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Timothée Chalamet sings in ‘SNL’ monologue to celebrate the strike ending and the return of ‘shameless self-promotion’

“Come with me and you’ll be in a world of shameless self-promotion,” the actor sang during his opening monologue on the sketch comedy show.

 

 

To kick off Saturday Night Live, Timothée Chalamet remixed “Pure Imagination,” the iconic song from 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, to celebrate the 118-day actors strike ending and being able to talk about his film projects again.

 

 

During his opening monologue, the actor, who is set to star in the upcoming film Wonka, said he felt lucky to be hosting after the SAG-AFTRA strike ended. The union reached a tentative deal with studios and streamers earlier in the week.

 

“Up until two days ago, and I know this is what we were all thinking about, actors couldn’t talk about their movies,” he said. “The only thing I was allowed to talk about is that I have a commercial coming out. It’s an ad for a perfume, directed by Martin Scorsese.”

 

Chalamet took full advantage of his ability to promote his latest movie, the upcoming movie musical, “Wonka,” following the conclusion of the 118-day SAG-AFTRA strike, which had prohibited actors from promoting any work for the studios.

 

“Now let me tell you, when you get that call that Martin Scorsese wants to direct you, the first thing you think is man, I really hope it’s a perfume commercial,” Chalamet quipped.

 

But since the strike is over, “It’s like we’re all returning to this magical world where actors can once again talk about their projects,” the actor said as the melody to “Pure Imagination” started to play.

 

“Come with me and you’ll be in a world of shameless self-promotion,” Chalamet sings, referencing the song’s original lyrics with a twist. “It’s OK, I can say … that my new film Wonka is out in theaters December 15th.”

 

He continued singing, “If you want to view a 3 1/2-hour film, go see Killers of the Flower Moon, or just wait for part two of Dune. Just make sure before to use the bathroom.”

 

Chalamet went on to sit in the audience to talk about how “refreshing” it is “to be here amongst real human beings” after spending 118 days thinking about artificial intelligence, since it was one of the key points in SAG-AFTRA’s contract negotiations.

 

“But thanks to the new SAG deal, TV shows can’t just use AI to make it look like a crowd is bigger than it actually is. Isn’t that right, people in the bleachers?” he asked as the screen displayed oddly looking AI-generated people sitting in the stands.

 

Chalamet continued, “Look, the really important thing is the return of America’s favorite industry: Hollywood.”

 

But as he starts to break out in song again, SNL castmember Marcello Hernandez interrupts Chalamet on stage to remind the actor of all the things that have in common, especially their baby faces. The duo proceeds to start rapping to an “I got a baby face” song. Punkie Johnson as Nicki Minaj and Kenan Thompson as himself also later joined in on the rap.

 

 

Later on SNL, different celebrities auditioned to voice the audiobook for Britney Spears’ new memoir The Woman in Me. While Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams is the actual voice reading the audiobook, some SNL castmembers doing celebrity impressions jumped at the chance to audition during the pre-taped sketch.

 

Chloe Fineman’s Spears kicked off the segment, while other stars prepared for their audition to be the reader of the popstar’s book, including Heidi Gardner’s Allison Janney, Chloe Fineman’s Chalamet, Mikey Day’s Steve-O, Chalamet’s Scorsese, Sarah Sherman’s John Mulaney, Molly Kearney’s Kevin James, Fineman’s Natasha Lyonne, Bowen Yang’s Fred Schneider, Fineman’s Julia Fox, Ego Nwodim’s Jada Pinkett Smith and more.

 

The Nov. 11 episode was Chalamet’s second time hosting the sketch comedy show, and he was joined by musical guest boygenius.

 

 

 

 

— Variety

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Business International & World News Now! Regulations & Security Science Technology

An in-depth look at a covert Russian operation to get dual-use specialist microchips, which are protected by EU export controls, into the hands of the state

—  A rare look inside a covert Russian-led operation to get strategic technology protected by European export controls into the hands of the state

 

 

Financial Times:

 

As their yacht bobbed on the Mediterranean in July 2021, Marc Rocchi snapped a picture of the slightly doughy Russian man in baggy swimming trunks, dozing with his head propped against the helm. The French businessman would later say that he only knew the Russian by his first name, Maxim.

 

But he knew the purchases Maxim had been making for years had been essential to the survival of Ommic, a French microchip manufacturer of which Rocchi was then director-general.  Desperate to keep the flow of chips moving, just a few months earlier Rocchi had flown to Greece to hand-deliver Maxim a shipment of 230 microchips — €45,000 worth. Maxim had, at one point, offered Rocchi “cash and women.” But Rocchi said he declined — he needed Maxim’s business to keep Ommic afloat.

