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That pink-and-green movie about the two witches subsumed social media and the box office during the last weeks of 2024. So much so it could be easy to forget that "Wicked" is, in many ways, the apotheosis of a year in which the movie musical genre returned from the celluloid grave. The is-it or isn't-it quandary Early in 2024, the movie version of the musical adaptation of Tina Fey's "Mean Girls" was released. It was both loved and loathed and much discussion was had about the studio's marketing of the movie, in which the trailers gave no indication that this newest "Mean Girls" was indeed a musical. That was despite recent precedent for the box-office triumph of a movie musical. "Despite the success of movies such as 'Wonka' and 'The Greatest Showman,' studios seemed nervous to advertise the musical elements of their song-and-dance extravaganzas," said Ryan Faughnder at the Los Angeles Times . As 2024 ticked on, the is-it-or-is-it-not musical releases swelled: the Joker sequel, "Joker 2: Folie à Deux;" the Timothée Chalamet -led Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown;" the award-grabbing drug cartel caper "Emilia Pérez." By year's end, "Moana 2," the prequel to "The Lion King," "Mufasa," and the blockbuster "Wicked" all showed their hand, not pretending one bit they were anything but musicals. As Faughnder said, "If anyone went into 'Wicked' not knowing it was a musical, that's on them." Why song-and-dance right now? Production on movies, obviously, begins long before a film's release. Trying to pin the filmmaker's intent on the current societal or political moment is folly. Still, movies resonate with the time of their birth into the cinematic world, whether the artists aim them to or not. During a fraught economic and political present, when it "seems like we've been fractured beyond repair," the musical can bring a "utopian message of hope and resilience," said Desirée J. Garcia, an associate professor at Dartmouth College and author of "The Movie Musical," to the Los Angeles Times . The genre lends itself to finales of "coming together" and surmounting "division and conflict." Many of the movie musicals of 2024 are intricate; they embrace darkness, as the movie musicals of Old Hollywood did not. Where once there was froth, there are now suds, yes, but also shadows. The "stars of this new cycle" deserve praise because the characters they play are "vastly more complex (and confused) than those of the old musicals," said Peter Bart at Deadline . "Gene Kelly in 'Singing in the Rain' and Fred Astaire in 'Top Hat' were essentially airheads." Movie trends can evaporate as quickly as they appear, so the movie musical boom could soon disintegrate. It is near-certain this vanishing will not occur in 2025. Come next November, the second installment of "Wicked," called "Wicked: For Good," will be released, another likely box-office victory.When it comes to photography, the right lens can make all the difference. You can improve how wide the angle of the photo is, how crisp it is, the vibrancy of the colors, and more. In many ways, camera lenses can help define not just the quality of your photos, but also the distinct style and mix of elements. We've argued before that instead of an upgrading your camera body, a new lens can make a bigger difference . To help you choose the right lens, we've already narrowed down our suggestions for essential camera lens models for photographers, which includes necessities like the zoom lens, telephoto lens, and prime lens. Although, anyone who has tried to invest in cameras lenses will know the unfortunate truth that it can get expensive. In fact, some camera lenses can go for hundred of thousands of dollars. Unlike buying a brand-new camera lens from a store, purchasing a secondhand camera lens isn't as straightforward. After all, there are fewer protections in place against scammers, bad actors, or simply uninformed sellers. Ideally, you should also already have the model in mind, so you can put more of your energy into verifying if the specific lens is still up to standard. So, if you're serious about getting a secondhand lens to join your photography kit, here are a couple of things you should pay attention to prevent any problems. One of the common challenges you can expect to experience when buying a secondhand camera lens is making sure the seller is legit. When you're buying from a physical store, you'll want to watch out for things like business permits, official receipts, and other forms of documentation that they're a legitimate business. If possible, try to confirm if they also have a limited seller warranty, which can be useful if you discover issues with your camera lens later on. On the other hand, when purchasing from an online retail store, you'll need to be wary about buying from a scam website by checking things like URLs or the website content for any sketchy clues. If you're buying directly from another user on dedicated selling platforms, like Craigslist or eBay, it's also a good idea to check their seller history, as well as ratings from previous buyers. Plus, it won't hurt to check out our Facebook Marketplace buying guide to manage your expectations. Lastly, if you're buying from unofficial platforms like Instagram pages, you'll want to consider other forms of social proof like testimonials from past customers, proof of delivery, or profile verification. When meeting sellers you don't know personally, keep yourself and your personal data safe by not giving your full name or personal home address. Instead, opt to meet in public places or dedicated internet purchase exchange locations in your local area instead, where you'll have the buffer of other people when you make your deal. Once you've verified the seller, the next step is to make sure that the lens itself is legitimate. In general, fake lenses are not as ubiquitous as counterfeit camera batteries or chargers, for which Sony and other brands have issued official notices. However, there is still some evidence that they exist, especially when it comes to expensive models. For example, Canon has issued a service notice regarding fake versions of its EF 50mm F1.8 II lenses. The camera manufacturer discovered these counterfeit lenses when several people brought their cameras to official service