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Anne Hathaway Faces Backlash Over Unique Maternity Style

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Anne Hathaway found herself at the center of some lighthearted mockery from fans regarding her ‘unusual’ maternity wear during her appearance at the premiere of The End Of Oak Street in Los Angeles this past Sunday.

The actress, 43, who revealed she was expecting her third child in June, flaunted her burgeoning baby bump as she posed for photographers on the red carpet at Warner Bros. Studios.

The Odyssey actress greeted the cameras with a bright smile, wearing a sleeveless, light blue top, which was cut short at the front with a playful train cascading behind her.

Adding a twist to her outfit, bright red material lined the inside of her top, and she completed the ensemble with a pair of low-rise, denim jeans.

Hathaway rounded off her look with chic closed-toe red pumps and styled her brunette tresses into a sleek ponytail, perfectly complementing her vibrant ensemble.

Hathaway accessorized the look with dangly earrings and a flashy bracelet on her left wrist. 

Anne Hathaway, 43, was roasted by some fans over her maternity outfit while making an appearance at The End Of Oak Street premiere in Los Angeles on Sunday

Anne Hathaway, 43, was roasted by some fans over her maternity outfit while making an appearance at The End Of Oak Street premiere in Los Angeles on Sunday 

The actress proudly showed off her growing baby bump as she paused for a photo session on the red carpet at Warner Bros. Studios

The actress proudly showed off her growing baby bump as she paused for a photo session on the red carpet at Warner Bros. Studios

Social media users offered their thoughts on the red carpet ensemble, with one penning that it ‘looks ridiculous.’ 

‘It’s awful. She’s too pretty for this to happen.’

‘Please let me UNSEE this,’ someone else added.

Another wrote, ‘This one is so wrong sorry,’ and a fan typed, ‘Jeans? JEANS?! That dazzling top deserves a better companion.’

One X user commented, ‘The jeans make it worse.’ 

Over on Instagram, a fan shared, ‘I love her. I do not understand why her stylist did this to her.’

‘Ya no to her outfit,’ one penned, and another typed out, ‘That’s very tacky.’ 

An Instagram user added, ‘Unflattering styling for a beautiful pregnant woman,’ and another said, ‘love her – outfit just No.’ 

The Odyssey star flashed a cheerful smile wearing a sleeveless, light blue top that was cropped at the front and flowed down behind her into a short train

Vibrant red material could be seen on the inside for a unique flare, and Hathaway also opted for a pair of low-waisted, denim jeans

The Odyssey star flashed a cheerful smile wearing a sleeveless, light blue top that was cropped at the front and flowed down behind her into a short train

She additionally slipped into a pair of closed-toed, red pumps and pulled back her brunette locks into a sleek ponytail

She additionally slipped into a pair of closed-toed, red pumps and pulled back her brunette locks into a sleek ponytail

Along with Hathaway, the cast also includes Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella and Christian Convery

Along with Hathaway, the cast also includes Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella and Christian Convery

Social media users offered their thoughts on the red carpet ensemble, with one penning that it 'looks ridiculous'

Social media users offered their thoughts on the red carpet ensemble, with one penning that it ‘looks ridiculous’

Other fans shared on X, ‘She looks radiant…,’ as well as, ‘Anne hathaway at a world premiere is always a win, she looks stunning.’

Jersey Shore alum JWoww penned on Instagram, ‘I love her so much omg.’ 

The Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Hathaway for comment, but has yet to hear back.

The star has been showcasing her adventurous maternity style on recent outings, such as when she stepped out in NYC late last month in a white netted top. 

The actress recently took on a leading role in the upcoming sci-fi adventure The End Of Oak Street which hits theaters on August 14. 

Along with Hathaway, the cast also includes Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella and Christian Convery. 

The premise is: ‘The Platt family bands together to navigate their new surroundings after a cosmic event transports their suburban neighborhood to someplace unknown,’ per IMDB

‘It’s just so much fun and it’s such a great time at the movies,’ she told Extra during an interview on Sunday. 

‘It’s a family horror movie which I’ve never had the opportunity to be a part of and I’m excited.’

Hathaway has had a busy year thus far by additionally starring in The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. 

