Latest news with #Flintstones
Toronto Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Sun
SIMMONS: Bam Bam Barger may be the real deal for Blue Jays
Addison Barger has punched his way into the starting lineup, with hard-swinging power and a versatility in the field. Get the latest from Steve Simmons straight to your inbox Addison Barger of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a two-run home run against the Athletics. Getty Images Growing up, there were two dogs in the Barger household. One named Bam Bam and the other named Pebbles. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'Were you a Flintstones guy?' Addison Barger was asked the other day, the dog names clearly coming from the legendary television cartoon. 'Not me,' he said. 'I guess my parents were Flintstones people.' It all seems kind of funny right now that the kid born in Washington State and grew up in Florida has been tabbed 'Bam Bam' by Jamie Campbell and others on the Sportsnet Blue Jays' television crew. Bam Bam Barger. It has a certain ring to it. Like Bam Bam Bigelow or Bam Bam Meulens. He doesn't mind the name, really, if that's what it is, so long as he can live up to the billing. It feels good that they're calling him anything at all these days, as the bevy of Blue Jays youngsters continue to fight for playing time, attention and, maybe in this case, full-time work. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The list of hopefuls has been long. The number of successes few. The real hope begins and ends right now with Bam Bam Barger. Barger has hit four home runs in the past four Blue Jays games. He has played both third base and right field in that time. He has unlikely natural power and a Jesse Barfield type of arm. He has some gifts from his stocky 5-foot-11, 225-pound frame. It's always too early to make this kind of claim for any kid on the way up, but this one looks like real. Even when striking out, Barger looks big league with a swing and a miss. The lineup of Blue Jays possibilities has been long and rather unproductive in recent seasons. The door has been open for Davis Schneider and Will Wagner and Joey Loperfido and Alan Roden and Nathan Lukes and Myles Straw and Jonatan Clase and Michael Stefanic. The opportunity has been there for a bunch of them. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Barger has punched his way into the starting lineup, with hard-swinging power and a versatility that takes him from third base to the outfield with the hardest thing of all for any big leaguer on the rise: An inner confidence that belies his accomplishments to date. COVID-19 changed a lot of our lives in a lot of different ways and the pandemic changed Barger's baseball path. He lost a minor-league season in 2020, as did so many of his cohorts. That was supposed to hurt budding prospects, not help. Most of us spent our COVID time binging the latest that Netflix had to offer. Not Barger. He decided to put the time to work, to invest in whatever he thought was going to be his career. Three things became part of his professional day. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. One, he started lifting more weights than ever before, lifting obsessively and, over time, became exponentially stronger. Barger did not inherit the kind of body he current owns. He was a tiny guy growing up. He was all of 160 pounds when the Blue Jays drafted him. He wanted more weight and more strength, so weightlifting became his daily mantra. That, and eating more and eating right and gaining muscle. 'I never ate so much in my life,' he said of his second big adaptation. The third thing — changing his swing. He could hit the ball before, but his swing was not memorable or violent. He wanted to swing harder than he had ever swung before. He did that after batting practice pitch during COVID, developing the swing he now shows on a nightly basis with the Jays. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Now he weighs more than 220 and he swings harder than just about anyone in baseball, and that combination of new size, new strength, new body, new approach, turned him from marginal prospect to every-day big leaguer. Which is what he has become now with the forever-struggling Blue Jays. Barger's month of May was something to behold. He hit four home runs, knocked in 12 runs, batted in.292 with an OPS of .887. The $500-million man, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., hit five home runs in May, knocked in 12 runs, batted .291 with an OPS of .869. 'I feel good,' said Barger, talking about the best month of his brief big-league career. 'You get a lot of confidence knowing you're going to be in there every day and get a chance to produce. That's all anybody wants really, a fair chance. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'You do your thing, you hopefully get better at it and you keep working. I never had the mindset of thinking I was close (to be being here) or not. That was never the way I approached it. 