Latest news with #ParksandRecreation
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Singer and songwriter BABA: ‘I love Louis Theroux, his awkward humour, the way he disarms his guests and how effortlessly he gets people to talk'
BOOK: A Pocketful of Happiness I love a memoir, and I adore a love story – so Richard E Grant's A Pocketful of Happiness really spoke to me. It's heartbreaking but so full of love. He shares diary entries from the time he lost his wife, Joan, to cancer and writes so honestly about their life together. Before she died she told him to try and find a pocketful of happiness in each day, and that thread runs beautifully through the book. My favourite line is: 'Grief is love with nowhere to go.' I think it's so important to normalise talking about your grief. STREAMING: Severance I've just finished Season 2 of Severance and I miss it already. I absolutely loved everything about it. The premise is brilliant – full of twists and turns – and the cast, and their acting, is outstanding. I've been a huge Adam Scott fan since Parks and Recreation. But what really stood out for me was the way it was shot: the symmetry of the Lumon offices, the attention to detail, and how they make something so stark and bleak look oddly beautiful. The whole thing was an unsettling joy to watch. I can't wait for Season 3. PODCAST: Louis Theroux I'm a huge fan of Louis Theroux, and I'm so excited his podcast is back, the aptly named The Louis Theroux Podcast. I've only listened to the Bella Ramsey episode so far, but honestly, he could talk to a wall and I'd still tune in. I just love everything about him; his awkward humour, the way he disarms his guests, and how effortlessly he gets people to talk. He recently released a very important documentary called The Settlers, which everyone should watch. FESTIVAL: Culture Night I love Culture Night in Dublin each September – there's such a buzz, and it really brings the city to life. My favourite part is wandering between free events, discovering new artists and chatting to creatives from all disciplines. I always finish the night with a pint and a toasted sambo in Grogan's – it's my little tradition.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Tyler Perry's ‘She the People' is a political comedy that misses the mark
Terri J. Vaughn as Antoinette Dunkerson in a scene from 'She the People'. Image: X Tyler Perry's first foray into political satire on Netflix with 'She the People' is more of a show which serves as background noise while scrolling on your phone than it is a compelling comedic masterpiece. The first eight-episode drop of the comedy, which premiered last week and is written, directed and produced by the renowned actor and film-maker, pales in comparison to other stellar series in the genre with shows like 'Veep', 'Spin City' and 'Parks and Recreation.' The storyline, which sees an ambitious lawyer become Mississippi's first black lieutenant governor while battling personal and professional challenges, has much room for exploration. But much of the dialogue falls flat, the jokes barely land, and the overall production fails to leave a lasting impression. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The series also includes a dynamic cast, spearheaded by the acclaimed Terri J. Vaughn, who plays the titular character of political newbie Antoinette Dunkerson. The actress, who is acclaimed for her roles on 'The Steve Harvey Show' and 'All of Us', is well-versed in Perry's production's having starred in 'Daddy's Little Girls" and 'Meet the Browns.' For 'She the People', Vaughn is joined by familiar faces from the Perry universe, including Jo Marie Payton, Karon Riley and Robert Craighead. Terri J. Vaughn and Robert Craighead in a scene from 'She the People'. Image: X You would think that this assembling of some of the stars from Perry's project would result in some of his finest work, but instead, there is not much chemistry between them, and many of their performances are lacklustre. And while the next instalment of the show, which will be released in August, could redeem its poor debut, it will take a lot for that to happen and for it to rank among Perry's best work. 'She the People' kicks off with Dunkerson making her political intentions known during a local television news interview, only for her to be met with a condescending presenter who insists that she is unlikely to succeed. But Dunkerson is determined to prove her critics wrong. Things then take a turn on election night when she unintentionally goes viral after punching a teenage boy in defence of her daughter at a house party. This spikes her ratings, and she is elated when she wins the election, but her excitement soon dwindles when she meets Governor Harper (Craighead), a sexist politician who is stuck in the past. Harper and his team are determined to sideline her, forbidding her from hiring her own staff and not taking any of her innovative ideas seriously. She even shuts her out, making himself unavailable for any meetings with her. Dunkerson also faces embarrassment when she is sent out on bizarre events to represent the governor, including a pig hollering contest and a country fair where she is verbally attacked by the governor's loyal supporters. While she is attempting to find her feet in this unfamiliar political arena, she is also forced to contend with her zany family, including a rebellious teenager Cleo (Payton), a socially-awkward son Titus (Tré Boyd), an old-school mother Lola (Drew Olivia Tillman) with interesting takes on discipline, as well as her politically-uneducated cousin Shamika (Jade Novah) who she is forced to hire. There is also Basil (Dyon Brooks), Tamika's exuberant boyfriend and Jed (Kevin Thoms), a staffer at the governor's mansion. They both fail to leave a comedic impression, and their characters don't offer depth to the series. Another aspect of the storyline I feel could have been better introduced is Dunkerson's romantic interest in her bodyguard. Much of their interactions are confusing and not as funny as Perry might have intended. In addition, aspects of the show which include political corruption are also featured in a predictable way, and this part of the series failed to leave viewers pondering deeper societal issues as satire sets out to do. 'She the People' might include universal themes of battling self-doubt, overcoming self-doubt and dealing with family conflicts, but it does it in a way that has played out many times on our screens before. As Dunkerson's journey continues on the second part of the inaugural season of 'She the People', here is hoping for less silliness and a more comedic and poignant offering. * I rate 'She the People' 2 out of 5 stars.
