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“Beyoncé Reigns Over the Beyhive *Plus* 2 Actual Beehives With 80,000 Bees at Home - Billboard” plus 4 more

“Beyoncé Reigns Over the Beyhive *Plus* 2 Actual Beehives With 80,000 Bees at Home - Billboard” plus 4 more


Beyoncé Reigns Over the Beyhive *Plus* 2 Actual Beehives With 80,000 Bees at Home - Billboard

Posted: 02 Nov 2020 03:54 PM PST

Beyoncé got the Beyhive buzzing when she told British Vogue for the December 2020 cover story that she keeps two actual beehives with 80,000 bees at home.

Queen B told Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful, "I know it's random, but I have two beehives. Real ones. I've had them at my house for a while now," when he asked for a surprising fact about the 39-year-old multi-hyphenate.

"I have around 80,000 bees and we make hundreds of jars of honey a year," she continued, noting how her hobby helps her two daughters, 8-year-old Blue Ivy and 3-year-old Rumi. "I started the beehives because my daughters, Blue and Rumi, both have terrible allergies, and honey has countless healing properties."

How Phillipa Soo Channeled Beyonce & More 'Diva Queens' for Netflix Animated Feature 'Over the Moon' - Billboard

Posted: 22 Oct 2020 12:00 AM PDT

The beautiful story, directed by Glen Keane, features spritely and often moving songs by Chris Curtis, Majorie Duffield and Helen Park, and a luminescent score by Oscar-winner Steven Price.

For Soo, who is Chinese-American, the story of Chang'e was familiar -- up to a point. "We've never seen Chang'e like this before. We know what happens until she gets to the moon, but we don't really know what happens after that," she says. "With this version, there's elements of science-fiction in it, elements of the myth, elements of the Chinese culture, and that all culminates into this wonderful version of how we see her now."

Soo talked to Billboard about what Earth-bound stars inspired her performance, how Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda helped prepare her, and the significance of a movie featuring an all-Asian cast.

Our first sighting of Chang'e is when she performs this delicious pop song "Ultraluminary" before her moon minions. Who did you look toward for inspiration?

The song was really the first thing that I heard in terms of what to expect from this character. The feeling that you get when you see Chang'e for the first time is amazing. I would call it like the best concert of all time. Her introduction is so fantastic. I definitely drew inspiration from all of the great female diva queens out there: Beyonce, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga -- all of these incredible artists who have found their own voice and their own personality in terms of their work and their performance.

You also have fun with "Hey Boy." It's all swagger and a fun mix of singing and spoken word.

That song is drawing the lines of the competition. It's the first time that we really see she's not to be messed with, but, also, she has a lot to lose. She's been waiting for a really long time to be reunited with her husband, Houyi. She's covering up some inner-vulnerability that she might have. She's compensating for that, especially in a song like that.

[Minor spoilers ahead] Your character goes through such a journey. Very early on, you realize she and Fei Fei are grieving. In many ways, the movie is a meditation on grief.

What's so beautiful about a character like Fei Fei is she's doing all of this out of the love for her mother and her family. This is not just about her own personal journey. What's so beautiful about her relationship with Chang'e is that you have two really strong-willed female characters who have an idea of what they need in order to move on in their lives and feel like they're secure on their own two feet. ... Then they come to realize that they're actually way more similar than they thought. And not only that, they need each other in order to heal. There's a message there in reaching out to someone who you may not agree with, who you may not know, in order to find healing. That love and community might come in some very surprising places.

Totally switching topics, Chang'e's wardrobe is amazing and very fashion-forward. How did that help you get into character?

They're fabulous! They were designed by a very famous Chinese fashion couture designer, Guo Pei. From the minute that I started seeing these sketches, I was like, "Oh, I see who this person is." That was the easy part. I didn't have to search very far for inspiration because it was all there in the drawings and the music and everything that I was seeing they were bringing in.

Did you dress up to go into the studio to record your part?

No. I would wear sweatpants, because the benefit of being in an animated film is you don't have to dress up to go to work. This story required actually a lot of movement on my part. Once I started really getting into character, we were really working and jiving. I really felt like I had to move my body in order to achieve some of the vocal things that I did, because it's so heightened and theatrical in a way.

What was your span of time working on this?

My first time in the studio was maybe around 2017, 2018. I finished it literally in my closet, surrounded by my winter coats and shoes, during the pandemic. It was the last part of ADR (automated dialog replacement). It was very humbling and, at the same time that made me realize, "Wow, this really is coming full-circle," because when I was a kid, all I would do was hang out in my closet and make up voices and play with my stuffed animals.

