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Mobile Syrup

Nida Zafar’s favourite things of 2022

With another year nearing a close, it’s time to participate in MobileSyrup’s most beloved tradition: the favourite things list.

It’s your opportunity, dear reader, to get to know MobileSyrup’s editorial team a little better. While some of these lists, admittedly, might border into the territory of sharing too much information, they give team members like me the opportunity to share more about myself; a difficult task to complete in my everyday role as a telecom reporter.

Without further ado, here are my favourite things of 2022.

Blockbuster

The Netflix show based on the once-popular video rental store highlighted some of my favourite acts. Set in the last Blockbuster ever, it featured Randall Park as the leader of a team of employees who mostly wanted to keep rented videos alive. The show only lasted one season, and the overall reviews explain why. But I’m part of the minority who enjoyed the show and found it a nice, light-hearted laugh. Yes, the plot has elements found in many other shows: a hard-working team, a love triangle, and angry teenagers, which might explain its lack of popularity. I’m a creature of habit and gravitate towards shows like this, but if you’re looking for something action-packed, this might not be the best option for you.

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)

I will forever remember 2022 as the year I purchased my first smartwatch. While some might say I’m late to the game, I found myself never actually wanting such a device until recently. I’ve never been a watch wearer or a fitness junky, and the need to have the newest technology at my fingertips never appealed to me. But when Apple rolled out its latest line of Apple watches, I was intrigued. They were among the devices to feature Emergency SOS and Crash Detection, two tools I really wanted to have access to. But that didn’t mean I wanted to break the bank, which made the Apple Watch SE the ideal option. While I’m still exploring all the features, I can definitely say I love the device.

Don’t Pick Up the Phone

If you’re looking for a Netflix show based on a true crime story, Don’t Pick Up the Phone has to be your next option. It looks into a string of hoax calls one scammer made to fast-food restaurants across the United States, tricking managers into performing employee strip searches. It’s frustrating to watch, and the lack of justice for the victims makes it worse. But it shows an interesting side of human psychology and how some people are prone to blindly follow authoritative bodies, no matter the circumstances.

Scene+

Scene+

I’ve been a Scene member ever since the concept of using 1,000 points to get a general admission ticket was a thing. While I was a frequent collector in high school, I can’t say I’ve been to the movies much or used my Scene card in recent years, which is why I’m a fan of Scene+. For those of you who don’t know, Scene+ is Cineplex’s revamped point program. While you can no longer watch a movie for 1,000 points, unfortunately, you can earn points in several other ways, like at participating grocery stores and restaurants. While Scene+ isn’t new, the program has added new places to earn rewards this year, which is what originally caught my attention. As someone who likes to save where I can and prefers to watch movies in the comfort of my own home, programs like Scene+ are right up my alley.

iPadOS 16

iPadOS 16 Stage Manager

Image credit: Apple

As a devoted iPad user, nothing makes me happier than the iPadOS 16 update. One of the most used apps on my iPhone is the weather app, and the fact that I can check that out on my iPad now makes me very happy. In my opinion, updates for iPads always lacked behind the updates for iPhones. This was a confusing move, given the ample screen provided by the iPad made some functions so much easier compared to an iPhone. I can safely say the updated Safari, home screen, and availability of Live Text put my confusion behind me

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Mobile Syrup

Scene+ launches in Canada, adding perks for travel, shopping and more

Cineplex and Scotiabank have officially rolled out Scene+, their expansion to the Scene loyalty rewards program, in Canada.

Existing Scene members and eligible Scotiabank Scene cardholders will automatically be upgraded to Scene+ at no cost. Existing points balances will also carry over. Under the new branding, members will still be able to earn and claim points on movies, entertainment and dining, with new benefits for travel, shopping and banking.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what that means:

Banking — Scotiabank Scene+ members can earn points for purchases on eight eligible Scotiabank credit and debit cards, including Scotiabank American Express Gold and Scotia Passport Visa Infinite credit card. These members can also redeem points for an account credit on eligible Scotiabank debit and credit cards.

Scene+ Rakuten — You can link your Rakuten.ca account to Scene+ to get access to exclusive offers and the ability to earn Scene+ points instead of Rakuten “cash back.” Hundreds of online retailers are eligible, including Indigo, Sephora, Gap and Sport Chek. Scene+ members can also earn up to 20 percent more cash back in points with exclusive offers

Scene+ Travel — Powered by Expedia, Scene+ members will be able to book their trip through Scene+ Travel. You can earn 3 points for every $1 when you purchase or redeem points on hotel and car rentals. Full or partial points can also be redeemed through Scene+ Travel towards bookings of flights

Shopping — You can redeem points for products at Apple and Best Buy, or for gift cards from 60+ retailers, including Amazon, PlayStation, American Eagle Outfitters, Canadian Tire, Footlocker, Indigo and Pet Smart.
ard Scotiabank Scene+ members can also redeem points for an account credit on eligible Scotiabank debit and credit cards.

The Scene mobile app has also been rebranded and redesigned under the ‘Scene+’ banner. You can download that for free on Android and iOS.

