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Published by Radar Online Mega It might have been the greatest gift of all — but country superstar Dolly Parton doesn’t think she is good enough to be inducted into this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Mega “I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out,” Parton wrote on social media, to a stunned fan base. “I do hope that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again — if I’m ever worthy. This has, however, inspired me to put out a hopefully great rock ‘n’ roll album at some point in the future, which I have always wanted to do! My husband is a total rock ‘n’ roll freak, and has always encouraged me to do one. Mega “I wish all of the nominees good luck and thank you again for the compliment. Rock on!” Parton was among 17 Rock Hall nominees announced last month. Mega Also nominated were A Tribe Called Quest, Beck, Pat Benatar, Kate Bush, Devo, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Fela Kuti, Judas Priest, MC5, The New York Dolls, Rage Against the Machine, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon and Dionne Warwick. View the full article

Published by Reuters LONDON (Reuters) -Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has been denied permission to appeal at the Supreme Court against a decision to extradite him to the United States, the court said on Monday. While Assange’s extradition must still be approved by the government, Monday’s decision deals a serious blow to Assange’s effort to fight his deportation in the courts. U.S. authorities want Australian-born Assange, 50, to face trial on 18 counts relating to WikiLeaks’ release of vast troves of confidential U.S. military records and diplomatic cables which they said had put lives in danger. In December, the High Court in London overturned a lower court’s ruling that he should not be extradited because his mental health problems meant he would be at risk of suicide, and on Monday the Supreme Court itself said it would not hear a challenge to that ruling. “The application has been refused by the Supreme Court and the reason given is that application did not raise an arguable point of law,” a Supreme Court spokesperson said. The extradition decision will now need to be ratified by interior minister Priti Patel, after which Assange can try to challenge the decision by judicial review. A judicial review involves a judge examining the legitimacy of a public body’s decision. The High Court had accepted a package of assurances given by the United States, including that Assange would not be held in a so-called “ADX” maximum security prison in Colorado and that he could be transferred to Australia to serve his sentence if convicted. Assange’s lawyers said the decision to extradite Assange based on those pledges was “highly disturbing.” “We regret that the opportunity has not been taken to consider the troubling circumstances in which Requesting States can provide caveated guarantees after the conclusion of a full evidential hearing,” Assange’s lawyers said in a statement on Monday. (Reporting by Alistair Smout and Michael Holden; editing by William James and Mark Porter) View the full article

