10 of Nickelodeon's Best Made-For-Television Films

Nickelodeon's classic made-for-television films played a pivotal role in shaping the channel's identity and legacy.

These made-for-television films are not to be confused with Nickelodeon's films released to movie theater's. Emerging in the 1990s, these films, not only captivated young audiences but also pushed the boundaries of children's programming by blending humor, adventure, and relatable themes. They provided a platform for creative storytelling that resonated with kids and tweens, establishing a unique brand of entertainment that was both quirky and meaningful. This innovative approach not only solidified Nickelodeon's reputation for producing memorable content but also laid the groundwork for future generations of family-friendly films and series, cementing the channel's role as a cornerstone of childhood nostalgia. Through their distinctive flair and engaging narratives, these films not only entertained but also fostered a sense of community among viewers, influencing pop culture and the television landscape for years to come. Here is a list of ten classic and iconic TV movies made for the network:

Doom Runners (1997)

Doom Runners is an Australian science fiction television children's film. Produced in cooperation between America's Paramount-owned Showtime and Nickelodeon, the film was telecast on Showtime starting December 20, 1997 and telecast on Nickelodeon the next year. The film featired the talents of Tim Curry, Bradley Pierce and Peter Carroll among others.

WATCH HERE: https://pluto.tv/us/on-demand/movies/65e77865fc416f0013e84a79?utm_medium=ossearch&utm_source=google

New Kids on the Planet (2000)

New Kids on the Planet is the television film of Cousin Skeeter. The television movie premeired on July 8, 2000. This was the first appearance of the puppet character of Nicole.
This is also the only time where the Men in Black from the 1997 movie of the same name are seen. The one-&-only tv film for the tv show starred Robert Ri'chard, Meagan Good, Rondell Sheridan, and Angela Means. Skeeter was portrayed by a hand puppet with Bill Bellamy providing the voice.

WATCH HERE:

https://youtu.be/kWtyMveGpIg?si=SnooC1DmYBStYfbU

          

Two Heads Are Better Than None (2000)

Two Heads Are Better Than None is a made-for-TV movie based on Nickelodeon's American teen sitcom Kenan & Kel released on July 15, 2000. It stars Kenan Thompson as Kenan Rockmore and Kel Mitchell as Kel Kimble. It is the first movie and serves as the last episode of the series.
It was the only Kenan and Kel episode not to be taped in front of a live audience. However, there is a scene that opened the special where Kenan and Kel step in front of the red curtain in front of the main set of the show, only to realize that there is no audience since the two couldn't bring them on the road trip. This scene was never shown on television rather it was included on it's iTunes release. This film is definately a Halloween classic in the ranks of Halloweentown.

WATCH PART 1: https://tv.apple.com/us/episode/two-heads-are-better-than-none-pt-1/umc.cmc.4rjrlm8tf6dd6qfj4zfc8i9o8?showId=umc.cmc.6wtltbrut449hzqsgnb77r89a

WATCH PART 2: https://tv.apple.com/us/episode/two-heads-are-better-than-none-pt-2/umc.cmc.1cznupdyvs65rfbsc19f5o69k?showId=umc.cmc.6wtltbrut449hzqsgnb77r89a

WATCH PART 3: https://tv.apple.com/ie/episode/two-heads-are-better-than-none-part-3/umc.cmc.1bo390bvj1pfg7hsamm9rmh2p

Cry Baby Lane (2000)

Cry Baby Lane is a Halloween-themed comedy-horror made for TV film that originally aired on Nickelodeon's television block SNICK on the night of October 28th, 2000. It was then disowned by the network after complaints by parents over its scare factor. It was not rerun until Halloween of 2011, when the movie aired as part of Stick or Treat on the TeenNick block The '90s Are All That.
After its initial premiere, it was never released on any form of home media, or aired outside of the United States.
The film was originally envisioned as a big cinema film with a budget of $10 million; however, Nickelodeon's parent company Paramount, had different ideas, and the film was ultimately shelved. A year later, Nickelodeon reopened the plans for the film and wanted to go ahead with production, although the film had a reduced budget of $800.000. This film automatically goes into the Nickelodepn vault!

WATCH HERE:

https://youtu.be/ZcqL_Ilok3I?si=TSVOtHHbd1iHu0JN

CatDog and the Great Parent Mystery (2000)

CatDog and the Great Parent Mystery is a special 3-part episode of CatDog, originally aired as a 90-minute (counting commercials) telefilm on November 25, 2000. The film, follows CatDog as they try to solve the mystery of who their parents are. In the film, The Catfields and McDogs are a reference to the Hatfields and McCoys, two real-life hillbilly clans that feuded in the 19th century. Old Uppenchuck is a reference to Old Faithful, a geyser in Wyoming.