Hathaway has had a busy year thus far by additionally starring in The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey

Hathaway has had a busy year thus far by additionally starring in The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey

The actress has since garnered critical praise and Oscars buzz based on her performance as Odysseus’s wife Penelope. 

Hathaway is also preparing to welcome her third child with husband Adam Shulman, whom she tied the knot with in 2012. 

She made her pregnancy announcement two months earlier in June by sharing a video on Instagram. 

In the clip, the Hollywood star could be seen stepping into the frame wearing a white linen co-ord with her arms initially covering her stomach. 

She then dropped her arms to unveil her baby while flashing an excited smile on her face. 

During an appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers, Hathaway opened up about her ‘buzzer beater’ pregnancy. 

‘I mean, we knew what we were doing, but we were so shocked it worked! We knew, and yeah, but no, we were just – we were so shocked it went this way,’ she said. 

Hathaway made her pregnancy announcement two months earlier in June by sharing a video on Instagram

She then dropped her arms to unveil her baby while flashing an excited smile on her face

Hathaway made her pregnancy announcement two months earlier in June by sharing a video on Instagram

She is preparing to welcome her third child with husband Adam Shulman, whom she tied the knot with in 2012; the couple seen in May in NYC

She is preparing to welcome her third child with husband Adam Shulman, whom she tied the knot with in 2012; the couple seen in May in NYC 

Back in April, she also talked about motherhood while talking to People

‘I know that not everybody who wants to be a parent gets to be. I’m just blown away by how fortunate I am. It went really well for me twice, and that’s really lucky.’

The actress also gushed about her supportive husband, adding that, ‘I’m so lucky that he’s my partner that I spend my life with.

‘If I didn’t know that before this past year, I think I really know it now because with absolutely everything he’s just, he’s on it. He holds it down. I hope that doesn’t sound like I’m bragging, but he’s a dream partner to me.’

Indiana Prosecutors Decline Charges in Tim Hortons Case After Customer Anita Grayson’s Death

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In a recent development from Indiana, prosecutors have announced that they will not pursue charges in the case of a 75-year-old Tim Hortons patron who passed away following an altercation with a drive-thru manager.

Anita Grayson, who suffered from congestive heart failure, tragically died after a confrontation on May 13 at the Fort Wayne coffee shop. Her untimely death prompted an investigation due to initial uncertainty among authorities about whether it was accidental or constituted a homicide.

On Friday, the Allen County prosecutors stated that no charges will be filed, officially clearing all involved staff members of any wrongdoing, as detailed in a report reviewed by The Post.

Grayson, a mother to four children, stormed into the coffeehouse shortly after 8 a.m., expressing her discontent over an order to a 17-year-old employee. This led the 20-year-old shift manager to step in.

According to Fort Wayne investigators, the shift manager tried to prevent Grayson from approaching the teenage worker by placing her hands on Grayson, which resulted in her being “forcefully shoved”.

The senior then struck the manager on the left side of her nose and she tried to retaliate.

Grayson then grabbed the manager’s face, scratched her and knocked off her glasses before yanking her hair and pulling her to the ground. 

Then, two other Tim Hortons staffers rushed in and tried to pull the pair apart, but Grayson then pulled a clump of hair from the shift manager.

She was then seen putting clumps of hair in her bag before being found unresponsive.

Prosecutors refused to file charges as they said the shift manager was defending her colleague.

“Grayson’s escalation to striking [the manager] in the face was not a proportionate or justified response to being touched on the shoulders,” investigators said.

“As a matter of law, it is Grayson’s blow, not [the manager’s] earlier contact that started the altercation.”

The manager’s actions “did not exceed what the ongoing struggle reasonably called for,” investigators said.

[Her] “initial intervention is independently justified as defense of a third person,” investigators added.

“She said she thought Grayson was going to attack the minor employee, so she stepped in.

“Under Indiana law, the State cannot proceed unless it can disprove legal justification beyond a reasonable doubt, and on this record it cannot. The current conclusion is that no criminal charges will be filed.”

Grayson’s manner of death was undetermined, Allen County coroners said last month. 

Her death was the result of “acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure in the setting of physical altercation,”  E. Jon Brandenberger said in his ruling.

“The symptoms of congestive heart failure get worse when there is adrenaline flowing in a physical altercation, and then a sudden flare up of the heart failure, which then can lead to symptoms, or hospitalization, and even death,” the coroner said.

