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SAG-AFTRA RALLY

SAG-AFTRA Hosts ‘Rock the City for a Fair Contract’ Rally in Times Square

The rally brought together SAG-AFTRA members, sister unions, and supporters in a show of unity and solidarity, highlighting what can be done to create a fair contract.

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher, New York Local President Ezra Knight and Executive Director, New York Local, Labor Policy and International Affairs Rebecca Damon were joined in Times Square by members and sister unions to show solidarity, cheer on speakers and call for a fair contract for working actors.

Teamster trucks drove by, honking in support, while thousands of members of SAG-AFTRA, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Writers Guild of America, and other unions danced and cheered, holding their signs high. Among the SAG-AFTRA members in attendance were Jessica Chastain, Matt Bomer, Brendan Fraser, Ellen Burstyn, Rachel Zegler, Michael Shannon, Jane Curtin, Nancy Giles and Chloë Grace Moretz.

Actor Christine Baranski spoke up on behalf of her co-workers on The Good Wife and The Good Fight including castmates and background actors. “On both shows, I consider these actors my colleagues and part of our creative family. Their contribution to the series’ success was indispensable, and I am here today speaking on their behalf … We will not live under corporate feudalism. It is just simply time to make things right. Our contribution will not be undervalued, and we will not be robbed.”

Actor Bryan Cranston addressed Disney CEO Bob Iger directly, declaring, “We will not be having our jobs taken away and given to robots … We will not have you take away our right to work and earn a decent living. And lastly and most importantly, we will not allow you to take away our dignity!”

The rally also featured remarks from SAG-AFTRA members Tituss Burgess, Steve Buscemi, Liza Colón-Zayas, Jill Hennessy, Arian Moayed, Wendell Pierce, and Christian Slater. Members shared stories about themselves, their families and friends as working actors, living paycheck to paycheck. They expressed concerns about declining residuals and the studios’ unwillingness to let actors share in the streaming profits. Fears about studios using AI to reuse an actor’s image and likeness without their informed consent were echoed by all. The members urged the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers to make a fair deal that protects working actors’ rights.

Crabtree-Ireland laid out the core of the disagreement between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP, saying, “This strike is the result of big corporations that refuse to treat our members fairly. And it’s not okay, and we are standing up and we are saying no to that … This is a united membership who are standing together and are saying no to an unfair deal and are saying no to disrespect from these companies.”

Other union leaders, including Writers Guild of America East Executive Director Lowell Peterson, New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento and New York City Central Labor Council President Vincent Alvarez, also spoke, emphasizing their support for SAG-AFTRA and all laborers in New York and America.

About SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists, influencers and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists in the 21st century and beyond. Visit sagaftra.org online or find us on social (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter).

“Tobacco” Drops Friday July 28

Question Mid “Tobacco” (IF4782/100033893, $170) drops this Friday, July 28, from Reebok.com and select retailers. Reebok’s iconic Question Mid – Allen Iverson’s first signature shoe, from 1996 – arrived in its rare “Tobacco” colorway in the early ‘00s offering a unique mix of design elements including a tumbled leather upper, cracked leather toe box and collar, and a crystal gum outsole.

Reebok presents from its industry-best archive a slate of retro basketball sneaker releases for the month of July spanning OG bring backs, new stories, and never-before-released colorways, tipping off July 7.

The Blast “The Alamo” (IF4765/100033877, $160) – Available July 7 (adult unisex sizing) from Reebok.com, Hibbett, and select retailers, this pink/mint colorway for “The Blast” – an historic Reebok basketball sneaker defined by its unique asymmetric design and eye-catching sidewalls – calls back to Texas team colors of the early 2000’s.

Answer IV “Free Agency” (IF4772/100033884, $170) – Available July 14 (adult unisex sizing) from Reebok.com and select retailers, this never-before-released white/purple iteration of Iverson’s iconic Answer IV first appeared during the 2002-03 season as an exclusive option for West Coast players testing the signature sneaker market.

