Dubai: Where Every Moment is an Extravagant Indulgence

Dubai, a city that epitomizes opulence, isn’t merely a destination; it’s an experience that beckons adventurers and luxury seekers alike. From its towering skyscrapers to man-made islands, this emirate is a wonderland of excess—an extravagant playground where the only rule is to indulge without hesitation. Forget moderation; in Dubai, it’s all about going big, or just go home.

Imagine starting your day at the Burj Al Arab, a striking “seven-star” hotel that rises majestically from a private island. Guests often flock to Bab Al Yam for breakfast, savoring dishes that could rival any brunch spread worldwide before embarking on the must-do 90-minute butler-guided tour. This deep dive into the hotel’s history includes jaw-dropping views of the Royal Suite and a chance to see the very sports car that once spun doughnuts on the helipad—an unforgettable snapshot of Dubai’s glamorous allure.

Once you’ve satisfied your appetite for both food and sightseeing, why not take a leisurely jaunt to The Outlet Village in Jebel Ali? Here, you could snag designer duds from names like Armani and Coach at prices that make splurging feel oh-so-right. But don’t get too comfortable; the Dubai Mall is calling. As the UAE’s largest shopping destination, it’s packed with high-street and luxury boutiques under the watchful eye of the Burj Khalifa. “Be prepared to crane your neck looking up at the world’s tallest building,” as you weave through a retail wonderland.

As dusk descends, the Dubai Fountain—located at the base of Burj Khalifa—transforms into a mesmerizing aquatic performance, dancing to music and lights like nothing you’ve ever witnessed. With shows erupting every half-hour between 6 PM and 11 PM, it’s a spectacle that might just make you rethink what you thought you knew about fountains.

Let’s not forget the culinary wonders that swirl amid the confusion of Dubai’s thriving nightlife. Feeling adventurous? Dive into the izakaya-style dining at Zuma Dubai, where sharing small plates is practically a rite of passage. Who could resist the monkfish tempura with yuzu mayo or the refreshing twist on grilled chicken wings? “Model your new purchases at one of Dubai’s best restaurants”—a gentle reminder that dining here isn’t just a meal; it’s a lifestyle statement.

Day two rolls around—perhaps with the sun rising as you jog along the picturesque track at The Beach, JBR. Here, you can unleash the guilt of your previous day’s indulgences, working off that rich brunch that’s all but a weekend institution in this city. You’ll have to brace yourself for a brunch that spans three to four hours of bottomless food and drinks—because why not? The Ritz-Carlton Dubai’s London Social Garden Brunch promises a vibrant atmosphere, inspired by the charm of Notting Hill and heavenly farm-to-table ingredients, attracting crowds that are all too eager to dive back into the delicious cycle of decadence.

But after brunch, a gentle stroll through the Dubai Miracle Garden awaits—“a surreal petal-filled landscape”—where flowers bloom brilliantly against the backdrop of the desert. It’s a visual feast, featuring heart-shaped trellises and whimsical structures, making for perfect Instagram fodder.

As the sun disappears, the Glow Garden lights up, with a brilliant display of illuminated sculptures—a fitting conclusion to a weekend of excess. Each visit to Dubai feels like a new chapter; whether you’re sipping artisan cocktails at a beach club or exploring the artistic corridors of Alserkal Avenue, where local talent thrives against the backdrop of a bustling city.

From the luxurious Bulgari Resort on Jumeirah Bay to the quirky charm of Rove Downtown Dubai, the accommodations here are as varied as the experiences. If you want to try something uniquely Dubai, don’t miss camel milk ice cream, available in flavors like saffron and cardamom—a delicious twist that encapsulates the emirate’s rich cultural tapestry and creative flair.

Summer may bring intense heat, but from the late autumn to early spring, enjoy the beautiful weather while diving into everything Dubai has to offer. Nevertheless, no matter when you visit, this city promises an unforgettable experience of glamour, excess, and the kind of lifestyle that most only dream about. Plan wisely, soak it all in, and, above all, remember—while in Dubai, indulge to your heart’s content.

RCMP Under Fire: Calls for Transparency Rise After Excessive Force Allegations Resurface