Coroners ruled out an accidental or natural death given the circumstances.

Investigators also ruled out homicide after examining all of the evidence and said Grayson didn’t suffer any “significant contributory injuries” as a result of the fight.

“There has been exhaustive investigation and review in the evidence of this case,” Brandenberger said.

“The video was reviewed multiple times by the homicide detectives, by my staff, by the prosecutor, and by the forensic pathologist. Bodycam videos were reviewed. We listened to and transcribed the four 911 calls and multiple meetings.

“After exhaustive review, we could not determine with reasonable certainty that Mrs. Grayson’s death was either natural, or homicide, or accident. 

“Therefore the manner of death that is appropriate to use is undetermined, meaning could not be determined.”

Grayson’s family hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump to pursue potential litigation and her daughter, Tawnda Grayson, called for justice.

“She was the best mother anyone could ask for — hardworking, compassionate, selfless, and always willing to help others before herself,” Tawnda Grayson said.

Kyle Walker Seeks Redemption and Silverware with Burnley

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Fifteen years have passed since Kyle Walker graced the Championship, marking a significant milestone in his extensive football career.

Back in those days, the talented full-back had yet to earn any of his 96 England caps and was far from becoming the celebrated and decorated player he is recognized as today.

As Walker gears up for another taste of Championship action next Sunday, with Burnley’s home game against West Ham kicking off their third campaign in the league over five years, he looks back on that era with fondness and nostalgia.

Reflecting on those formative years, Walker shares, ‘Being surrounded by seasoned pros like Fitz Hall, Shaun Derry, Clint Hill, and Paddy Kenny was invaluable. The camaraderie in the dressing room rekindled my passion for football, offering a crucial step up towards my Premier League journey.’

Despite now boasting a staggering 17 trophies to his name since that pivotal period, the 36-year-old—who received his inaugural England call-up shortly after his spell at QPR—remains fiercely driven. This determination comes after enduring one of the toughest campaigns of his illustrious career.

Kyle Walker is desperate to help Burnley get promoted after last season’s relegation

Walker hasn't played in the Championship since a breakout loan spell at QPR in 2010-11

Walker hasn’t played in the Championship since a breakout loan spell at QPR in 2010-11

‘It left a sour taste in my mouth,’ Walker says of Burnley’s third successive Premier League relegation. ‘I want to put it right, not just for myself but for the fans who had to deal with it and for the players who have stuck around.

‘I feel we have an obligation to put it right and with the quality we have in the dressing room, we should be getting promoted and going back to the Premier League.’

Having spent much of his career competing for titles, Walker found himself battling the drop last season, a mental challenge he had to get his head around.

Now back in the Championship, a division in which Burnley have hit 100 points in each of their last two seasons, Walker is likely to be part of a dominant team again.

And it is that experience he hopes to put to good use, along with some words of wisdom from a former Manchester City team-mate.

‘I’ve spoken to Vincent Kompany and got advice from him,’ he adds. ‘I asked how he found it (being at Burnley in the Championship) after achieving what he achieved.

‘He said it’s difficult and something that is going to be a task for myself (the expectation to win), but it is also very enjoyable because you become a big fish again, and you get a little bit more of the ball. It’s a bit more of the game I was used to playing at Manchester City.

‘Hopefully we can replicate that from when Vinny went up because they broke 100 points and tore the Championship apart.’

Walker, who scored the winning penalty in Burnley’s Carabao Cup victory over Notts County on Saturday, is relishing his leadership role at Turf Moor and, despite his age, insists he is still in top physical shape.

Burnley will have a target on their backs from the outset this season, and no player is likely to experience that quite like Walker, with many bright young left wingers keen to get the better of him.

‘I think they try to create, what are they called… memes now,’ he adds. ‘They’ll try and create memes out of me, but I can assure you I am not becoming anyone’s meme.’