Source: Scotiabank

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Mobile Syrup

Redeem Cineplex tickets for half the points this weekend

Cineplex is running a ‘half point’ Scene redemption event on November 27th and 28th. For a limited time, moviegoers can get tickets for half the number of Scene points.

Eligible tickets include general, UltraAVX, VIP, IMAX, D-BOX, 4DX or ScreenX:

  • General / 3D – 625 points (regular 1,250)
  • Enhanced (includes UltraAVX, IMAX, D-BOX, 4DX and ScreenX) – 1,000 points (regular 2,000)
  • VIP – 1,250 points (regular 2,500)

Overall, it seems like a fairly solid offer if you’re itching to go see a movie and redeem some Scene points. You can learn more about the deal here (and book some tickets too).

It’s worth noting you’ll need a Scene card and some points to take advantage — if you don’t have one, you can learn more about Scene here.

Source: Cineplex Via: iPhone in Canada

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Mobile Syrup

Scene program expanding in November, adding perks for Apple, flights and more

One of Canada’s biggest loyalty programs is about to get even bigger.

Through a partnership between Cineplex and Scotiabank, Scene will be rebranded as Scene+ on November 22nd, at which time it will receive several new perks. Existing Scene members will automatically be transitioned to Scene+ and the program will remain free through the transition.

The two biggest new benefits will be the option to earn and redeem points at retailers and travel agencies.

With respect to the former, there will be more than 60 participating national retailers, including Apple and Best Buy. Additionally, trip-related purchases like flights, hotels and car rentals will also be eligible for Scene points redemption. Scene says a full list of partners will be revealed closer to the launch of Scene+.

A new Scene+ website will be launched to let users claim their rewards, while a third-party service travel centre called ‘Scene+ Travel’ will be introduced to let users earn and claim points on trips. Scene says you’ll earn three points for every $1 spent on a hotel or car rental when booked through Scene+ travel. You’ll also be able to redeem 100 points for $1 toward a flight, hotel or car rental through Scene+ Travel.

Scene says your existing points balance and account number will not change under Scene+. Those who have a Scotiabank credit or debit card that can earn Scotia Rewards will have their points balance automatically transfer to Scene+ at the same value. Alternatively, current Scotia Rewards program members without a Scene account will be sent Scene+ account details closer to November 22nd.

The reveal of Scene+ comes a few weeks after Cineplex launched its own premium membership, ‘CineClub,’ which offers perks like free movies and discounted tickets and concession tiems.

Source: Scene

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Potins

Jennifer Lawrence mocked Bradley Cooper during sex scenes

Jennifer Lawrence ”pointed and laughed” during her sex scenes with Bradley Cooper.

The 24-year-old actress shares a close bond with the 40-year-old actor after working with him on ‘American Hustle’ and ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ but their friendship didn’t make their intimate scenes in ‘Serena’ any less awkward.

Asked if their friendship makes sex scenes more comfortable, Jennifer said: ”No.

”I guess it’s more comfortable than not knowing the other person? I don’t know. They’re just awkward.”

Bradley added: ”You never know how it’s going to be. But for us, we laughed most of the time.”

Jennifer quipped: ”I pointed and laughed.”

Awkward sex scenes aside, the pair had a great time working on the movie.

Bradley told ‘Entertainment Tonight’: ”We had a lot of fun. We got to shoot in Prague and ride horses.”

Jennifer added: ”We had a blast. We always have a blast working together, obviously.”

The ‘Hangover’ actor – who recently split from model Suki Waterhouse – loves working with Jennifer because he can always learn from her, and the ‘Hunger Games’ star says the feeling is mutual.

He said: ”I respect her so much as a professional, as an actor, and I think she’s the best there is.

”I just learn from her. You always want to work with people who are better than you.”

She added to Us Weekly magazine: ”And I feel the same way about him.”

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Potins

Madonna has whiplash after BRIT Awards fall

Madonna has got whiplash after she fell off the stage during her ”nightmare” BRIT Awards performance on Wednesday (02.25.15).

The 56-year-old star was yanked down a small flight of stairs when her dance troupe attempted to remove her huge cape during her performance of ‘Living For Love’ at the ceremony in London, and she admits the dramatic fall has left her with a slight neck injury.

Speaking on the ‘Jonathan Ross Show’ last night (26.02.15), she explained: ”I didn’t hurt my butt but I hurt my head. I know how to fall, I have fallen off my horse many times.

”I had little bit of whiplash, I smacked the back of my head. And I had a man standing over me with a flashlight until about 3am to make sure I was compos mentis.”

She added: ”I am always nervous of live TV, when you singing you can’t make any mistakes, the worst thing is you fall down stairs. I like to make my shows dangerous but then there is danger.”

Despite the fall – during which the audience heard a loud thud as she toppled down the stairs and dropped her microphone – the ‘Hung Up’ hitmaker managed to continue with her performance.

But she believes the shocking incident was probably really scary for the audience members and viewers at home.

