SOUTH BEND, Ind. — It was an ominous bit of imagery at what could be the bitter end of a century-long series. Dark clouds descending over Touchdown Jesus, and a heavy downpour soaking every soul in Notre Dame Stadium, as if Mother Nature herself was lashing out at the prospect of one of college football’s defining rivalries dying in vain.
Both USC and Notre Dame have suggested they want the rivalry to continue if they can come to an agreement in the coming months. But if this was indeed the end, 99 years since USC and Notre Dame first met on a football field, it would be a particularly crushing finale for the Trojans, who fell 34-24 and now find their hopes of a College Football Playoff bid hanging by a thread.
Saturday seemed well on its way to a different sort of conclusion, when the Irish shanked a 31-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Three plays later, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava found wideout Makai Lemon downfield for a 42-yard gain.
All the game’s momentum was suddenly in the hands of USC coach Lincoln Riley and his offense. That’s when Riley dialed up a hair-brained trick play that he’d surely regret later.
Sprinting right on an end-around, Lemon took the handoff from Maiava and immediately found himself trapped by the Notre Dame defense. Lemon cocked the ball as if he were going to throw, only to have the ball stripped away.
It was a rare misstep from the Trojans star, but an especially costly one. It took seven plays for Notre Dame to find the end zone after that, as quarterback C.J. Carr punched it in from one yard out to put the game away.
An American woman living in Yorkshire has revealed several British quirks that sometimes leave her lying awake at night because she can’t stop thinking about them
An American in the UK has revealed some cultural differences that have stayed with her(Image: @yorkshireyank/TikTok)
While the two cultures share much in common, an American woman living in the UK has revealed several British quirks she claims “sometimes keep her awake at night”.
Maxine Berry, known on TikTok as @yorkshireyank, has lived in the UK for the past 23 years. However, there are still some aspects of British culture that she finds perplexing. Some of the “wild” differences she has pointed out to her 15K followers include the British postcode system, the UK’s unusual laws around swans, and some of the nation’s quirkier dishes.
In a clip recently shared to her channel, Maxine, who lives in York but is originally from South Dakota, said: ‘As an American living in the UK, I thought I’d got used to the quirks living here.”
Maxine Berry has lived in the UK for 23 years (Image: @yorkshireyank/TikTok)
She continued: “But these sometimes keep me awake at night. Sometimes not but sometimes they do.”
First off, she stated that she was “pretty sure the NHS is using shows like Homes Under The Hammer and Come Dine With Me as medicine”. She explained that she’d come to this conclusion as these two particular shows are always on the TV in hospital waiting rooms,” as reported by Daily Mail.
She continued: “It doesn’t matter which hospital you go to, the waiting room always has this tuned in. You know it’s true.”
The TikTokker then went on to claim that the British have “an utter obsession with carpets”, and wondered why they couldn’t opt for “nice tiles” on their floor instead as “it would be so much easier”. Though, she did admit that the UK has cold weather.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Continuing her catalogue of observations, Maxine took a jab at some of the UK’s “centuries-old laws” that are still in place and enforceable. For example, she cited the historical law around the protection of swans in the UK.
Since the 12 century, all “unmarked mute swans swimming in open waters” in the country have belonged to The Crown, while subsequent wildlife preservation laws prohibit anyone from disturbing or harming swans, including their eggs.
Maxine found this rather perplexing. She said: “I mean, I’m not technically allowed to eat a swan because it belongs to the King, but who’d want to do that anyways? I mean, does the King eat swans? I’m just asking.’
In fact, it is illegal to kill, eat or keep swans in the UK. Until 1998, it was even considered an act of treason to kill or injure a swan.
Other ‘Britishism’s Maxine pointed out included the postcode system, which she described as “pretty cool”. She enthused: “It literally finds a front door, can pinpoint you with satellite accuracy.”
Although, Royal Mail’s response to when the system fails has left Maxine bemused. “The Royal Mail will send you a card and say, ‘Sorry we can’t find you, the nearest depot is 45 miles away,'” she said.
Finally, British cuisine took a hit, as Maxine described the names of popular pub dishes as “quite wild”. She highlighted ‘toad in the hole’ and ‘bubble and squeak’ as being particularly quirky.
THE best pubs across the country have been revealed – so does your local make the list?
