ARAB TIMES, WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Television

Artists offer civics lessons H.E.R. educating kids on civics thru music

NEW YORK, July 6, (AP): In addition to making great music, H.E.R. wants to be an active citizen who empowers young people with information. The Grammy- and Oscar-winning recording artist gets to do both in the new animated Netfl ix series, “We the People.” Created by Chris Nee and produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, the 10-part series provides a range of civics lessons through three-minute music videos on topics that include the Bill of Rights, immigration, and the courts. It features award-winning artists Lin- Manuel Miranda, Brandi Carlisle, Bebe Rexha, and others. H.E.R. took on the “Active Citizenship” episode, writing and performing the song, “Change.” It deals with teaching young people to get involved with issues in the community by volunteering, writing letters to elected offi - cials, and peaceful protest. The animated segment was directed by Oscar-winner Peter Ramsey, known for “Spider- Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” H.E.R. admits the idea to make music and educate seemed daunting at fi rst. “I was like thinking about H.E.R. all these topics and how can I make this, like, cool? And, you know, it just started off with just saying exactly what it is: ‘Wrote a letter to the mayor can you hear me out.’ Like how would Raffaella Carra’ blows a kiss in this May 14, 2011 photo. Italian Rai state TV says Raffaella Carra’, for decades one of Rai’s most popular entertainers, has died. (AP) we really have a conversation about this with some- body who doesn’t necessarily understand,” she said. That made the process fun, while at the same time gratifying — she was educating the viewer with im- Obituaries portant information. The 23-year-old believes the importance of the subject matter lies in the lack of understanding many citizens have when it comes to the rights and duties of citizenship. A natural born storyteller “I feel like sometimes things aren’t taught on pur- pose,” the recording artist said. H.E.R. cited the power of artists like Bob Marley and Marvin Gaye when it comes to writing music ‘Superman’ director Donner dies about social justice. Learn NEW YORK, July 6, (AP): Filmmaker Richard Donner, who helped create the ”(They) are saying things so simply. But we digest- modern superhero blockbuster with ed them, and we really thought about the way that we 1978’s “Superman” and mastered the Italian TV: Beloved entertainer live our lives based on this music,” she said. buddy comedy with the “Lethal Weap- And it’s because music is a language that everyone on” franchise, has died. He was 91. understands. Donner died Monday in Los Ange- Raffaella Carra’ dead aged 78 “It’s something that makes us feel good, makes les, his family said through a spokes- us want to fall in love and makes us sad or makes us person. ROME, July 6, (AP): Raffaella Car- ality.” In a post on Facebook, Ber- learn. And so, what better way to teach, especially ra’, for decades one of Italian televi- lusconi said with her TV programs, Richard Donner arrives at the Ameri- Donner gained fame with his fi rst people at a young age or of all ages,” she said. feature, 1976’s “The Omen.” A then- sion’s most beloved entertainers, a “she knew how to speak to various She hopes the collection of music videos in “We the can Film Institute’s 41st Lifetime woman affectionately nicknamed different generations, having the Achievement Gala on June 6, 2013, unheard-of offer followed: $1 million People” will “share the knowledge, that hasn’t always to direct 1978’s “Superman.” Donner the “queen of Italian TV,” died Mon- ability to always remain current in Los Angeles. The fi lmmaker, who day at 78, Italian state TV quoted with the times and without ever de- been shared” when it comes to rights, privileges, and helped create the modern superhero channeled his love of the character into responsibilities. her family as saying. scending into vulgarity.” blockbuster with 1978’s ‘Superman’ making the fi lm, repeatedly facing off Rai state TV read a statement from “She was the lady of Italian televi- “It’s up to us to make these changes and to empower and mastered the buddy comedy with with producers over the need for spe- the youth. So, as we grow, as we learn, we teach. And the star’s family, announcing that she sion,” Culture Minister Dario Franc- the ‘Lethal Weapon’ franchise, has cial effects that would convince