Sunday, 31 July 2022

Austria mourns suicide of doctor targeted by anti-vaccine campaigners

Austrian leaders appealed for national unity after a doctor who faced death threats from anti-vaccination activists and coronavirus pandemic conspiracy theorists took her own life.

What Taiwan is thinking as Pelosi heads for Asia

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's possible visit to Taiwan has resulted in stern warnings from Beijing and mounting concerns in Washington.

Remnants of an uncontrolled Chinese rocket reentered the atmosphere over the Indian Ocean, US Space Command says

Remnants of a massive Chinese rocket that was descending uncontrollably back to Earth reentered the atmosphere over the Indian Ocean at roughly 12:45 p.m. ET Saturday, the US Space Command said on Twitter.

Russia is recruiting thousands of volunteers to replenish its ranks in Ukraine. Prior experience isn't always required

Across Russia, volunteer battalions are being formed to deploy to the war in Ukraine, joining the so-called "special military operation" declared by President Vladimir Putin in February.

Russian officials requested adding convicted murderer to Griner/Whelan prisoner swap

Russian government officials requested that a former colonel from the country's domestic spy agency who was convicted of murder in Germany last year be included in the US' proposed swap of a notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout for Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, multiple sources familiar with the discussions told CNN.

What does Taiwan think about the possibility of a visit by Nancy Pelosi?

Reports that US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is planning a visit to Taiwan have sparked tense exchanges between the United States and China -- and growing speculation over how Beijing might react.

Saturday, 30 July 2022

Spain reports first monkeypox-related death in Europe

Spain reported its first monkeypox-related death on Friday, in what is thought to be Europe's first fatality from the disease and only the second outside Africa in the current outbreak.

UK court rules in favor of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó in battle for country's gold

London's High Court has ruled in favor of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó in a battle for the control of gold reserves worth almost $2 billion held in the Bank of England, in a blow to Venezuela's authoritarian President, Nicolas Maduro.

How this tech giant is developing a more digital Africa

For Ola Williams, Microsoft Country Manager for Nigeria and Ghana, empowering women through tech training is furthering digital infrastructure development across the continent.

Why movie theaters show so few films now

One crucial thing will be missing from theaters this fall: movies.

Ukrainian farmers make bleak prediction despite surplus of grain

Farmers in Ukraine are storing away their grain as ports remain closed to shipping. The farmers foresee staffing shortages and slower grain production next year amid the uncertainty. CNN's Nic Robertson reports.

Why Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner are turning against Instagram's updates

The Washington Post's tech columnist Taylor Lorenz tells "Nightcap's" Jon Sarlin why TikTok is a threat to Instagram and why viewing more videos on Instagram is inevitable. To get the day's business headlines sent directly to your inbox, sign up for the Nightcap newsletter.

Amazon beats expectations to avoid tech earnings slump

Amazon appears to still be going strong even as other Big Tech companies stumble amid pressure from inflation and an economic downturn.

Friday, 29 July 2022

China's shadow is looming over the US this week

China's shadow over the United States has been especially noticeable this week.

Nestlé has kept hiking prices this year

Nestlé hiked its prices by 6.5% in the first half of 2022 as it grapples with an "unprecedented" rise in costs.

South Korean giant SK Group is pouring $22 billion into the United States

South Korea's second biggest conglomerate is investing $22 billion into the United States, in high-priority areas including chips and clean energy.

Africa must cut reliance on food imports, says Nigerian billionaire

Food prices have been rising around the world, driven first by the Covid pandemic and poor harvests, and made worse by the conflict in Ukraine, which has hit exports of both wheat and fertilizer.

Sprite will no longer be sold in green bottles

Sprite is retiring its green plastic bottles after more than 60 years.

Thursday, 28 July 2022

US and China on a knife's edge over Taiwan ahead of Xi-Biden phone call

No one can afford to look weak.

WHO chief advises men who have sex with men to reduce partners to limit exposure to monkeypox

The vast majority of cases in the growing monkeypox outbreak are among men who have sex with men, according to the World Health Organization. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus advised members of this community Wednesday to limit their exposure to the virus by reducing their number of sex partners and reconsidering sex with new partners.

Kate Moss opens up about the 'painful' side of modeling

British supermodel Kate Moss has revealed some past pitfalls from her modeling career in a rare interview with BBC podcast series Desert Island Discs.

Intimate portraits of LGBTQ youths living deep in the Amazon rainforest

While eating dinner at a restaurant in Careiro, a small town deep in the Amazon rainforest, Daniel Jack Lyons was unexpectedly approached by a local drag performer, Wendell.

The Democratic Republic of Congo plans on auctioning off land within the country's rainforest for oil drilling. Mbong Akiy Fokwa Tsafack of Greenpeace Africa explains why climate change activists are opposed to the move.

First mission to return samples from another planet set to land on Earth in 2033

The first samples from Mars, collected by the Perseverance rover, will be returned to Earth in 2033. The Mars Sample Return missions now also include two helicopters similar to Ingenuity.

Wednesday, 27 July 2022

Oil permits up for auction in Congo's Virunga park, putting endangered gorillas at risk

Despite growing pleas from climate change activists, the Democratic Republic of Congo says it is moving forward with its plans to auction off a vast majority of oil and gas drilling blocks located in the country's rainforest and peatland.

7.0-magnitude earthquake strikes northern Philippines, impact felt in Manila

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines on Tuesday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Asia on high alert for monkeypox as cases reported from India to Japan

Countries across Asia are on high alert for monkeypox, screening travelers and scrambling teams of medics, as they report their first cases of the virus, now identified as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dozens dead after drinking bootleg alcohol in western India

At least 36 people have died and about 50 others have been hospitalized in western India after drinking contaminated alcohol, according to police.

I stopped using my phone to wake up. Here's what happened

I have reinstated the alarm clock. An overlooked mechanism in today's technologically-synced, your-phone-does-everything world, it tells the time, it wakes you up, it is decentralized from a phone. It is marvelous.

