<ul class="summary-list"><li>Ukraine posted a video of new US-supplied missiles in action over Neil Diamond's hit "Hello."</li><li>The ATACMS were discreetly received this month and successfully used against Russia this week.</li></ul><p>Ukraine celebrated its first spectacular use of US-supplied ATACMS with a Neil Diamond song. </p><p>Ukraine confirmed the news that the missiles had been deployed on Tuesday in a whimsical video posted by The Ukrainian Centre for Strategic Communications, accompanied by the voice of Neil Diamond singing his hit, "Hello Again."</p><p>"It's good to need you so," sings Diamond in the romantic song over a montage of the ATACMS arriving in Ukraine and being fired.</p><p>The video's message declares, "They say good things come to those who wait. Buddy, they ain't kidding." It signs off the video with images of Russian helicopters silhouetted by flames and explosions, saying, "Thank you, America."</p><p>Britain's defense ministry said in a Friday <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1715241527071441273" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">intelligence update</a> that it is "likely" nine helicopters were destroyed at Berdyansk alone, alongside five more in Luhansk. Beyond the short-term win, it also may leave <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-first-atacms-strike-deal-blow-russian-airpower-western-intelligence-2023-10">lasting damage on Russia's airpower,</a> wrote Insider's Jake Epstein.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/army-tactical-missile-system.html">MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System is a tactical ballistic missile</a> manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a US defense company. </p>  <blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="undefined"> —SPRAVDI — Stratcom Centre (@StratcomCentre) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1714315944628036037">October 17, 2023</a> </blockquote><p>The US discreetly delivered a limited number of long-range ballistic missiles to support the war-torn nation's defense efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed this development in an evening address, thanking the US for the continued military support.</p><p>Zelenskyy said the missiles had already been used on the battlefield and were executed "very accurately," per AP.</p><p>The covert delivery of these missiles follows a promise made by President Joe Biden last month. The high-precision missiles are seen as a game changer in the ongoing conflict, giving Ukrainian forces a critical edge and the ability to strike Russian targets at a considerable distance while keeping their troops safe, AP reports. </p><p>Though the US government chose to keep the delivery under wraps, officials familiar with the operation confirmed it. Fewer than a dozen missiles were successfully transported to Ukraine within the past few days, per AP.</p><p>The arrival of these advanced munitions on the war front will empower Ukrainian forces to engage Russian targets that were previously out of their reach.</p><p>Insider's Jake Epstein reported that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-atacms-russian-airfield-strikes-attack-enemy-helicopters-2023-10">Ukraine struck Russian airfields and took out enemy helicopters with their new ATACMS.</a> </p><p>On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces launched attacks that damaged Russian airfields located well behind the frontline. A source familiar with the matter told Insider that the strikes involved the use of ATACMS. </p><p>According to Ukraine's defense ministry, the attacks targeted airfields in Berdyansk and Luhansk, which are situated in Russian-occupied territory.</p><p>Ukraine also posted a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-posts-video-kyiv-forces-firing-us-atacms-russia-2023-10">video of ATACMS being fired at Russians on Telegram</a>.</p><p>The Pentagon responded to a request for comment from Insider but did not confirm the reporting on ATACMS.</p><p>Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Ukraine is set to get <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-new-atacms-missiles-go-twice-far-official-russia-airfields-2023-10">more ATACMS that have a range of about 190 miles</a>.</p>

Ukraine celebrates spectacular debut of ATACMS by playing Neil Diamond's 'Hello Again' over images of US missiles in action

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="28540" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Princess-Diana">Princess Diana</keyword> danced with <keyword id="278478" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Neil-Diamond">Neil Diamond</keyword> during a 1985 gala dinner at the <keyword id="6356037" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="white-house">White House</keyword>. </li><li>Pete Souza, a former White House photographer, captured the moment and shared the photo on Instagram. </li><li>Diana also danced with <keyword id="38952" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="John-Travolta">John Travolta</keyword>, who said dancing with her was "as if it were a fairytale." </li></ul><p>Princess Diana danced with several celebrities when she attended a White House dinner nearly four decades ago, but she "visibly" blushed while dancing with Neil Diamond. </p><p>In November 1985, the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived to Washington D.C. as part of a three-day trip to the U.S., <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1985/11/10/the-royal-rush-beginscharles-and-diana-shake-up-the-town/203f95fd-2c4f-45c4-b25f-9a7dd80490a3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Washington Post</a> reported. Their first day ended with a star-studded White House dinner hosted by then-President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan. </p><p>While Diana took a spin with celebrities like <a href="https://www.insider.com/john-travolta-says-dancing-with-princess-diana-felt-like-fairytale-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Travolta</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/buy-the-dress-princess-diana-wore-when-she-danced-with-john-travolta-2011-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clint Eastwood</a>, former White House photographer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/petesouza/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pete Souza</a> recalled her memorable dance with Neil Diamond. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COAwGvcFWIf" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>"The one rock-solid remembrance I have is that Diana was visibly blushing when she danced with Neil," wrote Souza in an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COAwGvcFWIf/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram post</a>. "In the photograph, you can see that her cheeks are a bit red but in the moment it was even more obvious."</p><p>Souza, <a href="https://www.petesouza.com/content.html?page=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chief Official White House Photographer for Reagan and Barack Obama</a>, said that Diamond also performed that night at the dinner - and may have even sung for Diana. </p><p>"Accompanied by the military band, Neil sang a few of his songs. I distinctly remember him singing, 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers,'" Souza wrote. "My recollection-and I can't be sure this is correct-is that he continued singing this song as he danced with her.⁣" </p><p>In another <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN-EOZqld0t/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram post</a>, Souza added that Diana "danced that night with President Reagan, Tom Selleck, <keyword id="33684" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Clint-Eastwood">Clint Eastwood</keyword> and Neil Diamond. She did not dance with <keyword id="20898" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="prince-charles">Prince Charles</keyword>."</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN-EOZqld0t" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>The story was first reported by <a href="https://people.com/royals/princess-diana-was-visibly-blushing-while-dancing-with-neil-diamond-photographer-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a>.</p><p>During a new interview with <a href="https://www.esquire.com/es/actualidad/cine/a36143785/john-travolta-entrevista-esposa-luto-pulp-fiction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Esquire Mexico</a>, John Travolta <a href="https://www.insider.com/john-travolta-says-dancing-with-princess-diana-felt-like-fairytale-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared details about his dance with Diana</a> and how it was like a "fairytale." </p><p>"I didn't think they'd ask me to dance with her. I had the great privilege and honor of doing so, and I thought, 'There must be a reason for doing this and I better give it my all," Travolta, 67, told the publication.</p><p>"We were at the White House. It's midnight. The stage is like a dream. I approach her, touch her elbow, invite her to dance. She spins around and gives me that captivating smile, just a little sad, and accepts my invitation. And there we were, dancing together as if it were a fairytale," he said. </p><p>Travolta, who danced with Diana to a "Saturday Night Fever" medley, said he committed the moment to memory. </p><p>He said: "Who could ever imagine something like that would happen to them someday? I was smart enough to stamp it in my memory as a very special, magical moment." </p>

