Tom Cruise’s forthcoming entry in the Mission Impossible film series has officially exited the 2024 cinematic schedule. The eighth chapter in this gripping spy saga seems to have discarded the latter half of its prior moniker, “Dead Reckoning, Part Two,” and will shortly unveil a fresh title.
Paramount and Skydance have decided to postpone the release date to May 23, 2025, rescheduling from its initial slot on June 28, 2024. The production of this film had come to a standstill to facilitate promotional efforts for “Dead Reckoning, Part 1,” featuring Cruise and the cast. Unfortunately, the SAG-AFTRA strike emerged in mid-July, causing an extended delay as the cast was unable to resume their roles in the project directed by Christopher McQuarrie.
Should the labor dispute remain unresolved in the upcoming weeks, we can anticipate a potential exodus of other major productions in the coming year.
The cinematic journey of “M:I 8” has had its share of ups and downs, beginning with the release of “Dead Reckoning, Part 1” in July, which managed to accumulate an impressive $567.5 million worldwide.
The motion picture stars Tom Cruise in his iconic role as IMF operative Ethan Hunt, with the likes of Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, and Vanessa Kirby anticipated to reprise their roles. This enduring franchise, which traces its roots back to the original 1996 film inspired by the 1960s television series, is renowned for its extensive global filming locations and, not least, its promotional campaigns often spotlighting audacious Cruise stunts.
The eighth installment of Mission Impossible is undergoing filming using Imax cameras and is schedule for a three-week screening exclusively in Imax theaters. This strategy follows in the wake of M:I 7, which experienced an early loss of its Imax screens due to the “Oppenheimer” incident.
Furthermore, Paramount Studios has implemented a series of changes to its lineup. “A Quiet Place: Day One,” previously slated for March 8, 2024, has been relocate to the original June 28, 2024 date assigned to “Dead Reckoning.” This film features Lupita Nyong’o and unfolds within the same cinematic universe as John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place” series, celebrated for its rustic settings. This time, viewers will witness the alien invasion within the heart of New York City.
In another development, Paramount has advanced the release date of the Ryan Reynolds-John Krasinski collaboration “If” to May 17, 2024, bringing it closer to audiences. Meanwhile, an as-yet-unnamed Spongebob Squarepants production has rescheduled its May 23, 2025 premiere to December 19, 2025.
NEWS
RM Joins ‘Jimins Production Diary’ to Craft ‘Like Crazy’ Lyrics
“Jimins Production Diary,” BTS luminary Jimin is drawing considerable attention. This cinematic venture, “Jimin’s Production Diary,” chronicles the odyssey behind the conception of his inaugural solo opus, “FACE.” To the astonishment of the BTS ARMY, Jimin enlisted the counsel of RM. Who featured prominently in the documentary, proffering sage advice on the intricacies of songcraft. In a viral snippet circulating on social media, we witnessed Jimin engaged in fervent discussions with his music maestros, while RM catalyzed the genesis of the track ‘Like Crazy.’
RM, in his wisdom, imparted a fundamental directive to Jimin, urging him not to be confined solely by the lyrical elements but to delve into the realm of narrative. He further encouraged Jimin to introspect, deciphering the underlying motivations for composing the melody and the precise message he yearned to convey to his audience. Jimin exhibited an affirmative nod as he imbibed RM’s sagacious counsel.
Concomitant with the announcement of his solo documentary, “Jimin’s Production Diary,” Jimin also unveiled his inaugural solo fan gathering. This event is poise to commemorate the documentary’s release and foster an interactive rendezvous with the devoted BTS ARMY. Notably, Jimin had graced V, also known as Kim Taehyung’s, solo fan gathering, before embarking on his own. The fan meet is scheduled for October 30 in Seoul, South Korea, and it promises an exclusive screening of the documentary, “Jimins Production Diary,” reserved for the discerning fans.
Jimin candidly disclosed the depths of his emotional tribulations during the album’s creative process, confessing, “Set Me Free Pt. 2” was a poignant creation borne from a period of profound despondency and a fervent desire for emancipation. He articulated his resolve to surmount those emotional tempests, a journey which is encapsulate within this very song. Jimin elucidated further, stating, “I aspired to encapsulate these emotions within the choreography, yielding an intensity that mirrors my emotional depth. However, I am fortunate to be working with an exceptional team, allowing me to focus solely on my own performance.”
