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‘A woman is not a baby-making machine’: a brief history of South Korea’s 4B movement – and why it’s making waves in America

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ming-gao-1496188">Ming Gao</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a> In South Korea, a growing number of young women are rejecting societal expectations of marriage, motherhood and heterosexual relationships, known as the “4B Movement” or the “4 Nos”. The “B” is a homophone for the Korean word bi (비/非), meaning “no”, representing the movement’s four principles: bihon (no marriage), bichulsan (no childbirth), biyeonae (no dating) and bisekseu (no sex). By refusing to marry, have children, engage in romance, or participate in sexual relationships with men, 4B feminists seek to redefine their lives outside the confines of traditional gender roles. In the wake of the reelection of Donald Trump, there has been <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-10/donald-trump-win-4b-movement-male-supremacists-make-threats/104575732">increased interest</a> in the 4B movement from women in the United States. But what is the 4B Movement, where did it come from, and how is it reshaping the feminist landscape in South Korea and beyond? <h2>Challenges facing young women</h2> The 4B Movement reflects <a href="https://www.khan.co.kr/national/national-general/article/202004140938001">a broader dissatisfaction</a> among young South Korean women who face instability of housing, digital sexual violence, economic disparities and cultural pressures. It emerged in the mid- to late-2010s, following a surge of interest in feminism in South Korea, and spread primarily through women’s online communities. The roots of the 4B Movement lie in South Korea’s rapid economic transformation and the subsequent challenges it posed for younger generations of the 2000s. For young women, economic insecurity is compounded by systemic gender inequality. South Korea <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/south-korea-s-gender-pay-gap-worst-in-oecd">consistently ranks</a> worst in the OECD for the gender wage gap, and social mobility remains limited. Against this backdrop, traditional life paths – marriage, childbearing and homemaking – have become less appealing. Living an alternative life without men emerged as a radical strategy for young digital feminists to challenge the rigid patriarchy in South Korea. The <a href="https://www.khan.co.kr/national/national-general/article/202405172212001">senseless killing</a> in 2016 of a woman in a train station toilet by a man in Seoul shocked the nation and fuelled the movement. Online platforms became spaces where women could share their frustrations, critique patriarchal norms and organise protests. During this period communities like radical feminist online groups gained traction. Among these was the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/korean/news-44329328">Tal-Corset</a> (escape the corset) movement, which encouraged women to reject societal beauty standards by foregoing makeup, cosmetic surgery and restrictive clothing. The 4B Movement built on this momentum, targeting not only beauty standards but the very institutions that sustain patriarchy. It collectively challenges the notion that women’s value lies in their ability to support men and sustain the family unit. <h2>‘A woman is not a baby-making machine’</h2> The birth rate in South Korea ranks among the <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/birth-rate-by-country">lowest in the world</a>. The government has long viewed this as a national crisis. Policies such as subsidised housing for newlyweds and tax incentives for families have sought to encourage marriage and childbearing. In 2016, the government launched a national <a href="https://www.womennews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=248514">pink birth map</a> visualising the number of women of reproductive age in each district. It sparked outrage. Women criticised it as reducing them to reproductive tools, proclaiming, “<a href="https://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4713565">my womb is not national property</a>” and “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FsEWD1bi3E">a woman is not a baby-making machine</a>”. For many 4B feminists, these policies represent a stark example of how the state prioritises population growth over women’s autonomy. In response, the movement frames its rejection of marriage and motherhood as an act of political resistance. As one <a href="https://www.womennews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=111598">protest slogan</a> declared: “End population policies! Stop blaming women”. <h2>Living on their own terms</h2> Despite its growing influence, the 4B Movement faces significant challenges. The radical principles have sparked backlash, with critics labelling participants as selfish or anti-social. Swearing off men as a form of protest against patriarchal structures and traditional marital norms is sometimes (mis)interpreted as implicitly favouring <a href="https://brunch.co.kr/brunchbook/radsview2">lesbianism</a>, given its stance against heterosexual relationships. The movement has also attracted negative political attention. <a href="https://www.khan.co.kr/national/national-general/article/202004140938001">Lee Seung-cheon</a>, a 58-year-old Democratic Party candidate, pledged to introduce “measures to reject the 4B Movement” as part of his policy campaign in 2020. Yet 4B feminists remain steadfast in their vision of a future where women can live on their own terms. Their rejection of traditional life paths is not a retreat into isolation but an attempt to create new ways of being free from patriarchal constraints. As one participant noted, rejecting marriage allows women to envision futures beyond societal deadlines like “<a href="https://brunch.co.kr/@404homealone/34">a woman’s age has an expiration date</a>”. <h2>An international movement</h2> The 4B Movement’s radical critique of patriarchy has resonated internationally. 4B Movement ideas are starting to strike a chord in the US. The movement’s core principles align with broader feminist critiques of patriarchy and capitalism, which have intensified in response to political developments such as Trump’s rhetoric and debates over reproductive rights. In the US, Trump’s presidency (and now his return) has been a flashpoint for feminist activism. Policies restricting access to abortion, coupled with an increase in conservative rhetoric around women’s rights, have galvanised movements that resist patriarchal structures. For American feminists, the 4B Movement offers a framework for resistance that goes beyond economic precarity. It provides a roadmap for rejecting political conflicts, focusing on reclaiming agency by prioritising autonomy over their own bodies and rights. 6B4T is inspired by the 4B Movement and has gained particular attention <a href="https://weibo.com/1263977197/KaFZGjoG4">in China</a>. This version incorporates additional principles, including rejecting consumerism and fostering mutual aid among unmarried women. The spread of 4B ideas across Asia and beyond highlights the universality of feminist struggles. As the movement continues to evolve, its impact extends beyond South Korea, sparking conversations about gender, autonomy and the future of feminism. Whether embraced or contested, the 4B Movement forces society to confront uncomfortable truths about the cost of sustaining patriarchy – and perhaps the possibilities of living without it. <hr /> Correction: 6B4T is inspired by the 4B movement and gained attention in China; it did not originate in China.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/243355/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ming-gao-1496188">Ming Gao</a>, Research Scholar, Gender and Women's History Research Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-woman-is-not-a-baby-making-machine-a-brief-history-of-south-koreas-4b-movement-and-why-its-making-waves-in-america-243355">original article</a>. </div>