Walker sought the advice of his ex-Man City team-mate and Burnley boss Vincent Kompany

Walker sought the advice of his ex-Man City team-mate and Burnley boss Vincent Kompany

Walker said last season's relegation left a 'sour taste' in his mouth and he is determined to 'put it right'

Walker said last season’s relegation left a ‘sour taste’ in his mouth and he is determined to ‘put it right’ 

The 36-year-old has been impressed by the early work of new Burnley boss Nicky Hayen

The 36-year-old has been impressed by the early work of new Burnley boss Nicky Hayen 

Burnley’s hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League have followed another summer of change at Turf Moor, with Belgian boss Nicky Hayen replacing Scott Parker, while first team stars Jaidon Anthony, Maxime Esteve, Florentino and Lesley Ugochukwu have all departed.

And Walker has been impressed by Hayen’s early impact.

‘He’s been great,’ Walker says. ‘The information he has given is key and he is very direct. Too much information sometimes kills it, but he has been spot on with his information. He’s got his message across really clearly and I’m looking forward to working with him, because I think he’s going to be a candidate for manager of the season.’

The Clarets have now been promoted or relegated in five successive seasons, so what advice can Walker pass on to his team-mates to ensure they bounce straight back up again?

‘Success in anything is about mentality,’ he says. ‘Talent gets you so far, but mentality and wanting to do well – not just in big games when it’s on TV, or when it’s sunny and the fans are there in their thirty thousands cheering your name – it’s when it’s raining and not on TV, it’s 7.45pm on a Tuesday night and the wind’s swirling around.

‘That’s about rolling your sleeves up, getting dirty, and making sure that we can get the three points.’

Walker’s career hasn’t always been straightforward, on and off the pitch, yet at 36 and 15 years on from that grounding loan spell at QPR, he is content with life and ready to write another chapter in his story.

‘Would I have ever thought that I would experience the things I have in football back when I was at QPR? Hell no. What I’ve achieved is something I could only have dreamed of.

‘So I definitely am at peace and I’ve achieved a lot, but I’m so hungry for more. Getting Burnley promoted is another trophy I want to add to my collection – I want to put it on my CV.’

RHOC’s Jeana Keough Faces Tongue Cancer Struggles: Vicki Speaks

The Real Housewives of Orange County star, Vicki Gunvalson, recently shared some news about her close friend Jeana Keough and her ongoing fight against tongue cancer.

During the August 9th episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Vicki, who is 64, mentioned, “She’s dealing with a lot right now. She’s undergoing chemo and radiation, and we are all praying for her recovery.”

In the past, Vicki has publicly expressed her support for fellow RHOC original member Jeana, who is now 70, through posts on Instagram.

On July 20, she took to Instagram to write, “By now, many of you know my amazing friend @jeanakeough is facing a battle with cancer.” She included a link to a GoFundMe page aimed at helping Jeana with her medical expenses. “Her daughter Kara has detailed her journey in the GoFundMe post below. Please give if you’re able and keep her in your prayers of healing ❤️‍🩹. Jeana, you’ve been a supportive friend to so many, and now it’s our turn to support you! We love you girl 💪🙏❤️.”

Real Housewives of Orange County Cast Sends Support to Jeana Keough After Tongue Cancer Diagnosis

Amidst Jeana Keough’s cancer struggle, love and encouragement have poured in from her Real Housewives of Orange County circle. “By now, most of you are aware that my extraordinary friend @jeanakeough is battling cancer,” Vicki stated on Instagram on Sunday, July 19. […]

Jeana’s daughter, Kara Keough, broke the news of her mom’s cancer battle in July.

“A few months ago, while visiting Shane and me in Florida, my mom mentioned a painful spot on her tongue,” Kara wrote via the GoFundMe page. “She assumed a tooth had been rubbing against it and had even gone to the dentist multiple times to have the tooth filed down. I asked her how long the sore had been there. She paused, thought about it, and realized it had been nearly a year.”

According to Kara, Jeana was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

“After surgery to remove the cancer, we were hopeful that the hardest part was behind her. But when doctors recommended a second surgery to remove lymph nodes, they discovered the cancer had spread,” Kara wrote. “What we thought would be a one-time surgery became a full cancer battle.”

GettyImages-540889838-jeana-keough

The Real Housewives of Orange County star Jeana Keough’s daughter, Kara Keough, has revealed her mom’s prognosis after finishing chemotherapy for tongue cancer. “Jeana is home and recovering,” Kara, 37, wrote in an update on Jeana’s GoFundMe page on Friday, July 31. “She’s done with chemo and only has 2 days of radiation left! After […]

Kara shared an update on her mom’s treatment plan on Thursday, August 6, confirming that Jeana “finished her last radiation treatment” the day before and that “we were informed that these next two weeks will be the roughest on her physically — as the chemo and radiation are compounding and her body will be at its weakest point.”

