Category: News

Few non-Trump supporters have ever bought his lines about the great job he says he’s done battling the virus that he himself caught, which is currently seeing record spikes, largely in places that voted for his failed second term. On Monday, there emerged another confirmation of his tragic and bumbling mishandling of a once-in-a-century public health crisis. According to The New York Times, months ago Trump made a decision that will almost certainly delay vaccinations in the country he will soon no longer lead.

In late summer, sources tell the Times, Pfizer — one of two companies that are very close to okaying a COVID-19 vaccine — approached the Trump administration, offering to sell America additional doses. Trump said no. But other nations said yes. And now, with Pfizer’s vaccine on the cusp of authorization, the Time says the company “may not be able to provide more of its vaccine to the United States until next June because of its commitments to other countries.”

Mind you , that’s caused Trump — who has spent the majority of the last month lodging baseless claim after baseless claim of voter fraud in the election he lost to Joe Biden — to actually, finally do something to help a nation destroyed by an out-of-control virus. Per the Times:

As the administration scrambles to try to purchase more doses of the vaccine, President Trump plans on Tuesday to sign an executive order “to ensure that United States government prioritizes getting the vaccine to American citizens before sending it to other nations,” according to a draft statement and a White House official, though it was not immediately clear what force the president’s executive order would carry.

That included whether it would expand the U.S. supply of doses beyond what is spelled out in existing federal contracts.

But it may be too little too late. A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Human Services told the Times, “We are confident that we will have 100 million doses of Pfizer’s vaccine as agreed to in our contract, and beyond that, we have five other vaccine candidates.” Meanwhile Pfizer that any additional doses beyond the previously agreed-upon 100 million would require “a separate and mutually acceptable agreement.” But those additional doses may not be available until June.

The news of Trump — who had a ghost-writer pen a bestseller entitled The Art of the Deal — screwing up a deal had people wondering if he was the savvy businessman he claimed to be.

Others were just livid.

There is, however, a possible silver lining that could fix Trump’s epic screw-up.

On the same day news broke of Trump’s failed Pfizer deal, it was also reported that Justin Trudeau, prime minister of Canada, had arranged for a first batch of Pfizer vaccines to hit his nation as soon as next week.

When vaccines do arrive on these shores, there will likely be more than one. The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses at separate times. The other, by Moderna, is also expected to be approved very soon. When struggling Americans will receive them is another story.

(Via The New York Times)

Last week it was revealed last month that Warner Bros. was releasing its entire 2021 film slate — from Wonder Woman 1984 to Dune to The Matrix 4 — to HBO Max the same day they hit theaters. When the news hit, some wondered if the brash, potentially industry-shattering decision came in part due to Tenet underperforming in American theaters crippled by the pandemic, which no doubt scared its parent company. Speaking of, among the many critics of the move was Tenet’s director, Christopher Nolan.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, the acclaimed filmmaker did not mince words. “Some of our industry’s biggest filmmakers and most important movie stars went to bed the night before thinking they were working for the greatest movie studio and woke up to find out they were working for the worst streaming service,” Nolan said. He added:

“Warner Bros. had an incredible machine for getting a filmmaker’s work out everywhere, both in theaters and in the home, and they are dismantling it as we speak. They don’t even understand what they’re losing. Their decision makes no economic sense and even the most casual Wall Street investor can see the difference between disruption and dysfunction.”

In the deal, HBO Max would gain a total of 17 films, spread over the next year, starting with Wonder Woman 1984 on December 25. It’s true that new movies released to American theaters have struggled to turn profits, or even mediocre grosses. That’s driven Hollywood’s major studios to do the unthinkable. In the early days of the pandemic, Universal enraged theater chains by releasing Trolls World Tour straight to PVOD, while Disney has done both PVOD (with their Mulan remake) and simply dropped titles like Artemis Fowl (and soon Pixar’s Soul) onto their own streaming service.