She said: ”It was a nightmare, I like to be amazing, I rehearse and rehearse so when I do a show it is effortless and I create magic. I did the opposite, I actually created a horror show for everyone.”

Credit : PA Wire/PA Photos/KEYSTONE Press/BIG

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Potins

Madonna feeling ‘fine’ after falling off stage

Madonna is feeling ”fine” after falling off stage during her BRIT Awards performance.

The 56-year-old star was singing her track ‘Living For Love’ during her first performance at the annual awards ceremony in two decades last night (02.25.15) when she was seen falling backwards down a set of stairs after members of her team attempted to remove her massive black and red cape.

The blonde beauty has now taken to her Instagram account to blame the garment for her fall while insisting she didn’t suffer any injuries.

Alongside a mock up of herself in the cape, she wrote: ”Armani hooked me up! My beautiful cape was tied too tight! But nothing can stop me and love really lifted me up! Thanks for your good wishes! I’m fine #livingforlove (sic).”

Despite the nasty fall – during which the audience heard a loud thud as she toppled down the stairs and dropped her microphone – the ‘Hung Up’ hitmaker managed to continue with her performance.

Ironically, the lyrics to her latest song spoke about seeing her ”stumble” and ”carry on”.

She sang: ”Lifted me up, and watched me stumble.

”After the heartache I’m gonna carry on.”

Although the blonde beauty has spoken out to claim she’s doing well after the unfortunate tumble, she’s likely to be devastated as it was previously reported she was ”desperate to give the performance of her life”.

A source said: ”She is putting all her efforts into putting on a great show. She is working every hour, day and night, to ensure it will be her part of the show that everyone will be talking and tweeting about.”

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Potins

Billy Crystal thinks gay sex on TV ‘has gone too far’

Billy Crystal thinks graphic scenes of gay sex on TV have gone too far.

The 66-year-old star became one of network television’s first gay characters on the comedy ‘Soap’ in the 1970s, but feels modern-day shows are guilty of ”pushing it a little too far”.

According to The Wrap, he said: ”Sometimes, it’s just pushing it a little too far for my taste and I’m not going to reveal to you which ones they are.

”I hope people don’t abuse it and shove it in our face … to the point where it feels like an every day kind of thing.”

Billy admitted he encountered lots of cynics when he starred as Jodie Dallas on the ABC sitcom.

He recalled: ”It was very difficult at the time – Jodie was really the first recurring [gay] character on network television and it was a different time, it was 1977.

”So, yeah, it was awkward. It was tough.”

”I did it in front of a live audience and there were times when I would say to Bob, ‘I love you,’ and the audience would laugh nervously.

”I wanted to stop the taping and go, ‘What is your problem?”’

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Potins

Keith Urban isn’t jealous of Nicole Kidman’s love scenes

Nicole Kidman insists Keith Urban doesn’t get jealous of her love scenes.

The ‘Before I Go to Sleep’ actress says her husband of eight years had no problem with her appearing naked in the new movie or shooting racy sex scenes with her co-star Colin Firth.

The 37-year-old star beauty told E! News: ”[It was] a very quick, quick scene.

”I suppose I don’t find those scenes awkward because once you’re in character, you’re in character. There is a way in which you work it out and if you’re both actors then you know what you’re doing. I mean, Keith’s obviously easy with everything because he feels incredibly loved and protected. And I think once all of that is fine, then it’s what we do.”

The Australian actress, who has daughters, Sunday, six, and Faith, three, with the country singer, regrets recently admitting she hopes ”every month I am pregnant but I’m not.”

She said: ”I’ve just got to learn. One, you can’t be irreverent. Two, you’ve got to be very careful with humor. Three, you know. I never learn. I’ve been doing this so long…”

She added: ”I mean, I would be blessed to have another child as…you know, we love our family. The chances of it are very slim, but hey, I’d be blessed.”

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Potins

Liv Tyler ‘distracted’ by co-star’s body

Liv Tyler gets ”distracted” by Justin Theroux’s body.

The ‘Leftovers’ actress admits she couldn’t take her eyes off her co-star, who is engaged to Jennifer Aniston, when she saw photographs of him filming an anatomically revealing scene for a TV movie in Queens, New York City in June 2013, in which he was clearly running in sweatpants without any underwear on.

The 37-year-old beauty told ‘Watch What Happens Live!’: ”There was this scene where he was jogging and there was quite a large bulge in his sweatpants and it was all over.”

She added: ”I get distracted when I watch the pilot [of ‘The Leftovers,] definitely. I’m like, ‘Can’t help but look there.’ But I’ve never noticed the bulge other times.”

Justin previously gushed about his love of working out.

He said: ”I like to work out in the afternoon, around three or four. I just don’t like to wake up and sweat. I’d rather have a cup of coffee.

”In New York I used to just be more active. I’d always ride my bike everywhere or skateboard everywhere, walk, whatever. Then I started going to the gym.”

The actor, 42, got engaged to former ‘Friends’ star Jennifer, 45, on his birthday in August 2012, but he recently hinted they are in no rush to get married, as they are still enjoying their engagement.