Latest news with #Terminator2:JudgmentDay
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Residents, business owners bring mural concerns to Wilkes-Barre City Council
Jun. 13—WILKES-BARRE — City council heard public comments on Thursday night regarding a controversial mural at 93 Blackman Street, which has caused a stir amongst some residents and business owners in the city's Rolling Mill Hill section. The mural depicts scenes and imagery from the "Terminator" film franchise, including a famous scene from "Terminator 2: Judgment Day." In the film and the mural, the villainous T-1000 wears a uniform that is reminiscent of a typical police uniform. Linda Joseph, president of the Rolling Mill Hill Residents' Association, spoke about the positive progress that has been made in that section of Wilkes-Barre and offered an alternative mural concept that would have found her approval. "The paintings — or, as many say, graffiti — recently put on the building at Blackman and Arch streets, definitely isn't what we, as homeowners, want to be the impression of our neighborhood of Rolling Mill Hill," Joseph said. "Personally, I would have loved to have seen a mural there that enhanced the look of the neighborhood and told a story that would show the pride of the area, not just Rolling Mill Hill, but so much history that our city represents." Joseph gave council members a copy of the City of Pittston's stricter mural ordinance policy in the hopes that something similar could be enacted in Wilkes-Barre. Laura Mudlock, funeral director and owner of Mamary-Durkin Funeral Home, offered many of the thoughts she previously gave to the Times Leader, and appealed to a spiritual drive to improve the neighborhood's image. "Let's do something that's going to edify our neighborhood, and not be violent, and not promote violence amongst our children," Mudlock said. The artists were not represented at Thursday's meeting. However, council Chairman Tony Brooks said he received an email from the artists and suggested that a dialogue be set up between them and the Rolling Mill Hill residents. Near the end of the council meeting, former Wilkes-Barre Police Chief and Councilman Bill Barrett called for an ordinance to be drafted based on the Pittston ordinance. "I'm personally offended by what I see there also, especially that drawing of the police officer with the bullet holes," Barrett said, referring to the depiction of the T-1000 character in the mural. He continued: "If we can do something with that ordinance and have something drafted up that we can possibly use, that would be great." Additional items Council authorized the following agenda items: —Authorized Mayor Brown — who was absent from Thursday's meeting — to take any and all necessary actions related to retaining a finance package not to exceed $600,000, under the terms available to fund the emergency repairs recommended to restore the integrity of the line and avoid any necessity of repeated repairs at the 60" culvert located in an area off of Conyngham Avenue. —Authorized the administration to take any and all necessary actions related to entering a five-year lease/purchase agreement with Community Leasing Partners for a total of $384,815 with an annual payment of $89,231.76 for five new police vehicles. An additional five vehicles will be purchased through the LSA Grant. —Authorized the proper city officials to take any and all necessary actions related to the following purchases from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Cooperative Purchasing Program; 14 Panasonic Toughbook FZ-55 from Baycom for a purchase price of $52,402; and 14 Havis DS-PAN-432 Docking Stations (installed) from 10-8 Emergency Vehicle Service for a purchase price of $16,553.04, —Authorized the proper city officials to purchase ArcGIS Velocity program to utilize real-time data integration to enhance public health preparedness and emergency management and to purchase Velocity, an automated program to integrate GPS data for public health advisories and communications in the amount of $52,530 from Environmental Systems Research Institute. The purchase will be funded by a Public Health Emergency Preparedness Grant. Featured Local Savings Featured Local Savings
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Mural mayhem: Business owners, artists clash over graffiti-style artwork in Wilkes-Barre
