TuesdayTue, July 21st Edition Go Back
Today in the World Countries
- Belgian National Day is being celebrated in Belgium
- Buddhist Lent Day is being celebrated in Thailand
- Full Moon Day of Waso (Day 2) is being celebrated in Myanmar
- Schoelcher Day is being celebrated in Martinique
- People born on this day are Cancer as their zodiac sign.
Today in History
On this day in 2023
- EVENTS
- A festival in Malaysia was cancelled after British singer Matty Healy attacked the country's anti-LGBT laws. During the performance by his band The 1975 at the Good Vibes Festival, Healy addressed the audience in a profanity-laden speech before kissing bass player Ross MacDonald. The band then ended their set, claiming officials ordered them off stage. Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia and punishable by 20 years in prison. The band were headlining the Good Vibes Festival in the capital Kuala Lumpur on Friday..
- American singer Tony Bennett died at his home in New York City just two weeks short of his 97th birthday, following seven years of Alzheimer's disease. Bennett had the 1955 UK No.1 single 'Stranger In Paradise' and the 1965 UK No.25 single 'I Left My Heart In San Francisco'. In 1998, Bennett made an unlikely but highly successful appearance on the final day of a mud-soaked Glastonbury Festival in the UK dressed in an immaculate suit and tie, his whole set on this occasion consisting of songs about the weather. Bennett and Amy Winehouse recorded the duet 'Body and Soul' in March 2011 - the final recording made by Winehouse before her death on July 23,2011 at the age of 27. When the song charted on the Billboard Hot 100 it made Bennett, at age 85, the oldest living artist ever to chart on the Hot 100..
- 2,000 year old stone slab, used to grind spices, unearthed in Óc Eo, south Vietnam, is earliest evidence of curry in Southeast Asia (still smells of nutmeg).
- MOVIES: NOT RATED
- Return to Dust is released. In rural Gaotai county, two lonely, middle-aged outcasts are pushed into an arranged marriage by their families. Ma (Wu Renlin) is a humble farmer with little to offer his timid and sickly wife, Cao (Hai Qing), except for a small abandoned house on a barren patch of land. From just a few seeds, their newly planted crops take root and flourish; and similarly, an unexpected bond between the two starts to blossom. As seasons pass their dedication to each other grows stronger, but change and adversity soon threaten the idyllic existence they share.
- Cobweb is released. Eight-year-old Peter is plagued by a mysterious, constant tap, tap from inside his bedroom wall – a tapping that his parents insist is all in his imagination. As Peter’s fear intensifies, he believes that his parents (Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr) could be hiding a terrible, dangerous secret and questions their trust. And for a child, what could be more frightening than that?
- Happiness for Beginners is released. Helen (Ellie Kemper) has always lived her life as far from the edge as possible. Newly divorced, she joins a quirky group of strangers on a survival course for the “adventure of a lifetime” with the hope of learning how to live — and love — again. [Netflix]
- MOVIES: PG13
- Barbie is released. To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.
- Stephen Curry: Underrated is released. Blending intimate cinéma vérité, archival footage and on camera interviews, Stephen Curry: Underrated documents Curry’s rise from an undersized college player at a small town Division I college to a four-time NBA champion, building one of the most dominant sports dynasties in the world.
- MOVIES: R
- The Beanie Bubble is released. Why did the world suddenly treat stuffed animals like gold? Ty Warner was a frustrated toy salesman until his collaboration with three women grew his masterstroke of an idea into the biggest toy craze in history. The Beanie Bubble is an inventive story about what and who we value, and the unsung heroes whose names didn't appear on the heart-shaped tag. [Apple]
- Oppenheimer is released. The story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.
- TV SERIES
- Minx: Season 2 is released. The comedy series moves to Starz for its second season where Joyce Prigger (Ophelia Lovibond) and Doug Renetti (Jake Johnson) struggle with the rapid success of Minx.
- ALBUMS
- Mountains was released by Nils Lofgren. The latest full-length solo release from E Street Band guitarist Nils Lofgren features guest appearances by Ron Carter, David Crosby, the Howard Gospel Choir, Ringo Starr, and Neil Young.
