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☆ Opinion: The 2,000-year-old advice for coping in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( Richard Galant | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +21 min

We’re looking back at the strongest, smartest opinion takes of the week from CNN and other outlets. A surprising number claimed to think about the ancient empire as often as ‘every day’ or least every week or two. It became a meme (are you even in a relationship if she hasn’t asked you about the Roman Empire? They marvel at their absolute dominion, their mastery of every strand of civilisation — and then how that power suddenly slipped away. Biden on Wednesday took steps to speed up the ability of Venezuelans in the US to obtain work permits.

Persons: CNN —, ”, Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Seneca, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Bobby McFerrin’s musing, David M, Perry, hasn’t, Jo Ellison, —, Marcus Aurelius, that’s, David Perry, “ There’s, ” Perry, Paula M, Krebs, “, Donald Trump’s, Ron DeSantis, Trump, …, ’, ” Cupp, Roe, Wade, Cupp, he’s, Dean Obeidallah, Trump’s, Patrick T, Brown, Bill Bramhall, Content Agency Rupert Murdoch, Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch, David Zurawik, Rupert, Murdoch, Roger Ailes, Richard Nixon, ” Murdoch “, Walt Handelsman, Kevin McCarthy, Max Burns, Donald Trump, today’s MAGA, ” Clay Jones, Chuck Schumer, Elena Sheppard, Sen, John Fetterman, baring, Fetterman, Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin, Kim Yo Jong, Sung, Yoon Lee, “ Kim Yo Jong, Kim, Kim Jong, ” “, Hunter Biden isn’t, Alexis Coe, George Washington’s, James Madison, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, George H.W, Bush, Hunter, … Hunter, Joe Biden, Biden, Peter Bergen, Mike Pence, … Biden, Bergen, ” Lisa Benson, Martin Sheen, Melissa Fitzgerald, Gurney, John F, Melissa, Andy, Michael Bociurkiw, ” Bociurkiw, Volodymyr Zelensky “, Zelensky, Lanhee J, Chen, ” Chen, Keir Giles, It’ll, Jennifer Wexton, Barbara Comstock, Alex Brandon, Jill Filipovic, Democrat “, ” Wexteon “, Eric Adams, Julian Zelizer . Biden, ” Don’t, David Horsey, Agency Frida Ghitis, Agatha Christie, China Adam H, Sobel, Holly Thomas, Russell Brand, Akanksha, Dan Perry, Gilead, Netanyahu government’s, Gene Seymour, Jann, Reggie B, Maren Morris, Matt Winkelmeyer, ” Maren Morris, Nicole Hemmer, Morris ’, Morris, Jason Aldean’s “, Oliver Anthony’s “ Rich, Richmond ”, “ Rich, ” Hemmer, Anthony himself, ‘, Hemmer Organizations: CNN, Financial Times, West Virginia University, Modern Language Association, WVU, West Virginia, Republican, Press, Florida Gov, White, Content Agency, Content Agency Rupert Murdoch Media, Fox News, Capitol, Agency, Democratic, fied Republican Party, Republican Party, Justice Department, Qatari, Amnesty International, Kennedy Center, UN, Assembly, CBS, Ukraine’s, Republicans, Democrat, Progressive Supra, GOP, Walton, Mobile, North, Richmond Locations: Rome, Ukraine, TikTok, Roman, Roman Republic, Washington, ”, Korean, North Korea, Iran, Qatar, Russia, Moscow, Kyiv, Dulles , Virginia, Virginia, New York City, United States, China, Las Vegas , Nevada

☆ Julianne Moore’s Montauk Sanctuary
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Nick Haramis | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +34 min

— HANYA YANAGIHARASpeak Softly In a wild meadow by the sea, Julianne Moore and Bart Freundlich’s Montauk house uses just a few materials to say many things. In Moore’s office, a Pierre Jeanneret desk and chair, an Alvar Aalto stool and a Willy Van Der Meeren cabinet. In the oak-paneled living room of Justinian Kfoury’s apartment in a townhouse on Washington Square Park, an Audubon-style print and a Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair. A view of the double-height living room from the curved balcony on the third floor. A sculpture by Huma Bhabha and a configuration of five Isamu Noguchi L7 pendants in the landing that separates the primary suite from the living room.

