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☆ JD Vance and Tim Walz kept things civil as they raced to appeal to moderate voters
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

After months of personal attacks, Vance and Walz didn't trade serious blows until the end. AdvertisementEchoing Trump, Vance questioned why Harris hadn't already worked on passing some of her economic policies. Related storiesVance is also not former Vice President Mike Pence. In his closing statement, Walz praised a coalition that had brought former Vice President Dick Cheney and Taylor Swift together. Vance accused Walz of abandoning his National Guard unit by retiring before his service members were deployed to Iraq.

Persons: Sen, JD Vance, Tim Walz's, Vance, Walz didn't, —, Tim Walz, Trump, Walz, Kamala Harris, Harris hadn't, Trump's MAGA, Mike Pence, George W, Bush, Amber Nicole Thurman, Amber Thurman, Harris, Dick Cheney, Taylor Swift, Darth Vader, I've, " Walz, Donald Trump, Joe Biden's Organizations: Gov, Service, Ohio, Nice, Former, Ohio Republican, Republican Party, Democratic, Capitol, National Guard, Trump, Biden Locations: Minnesota, Springfield , Ohio, Georgia, Arizona, Iraq

☆ Elon Musk's X and Starlink face nearly $1 million in daily fines for alleged ban evasion in Brazil
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-19 | by ( Lora Kolodny | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Elon Musk’s X faces steep daily fines in Brazil for allegedly evading a ban on the service there, according to a statement from the country’s supreme court on Thursday. The court said it would continue to impose “joint liability” on Starlink, the satellite internet service owned and operated by SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace venture. Brazil previously withdrew money for fines it levied against X from the accounts of X and Starlink at financial institutions in the country. X said it wasn’t intending to restore access for Brazilian users. Before the suspension, X had an estimated 22 million users in Brazil, according to Data Reportal.

Persons: Elon Musk’s, Brazil’s, Alexandre de Moraes, X, de Moraes, Darth Vader, Harry Potter, Voldemort, Musk, Correio, ”, “, Cloudflare didn’t Organizations: Supremo, Federal, SpaceX, Cloudflare, CNBC Locations: Brazil, Starlink, India, Turkey, Hungary

☆ Elon Musk’s X and Starlink face nearly $1 million in daily fines for alleged ban evasion in Brazil
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-19 | by ( Lora Kolodny | In Lorakolodny | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Elon Musk's X faces steep daily fines in Brazil for allegedly evading a ban on the service there, according to a statement from the country's supreme court on Thursday. The court said it would continue to impose "joint liability" on Starlink, the satellite internet service owned and operated by SpaceX, Musk's aerospace venture. Brazil previously withdrew money for fines it levied against X from the accounts of X and Starlink at financial institutions in the country. X said it wasn't intending to restore access for Brazilian users. Before the suspension, X had an estimated 22 million users in Brazil, according to Data Reportal.

Persons: Elon Musk's, Brazil's, Alexandre de Moraes, X, de Moraes, Darth Vader, Harry Potter, Voldemort, Musk, Correio, Cloudflare didn't Organizations: Supremo, Federal, SpaceX, Cloudflare, CNBC Locations: Brazil, India, Turkey, Hungary

☆ Harris-Trump debate highlights and Hurricane Francine approaches Louisiana: Morning Rundown
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Elizabeth Robinson | Elizabeth Robinson Is A Newsletter Editor For Nbc News | Based In Los Angeles. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

And while Trump tried to tie Harris to President Joe Biden, he learned that she is a much tougher rival. While Trump tried to re-create the conditions of June’s fateful debate stage matchup, Harris reminded him, “You’re not running against Joe Biden. Harris tried to get under Trump’s skin, baiting him into a defensive posture that prevented him from attacking her weaknesses. And when Trump scolded Harris’ attempt to interrupt him, some allies lamented that he lost control at a key moment. Three Republican sources told NBC News after the debate that Trump came off as “angry” in that moment.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump’s, Francine churns, Harris, Donald Trump, Trump, Joe Biden, “ You’re, You’re, ” Harris, Harris ’, ” Trump, Louisiana Hurricane Francine, Joe Wilson of, ”, Republican Kelly Ayotte, Joyce Craig, Mauricio Pochettino, Dave Grohl, Hill, Jesse Dittmar, James Earl Jones ’, Darth Vader, Jones, Char Adams, — Joy Y, Wang, Dermatologists, Elizabeth Robinson Organizations: Trump, Republican, NBC News, Federal, Labor Statistics, Louisiana Hurricane, Public, Novo Nordisk, Foo Fighters, Police, Miami Dolphins, NBC Locations: Louisiana, Ohio, New Orleans, Mississippi, Novo, semaglutide, Wegovy, Joe Wilson of South Carolina, Washington, ” New Hampshire, Ukraine, Russia