 

Rocchi always knew his business partner was buying microchips on behalf of a Russian state enterprise, and that Maxim used a network of intermediaries to get them out of France and into Russia. And he also knew Maxim was working on behalf of Istok, which Rocchi described as a state research body. Istok is in fact a state-owned technology company that makes electronic warfare systems for the Russian military.

 

Today, Ommic has closed and Rocchi is awaiting trial in France, having been indicted in March. He denies charges of sending secrets to a foreign power that could harm the national interest, exporting dual-use goods to Russia, and submitting false documents.  According to sources familiar with the investigation, Rocchi has previously argued to police that the goods and information sent by Ommic were not subject to controls, disputed that sensitive information was ever sent abroad and said that other people were responsible for any false documents. He has declined to comment to the Financial Times.

 

The photograph was a rare slip in what appears to be a decades-long Russian intelligence operation. The man pictured, Maxim Ermakov, has been sanctioned by the US and UK governments in the past fortnight as part of a major crackdown on the networks that Moscow’s intelligence services use to procure advanced western technology for President Vladimir Putin’s war machine. He did not respond to a request to comment. This rare account of the activities of such a network illustrates how difficult it is for western governments to tackle Russian state smuggling operations, and prevent western technology from being used by Russian industry and the military.

 

Specialist microchips, such as the high-performance gallium nitride and gallium arsenide-integrated circuit boards that Ommic made, are vital to Russian defence manufacturers such as Istok. According to Le Parisien, a senior French defence official told investigators that the chips were a “sensitive, strategic technology”

 

Marc Rocchi being interviewed at a convention in China in 2018 © YouTube
Eoin Sugrue, left, and his brother Denis, in Limerick, Ireland, in 1983. Both brothers have links to Maxim Ermakov © public domain sourced / access rights from WS Collection / Alamy Stock Photo

 

 

Read more here:

An in-depth look at a covert Russian operation to get dual-use specialist microchips, which are protected by EU export controls, into the hands of the state

 

 

 

— Techmeme

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Culture Government Local News Programs & Events Regulations & Security

Deer management underway at 3 County park facilities

The Mercer County Park Commission is conducting deer management at Mercer County Park, Mercer Meadows and Baldpate Mountain.

This program is a method for reducing the overabundant deer herd in the greater Mercer County region.

Bow hunting, which began at all parks Sept. 9, and will take place Monday through Saturday until Feb. 17. The parks will remain open when only bow hunting is being performed.

Firearm hunting will occur at Baldpate Mountain and the area north of Lake Mercer at Mercer County Park beginning Monday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 9, and every Wednesday through Saturday thereafter through Feb. 10. The parks/regions will be closed to the public when firearms are in use. There will be no hunting on Sunday.

Hunting is only permitted by those who have applied for and met all the requirements to participate in the program.

Read more.

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Culture Lifestyle Local News Sports & Gaming

Lace up your skates! Mercer rink skating season in progress

Mercer County’s public ice skating center offers a fun, affordable activity for people of all ages.

Located at Mercer County Park, the Skating Center is open to the public seven days a week during the operating season, which kicked off Oct. 29, 2023.

“Our rink is a treasure where generations of Mercer County residents have learned to skate, gathered with friends and family, or enjoyed watching local hockey teams compete,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.

“Ice skating is a great way for everyone in the family to stay active during the cold winter months.”

Click for information on operating hours and fees. 

 For more information on group lessons, please visit: mercerskatingschool.com/

To obtain a complete public skating schedule, directions or more information, visit www.mercercountyparks.org or call the Skating Center at (609) 371-1766

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Culture Education Government Lifestyle Local News Politics

Historical reflection on Drumthwacket, official residence of the Governor of New Jersey

Sited in Princeton on the land that witnessed the 1777 Princeton battle for American independence, Drumthwacket is the stately home that is today the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey.

Photo credit: Andrew Wilkinson at drumthwacket.org

Drumthwacket is one of the most fabled and elegant of America’s executive residences, and in its history lies the stories for three unique families that made immense contributions to New Jersey’s and America’s history.

The property upon which Drumthwacket stands was once owned by William Penn, the Quaker who founded the colony of Pennsylvania. In 1696, William Olden acquired the property; in 1799 Charles Smith Olden was born in the little white homestead by Stockton Street, called the Thomas Olden House that had been built forty years earlier.

