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Dodgers shortstop Jose Hernandez suspended for 2025 ACL season under minor league drug programLeBron James and Anthony Davis might not be the only former top overall picks on the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster for long. Lakers writer Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reported Friday that the team has had internal discussions about adding veteran guard Markelle Fultz. The 26-year-old Fultz remains an unsigned free agent after spending the last five NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic. Fultz was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers (over later lottery picks such as Jayson Tatum, De’Aaron Fox, Lauri Markkanen, Donovan Mitchell, and Bam Adebayo). But he is universally seen as a bust, having averaged just 7.7 points per game on 41.4 percent shooting for the 76ers before being traded less than two years after he was drafted. Fultz’s Philly tenure was also marred by an ugly and bizarre saga with his jump-shooting form . The former University of Washington star Fultz did manage to rebuild his reputation some though in a lower-stress environment in Orlando, posting 14.0 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in the 2022-23 campaign. With the Lakers getting next to nothing from their backup point guard Gabe Vincent, Fultz could have some appeal for them. But it could require much more ( such as a trade for this rumored target ) for the Lakers to turn around their mediocre 13-11 season. This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.
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From Wonder Woman Perfume to Batman Pajamas, We Found the Best Gifts for DC FansFormer Missouri Congressperson Billy Long was tapped Wednesday evening by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Internal Revenue Service. Trump called Long — who served six terms representing a southwest Missouri district — a “consummate people person,” adding “taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm.” Long was one of the first elected officials to jump on the “Trump train,” a phrase he claims to have coined. When most considered Trump’s candidacy a joke or publicity stunt, Long said he was all in, touting Trump to foreign leaders and GOP insiders who snickered at the notion that the real estate mogul and reality TV star would be the next president. “Trump, I saw it early on,” Long told The Independent in 2022, “he has the ‘it’ factor.” After a long career as an auctioneer, and a few years as a conservative talk radio host, Long decided to jump into the 2010 race for the congressional seat being vacated when Roy Blunt decided to run for U.S. Senate. Long said no one took him seriously. “It was an eight-way race,” Long said, “and I was supposed to come in ninth. I was the Donald Trump of the race.” He was pegged as a candidate who was only in the race “for publicity,” Long said, “to help my business and blah, blah, blah, the same things they said about Trump.” His own campaign consultants told him he was “too fat to put on TV,” he said. “And you can put that in the newspaper. They said, ‘You’re too fat. You can’t go on TV. You’ll scare people.’” In the end, Long won the primary by around 7.5 percentage points. He cruised to victory that fall, joining a massive class of freshmen Republicans who swept into office in the Tea Party wave. He says the key to his victory was authenticity. “I may not look the part,” Long said. “But I guaranteed to voters that I would be the part, that I would do the right thing for the right reason every day. And that resonated with people.” In 2022, he gave up his congressional seat to run for U.S. Senate, finishing fourth in the GOP primary behind the eventual winner, Eric Schmitt. According to Trump’s Wednesday announcement, since leaving Congress, Long has worked as a business and tax advisor, “helping small businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.” “I have known Billy since 2011,” Trump said. “He is an extremely hard worker, and respected by all, especially by those who know him in Congress. ... Congratulations Billy!” This was first published by the Missouri Independent, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers state government, politics and policy, and is reprinted with permission.
