FridayFri, October 2nd Edition Go Back
Today in the World Countries
- Independence Day is being celebrated in Guinea
- Mathatma Gandhi Jayanti is being celebrated in India
- National Day Holiday is being celebrated in China, Macau
- Pchum Ben Festival (Day2) is being celebrated in Cambodia
- Tuvalu Day Holiday is being celebrated in Tuvalu
- People born on this day are Libra as their zodiac sign.
Today in History
On this day in 2023
- EVENTS
- US Postal Service issues a commemorative stamp honoring late US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
- BIRTHS
- Johanna Ortiz, Fashion Designer, born in Colombia.
- Moran Tarasov, YouTube Star, born in Israel.
- Mush Slime, YouTube Star, born in South Africa.
- Mishel Dadashev, Instagram Star, born in Israel.
- SEPERATIONS
- Actress Jodie Turner-Smith files for divorce from fellow actor husband Joshua Jackson after four years of marriage.
- SPORTS
- Francis Lee, English soccer striker (27 caps; Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City 249 games, Derby County), who died of cancer at 79.
On this day in 2022
- DEATHS
- Éder Jofre, Brazilian boxer (WBA, WBC & The Ring Bantamweight, WBC Featherweight titles; International Boxing HOF), who died from chronic traumatic encephalopathy at 86.
- TV SERIES
- Interview With the Vampire: Season 1 is released. Louis de Pointe (Jacob Anderson) tells a reporter about his life in 1900s New Orleans, becoming a vampire companion to Lestat De Lioncourt (Sam Reid) and the arrival of child vampire Claudia (Bailey Bass) in the series adaptation of Anne Rice's novel of the same name.
On this day in 2021
- EVENTS
- Massive oil slick from a pipeline discovered off California, along Orange County coast covering 13 square miles.
- DEATHS
- John Wes Townley, Race Car Driver.
- Sidney Walton, War Hero.
- GAMING: PLAYSTATION 5
- Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania for PlayStation 5 is released. Go Bananas with your favorite monkey gang in the ultimate Super Monkey Ball adventure. Roll through wondrous worlds with AiAi and friends as you race to stop monkey mad scientist Dr. Bad-Boon from blowing up Jungle Island! Join the all-star monkey team of AiAi, MeeMee, GonGon, Baby, YanYan and Doctor as you bounce, tilt, and roll your way across hundreds of delightfully crafted levels and mazes. It’s monkey business for the gang - play solo or with friends as you take down Dr. Bad-Boon and steal back your beloved bananas!Features: The ultimate Super Monkey Ball Experience – More than 300 stages from Super Monkey Ball, Super Monkey Ball 2 and Super Monkey Ball Deluxe. Go Bananas with 12 fun minigames including Monkey Racing, Monkey Soccer, Monkey Bowling, Monkey Baseball and much more! Challenge your friends as you compete for top banana on the online leaderboards! Assemble your all-star monkey team of up to 4 friends and work together to save Jungle Island with 4-player local co-op. Immerse yourself in the Super Monkey Ball world with creative comic book-style story telling in Story Mode. Want to be the coolest monkey on the block? Customize your character and Super Monkey Ball to make it your own!
On this day in 2020
- DEATHS
- Bob Hogle, Race Car Driver.
- MOVIES: NOT RATED
- 2067 is released. By the year 2067, Earth has been ravaged by climate change and humanity is forced to live on artificial oxygen. An illness caused by the synthetic O2 is killing the worlds’ population and the only hope for a cure comes in the form of a message from the future: “Send Ethan Whyte”. Ethan, an underground tunnel worker, is suddenly thrust into a terrifying new world full of unknown danger as he must fight to save the human race.
- 12 Hour Shift is released. Nurse Mandy (Angela Bettis) is desperate to make it through her double shift without incident. This is particularly hard to do when you’re an addict and are also involved in a black market organ-trading scheme. When her hapless but dangerous cousin Regina (Chloe Farnworth) messes up a kidney delivery, chaos descends on the Arkansas hospital as Mandy and Regina frantically try to secure a replacement organ through any means necessary. Things grow increasingly complicated when injured convict Jefferson (David Arquette) is brought in, and events spiral even further out of control.
