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A power outage caused by an equipment issue at a Pacific Gas & Electric substation near Dominican Hospital in Live Oak left nearly 18,500 Santa Cruz County residents without power Friday afternoon. 

The outage, first reported at 3 p.m., stretches along the county’s coastline, from Davenport south to Aptos. Residents of Capitola and Pleasure Point were not affected by the outage. 

PG&E spokesperson Stephanie Magallon told Lookout that crews are working to switch to a different power source to determine what caused the issue at the substation on Houts Drive. 

Power was expected to be restored later in the afternoon, Magallon said.

Have news that should be in Lookout Briefs? Send your news releases, including contact information, to news@lookoutlocal.com.

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The post Outage leaves more than 18,000 Santa Cruz County residents without power Friday afternoon appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

In the many decades of the Masters of the Universe franchise, Skeletor has wielded many weapons against his arch-foe, He-Man. He even had a nearly identical Power Sword to Prince Adam’s. But the evil Lord of Destruction’s Havoc Staff was his signature weapon. And it’s definitely the one we associate most with the character. Now, MOTU fans who wish to look as if they rule Snake Mountain can do so with their own life-size replica Havoc Staff, as seen in the upcoming MOTU film, from the folks at Mattel Creations. They’ve pulled out all the stops for this incredible replica, which you see the first images of below: Life-Size Masters of the Universe Chronicles Havoc Staff Click To View Gallery Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations

And here’s the official description from Mattel Creations for their Masters of the Universe Skeletor Havoc Staff:

Take control of Skeletor’s dark magic with our life-sized version of the Havoc Staff, as wielded in the Masters of the Universe film. The rechargeable staff features an Active Mode where you can trigger sound effects, plus lights and even smoke from the refillable fog fluid reservoir. When you set it on Sentry Mode, infrared sensors below the ram’s eyes will sense any movement within 6 inches (15 cm) and activate the staff’s intimidating features. Use it for role play or put it proudly on display. Nyahh!

Amazon MGM Studios

In MOTU lore, Skeletor uses the staff to channel dark magic from other dimensions. And sometimes, just as a melee weapon. But if you want to just hang it up as a decoration without any magical summoning, we won’t tell anyone. Skeletor’s Havoc Staff stands 68.25 inches tall (173.36 cm), and the sinister ram’s head/cervical spine at top is 15.44 inches (39.22 cm) wide and 7.92 inches (20.12 cm) front to back. The five-piece staff can be easily disassembled and reassembled, perfect for cosplayers traveling to conventions. It includes a lithium-ion battery and USB-C to USB-A charging cable. Power adapter not included. This will set you back $189.00, and MOTU fans can order it now from the Mattel Creations online store.

The post Skeletor’s Sinister Havoc Staff Replica from MOTU Can Be Yours appeared first on Nerdist.

World, which has raised eyebrows (but also a lot of interest) with its Orb-centered anonymous verification project, is looking to expand its influence via a bevy of new partnerships.

Stripped-down Ultra for laptops and low-power edge boxes

Intel brought a few more chips home from Taiwan this week, with a new round of budget-oriented Core Series 3 processors fabbed right in the US-of-A.…

It’s not only Disney that’s remaking its classic animated films in live-action. According to a report from Deadline, Amazon MGM Studios is remaking FernGully: The Last Rainforest, with Marielle Heller writing and directing. Millennials will fondly remember this as the environmentally conscious fantasy cartoon about fairies who band together to protect the rainforest from the logging business and an evil pollution entity. Yes, this is very much from 1992, so the same era as Captain Planet. The original movie featured the voices of Robin Williams, Tim Curry, Christian Slater, and Samantha Mathis, with songs by Elton John. You can read a statement from FernGully producer Jon Sheinberg below:

Our goal isn’t simply to make a new film. It’s to honor a timeless classic and extend its powerful themes and musical legacy across every platform.