Over the Moon features an all Asian and Asian-American cast. What did that mean to you, and is there a greater message here at a time when Hollywood needs more diversity?

It just goes to show you that it's what people want to see. Crazy Rich Asians was phenomenal in so many ways because it really not only gave people like me and millions of other people a reason to feel seen and recognized, but also to feel like there's a desire for this. There's a way to make money off of this. It's not just we're going out on a limb to tell a diverse story. Diverse stories are actually what people want to see. Not only that, it's what we should see. Art can be entertaining, but I think that there's more there. We have an obligation to tell stories that reflect who we are as a community, as a people, as a population.

Previous to this, your only animation experience was as a villager in Moana. Did that help prepare you for Over the Moon?

I was so grateful to Lin because he asked me to do some demos for Moana when they were developing it. I learned so much about the process that it takes to create an animated film. The animation itself is just a feat of engineering. One of the coolest days was when I got to see some of the music being recorded for Moana, and I watched the orchestra play. It really just made me realize a bunch of people who are really good at what they do are coming together to tell this story and they couldn't have done it without each other. It's a group, collaborative effort, and it made me so excited to explore that more. When Over the Moon came along, I was like, yes, absolutely. This is like the dream of my childhood to be involved in something like this.

Broadway is now closed through the end of May. How are you dealing with that?

Honestly, the most important thing is to make sure that we're all safe and when we gather again that we feel like we're being taken care of, health-wise. For me, I just feel like I need to be OK with missing it. It's like anything: You don't realize how good it is until it's gone. I always knew how good it was and what a great job I had and all the great opportunities that I had. But I don't think I truly comprehended how important it can be to be able to connect human beings together.

There's something that we lose when we lose live performance, which is the ability to just gather in a room with a bunch of strangers and have an experience together and go on a journey together.

There's lots of theaters right now that are struggling. I know that there's so many causes right now where you can donate your money and your time and your efforts, but there's also a lot of theaters that might close so we need the support of the community. The more that people can advocate to their senators, to their politicians, to fight for the arts for financial aid, it's really important.

Pop Smoke and 'Hamilton' Soundtrack on Billboard 200, Cardi B's Lavish Party for Kulture & More News | Billboard News

Donald Trump Bashes Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi, Beyonce & Jay-Z for Their Support of the Democratic Party - Billboard

Posted: 02 Nov 2020 04:51 PM PST

President Donald Trump took some time during his rally in Avoca, Pennsylvania to criticize a number of A-list stars who have voiced their support for Joe Biden, and those who previously advocated for Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election cycle.

"Now he's got Lady Gaga," Trump said in the days leading up to the Nov. 3 election. "I could tell you plenty of stories – I could tell you stories about Lady Gaga, I know a lot of stories. Lady Gaga."

Then, he moved on to Jon Bon Jovi. "Every time he sees me, he kisses my a--. 'Oh, Mr. President'. He'll get something out of it just like everyone is," he said, before boasting "bigger crowds" at his packed rally as the coronavirus continues to spread. "He'll sing a song or two and then he'll leave and the crowd will leave, and Sleepy Joe's up there talking."

Israeli airlines are rushing to launch flights to Dubai by the end of the year as demand reportedly spikes - Business Insider India

Posted: 04 Nov 2020 09:37 AM PST

  • Three Israeli airlines are launching flights to the United Arab Emirates before the end of the year.
  • Airlines are reporting high demand that's encouraging a sooner than planned launch date for some flights.
  • The first air link comes less than six months following a US-brokered peace deal that normalized relations between the UAE and Israel.
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Israelis will soon be able to board a non-stop flight bound for the United Arab Emirates, an idea that was thought impossible just a few months ago, following the historic peace deal between the two Middle Eastern countries.

Three Israeli airlines are planning to launch flights between Israel and Dubai, the only UAE city currently welcoming foreign visitors, before year's end. El Al Israel Airlines will launch the first flights in November followed by Israir and Arkia as Israelis yearn to explore the opulent city that has been previously inaccessible to them.

Israel's flag carrier will launch the first commercial flights on November 30 using a mix of Boeing 737-900ER and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, Ynetnews reporter Itay Blumental tweeted on October 29. El Al flew the first commercial flight between Israel and the UAE in August carrying an Israeli and American delegation that included Jared Kushner, credited with brokering the deal.
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Israir will then launch flights on December 4, according to its booking system, followed by Arkia, the second-largest airline in Israel, on December 20. Arkia flights were initially planned for a January 2021 launch, according to local newspaper Globes, but the airline reported massive demand that encouraged a sooner start date before the new year.

All travelers entering the UAE through Dubai are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test at their departure airport conducted 96 hours before the flight, according to the UAE government. Access to other regions of the country outside of Dubai is heavily restricted.

