Latest news with #andRecreation
UPI
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
Watch: 'Upload' Season 4 trailer teases 4-part finale
Robbie Amell (Nathan), Owen Daniels (A.I. Guy) star in "Upload." The fourth and final season arrives on Prime Video Aug. 25. Photo courtesy of Liane Hentscher/Prime Video Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Prime Video is previewing the final season of the sci-fi comedy series Upload ahead of its four-part finale, arriving on the streamer Aug. 25. The trailer released Tuesday shows Nora (Andy Allo) embrace Nathan (Robbie Amell), only to realize he is an apparent hologram. "Come find me," he says before disappearing. The show exists in a world where the wealthy don't die and instead upload their consciousness to a virtual reality afterlife. Season 4's last episodes show what happens when "sentient AI rapidly turns evil, threatening to wipe out Lakeview (and the world)!" according to an official synopsis. Greg Daniels, well known for his work on The Office, Parks and Recreation and King of the Hill, created the series. Kvin Bigley, Allegra Edwards, Zainab Johnson and Owen Daniels also star.
Engadget
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Engadget
Watch Prime Video's official trailer for Upload's final season
Amazon has just dropped a trailer for the final season of Upload, the tech-centric comedy about a digital afterlife that's way too real at times (mild spoilers ahead). Created by Greg Daniels ( The Office , Parks and Recreation , King of the Hill ), it's set in an advanced future replete with things like holographic phones, killer self-driving cars and (killer) AI assistants. But since this advanced technology is run by the same irresponsible bros we have in charge today, naturally things go spectacularly wrong. "In the four-part series finale event, sentient AI rapidly turns evil, threatening to wipe out [afterlife reort] Lakeview (and the world!)," Amazon writes "On top of greedy executives, lingering mysteries, plus heartbreak in VR and IRL, our characters are tested like never before. The only way they can get through it all and save humanity from deletion is by teaming up one last time." Upload has generally received positive reviews, with an 88 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating thanks to the "witty writing and winsome cast [that] make it an afterlife worth living." The final season will hopefully wrap up any lingering mysteries and give our heroes some closure when it hits Amazon Prime Video on August 25.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Gauteng department faces scrutiny over R8. 4 million contracts to questionable 'military veterans'
The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR) is slated after awarding over R8.4 million to companies claiming to be owned by 'military veterans,' despite records showing some directors were born in the 1990s. The Military Veterans Act of 2011 defines a military veteran as any South African citizen who falls into one of the following categories: Those who rendered military service to any of the military organisations involved on all sides of South Africa's liberation war from 1960 to 1994; Those who served in the Union Defence Force before 1961; and Those who became members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) after 1994 have completed their military training, no longer perform military duties, and have not been dishonourably discharged from the military. Following questions raised by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), the party stated that Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, confirmed that the department awarded contracts to 24 companies owned by military veterans over the past three financial years. Kingsol Chabalala, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, stated that the awarded companies have provided a range of services, including security at libraries such as Driezik and Kagiso, as well as managing events for wreath-laying ceremonies and celebrations for Human Rights and Heritage Day. He highlighted that the documents, in possession of The Star , exposed a troubling trend of false claims, pointing out that many companies on the list are directed by individuals born in the 1990s, which disqualifies them from being considered genuine military veterans. 'A closer inspection of the entities reveals a disturbing pattern of misrepresentation. Notably, several listed companies have directors who were born in the 1990s, making them far too young to be categorised as military veterans. For instance, the director of RE DLALA GAME TRADING, which received R459 156.46, was born in 1990; the director of Intellectditcom, backed with R147 700, was born in 1995; and the director of MATHABATSEME ENTERPRISE, which received R486 349.50, was born in 1996.' Chabalala further asserted that this represents a clear abuse of procurement processes to secure profitable contracts, exposing how certain individuals within the department are prepared to exploit veterans' legacy and public resources for personal benefit. He further stated that the DA will contact Chiloane to seek clarification on how this clear inconsistency was ignored or tolerated. 