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Author Archives: Lori Jadyn

Chile Repatriated Moroccan Fossils Seized from Smugglers by Chilean Custom Authorities

fossil artefactsA repatriation ceremony held last Monday at the National Library of Chile saw the return of 117 Moroccan fossils dated about 400 million years ago, to the Moroccan kingdom. The handover of the Moroccan-origin fossils is a clear example of the commitment between countries to combat the illicit activities called antiquities trafficking. Yet it’s also a clear indication that antiquities trafficking is still rampant because there is a high demand for them in the dark side of the global art market.

The Moroccan artefacts were seized by Chilean customs officials from smugglers. Kenza El Ghali, Morocco’s ambassador to Chile remarked that antiquities trafficking could be worse than drug trafficking. Nevertheless, the handover ceremony was officiated by Nelida Pozo Kudo, the Director of Chile’s National Heritage Service, who praised the Chilean customs for seizing the Moroccan fossils. Their action exemplified Chile’s continuing commitment to protect cultural property against criminals who violate international laws.

What Investigators Discovered about the Antiquities Trafficking Activities of Criminal Networks

Investigations into the smuggling of valuable antiquities revealed direct connections between auction houses, museums and elite art collectors and organized criminal networks. Reports have it that the European, North American and Asian markets for smuggled antiquities are open to high net-worth private collectors with reputable social standing. Many respected cultural institutions like museums are also into buying the antiquities for exhibition purposes, without risks of legal reprisal.

Some examples of compelling cases uncovered by investigators of the illicit trade of antiquities in the global art market, include:

  1. The direct link of the auction house Sotheby to the pillaging of temples in Cambodia;
  2. The Getty Museum’s link to the destruction of Italian and Greek tombs;
  3. The recent return of thousands of Iraqi artefacts revealed the direct involvement of the owners of a US craft store called Hobby Lobby;

Apparently, the criminal networks developed a system of supplying antiquities to upstanding buyers in the gray market by cleaning the taint of illicit activities. The antiquities are first laundered clean of any taint of illegal activities by putting them on display at exhibitions in respectable institutions and auction houses, as a means of obscuring any evidence of theft or crime.

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Indonesian Soccer Fans Delighted by the National Team’s Recent Achievements

Indonesia soccer playersAssociation football or soccer (축구중계) at the top of the most watched sports events in Indonesia, more so now that the country made a significant surge in the FIFA world ranking. Following the recent victories, Indonesia’s The Red and White football team garnered 30 points that boosted its FIFA world ranking by 8 spots, whilst securing 134th place in FIFA’s roster of globally recognized football teams.

The achievement was largely the result of Indonesia’s series of recent World Cup qualifying match victories over Vietnam. Conversely, the losses had caused the latter to lose 30 points, which led to a 10 spot drop in FIFA’S worldwide ranking. According to the latest FIFA report, Indonesia posted the highest level of improvement compared to all other football teams; but at the expense of Vietnam, as it suffered an equally huge decline.

The remarkable feat brought Indonesia to a comfortable second place position next to Iran. The Red and White is just 5 points behind Iran, the leader in the Group F contenders looking to qualify for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup event in 2026.

indonesian goalkeeper In having garnered a 5-point buffer between Iraq and Vietnam, losing to Iran in the June 06 qualifying match will not put them in a precarious position. The Red and White team aims to achieve enough victories that will send them to the next round of qualifying matches toward participating in the 2026 final World Cup showdown.

Latest Football Feat Raises Concerns over Indonesia’s Reliance on Naturalized Football Players

News about Indonesia’s significant football triumphs albeit resulting in favorable improvements to the country’s world ranking, has been drawing negative feedback. Apparently, the impressive performances that earned The Garuda or The Red and White Team substantial points, the major winning scores were delivered by naturalized foreign-born Indonesians and not by the country’s homegrown talents.

Those who viewed the live action via Laser TV’s streaming services, were impressed with how Netherlands born and raised Ragnar Oratmangoen and Jay Idzes both with Indonesian heritage made significant contributions that led to Merah Putih’s domination of the two matches waged against Vietnam.

Still, the majority of Indonesia’s football fans are celebrating, despite criticisms hurled against the national football team’s South Korean coach Shin Tae-Yong, for fielding as many as 10 naturalized soccer players, as it denoted lack of confidence over the local Indonesian football talents. Many contend that the active recruitment of foreign-born Indonesians by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) is a shortcut to training and developing the country’s young football players.

However, many point out that it was only under the South Korean coach that The Red and White exhibited a steady rise to becoming formidable achievers. Shin Tae-Yong was recruited as coach in 2020. Back then, Merah Putih players were brimming with talent, yet past performances show that local [layers have a tendency to buckle down and underperform during critical periods.

At this point, the Indonesian Football Association asserts that the recruitment of naturalized players is only temporary and used as a strategy in improving the country’s world rankings and the perennial underperforming tendencies of local players. Indonesian soccer fans took note that in the second match, emerging homegrown Indonesian football star Ramadhan Sananta played an important role in sealing the victory against Vietnam.

