Celebrity
Olivia Walker & Kaylor Martin in Celsius Padel Classic 2024 Charity Tournament
2024-12-07
The Celsius Padel Classic 2024 was a remarkable event that went beyond the boundaries of a typical padel tournament. It took place during the Art Basel event at Reserve Miami Seaplane, offering guests an array of exciting experiences. From trying Celsius Energy products to indulging in Raising Cane’s chicken fingers and engaging with a BEIS brand activation, there was something for everyone. The live art presentation by Kristin Konefal added an artistic touch, and the opportunity to network with other VIPs made it a truly unique gathering.

Uniting Padel, Art, and Entertainment

The Tournament - A Centerpiece of the Event

The tournament itself was an integral part of the Celsius Padel Classic 2024. High-profile models, entertainers, influencers, and athletes came together to form teams and compete for a worthy cause. It was a sight to behold as these talented individuals showcased their skills on the padel court. Popular social stars like Olivia Walker and Kaylor Martin added an extra layer of excitement with their stunning appearances and on-court prowess. Their presence added to the overall allure of the event.During the tournament, the energy was palpable. Spectators were captivated by the intense matches and the camaraderie among the players. It was a celebration of padel and a platform for these stars to shine. The competition was fierce, but the spirit of sportsmanship was also evident.

Beyond the Court - A World of Experiences

While the padel tournament was the main attraction, there were plenty of other activities to enjoy. Guests had the chance to try Celsius Energy products and discover the benefits of these energizing beverages. The delicious Raising Cane’s chicken fingers provided a delicious treat, satisfying everyone's taste buds. The BEIS brand activation added a touch of innovation and interactivity, creating a memorable experience for all.Kristin Konefal’s live art presentation was a visual feast. Her artistic creations added a creative dimension to the event, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The opportunity to network with other VIPs was also a highlight. It allowed for meaningful connections to be made and for ideas to be shared.In conclusion, the Celsius Padel Classic 2024 was a multi-faceted event that combined padel, art, and entertainment. It offered a unique experience that will be remembered by all who attended. Whether it was on the court or off, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Capital One Shopping: New Gift Card Redemptions Include Kroger, Uber Eats & Celebrity Cruises
2024-12-07
Capital One Shopping has emerged as a significant public shopping portal. It offers rewards, yet these can only be redeemed for gift cards and not cash or miles. A reader's observation revealed that the portal quietly expanded its gift card offerings, adding numerous new options such as Kroger, Uber Eats, Celebrity cruise lines, and many more. This expansion is likely to make it easier for shoppers to get closer to the face value of their rewards, especially for those within the Kroger family of stores.

Unlock New Shopping Possibilities with Capital One Shopping

Kroger and Beyond

Yesterday, a post was published about the remarkable portal payout rates from Capital One Shopping along with the author's frustrations and tips. In the comments, a reader pointed out the addition of new gift card redemption options. Some of these previously unnoted options include Kroger, Uber Eats, Celebrity Cruises, Walgreens, Carter's, Victoria's Secret, R.E.I., and Walmart. Safeway has been an option for a while, and with Safeway, Kroger, and Walmart (which can also be used at Sam's Club), many readers can potentially cover their grocery shopping with Capital One Shopping gift cards. This is highly useful for getting closer to the full value of rewards. For example, the Kroger cards offer convenience for those in the Kroger area.

Some of the other options add an extra layer of convenience. While not much is known about Celebrity Cruises gift cards, Carnival ones can be added to the folio onboard to cover on-board purchases, making them an appealing option for those with a Celebrity cruise booking.

Useful Gift Card Redemptions

Among the overall gift card redemptions, some stand out as particularly useful. Hotels.com has been handy for the author's hotel stay in Mauritius this year. DoorDash is convenient for quick food deliveries. StubHub came in handy for covering Taylor Swift tickets. Walmart is a go-to for various shopping needs. eBay is not frequently shopped at but is useful during the holidays. Kroger/Safeway is beneficial for many people, although not directly for the author. Uber Eats also offers convenience.

