The Outlander universe is expanding.

As fans wait with bated breath for the airdate of the final season of the beloved STARZ drama, the first preview for its prequel series Outlander: Blood of My Blood has just dropped before its premiere on August 8.

"Outlander: Blood of My Blood is a romantic saga that unfolds across time. From the battlefields of World War I to the rugged Highlands of 18th century Scotland, two fated couples must defy the forces that seek to tear them apart, intersecting in surprising and unforeseen ways," the network said in a statement.

Courtesy of Starz

STARZ assured fans the show will cater to new viewers "while also providing origin stories of fan-favorite characters from early seasons of Outlander and offering new perspectives that will change what viewers of the original series think they know."

In the new series, Claire's parents will be played by Hermione Corfield and Jeremy Irvine. Harriet Slater and Jamie Roy will portray Jamie's mother and father. (Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan have starred as Claire and Jamie since 2014.)

Courtesy of Starz

The debut season will consist of 10 episodes and will feature Tony Curran, Séamus McLean Ross, Sam Retford, Rory Alexander and Conor MacNeill.

Showrunner Matthew B. Roberts will join forces with Ronald D. Moore, Maril Davis and Jim Kohlberg as executive producers.

Watch the trailer — which shows Claire's mother Julia accidentally traveling through time, separating her from her true love Henry, as Jamie's parents Ellen and Brian fall in love amid a deadly feud between their families — in the video below.

Imagine a bird taller than your car, roaming free in the wild. For centuries, that was just a dream in New Zealand, where the magnificent moa, a giant flightless bird, vanished long ago. But now, something truly incredible is happening: a team of visionary scientists and an indigenous tribe are working together to bring the moa back to life!

This isn't a scene from a sci-fi movie; it's a real-life mission led by the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre, of New Zealand's Ngāi Tahu Māori tribe. They've teamed up with Colossal Biosciences, the cutting-edge company known for its bold de-extinction projects like bringing back the epic dire wolf, and legendary filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson. Together, they're embarking on a journey to revive the South Island Giant Moa, a bird that stood a whopping 10 feet tall.

Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye/Newscom/The Mega Agency

What makes this project so special? It's not just about science; it's about wisdom. The Ngāi Tahu people are guiding every step, from the lab work to choosing where the moa will eventually live. It's a powerful blend of modern genetic engineering and ancient Māori knowledge—a true partnership between past and future.

Bringing the moa back isn't just a scientific feat; it's a homecoming. The project embraces mātauranga Māori, the traditional understanding that has guided the tribe for generations, ensuring that this resurrection is done with respect for both nature and culture. Colossal Biosciences is investing heavily in New Zealand, not just for the moa, but to protect all of the country's unique plants and animals. They're mapping the DNA of all nine moa species and planning their return to their ancient habitats. It's a massive undertaking, but the goal is clear: to restore an entire ecosystem that has been missing its giants.

Ben Lamm, CEO and co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, relayed, "We are honored to contribute our advanced computational and genetic engineering capabilities under the direction of the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre. This partnership represents a new model where Indigenous leadership guides scientific endeavors, recognizing that traditional ecological knowledge and cultural context are essential to responsible de-extinction and species preservation efforts. There is so much knowledge that will be unlocked and shared on the journey to bring back the iconic moa."

Sir Peter Jackson, a proud New Zealander, is more than excited about the possibilities. "With the recent resurrection of the dire wolf, Colossal has also made real the possibility of bringing back lost species. There's a lot of science still to be done, but we can start looking forward to the day when birds like the moa or the huia are rescued from the darkness of extinction. Exciting times lay ahead!"

Beyond the scientific breakthroughs, this project promises fantastic opportunities for the local communities. Envision new job opportunities and potential eco-tourism for New Zealand. Imagine how these initiatives will enrich lives and preserve the natural beauty of the land. This is more than just science; it's about building a sustainable future for everyone.