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Netflix Poised to End DVD-by-Mail Service in September 2023

Netflix is about to end its DVD-by-mail service, 25 years after the business model paved the way for its phenomenal success in the cinema entertainment industry. Sadly, the DVD-by-mail service that brought in roughly 20 million subscribers during its peak in 2010, is scheduled to send the final DVD orders come September 29, 2023.

The practice of ordering DVDs has become irrelevant with the present set up and circumstances of modern cinema entertainment. According to Netflix, the DVD-by-mail business demonstrated this last year when it accounted for less than one (1) percent of the streaming giant’s annual revenue.

Netflix to Let Final Subscribers Keep the Discs

Netflix will mark the closing occasion by letting subscribers keep the DVDs and Blurays they will order on or before September 29, without getting charged. The company said so in a X post

”We (Netflix) are not charging for unreturned discs after Sept. 29.”

Subscribers can order up to 10 titles on their final orders before the Sep. 29 D-Day. The streaming company wants its loyal subscribers to enjoy for as long as they want, their final DVD/Blu-ray shipment.

Actually, Netflix has not divulged any information on what it plans to do with its remaining inventory of DVDs Blu-rays.

In a letter, Ted Sarandos, the Netflix chief executive expressed gratitude on behalf of the company, to everyone who used the entertainment company’s DVD-by-mail rental services.

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Fish Culture and Its Impact in Fisheries Across the Globe

Fish in every type of human culture is an ever-living symbol mainly because of their economic importance. In many countries, fish and the act of fishing are ever-present in folklores and mythologies. As mankind developed the ability to explore the deepest parts of the sea and discovered the many different species, they also recognized the value of fish as an inspiring source of beauty.

”The Old Man and the Sea” – A Classic Literature about Fish Culture

In the Ernest Hemmingway novel “The Old Man and the Sea” for which the American author won both the Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes for Literature, the narrative revolves around an aging Cuban fisherman’s passion for fishing and for the respect he had developed for the denizens of the sea. In the story, Santiago the main character had gone out to sea for 84 days without a catch to show every time he returned.

Determined to fight the bad luck that has beset him for months, he set sail on the 85th day determined to catch a giant marlin. Although he was able to do so with a great deal of struggle, Santiago still returned to the fishing village empty-handed. The carcass of the giant marlin that he strapped to the side of his skiff was devoured by sharks when he sailed back home.

Nonetheless, the skeleton of the 18-feet long marlin strapped to Santiago’s boat was enough to gain back the respect of the other fishermen. Although he somehow felt defeated, Santiago did not lose sleep over the experience, as the story ended with Santiago promising his young apprentice that they will fish together.

The plot is simple but it generally depicts how people in communities and even nations as a whole depend on fish and other marine creatures as sources of food, raw materials, ornaments, and recreational pleasure. So much so that overfishing and bycatch had resulted in the depletion, underpopulation, and even extinction of a number of fish species

Underscoring the Importance of Sustainable Fishing

Spanning thousands of years, mankind has imposed a great demand for fish and other creatures living in aquatic environments. Studies conducted by marine researchers revealed that such demand led to the development of technologies that allowed fishing practices to take away as much as 77 billion kilograms of marine life each year.

The findings, therefore, raised concerns that at the rate by which humans consume fish and other aquatic creatures, the collapse of natural fisheries would be imminent.

Economists, environmentalists, and conservationists agree that governments should take a more serious approach in managing fisheries by ensuring that only sustainable fishing practices be employed.

Sustainable Fishing encompasses not only the use of spears but also practices that ensure populations of fish and other aquatic life will continue to thrive in ocean and freshwater habitats.

One example of a sustainable fishing method is by making sure that specific species of fish are harvested during certain times of the year, to allow population growth. Catch and release is another sustainable fishing method but this also comes hand in hand with efforts to rid the aquatic environments of invasive species.

At present, many of us find fishing among the best recreation to reconnect with nature. And as the wilderness society encourage the younger generation to experience the traditional way of fishing, they also educate the youth about the value of sustainable fishing.

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Russian Music Artists Face Cancellations In and Outside Russia

The Russian Media Group (RMG) announced that Russiam music artists criticizing Russia’s Ukraine invasion are banned from radio stations and music TV channels. The artists named in the RMG statement made harsh statements concerning the conflict between the two countries. The pro-government media company explained that their top priority is to respect their Russian audience. The company had no choice but to terminate the contract of artists who show ‘arrogant and contemptuous attitude’ to Russian listeners.

Included in the list are three Russian acts and a few Ukrainian artists, including rock band Aquarium whose lead singer, Boris Grebenshchikov. The latter called the war “madness” in an Instagram post. Grebenshchikov is familiar with political pressure as he described to BBC that half of his life, from the 70s up to the 80s was all under multiple and varying bans.

Russian Music Artists Also Face Cancellations Outside of Russia for Opposite Reason

In New York City on the other hand, Metropolitan Opera and other opera houses declared they would be cutting ties with Russian artists who support president Putin. The artists who were affected by the declaration included opera singer Anna Netrebko who is closely connected to the Russian president.

According to New York Times, Netrebko was photographed with a flag being used by Russian supported separatist groups. Her concert in Aarhus, Denmark for February 25 was cancelled as she was under pressures to publicly denounce and cut connections with Putin.

