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☆ Democrats renew push for national paid family and medical leave program
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-03 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Had a federal paid leave policy been in place, many of those women may have been able to stay employed, she said. "Imagine if, during the pandemic, we had had a national paid leave program," Gillibrand said. The Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act, or FAMILY Act, was reintroduced by lawmakers including Gillibrand and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., with the goal of creating the first paid national family and medical leave program. "It is a reasonable, pragmatic way to get to paid family leave," Duckworth, who is a co-sponsor of the bill, told CNBC.com in an interview. The Education Support Professionals Family Leave Act would provide education support workers such as school bus drivers with unpaid leave under FMLA.

☆ Diaries, ex-husbands, and mowing the lawn in high-heel boots: Inside the making of Netflix's Pamela Anderson documentary, 'Pamela, a Love Story'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-28 | by ( Jason Guerrasio | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Pamela Anderson. The legal pads and crates of diaries found near the VHS tapes would become the foundation for White's Pamela Anderson documentary. Pamela Anderson in "Pamela, a Love Story." Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. "The Pamela Anderson I know is very different from the Pamela Anderson in the show," White said.

☆ Elvis Presley's address book, other items up for auction
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Alicia Powell | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Jan 26 (Reuters) - Personal items once owned by Elvis Presley are expected to fetch big bucks when they come up for auction this week. The nearly 40 lots from Presley include a jacket designed by the man behind his famous jumpsuit and cape, a well-loved briefcase, and an address book filled with his handwriting, expected to bring in over $10,000. The address book featured "the people that he really was closest with and connected the most with," said Kruse GWS auctions founder and lead auctioneer Brigitte Kruse. "We actually have some of his personal notes (in the book), which we're going to leave as a surprise for the winning bidder." Also included in the "Artifacts of Hollywood & Music" sale on Jan. 28 are items from Marilyn Monroe and Liza Minnelli - plus Rock Hudson's dog's Christmas stocking.

The film won nominations for best picture, best director and its stars Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan won nods for best performance by an actress and actor in a leading role. The nominations were announced by Allison Williams and Riz Ahmed on Tuesday morning at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Voting for the nominations concluded Jan. 17, and 9,579 members of the academy were eligible to vote, according to Variety. Neither women of color made it to the list for best leading actress. The Oscar nominations come just weeks after the Golden Globes returned to the airwaves.

Ana de Armas garnered an Academy Award nomination for best actress in a leading role for her performance as Marilyn Monroe in Netflix's "Blonde" — amid controversy over the movie. De Armas, 34, was nominated for the Oscar a day after “Blonde” got eight Razzie Award nominations, including worst picture and screenplay, further underscoring how polarizing the film has been. This is the Cuban-born actor's first Oscar nomination. Her performance in the movie also earned de Armas her second Golden Globe nomination last year. “Argentina, 1985” won a Golden Globe last month for best non-English language motion picture.

☆ Box office hits 'Everything Everywhere,' 'Elvis' and 'Avatar' land Oscar nominations
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Lisa Richwine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

"Everything Everywhere," a science-fiction flick about an exasperated Chinese immigrant struggling to finish her taxes, landed 11 nominations, including best picture and four acting nods. Other films in the hunt for the top trophy at the Academy Awards included sequel "Avatar: The Way of Water," James Cameron's visual spectacle that currently ranks as the sixth-highest grossing movie of all time. Last year's Academy Awards ceremony, when Will Smith slapped presenter Chris Rock before winning best actor, drew about 15.4 million TV viewers, the second-smallest audience ever. Apple TV+ (AAPL.O) nabbed best picture last year for heartwarming drama "CODA." This time, Disney received the most nominations, a total of 22, for movies including "Avatar," "Banshees" and animated "Turning Red."