The Great British Pub Awards has announced its shortlist of finalists across categories including Best Beer Pub, Best Pub Garden and Best Country Pub.
6
The Tally Ho Inn in Bouldon, Shropshire, is set within the stunning Corvedale ValleyCredit: Google maps
6
The Mutton at Hazeley Heath overlooks Hazeley Farm and has “amazing views”Credit: Google maps
6
A delicious looking Sunday roast at The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland NewtonCredit: Google maps
The awards are aimed at celebrating the best boozers in the UK.
Six pubs have been nominated in each category, with the eventual winners revealed later this month.
The nominations for Best Beer Pub include the Cask Pub & Kitchen in Pimlico, London.
It claims to have the UK’s first and only vintage beer cellar, which includes beers from the 1950s.
There’s also The Riverhead Brewery Tap in Marsden, Huddersfield, which has its own microbrewery inside.
Blind Jack’s in Knaresborough is a family owned independent traditional pub founded in 1991 that sells highly rated craft beers.
The other nominations for Best Beer Pub include Bowland Beer Hall at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe, Granville’s Beer & Gin House in Horsforth, Leeds, and The Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire.
If you’re a fan of a pub lunch after a walk in the countryside, there’s also a list of the Best Country Pubs.
The Sun Inn in Great Easton, Leicestershire, is in the heart of the Welland Valley.
It says “wet wellies and muddy paws are welcome” and it has a roaring fire to warm you up after your walk.
Man Utd legend Paul Scholes spotted pouring pints in pub leaving locals stunned
Meanwhile The Tally Ho Inn in Bouldon, Shropshire, is within the stunning Corvedale Valley.
It’s located centrally between the historic towns of Ludlow and Bridgnorth.
Reviewers say it’s a hidden “beautiful find” with an “outstanding” Sunday lunch.
If you’re heading to the Peak District, it could be worth stopping at The Ashford Arms in Ashford in the Water.
The pub is a stone’s throw from the famous medieval Sheepwash Bridge and there are also hiking opportunities along the River Wye.
The other nominees include The Tollemache Arms in Harrington, Northampton, The Turkey Inn in Laycock, Keighley, and The Fleece Inn in Eversham, Worcestershire.
If you’re looking to make the most of outdoor dining before the weather gets chillier, six pubs have also been nominated for Best Pub Garden.
The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton is set in rural Dorset with five acres of gardens.
It’s got everything you could want, with a skittle alley, crazy golf, pygmy goats and a playbus, as well as camping and glamping.
Meanwhile The Mutton at Hazeley Heath overlooks Hazeley Farm and its garden has boasts blooming flowers and greenery.
A previous Sun review said it has “amazing views, private dining experiences and a huge selection of drinks”.
6
The Riverhead Brewery Tap in Marsden, Huddersfield, has its own microbrewery insideCredit: Google maps
6
The Black Friar in Salford was first opened in 1886 and restored in 2021Credit: Google maps
6
The Mutton at Hazeley Heath boasts “amazing views” from its gardenCredit: Google maps
The historical Black Friar pub in Salford was built in 1886 but laid derelict for over 15 years before it was restored in 2021.
It now has an award-winning garden and outdoor tavern, as well as its famed Glass Room.
The other nominees are Myrtle Tavern in Meanwood, Leeds, the Hare & Hounds in Tingley, Wakefield, and The Old Crown in Digbeth, Birmingham.
Other categories in the awards include Best Pub for Food, Best Pub for Families and Best Pub for Dogs.