the died in Rome after a long illness. No eschini said. President Sergio Mat- in that, I think will make a huge difference,” she said. died. (AP) audience that a superhero could really further details were released. tarella recalled Carra’ as the “face “We the People” premiered Sunday on Netfl ix. fl y. In the title role, Donner cast Chris- ❑ ❑ ❑ With her energetic presence and of television par excellence — she topher Reeve, who was associated with strong, almost husky singing voice, transmitted, with her talent and her They arrive every year in their snazzy black and “Superman” for the rest of his life. the trim Carra’ was a wildly popular likeability, a message of elegance, white tuxedos, causing traffi c jams and clamoring for Variety By the 21st century, the genre was staple in the early heyday decades kindness and optimism.” quality real estate. dominating the box offi ce in the US of Rai, especially when it was the In one of her last interviews, Endangered African penguins have long been a and thriving overseas. The heads of only nationwide TV broadcaster. Carra’ told an Italian magazine that source of delight to visitors of the South African com- NASHVILLE, Tenn: “The Voice” coaches Marvel Studios and DC Entertainment- With often sexy costumes — “Italian women found me greatly munity of Simon’s Town, mixing with humans as they Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton cel- producers of most of today’s superhero daring by state TV standards in a likable because I am not a man- go about their penguin tasks, which includes the im- ebrated their nuptials over the Fourth of fare- both worked for Donner when country where the Vatican wields eater — you can have sex appeal portant one of fi nding a nest and breeding. July holiday during a weekend wedding in they were starting out in Hollywood. considerable infl uence — Carra’ together with sweetness and irony.” Now these critters are the stars of a new eight-part Oklahoma. Steven Spielberg, who produced also was credited with helping Ital- She scandalized conservative series on Netfl ix called “Penguin Town,” which fol- The pop star and the country star posted “The Goonies,” wrote in a statement ian women be more confi dent with TV viewers with a 1971 hit song, photos on Monday of their wedding includ- that, “Dick had such a powerful com- their bodies and their sexuality, “Tuca, Tuca” a playful corruption lows several of the birds and reveals their personali- once even baring her belly button of the Italian words “touch, touch,” ties, from a middle-aged pair nicknamed “the poster ing an image of the couple posing under a mand of his movies, and was so gifted twilight sky. A representative for Shelton across so many genres. Being in his during a TV performance. But she which she sang while moving her penguins for monogamy” to a young bachelor looking said they married in his home state of Okla- could also be devastatingly classy hands up and down various men’s for his fi rst mate. circle was akin to hanging out with homa and the No Doubt singer tagged the your favorite coach, smartest profes- in her dress and manners. bodies. She performed the number “It became very clear very quickly that this was wedding photos with Saturday’s date. The La Repubblica newspaper many times with different stars, in- like watching a reality show like ‘Love Island’ or ‘Big sor, fi ercest motivator, most endearing In one photo, Shelton was dressed in friend, staunchest ally, and — of course wrote that she managed to pull off cluding one classic version with co- Brother,’” said Cayley Christos, a fi eld producer on jeans and driving a golf cart decorated with being provocative but still familiar median Alberto Sordi. “Penguin Town” and co-owner at production compa- white tulle, while Stefani showed off her — the greatest Goonie of all. He was and reassuring to millions of TV A 1980s TV show she starred in, ny Red Rock Films. white boots under her wedding dress and all kid. All heart. All the time. I can’t viewers. She also was considered “Fantastico,” drew 25 million view- “I know people don’t love anthropomorphizing all held up a bouquet of white fl owers. believe he’s gone, but his husky, hearty an icon for gay fans due to her joy- ers, nearly a half of what was then the time, but it’s hard not to do when they so clearly The two singers announced their engage- laugh will stay with me always.” ful performances. Italy’s population. have these personalities,” she added. “And so we didn’t ment in October. The two