Whilst emails are a key part of the office work day, they aren’t the most fun. Here’s how you can use AI for emails.

Since its invention in 1971, email has become an essential part of office life. But writing one can be a tedious — and boring — task. That’s why many companies are taking advantage of recent advances in artificial intelligence to make it easier to write professional emails.

Microsoft is one such company. The American tech giant will soon be introducing “Microsoft 365 Co-pilot,” an AI designed to assist workers in their daily tasks. This tool will be integrated into Windows 11 as well as Microsoft 365, a set of services for professionals that includes the Outlook email service. It will assist users in writing “concise and error-free” emails, as outlined in a blog post detailing the project. It will also suggest improvements in terms of clarity, conciseness and inclusive language, to make emails more “polished and professional.”

“Microsoft 365 Copilot” is due to be rolled out to businesses on November 1, although Visa, General Motors, KPMG and Lumen Technologies have already been testing it for several months, according to CNN Business. In March, the American company announced the integration of ChatGPT-4, the latest iteration of OpenAI’s artificial intelligence technology, into its office software, including Word, Excel and Outlook.

How to use AI for emails at work: Putting an end to being ‘hyperconnected’

Other companies are also using AI to help employees write emails, whatever their size or purpose. The Warmer.ai platform uses AI technology to personalise any business email in just a few clicks. The first step is to determine the “objective” of the email, ie, to organise a meeting, answer a query or generate traffic to a website. Once the objective has been defined, all you have to do is provide Warmer.ai with information on the recipient(s) from an Excel spreadsheet, LinkedIn profile or website. And that’s all there is to it: the platform needs nothing else in order to write a personalised email that meets the sender’s expectations.

Lavender.ai and Emailtree.ai also rely on artificial intelligence to optimise the impact that professional email messages have on the recipient. The former assigns a score out of 100 to your draft email, before suggesting how to improve it in terms of style, syntax and length. The second allows you to schedule your emails so that they arrive in your addressee’s inbox at the right time. Thanks to this, there’s no longer any need to log onto your business mailbox between 3 pm and 6 pm on Sundays to increase the chances of your emails being opened and read.

After all, it’s not always easy to keep up with the flow of communication being exchanged and various demands in the workplace, between emails, Slack notifications and invitations to meetings. A Slack and One Poll survey of 8,000 UK- and US-based employees found that they spend an average of 11 hours per week drafting emails, while other estimates suggest employees spend up to two to three hours a day checking and answering their emails.

Can AI tools relieve the time wasting and assist office workers make better use of their time? Many office workers feel pressure to respond in real time to the dozens of work emails they receive throughout the day. Expectations of being always on and responding near instantly to messages can weigh on morale and interfere with one’s ability to concentrate. An overflowing mailbox is often perceived as a lack of organisational skills, the idea that one is overwhelmed by their workload, which can lead to additional stress and anxiety. Issues that companies would do well to address, whether with AI or not.

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Saudi Arabia said on Monday it would organise the eSports World Cup 2024, the latest boost to a sector Riyadh hopes will create tens of thousands of local jobs.

“The eSports World Cup is the natural next step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become the premier global hub for gaming and eSports,” the Gulf kingdom’s de facto ruler, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, said in a statement.

Prince Mohammed is said to be an avid gamer partial to Call of Duty, and Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the sector since the 38-year-old became first in line to the throne six years ago.

Last year, the crown prince announced a $38 billion investment strategy for the kingdom’s Savvy Games Group, owned by the deep-pocketed sovereign wealth fund.

The goal is to create 39,000 eSports-related jobs by 2030.

Saudi Arabia to host the world’s first eSports World Cup in 2024

Officials also want to make Saudi Arabia “an Eden for game developers” that can produce new titles “promoting Saudi and Arabic culture”, according to the national eSports strategy, targeting 30 globally competitive games produced in domestic studios by 2030.

The first edition of the eSports World Cup is expected next summer, taking the place of the eight-week Gamers8 festival of eSports tournaments which this year featured a prize pool totalling $45 million.

“You can look at Gamers8 as a dry run for the eSports World Cup,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the newly formed eSports World Cup Foundation.

Tourism falls off considerably during the summer in Saudi Arabia when temperatures in the capital Riyadh clear 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on a daily basis.

But the eSports World Cup “will be complemented with a diversified set of activities and events that will draw visitors and tourists to the capital, transforming it into a gaming capital”, Monday’s statement said.

“As they come to Riyadh maybe it might be quiet in Riyadh relatively, but the destination is very busy,” said Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Fahd Hamidaddin, highlighting attractions in the cooler southern highlands and on the coast.

Officials have not specified which games will be included in the eSports World Cup, saying only that details will be made public early next year.

“The tournament will include the most popular games in the world across all genres and have the largest prize pool in eSports history,” the statement said.

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Broadway musical lovers, listen up! Award-winning Broadway musical HAMILTON will stage its Singapore debut come April 2024 at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands.

Ground-breaking musical HAMILTON will stop in Singapore for its first-ever international tour since premiering on Broadway in July 2015.

One of the highest-grossing music theatre productions of all time, it will be making Singapore its third stop of the tour following a sold-out debut in Manila in September and an upcoming season in Abu Dhabi in January.

Before this, musical lovers would have to travel to New York, London’s West End, Australia, Germany and New Zealand, to catch it.

What to expect for the HAMILTON musical in Singapore in April 2024

Receiving wide critical and audience acclaim, HAMILTON has gone on to win Tony®, Grammy®, Olivier and Pulitzer Prize awards.

HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and is the story of America, then told by America now. American songwriter, actor, filmmaker and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the book and scored the musical’s music and lyrics.

With catchy songs that blend hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway like the iconic ‘My Shot’, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre. This musical made a profound impact on culture, politics and education.

The Singapore cast of HAMILTON will feature a talented global cast. Although Lin-Manuel Miranda won’t be Alexander Hamilton on this run, Australian actor Jason Arrow will take up the same role he starred in for the Australia leg. Rounding up the cast is New Zealander Akina Edmonds as Angelica Schuyler, and American actor Darnell Abraham as George Washington. In an impressive feat, Korean-American actor David Park will assume two roles as Marquis De Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson.

Michael Cassel, Producer of the HAMILTON international tour and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Cassel Group said: “I’m thrilled to bring HAMILTON to Singapore and continue the show’s global journey. HAMILTON’s themes of hope, equality, and the power of storytelling are universal. It has been a thrill to see audiences fall in love with the show – be it in Australia or the Philippines, and I’m excited to see it connect with audiences in Singapore.”

HAMILTON’s Singapore musical engagement is presented at Sands Theatre by Base Entertainment Asia. Interested parties can sign up to be on a waitlist for the first in line for tickets now at Base Entertainment Asia’s website. Tickets will go on sale on November 14 through Marina Bay Sands ticketing and SISTIC.

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PUMA has officially announced A$AP Rocky as the brand’s new Creative Director for its Formula 1 partnership. With a unique eye for aesthetics, fashion knowledge, and roots in the motorsports business, Rocky will be influencing the brand’s seasonal design directions moving forward.

Automotive references have always been prevalent in Rocky’s art and his interest in cars has led to unexpected crossovers such as his collaboration with Need For Speed last year. F1 on the other hand, has made an effort to be more progressive and culturally relevant as viewership numbers continue to rise around the world. Haas F1 has an ongoing partnership with Palm Angels, Red Bull’s (Un)Serious Race series allows fans to better know their drivers on a personal level, and out-of-the-box helmet designs such as Lewis Hamilton’s Hajime Sorayama collaboration for the Japan Grand Prix continue to make headlines.

From what we see so far, the PUMA x Formula 1 partnership looks to be very promising as PUMA gives Rocky the freedom to play with materials, finishes, and silhouettes. The visuals are also uncompromising, echoing the rapper’s personal style. Instead of going the safe route of lazy graphic prints on classic ready-to-wear pieces, we see bold statement pieces from neon green quilted race jackets and contrast-stitched denim work pants to pearl balaclavas and red racing gloves.

 

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“We couldn’t be more excited to be working with A$AP Rocky,” said Maria Valdes, PUMA’s Chief Product Officer. “He’s incredibly talented, deeply thoughtful and invested in our brand. He will showcase his vision with elevated F1 race capsules globally which attract new audiences and undoubtedly disrupt the track. In the future, he will influence the broader PUMA x F1 range and will continue to help push sport and culture forward.”

As the exclusive licensee and trackside retailer at all races, PUMA looks to explore the impact that streetwear and fashion can play beyond the track. According to PUMA, Rocky’s influence on the brand will be “phased,” beginning with an “in the lab” approach to see where he can take the category. What we see with the debut imagery is an exploration of car culture in America and the impact it has on fashion. For the rest of the year, Rocky will be influencing PUMA’s visuals and video content.

In 2024, Rocky will focus on curating activations for several Grand Prix races beginning in Miami in partnership with the PUMA and F1 teams. Fast forward to 2025, he will be immersing himself in the holistic product designs for all of the PUMA x F1 products spanning from “racewear to fanwear to fashion.”

“Working with brands as iconic as PUMA, and as innovative as F1, has been truly inspiring,” said A$AP Rocky. “When the world sees what we’re doing, I believe a shift will happen with how brands approach taking risks and working with diverse creatives.”

An ultra-limited PUMA x F1 collection is set to drop later this year, providing a sneak peek of the “series of capsule collections” to come in 2024. Stay tuned for additional details.

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As the Windsors’ story comes to a close in The Crown, Netflix sets its eyes across the Atlantic to American president JFK as a possible new historical series. 

Netflix may have found its new hit historical drama. The Crown’s last season is yet to be released but Variety has reported that a brand new series is in the works, this time focusing on the life—and ultimately, assassination—of American President John F. Kennedy. According to the report, Netflix is viewing this as the American version of The Crown. 

[Hero image: Florida Memory/Unsplash]

A JFK limited series is being developed by Netflix

The series is based on JFK: Coming Of Age In The American Century, 1917-1956, a two-volume book that released the first volume back in 2020. The first volume chronicles Kennedy’s early years and his start in politics. Aside from that, not much is known about the series, like whether it will follow The Crown’s pattern of casting different actors for characters as they age. It’s also not clear yet how many seasons this series will have. 

Eric Roth will write and executive produce the series. Roth has a number of films under his belt as a writer, including iconic ones like Forrest Gump and 2018’s A Star is Born, the former winning him an Oscar while the latter got him nominated. However, there is currently no showrunner as of yet so the streaming giant is on the hunt for one. 

As Netflix mounts up production on this brand new historical drama, The Crown is set to finally drop the curtain on its six-season story chronicling the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The final season, which premieres on November 4, will see Elizabeth’s reign in the modern era, kicking off with the controversial death of Princess Diana. 

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Neymar Jr., Nick Bosa, and Shai Gilgeous? Our girl Kim is not sparing any marketing expenses. You can now officially shop for menswear at SKIMS, as unveiled in a campaign on social media last night.

[Hero and featured image credit: SKIMS]

Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS debut menswear line with sports icons

First launched in 2019, SKIMS is “a solutions oriented brand creating the next generation of underwear, loungewear and shapewear” co-founded by Kim Kardashian, Emma Grede, and Jens Grede. The brand is all about body positivity and inclusion, as well as making very comfy clothes, and they have been seeing huge success ever since. It’s now valued at USD 4 billion, and has seen campaigns featuring many industry icons such as Cardi B, Carmen Electra, and to an extent, Ice Spice.

Now, SKIMS is debuting a menswear line, and it has been appearing on everyone’s timeline since. After all, the campaign features football legend Neymar Jr., NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year, along with NBA All-Star’s Shai Gilgeous. Photographed by Donna Trope, we see each piece in full spotlight as each athlete shows off their toned complexion.

The new menswear line features a cotton, stretch, and sports collection. The sports collection is designed to be worn under your usual gym clothes, made from mid-weight cotton with performance-aiding base layers.

According to Kim Kardashian, this expansion is in accordance with the brand’s mission to provide solutions to everybody, male body types included. As such, each piece from the collection is available in sizes from XS-5XL.

“To have an icon like Neymar Jr be the face of our launch campaign, along with NBA All-Star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and NFL’s top Defensive Player Nick Bosa, I think speaks volumes to the way SKIMS has evolved into becoming a brand that can provide comfort for all audiences, not just for women. I am incredibly excited about this next chapter for SKIMS and cannot wait for everyone to experience our amazing range of products,” the star said in a press release.

