The Dolly Parton Imagination Library Antigonish has reached a signifigant milestone.
Kathleen Robertson, chair of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Antigonish, said the group delivered 10,561 books to around 780 local children.
Actor Alia Bhatt is currently filming Alpha, the latest addition to the YRF Spy Universe. The much-anticipated film, directed by Shiv Rawail, has kept fans excited with its star-studded cast, which includes Sharvari, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor. As the cast returns to Kashmir for another shoot schedule, new photos of Alia Bhatt have surfaced, showcasing her natural beauty against the scenic backdrop of the valley.Alia Bhatt’s natural charm shines in latest pics from Alpha filming in KashmirAlia Bhatt’s Elegant Look During Kashmir ShootOn October 18, 2024, a hotel in Kashmir, where Alia Bhatt was staying, shared pictures of the actress on their official Instagram account. In the photos, Alia was seen in a casual yet elegant outfit. She wore a white cardigan with navy blue pants, accessorized with a warm white muffler, and carried a simple handbag. Sporting a no-makeup look and a neat bun, she exuded a graceful, understated charm. The post was captioned, “It was a pleasure hosting you, Alia Bhatt! Your presence brought an extra sparkle to the beauty of Kashmir. We look forward to your next visit.”Sharvari Joins Alia in Kashmir for AlphaEarlier in August 2024, both Alia Bhatt and Sharvari were seen shooting together in Kashmir. The actresses shared a heartwarming photo on their Instagram accounts, taken at a picturesque riverside location. In the photo, the two stood side by side, wearing cozy winter jackets and forming a heart shape with their hands. The caption simply read, “Love, ALPHA!”Alpha, produced by Aditya Chopra, is expected to bring high-octane action sequences and a gripping storyline to the screen. Bobby Deol has been cast as the antagonist, while Anil Kapoor will play the role of the head of R&AW, adding even more star power to this exciting project. The makers of Alpha have announced that the film will be released on December 25, 2025, during the Christmas holiday.Also Read: Alia Bhatt and Sharvari return to Kashmir for Alpha’s action sequences after rain delay: Report.also-read{border-radius:10px;background:#f2f2f2;padding:10px 15px 0}.also-read .bx-wrapper{max-width:100% !important}.also-read h2{font-size:20px;margin-bottom:5px}.also-read ul{display:flex;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;position:relative;box-sizing:border-box}.also-read li{position:relative;flex:0 0 33.333333%;max-width:33.333333%;padding:0 5px}.also-read .imgsnb .imaginary img{border-radius:8px}.also-read h5{margin-top:10px}.also-read h5 a{color:#000 !important;font-weight:400;line-height:15px}#also-read .bx-controls-direction{display:none}@media only screen and (max-width:400px){.also-read li{width:31.10% !important}}.addformobile{display:none}@media only screen and (max-width:767px){.addformobile{display:block}} More Pages: Alpha Box Office CollectionTags : Alia Bhatt, Alpha, Bollywood Features, Features, Instagram, Shooting, Social Media, Spy Universe, Trending, YRF Spy Universe, YRF Spyverse, YRF UniverseBOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATESCatch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2024 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.
Spain has been left red-faced after UK tourists made a “last gasp” decision to head to the European Union holiday hotspot despite protests and demonstrations amid a growing restlessness and anger over so-called “overtourism” this year. UK holidaymakers and tourists appear to have made a late decision to head to the Balearic Islands this year,…
Nuclear power contracts signed by hyperscalers show they’re desperate for reliable “clean and green” energy sources to feed their ever-expanding datacenter footprints, however, investment bank Jefferies warns that these tech giants are likely to end up paying over the odds to get it.
This week alone, Google and Amazon both confirmed more agreements. Google said it had lined up a deal to purchase nuclear energy from Kairos Power, even though the prospectve supplier hasn’t yet developed the small modular reactors (SMRs) it proposes to fulfill the contract with.
In a similar arrangement, Amazon said it was handing half a billion dollars to three companies to develop SMRs to provide power generation in Virginia and Washington. In this case, the energy isn’t expected to start emerging until the 2030s.
And Microsoft is also dabbling in nuclear, recently establishing a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Constellation Energy to restart the Three Mile Island power plant.
The key part, at least in Google’s case, is that it is seeking additional clean power, not repurposing existing power, and requires electricity that will be available 24/7, according to Jefferies Research, part of the Jefferies financial services group.
