Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Former Syracuse basketball player arrested, accused of being 'drug mule' for rapper Diddy

Paul is accused of being rapper Diddy's drug mule. He was arrested at the airport before boarding Diddy's private jet. The arrest happened on the same day federal agents raided Diddy's homes in connection with sex trafficking allegations. Paul's name appeared in a lawsuit against Diddy where he was described as a mule and accused of acquiring drugs and guns for the rapper.

Sunil Grover breaks his silence on 7-year fight with Kapil Sharma: 'It was a publicity stunt

During a press conference for their new Netflix show, "The Great Indian Kapil Show," Grover jokingly said their fight was planned years ago in anticipation of an OTT giant entering the Indian market. He even teased that the platform itself contacted them for ideas. Kapil offered a more serious explanation, stating Sunil's busy schedule delayed their reunion. Grover echoed the sentiment, expressing his joy at returning to work with Kapil and the team.

Federal agents raid Sean 'Diddy' Combs' properties in sex trafficking probe

Combs' homes searched by federal agents in connection with a New York investigation. Attorney denies allegations and claims excessive force during search. Lawsuits filed in late 2023 accused Combs of sexual assault and rape. Combs, a prominent hiphop figure, has won multiple Grammys and founded businesses like Revolt TV. Unclear if search connected to lawsuits, which include a rape allegation from when the accuser was 17.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Holi 2024: Ram Charan's Big Announcement - Film With Pushpa Director Sukumar

The announcement was made on Holi by Charan himself on Instagram. This is their second collaboration after the successful film Rangasthalam. The film is expected to release in late 2025. RC17 also marks the collaboration of Mythri Movie Makers, Sukumar Writings and music composer DSP.

‘RRR’ Star Ram Charan Sets Film Project With ‘Pushpa’ Filmmaker Sukumar (EXCLUSIVE)

Fresh off the heels of the Oscarwinning RRR, his 17th film has been announced. Sukumar, who directed the blockbuster Rangasthalam with Charan, will be back at the helm. Composer Devi Sri Prasad joins the team for this project, tentatively titled RC17. While details are under wraps, filming starts later in 2024 with a release planned for late 2025.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

U.S. falls among world’s happiest countries, primary takeaways and BeyoncĂ© reveals ‘Cowboy

The U.S. falls out of the top 20 happiest countries for the first time in a UN report. Beyonce releases a statement about her upcoming album, inspired by a time when she felt unwelcome in country music. Congressional leaders avoid a government shutdown with a spending deal. Trumpbacked candidate wins the Ohio GOP Senate primary. Climate change concerns grow as the World Meteorological Organization reports record greenhouse gas increases. Today's highlights include new seasons of Top Chef and XMen '97, plus the first games of the Women's March Madness. In history, John Lennon and Yoko Ono were married in 1969. Inflation has spiked for everyday expenses but travel costs are down.

Kate’s photo of late Queen was doctored, agency says, as princess spotted in public for first

Princess Catherine at Center of Image Manipulation

A leading photo agency has revealed that a picture of the Queen with her family, supposedly taken by Kate, was digitally altered. This comes after a similar incident involving a Mother's Day photo. Questions Over Transparency The revelation raises concerns about the transparency of royal photos and their relationship with outlets. Strict editing rules exist to prevent misinformation.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Vicky Kaushal opens up on why he agreed to do a cameo in Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki

He revealed in an interview that he actively pursued the role to reunite with Hirani after their collaboration on Sanju. Kaushal said he contacted Hirani directly to express his interest. He even stated his willingness to play a minor role. His father, who worked on the film's action sequences, learned about the character requiring a fire scene. When his father inquired about the actor for the role, Hirani mentioned someone like Vicky but didn't approach him due to the limited screen time. Upon hearing this, Kaushal immediately contacted Hirani and secured the part without even reading the script. He also praised the film's portrayal of Punjab, highlighting its vibrant and colorful depiction compared to the usual gritty portrayal of the state in films.

Monday, March 18, 2024

Kung Fu Panda 4 skadooshes Dune: Part Two at the weekend box office

Tight Race

Kung Fu Panda 4 continues to dominate the box office, narrowly edging out Dune Part Two for the second week in a row. Panda raked in $30 million, pushing its total to a strong $107 million. Meanwhile, Dune added another $29.1 million, bringing its threeweek total to $205 million. Mark Wahlberg's dog movie, Arthur The King, debuts in third place with $7.5 million. Rounding out the top five are horror film Imaginary and biopic Cabrini.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Kung Fu Panda 4 skadooshes Dune: Part Two at the weekend box office

Panda 4 continues to dominate the box office, edging out Dune Part Two for a second consecutive week. The animated film brought in $30 million, pushing its total gross to a solid $107 million in just two weeks. Dune Part Two isn't far behind, adding $29.1 million to its total of $205 million after three weeks. Mark Wahlberg's dog movie "Arthur The King" debuts at number three with $7.5 million. Rounding out the top five are horror film "Imaginary" at $19 million total and the biopic "Cabrini" with $13 million. In a surprising turn of events, "Love Lies Bleeding" jumps from 21st place to sixth, increasing its gross by a whopping 1,548%. The film only managed $2.4 million but went from limited release to over 1,000 screens this week. Here's a look at the rest of the top ten Bob Marley One Love One Life

Friday, March 15, 2024

Yodha premiere: Sidharth Malhotra gets a standing ovation from audience - WATCH

Big Premiere The event saw a grand turnout with family, friends, and a cheering audience. Action Hero Transformation Fans were impressed by Malhotra's action persona, a shift from his previous cop role. Standing Ovation The film received a rousing applause at the end, with the audience appreciating his performance alongside Disha Patani and Raashii Khanna. Directorial Debut Applause was also directed towards the film's director duo, marking their first venture. Personal Achievement Malhotra considers "Yodha" his best work in the action genre, marking a significant point in his career. Action Franchise The film serves as the first part of an action series, promising an adrenalinepumping experience. Story Focus "Yodha" narrates the tale of Arun Katyal, a leader tasked with a crucial rescue mission.

