Month: January 2024

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Jay Leno files for conservatorship of wife Mavis amid her Alzheimer’s diagnosis

JAY LENO & wife MAVIS at the fifth annual Adopt-A-Minefield Gala in Beverly Hills. November 15^ 2005 Beverly Hills^ CA.

Comedian Jay Leno has filed for conservatorship of his wife Mavis, who reportedly is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. TMZ reports that 77-year-old Mavis is unable to fully take care of herself amid her diagnosis, which is the basis for Leno’s conservatorship request of his wife’s estate in a Los Angeles court.

According to legal records, Leno, 73, submitted paperwork on Jan. 26 which revealed Mavis’ medical condition. Thepetition seeks a substituted judgment to approve estate planning and implement a testamentary plan that he believes his wife would execute if she were capable. The documents state: “Unfortunately, Mavis has been progressively losing capacity and orientation to space and time for several years. As Mavis’s current condition renders her incapable of executing the estate plan, Jay has petitioned the Court to be appointed conservator of Mavis’s estate for the sole purpose of filing a petition for substituted judgment on her behalf in order to ensure her desires concerning the disposition of her assets upon her.” A hearing regarding the conservatorship is scheduled for April 9.

Jay and Mavis met in 1970, and have been married for 43 years; they do not have any children. Leno hosted The Tonight Show from 1992 to 2014, with a brief break from 2009 to 2010 when Conan O’Brien took over. Leno headlined Jay Leno’s Garage from 2014 to 2022.

Jay has also battled health issues in recent years; in late 2022, he suffered serious burns to his face, arms and hands in a gasoline fire that erupted in his garage while he was working to repair a clogged fuel line in his 1907 White Steam Car, one of his collectible vintage vehicles. The comedian was released from the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles after undergoing 10 days of burn treatment, and underwent reconstructive surgeries. Two months later, in January 2023, Jay got into a motorcycle accident, breaking his collarbone, two ribs and his kneecaps.

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Take a look at the second trailer for ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’

Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira at the premiere of AMC's 'The Walking Dead' Season 9 held at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles^ USA on September 27^ 2018.

The second trailer for The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live was just released, with the new clip featuring Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) slaying zombies, while hoping they can find each other once again.

The series brings Lincoln and Gurira back into the The Walking Dead franchise after they both left the original series.  According to a series synopsis, ‘The Ones Who Live’ puts Rick and Michonne in “another world, built on a war against the dead … and ultimately, a war against the living. Can they find each other and who they were in a place and situation unlike any they’ve ever known before? Are they enemies? Lovers? Victims? Victors? Without each other, are they even alive — or will they find that they, too, are the Walking Dead?”

The Walking Dead creative chief Scott M. Gimple will serve as showrunner for the spinoff series, and he executive produces with Lincoln, Gurira, Denise Huth and Brian Bockrath.  Along with Lincoln and Gurira, the series’ cast includes Terry O’Quinn as Beale, as well as Lesley-Ann Brandt, Pollyanna McIntosh (who reprises the role Jadis, who saved Rick in season nine of The Walking Dead) and Matthew Jeffers.

‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ premieres Feb. 25 on AMC and its streaming service AMC+. Watch the new trailer for the show  – here.

‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ Trailer: Rick & Michonne Are On A Mission To Reunite In A Zombie-Infested World — Update

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Microsoft laying off 1,900 gaming workers after acquisition of Activision Blizzard

Microsoft sign at the headquarters for the company

Microsoft is laying off 1,900 workers, making up almost 9% of the company’s gaming division. According to an internal memo from Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer shared via CNBC, the layoffs were part of a plan to cut down on “areas of overlap,” after Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard for $69 billion.  Microsoft first sought to acquire Activision Blizzard, which develops the ‘Call of Duty’ and ‘Diablo’ franchises, as well as ‘Candy Crush Saga’ through its mobile gaming subsidiary King, in January 2022, however, the acquisition was put on hold until late last year as it faced scrutiny from regulators in the United States and Britain.