Attending a critical client meeting in a different city can be hectic. If you live in New York City and have to go to Atlantic City for this, your stress levels can still be much lower. They are just a three-hour drive apart, depending on weather and traffic conditions. However, self-driving can prove both expensive and tiring. You don't get enough time to prepare for your presentation. Taxis can be another option if you're willing to spend a bit more. Or you can avoid both by hopping on an intercity bus. Buses can depart from 1651 Broadway, New York, and transport you to 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. However, you get all the route-related details during ticket booking.

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So explore bus services from NYC to Atlantic City on a credible booking app or website. Buses can be available from day to night. If you have an early morning meeting in the city, evening or night buses can be more suitable. Likewise, you can select a day bus if your client will meet you in the evening. Since the distance is not much, you can expect to reach your destination comfortably. Still, it's better to play safe because you cannot count on traffic and weather.

Once you are on the bus, it's easy to settle into your seat, enjoy the views from the windows and relax. Due to privacy and a smooth ride, you can also do your office work. While the commute part is sorted, you may wonder what to do in your free time. Atlantic City is an entertainment hub. Hence, you can enjoy your time in the city without any planning. Here are some suggestions for you.

Things to do in Atlantic City on a business travel

Whether a leisure or business trip, you want to eat tasty food. Fortunately, there is a good number of restaurants in Atlantic City where you can indulge in fast food, buffets and more. For example, the Boardwalk area serves pizza, hot dogs, shaved ice, hoagies, funnel cakes and cotton candy, among other classics. You can try them or check out lavish buffets at hotels. There are many high-end restaurants that are as good as those in New York. So it can be an interesting discovery for you. If you stay overnight in the city, you can check out its casinos, bars and comedy clubs. All these can be found near the Boardwalk. Some clubs remain open until dawn. So it can be an opportunity to welcome the sunrise from the Boardwalk. Still have time on your hands? Visit the Steel Pier amusement park.

Additional information

Some bus booking platforms offer travel passes for office employees. If you travel between NYC and Atlantic City frequently, you can buy one to save more money, even though bus tickets already cost much less. Or you can book your seats in advance to access discounts and special offers. These are a few smart ways to save.

You want to focus on your meeting during your commute between the two cities. Buses are the best option in that context. You don't get this kind of comfort on a train or a flight, no matter the destination.

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After a crash on the roads of San Diego, getting a clearance from the cops may seem relieving. The car crash may have occurred at places like El Cajon Boulevard or near I-805. If the damages are not severe and the officer covering the incident believes you are not at fault, how would you feel? As the cops file the report while giving you a clean chit, you think that's the end of the story, right? The reality can be very different, though.

Even if you obtain clearance from the police, it does not mean the insurer will think likewise. In many such cases, accident victims cannot receive reimbursement for their claim without a legal contest. Relying solely on a police report may lead to legal and financial setbacks later. That is why, after such a mishap, you should hire a competent car accident lawyer.

What does a police report mean?

Officers from the SDPD and the CHP cover most San Diego car crash events. They arrive at the scene, gather information, and file a traffic collision report. Such cop reports typically include:

-Driver statements
-Basic facts of the crash (location, time, vehicles)
-Preliminary fault assignment
-Witness comments (if any)

However, you must remember that police reports are not legal determinations of fault. Many officers make judgment calls based on what they see and hear at the spot, at that time. Not all of them will delve deeper by checking dashcam footage, traffic signals and additional evidence.

Your insurer may not agree with the police report

You may, like many San Diego car crash victims, feel that if the officer says you're not at fault, the insurance company will agree! Sadly, insurance adjusters conduct their investigations and look for measures to reduce the payout. They may:

-Argue that the property damage doesn't match your version of the mishap
-Question the timing or nature of your injuries
-Use the comparative negligence law of California to reduce the payment

To avoid such developments, you must hire a capable car accident attorney. You can think of contacting HHJ Trial Attorneys – Car Accident Experts.

A competent lawyer can capture what police reports don't

Police officers typically spend a limited time at accident scenes. If the injury is not serious or the car is not much damaged, they may not interview the witnesses in detail. They may miss out on external surveillance footage as well. A veteran car accident lawyer knows how to fill in these gaps. They know various ways to collect crucial evidence before it's lost.