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DrBalcony App Redefines Balcony Inspections with Unparalleled EfficiencySyracuse and Georgetown meet for the 100th time Saturday when the Orange host the Hoyas in the latest installment of their classic rivalry. As former Big East Conference rivals, Syracuse and Georgetown have staged many memorable contests over the decades with the Orange holding a 54-45 all-time advantage. The teams still meet annually despite the Orange now playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Syracuse has won five of the last seven meetings, including a 12-point triumph in Washington D.C. last December. "It definitely felt like a Big East game," Hoyas coach Ed Cooley said after last season's contest. This time around, Georgetown (7-2) is coming off a 73-60 loss to West Virginia in which the team shot under 38 percent from the floor and committed 14 turnovers. "When the ball has music, when the ball is singing, unbelievable music happens," Cooley said. "The music is the play. The music is body movement and screening an open shot. We didn't have good music today." Thomas Sorber is the team's leading scorer at 15.4 points per game, although the freshman has failed to reach that average in six of the last seven games. Syracuse (5-4), meanwhile, is coming off a 102-85 win over Albany despite the absence of leading scorer J.J. Starling (19.8 points), who is out indefinitely with a hand injury. In his stead, freshman Donnie Freeman supplied 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting despite playing just 23 minutes due to an illness. "Whatever (illness) he has, he needs to keep that, if he can keep playing like, whatever he was feeling," Orange coach Adrian Autry joked. Syracuse will be looking for more success from 3-point range after hitting 6-of-15 (40 percent) against Albany. In their previous game -- a five-point loss to Notre Dame -- the Orange failed to make a 3-pointer for the first time in more than a decade. No Syracuse player has made more than 11 3-pointers this season -- and even that player (Chris Bell) is only shooting 25 percent from long distance. --Field Level MediaNone
Syracuse and Georgetown meet for the 100th time Saturday when the Orange host the Hoyas in the latest installment of their classic rivalry. As former Big East Conference rivals, Syracuse and Georgetown have staged many memorable contests over the decades with the Orange holding a 54-45 all-time advantage. The teams still meet annually despite the Orange now playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Syracuse has won five of the last seven meetings, including a 12-point triumph in Washington D.C. last December. "It definitely felt like a Big East game," Hoyas coach Ed Cooley said after last season's contest. This time around, Georgetown (7-2) is coming off a 73-60 loss to West Virginia in which the team shot under 38 percent from the floor and committed 14 turnovers. "When the ball has music, when the ball is singing, unbelievable music happens," Cooley said. "The music is the play. The music is body movement and screening an open shot. We didn't have good music today." Thomas Sorber is the team's leading scorer at 15.4 points per game, although the freshman has failed to reach that average in six of the last seven games. Syracuse (5-4), meanwhile, is coming off a 102-85 win over Albany despite the absence of leading scorer J.J. Starling (19.8 points), who is out indefinitely with a hand injury. In his stead, freshman Donnie Freeman supplied 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting despite playing just 23 minutes due to an illness. "Whatever (illness) he has, he needs to keep that, if he can keep playing like, whatever he was feeling," Orange coach Adrian Autry joked. Syracuse will be looking for more success from 3-point range after hitting 6-of-15 (40 percent) against Albany. In their previous game -- a five-point loss to Notre Dame -- the Orange failed to make a 3-pointer for the first time in more than a decade. No Syracuse player has made more than 11 3-pointers this season -- and even that player (Chris Bell) is only shooting 25 percent from long distance. --Field Level Media
NEW YORK (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Jose D. Hernandez was suspended for next year's Arizona Complex League season on Wednesday following a positive test for boldenone and nandrolone under baseball's minor league drug program. The 21-year-old Hernandez hit .302 with four homers and 21 RBIs in 26 games this year for the ACL Dodgers. The Venezuelan agreed to a contract with the Dodgers in 2019 that included a $10,000 signing bonus. Twenty players have been suspended this year for positive drug tests, including nine under the minor league program and nine under the new program for minor league players assigned outside the United States and Canada. Two players have been suspended this year under the major league drug program. Noelvi Marté , a 22-year-old infielder who was considered Cincinnati's top prospect, missed the first 80 games following a positive test for boldenone. Toronto infielder Orelvis Martínez was suspended for 80 games on June 23 following a positive test for the performance-enhancing drug clomiphene, an announcement made two days after his major league debut . AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
