FridayFri, April 19th Edition Change
Today in the World Countries
- Declaration of Independence is being celebrated in Venezuela
- King's Birthday is being celebrated in Eswatini
- People born on this day are Aries as their zodiac sign.
Today in History United States of America
On this day in 2023
- EVENTS
- At least 78 people are killed, crushed in a crowd waiting for handouts at a school in Sanaa, Yemen during a Ramadan event.
- BIRTHS
- Anh Thu Mai, Instagram Star, born in Vietnam.
- GAMING: PLAYSTATION 5
- Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores for PlayStation 5 is released. Travel beyond the Forbidden West as Aloy’s story continues. Encounter new machines and a compelling new story. South of the Tenakth Clan Lands, millennia of volcanic eruptions and violent seismic activity have carved the ruins of Los Angeles into a treacherous archipelago. Experience the next chapter of Horizon Forbidden West as Aloy pursues a sinister new threat to the planet, hidden among these dangerous, untamed wilds. The Burning Shores DLC contains additional content for Horizon Forbidden West, including new characters and experiences in a stunning yet hazardous new area. To enter the Burning Shores, you must complete the main quest (up to and including Singularity) in the PS5 version of Horizon Forbidden West. Following the main quest, the player will receive a call over Aloy’s Focus, beginning the DLC.
- Teslagrad 2 for PlayStation 5 is released. Lumina, a young Teslamancer, finds herself stranded after her airship crashes in Wyrmheim, a remote and treacherous land to the North.Embark on a dangerous adventure, exploring a gigantic, abandoned tower looming over a fjordside valley, on a quest to get Lumina home and back to her family.Use electromagnetic powers to survive the dangers of a wild and untamed land. Defend yourself against Viking raiders, face gruesome beasts inspired by Nordic mythology, and triumph against epic bosses! As your journey progresses, you'll discover new skills and equipment needed to uncover the secrets of the land and delve into the dark past of Lumina's ancestors.
- POLITICS
- (Elmer) "Bud" Shuster, American politician (US Representative-R-PA,1973-2001), who died at 91.
On this day in 2022
- EVENTS
- US Biden administration restores climate impacts and community say to the National Environmental Policy Act, previously removed by Donald Trump.
- DEATHS
- Kane Tanaka, Japanese centenarian (world's 2nd oldest recorded person), who died as the world's oldest living person at 119.
- MOVIES: NOT RATED
- White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch is released. Abercrombie & Fitch conquered malls in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s with gorgeous models, pulsing dance beats and a fierce scent. But while the brand was running white hot, its popular “all-American” image began burning out as controversy came to light surrounding its exclusionary marketing and discriminatory hiring.
- GAMING: PC
- Winter Ember for PC is released. You are Arthur Artorias – the sole survivor of a massacre that devastated your family’s legacy and tore them out of the history books. Thought to be dead, you emerge from exile 8 years later, the faceless man kindled by the flame and seeking vengeance. Embark on an adventure unravelling a dark tale filled with twisted characters, centered around a militant religion hell bent on keeping control. Key Features:A True Stealth ExperienceAs Arthur, you must stick to the shadows, infiltrate homes and explore hidden passageways; but, be careful not to be spotted! Choose your playstyle: knocking out enemies may keep them quiet for some time, but they will eventually wake up; a quick slice to the throat may be a more permanent solution, but the bloodstain you leave on the carpet might be a dead giveaway! Keep your wits about you, dispose of bodies, peek through keyholes and pickpocket unsuspecting victims. Deep Arrow Crafting SystemPrepare for your mission by planning your loadout. With over 30 arrows to craft, experimentation is key to your success! Do you craft a smoke arrow to blind your opponent, or do you add on a poison element to create poisonious gas? Use your arrows offensively or defensively: break down weak walls with a blunt arrow to surprise your enemy, or use a rope arrow to reach a higher place and take out your enemies from a distance.Skill TreeCustomize your playstyle from 3 distinct skill trees – stealth, combat, and utility. Unlock over 70 unique passive and active skills to choose from and seek vengeance your way. Explore A Dark WorldReturn home to the cold Victorian town of Anargal, on the verge of technological breakthrough. Infiltrate and explore vast environments brimming with treasure and mystery. From rival gangs to unique characters, approach each scenario in a myriad of ways. Take advantage of the environment, find solutions to every problem, and move past any challenge standing in your way.