Insurance firms may try to cut corners

Typically, insurance companies try to cut corners, and they may use your trust in the police report. In many such cases, they offer fast but low compensation. Without legal guidance, you may miss out on proper reimbursement and face additional delays.

Wrap up

A capable vehicle accident lawyer helps reinforce your position. They gather supplementary evidence, communicate with multiple insurers as required, and complete the necessary documentation. In the complex landscape of car accidents in San Diego, a favorable police report may fall short. The assistance of a trusted attorney bolsters your case prospects in several ways.

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There are millions of different supplements available in the market all over the world. As people become more health-conscious day by day, the use of these supplements is also increasing. The majority of people around the globe prefer organic supplements in place of synthetic supplements because they are produced naturally and are free from all harmful chemicals. It is the main reason organic supplements' popularity is increasing significantly.,They will help you cover the nutritional gap of your body without depending on synthetic ingredients. If you are also willing to take supplements to improve your health, you have to keep some points in mind while choosing it. 

-Check for Certified Organic Labels:

It is the most prominent point for which you should look before buying any supplement because if it has an organic label certified by an official body, it will ensure you trust it. These certifications mean that the product or supplement was manufactured within the proper rules and regulations of organic farming practice. It is free from all synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, artificial additives and other harmful compounds. Checking it will assure you that the product is pure and of good quality. Are you ready to take proper care of your health? Order here and find the benefits that the best organic supplement provides you.

-Transparent Ingredient List:

If you buy supplements from a trusted platform, they will always mention a list showing all the ingredients used in it. They mostly mention all the sources of ingredients to provide clear information to their consumers. It is suggested that you take a good look at the list of ingredients used in the manufacturing of supplements and only buy if each one of the ingredients is organic. Transparency is the key sign of a company's credibility; if they do not provide clear information about their product, you should avoid it. You should not go for false claims like herbal or natural if they are not certified because they are usually misleading. 

-Bioavailability and Absorption 

You should not buy supplements based on their ingredients because absorption also plays an important role. You should opt for supplements that are easy to absorb. If you are not sure which one is suitable for you, we recommend that you consult a medical practitioner. Before purchasing a supplement, you should check whether it has high bioavailability. Bioavailability means how fast your body can digest the supplement and use the nutrients efficiently. It is a fact that supplements that are produced naturally are absorbed quickly by the body. Fermented herbs of organic supplements work as icing on the cake by enhancing their speed of absorption.

Summing it Up:

You know that choosing the best supplement based on your health condition is a positive step toward having a healthy lifestyle. Look for all these points before making your decision. Browse a trusted platform like Vegishake.co.uk/ to check out the different kinds of supplements available. Go through each supplement to learn more about the ingredients and the benefits associated with it.

Courtesy of Global Recognition Awards

Jethro Sparks remembers the exact moment he realized the awards industry had become a glorified participation trophy factory. Sitting through yet another ceremony where every company seemed to win something, from "Best Customer Service in the Northeast" to "Most Innovative Logo Design," he watched executives collect meaningless plaques while real excellence went unrecognized.

That epiphany five years ago was the precursor to the Global Recognition Awards (GRA). This platform has modified the traditional awards for the better, except that now it has become extremely selective with only a small percentage of applicants making the cut. Starting from zero, GRA has evaluated 12,400 nominations across multiple continents.

Digital Certificates That Convert Into Revenue

What draws investors to GRA is the solution it introduced to address the problem plaguing modern business credibility. Every entrepreneur knows the struggle of proving excellence when every company claims to be award-winning. Jethro's answer involves blockchain-timestamped certificates and AI-generated feedback reports, helping build a sense of credibility that can support sales and attract investment interest.

The platform's multi-stage scoring system and sector specialists evaluate submissions, followed by blockchain time-stamping that creates permanent, unalterable records. Even the most skeptical venture capitalists cannot dismiss this digital fortress of business validation. The company also crossed one million cumulative website visitors. These building blocks support what Sparks envisions as the future benchmark for corporate credibility.