From the UAE side, neither Emirates nor Etihad Airways have announced the addition of Israel to its route network. FlyDubai, a UAE-based budget airline closely aligned with Emirates, will launch twice-daily flights starting November 26, preempting all the Israeli airlines.

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Emiratis won't be able to visit Israel just yet for tourism as the Jewish state is still closed to foreign visitors.

Only travelers with Israeli passports or permanent residents – or non-nationals who receive permission from the Israeli government – will be permitted to enter the State of Israel, according to the US Embassy in Israel, of which there are few, if any, living in the Arab nation. Business travelers may soon be able to enter, however, Globes is reporting, if they receive permission. More new flights can be expected to and from Israel's Ben Gurion Airport as more agreements are being reached with Middle Eastern and African nations including Bahrain and Sudan. Travelers returning from Dubai also won't be subject to the 14-quarantine for travelers as long as the UAE remains on Israeli's "green" list of low-risk COVID-19 countries.
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32 best movies to watch on Disney Plus - CNET

Posted: 04 Nov 2020 02:12 PM PST

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Mulan.

Disney

We all know Disney Plus has Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar and classic cartoon nourishment for you to hit up whenever you need a comforting night in. But aside from all that, there are a host of great Disney movies which might not be front and center on your radar.

Here are some of the best movies on Disney Plus you might have overlooked.

Read more: The 10 best TV shows to watch on Disney Plus

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

Disney

One of the best original Disney Plus movies, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made is as fun as its title suggests. Timmy Failure is an 11-year-old detective running his personal agency with the help of polar bear Total, his imaginary best friend. Being weird is something to celebrate in this delightful caper bursting with imagination.

Mulan (2020)

Disney

Continuing its crusade of live-action remakes of cartoon classics, Disney brings Mulan -- for a $30 fee on top of your subscription. Or just wait until Dec. 4 for it to become free for all subscribers. Unlike 2019's The Lion King, 2020's Mulan adds more to its story about a young woman who takes her father's place in a fight against a Hun invasion during the Han dynasty. You won't hear any of the iconic songs, but it's a visual feast with a few new characters and exhilarating action. It should be a good one to pump all the family up.

Holes (2003)

Disney

A faithful adaptation of Louis Sachar's YA novel, Holes saw a fresh-from-Even-Stevens Shia LaBeouf take on one of his first major film roles. Stanley Yelnats IV's family is cursed to the point Stanley is wrongfully convicted of stealing a pair of sneakers and sentenced to time at a juvenile detention camp... where they dig holes in the desert. Along with an immense cast, including Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight and Patricia Arquette, Holes has a visual and thematic sophistication you might not expect from a teen movie.

Splash (1984)

Disney

Ron Howard's rom-com about a man who falls in love with a mermaid scored an Oscar nom for its screenplay -- and rightly so, with its perfectly warm, glowy comedy letting stars Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah do their charming thing. Splash is pure comfort viewing with the added fun fact that Hannah's mermaid tale was designed by visual effects artists to be fully functional.

Frankenweenie (2012)

Disney

A black-and-white homage (and spoof) of old horror movies, Frankenweenie tells a charmingly simple story: A boy named Victor tries to bring his dead dog back to life. Using stop-motion and a host of Tim Burton cast favorites, including Winona Ryder, this take on Frankenstein is a classic Burton oddball story, brought to life with heart, beautiful visuals and a palpable boyish enthusiasm.

Avatar (2009)

Disney

Yep, there are about 100 more Avatar movies on the way, but why not rewatch the original that blew everyone's minds when it came out in 2009 with its insane technical breakthroughs in special effects? The human race invades Pandora and its indigenous Na'vi in a misguided attempt to colonize the lush, habitable moon. Aside from the cardboard cutout characters and obvious A to B script, James Cameron's epic remains undeniably sensational to this day.

The Parent Trap (1961)

Disney

Before Lindsay Lohan made her film debut in the remake of this rom-com, Hayley Mills starred in The Parent Trap, playing both twin sisters on a quest to reunite their divorced parents. A flick that speaks to both adults and kids, the original The Parent Trap thrives on its relatable family dynamic, charming characters and well-timed gags, even if it doesn't break any new ground.

Black Is King (2020)

Disney

Nearly single-handedly leading the rise of the "visual album" (The Beatles started it all the way back in the '60s), Beyoncé and her latest, Black Is King, melds together just that: stunning visuals and music from the tie-in album she curated to the recent The Lion King. A "love letter to Africa", the film's story is told with the help of some of today's outstanding black artists, including Beyoncé, who directs as well. With unbelievable cinematography, a score featuring traditional African music, instantly iconic costume design and powerful cultural themes, every second of this personal work of art needs to be glued to your eyeballs.