CNBC
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNBC
'Parks and Rec' creator: My No. 1 strategy for helping 'people do their best'—it works anywhere
The key to coaxing the best results from your team at work: Give them equal doses of structure and creative freedom, says Mike Schur, the Emmy Award-winning creator of television shows like NBC's "Parks and Recreation," "The Good Place" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." "I believe that people do their best work when there's a strong system that also allows for freedom within the system," Schur told comedian Amy Poehler on a May 20 episode of her podcast, "Good Hang." Even experienced professionals need good managers to bring out their best ideas and collaborative work, said Schur. He's found the most success by giving workers enough autonomy to get their creative juices properly flowing, while establishing clear boundaries to ensure they can meet their deadlines without veering off task, he said. Describing his process, Schur said he first works to "set up the boundaries," telling his team what needs to be done and when, before setting them free to reach those goals however they choose. "You lay out the fence and you [say] 'Anywhere in here is fine,'" said Schur. "Then you get the funniest people you can, who are the most comfortable and happy, and you say: 'Don't worry, everything's taken care of, rules are in place, the fence is in place, go crazy.' And you let people do their best, most fun, most joyous work."Flexibility and an open dialogue help create that welcoming environment of structured freedom, added Poehler, who starred in and co-produced "Parks and Recreation," with Schur serving as the showrunner. "People that are in your systems are very well taken care of, very well considered. And, in my case, it changed my life to be in your system. I love a good system too," Poehler said, adding: "You are not a strict person who doesn't take feedback." Schur isn't alone in his approach. Managers can inspire creative thinking — and better results — by giving their teams more autonomy over how an idea is created, or how a goal is reached, psychologist Teresa M. Amabile wrote for the Harvard Business Review in 1998. "People will be more creative, in other words, if you give them freedom to decide how to climb a particular mountain," Amabile wrote. "You needn't let them choose which mountain to climb. In fact, clearly specified strategic goals often enhance people's creativity." When Google went public in 2004, it had a "20% time" rule, where employees were encouraged to spend 20% of their time at work on projects that "they think will most benefit Google," co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page wrote at the time. Having the autonomy to experiment with interesting side projects, with the agreed-upon structure of working to "benefit" the company, "empowers [employees] to be more creative and innovative," wrote Page and Brin. Similarly, Netflix co-founder and chairman Reed Hastings built a corporate culture around what he calls "freedom and responsibility." At Netflix, employees are granted enough freedom to let their creativity run wild, making the company more adaptable when seeking solutions to major challenges, Hastings wrote in a 2009 PowerPoint presentation. Netflix balances that freedom with an expectation of accountability, where employees are expected to own their failures and take responsibility when goals are not met, according to Hastings' presentation. Those boundaries are essential to ensure you can "give freedom and not have chaos," he told CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin in 2020, adding that he seeks out employees who can effectively prioritize that balance. Schur also said he's typically drawn to working with "roll-with-the-punches people" who can collaborate with each other in nearly any circumstance. "Wonderful things happen" when you hire smart and creative people who can improvise when needed, establish clear boundaries, and give them room to play, he said. That strategy might not be "revelatory," Schur noted. But "I really believe that is the best way to work creatively in a group.",
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Upload Season 4: Check out release date speculation, cast and plot details
