By David Ralph 12/01/17
Thursday, October 5th, 2017: the day the allegations began. Starting with Harvey Weinstein, famous film producer and former executive, claims of many high and powerful people within Hollywood harassing both women and men have spread. The first allegation against Weinstein, published in The New York Times, was from many women, including actresses Rose McGowan(Charmed) and Ashley Judd(Olympus has Fallen). Less than a week after the accusations, Weinstein was fired from his position within The Weinstein Company. The company’s decision was made “in light of new information about misconduct”.
Following Weinstein’s dismissal, many other celebrities came out, with both encouragement to those afraid to speak out, and with their own stories of harassment. Those accused of harassment include prominent news figures Charlie Rose and Matt Lauer, comedian Louis C.K., and renowned actor Kevin Spacey, among many others.
Charlie Rose and Matt Lauer, both important figures within CBS This Morning and The Today Show respectively, have been the center of attention over the last week, due to the reports of both being involved in many harassment claims. Following these claims, both men apologized, but were not spared from their bosses, being fired only days after each allegation. After being let go, Rose’s colleagues, Norah O'donnell and Gayle King, shared a moment with their audience, letting them know of his dismissal, along with their apologies to those victimized.
Another celebrity with accusations against him, Kevin Spacey, known for works such as “The Usual Suspects” and “House of Cards” has been the main subject lately, due his alleged harassment towards 15 men. The first incident, which involved actor Anthony Rapp(Star Trek: Discovery), also led to Spacey revealing himself as a homosexual, angering many gay rights activists who believed the 58 year old was trying to distract the media from the accusations. With more and more allegations coming to light, these celebrity scandals show no sign of ending soon.
Following Weinstein’s dismissal, many other celebrities came out, with both encouragement to those afraid to speak out, and with their own stories of harassment. Those accused of harassment include prominent news figures Charlie Rose and Matt Lauer, comedian Louis C.K., and renowned actor Kevin Spacey, among many others.
Charlie Rose and Matt Lauer, both important figures within CBS This Morning and The Today Show respectively, have been the center of attention over the last week, due to the reports of both being involved in many harassment claims. Following these claims, both men apologized, but were not spared from their bosses, being fired only days after each allegation. After being let go, Rose’s colleagues, Norah O'donnell and Gayle King, shared a moment with their audience, letting them know of his dismissal, along with their apologies to those victimized.
Another celebrity with accusations against him, Kevin Spacey, known for works such as “The Usual Suspects” and “House of Cards” has been the main subject lately, due his alleged harassment towards 15 men. The first incident, which involved actor Anthony Rapp(Star Trek: Discovery), also led to Spacey revealing himself as a homosexual, angering many gay rights activists who believed the 58 year old was trying to distract the media from the accusations. With more and more allegations coming to light, these celebrity scandals show no sign of ending soon.
On Monday, November 27th, Prince Henry of Wales, more commonly known as simply Prince Harry, announced his engagement to Rachel Meghan Markle, an actress, model, and humanitarian known for works such as Suits, Remember Me, and Horrible Bosses. The two had been dating for 18 months prior to the engagement after meeting on a blind date and going on a camping trip in Botswana.
While on their trip in Botswana, Markle managed to get past the royal guards, sharing a few moments with Harry, as well as having tea with Queen Elizabeth II herself. Markle said she didn’t know much about the royal family, and that when a friend recommended the two go on a blind date, all she asked was, “is he nice?”.
Following their engagement, Harry and Markle have already made plans to move into Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace, living right next door to Prince William and Princess Kate. Markle has reportedly moved one of her dogs from Canada, while the other is staying at a friend’s house. The two’s marriage marks a first in history, as an American hollywood star and a member of the royal family have never been in any relationships before.
While no other plans have been announced, the two are planning to have their wedding in Spring 2018.
While on their trip in Botswana, Markle managed to get past the royal guards, sharing a few moments with Harry, as well as having tea with Queen Elizabeth II herself. Markle said she didn’t know much about the royal family, and that when a friend recommended the two go on a blind date, all she asked was, “is he nice?”.
Following their engagement, Harry and Markle have already made plans to move into Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace, living right next door to Prince William and Princess Kate. Markle has reportedly moved one of her dogs from Canada, while the other is staying at a friend’s house. The two’s marriage marks a first in history, as an American hollywood star and a member of the royal family have never been in any relationships before.
While no other plans have been announced, the two are planning to have their wedding in Spring 2018.