The Sound of Music (1965)

Disney

The iconic songs, Julie Andrews and that famous opening scene in the hills should instantly stir up the childhood joy of watching The Sound of Music. Andrews' vibrato alone could shake loose lyrics from your brain like: "Doe, a deer, a female deer/Ray, a drop of golden sun." If you didn't read that in the way it was sung, it's time to crack open this enduring classic again and spend a few verses with the seven von Trapp children and their music-loving governess.

Millions (2004)

Disney

This little gem from none other than Trainspotting director Danny Boyle is filled with eccentric flourishes. Damian is a 9-year-old in the north-west of England who, while playing beside the train tracks, literally sees a bag of money drop into his life. While the kind-hearted and religious Damian donates to the poor, his acts of kindness lead to complications. This unusual kids movie with unusually deep ideas is a total charmer.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Disney

Is this the best ever Christmas movie? Whether it takes that mantle or not, the original Miracle on 34th Street is a forever holiday favorite, practically glowing despite being in black-and-white. A New York department store Santa Claus claims to be the real Santa, infecting shoppers with Christmas spirit and destroying the cynicism of anyone who stands in his path. This aggressively delightful movie is a must for your stocking later in the year.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

Disney

The first in the modern adaptations of C.S. Lewis' fantasy books is the strongest in the trilogy, capturing the wonder and magic of discovering a fantasy world inside a wardrobe. The Pevensie children encounter Tilda Swinton's White Witch, James McAvoy's Mr. Tumnus and Liam Neeson's Aslan as they help protect Narnia from evil. Standing in a snowy swirl of choral music and impressive visual effects, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is big, moving family adventure.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)

Disney

Adapted from Jules Verne's novel about a giant sea monster attacking ships in the Pacific Ocean, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is best known for, among other things, a fight with a giant squid. Not to mention the superb James Mason as Captain Nemo, the likeable anti-hero and commander of advanced submarine, the Nautilus. Considered an early precursor of the steampunk genre, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a voyage you can't pass up.

Howard (2018)

Disney

If you're a fan of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, then go behind-the-scenes with the late writer behind the lyrics of their iconic songs. Documentary Howard lovingly unfurls a portrait of Howard Ashman's life and work, dotted with fascinating clips from the productions of those Disney classics. With music from Alan Menken, who scored the unforgettable songs with Ashman, Howard glows with love for the songwriter and lyricist.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Disney

While Tim Burton didn't write or direct The Nightmare Before Christmas, it's embroidered with the darkest and scariest objects of his imagination. Jack Skellington, the king of "Halloween Town", stumbles through a portal to "Christmas Town" and gives celebrating the holiday a go. With music from Danny Elfman and stunning stop-motion animation, The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of Tim Burton's most original, daring feats.

Hamilton (2020)

Disney

Instead of hitting cinemas, the live recording of the glorious original 2015 Broadway musical Hamilton slid right onto Disney Plus. Drawing from hip hop and casting non-white actors as historical figures, it covers the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton after he arrives in New York City in 1776 and assists General George Washington during the American Revolution, up to his death in a dual with Vice President Aaron Burr. Proving the power of Broadway can translate to the small screen, Hamilton on Disney Plus is a welcome cheaper way to watch the revolutionary piece of American theater.

Mary Poppins (1964)

Disney

If you haven't watched the original Mary Poppins in a while, then prepare for Walt Disney's crowning live-action achievement to envelope you with its bucket load of sugar once more. With sumptuous sets, indelible songs and overall wonder, Mary Poppins is just about as perfect as its magical titular nanny, who descends from the clouds holding an umbrella to help bring the Banks' family closer together.

Apollo: Missions to the Moon (2019)

Disney

National Geographic's documentary on the moon landing shines a light on the human achievement with rare archival footage and audio. Charting our journey to the moon across 12 years and 12 manned-missions, with insight into the astronauts, their families and the thousands of others involved, Apollo: Missions to the Moon provides a fresh, extensive look into the US space program.

Old Yeller (1957)

Disney

Considered one of, if not the best, movie about a boy and his dog, Old Yeller will emotionally cripple you if you relate to losing a pet best friend. Still, this culturally significant film is one to absorb for many reasons, with its family-friendly coming-of-age story about a boy and his stray dog in post-Civil War Texas.

