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Major League Baseball 9-9-9 Challenge — Every Movie Has a Lesson

If you haven’t heard of the “9-9-9 Challenge” yet, go ahead and do a quick Google search because it’s going viral. It’s a simple challenge: Drink nine beers and eat nine hot dogs within the first nine innings of an MLB game.

Former NFL superstar J.J. Watt completed the challenge at a Brewers game this past weekend (in just 5 1/2 innings, of course), celebrities have also done it and thousands of baseball fans are participating daily across the country.

BetOnline.ag wanted to find out which fanbase is attempting the 9-9-9 Challenge the most, so it compiled geotagged data from Instagram and X (Twitter) by tracking MLB fan posts and tweets about attempting the infamous challenge. The sampling goes back to the beginning of the season through this past Monday.

The team with the most posts/challenge videos is at the top of the infograph provided below by BetOnline

The top spot should come as no real surprise as Philadelphia Phillies fans are known to be the rowdiest. With nearly 5,000 attempts over the course of this season, roughly 45 Philly fanatics per game are giving it a shot.

The fanbases with the fewest attempts…no surprise there either as those Florida teams don’t have many fans attending the games!

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02/08/2025
Episode 206 of “The Cinephile Hissy Fit” Podcast — Every Movie Has a Lesson

PODCAST: Episode 206 of “The Cinephile Hissy Fit” Podcast — Every Movie Has a Lesson

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02/08/2025
Cannes Film Festival Debrief 2025

Joining host Leila Latif are Hannah Strong and David Jenkins.

Truth & Movies is the podcast from the film experts at Little White Lies, where along with selected colleagues and friends, they discuss the latest movie releases. Truth & Movies has all your film needs covered, reviewing the latest releases big and small, talking to some of the most exciting filmmakers, keeping you across important industry news, and reassessing great films from days gone by with the Truth & Movies Film Club.

Email: truthandmovies@tcolondon.com

BlueSky and Instagram: @LWLies

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Produced by TCO

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02/08/2025
The Netflix Characters Everyone’s Dressing Like in 2025 — Every Movie Has a Lesson

Wednesday Addams from the show Wednesday is the Netflix character whose style is copied the most with 4,884,650 monthly searches tied to her fashion. The black dresses, white collars, and moody visuals have clearly become more than just a costume, they’re a full-blown trend.

Portrayed in The Crown, Princess Diana comes in second with 643,810 monthly searches. Her look channels vintage luxe and what many call an old money vibe. Her 80s and 90s staples, like pastel suits and classic knits, have found new life with fashion-forward audiences.

Daphne from Bridgerton is third, drawing 613,330 monthly searches with her feminine, fairy-tale regencycore style. Flowing empire-waist dresses, pastel tones, and ornate detailing bring a fantasy element that makes her wardrobe a favorite among fans looking for elegant escape.

Emily Cooper from Emily in Paris ranks fourth with 502,610 monthly searches. Her outfits are bold and full of personality, think bright prints, designer bags, and dramatic layering. Her fashion choices may be over the top, but that’s exactly why they stand out.

Stranger Things’ Eleven’s look has changed over time, and her evolving style keeps fans interested. She ranks fifth and gets 145,440 monthly searches. Early on, her outfits had a tomboy feel. Later, she adopted more vintage 80s styles that viewers now see as cool and collectible.

Eddie Horniman from The Gentlemen, comes in sixth, and brings 79,280 monthly searches with his relaxed but stylish wardrobe. Think countryside jackets, textured fabrics, and simple layers. It’s a grounded look that gives off confidence without being flashy.

In seventh, Ruby Matthews from Sex Education, picks up 59,090 monthly searches for her confident, fashion-forward style. Her wardrobe is all about bold pieces, tight fits, and standout accessories. It’s a modern version of the classic popular-girl look.

Another character from Emily in Paris, Sylvie Grateau, gets 57,090 monthly searches, mostly for her sharp, minimalist fashion and ranks eighth. She wears clean, tailored pieces in muted tones, exactly the kind of wardrobe that says power and elegance without trying too hard.

In ninth place, the third Emily in Paris character Camille Razat pulls in 36,300 monthly searches with her softer, more understated French style. Her outfits are simple and sleek, making them easier to wear in real life. They give off that effortless vibe people often associate with Paris.