“The radiation burns have now made it to the outer skin on her neck and even putting medicated cream on the area with the gentlest of touches causes her wincing pain,” Kara wrote. “We’re rocking and rolling with the feeding tube and I can feed her in the dark while she sleeps at this point and she’s stopped losing weight. This is a win and we’re taking it as such.”

“We’re still trying to find a nausea treatment that might prevent the painful vomiting but haven’t found the perfect solution yet,” said Kara, noting that the “pain is excruciating and she refuses narcotics, so it’s unfortunately a really tough challenge to accept.”

Queen Elizabeth’s Surprising In-Flight Requests Uncovered

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When a monarch takes to the skies, one would expect them to do so amidst sheer luxury, complete with impeccable service, plush seating, and opulent amenities.

The late Queen Elizabeth II certainly lived up to this expectation, embarking on flights spanning the globe. From the sun-soaked shores of Australia and New Zealand to the cultural treasures of the UAE and Oman, her travels were legendary.

In 2015, her final international journey took her to Malta, capping off an incredible record of visiting 117 countries throughout her life.

As one of the globe’s most renowned travelers, Queen Elizabeth carried with her a list of unique preferences for her flights. These ranged from the practical necessities to some truly eclectic demands, underscoring her iconic status.

The Daily Mail delves into the details of Queen Elizabeth’s intriguing in-flight preferences.

Pre-flight tipple 

Many frequent flyers have a tried-and-tested routine for travelling, whether that’s an airport pint and a Greggs’ sausage roll or a coffee and a croissant.

The Queen’s routine was not dissimilar – and it started with a pre-flight drink. 

Queen Elizabeth II was said to have enjoyed a martini before boarding

Queen Elizabeth II was said to have enjoyed a martini before boarding

Details of the Queen’s flying habits have emerged from a memorabilia collection compiled by a former flight attendant who worked for British Airways for 28 years from 1970.

Birmingham local Elizabeth Evans served many famous faces throughout her career – with some of the most memorable journeys being the Queen and Prince Philip’s 1989 tour of Singapore and Malaysia.

One note in Ms Evans’ collection said: ‘Her Majesty tends to like a martini before her guests arrive.’ 

A bowl of sugar-free mints

Another note told air stewards to make sure that a bowl of mints was placed beside her before take off – and also in her dressing room. 

A bowl of sugar-free mints was always on hand before take-off, and during the flight

A bowl of sugar-free mints was always on hand before take-off, and during the flight

The late Queen, pictured here in 1953, would always bring her own pillows when flying

The late Queen, pictured here in 1953, would always bring her own pillows when flying

She favoured Velamints, a sugar-free mint that was launched in the United States in 1977.

The brand is credited as the US’s first sugar-free mint, sweetened with natural sweeteners such as stevia.

Pillow talk 

Pillows are among the most complained-about items on board planes, with many travellers complaining of their discomfort.

While Queen Elizabeth may have enjoyed more comfortable surroundings than the average passenger, she still took her own pillows on board to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Flight attendants working on her flights were given a specific set of instructions on how to treat Queen Elizabeth II.

This included liaising with Her Majesty’s dresser to ensure the Queen’s bed was made up correctly.

‘The Queen has her own pillows,’ a note from the collection read.

Queen Elizabeth II, pictured here disembarking a flight in Trinidad in 2009

Queen Elizabeth II, pictured here disembarking a flight in Trinidad in 2009

She would request not to be woken if the plane landed while she was still asleep

She would request not to be woken if the plane landed while she was still asleep

Getting some rest 

That’s not the only bedtime-related request the royal asked of staff.

British Airways staff on a Concorde jet Queen Elizabeth flew on were told that if she was still asleep upon landing, they were not to disturb her slumber and should leave her in bed. 

Furthermore, she asked for silence while she was sleeping.

According to reports, crew were not permitted to pass through the royal cabin without permission, while noise in the forward galley was prohibited. 

Keeping hydrated 

Hydration is paramount on board – and Her Majesty favoured one brand in particular.

