Latest news with #Schrader
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did you know Shah Rukh Khan nearly starred With Leonardo DiCaprio in a Martin Scorsese-backed film? ‘He wasn't ready to be second banana'
In what could have been one of the most iconic Bollywood-Hollywood collaborations ever, Shah Rukh Khan came close to starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in a gritty cross-cultural thriller titled 'Xtreme City,' backed by none other than Martin Scorsese . The project was envisioned by director Paul Schrader , who earlier opened up about the shelved film on the Pod Casty for Me podcast. In the year 2024, Paul Schrader revealed that the three powerhouses—SRK, DiCaprio, and Scorsese—met in Berlin to discuss the project. SRK was set to play a Mumbai gangster, with DiCaprio cast as an American cop who confronts him after having his life saved in India. The film was pitched as a sweeping crime drama merging Hollywood intensity with Bollywood flavor. Why SRK Walked Away While the idea sparked global excitement, Schrader shared that creative control became the breaking point. 'Shah Rukh is the boss,' Schrader said, explaining how SRK traditionally works with multiple directors handling different sequences—action, romance, musicals. According to Schrader, SRK wasn't used to working under a singular directorial vision, especially not in a Western production. 'He had never really worked under the harness of an auteur... and he had never been a second banana to somebody like Leo before.' The loss of full control and the idea of playing a secondary lead in a Western setup reportedly began to wear on SRK. His once 'firm' commitment became 'provisional,' which in turn caused DiCaprio's involvement to falter too. Eventually, the project collapsed. A 'What Could Have Been' for Global Cinema Schrader even briefly considered recasting SRK with Salman Khan but admitted he dropped the idea out of respect: 'If SRK found that out, that would have killed it for SRK.' Ultimately, the film never made it past development and we never got to see the iconic collaboration of our King with the 'Inception' star in a film backed by the veteran 'Goodfellas' director. Aishwarya refuses to work with Shahrukh Khan
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Man digs up time capsule from 2000 and unearths chilling question about future
A man has shared the contents of a time capsule he buried with his brother in 2000, and the items are a blast from the past that transported them back to the turn of the century A man has dug up a time capsule that he and his brother made 25 years ago, and he was wowed by what he found inside. The capsule's contents offer a nostalgic trip back to the 2000s, packed with items that'll transport you straight back to the turn of the millennium. Father Dylan Schrader, who works as a pastor, posted snaps of his silver package on X, chronicling his adventure as he cracked it open in a series of posts on the social media site. Even before unsealing the parcel, there was some bewilderment about its appearance. Father Dylan clarified why he and his sibling opted for a Crayola-themed tin as their time capsule. He said: "Context: Amid the millennium craze of late 1999, @Crayola_Capital offered a simple time capsule. "My brother and I both made one on the verge of the new year. I originally had the idea of burying it somewhere, but for whatever reason that never happened." Despite debating about throwing it out or cracking it open early over the years, Father Schrader held off until the final day of 2024 to peel away the sellotaped lid and uncover what he and his brother had stashed inside. Amongst the fascinating treasures were an AIDS leaflet, a booze and drugs pamphlet, a half-finished personal details booklet, floppy disks, polaroid snaps of the pastor's childhood house, and a cassette tape. Further scrutiny of the close-up shots unearthed more throwbacks from the 2000s. Father Schrader listed: "Pokémon advertisement, Windows key from a keyboard, and Living Faith devotional booklet." The time capsule even contained a letter addressed to people living in the future, and it contained a chilling question about what the world might look like today. Father Schrader had written: "I write to those who can't write back. What is the future like? Is it 1984, Brave New World, or happy? The future. To the future, from an age of free speech, religion, and rampid [sic] capitalism. "To you I send the message of God, of love, and of peace. And so, as I fill this capsule, I say to all of us today, yesterday, tomorrow. Peace out!" Included among the relics was a cassette tape, marked as an "introduction" in Father Schrader's own script. He remarked: "Apparently I recorded a message and some music? I'll also have to try to find some way to access these disks, if they still work." Once he got the tape playing, Father Schrader disclosed that it featured nods to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a recitation of poetry, and a track by Alanis Morissette. He explained: "I was able to play the tape. It starts with reading from a Calvin and Hobbes strip, continues with references to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a poem (?) by me (?), musings on the future, and then into a song by Alanis Morissette."