The report, shared privately with The Register, states that SMRs are likely to be “significantly more expensive” than existing pressurized water reactor designs, which can compete with natural gas or renewables but take six to eleven years to construct – too slow to meet the rapidly growing demands of datacenters.
“There are two key concepts here: additionality, i.e. new generation to match new load; and matching clean energy generation with each hour of load,” the Jefferies report states. Existing nuclear fails the “additionality” test despite offering 24/7 clean energy, whereas intermittent renewables lack the reliable capacity factor datacenters require.
Some of Mountain View’s new bit barns have been indirectly tied to increased coal and natural gas generation, including in Omaha and South Carolina, as the extra electricity required is not associated with new clean energy sources, the banker’s report says.
Also notable is that the Chocolate Factory is “not prioritizing speed to market,” with Kairos Power’s first SMR not expected to be online before 2030, followed by additional reactor deployments through to 2035. This could be seen as Google taking a long-term view on energy supply, or it may simply reflect the reality that SMRs just aren’t ready yet.
“On the positive side, Google’s interest in purchasing presumably very expensive nuclear power shows the inherent value of 24/7 clean energy,” the report states, but it also adds that the emphasis on new clean power rather than existing clean power somewhat downplays the validity of power purchase agreements with existing nuclear sources, such as Amazon’s with Talen Energy earlier this year.
Looking at existing nuclear capacity in the US, Jefferies estimates there is about 97 GW, split roughly 60/40 percent between regulated and merchant/unregulated generation, able to produce 792 TWh average annual output. This compares with estimates for datacenter energy demand of 178 TWh right now, growing to somewhere in the region of 600 TWh by 2030.
As far as merchant or unregulated nuclear generation goes, there is only enough capacity to meet expected growth in datacenter power demand through 2026, with a likely shortfall in the following years. Even if only hyperscale companies are considered, their estimated 425 TWh demand by 2030 will be 25 percent higher than the forecast merchant nuclear plants’ output.
The analysis by the report’s authors is that regulated nuclear plants are unlikely to have their output dedicated towards supplying bit barns, but that there is “a real possibility of regulated utilities creating new tariffs at premium pricing to dedicate nuclear output to a datacenter.”
According to Jefferies, the tech companies face paying upwards of $85 per MWh for co-located nuclear, or else trying regulated states such as South Carolina for prices potentially as low as $60 per MWh. Google’s actions show it is focused on low price carbon power when available with new clean energy as a mitigating element, it says.
The report is primarily aimed at investors, and so is looking at the situation from the angle of what Google’s move means for the assumption that there will be profit in selling existing nuclear power to hyperscale customers for well above market prices. If Google is hypothetically not interested in existing nuclear generation, this still leaves Amazon, Microsoft, and Oracle as potential buyers, it says.
An earlier report from Morgan Stanley concluded that there is investment potential in decarbonization efforts as datacenter operators strive to meet 2030 carbon neutrality goals. ®
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Japanese insurer Tokio Marine has paused the sale of its $1 billion Southeast Asia life insurance business, partly due to a dispute with a Malaysian partner over an expiring products distribution agreement, four sources with knowledge of the matter said.
The Tokyo-listed company hired Goldman Sachs and Jefferies last year to work on the sale that include Tokio Marine’s life insurance businesses in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, Reuters reported in June 2023.
The sale has attracted interest from Japanese and Middle Eastern buyers, said the first source.
Tokio Marine Has $10 Billion for Potential Acquisitions: Executive
However, Tokio Marine last month filed a lawsuit against RHB in Malaysia, seeking to enforce its right of first refusal over a 10-year product distribution agreement that is due to expire by year-end, a filing by RHB at that time showed.
Tokio Marine also asked RHB for details of the final bid that RHB has agreed to accept from other parties for a new deal, and applied for an interim injunction to prevent RHB from finalizing an agreement with other parties, the filing showed.
Given the pending dispute, buyers were unable to make offers that would meet Tokio Marine’s valuation expectations, said the first and second sources.
Some buyers had separately offered to buy only part of Tokio Marine’s Southeast Asia life insurance business, but the insurer insisted on selling it as a whole, those two sources said.
All sources declined to be named as the matter was private.
In a response to Reuters’ query, Tokio Marine confirmed it was suing a Malaysian bank, but declined to give details or comment on any impact on the sale of its Southeast Asia life insurance business.
