Entertainment
Hard Rock Hotel New York introduces experiences for guests to “Love Out Loud” this June
Hard Rock Hotel New York continues to amplify their year-round commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community
NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — Hard Rock Hotel New York continues to amplify their year-round commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community with a dynamic line-up that hits all the right notes throughout June and beyond. From a one-of-a-kind suite designed by Grammy®-winning singer songwriter Kim Petras to a late-night gala in The Venue on Music Row hosted by New York icon Susanne Bartsch, there are many moments of creative expression and inclusivity to bring the entire community together in celebration of love and solidarity. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation® is at the heart of these unique partnerships and experiences uniting various philanthropic efforts around significant causes as the brand sustains their guiding principle to Love All – Serve All.
- Love Out Loud” Suite: Notable LGBTQIA+ figures have created special ‘Love Out Loud’ Suites at select Hard Rock Hotels around the world, and Hard Rock Hotel New York has teamed up with singer-songwriter, Kim Petras, to reimagine one Platinum suite with a Terrace. The artist’s personality shines throughout with her signature pink hue infused in the design, bespoke artwork, an interactive gaming area, and photo worthy creative touches. Play Kim’s Grammy®-winning music while indulging in her hospitality rider or soak in the city views from the fully outfitted and expansive outdoor terrace. Available now through July 9 for overnight stays, the “Love Out Loud” Suite starts at $1,200, plus tax, per night. In honor of this unique offering, Hard Rock is a proud sponsor of The Trevor Project – an organization making strides in advocacy, education, and crisis support for LGBTQIA+ youth. Hard Rock has contributed a $50,000 donation supporting their mission. To reserve the “Love Out Loud” Suite, email reservations@hrhnewyork.com or call the Hotel directly at +1 (212) 970-1200.
- Take Music to New Heights: Come Early, Stay Late is a nightlife event that steals the show on Thursdays at RT60 Rooftop Bar & Lounge with performances by acclaimed DJs and celebrity talent. June brings the Pride Edition of Come Early, Stay Late with a phenomenal roster from the LGBTQIA+ community including Quiana Parks, Timo Weiland, Lady Bunny, and Nina Sky.
- Pride Ball: Known as New York City’s patron saint of transformation and inclusion, Susanne Bartsch will be hosting an extravagant Pride Ball at The Venue on Music Row on Thursday, June 15 at 10:00 p.m. Known for the elaborate, eccentric parties she has thrown for decades, all are invited to come together and celebrate into the late hours of the night.
- “Love Out Loud” Moleskine Notebooks: Authentic storytelling is at the core of the collaboration between Hard Rock Hotels and Moleskine. The Limited-Edition “Love Out Loud” Moleskine notebook – celebrating individuality and creativity – is available for purchase in Rock Shop during Pride Month. All proceeds from each notebook will be donated to the OnePULSE Foundation, which was established to open minds and hearts following the Pulse Nightclub tragedy in Florida.
- Pride in the Community: Taking Pride to the streets, Hard Rock Hotel New York is partnering with Daniel Albanese, filmmaker of Out in The Streets, and visual artist David Puck, to create a striking mural that will be on display on the Lower East Side. Known for their colorful abstract portraits, Puck’s mural in partnership with Hard Rock Hotel New York, is inspired by Sasha Colby, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15. Their work can be seen on Houston and 2nd Avenue starting June 2.
To complement the opportunities for hotel guests and New Yorkers to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, Hard Rock Hotel New York will also host a series of private parties including a fashion-forward event with The Daily Front Row featuring a surprise musical performance, as well as an exclusive Artists Den Pride concert that will later air as part of season 5 in Summer 2023.
Photo and video assets for Hard Rock Hotel New York’s “Love Out Loud” Suite and supporting events and programming can be found here. For more information and reservations, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com/new-york, https://www.hardrockhotels.com/new-york/pride.aspx, or follow along at @hardrockhotelnyc.
