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Canadian cinemas brace for film release slowdown as Hollywood strikes continue

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:40 GMT

Canadian movie theatre owners say they’re nervously watching for developments in dual Hollywood strikes and plan to show more classics, cult favourites and live events if the labour disruptions stretch on.The owners are expecting striking stars represented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and talent backed by the Writers Guild of America, to be on the picket lines for months as they seekbetter wages and protections from artificial intelligence.The strikes, which immediately stopped the production and promotion of films and television shows, stand to slow down the flow of content as studios and distributors run out of movies completed before the strike to release.“I am absolutely petrified about it,” said Jeff Knoll, chief executive of Film.ca Cinemas, an Oakville, Ont. theatre.“We barely survived the pandemic…and we are quite nervous about what the future is going to hold with all that’s going on in H...

Statistics Canada to release June inflation numbers today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:40 GMT

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada is set to release its June inflation reading this morning.The consumer price index report is expected to show inflation slowed again last month.Economists are forecasting inflation fell closer to three per cent, the top end of the Bank of Canada’s target range.Canada’s inflation rate was 3.4 per cent in May, down considerably from 8.1 per cent last summer.Much of the decline in inflation has been due to lower energy prices, while other prices have continued to rise rapidly. The central bank is expecting Canada’s inflation rate to hover around three per cent for the next year, before steadily declining to the two per cent target by mid-2025.This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 18, 2023.The Canadian Press

Daily horoscope for July 18, 2023

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:40 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Leo.Happy Birthday for Tuesday, July 18, 2023:You are expressive and emotive — qualities that draw people to you. You have amazing confidence and limitless energy. You think outside the box and choose your own path. Stay flexible, because change is on its way. Let go of what impedes your progress. Be able to act fast. Trust your intuition.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★★★This is a lovely, playful day for you! It’s an excellent day for dates, luncheons, meeting friends for coffee or the gang at happy hour. In particular, you will enjoy playful activities with kids and sports. Anything to do with the arts, musical performances, movies or the theater will delight you. Tonight: Entertain.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★This is an excellent day to entertain at home. In particular, any kind of group gathering will go well, because people are upbeat and in a friendly mood. Meetings for a spe...

Black Sea grain deal to expire Monday if Russia quits

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:40 GMT

A pact that has allowed the safe Black Sea export of grain from Ukraine for the past year was due to expire at the end of Monday (17 July) if Russia does not agree to extend the agreement brokered by the United Nations and Turkey to combat a global food crisis worsened by Russia's invasion of its neighbor.The last ship left Ukraine under the deal on Sunday (16 July). Russia's February 2022 invasion and blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports sent global grain prices soaring. Ukraine and Russia are among the world's top grain exporters.Nearly 33 million metric tons of corn, wheat and other grains have been exported by Ukraine under the arrangement.Russia has threatened to quit the pact because it has said its demands to improve its own grain and fertilizer exports have not been met. Russia also has complained that not enough grain has reached poor countries. The United Nations has argued that the arrangement has benefited those states by helping lower food prices more than 20% globally...

Miss Manners: My husband can pull off this excuse, but it sounds shady coming from me

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:40 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When someone invites us to something (informally, impromptu, as in, “Can you come over for dinner Saturday?”), it is my natural instinct to say yes if I can — and if I can’t, I say what I’m doing instead: “So sorry, but we have tickets to the ballet.”Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: I failed the bride by not ejecting this guest on sight Advice | Miss Manners: What can I do when other people’s stuff is where I want to sit? Advice | Miss Manners: Was I wrong not to let this man have the parking space? Advice | Miss Manners: Their insinuating comments are getting on my nerves Advice | Miss Manners: I’m fed up with being told I’m using offensive words This leaves a third category: when you have other plans, but for some reason don’t want to say what they are.For instance, you’re having your own dinner party, but ...

Dear Abby: What if I don’t want to say grace?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:40 GMT

DEAR ABBY: I have a question about saying grace.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: Even the dogs have more say over my own life than I do Advice | Dear Abby: I can’t see them the same way after how they treated my dad Advice | Dear Abby: The bride’s father is throwing a fit about the wedding Advice | Dear Abby: She makes Christmas a nightmare with her bizarre demands Advice | Dear Abby: If my wife calls me schlubby, can I point out she’s fat? I’m not religious, but I do consider myself respectful of others’ religious practices. There is one issue, however, that I’d like some guidance on. When visiting someone’s house and they ask me, the newcomer, to say grace, what do I do?I don’t mind partaking in the custom; I understand it and I am not offended. But saying grace is beyond what I’m comfortable with. What’s the way out of this situation witho...

Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs meet in game 2 of series

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:40 GMT

Washington Nationals (38-56, fifth in the NL East) vs. Chicago Cubs (43-50, third in the NL Central)Chicago; Tuesday, 8:05 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Nationals: Patrick Corbin (6-10, 4.97 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 74 strikeouts); Cubs: Jameson Taillon (3-6, 6.15 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 63 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Cubs -172, Nationals +147BOTTOM LINE: The Washington Nationals meet the Chicago Cubs with a 1-0 series lead.Chicago has a 22-25 record at home and a 43-50 record overall. The Cubs have hit 102 total home runs to rank ninth in the NL.Washington is 38-56 overall and 23-24 in road games. The Nationals have a 10-16 record in games decided by one run.The teams meet Tuesday for the sixth time this season. The Nationals are up 4-1 in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS: Nico Hoerner has 15 doubles, four triples and five home runs for the Cubs. Cody Bellinger is 17-for-37 with a double, five home runs and 11 RBI over the past 10 games.Lane Thomas leads the Nationals with 14 home runs wh...

Brewers visit the Phillies to open 3-game series

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:40 GMT

Milwaukee Brewers (52-42, first in the NL Central) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (51-42, third in the NL East)Philadelphia; Tuesday, 6:40 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Brewers: Julio Teheran (2-3, 3.64 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 32 strikeouts); Phillies: Aaron Nola (8-6, 4.39 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 120 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Phillies -209, Brewers +173; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Philadelphia Phillies host the Milwaukee Brewers to start a three-game series.Philadelphia has a 25-17 record at home and a 51-42 record overall. The Phillies have gone 32-5 in games when they scored at least five runs.Milwaukee has a 26-21 record in road games and a 52-42 record overall. The Brewers have hit 101 total home runs to rank 10th in the NL.The matchup Tuesday is the first meeting of the season between the two clubs.TOP PERFORMERS: Nicholas Castellanos has 26 doubles, a triple and 13 home runs for the Phillies. Bryce Harper is 13-for-34 with five doubles, a home run and four RBI over the last ...

Diamondbacks aim to stop road losing streak, face the Braves

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:40 GMT

Arizona Diamondbacks (52-42, third in the NL West) vs. Atlanta Braves (61-31, first in the NL East)Atlanta; Tuesday, 7:20 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Diamondbacks: Zach Davies (1-5, 6.37 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 45 strikeouts); Braves: Bryce Elder (7-2, 2.97 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 80 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Braves -207, Diamondbacks +173; over/under is 10 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Arizona Diamondbacks travel to the Atlanta Braves looking to break a four-game road slide.Atlanta is 31-17 in home games and 61-31 overall. The Braves have the highest team slugging percentage in the NL at .491.Arizona has a 52-42 record overall and a 26-18 record in road games. The Diamondbacks have a 40-22 record in games when they record eight or more hits.The teams meet Tuesday for the fourth time this season.TOP PERFORMERS: Ronald Acuna Jr. has 25 doubles, a triple and 23 home runs for the Braves. Sean Murphy is 11-for-34 with three doubles, five home runs and 12 RBI over the last 10 games.Corbin Carroll l...

Marlins try to end road slide, take on the Cardinals

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:40 GMT

Miami Marlins (53-43, second in the NL East) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (41-53, fifth in the NL Central)St. Louis; Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Marlins: TBD; Cardinals: Jordan Montgomery (6-7, 3.23 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 96 strikeouts)BOTTOM LINE: The Miami Marlins will try to stop a seven-game road losing streak when they take on the St. Louis Cardinals.St. Louis has a 20-26 record at home and a 41-53 record overall. The Cardinals have a 28-10 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.Miami has a 23-25 record on the road and a 53-43 record overall. Marlins hitters have a collective .401 slugging percentage to rank 10th in the NL.Tuesday’s game is the sixth time these teams match up this season. The Marlins are ahead 3-2 in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS: Paul Goldschmidt has a .287 batting average to lead the Cardinals, and has 21 doubles and 16 home runs. Brendan Donovan is 15-for-41 with two home runs and nine RBI over the past 10 games.Luis Arraez ...