The RCMP is now re-evaluating its longstanding silence regarding the investigation into two officers accused of excessive force in the Northwest Territories—a situation that has sparked significant public interest. The critical turning point arrived with a report indicating that the RCMP is considering whether to disclose information about its internal inquiry into the actions of its members. This move follows a controversial incident from 2020, where two Yellowknife RCMP officers faced charges after an altercation with a Tłı̨chǫ woman, Tracella Romie, at the local detachment.,Initially charged with assault, the officers—Const. Francessca Bechard and Cpl. Jason Archer—saw the charges eventually stayed due to a lack of evidence that would ensure a reasonable prospect of conviction. As the legal proceedings unfolded, video footage surfaced, reportedly capturing Bechard throwing a punch at Romie during the search process after her arrest. Engel, chair of the Criminal Trial Lawyers’ Association policing committee, firmly contends that the public deserves clarity on whether any internal examination has occurred, stating, “Whenever a police officer uses force, that’s a matter of public interest—and I would think that would be obvious to most Canadians.”,Despite the serious nature of the allegations, former RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki previously brushed off inquiries into the internal investigation. Engel had initially requested information in 2022, but Lucki’s response was nonchalant, arguing that it constituted a “private matter” and citing privacy regulations that supposedly restrained the RCMP from sharing personal employee data. However, the gravity of the situation—combined with Engel’s persistence—prompted the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (CRCC) to step in, asserting not only that the internal investigation was indeed a matter of public interest but also that the RCMP’s former stance was insufficiently justified.,Fast forward to December 2024, where current RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme recognized the need for a reassessment of the existing policy on disclosure, admitting that a more profound justification should have accompanied the previous decision. After all, the Privacy Act—as cited by Lucki—does not compel secrecy but merely offers the agency discretion over what they release to the public. “I’m not saying that we’re looking for a particular outcome of an investigation,” Engel clarified, “We just want to know, was there an investigation?”,In the aftermath of the 2020 incident—stemming from Romie’s arrest for allegedly assaulting liquor store staff—the troubling patterns of police behavior in the detachment have raised eyebrows. Engel highlights that even if the criminal charges against the officers didn’t proceed, that does not absolve them of potential breaches under the RCMP Act. The reality is agonizingly clear: the public is left in the dark as they wait for answers. “Given all those circumstances, one would think that the RCMP commissioner would say, ‘well, we’d better investigate this,’” he asserted, highlighting the irony of the situation.,As a further complication, the inconsistency in public disclosure of RCMP conduct hearings adds another layer of frustration. There doesn’t seem to be a straightforward rationale for why some hearings are accessible while others are not—a dichotomy that seems to underscore a troubling lack of transparency. The public clamor for accountability within the police force regarding use of force incidents is more than just noise; it’s a clarion call for justice and clarity—a demand that the RCMP, along with all law enforcement agencies, must take seriously.

RCMP Under Fire: Transparency Demands Surge After Allegations of Excessive Force Against Tłı̨chǫ Woman

The RCMP, in a move that could rock the boat of public trust, is now re-evaluating its decision to keep mum regarding whether two officers from the N.W.T. faced an internal investigation for their alleged excessive use of force against a Tłı̨chǫ woman. This shift comes after mounting pressure and a stern recommendation from the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (CRCC)—an independent body that advocates for transparency in policing.

Two officers in the Yellowknife detachment—Const. Francessca Bechard and Cpl. Jason Archer—had a brush with the law themselves back in 2020 after an altercation with Tracella Romie. An incident at a local liquor store led to her arrest under contentious circumstances, which escalated significantly once she arrived at the detachment. Video evidence reportedly shows Const. Bechard delivering a punch to Romie—a moment that should have triggered a quick internal review, or at least some serious soul-searching within the force.

However, despite initial charges being leveled against the officers, those were eventually stayed, leaving many questioning what, if anything, the RCMP has done in response. Tom Engel, chair of the Criminal Trial Lawyers’ Association’s policing committee, has voiced concerns over the RCMP’s silence, arguing fervently that “Whenever a police officer uses force, that’s a matter of public interest—and I would think that would be obvious to most Canadians.”

Engel’s calls for more transparency have not fallen on deaf ears, but the initial response from the former RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki was anything but satisfying. She claimed the situation was a “private matter,” invoking a section of the Privacy Act to justify the lack of disclosure. It was a standard line that many public institutions fall back on, but the CRCC didn’t let it rest. They agreed with Engel, stating that the inquiry into potential misconduct by police officers is inherently a matter of public interest.

With the crux of the issue laid bare, new RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme has indicated a willingness to reconsider. He acknowledged that the rationale behind the previous decision to keep the information under wraps was insufficient and left many feeling in the dark. As Duheme noted, “There should have been more justification of the decision not to disclose whether there’s been an investigation,” emphasizing the need for clarity and accountability.

What’s particularly telling is the acknowledgment that the RCMP has the discretion to disclose or withhold information—it is not a hard-and-fast rule. Engel’s position remains steadfast: “I’m not saying that we’re looking for a particular outcome of an investigation. We just want to know, was there an investigation?” His request is as reasonable as it is necessary.

The implications of this case extend beyond the two officers involved. It raises questions about systemic practices within the RCMP and the broader issue of police accountability in Canada. While some conduct hearings are open to public scrutiny, the inconsistency in the RCMP’s approach to these matters—some deemed private, some public—needs to be scrutinized. Why the disparity? Transparency is the cornerstone of trust in any public service, especially when the actions of those sworn to protect the public come under question.

As this narrative unfolds, one thing is apparent: the conversation around policing practices in Canada is far from over. The potential for an internal investigation could either pave the way for much-needed reform or reinforce old habits that allow misconduct to slip through the cracks. The stakes are high, and the public deserves answers.

‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’ Is Not the Pulp Fiction You’re Looking For

There’s an entire subgenre of modern crime movies you might call “Heat Rashes” — those heist thrillers that worship at the altar of Michael Mann’s 1995 stone-cold classic. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and the best and most admiring of these Mann-handlers is, by a huge margin, 2018’s Den of Thieves. In the De Niro corner, you’ve got Pablo Schreiber as the leader of a bank-robbery crew who’s dreaming the impossible dream: ripping off the Federal Reserve in Los Angeles. Taking on the Pacino role, Gerard Butler is the one calling the shots for the sheriff department’s Major Crimes Unit, a morally gray law-enforcement gang he runs with a fuck-you panache that would put Vic Mackey to shame. When Schreiber isn’t whipping his cohorts — which includes Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Evan Jones, a.k.a. Cheddar Bob from 8 Mile — into shape and Butler isn’t dealing with domestic strife on the homefront, they’re engaged in a he-man dick-measuring contest; the equivalent of their diner conversation is a dialogue-less sequence set in a gun range. Freudian analysts, start your engines!

It helped immensely that writer-director Christian Gudegast not only seemed to have studied that earlier totem of tough-guy cinema but knew exactly how to hug the curves during the action sequences, notably a climactic showdown that combined Heat’s ballistic street fight with Sicario’s cat-and-mouse game in border-stop traffic. It’s an impeccably curated, high-grade pulp mix-tape that succeeds best when it’s paying homage to one specific film, only to become diluted by a last-act decision to try aping The Usual Suspects as well. Full disclosure: We still rewatch this at least once a year. And when Den ended with one of the few surviving characters mentioning something about the European diamond market, a million pairs of fans’ fingers were crossed in the hope that maybe, just maybe, we’d one day get a sequel.

And now that sequel has finally arrived, and we wished we’d read the fine print a little closer in this particular monkey-paw-wish negotiation. Gudegast’s Den of Thieves 2: Pantera — the subtitle refers to the name of a task force looking into a massive heist, and spoiler alert, “Walk” isn’t on the soundtrack — does make good on the jewel-heist tease, kicking off with a well-organized boost of rare diamonds that’s just arrived at a Belgian airport. It seems that Donnie Wilson (Jackson) is leading a crew of his own, which includes a French thief named Jovanna (Evin Ahmad), a Serbian crook named Slavko (Gomorrah’s Salvatore Esposito), and a whole lotta Balkan thugs. Back in L.A., “Big Nick” O’Brien (Butler) is still stewing over the fact that the money from the Fed job was never recovered. (In fact, the stolen millions were never even registered as being stolen, but that’s a whole other story.) He gets a hunch that the Antwerp job might have been done by his M.I.A. main suspect, however, so thanks to some vague favor-trading with that F.B.I. agent for the first film, he somehow gets international jurisdiction. Once again, we got ourselves a good ol’ fashioned cop-vs.-criminal-mastermind standoff!

His timing is good, since Donnie is pretending he’s a French diamond broker and running a long-game con against the World Diamond Center in Nice. He’s also accidentally stolen a giant gemstone owned by a Sicilian Mafia bigwig, however, and needs to retrieve it from his liason’s safety deposit box in the building’s vault or else. Big Nick tracks him down on the Riviera, and says that in exchange for not taking Donnie in — or putting a bullet through his skill, because y’know how corrupt cops operate — he wants in on the job as well. Being a rogue sheriff in the City of Angels doesn’t pay well, so why not get some of that sweet, sweet illicit loot?

Long story short, things don’t quite go as smoothly as planned. Having established the foundation for a potential franchise with the original Den of Thieves, Gudegast stops going to the Heat well and mines a host of old-school European heist flicks, making the most of both the exotic locales and the Fort Knox-style set-up of the Center. It’s not a knock to say that the most elaborate set piece here is also its biggest example of meta-thievery: an extended, showstopping sequence involving the gang’s infiltration, penetration and escape from the WDC, done with military-style precision and more than a little pickpocketing of the genre’s Rosetta stone, Rififi (1955). Given how airtight this whole affair is presented, you’d think that the writer-director and his crew were as expert at their jobs as Wilson and “the Panthers,” as the thieves are called, are at theirs.

It’s everything else around this centerpiece that’s the problem. Pantera tries to build off of the legacy of that first glorious slab of pulp cinema without replicating it — Gudegast isn’t interested in mounting a copy of a copy. But a lot of the pleasure of watching the filmmaker and his cast do their exquisite cover version is gone, replaced only by some clumsy buddy-comedy elements (was anyone begging to see Butler and Wilson to race each on electric scooters while high on Ecstasy?) and a lot of action-movie hot air. Far be it from us to say that watching Butler do his cock-of-the-walk bad-cop act isn’t fun, especially when he and Ahmad start generating their own heat. Ditto seeing Jackson unleashing his patented “Aw, come on, man!” facial expression while gamely trying to master a fake French accent. And kudos for that car chase scene through the tunnels of Sardinia!

It’s just that the original Den of Thieves reveled in being the baddest B movie on the block, happily hardboiling in its own Angeleno crime thriller juices. This sequel tries to expand into tonier genre horizons and gin up a sort of Den-iverse mythology, yet simply ends up playing tourist in smaller, more previously colonized territory. Congratulations on your European adventure. Now quit trying to be the next Fast & Furious and get back to those mean streets, please.

‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’ Review: Gerard Butler, the King of the January Box Office, Elevates His Blasted-Cop-Meets-Heist-Movie Into a Franchise

Why It Would Be Really Dumb for the Oscars Not to Nominate ‘Challengers’ for Best Picture 3 weeks ago

As a movie star, Gerard Butler owns January the way Will Smith once owned Memorial Day and the “Meg” films own August. That Butler’s B-movie thrillers now hold sway over the frozen, box-office-lite oblivion of the early weeks of the year may seem a Pyrrhic victory, but at least he’s the king of something. And Butler’s brusque, beady-eyed, scowling-hulk charisma has aged well. A quick-fire actor in a caveman’s body, he has the ability to lift a piece of pulp so it almost seems like a real movie.

For much of its two-hour-and-24-minute running time, “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” the sequel to Butler’s cops-vs.-crooks heist thriller from 2018, does a satisfying impersonation of a high-end crime film. If you want to know what makes Butler a commanding genre bruiser, look no further than the way he smokes on camera, dragging on a cigarette as if he were sucking the tobacco right into his soul. In “Den of Thieves 2,” Butler returns as “Big Nick” O’Brien, an L.A. cop at the frayed end of his tether. There’s a new team of burglars — they’re Balkan thugs who speak in knotty accents — and O’Shea Jackson Jr. is once again on hand as Donnie Wilson, who by the end of “Den of Thieves” was revealed to be that film’s underworld mastermind.

Having successfully robbed the Federal Reserve by stealing a mountain of about-to-be-shredded bills (so no one would know they were missing), Donnie escaped to Antwerp, which is where he now hooks up with Jovanna (Evin Ahmad), who leads a team of thieves known as the Panthers. (Pantera is the code name for the police task force out to stop them.) The film opens with the Panthers, disguised in SWAT gear, lifting a cache of diamonds from a jet that flew in from South Africa.

But those diamonds are just going to be the bait. In Nice, Donnie and Jovanna, posing as wealthy jewel connoisseurs, launch a plan to fence the stolen gems at the World Diamond Center, a public fortress — sort of like a Swiss bank for precious stones — that’s patrolled like a castle, with a phalanx of security guards and 137 surveillance cameras. Once set up there, they launch their real plan: to break into the World Diamond Center’s inner vault.

That’s an “Ocean’s”-level job. And Donnie, played by Jackson with a newly nimble cosmopolitan savoir faire, is going to have a partner he didn’t expect. It’s Nick, who has tracked Donnie down and wants to join the gang, which he does by parading his newly divorced, down-in-the-dumps cop’s life as a turncoat sob story. In reality, Nick wants to get his revenge on Donnie by entrapping him. But the plot of “Den of Thieves 2” is a have-your-heist-and-eat-it-too con-within-a-con, with Nick and Donnie as both adversaries and buddies. How could we not want to see them succeed?

Nick, brandishing an international marshal’s badge (it’s expired, but who cares?), has formed a hidden alliance with a Belgian police chief, Hugo (Yasen Zates Atour), which allows him to strut around the Antwerp police station mangling the pronunciation of “croissant” and generally pushing his Ugly American rebel boorishness. He does the same thing when infiltrating the thieves, and it’s a kick to see Butler take the piss out of these Euro thugs or get blasted on hashish on the dance floor.

The writer-director Christian Gudegast staged the first “Den of Thieves” as a solid imitation Michael Mann film (it was like an overboiled “Heat”), at least until the movie succumbed to more and more preposterous plotting. “Den of Thieves 2” is smoother and more all of a piece, with a story that skips around European cities and pauses for a subplot about Sardinian mobsters, who lost a giant pink rock in the jet heist. They drop Nick and Donnie into the ocean as a threat about what will happen if they don’t get it back.

The heist itself is brash, fun, and impossible to believe (which, for me, kind of tamped down on the fun). The Panthers learn that most of the surveillance-cam images aren’t visible on the guards’ monitor at any given moment; they hack the grid to learn which shots flash into visibility when. But the notion that they could somehow coordinate all this with where they are in the fortress at any given moment — hallways, elevator shaft, vault — makes little sense. Watching “Den of Thieves 2,” you don’t so much suspend your disbelief as slip it a sedative for about 25 minutes.

Yet Gudegast, for all his casualness toward plausibility, is an energizing filmmaker. He keeps the mano-a-mano standoffs humming, and he’s got a sixth sense for how to showcase Butler as a glamorously disheveled schlock version of Dirty Harry-meets-Popeye Doyle-meets- “Lethal Weapon”-gone-lone-wolf. Butler has been a star for 20 years now, and in that time he has fought an array of political terrorists (in the “…Has Fallen” films) and faced off against forces as disparate as ecological disaster (“Greenland”), Russian kidnappers (“Hunter Killer”), and anti-colonial guerrillas (“Plane”). But the “Den of Thieves” films could turn out to be Butler’s most rock-solid franchise. They’re something old that’s also new: heist movies with a death wish.

Cillian Murphy will NOT reprise his role in 28 Days Later

Cillian Murphy will not reprise his role as Jim in the post-apocalyptic film 28 Days Later.

The movie’s producer Andrew Macdonald confirmed the disappointing news following wide speculation Cillian would be returning as a Zombie.

After the trailer dropped last year, fans went wild as they thought the star seemingly made a jaw-dropping comeback in zombie form.

The Hollywood actor, 48, starred in Danny Boyle’s original 2002 horror flick as survivor Jim.

Despite Cillian wanting to be involved in the upcoming film, Andrew told Empire magazine he is only an executive producer currently.

