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2024 Summer Movie Preview: All the blockbusters we can’t wait to see!

With the release of The Fall Guy this weekend, the summer movie season is finally upon us. While it’s a thinner summer than usual due to the dual writer and actors strike bringing movies to a standstill for much of 2023, there should still be a lot of stuff worth checking out, even if the summer seems short of anything that can aspire to Barbenheimer levels of success. Yesterday, we teased some of our most anticipated horror movies, so now we’re tackling the rest of the blockbusters in our 2024 summer movie preview!

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, 2024 summer movie preview

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (May 10)

In my opinion, there’s never been a bad Planet of the Apes movie. Going all the way back to the classic 1968 original and its four sequels, through Tim Burton’s remake and the Caesar trilogy from Fox, all of the movies have at least been interesting. With Disney now owning 20th Century Studios, the hit-strapped studio hopes for a breakout franchise starter from director Wes Ball. So far, the early buzz has been promising, with CinemaCon audiences being treated with fifteen minutes of footage that promised perhaps the most visually stunning and immersive apes movie to date. But, without Andy Serkis as Caesar, will audiences embrace this new entry into the saga? We’ll have to wait and see, but I’m cautiously optimistic.

IF

IF (May 17)

Ryan Reynolds is generally considered one of the biggest stars in the world. But, other than Free Guy, most of his movies have been on streaming lately, and the summer movie season is set to test his box office mettle not once, but twice. IF is seen as the riskier movie, with it a big, broad family film that teams him with director John Krasinski in this story of a man helping a child connect unwanted IFs (invisible friends) with new children. It sounds a bit twee. But, with Steve Carrell, Matt Damon and a who’s who of stars voicing the CGI invisible creatures, this could be a box office bonanza.

The Garfield Movie (May 24)

However, IF has one big piece of competition for family audiences – The Garfield Movie. Many are thinking this will be one of the biggest hits of the summer, with Chris Pratt voicing everyone’s favorite fat cat. The last time he voiced an animated film, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, it was a monumental smash. Clearly, the studio financing this one is hoping lightning will strike twice.

Furiosa (May 24)

Speaking of lightning striking twice, George Miller’s long-awaited Max Max: Fury Road prequel, Furiosa, is finally set to hit theaters. It’s worth noting that Fury Road, despite being seen as one of the greatest action movies of all time, was only a modest box office hit, so those predicting blockbuster numbers for Miller’s R-rated prequel might need to think again. However, even if it doesn’t break the bank, many of us are thinking that of all the movies coming out this summer, this one has the best chance of becoming a new classic.

A trailer for Bad Boys 4 has arrived online - and it reveals that the film is officially titled Bad Boys Ride or Die

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (June 7th)

The fourth Bad Boys movie marks Will Smith’s first theatrically released feature since the infamous Oscar slap. It’s being seen as the test of whether or not audiences are going to be able to move past the controversy and embrace him as the big star he used to be. Certainly, Bad Boys: Ride or Die seems like a good bet, with the last Bad Boys movie being a surprise mega-hit.

2024 summer movie preview

Inside Out 2 (June 14)

Just like its parent studio, Pixar needs a hit. While everyone called Elemental a flop when it came out last summer, the movie still managed to eke out a respectable worldwide gross in the $500 million neighbourhood. Still, this is a far cry from the numbers Pixar used to post. Hence, all eyes are on the long-anticipated sequel, which reunites much (but not all) of the original voice cast in what’s considered Pixar’s biggest and best hope at regaining its former glory.

Horizon: An American Saga (June 28 & August 16)

Kevin Costner’s Horizon is like a unicorn in today’s risk-averse movie climate. It’s a mega-budget, multi-part Western epic and is so far removed from the kids of movies Hollywood makes nowadays the star had to largely finance the films himself. And yes, I said films because no matter how the first movie fares at the box office, WB has the sequel coming out less than two months later.

