Why The ‘Wicked’ Movie Has Proven So Important To People

 

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    Why The ‘Wicked’ Movie Has Proven So Important To People. Published November 27, 2024. Written by Panashe Nyadundu. https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a63018974/wicked-representation/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_elm_md_pmx_comm_org_us_g40754525&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADCsZxeCkTpH6VFk3wEQ3JeGaws3g&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvP-6BhDyARIsAJ3uv7YOOf-rOeW1qwIuDkGdQbbPCAtipagahJfDCMrA-J7cSNmGShaDagwaAmxTEALw_wcB  

 

    Based on the 2003 Broadway musical, Wicked's film adaptation filled many hearts with glee. This story tells the significance of the movie in people’s lives, and how it affected us. It was not just for the aesthetics or the pretty cinematography, but also for its morals and representation. The actress of Alpheba, Cynthia Erivo, says “[she hopes] it’s a bit of a love letter to everyone who feels different.” The movie has addressed a few subtle, yet significant representations based on real life society, such as race and representation, disability rights, animal rights, LGBTQ+ visibility, female friendship, and political strife. “Wicked not only offers escapism to a world of utter fantasy, but equally, acts as a sharp reminder of how to navigate a world marred by corruption and discrimination.” Essentially, there is a deeper meaning to the exquisite cinematography; one that stums the heartstrings of those who analyzed and understood it. Ultimately, Wicked is a magical film that deserves the attention and attraction it has been receiving since its release. My childhood was relived since I’ve watched the musical like 10 years ago. You would be able to feel the inclusivity, diversity, and the ethereal atmosphere the film has showcased. Top 1 movie of the year for me, for sure. 

South Korean woman who grabbed soldier’s gun explains why she did it

South Korean woman who grabbed soldier’s gun explains why she did it. Published December 5, 2024. Written by Michelle Butterfield. https://globalnews.ca/news/10903320/south-korea-woman-ahn-gwi-ryeong-grabs-soldiers-gun-martial-law/ 

 

    South Korea was declared to be under martial law – only for six hours. When President Yook Suk Yeol publicly declared martial law on the country, citizens took matters into their own hands, protested all the way to parliament, and eventually had the law lifted. This story is about one of the protesters, Ahn Gwi-ryeong (35 and the spokesperson for the opposition Democratic party), who grabbed a soldier’s weapon during the protest. Outside the country’s National Assembly Tuesday night, authorities and citizens protested the declaration, barricaded and stopped the military, and did the most to grant a lift in the law. With the military spread out across the outside of the assembly, a soldier held their rifle that “was pointed at her chest [and] swatted it like a fly.” Ahn’s “only thought was that [she] needed to stop them” as an “act of defiance.” She doesn’t believe that her actions were special or brave because “there were many people braver than [her] who stood up to the martial law troops,” and as she “felt like [she] was the last line standing in their way,” she felt the need to do something to show where she stands. Gwi-ryeong is a role model, fearless and strong. She represents all women, even globally, who aspire to stand up for themselves and for what is right. She represents women who are fed up with power hungry dictators. As for the soldiers, South Korean men are drafted for a mandatory two years in the military, you’d think they’re complete jackasses. What people don’t understand is that it’s mandatory, and the soldier who backed away immediately was merely ordered to be there. My flowers and outmost respect go to the lawmakers who barricaded the military and voted against martial law, and all K-citizens who protested and stopped the military. 