WATCH HERE: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/OCVjkWB_jMvXAqloyLcQk4XEmj_w_voy/

All Growed Up (2001)

All Growed Up was an hour-long episode of Rugrats from Season 7. It premiered on July 21, 2001. The television movie is considered the pilot episode of All Grown Up!, a successful sequel series of Rugrats. In this case, the special became so popular that it spawned the sequel. 

All Growed-Up! Book

Earlier on the month on July 1, 2001, the 32 page book of the same title, was released to coincide with the Rugrats 10th Anniversary celebrations. A video game for the TV movie was also released. The spin-off series lasted for 5 seasons on it's own apart from the original Rugrats series.

WATCH HERE: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/f1e3c9989f1c5f7bbcb484ed682176b7/rugrats-s8-e17-all-growed-up

The Origin of Donnie (2001)

The title cards for all 4 parts

The Origin of Donnie is a special four-part episode / television film of The Wild Thornberrys, originally aired as a two-hour movie on August 18, 2001.

The film serves as a prequel to The Wild Thornberrys series. It has a similar style but delves in quite deep into the backstory with lots of flashbacks.

WATCH PART 1: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/okJYFYgdWc_4MN7PIa0z97n3R2mvLgTf/

WATCH PART 2: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/dMSMhVHVasAnKjAZcW5pc7M17PRWJHbT/

WATCH PART 3: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/VolNEYPUZ1kmw9Jema_yFePBYRYha3hW/

WATCH PART 4: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/tYLSWUR_Y7V3CSp1dlNcXb0FAVqbA8U7/

Far from Home (2003)

Far From Home (listed as Foutleys on Ice on Paramount+) covers the first three episodes of the third season which was broadcast on August 9, 2003. During the premiere of the episode on Nickelodeon, it was sponsored by McDonald's and Kellogg's Eggo Waffles. The intense nature of the TV films plot, makes this silver screen gem one for the books. It immediately unforgettable and shocking with both original and new viewers.

WATCH PART 1: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/2vMvIKcvpSEtUN_50PqPB7WPIAYB7cWx/

WATCH PART 2: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/h5Vq3TfLp3Yg9lYWFoaRZYC_IYf67LSc/

WATCH PART 3: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/JuONyLWoywL3d4Y08DVTTErTg1fGeKyo/

The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour (2004)

The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour was an American crossover television special between the animated television series The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius and The Fairly OddParents.

It aired on May 7, 2004. According to Variety, it was seen by nearly five million viewers. It combined multiple types of animation, using 2D computer animation for the segments set in the Fairly OddParents universe and 3D computer animation for the Jimmy Neutron segments.

This eventually led to it becoming a trilogy series followed by The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour 2: When Nerds Collide! (2005) and The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour 3: The Jerkinators! (2006).

WATCH PART 1: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/P1hkVQ_pdVQ4mQr7NZc8KWEo_0xhRKe9/

WATCH PART 2: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/GjUqQapV7BynkPuFXiXbvaZjj4qUJj1C/

WATCH PART 3: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/E71saFUaoegm8jZhCA2EHsyssWtyXvjD/

Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie (2017)

Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie is a 2017 American animated adventure comedy television film based on the Nickelodeon series Hey Arnold!, which was created by Craig Bartlett and originally aired from 1996 to 2004. Following the 2002 theatrical film Hey Arnold!: The Movie, The Jungle Movie expands on the two-part episode "The Journal", which originally aired on November 11, 2002 during the series's fifth season.

It answered questions left after the original run ended, including the whereabouts of Arnold's missing parents. It originally aired in the United States on November 24, 2017, on Nickelodeon, while also being simulcast on Nicktoons and TeenNick. In 2018, it won an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation.

On Rotten Tomatoes it holds an approval rating of 100% based on 8 reviews.

The original broadcast of the film was watched by 1.63 million total viewers when it premiered on Nickelodeon with simulcasts on TeenNick and Nicktoons, with a combined 0.46 rating in the 18–49 demo.

WATCH HERE: https://www.paramountplus.com/movies/video/jORjRwT3p5eKHDKiJ6PE06k0B84SUySr/

In conclusion, Nickelodeon's classic made-for-television films have left an indelible mark on the channel's identity and legacy. These films not only captured the hearts of young viewers but has helped carve out a lasting impression in minds of many.

