Netflix Makes Long-Term Investment in ‘Black Mirror’ Creators’ New Production Company

Netflix is investing in Broke And Bones, a new production company from “Black Mirror” co-creators Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones. Brooker is the writer and creator of the dystopian series, which began life at U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 before moving to Netflix. Jones is co-creator and executive producer.
Read more: https://variety.com/2020/streaming/global/netflix-invests-in-black-mirror-creators-1234720698/?source=Snapzu

Rapper Malik B, founding member of The Roots, dies at 47

Malik B, the founding member of The Roots, has died at 47. No cause of death has been announced.
Read more: https://ew.com/music/malik-b-of-the-roots-dies-at-47/?source=Snapzu

Coronavirus: Madonna's Instagram account flagged for vaccine misinformation

Instagram has taken action against Madonna for sharing a coronavirus conspiracy theory to her more than 15 million followers. The pop star claimed in a post that a vaccine for COVID-19 had already been found - but that it was being kept from public distribution to "let the rich get richer".
Read more: https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-madonnas-instagram-account-flagged-for-vaccine-misinformation-12038586?source=Snapzu

Trump postpones first pitch at New York Yankees game

President Donald Trump said Sunday he's postponed his plan to throw out the opening pitch at a New York Yankees game next month, extending his run as the only modern president to not take part in the longstanding tradition. The President cited his "strong focus" on the coronavirus pandemic and the economy as reasons for the delay, but still promised, "We will make it later in the season!"
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/26/politics/trump-baseball-first-pitch/index.html?source=Snapzu

The insides of pro bowling balls will make your head spin

The weird anatomy of pro bowling balls, exposed on camera. You'll never look at the pastime the same way again.
Read more: https://www.popsci.com/story/technology/bowling-ball-insides-photos/?source=Snapzu

Wolfgang Beltracchi: The German forger

Wolfgang Beltracchi is a German art forger and artist who has admitted to forging hundreds of paintings in an international art scam netting millions of euros.
Read more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WQyaKoWhjc?source=Snapzu

Williams Racing Needs World-Class Performance On The Track And Security

When everything is measured in microseconds, nothing can be allowed to slow the action down, not even the security required to protect the data systems of the legendary William Racing team. "Every week or two the entire racing team locates to another track, and takes their mobile data center with them." And they have to keep it secure. Here's how they do it.
Read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/waynerash/2020/07/28/williams-racing-needs-world-class-performance-on-the-track-and-security/#25daf2ed5db3?source=Snapzu

Yakuza Director Praises Ghost of Tsushima, Says Japan Should've Made It

Toshihiro Nagoshi, Sega’s executive director of the Yakuza games, has many good things to say about Ghost of Tsushima. Ghost of Tsushima is a worldwide hit, and it has been well received in Japan. In a recent Sega livestream (via Hachima), Nagoshi was asked about his thoughts regarding the game’s success.
Read more: https://kotaku.com/yakuza-director-praises-ghost-of-tsushima-says-japan-s-1844541108?source=Snapzu

F for Fake

F for Fake (French: Vérités et mensonges, "Truths and lies") is the last major film completed by Orson Welles, who directed, co-wrote, and starred in the film. Initially released in 1974, it focuses on Elmyr de Hory's recounting of his career as a professional art forger; de Hory's story serves as the backdrop for a fast-paced, meandering investigation of the natures of authorship and authenticity, as well as the basis of the value of art. Loosely a documentary, the film operates in several different genres and has been described as a kind of film essay.
Read more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIVgUjj6RxU?source=Snapzu

COVID-19 Doc 'Wuhan- A Season in Hell' in the Works From Malcolm Clarke

The doc will feature exclusive interviews with traders at the wet market, local doctors, volunteers, senior officials investigating the outbreak of the virus, and several of the first patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
Read more: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/covid-19-doc-wuhan-a-season-hell-works-malcolm-clarke-1304550??source=Snapzu

TV networks pledged to improve diversity in 1999. Will this time be any different?

Kweisi Mfume was not having it when he declared war on broadcast TV. Mfume was president of the NAACP in July 1999 when he became upset after scanning the fall schedules of the four major broadcast networks and saw that none of the 26 new comedies and dramas being launched had a minority performer in a leading or prominent role.
Read more: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2020-07-27/tv-networks-diversity-pledge-naacp-boycott-1999?source=Snapzu

MP3 Is 25 Years Old!