- Possessor Uncut is released. Possessor is a sci-fi thriller about elite, corporate assassin Tasya Vos (Andrea Riseborough). Using brain-implant technology, Vos takes control of other people’s bodies to execute high profile targets. As she sinks deeper into her latest assignment Vos becomes trapped inside a mind that threatens to obliterate her.
- MOVIES: PG13
- A Call to Spy is released. As Great Britain’s forces were stretched thin during World War II, Winston Churchill’s Special Operations Executive (SOE) began to enlist women as spies. Their daunting mission: conduct sabotage and build a resistance. Spymistress Vera Atkins, later the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond franchise, was the chief recruiter for this secret army. Atkins selected two unusual candidates: Virginia Hall, an American journalist from Baltimore hampered by a wooden leg, and Noor Inayat Khan, a wireless officer of Indian descent and an avowed pacifist. Together, they worked to undermine the Nazi regime in France. The courage, sacrifices and grit of these three women helped quell the Nazi occupation – and ultimately turned the tide of the war.
- Dick Johnson Is Dead is released. A lifetime of making documentaries has convinced the award-winning filmmaker Kirsten Johnson of the power of the real. But now she's ready to use every escapist movie-making trick in the book - staging inventive and fantastical ways for her 86-year-old psychiatrist father to die while hoping that cinema might help her bend time, laugh at pain, and keep her father alive forever.
- MOVIES: R
- Eternal Beauty is released. When Jane (Sally Hawkins) is dumped at the altar she has a breakdown and spirals into a chaotic world, where love (both real and imagined) and family relationships collide with both touching and humorous consequences.
- On the Rocks is released. Laura (Rashida Jones) thinks she’s happily hitched, but when her husband Dean (Marlon Wayans) starts logging late hours at the office with a new co-worker, Laura begins to fear the worst. She turns to the one man she suspects may have insight: her charming, impulsive father Felix (Bill Murray), who insists they investigate the situation. As the two begin prowling New York at night, careening from uptown parties to downtown hotspots, they discover at the heart of their journey lies their own relationship.
- Spontaneous is released. When students in their high school begin inexplicably exploding (literally…), seniors Mara (Katherine Langford) and Dylan (Charlie Plummer) struggle to survive in a world where each moment may be their last. As an unexpected romance blossoms between them, Mara and Dylan discover that when tomorrow is no longer promised, they can finally start living for today!
- Save Yourselves! is released. Jack (John Reynolds) and Su (Sunita Mani) are a hip Brooklyn couple who, like many of their friends, find themselves dependent on technology and unable to put down their phones. Fearing their mindless scrolling may impact their connection with each other, they seize the chance to head to an isolated cabin in the woods, vowing to unplug from the outside world for a week. Sheltered from texts and push notifications, they are blissfully unaware that the planet is under attack. As strange events unfold, the couple must figure out a way back to civilization—or what’s left of it.
- The Forty-Year-Old Version is released. Radha, a down-on-her-luck NY playwright, is desperate for a breakthrough before 40. But when she foils what seems like her last shot at success, she’s left with no choice but to reinvent herself as rapper RadhaMUSPrime. The Forty-Year-Old Version follows Radha as she vacillates between the worlds of Hip Hop and theater on a quest to find her true voice.
- TV SERIES
- Emily in Paris: Season 1 is released. 20-something Emily (Lily Collins) moves to Paris due to her marketing job and juggles work, new friends and romances in this romantic comedy from Darren Star.
- Kingdom of Silence is released. The 2018 murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi is at the center of the documentary that also looks at the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States through the years including the Trump administration and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
- Monsterland: Season 1 is released. Meeting supernatural beings and beasts causes people to do whatever it takes to find a remedy for their lives in this horror anthology series based on Nathan Ballingrud's short stories collection, "North American Lake Monsters."
- ALBUMS
- Melanie C was released by Melanie C. The eighth full-length solo release for the Spice Girl features a guest appearance from Nadia Rose.
- Midnight Manor was released by The Nude Party. The second full-length release for the North Carolina rock sextet was produced by Oakley Munson of the Black Lips.