- GAMING: SWITCH
- Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars for Switch is released. Gamninjustri a place where all manner of ninjas gather.As the struggle for control increased between the Daimyos of the nations, tensions rose between the two great nations, each of which was home to one of the major schools of martial arts.The Compa Style which has mastered the Ninja Arts based on the Command Technique.The Honeypa Style which has mastered the Ninja Arts rooted in the Action Technique.The two camps were stuck in a ruthless competition of skill in order to achieve hegemony, but as they fought on, a mysterious army of mechanical ninjas made their assault.The mechanical ninja army overran the smaller nations in an instant, and the Steeme Legion leader, Yoh Gamer, made an announcement to the world:The Super NINJA War to decide the world's strongest school is about to begin!Key Features:When 2 Become 1 The two warring nations from the Neptunia and SENRAN KAGURA series have now joined forces in one action-packed RPG! Choose from 10 possible characters, including two new characters: Yuuki and Goh, and pick two characters to set forth on your adventure. Swiftly switch between your two chosen characters in battle!The Art of the Ninja Each character possess a unique set of skills, known as Ninja Art Skills. Chain your Ninja Art Skills to leave your enemies in the dust. Ninjas and shinobi are also equipped with projectiles that can inflict physical damage or temporary status ailments to slow down foes.Stay Stylin' with Spirit Gems Collect Spirit Gems for helpful stat boosts! Legend says arranging them in certain combinations can add even bigger boosts...Are You a True Ninja Warrior? The Peaches & Cream Meditation mini-game allows players to test their balance with the PS4 motion controller. Successfully filling the Peach Gauge gives extra stat boosts in battle! Plus, test your might with the post-game content, Yomi-Training! Expert ninjas and shinobi can play through 8 different trials, each set with difficult restrictions!
On this day in 2021
- EVENTS
- New Zealand and Australia open a travel bubble between the two countries after more than a year of border closures.
- NASA successfully flies its drone helicopter Ingenuity on Mars, first powered aircraft to fly on another world.
- Producer and songwriter Jim Steinman, most famous for his work on Meat Loaf's best-selling Bat Out Of Hell album, died at the age of 73. His most successful chart singles include Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart', Air Supply's 'Making Love Out of Nothing at All', Meat Loaf's 'I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)', the Sisters of Mercy's 'This Corrosion'..
- Cuba's Communist party announces Miguel Díaz-Canel will replace Raúl Castro as party leader, after the latter steps down.
- DEATHS
- Jim Steinman, American Grammy Award-winning songwriter and record producer (Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell; Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart), who died at 73.
- Monica Bandini, Italian racing cyclist (World Championship gold women's team time trial 1988), who died from a heart attack at 56.
- POLITICS
- Walter Mondale, American politician (US Senator from Minnesota (D),1964-76 ; 42nd Vice President,1977-81), who died at 93.
- SPORTS
- Willy van der Kuijlen, Dutch soccer forward (22 caps; PSV 528 games), who died from Alzheimer's disease at 74.
- In Las Vegas, Nevada: San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau breaks Gordie Howe's NHL record for most games played, now at 1,768 and counting.
On this day in 2020
- EVENTS
- US COVID-19 pandemic death toll passes 40,000, with 742,442 cases recorded according to Johns Hopkins tally.
- Together At Home concert for COVID-19 pandemic aid curated by Lady Gaga and streamed worldwide.
- Turkey passes Iran to become the Middle Eastern country with the most COVID-19 pandemic cases with 86,306 infections, Iran continues to have the most deaths.
- DEATHS
- Steve Senerchia, Race Car Driver.
- Ian Whitcomb, English rocker (" You Turn Me On"), who died at 78.
- Bob Oliver, American MLB player, who died at 77.
- Índio, Brazilian soccer striker (7 caps; Flamengo, Corinthians, Espanyol), who died at 89.
- TV SERIES
- The Last Dance: Season 1 is released. The 10-part documentary series directed by Jason Hehir about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls' 1997-98 championship season includes interviews and never-before-seen footage.
- POLITICS
- UK COVID-19 pandemic death toll reaches 16,060 (hospitals only), as "The Sunday Times" criticizes Boris Johnson's government's response, saying they "sleepwalked into disaster".
- SPORTS
- Steve Dalkowski, American baseball player and inspiration for Bull Durham film, who died of COVID-19 pandemic complications at 80.
On this day in 2019
- DEATHS
- Martin Böttcher, German composer and conductor, who died at 91.
- Bob Efford, British jazz and session baritone saxophonist and reed player, who died at 91.
- Julio Melgar, World Music Singer.
