The new series 'Landman,' created by Taylor Sheridan, has premiered on Paramount+, drawing viewers into the gritty and complex world of the Texas oil industry. Starring Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, the show follows his character, a crisis executive for an oil company, as he navigates the precarious balance between work and family life amidst the chaos of oil rig explosions and corporate drama. In its opening episodes, 'Landman' plunges directly into high-stakes tension. The series kicks off with a dramatic scene where Tommy's son, Cooper, witnesses a catastrophic oil rig explosion that results in the deaths of his crew members. This tragic event forces Tommy to confront his role within the company and the implications for his family. As law enforcement circles around the incidents, both a helicopter crash and the rig explosion raise questions about liability and safety in an industry notorious for its dangers. The series not only explores family dynamics—featuring Tommy's relationships with his ex-wife Angela and daughter Ainsley—but also addresses broader themes of ambition, greed, and the socio-economic impacts of the oil boom in the Permian Basin. Critical reception has been mixed, with some praising Thornton's compelling performance and the immersive depiction of oil culture, while others criticize it for lacking depth in character development. 'Landman' is based on the podcast 'Boomtown,' which chronicles the real-life oil boom in West Texas, and promises to continue its exploration of the industry's human and environmental costs. New episodes will roll out weekly, with viewers urged to tune in and engage in discussions around the show's portrayal of contemporary issues related to climate and economy. As the plot unfolds, fans will see if Tommy can navigate the tumultuous landscape of the oil business while also managing the expectations placed upon him by family and society.
Donald Trump has named Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, to spearhead the Department of Energy in his prospective government. Wright, a major advocate for fossil fuels, is anticipated to further Trump's energy agenda by boosting oil and gas output, slashing regulations, and propelling the U.S. into a new era of prosperity. Critics, however, express concern over his potential to deepen dependency on fossil fuels amid growing climate change impacts.
In a captivating encounter, Jake Paul triumphed over boxing legend Mike Tyson by unanimous decision on November 15, 2024, in a fight broadcasted globally via Netflix. Held at AT&T Stadium, the match set a new benchmark in Texas for boxing event revenue and epitomized the lucrative interplay of legacy and modern entertainment. Paul garnered $40 million, underscoring his ambition to blend financial success with sporting achievements, while Tyson earned $20 million, highlighting a departure from traditional boxing venues for streaming platforms.
Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, is experiencing significant financial growth with an increase in global ticket sales and profitability, despite facing technological failures and legal battles. The company has achieved impressive milestones in concert attendance and stock valuation, primarily driven by high-demand tours like Taylor Swift's. However, challenges persist as fans express dissatisfaction over technical glitches during ticket sales for popular events. Adding to the scrutiny, a lawsuit alleging fraud and negligence in ticket sales, as well as a recent data breach involving Ticketmaster, compounds the hurdles faced by the company. Despite these issues, Live Nation remains focused on enhancing the fan experience through strategic initiatives.
Suriya's latest film, 'Kanguva', has sparked significant interest at the box office with its debut on November 14, 2024, despite garnering mixed reviews from critics. The film is expected to rake in ₹60-65 crore globally on opening day, thanks to pre-sales contributing ₹25 crore. It has adjusted earnings of ₹17 crore from its Tamil version within India, although the Hindi version posted lower figures. Highlighted by impressive visuals and performances, 'Kanguva' also faces significant storytelling criticisms and piracy issues, which might hinder its box office stability. Director Siva is under fire for a lackluster screenplay, while fan dynamics and competing films add to the pressure for the movie's success. An OTT release on Amazon Prime may follow in eight weeks, but the film faces an uphill battle against negative word-of-mouth.
A highly anticipated boxing match between YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson is set for November 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Originally scheduled for July, the bout was rescheduled due to Tyson's health issues. The event will stream exclusively on Netflix, marking a significant step in sports broadcasting. The fight features a unique format with eight two-minute rounds and 14-ounce gloves. Despite concerns over the age gap and its impact on the fighters' legacies, the event is promoted as a must-watch spectacle, blending entertainment with sport.
Disney stock experienced a significant rise of over 9% after the company's fiscal fourth-quarter earnings report exceeded Wall Street forecasts for both revenue and profits. The conglomerate reported revenue of $22.57 billion, surpassing analyst predictions, and demonstrated growth from the previous year. Disney showcased notable profitability in its direct-to-consumer streaming segment, a key driver of this positive financial performance. Disney's succession planning also came to light as it looks for a successor to CEO Bob Iger. This earnings report illustrates a broader strategic focus on streaming services, amidst challenges in traditional media sectors.
The Onion has purchased Infowars, the contentious platform created by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, during a court-mandated bankruptcy auction. This acquisition results from a $1.5 billion defamation case related to Jones' false claims concerning the Sandy Hook shooting. Backed significantly by Sandy Hook victims' families, The Onion intends to use humor and satire to address misinformation. They plan to transform Infowars into a parody site that critiques conspiracy theories and unusual internet personas, with support from notable internet humorists. The revamped website is due to launch in January 2025, with Everytown for Gun Safety as the exclusive advertiser. Jones, under financial duress, has criticized this process but vows to continue broadcasting elsewhere. The acquisition is a pivotal step in the fight against the proliferation of harmful conspiracy narratives in media.
On November 13, 2024, Krispy Kreme joins the global celebration of World Kindness Day by offering the first 500 customers at participating U.S. locations a free dozen Original Glazed® Doughnuts. This initiative, led by the company’s Global Chief Brand Officer Dave Skena, aims to encourage acts of goodwill within communities, illustrating how small gestures like sharing a treat can positively impact others. Besides the U.S., over 40 countries with Krispy Kreme locations are participating. Customers are invited to share their kindness moments on social media with #KrispyKreme.
Starbucks is set to celebrate its annual Red Cup Day on November 14, 2024, marking the official start of the holiday season at the popular coffee chain. Customers purchasing select holiday beverages like Peppermint Mocha or Pumpkin Spice Latte will receive a complimentary reusable red cup made from 95% recycled materials. The event encourages sustainability by offering a discount and bonus rewards for future purchases using the red cup. The promotion has become a key event, enhancing brand loyalty and customer traffic, reflecting a significant store visit increase in previous years. Customers can participate in-store, via drive-thru, or through app orders, with delivery options available free until November 17, 2024.