Donated books arrive for students

In September, Sandpoint Rotary Club gave Lake Pend Oreille School District a $100,000 check to buy books for pupils. Now, students are receiving their books and the benefits that come with them.  Through the Book Trust program, teachers help LPOSD’s K-3 students pick out books of choice at their reading level. Each student has a…

Toyin Abraham clears the air about shading Funke Akindele, others over her movie

Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi has cleared the air about shading her colleagues, most especially Funke Akindele and Mercy Aigbe, in her previous post.

The mother of one who recently broke records with her new movie, Alakada Bad and Boujee kindly explained the misinterpreted context in her appreciation post.

Toyin Abraham to her Instagram page to share a video of herself and her fans having fun at the cinema.

She kindly noted that the statement “Without expecting a gift or inducement at the box office to buy our tickets, you’ve stood by us, and we are deeply grateful” was aimed at appreciating those who watched the movie without demanding a gift.

The multiple award-winning actress revealed that reports from her colleagues who meet with fans at the cinemas were not encouraging. She claimed some have refused to watch her film because of the lack of incentive.

Toyin Abraham appreciated their fans and urged anyone not to assume wrong regarding her post.

“I have seen many messages suggesting that my post about the three-day box office performance of Alakada: Bad and Boujee was intended as shade.

Please, that is not true. I am genuinely appreciative of those who have been watching the movie in cinemas without receiving any gifts.

People hosting meet-and-greet events for me have been coming back with feedback that some people are asking for gifts before watching the movie, while some are watching without asking for any incentives.

The movie itself is a gift of love and hard work, and parked with quality entertainment.Therefore, reaching the milestone of ₦58 million in sales in just three days is a true testament to the love and support of those I couldn’t give anything to.

Thanking them sincerely is my goal, not shading anyone and once again, thank you for seeing my movie.”

A few hours ago, Toyin Abraham made a lengthy appreciation note on her verified Instagram page, thanking her fans for wholeheartedly supporting her new project.

The announcement roused the hope of her supporters, who believed she could reach the one billion landmark with her release.

In the post, Abraham subtly shaded those who entice their fans with gifts at the cinema. Although she did not mention names, actresses Funke Akindele and Mercy Aigbe have been doing so since their films started screening.

