27 March 2015

The Business of Politics and Lawsuits

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Another week in the world of money which saw politics and lawsuits dominate the headlines.

Brazilian commuters in subway

Politics


We start this week in the world of politics where a Brazilian judge has accepted charges filled by state prosecutors against 11 companies for allegedly forming a cartel to control construction and upkeep of the subway and train systems in Sao Paulo just weeks after a corruption scandal involving state oil giant Petrobras was revealed. In other South American news Citigroup was authorized by a US judge to process Argentine dept payments after numerous lengthy court battles while on the other side of the world in the Middle East we saw trouble as conflict in Yemen sent oil prices soaring. Europe saw protestors marching in Madrid against austerity measures called the "march for dignity" while the always complicated relationship between EU and Greece raised its head when Germany and other EU leaders set strict terms for Greek aid.

Legal


But it wasn't just bureaucracy this week as we also saw legal disputes with the Ellen Pao lawsuit taking center stage as her legal team wrapped up arguments. However, they weren't alone with Twitter also being sued for gender discrimination. The technology world also saw the Google anti competitive report leaked and news that Google had become a lobbying powerhouse with near weekly meetings at the White House. Outside of the tech world Ex-American Apparel CEO, Dov Charney, is seeking $40 million in damages after being fired last year.

Heinz and Kraft products

Stock Markets


We end the week on Wall Street where news of Heinz and Kraft merging had mouths salivating with the prospect of a new super food company and lastly, the stuff dreams are made of, when we heard luxury car maker Porsche gave each of it's employee's a sizable bonus sharing the spoils after a successful year.

20 March 2015

Lovers, Fighters and Everyone Else

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With no award shows to attend celebrities were left to their own devices and while some made the best of it others could have done better.

James Franco in tux

Lovers


We begin this week with love in the air as multiple celebrities welcomed new bundles of joy into their lives including action man Vin Diesel who welcomed his third child with long term girlfriend Paloma Jiménez. Actor Kevin James and his wife Steffiana de la Cruz welcomed their forth child into the world while Actor Jude Law surpassed them all welcoming his fifth child with his ex Catherine Harding. James Franco clarified his sexuality by confusing us even more while Shia Labeouf gave everyone the chance to listen to his heartbeat by live-streaming it.

But things didn't work out well for everyone, not feeling the love Dolce & Gabbana faced a boycott from multiple celebrities after their controversial comments on IVF children. Even with love in the air it wasn't enough to save Pamela Anderson and Rick Salomon who filed for divorce with Rick calling Pamela a "serial baby killer". Things weren't any better for Robin Thicke and now ex-wife Paula Patton who saw their divorce finalized this week.

Rapper Ludacris gives the thumbs down

Fighters


In TV land Justin Bieber was finally roasted by a group of eager celebrities this week however certain jokes are apparently going to be removed due to their sensitive nature. Elsewhere in TV land hit fashion show the Fashion Police is on hold after 2 of it's big names quit while the future of British hit TV show Top Gear lay in the balance after it's star Jeremy Clarkson was suspended after an altercation with a Producer.

Tempers flared and action was taken when Marvin Gaye's heirs won their lawsuit against the Blurred Lines creators for copyright infringement. Drake lost his cool after a fan touched his head resulting in a near fight and entertainment legend Liza Minnelli booked herself into rehab after year of fighting substance abuse. But it was Matt Lauer who had the best week when he managed to exact revenge on Ellen DeGeneres with the perfect prank.

Everyone Else


Elsewhere in the world celebrities carried on with their daily routine including Arnold Schwarzenegger who was caught riding his bike down under without a helmet. The newly insured legs of one Taylor Swift saw their value plummet after one of her cats scratched her leg, good bye $40million and finally we have Jimmy Kimmel who revealed he had two penis operations after his penis tried to close itself, yes, you read that right.