- The Album was released by BlackPink. The debut full-length studio release for the South Korean pop group features guest appearances from Cardi B and Selena Gomez.
- Shiver was released by Jónsi. The second full-length solo studio release for the Sigur Rós frontman was co-produced by A. G. Cook and recorded in Berlin, Helsinki, London, and Reykjavik.
- The New OK was released by Drive-By Truckers. The surprise digital release from the alternative country band includes songs from recording sessions from the recently released, The Unraveling plus a few songs written while under the pandemic quarantine.
- Shamir was released by Shamir. This is the latest full-length release for the Philadelphia-based alternative singer-songwriter.
- Savage Mode II was released by 21 Savage. The second full-length release for the collaboration between 21 Savage and Metro Boomin features guest appearances from Drake, Morgan Freeman, Young Nudy, and Young Thug.
- Róisín Machine was released by Róisín Murphy. The fifth full-length solo studio release for the Irish electro-pop artist was recorded with Richard Barratt (also known as DJ Parrot or Crooked Man).
- Under the Spell of Joy was released by Death Valley Girls. The latest full-length release for the Los Angeles-based garage/psych rock band features a children's choir.
- Working Men's Club was released by Working Men's Club. The debut full-length release for the British band led by Sydney Minsky-Sargeant was produced by Ross Orton.
- GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
- Let's Sing Queen for PlayStation 4 is released. Sing alone or share the stage with your friends in compelling game modes while you follow in the footsteps of Queen, the biggest rock band ever, with the legendary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Let their music take you on a trip through different decades. Master “Bohemian Rhapsody”, challenge your friends to a “Bicycle Race” or rock out to hits like “We Will Rock You”, “Another One Bites The Dust”, “I Want To Break Free” and “We Are The Champions”.- Strong playlist with 30 of Queen’s greatest hits and original music videos- Sing solo or with up to eight players- Six exciting game modes: 'Classic', 'Mixtape 2.0', 'feat.’, ‘Jukebox’, ‘World Contest’ and ‘Let’s Party’- Climb the online leaderboard and battle it out against people around the world!- No Microphone No Problem! Use your phone as microphone with the Let's Sing app!
- GAMING: XBOX ONE
- Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time for Xbox One is released. The devious villains Neo Cortex and Dr. N. Tropy have finally escaped their interdimensional prison, leaving an evil scientist sized hole in the universe. Now they’ve got their eyes set on not only simply conquering this dimension, but ALL dimensions, and it’s up to Crash and Coco to save the day. N. Sanity Beach is where Crash’s adventure first started, and where it begins in Crash 4. But there have definitely been changes since players first saw N. Sanity Beach all those years ago, and throughout Crash 4 you’ll notice changes to gameplay and even the art style.
- Star Wars: Squadrons for Xbox One is released. Master the art of starfighter combat in the authentic piloting experience Star Wars: Squadrons. Buckle up and feel the adrenaline of first-person multiplayer space dogfights alongside your squadron. Pilots who enlist will step into the cockpits of starfighters from both the New Republic and Imperial fleets and fight in strategic 5 vs. 5 space battles. Modify your starfighter and adjust the composition of your squadron to suit varying playstyles and crush the opposition. Pilots will triumph as a team and complete tactical objectives across known and never-before-seen battlefields, including the gas giant of Yavin Prime and the shattered moon of Galitan.Take control of starfighters such as the X-wing and TIE fighter. Customize loadouts and cosmetics, divert power between weapons, shields, and engines, while immersing yourself in the cockpit. In addition, players will have the option to play the entirety of the game in virtual reality on PSVR and PC!Learn what it means to be a pilot in a thrilling Star Wars single-player story set after the events of Return of the Jedi. Seen from alternating perspectives between two factions, iconic and emerging leaders on both sides are battling for the galaxy. The New Republic fights for freedom. The Empire demands order. We need you to join the galaxy's finest.
- POLITICS
- US President Donald Trump announces via twitter that he and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for COVID-19 pandemic, President hospitalized later that day.
- SPORTS
- Ron Perranoski, American baseball pitcher (World Series 1963,65; AL saves leader 1969,70; LA Dodgers) and coach (World Series 1981,88; LAD), who died at 84.