You can see more of the nominations below…
More of the nominees
Best Community Pub
Lock & Quay Community Pub – Bootle, Merseyside
The Rose and Crown – Ashbury, Swindon
The Swan – Windsor, Berkshire
Clissold Arms Gastro Pub – Fortis Green, London
The Tynesider – Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar – Boscombe, Bournemouth
Best Pub for Dogs
Howards Arms Hotel – Brampton, Cumbria
The Maltings – Old Hall, Warrington
The Old Duke – Southport, Merseyside
Queen’s Head – Troutbeck, Windermere
The Red Lion – Long Compton, Warwickshire
The Mill – Stokesley, Middlesborough
Best Pub for Entertainment
The Keynsham Courtyard – Keynsham, Bristol
Pontardawe Inn – Pontardawe, Swansea
Bonnie Rogues – Cardiff
The Mayfield – Seamer, Scarborough
The Goose – Manchester
Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar – Boscombe, Bournemouth
Best Pub for Families
The Plough – Prestbury, Cheltenham
Three Mile – Newcastle upon Tyne
Perry Hill Pub – London
The Old Thatch – Ferndown, Wimborne
The Airport Pub – Manchester, Greater Manchester
Gaggle of Geese – Dorchester, Dorset
Best Pub for Food
Heft – Newton in Cartmel, Cumbria
The Bull – Charlbury, Chipping Norton
The Black Bull – Sedbergh, Cumbria
The Tartan Fox by Adam Handling – Newquay
The Bull & Swan – St Martin’s, Stamford
Shibden Mill Inn – Shibden, Halifax
Best Pub to Watch Sport
Spy Bar – Newcastle upon Tyne
The Gardeners Arms / The Murderers – Norwich
Pinnacle Sports & Games – Leeds
The Cherry Tree Pennycross – Plymouth
The Minories – London, City of London
The Kings Arms in Kings Heath – Kings Heath, Birmingham
TORONTO — Welcome to a special daily edition of the Envelope at TIFF, a newsletter collecting the latest developments out of Canada’s annual film showcase. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.
Christina House, our staff photojournalist, continues to kill it with her portraits out of the Toronto International Film Festival. In the last day alone, she’s seen Angelina Jolie, Jacob Elordi and the cast of “Frankenstein,” Jodie Foster and more.
‘Blood will be shed. Possibly even a tear’: Our critic on Rian Johnson’s new ‘Knives Out’ mystery
Josh O’Connor, left, and Daniel Craig in Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.”
(Netflix)
Amy Nicholson had fun with “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.”
She’s also noticing a fair amount of Canadian pride at her screenings. It’s been an unusually loaded moment for foreign relations with our neighbors to the north.
Amy weighs in on the scene from the first four days, her favorite (and less-than-favorite) movies at TIFF and a few surprises.
The day’s buzziest premieres
‘The Smashing Machine’
Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson in the movie “The Smashing Machine.”
(Ken Hirama / A24)
Sunday saw the TIFF schedule loosen up its restrictions regarding films that premiered at other festivals and audiences started to see more major titles from competing fests.
Take for example the Monday night premiere of “The Smashing Machine,” which just won the directing prize at Venice for Benny Safdie.
Making his solo debut apart from brother Josh — their most recent collaboration was “Uncut Gems” — Benny turns in a surprisingly heartfelt sports story based on mixed marital arts fighter Mark Kerr.
Taking the leading role is none other than wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson, in a part seemingly tailor-made to play off his own career arc and give him a prestige boost he has never had before.
Add Emily Blunt to the mix, as Kerr’s supportive partner, along with boutique studio A24 and the film seems like it should land the right combinations. — Mark Olsen
‘Exit 8’
A scene from the movie “Exit 8.”
(TIFF)
Ever fear that you’re racing around but going nowhere — that you’re in such a rush to make your way through the world that you’re barely seeing it?
Japan turned that feeling into a best-selling video game in which commuters are condemned to roam an underground subway station until they learn to pay attention to their surroundings.
Now Genki Kawamura has transformed that game into a movie. In Kawamura’s emboldened adaptation, our main player, the Lost Man (Kazunari Ninomiya of the pop band Arashi) is an aimless young slacker who is stuck both physically and emotionally.
If he ever wises up and escapes, he’s got to make better choices.
I’ve got a few quibbles with the film’s mechanics, but “Exit 8” is a moving metaphor for the art of giving things a close, appreciative watch. On day five of a film festival, we could all use a reminder to look sharp. — Amy Nicholson
Newsletter
Sign up for The Envelope
Get exclusive awards season news, in-depth interviews and our must-read analysis straight to your inbox.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
WITH the kids back in school and life just that bit calmer, could it be time for an indulgent parent pamper? On a budget, of course.
While a day spent lounging by the pool sipping a glass of prosecco might sound pricey, there’s some brilliant deals out there if you know where to look – with prices starting at just £9.50 and perks including two-course meals and extra treatments.
9
Champneys Spa resorts across the UK have some decent deals in the autumnCredit: Champneys Spa
9
After a busy summer, parents have earned a much-needed break, so now is the time to indulge in a little ‘me time’Credit: Getty
9
Ocean Spa at Butlin’s Bognor Regis is a surprise hit with guestsCredit: Butlin’s
This is the season for spa deals with some gorgeous retreats offering packages with big discounts for a post-summer chill.