'I always wanted to play everyday, whether than was in double A, triple A, or now. I was worried about myself and about that day. I feel like I'm capable, but now it's about showing it. I know if I relax and play my game, I'll be in there.' How do you know when a callup is real? Barger didn't make the Jays opening day lineup this season. Wagner did. How do you know when a hot streak like this one is a sign of things to come? Manager John Schneider says its takes about 200 at bats before you have any real sense of what you have in a big-league player. But after 208 at-bats last season, Barger was shuffled to the side by the Jays. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'You never really know until they do it,' veteran pitcher Kevin Gausman said. This is Gausman's fifth team and 13th Major League season. He has seen so many prospects come and go — more go than come over the years. 'With Addison, the biggest difference I've seen is plate discipline,' Gausman said. 'The hardest thing to do in all of sports is hit a baseball. But what I see now is he's not chasing nearly as many pitches as he was. He's fouling off really good pitches. He's capitalizes on mistakes. That's what the best hitters do.' Read More Gausman is watching. Schneider is watching, Just about everyone in and around the Blue Jays are watching. And his dad, Adam, is watching ever so closely. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Like a lot of fathers, Adam coached his son at baseball. They had a diamond made in their large backyard. They talked baseball and lived baseball about as regularly as any father and son could or would talk baseball. Even now, his dad often travels to Jays games, he's in Toronto now for the series with the Phillies. They talk or text just about every day, sometimes several times a day. Who knew that the family dog they had named Bam Bam would wind up a possible nickname for his rather smallish son? Bam Bam Barger. The latest Blue Jays hope. Legitimate hope. It's early June and he's only 25 and, who knows, this self-made kid from COVID may well be the real deal. ssimmons@ Columnists Celebrity Columnists World Golf
CBS News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Wondering what that massive stone truck is on McKnight Road? It's a heartwarming tribute
Sometimes you see something in your daily travels and your brain thinks, "What the heck is that?" That's exactly what a lot of drivers along McKnight Road are likely thinking when they pass a sculpture that now appears on the side of the road. Especially at night, when there is no way that you could miss it. "It's supposed to be full-size, a full-size truck," said David Colosimo. Colosimo is the owner of Barn Landscaping, and he said that the sculpture is made entirely of stone. "Everything on there is the stone that we sell," he said. It isn't just about promoting the business. The driver's door says that it's a tribute to his father, Bobby. "It seemed like the perfect thing to do for him, and so we made a full-size, one-to-one, scale truck in his honor, a nice memorial up there," said Joe Izzy. It's a memorial because Bobby got sick and died unexpectedly last October. Long-time friend and colleague Izzy said there is only one way to describe Bobb Colosimo. "He was larger than life," he said. Bobby Colosimo cherished his family and friends, but he was also a businessman. He once owned parking lots near Three Rivers Stadium, and his 40 Daroco truckers were everywhere, paving, plowing, and hauling. Then there is Barn Landscaping on the terraced hillside at Babcock and McKnight. "He always wanted to do something very special on McKnight Road for the community, something spectacular," Izzy recalled. Izzay said in the wave of mourning after Bobby's passing, the idea of the stone truck was born, and they pulled it off a rock that Peter built. "The deck on the trucks, 23-foot, like our block truck, the cab is the same height, the width, the tires, 44-inch tires on there," Izzy said. "That's what you see on a tractor-trailer." At night, its running lights illuminate the Ross Township corner and can be changed to match the season or the occasion. "He would probably stand on McKnight Road," Izzy said. "Didn't care about the traffic, and just look at it. I know he's somewhere looking at it right now, but you know, this would be the top for him." Over-the-top is a great description of Bobby Colosimo. He actually floated the idea of a full-size Flintstones car for the spot. While it's not quite finished, they have a sign for The Barn that will soon be mounted in the truck sculpture's bed. As for his family, they love it. They are all still very shaken by his passing, but his wife Robin loves the tribute. When my family moved to Pittsburgh, Robin and Bobby were our next-door neighbors, and this truck is a perfect reflection of Bobby.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘Can't believe this is me'; Rosie O'Donnell stuns fans with drastic weight loss from Mounjaro, what is it?
