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South Sudan’s story continues at the Paris Games, where a return basketball match with the US national team will be held

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VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France (AP) — South Sudan coach Royal Ivey says his life looks like a movie at the moment.

Maybe he’s right: an underfunded team from a country that is still struggling effects of civil war and, preparing for its first free elections, stuns basketball players by qualifying for the Olympics, then nearly defeating the best team in the world to win its first match at the Olympics. Paris Games.

Yes, it feels like a movie script. And make no mistake: the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team loves this story.

It’s just not going to deliver a Hollywood ending.

“Everyone is going to give it their all,” Ivey said. “We’re not a secret anymore.”

Absolutely. The U.S. and South Sudan will meet in a group match at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday, two weeks after the African nation — the world’s youngest, having gained independence just 13 years ago — nearly stunned the Americans in a London exhibition, losing 101-100 in a match through which it had led most of the way.

“I secretly root for him a little bit,” said U.S. forward Kevin Durant when asked about Ivey, who was Durant’s teammate and U.S. assistant coach Tyronn Lue during his NBA profession and whom Durant still considers a close friend. “Except when he’s playing with us.”

Both teams won their first of three group stage matches at these Olympics; South Sudan beat Puerto Rico while The US has overtaken Serbia. Wednesday’s winner could be certain of a place in the quarter-finals, depending on the results of other games. In the worst-case scenario, the winner could be one step away from reaching the knockout stages.

For the U.S., it’s no big deal, considering they have been to the Olympics 19 times and won medals each time. For South Sudan, all the pieces is a big deal — their first Olympics, their first victory, the first time the world will be watching to see if the Americans’ near-surprise defeat two weeks ago was a fluke or not.

“Of course, we’re very confident,” said Nuni Omot of South Sudan. “We’ll keep playing. We’ll keep defending. Anything’s possible. It’s basketball, at the end of the day. We’re all working hard. We’re all doing the same thing. Just to be able to face a team like that is a big test.”

How this team got to Paris is a different story.

Two-time NBA All-Star Luol Deng, who runs the South Sudan program and was the mastermind behind what happened, is spending a few of his personal wealth — his NBA contracts total about $175 million — to cover team expenses. The team famously doesn’t have a training facility in South Sudan because there’s nothing there that resembles an NBA-class gym. Players fly around the coach, shoving big guys into exit rows and experiencing things like seven-hour delays in Rwanda. Yet they did well enough at last 12 months’s World Cup to secure a spot in the Olympics, after which almost defeated the Americans on the solution to France.

“For us, the fact that we’re here is a huge achievement,” said striker Kuany Kuany. “So we just want to enjoy it, make the most of it, have fun and just show everyone what South Sudan is all about.”

I mean, the good side.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after a long conflict, then erupted into a civil war two years later that claimed nearly 400,000 lives and displaced greater than 4 million people before ending in 2018. South Sudan stays suffering from clashes, a sometimes fragile economy, and human rights groups warn of food insecurity for tens of millions of residents. The long-awaited elections were to be held in February 2023, now they’re scheduled for December.

“It’s an incredible accomplishment, considering the war that’s been going on in this region for so long, so many refugees coming to the United States and other countries over the last few decades, rebuilding their lives and building a basketball association in the midst of war and hardship,” Kerr said. “And then Royal and his staff have put together a really good team that’s playing modern basketball — stretching the floor, shooting threes, attacking the rim, it’s pretty dramatic and extraordinary.”

It also caught the attention of the Americans.

No one will be capable of take South Sudan calmly on Wednesday, especially after the last time these two teams met. The U.S. needed a LeBron James jump shot with eight seconds left to avoid perhaps the most surprising loss in international basketball history.

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South Sudan’s best player this summer has been Carlik Jones. He has NBA experience; 12 games, to be exact. And yet he scored a triple-double against the Americans in London. If this were really a movie, it could be a plot twist. But the NBA’s all-star roster is wary, rightly so, and American point guard Stephen Curry says it’s a reminder that Americans have what he calls “appropriate fear” of each opponent.

“We’re beatable if we don’t play our game,” Curry said. “But if we do play our game, we have a lot of confidence that we can beat anyone.”

Team USA said this was to be expected.

The thing is, the people of South Sudan feel exactly the same way.

“It’s so surreal,” Ivey said. “I couldn’t have experienced anything better.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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