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In a world where a new video game releases every second day, it can be a bit tricky to sort out the best from the rest. Not to mention, developers and publishers, across genres, have been pushing the bar regarding gameplay dynamics, storytelling, art direction, music and graphics. Studios are also rolling out new franchises (like Starfield more recently) in an effort to lure audiences across all age groups. Hence, in a vastly expanding universe of freshly baked video games to explore, maybe not all of them are worth your time and money, even if they seem exciting at first glance.

What you can rely on, however, are best-selling games. After all, there’s a reason why so many people decided to buy a copy when these games first hit stores. For instance, in 2023, Minecraft became the first video game in history to cross 300 million sales, thereby becoming the best-selling video game of all time. Given Minecraft’s popularity, it’s safe to say that the list of best-selling games covers some truly incredible (and immersive) titles.

As it happens, we have taken upon the responsibility of introducing you to these best-selling games that warrant your time and money. These video games have stood the test of time and still find loyalty among gamers who are either nostalgic or want an immersive gameplay experience. Our list includes legendary titles like Tetris, Minecraft, Super Mario Bros. and Wii Sports (remember that?) Surprisingly, we also have some new-age AAA titles like Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 sitting high on the list. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the best-selling video games of all time.

These are the 15 best-selling video games of all time

It has been over a month since Apple released the iPhone 15 and yet, it continues to stay in the limelight. Hailed as one of the biggest upgrades to the iPhone since 2020’s radically designed iPhone 12, the iPhone 15 ticks all the right boxes for smartphone buyers this year. The Lightning charging port, which was once an Achilles heel for an iPhone user, has finally been replaced with the universally available USB-C charging port. The dated display notch makes way for the more interesting Dynamic Island while the revised design impresses as well.

However, all of these upgrades seem to be overshadowed by the big changes rumoured to be coming to next year’s iPhone 16.

Even though it is a year away from its official release, the iPhone 16 leaks have revealed a lot of exciting upgrades in store for us. Among the many changes that could be deemed revolutionary, the iPhone 16’s chip will be one of the key talking points for the months to come. A freshly brewed leak now suggests that Apple could get rid of the differences in the chipsets between the standard and Pro models from next year onwards. The A18 chip could now power all of the iPhone 16 variants, thereby offering the latest performance enhancements one expects from a brand-new iPhone.

Will this new chipset be the sole driving force urging people to upgrade to the newer model next year? To answer that question, we take a look at all the anticipated iPhone 16 features that make it worth waiting for.

Apple iPhone 16’s rumoured features

Even though it’s quite early for the iPhone 16 rumours to hold any substance, we hope Apple is working behind the scenes to make them come true.

1. Solid state button

One of the biggest upgrades on the iPhone 15 (other than the USB-C port) was supposed to be the introduction of solid-state buttons. Surprisingly, Apple retained the old buttons but replaced the Mute slider with the highly customisable Action button. Hence, it is the iPhone 16 that is now expected to get rid of physical buttons and rely on solid-state keys. This new technology is expected to replace the power, volume and Action buttons with capacitive touch keys that were in fashion on Android smartphones of the early 2010s. Apple had also used this technology on the iPhone 7’s Home button.

To mimic a button press, Apple is expected to, once again, rely on its impressive Taptic Engine for haptic feedback. The benefits of using a solid state button include a clean side profile and better protection against water and dust ingress.

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2. 120Hz display as standard

iPhones feature some of the best displays you can find on any smartphone. However, the standard iPhone 15 features a 60Hz OLED display that doesn’t feel as smooth as a 120Hz refresh rate display.

For 2024, Apple is rumoured to offer a high refresh rate OLED panel as standard on all the iPhone 16 models. While details are sparse about this development, speculation hints at Apple reserving the LTPO OLED panels for the Pro variants only. In simple terms, this means that the iPhone 16 would only be able to alter its refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz. Nevertheless, it would still be better than the refresh rate of the iPhone 15’s display.

3. A18 chip

This is the big one.

After depriving buyers of the vanilla iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models of cutting-edge Apple chipsets for two years in a row, Apple is considering upgrading all the iPhone 16 models to the latest chipset. The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are rumoured to use the 3nm A18 chipset for faster performance and better efficiency. Theoretically, this should provide a huge performance boost over the iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic chip.

However, there’s a likelihood that Apple will offer an A18 Bionic chip with reserved performance on the vanilla iPhone 16 models and an A18 Pro chip with a performance boost on the iPhone 16 Pro models. After all, Apple has to offer additional incentives to buy the Pro models.

4. Under-display Face ID

In the iPhone 15, Dynamic Island offers a huge leap over the dated display notch, making efficient use of what is otherwise dead space.

However, according to the grapevine, Apple is willing to hide the TrueDepth camera sensors under the display in the iPhone 16. As a result, the iPhone 16’s forehead could end up looking no different than the Samsung Galaxy S23‘s. The Dynamic Island could also be reduced in size and Apple could simply retain the punch-hole camera cutout until it figures out a way to hide it under the display as well.

5. Vertically stacked rear cameras

Do you remember the iPhone 12’s design? It was the last iPhone to feature a vertically stacked rear camera design before Apple updated it with a diagonally stacked camera layout. With the iPhone 16, Apple is now rumoured to go back to the vertically stacked rear camera design. Although the reasons behind this move are unclear, there’s a possibility that Apple could either use new camera sensors or enlarge the camera hump to accommodate the sensor-shift camera modules next to each other.

Hence, Apple’s big design change for the iPhone 16 will revolve, once again, around shifting the camera lenses to its older spot. We can only imagine the memes that will flood your X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram feeds when that happens.

iPhone 16’s likely release date

Based on Apple’s usual timeline, we can expect the iPhone 16 range to be announced in early September 2024, just ahead of the festive season.

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(Hero and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Onur Binay via Unsplash)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Which Apple chip will the iPhone 16 use?
The iPhone 16 is now expected to use the A18 Bionic chip that will be based on the 3nm process.

– What are the specifications of A18 chips?
The A18 chips from Apple are expected to be manufactured using the 3nm process. They are rumoured to rely on TSMC’s new N3E node that guarantees slightly faster performance at the expense of power efficiency.

In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of contemporary cinema, one production company has managed to capture the hearts and minds of both cinephiles and critics alike — A24. With a reputation for pushing the boundaries of storytelling and delivering thought-provoking, visually stunning and emotionally resonant movies, A24 has become a powerhouse in the world of independent cinema.

While the production house is often associated with unconventional films, it has also proven that it can draw substantial audiences and generate significant revenue. Case in point, 2023’s Oscar winner for Best Picture and A24’s highest-grossing movie of all time…

From gripping dramas like The Whale, Moonlight and Uncut Gems and mind-bending science fiction fare including the aforementioned Everything Everywhere All at Once and Ex Machina, to A24’s horror movies like Talk to Me and Hereditary, let us take you through the highest-grossing and best A24 movies that have left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.

Highest-grossing A24 movies: ‘Talk to Me’, ‘Hereditary’ and more

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Worldwide box office gross: USD 141,141,737
Director: Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert
Cast: Michelle Yeoh, Jaimee Lee Curtis, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu

Evelyn Quan Wang, a Chinese-American immigrant, finds herself facing an IRS audit that unveils a startling revelation – she must establish connections with alternate versions of herself from parallel universes to avoid a powerful entity bent on destroying the entire multiverse.

Apart from becoming A24’s top-grossing film of all time, Everything Everywhere All at Once received widespread praise and made a significant impact at the 95th Academy Awards. The film secured a total of seven Oscars, out of eleven nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Michelle Yeoh, Best Supporting Actor for Ke Huy Quan, Best Supporting Actress for Jamie Lee Curtis, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert and Best Film Editing for Paul Rodgers.

IMDb rating: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

Talk to Me (2023)

Worldwide box office gross: USD 90,030,033
Director: Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou
Cast: Sophie Wilde, Alexandra Jensen, Joe Bird, Otis Dhanji, Miranda Otto, Zoe Terakes

A group of friends stumble upon a dark and forbidden secret – learning how to summon spirits using a preserved and embalmed hand. Initially intrigued by the thrilling prospect, things take a sinister turn when one of them pushes the boundaries too far, eventually releasing nightmarish and malevolent supernatural forces.

Talk to Me became the second-highest-grossing A24 film of all time in 2023 and dethroned Hereditary as the production house’s highest-grossing horror film. Additionally, a sequel titled Talk 2 Me is already in the works with Danny and Michael Philippou returning as co-directors and working on a script co-written by Danny and Bill Hinzman.

IMDb rating: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

Hereditary (2018)

Worldwide box office gross: USD 82,850,595
Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, Ann Dowd

In Hereditary, Ari Aster’s feature directorial debut, the story centres around a family dealing with deeply disturbing supernatural occurrences following the death of their secretive grandmother. At the centre of it all is Annie Graham (a breathtaking Toni Collette), a woman grappling with the loss of her mother and her family’s dark and mysterious past. As the supernatural elements escalate and the family members become increasingly unhinged, Annie’s husband, son and daughter must confront their shared ancestral legacy, which appears to be both bizarre and destructive.

The film is known for its slow-building tension and psychological horror, which creates a sense of dread and unease throughout the movie. It does not rely on traditional jump scares but rather focuses on creating a disturbing and unsettling atmosphere to terrify its audience. Upon its release in 2018, the film became A24’s highest-grossing film of all time beating Lady Bird. It held the record until June 2022 when it was surpassed by Everything Everywhere All at Once.

IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%

Lady Bird (2017)

Worldwide box office gross: USD 78,989,474
Director: Greta Gerwig
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet

Set in Sacramento, California, from the fall of 2002 till the fall of 2003, Lady Bird tells the story of Christine McPherson, a senior at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic High School, and her tumultuous relationship with her mother. Christine, who gives herself the nickname ‘Lady Bird’, is a rebel at heart.

The film’s plot navigates the challenges and adventures of Christine’s final year at school before she heads off to college. It explores her relationships with her family, particularly her overbearing but loving mother Marion and her best friend Julie. It also dives into her romantic relationships and her dreams of escaping her small town for a more exciting life on the East Coast.

Directed by Greta Gerwig, the film received five nominations at the 90th Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actress for Saoirse Ronan, Best Supporting Actress for Laurie Metcalf and Best Original Screenplay and Director for Gerwig. Additionally, at the 75th Golden Globe Awards, the movie took home two trophies, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for Ronan.

IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%

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Moonlight (2016)

Worldwide box office gross: USD 65,171,616
Director: Barry Jenkins
Cast: Ashton Sanders, Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Alex R. Hibbert, Janelle Monáe, Trevante Rhodes, André Holland

Moonlight is based on the semi-autobiographical play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney. The film is divided into three acts, each depicting a different stage in the life of its main character, Chiron. The story first follows Chiron as a young boy, then as a teenager and finally, as a young adult. While depicting Chiran’s journey to adulthood, the film also showcases his challenges and experiences of growing up as a black, gay boy in a rough Miami neighbourhood. As Chiron grapples with his identity and sexuality, he also deals with bullying, his mother’s drug addiction and young love.

The film received widespread critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture. Additionally, Mahershala Ali also won an Academy Award for his role as a compassionate drug dealer who becomes a father figure to Chiron.

IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%

The Whale (2022)

Worldwide box office gross: USD 54,883,205
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Cast: Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau

Charlie is a recluse who is burdened by morbid obesity and spends his days teaching college students through online English writing courses. However, he refuses to turn on his webcam, deeply ashamed of his physical appearance. His nurse and sole confidant, Liz, continually urges him to seek medical attention for his congestive heart failure, but Charlie claims he cannot afford the necessary care. In addition to Liz, Charlie receives visits from Thomas, a missionary from the New Life Church, who is determined to rescue him from his isolation. His ultimate aspiration is to mend his relationship with his estranged teenage daughter, Ellie, whom he abandoned eight years earlier when he left his wife, Mary, to be with his gay lover.