Speaking with Empire magazine, Andrew said: ‘[On] this, we wanted him to be involved and he wanted to be involved. He is not in the first film, but I’m hoping there will be some Jim somewhere along the line.

Cillian Murphy, 48, will not reprise his role as Jim in the post-apocalyptic film 28 Days Later

The movie’s producer Andrew Macdonald confirmed the disappointing news following wide speculation Cillian would be returning as a Zombie

‘He’s involved at the moment as an executive producer, and I would hope we can work with him in some way in the future in the trilogy.’

After the trailer dropped, fans were quick to share their shock on X at the zombified form of what is seemingly Cillian’s character Jim, with the scene indicating the grim fate of the courier following the 28 Weeks Later film.

They penned: ‘Bro, what this mf did to Cillian Murphy’

‘Us seeing Cillian Murphy’; ‘Is….is that Cillian Murphy?’

‘Cillian Murphy has that perfect eerie vibe to pull off an infected’

‘That better not be Cillian Murphy rising out of that field. I didn’t think we’d actually ever get this movie’; ‘that’s not cillian murphy’

‘Oh god finally! Was not expecting Cillian Murphy to come back like that! I’m shook!!!’

Back in January, Cillian addressed speculation that he’d once again feature in the hit zombie franchise.

After the trailer dropped last year, fans went wild as they thought the star seemingly made a jaw-dropping comeback in zombie form

The nail-biting trailer for the upcoming post-apocalyptic horror film dropped last year, giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come in the horror sequel

After the trailer dropped, fans were quick to share their shock on X at the zombified form of what is seemingly Cillian’s character Jim, with the scene indicating the grim fate of the courier following the 28 Weeks Later film

Read More Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan share a laugh on the set of upcoming Peaky Blinders movie The Immortal Man

Cillian told The Independent of his plans for involvement: ‘I would be there in a flash. I made two movies with both of those guys (Boyle and Garland), and I would love to work with them again. Of course, I’m there.’

The original film 28 Days Later starred Cillian as a bicycle courier who wakes up from a coma to discover the accidental release of a highly contagious, aggression-inducing virus has caused the breakdown of society.

Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Megan Burns, and Brendan Gleeson appeared in supporting roles.

The film 28 Years Later is the sequel to 2002’s 28 Days Later and 2007’s 28 Weeks Later.

A sequel has already been ordered – 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple – and will be directed by The Marvels’ Nia DaCosta.

Last year, fans were stunned to discover that the 2025 blockbuster was filmed on an iPhone – the biggest movie to ever do so.

While most films use cameras from German manufacturers ARRI Group, director Danny Boyle decided the first ’28’ film in 18 years needed something different.

28 Years Later concluded filming this summer – and principal photography took place with a bunch of adapted iPhone 15s, WIRED reported.

Back in January, Cillian addressed speculation that he’d once again feature in the hit zombie franchise

‘I would be there in a flash. I made two movies with both of those guys (Boyle and Garland), and I would love to work with them again. Of course, I’m there’

28 Years Later is set to hit cinemas in June 2025 and also stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson [pictured] , Ralph Fiennes , Erin Kellyman and Jack O’Connell

With a budget of $75million, 28 Years Later is the biggest film to be created with an iPhone and follows in the footsteps of a new Apple TV show.

28 Days Later was a genre-defining film as it was the first to portray zombies as lightning fast rather than slow and sluggish.

The films take place 28 days, weeks, and years after the outbreak of a deadly virus in London, which infects everyone and turns them into bloodthirsty killers.

Anthony Dod Mantle will serve as 28 Years Later’s cinematographer – he and Danny won Oscars together in 2009 for their work on Slumdog Millionaire.

Anthony was also cinematographer on 28 Days Later, as well as Danny’s other films 127 Hours (2010), Trance (2013), and T2 Trainspotting (2017).

Principal filming for 28 Years Later wrapped at the end of August, and until now the production has kept under wraps the fact that the movie was shot with smartphones, with the film’s staff being asked to signed NDAs preventing the disclosure of this detail.

Gary Ginstling is hired as Houston Symphony CEO months after surprise departure from NY Philharmonic

Gary Ginstling was hired Friday as CEO of the Houston Symphony, six months following his surprise departure from the New York Philharmonic after just one year in charge.

Ginstling will start Feb. 3 and replace John Mangum, who had been Houston’s CEO since 2018 and left in September to succeed Anthony Freud as general director of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

“The Houston Symphony has a really strong track record and my goal is to continue to appeal to the greatest conductors and greatest artists of the day that Houston is a place that you want to be,” Ginstling said.

Ginstling, 58, became New York’s CEO on July 1, 2023, and quit last July 11. His predecessor, Deborah Borda, had remained as executive adviser to Ginstling and the board of directors.

Ginstling has not detailed the circumstances of his departure.

“It wasn’t a good fit for him culturally. It wasn’t a good fit for him, from his style. He did a lot of good things there,” Houston Symphony board president Barbara J. Burger said. “He started, from day one with us, how important culture was and I understand that completely. No one wants to work in an environment where they feel like they either can’t be successful, or they’re not trusted or they’ve got somebody looking over their shoulder.”

