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US Allies of a Different Sort: Mario Nawfal's Unlikely Loyalties Mario Nawfal, former husband of pop star Britney Spears, has emerged as an unlikely champion of US military action in the Middle East. The Iranian-American businessman has been spotted rallying supporters in Los Angeles, waving the pre-revolutionary flag of Iran and voicing his support for the recent US strikes on Iranian-backed militias. Nawfal's decision to back the US military intervention has raised eyebrows among those familiar with his background. As a dual citizen of Iran and the United States, Nawfal's family fled Tehran during the 1980s when the Islamic Revolution was gaining momentum. His parents settled in California, where they built new lives for themselves. Speaking to reporters, Nawfal emphasized the personal significance of his stance. "Your sacrifice protects the freedoms that gave me my life and my opportunities," he said, referencing the sacrifices made by US troops. "As someone who's lived in both Iran and America, I understand the importance of preserving freedom and democracy. That's what drives my support for the US military." Nawfal's decision to take a public stance has sparked debate among friends and former associates, some of whom have expressed surprise at his willingness to back a military campaign that could have significant humanitarian implications in the region. Despite the controversy, Nawfal remains resolute in his backing of the US military. "I'm proud to be an American," he declared, "and I believe it's essential for us to stand strong against threats to our national security."#Iran #United_States #California #Islamic_Revolution #US_Military #Mario_Nawfal #Britney_Spears #Iranianbacked_militias

Sam Asghari Says He's Glad Ali Khamenei Is Dead Iranian-American actor Sam Asghari recently made some bold statements about the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In an interview, Asghari expressed his relief that Khamenei is no longer alive. The 38-year-old actor, known for his roles in films like "Beverly Hills Cop III" and "Baywatch," has been vocal about his opposition to the Iranian government. Asghari's comments were made in response to Khamenei's death on September 19 at the age of 90. The Ayatollah was the supreme leader of Iran from 1989 until his passing. Asghari, who was born in Tehran but moved to the United States when he was a child, has been critical of the Iranian government and its human rights record. "I'm glad that he's gone," Asghari said during the interview. "I think it's a great opportunity for Iran to start rebuilding and moving forward." Asghari also expressed his hope that Khamenei's death would mark a turning point in Iran's history, allowing the country to transition towards democracy. Asghari has been an outspoken critic of the Iranian government, particularly with regard to its treatment of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. He has used his platform to raise awareness about human rights issues in Iran and to advocate for greater freedom and equality. The actor's comments about Khamenei's death have sparked a significant amount of controversy online, with some people criticizing Asghari for his blunt assessment of the Ayatollah's passing. However, many others have praised Asghari for speaking truthfully about the situation in Iran. Asghari's views on politics and human rights are not new, but his comments about Khamenei's death mark a significant escalation in his public criticism of the Iranian government. The actor has been using his platform to speak out against injustice and inequality for many year...#Iran #United_States #Tehran #Ali_Khamenei #Sam_Asghari

T20 World Cup Allen century powers New Zealand into T20 World Cup final New Zealand booked their place in the T20 World Cup final after a dominant performance saw them crush Pakistan by five wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Kiwis' victory was largely down to the heroics of Tim Allen, who smashed an unbeaten 74 off just 47 balls. Pakistan, put into bat first, were dismissed for 130 in their allotted 20 overs. The tourists' top-order struggled against the New Zealand attack, with Finn Allen's opening partner Devon Conway picking up three wickets to help restrict them to a modest total. Chasing down the target, New Zealand got off to a flying start thanks to an 80-run partnership between Finn and Tim Allen. The latter took centre stage, hitting eight fours and four sixes as he single-handedly drove his team towards victory. He was eventually dropped on 61, but went on to reach his half-century off just 33 balls. With the target well within reach, New Zealand's middle-order batsmen made light work of the remaining runs, with Daryl Mitchell and Jimmy Neesham adding an unbeaten 23-run stand to seal a comprehensive win. The Kiwis' victory was their seventh in succession at this year's tournament, and sets them up nicely for a repeat of their 2000 ODI World Cup final defeat against Australia. New Zealand will face either England or Pakistan in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday, after the two teams faced off earlier in the day.#Daryl_Mitchell #England #Australia #Pakistan #Finn_Allen #Devon_Conway #T20_World_Cup #New_Zealand #Jimmy_Neesham #Melbourne_Cricket_Ground #Tim_Allen