The Whale was lauded for Brendan Fraser’s heartbreaking performance that earned him numerous accolades, including the Academy Award, Critics’ Choice Award and SAG Award for Best Actor. Additionally, the film also received the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and actress Hong Chau’s remarkable performance earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 64%

Uncut Gems (2019)

Worldwide box office gross: USD 50,022,787
Director: Josh and Benny Safdie
Cast: Adam Sandler, LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett

Howard Ratner is a New York City jeweller with a gambling addiction. When he acquires a valuable uncut gem, a black opal, he believes it will solve all of his financial problems. However, as he helms the high-stakes world of the gem trade and the underground world of sports betting, his life becomes increasingly chaotic and dangerous. The film is an intense and suspenseful portrayal of a man in constant pursuit of a big score, despite the risks and consequences that surround him.

Uncut Gems was praised for Adam Sandler’s dramatic performance as it was a departure from the typical comedic roles the actor is famous for. Fans and critics also described the film as one of the best of his career.

IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Midsommar (2019)

Worldwide box office gross: USD 48,060,188
Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper, Vilhelm Blomgren

A group of American friends travel to rural Sweden to attend a midsummer festival that only occurs once every 90 years. One of those Americans is Dani, a woman dealing with a recent family tragedy and a strained relationship with her boyfriend, Christian. As the group becomes immersed in the seemingly idyllic and communal festivities of the midsummer celebration, they soon discover that the traditions of the isolated Swedish village are far darker and more disturbing than they could have imagined.

With a tone that’s similar to another A24 horror movie, Hereditary, Midsommar earned praise for its unsettling and visually captivating cinematography, exploration of themes like grief and cultural differences, and Florence Pugh’s stunning performance.

IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

The Witch (2016)

Worldwide box office gross: USD 40,424,949
Director: Robert Eggers
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw

Set in 17th-century New England, The Witch revolves around a Puritan family who is banished from their village and forced to live on the edge of a remote, dark forest. Shortly after establishing their new home, they begin to experience strange and terrifying occurrences, which they attribute to an evil witch living in the woods. As the family unravels due to fear and paranoia, the supernatural forces at play become increasingly menacing.

The film is known for its eerie and atmospheric approach to horror and is praised for its authentic dialogues (given the period it’s depicting) and historical accuracy. Exploring themes of religious extremism and isolation, the film’s slow-burning tension and psychological elements have earned a dedicated fanbase in the horror genre.

IMDb rating: 7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%

Ex Machina (2015)

Worldwide box office gross: USD 37,393,626
Director: Alex Garland
Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac

When Caleb, a young programmer working for a powerful tech company, wins a competition, he gets to spend a week at the secluded estate of the company’s CEO, Nathan. Upon arrival, Caleb discovers that he is actually there to participate in a groundbreaking experiment involving a highly advanced humanoid robot named Ava. As the week progresses, Caleb and Ava engage in conversations and interactions that blur the line between humans and machines.

The film, which received an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, questions what it means to be conscious and self-aware, as well as highlighting the consequences and dangers of Artificial Intelligence.

IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%

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By Manas Sen Gupta, Aug 22

(Hero and feature image credit: Courtesy IMDb/Everything Everywhere All at Once and Hereditary)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Which is the highest-grossing A24 movie?
Everything Everywhere All at Once is the highest-grossing A24 movie with worldwide box office collections of USD 141,141,737.

– Which is the most popular A24 movie?
Everything Everywhere All at Once, Hereditrary, Midsommar, Lady Bird and Moonlight are some of the most popular A24 movies.

– Which is the highest-grossing A24 horror movie?
Talk to Me is the highest-grossing A24 horror movie with worldwide box office collections of USD 90,030,033.

Elon Musk is not new to making controversial statements or criticising liberal media, especially since his takeover of Twitter (now rebranded as X). From Joe Biden and TikTok to Mark Zuckerberg and the New York Times, everyone has been on Musk’s hitlist lately. In fact, it won’t be wrong to say that Musk has become the kind of Twitter troll his site has become infamous for. Nowadays, Musk’s trolling gaze seems to be fixated on Wikipedia. This isn’t surprising since, in the past, he has alleged that Wikipedia exhibits a leftist bias and engages in information manipulation (claims that have no credible sources).

In a recent tweet, he extended an offer to donate USD 1 billion to Wikipedia, under a truly bizarre condition –  the platform will have to undergo a name change to ‘D*ckipedia.’

I will give them a billion dollars if they change their name to Dickipedia https://t.co/wxoHQdRICy

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 22, 2023

In case you are curious as to what happened next, here’s the detailed lowdown of the Elon Musk vs Wikipedia controversy.

More about Elon Musk’s Wikipedia controversy

You might be wondering why Musk suggested such a ridiculous name change for Wikipedia. Well, Musk’s suggestion has largely to do with his perception of the online encyclopaedia. Time and again, Musk has hinted at Wikipedia harbouring a left-wing bias and has clubbed it with other media outlets like The Washington Post, New York Times, CNN and MSNBC. Of course, there is no credible evidence to justify Musk’s claims, but the former Twitter (now rebranded as X) CEO has never really cited any sources or evidence to justify most of his attacks or accusations.

The second reason for Musk’s suggestion of a name change has to do with the Wikimedia Foundation’s constant requests for monetary donations from the general public.

He questioned the necessity for such a large amount of money by tweeting, “It certainly isn’t needed to operate Wikipedia. You can literally fit a copy of the entire text on your phone!”

He further added, “So, what’s the money for? Inquiring minds want to know.” Furthermore, he also requested that the information about the name change be included on his Wikipedia page.

As soon as Musk tweeted his name-change suggestion, Twitter users started replying with hilarious comments and suggestions. When journalist Ed Krassenstein suggested that Wikipedia should accept the offer and then revert the name change after receiving the money, Musk responded that the new name would need to remain in place for at least one year.

One year minimum. I mean, I’m a not fool lol.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 22, 2023

It is uncertain whether Wikipedia will consider the Tesla founder’s offer, but the situation, once again, shows Musk’s readiness to challenge and question well-established institutions.

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As mentioned above, this isn’t the first time Musk and Wikipedia are having a beef. Earlier in May 2023, the co-founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, criticised Musk for suppressing critics of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey just one day before the country’s presidential election.

Wales went on to accuse the billionaire of failing to uphold the principles of free speech that he so vehemently vouches for by yielding to Turkey’s requests to limit content. Wales also mentioned that when he encountered a comparable situation, Wikipedia resisted such demands.

(Hero image credits: Courtesy X/Elon Musk)
(Feature image credits: Courtesy Wikipedia Commons/The Royal Society/CC BY-SA 3.0)

The hit musical Mamma Mia! is back in Singapore after five years for a quick 2-week-plus run at the Sands Theatre in Marina Bay Sands. The musical will play until 2nd November 2024, and is the third time it plays in our shores after its debut 2014 and a second run in 2018. For some of us, this is already old news. The missus might have already been in our ear for weeks now to take her to see it.

For those who haven’t seen it, Mamma Mia! follows Sophie (played brilliantly by newcomer Jess Michelmore), a 20-year-old girl British girl who grew up in her mother’s taverna on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. In the lead up to her wedding, she invites three of her mother’s former lovers (architect Sam Carmichael, banker Harry Bright and writer/adventurer Bill Austin) with the intention of figuring out who among the three was her father. Interspersed within the narrative are the timeless hits of ABBA, some completely spot-on, some capturing the mood of the scene rather than encapsulating the plot. But overall, Mamma Mia! is a good time – great family fun, with perhaps some guidance needed for the young ones due to a sprinkling of mature themes.

It’s charming, it’s feel-good, but that’s to be expected. We’ve all seen the movie. Is this production of Mamma Mia! worth watching? Perhaps.

There are musicals that demand a view every opportunity we get, whose universal themes and timeless appeal allow us to interpret its content in new, novel ways with every viewing. Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Lion King are some that spring to mind. Mamma Mia! is in the same mould – not by virtue of its narrative, but because ABBA’s music has a timeless, transcendental quality that speaks to the human condition.

The musical suffers from a few weaknesses in narrative – something even the 2008 film could not overcome when they gave the musical the Hollywood treatment. There are instances of rather obviously manufactured tension, there because things need to move along into the third act, rather than what is organic to the characters and the story. There are also a few things that the musical lacks when compared to the 2008 film. One is the charm of the location itself – Kalokairi, the fictional island in which the story is set, truly comes alive in the film, a backdrop that heightens the story. The sets in the musical are well crafted, but does not fully capture the allure of the Greek islands.

The jukebox musical format might also alienate some viewers. Admittedly, the format makes some scene transitions rather strange and jarring because of sudden tonal shifts to accommodate the songs. It also means, by nature of some ABBA songs, that there are a couple of songs in which one character sings to another character, and the latter has to stand still and merely listen. But the strong performances do cover for it.

And the performances are incredible, especially Jess Michelmore as Sophie and Sara Poyzer, who plays Sophie’s mother Donna. When the two are on screen, there is a palpable, lived-in chemistry – the weary, protective single mother who has given everything to the taverna and her daughter, and the brash youth transitioning headlong into marriage and adulthood.

Donna’s best friends Rosie and Tanya, who visit her in Greece for Sophie’s wedding, are played with verve and an electric charm by Nicky Swift and Sarah Earnshaw. Despite being outrageously entertaining characters in their own right, their roles in providing the emotional pivot for Donna to go from stressed taverna owner and mother-of-the-bride to electric Super Trouper was deeply compelling due to each actress’ personal charisma.

The three male leads are impressive as well – Richard Standing (for those who might find him familiar, he was Danny Hargreaves in Coronation Street) toes the line between obnoxious and relatable expertly as Sam Carmichael, Neal Craig exudes dorky charm as Harry Bright and Phil Corbitt’s Bill Austin is a loveable teddy bear-type. Each gentleman made the role their own, which is impressive, because most of us associate these characters with their movie versions, played by Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård respectively. Big shoes to fill, and they filled it rather well.

Its weaknesses aside, Mamma Mia! is definitely a raucous, rollicking good time. The audience were clapping and singing along through most of the musical, with some numbers compelling some to get up and dance. There’s an immersive quality to the musical that the movie does not have. By the end, when everyone – even the audience – is dancing along to the songs, it becomes a communal experience. And in ‘communal’ is therefore the idea of ‘communion’, that you’ve witnessed and experienced something transcendental with those around you. These shared transcendental experiences doesn’t necessarily have to come from a shared love for ABBA. It can come from identifying with some of the themes here – love, parenthood, the search for self-identity. They might not be expressed in a manner as universally identifiable as the musicals I mentioned earlier, but they’re there if you know how and where to look.

The songs are amazingly performed. Some standouts include Voulez-Vous (an energetic, raucous booked for Act 1), Super Trouper (a dazzling display of showmanship, singing ability and girl power), Slipping Through My Fingers (perhaps Sara Poyzer at her best here as she gut-wrenchingly laments the tragedy every parent has to face – watching your child leave), Knowing Me Knowing You (a raw, emotional performance by Richard Standing as Sam tries to impart wisdom to Sophie while acknowledging his own failures as a father) and The Winner Takes It All (which Sara Poyzer performs as a tearful rebel cry against how society views the woman in a breakup).

So if the missus is bugging you to watch Mamma Mia!, should you? Well, obviously – that goes without saying. But will you enjoy yourself? Very likely. If you approach it with an open mind and an open heart, there is a lot you can learn from the positive female relationships on display here. Why are their girlfriends important? Why is their relationship with their mother so formative of their emotional cores? What do they seek from a heterosexual relationship with a cis-male that they cannot get from themselves or the women around them?

As a man viewing the musical, Mamma Mia! raises these questions for me. It might not, for me, answer them in a satisfying manner, but it does challenge the way men think about women and our relationships with them. So yes, watch it. And have some fun with the missus while you’re at it. At the very least, Mamma Mia! will ensure that. But give it a chance and it might make you believe in angels, something good in everything you see.

Get your tickets to Mamma Mia! here.

Smart TV sticks offer a brilliant way to breathe new life into a TV even when it’s far from new. But how do you choose which of the best streaming sticks to buy? For instance, between Amazon Fire TV Stick vs Google Chromecast, how do you figure out which one is better?

To help make that decision easier, we compare two of the most popular brands: Google and Amazon. Amazon’s Fire TV range may be more extensive, but Google has worked hard to improve its streaming devices.

Streaming sticks now offer a range of features, including voice control, HD streaming and access to apps such as Disney+, Spotify and YouTube. We will be comparing these features and the device’s price and design to determine which streaming player should come out on top.

