Review: ‘Shazam!’ sequel has more stars, less charm

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:39:34 GMT

Review: ‘Shazam!’ sequel has more stars, less charm By Jocelyn Noveck | Assocoiated PressSequels, by nature, are more. Whatever the original had, just add more, the rule seems to be. Even more words in the title — how often is a sequel’s title shorter than the original?And so, exactly four years after the original DC superhero pic “Shazam!” surprised with its clever blend of innocence and silliness, and enough wit to blunt the inevitable ridiculousness of plot, we have “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.” It brings five times the title wordage, more action, more villains, more monsters and more star wattage — Oscar winner Helen Mirren, for example.But not more charm. The sequel, again directed by David F. Sandberg, feels less breezily funny, less fresh, less fleet of foot. (At two hours and 10 minutes, it’s actually two minutes shorter than the original, but doesn’t feel shorter).In its favor, though, are some elements that lent the original its pleasures, especially Zachary Levi and his goofy efforts...

2-bedroom home on corner lot in Alameda

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:39:34 GMT

2-bedroom home on corner lot in Alameda It’s an extraordinary opportunity: Live in a World War II-era two-story attached home in the West End not far from Alameda Landing shopping and restaurants, the Webster Posey Tube, S.F. commuter ferry, and Spirits Alley for sumptuous craft beers and food.Experience historic charm at this home built in 1940 for workers at the Alameda Bethlehem Shipyard during World War II. When you walk through the front door you will see fresh paint, new light fixtures, wood floors, a coat closet and heating furnace. The kitchen includes a new, never-been-used stainless-steel gas range oven and refrigerator and linoleum floor.Outside the back door is a patio area and upstairs there are two bedrooms with new light fixtures and door knobs as well as a newer full bathroom with a shower over tub.Location: 1732 Main Street, AlamedaOverview:  two bedrooms, one bathroom, 800 square feetListed at: $525,000Open house: Saturday, March 18, and Sunday, March 19, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.Website: www.1732MainSt...

‘California cannot afford to be held hostage by NIMBYs’: The debate over California’s landmark environmental law hits new venue

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:39:34 GMT

‘California cannot afford to be held hostage by NIMBYs’: The debate over California’s landmark environmental law hits new venue California’s bedrock environmental law has helped protect residents, wildlife and natural resources from pollution and other negative effects of development countless times since then-Gov. Ronald Reagan put it on the books more than half a century ago.But the California Environmental Quality Act, better known as CEQA, sometimes is weaponized by competing businesses, labor unions and anti-development neighbors who aren’t necessarily motivated by environmental concerns. They challenge projects in court, based on CEQA complaints, and delay or kill some projects entirely. Some people now argue that such tactics have contributed to California’s housing crisis.Witnesses spelled out those competing realities during an all-day hearing Thursday before the Little Hoover Commission which, for the first time, is studying whether to recommend changes to the environmental law.“I think that’s the reason nothing can ever be done with CEQA because each side is so compelling,” Commissioner Anthony Ca...

European competition draw lists

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:39:34 GMT

European competition draw lists NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Champions LeagueQuarterfinalsFirst LegApril 11-12 Real Madrid (Spain) vs. Chelsea (England)Benfica (Portugal) vs. Inter Milan (Italy)Manchester City (England) vs. Bayern Munich (Germany)AC Milan (Italy) vs. Napoli (Italy)Second LegApril 18-19Chelsea (England) vs. Real Madrid (Spain)Inter Milan (Italy) vs. Benfica (Portugal)Bayern Munich (Germany) vs. Manchester City (England)Napoli (Italy) vs. AC Milan (Italy)SemifinalsFirst LegMay 9-10AC Milan (Italy) or Napoli (Italy) vs. Benfica (Portugal) or Inter Milan (Italy)Real Madrid (Spain) or Chelsea (England) vs. Manchester City (England) or Bayern Munich (Germany)Second LegMay 16-17Benfica (Portugal) or Inter Milan (Italy) vs. AC Milan (Italy) or Napoli (Italy)Manchester City (England) or Bayern Munich (Germany) vs. Real Madrid (Spain) or Chelsea (England)___More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsSource

DC doctor explains why pregnancy deaths rates among Black women increased since pandemic

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:39:34 GMT

DC doctor explains why pregnancy deaths rates among Black women increased since pandemic A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that Black women had a maternal mortality rate nearly three times the rate of white women during the pandemic in 2021.The mortality rate for Black women in 2021 was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the rate for white women.Dr. Carla Sandy, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center in D.C., says that “implicit bias and racism” in medical fields negatively impact “how Black women interact with the system.”More Health & Fitness NewsMore Local NewsMore DC NewsShe said that while the trend is moving in a positive direction, there is still a need to improve maternity care as a whole.“I think some of the bigger things that we can do as a society is make high quality care easier to access,” Sandy said. “It does come down to our integration of care; a lot of times our care is fragmented.”The data from the report a...

