Latest news with #EmpireHotel
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Original cast member David Zayas plays a pivotal role in ‘Dexter: Resurrection'
Can vigilante serial killer Dexter Morgan escape his dark past? Not on Angel Batista's watch. David Zayas resumed his role as the Miami homicide captain earlier this summer in the latest 'Dexter' installment on Paramount+, 'Dexter: Resurrection,' with a hunch that his friend and former colleague might be the notorious Bay Harbor Butcher. The second sequel series follows Dexter, portrayed by Michael C. Hall, as he begins a new life in New York City after surviving a near-fatal gunshot wound by his son Harrison (Jack Alcott) in 'Dexter: New Blood,' who also exhibits murderous tendencies. Batista appears at Dexter's bedside as a friend, though it sets off warning signals for the conflicted killer who takes off suddenly, setting up a game of cat and mouse. 'Angel Batista was a big-hearted, honest person with a lot of integrity [in the beginning],' said Zayas in a phone interview with The Times. 'If you were Angel Batista's friend, you were a friend for life.' The former blood spatter analyst assumes a new false identity as the 'Dark Passenger,' another mass murderer, quickly gaining access to a serial killer dinner party, where he plots revenge on the most gory criminals. But now halfway through the series, Dexter can't seem to shake off Batista; a once-trusting ally who has grown more dubious of his fragmented storyline. 'I did have love for him, so it's like he's trying to negotiate his feelings,' Zayas says. 'He's trying to calibrate what he's feeling.' While Batista's signature Cuban fedora remains put — even in the frigid East Coast weather — his benevolent personality makes a drastic shift in 'Dexter: Resurrection' as traces of the Bay Harbor Butcher emerge at the Empire Hotel, coincidentally Harrison's workplace. The notorious Florida serial killer was known for meticulously dismembering his victims, hardly leaving a speck of evidence. 'With all the information that he kind of dismissed or didn't believe in the original series ['Dexter,'] now it's starting to become more true,' says Zayas, whose character growth shines through a star-studded sequel, which also features Uma Thurman, Peter Dinklage, Eric Stonestreet and Neil Patrick Harris. There is one small wrinkle in Batista's plans: he has no jurisdiction over the case, which is now at the helm of New York detective Claudette Wallace (Kadia Saraf). Instead he is keeping track of details on his own, in hopes that the department will follow his lead. 'We all have that one case that haunts us, the one we can't let go of until we get it right. The Bay Harbor Butcher is that case for me,' says Batista to detective Wallace in Episode 6. But could this pursuit for justice backfire on Batista in the same way that it did for his slain colleagues? Fans of the the original Showtime series, which aired from 2006 to 2013, may remember the pivotal moments when James Doakes (Erik King) and María LaGuerta (Lauren Vélez) were killed off — just before they could uncover Dexter's real identity as the Bay Harbor Butcher. '[Batista] has gotta find ways to try and bring justice to what he's found out,' says Zayas, who is not far removed from his morally grounded character. The Puerto Rican-born actor was a New York City police officer for almost 15 years before turning to film, television and theater. 'It is easier for me when it comes to the technical aspect of law enforcement,' Zayas says. 'But as an actor, I could play 10 law enforcement officers, because I try to examine the human elements of each of those characters — not what they do for a living.' With numerous credits dating back to 1995, Zayas has played eight different characters in the 'Law & Order' franchise, as well as in police procedural shows like 'FBI,' 'Blue Bloods,' 'NYPD Blue' and 'Chicago P.D.' He's also appeared in such films as 'Tallulah,' 'Annie,' 'Body Cam' and more. The veteran actor also makes a brief appearance in three episodes of FX's 'The Bear' alongside his wife, Emmy-winning actor Liza Colón-Zayas, who portrays the role of Tina Marrero. 'It was a dream,' he says of the opportunity. The two met in New York City as part of the LAByrinth Theater Company, a traveling theater troupe; they married in 1998. 'When me and Liza read [the script], we were very emotional about it,' says Zayas, who plays Marrero's loving husband. 'This shows a side of a Latino couple that you don't see every day on TV.' Colón-Zayas also made a cameo in Episode 5 of the original 'Dexter series' as Paloma Aragon, the mother of a murder victim, whom Batista consoles. ' We've always been supportive of one another. We've always held each other down and we've always told each other the truth and I'm her biggest fan and she's my biggest fan,' he adds. Whether Batista might survive the dreaded fate of his previous colleagues, it might be too soon to tell. One thing is for certain, Episodes 7 and 8, which will premiere in the next two weeks, will change the course of the show as Batista doubles down on his crusade for justice.
Hamilton Spectator
09-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
The return of the Empire?
