Entertainment
The Garnet & Black's Singles Stars at the NCAA Individual Championship
2024-11-18
In WACO, TX, the stage is set for the NCAA Individual Championship hosted by Baylor University. No. 10 Sarah Hamner and Kaitlyn Carnicella will proudly represent the Garnet & Black in singles action. This event, starting on Tuesday, Nov. 19 and running through Nov. 24, will crown the national champion. Matches will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats can be accessed through sidearm.

Qualifying for NCAAs: A Remarkable Journey

Two weeks ago at the ITA East Sectional Championship at the University of North Carolina, Hamner and Carnicella demonstrated their exceptional skills. Hamner swept her singles matches and emerged victorious in the tournament by defeating No. 26 Carson Tanguilig of UNC 6-1, 6-4 in the finals. Carnicella advanced to the quarterfinals, defeating her opponent from the University of Maryland in three sets, which automatically earned her a spot in the tournament.

Hamner's Path to the Tournament

Hamner, seeded amongst the top nine through 16 players in this tournament, is set to face No. 73 Eleana Yu of Duke at 12:00 p.m. (EST) tomorrow. Yu secured her bid to NCAAs at ITA Regionals where she collected five singles wins and advanced to the quarterfinals. With her consistent performance, Hamner has become a force to be reckoned with in the singles draw.

Her journey to the championship is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She has shown remarkable resilience in facing tough opponents and has emerged victorious time and again. Her 8-3 overall singles record this season, with 3-2 wins against ranked opponents, speaks volumes about her skill and determination.

Carnicella's First NCAA Appearance

Kaitlyn Carnicella will be making her first NCAA Individual Championship appearance. She is set to play against No. 80 Lan Mi of California at 11:30 a.m. (EST). Lan Mi secured her spot in the tournament at ITA Sectionals. Carnicella has had an impressive season with a 10-4 record, earning an even three wins and three losses against ranked players.

For Carnicella, this is a new chapter in her tennis career. She is excited to be part of the NCAA championship and is looking forward to showcasing her skills on the big stage. Her first appearance is sure to be a memorable one as she takes on one of the top 80 players in the country.

For all the latest South Carolina women’s tennis information, continue to follow GamecocksOnline.com or the team on social media (@GamecockWTennis).

Twelve Winners' NJ Lottery Journey Last Week
2024-11-18
Last week witnessed an exciting turn of events as a dozen lottery players in New Jersey emerged as winners, each pocketing a significant sum. The New Jersey Lottery's weekly announcements on Monday shed light on where these winning tickets were sold from November 11 to 17. Let's delve into the details of these remarkable wins.

Uncover the Winning Spots of NJ Lottery Last Week

$685,092 - Jersey Cash 5

In Oakhurst (Monmouth County), Minimart Plus on Route 35 became the fortunate spot where a player won $685,092 with Jersey Cash 5. This win showcases the potential for life-changing amounts to be won through lottery games. It's a moment that brings hope and excitement to the winner and the local community alike.

The allure of the lottery is undeniable, and this win at Minimart Plus is a prime example. It reminds us that sometimes, luck can strike in the most unexpected places, and dreams can become a reality.

$250,000 - $250,000 Crossword Scratch-off

Iorio Deli Inc. on West Clay Avenue in Roselle Park (Union County) was the place where a lucky player claimed $250,000 with the $250,000 Crossword scratch-off. This win not only brings financial relief but also adds a touch of glamour to the local area. It's a story of someone's hard work and a bit of luck coming together.

The excitement of scratching off that ticket and revealing a substantial win is something that lottery players cherish. Iorio Deli Inc. now holds a special place in the history of New Jersey Lottery wins, serving as a reminder of the possibilities that lie within.

$50,000 - $50,000 Loaded Scratch-off

Belleville News & Food on Newark Avenue in Belleville (Essex County) saw a player walk away with $50,000 using the $50,000 Loaded scratch-off. This win is a testament to the fact that lottery wins can happen anywhere, even in the heart of a bustling city. It gives hope to those who believe in the power of chance.

The $50,000 win at Belleville News & Food has become a topic of conversation among locals, inspiring others to try their luck. It shows that even small victories can have a big impact on people's lives.

$20,000 - $20,000 Loaded Scratch-off

The Rivermart on River Road in Edgewater (Bergen County) was the site of a $20,000 win with the $20,000 Loaded scratch-off. This win adds to the list of remarkable lottery successes in Bergen County and highlights the diversity of winning locations. It's a reminder that lottery wins are not limited to specific areas.

The excitement of winning at The Rivermart is palpable. It's a moment that will be remembered by the winner and shared with others, spreading the joy of lottery wins throughout the community.

$10,000 - Power 50X Scratch-off

Sicklerville News on Williamstown Road in Sicklerville (Camden County) was the place where a player took home $10,000 with the Power 50X scratch-off. This win brings a sense of accomplishment and financial stability to the winner. It shows that even smaller wins can make a difference in one's life.

The Power 50X scratch-off has been a popular choice among lottery players, and this win at Sicklerville News is a testament to its allure. It's a reminder that every scratch of the ticket holds the potential for a great reward.

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The Decline of Love Songs on the Billboard Charts
2024-11-18
When we take a look at the Top 10 songs on the Billboard charts, it's quite likely that we won't find many love songs. Instead, tracks centered around heartbreak, friendship, and self-empowerment are abundant. This leads to the question: Why are we not listening to more love songs? Music critics from various platforms like the Huffington Post, NPR, and The Pudding have all been on the hunt for an answer. Even our Baby Boomer relatives and coworkers, as they lament the current state of pop music, might be wondering the same thing.

Defining Love Songs

Jack Hamilton, an associate professor of media studies at the University of Virginia and a pop culture critic for Slate, believes that love songs encompass a wide range. They can be from the devotional "I love you, I love you, I love you" ballads to songs about heartache. Even songs about sex fall under the umbrella of love songs. Many of the most popular songs from previous generations actually deal with yearning for the object of one's affection or mourning its loss. Take, for example, the Supremes' "Where Did Our Love Go" and "Baby Love". These songs are all about beseeching. In a good narrative, there is always tension, and heartbreak songs tend to be more interesting because of this.

Love in Different Genres

Genres like hip-hop and grunge have made their mark on the pop music scene, and they don't typically focus on love as the primary theme. While there are love songs in rap, early rappers were more about bragging and storytelling. The biggest grunge songs, like "Smells Like Teen Spirit", were about angst and alienation. This has led to a reorientation of the concerns in popular music, opening up new lanes for what popular music can be.

Self-Love and Casual Relationships

Many pop records now deal with self-love, which Hamilton doesn't consider love songs. Instead, they focus on more casual and sexual relationships. But songs about sex are not new. If we dig deeper into many love songs from the 1960s and 70s, we'll find that they often have a sexual undertone. Take Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman". It's clear that there is more to these songs than meets the eye. Another example is The Shirelles' "Will You Love Me Tomorrow". This song is actually about someone who has decided to have a physical relationship and is worried about the consequences.

Female Songwriters and Sensitivity

Men and all-male bands like the Rolling Stones have always been able to write about sex more openly. However, for female songwriters, it was more difficult. They had to be more coy in expressing these themes. For instance, "Love to Love You Baby" by Donna Summers was considered controversial when it came out, but by current standards, it seems quite tame. This shows the different challenges faced by male and female songwriters when it comes to writing about love and sex.
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