Books

Different authors take different approaches to ending their novels. The prolific Joyce Carol Oates, for example, believes “The first sentence can’t be written until the final sentence is written.” Novelist and playwright Colm Tóibín, on the other hand, suggests that “Ending a novel is almost like putting a child to sleep — it can't be done abruptly.” Science-fiction author Frank Herbert, meanwhile, keeps it simple: “There is no real ending. It's just the place where you stop the story.” Whatever the approach, nailing the ending is arguably the trickiest part of any story: If an author comes up short with their finale, the reader will be left unsatisfied at best, or angry at worst. The following closing lines are often considered among the finest in literature, whether they are happy or sad, hopeful or hopeless, and in some cases simply heart-wrenching. And, yes: spoiler alert. yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

Walter Elias Disney

Wherever the young Disney went, he drew. At high school he became the cartoonist for the school newspaper and took night courses at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. He lied about his age to join the Red Cross just before the end of World War I, and during the war he drew cartoons on the side of his ambulance and had some work published in Stars and Stripes. Then, at 18, he began an apprenticeship at a commercial art studio. Disney became increasingly interested in animation in the burgeoning silent film industry, and in 1921 founded his Laugh-O-Gram Studio. His short cartoons didn’t earn enough money, and the studio went bankrupt in 1923. Later that year he moved to Hollywood and founded the Disney Brothers Studio‍ with his brother Roy — the same studio that would later become the world-famous Walt Disney Company. With the help of his creation, Mickey Mouse, Disney became more and more successful during the following decade, despite plenty of bumps along the road. He won his first Academy Award in 1932, his second a year later, and went on to win 22 Oscars during his career — more than anyone else in history. Beloved animated classics such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Dumbo, and Sleeping Beauty made Disney a cultural icon, and his theme parks, merchandise, and other interests made him a wealthy man. Disney died in 1966, but remains a towering figure in pop culture. Today, he is widely quoted online, for his words of inspiration and his business and leadership acumen. But, much like Mark Twain and Winston Churchill, he has also been attached to many famous quotes that he never actually said. Here, we set the record straight with 9 quotes often misattributed to the legendary animator. yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

Books...

Countless awards recognize outstanding literary works on an annual basis. We’ve previously written about Pulitzer Prize-winning novels, but there are also other prestigious prizes, such as the National Book Award, the Women’s Prize for Fiction, and the Booker Prize. If you’re looking for your next unforgettable read, checking out past winners (and nominees!) is a great place to start. The National Book Award has been around since 1950 and honors the best works of fiction, nonfiction, translated literature, young people’s literature, and poetry published in the United States each year. A longlist of 10 books is cut down to five finalists by a panel of judges, who then select a winner. In 2024, the award expanded its eligibility to include authors who don’t hold U.S. citizenship. Meanwhile, the Women’s Prize for Fiction highlights — you guessed it — the female author of the best novel written in English and published in the United Kingdom. First instituted in 1996, the award kicks off with the announcement of a longlist of nominees early in the year, typically around March, with a shortlist following soon after. Then the winner is picked by a board of “five leading women,” which could include actors, authors, journalists, etc. In 2024, the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction was introduced as a sister prize. The Booker Prize is conferred each year to a work of fiction written in English and published in either the U.K. or Ireland. The award is named after Booker, McConnell Ltd., which began sponsoring it upon its inauguration in 1969. The winner is chosen from a shortlist by a five-person panel made up of authors, journalists, publishers, politicians, and those who work in the entertainment industry. yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey’s career began in 1977 when he made his first stand-up comedy appearance at the age of 15. After he found TV stardom on the sketch comedy "In Living Color," global fame came in 1994, a breakthrough year in which he starred in not one but three smash films: “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “The Mask,” and “Dumb and Dumber.” His unique blend of riotous slapstick and funny faces made him a beloved household name, but he also showed real acting chops in movies such as “The Truman Show,” “Man on the Moon,” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” Whether he’s playing the Grinch or God, Carrey has always sought to bring his unique light to the performance. “I'm going to do whatever I can to bring to the world something creative, something challenging, something inventive,” he told the “L.A. Times.” “And whenever possible, when pain happens, when confusion happens, when disillusionment happens, I turn it into something.” yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