A Quiet Place: Day One Horror Preview

A Quiet Place: Day One (June 28)

I strongly feel this will be one of the summer’s highest-grossing movies. People love this franchise, with A Quiet Place: Part 2 managing to gross $160 million domestically despite being released during the pandemic. While director John Krasinski and star Emily Blunt are sitting this one out, the buzz on this prequel is sky-high. This depicts the initial invasion in New York City and stars Lupita Nyong’o and Stranger Things breakout Joseph Quinn.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, trailer, Eddie Murphy

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (July 3)

This is the only streaming movie I have on this list, as to me it’s the only one that has a chance of going toe-to-toe with the summer’s big blockbusters. Fans have been waiting thirty years for a proper Beverly Hills Cop 4, and the early trailers suggest this just might have been worth the wait.

2024 summer movie preview

Despicable Me 4 (July 3)

While that title may make more than a few of you groan, this franchise has minted money for Universal and Illumination, with audiences flocking to see Steve Carell’s Gru and his minions. Even if the franchise might have jumped the shark a few films back for some of us, I’d be shocked it this didn’t end up as one of the summer’s biggest moneymakers.

Twisters (July 19)

Universal’s putting a lot of faith into this big-budget sequel to Twisters, which boasts a newly minted megastar with lead Glen Powell, who co-stars with Fresh’s Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos. Minari director Lee Isaac Chung isn’t known for his blockbusters, but the early footage I saw at CinemaCon this year was epic, so this could be huge.

2024 summer movie preview

Deadpool and Wolverine (June 26)

That said, Twisters has a natural disaster of its own on its hands the next week, when Disney’s Deadpool and Wolverine is set to suck all the air out of the box office. If any movie on this list is a guaranteed smash, this is it. Many believe it will become the biggest summer hit and the only movie that could give last year’s duel Barbenheimer threat a run for its money. Given how dire folks expect the box office to be this season, some may well be calling the Merc With a Mouth the summer box office saviour by the time August rolls around.

Trap Horror Preview

Trap (August 9)

M. Night Shyamalan’s got what looks like a killer thriller hitting theaters this summer, with the early footage from Trap blowing away the audience at CinemaCon last month. The premise is awesome, with Josh Hartnett playing a suburban dad who brings his daughter to a concert, only to discover it’s all a ruse to capture a serial killer – and he IS that killer. This could be a huge comeback for Hartnett and one of the year’s sleeper hits.

2024 summer movie preview

Borderlands (August 9)

Eli Roth’s Borderlands has had a bit of a tortured production history. It started shooting three years ago, and Roth infamously stepped aside for reshoots last year in order to make Thanksgiving. The new trailers for this one have serious Guardians of the Galaxy vibes – so much so that you might even call it a clone. It’s also got a pretty unusual cast, with Cate Blanchett making her debut as an action hero in the lead.

Alien: Romulus

Alien: Romulus (August 16th)

Will this be the summer that brings the Alien franchise back from the dead? Originally, Fede Alvarez’s Alien flick was supposed to debut on Hulu, but the runaway success of the Predator prequel, Prey, convinced Disney to give this a shot at big-screen glory. So far, the buzz is this is a gory throwback to the original movie, with hardcore R-rated action and chest-bursting xenomorphs galore.

The Crow remake

The Crow (August 23)

And finally, will the summer end with a whimper or a bang as the controversial Crow reboot hits theatres? The reaction to the trailer has been divisive to say the least, with some (including original Crow director Alex Proyas) slamming this as “Crow Wick”. Yet, the studio (Lionsgate) seems high on it, and Bill Skarsgard showed promise as an action star in the largely unseen Boy Kills World. We’ll have to wait and see, I guess.

What summer movie are you most excited to see? Let us know in the talkbacks!

The post 2024 Summer Movie Preview: All the blockbusters we can’t wait to see! appeared first on JoBlo.