Published by Reuters By Howard Schneider WASHINGTON (Reuters) – In what now seem the simpler days of December, when there was only a pandemic to worry about, Federal Reserve officials rallied around the view they could tame inflation with modest interest rate hikes while the economy and labor market thrived. A war in Europe has now been layered on top of the health crisis, and when U.S. central bank policymakers meet this week they will have to decide just how much damage has been done to that rosy outlook, and whether their hopes for an economic “soft landing” have been diminished or dashed altogether. The Fed is almost certain to raise its benchmark overnight interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point at the end of its two-day policy meeting on Wednesday. More important will be projections showing just how far policymakers think rates will need to rise this year and in 2023 and 2024 to tame inflation that has blasted past their expectations. The COVID inflation surge https://graphics.reuters.com/USA-FED/INFLATION/jnvwewdbwvw/ https://graphics.reuters.com/USA-FED/INFLATION/akvezawxopr/chart.png If their outlook for the federal funds rate breaches what is regarded as a neutral level of around 2.50%, it means the mood within the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has shifted, and that its members see a need to eventually curb the economy – and run a higher risk of recession – to bring rising prices into line. As of December most Fed policymakers projected that rate would only need to rise to 2.10% by the end of 2024. “There is no doubt that the FOMC will start raising rates … What everyone wants to know is what the Fed will do next?” Roberto Perli and other analysts at Piper Sandler wrote. If new projections show the target federal funds rate exceeding 2.50% in coming years, it would “signal that the majority of the FOMC is so worried about inflation that it doesn’t care risking a recession in order to bring it down quickly. Needless to say, that would be a very hawkish development.” Bumpy landing? https://graphics.reuters.com/USA-ECONOMY/RECESSIONTEMPLATE/akvezoonxpr/ https://graphics.reuters.com/USA-ECONOMY/RECESSIONTEMPLATE/egpbkoolgvq/chart.png THROWING POLICY INTO REVERSE The Fed is scheduled to release its new policy statement and updated quarterly economic projections at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Wednesday. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is due to hold a news conference half an hour later. As of Friday afternoon, investors expected Fed rate hikes would top out just below the neutral level, so a shift higher could trigger a shock of sorts – perhaps even leading to an “inversion” of bond yields with short-term rates exceeding longer-dated ones. It will arguably be the central bank’s most consequential moment since the spring of 2020 when officials pledged open-ended support for a pandemic-stricken economy by cutting the federal funds rate to the near-zero level and beginning massive bond purchases. Soaring unemployment was then the chief concern, and the Fed pledged to do whatever was needed to keep households and businesses financially stable through the crisis. Unemployment has now plummeted to 3.8%, low by historic standards, and households are flush with cash from pandemic-related government aid programs. Inflation, running at three times the Fed’s 2% target and a hot-button political issue, has become the main threat, not only challenging the Fed’s policymaking prowess but raising the specter of a 1970s-style predicament in which the central bank had to impose a punishing recession to get prices under control. Fed policy and inflation https://graphics.reuters.com/USA-FED/zdpxoayxxvx/ https://graphics.reuters.com/USA-FED/gdpzynrmnvw/chart.png The Fed this week will not only throw its pandemic emergency measures into reverse, it will have to guide the public through the maze of competing economic and geopolitical considerations it is juggling as it does so, and make the case for why it can avoid killing the current economic expansion. Fed rate-hike cycles often come with their own particular guidance, with words like “measured” or “gradual” sprinkled into policy statements to convey the intended pace of rate increases. Powell recently has been using less-concrete terms like “nimble” for a policy expected to include steady rate increases this year, but which may have to either be sped up or slowed in response to fast-changing events and conditions. “Neither the data nor fortune has favored the Fed” in recent weeks, wrote Tim Duy, chief U.S. economist at SGH Macro Advisors. ‘GAME CHANGER’ The list of problems facing policymakers deliberating this week has indeed become lengthy. Since the last policy meeting in late January, inflation has shown no clear sign of slowing, putting the current Fed stance further out of step with a growing economy. Longer-term inflation expectations, a particular concern for the central bank as a sign of whether it is losing public trust in its ability to contain prices, have begun to rise as well. ICE inflation expectations index https://graphics.reuters.com/USA-FED/INFLATION/jnvwebkdkvw/ https://graphics.reuters.com/USA-FED/INFLATION/akvezxjwrpr/chart.png The war in Ukraine has no clear resolution and could stoke even more inflation through increased energy costs, further disruption to supply chains, or even a reordering of global trade and governance that could mean persistently higher prices. On the flip side are signs of an easing in the pandemic that could add momentum to a strong recovery. Data released earlier this month showed a sharp rise in job growth in February that beat expectations and upward revisions for January and December. A pause in wage increases last month reduced fears that workers’ pay and prices may start to ratchet each other higher. Household savings remained high through 2021, recent Fed data showed, providing a savings buffer to help Americans absorb the costs of more expensive gas and food without reducing other areas of spending. Powell, testifying to Congress early this month, made clear his focus is on inflation and that he was ready to move interest rates higher and in larger half-percentage-point increments should the price increases not slow down. But he also acknowledged the world had gotten more complicated, in ways it may take time to understand. The war in Ukraine “is a game changer and will be with us for a very long time,” Powell told the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee on March 2. “There are events yet to come … and we don’t know what the real effect on the U.S. economy will be. We don’t know whether those effects will be quite lasting or not.” (Reporting by Howard Schneider; Editing by Dan Burns and Paul Simao) View the full article

