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Category: Culture
May 31, 2024
Culture

‘Can’t Be a Young Actress in Hollywood and Not Have Predators Around’ – Molly Ringwald.

Molly Ringwald stressed the pervasive predatory behavior in Hollywood during a recent podcast appearance, describing her personal experience of the industry as “harrowing.”

“You can’t be a young actress in Hollywood and not have predators around,” said the ’80s starlet. She credited her “incredible survival instinct” and “pretty big superego” for helping her navigate and protect herself in the industry.

The actress also discussed her sense of isolation during her formative years in Hollywood, noting, “I never really felt like I was part of a community when I was in Hollywood, just because I was so young, really.”

The conversation took a personal turn as Ringwald mentioned her concerns for her daughter Matilda, who is also pursuing an acting career: “I have a 20-year-old daughter now who is going into the same profession, even though I did everything I could to convince her to do something else. And it’s hard.”

Ringwald has expressed belated misgivings about some of the films she starred in during her rough, such as John Hughes’s Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club.

“Back then, I was only vaguely aware of how inappropriate much of John’s writing was, given my limited experience and what was considered normal at the time,” she said.

“Of course, I don’t want to appear ungrateful to John Hughes, but I do oppose a lot of what is in those movies,” she added.

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Molly Ringwald stressed the pervasive predatory behavior in Hollywood during a recent podcast appearance, describing her personal experience of the industry as "harrowing." show more
May 31, 2024
Culture

Jerry Seinfeld Misses ‘Dominant Masculinity,’ Calls for Return of ‘Real Men.’

Jerry Seinfeld, celebrated comedian and co-creator of the iconic “Seinfeld” sitcom, expressed nostalgia for the “dominant masculinity” of past decades during a recent appearance on the “Honestly with Bari Weiss” podcast. The 70-year-old entertainer discussed various topics, including his latest film, “Unfrosted,” which is set in the 1960s.

Seinfeld lamented the loss of what he described as an agreed-upon social hierarchy from his youth. “There’s another element there that I think is the key element and that is an agreed-upon hierarchy, which I think has absolutely vaporized in today’s moment,” he said. “And I think that is why people lean on the horn and drive in the crazy way that they drive, because we have no sense of hierarchy. And as humans, we don’t really feel comfortable like that.”

Reflecting on the era, Seinfeld noted the presence of dominant masculinity, citing figures like JFK, Muhammad Ali, and Sean Connery as examples of “real men.” He shared that he aspired to embody similar traits, even though he considers his profession as a comedian distinctly “childish.” He remarked, “But I miss dominant masculinity. Yeah, I get the toxic [masculinity], but still, I like a real man.”

This is not Seinfeld’s first commentary on modern culture. In a previous interview with The New Yorker, he criticized “extreme left, PC crap,” claiming it has stifled comedy. He argued that the pervasive concern about offending others has led to a decline in mainstream comedic entertainment.

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Jerry Seinfeld, celebrated comedian and co-creator of the iconic “Seinfeld” sitcom, expressed nostalgia for the “dominant masculinity” of past decades during a recent appearance on the “Honestly with Bari Weiss” podcast. The 70-year-old entertainer discussed various topics, including his latest film, “Unfrosted,” which is set in the 1960s. show more
May 29, 2024
Ed Kozak
Culture
Politics
World

Poland Erupts in Protests Over Warsaw Mayor’s Ban on Religious Symbols.

The recent decision by Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski to remove religious symbols from the city hall building has sparked significant protests across Poland. Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, has accused Trzaskowski’s European People’s Party (EPP) of attempting to “destroy religion and people’s faith.”

On May 8, Trzaskowski issued a decree on equal treatment standards within the town hall. The decree included a ban on the display of religious symbols in offices and on workers’ desks. Workers are still permitted to wear religious symbols on their bodies and clothing.

Warsaw is Poland’s first city to formally ban religious symbols in office spaces to promote non-discrimination.

The decision has sparked outrage among conservative groups, including the right-wing PiS and Confederation parties. Although Trzaskowski is not a candidate, these groups have linked the issue to the upcoming European elections.

Confederation MPs Michał Wawer and Roman Fritz have argued that Trzaskowski’s decision attacks Polish citizens’ freedom of belief and religion. PiS MP Małgorzata Gosiewska has requested that the provincial administration in Mazowieckie voivodship, where Warsaw is located, declare the decree illegal. Ordo Iuris, an ultra-conservative legal institute, has filed a complaint against Trzaskowski for abuse of office.

In their statement, Ordo Iuris cited the constitutional right to freedom of conscience and religion and referenced a 2010 Senate resolution and a 2011 European Court of Human Rights ruling to support their stance.

Significantly, Trzaskowski is a member of Poland’s governing Civic Platform party. A staunchly globalist party, Civic Platform’s rule has been marked by the persecution of conservative political opponents.

