Cinema News

Entertainment

August 9, 2022

How five 'magic' years turned an Aussie kids show into a global TV phenomenon

The Times toured the Brisbane, Australia, studio where "Bluey" comes together to understand what goes into making the best children's show on TV.

Olivia Newton-John, acclaimed singer and 'Grease' and 'Xanadu' star, dies at 73

"Grease" actor and acclaimed singer Olivia Newton-John died Monday at age 73 at home at her Southern California ranch surrounded by family and friends.

Michael Mann's L.A. classic 'Heat' has a sequel, and it's a novel. Here's how he did it

"The material is so large," says Michael Mann, that it never left him. His classic L.A. movie finally has a sequel, of sorts, in the novel "Heat 2."

Want to watch free TV? This station owner is here to help

Media company E.W. Scripps has launched an education campaign to promote the use of over-the-air antennas to get broadcast signals.

Ezra Miller charged with burglary after allegedly stealing 'several bottles of alcohol'

"The Flash" star Ezra Miller has been charged with breaking into a home in Stamford, Vt., after the actor allegedly swiped several bottles of alcohol.

Commentary: Dear Hollywood: If you're gonna whitewash the Fidel Castro biopic, just go all the way

On the heels of James Franco's casting as Castro, columnist Carolina Miranda's proposal for the imagined "Springtime for Castro" — in which roles will go to only white actors.

Mike Birbiglia swims for his life in 'The Old Man and the Pool' at the Taper

Mike Birbiglia returns to Center Theatre Group with an existential stand-up show centered on a YMCA pool.

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"Working on a plan"

— Klondike on trying to bring back the Choco Taco after announcing they were discontinuing it. Taco 'bout a tease.

Mar-a-Lago

The Story

The FBI raided former President Trump's Florida home.

What's this about?

Unclear. But Trump's son, Eric, says the FBI executed a search warrant as part of its investigation into Trump allegedly taking classified documents from the White House. In February, the National Archives and Records Administration accused Trump of moving 15 boxes to his private golf club in Palm Beach, FL. Taking classified documents is a crime that could disqualify Trump from holding office ever again — a position many believe Trump has been eyeing in 2024. But the FBI and Justice Dept have yet to confirm the reason behind the search warrant.

What warrants…a warrant?

A judge is required to sign off. And that only happens if there's enough evidence that a crime occurred. Trump compared the raid to Watergate. And called it another form of "political persecution." It's a sentiment other Republicans have echoed, with some calling for an investigation into the FBI itself. And others calling to defund it. Biden's team says it didn't know about the raid. The current FBI director — Christopher Wray — was appointed by Trump.

theSkimm

Executing a search warrant on senior gov officials is rare — and unprecedented for a former president. It's still unclear what this was about — and what, if anything, was found.

And Also...This

What has a community shaken up…

The killings of four Muslim men. Over the span of two weeks, three men were shot and killed in Albuquerque, New Mexico. And police believe the deaths could also be connected to the killing of another Muslim man in November. Police have not identified a suspect or motive — and have yet to label the killings a hate crime. But they are asking for the public's help in finding a "vehicle of interest." And the governor has ramped up security. The news has left the Muslim community in fear, with some afraid to leave their homes for basics. The president of the local mosque said some members have even left the state. And the spate of killings comes as hate crimes against Muslims in the US have risen in the past year and a half.

Whose case has updates…

Ahmaud Arbery's. Yesterday, his killers — Gregory McMichael and son Travis McMichael — were sentenced to life in prison. Both were given another life sentence plus several years for committing federal hate crimes against the 25-year-old Black man they chased and shot in 2020. Their neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan — who cornered Arbery and recorded the shooting — was also sentenced to 35 years. The men will be serving their federal sentences simultaneously with their state sentences. A judge is also requiring the McMichaels to serve their sentences in state prison. Travis McMichael's attorney said he "effectively faces a back door death penalty" if he is sent there. Arbery's family — who had asked for the "stiffest penalty" — said the men don't deserve "mercy."

Who people are remembering…

Olivia Newton-John. Yesterday, the singer, songwriter, and actress died at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer. The British-Australian star dominated an era of pop culture, from her iconic role as Sandy in the beloved movie musical "Grease" to topping the charts in the 1970s and '80s with songs like "Physical" and "I Honestly Love You." She won four Grammys and sold more than 100 million records. Her husband, John Easterling, called her "a symbol of triumphs and hope." Her co-star, John Travolta, said she made people's "lives so much better."

Who's a short king…

Earth. In June, scientists say Earth's rotation was 1.59 milliseconds short of the normal 24-hour day — making it the shortest day since the invention of the atomic clock. Some say a wobble in Earth's axis or melting glaciers could explain the quick turnaround. But that Earth pulling a fast one is nothing to worry about. And that over the past few decades the days have been getting slightly longer. Ok then.

Where voters are making their voices heard…

Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Vote up.

What's baaack...

#BamaRush.

Save Your Seat: SkimmU Career

Is it worth it? Let me (net)work it. Join us for SkimmU Special Edition: Career on August 18 at either 8:00am ET or 11:00am ET (yep, two options to work best with your sched). Career and leadership expert Kimberly Brown will teach us how to network within our workplaces and get a leg up on the career ladder. So yeah, it's worth it. RSVP.

Skimm Life

When was the last time you gave your kitchen a little TLC? We thought so. In order to keep it in the best shape possible, we rounded up a few great tools to help keep it clean and organized:

Skimm Picks

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Ultra-comfy, celeb-loved sneakers you can wear from brunch to beach to park. The only thing these canvas kicks can't do? Stay in stock for long. Because they're sustainably made, come in must-have fall-friendly shades, aaaaaand ship free. Snag 'em before they sell out…again.*

2. Where to go when you need somebody to talk to. Life can be hard. Talking about it in therapy can help. Enter: this company. They'll connect you with a licensed professional based on your needs and preferences. Plus, Skimm'rs get 20% off their first month.*

3. Everything you need to take better care of your mouth. Think: an electric toothbrush, refillable floss, anticavity mouthwash, and gum that's actually good for you. This brand's got it all…in travel-friendly packaging. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 25% off.*

4. The moisturizer your bedtime routine is missing. This best-selling dream cream brightens, smooths, and intensely hydrates skin while you snooze. And it's crafted for the most sensitive skin. Plus Skimm'rs get a free† tube with code SKIMM.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

†Just pay shipping and handling.

Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Raising funds…Helen M (CAN). She raised over $20,000 in funding to help bring a family of Syrian refugees to safety and permanently relocate to Canada.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Jen Penningroth (CO), Andrea Roberts (NY), Hoda Kotb (NY), Jeremy Goldberg (NY), Diana Torzewski (CA), Elina Kott (NJ), theSkimm's Alexander Mutammara (NY), Bridget Smith (NY), Morgan McDougald (SC), Jeanne Dupre (LA), Anna Coffey (MA), Kasey Mueller (IL), Teresa Cain (FL), Jeff Bridges (CO)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

theSkimm Loyalty Program

50 bonus points on us? You know it. More earnings. More quickly. Hello, more rewards. Log in or join theSkimm Loyalty Program to get in on it today.

Skimm'd by Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Rachel Levin, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj

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How 'Bluey' became a global TV hit