New York replaced Ginstling with Philadelphia Orchestra CEO Matías Tarnopolsky, who started Jan. 1. He was boosted by his long friendship with Gustavo Dudamel, who becomes New York’s music director in the 2026-27 season.

Ginstling worked for the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony before becoming general manager of the Cleveland Orchestra (2008-13), CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (2013-17) and executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra (2017-22).

Juraj Valčuha started as Houston’s music director for the 2022-23 season and is signed through 2025-26. The orchestra gives 130 concerts annually, has an operating budget of $40.7 million and includes 90 full-time musicians and 74 administrative staff.

Jones Hall, the orchestra’s home, has been undergoing a renovation over three summers that is scheduled to be finished this year ahead of its 60th anniversary in 2026.

‘Game of Thrones’ Star Set to Replace the Late Ray Stevenson in ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2

As Lucasfilm begins to gear up for the beginning of production on Ahsoka Season 2, there’s been a surprising casting announcement, which will be noteworthy for both fans of Star Wars and HBO’s Game of Thrones. Following the sudden, shocking and tragic death of Ray Stevenson in May 2023, Scottish actor Rory McCann, best known for his role as Sandor Clegane (aka The Hound) on Game of Thrones, has been cast to continue Stevenson’s legacy by stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll. The Hollywood Report confirmed the news, first reported by Jeff Sneider. McCann was a close friend of Stevenson, and Sneider reported that Stevenson’s widow gave McCann her blessing to take on the role and pay tribute to Stevenson’s memory in that way.

Baylan Skoll is a complex, layered anti-hero, which should be perfect for McCann to take on given his history, particularly in Game of Thrones. The character was introduced in Ahsoka Season 1, and is a former Jedi who abandoned the Order after the fall of the Republic. He is now a mercenary for hire, wielding a red lightsaber, and is accompanied by his apprentice, Shin Hati (played by Ivanna Sakhno). Skoll’s mysterious motivations and considerable screen presence quickly made him a seriously popular character, and fans are eager to see how the story will develop in the upcoming season.

Who is Rory McCann?

Outside of his role as Sandor Clegane in Game of Thrones, which he played for the full 8 seasons (or 6 seasons if you prefer to ignore how it ended), McCann has had quite the career. Since his time in Westeros, McCann has kept busy, recently appearing as General Tegula in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II. His role in Edgar Wright’s Hot Fuzz is one of the most memed moments in the Cornetto Trilogy, while he’s also appeared in blockbuster movies like Clash of the Titans and Jumanji: The Next Level. His TV credits are just as good, too.

He has appeared in shows like Shameless, The Legend of Vox Machina and Knuckles, the Sonic the Hedgehog spin-off which streamed last year on Paramount+. In his native Scotland, McCann is also known as the face of Scott’s Porage Oats, a beloved porridge company for which he became a household name. From breakfast food to the Jedi Order in 25 years. Not a bad career trajectory if you think about it.

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on Ahsoka and Star Wars. The InSneider was first to report this news.

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7 10 Ahsoka ActionDrama Sci-Fi

After the fall of the Galactic Empire, former Jedi Ahsoka Tano investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.

Cast Rosario Dawson , Natasha Liu Bordizzo , Hayden Christensen , Eman Esfandi , Ivanna Sakhno , Mary Elizabeth Winstead , Ray Stevenson , Genevieve O’Reilly , Lars Mikkelsen , Diana Lee Inosanto Seasons 1 Writers Dave Filoni

Watch on Disney+

Lily Allen can’t focus on anything apart from the ‘pain’ she’s in

Lily Allen has heartbreaking admitted she can’t concentrate on anything apart from the overwhelming pain she is feeling amid her split from David Harbour.

The British singer, 39, bared her soul during her latest Miss Me? podcast episode, which she hosts with friend Miquita Oliver, as she confirmed their separation.

The mother of two detailed the months of agony she has been through while suffering from panic attacks and a lack of focus.

Lily explained how she had tried to attend the podcast’s Christmas lunch but was forced to leave after having an attack.

She told listeners: ‘I know I’ve been talking about it for months but I’ve been spiralling and spiralling. It’s got out of control, I’ve tried.

‘I came to the Miss Me? Christmas lunch and had a panic attack and had to go home and I went to see something at the theatre the other night with my friends Carla and Claire and I had to leave at half time.

Lily Allen has heartbreaking admitted she can’t concentrate on anything apart from the overwhelming pain she is feeling amid her split from David Harbour

The British singer, 39, bared her soul during her latest Miss Me? podcast episode, which she hosts with friend Miquita Oliver, as she confirmed their separation (pictured with David in 2020)

‘I can’t concentrate on anything except the pain I’m going through. It’s really hard.’

Lily confirmed her split from husband David in a new podcast as she detailed her fragile state of mind during a ‘tough period’.

The media is awash with reports that the couple have gone their separate ways after Lily caught her husband using the celebrity dating app, Raya.

And the star seemingly confirmed reports of their break-up during an episode released on Thursday, as she admitted she ‘wasn’t in a good place’.

Recalling a story which included David, Lily heartbreakingly stumbled over the word ‘husband’ as she detailed being on holiday with the actor, 49, in Kenya last year.