- Magic 2 was released by Nas. The latest full-length release from rapper Nas features guest appearances by 21 Savage and 50 Cent.
- Barbie: The Album was released by Various Artists. The soundtrack for 2023 film Barbie was produced by Mark Ronson and features songs by Ava Max, Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Dominic Fike, Fifty Fifty, Gayle, Haim, Ice Spice, Kaliii, Karol G, Khalid, the Kid Laroi, Lizzo, Nicki Minaj, PinkPantheress, Sam Smith, Tame Impala, as well as Dua Lipa and Ryan Gosling.
- City of Gold was released by Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway. The latest full-length release from Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway was produced by Tuttle and Jerry Douglas.
- Cut Worms was released by Cut Worms. The third full-length release for the music project of singer-songwriter Max Clarke features four songs recorded by Florist's Rick Spataro and two songs by Brian and Michael D'Addario of The Lemon Twigs.
- Starcatcher was released by Greta Van Fleet. The third full-length release from Michigan rock band Greta Van Fleet was recorded with producer Dave Cobb.
- The Ballad of Darren was released by Blur. The first full-length release from British rock band Blur since 2015's The Magic Whip was produced by James Ford.
- GAMING: PC
- Crime O'Clock for PC is released. ALERT! ALERT! TIMESHIFT CONTINUUM AT RISK!Prevent crimes before they happen! It's Crime O'Clock!Crime O'Clock is an investigation and time exploration game with a deep storyline. Investigate cases through time and evolving maps by unveiling a multi-eras linked story. Will you be observant enough to solve the mysteries? Crime waits for no man!As a time detective, your job is to solve crimes through time that should never have happened! Each map has multiple time markers to visit and use to resolve different cases of hacking, murder, theft, and much more.
- GAMING: SWITCH
- Pikmin 4 for Switch is released. Chart a mysterious planet with curious plantlike Pikmin that come in different types in Pikmin 4 - like the brand-new Ice Pikmin! The capable canine, Oatchi, will also help to overcome big challenges.
- GAMING: XBOX SERIES X
- Remnant II for Xbox Series X is released. Remnant II is the sequel to the best-selling game Remnant: From the Ashes that pits survivors of humanity against new deadly creatures and god-like bosses across terrifying worlds. Play solo or co-op with two other friends to explore the depths of the unknown to stop an evil from destroying reality itself. To succeed, players will need to rely on their own skills and those of their team to overcome the toughest challenges and to stave off humanity's extinction.
- POLITICS
- Brian O'Neill, Canadian sports executive (executive vice president NHL 1977-92), who died at 94.
On this day in 2022
- EVENTS
- First polio case since 2013 reported in Rockford county, New York.
- BIRTHS
- Makaiah Conte, Family Member, born in Australia.
- TV SERIES
- The Last Movie Stars: Season 1 is released. The six-part Ethan Hawke documentary about Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman features archival interviews of Woodward and Newman as well as new interviews with Sally Field, Melanie Griffith, and Martin Scorsese.
- Rap Sh!t: Season 1 is released. Former high school friends Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion) reunite in Miami to form a rap group in this comedy series from Issa Rae.
- GAMING: PC
- Hell Pie for PC is released. Hell Pie is an obscene 3D platformer that takes bad taste to the next level. Hell Pie sees you grab the horns of Nate, the ‘Demon of Bad Taste’. He is given the honorable task of gathering the disgusting ingredients for Satan’s infamous birthday pie.
- GAMING: PLAYSTATION 5
- Wayward Strand for PlayStation 5 is released. Welcome to the Hospital - It’s the summer of 1978, and Casey Beaumaris is trying to make the most of her holidays, when her mum asks her to spend a long weekend helping out at the airborne hospital where she works. Casey prefers the company of books to people, but she agrees, secretly planning to write an article about her visit for the school newspaper. With her trusty notebook at the ready, Casey arrives on board the airship. The staff are overworked as they prepare for the visit of an important official, while the patients react to grief, or deal with active trauma. In the midst of these and many other interlocking and overlapping stories, Casey spends time with the patients, learning about their lives, and, as the stories unfold, discovering what she can do to help.