☆ Video game actors fight for AI protections and compensation for their 'digital replicas' amid a gaming market slowdown
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Helen Li | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Making a creature come to life in a video game is a collaborative process, where she interprets the directions to bring characters to life. Interactive media contract negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and video game studios have been ongoing since 2022 and have stalled due to disagreements over AI protections. Tensions in the ongoing video game strikes arose over how AI can be used for "digital replicas" and whether actors can be compensated for them. If you've played video games at all, that is almost never the case," Norris said. Related storiesThese negotiations take place amid a slowdown in the $200 billion video game industry.

Persons: —, Andi Norris, Norris, AFTRA, you've, Audrey Cooling, Linsay Rousseau, Rousseau, Connor Fogarty, Fogarty, Sarah Elmaleh, Sean Rohani, Rohani, Elmaleh Organizations: Service, Business, Interactive, SAG, Hollywood, Writers Guild of America, Activision, Union, of Locations: Los Angeles, Ethovox

☆ James Earl Jones recorded Darth Vader lines in 2.5 hours for just $7,000: 'I lucked out'
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Nicolas Vega | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

James Earl Jones' line readings as the iconic "Star Wars" villain Darth Vader have gone down in film history, but for the late thespian it was less than a day's work. The actor, who died this week at the age of 93, revealed in a 1995 interview that the process of recording the lines for his now-iconic character barely took longer than the two-hour runtime of the film. "We spent about two and a half hours to do Darth Vader," he said on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. On top of that, Jones considered himself lucky to be receiving what he considered to be a sizable paycheck for such a short workday. Indeed, because he was only providing Darth Vader's voice while actor David Prowse wore the famous black costume, Jones asked to not be credited on the film.

Persons: James Earl Jones, Darth Vader, Conan O'Brien, Jones, Vader's, David Prowse

James Earl Jones, with Rosalind Cash and Ellen Holly, in "King Lear" in Central Park in New York in 1973. Jack Mitchell / Getty Images“Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything,” the Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo wrote Monday in a post on X. Jones and Marlene Warfield, in the 1970 movie "The Great White Hope." “James Earl Jones is one of my greatest inspirations,” Pierre told a reporter. He commanded the stage in productions like “Othello,” “Fences” and “The Great White Hope,” and the screen in movies like the 1974 dramedy “Claudine,” “Conan the Barbarian” in 1982, and many others.

Persons: Cort, James Earl Jones, Samuel L, Jackson, ” Jones, Jones, Denzel, Rosalind Cash, Ellen Holly, Lear, Jack Mitchell, Oscar, Colman Domingo, Darth Vader, “ Dr, Strangelove ”, King Joffer, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Marlene Warfield, Aaron Pierre, “ James Earl Jones, ” Pierre, Pierre, ”, “ Claudine, Conan, L.A, Wendell Pierce, ” Pierce, Frank Converse, Robert Hooks, Bernice King, Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King Jr, ” King, Jones ’, Malcolm X, Jack Johnson, Edmund Eckstein, ” Dominic Taylor, ” Taylor Organizations: Cort Theatre, ABC, Disney General Entertainment, Getty, Civil Rights Movement, The New York Times, UCLA, NBC News, NBC Locations: Denzel Washington, Central Park, New York, America, “, Montgomery, Memphis, United States

☆ James Earl Jones said he didn't speak for 8 years because his stutter was 'painful.' The Darth Vader actor went on to have one of Hollywood's most iconic voices.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Eammon Jacobs | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewJames Earl Jones, who died on Monday, said he didn't speak for eight years as a child because of his stutter. He would go on to voice some of Hollywood's most iconic characters, including Darth Vader in "Star Wars." AdvertisementIn 2010, Jones told the Daily Mail how difficult it was to stutter in front of his classmates: "Stuttering is painful. So my first year of school was my first mute year and then those mute years continued until I got to high school," Jones said.

