4 of the Coolest Cars in The Rock's Collection
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is one of the most recognizable celebrities in the world today. He was a popular wrestler in the WWE before he became a Hollywood action star in tons of popular blockbusters such as Fast and Furious, Pain and Gain, and San Andreas, and you may have also seen him in the HBO TV show Ballers. With a net worth of around $320 million, it should be fun to look into his personal car collection to see how exactly the superstar chooses to spend all that money. You'll want to check this one out, because he's got some really cool cars.
Here's the interesting part, even though Dwayne Johnson owns quite a number of hypercars and supercars, he can only fit properly in a small number of his vehicles. I mean, the former WWE superstar is pretty massive so I can't say i'm all that surprised to hear that. I don't think that stops him from having some fun though. But without further ado, let's jump into the awesome cars he has in his collection in real life.
Pagani Huayra
Right off the bat, we start out with this insane Pagani Huayra. Priced at a cool $1.3 million, The Rock rolled up to the premier of ballers in this. Talk about a show-stopping entrance. Although it's hard to believe he actually fit in this car at all, somehow he managed to squeeze in there. Getting out, well that's a different story. This sports car is powered by a 6.0 liter twin turbo V12 engine. I think it's safe to say, this is likely one of the most powerful cars that he owns.
Rolls-Royce Wraith
Of course, when you want the best of the best as far as luxury cars, you have to get a Wraith. This one was also featured in the show Ballers. Comfort is what this car was made for and it's got enough room inside to actually seat the Hollywood star. Not only is it luxuries, but it's also got a turbo V12 engine under the hood which can put you back in your seat if you put your foot to the floor. A new one will run you just shy of a quarter million dollars.
Ferrari Laferrari
This rare matte white Laferrari goes into the category of cars that The Rock doesn't fit into very well, however he seems to make it work when he wants to. What kind of engine does it have, you might ask? Well, it's also got a V12. Notice the pattern? He's clearly got a thing for these performance motors. The Laferrari is a flagship hypercar for the Italian company. Dwayne Johnson received this car as a complementary lease but rarely drives it due to the whole, massive guy vs small car thing. Regardless, it's still a car worth well over a million dollars.
Ford F-150 Custom
Now we jump into what Dwayne Johnson really likes. His Ford F-150 pickup truck with a lift and tons of upgrades. Big enough to fit him inside and Ford really has been on their game with their new trucks, they look really good. Along with this custom F-150, he also owns another one. The other one however, is a Hennessy VelociRaptor which is a regular F-150 Raptor with an all new V8 engine implanted that creates massive amounts of power. Both are extremely good looking trucks though.
Dwayne Johnson definitely has some amazing cars in his collection. While some are for show and some are more practical, he sure does have a good taste in the vehicles he chooses. It's awesome to know that he takes as much interest in his cars off the screen as he does in the movies. Keep enjoying that luxurious lifestyle and living the dream Mr. Johnson, you earned it.
See more at altdriver.com
337K
views
2
comments
Remembering Actress Kelly Preston
After a two-year battle with breast cancer, actress Kelly Preston passed away on Sunday, July 12. The Jerry Maguire star was 57-years-old.
In 1991, Kelly Preston married her husband John Travolta at a romantic midnight ceremony in Paris, France, after meeting on the set of the Experts. During their 28 years together, the Hollywood couple had three children, Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin. Their first son Jett Travolta, died from a seizure back in January 2009, in their family vacation home in the Bahamas.
His death sparked a court case regarding the ambulance driver and his attorney blackmailing the family to keep the sensitive information about their son’s death under wraps. Nevertheless, according to the Associated Press, after the first criminal trial ended in a mistrial, John Travolta decided against testifying a second time, mentioning the severe strain the situation was causing their family.
Kelly Preston’s first role back after Jett’s death was in the Nicholas Sparks adaptation, the Last Song, with Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus. Firstly known as Marnie Mason in the 1988 film Twins, she went on to star in more popular movies such as Bonnie in the Expert, Chirk in Battlefield Earth, and Jane Aubrey in For Love of the Game. She co-starred with Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, and as the wife of John Travolta, also co-starred as his character, John Gotti’s wife, Victoria. She also starred in Maroon 5’s music video for their popular hit She Will Be Loved.
John Travolta and their daughter Ella Bleu Travolta honored the late For Love of the Game actress on social media in their own Instagram posts. He starts by saying with a “heavy heart” he’s announcing that his “beautiful wife Kelly” had lost her “courageous fight” to breast cancer and also thanked the healthcare workers at MD Anderson Cancer Center where she received medical treatment. He also mentioned that the public may not be hearing from their family for a while. Ella Bleu also honored her mother by highlighting how she was “courageous, strong, beautiful and loving.”
See more at rare.com
324K
views
'Yellowstone' Gear for the Biggest Kayce and Beth Dutton Fans
Haven't we all imagined being a ranch hand for the Dutton family? You can now show your love for the Dutton family with a Yellowstone Dutton Ranch hat and Beth Dutton shirt. Amazon has Yellowstone fan merchandise out, and we haven't been this excited about TV show apparel since Friday Night Lights Dillon High football shirts.
You too can look like Kayce Dutton with your lookalike hat. Our dream boys Kevin Costner and Luke Grimes sure do look good in their Dutton Ranch hats, but so would you. Grab something from off this list, and you'll look like the cutest ranch hand in Yellowstone.
