Welcome to this week's entertainment roundup! From controversial kisses to the soothing sounds of ASMR, there's always something happening. Let's dive in.
Arts Internships Under Scrutiny
The arts sector is facing scrutiny over its use of unpaid interns. Experts are raising concerns that institutions may be exploiting legal loopholes to avoid paying interns for work that should be compensated. This practice, they argue, disproportionately affects young people from working-class backgrounds, preventing them from gaining valuable experience and access to the creative industries.
“Institutions are getting away with exploiting carve-outs in employment legislation to keep interns working for free," one expert noted. The debate raises important questions about fair labor practices and equal opportunities in the arts.
Halle Berry Replays Oscars Kiss
In a playful twist, Halle Berry and Adrien Brody revisited their famous (or infamous) 2003 Oscars moment. Twenty-two years after Brody's impromptu kiss following his Best Actor win for "The Pianist," Berry "paid him back" with a kiss on the red carpet at this year's Academy Awards.
The Academy shared a clip of the reunion on social media, captioned "a reunion 22 years in the making." Berry told Variety, "I had to pay him back." The moment was lighthearted and fun, reminding everyone of the unforgettable Oscars moment from years past.
The Origins of Pop Culture
When did "pop culture" as we know it actually begin? That's the question posed in a recent reader response piece. The article explores the nebulous history of pop culture, pondering whether there were ancient equivalents of today's D-list celebrities and what events might have sparked its rise.
It's a fascinating thought experiment, prompting us to consider the enduring human fascination with fame, trends, and shared cultural experiences.
ASMR: A Soothing Balm for Modern Life
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of daily life? You're not alone. A recent report reveals that younger adults are increasingly turning to ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) videos for relaxation. These videos, featuring sounds and visuals like slime play or hair braiding, trigger a calming sensation that helps soothe anxiety and stress.
The report found that a significant percentage of young adults feel overwhelmed in noisy or busy places, leading them to seek out sensory online content. "ASMR describes a particular sensory phenomenon that is triggered by specific sights or sounds, which usually begins with a tingling sensation across the scalp and results in feelings of deep calm and relaxation."
A Samba Legend Says Goodbye
Neguinho da Beija-Flor, a legendary samba singer, is retiring after 50 years of leading parades for the Beija-Flor school at Rio de Janeiro's carnival. His final performance at the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome will mark the end of an era.
At 75, Neguinho da Beija-Flor is the most recognizable voice in Rio's elite carnival league. His departure is a bittersweet moment for samba fans around the world. "I’ve fought a lot, but I also think we need to live," he said, reflecting on his long and celebrated career.
That's all for this week's entertainment roundup! Stay tuned for more updates on the latest happenings in the world of arts and culture.