Latest news with #MarlonBrando
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Alan Yentob: Influential BBC executive undone by Kids Company scandal
Alan Yentob, who has died aged 78, was an influential BBC executive who steered the creative vision of the corporation before controversy led to him stepping down from his role. Born in London on March 11 1947, to an Iraqi-Jewish family, Yentob was sent to board at a cathedral school in Cambridgeshire as a young boy before studying law at the University of Leeds. He joined the BBC in 1968 as a trainee at the World Service where he worked his way through the ranks to become the corporation's head of music and arts in 1985. In 1987 he was promoted to controller of BBC2 where he revitalised the channel by commissioning hugely successful shows such as Absolutely Fabulous, starring Jennifer Saunders and Dame Joanna Lumley, arts series The Late Show and comedy quiz show, Have I Got News For You. In 1993 he became the official controller of BBC1. His drama commissions ranged from Middlemarch and Pride And Prejudice – which made actor Colin Firth a heartthrob – to Ballykissangel, while wielding an axe to the failing Spain-set soap Eldorado. He also presented shows for the BBC, including a series on the life of artist Leonardo da Vinci, starring Sir Mark Rylance, and a regular arts series, Imagine, from 2003. Artist Marina Abramovic, novelist Bernardine Evaristo and Oscar-winning actor Marlon Brando were among the famous faces who had episodes devoted to their lives and careers. Yentob was appointed creative director, to oversee the BBC's creative strategy, in 2004 and he also served as chairman of the board of trustees for Kids Company, founded by Camila Batmanghelidjh, from 2003 until the collapse of the charity in 2015. Yentob faced scrutiny over his role as well as claims he tried to influence coverage at the corporation of its troubles. He always insisted there was no conflict of interest in his decision to call Newsnight about its investigation into Kids Company and had not 'abused my position at the BBC'. He is said to have phoned the BBC Two programme in July 2015 as it prepared to broadcast a report suggesting the government would withhold further funding unless its founder, Ms Batmanghelidjh, stood down. The charity folded on August 5 2015 just six days after receiving a £3 million grant in a final bid to keep it afloat. In December that year Yentob stepped down from his job at the BBC, saying the speculation over his conduct had been 'proving a serious distraction'. Also in 2015, Yentob was awarded £85,000 in phone-hacking damages from Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN). In spite of the Kids Company controversy, he continued to present programmes for the BBC, interviewing figures including Sir Stephen Fry and Bob Geldof. In a BBC Two programme in 2024 he spoke to author Sir Salman Rushdie about the devastating effects of the onstage knife attack that left him blind in one eye. Yentob was married to TV producer Philippa Walker and the couple had two children together. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from De Montfort University, Leicester, in 2005 and in 2024 he was formally made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by the King for services to the arts and media.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
15 Times Google's AI Gave People Hilariously Wrong Answers That Prove We Still Really Need To Use Our Human Brains
If you've googled anything recently, you probably noticed a helpful-looking AI summary popping up before the rest of your search results, like this: Please note the subtle foreshadowing tiny text at the bottom that says, "AI responses may include mistakes." Seems handy, but unfortunately, AI is prone to "hallucinating" (aka making things up). These hallucinations happen because chatbots built on large language models or LLMs "learn" by ingesting huge amounts of text. However, the AI doesn't actually know things or understand text in the same way that humans do. Instead, it uses an algorithm to predict which words are most likely to come next based on all the data in its training set. According to the New York Times, testing has found newer AI models hallucinate at rates as high as 79%. Current AI models are also not good at distinguishing the difference between jokes and legitimate information, which infamously led Google's AI Gemini to suggest glue as a pizza topping shortly after it was added to search results in 2024. Recently, on the website formerly known as Twitter, people have been sharing some of the funniest Gemini AI hallucinations they've come across in Google search results, many in response to this viral tweet: Here are 15 of the best/worst ones: not good at knowing things like how much an adult human weighs: it's deeply unqualified to be your therapist: about as good at solving word problems as a stoned 