North korea's icbm capable of hitting washington
On Tuesday, November 28th, South Korea’s military told the U.S. about North Korea’s most recent test of their newly developed intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM. The missile is reportedly capable of reaching distances as far as 8,100 miles, and being only 6,742 miles away, putting Washington D.C. within range.
While neither the U.S. or South Korea have taken direct action, both are prepared for combat if necessary. In an effort to force North Korea to abandon their efforts on weapon development, the U.S. has urged many countries to cut diplomatic and economic ties with the country, which at this time is looks as if Germany has done, removing their diplomat, but not their ambassador.
Opposing the decision of the United States, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said the U.S. and its allies performing military drills so close to North Korea has only fueled tensions. Furthermore, Russia has advised the U.S. to cease the drills and instead attempt talks with the North to end the standoff, stating the drills, “will only inflame an explosive situation”.
U.S. Ambassador, Nikki Haley, has stated that the ICBM launch tests only, “brings us closer to war.” Haley later went on to say the Trump Administration warned North Korea that their future was in the hands of their leaders, and that if war does break out, “make no mistake the North Korean regime will be utterly destroyed.” While no actions have been taken yet, many countries are prepared for the worse, with France and Japan sending warnings to North Korea to stand down.
While neither the U.S. or South Korea have taken direct action, both are prepared for combat if necessary. In an effort to force North Korea to abandon their efforts on weapon development, the U.S. has urged many countries to cut diplomatic and economic ties with the country, which at this time is looks as if Germany has done, removing their diplomat, but not their ambassador.
Opposing the decision of the United States, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said the U.S. and its allies performing military drills so close to North Korea has only fueled tensions. Furthermore, Russia has advised the U.S. to cease the drills and instead attempt talks with the North to end the standoff, stating the drills, “will only inflame an explosive situation”.
U.S. Ambassador, Nikki Haley, has stated that the ICBM launch tests only, “brings us closer to war.” Haley later went on to say the Trump Administration warned North Korea that their future was in the hands of their leaders, and that if war does break out, “make no mistake the North Korean regime will be utterly destroyed.” While no actions have been taken yet, many countries are prepared for the worse, with France and Japan sending warnings to North Korea to stand down.
David Ralph 11/17/17
In Harare, Zimbabwe, President Robert Mugabe has been held prisoner for the past few days by the military of his own country. To many outside of the country, Mugabe has always been seen as liberation leader, ruling since the independence from white-minority rule in 1980, but to those within the country, Mugabe has shown a different side. After 37 years of rule, the Zimbabwe military finally had enough of his rule, keeping Mugabe and his wife prisoner within their own home. The citizens of the area seem to be unaffected by this transition; going to their jobs and shops as normal.
The uprising appears to be due to the failing economy of Zimbabwe, which many blame on Mugabe, and his wife, Grace Mugabe, criticized for her lavish spending. Also the leader of the G40, a group of cabinet members and officials who are in their 40’s and 50’s, Grace has also been attacked for her role in pardoning Emmerson Mnangagwa, former vice-president of Zimbabwe, which angered many generals and war veterans.
As of this time, the military of Zimbabwe has called their actions a, “bloodless correction”, and that they want to focus on apprehending criminals, not their own president, while most others have called it a coup, or an illegal takeover of the government by the military. At this time, the U.S. has not intervened, and no signs of intervention have been declared as of the moment.
The uprising appears to be due to the failing economy of Zimbabwe, which many blame on Mugabe, and his wife, Grace Mugabe, criticized for her lavish spending. Also the leader of the G40, a group of cabinet members and officials who are in their 40’s and 50’s, Grace has also been attacked for her role in pardoning Emmerson Mnangagwa, former vice-president of Zimbabwe, which angered many generals and war veterans.
As of this time, the military of Zimbabwe has called their actions a, “bloodless correction”, and that they want to focus on apprehending criminals, not their own president, while most others have called it a coup, or an illegal takeover of the government by the military. At this time, the U.S. has not intervened, and no signs of intervention have been declared as of the moment.
year's worst earthquake hits iraq-iran border
On Tuesday, November 14th, many citizens of Iraq and Iran gathered to mourn the loss of their loved ones, who tragically were killed by the magnitude 7.3 earthquake on Sunday, November 12th, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck on the border region between Iraq and Iran. This has been the largest quake in the world this year, with the death toll rising to 430 as of Wednesday, November 15th. According to the Interior Ministry of Iraq, seven people were killed and an additional 535 were injured in the northern Kurdish region. In Iran however, 407 people were killed, and an additional 6,700 were injured, totaling 414 deaths, and 7,235 injured. According to sources outside of the area of impact, the earthquake could be felt 660 miles away on the Mediterranean coast.