Goldman Sachs and Jefferies declined to comment. RHB did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The paused sale comes as Tokio Marine has been reviewing its businesses to boost profitability.
The Tokyo-headquartered company divested its Tokio Marine Highland’s U.S. construction division to Intact Insurance Group in August 2022, according to announcement at that time.
Founded in 1879, Tokio Marine was Japan’s first non-life insurance company, and it has since expanded into life insurance and now has a presence in 46 countries besides Japan, according to its website.
International businesses contribute 75% of its profits and Japan 25%, its website shows.
Shares of Tokio Marine have surged 61.1% year-to-date, giving it a market value of $75.1 billion as of Friday, LSEG data showed.
($1 = 149.8800 yen)
(Reporting Yantoultra Ngui in Singapore and Kane Wu in Hong Kong; additional reporting by Anton Bridge in Tokyo; editing by Mark Potter)
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Ford South Africa hands over its 100th Maths and Science Laboratory as part of its Centenary commitment to empowering youth in under-resourced communities
In partnership with Ford Philanthropy, Gift of the Givers Foundation, Maersk South Africa, and the Department of Basic Education, 100 shipping containers have been converted into the fully equipped labs and delivered to primary schools across South Africa, advancing Ford’s mission to uplift education and communities
The 100 laboratories will immediately benefit 20,000 learners, with a potential impact on some 250,000 students in the next decade, ensuring long-term access to STEM education
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Ford South Africa, in partnership with Ford Philanthropy, Gift of the Givers Foundation, Maersk South Africa, and the Department of Basic Education, is proud to announce the handover of the 100th Maths and Science Laboratory.
This milestone marks the completion of a far-reaching initiative to equip 100 under-resourced primary schools across the country with state-of-the-art Maths and Science Labs – a project aimed at fostering a greater interest in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)amongst learners from grades 5 to 7. This will set more eager learners on the path towards related careers in these fields such as doctors, scientists and engineers – a crucial step in breaking the cycle of poverty and helping build a brighter future for South Africa.
The 100 Maths and Science Labs are set to immediately benefit approximately 20,000 primary school learners, providing them with vital resources to engage in STEM education. As new students enter these schools, the total impact is expected to multiply significantly, with the potential to reach an estimated 250,000 learners over the next decade.
“Our mission at Ford Philanthropy is to partner with communities to move people forward and upward, helping build a better world and improving peoples’ lives through education, particularly for the younger generation,” said Mary Culler, president of Ford Philanthropy.
“I was fortunate to see the handover of the first laboratory last year as part of Ford South Africa’s Centenary event, and it’s fantastic to now have the 100th unit being delivered less than 12 months later. It truly is remarkable what can be achieved when like-minded people, nonprofit organisations and companies join forces to do good. I thank our partners for joining us on this journey with a project that will have a significant impact on the lives of so many children in the years to come.”
The project kicked off in November last year at the start of Ford’s Centenary celebrations when the first unit was handed over to a school in Mamelodi, close to Ford’s Silverton Manufacturing Plant in Pretoria where the Ranger is produced. The 100th and final unit has now been delivered to Vlottenburg Primary School in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. This showcases the strength of the partnership between Ford, Gift of the Givers, Maersk, and the Department of Basic Education.
“As we celebrate 100 years of Ford’s legacy in South Africa, we are proud to have fulfilled this component of our commitment to empower the next generation of leaders through education. The delivery of the 100 Maths and Science Laboratories represents our dedication to building a future where young South Africans have the tools and opportunities to excel in a technology-driven world,” said Neale Hill, president of Ford Motor Company Africa.
“This initiative is not just about facilities, it’s about unlocking potential and giving children the many skills they need to dream bigger.”
The completion of this impactful project is a fitting tribute to Ford’s Centenary in South Africa, reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future through education and community upliftment.
Collaboration and partnerships delivering empowerment through education
The 100 Maths and Science Labs project, funded by Ford South Africa and Ford Philanthropy, forms part of Ford’s broader mission to uplift underprivileged communities through education. Logistics company Maersk donated the 100 shipping containers, which were transformed into fully functioning labs by Gift of the Givers, complete with all the necessary teaching and learning equipment.