15-year-old. Related: 27 Horrifying Deaths People Can Never, Ever, Ever, Ever Forget Because They Were That Bad seriously: it does NOT have great spaghetti recipes. it gives you the right answer for all the wrong reasons, as in this case, where the person likely wanted to know if Marlon Brando was in the 1995 movie Heat. it might be really, really good at improv, because this is one hell of a "yes, and." Related: I Hate To Say It, But I'm Pretty Sure Half Of Americans Won't Be Able To Pass This Extremely Easy Citizenship Test makes me want to see this imaginary episode of Frasier... almost. I just don't know what to say. even with the right facts, it can arrive at the exact wrong answer. almost impressive how wrong it can be. don't use it to look for concert tickets. take its airport security tips. remember that it's never, ever okay to leave a dog in a hot car. finally, please, please, please don't eat rocks. Currently, there's still no way for Google users to turn off these AI-generated search summaries, but there are a couple of ways to get around them. One method is to add -ai to the end of your search query like this: Some people swear that adding curse words to your search query will prevent AI summaries, but it hasn't worked for me: And finally, if you're on a desktop computer, selecting "web" from the menu just below the search bar will show you the top results from around the web with no AI summary: Also in Internet Finds: 16 Hometown Crime Stories You Won't BELIEVE Actually Happened ( Won't Believe It) Also in Internet Finds: My Innocence Has Been Destroyed After Learning These Terrible, Disturbing, And Creepy Things Also in Internet Finds: 19 Things Society Glorifies That Are Actually Straight-Up Terrible, And We Need To Stop Pretending Otherwise
Buzz Feed
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
15 Hilarious Google AI Fails That Made Us Laugh
If you've googled anything recently, you probably noticed a helpful-looking AI summary popping up before the rest of your search results, like this: Please note the subtle foreshadowing tiny text at the bottom that says, "AI responses may include mistakes." Seems handy, but unfortunately, AI is prone to "hallucinating" (aka making things up). These hallucinations happen because chatbots built on large language models or LLMs "learn" by ingesting huge amounts of text. However, the AI doesn't actually know things or understand text in the same way that humans do. Instead, it uses an algorithm to predict which words are most likely to come next based on all the data in its training set. According to the New York Times, testing has found newer AI models hallucinate at rates as high as 79%. Current AI models are also not good at distinguishing the difference between jokes and legitimate information, which infamously led Google's AI Gemini to suggest glue as a pizza topping shortly after it was added to search results in 2024. Recently, on the website formerly known as Twitter, people have been sharing some of the funniest Gemini AI hallucinations they've come across in Google search results, many in response to this viral tweet: Here are 15 of the best/worst ones: It's not good at knowing things like how much an adult human weighs: And it's deeply unqualified to be your therapist: It's about as good at solving word problems as a stoned 15-year-old. No, seriously: And it does NOT have great spaghetti recipes. Sometimes, it gives you the right answer for all the wrong reasons, as in this case, where the person likely wanted to know if Marlon Brando was in the 1995 movie Heat. However, it might be really, really good at improv, because this is one hell of a "yes, and." Almost makes me want to see this imaginary episode of Frasier... almost. Sometimes, I just don't know what to say. Like, even with the right facts, it can arrive at the exact wrong answer. It's almost impressive how wrong it can be. Definitely don't use it to look for concert tickets. Don't take its airport security tips. And remember that it's never, ever okay to leave a dog in a hot car. And finally, please, please, please don't eat rocks. Currently, there's still no way for Google users to turn off these AI-generated search summaries, but there are a couple of ways to get around them. One method is to add -ai to the end of your search query like this: Some people swear that adding curse words to your search query will prevent AI summaries, but it hasn't worked for me: And finally, if you're on a desktop computer, selecting "web" from the menu just below the search bar will show you the top results from around the web with no AI summary:
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Experience 'The Godfather' live with MPO at DFP this June