About Hard Rock Hotel New York:
Taking center stage in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Hard Rock Hotel New York graces the iconic skyline at 159 West 48th Street. The hotel features 446 exquisitely designed guest rooms and specialty suites, including the standout two-floor Rockstar Suite complete with a private 1,600 sq. ft. terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the city’s vibrant energy. Paying homage to the mecca of recording studios and music stores that once lined the block, the must-visit entertainment destination features a legendary memorabilia collection honoring musicians from and inspired by New York City. The show stopping event space, The Venue on Music Row plays host to A-list concerts, interviews and more, complemented by regular live and unplugged musical performances across the public spaces. Guests and locals are able to discover innovative culinary concepts including the upscale NYY Steak for fine dining, RT60 Rooftop bar and lounge offering expansive views from the 34th floor, and the brand’s signature Sessions Restaurant & Bar open day to night. In true Hard Rock style, the hotel offers an array of signature brand experiences and amenities including Rock Om® program fusing the practice of yoga with the rhythm of a custom DJ-curated soundtrack for on-demand in-room sessions, and the Sound of Your Stay® which allows guests to listen to Tracks® curated playlists by artists and musicians, Crosley record players available upon request with Wax®, or play a Fender guitar with Picks® in the privacy of their room. Additional Roxity® programming brings to life family attractions and entertainment while the Unleashed® pet program welcomes four legged friends. Guests are also invited to exchange the traditional city map for Soundtracks® interactive area guides which are curated by Hard Rock and musical artists to showcase the best of each destination. For more information, visit www.hardrockhotels.com/new-york.
About Hard Rock®:
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 290 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 87,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock Hotels has been honored by J.D. Power’s North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study as the number one brand in Outstanding Guest Satisfaction for two consecutive years, and among the top Upper Upscale Hotels for four consecutive years. HRI became the first privately-owned gaming company designated a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021, and has since been honored threefold. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the World’s Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming, and Entertainment Industry. In the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Land-Based Operator of the Year for the second time in four years. In 2021, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos received first place ranking in the Casino Gaming Executive Satisfaction Survey conducted by Bristol Associates Inc. and Spectrum Gaming Group for six of the last seven years. Hard Rock International currently holds investment grades from primary investment rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.
SOURCE Hard Rock Hotel New York
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CES 2026: The Exhibitors and Moments That Stood Out for Entertainment + Tech Fans
CES 2026 delivered big entertainment-tech moments—from Sony Honda’s AFEELA to streaming, smart glasses, AI PCs, and robots that stole the show.
CES 2026 (Jan. 6–9 in Las Vegas) didn’t feel like a “future tech” show as much as a “right now” show. The big shift: AI wasn’t treated like a standalone product category anymore. It was the invisible layer powering everything from streaming discovery to robots that can actually do work.
For STM Daily News readers who live in the overlap of Entertainment and Tech, here are the exhibitors and trends that stood out most—plus why they matter beyond the show floor.
1) Sony Honda Mobility (AFEELA): The car as a rolling entertainment platform
Sony Honda Mobility’s AFEELA presence reinforced a direction CES keeps leaning into: the next generation of vehicles is competing as much on software and in-cabin experience as it is on horsepower.
What made it stand out:
- AFEELA represents the “car as a connected device” idea taken seriously—where the cabin becomes a screen-first, service-driven environment.
- It’s a clean example of how mobility and entertainment are merging: navigation, safety, personalization, and media all living in one interface.
2) Netflix + Amazon Prime Video + Roku + Xumo: Streaming is evolving into ecosystems
CES 2026’s Content & Entertainment story wasn’t about “who has the most subscribers.” It was about streaming as an ecosystem: bundling, ad-supported growth, and smarter discovery.
What made it stand out:
- CES highlighted how streaming platforms are pushing beyond simple libraries into bundles, premium originals, and integrated experiences.
- FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) continues to gain traction, and device/platform players are positioning themselves as the front door.
3) Dolby: The quiet power behind the best-looking, best-sounding experiences
Dolby isn’t always the flashiest booth, but it consistently shows up as the tech that makes everything else feel “premium.”
What made it stand out:
- In a year where screens, XR, and immersive venues are everywhere, audio and imaging standards are the difference between “cool demo” and “wow.”
- Dolby’s relevance keeps growing as entertainment moves across phones, living rooms, cars, and wearables.
4) Meta + XREAL: Smart glasses keep inching toward mainstream
Wearables at CES 2026 weren’t just about steps and sleep. The momentum was in smart glasses and AR—especially as generative AI voice interfaces make hands-free use feel more natural.