To make this fight as fair as possible, we will be focusing our attention on the brand’s most iconic streaming devices, the Amazon Fire TV Stick vs Google Chromecast. However, we have also included a breakdown of every device offered by Amazon and Google so that you can see what’s on offer and whether it’s worth spending a little more.

Amazon Fire TV Stick vs Google Chromecast: what’s the difference? 

For less than £40 (SGD 66), both the Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick allow you to watch your favourite streaming services on older or ‘non-smart’ TVs. And while both devices do this job well, some features or apps are only available on specific smart TV sticks.

Here are the key differences between Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick as we talk through their designs, apps, channels and streaming quality.

Price

The Google Chromecast and the Amazon Fire TV Stick can be bought for £30 (SGD 50).

You won’t get a Chromecast remote for this price, but the device has a bendy HDMI cable that makes it easy to squeeze into a port even when space is limited. The Amazon Fire TV Stick comes with HD streaming, voice search via the Alexa Voice Remote and more comprehensive TV controls.

Design

While both the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Chromecast are set up to slot into the HDMI port found on the back of your TV, this is where most of the design similarities end.

The Google Chromecast is a black, round dongle with a short, flexible HDMI cable. This bendy cable allows you to fit the Chromecast between any other devices that might be occupying other ports.

The design of the Amazon Fire TV Stick is a black USB-style stick. It is small and thin and can, again, fit between any other products plugged in behind the TV. Both are then connected to power adaptors and are hidden from sight when in use.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick also comes with an accompanying remote. The Alexa Voice Remote is small and black, like the Fire TV Stick itself, and has 11 buttons in total. This includes a voice button that you can activate Alexa with by holding down and speaking your request. The others include controls for power, volume and play/pause.

Streaming quality

Both devices stream in full HD. This makes both devices a great option if you intend to use them to get better use out of an old TV.

If you have a 4K TV, you might want to consider investing in either the Chromecast with Google TV or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. These devices are more expensive, at £59.99 (SGD 100) and £49.99 (SGD 83) respectively, but offer 4K streaming so that you can get the most from your TV.

Apps and channels

To watch a streaming service via Google Chromecast, it needs to be compatible. This list used to be relatively limited but has expanded to include all the major services and apps, including Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video.

The Chromecast may be preferred if multiple people want to stream with it. The media player allows for easier switching between accounts because each household member can stream straight from their smartphone, tablet or PC, so there’s no need to re-login to your accounts or share passwords.

With the Amazon Fire TV Stick, it is all done through the Fire TV homepage, and there’s no need for a secondary device like a smartphone or tablet. All the apps and channels are then accessed from here, and you navigate using the remote or voice commands.

There’s a great range of Amazon Fire TV Stick channels, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and Disney+. Along with apps such as Spotify and Amazon Music.

Voice control

Voice control is available on both the Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick via their specific voice assistants. With the Chromecast, it is via Google Assistant, and the Fire TV Stick’s voice commands are processed by Alexa.

As we’ve mentioned, this is done via the accompanying remote for the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Alexa is activated using a button on the remote, allowing you to turn up the volume or search the Fire TV homepage.

For the Chromecast, this is done through Google Home devices (also known as Google Nest). For example, you connect any Google smart speaker, such as the Google Nest Mini, to the Chromecast and then speak your commands to Google Assistant to control the TV. However, this does mean you need a Google Nest speaker to take full advantage of voice control and get the most out of the Chromecast device.

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Verdict: which smart TV stick should you buy?

The Google Chromecast is cheaper and simpler to use, but if you want a more rounded experience, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is the better choice.

Like the Chromecast, the Fire TV Stick offers full HD streaming, but there’s no casting required, so you navigate the Fire TV homepage and find the app or streaming service you want to use. This means you control everything via the Alexa Voice Remote, and no secondary device such as a smartphone or tablet is needed.

Both devices offer a good range of apps, including all of the popular streaming services. Voice control is also available with the Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick. The voice control via Alexa is marginally more practical. Still, if you have a Google smart speaker, the voice control with Google is hands-free – an option not available with any of Amazon’s Fire TV devices except the more expensive Fire TV Cube.

However, there is one other consideration. If you share a living space with several other people, you may prefer Chromecast for the fact that once you stop casting, no one else can access your accounts or passwords. This gives you the benefit of watching your favourite shows on a bigger screen without having to sign in and out of accounts each time.

Chromecast overview: what Google smart TV sticks are available?

Google currently has three Chromecast devices available; the original Chromecast, the Chromecast with Google TV and the X1 Chromecast Ultra.

Google Chromecast

With an RRP of £30 (SGD 50), the Chromecast is Google’s original streaming device. This round, black dongle plugs into the TV’s HDMI port and allows you to send your favourite shows from your smartphone, tablet or laptop to your TV. It doesn’t come with a remote. Instead, you control it via the device you’re casting from.

Chromecast with Google TV

Released in September 2020, the Chromecast with Google TV is the brand’s latest smart TV stick. Features include 4K HDR streaming, a remote with voice control via Google Assistant and access to apps including Disney+, Prime Video and Netflix.

Fire TV Stick overview: what Amazon smart TV sticks are available?

There are four smart TV devices in Amazon’s range. These are:

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite

The Fire TV Stick Lite is the cheapest Amazon device available. The device is completely hidden behind the TV when used and offers HD streaming and voice control via Alexa. The lower price point does mean that it lacks volume and TV controls on the remote.

Amazon Fire TV Stick

Many of the standard Amazon Fire TV Stick features are similar to that of the Fire TV Stick Lite. It still streams in HD, but one of the major differences is that it has volume and power buttons on the remote.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

This smart TV stick is the cheapest way to get 4K streaming with a Fire TV device. It comes in the same USB stick style as the cheaper models but supports Dolby Vision and Atmos.

Amazon Fire TV Cube

As the most powerful Fire TV device, the Amazon Fire TV Cube is a smart TV stick combined with an Amazon Echo speaker. Unlike the Fire TV Sticks, you do not have to hold down a button to ask Alexa requests. It gives you better control over other Alexa-compatible devices, too, so you can control your soundbar, thermostat or lights with your voice.

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

Read any television’s specs, and you’ll find a stream of serial numbers, jargon, acronyms, patented technology names and all sorts of other stuff. Some of it you can ignore; some of it you can’t. And if you’re after an HD television, one thing you definitely need to know is the difference between HD Ready and Full HD TVs.

While the tech for HD TVs has now been around for a while, an important question arises – what is the difference between HD Ready and Full HD TVs and, more importantly, which is better?

Well, read on for our explainer on the differences between HD Ready and Full HD televisions, followed by our pick of selection that is currently available on the market.

What does HD Ready mean?

HD Ready is certainly an unusual turn of phrase – and you’d be forgiven for thinking that any TV marked with the HD Ready logo can play high-definition TV, but you’d be wrong.

HD television measures 1920 by 1080 pixels in resolution, but HD Ready sets only offer 1280 by 720 pixels by comparison. So how are HD Ready televisions set up to play HD content? They do it by using internal processors that downscale the resolution of the image. The resulting picture quality is, admittedly, better than Standard Definition television (a mere 640 by 480 pixels) – but it’s not HD.

If you think this sounds confusing to the point of misleading, then you’re not alone. When HD Ready televisions were launched on the market, many people were underwhelmed by the jump from SD to 720p television and felt hoodwinked by the terminology. The best we can say about HD Ready as a phrase is that it’s less of a mouthful than, say, Almost HD But Not Quite.

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Which is better, HD Ready or Full HD?

That’s easy: Full HD is better. In contrast to an HD Ready television, Full HD sets offer the full 1920×1080 resolution of high definition. You’ll often see Full HD sets marked with ‘1080p’ in their specs: this is short for ‘1080 progressive’ and tells you that the set contains an HD tuner, meaning there’s no downscaling (you’ll also hear the term ‘interlacing’) of whatever HD content you’re watching.

The vagaries of HD Ready and Full HD television were once a subject of hot debate – but here’s the thing: by TV industry standards, this is all fairly ancient history. It was way back in 2005 when the HD Ready license was granted, and televisions have drastically advanced since then. Just like their SD predecessors, HD Ready sets have been slowly inched out of the market in favour of Full HD television, which themselves have now been almost entirely supplanted by 4K.

HD Ready vs Full HD: which should you buy?

Of the two, that’s easy: Full HD. HD Ready televisions were once a sensible option for people who wanted to avoid splurging on a Full HD TV, but that was about a decade ago. In 2023, you can pick up a Full HD television for less than SGD 250.

There is one exception to this: if you’re looking for a very small TV – around 24- to 32 inches – perhaps for a countertop or another secondary place in your home, and simply wish to part with as little cash as possible, then an HD Ready television will be perfectly fine. We’ve picked out a couple of excellent HD Ready choices that are quite affordable as well.

The Toshiba, in particular, is a gem because it contains a feature you certainly wouldn’t have got in the heyday of HD Ready television: a built-in voice assistant in the form of Amazon’s Alexa.

However, there’s a caveat: if you’re thinking of buying any TV that’s larger than 43 inches in size, we urge you to opt for 4K instead. (Your eyes are unlikely to notice the difference in resolution with any smaller sets).

HD television has definitely had its day – but 4K will be the standard TV resolution for the next decade or so. Before you buy your next TV, think long-term and choose wisely!

Toshiba 24-inch WK3A63DB HD Ready TV with Alexa

This compact TV has Alexa built in so you won’t need a remote or have to leave the sofa to operate it. It is HD-ready with enhanced sound and features a customisable Alexa home screen.

Panasonic 32-inch TX-G302B HD Ready TV

With the Panasonic HD Ready TV, it’s easy to plug in your DVD player and games console thanks to both HDMI and SCART connections. There’s also an SVGA port, so you can use your TV as a PC monitor.

LG 43 Inch 43LM6300 Smart Full HD HDR LED Freeview TV

This LG Full HD TV has an in-built platform for apps and streaming services so you can get your Netflix fix without any hassle. It also has a virtual surround sound system and plug-ins for USB so you can stream your own videos and music.

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

Watching a romantic movie on Netflix with your significant other by your side on a weekend — doesn’t it sound like the perfect date night at home? And, to help you select the perfect movies, and save you some time, here’s this list of the best romantic movies on Netflix with a solid IMDb rating. Stream the perfect love story that ticks all the right boxes along with being an emotional rollercoaster.

The subgenres of romance

In the realm of romantic movies, several subgenres catch the audience’s attention. For instance, if you like period dramas, then classical love stories make for a wholesome watch, especially when critically acclaimed novels like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility have become hugely successful onscreen adaptations with multiple Academy Awards.

Meanwhile, history enthusiasts can get a glimpse of the bygone era through historical romances like Jodhaa Akbar (2008), Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019), Titanic (1997) and Gone With The Wind (1939), which bring alive the heart-warming story as well as the time they are set in.

Films for young adults make a wide subgenre that appeals to the youth. Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook is adapted into a hugely successful on-screen love story which grossed over USD 116 million at the time of release in 2004.

Besides these, supernatural romance includes massive hits as well. From the immense success of the Twilight saga to Only Lovers Left Alive (2013), viewers are rooting for both thrill and passion in one film. Chick flicks like The Kissing Booth (2018), The Perfect Date (2019) and The Age of Adaline (2015), have also raked in positive reviews and high ratings on IMDb.

For those looking for relatable contemporary love movies on Netflix, Love Per Square Foot (2018), Always Be My Maybe (2019), To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018) and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) are absolute must-watch.

Additionally, modern directors are also eschewing the typical girl-meets-boy romance and using the romantic genre to uphold poignant social issues. Queer relationships in Call Me By Your Name (2018), Brokeback Mountain (2005) and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020) are bringing in rave feedback on IMDb.

Hence, while there is almost a vast ocean of subgenres, one thing that binds them all is the essence of a heartwarming romance. Backed by IMDb’s expert ratings, browsing through the film library on the OTT platform is a much easier task.

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“The best things in life are free, but you can give them to the birds and bees.” These lyrics from singer Barrett Strong’s Money echo the simple truth about life – there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch. You’ve all dreamt, strived and toiled hard to become successful, but how many of y’all have really been able to make the cut? A handful! Success stories aren’t always about making giant leaps or path-breaking achievements, sometimes they’re all about taking baby steps (and imbibe the millionaire habits) that truly make all the difference.

