Entertainment
Everything We Know About The Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four are called Marvel’s First Family because, well, they actually are. Back in 1961, the company formerly known as Timely Comics transitioned into Marvel Comics. They kept some of their titles, such as Journey Into Mystery, but began a new approach to superhero comics with The Fantastic Four. These new titles would show the internal drama between the characters and not just their superheroics. After these characters became a big hit, the company created other heroes such as The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, and Iron Man.
Fox would end up with the movie rights to bring these characters to the big screen but ultimately would produce content that really didn’t live up to what the comics promised. After four attempts (ironic), the rights have finally reverted back to Marvel Studios through Disney’s purchase of Twentieth Century Studios. Now that the MCU is around, fans are interested in seeing how the family will fit into the complex web of continuity that has become a bigger problem for Marvel.
Who Are The Fantastic Four?
While there have been some replacement characters throughout the years, the main cast of the FF (as they are often referred to in comics) are the primary family members. Sometimes, when rights become sticky, you’ll get a H.E.R.B.I.E. robot that was created for the 1978 animated series. Or, in the comics, a storyline will come up that will require Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, and Ghost Rider to take over the mantle of the team when they go missing. Even sometimes Marvel will decide not to use the name Fantastic Four since Fox had the movie rights, and they wanted to lessen the popularity of the brand. Corporations can be shady.
Mister Fantastic Reed Richards
When the team went on a space mission and was bombarded with cosmic rays, the family patriarch, Reed Richards, gained the ability to stretch his body like a rubber band. His intellect is second to none, and he is considered the most intelligent person in the entire Marvel Universe. This has gotten him and the family in plenty of trouble on numerous occasions. He’s usually considered dull by a lot of his peers, as his absent-mindedness causes issues between his friends and family. His single focus on science has caused more than one Earth-shattering problem.
He was played by Ioan Gruffudd in the early 2000s and by Miles Teller in the last iteration. Lots of speculation was attached to the role as the internet fandom had attached John Krasinki to the role before. It gained enough of a groundswell that he would end up playing the character in Doctor Strange And The Multiverse Of Madness. With the family getting their own title now in the MCU, some even thought Adam Driver might be a front-runner for the role. In the end, it would go to someone who is well-known for jumping into well-known properties.
Pedro Pascal will be Reed Richards for the upcoming film. Being a big part of Star Wars, The Last Of Us, Game of Thrones, and the last Wonder Woman film just wasn’t enough for him. He truly is the Thanos of collecting massive fandom roles. How his Reed will differ from the others remains to be seen, but he has shown he can lead a family, even if it takes him a while to get there. Just ask Grogu and Ellie.
The Invisible Woman Sue Storm
Sue is considered one of the most powerful female superheroes in the Marvel Universe. During the group’s trip to outer space, Sue would gain invisibility. She can turn herself invisible and generate invisible force fields. This can sort of act as a form of telekinesis. Invisible barriers can push people apart or even trap them. She is married to Reed, and they have a couple of children in Franklin and Valeria.
When it comes to the family, Sue is thought of as the one who keeps the group together. With Reed’s aforementioned obsession with making new scientific discoveries, her hot-headed brother (literally), and her friendship with Ben Grimm, she is able to keep everyone from fracturing. Although when she has become the interest of Namor, whom we met in the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever film, it has proven that the family will put their differences aside to save her.
Jessica Alba and Kate Mara have both played her, but Vanessa Kirby will be portraying her in the upcoming film. This is fitting as renowned comic book artist Jack Kirby (no relation) was responsible for a lot of the early Fantastic Four comics. It should be interesting to see if Marvel has any ideas for setting her apart from previous character adaptations.
The Human Torch Johnny Storm
Sue’s younger brother was part of the team and found he had the ability to set himself ablaze when he returned home from the group’s mission. He would take on the moniker of The Human Torch, but he is actually not the first Marvel hero to use it. Back when the company was still known as Timely Comics, a character was already known as The Human Torch. This was an android named Jim Hammond. A scientist created him, and he could catch fire. The character was retired in the 50s, and Stan Lee reused the name and power set for the new characters he had come up with.
Johnny is usually shown as a brash character who sometimes acts before he thinks. This causes all sorts of issues and can cause tension on the team from Ben Grimm. His recklessness has made him form a friendship with Spider-Man, and the characters constantly try to outperform each other. This competition has made the duo a fan-favorite buddy team whenever they appear in a comic together.
Chris Evans previously played Johnny Storm in the early 2000s films. Fans hope for a cameo appearance as the character in the upcoming Marvel Multiverse film Secret Wars. For the 2015 film, Michael B. Jordan was cast as Sue’s adopted brother. Maybe we can get all the Johnny Storms together for this one? For the upcoming film, we’ll see Stranger Things Joseph Quinn takes on the role. His popularity on the show should bring a lot of fans in to see what he brings to the character.
The Thing Ben Grimm
The most sympathetic of the group, Ben Grimm, transforms into the living rock formation The Thing. You would think they would name him something else since he is very sensitive about his appearance. He would often be portrayed as the group member who suffered the most from their newfound powers. While he is now strong enough to go toe-to-toe with The Hulk on numerous occasions, they show that this is a burden rather than a gift for him.
Even with his new body affliction, he would find love numerous times in the comics, even if it usually was never meant to be. His rivalry with Johnny usually plays a lot of the comic relief in the comics. Their banter back and forth is hilarious and some of the best parts of the books. Seeing a good version of this on screen would be a great addition to the MCU.