Queen of Katwe (2016)

Disney

If you're in the mood for a feel-good movie with a story of triumph over adversity, then Queen of Katwe will more than satisfy. The best part is that it's based on a true story about the first titled female chess player in Ugandan chess history, Phiona Mutesi. Life in the Katwe slum is a constant struggle, but everything changes when she learns how to play chess. Starring Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo, Queen of Katwe is a winning checkmate.

That Darn Cat! (1965)

Disney

This comedy thriller is about, yep, a mischievous Siamese tomcat, with bank robbers and a kidnapping thrown in for good measure. Sisters Inky and Patti live with their adventurous cat (named Darn Cat or DC), who loves to wander around town, until one night he comes across a bank employee being held hostage. This whimsical novelty might not be the most sophisticated detective story, but with entertaining gags and a stunning performance from our feline hero, it's a classic Disney charmer.

Pete's Dragon (2016)

Disney

A remake of the '70s live-action musical comedy, David Lowery's version of the story about a boy who befriends a dragon drops the singing for a soulful, human tale. A forest ranger, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, does her best to protect the feral orphan boy and his dragon pal, before hunters capture the big green guy. With a dash of E.T. and The Jungle Book, Pete's Dragon is enchanting and sincere, with two souls trying to help each other at the heart.

The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)

Disney

Starring a young John Cusack, The Journey of Natty Gann depicts life in '30s Chicago during the Great Depression. The titular Natty Gann, a tomboy played by Meredith Salenger, embarks on a cross-country journey to find her father, riding the rails and meeting interesting characters on the way, including a wolfdog (a dog-cross-wolf). With superb lead performances and portrayal of Depression-era life, The Journey of Natty Gann is an '80s gem worth checking out.

The Jungle Book (2016)

Disney

This live-action/CGI adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's collection of stories brings the tale of an orphan boy living with animals in the jungle to life with a stacked voice cast, including Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson and Christopher Walken. Borrowing elements from the '60s animated movie, The Jungle Book weaves together spectacular visual effects, musical numbers and a special performance from Elba as Shere Khan, enveloping you in its wondrously vivid world.

The Princess Bride (1987)

Disney

If you're not still quoting Rob Reiner's classic adventure movie that came out over 30 years ago, it's time for a refresher, so you can whip out, "Inconceivable!" once in a while. Farmhand Westley must rescue his true love Buttercup from Prince Humperdinck. A fresh take on the damsel-in-distress story, The Princess Bride is the definition of a postmodern fairytale, with a little good old-fashioned swashbuckling thrown in.

Freaky Friday (2003)

Disney

Mary Rodgers' novel about a mother and daughter who switch bodies is so good Disney has adapted it three times. The third, starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsey Lohan, charms in large part thanks to Curtis showing off her sparkling comedic talent outside doing her Halloween thing. Watch out for the scene where Mom torments her thoroughly confused son.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Disney

The man behind Back to the Future brought his originality to Who Framed Roger Rabbit, set in a 1947 version of Hollywood where cartoon characters and people co-exist. Robert Zemeckis's setup is both simple and touching: A private investigator attempts to exonerate Roger Rabbit, a "Toon" accused of murdering a wealthy businessman. Not only entertaining, but a technical breakthrough in modern American animation, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is one to marvel at.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Disney

Yep, it was based on a Disney theme park ride, but the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie in the ballooning franchise remains its best, in particular for introducing Johnny Depp's eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow. Sparrow and blacksmith Will Turner attempt to rescue the kidnapped Elizabeth Swann from cursed pirates who become undead skeletons at night. A pure blockbuster buoyed by Depp's comedic brilliance, The Curse of the Black Pearl makes a pirate's life look enthralling.

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Disney

One of Tim Burton's most personal works, Edward Scissorhands is a modern fairy tale zapped to life with Burton's gothic flair and big heart. An artificial man with scissors instead of hands is taken in by a suburban family and falls in love with their teenage daughter. The surrealism and comedy found in the suburbia come in stark contrast with Edward's haunting castle -- a testament to Burton's striking imagination, with added soul from Johnny Depp's outsider. Completely enchanting.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Disney

A modernization of The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You retells Shakespeare's comedy in a late-'90s American high school setting. New student Cameron attempts to convince Patrick to date the antisocial sister of the girl he fancies, in order to get around their father's strict rule on dating. Fueled by the late Heath Ledger's pure charm, with a clever script and an overall buzzing spirit, 10 Things I Hate About You is a cut above your average high school movie.

The Straight Story (1999)

Disney

A road trip film directed by David Lynch? Based on a true story of a World War II veteran who drives across Iowa and Wisconsin on a lawn mower? The Straight Story is sublime, from its realistic dialogue, burning orange Midwestern landscapes, to the warm characters who care for the elderly Alvin Straight. One of Lynch's greats.


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