Relationships

Meryl Streep advocates for women in powerful UN speech

Meryl Streep has delivered an emotional speech at the United Nations to advocate for the rights of Afghan women and girls. The Hollywood legend attended an event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in a bid to get world leaders to focus on the plight of women in Afghanistan and the future female generations. "The way that ... this society has been upended is a cautionary tale for the rest of the world," she began. Streep's speech was prompted by the three-year mark since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, when United States-led forces withdrew after 20 years of war. The UN has since tried to find a unified global approach to dealing with the Taliban, who have cracked down on women's rights., with women now barred from receiving an education of any kind, and women not allowed to leave their homes without a male guardian. "Today in Kabul a female cat has more freedoms than a woman. A cat may go sit on her front stoop and feel the sun on her face. She may chase a squirrel into the park. A squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan today, because the public parks have been closed to women and girls." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerylStreep?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerylStreep</a>: Today, in Kabul a female cat has more freedoms than a woman <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Taliban_times?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Taliban_times</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNGA79?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNGA79</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/amanpour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@amanpour</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> <a href="https://t.co/6grjX0IBzE">pic.twitter.com/6grjX0IBzE</a> — PassBlue (@pass_blue) <a href="https://twitter.com/pass_blue/status/1838385555265970437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote> "A bird may sing in Kabul, but a girl may not and a woman may not in public. This is extraordinary," Streep said. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the event, "Without educated women, without women in employment, including in leadership roles, and without recognising the rights and freedoms of one-half of its population, Afghanistan will never take its rightful place on the global stage." Streep's speech made waves online, with many praising her for using her celebrity platform to bring awareness to the issue. One person wrote on Instagram, "I love when global stars actually use their literal voices to bring awareness and attention to such important matters. None of us are free until all of us are free." Image credits: OLGA FEDOROVA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

Bill Shorten quits politics and reveals his next move in heartfelt speech

Bill Shorten has announced his shock departure from politics after an almost two-decade-long career in parliament. The former Labor leader will remain in cabinet until his retirement from politics in February next year, when he will start a new career as vice chancellor of the University of Canberra. In a media conference in the Prime Minister’s courtyard on Thursday, Shorten made the shocking announcement alongside Anthony Albanese, reflecting on his career. “Over 30 years ago, when I joined the Australian Workers Union, I was driven by the belief that everyone, regardless of circumstance, deserves an equal opportunity,” Mr Shorten said. “The opportunity to fulfil their potential. Fair wages, safe workplaces, decent conditions, that is what they are all about. It’s about recognising the merit and worth of every individual. As the same principle that brought me here in 2007.” "Every day in this job, and I'm sure every member of parliament agrees, is a privileged day." He also shared his motivation behind moving into the education sector, highlighting his love of education. “Education is the modern means of taking someone from disadvantage to advantage in a way that no other method can,” Mr Shorten told a media conference in the Prime Minister’s court yard. <div> <div id="sda-INARTICLE"></div> </div> “Universities have a critical role to play. The hopes and dreams of Australians are lifted when they are able to fulfil their own potential and the hopes and dreams of our nation are lifted as well.” Albanese also praised his colleague and his extraordinary career, saying, "Through his years as leader, no-one worked harder than Bill." "No-one brought more energy, enthusiasm, ideas and ambition to advocating the need for a Labor government." Image credits: ABC