A little over 15 years ago, the historic Empire Hotel burned. It had begun in the ceiling of a fourth-storey apartment, eventually morphing into an inferno that blanketed Huntsville's downtown in smoke and required, according to gossip of the day, a year's equivalent of water to douse. Losing the Empire in October 2009 left 75 residents and several businesses homeless, and the community without a landmark. The 1940s building had been an iconic part of the town's skyline and culture. But a new development on the Empire block looks to be on the horizon. 'I'm very hopeful that we will have (a planning) application coming forward this fall,' said Mayor Nancy Alcock. 'I think everyone in the community will be very excited to see development because it's been such … a kind of blight on an extraordinarily beautiful downtown.' The town has met with the perspective developer. The developer has not been named. Since the Empire's been gone, there has been speculation about what might one day inhabit the space. Some have argued for parkland, others for parkades. But Alcock said the parameters for what can be built there were set almost as long ago as the fire. In 2010, when the town was creating its Downtown Community Improvement Plan , the vacant lot was included. Zoning was granted for a five-storey mixed commercial and residential development. 'It will be commercial on the main floor and condominium housing on the upper floors,' Alcock said, noting the similarities between a future development and the previous Empire building. Alcock added that the town intends to be 'laser focused' on ensuring any development aligns with downtown's esthetics. That's music to Rachel Hunt's ears. The executive director of the Downtown Huntsville BIA said she would welcome building on the lot. 'We think construction vehicles on that lot would be a beautiful sight,' Hunt said. 'We've always chatted about what we would love to see there and that's exactly it: commercial on the bottom and residential on the top.' Hunt said the empty space is often among the first thing visitors see when coming downtown and a rebuild would go a long way in bolstering downtown's vibrancy and morale. 'We have such a great community … they all work together, so to see something developed would just be such an added value to our downtown,' Hunt said. Jesse Cole is a freelance reporter writing with Metroland. This Huntsville Forester article was written under the Local Journalism Initiative. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
&w=3840&q=100)
India.com
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Miss Universe India 2025: Preparations In Full Swing, Check Date-Wise Event List
New Delhi: The Miss Universe India 2025 pageant is now in full swing, with state-level competitions taking place across India. Known as one of the biggest and most respected beauty pageants in the country, this year's event has attracted over 50,000 participants. Finalists from more than 30 cities are competing in over 25 state contests. A total of 51 finalists will be chosen to compete in the grand finale, which will be held in July. The winner will represent India at the Miss Universe global event. The pageant includes auditions, grooming sessions, talent rounds, and panel talks on social issues. Contestants will also take part in various challenges before the final round. Here are some of the upcoming key events: June 2: Miss Universe Madhya Pradesh at Empire Hotel, Bhopal (7 PM onwards) June 4: Joint finale for Miss Universe Delhi, Haryana, and Uttarakhand at The Grand, Vasant Kunj, Delhi (8 PM onwards) June 7: Miss Universe Himachal Pradesh at Baantalai Resort, Hamirpur (6 PM onwards) Each participant is being trained by a team of stylists, makeup artists, choreographers, and designers to help them prepare for the big stage. Miss Universe India has a history of producing international winners. Sushmita Sen made history in 1994 as the first Indian to win Miss Universe, and Harnaaz Sandhu brought the crown home again in 2021. Sushmita Sen recently celebrated the 31st anniversary of her win on Instagram. She shared, "21st May 1994 #Manila. A historical win that introduced an 18yr old Indian girl to the Universe!!! Opening up a world of possibilities, highlighting the strength of hope, the power of inclusion, the generosity of travel the world & to have the privilege of meeting some of the most inspiring defining for sure!!!" "Thank you God, Maa @subhra & Baba @sensubir Happy 31st Anniversary of India's first ever victory at Miss Universe!!! To have the honour of representing my country, I will proudly cherish forever!!! Happy 31st also to my loved ones in the #Philippines to you my darling... Here's to dreams, the impossible I know, the UNIVERSE conspires in our favour!!" she added. Take a look View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sushmita Sen (@sushmitasen47) Meanwhile, the Miss Universe India 2025 event, which is being organized by K Sera Sera Box Office and Glamanand Entertainment, will have its grand finale in July later this year.
