Every hurricane, experts warn against taping up your windows.
And every hurricane, people do it anyway. They almost always regret it.
In short, tape will do nothing to stop hurricane force wind.
Don’t believe me?
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#OtherPeoplesPork: The Internet Reacts To Kermit’s New Girlfriend
By Jessica Gandy
The on again and off again relationship between Miss Piggy and Kermit is officially off, so who’s Kermit’s new sizzling sidepiece?
On Sept. 1, Kermit released an official statement on his current relationship status, because of rumors circulating about Kermit and a new belle.
“While I prefer to keep my personal life private, this is Hollywood, so who am I kidding? It is true that I am dating again. However, at this time no one woman – pig or otherwise—is my official ‘new girlfriend’. We are simply close friends,” Kermit said in a tweet.
Kermit broke the Internet and hearts around the world, as fans tweeted their response to his news.
@KermitTheFrog @A_Katzman83 right….. pic.twitter.com/OuIKX5ousG
— Dustin Stauffer (@dustinstauffer2) September 1, 2015
Kermit diving into a relationship so soon with Denise—who bears more than a passing resemblance to his ex—suggests some issues, but ☕?
— Parker Higgins (@xor) September 1, 2015
So who is this new woman in Kermit’s life? Her name is Denise, according to People Magazine. Photos of Kermit and Denise have been circulated around the Internet over the past week. Few seem to know much about the mysterious pig, but she has caused quite the uproar- or up-oink.
She’s definitely a step down. Photo of Kermit’s New Girlfriend, Denise: http://t.co/7tHY47oxv6 via — Diana (@BrukDiana) September 1, 2015
While neither Kermit, Denise, The Jim Henson Company or ABC have commented much on the issue, ABC’s promo video, featuring both characters, leads some to speculate whether or not Denise is just a publicity stunt to drum up ratings for The Muppets’ new show, similar to when Barbie and Ken’s split in 2004 was seen by some as an attempt to increase Mattel’s stock.
@TheMuppetsABC @kenjeong @KermitTheFrog Is this a ratings grab or Kermit is down with O.P.P. (Other People’s Pork)! @naughtybynature #bacon
— Zombie Leader (@ZombieLeader1) September 2, 2015
While some fans have not been extremely welcoming of Denise, Miss Piggy seems to have not been affected at all. Miss Piggy has been spotted with some of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities like Liam Hemsworth and Constance Wu.
So while adding Kermit and Miss Piggy to the list of infamous celebrity break-ups, like Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston, is unfortunate, Denise could be a promising, new leading lady for Kermit in the future.
Photo Credit: ABC (Screengrab)
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What The Revolution Wrought: The Umbrella Movement Two Years On
By Joy Pamnani
HONG KONG-It’s been two years since Hong Kong people took to the streets to fight for genuine universal suffrage.
The protests drew global attention, as protestors expressed their demands in peaceful, artistic ways.
The movement seems to have worked in bringing about a different political reality in Hong Kong.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the major events throughout the protests, and changes in Hong Kong’s political scene since.
Political background in the 852
Hong Kong was ruled by the British in the 20th century, and got handed over to China in 1997.
The great difference between Hong Kong and the mainland’s political atmosphere at the time saw both sides reach a deal of “one country, two systems”, granting the city a semi-autonomous status.
That deal lasts until 2047.
Debate however, continues about liberties granted under the agreement. A hot topic being universal suffrage.
Read More: Does The Government Even Want To Save Cantonese From Going Extinct In Hong Kong?
According to Article 45 of the Basic Law, “the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be selected by election or through consultations held locally and be appointed by the Central People’s Government.”
Moreover, the article states “ the ultimate aim is the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures.”
Media from around the world came to report on the growing Occupy movement in Hong Kong. Photo Credit: Max/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
Controversy began in August 2014 when Beijing ruled out public nomination, saying Hong Kong voters would only be able to choose from a list of two or three candidates selected by a nominating committee.
