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SOS: USA Today, Cloudflare, Other Publishers Thinking of Leaving Google Search Before They Go Bankrupt: Google Is Trying to Kill Us (Read)

Roger Friedman
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SOS: USA Today, Cloudflare, Other Publishers Thinking of Leaving Google Search Before They Go Bankrupt: Google Is Trying to Kill Us (Read)

Google is trying to kill me. They’re trying to murder every publisher by directing search results to AI and away from links.

Google also plays with the algorithm. They launch constant “corrections” to the way their crawlers go through sites. The fluctuations they cause are maddening and disheartening. I spend all day trying to subvert their assault on this site. That’s why I have a DONATE Button on the top right corner. Staying alive is not easy.

Read the AdWeek article below. USA Today and Newsweek are among the victims, Cloudflare may redirect the sites it hosts away from Google Search, out of desperation. Small publishers like this one are in trouble. No one in Congress has any idea what we’re talking about, so they don’t care.

The screwing around with the algo is so bad, I could publish a breaking exclusive story about Mitch McConnell rising from his coma and square dancing, and you’d never see it.

SOS.

Link to AdWeek article.

The Rock Shock: “Moana” $250 Million Live Remake with Dwayne Johnson DOA with Just $4.5 Mil in Previews, Looking at $35 Mil Weekend

Roger Friedman
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The Rock Shock: “Moana” $250 Million Live Remake with Dwayne Johnson DOA with Just $4.5 Mil in Previews, Looking at $35 Mil Weekend

Once upon a time, The Rock was solid.

Dwayne Johnson really had a run of hits that was crazy. He could do no wrong.

Ten years after he voiced a character in Disney’s animated hit, “Moana,” Johnson is back in the live action version.

And…it’s a bust.

With a budget of $200 to $250 million, “Moana” made just $4.5 million in previews last night.

Now the film — with terrible reviews — is looking at a $35 million weekend.

And the reviews — just a 35% on Rotten Tomatoes, one of the very worst in Disney history.

Right now, the unreliable audience meter on Rotten Tomatoes is brimming with what look like planted reviews. They all loved it! LOL. But the take last night wouldn’t indicate a rush to the popcorn stand.

It doesn’t help, btw, that Johnson is the only recognizable face in the cast.

Johnson will be back, don’t worry. He’s going through a down moment after “The Smashing Machine” and some other misses. But he’s got the next “Fast and Furious” movie and another “Jumanji” sequel in the works. He’s this generation’s Sylvester Stallone, and we’re still stuck with at 80!

Taylor Sheridan Gets No Respect from Emmy Awards, Series “The Madison” and “Landman” with Stars Michelle Pfeiffer Billy Bob Thornton Snubbed

Roger Friedman
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Taylor Sheridan Gets No Respect from Emmy Awards, Series “The Madison” and “Landman” with Stars Michelle Pfeiffer Billy Bob Thornton Snubbed

The Emmy Awards do not care for Taylor Sheridan.

Sheridan is a force in TV production these days, with “Marshals” on CBS, and streaming shows like “Landman” and “The Madison.”

There’s also “Dutton Ranch,” the spin off of “Yellowstone,” which you may recall was a ratings powerhouse until Kevin Costner screwed it up.

But none of these shows got an Emmy nomination this week, except a lone one for stunts.

Otherwise, stars like Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Ali Larter, Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, Annette Bening, Ed Harris, and Kelly Reilly were totally ignored. (Kelly Reilly deserves her own category, frankly.)

Most of the shows, with the exception of “Marshals” on CBS, are on Paramount Plus, which does little to support them for awards season. This ironic since Showtime was killed off by Paramount Skydance in favor of the streamer.

Sheridan, in his own way, has become the Dick Wolf of streaming. And Wolf — who produces hours and hours of network TV — is also ignored by the Emmys. The irony here is that his biggest star, Mariska Hargitay of “SVU,” will host the Emmys this year because they’re on NBC.

Pfeiffer, meantime, was nominated for another show. “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” put her on the list. The dramedy is written and produced by her husband, David E. Kelly — another television titan — for Apple TV Plus.

Sheridan never had much luck either with “Yellowstone,” despite its massive success. Will he ever? Probably not. The Emmys are their own worst enemy at this point. They love to bite the hand that feeds them.

Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” Will Go for Best Song with an Original Rap Number from Travis Scott — of Astroland Fame, Kyle Jenner Baby Daddy

Roger Friedman
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Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” Will Go for Best Song with an Original Rap Number from Travis Scott — of Astroland Fame, Kyle Jenner Baby Daddy

Well, this should be weird.

