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Gladiator 2," scheduled for release on November 22, 2024, will continue the story with a focus on Lucius, the son of Lucilla and nephew of Commodus, characters from the original film. Ridley Scott returns as director, bringing a blend of new and familiar elements to this anticipated sequel.

As a big fan of the first Gladiator Movie, I’m very excited about the sequel. Check out a list of more highly anticipated 2024 movie releases in today’s newsletter!

Entertainment

2024 Movies to Get Excited For

2023 was a pretty lackluster year for moviegoers. While there were a few standouts like Godzilla Minus One, and a few big hits like the “Barbenheimer” combo (Barbie and Oppenheimer), there was not much else to write home about.

How about 2024? What movies do we have to look forward to? This year is looking to be all about sequels, prequels, and spinoffs, and reboots. We have a Mad Max prequel, another Godzilla movie (not by the makers of Minus One unfortunately), Bad Boys 4, Kung Fu Panda 4, and Despicable Me 4.

There are many more, such as a squeal to Gladiator, and interestingly another Karate Kid with Ralph Macchio reprising his role as Danial, and Jackie Chan reprising his role as Mr. Han from the 2010 Karate Kid remake.

So far, the ones I am excited for are Dune: Part Two and, with some apprehension, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Deadpool 3 will also probably be good if you like that kind of movie.

Are there any particular movies you are excited for? If you want to see a list of “anticipated” movies scheduled for release this year, you can find them below. (You have to scroll down a bit after opening the link)

Sports

Zion Clark: Wrestler, MMA Fighter, Olympic Hopeful!

Zion Clark, born with Caudal Regression Syndrome, faces life without legs but refuses to be defined by it.

After a challenging childhood in foster care and battling suicidal thoughts, Clark found solace in wrestling, and he says it transforming his life. “There’s a saying that once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life becomes easy and I wholeheartedly believe that,” Clark said.

Wrestling lead Clark to the gym, where he achieved a major transformation. Clark finished out his senior high school year wrestling with with a 33-15, then went on to do collegiate wrestling at Kent State.

Clark also delved into MMA, winning his first fight in 2022 (against a fully able opponent), he now aspires to represent the U.S. in the Olympics and Paralympics. Despite setbacks and a hand injury, Clark remains driven to surpass his own limits. Beyond the athletic arena, he showcased his musical talents on America’s Got Talent. Surrounded by a supportive circle, including his manager Craig Levinson who has watched his friend grow both as an athlete and as a man.

“He’s a kid at heart, so he likes to laugh and play video games and joke around. And, you know, he’s a pretty ordinary human outside of the camera. Just likes to live a very simple life,” Levinson told CNN Sport.

Economy

Mortgage Rate Roller Coaster

As we enter 2024, the 30-year mortgage rates have been on a downward trend for the past several months, providing a much-needed respite for prospective homebuyers and homeowners alike. This decline in rates comes after a period of historically high levels, which had negatively impacted the affordability of homes and the ability of individuals to refinance their mortgages.

Throughout 2023, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate had reached levels not seen in almost 30 years. However, since the peak in October 2023, when rates nearly touched 8%, the trend has reversed. In the last week of December 2023, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate had dropped to 6.61%, marking the ninth consecutive week of decline and reaching its lowest point since May 2023. This downward trend has been the most significant drop in rates since November 2008-January 2009.

While there have been slight increases in the 30-year mortgage rates in the first few days of January 2024, when compared to the rates seen earlier in 2023, the current rates are still significantly lower. For instance, a 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 6.64% in late December 2023 would result in a monthly payment that is approximately $275 less than an 8% mortgage for a $300,000 loan.

The recent decline in mortgage rates has been a welcome change for the housing market, as it has encouraged potential homebuyers to re-enter the market after a period of uncertainty. Lower rates have also made it more feasible for homeowners to refinance their existing mortgages, potentially saving them thousands of dollars over the life of their loans.

Looking ahead, it would be a great development if this trend of declining mortgage rates continues.

World News

The Mental Health Run Club

Left Handed Giant (LHG) Run Club, established by Jay Medway in 2019 as a more inclusive alternative to competitive running clubs in Bristol, prioritizes the mental health of its members.

The club, meeting twice a week at LHG pubs, emphasizes support and equality, with support for every runner and encouragement for open conversations. Originally starting with 17 members, the club has grown to attract up to 160 participants per session. LHG Run Club provides a safe space, offering camaraderie and protection during runs.

The inclusive and non-competitive atmosphere has helped members feel comfortable and connected, fostering a sense of community. Despite initial expectations, the club's popularity continues to grow, and Jay Medway hopes to inspire others to establish similar supportive running clubs.

Glad people are getting out and exercising!

Mind Stretchers

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If two’s company, and three’s a crowd, what are four and five?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
Short-er! 😆 

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.