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The Cleveland Browns remain handicapped by the five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract the organization shelled out for quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2022. Considering the three-time Pro Bowler's season-ending Achilles injury and overall diminished play since 2022, many prominent mock drafts have already suggested the Browns front office make an offseason move for a new signal-caller. Athlon Sports updated its first-round 2025 NFL mock draft ahead of Thanksgiving and had a surprise projection for Cleveland. Miami's Cam Ward and Alabama's Jalen Milroe were readily available after Colorado stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders were predicted to be drafted No. 1 and No. 2. Instead, Athlon Sports analyst Luke Easterling had the Browns passing on both star quarterbacks to select Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3. "Obviously, the Browns need to cut their losses with Deshaun Watson, but it's hard to imagine they'll actually do that," Easterling wrote. Ken Blaze-Imagn Images "It's not the best year to need a quarterback in the top five anyway, though, so don't be surprised if Cleveland opts for a blue-chip player at another spot," Easterling added. "Carter has made the transition from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher look seamless, and he's been one of the most dominant defenders in all of college football this season." Carter, a 6-foot-3, 252-pound junior from Philadelphia, was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2023 and leads the conference in tackles for loss (18) through 11 games in 2024. He has also added a career-high 8.0 sacks this season and would be a scary bookend opposite one of the NFL's premier pass rushers in Myles Garrett. After the Carter-to-Cleveland prediction, Easterling had Ward landing at No. 4 with the New York Giants, who released $160 million quarterback Daniel Jones last week. Milroe was projected to land with the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 5. Related: Browns Urged to Make $172 Million Decision on Deshaun WatsonUnless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's. 1. A set of cami bras for those days when you're lounging around the house but still want to keep the girls supported. Promising review: "Loved the five colors, very VERY comfortable and worth the price. The material is very soft, feels like you have nothing on. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this product." — Amazon Customer Price: $25.99+ for a set of four (available in sizes S–3XL and in six color sets) If you like these, check out our picks for the best tank tops with built-in bras ! 2. A Maidenform convertible push-up bra that goes from strapless to secured in seconds. You'll get a lil' extra boost thanks to the push-up design and the monochrome colors make it the perfect pick under any outfit. Promising review: "Bought this to wear as a strapless to a wedding. I didn’t have to constantly pull it up, which has always been why I stay away from strapless. It was tight, and I did receive a size bigger than I ordered, so keep that in mind. Glad it was tight though!" — Kara Price: $17.76+ (available in sizes 34C–40DD and in two designs) 3. A seamless medium-low support workout bra so you can stay supported while still looking super cute. I honestly wouldn't blame you if you wore this cutie sans anything over the top of it (aka, as a shirt). Promising review: "I'm a 32DDD and it's so hard finding good sports bras. The cups add nice shape so I don't get an underboob look and it's so cute from the back!" — H Price: $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 14 colors and designs) You can also find this bra at #1 in our list of chic sports bras ! 