Star India opener Smriti Mandhana made a huge revelation about her fear. She revealed that she was scared to sleep alone. Smriti was part of the Indian team that won the World Cup 2025. Ad She revealed that she needed someone with her in her room to get sound sleep. Smriti would often get hold of her India teammate and close friend Jemimah Rodrigues. “I am scared to sleep alone. I need someone in the room. Even on tour I manage to get someone. I try to grab someone. I have good friends. Jemmi gets very scared. But yeah, I need nice sound sleep,” she said on ‘The Long Off Show’. Ad Trending Smriti also revealed what she would do on bad days and her mindset to make a strong comeback. She stated that she would set harder goals for herself than being negative. The left-hander expressed how it felt when India were knocked out of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the group stage. “When bad days come I like to write a lot. The moment I start thinking how to get better, the point I fail, it fades away. I set a bigger or harder goal than thinking bad. I think what is my plan of action ahead. The 2024 World Cup was a very big setback. Before that I was in he form of my life. We could not qualify. Everyone was extremely quiet.” Ad She made up in the World Cup 2025, ending as India’s highest run-getter. Smriti made 434 runs from nine matches with a century and a half-century. She delivered on the big stage in a crucial tournament as India won their maiden ICC trophy in Women’s cricket. Smriti Mandhana reveals advice from ex-India star before World Cup 2025 Smriti Mandhana revealed an advice she received from ex-India star Yuvraj Singh before the World Cup 2025. Yuvraj Singh asked her and the team not to play the tournament with the expectations in mind, but rather only play the match as a normal game of cricket. Ad “I was at an event where Yuvraj Singh was also there. He said dont play by the expectations, just play the game. I really liked what he said. It is not just expectations from people but even expectations that we have from ourselves as players. You start thinking of doing a lot when the World Cup comes. When you just do the job and leave, then the magic happens,” she said. Ad Further, when asked about three names she had the best conversation with or learnt the most from. Smriti named Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, Australia star Meg Lanning, and former skipper MS Dhoni. She revealed that she even idolised Sangakkara growing up, being a left-handed batter herself. “Sangakkara Sir was my idol growing up. Whenever I speak to him I have amazing conversations around batting. I was feeling out of touch with my batting. I texted him and he was very happy to help. I had a good 20-30 minute chat with him. One is him. Second is Meg Lanning. I remember watching her batting and thinking I need to bat like that. I wanted to dominate how she dominated. The third person is Dhoni. I remember doing a shoot with him. We were on bike for the shoot and he was on another bike. On the bike I was asking him questions.” NOTE: ‘This interview was recorded before Smriti Mandhana’s father was hospitalized’ × Feedback Why did you not like this content? Clickbait / Misleading Factually Incorrect Hateful or Abusive Baseless Opinion Too Many Ads Other Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Looking for fast live cricket scores? Download CricRocket and get fast score updates, top-notch commentary in-depth match stats & much more! 🚀☄️ Edited by Rishab Vm.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-i-scared-sleep-alone-star-india-opener-makes-huge-revelation-fear
Tag: expectations
Asking Eric: My stepsons seem to have forgotten all the manners we taught them
Dear Eric: I am the stepmother to two great young men. Their father and I have been together since they were teenagers. When they were young, it was a difficult but necessary position for me to be in when it came to teaching them about manners and household chores. They thought I was nagging them to put a napkin on their lap, take their hat off at the dinner table, take their shoes off when they entered the house, carry their dishes to the sink, put the seat down, etc. Now that they are grown men, I am running into a similar, uncomfortable position with them and their significant others. I feel like I am stepping on eggshells and biting my tongue when they come to visit because they have seemed to forget the things we taught them years ago. At a recent family gathering, none of the “kids” offered to help. They showed up empty-handed, sat down and waited to be served. Once the meal was finished, I had to ask them to help me clear the plates. On another occasion, they went to a family holiday that my husband and I did not attend because we were out of town. It was reported back to us that they showed up empty-handed and did not offer to help the hostess clean up after the meal. We were mortified. My husband has offered to say something to them, but his delivery is not always the best. Please, help us help them. Stepping On Eggshells Dear Eggshells: At this point, I think you may be overcompensating for the manners you wish these men had, so your husband’s delivery, poor though it may be, could be a helpful last resort. At the end of the day, however, these are adults, and they have to be responsible for their own behavior. If you’re receiving reports about the behavior of these adults from friends, I’d gently remind these friends that you can’t control another person’s actions. It may feel like it’s a reflection on you or your parenting, but it’s not. They own what they do. But, when they’re guests at your home, it will be helpful to verbalize expectations up front. It’s often easy to fall into old patterns, especially at a childhood home. But patterns don’t have to be set in stone. If you want help clearing the table, tell them, “We’re so happy you’re here. We want to have a gathering in which everyone is involved. We’ll serve and you clear. How’s that sound?” Political rants ruin holiday gatherings Dear Eric: With the holidays approaching, I’m facing a dilemma. Politically, I guess I’m a Libertarian because I am somewhere in the middle, not far left or right. That’s one reason I don’t like discussing politics, as most people who do are at one of the extremes. The other reason is it’s almost always a very negative narrative against the other side, rather than what they believe is positive about their own side. My dilemma is about Christmas. I’m from a very small family and have only a few cousins left. I’m invited each year to a cousin’s home for a lovely dinner party. I’m considering not going (i. e. staying home alone) this year because they are very liberal and very vocal about it. If I don’t chime right in with the Trump-bashing, which will be over the top this year, they accuse me of being a Trump supporter. (I have never voted for him.) I just don’t like the tone it sets at a festive time of year, and I choose not to participate. We’re getting older and it may be the last time I see some of them, but the political rants just squash the spirit of the season. I feel I can’t say anything because it’s their home and their party. How do you suggest I navigate this? No Grinches Dear No Grinches: While it’s true that it’s their home, as a guest and as a family member, you can ask for what you need in order to feel comfortable and welcome. Start with a phone call. Tell them you value them and want to spend time with them, but that you find that the political debate wears on you and detracts from the holiday. Don’t get into the who-said-what of it all. For the moment, let’s leave voting records out of it. This is a conversation about how to have a conversation. Ask them if they’d consider focusing on family, connectivity and celebration this year. Now, some families connect and celebrate by debating. And maybe everyone in your family is like this, save for you. It’s still possible to modulate. But it’s going to take a conscious awareness of the patterns they fall into and a mutual decision to try something new. Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingericletter at rericthomas. com.
https://www.pennlive.com/advice/2025/11/asking-eric-my-stepsons-seem-to-have-forgotten-all-the-manners-we-taught-them.html
Bitcoin and Ethereum Slide Further: Predictions Suggest Rising Odds of Dumps Amid Fed Uncertainty
Bitcoin and Ethereum prices have declined amid macroeconomic uncertainty, with predictions shifting toward bearish outlooks on platforms like Myriad. This week’s top markets focus on BTC and ETH’s next moves, alongside expectations for another Federal Reserve rate cut in 2025, influencing crypto volatility. Bitcoin (BTC) faces potential further drops to $50,000 support levels as bearish [.] Source:.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/bitcoin/bitcoin-and-ethereum-slide-further-predictions-suggest-rising-odds-of-dumps-amid-fed-uncertainty/
HSBC Analysts Announce Surprise Forecast for Fed’s December and 2026 Interest Rate Decisions!
