Celebrity

Visitors Flock To See David Sculpture After Florida Uproar

Published

2 years ago

2023-04-03

Kiara Grace

FLORENCE, Italy — Following an uproar over a Florida school’s decision to force the principal’s resignation over complaints about a lesson depicting the Renaissance masterpiece, visitors flocked to see Michelangelo’s David sculpture in Florence on Tuesday.

Tourists posed for photos in front of the massive marble statue, which depicts the Biblical David, naked with a sling over his shoulder and a rock in his hand, ready for battle with Goliath.

The sculpture is housed in Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia, which reopened Tuesday after its weekly Monday closure, and both tourists and residents couldn’t get over the controversy.

“It’s part of history,” said Isabele Joles, an Ohio high school student learning French and Italian art. “I’m not sure how you can call it porn.”

She and other visitors were reacting to the Tallahassee Classical School board’s decision last week to pressure Principal Hope Carrasquilla to quit after an image of David was shown to a sixth-grade art class.

Carrasquilla believes the board targeted her after three parents complained about not being informed that a nude image would be shown, and a third called the famous statue, considered the pinnacle of Renaissance sculpture, pornographic. The school has a policy that requires parents to be notified about “controversial” subjects that will be taught.

Principal Hope Carrasquilla quit after an image of David was shown to a sixth-grade art class.

Over the weekend, Florence’s mayor and the museum head expressed surprise at the uproar and invited the ousted principal and the school community to see the sculpture for themselves.

“We’re talking about the roots of Western culture, and ‘David’ is the pinnacle, the pinnacle of beauty,” museum director Cecilie Hollberg said in an interview Tuesday, as tourists snapped photos with the statue in front of her.

The controversy was more than just a subject of discussion in Florence. The Tallahassee Democrat reported that a large audience attended a school board meeting in Tallahassee on Monday night, with public comment on the David statue controversy lasting more than an hour. Some parents and instructors chastised the board, even asking chairman Barney Bishop to resign.

“Given all of these parents’ dissatisfaction with your leadership, would you be willing to lead us with integrity by resigning?” inquired instructor Ben Steigner.

Bishop refused, stating that he plans to serve as chairman until the end of his term in May, followed by another year on the board, according to the newspaper. The five trustees, who serve three-year terms, are chosen by themselves rather than the parents. The school’s new principal, Cara Wynn, informed the school board that nine students had left since the David controversy started, but three had enrolled.

Tallahassee Classical is an independent private school. It is taxpayer-funded and tuition-free, but it functions almost completely independently of the local school district and is sought after by parents looking for an alternative to the public school curriculum. The three-year-old institution, now in its third principal, serves 400 pupils in kindergarten through 12th grade. It follows a curriculum designed by Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian school in Michigan that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis regularly consults on educational matters.

On the other hand, the Florida Department of Education has distanced itself from the debate and the school’s choice.

“The Statue of David is both artistic and historical in nature.” “Florida encourages classics and classical art instruction and would not prohibit its use in instruction,” the department said. “The dispute at Tallahassee Classical School is between the school and an employee, and it has nothing to do with state rule or law.”

On Tuesday, visitor Brian Stapley from Seattle, Washington, expressed sympathy for the school’s students.

“It’s one of the most incredible parts of our history,” he said as he entered the museum. “I feel terrible for the kids who won’t see it.” ___

Contributors included Terry Spencer in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Nicole Winfield in Rome.

SOURCE – (AP)

Kiara Grace

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics.

Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

Celebrity

Gypsy Rose Talks Parenting Plans After Announcing Pregnancy

Published

1 day ago

2024-12-05

Geoff Brown

Gypsy Rose earlier told Us Weekly that she hoped to become a mother when the time was right.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her boyfriend, Ken Urker, are preparing for the birth of their first child. Gipsy Rose stated, “We’re going to accomplish this together. Blanchard, who revealed her pregnancy on YouTube this week.

“He’s going to have to stay at my parents’ house for a couple of days and vice versa,” Blanchard said of Urker. “But I can’t move in with him or buy a house until I come off parole. So we’ll have to work around the schedule.”

Blanchard was released from prison on parole in December 2023 — she was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder of her mother, Claudine “Dee Dee” Blanchard, who allegedly mistreated her throughout her childhood — and has been living in her father, Rod’s and stepmother Kristy’s home in Louisiana.

