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2023: Zelenskyy ‘Born For This Moment,’ Sean Penn Says At Berlin

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BERLIN, Germany — Actor Sean Penn had his first on-camera meeting with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, just hours before Russia launched its invasion nearly a year ago.

“It was as if he realized that he was born for this moment,” Penn said in an interview with The Associated Press on Saturday, a day after the festival premiere of his documentary “Superpower.”

When the war broke out, Penn and his co-director Aaron Kaufman were in Kyiv filming a profile of the comedic actor-turned-president. The president’s image entering the room for the first interview would have the greatest impact on Penn.

“It’s difficult to explain, but there was a resolve in response to something no one had ever faced before,” Penn explained.

Sean Penn’s ‘Superpower’ arrives in Berlin.

Penn stated at a press conference on Saturday that they returned to the hotel after the interview and that the shelling began that night. Zelenskyy had “a proper suit and a proper office” when they first met him.

“He was in camos the next time we saw him, and his country was at war,” Penn explained.

Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy Was A Fresh Start For Ukraine

The documentary took an unexpected turn when war broke out. Additional interviews with the president conducted over the last year are included in the film.

After the project was completed, the two continued to communicate off-camera. Last year, Zelenskyy bestowed the Ukrainian Order of Merit on the Hollywood star, who has been involved in numerous international humanitarian and anti-war efforts. Penn was also given a plaque on a walkway in Kyiv that honors world leaders who have spoken out in support of Ukraine.

People would be surprised, according to Penn, by Zelenskyy’s “command of the mechanisms of government.”

“Not only his, but all those on whom he relies, his sense of mapping the diplomatic territory,” he explained. “He’s ablaze. He has a rare talent for politics.”

Zelenskyy

Penn Loaned Zelenskyy One Of His Two Oscars

Penn recalled seeing “civility” while fleeing Ukraine through the Polish border a few days after the invasion began.

“There was no honking. “There was a kind of quiet acceptance because no one was trying to drive around the other and take,” Penn said during the interview. “You know, these were families that were being torn apart. Some, but not all, are still torn apart.”

During a subsequent visit to Ukraine, Penn loaned Zelenskyy one of his two Oscars, telling him, “When you win, bring it back to Malibu.”

“The Oscar is there in his office, and it’s ready to be melted whenever he wants to melt it,” Penn clarified in a press conference after threatening to melt his awards in public if Zelenskyy was not on the show for last year’s Oscars.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did not include a video address from President Trump, instead opting for a moment of silence in support of Ukraine’s people. On Thursday, Zelenskyy spoke at the Berlinale, encouraging artists and filmmakers to show their support for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy

Penn Won Two Oscars For Mystic River

Penn stated at the press conference that the Oscar was inspired by his “continuing shame towards the leadership of the Academy, the motion picture academy, in choosing to present Will Smith smacking Chris Rock on their broadcast rather than the greatest symbol of cinema and humanity living today.”

Penn won two Oscars for best actor, one in 2003 for “Mystic River” and the other in 2008 for “Milk.” Previously, he directed “Flag Day,” “Into the Wild,” and “The Pledge.”

While it is not uncommon for celebrities to support a cause, in “Superpower,” Penn travels to the front lines of the war to speak with soldiers in the trenches. When it comes to his drive and determination, the actor has no idea where it comes from.

“I could make up several answers,” he joked to the Associated Press. “It’s something I don’t think about in the end, despite being asked many times.” “I’m at a loss for words.”

SOURCE – (AP)

 

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‘Fake Heiress’ Anna Sorokin Debuts On ‘Dancing With The Stars’ — With A Sparkly Ankle Monitor

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Los Angeles — Anna Sorokin, a convicted con artist, appeared on “Dancing With the Stars” with a featherweight — and extremely glittery — ankle monitor.

The so-called ‘fake heiress,’ who was convicted of swindling banks, hotels, and friends in 2019 after fraudulently claiming to be a wealthy German heiress named Anna Delvey, debuted the ballroom-worthy ankle monitor during the launch of “Dancing With the Stars'” new season Tuesday night.

“It’s not a huge deal at all. It’s quite light, and I asked them to tighten it so it doesn’t droop. So it’s not too horrible,” she told The Associated Press following the premiere. She and professional dancer Ezra Sosa performed a routine to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.”

sorokin

‘Fake Heiress’ Anna Sorokin Debuts On ‘Dancing With The Stars’ — With A Sparkly Ankle Monitor

“It’s the real star of the show, let’s be honest here,” Sosa said of Sorokin’s glittering ankle monitor.