News

"Best speech ever": Roger Federer's hilarious address to graduates

Roger Federer has gone viral for all the right reasons after giving a hilarious and inspirational speech to a group of graduates. The Swiss tennis legend addressed the 2024 graduating class at prestigious Ivy League university Dartmouth, where he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his charity and philanthropic pursuits since retiring from tennis in 2022. The 25-minute speech has been widely dubbed as "the best speech ever" online, as he quipped about the highlights of his illustrious career while sharing sage advice for the new grads. “Hello class of 2024, this is so exciting,” Federer began while wearing a college gown. “I’m so excited to join you today, really you have know idea how excited I am. Keep in mind this is literally only the second time I’ve ever set foot on a college campus. But for some reason you are giving me a doctorate degree." “I just came here to give a speech, but I get to go home as 'Dr Roger'. That’s a pretty nice bonus, 'Dr Roger' just has to be my most unexpected victory ever. Thank you.” After stating he will “try my best not to choke”, Federer went on to give a hilarious and heartwarming speech, complete with a number of life lessons. The 42-year-old shared that he left school at 16 and never went to college, but had recently “graduated tennis” with his retirement making international headlines. “I know the word is ‘retire’,” he said. “‘Roger Federer retired from tennis’. Retired. The word is awful." “You wouldn’t say you ‘retired’ from college, right? Sounds terrible. Like you, I’ve finished one big thing and I’m moving on to the next. Like you, I’m figuring out what that is." “Graduates, I feel your pain. I know what it’s like when people keep asking what your plan is for the rest of your life. They ask me ‘now that you are not a professional tennis player, what do you do?’ I don’t know and it’s OK not to know.” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8FaLe5NGlt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8FaLe5NGlt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Roger Federer (@rogerfederer)</a> </div> </blockquote> Among his advice, Federer insisted that “effortless is a myth”, referring to a word that was often used to describe his appearance on court, and urged the graduates to prioritise working hard. “The truth is, I had to work very hard to make it look easy,” he said. "I spent years whining, swearing, throwing my racquet, before I learned to keep my cool.” He also spoke about one match in particular, perhaps the most memorable from his career. “I tried not to lose. But I did lose,” he said. "Sometimes big. For me, one of the biggest was the finals at Wimbledon in 2008. Me versus Nadal. Some call it the greatest match of all time. OK, all respect to Rafa, but I think it would have been way, way better if I had won." “Losing at Wimbledon was a big deal because winning Wimbledon is everything.” Before wrapping up his speech, the sporting legend ended with some practical tennis advice after he asked Dartmouth president Sian Beilock to pass him a tennis racquet. “OK, so for your forehand, you’ll want to use an eastern grip,” he said. “Keep your knuckles apart a little bit. Obviously, you don’t want to squeeze the grip too hard. “Switching from forehand to backhand should be easy. Also, remember it all starts with the footwork and the take-back is as important as the follow-through." “No, this is not a metaphor. It’s just good technique.” Federer then ended his address with a wholesome message for the graduates, saying, “I will never forget this day and I know you won’t either.” “You have worked so hard to get here and left nothing on the court. From one graduate to another, I can’t wait to see what you all do next. Whatever game you choose, give it your best. Go for your shots. Play free. Try everything." “And most of all, be kind to one another and have fun out there.” <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pqWUuYTcG-o?si=i4Pi8XY2JRYkyhd1" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Image credits: Instagram - Dartmouth

Retirement Life

An emotional Scott Morrison delivers his last speech to parliament

In a poignant and somewhat unexpected farewell, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison bid adieu to federal parliament, leaving behind a legacy tinged with tears – and a surprising tribute to pop sensation Taylor Swift. As he marked his exit, Morrison delivered a heartfelt address, reflecting on his political journey, acknowledging his colleagues, and offering insights into his future endeavours. Flashing a Swiftie friendship bracelet emblazoned with the nickname "ScoMo" beneath the sleeve of his suit, Morrison's speech was a blend of personal anecdotes, political reflections and nods to popular culture. Surrounded by his family – his mother Marion, wife Jenny, and daughters Abby and Lily – Morrison addressed a gallery that, while not at full capacity, held a significant emotional weight for the departing leader. With a touch of humour, Morrison recounted his daughters' suggestion of incorporating references to Taylor Swift albums into his remarks, a challenge he gamely accepted. Seamlessly weaving Swift's song titles into his speech, Morrison painted a picture of his political journey, acknowledging the challenges he faced and the steadfast support of his loved ones, particularly his wife Jenny, whom he affectionately referred to as his "Lover": "It is true that my political opponents have often made me see Red. Often when subjected to the Tortured Poets who would rise to attack my Reputation. In response, I always thought it important to be Fearless and Speak Now. Or forever hold my silence and allow those attacks to become Folklore. Ever since leaving university in 1989 this has always been my approach. My great consolation has always been my Lover, Jen, who has always been there for me whenever I needed her from dawn, and beyond the many Midnights we have shared together. See? I'm actually a True Romantic after all. I can assure there is no Bad Blood, as I've always been someone who has been able to … Shake It Off." Reflecting on his tenure as Australia's 30th prime minister from 2018 to 2020, Morrison expressed gratitude to the Indigenous community and the defence personnel, emphasising their contributions to the nation's freedom and prosperity. He cautioned against what he termed a "drift of secularism" and advocated for a reconnection with traditional Christian values, underlining the importance of faith in his own life. Amid tears, Morrison thanked his staff, household personnel and security detail, acknowledging their dedication and sacrifice – particularly recalling two individuals injured while protecting him. “I want to specially mention Travis Ford and Jen McCrae," he said, "who were <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/dangerous-traffic-crash-rocks-scott-morrison" target="_blank" rel="noopener">terribly injured in the line of duty</a> protecting me … in a terrible car accident in Tasmania. I will always be grateful for your sacrifice.” Emotionally addressing his family, Morrison expressed profound gratitude to his wife and daughters, recognising the challenges they endured due to his public role. In a magnanimous gesture, Morrison extended well wishes to his political opponents and congratulated Prime Minister Albanese on his recent engagement. He also expressed appreciation for his party colleagues, including former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Peter Dutton, highlighting their support and camaraderie. Touching upon his role in the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal and Australia's stance against Chinese coercion, Morrison underscored the importance of standing firm in the face of geopolitical challenges. He warned against complacency and urged vigilance in safeguarding national interests against external threats. Closing on a deeply personal note, Morrison reaffirmed his faith in Jesus Christ, acknowledging his own imperfections and the power of forgiveness. Quoting scripture, he embraced his Christian beliefs unapologetically, emphasising the strength derived from his faith. The solemnity of the moment was then relieved somewhat when Morrison ended his speech with the words "And, as always, up, up, Cronulla!", as colleagues from across the political spectrum approached to bid him farewell. Morrison made a point of highlighting the main lessons he says he's learned during his political career, which we have summarised here: 1. Without a strong economy, you cannot achieve your goals as a nation He said there have been strong contributions made in this respect by both sides of politics, and Australia must be careful not to "reinstitutionalise our economy" and crush entrepreneurial spirit. 2. Threats are out there, and they are real Morrison talked about a new era of strategic competition, in which the old rules-based international order is being challenged by "a new arc of autocracy" ranging from Pyongyang to Beijing to Tehran and Moscow. He cited AUKUS, the Quad and new trading and defence relationships as key achievements of his government in this arena, but said that "continued vigilance and the connection between all spheres of police" is required going forward. 3. Judeo-Christian values shouldn't be forgotten in the 'increasing Western embrace of secularism' "Individual liberty, the rule of law, equality of opportunity, responsible citizenship, morality, liberty of speech, thought, religion and association. All of these stem from the core principle of respect for individual human dignity," Morrison said. "So does representative democracy. And even market-based capitalism. This is a unique Judeo-Christian principle." Image: ABC News

