मनोरंजन

Feb 5 (Reuters) – Spotify said on Thursday it will begin selling physical books on its streaming platform through a partnership with online retailer Bookshop.org, marking an unexpected expansion beyond its audiobooks business. The company is doubling down on new features to better compete with rival streaming services from tech giants such as Apple and Amazon. Since launching audiobooks two years ago, Audiobooks in Premium has expanded to 22 global markets and its English‑language catalog has grown to more than 500,000 titles, Spotify said. Its new listeners are up 36% and listening hours have grown 37%, it added. The physical book purchasing feature will begin rolling out later this spring for users in the U.S. and the UK, with Bookshop.org handling pricing, inventory and fulfillment, Spotify said. Spotify's move comes at a time when physical book sales are sluggish because more users are increasingly turning to e-books and other sources on the Internet. News Corp, which owns HarperCollins, said last year book publishing orders were slowing from both readers and retailers. A nearly 200-year-old library book distributor Baker & Taylor also shut down operations in January. Spotify said it will launch "Page Match," a tool designed to let readers move between reading and listening. Users can scan a page from a printed book or e-book using the Spotify app's camera to jump to the corresponding moment in the audiobook and scan again later to find the exact passage where they should resume reading, the company said. Page Match will be available at launch on most English-language titles, with plans to be fully rolled out to all audiobook users by February 23, the company said. Spotify has also increased the price of its monthly premium subscription plan by $1 to $12.99 in the United States, Estonia and Latvia markets. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

Feb 5 (Reuters) – Spotify said on Thursday it will begin selling physical books on its streaming platform through a partnership with online retailer Bookshop.org, marking an unexpected expansion beyond its audiobooks business. The company is doubling down on new features to better compete with rival streaming services from tech giants such as Apple and Amazon. Since launching audiobooks two years ago, Audiobooks in Premium has expanded to 22 global markets and its English‑language catalog has grown to more than 500,000 titles, Spotify said. Its new listeners are up 36% and listening hours have grown 37%, it added. The physical book purchasing feature will begin rolling out later this spring for users in the U.S. and the UK, with Bookshop.org handling pricing, inventory and fulfillment, Spotify said. Spotify's move comes at a time when physical book sales are sluggish because more users are increasingly turning to e-books and other sources on the Internet. News Corp, which owns HarperCollins, said last year book publishing orders were slowing from both readers and retailers. A nearly 200-year-old library book distributor Baker & Taylor also shut down operations in January. Spotify said it will launch "Page Match," a tool designed to let readers move between reading and listening. Users can scan a page from a printed book or e-book using the Spotify app's camera to jump to the corresponding moment in the audiobook and scan again later to find the exact passage where they should resume reading, the company said. Page Match will be available at launch on most English-language titles, with plans to be fully rolled out to all audiobook users by February 23, the company said. Spotify has also increased the price of its monthly premium subscription plan by $1 to $12.99 in the United States, Estonia and Latvia markets. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

Feb 5 (Reuters) – Spotify said on Thursday it will begin selling physical books on its streaming platform through a partnership with online retailer Bookshop.org, marking an unexpected expansion beyond its audiobooks business. The company is doubling down on new features to better compete with rival streaming services from tech giants such as Apple and Amazon. Since launching audiobooks two years ago, Audiobooks in Premium has expanded to 22 global markets and its English‑language catalog has grown to more than 500,000 titles, Spotify said. Its new listeners are up 36% and listening hours have grown 37%, it added. The physical book purchasing feature will begin rolling out later this spring for users in the U.S. and the UK, with Bookshop.org handling pricing, inventory and fulfillment, Spotify said. Spotify's move comes at a time when physical book sales are sluggish because more users are increasingly turning to e-books and other sources on the Internet. News Corp, which owns HarperCollins, said last year book publishing orders were slowing from both readers and retailers. A nearly 200-year-old library book distributor Baker & Taylor also shut down operations in January. Spotify said it will launch "Page Match," a tool designed to let readers move between reading and listening. Users can scan a page from a printed book or e-book using the Spotify app's camera to jump to the corresponding moment in the audiobook and scan again later to find the exact passage where they should resume reading, the company said. Page Match will be available at launch on most English-language titles, with plans to be fully rolled out to all audiobook users by February 23, the company said. Spotify has also increased the price of its monthly premium subscription plan by $1 to $12.99 in the United States, Estonia and Latvia markets. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