A few days later, the opera singer and her husband who is also in the same industry, Yusif Eyvazov, released a statement that they also want the war in Ukraine to end; but without mentioning Putin, Netrebko contends it is not right to force public figures to openly express their political opinions and at the same time, condemn their homeland because it is their freedome to choose what to believe.

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Replica of Ghostbusters Ecto-1 Automobile Stolen While on Display in Italy

The replica of the 1984 Ghostbusters Ecto-1 car, has gone missing and believed to have been stolen after it was displayed at the city of Lucca in Italy. Although it was only a replica, it was owned by a French fan named Eric Robin who spent more than ten years to locate and acquire the car and another two years to convert and restore it.

The replica car was actually discovered in his homeland in France, being used as a hearse by three villages before he came to own it. Recently, the car was shipped to Italy as part of a promotional tour of the forthcoming Ghostbuster: Afterlife movie. Fresh from a rust detailing job, the car is considered special as it is one of the few 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor replicas still in good running condition in Europe.

After the unfortunate event, Sony cancelled all schedules that included the car’s appearance, whilst calling on the italian public to immediately get in touch with them if they spot the vehicle. After all, stealing such a peculiar car can be difficult to accomplish without getting noticed. Some are even speculating that Ecto-1’s disappearance is all part of the promotional scheme to draw attention to the Ghostbuster : Afterlife movie slated for theater-showing worldwide on November 18.

About Ghostbusters : Afterlife

Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a threequel to Ghostbusters franchise that is set for theater release on November 18. The original Ghostbuster was a hit because it was filled with special effects that were rare during that time that combined with comedy. Based on the movie’s marketing, it seems like the Ghostbusters: Afterlife is just Ghostbusters III with hints of popular shows like Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Stranger Things.

The director is Ghostbusters (1984) director Ivan Reitman’s first son Jason Reitman. The movie features Mckenna Grace as the granddaughter of science wiz Egon Spengler. The present Spengler family relocated to a small town, but they seemed to have awaken a supernatural force that will lead to events that will turn them into the new breed of Ghostbusters. The film is filled with references to the 1984 movie and maybe even include cameo appearances except from the late Harold Ramis and the reclusive actor Rick Moranis.

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“The Suicide Squad” – Critics Praise Director James Gunn for Superb Execution of Upgrades

Critics at Rotten Tomatoes who reviewed “The Suicide Squad” (2021) say that director James Gunn succeeded in combining action and humor with the right touch of edginess. Other critics say that it is definitely an upgrade from the first Suicide Squad movie released in 2016.

While most viewers had hoped for a newer storyline, the general consensus is that the continuous, fast-paced and violent action scenes and the sprinkling of humor here and there, atone for the lack of plot novelty. Nonetheless, “The Suicide Squad” (2021) is a film independent of the original as it doesn’t verify nor deny the events of the original, regardless of the storyline’s similarity with the 2016 source narrative.

”The Suicide Squad” – Plot Synopsis

“The Suicide Squad” 2021 edition still revolves around the group of incarcerated DC Comics supervillains pressured by the government to join a secret division called Task Force X. In agreeing to become expendable members of the black-ops team tasked to carry out seemingly hopeless missions, they were given a choice of being rewarded with a reduced sentence or be blackmailed to receive a greater degree of punishment Desertion is not an option because a bomb has been implanted on their necks to ensure cooperation, and at the same time keep them in line.

The new version focuses on a dangerous mission in Corto Maltese, a fictional island nation located near the coast of South America, and ruled by an anti-American government. The island harbors an active Nazi-era research facility, running a project called Starfish for the Corto Maltese government.

Wary of what the facility contains, the American government allowed a high-ranking national security official named Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) to send Task Force X on a covert mission to destroy the laboratory facility.

Notable as new addition to “The Squicide Squad” is idris Elba, who was originally tapped to replace Will Smith’s Deadshot character. However, writer-director James Gunn decided to instead add Elba via the supervillain character called Bloodsport, a.k.a. Robert DuBois.

Other supervillains included in the 2021 Task Force X line up include Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), and Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), Weasel (Sean Gunn) and King Shark (Steve Agee but voiced by Sylvester Stallone.)

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Protest Actions vs. HFPA/Golden Globe Step Up

Protest actions against Golden Globe’s Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has picked up steam as big names in the entertainment launch boycott movement.

HFPA represents the group of journalists and photographers who cast votes in deciding who receives the annual Golden Globe recognition as the best in the entertainment industry. However, many have complained for years that the 87-member association has no black journalist in its ranks. It’s also being criticized for ignoring female filmmakers for years.

NBC to Stop Broadcasting Golden Globe Awarding Ceremonies by 2022

Last Monday (May 10), NBC, Golden Globe’s TV broadcaster for years, announced that it has no plans of airing the 2022 Golden Globe awarding ceremonies. Although the HFPA released a statement saying it intends to implement changes, NBC said that if ever the group executes its plans, such changes take time to implement. The earliest that NBC can air the show will be in January 2023.