What made it stand out:
- CES noted smart/AR glasses evolving with features like real-time translation, recording, and AI voice interfaces.
- For entertainment fans, this is where “watching” and “doing” start to blend—live overlays, creator tools, and new ways to capture experiences.
5) Samsung + LG + TCL: Screens are still the show’s main stage
Even in an AI-everywhere year, CES still belongs to display tech. Big brands kept proving that TVs aren’t just TVs—they’re hubs for gaming, streaming, smart home control, and ambient experiences.
What made it stand out:
- Display leaders continue to set the tone for how entertainment is consumed at home.
- The conversation is shifting from specs to experience: personalization, AI-powered recommendations, and multi-device continuity.
6) NVIDIA + AMD + Lenovo: The “AI PC” era is no longer theoretical
CES 2026 made it clear that the next wave of consumer computing is built around on-device AI. That matters for creators, editors, and anyone who lives in content.
What made it stand out:
- CES highlighted AI’s move from “digital transformation” to “intelligent transformation,” including edge/enterprise and physical AI in robotics.
- AMD’s CES keynote emphasized AI across devices from PCs to data centers, underscoring how quickly this is becoming standard.
7) Unitree + Richtech Robotics + Hyundai: Robots were the surprise crowd-pleaser
If CES 2026 had a “you had to see it” category, it was robotics. Not just novelty bots—machines built for real environments.
What made it stand out:
- CES framed robotics as “physical AI,” where generative AI and simulation training help robots learn faster than traditional programming.
- Humanoid robots, in particular, are moving from single-task demos toward more collaborative assistant roles.
The big takeaway for STM Daily News readers
CES 2026 wasn’t about one killer gadget. It was about convergence:
- Entertainment is becoming more interactive, more personalized, and more portable.
- Cars are becoming screens.
- Wearables are becoming interfaces.
- Robots are becoming the next “device category” people actually want to watch.
And underneath it all: AI is becoming less of a headline and more of the operating system for modern life.
Here’s a list of what stood out to us at CES 2026:
- Sony Honda Mobility (AFEELA): The car as a rolling entertainment platform
- Netflix + Amazon Prime Video + Roku + Xumo: Streaming is evolving into ecosystems
- Dolby: The quiet power behind the best-looking, best-sounding experiences
- Meta + XREAL: Smart glasses keep inching toward mainstream
- Samsung + LG + TCL: Screens are still the show’s main stage
- NVIDIA + AMD + Lenovo: The “AI PC” era is no longer theoretical
- Unitree + Richtech Robotics + Hyundai: Robots were the surprise crowd-pleaser
Sources
- CES press release recap and exhibitor/topic highlights (Jan. 9, 2026): https://www.ces.tech/press-releases/ces-2026-the-future-is-here
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actors & performers
T.K. Carter, The Thing and Punky Brewster Actor, Dies at 69
Actor T.K. Carter, known for The Thing and Punky Brewster, has died at age 69. A look at his career and lasting legacy in film and television.
T.K. Carter in Punky Brewster (1984) Image: IMDB
Veteran actor T.K. Carter, best known for his roles in The Thing and the popular 1980s television series Punky Brewster, has died at the age of 69.
Authorities confirmed Carter was found unresponsive at his home in Duarte, California. No foul play is suspected, and an official cause of death has not yet been released.
A Career Spanning Decades
Born Thomas Kent Carter, T.K. Carter built a career in film and television that spanned more than four decades. He became a cult favorite portraying Nauls in John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic The Thing, a film that continues to influence the genre today.
Television audiences widely remember Carter for his role as Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster, where his comedic timing and grounded performances helped make the show a lasting favorite of the era.
Film and Television Legacy
In addition to his best-known roles, Carter appeared in films such as Runaway Train, Ski Patrol, and Space Jam. His television work included guest appearances on a wide range of series throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and beyond.
Known within the industry as a reliable and versatile performer, Carter often brought authenticity and warmth to supporting roles that left a lasting impression, even in brief appearances.
Remembering T.K. Carter
As news of his passing spreads, fans and colleagues alike are reflecting on T.K. Carter’s contributions to film and television. While he may not have always been the leading name on the marquee, his work helped shape stories that continue to be watched and appreciated by new generations.