Gypsy Rose’s parole expires in 11 months, after which she and Urker intend to move into their new home.

Gypsy Rose is due in January 2025, which means she and Urker will have to commute between their parent’s homes for the first six months of their baby’s life.

Gypsy Rose takes Parenting Seriously.

Until then, Gypsy Gipsy is focussing on her own and her baby’s health. (She discovered the sex through a blood test but has yet to share the information publicly.)

“I’m making sure I’m taking my prenatal vitamins, and with the mood swings and the symptoms, I just haven’t even had any extra time to even communicate with anyone,” Gypsy told reporters.

“I’ve been quite busy. It was equally difficult to maintain silence about this. I wanted to reveal it on my terms and in a specific manner, but keeping this secret for so long was concerning.

I didn’t want it leaked. It would have taken away the excitement of disclosing it to my friends, family, and, eventually, the public.”

She continued, “I believe every parent wonders if they are ready. I am currently in therapy for my sanity and mental well-being, and I have ticked all of the boxes to ensure that I am stable. All I can say is that I have a solid support system, and Ken and I are doing quite well.”

Gypsy Rose earlier told Us Weekly that she hoped to become a mother when the time was right.

“I think that I’m going to be a good mother,” she told Us exclusively in May. “I think Ken would be a wonderful father, and so we’ll see what the future holds for us.”

Pregnant Hailey Bieber Shows Off Her Baby Bump

Pregnant Hailey Bieber Shows Off Her Baby Bump In Glam Gothic Attire — See Her Look!

Geoff Brown

Geoff Thomas is a seasoned staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. With his sharp writing skills and deep understanding of SEO, he consistently delivers high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers. Thomas’ articles are well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, concise style that keeps audiences hooked. His ability to craft compelling narratives while seamlessly incorporating relevant keywords has made him a valuable asset to the VORNews team.

Celebrity

Young Sheldon Cast: Where Are They Now?

Published

2 days ago

2024-12-04

Geoff Brown

“Young Sheldon,” the beloved spin-off of “The Big Bang Theory,” wrapped up its run in 2024, leaving fans curious about what its talented cast is up to now. This show chronicled Sheldon Cooper’s quirky childhood and introduced us to a cast of memorable characters portrayed by a talented ensemble. Let’s dive into what the “Young Sheldon” cast is doing today.

Iain Armitage (Sheldon Cooper)

Iain Armitage brought young Sheldon Cooper to life with incredible charm and precision. Starting in the role at nine years old, Armitage quickly became a household name. Now, at 16 years old, Iain continues to thrive. Recently, he’s explored theatre, attending performances like Jim Parsons’ play and sharing the stage with other talented actors.

His social media presence reveals his passion for acting and hobbies like music and nature. With a bright future ahead, fans eagerly await his next project.

Zoe Perry (Mary Cooper)

Zoe Perry, daughter of actor Laurie Metcalf (who played Mary Cooper in “The Big Bang Theory”), portrayed Sheldon’s devout and caring mother. Perry is exploring other acting opportunities after playing Mary Cooper for seven seasons.

While she hasn’t announced her next major role yet, Perry remains active in Hollywood. Her commanding performances suggest she’ll continue to book compelling roles that showcase her talent.

Lance Barber (George Cooper Sr.)

Lance Barber’s depiction of George Cooper Sr. was humorous and emotional, providing depth to Sheldon’s father’s complex character. Since the series finale, Barber has spent time with his family while scouting for new roles. Known for his versatility, fans expect him to appear in other TV dramas or comedies soon.

Raegan Revord (Missy Cooper)

Raegan Revord stole hearts as Missy Cooper, Sheldon’s spunky twin sister. Now 16 years old, she continues to make waves. Revord has hinted at future roles in TV and film, picking dynamic, fun characters.

Offscreen, she’s focused on her education and personal growth, balancing her teenage life with her acting career. Her charismatic performances make her a young actress to watch.

Montana Jordan (Georgie Cooper)

Montana Jordan matures alongside his character, Georgie, evolving from a rebellious teen to a young man with responsibilities. Post “Young Sheldon,” Montana aims for more significant roles in film and television. His Southern charm and comedic timing make him an exceptional talent in the entertainment industry.

He’s also active on social media, sharing snippets from his personal life and career updates.

