Author: Nikki

Ukraine flight downing ‘terrorism’ – possible compensation  A Canadian court has ruled the downing of Ukraine flight PS752 was an “act of terrorism” and deliberate. The ruling paves the way for possible compensation for victims’ families, says Arab News.  The Superior Court of Justice of Ontario found that “on a balance of probabilities” two missile strikes on the jetliner shortly after takeoff from Iran’s capital Tehran on January 8, 2020 “were intentional.” Lawyers Mark and Jonah Arnold called the decision “unprecedented in Canadian law.” “It is significant for the impact it will have on immediate surviving family members seeking justice,”…

The United Arab Emirates smashes Covid-19 vaccine target!  The United Arab Emirates has vaccinated more than half of its population, smashing the country’s goal of vaccinating 52.46 per cent of individuals covered under the inoculation campaign.  “The campaign that was launched at the start of the year around the country, upon the directives of the country’s leadership, has vaccinated nearly 70.21 per cent of elderly people and those with chronic diseases, who are being prioritized,” health minister Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al-Owais said, in a report from state news agency WAM. Nearly 7 million doses have been provided by the country…

Tuesday’s News Briefing VIDEO: Biden immigration plan – Covid-19 test restrictions – Trump considering Assange pardon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxr0Z-dwOXE Johnson ‘glad’ to see Trump go, says ex-Civil Service head Lord Sedwill British lorry drivers now need negative Covid test to enter Denmark and Netherlands Portugal tightens Covid-19 lockdown amid record numbers of new cases, deaths UAE records highest number of COVID-19 cases since pandemic began Indian sailors stranded for months on Chinese coast reach Japan Biden to propose eight-year citizenship path for immigrants US and China clash at WHO over COVID-19 scientific mission in Wuhan UK’s Johnson criticised over lack of COVID-19…

Will 2021 be as stressful as last year? How to cope with current news in another unprecedented year so far 2020 will be remembered for many things, most of which were stressful, dark and damaging. And it doesn’t seem like 2021 is off to a good start.  New covid rules Just four days into the new year Boris Johnson announced England’s third national lockdown – schools and non-essential businesses closed – with hopes that the restrictions could be eased “by the middle of February, if things go well and with fair wind in our sails.” Leaving us all wondering; when…

FLOTUS Roasted Over White House Christmas Tree For her last holiday season as First Lady, Melania Trump has started to oversee the White House’s Christmas set up.  On Monday, November 23, the White House’s official tree arrived, where it was greeted by FLOTUS (Donald Trump did not attend). “Each year the arrival of the #WHChristmas tree brings a spirit of holiday warmth & tradition to the @WhiteHouse. This year’s tree will continue to bring joy to those who will pass through the halls of the White House during this most wonderful time of the year,” she tweeted, alongside a video…

Violent rallies in Chile raise fears over referendum vote Marking the one-year anniversary of mass protests that have left more than 30 people dead and thousands injured, tens of thousands of Chileans gathered in the central square of Santiago in a mostly peaceful rally. But the rally deteriorated and turned into riots and looting after night fell.  Earlier in the day, people gathered in demonstrations in cities throughout Chile – many carrying signs and rainbow-coloured banners calling for a “yes” vote next Sunday. On Sunday, the country will vote in a referendum about whether to scrap the country’s dictatorship-ear Consitution,…

Morocco’s tourism receipts soared to a record high in 2019 but will fall to a record low in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Morocco tourism travel receipts soared to a record high of $8.12bn in 2019, up from $7.5bn the previous year. A country that is heavily dependent on the tourist industry to bolster local GDP. But, inevitably in 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, even if Morroco opens their borders in July this year, their travel receipts won’t even come close to 2019 this year.  The annual report on Morocco’s balance of payments and international investment position also…

2020 so far: As lockdown nears to an end, let’s look back on six months that changed the world and the stories you may have forgotten. But despite the global lockdown a lot has happened in 6 months Every day we publish multiple five-minute reads, including our Briefings, Columns and Trend Lines. Our briefings are written by our global network of expert contributors, on matters of current importance. Our lineup of five columnists provides a different authoritative take on international affairs every day of the week. Trend Lines items are brief looks at current events, written by our editors, including…