“Maersk has a history that has been deeply intertwined with Ford internationally since 1928, and this has grown to become one of the most enduring and mutually beneficial collaborations around the world. Our history is testament to the power of long-term relationships, dedication and shared values that bind us together,” said Theo Pappas, Area Sales director for Maersk South Africa.
“We are immensely proud to be part of Ford’s Centenary milestone, and our commitment to this project resonates deeply with the enduring partnership that has seen us through generations. It also shows the capacity for business to make a meaningful difference in the world,” Pappas said.
“In the spirit of collaboration and giving back to the communities that embraced us, we would like to extend our gratitude to organisations that embody the values of service and dedication. Gift of the Givers is a remarkable South African humanitarian organisation that has been a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals in times of need. They have been a fantastic partner for this project, and we are proud to stand alongside them today. It’s a story we are proud to be part of, and one that will continue to nurture generations to come,” Pappas said.
In partnership with the Department of Basic Education, primary schools in all nine provinces across the country were identified to receive these labs, ensuring learners have access to quality resources that foster a deeper interest in the fields of maths and science.
Coinciding with the handover, the final training week for teachers involved in the project across the country took place, conducted by one of the Department of Basic Education’s preferred suppliers specialising in mathematics and science equipment and training, under the auspices of Gift of the Givers. This ensures that educators are fully equipped to maximise the impact of these new facilities in their classrooms by creating engaging and interactive learning opportunities for the children.
“We applaud Ford Philanthropy and Ford South Africa for this innovative concept of providing these maths and science containers in rural and underprivileged areas across South Africa,” said Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder and chairman of Gift of the Givers Foundation. “This is not only about education and learning, but it also brings hope to the learners, educators, parents and the broader community. It serves as inspiration, and recognises that each person matters, even in rural South Africa, and shows they are not forgotten.”
“There’s an urgency and desire to learn, and we have witnessed the huge impact this project has already had on communities, and how grateful the people are for this support,” Dr Sooliman said.
“We appreciate this kind of corporate intervention to upskill our children and support our nation, to build a better country and a better continent for all its people. Ford’s support for our work has been consistent with many projects over the years including disaster relief, providing much-needed food parcels and medical supplies during COVID, as well as refurbishing schools in many locations. We are very grateful for Ford’s involvement in community upliftment as it benefits the people of South Africa.”
This long-term approach underscores Ford South Africa’s commitment to empowering future generations, ensuring sustained access to quality education and fostering a passion for learning in subjects that are vital to the development of the country as a whole.
Building a better world, Ford South Africa’s legacy projects
In addition to the 100 Maths and Science Labs, Ford launched two additional legacy projects for its Centenary, each underscoring its commitment to building a better world by empowering the youth through education.
Ford South Africa is funding the establishment of 100 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. To date, 27 ECD centres have been handed over. These centres replace dilapidated nursery schools in disadvantaged areas, providing a safe and conducive learning environment for young children.
Furthermore, Ford Philanthropy is supporting education in the senior school phase and at vocational colleges by awarding 100 scholarships to highly motivated young South Africans from impoverished communities. This is aimed at promoting STEM education, studies and careers in related fields, including mechatronics, autotronics, millwright and electrical trades. A total of 45 scholarships have been awarded in 2024, with the remaining 55 following next year.
The scholarships will help ensure that the next generation of South African leaders has access to the skills and knowledge required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
As Ford’s 100-year heritage comes to a conclusion, these legacy projects serve as a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to making a meaningful and lasting impact on South African society.
OPINION | Emelyne Bitanga | Juggling a side business and a full-time career can seem like an impossible task. However, many professionals are proving that this ambitious endeavor is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding. While a career often involves working for an organization to build skills, climb the corporate ladder, and achieve financial stability, running a business requires taking full control of a venture, making critical decisions, and bearing the weight of its success or failure.
I started B&B Collections, an online fashion accessory business, in September 2023 while simultaneously pursuing my career in marketing. Balancing these dual roles has allowed me to apply my professional marketing experience to effectively promote my side business.
Effective time management has been crucial in juggling both my business and career. I have found it helpful to set specific hours during the week for business tasks such as processing orders, checking website performance, reviewing inventory levels, and addressing customer inquiries. By strictly dedicating work hours to my career, I am able to maintain focus and productivity in both areas.