See more at wideopencountry.com
340K
views
The 10 Lush Bathroom Plants to Keep Your Space Bright and Cheery
It's not uncommon to see houseplants in the kitchen, living room, or bedroom. So why is it so odd to see plants in the bathroom? It shouldn't be. Your steamy shower is a friend to the best bathroom plants that won't wilt in the humid bathroom. Here's our list of 10 plants that thrive on high humidity. Make sure you have a bathroom window for these plants that emit some bright indirect light for part of the day. Plants that like bright light can be placed on the windowsill while low-light plants will enjoy the sink or cabinet further away from the filtered light or direct sunlight.
1. Spider Plant
this low-maintenance and air-purifying plant loves indirect sunlight and is great when hung in a hanging basket.
2. Orchid
You need a green thumb for this plant! As long as it's in a humid environment, you've got it made.
3. Cast Iron Plant
Is your bathroom dark? This indoor plant thrives on low light levels.
4. Peace Lily
As far as greenery goes, this houseplant is beautiful. Just keep it away from the cats.
5. Snake Plant
Known as Mother-in-law's tongue, this sansevieria can be watered every 10 days.
6. Pothos
The dark green leaves on this potted plant are simply beautiful!
7. Fiddle Leaf Fig
FLFs are temperamental, so be warned!
8. Lucky Bamboo
This plant prefers bright indirect sunlight and can be grown in a glass of water.
9. Philodendron
Set your heartleaf Philodendron in medium light and they'll be happy year-round.
10. Bromeliads
Exotic and colorful, a bromeliad is the perfect tropical plant.
See more at wideopeneats.com
54.2K
views
1
comment
Swim With Adorable Tiny Otters at This Animal Preserve
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you, this is actually true. If you are looking for a fun and unforgettable experience that your whole family can enjoy, you need to visit the Barn Hill Preserve in Louisiana. Basically, you along with the whole family are guaranteed to have a fun and unforgettable day.
You can go explore the unique preserve, which is full of exotic animals that you can actually interact with. Barn Hill Preserve is located in Ethel, Louisiana. If you have no clue where that is, it’s okay. It’s this tiny East Feliciana Parish village just outside of St. Francisville, north of Slaughter.
See more at rare.us/rare-animals/%e2%80%8c-barn-hill-preserve-otters
1.19M
views
1
comment
The Reason Why Southerners Love Putting Salt on Watermelon
There's nothing like biting down on a slice of watermelon when the weather gets hot. Some people prefer it plain, but if you've ever spent a summer in the South, you've probably been offered the salt shaker before digging into the melon.
Essentially if you add something savory to something sweet, it opens up your tastebuds and makes it sweeter. That's why prosciutto wrapped around cantaloupe and feta and watermelon salad is so darn tasty. The sweetness of the melon comes out with a pinch of salt.
Salted watermelon makes a great appetizer or snack. Simply put a bit of salt on a sweet watermelon piece and enjoy how the sea salt brings out the watermelon taste! Whether you use kosher salt, table salt, or Himalayan salt, salting watermelon is a great way to enjoy the summertime fruit. But why stop there? Pout salt on grapefruit, pour balsamic vinegar on cantaloupe or drench your watermelon in lime juice and chili powder. The sky is the limit when it comes to food combinations. And don't get me started on margaritas. That's a whole 'other ball game.
See more at wideopeneats.com/salt-on-watermelon
18.8K
views
Cam Newton Is The NFL's Fashion King
The cream of the crop amongst NFL players is undoubtedly former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. The 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player is the king of making us say "what in the hell is he wearing?" But honestly, Newton doesn't care at all. He's a fashionista of unparalleled proportions, but one outfit in particular caused social media to completely forget about his abysmal showing on Thursday Night Football.
Carolina lost to its NFC South division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 20-14, during the 2019 season. Newton and Carolina's offense was abysmal, too. The Panthers QB finished 24-of-50 for 324 passing yards and rushed twice for zero yards. Explosive running back Christian McCaffrey was held to just 53 total yards on 18 touches, as Jameis Winston and company dropped Carolina to 0-2 on the young season.
But after the game in Charlotte, and even before, the buzz among fans wasn't about the one-time Super Bowl starter's play on the field. It was about Cam Newton's outfit, and in particular, yet another head scarf.
Newton loves making outlandish fashion choices. He's worn quite a few over the years, and once again, fans rose to the occasion and roasted the former Heisman Trophy winner. Everything from a "Thelma and Louise" reference to calling him a 2019 version of "E.T." was on the table, and it was pure comedy when the former MVP showed up at Bank of America Stadium.
Week after week, Newton's outfits turns postgame press conferences into a fashion week gala, which makes him the butt of every joke on social media. The fact that "Superman" hadn't won an NFL game since November 4, 2018 at that point, nor had he scored a rushing touchdown since the previous October doesn't seem to matter anymore. But what he wears? Yeah, THAT'S what is important.
Newton looks to replace Tom Brady as head man of Bill Belichick's New England Patriots for the 2020 season, and possibly beyond. Don't expect the Cam Newton outfit parade to slow down, though.
See more at fanbuzz.com
285K
views
1
comment
Spend Your Beach Day on Top of a Sandbar at Crab Island
Destin, Florida isn’t just known for its crystal blue beaches and white sand. Just like many other beautiful beach places around the world, there are many other touristy things to get into, and Crab Island is definitely one to check out. Crab Island is a massive sandbar near the Gulf of Mexico, where all kinds of vendors anchor their floating shops and restaurants for an all-day experience for tourists.