- Bob Gibson, American Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher (NL Cy Young Award 1968,70; NL MVP 1968; 9 x MLB All Star; St. Louis Cardinals), who died from pancreatic cancer at 84.
- Bob Miller, American ice hockey center (47 games USA; Boston Bruins, Colorado Rockies, LA Kings), who died at 64.
On this day in 2019
- EVENTS
- Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex sue British newspaper The Mail on Sunday claiming it published her private letter.
- DEATHS
- Barrie Masters, British pub-rock singer (Eddie & the Hot Rods - "Teenage Depression"), who died of drug intoxication at 63.
- Bill Bidwill, American NFL team owner (Arizona Cardinals 1962-2019), who died at 88.
- Bud Burdick, Race Car Driver.
- Giya Kancheli, Georgian composer (NightPrayers; Exil), who died at 84.
- MOVIES: NOT RATED
- Celebration is released. Filmed over the course of three years, this portrait of fashion colossus Yves Saint Laurent’s final show was suppressed right after its first and only public screening at the 2007 Berlin Film Festival. The film was blocked by YSL’s business (and on-and-off romantic) partner Pierre Berge, who objected to the couturier’s portrayal as frail and not quite all there, and to his own depiction of being the behind the scenes mastermind. (The dynamic between the two is said to have inspired Paul Thomas Anderson’s depiction of Daniel Day-Lewis and Lesley Manville’s characters in Phantom Thread.) Fortunately, Berge relented in 2015 (he died in 2017), and thus Celebration is finally available. Director Olivier Meyrou’s Celebration presents an opulent and immersive behind-the-scenes look at haute couture designer Yves Saint Laurent’s final show and is a priceless addition to our understanding of the man, the myth, la marque, that is Yves Saint Laurent. [Kimstim]
- TV SERIES
- Almost Family: Season 1 is released. Only child Julia Bechley (Brittany Snow) life is changed forever after it is revealed her fertility doctor father (Timothy Hutton) had used his own sperm on his patients, resulting in potential numbers of half-siblings, including Edie (Megalyn Echikunwoke) and Roxy (Emily Osment) in this drama originally titled Not Just Me and based on the Australian series called Sisters.
- ALBUMS
- Closer to Grey was released by Chromatics. The first releases in seven years from the Los Angles electropop trio is not the previously announced (and still unreleased) Dear Tommy, but a surprise release of 12 new songs.
- GAMING: PC
- Warsaw for PC is released. WARSAW is a challenging WWII turn-based tactical rpg taking place in a war torn city and sporting beautiful hand painted graphics. Lead a small, dedicated outfit of civilians and soldiers with their unique skills in their fight to take back the city besieged by occupying forces.
- POLITICS
- Two politicians in Peru claim to be the country's leader for a day until Mercedes Aráoz resigns so the constitutional court can rule on the matter.
On this day in 2018
- EVENTS
- The Queen's Window, with stained glass designed by David Hockney, celebrating the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, is consecrated at Westminster Abbey.
- Saudi American journalist Jamal Khashoggi enters the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, never to be seen again prompting a diplomatic crisis.
- US First Lady Melania Trump arrives in Ghana to begin a four-nation tour of Africa.
- Nobel prize in Physics awarded to Arthur Ashkin (optical tweezers), Gérard Mourou and Donna Strickland ( both for laser beams).
- DEATHS
- Geoff Emerick, British sound engineer and record producer (Beatles; Elvis Costello), who died of a heart attack at 72.
- Jamal Khashoggi, Journalist.
- GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
- Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise for PlayStation 4 is released. Explore an alternate version of the Fist of the North Star canon; take control of Kenshiro as he searches for his lost love Yuria in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. For anyone unfamiliar with the original story, Lost Paradise can be enjoyed as a completely standalone experience.