Retirement Life

"Losing his speech": Home Alone star's major health update

Home Alone star Ken Hudson Campbell's daughter has shared a health update for fans after the actor underwent surgery to remove a tumour in his mouth. Speaking to People Magazine, Michaela revealed that her father is "doing well" after his 10-hour surgery last week, but there are still a few challenges their family will have to face, as Campbell will need to have radiation treatment five times a week. "I think the hardest part of this is going to be him losing his speech and his ability to talk. So speech therapy is going to play a big role in it," she told the publication. "We're kind of playing it one step at a time, depending on how debilitated he is. "If he needs extra help, we might put him into a nursing home for a little while, but if not, we're going to take him back home and we still will be hiring post-op care help with that." This comes after Michaela and her family managed to raise $102,000 USD ($AU 152,000) for their father's treatment through crowd-funding, after the actor lost his SAG-AFTRA health insurance in January last year. Campbell, who played Santa Claus in Home Alone, "burst into tears" when he saw the messages and well wishes on the crowd-funding page. He was diagnosed with Squamous cell carcinoma - or oral cancer, on October 27. His family are hoping for a full recovery for the actor who they described as "a loving father of two children with an admirable lust for life, and a passion for acting, writing, & sports." Images: Instagram

Caring

Young woman jailed for 7 years for swapping price tags at supermarket

A Russian court has convicted an artist to seven years in jail for swapping supermarket price tags with antiwar messages. Sasha Skochilenko, 33, was arrested in St Petersburg and charged with spreading misinformation about the military when she replaced price tags with ones against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "The Russian army bombed an arts schools in Mariupol. Some 400 people were hiding in it from the shelling," one read. "Russian conscripts are being sent to Ukraine. Lives of our children are the price of this war," the other said. Her arrest is part of the latest crackdown on free speech, and she was arrested after a customer at the supermarket found the slogans and reported her to authorities. Skochilenko's arrest comes one month after authorities adopted a law that criminalises any public expression about the war that deviates from the official Kremlin line. The legislation is used to crackdown on opposition politicians, human rights activists and ordinary citizens that are critical of the Kremlin. The 33-year-old has not denied replacing the price tags but has rejected the accusation of knowingly spreading false information. She also claimed that she didn't want to criticise the military but wanted to stop the fighting. "She is a very empathetic, peace-loving person. To her, in general, the word 'war' is the most terrible thing imaginable, as is the suffering of people," her lawyer Yana Nepovinnova told The Associated Press last week. "She is a very empathetic, peace-loving person. To her, in general, the word 'war' is the most terrible thing imaginable, as is the suffering of people," Nepovinnova added. According to the Russian independent news site Mediazona, Skochilenko said that the case against her was "weird and ridiculous" in her final statement in court and that even the officials where she was detained at "open their eyes widely and exclaim: 'Is this really what people are being imprisoned for now?'" While addressing the judge in a courtroom full of supporters, Skochilenko also reportedly said that: "Everyone sees and knows that it's not a terrorist you're trying. You're not trying an extremist. You're not trying a political activist, either. You're trying a pacifist." Mediazona also reported that her supporters applauded her and chanted her name when she was led away after the verdict. Nearly 750 people have face criminal charges for their antiwar stances, and over 8100 had petty charges for discrediting the army, which is punishable by a fine or short time in jail. Images: BBC News