'The DA will write to MEC Chiloane, urging him to clarify how such a blatant discrepancy went unnoticed or permitted to persist under his watch. We will also demand that he conduct an urgent investigation into those responsible for awarding these contracts and ensure that they face appropriate consequences. This process must be carried out transparently and without bias,' Chabalala added. Responding to the concerns, Mxolisi Mkhonza, spokesperson for the Department of Military Veterans, explained that serving members of the SANDF qualify as military veterans once they leave the armed forces and are registered on the South African National Military Veterans Database. This includes individuals who have completed the Military Skills Development System (MSDS), which annually recruits citizens into the SANDF. Mkhonza also noted that the department is considering amending the registration process. 'Therefore, there will be no need for an investigation as these are legitimate military veterans according to the Act in its current state. The DMV is, however, looking to begin the process of amending the Military Veterans Act in order to circumvent such gaps, which are being exploited by certain individuals.' He added that the application and verification process for recognition as a military veteran involves several requirements, beginning with proof of having served or trained as a soldier, details of which are available on the DMV website. Once approved, individuals are listed on the South African National Military Veterans Database and issued a confirmation letter. This letter enables them to apply for various benefits outlined in Section 5 of the Act, provided they meet the qualifying criteria. Mkhonza explained that the DMV can not comment on other departments' procedures but works with them across government to deliver benefits. 'As a coordinating department, we work with various other government departments at all spheres of government in rolling out benefits. Each department may then have its criteria on how to go about issuing benefits to individuals specifically earmarked as military veterans. The DMV cannot speak on processes followed by other departments, such as the SACR.' The Star's attempts to get a comment from SACR were unsuccessful. We had not received a response by publication time. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Gauteng department faces scrutiny over R8. 4 million contracts to questionable 'military veterans'
Gauteng's Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation faces criticism for awarding contracts to companies falsely claiming veteran ownership, raising serious concerns about misuse of public funds. The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR) is slated after awarding over R8.4 million to companies claiming to be owned by 'military veterans,' despite records showing some directors were born in the 1990s. The Military Veterans Act of 2011 defines a military veteran as any South African citizen who falls into one of the following categories: Those who rendered military service to any of the military organisations involved on all sides of South Africa's liberation war from 1960 to 1994; Those who served in the Union Defence Force before 1961; and Those who became members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) after 1994 have completed their military training, no longer perform military duties, and have not been dishonourably discharged from the military. Following questions raised by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), the party stated that Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, confirmed that the department awarded contracts to 24 companies owned by military veterans over the past three financial years. Kingsol Chabalala, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, stated that the awarded companies have provided a range of services, including security at libraries such as Driezik and Kagiso, as well as managing events for wreath-laying ceremonies and celebrations for Human Rights and Heritage Day. He highlighted that the documents, in possession of The Star, exposed a troubling trend of false claims, pointing out that many companies on the list are directed by individuals born in the 1990s, which disqualifies them from being considered genuine military veterans. 'A closer inspection of the entities reveals a disturbing pattern of misrepresentation. Notably, several listed companies have directors who were born in the 1990s, making them far too young to be categorised as military veterans. For instance, the director of RE DLALA GAME TRADING, which received R459 156.46, was born in 1990; the director of Intellectditcom, backed with R147 700, was born in 1995; and the director of MATHABATSEME ENTERPRISE, which received R486 349.50, was born in 1996.' Chabalala further asserted that this represents a clear abuse of procurement processes to secure profitable contracts, exposing how certain individuals within the department are prepared to exploit veterans' legacy and public resources for personal benefit. He further stated that the DA will contact Chiloane to seek clarification on how this clear inconsistency was ignored or tolerated. 