- Assassin's Creed Odyssey for PlayStation 4 is released. Write your own epic odyssey and become a legendary Spartan hero. Forge your destiny in a world on the brink of tearing itself apart. Influence how history unfolds in an ever-changing world shaped by your choices. Features: * LEGENDARY SPARTAN HERO - Embark on your journey from outcast to legendary Spartan hero.* ANCIENT GREECE AWAITS - Explore an entire country full of unexpected encounters in untamed environments and bustling ancient cities.* CHOOSE YOUR PATH - Your choices shape the world around you. Play in a living world that constantly reacts to your every decision.* FIGHT EPIC BATTLES - Charge into epic clashes between Sparta and Athens in battles pitting 150v150 soldiers against each other.* SAIL THE AEGEAN SEA - Recruit crewmembers and customize your ship as you explore and battle your way on the open seas.
- Astro Bot Rescue Mission for PlayStation 4 is released. Astro Bot Rescue Mission is a platformer, developed exclusively for use with PS VR. Take control of Astro the captain Bot and go on an epic VR rescue mission to save your fellow Bots who are dispersed all over space.
- GAMING: XBOX ONE
- Mega Man 11 for Xbox One is released. Thirty years ago, in 1987, a super robot named Mega Man was created. In 2018 after 30 years of unforgettable adventures the fight for everlasting peace continues! The tight action-platformer gameplay that made the series a success is alive and well. To save the day, the Blue Bomber must battle Robot Masters and take their powerful weapons for himself, which now changes the hero's appearance with new levels of detail. A new, vivid visual style refreshes the series' iconic colorfulness, combining hand-drawn environments with detailed,3D character models.
On this day in 2017
- EVENTS
- US scientists Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael Young awarded Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine for work on the body clock.
- DEATHS
- Tom Petty, American classic rock singer (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), who died of an accidental overdose at 66.
- Robert Yates, American auto racing team owner and engine builder (Yates Racing, NASCAR), who died from cancer at 74.
- Klaus Huber, Swiss composer (Tenebrae) and academic, who died at 92.
- Donna Ares, World Music Singer.
- TV SERIES
- 9JKL: Season 1 is released. Josh Roberts (Mark Feuerstein) lives next-door to his parents (Elliott Gould and Linda Lavin) and his brother (David Walton) and his family in this comedy created by Feuerstein and his wife Dana Klein.
- The Gifted: Season 1 is released. With the help of an underground network of mutants, Caitlin and Reed Strucker (Amy Acker and Stephen Moyer) go on the run from the Government with their children (Natalie Alyn Lind and Percy Hynes White) after they display their mutant powers in the X-Men-based series from Matt Nix.
On this day in 2016
- EVENTS
- Ryder Cup Golf, Hazeltine National GC: US regains Cup; beats Europe,17-11; Americans Brooks Koepka, Brandt Snedeker & Patrick Reed each win 3 matches.
- Kim Kardashian is robbed at gunpoint of $10 million worth of jewelry in her hotel in Paris.
- Colombia votes against a peace agreement with rebel group FARC in a national referendum.
- WEDDINGS
- Actress Lyndsy Fonseca at the age of 29 weds actor Noah Bean at the age of 37 at Saltwater Farm in Connecticut.
- Actress Zosia Mamet at the age of 28 weds actor Evan Jonigkeit at the Cedar Lakes Estate in Port Jervis, New York.
- DEATHS
- Neville Marriner, English conductor and violinist (Academy of St Martin in the Fields), who died at 92.
- Thomas Round, British tenor (Gilbert and Sullivan For All), who died at 100.
- TV SERIES
- Westworld: Season 1 is released. The sci-fi western series from Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy was inspired by the 1973 Michael Crichton film of the same name and is set at a Wild West theme park created by Dr. Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins) with human-like androids where guests are encouraged to indulge their fantasies and desires.
- SPORTS
- Veteran broadcaster Vin Scully calls his final LA Dodgers game (7-1 loss in San Francisco) after a record 67 MLB seasons.
On this day in 2015
- EVENTS
- Actor Randy Quaid and his wife Evi are arrested in Vermont after leaving Canada.
- DEATHS
- Brian Friel, Irish dramatist "Irish Chekhov" (Dancing at Lughnasa), who died at 86.
- Coleridge Goode, Jamaican-British jazz double bassist (Joe Harriot Quintet), who died at 100.
- Lindsay Kline, Australian cricketer (Australian chinaman bowler Hat-trick 1957), who died at 81.
- Steve Camacho, West Indian cricket batsman, author, administrator (11 Tests, CEO WI Cricket Board), who died at 69.
