Many National Spelling Bee contenders pursue mastery. For a few, it's more about memorization
WASHINGTON (AP) — Many kids who've won the Scripps National Spelling Bee have taken a comprehensive approach to their preparation. They use private coaches, pay for word lists and study guides and compete in online bees. They seek a mastery of roots and language patterns that will help them figure out words they've never heard before. But sometimes a speller comes along who does it differently. Sarv Dharavane finished third last year. He says he just reads the dictionary, makes his own word lists and remembers them. Several former champions and coaches say memorization is important, but no one can memorize every word.
Matthew Perry's assistant gets more than 3 years in prison for central role in his ketamine death
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Matthew Perry's personal assistant was sentenced to three years and five months in prison for his role in the drug death of the “Friends” star. The 60-year-old Kenneth Iwamasa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Perry's family blames Iwamasa, a longtime friend, for enabling Perry's addiction. According to his plea agreement, the assistant bought ketamine on Perry's behalf and injected him with it personally. The actor died at age 54 in 2023. Four other defendants have pleaded guilty and received sentences in the case.
The Chicks announce intimate 'Taking the Long Way' 20th Anniversary Tour. 'This is our lives'
NEW YORK (AP) — The Chicks are taking their 2006 album “Taking the Long Way” on tour this fall. The Texas trio of Emily Strayer, Martie Maguire and Natalie Maines will perform in intimate theaters across the U.S. They will play the album in full. The record marked a major comeback after the country music industry turned its back on them in 2003. During a London show, Natalie Maines criticized then-President George W. Bush, leading to backlash. The album, featuring the hit “Not Ready to Make Nice,” won five Grammy Awards. The tour starts Sept. 30 in Detroit and ends Nov. 2 in Los Angeles. Tickets go on sale June 4.
Independent bookstores are multiplying, although many people still think they're dying out
NEW YORK (AP) — Allison Hill, CEO of the American Booksellers Association, often hears people express sympathy for her role, assuming bookstores are disappearing. However, independent bookstores are actually thriving. Membership in the association grew by 540 over the past year, reaching 3,417 stores. This is nearly double from a decade ago. The growth includes various types of stores, from traditional to mobile and pop-up shops. Hill notes that people are seeking realignment with their values, driving this resurgence. Despite challenges like high costs and budget cuts, the independent bookstore scene remains vibrant, though Hill describes it as “precarious.”
Movie Review: In D-Day tale ‘Pressure,’ Andrew Scott is a forecaster with news nobody wants to hear
The story of D-Day has been told countless times. But “Pressure” tells a tale that is relatively little known and weather plays a starring role. Andrew Scott plays a Scottish meteorologist whose job was to prepare a forecast for Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. His forecast was an unpopular one, but it ultimately forced postponement of the invasion and saved the day. Playing opposite Brendan Fraser as a physically opposing, blustery Ike, Scott gives a terrifically layered performance, writes Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck in her review. Focus Features releases “Pressure” in theaters Friday.
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Movie Review: 'Backrooms' goes from internet meme to the big screen
What evil lurks in the drabbest of interiors? The meme-rooted “Backrooms” is the latest movie to pull its mounting horrors out of liminal spaces. It's based on a meme that began as an anonymous 4chan post. But “Backrooms” struggles to retrofit a compelling story to match its disquietingly banal imagery, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle. Directed by 20-year-old YouTuber-turned-filmmaker Kane Parsons, the movie is a fitfully unsettling nightmare that never convincingly builds beyond its creepy, dated-decor premise. A24 releases “Backrooms” in theaters on Friday.
Music Review: Shinedown's 'EI8HT' is one of the hard rock band's best albums yet
Shinedown showcases creative versatility on “EI8HT,” their eighth studio album out Friday. The chart-topping rockers scrap the concept-driven formula of their last two albums and offer an unpredictable mix of styles on the 18-track “EI8HT,” argues The Associated Press’ Dennis Waszak Jr. in his review. He says “EI8HT” may be one of Shinedown’s best albums. High-energy rock tracks like “Safe and Sound” and “Killing Fields” are highlights, along with heartfelt ballads “Three Six Five” and “The Pilot.” For the first time, the rockers also explore country influences with “Searchlight.” Waszak says Shinedown has made a career of baring their souls in their music and argues that “EI8HT” is another victory.
Federal judge drops charges against ex-Fox executive in soccer corruption case
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge in Brooklyn has agreed to dismiss charges against a convicted former Fox executive and South American sports media company in a corruption case related to TV rights for international soccer tournaments. Judge Pamela K. Chen on Wednesday accepted U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr.'s reasons for wanting to end the prosecution of Hernan Lopez. A smiling Lopez, the former CEO of Fox International Channels, said outside federal court that he was relieved that “a case that never should have started is finally over.” Lopez and Full Play Group SA were convicted in 2023 of paying tens of millions of dollars in bribes to nab broadcasting rights to the World Cup and other top matches.
Music Review: On Paul McCartney's 'The Boys of Dungeon Lane,' an ex-Beatle reminisces
NEW YORK (AP) — For Paul McCartney, “The Boys of Dungeon Lane” is a trip down memory lane. The 83-year-old ex-Beatle reminisces about bus rides with George Harrison, his parents and a long-ago crush who once lived in his neighborhood. He duets with Ringo Starr on a tune about rough surroundings that he didn’t notice because, as the title says, it was “Home to Us.” With the help of producer Andrew Watt, McCartney plays almost all the instruments himself. The pop-rock disc is “pleasant in spots, inoffensive in others,” writes reviewer David Bauder for The Associated Press.
Venue gets mixed reviews as National Spelling Bee returns to DC ahead of White House UFC event
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Scripps National Spelling Bee has moved from suburban Maryland to downtown Washington, and not all spellers and their families appreciate the change. The Bee is being held at Constitution Hall, a nearly century-old concert venue just blocks from the White House and the Washington Monument. Spellers are dealing with logistical hurdles including crowded hallways, limited dining options and shuttle bus rides. The quickest route between the venue and the hotel where spellers are staying would be to walk across the Ellipse south of the White House. But that's been fenced off for a UFC event on President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
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