If you have a particular spa in mind, it’s always worth signing up to the newsletters of the spa you’d like to visit; you’ll get alerts about last minute deals, special offers, discounts and cheap off-peak slots.
Offer websites such as Groupon often have cheap spa day deals, but check out the reviews first, as it can be a mixed bag.
While the kids are at school, you can also book in for a light afternoon slot or an evening chill – which gives you access to the facilities for a fraction of the price.
This means that from less than £10 per person a day, you can book yourself a bargain and unwind in some stunning spa resorts across the UK.
Choose from a grand stately home with an outdoor pool, a cool Hackney hideaway or a truly tranquil spot in the Kent countryside, loved by celebrities like Kylie Minogue and Fern McCann.
This is our pick of the best UK spa days that you can book now for under £85 per person (prices correct at time of publishing):
Eden Spa at Down Hall in Essex for £20
This elegant stately home in Essex is set over a 110 acre estate and is a famous wedding venue as well as having two beautiful spas.
The Wet Spa is tucked away in the garden of the house and has a private, fenced area with relaxation beds, positioned under a Grand Fir tree.
Inside the English spa hidden in the countryside with a serene private outdoor pool away from everyone
9
Eden Spa at Down Hall is good for celebrity spottingCredit: Down Hall
You don’t need to be an overnight guest to book into the spa, which has a hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna.
Celebrities like Fern McCann and Vicky Pattison have also been spotted enjoying the facilities.
Two hours access to the Wet Spa on Monday to Thursday costs £30, or you can take advantage of a one-hour Twilight session at 6.15pm each night for only £20.
Cheap spa deals in the Lake District are not easy to come by, which makes this even more of a bargain.
The boutique spa has a sleek thermal suite with hot and cold therapies and plunge pools, a salt room, ice fountain shower and a steam room with the uplifting scents of lemongrass, citrus, and cinnamon.
You can book into the day spa and use the thermal suite for 60 minutes for only £15 or 90 minutes for £20. Ideal if you’ve been out in the lakes boating, kayaking or hiking.
Netherwood Hotel & Spa is an affordable spa in the Lake District and ideal for relaxing after a hike in the hillsCredit: Netherwood Hotel & spa
Hackney Wick Community Sauna in London for £9.50
This simple spa is a not-for-profit Community Sauna, is to make sauna and cold plunge affordable and accessible to everyone in London, even those on a lower income.
Set in a charming back garden in East London’s Hackney Wick, this micro spa feels like a hidden oasis.
There are six wood-fired saunas and a choice of trendy ice plunge pools inside old whisky barrels.
It’s fantastic value, with 90 minute sessions starting at only £12 off-peak, or if you’re an early riser, you can go to a one-hour morning drop-in for just £9.50.
Groups can also hire the 22-person sauna for the exclusive use, so why not get all the school mums together for a luxury afternoon and still have money left for a cheeky vino before school pick up?.
If you didn’t already know, family-favourite Butlin’s at Bognor Regis has its own spa and – true to the brand – it’s great value too.
The catch here is that you already need access to the resort as an overnight guest or as a day guest (day passes start at £19 for adults and £1 for kids on selected days).
But, this boutique spa is fantastic for parents who have the opportunity to slip away for a few hours and have a much-needed pamper. Time to make the case to bring granny and grandad along with you?
A two-hour Spa Experience here starts at £25 per person and includes a Hydrospa, outdoor hot tub, sauna, relaxation pods, a crystal steam room and an outside sun terrace. You can also book individual treatments, but they are booked separately.
If you are visiting with teens, children aged 13+ -17 year olds are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Ideal for older kids to have some quality time with mum or dad, while siblings go wild in the playground.
Ocean Spa at Butlin’s is a way for parents to escape and unwindCredit: Butlin’s
9
The newly opened Porchester Spa is historic and very affordable for its central London locationCredit: The Secret App
Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, Leeds for £39 with a two-course lunch
Deal club Travelzoo often have fantastic spa deals, so if you want to make a lovely spa visit a regular trip, it could be worth signing up to the club (membership is £30 for the year and you will have access to holiday, entertainment and transport deals too).
Right now, Travelzoo Members can save 38% at six Daniel Thwaites spas across the country.