The Damage Done By World Star Hip Hop

Hip Hop and rap music has done seemingly none reversible damage to the black and latino communities in America and to other communities worldwide. As stated in our article, "The Negative Effects of Hip Hop: Toxic Masculinity, Homophobia, and Brainwashing".

No one who has chosen to be a rapper as a profession has gone un
-traumatized by the lifestyle that comes with it. For certain, it's even more dangerous for those young men and some young women who choose not to be apart of the lifestyle.

There are a lot of executives and record labels who make tons of revenue from these types of performers and allegedly have insurance policies out on some of the most popular rappers. Rappers known and unknown die by the hundreds every day. Leaving these executives and labels to make millions off their corpse. Yet, that's a story for another day.

This article will discuss the popular hip hop website and brand, World Star Hip Hop (WSHH), and why it should have been done away with a long time ago.

World Star Hip Hop has often been criticized for its focus on promoting sensationalized content, particularly videos that showcase violence, crime, and negative stereotypes. Critics argue that this can perpetuate harmful narratives about the Black community, reinforcing negative perceptions and stigmas.

Additionally, the platform has been accused of prioritizing clickbait and shock value over meaningful representation or positive stories. This can overshadow the many achievements and contributions of Black individuals and communities.

While some argue that it provides a space for self-expression and highlights issues within the community, many believe the overall impact leans more towards reinforcing stereotypes and diverting attention from the more positive aspects of Black culture and identity (which is what those who hate black people undoubtedly want). The concern is that this can influence public perception and contribute to a cycle of negativity that affects both how the community is viewed externally and how individuals within the community perceive themselves. This is fact!

World Star Hip Hop has been noted for glorifying negative aspects of the Black community and hip hop culture in several ways:

1. Sensationalized Content: The platform often features videos that highlight violence, fights, and criminal behavior. Such content can perpetuate stereotypes that equate Blackness with violence or lawlessness.

2. Viral Moments Over Substance: It emphasizes viral videos that prioritize shock value, often at the expense of deeper narratives. This can overshadow more meaningful discussions about social issues within the community.

3. Reinforcement of Stereotypes: By frequently showcasing negative interactions or behaviors, the platform can reinforce harmful stereotypes about Black individuals, perpetuating a narrow view of their realities.

4. Commercialization of Violence: The platform monetizes content that depicts conflict and aggression, which can create a cycle where such behavior is rewarded and encouraged for views and clicks. This can desensitize audiences and normalize violence.

5. Neglect of Positive Stories: While some content does highlight achievements and positive aspects of Black culture, these stories are often overshadowed by more sensationalized material, leading to an imbalance in representation.

6. Influence on Youth: The portrayal of certain behaviors as glamorous or desirable can influence younger audiences, who may internalize these messages and feel pressured to conform to those expectations.

If World Star Hip Hop continues without significant changes or neing stopped all together, several potential consequences could arise.

The ongoing emphasis on negative portrayals can reinforce harmful stereotypes about the Black community, influencing public perceptions and contributing to systemic biases.

The glorification of violence and conflict might continue to normalize aggressive behavior, particularly among younger audiences, who may see it as a standard part of hip hop culture or community identity.

Regular exposure to violent or sensational content can desensitize viewers, making them less sensitive to the real-life implications of such actions and fostering indifference to community issues.

The focus on negative content can overshadow positive stories, achievements, and movements within the Black community, leading to a lack of visibility for inspiring narratives.

Content creators and artists might feel
pressured to conform to sensational standards to gain attention, potentially stifling creativity and promoting a narrow range of expression in hip hop.

Cocomelon's "Baby Shark"

The platform can contribute to division within the community, as individuals may feel misrepresented or marginalized by the types of content that gain traction.

Continuous exposure to negative imagery can affect the mental health of community members, leading to feelings of hopelessness or frustration regarding societal perceptions.

Ultimately, while World Star Hip Hop has provided a platform for various voices, its unchecked focus on sensationalism could have lasting effects on cultural narratives, community cohesion, and individual identities within the Black community. Other YouTube and media platforms like DisneyMusicVEVO and Sesame Street are more deserving of the support that WSHH is getting.

Not blame all of the Black communities issues on hip hop music and culture. The black community makes up a percentage of the world's inhabitants as a whole. So many if their issues are average issues we all fave just as beings on planet earth.