Charles Smith Olden, who gained his wealth in business ventures in New Orleans and an inheritance from an uncle, began construction of Drumthwacket in 1835, possibly using a design by architect Charles Steadman.

For its name, Drumthwacket was the estate of a hero in one of Sir Walter Scott’s popular historical novels, A Legend (of the Wars) of Montrose, published in 1819. It is believed that Gov. Olden gave his new house this Scots-Gaelic name (which means “wooded hill”) upon reading the book.

— Read more at https://drumthwacket.org/about/full-history/

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Business Culture Government Local News Programs & Events

The AACCNJ announces the honorees for the 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Black-Tie Awards Gala

TRENTON, N.J.  — The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the honorees for its Feb. 22, 2024, Black History Month — Black-Tie event — 14thAnnual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian, in Garfield, N.J.

This event will be held from 6 p.m. to  11 p.m.

“Each year during Black History Month, the AACCNJ recognizes a distinguished group of African Americans that have attained a significant level of accomplishment in business, politics, education, community service, sports and entertainment,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM., Founder President & CEO, AACCNJ.

“This distinguished group of honorees represents the best in class in their respective fields and underscores the level of excellence within the Black demographic in the United States, we look forward to your attendance and support.”

Marty Small, mayor of Atlantic City, N.J. (File photo)

The 2024 Gala themed “Leading the Way” is in recognition of the ancestral DNA of African Americans and those who courageously paved the way for past, present, and future generations of Black people in America. This annual Gala provides the platform, on behalf of AACCNJ members and the over 88,000 Black owned businesses in the state of N.J., to continue to increase the visibility of their businesses.

The AACCNJ will recognize the following individuals for their service and accomplishments in their respective fields:

Keith D. Wright, PhD.

Director, Business Diversity Operations

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Port Authority of NY & NJ

 

“In Keith’s role as Director, Business Diversity Operations, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Port Authority of NY&NJ, he is one of the prominent voices of the PANYNJ,” said John E. Harmon, Sr.

“We appreciate his willingness to consistently speak to our members about how the port authority does business with small businesses and outline the programs.”

“My appreciation for the work done by the AACCNJ has grown exponentially each year,” said Keith Wright.

“During the past five years I have watched them advocate, educate, and celebrate African American and Minority Businesses in our State. I am grateful and humbled to be recognized with the “Public Service Award” by the Chamber.”

Keith Wright shared his favorite quote from scripture: “Be not deceived. God is not mocked. For whatever a man (person) sows, that will he (they) also reap.” Galatians 6:7

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Business Culture Economics Government Lifestyle Local News Programs & Events

Free educational forum supports Mercer County Small Business Bond program

Mercer County is encouraging small-business owners to attend an educational forum about the new Mercer County Small Business Investment Program on Monday, Nov. 13.

The program is helping small businesses raise funding directly through retail investors locally and nationwide on the SMBX marketplace.

The free event, supported by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), will take place on Monday, at 9 a.m. at the College of New Jersey, Business Building Student Lounge, 200 Pennington Road in Ewing. A light breakfast will be served.

Mercer County awarded a $500,000 grant to SMBX to manage the program and drive retail investment to at least 30 Mercer County small businesses on the SMBX marketplace. The grant offset some of the lending fees for small businesses as they raise funds to grow their businesses.

Small-business owners can apply to raise funds through the Mercer County Office of Economic Development, SMBX, and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.

Here’s how the program works:

  • Businesses can raise money by issuing Small Business Bonds on the SMBX marketplace.
  • Instead of borrowing from a bank, businesses borrow from investors in their community and across the country, paying them back monthly at fixed interest rates through SMBX.
  • Small businesses are not required to provide a personal loan guarantee.
  • SMBX completes the underwriting at no cost, the business reviews it, and SMBX files it with federal regulators.
  • The SMBX marketing team works with the business owners to offer and promote their raise.
  • Once the raise is completed, the business makes monthly fixed payments to its investors so it knows exactly what to expect for its cash flow.
  • By purchasing Small Business Bonds in $10 increments through the Mercer County Small Business Investment Program, investors can earn a meaningful monthly return by lending money to their favorite local small businesses while gaining more control over their money.