Biden will speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday

President Joe Biden will speak Thursday with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a White House official tells CNN, as tensions between the two countries rise amid reports that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is considering a visit to Taiwan.

Brittney Griner to testify at trial in Russia, lawyers say

WNBA star Brittney Griner will testify as part of her drug trial in Russia on Wednesday, her lawyers said, as her defense team claimed that cannabis oil found in her luggage was for medicinal purposes.

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Top US general says China's military has become more aggressive to US over last 5 years

The most senior US general has issued a stark warning about China's military intentions toward the US and allies in the region, saying Beijing has become more aggressive and the number of Chinese intercepts at sea and in the air have "increased significantly" in recent years.

Rise in gasoline prices threatens social stability in Latin America

South American countries are bracing for an autumn of discontent, as spiking global fuel prices threaten to provoke more protests in the upcoming months.

Google fires engineer who contended its AI technology was sentient

Google has fired the engineer who claimed an unreleased AI system had become sentient, the company confirmed, saying he violated employment and data security policies.

7 things you're wasting money on

With inflation pushing the price of just about everything higher, it's more important than ever to keep track of how you're spending your money.

Journalist describes harrowing experience reporting in Afghanistan

Columnist Lynne O'Donnell, who recently returned to Afghanistan, says she was detained and punished for her past reporting. "They'd look at each other and say, 'She knows her crimes,' and then they took me away," she says.

'Nope' is Jordan Peele's latest No. 1 film at the box office

"Nope," Jordan Peele's third movie, opened to an estimated $44 million this weekend in North America, according to Universal Pictures.

Monday, 25 July 2022

Mother ID's son as one of two Americans killed in Ukraine's Donbas region

One of the two American citizens who recently died in the Donbas region of Ukraine has been identified as Luke Lucyszyn, his mother told CNN.

FBI probe found Chinese-made equipment on US soil can intercept highly restricted airwaves used by the military

On paper, it looked like a fantastic deal. In 2017, the Chinese government was offering to spend $100 million to build an ornate Chinese garden at the National Arboretum in Washington DC. Complete with temples, pavilions and a 70-foot white pagoda, the project thrilled local officials, who hoped it would attract thousands of tourists every year.      

At least 17 Haitian migrants found dead off Bahamas coast

Rescuers in the Bahamas have found the bodies of 17 Haitian migrants thought to have died after their vessel capsized in rough seas during a "suspected human smuggling operation," the country's leader said.

Final candidates in race to become new UK Prime Minister vow to expand Rwanda immigration policy

The two final candidates in the race to become the UK's new prime minister, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, have both vowed to expand the government's controversial Rwanda immigration policy.

French Grand Prix: Max Verstappen wins after devastated Charles Leclerc crashes out with 'unacceptable' mistake

Max Verstappen eased to victory at the French Grand Prix to extend his championship lead over a devastated Charles Leclerc, whose recent woes continued with a high-speed crash on Sunday.

Pope visits Canada to apologize for Indigenous abuse in Catholic residential schools

Pope Francis departed Rome on Sunday for a week-long trip to Edmonton, Canada, where he's set to apologize for the Catholic Church's role in the abuse of Canadian Indigenous children in residential schools.

China executes man who set fire to his ex-wife during livestream

A man who killed his ex-wife by setting her on fire during a livestream was executed in China on Saturday, state media reported, marking the end of a case that prompted horror and outrage across the country.

Sunday, 24 July 2022

China says Xi Jinping and other leaders have been given domestic Covid-19 vaccines, amid public concern over safety

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders in the country have been given domestic Covid-19 vaccines, the ruling Communist party said in a rare disclosure aimed at stimulating China's booster program.

Two vie to replace Boris Johnson. Neither has 'a true plan' to fix Britain's ailing economy

The two candidates jostling to become the next prime minister of the United Kingdom are making big promises about rescuing the country's economy. It won't be an easy task.

WHO declares monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

Here's why the NASA logo is on so many backpacks, t-shirts, sneakers and hats

On any given day, a thirty minute walk around New York City can yield at least a few NASA logo sightings. They're on backpacks, t-shirts, sneakers, hats, sweatshirts, phone cases, tote bags and jackets.

Saturday, 23 July 2022

Brexit blamed for delays as British truckers and travelers face gridlock at Dover

Brexit has contributed to travelers being stuck in gridlock at the start of the summer holidays at the port of Dover, French and UK officials have said, as a war of words escalates between the two countries over hours-long delays at the border.

The head of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service doubts Iran wants a nuclear deal

The head of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service said Thursday he doesn't believe Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wants to reach a nuclear deal as hope fades that an agreement can be reached.

Myanmar genocide case over Rohingya atrocities can go ahead, top UN court rules

The World Court on Friday rejected Myanmar's objections to a genocide case over its treatment of the Muslim Rohingya minority, paving the way for the case to be heard in full.

Brazil charges three men over killings of British journalist and indigenous expert

Authorities in Brazil have charged three men with "aggravated double homicide and concealment of a corpse" following the disappearance last month of British journalist Dom Philips and Brazilian indigenous expert Bruno Pereira.

Opinion: A very European answer to air conditioning

American friends visiting my downtown Berlin apartment at the height of summer always guffaw at my rinky-dink plastic fan, propped up on a bookshelf above my desk.

CIA chief says Putin is 'entirely too healthy'

CIA Director Bill Burns gave an unusually candid assessment this week, when he told attendees at the Aspen Institute's annual security confab that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "entirely too healthy."

Friday, 22 July 2022

Fatmata Binta, the first African chef to win the Basque Culinary World Prize, takes CNN into the kitchen as she prepares a meal for her Dine on a Mat culinary experience.

Sri Lankan troops tear down protest camp outside the President's office

Sri Lanka's police and military troops forcibly removed anti-government protesters camped outside the presidential office in Colombo in a pre-dawn raid on Friday on the order of the country's new President.

More than five million Ukrainians have been welcomed into Europe and given special asylum. In a stark contrast, migrants from across Africa are facing a perilous journey at the hands of smuggling kingpins. CNN's David McKenzie and his team investigates what is called the deadliest migration route known int the world.