Pump TZ “Solar Yellow” (IE1872/100033132, $170) – Available July 21 (adult unisex sizing) from Reebok.com and select retailers, Pump TZ “Solar Yellow” is one of the few original colorways issued for this coveted high-top model released by Reebok in the early ‘90s featuring the brand’s game changing custom fit “Pump” technology.

Question Mid “Tobacco” (IF4782/100033893, $170) – Available July 28 (adult unisex sizing) from Reebok.com and select retailers, Reebok’s iconic Question Mid – Allen Iverson’s first signature shoe, from 1996 – arrived in its rare “Tobacco” colorway in the early ‘00s offering a unique mix of design elements including a tumbled leather upper, cracked leather toe box and collar, and a crystal gum outsole.

Further storytelling supporting each launch will be shared throughout the month of July. For more information, visit Reebok.com/basketball. Throughout 2023, Reebok will offer fans a more expansive look into the brand’s rich archive with expected bring backs of its rarest and most interesting heritage models and game-changing designs.

Lamborghini’s 60th Anniversary

The 60^th Anniversary Lamborghini Esperienza Giro from Aspen to Telluride on July 19 to 23 offered Lamborghini customers an unforgettable driving experience exploring breathtaking Colorado scenery. During an important year in which the brand commemorates 60 years since its founding in 1963, Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini joined participants in Aspen along with Federico Foschini, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer to welcome excited Lamborghini customers ahead of the Giro start. The 3-day journey saw a fleet of 40 Lamborghini super sports cars and super SUVs departing Aspen traversing through the mountainous terrain en route to the quaint Mountain Village of Telluride.

“In celebration of the brand’s 60^th anniversary, we are thrilled to bring our passionate customers together for an authentic Lamborghini driving program in our top market globally, the United States. Seeing the bold spirit of Lamborghini navigating some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country underlines the ‘fun-to-drive’ experience highly valued by our customers and fans,” remarked Winkelmann.

The journey from Aspen had participants heading to the scenic town of Paonia, then through Colorado’s high plains in Montrose, and ultimately arriving to the Mountain Village of Telluride. The final day drivers embarked on a journey to Ouray, taking on the legendary Million Dollar Highway, a winding mountain road offering impressive views of high peaks, steep cliffs and spectacular scenery.

The adventurous, all-terrain Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, debuted for the first time in the U.S. dynamically during a customer event. Created for maximum driving pleasure even off the asphalt on unpaved or sandy surfaces, the Huracán Sterrato offers perfect control and delivers a completely new level of driving emotion and fun. Designed to offer optimum performance on and off the road, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (ca. 60 mph) in 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 260 km/h (ca. 160 mph).

Marvel Reveals Infinity Comics

This weekend at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Unlimited announced an exciting line-up of new Infinity Comics coming to the app!

The upcoming comics include MARVEL MEOW #13, LOVE UNLIMITED: GAMBIT & ROGUE #61, AVENGERS UNLIMITED #58, MARVEL’S VOICES: ECHO #64, X-MEN UNLIMITED #100, and MARVEL’S VOICES: NIGHTSHARE #71. Launch dates, creative teams, and story details can be found below.

Marvel Unlimited is a one-stop destination for over 30,000 comics spanning the entire Marvel Universe. The app is available for iPhone®, iPad®, Android devices™ and on web. For more information on Marvel Unlimited comics, please visit: www.marvel.com/unlimited.

The BAAND Together Festival

Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City – the ultimate New York festival – is in full swing! Experience NY’s biggest outdoor dance floor with a mega disco ball, learn a new dance style at the BAAND Together Dance Festival, laugh the night away, and sing along to your favorite songs! FREE events at Summer for the City are General Admission; first-come, first-served. In addition to General Admission, we’re offering FREE Fast Track reservations every Monday at 12:00 pm for select events that week. This week’s Fast Track becomes available today, July 24 at 12:00 pm! With a Fast Track reservation, you get access to a priority line. To learn more and reserve Fast Track, visit LincolnCenter.org/FastTrack.