Maeve Wiley, the second Sex Education character finishes the list with 18,040 monthly searches. Her look is bold in a different way, with dark clothes, chunky boots, and a hint of punk. It’s the kind of style that stands out without needing color or flash.

A spokesperson from Kaiia commented on the study: “Streaming characters are setting real-life fashion trends. Viewers aren’t just watching, they’re searching for these outfits and using them as style guides. This shows how much influence on-screen wardrobes can have, especially when they offer something bold, nostalgic, or aspirational.”

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02/08/2025
How Games Save Queer Lives — Every Movie Has a Lesson
In a year when lawmakers introduced more than 850 anti-LGBTQ+ bills nationwide and nearly half of queer youth seriously considered suicide, an unexpected lifeline emerged from an unlikely source: video games.

For 44% of LGBTQ+ people, the virtual worlds designed for entertainment have become essential tools for survival, offering acceptance that often remains elusive in their schools, communities, and even their homes. It’s a phenomenon that reveals both the depth of the mental health crisis facing queer youth and the surprising capacity of digital spaces to fill voids left by failing real-world support systems.

The Crisis in Numbers

The Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey of LGBTQ+ Youth paints a stark picture of a generation under siege. Among young people aged 13-24:
- 41% seriously considered suicide in the past year.
- 14% attempted suicide, rates significantly higher than their cisgender, heterosexual peers.
- 54% experienced symptoms of depression.
- 67% reported anxiety.
This mental health emergency has coincided with an unprecedented surge in hostile legislation. The 850+ anti LGBTQ bills introduced represent a deepening of the isolation many queer youth already experience in their communities.

Gaming as Digital Refuge

Yet amid this hostility, gaming communities have emerged as unexpected sanctuaries. GLAAD’s 2024 “State of LGBTQ Inclusion in Video Games” report, surveying over 4,000 PC and console gamers, revealed the extent to which virtual worlds have become crucial coping mechanisms:

The appeal appears rooted in gaming’s unique combination of anonymity, community, and agency; players can experiment with identity through character creation while building meaningful relationships without geographical constraints.

Identity Discovery in Virtual Spaces

Gaming’s role extends beyond mere escapism to active identity formation. The medium’s interactive nature creates particularly powerful opportunities for self-discovery:
- 36% of LGBTQ+ gamers credit games with helping them discover or affirm their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- 41% of LGBTQ+ gamers of color report this same effect.
These findings align with broader research on digital mental health interventions. A 2025 JMIR review found that gamified tools incorporating game mechanics, such as goal-setting and social collaboration, achieve higher engagement rates than traditional apps, suggesting the medium may be uniquely effective for certain therapeutic applications.

“We’ve seen how modular gaming networks can mirror therapeutic group structures,” says a spokesperson for MPL. “By allowing players to curate their communities and narratives, these platforms offer adaptive support that traditional systems often can’t, enabling queer youth to find both belonging and autonomy in equal measure.”

Representation Gap

The gaming industry’s response has lagged behind both documented need and economic opportunity. Despite LGBTQ+ consumer spending topping $1.4 trillion annually in the US, a 165% increase, representation remains minimal:
- Only 2% of games feature openly queer gaming characters.
- 72% of LGBTQ+ gamers report that representation improves their gaming experience.
- 68% want more queer storylines in games.
This disconnect suggests the industry may be underestimating both the size and purchasing power of LGBTQ+ gaming communities, missing significant revenue opportunities while failing to serve a vulnerable population.

From Symbolism to Substance

The path forward requires more than symbolic inclusion. When more than a quarter of LGBTQ+ players abandon games due to abuse, community safety becomes more urgent than representation. Effective solutions demand coordinated effort: developers deploying robust moderation systems, platforms highlighting queer-friendly servers, and parents recognizing gaming communities as legitimate support networks rather than mere entertainment.

About MPL – Mobile Premier League (MPL) is a popular gaming platform in the US, offering a variety of games across categories like card games and casual games. Players can compete in these games for an engaging and competitive experience. The app is available for download on mobile devices, allowing users to enjoy a wide range of games anytime, anywhere.
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01/08/2025
Bring Her Back + Directors Danny and Michael Phillipou | The Naked Gun | Naked Gun (1988)

On the show this week we discuss Bring Her Back and speak to its delightful directors Danny and Michael Phillipou. The spoof returns in The Naked Gun, and for Film club we revisit the original Naked Gun.