Pelosi's planned visit to Taiwan raises concerns China might interfere with airspace, US official says

Biden administration officials are concerned that China could seek to declare a no-fly zone over Taiwan ahead of a possible visit by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as an effort to upend the trip, potentially raising tensions even further in the region, a US official told CNN.

Uzbekistan has detained more than 300 over deadly unrest, rights group says

Hundreds of people are still in detention in Uzbekistan after deadly unrest this month in the republic of Karakalpakstan over a proposal to strip the region of its autonomous status, a rights group said.

Brazilian Workers' Party officially names Lula presidential candidate

Former Brazilian president Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, widely known as Lula, is now officially standing as the Brazilian Workers' Party (PT) presidential candidate, the party announced Thursday.

Thursday, 21 July 2022

India's top court grants bail to Muslim journalist accused of insulting Hindus

Muslim journalist Mohammed Zubair has been freed from jail on the order of India's Supreme Court after he was detained last month for allegedly insulting religious beliefs on social media.

With a single phrase, Shinzo Abe changed America's view of Asia and China

To many in Asia-Pacific, Shinzo Abe was prescient in recognizing the challenge a rising China posed to the American-led system of political and military alliances.

Mysterious bundle of string on Mars' surface found by Perseverance rover

NASA's newest Mars rover stumbled across a small bundle of string while exploring an ancient delta in a search for signs of ancient microscopic life.

Analysis: Race to succeed Johnson as UK Prime Minister narrows to two candidates

Boris Johnson will be succeeded as prime minister of the United Kingdom by either Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss after the Conservative Party leadership race was on Wednesday narrowed down to the final two candidates.

The amount of Greenland ice that melted last weekend could cover West Virginia in a foot of water

Six billion tons of water per day melted off the ice sheet in northern Greenland this past weekend.

Italian PM squeezes through confidence vote

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi won a confidence vote in the country's Senate on Wednesday, but emerged badly bruised.

Wednesday, 20 July 2022

US Navy destroyer enters Chinese-claimed waters for third time in a week

A US Navy warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday, the third time in a week the vessel has entered waters claimed by China, heightening tensions between Washington and Beijing.

A Spanish man was left in "serious condition" after fleeing a wildfire with his clothes in flames, according to a family friend. The dramatic moment was caught on video.

Lost royal city may have been unearthed by archaeologists in Iraqi Kurdistan

A 2,000-year-old fortress built on a mountainside in what's now Iraqi Kurdistan could be part of a lost royal city called Natounia.

Putin takes his first trip beyond the borders of the former Soviet Union since his invasion

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Iran on Tuesday for his first international trip beyond the borders of the former Soviet Union since he launched Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February.

To Russia, he's a traitor and right-wing extremist. In Ukraine, he's a Russian fighting against his own country

On the outskirts of Kyiv, past endless rows of Soviet-style apartment blocks, there's a sterile rehabilitation center filled with Ukrainian troops injured on the front lines.

India and China's political tensions are hitting the smartphone market. But they need each other

The Indian government is cracking down on the companies that make the country's most popular smartphones.

Top Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina comes out as gay

Daria Kasatkina, Russia's highest ranked female tennis player, came out as gay in an interview, while addressing rising homophobic attitudes in the country.

Tuesday, 19 July 2022

Malaysia seizes $18 million worth of elephant tusks, tiger bones and other trafficked animal parts

Malaysian authorities have seized a massive haul of trafficked animal parts, including elephant tusks, rhino horns, pangolin scales and tiger bones worth around 80 million ringgit ($17.9 million).

Ukrainian soldier Stepan Kaplunov, 31, was desperate to avoid capture because he is actually a Russian citizen and former Russian soldier. He has been fighting on the front lines against his own country since 2014 to help prevent Putin "reviving USSR 2.0." CNN's Scott McLean meets him in a rehab center in Kyiv after a tank shell exploded next to him.

US State Department is 'carefully' monitoring situation after Zelensky announced plans to suspend officials



Biden gives Saudis the gesture they wanted. But he returns to Washington with little in hand

It was always going to be awkward -- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's greeting with US President Joe Biden.

As Europe reaches record temperatures, fire services across the continent are fighting to control huge wildfires in countries including Spain, Portugal and France, with hundreds of deaths blamed on soaring heat that scientists say is consistent with climate change.

Abortion's illegal in the Catholic majority Philippines, so more than a million women a year turn to other options

Miriam has seen her share of high-risk operations and procedures in her years as a veteran doctor in the Philippines -- but none quite as "complicated or as dangerous" as abortions, she said.

Acting Sri Lanka leader says previous government covered up crisis

Sri Lanka's acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said the country's previous administration was "covering up facts" about its crippling financial crisis.

Monday, 18 July 2022

'It was a little crazy': Psy on 'Gangnam Style', 10 years on

The early 2010s were an era of instant hits. From the "Harlem Shake" to "Party Rock Anthem", digital platforms ushered in a new era of publicity -- and virality.



China once saw Europe as a counter to US power. Now ties are at an abysmal low

When Chinese leader Xi Jinping made his first state visit to Europe in 2014, he set out to herald a new era of cooperation in a multi-country tour, which the European Parliament President at the time called "a welcome signal of the importance that the new Chinese leader attaches to a strengthened EU-China partnership."

India hits 2 billion Covid-19 vaccinations as infections hit four-month high

The Indian government's Covid-19 vaccinations hit 2 billion on Sunday, with booster doses underway for all adults, as daily infections hit a four-month high, official data showed.

Europe battles wildfires in intense heat

Authorities across southern Europe battled on Sunday to control huge wildfires in countries including Spain, Greece and France, with hundreds of deaths blamed on soaring temperatures that scientists say are consistent with climate change.

Ukrainian army resists Russian advances in key region in bloody battle for control

The Ukrainian military rebuffed Russian advances in Donetsk over the weekend, as the bloody battle for control in the eastern Donbas region grinds on.