- GAMING: SWITCH
- River City Saga: Three Kingdoms for Switch is released. The River City cast of characters step onto the stage of the Three Kingdoms to wreak havoc! This title takes the concept of the beloved Downtown Special: River City Historical Drama! game and crosses international lines to tell the tale of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Watch the wacky and comedic action unfold as our hero Guan Yu (you may recognize him as Kunio) tries to survive the tumultuous times of the late Han dynasty. The rest of the cast make appearances as generals, tacticians, and more, giving the Three Kingdoms a River City twist! Enjoy a funny, action-packed take on famous historical events, from the Yellow Turban Rebellion to the Battle of Red Cliffs. The Beat ‘Em Up Action You Know and Love! The gameplay focuses on the beat ‘em up action the series is known for. Intricately connected areas form a massive game world. Aside from battle, you can enjoy shopping in villages and cities. Go sight-seeing and explore every nook and cranny!Turn the Tide of Battle with Flashy “Tactics” Moves!Turn the tides of battle in your favor with flashy “Tactics” moves! You can impact all the enemies on screen with these Tactics. Using them in specific areas could even lead to discoveries such as hidden rooms or passages…?
- Bright Memory: Infinite for Switch is released. A lightning-fast fusion of the FPS and action genres.Bright Memory: Infinite is set in a sprawling, futuristic metropolis in the year 2036. A strange phenomenon for which scientists can find no explanation has occurred in the skies around the world. The Supernatural Science Research Organization (SRO) has sent agents out to various regions to investigate this phenomenon. It is soon discovered that these strange occurrences are connected to an archaic mystery an as-of-yet unknown history of two worlds, about to come to light...Bright Memory: Infinite combines the FPS and action genres to deliver a high-octane experience. Mix and match available skills and abilities to unleash magnificient combos on your enemies. Your trusted sword allows you to slash through crowds of enemies and even repel their gunfire. The guns you come across in-game can be customized with a variety of ammunitions. Choose between incendiary bombs, sticky grenades, homing missiles, and more to suit your situation.Created by FYQD-Studio, Bright Memory: Infinite is the sequel to the popular Bright Memory. However, the sequel features an all-new world, along with newly created improved battle system and level design.
- Coromon for Switch is released. Coromon is a modern monster taming game with retro pixelart. Coromon brings an immersive storyline, strategic turn-based combat and challenging puzzles to a classic genre.Use powerful moves to take down your opponent's Squad. Use your skills to poison, stun or damage your opponent with an arsenal of available skills.In the region of Velua where Humans and Coromon live in harmony, a shady organization is on the verge of releasing a dark power upon the world. Will they succeed in their evil plans, or can they still be stopped?Step into the role of a young hero joining the technologically advanced organisation of Lux Solis. Gather your favorite Coromon to create a powerful squad. Together with your Coromon, you'll have to train, fight and puzzle your way through an adventure-filled world!
- POLITICS
- US President Joe Biden tests positive for COVID-19 pandemic.
- SPORTS
- Jim Lynch, American College Football HOF linebacker (Notre Dame; AFL–NFL World C'ship Game 1970; Kansas City Chiefs), who died at 76.
On this day in 2021
- EVENTS
- Life expectancy in the US falls by 1.5 years (3 years for Hispanic Americans. 2.9 for Black Americans) in largest decline since WWII.
- World's fastest train debuts, a Chinese state-owned maglev bullet train, with speeds of 600 kilometers per hour (373 miles) in Qingdao, China.
- TV SERIES
- Turner & Hooch: Season 1 is released. U.S. Marshall Scott Turner (Jeff Peck) inherits a French Mastiff named Hooch in this comedy series inspired by the 1989 film of the same name.
- Sexy Beasts: Season 1 is released. Narrated by Rob Delaney, singles go on blind dates disguised as animals or fantasy creatures with the help of prosthetics in this series based on the BBC Three series of the same name (there was also a version by A&E in 2015).