Jun. 11—WILKES-BARRE — Business owners in the Rolling Mill Hill section of the city are upset by a mural at 93 Blackman St. depicting scenes and imagery from the "Terminator" film franchise. Meanwhile, a representative for the artists who painted the mural is firing back, defending their freedom of expression in the face of criticism. The building — and, in turn, the mural — is on the corner of Blackman and Arch streets. Much of the stir on social media and among the business owners surrounds the painted image of the villainous T-1000 filled with bullet holes on the building's Blackman Street side. The image depicts a famous scene from "Terminator 2: Judgment Day." In the film and the mural, the T-1000 wears a uniform that is reminiscent of a typical police uniform. Laura Mudlock, funeral director and owner of Mamary-Durkin Funeral Home, was shocked when she saw the mural first being painted. She compared the finished product to something one might see in "the ghetto" or in the "not nice sections of New York." "I do appreciate the talent of that artwork," Mudlock conceded, before adding, "It obviously is not something that I would choose to represent this area — this neighborhood. I see it as violent." Mixed interpretations The "ghetto" descriptor was also used by Amanda Crich, owner of neighboring business Crich Realty. She was critical of the piece in general, referring to it as an "eyesore," and questioned its artistic merit. "I can't even say that I could appreciate the kind of work because it doesn't look like a finished job," Crich said. Mudlock referenced her connections to local law enforcement as the reason for her disappointment in the mural's images. In addition, Mudlock said that the children of the area — and even some adults — might not understand the "Terminator" imagery, and may therefore interpret the mural as something unrelated to the movie. Crich agreed, and said that others might use the graffiti-style mural as ill-conceived inspiration for other local buildings to be painted, but without the owner's consent. According to Marie Cecile Flageul in a letter written on behalf of the more than a dozen artists who worked on the mural, the "Terminator" theme was approved by the owner of 93 Blackman Street in advance. The owner, according to Luzerne County's GIS mapping tool, is KBA Realty. The phone number on the building's exterior is no longer in service. Amy Basham, a teacher of 30 years and real estate agent at Crich Realty, concurred that the mural is ripe for misinterpretation and said that the failure to commission a local artist or student to paint the mural was a missed opportunity. Furthermore, Basham is concerned that prospective property buyers might find the area less attractive because of the mural's style. "[Businesses are] taking a look at — sometimes it's just a snapshot — and if they see anything like that [mural as] their first impression, that's it," said Basham. "You lose their interest, because they see graffiti. They don't see art. They see graffiti, and graffiti is an artwork. I'm not taking that away from it, but there are people — investors — they see an area like that, that particular corner, and they're walking away." Crich said that the mural's imagery can also send the wrong messages to those looking to buy property in the nearby area, and that it is hard for a potential buyer to change their first impression of a building based on its exterior. "For a family that's moving into a new home and a new neighborhood, that's not having their children look up to the right things," Crich said of the mural. "It's bringing violence. It's showing them that violence is okay." Responding to the city Though Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown stated to WBRE/ WYOU, the Times Leader's media partner, that the city cannot mandate the mural's removal, Crich suggested that the exact placement within the city's borders is a factor in the mayor's decision-making. "If this was Downtown Wilkes-Barre, [Mayor Brown] would make sure something was done about it," Crich asserted. Though the mural is located just blocks away from the Hanover Township border, Brown was just in saying that the city could not mandate the mural's creation or current form. Flageul said in her letter that the building is not located in a historic district and is not a landmarked structure, meaning that the building owner's approval was all that was needed. In response, Mudlock suggested that Wilkes-Barre could enact stricter mural ordinances, which she said should be aligned to those enacted in her hometown of Pittston. Mudlock said she will bring the specifics of Pittston's mural ordinances to the attention of Wilkes-Barre's city council at its meeting on Thursday night. As far as the creative elements of local murals are concerned, Mudlock and Crich pointed to pieces in the area that explore and incorporate local history. By contrast, not even the building owner who commissioned the mural is a local, according to Mudlock. "The owner lives in New York, so it's not like he even looks at it," said Mudlock. "They left; we have to look at it." "Yeah, they don't care," Crich added. Letter on behalf of the artists In her letter on behalf of the mural's artists, Flageul claimed that the artists were the subject of "hostile verbal attacks" from the public, including "expletives and dismissive remarks." Flageul additionally took issue with comments made by business owners to the local media, including those made by Mudlock to