It’s been 15 years since The Dark Knight trilogy kicked off, a trilogy that would ultimately give life to a dead genre Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy gave life to a dead genre that went on to change cinema. It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since film director Christopher Nolan released Batman Begins – the first instalment in The Dark Knight trilogy. The trilogy would go on to produce arguably the best interpretation of the Joker and reinvent comic book films, breathing new life into a genre that had laid dormant since the 1990s.  https://twitter.com/Mister_BatfIeck/status/1272706344047579137 Batman Begins…

With the Super Bowl just around the corner, Netflix has released a three-part docuseries telling the shocking story of a much-loved NFL player convicted of first-degree murder. The modern-world loves a fall from grace but the trajectory of Aaron’s was particularly steep and strangely compelling – a senseless, horrific collapse unfolding in the social media age.  Netflix’s new series – Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez, examines the facts of the case. In the summer of 2013, Hernandez was arrested for the murder of Odin Lloyd at his mansion in Massachusetts, it all seemed unreal.  The facts of the…

Brief. BrIEf.Me In today’s briefing update, much of the Sunday papers front pages focus is on the upcoming cabinet reshuffle. The papers say the PM is planning a revolutionary overhaul to guarantee a ‘people’s Brexit.’ Jeremy Corbyn writes to readers saying he’s sorry for the election outcome. In our special feature, we take a deeper look into the fall of Jeremy Corbyn, why the media was against him and what it means for Britain. ……………………………………………………. Now for the Boris revolution – PM to wield axe on the cabinet The Sunday Times says the prime minister will “wield axe on the…

Success and suicide: The dark side of South Korea’s K-pop world South Korea’s pop star and actor, Cha In Ha is the third young star to die in the space of two months. We look into the disturbing truth behind the k-pop phenomena and the young talents who pay the price for success.  Cha In Ha was a member of the group Suprise U and had just started a promising acting career. His death is the third sudden death to shake the k-pop world. In November, K-pop singer Goo Hara was found dead at her home, her death came just…

The Irishman: A love letter to fading mob glamour-  saying goodbye to the Goodfellas The years have rolled back for De Niro, Pacino and Pesci as they star in Martin Scorsese’s epic tale of the man who shot Jimmy Hoffa. And for Scorsese and the cast, the film is the ultimate love letter and goodbye to the fading mob glamour.  It’s likely to be the last organised crime film Martin Scorsese makes with this cast. A coming together of the Goodfellas and screen icon Al Pacino. At the heart of this modern classic is a sense of nostalgia and letting…

The Lost Promise and Missing Legacy: The boy who should have had it all Phenomenally talented and famously caring, River Phoenix’s death shocked the world. We look back on the extraordinary talent and missing legacy of River Phoenix. And why he would have had it all if he had lived.  River Phoenix shot to fame in the 1986 coming of age film Stand By Me. The then 15-year-old River became an 80s heartthrob and a talent to keep your eye on. As the years went by River made more films, most of which have not stood the test of time.…

Kanye West plans to run for President in 2024 – and will change his name to show off his wealth The man who calls himself the “greatest artist of all time”- Kayne West- revealed to a crowd at a business festival that he plans to run for Presidency in 2024. Kanye also revealed he has desires to change his name to show off his wealth.   He attended the fifth annual Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York where he told the crowd how Forbes magazine, which produces annual rich lists, would not call him a “billionaire”, despite having records to…

Brief.Me Sunday Papers – WEEKEND Briefing In today’s briefing update, much of the Sunday papers front pages focus is on Labour’s spending. The ‘shelved’ probe into the PM and Nigel Farage’s “final ultimatum” also features on the Sunday front splashes. Plus, a wildlife expert urges Ant & Dec to drop the Bushtucker Trials from I’m A Celebrity.  In our special feature, we take at the YouTube mega-fight between KSI and Logan Paul – “ludicrous, but lucrative” ……………………………………………………. Fury as the decision on police probe into PM shelved until after the poll The Observer’s front page says there is…

Quack, Quack, Quack … ‘The Mighty Ducks’ gets a reboot thanks to Disney+ The popular 90s franchise The Mighty Ducks is set to be turned into a TV series for the new streaming site Disney+. But for fans of the beloved 90s films, the new TV series will be different from what we watched growing up.  The logline released for the new series says: “After getting kicked off the junior division Mighty Ducks team, a 13-year-old boy and his mum decide to start their own team, finding players, a coach, and a place to play.” Woah! That’s miles away from the…