Persons: —, James Earl Jones, Darth Vader, Jones, Conan, King, Oscar, I'd, " Jones, Donald Crouch Organizations: Service, Business, Daily Mail, Academy of Locations: America, Disney's, Mississippi, Michigan

☆ James Earl Jones was paid only $7K to voice Darth Vader in 'Star Wars: A New Hope'
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Zac Ntim | Eammon Jacobs | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The star leaves behind an incredible cinematic legacy, with roles including Mufasa in "The Lion King," Thulsa Doom in "Conan the Barbarian," and Darth Vader in "Star Wars." "George wanted, pardon the expression, a dark voice," Jones said of director George Lucas' plans for the 1977 film. Naturally, I wanted to make Darth Vader more interesting, more subtle, more psychologically oriented," Jones said. "I've never met Darth Vader," McGregor said. I turned around, and fucking Darth Vader was coming at me.

Persons: —, James Earl Jones, King, Conan, Darth Vader, George, Jones, George Lucas, Lucas, let's, Obi, Wan, Ewan McGregor, Leia, Vivien Lyra Blair, Anakin Skywalker, Hayden Christensen, McGregor, I've, Vader Organizations: Service, American Film Institute, Business, AFI, Lucasfilm, Disney Locations: Dutchess County , New York, Mississippi, Michigan, Ukrainian

☆ James Earl Jones, iconic voice of Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars’ and Mufasa in ‘The Lion King,’ dead at 93
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-09 | by ( Brandon Griggs | Alli Rosenbloom | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

“I lucked out.”Back then nobody imagined “Star Wars” would become a blockbuster, let alone an enduring franchise and cultural phenomenon. James Earl Jones and Darth Vader during "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones" premiere event. Jesse Dittmar for The Washington Post/Getty Images Jones, seen here in 1960, was born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, in 1931. Steve Ringman/San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images Jones appears with Alec Baldwin in a scene from "The Hunt for Red October" (1990). The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jones appears next to Darth Vader, who he famously voiced in the "Star Wars" movies.

Persons: James Earl Jones, Jones, Darth Vader, King ”, ”, Bob Iger, “, ” Jones, George Lucas, David Prowse, “ George, Lucas, Vader, Jim Spellman, WireImage, ‘, you’ve, Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill, ” Hamill, He’ll, ’, ’ ”, Robert Earl Jones, James, Langston Hughes, Bettmann, Stanley Kubrick’s “, Strangelove, Jack Johnson, Tony, Sidney Poitier, Alex Haley, TV’s, Thulsa, Conan, ” Kevin Costner’s, Admiral Greer, Costner, Jones ’, King Jaffe Joffer, Wan Kenobi, Mufasa, “ L.A, Law ”, King James, Rachael Ray, ” James Earl Jones, Jesse Dittmar, William Shakespeare's, Stanley Kubrick's, Julienne Marie, Alan Aaronson, Harry Benson, Richard Nixon, Julie Harris, Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach, Muhammad Ali, King Lear, Jack Mitchell, Paul Robeson, Robeson, Hulton, Marlon Brando, Ronald Reagan's, AP Jones, Thulsa Doom, Everett, Steve Ringman, Alec Baldwin, Nick Ut, George H.W, George H.W . Bush, Bush, Doug Mills, Cecilia Hart, Flynn, Paul Simon, Chita Rivera, Laura Bush, George W, Alex Wong, Grace, Chris Haston, Rosa Parks, Faith Ringgold, Richard Drew, Kevin Wolf, Matt Rourke, Debbie Allen, Evan Agostini, Forest Whitaker, Kevin Winter, Vanessa Redgrave, Daisy, Sara Krulwich, Astrid Stawiarz, Marian Anderson, Matt Slocum, Grant Lamos IV, Steven Senne, John Atashian, Jones “, …, Arthur Miller Organizations: CNN, “, Walt Disney Company, American Film Institute, ‘, University of Michigan, Army, Disney, The Washington Post, US Army, Newspapers, Broadway, CBS, Getty, New York Daily, Daily, ABC, Walt Disney Television, Everett, Hulton Deutsch, AP, San Francisco Chronicle, Mondadori, Arts, Kennedy, NBC, Elementary, NBA, National Constitution Center, Screen, New York Times, Harvard University, Globe, Academy of Locations: “, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Hollywood, America, “ The, African, Iowa, Arkabutla , Mississippi, New, Vietnam, Washington , DC, George H.W ., Montgomery, Independence, Philadelphia