centers. That said, it's important to note that not everyone who is selling their lens will be able to confirm whether they are real or not, especially if they're not photographers themselves. In some cases, counterfeit lenses can look almost identical on the outside, but have different internal components that did not undergo the same rigorous quality testing and safety standards. After some time, this can lead to unwanted damage to your camera body. To avoid accidentally buying counterfeit products, it is best to request a proof of purchase from the original owner. Whether bought online or in-store, they should ideally be able to produce the accompanying printed receipt, original box, and warranty card. Alternatively, if they're unable to provide this, you can also opt to visit the official websites of the camera lens manufacturers and compare the close up photos to the actual item you are trying to buy. If you're more or less convinced that the pre-owned lens in your hand is legitimate, the next step is to check if it looks like it is already on its last legs. In order to make a quick buck, some sellers might not be dishonest with the actual condition of their lens and are hoping buyers don't notice. Or, it's also possible that they're not aware of how damaged their item really is. Because of this, it's important to take time to check for any physical damages, such as cracks or scratches. While some scratches can be superficial or only cause minor inconveniences, such as those from cleaning marks, larger ones can impact the image quality for some shots. If you can point out how it can impact the shooting experience, some sellers will be keen to make some price adjustments. But, if a smooth-looking lens isn't a priority, it's okay to haggle down the cost of your purchase based on cosmetics issues alone. That said, there are some physical issues that should trigger a few alarms in your head. For example, you'll want to check the mount contact points for any red flags, like scratches. In the best-case scenario, these can affect the stability of your camera's communication to the lens, which you can decide if a dealbreaker or not. But in the worst case, such as with bends, it can lead to unwanted damage to your camera body's contact points as well. Previously, we've mentioned how filters fulfill a dual function for camera lenses and can make your camera last longer . First, it lets you control the amount of light that passes through it, which adds a distinct character to photos due to slight changes in color. In the past, we've even narrowed down some of the best filters for astrophotography . Second, it quite literally protects your camera lens from the elements, as well as unexpected falls. Acting like a sort-of screen protector, it's essentially putting a physical barrier between your sensitive lens and the rest of the world. That is, if your used camera lens doesn't have issues attaching it. For photographers who believe in using filters, you'll want to check the filter threads on the secondhand camera lens you're planning to buy. If the threads are damaged, it's possible for filters to get stuck on the lens and cause even more problems. However, if the filter threads are the only thing standing in the way of a really good deal on an otherwise expensive camera lens, there's still hope. On Amazon, you can get the Neewer Camera Lens Vise Repair Tool, which sells for only $33.04 with an average of 4.3 stars from over 300 reviewers. The repair tool is capable of repairing not just the threads (27mm to 130mm), but also minor dents and edges problems. Similar to when you're buying a 35mm camera , you'll need to watch out for dust and fungus buildup inside a used camera lens. Typically, fungus appears like spider-like webs that appear at the edge of the lens. To check if it has fungus, use a small flashlight and shine it through the back of the lens to reveal any imperfections. If you want to be extra thorough about it, you can also use your mobile phone to get a better view of the inside of the lens as well. Although, if the price is low enough, you could also factor in the cost of buying a lens cleaning kit. On Amazon, one popular option is the Zacro 14-in-1 camera lens cleaning kit , which includes tools like blowers, detergent, swabs, and cleaning pens that come in a convenient storage bag. Selling for $21.99, over 7,000 people have given the Zacro 14-piece cleaning kit an average of 4.6 stars. But, if you do decide to take this route, don't forget to read our tips for cleaning camera lenses to avoid damaging it further. If you want to store your lens correctly and avoid this happening in the future, you can also invest in a lens cabinet that can keep dust away while also having dehumidifying capabilities, such as the Ruggard Electronic Dry Cabinet . As of writing, over 300 people think it's a good deal and have given it an average of 4.5 stars, with prices starting at $149.95. Last, but arguably the most important part, is testing the camera lens features to the best of your ability. To do this, you'll need to have your actual camera body on hand. In some cases, you may also need to purchase an additional adapter to be able to mount it properly. Once it's successfully mounted, you'll want to pay attention to the smoothness of the zoom and focus ring movement. If it's still working well, you won't hear any clunky sounds or feel like you're dragging the ring through cobblestone. Next, you can do various test shots to evaluate the quality of things like autofocus, distortion, or sharpness, as well as its performance in low light conditions. Obviously, if you haven't owned the specific lens before, it can be difficult to know if it's performing up to standard. But if a physical store is accessible to you, you can also test the guaranteed new and original lens beforehand, so you can better compare the quality with the same camera body. That said, buying any sort of secondhand electronics is always a risk. After all, unless you're buying from a reputable secondhand or used retail chain, there is often no or limited warranty. Alternatively, you may want to consider getting a cheap camera lens instead of buying secondhand. These days, there are plenty of options available from most of the major camera lens manufacturers that can fit most budgets or installment plans at your disposal.
CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals took care of business and won three straight games for the first time this season. Cincinnati is playing its best football, but it might be too late to sneak into the playoffs, with five teams battling for the two remaining AFC postseason spots. At 7-8, the Bengals are on the bubble along with two other teams that have the same record, the Colts and Dolphins. To have a chance, the Bengals will need to beat the visiting Denver Broncos (9-6) on Saturday, then try to take down the Steelers (10-5) at Pittsburgh in the regular-season finale. They'll need some help from other teams, too. The rub for the Bengals is that they have yet to beat a team with a winning record this season. Now with some momentum for the first time, the Bengals will have to clear that hurdle. “It’s just what it’s supposed to feel like for us. This is our expectation," coach Zac Taylor said after the Bengals beat the Cleveland Browns 24-6 on Sunday. “We just put ourselves in a position to now play some real meaningful games. ... We found a way to get the win and now we can turn our focus to a short week and the Denver Broncos.” Joe Burrow became the first player in NFL history to throw for at least 250 yards and three or more touchdowns in seven consecutive games. One of his TD passes, to Tee Higgins, came as he was falling down. He finished 23 for 30 for 252 yards. ... Ja'Marr Chase continues to build his resume as he strives to win the receiving “triple crown.” He had six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown against the Browns and leads the league in receptions, yards and TDs. ... K Cade York tied a franchise record with a 59-yard field goal. “The guys have responded this way all season,” Taylor said. “We lost some heartbreakers to be quite frank, and games that just came down to the end. It doesn’t mean that we’ve had a bad football team and we weren’t in it. We’ve been in this, and now — I don’t want to say getting our confidence back, because we’ve had confidence — but we’re just making the plays necessary at the critical points of the game to take control of these games. That’s really what’s happened the last three weeks, and we’ve got to continue that.” Burrow has fumbled 10 times this season. Against the Browns, he lost a fumble on a strip-sack with the Bengals on the Cleveland 2-yard-line. Last week, S Jordan Battle scooped a fumble and ran it all the way back, only to fumble as he crossed the goal line, leading to a touchback. Against the Browns, he intercepted a second-half pass from Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the end zone. The Bengals' defense has nine takeaways in the past two games. Cincinnati's depleted offensive line allowed four sacks. The offensive line took a hit when tackle Amarius Mims went out with an ankle injury and didn't return. 5.1 — Yards per carry by RB Chase Brown, who seems to get better every week. He had 18 carries for 91 yards. The Bengals continue their improbable effort to slip into the playoffs when they host the Broncos in their home finale on Saturday. They finish the season the following week at Pittsburgh. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Air Canada plans to bar carry-on bags and impose a seat selection fee for its lowest-fare customers in the new year, as discount carrier tactics increasingly enter the mainstream. Starting Jan. 3, basic fare passengers on trips within North America and to sun destinations will have to check duffel bags, rolling suitcases and large backpacks for a fee — $35 for the first, $50 for the second. A small personal item such as a purse or laptop bag will be allowed on board for free, as will strollers, mobility aids and medical devices. The country’s largest airline also said that as of Jan. 21, lower-tier customers will have to pay if they want to change the seat assigned to them at check-in — a policy it had suspended just two days after implementation earlier this year amid backlash from travellers. The moves mark a shift toward a budget airline-style offering from Canada’s flag carrier, which along with rivals has relied increasingly on ancillary fees for formerly bundled services that range from checked bags to on-board snacks and Wi-Fi access. Air Canada says the changes align its fare structure with similar ticket options from other Canadian carriers and “better distinguish its fare brands.” In June, WestJet rolled out its “UltraBasic” fare. The ticket tier allows no more than a personal item on board — stored under the seat — and charges a fee for seat selection, including after check-in, whether online or in-person. Discount carrier Flair Airlines always charges for a carry-on, which costs between $29 and $74 depending on its size. No-frills fares carry growing appeal for big airlines seeking to capture cost-conscious travellers as budgets tighten after inflation and interest rate hikes. “They’re competing with these low-cost carriers on various routes,” said Richard Vanderlubbe, founder of Hamilton, Ont.