By: Chris Bumbray
Title: 2024 Summer Movie Preview: All the blockbusters we can’t wait to see!
Sourced From: www.joblo.com/2024-summer-movie-preview-all-the-blockbusters-we-cant-wait-to-see/
Published Date: Sun, 05 May 2024 21:44:18 +0000

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I’m a former vet assistant who has trimmed hundreds of dogs’ nails — this nail grinder is the most beginner-friendly tool

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A side-by-side image of a person grinding a dog's nail using the Dremel grinder and the grinder laid on a wood surface.The Dremel PawControl Deluxe Pet Nail Trimming Kit includes everything you need to grind a dog's nails.

Trimming your dog's nails is an essential part of routine pet care, but it can be intimidating for many dog owners. If you're worried you'll accidentally hurt your dog while cutting their nails, you can always take them to the vet or groomer to get the job done. Using a dog nail grinder at home is also an excellent alternative that can save you plenty of time and money.

As a former veterinary assistant who has trimmed thousands of dogs' nails, I know that not all nail grinders are the same. Some are designed for use by professional groomers who are comfortable and familiar with using them safely. However, most people benefit from extra safety features, and that's why I love the Dremel PawControl Deluxe Pet Nail Trimming Kit. The Dremel nail grinder is not only effective and user-friendly, but it also has a guard that protects you and your dog from the spinning parts.

How it works

Nail grinders are a great option for most dogs, including those with very thick nails. They're particularly useful for dogs with black nails that don't have a visible quick, which is the vein inside of each nail. Plus, dogs that are anxious about having their nails trimmed with regular clippers may be more willing to accept a nail grinder.

The Dremel PawControl Kit includes everything you need to gently and easily grind down your dog's nails, including an optional guard attachment along with a variety of sanding bands and discs. The guard provides a barrier between the spinning parts of the tool so nothing can get caught up in them.

I personally preferred using the sanding disc, which the manufacturer recommends for beginner users. You insert your dog's nail through the opening in the clear guard attachment, which is designed to ensure you are grinding the nail at the ideal 45-degree angle.

Our review of the Dremel dog nail grinder

I first used the Dremel PawControl when I was testing grinders for our guide to the best dog nail clippers. I tried four different nail-grinding tools on two dogs with different-sized nails.

The Dremel PawControl stands out for several reasons. It's lightweight, gentle, and quiet, and offers four speed settings so you can select the one that's most comfortable for you and your dog. Designed for pet owners, it's easy to use and comes with various grinding attachments for flexibility. Plus, the guard attachment offers added peace of mind so you can focus on the task at hand.

A close-up image of the safety guard on the Dremel dog nail grinder.The removable nail guard attachment is recommended for new users.

Dremel is renowned for its high-quality rotary tools for tasks like cutting, sanding, and engraving. The PawControl should last many years and can even be used for tasks beyond nail grinding. While the grinding heads will need occasional replacement, the included ones should last for several years of use with your dog. It's also powered by a USB rechargeable lithium-ion battery, allowing you to use it anywhere without the hassle of a cord getting in your way while you work.

Nail grinders have a definite learning curve, but this one comes with an easy-to-follow Quick Start Guide that walks you through the entire process. It explains which attachments and grinding speeds are best for beginners and offers tips for getting your dog comfortable with the tool.

The Dremel PawControl Quick Start Guide has text and diagrams showing how to introduce a dog to the nail grinder.If you're new to nail grinding, the Quick Start Guide provides clear directions and helpful illustrations.

Cons to consider

The guard attachment enhances safety, but its single opening for inserting your dog's nail can limit maneuverability. However, you can always remove the guard attachment if you feel confident in your skills. Since this grinder is cordless, you'll need to remember to charge it before use.

The bottom line

If you're looking for a pet nail grinder, the Dremel PawControl Deluxe Pet Nail Trimming Kit is an excellent choice, especially if you're new to using these tools. It's effective, gentle, quiet, lightweight, and cordless, and thanks to the guard attachments, its safety is unparalleled.