But the idea was that theaters would one day be safe again. The Warner Bros.-HBO Max deal could dramatically transform the entire industry, if not put the final stake in movie theater chains. And it’s already angered filmmakers, who expected their films to at least eventually be first available on the big screen. THR reports that Crazy Rich Asians director John M. Chu had to be “soothed” when he learned his next movie, an adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights, would get the HBO Max treatment.

Other sources say James Gunn, who migrated to Warner’s for The Suicide Squad, “was not pleased” with the news, in part because of a “lackluster formula for compensating him and other profit participants in the film.” Dune director Denis Villeneuve is said to be a big proponent of his pricey Frank Herbert adaptation being seen on the biggest screen possible.

There’s even talk of legal action. On Monday sources were reported to have said that Legendary Entertainment, the production company behind Dune and Godzilla vs. Kong, both HBO Max-bound, may sue Warner Bros. While trepidatious film fans may applaud the chance to watch next year’s biggest movies without risking their lives, things are bound to get ugly very soon. In the meantime, HBO Max — which, to its credit, has possibly the most diverse line-up of the streamers, an embarrassment of riches that includes DC through TCM through Adult Swim through Looney Tunes — is still unavailable on Roku.

(Via THR)

Bon Iver have spent much of 2020 fighting for the greater good. In recent months, vocalist Justin Vernon has donated audio equipment to Black Lives Matter protests and has worked to get people to the polls with his initiative “For Wisconsin.” Now, they’ve committed to making their charitable actions more permanent. The band announced they will donate five percent of their annual royalties to a charity fighting against gender inequality and violence.

In an announcement, Bon Iver said that a portion of their royalties will benefit Vernon’s non-profit 2 A Billion. The organization aims to raise support, awareness, and person-to-person connections in an effort to end gender inequality, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.

“We are committing 5% of our publishing royalties annually in order to continue supporting past 2 A Billion partners. On tour, we’ve been humbled by our partners’ work towards bringing gender equity center stage and addressing issues of domestic and sexual violence. That work must continue, even once the show is over. […] Consequently, we hope such commitments move other artists, labels, PROs, agencies, industries, and corporations to support the causes most important to them and their communities. It is time for those with ample privilege and large platforms to amplify marginalized voices, speak up for disenfranchised communities, and give back to those working on the front lines of our country’s greatest challenges. If you have more than enough, please give something. As we all face so many grave issues in our world, we can achieve something good by coming together.”

Nearly a month has passed since the rumor mill began churning in earnest with James Harden’s NBA future in the middle of the rumblings. Eventually, Russell Westbrook was dealt from Houston to Washington in a swap for John Wall but, on the eve of the 2020-21 season, Harden remains employed by the Houston Rockets. However, Harden wasn’t present at the start of Rockets training camp and new head coach Stephen Silas admitted it is a “setback” for the team not to have its superstar player in the mix as the season approaches.

While Silas and Harden’s teammates are left to answer about Harden’s unknown whereabouts, some of the attention is shifting back to the trade market. Throughout the process, it has been widely reported that Harden prefers to head to the Brooklyn Nets but, given his stature, the Rockets are naturally looking for an impressive package and, if they don’t love what the Nets can offer, a standoff could be coming. On Monday, Sam Amick of The Athletic offered interesting insight into the process, noting the Rockets “were surprised by (Harden’s absence) just like everyone else” and shedding light on Houston’s potential asking price.

Amick reports that Houston’s demands “remain unchanged” at this juncture, indicating that the Rockets are looking for “an All-Star/All-NBA level player” as a part of the package. From there, the Rockets are seeking even “a treasure trove of other assets” to come alongside that centerpiece, and not in place of that star. It is worth noting, however, that Amick reports the trade market “wasn’t responding” to Houston’s asking price as of Monday afternoon, but things can certainly change.