In the streaming era, music is accessed from a variety of online services, ephemeral in nature and never living on board the device. However, the online audio revolution really kicked off with the …
Read more: https://hackaday.com/2020/07/27/mp3-is-25-years-old/?source=Snapzu

Netflix Orders 'The Witcher' Prequel Series About the 'Origin of the Very First Witcher'

"The Witcher: Blood Origin" will be a six-part, live-action limited series
Read more: https://www.thewrap.com/netflix-orders-the-witcher-prequel-series-about-the-very-first-witcher/?source=Snapzu

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are officially Greek citizens

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have a special reason to celebrate this week: they're both officially Greek citizens. In a picture posted on social media by the country's prime minister, the two proudly hold up their brand new passports. The couple and their children became honorary Greek citizens last year -- after officials highlighted Hanks' role in helping raise awareness about the 2018 fires that devastated areas near Athens and claimed the lives of more than 100 people.
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/27/entertainment/tom-hanks-rita-wilson-greek-citizenship-trnd/index.html?source=Snapzu

Brandon Sanderson: 'After a dozen rejected novels, you think maybe this isn’t for you'

The fantasy author has an army of devoted fans and a record-making Kickstarter - but before the bestsellers, he spent a decade being told to be ‘more like George RR Martin’
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jul/23/brandon-sanderson-after-a-dozen-rejected-novels-you-think-maybe-this-isnt-for-you?source=Snapzu

Sources: Marlins cancel game as virus spreads

The Marlins have canceled their home opener and remain in Philadelphia as the coronavirus spreads among the team, sources told ESPN.
Read more: https://es.pn/2EphZhh?source=Snapzu

Upcoming Netflix Documentary Immigration Nation Reportedly Almost Blocked By ICE

A new documentary that gives Netflix NFLX +0.6% viewers an in-depth look at the machinations of immigration enforcement was allegedly - according to filmmakers Christina Clusiau and Shaul Schwarz - pressured by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to remove a number of scenes.
Read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshwilson/2020/07/25/upcoming-netflix-documentary-immigration-nation-reportedly-almost-blocked-by-ice/#272618dc7996?source=Snapzu

The Nasty Side of F1

Felipe Nasr shared more details about his last season in F1, it wasn't pretty.
Read more: https://drivetribe.com/p/the-nasty-side-of-f1-dX8HbClKSBiVorWoNWEW0Q?source=Snapzu

Here Are Japan's Top Ten Best-Selling Games Of 2020 So Far

With June now well and truly behind us, we find ourselves in the second half of 2020. In that time, we might not have had quite as many top tier Nintendo releases as we might have expected, but the Switch continues to sell well and one title in particular has been smashing records all over the place.
Read more: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/07/here_are_japans_top_ten_best-selling_games_of_2020_so_far?source=Snapzu

Taylor Swift sells 1.3m copies of new album Folklore in 24 hours

Taylor Swift sold 1.3 million equivalent copies of her new album within 24 hours of its release, according to her label, Republic Records. Swift surprised the world this week with the announcement of her eighth album, Folklore, which appeared on streaming services less than 17 hours later.
Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/taylor-swift-folklore-album-copies-sold-24-hours-a9638311.html?source=Snapzu

NBA cuts ties with China's Xinjiang region over its treatment of minorities

China is under fire worldwide for its repression of ethnic Uighurs and other minorities, mostly Muslims, in Xinjiang.
Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nba-cuts-ties-with-chinas-xinjiang-region-over-its-treatment-of-minorities/?source=Snapzu

Fox Sports Unveils "Virtual Crowds" for Major League Baseball Broadcasts

Beginning Saturday, the network will generate digital fans for MLB broadcasts.
Read more: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/fox-sports-plans-virtual-crowds-major-league-baseball-covid-19-1304100?source=Snapzu

Apple eyes new streaming strategy after Tom Hanks drama breaks records

World War II epic ‘Greyhound’ gave Apple TV Plus its first bona fide hit. Now executives are looking to double down, insiders say, finally making Cupertino a player in the streaming wars.
Read more: https://www.fastcompany.com/90531251/apple-eyes-new-streaming-strategy-after-tom-hanks-drama-breaks-records?source=Snapzu

Who Loses Big in the Great Streaming Wars? The User

In an ever-expanding world of TV services, it’s only getting harder to find what you want
Read more: https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-features/streaming-wars-user-experience-sepinwall-1031729/?source=Snapzu

The NBA is using Microsoft Teams to bring basketball fans courtside

Microsoft’s new Together Mode will put fans side by side
Read more: https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/24/21337326/nba-microsoft-teams-together-mode-basketball-virtual-experience-fans?source=Snapzu

Mary Trump's tell-all memoir sells 1.35 million copies in blockbuster first week

A tell-all memoir by President Trump's niece, who accuses him of being a narcissist, has sold 1.35 million copies in its first week, according to Simon & Schuster.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/23/mary-trump-tell-all-memoir-sells-1point35-million-copies-in-first-week.html?source=Snapzu

NHL's Seattle Kraken to break the ice in 2021-22

Seattle's NHL team has finally announced its name -- the Kraken -- as well as a color scheme: icy blue and navy blue with sharp red accents.
Read more: https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/29524234/seattle-kraken-take-ice-2021-22-nhl-season?source=Snapzu

Mike Tyson Will Return to Boxing in a Fight Against Roy Jones Jr.