This sandbar “island” is located inside Destin’s East Side at the southern entrance of Choctawhatchee Bay, on the north side of the Marler Bridge (also known as the Destin Bridge). With all kinds of boat rentals and pontoon boats anchored around and people on jet skis, wave runners, and paddleboards riding close by, you’ll find your destination more easily than you think.
You can only get to Crab Island by a watercraft, considering it’s located in the middle of a body of water. Because of the strong currents and boat traffic, swimming there from ashore is not possible. You can bring your own boat, pick one of the many Crab Island excursions and let a professional take you there, or take any other form of water transportation there as long as you follow the guideline.
The most popular thing to use to get to Crab Island is pontoon boat rentals. In fact, the city of Destin is considered the “Pontoon Capital of the World” with the sandbar being a 5-minute boat ride away from the Destin Harbor. There are many boat rental companies in Destin and on Okaloosa Island, which is only 10-15 minutes away from Crab Island.
The reason why Crab Island is incredibly popular is probably that when you get to the sandbar, you can get out of your boat and walk around in cool, shallow water. With the vendors floating on top of the sandbar, you can walk from vendor to vendor across the entire area while your boat is anchored in one place.
Other fun adventures you can do is you can rent jet skis, kayaks, wave runners, and/or paddleboards on the sandbar as well. There are fun athletic and kid activities including playing water volleyball and tackling giant inflatable obstacle courses. There are food vendors where you can enjoy tasty food on their mobile food boats and floating restaurants. You can listen to live music being played by bands on floating stages.You can watch for dolphins and/or other marine life while snorkeling around your boat.
See more at rare.us/places/crab-island
48.7K
views
Simple Shower: The $14 Gadget That Turns a Water Bottle Into a Shower
There are plenty of ways to keep fresh on camping trips. Portable showers are great items to help you stay clean at the campsite, but they aren't something you can keep in your backpack. Camping wipes are fantastic, but they won't clean you up like a shower. The best way to get a quick rinse is to use a Simple Shower.
The Simple Shower is a lightweight showerhead that fits into most one or two-liter water bottles (or Platypus collapsible bottles and bladders.) Once it's inside the bottle, turn it upside down for a steady stream of water.
See more at wideopenspaces.com/simple-shower
56.8K
views
Tim Tebow's Net Worth is Built On Faith and Football
Tim Tebow is without a doubt one of the most influential football players ever. Beyond the Heisman Trophy winner’s glory days with the Florida Gators or his NFL days when “Tebowing” first began, Tebow has become a worldwide icon known for his devout Christian faith. Simply put, he’s done it all.
Best-selling author, movie producer and college football analyst are just a few of the titles he claims claim. Despite all that, he still has time for a personal life, marrying 2017 Miss Universe winner Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters.
Since the day the Denver Broncos selected Tebow out of the University of Florida with the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the two-time national champion built his brand while also cashing in on it.
During the two-time SEC Player of the Year's NFL time with the Broncos, he signed endorsement deals with Nike, EA Sports and Jockey underwear reportedly worth as much as $3 million. In 2016, he signed a multi-year deal with Adidas.
Tebow's football career as an NFL quarterback earned almost $9.7 million over three seasons despite starting just 16 games in stints with the Broncos, Patriots, New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles.
Tebow signed a five-year in 2010 that included $8.7 million guaranteed with Denver, according to ESPN. He led them to a playoff berth that included an overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 AFC Wild Card.
Tebow's minor league baseball career is probably paying nowhere near what his professional football days did (minor league ball players make very little compared to Major League Baseball players). He did take home a $100,000 signing bonus when he joined the New York Mets organization as an outfielder
Tebow works an analyst for ESPN, mostly appearing as a co-host on SEC Network's "SEC Nation" during college football Saturdays. The former football player inked a multi-year contract extension with the company in 2017.
Tebow's published books and worked in various TV and movie ventures.
The Tim Tebow Foundation helps children with life-threatening diseases. In partnership with CURE International, the foundation built a 30-bed children's hospital in the Philippines.
Born Timothy Richard Tebow to Pamela Elaine and Robert Ramsey Tebow II in Makati City, Philippines, in 1987, Tebow has done quite nicely for himself in the United States. He grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was an all-state quarterback at Allen D. Nease High School.
He became a two-time All-American quarterback and 2007 Davey O'Brien Award winner at UF.
Tim Tebow's net worth is estimated around $5 million.
Even if he doesn't make it big as a professional baseball player in MLB, Tebow will forever be one of the most recognizable and inspirational names in sports.
See more at fanbuzz.com/college-football/sec/florida/tim-tebows-net-worth
198K
views
Turn Your Backyard Into a Movie Theater With a Video Projector
Have you ever peeked inside your favorite artist's multi-million dollar mansion? Often, you'll find that our favorite singers and actors have home theaters in their mansions. I don't think I'm anywhere close in life to build a home theater yet, but an outdoor projector with comfy patio chairs is still in my budget.
Outdoor projectors give you that viewing experience that you can only find in movie theaters. Watching movies on the big screen is the best. If you like action or drama movies, you know exactly how I feel. You can't watch a movie like 'Die Hard' on a tablet! You need a large screen to soak up all the action.
