No Russian Economy, No Movement

Russia now bears the brunt of a crumbling economy as the over 141 countries in the United Nations impose crippling sanctions not only on its banking system but on various other systems and wealthy citizens.

By positioning itself as an aggressor whose tyrannical expansionism and fervent, unjustified imperialism that impinges on the sanctity of a neighboring, democratic country, Russia has now fallen prey to the following harsh economic measures:

  • A 25-40% reduction in the value of the ruble, from ca. 60 rubles/USD to 104.54/USD
  • Doubled interest rates for Russia’s central bank
  • Abrupt closures in the Russian Stock Exchange
  • Citizens’ desperate needs for access to money
  • The barring of several Russian banks from SWIFT, a global exchange system for international transactions
  • Paralysis of assets of oligarchs both unaffiliated – and recently, affiliated – with Vladimir Putin and his agenda
  • Paralysis of 1/2 of Russian reserve money, nullifying part of Putin’s safety net of $630 billion

All of these measures affect millions of ordinary Russian citizens, many of who staunchly oppose the war. Home purchases are falling through; there is a drastic reduction in the basic ability for people to eat, spend, and earn decently; and many other measures are directly reducing people’s basic needs. This may indeed prompt a revolt against Putin and his madness. The problem is that in his autocratic seat, he would stifle such dissent immediately. Every day, benevolent Russian citizens are in a huge catch-22.

These stringent sanctions that so many nations across the globe are imposing on Russia’s economy also address another key factor: natural resources. Russia’s position as the top exporter of oil in the world has fallen as more countries are refusing to purchase its oil and gas, even before these resources have been the direct target of sanctions.

Russia’s banks are now failing. The Russian Central Bank now has no choice but to turn to other currencies as theirs has dropped so much in value. This creates a possibility for increased value in such currencies’ countries, further leveraging them as more prominent economic powers with more control of Russia’s economy. Another company that UN countries have targeted is Sberbank, Russia’s biggest lender. The European Central Bank has now predicted that Sberbank is likely to completely go under as it had less and less ability for liquidation. Two other major players in Russia’s economy, Gazprom (large gas company) and internet provider Yandex can no longer trade.

This is war of the most egregious kind. Because Ukraine is not a NATO ally, no country can violate the terms of the treaty to only send troops to those within its ranks. Nevertheless, the world is coming together in solidarity to provide A) as much resources, economic, humanitarian, and militaristic as it can to Ukraine, and B) for the purposes of this article, defeat Putin’s authoritarian agenda by preventing Russia’s economic ability to function as a country. These countries recognize – rightly so – that an economy is one of the central factors that gives a nation its power. Once that factor is taken away, Russia may not be able to move. That is precisely what the world is seeing now.

Oil Companies Moving Out of Russia

As public pressure mounts, businesses in all industries have started to sever ties with Russia following their invasion of Ukraine. Major oil companies seem to have begun following suit. With more and more companies pulling out of the nation, it’s likely to cause a cascading effect on the nation’s economy.

BP, First of Many?

Following Russia’s attacks in Ukraine, BP, the UK-based oil company, became one of the first in its industry to pull out of the oil-rich nation. Initially, when Russian troops first began amassing at the border between the two nations, BP CEO Bernard Looney stated that there were no plans to reduce or eliminate their holdings in the state-owned oil company Rosneft. However, as Russian troops began to march into Ukraine, BP soon set into motion its plan to exit its investments in the nation. Both the CEO, Bernard Looney, and the company’s former CEO, Bob Dudley, stepped down from their positions on Rosneft’s board of directors. In its announcement, it attributes its move both to the Russian attacks on Ukraine and to their continued involvement in the nation no longer being in alignment with the long-term interests of the company. This move also seems to be an incredibly costly one for BP, as its partnership with the nation was estimated to produce a potential $25 billion for the company.