“I think it’s kind of funny how people like — it’s not like an ankle weight,” Sosa told reporters. “It’s not like twenty pounds. It’s literally less than a pound, so it’s no big issue.”

Sorokin recognized that her debut did not go as expected.

“I feel relieved that it’s over,” she stated. “I feel like my dance could have been a little bit better, but I’m happy I’ve done this and it was a great experience all over.”

Sorokin expressed optimism that viewers will be forgiving despite her criminal history.

“Hopefully, people will give me a chance to demonstrate what I can do. “And I served my sentence and paid my restitution,” she claimed.

sorokin

‘Fake Heiress’ Anna Sorokin Debuts On ‘Dancing With The Stars’ — With A Sparkly Ankle Monitor

Early fan reactions were negative, with the phrase “Anna Delvey’s Lacklustre DWTS Debut” trending on social media site X.

She was released from prison in February 2021, but immigration authorities apprehended her immediately after, stating she had overstayed her visa and needed to be repatriated to her native Germany. The “Inventing Anna” inspiration was in ICE custody for more than a year before a judge paved the way for her to be transferred to house confinement in October 2022 while fighting deportation.

Her parole conditions had to be modified to allow her to travel from New York to Los Angeles for filming.

SOURCE | AP

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Wojnarowski, ’91, Steps Down as ESPN General Manager to Join Bonnie’s Basketball Program

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Wojnarowski

(VOR News) – Adrian Wojnarowski is leaving journalism to become St. Bonaventure men’s basketball general manager.

“I am delighted and honoured to be back at St. Bonaventure University, and the chance to contribute to Coach Mark Schmidt and our prestigious Atlantic 10 men’s basketball program,” Wojnarowski said.

“During these dynamic eras of collegiate athletics, I am excited about becoming part of a championship program that integrates elite basketball, widespread television visibility, professional training, and future-oriented learning opportunities inside a close-knit and nurturing educational setting.”

Wojnarowski will help the coaching staff recruit, engage with families and alumni players, raise money for professional player programs, coordinate collective efforts, run the transfer portal, and capitalise on NIL opportunities as general manager.

Since 2022, some mid-major and power conference schools have hired general managers, especially for men’s basketball and football, to keep up with the fast-changing collegiate sports market.

The director of basketball operations wanted to share NBA success stories and new ideas with the community. The director also stressed the importance of global possibilities for our players in athletics and in life.

Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Bob Beretta called Wojnarowski’s selection a “incredible opportunity” for the university, men’s basketball, and athletics.

“Amidst significant upheaval in the intercollegiate athletics industry, we are conclusively demonstrating that St. Bonaventure remains at the vanguard of transformation,” he said. “This is an audacious decision that is in line with our institutional objectives to sustain and thrive.”

Beretta believes Wojnarowski’s global basketball network will aid the endeavour.

Woj understands St. Bonaventure and Franciscan ideals, the president stated, in addition to his extensive professional and intercollegiate basketball network.

“The willingness of the most accomplished journalist in his profession to relinquish a lucrative media career in order to provide support to his alma mater is a clear indication of his deep affection and great enthusiasm for Bonaventure.”

Schmidt called Wojnarowski’s hire a “home run.”

“Recruiting and retention in the new NIL college basketball landscape are crucial,” said Schmidt, the school’s most successful men’s basketball coach. “Woj is as connected as anyone in the basketball world and his decades-long network of relationships can only help our program remain among the top teams in the Atlantic 10 going forward.”

Wojnarowski plans to leave his lucrative ESPN position in 2022 to support the university that changed his life. The Jandoli School of Communication and Basketball has received funding from him and his 92-year-old wife Amy.

“I express my gratitude to President (Jeff) Gingerich, Bob Beretta, Coach Schmidt, and the collective St. Bonaventure community for extending a warm reception to my wife, Amy, and myself as we reintegrate into the campus community in a new capacity,” he stated. “The university’s stunning campus immediately enthralled us as undergraduate students.” I’m ready to work.

Today on ESPN on X, 1991 graduate Wojnarowski retired.