Read previewIconic actor James Earl Jones died on Monday at the age of 93. Related storiesGrowing up in silenceA photo of young James Earl Jones, after the success of Broadway show, "The Great White Hope." Muhammad Ali jumped in the ring with James Earl Jones to help him promote the movie adaptation of "The Great White Hope." Advertisement"Star Wars" director George Lucas and James Earl Jones attended the AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Sir Sean Connery. Charles Sykes/Invision/APCecilia Hart and James Earl Jones pose with their son, Flynn Earl Jones, at the 65th Tony Awards.

Persons: —, James Earl Jones, Jones, Oscar, Darth Vader, Tony, Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker, " Jones, Dick Cavett, Tony Awards, King, Conan, Muhammad Ali, Jones wasn't, Daisy, Darth Vader James Earl Jones, Jim Spellman, David Prowse, Linda Blair, Mercedes McCambridge, Mercedes, George Lucas, Sir Sean Connery, Mark Mainz, AFI Jones, Annie, Geoffrey Holder, Vader, Rachael Ray, Cecilia Hart, Charles Sykes, Flynn Earl Jones, Julienne Marie, Hart Organizations: Service, Bell Atlantic, Verizon, Business, Hollywood, CNN, Newspapers, Academy, End, Broadway, Newsweek, AFI, Getty, American Film Institute, Star Wars Rebels, Disney, NY Daily Locations: Hollywood, Michigan, America, London, There's, Britain

☆ Elon Musk hits out at judge threatening to suspend X in Brazil
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-29 | by ( Duarte Mendonca | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Elon Musk has stepped up online attacks on a Supreme Court judge threatening to suspend social media platform X in Brazil, calling him “an evil dictator” in an ongoing feud between the two men. Justice Alexandre de Moraes had threatened to suspend X if Musk did not appoint a new legal representative of the company in Brazil and settle any outstanding daily fines within 24 hours. X announced earlier this month that it would close its operations and fire its staff in Brazil due to what it called “censorship orders” from the judge. The statement from the Supreme Court was posted at around 8.30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, giving Musk until Thursday evening local time to respond. The responsibility lies solely with Alexandre de Moraes.”Later that day, Musk reiterated the official X statement, saying his company had “no choice” but to close Brazilian operations.

Persons: CNN — Elon Musk, ”, Alexandre de Moraes, “ Alexandre de Moraes, cosplaying, Moraes, Darth Vader, de Moraes, De Moraes, ’, de Moraes ’, Musk, ’ Alexandre, X Organizations: CNN, X’s Global Government Affairs, Associated Press, ‘ Locations: Brazil

☆ Princess Leia’s ‘Return of the Jedi’ bikini sells at auction for $175,000
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Oscar Holland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —A golden bikini costume worn by Carrie Fisher on the set of “Return of the Jedi” has sold at auction for $175,000. Worn by Princess Leia after she is captured by Jabba the Hutt and forced into slavery, the costume has become a cult favorite among “Star Wars” fans. Dallas-based Heritage Auctions, which hosted the sale, described it as being “among the most memorable” outfits in the franchise’s history. “George (Lucas) said, ‘We want to show that Princess Leia is growing up,’” recalled Miller, who died in 2022 aged 80. And that’s why the slave costume was introduced.”Miller recalled that Fisher “didn’t like” the bikini, which he attributed to it fitting poorly.