Shell Oil Joining BP

Shell, another UK-based oil company, followed suit shortly after BP’s announcement. In a public statement, it announced plans to exit from its investment in the Sakhalin-II project an oil and natural gas development located on the Sakhalin Islands. In his statement, CEO Ben van Beurden expressed shock at Russia’s attack on Ukraine, denouncing their military aggression. Shell will also be exiting several development projects located in Siberia. Included in the announcement, Shell also said it would likely incur financial losses from its exit of more than $3 billion in assets in the region. This comes at a time when the world seems united in an effort to isolate the Russian economy from the rest of the world’s trade and banking systems.

Russia’s Economy Suffers as Sanctions Pour In

While Russia’s oil industry may be suffering, it’s certainly not the only part of Russia’s economy under heavy scrutiny. During the first wave of sanctions levied against the nation, Russia’s stock market was paused, likely in an attempt to stymy the bleeding as the markets began to crash. While the market’s pause is still ongoing, it’s already surpassed all others as the longest pause in the market’s history. Russian oligarchs are feeling the pain as well, as the sanctions have begun hitting them exceptionally hard. Governments around the world have also begun shutting out the oligarchs from their personal bank accounts and seizing their property, most notably with western nations impounding their superyachts. Western nations also seem to be moving forward with isolating Russian banks from the SWIFT system, or The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, the main platform banks use to trade back and forth over international lines. A full-scale block-out would be unprecedented, with sanctions only having ever been applied against individual banks, generally for ties to terrorist groups in the middle-east.

How to Transition From Brick and Mortar to Online

If you’re a small business owner, then you know just how hard the pandemic hit local shops. While many businesses shut down for good, some were capable of adapting their business from a brick-and-mortar location to one focused almost entirely on online sales. So how did they do it, and how can someone replicate their success?

Using Social Media to Generate Sales

While many often lament the impact Facebook has on society at large, a business owner looking to create buzz around their product or service would do well to give it a chance. Facebook especially has become a great marketing tool for savvy business owners around the country. Kim Livengood, owner and operator of a local indoor Bazaar, found success on the platform after being forced to shut down her brick-and-mortar establishment. She turned to live streaming on the site, starting a show called The Bazaar Shopping Network. Bringing her unique brand of charm to the internet at large, she was able to bring attention to the products of merchants that had previously sold their wares at her physical location. This isn’t the only way social media can help to generate sales either. Facebook also offers a marketplace feature, allowing local sellers the opportunity to list their own creations and products directly on the platform. For marketing, Twitter and Instagram can be invaluable tools for reaching key demographics, although depending on what good or service you provide, your mileage may vary.

Creating Your Own Website

Another option many turned to after the restrictions were put in place, creating your own website can bring many benefits to a business. Before the creation of the modern website builder, designing and building your own from the ground up was squarely in the domain of expert web designers. Now, however, companies like Wix or Squarespace have given small business owners the ability to make their own marketplaces themselves. Offering up a number of different tools, these websites make it easy for someone without a working knowledge of things like HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, to create a stylish and functional website to help bolster their online image. One of the major perks of owning your own site is being entitled to all of your profits. When it comes to sites like eBay or Amazon, a cut out of each sale goes directly to the company you’ve listed on, but when you list products on your own site, you get to reap all the rewards.

Building a Better Connection With Clients

Modern technology also lends itself well to business owners that need to see their clients face to face, like teachers or private tutors. Once a rare spectacle, video calling services like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime are now ubiquitous throughout the country. Allowing you full access to your clients without violating any of the COVID restrictions put in place. This can also be a benefit to your pocketbook, without the need to travel to and from your client’s homes, you’ll save both money and time. Adapting to the changing landscape of the business world can be difficult. But for a business to survive, and thrive, it’s an incredibly important skill to have. Especially in a world growing increasingly reliant on technology in all aspects of life.

5 Books to Make You Smarter

People read books for reasons including passing time by keeping them occupied. Some readers have favorite books. However, the choice of a book depends on the taste of the individual. Despite the choice of books, studies show that people who read widely are smarter. This is because reading helps people grow their vocabulary, knowledge of the world and opens up their levels of thinking.