JAWA FIGURE SELLS AT AUCTION

There was a large gasp yesterday as the hammer went down at Excalibur Auctions for a rare and highly sought-after PALITOY Star Wars Jawa figure, considered the ‘holy grail’ for Star Wars fans. After competitive bidding from around the globe it finally sold to a UK private collector on the telephone for £26,670 smashing its pre-sale estimate of £10,000-£15,000.

The Jawa figure was from the first group of 12 Star Wars figures ever made in 1978 and is still mounted on its original 12-back card, with no fading of colour or damage. The figure is also one of only a few to exist that sports an original vinyl cape, which PALITOY later replaced with a fabric one.

Commenting on the result Jonathan Torode, Excalibur’s Auctioneer said: “I am very pleased that this, one of the rarest carded Star Wars figures known to exist, with only 10-15 examples documented, has stayed in the UK with an avid Star Wars private collector, who was bidding anonymously on the telephone. The UK PALITOY carded variation is even rarer than the USA Kenner version. It’s a privilege to handle such a piece of Star Wars toy history.”

The figure came with exceptional provenance, as the seller was the Art Director of Marvel UK between 1974 and 1979 and received it as a gift from PALITOY during the promotion of the Star Wars line in Marvel’s comics.

COMIC-CON REVEALS TIMELESS

Just announced at the Marvel: Next Big Thing panel at San Diego Comic-Con, TIMELESS, the special year-ending one-shot that sets the stage for upcoming stories in the Marvel Universe, will return for its third year this December!

Joined by acclaimed artist Juann Cabal, writing team Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing will be taking over writing duties from previousTimeless writer Jed MacKay. The superstar team, known for their work on the current Guardians of the Galaxy ongoing series, will introduce readers to the dark future of the Marvel Universe. In this world that’s been doomed by the hubris of its heroes, only one battle remains. Fans will witness the final struggle of Earth’s only surviving super hero as he sets out to end the rule of a cruel god-like being that’s been shaped by some of the most powerful forces in the Marvel Universe. Like previous TIMELESS installments, this ambitious saga will also contain shocking glimpses into the next year of Marvel storytelling including the very events that kick off the inevitable chain of events that led to end of the age of heroes!

In a devastating future born from the choices of today, all of time and space is threatened by the ascension of an ancient evil. The Immortal Moon Knight has risen – a nightmare borne of StarkTech, the Eternal Machine, and the God of the Moon – and now all of Earth bows before his overwhelming power! But one man stands against Khonshu’s coming tide of chaos: Power Man, the Marvel Universe’s final living super hero. But who is Power Man – and how did he come to wield the unstable powers of the Sentry, the Hulk, and the Iron Fist? What dark, deeply personal conflict underpins this mind bending apocalypse? And at the end of the line, can the Marvel Universe ever truly be saved?

See both new characters, Power Man and Immortal Moon Knight, on Kael Ngu’s cover below and prepare to meet them and the bold future from which they hail from when TIMELESS #1 2023 arrives in December. For more information, visit Marvel.com.

NEW PUNISHER MARVEL DEBUT

A new PUNISHER will make his vengeful debut in an all-new ongoing comic series! Revealed during the MARVEL: Heroes, Hulks, and Super-Soldiers panel at San Diego Comic-Con, the new comic series will be penned by award-winning writer David Pepose (Savage Avengers, Moon Knight: City of the Dead) and drawn by artist Dave Wachter (Planet of the Apes, X-Men Legends), known for his gritty and noir-inspired art style. Covers will be illustrated by artist and industry veteran Rod Reis.

Last week, Marvel Comics teased a single question: Who is the Punisher? Series writer David Pepose revealed the answer: Joe Garrison.

“The man might be different, but the punishment remains the same,” said Pepose. “I wanted to introduce the Danny Ketch to Frank’s Johnny Blaze.”