'The DA will write to MEC Chiloane, urging him to clarify how such a blatant discrepancy went unnoticed or permitted to persist under his watch. We will also demand that he conduct an urgent investigation into those responsible for awarding these contracts and ensure that they face appropriate consequences. This process must be carried out transparently and without bias,' Chabalala added. Responding to the concerns, Mxolisi Mkhonza, spokesperson for the Department of Military Veterans, explained that serving members of the SANDF qualify as military veterans once they leave the armed forces and are registered on the South African National Military Veterans Database. This includes individuals who have completed the Military Skills Development System (MSDS), which annually recruits citizens into the SANDF. Mkhonza also noted that the department is considering amending the registration process. 'Therefore, there will be no need for an investigation as these are legitimate military veterans according to the Act in its current state. The DMV is, however, looking to begin the process of amending the Military Veterans Act in order to circumvent such gaps, which are being exploited by certain individuals.' He added that the application and verification process for recognition as a military veteran involves several requirements, beginning with proof of having served or trained as a soldier, details of which are available on the DMV website. Once approved, individuals are listed on the South African National Military Veterans Database and issued a confirmation letter. This letter enables them to apply for various benefits outlined in Section 5 of the Act, provided they meet the qualifying criteria. Mkhonza explained that the DMV can not comment on other departments' procedures but works with them across government to deliver benefits. 'As a coordinating department, we work with various other government departments at all spheres of government in rolling out benefits. Each department may then have its criteria on how to go about issuing benefits to individuals specifically earmarked as military veterans. The DMV cannot speak on processes followed by other departments, such as the SACR.' The Star's attempts to get a comment from SACR were unsuccessful. We had not received a response by publication time. The Star
Buzz Feed
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
If You Love Snoopy, You'll Love These 28 Products
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · If you've got a Snoopy-obsessed friend (me), this is their wishlist. 1. A Snoopy Sports and Recreation Phone Case to carry your favorite character with you all day long. Casetify Casetify crafts device cases that are as protective as they are stylish. With a wide range of designs to reflect your personality and handy accessories to simplify your daily life, Casetify seamlessly combines function and flair. In addition to phone cases, the brand also has phone charms, AirPod cases, and more to help ring in the new year! Other designs in Casetify's Peanuts collection include country club, argyle pattern, cable knit, rec & leisure, golf, and 75th anniversary. Get it from Casetify for $38+ (available in a variety of Apple, Samsung, and Google models). 2. A Beagle Scouts DIY Miniature Book Nook Kit so you can unwind while building Snoopy's charming campsite. Amazon Promising review:"Great book nook for young children. No glue required. Pieces snapped in and stayed together." — Joe F. Get it from Amazon for $39.99. 3. A pair of Snoopy Pumpkin Scuff Slippers because spooky season is approaching and you wanna stay cozy when summer's over. Promising review:"I'm in loveee with these slippers. They are so soft, comfortable, and cute. I recommend 1000000% to size up. The amount of fluff/fur these slippers provide makes the inside tighter for a foot to slip into. I'm typically a size 7, and I got a size 8, and they are perfect. If I got my usual size, I would not be able to fit my foot in. Overall, these are the cutest and most comfortable slippers. I will be wearing these all fall long." — Livy L. Get it from American Eagle for $39.95 (available in sizes 5–11). 4. A DJ Snoopy-inspired sticker that'll have you dancing along with him. Helene's Happy Hobbies Helene's Happy Hobbies is a Vietnamese-owned, California-based shop that creates cute and anime-inspired stickers, accessories, and more. Get it from Helene's Happy Hobbies for $5. 5. A Snoopy Pumpkin, so you can have something cute to watch your favorite spooky movies with also a mini heating pad (you can put it in the microwave to heat it up) and has a relaxing lavender scent. Promising review:"Super cute and well constructed, no problems whatsoever…filled with small lavender scented balls to help me sleep. Easily microwaves and heats up evenly. Good size but would be great to make in an even larger size!" — Alice A. Get it from American Eagle for $34.95. 6. A raglan graphic tee because it's the perfect addition to your closet and matches shorts, skirts, and jeans. Uniqlo Promising review: "This shirt is perfect for the warmer weather and is really comfy (plus it's Snoopy!) I love the colors, and it's very easy to style. I usually wear a M, but got a L for a looser fit!" — Sarara. Get it from Uniqlo for $24.90 (available in sizes XS–XL). 7. A Snoopy Sports laptop sleeve to keep your tech safe on the way to work at the cafe. 8. A double-sided magnetic bookmark featuring Snoopy's cute face that'll motivate you to get back to reading. The Little Birdee Co. is a Michigan-based shop that creates cute and cheerful stickers and stationery designed to bring smiles to people's faces. Promising review:"Well made. I love the magnet bookmarks!" — Cynthia B. 9. A Chain Embroidered Baby Tee that will make your outfits look both cute and edgy. Threads by Tie is a woman-owned shop that creates embroidered apparel and accessories with witty sayings and is inspired by your favorite characters. This design is also available on shorts, bandanas, sweatshirts, quarter zips, and T-shirts. Get it from Threads by Tie for $32 (available in sizes S–2XL). 