Legal

"32 years of safe landings": Pilot's surprise speech reduces passengers to tears

A pilot has brought his passengers to tears with an emotional speech on his final flight after 32 years in the skies. Jeff Fell, an American Airlines pilot, took off from Chicago on his retirement flight as he stood in front of his passengers and delivered a heartfelt message. At first, his message seemed routine, informing travellers of the weather and and flight time, before acknowledging it was strange for him to deliver the address from outside the cockpit. “I normally don’t stand up in front of everybody like this, I usually just stay in the cockpit and talk on the PA. If I get a little emotional please forgive me for that,” he said in the speech, which was captured on video by a passenger. With passengers still unaware of what was to come, he pointed out a group of “very important people” to him sitting at the back of the plane. “They’re the majority of my family who have come along with me on my retirement flight,” Mr Fell said. The plane was filled with applause as the pilot's voice wavered with emotion. “They’re on-board with me on my retirement flight after 32 years with American,” he said. He continued, fighting back tears, “Thank you all for coming along with me tonight and celebrating this very memorable time in my life. I love all of you." With another round of applause from his passengers, Mr Fell added:, “I didn’t want to get emotional but goodness gracious.” “Finally, for my wonderful wife Julie who has been at my side for the majority of my 32 years at American. She has been the rock, the solid rock in the foundation in our lives and our marriage. Her faith in the Lord, wisdom, strength and love has guided our marriage and family throughout these years. I love you and look forward to the next chapter in our lives. And welcome aboard everybody.” The video was uploaded to TikTok and has since gone viral, raking up millions of views, and you can watch the full video <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@realjharrison/video/7299484162648509738" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Thousands of social media users left comments of support, with many confessing the clip had brought them to tears. “As soon as he said retirement flight my tears came,” one person wrote, while another added, "32 years of safe landings also. God bless him and all pilots.” “To think of the amount of families, people, and cultures he has single-handedly connected throughout the world. Thank you!” penned a third person. “32 years of bringing people closer together. I’m crying!” agreed another. Image credits: TikTok

International Travel

Ray Martin's scathing Voice to Parliament speech

Ray Martin has ripped into No voters while discussing the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum, calling them "dinosaurs and d**kheads". The veteran TV presenter spoke to supporters of the Yes campaign at the Factory Theatre in Marrickville, in Sydney's inner west, and did not hold back on what he thought of those voting no on October 14th. He called out those who are voting No, suggesting they are too lazy to educate themselves by performing a simple Google search, and instead are being driven by division and fear. Martin said, “If you don’t know, find out what you don’t know.” <div id="story-primary" data-area="story-primary"> “What that excellent slogan is saying, is if you’re a dinosaur or a d**khead who can’t be bothered reading, then vote No.” He went on to argue that No voters kept begging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the details of the referendum, but the details “could not be simpler”. </div> “At this stage of the game, the details simply don’t matter. They never did matter, honestly. They’re irrelevant,” he said. “Over the next 10 to 20 years, no matter who is in government, the details will change, inevitably. As will the members of the Voice delegation from around Australia, according to the needs, the priorities and the policies that are meant to close that bloody gap. “You can’t write all that in the constitution in 2023.” He explained that as governments and priorities will change over the years, so will the roles and responsibilities of the Voice representatives. “It’s a big country with lots of different demands and needs. How do you give the details of all that in the Australian constitution? Of course you don’t.” Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Sonia Kruger’s cheeky shot during Logies victory speech

The 2023 Logie Awards ceremony was filled with memorable moments, both triumphant and awkward. Sam Pang took on the role of the host, becoming the first in 11 years to do so. He kicked off the proceedings with a pointed and humorous monologue, highlighting the win for diversity as the first-ever host representing both Channel 7 and Channel 10. “I would like to acknowledge a win for diversity tonight. I am the first host in the history of the Logies to be half and half - half Channel 7 and half Channel 10,” Pang began. “Let’s be honest, it’s just be great to have an Asian on Channel 7 who isn’t trying to smuggle live birds through border security,” he continued, telling viewers to strap in for the “two-day” ceremony. One of the night's obvious highlights was the announcement of the Gold Logie winner, Sonia Kruger. Overwhelmed with joy, Sonia expressed her gratitude and thanked everyone involved in her shows, including Big Brother, Dancing With the Stars, and The Voice. She also playfully teased last year's Gold Logie winner, Hamish Blake, for sharing the same agent and their agent's hopes for concentrating on her in the future. Kruger quoted a conversation with the agent who had allegedly told her “I think people are a little over Hamish [Blake].” She added that the man had told her “Frankly I am hoping that he will leave the agency, so I can concentrate all of my efforts on you, Sonia”. Karl Stefanovic, on the other hand, faced a challenging moment during his appearance. Trying to add some impromptu humour to introduce a tribute to Barry Humphries, his joke about David Koch's favourite show, Bump, fell flat with the audience. “I did want to just check something... I am pretty sure before I heard Kochie say he loves Bump’s.... season 3. Did anyone mishear that? Because I am pretty sure I did. Anyway, those are the headlines tomorrow morning...” Karl said. The cameras caught Kochie looking bewildered to say the least. Sam Pang then by saying “I don’t want to say Karl’s joke about Kochie sank, but OceanGate are offering expeditions to visit it.” Following the In Memoriam segment, Sam Pang dedicated another In Memoriam to TV shows that had low ratings in the past year. This included Seven's Blow-Up, lacking the entertainment, artistry, and family fun it aimed for, and Ten's The Real Love Boat, which seemingly did not receive favourable reviews. Throughout the night, Sam Pang entertained the audience with a series of witty remarks. He thanked those who declined the hosting gig, <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">including Hamish Blake: “I appreciate it, mate, some of us have a mortgage,” said Pang. “By the way, a mortgage is when the bank loans... Ah,don’t worry about it.” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He joked that Kenny star Shane Jacobson said yes to hosting, “before even knowing what the question was.” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Karl Stefanovic said yes, as long the show was held in a park in Noosa.” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Eventually, it came down to two candidates, but “Rolf Harris said no, so here we are.” Then he took aim at the stars of MAFS, seated in the audience - he welcomed them to their “last-ever Logies." <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“The Voice is nominated tonight," continued Pang, "despite Peter Dutton’s strong opposition to the nomination...” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“The Block shows Australians what it is like to own their own home, making it the greatest fantasy series since Game of Thrones.” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He said I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! is “a wonderful show where we find out which Australian celebrities haven’t been adding to their super. Hi Kerri-Anne!” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He noted that Hamish Blake is up for his second Gold Logie this year, while comedy partner Andy Lee... “is mates with Hamish.” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He paid tribute to recently retired Sunrise host David Koch, who “changed breakfast television forever. Warmth, humour, personality... you needed none of those.” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And then Today host Karl Stefanovic, sat with co-host Sarah Abo. Or as Pang put it: “Sitting next to your co-host - who do you have this year, Karl?” He said Karl’s table would only be more fun if “Michael Clarke was on it.” While Pang's monologue ended on a controversial note with a joke about being an Asian on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, the overall ceremony was filled with moments that kept the audience entertained. He also advised audience members “not to mix beer and wine, and make sure that you don’t mix your acceptance speech with an active court case.” Images: Channel Seven