In the 2021 census, 71.3 percent of Poland’s 36.8 million people identified as Catholic, showcasing the country’s strong religious identity.

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The recent decision by Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski to remove religious symbols from the city hall building has sparked significant protests across Poland. Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, has accused Trzaskowski's European People's Party (EPP) of attempting to "destroy religion and people’s faith." show more
May 28, 2024
Jack Montgomery
Culture
News

Construction Crews Were Told to NOT Fly The American Flag. So A Convoy on Patriots Descend on the Site.

A “patriotic convoy” gathered at Denali National Park in Alaska this weekend after reports surfaced that construction crews in the area were instructed not to display the American flag. The convoy, consisting of dozens of cars and trucks adorned with American flags, departed from Fairbanks on Sunday and rallied at the park’s entrance to protest the alleged flag ban.

The Alaska Watchman claimed that Denali National Park Superintendent Brooke Merrell had told crews working on a 475-foot-long bridge project to cease flying flags due to complaints. The story rapidly gained attention. “It is absurd and defies all logic that a federal contractor, working on a project funded by American taxpayers, in a National Park — the week before Memorial Day — is prohibited from flying the American flag,” said U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan.

The National Park Service (NPS) has claimed the reports of a flag ban were “false.”

“At no time did an NPS official seek to ban the American flag from the project site or associated vehicles,” NPS spokesman Peter Christian said. He also claims the NPS is not administering the bridge project and lacks “the authority to enforce terms or policies related to the contract or contractors performing the work.”

HALF-TRUTHS. 

The Alaska Watchman stands by its reporting, describing the NPS response as disingenuous and out of line with workers’ experience of the situation on the ground. They say their source has “reiterated that [a] Federal Highway Administration official told the Granite Construction project manager that Park Superintendent Merrell wanted the flags removed from all construction trucks that were driving through the park, whenever they were outside of the confined construction area.”

Another contractor involved in the project also attributed the incident to Merrell’s leadership, noting she is the first female superintendent in the park’s 105-year history. “When these liberals get in charge of these parks, that’s how it is,” the contractor told the Alaska Watchman.

Keith Fons, who organized the patriotic convoy, expressed frustration that the NPS did not address the issue earlier. “They could have nipped this in the bud right from the get-go. But they decided to be quiet until they realized, ‘Oh no, these people are actually organized,'” he argued.

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A "patriotic convoy" gathered at Denali National Park in Alaska this weekend after reports surfaced that construction crews in the area were instructed not to display the American flag. The convoy, consisting of dozens of cars and trucks adorned with American flags, departed from Fairbanks on Sunday and rallied at the park's entrance to protest the alleged flag ban. show more
germany
May 24, 2024
Culture
Politics
World

Teens Embrace ‘Foreigners Out!’ Anthem in Nightclubs.

Recent polling indicates a notable shift to the right among German youth, with the anti-mass migration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party now the most popular choice among 14- to 29-year-olds. This political trend appears to be influencing both electoral prospects and cultural expression just weeks before the European Union elections, with several instances of young people engaging with a reworked Eurodance classic featuring anti-foreigner lyrics.

The song, set to DJ Gigi D’Agostino’s “L’amour Toujours,” has resurfaced repeatedly, promoting the slogan “Deutschland den Deutschen, Ausländer raus” (“Germany for the Germans, foreigners out”). The latest incident occurred at an exclusive nightclub on the German holiday island of Sylt, drawing widespread attention on social media.

A video circulating on social media depicts young men and women dancing and singing the contentious lyrics. German media have debated whether their gestures are merely dance moves or potentially Nazi salutes. Die Welt reports that Germany’s federal security police, typically focused on terrorism and international crime, are now investigating these activities.

Ferda Ataman, Germany’s Federal Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination, described the song as “pure racism,” asserting that it represents escalating discrimination. Green Party Integration Minister Aminata Touré echoed these concerns, calling for criminal investigations and describing the behavior as “Nazi yelling.”

The resurgence of this song highlights growing right-wing sentiments. Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) has noted that similar clips have appeared frequently at discos and festivals across the country. Despite the backlash, it remains a symbol of a broader cultural shift within the youth demographic.

Support for the AfD among young Germans has surged, with recent research showing a significant increase in party preference among the 14- to 29-year-old cohort. Professor Klaus Hurrelmann has attributed this shift to growing pessimism and anxiety about the future, noting a diminishing optimism and increased fear of economic and geopolitical instability.

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Recent polling indicates a notable shift to the right among German youth, with the anti-mass migration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party now the most popular choice among 14- to 29-year-olds. This political trend appears to be influencing both electoral prospects and cultural expression just weeks before the European Union elections, with several instances of young people engaging with a reworked Eurodance classic featuring anti-foreigner lyrics. show more
May 24, 2024
Culture

‘Super Size Me’ Director Dies at 53.