2023 has witnessed an illustrious string of accolades for Jimin. Making history as the swiftest K-pop soloist to amass one billion Spotify streams. His solo oeuvre spans a diverse range, encompassing an original soundtrack for “Our Blues,” a collaborative venture with BIGBANG’s Taeyang for the mellifluous composition “VIBE,” and the evocative “Set Me Free Pt. 2.” Additionally, he unveiled the five-track magnum opus, “FACE,” featuring compositions such as “Angel Pt. 1” and “Angel Pt. 2,” both of which were conceive in tandem with the cinematic masterpiece, “Fast X.”
RM, the visionary, has tantalized fans with a cryptic revelation, hinting at Jimin’s ongoing enigmatic project. Devotees await with bated breath for the impending revelation of Jimin’s next creative endeavor.
Michael Saylor Bitcoin: $60M in Unrealized Gains for MicroStrategy
The business intelligence entity, MicroStrategy, has witnessed substantial returns stemming from its multi-billion-dollar venture into Bitcoin, with the current valuation of its holdings exceeding their initial acquisition costs by more than $60 million. Under the guidance of CEO Michael Saylor, a prominent advocate of Bitcoin, MicroStrategy has amassed in excess of 150,000 BTC since 2020, at an average price of approximately $29,500 per unit. As the price of Bitcoin presently lingers around $29,900, these holdings signify unrealized gains surpassing $60 million.
Despite enduring significant volatility, MicroStrategy has adhered to its strategy of persistent acquisition and retention of Bitcoin for the long term. Even amidst the crypto market downturn of 2022, when BTC plunged below $30,000, MicroStrategy procured thousands more tokens, showcasing its unwavering faith in Bitcoin’s future appreciation.
In aggregate, the corporation has allocated $4.52 billion to amass its substantial Bitcoin treasury, which has appreciated over $1 billion from the average purchase prices. These outcomes validate MicroStrategy’s unwavering conviction in Bitcoin as a superior repository of value compared to gold.
Michael Saylor has indicated that MicroStrategy’s commitment to Bitcoin is far from over. Given the recent stabilization of the cryptocurrency markets, the company is contemplating avenues to raise additional capital for the acquisition of more Bitcoin, rather than diminishing its exposure.
MicroStrategy’s substantial wager on Bitcoin as a long-term investment has thus far proven to be a sagacious strategy. Despite the short-term fluctuations in price, the company remains resolute in its belief that patience will continue to yield dividends in the future as Bitcoin garners increased adoption. The $60 million in unrealized returns is likely just the inception if Bitcoin embarks on a renewed bullish trajectory.
Sir Bobby Charlton, England & Manchester United Icon, Dies at 86
In England’s victorious 1966 World Cup squad, Charlton played a pivotal role, amassing an impressive tally of 758 appearances for Manchester United, during which he netted 249 goals. The football club expressed deep sorrow, mourning the loss of Sir Bobby Charlton, a distinguished and cherished figure in our organization’s storied history. The club’s statement resounded, “Sir Bobby stood as an icon to countless individuals, not merely within Manchester or the United Kingdom but wherever the beautiful game is embraced worldwide.”
A seventeen-year tenure at Old Trafford saw Charlton as a part of the “Busby Babes” ensemble, a team that was tragically deplet by the 1958 Munich air disaster. During his illustrious career, he clinched the European Cup, secured three English league championships, and added the FA Cup to his list of accomplishments. Notably renowned for boasting one of the most powerful strikes of his era, Charlton earned 106 caps representing England, finding the back of the net 49 times.
Charlton’s family conveyed that he “peacefully departed in the early hours of Saturday morning.” With his passing, the sole surviving member of the 1966 England squad that triumphed over West Germany with a 4-2 victory at Wembley is the hat-trick maestro, Geoff Hurst, who headed the tributes on Saturday.
Geoff Hurst paid tribute with poignant words, saying, “A profoundly disheartening day. One of the genuine titans, Sir Bobby Charlton, has departed from our midst. His memory shall forever endure, not only within the realms of football but in the hearts of a nation far beyond the realm of sports alone. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends.”
Christian Kirk: “It’s been a college-level sprint since then.”
On Thursday night, the Jaguars scored two rapid touchdowns, courtesy of Travis Etienne. However, their offensive performance hit a long slumber during the latter part of the first half and a significant portion of the second, until a game-changing play by Christian Kirk.
What began as a 17-6 halftime lead evolved into a 24-9 advantage, with an interception return for a touchdown furthering their prospects. This placed the Jaguars in an advantageous position, yet their offensive machinery remained stagnant while the Saints eventually discovered some rhythm.
As the Jaguars underwent four consecutive possessions without putting points on the board, concerns regarding offensive progression faded into the background. The catalyst for this transformation was a remarkable play executed by wide receiver Christian Kirk. Kirk masterfully converted a brief pass from Trevor Lawrence into a 44-yard touchdown, occurring with just over three minutes remaining in the game. This extraordinary play ultimately secured victory for the Jaguars.
