Category: general

Mainly Mozart holds Concertmaster Wine Pairing Series event

Mainly Mozart, the San Diego nonprofit behind the acclaimed Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival, held the first of this year’s Wine Pairing Series Nov. 15-16 at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, following the enthusiastic response to its 2024 debut, according to a news release. Presented by Jean-Charles Boisett Wineries, this year’s series, subtitled “Taste What You Hear”, features four concertmasters across four weekends of performances, an expansion from last year’s three, and adds Saturday concerts alongside Sundays. The 2025/2026 series showcases four of America’s leading concertmasters: Jun Iwasaki of the Kansas City Symphony (Nov. 15-16, 2025), Nurit Bar-Josef of the National Symphony (Jan. 10-11, 2026), Nathan Cole of the Boston Symphony (Feb. 21-22, 2026), and Frank Huang of the New York Philharmonic (April 11-12, 2026). Photos on this page were taken at the Nov. 16 event. The Mainly Mozart Wine Pairing Series events begin with an open hors d’oeuvres reception before audiences are seated for an intimate concert and tasting experience. Each piece on the program is paired with curated wines, chosen to mirror the style and emotion of the music. Wines are poured and selection commentary is provided before each musical work, setting the stage for a multi-sensory experience, the news release stated. “It’s not every day you get to enjoy a glass of wine inspired by the music you’re hearing in the moment,” said Nancy Laturno, Mainly Mozart co-founder and CEO, in the news release. “We loved this idea, and the enthusiastic response from attendees encouraged us to expand the series this year adding Saturday concerts and a fourth concertmaster. The wine selections are exceptional on their own, but paired with the music, they elevate both the flavor and the experience.” Tickets are available at www. mainlymozart. org/wine-series.
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/11/26/mainly-mozart-holds-concertmaster-wine-pairing-series-event/

Two National Guards Not Dead: FBI Director Reveals ‘Critical Condition’ After Gov. Morrisey Blunder

Chaos and confusion gripped the nation’s capital on the eve of Thanksgiving after a brazen afternoon ambush left two National Guard members fighting for their lives. While initial reports from West Virginia officials declared the soldiers dead, federal authorities were forced to intervene with a sombre correction regarding the surprise attack near the White House. FBI Director Kash Patel moved quickly to clarify the situation late Wednesday, revealing that the victims remain in critical condition following the shooting on 26 November. The incident, which occurred just blocks from the executive mansion, triggered an immediate lockdown and highlighted the perilous atmosphere facing troops deployed in Washington, DC. West Virginia Governor Retracts Premature Fatality Announcement The fog of war appeared to cloud official communications in the hours following the violence. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey had earlier released a statement erroneously reporting that the two troops, both members of the West Virginia National Guard, had died from their injuries. This declaration sent shockwaves through the community before being contradicted by federal law enforcement. Upon realising the error, Morrisey issued a retraction citing ‘conflicting reports.’ He walked back his previous confirmation with a plea for patience as the situation developed. ‘We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information,’ Morrisey stated. ‘Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.’ FBI Director Confirms Soldiers Are Battling for Survival Kash Patel provided the definitive update on the soldiers’ status, urging the public to focus on the victims’ recovery rather than the administrative confusion. He emphasised the gravity of their injuries while highlighting their role in the capital’s security operations. ‘Please send your prayers to those brave warriors who are in critical condition and their families,’ Patel said. ‘They are here serving our country. They are here protecting everyday Americans and citizens around the world in our nation’s capital.’ Jeff Carroll, executive assistant chief at the Metropolitan Police Department, confirmed that the wounded guardsmen were being treated at a local hospital. Lone Gunman Ambushed Troops Outside Subway Station The attack unfolded with terrifying speed outside a subway station in the heart of Washington, DC. Mayor Muriel Bowser described the event as a ‘targeted shooting,’ dispelling fears of a wider coordinated terror plot. Police officials indicated that the aggressor acted alone when he opened fire on the unsuspecting service members. ‘At this point, we have no other suspects,’ Carroll told reporters at an evening news conference. ‘It appears to be a lone gunman that raised the firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard and was quickly taken into custody by other National Guard members and law enforcement members.’ Investigators have found no evidence to suggest the shooter received assistance. The focus remains on uncovering the motive behind the sudden violence. Fellow Guardsmen Subdued Suspect in Moments of Heroism Despite the shock of the ambush, other National Guard members in the vicinity reacted with immediate professionalism. According to Chief Carroll, troops nearby heard the gunfire and rushed into danger to neutralise the threat before police units could arrive. ‘They heard the gunfire, they actually were able to intervene and to kind of hold down the suspect after he had been shot on the ground until law enforcement got there within moments,’ Carroll detailed. The suspect, who was shot during the confrontation, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Police are continuing to investigate who fired the round that struck the assailant. High-Security Alert Amidst Holiday Preparations The shooting occurred while President Donald Trump was away at his residence in Palm Beach, Florida, for the holiday. Nevertheless, the proximity of the violence to the seat of executive power necessitated a swift lockdown of the White House. This violence underscores the tension in Washington, where thousands of troops have been stationed for months. They are part of a broader initiative by the President to combat crime in the district, a mission that has now seen its own enforcers become targets.
https://www.ibtimes.com/two-national-guards-not-dead-fbi-director-reveals-critical-condition-after-gov-morrisey-blunder-3791469