07-06-2025
- Politics
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, newly returned to US, appears in court on charges of trafficking migrants
Mistakenly deported Salvadoran native Kilmar Abrego Garcia appeared in a Tennessee courtroom Friday, hours after he was brought back to the United States to face criminal charges for allegedly transporting undocumented migrants within the U.S. More than two months after the Trump administration admitted it mistakenly deported Abrego Garcia from Maryland to his native El Salvador, a federal grand jury has indicted him for allegedly transporting undocumented migrants within the United States. A two-count indictment, which was filed under seal in federal court in Tennessee last month and unsealed Friday, alleges Abrego Garcia, 29, participated in a yearslong conspiracy to haul undocumented migrants from Texas to the interior of the country. The return of Abrego Garcia from his native El Salvador follows a series of court battles in which the Trump administration repeatedly said it was unable to bring him back, drawing the country toward the brink of a constitutional crisis when the administration failed to heed the Supreme Court's order to facilitate his return. He made his initial court appearance Friday evening in the Middle District of Tennessee, answering "Yes, I understand" in Spanish when U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes asked him if he understood the charges against him. Judge Homes set a hearing for June 13, where Abrego Garcia will be arraigned on charges and the judge will take up the government's motion to hold him in pre-trial detention on the grounds that he "poses a danger to the community and a serious risk of flight" He will remain in federal custody in Tennessee pending next week's hearing. "If convicted at trial, the defendant faces a maximum punishment of 10 years' imprisonment for 'each alien' he transported," said the government's motion for detention, which also contained an allegation -- not included in the indictment -- that one of Abrego Garcia's co-conspirators told authorities that Abrego Garcia participated in the murder of a rival gang member's mother in El Salvador. Abrego Garcia's attorney, in an online press briefing, called the charges against his client "an abuse of power." "They'll stop at nothing at all -- even some of the most preposterous charges imaginable -- just to avoid admitting that they made a mistake, which is what everyone knows happened in this case," said attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg. "Mr. Garcia is going to be vigorously defending the charges against him," the attorney said. The decision to pursue the indictment against Abrego Garcia led to the abrupt departure of Ben Schrader, a high-ranking federal prosecutor in Tennessee, sources briefed on Schrader's decision told ABC News. Schrader's resignation was prompted by concerns that the case was being pursued for political reasons, the sources said. Schrader, who spent 15 years in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Nashville and was most recently the chief of the criminal division, declined to comment when contacted by ABC News. The alleged conspiracy spanned nearly a decade and involved the domestic transport of thousands of noncitizens from Mexico and Central America, including some children, in exchange for thousands of dollars, according to the indictment. Abrego Garcia is alleged to have participated in more than 100 such trips, according to the indictment. Among those allegedly transported were members of the Salvadoran gang MS-13, sources familiar with the investigation said. Abrego Garcia is the only member of the alleged conspiracy charged in the indictment. Attorney General Pam Bondi, at a Friday afternoon press conference, thanked Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele for "agreeing to return Abrego Garcia to the United States." "Our government presented El Salvador with an arrest warrant and they agreed to return him to our country," Bondi said. Bondi said that if Abrego Garcia is convicted of the charges, upon the completion of his sentence he will be deported back to his home country of El Salvador. "The grand jury found that over the past nine years, Abrego Garcia has played a significant role in an alien smuggling ring," Bondi said. "They found this was his full time job, not a contractor. He was a smuggler of humans and children and women. He made over 100 trips, the grand jury found, smuggling people throughout our country." In a statement to ABC News, Abrego Garcia's attorney said that he's going to keep fighting to ensure Abrego Garcia receives a fair trial. "From the beginning, this case has made one thing painfully clear: The government had the power to bring him back at any time. Instead, they chose to play games with the court and with a man's life," Sandoval-Moshenberg said. "We're not just fighting for Kilmar -- we're fighting to ensure due process rights are protected for everyone. Because tomorrow, this could be any one of us -- if we let power go unchecked, if we ignore our Constitution." Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran native who had been living with his wife and children in Maryland, was deported in March to El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison -- despite a 2019 court order barring his deportation to that country due to fear of persecution -- after the Trump administration claimed he was a member of the criminal gang MS-13. His wife and attorneys deny that he is an MS-13 member. The Trump administration has acknowledged in court filings that Abrego Garcia's removal to El Salvador in March was in error, because it violated a U.S. immigration court order in 2019 that shielded Abrego Garcia from deportation to his native country, according to immigration court records. An immigration judge had determined that Abrego Garcia would likely face persecution there by local gangs that had allegedly terrorized him and his family. The administration argued, however, that Abrego Garcia should not be returned to the U.S. because he is a member of the transnational Salvadoran gang MS-13, a claim his family and attorneys have denied. In recent weeks, Trump administration officials have been publicizing Abrego Garcia's interactions with police over the years, despite a lack of corresponding criminal charges. After Abrego Garcia's family filed a lawsuit over his deportation, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that ruling on April 10. Abrego Garcia was initially sent to El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison but was believed to have later been transferred to a different facility in the country. The criminal investigation that led to the charges was launched in April as federal authorities began scrutinizing the circumstances of a 2022 traffic stop of Abrego Garcia by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, according to the sources. Abrego Garcia was pulled over for speeding in a vehicle with eight passengers and told police they had been working construction in Missouri. According to body camera footage of the 2022 traffic stop, the Tennessee troopers -- after questioning Abrego Garcia -- discussed among themselves their suspicions that Abrego Garcia might be transporting people for money because nine people were traveling without luggage, but Abrego Garcia was not ticketed or charged. The officers ultimately allowed Abrego Garcia to drive on with just a warning about an expired driver's license, according to a report about the stop released last month by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Asked what circumstances have changed since Abrego Garcia was not taken in custody during that traffic stop in Tennessee, Bondi replied, "What has changed is Donald Trump is now president of the United States, and our borders are again secure, and thanks to the bright light that has been shined on Abrego Garcia -- this investigation continued with actually amazing police work, and we were able to track this case and stop this international smuggling ring from continuing." Asked by ABC News' Pierre Thomas asked whether this should be seen as resolving the separate civil case in Maryland in which a federal judge ordered the government to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said, "There's a big difference between what the state of play was before the indictment and after the indictment. And so the reason why he is back and was returned was because an arrest warrant which was presented to the government and in El Salvador. So there's, there's a big difference there as far as whether it makes the ongoing litigation in Maryland moot. I would think so, but we don't know about this. He just landed today." As ABC News first reported last month, the Justice Department had been quietly investigating the Tenessee traffic stop. As part of the probe, federal agents in late April visited a federal prison in Talladega, Alabama to question Jose Ramon Hernandez-Reyes, a convicted felon who was the registered owner of the vehicle Abrego Garcia was driving when stopped on Interstate 40 east of Nashville, sources previously told ABC News. Hernandez-Reyes was not present at the traffic stop. Hernandez-Reyes, 38, is currently serving a 30-month sentence for illegally re-entering the U.S. after a prior felony conviction for illegal transportation of aliens. After being granted limited immunity, Hernandez-Reyes allegedly told investigators that he previously operated a "taxi service" based in Baltimore. He claimed to have met Abrego Garcia around 2015 and claimed to have hired him on multiple occasions to transport undocumented migrants from Texas to various locations in the United States, sources told ABC News. When details of the Tennessee traffic stop were first publicized, Abrego Garcia's wife said her husband sometimes transported groups of fellow construction workers between job sites. "Unfortunately, Kilmar is currently imprisoned without contact with the outside world, which means he cannot respond to the claims," Jennifer Vasquez Sura said in mid-April. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who flew to El Salvador and met with Abrego Garcia shortly after his deportation, said Friday that the Trump administration had "relented" regarding his return. "After months of ignoring our Constitution, it seems the Trump Admin has relented to our demands for compliance with court orders and due process for Kilmar Abrego Garcia," Van Hollen posted on X. "This has never been about the man -- it's about his constitutional rights & the rights of all." Abrego Garcia entered the U.S. illegally as a teenager in 2012, according to court records. He had been living in Maryland for the past 13 years, and married Vasquez Sura, a U.S. citizen, in 2019. The couple has one child together.