Persons: it’s, Mishan, there’s, —, Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich’s Montauk, Bart Freundlich’s, Moore, Tom Volk, Oliver Freundlich, Anne’s, Pierre Jeanneret, Alvar Aalto, Willy Van Der, Ori Gersht, she’s, ” It’s, ”, “, Bart Freundlich, Tomas Maier, Bottega, Andrew Geller, Norman Jaffe, Freundlich, ” Moore, Moore’s, Liv, Caleb, Robert Gurr, Isamu Noguchi, Pierre, Noguchi, Alma Allen, Joseph Dirand, Oliver, “ I’m, ” Oliver, grins, MOORE, Anne Love Smith, Massimiliano Locatelli, Daniel Romualdez, Vincent Van Duysen, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Chapo, Willy Van Der Meeren, Friedrich Kunath, Mark Wilson, Donald Judd, Wilson, Mario Bellini, Karl Springer, Rogan Gregory, Nancy Pearce, Oscar, Alice ”, Alexander Calder, Andrea Zittel, JB Blunk, AFTRA, Hope, It’s, ‘ You’re, ’ ”, Justinian, Hans Wegner Papa Bear, Paavo, Marc Hundley, that’s, Adriana Lara, Nicholas Krushenick, Justinian Kfoury, downtowners, He’d, Trish Goff, Kfoury, Leonid Berman, Jelto ”, Tomma Abts, Paul Cadmus, Edith Wharton, Henry James, Paul van der, ” Kfoury, Joe Roberts, Mary Cameron Goodyear, Kfoury’s, He’s, Wolfgang Tillmans, they’d, Lorna Simpson, Misha Kahn, Michael Anastassiades, Glenn Ligon’s, Frank Bowling, Piet Hein Eek, Miriam Cahn, Paul Pfeiffer’s, Leah Panlilio, Tal Schori, Rustam Mehta, Adam Pogue, Constantino Buccolieri, Michael Kirkland, Cy Twombly’s, Ho, Huma Bhabha, Nairy Baghramian, Coco Fusco, Robert Vinas Jr, Duro Olowu, Mark Ellison, Adam Marelli, Bob Chan, Isamu Noguchi Akari, Danh Vo, Nairy, ‘, Laura Mac Donald, Theaster Gates, Frank Lloyd, Kirkland, Ettore, Parsons, Jasper Johns, Merce Cunningham Organizations: Manhattan’s, Yorkers, that’s, Hamptons, WHO, Writers Guild of America, SAG, “, Audubon, Washington, East Village, brac, AS, Fifth, Fort Standard, GRT Architects, Architects, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Soane Britain Locations: New York, Paris, London, Rome , New York, It’s, Washington, Manhattan, Harlem, Montauk, American, Chinatown, York, N.Y, Summerhill, Long, Fort Pond, New York City, Pond, North Carolina, Morentz, Scottish, Japanese American, Belgian, East Hampton, Japan, “, California, Swiss, New York’s Washington, Kennebunkport, England, East, Boston, Lebanon, Maine, Vermont, Venice, Moroccan, North, Kfoury’s, New York’s Harlem, Westchester County, Brooklyn, Italian, Finnish, Rome, Los Angeles, Korean, Berlin, Iranian, Chicago

☆ Inside the Elaborate, Enviable Design of Three New York Homes
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +34 min

If You Can Make It Here Great design for a great city (New York, of course — where else?) In the oak-paneled living room of Justinian Kfoury’s apartment in a townhouse on Washington Square Park, an Audubon-style print and a Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair. “She was eccentric, grand, but not afraid of making weird decisions about design.” In the living room, a 1975 Leonid Berman painting of the Venice Lagoon hangs between the French doors. A view of the double-height living room from the curved balcony on the third floor. A sculpture by Huma Bhabha and a configuration of five Isamu Noguchi L7 pendants in the landing that separates the primary suite from the living room.