KUALA LUMPUR: Fans of classic cinema are in for a treat this June 14, as one of Hollywood's most legendary films, The Godfather, comes to life at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in director Francis Ford Coppola's iconic crime saga like never before. The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) will lend its majestic orchestral prowess to Nino Rota's unforgettable score, performing it live as the film screens in high definition on the big screen. Under the skilled baton of Gerard Salonga, the MPO will transport audiences into the world of the Corleones with Rota's masterful blend of Italian folk music and jazz, a soundtrack as iconic as the film itself. "It is with great excitement that we are able to bring this masterful score and film to Dewan Filharmonik Petronas," shared concert producer Justin Freer. "There is little film music as instantly recognisable as Nino Rota's opening music played on trumpet, and only a handful of films as masterfully made as The Godfather." Released in 1972, The Godfather tells the gripping tale of the Corleone family and their intense rivalry with other New York crime syndicates between 1945 and 1955. The narrative follows the powerful Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) as he gradually cedes control of his empire to his youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), a role that catapulted Pacino to major stardom. A true cinematic giant, The Godfather garnered three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and a Best Actor win for Marlon Brando. Its enduring legacy is further cemented by its consistent ranking as one of the greatest films ever made, a distinction bestowed upon it by publications such as Empire magazine (in a 2008 vote), Entertainment Weekly, and Metacritic. This special concert, produced by CineConcerts, promises an unforgettable evening for film buffs and music lovers alike.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sperry x Aritzia Boat Shoes Restocked After Initial Collab Sold Out Within Hours
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission. The once buttoned-up footwear choice is getting a laid-back revamp. More from The Hollywood Reporter Marlon Brando Envisioned a Luxurious Eco Resort for His Private Island - Here's What It's Like to Stay at the Star-Loved Getaway Today The Best At-Home IPL Laser Hair Removal Devices for Every Skin Tone (Plus, the Top Deals on Amazon) The Best Dyson Airwrap Alternatives on Sale for Memorial Day, From Shark Beauty's Star Hairstylist-Approved Tool to Our Favorite T3 Styler After its March 2025 drop sold out within hours, the viral Sperry x Aritzia boat shoe just got a limited restock, and is yet again on the brink of sell-out. The collaboration is available in two silhouettes: Original and Slim. $120 at aritzia Available in two colorways with interchangeable laces for either a classic or funky look. $120 at aritzia A slightly more refined silhouette with a thinner sole. Also available in smooth leather. From Miu Miu to Loewe to Bally, some of the most notable designers are also welcoming back the preppy — and divisive — boat shoe. Otherwise known as a deck shoe or boat loafer, this footwear category saw a resurgence on the Spring/Summer 2024 runways, and has since been spotted on the feet of fashion's most in-the-know figures. $975 at bergdrorf goodman $995 at neiman marcus $995 at farfetch Also available in suede, woven suede and leather and canvas and leather. $99.95 at steve madden $99.95 at nordstrom First invented in 1935 by Paul A. Sperry, the style was born out of necessity, serving as a safe and practical non-slip solution. His namesake brand, Sperry (known as Sperry Top-Sider until 2015), truly became synonymous with the signature shoe. Over the years, the once humble footwear choice took on a new life as a bit of a status symbol. While the possession of boat shoes is no longer a marker of wealth for its association with yacht ownership, per se, the streamlined silhouette now serves as a status symbol for a whole new reason: the biggest fashion houses are bringing them back. $1,350 at bergdorf goodman $150 at anthropologie Traditionally worn without socks and paired with a preppy wardrobe, the leather loafers are getting a 'cool girl' makeover, often seen styled with scrunched, slouchy socks and more relaxed silhouettes. And, sometimes, the typical leather construction is thrown out the window altogether — take Loewe's raw denim pair, for example. Here are a few more favorites that make us wonder: Will boat shoes be the 2025 equivalent of mesh ballet flats? $295 at bergdorf goodman $295 at nordstrom $144.95 at nordstrom $145 at bloomingdale's $148 at free people $995 at bergdorf goodman $995 at nordstrom Related: Dolce & Gabbana and Havaianas Reteam After First Flip-Flop Collab Sold Out in 24 Hours Best of The Hollywood Reporter From 'Lady in the Lake' to 'It Ends With Us': 29 New and Upcoming Book Adaptations in 2024 Meet the Superstars Who Glam Up Hollywood's A-List Rosie O'Donnell on Ellen, Madonna, Trump and 40 Years in the Queer Spotlight