- GAMING: SWITCH
- Pokemon UNITE for Switch is released. Pokémon UNITE is a strategic team battle game being developed jointly by The Pokémon Company and Tencent Games' TiMi Studios. Pokémon UNITE is planned as a cross-platform game for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices and will be free-to-start. In this game, players face off against each other in 5-on-5 team battles. During battles, players will cooperate with teammates to catch wild Pokémon, level up and evolve their own Pokémon, and defeat opponents' Pokémon while trying to earn more points than the opposing team within the allotted time.Pokémon UNITE introduces a new kind of Pokémon battleone that requires teamwork and strategy. It is simple and yet full of intricacies waiting to be unpacked. Be sure to check out the video on this page for the first footage of Pokémon UNITE's gameplay.
- POLITICS
- President Xi Jinping arrives in Tibet in first official visit by a Chinese leader in 30 years.
On this day in 2020
- EVENTS
- Stage 1 of the controversial filling of Blue Nile River dam announced completed by Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed.
- European Union agrees huge €750 billion ($859 billion) post-COVID-19 pandemic stimulus bill.
- DEATHS
- Annie Ross, British-American jazz singer (Lambert, Hendricks & Ross - "Twisted") and actress, who died from emphysema and heart disease, at 89.
- Mike Sleman, English rugby union winger (31 caps, England; 1 cap British & Irish Lions 1980; Liverpool RUFC), who died at 69.
- Kansai Yamamoto, Fashion Designer.
- Ralph Liguori, American auto racer (NASCAR Grand National Series 30 x Top 10; 5 x Top 5 finishes), who died at 93.
- GAMING: PC
- Panzer Paladin for PC is released. Hop in the Paladin power armor, seize melee weapons from the demonic invaders and give them a taste of their own medicine.
- GAMING: SWITCH
- Rock of Ages 3: Make & Break for Switch is released. Rock of Ages 3: Make & Break is competitive tower defense and arcade action rolled up with ACE Team's quirky, Monty Python-esque humor into one giant, creative game for the ages. Jump into the expansive, gut-busting story for an eclectic adventure featuring bizarre and irreverent takes on legendary characters, or for the first time, create and share your own levels to compete with friends and strangers online in a real-time mix of hectic tower defense and epic boulder-racing arcade action.
- POLITICS
- Russian interference in British politics is 'the new normal'according to report by British Intelligence and Security Committee.
- Former Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir goes on trial in Khartoum for the 1989 coup that toppled the government.
On this day in 2019
- EVENTS
- Ed Sheeran spent £4million on new properties in a bid to stop his neighbours moaning about the noise.He bought two houses next door to his £19.8million mansion in London. The singer had also acquired a flat above his Notting Hill bar. Sheeran’s impressive portfolio of 22 properties had cost him almost £47million..
- Marvel announces 10 new superhero films at Comic Con including Blade with Mahershala Ali, Natalie Portman as a female Thor and first Asian American super hero film Shang-Chi.
- DEATHS
- Ben Johnston [Benjamin Burwell Johnston Jr], American microtonal composer (Gambit), who died at 93.
- POLITICS
- Puerto Rico's governor Ricardo Rosselló says he won't seek re-election after widespread protests over misogynistic and homophobic comments in his leaked online chats.
On this day in 2018
- EVENTS
- Re-boot of TV show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"announced with creator Joss Whedon as executive producer.
- India scraps tax on sanitary products after campaign by activists.
- DEATHS
- Jonathan Gold, American food critic who was the first in his field to win a Pulitzer Prize, who died of pancreatic cancer at 57.
On this day in 2017
- EVENTS
- Singer Justin Bieber barred from performing in China by Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture citing his "bad behavior".
- White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer resigns after opposing appointment of Anthony Scaramucci.
- DEATHS
- Peter Doohan, Australian professional tennis player, who died from motor neurone disease at 56.
- John Heard, Movie Actor.
- MOVIES: NOT RATED
- Kuso is released. Broadcasting through a makeshift network of discarded televisions, KUSO depicts the aftermath of Los Angeles’s worst earthquake nightmare. Viewers travel between screens and aftershocks into the twisted lives of the survived, experiencing a hallucination that is half-Cronenberg, half-Ren & Stimpy. [Shudder]
- Landline is released. When two sisters suspect their father (John Turturro) may be having an affair, it sends them into a tailspin that reveals cracks in the family façade. For the first time, older sister Dana (Jenny Slate), recently engaged and struggling with her own fidelity, finds herself bonding with her wild teenage sister Ali (Abby Quinn). The two try to uncover the truth without tipping off their mother (Edie Falco) and discover the messy reality of love and sex in the process.