Read the original article on Business Insider

——————————————-
By: [email protected] (Jackie Brown)
Title: I’m a former vet assistant who has trimmed hundreds of dogs’ nails — this nail grinder is the most beginner-friendly tool
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/guides/pets/dremel-dog-nail-grinder-review
Published Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:22:20 +0000

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An ex-Microsoft VP of HR explains 3 things you can do to stay on your boss’s radar and off the layoff list

There is a yellow background and three small white figurines in business suits, with a large handheld magnifying glass centered on the middle figure.Chris Williams, ex-Microsoft VP of HR, wrote that being visible helps avoid uncomfortable inquiries like DOGE's "five bullet points" requested email.

  • Chris Williams is an ex-VP of HR at Microsoft and has over 40 years of executive experience.
  • Williams said being visible can help workers avoid DOGE-like emails requesting accomplishments.
  • He shared how to track accomplishments, get recognized, and know when to help out at work.

The "five things you did last week" email that DOGE sent to all federal workers has raised an important question for employees everywhere. How do you stay on your boss's radar in a positive way?

Simply put, if your boss already knew what you were up to, they wouldn't need to send an email like that. As the former VP of HR for Microsoft with 40 years of business leadership experience, I've seen a lot of people who know how to stay visible.

Being visible helps avoid uncomfortable inquiries like the "five bullet points" request and makes performance reviews easier for both you and your boss. It helps you avoid being labeled an underperformer when cuts are considered and it can help you be more top of mind when opportunities arise — it's a great way to "manage up."

Here are three ways to help you stay visible to your boss and reduce your chances of being laid off.

You should always track your accomplishments at work

It doesn't matter if your boss sends an intrusive status report request like "send five bullet points from last week" or a simple "Hey, what's up?" inquiry; you should always be ready to talk about what you've been up to.

That's why you should track your accomplishments. There are many ways to do this. Some people keep a "brag book," a simple document where they list the significant things they've done. Others use a notes application or even a complex database.

For years I kept a simple four-column spreadsheet

My spreadsheet had columns labeled: Date, Item, Significance, and Notes. Every day, or at worst, every week, I'd add a couple of rows to the sheet. I'd insert the date and a phrase for the item — just enough to remind me what it was.

In the significance column, I'd put a number to represent how important the item felt at the time, with "5" being the highest. In notes, I'd add a comment or even a link to the project or document.

Then whenever I wanted, I could sort by significance and date and get the most important things from the last month, week, or year. When bosses requested a progress report, I was always ready to respond: "I'm glad you asked."

The best way to ensure this happens is to make it a habit. Spend two minutes updating your list at the end of every day. This also helps at performance review time, where you'll inevitably need to report on your accomplishments for the year.

Don't be shy to take credit where due

Another important way to stay visible is to ensure you take credit when you deserve it. Too many people get shy or humble at work and let others grab the limelight.

Work is not a place for excessive humility. The forever humble, the "I'm just doing my job" kind of people are often overlooked. They're just doing their jobs, after all. If you want to be seen, you have to be visible. Don't be afraid to take credit for your accomplishments.

Ways to make sure you get credit for your work

Insist your name appears on that proposal or presentation. Don't be afraid to put your name under the title of that document. Don't be shy about answering "That was me" when someone asks about a great idea.

Also, don't let others steal your work without objection — even if you lose a battle for representation. For example, when your boss takes the credit, putting them on notice helps for the next time. If you simply let people take credit for your work, they'll never stop.

Raise your hand and help out

A final way to stay visible is to not shrink into a corner when the boss needs help. When the call comes for volunteers, raise your hand.

One of the best ways to stay on your boss's good side is to help them get their job done. The best way to do that is to do things they don't want or have time to do. Just being able to say, "Don't worry, I'll handle that," means a lot.

But it's often hard to know what they need help with. You don't do their job, so it's a challenge to understand where you can jump in. When they explicitly ask, that's where you can most certainly be useful.