New ramp meters along Highway 101 in Sonoma and Marin counties to be activated Tuesday

New Highway 101 ramp meters in Sonoma and Marin counties will be activated starting Tuesday to help manage traffic flow, according to Caltrans. Caltrans will turn on seven meters, which are traffic signals at onramps, in Sonoma County and five in Marin County in both northbound and southbound directions, the agency said in a Wednesday news release. All of the Sonoma County meters and both Marin County northbound meters will be switched on Tuesday. Three southbound Marin County meters, which are located along the Marin-Sonoma Narrows project area, will be turned on after some additional drainage and electrical work is completed, likely in early 2026, Caltrans spokesperson Matt O’Donnell said in an email Wednesday. The meters located in Petaluma, Novato, Sausalito and Mill Valley will be active at varying hours Monday through Friday. Signs will be placed ahead of the meters, letting drivers know of the new traffic signals. In Sonoma County, the meters will be on from 6 to 10 a. m. and 3 to 7 p. m. In Marin County, those leading onto the northbound lanes will be active from 2 to 7 p. m. and the meters by the southbound lanes will be on 5 to 11 a. m. The goal of the new meters is to make the highway more efficient and safe by creating room between vehicles and reducing traffic congestion and delays, the release said. Meters will be placed along additional onramps as funding becomes available. These are the locations where meters will be activated in Sonoma County: North Old Redwood Highway and Petaluma Boulevard loop onramp to northbound North Old Redwood Highway diagonal onramp to northbound Kastania Road and South Petaluma Boulevard diagonal onramp to southbound Lakeville Street and Caulfield Lane hook onramp to southbound East Washington Street diagonal onramp to southbound North Petaluma Boulevard and North Old Redwood Highway hook onramp to southbound Old Redwood Highway and North Petaluma Boulevard loop onramp to southbound In Marin County, meters will be activated at: Shoreline Highway and Almonte Boulevard hook onramp to northbound Redwood Highway Frontage Road and De Silva Drive hook onramp to northbound De Long Avenue diagonal onramp to southbound Atherton Avenue diagonal onramp to southbound San Antonio Road and Redwood Sanitary Landfill Road diagonal onramp to southbound All southbound Marin County meters are located along the Marin-Sonoma Narrows project area. While the expanded Highway 101 lanes opened in September, some “minimal” construction forcing some night closures is planned for later in the fall and winter, delaying the opening of the meters in those spots, O’Donnell said. In spring 2026, Caltrans will resume the final overlay paving and striping of the lanes, which is expected to take two months. The meter project was completed in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Transportation Authority of Marin and Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities.
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2025/11/26/new-ramp-meters-along-highway-101-in-sonoma-and-marin-counties-to-be-activated-tuesday/