Otago Daily Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Lies and immortality
Director: Paul Schrader Cast: Richard Gere, Jacob Elordi, Uma Thurman, Victoria Hill, Michael Imperioli Rating: (M) ★★★+ REVIEWED BY AMASIO JUTEL Oh, Canada (Apple, Neon, Prime) is the sentimental retrospective of a late-career auteur exploring his legacy. Dying of cancer, renowned documentarian Leonard Fife (Richard Gere) records his final interview. Schrader's multi-timeline, multi-stylistic (between aspect ratios, colour palettes, and its inherent fictional documentarian quality) approach recalls and distorts memory, a thematic tie to ageing physicalised in Gere's vastly vulnerable performance. Adept pacing and editing curate the revelation of key details, changing Leo's story, jumping through time to re-explore his relationships and repressed memories — Schrader turning to the work of Susan Sontag to illuminate legacy, memory, and truth. Leo, now teaching, unpacks Sontag's theory, quoting, "After the event has ended, the picture will still exist, conferring on the event a kind of immortality". Leo shows his students the Pulitzer Prize-winning photo of the "Saigon Execution", which immortalises its subjects. His wife Emma (Uma Thurman) disputes this point, arguing the Viet Cong captain shot in the photograph will forever be dying. This is the thesis of the film. Ageing, memory, and media — living forever and dying forever, on the screen and through the screen, as Schrader is and forever will be. Leo, the documentarian whose photographic reality has mythologised his life, fictionalising it alongside, and maybe through, his media. Oh, Canada is a profound film with the sincerity and senility of a great film-maker in a vast conversation with his legacy.
Time Business News
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Ride in Style: The Ultimate Guide to Tire LED Valve Caps
In the world of automotive accessories, there's a growing demand for customization that not only enhances style but also boosts visibility and safety. One of the trendiest and most practical upgrades you can make to your vehicle is adding tire LED valve caps. These small yet powerful gadgets are transforming the way we look at nighttime driving—literally. Whether you're a car enthusiast, a cyclist looking to stay visible at night, or someone who simply loves tech-savvy enhancements, light up tire valve caps are worth exploring. In this blog, we'll dive into everything you need to know about them: how they work, the benefits, installation tips, and which ones might be right for your ride. Tire LED valve caps are small attachments that screw onto your vehicle's tire valve stems. But they're not just decorative caps—they're equipped with built-in LED lights that illuminate when your wheels spin. The result? A glowing ring of light that adds flair, visibility, and a modern edge to your car, bike, or motorcycle. The lights are motion-activated, meaning they turn on when the vehicle is in motion and automatically switch off when stationary. Many options on the market are also water-resistant and weatherproof, ensuring durability during rain, snow, or dust storms. You might be wondering: why bother with light up tire valve caps when there are so many automotive accessories out there? Here's why they're gaining popularity among drivers of all kinds: Safety is the number one reason drivers are turning to tire LED valve caps. Whether you're riding a bicycle in low-light conditions or cruising down a highway at night, extra visibility can make a big difference in preventing accidents. Unlike major upgrades like underglow kits or neon lights, these valve caps are easy to install and affordable. You don't need any special tools or wiring—just screw them on and you're ready to roll. Let's face it—these lights look cool. They add a futuristic glow to your wheels and make your vehicle stand out. Ideal for car shows, night rides, or just showing off your ride around town. Most light up tire valve caps are designed to fit standard Schrader valves, making them compatible with almost all cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. These caps are powered by small button-cell batteries and contain motion-sensing technology. Here's a breakdown of the key components: LED Light Bulbs: High-efficiency LEDs that emit a bright, colorful glow. High-efficiency