On one hand, Houston’s leverage has taken a beating in the last few weeks, with Harden seemingly wanting to dictate his destination and all of the drama surrounding his failure to report to training camp. On the other, superstars have unprecedented power in the modern NBA and, well, it was always likely that Harden would wield that power if he wanted out of Houston in favor of other opportunities.

As far as teams that can present the kind of offer to meet the asking price reported by Amick, it is tough sledding to check all of the boxes. The Nets do have strong present-day talent in Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie and Jarrett Allen, but none of those players reach the level of definitive All-Star status. Brooklyn could offer Kyrie Irving, but Irving and Kevin Durant planned to play in Brooklyn together and that may not be amenable to all parties. A team like Philadelphia, led by former Rockets exec Daryl Morey, could center an offer around Ben Simmons, but they also may want to see what the team looks like after some interesting offseason changes.

Harden’s market may be tepid if the Rockets are asking for the sun, moon and stars but, in the same breath, Houston should be trying to get a ton for Harden. He is, of course, one of the best players in the NBA and, even while making a lofty salary, he’s worth every penny if dialed in and focused. Still, it will be interesting to see who blinks first and, the longer his absence from Houston goes, the louder the murmurs will get about the next step.

Last week came shocking news that may completely alter how Hollywood works even after the pandemic: Rather than wait for movie theaters to be safe again, Warner Bros. moving their entire 2021 slate — some 21 films — to HBO Max, the streamer owned by their parent company. It’s a move that could change the industry. And it has some big detractors, namely the production company behind some of the biggest titles they’re planning on sending straight-to-streaming. (Though the films will also be released to theaters, on the same day.)

Sources tell Deadline that Legendary Entertainment, which has had a partnership with the studio titan going back to 2005’s Batman Begins, “either has or will send legal letters” to Warner Bros., perhaps very soon. They’re allegedly unhappy that two of their largest projects, Dune and Godzilla vs. Kong, will get a day-and-date release strategy, hitting the big and small screens at once.

According to the source, Legendary was given no advance warning before the announcement. What’s more, they put a whopping 75% of the sci-fi adaptation’s $165 million budget. They also reportedly considered selling Godzilla vs. Kong to Netflix for $250 million before WarnerMedia blocked the sale.

This is big if true, but there has still been no confirmation either way. Legendary have helped supply Warner Bros. with some of their biggest titles, from the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy to The Hangover trilogy to 300 to Pacific Rim, and the Godzilla/Kong movies. They also work with Universal, Paramount, and Netflix. Stay tuned for more.

(Via Deadline)

The undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers played their second game doubling as an after-school special on Monday when they hosted Washington Football Team for a 5 p.m. kickoff that was absolutely as weird as it sounds (and only on TV for half the country). The Steelers continued to play brutal, dominant football while Washington continues an aimless season with a starting quarterback who nearly lost one of his legs two years ago and required dozens of surgeries to continue his career.

That journey was a bit terrifying on Monday evening, then admittedly, it got pretty funny. Nearing halftime and already trailing, Smith suddenly appeared to have an extremely bloody leg after a lineman cleated his shin, requiring some medical attention.

As many noted, it was not his surgically-repaired leg that was bleeding. But any sort of blood in an NFL game is upsetting, especially when it looks to be that abundant. Smith left the field but apparently was OK, because after the Steelers made it 14-0 he regained possession of the Washington offense and led a drive down the field late.

Unfortunately, however, two straight sacks with the clock winding down put the Football Team in the position of having to rush off the field on fourth down for a frantic field goal attempt. That is, until Smith did a very savvy thing: he took the ball he was just tackled with off the field with him. And in the chaos of the end-of-half scramble, the person responsible for the K balls wasn’t ready to put one in play for Washington to kick.

Because Smith took the ball, officials didn’t have anything to spot and had to stop the clock. The clock briefly read zeroes, but officials stayed there was an “administrative issue” and explained there was no ball, which meant they had to reset the clock to 0:08, then blow the whistle to let Football Team attempt a much-calmer field goal.