Whether it’s Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg to media guru Oprah Winfrey – today’s top leaders share some core characteristics that clearly set them apart. For these millionaires, the secret to success lies in their daily habits and everyday rituals – some of which literally take less than a minute to do! Inculcating these ‘rich habits’ of successful people and millionaires might look easy, but are they really?

Understanding Randall Bell’s ‘rich habits’

A socio-economist named Randall Bell extensively studied more than 5,000 people from all walks of life – professionals, students, pensioners, jobless people, and millionaires. After closely examining success for 25 years and understanding their daily habits, Randall narrowed down seven habits and practices of millionaires in a book titled Me We Do Be: The Four Cornerstones of Success. “We studied dozens of rituals ranging from writing thank-you notes to eating together as a family,” Randall states in the book which emphasises how the little habits you form every day can have an enormous impact on your overall success. These ‘rich habits’ (as Bell calls them) could be your secret handbook to success if consistently implemented. Let’s familiarise you with these seven holy-grail habits of successful people that have been proven to yield results!

Transform your life with these seven habits of successful people

1. Making their beds

Accomplishing the first task of the day will give you a sense of pride and will act as an impetus for you to do another task…and another..and another. Dr Bell shares how “those who make their bed in the morning are up to 206.8 per cent more likely to be millionaires.”

The author says this creates a positive mindset at the get-go, sets the intention to do these little tasks throughout the day and eventually leads to an overall productive day. Even Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Charles Duhigg credits this behaviour in his book The Power of Habit. He mentions that this ‘keystone habit’ is linked to improved productivity, a higher sense of well-being, and better budgeting abilities.

2. Exercising

Once you are exercising regularly, the hardest thing is to stop it! Exercising and being physically active stimulate your mind, body and soul. This makes you more efficient and ready to take on the day! Bell reveals that “those who exercised, even for 15 minutes a day, dominated statistically in every single measure of success.”

Whether it’s Apple CEO Tim Cook who wakes up at 3:45 am every morning to exercise or self-made billionaire Richard Branson who clocks in his workout at 5 in the morning. Successful people are notorious early risers who swear by a good workout before their actual workday begins!

3. Reading

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader” might just be another inspirational quote for you, but for these millionaires, this has actually turned into reality! Bell reveals that “reading dramatically correlates with higher education and income, as well as overall happiness.” He adds, “Those who read seven or more books per year are more than 122 per cent more likely to be millionaires as opposed to those who never read or only read one to three (books).

Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah Winfrey, Elon Musk and Charlie Munger are just some of the many famous billionaires who are voracious readers.

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4. Rising early

Someone rightly said that early to bed and early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise! Successful people are also early risers who start their day way before an average person. Bell’s not the first one to find this common behaviour pattern in millionaires. In a five-year study of 177 self-made millionaires, author Thomas Corley discovered that nearly 50% of these people wake up three hours before starting their day.

Rising early gives you a head start to tackle the inevitable disruptions of every day. So, even if something pops up out of the blue, you still have time to accomplish everything you planned for the day. In his book, Change Your Habits, Change Your Life, Corley clearly states that “getting up at five in the morning to tackle the top three things you want to accomplish in your day allows you to regain control of your life.”

5. Politeness/ good etiquette

Losing yourself to fame is easy, and those who are egocentric won’t likely be able to stay successful. Bell says there’s a link between success and politeness. Remembering little things about someone and reaching out to them, having good table manners as well as wishing your close ones on their birthdays or sending gratitude notes are correlated with success. Corley also echoes the same in his research. “Self-made millionaires have mastered certain rules of etiquette principles you have to master if you want to be a success.”

6. Valuing relationships

The key to being successful is striking a balance between your professional and personal life. While professional highs might make you feel at the top of the world, you need strong interpersonal relationships to be happy and content from within. Bell notes, “Those who are in satisfying romantic relationships are far more likely to be happy overall and make more money.” Citing statistics to back up this behaviour, he added, “Those who had regular dinner together as a family are 41% more likely to be happy and 43% more likely to earn over $100,000 a year.”

7. Planning the day in advance

With a clear daily plan, you remove all the unwanted clutter that hinders your productivity. The goal should be to set clear intentions, track your progress and have the satisfaction of getting it done. “Those who maintain both a calendar and to-do list are 289 per cent more likely to be millionaires, as compared with those who have no real set schedule,” Bell states. He added that successful people also “document insights”. Bill Gates, as well as Richard Branson, are two of the most well-known billionaires who firmly believe in taking notes!

Now that you know the habits of successful people, will you try emulating these millionaire habits??

(Hero image credit: August de Richelieu/ Pexels)

(Feature image credit: Andrea Piacquadio/ Pexels)

Frequently Enquired Questions (FAQs)

• What habits make you a millionaire?

Small changes go a long way in propelling one towards success. These include making your bed, exercising, reading as well as planning your day in advance.

• What is a millionaire mindset?

The millionaire mindset is all about focusing on your life. It is about making the much-required changes to accomplish the things you’ve also dreamed of achieving.

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong

When we talk about sporting disciplines being gold mines for athletes, basketball stands in the highest echelon on that list. Much of the sport’s popularity comes from the United States of America, although it is widely followed in other parts of the globe as well. According to several reports, in 2023, basketball has an estimated global market value of a mind-boggling USD 90 billion. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that players associated with the National Basketball Association (NBA), the premier basketball league in the USA, rank among the richest athletes in the world.

Before we focus on the individual players, however, it is worth noting that the NBA generated more than USD 10 billion in revenue during the 2022-23 season. In fact, every franchise in the league, on average, generated an annual revenue of USD 209 million. The numbers make it clear that the NBA is one of the richest sports in the world.

While the players associated with the NBA have to toil tirelessly to stay ahead of the curve, the sport pays back massive dividends to them. If reports are to be believed, on average, players partaking in the NBA earn an annual salary of USD 3.8 million from their respective teams. There’s more! Since the NBA enjoys widespread popularity, especially in the United States, several multinational companies approach its teams and players with high-paying endorsement deals.

The best thing about these sponsorship deals (for the players) is that they continue to pay the athletes handsomely long after they have retired. Therefore, the net worth of NBA players remains largely unscathed even after they hang up their boots. As such, making a list of the richest NBA players without mentioning any retired players will fail to highlight the importance of the sport in terms of how it pays back to the athletes.

So, join us as we look at the richest NBA players in the world, including players from both the active crop and the retired lot.

A look at the richest NBA players in the world

1. Michael Jordan

Net worth in 2023: USD 3 billion

People who do not have even the remotest idea about what the NBA is are, at the very least, familiar with Michael Jordan. Such is the popularity of the man who is regarded as “the greatest basketball player of all time,” according to his profile on the NBA’s official website. A former American basketball player, Jordan featured in 15 NBA seasons and won six championships with the Chicago Bulls.

A player with a Brobdingnagian stature (both physical and in terms of his achievements), Michael Jordan was instrumental in popularising basketball in the 80s and 90s. Today, he is a successful entrepreneur and a global cultural icon. His most renowned business venture is the ‘Jordan Brand’, a collaboration with American apparel manufacturer Nike which is famous for its line of signature shoes.

According to Forbes, Michael Jordan, in 2023, enjoys a net worth of a staggering USD 3 billion, making him the richest NBA player in the world. He is also a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and has won two gold medals at the Olympics representing the USA.

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2. LeBron James

Net worth in 2023: USD 1 billion

Undoubtedly the most popular active player in the world of basketball, LeBron James falls in the pantheon of greats in the NBA. Fans often engage in debates about who the greatest basketball player of all time is, James or Michael Jordan. James is the leading scorer of all time in NBA history, and ranks fourth in terms of career assists.

Now a player for the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James has won four NBA championships (two with the Miami Heat, and one each with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Lakers). At 2.08 metres tall, James towers over the rest of the players in the NBA, both in terms of his height and achievements on the court. He has also won two gold medals (2008 and 2012) and a bronze medal (2004) at the Olympics while representing the USA.

According to a report by Forbes, LeBron James, in 2023, has a net worth of USD 1 billion. He is the first active NBA player to become a billionaire. James also featured in Forbes’ list of The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes in 2023 where he holds the fourth spot.

3. Magic Johnson

Net worth in 2023: USD 630 million

Widely regarded as the greatest point guard of all time in the NBA, Earvin Johnson, popularly known as Magic Johnson, is a former American basketball player. He has featured in 13 NBA seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers and led them to five championship titles in the ‘Showtime era’ (between 1979 and 1991 when the Lakers used to play a run-and-gun style of basketball).

Magic Johnson’s career achievements include winning three NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, three NBA Finals MVP Awards, 12 All-Star Games and nine All-MBA First Team selections. In addition, he was a member of the USA basketball team (often referred to as the ‘Dream Team’) that won the gold medal at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.

According to a report by CAknowledge, Magic Johnson, in 2023, has an estimated net worth of USD 630 million. He is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame.

4. Junior Bridgeman

Net worth in 2023: USD 620 million

A former American professional basketball player, Ulysses Lee Bridgeman, famously known as Junior Bridgeman, featured in the NBA for 12 years from 1975 until 1987. Despite not earning more than USD 350,000 a season throughout his professional career, Bridgeman ranks among the richest NBA players in the world and is one of the richest former athletes across all sporting disciplines.

Now a businessman, Junior Bridgeman is the owner of Ebony and Jet magazines. According to reports, the former basketball player, in 2023, enjoys a net worth of around USD 620 million. In 1988, Bridgeman’s NBA outfit, the Milwaukee Bucks, retired his number 2 jersey as a mark of honour.

5. Shaquille O’Neal

Net worth in 2023: USD 450 million

The gigantic height of Shaquille O’Neal (nearly 2.2 metres) was unmissable, and certainly unforgettable, on the basketball court. As were his prowess and skills. Regarded as one of the best players in the NBA’s history, O’Neal enjoyed a 19-year-long career in the basketball league, during which time he featured for six teams. He has won the coveted NBA championship four times.

Following his retirement in 2011, Shaquille O’Neal joined the television program Inside the NBA as a sports analyst. In addition, he’s also released four rap albums, with the first one, Shaq Diesel, going platinum. He is also an electronic producer and touring DJ with the stage name DIESEL.

According to reports, Shaquille O’Neal, in 2023, has a net worth of USD 450 million (approximately). The former basketball player has starred in multiple films and even has his own reality shows, namely Shaq’s Big Challenge and Shaq Vs.

6. Vinnie Johnson

Net worth in 2023: USD 420 million

Vincent Johnson (or Vinnie Johnson, as he is popularly known) is a former American basketball player who was a key member of the Detroit Pistons in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He earned the nickname ‘the Microwave’ for his ability to score rapidly coming off the bench. He played in the NBA for 13 seasons and has featured for three different teams throughout his career.

Johnson’s most memorable stint in the NBA was with the Pistons as he won the NBA championship twice with them (in 1989 and 1990). The Detroit Pistons even retired his number 15 jersey as a mark of respect for him.

According to various reports, Vinnie Johnson, in 2023, has a net worth of around USD 420 million and ranks among the richest NBA players in the world.

7. Kevin Durant

Net worth in 2023: USD 320 million

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history and often compared to the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James, Kevin Durant is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Phoenix Suns. His most significant stint in the NBA, however, came with the Seattle Supersonics (which got rebranded into the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008), whom he played for from 2007 till 2016. Ultimately, he won both his NBA Championship titles (2017 and 2018) with a third team, the San Francisco-based Golden State Warriors.

Famous for wearing the number 35 on the back of his jersey, Kevin Durant won the NBA MVP Award in 2014 and the NBA Finals MVP Award twice (2017 and 2018). He has also featured in an NBA All-Star game on 13 occasions. In addition, he has won three Olympic gold medals with the USA team (2012, 2016 and 2020), and has also won the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2010.

According to reports, Kevin Durant, in 2023, enjoys a net worth of an estimated USD 320 million. Forbes featured him in its list of The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes in 2023 (he occupies the 10th spot).

8. Hakeem Olajuwon

Net worth in 2023: USD 320 million

A former Nigerian-American basketball player, Hakeem Olajuwon is considered to be one of the finest basketball players of all time. From 1984 to 2002, he featured in the NBA, with his most successful stint being with the Houston Rockets whom he led to the NBA Championship title in 1994 and 1995.

Hakeem Olajuwon has also won the NBA Finals MVP Award twice (1994 and 1995) and the NBA MVP Award once (1994). In addition, he featured in 12 NBA All-Star games throughout his career. His college team, the Houston Cougars, retired his number 34 jersey as a mark of honour to the skilled athlete.