Persons: it’s, Mishan, there’s, —, Justinian, Hans Wegner Papa Bear, Paavo, Marc Hundley, that’s, Adriana Lara, Nicholas Krushenick, ”, Justinian Kfoury, downtowners, He’d, Trish Goff, Kfoury, “, Leonid Berman, Jelto ”, Tomma Abts, Paul Cadmus, Edith Wharton, Henry James, Paul van der, ” Kfoury, Joe Roberts, Mary Cameron Goodyear, Kfoury’s, He’s, Wolfgang Tillmans, they’d, It’s, Lorna Simpson, Mario Bellini, Misha Kahn, Michael Anastassiades, Glenn Ligon’s, Frank Bowling, Piet Hein Eek, Miriam Cahn, Paul Pfeiffer’s, Leah Panlilio, Tal Schori, Rustam Mehta, Adam Pogue, Constantino Buccolieri, Michael Kirkland, Alvar Aalto, Cy Twombly’s, Ho, Huma Bhabha, Isamu Noguchi, Nairy Baghramian, Coco Fusco, Robert Vinas Jr, Duro Olowu, Mark Ellison, Adam Marelli, Bob Chan, Isamu Noguchi Akari, Danh Vo, Nairy, ‘, Laura Mac Donald, Theaster Gates, Frank Lloyd, Kirkland, Ettore, Parsons, Jasper Johns, Merce Cunningham, Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich’s Montauk, Bart Freundlich’s, Moore, Tom Volk, Oliver Freundlich, Anne’s, Pierre Jeanneret, Willy Van Der, Ori Gersht, she’s, ” It’s, Bart Freundlich, Tomas Maier, Bottega, Andrew Geller, Norman Jaffe, Freundlich, ” Moore, Moore’s, Liv, Caleb, Robert Gurr, Pierre, Noguchi, Alma Allen, Joseph Dirand, Oliver, “ I’m, ” Oliver, grins, MOORE, Anne Love Smith, Massimiliano Locatelli, Daniel Romualdez, Vincent Van Duysen, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Chapo, Willy Van Der Meeren, Friedrich Kunath, Mark Wilson, Donald Judd, Wilson, Karl Springer, Rogan Gregory, Nancy Pearce, Oscar, Alice ”, Alexander Calder, Andrea Zittel, JB Blunk, AFTRA, Hope, ‘ You’re, ’ ” Organizations: Manhattan’s, Yorkers, that’s, Audubon, Washington, East Village, brac, AS, Fifth, Fort Standard, GRT Architects, Architects, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Soane Britain, Hamptons, WHO, Writers Guild of America, SAG, “ Locations: New York, Paris, London, Rome , New York, It’s, Washington, Manhattan, Harlem, Montauk, American, Chinatown, York, New York’s Washington, Kennebunkport, England, East, Boston, Lebanon, Maine, Vermont, Venice, Moroccan, North, Kfoury’s, New York’s Harlem, Westchester County, N.Y, Brooklyn, Italian, Finnish, Rome, Los Angeles, Korean, Berlin, Iranian, Chicago, North Carolina, California, Summerhill, Long, Fort Pond, New York City, Pond, Morentz, Scottish, Japanese American, Belgian, East Hampton, Japan, “, Swiss

☆ Rupert Murdoch steps down as Fox and News Corp. chairman, sending shockwaves through media and politics
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

New York CNN —Rupert Murdoch, the powerful right-wing media mogul who built and oversaw one of the world’s most influential news empires, announced Thursday that he will step down as chairman of his companies, Fox Corporation and News Corporation. Lachlan Murdoch steps inLachlan Murdoch will take over as chairman of Fox and News Corporation. Evan Agostini/Invision/APStepping into his shoes, Murdoch’s eldest son, Lachlan, who already serves as chief executive of Fox Corporation, will become sole chairman of both companies. In 1986, Murdoch got into the television business after he purchased several US television stations and created Fox Broadcasting. In recent years, under Murdoch, Fox News has advanced baseless conspiracy theories, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2020 presidential election.

Persons: Rupert Murdoch, ” Murdoch, Murdoch, Donald Trump’s, Lachlan Murdoch, Evan Agostini, Lachlan, ”, Rupert, “, ” Rupert Murdoch, Trump, oilman Marvin Davis, Donald Trump, Bill Hemmer, Hemmer, Dana Perino Organizations: New, New York CNN, Fox Corporation, News Corporation, “, ”, Fox and News Corporation, Wall Street Journal, New York, Republican Party, Fox News, CNN, Australian, UK’s, The Times, Sunday Times of, Century Fox, Fox Broadcasting, Sky, Comcast, Fox, Disney, Fox Sports, Fox News Fox News, Voting Systems, Dominion Locations: New York, cahoots, Sunday Times of London, Britain, America

☆ Striking Autoworkers Are Cool to Biden’s Embrace
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Trip Gabriel | More About Trip Gabriel | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In 2020, Mr. Trump won about four in 10 voters in union households, according to exit polls and an internal survey by the A.F.L.-C.I.O. “The demographics of union members are the ones who’ve been trending away from Democrats for quite some time,” he said. Mr. Trump emphasized “a set of issues that union members never agreed with Democrats on,” most prominently immigration, Mr. Podhorzer added. But Mr. Thompson, who joined Ford two years ago and has worked up to $20 an hour, did not blame the president. “I would say he’s doing the best under the circumstances that he can,’’ Mr. Thompson said.