Sunday, 17 July 2022

Plane carrying military equipment crashes in northern Greece, killing eight people

A cargo plane has crashed in northern Greece, raising concerns about the "dangerous cargo" it was reported to have been carrying.

Filipinos are buying books to preserve the truth about the Marcos regime

Filipinos living abroad are snapping up books about the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, not just to read about history but to preserve it.

A hypothetical weather forecast for 2050 is coming true next week



Russians have visited Iran at least twice in last month to examine weapons-capable drones

A Russian delegation has visited an airfield in central Iran at least twice in the last month to examine weapons-capable drones, according to national security adviser Jake Sullivan and satellite imagery obtained exclusively by CNN.

Mexico detains drug lord wanted by US as 14 killed in Black Hawk helicopter crash

A notorious drug lord on the FBI's 10 most wanted list has been detained by the Mexican Navy, a Navy source told CNN on Friday.

Saturday, 16 July 2022

Sri Lanka crisis: How do you fix a broken country?

For years it had been one of Sri Lanka's grandest and most heavily guarded buildings, serving as the official residence and state office of the President.

Friday, 15 July 2022

China's economy records slowest pace of growth since Covid in 2020

China's economy recorded its worst quarterly performance in over two years, after months of harsh Covid lockdowns wreaked havoc on the country.

25 million children missed out on lifesaving vaccines in 2021, WHO and UNICEF data shows

Vaccine coverage continued to decline worldwide in 2021, with 25 million children missing out on lifesaving vaccines, according to data published Thursday by the World Health Organization and UNICEF.

Italy's President Mattarella rejects Prime Minister Draghi's resignation

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said he will resign on Thursday evening, according to a statement issued by his office. He made the announcement despite winning a confidence vote in the Italian parliament earlier on Thursday.

Venezuela lashes out at Bolton's coup claim

A former Trump administration official's claim that he orchestrated government overthrows abroad is making waves in Venezuela.

Israel skeptical of Biden's Iran diplomacy

President Joe Biden on Thursday said the US would not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon and that he believed diplomacy remained the best avenue to keep the nation from obtaining one, despite Israeli skepticism over a deal with Iran.

US troops in Germany banned from alcohol after scooter incidents

A US Army brigade in Germany has been confined to its base during evenings and temporarily banned from consuming alcohol, a spokesman for the Army said Thursday, after five troops were charged with driving scooters under the influence in Nuremberg over the July 4 holiday weekend.

Thursday, 14 July 2022

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaves Maldives for Singapore after fleeing crisis back home

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has fled Maldives on board a flight for Singapore, a high-ranking security source in Colombo told CNN, as anger grows in his home country over his refusal to formally resign.

Brittney Griner to make another court appearance at a hearing in Russia

WNBA star Brittney Griner is expected to make another court appearance Thursday, a week after she pleaded guilty to drug charges at a Russian court near Moscow.

Photos of '90s offices evoke a bygone era

The role that offices play in our lives has been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

World's 50 greatest places of 2022, according to TIME magazine

Get your credit card out and your favorite booking platforms at the ready: US magazine and news website TIME has just released its list of the world's 50 greatest places of 2022.

New York: Tribeca Festival 2022

The Tribeca festival featured 111 films and 16 online premieres produced by 151 filmmakers from 40 countries from June 9-26. 88 films were world premieres, 50 were directed by first-time film makers, and 46 percent of the 127 films presented were from female directors. Tribeca also provided a stellar home screening platform for U.S. audiences during the festival, with numerous narrative, documentary, and short films available.  

The festival continued its tradition of selecting outstanding critical documentaries for the program. Many documentaries presented a grim view of the apparent dystopian reality of contemporary U.S. society, reflecting moral and political challenges. In this review of three documentaries, some additional information is provided to elucidate the filmmaker’s perspectives.

AMERICAN PAIN, Darren Foster, USA, 2022

This well-researched and narrated documentary presents the opioid pill mill of the twin brothers Chris and Jeff George. Coming from a wealthy background, the twins collaborated with doctors to establish a chain store operation where individuals from Florida and other states were able to purchase all the drugs they needed or wanted. The twins worked in concert with doctors to process a huge number of examinations and prescriptions. The rapidly expanding pain-clinic operation was profitable and enriched the operators and the pharmaceutical companies producing and distributing the pills. Florida’s policy not keeping data on prescriptions nor requiring permission for opening these clinics helped. The business was openly run with full knowledge of the press and law enforcement officers. When the clinics were finally closed by the authorities, one twin already released from jail blamed drug addicts. Chris and Jeff denied responsibility for any harm they caused. In a related case, three major US drug distributors were not held responsible in early July 2022 by a federal judge for an addiction epidemic they caused.  In Cabell County they had distributed 81 million pills over eight years in a county with only 100,000 residents.

KATRINA BABIES, Edward Buckles jr., USA, 2022

In the superb and innovative U.S. HBO  2022 documentary KATRINA BABIES by the first-time director Edward Buckles jr. the film maker interviews people who were young and living in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina struck the city in 2005. Buckles investigates how the consequences of the disaster shaped their lives and families. They articulate the impact of Katrina; the social and psychological trauma caused by the destruction of their communities. Buckles provides reminders and new insights about the human dimensions of the Katrina nightmare, from drowning, forced relocation, living in poisonous trailers, and lukewarm federal and state financial responses to Katrina. As replayed nationwide during the pandemic years beginning in 2020, young minorities from New Orleans were deprived of regular in-person education for years.  This led to knowledge deficits, an educational burden not overcome by subsequent compensatory education. Buckles documentary is long overdue because most people have forgotten about Hurricane Katrina. More than half of the Katrina victims were minorities living in poor neighborhoods, which were flooded. They had no insurance, and were underemployed. Although not mentioned in the film, it should be noted that 75% of the 9/11 World Trade Center victims were white and male and less than 50 years old. They belonged to the upper income groups. The 9/11 victim compensation fund paid $2 million to each dead victim’s family.