Priyanka Chopra Flies Into Mumbai With Daughter Malti Marie. See Airport Pics

Global star Priyanka Chopra was spotted at the Mumbai airport on Thursday evening as she flew into India from the states. However, the Don star was not alone as she was accompanied by her daughter Malti Marie. Priyanka Chopra was spotted in a black outfit with a beach hat while Malti Marie was seen wearing a green top and pants. Priyanka was also seen making her daughter wave at the paparazzi. Earlier, Priyanka shared a selfie with Malti on her Instagram stories. It showed them sharing a hug with a pacifier in Malti's mouth. Priyanka wrote with the photo, Mumbai meri jaan. Here we go." Priyanka Chopra is likely to attend a Bulgari event in Mumbai. She is the global brand ambassador for the luxury jewellery brand along with Anne Hathaway, Zendaya and Lisa from BLACKPINK. Take a look at Priyanka's Instagram story Now, take a look at Priyanka's airport pics Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas and Malti Marie jetted off for a vacation after the actress bagged a nomination at the fourth annual Critics Choice Super Awards. On Thursday, Priyanka Chopra's manager shared an adorable group selfie on her Instagram stories. Priyanka, dressed in a chic black outfit, flashed her brightest smile for the photo while gently cradling her daughter, Malti Marie, who looked absolutely adorable in a white outfit. Standing beside them was Nick Jonas against the scenic night view of Dubai.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Kate Middleton Doctored Photo: AFP Says Kensington Palace No Longer A “Trusted Source” & Kill

Controversy Erupts Over Edited Royal Photo AFP Director Questions Source Credibility

A photo released by Kensington Palace to celebrate Mother's Day has sparked controversy due to allegations of editing. The incident has strained the relationship between the agency Agence FrancePresse (AFP) and the British royals. AFP's Response Director Phil Chetwynd stated the image violated their guidelines and shouldn't have been distributed. He declared Kensington Palace is no longer considered a completely trusted source. Increased vigilance in verifying future content from the royals was emphasized. Photo's Purpose The image reportedly aimed to address public concerns about Kate Middleton's health following surgery. Unprecedented Action Major agencies, including AFP, jointly stopped the photo's circulation. Demanding the original image and receiving no response was reported as unusual. Media's Responsibility Chetwynd stressed the importance of accurate information and public trust.

'Love is Blind' reunion spills all the tea: Here's who secretly dated and who left the set

Here are some key takeaways

Jeramey and Sarah Ann are dating They confirmed their relationship and apologized to Laura for their actions. Unseen footage revealed Matthew's repetitive conversations He used identical lines with both Amber and AD, raising questions about his sincerity. AD and Clay briefly dated They went on a few dates but ultimately decided their lifestyles weren't compatible. Kenneth and Brittany remain close friends Despite not being romantically involved, they value their strong bond. Amy and Johnny clarified their birth control situation They admitted to having limited knowledge but emphasized using condoms. Jess confronted Jimmy about his misrepresentation of their date He downplayed the duration and her behavior, but the actual footage contradicted his claims. Clay apologized to AD for leaving her at the altar He expressed regret and claimed to be working on himself through therapy.

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah Actors Raj Anadkat And Munmun Dutta Dismiss

Actors Munmun Dutta and Raj Anadkat Deny Engagement Rumors

Both Munmun Dutta and Raj Anadkat, stars of the popular sitcom "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah," have refuted recent reports claiming their engagement. Raj Anadkat Clarified on his Instagram story, stating the is "false and baseless. "
Munmun Dutta Called the rumors "ridiculous, fake and ludicrous" in a statement to the of India. This comes after a source claimed the couple exchanged rings in a private ceremony. However, both actors have debunked this information. Previous Dating Rumors Similar rumors about Munmun and Raj surfaced in 2021, which they also denied. Raj expressed his disapproval of such fabricated stories on social media. Munmun addressed online negativity impacting mental health.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

CorpoNation review – will you betray the 1990s Orwellian megacorp?

Dystopian Workplace Simulator Players take on the role of a lab technician in a megacorporation. Monotonous gameplay involves sorting genetic samples based on everchanging criteria. Outside of work, players manage a virtual apartment and engage in statecontrolled entertainment. The game cleverly criticizes late capitalism and the exploitation of workers. Repetitive tasks highlight the dehumanizing nature of corporate environments. Enforced leisure activities mirror the manipulative aspects of modern gaming. Intriguing narrative unfolds through emails and messages, hinting at a rebellion. Choices have consequences, forcing players to prioritize basic needs over potential resistance. Overall, CorpoNation offers a satirical look at corporate control and the psychological manipulation within modern systems.