Inevitable Expansion Into Untapped Markets

Sparks refuses to settle for changing the usual markets for awards programs. He dreams of increasing annual nominations from 12,400 to 20,000 in the following months, launching new portals for other languages, and adding award streams for relevant industries like AI, climate-tech, social impact and cybersecurity awards in the next few years.

These visions seem to be ambitious in themselves, but Sparks believes in the importance of dreaming bigger and seemingly unachievable goals. He ultimately wishes to eclipse the giants of the awards program industry and become the benchmark for corporate credibility.

GRA's competitive advantage comes from what it does not do as much as what it does. There is no payment structure for any of the awards, which is plaguing traditional awards programs. Winners typically receive exposure within weeks, based on the strength of their work. This commitment to preserving excellence paves the way for startups to compete alongside multinationals. Sparks has also designed GRA to have an inclusive pricing structure that democratizes excellence recognition.

The company's expansion into different regions with the planned portals represents more than geographic growth. This play for global market dominance could change how businesses worldwide validate their achievements.

GRA's rise could not have had better timing. The company's prominence has reached the circle of businesses that need fast, external proof of excellence to close deals, win funding and recruit talent. Traditional PR campaigns cost fortunes in retainer and take months to show results. GRA offers third-party recognition in a timely manner and at a significantly lower cost than traditional routes, solving a pain point that every entrepreneur feels yet few can articulate.

The awards industry has long been the Wild West of business validation, full of salesmen selling trophies to desperate companies seeking credibility. Sparks has brought algorithmic discipline to an industry that desperately needed it, creating a platform where excellence means something. Investors seeking the next interesting and revenue-generating platform in the digital media space may find strong potential here.

Investing involves risk and your investment may lose value. Past performance gives no indication of future results. These statements do not constitute and cannot replace investment advice.

A Connecticut state representative has some sticky fingers.

Democrat Raghib Allie-Brennan was arrested for allegedly stealing from a Target in the town of Bethel, Connecticut, in June. According to the local police department, this is not the politician's first time swiping items off the shelves without paying.

Courtesy of Altice USA/YouTube

The Bethel Police Department told NBC CT that store employees recognized Allie-Brennan from "prior unreported larcenies." The left-leaning civil servant was taken into custody after authorities reviewed security footage from the alleged incident.

Per the police, Allie-Brennan was caught on camera exiting the establishment with $26.69 worth of merchandise.

"I was in a rush to bring items to my grandmother in the hospital, the store didn't have bags and I was juggling multiple purchases," he claimed in a statement. "While I do not have a record, I take full responsibility for the error and am working through the legal processes to resolve the matter quickly and respectfully."

"I respect the law and Target's right to enforce their loss prevention policy, and I remain committed to serving my community with transparency and integrity," he added.

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The former political aide was issued a misdemeanor summons for sixth-degree larceny. During Allie-Brennan's court appearance on Tuesday, July 1, his attorney, Candace Fay, announced her client's submission of an accelerated rehabilitation application, which is a pretrial program made available to first-time offenders. If granted and completed, it can result in the expungement of a criminal record. He's due back in court in August.

Allie-Brennan was elected to Connecticut's 2nd House District in 2018.

Courtesy of Unsplash

Digital entertainment is slowly replacing most traditional avenues for having fun. Though many are lamenting the end of traditional platforms, there are those who have happily accepted the new standard. We know that the shift is complete when Hollywood stars begin talking about their favorite digital entertainment markets.

The fascination with celebrity is not new or exclusive to the digital age. People have always found glamour in power and fame. We now have digital platforms that keep us up-to-date about every aspect of the lives of actors. Funnily enough, it seems that most stars are looking for something fun to do online, just like the rest of us.

Digital entertainment is taking over Hollywood. Not only are we seeing some major stars appear in Netflix-exclusive shows and films, but many of the younger celebrities are very open and honest about their own time spent online. In this article, we would like to explore the digital entertainment trends that are taking over one of America's most glamorous cities.

Gaming on the Internet is Huge

The gaming industry is one of the fastest growing entertainment markets in the world. Video games are more reliant on developing technology than any other form of entertainment. It only makes sense that their popularity would grow in an era when technology is advancing faster than many can keep up. A lot of the games that celebrities seem to love exist online. 