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 star Matthew Lillard says he and his Scream “husband” Skeet Ulrich are “supposed to” do at least one more FNAF movie together: “I think where the relationship goes is really interesting”

Matthew Lillard says Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 won’t be the last time we’ll see Skeet Ulrich as Henry Emily. “When it came to Skeet, [creator Scott Cawthon] was like, ‘What do you think about Skeet to play this role?’ I thought it made total sense. The relationship between the two characters it’s on an interesting path, that’s all I can say,” Lillard tells GamesRadar+, when asked about the casting process. Ulrich and Lillard played best friends Billy Loomis and Stu Macher, respectively, in Wes Craven’s horror hit Scream. At the end of the film, the duo is revealed to be the knife-wielding serial murderer Ghostface (and it’s still one of the coolest and most clever reveals in any horror movie ever). Despite remaining friends for nearly 30 years, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 marks the duo’s first onscreen appearance since 1996. Ulrich plays Henry Emily, the overarching protagonist of the FNAF video games, who makes his first appearance in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. In the games and tie-in novels, Henry (first mentioned in the Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 video game as a missing person) is the co-founder of the Freddy Fazbear franchise who created the animatronics alongside none other than William Afton played by Lillard. This casting is particularly clever, as it parallels and subverts Billy and Stu’s relationship. In Scream, it’s Billy (Ulrich) who creates Ghostface and spearheads their murder spree, which is fueled by Billy’s deeply rooted hatred of Sidney and need for revenge. In Five Night’s at Freddy’s lore, Afton is the one who decides to turn the pizza chain into a trap for murdering children. and it’s Henry who tries to put a stop to it, rather than join in. “Our relationship is really tight. I mean, I see him every weekend. Husbands on the road. We eat every meal together, and he’s one of my dear, dear friends in the world, so I was thrilled,” Lillard continues. “I realized that he would take care of the fan base like I take care of the fan base. I think both of us are fan-forward. I don’t want to put words in his mouth, but I think he’s honored to be a part of the cast in this demographic and sort of the franchise in the world. I think he’s really excited about it. I know he’s excited about it.” Adds Lillard: “I think it’s great for the film. I think it’s fantastic in the movie. And I think fans are gonna love not only his performance here, but in success, we’re supposed to do three movies. And I think that where the relationship goes is really interesting.” A trilogy makes sense, given the absolutely enormous financial success of the first live-action film (which earned a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score in my heart), grossing $291 million at the global box office against a budget of just $20 million. It’s hard to imagine that the live-action franchise will stop at movie no. 3, but only time will tell. Viva la Lillardaissance!.
https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/horror-movies/five-nights-at-freddys-2-star-matthew-lillard-says-he-and-his-scream-husband-skeet-ulrich-are-supposed-to-do-at-least-one-more-fnaf-movie-together-i-think-where-the-relationship-goes-is-really-interesting/