Netflix, Amazon and Tom Cruise Made Similar Boycott Announcements

During the same week, streaming giants Netflix and Amazon announced that they too will not work with HFPA until meaningful changes have taken place. Tom Cruise immediately followed them up with his own act of protest by returning the three Golden Globe awards he received for Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire and Magnolia.

HFPA Communicate Its Itinerary for the Transformational Changes

Immediately following NBC’s announcement last Monday, the HFPA Board issued its own statement saying that they are making it their priority to institute transformational changes, As show of its commitment, the statement included an itinerary of the actions they will take.

The final plans will be executed in August, which will include accepting the resignation of all existing board members and officers, to make way for the admission of new members and election of a new set of board members, leading to the introduction of a new CEO and CFO.

 

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Follow-Up to “Coming to America” Arrives at Amazon Prime as “Coming 2 America”

“Coming 2 America,” a follow-up to Eddie Murphy’s 1988 “Coming to America” was released by Amazon Prime, a day ahead of its original March 05 schedule. Amazon Studios bought the distribution rights to the movie since Paramount Pictures was unable to release it for showing in theaters, due to the still ongoing pandemic.

Critics’ reviews were a mixed lot but all have showered praises to the film’s Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter for her outstanding work. Working for the second time in creating costumes for the Coming to America franchise, Carter said that in creating for Black royalty, she made it so that it would depict a bit more of real African culture.

As far the film itself is concerned, Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge commented that the sequel is simply a modernised take of the original version; dishing out jokes, punchlines and propositions already used in the 1988 Coming to America movie. New York Times’ A.O. Scott was more subtle with his criticism; presenting a more positive review by mentioning that Coming 2 America is mostly funny without being inoffensive.

Coming 2 America Plot Summary

 

Megged under the direction of Craig Brewer, “Coming 2 America” is a continuation of Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) story and his forthcoming ascendancy as king of Zamunda, a fictional African kingdom that remains free from colonialism. As Prince Akeem’s father, King Jaffe (James Earl Jones) is terminally ill, his dying wish was for the prince to bring home a son he unknowingly sired during his first trip to America.

Prince Akeem didn’t know that the drug-induced tryst he had with one of the American women whom his friend and aide Semmi (Arsenio Hall) set up for him, had produced a son. Arriving in America, Prince Akeem got in touch with his first born and only male offspring, named Lavelle Junson (Jermaine Fowler), a street-smart ticket reseller doing his best to make a decent living.

He and Semmi brought Lavelle, Lavelle’s mother Mary and Uncle Reem to Zamuda, where Lavelle wilt be groomed as the next Crown Prince and successor to King Akeem. The plot thickens once the story unfolds in Zamuda, where General Izzi, the dictator of a neighboring kingdom called Nextdoria, hae been harboring a desire to annex Zamuda to his kingdom.

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Recent Art Findings Concerning Works of Italy’s Leonardo da Vinci

Two recent scholarly findings have surfaced about drawings sketched by Italy’s most famous Renaissance artist and poly-mathematician, Leonardo da Vinci. An Italian scholar believes that a drawing of Jesus included in a private collection in Lecco, is one of Leonardo da Vinci’s works. In a Vienna study, researchers discovered DNA along with microorganisms on a da Vinci drawing.

Italian Scholar Attributes a Drawing of Jesus to Leonardo da Vinci

A drawing of Jesus, kept in a private collection for years was identified by Annalisa Di Maria as a work of da Vinci. Ms. DI Maria who works at the Florence division of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Centre made the discovery in connection with a request for attribution concerning a drawing sketched in red chalk, presented by the Lecco art collector.

In an interview by the Italian daily newspaper La Stampa, Ms. Di Maria said that the Jesus image sketched in red chalk is a genuine representation of da Vinci’s artistic language. However, her attribution work is still ongoing as she has yet to establish the date the artwork was created by da Vinci.

Additionally, Ms. Di Maria told La Stampa that she does not believe the “Salvator Mundi” sold by Christie’s in 2017 for $450.3 million is a da Vinci work at all. Mainly because it reflects a different look from all other artworks created by the famous Renaissance master.

Still not all experts agree with the UNESCO scholar’s claim. Martin Kemp, an art historian who has dedicated most of his life studying the life of da Vinci told the Telegraph that he needed to see the drawing for himself. That way, he can assess whether the method used matches that of da Vinci’s left-handed manner of sketching.

DNA and Other Microorganisms were Found on Leonardo da Vinci’s Artworks

Latest research discovered human DNA, bacteria, and fungi on a few of Leonardo da Vinci’s notable artworks such as Uomo della Bitta and Autoritratto. According to El País, a Spanish newspaper, some of these may have been on the drawings while it was being created during the Renaissance period.

Various art restorers, microbiologists, historians, and others have teamed up in recognizing the particles existing in da Vinci’s drawings. The drawings contain a huge amount of genetic material known in the art world as a bio-archive.

Guadalupe Piñar, one of the microbiologists who spoke to the newspaper said they found traces of virus associated to pneumonia, and microorganisms that reside in intestines, as well as bacteria that inhabit human epidermis.

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Multisensory Met :The Development of Multisensory Art Exhibits

In 2015, The Met collaborated with Multimedia Lab to explore ways museums can make the exhibits accessible to partially sighted and blind visitors.