Princess Diana was 'visibly blushing' while dancing with Neil Diamond at the White House, photographer says

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="16036" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Jennifer-Lopez">Jennifer Lopez</keyword> performed at Vax Live, a <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword> <keyword id="24209" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="vaccine">vaccine</keyword> <keyword id="6355967" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="concert">concert</keyword> organized by Global Citizen. </li><li>The singer brought her <keyword id="21785" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="mother">mother</keyword> on stage during a performance of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline." </li><li>Lopez wore four outfits during the event, including a bright, multicolored leotard and neon dress. </li></ul><p>Jennifer Lopez serenaded her mother in a sentimental performance during Global Citizen's <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/media/vaxlive/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World." </a></p><p>Fully vaccinated music fans and frontline workers joined together on Saturday at Inglewood's SoFi Stadium for the star-studded event. The global broadcast was hosted by Selena Gomez, while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, <a href="https://www.insider.com/prince-harry-vax-live-concert-speech-video-standing-ovation-2021-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">served as campaign chairs. </a></p><p>The opening number was performed by Lopez, <a href="https://www.insider.com/jennifer-lopez-four-outfits-one-night-photos-2021-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">who wore a dazzling jumpsuit</a> as she sang a live cover of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" in tribute to her mother, Guadalupe Rodríguez. </p><p>"When I was thinking about what song to sing tonight, I remembered the song she always used to sing to me when I was a baby," said Lopez, 51. "So if you would indulge me, I'd love to sing that one tonight."</p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GIKlC9mDxSk" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>The "On the Floor" singer told the crowd she didn't spend Christmas with her mother for the first time last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p>"We've been away too long, but she's here with me tonight, and she is vaccinated," Lopez said. </p><p>Midway through the performance, Lopez instructed her band to pause briefly and ran to pull her mother onstage for a special moment. </p><p>Rodríguez revealed that she used to sing "Sweet Caroline" to rock Lopez asleep but instead changed the lyrics to "Sweet Jennifer." </p><div type="image" title="Jennifer Lopez and her mother" height="2665" width="3553" msid="82499481" hostid="261"></div><p>Lopez also performed her 2016 anthem "Ain't Your Mama" before other artists like Foo Fighters, J Balvin, and H.E.R. took the stage.</p><p>Ahead of the concert, the two women posed together in sweet photographs alongside Lopez's 13-year-old daughter Emme. The Instagram photos were shared on Friday as part of Lopez's beauty brand, JLO Beauty.</p><p>"Three generations, but one belief - WE ARE LIMITLESS (and so are YOU!)," the photo was captioned. Lopez later shared a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COnvFCEJZyp/">behind-the-scenes video</a> from the photoshoot and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COdoxx5Jflf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">an additional picture of the three</a> together for Mother's Day.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COmBze3lZ4m" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by JLO BEAUTY (@jlobeauty)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote>

Jennifer Lopez serenaded her mother with Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline' onstage at 'Vax Live' concert

<p><div class="image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5173e4f969bedd7d39000000-427-320/neil-diamond-fenway-park-2.jpg?maxX=400" border="0" alt="Neil Diamond, Fenway Park" width="400" /></div><p class="source"><keyword id="133010" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="MLB">MLB</keyword>.com</p></div>To the surprise of many, <keyword id="278478" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Neil-Diamond">Neil Diamond</keyword> showed up to Fenway Park on Saturday to sing his classic hit, "Sweet Caroline," during a Red Sox game that included a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/red-sox-fans-sing-the-national-anthem-and-other-images-from-the-celebration-prior-to-todays-game-in-boston-2013-4">pre-game ceremony honoring the heroes and victims of the Boston Marathon bombings</a>. But the story of how he ended up singing for the fans is even more incredible.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/JMastrodonato/status/325718762869383169">According to Jason Mastrodonato of <em>MLB.com</em>,</a> Diamond showed up unannounced to Fenway Park about 30 minutes prior to the game. He then called up to the control room and simply asked if he could sing the song that is heard during the 8th inning of every Red Sox home game.</p>
<p>In the age of appearance fees and musicians that make dozens of inane demands, it was an incredible gesture for the people of Boston.</p>
<p>The spontaneity of the moment could be heard during the performance (see video below). The Red Sox did not have a version of the song without vocals. So when Diamond is singing the song live to the fans, his voice can also be heard in the audio track. Still, it was a perfect addition to an emotional day at Fenway Park.</p>
<p>Earlier this week, several other <keyword id="6507856" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Major-League-Baseball">Major League Baseball</keyword> teams, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/video-yankees-honor-victims-of-boston-marathon-by-playing-sweet-caroline-2013-4">including the New York Yankees</a>, played the song at their own stadiums as a way to let the city of Boston know it was in their thoughts. <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilDiamond/status/324318926932697088">Diamond responded to many of the teams on Twitter</a>, thanking them for the kind gestures.<br /><br /></p>
<p><iframe width="618" height="346" frameborder="0" src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=26430517&amp;width=618&amp;height=346&amp;property=mlb">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>

The Amazing Story Of How Neil Diamond Ended Up Singing 'Sweet Caroline' At Saturday's Red Sox Game