See more at wideopencountry.com/outdoor-projector
143K
views
Who Needs a Summer Body When Floaty Pants Exist
I hated wearing floaties as a kid. They're so bulky and don't feel comfy. Fast forward to adulthood, and I'm complaining about life jackets cramping my style at the lake. I know, I'm pitiful. The only flotation device that I'm all in for is Floaty Pants.
Floaty Pants is a life jacket, but for your bottom. Stay safe, but in style. Floaty Pants come in seven different styles, but the sexy thong is definitely a favorite of mine. Why put in the work for a beach body when you can just put on these Floaty Pants? Work smarter, not harder.
The flotation device is easy to put on. Step in, buckle up, and relax in the water with a cold beer in hand. Floaty Pants made sure to keep comfort in mind. They're made from soft, water-resistant nylon fabric covering. There's even a neoprene crotch to reduce chaffing!
Family photos are going to be hilarious this summer. Be sure to get Dad in the Maui Man float. Maui Man and Ab Man have a pretty nice set of abs! His "dad bod" days are over. (As long as he keeps the float on.)
You can get the Floaty Pants in a medium or a large. Medium is for adults 100-170 pounds, and large is best for adults 170-300+ pounds. Need these in the next couple of days? No worries, they're Amazon Prime eligible.
Check out the customer reviews while you're at it. A customer left a five-star review and said, "I floated for 4 hours with no issues or pain or discomfort - perfect for drinking and partying in the water - I wore them on the lake with decent waves."
So, which pair are you sporting? The American flag pants would be perfect for the 4th! Everyone at the swimming pool is going to ask where you got your Floaty Pants from.
Have fun this summer, be safe, and check out Walmart for all of your pool games, pool floats, and inflatable slides.
See more at rare.com
45.8K
views
10 Whiskey Drinks to Make at Home Because It Simply Makes Life Better
We rounded up 10 of the best whiskey cocktails to shake up - or stir - at home. Most of these cocktail recipes and whiskey drinks are either stirred or made in a cocktail shaker. We didn't include every single the classic cocktails containing whiskey (the Kentucky Derby mint julep and negroni aren't on the list!) but enough to get you started. Don't forget the rocks glass or your favorite cocktail glasses.
Irish Mule
Irish whiskey + ginger beer + lime juice
Ginger Whiskey Cocktail
Whiskey + Ginger ale + lime
Meyer Lemon Whiskey Sour
Meyer Lemon juice + simple syrup + whiskey + maraschino cherry
Classic Manhattan
Rye Whiskey + sweet Vermouth + few dashes of Angostura bitters + cherry juice
New Orleans Sazerac
Rye Whiskey + Absinthe + sugar cube + Peychaud's bitters + lemon peel
Old Fashioned
Angostura bitters + simple syrup + orange peel + whiskey + cherry
The Revolver
Whiskey bourbon + coffee liqueur + orange bitters + orange twist
Irish Coffee
Brewed coffee + Irish whiskey + sugar + heavy cream
Fireball Hot Toddy
Fireball + hot water + fresh lemon juice + honey
Apple Pie Whiskey Cocktail
Cinnamon whiskey + vanilla vodka + apple cider + cinnamon stick
See more at wideopeneats.com
231K
views
3 Ridiculous Targets We Couldn't Wait to Shoot With Savage Arms
We came up with some not-so-normal targets to shoot with some new Savage Arms guns. Want to watch what happens?
Admit it: The thought crosses your mind every time you go to the shooting range. You wish you could put a water balloon, or an Apple iPhone, or some sort of ridiculous target out at 100 yards and try to obliterate it.
We know it's not allowed at a public range, and maybe even discouraged at most private facilities, but when you've got a range to yourself in the middle of Texas Hill Country, then you can get away with a little more. As long as everything's kept safe, which we were sure to do, you can aim at those sort of ridiculous targets you've always wanted to hit.
Bull's eye paper, steel gongs, and even interactive targets can get a little boring after a while, so spicing things up at the range is a great way to stay interested, motivated, and determined to improve your accuracy and overall shooting skills.
What's also great is the way Savage Arms guns promote the attributes every shooter needs to develop, like the aforementioned accuracy, but also fit, comfort, execution, and recoil control.
With the features included on firearms like the Renegauge shotgun and the 110 Precision, Savage Arms has dedicated themselves to ensuring that everyone's trip to the range is enjoyable.
Robin Williams’ Son Honors His Father With New Mental Health Organization
Zak Williams, son of the legendary Robin Williams, is honoring his father’s legacy by creating a new mental health organization, called Inseparable. The mental health awareness organization is said to help all Americans by ensuring they can get access to mental health care, especially now during the coronavirus pandemic.
After the beloved Mrs. Doubtfire actor passed in 2014 after suffering from Lewy Body Dementia, a type of brain disease that affects one’s thinking, memory, and movement control, his son made it a point to help those in similar situations and became an advocate for mental health. Lewy Body Dementia is the second-most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.
Zak did admit admitted to suffering from depression and several mental health struggles but has fought to stay away from drugs and alcohol while attending support groups to continue with his healthy lifestyle. The actor’s son also noted how important it was to receive support from his family during this time. He stated, “eating well, committing to a healthy lifestyle. Things that I need in my weekly and daily regimen to better support my wellbeing.” In 2019, Zak and his fiancée Olivia June gave birth to a baby boy, honoring his late father by naming him McLaurin Clement Williams. McLaurin was Robin Williams’ middle name and Robin’s mother’s surname.