As we prepare for Christopher Nolan’s epic “The Odyssey,” no stone has been left unturned for the Oscar race.

The movie comes with an original song over the end credits.

“When I’m Home” is written by Ludwig Göransson, James Blake, Travis Scott, and Christopher Nolan. It’s performed by Scott, Göransson, and Blake.

Scott is a rapper known for being the baby daddy of two kids with Kylie Jenner, who now dates Timothee Chalamet.

He was also the host of the infamous Astroworld concert in 2021, where 10 people died from crowding and crushing, and hundreds more were injured. Scott plays some kind of part in “The Odyssey,” apparently.

Scott’s rap could be up against songs like Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You,” and the title track from John Carney’s “Power Ballad,” among others.

Nolan has never had his name on a soundtrack before, so this will be interesting for everyone.

Would Homer approve? Hard to say. You know, his grave settled a long time ago, I’m not sure if he has energy to turn in it. News of the song was written about first in Screen Rant.

Here’s an example of Scott’s work:

Summer of Classic Rock, Pop: Rolling Stones Join Paul McCartney, Madonna, and Next Carly Simon Reclaiming Their Legacies With Near Perfect New Albums

Roger Friedman
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Summer of Classic Rock, Pop: Rolling Stones Join Paul McCartney, Madonna, and Next Carly Simon Reclaiming Their Legacies With Near Perfect New Albums

The Rolling Stones’ “Foreign Tongues” is out now on all platforms, and it’s one for the books.

“Foreign Tongues” is so good, and so much livelier than albums from younger artists, that it will surprise older fans and bring in new ones.

But this the summer of classic rock and pop artists, age 65 to 85, reclaiming their territory.

Paul McCartney’s already done it with “The Boys of Dungeon Lane” Dance fans are in a frenzy over Madonna’s “Confessions II,” lodged at the top of the album charts.

Next to arrive in mid August is Carly Simon‘s first album of new material in 18 years, called “Comes in Waves,” featuring one of her best songs ever, “Howl.” Simon is the original Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, et al.

What a thrill to see the seniors showing the young people how it’s done.


Jonas Brothers Mystery: Pop Band Sells Out 3 Nights at Madison Square Garden But Hasn’t Had An Actual Hit Record Since 2019

Roger Friedman
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Jonas Brothers Mystery: Pop Band Sells Out 3 Nights at Madison Square Garden But Hasn’t Had An Actual Hit Record Since 2019

The Jonas Brothers are hot, and they’re not.

The amiable, good looking trio is right now selling out Madison Square Garden. They’ve got three nights next month — August 21, 22, and 23 — and so far sales look pretty good.

Three nights at MSG is a big deal. One night would be a big deal. If they really sell out the run, that’s over 50,000 tickets.

Amazing.

But there’s a weird disconnect with Kevin, Nick, and Joe from New Jersey. Their popularity playing live, doing commercials, appearing in social media is undeniable. Plus Nick is on the big screen right now in John Carney’s highly praised movie, “Power Ballad.”

The problem is they sell no records. They used to, of course. But most of that was almost 20 years. Then, in 2019, they had a resurgence with a single called “Sucker,” and a hit album titled “Happiness Begins.” At the time, they’d been disbanded for a decade, so it seemed like they were born again.

But since then, record sales have been nil with one exception. Joe Jonas had a massive hit called “Cake by the Ocean” with an outfit called DNCE. It was a one off, a miracle of a record that found no follow-up. It’s still a unicorn that can get anyone on the dance floor.

Both Nick and Joe have released solo albums recently. A few years ago, Nick appeared on “Saturday Night Live” to promote a solo album. There was no sales pay off.

It’s not like the records are bad. They’re perfectly fine pop concoctions. But either the fans just want to hear the old songs, or there’s a radio and marketing issue. The new tour is named for a 2007 single called “Burning Up,” so they know where the strengths lie — in nostalgia.

Meantime, their last two albums were disasters — in 2023, “The Album” (what a terrible title and idea) sold just 52,000 copies. Last year, “Greetings from Your Hometown” didn’t even register. It was DOA.

And still, ticket sales for the live show are booming. It’s a headscratcher. Right now, on Ticketmaster, the “queue” for pre-sales is around 4,000 per night. But you do see the brothers in photos from all over the world on exotic vacations, and living it up. So the formula works whether we understand it or not.