India Gazette
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Miss Universe India 2025 prep in full swing as state-level events begin across the country
New Delhi [India], May 30: The Miss Universe India 2025 pageant is now in full swing, with state-level competitions taking place across India. Known as one of the biggest and most respected beauty pageants in the country, this year's event has attracted over 50,000 participants. Finalists from more than 30 cities are competing in over 25 state contests. A total of 51 finalists will be chosen to compete in the grand finale, which will be held in July. The winner will represent India at the Miss Universe global event. The pageant includes auditions, grooming sessions, talent rounds, and panel talks on social issues. Contestants will also take part in various challenges before the final round. Here are some of the upcoming key events: June 2: Miss Universe Madhya Pradesh at Empire Hotel, Bhopal (7 PM onwards) June 4: Joint finale for Miss Universe Delhi, Haryana, and Uttarakhand at The Grand, Vasant Kunj, Delhi (8 PM onwards) June 7: Miss Universe Himachal Pradesh at Baantalai Resort, Hamirpur (6 PM onwards) Each participant is being trained by a team of stylists, makeup artists, choreographers, and designers to help them prepare for the big stage. Miss Universe India has a history of producing international winners. Sushmita Sen made history in 1994 as the first Indian to win Miss Universe, and Harnaaz Sandhu brought the crown home again in 2021. Sushmita Sen recently celebrated the 31st anniversary of her win on Instagram. She shared, '21st May 1994 #Manila. A historical win that introduced an 18yr old Indian girl to the Universe!!! Opening up a world of possibilities, highlighting the strength of hope, the power of inclusion, the generosity of travel the world & to have the privilege of meeting some of the most inspiring defining for sure!!!' 'Thank you God, Maa @subhra & Baba @sensubir Happy 31st Anniversary of India's first ever victory at Miss Universe!!! To have the honour of representing my country, I will proudly cherish forever!!! Happy 31st also to my loved ones in the #Philippines to you my darling... Here's to dreams, the impossible I know, the UNIVERSE conspires in our favour!!' she added. Take a look Meanwhile, the Miss Universe India 2025 event, which is being organized by K Sera Sera Box Office and Glamanand Entertainment, will have its grand finale in July later this year. (ANI)
BBC News
15-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Llandudno waiters to retire after 42 years of working together
For the past 42 years they have waited tables together from morning until night, but are about to be separated by Ellerton, 65, John Paul Rodrigues, 63 and Nelson Rodrigues, 65 are fondly known as "the three amigos" by staff and guests at the Empire Hotel in Llandudno in Conwy, north David will work his last shift this month and Nelson will begin cutting back his hours in May."I've done my best to try to keep them here... but David has made his mind up that he's going and I'll miss him, I'll definitely miss him," said John Paul."It's the end of an era, really," said the hotel's owner Elyse Waddy. John Paul and Nelson both started working at the hotel straight from school aged 15 and have worked there for 47 and 45 years respectively. David joined straight after catering college and has been in the job for a mere 42 the decades they've seen each other through marriages, children and and John Paul share a love of Liverpool FC."We have a good laugh," said Nelson."We can have a joke together, said David."But we have grumpy days." The job is not for the faint three do split shifts, arriving at about 07:00 GMT and finishing at about 11:30 before returning at 17:00 and finishing sometime between 21:00 and 22:00."Pretty much the whole of their time is devoted to the hotel and they've devoted all of their lives," said the end of a day working the 120-cover restaurant they like to compare how many steps they have clocked up."On a Sunday I do about 32,000 steps," said Nelson."If we're really busy in the summer we can say we've nearly walked to Chester - about 35 miles," said David. The 64-room hotel in the centre of the seaside resort has been run by Elyse's family for almost 80 years and Elyse grew up there."My grandparents started in 1946, then it was my parents and then myself, and hopefully my daughter will take over from me," she added that many of the staff had been there for a number of years and 80% of the guests were regulars."They all come in and say 'nice to see you, nice to see you're still here'," said Nelson."We try and entertain the guests, not to annoy them too much because they're on holiday," said the years they said they had served everyone from singer Tom Jones to politician Edwina Hart but many of the guests made a lasting impression. "A few of the guests have nicknames," giggled David."We have a party that comes in and when they sit down for dinner they swap partners around on the chairs," explained Nelson."Dave calls them the wife swappers - he says 'ooh the wife swappers are here again'."We've told them this," said John Paul."They're all right with it. They had a good laugh."They said "99.9%" of guests were "really nice".But what makes for a difficult guest?"Vegetarian. Vegan," laughed David."People asking for things that aren't on the menu," said John Paul. Have there been any Fawlty Towers moments over the years?"How about a porter wearing a pair of shoes from lost property and the person turning up to claim them?," laughed David."He said 'yes, I've got them on'," laughed John have been countless incidents, like guests stuck in lifts or flooding from a bedroom cutting off the kitchen lights."Once the night porter went to drain the swimming pool but he left the drain open all night and when he came back in the morning the pool was empty," laughed John Paul."That was a big problem because it took about a week to fill it back up." The hospitality industry is often considered a transient business with people working a season before moving three said they had worked with hundreds of people who had come and gone over the years - so what has kept them there so long?"Having Christmas off," said year the hotel closes for several days."They let you get on with your job," said John Paul."We just keep going." John Paul plans to keep working for another five or six years."The guests say to me 'oh no John, what are you going to do after you've lost your two partners?' And I say 'I'm just going to have to keep going and see what happens'," he is looking forward to the free time."It's one of those things, you can't go on forever and I'm getting quite used to the idea."He plans to visit family and friends and also his beloved Railway Museum in plans to ease himself in slowly by cutting back his hours and taking more holidays."You think about all the years you've worked here and that you're going to miss it," he said."After 45 years you're bound to miss it... I'm here more time than I am at home.""We've all grown up together and now we're growing old together," said Elyse."It's starting to sink in a bit and yeah, I'll miss them a lot... it's the end of an era."