The Ministry has said they are preparing a financial aid package for the survivors at this time. Meanwhile, Italy is reportedly preparing 12 tons of blankets, mobile kitchens, and other items for assistance, while Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel has also offered assistance to both Iran and Iraq, neither of whom have any relations with Israel. As of this time, it is unknown whether or not either Iran or Iraq will accept the offer.
The Ministry has said they are preparing a financial aid package for the survivors at this time. Meanwhile, Italy is reportedly preparing 12 tons of blankets, mobile kitchens, and other items for assistance, while Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel has also offered assistance to both Iran and Iraq, neither of whom have any relations with Israel. As of this time, it is unknown whether or not either Iran or Iraq will accept the offer.
texas church shooting, 26 dead, 20 more wounded
David Ralph 11/10/17
On Sunday, November 5th, tragedy struck at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, as Devin Kelley killed 26, injuring an additional 20 in the process. Kelley, a previous member of the Air Force, was discharged after a 2012 assault involving his ex-wife and her son, resulting in the boy's skull being fractured. Another incident involving Kelley's second wife, which ended with police involvement, lead to Kelley's dismissal.
Kelley had parked at a nearby gas station, crossed the street, and gone to the First Baptist Church and opened fire, both on the outside and inside of the building, killing 26, and injuring 20 more, 10 of which are in critical condition as of Monday, the 6th. Kelley reportedly walked down the center aisle during worship dressed in black tactical gear and armed with an assault rifle.
Soon after leaving the church, two men, one of which witnessed the shooting, chased after Kelley in their trucks. The pursuit ended when Kelley crashed his vehicle and one of the two men approached the vehicle, weapon drawn. While waiting for the police, Kelley remained still in his vehicle, and only five minutes later, the police had arrived, but by that time Kelley was dead from three gunshot wounds, two in his leg and abdomen from the armed man, and one self inflicted gunshot to the head. The day following the shooting, the Air Force acknowledged that they had neglected to release Kelley's criminal history to the FBI, as the Pentagon requires. Due to this lack of information, Kelley was able to purchase the firearm without issue.
Among those shot, many of which were children, was 14 year old Annabelle Pomeroy, the pastor's daughter, and Crystal Holcombe, a pregnant mother of five and daughter-in-law of Brian and Karla Holcombe, a couple that had been visiting. Their son, John, was among those who survived, but his wife, three of his children, brother, parents, and niece were among the dead. While Kelley's motives have not been clearly stated at this time, evidence, which includes threatening text messages sent to Kelley's mother-in-law, seems to point towards domestic reasons, according to police investigators. There is discussion surrounding a group memorial service for the deceased.
Kelley had parked at a nearby gas station, crossed the street, and gone to the First Baptist Church and opened fire, both on the outside and inside of the building, killing 26, and injuring 20 more, 10 of which are in critical condition as of Monday, the 6th. Kelley reportedly walked down the center aisle during worship dressed in black tactical gear and armed with an assault rifle.
Soon after leaving the church, two men, one of which witnessed the shooting, chased after Kelley in their trucks. The pursuit ended when Kelley crashed his vehicle and one of the two men approached the vehicle, weapon drawn. While waiting for the police, Kelley remained still in his vehicle, and only five minutes later, the police had arrived, but by that time Kelley was dead from three gunshot wounds, two in his leg and abdomen from the armed man, and one self inflicted gunshot to the head. The day following the shooting, the Air Force acknowledged that they had neglected to release Kelley's criminal history to the FBI, as the Pentagon requires. Due to this lack of information, Kelley was able to purchase the firearm without issue.
Among those shot, many of which were children, was 14 year old Annabelle Pomeroy, the pastor's daughter, and Crystal Holcombe, a pregnant mother of five and daughter-in-law of Brian and Karla Holcombe, a couple that had been visiting. Their son, John, was among those who survived, but his wife, three of his children, brother, parents, and niece were among the dead. While Kelley's motives have not been clearly stated at this time, evidence, which includes threatening text messages sent to Kelley's mother-in-law, seems to point towards domestic reasons, according to police investigators. There is discussion surrounding a group memorial service for the deceased.
CMA Used as platform for political agenda
2017's CMA Awards broadcast Wednesday night, and it looks like politics has once again leaked its way into the entertainment industry. The awards show was full of emotional moments ranging from Carrie Underwood's teary breakdown after her performance of "In Memoriam" for the 58 people who died in Las Vegas last month, to the heartfelt speeches of many focused on unifying the country. Later on in the night, famous country singer, Keith Urban, debuted his song titled "Female", which he said was inspired by the many sexual harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein.
Hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood didn't hold back when it came to jokes however, poking fun at both President Trump and Hillary Clinton. Both even sang the lyrics, "Maybe next time he'll think before he tweets," to the beat of Underwood's hit, "Before He Cheats."
In lighter news, winners included Miranda Lambert, who won female vocalist of the year, Jon Pardi, who won new artist of the year, and while she may have moved on from the country scene, Taylor Swift won the award for song of the year, for "Better Man" a song she wrote for fellow musicians, Little Big Town.
Hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood didn't hold back when it came to jokes however, poking fun at both President Trump and Hillary Clinton. Both even sang the lyrics, "Maybe next time he'll think before he tweets," to the beat of Underwood's hit, "Before He Cheats."
In lighter news, winners included Miranda Lambert, who won female vocalist of the year, Jon Pardi, who won new artist of the year, and while she may have moved on from the country scene, Taylor Swift won the award for song of the year, for "Better Man" a song she wrote for fellow musicians, Little Big Town.
Trump's visit to asia
On Saturday, November 4th, President Trump began his five country tour through Asia. However, before his departure, Trump visited Honolulu, Hawaii, paying his respects at Pearl Harbor while there. The following day, the President started his tour of Asia, beginning with Japan.
The first stop on Trump's tour was Japan. There he met with the Emperor and Empress of Japan, Akihito and Michiko Shoda. Afterwards, President Trump met with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe (Pictured to the left). Trump and Abe then took part in a friendly chat while feeding Japanese Koi fish, ending in Trump dumping the entire container of food in the water. His visit to Japan was finished with a banquet and a toast.
After Japan came the next stop on his tour: South Korea. While in South Korea, President Trump spoke to S. Korean President Moon Jae-in mainly of issues regarding North Korea, including his urge for North Korea to "come to the table and make a deal" and to shut down nuclear operations in Pyongyang, North Korea's capital. Trump also stated that he is willing to give North Korea a "brighter future" should they stand down. Following this, Trump and Jae-in finalized an agreement to allow South Korea to possess more missiles due to the growing threat from North Korea. Afterwards, Trump spoke at a press conference on Tuesday about North Korea, saying North Korea's missile launches "are a threat, not only to the people of South Korea, but to the people all across the globe". Following the conference, Trump and Jae-in came to an agreement to strengthen South Korea's defense. At the end of Trump's visit to South Korea, the president planned a surprise visit to the DMZ, the border between North and South Korea, but it was cancelled due to poor weather conditions.
On the third and most recent leg of his tour, Trump visited China, where he had plans to meet with China's President Xi Jinping over the course of 2 days. There meeting began with the two leaders, and their wives, having tea within The Forbidden City, normally filled with tourists, but empty for Trump's meeting. The coming discussions between the two consisted of Trump urging Jinping to stop deals with North Korea and to support the US, and trade between China and the United States. More meetings between the two are planned for a later date.
The first stop on Trump's tour was Japan. There he met with the Emperor and Empress of Japan, Akihito and Michiko Shoda. Afterwards, President Trump met with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe (Pictured to the left). Trump and Abe then took part in a friendly chat while feeding Japanese Koi fish, ending in Trump dumping the entire container of food in the water. His visit to Japan was finished with a banquet and a toast.
After Japan came the next stop on his tour: South Korea. While in South Korea, President Trump spoke to S. Korean President Moon Jae-in mainly of issues regarding North Korea, including his urge for North Korea to "come to the table and make a deal" and to shut down nuclear operations in Pyongyang, North Korea's capital. Trump also stated that he is willing to give North Korea a "brighter future" should they stand down. Following this, Trump and Jae-in finalized an agreement to allow South Korea to possess more missiles due to the growing threat from North Korea. Afterwards, Trump spoke at a press conference on Tuesday about North Korea, saying North Korea's missile launches "are a threat, not only to the people of South Korea, but to the people all across the globe". Following the conference, Trump and Jae-in came to an agreement to strengthen South Korea's defense. At the end of Trump's visit to South Korea, the president planned a surprise visit to the DMZ, the border between North and South Korea, but it was cancelled due to poor weather conditions.
On the third and most recent leg of his tour, Trump visited China, where he had plans to meet with China's President Xi Jinping over the course of 2 days. There meeting began with the two leaders, and their wives, having tea within The Forbidden City, normally filled with tourists, but empty for Trump's meeting. The coming discussions between the two consisted of Trump urging Jinping to stop deals with North Korea and to support the US, and trade between China and the United States. More meetings between the two are planned for a later date.