4. A wire-free and bulge-free bra because bra bulge is the one thing that no one needs in their lives. Yes, it's a relief when you take off your bra at the end of the day, but what makes it even better is not having any indents on your skin. Promising review: "The product is exactly what was needed. It is soft and supportive. It doesn’t hide your shape and is not too tight. Soft material and Excellent fit." – Anna Price: $16.94 (available in sizes S–XXL and in four colors) 5. A padded push-up bra to add an entire cup size in an instant. Seem too good to be true? Just take a look at the almost 10,000 5-star ratings. Promising review: "For all my natural big-breasted sisters...get this bra!! This is by far one of the best bras I have ever owned. This bra is super comfortable and attractive. I totally recommend. Can't beat it for the price." — Amazon Customer Price: $29.99+ (available in sizes 32A–40DDD and in 16 colors) 6. A Hanes ComfortFlex foam bra so light and comfortable that you'll probably think, "did I remember to put a bra on today?" Promising review: "I hate bras. I find almost all of them TOTALLY uncomfortable no matter what...UNTIL NOW!!!!!!! THIS BRA IS THE BEST!!!! It's so comfy and I never have to adjust it because it's bothering me. Just enough padding that you don't see nipple bumps in a T-shirt. Sometimes I even continue to wear it after I get home from work, unlike others I would NEED to take off immediately the second I could. I will forget I'm wearing this!!! Highly recommend!!!" — Brandy Lunn Price: $12.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and in six colors) 7. A lace halter bralette , because nothing is fancier than a lacy bralette. This bb will look amazing with your shirt draped off your shoulder — why wouldn't you want to show it off? Promising review: "There’s a reason why this bra is is popular: it’s really cute and super comfortable. It doesn’t have any padding or much support but still held me well. " — Candy Price: $12.59+ (available in sizes S–XL and in eight colors) 8. A half-cup mesh bra to make you feel *so* good. This is the ideal bra to wear under your fancier clothes, but it's also comfy enough for every day. Promising review: "I am picky with bras and this really surprised me. It fits so well and makes the girls look amazing. I bought it in more colors. It runs true to size." — Kindle Customer Price: $25.99+ (available in sizes 32A–38DD and in 12 colors) 9. A padded bra top so you can wear your underwear as outerwear. Reviewers love this 2-in-1 so much, many say they often sleep in it. Promising review: "This got delivered less than 10 minutes ago and I’ve already purchased two more colors. This sports bra is so comfy and the perfect crop length for biker shorts or leggings. The material is high quality and super soft. I am a 34D wearing a medium and it’s the perfect amount of support for training. Might want something tighter or go down a size if you're a runner and don’t want anything to move. You need this in your closet!!" — Alyssa Price: $21.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and in 27 colors and styles) 10. A secure Glamorise front-closure bra , because who has time to contort themselves for 20 minutes each morning until they *finally* hook the back clasp? This game-changing bra also has an underwire that cradles your bust so the wire never touches your body. FYI, it is included in Prime Wardrobe so you can give it a trial run if you're a member! Promising review: "I hate ordering bras online because I never know what size to order. I took a risk, thinking that I would just return it if it didn’t work. But this one did!! She holds the (big) girls in so well! There’s also that lift and separate action that I love so much! I highly recommend this very comfortable and beautiful bra!" — BSong Price: $47.20 (available in sizes 34B–50H and in 11 colors) 11. A vintage-inspired balconette underwire bra that'll be perfectly paired with your ever-growing collection of retro dresses (or by itself under a blazer 😉). Promising review: "Size 34FF fits great, although typically I wear a 34DDD in American sizes. I have narrow shoulders and a narrow back. Finally, not a minimizer, but a great-looking bra to make my beauty shine. It has just enough padding to be appropriate to wear with a T-shirt, not over-padded. Absolutely recommend this bra to those of us who are well-endowed!" – Lydia32 Price: $39+ (available in sizes 30D–44GG and in 12 colors) 12. An ultra-light smoothing bra because your bra showing through your top is not always the vibe. (Unless it is, you do you!) For around 20 bucks, you can't go wrong. Promising review: "I'm so glad I purchased this bra. It’s hard finding my size bra (34DD) in stores. It seems as if it’s nonexistent. I don’t feel like paying double the price at VS for my bra size (just to get a DD bra you have to pay $10 more...there isn’t $10 more worth of fabric so I don’t see the justification). The bra is very comfortable, buttery soft, and no boob spillage. Definitely would buy again. Just wish there were more color options." – MillB Price: $22.66+ (available in band sizes 34–42, cup sizes B–DD, and 12 colors) 13. A lightly padded