☆ Netflix movie ‘Blonde’ roasted with eight Razzie nominations
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Danielle Broadway | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Cast member Tom Hanks poses as he arrives at the London screening of 'Elvis' in London, Britain May 31, 2022. REUTERS/Maja SmiejkowskaLOS ANGELES, Jan 23 (Reuters) - “Blonde,” a biographical film that explores the exploitation of Marilyn Monroe, led this year's Razzie nominations with eight nods, including one for worst picture, while multiple Oscar winner Tom Hanks landed in the worst actor and worst supporting actor race. In their 43rd year, the Razzies deliver some tough love to movies, screenplays, directors and more with critical jabs meant to offer a humorous counterpoint to the Oscars. "Blonde" received a Razzie nomination for worst picture, two nominations for worst supporting actors, two for worst screen couples, as well as nods for worst remake, worst director and worst screenplay. Director Andrew Dominik and Netflix already have faced harsh judgment for what critics called a sexist and cruel depiction of Monroe, who was portrayed by Ana De Armas.

☆ Kim Kardashian buys Princess Diana’s amethyst and diamond cross for $197,453
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Liz Calvario | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Kim Kardashian is now the owner of one of Princess Diana’s precious jewels. The “Kardashians” star bought the Princess of Wales’ amethyst and diamond Attallah Cross for $197,453, Sotheby’s London announced on Jan. 18. The piece was worn by Diana on Oct. 27, 1987, when she attended a charity gala in London. Diana, Princess Of Wales, arrives at a charity gala wearing a gold and amethyst crucifix in 1987. Diana’s famous sapphire engagement ring, which now belongs to the new Princess of Wales, the former Kate Middleton, was also designed by Garrard.

☆ Baltimore man who stood trial 4 times in killing is freed after charges are dismissed
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-14 | by ( Minyvonne Burke | Minyvonne Burke Is A Senior Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

Baltimore, Maryland's newly elected top prosecutor dismissed all charges against a Black man who stood trial four times in a 2015 killing despite his repeated claims that he was innocent and set up by police. Keith Davis Jr. walked free Friday after Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates announced his decision. Keith Davis Jr. hugs supporter Peggy Amaker as he arrives at a gathering following his release from custody in Baltimore on Jan. 13, 2023. Supporters of Davis said he was "cornered by police in a West Baltimore garage" and shot at 44 times, according to the website Free Keith Davis Jr. The website denied Davis' involvement in the killing and said the gun police claimed he used "was never fired."

It was also nominated for best TV musical or comedy TV series. Gomez, 30, was nominated for her performance as Mabel Mora in Hulu's true crime satire “Only Murders in the Building." The show was also nominated for best musical or comedy TV series. Also joining the club of first-time Latino Golden Globe nominees are Aubrey Plaza, Diego Calva and Diego Luna. Two other young Latinas, Anya Taylor-Joy and Ana de Armas, landed best performance nominations for their leading movie roles.

☆ Final farewell: From Sidney Poitier to Pope Emeritus Benedict a look back at the influential figures who died in 2022
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-01 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +55 min

Other world leaders who died in 2022 include former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who died in August. The final days of 2022 saw the loss of some exceptionally notable figures, including Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Here is a roll call of some influential figures who died in 2022 (cause of death cited for younger people, if available):___JANUARY___Dan Reeves, 77. A Cuban-born artist whose radiant color palette and geometric paintings were overlooked for decades before the art world took notice. A prolific character actor best known for playing villains and tough guys in “The Manchurian Candidate,” “Ocean’s Eleven” and other films.

☆ 6 Uber and Lyft drivers share their wildest holiday work tales, from drunk passengers to extreme tips
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Jenny Powers | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Christmas can be a busy season for Uber and Lyft drivers taking passengers to their families' homes. Shelly Castle, 43, a Lyft driver in Houston, Texas: 'They wound up inviting me in and treating me to breakfast'Shelly Castle. Jonathan Gaurano, 29, an Uber driver in Los Angeles, California: 'I hatched a plan and set out to create an epic compilation video'Jonathan Gaurano. While this wasn't the first video I'd created incorporating Uber passengers, it was certainly my most popular. Bunny Rivera, 35, an Uber driver in Washington, DC: 'They refused to not give up and began chanting'Bunny Rivera and her son.

