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Zoe Saldana arrives at the U.S. premiere of

‘Avatar 2’ makes waves with $134 million domestic debut

Lindsey Bahr, The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022

“ Avatar: The Way of Water ” didn’t make quite as big of a splash as many assumed it would, but James Cameron’s big budget spectacle still helped breathe life into the box office this weekend. The sequel earned $134 million from North American theaters and $300.5 million internationally for a $434.5 million global debut, according to studio estimates on Sunday.

It tied with “The Batman” as the fourth highest domestic debut of the year, behind “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” ( $187.4 million in May ), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” ( $181 million in November ) and “Thor: Love and Thunder” ($144.2 million in July).

Expectations were enormous for “Avatar 2,” which carried a reported price tag of over $350 million, the pressure of following up the highest grossing film of all time (thanks in part to various re-releases) over a decade later and the daunting task of propping up an exhibition business that’s still far from normal. Everything “Avatar” is oversized, though: the Na’vi characters, the runtime (a staggering three hours and 12 minutes), the technical advancements and the release strategy from 20th Century Studios and The Walt Disney Co.

Going into the weekend many were expecting a domestic debut of at least $150 million. Some even said $175 or higher, but tracking has also not been as reliable a metric during the pandemic.

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Paid-by-the-page ebook subscription model a boon for genre writers

Nicole Thompson, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Paid-by-the-page ebook subscription model a boon for genre writers

Nicole Thompson, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022

Though her knitwear patterns had previously been published in books and magazines, Reagan Davis was ready to spin a different kind of yarn.

A longtime fan of the cozy mystery — wholesome whodunits more in the vein of Agatha Christie than John Grisham — the Ontario-based Davis decided to self-publish the first three books in her "Knitorious Murder Mysteries" series.

Three years and 12 entries later, the series has found an audience, mostly through Kindle Unlimited (KU), a subscription service that offers readers access to hundreds of thousands of ebooks for $10 per month.

"Cozy mystery readers are enthusiastic readers. They read a lot," Davis, who writes under a pseudonym, said. "It's not at all a competitive community. My fellow cozy authors, we all support each other, we all promote each other's books, because we all appeal to the same people."

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Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022

Grocery shoplifting on the rise in Canada amid inflation, industry insiders say

Sharif Hassan, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Grocery shoplifting on the rise in Canada amid inflation, industry insiders say

Sharif Hassan, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

Shoplifting has surged to an alarming level across Canada, industry insiders say, with inflation and labour shortages cited as major factors behind the increase.

The uptick has triggered concern among Canadian grocers even as the rise in food prices helps pad their bottom lines. Grocery prices were up 11 per cent year-over-year in October and they're not expected to ease any time soon. The total cost of groceries for a family of four is expected to be $1,065 more than it was this year, according to the most recent edition of Canada's Food Price Report.

Inflation in food prices is one of the main drivers pushing more people to steal, says Sylvain Charlebois, senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

“There is a correlation between the two, absolutely. Theft is an ongoing issue. But the intensity actually does increase when food prices go up," he said, noting that meat and dairy products are the top two stolen items.

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Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

People shop in the produce area at a Loblaws store in Toronto on May 3, 2018. Shoplifting has surged to an alarming level across Canada, industry insiders say, with inflation and labour shortages cited as major factors behind the increase.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

As politicians played inflation blame game in 2022, what really drove rising prices?

Nojoud Al Mallees, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

As politicians played inflation blame game in 2022, what really drove rising prices?

Nojoud Al Mallees, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

OTTAWA - Some called it "Justinflation." Others called it "greedflation."

But reality might be a lot less catchy than the wordplay that has taken off in Canadian politics this year.

After enjoying decades of a relatively low and stable inflation rate, Canadians spent 2022 grappling with the highest levels of inflation seen in nearly 40 years.

With the rising cost of living exacerbating pre-existing affordability concerns,politicians raced to point fingers at what — or who — they thought was really causing the problem.

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Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

People shop in a grocery store in Montreal, Wednesday, November 16, 2022. After enjoying decades of a relatively low and stable inflation rate, Canadians spent 2022 grappling with the highest levels of inflation seen in nearly 40 years. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Friendly rivals: with EV tensions in past, Canada poised to compete with biggest ally

James McCarten, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Friendly rivals: with EV tensions in past, Canada poised to compete with biggest ally

James McCarten, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

WASHINGTON - Friends, partners, allies — and rivals.

With cross-border auto tensions now in the rear-view mirror, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is talking about Canada's next big bilateral challenge: head-to-head economic competition with the United States.

From a Canadian perspective, the first two years of President Joe Biden's term were all about countering a persistent bout of U.S. protectionism by preaching the virtues of trade between like-minded partners.

Something sank in. Biden's panic-inducing plan to energize electric-vehicle sales brought Canada and Mexico into the tent at the 11th hour. And Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen even coined a new term — "friend-shoring" — to placate America's anxious allies.