According to multiple reports, Hakeem Olajuwon, in 2023, enjoys a net worth of around USD 320 million and ranks among the richest NBA players in the world. He was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2016.

9. John Wall

Net worth in 2023: USD 300 million

John Wall is an American professional basketball player who last featured in the NBA for the Los Angeles Clippers before turning into a free agent in February 2023. In the past, Wall has featured in the NBA All-Star game on five occasions from 2010 to 2014. His most memorable stint has been with the Washington Wizards, who picked him up in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Even though he has had a patchy career, John Wall still ranks among the richest NBA players in the world. According to reports, the American basketball player, in 2023, has a net worth of an estimated USD 300 million.

10. Grant Hill

Net worth in 2023: USD 260 million

A former American basketball player, Grant Hill is considered to be one of the greatest college basketball players in US history. He enjoyed a 19-year-long career in the NBA, during which time he featured for four teams, namely the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers. Hill played in seven NBA All-Star matches and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1997.

In 2015, the NBA Board of Governors approved a deal to sell the Atalanta Hawks franchise to a group led by American billionaire Antony Ressler for a sum of USD 850 million. Grant Hill was a part of that group, and thereon, became a co-owner of the Hawks.

According to reports, Grant Hill, in 2023, enjoys a net worth of around USD 260 million and ranks among the richest NBA players in the world.

11. David Robinson

Net worth in 2023: USD 230 million

Considered to be one of the greatest centers in the history of both US college basketball and the NBA, David Robinson played for the San Antonio Spurs for fourteen years before retiring in 2003. Nicknamed ‘the Admiral’ for his service with the United States Navy, Robinson is one of the most decorated players in the history of American basketball. He is a two-time NBA champion (1999 and 2003) with the Spurs and a two-time Olympic gold medalist with the USA’s basketball team (1992 and 1996). He was also a part of the USA team that won the World Cup in 1986.

In terms of his personal achievements, David Robinson won the NBA MVP Award in 1995. He has featured in the NBA All-Star match on 10 occasions and was named to the All-NBA First Team four times (in 1991, 1992, 1995 and 1996). He is also a two-time U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame inductee, once individually in 2008 and then again in 2009 as a member of 1992’s Olympic team.

According to reports, David Robinson, in 2023, has a net worth of around USD 230 million. At present, the former basketball player is a minority owner of his former side, the San Antonio Spurs.

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12. Luol Deng

Net worth in 2023: USD 220 million

Born in South Sudan, Luol Deng fled with his family to escape the Second Sudanese Civil War before eventually settling down in the United Kingdom. He later became a British citizen in 2006. Coming from a backdrop of such adversities, the South Sudanese-Britisher excelled in basketball and made a name for himself in the NBA, arguably the most competitive league of the sport.

In his 15-year-long career, Luol Deng played for five different outfits in the NBA. He has featured in the NBA All-Star match twice (2012 and 2013) and made it to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2012. He also played for Great Britain’s national basketball team.

According to various sources, Luol Deng, in 2023, has a net worth of an estimated USD 220 million. He was appointed the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2021 for his service to the country in the field of basketball.

13. Russell Westbrook

Net worth in 2023: USD 210 million

One of the most prominent stars of the NBA at present, Russell Westbrook plays for the Los Angeles Clippers as a point guard. He began his career in 2008 with the Oklahoma City Thunder and stayed with the franchise till 2019, during which time he became a star member of their squad. He has also featured for the USA’s basketball team twice and has been a part of their gold medal-winning team in the 2012 London Olympics. Westbrook also won the World Cup in 2010.

Russell Westbrook was awarded the NBA MVP Award in 2017. So far, he has featured in nine NBA All-Star matches and has won the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award twice (in 2015 and 2016). Westbrook also featured in the All-NBA First Team on two occasions (2016 and 2017).

According to reports, Russell Westbrook, in 2023, has a net worth of around USD 210 million. He is famous for wearing the number 0 on the back of his jersey.

14. Yao Ming

Net worth in 2023: USD 180 million

The only Asian name on the list, Yao Ming is a former Chinese basketball player who featured for the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the Houston Rockets of the NBA. During his final season in 2011, he was the tallest active player in the NBA.

Yao Ming has featured in eight NBA All-Star Matches and once in the All-FIBA World Cup Team (2002). In 2006, he became the top scorer of the World Cup for that edition. Representing China, Ming won the FIBA Asia Cup thrice (in 2001, 2003 and 2005) and was a part of China’s silver medal-winning team at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan.

According to reports, Yao Ming, in 2023, enjoys a net worth of USD 180 million. At present, he is serving as the President of the Chinese Basketball Association.

15. Dwyane Wade

Net worth in 2023: USD 175 million

Summing up the list of the richest NBA players in the world is Dwyane Wade, a former American basketball player who is often regarded as one of the finest shooting guards in the history of the competition. He played in the NBA for 16 years, during which time he featured for three different franchises. His most notable stint has been with the Miami Heat, with whom he won the NBA Championship title three times (in 2006, 2012 and 2013).

Dwyane Wade has been awarded the NBA Finals MVP once in 2006 and has been named to the NBA All-Star team 13 times. Playing for the USA’s national basketball team, he won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics. In addition, he also won the bronze medal at the 2006 World Cup.

According to reports, Dwyane Wade, in 2023, has a net worth of around USD 175 million. He is also a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

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(Main Image Credits: Courtesy NBA and Instagram/@👑; Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Instagram/@👑)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Who is the richest NBA player of all time? 
Michael Jordan is the richest NBA player of all time.

– Which NBA player has the highest net worth? 
Michael Jordan has the highest net worth among all NBA players.

Swiftly emerging as one of the most highly sought-after forms of global entertainment, the rise of Japanese anime has piqued the interest of viewers globally, making them wonder which is the best anime series to watch for beginners.

We’ve all been there — not knowing where to start, multiple friends recommending their favourite shows and juggling to comprehend subtitles with context in a new world. Overall, it can be an intimidating process to start from scratch. Especially when many beloved anime series tend to be quite extensive. Case in point: One Piece consists of more than 1,000 episodes, which could sound quite overwhelming for anyone starting this genre.

It has everything you could possibly need! (via @OnePieceAnime) pic.twitter.com/5wc6oWVe67

— Crunchyroll (@Crunchyroll) October 16, 2023

However, if you have decided to enter the anime universe of heart-pounding action sequences, delightful stories and visually stunning animations, there are multiple manga-adapted series waiting to help you enter the realm. For example, One-Punch Man is about a satirical take on superheroes and Death Note’s psychologically thrilling plot has garnered praise over the years, making them some of the best anime series to watch, especially for the newbies.

Without further ado, let us check out the selection of series specifically curated for beginners, including adults and teenagers, to ensure a smooth transition into the anime universe. They encompass a variety of themes and genres, offering something for everyone.

So, sit back, relax, and dive into the enchanting world of some of the best anime series.

Best anime series to watch for beginners: 15 hand-picked tales to commence your journey

Fullmetal Alchemist (2009)

Set in a fictional world with alchemy as a central concept, Fullmetal Alchemist follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy to try to bring their mother back to life after her death. However, when their forbidden experiment goes wrong, Edward loses his left leg and Alphonse loses his entire body. In a desperate attempt to save his brother, Edward sacrifices his right arm to bind Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armour. The series then follows the brothers as they embark on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a powerful alchemical artefact that could help them restore their bodies. Along the way, the brothers uncover dark secrets and confront various dilemmas.

IMDb rating: 9.1/10

Death Note (2006)

Light Yagami, a high school student stumbles upon a mysterious notebook called the Death Note, which has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it, provided the writer knows the person’s face. Light, who is disappointed with the state of the world and its justice system, decides to use the Death Note to rid the world of criminals and create a world reigned by him. However, his actions attract the attention of law enforcement agencies and a brilliant detective known only as L.

As the story progresses, this anime series turns into a cat-and-mouse game between Light and L as they try to outwit each other.

IMDb rating: 8.9/10

Steins;Gate (2011)

Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist who, along with his friends, creates a makeshift time machine using a microwave and a mobile phone. The group accidentally discovers that they can send text messages to the past, which leads to a series of experiments with time travel. However, they soon realise that changing the past has disastrous consequences. Now, they must work to decipher the secrets behind the technology they have stumbled upon and try to prevent a global catastrophe.

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

One-Punch Man (2015)

Saitama is a superhero, who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. However, the One-Punch Man is often bored and unfulfilled due to the lack of a worthy opponent and gets frustrated. As the story progresses, he comes across other heroes and villains in the Hero Association, a group of superheroes that defend the world against monsters and threats. He forms a variety of relationships with other characters, including Genos, a cyborg hero seeking revenge against a powerful villain.

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Demon Slayer (2019)

Demon Slayer is set in Japan during the Taishō era, wherein Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy earns a living by selling charcoal. One day, he returns home to find his entire family slaughtered and his sister, Nezuko, turned into a demon. He somehow survives and sets on to become a demon slayer to avenge his family and find a way to turn Nezuko back into a human. These slayers are trained to combat supernatural creatures that prey on humans, using different types of sword techniques.

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

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Your Lie in April (2014)

Kōsei Arima is a piano prodigy, who loses his ability to hear after his mother’s death. Unable to hear the music he plays, he enters a state of depression and isolation. However, his life takes a turn when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a free-spirited violinist. Her lively and unconventional approach to music and life helps Kōsei rediscover his love for music and see the world in a new light. Later on, they partner up to perform in a music competition.

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

Fruits Basket (2019)

Tohru Honda, a high school girl finds herself living with the Sohma family after a series of events. Things get interesting when she learns a bewildering secret: some members of the Sohma family are cursed to transform into animals from the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex. The anime explores the interactions and relationships between the Sohma family members and Tohru.

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

Erased (2016)

Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year-old manga artist possesses a unique ability known as Reviva, that allows him to transport his consciousness back in time just before a life-threatening event, granting him the power to avert such incidents. However, when an unidentified killer murders his mother in their home, Satoru’s remarkable skill sends him back a full eighteen years into the past. In this new timeline, Satoru is presented with the opportunity not only to save his mother from her tragic fate but also to prevent a horrifying kidnapping that claimed the lives of three of his childhood friends.

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Spy x Family (2022)

Twilight, an expert spy, takes up the identity of a psychiatrist named Loid Forger. The reason? To construct a fabricated family as a disguise to investigate the inner circle of the influential political leader Donovan Desmond. However, little does Loid know that his seemingly simple wife Yor is a secret assassin known as the Thorn Princess. Adding another layer of complexity to the plot, their innocent daughter, Anya, possesses telepathic abilities.

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

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Kotaro Lives Alone (2022)

When 4-year-old boy Kotaro Sato moves to a new apartment building, he discovers his neighbour is Shin Karino, an aspiring manga artist with multiple setbacks in his career. Kotaro lives by himself and appears not only self-sufficient but also more well-adjusted compared to his unconventional neighbours. As the series unfolds, it becomes clear that his upbringing has been challenging. There are implications that his parents neglected him, and at some point, his mother abandoned both him and his father.

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Bleach (2004)

In Bleach, we see the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager with the ability to see ghosts. His life takes a serious turn when he unintentionally acquires the powers of a Soul Reaper, a celestial being responsible for protecting the living world from evil spirits known as Hollows. Ichigo is tasked with defending humanity from Hollows and helping guide the souls of the deceased to the afterlife in the Soul Society. As the series unfolds, he forms alliances with other Soul Reapers and encounters various threats, including powerful enemies, corrupt organisations and complex situations.

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Toradora! (2008)

Toradora! follows the high school lives of Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka, who team up to help each other win over their crushes. As they work together, their dynamic shifts from reluctant partners to close friends. Amid comedic mishaps and misunderstandings, both Ryuuji and Taiga discover that their initial crushes were not who they truly needed in their lives. Over time, they realise their feelings for each other.

Will they express their love for each other? Watch this romantic drama, touted to be one of the best animes for beginners, to find out!

IMDb rating: 8/10

My Happy Marriage (2023)

In an alternate version of the Taishō era, where supernatural phenomena and magic are real but on the wane, Miyo Saimori lacks any mystical abilities and is forced to serve her abusive stepmother. When Miyo reaches a marriageable age, her dreams of a better life are shattered upon learning the identity of her fiancé — Kiyoka Kudou.