The committee likely to contain pro-Beijing election candidates, saw democracy activists argue the announcement was a way for China the ability to screen out any candidates it disapproves of.
Criticism was ignited across the city.
Young people’s call for action
On September 22, 2014, a student class boycott was held at the Chinese University in Hong Kong, at the same time some of Hong Kong’s top tycoons crossed the border to discuss politics with President Xi Jinping.
Students from more than 20 universities and colleges joined the movement.
During the week of 26 September, activist groups Scholarism and the Hong Kong Federation of Students, had staged protests outside government offices in Admiralty.
The Galvanizing Effect
As the protests escalated, police used pepper spray against the demonstrators.
Benny Tai, initiator of the Occupy Central movement, officially declared the start of Occupy Central at the central government offices.
Later that evening, police also used the tear gas in dismissing the protests.
The tear gas surprisingly proved galvanizing, drawing Hong Kongers from all walks of life to occupy streets for 79 days.
@occupy #ows #OccupyHK #OccupyCentral pic.twitter.com/kutLqe76L1
— Occupy Toronto (@OccupyToronto) September 29, 2015
The name “Umbrella Movement” came up after protestors were seen using umbrellas to protect themselves against tear gas. Photo Credit: Studio Incendo/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
Don’t afraid, whole World is with you #HongKong. Freedom, Justice & Democracy can’t be compromised. #OccupyCentral pic.twitter.com/6XBSPEiOYH
— Dr. Imran H Sarker (@deborahrubio191) July 11, 2016
Protest elementals
During the days, activists blocked several traffic junctions, shutting down the city’s central business districts.
Aside from the Admiralty camp outside government offices, protestors occupied areas in Causeway Bay, Mong Kok and Canton Road.
The protest spirits were held high in the city, as the yellow ribbon symbol was seen across social media sites in the city.
Read More: What Are The Wukan Protests And Why Should Young People Care?
Many artists contributed to the protest’s peaceful forms of expression, from creating paintings of politicians, origami-inspired yellow umbrellas, and periodic tables defining Hong Kong core values.
RT OccupyToronto: Happy June 4th to everyone fighting the CCP. Respect and love from Toronto! #ows #OccupyCentral pic.twitter.com/vkzwPB3tU2
— Anonymous (@CovertAnonymous) June 4, 2015
Ernüchtert, aber nicht resigniert: Hongkongs Protestbewegung #OccupyCentral ein Jahr danach: http://t.co/rwPApjTq1l pic.twitter.com/jnPPLFqn93
— DW | Politik (@dw_politik) September 27, 2015
Artists gathered to express political opinions of Hong Kong people
The street #art/posters in #Umbrellamovement at Umbrella Festival at JCCAC, Shek Kip Mei, #HongKong. #OccupyCentral pic.twitter.com/qkj5vxEdA8
— Fion Li (@fion_li) May 31, 2015
A periodic table defining Hong Kong’s core values.
Also spotted a periodic table defining HK’s core values #occupycentral #UmbrellaRevolution #hongkong pic.twitter.com/rGu6mlnAkD
— Joy Pamnani (@joypamnani) November 2, 2014
An origami umbrella making stand where people learnt how to make their own little paper umbrellas #occupycentral pic.twitter.com/J95ar6uV4w
— Joy Pamnani (@joypamnani) October 17, 2014
Protestors even hung a banner on Lion Rock Tunnel, calling on CY Leung to step down
#梁振英 #下台 直幡在 #獅子山 #雨傘運動 #佔領中環 #HK1213 #CY #StepDown #LionRock #UmbrellaMovement #OccupyCentral @hu_jia @OCLPHK @aiww pic.twitter.com/4aUTTUGARZ
— P H Yang Photography (@TravelFoto) December 14, 2014
Subjects of debate
According to an article by the Australian news network ABC, ANZ economists sent out a research estimating the protests may have cost retailers $400 million, given occupation of roads at core business districts such as Tsim Sha Tsui.
Ordinary citizens fed up of the demonstrations formed an anti-Occupy group in an attempt to dismantle camps across core business districts in the city.