The celerity exhibited by Kirk on that play exceeded the expectations of many, including Kirk himself, who acknowledged that it had been a considerable amount of time since he had moved at such velocity. In his own words, “I don’t believe I’ve traversed at such an accelerated pace since my collegiate days,” Kirk remarked, as relayed by Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ decision to bestow Kirk with a free-agent contract last year garnered skepticism from some quarters. However, his performance in 2022 substantiated his worth to the team. Thursday night’s game served as yet another manifestation of his substantial contribution.
Breanna Stewart, Liberty’s 2023 WNBA MVP, also won 2018 award
Breanna Stewart, the luminary of the New York Liberty, has earned the prestigious title of the 2023 WNBA Most Valuable Player. This crowning achievement comes on the heels of a remarkable regular season, during which she guided New York to an astonishing 32-8 record, standing shoulder to shoulder with the talents of Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones.
Stewart’s remarkable feat as a WNBA MVP isn’t new; she previously clinched the same title back in 2018. A time when she donned the jersey of the Seattle Storm. Her remarkable accomplishments make her foremost figure in annals of Liberty and a trailblazer in New York’s professional basketball scene. The first since the unforgettable 1969-70 season.
Jonathan Kolb, the General Manager of the Liberty, couldn’t contain his elation as he stated, “Stewie’s inaugural season with the New York Liberty has etched an indelible mark in the annals of history. Her unyielding determination, unwavering belief, selfless spirit, unwavering mettle, and impeccable professionalism have converged to create an exceedingly rare combination. This culminated in a season that is nothing short of extraordinary, both on a personal and collective front. We couldn’t be more thrilled to see Stewie rightfully claim the highest individual honor in our sport. As she propels both our franchise and the WNBA to unprecedented heights.”
Stewart outshone luminaries like Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun and the seasoned A’ja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces to grasp this accolade. The margin between Stewart and Thomas was astonishingly thin. Marking it as the second closest contest in the history of this prestigious award, as reported by ESPN’s Alexa Philippou.
At 29 years of age, Stewart secured her maiden MVP honor in 2018, dazzling the league with her impressive stats. Averaging 21.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 34 games. She boasted a shooting percentage of 52.9% from the field and 41.5% from beyond the arc. This was the season that led the Seattle Storm to their 2018 WNBA title. One of two championships she’s acquired during her six-season tenure in Seattle, with the other being claimed in 2020.
The year 2023 witnessed Stewart in the prime of her career, donning the Liberty jersey for the first time. Her remarkable season included averages of 23.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.6 blocks in 40 games. Her field goal percentage stood at 46.5%, with a three-point shooting efficiency of 35.5%.
During the regular season, the Liberty secured the WNBA’s second-best record. Breanna Stewart played an instrumental role in helping the franchise clinch the Commissioner’s Cup. Currently, New York is trailing 0-1 against the Sun in the semifinals. With a ticket to the WNBA Finals hanging in the balance.
Stewart now joins the elite ranks of eight players in WNBA history to have secured multiple MVP titles and is the second player to do so with more than one franchise. She expressed her delight, saying, “It is undoubtedly a privilege to claim this honor for the second time and to do so in the iconic Liberty uniform, a first in my career. I am eagerly looking forward to the celebration tonight, with high hopes that the fans will revel in the moment.”
Breanna Stewart made a momentous decision in the annals of the WNBA when she opted to part ways with the Storm and signed on with the Liberty as a free agent in February. In her own words, “I chose New York because I am commit to continued excellence. I aim to contribute to the league’s elevation and the setting of higher standards. Why not opt for the grandest stage in the realm of sports? I’m tremendously excited about pursuing the first championship for this remarkable city.”
With the Liberty currently facing a 0-1 deficit against the Sun, Stewart and New York will need to summon their deepest reservoirs of strength to level the series on Tuesday night at the Barclays Center.
83-year-old Burt Young dies.
Renowned thespian Burt Young, celebrated chiefly for his portrayal of Paulie Pennino in the iconic Rocky movie series, has passed away at the venerable age of 83. The luminary thespian garnered an Oscar nod in 1977 for his superlative rendition of the role of Rocky’s confidant and impending brother-in-law. It was Sylvester Stallone, the luminary Rocky himself. Who took to the realms of social media to pay his homage, hailing Young as an “extraordinary individual and virtuoso.” He further expounded, “I, along with the global populace, shall profoundly lament your absence.”