10. A crochet kit for the crafters who want to learn a new hobby, and what's a better first character to crochet than Snoopy! Woobles The Woobles is dedicated to providing beginners with the simplest way to learn crochet, but it encompasses more than just the craft itself. It's about empowering individuals to embrace continuous learning, transforming their self-perception and belief in their ability to grow, and fostering the confidence to tackle any challenges that arise. In addition to the Snoopy crochet kit, Woobles has also provided bundles with extra accessories. Promising review:"I loved this kit! It was purchased for me as a gift, and I had struggled learning crochet in the past. With the video tutorials and labeled starting piece, I got the hang of crocheting really quickly! By the end of the project, I was able to follow the pattern with ease. It was helpful to go back and look at videos if I was getting confused, and check to make sure my work looked right. Will be purchasing another Wooble for myself soon!" — Grace R. 11. A plush dog button-up shirt that will keep your puppy looking cool and stylish. American Eagle Promising review:"Really cute pajama shirt. The size (m) fits perfectly for my 4-month-old German shepherd mix puppy. People have complimented how cute it is on her. I also love that it's 100% cotton." — Mister_Chickenbutt Get it from American Eagle for $24.95 (available in sizes XS–XL). 13. A MagSafe cardholder stand that can hold one card and keep your phone upright! Casetify This cardholder stand is also available in the Peanuts Argyle pattern and the Snoopy Rec & Leisure. Get it from Casetify for $38. 14. A pair of crew socks to keep your feet warm while you're camping, just like Snoopy is! 15. A Beagle Scouts Patch Tote that'll hold your essentials for schools, camping, picnics, and more! BoxLunch 16. A Peanuts graphic tee featuring artwork from Schulz's comic strip. Uniqlo Promising review:"I like the fit of the sleeves and how comfortable the shirt is. It's comfy enough to even be a sleep shirt." — Soup Get it from Uniqlo for $24.90 (available in sizes XXS–XXL). 17. Snoopy and Woodstock magnetic plushies that are attached to each other by the hip (literally)! Hallmark Promising review:"They are just the cutest. I have them sitting where they smile at me all day long. Makes me feel happy!" — Emerette Get it from Hallmark for $22.99. 18. A baseball cap so you can protect your eyes from the sun *and* add a little athleisure vibe to your outfit of the day. 19. A MagSafe power bank to make sure your phone stays charged anywhere you go. Casetify This power bank is also available in the Peanuts country club design. Get it from Casetify for $70. 20. A magnet of Snoopy being so brat 💚 — play "360" while you open the fridge, grab your favorite cold drink, and dance to Charli XCX in the kitchen. Redbubble Promising review:"Excellent service and amazing material. I received my purchase days ahead of schedule, in excellent condition, and the magnet print is incredible. It's just like the one offered on the website. I understand why my favorite cartoonist and writer sells her products on this site because they're very professional and offer great service. I'll definitely continue buying and will tell my friends about it as well." — Andreina R. Get it on Redbubble for $8.66+ (available in three sizes). 21. A mini backpack that has a plush Snoopy sleeping at the top like it's his doghouse. Box Lunch 23. A hotel-inspired keychain tag so you'll always remember your keys before you leave the house. Casetify This hotel-inspired keychain tag is available in three designs: yacht club, racquet club, and country club. Get it from Casetify for $14. 24. A cute tote bag featuring Snoopy drinking his cute little matcha. Sky Factory Co. is a California-based shop that creates cute stickers and accessories based on your favorite characters. Get it at Sky Factory Co. on Etsy for $19.15+ (available in two colors). 25. A Snoopy Cropped Polo that's the perfect top for your pickleball fit. Box Lunch Promising review:"As a Snoopy girlie, this shirt is top tier. The polo collar gives it a cute, sporty look, and it's a little cropped. The embroidery of Snoopy playing tennis looks great and is such a cute design." — SnoopyKid4 Get it from BoxLunch for $29.52 (originally $36.90, available in sizes XS–3X) . 26. A Snoopy "Life in a Bottle" blind box set filled with fun little surprises and adorable doggie figures. 27. A water-resistant picnic blanket to keep you and your food clean and comfy during picnics, outdoor summer concerts, and beach trips! Amazon Promising review:"Can't wait to go on my picnic and use my blanket." — William. Get it from Amazon for $39.99. 28. And a Snoopy plush you can squeeze and cuddle with or keep as a little desk buddy. Amazon Promising review:"Cute little Snoopy is perfect gift for a child. Excellent depiction of the cartoon character and just the right size for small hands." — Paul T. Get it from Amazon for $11.10. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