WBRE/WYOU, in which she stated, "I feel like I live in the ghetto." "These are not only unfounded interpretations but also border on profiling and classist overreach," Flageul said in her letter. Basham denied the notion of the business owners' criticisms being "classist," though she understands the social dynamics in this case are complicated. "I'm a white female, and I have that privilege. But I'm also a white female who has had a life that has exposed me to all manner of different types of people. So I would have a conversation with that person," said Basham, referring to Flageul. Near the end of her letter, Flageul said she would be willing to travel to a future city council meeting to testify on behalf of the artists. "Despite the controversy, many community members have expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the mural," Flageul wrote. "Others may disagree with its style or message, but that diversity of opinion is precisely what art exists to provoke — ideally through respectful dialogue." Featured Local Savings Featured Local Savings
India.com
05-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Indian Defence Planners, Take Note! Ukraine Now Using Rifle-Wielding Robots To Battle Russia
New Delhi: While most armies are still figuring out how to use drones effectively, Ukraine has already moved to the next frontier – remote-controlled ground robots that carry rifles, hurl grenades and take the fight to Russian trenches without risking a single soldier's life. In what sounds straight out of a sci-fi thriller, Ukrainian soldiers are now deploying weaponised robots in combat zones to take on Russian forces head-on. These are not the humanoid machines of Hollywood dreams, but something far more practical and real. Mounted on wheels or tracks, some look like tripods with guns, while others are miniature tanks with automated grenade launchers strapped to their backs. Oleksandr Yabchanka, the head of robotic systems for Ukraine's Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, called the tech a 'game changer' for soldiers in the field. Business Insider has quoted him as saying that even the bravest infantry cannot keep firing under intense shelling but these robots can. Indian defence planners, take note. While India debates the use of quadcopters and kamikaze drones, Ukraine has leapt ahead – fielding an evolving arsenal of ground-based killer bots. And they are not prototypes sitting in hangars, these machines are being tested, refined and modified live on the battlefield. Yabchanka draws a wild comparison that makes the tech sound even more insane. He likens Ukraine's grenade-launching bots to the iconic weapon wielded by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, saying, 'They are somewhat similar, but slightly better.' One such killer bot is the Burya – a remote grenade-launching turret that can be mounted on a tripod or a small vehicle. Another recent addition is the D-21-12R, an indigenous robotic beast equipped with a US-made Browning .50 caliber machine gun. Approved in April by Ukraine's defence ministry, this machine could give nightmares to any enemy squad. But there is a catch. These war machines still face technical limitations. Russian jamming and direct hits can knock them offline – turning them into nothing more than expensive scrap metal. That is one reason why they have not so far been deployed in large numbers, though their battlefield effectiveness continues to improve. Lessons for India Ukraine's wartime innovation lab is like no other. Companies from Ukraine, Estonia and beyond are in a technological race to outsmart Russian forces. Estonian firm Milrem Robotics, for instance, has already supplied its THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicles to Ukraine. These rugged bots can haul supplies or launch attacks where human soldiers cannot go. Back home, this is a wake-up call. With India facing regular border stand-offs, especially with Pakistan and China, and gearing up for future conflicts in extreme terrains, why are not ground robots part of the military doctrine yet? Ukraine's battlefield data, gathered in real-time, proves that these robots are not sci-fi, they are survival tech. Yabchanka, who regularly liaises with developers from the frontlines, says the feedback loop between soldiers and engineers has become a major strength for Ukraine. 'What was relevant six months ago is already outdated,' he told the publication, stressing that Europe and the West must co-develop with Ukraine. As Ukraine continues to weaponise AI and automation, the question is no longer if but when countries like India will follow suit. Will Indian troops someday be supported by robotic gun crews on the icy heights of Ladakh or the dense jungles of the Northeast? If the Ukraine war is any indication, the next battle will not only be fought with muscle but with machines as well. And they have already started pulling the trigger.