“While this craft has had a profound impact on my life, I have made the decision to retire from ESPN and the news industry,” he stated. “While I acknowledge the commitment inherent in my work, my level of motivation has diminished compared to my previous state.” The objective is to optimise the use of my finite time.

Wojnarowski edited Yahoo Sports’ Vertical for two years before joining ESPN in 2017. In nearly ten years at The Record of New Jersey, he won two APSE Columnist of the Year awards. He worked for the Waterbury Republican-American and the Fresno Bee for years.

The National Sports Media Association awarded Wojnarowski the Peer Recognition Award for National Sportswriter of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Red Smith, Jim Murray, Frank Deford, Rick Reilly, Bob Ryan, and Tom Verducci have won this competition three years running.

Wojnarowski wrote “The Miracle of St. Anthony: A Season with Coach Bob Hurley and Basketball’s Most Improbable Dynasty,” a New York Times bestseller.

Wojnarowski received an honorary degree in 2022, spoke at the university’s graduation ceremony, and was named Jandoli School Alumnus of the Year for 2019. His name was also on the school’s Wall of Distinguished Graduates.

Amy and Adrian’s return to Bonaventure will be commemorated with a news conference on Wednesday, September 25, at 4:00 p.m. in the Quick Centre for the Arts theatre. Residents of the university can attend.

SOURCE: BONNIES

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The Bank of England is Largely Expected to Keep Interest Rates Unchanged as Long as Inflation Exceeds its Target.

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Bank of England

(VOR News) – The Bank of England will probably keep interest rates at the same level on Thursday after official data showed that inflation in the UK remained steady in August at an annual rate of 2.2%.

This occurs one day following the official release of the numbers. This is because the higher cost of flying was somewhat offset by decreased petrol prices as well as cheaper costs for lodging and dining.

Additionally, the Bank of England is expected to maintain interest rates.

The cost of borrowing money increased dramatically by central banks worldwide from near zero during the Coronavirus outbreak, as a result of rising supply chain concerns and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which increased Bank of England energy costs, when prices started to soar.

This action was taken in reaction to the notable rise in prices due to the rising cost of electricity. They have started lowering interest rates in response to this scenario, as inflation rates have started to decline from multi-decade highs.

The Office of National Statistics released its most recent figure on Wednesday, and it was in line with market expectations.

This leads one to conclude that, for the second consecutive month, the inflation rate has remained somewhat higher than the 2% target set by the British central bank. For the first time in more than three years, inflation inched closer to the target in June.

The central bank has been progressively lowering its main interest rate by a quarter point since the start of the outbreak, bringing it down to 5% below its starting point.

This was the first decline that has happened since the start of the pandemic. Even though the Bank of England vote was quite close, four out of the nine members decided against changing the original proposal.

The US Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates on Wednesday for the first time in the previous four years. Interest rates would be reduced for the first time with this.

The great majority of economists believe that the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee will be on holiday on Thursday. This is due to the fact that several committee members have continuously expressed their concerns about price increases in the vital services industry, which accounts for almost 80% of the UK economy.

The statistical data released on Wednesday indicates that the services sector experienced an increase in inflation in August, from 5.2% in July to 5.6% in August.

Bank of England increased this due to rising airfares across Europe.

Nonetheless, they believe that after the government’s budget was made public on October 30, the bank would probably reduce its deposits once more in November.

Claiming that it is imperative to close a projected 29 billion dollar deficit in the public budget—or 22 billion pounds less than the previous administration estimated—the incoming Labour government has taken office.

Additionally, they have said that they might have to increase taxes and cut spending, which would probably be bad news for the British economy’s short-term outlook and drive down inflation. It is anticipated that this event will have a detrimental effect on the British economy.

According to Suren Thiru, the director of economics at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Bank of England and Wales, “an interest rate cut on Thursday is looking unlikely with the majority of the Monetary Policy Committee likely to want to assess the impact of next month’s budget before deciding when to loosen policy again.”

Suren Thiru is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Bank of England and Wales because he is the director of economics.

Suren Thiru made his statement in reaction to the decision that was made by the Monetary Policy Committee regarding when in the future to relax policy once more. On account of the fact that the majority of committee members arrived at this conclusion, this remark could be made public.

SOURCE: AP

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Market Speculation Over the Next Fed Rate Reduction Hides More Fundamental Issues.

Elon Musk has Often Stirred Up Political Unrest, Which Makes People Worry About the US Election.

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