Gerald Tommaso DeLouise, the virtuoso in question, hailed from Queens. New York, and began his sojourn in the world as an Italian-American, gracing the US Marine Corps during the 1950s. Subsequently, he ventured into the domain of dramatic arts. Forging a career that predominantly featured him as resolute individuals in both television and cinematic productions.
Variety’s Carmel Dagan etched a poignant portrayal of Burt Young, eulogizing his remarkable productivity. Dagan articulated, “[He] was never much to look at, making him the quintessential character actor. He possessed the uncanny ability to infuse a scoundrel, a henchman. Or a ruffian with an excess of charisma and compassion that, surprisingly, transcended the character’s inherent merits.”
Young first graced the silver screen in the seminal Rocky installment of 1976, essaying the role of Stallone’s confidant. Subsequently, he assumed the mantle of Rocky’s brother-in-law in the sequel. “Rocky II,” officiating the occasion of the fighter’s nuptials to his sibling. Young embodied the character of Paulie throughout all six original Rocky cinematic masterpieces. Although he was conspicuously absent in the 2015 spin-off venture, “Creed.”
The opus that would catapult Young into the zenith of his career, “Rocky,” achieved unparalleled success in the realm of cinema, amassing a staggering 10 Oscar nominations and clinching three illustrious accolades, including the coveted Best Picture award. Young’s cinematic repertoire also encompassed lauded appearances in films such as “Once Upon a Time in America,” “Last Exit to Brooklyn,” and “Mickey Blue Eyes.”
His thespian virtuosity was not confine to the silver screen alone; it extended to the television domain with appearances on distinguished series like “The Sopranos,” “Law & Order,” “The Rockford Files,” and “MAS*H.” In the twilight of his career as an actor. Burt Young embarked on a parallel journey as a painter, exhibiting his oeuvres at galleries across the globe. Regrettably, the curtain was drawn on his life, as confirmed by his manager on a fateful Wednesday.
San Marino score finally after two years in Denmark defeat.
San Marino netted their inaugural competitive goal in a biennium but could not retain it to secure points against Denmark in their Euro 2024 qualifying encounter. Rasmus Hojlund, the forward of Manchester United, initiated the scoring for Denmark, a semifinalist in Euro 2020. Nonetheless, the 61st-minute equalizer from Alessandro Golinucci triggered extravagant jubilation from the host squad.
Nevertheless, the underdogs, San Marino, were unable to preserve their lead, as Yussuf Poulsen’s headed goal edged Denmark closer to qualification. The Danish team maintains their second position in Group H and could potentially secure qualification by besting Slovenia in their upcoming fixture.
San Marino’s record in Euro qualifiers now stands at 83 losses out of 84, with the sole exception being a goalless stalemate against Estonia in 2014. While this squad, ranked 207th in the global standings, won’t be gracing the tournament in Germany next year, Golinucci’s volitional strike elicited euphoric revelry from a squad that has suffered defeat in all eight of their Euro 2024 qualifiers thus far.
Golinucci glided across the pitch as his compatriots, including those on the bench, congregated to heap accolades upon their goal-scorer. This goal signifies San Marino’s first in a European qualifying match in four years, spanning a dozen matches, and their inaugural competitive goal since Nicola Nanni’s consolation during a 7-1 drubbing by Poland in a World Cup qualifier in 2021.
Home Team: Marino Away Team: Denmark Possession: Marino – 18% Denmark – 82% Shots: Marino – 5 Denmark – 10 Shots on Target: Marino – 2 Denmark – 4 Corners: Marino – 3 Denmark – 6 Fouls: Marino – 14 Denmark – 10″
Southside Addresses Backlash Following Funny Marco Podcast with G Herbo
Southside and G Herbo incurred significant censure within the realm of social media in the wake of their participation in Funny Marco “Open Thoughts” podcast, which transpired on the fifteenth of October. In the course of the episode, the comedic luminary found himself subjected to a series of vehement verbal salvos, including a rather blunt admonition from the Chicago-based rapper, imploring him to “cease articulation,” while concurrently branding him as “absurd” on multiple occasions.
The host took to the domain of Facebook on the following day, the sixteenth of October, to elucidate the prevailing situation. “I acknowledge the widespread perturbation manifesting itself in response to the interview,” Marco articulated. “Although I experienced a measure of vexation during its unfolding, I am acutely aware of my professional obligations. Allow me to emphasize that I hold the dignified principle of extending due respect to my guests in the highest regard. It was not my intention to reciprocate or conform to the invective.”
