Year: 2024

30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards Highlights

The 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards honored stars from television and film, with winners selected by their peers in the guild. The event held particular significance following the SAG strike, and featured memorable moments including Meryl Streep’s onstage mishap and a delightful reunion from The Devil Wears Prada.

The Rise of the Independent Spirit Awards

The Independent Spirit Awards (ISAs) have gained popularity as a more entertaining alternative to the Oscars, offering a refreshing and engaging experience for hosts and viewers. With diverse and exciting hosts like Nick Kroll, Seth Rogen, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate McKinnon, the ISAs bring a relaxed and humorous atmosphere, making it a more enjoyable experience. The emphasis on independent film and television productions, along with the move to YouTube, has made the ISAs more accessible and significant in the awards season.

Ricki Lake Shares Incredible 30-Pound Weight Loss Journey

Former talk show host Ricki Lake shares her amazing 30-pound weight loss journey on Instagram, emphasizing her commitment to a healthier lifestyle without relying on pharmaceuticals. At 55 and in perimenopause, Lake proves that age is not a barrier to achieving fitness and wellness goals, receiving an outpouring of support from fans and famous friends.

Reggae Icon Peter Morgan, Lead Singer of Morgan Heritage, Passes Away

The reggae community mourns the loss of beloved icon Peter Morgan, lead singer of Morgan Heritage. His soulful voice and powerful presence left an indelible mark on the reggae music scene. Tributes pour in as fans and musicians honor his enduring impact and legacy.

Kenneth Mitchell, Star Trek Actor, Passes Away at 49

Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, known for his roles as Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, Tenavik, and Aurellio on Star Trek: Discovery, has passed away at the age of 49. Mitchell’s portrayal of Kol aimed to provide fans with a new perspective on Klingon culture, challenging the perception of the Klingons as villains. Survived by his wife Susan May Pratt and their two children, Mitchell requested that any gifts be directed towards ALS research or in support of his children, Lilah and Kallum. The entire Star Trek community extends its condolences to Mitchell’s family, friends, loved ones, and fans worldwide.

Entertainment Industry News Highlights

KCRW’s use of cookies and 3rd party services has been making headlines, but the entertainment industry is abuzz with FuboTV’s $1 billion lawsuit against Fox, Disney, and Warner Brothers Discovery. Sony’s struggles with live action Marvel films and filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov’s documentary ’20 Days in Mariupol’ are also major talking points, highlighting the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry.

University of Waterloo vending machine scandal

A vending machine error at the University of Waterloo has led to the discovery of secret face recognition technology being used without consent. The controversial revelation has prompted the university to swiftly remove M&M-branded smart vending machines from campus. The scandal unfolded when a student, using the alias SquidKid47, shared an image on Reddit displaying a vending machine error message, ‘Invenda.Vending.FacialRecognitionApp.exe,’ after the machine failed to launch a face recognition application. This unexpected discovery raised concerns among students, with SquidKid47 questioning the presence of facial recognition technology in the M&M vending machines.

Wage Growth Identified as Key Driver of Consumer Price Inflation

Confidential Treasury analysis reveals that wage growth is the primary driver of consumer price inflation, debunking claims of corporate profit gouging. Concerns are raised about the outlook for wages, productivity, and inflation, with potential implications for interest rates and inflation forecasts.

TD Securities Revises Cash Rate Calls for RBA and RBNZ

TD Securities economists revise cash rate calls for RBA and RBNZ, predicting RBA easing in November and RBNZ hike of 25 basis points. RBNZ expected to implement aggressive easing cycle, while RBA projected to make 100 basis points of cuts. Forward-looking statements provided for informational purposes only. Investing in open markets carries significant risks.

2024 Channel News

The channel industry is experiencing significant changes and challenges in 2024, with GenAI technology integration and major vendor acquisitions shaping the landscape. Three channel chiefs, including Cynthia Loyd of Broadcom and Denise Millard of Dell Technologies, are key figures to watch as they navigate the evolving channel environment and work to establish and enhance business interactions with partners.