The CEO opened about being an Advisory Board Member for Inseparable, stating, “The coronavirus pandemic has brought light to a parallel pandemic that’s happening. We are experiencing it as a direct result of the pandemic… a shared trauma that’s becoming quite acute as a result of everything that people have been through both in terms of the devastating economic effects, the isolation, and a lot of circumstances from communities.”
The mental health advocate continued to say that instead of becoming isolated, finding resentment, and getting angry about it, we as humans need to find solutions and opportunities to band together and find the resources to change on a system’s level. With Father’s Day around the corner, Zak, his sister Zelda, 30, and Cody, 28, are expecting to honor the late actor by remembering his life and his work on and off the screen.
See more at rare.us/people/zak-williams-mental-health-organization
58.3K
views
1
comment
Take Your Cornhole Skills to the Swimming Pool With an Inflatable Cornhole Set
Just about anyone has played cornhole at a family reunion, bar, or at work for a team-building activity. Throwing a bag full of corn kernels might not sound enticing, but it's pretty fun. This interactive game will bring out your competitive side. There are even cornhole competitions around the United States.
Crazy, right? Well, you don't need to travel far to take your cornhole game to the next level. You can now buy an inflatable cornhole board for your swimming pool. Sweltering summer days will be here before you know it.
Once you find yourself in the pool most days this summer, you'll be wishing you had this kind of entertainment around. The cornhole set comes with four green blobs (cornhole bags), four blue blobs, and two targets. This inflatable cornhole game is going to be the water game of the summer.
Your guests will love your new cornhole pool game! Forget pool volleyball, this giant inflatable cornhole set will be the outdoor game you'll want to play every day. Amazon customers are saying wonderful things about their bean bag toss game.
A customer gave the outdoor water game five stars and said, "I bought this as a gift for a friend after playing it at another friend’s house. It is good quality material and the bean bags are filled with a type of beads that still allow them to float without needing to blow them up."
The giant cornhole game can also be played out of the water. Feel free to place the floating cornhole set on the lawn for a classic game of cornhole. Not only is it simple to play in the pool, but anyone can join in on the fun.
Another Amazon customer said her four-year-old grandson had a ball playing! Push the pool floats out of the way; it's time to play cornhole and show off your cornhole skills.
Your next pool party is going to be the best with the inflatable game. For budget-friendly inflatable pools, be sure to check out Walmart and Target.
See more at rare.com
103K
views
What Happened to Steve Bartman?
It was the top of the eighth inning in Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series. The Cubs were leading 3-0 over the Florida Marlins at Wrigley Field. Starting pitcher Mark Prior was still on the mound. Luis Castillo was at the plate. Juan Pierre was standing on second base.
Facing a full count with one out, Castillo, a left-handed batter, popped the ball off the end of his bat and saw it drifting toward the stands down the left field line. A gust of wind could have sailed it a few rows deep, but that wasn’t the case. Outfielder Moises Alou tracked it perfectly, timed his jump, and waited for the fly ball to hit his glove.
Instead, it hit a fan. Alou was pissed. Prior, who was in the middle of a masterpiece, couldn’t believe it. The rest of Wrigley Field went berserk. The entire city as we all knew it was about to riot.
Was it fan interference? Did a Cubs fan really just take away an out from his favorite team? How close was Alou to actually catching the ball?
So many questions, so little time to answer them. Umpire Mike Everitt ruled there was no interference on the play, and the Major League Baseball game continued on.
The camera zoomed in on the infamous fan, who we later learned was Steve Bartman. He was the only one sitting down and wiping tears from his eyes in Section 4, Row 8, Seat 113 as everyone tried to gather their emotions.
Bartman quickly became everyone’s top public enemy, a scapegoat, and the unfortunate star in the latest episode of the franchise’s World Series curse, but what happened in the minutes, days, months, and even years to come is no more his fault than the night that ruined everything.
On the next pitch, Castillo walked. The next batter, catcher Ivan Rodriguez, singled to drive home Pierre and make the score 3-1. Miguel Cabrera then hit a potentially inning-ending double-play ground ball to Cubs shortstop Alex Gonzalez, who decided it was the perfect moment to bobble it.
The Marlins scored eight runs in the eighth inning. They won Game 6. They won Game 7. They won the 2003 World Series over the New York Yankees.
That’s what it will read in the MLB history books. But instead of Bartman, the finger of blame in the 2003 NLCS ultimately belongs to Gonzalez, and (probably) Cubs manager Dusty Baker.
For over a decade after the foul ball incident, Steve Bartman fell off the map completely, and understandably so. An ESPN reporter tracked him down in a Chicago parking garage years later, but he still remained out of the public eye.
It wasn’t until after the Cubs won the 2016 World Series over the Cleveland Indians that Bartman would be heard from again. Bartman was award an official Chicago Cubs World Series ring from Cubs owner Tom Ricketts.
“On behalf of the entire Chicago Cubs organization, we are honored to present a 2016 World Series Championship Ring to Mr. Steve Bartman,” the Cubs said in a statement to WGN. “We hope this provides closure on an unfortunate chapter of the story that has perpetuated throughout our quest to win a long-awaited World Series. While no gesture can fully lift the public burden he has endured for more than a decade, we felt it was important Steve knows he has been and continues to be fully embraced by this organization. After all he has sacrificed, we are proud to recognize Steve Bartman with this gift today.”
Then, after years and years of silence, Steve Bartman, the man so many hatred, finally released a statement for the first time.