In this action-packed new PUNISHER saga, Frank Castle has disappeared, but evil will always need to be punished. With all-new threats rising to claim innocent victims, criminals will need to beware of a dangerous vigilante hunting them from the shadows. Enter a new Punisher: retired S.H.I.E.L.D. black ops agent Joe Garrison. But what brings him back into action? What put Joe Garrison on his path of vengeance? And when the smoke clears, will he even make it out alive?

Pepose continued, “I asked myself ‘How do we build a bigger table? And how do we invite as many readers as possible?’ For existing fans of the Punisher and for new fans, this is a story that’s not going to sacrifice any of the attitude, any of the action, and we are not letting the pedal off the metal.”

The Marvel Universe will meet the next generation of punishment this fall! Don’t miss the start of a new PUNISHER era on shelves at your local comic shop starting November 8.

Behind the Hammer

An Insider’s Guide to Understanding Auction Terminology and Processes

Auto auctions are exciting events, with people bidding on vehicles from trucks and cars to motorcycles and boats and excess government equipment. Auctions can be a bit intimidating when you don’t know the terminology used to buy and sell cars though. Most auctions use the same language, so the same terms are used when bidding online for SCA autos as when bidding in person on exotic cars at a Barrett-Jackson auction.

We’ve compiled a list of the most common terms used at auctions to help you understand what everyone is talking about, since auctions move fast. Keep reading for a quick list of the most common jargon:

Terminology Used in Auto Auctions

Aftermarket: This term is used to describe any equipment or products on a vehicle that are not factory parts. Aftermarket parts can be anything from radios to bumpers to body parts. Spoilers and sport packages can sometimes be aftermarket parts that have been put on after the vehicle has left the dealership.

Auctioneer: This person tracks and encourages bids from people in the audience. They ensure that bidders are recognized and their bids are recorded. Some auctions have a second auctioneer to help keep the bidding organized and moving.

Lot: An individual or group of vehicles up for auction is known as a lot.

Hammer Price: This is the price at which bidding closes, signified by the auctioneer’s hammer falling. It doesn’t include additional costs such as buyer’s premium, doc fees, transportation, or taxes.

Reserve Price: The minimum price the seller is willing to accept for a vehicle is the reserve price. The vehicle will not be sold if bidding doesn’t reach the reserve price, and this price is usually not disclosed to bidders if the reserve is not met.

No Reserve: This means there is no reserve and that the highest bid is the winner.

Buyer’s Premium: The auction’s commission for handling the sale. The percentage will vary from auction house to auction house.

Title: A clear title means that there are no outstanding claims on the car, such as loans or liens. A salvage title means that you must restore the vehicle and meet DMV compliance before it can be registered and driven on the roads. A junk title means that the car is only good for parts.

Doc Fees: These fees might be charged in addition to other fees like the buyer’s premium, taxes, etc. They are earmarked for costs associated with paperwork and other filings. Not all auction houses will have doc fees.

Pre-Sale Inspection: An examination of the vehicle by an expert mechanic before the auction. It gives potential buyers a chance to identify any issues or repairs needed. Most auction houses have a list of third-party people you can hire to do this for you if you need.

Auto Auction Processes

Once you understand the terminology, it’s easier to understand the steps required for a car to go from the seller to the auction block to the final bid. Here are some more terms that make up these processes:

Catalog: Before the auction, the auction house releases a catalog. It lists all of the lots along with their estimates and descriptions. Detailed photographs, condition reports, and origin information is usually included. This is your opportunity to research and decide on which vehicles to bid on. You can see this information online before the auction begins.

Inspection: Some auction houses will allow pre-auction viewing or inspections of vehicles. This is a chance to physically examine the vehicles that you’re interested in and confirm their condition, mileage, and title status. Again, you can hire a third-party to do this for you if you’re unable to attend the auction in person.

Registration: To participate in the auction, you must register with the auction house. You might need to provide identification and possibly a deposit.