With things more settled, they kicked the field goal to go into the half down 14-3. It was a bizarre scene, and one that rightfully had Steelers fans up in arms. It was entirely unclear if Washington could have even gotten set for a field goal, let alone gotten one off and even then, a kicker under pressure with a ticking clock makes for a much harder field goal than one with eight seconds to pull off.

Call it a savvy veteran move if you may, but it certainly was a weird sequence in what was already a weird game for a lot of other reasons.

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie turned 26 this Sunday, celebrating at the Teaneck, New Jersey nightclub RAIN. After a night of partying, a shooting reportedly broke out which ended with a victim being rushed to the the hospital.

According to HipHopDX, a video uploaded to WorldStarHipHop outlined the incident. Apparently, A Boogie’s entourage rear-ended a bystander’s carin front of the New Jersey nightclub. While insurance information was being traded, a brawl broke out, which eventually escalated to a shooting and one person sent to a nearby hospital.

New Jersey Township of Teaneck Police Chief Glenn O’Reilly confirmed that someone was shot Sunday night but did not specify who the victim was. She said that the injuries are thankfully not life-threatening.

It’s the latest news about A Boogie, who has released a handful of tracks this year. In June, he released a deluxe edition to his acclaimed album Artist 2.0. At the time, he mentioned that he would be donating $100k worth of tablets and laptops to students at his old Bronx elementary school, saying his charitable act was done “so that they can do their remote learning in the safest way.”

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

The battle against COVID-19 is a multi-front war. It’s not just a fight against a biological enemy but a misinformed public as well.

Dr. Benjamin Janaway is a doctor at the UK’s National Health Service and a science communicator. He’s using social media to fight hard against COVID-19 misinformation so we can succeed against the virus.

He recently outlined the crux of the battle on Twitter.

“But consider the makers of the new Covid Vaccine, they must not just fight against the limits of science, but the ferocious and uninformed attacks of Hollywood celebrities, which on a one-to-one basis, most people aspire more to and entrust more than a distant ‘nerd’ a government and media have made their enemy before the start,” he wrote.

“It’s tough to develop a novel treatment using mRNA technology, push for social distancing, and argue with Laurence Fox at the same time,” he added.

(For those who don’t live in the UK, Fox is an actor who got into it with Janaway on Twitter over the COVID-19 vaccine.)

Janaway also shared a video on Twitter where he debunks conspiracies and myths about vaccines that are frequently shared on social media by anti-vaxxers.

The great thing is that he shuts down the entire movement in one minute flat. So even conspiracy theorists with short-attention spans can get the message.

Janaway starts out by explaining why vaccines are so great at stopping the spread of deadly diseases.

“Vaccines are made of an inert or dead form of a virus inserted into the body so the body’s white blood cells — i.e. its immune system — can develop a natural immune response, so when encountering a wild-type version of a virus, it breaks it down without any symptoms,” Ben says. “This breaks the chain of infection and reduces deaths. Millions, in fact.”

Then, he debunks popular falsehoods spread by the anti-vaccination movement.

“The link between vaccines and autism and vaccines and Alzheimer’s has been completely disproven by large-scale studies,” he adds. “There are no dead babies, bits of dead babies, or bits of anything else in a vaccine that is going to harm you. This is all myth,” he explains.

He did admit that there are some extremely rare side effects that come from vaccinations. However, none of them come close to the damage that can be caused by COVID-19.

“The actual risks of vaccines are: there is a risk of anaphylactic shock, which is vanishingly low; a risk of allergic reaction to foodstuffs that can be used (and they will ask before they give it); risk of local tissue damage (well, it is putting a needle in somebody); and a small risk of more general tissue damage, but once again, this is extremely low,” Janaway says. “You may get a few symptoms which is the body’s immune reaction, but not the virus itself.”