Spencer’s memo read: “We have made the painful decision to reduce the size of our gaming workforce by approximately 1900 roles out of the 22,000 people on our team. The Gaming Leadership Team and I are committed to navigating this process as thoughtfully as possible. The people who are directly impacted by these reductions have all played an important part in the success of Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax and the Xbox teams, and they should be proud of everything they’ve accomplished here.”  Spencer added that Microsoft would “provide our full support to those who are impacted during the transition, including severance benefits informed by local employment laws. Those whose roles will be impacted will be notified, and we ask that you please treat your departing colleagues with the respect and compassion that is consistent with our values.”

In addition to the layoffs, former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra announced Thursday on X Thursday that he is leaving Microsoft and Blizzard: “I want to thank everyone who is impacted today for their meaningful contributions to their teams, to Blizzard, and to players’ lives. It’s an incredibly hard day and my energy and support will be focused on all those amazing individuals impacted – this is in no way a reflection on your amazing work. If there’s anything I can help with, connections, recommendations, etc., DM me.”

Microsoft’s game and studios president Matt Booty said in an internal memo that Ybarra decided to leave the company now that he has “seen the acquisition through as Blizzard’s president,” and a new Blizzard president would be named next week.  Booty also said that Allen Adham, Blizzard’s chief design officer, has also left the company: “Allen has had a broad impact on all of Blizzard’s games. His influence will be felt for years to come, both directly and indirectly as Allen plans to continue mentoring young designers across the industry.”

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Ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarro sentenced to 4 months in jail

Peter Navarro^ former Director of Trade and Industrial Policy and former Director of the White House National Trade Council. Washington^ DC US - May 31^ 2022

On Thursday, former Trump White House adviser Peter Navarro was sentenced to four months in jail and ordered to pay a $9,500 fine on two charges of contempt of Congress, after his refusal to comply with a subpoena related to a House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Navarro, 74, was found guilty of failing to comply with subpoenas the House select committee investigating the Capitol riots requesting that he provide documents and testimony, claiming former President Donald Trump gave him executive privilege. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said in court that Navarro’s punishment was of his “own making” and criticized the former Trump adviser for claiming his prosecution was politically motivated. Judge Mehta said during the sentencing hearing: “I guess what bothers me ultimately is that here we are after a year and a half plus and you still want to suggest to me that this is a political prosecution. You want me to believe this is a political prosecution. When the evidence is completely to the contrary.”

Navarro, 74, told Judge Mehta at his sentencing hearing in federal court Thursday that he had “an honest belief” that executive privilege had been invoked by former President Donald Trump when he received the subpoena — an argument that prosecutors had disputed at trial. The prosecution previously had asked Mehta to impose a prison sentence of six months and a fine of $600,000. Navarro’s council sought a lesser sentence not exceeding six months of probation and a fine of $100,000. The implementation of Mehta’s sentence could be delayed as Navarro’s attorneys have hinted they will appeal his conviction.

The Justice Department said in a filing ahead of the sentence: “The defendant, like the rioters at the Capitol, put politics, not country first and stonewalled Congress’ investigation. The defendant chose allegiance to former President Donald Trump over the rule of law.”

Editorial credit: Consolidated News Photos / Shutterstock.com

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Jon Stewart returning to ‘The Daily Show’ as Monday night host

Jon Stewart attends After Spring premiere during 2016 Tribeca Film Festival at Chelsea Bow Tie Cinemas^ NYC

After a yearlong search for Trevor Noah‘s replacement, former longtime host Jon Stewart is returning to Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. Stewart has agreed to return on Monday nights through the 2024 election, beginning Feb. 12. Stewart posted on X: “Friends. After much reflection I have decided to enter the transfer portal for my last year of eligibility. Excited for the future! 5’7” ish 165 14.8 second 40 #Blessed #NILBABY #TDSnation #LFGM”

The move comes after Stewart prematurely exited his Apple TV+ show The Problem following creative differences over potential topics and guests. Stewart previously spent 16 years at the show, and will be heavily involved as an executive producer on the other nights as well.  For the remainder of the week, The Daily Show will have a team of correspondents including Jordan Klepper, Desi Lydic, Ronny Chieng, Michael Kosta and Dulcé Sloan.

Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, said in a statement: “Jon Stewart is the voice of our generation, and we are honored to have him return to Comedy Central’s The Daily Show to help us all make sense of the insanity and division roiling the country as we enter the election season. In our age of staggering hypocrisy and performative politics, Jon is the perfect person to puncture the empty rhetoric and provide much-needed clarity with his brilliant wit.”

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‘Squid Game’ Season 2 premiering on Netflix this year

Smartphone with the logo of "The Squid Game"

Season 2 of “Squid Game” is set to premiere later this year on Netflix.

The streaming service announced the second-season debut of the Korean-language survival drama series from creator Hwang Dong-hyuk in a letter to shareholders, writing: “Looking ahead, despite last year’s strikes pushing back the launch of some titles, we have a big, bold slate for 2024. Audiences will be able to choose from hit returning dramas like The Diplomat S2, Bridgerton S3, Squid Game S2 and Empress S2; unscripted series like Tour de France: Unchained S2, Love is Blind S6, F1: Drive to Survive S6 and Full Swing S2; and brand new shows like 3 Body Problem (based on the best selling novel and from the Game of Thrones showrunners), Griselda (starring Sofia Vegara, which premieres this week), The Gentlemen (from Guy Ritchie), Eric (starring Benedict Cumberbach), Avatar: The Last Airbender, Cien Años de Soledad, from Colombia based on the novel by Gabriel García Márquez and Senna from Brazil.”

The first season of Dong-hyuk’s “Squid Game”, comprised of nine-episodes, launched in 2021. The series proved to be an all-time smash hit for Netflix and was nominated for 14 Emmys, including best drama series (a first for a non-English-language series), winning six. “Squid Game” also won three Golden Globe Awards, including best TV drama.

‘Squid Game’ Season 2 To Premiere In 2024 Alongside New Seasons Of ‘Bridgerton’ & ‘The Diplomat’

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Ford recalling nearly 2 million Explorer SUVs due to pieces of trim flying off

Ford Explorer ST SUV Seen In Front Of Mountain Hinton^ Alberta / Canada

Ford is recalling nearly 1.9 million Explorer SUVs in the U.S. because a trim piece can fly off and create a hazard for other drivers. Documents posted Wednesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say that clips holding the trim that covers the roof supports close to the windshield can come loose; and if that happens, the trim piece can fly off and increase the risk of a crash.

The recall covers Explorers from the 2011 through 2019 model years; it comes after U.S. regulators opened an investigation into the problem last January after receiving 164 consumer complaints. Canadian regulators also inquired about the problem.

According to the documentation from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford initially decided against a recall, citing the low mass of the part, but decided to do the recall after U.S. regulators determined the problem was a safety hazard. Consumers can also reach the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit www.nhtsa.gov.

Ford said in a statement Wednesday that it expects only 5% of the recalled Explorers to be affected by the problem, and it encourages owners to contact dealers for an inspection when parts are available. Dealers will inspect the trim pieces to make sure the clips are engaged and add adhesive to hold them in place. The company said that it’s aware of 568 consumer complaints and more than 14,000 warranty reports alleging that the parts were missing or detached. Ford said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries from the problem.

Owners will be notified starting March 13, with a second letter to follow when a remedy is available. Consumers with questions about their vehicles can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 24S02.

