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Daisy Jones & The Six: A Modern Spin on 70s Music
New musical series storms streaming services
By Tara Stoeffler
The musical drama series Daisy Jones & The Six is climbing the charts with its new release. Based on the 2019 novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid (with the same name as the film), the show revolves around the Los Angeles music scene of the 1970s-- following the journey of a rising band through interviews and an inside look at its music-creation process. Reid states that the characters and premise are based on the members and events behind Fleetwood Mac, due to her love for the band growing up.
Reid’s novel was a hit in 2019 and has only continued to gain major interest. It won the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award in 2020, and was a finalist for Book of the Month’s Book of the Year in 2021. On screen, Daisy Jones & The Six captures leads Riley Keough (Daisy) and Sam Claflin (Billy). It aired on Amazon Prime Video in the beginning of March.
While it does encapsulate the retro vibes of the 70s era, many characters’ personal struggles illustrate the whirlwind feelings that come with rising to fame in such a culture. The group’s fame comes with the painful realities of heartbreak and addiction.
A part of what makes these realities so vivid for viewers is the group’s music. In addition to its impressive acting and film production, Daisy Jones & The Six introduced new music to accompany the lyrics presented in Reid’s novel-- and though it may be a part of the fictional world, it is only gaining love on popular music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Daisy Jones grew up believing that she did not have what it takes to become a valued and talented member of the music industry. As the series goes on, however, viewers are able to see her transform from an uncertain child to a woman who is sure of her powerful voice. Brothers Billy and Graham Dunne (Will Harrison) simultaneously begin to form a band in order to leave their hometown and gain recognition. Karen Sirko (Suki Waterhouse) joins them on their journey to Los Angeles, where they meet their manager Teddy Price (Tom Wright). The launch of their first album and nation-wide tour, and the intertwining of Daisy’s and Billy’s stories, follows soon after.
With this visual adaptation of a dramatic and emotional story, readers are now able to place classic faces to their favorite characters and visualize iconic pit-stop diners and musical arenas in the infamous city of Los Angeles. Most evident, though, is the music that effortlessly lifts off the page, transporting you from your couch to a concert.
2023 Oscars Event Takes Place Without a Hitch
Host Jimmy Kimmel keeps folks smiling as evening runs smoothly and celebratory atmosphere prevails
By Zayna Saidi
The Academy Awards took place on March 12, celebrating the 95th annual Oscars. The Oscars began in 1929 to recognize and reward the hardworking participants found within the filmmaking industry.
Jimmy Kimmel was the host of the 2023 Oscars. Altogether, many actors mentioned how wonderful it was to be attending the Oscars this year and thanked all those who put forth the effort to maintain an enjoyable environment. But the praise does not stop there, as many viewers celebrate the award choices and appreciate the thoughtfulness put towards deciding on the winners. The majority were also glad to put the Will Smith attack to rest.
“Everything Everywhere All At Once” winning “Best Picture” was not a shock due to the popularity and praise the film had received. In addition, this same movie won in the categories of “Writing,” “Film Editing,” and “Directing.” Three actors from this film won individual Oscars-- “Actress in Supporting Role” going to Jamie Lee Curtis, “Actress in Leading Role” going to Michelle Yeoh, and “Actor in Supporting Role” going to Ke Huy Quan. In total, they had won 7 awards that night.
Michelle Yeoh’s win was not only well deserved, but history making, as she became the first Asian actress to win in the category of “Best Actress” in the history of the Oscars. Upon winning her award, Michelle sends an inspiring message to kids watching; “For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof that dream big, and dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anyone ever tell you you are past your prime … thank you to the academy. This is history in the making.”
Although “Everything Everywhere All At Once” took the media by storm, other films also left their mark at the Oscars. “All Quiet On The Western Front” won in the categories of “cinematography,” “international feature film,” “music,” and “production design.” Hit movie “Top Gun Maverick” made its return from last fall, winning in the category of “Sound”.
Compared to previous years, through the struggle of Covid-19, along with other controversies, the 95th Oscars not only celebrates those in the film industry, but life for finally overcoming the pandemic and returning to normalcy. Through the historical, cheerful, and emotional moments during the ceremony, many are once again starting to look forward to the annual Oscars and the stars of the night!
The Coronation of King Charles III Takes Place as the World Watches
Divorced king and second wife make history as evidence of fractured family lingers
By Antonina Novicki
Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning monarch in British history, claiming the throne in 1952 until her death on September 8th of 2022, a total of 70 years. Following her death, Charles III, her eldest son with her husband Prince Philip, became King. In October of 2022, the Royal Family announced that the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III will take place on Saturday, May 6th in Westminster Abbey, London.