Another debate triggered was the role of police in the protests.
Read More: Was There Massive Voter Fraud In The Hong Kong LegCo Elections?
Throughout the protest, a viral video showing police beating up protestors went viral in the city, triggering a debate about police violence.
City opinion was divided on the issue, but those who supported the police wore blue ribbons.
A man was filmed being kicked and punched by seven police officers near government headquarters in Admiralty during the movement:
Yellow ribbon photos spread across social media sites in Hong Kong.
Why #UmbrellaRevolution Is the Most Important Story of 2014 #OccupyHK #OccupyCentral #HongKong http://t.co/dqLCLdn7Nw pic.twitter.com/8WcYIkCNcE
— Bridget Johnson (@Bridget_PJM) December 31, 2014
Political progress
Students managed to hold talks with the government, yet didn’t gain much ground through official channels.
Alex Chow of the Hong Kong Federation of Students and two other activists sought a meeting with China’s leaders to discuss the issue.
However, their visas were declared invalid after they tried to cross the border.
Clearing Camps
In later stages of the movement, camps began to be cleared off after the High Court stepped in.
In early December, three organizers of Hong Kong’s Occupy Central movement turned themselves in to the police for “participating in an unauthorized assembly”, calling their act a symbolic way to end the street protests.
They called for a shift in the movement’s focus to a long-term march towards democracy.
The three leaders were quickly released.
On 11 December, over 7,000 police arrived at the protest sites, and began making arrests.
The main camp was cleared out, thereby putting an end to the 79-day political movement.
Last days of #OccupyHK, one year ago today CWB clearance @krislc pic.twitter.com/SDIUETHemY
— 2cats (@2cats4) December 15, 2015
Success of the movement
Despite securing international attention, the Umbrella Revolution failed to win concessions from Beijing.
As of now, Hong Kong isn’t seeing universal suffrage, and many believe the movement wasn’t successful in changing the longterm political agenda.
Some, however, disagree, on the grounds of the fact that political momentum was gained among the population.
“Even if we cannot change the system immediately, if the movement provided more momentum for the fight for democracy, then it’s not a failure,” Dr Chan Kin-man, an Occupy organizer said in an interview with the South China Morning Post.
Two years on
Hong Kongers gathered to commemorate the second anniversary of the Umbrella Revolution last Wednesday (28 Sept).
Right before 6pm, protestors stood in silence to mark police firing tear gas on those who gathered early in the protest timelines.
Nathan Law is the youngest lawmaker in Hong Kong’s legislature.
Photo: Facebook/Nathan Law.Although the Umbrella Revolution isn’t occupying the streets of Hong Kong, its leaders have continued to persist in their democratic demands, as evidenced in the July 1st March and June 4th Tiananmen Massacre Anniversary gatherings celebrated every year.
In April 2015, the government formally announced a new voting system, but it failed to gather two-thirds vote at the Legislative Council because it had ignored calls for a more democratic process.
This would leave Hong Kong with the same political system that brought the current chief executive to power.
However, the city’s political scene saw hope after lawmaker elections were held last month.
Being the city’s first major elections since Occupy Central, the results spoke volumes for political sentiment.
A few Occupy politicians secured seats, including student leader Nathan Law, who participated in the protests and is Legco’s youngest ever lawmaker.
Law sees people voting for a democratic future, and with the trust and support of the public, he hopes to bring about political change in the future. “We inherited some spirit from the (Umbrella) Movement and I hope that that can continue in the future,” Law said, in an interview with Hong Kong Free Press.
RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.
You can also like our RISE NEWS Hong Kong Facebook page to stay engaged with our local coverage.
Cover Photo Credit: Studio Incendo/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
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Musical Revivalism May Be Bringing Us Back To The 1950s
By Savannah Bullard
History is often criticized for repeating itself.
Whether it is with politics, economics or social justice, people tend to avoid going back to what was meant to stay in the “good ol’ days.”