- Amnesia is released. Ibiza, the early nineties, Jo is a 25-year-old music composer. He has come over from Berlin and wants to be part of the nascent electronic music revolution, ideally by getting a job first as a DJ in the new nightclub on the island, Amnesia. Martha has been living alone in her house facing the sea for forty years. One night Jo knocks on her door. Her solitude intrigues him. They become friends even as the mysteries around her accumulate: that cello in the corner she refuses to play, the German language she refuses to speak. As Jo draws her into his world of techno music, Martha puts everything she had previously lived by into question. [Film Movement]
- The Midwife is released. Claire (Catherine Frot-Marguerite) is a talented but tightly wound midwife and single mother on the cusp of losing her job as her small maternity clinic can’t compete with the nearby big hospital. Béatrice (Catherine Deneuve), is the estranged, free-spirited but broken-down mistress of Claire’s deceased father looking for redemption. Though polar opposites in almost every way, the two women come to rely on each other to cope with the unusual circumstances that brings them together. [Music Box Films]
- The Untamed is released. Young mother Alejandra is a working housewife, raising two boys with husband Angel in a small city. Her brother Fabian works as a nurse in a local hospital. Their provincial lives are upset with the arrival of mysterious Veronica. Sex and love can be fragile in certain regions where strong family values, hypocrisy, homophobia, and male chauvinism exist. Veronica convinces them that in the nearby woods, inside an isolated cabin, dwells something not of this world that could be the answer to all of their problems. Something whose force they cannot resist and with whom they must make peace or suffer its wrath. [Strand Releasing]
- The Fencer is released. A young man, Endel Nelis, arrives in Haapsalu, Estonia, in the early 1950s. Having left Leningrad to escape the secret police, he finds work as a teacher and founds a sports club for his students. Endel becomes a father figure to his students and starts teaching them his great passion – fencing, which causes a conflict with the school’s principal. Envious, the principal starts investigating Endel’s background. Endel learns to love the children and looks after them; most are orphans as a result of the Russian occupation. Fencing becomes a form of self-expression for the children and Endel becomes a role model. The children want to participate in a national fencing tournament in Leningrad, and Endel must make a choice: risk everything to take the children to Leningrad or put his safety first and disappoint them.
- The Girl Without Hands is released. In hard times, a miller sells his daughter to the Devil. Protected by her purity, she escapes from the Devil who, in revenge, deprives her of her hands. So begins her long journey towards the light... but in spite of her resilience and the new protection of a handsome prince's estate, the Devil devises a plan of his own.
- MOVIES: PG13
- Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is released. In the 28th century, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are a team of special operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories. Under assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two embark on a mission to the astonishing city of Alpha—an ever-expanding metropolis where species from all over the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence and cultures with each other. There is a mystery at the center of Alpha, a dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.
- Dunkirk is released. Dunkirk opens as hundreds of thousands of British and Allied troops are surrounded by enemy forces. Trapped on the beach with their backs to the sea they face an impossible situation as the enemy closes in. [Warner Bros.]
- MOVIES: R
- First Kill is released. In order to reconnect with his son Danny (Ty Shelton), big shot Wall Street broker Will (Hayden Christensen) takes his family on a hunting trip to the cabin where he grew up. While out hunting with Danny, the trip takes a deadly turn when they stumble upon several robbers and witness the murder of one of the criminals. After becoming entangled in a bank heist gone bad that results in the kidnapping of Danny, Will is forced to help the kidnappers evade the police chief (Bruce Willis) and recover the stolen loot in exchange for his son's life. [Lionsgate Premiere]
- Killing Ground is released. In need of a break from the pressures of their life in the city, Sam (Harriet Dyer) and Ian (Ian Meadows) head to a remote beach for a weekend getaway. When they come across an abandoned campsite, with no trace of its occupants, they’re concerned. When they discover a lone, traumatized child nearby, they’re scared. And when they encounter two local sociopaths (Aaron Glenane, Aaron Pederson), they’re in for a hell of a bad time. [IFC Midnight]
- Girls Trip is released. When four lifelong friends - Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith and Tiffany Haddish - travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there's enough dancing, drinking, brawling and romancing to make the Big Easy blush.
