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“Gladiator II” asks the question: Are you not moderately entertained for roughly 60% of this sequel? Truly, this is a movie dependent on managed expectations and a forgiving attitude toward its tendency to overserve. More of a thrash-and-burn schlock epic than the comparatively restrained 2000 “Gladiator,” also directed by Ridley Scott, the new one recycles a fair bit of the old one’s narrative cries for freedom while tossing in some digital sharks for the flooded Colosseum and a bout of deadly sea-battle theatrics. They really did flood the Colosseum in those days, though no historical evidence suggests shark deployment, real or digital. On the other hand (checks notes), “Gladiator II” is fiction. Screenwriter David Scarpa picks things up 16 years after “Gladiator,” which gave us the noble death of the noble warrior Maximus, shortly after slaying the ignoble emperor and returning Rome to the control of the Senate. Our new hero, Lucius (Paul Mescal), has fled Rome for Numidia, on the North African coast. The time is 200 A.D., and for the corrupt, party-time twins running the empire (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger), that means invasion time. Pedro Pascal takes the role of Acacius, the deeply conflicted general, sick of war and tired of taking orders from a pair of depraved ferrets. The new film winds around the old one this way: Acacius is married to Lucilla (Connie Nielsen, in a welcome return), daughter of the now-deceased emperor Aurelius and the love of the late Maximus’s life. Enslaved and dragged to Rome to gladiate, the widower Lucius vows revenge on the general whose armies killed his wife. But there are things this angry young phenom must learn, about his ancestry and his destiny. It’s the movie’s worst-kept secret, but there’s a reason he keeps seeing footage of Russell Crowe from the first movie in his fever dreams. Battle follows battle, on the field, in the arena, in the nearest river, wherever, and usually with endless splurches of computer-generated blood. “Gladiator II” essentially bumper-cars its way through the mayhem, pausing for long periods of expository scheming about overthrowing the current regime. The prince of all fixers, a wily operative with interests in both managing gladiators and stocking munitions, goes by the name Macrinus. He’s played by Denzel Washington, who at one point makes a full meal out of pronouncing the word “politics” like it’s a poisoned fig. Also, if you want a masterclass in letting your robes do a lot of your acting for you, watch what Washington does here. He’s more fun than the movie but you can’t have everything. The movie tries everything, all right, and twice. Ridley Scott marshals the chaotic action sequences well enough, though he’s undercut by frenetic cutting rhythms, with that now-familiar, slightly sped-up visual acceleration in frequent use. (Claire Simpson and Sam Restivo are the editors.) Mescal acquits himself well in his first big-budget commercial walloper of an assignment, confined though he is to a narrower range of seething resentments than Crowe’s in the first film. I left thinking about two things: the word “politics” as savored/spit out by Washington, and the innate paradox of how Scott, whose best work over the decades has been wonderful, delivers spectacle. The director and his lavishly talented design team built all the rough-hewn sets with actual tangible materials the massive budget allowed. They took care to find the right locations in Morocco and Malta. Yet when combined in post-production with scads of medium-grade digital effects work in crowd scenes and the like, never mind the sharks, the movie’s a somewhat frustrating amalgam. With an uneven script on top of it, the visual texture of “Gladiator II” grows increasingly less enveloping and atmospherically persuasive, not more. But I hung there, for some of the acting, for some of the callbacks, and for the many individual moments, or single shots, that could only have come from Ridley Scott. And in the end, yes, you too may be moderately entertained. MPA rating: R (for strong bloody violence) Running time: 2:28 How to watch: Premieres in theaters Nov. 21.

