Daily News 19

Author: DN19 Newsroom

  • Marvel Casting Director Reflects on Chris Pratt’s “heartfelt” Captain America Audition: “After that, I was paying attention”

    Marvel Casting Director Reflects on Chris Pratt’s “heartfelt” Captain America Audition: “After that, I was paying attention”

    Marvel Studios casting director Sarah Halley Finn has revealed how Chris Pratt’s unsuccessful audition for Captain America helped put the future Star-Lord actor on the MCU’s radar.

    Finn, who has helped cast MCU stars including Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr. and Chadwick Boseman, discussed Pratt’s audition during an SDCC appearance on The Brandon Davis Show.

    “He did a speech which was not comedic at all, it was kind of a rallying cry,” Finn recounted. “I don’t think this particular [speech] ended up in [Captain America: The First Avenger]. He’s trying to inspire and encourage somebody to move forward with courage. It was really simple, it was very heartfelt. There was just that touch of nobility you want to see in your heroes… after that audition, I was paying attention.”

    How Chris Pratt landed the role of Star-Lord

    Finn followed through on that interest, eventually bringing Pratt into a meeting with James Gunn for Guardians of the Galaxy. The audition led to Pratt being cast as Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, despite the actor initially resisting the opportunity.

    “I was stuck on him,” Finn said. “He didn’t want to audition for that at all… I was so persistent to the point of being annoying. Even at that point, James Gunn was convinced he wasn’t right and didn’t want to see him.”

    Pratt went on to appear in three Guardians of the Galaxy films and multiple Avengers movies, making the failed Captain America audition a fortunate turning point in his career.

    Who else auditioned for Captain America?

    Chris Evans ultimately won the role of Steve Rogers. Other notable actors who auditioned included Wilson Bethel, who later played Daredevil villain Bullseye; John Krasinski, who went on to portray a multiverse version of Reed Richards; Captain America actor Wyatt Russell; and Sebastian Stan.

    For anyone else who has auditioned for Captain America, Pratt’s story suggests that a missed Marvel role may still lead to another major part in the MCU.

    Want to relive the MCU’s best moments? Here’s our essential guide on how to watch the Marvel movies in order.

    Source: www.yahoo.com

  • Warsh at Jackson Hole: ‘We have work to do’ on inflation

    Warsh at Jackson Hole: ‘We have work to do’ on inflation

    Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh said the central bank’s “predominant focus” should remain on inflation, striking a hawkish tone in closely watched remarks at the Kansas City Fed’s annual Jackson Hole symposium.

    “The responsibility for 65 months of sustained, elevated inflation sits squarely with the central bank,” said Warsh, delivering his keynote address at the Kansas City’s Fed Jackson Hole symposium.

    “We must be confident that underlying inflation is moving to our objective, clearly and at sufficient speed. Otherwise, we have work to do. That’s our job . . . our mandate . . . and our charge to keep.”

    Markets react to Warsh’s hawkish remarks

    Bitcoin fell to $78,700 following the comments. U.S. stocks were modestly lower, while bond yields moved slightly higher as investors assessed the Federal Reserve chairman’s inflation-focused message.

    Warsh’s speech had been highly anticipated because the Kansas City Fed’s annual Jackson Hole symposium has often served as a venue for U.S. central bank chiefs to prepare markets for major policy changes.

  • Grayscale Says Bitcoin Is Undergoing a Significant Change: “Approaching Gold!” What It Means for BTC

    Grayscale Says Bitcoin Is Undergoing a Significant Change: “Approaching Gold!” What It Means for BTC

    Bitcoin has climbed above $80,000 in recent days, prompting some analysts to suggest that the cryptocurrency may be entering the early stages of a bull market. The latest assessment comes from Grayscale Research Head Zach Pandl, who highlighted a significant change in Bitcoin’s relationship with traditional assets.

    Discussing Bitcoin’s correlation with gold, Pandl noted that its 90-day correlation with gold had increased from near zero at the beginning of the year to more than 50%. At the same time, Bitcoin’s correlation with the Nasdaq 100 had declined from above 60% to approximately 33%.

    According to Pandl, the shift suggests that investors are beginning to view Bitcoin not only as a high-risk technology asset, but also as an asset defined by scarcity, monetary independence and store-of-value characteristics.

    US Fiscal Concerns Put Scarce Assets Back in Focus

    Pandl said one of the main factors strengthening the relationship between Bitcoin and gold is the outlook for US government finances.

    The US federal debt has surpassed $40 trillion, while persistent budget deficits and rising yields on long-term Treasury bonds are renewing concerns about the dollar’s long-term purchasing power. Against this backdrop, “depreciation trading,” which involves shifting toward scarce assets to hedge against currency devaluation, is gaining renewed attention.