THE YOUTUBE EFFECT, Alex Wiener, USA, Brazil, Germany, Taiwan, Chile, 2022

Written, directed, and produced by Alex Wiener, THE YOUTUBE EFFECT was one of the most challenging documentaries selected by Tribeca this year. Wiener and his crew interviewed YouTube supporters and opponents, social media researchers, YouTube executives, and academics from all over the world to find answers to crucial questions. YouTube is expanding continually, valued at more than $300 billion with 2.3 billion users, and is found in most countries with company operated/owned affiliates and proprietary data centers.  Its algorithms determine what creators produce and what keeps the YouTube audience engaged and growing.  YouTube has been able to elude any control by public authorities and has remained a monopolistic company driven by the earnings.

YouTube and other social media platforms must confront the same question, what is their impact on purchasing and normative / moral behavior?  The massive shift of advertising dollars to visual media seems to give a partial answer. The impact of YouTube content and of other carriers on normative behavior remains an open question. Attempts by internal committees at the company to develop new censorship guidelines have not received management approval. Interventions by foreign entities can pose an economic theat. YouTube algorithms are proprietary; whatever threatens the emotional engagement of the viewers, and their largest motivating video cannot be touched. If viewers are more likely to respond to currently upsetting content than anything harmonious, there is no need to change the algorithm. YouTube claims that 90% of harmful new videos are removed.  At the end of THE YOUTUBE EFFECT, the CEO of the company, Susan Wojcicki, shares her predictions that YouTube will provide benefits for education, connect the community, and technologies will offer tremendous opportunities. These bizarre statements escape reality. YouTube reinforces the fragmentation of social groups by reducing face to face interpersonal communication.  How YouTube exposure disconnected from intersubjective personal communication benefits education is a mystery. I gather from informal discussions with Silicon Valley executives that they set a strict limit on their children’s access to YouTube and other social media. However, YouTube will exploit any new technologies which strengthens the algorithm lifeblood of the company.

 

New York Claus Mueller  filmexchange@gmail.com

 

 



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A Mexican network is smuggling abortion drugs to American women

One day late last month, as new abortion restrictions began taking shape in US states, three Mexican women quietly crossed into the country at different points along the border, dozens of abortion-inducing pills hidden in their belongings.

Sri Lanka in crisis after president flees

• How Sri Lanka's runaway President went from 'war hero' to fugitive • Chaos as protests force president to flee. Here's what you need to know

Wednesday, 13 July 2022

US tourist survives fall into Mount Vesuvius after reaching for phone

An American tourist fell into the crater of Mount Vesuvius in an attempt to retrieve his mobile phone at the weekend, Italian police told CNN on Monday.

Thousands trapped by fighting in Haitian capital, aid group warns

Thousands of Haitians are trapped in capital city Port-au-Prince without access to water, food or other essential supplies, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), a medical humanitarian group, warned on Tuesday.

Opinion: Boris Johnson's political demise offers a lesson for US Republicans

For millions of Americans watching last week's political drama in London, the spectacle was welcome entertainment, a respite from the bitter divisions racking the United States and a reassuring reminder that other countries also endure convoluted political theater. But it was also a wistful reminder that even if the US doesn't have a monopoly on edge-of-your-seat political machinations, other democracies seem to handle theirs more successfully.

Sri Lanka's beleaguered President and 14 family members blocked from leaving country by airport staff, senior military source says

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was blocked from departing Sri Lanka on Monday after refusing to join a public queue at the Bandaranaike International Airport in order to have his passport checked by immigration, a high-ranking military source told CNN.

Akie Abe, widow of assassinated leader, set a new mold for Japanese first ladies

• Japan says final farewell to Shinzo Abe • In photos: World reacts to Abe shooting • Church puzzled by reports of alleged grudge held Abe assassination suspect

Iran has arrested three filmmakers in less than a week

Acclaimed director Jafar Panahi has become the third Iranian filmmaker to be arrested in the country in less than a week.

Tuesday, 12 July 2022

Analysis: The US steps up its game as China circles the Pacific

On a small group of atolls in the central Pacific Ocean, Kiribati islanders celebrated their Independence Day Tuesday with a President who had skipped the region's first face-to-face meeting in three years.

Pakistan's financial capital Karachi flooded by monsoon rains

Torrential rains caused widespread flooding and damage in Pakistan's financial capital Karachi on Monday, even inundating the business district.

India to surpass China as most populous country in 2023, UN report says

India is set to surpass China as the world's most populous country in 2023, with each counting more than 1.4 billion residents this year, a United Nations report said on Monday, warning that high fertility would challenge economic growth.

China crushes protest by bank depositors demanding their life savings back

• Video shows violent reaction to bank protest

Opinion: Biden packs his bags for the 'pariah' kingdom

A cynic is rarely disappointed by the actions of his fellow human beings, and President Joe Biden's trip to Saudi Arabia this week won't disappoint many cynics because it is so entirely predictable.

Faroe Islands sets quota of 500 dolphins to be killed in controversial annual whale hunt

The government of the Faroe Islands has set a catch limit of 500 dolphins for the territory's annual whale hunt this year.

Monday, 11 July 2022

Aboriginal flag to permanently replace state flag on Sydney Harbour Bridge

Australia's Aboriginal flag will replace the New South Wales state flag on Sydney Harbour Bridge, after officials scrapped a 25 million Australian dollar ($17 million) scheme that would have accommodated both.

A photographer cataloged all 12,795 items in her house. This is what she found

After going through a divorce and moving home for the 11th time, Barbara Iweins decided to take stock of her life -- and everything in it.

UK Foreign Secretary launches bid for Prime Minister

British Member of Parliament Liz Truss has joined the race to replace Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservative Party, outlining her campaign in an op-ed published Sunday in The Telegraph.

At least 15 dead in a mass shooting at a bar in Soweto, South Africa

At least 15 people have died after a shooting at a bar in the South African township of Soweto on Sunday, according to the country's public broadcaster SABC.