LEDs that emit a bright, colorful glow. Motion Sensors: Detect movement and activate the light as soon as the wheels spin. Detect movement and activate the light as soon as the wheels spin. Battery Unit: Usually runs on LR1130 or AG10 batteries with a long life span. Usually runs on LR1130 or AG10 batteries with a long life span. Casing: The exterior is usually made from aluminum alloy or durable plastic, designed to resist water and dust. Most models offer different color options like blue, red, green, and multi-color (RGB) modes, giving you the freedom to customize your look. Installing tire LED valve caps is incredibly simple and can be done in less than five minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide: Remove Old Valve Caps Unscrew your current tire valve caps and keep them in a safe place (just in case). Check Batteries Most LED valve caps come with pre-installed batteries, but make sure they're properly seated and facing the correct direction. Screw On the New Caps Gently screw the light up tire valve caps onto your valve stems. Make sure they are snug but not over-tightened. Test Drive Give your vehicle a small push or drive a short distance to activate the motion sensor and see the lights in action. Secure Them If you're worried about theft, consider purchasing locking valve caps or security sleeves. To ensure your LED valve caps continue to shine bright and work properly, follow these maintenance tips: Battery Replacement : Keep spare batteries on hand and replace them every 3-6 months depending on usage. : Keep spare batteries on hand and replace them every 3-6 months depending on usage. Check for Water Damage : While most are water-resistant, avoid submerging them. Wipe off excess moisture after heavy rain. : While most are water-resistant, avoid submerging them. Wipe off excess moisture after heavy rain. Secure Fit : Regularly check to ensure they haven't loosened from vibration or impacts. : Regularly check to ensure they haven't loosened from vibration or impacts. Avoid High-Pressure Washes: Car washes with high-pressure water jets can damage sensitive electronic parts. Not all tire LED valve caps are created equal. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for the right set: Look for high-lumen output LEDs if visibility is your top priority. This is especially important for cyclists or motorcyclists riding at night. Some models offer single-color lights, while others feature RGB lighting with rotating colors. Choose the style that fits your personality and vehicle. Check customer reviews and product descriptions to ensure the caps are waterproof and made of high-quality materials like aluminum alloy. Look for brands that advertise long battery life and come with extra batteries in the package. Stick with reputable brands that provide warranties or return policies in case of defective products. LED valve caps aren't just for aesthetics—they have practical applications for different users: Perfect for those who want a unique modification that turns heads without breaking the bank. Great for enhancing visibility on roads, especially in dim lighting or urban areas with heavy traffic. An excellent way to combine safety and style while riding through the night. Use light up tire valve caps for parades, car meets, or promotional events to add that wow factor. Let's bust a few myths: Myth 1: They drain the car battery. Fact: LED valve caps use their own small battery and do not connect to your vehicle's power system. Myth 2: They're illegal. Fact: In most regions, they are legal as long as the lights don't interfere with brake or signal lights. Always check local laws to be sure. Myth 3: They fall off easily. Fact: If properly installed and maintained, quality LED valve caps stay secure—even at highway speeds. Absolutely. Tire LED valve caps are a simple, affordable, and eye-catching upgrade that combines safety with style. Whether you're customizing your car, upgrading your night ride on a bike, or just looking for something fun and functional, these gadgets deliver. Not only do they make your vehicle look cooler, but they also serve as an added safety feature during nighttime driving. So go ahead—let your wheels shine and make every ride a little brighter with a set of light up tire valve caps. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
