Author Charles Gaines, who popularized the world of bodybuilding with 'Pumping Iron,' dies at 84
NEW YORK (AP) — Charles Gaines, the author who helped bring bodybuilding into the mainstream with "Pumping Iron," has died at 84. His daughter Greta confirmed his passing on Tuesday. Gaines collaborated with George Butler on the book and documentary "Pumping Iron," which introduced Arnold Schwarzenegger to the world. Initially, Gaines didn't expect the book to interest many outside bodybuilding. Schwarzenegger, who won multiple Mr. Olympia titles, later became a movie star and governor of California. Gaines, who began lifting weights at 16, also wrote novels like "Stay Hungry." Schwarzenegger praised Gaines for his adventurous spirit and influence.
Cinerama Dome, an iconic Hollywood theater shuttered by COVID pandemic, will reopen
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The iconic Cinerama Dome in Hollywood is set to be restored and reopened. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will operate the theater and an adjacent 14-theater complex. Sony Pictures Entertainment announced the plan to restore the Dome and reopen it in early 2028. The distinctive geodesic exterior and large logo will remain intact. The dome will not have in-theater dining, unlike other Drafthouse theaters. The massive screen supports 70 mm projection, popularized by Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey.” The dome has been closed since April 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The adjacent complex will offer in-theater dining.
Rei Ami from 'KPop Demon Hunters' and comedian Ken Jeong take a bite out of 'Shark Week'
NEW YORK (AP) — Rei Ami, known for her singing voice in “KPop Demon Hunters,” recently faced real sharks during a dive. She was scared but also deeply moved by the experience. Viewers can watch her and hear a new K-pop song inspired by her shark encounter as Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” begins Sunday. The event features 20 new shows exploring sharks, including a dive attempt into shark-infested waters. Actor Ken Jeong joins Rei Ami for the show “K-Pop Shark Heroes.” “Shark Week” aims to educate and entertain, dispelling myths about sharks. It runs for seven nights, ending Aug. 1.
Terrorism trial opens in stabbing of author Salman Rushdie
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The man who was convicted of trying to kill Salman Rushdie is on trial again. Prosecutors and defense lawyers gave opening statements Wednesday in Hadi Matar’s federal terrorism trial in Buffalo, New York. The Booker Prize-winning Rushdie is expected to testify later this week. He was stabbed on a lecture stage in 2022. The 28-year-old Matar has pleaded not guilty. He is serving a 25-year prison sentence on an attempted murder conviction. The federal case is expected to delve more into questions of motive. Prosecutors argue that Matar was acting out of loyalty to Iran’s theocratic government and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. Iran's late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini called for Rushdie’s death following his 1988 novel “The Satanic Verses.”
Kaylee Hottle, deaf 'Godzilla' actor, killed in car crash at 18
Kaylee Hottle, a deaf actor known for her roles in two “Godzilla” films, has died in a car crash in Maryland. She was 18. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office reports the crash happened early Tuesday morning. Hottle was one of two passengers when the car went off the road. The driver was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. In “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the sequel, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” Hottle played an orphaned girl named Jia who sees beyond Kong’s threatening appearance and forms a special bond with the monster. Her parents, who are also deaf, shared emotional tributes online. The crash is under investigation.
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On 'Little Miss Twain,' Shania Twain reflects on her humble beginnings and her late mother
NEW YORK (AP) — Shania Twain's new album, “Little Miss Twain,” explores her early life in Northern Ontario, Canada, a chapter she says most of her fans don't know much about. She recalls singing to rugged crowds of miners and hunters in small town bars. The album, out Friday, covers her journey from age 8 to her late 20s, before her major label deal. Twain reflects on her late mother, who managed her early career, in the title track. The album features collaborations with Tanya Tucker and Twain's son, Eja. Twain's voice now has a gravelly tone due to a procedure following her Lyme disease diagnosis, but she embraces her new sound. And it works, particularly in the album's rock ‘n’ roll moments.
The latest thing in cocktails is spicy and savory. Tips and recipes for home bartenders
LONDON (AP) — Spicy drinks are trending, and bartenders are getting creative. Turner Greaves from New York’s Sip and Guzzle describes his tequila highball, Doctor Green, as herbaceous and slightly bitter, with tomatillo, green apple and serrano pepper. Customers can adjust the spice level with a dropper. James Stevenson from London’s Brutes of Mayfair also notes a shift toward savory cocktails. His mezcal-based Bagheera is a spicy margarita with fresh chile and coriander. Agave spirits like tequila and mezcal pair well with spice due to their vegetal profiles. Bartenders are also using ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns and gochujang.
Detective says D4vd ordered chain saws, body bags in hearing to decide if singer should go to trial
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A hearing has begun to determine whether singer D4vd, legally known as David Burke, should go on trial in the killing and dismembering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. A homicide detective testified that Burke ordered items like a body bag and chain saws after her death. Prosecutors showed photos of the dismembered body. Authorities allege he killed her to prevent her from revealing their relationship, which could ruin his music career. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder and sexual abuse of a minor. Burke's music career reportedly earned over $10 million since 2023.
South Korean singer Lim Kim traces a decade of self-discovery on new album ‘Exit to Nowhere’
SEOUL (AP) — South Korean singer Lim Kim has released her second full-length album, “Exit to Nowhere,” 13 years after her debut album, “A Voice.” The seven-track record traces her journey from uncertain 20s to early 30s. When Kim released her last major project in 2019, she said global interest in South Korea and its music, including K-pop, was still developing. Kim said her new album represents a move away from the broader cultural questions and toward a more personal reflection.
Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark and Derrick Rose tabbed as NBA 2K cover athletes
NEW YORK (AP) — Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark and Derrick Rose have been revealed as the cover athletes for NBA 2K27. Wembanyama is featured on the Standard Edition, Clark on the Deluxe Edition, and Rose on the limited-time Ultra Edition. The Standard Edition launches on September 4, while Deluxe and Ultra editions offer early access starting August 28. Rose, who was also on the cover of NBA 2K13, sees this as a chance to inspire young athletes.
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