“Although I do not consider myself worthy of such an honor, I am deeply moved and sincerely grateful to receive an official Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Championship ring. I am fully aware of the historical significance and appreciate the symbolism the ring represents on multiple levels. My family and I will cherish it for generations.
“Most meaningful is the genuine outreach from the Ricketts family, on behalf of the Cubs organization and fans, signifying to me that I am welcomed back into the Cubs family and have their support going forward. I am relieved and hopeful that the saga of the 2003 foul ball incident surrounding my family and me is finally over..
“Moreover, I am hopeful this ring gesture will be the start of an important healing and reconciliation process for all involved. To that end, I request the media please respect my privacy, and the privacy of my family. I will not participate in interviews or further public statements at this time.
“Words alone cannot express my heartfelt thanks to the Ricketts family, Crane Kenney, Theo Epstein, and the entire Cubs organization for this extraordinary gift, and for providing the City of Chicago and Cubs fans everywhere an unforgettable World Championship in 2016. I am happy to be reunited with the Cubs family and positively moving forward with my life.”
It’s hard telling how Bartman is spending his time these days, especially during the coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19 outbreak, but it’s probably safe to say he’s laying low, staying safe, and polishing his World Series ring whenever he wants.
No matter what he’s doing, he deserves to be happy because none of it was ever truly his fault.
See more at fanbuzz.com
65K
views
Kurt Busch’s Wife: The Polo Player Loves Horses and Horsepower
Ashley Busch, wife of the NASCAR driver Kurt Busch, starred in the television series on CMT in 2019 called Racing Wives. Not only did they show how fast-paced and chaotic the racing lifestyle is, but it took a closer view at what these wives were doing in their own personal careers. That's when a lot of people got a glimpse of Ashley Busch's very busy life for the first time.
She started riding horses when she was just 6 years old. Today, she is a professional polo player through the U.S. Polo Association, but also loves to cruise around with Kurt in some high-powered cars. Her father, Beau Van Metre, is also a professional polo player. This equestrian has a lot going on in the world of polo. Ashley has won multiple polo events including the International Polo Club 12-goaler, and Port Mayaca. She even became a brand ambassador for USPA. She's proved her talent on a horse but this didn't seem to be enough to satisfy her personal goals.
Ashley also went on to start her own swimwear line named Monarch Reign. She collaborated with Enrique Sánchez, who founded La Isla, and her products are produced by Sánchez's label. She creates all kinds of unique swimwear for women to feel comfortable and confident in. Her company has been gaining some traction, but it does include some higher dollar pieces that are mainly focused on a market of people who are a little more well-off. Along with her swim line, she has began developing a modeling career as well. She was affiliated with Wilhelmina Models, and modeled exclusively with the famous brand, Ralph Lauren.
These two make a powerful husband and wife combo. Kurt Busch fans adore Ashley, and they were beyond excited when the two announced that they would be getting married. Kurt popped the big question in 2015. They had a small wedding of around 40 people. The reception however, was a different story. They hosted it in Palm Beach, Florida, one week after the wedding. The crowd got the show of a lifetime, with a surprise performance by Steven Tyler as the highlight.
As of 2019, Ashley has a net worth right at around $5 Million. Seeing all the stuff she has going on in her own personal career, it's easy to see how she can be valued so high. Mix that with Kurt Busch's $50 million net worth, and you get an extremely comfortable lifestyle. It's always awesome to see what the wives are capable of in their own lives and I don't think that Ashley has any plans of slowing down anytime soon. Although an additional season of the show has not yet been confirmed, we look forward to hearing what she sets her sights on next.
See more at altdriver.com
203K
views
This Vineyard Lets You Sleep Inside a Giant Wine Barrel!
Do you or someone you know love wine to the point that you can live inside a bottle? Well, good news friends! There’s exactly a place for that, where wine lovers can experience their favorite wine from the wine’s perspective. The Quinta da Pacheca Estate in Douro, Portugal let’s guest stay in giant, luxurious wine barrels for a night.
The Wine House Hotel has a total of 10 giant wine barrels , all designed by property owners Maria do Céu Gonçalves and Paulo Pereira in a 140-acre estate vineyard and all are all named for a different wine grape. Each barrel is 270 square feet and is made of simple pinewood. On the inside? Each one contains an elegant bedroom that can be considered your own personal spa. It’s really a dream come true. Wine and a massage? Yeah, count me in, we're ready to check-in.
Each wine barrel room also features high-end amenities such as a private bathroom with a modern walk-in shower, a large round bed, and a skylight that lets you gaze at the stars at night, a private terrace, air conditioning, room service, a minibar, toiletries and the best of all, free Wi-Fi! Oh, and did we mention room service? The barrel is close to the 116-year-old estate’s vines with a beautiful garden view, which makes exploring around the grounds easier. All you have to do is walk out your barrel door and you’re there.
During your vineyard stay, you can also enjoy some wine tasting and wine tours, because of duh, as well as samples of olive oil and jam made by locals. The hotel also has a restaurant for food & drinks and several winemaking rooms that guests can take a look at. And of course, if staying in a barrel isn’t really your thing, you can always just stay in a regular hotel room. But…what’s the fun in that? If you don't believe me, just look at the guest reviews!
How much does this cost? Well, booking your own barrel is around $289 per night, a bit pricey but it’s definitely one to cross off the bucket list, that’ for sure! Time to use that credit card!