It was conducted by Justin Welby, the current Archbishop of Canterbury. Alongside His Majesty the King, Queen Consort Camilla Parker-Bowles was crowned.Westminster Abbey, formerly known as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter, has been the setting for British coronations since 1066, when William the Conqueror was crowned, and is the site where Queen Elizabeth II was crowned on June 2nd, 1953. The church is well-known not only for coronations, but also for its stunning Gothic architecture, the burial of 17 past monarchs, royal weddings, funerals (specifically Princess Diana in 1997), as well as housing the tombs of several famous people, including the poet Chaucer and Charles Dickens.
King Charles became Heir to the Throne at the age of three, while his mother became Queen at the age of twenty-five. In his young adulthood, Charles attended Cambridge University and served in the Navy. In 1981, Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, having two sons; Prince William and Prince Harry. In 1996, the marriage between Charles and Diana was dissolved, and in 2005, Charles married Camilla Parker-Bowles, the Queen Consort. Now that Charles is King, his eldest son William is heir apparent, and the line of succession passes through William to his three children. Second in line is Prince George, followed by Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The Coronation is viewable online, and began at 10:20 am BST (5:20 am EST) with Charles and Camilla traveling a 1.3 mile-long route from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. At 11 am BST (6 am EST), the ceremony began. First was the Recognition, followed by the Coronation Oath, in which King Charles recognized the faiths of his rule. Next, the Archbishop of Canterbury anoints him with holy oil, and he was given the scepter, coronation ring, royal robe, and St. Edward’s crown.
After the ceremony, Charles and Camilla traveled back to Buckingham Palace in the Golden State Coach, the same one used in the coronation procession of Queen Elizabeth II. At the palace, there was a military fly-past, and other Royal Family members made appearances. According to Richard Fitzwilliams, the British public relations commenter, the ceremony was estimated to cost around £100 million or more from British taxpayers.
According to a Royal Family press release, the coronation was predicted to have over 2,200 people in attendance, with guests from 203 different countries, including foreign royalty and ministers, members of the British government, and around 400 representatives from various nominated charities. The coronation of King Charles was only the second televised coronation in British history, and the first coronation since 1953.
Avatar Way of the Water: James Cameron's Explosive and Record-Breaking Success Continues
Incredible "Avatar" sequel knocks others off the charts
By Madyson Renna
In all of James Cameron’s movies, the top three grossing films that he has ever produced are Titanic, Avatar, and Avatar: The Way of Water.
The first Avatar movie was released in December of 2009. It contains a story of Na’vi beings who live on an alien world named “Pandora.” They must face challenges to fight for survival while living on poisonous land. This movie has grown into being not only Cameron’s highest-grossing movie, but the highest-grossing movie ever made, with the lifetime gross being $2,923,706,026. The reason behind why this movie is so successful is because it presented “hyperrealism” in the 2000s, which was becoming an art form in that time. The creative photography allowed filmmakers to gain the ability to create virtual worlds that were intensely real.
Avatar also created the modern 3-D trend. Viewers enjoyed seeing this film because it is how they imagined a 3-D movie would look in cinemas. This was a huge advantage to Avatar climbing the charts.
Avatar: The Way of Water is the second Avatar movie that Cameron produced. It is about Jake Sully and Ney’tiri as they leave their home to explore the regions of Pandora. They then happen to realize that they are obligated to fight a war against humans. This movie was a continuation to the first Avatar which was part of the reason why it grew so fast. It grossed $2.243 billion worldwide when it was released, and it has passed Titanic’s earnings just only in its tenth weekend in theaters. When fans first saw it, they claimed it was like “no experience they have ever seen before.” The underwater sequences are so impressive to watch due to the rate of forty eight frames per second. Overtime, the movie kept receiving popularity which benefited the film’s box office and growth.
James Cameron’s “Titanic” is an action-based romance story of a voyage of the RMS Titanic. The movie involves the ship which carried over 1,500 humans to their death, in the North Atlantic Ocean on the morning of April 15, 1912. The movie demonstrates how the ship that is known to be “unsinkable” had sunk down to the bottom of the ocean floor. It gives an understanding of visual representation to the audience of how many were fighting for their survival as the ship was sinking. Titanic displays drama, storytelling, and impressive filmmaking and acting which contributes to its great success. Titanic had made an estimated total of $2.249 billion. 25 years later, and this film is still a masterpiece. Titanic was recently in theaters worldwide playing in 3D for its 25th anniversary. It was the number one movie in America for 15 weeks straight. Like the Titanic, both Avatar films only furthered Cameron’s unique, individual filmmaking style.
The 2023 Literary Release Season Becomes One for the Books!