During a conversation with my friend Nadia Uwase, a graphic design specialist who also runs a freelance graphic design business called Ibrand, she shared her method for managing these responsibilities. For the past five years, she has used time-blocking, scheduling freelance work in the evenings and weekends, while dedicating her work hours solely to her corporate job. By clearly defining boundaries with this technique, she avoids conflicts and ensures each area receives the attention it needs.
Multitasking has also been a crucial tool for managing my business while maintaining my career. For example, I post on my social media platforms early in the morning, process and package orders, and take them to work. During lunch breaks, I send out the orders or have clients pick them up, depending on what’s most convenient. This approach helps me stay organized, prioritize effectively, and ensure that both my business and career thrive.
Building and leveraging a support network is another effective strategy for managing dual responsibilities. Surrounding yourself with a strong support system, including mentors, colleagues, and family, can provide valuable advice, encouragement, and practical help when needed. One way I’ve expanded my support network is by exploring training opportunities, such as the Fireworks Apprentice program. Here, I’m learning from industry experts in the advertising space and sharpening my skills, which, in turn, will support the growth of my side business.
In conclusion, balancing business growth with career advancement requires vision, resilience, and passion. By embracing challenges as opportunities, staying focused on goals, and pushing boundaries, individuals can successfully navigate this demanding path. As Steven Bartlett says in his book The Diary of A CEO, “Taking no risks will be your biggest risk.”
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The author is a PR Apprentice at Fireworks Advertising
As we get deeper into the fall, there are plenty of must-watch movies and shows to watch this weekend on the best streaming services.Shows are admittedly not the biggest draw this week, but there are some great options. If you’re outside the U.S., the Australian reboot of “The Office” hits Prime Video this weekend. Americans aren’t left hanging though. “Shrinking” returned for its second season this week and the Apple TV Plus comedy drama is no consolation prize. It’s the real deal.Movies are loaded this weekend, though. Whether it is original new releases like Netflix’s “Woman of the Hour” or newly added library movies like A24’s “MaXXXine” hitting Max, there are lots of great movies to watch this weekend. Plus, “The Wild Robot” and “Alien: Romulus” hit PVOD streaming services this week, so if you haven’t seen them yet, now is the time.Here’s our guide on what to watch this weekend.New TV shows’The Office’ (Australia) (Prime Video)
Official Trailer | The Office | Prime Video – YouTube
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U.S. readers, you can skip this section. Unless you have a VPN like NordVPN then you won’t be able to watch the Australian reboot of “The Office.” But for the rest of the world, don’t sleep on this new Prime Video sitcom. Yes, it definitely feels like the famous American version of the show, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time. Our own Lucy Scotting has already watched the first few episodes and has declared it “a bloody ripper,” which I assume is Australian for pretty darn good.Stream now on Prime Video’Shrinking’ (Apple TV Plus)
Shrinking — Season 2 Official Trailer | Apple TV+ – YouTube
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“Shrinking” might be the best Apple TV Plus show you’re not watching. It comes from legendary sitcom creator Bill Lawrence, and is written by Lawrence, “Ted Lasso” star/writer Brett Goldstein and Jason Segel, who also stars in the show as therapist Jimmy Laird.Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!In season 1, Jimmy started telling his patients what he really thinks — and that had some disastrous consequences. It also earned the ire of Jimmy’s colleague Paul (Harrison Ford). This season, Jimmy has to deal with those unintended consequences while still healing from the loss of his wife. I promise, as dramatic as that all sounds though, you’ll definitely laugh while watching “Shrinking.”Stream the first two episodes of season 2 now on Apple TV Plus’Hysteria’ (Peacock)
Hysteria | Official Trailer | Peacock Original – YouTube
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Bruce Campbell in a horror property? Sign me up. The “Evil Dead” star is perfect for the role of Chief Dandrige in this new Peacock original show. Set during the “Satanic Panic” of the 1980s, “Hysteria” follows the struggling high school metal band Dethkrunch as they take advantage of the heir town’s sudden interest in the occult and rebrand as a Satanic metal band. Unfortunately, that backfires, and they quickly become the targets of the town’s witch hunt following the disappearance of the school’s quarterback.Stream now on PeacockNew movies‘Woman of the Hour’ (Netflix)
Woman of the Hour | Official Teaser | Netflix – YouTube