However, a surge of emerging musicians are breaking this trend.
The Economist describes soul music as a genre that “originated in the 1950s that grew out of the blues, R&B and African American church music.”
Some say the revivalism of “the oldies” began with Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Special” album, which included the ever-popular “Uptown Funk,” featuring Bruno Mars.
The funky beat and old school music video was a huge hit with younger audiences, introducing young people to the tunes that got our grandparents to get down.
Watch: Uptown Funk
The trend continues with Meghan Trainor, who fuses 1950s pop and modern hip hop through songs like “All About That Bass” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You (featuring John Legend).”
This year, some of the most famous artists of 2016 are coming out of hometown bars and theaters with sounds that only used to be popular in the mid-20th century.
Leon Bridges, for example, is a 26-year-old Texas native whose soulful sound captivated Spotify listeners and shot him to stardom.
Bridges quotes himself on his website saying “I’m not saying I can hold a candle to any soul musician from the ’50s and ’60s, but I want to carry the torch.”
Bridges’ popularity chips away at the stigma that all teens listen to nothing but top 40 and rap music. He closes a wide generational gap, which is hard to do when in this day and age, young people feel disconnected from their elders who “just do not understand.”
Bridges is an artist that anyone can love, and that connection is rarely seen nowadays, especially in the entertainment scene.
Watch: Leon Bridges’ Smooth Sailing
Young people are actually getting a slice of culture from artists like Bridges. His music pays homage to a beloved time period that cultivated artists like Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye. This was not just music; it was an entire way of life.
Bridges is doing an aesthetic favor by channeling this era through his sounds.
Young people pick up on this stuff, and their musical perspectives widen far beyond what is played on the radio.
The same can be said for musicians like Mumford and Sons, who recently traveled to India and Africa in order to incorporate those cultures into their work.
While this is a mix of traditional music from other civilizations instead of reviving a time period, the product is the same.
The new age incorporation of music from any culture or time period creates the most beautiful harmony that serves the same purpose.
Leon Bridges. Photo Credit: Kinsey Haynes
Young people might not know it, but they are opening their minds to a whole new world of music. It is as if these artists are teachers by extension, offering a bit of history through their music for us to learn.
The Sugarman 3 frontman and Daptone Records co-founder Neil Sugarman says in an Economist article that “even with her big pop hit ‘Rehab,’ it was honest to Amy [Winehouse]. It was real. That’s the essence of soul music. It’s honest.”
This example speaks to a lot of emerging artists who do not want to become one-hit wonders or fall into the mainstream of bubblegum pop and modern rap music.
Soul singers are those who embrace struggle in their recordings, and wearing their hearts on their sleeves is what sells out concerts.
Watch: Mumford and Songs’ Wona
In the 1960s, African American jazz musicians wrote of their hardships with civil rights and the struggle of living in a time of racism and misfortune.
Their music was raw and uncaged; they made their voices heard through their music, because in that time, music was one of the few options that allowed them to do so.
And today, this is the very same concept that these new-age soul singers try to embody.
A song so deep and meaningful will catch the heart of a listener, while more mainstream tunes might be fun for a moment, but get skipped the next time they appear in a playlist.
Young people like connections, and sharing the feelings that are sung in a favorite song makes them love that musician much more than cookie-cutter pop singers.
These are songs that urge people to look up lyrics, decipher meanings, figure out the intention behind the art. These songs make the listener want to know the artist, not just enjoy the work.
Whether or not this trend will last remains in ambiguity, because not even the most profound musicologists can predict what teens will love next.
Leon Bridges. Photo Credit: Kinsey Haynes
For decades, country music stays consistently popular, but still gets tweaked each year by whatever artists who make it big.
And as long as we have prepubescent teenage girls and boys, upbeat breakup songs and boy bands will never go out of style.
However, the love of soul is proven to be more than just a music style.
The fluidity and swagger of soul outlasts many other genres, and manages to stay consistent at the top of the charts.
So while other styles continue to change and evolve, soul will remain timeless.
RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.
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