It's important to note that some gift cards can be purchased on sale for less than their face value, especially DoorDash and Uber Eats at this time of year. However, the author doesn't often stock up as they're unsure when the credit will be needed. The convenience of redeeming when ready is a key aspect.

Gift Card Redemption Timing

It's worth knowing that Capital One Shopping gift card redemptions aren't always immediate. While most are processed between instant and under an hour, in some cases, it can take up to 24 hours to receive the gift card. This is something to keep in mind when planning to use the rewards at checkout.

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Eric Brunner Aims for Third US Cyclocross Title & Better Grid Position
2024-12-07
Eric Brunner of CompEdge Racing has a comprehensive 'to-do' list that extends far beyond just retaining the prestigious stars-and-stripes jersey at the upcoming USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships. His focus is on achieving key goals that will shape his cycling career on both national and international stages.

Unraveling Eric Brunner's Cycling Journey

Defending Titles and Gaining Points

In Louisville, Kentucky on December 15th, Eric Brunner aims to secure a win. This victory would not only give him the much-desired points but also set him on a path to success in the UCI Cyclocross World Cup circuit later this month. With a prolific fall season under his belt, having won six out of ten UCI races, despite a late start to the US-based cyclocross season in late September, Brunner enters Nationals with confidence. "My main goal for the US part of the season was to defend my Pan Am and US titles, and so I’ve accomplished one of those goals already. I’m feeling good for Nationals coming up here in a week and a half," he shared with Cyclingnews. And getting those points is crucial as it determines his call-up positions at World Cups. "The call-ups. That’s the key," he emphasized.The jerseys won at Pan Ams and US Nationals bring more than just pride. They also provide Brunner with an advantage in terms of starting positions at upcoming World Cup races in Europe. "It sometimes feels like a big investment for what it is, but I think the start position is just so important, particularly in Europe where there are so many guys at a high level," he noted. Last year, his start position gave him a slight disadvantage as he was ranked in the 30s and starting from the third or fourth row. This year, he hopes to be in the second row or at least among the early call-ups on the third row to pick his spot in the grid.

From Road to Cross and Beyond

Brunner has a diverse cycling background. He won collegiate road and criterium national titles in 2019 and raced for five years with US-based Continental road teams, 303 Project and Aevolo. In 2022, he shifted his focus and won a bronze medal in cross-country at the US Mountain Bike Nationals. This year, he added gravel racing to his repertoire, finishing ninth at SBT GRVL in Colorado. "It was nice there. I felt like that was a big improvement for me, a six-hour type race. Honestly, I wanted to do well there, but I didn’t have super-high expectations, or prepare specifically for it," he said about his top 10 finish at the 142-mile Black course at Steamboat Springs.During the summer, he focused on getting a lot of training in while still enjoying himself. He ran for three days a week, including flat runs, work on the track, and exploring the trails and mountains around Boulder, including Longs Peak. This varied training routine helped him stay in good shape for the beginning of the 'cross season. One of his long training days was a 10-hour adventure where he rode his bike to the base of Long’s Peak, ran to the top and back of the famous 14,000-foot mountain, and then rode his bike home.While his immediate goal is to win another US cyclocross championship, he is already looking ahead to the long-term. In 2025, he plans to focus on a road programme with CompEdge, which he believes will be beneficial for his other disciplines. His other big goal for the season is to establish himself in cross-country mountain biking and race some of the World Cups. He doesn't plan to do the full schedule as it is long, but he hopes to race in Europe and participate in the Lake Placid and Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup races. "The LA games are 100% on my mind, and that’s a big goal of mine. I’ve never raced a ton of mountain bike but I’ve seen some potential in that discipline for myself the past couple of years. And so I’m excited to explore more and target the Olympics for mountain bike, and maybe cyclocross," he said.

Preparing for the European Campaign

After Louisville, Brunner will travel to Europe to compete in a series of World Cups, starting with the Hulst and Zonhoven doubleheader on December 21-22. In January, he will attend a three-week cyclocross camp with the full CompEdge team. This will be the final buildup for the World Championships at Liévin. With his diverse skills and goals, Brunner is ready to take on the challenges of the European cycling scene and make his mark on the global stage.
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