray Sophisticay (Andrew Ingram) and Sandra Bollock (Krys Igirubuntu) – who most precisely capture the spirit and energy of the musical. They bring biting humour, a touch of glamour and plenty of swank to their parts. And they make a pretty good go of stealing the show. That said, not everything in this production coheres quite as well as the drag queens, and there are times when the cast seems a touch inhibited, when the actors underplay, forgetting that in musicals everything is heightened – or should be – so my sense is that it's a show that will improve with time as everyone finds their groove. One harder-to-resolve problem is that the set itself impedes the staging. There's a massive, squat, pyramid-shaped rostrum in the middle of the performance space which, rather than serving the show, frequently squashes the action into uncomfortably restrictive spaces. There's also the question of the energy dropping off between scenes, which has the effect of making the show lag a bit. To its credit, this production really manages to get into some of the deeper nuances of the story: that it's not so much about a boy figuring out how to get his own way, but about a boy learning that he is not the centre of the universe. Jamie gets his much-needed lesson in inner beauty from his best friend, Pritti, a bookish, hijab-wearing Muslim girl played with diligent seriousness and real commitment by Kate Lagan. What Pritti conveys is the soul of the story: that real actualisation has nothing to do with fame, celebrity, notoriety or having everyone talk about you. Jamie's real journey is coming to terms with the fact that he is enough. And if that's not a valuable message for young people caught up in all the nonsense in the world today, I don't know what is. DM
India Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Cricket may have given Karun Nair a second chance, but his time is running out
It was a true Cinderella story when Karun Nair reaped the rewards for his consistency on the domestic circuit and was handed a chance to return to the Indian Test team after a gap of 3006 days. That time period seems like a lifetime in cricket — you may be a star one day and then completely forgotten the next. But Karun's comeback had played a pivotal role in Vidarbha's triumph in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, finishing as the fourth-highest run-getter of the season. He scored 863 runs from 16 innings at an average of 53.93, including four centuries and two fifties. Then came the exploits in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which were just surreal — 779 runs from eight innings at a staggering average of 389.50 and a strike rate of 124.04, featuring five hundreds and a vs IND, 2nd Test Day 2: Highlights He wasn't just knocking on the door, he was breaking it down. The IPL came around, and we all remember how he was able to rile up the great Jasprit Bumrah, whom he rushed to hug after his five-wicket haul at Lord's. When he reached the England shores, Karun made an instant impact, scoring a double hundred against the England Lions and pushing his case. Then came the reward. Cricket gave him the chance, and the world rejoiced. But the story is currently playing out in a very different story so was batting at No.6 in the first Test, and his return wasn't what he would have hoped for — a four-ball duck and then batting at a strike rate of 37, scoring 20 off 54 balls while India looked to extend their lead beyond Edgbaston Test saw flashes of brilliance as he scored 31 but failed to convert it. Then, in the second innings, he looked to be in fine touch once again, but only got 26 before getting out. The Indian team management gave him another chance at Lord' 33-year-old came in to bat with India in big trouble as Jofra Archer was steaming in and had just dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal. Karun and KL Rahul faced the music till tea and slowly, the duo started to get it was Karun who seemed to be a bit more aggressive, getting those strokes going. He looked to be playing with soft hands and being careful. But then, when you don't have luck on your side, you just don't have found an edge playing away from the body, and Joe Root produced a blinder. The Indian batter was back in the hut for 40. Another innings that promised a lot, yet failed to now has 117 in 5 innings. For context, Shubman Gill, at the same time, has 601 runs from the same number of going wrong?Well, not a lot is going wrong for Karun. He is playing well but seems to be finding ways to get out at the moment. Even the ball he got out to on Day 2 wasn't unplayable — yet he found a way to get dismissed. This was something that Cheteshwar Pujara commented on to the broadcasters.'He will have to find a way because he went into bat when things were difficult. It was challenging for him to negotiate that spell. He is always going past that difficult phase, and then he gets out. He will have to be mentally a bit more tough, try and ensure that he's looking at that landmark of 50. He was batting on 40 today. And it wasn't a bad ball. He got a good ball, but it wasn't an unplayable ball.""It was his mistake when he was playing away from the body. He will have to find a way. He will have to find a way to get past 50. Then mentally, you are a bit more relaxed, maybe not 100," said when you go past that 50-mark, mentally, you are relaxed. As a batter, you don't feel that pressure anymore. But this was a good ball, but it wasn't a ball where you can get out."Pujara also pointed out some technical issues with Karun, saying that the Indian batter is getting stuck in his crease, which is leading to the errors.'So, as a batter, he was stuck on the crease. That is something which is slightly worrisome.''I've been saying that he needs to move his back foot. If he can just bend quickly, either move on back foot or maybe try and get on front foot, because when you get stuck on the crease, that's the time when you tend to feel the ball and make those errors. So I hope that he learns that quickly and scores runs in the second innings,' said competition is heating upFor Karun, time is running out. And the competition for his spot is heating up. Sai Sudharsan, who would feel a bit undone to lose his spot after showing his talent in the first Test, is waiting in the wings. Then you have another domestic stalwart in Abhimanyu Easwaran, who seems to be patiently biding his time for the right moment to come in and make an Dhruv Jurel — someone who scored 227 runs during the unofficial Tests against the England Lions, including three fifties — looks eager to be back in the mix after his impressive debut in Tests. This puts the scanner firmly back on Karun, who now has three top players breathing down his also feels that six innings are more than enough for a batter like Karun to make his mark on the series. A failure in the second innings, according to Pujara, could spell disaster for the 33-year-old."Look, if he doesn't score runs in the second innings, then they will be looking at someone like Sai Sudharsan because he would have got an opportunity to bat in 6 innings by the time he bats in the second one, and if he hasn't scored a 50, then team management will look at Sai Sudharsan because that's good enough opportunities."'When he walked in, things were challenging, but the time when he got out, it wasn't that challenging. It wasn't very challenging for a batter to negotiate and he needs to make the most of his opportunities because when you are playing at the highest level, when you're playing for the Indian team, you don't get too many opportunities. So he will have to capitalise. I think that he will have to score runs in the second innings, otherwise team management might look at Sai Sudharsan for the fourth match,' said like this on our film screens always have a fairytale ending. They end with the hero scoring the winning runs or getting redemption in the form of a hundred. For Karun, neither of those things has happened yet — and it looks like his story, or at least this chapter, is coming to an end.- EndsMust Watch