satin bra with over 4K 5-star reviews and a comfortable, gorgeous design. FYI, bra is included in Prime Wardrobe so you can give it a trial run if you're a member! Price: $53.99+ (available in sizes 34D–44DD and in 14 colors) 14. A darling Natori plunge contour bra that magically molds to your shape to give you the best fit yet. Promising review: "I now own this bra in three colors; it's that amazing. This bra looks and feels incredible; you scarcely feel it at all when it's on. It's invisible under nearly all clothing, as the lace at the top lies flat; to me, this is very important, as I hate seeing the tops of bra cups poking through the fabric of your shirt! Not a problem here. I wear this bra daily with confidence, and I can't recommend it highly enough." — Amanda H. Smith Get it from Amazon for $46.80+ (available in band sizes 30–38, cup sizes A–G, and dozens of colors). 15. An unlined Calvin Klein bra ~sheer~ to be your new favorite. It's super soft, comfortable, and will bring some designer goodness to your underwear drawer. Promising review: "Exactly what I was looking for. I did not want any thick material, just the shaping from the underwire and a more natural feel and look beyond that. These bras have only sheer mesh material in the cup, and I love it. Super comfortable, make me feel like I look great. I ended up buying four more for this to be my go-to everyday bra. If you don’t want thick layers of fabric this bra is for you. Note on colors: 'nymph's thigh' is really closer to very light pink, and 'nude' is a darker tan. I only wish there was a white option for wearing under white layers. Other than that, this bra is a great, simple (and also sexy) product. If you are looking for thick padding, then this will not be what you want. The fit was perfect to my expectations (based off of my measurements)." — E N Allen Price: $9.45+ (available in band sizes 30–38, cup sizes A–DD, and in seven colors). 16. A Lilyette by Bali minimizer bra for compressing the girls and making them look smaller while still giving you a beautiful silhouette and a ton of support. This bra can reduce your bust projection up to 1.5 inches! Promising review: "Why did no one tell me the wonders of minimizing bras?!? But all is forgiven now that my 38DD otherwise unwieldy breasts are now properly contained! All my life, I've worn 'regular' bras, and all my life, they've wiggled, jiggled, pooched over the cups, and I've hated them. But now, I might be OK with a larger chest! This bra is phenomenal. I'm DD, sometimes DDD, and wearing regular bras correctly sized was horrible. Professional fittings, those $70 bras I'd still look jiggly in, and I'd still end up with boobage up out of the cup. Looked ridiculous. This bra nicely does whatever it does to push your breasts down enough that they don't pop out. But you don't look like you have smashed breasts or a uni-boob! They stay nicely separated; I've worn it several times and not once had spillage over. I'm ordering two more, pleased as punch. FINALLY, after over 25 years of bra wearing, found what I didn't know I was missing! I hope someone else is able to have the joy of nicely contained boobs!" — 3LittleFish Price: $21.99+ (available in band sizes 34–42, cup sizes C–DDD, and in eight colors). For more bust-reducing styles, take a look at our picks for the best minimizer bras . 17. A buttery soft wireless comfort bra that will become your new everyday go-to. Bras that feel like you're not wearing one? Sign me up. Promising review: "Absolutely love this bra! It's incredibly comfortable and offers great support without feeling restrictive. The fabric is soft and breathable, making it perfect for all-day wear. It fits true to size and provides a flattering shape. I’m so happy I found this, it’s now my go-to! Highly recommend!! Truly sooo Comfortable." — Gisele Marson Price: $16.99+ (available in band sizes 32–40, cup sizes A–D, and in 21 colors) 18. A floral lace bralette for a classically chic look that will enhance any outfit thanks to its incredible support and darling design. Promising review: "Love this bra! Sexy and comfortable. I ordered it in black but ordering other colors. My boyfriend loves this on me." — Rocio Andrade Price: $28.99+ (available in band sizes 32–44, cup sizes B–G, and in five colors) 19. An unlined lace bra that will keep everything right where you want it to be, but with ~elegance.