Lifestyle
Francine Pascal, Creator Of Beloved ‘Sweet Valley High’ Book Series, Dies At 92
Francine Pascal, the renowned author behind the iconic “Sweet Valley High” novel series, has passed away at the age of 92. Her publisher, Penguin Random House, confirmed her death on Sunday, July 31, 2024.
Pascal’s “Sweet Valley High” series, which debuted in 1983, captivated millions of young readers worldwide with its relatable characters, engaging storylines, and exploration of themes such as love, friendship, and self-discovery. The series follows the lives of identical twins Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield and their friends as they navigate the challenges of high school in the fictional town of Sweet Valley.
Under Pascal’s guidance, the series grew to include over 150 titles, selling more than 200 million copies worldwide. The books were adapted into a popular television series that aired from 1994 to 1998. Pascal’s writing career spanned multiple genres, including soap operas, magazines, and novels. She is remembered for her ability to craft compelling stories that resonated with readers of all ages.
Her legacy lives on through the beloved characters and stories she created, continuing to inspire new generations of readers and writers alike.
Lifestyle
The Pitt, The Studio Dominate 2025 Emmy Awards
The Pitt, The Studio Dominate 2025 Emmy Awards
Hollywood’s biggest television stars gathered on Sunday night for the 2025 Emmy Awards, where two productions, The Pitt and The Studio, emerged as the night’s biggest winners.
The Pitt, a gripping medical drama set in a bustling emergency room, clinched the coveted Best Drama Series, while The Studio, a satirical comedy about Hollywood politics, not only won Best Comedy Series but also shattered Emmy records with a clean sweep across multiple categories.
In a defining moment of the ceremony, veteran actor Noah Wyle earned his first-ever Emmy after decades in television, winning Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in The Pitt.
Wyle, visibly moved, dedicated the award to healthcare workers worldwide, describing the show’s success as “a reflection of the courage and sacrifice of those who save lives every day.”
Seth Rogen’s The Studio proved unstoppable in the comedy category, taking home 13 trophies — the highest number of wins for a comedy series in a single year, according to the Television Academy.
Rogen, who co-created and starred in the show, also walked away with Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, his first Emmy.
He called the triumph “the proudest moment” of his career.
Critics have hailed The Studio for its sharp wit and insider satire, offering audiences a humorous but piercing look into Hollywood’s inner workings.
The series’ record-breaking feat now places it among the most celebrated comedies in Emmy history.
Industry watchers say the dual success of The Pitt and The Studio signals a shift in Hollywood storytelling, with both shows reflecting real-world struggles and triumphs in institutions — healthcare and entertainment — that resonate with global audiences.
The victories came against formidable contenders including Severance and Abbott Elementary, underscoring the appetite for fresh narratives that balance cultural depth with entertainment.
As the night drew to a close, the Emmy spotlight rested squarely on The Pitt and The Studio — productions that not only entertained millions but also reinforced television’s enduring power to mirror society.
Lifestyle
Jay-Z Emerges World’s Richest Musician with $2.5bn Net Worth — Forbes
Jay-Z Emerges World’s Richest Musician with $2.5bn Net Worth — Forbes
American rap icon and business mogul, Sean Carter, better known as Jay-Z, has been declared the world’s richest musician by Forbes with an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion.
The Roc Nation founder’s fortune cuts across multiple ventures, including his luxury champagne brand, Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades), cognac label D’Ussé, and his stakes in real estate, hospitality, technology, and startups.
He also reaped huge gains from the sale of music streaming platform Tidal and his former clothing line, Rocawear.
Jay-Z’s rise to the top further cements his reputation as not only a cultural force but also one of the most successful music entrepreneurs globally.
On the female side, American pop star Taylor Swift retained her crown as the richest female musician, with a net worth of $1.6 billion.
Forbes noted that Swift remains the first artist in history to attain billionaire status solely from music and touring earnings.
Lifestyle
Single Mothers Can’t Raise Boys Into ‘Proper Men’ – Jim Iyke
Single Mothers Can’t Raise Boys Into ‘Proper Men’ – Jim Iyke
Nollywood star, Jim Iyke, has stirred controversy with his recent remarks on parenting, insisting that single mothers cannot raise a boy into a “proper man” without the presence of a male figure.
Speaking during an interview with Okay 101.7 FM in Accra, Ghana, the actor argued that women are naturally built to nurture but lack the disciplinary balance needed to raise boys into men.
“A woman can’t raise a man. You can’t, you’re not built for it. A single mother cannot raise a man properly. You need a male influence – go get your brother that’s doing well or your father or even any man that you trust. There has to be a male presence in it [raising a boy child],” Iyke said.
He further maintained that boys require strict guidance from men in order to grow into disciplined adults.
“Because women are naturally built to nurture, to love. And then what you’re going to raise is a very weak man? He is going to be everything like the men that left you. You need somebody that would discipline him, tell him ‘No’ as often times as possible, and put him in the grind,” he added.
Iyke’s remarks have since triggered heated debates across social media, with some agreeing with his perspective while others accused him of undermining the struggles of single mothers who successfully raise responsible children without male support.
The actor, who has often been outspoken on social issues, did not back down on his position, stressing that the absence of a male role model leaves a critical gap in raising boys.
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