Ezgi Ucar, a former Intern at MediaLab, Digital Media, shared the design ideas the Met approved for its Access Programs and Community Programs dubbed as The Multisensory Met. The goal was to widen the range of museum audience by including people with impaired senses or disability, regardless of age and background.

In The Met 150, Ezgi Ucar wrote descriptions of the suite of products that made some of Met’s collection accessible to everyone regardless of sensory and physical impairments.

Some Examples of Multisensory Arts That Formed Part of The Multisensory Met Experience

Multisensory Sculptures

Much too often, museum visitors experience the urge to touch or smell and even taste some of the objects displayed at a museum. Of particular interests are the beautiful sculptures in the African, American and Oceanic galleries, mainly because the indigenous artists who created the fascinating sculptures used different materials: wood, metal, shell or resin.

In addition, as the figurines were mostly found in burial sides, the sculptures contained dirt and clay from the burial ground and/or from riversides, as well as hammers, blades and similar hardware.

Ezgi Ucar replicated versions of certain figurines using the materials used and added to the sculpture, which visitors are allowed to touch, smell or taste. When touched, Ezgi’s replica statue will produce a buzz sound to indicate ongoing interaction.

Sound Paintings

Here, Ezgi used reproductions of some of The Met’s collection of paintings like Jean Monet’s “Hobby Horse,’ Ezgi transformed the reproductions into sound-sensitive art objects by attaching sound switches. The switch plates were cut into shapes based on the form of the major elements of the painting. When someone touches a particular element, ambient sound related to the element of painting is produced. As with “Hobby Horse,” the ambient sound for the elements include a child talking, the sound of rolling carriage wheels and of a neighing horse.

Scratch-and-Sniff Paintings

Using powdered scents, incense, and spices, Ezgi stamped the fragrances on different photos that form part of a painting. She took inspiration from the scratch-and-sniff stickers and used the same method that will allow visitors to scratch and sniff some of the photographed parts of the painting.

An example is the “Garden at Sainte-Adresse” by Claude Monet, on which Ezgi stamped floral, spicy cocoa and salt-water scents.

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Celebrities Coming Out, Giving Support to Black Lives Matter Movement

A nationwide call for change has been sweeping across all 50 states of America. Spurred by a policeman’s blatant killing of George Floyd in broad daylight and in public view. The height of police brutality has reached its limit that citizens of all color, race, religion, social and political standing are one in calling for reforms to end all injustices against people of color.

Many well known personalities, musicians and Hollywood actors left the comfort of their plush home to join the Black Lives Matter protesters. They did so not for purposes of publicity as many tried to remain incognito, lest they draw unnecessary attention. Still, they shared their exoeriences to fans via Instagram.

Some others have donated money to foundations that have been intervening on behalf of protesters who were arrested. To date, an outpouring of financial donations are available to use as bail money and/ or go back to continue supporting the George Floyd/Black Lives Matter peaceful rallies.

Some of the accounts to which donations go to include the Peoples City Council Freedom Fund, the Minnesota Freedom Fund, and the Louisville Community Bail Fund, Mivement 4 Black Lives, The Bail Project and the National Lawyers Guild.

Celebrities Who Actually Joined the Peaceful Demonstrations

Among Hollywood personalities who were firsts to join the protest marches organized in Los Angeles is Kristen Stewart and real-life partner Dylan Meyer.

Ariana Grande also came out to join demonstrators in Beverly Hills, although somewhat disappointed that the media preferred to cover the looting incidents in Santa Monica.

On Friday, Jamie Foxx showed up in the streets of Minneapolis to join black community leaders and the crowd of protesters, but begged not to be interviewed as he was quoted as saying that he is not there as a celebrity.

The Masked Singer host, Nick Cannon also joined the protest in Minneapolis, wearing a shirt carrying George Floyd’s last words “Please I can’t breathe,”

Over the weekend, Tessa Thompson joined and documented the take-a-knee demonstrations in Los Angeles, but which she reported to have escalated when members of the LAPD arrived.

John Boyega led the Black Lives Matter rally in Hyde Park, London saying he does not mind if he will still have a career.

 

John Cusack’s protest experience in Chicago included a violent encounter with policemen, who came at him with batons, and hit his bike to stop him from taking videos of a burning car.

Kevin Hart, Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris showed support to the movement at George Floyd’s memorial.

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Techniques Behind Awesome Car Scenes

Movie car scenes, particularly high speed chases, can make our heart pump with excitement because they look so dangerously real and terrifying. What could be the techniques used by filmmakers when creating spectacular action scenes inside moving cars?

 

Not a few of those involved in filming car scenes say that those are among the most difficult and expensive shots of modern action movies. There was a time when actors merely acted everything out, from driving the car to making viewers believe they are being chased at breakneck speed. Yet that was a long time ago, when a technique called chroma keying or chroma key compositing was the only and safest method to use in shooting footage of car scenes.

Overview of the Chroma Key Compositing Method

Chroma key compositing is actually a method used in creating visual effects, mostly as part of the post production processes. This technique is widely harnessed not only in movie making but in other fields as well, such as in video game development and in newscasting. Two images or video streams are fused together, by laying one on top of the other.