An excellent example would be the growing success of the iGaming industry. iGaming is a hybrid market, bringing casinos and video games together. Though many American celebrities might have to visit the online casino Canada market. After all, Ontario's recent decision to legalize internet-based gambling has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the industry.

Plenty of Hollywood's biggest stars have expressed their love and passion for casinos. It isn't hard to believe that rap legends like 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg spin slots after a long day of touring. The same could be said for film legend Ben Affleck. Affleck has spoken about his love for blackjack and poker numerous times. He has even participated in several poker tournaments. It isn't hard to imagine him logging online to fire off a few rounds of poker.

Film and Television Streaming Services

There seems to be a sort of stigma against the streaming industry in Hollywood. There is a general belief that streaming is "killing the theaters." However, a look at theater attendance in the past two decades will reveal that visitors have been dropping long before Netflix became prominent. Indeed, many of the best actors today have elected to take starring roles in big-time shows on various streaming sites.

However, an actor's connection to the streaming world doesn't end at a professional level. Plenty of actors also follow the latest shows or films that are being streamed to millions of people all over the world. Robert Downey Jr. plays a starring role in many films being shown on Netflix right now. The legendary actor has also expressed his own love for the service, shining a light on the show Stranger Things.

Disney+'s hit show The Mandalorian impressed countless fans of old-school Star Wars with its return to the franchise's western/samurai roots. Taking inspiration from the hit manga Lone Wolf and Cub, the TV series truly brought a breath of fresh air to the saga. But, it isn't just the average Star Wars fans that thinks so. Actors Adam Scott and Jason Sudeikis, plus director Kevin Smith have all expressed love for the show.

Social Media Stars are on Social Media

The term "doomscrolling" has become a sort of buzzword in online culture. Many take this fun phrase a little too seriously. Social media can be a lot of fun. Most people like browsing X or scrolling through TikTok in their spare time. It can be fun seeing different people's takes on entertainment or politics. 

It turns out that there are many Hollywood stars who also think social media is a fun pastime. The star of Keeping Up with the Kardashians is known for many hijinks, such as purchasing Princess Diana's iconic necklace. It seems that when she isn't performing, Kim likes to browse Instagram. She uses the app for personal gain and promotions. But she also spends a lot of her personal time on it. Viewing her profile will reveal personal and family photos, like one might find on any other profile. 

Social media is also the primary source of entertainment for most e-celebs. The internet's rise has given way, not just to new entertainment platforms, but also to new entertainers. E-celebs must be attached to social media platforms in some way. After all, these platforms are their primary source of income. Currently, Mr. Beast dominates YouTube. His recent game show idea might have been controversial, but it also made him a household name. Apart from using X as a promotional tool, Jimmy Donaldson also seems to have a lot of fun interacting with fans, and even haters.

Multiplayer RPGs

The success of the MMORPG genre was one of the first steps towards a truly global and digital video game industry. Today, MMORPGs are not as big as they once were. Yet there are still people playing Star Wars: The Old Republic and World of Warcraft. What you may not know is that if you are one of the people playing these games, you might have played against some pretty well known Hollywood stars.

Obviously, many are excited about the upcoming Superman film. But, just as many were sad to see Henry Cavil depart from the role. Though he took on the Witcher mantle, Cavil has expressed a deeper connection to the character. Not only is the British actor a big fan of the books, but he has also played all of the major games by CD Projekt Red. On top of that, Cavil is also a notorious World of Warcraft player. So, if you've ever formed a party to take on a major boss, you might have been backed by one of the biggest actors in Hollywood right now.

It was 2019 when Mission: Impossible fans received the news that the seventh and eighth films would be shot back-to-back. Two years ago, we saw Dead Reckoning Part One, and in May, after much hype, The Final Reckoning was released in cinemas. Did the latest Mission: Impossible bring "proper" cinema back? Did it deliver the kind of big-screen experience that cinema fans have missed?