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Oscars 2024: How to watch and who is nominated

Here's a quick rundown Jimmy Kimmel is hosting the ceremony in Los Angeles. Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer is leading the nominations with 13, including best picture and best director. Other top contenders include Yorgos Lanthimos's Poor Things (11 nominations) and Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon (10 nominations). Despite the success of Barbie at the box office, Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie were not nominated individually. The film did receive eight nominations overall. The best actress race is between Emma Stone and Lily Gladstone. Stone is favored for her role in Poor Things, but Gladstone's recent SAG win could be a gamechanger. Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) is the frontrunner for best actor, but Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers) could pull off an upset. The Holdovers could become the first film to win best picture without its director being nominated for best director since Argo in 2012.

Oscars 2024 latest: Nominations, red carpet time and how to watch Academy Awards tonight

Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Awards season is about to reach its peak with the Oscars 2024. The latest round of movies, actors and directors in contention for trophies will duke it out for awards on Sunday (10 March), with Oppenheimer, Poor Things and Barbie leading the tally. As ever, there were the usual snubs that led to outrage among film fans, but the ceremony will unite an exciting mix of nominees including Emma Stone (Poor Things), Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon) and director Christopher Nolan, who is widely tipped to win his first ever Academy Award for Oppenheimer. For all the latest Oscars 2024 odds click here. The Oscars, which are airing in the UK on ITV, will once again be hosted by latenight titan Jimmy Kimmel. It will be his fourth year presenting the film awards.

Oscars 2024: How to watch and who is nominated

Here's a quick rundown Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel in Los Angeles. Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" leads the nominations (13) and is expected to win big, including Best Picture. "Barbie," last year's box office hit, has 8 nominations despite director Greta Gerwig and star Margot Robbie being snubbed in the acting categories. Other strong contenders include "Poor Things" (11 nominations), "Killers of the Flower Moon" (10 nominations), and "The Holdovers" (8 nominations). The Best Actress race is tight between Emma Stone and Lily Gladstone. Cillian Murphy is favored for Best Actor, but Paul Giamatti could be a surprise win.

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley review – a fleeting tour of Tove Jansson’s beguiling world

Its the gaming equivalent of honey and lemon and a hotwater bottle, full of goodness and warmth. But its also strange and melancholic, that signature mark of the Moomins, and part of the reason for the enduring popularity of Tove Janssons creations. Its weird, sad, eerie, wholesome and delightful. The plot sees the philosophical wanderer Snufkin making his way back to Moominvalley in the spring, ready to meet his best friend, Moomintroll, after the Moomins have woken from their winter hibernation. But he finds his way is blocked by a park patrolled by policemen. The Hemulen park keeper has decided to extend his remit, building gardens across Moominvalley that are governed by strict rules nailed to signposts. Incensed at this unwarranted enclosure of nature, Snufkin begins tearing up the signs; and in a charming piece of logic, the policemen simply wander off once all the signposts are gone, since they no longer have any rules to enforce. This leaves Snufkin free to rewild the area, ripping up paving slabs and dismantling fences. This conflict with the park keeper forms the backbone of the game, and there are several such parks where Snufkin must stealthily avoid the gaze of the wandering policemen while tearing down signs. Snufkin uses his trusty harmonica to charm animals and solve puzzles, and later he adds a flute and drum to his armoury, but beyond this novel use of a musical instrument to interact with the world, theres little here in the way of innovation. Were given a shopping list of quests to complete, many of which involve finding certain objects or characters, and there are familiar stealth sections, a trope used in countless games before. View image in fullscreen Full of goodness and warmth Snufkin Melody of Moominvalley. Photograph Hyper Games/Raw Fury

But beyond that, this acts as a tour of the characters and locations of the Moomin world. The story is original, only very loosely based on events from the 1954 book Moominsummer Madness, but the game is nevertheless extremely faithful to Tove Janssons original texts, not only in presenting a convincing facsimile of her beautiful artwork, but also by dropping in nods to events from across the novels. Early on were introduced to the terrifying Groke, who can freeze fire by sitting on it, and a certain small creature with no name soon tags along with Snufkin. Toffle is here as well, too scared to come down from a tree, and then theres TooTicky, Mrs Fillyjonk, Snorkmaiden and the Hattifatteners, to name a few. Devotees of Janssons works will be delighted with every cameo, but if these names mean nothing to you, Melody of Moominvalley does a good job of showing why these characters are so beloved. This is a childrens storybook world populated by deeply flawed adults, a mix of the intensely odd and the bitingly satirical. Mrs Fillyjonk is the original helicopter parent. Snufkin was an ecowarrior long before the term was coined. Its also strangely sad. Theres a sense that, for the most part, the characters are too wrapped up in their own neuroses and obsessions to ever truly be happy, but the fact that theyre able to overcome their trauma and their differences and somehow get along is what makes this world so uplifting. In that sense, the choice of Sigur Rs for the soaring yet melancholic soundtrack is inspired. Melody of Moominvalley is simple and unchallenging, and also disappointingly short you can see almost everything within a days play.

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Box Office: ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ Chopping Up $55 Million Opening Weekend, ‘Dune 2’ Rising Above

This is the highest opening day for the franchise since the original film in 2008. The film is expected to debut with $55 million, which would be ahead of the second and third installments. Dune Part Two is holding strong in second place, with an estimated $12.3 million on Friday. The film is expected to reach $150 million domestically by the end of the weekend. Horror film Imaginary opened in third place with $3.6 million on opening day. The film is projected to gross around $10 million for the threeday weekend. Cabrini, from Angel Studios, is expected to debut in fourth place with $78 million.