Bidding: The auctioneer presents each lot, and then the bidding begins. Participants signal their bids in various ways, such as by raising a hand or nodding. Online and phone bidding are also often available. Keep in mind the other costs involved when you set your maximum bid. You’ll still need to pay taxes, title, commission, transportation, and other fees.

Pre-bid: Sometimes, you can pre-bid before the auction starts, and the highest pre-bid determines the starting bid.

Buy It Now: Some auctions have a BIN price, which means that you can skip the auction and buy the car for the set price. If you think the car will go for less money, then wait for the auction, but if you feel it will bid higher because it’s an in-demand car, use the Buy It Now option and secure the win immediately.

Bill of Sale: This is given to you once you’ve won the auction. It recaps the vehicle, the conditions of the sale, warranty information, and any other terms of the auction house.

Clerk Ticket: This is the contract that includes the lot number and the final price. The Clerk handles the paperwork and makes sure that you sign all of the paperwork.

Auto auctions can be exciting, especially if you want to save money on a new-to-you car or truck. Once you know the terminology, you can bid confidently and win the vehicle without getting lost in the process.

Elton John’s Bittersweet Symphony

In a world where music holds the biggest power to transcend our emotions, feelings and experiences, one name still holds the creativity and flamboyance in our community, and that name is Elton John.

Sir Elton Hercules John has firmly etched his name into the annals of musical history, with his dazzling stage presence, relentless showmanship, and a voice that resonates through the centuries.

Elton John’s journey to superstardom began on March 25, 1947, in the modest London district of Pinner, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight. He established a career that defied traditions and transformed the very fabric of popular music by embracing his unique abilities and artistic vision.

Elton John’s larger-than-life character has become linked with elegance, exuberant flamboyance, and his musical genius. He has dared to break traditions and reinvent what it means to be an artist with his outrageous costumes and extravagant eyeglasses.

Elton’s personal life has been characterised by both love and heartache when it comes to issues of the heart. His brief but pivotal first marriage to recording engineer Renate Blauel was a turning point in his life. But what would give his life lasting love and stability was his later partnership with Canadian filmmaker David Furnish with whom he has two children, Zachary, 12 and Elijah, 10. Elton and David wed in 2014 after same-sex marriage became legal in England, solidifying their relationship further. In a historic ceremony, they joined into a civil partnership in 2014.

Elton John has passionately championed several humanitarian causes, particularly the fight against HIV/AIDS, utilising his popularity and influence to promote awareness and effect good change.

The singer has had a career spanning more than five decades, and his influence on the music business is incalculable. He is a living example of the enduring force of musical greatness, having sold more than 300 million recordings worldwide and collecting numerous honours, including 34 Grammy Award nominations, receiving six wins and two Academy Award from his four nominations.

His discography is a gold mine of musical treasures that transcend classification, ranging from joyous rhythms in ‘Bennie and the Jets’ to devastating ballads like ‘Candle in the Wind‘. The smooth blending of rock, pop, blues, and glam results in a distinctive sound that defies categorization into any genre. Elton John’s music has evolved into a potent vehicle for unfiltered emotion, establishing bonds across generations and cultural boundaries in every note and every word.

However, his influence goes well beyond the acoustic space. The conventional notion of what it meant to be a rock star was disrupted by Elton John’s showy persona, which was clad in expensive outfits and decorated with flamboyant eyewear. Millions of people were inspired by his brave acceptance of his uniqueness to do the same. He started a revolution of honesty with his bold self-expression, demonstrating how music could change people both as listeners and as artists.

As the decades roll on, Elton John’s music continues to captivate and inspire, speaking to the universal human experience with unwavering resonance. His boundless creativity and unwavering commitment to self-expression have solidified his place as an icon, a true trailblazer whose influence knows no bounds.

After more than 50 years of touring, the Rocketman singer announced on Saturday on his show from the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, that this is his final night of touring

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