~ Promising review: "To preface this, I NEVER go out of my way to leave reviews for things, but have to say this is one of the best bras I’ve ever put on my body! Being plus size, I’ve found that it’s always been hard to find something comfortable and cute for my size and I felt so much relief after putting this on. Finally a bra that lifts and supports the way it should and makes me feel confident. I’ll definitely be ordering more!! Not to mention it has a super thick strap and connector on the back that leaves that whole area looking seamless. No back fat spilling over whatsoever. 1000/10 recommend." — jessica Price: $24.99+ (available in band sizes 34–46, cup sizes C–I and in 14 colors) 20. A crisscross sports bra for jogging, dancing, boxing, or in the words of Rebel Wilson in Pitch Perfect , horizontal running (aka laying on your couch and binge-watching your latest Netflix obsession). Promising review: "I own a hundred sports bras and this one’s my favorite. Firstly, it is very easy to put on and remove and it looks really nice when paired with a pair of black leggings. They come padded, and I found them to provide good support during high-intensity exercises as well. The blue shade also looks very elegant. Overall great product." — AA Price: $12.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and in six colors) 21. A high-impact sports bra designed with strenuous activity in mind. It's made from a comfy four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric so you can stay supported and dry no matter what you're doing. Promising review: "Oh my, where to start!? It is very well made and comfortable to wear! I love that the padding is sewn in place, so you don’t have to worry about removing them or worse trying to get them back in place! It offers great support for running, but is cool and comfortable enough to just wear when you don’t feel like wearing a regular bra. This bra stays in place and holds *everything* in place as you run, exercise etc. and all at a great price. I highly recommend trying this sports bra!" — Tamara Price: $22.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and in 38 colors) 22. A full coverage bra that will give the twins the *ultimate lift* without an underwire. Promising review: " I have been buying this same style of bra since the 1990s and have never found a rival for attractiveness, coverage, comfort, and good fit. These bras also last for years and years when laundered in a bag on gentle cycle and hung dry. I added this bra to have another color in my collection and anticipate many years of good fit. Playtex 18 Hour bras are genuinely so comfortable you can wear them all day and night, if need be." — Susan L. Price: $12.99+ (available in band sizes 34–54, cup sizes B–G, 19 colors, and various sets of two) 23. A super sexy sheer bra for feeling like your best self. Best worn while listening to Taylor Swift's Vigilante Sh*t . Promising review: "Great quality. See-through material makes it very sexy. Comfortable." — Robin C Meade Price: $19.99+ (available in band sizes 34–44, cup sizes B–F, and in seven colors) 24. A Bali Breathe T-Shirt bra that holds the girls in place well enough for everyday wear but adds a sultry edge with a lace finish. I own a couple of these bras, and when I tell you they are my favorite bras EVER! I'm a DD cup, and they are so incredibly comfortable and supportive. Thanks to the lacey material, they also make me feel so good. Plus, they're WIRELESS!!! Promising review: "This bra has a beautiful style, a great fit with a very accurate sizing chart, and is very comfortable. I am buying another in a different color." — fbk Price: $25.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and in six colors) 25. A wire-free and seamless scallop-detail bra to add a fun and playful pop to your underwear drawer. Promising review: "As a petite woman with a larger bust, well-fitted and comfortable bras are hard to come by. This one is so comfortable and cute and I really like the way the clasps are sort of magnetic. It makes it easier to find the right hook while uncomfortably reaching your arms completely behind your back, lol." — Amber Way Price: $26.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and in 11 colors) 26. A longline bralette for those who are partial to a sexy lace number but don't want to compromise on comfort. Reviewers with *bustier* chests are fans, so know you don't have to settle for something drab just because you're a D+. Promising review: "The fit and support of this bralette for larger busts is so good! Fits true to size per the size chart and has great coverage. Will be getting other colors!" — Nat Price: $10.48+ (available in sizes S–XXL, 11 colors, and in two-packs and three-packs) Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.9-Year-Old Becomes CEO of Gabb, Kid-Safe Tech CompanyST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Former Newfoundland and Labrador premiers say a draft energy