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“Woman of the Hour” is Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut and also stars the famous actress as “The Dating Game” bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw. Cheryl’s appearance on the 1978 episode of the popular TV show should have been innocuous. But she became part of history when she went on a date with contestant Rodney Alcala … who was really a notorious serial killer currently on a murder spree that may have involved over 130 murders across multiple states. Don’t miss this movie based on incredible true events.Stream now on Netflix’MaXXXine’ (Max)
MaXXXine | Official Trailer HD | A24 – YouTube
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Ti West’s “X” trilogy has been a big success, including this year’s final installment, “MaXXXine.” It stars Mia Goth as Maxine Minx, who is trying to transition from adult film star to scream queen after scoring a role in the horror film “The Puritan II.” But this is all set to the backdrop of the infamous “Night Stalker murders,” so it’s unclear if Maxine will ever survive to get her big break.Stream now on Max‘Brothers’ (Prime Video)
Brothers – Official Trailer | Prime Video – YouTube
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The first trailer for “Brothers” looked unhinged. The movie stars Peter Dinklage and Josh Brolin as twin brothers with sordid criminal pasts. Dinklage is looking to pull one last score, but Brolin is trying to walk the straight and narrow. Dinklage ultimately wins him over, and what follows appears to be an insane road trip with toilet humor, an orangutan and incredible acting talent. With a supporting cast that includes Brendan Fraser, Glenn Close and Marisa Tomei, this may be one of the most loaded call sheets of the year, let alone this week.Stream now on Prime Video‘Late Night with the Devil’ (Hulu)
Late Night with the Devil: Official Trailer | Shudder – YouTube
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There’s no time like the present to get in the Halloween spirit. “Late Night with the Devil” star David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy, host of the late night show “Night Owls with Jack Delroy.” While the show had been successful initially, ratings started to tank, forcing Jack to take drastic measures. In a special occult Halloween episode, Jack attempts to summon a demon and, of course, things don’t go as planned.Stream on Hulu starting Oct. 19’The Wild Robot’ (PVOD)
The Wild Robot | Official Trailer – YouTube
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“The Wild Robot” is based on the 2016 novel of the same name. The story follows Roz (Lupita Nyong’o), a Universal Dynamics robot stranded on an uninhabited island during a storm. She’s accidentally activated by the local wildlife, and while things start rough, she eventually adapts to her surroundings. This animated movie has been a massive critical hit and a moderate success at the box office. Watch it now before the inevitable Oscar buzz begins.Buy or rent now from Amazon or Apple’Alien: Romulus’ (PVOD)
Alien: Romulus | Official Trailer – YouTube
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We associate the “Alien” franchise with science fiction, but the original movie is a horror classic. “Alien: Romulus” is very much in that same vein, with “Evil Dead” (2013) filmmaker Fede Álvarez helming this latest movie in the beloved series. Set between the events of “Alien” and “Aliens,” “Alien: Romulus” features Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu as a group of young space colonists examining a derelict Weyland-Yutani research station harboring a terrible secret.Buy or rent now from Amazon or AppleMore from Tom’s Guide
Zodot Secures $500K in Seed Funding to Enhance Its All-In-One Business Management Platform – Business News Today – EIN Presswire
Based on a true story, Netflix’s Woman of the Hour is both memorable and chilling. Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut is the perfect blend of the crime thriller genre with reality show visuals, and is intriguing and sets the mood right. It’s the 1970s, women’s rights were still a debatable topic, and sexist jokes were the norm. An aspiring actor, Sheryl Bradshaw had moved to Los Angeles in the hopes of establishing her career. But every time she rejected nude shoots or refused to wear revealing clothes, she was made aware that Hollywood did not have a space for her. Sheryl struggled to pay her bills, but her agent boosted her confidence and offered her an opportunity to be on television. Sheryl was selected to join The Dating Game, a reality show where a woman was presented with three potential candidates. The candidates were made to sit behind a screen, and the only way the woman could find out about her potential date was by asking him questions. Sheryl knew that the reality show would not make her career, but she was hopeful that the experience and exposure could help her get some recognition in the industry. But Sheryl did not know she would cross paths with a serial killer on the show.
Spoiler Alert
How did Rodney lure his victims?