Earlier chroma key compositing methods entailed removing the background of one image or video clip, whilst using the other image or video as new background. The contemporary version of this approach, made the compositing or layering process easier by shooting or filming an actor or subject against a “green or blue screen.”

Post production technicians will then insert the desired background image or footage, as backdrop of the foreground actor or object in ways that will allow the green or blue screen to become transparent. The chroma keying process will then make it appear that the footage of the actor or object was filmed in a setting or location deemed appropriate for a particular scene.

In more ambitious film projects and in the most successful ones like the “Fast and the Furious” film franchise, other techniques using camera mounts and process trailers are the key elements for creating riveting car scenes with maximum reality.

A Brief Glimpse at How “Fast and the Furious” Movies were Made to Look Superbly Realistic

A film-making technique that can create realistic scenes on a different level, is one in which actors are actually riding in a stationary car, while acting in real time background. As an actor is made to appear as if he or she is actually driving a car, the filming process requires the use of a process trailer.

What is a Process Trailer

A process trailer is a trailer used as a low platform on which to load a vehicle where an actor or his/her stunt double, acts out a scene inside a non-moving car. The stationary car will still appear as a moving vehicle in the filmed footage because a tracking trailer tows the low platform on which the car is positioned. At the same time, the tracking trailer also serves as a moving camera platform, where the camera men take positions in front, on both sides, and on top of the towing vehicle.

The production team of the “The Fast and the Furious” franchise films takes pride in sharing that they also used a fleet of real cars to make every difficult car scene incredibly realistic. Dennis McCarthy, the lead car coordinator for four of the “Fast and Furious” series, said they actually purchased cars to partially or fully destroy.

As part of the filming processes, McCarthy’s crew built identical copies as backup vehicles to use, after one has been totally wrecked or damaged intentionally for a film segment. He also let out the secret that when it comes to buying junk cars, they usually have to meticulously comb classified ads.

They were able to track down cars in models and make that they were looking for, in the Mojave desert. Each piece cost them at least $7,000 plus cost of towing service san jose, because most of the cars they bought were actually “90 percent garbage.”

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“Parasite’s” Theater and Streaming Performances, a Blow to Netflix’s Big-Budgeted Efforts to Win Awards

Bong Joon-ho’s multi-awarded “Parasite” made a killing at the box office after the South Korean film achieved a historic win in this year’s 92nd Film Academy Awards. The film also won the 92nd Film Academy Awards for “Best Director” (Bong Joon-ho), “Best Original Screenplay” (Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won) and “”Best International Feature.”

“Parasite” Performances Render Netflix’s Stance Against Hollywood’s Award Rules, Contentious

The Oscar award for best film and the stellar post-Oscar box-office performance comes as a blow to Netflix; making the streaming giant’s refusal to abide by the 90-day screening rule contentious. Despite “Parasite’s” availability for on-demand digital streaming at Amazon TV Prime and Apple’s iTunes, it did not stop moviegoers from flocking to theaters to find out why the non-English and foreign-produced movie is highly-acclaimed.

In the same week, Amazon TV Prime’s sales charts for their on-demand offer of digital streaming for “Parasite,’ as well as by way of DVD and Blu-Ray media, saw the film rising at the top.

Apparently, “Parasite” reflects the public’s enthusiasm and demand for high quality films regardless of how they want to view it; whether at theaters or in the privacy and comfort of their homes; or even both.

Netflix had previously stated that the company’s goal to win prestigious awards is not geared toward making a killing at the box office. The company is more interested in achieving subscription growth by providing quality content as soon as possible.

“Parasite” proved that even if a movie is available via streaming services, there is still a large population of viewers who find the cinema-screening experience quite enjoyable.

Neon, the New York-based American film distributor that acquired the rights to release “Parasite” in North America, from the 2018 American Film Market, is currently poised to expand the film’s showing in more than 2,000 locations across the U.S. As of this writing, “Parasite” has raked in as much as $44.3 million from the tills of North American theaters alone.

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Netflix Revolutionizes the Way Movie Buffs Can Get to Watch Quality Films

Netflix has changed the way quality movies will be released; all to the delight of movie buffs and casual moviegoers as well. The streaming giant has been drawing a lot of attention for releasing quality films that feature A-! Hollywood actors, which essentially, can earn nominations for Academy Awards; The only reason, keeping the Netflix films from qualifying as Oscar contenders, is that that they have not been shown for viewing at theaters.

However, rather than be bothered by some 90-day exclusivity contract imposed by cinema operators, Netflix is said to be shopping for cinemas to buy. That way the streaming company can release its movies on its own terms. That is, by running it in theaters, and then releasing films via its streaming platform soon enough, for the benefit of Netflix subscribers.

Netflix Vies for the Oscars via “The Irishman”

Although it is yet to be reported that Netflix has acquired its own cinemas, the streaming giant was able to book for cinema screening its newest completed project, the $159 million “The Irishman” directed by Martin Scorsese.

After a successful debut in last month’s “New York Film Festival; whilst beating the deadline for submission to the 92th Academy Awards, ”The Irishman” started screening in Hollywood at the American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre and in Manhattan’s Belasco Theater, last November 01, 2019.