Furthermore, Marco disclosed that his horological ornament, appraised at a princely sum of $30,000, had sustained injury in the course of the aforementioned confrontation. Notwithstanding the editing that transpired with respect to the official video, DJ Akademiks opted to disseminate a supplementary, unreleased footage, on the seventeenth of October. This commentary, in and of itself, contributed to the escalating tension and elicited an immediate rejoinder from Southside.
The maestro of beats, grounded in Atlanta, took to Instagram Live to offer a rebuttal. “The gentleman in question exhibited no trepidation whatsoever. In the event that he harbored sentiments of fear, I extend my condolences, albeit I find myself without the ability to influence the nature of his upbringing, for which his maternal progenitor is ultimately responsible. This is the primary reason for my abstention from this medium. As it appears that my actions invariably cast me in the role of the malevolent antagonist,” Southside asserted.
He proceeded to launch an additional critique against the host of the podcast. Insinuating that the latter had been seen in possession of a counterfeit timekeeping device. “Marco, I currently possess a wristwatch, the veracity of which you may personally validate. I proffer an invitation for your immediate acquisition of this timepiece. Contact me at your earliest convenience, for the watch in my possession is authentic. As opposed to the spurious and deceptive horological device that I previously discarded. The latter was, indeed, an imitation of the genuine article. A fact of utmost significance,” declared the co-founder of 808 Mafia.
Notwithstanding the acrimonious exchange of words, Southside did extend a rather ambivalent form of apology. “Should the individual in question have been subjected to discomfort. Let it known that our intentions not oriented towards this end. To the contrary, we wish to express our regrets to Marco for any disquiet that may have transpired. Although it should noted that this does not alter the characterization of his demeanor as distinctly unsatisfactory. In closing, I propose that he maintain a certain spatial distance from my person,” he intimated.
Read Also: J Cole Explains Misinterpreted Lyrics, Offers NBA YoungBoy Collaboration
SEC Ruins BlackRock’s iShares Spot Bitcoin ETF, Dropping Bitcoin from $30K.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has yet to grant official approval for a Bitcoin ETF traded in the spot market, but whispers circulating on platform X have ignited extensive speculation that the regulatory authority has recently sanctioned iShares, a pioneering Bitcoin spot Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) introduced by BlackRock. This unverified development, tied to the long-anticipated financial giant’s spot BTC ETF, initially propelled Bitcoin’s valuation toward the $30,000 mark. Nevertheless, this surge was transient, as its worth retreated to approximately $28,000, giving rise to a wave of market fluctuations shrouded in uncertainty.
Bitcoin Slides from its $30,000 Pinnacle
It was widely anticipated that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) would face significant challenges when reviewing the proposal for a spot Bitcoin ETF from BlackRock, a financial titan. Recent speculations on platform X indicated that a historic moment was on the horizon, with reports suggesting that the SEC had granted approval for a Bitcoin spot ETF offered by iShares, a BlackRock division focused on exchange-traded funds.
Neither the SEC’s official channels nor those of Nasdaq have provided any substantiating evidence to support these claims. In an unequivocal response, BlackRock itself issued a statement to dispel the rumors, affirming that the news was unfounded and emphatically stating that the “ETF REMAINS UNDER SCRUTINY BY THE SEC!”
This scenario underscores the market’s susceptibility to news, particularly when it pertains to ETF advancements. Eric Balchunas, a seasoned ETF analyst at Bloomberg, identified Cointelegraph as the initial source of the erroneous report. The news rapidly gained traction and was further disseminate through coverage from Reuters and various other media outlets. This sequence of events generated a substantial, albeit misinformed, market reaction, propelling Bitcoin’s price toward the $30,000 threshold in a brief span.
Bitcoin Experiences an Unplanned Surge in Liquidation
Recent conjecture about the potential approval of a Bitcoin spot ETF, as highlighted in a Cointelegraph report, has triggered a remarkable market response, driving Bitcoin to reach heights of $30,000 within the past hour. This unanticipated upswing has sparked a surge in liquidation, amounting to nearly $100 million. Notably, a substantial proportion of these liquidations, estimated to be in excess of $70 million, comprised short positions. These statistics imply that the suddenness of the ETF-related news caught numerous traders off guard, prompting a swift market repositioning and, consequently, a squeeze on short positions.
In June, BlackRock’s iShares division, a juggernaut in the realm of fund management, submitted formal documents to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), proposing the creation of a Bitcoin spot ETF. The intended entity, known as the iShares Bitcoin Trust, intends to primarily hold Bitcoin under the guardianship of a trustee representing the Trust, as detailed in the submission. The documents identify the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase as the designated custodian.
Read Also: J Cole Explains Misinterpreted Lyrics, Offers NBA YoungBoy Collaboration