The Queen was also said to insist on having one particular brand of water wherever she travelled: Malvern spring water. 

Former royal spokesman Dickie Arbiter said: ‘The only thing the Queen requests to have wherever she is is Malvern water.

‘She likes Malvern water, it’s refreshing and they usually take lots of it with her.’

She also enjoyed a certain kind of water, reports have indicated

She also enjoyed a certain kind of water, reports have indicated

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip during a Royal Tour of Canada in 2010

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip during a Royal Tour of Canada in 2010

Plus, to beat jet-lag, the Queen was said to consume barley sugar, in the form of hard-boiled sweets.

Channel 5 documentary Secrets Of The Royal Flight describes barley sugar as the Queen’s ‘secret weapon’. 

While it is not backed by science, reports have explained the sugary snack can help adjust your body clock.

Major Box Office Flops of the 2010s That Revolutionized the Film Industry

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The 2010s were a vibrant tapestry of culture, characterized by the rise of “Party Rock Anthem,” the memeable appeal of Dat Boi, Netflix’s foray into TV programming, and the phenomenon of Vine stars. Amid these cultural shifts, a multitude of cinematic releases emerged, reshaping the film industry. Colossal blockbusters like “The Avengers” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” made significant impacts, while critically acclaimed films such as “Carol,” “Shoplifters,” and “You Were Never Really Here” have since been hailed as masterpieces. During this decade, movie enthusiasts found plenty to celebrate, although it often presented challenges for studio executives navigating treacherous financial waters.

The period was marked by high-stakes financial risks, as major studios veered away from mid-budget projects to focus on high-cost franchises, often budgeted over $200 million. This shift opened the door for monumental failures at the box office. Among these, five notable flops not only suffered heavy financial losses but also left a lasting impact on Hollywood. These movies prompted reevaluation within the industry, leading to shifts in strategy, such as moving away from certain adaptations or contributing to the downfall of independent studios.

These five cinematic failures from the 2010s transcended mere box office disappointments, with their impacts spreading far beyond initial release weekends. While “Party Rock Anthem” set the tone of the decade, it certainly wasn’t the soundtrack to these financial disasters.

Battleship

In January 2008, just months after the “Transformers” franchise achieved box office success, Hasbro and Universal Pictures forged a promising first-look deal to adapt various Hasbro properties for the big screen. Universal aimed to replicate the triumph of “Transformers” by launching similarly successful franchises. However, within four years, the collaboration unraveled, leaving potential projects abandoned and signaling a dire warning for their premier co-production, “Battleship,” which would not hit theaters until May 2012.

Universal seemed to anticipate the troubles that awaited “Battleship.” As expected, the film became a classic example of a predictable box office flop, amassing only $313.47 million worldwide, including a disappointing $65.23 million in domestic sales, against an enormous $220 million budget. Save for additional “Transformers” sequels and a couple of “Ouija” films, “Battleship” deterred Hollywood from investing in expensive toy-based movies for the decade that followed. The trend leaned heavily on comic book adaptations, with films like “The Avengers,” released just two weeks prior, overshadowing Hasbro-themed titles.

The failure of “Battleship” also inspired Universal to not prioritize $200+ million tentpoles just for the sake of having those titles. As early as 2014, Universal instead embraced cheaper yet more lucrative movies like “Neighbors” that were the antithesis of the bloated bomb “Battleship.”

The Mummy

“Battleship” tilted Universal towards more mid and low-budget offerings (save for the occasional “Jurassic World”), but the siren song of tentpoles couldn’t be resisted forever. Five years after that watery flop, Universal plunked down an enormous amount of cash into a 2017 reboot of “The Mummy” meant to kick off a Marvel-style shared continuity of Universal Monsters. Universal had tremendous confidence in both “The Mummy” and this franchise, named the Dark Universe. But “The Mummy” immediately became a box office flop that killed its planned cinematic universe.

Costing $195 million to make, “The Mummy” grossed only $409.95 million worldwide, including an abysmal $80.1 million domestically. One of the biggest flops of 2017, “The Mummy” halted all future Dark Universe movies. The studio subsequently overhauled its approach to those classic Universal Monsters with lower-budgeted efforts like 2020’s “The Invisible Man.” Meanwhile, “The Mummy” made Hollywood hesitant over shared universes being the de facto approach of blockbuster movies. Even Warner Bros. announced that its DC films would emphasize standalone stories above interconnected narratives just a few months after “The Mummy” cratered.