North Korea is making a fortune with high-tech crypto thefts

Devin, the founder of a cryptocurrency startup based in San Francisco, woke up one day in February to the most bizarre phone call of his life.

Lock In Refinance Savings Before Rates Get Too High



Charles Leclerc outduels Max Verstappen to win Austrian Grand Prix, thrusts himself back into championship race

Charles Leclerc outdueled Max Verstappen to win the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday and thrust himself back into the Formula One driver's championship race.

Sunday, 10 July 2022

As Sri Lanka's leader agrees to step down, protesters sing on the streets. But the future is uncertain and the economy is wrecked

Sri Lanka woke on Sunday to an uncertain future, with both its President and Prime Minister set to step down after thousands of protesters stormed their homes in fury over the nation's crippling economic crisis.

US concerned at China's 'alignment' with Russia, Blinken says

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday he had discussed Russian aggression in Ukraine during more than five hours of talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and raised concerns over Beijing's alignment with Moscow.

Mass turmoil, protests in Sri Lanka. President and PM say they'll resign

• TV station says journalists were attacked by police during protests • Video shows Sri Lankan Prime Minister's house in flames

Elena Rybakina wins Wimbledon women's singles title, her first grand slam and first for Kazakhstan

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Saturday, 9 July 2022

In Kyiv, Boris Johnson's resignation was met with despair

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Filmmaker faces death threats over controversial Hindu goddess poster

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The film " Tibetan Hearts" finished shooting in Tibet

To promote various cultural stories and show the ethnic beauty of Tibet, after several cultural feature film projects launched successfully, Maeya Films established the “Tibetan Series” with Qinghai Maao Film&TV Co., Ltd., Sichuan Miding Media Co., Ltd., and wish all these leading companies in the film industry will take the ethnic-themed films to a new level. As the 2nd feature film of the Tibetan Series created by Maeya Films, Tibetan Hearts recently finished shooting in Tibet and started postproduction.

Tibetan Hearts is based on true story in the village called Ganjia, it is like  a Romeo and Juliet story that happened on the Tibetan Plateau. All casts and film makers are Tibet local, and it is ONLY can be the locals who can physically present in the village to film under the rules and regulations.  Therefore, every scene is organic and the real beautiful Tibet high land.

There are very few feature films made or filmed in Tibert, Maeya Films will bring the worldwide audiences the true culture, language, tradition, art and life of the Tibet people. Stay tuned for the updating of the Tibet Series feature films. Checking on Maeya films at Http://maeyafilms.maeya.us

 



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Friday, 8 July 2022

'I cried so much, I lost consciousness': Mothers bury their kids as drought and disease hit Somalia

Ijabu Hassan has had no chance to grieve the deaths of her children. She's had to focus on keeping the others alive. Her four-year-old and five-year-old died from malnutrition in their inland town of Burhakaba, victims of a record drought that has propelled Somalia to the brink of famine.

How a dirty flip-flop could cause catastrophe in Australia

It's winter in Australia and for the first time in three years thousands of residents are flying to the Indonesian island of Bali to spend the July school holidays basking in the sun.

Thursday, 7 July 2022

Titu Ambani, Review: Titular harakiri

Titu Ambani, Review: Titular harakiri

You cannot but help notice it. You cannot even overlook it. It is so much in your face. After all, it is the title of the film. And it has nothing to do with the film. India’s richest person is Mukesh Ambani, for a few years in a row, and he also features closely behind the top ten wealthiest persons in the world. In one scene, the lead actor of the film says, “Ambani is Ambani because he has his hand in so many pies.” Very true. No dispute. But does that one line of dialogue justify the naming of your film after the trillionnaire, although it does not have the remotest connection with Mukesh Ambani? Titu Ambani is a serviceable film, which has been done a great disservice by whosoever suggested the title, probably in the hope that millions might flock to the cinemas on reading the name itself.

Titu Shukla (not Ambani) is his full name (Titu is actually a pet-name, but he is never referred to by any other moniker) and he hates working for others. Over the years, he has borrowed lakhs of rupees from his father, who runs a small frame shop, and all of that has sunk without a trace. While his father goes to work on a cycle, he wants a motor-cycle, even a car, and a life-style to go with it. The Shukla family – parents, Titu’s older brother, his wife and young daughter and Titu’s grandfather - live in a small town that is not named but the film was shot in Udaipur, which is a picturesque haven.

His aspirations and dreams are far removed from his actions. He keeps day-dreaming, and finds the shortest way to achieve his goals. Mosmi, his lady-love, works as a cashier in the Electricity Board of the town. She is a girl of today, living life on her own terms, who takes care of his father, who has a debilitating illness, and her mother. She is like the legendary Shravan Kumar for her parents. Mosmi feels that Titu and she are made for each other, but is upset that Titu is avoiding taking a decision about getting married. He wants to become ‘somebody’ before he marries. Towards this end, he starts a catering contract business, which goes awry. Then he wants to start a mineral water plant, but does not have the investment required. In the meanwhile, he does get married after all. And then a major twist comes to his tale, when he gets involved in a multi-level marketing (MLM) scam.

TV serials fame Rohit Raj Goyal, who turns 40 this year, is a Delhi boy who made his directorial debut with Diya Aur Baati Hum, which ran for six years, and went on to direct Jiji Maa and Ishq Subhan Allah. Titu Ambani appears to be his feature film debut, wherein he is credited with the story, screenplay and direction. The script is written very much in television style, with episodic narratives. The story is realistic and could have been inspired by real incidents. Characters come across as slice-of-life, and he does not glorify them by showing lavish lifestyles and huge mansions. Instead, he concentrates on the natural, almost rustic beauty of Udaipur, its by-lanes and its famed lake. Acting is never over the top, except to make a point and, sometimes, to build-up to a one-liner, which does not work always. Dialogues are the work of Abhishek Manoharchanda (written as two words in some places; author of the book Zindagi XXL, in Hindi; writer of the serial Aapatkalin Baithak; must be his screen-writing debut), assisted by Gaurav Shrivastav. There are several lines that aim straight for your heart, because they emerge from well-written situations. One such line is, “A boy is never asked whether he will take care of his parents after marriage or not, but why is it not expected that the girl too will do the same?”