- MOVIES: NOT RATED
- Grass is released. In the corner of a small cafeé, Areum (Kim Minhee) sits typing on her laptop. At the tables around her, other customers enact the various dramas of their lives. A young couple charge each other with serious crimes, an old man tries to rekindle a flame with a younger woman, a narcissistic filmmaker works to put together his next project—all while Areum types. Is she merely writing what she hears? Or is she hearing what’s been written? As the dramas inside the café unfold, the plants outside grow taller. [Cinema Guild]
- Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché is released. Be Natural is both a tribute and a detective story, tracing the circumstances by which pioneer filmmaker Alice Guy-Blaché faded from memory and the path toward her reclamation.
- Rafiki is released. Bursting with the colorful street style & music of Nairobi’s vibrant youth culture, Rafiki is a tender love story between two young women in a country that still criminalizes homosexuality. Kena and Ziki have long been told that “good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives” - but they yearn for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, the girls encourage each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, Kena and Ziki must choose between happiness and safety. [Film Movement]
- MOVIES: NR
- Red Joan is released. Joan Stanley (Judi Dench) is a widow living out a quiet retirement in the suburbs when, shockingly, the British Secret Service places her under arrest. The charge: providing classified scientific information—including details on the building of the atomic bomb—to the Soviet government for decades. As she is interrogated, Joan relives the dramatic events that shaped her life and beliefs: her student days at Cambridge, where she excelled at physics while challenging deep-seated sexism; her tumultuous love affair with a dashing political radical (Tom Hughes); and the devastation of World War II, which inspired her to risk everything in pursuit of peace. [IFC Films]
- MOVIES: PG13
- Fast Color is released. Ruth (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a woman with extraordinary abilities she can no longer control, is haunted by a mysterious past. Set in a broken and drought-ridden world, we meet Ruth on the run from an unknown group that has discovered her abilities. Ruth turns to the only place she feels she can hide: the childhood home she abandoned long ago. There, she reconnects with her estranged mother, Bo, and daughter, Lila. As Bo attempts to help Ruth control her abilities, the three women start to become a family again. But when Ruth’s pursuers catch up to her, she is forced to face her demons and confront her past.
- MOVIES: R
- Family is released. Kate Stone (Taylor Schilling) is a workaholic. She hates kids. She hates most social situations, because she doesn't know what to do with her arms. So when her estranged brother Joe tracks her down to watch her awkward and bullied 12 year old niece Maddie, Kate thinks babysitting for the week can't get any worse—until Maddie runs away to become a juggalo.
- Little Woods is released. Little Woods, North Dakota, a fracking boomtown well beyond its prime. Ollie is trying to survive the last few days of her probation after getting caught illegally running prescription pills over the Canadian border. But when her mother dies, she is thrust back into the life of her estranged sister Deb (James), who is facing her own crisis with an unplanned pregnancy and a deadbeat ex. The two find they have one week to settle the mortgage on their mother’s house or face foreclosure. As bills and pressure mount, Ollie faces a choice: whether to return to a way of life she thought she’d left behind for just one more score or to leave it all behind.
- Under the Silver Lake is released. Sam (Andrew Garfield) is a disenchanted 33-year-old who discovers a mysterious woman, Sarah (Riley Keough), frolicking in his apartment’s swimming pool. When she vanishes, Sam embarks on a surreal quest across Los Angeles to decode the secret behind her disappearance, leading him into the murkiest depths of mystery, scandal, and conspiracy in the City of Angels. [A24]
- The Curse of La Llorona is released. La Llorona. The Weeping Woman. A horrifying apparition, caught between Heaven and Hell, trapped in a terrible fate sealed by her own hand. The mere mention of her name has struck terror around the world for generations. In life, she drowned her children in a jealous rage, throwing herself in the churning river after them as she wept in pain. Now her tears are eternal. They are lethal, and those who hear her death call in the night are doomed. La Llorona creeps in the shadows and preys on the children, desperate to replace her own. As the centuries have passed, her desire has grown more voracious…and her methods more terrifying. In 1970s Los Angeles, La Llorona is stalking the night—and the children. Ignoring the eerie warning of a troubled mother suspected of child endangerment, a social worker and her own small kids are soon drawn into a frightening supernatural realm. Their only hope to survive La Llorona’s deadly wrath may be a disillusioned priest and the mysticism he practices to keep evil at bay, on the fringes where fear and faith collide. Beware of her chilling wail…she will stop at nothing to lure you into the gloom. Because there is no peace for her anguish. There is no mercy for her soul. And there is no escape from the curse of La Llorona.
- MOVIES: TVMA
- Someone Great is released. Aspiring music journalist Jenny (Gina Rodriguez) has just landed her dream job at an iconic magazine and is about to move to San Francisco. Rather than do long distance, her boyfriend of nine years (Lakeith Stanfield) decides to call it quits. To nurse her broken heart, Jenny gathers up her two best friends Erin (DeWanda Wise) and Blair (Brittany Snow) for one outrageous last adventure in New York City. [Netflix]
- TV SERIES
- RAMY: Season 1 is released. Ramy Hassan (Ramy Youssef) is a first-generation Egyptian-American Muslim trying to balance the challenges of family expectations and what he wants in life in this comedy co-created by Youssef.