Muppets

The Muppets were created by Jim Henson in 1955 for a short-format television show called Sam and Friends. From the kindhearted Kermit to the affable Fozzie Bear, the wacky, smart, and flamboyant characters were a hit. In 1969, the Muppets appeared on the wildly successful children’s program Sesame Street, and by 1976, the popularity of the colorful cast led to a half-hour of prime time called The Muppet Show. In its five-year run, the show won four Emmy Awards and was nominated for another 21. Even as the showrunners took home their awards, the Muppets were just getting started. In 1979, they starred in the first of several movies, The Muppet Movie. The 1980s and '90s brought a number of spinoffs, including Muppet Babies, Muppets Tonight, and The Jim Henson Hour. The characters have also appeared on late-night TV talk shows, and made cameo appearances on everything from The Simpsons to The West Wing. After six decades in the spotlight, the Muppets continue to shine. Their message of friendship, love, and laughter is as relevant today as it has ever been. Here, we’ve collected 10 of our favorite quotes from the Muppets, but before we open up the floor, we’ll leave you with a quote from their uniquely talented creator, who passed away in 1990: “If you care about what you do and work hard at it, there isn't anything you can't do if you want to.” yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

NATIONAL DRIVE-THRU DAY

NATIONAL DRIVE-THRU DAY "National Drive-Thru Day on July 24 recognizes an innovation conveniently going strong today." https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-drive-thru-day-july-24?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=10514247&hashed_email=6c23328441e0f46865e8039a24ce7ccf8880f2d7&email=yeremiah%40aol.com yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias is the perfect movie for any mood. Whether we want to laugh or cry or we’re just in need of some nostalgia-tinged comfort, this 1989 classic has us covered — and it never gets old, no matter how many times we’ve seen it. The movie was adapted from a 1987 off-Broadway play written by Robert Harling, which he based on the life of his younger sister, Susan (who’s represented by Shelby in the story). Harling, who also wrote the movie’s screenplay, beautifully captures the unique, adaptable, and indestructible bonds among women. No matter our age or gender, we can all find pieces of ourselves in the immaculately drawn characters: the acerbic Ouiser, the elegant and gossipy Clairee, the sweet and sassy Truvy, the devoted M’Lynn, the stubbornly brave Shelby, the soul-searching Annelle, and even the playful Drum. As we rewatch Steel Magnolias over the years, the characters we relate most to may fluctuate, just like the seasons of life depicted in the film — and that’s what makes this story so beautifully timeless. yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

Sigourney Weiver

"Sigourney Weaver made sure to keep her distance from Harry Connick Jr. while they were shooting the 1995 movie Copycat. " https://ew.com/harry-connick-jr-says-sigourney-weaver-avoided-him-on-copycat-set-8681140?hid=4811f21c13a7d3a5abac89f8c16272d61e5cb114&did=13868766-20240722&utm_campaign=entertainmentweekly-dispatch_newsletter_send2&utm_source=ewk&utm_medium=email&utm_content=072224&lctg=4811f21c13a7d3a5abac89f8c16272d61e5cb114&lr_input=64a20f24338333901e4cb7afc40a3cfae56c6770df59fc13cf25a5ce36d78b01 yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

Favorite Movies

We all have comfort movies. Maybe it’s a movie that reminds us of someone we love, or maybe it’s one we go back to when we’re sick in bed or recovering from grief, stress, or heartache. Whatever our comfort films mean to us, their ability to soothe us and provide us with some tranquility is unmatched. But what makes a feel-good movie? The plots are often a little far-fetched and silly, or else they might depict an underdog on an uplifting journey that results in success or romance. The characters are lovable and relatable (for the most part), the settings are serene and gorgeous, and there might even be a musical number or two involved. yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