Persons: Trump, Michael Podhorzer, ”, Podhorzer, don’t, ’, Biden, Anthony Thompson, Uleana, Thompson, “, Mr Organizations: Mr, Ford

☆ Why these Korean moon jars sell for millions at auction
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Christy Choi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

‘Owning a piece of happiness’The first moon jars were created in the royal kilns in Gwangju (a city just outside Seoul, not the larger southern city of the same name) from 1650 to 1750. A modern-day moon jar made by South Korean potter Kwon Dae Sup, who said: "To appreciate a moon jar properly, you should look beyond its simple shape. He works out of a studio in Gwangju, where the royal kilns that produced moon jars were once located. Moon Duk Gwan/Axel Vervoordt GalleryKwon Dae Sup lifts a large moon jar into a kiln. Moon Duk Gwan/Courtesy Axel Vervoordt GalleryThere’s a great deal of preparation that goes into making a moon jar traditionally.

Persons: Alain de Botton, London’s Victoria, Beth McKillop, ”, Angela McAteer, “ You’ve, it’s, Yanagi Soetsu, Bernard Leach, Leach, Lucie Rie, Charlotte Horlyck, Sotheby’s, Kwon Dae, Axel Vervoordt, Choi Sunu, South Korea’s, Yu Woo, you’ve, Mark, Rothko, “, Ceramist Kim Syyong, Yun, Choi Bo Ram’s, Kwon, Duk Gwan, Duk, There’s, ” Kwon, Axel Vervoodt Organizations: CNN, Albert Museum, British Museum, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, University of London’s School of Oriental, African Studies, Art Bulletin, National Museum of, BTS Locations: New York, Americas, Europe, Gwangju, Seoul, British, South Korean, National Museum of Korea, ”, South, Korean

☆ Jann Wenner Defends His Legacy — and His Generation’s
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( David Marchese | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

The kind of interview I wanted to do was to elicit real thinking, not to confront or challenge or get somebody defensive. The editors themselves put it at four stars, and there was not a critical backlash to the thing. I confess: I probably went too far. The University of Virginia story was not a failure of intent, or an attempt to be loose with the facts. As we all know now, if somebody really wants to hoax you, there’s very little you can do about it.

Persons: let’s, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, It’s, Mick, Stone, Hunter S, Thompson, Hunter Organizations: University of Virginia, The Times

☆ The many states of the brain: What’s going on inside your head and how to optimize it
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Dr. Sanjay Gupta | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Honestly, in the beginning, it was to just try to help my own brain; my grandfather had dementia, and that worried me. I’ll also explore what happens to our brain when we express gratitude, swipe on a dating app (over and over again) and eat certain (brain) foods. Our executive function can work really well and can help keep us on track. “There are peaks and valleys of focus throughout the day, and this corresponds with the ebb and flow of our attentional resources,” Mark explained. Also, she said, “if you have some really important task to do, take a really good break before you begin it.

Persons: I’ve, Stephen King, Michael Pollan, I’ll, Gloria Mark, ”, Mark, we’re, ” Mark, Adam Yee, It’s, you’ve, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, “, Andrea Kane Organizations: CNN, University of California, CNN Health Locations: Irvine

☆ Trinity Site, where first atomic blast was set off, opens for one day in October
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Kathleen Bangs | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Trinity Site is the national historic landmark that’s home to mankind’s first nuclear blast on July 16, 1945, where plutonium gamma rays lit up the night sky. A caution sign warns of radioactive materials at Trinity Site in New Mexico back in 2008. The open house event, hosted by the US Army, is free but limited to the first 5,000 guests, on a first-come, first-served basis. Trinity Site’s atmosphere during an open house is reminiscent of a small-town carnival from a bygone era. And on April 6, 2024, Trinity Site again opens for a single day.