In the end, beating this virus is all about taking personal responsibility. Taking care of ourselves by wearing masks, keeping a safe distance, staying informed, and confronting misinformation, we can create an environment where other people stay healthy as well.

It’s Though many people are perfectly happy with their artificial versions (which have gotten more realistic over the years), there’s nothing like the look and feel—and smell—of a real Christmas tree.

Both options come with an environmental cost, however. The Nature Conservancy states, “In the U.S., around 10 million artificial trees are purchased each season. Nearly 90 percent of them are shipped across the world from China, resulting in an increase of carbon emissions and resources. And because of the material they are made of, most artificial trees are not recyclable and end up in local landfills.”

Real trees support tree farms, which only cut down and sell a fraction of the trees they grow and don’t have the intensive carbon emissions that artificial trees do to produce and transport. However, if you go the real route, you’re still killing a tree every year to decorate your home for the holidays.

This conundrum is why people are going ga-ga over the idea of rented, potted Christmas trees.

The concept is quite simple. Instead of buying a cut-down tree, you rent one in a pot for the holiday season. Alexandra Lautarescu shared a photo of her tree-in-a-pot from London Christmas Tree Rental and explained how it works. In January, the gets returned to the tree farm, where it lives the rest of the year.

You can actually rent the same tree each year until it outgrows Christmas tree height, at which time it gets planted in a forest.

The tree comes with specific instructions for slowly introducing the tree to the temperature of your home and for watering and care. Renters also have to pay a damage deposit that doesn’t get refunded if the tree dies, so there is some extra incentive to be a good steward of the tree.

It’s a small operation and a side business for owners Catherine Loveless and Jonathan Mearns—a woman who runs a ballet school and a man who works as a public servant.

“It all started when walking the streets of London in January and weaving between the Christmas tree graveyards that Jonathan decided enough was enough,” the company’s website read. “With 7 million trees going into landfill each year for the sake of 3 weeks of pleasure there must be a better way to do Christmas trees.”

The idea has proven to be quite popular. Last year, they rented out 100 trees and have sold out of their stock for this year.

The price of a rental ranges from around 40 to 70 British pounds, which equates to roughly $55 to $95 U.S., which is around the same average price of buying a cut tree.

There are some companies in the U.S. that offer similar live tree rental services. In fact, a California-based company, Rent a Christmas Tree, has been renting out potted Christmas trees since 2009.

As the desire for more sustainable practices becomes more and more embedded into people’s consciousness, choices like what kind of Christmas tree to get become more and more relevant. One household’s choices might not seem significant, but our individual actions do add up.

And as demand for more sustainable options grows, so will the supply. Just imagine how many more sustainable solutions humanity has up their sleeves.

The Kingsman prequel — known as simply The King’s Man — isn’t simply one of the many Hollywood blockbusters that have been affected by pandemic. It was actually originally supposed to come out over a year ago. The film — which stars Ralph Fiennes and Gemma Arterton as just some of the original members of the super secret English secret service — has been bouncing around the release calendar for a while now, and though it’s now slated for a late February 2021 release, who knows what will happen? But there’s one person confident that the franchise will live a long happy and productive life: director and co-writer Matthew Vaughn.

As per Deadline, the filmmaker — who’s also helmed Layer Cake, the first Kick-Ass, and X-Men: First Class, on top of the first two Kingsman movies — is allegedly getting super ambitious with his series. According to the CEO of Marv Group, one of its production companies, Vaughn has his sights set on “something like seven more Kingsman films.” Presumably that’s on top of the one that still hasn’t been released.

But there’s more, some of which we already knew. “We want to grow the business and the output,” said Marv Group CEO Zygi Kamasa. “We have a Kingsman TV series in the works and there are two-three other franchises that are being developed alongside the Kingsman world.”

That’s a lot of Kingsman! And mind you the first film came out six years ago, and in that time only one sequel has come out, three years back. But maybe that’s only made viewers more hungry to see more of Taron Egerton’s Eggsy.

(Via Deadline)