Box Office Trends: Shaitaan headed to emerge a big hit for Ajay Devgn; Business grows from

The film is expected to see a significant jump in collections on Saturday after a successful opening day. This is despite the boost collections received from the holiday Maha Shivratri on Friday. Early estimates suggest a secondday collection between Rs 18.00 crore to Rs 20.00 crore, representing a 2025% increase from Friday's opening. Shaitaan is targeting a strong opening weekend with collections exceeding Rs 53 crore in the North. This is a much higher number than anticipated for the film. The positive Saturday trend strengthens its position as a potential hit, with Monday's collections offering a clearer picture of its longterm success. Shaitaan has the advantage of a clear run at the box office until the release of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Maidaan on Eid. Films like Yoddha and The Crew are not expected to compete directly with Shaitaan's audience. Despite lacking elements typically associated with commercial success in the postpandemic era, such as music, action, or heavy marketing, Shaitaan has performed well. It's also not a conventional horror film, but rather a supernatural thriller, a genre that hasn't historically been a box office favorite.

Shaitaan movie review and release LIVE Updates: Netizens call this Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan starrer

Actor R. Madhavan shared that he was "stunned" when he learnt about playing the villain in Shaitaan, opposite Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn. In the film, Madhavan essays the role of a man who enters the holiday home of Ajay and Jyotika's characters while they're on a vacation. He then casts a black magic spell on their daughter and takes her under his control. Speaking about the audience's reaction to his villainous avatar, Madhavan said, "I am very excited about the response that the trailer, and 'Shaitaan' are receiving. I did not expect this level of appreciation. We are keeping our fingers crossed for this film. I was offered this film by Kumar Ji (the producer) when I was shooting for a Tamil film in summer last year in Chennai, and he just said, 'I don't want to talk to you, this is the film that you are doing'."He further mentioned, "I thought I was offered the father's role. That's when Kumar Ji said, 'Before you say anything, we want you to play the Villain'. I was quite stunned, and I was amazed that Ajay sir would want to give that role to me.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley review – a fleeting tour of Tove Jansson’s beguiling world

Its the gaming equivalent of honey and lemon and a hotwater bottle, full of goodness and warmth. But its also strange and melancholic, that signature mark of the Moomins, and part of the reason for the enduring popularity of Tove Janssons creations. Its weird, sad, eerie, wholesome and delightful. The plot sees the philosophical wanderer Snufkin making his way back to Moominvalley in the spring, ready to meet his best friend, Moomintroll, after the Moomins have woken from their winter hibernation. But he finds his way is blocked by a park patrolled by policemen. The Hemulen park keeper has decided to extend his remit, building gardens across Moominvalley that are governed by strict rules nailed to signposts. Incensed at this unwarranted enclosure of nature, Snufkin begins tearing up the signs; and in a charming piece of logic, the policemen simply wander off once all the signposts are gone, since they no longer have any rules to enforce. This leaves Snufkin free to rewild the area, ripping up paving slabs and dismantling fences. This conflict with the park keeper forms the backbone of the game, and there are several such parks where Snufkin must stealthily avoid the gaze of the wandering policemen while tearing down signs. Snufkin uses his trusty harmonica to charm animals and solve puzzles, and later he adds a flute and drum to his armoury, but beyond this novel use of a musical instrument to interact with the world, theres little here in the way of innovation. Were given a shopping list of quests to complete, many of which involve finding certain objects or characters, and there are familiar stealth sections, a trope used in countless games before. View image in fullscreen Full of goodness and warmth Snufkin Melody of Moominvalley. Photograph Hyper Games/Raw Fury But beyond that, this acts as a tour of the characters and locations of the Moomin world. The story is original, only very loosely based on events from the 1954 book Moominsummer Madness, but the game is nevertheless extremely faithful to Tove Janssons original texts, not only in presenting a convincing facsimile of her beautiful artwork, but also by dropping in nods to events from across the novels. Early on were introduced to the terrifying Groke, who can freeze fire by sitting on it, and a certain small creature with no name soon tags along with Snufkin. Toffle is here as well, too scared to come down from a tree, and then theres TooTicky, Mrs Fillyjonk, Snorkmaiden and the Hattifatteners, to name a few. Devotees of Janssons works will be delighted with every cameo, but if these names mean nothing to you, Melody of Moominvalley does a good job of showing why these characters are so beloved. This is a childrens storybook world populated by deeply flawed adults, a mix of the intensely odd and the bitingly satirical. Mrs Fillyjonk is the original helicopter parent. Snufkin was an ecowarrior long before the term was coined. Its also strangely sad. Theres a sense that, for the most part, the characters are too wrapped up in their own neuroses and obsessions to ever truly be happy, but the fact that theyre able to overcome their trauma and their differences and somehow get along is what makes this world so uplifting. In that sense, the choice of Sigur Rs for the soaring yet melancholic soundtrack is inspired. Melody of Moominvalley is simple and unchallenging, and also disappointingly short you can see almost everything within a days play.