Persons: CNN —, “ Oppenheimer, ”, Matt McClain, Jonathan Larsen, J, Robert Oppenheimer, McDonald, Sam Wasson, you’ll, Jim Lo Scalzo, Oppenheimer, “, John Dempsey, brightens, Jim Eckles, Trinity, we’ve, Bettymaya, Patricia Henning, Henning, Karl G, Jon G, Fuller Organizations: CNN, Jornada, Trinity, Washington Post, US Army, White, Manhattan Project, Sipa, AP, Albuquerque, Army, Venture, Jumbo, Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico Gov, National Security Research, Alamogordo Air Base, Radio Astronomy, Getty, “ SETI, Extraterrestrial Intelligence Locations: New Mexico, New York City, Nagasaki, Japan, Trinity, Hiroshima, Socorro, San Antonio . New Mexico, San Agustin, Mexico

☆ Dunkin’s newest pumpkin drink contains actual donuts
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Dunkin’ is elevating the pumpkin drink wars with, what else, donuts. The drink, called “Ice Spice Munchkins Drink,” is a collaboration with rapper Ice Spice and perhaps Dunkin’s biggest fan, actor Ben Affleck. Dunkin rolled out its fall-themed menu in mid-August, a few weeks before Starbucks added its pumpkin spice latte to menus. On Tuesday, Wendy’s began selling for a limited time a pumpkin spice-flavored Frosty, a new flavor to its menu, and a pumpkin spice-flavored cold brew coffee drink, which uses the same syrup from the pumpkin spice Frosty. Dozens of other food products, from pumpkin spice Oreos to beer, hot chocolate mix and even protein powder have crammed into the market.

Persons: New York CNN — Dunkin, Ben Affleck, ” It’s, Affleck, Dunkin, Wendy’s, Dunkin ’ Organizations: New, New York CNN, Starbucks Locations: New York

TORONTO (AP) — Vicky Krieps noticed that while there’s plenty of instruction for getting into a role, there's curiously little about getting out of one. For Krieps, the disarmingly natural Luxembourgish actor of “Phantom Thread,”“Corsage” and “Bergman Island,” it’s not a small issue. “I have to leave my characters in a peaceful way and say: Now she lives in song,” says Krieps. Political Cartoons View All 1148 ImagesThe film, Mortensen’s second and most accomplished directing effort, is a Western from a different, more feminist perspective. In “The Dead Don’t Hurt,” Vivienne packs her bags to flee after the assault, then puts them down and resolves to stay.

Persons: — Vicky Krieps, there's, “ Bergman, ” it’s, she's, Paul Thomas Anderson’s, Daniel Day, Lewis, Krieps, “, ”, She's, Viggo Mortensen, Mortensen, Holger, Canadian Vivienne, Vivienne, ” Krieps, ‘, Elisabeth, Alma, couturier Reynolds Woodcock, Gabriel Garcia Bernal, Hitchcock, it’s, that’s, Jake Coyle Organizations: TORONTO, Toronto, French, Union Army, Screen, American Federation of Radio, Television Artists, Hollywood, Twitter Locations: Danish, Canadian, San Francisco, Nevada, Toronto, Berlin, Krieps

☆ Your Fall Movie Preview
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( Melissa Kirsch | More About Melissa Kirsch | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Searching for something to look forward to in the last light of summer, the fall movie schedule beckons. When the sun sets too early, what better refuge than the movies, where Annette Bening is playing Diana Nyad (October), Colman Domingo plays Bayard Rustin (November) and Timothée Chalamet is Willy Wonka (December)? Some studios pushed their big theatrical releases to 2024 while the ongoing actors’ strike prevents stars from promoting films. Peter Dinklage, Anne Hathaway and Marisa Tomei star in Rebecca Miller’s romantic comedy “She Came to Me,” about a composer who’s having trouble composing. That one’s set in my neighborhood, so I’m presold on it.

Persons: Annette Bening, Diana Nyad, Colman Domingo, Bayard Rustin, Chalamet, Willy Wonka, I’m, “ Dicks, ”, Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, Larry Charles, Kristen Roupenian’s, Nicholas Braun, Peter Dinklage, Anne Hathaway, Marisa Tomei, Rebecca Miller’s, who’s

☆ Reclaim perfectionism by being more of who you are
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Faye Chiu | Jessica Dulong | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Eric Michael PearsonPsychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler rejects that approach, upending the whole notion that perfectionism is something to overcome. She says it’s time to reclaim the term perfectionist along with all the advantages brought by an insatiable desire to excel. Schafler: Perfectionism is a natural impulse that’s unique to humans. Reclaim perfectionism so you can lead a fully realized life, advised Schafler, author of "The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Power and Peace." The goal is to harness the power of perfectionism to help and heal you.