Persons: Carrie Fisher, ”, Princess Leia, Jabba the Hutt, sexualizing Fisher, George Lucas, TJ Roth, Nilo Rodis, Richard Miller, Miller, “ George, Lucas, ‘, Leia, ’ ”, ” Miller, Fisher, Darth Vader, modelmaker Colin Cantwell, Scrooge, Celeste Holm, Daniel Radcliffe, “ Harry Potter, Thor, Bram Stoker’s Dracula ”, “ I’ve, Joe Maddalena Organizations: CNN, “ Star, Dallas, NPR, Heritage Auctions, Heritage Locations: New York City, “

☆ Father’s Day: 4 pop culture dads worse than you
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-16 | by ( Kristen Rogers | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Whether you’re a new or seasoned father, the anxieties of raising children can pop up anywhere, anytime. “Also, just every dad I spoke to was like, ‘I’m worried that I’m gonna roughhouse too hard (and) they’ll get hurt,’” Boozan said. And “as a comedy writer, I’m biased, but I’m a big proponent of laughter as medicine. “That’s a great example of a workaholic dad who thinks that amassing a trove of riches in order to pass that along to your child is the way of being a good dad,” Boozan said. “The best thing my dad ever did … is he was a chill dad,” Boozan said.

Persons: I’m, Glenn Boozan, ”, Priscilla Witte, Thanos, Jack Torrance, Stephen King’s “, Boozan, “ I’m, “, ‘ I’m, they’ll, ’ ” Boozan, ’, ” Boozan, Walter ‘ Heisenberg, White Walter White, Bryan Cranston, Walter White Jr, ” Ursula Coyote, Walter White’s, White, Wayne Szalinski Wayne Szalinski, Rick Moranis, Diane, Marcia Strassman, Nick, Wayne Szalinski, Darth Vader Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill, Darth Vader, David Prowse, James Earl Jones, ” Albert Clarke, ’ ”, Midas, Walter Crane, King Midas ’, Rich, “ Midas, “ That’s Organizations: CNN, Marvel, RJ, Lucasfilm, Century Fox, Star Locations: RJ Mitte, Wayne’s

☆ Collectible toy market: This vintage action figure set a record at auction
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-10 | by ( Eva Rothenberg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

The Rocket-Firing Boba Fett action figure, modeled after the “Star Wars” bounty hunter, was purchased in Dallas by an anonymous buyer for $525,000, Heritage Auctions announced last Monday. Dolls are for girls, action figures are for boysUnlike fine art or sports memorabilia, the collectible action figure market is only a handful of decades old because action figures have only been around since the mid-1960s. “The first action figure was G.I. He recounted how Hasbro executive Don Levine coined the term “action figure” as a marketing tool, because “we can’t call these dolls. Caravoulias recalls laying in bed as a kid in 1985 and wishing he could buy a $5 Rambo II action figure.

Persons: Boba, Barbie, ”, Justin Caravoulias, Joe, Boba Fett, Fett, Kenner, Brian Rachfal, “, Don Levine, ’, “ Nobody, Caravoulias, Price, Tom Derby, Darth Vader, It’s, Rambo, Rachfal, —, Paul Arnold, Arnold, Gary C, Knapp, they’re, ” Caravoulias, Circana, ” “ Barbie, ” James Zahn Organizations: New, New York CNN, “, Heritage Auctions, Heritage, Kenner, Hasbro, CNN, Derby, ‘ Power Rangers Locations: New York, United States, Dallas, American, Virginia Beach, Va

☆ 25 Years Ago, ‘Hannibal’ Marked the Rise of a New Kind of Blockbuster
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-09 | by ( Brian Raftery | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In the spring of 1999, a veteran New York book editor got a surprise call from one of the world’s most elusive literary superstars: Thomas Harris. Carole Baron, the editor, had plenty of time for Harris. After “Silence” landed on the best-seller list, Baron signed Harris to a $5.2 million contract for his next two books. But it paid off a few years later when the 1991 film adaptation of “Silence of the Lambs” became a worldwide smash. “Everyone wanted to know when we would have the new Thomas Harris book,” Baron said in a recent video interview, “and I assured them that it was coming.”