Vibe Magazine Article

However, things like World Star Hip Hop is not the correct approach to take in steps of making a disturbing situation any better for any of us to deal with.

Wikipedia List of murdered hip hop musicians:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_murdered_hip_hop_musicians

Speculation: Gone Too Far

DISCLAIMER: This is not a post defending homosexuality or gay sex. Heterosexual sex is bad enough. This is a piece about the speculation about individuals sexuality and how and why those accusations could be false.

Let Love Rule ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

You can not label whoever and whatever you want as homosexual or gay! Let me explain!

People get in their heads about what's masculine and what's feminine. What's supposed to be and what isn't supposed to be. People have their options and that's fine. Where do they go wrong? When it's goes outside of themselves. Ever heard the saying, "keep your opinions to yourself". That saying should still ne relevant today. Especially when it comes to negative opinions. More so when it comes to having negative opinions about someone else's sexuality.

...if you just smile 😃 

Hold the phone. Pull back some. You may be getting ahead of yourself with your thoughts. People have a tendency to let their imagination run wild. To the point that these vein imaginations causes them to act out in irrationally ways. More than likely towards other people. Take some time reevaluate and analyze a situation with an open mind before you go jumping to conclusions and putting people in boxes they may have no business being in.

Frolicking through the fields 🌼 

Society has labels. With these labels comes laws given to us by the government systems of the world. With these laws come what might called , "The Unwritten Rules". These Unwritten rules of society comes from the citizens of the world themselves. They are not made up by lawmakers and they don't necessarily align with the natural laws of the universe. The rules are randomly made up and distributed to one's fellow man by the people. They are the most dangerous rules known to man.

Who's making up these rules. Where are they coming from? What is the basis on which these rules are founded. Are they fair?

🎉 Unicorn Power 🪅

Labeling people and things whatever you so desire without proper care and consideration is completely inhumane. There are a lot of unhinged people in the world. Many come off as regular people. They have a calm demeanor, thy work, they haves families, they have full lives. However, underneath it all is a raging, hateful and spiteful lunatic.

With these unwritten rules being so flexibly ungovernable by any particular party, who's to stop some nutcase from labeling a dog a cat and the rest of the world going along with it.

🍫 All You Drink Chocolate Waterfalls 🍫 

It's insanity!!!

The levels of insanity is astronomical. There's no pinning homosexuality on someone and their reputation just because you and a group of others feel like it.

It is either they are having sex with someone of the same sex or they are not.
If you are going to speculate that someone is having sex with someone of the same sex and take it upon yourself to be upset and rally the troops against them, then the least you could do is have hard cold proof Like video footage.

🍦 Ice Cream Mountain 🍨

The situation is bad. In the minds of some people, you can be a "gay Christian". Meaning, you practice the faith without practicing homosexuality. Again, insanity! This is truly is idealogy of some people. That a person could not be having sex with someone of the same sex and be a homosexual anyway. It's ridiculous. Maybe it's because people hate to be proven wrong once they have an idea about someone or something. The fact they would go through any length to be right because they hate being wrong or simply can not accept the truth about certain scenarios.

Some people know this. They understands what makes them tic. So rather than accepting everyone for who they are, live and let live and respecting where individuals are on their own specific journey in life, they would rather take it upon themselves to shape and mold a person to align with  what they perceive as acceptable in society. Often claiming that there's something wrong with that person and some things need to be fixed.

Here's the real issue: NOTHING IS WRONG!
Nothing is wrong with the other person and nothing needs to be fixed. If there truly is an issue is it up to the individual to recognize it themselves and take responsibility for rectifying the problem. When insert ourselves to fixing situations we often times make matters worse for them, ourselves and everyone involved.

Chill! Everything is the way it's supposed to be. We always believe things could be better. However, we fail to realize that something is unfolding. There is a higher purpose and plan playing out right before your very eyes without you or anyone else truly realizing it.

Accept the fact that you could be labeling someone wrong. Bring yourself to let it go and enjoy your life. Be kind, generous and caring towards others.

Speaking of laws, there needs to be laws placed by the government(s) that "prohibits individuals from making use accusations against someone's sexuality without valid evidence". If we can truly label whatever and whoever  we want as gay on whim, then the right lie on people's sexuality should outlawed all together.

It's truly sad. There are so many layers to the LGBTQ+. Homosexuality itself is just not all what people think or knows it to be.

There have been accusations placed on both men and women who may not be homosexual. To those men and women, "stay strong", "know who you are", "know your worth" and "shove off the haters".