The London native went on to discuss how her two daughters, Ethel, 13, and Marnie, 11, who she shares with ex Sam Cooper, have been a pillar of support recently.

She said: ‘I can say, it’s really tough – they are always there and you have to be present and there for them.

‘And that’s okay, when things in life are going well and you’re coping it’s really nice to have the kids around they’re a joy.

Lily confirmed her split from husband David Harbour in a new podcast

The media is awash with reports that the couple have gone their separate ways after Lily caught her husband using the celebrity dating app, Raya (pictured 2022)

And the star seemingly confirmed reports of their break-up during a new episode which was released on Thursday as she admitted she ‘wasn’t in a good place’

‘One of the main sources of joy in one’s life. But when things are not going so well and life is tough, as it is for many people for all manner of reasons, having to hold things together is really hard.’

When asked if it was easier now her daughters are older, Lily said: Yeah, we are a support network for each other and encourage each other to talk about or feelings but I think the main thing is telling them we’re going to get through it and be fine.’

Lily then reassured listeners she will be back after her time off and told them to ignore any speculation that she may have returned to rehab following a past drug addiction.

She said: ‘I’m going away next week for a few weeks, listeners. But I do want to reassure people because there will be speculation because of the amount of time I’m going to be taking away that I’m going to drug rehab – I’ve not, I’ve not relapsed.

‘I have seen some horrible blind items on the internet that I was found in a crack den by my husband being surrounded by men. I don’t know who is spreading these vicious rumours but it’s not true.

‘It all comes back to the phones. They aren’t doing us any good. They certainly aren’t doing me any good at the moment. I really don’t like my phone.

‘I’m as guilty of that as anyone else, what I’m very excited about where I’m going over the next few weeks is that I’m not allowed my phone.’

It was recently revealed that Lily turned Wagatha Christie to find out if her husband David was looking for other women amid split rumours.

She unleashed an impressive set of skills after suspecting her husband was cheating, and was reportedly left in ‘agony’ when she discovered the actor had a secret profile on the celebrity dating app Raya, The Mail on Sunday revealed.

Deciding there was only one way to find out the truth, Lily rejoined the dating app where she first met David, and pretended to be ‘looking for women’.

She soon discovered that David had already set up a dating profile and was listed on the app as being active for at least a month.

Lily turned Wagatha Christie to find out if her husband David was looking for other women amid split rumours

The actress didn’t appear to be wearing her engagement ring and wedding band (pictured)

A source revealed Lily’s meticulous methods: ‘Lily was looking for women that were on Raya and cross-referencing them with women David follows on Instagram to try to figure out who he was seeing. She was doing her Wagatha thing.’

Former England football star Wayne Rooney’s wife Coleen was famously dubbed ‘Wagatha Christie’ after she turned detective online to out fellow WAG Rebekah Vardy as the apparent leaker of stories about her.

‘Lily only rejoined Raya to try to figure out whether he was seeing someone,’ the insider continued.

‘Lily has never even looked at anyone since she met David. She is devastated. He broke up with Lily a month ago. He was meant to be on holiday with her in Kenya over Christmas.’

David’s dating profile, exclusively revealed by the MoS, reads: ‘Visiting New York from Atlanta’ and ‘closet nerd that plays tough guys on your TV’.

He lists his profile song as the Houses Of The Holy by Led Zeppelin.

David describes himself as living in Atlanta, Georgia, 800 miles from the family home in Brooklyn, New York, where the couple moved in 2020 with Lily enrolling her children in local schools.

He bought a house in Atlanta last year so he could be closer to the Stranger Things set.

David and Lily on their wedding day in 2020. A source revealed Lily’s meticulous methods: ‘Lily was looking for women that were on Raya and cross-referencing them with women David follows on Instagram’

The show wrapped filming its fifth and final series just before Christmas. Lily’s circle of London friends say she has believed since the autumn that her husband is interested in other women.

By the time the couple broke up about a month ago, she had become convinced that he had a secret girlfriend.

The singer has not made any public statements on her relationship with David since it emerged they had parted ways in December, but a friend of the Lily confirmed they had officially ‘separated’.

He has previously spoken about his penchant for a whirlwind romance. ‘I’m easily swept away, but I’m trying not to be as much,’ the Stranger Things actor told Women’s Health in October 2017.

‘I’m better at the fantasy of relationships than I am at the daily real life, but I’m trying to steer myself into a realist,’ he added.

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He continued, ‘What I find most exciting now is sharp, intelligent, insightful women. People who are deep thinking, who have sort of a weird way of looking at the universe are wildly attractive to me. So if I can find one of those gals who can stand me, then maybe I might have something.’

The actor has a history of dating fellow thespians, enjoying a three-year relationship with Broadway veteran Maria Thayer from 2008 to 2011, with the pair even getting engaged.

Shortly after their break-up, David went public with actress Julia Stiles after the two starred together in the 2012 film Between Us.

The actor has a history of dating fellow thespians, enjoying a three-year relationship with Broadway veteran Maria Thayer from 2008 to 2011

Shortly after he broke up with Maria Thayer, David went public with Jason Bourne star Julia Stiles after the two starred together in the 2012 film Between Us

In early 2018, David debuted his romance with actress and singer Alison Sudol. Just over a year later the pair had split, shortly before he met Lily on Raya

Read More Lily Allen takes her daughters Ethel, 13, and Marnie, 11, on safari amid split from David Harbour

They were linked for four years, walking several red carpets together and moving in together in New York, before they eventually broke up.