Preparing your mind as a business owner for 2025

As 2025 approaches, Ghanaian entrepreneurs face an intriguing mix of challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing world. With technology advancing at breakneck speed, economic uncertainties rising, and customer demands evolving, success requires more than just strategy; it also requires the right mindset. Are you ready to adapt, innovate, and lead?Advertisement This article outlines five excellent ways for mentally preparing for the new year, as well as practical examples to help you get started.Prepare to tackle 2025 head-on, transforming obstacles into chances for growth and success.Develop a growth-oriented mindsetAdopting a development mindset entail viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and progress, rather than obstacles to be avoided. AdvertisementBusiness owners should embrace lifelong learning, adapt to change, and be receptive to feedback. Local entrepreneurs in Kumasi who own textile businesses might use technology to learn about rising global fashion trends.They can create items that appeal to both domestic and foreign markets by enrolling in online courses or attending trade shows. As a business coach, I will advocate acting measures such as reading at least one business-related book each quarter, attending industry workshops or webinars to remain up to date on trends, and fostering a culture of feedback within your team to promote innovation.Advertisement Priorities financial intelligenceIn Ghana’s current economic context, understanding financial management is essential. To maintain their competitiveness, business owners must master budgeting, cash flow management, and investment strategies. A small grocery store owner in Accra facing growing costs can employ cost-cutting techniques like as purchasing products in bulk to receive discounts. They should also consider diversifying their revenue streams, such as providing delivery services. Actionable activities I will recommend include reviewing financial statements on a regular basis to evaluate profitability and liquidity, collaborating with a financial advisor to develop a long-term financial plan for 2025, and adopting digital accounting tools to automate bookkeeping.Advertisement Embrace digital transformationThe digital revolution is continuing to change businesses across Ghana. Whether it’s improving your web presence, automating operations, or employing data analytics, embracing technology can lead to increased efficiency and growth. A Takoradi restaurant owner might utilize social media to promote their food, attract new customers, and communicate with current ones. Investing in a POS system might help to streamline processes. Actionable measures I advocate for any business owner include investing in an easy-to-navigate website that promotes your products or services, using social media analytics to learn about client preferences, and exploring e-commerce platforms to reach a larger audience.Advertisement Boost emotional resilienceRunning a business is typically fraught with stress, uncertainty, and setbacks. Developing emotional resilience allows business owners to remain focused and hopeful during difficult circumstances. A farmer in the Northern Region dealing with unpredictable weather conditions can develop alliances with local agricultural cooperatives to reduce risks and pool resources.They can also use mindfulness practices to keep centered amid emergencies. As a business counsellor, I advocate the following actionable steps: Advertisement To maintain a good mindset, engage in daily gratitude exercises, join a local business community or support group to exchange experiences and ideas, and schedule time for hobbies or activities that help you recharge.Focus on creating strong networksCollaboration and networking are critical components of company success. Developing relationships with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry leaders can provide invaluable insights and lead to new opportunities.A Tema-based digital business could work with an educational institution to recruit talent or with larger companies to provide mentorship and investment opportunities. Attending industry conferences allows them to promote their innovations and attract potential investors.I advocate the following concrete activities for every business owner who wishes to position himself/herself for 2025: In 2025, attend at least three networking events or industry fairs, actively participate in industry-specific online forums or LinkedIn groups, and contact local chambers of commerce to investigate cooperation options.Advertisement ConclusionAs we approach 2025, preparing your thinking as a business owner in Ghana is critical to success. You can prepare your firm for development and sustainability in the coming year by fostering a growth mentality, prioritising financial intelligence, embracing digital change, strengthening emotional resilience, and establishing strong networks. Take action today to make 2025 a year of breakthrough achievements for your business.Advertisement Dr Andrews Ayiku, Lecturer/SME Industry Coach, Coordinator (MBA Impact Entrepreneurship and Innovation), University of Professional Studies Accra.[email protected]IG: andy_ayiku@AndrewsAyikuF: Andyayiku

Sonic movie cut morbid Big the Cat cameo

As more characters join the Sonic the Hedgehog movie series, fans have been curious when their favourite big cat – Big the Cat – will pop up.

Speaking to IGN alongside the launch of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the movie series’ writing duo Pat Casey and Josh Miller revealed a Big the Cat cameo had actually been written for the previous film – only to be left on the cutting room floor.

(There’s no spoilers here for the new movie, we should add.)

In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Big the Cat would have popped up in skeletal form as Sonic passed through a cave. Within it, viewers would have gotten a quick glimpse at Big’s decomposed body. Dark.

Still, confusingly, this might not have been the Big the Cat fans know and love, the duo continued – which perhaps is why the sequence never made it on screen.

“In one draft of Sonic 2, when they’re going through the snowy mountains to the cave, we had a bit, because Sonic 2 was sort of an Indiana Jones,” Casey said.

“Indiana Jones, it’s a trope that at some point a skeleton pops out at you and scares you. So we were going to do that, but with a skeleton of a, I would say, a Big the Cat, not necessarily-”

“Not necessarily the Big the Cat,” Miller interjected.

“But we ended up cutting it,” Casey concluded. “It didn’t make any sense.”

So, no Big the Cat. But on the upside, for fans of the character, no dead Big the Cat either.

Fans have previously celebrated whenever Big has popped up over the years – in Sonic Frontiers, Sonic Racing, Sonic Prime and even Lego Dimensions.

“Sega and Paramount more closely align game and film worlds for an authentic Sonic romp with added Keanu cool,” Ed wrote in Eurogamer’s Sonic the Hedgehog 3 film review.

What’s next for the Sonic films after Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s post-credits scene? Eurogamer’s resident Sonic fan Ed has a spoilery guide.