    Pandl argued that Bitcoin stands out in this environment because it is a scarce asset that can be valued alongside gold. Its appeal is supported by the absence of a central issuer, transparent supply rules and a maximum supply capped at 21 million coins.

    The Grayscale executive concluded that current macroeconomic conditions could create a more favorable market environment for Bitcoin and other scarce digital assets.

    This is not investment advice.

  • ‘Baywatch’ Alum Erika Eleniak’s Five-Figure OnlyFans Income Revealed

    ‘Baywatch’ Alum Erika Eleniak’s Five-Figure OnlyFans Income Revealed

    Model Announces Expanded Feet Content Offering

    A model has announced plans to increase feet-focused content on her profile, according to a statement made earlier this month. The creator indicated subscribers can expect a significant volume of new material catering to this specific niche.

    The announcement signals a strategic content pivot aimed at meeting audience demand within the creator economy. Feet content remains a consistently high-performing category across subscription platforms, often driving engagement and retention for creators who specialize in the niche.

    While the model did not disclose specific posting schedules or content formats, the promise of “lots of feet content” suggests a deliberate expansion of her existing portfolio. Creators frequently use such announcements to gauge subscriber interest and adjust production pipelines accordingly.

    Industry observers note that specialized content verticals like this allow creators to differentiate their offerings in a competitive marketplace. Clear communication about upcoming content themes helps manage audience expectations and can contribute to subscription growth.

  • Brittany Cartwright Shows Bruising and Damage She Blames on Jax Taylor

    Brittany Cartwright Shows Bruising and Damage She Blames on Jax Taylor

    Brittany Cartwright has offered a disturbing glimpse into the alleged aftermath of one of her explosive encounters with Jax Taylor, revealing severe bruising on her knee and damage inside their home.

    Photos filed with the court and obtained by TMZ show dark bruising on Cartwright’s knee, along with damage to the couple’s residence.

  • Mom Shows Off Kids’ Spotless Rooms, Credits Parenting Method — TikTok Wants to Know How to Copy It

    Mom Shows Off Kids’ Spotless Rooms, Credits Parenting Method — TikTok Wants to Know How to Copy It

    A mother of three has gone viral on TikTok after sharing a visual breakdown of how habit stacking transformed her children’s daily routines and living spaces. The video, posted by creator @brynnheckendorn, amassed 1.8 million views as of publication and sparked widespread discussion about parenting, discipline, and family systems.

    Inside the Kids’ Rooms: Order Built on Routine

    The tour begins with her 14-year-old son’s room. A football player who attends 6 a.m. practices, his space reflects his schedule — sports memorabilia lines the walls, the bed is made, and an assortment of hats is arranged neatly above the headboard. Books, games, and personal items occupy designated spots, signaling a system rather than a one-time cleanup.

    Her 13-year-old daughter’s room follows a similar aesthetic. Hats are individually stacked in stands above her bed, and a colorful floral pillow adds a personal touch to neutral bedding. A study desk with a yellow chair holds storage boxes organizing personal belongings, while posters, trophies, and certificates highlight her achievements. She organizes her room before joining her mother for a 6:30 a.m. run.

    The youngest, an 11-year-old with interests in basketball and soccer, maintains a minimalist but equally organized room. He, too, joins the early morning run, reinforcing the family’s shared rhythm.

    Habit Stacking as a Family Standard

    According to the creator, the room tour serves as a visual representation of what instilling discipline looks like in practice. She and her partner have made it a priority to build healthy habits and clear expectations into their children’s lives.

    The kids are expected to complete a to-do list before accessing devices or leaving the house. Crucially, the mother emphasized she did not spend her morning reminding them to make beds or clean up — the actions were voluntary, driven by established routine.

    “This is just what it looks like when you slowly start building these routines into your family standards.”

    The approach resonated with viewers, many of whom asked how to replicate the system in their own homes.

    Community Response and Verification Note

    Comments reflected both validation and personal adaptation of the method. One user shared:

    “I don’t have kids yet, but I’m habit stacking with myself first, and it does work.”

    Another added:

    “Kids thrive on discipline and routine…”

    The Daily Dot was unable to independently verify the events described in this video. The details above reflect the account as shared on TikTok by @brynnheckendorn. The identities of the children have not been confirmed.

    Image Credit: TikTok | @brynnheckendorn

  • Michael Carrick Ahead of Ipswich Town Clash: 'We had a setback last week. We want to get back to playing well&#039

    Michael Carrick Ahead of Ipswich Town Clash: 'We had a setback last week. We want to get back to playing well&#039

    Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is targeting a strong performance and victory against Ipswich Town in the club’s first home Premier League match of the season.