Are lost on the books to read? Here are certain books that will definitely make you smarter:

Einstein’s Fridge: How the Difference Between Hot and Cold Explains the Universe by Paul Sen

This book is not only entertaining but also quite informative. It tells the story of scientists behind the theory of thermodynamics. Thermodynamics is a branch of physics dealing with energy and entropy. The theory explains every aspect of the world for both living and non-living things. Some of the areas covered in the theory include the behavior of cells, the limitation of computing and how the end of the universe. The book gives an account of different scientists in all branches of science including cosmologists, mathematics, engineers, chemists, biologists and physicists. These big names include: French military engineer and physicist Sadi Carnot, Stephen Hawking, Alan Turing, Emmy Noether, Albert Einstein, Lord Kelvin and James Joule.

Wiser: The Scientific Roots of Wisdom, Compassion and What Makes us Good by Dilip Jeste and Scott Lafee

This book gives research based findings by UC San Diego neuropsychiatrist Dilip Jeste on how you can be wiser. As it turns out from his findings, wisdom is not a gift for the few but anyone can be wiser. The book explores the psychology and neurobiology of wisdom by analyzing both the biological and cognitive aspect. From his multicultural studies, the Doctor unveils the qualities of wise people. Some of these qualities as explained in his book include empathy and compassion among others. The authors also explain how we can use wisdom to overcome the present day challenges such as suicides, different addictions and loneliness. By reading this book you, will learn how you can grow in wisdom and use it to overcome the problems you encounter everyday to achieve your utmost potential.

The code breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson

The writer of the book, Walter Isaacson is also the best selling author of the Steve Jobs and Leonardo Da Vinci. The code breaker gives an account of the events behind the works of the Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna and her colleagues. It highlights how they worked towards a revolutionary innovation for curing diseases and fending off viruses.

Seven and Half Lessons About the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett

The author of this book, Lisa Feldman Barrett is a Renowned neuroscientist. By reading her book, you get to understand where brains originate, and their structure. Also covered in this book is how the different brains work together to bring about feelings and sensation.

Hidden Habits of Genius: Beyond Talent IQ and Grit Unlocking the Secrets of Greatness by Craig Wright

The author of this book, professor Craig Wright is also the creator the Genius Course at Yale University. In his book, the professor digs deeper into the 14 traits of geniuses, some of which include maladjustment to obsession and curiosity. From reading the book, you get to understand how you can learn from the brilliant minds that revolutionized the world.

To wrap up, there are so many good books and we just selected a few that would be a major source of knowledge. If you are looking to increase your levels of knowledge on major areas of life, why not try out some of these amazing books?

The Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books of the Year (So Far)

Book Recommendation: The Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books in 2021

The year 2021 has come with new exciting and mind-blowing sci-fi and fantasy books. Readers who love to escape into the world of fantasy are in for a real treat this year. Renowned and upcoming authors have launched amazing books that promise to ensure their avid readers are transported to the wild world of imagination. Readers won’t miss something that suits their fancy, from stories of strange cults, interstellar adventures, fantastical robots, fantasy wonderlands, and much more.

Here are some of the best and most recommended Sci-Fi and Fantasy books this year:

1. Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon

The story is about a young pregnant woman named Vern. She makes a desperate attempt to flee the Blessed Acres of Cain, the cult that she has lived in all her life. She retreats deep into a forest and soon has twins. She spends the next four years raising them away from the outside world. But there’s something in the forest that still hunts them… Find out more by buying the book on Amazon or read the excerpt here.

2. The Doors of Eden by Adrian Tchaikovsky

This happens to be a standalone adventure set in the world of MI5 investigations and in the depths of Bodmin Moor. Following an attack on a government physicist, rumors of monsters, and missing people, the British security forces investigate. When they discover cracks between our world and countless others, it shatters everything they previously thought about the universe. This amazing book is available for your reading pleasure, buy it on Amazon and enjoy!