Twentieth Century Studios

The most recent film by Marielle Heller was Nightbitch, starring Amy Adams. So this is a complete 180 from that quirky indie film. FernGully wasn’t as big as its rival Disney films of the era, like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. But it left its own stamp on popular culture. Look how many people who criticize James Cameron’s Avatar franchise can’t help but call it “FernGully in space.” Which is a bit reductive, but also not terribly far off the mark either. Those references mean people remember it, even if they don’t love it in the same way they love The Lion King.

FernGully: The Last Rainforest wasn’t a particularly big success at the box office, only grossing $32 million. That is nothing compared to similar Disney movies of the same era. However, the VHS sales of FernGully were pretty great. Chances are, you know someone who had that clamshell VHS case as a kid. The home video sales were big enough to warrant a sequel, FernGully 2: The Last Rescue, in 1998. Will a live-action version of FernGully draw older Millennials to theaters with their kids in tow? We’ll have to wait and find out. As of now, there’s no production start date for the live-action FernGully. But we expect to hear more soon.

The post ’90s Animated Favorite FERNGULLY Getting Live-Action Remake appeared first on Nerdist.

Kevin Weil and Bill Peebles are leaving OpenAI as the company shuts down Sora and folds its science team, signaling a sharp pivot away from consumer moonshots toward enterprise AI.

The bar for creating visual assets has been lowered to the ability to converse with a model

Anthropic is known for its industry-leading Claude Code that writes programs, but why stop there? The company, on Friday, introduced a research preview service called Claude Design that creates visual assets, potentially putting some folks out of work.…

Nicholas Moore hacked into three U.S. government networks using stolen credentials, and then bragged about it and posted victims' personal data on Instagram under the handle @ihackedthegovernment.

Remember when Willy Wonka’s wildly unsafe factory resulted in many kids being maimed during a tour? Netflix does, and it’s turning that child endangerment into a sequel. It’s upcoming Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory animated film starring Taika Waititi as Willy Wonka will see what happens after the infamous chocolatier gets out of prison for his past crimes. And while that premise might sound like a Mike Teeavee-esque stretch, the first image from the film is absolutely delectable.Netflix

Netflix’s Tudum shared the first look at the streamer’s upcoming Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory set to premiere in 2027. It’s not another remake, though. This is a sequel to Roald Dahl’s story. Tudum provided an official synopsis for the film, which also stars Heartstopper‘s Kit Connor as Charlie Paley. From Netflix:

Willy Wonka has spent the years since the Golden Ticket contest behind bars (not the chocolate kind) for the crime of turning a child into a blueberry. Having served his time, Wonka returns to his factory determined to add a little sweetness to a bitter world. But one thing stands in his way: teenager Charlie Paley and his friends. Facing eviction, this next generation of “rotten” kids plot to break into the factory, nab a priceless Wonka Bar, and save their homes. But like many before them who enter the fantastical world of the factory, these kids are in for a bit more than they can chew…

Oh, okay. More child endangerment. That’s great.* Clearly this film will honor the original’s ethos.

Paramount Pictures

The film comes from directors Jared Stern (The LEGO Batman Movie) and Elaine Bogan (Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, Spirit Untamed). If this image feels familiar that’s because Sony Pictures Imageworks ( Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, KPop Demon Hunters) is handling the animation. Decent track record. DECENT.

“Our directors, Jared and Elaine, have a bold vision befitting this new adventure whilst remaining sympathetic to the legacy, and I’m thrilled to play my part in bringing Willy Wonka to life in animated form,” said Waititi in a statement. “He is so special to me, and the opportunity to voice such an iconic, eccentric candy genius — if a little mischievous at times — is hugely exciting.” 

Getting to see Willy Wonka teach a bunch of brats an important lesson is always fun. Watching him do it in animation this good will only make it better.

*Joke

The post Netflix Shares Image and Synopsis For CHARLIE VS. THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY appeared first on Nerdist.

Returning backers a16z and Thrive are expected to lead the round.