- ALBUMS
- Raw Honey was released by Drugdealer. Michael Collins is joined by a full band--plus guests like Natalie Mering of Weyes Blood--on his second album as Drugdealer.
- Serfs Up! was released by Fat White Family. The English rock band moves to Domino for their third album.
- Social Cues was released by Cage the Elephant. John Hill produces the Kentucky alt-rock band's fifth album, which features a collaboration with Beck.
- Laughing Matter was released by Wand. The 5th LP from the L.A.-based psych-rock band is a 15-song double-album.
- Life Metal was released by Sunn O))). The Seattle drone metal specialists return with the first of two planned 2019 follow-ups to 2015's Kannon. This four-song set was produced by Steve Albini.
- Not Waving, But Drowning was released by Loyle Carner. The English hip-hop artist follows his Mercury Prize-nominated 2017 debut with his second LP. And it's perhaps the first rap album in history to feature a song about celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi. Collaborators include Sampha, Jorja Smith, Jordan Rakei, and Tom Misch.
- Cuz I Love You was released by Lizzo. The Minnesota rapper and flautist makes her major-label debut with this follow-up to 2015's Big GRRRL Small World. Missy Elliott and Gucci Mane guest.
- Big Wows was released by Stealing Sheep. The third album from the British trio features a variety of producers, including Marta Salogni, Andy Smith, Ash Workman, and Joe Wills.
- Blood was released by Kelsey Lu. The debut full-length release for the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and cellist features production from Jamie xx, Rodaidh McDonald, Skrillex, and Adrian Younge.
- Happy Now was released by Gang of Four. The ninth full-length release for the British post-punk band led by Andy Gill was co-produced with Ben Hillier and Ross Orton.
- I Love You. It's a Fever Dream was released by The Tallest Man on Earth. The first release in four years for Kristian Matsson as The Tallest Man On Earth was recorded in his Brooklyn apartment.
- Invitation was released by Heather Woods Broderick. A member of Sharon Van Etten's band (among others), the singer-songwriter has two previous solo LPs to her name, most recently 2015's Glider.
- Jade Bird was released by Jade Bird. Born in England but leaning, musically, toward Americana, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter follows her 2017 EP, "Something American, "with this full-length debut.
On this day in 2018
- EVENTS
- King Mswati III of Swaziland changes the name of Swaziland to eSwatini, or “land of the Swati”.
- Senator Tammy Duckworth (Illinois) is the first parent to bring a baby into the US Senate, a day after the Senate votes to allow babies on the chamber's floor.
- US Senator Tammy Duckworth (Illinois (D)) is the first parent to bring a baby into the Senate chambers, a day after the Senate votes to allow babies on the chamber's floor.
- DEATHS
- Graciela Agudelo, Mexican pianist and avant garde composer (Celebration of Wine), who died at 72.
- GAMING: PC
- For the King for PC is released. Weave your own unique tales in a challenging single player or cooperative RPG adventure that spans across the realms. Trek across the perilous badlands, trudge through poisonous swamps, and brave the high seas in uniquely generated maps.
- GAMING: SWITCH
- BAFL: Brakes Are For Losers for Switch is released. BAFL is all about pure arcade fun. Challenge your friends, pick a funky car and outrun them with your driving skills and dirty tricks. Ram them out of your way or pick up bonuses to wreck them.
- Manticore: Galaxy on Fire for Switch is released. Write your legacy in gunfire and smoke as you take down the galaxy's most wanted criminals in action-packed dogfights! Rise to become the hero of the Neox Sector – a deadly fringe world terrorized by ruthless crime lords and their no-good underlings. [Nintendo]
- POLITICS
- Miguel Diaz-Canel is elected Cuba's new president after former president Raúl Castro steps down.
On this day in 2017
- EVENTS
- Fox News confirms they would be letting go of Bill O'Reilly after allegations of sexual harassment.
- TV SERIES
- Fargo: Season 3 is released. Set in 2010, the sibling rivalry between Ray Stussy and his older brother Emmit (both played by Ewan McGregor) leads to card games, murder and mobsters as the third season returns to Minnesota.
On this day in 2016
- BIRTHS
- Mar'Cannon Hall, YouTube Star, born in Las Vegas, NV.
- Prince Alexander, Duke Of Södermanland, Swedish prince, Danderyd Municipality, born in Sweden.