LONDON, Feb 5 (Reuters) – Tony Benna hadn't worked with former advertising creative Andre Ricciardi in years, when one day his friend reached out to tell him, "I've got stage four cancer, but I want to make a comedy and I want you to direct it," Benna said. He was taken aback. "First off, I was having to digest the fact that he has cancer. But second, how do you turn this into a comedy? Obviously, cancer is not funny, but Andre is one of the most hilarious and brilliant people I've ever met. So I figured if I could just capture Andre's character, there was a chance to look at something so dark… through a very different lens.” The result is "Andre Is an Idiot", a raw and funny documentary following Ricciardi as he comes to terms with his terminal illness. The title refers to Ricciardi's mistake of passing up on a colonoscopy the year before he finds out he has stage four colon cancer. The movie follows Ricciardi as he deals with his progressing cancer but also uses humour to prepare for death. Audiences see him meet a "death yell" teacher to practice his last words or share wacky ideas like a television show in which participants offer up unique ways for him to die. "What you see in the film is the tip of the iceberg as far as the adventures Andre took us on. And you never knew… if Andre was really serious about getting a head transplant or if it was just something he was joking about," said Benna. He used stop-motion animation to illustrate Ricciardi's stories and ideas. "You can't show… ten different ways to have your body disposed of with a human… But with a puppet, it's approachable. It adds the humour that Andre was really going for." The film features interviews with Ricciardi's wife Janice, their daughters, and best friend Lee among others, and brought a lot of emotional challenges. "Andre Is an Idiot" premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it won two awards. It is released in UK cinemas on Friday. "A lot of us hide, as Andre says in the film, from sickness. We're afraid of it. We're afraid to talk to our friends and family that have cancer. We don't know what to say," Benna said. "And what Andre teaches us is – just go be you." (Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Erica Stapleton and Steve Gorman TUCSON, Arizona, Feb 4 (Reuters) – Popular U.S. morning news anchor Savannah Guthrie posted a video message on Wednesday addressing anyone who might be holding her missing elderly mother, presumed abducted from her Arizona home this week, pleading for them to open a line of communication. "We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us," the co-host of NBC's "Today" show said in the video message posted to Instagram. The emotional appeal came three days after Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing from her home at the edge of Tucson by family members in what investigators said they believe was an abduction. It coincided with a two-hour flurry of intense police activity at Nancy Guthrie's home, where yellow crime-scene tape was strung up around the property for the first time this week and investigators were seen coming and going from the house. FBI agents are assisting in the investigation. Savannah Guthrie, 54, who appeared with her brother and sister in the video, said the family had heard media reports of a ransom note but was taking into account the fact that electronic images can be easily manipulated or faked. The elder Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when she was dropped off at her home by relatives after having dinner with them, and she was reported missing the following day. 'HER HEALTH IS FRAGILE' Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said the elder Guthrie had limited mobility and could not have left her home unassisted, and that her disappearance was being treated by investigators as a kidnapping. Among other concerns for Nancy Guthrie's well-being was that her health was dependent on daily medication. "Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer," Savannah Guthrie said during the four-minute video. The TV journalist, who has been co-anchor of "Today" since 2012, began Wednesday's Instagram message thanking supporters for the outpouring of prayers. "We feel them, and we continue to believe that she feels them too. Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She's funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and you'll see," she said. In an update on the case issued earlier in the day, the sheriff said investigators had yet to identify any suspect or person of interest in connection with the presumed abduction. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday. Nanos said investigators were aware of reports that some media outlets had received what appeared to be ransom notes, but he did not say whether those were being taken seriously. U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that he had spoken with Savannah Guthrie to let her know that all federal law enforcement would be at the "complete disposal" of the family and local investigators. "We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely," Trump wrote, adding, "GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!" (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles and Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Erica Stapleton and Steve Gorman TUCSON, Arizona, Feb 4 (Reuters) – Popular U.S. morning news anchor Savannah Guthrie posted a video message on Wednesday addressing anyone who might be holding her missing elderly mother, presumed abducted from her Arizona home this week, pleading for them to open a line of communication. "We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us," the co-host of NBC's "Today" show said in the video message posted to Instagram. The emotional appeal came three days after Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing from her home at the edge of Tucson by family members in what investigators said they believe was an abduction. It coincided with a two-hour flurry of intense police activity at Nancy Guthrie's home, where yellow crime-scene tape was strung up around the property for the first time this week and investigators were seen coming and going from the house. FBI agents are assisting in the investigation. Savannah Guthrie, 54, who appeared with her brother and sister in the video, said the family had heard media reports of a ransom note but was taking into account the fact that electronic images can be easily manipulated or faked. The elder Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when she was dropped off at her home by relatives after having dinner with them, and she was reported missing the following day. 'HER HEALTH IS FRAGILE' Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said the elder Guthrie had limited mobility and could not have left her home unassisted, and that her disappearance was being treated by investigators as a kidnapping. Among other concerns for Nancy Guthrie's well-being was that her health was dependent on daily medication. "Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer," Savannah Guthrie said during the four-minute video. The TV journalist, who has been co-anchor of "Today" since 2012, began Wednesday's Instagram message thanking supporters for the outpouring of prayers. "We feel them, and we continue to believe that she feels them too. Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She's funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and you'll see," she said. In an update on the case issued earlier in the day, the sheriff said investigators had yet to identify any suspect or person of interest in connection with the presumed abduction. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday. Nanos said investigators were aware of reports that some media outlets had received what appeared to be ransom notes, but he did not say whether those were being taken seriously. U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that he had spoken with Savannah Guthrie to let her know that all federal law enforcement would be at the "complete disposal" of the family and local investigators. "We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely," Trump wrote, adding, "GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!" (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles and Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