Books

Books have the magical ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in their readers, including uproarious laughter. A well-written novel can be just as funny as an episode of your favorite sitcom or a blockbuster comedy movie when written by an author who’s adept at tickling our funny bones. The sharp humor of a talented wordsmith is often worthy competition for even the most prolific stand-up comedians. From Shakespeare’s day all the way up to modern times, wry humorists such as Kurt Vonnegut and Erma Bombeck — just to name a couple — have delighted their readership with witty quips and quotes that offer a biting, sometimes satirical take on the world around us. yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

Dollywood

"Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is the eponymous theme park co-owned by country music icon Dolly Parton. Since opening in 1986, the park has grown into one of Tennessee’s most popular attractions, blending the traditional crafts, food, and music of Appalachia with thrill rides such as Lightning Rod, Wild Eagle, Blazing Fury, and Big Bear Mountain." https://insidethemagic.net/2024/07/dollywood-theme-park-closes-immediately-cj1/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Weekly+Top+Stories+2024-07-21&utm_term=ITM+Master+List yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

Shannon Doherty

"Shannen Doherty had a long history in Hollywood, from shows such as Beverly Hills 90210 and movies such as Heathers." https://hiddenremote.com/posts/remembering-shannen-doherty-and-her-legacy-on-charmed-01j311nv6f1m?utm_campaign=FansidedTV+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email&sc=64a20f24338333901e4cb7afc40a3cfae56c6770df59fc13cf25a5ce36d78b01 yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

Fox's New 2024 Animation Block

"Fox recently announced exciting news regarding their Fall 2024 Animation Domination block, which promises a spectacular September premiere. One animated show that I'm looking forward to is The Simpsons' season 36." https://hiddenremote.com/posts/fox-teases-their-animation-domination-block-in-fall-2024-release-dates-and-plot-details-01j30tm67hk8?utm_campaign=FansidedTV+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email&sc=64a20f24338333901e4cb7afc40a3cfae56c6770df59fc13cf25a5ce36d78b01 yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

Jack Black

"Jack Black has canceled “all future creative plans” for his beloved rock band Tenacious D and canceled their ongoing tour after partner Kyle Gass made a “joke” regarding the recent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump." https://insidethemagic.net/2024/07/jack-black-abruptly-ends-30-year-career-cancels-all-future-projects-nk1/?%3Fadt_ei=yeremiah%40aol.com&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Just+In+-+Country+Bear+Character+Removed&utm_term=ITM+Master+List yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt

Xbox 360

"The Xbox 360 is one of the all-time great consoles that, among other things, spearheaded the ecosystem for indie games and digital downloads. That makes the closure of the Xbox 360 marketplace at the end of July all the more bittersweet, as the console’s storefront will permanently go offline, closing the book on one of the most eclectic game libraries ever."

https://kotaku.com/xbox-360-store-shutdown-offline-july-2024-1851587402?utm_source=kotaku_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2024-07-14

Katee Stakoff

"I adore when fan-favorite actors known for one fictional franchise take on iconic roles within other beloved universes, with Katee Sackhoff being a prime example of someone who regularly takes on playing beloved characters."

https://www.cinemablend.com/superheroes/katee-sackhoff-tv-fan-favorite-joined-watchmen-chapter-one-silk-spectre

Marvel Studios

"Marvel Studios has reportedly been doing some spring cleaning. After a questionable year for the Marvel Cinematic Universe all around in 2023 (which saw two movies underperform and a Disney Plus series receive highly negative reviews), the studio is slowing things down, reflecting on its Multiverse Saga thus far and attempting to figure out ways to ensure that it can be more consistent and coherent."

https://bamsmackpow.com/posts/marvel-reportedly-cancels-monica-rambeau-photon-disney-show-rumors-01j2j695vn4f

Oppenheimer

"Oppenheimer was one of the most successful films of 2023, and with good reason. "

https://historyfacts.com/arts-culture/article/5-fascinating-details-that-oppenheimer-left-out/

Academy Awards

Since the Academy Awards debuted in 1929, the Best Picture category has been widely considered the ceremony’s most prestigious honor. The recipients have encompassed a wide range of genres, from historical epics to black comedies to sweepingly romantic movie musicals.Some Best Picture winners have stood the test of time better than others, but many are still considered true classics, including such timeless films as On the Waterfront, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Godfather.