Rosie O'Donnell stunned her fans as she revealed her spectacular weight loss journey while consuming a well-known weight-loss medication. The 63-year-old TV star, who was devastated by a significant setback after departing the US following Trump's election victory, unexpectedly revealed her significantly thinner figure on her main Instagram page when she performed a stand-up comedy act. O'Donnell, who first disclosed that she was taking Mounjaro in 2023, has been transparent about the substance ever since. She posted a screen grab of a recent video of herself performing live. In the picture, she appeared to be speaking to the audience while holding a microphone and a mic stand. She sported dark slacks and a light green pullover. 'I can't believe this is me now,' O'Donnell captioned her post, adding the hashtags '#mounjaro,'#weightloss' and '#bodydismorphia.' Reacting to her post, one of her followers stated: 'Good for you, Rosie!!!! Shine ON!' 'You look amazing! I've lost 110 on Mounjaro. My A1C is in check. Blood sugar normal,' another wrote. 'You look fantastic Ro!' a third user chimed in. Also Read: Why is Annabelle doll on US tour? Interesting facts about 'haunted' doll and 'Devils on the Run' A post shared by Rosie O'Donnell (@rosie) Like Ozempic and Wegovy, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a weight-loss and type 2 diabetes drug that is administered once a week by injection into the arm, stomach, or thigh. In recent months, a number of well-known people have admitted to using the substance, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Meghan Trainor and her husband Daryl Sabara, and Sophia Umansky, the 25-year-old daughter of Kyle Richards. In a March TikTok video, O'Donnell, who recently relocated to Ireland with her son Clay, 12, updated her fans on her weight loss progress. 'I've lost more weight. I am on Mounjaro for my diabetes and one of the side effects is you lose weight,' she said. "But it's also because I had a chef for over two years in Los Angeles and I don't have a chef now. It's me cooking for Clay and me.' O'Donnell disclosed in January 2023 that she had already started to notice a change after her doctor prescribed her Mounjaro and Repatha. 'I do one every other week and one once a week,' she clarified. In addition to taking drugs, The Flintstones star has changed several aspects of her lifestyle. At the time, she disclosed that she has been concentrating more on drinking water and 'not eating sugar as much as I can.'
Glasgow Times
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
90s throwback dog party for pugs and dachshunds in Glasgow
The event, described as the "best day ever" by previous attendees, will treat more than 200 dogs enjoying secure off-lead play, local doggy stalls, and unlimited puppuccinos. The party will feature a doggy pupcorn bar with Blockbuster, Flintstones, and Simpsons props. Read more: Schoolkids to animate dancing hedgehogs as part of campaign A dog show is also on the agenda, with 90s-style awards for categories such as Most Photogenic Since the Argos Catalogue, Nosiest Dog, and Cozier than a Granny's Knitted Jumper. (Image: Supplied) (Image: Supplied) The family-friendly event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 7 at Dog Days in Glasgow. Read more: Glasgow care home residents enjoy 'truly special occasion' Tickets, priced at £12 each, are only required for the dogs, with owners going free. They can be booked online for one-hour slots. 'Pawesome Parties', the organisers, have been hosting similar events across Scotland and northern England, celebrating various dog breeds. The event also collaborates with several dog charities, having managed to raise close to £4,000 over the last few years.
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Disney to open brand new theme park and resort – here's everything we know
DISNEY has revealed plans to open a brand new theme park - in Abu Dhabi. The huge new park will be in Yas Island, and will be the seventh for Disney. Advertisement 2 Disney is opening a huge new theme park in Abu Dhabi Calling it a "groundbreaking resort destination" it will be on the huge waterfront. Little-else is known about the theme park including how many lands and what rides it will include. However, it will have themed accommodation as well as dining and retail experiences, it has been confirmed. It states it will combine Disney 's "iconic stories, characters and attractions" with Abu Dhabi's culture and architecture. Advertisement Read more on Disney An opening date is yet to be confirmed. Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer at Walt Disney Company, said: "As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways." Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, added: "The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. "This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before." Advertisement Most read in News Travel Yas Island is currently home to a number of other attractions including Inside are six themed zones, with 29 rides and experiences. Disney parks could open 'new Simpsons lands and attractions' Guests can then choose between their favourite DC superhero, with both a Gotham and Metropolis land that have themed rides. Advertisement Another land is Bedrock, a Flintstones themed land with a river ride and restaurants, as well as Dynamite Gulch, with rides where you join Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner. And Cartoon Junction is a mix of the many Warner Bros animations, including Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny and The last Disney theme park to open was back in 2016 in Shanghai. The very first Paris opening in 1992. Advertisement Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris is currently getting a €2billion transformation in 2025, including a glamorous new entrance called World Premiere. The park is also getting What does the new theme park mean for Disney fans? By Lisa Minot, Head of Travel THE arrival of a whole new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi will up the ante for this sun-soaked Emirate. Yas Island is establishing itself as THE home of theme parks with Disney's latest venture sitting alongside the existing Ferrari World and Warner Bros World and SeaWorld. And with the UAE being a major airline hub, competitive flight prices and that year-round sunshine could make it a serious contender to Florida. While few details have been released on what will feature in the new park, its waterfront setting and the fact the development will feature hotels, restaurants and shops will no doubt mean some incredible experiences. I can't wait to find out more! 2 It will be the seventh theme park for Disney Credit: AP