- TV SERIES
- Ozark: Season 1 is released. Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), his wife Wendy (Laura Linney) and their two kids move from Chicago to The Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri to escape a drug lord (Esai Morales) after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong in this drama created by Bill Dubuque.
- ALBUMS
- Lust for Life was released by Lana Del Rey. The fourth full-length release for the pop singer-songwriter features guest appearances from ASAP Rocky, Sean Ono Lennon, Stevie Nicks, Playboi Carti, and The Weeknd.
- Mellow Waves was released by Cornelius. This is the first solo release in North America in over 10 years for the Japanese producer Keigo Oyamada.
- God First was released by Mr. Jukes. The debut full-length solo release for Bombay Bicycle Club's Jack Steadman features guest appearances from Alexandria, Horace Andy, BJ The Chicago Kid, Charles Bradley, De La Soul, Elli Ingram, and Lalah Hathaway
- Goodnight Rhonda Lee was released by Nicole Atkins. The fourth full-length release for the singer-songwriter was produced by Nile City Sound and recorded live to tape in five days.
- Eucalyptus was released by Avey Tare. The second full-length solo release for the Animal Collective co-founder was recorded by Josh Dibb (Deakin) with contributions from Angel Deradoorian, Eyvind Kang and Jessika Kenney,
- Flower Boy was released by Tyler, The Creator. The fourth full-length studio release for the rapper features guest appearances from ASAP Rocky, Anna of the North, Estelle, Steve Lacy, Lil Wayne, Frank Ocean, Rex Orange County, Jaden Smith, and Kali Uchis.
- Crooked Calypso was released by Paul Heaton. The third full-release for The Beautiful South's Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott was produced by John Owen Williams.
- Fabriclive 93 was released by Daphni. Dan Snaith brings 23 new tracks under his DJ alias for the latest Fabriclive mix release.
- A Short History of Decay was released by John Murry. The second full-length release for the singer-songwriter was produced by Cowboy Junkies' Michael Timmins and recorded in five days.
- Universal High was released by Childhood. The second full-length release for the British indie rock band was influenced by 1970s soul music and was recorded in Atlanta with producer Ben H. Allen III.
- What Do You Think About the Car? was released by Declan McKenna. The debut full-length release for the British alternative pop singer-songwriter was produced by James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco.
- Raskit was released by Dizzee Rascal. The sixth full-length studio release for the grime artist features production from The Arcade, Cardo, Darkness, Deputy, Donae'O, Dan Farber, Heavy Trackerz, Valentino Khan, and Salva.
- Sacred Hearts Club was released by Foster the People. The third full-length studio release for the indie pop band is said to be influence by psychedelic and 1960s sounds.
- GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
- SUPERHOT for PlayStation 4 is released. SUPERHOT is the first person shooter where time moves only when you move. No regenerating health bars. No conveniently placed ammo drops. It's just you, outnumbered and outgunned, grabbing the weapons of fallen enemies to shoot, slice, and maneuver through a hurricane of slow-motion bullets.
- SUPERHOT VR for PlayStation 4 is released. After years of experiments and iterations, the team behind the critically acclaimed, violently beautiful time-bending shooter SUPERHOT is ready to unveil it’s newest creation. SUPERHOT VR is a title reimagined and redesigned from the ground up for VR and hand tracking controllers.
- Fortnite for PlayStation 4 is released. The Storm came without warning and wiped out 98 percent of the world's population in a flash. Poof. Adios. Sayonara. Then came the monsters, wave after wave, night after night. Destroying everything in their path. But it's not all doom and gloom. In an abandoned missile silo, we've found one of our first weapons against the Storm you. We're looking for a few good commanders like you to help make a difference, push back the storm and protect those among us who are unable to protect themselves. Explore the world. Rescue survivors. Make hundreds of guns, swords, and things that go boom. Make impregnable forts. Tastefully decorate with sniper perches, poison gas traps, and jump pads. Take back the world. You know, the usual. And be sure to invite your friends. Welcome to Fortnite.