See more at rare.com
7.5K
views
7 Things You Should Never Order at Taco Bell
Did you know Taco Bell is noted as being one of the healthiest fast food chains in the nation? Yes, the same chain that is known for its love of Mountain Dew, nacho cheese sauce, Doritos Locos tacos, and the XXL Grilled Stuft Burrito. While there are a few questionable menu items, there are a ton of items that make it easy to "live mas" without feeling guilty about going to the drive-thru. You can make anything on the Taco Bell menu fresco style, which lets customers substitute pico de gallo for guacamole and sour cream.
Want to keep healthy? Avoid these 8 Taco Bell favorites
Quesarito
Packing a whopping 650 calories and 33 grams of fat, this Mexican quesadilla/burrito is anything but healthy. Skip this one if you can and go for a healthier option.
Nachos Bell Grande
These packed nachos come with refried beans, nacho cheese sauce, seasoned beef, reduced-fat sour cream, and diced tomatoes as well as 1,310 milligrams of sodium.
Triple Double Crunchwrap
You get double layers of ground beef and nacho cheese sauce, plus a tostada shell, all wrapped up in a flour tortilla. All that triple-double means 700 calories, 30 grams of fat, and 1,580 milligrams of sodium.
Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze or Strawberry Skittles Freeze
Are drinks healthy? Not so much. This one contains 51 grams of sugar.
XXL Grilled Stuft Burrito
Stuffed with beef, a three-cheese blend, rice, refried beans, reduced-fat sour cream, guacamole, avocado ranch, and pico de gallo, this burrito also comes with 870 calories, 40 grams of fat, and 65 milligrams of cholesterol.
Grande Scrambler
Stuffed with bacon, eggs, cheese, and potato bites, this grilled breakfast burrito comes with 650 calories, 33 grams of fat, 225 milligrams of cholesterol, and 1,470 milligrams of sodium.
Fiesta Taco Salad
Aren't all salads healthy? Not so. This one has 760 calories, 39 grams of fat, and 1,330 milligrams of sodium.
See more at wideopeneats.com
72.1K
views
1
comment
6 Quick Firearm Tips from Savage Arms and Wide Open Spaces
Here are some quick tips to make the most of your trigger time, with help from Savage Arms.
We know that everyone wants to be accurate, precise, and fast with their shooting skills, but those traits take time to build. Whether you're preparing for an upcoming competition, or gearing up for hunting season, knowing the ins and outs of your firearm, plus some smart tips to stay sharp, will help you go a lot farther than you might have thought.
Our associates at Savage Arms know what it means to dedicate themselves to high-quality firearm production, which naturally translates to a wide breadth of gun knowledge. Thankfully, they're always willing to help spread the kind of information that will help with self-assurance, accuracy, and technique.
With help from Savage, we put together a collection of six smart firearm tips that are worth committing to memory. You'll see a difference after adopting these strategies, and it's well worth your time to learn them.
If you aren't trying to improve, you're doing yourself, your odds of success, and the game animals you hope to harvest a disservice.
See more at wideopenspaces.com
Amy Earnhardt Surprises Dale Jr. With Incredible Dale Sr. Portrait
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has had plenty of reasons to celebrate during his life. As a two-time Daytona 500 winner and 15-time Cup Series Most Popular Driver, the former NASCAR driver (he still races every now and then) had an illustrious career on the track. He’s also the owner of JR Motorsports, is a NASCAR commentator on NBC Sports, has a successful podcast in the Dale Jr. Download, and runs a number of other business ventures.
With an estimated net worth of $300 million, Junior is definitely living the life. So, what do you get a guy who pretty much has everything?
Well, back for Dale’s 45th birthday on October 10, 2019, his wife Amy got him an incredible gift for the big day: a portrait of his dad, the late Dale Earnhardt. You can see in the below picture that Dale and Amy’s daughter Isla especially seemed to enjoy the painting of Grandpa.
“Wife got me this amazing piece of art by Sean Wales for my birthday,” Dale Jr. wrote in the caption. “Isla loves it too.”
For an early birthday celebration a week prior, Amy Earnhardt also took Dale to the Thirsty Beaver Saloon, a dive bar right around where the Earnhardts live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Considering what the Earnhardts went through less than two months before Dale’s big 4-5, it was great to see the family in such good spirits. On August 15, a private jet carrying Dale, Amy, Isla Rose, and the family dog Gus was involved in a bounced landing at Elizabethton Municipal Airport in Elizabethton, Tennessee.
The plane caught fire, but thankfully, no one was injured in the plane crash. Needless to say, it was definitely a terrifying experience for the entire family. Fortunately, they were able to put all that behind them and can enjoy celebrating even more birthdays together.
See more at altdriver.com/racing/amy-earnhardt-surprised-dale-jr-with-this-incredible-portrait-for-his-birthday
165K
views
Famous Alumni from University of Georgia
The University of Georgia first opened its doors in 1785 and has graduated a plethora of successful people.
If you're like me, you know Ryan Seacrest from one show: American Idol. The TV and radio broadcaster studied journalism at the University of Georgia and had his own radio show in Athens.
Ask anyone on UGA's campus and they'll tell you Herschel Walker is a legend. He was the valedictorian of his high school before setting the Southeastern Conference all-time rushing record. Walker helped the Bulldogs win a national championship and won the Heisman Trophy in 1982
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is going to be one of the NFL's all-time leaders. He grew up in Dallas, and first made a name for himself at Georgia under head coach Mark Richt. Stafford was drafted first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Fans of the Food Network know who Alton Brown is. Brown created and hosted the show, Good Eats, in addition to Iron Chef America and Cutthroat Kitchen.