Martin Scorsese explains his ‘Marvel movies are not cinema’ comments In a New York Times op-ed, Martin Scorsese explains what he meant when he said that Marvel movies are not cinema. Scorsese stands by his claim but clarifies it’s not the superhero storylines that bother him, but the fact Marvel movies and other franchise films are made by studios concerned more with mass marketability than artistry.  “Many of the elements that define cinema as I know it are there in Marvel pictures,” writes Scorsese. “What’s not there is revelation, mystery or genuine emotional danger. Nothing is at risk. The pictures…

Mark Ruffalo says ‘Bush needs to be bought to justice over Iraq war’ after Ellen Degeneres defends her friendship with the former president Movie star Mark Ruffalo has disagreed with Ellen DeGeneres’ defence of her friendship with ex-US President George W Bush. After being pictured with Bush at an NFL game, Ellen said she was friends with many people who don’t share her views. And said we should “be kind to everyone.” But Mark Ruffalo said Mr Bush should be “bought to justice for the crimes of the Iraq war.” Adding: “We can’t even begin to talk about kindness” until…

‘Joker’ doesn’t live up to the hype Joker has been the talk of the town since its Venice Film Festival premiere a few weeks ago. Whilst it has mostly received praise, the critics are getting louder. Many critics have focused on the movie’s potential to inspire acts of real-life violence and its brutal nihilism. But for some, myself included – the film isn’t even worth arguing about.  The film is neither interesting nor does it have a coherent point of view. There are no well thought out or provoking themes. It is empty, slow and pretentious. It is besotted with…

London: Banksy painting sells for record £9.8million A Banksy painting depicting MP’s as chimpanzees in the House of Commons has sold for a record £9.8 million at an auction in London.  The painting, titled Devolved Parliament, shows MPs in the commons as apes. It’s original estimated price tag was £1.5m to £2m. The painting belonged to a private owner, and Banksy said on Instagram: “Record price for a Banksy painting set at the auction tonight. Shame I didn’t still own it.” Previous to this sale, the auction record for a Banksy was £1.51m in 2008 for the piece Keep It…

Robert De Niro sued for gender discrimination by ex-employee accused of ‘binge-watching Friends’ Robert De Niro is being counter-sued for gender discrimination by an ex-employee. Graham Chase Robinson claims the actor used sexist language, including describing women as ‘c***s’ and ‘b****es’. And reportedly referred to Robinson as his ‘office wife’.  In the suit, it is claimed Robinson, his executive assistant was underpaid in comparison to her male co-workers. And the Hollywood actor subjected her to ‘gratuitous physical unwanted contact’ and ‘sexually charged comments.’  THE LAWSUIT The lawsuit says: ‘Robert De Niro is someone who has clung to old mores. He…

Joker director blames “woke culture” for killing comedy The director of the highly-anticipated Joker film has said he has moved away from comedies because “woke culture” has made them too difficult to make.  Todd Phillip’s previous work includes films such as The Hangover trilogy, Old School and Road Trip. But, Joker, released tomorrow, is set to become his biggest and best-known.  Joker, set in 1981 follows failed stand-up comedian Arthur Fleck as he turns to a life of crime in Gotham City.  “WOKE CULTURE”  In an interview for vanity, Phillips said he chose the story because he had become wary…

Banksy shop appears in Croydon Artist Banksy has set up a shop in south London featuring the Union flag stab vest he designed for Stormzy’s headline act at Glastonbury Festival.  Banksy’ shop in Croydon, on Church Street, also features a Tony the Tiger rug and a cradle surrounded by CCTV cameras.  “I’m opening a shop today,” the elusive artist said on Instagram. “Although the doors don’t actually open.” He will, however, sell products online and people can visit the shop for the next two weeks.  GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT He said he was being “forced” to launch the online shop (Gross…

BBC overturns ruling against presenter Naga Munchetty The BBC has overturned its ruling to uphold a complaint made against presenter Naga Munchetty after she spoke about racism on air.  The BBC presenter was the subject of a complaint following an on-air debate with her co-presenter Dan Walker. The debate was after Donald Trump tweeted his “go back home” comments related to four US congresswomen.  When asked about her view, Munchetty said: “Every time I have been told, as a woman of colour, to go back to where I came from, that was embedded in racism.” And she was later found…