3. The House of Always by Jenn Lyons

The author had done yet another great job in building a fantasy world. As the novel starts, the Eight Immortals have completely failed to stop Kihrin’s enemies, who are moving forward with their plans to free Vol Karoth, the King of Demons. Kirin has his own ideas about how to fight back, but even if he’s willing to sacrifice everything for victory, the cost may prove too high for his allies. They are faced with choices; to save the world and Kihrin or watch him as he becomes the exact evil they had sworn to destroy. Get the full story when you buy the book on Amazon.

4. Hard Reboot by Django Wexler

For readers who love the sound of giant robots smashing one another, this is it! Zychtykas is conned by Zhi Zero (a robot pilot) of her research budget while on a fact-finding mission to old Earth. To recover her money, she uses her knowledge of ancient Earth technology to rebuild an old battle robot to help Zhi fight hated competitors in the next battle. Buy this book on Amazon.

5. She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

The author took us to China in 1345. At the time, the country is ruled by Mongols. In the Central Plains, under those tough conditions, a boy named Zhu Chongba has been preordained for greatness. His unnamed sister pushed off to the side. When their father is killed, and Zhu dies of despair, she takes up his identity. She builds her own path and plans to fulfill her brother’s lost potential. Buy this book on Amazon and enjoy her fantastic story.

Philanthropy Today: Bigger Gifts Given to Smaller Regions

The early 1980s ushered in a second Gilded Age, which resulted in the minting of a number of new millionaires and billionaires in the tech and finance industry. Whereas once a great deal of wealth was concentrated into a few major metropolitan areas such as New York, Boston, Chicago and the Bay Area, the second Gilded Age saw vast pockets of wealth is distributed more evenly across the country.

This wealth distribution led to a very interesting trend occurring in US philanthropy right now. In the past, major philanthropic contributions have largely gone to charities and organizations located in major metropolitan centers. Generally, the same places all the wealth was located. Now, with wealthy individuals being spread across the country, more and more philanthropic giving is happening in smaller urban centers and even rural areas.

Distribution of wealth = distribution of philanthropy

While the Forbes 400 list is home to more than enough billionaires who came into money as a result of more traditional industries like real estate, healthcare, energy, manufacturing or hospitality, they aren’t all centrally located into a few small regions like days gone by. For instance, Colorado is home to a whopping 10 billionaires cloistered within the state’s small borders, while Wisconsin boasts 8 and even the meagerly populated state of Arizona shelters another 6.

While billionaires, of course, have more than their fair share of philanthropic dollars to spread around, they are of course not the only individuals capable of creating real change with their financial largesse. In a report published by Wealth-X last year, there were in excess of 73,000 individuals of “ultra-net-worth.” According to the report, “ultra-net-worth” was defined as people possessing liquid assets in excess of $30 million. While the largest concentrations of these people were still found in the more traditional affluent cities of Los Angeles and New York, there were plenty of individuals populating smaller urban centers in less populous states such as Arizona, Minnesota and Michigan.

This distribution of wealth goes a long way towards explaining how so many smaller universities and regional cultural institutions are suddenly finding themselves the beneficiaries of some major contributions and raising money in record amounts. For instance, out of the 20 universities that received the most donations in 2017, 3 of them were state universities in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.

Small players becoming national powerhouses

North Carolina, in particular, has seen a steep influx of wealthy residents moving in. This is in part thanks to the developing Research Triangle centered around the Raleigh-Durham and Chapel Hill region, but Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have also become a major financial center. One analysis showed that between the period of 2015 to 2015, the population of Mecklenburg residents with an annual income exceeding $1 million increased by 27 percent.

This sudden influx of wealth goes a long way towards explaining why the charitable Foundation For The Carolinas (FFTC) has suddenly become one of the biggest philanthropic powerhouses capable of competing on a national level. Established in 1958 on the basis of a $3,000 gift from the United Way, the tiny little local foundation that could has developed into a mighty locomotive boasting a whopping $2.5 billion in assets in 2017.