Morgan Spurlock, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker famous for the documentary “Super Size Me,” has died at the age of 53 following a battle with cancer. Spurlock passed away on Thursday, surrounded by family and friends, a statement said. He had been receiving chemotherapy treatment earlier this year.

His brother, Craig Spurlock, noted, “Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas, and generosity. The world has lost a true creative genius and a special man.”

Spurlock’s documentary “Super Size Me” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival two decades ago. In the film, Spurlock ate only McDonald’s food for 30 days, examining the impact of a fast-food diet on his health. The documentary grossed over $20 million globally, making Spurlock a significant figure in nonfiction filmmaking.

Spurlock’s career experienced a major setback during the MeToo movement. In 2017, he penned a blog post confessing to a history of sexual misconduct. Following the revelations, he resigned from his own production company, Warrior Poets.

Despite his later controversies, Spurlock’s contributions to documentaries remained notable. His filmography includes “Mansome,” “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold,” and “Where In the World Is Osama Bin Laden?” He also directed “One Direction: This Is Us,” a 2013 film about the British boy band.

The family statement emphasized Spurlock’s impact, saying, “His films inspired critical thinking and encouraged viewers to question the status quo. Over thirteen years, through his production company Warrior Poets, Spurlock found additional success producing and directing nearly 70 documentary films and television series.”

Spurlock is survived by his mother Phyllis, father Ben, brothers Craig and Barry, two sons, and former partners Alexandra Jamieson and Sara Bernstein. The family indicated that memorial service arrangements would be announced soon and encouraged donations to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in New York City in his honor.

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Morgan Spurlock, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker famous for the documentary "Super Size Me," has died at the age of 53 following a battle with cancer. Spurlock passed away on Thursday, surrounded by family and friends, a statement said. He had been receiving chemotherapy treatment earlier this year. show more
May 23, 2024
Crime
Culture
Media

Coming Soon: The George Floyd Biopic 🥴

A Hollywood movie based on the life of career criminal George Floyd is currently in development. Titled Daddy Changed the World, the project is expected to dramatize Floyd’s life. Floyd’s 2020 death in police custody ignited widespread Black Lives Matter riots across several cities in the United States.

George Floyd’s daughter, Gianna, and her mother, Roxie Washington, are executive producers on the film. Radar Pictures, a Hollywood production company known for successful films such as Jumanji and Riddick, will produce the film in collaboration with 8 Queens and Night Fox. Producers describe Daddy Changed the World as a “gritty drama of a man and his community thrust into the fiery light of history.”

Roxie Washington stated, “We are excited the world will see the real, jovial, and loving George we know. This film will humanize him, embody the essence of his life, and hopefully reignite efforts to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It’s time for justice and equality for all.”

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in Floyd’s death. Although authorities noted that Floyd had fentanyl and methamphetamine in his system at the time, they alleged Chauvin caused his death while kneeling on his neck during the arrest. Floyd had additionally served multiple jail terms for various offenses, including drug possession and theft.

Floyd’s death sparked riots across the country organized by ANTIFA and Black Lives Matter. The unrest resulted in billions of dollars of property damage and left 19 people dead.

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A Hollywood movie based on the life of career criminal George Floyd is currently in development. Titled Daddy Changed the World, the project is expected to dramatize Floyd's life. Floyd's 2020 death in police custody ignited widespread Black Lives Matter riots across several cities in the United States. show more
May 23, 2024
Culture
Sports

Caitlin Clark is Only Popular Because She’s White & Straight, Says Unpopular Black Lady.

Caitlin Clark’s entry into the WNBA has generated significant attention and sparked a broader conversation about race and popularity in the league. Former ESPN commentator Jemele Hill has claimed that Clark is famous only because she is white and heterosexual. According to Hill, the widespread attention Clark receives is not solely rooted in her athletic prowess but is also influenced by her race and sexual orientation.

“We would all be very naive if we didn’t say race and her sexuality played a role in her popularity,” Hill said in a recent interview with The Los Angeles Times. “While so many people are happy for Caitlin’s success — including the players; this has had such an enormous impact on the game — there is a part of it that is a little problematic because of what it says about the worth and the marketability of the players who are already there,” Hill continued.

“It’s not jealousy. It’s just the fact that in our society, black women are often erased from the picture,” Hill added. She expressed frustration that past stars like Cheryl Miller did not receive the same marketing support that Clark is currently enjoying.

Clark, drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever, has yet to secure a victory in her first four games. Despite the slow start, she’s already considered the face of the WNBA, having ended her college career as the highest scorer in major college basketball history.

Hill’s comments were echoed by “The View” cohost Sunny Hostin, who claimed Clark’s success is due to “white privilege.”