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A DJ on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@poshdjs/video/7057640961215843631?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id7055687598047856134">TikTok</a> shared songs couples most commonly didn't want played at their wedding in 2021.</li><li>The data in the video is based on the requests collected from 700 couples in New Jersey. </li></ul><p>A <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@poshdjs/video/7057640961215843631?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id7055687598047856134">DJ</a> shared some of the songs couples most commonly don't want played at <a href="https://www.insider.com/tough-things-every-couple-should-tell-wedding-guests-2022-1">t</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/tough-things-every-couple-should-tell-wedding-guests-2022-1">heir weddings</a> — and some of the requests are a little surprising.</p><p>In a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@poshdjs/video/7057640961215843631?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id7055687598047856134">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.poshdjs.com/">POSH DJs</a>, a wedding DJ group, scrolled through the top 75 "do-not-play" requests from 2021.</p><p>The video, which has nearly 300,000 views, contains data that POSH DJs owner Michael Bedkowski said was collected from the online form their clients fill out prior to <a href="https://www.insider.com/wedding-planner-shares-trends-that-will-be-popular-and-unpopular-2022">each wedding</a>.</p><p>He told Insider the list from the video was made using data collected from over 700 <keyword id="11895717" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="weddings" source="Orion">weddings</keyword> the group performed in New Jersey last year. </p><h2>The do-not-play list includes line dances, Bruno Mars, and the entire country-music genre</h2><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@poshdjs/video/7057640961215843631" data-video-id="7057640961215843631" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@poshdjs" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@poshdjs">@poshdjs</a> Top do not play list songs for 2021 <a title="weddingnj" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingnj">#weddingnj</a> <a title="weddingdjnj" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingdjnj">#weddingdjnj</a> <a title="njwedding" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/njwedding">#njwedding</a> <a title="weddingmusic" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingmusic">#weddingmusic</a> <a title="weddingtips" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingtips">#weddingtips</a> <a title="weddingtiktok" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingtiktok">#weddingtiktok</a> <a title="weddingtiktok2021" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingtiktok2021">#weddingtiktok2021</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - POSH DJs" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7057640929267796782">♬ original sound - POSH DJs</a> </section> </blockquote> <p>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-worst-songs-from-popular-artists-2020-1">song</a> couples most commonly wanted the DJ to avoid was DJ Casper's "Cha Cha Slide," followed by Cupid's "Cupid Shuffle," and Rednex's "Cotton Eye Joe." According to the video's creator, this is expected. </p><p>"We tell our clients we try to stay away from line dances at weddings, it's just not our style," he said in the video. </p><p>Other notable "do-not-plays" include Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline," <keyword id="13053801" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="the-killers" source="Orion">The Killers</keyword>' "Mr. Brightside," and ABBA's "Dancing Queen."</p><p>Although most of the listings are songs, the <a href="https://www.insider.com/worst-country-music-songs-2018-10">country as a whole genre</a> managed to make the list.</p><p>"We do operate out of New Jersey, so that's not really a big surprise," the creator said.  </p><p>However, Bedkowski told Insider, there were still some surprise "do-not-play" requests. </p><p>Bedkowski told Insider his team was "shocked by how many times Bruno Mars shows up on do-not-play lists." He also mentioned that this was the first year that Earth, Wind, &amp; Fire's "September" made the list. </p><h2>The group also shared a video of the most-requested songs, which include some tracks from the do-not-play list</h2><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@poshdjs/video/7057908927375330607" data-video-id="7057908927375330607" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@poshdjs" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@poshdjs">@poshdjs</a> Reply to @bret__ashton  Most requested songs at weddings in the past year.  <a title="weddingdj" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingdj">#weddingdj</a> <a title="njwedding" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/njwedding">#njwedding</a> <a title="weddingnj" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingnj">#weddingnj</a> <a title="weddingmusic" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingmusic">#weddingmusic</a> <a title="weddingplaylist" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingplaylist">#weddingplaylist</a> <a title="weddingtiktok" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingtiktok">#weddingtiktok</a> <a title="weddingtips" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingtips">#weddingtips</a> <a title="weddingdjnj" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingdjnj">#weddingdjnj</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - POSH DJs" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7057908890054167342">♬ original sound - POSH DJs</a> </section> </blockquote> <p>The DJ group also <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@poshdjs/video/7057908927375330607?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1">uploaded a follow-up video</a> of some of the most-requested songs, with <keyword id="12259138" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="whitney-houston" source="Orion">Whitney Houston</keyword>'s "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" at the no.1 spot. </p><p>Other <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-songs-90s-2019-4">popular requests</a> include Walk the Moon's "Shut Up and Dance," Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," and "Sweet Caroline" — which was toward the top of the do-not-play list.</p><p>"There were many songs also found on the do-not-play list, indicating you either love it or hate it," Bedkowski said. </p>

A DJ shared the top songs couples don't want played at weddings, from 'Sweet Caroline' to the country genre