stars met as Tributes Her trademark bouncy, blond hair- But it was the 1970s TV variety really have a choice but to make it really personal.” judges on the singing competition show cut and bangs — dubbed the helmet program “Canzonissima” — rough- The show is narrated by comedian Patton Oswalt, years ago. After Shelton divorced Miranda Tributes also poured in on Twitter look — were imitated by many fans. ly, full of song — that sealed her a veteran at voiceover work. “I jumped at the chance Lambert and Stefani divorced her husband Monday, including from “Goonies” TV magnate Silvio Berlusconi, reputation as a star. Italians would because I watched a lot of the raw footage and I was just Gavin Rossdale in 2015, the two later star Sean Astin. the former Italian premier, mourned be glued to their black-and-white kind of bowled over how enchanting and sweet it was.” began dating. They have released a couple “Richard Donner had the biggest, Carra’s passing, calling her “one TV sets every Saturday night to en- Among the some 1,000 breeding pairs that arrive of duets together, including “Nobody But boomiest voice you could imagine,” of the symbols of Italian television, joy the musical variety show, which each mating season, the fi lmmakers capture relat- You” and “Happy Anywhere.” (AP) Astin wrote. “He commanded atten- perhaps the most beloved person- launched hit songs year after year. able characters, including a whimsical misfi t they ❑ ❑ ❑ tion and he laughed like no man has ever laughed before. Dick was so call “Junior” and a pack of troublemaking penguins JOPLIN, Mo: Rockabilly and country In 1985, he made the kids’ adventure personally and professionally a better known as the “Car Park Gang.” much fun. What I perceived in him, performer Sanford Clark, who had a Top as a 12 year old kid, is that he cared. I classic “The Goonies” and “Lady- producer and a happier, loving per- Personalities 10 hit with “The Fool” in 1956, has died in love how much he cared.” hawke,” which would introduce him to son,” she continued, calling “Lady- a Missouri hospital from COVID-19. He Director Kevin Smith tweeted that, his future wife, Lauren Shuler Donner. hawke” their “personal love story.” “You really do kind of latch on to some of these was 85. The two married the following year. “I’m the hawk and he’s the wolf,” personalities,” said Oswalt. “You follow all these little Clark died Sunday at Mercy Hospital in “Richard Donner made the devil a child in The Omen, invented the modern day In 1993, they founded The Donners she said. stories and you’re rooting for these guys.” Joplin, where he had been receiving cancer Company, which has produced such In 1987, Donner cast Mel Gibson Behind the sweetness is serious business. Only 2% comic book movie with Superman, and treatment before he contracted the corona- hits as “Deadpool,” “The Wolverine” and Danny Glover as a mismatched of the African penguin population is left from the virus, his publicist and fellow performer reinvented the buddy cop movie with number that the existed 100 years ago. Christos cites Johnny Vallis said Monday. Lethal Weapon. I got to meet with him and the “X-Men” franchise. Adjusted police pair in the buddy-cop action estimates that the species has about 10 years left be- Clark was born on Oct 24, 1935, in last year about a project. Guy was a for infl ation, his fi lms have generated fi lm “Lethal Weapon.” The fi lm was a fore extinction. Tulsa, Oklahoma, and raised in Phoenix, natural born storyteller. Thanks for all more than $1 billion in box offi ce re- smash, spawning several sequels and a “Living among people isn’t easy. It’s not the best where he fi rst began performing in the early the fl icks, Dick!” ceipts. TV show. place for them. They really should be on an island, but 1950s. “The Fool” reached No. 7 on the Filmmaker Edgar Wright added, “Let me tell you: Dick Donner di- “He was a master storyteller,” Gib- they have no choice. They’d rather face these huge giants Billboard Top 100. The song was later re- “Richard Donner’s big heart & ef- recting is truly the sexiest man alive,” son said in 2017. “He was humble. He walking around them all day long than die,” she said. corded by several other well-known artists, fervescent charm shone in his movies Shuler Donner said at a fi lm academy had this sign over this door that said The fl ightless, aquatic birds fi rst started showing up including Elvis Presley and The Animals. through the remarkable performances tribute to the director in 2017. ‘Leave your