Published by Radar Online MEGA Jussie Smollett has been sleeping without a real bed and his team claims the conditions inside the Chicago jail are “unacceptable.” Last week, the 39-year-old Empire actor was sentenced to 150 days in jail for allegedly lying to police about a fake hate crime. He denies planning his attack and shouted he was innocent as he was being taken into custody. MEGA On Sunday, Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors released a video detailing her encounter with Smollett during his first couple of days at Cook County Jail. Cullors visit Smollett over the weekend and described him as being “strong.” She said it was “unacceptable” what is happening inside. In the video, Cullors revealed Smollett hasn’t been sleeping on a bed since he arrived on Friday. The jail staff has him using a restraint bed — which is basically just a solid block without any cushion. Cullors revealed Smollett’s team has filed for his release with the appellate court. They should find out no later than Wednesday if the higher court will be taking up the matter. Cook County Jail The BLM co-founder asked for Smollett’s supporters to keep tagging #FreeJussie and to keep calling the jail to demand his release. Cullors isn’t the only one speaking out for Smollett. Over the weekend, his Empire costar Taraji P. Hensonspoke out against Smollett’s sentence claiming it was unfair. “I am not here to debate you on his innocence but we can agree that the punishment does not fit the crime,” Henson wrote. “Emmett Till was brutally beat and ultimately murdered because of a lie and none of the people involved with his demise spent one day in jail, even after Carolyn Bryant admitted that her claims were false. No one was hurt or killed during Jussie’s ordeal.” MEGA Samuel L. Jackson also wrote a letter to the court pleading for a soft sentence for Smollett. His wife explained they had known Smollett since he was a kid living down the street from them in New York. “We watched him grow from a kid who was always kind, full of joy and laughter, into a responsible teenager who on becoming aware of the inequities suffered by some of the people, became an energetic volunteer helping anyone who was working to alleviate these inequities,” their letter read. Smollett is currently locked up in the psych ward due in part to the statements he shouted while being taken into custody by officers. Over the weekend, the actor’s brother revealed the news in a video stating, “So Jussie is currently in a psych ward at the Cook County Jail. What’s very concerning is that there was a note attached to his paperwork today saying that he’s at risk of self-harm.” The family is adamant Smollett has no intention to hurt himself. View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Prince George’s godmother says her role in his life is a “lovely way of loving” the late Princess Diana. Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, chose Julia Samuel to look after the spiritual welfare of their eight-year-old son and she is thankful the role provides her with a connection to her beloved friend, who died in a car accident in 1997. She told the Observer magazine: “Well, I feel lucky I was such a good friend of Princess Diana. And I really love my godson, George. And it’s a lovely way of loving her.” The grief counsellor recalled how “angry” she was in the aftermath of Diana’s death, when so many people around the world were publicly mourning her friend, but now she better understands how the tragedy impacted on people the princess had never met. She said: “I felt angry. I was angry that she died, and shocked and I couldn’t really understand it all. I mean, I understand it better now. “I understand that people felt they really knew and loved her. But I still feel sad today.” Julia praised William and his brother, Prince Harry, for speaking openly about grief and mental health, but she insisted she had no influence on their decisions to do so. She said: “I think both the princes have really turned the dial on talking about grief so honestly and also about mental health. But that was all theirs – completely off their own bats.” The ‘Every Family Has a Story’ author understands she will always be asked about her private friendships with the royal family. She said: “I feel that in some ways, my professional life is completely separate from my friendships and private life. But, of course, nothing is separate. Who I am and who I know is also part of my professional self. And so… That’s me.” View the full article

Published by Radar Online Mega Elon Musk is challenging the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, to a fight — something he asked the dictator over social media. “I hereby challenge Владимир Путин to single combat Stakes are Україна,” the CEO of Tesla wrote via Twitter on Monday, March 14, which translates to, “I hereby challenge Vladimir Putin to single combat Stakes are Ukraine.” “Do you agree to this fight? @KremlinRussia_E,” he added. Of course, people thought the exchange was hilarious. One person wrote, “brother, I wish for you to win of course, but the reality is … I haven’t seen your kong fu videos,” while another added, “I need some of what you’re drinking brother.” Mega One person suggested that Putin would easily win, but Musk replied, “If Putin could so easily humiliate the west, then he would accept the challenge. But he will not.” “You, little devil, are still young,” Dmitry Rogozin, director general of Roscosmos, who has feuded with Musk in the past, wrote. “Compete with me weakling; It would only be a waste of time. Overtake my brother first.” Both men have interesting backgrounds, as Putin has an honorary taekwondo black belt — which was stripped of him after invading Ukraine — while Musk has trained in karate as a kid, in addition to practicing taekwondo, judo and jiu-jitsu. Mega Almost three weeks ago, Russia invaded Ukraine, and the war doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. In the meantime, Musk has been outspoken about the ongoing crisis — he has mocked Russian officials on social media and even provided Starlink space internet equipment to Ukraine. After the kind gesture, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote, “Talked to @elonmusk. I’m grateful to him for supporting Ukraine with words and deeds. Next week we will receive another batch of Starlink systems for destroyed cities. Discussed possible space projects . But I’ll talk about this after the war.” Mega The President is planning on speaking to Congress later this week. “As war rages on in Ukraine, it is with great respect and admiration for the Ukrainian people that we invite all Members of the House and Senate to attend a Virtual Address to the United States Congress delivered by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine on Wednesday, March 16th at 9:00 a.m,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced in a letter. View the full article

Published by The Mercury News SAN JOSE, Calif. — A few days before Amy Schneider taped her first “Jeopardy!” game, she decided to literally use her own voice, not the higher-pitched, “feminized” voice she learned after she began to transition several years ago. More than anything, the Oakland software manager wanted to be herself on national TV: A transgender woman, yes, but also an engaging, whip-smart person whose lifelong dream was to triumph on “Jeopardy!” Schneider’s authentic self helped her to win a record 40 games, earn $1.3 million and become one of the most popular champions in the venerable game show’s 58-year h… Read More View the full article