☆ Brad Pitt sells 60% of his Plan B production company to French media conglomerate Mediawan, sources say
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Brad Pitt is selling 60% of his production company, Plan B Entertainment, to French media conglomerate Mediawan in a deal that's set to be announced this weekend, according to people familiar with the matter. Neither Plan B nor Mediawan responded to requests for comment. For TV, Plan B's productions have included HBO's 2014 adaptation of "The Normal Heart," directed by Ryan Murphy, and Amazon Prime Video's 2021 miniseries "The Underground Railroad." Candle Media also acquired a minority stake in Westbrook Inc. — the production company founded by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith – earlier this year. The boutique investment bank Moelis led the sale for Plan B.

Harry also recalled explaining that “the difference here is the race element.”In the end, the series offers no massive revelations or bombshells yet. That wasn’t addressed in this first volume from Netflix, so any bombshells the palace fears may still be yet to come. WATCHThe much-anticipated docuseries “Harry & Meghan” offers an intimate look at the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Video Ad Feedback Reporter breaks down what's in the 'Harry & Meghan' Netflix series so far 03:06 - Source: CNNKEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE SUSSEX DOCThe series included photos of the Sussexes in both public and private moments. WHO IS LIZ GARBUS, THE DIRECTOR HARRY AND MEGHAN ENTRUSTED WITH THEIR SERIES?

☆ Andy Warhol's portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II has set an auction record, selling for almost $900,000
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Britney Toh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Andy Warhol's 1985 portrait of Queen Elizabeth II sold for almost $900,000, per Canadian auction house Heffel . The portrait of the Queen shattered global records of an editioned Warhol print ever auctioned. Embellished with diamond dust, the print is part of Warhol's 1985 Reigning Queen series. The print is one of four in Warhol's 1985 Reigning Queen series, per The Art Newspaper. This particular print features a portrait of the Queen donning the diamond and pearl Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara, juxtaposed against a striking regal blue background.

☆ Freddie Roman, Catskills comedy scene staple and former Friars Club dean, dies at 85
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Comedian Freddie Roman, the former dean of The Friars Club and a staple of the Catskills comedy scene, has died. Roman died Saturday afternoon at Bethesda Hospital in Boynton Beach, Florida, his booking agent and friend Alison Chaplin said Sunday. His uncle and grandfather owned the Crystal Spring Hotel in the Catskills, where Roman started emceeing at age 15. In “Catskills on Broadway,” Roman commented about everything from his childhood in Queens to his “retirement life” in Florida. He was also made Dean of the New York City Friars Club, where he mentored many aspiring comedians and infused the private club with young talent.

☆ I'm a full-time Airbnb host in the Las Vegas desert. Here's how my husband and I set up a 6-property business we love without knowing anything about Airbnb.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Jamie Killin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Sandi Croft and her husband own tiny homes, teepees, and a wagon that they rent out on Airbnb. Croft enjoys offering these unique living experiences on the Sandy Valley Ranch in Nevada. We now mange six Airbnbs on Sandy Valley Ranch in Nevada. He loved doing that, so he told me he wanted to build a tiny house. After building that second tiny house on HGTV, we put it on Airbnb.

☆ ‘Arthur Miller’ Review: Only Truth for Sale
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Willard Spiegelman | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

Growing up in Philadelphia, I had from childhood heard the story about the pre-Broadway opening of “Death of a Salesman” in 1949. The playwright, the 33-year old Arthur Miller, at first didn’t know what to think. A biography is a “life” that re-creates a life. Any individual existence moves forward, but the written version must be assembled retrospectively, from a distance, with whatever wisdom hindsight can provide. His book “Arthur Miller: American Witness” begins with the triumph of “Salesman” before traveling back to the playwright’s Depression-era youth.