Netflix has put up the ultimate wall on its planned animated Redwall franchise. A new report says that after many years in development, the streaming site is not moving forward with its plans for to adapt Brian Jacques’ action adventure book series into a movie and TV show.

Philomel

Neither Martin nor any other animals warriors will be taking up residence at Netflix’s version of Redwall Abbey. According to Broadcast Now (in news we first heard at Animation Magazine), the streamer is no longer making a Redwall film or series. This cancellation comes after years of developmental hell. Netflix first began work on the property in 2021. The first ever Redwall featured film was set to kick things off. Patrick McHale (Over the Garden Wall) was the first director on the project. By 2022, he had already stepped away from the project citing changes at Netflix. Netflix also planned to follow the movie up with a series about Martin the Warrior

The deal with Penguin Random House Children’s U.K included the rights to all 22 of Jacques’ Redwall books. It was one of the many children IPs Netflix acquired at the time. It also purchases the rights to the works of Roald Dahl in 2021. Both joined the previously acquired rights to C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia books in the streamer’s future projects bing. Netflix’s “movie and a series” plan also seemed certain to cover much more ground than the original Canadian Redwall TV series. It ran for three seasons on Teletoon from 1999 to 2001. It also aired on PBS in the U.S.

This cancellation might not be bad news for fans, though. Redwall didn’t go anywhere at Netflix for years. Now Martin can go on a new adventure to a place that will bring his story to life.

The post Netflix Reportedly Cancels REDWALL Adaptations appeared first on Nerdist.

Clouds build up over the Pajaro Valley recently. A new weather system will most likely bring showers and a possibility of thunderstorms starting Monday. Roger Gass of the National Weather Service of Monterey, said, “We are expecting to get showers Monday and a possibility of thunderstorms Tuesday. The upper level low is dropping in out of Gulf of Alaska.”
Gass said that while high winds are not expected, rain could be heavy at times. He said the Pajaro Valley could get from 1/2 to 1-inch of rain and 1-3 inches in north Santa Cruz County, the heaviest in the mountains.
“This rainfall could bring minor flooding in urban areas that could interrupt the morning and evening commutes Monday and into Tuesday. Showers are expected to taper late Tuesday and into Wednesday.

There's a lot more code—but it's a lot more expensive and requires a lot more rewriting.

Disney just revealed an exciting sneak peek as a familiar face makes his way to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park for the first time. Traveling all the way from a galaxy far, far away, Han Solo is the latest character to grace the happiest place the Earth. Joining alongside his good pal Chewbacca, Solo is coming to reclaim the Millennium Falcon. Starting April 29, park visitors might just be lucky enough to catch the iconic captain in his natural habitat. Take a look!

Han Solo Makes His Disneyland Debut!

Han Solo makes his Disneyland debut just in time for May the Fourth. The news was announced via the official Star Wars Instagram page. In the video, Han Solo steps into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, typical cocky swagger on full display. He quickly finds his prized ship, clearly displeased with the way Chewy’s been looking after it.

Disney announced earlier this year that a massive change was coming to Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge. That change happens to be the inclusion of several iconic characters from the original Star Wars trilogy. We’ve nudged this before, so we’re obviously pumped to hear that Disney is finally doing it. Solo and Chewbacca are the first of many to arrive. Joining them is the sibling duo of Princess Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker. Leia will be stationed near the Millennium Falcon, while Luke can be spotted roaming the outpost. and Chewbacca. 

What’s that I hear? Muffled breathing? Oh yeah, Darth Vader will be there, too. Would it really be a reunion without the Dark Lord, himself? Darth Vader returns to the park full-time. He’ll be walking around with Stormtroopers as he scouts for any remaining Jedi.

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Another big change will be to the park’s audio system. Starting April 29th, visitors will be able to hear John Williams’ iconic Star Wars scores throughout Galaxy’s Edge. We are buzzing with excitement!

Fans are already going wild after Disney’s first look at Han Solo and Chewy at Galaxy’s Edge. With their official arrival being so close, yet so far away, we can hardly wait. Personally, I’m ready to see all the amazing fan interactions pop up on social media. Maybe I’ll reschedule my Disneyland trip to a later date.