- GAMING: SWITCH
- Splatoon 2 for Switch is released. Ink-splatting action is back and fresher than ever. Get hyped for the sequel to the game about splatting ink and claiming turf, as the squid-like Inklings return in a colorful and chaotic 4 vs. 4 action shooter. For the first time, take Turf War battles on-the-go via local multiplayer in portable play styles. You can also compete in frenetic online matches like before. Two years have passed since the release of Splatoon, and two years have also passed in the game world, leading to an evolution in fashion trends and new styles of weapons and gear. Staying fresh never looked so good. Features: New weapons New dual-wielding Splat Dualies join the action, complete with a new Dodge Roll move. Mainstays like the Splat Roller and Splat Charger have also been remixed to include new gameplay mechanics and brand-new special weapons. Local and Online Multiplayer In a first for the series, compete in local multiplayer Turf War battles, whether in TV mode or on-the-go in handheld or tabletop modes. Online battles also make a return. New ways to play Play using the Joy-Con controllers or the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, both of which allow for gyro controls for better aiming and control. New Trends Two years have passed since the release of Splatoon in real life, and two years have also passed in the game world. Some familiar characters return under different circumstances, and new characters are introduced as well. Fresh Updates - Similar to Splatoon for Wii U, updates will roll out post-launch, adding new content. Smart Device Support An upcoming smart-phone application for the Nintendo Switch system will enhance matchmaking and allow for voice chat options. Turf War Iconic 4 vs. 4 Turf War battles return. The goal is to splat ink on as much territory as possible, while strategically submerging yourself in your team's colors and blasting your enemies.
- POLITICS
- Justin Bieber was banned from performing in China, according to Beijing's Culture Bureau. In a statement, the ministry said it was not appropriate to allow in entertainers who have engaged in "bad behaviour."The pop star, who was allowed to tour China in 2013, joined a long list of musicians who have found themselves similarly blacklisted. Most though, like the British band Oasis and the US group Maroon 5, because of perceived political statements, rather than on the grounds of bad behaviour..
On this day in 2016
- EVENTS
- American musician Lewie Steinberg died age 82. He was best known as the original bass guitar player for the soul music group Booker T & the M.G.'s. and featured on 'Green Onions' rleased in 1962. Steinberg received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007..
- DEATHS
- Tsering Chungtak, Pageant Contestant.
- TV SERIES
- Fleabag: Season 1 is released. Based on the play by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the BBC3 comedy series focuses on an angry, self-loathing 20-something nicknamed Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) deals with struggles with running her cafe and the memory of the death of her best friend with one-night stands, stealing and drinking.
- GAMING: PC
- Bohemian Killing for PC is released. Nonlinear first person courtroom drama set in the streets of 19th century steampunk Paris. You find yourself on trial, accused of a brutal murder How far will you go to exonerate yourself? Will you lie?
- Kelvin and the Infamous Machine for PC is released. Kelvin and the Infamous Machine is a point-and-click adventure in which you stumble irresponsibly through history to help legendary geniuses complete their masterworks.
- Shattered Skies for PC is released. Explore a massive persistent open world shooter MMO featuring full loot drop and dynamic objectives for both coop and solo play. Learn to survive and fight other players as well as hellish creatures hunting remaining human survivors. Find epic loot and gear up to survive the world of Shattered Skies.
On this day in 2015
- EVENTS
- On This Day changes its domain name and brand from HistoryOrb.com to OnThisDay.com.
- DEATHS
- Theodore Bikel, Austrian-American folk singer and actor (The Russians Are Coming), who died at 91.
- Paul Freeman, American conductor and composer (Chicago Sinfonietta,1987 -2011; Czech National Symphony,1996-2007), who died at 79.
- E. L. Doctorow, American author (Ragtime, Billy Bathgate), who died at 84.