Persons: Katherine Morgan Schafler, Eric Michael Pearson, Schafler, —, you’re, ”, you’d, Serena Williams, Margarita Gasparyan, That's, Williams, Matthew Stockman, they’re, They’re, it’s, Jessica DuLong Organizations: CNN, Power, Random House CNN, Getty Locations: perfectionism, Russia, New York City, Brooklyn , New York

☆ Opinion | The Subtlety of J.R.R. Tolkien
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Ross Douthat | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +7 min

The devil appears to some people as Lucifer the light-bringer, yes — but his darker visage finds worshipers as well. Ours is no longer the world in which Tolkien grew up, nor even the one in which he spent his last years. Tolkien himself was very careful to note that the Shire is not self-sustaining, dependent as it is on outsiders for security. I obviously endorse this point, but I think the last line undersells how much Tolkien subjected his own pastoral nostalgia to critique. Because Tolkien is a reactionary, the solution to that sickness is the return of a king of ancient lineage.

Persons: Tolkien, Soviet Union didn’t, Adolf Hitler’s, Joseph Stalin, Hitler, Lucifer, unrealism —, Tolkien’s, Philip Larkin, “, King Charles III’s, Niall Gooch, Hobbitism, Bilbo, It’s, Gondor, Anárion, that’s Organizations: Gorgoroth, Jackson Locations: Nazi Germany, Soviet Union, England, Tolkien’s, Isengard, Shire, Britain

Executive Producer Reese Witherspoon attends a premiere for the television series "The Last Thing He Told Me" in Los Angeles, U.S, April 13, 2023. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni Acquire Licensing RightsTORONTO, Sept 7 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Reese Witherspoon is putting her star power – and business acumen – to the takeover test again. Private equity firm Consortium Brand Partners said on Wednesday it had bought 70% of Witherspoon’s “steeped in Southern charm” apparel company for an undisclosed sum. For all the attention A-listers now command in deal-making, however, the financial stars often don’t align. Follow @sharonlam_ on XCONTEXT NEWSPrivate equity firm Consortium Brand Partners said on Sept. 6 that it had acquired a 70% stake in Draper James, the fashion and lifestyle brand started by Hollywood actor Reese Witherspoon.

Persons: Reese Witherspoon, Mario Anzuoni, –, Blackstone, Draper James, George Clooney’s, Dre’s, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Simpson, Jessica Alba, ”, Jeffrey Goldfarb, Aditya Sriwatsav Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, Sunshine, Brand Partners, Diageo, Apple, Bloomberg, Honest Company, Jay, Hollywood, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles, U.S, North America, Coty, Delaware, Draper

☆ Celebrity florist Jeff Leatham is in full bloom
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Emily Kirkpatrick | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

In his latest book, “The Art of the Flower,” Leatham returns to some of those signature, emotive moments. Weldon Owen/The Art of the Flower Forsythia branches and phalaenopsis orchids arranged in the lobby of the Four Seasons Philadelphia. Weldon Owen/The Art of the Flower Roses, hydrangeas, and leather leaf installed around a chapel at a private wedding in Texas. Weldon Owen/The Art of the Flower Pictures: Jeff Leatham in full bloom Prev NextLeatham’s floral designs don’t just take you into the past, they make a definitive imprint on the present. Weldon Owen/The Art of the FlowerWell, my relationship started with her mom, Kris Jenner.