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="38952" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="John-Travolta">John Travolta</keyword> spoke about his famous dance with <keyword id="28540" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Princess-Diana">Princess Diana</keyword> in a PBS special. </li><li>The actor said it was Diana's idea to dance with him when the two were at the White House in 1985.</li><li>Travolta said it was the former first lady Nancy Reagan who made the dance happen.</li></ul><p>On November 9, 1985, <a href="https://insider.com/category/john-travolta">John Travolta</a> made one of <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/princess-diana">Princess Diana</a>'s dreams come true. </p><p>In an exclusive clip shared with <a href="https://people.com/royals/john-travolta-shares-story-behind-famous-dance-with-princess-diana/">People</a> from the new PBS special, <a href="https://www.ninepbs.org/blogs/history/in-their-own-words-diana-princess-of-wales/">"In Their Own Words: Diana, Princess of Wales,"</a> the 67-year-old actor said the famous dance happened thanks to former first lady Nancy Reagan.  </p><p>"About 10 o'clock at night, Nancy Reagan tapped on my shoulder and said, 'The princess, her fantasy is to dance with you. Would you dance with her tonight?'" Travolta said in the documentary, which aired Sunday. "And I said, 'Well, of course. How does this work?' And she said, 'Well, at about midnight I'll come and get you and then I'll lead you over to her and then you ask her to dance.'"</p><div type="image" title="princess diana john travolta" height="1856" width="2474" msid="85245355" hostid="261"></div><p>Travolta said his heart was racing when he asked Diana to dance. </p><p>"She looked up and me and I said, 'Would you care to dance with me?' and she said, 'Yes,'" the "Grease" star said in the documentary. "I took her and the whole room cleared. We danced for what felt like 15 minutes."</p><p>In the picture, which was captured by <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-it-takes-to-be-a-white-house-photographer-2020-10">former chief official White House photographer Pete Souza</a>, Travolta looked dapper in a crisp black tuxedo while <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/princess-diana-dancing-with-john-travolta-gown-for-sale-2019-11">Diana wore a midnight-blue Victor Edelstein mermaid gown</a> with a sapphire diamond and pearl choker and matching earrings. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN-EOZqld0t" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>In the caption of an Instagram post from April, Souza wrote that, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN-EOZqld0t/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=79dad20b-c7de-4d96-a059-e19a0296356a356a">aside from Travolta, "Diana also danced that night with President Reagan, Tom Selleck, Clint Eastwood, and Neil Diamond</a>. She did not dance with Prince Charles."</p><p>In the PBS special, Travolta said dancing with Diana was like something out of a storybook.</p><p>"We bowed when it was over and she was off, and I was off, and my carriage turned into a pumpkin," he said. </p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/john-travolta-says-dancing-with-princess-diana-felt-like-fairytale-2021-4">In an April interview with Esquire Mexico</a>, Travolta also said he never imagined he would dance with Diana.</p><p>"Who could ever imagine something like that would happen to them someday? I was smart enough to stamp it in my memory as a very special, magical moment," he said. </p>

John Travolta says his iconic dance with Princess Diana was actually her idea

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I've worked on a major cruise line for six years and have interacted with many different guests.</li><li>Referring to the crew as "the workers" and asking about our salary can be awkward and rude.</li><li>Arriving at the ship late can cost the cruise money and create more work for the crew.</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/interesting-fun-things-about-working-on-a-cruise-ship-2021-5">After working on cruise ships for six years and traveling to over 65 countries</a>, I've seen a lot of situations and heard plenty of commentary from passengers.</p><p>So here are 10 things I <a href="https://www.insider.com/things-guests-should-never-do-at-hotels-according-to-employee-2021-8">wish guests would stop doing</a>:</p><h2><strong>Referring to crew members as 'the workers' is not preferable</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="cruise ship staff posing for a photo on the deck of the ship" height="900" width="1200" msid="85515024" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>There's just something behind those words that sounds uninviting. We prefer to be called the crew or employees.</p><p>Although <a href="https://www.insider.com/cruise-ship-kitchen-facts-2019-1">the service's vibe may be different</a> than that of a typical restaurant on land, the crew is one big happy family and excited to deliver fun vacations.</p><h2><strong>There's no reason to immediately ask for upgrades when the ship is full</strong></h2><p>Most of the time, there will be signage or announcements at the guest-services desk on boarding day if the ship is sold out.</p><p>These signs will state that there are no upgrades available, and you should believe them. So many guests stand in long lines just to double-check.</p><p>Some rooms may become available if people don't show up, but the staff won't know until <a href="https://www.insider.com/accessible-cruises-for-people-with-disabilities-2019-4">after leaving the port</a>. So it's best to call down to guest services a few hours after departure and ask then. </p><h2><strong>Leaving dishes on the ground can be a safety hazard</strong></h2><p>There is no designated spot to put your trash on <keyword id="11916830" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="cruises" source="Orion">cruises</keyword>. You usually enjoy your drinks and food, then leave the dishes on the table for the attendants to clean as a part of the awesome relaxation experience.</p><p>But I often see people leave dishes and glasses on the ground, in the corner of elevators, and even in the middle of staircases.</p><p>This is <a href="https://www.insider.com/cruise-ship-horror-stories-2018-7">very dangerous for other guests</a> - I've seen people get injured by glasses on walkways - so please find the nearest table or bar to leave your dishes.</p><h2><strong>Don't ask the crew if we live on the ship</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Cruise ship employees posing for a photo in a room" height="637" width="850" msid="85515025" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Despite popular belief, we do not helicopter or jet ski to work every day.</p><p>We live, work, eat, breathe, and sleep on board.</p><h2><strong>Returning late to the ship can cause a headache for you and the staff</strong></h2><p>Over my six years, I've seen many guests sprint down the pier to catch the ship on port days.</p><p>Although there is a slight difference between the all-aboard call and the ship's actual departure, it's crucial to be on time.</p><p>Usually, the ship gets charged per minute overtime at the port, which is why most cruises will not wait for late passengers (<a href="https://www.insider.com/things-not-to-do-on-cruises-according-to-staff-2021-7">unless they are on a company-sponsored tour</a>).</p><p>Plus then guest services has to figure out how to get visas, passports, and other documentation because of your mistake.</p><h2><strong>Many guests save pool-deck chairs and never actually use them</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Cruise ship deck with blue chairs and long pool" height="2112" width="2816" msid="85515026" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>When the ship is having a sea day, the pool-deck chairs are usually reserved by towel holders before 8 a.m., but many passengers who claim one don't even use it.</p><p>Ship decks are smaller than land resorts, so please only reserve a chair if you plan on sitting in it at some point so other guests can enjoy the pool, too.</p><h2><strong>Scheduling changes are inconvenient - but don't blame the crew </strong></h2><p>Many guests <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-cruises-for-retirees-to-go-on-2019-5">save money for years to go on a cruise</a> and have their entire itinerary planned to the minute, but if there's ever an unexpected change to the schedule, just know it's absolutely essential.</p><p>Sometimes ports will be substituted or skipped because of bad weather or things will be delayed due to a medical emergency.</p><p>The crew understands and shares that disappointment - it's hard for us to rapidly change schedules too. Most times when this happens, it's out of our control.</p><p>Just know we're doing everything in our power to give you the best possible experience while keeping you extremely safe.</p><h2><strong>You wouldn't usually ask people about their salary on land, so don't do so on board either</strong></h2><p>You most likely wouldn't go into a restaurant and ask the chef what they're paid, but that's <a href="https://www.insider.com/answers-to-commonly-asked-questions-about-tattoos">a touchy and uncomfortable question</a> we get all of the time. </p><p>Guests often ask the crew how much money we make - maybe because some believe we get paid low wages, which simply isn't true.</p><p>Like most typical jobs, our pay is based on the position we have. The job can be extremely profitable since we don't have to spend our checks on board unless we want to. </p><h2><strong>Passengers shouldn't expect to hang out with the crew in port</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="ship crew having fun" height="2802" width="3736" msid="85515027" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Don't get me wrong, we love socializing outside of work, but when you see the crew in port, remember it's our very limited time off. </p><p>We usually use this time to contact our families, <a href="https://www.insider.com/secret-beaches-to-beat-the-crowds-2018-4">relax on the beach</a>, or go shopping.</p><p>We also have strict rules about fraternizing with guests on and off the ship, so don't be offended if it's a brief conversation.</p><h2><strong>I've heard 'Sweet Caroline' at karaoke too many times</strong></h2><p>Please stop the madness. Over my six years, I've heard Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" at karaoke every single night.</p><p>I know you all love it so much, but how about a little Tina Turner or even Bruce Springsteen?</p><p>Most crew member's ears are permanently ringing with "so goods." </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/category/freelancer%20cruise-ship-confessions">Click to read more of my advice on cruising and stories from onboard the ship</a>.</strong></p>