The US federal government shutdown canceled the October employment report, a key indicator for interest rate decisions. This has lowered market expectations for a December rate cut to around 30% from 100% a month ago. According to CME FedWatch, the probability of a December rate cut has fallen to 31. 8%, while the probability of leaving rates unchanged is priced in at 68. 2%. According to the FOMC minutes released yesterday, the majority of Fed officials stated at last month’s monetary policy meeting that it would be appropriate to keep the policy rate steady in December. Although the likelihood of a December interest rate cut is diminishing day by day due to the lack of data, HSBC analysts predicted that the Fed will cut interest rates once again at its December meeting. However, HSBC analysts presented a negative outlook for 2026 and stated that additional reductions were not expected in 2026. Analysts also added that the US dollar could bottom out in the first quarter of 2026 or earlier and then recover. The comments come as investors await the release of key U. S. economic data, which has been delayed by the record-length government shutdown. *This is not investment advice.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/hsbc-analysts-announce-surprise-forecast-for-feds-december-and-2026-interest-rate-decisions/
EUR/GBP softens below 0.8850 despite growing expectations of BoE rate cut
The EUR/GBP cross loses momentum to near 0. 8820 during the early European session on Thursday. Nonetheless, the potential downside for the cross might be limited, as weakening UK economic data have increased expectations for a Bank of England (BoE) interest rate cut in December. The German Producer Price Index (PPI) and Eurozone Consumer Confidence reports will be released later on Thursday. Recent weak UK economic data, such as Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, disappointing GDP and Industrial Production readings, have boosted BoE rate cut bets in the December meeting. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed on Wednesday that the UK headline inflation fell to 3. 6% YoY in October, as expected, from 3. 8% in September. Additionally, uncertainty and pessimism surrounding the UK’s autumn budget could weaken sentiment towards the Pound Sterling against the Euro. The upcoming government budget on November 26 is also expected to influence the BoE’s next move. While the BoE is facing pressure to reduce the interest rates, the European Central Bank (ECB) maintains a more cautious stance, which provides some support to the EUR. According to a majority of economists polled by Reuters, the ECB will hold interest rates at least until the end of 2026. The case for a longer pause has increased since the ECB last reduced the key interest rates in June, with inflation hovering around the 2% target, GDP stable, and the unemployment rate staying at an all-time low.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/eur-gbp-softens-below-0-8850-despite-growing-expectations-of-boe-rate-cut/
Angels GM Perry Minasian: Grayson Rodriguez is ‘a gamble worth taking’
Right-hander Grayson Rodriguez offered too tantalizing of a package for Perry Minasian to turn down, despite the risk. A day after the Angels acquired a pitcher who has been hurt for nearly a season and a half, Minasian said the current reports of his Rodriguez’s and the potential he offers were sufficient to be worth sending the Baltimore Orioles one of their best power hitters, Taylor Ward. “Is there risk? Yes, there’s risk,” the Angels’ general manager said Wednesday. “It’s eyes wide open on the risk. That being said, it’s four years of control. It’s somebody that, when he pitches, can beat anybody on any given night. The weapons he has and the ability to throw strikes, it’s a combination that some of the best in the game have. We’ve got high expectations. He’s somebody we’re really excited to have.” Rodriguez, 26, is a former first-round pick with a 100-mph fastball. He had a 3. 25 ERA over a 31-start stretch from July 2023 to July 2024. He struck out 193 and walked 53 over 182⅔ innings in that span. His walk rate is slightly better than the major-league average. However, he hasn’t thrown a pitch in a regular season game since July 31, 2024. Rodriguez suffered a lat strain that cost him the last two months of the 2024 season, and he missed all of 2025 with a similar strain and then elbow problems. He had surgery to have a bone spur removed in August. “We need him to be healthy,” Minasian said. “We like where he’s at. Obviously, we felt like the medical (report) was in a good enough place to where this was a chance, a gamble worth taking. We expect him to be healthy in spring. He’s throwing bullpens in January. We’ve talked to him. He’s very motivated, very excited. Somebody that can really give us a jolt in the rotation.” Rodriguez is scheduled to talk to the media Wednesday afternoon. For now, any report of his health has to be taken with caution. No team