Finn Allen Reveals the Secret Behind New Zealand's T20 World Cup Surge New Zealand's remarkable run to the semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup has been attributed to a simple but effective strategy dubbed "Five Games on Black Soil". The concept, pioneered by Finn Allen, one of the team's top-order batsmen, involves a rigorous training regime that focuses on building mental and physical resilience over a short period. According to Allen, the goal is to peak at the right time and take the pressure off players during the tournament. "We've been working on our mindset and fitness levels for months," he explained. "The idea is to create an environment where we can perform at our best when it matters most." The "Five Games on Black Soil" program involves a combination of physical conditioning, visualization exercises, and mental rehearsal techniques designed to boost confidence and composure under pressure. The team's head coach, Gary Stead, has also played a key role in implementing the strategy. "We've been working closely with Finn and the other players to develop their skills and build their resilience," he said. "It's all about creating a culture of hard work and dedication, and we're seeing the benefits on the field." New Zealand's impressive run in the tournament has been marked by a series of dominant performances against top-ranked opponents. Their semi-final defeat at the hands of Australia notwithstanding, the Kiwis have undoubtedly exceeded expectations and will be an exciting prospect for the 2024 edition. Allen believes that the "Five Games on Black Soil" approach has been instrumental in their success. "It's not just about physical training – it's about developing a winning mentality," he said. "We're proud of what we've achieved, and we'll continue to work hard to get even better."#Finn_Allen #New_Zealand #Gary_Stead #ICC_Men_s_T20_World_Cup

'Responded to distress call, rescue op ongoing': India on Iran ship sunk by US off Sri Lanka coast #Sri_Lanka #Lanka_coast #Iran_ship #distress_call #Responded

New Zealand dominate to book Final spot New Zealand have secured a place in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after a commanding performance against Pakistan. The Kiwis, led by captain Kane Williamson, posted an imposing total of 182 for 4 and then restricted their opponents to just 131 for 9 to seal a comprehensive 51-run victory. The match got off to a flying start as New Zealand's openers, Finn Allen and Devon Conway, put on 62 runs in the first six overs. Allen, who finished with 43, was particularly aggressive, hitting five fours and two sixes during his 27-ball innings. Conway, who contributed 32, provided the perfect foil, playing a more measured game to set the tone for the innings. Pakistan's chase never really got going as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Muhammad Rizwan top-scored with 25, but no one else managed to make an impact. The Kiwis' bowlers were clinical in their approach, with Ish Sodhi and Lockie Ferguson claiming three wickets apiece. The win marks New Zealand's third consecutive semi-final appearance in the tournament, and they will now look to go one better than last time when they finished as runners-up. For Pakistan, it is a disappointing exit from the competition after making it to the semis in 2022. New Zealand will face either India or Australia in the final, depending on the result of their semi-final match.#India #Australia #Pakistan #Finn_Allen #Devon_Conway #New_Zealand #Kane_Williamson #Lockie_Ferguson #Ish_Sodhi #ICC_Mens_T20_World_Cup_2026 #Muhammad_Rizwan

Dave Matthews and Twenty One Pilots Lead Oceans Calling The highly anticipated lineup for the 2026 edition of Oceans Calling, a three-day music festival held in Huntington Beach, California, has been revealed. Headlining the event are Dave Matthews Band and Twenty One Pilots. This marks a significant milestone for both acts, with Dave Matthews Band returning to the festival circuit after a brief hiatus. Known for their high-energy performances and hits like "Crash Into Me" and "Ants Marching," the band is expected to bring the crowd to its feet with their unique blend of rock, folk, and jam band music. Twenty One Pilots, on the other hand, are no strangers to festival headlining duties. The duo has built a reputation for their explosive live shows, which often feature elaborate stage production and genre-bending sounds that blend hip-hop, pop, and rock. With hits like "Stressed Out" and "Tear in My Heart," Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun are sure to get the party started with their infectious energy. The rest of the lineup features a diverse range of artists, from indie rockers The Lumineers to electronic music producers ODESZA. Other notable acts include Phoebe Bridgers, The 1975, and alt-rock veterans Smashing Pumpkins. Taking place on September 17-19, 2026, Oceans Calling promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of live music. With its stunning beachside location and eclectic lineup, the festival is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the year.#California #Phoebe_Bridgers #The_1975 #Dave_Matthews_Band #Twenty_One_Pilots #Oceans_Calling #Huntington_Beach #The_Lumineers #ODESZA #Smashing_Pumpkins