- MOVIES: NOT RATED
- Sherpa is released. A fight on Everest? It seemed incredible. But in 2013 news channels around the world reported an ugly brawl at 21,000ft as European climbers fled a mob of angry Sherpas. In 1953, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay had reached the summit in a spirit of co-operation and brave optimism. Now climbers and Sherpas were trading insults - even blows. What had happened to the happy, smiling Sherpas and their dedication in getting foreigners to the top of the mountain they hold so sacred? Determined to explore what was going on, the filmmakers set out to make a film of the 2014 Everest climbing season, from the Sherpas' point of view. Instead, they captured a tragedy that would change Everest forever. At 6.45am on 18th April,2014, a 14 million ton block of ice crashed down onto the climbing route through the Khumbu Icefall, killing 16 Sherpas. It was the worst tragedy in the history of Everest. The disaster provoked a drastic reappraisal about the role of the Sherpas in the Everest industry.
- Partisan is released. Alexander, raised to see the world through Gregori's eyes, is starting to think for himself.
- This Changes Everything is released. What if confronting the climate crisis is the best chance we'll ever get to build a better world? Filmed over 211 shoot days in nine countries and five continents over four years, This Changes Everything is an epic attempt to re-imagine the vast challenge of climate change. The film presents seven portraits of communities on the front lines, from Montana's Powder River Basin to the Alberta Tar Sands, from the coast of South India to Beijing and beyond. Interwoven with these stories of struggle is Naomi Klein's narration, connecting the carbon in the air with the economic system that put it there. Throughout the film, Klein builds to her most controversial and exciting idea: that we can seize the existential crisis of climate change to transform our failed economic system into something radically better.
- Jafar Panahi's Taxi is released. Director Jafar Panahi drives a yellow cab through the vibrant streets of Tehran, picking up a diverse group of passengers in a single day. Each man, woman, and child candidly expresses his or her own view of the world, while being interviewed by the curious and gracious driver/director. His camera, placed on the dashboard of his mobile film studio, captures a spirited slice of Iranian society while also brilliantly redefining the borders of comedy, drama and cinema. [Kino Lorber]
- Deathgasm is released. High School is Hell! Metal-thrashing Brodie is an outcast in a sea of jocks and cheerleaders until he meets a kindred spirit in fellow metalhead Zakk. After starting their own band, Brodie and Zakk’s resentment of the suburban wasteland leads them to a mysterious piece of sheet music said to grant Ultimate Power to whoever plays it. But the music also summons an ancient evil entity known as Aeloth The Blind One, who threatens to tear apart existence itself. Their classmates and family become inhabited by demonic forces, tearing out their own eyes and turning into psychotic murderers and this is only the beginning! It’s up to Brodie, Zakk and their group of friends to stop a force of pure evil from devouring all of mankind.
- Addicted to Fresno is released. Shannon (Judy Greer) is fresh out of sex rehab when her younger, overly optimistic lesbian sister Martha (Natasha Lyonne) lands her a job as a maid at Fresno Suites, the local hotel. When Shannon jeopardizes her fresh start by accidentally killing a hotel guest after a post-rehab relapse, Martha goes to great lengths to help her sister cover up the crime. Shannon finally learns to take responsibility for her actions, and the sisters begin to resolve their tortured relationship. [Gravitas Ventures]
- MOVIES: PG13
- Freeheld is released. A decorated New Jersey police detective, Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore) is diagnosed with cancer and wants to leave her hard earned pension to her domestic partner, Stacie Andree (Elliot Page). However the county officials, Freeholders, conspire to prevent Laurel from doing this. Hard-nosed detective Dane Wells (Michael Shannon), and activist Steven Goldstein (Steve Carell), unite in Laurel and Stacie’s defense, rallying police officers and ordinary citizens to support their struggle for equality. [Lionsgate]
- He Named Me Malala is released. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai was targeted by the Taliban and severely wounded by a gunshot when returning home on her school bus in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. The then 15-year-old (she turned 18 this July) was singled out, along with her father, for advocating for girls’ education, and the attack on her sparked an outcry from supporters around the world. She miraculously survived and is now a leading campaigner for girls’ education globally as co-founder of the Malala Fund.