In a sense, yes — The Final Reckoning represents a return to the kind of tactile, high-stakes filmmaking that once defined blockbuster cinema. It may not be flawless, but it harks back to a time when spectacle was achieved through craft more than computers and when the cinema experience meant something uniquely physical.

Courtesy of Unsplash

Early reviews

While not as emphatic as the reaction to some Mission: Impossible films, early reviews for The Final Reckoning were mostly positive. The overall critic score on Tomatometer (Rotten Tomatoes) stands at 80%. Critic Sergio Burstein (Los Angeles Times) said it was entertaining and had a particularly memorable action sequence. Leigh Paatsch (Daily Telegraph Australia) wrote that the film was a fitting finale to the series. While Paatsch felt The Final Reckoning was flawed and excessive in some respects, it was also a celebration of Tom Cruise's work ethic and commitment. Like other critics, Paatsch felt the start to the film dragged, and explained that no one attends a M:I film for the plot. In short, it should have "cut to the chase" and reached the action sooner.

Fans' reviews were predictably mixed, as is often the case with series where there are strong feelings. Out of 10,000 verified ratings on Popcornmeter, the film scores an impressive 89% positive. But there were plenty of fans less than impressed. One called the dialogue "unbearable," and the physics weren't rooted in reality. While some may scorn at the idea of going to an action film expecting realism, that review brings up an interesting point: The series is one of the last surviving that doesn't rely heavily on CGI.

Is that, perhaps, hitting the nail on the head? Many film franchises have a nostalgic appeal to fans, but is that appeal beginning to wane as CGI and other "modern" elements of filmmaking become the norm? Does "proper" cinema, to so many of us, feel slightly rougher around the edges — in a very human sense?

Practical filmmaking

Director Christopher McQuarrie has been praised for his commitment to what's sometimes termed "practical filmmaking" — that is, genuine physical action sequences. Cruise performs his stunts. Or did. The Final Reckoning has been confirmed as Cruise's last in the role he started in 1996.

The Mission: Impossible series has been based on questionable physics ever since the 1960s television series, but does it matter? In a review for the very first film, The New York Times writer Stephen Holden wrote that "basic credibility" hardly mattered, as long as suspense was felt. That perspective seems key to understanding the franchise's enduring appeal: It isn't about plausibility — it's about immersion.

Others complained of The Final Reckoning's plot holes and a poor script, but the general reaction was that McQuarrie and Cruise delivered a satisfying goodbye. As one viewer suggested, perhaps "deep analysis" isn't necessary for a Mission: Impossible film. Most agree that the series is meant to be about a fun big-screen night out — in other words, a cinema equivalent to a Vegas experience — and in that respect, it delivered.

And crucially, it did so without leaning heavily on the CGI-heavy, green-screened formula of most contemporary action films. That choice — to keep action real, physical and filmed on location — is what elevates The Final Reckoning above much of its genre, and what brings it closer to what many view as "proper" cinema.

A few thoughts from the director

Around the time of the previous film, Dead Reckoning, McQuarrie sparked a debate around "fan service" and fandom. The director said callbacks, inside jokes and familiar tropes were the enemy of filmmaking. He said he doesn't "count on it" and the effect of such films is that they ask the viewer to leave the current narrative, remember another one and then return to the current film.

But the new film was "ironic," according to The Hollywood Reporter, for being plot-heavy and trying to summarize the entire franchise in one viewing (admittedly a three-hour viewing).

Writer James Hibberd, in reviewing McQuarrie's comments, noted that Marvel is often guilty of stuffing references to prior films that require knowledge of prequels and connected Universe storylines. The Final Reckoning won't be remembered for such things. It'll be remembered for its action sequences, a five-minute standing ovation at Cannes, and, in many eyes, a welcome return to physical filmmaking.

So, was it a return to proper cinema?

In some ways, yes — not because it reinvents the genre or rewrites cinematic history but because it honors an older tradition of how films are made. The Final Reckoning returns to the idea that the big screen should thrill us not through pixels but through presence: real stunts, real locations, real risks. In an age where blockbusters often resemble extended cutscenes, that alone feels like a cinematic mission worth accepting.