Disney’s Live Action “Moana” Remake Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Panned by Critics with an Abysmal 38% on Rotten Tomatoes

Roger Friedman
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Disney’s Live Action “Moana” Remake Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Panned by Critics with an Abysmal 38% on Rotten Tomatoes

Thomas Kail is an astute and talented director. But something’s gone wrong with his latest project.

Disney’s live action remake of “Moana,” an animation masterpiece, is getting killed by critics.

“Moana” has debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a 38% rating. Ouch! Abysmal.

Reviewers are moaning about “Moana.”

Carla Hay writes in Culture Mix: “The 2026 version of Moana is a shipwreck of soulless filmmaking. The animated characters in 2016’s Moana give better acting performances than the humans in this dreadful live-action 2026 remake, which is polluted with bad film editing and awkward scenes.”

David Fear, in Rolling Stone: “The live-action Moana is simply spectacle that’s indistinguishable for any other generic spectacle out there — it’s peak Disney déjà vu.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is the only well known actor on the cast list.

Unfortunately, Lin Manuel Miranda is listed as a producer. He and Kail made “Hamilton” together. They will make good things in the future. This isn’t one of them.

The 38% rating is fourth worst among all Disney remakes.

Disney is having such a big success with “Toy Story 5” they probably won’t even notice.

Breaking! Justin Baldoni and Wife Emily Speak for the First Time About Blake Lively Lawsuits: Watch Video

Roger Friedman
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Breaking! Justin Baldoni and Wife Emily Speak for the First Time About Blake Lively Lawsuits: Watch Video

UPDATING
Justin Baldoni and his wife Emily have posted their first ever comments about Blake Lively and the lawsuits surrounding “It Ends with Us.”

In the video, the couple say they are “healing” from the experience of having their names dragged through the mud by Blake Lively. They can’t believe “it was designed as a fight for women.”

The couple is “feeling immense gratitude” but that “doesn’t negate the injustice and pain” they’ve experienced.

See below.

Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, Shakira Roped Into 11 Minute Show at World Cup Finale for New FIFA Fund with Global Citizen

Roger Friedman
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Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, Shakira Roped Into 11 Minute Show at World Cup Finale for New FIFA Fund with Global Citizen

This should be interesting.

FIFA, a corrupt organization that’s in the pocket of Donald Trump, has found a perfect partner.

They’re producing an 11 minute halftime show with the very sketchy Global Citizen for the World Cup finale. Stars include Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy, Coldplay and NY Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel.

What could go wrong? The two organizations have started something called the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, and that alone should make everyone nervous.

Global Citizen, as I’ve often reported, does not give much money now to anyone. They collect money from sponsors for rock concerts and gigantic salaries.

All we know about FIFA right now is that they take orders from Donald Trump, to whom they gave a phony Peace Prize.

The Fund’s goal, they say, is “to raise $100 million to expand access to education and football for children across the world. The Fund has already raised $50 million and will match $1 from every ticket sold to World Cup matches in a donation to the tournament.”

Read the end of that quote. They’re raising money as a “donation to the tournament”? What? Hello?

Warning: Apparently there will never be a tax filing for the new Fund. The two groups will file separately, and we will never know what happened.

Please, do not give any money to this fund unless you’re so rich you don’t know what to do with your disposable income. A fool and his money are soon parted.

I’ll be curious on July 19th to see how Chris Martin of Coldplay crams all these people into an 11 minute segment. Madonna is promoting her album. Bieber is looking for income that doesn’t involve touring. The rest of them want publicity. They’d better all get their fees up front in cash.

Sketchy Global Citizen Contributions Dropped by a Stunning 25% in 2024 as Public Has Caught On to Their Antics

Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood Give a Surprise Performance of New Song from New Rolling Stones Album in London (Watch)

Roger Friedman
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Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood Give a Surprise Performance of New Song from New Rolling Stones Album in London (Watch)

Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood, the Rolling Stones members in London tonight surprised fans.

At a listening party for the new Stones album, “Foreign Tongues,” the guys put on a performance of a new song. As you can see below, they sounded great even though Keith Richards wasn’t with them.

Here’s the report from their Twitter account: “Some very lucky fans won a place at a special listening party at Metropolis Studios in London yesterday, where the Stones recorded their new album, Foreign Tongues.

“Fans traveled from around the world, including Japan, Germany, France, Italy and Australia, to hear the album in full, ahead of its release on Friday. With Keith busy promoting the record in the US, Mick and Ronnie joined host Matt Everitt for a conversation about the making of the album and much more.”

“Foreign Tongues” is a sensational album. It arrives Thursday at midnight full of cool tracks like this one, “Ringing Hollow.”

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