Latest news with #ART
Business Upturn
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Murderbot Season 2: Release date speculation, cast and plot details – Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on July 11, 2025, 19:00 IST Last updated July 11, 2025, 11:36 IST If you binged Murderbot Season 1 on Apple TV+ and loved watching Alexander Skarsgård play a sarcastic android who'd rather stream soap operas than save humans, you're probably itching for news about Season 2. The sci-fi gem, based on Martha Wells' The Murderbot Diaries , wrapped its first season on July 11, 2025, and fans are already buzzing about what's next. So, let's dive into everything we know about Murderbot Season 2—release date speculation, who's coming back, and what the story might hold. Murderbot Season 2 Potential Release Date Alright, Apple's playing coy with the release date, so we're stuck guessing for now. Season 1 took about 14 months from filming (March 2024) to hitting screens (May 2025). If they stick to that pace—and fingers crossed they do—Season 2 might start shooting early 2026. That could mean new episodes around June or July 2026. we are betting on a Friday drop, probably with a two-episode premiere like last time, because that's Apple's style. But, like, don't quote me on that—production delays are a thing. Keep your eyes peeled on Apple TV+'s X account for the real deal. Murderbot Season 2 Expected Cast The cast of Season 1 brought Murderbot's world to life, and most of the main players should return. Here's who we expect to see: Alexander Skarsgård as Murderbot : The star of the show, Skarsgård nails the grumpy, self-hacked SecUnit who's more into Sanctuary Moon than small talk. He's also an executive producer, so he's locked in. Noma Dumezweni as Dr. Mensah : Murderbot's favorite human, Mensah is the kind-hearted leader of the PreservationAux team. Their bond is a big part of the story. David Dastmalchian as Gurathin : The techy, augmented human who starts off suspicious of Murderbot but grows to respect it. Sabrina Wu as Pin-Lee : A scientist with a knack for lawyering and a knack for getting under Murderbot's skin—in a good way. Akshay Khanna as Ratthi : The overly friendly team member who keeps trying to buddy up with Murderbot, much to its annoyance. Tattiawna Jones as Arada : A sweet but impulsive scientist who's dating Pin-Lee. Tamara Podemski as Bharadwaj: Another PreservationAux member who adds depth to the crew. Could we see new faces? Maybe. Fans are hyped about the possibility of ART, the snarky AI from the books, showing up. Some Reddit threads even suggest Alan Tudyk as a dream voice for ART, but nothing's confirmed. If Season 2 pulls from later books, we might meet other characters, too, though Apple's keeping casting news under wraps for now. Murderbot Season 2 Potential Plot Season 1 stuck close to All Systems Red , the first Murderbot Diaries book. We met Murderbot, a SecUnit who hacked its own governor module to go rogue (sort of), while protecting a team of scientists on a sketchy planet. It uncovered a corporate conspiracy, fought off threats, and wrestled with its newfound freedom—all while grumbling about humans. The finale left things open, with Murderbot off on its own but clearly not done with its story. So, what's next? Season 2 could go a couple of ways. The second book, Artificial Condition , follows Murderbot digging into its past, specifically a mysterious massacre at a mining facility that pushed it to hack itself. But that story introduces mostly new characters, which might feel jarring after Season 1's tight-knit crew. Instead, some fans and outlets like Fully Booked think the show might jump to Exit Strategy , the fourth book. In that one, Murderbot reunites with Dr. Mensah, who's been kidnapped by the shady GrayCris Corporation. Cue a high-stakes rescue mission packed with action and Murderbot's signature sass. Ahmedabad Plane Crash 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
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
DAP's seat increase opposition shows lack of vision for Sarawak, says SUPP woman
Tnay claims that DAP 'opposes any matters or decisions beneficial to Sarawak's development', reflecting what she described as the opposition party's 'typical peninsula-centric mindset'. KUCHING (July 11): Sarawak Democratic Action Party's (DAP) opposition to the proposed increase in state seats suggests it lacks commitment to improving services for the people or envisioning a better Sarawak, said Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Batu Kitang secretary Amy Tnay. She claimed that DAP 'opposes any matters or decisions beneficial to Sarawak's development', reflecting what she described as the opposition party's 'typical peninsula-centric mindset'. 'The State Legislative Assembly merely proposed and passed a bill to increase seats, paving the way for the Election Commission to delineate new constituencies,' she said in a statement yesterday. 