By Aman Shukla Published on May 28, 2025, 18:30 IST Last updated May 28, 2025, 13:39 IST Upload , the critically acclaimed sci-fi comedy-drama created by Greg Daniels ( The Office , Parks and Recreation ), has kept fans hooked since its 2020 debut on Amazon Prime Video. Set in a futuristic world where humans can 'upload' their consciousness into a virtual afterlife, the series blends humor, romance, and intrigue. With Season 3 ending on a shocking cliffhanger, anticipation for Upload Season 4—the final season—is at an all-time high. In this article, we dive into the latest details on the Upload Season 4 release date, cast, plot, and more. Upload Season 4 Release Date Speculation While Amazon Prime Video has not yet announced an official release date for Upload Season 4, we can make informed predictions based on production timelines and past patterns. Filming for the final season wrapped in October 2024, and given the show's reliance on intricate visual effects, post-production is expected to take several months. Based on the show's production schedule, Upload Season 4 is likely to premiere in mid-to-late 2025, with some sources suggesting a window as early as April 2025 but possibly later, potentially in the summer or fall. Upload Season 4 Cast: Who's Returning? The core cast of Upload is expected to return for the final season, bringing back fan-favorite characters to resolve the intricate storylines. While no official cast list has been confirmed, here's who we anticipate seeing based on Season 3's developments: Robbie Amell as Nathan Brown : The tech-savvy protagonist navigating life in both the real world and the virtual afterlife of Lakeview. Andy Allo as Nora Antony : Nathan's love interest and former handler, who plays a pivotal role in exposing Horizon's shady practices. Allegra Edwards as Ingrid Kannerman : Nathan's ex-girlfriend, whose complex relationship with the backup Nathan adds drama to the story. Zainab Johnson as Aleesha : Nora's coworker and a key player in the virtual world, likely to explore her relationship with Luke. Kevin Bigley as Luke : A charming Lakeview resident teaming up with Aleesha and others to uncover secrets. Owen Daniels as A.I. Guy : The fan-favorite virtual assistant, played by Greg Daniels' son, expected to return with his quirky charm. Josh Banday as Ivan Spelich: Nora's coworker, promoted to series regular since Season 2. Upload Season 4 Plot: What to Expect Upload Season 3 ended with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger: one of the two Nathans—either the real Nathan in the real world with Nora or the Lakeview backup with Ingrid—was destroyed, leaving fans desperate to know which survived. Here's what we expect from the Upload Season 4 plot: The Nathan Mystery: The central question of Season 4 will be: which Nathan survived? The real Nathan, downloaded into a cloned body, was working with Nora to expose Horizon's corrupt practices, while the backup Nathan proposed to Ingrid in Lakeview. The resolution will shape Nathan's relationships with both women and could introduce twists, such as a potential way to revive the 'dead' Nathan. Horizon's Downfall: Nathan and Nora's fight against Horizon (rebranded as Betta) will likely intensify, focusing on the company's sinister motives, including manipulating elections by increasing uploads in swing states. Romantic Resolutions: The love quartet involving Nathan, Nora, Ingrid, and the backup Nathan will reach a climax. Fans hope for a satisfying conclusion, though Ingrid's unhealthy dependence on Nathan may lead to her character growth. Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
OUR VIEW: Richard Morton deserves thanks from Odessa
May 27—To say things were not good when Richard Morton stepped into former Odessa City Manager John Beckmeyer's shoes on Dec. 2 is a massive understatement. Deputy City Manager Agapito Bernal was being investigated by an outside law firm, Equipment Service Director Chris Adams had just been fired after questions arose about his spending habits and Parks and Recreation Director Max Reyes was on paid leave after being charged with official oppression and indecent assault. Cyber attackers had just struck, impacting the ability of every city department to function. Morale amongst city employees was in the crapper. Hundreds of years of institutional knowledge had walked out the door in the last two years thanks to an unemployed mayor who spent his days micromanaging at City Hall and berating staff at city council meetings. And then we had the issues Odessans care most about — trash, water lines and the wastewater treatment plant. Oh, and let's not forget the city had yet to figure out how to pay for the new sports complex without having bond ratings. Richard Morton was the right guy for the job of interim city manager at the right time. Not only did he have a reputation for being able to right flailing ships. He was intimately familiar with Odessa having worked for the city for 19 years, including 15 years as city manager. Now nearly six months later, Morton is saying goodbye and David Vela, Sweetwater's former city manager, is stepping in. Bernal, Adams and Reyes are long gone. We have enough trash trucks to resume twice-a-week service once more drivers are hired, we've recovered from the cyberattack, water lines are being repaired and replaced and designs are being drawn for the Bob Derrington Wastewater Treatment Plant. Morton, the city council and their financial advisors have also figured out a way to