Small business qualifications:

  • Physical business located in Mercer County;
  • For-profit business registered with the State of New Jersey, and formed on or before April 10, 2023;
  • 30 or fewer employees, with part-time equating to ½ full-time employee;
  • Less than $10 million in gross revenue;
  • Preference is given to those businesses that have not received specific business grant assistance from the federal, state, or local government entity; and,
  • National franchises, real estate businesses, and independent consultants are ineligible.

The Mercer County Small Business Investment Program will run through September 2024.

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Culture Education Lifestyle Programs & Events Technology

Mobile Academy expands its ‘I AM’ Youth Leadership Program to Atlantic and Mercer Counties, adding two new high schools to the roster

TRENTON, N.J. – The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) Mobile Academy is pleased to announce that its “I AM” Youth Leadership Program now includes schools located in New Jersey’s Atlantic and Mercer counties.

Additionally, for the 2023-24 school year, the program will be offered simultaneously at three high schools: Atlantic City High School in Atlantic City, Foundation Academy Collegiate in Trenton, and Paterson STEAM High School in Paterson. This marks the largest number of cohorts the Mobile Academy has operated concurrently to date.

The “I AM” Youth Leadership Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower and inspire young leaders. The program provides participants with leadership and job-readiness training, life-skills development, and opportunities to interact directly with professionals from various industries. The “I AM” pedagogy includes classroom mentorship, role-playing, case studies, interactive activities, career development workshops, and a closing ceremony that features individual letters of recommendation and certificates of achievement.

Course titles offered within the program include “Steps to Attaining Leadership,” “Team Building,” “Ethics,” “Public Speaking and Effective Communication,” “Job Readiness,” “Banking and Financial Literacy,” “Entrepreneurship Basics,” and “Career Day with government or corporate representatives.” This unique feature involves a field trip to a New Jersey corporation or the New Jersey State House, providing an overview of state government, career opportunities, executive or government official dialogue, and mentorship opportunities, as applicable.

“We are thrilled to bring the “I AM” Youth Leadership Program to Mercer and Atlantic counties, enhancing our commitment to nurturing the leadership potential of students from underserved communities,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President, and CEO of the AACCNJ. “By offering this program in North Jersey, Central Jersey, and South Jersey at the same time, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals across the entire state of New Jersey, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive and lead. This future pipeline of talented men and women is an essential component to improving the future competitiveness of our New Jersey.”

Inquiries about bringing the “I AM” Youth Leadership Program to other high schools or after-school-programs can be sent to mobileacademy@aaccnj.com

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The AACCNJ is a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c)(3) tax exemption, as is the National Black Chamber of Commerce, with which the AACCNJ is affiliated.

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Culture Economics Government Lifestyle Local News Politics

NJHMFA Board meeting delivers key housing policy advancements in tax credits and multifamily programs

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) approved two new programs, the Urban Preservation Program (UPP) and Workforce Housing Program (WHP), while committing funding to 15 new Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments at its Oct. 19 Board meeting.

“The HMFA Board advanced resolutions committing funds to a broad variety of new developments, each of which will bring safe, high-quality, long-lasting, and affordable housing to communities across our State,” said Executive Director Melanie R. Walter.

“Governor Murphy and the Legislature have made record investments in affordable housing production during the past two State budget cycles. This unprecedented support has enabled NJHMFA to leverage federal funds to expand our successful Affordable Housing Production Fund and create two new specialized programs that will help preserve affordable housing in dozens of communities and create many new high-quality housing opportunities for New Jersey residents.”

Urban Preservation Program (A-5596/S-3991)

The Urban Preservation Program (UPP) is an $80 million program established within the Affordable Housing Production Fund by Governor Murphy’s FY2024 budget. Dedicated to preserving, renovating, and rebuilding LIHTC projects in 81 designated cities across the state at risk of losing affordability controls, the UPP is a critical tool in maximizing the benefit of affordable housing. With 1,510 LIHTC apartments in these municipalities at risk of losing their affordability within the next five years alone, the UPP will guarantee enduring and high-quality affordable housing, providing significant relief to residents.

Workforce Housing Program

Also created by Governor Murphy’s FY2024 budget, the Workforce Housing Program (WHP) is a $50 million program established within the Affordable Housing Production Fund. For the first time, there will be a dedicated state program to incentivize the creation of deed-restricted apartments for middle-income residents earning between 80% and 120% of Area Median Income. Further, this program will ensure that these units are being developed within municipalities with more jobs than housing units or are near public transit options, which will protect middle-income New Jerseyans from surging rents while connecting them with reliable transportation and increased job opportunities.