Joining host Leila Latif are Charles Bramesco and Katherine McLaughlin.

Truth & Movies is the podcast from the film experts at Little White Lies, where along with selected colleagues and friends, they discuss the latest movie releases. Truth & Movies has all your film needs covered, reviewing the latest releases big and small, talking to some of the most exciting filmmakers, keeping you across important industry news, and reassessing great films from days gone by with the Truth & Movies Film Club.

Email: truthandmovies@tcolondon.com

BlueSky and Instagram: @LWLies

Produced by TCO

The post Bring Her Back + Directors Danny and Michael Phillipou | The Naked Gun | Naked Gun (1988) first appeared on Little White Lies.

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01/08/2025
America’s Most Dangerous Beaches Revealed for Summer — Every Movie Has a Lesson

The research team at Casino Context analyzed America’s most visited beaches over the past year. They ranked them based on five risk factors: shark attacks, rescue incidents, drowning deaths, non-drowning deaths, and lost and found cases to reveal the most dangerous beaches.

The study found Florida beaches are the deadliest, with five in the top 10. But the number one spot went to a California beach.

Long Beach in California tops the list as the most dangerous beach in the United States. It recorded four drowning deaths and six shark attacks. The rescue rate at Long Beach is the highest by far with 1254.6 rescues per 100,000 visitors. The beach also reported 14 non drowning fatalities and 840 people categorized as lost and found. These high figures suggest swimmers at Long Beach face consistent dangers in the water and onshore.

Hawaii County Beaches on the Big Island follow closely. These beaches reported 14 drowning deaths, the highest among the top 10. There were also 27 confirmed shark attacks. Although the rescue rate here was only 21.9 per 100,000 visitors, the number of lost and found people reached 371. This combination indicates strong ocean risks but fewer lifeguard interventions compared to Long Beach.

Brevard County Beaches in Florida reported 159 shark attacks, the highest in the data set. Despite the high shark presence, the rescue rate was 15.9 per 100,000 visitors and there were only two drowning deaths. The beach also recorded 112 people lost and found. Shark activity appears to be the main issue at Brevard.

Kauai Beaches in Hawaii reported six drowning deaths and 33 shark attacks. The rescue rate stood at 18.2 per 100,000 visitors. Only six lost and found cases were reported. The data points to a combination of ocean dangers and fewer lost beachgoers.

Los Angeles County Beaches in California reported one drowning death and six shark attacks. The rescue rate was 18.3 per 100,000 visitors. Non drowning fatalities were relatively high at 12 deaths and the number of lost and found people reached 599. These figures suggest onshore risks are a bigger factor here.

Lantana Beach in Florida reported no drowning deaths but recorded 83 shark attacks. The rescue rate was 12.3 per 100,000 visitors. There were no non drowning deaths or lost and found cases listed. Shark encounters dominate the risk profile at Lantana Beach.

Delray Beach in Florida also reported 83 shark attacks but had a lower rescue rate of just 2.1 per 100,000 visitors. There were no drownings and only 10 lost and found cases. Like Lantana Beach, sharks are the main issue but rescues and fatalities are low.

Maui Beaches in Hawaii reported 76 shark attacks. There were no drowning deaths or non drowning fatalities reported. The rescue rate was not available. Data gaps limit the full safety picture here but shark activity is clearly present.

Miami Beach in Florida reported 20 shark attacks and no drowning or non drowning deaths. The rescue rate was 2.8 per 100,000 visitors. Lost and found numbers were high at 921 people. The high number of lost and found cases could suggest crowding or management issues.

Martin County Beaches in Florida reported two drowning deaths and 42 shark attacks. The rescue rate was 3.6 per 100,000 visitors. The beach also recorded 24 people lost and found. Shark activity is a key concern but drowning deaths and rescues are lower compared to the top beaches.

Full list of the most dangerous beaches in the US:

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01/08/2025
Bring Her Back review – Sally Hawkins is…

Grief manifests in many ways, which is something Australian twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou have explored in their horror films by conjuring up exceptionally disturbing images of terror and violence. In their first film and A24 box office smash, Talk to Me, they explored loss from an adolescent perspective through the supernatural. In their atmospheric follow-up they ramp up the brutality with a dysfunctional domestic set-up where a mother still grieving the loss of her daughter fosters two siblings reeling from the sudden death of their father.