Feb 4 (Reuters) – Popular U.S. morning news anchor Savannah Guthrie posted a video message on Wednesday addressing anyone who might be holding her elderly mother, who vanished from her Arizona home several days ago, pleading for them to open a line of communication. "We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us," the co-host of NBC's "Today" show said in the video message posted to Instagram. The emotional appeal came three days after Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing from her home near Tucson by family members in what investigators said they believe was an abduction. Savannah Guthrie, who appeared with her brother and sister in the video, said the family had heard media reports of a ransom note, but said it was an age in which such material can be faked.   The elder Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when she was dropped off at her home by relatives after having dinner with them, and she was reported missing the following afternoon, authorities have said. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said the elder Guthrie had limited mobility and could not have left her home unassisted, and that her disappearance was being treated by investigators as a kidnapping. Among other concerns for Nancy Guthrie's well-being was that her health was dependent on daily medication, according to Nanos. Savannah Guthrie, 54, has been co-anchor of "Today" since 2012. (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles and Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

Feb 4 (Reuters) – Popular U.S. morning news anchor Savannah Guthrie posted a video message on Wednesday addressing anyone who might be holding her elderly mother, who vanished from her Arizona home several days ago, pleading for them to open a line of communication. "We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us," the co-host of NBC's "Today" show said in the video message posted to Instagram. The emotional appeal came three days after Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing from her home near Tucson by family members in what investigators said they believe was an abduction. Savannah Guthrie, who appeared with her brother and sister in the video, said the family had heard media reports of a ransom note, but said it was an age in which such material can be faked.   The elder Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when she was dropped off at her home by relatives after having dinner with them, and she was reported missing the following afternoon, authorities have said. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said the elder Guthrie had limited mobility and could not have left her home unassisted, and that her disappearance was being treated by investigators as a kidnapping. Among other concerns for Nancy Guthrie's well-being was that her health was dependent on daily medication, according to Nanos. Savannah Guthrie, 54, has been co-anchor of "Today" since 2012. (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles and Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

Feb 4 (Reuters) – Popular U.S. morning news anchor Savannah Guthrie posted a video message on Wednesday addressing anyone who might be holding her elderly mother, who vanished from her Arizona home several days ago, pleading for them to open a line of communication. "We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us," the co-host of NBC's "Today" show said in the video message posted to Instagram. The emotional appeal came three days after Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing from her home near Tucson by family members in what investigators said they believe was an abduction. Savannah Guthrie, who appeared with her brother and sister in the video, said the family had heard media reports of a ransom note, but said it was an age in which such material can be faked.   The elder Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when she was dropped off at her home by relatives after having dinner with them, and she was reported missing the following afternoon, authorities have said. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said the elder Guthrie had limited mobility and could not have left her home unassisted, and that her disappearance was being treated by investigators as a kidnapping. Among other concerns for Nancy Guthrie's well-being was that her health was dependent on daily medication, according to Nanos. Savannah Guthrie, 54, has been co-anchor of "Today" since 2012. (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles and Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Daniel Trotta Feb 3 (Reuters) – Penny, a 4-year-old Doberman pinscher, won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on Tuesday, capturing the most prestigious dog show prize in the United States. Penny cut a majestic stance in the final round of judging, when the finalists of seven groups competed at New York City's Madison Square Garden. The champion of the working group beat more than 3,000 dogs from all 50 states and 17 countries that competed in the 150th annual event. The winners of each of the 202 competing breeds advanced to compete for one of seven group titles, with each group winner moving on to the finals. Penny's handler Andy Linton, who has spoken publicly about his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, also handled the winning Doberman named Indy the last time the breed won Best in Show, in 1989. "We saw a dog that knew that it had to perform for Andy, and I think that's the bond we get," Jason Hoke, the television commentator for Fox Sports, said on the broadcast of the event.  "We saw that with this perfect show the dog put on. The dog was giving it back to Andy because Andy has had his own struggles and that's what dogs do, that unconditional love," Hoke said. Penny was bred by Theresa Connors-Chan and Gregory Chan, two of the co-owners along with Francis Sparagna and Diana Sparagna. Second place, known as Reserve Best in Show, went to Cota, a 5-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever from the sporting group. The other finalists were Zaida, an Afghan hound from the hound group; Cookie, a Maltese from the toy group; JJ, a Lhasa Apso from the non-sporting group; Graham, an old English sheepdog from the herding group; and Wager, a smooth fox terrier from the terrier group. "They always say, 'What a great lineup,' but this is one that will go down in history," Best in Show judge David Fitzpatrick, himself a breeder, owner and handler who has won Best in Show twice, told the crowd before announcing the winner. Judges, looking for each breed's ideal standard, examine the dogs' mouths and place their hands over the animals' bodies, checking for muscle tone before watching the dogs run through their paces.  Dobermans, which have a reputation as police dogs, have now won the top prize five times. The breed was developed for protection in the late 19th century by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector. It was later used in police and military service, notably by the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific theater of World War Two.  (Reporting by Daniel Trotta in Carlsbad, California; Editing by Michael Perry)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)