The Simple Ritual spa package offer includes three hours of spa access and a two-course lunch to recharge. Members pay just £39 per person. It’s £63 for regular guests.
As well as the stunning Leeds location, you can access the deal at five other locations across the country, including Aztec Hotel & Spa, Bristol, Cottons Hotel & Spa, Cheshire, Kettering Park, Northamptonshire, the North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Penrith and Solent Hotel & Spa, Fareham.
Crutherland House Spa in East Kilbride, Scotland with a glass of prosecco, £25
Crutherland House & Spa is a beautiful country house in East Kilbride, surrounded by peaceful gardens. The tranquil setting is a perfect antidote to the busy city of Glasgow, which is close by.
The spa offers a full day experience, but if time and money are tight, book into the twilight spa experience in the evening for just £25 per person.
This deal is excellent value and includes a glass of prosecco on arrival, ideal for mums who don’t have masses of spare time but do need a little R&R after the school holidays.
The spa has a huge pool with relaxation loungers, a hot tub, sauna and steam room. Plus, those visiting during Twilight sessions also get 20% of individual treatments (these are priced separately).
Also available at other Macdonald Properties across Scotland and also at Boatley Park in Hampshire. Book it: Crutherland House
Bannatyne Health Clubs, £34.50 with a 20-minute treatment
Bannatyne Health Clubs are offering a September Spa Saver that is aimed at frazzled parents who have finally packed the kids back to school.
Until the end of October, you can book packages that involve a full day use of the club facilities, including the gym and fitness classes, swimming pools, jacuzzi baths, sauna and steam room, plus relaxation rooms in some locations.
Plus, you get a 20-minute treatment as part of the deal. Choose from a 20-minute Swedish Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage or a Tailored Facial Express.
The Spa Saver (£34.50) is on until the 30th September and the Refresh Express Spa Day is an on-going offer for £39.50.
The Spa at Potters is excellent value and there are some great deals in the autumnCredit: SpaSeekers
9
Book into a spa day at Bannatyne Spa in BelfastCredit: Bannatyne
Porchester Spa in London for £30
This one has been an internet hit, and for good reason.
After an £800,000 refurbishment, London’s oldest Spa, The Porchester Spa, has reopened in an iconic Grade 2* listed building, beautifully returned to its 1920s splendour.
Despite being in the centre of London, the spa offers affordable prices and excellent package deals from £30 per person.
Inside the spa, visitors you can get a look at the traditional baths and original art-deco features. The spa has two steam rooms, Turkish baths (Tepidarium, Caldarium and Laconium), a sauna, a plunge pool and relaxation lounge.
You can also book in for a range of spa treatments here too, but these are priced separately here
If you are staying all day, there is a Café on site providing hot and cold beverages, sandwiches and snacks.
Top tip: Remember to bring 20p coins to use the lockers.
The Spa at Potters, Five Lakes Hertfordshire, £75 for the whole day with a 50-minute treatment and afternoon tea.
If you have a whole day to devote to some ‘me time’, the Blossom Spa Day deal with luxury holiday park, Potters, is worthy of a mention.
You can book a whole day here, using facilities such as an expansive pool and hot tub, outdoor sun terrace, relaxation rooms, sauna and steam chambers.
Even better, this deal includes a 50-minute luxury facial and afternoon tea, which is excellent value for money.
Set in a serene location, surrounded by rolling hills, this is the ideal way to spend the afternoon with friends or as a peaceful solo adventure.
Champneys Springs in Leicestershire for £59 with a 20-minute treatment and a glass of bubbly
Luxury spa chain Champneys are also running a choice of spa-tember deals.
The beautiful resorts, which are located in country houses and stately homes around the UK, are loved by celebrities, including Kylie Minogue, Naomi Campbell and even Brad Pitt!
Full spa days here, which have stunning indoor and outdoor pools, zen-like relaxation rooms, sauna, jacuzzi, hydropools, cold plunge pools and ice fountains, start from £120 per person.
However, slip in for a bargain session but booking a Twilight Spa Evening from £59 per person, with a complimentary 20-minute treatment.
As part of the deal, you also get a welcome glass of bubbly, plus flips flops and a tote bag to take home with you.
Available at most Champney’s locations, including Eastwell Manor in Kent and Forest Mere in Hampshire, but prices do vary depending on the individual spa.
