Year: 2025

'It makes me feel strong': Burlesque is back - but is it empowering or degrading to women?
13
Jul
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By Benjamin Hall
Culture and Entertainment

‘It makes me feel strong’: The Debate Over Burlesque – Empowerment vs. Degradation for Women

Burlesque, once a fringe form of entertainment associated with vaudeville stages and smoky clubs, is experiencing a cultural revival. Across cities in the U.S. and abroad, a new generation of performers are embracing the genre’s blend of dance, theatricality, and sensuality. For some, it represents a celebration of body confidence, artistic freedom, and female empowerment. For others, it raises deeper questions about objectification, societal expectations, and whether true liberation can coexist with the performance of sexuality.Esta fricción no es reciente. Desde sus inicios en el siglo XIX, el burlesque ha mantenido un equilibrio entre lo subversivo y el espectáculo. Aunque…
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Ariana Grande says she's not abandoning music for film
13
Jul
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By Benjamin Hall
Culture and Entertainment

Ariana Grande debunks claims she’s abandoning music for film

Ariana Grande has responded to the latest rumors regarding the path of her artistic career, highlighting that her growing involvement in the cinematic world doesn't mean she is abandoning her musical beginnings. Celebrated for her impressive vocal skills and number one singles, Grande assured her audience that her dedication to music is still strong, even though she is exploring new creative opportunities in movies.In her forthcoming role in the eagerly awaited film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, Grande is receiving attention not only for her vocal talent. This movie, where she portrays Glinda the Good Witch, represents an important…
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Labubu firm sees profit soaring by at least 350%
12
Jul
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By Benjamin Hall
Investments and Business

Labubu firm sees profit soaring by at least 350%

Labubu, a firm recognized for its unique collectibles and expanding presence in the pop culture merchandise sector, has reported a remarkable boost in profitability, with profits rising over 350% relative to the prior fiscal year. This significant growth is credited to a spike in consumer interest, an effective entry into fresh markets, and strategic investments in branding and product development.The company's performance has exceeded analyst expectations, signaling that demand for niche and character-driven collectibles remains strong, particularly in Asian and global youth markets. Labubu, part of the ever-expanding universe of designer toys and lifestyle merchandise, has capitalized on its popularity…
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Fewer school-age children vaping in Australia since ban, study says
12
Jul
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By Benjamin Hall
Health

Study: Vaping among Australian schoolchildren declines post-ban

A recent research has shown a significant drop in the prevalence of e-cigarette use among children of school age in Australia, following the government's enforcement of stricter rules on vaping devices. The results imply that public health initiatives—especially those focusing on access and distribution—could be effectively contributing to the decline in youth vaping.El estudio, llevado a cabo por un grupo de especialistas en comportamiento saludable e investigadores de salud pública, examinó datos de una encuesta nacional realizada a adolescentes. Los hallazgos revelan que desde la implementación de la prohibición del vapeo y el refuerzo de las restricciones a las importaciones,…
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US deports five 'barbaric' migrants to Eswatini
12
Jul
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By Benjamin Hall
Social Responsibility

Eswatini accepts five ‘barbaric’ migrants deported by US

The United States government recently carried out the deportation of five migrants to Eswatini, a move that has attracted significant attention due to the serious allegations levied against the individuals involved. Authorities described the migrants as having engaged in violent and criminal activities, prompting swift action to remove them from US territory. This deportation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigration enforcement agencies in balancing national security concerns with humanitarian and legal considerations.Los migrantes en cuestión fueron supuestamente asociados con una serie de delitos que las autoridades locales y federales describieron como “atroces”, reflejando la gravedad de su conducta presunta.…
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Could axing two national holidays save France from its mountain of debt?
12
Jul
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By Benjamin Hall
Social Responsibility

Can France lower its debt by abolishing two national holidays?

As France persists in dealing with the economic difficulties of rising prices, a growing elderly demographic, and mounting fiscal demands, discussions on lowering national debt have attracted heightened interest. One of the more stimulating propositions is the concept of removing two public holidays to enhance the country's productivity and possibly produce billions more in economic output. Though the idea has stirred discussion across political, economic, and social arenas, the main question persists: would reducing merely two days of official holiday meaningfully affect France’s escalating debt?France currently observes 11 official public holidays per year. Some of these, such as Bastille Day…
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