In addition to catapulting Clark’s athletic career, racism has also been blamed for redistricting, driving Latino support for former President Donald Trump, and diabetes.

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Caitlin Clark’s entry into the WNBA has generated significant attention and sparked a broader conversation about race and popularity in the league. Former ESPN commentator Jemele Hill has claimed that Clark is famous only because she is white and heterosexual. According to Hill, the widespread attention Clark receives is not solely rooted in her athletic prowess but is also influenced by her race and sexual orientation. show more
May 22, 2024
Ed Kozak
Culture

Elvis Heiress Battles to Protect Presley Legacy From Forced Graceland Sale.

Riley Keough, the granddaughter of Elvis Presley, is challenging plans to auction the Graceland estate in Memphis. A company has moved to sell the property, alleging that a loan using Graceland as collateral was not repaid. Keough’s lawyers say the alleged loan in question is fraudulent.

Scheduled for auction this Thursday, the sale was blocked by a Memphis judge following Keough’s request for a temporary restraining order and her filing of a lawsuit, according to court documents. The public notice for the foreclosure sale posted earlier in May stated that Promenade Trust, which oversees the Graceland Museum, owes $3.8 million after failing to repay a 2018 loan.

Keough inherited the trust and ownership of the property after the death of her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, last year. The lawsuit indicates that Lisa Marie Presley had used Graceland as collateral for the loan. Naussany Investments and Private Lending claims Lisa Marie Presley did not repay the loan and thus sought to auction the estate on the courthouse steps, according to the foreclosure notice.

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS.

Keough filed the lawsuit last week on behalf of the Promenade Trust, alleging that Naussany presented fraudulent documents related to the loan and the amount claimed unpaid. “These documents are fraudulent,” Keough’s lawyer stated in the lawsuit. “Lisa Marie Presley never borrowed money from Naussany Investments and never issued a deed of trust to Naussany Investments.” W. Bradley Russell, a lawyer representing Naussany Investments, declined to comment on Tuesday.

An injunction hearing is set for Wednesday in Shelby County Chancery Court.

“Elvis Presley Enterprises can confirm that these claims are fraudulent. There is no foreclosure sale. The countersuit has been filed to stop the fraud,” said Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. in a statement on Tuesday.

Graceland has operated as a museum and tourist attraction since 1982, honoring Elvis Presley, the rock ’n’ roll legend who passed away in August 1977 at age 42. The site attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

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Riley Keough, the granddaughter of Elvis Presley, is challenging plans to auction the Graceland estate in Memphis. A company has moved to sell the property, alleging that a loan using Graceland as collateral was not repaid. Keough's lawyers say the alleged loan in question is fraudulent. show more
May 22, 2024
Jack Montgomery
Culture
Immigration
UK

English Courts Consider Scrapping Traditional Barristers’ Wigs After Black Lawyers Cry Racism.

English courts may no longer require courtroom lawyers to wear the traditional horsehair and, occasionally, hemp wigs they have donned since the 17th century to appease black barristers who complain the time-honored tradition amounts to “hair discrimination.”

“Following questions from barristers about wigs and hair discrimination, the Bar Council set up a working group to consider court dress in the context of all protected characteristics,” said a spokesman for the Bar Council, the approved regulator of barristers — specialists in courtroom representation within the English legal system.

Black barrister Michael Etienne sparked a miniature controversy after being instructed to wear a wig for a trial in 2022, as he sports an afro hairstyle, claiming the tradition was racist.

Despite ceremonial dress being highly valued in many African and indigenous traditional settings, black barrister Leslie Thomas KC insists England’s traditional wigs, or perukes, “certainly should go.”

“There isn’t any place in a modern society for barristers to be wearing 17th-century fashion,” he claimed, adding that win collars and other “archaic” court dress should also be scrapped.

ERASING ENGLISH CULTURE. 

Leftist activists have been gradually erasing traditional English dress for some years. Speakers of the House of Commons traditionally wore wigs, black stockings, and silver-buckled shoes until Labour politician Michael Martin — later forced from the speakership by an expenses scandal — scrapped the tradition in 2000.

Wigs were dropped by the civil and family courts in 2007 and were kept out of the Supreme Court established by Tony Blair in 2009. They currently survive only in criminal court.

Other traditions have also been dropped in the name of accommodating minorities, such as saying grace before meals at the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, one of four Inns of Court to which all English barristers must belong. The Inn dropped the 600-year-old tradition in favor of saying  “a non-Christian ‘thanks’ because of our diverse range of members with a different range of beliefs.”

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English courts may no longer require courtroom lawyers to wear the traditional horsehair and, occasionally, hemp wigs they have donned since the 17th century to appease black barristers who complain the time-honored tradition amounts to "hair discrimination." show more