Persons: Thomas Harris, “, Carole Baron, Harris, she’d, gourmand Hannibal Lecter, ”, Baron, Lecter, Darth Vader, ” Baron Organizations: York, Dell, Lambs

☆ The ‘Star Wars’ timeline is confusing. Here’s when ‘The Acolyte,’ ‘Ahsoka’ and more take place
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Scottie Andrew | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Worry not, padawans: CNN has laid out a comprehensive timeline of the “Star Wars” canon so you can follow all of the franchise’s time-jumps without getting lost in space. These details are pulled from the official “Star Wars” resources “Ultimate Star Wars” and “Star Wars Character Encyclopedia,” as well as a chart of the eras explored throughout the franchise. ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (animated series)Ahsoka is Anakin's padawan in "The Clone Wars," and he lovingly calls her "Snips." ‘Star Wars Rebels’Kanan Jarrus, Zeb Orrelios and Sabine Wren take on the Empire in "Star Wars Rebels." ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’Heroes attempt to find the plans to blow up the Death Star in "Rogue One."

Persons: we’ve, Rey Skywalker, Jin, Anakin Skywalker, Wan, Anakin, who’s, Anakin’s, Darth Maul, Palpatine, Darth Sidious, Obi, “, Padmé, ”, Count Dooku, Warner, Ahsoka Tano, Sidious, Darth Vader, Luke, Leia, Vader, ‘, Han, Chewie, Jonathan Olley, scoundrel Han, Thrillist, frenemy, Lando Calrissian, ‘ Obi, Kanan Jarrus, Zeb Orrelios, Sabine Wren, ‘ Andor, Cassian Andor, Jyn Erso, Jyn, ’ Luke, —, Yoda, batty, Lando, Yikes, Jabba, redeems, VI, VII, Grogu, Mando, Boba Fett, Jango Fett, flitted, Boba, Din, ” It’s, Ahsoka, Jabba the, Suzanne Tenner, Ezra Bridger, Hera Syndulla, Thrawn, Rey, Kylo Ren, ” Rey, stormtrooper Finn, Kylo, ’ Finn, Phasma, Ren, Snoke, MacGuffin, Poe, Emperor Palpatine, she’s, Jude, Kerry Condon, Lee Jung, jae, Amandla, Leslye Headland, James Mangold, Indiana Jones, Dave Filoni, Daisy Ridley Organizations: CNN, “, “ Star, Lucasfilm, Everett, Lucasfilm Ltd, USA, ‘, Warner Bros, Fox, Empire, Tech, Disney, Walt Disney Studios, ‘ Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars Rebels, AV, Pictures, Rebel, Rebels, Galaxy, imperials, Rotten, “ Star Wars Rebels, Force, Rey, C3PO, Jude Law, Variety Locations: Yavin, “, Republic, Hunter, Luke’s, ”, USA, carbonite, New Republic, Endor

☆ Star Wars was the first Lego license — 25 years later, it's stronger than ever
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Star Wars Lego models are seen at the Bricks & Figs museum in Krakow, Poland, on April 15, 2023. A design director at the Denmark-based Lego company, he has spent the past 25 years creating Lego Star Wars sets. Now, Lego Star Wars has become a blueprint for the company's other brand deals — think Harry Potter, Batman and Marvel's Avengers. The Lego Star Wars collaboration came at a time of financial turmoil for Lego. Lego Icons, Lego Technic, Lego City and Lego Harry Potter also performed well.

Persons: Jens Kronvold Frederiksen, Frederiksen, Darth Vader, Harry Potter, Jill Wilfert, Wilfert, It's, Paul Southern, Shirlaine Forrest, " Frederiksen, we're, Southern, We've Organizations: Anadolu, Getty, Star, CNBC, Disney, Epic Games, Lego Star, Lego, Force, Manchester Central, Imperial, Star Wars, Lucasfilm, Walt Disney Company, Lego Star Wars, Warner Bros, Games Locations: Krakow, Poland, Denmark, Lego, Manchester, England

☆ As ‘The Phantom Menace’ turns 25, six (non-Jar Jar) things the ‘Star Wars’ prequel got right
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The teeth-gnashing aspects of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” have been chewed upon for a quarter century, from Watto to Anakin Skywalker’s Midi-chlorian count (and miracle birth) to almost everyone’s favorite punching bag, Jar Jar Binks. Think of them as creative building blocks, which overcame clunkier parts of the script and awkward performances to influence the rest of the “Star Wars” timeline. Ray Park as the villainous Darth Maul in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace." It’s also likely a key reason why “Star Wars” has continued to flourish as parents pass it on to their kids. “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” will play in select theaters beginning May 3.

