A version of this story appeared in CNN’s weekly entertainment newsletter, Pop Life Chronicles. To put it in your inbox, Sign up for free here.
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We’re only a few days into 2023, and I’m already feeling mixed feelings about the new year.
On the one hand, it is seen as a fresh start and an opportunity to do better. Meanwhile, old ghosts from years past continue to haunt us, from Covid-19 to divisive politics.
I think we can all make a little change.
At that point, I’m doing a little remix of Pop Life Chronicles.
Towards the end of last year, we asked our dear readers what they enjoyed most about this newsletter.
So while I continue to offer suggestions for entertainment to watch, talk about, and listen to, you’ll notice some new formats and fresh flavors in this week’s letter and future articles.
Let’s start with a toast to new beginnings.
Social media was made for anger.
Seriously, where would Twitter be if we took all the anger out?
Sure, some of the things people choose to discuss are ridiculous, but when it comes to Celine Dion, her supporters don’t play.
The singer was recently left off Rolling Stone’s list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, outraging Dion’s fans.
a list like this Often curated to spur discussion, Dion is arguably one of the greatest singers to ever hold a mic. And given her recent revelation that she was unable to perform because she was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder, her exclusion seemed even harsher.
Now, some cynics might say it was the best thing she ever happened to rank, as people are talking about. If you want one, not including a singer like Dion, or not including Dionne Warwick, who isn’t on the list, doesn’t seem like the best strategy.
Tired of hearing from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex?
Count me among those who believe they were both treated badly.
Prince Harry aired new interviews with both Anderson Cooper’s ’60 Minutes’ and British network ITV this weekend to promote his upcoming memoir.
Many Americans are hungry for news about the company. too many bad things?
It can be hard to keep the balance between controlling your own story and feeling like you’re repeating the same story over and over. But remember, Harry has books to sell. For that, we need coverage and appearances.
What do you think? Please contact me and let me know what you think.
No, Dua Lipa doesn’t have a new album, but they do have an interesting podcast.
“Dua Lipa: At Your Service” is an interview-style series featuring singers such as former “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah, civil rights leader Bryan Stevenson, acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar, and many more. We welcome distinguished guests.
Lipa also plans to record a live episode at the Hay Festival of Literature & Arts. It will be held in Hay-on-Wye, Wales this summer.
“Dua Lipa: At Your Service” can be heard anywhere a podcast is available.
“Abbott Elementary School”
School has resumed!
There may not be a more entertaining show airing or streaming right now than “Abbott Elementary.” We’ll be back for new episodes after the winter break.
Its creator and star, Quinta Branson, has crafted a series that is funny, poignant, and serious. This is an important tribute to educators everywhere. Also, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to watch Appointment her sitcom?
The series returns to ABC on Wednesday and is also streaming on Hulu.
“Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street”
Every time a new year comes, I review my finances and vow to stick to my budget.
My finances aren’t quite what Bernie Madoff would have been interested in now, but the rise and fall of his massive Ponzi scheme remains one of the most fascinating white-collar crimes of all time. increase. A disgraced investor who died in 2021 while serving a 150-year prison sentence.
“Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street” is available now.