ego at the door,’ and there in Simon’s Town on the Western Cape in the early Presley actually recorded the song twice, of his cast, which is no mean feat. You She said a director’s personality of- was no ego around him. It was hard for 1980s as boat traffi c around their natural habitat in- the fi rst time as part of his personal record- remember all the characters in Super- ten reveals itself onscreen. me to walk into the room, actually.” creased. They usually arrive in November and stay for ings while he was serving in the Army, man, Lethal Weapon, The Goonies & “If you look at Dick’s movies, Dick Donner followed up with the Bill then again for professional release in the more, because Donner knew how to is fun, larger than life, loud, strong, Murray hit “Scrooged” in 1988 and six months. 1970s, Vallis said. “Slowly, slowly, slowly they realized that this was capture that magic onscreen.” with a big mushy heart,” she said. “His “Lethal Weapon 2” the next year. “You can hear that he’s trying to emulate Wright said he, only met Donner confi dence, his fearlessness, his humor His other credits include “Maver- quite a safe, nice place to be. They weren’t getting at- Sanford’s sound,” Vallis said. “You know, tacked by land predators,” said Christos. once but said, “He was funny, charm- are what make people adore him and ick,” “Conspiracy Theory” and “Radio most people I know want to impersonate ing and so full of stories (and happy to has wrapped around me like a protec- Flyer.” Initially, the arrival of the colony was greeted with Elvis, and here Elvis was trying to imper- some dismay by residents. “Like any good wildlife, indulge my geeky questions).” tive cloak. Born Richard Donald Schwartzberg sonate him.” “The combination of learning mov- on April 24, 1930, in New York City, they march around and they poop in people’s gardens. Clark recorded several other songs in the Donner followed “Superman” with And so I think it’s been an interesting adjustment,” 1950s and 1960s that saw minor success an indie, “Inside Moves,” in 1980 and iemaking from Richard Donner and Donner changed his name when he set she said. before he left the music business to work “The Toy” with Richard Pryor in 1982. falling in love with him has made me out to become an actor. Townsfolk soon realized that the penguins were a in construction, though he occasionally tourist draw and a potential source of income. “They recorded in later decades on his own label, really are gods in that town and everybody’s business- Desert Sun Records. Sanford is survived by his wife, Mar- es are named after them.” ing Tuesday has exacerbated what Cannick Detention Center in Brooklyn on June 22 The team from Red Rock Films initially focused on sha, and several children. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑ said was a “herculean effort” to get up to from Chicago, where he was being held on about 80 nests and then whittled the list down to 50 speed after their June 21 hiring. similar charges. Tuesday will mark 14 days pairs they would follow 24 hours a day. One more cut NEW YORK: R. Kelly’s new lawyers are Cannick argued in the letter that Kelly’s since Kelly’s transfer to Brooklyn. led them to a fi nal fi ve to concentrate on. asking a judge to postpone his Aug 9 sex new lawyers haven’t been able to meet with “Robert is anxious to have his day in Filmmakers used all sorts of equipment to capture traffi cking trial in New York City, arguing him in person because of the quarantine court; however not at the expense of his the penguins — nest cams, drones, waterproof cameras, they haven’t had enough time to prepare and that proceeding with the R&B star’s Sixth Amendment rights,” Cannick wrote, special tripods and an antigravity rig. So committed to because he’s under a mandatory jail quar- trial as scheduled would rob him of effec- saying the request was not a delay tactic. environmentalism was the 30-member team that they antine since his transfer from Chicago. tive and meaningful representation. Federal prosecutors hadn’t responded to pledged to abstain from meat and fi sh during the eight- In a letter Monday to US District Judge Kelly, whose legal name is Robert Cannick’s request as of Monday night and month shoot, eating an exclusively plant-based diet. Ann Donnelly, lawyer Deveraux Cannick Sylvester Kelly, was placed in quaran- declined to comment. Donnelly has yet to wrote that Kelly’s 14-day quarantine end- tine when he arrived at the Metropolitan Stefani Shelton rule on the fi ling. (AP)