- GAMING: PC
- Game of Thrones: Episode Five - A Nest of Vipers for PC is released. In this penultimate episode, the actions of every Forrester are vital to the survival of the house. Rodrik's alliance with House Glenmore, and his defiance of the Whitehills, has drawn the ire of an even greater threat: Ramsay Snow. Far across the Narrow Sea in Essos, with Meereen now a free city, Asher is close to securing the army he desperately needs to return home, and save his family. In King's Landing, Mira's activities at Tommen's coronation have not escaped the attention of Margaery Tyrell, and Cersei has realized that the handmaiden may prove useful in her political games. Finally, beyond the Wall, Gared's unlikely allies are reluctant to help in the search for the North Grove... but this far into the frozen wilds, Crows and Free Folk have a common enemy; and winter is coming.
- Tembo the Badass Elephant for PC is released. TEMBO THE BADASS ELEPHANT is a larger than life,2D side-scrolling action adventure from the creative geniuses behind the Pokémon games
- GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
- Q.U.B.E. Director's Cut for PlayStation 4 is released. The Director’s Cut is the definitive version of Q.U.B.E. featuring new content, puzzles and an all new story line from award winning writer Rob Yescombe.
- Journey for PlayStation 4 is released. The pioneers that brought you the award-winning PlayStation Network titles flOw & Flower are back with another title that challenges traditional gaming conventions. With Journey, thatgamecompany (TGC) continues its tradition of delivering simple gameplay and accessible controls in a rich interactive environment that invites players to explore and experience emotional chords that are still uncommon in video games.An exotic adventure with a more serious tone, Journey presents TGCs unique vision of an online adventure experience. Awakening in an unknown world, the player walks, glides, and flies through a vast and awe-inspiring landscape, while discovering the history of an ancient, mysterious civilization along the way.Journeys innovative approach to online play encourages players to explore this environment with strangers who cross their path from time to time. By traveling together, they can re-shape the experience creating authentic moments they will remember and discuss with others.
- Hatoful Boyfriend for PlayStation 4 is released. Congratulations! You’ve been accepted as the only human student at the prestigious St. PigeoNation’s Institute, a school for talented birds. Roam the halls and find love in between classes as a sophomore student at the world’s greatest pigeon high school.
- Onechanbara Z2: Chaos for PlayStation 4 is released. This installment in the Onechanbara sexy zombie slayer series ups the ante with 2 sets of buxom vampire sisters and over a dozen stages of high-octane real-time swordplay featuring hordes of zombies—not to mention novel methods of dispatching these undead opponents. Players will be pitted against the undead in various worldwide locations, with limbs and blood flying every which way by means of physical attacks and acrobatic maneuvers alike, occasionally transforming into a demon for short bursts of added power and speed at the cost of life energy. Each of the 4 members of this “Zombie Punitive Force” has her own unique abilities, and skillful play is rewarded with orbs that can be exchanged for upgraded weapons and outfits. For the first time in the series, players can enjoy the game with full English voice-acting or play through with the original Japanese performances. [Xseed]
- GAMING: XBOX ONE
- F1 2015 for Xbox One is released. Honda returns and once more forges an alliance with McLaren, which also welcomes back Fernando Alonso. Sebastien Vettel moves to Ferrari and, alongside a new generation of exciting young drivers on the grid, will attempt to halt the winning start Mercedes have made in the new era of FORMULA 1. The race calendar for 2015 also features a new circuit, with a return to Mexico for the first time in over 20 years.
On this day in 2014
- EVENTS
- After 3 weeks, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has struck about 2,800 targets in Gaza, while Gaza has fired 1,497 rockets at Israel.
- "Guardians of the Galaxy", directed by James Gunn, starring Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana, premieres in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
- " Guardians of the Galaxy", directed by James Gunn, starring Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana, premieres in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
- ALBUMS
- Instrument was released by To Rococo Rot. The eigth full-length release for the Berlin-based electronic trio of Robert Lippok, Ronald Lippok, and Stefan Schneider features Arto Lindsay on three tracks.
- From Scotland with Love was released by King Creosote. The latest release for Kenny Anderson as King Creosote was created for a documentary film of the same name, to be released for the Commonwealth Games.
- GAMING: PC
- Freedom Planet for PC is released. Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.