10 Most Essential Action Movies of the Last 100 Years, Ranked

The best action movies aren’t just mindless and cheap thrills; they’re art that makes cinema incredible. Action isn’t just easy-going excitement. When one of these films stands out, it’s because there’s something truly magnificent about it, whether it’s because of how it’s made, the story it tells, or how it’s able to keep your attention. Throughout its history, many have competed for the greatest action movie of all time; some have succeeded, and some have not. Through it all, the ones that have succeeded and stood the test of time have earned the right to definitely be seen, even if it’s just once. The following are the pulse-pounders, the action-packed blockbusters, and the bona fide masterpieces that have become essential to action cinema. Without them, the genre would never be the same. These are groundbreakers and endlessly rewatchable classics, ones that continue to thrill and inspire countless films today. From martial arts classics to genre-mixers, these ten are necessary for anyone wanting to enter action. 10 ‘Enter the Dragon’ (1973) Endless excitement, revolutionary stunt work, and flawless fight choreography best describe the magic put into making Enter the Dragon the most legendary martial arts movie in history. Featuring the late and never forgotten Bruce Lee in his last but arguably greatest film, in a crowd-pleaser that further cemented him as an icon of the action genre. Enter the Dragon’s action is just as swift and fast as its leading protagonist, and delivers captivating fights and glorious stunts so expertly shown and performed that’s made it a highly rewatchable classic that’s somehow only gotten better with age. Lee was at the top of his game, along with every supporting actor and stunt performer, to create something unforgettable and surprisingly well-acted. Honestly, it sums up everything thrilling about martial arts films and stands as its most influential champion. 9 ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000) Taking martial arts to the highest attention in Western cinema, Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon achieved unanimous acclaim and success, turning it into one of the decade’s and this century’s most recognizable action films. Featuring remarkable acting, gorgeous cinematography, innovative fight sequences, and impressive wire stunt work, it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. It can instantly draw any viewer in with its captivating visuals, enticing them with beautiful imagery mixed with incredible and unique fighting choreography that also looks so fluid and natural. There’s no taking your eyes off it once it’s on, and that’s what makes Lee’s enduring classic a film that’s essential and worth constant watching. 8 ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015) There’s an unexpected charm to George Miller’s Mad Max series, as when it had been dominant from the late ’80s to mid-2010s, it almost seemed like there was no more life left in this popular post-apocalyptic action franchise. But miraculously, it pulled itself out of the dust to release 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road, which is not only considered to be the best of the franchise but often hailed as one of the greatest of the 21st century. What feels like a wild, pulse-pounding chase, Fury Road, instantly grips you, thrilling you every second with its tense action, competent direction, and captivating visuals, which greatly blend CGI and practical stunt work. The stunts are out of this world in this modern masterpiece, looking flawless and award-worthy, which actually contributed to this film’s sweeping success at the 2016 Academy Awards. Epic from start to finish and powerfully breathtaking, Mad Max: Fury Road can’t be ignored. 7 ‘Predator’ (1987) A bit of action, sci-fi, adventure, and mostly horror were all brought together to create movie history in John McTernan’s Predator. One of the most thrilling genre-benders in cinema, this mix blew audiences away in 1987, providing crowd-pleasing shoot-outs and epic fights, as well as giving horror fans some intense terror and suspense. Just look at its lineup, too: Arnold Schwarzenegger, the late Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, and Shane Black. From this legendary muscle-bound ensemble to its thrilling story and endlessly quotable one-liners, Predator instantly took its place in action history as a timelessly fun and unforgettable joyride. It spawned a continuously successful franchise, and if the acclaim of its latest installment, Predator: Badlands, has anything to show for it, it’s that this franchise is just rising higher. 