agreement signed Thursday with Quebec marks a historic break in a long-standing political standoff. Brian Tobin, who was premier from 1996 to 2000, describes the sweeping new energy contract as a long-awaited "breaking of political gridlock" between Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec. Tobin says he has no doubt that ending the 1969 deal that gave Quebec nearly free electricity from Labrador was a top priority for every premier since Joey Smallwood, the man who signed the contract. Roger Grimes ran the province between 2001 to 2003, and he says all of the province's premiers wished they had found a willing partner in Quebec to reshape the agreement. Pointing to the province's unsuccessful attempts to challenge the deal in court, he says Quebec Premier François Legault had no obligation to throw out the contract but saw a good opportunity and showed political will. The two provinces signed an agreement in principle Thursday under which Quebec will pay higher rates for power and partner with Newfoundland and Labrador on new hydroelectric projects in Labrador. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Sarah Smellie, The Canadian Press
Dressed in 7-inch neon heels and translucent yellow bell- bottoms, Mary Serritella defied gravity and expectations on a recent Wednesday night at Hollywood’s Bourbon Room. Spinning gracefully around a silver pole to a disco medley, she contorted her body into a series of improbable positions with even more improbable names like “The Chopstick,” “The Jade Split” and “The Black Sun split” — a showstopper in which she gripped the pole between her belly and thigh and hung upside down holding a foot with each hand. It was a dazzling display of flexibility and sensual athleticism and the crowd loved it. But when Serritella, who performs under the name Mary Caryl, revealed after the September performance that she had just celebrated her 71st birthday, the room exploded. A young woman in the front row pumped her fist in the air. Another made a bow, reminiscent of the “we’re not worthy” bit from “Wayne’s World.” “You never lose it if you never let it go,” Serritella told the audience. “And five years ago I had a hip replacement. I’m a bionic woman!” The crowd roared again. Christina Calph, who booked Serritella to perform that evening at the Comedy Pole Show she hosts, said Serritella is an inspiration. “I see her and I think, ‘Oh my God, I can be beautiful for the rest of my life,” Calph said. In a city where de-aging procedures can be as routine as tooth cleanings, Serritella’s pole dancing prowess serves as an embodied reminder that getting older doesn’t have to mean forfeiting beauty, sexuality, strength or the activities you love. Serritella still wears high heels, performs in bikinis and posts videos of herself on Instagram. She works out at least five times a week to maintain the upper body strength and flexibility required to climb a pole and bend, twist and coil herself into positions that seem impossible for most women several decades her junior. She still deals with certain inconveniences of age — arthritis makes gripping the pole difficult and there was that hip replacement. “When I wake up in the morning I’m a little stiffer than I used to be, and early on I sprained a knee,” she said. “But it’s like that old serenity prayer: Accept the things you can’t change, and change the things you can.” Serritella started pole dancing in 2010 when she was 57, the same year the youngest of her three children graduated from college. A friend from the fundraising committee at her kids’ school mentioned that she’d started taking pole dancing classes at a gym. On a whim, Serritella asked if she could come. She was only able to learn a few moves before the gym disbanded the class, but she was hooked. “I wasn’t good. I couldn’t climb the pole. I couldn’t do anything,” she said. “But I wanted to.” She found other studios to train at including the Vertitude L.A. in Canoga Park and Choreography House in North Hollywood (now closed), sometimes sticking around for three lessons in a single evening. “Both of them had incredible owners and instructors and they would bring in other incredible instructors from around the world, so I feel like I had the best training,” she said. Modern pole dancing originated in strip clubs in the 1950s but became more mainstream in the past few decades as gyms and boutique studios that taught the activity sprung up around the country. Since 2009, the International Pole Sports Federation and other organizations, have pushed to get pole dancing included in the Olympics. (In short, they are on an uphill climb). In 2011, Serritella entered her first pole