The film’s showing at the Belasco Theater at West 44th Street has “The Irishman” title flashing in bright lights like a typical Broadway show. It will run at eight (8) shows per week from Tuesdays to Sundays up to December 01, at a ticket price of $15.

The Egyptian Theater owned by American Cinematheque, which could very well become the first moviehouse owned by Netflix, will run the 209-minute crime drama up to November 14, 2019.

On November 27, 2019, the streaming giant’s 158 million subscribers will be able to watch “The Irishman” right in the comfort of their own home.

The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) Expresses Disappointment Over Netflix’s Release Strategy

John Fithian, president of NATO calls Netflix’s release of a film handled by a major director, a disappointment and a disgrace. According to Fithian, it is a disgrace because the streaming company is letting go of “significant money on the table,” by releasing “The Irishman” on a short window. He also said that it is a very big disappointment because a Martin Scorsese film will be playing at only one-tenth of the screens on which it should have played.

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“Joker” Draws Positive Reactions on How Phillips and Phoenix Made a DC Dark Movie Appealing

“Joker” is Warner Bros. Pictures’ first venture into the DC Dark Movie concept and has received an 8-minute standing ovations after the movie’s August 31 premiere showing at the Venice Film Festival..The applause was directed at the excellent work achieved by director Todd Phillips and actor Joaquin Phoenix.

Nearly everyone was taken by surprise at how a DC comic book character can be a plausible subject of a film study that could leave adult film viewers feeling disturbed; realizing that such a character as Arthur Fleck may actually exist today.

The “Joker” in this movie is actually not part of the DC Extended Universe, but a character in an original tale spun by Director Phillips, based but not exactly lifted from Batman’s iconic archnemesis Joker. Dark, disturbing and sinister is how critics described the movie, aptly rated R for Restricted. The rating means viewers under 17 years old should be accompanied by a parent or guardian to see this film.

Yet the very darkness of the story and of Phillip’s Joker character provided the material that made the sterling performance of Joaquin Phoenix stand out and shine. In fact many raved that his acting is deserving of an Oscar award. Never mind if Heath Ledger’s multi award-winning portrayal of Joker had raised the bar, even if Ledger’s Joker character is the comic book criminal who exists in the DC Universe of superheroes.

Joaquin Phoenix made his own mark, in portraying the mentally unbalanced Arthur Fleck leading to Fleck’s transformation and eventual unhinging as the deranged Clown of Crime in a world not far away.

Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker Could Tap a Disturbing Feelingf

Joaquin Phoenix himself underwent physical transformation in order to effectively portray an Arthur Fleck type of character. He lost weight to whittle down his physique into a lanky geek filled with so much unhappiness and rage at how the world is treating him. As Arthur Fleck, his nearly emaciated ribs and shoulders protrude in trying to control his emotions of gloom and despair; struggling in a world that he used to imagine as one that would bring him happiness.

Yet you will be mesmerized at how Phoenix’s Arthur finally releases his rage. He unravels a monstrous criminal smeared with make up, topped by a mop of greasy green hair while wearing a contrasting stark orange and rust-colored suit.

As one witnesses the transition, it may leave a disturbing feeling of wondering if somehow, somewhere or at some point, one may have contributed to the unhinging of someone like Arthur Fleck.

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Current List and Ranking of Movies that Unraveled the MCU Infinity Saga

Over the years, watching one Avengers movie after another, makes you want to find out how the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Earth-199999 concept started. The bright idea cooked up by the people at Marvel Comics and Marvel Studios was to feature the lesser known Marvel superheroes occuring in the same universe within the multiverse system of the Marvel Comics Infinity storyline.

The MCU concept launched with Iron Man in 2008, and because it was a stellar hit, 22 more films followed. Delivered in three phases and via a series of films, you can find an all time list below, along with how they rank at Rotten Tomatoes based on viewer reviews. Currently, Black Panther remains as the top favorite, while Thor: The Dark World (2013) has been consistently appearing at the bottom of the list.

So if you are reading this because you have plans of going back to when and where the Avengers Infinity Saga started, you might as well do it now. The great news is that the saga continues, as eight more Marvel installments are already in the planning and development stages.

List and Ranking of Movies that Unfolded the MCU Infinity Saga Through the Years

 

1. Iron Man (2008) – Ranked No 3
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2. The Incredible Hulk (2008) – Ranked No. 22

3. Iron Man 2 (2010) – Ranked No. 21

4. Thor (2011) – Ranked No. 19

5. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) – Ranked No, 16

6. The Avengers (2012 )- Ranked No. 6

Phase Two

 

7. Iron Man 3 (2013 – Ranked No. 17

8. Thor: The Dark World (2013) – Ranked No. 23

9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) – Ranked No. 10

10. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – Ranked No. 9

11. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) – Ranked No. 20

12. Ant-Man (2015) – Ranked No. 15

Phase Three

 

