Entertainment
David Arkenstone Returns to Sedona Performing Arts Center on Dec. 13
2024-12-09
The Sedona International Film Festival is all set to bring the festive spirit to life at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. Composer David Arkenstone, a beloved past festival favorite, is all set to return with his much-anticipated holiday show, “A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends,” on Friday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. This event is a must-see for music lovers and festival enthusiasts alike.

Experience the Magic of Holiday Music at Sedona's Performing Arts Center

David Arkenstone's Musical Journey

Arkenstone's musical odyssey began with piano lessons and high school bands. In 1987, he launched his successful solo career with the debut album “Valley in the Clouds.” Over the years, he has composed some of the soundtracks for the popular online role playing game “World of Warcraft.” His music seamlessly blends various genres, creating a unique sound that has captivated audiences worldwide.His holiday shows are a true spectacle, as he combines the best of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller, and Windham Hill artists. One attendee described his music as “cinematic New Age rock,” a perfect blend of orchestral grandeur and modern sensibilities.

The Holiday Tour and Its Highlights

This is Arkenstone's third consecutive holiday tour, starting in Colorado. The tour features familiar holiday tunes like “I Saw Three Ships” and “Deck the Halls,” along with his more “funkier” works like “Bottom of The Punch Bowl” from his 2006 album “Celtic Christmas.”During the show, he takes the audience on a journey, moving from the stage to the front where they gather around the campfire set. Here, they play a holiday medley, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. There's also a song from his album “Music Inspired by Middle Earth” that makes the audience feel like they're in a pub or living room.

New Album and Musical Exploration

Arkenstone's latest album, “Quest for the Runestone,” released earlier this year, has given him a new lease on life. He sought a larger scope compared to his recent minimal recordings, telling an epic story with a wider array of instruments.“In the studio, I got out every drum I own and set them all up,” he said. “Mixing in Dolby Atmos was an amazing experience. It really brought the music to life.” He will be performing songs from this new album along with tracks from his holiday albums “Christmas Lounge” and “Winterlude.”

SIFF's Second Holiday Show

SIFF is also hosting a second holiday show at SPAC on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. with the Christmas Tenors, comprising Matthew Holter, Alberto Ranjel, Chach Snook, and Dennis Tamblyn.“If you want a show that will put you in the Christmas spirit, this is it,” said Sedona International Film Festival Executive Director Patrick Schweiss. “It's a joyful show with wonderful holiday classics.”The Sedona Performing Arts Center, which isn't used as much as it should be, is now coming alive with these live performances. As part of their commitment to the audience, SIFF will also be hosting a Tribute to the Everly Brothers on March 9 and a Paul McCartney tribute in the spring.“Sedona has its own built-in beauty, which is always incredible,” Arkenstone said. “It has a special energy, and the people reflect that. It's a special stop on the tour.”For tickets and more information, visit SedonaFilmFestival.org or call (928) 282-1177.
Ben Affleck: Focused on Family & Career, No Dating Plans Amid Divorce from JLo
2024-12-09
As Ben Affleck's divorce from Jennifer Lopez progresses, it's evident that he is not in a rush to enter the dating scene. The 52-year-old actor and filmmaker is deeply immersed in various projects and is adapting to his new life as a single individual.

Ben Affleck - Focused on Family and Career Amidst Life Changes

Divorce and Its Impact on Ben Affleck

With Jennifer Lopez's dazzling presence at the 'Unstoppable' screening in New York and receiving a standing ovation, it's clear that both are navigating life after their split. The divorce filing, which coincided with the anniversary of their Georgia wedding in 2022, marked a significant chapter in their long and complex relationship. Despite the ongoing process, Ben Affleck is determined to focus on personal growth and his family.

Insiders close to Affleck reveal that dating is not on his radar at the moment. "Ben has no interest in jumping into another relationship right now," shared an insider with Page Six. He is instead spending time with his kids, working on his career, and taking a step back from the pressures of dating. This period of self-reflection and focus on family is crucial for him as he continues to move forward.

Ben Affleck's Professional Commitments

While dealing with his personal life, Ben Affleck has been pouring energy into his professional commitments. The production of his upcoming crime thriller RIP, which he co-produces with close friend Matt Damon, has been slower than expected. This is partly due to the actor's personal life taking center stage, but he remains dedicated to bringing this project to life.

He has also been spending a significant amount of his free time with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, and their three children. The former couple, who share a strong bond after their 2018 divorce, recently made headlines for spending Thanksgiving together, volunteering for a charitable cause, and enjoying a quiet family dinner. This shows the importance of family in his life and how he is making an effort to maintain positive relationships.

Navigating Life After Divorce

Although the divorce is a challenging time for both Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, sources indicate that their relationship remains cordial. They continue to co-exist in each other's lives due to their intertwined families. This shows a level of maturity and respect as they both move forward in different directions.

For now, Ben Affleck remains focused on family and career, taking a break from the romantic spotlight. He is using this time to build a stronger foundation for himself and his loved ones, knowing that true happiness lies in a balanced life.

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Former Firaxis Games Employee Arrested in UHC CEO Shooting
2024-12-10
On December 4th, a masked individual opened fire on UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the bustling streets of Manhattan. This incident sent shockwaves through the city and beyond. Just a few days later, on Monday, a McDonald's employee in Pennsylvania made a startling discovery - someone who bore a resemblance to the shooter. That person, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, was subsequently arrested, as reported by the Associated Press. Information about Mangione quickly spread across the internet, revealing details of his background in video game development and his previous work at Civilization developer Firaxis Games.

Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Manhattan Shooting

Background in Video Game Development

According to Mangione's LinkedIn page, he worked on Civilization 6 as a UI Programming intern from 2016 to 2017. This showcases his early foray into the world of game development. In 2016, through his LinkedIn profile, he co-founded Upgrade, a video game development club at the University of Pennsylvania. His educational journey led him to graduate from UPenn in 2020 with a combined master's and bachelor's degree in computer science. However, it seems his career took a different turn after his stint at Firaxis. His skills and experiences in game development laid the foundation for what was to come.

Arrest and Charges

When Mangione was apprehended on Monday, he was found to be in possession of a "ghost gun." This term refers to a gun without a serial number, which may have been constructed using parts created with a 3D printer. Alongside this, he was carrying multiple fake IDs. According to the New York Times, he also had a handwritten manifesto that criticized health care companies for prioritizing profits over care. Two law enforcement officials have confirmed this. At present, he has not been charged with the killing of Brian Thompson. The New York Times reports that the fake ID shown by Mangione to the police was the same one presented by the man believed to be the gunman when he checked into a hostel on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on November 24th.

Legal Proceedings and Implications

Mangione has been charged with forgery, carrying a gun without a license, falsely identifying himself to the authorities, and possessing "instruments of crime." These charges highlight the serious nature of his actions. The case has raised numerous questions and sparked discussions about the intersection of video game development and criminal behavior. It also brings to light the need for stricter regulations regarding the possession and use of firearms and the authenticity of identification documents. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public will be closely watching to see how this case unfolds and what lessons can be learned from it.
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