Know when to volunteer and when to sit back

You don't have to raise your hand all the time. You don't have to answer your boss's every whim. You shouldn't stretch yourself beyond your limits just to be in their good graces.

But you should also not be the one who never volunteers. Your boss will notice that you never pitch in or lend a hand to your peers. That's how you stay on your boss's radar in the worst possible way.

Essentially, if you track your performance, take credit where due, and learn when to help out, you'll never be blindsided by the "five things you did last week" request because both you and your boss will already know. These are three great ways to increase visibility at work.

Chris Williams is a former VP of HR at Microsoft. He's an executive-level advisor and consultant with over 40 years of experience leading and building teams.

Read the original article on Business Insider

——————————————-
By: [email protected] (Chris Williams )
Title: An ex-Microsoft VP of HR explains 3 things you can do to stay on your boss’s radar and off the layoff list
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/how-to-stay-on-boss-radar-off-layoff-list-2025-3
Published Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:07:01 +0000

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AI Regulation Isn’t Over; It’s Evolving: What Marketers Need to Know

AI Regulation Isn’t Over; It’s Evolving: What Marketers Need to Know

The notion of “AI Regulation is Dead” is misleading; instead, AI governance is gaining momentum with more structured and stringent guidelines emerging worldwide. For marketers to thrive in this evolving landscape, it’s crucial to prioritize transparency, compliance, and ethical practices. This article explores how marketers can navigate new regulations and employ AI responsibly to maintain trust and competitiveness.

Key Takeaways

– AI regulation is rapidly evolving with comprehensive frameworks like the EU’s AI Act.
– Marketers must focus on transparent and ethical use of AI in campaigns.
– Adapting to regulatory changes is critical for maintaining customer trust and compliance.

The Rise of AI Governance

AI governance is swiftly advancing, with frameworks such as the EU’s AI Act setting the stage for stringent regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure AI technologies are used responsibly, safeguarding user privacy and data security. Marketers must remain vigilant and proactive in understanding these regulations, aligning their AI-driven strategies accordingly. As regulators worldwide continue to focus on AI implications, following these laws will be pivotal to navigating the global digital economy.

The Importance of Transparency in AI Campaigns

Transparency is becoming a cornerstone of AI regulation. Marketers are expected to clearly disclose data sources and algorithmic decision-making processes in their AI-driven campaigns. By being transparent, marketers can not only comply with regulations but also build trust with consumers. This includes providing customers with clarity on how their data is used and offering them control over their personal information. Such practices are not just regulatory requirements but also key to fostering long-term customer relationships.

Ethical AI: Investing in Responsible Practices

Investing in ethical AI practices is more crucial than ever. Marketers should engage in industry-wide discussions to set standards for responsible AI use. This involves creating AI systems that are fair, unbiased, and respectful of user privacy. Ethical AI practices can enhance brand reputation while preventing potential legal issues. By prioritizing ethics, marketers can contribute to sustainable and responsible AI advancements, benefiting both their businesses and the broader society.

Leveraging AI Responsibly for Enhanced Customer Experiences

AI, when used responsibly, can significantly enhance customer experiences. It offers personalized, efficient, and innovative solutions that meet consumer needs while respecting their privacy. Marketers should leverage AI tools that align with ethical standards, safeguarding personal data and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. By doing so, AI can help marketers deliver superior customer service without compromising trust and legal integrity.

Recap

As AI regulation continues to evolve, marketers must adapt by embracing transparency, compliance, and ethical practices. These steps are essential for maintaining trust and competitiveness in a digital marketplace increasingly governed by AI laws. What specific strategies will you implement to ensure transparency in your AI campaigns and align with emerging regulations?

——————————————-
By: Phil Alvarez
Title: AI Regulation Isn’t Over; It’s Evolving: What Marketers Need to Know
Sourced From: www.advertisemint.com/ai-regulation-isnt-over-its-evolving/
Published Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2025 16:37:39 +0000

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