I've worked on cruise ships for 6 years. Here are the 10 things I wish passengers would stop doing.

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d1a7e5ea17d6c105c0870d3-2118/scooter braun justin bieber.jpg" border="0" alt="scooter braun justin bieber" data-mce-source="Jemal Countess/Getty Images" /><p class="source"><span>Jemal Countess/Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">Scooter Braun (left) and Justin Bieber.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Talent manager Scooter Braun and his company Ithaca Holdings announced Sunday that it had acquired Big Machine Labels Group, a record label company that owns music from Rascal Flatts to Taylor Swift. </li><li>Private equity giant The Carlyle Group is supporting the transaction as a minority owner of Ithaca Holdings.</li><li>Jay Sammons, a Carlyle executive who also sits on the board of Ithaca Holdings, said his involvement in the deal is emblematic of how he treats investments across the consumer, media and retail industries.</li><li>To consummate deals, he has relied on a "founder-led approach," which has meant working closely with top executives and not seizing control of their business, as is typical in private equity. </li></ul><p>To get its hands into the music and entertainment industry, private equity firm The Carlyle Group has been willing to do something somewhat uncharacteristic to private equity: settle for minority ownership as it seeks to build relationships with executives.</p><p>That's why Carlyle, with more than $220 billion assets under management, said that it's "supporting" a deal in which Scooter Braun, the talent manager behind Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and Kanye West, along with his company Ithaca Holdings, had acquired record label Big Machine Label Group, which owns music from stars like Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift.</p><p>"Not every private equity firm, I would say, is willing to do that," said Jay Sammons, head of consumer, media and retail at Carlyle, of minority investments, in which an investor controls less than 50% of a company. Such deals have been growing in popularity over the last 10 years, though they're still less common than full-on buyouts in which private equity firms control an entire company. <br /><br />In an interview, Sammons said Carlyle's investment in Ithaca Holdings, which started in 2017, stemmed from a macro trend that he and his team of 12 professionals in New York identified. And it continues to play out today. "We have seen a big shift around the influence that celebrities and artists have over the consumer world, and we want to invest capital with great partners who help us capitalize on those macro industry trends," he said. </p><p>After realizing that, Sammons met up with Braun and after discussions about the future of the music industry and Braun's own business, invested in Ithaca and secured himself a seat on its board of directors.</p><p>Sammons calls this the "founder-led approach" to private equity. It also speaks to the allure of investments in the industries Sammons covers, particularly in music and entertainment.<br /><br />Music labels are attractive to private equity because of their long-term cash flows. A hit song from the 1950s can generate profits for as long as consumers continue to tune in and buy the artists' merchandise. In recent years, a number of private equity firms have purchased ownership stakes in companies that sell licensing rights to songs. This includes Blackstone's 2017 acquisition of SESAC Holdings, which licenses the music rights to songs by Adele, Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond, as well as Wood Creek Capital Management's 2013 purchase of Concord Music Group. Concord <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/barings-private-equity-arm-owns-a-company-that-negotiated-the-rights-to-7-rings-2019-3">recently worked with Ariana Grande's managers</a> in licensing the rights to "My Favorite Things," as sung in 1959 by Julie Andrews in "The Sound of Music," so that Grande could use it in her single "7 Rings."  <br /><br />Carlyle previously owned a minority stake in headphone-maker Beats, starting in 2013, and Sammons worked with founders Jimmy Lovine and Dr. Dre on expanding its premium headphone business before it was sold to Apple for $3 billion in 2014.</p><p>Other deals in his portfolio that have had the founder-led treatment: Carlyle's 2014 investment in Vogue International, a hair care business and a 2008 investment in Moncler Group, a manufacturer of sportswear products. </p><p>To be sure, Carlyle is not the only firm that has cultivated relationships with founders and then struck deals as minority stakeholders. The tack isn't limited to the music industry, either. Just last week, Blackstone and the Lego's founding family announced a deal to acquire Merlin Entertainments, the large operator of visitor attractions, in a deal valued at $7.5 billion. Under the terms of the deal, Kirkbi, the holding company of the founding family that owns the Lego brand, will own half the company, while Blackstone will split the remaining 50 percent with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. </p><p>Sammons, the Carlyle executive<strong>,</strong> declined to comment on any specific changes to the business that may result from Ithaca Holdings' acquisition of Big Machine Label Group. He also did not address Taylor Swift's complaints about the deal, which made headlines Monday when she called the announcement her "worst case scenario." <br /><br />Swift <a href="https://taylorswift.tumblr.com/post/185958366550/for-years-i-asked-pleaded-for-a-chance-to-own-my">aired her grievances</a> in a Tumblr post that ownership of her music would switch hands to longtime foe, Scooter Braun, whose client Kanye West has publicly feuded with Swift. </p><p>Instead, Sammons stressed the global reach of Carlyle, which could prove valuable for Ithaca and Big Machine going forward. <br /><br />"Music as an industry is very global," Sammons said. "And we have resources and assets all around the world that we think are appealing to founders and CEOs."</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/goldman-marcus-executive-speaks-on-apple-card-2019-6">WATCH: A Goldman Sachs Marcus exec explains why Apple is the perfect partner for their new credit card</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/JsOLEpwM-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