would give up an established starting pitcher with four years of control for a hitter with one year of control under normal circumstances. Mike Elias, the Orioles president of baseball operations, told the Baltimore media recently that Rodriguez was a “wild card.” “There’s nothing going on right now that would hold him back,” Elias said. “He’s not injured right now and he’s preparing for spring training, but the poor guy’s missed a year and two months basically, and we’ve got to be mindful of that, and I think he’s a really nice wild card talent for us, and I’m really optimistic and bullish about it. But the fact that he’s missed so much time recently, we just have to be prudent about that. “We don’t want to plan around him too heavily, but I really like where he’s at.” If Rodriguez is healthy, he would join a rotation that includes right-hander José Soriano and left-handers Yusei Kikuchi and Reid Detmers. Soriano is 27 and Detmers and Rodriguez are 26. The Angels control Detmers and Soriano for the next three years, and Rodriguez for the next four. The Angels still need another starter, and to that end the deal helps by freeing up some money. Ward was set to make around $14 million in arbitration, and Rodriguez will make just over the major-league minimum of $780,000. “The more flexibility, the better,” Minasian said. “That was discussed too. It’s not only acquiring somebody we feel like can impact the rotation, but freeing up some money to maybe get into areas where we wouldn’t have been able to before.” The Angels will need to replace Ward’s production at the plate. Last season, he hit 36 homers and drove in 103 runs with a . 792 OPS. The Angels still have Mike Trout, Jo Adell and Jorge Soler to play the corner outfield spots. Trout and Soler likely can’t handle full-time outfield duty, so the Angels would probably look to have them split time in the outfield and at designated hitter. Adell could also play center, but perhaps now the Angels are more likely to get a true center field and keep Adell in one of the corners. “It’s a long offseason,” Minasian said. “We’ll continue to look.” More to come on this story.
https://www.dailybreeze.com/2025/11/19/angels-gm-perry-minasian-grayson-rodriguez-is-a-gamble-worth-taking/
India Trade Deficit Government registered at $41.68B above expectations ($29.4B) in October
Gold lacks a firm intraday directional bias and seesaws between tepid gains/minor losses, below the $4,100 mark through the first half of the European session on Monday. A slew of influential FOMC members showed little conviction for reducing borrowing costs, prompting traders to scale back their expectations for another interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/india-trade-deficit-government-registered-at-41-68b-above-expectations-29-4b-in-october/
Sony CFO Lin Tao says Destiny 2 has not reached expectations
It’s been a tumultuous period for Destiny 2 maker Bungie since the studio was acquired by Sony. New financial data now reveals that this acquisition has had a notable impact on Sony’s finances.
Sony recorded an impairment loss related to a portion of its Bungie assets. Specifically, the company took a 31.5 billion yen ($204 million USD) loss connected to Destiny 2, as disclosed in Sony’s Q2 2025 earnings report published last night. This significant write-down signals that the popular live service game has not been performing as well as Sony initially anticipated.
Sony’s CFO, Lin Tao, further confirmed these concerns during a subsequent Q&A session, as reported by Eurogamer. He explained that, partially due to changes in the competitive environment, both sales and user engagement for Destiny 2 have fallen short of the expectations set at the time Sony acquired Bungie.
The news underscores the challenges facing Destiny 2 and reflects the broader complexities involved in managing and growing live service games within a highly competitive market.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146780/sony-destiny-2-not-reaching-expectations
Fed Governor Miran Calls for 50 bps Rate Cut in December
Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran has called for a 50 basis point rate cut at the Federal Reserve’s December meeting, stating that a 25 basis point reduction should be the minimum. Speaking in a CNBC interview, Miran emphasized that the central bank needs to act based on future economic projections rather than solely on current data.
Miran has been the sole dissenter on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) this year. He voted against the smaller 25 basis point cuts implemented at both the September and October meetings, advocating for larger reductions. He pointed to signs of weakness in both inflation and employment, urging policymakers to focus on where the economy will be in 12 to 18 months, as monetary policy changes typically take over a year to fully impact the economy. “If you’re making policy for what the data are now, you’re backward looking,” Miran explained.