Grant Denyer’s heartwarming message ahead of Logies

Former Sunrise presenter Grant Denyer has shared a heartwarming message, just days ahead of this year's Logies. Denyer took to Instagram on Thursday to reminisce about the moment he won a Logie Award in 2018, sharing a clip of his heartfelt acceptance speech. “This still hits me in the feels five years later,” he captioned the post. He then went on to explain the deep impact winning the award had on him. “For a kid who was carrying tripods and washing the news cars in a country TV station during his school holidays ... this was the greatest moment of my professional life and I’ll cherish the s*** out of it forever. “I mean, I grew up in awe of Daryl, Bert & Rove ... and in that moment, the same shy, hardworking, big dreaming kid ... joined them 🤯. “Humbled, emotional & choc-a-block full of gratitude 🙏🏻 My cup was not only filled that day but overflowing." He then wished this year's Logies contenders the best of luck and added: "may it be as magical as it was for little ol’ me on that hallowed night of nights." “I’ll never forget it. #tvweeklogies.” In the clip, an emotional Denyer cheered in excitement as he got the award and thanked his tearful wife Chezzi and everyone who had given him a second chance. Fellow celebrities and fans alike applauded the beloved presenter and reminisced the moment with him. “You’re the best GD!” TV personality Angie Kent wrote. “You truly are. And so is that magic woman @chezzidenyer.Big love to you both! This gave me all the gooseys,” she added. Denyer replied: “It gives a certain tingle, doesn’t it.” TV presenter Joel Creasey and Ten executive producer Chris Walker both commented with a hand clapping emoji. One fan wrote: “Well deserved and you stand out because you are humble.” “I’m not crying, you’re crying,” commented another. In another comment Denyer replied to a fan and revealed that he cried after winning the Logie. “Won’t lie, had a proper little cry to myself when I went backstage in the darkness,” he wrote. Another fan commented the impact that moment had on their lives: “I still watch this from time to time to remind myself that anything is possible with the right mindset.” “A truly inspirational moment in television from a truly inspirational, kind and amazing person.” Denyer replied: “Things can always get better, you can always get yourself out of a hole and sunshine is nice to stand in, so it’s worth fighting for.” Another fan noted that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house the night Denyer won. Images: Instagram/ 9Now

“What a legend”: Groom exposes new wife’s affair during wedding speech

A groom has exposed his new wife after finding out she had been having an affair with his best man during a speech at their wedding. The scorned groom handed out intimate photos and explicit videos of his wife and the best man together before announcing he would be “leaving now”, dropping the microphone and then walking off with his family, who had been pre-warned. On The Unfiltered Bride podcast, wedding planners Georgina and Beth spoke about the shocking story. Georgina said although his family knew, he wanted to go ahead with the wedding so that the bride would have to pay for all the food. They posted a snippet of their podcast on TikTok, which quickly went viral. Georgina said on the podcast, “I've got another story to tell you. I can't tell you who told me because I'm not really allowed to tell the story, but f**k it I'm going to tell the story anyway. So there was a wedding and they did the wedding, bride and groom got married, lovely ceremony, drinks reception, sat down for wedding breakfast, had their food, speeches after food.” “Father of the bride does his thing, groom stands up and says, ‘Just before I properly get started, there's some envelopes coming round now. If you could all open them up. Yeah those are pictures of the bride f*****g the best man so I'll be leaving now.’ Dropped the microphone and him and all his family knew about it and left because they wanted the bride to have to pay for the food.” Beth then asked, ”So the bride paid for everything?” To which Georgina replied, “The bride's family paid for everything.” The video sparked numerous reactions. “My mouth actually dropped. OMG!!!” one person said. “I don’t blame him at all!! I’d do the same 😂😂” another added. “But WHY did he still marry her?” a third asked. “I admire the patience of the groom and family to get through the whole thing without slipping up once. 😅” another added. Image credit: Shutterstock