'No specific regions were mentioned or finalised for delineation, and DAP's resistance even at this preliminary stage demonstrates its opposition to Sarawak's need for greater representation.' She added that such an exercise aligns with the demands of changing times including urban development and population growth, enabling more effective regional development and public services. Tnay said at present, state assemblypersons are tasked with overseeing large constituencies with significant populations, making it challenging to deliver effective development and services throughout their tenure By dividing densely populated and rapidly developing areas into new constituencies, she said the original scope of representation could be shared by two elected representatives instead of one, thereby enhancing service delivery and development for residents. 'However, if DAP assemblymen lack the drive to actively bring development and serve the public, the size or population of their constituencies becomes irrelevant.' Tnay further criticised DAP's inconsistency, stating that while the party often highlights Sarawak's infrastructure shortcomings, it simultaneously opposes initiatives such as the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system and new airport construction. 'They lament the hardships faced by the people but support the federal decision to expand the scope of the Sales and Services Tax (SST),' she said. She also noted DAP Sarawak's silence on key federal matters, including the Education Ministry's lack of transparency regarding the costs of the national flag badge programme despite previously expressing concern over state expenditure. 'The Sarawak government remains resolute in its stance to increase not just state seats to foster better development and services for Sarawak and its people, but also parliamentary seats to align with the Malaysia Agreement 1963, ensuring Sarawak and Sabah each has one-third representation in Parliament,' she said. amy tnay dap increase state seats lead oppose SUPP
Medscape
4 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Popular HIV Drug Linked to Higher Risk for MACE
TOPLINE: Among patients with HIV with low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk, both former and current exposure to abacavir was associated with an increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared with nonexposure. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a longitudinal secondary analysis of the REPRIEVE trial to examine whether past or current use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) agents was associated with the risk for MACE in patients with HIV. The trial enrolled 7769 patients with HIV (median age, 50 years; 68.9% men) who had been on any ART combination for at least 6 months and had low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk and no prior history of cardiovascular disease. The median duration of lifetime exposure to ART was 9.6 years; follow-up assessments occurred every 4 months for up to 8 years and 5 months. The primary outcome was time-to-first MACE, which is a composite of cardiovascular death, death due to an undetermined cause, myocardial infarction, angina, revascularization, stroke or transient ischemic attack, and peripheral artery disease. Secondary outcomes were time-to-first hard MACE defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. TAKEAWAY: Overall, 86.0% of patients were exposed to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, 49.3% to thymidine analogues, 47.4% to protease inhibitors, and 21.9% to abacavir. Exposure to abacavir — both current (hazard ratio [HR], 1.41; 95% CI, 1.01-1.96) and former (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.14-2.30) — was associated with an increased risk for MACE compared with nonexposure even after accounting for potential confounders. Neither current nor former exposure to abacavir was associated with the occurrence of hard MACE outcomes compared with nonexposure. Although exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and protease inhibitors was linked to MACE and hard MACE in the unadjusted analyses, these associations were attenuated after adjustment. The exposure to thymidine analogues likewise showed no significant association with any MACE outcomes. IN PRACTICE: 'Next time, before prescribing abacavir-containing ART, we encourage prescribers to pause, reflect, and discuss with the person in front of them, who is already at greater risk of CVD [cardiovascular disease] than their HIV-negative counterparts, whether this really is the optimal, and ethical, choice,' wrote authors in a commentary. SOURCE: The study was led by Carl J. Fichtenbaum, MD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati. It was published online on June 4, 2025, in The Lancet HIV. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by potential channeling bias as patients were not randomly assigned to abacavir exposure. Cardiovascular disease events were not evenly distributed. Moreover, the study failed to analyze time-updated longitudinal use of specific ART agents over time. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Gilead Sciences, and ViiV Healthcare. Some authors disclosed receiving research grants, personal fees, honoraria, or speaking engagement fees from the study funders as well as other pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. One author reported serving on a data safety monitoring board for a pharmaceutical company outside the submitted work. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Tatler Asia
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
REP PH's new offering, ‘ART', brings up the ever-looming question: ‘How do you put a price on an artwork?'