Aamir Khan's Fee To Perform With Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan At Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant

Aamir Khan Charged Unbelievable Fee To Perform With SRK, Salman At Anant AmbaniRadhika Merchant PreWedding Bash Getting Shah Rukh Khan , Salman Khan and Aamir Khan together on stage is practically impossible, however, the Ambanis' managed to do so at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant 's prewedding festivities in Jamnagar. Now, Aamir Khan's performance fee for the special performance has been revealed. How much did Aamir Khan charge for AnantRadhika's prewedding? Contrary to popular belief, Aamir Khan did not charge a hefty fees for the special performance at the Ambanis' grand gala in Jamnagar! In fact, Zoom exclusively learnt that the megastar did not charge a single penny for his stage with Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's prewedding. An invitee at the lavish gala revealed that the three Khans' performance was a rather impromptu decision and noe of them had billed the Ambanis for the performance. "None of them charged a single penny for going on stage.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Pulkit Samrat, Kriti Kharbanda's leaked invite suggests a beach wedding in March

As per a report of , their wedding invite reportedly got leaked on Wednesday, and includes a major hint about their big day in March. (Also Read Did Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda hint at their marriage in March? Fans think so) Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda's wedding invite gets leaked What's in the leaked invite? In the wedding invite doing the rounds on social media, a sketch shows Pulkit and Kriti chilling at the beachside. They face the sea as Pulkit strums the guitar. Lounging along with them are their pet dogs a husky and a beagle. The message on the invite reads, Can't wait to celebrate with our squad. Love, Pulkit & Kriti. Hindustan your fastest source for breaking ! Read now. The leaked invite suggests that theirs is going to be a beach wedding. However, the location or city of their wedding isn't confirmed. Last month, actors Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh tied the knot in Goa. It may be the case that Pulkit and Kriti may follow suit. The report states that the date of their wedding is March 13. Pulkit and Kriti's relationship Pulkit and Kriti met on the sets of their 2018 romantic comedy Veerey Ki Wedding. Then they started dating and also shared the screen space in Pagalpanti (2019) and Taish (2020). In January, pictures from their roka (engagement) ceremony did the rounds on social media, where Kriti could be seen posing with Pulkit and his family. Last month on Valentine's Day, Kriti dropped another hint at their imminent wedding when she shared a picture with Pulkit and wrote in the caption, "Let's March together, hand in hand. happyvalentinesday." To return the favour, Pulkit also shared pictures of the two romancing each other on a cruise. "Dancing on the edge of a leap! I do, I do, I do love you.. Kriti Kharbanda," he wrote in the caption.

The Thaumaturge review

Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware. The year is 1905. Wiktor Szulski sits on a train in Transcaucasia, now the country of Georgia. Pale and sickly, sweat dripping down the side of his face, he murmurs an apology to a ghostly figure across from hima hovering skull draped in the cloak of an old nobleman, sword at its side and cane in its hand. Upyr is Wiktor's closest friend and confidante, a "salutor" that attached itself to him when he was young. Need to know What is it? A singleplayer RPG set in 1905 Warsaw, with a dedicated eye to history and some fun spooky friends Expect to pay $34.99 / 29.50 Developer Fools Theory Publisher 11bit Studios Reviewed on Windows 11, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS, 16GB RAM Multiplayer? Nope Steam Deck Unverified Link Official site Wiktor is a thaumaturge, a magician that can trap and command these salutors through the flaws they're attracted to. He's also desperately sick, on the verge of madness, and losing his connection to Upyr. His journey to heal himself, regain his power, and discover its limits will take him from the edges of the tsar's reign to his home city of Warsaw in Congress Poland, under the long arm of the Russian Empire. This history is both the basis for The Thaumaturge's story and the reason it unexpectedly bowled me over. When Wiktor arrives in Warsaw, the tsar has just arrived, and it becomes clear that the city Wiktor has returned to is not the one he left. The tumult of this setting is a richly compelling backdrop for a story combining magic lineages, urban politics, and the oppressive hand of empire, though The Thaumaturge is occasionally weighed down by the RPG conceits it's beholden to, which end up feeling like more of a distraction than an enhancement. Once I arrived in Warsaw I ran into fairly regular texture popin when loading maps, but otherwise my sojourns were technically seamless. The same unfortunately cant be said for Wiktors neighborhood reputation, as he seems to have pissed off every asshole with a descriptor for a name ("Cuckold" was a personal favorite) from Mirw to Powile. For every heartfelt moment I found on the streets of Warsaw there was also a random, pointless battle with what seemed like an endless list of brawlers, thugs, drunkards, bully cops, and on one memorable occasion a particularly ornery doctor(?). Every round in combat Wiktor gets an action, as does one of his salutors, whose abilities draw from the human Flaw they follow. Upyr follows Pride and can do damage and heal Wiktor at the same time; the chirping, skeletal birdcreature Lelek follows Recklessness and can break enemies Focus, sending them into a Breakdown state where theyre more susceptible to stronger attacks; you get the idea. (Image credit Fool's Theory) There's plenty of choice in how to employ Wiktor's horde of grotesque imaginary friends, but it implies a diversity to combat that never manifestsfights are uniform enough that you only have to buckle down and strategize against bosses, which are few and far between. It was fun to watch my salutors cause far more mess than a street fight deserved, but combat as a whole felt tacked on to a narrative that is clearly more interested in exploration and social activity than proving your poncy rich boy can beat up the neighborhood tough. Far more interesting than combat is social manipulation, where the salutors really get to shine. When Wiktor collects a salutor he also takes on the flaw they're attracted to, and he can then use that salutor to manipulate that flaw in other people. Sometimes this is just shown as a dialogue option, but in more important quests the salutors will appear alongside you. It's an excellent and heady feeling watching the gilded serpent Veles slither around some unfortunate soul while other characters are oblivious, knowing that Wiktor has access to this strange, dangerous world past what a normal person understands. It's a perfect use of the internal logic that underlines each salutor, but criminally underused throughout the game. In other moments I was frustrated to be railroaded into selfsabotaging dialogue or forced into fights when I knew Wiktor has the ability to change someone's heart with a snap of his fingers. When I wasnt throwing down with my salutors, I spent the rest of my time using Wiktors Perception skill to learn things about Warsaw and its people. The total lack of puzzle to this mechanicrightclick, interesting things are highlighted, bing bang boomfits because the major magical ability of thaumaturges is detecting Traces people have left on their surroundings. This can be used to answer questions, of course, but it also means Wiktor wanders around the city in a constant state of quiet empathy, noticing everywhere the drifting emotions of the children and lovers and drunkards and wanderers of Warsaw. These traces are some of the most charming, emotionally engaging writing in the game, and they're even more affecting because of their ephemeral nature. If Wiktor sits down on a bench to rest for a moment he might feel the same tiredness of the person who sat there before him, finally catching a breath after a long day running around the city for work; if he picks up a magazine sitting next to him, he can tell that the person who held it envied the fine clothing in its ads, wanting to impress the person they loved. These emotional remnants make the world feel like it exists outside of Wiktor, and give some moments of really beautiful color to Warsawa city which, aside from Wiktor, is arguably the main character of the game. Image 1 of 3 (Image credit Fool's Theory) (Image credit Fool's Theory) (Image credit Fool's Theory) There's actually a quite fascinating, if linear, story at the heart of The Thaumaturge. I was genuinely stunned by how emotionally invested I became in the industrystandard dead relative plotline, usually a guarantee I'd be emotionally checked out. The passing of Wiktor's father instigates the majority of the plot, and dry pitch could make it sounds like a game about litigating a will reading, but it never feels that way. The characters Wiktor is surrounded with are compelling and realistic, and though the writing is occasionally inconsistent I was always delighted to see my favorite NPCs, like Wiktors twin sister Ligia, who wears sociallydisapproved trousers and teaches at the clandestine Flying University for women and minorities, or his best friend Aubarycy, the "king of rdmiecie," a local gang leader whose penchant for drinking and violence does very little to hide his flamboyant poets soul. The Thaumaturge evokes the feeling of returning to a place you've left long ago, and the moments of lightnessWiktor's housekeeper making him his favorite hot chocolate, or a minor squabble with Ligia over the correct filling for the doughnuts you're bringing to her lecturehelp balance out the creeping sense of dread that enveloped me as I explored a vibrant, beautiful city doing its best to survive under the imperial thumb. That's the heart of The Thaumaturge, more than Wiktor's family or its fun little magic system. Warsaw is a changing, cosmopolitan city, proud and diverse, with a community of people who are doing their best to understand their collective identity and maintain it while living under the Russian regime.