The post DISNEY Reveals First Look at Han Solo at STAR WARS: Galaxy’s Edge appeared first on Nerdist.

The Street Fighter trailer really brought the iconic Capcom video game to Technicolor life, in its full retro 1993 glory. And of course, it’s loaded to the gills with Easter eggs and references to the game’s history, and even the animated movie. Here’s everything we caught, and the timestamps on where to find them. The M. Bison StatueParamount/Legendary

0:08 – Here, we see our very first tease of the M. Bison statue, along with Shadaloo banners in the background. Don’t worry, we’ll see more than just his statue before this trailer is over.

Dhalsim in Street Fighter II Mode

0:15 – We see the training with the mystical yogi, Dhalsim. In the game, some of Dhalsim’s levels show other monks in the background. This is our first good look at Dhalsim in his Street Fighter II incarnation.

Guile and His Flat Top Paramount/Legendary

0:18 – In this scene, we have our first look at Guile, one of the original eight World Warriors, sporting his iconic Street Fighter II look. You can see him wearing his green tank top, signature flat top, American flag tattoo, and dog tags. He really looks straight out of the games, and is perfectly ridiculous.

Cammy as the “Killer Bee”Paramount/Legendary

0:20 – Cammy White appears here, wearing her Street Fighter Alpha II look, known by fans as her “Killer Bee” outfit.

NPC Joe

0:22 – At this timestamp, we get our first look at Joe, a.k.a. “Superstar.” Fans probably remember Joe as an NPC from the original Street Fighter game, specifically from the game’s intro screen.

Vega Enters the ChatParamount/Legendary

0:23 – Vega, the masked claw fighter from Spain, appears here in a slightly more covered-up version of his Street Fighter II look.

Eric Andre as Don Sauvage

0:24 –Here we get a good look at our narrator, who turns out to be Don Sauvage. He’s a newer ring announcer character who first appeared in Street Fighter V, played here by Eric Andre. In the game, his look was based on musician Bootsy Collins.

Ken Masters vs. El Fuerte

0:26 – Ken Masters performs the Inazuma kick move on El Fuerte. This is a newer character, first appearing in Street Fighter IV, and he’s a high-speed, acrobatic lucha libre Mexican wrestler, not to mention an aspiring chef.

“You Win!”Paramount/Legendary

0:29 – At this timestamp, you can hear the ref say “You win!” to Ken. Right after that, we hear the “Perfect” sound effect from the games, which plays whenever you win a fight in Street Fighter II.

Dan Hibiki Rocks a Pink Suit

0:30 – Here, we get our first look at the arrogant and cocky Dan Hibiki wearing a pink suit. This is a nod to his pink gi he wears in the games.

“I Want My MTV”Paramount/Legendary

0:34 – Prominently seen here is the retro MTV logo, which sets this movie squarely in Street Fighter’s ’90s heyday. This is a reference to when Street Fighter II came out, dominating arcades and pop culture in general.

Ken Punches a Car

0:37 – Ken literally beating up a car is a direct reference to the bonus stages in the game between levels.

Balrog in Full Street Fighter II ModeParamount/Legendary

0:42 – After seeing Balrog earlier in the trailer, now we see him in his Street Fighter II look, and in full boxing mode against Ken.

Live-action “Wall Bounce”

0:47 – What Ryu is doing to Ken here could be seen as a live-action version of a “wall bounce” from the games. This is when you can repeatedly hit your opponent off the edge of the screen in order to land more hits.

The Hell Wheel

0:49 – Ken performs a Hell Wheel here, his signature back-throw move, on Ryu.

The Philippou Brothers CameoParamount/Legendary

1:02 – The two people we see fighting in the street here, while everyone else cheers them on, are the Philippou brothers in a cameo appearance. The twin filmmakers from Australia were originally attached to direct this movie, but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.