T.K. Carter is remembered for his enduring performances, professional dedication, and the quiet but meaningful legacy he leaves behind.
Related Coverage
- Los Angeles Times: Actor T.K. Carter Dies at 69
- People Magazine: T.K. Carter, ‘The Thing’ and ‘Punky Brewster’ Actor, Dead at 69
- Entertainment Weekly: T.K. Carter, ‘Punky Brewster’ and ‘The Thing’ Actor, Dies
- ABC News: Veteran Actor T.K. Carter Dies at 69
Stay with STM Daily News for updates to this developing story and more independent coverage of entertainment, history, and culture. Visit www.stmdailynews.com for the latest.
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actors & performers
Pat Finn: Remembering the Familiar Face Who Made Us Laugh
Pat Finn, the familiar face from The Middle, Seinfeld, Friends, and Toyota commercials, has passed away at 60. We remember his career, legacy, and lasting impact.
Pat Finn: Remembering the Familiar Face Who Made Us Laugh
Many people may not have known his name right away, but they knew his face. Pat Finn was one of those rare actors who quietly became part of America’s shared television experience—popping up in beloved sitcoms, memorable commercials, and scene-stealing guest roles for more than three decades.
In December 2025, Finn passed away at the age of 60 after a battle with bladder cancer, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences who grew up watching network television’s golden era of sitcoms.
A Career Built on Consistency and Craft
Pat Finn wasn’t a headline-chasing star. Instead, he was the definition of a working actor—someone whose talent and reliability kept him in steady demand across generations of television.
He appeared in some of the most recognizable shows in TV history, including Seinfeld, Friends, Murphy Brown, 3rd Rock from the Sun, That ’70s Show, The King of Queens, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The Goldbergs. To many fans, he was especially memorable as Bill Norwood, the occasionally awkward and often hilarious boss on ABC’s long-running sitcom The Middle.
These weren’t flashy roles—but they were essential ones. Finn had a gift for grounding comedy in reality, playing characters who felt like people you actually knew: coworkers, neighbors, or that guy you’d see at the store every week.
From Chicago Improv to National Screens
Born in Evanston, Illinois, Pat Finn came out of Chicago’s legendary improv scene, training and performing with The Second City and the iO Theater. That background gave him sharp comedic instincts and impeccable timing—skills that translated effortlessly to television.
He was also a contemporary and friend of Chris Farley, and like many performers from that era, Finn carried the Chicago improv tradition of generosity, collaboration, and humility throughout his career.
The Toyota Commercials—and Being “That Guy”
In later years, a new generation came to recognize Finn from Toyota commercials, particularly regional dealership ads. Once again, he became “that guy” everyone recognized but couldn’t quite place—a testament to just how deeply embedded he was in pop culture.
Commercial work is often overlooked, but Finn approached it with the same professionalism and charm as his television roles, making even short appearances feel authentic and memorable.
A Teacher, Mentor, and Family Man
Beyond acting, Pat Finn was also a teacher and mentor, sharing his experience with aspiring performers and encouraging young actors to respect the craft rather than chase fame.
He was married to his wife, Donna, for more than three decades, and together they raised three children. In tributes following his passing, family and colleagues alike emphasized not just his talent, but his kindness, humor, and generosity.
A Quiet Legacy That Lasts
Pat Finn’s passing is a reminder that television history isn’t shaped only by superstars. It’s built by dependable, talented performers who show up, deliver, and elevate every project they touch.
If you’ve ever laughed at a scene and later realized, “Hey, I’ve seen that guy before,” there’s a good chance it was Pat Finn.
His work lives on—in reruns, streaming libraries, commercials, and the memories of audiences who didn’t always know his name, but never forgot his presence.
Rest in peace, Pat Finn. And thank you for the laughs.
Related Coverage
- People.com — Pat Finn, ‘The Middle’ and ‘Friends’ Actor, Dies at 60
- TVLine — Pat Finn Dead: The Middle, Seinfeld, Friends Actor Remembered
- Entertainment Weekly — Pat Finn, Veteran TV Character Actor, Dead at 60
- Variety — Pat Finn, Second City Alum and TV Staple, Dies at 60
- Wikipedia — Pat Finn (Actor Biography & Filmography
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