6 ‘The Matrix’ (1999) Ending the glorious 1990s on one last explosive high note, The Wachowskis’ The Matrix was the 20th century’s last big hurrah for action and gave it tremendous inspiration. A compelling mix of thought-provoking storytelling and themes and elevated by revolutionary special effects, this was a game-changer that so many films tried to be like for years to come. The Matrix is unlike anything else, as its unique story and visuals not only make it stand out, but have it endure as it’s become a pop-cultural phenomenon, being endlessly referenced, parodied, and talked about constantly in the time since it blew up at the box office. It’s simply iconic, and its impact on cinema is undeniable. While, yeah, it spawned a mediocre franchise of sequels that got worse and worse, the first will always reign supreme as a staple of the genre. 5 ‘Aliens’ (1986) One of the greatest sequels of all time, James Cameron’s more action-packed continuation of Sir Ridley Scott’s Alien series, Aliens, pushed the franchise to new, exciting heights. While some argue the first is slightly better, the second stands on its own, creating a remarkable legacy as a timeless horror adventure with more characters, better effects, and so much action. It’s a futuristic war film with epic weapons and gadgets, and exciting characters taking the fight to the universe’s deadliest species, the xenomorphs. The action is intense and chaotic, and not made to seem triumphant but more like a desperate struggle for survival, which adds to the horror elements of the story. And speaking of horror, Aliens doesn’t skip on that and strikes the right balance of being a fist-pumping action spectacle and terrifying nightmare, which creates one hell of a movie-watching experience that can satisfy anyone. 4 ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981) Join the adventure with one of cinema’s most iconic characters ever, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), in his epic first journey in Steven Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark. A globe-trotting thrill ride with epic locations, beloved heroes, dastardly foes, fun chase sequences, and exciting lost treasures, this is the prime example of escapism, where you can instantly get swept away in the fun. Raiders of the Lost Ark defined the countless childhoods of generations of young explorers wanting to be like Indy. It’s a highly rewatchable and truly timeless action adventure that endures because of its excitement and pop culture significance. Even now, its lines and some of its best moments are referenced in other forms of media today, and that doesn’t show any signs of stopping. Of course, it’s essential for any action fan and just any casual movie watcher in general. 3 ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991) A masterpiece that is a great example of what every sequel should strive to achieve, Cameron’s second attempt at a continuation, this time with his own Terminator franchise, was a wild success that not only improved on the 1984 original film, but in many outshined it. 1991’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day was one of the biggest, most explosive, and exciting action films of the early ’90s and set a benchmark for the genre thanks to its legendary characters and groundbreaking effects. To say it’s essential to the action genre is an understatement. T2 did everything a sequel should be: improving on the existing story, adding something fresh and new, and elevating the game by bringing more of what audiences loved about the first. From the revolutionary effects used to bring the cybernetic machines to life to Arnold Swarzennger and Linda Hamilton’s iconic heroic performances, T2 can make an action fan out of anyone. 2 ‘Seven Samurai’ (1954) Akira Kurosawa, a Japanese filmmaker who pioneered filmmaking, giving cinema some of the most inspirational and revered classics ever, delivered his greatest masterpiece in 1954 with Seven Samurai. Widely considered to be the definitive action movie, this epic delivers a powerful story and incredible fight sequences that changed the face of the genre and cinema as a whole. With thought-provoking themes, remarkable and one-of-a-kind storytelling, and emotional depth and heartbreaking performances, Seven Samurai has stood near the top of some of cinema’s most influential masterpieces. It’s still an inspiring film today, giving notes to multiple genres like Western and Superhero. Its legacy is undeniable, its story is gripping from beginning to conclusion, and a must-watch for anyone interested in cinema. 1 ‘Die Hard’ (1988) Seven Samurai gave tremendous inspiration to the action genre today, but there’s just one more film that slightly tops it here on this list because of its impact. And that’s John McTiernan’s Die Hard, the magnum opus that not only defined ’80s action, but became a symbol of the genre where it’s still recognizable today.
https://collider.com/most-essential-action-movies-last-100-years-ranked/