Rodney had a way with words, and his interest in photography was a cherry on top. He lured most of his victims by offering to take their portraits. He used to compliment them and convince them to pose for him. In Woman of the Hour, the common trait in most of Rodney’s targets was that they were either lonely or heartbroken. He comforted his victims to gain their trust. After moving to California, he often convinced his targets to drive out to the desert with him to take photographs. Rodney was extremely intelligent; he studied each of his victims thoroughly, and he always targeted their soft spots. His answers were crafted carefully to win their confidence. The film begins with one of Rodney’s victims opening up to him about her breakup. She was pouring her heart out, not realizing that the man she assumed could understand her pain would strangle her within a few minutes and rape and murder her. Rodney was a film student at New York University, and he had an interest in photography and film. He had a fetish for taking photographs of his victims before murdering them. He also toyed with his targets by choking them to the point of death, reviving them, and repeating the process over and over again before ultimately killing them. For Rodney, the photographs were his keepsake; he took pleasure in flipping through the album, possibly because it reminded him of how invincible and attractive he was and how he always got things done his way. It could also be interpreted as a sign of the pleasure he took in possessing people. He had almost convinced himself that he was too smart to get caught. Rodney considered himself an intellectual, and he expected everyone to look at him with admiration. The murders were always meant to be a secret, and he possibly made himself believe the killings were part of his artwork. There were moments when Rodney struggled to look at himself in the mirror, maybe because he felt disoriented. He perhaps thought of himself as an artist and not a killer, and whenever his dark secret was remotely exposed to the world outside, a part of him felt a deep sense of resent and disappointment.
Why did Sheryl choose not to date Rodney?
Sheryl felt uncomfortable when she arrived at the set of The Dating Show. She refused to be merely an object of desire for the male audience. She wanted to establish that she was more than the dumb beauty that the television show host, Ed Burke, wanted her to be. She initially stuck to the script, but when she expressed her discomfort to her makeup artist, Sheryl was advised to do her own thing because it was only a one-time appearance and she had all the freedom to say whatever she desired. Sheryl decided to alter the questions, and the host was not happy about it.
Sheryl avoided questions with a sexual undertone and asked the three bachelors witty questions to gauge them. Bachelor One lacked spontaneity, Bachelor Two was self-obsessed and problematic and Bachelor Three was Rodney, a serial killer, who always managed to come up with the perfect answers on the show. Rodney was so proud of his accomplishments that he did not shy away from showing a portrait of one of his victims to Bachelor No 2. He wanted to scare the contestant away but the incident highlighted his obsession with his trophies. Perhaps the portrait was of real-life Tali Shapiro, though it’s hard to tell. Even though Rodney could not see Sheryl, he could guess the kind of woman she was by her questions, and he knew the answers she would approve of. At the end of the show, Sheryl announced that her pick was Bachelor No. 3. After the show, Rodney waited outside the studio to catch up with Sheryl. They decided to grab a drink, and Sheryl clearly stated that she was not looking for someone to date. He was visibly disappointed. He thought it was unfair that someone who did not want to date ended up at a dating show. Sheryl tried to explain that she did the show for visibility, but he did not seem too convinced. She wanted to return home, and she was a little creeped out when Rodney offered to walk her to her car. It was obvious that she was not interested, yet he refused to let go of her. Rodney asked for her number, and she wrote down a fake one. To cross-check, Rodney asked her to repeat her number from memory, and when she failed to do so, he threatened to kill her. Sheryl hurriedly walked to her car. When she unlocked the door, Rodney stopped her. Thankfully, a few men arrived at the parking lot, and Sheryl escaped. After the incident, Sheryl decided to leave Los Angeles. She had realized that she was not cut out for Hollywood. She refused to lower her standards and say ‘yes’ in the hopes of fame. She chose integrity over limelight.
What led to Rodney’s arrest?
In 1978, Rodney found Amy seated behind a staircase. He thought she was an interesting subject, and he immediately started taking photographs of her. Amy was a little surprised by the stranger’s interest in her. When she asked him his intention, Rodney explained that he was a photographer, and he was mesmerized by Amy’s beauty and wanted to capture her. Amy was flattered. As a homeless teen who was mostly shoo-ed away by people, Rodney’s compliments won her over. It was Valentine’s Day, and when Rodney offered to take her to a spot to click more pictures, she assumed she had finally met her valentine. On their way, Amy went through his collection of portraits, and we found out that a photograph of Mario, the fresher from the Los Angeles Times, had made it to the album, hinting that he had ultimately agreed to Rodney’s offer. Rodney boosted how some of his portraits won prizes in competitions to impress her.