Annie Potts (Meemaw)

Annie Potts brought warmth and humour to the role of Meemaw, Sheldon’s fiery grandmother. Potts, already an accomplished actress before “Young Sheldon,” continues to act in various projects. Known for her roles in classics like “Ghostbusters” and “Designing Women,” fans can’t get enough.

Outside acting, she often supports charities and engages in community work.

Emily Osment (Mandy McAllister)

Joining the show as Mandy, Emily Osment brought a fresh dynamic to the show’s final season. Many know her from “Hannah Montana” and “The Kominsky Method.” Since “Young Sheldon,” Osment has been busy. She’s reportedly filming upcoming projects and continues to engage with fans on social media, giving updates on her life and musings.

Matt Hobby (Pastor Jeff)

Matt Hobby’s portrayal of Pastor Jeff added humour and awkward charm to “Young Sheldon.” Post-show, he’s appeared in guest roles in other TV comedies. Matt brings quirky, relatable humour to every project he touches, and fans enjoy spotting him in both leading and supporting roles.

Wyatt McClure (Billy Sparks).

Who could forget Billy Sparks, Sheldon’s neighbourhood “frenemy”? Wyatt McClure, who played Billy, continues to act and grow in his career. At a young age, he continued to be involved in acting while balancing school. Fans hope to see more of McClure as he matures in the industry.

Jim Parsons (Narrator and Executive Producer)

While not part of the on-screen cast, Jim Parsons played a pivotal role as the narrator and executive producer of “Young Sheldon.” His voice tied the spin-off to “The Big Bang Theory” while providing insights into Sheldon’s thoughts.

Parsons has stayed busy with various projects, both acting and producing. His performances in theatres and feature films remind fans why he’s a Hollywood favourite.

Conclusion

The “Young Sheldon” cast has grown tremendously since the show aired in 2017. From theatre ventures to exciting upcoming roles, each actor builds their career while cementing the show’s legacy. As fans, we can’t wait to see where their journeys take them next. Keep an eye on these talented stars—they’re just getting started!

Geoff Brown

Celebrity

Gregg Wallace Sidelined From Masterchef Over Sexual Misconduct

Published

1 week ago

2024-11-29

Geoff Brown

Gregg Wallace allegedly used sexualised language and ‘people were uncomfortable

Gregg Wallace, a familiar face on BBC MasterChef, has found himself in hot water over allegations of inappropriate sexual comments. The TV host has left the program under claims of improper behaviour spanning 17 years.

The debate started when several claims of Wallace making improper sexual remarks to colleagues arose. Reports state that the claims cover 17 years and involve 13 people working on different shows he has directed.

According to Masterchef’s production firm Banijay UK, Wallace is co-operatively investigating the situation.

The charges have rocked fans of BBC MasterChef, who are accustomed to Wallace’s direct and impassioned on-screen attitude. Some defend him, while others consider this as still another instance of entertainment industry responsibility.

Social media has been abuzz with the accusations against Wallace. Opinions are divided; some support the host by saying cancel culture has gone too far, while others contend that major accusations require a response.

Greg Wallace Thanks Fans

Wallace thanked his fans on social media while still claiming innocence. However, as public personalities are all too well known, words cannot frequently change public opinion in the court of public opinion.

Gregg Wallace has been a mainstay on BBC MasterChef for years, providing co-host John Torode with vitality and charm.

His departure left a clear void. Series buffs wonder how the show will change without him.

The BBC itself struggles as well. Allegations connected to one of its well-known actors provide a negative picture of the network, particularly because the entertainment business is increasingly scrutinized for how it manages charges of misbehaviour.

After learning of the claims, BBC News—editorially autonomous from the larger company—started investigating Wallace in the summer. We have heard claims spanning five programs from 2005 to 2022.

A few employees have had more favourable interactions with Wallace.

One former employee of Inside the Factory told us he frequently cracked “bad jokes,” but it never went beyond that.

One former MasterChef employee stated nothing during her stay there seemed alarming. Another said she understood why some people would have felt uneasy, but his remarks lacked malice.

The circumstances between Gregg Wallace and BBC MasterChef show how even the entertainment business struggles with claims of misbehaviour. Wallace’s future rests in flux, but the larger debate about public personalities and responsibility continues.

One thing is certain: the era of unaccountability in entertainment is over, and even long-standing performers like Gregg Wallace are not exempt. Fans of the program will have to wait to see how this narrative evolves.