New LIHTC Projects

The Board also committed funding for 15 new multifamily LIHTC developments, of which 11 received 4% LIHTC and 4 received 9% LIHTC. These funding commitments will create or rehabilitate 1,378 housing units, generating $448 million in total development costs. Many of these projects were made financially viable thanks to the Affordable Housing Production Fund (AHPF) and associated programs, demonstrating the critical importance of the types of programs that NJHMFA approved today in making affordable housing opportunities available for all New Jerseyans.

Some highlights include:

Tavistock Townhomes at Woolwich

A new family development in Woolwich Township will turn a currently vacant lot into 72 affordable apartments spread across six three-story buildings. The project will reserve ten units for homeless individuals and families, while providing social services to tenants through the Center for Family Services. Rents range from $340 to $2,000 depending on unit size and tenant income. Tenants will have many nearby amenities, including mass transit, houses of worship, clinics, shops, and schools. Tavistock Townhomes at Woolwich is possible thanks in part to $1.2 million in financing from the Affordable Housing Production Fund Set-Aside and $10 million generated through the sale of 9% LIHTC.

Waterford Family Housing Phase II

A new townhouse-style development will provide 57 affordable apartments in Waterford, including eight apartments set aside for veterans experiencing homelessness. With rents ranging from $330 to $1,532, the project will provide affordable and spacious apartments for low- and moderate-income tenants. The People for People Foundation of Gloucester County will provide social services to tenants to promote independent living. Additionally, all first-floor units will be either handicap accessible or adaptable for residents with disabilities. Waterford Family Housing Phase II will receive $8.1 million from the AHPF and generate $7.7 million through the sale of 4% LIHTC.

Heritage Village at Moorestown

A new senior housing complex in Moorestown will provide 82 affordable apartments for seniors, including five set aside for disabled and homeless veterans, alongside common space amenities such as a club room, fitness room, lounge, and laundry facilities. A key component of the municipality’s court-approved settlement with the Fair Share Housing Center, this development will receive $8 million in funding from the AHPF and generate $7 million in equity through the sale of 4% LIHTC.

About Us: The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) advances the quality of life for residents of and communities throughout New Jersey by investing in, financing, and facilitating access to affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities for low and moderate-income families, older adults, and individuals with specialized housing needs. To learn more about NJHMFA, visit: https://NJHousing.gov/

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Culture Economics Government Lifestyle Local News Programs & Events Science

NJHMFA named 2023 Leader in Real Estate, Construction, and Design by NJBIZ

TRENTON, N.J. —  New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) has been named a 2023 Leader in Real Estate, Construction and Design by NJBIZ for its contributions to multifamily development in New Jersey.

This award particularly recognizes NJHMFA for its recent leadership in developing key affordable housing projects in Paterson and Hamilton.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from NJBIZ,” said Executive Director Melanie R. Walter.

“This award recognizes our commitment to ensuring affordable housing in Paterson and Hamilton. Our work here reflects our dedication to providing safe, affordable housing for all New Jersey residents.”

Three projects opening this year proved pivotal in earning this recognition from NJBIZ.

This July, Barclay Place, which provided 56 affordable apartments in downtown Paterson a block from Saint Joseph University Medical Center, opened its doors to the public. This project received financing through the NJHMFA’s innovative Hospital Partnership Subsidy Program (HPSP), a national model for leveraging hospitals’ status as anchor institutions to improve community health outcomes through the creation of nearby affordable and supportive housing.

Two miles away, Hinchliffe Residences served as the financing key to Paterson’s long-awaited redevelopment and revitalization of Hinchliffe Stadium, one of the country’s last remaining pre-integration baseball stadiums. By leveraging the stadium’s historic nature with modern planning elements, including affordable senior housing and a new parking deck, the state’s largest-ever historic preservation project has become a stepping stone to Paterson’s future.

Freedom Village at Hamilton Woods exemplified how NJHMFA spearheads the development of supportive housing in Hamilton for residents with special needs. This barrier-free apartment provides residents with ample access to community resources and ensures that all residents can live independent, fulfilled lives, regardless of income or disability status.

The award winners will be formally recognized at a virtual ceremony on November 29. To learn more about the awards, visit https://njbiz.com/event/njbiz-leaders-in-real-estate-construction-and-design-2023/.

About Us: The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) advances the quality of life for residents of and communities throughout New Jersey by investing in, financing, and facilitating access to affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities for low and moderate-income families, older adults, and individuals with specialized housing needs. To learn more about NJHMFA, visit: https://NJHousing.gov/