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Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the General Motors CAMI production plant in Ingersoll, Ont., on Monday, December 5, 2022. With cross-border auto tensions now in the rear-view mirror, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is talking about Canada’s next big bilateral challenge: head-to-head economic competition with the United States.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne

alpha brand Plant-Based Breakfast Sandwich recalled over undeclared milk

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for alpha brand Plant-Based Breakfast Sandwich -- meatless sausage because the product contains milk that is not listed on the label.

The sandwich was sold in 156g packages across Canada.

The recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency test results.

The agency says further recalls may be announced as it continues a food safety investigation.

Q&A: Bethenny Frankel on giving advice on all platforms

Brooke Lefferts, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Q&A: Bethenny Frankel on giving advice on all platforms

Brooke Lefferts, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

NEW YORK (AP) — Bethenny Frankel has never been shy about offering her opinion, but lately, giving advice has become her business. The reality TV star and producer, entrepreneur, and bestselling author has a new CNBC show, “Money Court,” where she and co-host Kevin O’Leary hear business dilemmas and come up with solutions.

On the show, Frankel and O’Leary hear disputes or problems in small businesses, including pricing strategies, work culture issues and ways to expand. The hosts make a ruling on the best way to proceed. Frankel has also recently built a large following on her Instagram feed for her brutally honest posts about food and beauty products. On the same day, she could be testing who makes the best pasta sauce, and whether a high-end end night cream is better than a drugstore brand.

Frankel, who may be best known for her role in the Bravo reality series “Real Housewives of New York City,'' recently talked to The Associated Press about her new hosting duties, social feeds and advising her daughter. Answers have been abbreviated for clarity and brevity.

AP: You and Kevin have strong personalities. How do you get along?

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Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

This image released by CNBC shows Kevin O'Leary, left, and Bethenny Frankel, hosts of the the financial show

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New this week: Mariah Carey special, ‘Maverick,’ ‘Best Man’

The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

New this week: Mariah Carey special, ‘Maverick,’ ‘Best Man’

The Associated Press 5 minute read Monday, Dec. 19, 2022

Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week.

MOVIES

— At long last, “Top Gun: Maverick” is coming to a streaming hub. The biggest film of the year is gearing up to land on Paramount+ as of Thursday after its high-flying run in theaters in which it became the highest grossing film of the year with over $1.4 billion in worldwide ticket sales. In the unlikely chance you’ve been holding out for this moment to finally watch the film which finds Tom Cruise back in the cockpit, the AP’s Mark Kennedy, in his review, wrote that "Top Gun: Maverick" is "a textbook example of how to make a sequel.”

— Netflix also saved a big gun for the holiday corridor with Rian Johnson’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” hitting the service on Friday, Dec. 23. The crowd-pleasing whodunnit brings back Daniel Craig’s honey-voiced detective Benoit Blanc and puts him on a private Greek island with a group of self-styled disruptors to solve a new mystery (what the mystery is is even part of the mystery this time). The star-studded cast includes Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kate Hudson and Dave Bautista. With its wealthy protagonists, intrigue and enviable vacation fashions, it’s a terrific chaser for those mourning the loss “White Lotus” season 2.

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Monday, Dec. 19, 2022

Shell Canada snapping up gas stations in preparation for energy transition

Amanda Stephenson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Shell Canada snapping up gas stations in preparation for energy transition

Amanda Stephenson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

CALGARY - After announcing its purchase of 56 gas stations from the parent company of Sobeys Thursday, Shell Canada is on the lookout for other potential acquisitions as it seeks to grow its retail fuel footprint across the country.

“We’re always looking," said Kent Martin, general manager of mobility for the Canadian subsidiary of British energy giant Shell plc, in an interview.

"If there’s other sites and other networks that are a good fit not only for the Shell mobility business but our integrated business, we certainly are looking at those."

Shell Canada and Sobeys parent Empire Co. Ltd. announced Thursday Shell's acquisition of 56 Empire-owned gas stations in Western Canada, for about $100 million in cash.

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Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

Motorists fuel up vehicles at a Shell gas station in Vancouver, on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Shell Canada says its purchase of 56 gas stations from the parent company of Sobeys is part of Shell's long-term plan to grow its network of retail fuel stations across the country.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Six-month COVID-19 vaccine delay would have cost $156B: study

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Six-month COVID-19 vaccine delay would have cost $156B: study

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

A study from the C.D. Howe Institute estimates Canada would have lost $156 billion in economic activity in 2021 had COVID-19 vaccines been rolled out six months later than they were.

That would have been equivalent to about 12.5 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product.

“The results show that vaccination was highly beneficial to population health and also cost-effective from an economic perspective,” the think tank said in a report released Thursday.

Rosalie Wyonch, a senior policy analyst and author of the report, said vaccines were effective at reducing the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths. There were also much larger benefits on the broader economy, she added.