From Challenges to Champions: Craig Shults Shares His Journey of Resilience and Reinvention in an Exclusive Interview 11-22-2024 11:34 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Erase Technologies, LLC Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1732304774.jpg Craig Shults, Orange County, CA, USA Craig Shults, an accomplished entrepreneur and finance expert, has been featured in an exclusive interview, shedding light on his transformative journey from the scenic Mohawk Valley in Upstate New York to becoming a respected leader and CFO at JSL Construction in Southern California. Craig Shults, an accomplished entrepreneur and finance expert, has been featured in an exclusive interview, shedding light on his transformative journey from the scenic Mohawk Valley in Upstate New York to becoming a respected leader and CFO at JSL Construction in Southern California. Known for his unyielding drive, Craig's story is one of resilience, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. In this engaging interview, Craig delves into how his diverse experiences and setbacks have shaped his views on success and failure. "Success, to me, isn't just about wealth or status. It's about the number of people who benefit from what I do," he shared, emphasizing his belief in the value of adaptability and the lessons learned through adversity. He explains how setbacks have only strengthened his resolve, teaching him the importance of staying grounded in his core values of honesty, integrity, discipline, and resilience. A lifelong learner, Craig's impressive academic background reflects his dedication to self-improvement. With multiple Associate's degrees, including General Business, Sociology, and American Studies, and a high-honors Paralegal Certificate from Blackstone Career Institute, he has developed a holistic approach to solving problems. This well-rounded education allows him to make thoughtful, community-conscious decisions in his role at JSL Construction. When asked how he maintains focus under pressure, Craig credits meditation. "It gives me the clarity to dissect any situation, leaving emotions aside so I can focus purely on strategy," he noted. He emphasizes the importance of self-evaluation, strategic thinking, and the discipline to execute solutions effectively. His methodical approach to identifying marketplace gaps-observing, strategizing, executing, and refining-highlights his ability to turn ideas into actionable, impactful solutions. Despite facing significant financial and personal hurdles, Craig remains driven by a desire to leave a positive mark. His commitment to helping others is exemplified through his active support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Giving back is not just an act of charity for Craig; it is an essential part of his identity and a source of purpose beyond business. Craig also opens up about his secret to achieving work-life balance, stressing the importance of activities that bring him joy and centering himself through family and fitness. Whether he is cooking, working out, or meditating, he believes in nurturing both his professional and personal spheres to remain productive and fulfilled. For those seeking to rebuild their lives after setbacks, Craig offers practical advice: take responsibility, embrace reinvention, and surround yourself with supporters who believe in your vision. "The comeback is always stronger than the setback if you remain committed and disciplined," he said, inspiring others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. About Craig Shults Craig Shults is an entrepreneur and finance professional from the Mohawk Valley in Upstate New York, currently residing in Orange County, California. With a career spanning from insurance and home improvement sales to his current role as Controller and CFO at JSL Construction, Craig embodies the values of resilience and continuous learning. He is an advocate for philanthropy, supporting organizations such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and is passionate about fitness, cooking, and travel. To read the full interview, click here [ https://ceoworld.biz/ ]. Media Contact Contact Person: Craig Shults Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=from-challenges-to-champions-craig-shults-shares-his-journey-of-resilience-and-reinvention-in-an-exclusive-interview ] City: Orange County State: California Country: United States Website: https://craigshults.com/ This release was published on openPR.Faith is at the core of American freedom — and losing it endangers us all

NoneLincoln City and Charlton Athletic will both be looking to bounce back from midweek defeats when they face off at the LNER Stadium on Saturday. The Imps head into the weekend in ninth place in League One , while the visitors are four points behind in 13th position. © Imago After winning their final two league games in October, Lincoln were sitting in fifth position with 24 points to their name after 13 matches. However, their top-six push has been setback with a five-game winless run, leaving them four points adrift of the League One playoffs. They began that run of poor league form with consecutive draws, before they fell to three straight defeats against Wycombe Wanderers, Wrexham and Rotherham United. Jovon Makama netted his second goal of the season to cancel out Sam Nombe 's opener in Tuesday's away clash with Rotherham, only for Sean Raggett to score a 77th-minute winner to condemn the Imps to a 2-1 defeat, extending their winless away league run to six matches. Michael Skubala 's side will now return to the LNER Stadium, where they have recorded three victories in their last five home league matches. © Imago Charlton will be frustrated with their current position in the League One table, with the Addicks sitting in the bottom half and eight points adrift of the playoffs after winning six, drawing four and losing seven of their 17 league matches. The Addicks have found wins hard to come by in recent times, having won just one of their previous seven league games (D3, L3). That solitary victory took place at the end of last month when they bounced back from consecutive league defeats to clinch a narrow 1-0 victory over basement side Burton Albion. However, the Addicks were unable to build upon that result in their midweek home outing against Crawley Town, conceding the decisive goal in the 80th minute as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at The Valley, extending their winless home run to three league games. The first goal could be crucial if Charlton are to return to winning ways because they have won all six league games in which they have scored this season. © Imago The hosts are unable to call upon the services of Lewis Montsma , Tom Bayliss and Tom Hamer due to their respective injury issues. Adam Jackson has been ruled out after sustaining a facial injury against Rotherham, while Ben House picked up a knock in midweek and is now a doubt for Saturday's fixture. Tendayi Darikwa picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in midweek, meaning he will now have to serve a one-match suspension. As for the visitors, they are expected to be without the services of Kayne Ramsay , Chuks Aneke and Zach Mitchell . Charlton captain Greg Docherty is available following a three-match suspension, along with midfielder Luke Berry , who has completed a one-game ban for an accumulation of yellow cards. Karoy Anderson will have to be assessed after he sat out the midweek defeat to Crawley due to a hamstring issue. Lincoln City possible starting lineup: Wickens; Jefferies, O'Connor, Roughan, Hamilton; Moylan, Erhahon, McGrandles; Makama, Ring, Draper Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup: Maynard-Brewer; Edmonds-Green, Mitchell, Gillesphey, Edwards; Taylor, Coventry, Docherty; Godden; Leaburn, Ahadme The two sides will be low on confidence following their poor run of results in League One, and with wins proving to be hard to come by, we think Lincoln and Charlton could play out a draw in a cagey contest at the LNER Stadium. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .

THE renowned Zimbabwean academic and political commentator Professor Jonathan Moyo has taken a swipe at South Africa’s handling of the political violence in Mozambique, labelling a statement issued by DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri as poorly conceived and diplomatically reckless. Phiri, a junior official in South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), issued the statement in response to the violence that erupted following Mozambique’s contested election results. He called for “urgent dialogue” to address the unrest, expressing South Africa’s readiness “to assist and work with SADC for a lasting solution.” In the statement, Phiri said, “Following the proclamation of final electoral results by the Constitutional Council of Mozambique, South Africa has noted with concern the ongoing violence and the subsequent disruptive protest in reaction to the announcement. South Africa calls on all parties to commit to an urgent dialogue that will heal the country and set it on a new political and developmental trajectory.” Prof. Moyo, however, criticized the statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighting its shortcomings and accusing South Africa of engaging in “poor diplomacy.” He argued that the use of a junior official to comment on a crisis of such magnitude was a misstep, reflecting a lack of seriousness. “The situation in Mozambique is serious and warrants, at the very least, a ministerial statement,” Moyo posted. The former Zimbabwean government minister also took issue with the content of the statement, accusing South Africa of failing to condemn the violence outright. Instead, the statement merely urged “all parties to commit to dialogue,” which Moyo interpreted as a failure to demand an immediate and unconditional end to the unrest. — POVO NO PODER 🇲🇿 (@JerThaPlug) “What does South Africa know that the rest of SADC does not know?” Moyo questioned in his post, further criticising the suggestion that Mozambique’s dialogue should aim to set the country “on a new political and developmental trajectory.” He described this as an attempt to impose a predetermined outcome on Mozambique’s internal affairs, suggesting it might be pushing for a coalition government or a political arrangement resembling South Africa’s. Moyo contrasted the stance with South Africa’s own experience of violent unrest in July 2021, which left over 350 people dead. “When South Africa had its violent political riots... no one in the region prescribed a dialogue with a predetermined outcome to resolve that staggering violence. South Africa will do well to act likewise with regards to the situation in Mozambique,” he wrote. The academic also pointed to SADC’s existing mechanisms, including the Organ Troika currently led by Tanzania, as the appropriate platform for addressing the Mozambican crisis. “Letting a junior official like Phiri speak in the manner he did is poor diplomacy and a dereliction of leadership by his minister. Using a junior official to jump the gun will not silence the guns in Mozambique,” Moyo concluded. The situation in Mozambique remains tense, with opposition parties and civil society groups disputing the election results amid escalating violence. Moyo’s critique underscores the delicate nature of regional diplomacy and the potential consequences of South Africa’s approach to its neighbour’s turmoil.Turkish central bank lowers interest cost of rediscount credits

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII's (NYSE: HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division was recently recognized with the 2024 Governor's Volunteerism & Community Service Award by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. HII is the largest industrial employer in the commonwealth. NNS received the corporation award in the annual program coordinated by Serve Virginia and the Virginia Service Foundation, acknowledging Virginians who volunteer to make a difference in their communities. "We are honored to be recognized by Governor Youngkin for the work our shipbuilders do to make our community stronger,” said Xavier Beale, NNS vice president of human resources and trades administration. "Shipbuilding is a noble calling, and we're proud that their commitment to building the world's best ships carries over into their efforts to give selflessly of their time and talents.” Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hiis-newport-news-shipbuilding-division-recognized-with-2024-virginia-governors-volunteerism-and-community-service-award/ . NNS shipbuilders contribute thousands of hours of service annually to their local communities through volunteer activities, both those coordinated by the shipyard and independently. Examples of such efforts include hosting American Red Cross blood drives, collecting food and volunteering at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, and supporting Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. Since 2002, NNS volunteers have helped build 21 homes for Habitat for Humanity, with work on a 22 nd well underway . NNS also plays a vital role in preparing underserved students for college and the workforce by offering a range of programs designed to enhance academic and career readiness. Through STEM mentoring programs like Girls with Engineering Minds in Shipbuilding (GEMS) and Young Men Engineers (YEM), NNS shipbuilders volunteer to engage with students, providing guidance and inspiration in science, technology, engineering and math fields at the middle school level. On-site job experiences and career awareness programs further expose students, especially high school students, to real-world maritime careers, offering invaluable insights into roles in ship design, engineering, and manufacturing. Programs such as Scouts, which embed NNS employees in local career and technical education (CTE) programs throughout the school year, help connect what students are learning in the classroom to industry. About HII HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII's mission is to deliver the world's most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world. As the nation's largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII's workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit: Todd Corillo [email protected] (757) 688-3220 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/232896ec-4f21-41da-8538-d8d74babd37d