Tatler Asia
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Female action heroes: 8 women who redefined courage long before ‘Ballerina' pirouetted in
Geena Davis as Samantha Caine/Charly Baltimore in 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' (1996) In The Long Kiss Goodnight , Geena Davis showcased how seemingly contradictory identities can coexist within one complex woman. Her transformation from a sweet suburban schoolteacher into a lethal CIA assassin explored themes of identity and self-discovery through explosive action, predating the amnesia-spy thriller trend by years. Her character's journey from inexplicable knife skills to full assassin mode, culminating in the explosive Niagara Falls finale, showed that female action heroes could be simultaneously nurturing and deadly, domestic and dangerous. Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor in 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' (1991) Linda Hamilton's transformation of Sarah Connor remains one of cinema's most dramatic character evolutions. From targeted waitress to hardened warrior, Sarah redefined what maternal protection could look like when the stakes involve preventing humanity's extinction. The character's strength lies in her complete commitment to an impossible mission: her escape from Pescadero State Hospital and assault on Cyberdyne Systems showcase not just physical prowess, but also strategic thinking and determination. Sarah embodies the terrifying power of maternal love channelled into relentless action, proving that mothers can become the most formidable protectors imaginable. Zhang Ziyi as Jen Yu in 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' (2000) Zhang Ziyi's breakout performance in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was a masterclass in playing a character who is equal parts captivating and infuriating, which is exactly what made Jen Yu so unforgettable. Jen is the ultimate rebellious prodigy: a young woman who refuses to be confined by society's expectations and has the martial arts skills to back up her defiance. Ziyi brought an incredible mix of grace and determination to the role, making every fight scene feel like a dance and every emotional moment hit like a punch. She wasn't just leaping rooftops or slicing through a bamboo forest for spectacle—every move was a fight for the right to choose her destiny. Uma Thurman as Beatrix 'The Bride' Kiddo in 'Kill Bill: Volume 1' (2003) Uma Thurman's Bride transformed personal tragedy into a masterpiece of vengeance. Waking up from a four-year coma to discover the massacre of her wedding party and the loss of her unborn child, Beatrix Kiddo channels her grief into the most stylishly brutal quest for justice ever captured on film. The Bride's iconic yellow tracksuit and Hattori Hanzō sword became symbols of determination. Her single-handed destruction of the Crazy 88 at the House of Blue Leaves delivered spectacular action and illustrated how personal loss can fuel extraordinary strength. The performance is pure cinematic magic—violent, beautiful and unforgettable. Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa in 'Mad Max: Fury Road' (2015) Charlize Theron's Imperator Furiosa commandeered Mad Max entirely. In a franchise literally named after its male protagonist, Furiosa became the true driving force, both behind the wheel of her War Rig and as the heart of the story. Furiosa represents defiance in its purest form. Her rebellion against Immortan Joe's tyrannical regime to liberate his 'Five Wives' transforms her from war captain to freedom fighter. Her prosthetic arm isn't portrayed as a limitation but as a testament to her resilience, challenging conventional depictions of disability in action cinema while delivering some of the most spectacular vehicular combat ever filmed. Angelina Jolie as Evelyn Salt in 'Salt' (2010) Angelina Jolie gives life to Evelyn Salt, a CIA operative who is accused of being a Russian sleeper agent and goes on the run to try to clear her name. What makes Jolie's Salt fascinating is that the role was originally written for a male protagonist, with Tom Cruise initially secured for the lead, before the script was ultimately rewritten for the actress. The film's central question—is Salt truly loyal or is she the perfect double agent?—keeps audiences guessing until the end. But it's Jolie's committed performance and those brutal action sequences that make the movie work. She took a role designed for a male action star and made it completely her own, proving that great characters transcend whoever they were originally written for. Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Wang in 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' (2022) Michelle Yeoh's Oscar-winning performance as Evelyn Wang revolutionised the action hero archetype by proving that extraordinary power can emerge from the most ordinary circumstances. This stressed laundromat owner's journey from mundane family struggles to multiverse-saving hero redefined what strength looks like. Evelyn's greatest battles aren't won through violence but through radical empathy. Her famous 'fanny-pack fight' and culinary combat skills showcase inventive action choreography, but her ultimate victory comes from choosing kindness over destruction. She represents the evolution of female action heroes from warriors to healers, proving that sometimes the greatest strength is knowing when not to fight. Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro in 'From the World of John Wick: Ballerina' (2025) Brought to life by Ana de Armas, Eve Macarro in Ballerina promises to be the most elegant yet deadly addition to the action hero pantheon. The ballerina-assassin, trained by the secretive Ruska Roma organisation, isn't just stepping into the John Wick universe—she's poised to steal it entirely. What makes Eve extraordinary is her unique blend of grace and lethal precision. Driven by a deeply personal quest to avenge her father's murder, she represents the evolution of the female action hero: technically skilled, emotionally driven and so formidable that even John Wick himself is sent to hunt her down. Ballerina 's narrative twist positions her not as a sidekick or love interest, but as a force so powerful she becomes the hunted protagonist in her own right. NOW READ These new horror movies prove the slasher genre isn't dead 'Mission: Impossible': 7 stunts that redefined high-stakes action cinema 10 wealth-gap relationships in film that actually worked out Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