Everyone keep your wits about you. Until next time ✌️

Barney’s Back After Backlash: Society's Deep Rooted Issues

Barney & the Backyard Gang is an American direct-to-video series produced by The Lyons Group and released in periodic installments from August 29, 1988, to September 21, 1991. The series' success led to the launch of the children's television show, Barney & Friends, which in its original run aired on PBS from April 6, 1992, to November 2, 2010. The Emmy-winning series lasted for 14 seasons and was nominated for fifteen Emmys by the end of its run.

However, while the show ran for 268 episodes on the PBS network, the show faced extreme criticism despite its efforts to uplift, educate, motivate and entertain its viewers at home.

"Anti-Barney humor" targeted Barney the Dinosaur, and singles out the show for its quirks. The backlash was Anything but funny as described in the 2 part documentary, I Love You, You Hate Me.

The documentary series explored the life and legacy of the popular children's television character. Released on Peacock, the series delves into the cultural phenomenon surrounding Barney, examining both the affection he inspired in children and the backlash he received from some adults. It features interviews, archival footage, and personal stories that highlight the contrasting feelings people have about the character and the impact of the show on society. The series also addresses themes of nostalgia, childhood, and the complexities of fame.

The "Barney backlash" was huge despite the show promoting positive values such as friendship, sharing, and kindness.

Cultural Critique was a big part of the problem. Some parents and critics felt that Barney’s overly cheerful and simplistic messages were unrealistic and did not reflect the complexities of real-life interactions. This led to accusations that the show was too sanitized and did not prepare children for the challenges of the world.

Highly disturbing? You bet! Why is it that when public figures (or anyone of that matter) trys to spread messages of love, peace and hope, there is the negative response. Barney has experienced the trauma of many like: Martin Luther King, Jr., Michael Jackson and even the biblical, Jesus Christ. Barney may as well been nailed to a cross.

Commercialization was another issue.
The extensive merchandising associated with Barney, including toys, clothing, and videos, drew criticism. Some argued that the focus on profit undermined the educational intentions of the show, making it seem more about commercial gain than children's development.

As the internet grew, Barney became a target for parody and memes, often portraying the character in negative or mocking ways. This shift in public perception turned the character from a beloved childhood figure into a symbol of annoyance or ridicule for some, distancing the original positive messages.

As new children's programs emerged, some parents who grew up with Barney began to view it as outdated. This generational shift led to mixed feelings about the show's relevance and effectiveness, contributing to the backlash.

This backlash can be seen as indicative of deeper societal issues that have always existed in society. Such as discomfort with unabashed positivity, nostalgia for a more cynical worldview, or even a reaction against the commercialization of childhood. The strong emotional responses to a children's show suggest that people's perceptions of childhood and innocence can provoke intense feelings, revealing underlying anxieties about societal values, parenting, and cultural norms.

In essence, while "Barney" was aimed at fostering kindness and friendship among children, the backlash illustrated a segment of the population that found such messages either off-putting or emblematic of a perceived decline in cultural standards, showcasing a tension between innocence and a more jaded adult perspective.

On October 14, a new reincarnation of the beloved purple dinosaur will make its debut in a new CGI-animated series. Will history repeat itself? Or will the public be more accepting of a inspirational messages this time around during a very intense time in the world's history.

Nickelodeon Partners with Roblox and Kids Relief to Teach Kids How to Spread Love and Kindness

 Nickelodeon wants to encourage kids to spread kindness in the real world—and in the metaverse.

Today, Comic Relief US announced its second annual Kids Relief campaign in partnership with Nickelodeon. Titled “Game to Change the World,” the interactive and virtual-to-real-world campaign aims to empower kids to do good deeds in reality and online.

As part of the campaign, kids can go on hybrid missions digitally on Roblox and in real life from Aug. 27 to Sept. 20.

The effort builds upon the Kids Relief initiative held on the gaming platform last year, where the charity joined forces with Wonder Works Studio to create a metaverse experience called "Solarpunk Simulator," as well as an online concert featuring TikTok artist BoyWithUke.

Comic Relief U.S. CEO Alison Moore emphasized the project's enhanced scale in a statement, calling Nickelodeon the perfect partner to drive awareness and donations.

She also discussed the importance of building safe virtual communities for children to interact.

This latest campaign utilizes experiential marketing to create immersive and interactive experiences within the realm of Roblox, engaging consumers with the brand. 