Release highlights new authors and their accomplishments
By Alivia Renna
The year of 2023 may have begun four months ago, but a fantastic year of reading is just getting started. This year, readers won't be let down with many new and exciting books that are out on the shelves. From memoirs, to action-packed fiction sequels, and captivating poetry, this is just the beginning of the new book year.
With the new year comes new books, and with new books come new writers. Although there are many sequels that have already been released, there are a lot of new books that have been written by many new writers. Spare by Prince Harry is a memoir of his childhood to adult life, and the trauma that he has faced along the way-- a story of love, loss, and royal life with his wife, Meghan Markle. This book was released on January 10, 2023, and has been flying off the shelves ever since.
Another best-seller that was released in January was Allegra Goodman’s Sam. Allegra Goodman is an author who is located in Cambridge, Massachuesttes. She has been writing since the age of seven when she wrote and illustrated her very first novel. Sam is the powerful coming of age story of a young girl and emotional journey to womanhood, as her parents struggle to make ends meet. According to reviews, Goodman’s powerful novel will break your heart but still put the pieces back together.
Along with many new novels, there are also several debut authors of 2023. This year could be the year of new talent, as a whole wave of new writers take the stage. Monica Heisey is known to be a television writer but has just released a novel, Really Good, Actually. Heisey has written scripts for television shows, Schitt’s Creek and Workin’ Moms, but this latest novel has been one of the most popular books of 2023 so far. It tells the story of a woman and her search for joy while she navigates through an unanticipated breakup. Relatable and bittersweet, this novel will leave readers with something to laugh and cry about at the same time.
With the start of a new year always comes new books to pick up and enjoy. Between new novels and new writers, there is always a brilliant story on the horizon. Looks like 2023 is going to be one for the books!
Taylor Swift Shatters Records With Eras Tour
St. Patrick's Day of this year marked the start of Swift's famous Eras Tour. With 52 stops and incredible performances encompassing songs from every one of her 10 albums, fans have gone crazy trying to claim tickets to these three-and-a-half hour shows that boast incredible outfits, choreography and- of course- music!
Junior editors Olivia Coish and Alison Palmieri celebrated their friend Andrea August's birthday by attending Taylor Swift's 13th show at Gillette Stadium! The concert was a night to remember for the three sophomores and thousands of other Swifties who enjoyed an evening of fabulous entertainment!
Tina Turner, A Legend Who’s “Simply the Best,” Dies at 83
Musical star leaves a legacy for others to remember
By Tara Stoeffler
One of music’s greatest icons, Tina Turner, recently died on March 26, 2023. Her legacy blazed a trail for other icons like Beyonce, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, and Amy Winehouse. She passed away in her home in Kusnacht, which is right outside of Zurich, Switzerland. Turner was a 12-time Grammy award recipient and is known for her unmatched, fiery voice. Some of her classics include “Proud Mary,” “Nutbush City Limits,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” and “Better Be Good to Me.”
Turner was originally named Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939. Her musical career began in Nutbush’s Spring Hill Baptist Church choir when she started singing at the age of eleven. Later on, she met her future husband, Ike Turner, at the Manhattan Club in East St. Louis. Soon after, she was asked to join Ike’s band, the Kings of Rhythm, and agreed to do so. She changed her name to Tina, sounding similar to “Sheena,” which was inspired by Sheena the Queen of the Jungle, whose persona influenced Turner’s electric stage presence!
Ike and Tina started a decade of great success, signing with Phil Spector’s Philles label. A year later, Turner became the first female artist, and Black artist, to be featured on the cover of Rolling Stone.
Apart from this fame, however, Ike Turner was famously known for being “abusive, unfaithful and addicted to cocaine” (Yahoo Entertainment). After a violent incident in Dallas-- and years of terrible treatment-- Tina fled the scene with only a few cents in her pocket. Their divorce was confirmed in 1978. While many artists in the industry claimed her success would be over after this, Turner proved otherwise with an incredible comeback at forty years old.
In the late seventies, she released a couple solo albums, but then exploded in the eighties with several popular covers, such as “Ball of Confusion” by the Temptations and “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green. “What’s Love Got to Do With It” was a huge hit. She became a pop sensation and the oldest female solo artist at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
Turner was a musical icon and a model for several artists who looked to imitate her unique style and talent. Her fan base is on a global scale, as evidenced by King Charles honoring her with a tribute at Buckingham Palace, where the Band of the Welsh Guards performed her sensational hit, “The Best.” As Peter Lindburgh stated on Turner’s Instagram, “With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music.”
Link to article with tribute at Buckingham Palace: https://people.com/king-charles-honors-tina-turner-with-musical-tribute-at-buckingham-palace-7504920
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