pay for the new $130 million sports complex, too. During a recent interview Morton said he is happy with where the city is now, but declined to take any credit for it. "Anything I've done council deserves credit for ... I mean, take the mayor's first 100 Days and add a few things to it, and we're there. So like I said, it's, really, council should get credit for any positive changes," Morton said. Pushed a little bit harder, Morton conceded he did have some impact on City Hall. "I think with my entrance and being a known factor, I believe I had a calming impact on the organization and I think that was good. The culture and the organization was not the best," Morton said. "I think there was a lot of individuals looking out for themselves rather than being part of the team and that's a culture change that I can't change overnight, but I think we're started in the right direction." Morton said during his time with the city he has stressed over and over again they are in the customer service business. "We exist to serve the citizens and the businesses in town and while the customer is not always right, they're always important and they need to be treated as such," Morton said. "Does that mean we're going to be perfect? No, we're still going to make mistakes and when we make mistakes, we get them corrected and we own up to them." Re-read that last sentence. "We own up to them." When was the last time you heard those words from anyone at City Hall? Yes, Mr. Morton. You will most definitely be missed. Still, while Morton's modesty is a breath of fresh air, we think his contributions to the city's well-being go far, far beyond being a nice, professional guy. For Pete's sake, we've all been under the impression Odessa has been in the middle of a five-alarm fire for the past couple of years with no money in the kitty for water line breaks and with the Derrington Plant ready to fail at any moment. Morton found a whopping $500 million laying around! He found enough money to back fill positions the old council had gutted, $90 million for the sports complex, money to build a new north side water tower, a little extra money to put toward the $2 billion we need in new water and sewer pipes and at least $16 million for the Derrington Plant. While not nearly enough to meet all of the city's needs, we think you'd agree, it certainly isn't some small sum. Asked how on earth this money could have gone unnoticed, Morton said, "I just don't think the right questions were asked." Gee, do you think the fact most of the city's financial department fled during former Mayor Javier Joven's regime had anything to do with that? During our interview with Morton, we also learned some bad news. Bad news we think can also directly be linked to Joven's regime and the exodus of the finance department. Remember the raises council members Denise Swanner, Mark Matta and Joven insisted on giving to first responders using ARPA money? The raises the smart people in the room wondered about sustaining once the COVID money went away? Well, Morton said that in order to sustain those raises and to help out other city employees, the city council will be asked to adopt the max tax rate this year, which will probably mean a two cent tax increase. He'll also be asking for a solid waste increase, but said water rates will likely remain the same. The loss of the ARPA funds, Morton said, created a $5 million hole in the budget. None of that is great news, but doesn't it make you wonder what sort of shape we'd be in by 2028 had Joven, Swanner, Matta been re-elected? Especially since we're pretty sure Beckmeyer, who had zero municipal management experience, would still be in place. So to get back to the point, we're thrilled we've had Morton over the last six months. He found the $500 million and under his watch, the 2023 and 2024 audits are finally getting closer to completion. He predicts the '23 audit will go to the council June 10 and the '24 audit will be completed sometime before November. He's also been thinking about Odessa and it's well-being long after he hits the road. For example, he's going to suggest the city council ask voters to make changes to the Odessa Development Corporation — changes that would allow the city more access to their share of sales tax revenue. He's already spent some time with Vela getting him up to speed and Assistant City Manager Aaron Smith will be able to help him out, too, as he's been involved in most of the major projects, too, Morton said. "Ultimately, the city manager's job is to develop the budget with his team, the finance people and the department heads and then present that budget to the council," Morton said. "It's the council's responsibility to change or alter that in any way that they think as a group. David is very aware of that and I think his management style is very similar to mine and he's been very successful where he's been." Fingers crossed.