Garrison Brown, son of Janelle and Kody Brown from ‘Sister Wives,’ dead at 25

Garrison Brown, whose large family is at the center of the longrunning TLC reality series Sister Wives, has died. He was 25. His mother Janelle Brown and father Kody Brown posted similar statements to social media Tuesday confirming the . Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown. He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him, Janelle Brown wrote. His loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away. We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory. TLC said in a statement that the death of Garrison Brown, who was referred to by his middle name on the series, was a tragic loss. We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Brown family at this difficult time, the statement read. Sgt. J.L. Rintala, a public information officer for the Flagstaff (Arizona) Police Department, told in a statement that Garrison Brown died of an apparent suicide and was found at his residence. No foul play is suspected, Rintala added. Sister Wives has aired for 18 seasons, most recently concluding a season that explored the various fractures in the family that led to polygamist Kody Browns separation from three of his four wives. Garrison Brown was one of six children shared by Kody and Janelle Brown. They are also parents to Logan, Maddie, Hunter, Gabe and Savanah. Janelle Brown was Kody Browns second wife. They separated in late 2022 after nearly 30 years together. Kody Brown is currently married to one woman Robyn Brown, who was the fourth and last wife to join the Brown family. Throughout its run, Sister Wives has explored the lives of both the parental figures and the 18 children in the family.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Kate Middleton seen for 1st time since abdominal surgery and hospitalization

Kate Middleton seen for 1st time since abdominal surgery and hospitalization Kate, the Princess of Wales, has been spotted publicly for the first time since undergoing abdominal surgery and recovering in the hospital for nearly two weeks in January. Kate, 42, was photographed Monday being driven by her mother, Carole Middleton, near Windsor Castle. The photograph was not released or authorized by Kensington Palace. The new photograph of Kate came as online speculation continues to swirl about her health and wellbeing. The momofthree and wife of Prince William was last seen publicly on Christmas Day, when she joined members of the royal family in walking to church in Sandringham, the royal family's estate in Norfolk, England. Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales attend Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church, Dec. 25, 2023, in Sandringham, England, U.K. Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty Images, FILE Just a few weeks later, in midJanuary, the palace announced that Kate had undergone "planned abdominal surgery" at The London Clinic, a hospital in London. The palace did not provide further details on the type of surgery Kate underwent on Jan. 16, but confirmed to that the princess's medical issue is noncancerous. Kate was hospitalized for nearly two weeks before continuing her recovery at her family's home in Windsor. The palace's announcement on Jan. 29, that Kate had been discharged from the hospital was one of the very few updates the palace has shared on her status. Kate's absence from the public eye, as well as her husband recently missing a royal engagement because of a "personal matter," led to rampant speculation online about Kate's wellbeing. Catherine, Princess of Wales attends The "Together At Christmas" Carol Service at Westminster Abbey, Dec. 8, 2023, in London. Chris Jackson/Getty Images, FILE On Feb. 29, a palace spokesperson told that Kate is "doing well" as she continues to recover. The spokesperson brushed off recent social media speculation about Kate's health, telling in a statement, "Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess' recovery and we'd only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands." At the time of her surgery, the palace said Kate is not likely to resume her public duties until later this spring. In past years, William and Kate and their children have been photographed walking to church together with other members of the royal family on Easter Sunday.