Private equity giant Carlyle just used an unusual approach to clinch a big-time music deal with Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift

<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57a23853ce38f2e3058b4844-1920/clint%20eastwood%20rnc.png" alt="Clint Eastwood RNC" data-mce-source="C-SPAN"><p class="source"><span>C-SPAN</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div>It was one of the oddest moments in political convention history and of 2012 in general.<p>Clint Eastwood unforgettably spoke to an&#xa0;empty chair at the 2012 Republican National Convention. He was pretending as if it were President Obama.</p><p>The stunt - which was dubbed&#xa0;"Invisible Obama" and even has its own <a href="https://twitter.com/InvisibleObama">ongoing Twitter account</a> - made people scratch their heads, wondering&#xa0;what was going on in the older actor's head. Roger Ebert <a href="https://twitter.com/ebertchicago/status/241357969407737856">tweeted</a> that it made Eastwood come across as "sad" and "pathetic" and that it was "unworthy of him."</p><p>Now, Eastwood is acknowledging that the whole thing was "silly."</p><p>In a new interview with <a href="http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a46893/double-trouble-clint-and-scott-eastwood/">Esquire</a>, Eastwood&#xa0;replied to a question about what troubles him most with, "<span>We're not really … what troubles me is … I guess when I did that silly thing at the Republican convention, talking to the chair."</span></p><p><span><div><iframe width="800" height="600" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oTucyyBRMHY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></span></p><p><span>When the reporter said he didn't call the chair incident "silly," Eastwood continued:</span></p><blockquote><p><span>"<span>It was silly at the time, but I was standing backstage and I'm hearing everybody say the same thing: 'Oh, this guy's a great guy.' Great, he's a great guy. I've got to say something more.&#xa0;<span>And so I'm listening to an old Neil Diamond thing and he's going, 'And no one heard at all / Not even the chair.' And I'm thinking, </span><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">That's Obama</em><span>. He doesn't go to work. He doesn't go down to Congress and make a deal. What the hell's he doing sitting in the White House? If I were in that job, I'd get down there and make a deal. Sure, Congress are lazy bastards, but so what? You're the top guy."</span></span></span></p></blockquote><p><span><span><span>Eastwood then referred to his&#xa0;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/clint-eastwood-praises-donald-trump-and-slams-political-correctness-2016-8">disappointment toward the modern era of political correctness</a>.</span></span></span></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/nerve-movie-directors-filmmakers-film-school-2016-7">The directors of 'Catfish' and 'Nerve' reveal how to make it in Hollywood without going to film school</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="RreXN5NDE68YaL0hM_NBa5XqoaEnUsBi" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'RreXN5NDE68YaL0hM_NBa5XqoaEnUsBi',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Clint Eastwood finally explains his infamous empty-chair speech and calls it 'silly'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Two of <keyword id="6362171" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Boxing">boxing</keyword>'s most powerful figures have announced a wild plan to bring the sport back in Britain.</li><li><keyword id="2268473" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Eddie-Hearn">Eddie Hearn</keyword> and <keyword id="1311196" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Frank-Smith">Frank Smith</keyword>, both of Matchroom Sport, will host four live events in consecutive Saturdays in the grounds of Matchroom HQ.</li><li>Fights will take place outside, in the gardens of a 15-acre plot on which stands a heli-pad, an indoor swimming pool, and a mansion fit for a king.</li><li>Boxing royalty <keyword id="576793" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Anthony-Joshua">Anthony Joshua</keyword>, the unified heavyweight boxing world champion, wants to take part.</li><li>"World championship boxing in my garden? Oh, go on then," Hearn said.</li></ul><p>LONDON — Film footage cuts from one drone to another as they circle above Matchroom's head office in Essex, a grassy-county east of London.</p><p>The HQ is not your normal office block. It's a 15-acre mansion which Eddie Hearn, one of boxing's most powerful figures, grew up in with his dad, Barry, Matchroom's founder.</p><p>It boasts an indoor swimming pool, a heli-pad, and has cityscape views of London's financial district bursting through the horizon dozens of miles away.</p><p>"Sweet Caroline," the 1969 Neil Diamond classic now synonymous with boxing in Britain, has just finished playing.</p><p>A light display, pyrotechnics, and more elaborate fireworks accompany a big-name heavyweight who makes his entrance from the hills and toward a Sky <keyword id="6356028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports">Sports</keyword> ring Hearn, 40, had built next to Matchroom HQ in his backyard.</p><p>It's almost time for the main event — let's get ready to rumble.</p><p>Nobody is smiling more than Hearn, who sits beneath the night sky at ringside, socially-distant from those around him.</p><p>Event staff and the fight's referee wear N95 masks to mitigate any threat from the novel coronavirus. Staff disinfect spit buckets after cleaning the canvas to a medical level.</p><p>Boxing is back.</p><h2>A grand vision for the return of elite boxing</h2><p>What you've just read is Hearn's vision to safely restart his sport behind-closed-doors in July, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-8323317/Boxing-return-July-Eddie-Hearns-garden-1m-plan-delivering-four-weeks-fights.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to the Mail Online</a>.</p><p>"World championship boxing in my garden? Oh, go on then," Hearn said.</p><p>It is as inventive as it is ambitious, and it typifies Hearn's charismatic and over-the-top style as <a href="https://www.insider.com/eddie-hearn-plans-to-conquer-world-boxing-2020-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he has frequently told Insider that he isn't just content to have taken control of boxing in Britain</a>.</p><p>No. He's always had world boxing in his sights, and even that might not be enough as <a href="https://www.insider.com/eddie-hearn-considering-plan-to-promote-mma-events-rival-ufc-2020-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he seemingly becomes increasingly tempted to challenge the near monopoly the UFC enjoys</a> in mixed martial arts.</p><p>Hearn's vision for boxing in the COVID-19 era is akin to one Dana White has, as the UFC president appears determined to follow his three, indoor Jacksonville events in May, with <a href="https://www.insider.com/conor-mcgregor-texts-dana-white-wanting-to-fight-on-fight-island-2020-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a mysterious "Fight Island" project</a> he insists is real, and has a UFC hotel, gym, and a purpose-built Octagon which can apparently host events from June.</p><p>Both concepts are beyond the boundaries of what you and I consider normal, but, well … this is what wildly-effective promotional showmanship is all about. This is the fight game after all.