- The Martian is released. During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring “the Martian” home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney’s safe return. [20th Century Fox]
- MOVIES: R
- Shanghai is released. A '40s period piece which revolves around an American expat who returns to Shanghai in the months before Pearl Harbor due to the death of his friend.
- Northern Soul is released. In the 1970s, a form of dance music took a feverish hold on the UK, finding its heart in the north of England. The music of 1960s-70s American soul singers combined with distinctive dance styles to create what became known as northern soul. The movement tapped into a yearning for individual expression in northern working-class teenagers, and exploded into a cultural phenomenon that influenced a generation of DJs, songwriters and designers for decades to come. Northern Soul brings the scene to life with a tale of two Northern boys whose worlds are changed forever when they discover black American soul music.
- TV SERIES
- Dr. Ken: Season 1 is released. The sitcom focuses on Dr. Ken (Ken Jeong), a physician with poor communications skills as he tries to help his patients, his therapist wife (Suzy Nakamura), and their two children.
- ALBUMS
- Exhausting Fire was released by Kylesa. The seventh full-length release for the Georgia sludge metal band features influences from New Wave, Americana, Eighties goth, and death rock music.
- Cradle to the Grave was released by Squeeze. The first studio release of new tracks since Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook reunited in 2007 features some songs recorded for the BBC series based on Danny Baker's life.
- Darker Than Blue was released by Blue Daisy. The second full-length release for the British artist Kwesi Darko features elements from blues, rap, and rock music.
- Age of Transparency was released by Autre Ne Veut. The third full-length release for Arthur Ashin as Autre Ne Veut is the second part of a planned trilogy of albums.
- All Across This Land was released by Blitzen Trapper. The eighth full-length release from the Portland, Oregon quintet was inspired by classic and southern rock.
- Arms Around a Vision was released by Girls Names. The third full-length release for the Northern Irish post-punk band was self-produced and mixed by Dan Rejmer.
- New Bermuda was released by Deafheaven. The third full-length studio release for the California black metal band was produced by Jack Shirley.
- Foam Island was released by Darkstar. The third full-length release for the electronic pop duo of Aiden Whalley and James Young (James Buttery left the band in 2014) was co-produced with Lexxx and features samples of interviews of young people in Huddersfield, England.
- In Dream was released by Editors. The fifth full-length release for the British indie rock band was self-produced and features a guest appearance from Rachel Goswell of Slowdive.
- Ruff was released by Born Ruffians. The fourth full-length studio release for the Canadian indie rock quartet was recorded in three weeks by Jeff McMurrich.
- The Light in You was released by Mercury Rev. The eighth full-length studio release for the alternative rock band is its first studio album in seven years.
- V was released by Wavves. The fifth full-length release for the indie rock band led by Nathan Williams was produced by Woody Jackson.
- Unbreakable was released by Janet Jackson. The first studio release in seven years for the R&B/pop singer features guest appearances from Missy Elliott and J. Cole.
- Why Choose was released by Shopping. The second full-length release for the British post-punk trio was produced by Jamie Grier.
- Zipper Down was released by Eagles of Death Metal. The first release of new material in seven years for the death metal band led by Jesse Hughes was produced by Josh Homme.
On this day in 2014
- EVENTS
- 15 people are killed after a gun powder plant explodes in Gorni Lom, Bulgaria.
- Siege of Syrian town Kobani and its surrounds by ISIS prompts 130,00 people to flee the area.
- TV SERIES
- Gracepoint: Season 1 is released. The American adaptation of the British series "Broadchurch"is set in a small California town where the death of a young boy leads to a investigation where everyone is under suspicion.
- A to Z: Season 1 is released. The series narrated by Katey Sagal, chronicles the relationship between dreamer Andrew Lofland (Ben Feldman) and lawyer Zelda Vasco (Cristin Milioti) after they meet through Wallflower Online Dating.
- Bad Judge: Season 1 is released. Southern California criminal court judge Rebecca Wright (Kate Walsh) begins to question her life of parties and playing in a band after she meets eight-year-old Robby Shoemaker (Theodore Barnes).