Amy and Rodney had a similar past. Amy chose to run away from her family house, and she ended up on the streets of Los Angeles. She, clearly, did not have a loving relationship with her parents. Her mother was always too busy, she said, and her father was absent. Amy assumed that Rodney’s father had bailed on him too. Something about him told her that he did not have a happy childhood. Rodney admitted that his father had abandoned him, and if they ever crossed paths, Rodney had every intention of killing him. While one could say that being abandoned by his father had in some way resulted in him turning into a serial killer, there is definitely more to that. He was a sociopath because he lacked empathy. Maybe killing someone he found attractive was his way of owning that person and ensuring that they never left, but then again, I don’t have a degree in psychology, and this is just my wild guess.
Rodney felt a little uneasy seeing how Amy was able to read him so well, even though they had just met. After reaching the spot, Rodney took photographs of Amy with the setting sun in the background. And just when Amy was looking at the sky, he attacked her from behind. When Amy regained consciousness, she realized that her hands and feet were tied. She tried to free herself, but she gave up. She figured that the only way she could make it back to the city was by being kind to Rodney. Amy turned to Rodney’s side, who was crying and rambling. Possibly his childhood trauma had surfaced, or maybe at times he hated his dark self yet he had no control over it. When Amy jokingly stated that she would appreciate it if he kept the encounter a secret, Rodney felt at ease. He assumed that Amy had accepted who he was, his good and his bad. He might have thought that he did not have to kill her to own her because she was ready to submit herself anyway.
Rodney helped Amy and freed her. They were on their way to the city when they crossed paths with a truck, and the driver seemed to have noticed Amy’s facial wounds. Rodney stopped at a gas station, assuming that Amy would not leave him after everything they had been through. He left her in the car when he went to the washroom. Amy ran as fast as she could to a nearby eatery. At the end of Woman of the Hour, when Rodney stepped out of the washroom, he was shocked to see Amy missing and he figured it was all over when he heard the police siren in the background. He tried to resist when the policemen tried to handcuff him. He had always believed that his wit and flair would help him get away, but it did not work. Possibly Amy had called the police, or maybe it was the truck driver, but regardless, Rodney was finally arrested, and Amy breathed a sigh of relief.
What’s The True Story Behind The Film?
Rodney Alcala is a real-life serial killer, and he is popularly known as ‘The Dating Show’ killer. In 1978, Alcala made an appearance on ‘The Dating Show’ as a potential candidate for Sheryl Bradshaw. Of course, Anna Kendrick has added a feminist twist to the show to bring to light the rampant sexism that existed during the time. Sheryl originally stuck to the questions provided by the producers of the show, and the video is available on YouTube if you’re interested.
In the film, Kendrick highlights how many women had reported Rodney, but none of their complaints were taken seriously by the police. Through Laura and her experience with the police, the negligence is addressed in Woman of the Hour. Laura was seated in the audience when she noticed Rodney, and she freaked out. Her friend was raped and murdered by him, and even though she had previously lodged a complaint, no action was taken. She tried to warn the show creators about the threat, but they assumed she was simply making up a story. Laura went to the police station again, and as was expected, her complaint was not taken seriously. The fact that Rodney could continue raping and killing women, men, and children was because the authorities did not trust those who attempted to report his crimes. His appearance, his confidence, his background (NYU student), and his profession led the police to believe that he could never be a serial killer. The case not only underlines the gross negligence of the authority but also how women, in general, were mocked and not taken seriously even when they dared to raise their voices. While the world has evolved, there continue to be cases where the offender repeatedly commits crimes even after the authorities are warned about the threat due to a lack of proper action. In 2021, Rodney died in prison. He was 77 years old. The character of Amy is based on Monique Hoyt, who was 15 when she became a victim of Rodney, but she managed to win his trust, and she survived.
Tali Shapiro was 8 when she was lured by Rodney to his apartment. She was a child, and she trusted him when she stated that he was friends with her parents. One of Rodney’s neighbors saw him bring over a little girl, and he contacted the police, but Alcala had fled by then. Shapiro had testified in court, then an adult, against Rodney after his arrest. During one of his trials, Alcala posed as both his attorney and the witness. He changed voices to make the act convincing, and the entire episode was bizarre and hinted at his mental health condition. He was sentenced to death and ultimately life imprisonment for the five murders he had committed between 1977 and 1979. While Alcala was linked to eight murders in total, it is assumed that the number of victims could be around 130 individuals.
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