Iron Mike is back.
Read more: https://www.lines.com/mike-tyson-will-return-to-boxing-in-a-fight-against-roy-jones-jr-237?source=Snapzu

Kanye West says he is trying to divorce Kim Kardashian in deleted tweet

Rapper Kanye West said on Twitter early on Wednesday he has been trying to divorce his wife, reality TV star Kim Kardashian, in a message that was deleted minutes later. “I been trying to get divorced since Kim met with Meek at the Warldolf for prison reform,” West wrote in the message, without elaborating further. A representative for Kardashian did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kanye-west-kim-kardashian-divorce/kanye-west-deletes-tweet-saying-he-is-trying-to-divorce-kim-kardashian-idUSKCN24N0S3?source=Snapzu

Perry Mason Renewed at HBO

Perry Mason’s stint as a limited series was short-lived: HBO is bringing back the Matthew Rhys-led reboot for a second season.
Read more: https://tvline.com/2020/07/22/perry-mason-renewed-season-2-hbo/?source=Snapzu

‘Pitch Perfect’ Star Anna Camp Reveals That She Contracted Coronavirus A Month Ago And Is Still Recovering

Actress Anna Camp took to Instagram on Tuesday and, in a lengthy post, revealed her “very scary” battle with coronavirus. “The panic of contracting a virus that is basically untreatable and is so new that no one knows the long term irreparable damage it does to your immune system is unbelievably stressful,” she wrote.
Read more: https://deadline.com/2020/07/pitch-perfect-anna-camp-reveals-she-had-coronavirus-1202991606/?source=Snapzu

Cursed reinvents Arthurian legend in the biggest and smallest ways

On set of Netflix’s fantasy series with creators Frank Miller and Tom Wheeler
Read more: https://www.polygon.com/2020/7/19/21327530/cursed-netflix-costumes-sets-locations-story-explained-frank-miller?source=Snapzu

New Roku Study Finds Cord Cutting Hits Milestone Amid COVID-19 As Nearly 1 in 3 U.S. TV Households Are Cordless

Roku today announced findings from its annual Cord Cutting study, including new insights shared by U.S. consumers about how the COVID-19 pandemic is influencing the shift to streaming. The study found that approximately 32% of U.S. TV households do not have a traditional pay TV subscription (cable, satellite, telco), while another 25% of households identified as Cord Shavers cut back their service. When asked about intent to cut the cord fully in the next six months, 45% of Cord Shaver households said they were likely to do so.
Read more: http://crweworld.com/article/news-provided-by-business-wire/1616483/new-roku-study-finds-cord-cutting-hits-milestone-amid-covid-19-as-nearly-1-in-3-us-tv-households-are-cordless?source=Snapzu

8 Ways MLB Is Leaning on Technology to Keep Fans Engaged This Summer

In a truncated season, here’s a rundown of what to expect when MLB holds Opening Day for all its clubs.
Read more: https://www.sporttechie.com/mlb-baseball-technology-fan-engagement?source=Snapzu

James rookie card sells for record $1.8m

A rare LeBron James trading card sells for a record $1.8m at auction - nearly doubling the previous record.
Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/basketball/53465305?source=Snapzu

“Crime and Punishment” and the need to be Great

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky was one of the most prominent Russian novelists of all time. His novels are often surrounded by a gloomy, violent aura and deep, complex characters. Dostoevsky never fails to make the reader ponder and introduce philosophical themes in a subtle, but convincing way. His novel “Notes from the underground” is one of the most distinguished existential fictions in the world.
Read more: https://medium.com/@murad./crime-and-punishment-and-the-need-to-be-great-d9a04a585133?sk=6178787ae94c00fbabdc9232b3ede9c8?source=Snapzu

What we didn't see on Netflix's Floor Is Lava

Netflix’s obstacle-course competition series is almost genius in its simplicity, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t have some questions as we binged all ten episodes.
Read more: https://tv.avclub.com/floor-is-lava-s-rutledge-wood-reveals-what-was-left-on-1844397828?source=Snapzu

Netflix's 'Old Guard' video game contest promises an 83-year subscription

Netflix is holding a gaming tournament for The Old Guard fans, and the winner won’t have to pay for a subscription for the rest of their life. To celebrate the launch and to promote the Charlize Theron flick, the streaming giant is hosting a gaming competition featuring an original The Old Guard video game from July 17th through the 19th. Those interested in winning an “immortal” subscription will have to beat everyone else and be #1 by the end of the event this weekend.
Read more: https://www.engadget.com/netflix-old-guard-video-game-contest-075037460.html?source=Snapzu