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Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

A person draws out a vaccine in Kingston, Ont., on Sunday Jan. 2, 2022. A study from the C.D. Howe Institute estimates Canada would have lost $156 billion in economic activity in 2021 had COVID-19 vaccines been rolled out six months later than they were. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lars Hagberg

Taynton Bay Spirits pickle vodka recalled over high levels of copper

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for Taynton Bay Spirits pickle vodka due to high levels of copper.

The affected product was sold in 750 millilitre bottles in British Columbia, Alberta and online.

It may also have been distributed nationally.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says there have been illnesses reported with the product.

Financial intelligence agency tracking signs of homegrown terrorism financing

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Financial intelligence agency tracking signs of homegrown terrorism financing

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

OTTAWA - Efforts by Canada's financial intelligence agency over the last three years uncovered activity related to homegrown terrorism, the bankrolling of international terrorist groups and attempts by Canadians to take part in extremism abroad.

Those three main themes emerge from the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada's review of its intelligence disclosures to police and security agencies from January 2019 to October 2022 related to the funding of terrorist activity.

The federal centre, known as Fintrac, is drawing on the analysis to help banks and others that handle large sums to better spot shady transactions linked to terrorism.

For instance, Fintrac says in a newly published operational alert, transaction details might include references to words, phrases or numbers linked to violent extremist groups or symbols.

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Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah speaks via a video link during a rally marking Hezbollah Martyr's Day, in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh, Lebanon, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Bilal Hussein

Everland brand organic coconut chocolate bark recalled over undeclared milk

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for Everland brand organic coconut chocolate bark because the candy contains milk that is not listed on the label.

The affected product was sold in 113g packages in British Columbia, Alberta and online.

The recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency test results.

The agency says further recalls may be announced as it continues a food safety investigation.

TC Energy opens segment of Keystone pipeline; oil spill cleanup continues

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

TC Energy opens segment of Keystone pipeline; oil spill cleanup continues

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

CALGARY - TC Energy Corp. says it has restarted the section of the Keystone pipeline that was unaffected by last week's oil leak in Kansas.

The Calgary-based company says the restarted segment of pipeline extends from Hardisty, Alta., to Patoka, Ill.

The portion of the pipeline affected by the spill remains shut down.

The Keystone pipeline suffered the worst leak in its history last week when about 14,000 barrels of oil spilled into a creek in Washington County, Kan.

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Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

In this photo taken by a drone, cleanup continues in the area where the ruptured Keystone pipeline dumped oil into a creek in Washington County, Kan., Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. TC Energy Corp. says it has restarted the section of the Keystone pipeline that was unaffected by last week's oil leak.THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, DroneBase

N7 Energy pleads guilty to disturbing creek bed without prior approval

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

CALGARY - The Alberta Energy Regulator says N7 Energy Ltd. has pled guilty to violating the province's Water Act.

The regulator says it laid the charge against the Calgary-based oil and gas company in August 2022.

According to an agreed statement of facts, in August 2020, N7 Energy started construction activity at a bridge over a creek near Swan Hills, Alta. without prior approval from the regulator.

At the time the work was carried out, the creek was in a restricted activity period designed to protect fish populations during migration and spawning.

God of War, Wordle lead a bumpy year in video games

Lou Kesten, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

God of War, Wordle lead a bumpy year in video games

Lou Kesten, The Associated Press 6 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

It's been a bumpy year for video games, in part thanks to the ongoing repercussions of the pandemic. Some major releases got delayed (2023 could be a doozy), but enough crossed the finish line to keep gamers happy. Indie developers held up their end, delivering innovative challenges and fascinating stories. Here are the games we enjoyed the most in 2022:

1. God of War: Ragnarök: The latest chapter in the saga of surly Spartan warrior Kratos delivers everything you could ask for in a AAA Sony PlayStation blockbuster. There's bone-crushing combat against awe-inspiring mythical monsters. There are clever environmental puzzles to solve when you need a break from the mayhem. There's a surprisingly moving story about fatherhood, regret and the battle between fate and free will. And there's the year's best voice performance, by Richard Schiff (Toby from “The West Wing”!) as a droll, manipulative Odin. Epic in every way.

2. Wordle: On the other end of the spectrum is this simple yet seductive word and logic game that you can play in a few minutes while you're eating breakfast. Created by software engineer Josh Wardle for his partner's amusement, Wordle became a phenomenon when he added the ability for players to share their successes (and failures) on social media. Some fans groused when Wardle sold his creation to The New York Times for a reported seven-figure payday, but it remains a tasty daily snack for language lovers.

3. Horizon: Forbidden West: Back to the epic. Sony's other big release of 2022 is this sprawling postapocalyptic adventure. In 2017's “Horizon: Zero Dawn,” fearless heroine Aloy discovered why civilization collapsed; now she has to stop a mysterious enemy from wiping out humanity for good. The result is a spirited journey across an often breathtaking American West, where the robotic buffalo roam while our descendants patiently try to rebuild culture from the mess we've created.

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Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

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