More than the writing and the direction, it is the subject that scores. Almost all the situations give you a sense of déjà vu, and yet there is a freshness of approach. And the end is definitely a twist that nobody will anticipate. Bickering families, loan sharks, lazy son, devoted woman, conscientious father, boozing, hangers-on…we’ve all been there, done that. Yet there is a significant coating of sincerity that saves the film. It does get carried away with one liners and paints the grandfather in unnecessary shades of grey. Mosmi’s father has to wait for several scenes before he gets a line. The small-town hangers-on are characterised as…well…hangers-on, the type you have seen in dozens of films already. Perhaps the film tries to do too much, and suffers in the bargain. Ambitious son, sincere daughter, wise-cracking grandpa, tradition v/s modernity, marriage-go-round, dowry, the pilfering of money from your own, loans for expanding business, inability to pay them, loan sharks, multi-level marketing. Focus is missing.

The main cast comprises

Tushar Pandey as Titu

Deepika Singh as Mosmi

Raghubir Yadav as Titu’s father

Pritamm Jaiswal as Titu’s best friend, Kuku                                                                                                                                                                

Sapna Sand as Titu’s mother

Virendra Saxena as Mosmi’s father

Samta Sagar as Mosmi’s mother

Brijendra Kala as Sajan Chaturvedi, the marriage broker.

They have all done well. It seems that a workshop was conducted, and the actors knew just what they were supposed to do, so that minimal direction was required on the set. Tushar looks a little too young for his role, while Deepika (Mrs. Rohit Raj Goyal in real-life) looks older. Raghubir Yadav breezes through, as always. Virendra Saxena is type cast, but what can you do with his physique and voice? For once, Brijendra Kala’s dialogue was largely comprehensible, and he gets a relatively meaty role too. The three others who could be identified, Pritamm Jaiswal, Sapna Sand and Samta Sagar do justice to their roles. A pity the names of the supporting cast were not available.

Lyrics are by Mayur Puri, who specialises in writing dialogue, writing for dubbing assignments and lyrics. He is thanked in the credit titles, which usually means that he has either worked free or charges much less than his fees. Songs are meaningful, though not catchy. Music directors Bharat-Hitarth have a good job, and often the songs and background music acquire an identity of their own, which might not be in the best interest of the narrative, but is preferable over stock, boring music. Cinematography by Sunil Vishwakarma and editing by Sanjay Sharma are of a above par order, though the first half is too long. At 121 minutes, the length of the film is just about right.                                                                                

Made under the banner of Sabal Productions, Titu Ambani is produced by Mahendra Vijaydan Detha and Dinesh Kumar, the film also has a dedication to Vijaydan Detha, the litterateur whose Rajasthani language books were turned into films and plays like Duvidha, (Director, Mani Kaul, 1973), Charan Das Chor (Director, Shyam Benegal, 1973), Parinati, Director, Prakash Jha, 1989) and Paheli (remake of Duvidha, directed by Amol Palekar). Besides, a number of films have been made on the man himself. He died in 2013. This leads us to think that Mahendra Vijaydan Detha might be his son. But that is not true, as confirmed by the film’s PRO, Ashwani Shukla, of Altair Media. Of course, the two might be related.

A film with a strong feminist message that does not take the crusading approach, but, rather, weaves the message into the story, Titu Ambani could have done with a better title. Anything but Titu Ambani, with is titular Harakiri. Having said that, it is a film that a lot of people living in small towns will identify with, and a few discerning multi-plexers might seek out too. There are no stars or big names associated with the production. And yet, it is possible to make a decent film without them, in a manageable budget. Forget the Ambani’s. Watch Titu’s story.

Rating: ** ½

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uXKwtj3h3w



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Singapore executes two drug traffickers despite pleas for clemency

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Wednesday, 6 July 2022

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THE 17TH OFF DE CANNES WINNERS DURING THE 75TH CANNES FESTIVAL 2022

 

 

FROM THE FIRST AFRICAN BLOCKBUSTER TO LYRICAL ART FOR 2022

 
 

After fifteen years of highlighting artists, Alain Zirah and Anne Gomis, ambassadors of French culture and lifestyle, have turned their spotlight on a continent: Africa, for its artists but also for all its specificities. Thus, the 2022 OFF DE CANNES festival have chosen to put all their energy, in all humility, in favor of a rapprochement between Europa and Africa.

                                 

                                          Alain Zirah, the OFF de Cannes president-founder & Anne Gomis, the OFF de Cannes co-producer - vice-president of Cinq Regards.
 
 

 

9000 ARTISTS FOR THE ATTENTION OF 2 BILLION PEOPLE FROM THE AFRICAN-EUROPEAN CONTINENT

 
 

                                     

 

According to Alain Zirah, the objective was ambitious: "this year, we were approached by the Republic of Senegal, president of the African Union, for a year, through the channel of its general consulate in Marseille. We understood that this was a unique opportunity to help the African Union and the European Union, via Presidents Macky Sall (Senegal) and Emmanuel Macron (France), to join forces to send a message of peace to 2 billion people. To stop the war in Ukraine, but also in different countries of our planet. The idea was to carry strong messages and to benefit from the resonance of the festival and its 5,000 international journalists to convey the information to the four corners of the planet. The project consisted in marking the spirits from the beginning by organizing a climb of the steps of the Senegalese delegation accompanied by the beautiful Senegalese in traditional dress around the international star Omar Sy for the opening of the section un certain regard, May 18. Senegalese officials could have surrounded the Senegalese star with a speech after the film Les Tirailleurs, produced by the actor, to announce the establishment of a day in tribute to the Tirailleurs as well as soldiers from different communities drawn from elsewhere to save France. Why not announce the installation of a statue in Marseille to complete the action? Then, a celebration in the gardens of the Villa Rothschild would have brought together the representatives of Senegal and the French government, the mayors of Cannes and Marseille as well as other consuls in the oak room to announce the implementation of cooperation agreements during a press conference before the musical showcase and the fashion show with several fashion shows of the main designers from Africa and Europe strongly applauded by the 1,500 guests. And conferences of specialists in cinema (50 American female directors and producers were ready to bring their help and advice to the attention of African professionals), industrial engineering, health (with the announcement of actions against hypertension and diabetes to the attention of African populations)...