Serial Mom

"“Serial Mom” is a cult classic film released in 1994, directed by John Waters and starring Kathleen Turner in the lead role."

https://facts.net/movie/36-facts-about-the-movie-serial-mom/?utm_source=grow&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=automailer&utm_content=rec

Rewrites

"Reshoots, rewrites, creative differences and all manner of other excuses have been used to explain why some shows, no matter how good, only seem to get one shot at making an impression."

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/3-shows-cancelled-disney-deserve-070000360.html

Blonde Bombshell

"Forever known as the “Blonde Bombshell,” Marilyn Monroe was one of the biggest movie stars of the 1950s and 1960s and became one of Hollywood’s most famous sex symbols through films such as The Seven Year Itch, Some Like It Hot, and The Misfits."

https://www.interestingfacts.com/marilyn-monroe-facts/YyjXR0KJ8wAIteBd?liu=f990a22b8f045d09d1eb29acc743f7c5&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2224703946

Frankenstein

"The only privately-owned first edition of Mary Shelley's pioneering horror novel Frankenstein was auctioned for a hair-raising sum of $843,750."

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2024/07/01/Heritage-Auctions-Frankenstein-first-edition/2791719863964?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter

Will Smith

"Will Smith can “earn” his way back to attending the Oscars - but will not have his 10 year ban from the bash cut just because he is enjoying a sensational Hollywood comeback with Bad Boys 4."https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.themirror.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/smith-earn-way-back-attending-577283.amp

Steven Spielberg

"While his rise was undeniably meteoric, it wasn’t quite a case of Steven Spielberg coming out of nowhere and turning the established norms of the cinema industry upside down at the first attempt."https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/mentor-who-took-steven-spielberg-under-their-wing/

Lost Ending

"It’s one of the most divisive series finales of all time — when Lost aired its last episode on May 23, 2010, fans either loved or hated the complicated ending."

https://people.com/lost-ending-explained-8668916?hid=4811f21c13a7d3a5abac89f8c16272d61e5cb114&did=13688017-20240707&utm_source=ppl&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=people-news_newsletter&utm_content=070724&lctg=4811f21c13a7d3a5abac89f8c16272d61e5cb114&lr_input=64a20f24338333901e4cb7afc40a3cfae56c6770df59fc13cf25a5ce36d78b01

Weekend At Bernie’s

"35 years ago this week, Weekend At Bernie’s opened its modest theatrical run. The film grossed about $30 million on a $15 million budget, barely turning a profit when accounting for marketing costs."

https://www.avclub.com/weekend-at-bernies-35th-anniversary-1851575723

Beetlejuice II

"The 81st Venice Film Festival will open with the world premiere of Tim Burton‘s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux and Monica Bellucci, with Jenna Ortega and Willem Dafoe."

https://deadline.com/2024/07/beetlejuice-beetlejuice-sequel-venice-film-festival-opening-movie-2024-tim-burton-michael-keaton-1235999536/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter

Smac Mcreanor

"Dancer and comedian Smac McCreanor, who previously performed interpretive dances alongside items crushed by a hydraulic press and danced as chickens, quite amusingly reinterpreted famous company logos using creative body movements."https://laughingsquid.com/dance-reinterpretations-company-logos/?utm_source=subscribe.laughingsquid.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=pair-of-easily-amused-cats-watch-a-bubble-tea-pearl-moving-back-and-forth-inside-a-straw

Summer Media

"Summer is officially here and with it comes lots of streaming content."

https://gizmodo.com/streaming-july-2024-netflix-amazon-disney-hulu-shudder-1851566819?utm_source=io9_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2024-07-01