Author: Andrew Rogers

Veteran actor Shishir Sharma praised the role of awards in acknowledging artists’ dedication during the DC South Asian Film Festival. Speaking at the event, Sharma described awards as “a wonderful recognition of our efforts,” highlighting their importance in celebrating creativity, hard work, and cultural contributions. Honoring Artistic Excellence The DC South Asian Film Festival, now in its [insert year] edition, is renowned for showcasing films and performances from South Asian creators worldwide. Awards at the festival recognize excellence across multiple categories, including acting, direction, storytelling, and technical achievements. Sharma, whose career spans decades in Indian cinema and television, emphasized that…

The TLC musical CrazySexyCool is hitting stages across the country, bringing the iconic story of T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chilli to life in a vibrant theatrical experience. Fans of the legendary 1990s group will get an inside look at their journey, struggles, and triumphs, set to the soundtrack of their greatest hits. Celebrating a Musical Legacy CrazySexyCool, named after TLC’s multi-platinum album, chronicles the rise of one of the most influential girl groups in pop and R&B history. The production showcases how T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chilli navigated fame, personal challenges, and the pressures of the music industry while creating…

The Katy Perry paradox lies in the contrast between her massive commercial success and the mixed perceptions held by the public and critics. With over 100 million records sold, multiple chart-topping hits, and a global fanbase, Perry is undeniably one of pop music’s most recognizable figures. Yet, alongside her achievements, she has often faced criticism, controversy, and polarized opinions that complicate her legacy. Global Pop Icon Katy Perry rose to fame in the late 2000s with hits like “I Kissed a Girl” and “Teenage Dream.” Her catchy melodies, vibrant persona, and memorable performances quickly earned her a place at the…

Ticket sales at the Kennedy Center have sharply declined following the recent leadership change involving former President Donald Trump. The drop in attendance has raised concerns among arts administrators and performers about audience engagement and the long-term impact on the institution’s reputation. Sharp Decline in Attendance According to internal reports, the Kennedy Center has seen a noticeable decrease in ticket purchases across multiple events, including classical performances, theater productions, and special showcases. Some shows that previously sold out in days are now struggling to reach half capacity. Arts officials attribute the slump to public perception and controversy surrounding the Trump…

The Kiss of the Spider Woman play has arrived in Washington, D.C., bringing a powerful story to the stage just as anticipation grows for Jennifer Lopez’s upcoming movie adaptation. The production adds new life to the classic tale, blending drama, politics, and human connection for audiences in the nation’s capital. A Timely Arrival in Washington The play, based on Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel, tells the story of two men sharing a prison cell in Argentina during a time of dictatorship. One is a political prisoner, the other a gay man who escapes into the world of films. Through their conversations,…

The European Central Bank left its key deposit rate unchanged at 2% during its latest policy meeting. The rate has remained at its lowest level in over two years since June after eight cuts from a 4% peak. Other main rates were also held steady: refinancing at 2.15% and marginal lending at 2.40%. President Christine Lagarde said inflation is stabilizing at 2% in the medium term, matching the ECB’s target. Flash data showed eurozone inflation at 2.1% in August, following 2% in June and July. The ECB decision came after the EU and US reached a trade deal, which could…

Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison surpassed Elon Musk after Oracle shares surged 40% in early trading. Ellison’s 41% stake in Oracle is now worth \$393bn, just above Musk’s \$384bn, Bloomberg reports. The share jump marked Oracle’s largest single-day gain and the biggest one-day wealth increase on Bloomberg’s index. Ellison, 81, also owns Tesla shares, a sailing team, the Indian Wells Open, and a Hawaiian island. He served on Tesla’s board from 2018 to 2022 and invested \$1bn in Musk’s Twitter acquisition. Ellison is close to Musk, often described as his mentor, and Musk frequently visits his Hawaiian island. Both billionaires have…

Apple will unveil its thinnest iPhone at Tuesday’s “awe-dropping” event in Cupertino. The iPhone 17 lineup will include standard, Pro, Pro Max, and the new iPhone Air. iPhone Air may become Apple’s lightest flagship, following the slim design of MacBook laptops. Apple will also reveal Apple Watch series 11 and updated AirPods earbuds. Rumors suggest AirPods could offer live translation, matching Google Pixel Buds’ existing feature. Apple will announce release dates for iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe. Trump’s tariffs could raise iPhone prices by disrupting Apple’s global supply chain. Apple shifted production to India and shipped devices to the US…

Volkswagen is reportedly close to securing a tariff deal with the US as the company continues to navigate losses caused by Donald Trump’s trade tariffs. CEO Oliver Blume said the 27.5% tariffs on European cars and parts, announced in April, have already cost the group “several billions,” and that even a reduction to 15% would remain a burden. Volkswagen Pledges US Investments, Considers Local Production Volkswagen, which owns Audi, Seat, and Porsche, has pledged “massive” US investments as part of efforts to negotiate a lower tariff, with potential plans to localise Audi production and expand exports from American plants. Blume…

This Sunday, 7 September, Europe will witness a blood-red lunar eclipse, the longest since 2022 at around 82 minutes. The Earth will pass directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. Only refracted red light from the atmosphere will remain visible, giving the moon its ominous glow. Throughout history, such events have been loaded with meaning. From Babylon to China, blood moons were seen as harbingers of war, disaster or divine punishment. In contrast, cultures like the Batammaliba in West Africa viewed them as moments for reconciliation and renewal. Today, astronomy and astrology interpret…