Enter: The Red CycloneParamount/Legendary

1:07 – We catch our first glimpse at Zangief here, a.k.a. the Red Cyclone, showing off his size and strength while dragging a tractor.

Ken vs. Ryu

1:26-1:36 – Here we see Ken attempting (and failing at) a series of moves against Ryu. These include the Dragonlash kick, Oosoto Mawashi Geri, and Jinrai kick. Also, in this stretch, we hear some hit and kick sound effects pulled directly from the game, as well as a laughing sound effect pulled from the game.

M. Bison Appears (From Behind)Paramount/Legendary

1:43 – We finally see the notorious head of Shadaloo boss here, M. Bison, at least from behind.

Chun Li Takes a Shower in an Animated Movie ReferenceParamount/Legendary

1:49 – Chun Li entering the shower is a reference to a scene from the Street Fighter II Animated Movie. (Millennials, don’t pretend you didn’t rewind that bit 900 times.)

The Pao Pao Café (Sorta)

1:50 – This is not a direct reference to the games as such. However, this burlesque club we see here is a little bit like the Pao Pao Café level in the games. We doubt that’s a coincidence.

Guile Uses a Flash Kick

1:56 – Guile unleashes a Flash Kick against Vega, showing off his impressive fighting skills.

Chun Li in Her Iconic Outfit

1:59 – We get a joke here about Chun Li’s thighs, which are a fan-favorite element from the games. This is where we get our first look at Chun Li in her full iconic outfit from the games.

The Spinning Bird Kick MoveParamount/Legendary

2:04 – Chun Li performs her iconic spinning bird kick move on Vega, and then her Hazanshu move on Juli. This is our first glimpse of the brainwashed female assassin in this moment.

The Russian SuplexParamount/Legendary

2:12 – At this timestamp, Zangief is performing the Russian Suplex move on Ken. His facial expression sure looks like he knows he’s about to be in a world of hurt.

E. Honda and the Hundred Hand Slap

2:16 – Here, we see sumo wrestler E. Honda performing the Hundred Hand Slap move.

Chun Li Performs a Lightning Kick

2:19 – We quickly see Chun Li performing her signature lightning kick against Vega.

M. Bison in Full Glory

2:21 – Finally, our first good look at M. Bison, just as he looked in Street Fighter II.

Akuma Performs Empyrean’s End

2:23 – Akuma, the younger brother of Gouken, Ryu’s and Ken’s master, performs the Empyrean’s End move on Ryu.

Ken vs. Dhalsim

2:29 – We briefly witness Ken performing his high-damage uppercut move, Shoryuken, on Dhalsim.

Dhalsim Gets Stretchy

2:29 – Here we see Dhalsim’s ability to stretch his limbs, as he grabs and throws Ken.

Psycho Power

2:30 – Blink and you miss it, but here we see M. Bison using his Psycho Power. In the Street Fighter universe, Psycho Power is the dark side of Soul Power.

It’s Not Easy Being GreenParamount/Legendary

2:31 – The mutated (and very green) Blanka appears here, in his Street Fighter II look. We admit, it’s giving MCU Hulk.

Ryu Unleashes Hadouken

2:41 – We finally see Ryu firing his iconic surging punch, Hadouken, at Ken.

“Perfect!”

2:48 – For the second time, we hear the iconic “Perfect” sound effect from games played over the release date card.

And we’re sure these just scratch the surface when it comes to the Capcom Easter eggs in Street Fighter. We’ll find out when this film hits theaters on October 16.

Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks

The post All the Easter Eggs We Caught in the STREET FIGHTER Trailer appeared first on Nerdist.

A security researcher published details of three security vulnerabilities in Windows Defender, and the code used to exploit them. Now, hackers are taking advantage of the vulnerabilities in real life attacks, according to a cybersecurity firm.

