I am so not giving that Bieber miscreant more press, so let’s get on to some actual news stories, both political and entertaining.
In Ukraine, protests against the government, who have favored stronger ties with Russia instead of joining the EU, have turned violent. Mainly centered in Kiev, at least two people have died since January 22, and opposition leaders are attempting “crisis talks” with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.
I’ve linked to the BBC News above, and I might have used one NBC News link for variety, but apparently they think it’s more important to cover “How U.S. will rescue Olympians if terrorists hit Sochi” as their top world news story. I’m not saying that’s not important, but the Ukraine news is relegated to a video spot, “below the fold,” so to speak.
Theoretical news vs. news happening right now. Yep.
However, I do have one link from them that just the headline will make you WTF?! (to put it mildly): “Indian village ‘court’ orders gang rape of woman as punishment for boyfriend.”
Another WTF?! Story, but for different reasons: “Ghost ship full of cannibal rats could be about to crash into Devon coast.” This seems like the beginning of an X-Files episode.
In otherworldly news: “A Star Just Exploded ‘Next Door’ And It’s A Huge Deal,” so that’s interesting. Story comes with a .GIF of the explosion and everything.
Canada is on alert after the first confirmed case of the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in North America, when a man who had recently returned from China died on January 3. No cases have yet been reported in the U.S.
Some good news: The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that jurors cannot be excluded from cases solely because they are gay.
Also: Utah’s plan to end homelessness involves… wait for it… giving people homes. Gee, who knew that would work better than smashing shopping carts used by homeless people.
And in entertainment…
Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida is adding to their Wizarding World of Harry Potter features with the opening of Diagon Alley sometime this summer:
To accomplish it, the park dismantled the popular but aging Jaws attraction and built a themed area that recalls the London of the Potter books. Hidden behind the Muggle (or non-magical) facades, visitors will find the magic-infused world of Diagon Alley — a secret street of shops, restaurants and wizard-related activity.
(That Jaws ride was kind of disappointing, even if the all that splashing was nice on a hot day.)
Colorlines has rounded up the PoC film offerings at this year’s Sundance. Meanwhile, Esquire has some fantastic tin-type portraits by Victoria Will, who spent the festival having celebrities sit still for these 1860s-style portraits.
Finally, continuing on my tradition of slipping in a bit of Doctor Who news at the end of these posts: Someone has made a DW-related version of Cards Against Humanity. AND it’s free. Get in.
Until next time, friends.
6 replies on “Friday News Bites: Protests in Ukraine Turn Violent, An Exploding Star, and More”
Kiev is such a mess and I was surprised how little people know about it. Sure, we get just a sound bite at the eight o’clock news with “No, nothing changed” but still. Mainstream news media are lacking more and more often.
You’d think that with a supposedly ’24 hour news cycle’ they’d be able to fit in more stories, but no. They all choose to focus on the same 4 things.
The Toast’s take on the cannibal rat ship was pretty hilarious. I so want to go out and look for the supernova, but it’s too cold. And OMG, those cards. Allons-y indeed!!
Hahaha… yes that’s pretty great.
I live in Orlando and can’t wait for the new expansion (though I have a nostalgic place in my heart for the Jaws ride,) but I’m gonna wait at least until this time next year to see it. The parks are insane in the summer and the heat is too brutal. This is actually the best time of year to go to the parks.
Yes, I have enjoyed going to Disney in either the fall or winter. Much, much better, crowds and weather-wise! I haven’t been to Universal in ages though. Last time was the CA version, when I was in high school. The FL version… probably the late 90s? It was considerably smaller then, of course. We’ll probably try to go there when my kids are just a touch older because my 6 yr. old son hasn’t had a chance to read the Harry Potter books yet (though he’s seen the first three movies).
Actually, I’M still working on the Harry Potter books. I am about to start book 4.