Relationships

Tom Cruise’s unconventional acceptance speech

Tom Cruise has given one of the most unique acceptance speeches at the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards. The 60-year-old, who famously performs his own stunts and is a licensed pilot himself, delivered a pre-recorded speech on May 7 while flying a World War II propeller plane. Cruise won best performance in a movie for Top Gun: Maverick. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Things we'll never forget: <a href="https://twitter.com/TomCruise?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomCruise</a>'s performance in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TopGun?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TopGun</a>: Maverick 🎥 Congrats to Tom Cruise on winning Best Performance in a Movie at the 2023 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTVAwards?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTVAwards</a>! <a href="https://t.co/dZr3Wglpdq">pic.twitter.com/dZr3Wglpdq</a> — Movie & TV Awards (@MTVAwards) <a href="https://twitter.com/MTVAwards/status/1655367059994456065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2023</a></blockquote> “Hi everyone, thank you so much for this award,” he said from the cockpit. “I make these films for you. I love you. I love entertaining you. To know how much you enjoy it, how much you appreciate it, there’s just no better feeling.” In his acceptance speech, Cruise appears to be piloting the P-51 Mustang plane that he owns, which was featured in Top Gun: Maverick. “You have a wonderful summer," Cruise said in his speech. "Thank you again for letting me entertain you. It’s an absolute privilege. We’ll see you at the movies.” Cruise also recorded a similar message from the same plane that was played for King Charles II during the coronation concert on May 8. “Pilot to pilot," Cruise said. "Your Majesty, you can be my wingman any time.” Image credit: Twitter

Movies

“He just makes you proud”: AFL star's stunning Anzac Day speech

Darcy Moore, captain of Collingwood Football Club, has been praised across the board for the words he delivered in the wake of his team’s Anzac Day win against Essendon. The Magpies had a lot to celebrate after their comeback win in front of a record-breaking 95,179 person crowd, but it was Moore’s post-game speech that is fixed in the mind of supporters, and anyone else who had had the honour of hearing what he had to say. Moore was accepting the Anzac Day trophy before he gave his speech, and opened with a round of thanks for the thousands of fans - Collingwood and Essendon alike - who had made the trip to be with them on such a momentous day. “First of all, I want to give a massive thank you to the 95,000 fans who are here, [a] record-breaking crowd,” he said. “No matter whether you wear the black and white stripes or the red sash, this game is about so much more than four points. So you turning up today and showing your support means a lot and we’re incredibly proud to play our part in this game. “To Essendon, both Andrew [McGrath] and the team - as well as the broader club - thank you so much for making this event what it is. “It means a lot to us that we can come together with your football club and commemorate the sacrifice of not just the Anzacs, but all servicemen and women who served Australia all around the world. So thank you to the Essendon Football Club. “I want to thank and mention all men and women who are serving our country’s interests, both at home and abroad, in war and in peacekeeping operations. It means a lot to me and the team and the whole club that we can commemorate your service and your sacrifice today by doing what we do. So thank you for your service. “To the veterans - there are over 600,000 veterans in this country who have returned from service - we also extend our thanks to you for your sacrifice and we hope that again, doing what we do today, somehow honours your legacy and what you’ve done for our country. Thank you to those 600,000 veterans as well. “And then finally, to the families of those serving and those veterans. Too often, your stories go untold and on behalf of the Collingwood footy club, we just want to acknowledge the pain of war that runs through so many families across this country. “It’s a real honour for us to run out here and play our game in honour of you and your service. So to the families of those who have served, thank you so much for your service.” The Fox Footy panellists covering the game were some of the first to declare their appreciation for Moore’s sentiments, and were in agreement that the Collingwood captain had displayed some exemplary character - on and off the pitch. “In addition to being one of the best defenders in the game, he is a very thoughtful and eloquent young man. That speech was, frankly, incredible the way he spoke and thought about so many people. It was something we’ll remember for a long time,” Sarah Jones, Fox Footy host, said. “One of the best speeches I’ve ever heard on this day,” declared triple Coleman medallist Jason Dunstall. “He made it all about the occasion and the sacrifice that has been made for us, well before us,” he went on to tell Fox Footy. “I thought that was brilliant. “The words that he chose summed it up perfectly.” And in the words of former AFL player David King, “he just makes you proud of our code when you hear a young man speak like that. Full credit, Darcy Moore.” Images: Getty

Lisa Wilkinson launches dispute into Logies speech advice

TV presenter Lisa Wilkinson has lodged a new submission to an inquiry into how the rape trial against Bruce Lehrmann was handled, with a focus on the circumstances surrounding her controversial Logies speech. The probe was announced in 2022 by the ACT government and was to be fronted by Walter Sofronoff KC. At the time of the announcement, it was also stressed that the probe would was about not recontesting Brittany Higgins’ rape allegation, but instead about the conduct of the criminal justice agencies. And in April 2023, news.com.au confirmed that Lisa Wilkinson had made a submission, which had not yet been made public, that outlined her experience with Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold prior to her speech at the Logie Awards - the same speech that ultimately saw the trial be delayed. As the publication noted, Channel 10 and their lawyers have disputed allegations that the DPP “expressly warned” Wilkinson against her address at the awards ceremony. This was reportedly seen in a letter leaked after the trial - one sent to the ACT Supreme Court - that saw Channel 10’s Executive Vice President Beverly McGarvey declare “neither Ms Wilkinson nor the Network Ten Senior Legal Counsel present at the conference with the DPP on June 15 2022 understood that they had been cautioned that Ms Wilkinson giving an acceptance speech at the Logie Awards could result in an application being made to the court to vacate the trial date. “Had they understood that a specific warning had been given, Ms Wilkinson would not have given that speech.” Wilkinson had been accepting an award for ‘Outstanding News Coverage or Public Affairs Report’ for her coverage of Brittany Higgins’ sexual assault allegations, and in the wake of the former The Project host’s words, the trial was delayed from June until October. Lucy McCallum, ACT Chief Justice, moved the dates “with gritted teeth” after Lehrmann’s defence team made a request following the speech and the intense media coverage that followed. “Unfortunately, however, the recent publicity [of the speech] does, in my view, change the landscape,’’ McCallum said. “Because of its immediacy, its intensity and its capacity to obliterate the important distinction between an allegation that remains untested at law. “For those reasons, regrettably and with gritted teeth, I have concluded that the trial date of 27 June towards which the parties have been carefully steering must be vacated.” Wilkinson had reportedly sought advice from DPP Shane Drumgold in 2021 to go over the evidence that she would present at trial, with a note from the meeting stating that Wilkinson had been given an opportunity to ask any questions she might have had. It was then that Wilkinson brought up her Logie nomination, though she reportedly noted that she didn’t believe she was in with a real chance of winning, as the show was being held by a ‘rival’ television network. As news.com.au reported, the DPP stopped Wilkinson from presenting her speech then and there, as he could neither approve nor offer her any advice regarding it, telling Wilkinson that “we are not speech editors.” “Notwithstanding that clear and appropriate warning, upon receiving the award, Ms Wilkinson gave a speech in which she openly referred to and praised the complainant in the present trial,” Justice McCallum said of the situation. “Unsurprisingly, the award, and the content of the speech have been the subject of further commentary.” Images: Getty