The commander known for his cold behaviour has a record of driving away his previous bride-to-be within just three days. With no other place to call home, Miyo reluctantly accepts her fate. However, she soon discovers that her soon-to-be husband is nothing like the monstrous figure she anticipated.

IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Orange (2016)

Orange centres around Naho Takamiya, a high school student, who receives a letter from her future self. The letter contains detailed instructions about events that are going to unfold, including the arrival of a new transfer student named Kakeru Naruse. The future Naho regrets not being able to save Kakeru from a tragic accident, and she wants her past self to change the course of events to prevent this tragedy.

As Naho and her friends receive letters from their future selves, they struggle to understand and accept the gravity of the situation. They work together to make the right decisions and create a better future for Kakeru, who is dealing with his inner struggles.

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

The Way of the Househusband (2021)

Tatsu, a notorious and dreaded yakuza leader known as the Immortal Dragon, decides to leave his life of crime behind to become a househusband, supporting his kyariaūman wife, Miku.

One of the best anime for beginners, the series is comprised of separate episodes, each portraying comical situations. These situations often revolve around the stark contrast between Tatsu’s ordinary domestic duties as a stay-at-home husband and his intimidating personality and appearance. He frequently encounters former yakuza acquaintances and rivals, leading to humorous confrontations and scenarios.

IMDb rating: 7.3/10

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(Hero and feature image credit: Courtesy IMDb/Death Note and One Punch Man)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-Which is the best anime series for beginners?
One-Punch Man, Death Note, Fullmetal Alchemist, Orange and Bleach are some of the best animes for beginners to watch.

Astrology is not a science but a practice that has been followed, researched and perfected over the years. Contrary to popular belief, it is not just about making loose assumptions or adhering to baseless superstitions; in fact, most predictions are based on mathematical calculations. Whether you believe in the subject or view it as a casual interest, there are times when you might find your sun sign traits don’t entirely resonate with your own personality. This could lead you to consider the possibility that you fall under the category of zodiac cusp. So, let’s delve into what that means in detail.

What is a zodiac cusp?

Western astrology has ascertained a zodiac sign for every month in the Gregorian calendar. The sign changes with the movement of the sun; hence, twelve zodiac signs for as many months make up the whole wheel. And, each zodiac sign covers 30 degrees, and together these 12 signs form a circle of 360 degrees. It is commonly believed that those born in the degree of 27 to 29 are cusps. That is, they imbibe qualities of the next zodiac sign rather than the sun sign they are born under.

The 29th degree is also called the anaretic degree (the last degree of a zodiac sign) and is believed to have transformative powers for the individual born under it. The birth chart clearly shows this placement. Now, just because many people believe in it, it doesn’t mean that cusps exist. Astrologically, it is deemed impossible. Here’s why.

Why are astrologers critical of this concept?

Those who claim to be cusps believe they have positive traits of both the zodiac signs (the one they are born under and the one that follows) and none of their negative qualities. However, astrologers dispute this belief. According to them, for a person to be a cusper that is to have two sun signs, the luminary would need to be placed in two zodiac signs simultaneously, which is physically and mathematically impossible.

The sun remains in one sign from zero to 29 degrees, completes the cycle and moves on to the next zodiac sign. Hence, every individual has only one sun sign regardless of when they are born. But yes, people indeed have qualities of two or more zodiac signs, but this phenomenon is unrelated to the cusps.

Looking beyond sun signs

Astrology is much more nuanced than dividing the entire population of Earth into just 12 sun signs. A birth chart for every person could be made by calculating their exact birth time, day, year and place. Their ‘big three’ signs are analysed to get an accurate picture of their core personality and behaviour pattern, which in turn are used to predict their future. These three signs comprise the sun sign, the ascendant or rising sign, and the moon sign. All three signs represent different elements of one’s persona.

While the sun sign gives a general idea about the individual, the moon sign depicts their inner world and emotions. The ascendant is very important to analyse how a person presents themselves to the world and how the world perceives them.

Next, a person’s planetary positions (Mercury, Venus and Mars) are checked to see how they fare in terms of communication, relationships, money and career.

Potential zodiac cusp dates and traits

If you are among those who believe in cusps, then here are some potential zodiac cusp date combinations that you could relate to.

Aries-Taurus: April 16–22

This cusp is believed to be very powerful, as it has the drive and ambition of the Mars-ruled Aries but the calmness and resilience of the Venus-ruled Taurus. This combination is said to bring a lot of wealth, good fortune and prosperity to the person.

Taurus-Gemini: May 17–23

Gemini’s curious intelligence, coupled with the Taurean determination, is said to bring in a flow of good energy which, if focussed well, can bring a lot of positive results for the native.

Gemini-Cancer: June 17–23

This is a magical combination because the spiritedness of the Mercury-ruled Gemini is brilliantly balanced by the emotional sensitivity of the crustacean water sign ruled by the moon.

Cancer-Leo: July 19–25

This cusp is said to have all the regality and power of the Leo, ruled by the Sun, but none of its flamboyance. The cusp influenced by the deep Cancer is considered shy but confident.

Leo-Virgo: August 19–25

This combination demands the perfection and detail-orientedness of Virgo, ruled by Mercury, but the self-assuredness of Leo.

Virgo-Libra: September 19–25

This is also known as the cusp of beauty because the Venusian sign of Libra creates a perfect balance, blending in its inherent charm with Virgo’s need for orderliness.

Libra-Scorpio: October 19–25

One should be slightly wary of this cusp, as it combines the non-confrontational and likeable disposition of Libra with the dark, suspecting and intuitive nature of Scorpio.

Scorpio-Sagittarius: November 18–24

This is a very profitable cusp for the native because the intense and slightly vengeful traits of the water sign of Scorpio mix well with the sunny, adventurous and happy-go-lucky qualities of the fire sign of Sagittarius.

Sagittarius-Capricorn: December 18–24

The general Sagittarius need to seek adventure, and their total disregard for routine is balanced well with the Capricorn’s stability-seeking tendencies.

Capricorn-Aquarius: January 16–23

The earth sign of Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, wants to always adhere to rules. The Aquarian intelligence and revolutionary insights are certainly helpful to this cusp to achieve greatness.

Aquarius-Pisces: February 15–21

This is known as the cusp of sensitivity, as the progressiveness of Aquarius is matched well with the Piscean sensitivity, calm demeanour and empathy.

Pisces-Aries: March 17–23

This cusp signifies rebirth, as completely opposite energies of the hot-tempered and impulsive Aries are crossed with the meditative and dreamy Pisces.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-What are the zodiac sign cusp dates?

Generally, people who are born on the 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd or 23rd of a month are considered cusps.

-What does being on the cusp of a zodiac sign mean?

Astrologers do not take the concept of cusps seriously, but it is popularly believed that people with zodiac cusp dates imbibe the qualities of two zodiac signs simultaneously.

-Who are cusp signs compatible with?

Cusps are generally compatible with other cusp zodiacs and the sun signs they are associated with.

-Which cusp is powerful?

The zodiac cusp Aries-Taurus is considered to be very powerful.

(Hero and featured image: Courtesy of Šarūnas Burdulis from USA/CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons)

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia India

When you’ve had a rough day, week or even just the whole year, sometimes all you want to do is stick on some comfort TV or a feel-good movies and just transport yourself to a fictional world where nothing matters.

Thankfully, Netflix is primed with heart-warming TV hugs and we’ve picked out some of the best for our list below, which is updated with two entries every week, so you can stop the endless scrolling and begin streaming immediately.

From classic sitcoms like Friends and Gilmore Girls, to family films like Mamma Mia! and Instant Family, here are the best feel-good flicks and TV that Netflix has to offer.

Best feel-good TV shows and movies on Netflix

Clueless

A classic cult romcom that’s inspired countless chequered outfits for ’90s-themed parties, Clueless is one of the funniest, and arguably the most fabulous, take on Jane Austen’s Emma in movie history. A satirical look at Beverly Hills teen life, this coming-of-age comedy stars Alicia Silverstone as Cher, a popular, wealthy high school student who thinks she’s an excellent matchmaker and decides to befriend new girl Tai (Brittany Murphy), make her over and set her up with her classmate Elton (Jeremy Sisto) despite the disapproval of her former step-brother Josh (Paul Rudd). Full of romance, make-over montages and quotable catchphrases (“As if!”), Clueless is a feel-good flick that’s just as timeless as Paul Rudd.

Watch Clueless on Netflix

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

If you’re in need of a good chuckle, police sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine should be your first port of call. From the writers of The Office, Parks and Recreation and The Good Place, this police comedy stars Andy Samberg as the immature yet high-achieving detective Jake Peralta, whose station – New York City’s 99th Precinct – gets a shake-up with the arrival of Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher), the serious, robotic commanding officer taking charge of the team. Fast-paced, silly and stuff with witty jokes, you’ll visit Brooklyn Nine-Nine for the comedy, but stay for the endearingly close friendships between its lovable main characters.

Watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Netflix

La La Land

A musical that scooped up many awards, La La Land stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling and, despite some sombre moments in the running time, it remains a feel-good watch and one that is endlessly rewatchable – although we still stand by that the opening number is the most joyous out of the whole film.

The Good Place

Are you in a bad place? Head to The Good Place! Each 20-minute episode of this feel good TV show is a joy, but the story has real heart too, particularly when season two turns the whole thing upside down. And Kristen Bell is forking marvellous. All four seasons are available to watch now and it is a quick and crowd-pleasing binge.

Emily in Paris

Set in the version of Paris that exists in everybody’s minds about what Paris is actually like, Emily in Paris is a comedy-drama on Netflix that has won a ton of viewers since it launched. Starring Lily Collins as the titular Emily, the show focuses on her journey as she struggles to succeed in the workplace while searching for love and experiencing a couture clash with her “boring” and mundane Midwestern U.S. upbringing. And if you enjoy season one then you will be pleased to hear that a second run is coming.

Watch Emily in Paris on Netflix

Friends

Love, loss and laughs, all layered up in a life-affirming comedy that will stand the test of time. We may have all seen every episode of Friends multiple times now but it remains the most rewatchable show out there. So join Monica, Chandler, Rachel, Ross, Joey and Phoebe all over again as all 10 seasons are available to watch.

Watch Friends on Netflix

Queer Eye

Relaunched for a new era on Netflix and featuring an all-new Fab Five’, Queer Eye has quickly found the mix of sass and soul that made the original such a hit. Now five seasons in, we should probably warn you that if you watch one, you will likely lose the next few days as you blitz through the lot.

Watch Queer Eye on Netflix

Instant Family

This movie stars Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne as a couple who decide to adopt three children and soon learn that becoming a family is not as easy as they thought it would be. A funny film with a great deal of heart, Instant Family is sure to put a smile on anybody’s face by the time the credits roll.

Poldark

Warm your cockles with Ross Poldark: Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson are just the stars to curl up with on a cold night. Here is the official synopsis if you want to see whether this will be up your street or not. “In 1783 Captain Ross Vennor Poldark returns from the American War of Independence to his home of Nampara in Cornwall after three years in the army. Upon his return home, he discovers his father Joshua has died, his estate is in ruins and in considerable debt, and his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth is engaged to his cousin Francis.”

The Truman Show

An oldie but a goodie, The Truman Show stars Jim Carrey as a man who thinks he is living the perfect life until he starts to realise that his whole world is nothing more than a TV show with him as the star. This movie remains a classic and has an uplifting ending that never fails to raise a smile – it also remains one of Carrey’s best roles to this day.

Watch The Truman Show on Netflix

Bridgerton

Definitely feel good yet definitely not one to sit and watch with the family, Bridgerton is an extremely raunchy look at high society in the competitive world of Regency-era London, The feel good TV show debuted at Christmas last year and has already gone on to become the most-watched show the streamer has had – so a season 2 has already, unsurprisingly, been confirmed.

Watch Bridgerton on Netflix

Black Mirror: San Junipero

Many Black Mirror episodes should come with a health warning, but not San Junipero, a beautifully told love story that is all the more surprising given how bleak Charlie Brooker’s series can be. Proof that there’s light even in the most darkest of places – just make sure you are selecting the right episode or you could end up feeling anything but good.