Newsweek
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Patrick Schwarzenegger Says His Dad Is Having a 'Midlife Crisis'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Patrick Schwarzenegger said his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was going through a particular type of "midlife crisis" during a recent podcast interview. Newsweek reached out to Arnold Schwarzenegger's representative via email for comment on Friday. The Context Arnold Schwarzenegger, 77, actor and former governor of California, has played in such movie hits as The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Total Recall and True Lies. The Golden Globe Award winner shares four kids with his ex-wife, Maria Shriver: daughters Katherine and Christina and sons Patrick and Christopher. In 2011, he revealed that he has another child, son Joseph Baena. Patrick Schwarzenegger, 31, is an actor as well and has had roles in The Staircase and American Sports Story, and currently stars in The White Lotus. What To Know On Thursday's episode of Literally! With Rob Lowe, host Rob Lowe brought up Patrick Schwarzenegger's famous father and his love of animals. "I love that Arnold has the mini horse and the pig... it makes me want to do that," The West Wing star, 61, said. "He has totally embraced this new act of life. It's just, he's such a Doctor Dolittle meets kind of like this midlife crisis, but happiness and calmer side of life. It's really funny," Patrick Schwarzenegger said. (L) Patrick Schwarzenegger attends The Fourth Annual Academy Museum Gala on October 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (R) Arnold Schwarzenegger attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's "FUBAR" on May 22, 2023 in Los... (L) Patrick Schwarzenegger attends The Fourth Annual Academy Museum Gala on October 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (R) Arnold Schwarzenegger attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's "FUBAR" on May 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. More; Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic The California native continued: "You've seen it, but this picture of him holding court at his dinner table with a cigar in his mouth and the miniature donkey behind him on the right side, and the miniature pony on the left side, and the pig right below his feet eating, and then the little Chihuahua on his lap, and then the massive 180-pound malamute husky over there next to the horse. And then the other—what's it called?—dog. That's 150 kg. It's just like they have all of them surrounding Arnold." Patrick Schwarzenegger added that his dad's animals are cooked homemade meals. "He has certain meals, he has the oatmeal cookies, the homemade oatmeal cookies that are good for the horses. He's got special meals for the dog. He's got the soup that the pig loves. It's just it's out of a movie. It really is." Lowe shared that Brian Grazer—a producer with credits on films like Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind—"has a movie he's developing about Arnold and the animals." "Every time I see Brian—I've had Brian on the show—I keep saying, 'What's going on with the Arnold animal movie?' Because honestly, I don't know anything I'd rather see than a movie about Arnold and his animals. I really don't. I am so down to see that." "I saw him literally yesterday and he brought it up," Patrick Schwarzenegger replied. "I'm hoping that it happens." The pair then went on to tease Arnold Schwarzenegger about his dress sense. "When did Arnold start dressing like Adam Sandler? When did that happen?" Lowe asked. "I make fun of Arnold more than anyone for the outfits he wears," Patrick Schwarzenegger said, before noting that his father went to a recent photo shoot for Netflix's FUBAR without wardrobe, so they shot him "how he's dressed." "I was like, I bet you he has a cigar and he's got a T-shirt of himself on. And he sent the photo, and it was literally a photo of himself with the shirt of himself, with a photo of himself in the background. I was just like, it doesn't get any, any better." "There's no one I love more for living his best life than your dad," Lowe said. What People Are Saying Lowe promoted the podcast on Instagram, and fans shared their excitement over the interview in the comments. Instagram user hermanator70 wrote: "Fun podcast." @jessicaskelton13 shared: "This is amazing." @mattvanleer21 said: "Just seen this one. Loved it so much Mr Lowe. We just [finished] watching White Lotus season 3. [Your] friend was mind blowing in it." @trulyafitz chimed in: "FINALLY!" What Happens Next FUBAR Season 2 will be available on Netflix on June 12. All episodes of The White Lotus are currently available to stream on Max. New episodes of SiriusXM's Literally! With Rob Lowe are available every Thursday on the SiriusXM app and wherever podcasts are available.