    United endured a disappointing start to their league campaign last weekend, losing 2-0 to Hull City. Carrick’s side will now aim to respond with a positive result at Old Trafford.

  • 7 F1 Drivers Who Staged Remarkable Comebacks After Stellar Substitute Performances

    7 F1 Drivers Who Staged Remarkable Comebacks After Stellar Substitute Performances

    The final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort delivered a major talking point: Yuki Tsunoda’s return to a race seat with Racing Bulls. After losing his Red Bull drive following a difficult 2025 campaign, the Japanese driver had been relegated to test and reserve duties. He seized the chance to stand in for Liam Lawson, who had himself been promoted to the senior team to cover for an injured Isack Hadjar. Tsunoda finished a strong eleventh, just shy of the points.

    “I did everything I could today and I really enjoyed it,” Tsunoda said after just missing out on points in P11. Whether the performance earns him a full-time grid return remains to be seen, but Formula 1 history offers several precedents where a standout substitute drive reignited a career.

    Nico Hulkenberg: The ultimate super-sub

    Finishing just ahead of Tsunoda in Zandvoort was Nico Hulkenberg, a driver intimately familiar with the power of a stand-in appearance. After being dropped by Renault at the end of 2019, Hulkenberg made three substitute starts for Racing Point during the 2020 season when Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll contracted Covid-19. A car issue prevented him from starting his first outing at Silverstone, but one week later at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix he qualified third behind the Mercedes cars and finished seventh. His third appearance at the Nürburgring saw him charge from the back of the grid to eighth place.

    Those drives secured him a reserve role for 2021, two further stand-in weekends in 2022, and ultimately a full-time comeback with Haas in 2023. The 39-year-old has since thrived, moving to the then Kick Sauber outfit—now Audi—and scoring a long-awaited maiden podium at the 2024 British Grand Prix.

    Carlos Sainz: Turning a forced exit into a victory lap

    Unlike Tsunoda and Hulkenberg, Carlos Sainz has not been sidelined in F1, but he entered the 2024 season knowing he would leave Ferrari at year’s end. The blockbuster announcement that Lewis Hamilton would join the Scuderia for 2025 caught many off guard—perhaps including Sainz, who would make way for the seven-time champion. Complicating matters, appendicitis surgery forced him to miss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, prompting a memorable substitute debut from then-F2 driver Ollie Bearman.

    Sainz returned two weeks later in Australia and produced a stunning comeback: second on the grid and his third career victory. The performance reminded the paddock of his calibre, attracting multiple suitors for 2025 before he signed with Williams.

    Alain Prost: Sabbatical leads to a fourth title

    Alain Prost’s split with Ferrari was far more acrimonious. After moving from McLaren, his 1990 debut season with the Scuderia ended in controversial title defeat to Ayrton Senna. Tensions escalated in 1991 as Prost publicly criticized the team’s declining competitiveness, leading to his dismissal before the season concluded. With no time to secure a 1992 seat, the “Professor” took a sabbatical.

    He returned with Williams for 1993 and announced his intent immediately, converting pole position into victory at the season opener in South Africa. Six more wins followed, delivering his fourth World Championship before he retired at the campaign’s close.

    Mika Salo: Filling Schumacher’s shoes at Ferrari

    Mika Salo debuted late in 1994 with Lotus and raced for Tyrrell and Arrows before losing his seat for 1999. An opportunity arose when he replaced an injured Ricardo Zonta at BAR for three races, but the bigger call came when Ferrari drafted him to substitute for Michael Schumacher after the German broke his leg at Silverstone.

    Despite the daunting task, Salo impressed with ninth on his Ferrari debut in Austria. At Hockenheim one round later, he qualified fourth, led the race, and moved aside for teammate Eddie Irvine—who was battling Mika Häkkinen for the title—to finish second for his first career podium. A second rostrum at Monza helped Ferrari secure the Constructors’ Championship, and Salo’s form earned a full-time Sauber drive for 2000.

    Valtteri Bottas: “Bottas 2.0” rises from a dark place

    Valtteri Bottas endured a winless 2018 season, dropping to fifth in the standings while teammate Lewis Hamilton claimed a sixth title. The Finn later revealed he contemplated leaving the sport after falling into a “dark place,” but used the winter to regroup. The revival was instant: at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix, he overtook polesitter Hamilton into the first corner and dominated to win by 20 seconds.

    Over the radio, he famously declared, “To whom it may concern, f*** you!”—a message he later admitted was “just all the frustration from the year before coming out.” That victory launched his strongest F1 season, yielding four wins and a career-best second place in the Drivers’ Championship.