Persons: Jeff Leatham, florals, Kardashian, Jenner, —, France’s Chevalier, Leatham, Weldon Owen, Kim Kardashian, Philadelphia . Weldon Owen, There’s, Ross Harvey Weldon Owen, ”, George V, Styles, Flowers, Karl Lagerfeld, Lee McQueen, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, McQueen, Kris Jenner, she’s, Kimberly, She’s, They’re, Kim, It’s Organizations: CNN, Philadelphia, George V Hotel, Pictures, George Locations: Beverly Hills, Paris, Texas, New York, Palm Beach , Florida, Woodstock, England, —

☆ Jimmy Buffett Was More Than Beaches and Booze
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Jon Pareles | More About Jon Pareles | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Jimmy Buffett built a pop-culture empire on the daydream of “wastin’ away again in Margaritaville”: just hanging out on a tropical beach, drink in hand, a little wistful but utterly relaxed. Buffett leveraged it into a major brand for restaurants, resorts, clothing, food and drink, as well as a perpetual singalong on his robust touring circuit, where his devoted fans — the Parrot Heads — gathered eagerly in their Hawaiian shirts. Buffett cannily marketed his good-timey image; it made him a billionaire. He came up with wry song premises like the one behind “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” which starts as the lament of an attempted vegetarian who can’t resist carnivorous impulses. But Buffett’s songwriting wasn’t all smiley and one-dimensional.

Persons: Jimmy Buffett, wastin ’, “, ”, Buffett, Buffett cannily, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Zac Brown, I’ve Locations: Margaritaville ”, Paradise, “, Paris

☆ Retinol Has Many Skin Benefits. Here’s How to Use It.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Melinda Wenner Moyer | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Also look for retinol products labeled “encapsulated,” meaning the retinol is enveloped in a protective barrier and released into the skin over time, making it potentially less irritating. “Retinols can take anywhere between two to three months to start to take effect, and the benefits can continue to improve over the course of six months,” Dr. Garshick said. If the skin doesn’t become red, itchy or swollen within minutes or hours, you can start using it elsewhere, she said. Dr. Mitchell recommended applying a noncomedogenic (non-pore-clogging) moisturizer after using retinol to counteract irritation and dryness. And because retinol can make the skin more sun-sensitive, it’s always smart to use sunscreen during the day.

Persons: Garshick, ”, Shokeen, Mitchell

☆ Frances Tiafoe Is Ready
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( Lulu Garcia-Navarro | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

After I beat Rafa Nadal at last year’s Open, I felt like I was looked at totally different. You don’t realize what you’re doing, how crazy it is, while you’re doing it because you’re doing it. I think afterward, going home and buying little things at CVS and ladies are like, “Oh my god, I can’t believe this is you.” It’s been crazy. The famous guy wants to hang out, and he can do it at that time, but you maybe need to not do that. You know, like, going on “The Shop” with LeBron — stuff that I’ve wanted to do, but scheduling just hasn’t quite worked out.

Persons: You’re, You’ve, It’s, Rafa Nadal, ” It’s, Matt Damon, can’t, LeBron, I’ve, You’ll Organizations: CVS

☆ ‘Bottoms’ and the Tricky Tone of a Horror-Indie-Drama-Action-Teen-Sex Comedy
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( Melena Ryzik | More About Melena Ryzik | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

We finished “Bottoms,” and “The Bear” came out a month later and her world changed. The way queer teen characters are always so innocent in teen movies. “Bottoms” builds on a lot of the teen movie canon, starting with “Heathers.” What else did you use as a reference? We pulled from that era of the ’90s — I guess “Heathers” is the ’80s — but that kind of female, campy, driven, high school and murder [comedy]. That movie strikes such a beautiful tone of campiness while caring deeply about the characters — it’s right on the edge.

Persons: Ayo, Rachel, ” It’s, she’s, It’s, ” She’s, ”, they’re, “, There’s, Liz

☆ How Oliver Anthony’s ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ became a chart-topping conservative anthem
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Scottie Andrew | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —In a matter of days, Oliver Anthony’s working-class anthem, “Rich Men North of Richmond,” has gone from viral sensation to legitimate country hit. “Rich Men North of Richmond” touches upon Anthony’s time as a factory worker in Western North Carolina, he said in the video shared before the song was posted online. Conservative media personality Jason Howerton said he has offered to pay to produce Anthony’s record and that Rich had agreed to produce it. (A representative for Rich told CNN on Wednesday that there “isn’t much to report on” about Anthony and Rich working together. Anthony's song has been compared to Aldean's for their rural perspectives and embrace by conservatives.