13. Captain America: Civil War (2016) – Ranked No. 8

14. Doctor Strange (2016) – Ranked No. 11

15. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) – Ranked No, 14

16. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) – Ranked No. 5

17. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – Ranked No. 4

18. Black Panther (2018) – Ranked Number 1

19. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – Ranked No. 13

20. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) – Ranked No. 12

21. Captain Marvel (2019) – Ranked 18

22. Avengers: Endgame (2019)- Ranked No. 2

23. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) – Ranked No. 7
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Spider-Man: Far from Home – After Endgame, Earth’s and Spidey’s Troubles are Far from Over

Don’t take the title as a spoiler, because Spider-Man: Far from Home is another sequel to the Avengers franchise, with mid and end credits scenes suggesting that more sequels will follow. As an aftermath of the Endgame episode, this film was able to assert its own qualities as an enjoyable and exciting movie, unaffected by how Avengers Infinity War and Endgame raised the bar as far as superhero action flicks are concerned.

Tom Holland’s Peter Parker Characterization is Still the Best

Tom Holland proves again that he is a better Peter Parker than Toby Maguire and Andrew Garfield . Holland exudes the right blend of a secretly grieving and confused teenager portrayal, without projecting a sense of losing purpose in life.

A bit nerdy and but not a naive teenager who foregoes the chance of getting a call from S.H.I.E.L.D. — preferring instead to join the Europe field trip organized by his school. As if he has not been somewhere else more exciting when assuming his superhero persona.

Yet that is exactly what makes Tom Holland’s Spider-Man characterization more adorable than that of Toby Maguire’s Peter Parker who projects a sense of depression for not knowing what he wants in life.

Jake Gyllenhaal. Still Capable of Confusing People if His Character is Good or Bad

Another great role characterization is from Jake Gyllenhaal. Although it has been no secret that Gyllenhaal will be taking on the anti-hero role, the actor played his Quentin Beck / Mysterio roles with his usual flare for mixing good and bad vibes that would make situations complicated. In the Spider-Man movie, he could make a viewer wish the anti-hero stance will still be reversed. After, all even Peter Parker was so taken with Gyllenhaal’s Beck, he thought the man was the perfect hero figure who can replace Tony Stark.

Overall Impression After Watching the Movie

Spider-Man: Far from Home, with all its funny sides, is still serious about power that comes with great responsibility, and of having the courage and confidence to face one’s destiny.

Special effects and CGI are stunning, but take precautions if you are bringing along younger viewers. The violent scenes are so brilliantly delivered via 3D, the intensity of the scenes and special effects make them seem too real for young minds to handle. Still, there are amusing scenes to help kids recover from awry things that have been happening on Earth and to Peter Parker.

Violent scenes transpire as video game-like, which is a bit dizzying but probably unnoticeable for teeangers who are familiar with that kind of presentation. Anyway, film director Jon Watts was careful enough not to overdo them. Screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers deserve praise for writing a plot and a set of dialogues that can hold the audience’s attention throughout the length of the movie.

Spider-Man: Far from Home is definitely a great and enjoyable follow-through for the Avengers’ saga. .

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Walt Disney Pictures and Guy Ritchie’s Remake of 1992 Aladdin Animation to Hit Silver Screens Soon

Walt Disney Picture’s remake of the hit 1992 Aladdin musical animation, into a live-action fantasy musical will soon be released. UK cinemas are set to roll out the movie on May 22, 2019, followed by U.S. movie houses on May 24, 2019.

Using the same story line about a young riff raff’s adventure and romance with a beautiful princess, whilst also featuring the blue-colored Genie coming out of the mystical magic lamp, audience will enjoy yet another enthralling version of a popular “One Thousand and One Nights” folktale.

 

Guy Ritchie who is at the helm as director and co-screenplay writer to John August, added a new character, not at all included in the 1992 Aladdin animation.

Cast of Main Characters Comprising the 2019 Aladdin Live-Action Musical

Young Canadian actor Mena Massoud tackled the Aladdin title role, who despite his 27 years of age, was able to convincingly portray an 18-year old vagabond roaming the streets of the port city Agrabah. Captivated by the beauty of strong-willed Prince Jasmine, portrayed by Naomi Scott, the two makes a perfect pair despite the difference in their stature.

Will Smith took on the more challenging task of portraying the iconic Genie role previously handled with much aplomb by the late Robin Williams. Smith’s fans are bit bedazzled by his blue-all-over appearance, part of the daunting task of making his Genie character similar yet different from the much-loved Genie animation projected in the 1992 Aladdin movie.

Still, Will Smith commented that the idea of taking on a role made iconic by Robin Williams, was terrifying, saying

“Robin didn’t leave a lot of meat on the bone with the character.”

The 2019 Aladdin movie will also be bringing back the Sultan of Agrabah, the fiendish Jaffar and a host of supporting characters including Aladdin’s pet monkey bu and Jafar’s wisecracking parrot, Iago.

Aladdin 2019 Musical Scoring

The remake’s musical scoring was entrusted to no less than Alan Mencken, genius composer of the score for the original Aladdin movie.

 

Stil, the duo behind the hit musicals “La La Land” and The Greatest Showman,” Benj Pasek and Justin Paul was around to work with Mencken in producing additional songs and in rearranging the original scoring for the live-action musical.

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