Above Victor Lirio stands beside a teaser poster of REP's production of Yasmina Reza's 'ART' (Photo: courtesy of Repertory Philippines) Directed by Victor Lirio, ART 's creative and production teams include Miguel Urbino (scenic and costume design), Miriam Crowe (lighting design), Fabian Obispo (original music and sound design), Maisie Carter (fight director), Zoe Littleton (voice coach), Uriel Villar (assistant director), Julia Pacificador (associate scenic designer), Hazel Gutierrez Marges (production manager) and Jayvee Carreon (production stage manager). Besides being the catalyst for revelatory conversations among three friends, unfurling their ill-will against each other, the painting in question also symbolises the self-emptiness that has soured their fifteen-year friendship. Juggling characteristics and temperaments associated with narcissists, avoidants and people pleasers, the characters gradually unveil their true selves and remorse against one another as the story progresses. But buried deeply, both in the painting and their exchange of words, is the possibility to start over and see their friendship's potential to move forward. Seeing themselves connect with the abstract work on a deeper level has allowed for introspection—the values they once upheld, the pretensions built over the years and the trajectory of their relationships with themselves and their loved ones. Above A scene from Repertory Philippines' 2025 production of Yasmina Reza's 'ART' (Photo: courtesy of Repertory Philippines) With my extensive immersion in the commercial art scene, I have realised that there are determining factors considered when placing an amount on an artwork. There is provenance, as an acquired artwork traces its history to its long list of collectors or the institutional spaces it was seen in, such as galleries, museums or auction houses. There is, of course, the name of the artist and the prestige it carries with it. Suppose it was by a National Artist or Presidential Order of Merit recipient, the artwork will be valued at an insurmountable amount, no matter if it is a draft ( boceto ) or the final work. If it were by an emerging artist, it would be reasonably priced. The scale and medium of the work are also important things to consider. Some galleries would price paintings by square metres. Meanwhile, some would try to upsell the work by explaining to the prospective buyer the intricate process and the materials used behind it. These are just some of the basics, but there are also market analysis, sale records and other complexities within the industry that gallerists take into account when pricing their artists' works. In ART , however, the symbolic meaning of the Antrios painting and the viewers' resonance with it emerge supreme. Above A scene from Repertory Philippines' 2025 production of Yasmina Reza's 'ART' (Photo: courtesy of Repertory Philippines) In a way, one can read between the lines of the play that Serge purchased the Antrios painting as a way to mock Marc. Another possible interpretation is that Serge wanted to liberate himself from how his friends perceived him. However, none of these were apparent, as we would always return to how much Serge had completely fallen in love with the painting, that he was willing to pay an insane amount. But truly, was it insane? How do you put a price, or at least a ballpark value, into a work of art that not only speaks to you but also allows your friends to see the blots in their self-perceived immaculate souls? How do you measure your emotions, frustrations and aspirations when they all mesh together, producing various shades of white that bury the colours within? How can you sever ties with a friend who has known all your colours, even the darkest ones? Above A scene from Repertory Philippines' 2025 production of Yasmina Reza's 'ART' (Photo: courtesy of Repertory Philippines) Exiting the theatre, I spent more time looking at the masterful artworks outside, reminding myself of art's much more important value—hope. REP partnered with members of the HOPE Project, an initiative made up of PDLs from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Lipa City, Batangas, to allow theatregoers to purchase any of the exhibited works for a good cause. Founded by jail warden Aris Villaester, the HOPE (or Help One Person Deprived of Liberty Every Day) Project supports the release of qualified and deserving PDLs who are ill, in their senior years, and have no financial means to pay for legal fees. Much like the characters in the play, may we find meaning and value in art beyond the price and the colours our eyes can see. NOW READ Ames Yavuz opens its new London gallery with a thought-provoking exhibition of Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan's work The beauty of order in abstraction: National Gallery Singapore mounts its first-ever solo exhibition dedicated to Fernando Zóbel Art and community flourish at Southlinks Estate
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Johor leads Malaysia's GDP growth with 6.4% surge in 2024
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor state government is confident that the state is on the right track to emerge as Malaysia's new economic driver when it records the highest gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2024. The state's Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han said that, based on a report by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Johor recorded a GDP growth of 6.4 per cent, surpassing the national growth rate of 5.1 per cent. 'I would like to express my gratitude and pride for the official report which confirmed that Johor recorded the highest GDP growth in Malaysia for 2024, surpassing the national growth rate,' he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. He said Johor's GDP has now reached RM158.0 billion, strengthening its position as one of the main contributors to the country's economy along with Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak. The outstanding achievement was contributed by balanced growth in several sectors, including a 42.7 per cent surge in the construction sector, driven by large-scale data centre projects and digital infrastructure, such as cooling systems and high-capacity optical fibres, he said. Lee said the state government is also actively collaborating with the federal government to implement high-impact projects such as the widening of the North-South Expressway, the Senai-Desaru Expressway, the ART project in Iskandar Malaysia, the RTS Link and the proposed Southern Route Commuter service. Johor is also improving its investment and workforce ecosystem through initiatives such as the Johor Malaysian Investment Facilitation Centre and the Johor Talent Development Council to meet future industry demands. He said the two main policies, namely the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the Forest City Special Financial Zone, are aimed at strengthening the regional investment and financial services ecosystem. 'With a combination of large-scale infrastructure projects, progressive investment policies and a strategic position at the crossroads of ASEAN economies, Johor is not only recording growth but is also shaping the future of the country's economy,' he said.