In early 2018, David debuted his romance with actress and singer Alison Sudol. A besotted Alison paid tribute to her man on social media, gushing in a Valentine’s Day post: ‘I’m sitting here and I’m thinking to myself, wow, this human being that I am on this crazy journey with is pretty unbelievable.

‘What a generous, large-hearted, roaring wonder of a person I get to walk around and do stuff with. Like eat food and read books out loud and watch our dog sleep. And isn’t that great. What an ignited soul, what a fire-spirit.’

‘What a brilliant artist. What a caring, deep, intuitive individual, who has changed my life completely and utterly. What a lucky woman I am.’

Just over a year later though the pair had ended their relationship, shortly before David met Lily on Raya.

Broncos Brace for Battle: Can They Contain the Unstoppable Force of Josh Allen?

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos find themselves standing at the precipice of opportunity as they prepare to face the formidable Buffalo Bills in an AFC wild-card matchup. They know the stakes are high; beating only a single team is one thing, but taking down Josh Allen — that’s a whole different ball game. As they ready themselves for Sunday’s clash at Highmark Stadium, the Broncos can’t help but recall the previous encounters that tested their mettle — including a narrow 24-22 victory last season, where Allen’s turnovers played into their hands. But this isn’t the same quarterback; this is a seasoned, refined Allen — a magician in the backfield, erasing the self-inflicted wounds that once plagued his game.,Statistically, his raw numbers in the 2024 season are jaw-dropping — 3,731 yards passing and 28 touchdowns to his name — yet it’s his newfound composure under pressure that truly titillates defenses. The Broncos are well aware of the challenge they face, a challenge underscored by Allen’s remarkable ability to sidestep disaster. In a recent game against the Arizona Cardinals, he demonstrated this prowess masterfully—evading a relentless rush from inside linebacker Owen Pappoe, he flicked the ball like an artist creating a masterpiece, tossing a 25-yard strike to running back James Cook. That exquisite blend of physicality and finesse is what makes Allen more than just a quarterback; he’s an enigma that defensive units must crack.,“This is one of those games where you really can’t rush selfish,” said Nik Bonitto, the Broncos’ sack leader, echoing a sentiment felt throughout the locker room. With 14 sacks this season, Bonitto embodies the collaborative spirit that has defined Denver’s remarkable pass-rushing campaign — a record 63 sacks shared among 16 players, with no less than six posting five or more. The emphasis on teamwork has culminated in a defensive front that can disrupt even the most polished offenses, but to do so against Allen requires a strategy laced with selflessness and discipline. “You try to cage him in because everybody knows when he gets outside the pocket, he’s really dangerous,” Bonitto added, recognizing the dual threat Allen poses both with his arm and his legs.,Vance Joseph, the Broncos’ defensive coordinator, faces a daunting task — balancing aggression with caution. The Broncos blitzed 37 percent of the time on opponent dropbacks during the regular season, the fourth-highest rate in the NFL. However, Allen’s discernment ensures that extra rushers might only add to Denver’s headaches. He’s protected by what may be the best offensive line he’s had since joining the league, further complicating Joseph’s approach. “Their offensive line is really good and that group has been together for a while,” remarked Zach Allen, a defensive end for Denver. “Josh is so mobile and so strong that it’s really hard to bring him down. It presents a really good challenge for us, but we’re excited for it.”,As the Broncos study film and prep for the game, they know they must contain Allen’s ability to extend plays — a hallmark of his game that has earned him MVP consideration this season. “What I watch on film is that guys will be covered, but his scrambling ability and his second-play ability is key for us,” stated Patrick Surtain II, the Broncos’ star cornerback. The emphasis on plastering their receivers — denying Allen the chance to locate his targets as he improvises — will be paramount to their game plan. The tight ends, Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid, along with Cook, represent a trio of threats that demand Denver’s attention.,The essence of Allen’s game lies not only in his passing ability but also his extraordinary rushing talent, especially in the postseason. Last year, he bulldozed the Pittsburgh Steelers with a breathtaking 52-yard touchdown run, a moment that left Broncos head coach Sean Payton shaking his head in disbelief as he reviewed the footage. “You can spy him,” Payton noted. “But he’s one of those guys, and Lamar (Jackson) is the same way, where you have a guy on Lamar and he’s got this stiff arm that just keeps you at bay.” These insights remind us that although Allen has yet to capture the elusive Super Bowl ring, he has solidified himself as a playoff dynamo — a reality the Broncos hope to disrupt this Sunday.,As the tension builds ahead of this monumental clash, one thing is clear — the Broncos will not back down. Bonitto poignantly expressed this unwavering confidence: “I think we’ll come in there and play our best game. Coach is going to have a good game plan for us. … We’ve always had that confidence in ourselves, no matter what people have said about us, and we’re not going to back down to anybody.” With both teams brimming with talent and aspirations, the stage is set for an epic showdown — a battle of wills where the clock will be ticking and every inch matters. The Broncos are primed for the challenge, eager to put their skills to the test against one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.