Market expectations currently favor another rate cut in December. According to CME FedWatch data, there is a 62.6% probability of a 25 basis point reduction at the December 10 FOMC meeting. Meanwhile, there is a 37.4% chance that rates will remain unchanged.
### Split Among Fed Officials
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has made clear that a December rate cut is not guaranteed. Fed officials remain divided on whether to hold rates steady or ease further. Some are concerned about persistent inflation, while others are focused on signs of a softening labor market.
San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly highlighted the need for an open mind ahead of the December meeting. In an essay, Daly pointed to the shifting balance of risks between inflation and labor market conditions. She noted that although inflation has gradually declined, it remains elevated, while the labor market has softened significantly this year. While Daly did not specify her stance on the upcoming decision, her comments suggest she is weighing both sides of the debate.
### Divergent Views on the Pace of Policy Easing
Fed Governor Chris Waller supports further rate cuts but believes that the Fed’s current pace of quarter-point reductions is appropriate. Unlike Miran, Waller does not see the need for larger cuts at this time.
So far this year, the Fed has cut interest rates twice, each by 25 basis points—once in September and again in October. The October reduction, made just two weeks ago, set the stage for December’s meeting to be a critical decision point for the central bank’s monetary policy.
Miran acknowledged that his position could change depending on new economic data. He noted that information released between now and the December meeting could influence his views.
### Looking Ahead to December 10
Market odds for a December rate cut have declined slightly in recent days but still remain above 60%. The FOMC meeting on December 10 will be a decisive moment, as Fed officials review fresh economic data before determining whether to implement a third rate cut this year.
As the Fed weighs the complex balance between controlling inflation and supporting employment, investors and observers will keenly watch for signals on the central bank’s next move.
https://coincentral.com/fed-governor-miran-calls-for-50-bps-rate-cut-in-december/
Starbucks apologizes after Bearista cup launch sparks chaos: ‘Exceeded even our biggest expectations’
**Starbucks Apologizes After Limited-Edition Teddy Bear-Shaped Holiday Cup Sparks Chaos**
*By Cecily | November 7, 2025 | Fox Business*
Starbucks has issued an apology to customers following the release of its limited-edition teddy bear-shaped holiday cup, which sparked chaos across the country.
The Seattle-based coffee giant launched its 2025 holiday menu and merchandise on Thursday, featuring the Glass Starbucks Bearista Cold Cup priced at $29.95. This collectible cup, shaped like a bear and topped with a green beanie lid, quickly went viral online and sold out rapidly, leaving fans scrambling to get their hands on one.
“The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations and, despite shipping more Bearista cups to coffeehouses than almost any other merchandise item this holiday season, the Bearista cup and some other items sold out fast,” a Starbucks spokesperson told FOX Business in an email.
The high demand for the Bearista cup created a frenzy reminiscent of Black Friday shopping, prompting Starbucks to apologize for the limited availability and supply chain challenges.
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### Public Reaction
The response on social media and various forums has been mixed. Some customers expressed disappointment over the scarcity, while others critiqued the hype around the merchandise.
“Starbucks getting the jump on some Black Friday-style stupidity and hype,” commented one user.
Others remain steadfast in their decision to avoid Starbucks altogether. “This just adds to the other zillion reasons we will not get near a ‘Starbutts.’ Life is too short to consume Starbutts,” wrote another.
Many also pointed out the role of social media influencers in fueling the craze. “Don’t forget about the influencers as well,” one user noted.
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### About the Bearista Cup
The Glass Starbucks Bearista Cold Cup is part of Starbucks’ holiday merchandise collection, designed to be a fun and collectible item for fans. Priced at $29.95, the bear-shaped cup with a green beanie lid quickly became a coveted item among Starbucks enthusiasts.
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*For more updates and news, visit foxbusiness.com.*
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*Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management.*
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**Keywords:** Starbucks, Holiday Cup, Bearista Cup, Holiday Merchandise, Limited Edition, Viral Products, Customer Apology, 2025 Holiday Season
**Topics:** Business/Economy, Society, Pop Culture
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4351520/posts