Persons: Oliver Anthony’s, “ Rich, ”, dethroning Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Walsh, Anthony, he’s, “, …, ” Anthony, That’s what’s, Oliver Anthony, Richmond ”, Christopher Anthony Lunsford, Jeffrey Epstein, Epstein, RadioWV, it’s, Kari Lake, Lauren Boebert, ” It’s, Travis Tritt, John Rich of, Jason Howerton, Rich, Jason Aldean's, parlayed, “ Don’t, “ Oliver Anthony’s, Phil, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Anthony’s, Uncle Sam’s, Merle Haggard’s “, Guy Drake’s “, Cadillac ”, ain’t Organizations: CNN, North, Apple, iTunes, US Rep, YouTube, Richmond, Virgin Islands, Arizona, John Rich of Big, Rich, Conservative, Records, Facebook Locations: Richmond, ”, Virginia, Appalachia, Western North Carolina, Washington , DC, Virgin, Currituck , North Carolina, America

☆ Fed officials fretted US inflation might not cool further unless economy slows down
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Bryan Mena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Washington, DC CNN —Federal Reserve officials were wary that inflation would slow further unless the US economy and labor markets also cool down, according to minutes from their July policy meeting released on Wednesday. There have only been two meetings in which Fed officials dissented with a decision since the central bank began lifting rates in March 2022. “Inflation is still significantly above” the Fed’s 2% target, Fed Governor Michelle Bowman said earlier this month. The surprising economic strength this summer raised optimism among investors and Fed officials that the US economy can avoid a recession or a sharp uptick in unemployment as inflation continues to slow. Fed economists are in fact no longer projecting a recession, according to the minutes, which Fed Chair Jerome Powell divulged in his post-meeting news conference last month.

Persons: It’s, “, Michelle Bowman, dovish, Patrick Harker, ”, Quincy Krosby, Jerome Powell Organizations: DC CNN — Federal Reserve, Fed, Philadelphia Fed, LPL, Commerce Department, Research, Federal Reserve Bank of San Locations: Washington, June’s, Atlanta, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

☆ Stop trying to be happy. Instead, have more fun
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Jessica Dulong | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Rucker's "The Fun Habit" offers practical tips and tools to encourage everyday acts of fun. CNN: What effect does nurturing a fun habit have on our lives? Because it’s human nature to quickly fill up any space we create, I suggest coming up with what I call a fun file — a robust list of fun activities you’d like to integrate into your days. Rucker: Fun is the antidote to life’s slings and arrows. CNN: How does journaling support building a fun habit?

Persons: busyness, Mike Rucker, Finley Skelton, Rucker, ” Rucker, “, Simon, we’re, Ippei, Stephen Zeigler, we’ve, Journaling, that’s, you’ve, Jessica DuLong, ” Organizations: CNN, Schuster CNN, Getty, Bank, Research Locations: ruminating, Brooklyn , New York

☆ Travel news: Italy’s famous ‘Path of Love’ reopens after more than 10 years
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-12 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Editor’s Note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter. Get the latest news in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments. Famous hiking route set for full comeback in 2024Love is in the air - or at least, it’s really high up a cliff. Riding an iconic 1940s trainVideo Ad Feedback This 1940s train was the most famous in the world. These 10 concepts could change the way we experience the world.

Persons: you’re, ”, Gwyneth, King Charles, Charles Organizations: CNN, Cinque Terre UNESCO, Heritage, British Airways, Kentucky Fried, LAX, Ferrari, Century Limited Locations: Maui, Lahaina, Hawaii, Dubai, Kentucky, United States, Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles, Maldives, Delhi, California, Llwynywermod, Brecon, Wales, Bolivia, Paris

☆ Inside a Dementia Unit in a Federal Prison - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Katie Engelhart | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +8 min

He actually hasn’t existed for, like, over 20 years.” These men are serving life sentences at Angola prison in Louisiana. “I’m serving a life sentence for second-degree murder.” “First-degree murder.” “Second-degree murder and armed robbery.” “I’m serving a life sentence.” “A life sentence without parole.” “I was 18 when this crime happened.” “I was 17 years old.” “I was 18 at the time.” “I come here when I’m 17. It shouldn’t have happened.” In the U.S., there are more than 50,000 people serving life without parole, 70 percent of whom are Black. It’s just a life sentence.” A few states have implemented changes in the criminal justice system, including second-look reforms. But they are only a small fraction of those serving life without parole.

Persons: It’s, I’ve, ”, “ I’m, ” “, “, that’s, Damian, aren’t, who’ve, I’d, Don’t, I’m, ” “ I’ve Organizations: I’m, Culinary Arts School, Baton Rouge Community College, National Center for Construction Education, Research, Bury Locations: Angola, Louisiana, U.S

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