New strategies for the 21st Century

Some of this is due to the influx of wealth into the region but it also has to do with the strategy the foundation has used for getting that wealth in the door. About 5 years ago, the funder strayed from seeking the traditional donations of cash, stocks and real-estate and instead began to focus on local business owners who wanted to help their communities while still running their businesses. One example of this is a developer from Charlotte who started a sub-foundation through FFTC called the Crossland Foundation that is subsidized through the profits from his business.

Subsidiary foundations are making a huge difference, but not just with aging donors looking to make an impact before they retire or a way to contribute after retirement. Even young companies like MapAnything are creating small subsidiary foundations and pledging percentages of their equity to them. In 2017, nearly 29,000 grants were issued by the FFTC, with more than $420 million of funding going out the door. Their assets gained them a 6th place position on the list of largest community foundations, but their grants and contributions earned them a 2nd place on that list.

Small regional affiliate foundations help distribute grants and funding

Part of their success lies in their system of distributing resources via 13 regional affiliate foundations that concentrate their efforts on smaller cities and counties throughout the area. One of their most notable endeavors involved creating and funding the Opportunity Task Force to address some of the foundational issues that drove social tensions in the area following the fatal police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott in 2016. logan sekulow

Regardless of whether you reside anywhere in or near the Carolinas, the FTTC is a foundation worth watching. The FTTC serves counties located in both North and South Carolina and is one of only a few such institutions that can boast such a successful track record leading to its phenomenal growth rate. Grants are awarded in such diverse areas as education, animal welfare, disaster relief, environmental concerns and even to religious institutions. The foundation manages dozens of competitive grant programs in addition to the charitable funds of more than 2,600 individuals, families, businesses and non-profits.

10 Podcasts You Should Be Listening to as an Actor

10 Podcasts You Should Be Listening to as an Actor

As podcasts continue to skyrocket in popularity, more and more of these listening entertainment options are hitting the market space each month. The challenging part now is deciding which podcasts are worth the time and effort investment. As a busy actor, you might often feel pressed for time. Here are ten podcasts that actors should check out for both entertainment and informational purposes:

BROADWAY’S BACKBONE

Host Brad Bradley delves deep into the unsung heroes of any Broadway production by interviewing the ensemble cast, chorus members, and dancers that give life to any show.

HOLLYWOOD HUSTLE

With a purpose of inspiring its listeners, this podcast brings the struggles of those in the industry into focus through a series of interviews with those on their way up the career ladder.

THE YOUNG ACTOR’S GUIDE

Hosted by casting director and mom Dana Bowling, this informative podcast is ideal for parents and young kids looking for advice on navigating this often overwhelming yet exciting journey.

HOLLYWOOD CLOSE-UP

This empowering podcast focuses on providing practical advice and inspiration for creating your own career path in this complicated industry.

THEATER PEOPLE

Host Patrick Hinds uses his extensive podcast work experience to bring to light the extraordinary lives of Broadway performers. This show boasts a myriad of full-length interviews with a host of theater legends and Tony Award winners.

IN THE ENVELOPE

Focused on both the big screen and the Broadway stage, this podcast delivers a variety of interviews of some of the most famous names in the business. The inspirational edge will leave listeners feeling like they are not in this alone.

SOUND ADVICE

Hands-down the best podcast for those looking to break into the voiceover market, this show focuses on the current trends and instructional advice for the industry and how you can make the most of any opportunity.

LIVING THE DREAM

Tony-nominated actor Rory O’Malley hosts this light-hearted and funny show about how to keep your cool in this field. O’Malley brings in his acting industry friends to share insights and stories guaranteed to make you smile.

CINEMA AFTER DARK

With a focus on the independent film industry, this podcast looks at this often ignored subset of the field. Host Max Cole uses his expertise in independent filmmaking to bring to light stories from the industry in a way that connects with listeners.

THAT ONE AUDITION WITH ALYSHIA OCHSE

Producer and actress Alyshia Ochse interviews a bevy of Hollywood insiders who reveal their real-life audition stories. This candid and humorous podcast can be counted on to make you laugh while also giving you practical advice about making the most of any audition opportunity.