☆ I took a luxurious trip on 'the most famous train in the world' that once carried Marilyn Monroe and Walt Disney — see inside
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Along with a few other lucky travelers, I nabbed a seat on the sold-out excursion and was transported back in time to the golden age of travel — when it was a social occasion and not just a way to get from point A to point B. The view from Amtrak's new "Metropolitan Lounge" at Pennsylvania Station's Moynihan Train Hall. Hannah Towey / Insider

☆ Factbox: How Wall St and billionaires have donated to U.S. elections
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( John Mccrank | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Prior to the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United ruling, which struck down limits on political contributions by corporations or unions, political contributions of billionaires made up around 3% of overall political contributions, she said. Griffin said in a statement: "I hope that my political engagement will help to protect the American Dream. * Crypto-billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried of FTX was the sixth-largest donor, at $39.8 million with the vast majority going to help Democrats. * Elliott Management founder Paul Singer spent $19.7 million to support Republicans, making him the 15th-largest donor. * Renaissance Technologies founder Jim Simons, together with Marilyn Simons, were the 20th-largest donors, spending nearly $16 million to help Democrats.

Rep. Michelle Steel is running against Democrat Jay Chen in California's 45th Congressional District. The 45th District is home to Little Saigon, which contains the largest Vietnamese population in the nation. 2022 General EmbedsCalifornia's 45th Congressional District CandidatesSteel sits on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Education and Labor. Voting history for California's 45th Congressional DistrictCalifornia's 45th Congressional District straddles Los Angeles County and Orange County — the third largest in the state — and includes Little Saigon, home to the largest Vietnamese population in the United States. The pro-Republican Congressional Leadership Fund has alone accounted for more than half of that spending, with the National Republican Congressional Committee accounting for much of the rest.

☆ Permanent Daylight Saving Time will hurt our health, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-06 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

We’ll move them forward (again) next spring when governments put daylight saving back in place. Not according to the United States Senate, which in March passed the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021 – if it becomes law, Daylight Saving Time will be permanent. Our bodies need the early morning light to set our internal body clock, experts say. When President Richard Nixon signed a permanent Daylight Saving Time into law in January 1974, it was a popular move. “The United States has tried permanent daylight saving time twice before and ended it early.

☆ Republican Rep. Young Kim faces off against Democrat Asif Mahmood in California's 40th Congressional District election
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-05 | by ( Hanna Kang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Rep. Young Kim is running against Democrat Asif Mahmood in California's 40th Congressional District. The 40th District is an affluent, suburban district anchored in Orange County. CA-13CA-22CA-27CA-41CA-45CA-09CA-47CA-49 HouseRepublican Rep. Young Kim is vying for a second term against Democrat Asif Mahmood in California's 40th Congressional District. California's 40th Congressional District candidatesKim, a freshman representative, sits on the House Committees on Foreign Affairs, Science, Space and Technology, and Small Business. Voting history for California's 40th Congressional DistrictCalifornia's 40th Congressional District is an affluent, suburban district anchored in Orange County.

☆ ‘Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me’ Review: A Pop Star’s Survival Song
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-04 | by ( John Anderson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

The ironies abound in “ Selena Gomez : My Mind & Me,” a documentary about the child star turned pop idol and writer-performer of the self-care anthem. “Who says you’re not worth it?” Were she asking herself, the answer would be “Selena Gomez.” She is startlingly candid about her physical and mental health and the rigors of celebrity itself. But for all the media scrutiny and TMZ-style reportage that plague her, had Ms. Gomez lived in another era—say, that of Marilyn Monroe —her crippling self-doubt, insecurities and depression might have been suffered in private, or been covered up, and tragedy might have ensued. Early on we get an avalanche of highly stylized, black-and-white concert footage, which is exhilarating stuff. But it also makes one realize that with an ample trove of chaotic images and sound—plus some expert editing—you could fashion a horror-thriller sequence about anybody and anything.

Eastern Canada, with its strong electricity-generating winds and short shipping distance, is a prime potential source for green hydrogen. Most hydrogen output uses natural gas or coal, called gray hydrogen, but companies want to produce green hydrogen without emissions by separating hydrogen from oxygen in water using wind-powered electrolyzers. Green hydrogen is typically more expensive, but soaring natural gas prices have elevated gray hydrogen production costs above those of green hydrogen, according to an October report. GERMANY-CANADA HYDROGEN PARTNERSHIPGermany and Canada signed a non-binding agreement in August to ship clean Canadian hydrogen to Germany by 2025. "We believe in green energy, but we don’t believe in destroying nature for a profit or supplying Germany," Rowe said.

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