From the very opening scene, which shows grainy VHS footage of a gross occult ceremony to the suspicious behaviour of foster mum Laura (Sally Hawkins) towards the visually impaired Piper (Sora Wong) and her older step-brother Andy (Billy Barratt), the Philippous let the audience in on where Bring Her Back is headed early on. It’s clear something nasty is bubbling under the surface and Laura is intentionally gaslighting Andy in order to get closer to Piper, but the filmmakers do deliver mystery surrounding another child, Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), who is also under Laura’s supervision and is selectively mute.

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The Philippou brothers have name checked What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? as a touchstone for Laura’s narrative and Hawkins brings a nervous, desperate energy to her performance. The casting of Hawkins against type is a canny move – many may be fond of her bubbly turn in Mike Leigh’s Happy-Go-Lucky or as the caring and creative Mrs. Brown in the first two Paddington films, and it’s her ability to channel that warmth and kindness into something malicious that makes this change of pace so nastily effective.

In fact, the entire ensemble cast does great work. Impressive newcomer Sora Wong, who in real life also has limited vision, fully inhabits the role of a determined yet naïve character who looks up to her older brother, while Billy Barratt’s is a performance of pure vulnerability shot through with a palpable sense of unspoken regret. He is super attentive to his sister, and the sibling dynamic is nicely shaded, so when things take a tragic turn, you feel their pain and heartbreak. The Philippous have a real knack of writing credible relationships and there is a piercing melancholy quality to the picture that permeates every inch of the frame. The saucer-eyed Jonah Wren Phillips gets some of the bloodiest scenes to act out, and his dedicated turn provides indelible and horrific images. It’s at once wince-inducing and mesmerising to watch.

The creeping dread, water symbolism and visuals of circles throughout brings to mind classic J‑horror. Andy is haunted by trauma, which is shown in fragmented jump-scare apparitions and flashbacks – Hideo Nakata’s Dark Water and Ring used similar methods to express the worsening of a fragile state of mind. The finale is a comparable feat of precise composition and rasping sound design where characters are drenched in heavy rain and deep confusion. Nearly every character in Bring Her Back is drowning in the depths of despair and desperately clinging on for dear life. Some flail and give into their worst instincts, some sink into oblivion, and others break the waves of grief and cruelty, albeit emerging with terrible scars.

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01/08/2025
How AI Technology Is Changing Amateur Sports Recording Forever — Every Movie Has a Lesson

Last weekend, I watched a youth basketball game where three different parents were frantically trying to record their kids while simultaneously cheering from the sidelines. One dad missed his son’s game-winning shot because he was fumbling with his phone’s zoom. Another mom’s footage was so shaky it looked like an earthquake documentary. Sound familiar?

This scene plays out across amateur sports fields every weekend, but artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming how we capture these precious moments. The days of choosing between being present and getting the shot are rapidly becoming history.

The Traditional Sports Recording Struggle

Amateur sports recording has always been a compromise. Parents, coaches, and players faced an impossible choice: either designate someone to miss the live action while operating a camera, or accept that great moments would go uncaptured. Even when someone volunteered to film, the results were often disappointing—shaky footage, missed plays, and poor angles that failed to showcase the athletic achievements happening on the field.

Professional sports broadcasts spoiled us with their smooth tracking shots and perfect framing, but that level of production seemed forever out of reach for amateur athletics. Until now.

Enter AI-Powered Sports Cameras

The revolution began when computer vision technology became sophisticated enough to understand sports action in real-time. Modern AI cameras can identify players, predict movement patterns, and automatically frame shots with the precision of a professional cameraman. The XbotGo Chameleon AI camera system exemplifies this breakthrough, transforming ordinary smartphones into intelligent filming equipment.

These systems use advanced algorithms to track movement across the field, eliminating the need for human operators. The camera makes split-second decisions about when to zoom, pan, and focus—often faster and more accurately than human reflexes allow.