Logan Sekulow is a renowned producer and director.

7 Movies That Didn’t, But Should Have, Won an Oscar

7 Movies That Didn't, But Should Have, Won an Oscar

Many critically acclaimed films never won an Oscar in any category. Many of these same movies were also very popular with audiences as well. Here are 7 movies that never won an Oscar, but probably should have:

1. The Shawshank Redemption

This 1994 film based on a novella by Stephen King tells the story of a banker who is sent to prison for a murder that he did not commit. The film actually received 7 Oscar nominations, but it did not win any. Though it was eventually recognized by the National Film Registry as being a significant film.

2. Fight Club

This classic 1999 film was based on a critically acclaimed novel by Chuck Palahniuk. The movie, which is about a group of men trying to find purpose in their lives through extreme violence, was also popular with both critics and audiences. But it was only able to garner a single Oscar nomination for Best Sound Effects Editing, which it lost.

3. A Clockwork Orange

In 1971, this Stanley Kubrick film about a violent gang of youth living in a futuristic dystopia shocked audiences and critics alike, much as the novel by Anthony Burgess had years earlier. While the movie was a big success and gathered 4 Oscar nominations, it failed to win any of them. But it would remain a cult classic decades after its release.

4. Psycho

In 1960, well before there was a Freddy Krueger or a Jason Voorhees, there was Norman Bates. Based on a book, which in turn was based on a real-life killer, this movie singlehandedly created the slasher genre. It also was able to avoid the censors, who at the time placed strict controls on sex and violence in films. Though while it did get nominated for 4 Oscars, it won none of them.

5. Wolf of Wall Street

This 2013 Martin Scorsese film starring Leonardo DiCaprio is based on the true story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, and it chronicles corruption and deceit in the financial industry. The movie was a huge commercial success, and it was popular with critics as well. But it was not as popular with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. While they gave the film 5 Oscar nominations, it did not win any.

6. The Prestige

Based on a 1995 novel by Christopher Priest, this 2006 film told the story of two competing magicians, played by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. Like other movies in this list, it was popular with both critics and moviegoers. But it only got 2 Oscar nominations, and it did not win either one.

7. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

This 1986 teen classic starring Matthew Broderick won the hearts of a diverse group of fans that included both Kurt Cobain and former Vice President Dan Quayle. It was also popular with critics. But not only did it not win any Oscars, but it was also not even nominated for one.

Logan Sekulow is a renowned producer and director.

15 Famous Actors Who Turned Down Superhero Roles

15 Famous Actors Who Turned Down Superhero Roles

1. Jon Hamm as Green Lantern

Jon Hamm is a huge fan of superhero movies but bluntly passed on the opportunity to portray Green Lantern in the 2011 film, because he was disappointed with the direction in which the studios were taking them.

2. Tom Cruise as Iron Man

Tom Cruise has praised Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal of Iron Man, saying he was the perfect match for the role of Tony Stark and despite persistent rumors, he was never close to obtaining the part.

3. Matt Damon as Daredevil

Childhood pals Ben Affleck and Matt Damon were both eager for a shot at the main role in “Daredevil.” Damon ultimately ended up passing after getting a look at the subpar script.

4. Kate Beckinsale as Wonder Woman

Although Beckinsale was considered for the role of Diana Prince in “Wonder Woman,” she ultimately declined. She delicately implied the script was lacking and stated her days of wearing skin tight costumes are at an end.

5. Pierce Brosnan as Batman

Before he was enjoying a shaken martini as Bond, Brosnan was offered the role of Batman in the Tim Burton franchise. He mistakenly thought the movie would be a cheesy superhero flick and wanted to take on more serious films.

6. Emily Blunt as Black Widow

This British star regrets having to turn down the part of Black Widow in 2009. She had already committed to “Gulliver’s Travels” with Jack Black.

7. Josh Hartnett as Spider-Man

Early in his career, Hartnett was offered the role of Spider-man. He turned it down due to fear that he would be typecast as a superhero character.