Four college buddies formed R.E.M., one of the greatest rock bands ever. Lead singer Michael Stipe, bassist Mike Mills, guitarist and songwriter Peter Buck and drummer Bill Berry formed the band while in school at Georgia.
Famous for his columns in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Lewis Grizzard was a writer and humorist who published 25 books in his lifetime. Criticized for his racially insensitive views, Grizzard first studied journalism at the University of Georgia.
If you're like me you recognized Wayne Knight for his roles in Jurassic Park or Space Jam. The actor, voice artist and comedian is well known for his role as Newman in Seinfeld.
Fran Tarkenton is one of four Georgia Bulldogs inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Born and raised in Athens, Tarkenton quarterbacked UGA to a SEC championship in 1959, then played 18 NFL seasons.
Along with Tarkenton, Champ Bailey and Charley Trippi, Terrell Davis rounds out the list of former UGA college football players enshrined in Canton, Ohio. "T.D." starred at Georgia in the 1990s before winning two Super Bowls and a Super Bowl MVP with the Denver Broncos.
Known by his ring name Bill Goldberg, the 285-pound WWE wrestler might be one of the scariest dudes ever. Goldberg played football for the Bulldogs, and the Los Angeles Rams drafted him in the 11th round in the 1990 NFL Draft.
Hines Ward played 14 seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers and remains the franchise's all-time leader in several categories. The Super Bowl XL MVP is one of 14 players in NFL history with 1,000 catches.
Maria Taylor, a reporter, host and analyst for ESPN, covers a variety of collegiate sports. She became the first African-American to co-host College GameDay. Prior to her TV career, Taylor played basketball and was an all-SEC volleyball player for the Bulldogs.
See more at fanbuzz.com/college-football/sec/georgia/famous-uga-alumni
49.4K
views
1
comment
The Flophouze Hotel is a Quirky Texas Inn Made of Shipping Containers
The Flophouze Hotel in Round Top, Texas that is made up entirely of yes, shipping containers! Because Airbnb’s are so overrated! Basically, the hotel transforms recycled shipping containers into a unique lodging solution. All the photos on their website pretty much yell Pinterest. Owner Matt White came up with the idea after wanting to recycle old containers, which is why his crew from Recycling The Past created the new concept.
Each container is uniquely decorated with sustainably harvested wood from their family in Upstate New York and reclaimed lumber from a distillery in Kentucky. To capture that beautiful Texas sunrise and sunset, they made it a point to install windows salvaged from a school in Philadelphia that was set to be demolished.
So yes, this is truly all recyclable material, which makes it even better. But wait, there’s more! The kitchen cabinet bases are from a laboratory in Brooklyn and the countertops are used from old bowling alley floors in Texas. The floors are original to the container and the walls are covered with vintage artifacts such as rugs, arts, and figures that are gleaned from their travels across the world to find the perfect pieces to create the container.
Each contender, called HOUZE, offers you a unique and relaxing place to say. Each one includes its own hammock, fire pit, Wifi, and chairs to relax and watch the famous Round Top sunset. The hotel currently has six Flophouze’s and includes everything from complimentary tea, coffee, Topo Chico, and Mexican cokes.
Which you know are better than American cokes! There is also a market for goodies and light snacks you can buy for your stay. Rates for the shipping container hotel start at $175, and every eco-chic HOUZE is complete with a living room, kitchen, and a bathroom. As far as amenities, you can relax and enjoy some swimming and fishing in the Fayette Lake right around the corner or right outside your room in your own private shipping container pool. So what do you say? Down for a weekend getaway in Texas?
See more at rare.com
2.49K
views
6 Wine Slushie Recipes That'll Beat the Heat
When the thermometer hits the high 80s, its time to bring out the wine slushies! Made with whatever kind of wine you have on hand (white wine like Moscato, prosecco, sauvignon blanc, and fruity red wine work best!) and a few ingredients, these summer cocktails are delicious adult smoothies. We recommend using frozen fruit instead of ice cubes to keep these wine slushie recipes from getting watered down.
Our Favorite White Slushie Recipes
1. Frozen Sangria Slushie - Kick it up a notch by blending together white wine (Moscato wine is suggested), citrus rum, triple sec, frozen pineapple, and frozen strawberries
2. Triple Berry Wine Slushie - Blending together mixed berries and red wine is sure to make a gorgeous colored wine slushie.
3. Strawberry Peach White Wine Slushie - This might just be my new favorite wine slushie recipe for the summer! Perfect for entertaining and so simple to whip up on a hot summer day.
4. Berrylicious Frozen Sangria Slushie - Simply add ice cubes, red wine, frozen blueberries, frozen strawberries, raspberries, orange-flavored liquor, orange juice, and a little sugar into a blender until smooth
5. Orange-Peach Mimosa Slushies - This adults-only cocktail is incredibly fresh from the orange, frozen peaches, orange juice and champagne and takes just a few minutes to prepare.
6. Watermelon Wine Slushie - This is one of the easiest wine slushie recipes you'll ever make. Place frozen watermelon cubes and white wine in a blender and combine until smooth.
See more at wideopeneats.com/10-wine-slushie-recipes
16.4K
views