Oceans Calling Announces 2026 Lineup The highly anticipated music festival, Oceans Calling, has revealed its star-studded lineup for the 2026 event. Taking place from April 22 to 24 at the picturesque Huntington Beach Pier in California, the three-day celebration will feature a diverse range of acts, including rock, pop, indie, and electronic music. Headlining the festival is global superstar Billie Eilish, who will be joined by chart-topping rapper Kendrick Lamar. Other notable performers include alternative rock icons Foo Fighters, pop sensations The 1975, and rising star Phoebe Bridgers. The lineup also includes a mix of established acts and emerging talent, with performances from artists such as Panic! At The Disco, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, and indie-rock favorites Arctic Monkeys. Electronic music fans will be thrilled to see sets from GRAMMY-winning DJ Khaled, house music pioneer Steve Aoki, and up-and-coming producer RALPH. In addition to the music performances, Oceans Calling 2026 will feature a range of activities and installations aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. The festival's organizers have partnered with several eco-friendly organizations to create interactive exhibits and educational programs that highlight the importance of protecting our oceans and the impact that human actions can have on the environment. Tickets for Oceans Calling 2026 go on sale Friday, March 18, at 10:00 a.m. PST. Fans can purchase single-day passes or three-day general admission tickets, with VIP packages also available. A portion of the...#California #Billie_Eilish #Phoebe_Bridgers #Kendrick_Lamar #Foo_Fighters #The_1975 #Panic_At_The_Disco #Green_Day #Arctic_Monkeys #DJ_Khaled #Steve_Aoki #RALPH #Huntington_Beach_Pier

Wave of Nostalgia to Sweep Over Gen X, Millennials with This Oceans Calling Lineup Music festival enthusiasts are in for a treat this summer as the Oceans Calling lineup has been released, featuring a wave of nostalgia that will sweep over both Generation X and millennials. The four-day event, taking place from September 21-24 at the Ocean City Inlet in Maryland, promises to transport attendees back to their youth with a star-studded roster of iconic acts from the 1990s and early 2000s. Headlining the festival are alternative rock legends Weezer, known for hits like "Buddy Holly" and "Say It Ain't So." Joining them on the main stage will be Sugar Ray, whose catchy singles like "Fly" and "Every Morning" dominated radio airwaves in the late 1990s. Rounding out the top-tier acts is 311, a band that brought reggae-infused rock to the masses with hits like "Down" and "All or Nothing." But it's not just the headliners that are generating buzz among fans of all ages. Other notable acts on the Oceans Calling lineup include Sublime with Rome, Third Eye Blind, and Smash Mouth – all of whom were staples of 1990s and early 2000s radio playlists. "We're thrilled to bring together some of the most iconic bands of the past few decades for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend," said festival organizer John Smith. "We're confident that our lineup will appeal to a broad range of ages and musical tastes, from those who grew up with these bands in their heyday to younger fans looking to experience the music that shaped their parents' and grandparents' youth." In addition to the music, Oceans Calling will feature a variety of activities and attractions aimed at creating an immersive festival experience. These include art installations, food...#Maryland #Weezer #Sugar_Ray #311 #Sublime_with_Rome #Third_Eye_Blind #Smash_Mouth #Ocean_City_Inlet

Six Flags Enters Agreement to Sell St. Louis Park to EPR Properties In a move that is expected to generate significant buzz in the theme park industry, Six Flags has announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its St. Louis-based park, Six Flags St. Louis, to real estate investment trust (REIT) EPR Properties. The transaction is valued at approximately $377 million and is subject to customary closing conditions. As part of the deal, EPR will acquire the theme park, which features a range of thrill rides, family-friendly attractions, and live entertainment options. Six Flags St. Louis is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Missouri, attracting visitors from across the region with its iconic roller coasters, water slides, and other amenities. The sale comes as part of Six Flags' ongoing efforts to streamline its operations and focus on more profitable markets. The company has been facing increased competition from other theme park operators and changing consumer preferences, leading it to re-evaluate its portfolio of parks. EPR Properties, a REIT that specializes in investing in entertainment and education properties, is well-positioned to take over the management and operation of Six Flags St. Louis. The company has a proven track record of managing theme parks and other entertainment venues, and has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality experiences to visitors. The sale is expected to close later this year, pending regulatory approval and satisfaction of other closing conditions. In the meantime, Six Flags will continue to operate the park as usual, with minimal disruption to guests or employees. This deal marks a significant milestone in the history of Six Flags St. Louis, which has been a beloved destination for families and thrill-seekers alike since its open...#Missouri #Six_Flags #EPR_Properties #St_Louis #REIT #Theme_Park