13 March 2015

More than One Look

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With Fashion Week well under way it was Paris' turn take the fashion reigns and lead the fashion world on a journey of creativity for Paris Fashion Week Fall 2015.

Zoolander stars Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson model on runway

Paris Runway


We start this week with Saint Laurent brought the Rock 'n Roll Princess idea to life a with leather jackets, slim-fit suits, party girl skirts and leather dresses with asymmetrical cuts which Isabel Marant also took inspiration from going the Rock 'n Roll route focused on high-waist looks, pleated skirts, lush sweaters. Elsewhere Louis Vuitton decided the future was wearable with futuristic details like puffy sleeves or metallic fabrics along with Rick Owens who followed suite with a signature dark palette and edgy-meets-futuristic aesthetic.

Kenzo unveiled sporty anoraks and over sized blanket capes while Miu Miu had their turn in the spotlight with colorful, kitschy and retro inspired looks but Chanel opted for more skirts and tops with decorative sleeves. Creative director Alexander Wang took a sculptural approach with Balenciaga with Cocoon coats, bubble-shaped skirts and wrap around skirts while another creative director, John Galliano, with his new position at Maison Margiela created a Strange & Beautiful look.

Chloé saw the 70's mash with the 90's with a bohemian fall collection along with Maison Margiela featured heavy make up and 70's inspired coats. Lastly, Valentino delivered a monochrome black-and-white patterned collection but set the standard for Fashion Week stunts when it closed the show with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson playing their Zoolander characters Derek and Hansel much to the delight of the crowd.

Cara Delevingne ad campaign

Fashion World


Elsewhere in the world of fashion model of the moment, Cara Delevingne, lead the Topshop campaign with laid-back denim-on-denim, strappy black dress and retro printed shirts. We also saw the Brits taking over with models Georgia May Jagger, Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse all gracing the April over of Vogue. With the release of the new Cinderella movie, Saks Fifth Avenue, teamed up with nine shoe designers to create their version of the iconic glass slipper. Speaking of movies, model Cara Delevingne made her acting debut in the movie "The Face of an Angel" while Karlie Kloss is rumored to appear in the next Zoolander.

Finally we end this week with a new exhibit opened this week called Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London with every fashionable A-Lister attending in droves.

6 March 2015

Terrorism on Trial

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The week saw unsettled business take center stage with the beginning of the Boston Marathon Bombing trial along with various other worrying developments around the world.

Terrorist Dzhokhar Tsarnaev

Tackling Terrorism


We begin this week with the Boston Marathon Bombing trial which began after struggling to find jury members. The trial kicked off with opening statements with Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's attorney admitting his client had carried out the attacks but tried to push the blame onto his older brother. The trial continued with testimony from survivors recounting their experience on the tragic day with the trial expected to continue for weeks to come.

In other terror related news the Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram released a graphic video showing the beheading of two men believed to be spies while in the US, Twitter revealed that it had suspended over 2000 accounts used by ISIS in recruiting new members resulting in ISIS threatening Twitter staff.

Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov

Political Front Lines


Politicians were on the front line this week when a man armed with a razor attacked a US ambassador slashing his face and wrist in opposition to military drills by South Korea and the US. The military drills also received attention from North Korea who fired two short range missiles into the sea as the drills began.

In Russia a new video has surfaced of the assassination of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov last week, showing the bridge as the attack takes place. On the topic of high profile leaders, Ex-CIA chief Petraeus, has pleaded guilty to mishandling classified material with his mistress.

Blood on the Streets


In the world of drugs it was revealed that the Bali 9 were executed on a secluded island ignoring pleas from the Australian government while in Mexico police and troops made progress capturing Zetas cartel leader, Omar Trevino Morales, in a wealthy suburb of Monterrey.

Images were released which the police say confirms the homeless man shot by LAPD had tried to take an officers weapon. Finally we end the week with a Justice Department investigation into the Ferguson police which shows excessive use of force and unjustified arrests.