8. Amandla Stenberg as Shuri

Shuri, Princess of Wakanda is a prime role from “Black Panther” turned down by Stenberg after much thought. She felt her skin was too light for the role, and it would detract from the film.

9. Brie Larson as Captain Marvel

Not eager for the limelight this role would bring, Larson turned down the offer to be Captain Marvel in the 2015 film “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” She later had a change of heart and will play the part in 2019.

10. Paul Newman as Lex Luthor

Newman was in good company when he refused a four million dollar offer to play Lex Luthor in the 1978 “Superman” film. Al Pacino, Burt Reynolds and Robert Redford also declined to be in the film.

11. Leonardo DiCaprio as Spider-Man

While DiCaprio does not think the part of Spider-Man would have impacted the trajectory of his career, he felt he was not yet ready to take on the role when it was offered to him by James Cameron.

12. Jessica Chastain as The Wasp

Chastain was very interested in becoming part of a superhero franchise, but when she was offered the role of The Wasp, the amount of screen time was not enough for her.

13. Heath Ledger as Batman

Though Ledger did appear as The Joker in the “Batman” sequel, he originally was not compelled enough by the series to accept the role of Batman.

14. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Star-Lord

Gordon-Levitt would later regret turning down the part of Star-Lord to appear in the unsuccessful “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.”

15. Will Smith as Superman

The 2006 film, “Superman Returns” almost featured Smith in the starring role. He turned it down because he feared fans would be upset at a Superman with darker skin.

Logan Sekulow is a renowned producer and director.

The 10 Best Thanksgiving Movies of All Time

The 10 Best Thanksgiving Movies of All Time

Thanksgiving is one of the most enjoyed holidays in the United States. Along with the tradition of these holidays comes a variety of great Thanksgiving-themed movies. There are ten in particular that continue to be favorite’s decades after they were released.

Addams Family Values

The Addams Family is one of the most iconic fictional television families. In this move, the family tries to cope with the unique Thanksgiving holiday in their picturesque suburban. They also put their own spin on the big day.

The Big Chill

This melodramatic film shows a group of college friends that are gathering together following the funeral of one of their own. It takes place around the Thanksgiving holiday, which uses the holiday as the backdrop.

Planes Trains and Automobiles

This is a classic comedy movie starring Steve Martin and John Candy. It features the two men playing polar opposite characters that find themselves stranded from home during the holidays. The two men then go through a hilarious trip as they try to make their way home for the holidays.

Home for the Holidays

In this film, you will get to see a great cast that includes Jodie Foster and Robert Downey Jr. It showcases has a family can truly come together for the Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy spending time together even after some difficult times in their past.

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

One of the most classic children’s movies of all time is Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. In Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, the title character and his friends learn all about the history of the holiday and even start their own traditions.

Beethoven

This is a Thanksgiving movie staple that is perfect for families. In this movie, a family that feels like they are being torn apart adopt a new dog, which helps to bring them back together. It is full of laughter and is a feel-good movie for anyone with young children.

Avalon

Family gathering is one of the best parts of getting together for Thanksgiving. In Avalon, a family gathers at their New York home to celebrate the holiday. However, there is an incredible amount of suspense and drama as the family deals with their past together.

Scent of a Woman

This award-nominated movie features Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro. In the film, the two famous actors put on a performance of a lifetime. This takes place during the start of the holiday season with Thanksgiving as a backdrop.

Dutch

This movie stars Ed O’Neil who is tasked by his new girlfriend with brining her teenage son home from prep school for the Thanksgiving holiday. In this film, you get to watch as the two actors start out at odds with one another. However, after a great adventure they soon grow much closer.

The New World

This film stars Colin Farrell as Captain John Smith. It also shows the first few years in which the Pilgrims and Native Americans meet one another. It also shows the first ever Thanksgiving holiday between the two groups of people.

Logan Sekulow is a successful producer and director known for relaunching the popular studio known as Laugh-O-Gram studios.