The desperate global search for a coronavirus vaccine! | First Dog on the Moon

Even though all the vaccinologists are flat out like a lizard drinking it’s going to take some time. Hang in there everyone
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/17/the-desperate-global-search-for-a-coronavirus-vaccine?source=Snapzu

The Chicks Look Back And Laugh

The Chicks — formerly known as the Dixie Chicks — is back with a new record called Gaslighter after 14 years. Why the long time gone? Martie Maguire, Emily Strayer and Natalie Maines say they wanted a break to raise their kids, among other things, but after a 2016 reunion tour, they felt the hunger again. Their new album is rooted in failed relationships, some good ones, anger and a lotta humor. Maguire says life experience never hurts writing.
Read more: https://www.npr.org/2020/07/17/892100683/the-chicks-look-back-and-laugh?source=Snapzu

Hugh Laurie: How We Treat Animals Now Will Be Condemned In 100 Years

Hugh Laurie Tweeted about the changing perception of animal rights, climate change, and other social issues—how might we feel in 100 years?
Read more: https://www.livekindly.co/hugh-laurie-how-we-treat-animals/?source=Snapzu

Seven Soviet sci-fi films everyone should see

From Tarkovsky to the ‘godfather of Star Wars’, The Calvert Journal looks back at the finest examples of Soviet futurism
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/28/cinema-seven-soviet-sci-fi-films?source=Snapzu

The Great Gatsby prequel set for release days after copyright expires

Nick Carraway, last seen at the end of The Great Gatsby contemplating the futility of trying to move beyond our past, is set to reveal a little more of his own, with author Michael Farris Smith announcing his prequel to F Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel.
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jul/15/great-gatsby-prequel-2021-copyright-michael-farris-smith-f-scott-fitzgerald?source=Snapzu

Tom Hanks-Starrer ‘Greyhound’ Torpedoes Apple TV+ Opening-Weekend Records

Apple’s WWII drama Greyhound, starring and written by Tom Hanks, has become the largest opening-weekend release ever for Apple TV+
Read more: https://deadline.com/2020/07/tom-hanks-greyhound-apple-tv-opening-weekend-record-breaker-1202985492/?source=Snapzu

Robert Downey Jr. Wants to Clean Up Earth With Robots and AI

Superstar, Robert Downey Jr takes big screen heroism to life by taking real action to save the earth. Like one in character, “Iron Man” is hopeful about using robotics, AI and the advanced technologies in reversing the earth’s destructive carbon footprint. By alleging full support to a brand-new initiative called Footprint Coalition. He refers to this as a significant technological advancement amidst the great alarm over our state of environment.
Read more: https://www.cleantechexpress.com/2020/07/robert-downey-jr-wants-to-clean-up.html?source=Snapzu

I am not reading. I am not writing. This is not normal

Novelist Amy Sackville reflects on how what sounded like a perfect occasion for creative writing has filled instead with vacancy
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jul/14/writer-lockdown-diary-amy-sackville-creative-writing?source=Snapzu

Grant Imahara, host of 'MythBusters' and 'White Rabbit Project,' has died

Grant Imahara, host of Discovery Channel's "MythBusters" and Netflix's "White Rabbit Project," has died, according to a statement from the Discovery Channel. He was 49 years old. The host was known in Hollywood for his work in electronics and animatronics. "We are heartbroken to hear this sad news about Grant. He was an important part of our Discovery family and a really wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family," a statement from Discovery sent to CNN said.
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/14/celebrities/grant-imahara-dead/index.html?source=Snapzu

Kelly Preston Dies of Breast Cancer at 57: 'She Was a Bright, Beautiful and Loving Soul'

Kelly Preston has died. She was 57. "On the morning of July 12, 2020, Kelly Preston, adored wife and mother, passed away following a two-year battle with breast cancer," a family representative tells PEOPLE exclusively.
Read more: https://people.com/movies/kelly-preston-dies-of-breast-cancer-at-57/?source=Snapzu

Report: Redskins expected to make a name change in the next 24 hours

The Washington Redskins could have a new name in the next 24 hours. Senior NFL reporter for Yahoo Charles Robinson reportedly told ESPN Radio’s Dallas-Fort Worth station that "Washington is about to have a new name in the next 24 to 48 hours" on Saturday. The name change for the 'Redskins' has been a hotly contested debate for decades. The team name is widely held to be a racist slur against Native Americans and FedEx first asked for the name change in early July.
Read more: https://wjla.com/sports/washington-redskins/report-redskins-expected-to-make-a-name-change-in-the-next-24-hours?source=Snapzu

Kid Cudi, Eminem - The Adventures Of Moon Man & Slim Shady (Lyric Video)

Read more: https://snapzu.com/djrascal/kid-cudi-eminem-the-adventures-of-moon-man-slim-shady-lyric-video?source=Snapzu