Persons: Anakin Skywalker’s, George Lucas ’, Dave Filoni, “ Obi, Wan, They’re, Darth Sidious, Ian McDiarmid, Lucas, credibly, Mace Windu, Samuel L, Jackson didn’t, Ray Park, Darth Maul, Filoni, “, Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, Obi, Wan Kenobi, McGregor, Neeson, Wan –, John Williams, It’s, ” Organizations: CNN, “, “ Star, Lucasfilm, Force Locations: Watto, Republic

☆ Inside the disastrous apartments of NYC men, exposed by a TikTok comedian
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Dan Latu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The homes of New York City's young men are being captured on camera — and it isn't pretty. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Welcome to "Boy Room," the new series in which Coster and a cameraperson venture into the unruly habitats of New York City's men and try to offer advice. AdvertisementComedian Rachel Coster is bravely revealing the bedrooms of New York City's young men.

Persons: Rachel Coster, —, Coster, he'd, Vader, It's, corks, Chris, Jerome Peel, Peel, they've, Dan, couldn't Organizations: Service, Gymnasium, Peel, Village Locations: New York, New York City, West, TikTok, Brooklyn's Boerum Hill, Manhattan's Chinatown, Boston , Philadelphia, Los Angeles, LA

☆ Disney reveals more on huge Magic Kingdom expansion, one part of a $60 billion investment
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Glendale, California CNN —Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” sits at one edge of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park, the most visited theme park in the world. “It’s probably the largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom,” Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World site portfolio executive, said Tuesday during a rare media event previewing new Disney attraction designs and technology at its Walt Disney Imagineering facility in California. Disney’s 10-year investment planThe Magic Kingdom expansion is one part of a $60 billion investment Disney has said it’s planning for its parks, cruises and experiences over the next decade. But any plans for expanding the theme park footprint at the Disneyland resort would need Anaheim city approval because of zoning issues. This is really a wild experience.”Charita Carter, executive creative producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, worked on the project from its inception about four years ago.

Persons: “ It’s, ” Michael Hundgen, Walt, Walt Disney, Bob Iger, Josh D'Amaro, Iger, “ it’s, Disney, ” Iger, ”, Mike Pucher, Walt Disney Imagineering Iger, Imagineers, Darth Vader, Imagineer Lanny Smoot, ” Smoot, Smoot, Christian Thompson, Stella Reese Chase, Leah Chase, Chase, “ I’m, I’ve, ” Charita Carter, Walt Disney Imagineering, Carter, “ Organizations: California CNN, Railroad, Disney, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney, Walt, CNN, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal, Comcast, Anaheim City Council, National Inventors Hall of Fame, Research, Walt Disney Imagineering Research, Disneyland’s Locations: Glendale, California, ”, Central Florida, Disney’s Florida, Florida, Anaheim, New Orleans

☆ Microsoft engineer sounds alarm on company's AI image generator in letter to FTC
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Aaron Mok | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

AdvertisementJones claimed in the letter that Microsoft's AI image generator can add "harmful content" to images that can be created using "benign" prompts. Jones, Microsoft, and the FTC didn't immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment before publication. AdvertisementThis isn't the first time Shane publicly vocalized his concerns about Microsoft's AI image generator. Microsoft isn't the only major tech company that's been slammed for its AI image generator. "In a competitive race to be the most trustworthy AI company, Microsoft needs to lead, not follow or fall behind," he wrote.

Persons: —, Shane Jones, Jones, Vader, FTC didn't, Shane, OpenAI's ChatGPT, Demis Organizations: Service, Microsoft, Federal Trade Commission, Copilot, Business, LinkedIn, Star, CNBC, FTC, Google, Gemini

☆ Microsoft engineer warns company's AI tool creates violent, sexual images, ignores copyrights
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Hayden Field | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

Jones was noodling with Copilot Designer, the AI image generator that Microsoft debuted in March 2023, powered by OpenAI's technology. "It was an eye-opening moment," Jones, who continues to test the image generator, told CNBC in an interview. watch nowMicrosoft's legal department told Jones to remove his post immediately, he said, and he complied. Jones said the risk "has been known by Microsoft and OpenAI prior to the public release of the AI model last October." "I am certainly convinced that this is not just a copyright character guardrail that's failing, but there's a more substantial guardrail that's failing," Jones told CNBC.