Christmas travel latest: Traffic chaos as M40 shuts due to crash and airport delays after flights grounded

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreA nationwide ground stop has been lifted after American Airlines grounded its flights for around an hour across the US on Christmas Eve amid one of the busiest travel periods of the year.The Federal Aviation Administration told The Independent that “American Airlines reported a technical issue this morning and requested a nationwide ground stop. The ground stop has now been lifted.”American Airlines said in a statement at 8.48am ET: “A vendor technology issue briefly affected flights this morning. That issue has been resolved and flights have resumed.“We sincerely apologize to our customers for the inconvenience this morning. It’s all hands on deck as our team is working diligently to get customers where they need to go as quickly as possible.”The technology issue impacted systems needed to release flights, causing a ground stop that lasted approximately one hour.Passengers seek help at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, USA, 24 December 2024

There should be more live-action kids’ movies these days. Here’s why.

Media

There should be more live-action kids’ movies these days. Here’s why.

Katie Notopoulos, Senior Correspondent covering technology and culture

2024-12-24T09:02:02Z

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I watched “E.T.” the other week with my kids. It was great! We need more live-action films like this these days.

Universal

These days, Hollywood is more focused on animated blockbusters for kids than on live-action movies.Although animated movies can be great, I think kids are missing out. They need to see real humans.My solution? Getting DVDs of ’90s movies from the library for my kids.Think of your favorite holiday movies as a kid: “Elf,” “The Santa Clause,” “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “Home Alone.” What do they all have in common? Real people! They’re live-action, not animated.

Meet the real people living in famous houses from movies and TV shows, from ‘Home Alone’ to ‘Breaking Bad’

Real Estate

Meet the real people living in famous houses from movies and TV shows, from ‘Home Alone’ to ‘Breaking Bad’

Dan Latu

2024-12-24T09:30:01Z

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Herb and Joanie White live across from the “Home Alone” house in a village outside Chicago.

Courtesy of Oaks Media Group

A recent documentary reveals what it’s like to live in a home famous from a movie or TV show.Owners of the properties in “Home Alone” and “Halloween” have welcomed hordes of fans paying homage.Residents of the “Breaking Bad” house, meanwhile, put up iron fences and yelled at visitors.Celebrity homes regularly make splashy headlines for their private beaches, basement bowling alleys, and dedicated trophy rooms.

Bachchala Malli box office collection day 4: Allari Naresh’s film is a flop

Bachchala Malli four day collections in Telugu states

Bachchala Malli
Collections

Day 1
0.6 crore

Day 2
0.76 crore

Day 3
 

Total
 

Disappointingly, Bachchala Malli failed to gross even Rs 1 crore on any day during its run. This highlights the extent of its underperformance. As of now, the film has earned only Rs 2.5 crore and continues to struggle to attract audiences.
Adding to the setback, Bachchala Malli has been pulled from several theaters, with Pushpa 2 reclaiming more screens. Directed by Subbu, the film stars Amritha Iyer as the female lead, portraying Allari Naresh’s love interest in a significant role.Bachchala Malli director SubbuFor Allari Naresh, this marks yet another flop in his career. Despite starring in over sixty films and dominating the industry for nearly five years, Naresh now faces an identity crisis. His signature comedy films are no longer resonating at the box office, prompting him to shift towards serious roles. One such film, Naandhi, was a solid hit, but since then, his films have struggled to succeed.Allari Naresh wins applause for his role in Bachchala MalliIn Bachchala Malli, Naresh plays an arrogant and aggressive character whose attitude lands him in trouble. Though he falls in love, unforeseen circumstances complicate his life further.Allari Naresh on Bacchala MalliReports suggest the film’s OTT rights have not been secured yet, but the makers are actively pursuing a deal. Sources close to the actor indicate that Bachchala Malli is expected to stream online within a month of its theatrical release.Currently, the film is being removed from theaters and is failing to achieve even 40% occupancy. Despite Allari Naresh’s commendable performance, the routine storyline and outdated narration hindered the film’s success, resulting in lackluster box office returns. It remains to be seen which OTT platform will acquire the film. Stay tuned for more updates.