Michael Chiklis and Jamie Bell played the character before. This time out, we’ll see Ebon Moss-Bachrach from The Bear take on the role. From the numerous roles he has been known for, this version of the character should be interesting. Rather than trying to find an actor with a larger frame to play the role, they are going with someone who seems to have a large personality. He has confirmed that he will use motion capture to play The Thing. How it looks on screen will determine how successful the character is.
What’s It About?
That’s the big question. With all the Earth-threatening situations we have already seen in the MCU, we have to assume they are not present in the MCU at this moment. The excuse they used with The Eternals of them being told not to interfere with human problems isn’t going to cut it this time around. Let’s be honest, it didn’t really work the last time around.
From the teaser art that Marvel put out on Instagram when they announced the main cast, it could be assumed that the film will take place in the 1960s. The retro feel of the decor in the picture and the clothing the characters are wearing seem to indicate it. Could something have happened to cause the team to disappear? It’s not exactly the same thing, but it would be like putting Captain America on ice. The team is lost in the 60s and returns back to the world of 2024. It’s easy to see how this could be part of the story that leads into Secret Wars.
How Do They Fit Into Secret Wars?
The upcoming film Secret Wars is the focal point, similar to how Endgame was years ago, and this indicates that The Fantastic Four will play a pivotal role in the MCU. There has been no mention of who plays Doctor Doom when the FF hits the MCU. In the Secret Wars crossover, Doom plays an essential role. The universe is destroyed, but Doom is granted almost God-like powers to reassemble it. He grabs parts of alternate worlds to piece them together. So, for our understanding, it would be like he would grab part of the Fox X-Men universe, part of the Sony Spider-Man Universe, and part of the MCU and slap them together.
With Doctor Doom being such a big part of that story, it only makes sense that The Fantastic Four would play a pivotal role in Secret Wars. Rumors suggest Javier Bardem is being eyed to play Galactus for their solo film. This is one of the most famous Fantastic Four stories, so trying and getting that story on film would only make sense. Bardem can be a pretty stoic guy when the role calls for it. Just look at No Country For Old Men. Anything would have to be better than the cloud we saw the last time out.
When Can We See It?
As of now, the plan is for it to be released on July 25th, 2025. Still a ways out, but as we’ve seen with numerous Marvel films (looking at you Blade), release dates can shift at any time. With Marvel still trying to figure out what they are doing in the future after the firing of Jonathan Majors, next summer would be a great time to bring in the First Family to course-correct their direction. As the Avengers seem to be winding down in the MCU, it’s a good time to bring in the FF and the X-Men to push forward in a new direction. Hopefully, it will keep fans interested since the last couple of films don’t seem to be doing so well.
Are you excited for a new Fantastic Four film? Let us know in the comments. And yes, I didn’t talk about the Roger Corman film because that deserves its own column.
The post Everything We Know About The Fantastic Four appeared first on JoBlo.
By: Bryan Wolford
Title: Everything We Know About The Fantastic Four
Sourced From: www.joblo.com/everything-we-know-about-the-fantastic-four/
Published Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:14:19 +0000
I’m Jason, and I write for ValleyNewspaper.com!
I love to travel and enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking or working remotely from quaint little coffee shops.
The best thing about the blog for me is the ability to discuss anything, from personal life to current events.
I enjoy spending time with my Wife, 2 boys, and my Pug, Patty. I love traveling and speaking at social media events.
If you want to know anything else, ask!
Entertainment
I’m a former vet assistant who has trimmed hundreds of dogs’ nails — this nail grinder is the most beginner-friendly tool
When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
The Dremel PawControl Deluxe Pet Nail Trimming Kit includes everything you need to grind a dog's nails.
Jackie Brown; Lisa Sabatini/Business Insider
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.
The removable nail guard attachment is recommended for new users.
Jackie Brown/Business Insider
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.
If you're new to nail grinding, the Quick Start Guide provides clear directions and helpful illustrations.
Lisa Sabatini/Business Insider
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.
——————————————-
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
I’m Jason, and I write for ValleyNewspaper.com!
I love to travel and enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking or working remotely from quaint little coffee shops.
The best thing about the blog for me is the ability to discuss anything, from personal life to current events.
I enjoy spending time with my Wife, 2 boys, and my Pug, Patty. I love traveling and speaking at social media events.
If you want to know anything else, ask!
Entertainment
An ex-Microsoft VP of HR explains 3 things you can do to stay on your boss’s radar and off the layoff list
Chris Williams, ex-Microsoft VP of HR, wrote that being visible helps avoid uncomfortable inquiries like DOGE's "five bullet points" requested email.
sakchai vongsasiripat/Getty Images
- 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.
——————————————-
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
I’m Jason, and I write for ValleyNewspaper.com!
I love to travel and enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking or working remotely from quaint little coffee shops.
The best thing about the blog for me is the ability to discuss anything, from personal life to current events.
I enjoy spending time with my Wife, 2 boys, and my Pug, Patty. I love traveling and speaking at social media events.
If you want to know anything else, ask!
Entertainment
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
I’m Jason, and I write for ValleyNewspaper.com!
I love to travel and enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking or working remotely from quaint little coffee shops.
The best thing about the blog for me is the ability to discuss anything, from personal life to current events.
I enjoy spending time with my Wife, 2 boys, and my Pug, Patty. I love traveling and speaking at social media events.
If you want to know anything else, ask!
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