With their pool of 9000 artists, the OFF DE CANNES organisation can bring, at any time, precious messages in favor of culture, ecology, economy, tourism, health and social to the attention of both continents. The population will accept more easily the instructions in favor of ecology coming from the artists, where the politicians are not necessarily heard.

 

We were very surprised that the two governments did not seize the unique opportunity to react immediately and address the world population through the 5000 journalists present in Cannes during this 75th anniversary. Senegal has taken a 15m2 stand in the palace with 6 chairs intended for palaver between colleagues and the African night in the colors of Senegal, announced for May 24 with the logos of the Republic of Senegal, the Minister of Culture of Senegal, the Air Senegal planes company, and so many others has been canceled, without any communication, the same evening when the Ivory Coast gathered many personalities around Sharon Stone to give a trophy to Mrs. Dominique Ouattara.

 

The representatives of the two continents did not grasp that this was a unique opportunity but kept their eyes riveted on their very short-term preoccupations which are the legislative elections in France and the International Fair of Dakar. This is a mistake, in my opinion, but we still hope to bring our vision to allow future generations to eat fish without plastic microparticles.

It will be a little more complicated because the presidency of the European Union will be held from July 1 by the Czech Republic." 

 

 

THE KING'S CANE AWARDED ON THE ROOFTOP OF THE RADISSON BLU

 
 
 
                                            
 
 
Exit, therefore, the music scene and fashion shows scheduled for May 20 in the sumptuous private villa. Assisted by Myrthe Ekuba Bosendju, William Perera and Rihab Bejaoui, Alain Zirah and Anne Gomis highlight the first African blockbuster. It is Benin that will be honored. On May 25, the ceremony took place under a radiant sun where hundreds of guests were able to enjoy the exceptional panoramic view of the bay of Cannes during the event of RAF Production by Clara Gaye and Didier Moulion where cocktails were welcome. The Grand Prix du Cinéma des OFF de Cannes was awarded to the film La Canne du Roi. The film will be screened from July 1st in Benin's cinemas.
 
 
 

Myrthe Ekuba, OFF de Cannes Ambasadress, Reilinght Tchobo, film maker, François Kodjossiadan, executive producer, Alain Zirah, president.

photo AZ Productions

 
François Kodjossiadan, executive producer, Florence Elomo, producer, Bamby Traoré, Ambassadress representing the Consulate General of Senegal in Marseille, Reilinght Tchobo, film maker - photo AZ Productions
 
Directed and produced by two 29 year old Beninese from Fairyland Studios, this film brings to life the first Amazons in the former Dahomey, now Benin. After the interviews in the Pavillon Afriques, the director Reilinght Tchobo and his producer François Kodjossiadan were rewarded by Florence Elomo, producer, and Bamby Traoré who came to represent the Consul General of Senegal in Marseille, on the magnificent Rooftop of the Radisson Blu in Cannes. The director was able to present a sequence of his film which will be screened on July 1st in Benin. The choreography of the fight of the Amazon against the warriors armed with spears was rehearsed for a week, he says. The result is amazing. Each of the participants wishes to contribute to the production of the next film already in the pipeline.
 
 
 

MICKAEL GUEDJ FROM SEVILLA TO NEW YORK

 
 
 
The next day, the lyric singer Mickael Guedj gave his full voice to excerpts from The Barber of Seville in a happening at the entrance of the Majestic-Barrière, in front of a backlit tarpaulin in the colors of Sicily. All conversations came to a screeching halt. The baritone was warmly applauded, kissed and congratulated by an audience of connoisseurs. 
 
 
 
                            
 
 
 
On May 28, while everyone was looking for an invitation to attend the closing ceremony in the festival palace with the announcement of the prize list, many of the personalities and artists who make up the festival were once again heading to the Radisson Blu. 
 

After having rewarded the Sri Lankan stylist Enoka Fonseca for a historic fashion show of models in red dresses on the steps of another palace, Alain Zirah and Anne Gomis organize the awarding of the Grand Prix of Lyrical Art for 2022 OFF de Cannes to the great baritone Mickael Guedj.

 

Mickael Guedj, barytone, Alain Zirah, OFF de Cannes president-founder, prince Olympia Gellini, World Film Institute - photo Tom_van_photographer 

The team on stage - photo Brigitte Rolland (Nice Matin - Sorties Media Presse)

 

Represented by Claude Martinot and Stéphanie Domejean, this singer is one of the few who can switch from opera to rock or variety with an exceptional full voice. He will make people dream impossible dreams with La quête de Jacques Brel and will amaze his audience with two other titles including My Way, accompanied by the incredible Tony Stark and Prince Olympia Gellini, the partner of Paramount and the World Film Institute of Beverly Hills (USA).

The events are broadcast to 200,000 international film professionals by Bruno Chatelin (Filmfestival.com) and on the Bblack Africa TV channel in a special Cannes program. To be part of the adventure, you must subscribe to the group https://fr-fr.facebook.com/groups/offdecannes

 

Avec le slogan de l’organisation : on ne fait pas des évènements mais on écrit une légende, la désignation des prochains gagnants en catégorie musique et web séries est prévue le 22 juillet à Marseille. Avec de belles surprises. Souhaitons à nos gagnants de devenir de futures légendes. 

 

Pour en savoir plus :https://ift.tt/jsz8V0d

 

 

 

 

 



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Monday, 4 July 2022

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Sunday, 3 July 2022

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Saturday, 2 July 2022

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Friday, 1 July 2022

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Hong Kong marks 25th handover anniversary



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Metium (flute) of Zeme tribe