- DEATHS
- Bob Nagel, Race Car Driver.
- Walter Kohn, Austrian-born American scientist (Nobel Prize Chemistry 1998), who died at 93.
- TV SERIES
- The Night Manager: Season 1 is released. Based on John le Carre's novel, ex-British soldier Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston) is recruited by MI-6's Angela Burr (Olivia Colman) to infiltrate the inner circle of an arms trader named Richard Onslow Roper (Hugh Laurie).
- Containment: Season 1 is released. An epidemic in Atlanta forces a large quarantine that separates love ones from each other in this drama based on a Belgian series named Cordon.
- GAMING: 3DS
- Langrisser Re:Incarnation -TENSEI- for 3DS is released. Langrisser Re:Incarnation -TENSEI- is a strategic simulation RPG experience for the Nintendo 3DS
- GAMING: PC
- Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code for PC is released. All playable characters comes with 3 separate styles for players to choose from - "Crescent Moon Style", "Full Moon Style"and "Half Moon Style". Each style exhibits a different behaviour for the selected character, experiment away to discover your own combat style.
- P-O-L-L-E-N for PC is released. P-O-L-L-E-N is an atmospheric, suspenseful and highly interactive first person sci-fi exploration game set on Saturn's moon Titan. Delve into the richly detailed Station M, and try everything you can get your hands on to uncover the mysteries that lie beneath the moon’s crust.
- SpeedRunners for PC is released. Cut-throat multiplayer running game that pits 4 players against each other, locally and/or online. Run, jump, swing around, and use devious weapons and pick-ups to knock opponents off-screen! One of the most competitive games you'll ever play.
- The Banner Saga 2 for PC is released. The aga continues in The Banner Saga 2. Continue your journey soon after the climactic events of The Banner Saga. The choices you made in the first game will affect who is alive and who is dead in this sequel.
- The Collider 2 for PC is released. Destroy the colossal mothership looming over the planet and save your homeworld. With a fleet of high-tech starfighters at your disposal, take on a series of suicidal missions to destroy the alien invader from the inside.
- GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
- Pang Adventures for PlayStation 4 is released. A game in which players guide two brothers on a global quest to save humankind from a massive alien invasion.
- Koi for PlayStation 4 is released. KOI reflects a tranquil and mesmerizing experience as you embark on an introspective journey through the lens of a lone koi fish separated from its owner and is the last hope for purifying waters polluted by mankind. It’s up to you to turn the tide and guide the koi through eight artfully rendered stages that will take you into the murky as well as enchanting waters, deep below the surface.
- Invisible, Inc. Console Edition for PlayStation 4 is released. Invisible, Inc. is a mercenary espionage agency operating in the latter years of the 21st century. Infiltrate procedurally generated corporate facilities in tense, turn-based missions where every move could be your last. Find profit in chaos as you guide your team around the world in search of lucrative contracts.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III - Eclipse for PlayStation 4 is released. In the latest episode of the Zombies experience, the Origins characters head to 'Zetsubou No Shima', a tropical island where experiments with Element 115 have created horrors beyond belief. Battle your way through four stunning Black Ops III Multiplayer environments: Spire, Knockout, Verge and Rift.
- POLITICS
- Patricio Aylwin, Chilean lawyer, politician and President of Chile (1990-94), who died at 97.
- SPORTS
- Milt Pappas, American baseball pitcher, (3-time MLB All Star), who died at 76.
On this day in 2015
- EVENTS
- Boat carrying approx. 850 migrants is shipwrecked in the Mediterranean between Italian and Libya, with only 27 migrants rescued..
- 50th Academy of Country Music Awards: Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and Miranda Lambert win.
- DEATHS
- Roy Mason [Baron Mason of Barnsley], British defense secretary and Labour MP, who died at 91.
On this day in 2014
- EVENTS
- The White House refused to comment on a campaign to deport Justin Bieber from the US. Around 275,000 people had signed a petition on its website calling for the Canadian singer to be removed from the country. The campaign had been set up in January of this year when the 20-year-old was arrested on suspicion of drink and drug-driving and illegal drag racing..
- WEDDINGS
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor Joe Lo Truglio at the age of 43 weds Beth Dover in Santa Barbara, California.
- TV SERIES
- Orphan Black: Season 2 is released. Sarah (Tatiana Maslany), Alison (Maslany), and Cosima (Maslany) find more trouble as they meet Rachel Duncan (Maslany).
- ALBUMS
- Drop was released by Thee Oh Sees. Garage/psych rocker John Dwyer moves to Los Angeles and worked with Casafis, Mikal Cronin, Greer McGettrick and Woodhouse on the his latest studio release.