Explore calendar Nov. 29-Dec. 5: Oregon’s Wild Public Lands

Saturday 11/29 Central Oregon Badminton: All levels are welcome from beginner to experienced, instruction, racquets, birdies provided; 6-8 p. m.; $10 children under 13 free; Bend Hoops, 1307 NE First St., Bend. Ninja Night: Staff will supervise and lead fun, team-building games, Ninja Warrior challenges, and thrilling timed races through our amazing obstacle course; 5: 30-8: 30 p. m.; $40; Free Spirit Yoga + Ninja + Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend; freespirityoganinjaplay. com or 541-241-3919. Rumble at the Rock Wrestling Tournament: Watch the youth wrestling tournament; 5: 30-8 p. m.; $5, $20 floor pass, ages 5 and under free; Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond; therockwrestling. org or 541-548-2711. Wednesday 12/3 Oregon’s Wild Public Lands with Pete Alport: Join Oregon Wild and Pete Alport for this special presentation on Oregon’s wild public lands; 6-7 p. m.; Worthy Brewing Company, 495 NE Bellevue Drive, Bend; oregonwild. org or 541-639-4776. Snowshoeing in Central Oregon: Bob Timmer and Kelly Cleman of the Central Oregon Nordic Club (CONC) will discuss the over 27 miles of dedicated snowshoe trails at nearby sno-parks; 6: 30-7: 30 p. m.; Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend; dpl. libnet. info. Thursday 12/4 Thursday Night Football: Catch all the NFL action with $5 pints and $5 pizza; 4 p. m.; General Duffy’s Annex Sports Bar, 413 Glacier Ave., Redmond; generalduffys. com. “DREAM BOLDLY The Grand AdvenChair” Documentary Screening: Local Bend adventurer Geoff Babb, a survivor of two strokes, takes years to perfect an all-terrain human-powered wheelchair for an expedition down and back out of the Grand Canyon; 5-6: 30 p. m.; Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond; dpl. libnet. info or 541-312-1050. Hoodoo’s Wintervention: There will be prizes, giveaways, entertainment and activities; 6-8 p. m.; free; Three Creeks Brewing Company, 721 S. Desperado Court, Sisters; hoodoo. com or 541-549-1963. Friday 12/5 Santa Pajama Jam Event: Meet Santa, play festive games, make ornaments and stay active in the ninja gym; 9 a. m.-3 p. m.; $28; Free Spirit Yoga + Ninja + Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend; freespirityoganinjaplay. com or 541-241-3919.
https://bendbulletin.com/2025/11/26/explore-calendar-nov-29-dec-5-oregons-wild-public-lands/

BlockchainFX Price Prediction in 2026: MoonPay Secures NY Trust Charter as DeepSnitch AI Targets 60x Gains Before January Launch

The post BlockchainFX Price Prediction in 2026: MoonPay Secures NY Trust Charter as DeepSnitch AI Targets 60x Gains Before January Launch appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. The neobank MoonPay has secured a trust charter from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), allowing it to offer crypto custody and trading services in one of the world’s strictest regulatory environments. This institutional milestone indicates that the infrastructure for mass adoption is being finalized. As the market matures, investors are looking beyond established coins for the next high-growth opportunity. DeepSnitch AI fits this profile perfectly, offering “live utility” in a market hungry for real tools. Its presale has already raised over $590,000, with the token price at $0.02477, a 60% gain for early investors. MoonPay granted a trust charter MoonPay announced that it has been granted a trust charter by the NYDFS. This regulatory approval is an upgrade from the BitLicense it secured in June, as it authorizes the payments company to provide fiduciary services, including crypto custody and over-the-counter (OTC) trading, within New York. CEO Ivan Soto-Wright stated that this approval allows the company to “deepen relationships with global financial institutions” and expand its regulated services. This move positions MoonPay alongside other regulated giants and shows the growing integration of crypto services into the traditional financial system. Which projects offer the best ROI: The BlockchainFX price prediction or DeepSnitch AI’s massive potential? DeepSnitch AI: The 60x opportunity launching soon Bitcoin is chopping, and retail traders feel hunted by institutional algorithms. DeepSnitch AI is the specific tool built for this market chaos. It gives power back to you by providing institutional-grade intelligence. While other projects sell whitepapers, DeepSnitch AI is delivering live utility in a dead market. The SnitchFeed intelligence layer is live in the internal environment, tracking whale movements and sentiment shifts in real-time. SnitchScan is being built as a “bear-proof” scam filter, auditing contracts for risk before investors buy. Staking is also live, with over…
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/blockchainfx-price-prediction-in-2026-moonpay-secures-ny-trust-charter-as-deepsnitch-ai-targets-60x-gains-before-january-launch/

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