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A Boeing 757 passenger jet loses nose wheel just before takeoff

Delta Airlines Boeing 757-200 at Los Angeles airport (LAX) in the USA

The nose wheel of a Delta Airlines Boeing 757 jet fell off and rolled away while the plane was waiting on the runway for takeoff clearance. According to a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration, Delta Air Lines Flight 982 was prepping for takeoff from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta on Saturday when the wheel “came off and rolled down the hill.”

Boeing declined to comment, instead directing inquiries to the airline. Delta said Wednesday that Flight 982 had 172 passengers, in addition to two pilots and four crew members, bound for Bogotá, the capital of Colombia.  Passengers were removed from the plane and later put on a replacement flight, with no injuries reported. Delta said in a statement Wednesday: “Delta Flight 982 ATL/BOG was taxiing for departure when a nose gear tire came loose from the landing gear. All customers and their bags were removed from the aircraft, transferred to the gate and onto a replacement aircraft. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.” The plane was put back into service the next day, Delta said. According to an online record of the plane’s history, it has been active since 1992.

The latest incident with a Boeing aircraft comes weeks after a panel on an Alaska Airlines flight blew out midflight, prompting the grounding of Boeing 737 Max 9 planes nationwide and an ongoing investigation. Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said that an internal investigation had found that “many” Max 9 planes were found to have loose bolts.  In a separate incident, another Boeing plane, a 747 cargo jet, was seen spewing flames into the sky over Miami last week.

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/we-have-a-problem:-boeing-757-loses-wheel-during-taxi

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Javier Bardem, Chloë Sevigny cast as parents of Menéndez Brothers in ‘Monster’ Season 2

Javier Bardem attends 'The Last Face' Premiere during the 69th Cannes Film Festival on May 20^ 2016 in Cannes^ France.

Netflix announced that Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny have been added to the cast of “Monster” Season 2, officially titled “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story”.  The two actors join previously announced co-stars Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez in the upcoming season of the anthology series, which will focus on the infamous Menéndez brothers case.  The “Monster” anthology series is co-created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, who also both serve as executive producers along with Alexis Martin Woodall, Eric Kovtun, David McMillan, Louise Shore, and Carl Franklin.

Erik (Koch) and Lyle Menéndez (Chavez) were convicted of the murders of their parents, José (Bardem) and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menéndez (Sevigny), in 1996. Authorities argued the brothers committed the murders to inherit their father’s fortune, while the brothers maintained that they killed their parents after years of mental and physical abuse.

The first season of ‘Monster’ focused on serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, and was a massive success for Netflix, ranking as one of its most-watched English language series of all time. Netflix subsequently renewed it for two more seasons as an anthology series.

“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story” is slated to debut later in 2024 on Netflix.

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Dakota Johnson to host, Justin Timberlake performing as musical guest on ‘SNL’ this weekend

Dakota Johnson attends premiere of "Cha Cha Real Smooth" during Tribeca Film Festival at BMCC New York^ NY - June 13^ 2022

Dakota Johnson is set to host for the second time, along with musical guest Justin Timberlake, on the on Jan. 27 broadcast of Saturday Night Live.

Johnson stars as the titular character in “Madame Web” (alongside “Euphoria” star Sydney Sweeney), which debuts in theaters Feb. 14.  Johnson portrays Cassandra Webb in the film, a Manhattan paramedic whose psychic abilities allow her to see into the future and the interconnected spider world. Johnson is also known for her 2015 starring role in “Fifty Shades of Grey.”  Meanwhile, Timberlake’s upcoming appearance will serve as his fifth time taking the “Saturday Night Live” stage as a solo musical act.

This season of SNL have seen a star-studded array of hosts and musical guests, including Jacob Elordi and Renee Rapp, who just hosted the Jan. 20 episode. Emma Stone, Jason Momoa, Pete Davidson, Bad Bunny, Nate Bargatze and Timothee Chalamet have also hosted episodes this season, along with musical guests including Ice Spice, the Foo Fighters and Boygenius. Bad Bunny also served as both host and musical performer.

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