Bill Gates comments on Mark Zuckerberg’s ‘Sunderbans’ shirt at Anant Ambani-Radhika's pre-wedding

A photo of Bill and Mark hanging out in casual clothes became very popular and spread a lot on social media. Now, the former CEO of Microsoft has shared a photo of him with Mark Zuckerberg. The Facebook CEO looks dapper in the photograph. He is wearing a jungleprint kurti. Mark wore that on the second day of the celebration. It was a shirt by Rahul Mishra along with white pants and white shoes. It is a handembroidered Sunderbans Tigress shirt, as per GQ India. His wife Priscilla Chan, on the other hand, chose a snakeskin dress from Balmain, costing 1.40 lakh. Youve always been great at dressing for the occasion," Bill wrote in his Instagram post. Gates, unlike Mark who chose a grand costume for the occasion, is seen in the photo in a plain green polo tshirt with a black blazer and a grey pair of trousers. Mark Zuckerbergs costumes at Ambani bash Mark Zuckerberg was seen wearing grand costumes at the prewedding celebration. He wore a black singlebreasted jacket made with Japanese wool. The jacket with goldtone jewelled Dragonfly applique costs around 5.80 lakh, GQ India reported. Mark wore another Rahul Mishra later on. It was a handembroidered bundi worn over a kurta and silk trousers. He also wore an offwhite sherwani with gold embroidery. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits!

Friday, March 1, 2024

Movie Review: Writer-director Julio Torres proves a storyteller to cheer with awesome

Here's the original story without notes or explanations. Alejandro, the hero of Problemista, has a unique worldview. This aspiring toy designer believes that contemporary toys are too much fun. Alejandro, created by filmmaker Julio Torres, is the star and director of the offkilter yet captivating film Problemista. The movie reflects Torres's singular, idiosyncratic mind. It bursts with the surreal joy found in "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and even breaks space and time. The movie tells the story of Alejandro, an immigrant from El Salvador struggling to extend his stay in New York while chasing his dream of working for Hasbro. His artistic mother sheltered him from the harsh realities of life, but now he finds himself alone and overwhelmed in New York City. Isabella Rossellini's narration adds a touch of stardom and depth to the film. Torres portrays Alejandro, a delicate soul with a childlike demeanor, terrible bangs, and a tuft of hair that sticks out like an exclamation mark. His tentative steps and backpack make him appear hesitant and uncertain as he navigates the city. Alejandro's life takes a turn when he meets Elizabeth, the widow of a cryogenically frozen artist. Desperate to keep her husband on ice, she enlists Alejandro's help to locate and sell her husband's unloved paintings. Tilda Swinton, a Wes Anderson favorite, brilliantly plays Elizabeth as an unhinged, selfinvolved, and often frightening woman. These two polar opposites form an unlikely bond. Elizabeth needs Alejandro's calmness and vision, while he benefits from her forthrightness. Torres skillfully weaves in a Kafkaesque portrayal of the bureaucratic hurdles faced by immigrants, as well as a satirical look at the banking system. He highlights how both institutions prey on those who are vulnerable. Torres, a comedian and TV writer with credits like "Saturday Night Live" and "Los Espookys", has a knack for the surreal which shines through in this movie. The film is full of bizarre sequences and rich with themes like the desire to be seen, the absurdity of modern systems, our attempts to cheat death, and our reliance on technology. In a cool twist, the movie even leaps 300 years into the future.

Beat the Beats Review: Heavy Hitting VR Rhythm Action

Read on for our full review

When Beat Saber and Synth Riders continue showing significant longevity, new VR rhythm games have a tough job standing out in this crowded market. Developed by Parallel Circles, I consider Beat the Beats one of the strongest competitors in recent years. By swapping lightsabers and orbs for boxing gloves, it takes a more directly fitnessdriven approach and I quickly found my rhythm. Beat the Beats The Facts



What is it? A VR rhythm game that uses boxing moves. Platforms PSVR 2. Quest & SteamVR ports coming in 2024. Release Date February 27, 2024

