Berlinale Opens With Bold Stance on Global Politics, Celebrating Cinema as Act of Resistance

Berlin, Germany — In a vibrant display of cultural defiance, the opening press conference of the 75th Berlinale Film Festival became a platform for addressing pressing global issues including the rise of far-right politics and recent unsettling political actions under U.S. President Donald Trump. Festival director Tricia Tuttle and jury members, led by prominent filmmaker Todd Haynes, did not shy away from discussing the challenging times facing nations worldwide. Haynes conveyed a mixed sense of crisis and hope, reflecting on the barrage of actions by the current U.S. administration that has caused widespread concern and … Read more

Francis Joshua Handy Passes at 91: Reflecting on a Storied Career that Bridged Law, Politics, and Global Energy Ventures

Wellington, New Zealand – The recent passing of Francis Joshua Handy at the age of 91 marks the conclusion of a distinctly illustrious and vibrant career that spanned several decades in New Zealand’s legal and commercial spheres. Born in the more serene environs of South Island and raised in a deeply religious household, Handy’s life trajectory was shaped by a transition from potential ecclesiastical duties to significant legal and economic roles, reflecting a life of complex, yet impactful, secular engagements. Educated at Victoria University where he earned a Master’s in 1957 and later a law … Read more

From Silent Protests at Harvard to Unverified Bragging by Trump: A Tumultuous Week Highlights Tensions in Academia and Politics

Cambridge, MA — In a modern twist that seems straight out of a satirical Cold War film, Harvard University recently took measures against students and faculty for holding silent protests in the library, stressing the importance of maintaining a non-disruptive atmosphere. This action has sparked debate about the real priorities of educational institutions when balancing order and freedom of expression. Adding to the array of unusual occurrences, former President Donald Trump publicly praised his daughter Tiffany Trump’s academic achievements by citing her class ranking at law school, despite the fact that her institution does not … Read more

Family Feuds Over Politics: Why Your In-Laws Might Be at Odds With You

In family gatherings across the United States, dinner conversations often veer into the territory of political debate, leading to contentious discussions that can strain family relations. Tensions especially surface when relatives with differing political views clash, revealing a common source of discord among in-laws: politics. A recent study found that about one in three people report having strained relationships with their in-laws due to political disagreements. These findings echo the divisiveness seen in society at large, where political affiliations appear to increasingly dictate social and familial interactions. The divide is exacerbated by the current political … Read more