Persons: Jakub Porzycki, Shane Jones, Jones, OpenAI's DALL, Lina Khan, Khan, deepfakes, he's, Satya Nadella, Sam Altman, Justin Sullivan, Darth Vader, Elsa, Mickey Mouse, guardrail that's Organizations: Microsoft, Nurphoto, Copilot, CNBC, Commerce, Science, Transportation, Federal Trade, Google, Getty, pitchfork, Disney, Wars, Palestinian, Israel Defense Forces Locations: Krakow, Poland, Redmond , Washington, San Francisco, hoodies, Gaza

☆ The Fall of the Timepiece Gentleman, the Luxury Watch Dealer Who Ran Afoul of the Feds
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( David Kushner | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +29 min

Farrer is better known as the Timepiece Gentleman, the flashiest online dealer in the $75 billion luxury watch trade. All he needed was the right name for his luxury watch business — something distinctive, something memorable. In his mind, he pictured what the ultimate luxury watch dealer would look like. To launch his career as the Timepiece Gentleman, Farrer boned up on the jargon of horology, from escape wheels and spring barrels to flinques and guilloches. Despite the staggering size of the luxury watch trade, nobody had thought to market its glamour and mystique.

Persons: Reddit, I've, Anthony Farrer, Farrer, Mark Wahlberg, Marky Mark, Patek Philippes, Sharf, Prada, he'd, Cameron, Travis Baker, chronograph, Richard Chance, He'd, timepieces, Farrer boned, they're, Kevin Hart, It's, Buyers, Darby McVay, McVay, Liz Guilliams, Guilliams, You've, Dallas —, Crimepiece, vouching, Santa Monica, —, Darth Vader, y'all, reselling, Anthony, stiffing, Wesley Stokes, Stokes, Bob Schober, Joe Haden, Richard Mille, Schober, He's, Peter, Paul, didn't Organizations: YouTube, FBI, Timepiece Gentlemen, Watch, Buffalo Wild Wings, Business, Boston Consulting Group, Texans, Craigslist, Lamborghini, Malibu, Downtown, Hollywood, Cleveland Browns, TPG, Ducati, Venice Locations: Venice , California, Venice, backwoods Texas, Reddit, cowpoke, Sherman , Texas, Dallas, It's, Salt, Riding, Los Angeles, In Dallas, LA, Santa, Texas, Downtown Los Angeles, South Carolina, Scottsdale , Arizona, Stokes

☆ How Disney made Star Wars the top film franchise of 2023 without a theatrical release
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-30 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Sunset Boulevard | Corbis Historical | Getty ImagesThe Force remains strong with the Star Wars franchise. Despite not releasing a theatrical film since 2019, Star Wars has been named the top film franchise of 2023 by Fandom, the world's largest platform for entertainment fans. In between each film in the sequel trilogy, Disney released a film that harkened back to an important plot point from past Star Wars films. "At the time, Disney's strategy was to essentially release one new Star Wars film theatrically each year," said Peter Csathy, founder and chair of advisory firm Creative Media. Rebuilding an empireDisney isn't set to release another Star Wars film in cinemas until 2026.

Persons: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Georges Lucas, Paul Dergarabedian, Star Wars Disney Harry Potter, James Bond, Disney, Harry Potter, Kylo Ren, Emperor Palpatine, Darth Vader, —, Princess Leia, Han, Peter Csathy, Csathy, Boba Fett, Rosario Dawson, Tano, Ahsoka, Count Dooku, Stephanie Fried, Diego Luna, Cassian Andor, Alan Tudyk Organizations: Star Wars, Star, Disney, Comscore, Star Wars Disney, Marvel, Warner Bros, DC Studios, Lucasfilm, Wars, Creative Media, Lucasfilm Disney Locations: Florida

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