-based travel agency Tripcentral.ca. “This is what wins in the price-sensitive area of the market.” Criticism of bare-bones ticket offerings is “easy,” Vanderlubbe said, but the fare tiers — up to seven at Air Canada — give travellers choice. U.S. carriers such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have similar categories, though American and Delta still allow basic economy travellers to bring a bag onto the plane at no cost. “It’s a market solution to kind of an ugly problem,” Vanderlubbe said. “If you’re paying the lowest of the low, then who should get the middle seat at the back?” He added that customers need to be aware that what they see as the lowest fare on a price comparison search may not wind up being the cheapest option once the fees are tallied. “It’s not transparent until you’ve gotten a certain depth into the booking: ‘Oh, here’s the seat selection fee. Oh, here’s the baggage fee. Oh, here’s the carry-on fee.’ And watch out if you don’t check in online, there’s a massive penalty if you don’t,” Vanderlubbe said. “It’s kind of drip, drip, drip, drip. And it works,” he said, calling the trend “troublesome.” Transport Minister Anita Anand agreed. “I was just made aware of a decision by Air Canada to introduce new carry-on baggage fees. I am extremely concerned. Canadians work hard and save up to travel. They rightly expect excellent service, not extra fees,” she said Wednesday in a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Some competitors sought to seize on Air Canada’s announcement to highlight their own offerings. “Now the choice should be clear,” Flair said in a post on X. “The products are the same, one just costs way less.” That’s not always true. Some Toronto-Vancouver tickets in March start at $129 for Flair and $135 for Air Canada and WestJet. Other routes see a bigger difference, with Calgary-Toronto priced at $139 for Flair, $209 for Air Canada, $175 for WestJet and $198 for Porter. Air Canada noted that basic fare passengers who arrive at the boarding gate with ineligible bags will be charged $65 per item to check them. It also announced that customers on its “comfort economy” fare — the middle of the seven tiers — can check two bags for free starting Jan. 3, rather than one. Air Canada took in nearly US$2 billion in so-called ancillary revenue in 2022, up by nearly 50 per cent from five years earlier, according to airline consulting firm IdeaWorksCompany. The category’s share of total revenue for the company grew to more than 15 per cent from below 11 per cent in the same five-year period.What happened to Charles Smith? TikToker arrested after deadly chemical prank at Walmart
Daily Post Nigeria Yan jima kadan Tinubu zai tattauna da ‘yan jarida kai tsaye Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Hausa Yan jima kadan Tinubu zai tattauna da ‘yan jarida kai tsaye Published on December 23, 2024 By Kabeer Bello Shugaba Bola Tinubu zai yiwa ‘yan Najeriya jawabi da karfe 9 na dare yau Litinin, kwana guda kafin fara bukukuwan Kirsimeti. Mai magana da yawun shugaban kasa, Bayo Onanuga, ne ya bayyana hakan a wata sanarwa a ranar Litinin. A cewarsa, wannan shi ne karon farko da za a yi hira ta musamman da shugaban kasa a kafafen yada labarai. “Hirar farko ta musamman da shugaban kasa Bola Ahmed Tinubu za a yada ta da karfe 9 na dare, a ranar Litinin, 23 ga Disamba, a gidan talabijin na NTA da kuma gidan rediyon FRCN. “Dukkan gidajen talabijin da gidajen rediyo ana bukatar su hada kai don yada wannan jawabin,” in ji shi. Wannan na zuwa ne yayin da gwamnatin Najeriya a ranar Litinin ta ayyana hutun kwanaki uku domin bukukuwan Kirsimeti da Sabuwar Shekara. Related Topics: Bola Tinubu Shugaban Kasa Don't Miss Gwamnati za ta gyara duk manyan tituna kafin Kirsimeti – Umahi You may like Arewa ba cima zaune ba ce – Ndume Gwamnatin tarayya ta ja kunnen yan adawa a kan siyasantar da mutuwa a turereniya Tsohon shugaba Buhari ya yi ta’aziyyar rashe-rashe a jihohin Najeriya Kamfanin Shell zai saka jarin Dala biliyan 5 a Najeriya Shugaba Tinubu yi jimamin mutuwar yara 35 a Ibadan Kasafin kudin N49.7trn na 2025 ya tsallake karatu na 2 a majalisa Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd
Biden pledges £472m for rail project to improve access to Africa’s mineralsWith an array of funky, quirky, elegant floats, we gave a look at what might get people buzzing on Rose Parade day, Jan. 1. Here is a glimpse at some possible talkers. Share this: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to print (Opens in new window) Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Report an error Policies and Standards Contact Us Most Popular Miss Manners: Apparently I was too harsh in telling her how the phone works Miss Manners: Apparently I was too harsh in telling her how the phone works Asking Eric: I want to stand up to my snotty nephew, but what will the family think? Asking Eric: I want to stand up to my snotty nephew, but what will the family think? Rickey Henderson, the greatest Oakland A’s player of all time, has died at age 65 Rickey Henderson, the greatest Oakland A's player of all time, has died at age 65 Dear Abby: Please tell my wife that 20 beds is too much for 2 pets Dear Abby: Please tell my wife that 20 beds is too much for 2 pets Harriette Cole: He called me privileged, and it really struck a nerve Harriette Cole: He called me privileged, and it really struck a nerve Miss Manners: I don’t know what to make of the surprise wedding invitation Miss Manners: I don't know what to make of the surprise wedding invitation Dear Abby: His parents liked me just fine until he blabbed our private business to them Dear Abby: His parents liked me just fine until he blabbed our private business to them Dear Abby: I’m fed up with my boyfriend showing off our house to strangers Dear Abby: I'm fed up with my boyfriend showing off our house to strangers Steve Kerr sent a message to Warriors in highlighting one key play vs. Timberwolves Steve Kerr sent a message to Warriors in highlighting one key play vs. Timberwolves Dear Abby: I’m so hurt by what my husband said about pregnant women Dear Abby: I'm so hurt by what my husband said about pregnant women Trending Nationally Party City immediately closing all stores after 38 years in business Conflicting images of Luigi Mangione create dual narratives of UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect Pilots start job searches as airline hiring slows and cutbacks hit Spirit, JetBlue Discount retail chain Big Lots to start ‘going out of business’ sales at all stores nationwide KFC’s new ‘Saucy!’ concept restaurant to open in Florida
Oklahoma sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold will enter the transfer portal, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. A five-star recruit in 2023 out of Denton, Texas, Arnold began this season as the starter, lost his spot and later regained it as the Sooners went 6-6. Monday is the first day that underclassmen can transfer during the winter portal window. Arnold completed 154 of 246 passes (62.6 percent) for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions in 10 games. He also ran the ball 150 times for 444 yards and three TDs, including 25 attempts for 131 yards in the Sooners' 24-3 win over Alabama on Nov. 23. As a freshman last season playing behind Dillon Gabriel, Arnold appeared in seven games and was 44 of 69 (63.8 percent) for 563 yards, four TDs and three picks. A former Gatorade Texas Player of the Year, Arnold started for Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl last December, when the Sooners lost 38-24 to Arizona. He was QB1 for the 2024 campaign, but three early turnovers caused him to be pulled in a 25-15 defeat to Tennessee on Sept. 21 and replaced by true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. Arnold came off the bench to replace Hawkins in a 35-9 loss to South Carolina on Oct. 19, and head coach Brent Venables afterward fired offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. Co-offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley became the interim play-caller. Venables filled the position permanently on Monday by hiring Washington State OC Ben Arbuckle, who could bring Cougars QB John Mateer with him to Norman, Okla. --Field Level Media