dance competition in the 40-and-over masters category just three months after she started taking classes. The organizers of the competition, the Pole Sport Organization, called her on a Tuesday to ask if she would compete the coming Saturday. It was a ridiculous deadline, but she had a costume in mind and had been working on a routine, so she said yes. “I was like, ‘Am I crazy?’” she said. “But it’s always been my personality to do things and not be afraid.” Her first solo performance was at a showcase put on by the Vertitude. She dressed up as Mrs. Claus and danced to “Santa Baby.” More recently, in 2023 she took first place in her division at Pole Art Italy, an international competition for a country “dancin’ and romancin’” themed performance to a medley of “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” “I Only Date Cowboys” and “Lady.” She wore pink cowboy boots, a beaded pink cowboy hat, a tie-front sports bra and denim pole shorts. “Burlesque and comedy are my favorite styles,” she said. “Some dancers really love dramatic music. That’s not me.” Her family has mostly been supportive of her dancing. Tony, her husband of 33 years, recalled that his wife hosted a local public access television show called “Images With Mary Caryl” in the ’90s and in 2012 appeared on “Alt for Norge,” a reality television show that brings Americans of Norwegian ancestry to Norway to compete in cultural challenges. “Nothing she does surprises me,” he said. As for her kids, Serritella said her daughter loved it when she started pole dancing, but it took her sons longer to come around. “I think they were shocked that I had this fun side to me,” she said. Still, her middle son and his wife were in the audience when she performed at the Bourbon Room. “I’ve learned to roll with it,” he said. Among her younger pole dancing friends, Serritella is a hero. Teresa Fischer, a teacher at Luscious Maven, the North Hollywood studio where Serritella dances now, described her as “a legend in the industry.” Stephanie Pozos, another friend from the studio, said you can’t take your eyes off her. “She has incredible flow, and she really knows how to show off what she’s good at and play to her strengths,” Pozos said. Angelina Medina, who started pole dancing 21⁄2 years ago, said Serritella’s style is a lot like her personality: bubbly and entrancing. “I love that she’s defying society’s narrative,” she said. “I just turned 33 and society tells us as women that life is over after 30. It’s really not.” Serritella has a background in beauty. She sells makeup out of her home, designs and sells a line of pole dancing clothes, and worked as an image consultant, helping women with their hair, makeup and wardrobes. When her friends and clients ask her for beauty tips, she’s happy to oblige. “My two big ones are drink water and keep moving to help you flush out everything you take in,” she said. “A lot of times you see people who are my age and they are puffy eyed and they have bloat. That’s what it is — lack of water, lack of mobility.” Other tips include wear foundation every day to lock your moisturizer in and protect your skin from the elements. Eat healthy, but don’t worry about being perfect. And indulgence is an important part of life, whether it’s a new lipstick, a slice of birthday cake or coffee with a friend. It’s all helpful, but Serritella’s real super power is her ability to buck society’s ingrained fear of aging and live the life she wants. “So often through the years women would say things to me like, ‘I can’t wear heels anymore’ or whatever it was, and I would put a psychological bubble around myself,” she said. “I just didn’t want to absorb that ‘I can’t’ attitude.” It might take more work than it once did for an older woman to feel beautiful and strong, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible, she said. If there’s something you want to do, try it. “We say our children are our future, and that’s true, but we’re their future too,” she said. Back at the Bourbon Room, Serritella crept into the audience after her performance, looking less like a bombshell and more like a hot mom in jeans and a gray tank top. She was still wearing her 7-inch heels. She couldn’t find her tennis shoes in the green room. When the lights went down and the next act came on, she dropped to her hands and knees and crawled through the crowd to her seat. She didn’t want to disturb anyone’s view. The next performer was a comic named Annie Lederman who is three decades Serritella’s junior. She stepped up onstage and surveyed the crowd. “I have to follow Mary?” she said, despondent. The audience laughed in sympathy. Get local news delivered to your inbox!