    Kevin Magnussen: The “Viking comeback”

    Kevin Magnussen’s return after a year away mirrors the stand-in narrative. After four seasons with Haas (2017–2020), he was replaced for 2021 by rookies Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher. Magnussen competed in other series until a late call from Haas to replace Mazepin for 2022. Despite the hiatus, he qualified seventh on his return in Bahrain and converted it to fifth on race day.

    Team Principal Guenther Steiner hailed it as “some f****** Viking comeback.” Magnussen later added a shock pole position in São Paulo and remained with Haas through 2024 before moving to the World Endurance Championship.

    Sergio Perez: From seat loss to maiden win and a Red Bull drive

    Sergio Perez has raced in F1 since his 2011 Sauber debut, spending 2013 with McLaren before joining Force India. His future turned uncertain when Sebastian Vettel signed for the team’s 2021 rebrand as Aston Martin, leaving Perez without a contract. He responded emphatically: a second place in Turkey for Racing Point, followed by a spectacular maiden victory in Sakhir after a first-lap incident dropped him to the back of the field.

    The win made him the first Mexican driver to win since Pedro Rodriguez in 1970. That recovery drive undoubtedly strengthened his case for a 2021 seat, leading to a four-year tenure with Red Bull.

    Each of these drivers turned a moment of uncertainty—whether a substitute appearance, a forced sabbatical, or a sudden seat loss—into a career-defining resurgence. Tsunoda’s determined drive at Zandvoort suggests he may yet join their ranks.

  • Ethena Looks Beyond Crypto to Tap Yield From Booming Equity Perpetuals

    Ethena Looks Beyond Crypto to Tap Yield From Booming Equity Perpetuals

    Ethena is expanding its funding trade into equity perpetuals as the protocol seeks new sources of returns after the supply of $USDe fell below $5 billion from a peak of nearly $15 billion.

    The move follows Thursday’s major $ENA token overhaul, when the Ethena Foundation announced changes to $ENA’s token economics. The overhaul eliminates monthly venture capital unlocks and puts to a vote whether revenue from Ethena’s businesses should be used for token buybacks.

    Ethena adapts its funding strategy to equity markets

    The strategy is essentially the same trade Ethena has run since $USDe’s launch: hold exposure to an asset, short its perpetual contract and collect the funding paid by leveraged long traders. The assets involved have included bitcoin $BTC$79,389.75, ether ETH$2,496.79 and solana (SOL).

    However, the trade became far less lucrative in crypto this year as prices plunged and market activity cooled. Ethena said bitcoin $BTC$79,389.75 funding averaged 11% in 2024 and 4.9% in 2025 before falling to just 2.2% this year through Aug. 11.

    Equity perpetuals have shown the opposite trend. According to Ethena, funding was positive on 94% of days on Hyperliquid and 97% of days on Binance once those markets reached meaningful scale. The median equity funding rate was 13.9%, compared with 3.9% for bitcoin.

    “One other interesting characteristic which makes this more attractive versus crypto is the natural positive skew of funding distribution,” co-founder Guy Young said in an X post.

  • SBI Buys 20% Stake in Indonesia’s Ajaib for $270 Million to Expand Yen Stablecoin Across Southeast Asia

    SBI Buys 20% Stake in Indonesia’s Ajaib for $270 Million to Expand Yen Stablecoin Across Southeast Asia

    SBI Holdings Plans $270 Million Investment in Indonesian Brokerage Ajaib

    SBI Holdings, a major Japanese financial services company, plans to acquire a $270 million stake in Ajaib Group, one of Indonesia’s leading online brokerages, before the end of this month.

    The investment is part of SBI’s strategy to expand its yen-denominated stablecoin, JPYSC, across Southeast Asia while developing blockchain-based infrastructure for cross-border settlements.

    SBI Targets Indonesia’s Retail Investment Market

    The deal would give SBI a foothold in Indonesia’s consumer retail market, which is valued at an estimated $375 billion by IMARC Group. Indonesia is also one of ASEAN’s largest retail-investing markets, with more than 20 million retail investors, according to The Straits Times.

    Ajaib provides online brokerage services, foreign-exchange margin trading, cryptocurrency services and asset management in Indonesia.

    “In this era of tokenization, the importance of global infrastructure for digital assets is greater than ever,” stated Yoshitaka Kitao, chairman and president of SBI.

    The planned investment follows SBI’s acquisition of Coinhako Group, a Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange, for approximately $100 million in July. SBI also separately invested in DigiFT, a Singaporean digital securities trading platform, with the two companies establishing a joint venture.