</p><h2>How the hell did boxing get here, in Matchroom Sports Garden?</h2><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Eddie Hearn  (@EddieHearn) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1261410364241203204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote><p>The plan was likely devised at Matchroom HQ, otherwise known as Mascalls, which is a stately property 30 miles from the O2 Arena, where Matchroom's pay-per-view shows in London are often held.</p><p>There are many rooms all dedicated to Matchroom operations whether it's media-facing staff or operations. One of the key minds is Hearn's right-hand man Frank Smith, 27, who can be seen at events not in-front of the camera, but to the side, often working behind-the-scenes where he elevates the brand globally.</p><p>It is a far-cry from how Smith started, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boxing-news-frank-smith-anthony-joshua-matchroom-boxing-2017-3?r=UK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">telling Insider in 2017</a> he began life at Matchroom as a 14-year-old errand-boy delivering pizza or bringing tea to poker players.</p><p>From there, he worked in various Matchroom sports properties like darts, snooker, and golf, before finally moving into the boxing department, where he handles multi-million dollar contracts for marquee clients like Anthony Joshua, Gennady Golovkin, and Devin Haney.</p><p>Smith, now the CEO of Matchroom Boxing, recently told us about the challenges his company was enduring.</p><p><div type="image" title="Who is Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith" height="618" width="825" msid="75872018" hostid="261"></div></p><p>Much of the world, England included, was in strict lockdown. Boxing, like the world's biggest sports leagues, had shut operations. The coronavirus pandemic had changed life for the foreseeable future.</p><p>Smith said he was finding it tough to motivate a team of 100 scattered through multiple territories as the business was reliant on live events, and live events were banned. Matchroom shows in Britain, Italy, and the US had all been postponed.</p><p>For Smith, the coronavirus was bigger than anything — boxing had to shut down. "So many people are suffering and are affected by it, so it's very hard … we're in a generation where we've never experienced anything like it," he told Insider.</p><p>In early April, Smith ruled-out working abroad in a country with a lower rate of the virus, because the situation had a habit of changing so rapidly that the "substantial" financial investment it would take, to stage an event in Saudi Arabia or Singapore, for example, would be far too risky when borders could close at a moment's notice.</p><p>"It's quite a risk to do anything in other markets," Smith said. "We do shows in nine territories and didn't look outside the territories we normally work in. Restrictions constantly change, it would be a big risk to set something up, only for it to change again with airports closing."</p><p>With international markets ruled out, Matchroom could only look within Britain, and so initially the team scoured studio options.</p><p>"We were looking at a few studios … no crowd, minimal staffing, minimal teams with the fighters," Smith told us. "But the decision was taken out of our hands when the government [banned] medical-supporting events."</p><p>Options were running out.</p><p>A possible new normal was dawning on the Matchroom team — they had become a live events business with no live events planned, or to plan.</p><p>Because of social-distancing rules, Smith conducted group Zoom calls every morning with his teams, with staff now working from their own homes. They caught up on admin, doing things that may have been missed, or left, and just tried to stay busy.</p><p>Every now and then Smith would return to Matchroom HQ to collect a file.</p><p>Between those trips, and maybe Hearn himself taking a call at Mascalls with the gardens in the background, an elaborate scheme was hatched.</p><h2>The first rule of Fight Camp is … Tell everybody about Fight Camp</h2><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Eddie Hearn  (@EddieHearn) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1262302287130701825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2020</a></blockquote><h2>The second rule of Fight Camp is … <em>No seriously,</em> t<em>ell everybody about Fight Camp</em></h2><p>That scheme was Fight Camp — four consecutive midsummer Saturday night events which will take place in the gardens of Matchroom HQ, without fans, and with reduced fight teams and event crew.</p><p>There can be no more than 90 people at each Saturday night event.</p><p>There'll be a studio center for Sky Sports which is Matchroom's broadcast partner in the UK, in addition to a media zone, changing room marquees, a weigh-in area — likely in the halls of the building — and an outdoor ring beneath a canopy to protect against Britain's notoriously fickle weather.</p><p><div type="image" title="What is Matchroom Boxing Fight Camp, where is it, when is it" height="479" width="825" msid="75872021" hostid="261"></div></p><p>Matchroom plans to hire local hotels where athletes and trainers stay from each Tuesday, the start of fight week, through to Sunday, the morning after the Saturday fight.</p><p>Everyone involved in the events will be forced to quarantine for 24 hours after they've been tested on the Tuesday before the event, until they receive the results the next day. If they test positive for the coronavirus, they will leave the hotel and be isolated. Those who test negative continue on for Fight Camp.</p><p>Media activities will likely be done remotely, as the venue — with social-distancing measures — can only have 90 people on-site.</p><p>Matchroom is paying for $35,000 worth of COVID-19 tests for everybody involved in each of the fight weeks, for the camp's four week duration.</p><p>There is then a great financial outlay which come with rigging a mansion with fight and broadcast equipment in a way that dazzles on television. "It's a huge mission," Hearn told the Mail Online.</p><p>Robert Smith, the general secretary for the British Boxing Board of Control — which oversees the rules and regulations of the sport within the UK — said on a recent BBC 5 Live appearance that promoters who go behind-closed-doors will "take a big financial hit."</p><p><a href="https://www.boxingnewsonline.net/boxings-comeback-begins/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to Boxing News</a>, Smith said: "But they have contracts with TV companies and we want to get boxing back on TV."</p><p><div type="image" title="Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn in Diriyah" height="1395" width="2000" msid="75872024" hostid="261"></div></p><p>Matchroom has held memorable events inside massive soccer stadiums in Britain, at the historic Madison Square Garden in New York City, and a purpose-built 15,000 capacity venue in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.</p><p>Now, it's time for Matchroom Sports Garden to take center stage.</p><p>It's a a costly but potentially legacy-building series of Saturday fight nights over a four-week spell, which Hearn, Smith, and the wider Matchroom team hope recaptures the momentum it had earlier in the year, a time Hearn was telling Insider — not for the first time — that <a href="https://www.insider.com/eddie-hearn-plans-to-conquer-world-boxing-2020-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his business will be the world's No.1 fight firm</a>.