Published by AFP US actor William Hurt (pictured February 2010) built his reputation on his willingness to play quirky and unusual characters Los Angeles (AFP) – American actor William Hurt, known for much-loved films such as “The Big Chill” and “A History of Violence,” has died at age 71, US media reported Sunday. Multiple outlets cited Hurt’s son, Will, who said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that the Hurt family mourns the passing of William Hurt, beloved father and Oscar winning actor, on March 13, 2022, one week before his 72nd birthday. He died peacefully, among family, of natural causes.” The actor had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in May 2018, but his son’s statement did not specify whether the disease contributed to Hurt’s passing. Hurt built his reputation on his willingness to play quirky and unusual characters such as a Russian police officer in “Gorky Park” (1983), a wealthy and aloof husband in Woody Allen’s “Alice” (1990) and a man seeking to build a machine that would benefit blind people in “Until the End of the World” (1991). His first film role was as an obsessed scientist in Ken Russell’s 1980 film “Altered States.” Appearing opposite Kathleen Turner in Body Heat in 1981 turned him into a sex symbol, and he won the best actor Oscar in 1985 for playing a gay prisoner in “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” Hurt was also nominated for Oscars as a teacher of deaf students in “Children of a Lesser God” (1986) and as a slow-witted television anchorman in “Broadcast News” (1987). For his second Academy Award, Hurt played a Philadelphia mobster in David Cronenberg’s “A History of Violence.” He appears in the film for only about 10 minutes, but he made a huge impact with critics, who praised his “creepy” and “funny” character. In recent years, Hurt made himself known to younger moviegoers through his turn in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Thaddeus Ross, a blustering general who was present on the day Bruce Banner became the Hulk. In addition to “The Incredible Hulk,” Hurt’s character appeared in four Marvel films including “Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Avengers: Endgame” and “Black Widow.” Uneasy with stardom Hurt was born March 20, 1950 in Washington, DC, but as his father was a US diplomat, he traveled widely as a child. After his parents divorced, his mother married Henry Luce III, the heir to the Time-Life empire, and moved to New York. Hurt stayed close by, studying theology at Tufts University before enrolling at the renowned Juilliard arts school in New York. Despite his spreading fame, Hurt did not settle in Hollywood but set up his home in Oregon. In interviews, he had shown he was uneasy with stardom. “I’m not comfortable with all this. I’m not comfortable with walking the red carpet in a tuxedo and seeing all the women with their boobs pushed up and all the men dressed as penguins,” he told one interviewer. His private life, however, read like something straight out of Hollywood. Hurt married aspiring actress Mary Beth Supinger after finishing his studies at Tufts and followed her to London to study drama. They divorced on their return to New York. In the late 1980s, he was sued by a former live-in love, ballet dancer Sandra Jennings, who is the mother of one of his sons. He had two other sons from another marriage and a daughter, Jeanne, from a relationship with French actress Sandrine Bonnaire. Hurt spoke fluent French and was also an avid private pilot. View the full article

Published by Global Voices Nepali Transgender Bhumika Shrestha. Screenshot from YouTube video by The Storytellers. Fair use. Bhumika Shrestha is an LGBTQ+ activist from Nepal who received the 2022 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award from the US government. The award is given to women around the world who promote women’s rights and have shown leadership, courage, and willingness to sacrifice for others. For the last fifteen years, Shrestha has been working to address the challenges of the transgender community of Nepal. Whether it’s leading a conversation about queer citizenship rights with the government or figh… Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Brian Ellsworth and Don Burgess (Reuters) – A London tribunal on Monday ruled that a 2018 Bermuda law that bans same-sex marriage in the British overseas territory is constitutional, a departure from the broad trend towards legalisation of gay marriage in the West. Bermuda’s top court in 2018 ruled that the 2018 Domestic Partnership Act, which allows same-sex couples to form partnerships but prohibits them from marrying, violates constitutional freedom of conscience. London’s Privy Council, the highest court of appeal for British territories, ruled on Monday that the constitution does not in fact require the state to recognise same-sex marriages, in response to an appeal by Bermuda’s government. “Our supporters often say ‘love wins.’ This time it didn’t,” said Roderick Ferguson, lead co-plaintiff in the legal case against the law, in a statement by LGBTQ advocacy group OUTBermuda. “Our work as a society is not done until everyone’s humanity is recognized both in law and in life.” OUTBermuda called on the government to clarify how it will treat same-sex marriages that had been lawfully performed since 2017. The Bermuda court’s 2018 ruling had suspended the prohibition. The government of Bermuda, a wealthy, socially conservative island in the Atlantic of 60,000 people, argues that domestic partnerships provide the same rights as marriage. Thousands of people support the gay marriage ban. Bermuda’s Attorney General did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Privy Council found that the Domestic Partnership Act does not interfere with freedom of conscience as laid out in section 8 of Bermuda’s constitution. “The respondents’ belief falls within the scope of section 8, but that belief is not interfered with by the state failing to legally recognise same-sex marriage,” the Privy Council ruled. (Editing by Nick Macfie) View the full article