Developer Parallel Circles

Price $19.99

While I don't wish to keep bringing up Beat Saber, it's an easy comparison. Beat the Beats scores you by hitting incoming targets and dodging obstacles, though points are awarded for precise hits over vertical slices. I've never been much of a boxer, though using jabs, hooks, uppercuts, and blocks makes for a pleasing alternative, all introduced through an easytolearn tutorial. Finishing songs awards you a rank, and online leaderboards add a nice competitive touch. Successive hits gradually build up a multiplier, but you don't progressively restore health by doing this. Five mistakes end your run, though you can recover HP after clearing segments. A small grace period after missing means this isn't as punishing as it sounds and, initially anyway, I wouldn't call this particularly tough. I enjoyed the gradual difficulty curve as I progressed through arcade mode, while unlockable 'BSides' made those earlier songs suitably more challenging. Beat the Beats nails what I'd consider the most crucial aspect of this genre a solid sense of rhythm. Every time I've jumped on, I can feel myself getting in the zone with each song, throwing punches almost instinctively as new targets come toward me. That's helped by a pleasingly energetic soundtrack, which sadly doesn't include any bigname artists, though what's here is good. I'm also really impressed by the presentation. The minimalist aesthetic feels clean and focused, though my highlight is how Beat the Beats handles song transitions. Stages don't fade to black after exiting a song, maintaining a seamless environment. That does wonders for immersion as this always keeps you in the experience, even briefly something I recently criticized Orbeats for. By using boxing moves, Beat the Beats' core mechanics make great use of VR's physicality, and I'm enjoying it more than Synth Riders. Instead of simply moving your arms toward a specific area, making those swings as you hit targets feels more satisfying. Subtle haptic feedback from the PSVR 2 Sense Controllers enhances this further, while the headset haptics kicking in as you dodge large red arrows further complement the immersion. Comfort Beat the Beats doesn't have many comfort settings, though it's not the sort of VR experience that needs it. This is a pretty comfortable game since you remain in one place while playing each stage. You can select your dominant hand, activate a colorblind mode, adjust haptic vibration strength, and change your height. My biggest criticism is that I want more the extras are somewhat lacking. Beyond Arcade Mode, you've only got two options and unfortunately, Quick Reaction isn't that exciting. It's a minigame where you press buttons as quickly as possible, and you can clear everything in less than five minutes. Daily Mix is more interesting as that merges several songs into a longer stage for a unique challenge. I'd also like more options for the main gameplay. Expanding the difficulty settings would be welcome, whether that's through modifiers like a onemiss fail or reduced health, or more predetermined difficulty levels. Different colors for blocks/gloves could go a long way, too.

Denis Villeneuve Talks About His Long Road to ‘Dune 2’ and Why ‘Blade Runner 2049’ Still

Here's a rephrasing of the article about Denis Villeneuve, without added commentary or notes

Denis Villeneuve is a highly regarded filmmaker with a strong body of work since his 2013 American debut. His critically and commercially successful films include thrillers like Prisoners, Enemy, and Sicario, and sciencefiction epics like Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, and Dune. Villeneuve took a break from filmmaking in the 2000s to develop his style before returning with the Oscarnominated Incendies in 2010. Dune Part Two is expected to be one of his highestgrossing films. Cinematographer Roger Deakins, an Oscar winner for his work on Blade Runner 2049, appreciates Villeneuve's ability to let scenes organically unfold. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal, who starred in both Enemy and Prisoners, admires the director's dedication, humor, and collaborative spirit. Josh Brolin, a Dune and Sicario actor, praises Villeneuve's humility and growth as a filmmaker. Villeneuve's filmmaking journey began in a small Quebec village, inspired by films like 2001 A Space Odyssey and Star Wars. He and a friend created storyboards for Dune as teenagers. Villeneuve studied film in Montreal and gained experience directing short films internationally.

Elsbeth Series-Premiere Recap: Welcome To New York (Elsbeth’s Version)

The U.S. Department of Justice sends Elsbeth to New York to observe an NYPD Major Case Unit as part of a consent decree. The show is a "howandwhydunit", focusing on Elsbeth's unique methods for solving crimes. She's sharp and observant, often appearing distracted but noticing details others might miss. In the pilot, Elsbeth investigates the death of Olivia Cherry, an undergraduate actor murdered by her professor, Alex Modarian. Alex tries to frame the death as a suicide after Olivia threatens to expose their affair. Elsbeth arrives on the scene in distinctive, eyecatching attire. At first, the detectives are skeptical, but Elsbeth's charm and persistence win them over. Elsbeth investigates the crime scene, observing details that don't align with suicide.

Movie Review: An Iranian woman and her daughter flee abuse in moving indie ‘Shayda’

Here's a the article that focuses purely on the essential elements additional notes

An Iranian woman and her young daughter find themselves living in an Australian women's shelter after fleeing an abusive relationship. The lingering trauma of the abuse remains evident for the woman, as she begins the difficult process of seeking a divorce. Despite the challenges, the woman finds moments of joy and connection with her daughter, showing her resilience and determination. As they navigate the legal system, the woman's husband is granted unsupervised visits with their daughter. The stark differences in cultural expectations become clear, and the woman faces ongoing isolation and pressure. Still, she begins to build a new life for herself, finding moments of freedom and selfexpression.

Richard Lewis, comedian and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ star, dead at 76

Lewis was known for his selfdeprecating humor and appeared in shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Anything but Love. He passed away at his home in Los Angeles after a heart attack. Lewis had been living with Parkinson's disease. He was a staple of the latenight comedy scene and a regular on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Lewis also starred opposite Jamie Lee Curtis in the sitcom Anything but Love and played Prince John in Mel Brooks' comedy Robin Hood Men in Tights. HBO said Lewis' comedic brilliance, wit and talent were unmatched. Lewis was best known for his role on Curb Your Enthusiasm, where he played a fictionalized himself. Lewis and Curb creator Larry David were close friends. David said Lewis was like a brother to him. Lewis was born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey.

Paramount+ Price Increase Set for August

Starting Aug. 20, the price of Paramount+ with Showtime will increase by $1 to $12.99 per month, while the Paramount+ Essential plan will ju...