“The Mummy” also signaled a shift in what audiences wanted out of horror movies. This expensive PG-13 flop was drastically outgrossed in 2017 by infinitely cheaper R-rated horror films “It” and “Get Out.” Immense scale doesn’t immediately produce immense scares. 

Rise of the Guardians

DreamWorks Animation has had its fair share of box office flops even before “Rise of the Guardians” arrived in November 2012. However, this was an impactful dud whose financial losses proved a turning point for this outfit. Costing $145 million to make, “Rise of the Guardians” only grossed $306.94 million worldwide. DreamWorks eventually reported an $87 million loss on the title, the kind of failure that the studio’s shift away from 2D animation to towards CG animated titles was supposed to prevent.

Worse, “Rise of the Guardians” started a streak of box office flops that diluted the DreamWorks Animation brand. In the following two years, “Turbo,” “Mr. Peabody and Sherman,” and “The Penguins of Madagascar” all lost immense amounts of cash for the studio. Less than four years after “Guardians” premiered, NBCUniversal bought DreamWorks Animation. This sale led to the demise of various original DreamWorks titles in development and constricted the world of American feature animation. DreamWorks lives on, but as a more cost-sensitive Universal label rather than an independent entity.

In hindsight, “Rise of the Guardians” was like the first domino whose tumbling began a chain effect that drastically altered the American animation landscape. At least its director, Peter Ramsey, would eventually land on his feet by being one of the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” helmers.

Transformers: The Last Knight

“Transformers: Age of Extinction” was easily the biggest movie of 2014 worldwide with a whopping $1.1 billion globally. It didn’t matter if it contained some of the most egregious and questionable moments in the Transformers franchise, audiences still came out in droves to see it. With that kind of box office haul, it would seem like Paramount Pictures would’ve had nothing to worry about when it came to the long-term viability of the Transformers movies. Three years after “Age of Extinction,” though, “Transformers: The Last Knight” only grossed $602.89 million worldwide. 

That number sounds large on the surface, but given that $229.4 million of that sum came from China, “The Last Knight” actually made under $400 million worldwide discounting Chinese ticket sales. Domestically, “The Last Knight” only grossed $130.1 million while its total budget was a whopping $260 million. Losing $100 million for Viacom, “The Last Knight” put all American tentpoles on notice. If Transformers could produce a box office failure, no saga was safe. 

Since “The Last Knight,” Paramount has repeatedly tried reviving its cash cow franchise with titles like “Bumblebee” or “Transformers One.” Yet, nothing from this near-decade of reconfiguring Transformers into something new-ish yet profitable have come close to “Age of Extinction” numbers. Meanwhile, Michael Bay, once a reliable director of box office hits, has only helmed one theatrical movie (“Ambulance”) since “The Last Knight” flopped.

John Carter

Once again bemoaning how badly “John Carter” flopped feels a bit like kicking someone while they’re down. The box office performance of “John Carter” is so infamous that it’s almost redundant to once again label it a flop. For those unaware, though, “John Carter” only grossed $284 million worldwide on a $263 million budget. Just 11 days into its theatrical run, Disney announced that it would be taking a $200 million write-down on the production. Any hopes from director Andrew Stanton and company for a pair of proposed “John Carter” sequels went up in smoke.

In hindsight, the failure of “John Carter” closed a chapter of one Disney era just before another began. Two months after “John Carter” premiered, Walt Disney Pictures distributed its first Marvel movie, “The Avengers,” and Marvel Cinematic Universe titles quickly became lucrative fixtures of Disney’s annual slate. Nine months after “John Carter” debuted, Disney announced it was purchasing Lucasfilm and producing new Star Wars movies. The days of Disney taking risks on pricey non-sequel tentpoles like “John Carter” or “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” were firmly in the past.

“John Carter” cratering at the box office only reaffirmed to Disney executives that the studio needed to embrace safer Marvel movies, Star Wars legacy sequels, and live-action remakes of Disney cartoons. “John Carter” helped steer Disney into a new creative trajectory that’s still influencing every sector of Hollywood.