Farmacéutica Sanofi rebajará hasta un 78% del costo de la insulina

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:39:34 GMT

Farmacéutica Sanofi rebajará hasta un 78% del costo de la insulina WASHINGTON – La farmacéutica Sanofi anunció este jueves que rebajará hasta un 78% el precio de su producto de insulina más recetado en Estados Unidos, sumándose a otras dos principales productoras del medicamento que anunciaron medidas similares en las últimas semanasEn un comunicado, la empresa señaló además que impondrá un precio máximo de $35 dólares al mes a la insulina para las personas que tengan seguro de salud privado.La decisión de Sanofi llega después de que las farmacéuticas Eli Lilly y Novo Nordisk anunciaran medidas similares, ante la presión por parte del Gobierno del presidente Joe Biden para que las empresas reduzcan el precio de la insulina, un medicamento que es mucho más caro en Estados Unidos que en otros países. La farmacéutica Novo Nordisk rebaja hasta un 75% el costo de varios productos de insulina en EEUU La farmacéutica Eli Lilly limita el costo de la insulina a $35 por mes, brindando alivio a millones ...

Tuniu: Q4 Earnings Snapshot

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:39:34 GMT

Tuniu: Q4 Earnings Snapshot NANJING, China (AP) — NANJING, China (AP) — Tuniu Corp. (TOUR) on Friday reported a loss of $636,000 in its fourth quarter.On a per-share basis, the Nanjing, China-based company said it had a loss of less than 1 cent. Losses, adjusted for non-recurring gains, came to 4 cents per share.The online travel company posted revenue of $4 million in the period.For the year, the company reported a loss of $28 million, or 24 cents per share. Revenue was reported as $26.6 million.For the current quarter ending in March, Tuniu said it expects revenue in the range of $8.5 million to $9 million._____This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on TOUR at https://www.zacks.com/ap/TOURSource

3 drivers, pedestrian involved in hit-and-run on Lincoln

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:39:34 GMT

3 drivers, pedestrian involved in hit-and-run on Lincoln DENVER (KDVR) — Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash with serious injuries that involved three drivers and a pedestrian.According to the Denver Police Department, officers are investigating a hit-and-run crash at 9th and Lincoln in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Driver, passenger shot while turning onto Colfax Avenue DPD said the crash involved three drivers and a pedestrian. At this time, DPD did not say who was injured but that they suffered serious injuries. Closures are in place while police investigate. Expect delays if you are commuting downtown on Lincoln Street as it is completely shut down. Visit the traffic map for detours around the closures. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Frozen Dead Guy Days, NCAA Tournament, plus 8 things to do this weekend

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:39:34 GMT

Frozen Dead Guy Days, NCAA Tournament, plus 8 things to do this weekend DENVER (KDVR) — If you are looking for something to do this weekend, we have you covered. Whether you want to check out the National Alpaca Show, grab some crawfish and beer, or get into the St. Patrick's holiday spirit, there is something for everyone.Weather-wise, the weekend will see slow warming with dry conditions. Expect mostly sunny skies across much of the state on Saturday with cooler highs in the low 40s. Sunday is a bit warmer in Denver with temperatures nearing the 50-degree mark. These teams will play in Denver for NCAA Tournament Things to do this weekendHere are 10 things to do this weekend across Colorado:Frozen Dead Guy Days- Estes Park - Friday-SundayNational Alpaca Show- Denver - Friday-SundayNCAA Tournament- Denver - Friday and SundayTalnua Distillery Annual St. Patrick’s Day Event – Arvada - Friday and SaturdaySt. Patrick’s Day – Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park celebration - SaturdayHops ‘n Hash – Louisville - SaturdayCrawfish, Blues & Brews...

Colorado's toxic chemical output at a 10-year low

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:39:34 GMT

Colorado's toxic chemical output at a 10-year low DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado industries released a smaller amount of toxic chemicals in 2021 than any of the previous 10 years, the biggest producers of which are mining and power plant operations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the latest data for the nation's toxic chemical output. Nationally, the release of toxic chemicals in 2021 was 10% lower than in 2012. Photos: 2 arrested after front-door ‘booby trap’ injures visitor The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) tracks the management of certain toxic chemicals that may pose a threat to human health and the environment. Certain industrial facilities in the U.S. must report annually how much of each chemical is recycled, combusted for energy recovery, treated for destruction, and disposed of or otherwise released on and off-site. Colorado has lowered its chemical output as well, even as its region's chemical output has grown. In 2021, Colorado industries released a total of 19.7 million pounds of chemicals into the land...