Game-Changing Features Reshaping Sports RecordingAutonomous Player Tracking

The most impressive capability is jersey number recognition. Coaches can lock the camera onto specific players, following their every move throughout the game. This technology proves invaluable for player development, allowing detailed analysis of positioning, technique, and decision-making patterns.

Gesture-Activated Control

Some AI systems respond to simple hand gestures, enabling athletes to control recording during solo training sessions. A quick wave starts filming, letting players focus entirely on their performance while ensuring every moment gets captured.

Professional-Quality Output

These systems deliver 4K resolution with smooth tracking that rivals professional broadcasts. The difference in quality compared to handheld recordings is immediately apparent—steady shots, proper framing, and consistent focus that makes amateur games look television-ready.

Impact Across Different Sports CommunitiesYouth Sports Parents

Parents can finally watch their children play instead of viewing the game through a small screen. The emotional connection of being present while still capturing memories represents a significant quality-of-life improvement for sports families.

Coaches and Training Programs

AI recording enables detailed game analysis that was previously exclusive to professional teams. Coaches can review positioning, study opponent strategies, and provide players with visual feedback that accelerates skill development.

Content Creators

Athletes building social media presence benefit enormously from consistent, high-quality footage. Instead of relying on friends to film training sessions, they can create professional-looking content independently.

The Technical Evolution

The sophistication of sports AI continues advancing rapidly. Current systems can differentiate between sports, adjusting tracking algorithms for basketball’s vertical movement versus soccer’s wide-field action. Some cameras integrate real-time scoreboard information, creating broadcast-style graphics automatically.

Cloud integration means footage syncs immediately to secure storage, accessible from any device. This eliminates the frustration of lost recordings due to device failures or forgotten memory cards.

Looking Forward

As AI technology becomes more accessible and affordable, we’re approaching a future where every amateur game could have professional-quality documentation. The barriers between recreational and elite sports recording continue dissolving.

The implications extend beyond simple recording. AI-generated statistics, automated highlight reels, and intelligent editing will soon be standard features. Young athletes will grow up with access to analytical tools that current professionals could only dream of a decade ago.

The transformation is already underway. Weekend warriors and youth leagues are discovering that artificial intelligence doesn’t just change how they record sports—it changes how they experience and improve at them. The future of amateur sports recording isn’t just smarter; it’s fundamentally more human, returning focus to what matters most: the game itself.

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31/07/2025
The Most Popular Disney Characters — Every Movie Has a Lesson

1. Moana (90.29)

Moana claims the crown with an impressive 90.29 popularity score, proving that newer Disney characters can absolutely compete with decades-old classics. Her 1 million monthly searches and massive 3.4 billion YouTube views show she’s resonating powerfully with both millennials who saw the film as adults and Gen Alpha kids discovering her story. The character’s empowering message and catchy soundtrack have made her a social media favorite, generating viral TikTok dances and covers of “How Far I’ll Go.”

2. Snow White (83.84)

Despite being Disney’s first princess from 1937, Snow White secures second place with 83.84 points. Her 1.22 million monthly searches – the highest search volume in the top 10 – proves that nostalgia is incredibly powerful online. Recent buzz around the upcoming live-action remake has undoubtedly boosted her digital presence, reminding audiences why she started the Disney princess phenomenon.

3. Elsa (79.73)

Elsa rounds out the top three with 79.73 points, riding the wave of Frozen’s cultural dominance. Her 3.9 billion YouTube views – the highest in the rankings – reflect the viral nature of “Let It Go” and countless fan covers, parodies, and reaction videos. While her search volume is lower than others, Elsa’s YouTube dominance shows how one iconic song can create lasting digital impact.

4. Mickey Mouse (77.45)

The OG Disney character Mickey Mouse holds strong at fourth place with 77.45 points. His 27.6 million social mentions – by far the highest in the study – demonstrate his status as Disney’s ultimate brand ambassador. From memes to merchandise posts, Mickey’s ears appear everywhere on social media – proving that some icons never go out of style.

5. Stitch (73.88)

Stitch rounds out the top five with 73.88 points, powered by an astronomical 76.1 million social mentions. The blue alien has become a Gen Z and millennial favorite, appearing in countless memes, aesthetic posts, and TikTok videos. His rebellious personality and cute-but-chaotic energy perfectly match social media culture, which makes him incredibly shareable content.

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31/07/2025