Today’s Naira to Dollar Exchange Rate: August 10, 2026

At the commencement of this week’s trading, Nigeria’s naira was valued at approximately ₦1,362.55 per US dollar in the official foreign exchange market. Meanwhile, the parallel market showcased a slightly higher rate, with the dollar fetching around ₦1,425 on Monday.

This official rate is disseminated via the Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange platform, serving as the standard reference for all transactions processed through the nation’s formal foreign exchange channels.

Despite fluctuations in global economic conditions, the naira started the week on a comparatively steady note. Market participants are closely watching factors such as foreign exchange liquidity, dollar demand, and interventions from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Naira-dollar exchange rate

In the bustling parallel market, often dubbed the black market, currency traders in Lagos and other key trading hubs offered the dollar at about ₦1,425 for selling and ₦1,410 for buying.

Analyzing the discrepancy between the NFEM’s official rate of ₦1,362.55 and the parallel market’s selling rate of ₦1,425 reveals a gap of roughly ₦62.45 per dollar.

The spread remains broadly in line with recent trading sessions, indicating that the naira has maintained relative stability across the two markets.

The CBN explains that the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market rate is determined using the volume-weighted average of transactions completed during each trading session.

Recent market data also showed the official exchange rate moving within a relatively narrow range of around ₦1,362 to ₦1,364 per dollar.

Market outlook

Market watchers have attributed the recent stability partly to improved foreign exchange liquidity and efforts by the Central Bank to manage demand pressures in the official market.

Reuters also reported that the naira had recently traded around the ₦1,360 level in the official market, while street-market rates remained close to ₦1,425 per dollar.

Dealers are expected to continue monitoring dollar supply and demand as the new trading week progresses.

For individuals and businesses looking to buy or sell dollars, the actual rate offered may differ depending on the bank, bureau de change, transaction size, payment method and location.

The NFEM rate applies to transactions conducted through authorised dealers within the formal foreign exchange market.

The parallel market rate, meanwhile, reflects cash transactions conducted outside the official foreign exchange window.

162-Year-Old Guinness Discovered in Shipwreck May Still Be Drinkable, Say Divers

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During a remarkable dive off the coast of the UK, a team of divers stumbled upon a fascinating find: a 162-year-old bottle of Guinness hidden among the remains of a shipwreck. This discovery has sparked curiosity about whether the aged stout might still be drinkable after more than a century below the waves.

Stefan Panis, a seasoned underwater photographer hailing from Belgium, couldn’t believe his luck when he uncovered the glass bottle amid the wreckage of the Mindoro, hidden in the depths of the English Channel last year.

“As soon as I came back up to the surface, I realized the top of the bottle was exceptionally clear,” recounted Panis, 47, to Inc. “To see the words ‘Guinness Extra Stout London’ on it was astonishing.”

“The moment was nothing short of incredible,” he added, reflecting on his unexpected find.

Nestled within the ship’s cargo, the bottle’s age surprised both Panis and his diving companion, Eddie Huzzie, 68. Eager to learn more, they sent samples from the relic to microbiologists at KU Leuven, a renowned research university in Belgium, to explore the secrets contained within its ancient glass.

“There is always a chance that we can recover the complete DNA, and then we can do a small re-brew of the exact beer that was found in the 1860s,” he told the BBC. 

Panis, who admitted he’s not a huge fan of the stout, said the contents of the bottle might still be drinkable – but he’s waiting for the analysis first.

“There is a possibility that it’s still drinkable,” he said.

“The question is if the sea water has come into the bottles through the corks. 

“If not, most likely the beer will still be drinkable.” 

He revealed that he would take a sip of the stout if he’s given the green light to taste it.

He suspects there may be more than one bottle hiding within the wreckage of the barque, which sank three miles off the coast of Dover, England, on Nov. 27 1864 after colliding with the Khersonese, a sailing ship.

“Seeing the size of the case, I think it is definitely a case of 24 bottles,” he told the BBC.

“But there might be more cases.”

Panis also contacted Diageo – the company which makes Guinness – and a spokesperson for the organization said, “Discoveries like this provide a fascinating window into our past and help build a deeper understanding of our heritage.

“Currently, our Guinness Archive team is liaising with the divers to gather more information and evaluate the find.”