By giving kids and families an opportunity to make memories online and in the real world, it's guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

The campaign is divided into three phases open for both children and adults, with the first being a collaboration with two of Nickelodeon's licensed Roblox games.

From August 30 to September 13, kids can enter the Kids Relief Simulator multiverse to go on a scavenger hunt across different worlds, such as SpongeBob Simulator and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Battle Tycoon.

Meanwhile, the campaign's second phase is a full music festival within the world of Roblox. Beginning on September 13, it features a stellar lineup of performers, 

For the final phase, Kids Relief U.S. will partner with Nickelodeon's advocacy platform Our World to enable kids to organize local programs to help their communities, such as drives, collections, and volunteering programs.

This initiative underscores the massive marketing potential of Roblox, which is one of the most-played games in the world. Notably, the company reported over 32 million daily active users under the age of 13 in this year alone.

Earlier in July, the platform collaborated with Coach to launch the high fashion brand's first ever virtual collection.

That same month also saw the release of "Shrek Swamp Tycoon," made in collaboration with DreamWorks.

Hollywood Arby's shutters doors after more than 5 decades in business following minimum Wage Hike

The Arby’s restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, famous for its enormous, neon-clad hat sign, has shuttered its doors after 55 years. Its last day of operation came earlier this year.

On a Monday, at the back of the lot, Gary Husch — general manager of the Arby’s and son-in-law of its original owner — was carting out trash and caught a reporter staring at the bones of the drive-through menu.

The menu was already a polyptych of long, fluorescent tubes. The Arby’s marquee, sprawled with advertisements for the chain’s affordable, slow-roasted beef sandwiches a few days ago, now reads: “Farewell Hollywood. TY for 55 great years.”

“You know, they’re not making those signs anymore,” Husch said. “It was the 150th Arby’s location ever opened.”

Since its opening in January 1969, the Hollywood Arby’s has had a single owner, Marilyn Leviton, who is 91 years old and Husch’s mother-in-law.

Husch said that the Arby’s was simply no longer sustainable. He pointed to a combination of pandemic fallout in a changing neighborhood, rising food costs and the recent law that raised the minimum wage of fast-food workers in California.

“The customer count has gone down over the last few years. A lot of the offices around this area are empty now, and we’re just not getting the same foot traffic we did before,” Husch said. “With inflation, food costs have gone way up and the $20-an-hour minimum wage has been the nail in the coffin.”

Leviton was active in the business till the very end, he added.

“Truth is, I think it was the pandemic that did us in,” she told KTLA News recently. “I really feel we would have closed during the pandemic [if it weren’t] for the federal loans.”

California’s new law that creates a separate minimum wage applicable only to fast food restaurant employees took effect on April 1, 2024. Under Labor Code Section 1475 (LC 1475), this minimum wage is $20 per hour. It represents a significant increase from the current statewide minimum wage of $16 that went into effect at the beginning of the year. Many local jurisdictions within the state already have a minimum wage above $16 per hour, but none as high as $20 per hour.

What do you think? Did the owners of the restaurant close it down because of expenses OR do you think they didn't want to pay the hard workers that extra coin?

Hollywood Wake Up Call: Success Is Not Success

 

Success in Hollywood and the entertainment industry can often be perceived as superficial or temporary due to various factors:

• 1. **Subjectivity of Success**: Success can mean different things to different people. For some, it might be box office numbers, while for others, it might be critical acclaim or longevity in the industry.

• 2. **High Competition**: The entertainment industry is highly competitive, with many talented individuals vying for the same opportunities. Achieving success can feel fleeting when new talents continuously emerge.

• 3. **Public Scrutiny**: Celebrities often face intense scrutiny from the media and the public, which can undermine their achievements. A successful project can quickly be overshadowed by negative press or personal controversies.

• 4. **Changing Trends**: The entertainment landscape is constantly evolving. What is popular or successful today may not resonate tomorrow, leading to a lack of sustained success.

• 5. **Mental Health Struggles**: Many successful individuals in the industry struggle with mental health issues, which can challenge their perception of success and fulfillment.

• 6. **Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics**: Success often involves collaboration, and many behind-the-scenes contributors may not receive recognition, leading to a skewed perception of who achieves success.

• 7. **Commercial vs. Artistic Success**: There can be a divide between commercial success (box office hits) and artistic success (critically acclaimed works). This dichotomy can complicate the narrative of what it means to be truly successful.

In essence, while outwardly glamorous, success in Hollywood is often complex and layered, making it feel less authentic or sustainable.