</p><p>"Financially this will be painful for us," Hearn told the Mail Online, <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/52689470" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adding to the BBC</a> more recently that he is confident the backyard brawls this summer will "go down in history" as one of the great periods in British boxing.</p><p>"The most iconic venue in the world is Madison Square Garden, we will be the new garden. Of all the challenges I have had from Wembley Stadium to Saudi Arabia and Madison Square Garden, this is the biggest. That excites me," he said.</p><p>One of the greatest obstacles Matchroom has to overcome, is for gyms to reopen. This is so fighters with no other access to training can get fighting fit. Providing this ban is lifted, Hearn hopes to stage the events from mid-July</p><p><strong>Prospective fights include:</strong></p><ul><li>Natasha Jones vs. Terri Harper, super featherweight championship match</li><li>Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano, lightweight championship match</li><li>Cecilia Braekhus vs. Jessica McCaskill, welterweight championship match</li><li>Dillian Whyte vs. Alexander Povetkin, heavyweight match</li></ul><p>As there will be no fan-led atmosphere at any of these shows, Hearn hopes the raw sound of 10-ounce gloves smacking into a fighter's face will make for a compelling enough audio-visual experience at home.</p><p>"There's nothing like 90,000 [people] singing 'Sweet Caroline' but if you can create intensity through the sound of punches landed, the sound of fighters' heavy breathing, the sound of corner teams giving instructions and conversing with their fighters, this is what we need in the mix of the new TV show," <a href="https://theathletic.com/1824855/2020/05/20/eddie-hearn-details-plan-to-bring-boxing-back-from-his-backyard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hearn told The Athletic</a>.</p><p>"This isn't a game of soccer or tennis. This is brutal. If we can showcase that brutality in a more intense way, it's going to be quite compelling in the short-term."</p><p>He told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3R5ZjHaVv8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the YouTube channel iFL TV</a> that many of his athletes can compete on short notice. "90% of fighters are ready to go," he said. "They want to carry on their career."</p><h2>Anthony Joshua wants to join Fight Camp</h2><p><div type="image" title="Anthony Joshua" height="1000" width="2000" msid="75872025" hostid="261"></div></p><p>Joshua, heavyweight boxing's hottest property, has not fought since he reclaimed three major world heavyweight championship titles in Saudi Arabia last year, when he out-pointed Andy Ruiz Jr. with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/3-statistics-show-why-anthony-joshua-was-able-to-beat-andy-ruiz-jr-2019-12?r=US&amp;IR=TIR=T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a disciplined performance in Saudi Arabia</a>, six months after he was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/anthony-joshua-setback-should-have-listened-to-floyd-mayweather-2019-6?src=rss&amp;r=US&amp;IR=Tamp;IR=T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">humiliatingly defeated by the same man</a> in New York.</p><p>Joshua was due to defend his belts against mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev on June 20 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, and while the coronavirus nixed that event, the date is being rearranged for when the COVID-19 situation becomes clearer.</p><p><a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/29169457/croatia-interested-hosting-anthony-joshua-kubrat-pulev-bout" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN reported</a> earlier this month that Croatia presented a "very solid offer" to host the fight, but Joshua apparently wants to keep the bout in the UK, and even asked Hearn for an invitation to Fight Camp.</p><p>"I was talking AJ, AJ wants to fight here at Fight Camp," Hearn told iFL TV. "I don't think that's necessarily an option. But he wants to fight. This is what he does, I want to go back to the office, I want to go back to work. That's what I do.</p><p>"I'm sure fighters would prefer to fight in front of live crowds, of course you would. That's not going to be an option in the interim and may not even be an option until next year. So, be a pro, get prepared and get a fight in the bank. Get your money in the bank, progress your career, and let's go."</p><p>This echoes what Smith told Insider last month. The fighters, he said, are ready. "They're all keeping training, going out for their one run a day, working-out indoors, and staying very active.</p><p>"A lot of people knew the severity of the situation and are understanding of what's going on. They're all keeping ready, and that's the main thing."</p><p>Regardless of who fights and who doesn't, Matchroom appears set to follow in the UFC's footsteps and have a short-term residency of multiple nights in the same venue.</p><p>While the UFC did that in an empty 15,000 capacity VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Florida, the chosen venue, for Hearn, just happens to be the grounds of Matchroom HQ.</p><p>He told the Mail Online last week that he hopes it will be great for boxing, even if he knows it "won't be great for the grass."</p><p><strong>Read more:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/conor-mcgregor-fighting-manny-pacquiao-in-boxing-is-still-possible-2020-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Conor McGregor fighting Manny Pacquiao in boxing is still possible, says the man who represents both athletes</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/video-evander-holyfield-debunked-meme-he-cant-wear-covid-masks-2020-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evander Holyfield hilariously debunked a meme that he can't wear COVID masks because Mike Tyson bit one of his ears off</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/floyd-mayweather-wants-to-make-1-billion-through-property-2020-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Floyd Mayweather's new goal in life is to make $1 billion through property, doubling the money he made as a boxer, his right-hand man says</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/devin-haney-says-hes-not-racist-regrets-white-boy-remark-2020-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">21-year-old American boxer Devin Haney says he's not racist, has 'learned a lot,' and regrets saying he'd never lose to a 'white boy'</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/mike-tyson-punched-garbage-man-for-throwing-away-his-pigeon-2020-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mike Tyson said he once knocked out a garbage man for throwing away one of his pet pigeons that had died</a></p>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-matchroom-and-eddie-hearn-will-restart-boxing-during-coronavirus-2020-5">Insider</a>

Britain's biggest fight promoter has launched an ambitious plan to bring elite boxing to his huge, multi-million dollar mansion — and Anthony Joshua wants to get involved

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