Watch Black Mirror on Netflix

Wonder

Wonder is, for lack of a better word, wonderful. Telling the story of a young boy with facial differences, Wonder follows his journey as he makes his first steps out of a sheltered life and homeschooling to a public school and all the trials that go along with it. A beautiful feel good TV show with a great cast, do yourself a favour and watch Wonder if you never have.

Watch Wonder on Netflix

Gilmore Girls

Escape to Stars Hollow for a mega binge of seven seasons of Gilmore Girls and the four feature lengths specials that the streamer made. This feel good TV show is the ultimate definition of feel good and you get that at the start of every episode with a theme tune that is never not fun to sing along to.

Watch Gilmore Girls on Netflix

Matilda

Dark and delicious in equal measure, this feel good TV show, Danny DeVito’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic story features an incredible turn by Pam Ferris as the terrifying Miss Trunchbull. UK viewers might find it weird watching her in the role, having got used to seeing her as the good-natured Sister Evangelina on Call the Midwife (also available on Netflix, by the way).

My Next Guest Needs No Introduction

Think of this as a fireside chat with two of the most interesting people you know. Sure, David Letterman’s guests are successful, but their charm and charisma mean that you’re never envious of their success. Barack Obama’s legacy is complicated for example, but the instinct to be a good person and to make good calls seems remarkably simple coming from him. And that’s just the first in what’s proved to be a remarkable line-up of guests.

Watch My Next Guest Needs No Introduction on Netflix

Mamma Mia!

Find some winter sun without leaving your living room. Taking the biggest and best hits from Abba and planting them into a tropical love story, this feel good movie, Mamma Mia is a joyous watch from start to finish and, as long as you don’t hate Abba, you should find a lot to enjoy here as the cast, including Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep are on top form throughout.

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This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

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Love him, hate him or laugh with him, Pete Davidson is a true-blue charmer, a lady’s man if we may say so. The charismatic comedian from Saturday Night Live has not only left us in splits with his humourous antics but also kept us glued to our phone screens with all the news about his fascinating love life. In the past half-decade, this ‘bad boy’ of comedy has established himself as pop culture’s ‘It boy’, thanks to his uncanny ability to charm his way into the hearts of some of Hollywood’s most glamorous women.

From his whirlwind romance with mega-celebrity Kim Kardashian to the headline-grabbing breakup with songstress Ariana Grande, Pete Davidson’s list of girlfriends and dating history reads like a script plucked from a rom-com. 

Social media is constantly abuzz with chatter about his romantic escapades and with good reason. After all, the comedian has had as many as 12 girlfriends and it’s become somewhat of a pop culture trend to make predictions about which A-lister he’ll be dating next. Davidson, who is just 29 years old, has had a dating spree so extensive that it’s like he’s on a mission to date a new girl every year. Perhaps, Ariana Grande was right when she tweeted about Pete’s ‘big dick energy’ back in 2018!

Now, with rumours swirling about a budding romance between Pete and actress Madelyn Cline, it’s the perfect time to deconstruct Pete Davidson’s dating history. 

Pete Davidson’s girlfriends and dating history 

From girlfriends to flings and beyond, we are unravelling the list of Pete Davidson’s girlfriends. Check it out. 

Carly Aquilino: 2015 – 2016

Did you know they just let you go to Europe for free if you’re married? Check out Carly Aquilino on Pete Davidson Presents: The Best Friends. Now streaming! pic.twitter.com/w7UrTpWzNu

— Netflix Is A Joke (@NetflixIsAJoke) June 13, 2022

The chronicles of Pete Davidson’s wild love life began in 2015 with comedian and actress Carly Aquilino. A familiar face from the comedy series Girl Code, Aquilino was more than just Pete’s first girlfriend. The two also bonded over their shared love for comedy.

Their romance kicked off in 2015, nearly eight years ago, marking the start of Pete’s public love life. However, like many young love stories, it had its ups and downs and by 2016, the romantic entanglement had come to an end.

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Cazzie David: 2016 – 2018

 

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Following his break-up with Aquilino, Pete found himself entangled in another comedy connection, this time with Cazzie David, the daughter of legendary comedian and Curb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David. 

The lovebirds were going strong and even moved in together in May 2016. However, their relationship didn’t last for long and by 2018, Pete and Cazzie decided to go their separate ways. The breakup didn’t spell the end of their connection entirely. In true Pete Davidson style, the two managed to rekindle their friendship, proving that sometimes exes can stay friends.

Ariana Grande: (2018)

ariana grande and pete davidson pic.twitter.com/ImAnDwYARo

— Ariana Vibes (@AbruzziDiva) September 22, 2023

Next up on the list of Pete Davidson’s girlfriends is pop sensation Ariana Grande. Their relationship was pretty high-profile, with sparks flying from their first kiss at the 2018 Met Gala on May 7. This iconic moment ignited a romance that would go down in history, not just for their red-carpet debut but also for a cheeky Twitter exchange that had the world talking.

Ariana’s not-so-subtle tweet in response to a fan’s curious question about Pete’s ‘size’ became an internet sensation. It was a hilarious, wink-wink moment that allegedly revealed Pete’s ‘big secret’ with a dash of humour. 

The two even got engaged in June 2018 but their romance was short-lived, with the couple parting ways in October 2018, citing that it was all “too much too soon.”

But, hey, it wasn’t all in vain. The breakup inspired Ariana to release the hit song Thank U, Next, which quickly became an anthem of empowerment for women. As for Pete, he covered up his neck tattoo inspired by Ariana, a clear sign of moving on.

Kate Beckinsale: (2019)

Expectation: Pete Davidson and Kate Beckinsale.
Reality: Antoni. pic.twitter.com/AbG8PxDH6f

— Taylor Banks (@MsTaylorBanks) March 4, 2019

In the aftermath of his romance with Ariana Grande, Pete didn’t waste any time in finding a new girlfriend. He turned heads and raised eyebrows when he got together with British actress Kate Beckinsale, another iconic name in the list of Pete Davidson’s girlfriends. What was even more intriguing? The two had a substantial age gap of 20 years, proving that love knows no bounds, especially when it comes to the SNL comedian.

Rumours about their budding romance became rife when they were caught flirting at a Golden Globes after-party in January 2019. Their PDA left no room for speculation. In March of that year, during a New York Rangers game, the two were seen locking lips, officially confirming their relationship status. However, their passionate fling wasn’t meant to be and they decided to part ways in April 2019. As per insiders, the intensity of the spotlight on their relationship was too much to bear.

Margaret Qualley: (August 2019 – October 2019)

 

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A post shared by Margaret Qualley Daily (@margaretqualleyarchive)

Just a few months after parting ways with Kate Beckinsale, Pete briefly crossed paths with actress Margaret Qualley, known for her role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. While the rumour mill started buzzing about their relationship in August 2019, by October of the same year, it was all over. Their romance may have been short-lived, but it added another intriguing name to Pete Davidson’s long list of girlfriends.

Kaia Gerber: (December 2019 – January 2020)

Pete Davidson and Kaia Gerber share passionate kiss during poolside date in Miami https://t.co/VpYvh3CmZL pic.twitter.com/GzdyQUK2Ej

— Yahoo Entertainment (@YahooEnt) November 24, 2019

Pete Davidson was far from done in 2019. He swiftly moved on to Kaia Gerber, the daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber. Their relationship kicked off in October, and they were frequently seen together, even enjoying a romantic getaway in Miami.

Despite their public outings, rumours swirled that Kaia’s parents hoped the relationship would fizzle out. And, indeed, it did. By January 2020, Pete and Kaia had called it quits. During this time, Pete was navigating personal challenges and sought help by checking into rehab, something he openly discussed. In an interview with Page 6, he stated that “It just wasn’t the right place or the right time at all” while reflecting on their parting.

Olivia O’Brien (2020)

The long list of Pete Davidson’s girlfriends continued in 2020 as rumours circulated about his fling with singer Olivia O’Brien. Although Davidson denied their relationship, O’Brien claimed they had a secret but brief relationship that began in October 2020. She revealed that Pete broke things off via text, a revelation she made on the BFFs podcast in June 2022. Despite the ending, O’Brien had only kind words for Davidson, praising him as a “nice guy.” 

Like most other ladies, Olivia couldn’t help but gush about his good looks, humour and sweetness that drew her to him.

Phoebe Dynevor: (2021)

Here before Lady Whistledown. 👀Pete Davidson and Phoebe Dynevor have made their relationship official at Wimbledon. (📷: Getty Images) pic.twitter.com/m3XbwbNGJ8

— E! News (@enews) July 3, 2021

In another surprising twist in his love life, Pete Davidson ventured into a romance with Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor. Their love story blossomed in April 2021, but by August of the same year, they had decided to part ways. The geographical distance between them, with Dynevor residing in the UK and Davidson in New York City, is believed to have been a significant factor in their separation. Despite the brief duration of their relationship, the couple did make headlines with their first public appearance together at the 2021 Wimbledon Open.

Kim Kardashian: (November 2021 – August 2022)

After nine months together, Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson have broken up. 💔 https://t.co/4eeatBHT9f pic.twitter.com/Y1SWIIdaWI

— E! News (@enews) August 5, 2022

Davidson’s wild love life made headlines once again in October 2021 when he and Kim Kardashian raised eyebrows after being spotted hand in hand during a roller coaster ride, a public display of affection that followed their on-screen kiss in an SNL skit.

At the time, speculation about the two dating was rife, though insiders insisted they were merely “just friends.” Shortly thereafter, reports of Davidson orchestrating an intimate dinner for the two on Staten Island started doing the rounds. Their connection deepened as they were observed sharing affectionate moments during a second date night in the streets of NYC. November brought official confirmation from various news sources, solidifying their status as a couple.

In June 2022, during an episode of the show The Kardashians, Kim noted that the comedian had a special presence in her life and said, “Pete is such a good person. I can’t even explain it. He just has the best heart and always thinks of the small things.”

Unexpectedly, their high-profile romance came to an end in August 2022 after nine months of dating. Sources revealed that the pair’s hectic work schedules simply weren’t allowing them to maintain a romantic relationship.

Emily Ratajkowski: (November 2022)

 

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Fresh from his breakup with Kim Kardashian, Pete’s dating escapades didn’t pause. He was reportedly dating model and entrepreneur Emily Ratajkowski in November 2022. Their connection, fostered through mutual friends, was in its early stages. Ratajkowski had previously spoken about Pete’s charm, highlighting his vulnerability, warmth, style and height as factors that make him appealing to women.

Chase Sui Wonders (December 2022 – August 2023)

Pete Davidson and Chase Sui Wonders have reportedly split up after less than a year of dating. pic.twitter.com/bV9BGjP1NO

— Complex (@Complex) August 25, 2023

Following the rapid end of his connection with Ratajkowski, Pete Davidson’s dating history took another twist as he started spending more time with his Bodies, Bodies, Bodies co-star Chase Sui Wonders.

They were first spotted enjoying a dinner outing and hanging out at the comedian’s apartment in NYC in December 2022. However, their romance wasn’t officially confirmed until the subsequent month when they were seen publicly holding hands and sharing kisses during a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood.

In August 2023, a source confirmed to the media that the two had decided to part ways, concluding a relationship that had lasted for less than a year. This announcement came approximately two months after reports that Pete Davidson had voluntarily checked himself into rehab, seeking assistance to cope with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and PTSD.

Madelyn Cline (September 2023 – Present)

Pete Davidson and Madelyn Cline hold hands in rare PDA moment at ‘SNL’ afterparty https://t.co/e3A0GHd79y pic.twitter.com/RWmkjcboAM

— Page Six (@PageSix) October 17, 2023

Pete Davidson’s most recent romance, as of 2023, is with actress Madelyn Cline, best known for her role in Outer Banks. Their love story began in September and became evident during one of Pete’s stand-up comedy performances in Las Vegas that Cline attended to offer her support.

Their connection continued to blossom in October when Pete returned to host the premiere of SNL. The couple made a striking entrance at the show’s afterparty, hand in hand, signalling that their love story was still very much alive. 

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(Header and feature image courtesy: Credits: Instagram/Saturday Night Live, Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Who is Pete Davidson dating recently?
Pete Davidson is currently dating actress Madelyn Cline.

– Who did Pete Davidson date for the longest time?
Pete Davidson’s longest publicly known relationship was with Cazzie David. He dated her dating from 2016 to 2018.

– How long did Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian date?
Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian dated for approximately nine months, from November 2021 to August 2022.