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The Russo Brothers and Kevin Feige did more than just reveal new footage of Avengers: Doomsday at this year’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas. They also announced an entirely new way to experience Disney’s biggest movies. The Mouse House is partnering with large-format theaters around the world on Infinity Vision. And it’s kicking off this new, brighter, bolder, more immersive way to watch movies with a re-release of Avengers: Endgame.Disney

Walt Disney Studios says Infinity Vision will let audiences know which theaters “offer the biggest, brightest and most immersive cinematic experiences” by setting “a new benchmark for theatrical presentation, certifying auditoriums that meet rigorous technical standards.” What will that actually mean in practice. Disney described the kinds of upgrades moviegoers can expect from Infinity Vision:

• The largest screens for maximum scale 
• Laser projection for superior brightness and clarity 
• Premium audio formats for fully immersive sound

Marvel Studios

Premium large format (PLF) theaters around the world will get to employ Infinity Vision for the first time this fall. Marvel Studios will re-release Avengers: Endgame in Infinity Vision in September. The Russos and Feige also said this latest theatrical release for the blockbuster film will include brand-new footage. Two months later, Avengers: Doomsday will also be available in Infinity Vision at certified PLFs.

“Disney’s standards for production quality are second to none, with every single detail of a film finely tuned for an immersive experience,” said Andrew Cripps, Head of Theatrical Distribution for The Walt Disney Studios, in a statement. “Infinity Vision certification extends that commitment to the theaters themselves, representing a shared effort between The Walt Disney Studios and the exhibition community to help audiences quickly find the very best screens in their area to experience our films in exactly the way they’re designed to be seen – on a huge screen with the sharpest, clearest color and sound.”

Marvel Studios

We didn’t need much more convincing to see Avengers: Doomsday. We didn’t even need an excuse to see Endgame in theaters again. But it turns out there’s Infinity Vision reasons to do both.

The post Disney Launches New ‘Infinity Vision’ Theater Experience With AVENGERS: ENDGAME Re-Release appeared first on Nerdist.

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Has it felt like the trailers for Steven Spielberg’s upcoming sci-fi drama Disclosure Day are holding something back? They are. While promoting the film at this year’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas, the legendary director revealed that the movie’s promos have intentionally not shown any footage from the film’s third act.

It’s a stance we desperately want everyone else to embrace.

“They have photographic memories. They see one shot, and they sit in their seats and say, ‘Okay, show me where that shot is gonna appear!'” That’s what Spielberg said (according to EW) about his audience and why he’s holding back any and all scenes that take place in Disclosure Day‘s final act. That’s why Spielberg didn’t even include any in the special trailer that aired for Nerdist and fellow attendees at CinemaCon.

He’s completely right! In fact, no studio or filmmaker’s trailer should ever include footage from a third act. Movie trailers used to be something you only saw before other movies in the theater. You’d be lucky to see them once. Now we can and do rewatch them on our computer and smartphones as much as we want. Also, wonderful, intelligent, thoughtful pop culture sites do entire breakdowns highlighting every single aspect of movie trailers.

All of that has fundamentally changed how we see movies. Instead of simply experiencing the story as it unfolds on the screen, even if it’s unintentional, engaged viewers naturally begin to anticipate when a scene will take place. It’s less about seeing and more about expecting.

Universal Pictures

Third-act footage can also spoil a film while you’re watching the movie. Think back to the trailers for Captain America: Civil War. We all knew Iron Man and Captain America would fight in the film. But the big iconic shot of Bucky, Steve, and Tony fighting, a sequence prominent in countless promos and posters, takes place after the three seemingly bury the hatchet in the movie. But in the moment, anyone who watched the trailer knew that was obviously not going to hold since the movie still had to get to the big fight. It undercut the big Avengers-splitting reveal at the end.

Steven Spielberg is right about trailers. He’s 100% right. And we wish 100% of other filmmakers and studios would stop showing us act three footage in the trailer. Save it for the theater. It’ll make the theater experience even better.

The post Steven Spielberg Says Trailers Shouldn’t Show Act 3 Footage (And He’s Right!) appeared first on Nerdist.