Magic can’t save ‘Harry Potter’ star Rupert Grint from US$2.3M tax bill

 

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   Magic can’t save ‘Harry Potter’ star Rupert Grint from US$2.3M tax bill. Published December 1, 2024. Written by The Associated Press, Global News Canada. https://globalnews.ca/news/10896330/rupert-grint-harry-potter-tax-battle/  

 

Since Harry Potter has been a film series with immense popularity and praise, you'd think the stars are pretty well-off. Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, was taxed $2.3USD million and ordered to pay in 2019 after losing a legal battle with the tax authorities. His tax return was investigated 7 years ago by a UK. tax agency called Revenue Customs. This story highlights celebrity financial struggles and what they're dealing with behind the big screen. With all Grint's activities, people would assume that he's pretty well off. However, according to Judge Harriet Morgan, the money "derived substantially the whole of its value from the activities of Mr. Grint" and "is taxable as income." Essentially, all the money primarily came from Grint's efforts, and for tax purposes, it counts as his taxable personal income. Most people believe that successful people in Hollywood live luxury and carefree lives because they make so much out of their projects. To see a famous star not immune to financial challenges scratches something in my brain as I always believed in "big fame gets you big money." Needless to say, one who's famous is also one who's financially stable. This story can shift the public perception about the financial realities of celebrities and their money management. 

After bombing her Olympic debut, Raygun ranked world’s #1 breakdancer

 

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   After bombing her Olympic debut, Raygun ranked world’s #1 breakdancer. Published September 10, 2024. Written by Michelle Butterfield. https://globalnews.ca/news/10748683/raygun-best-breakdancer-world-olympics/  

    Rachel Gunn, also widely known as B-girl Raygun, is an Australian break-dancer who recently placed top 1 in the world rankings by the World DanceSport Federation after she “failed to score any points across her Olympic battles,” which included her debut. Raygun’s debut happened at the 2024 Summer Olympics on August 9th, in La Concorde Urban Park, Paris, France. This is a reflection of Raygun’s journey, her challenges and rewards of breakdancing as a competitive sport, especially after it was introduced into the Olympics. Her growth on “how she bounced back from the setback and secured the top spot in global rankings” were highlighted. Although there were many obstacles, such as negative feedback and backlash, she was able to address and overcome all these challenges and focus on the positive sides. Overcoming an initial setback to achieve #1 in the world serves as a motivational story about dedication and perseverance. Breakdancing was never a competitive sport until recently. Seeing it in the Olympics revived a spark in me that once had a competitive spirit for dance. Dedication, motivation and passion were my biggest takeaways from this article. It concludes how if you have a strong drive for something you want to achieve in, there’s always a possibility for you to succeed. 

Coca-Cola set to discontinue the Nestea drink and launch “FUZE” iced tea in Canada in January 2025

 

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   Coca-Cola set to discontinue the Nestea drink and launch “FUZE” iced tea in Canada in January 2025. Published December 14, 2024. Written by Anuj Basak. https://www.soapcentral.com/lifestyle/news-coca-cola-set-discontinue-nestea-drink-launch-fuze-iced-tea-starting-place-january-2025 

 

    The Coca-Cola company has controversial, yet interesting plans for the new year. Starting January 1st of 2025, Coca-Cola will be discontinuing the Nestea drink in Canada because a new partnership had been launched. A long-term agreement was signed between Keurig Dr Pepper Canada and Nestle Canada to manufacture, market and distribute the drink starting the new year, as well as to undergo future plans of launching "FUZE," a new iced tea brand. It is interesting because a new partnership means huge advancements in marketing and new developments, and this also "[enhances] Nestea's brand image and market strategy through product launches and expanded availability." As soon as the information was released on several platforms, many were terrified. To me, the thought of Nestea being gone for good is like thinking of losing a loved one. The drink was something I've had from the beginning of my childhood, and it was the only type of pop I could ever drink, even until now. The sole thought of not being able to drink it anymore is painful. Unfortunately, change is inevitable within the manufacturing and marketing industry because of its competitiveness. The collaboration was expected to expand both companies' networks, to create new innovations, and "to boost Nestle's brand as new products will be launched in due time while the consistency of the same will be ensured." Personally, I don't agree with this quotation because when a company/brand deals with a big change (i.e. partnerships, new CEOs/manufacturers) nothing really stays the same. For the most part, many are looking forward to this new drink, but many are also devastated about having a part of our childhood removed from our lives.