Legal

Jacinda Ardern delivers emotional farewell speech

Jacinda Ardern stepped down from her position as New Zealand’s prime minister and delivered her final speech in parliament on Wednesday. In her final address to the country, Ardern reflected on the “privilege and responsibility” that comes with being prime minister, and shared both her political achievements and battles she faced during her career. “It was a cross between a sense of duty to steer a moving freight train... and being hit by one,” she described her first entry into politics. “And that's probably because my internal reluctance to lead was matched only by a huge sense of responsibility,” she added. She then shared the reasons why she got into politics in the first place, before reflecting on the events that have defined her legacy. “The reasons I came here … they’re all there in my maiden speech – climate change, child poverty, inequality. I am, after all, a conviction-based politician,” she said. In her speech, she also asked the parliament to “please take the politics out of climate change,” and mentioned that it is a “crisis” that is upon us. Ardern proceeded to reflect on her time as prime minister, where she faced many challenges including navigating natural disasters, the pandemic, and the Christchurch massacre, which had left her “bereft”. She added that during these series of events she found herself “in people’s lives during their most grief-stricken or traumatic moments.” Ardern’s voice was thick with emotion as she recalled meeting the survivors of the mosque terror attacks. “Having sadly seen our nation in horrific moments of grief, I've concluded that countries don't move on from tragedy, rather they become part of your psyche,” she said. Ardern ended her speech with the hope that leaders shouldn’t be afraid to be kind and sensitive, as they can also be hallmarks of good leadership. “I cannot determine what will define my time in this place, but I do hope I've demonstrated something else entirely - that you can be anxious, sensitive, kind and wear your heart on your sleeve,” she said. Ardern left to thunderous applause and a standing ovation, as members of the parliament sang traditional Māori songs. Image: Getty

Retirement Life

Kerri-Anne Kennerley's shocking assault allegation

Kerri-Anne Kennerley has opened up about a shocking incident of sexual assault involving a former network boss. The former TV presenter shared the story with her campmates on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me out of Here, as she revealed that the unnamed male had “unzipped” her dress during a staff gathering. “It was a Christmas party for our show, and as I was standing there, the back of my dress, the zip, was being unzipped,” she said in a piece to camera. “So as I swung around to basically say stop it and deck said person, I realised it was the station owner. And I did say, ‘Zip it up or I will deck you.’” The 66-year-old did not specify when the incident occurred, and did not name the person involved. Earlier in the episode, Kennerley had been sharing her thoughts on the rife misogyny within the media industry, as she told former host of The Project Peter Helliar she thought it was a "boys club". “Chauvinism, harassment, hideous behaviour,” she said, describing some of the men she’d encountered throughout her career. “Executives and producers hitting on the younger girls in there. You know, somebody hits on you and you just draw the line in the sand and everybody gets back to work, that was just the way it was.” Kennerley added that, in her experience in media, female employees had often been left to pick up the slack for male co-workers. “The women were all researchers, producers and the guys would sort of tick off yes, yes and then go to lunch for four hours,” she said. “And the show would all get together because most of the women did all of the work. At the end of the day, you just want to make good TV. “It has always been just about get a job, hang on to it as long as you can, do as well as you can, and when it is over, you get another one. You just keep doing it, keep turning up.” Kerri-Anne's extensive media career began in 1981 as she became the host of Good Morning Australia, and she stayed on the air until Kerri-Anne's final episode aired in 2011. She then became a regular co-host on Ten’s Studio 10 for two years, but left the show in 2020. Image credits: I'm a Celebrity... Get Me out of Here

Groom accused of ‘copying’ wedding speech from popular Pinterest post

Footage from an influencer couple’s wedding has gone viral for the wrong reasons. Jadé Tuncdoruk, 27, and Lachie Brycki, 29 tied the knot at Krinklewood Vineyard in the Hunter Valley last October. Tuncdoruk posted a TikTok of unseen footage from her husband’s wedding speech, which now has over 10 million views and a lot of comments accusing Brycki of ‘copying’ part of his speech. "Still can't believe I get to call this man my husband," Tuncdoruk captioned the TikTok. The clip showed Brycki telling his wife: "When I say I love you more, I don't mean I love you more than you love me. I mean I love you more than the bad days ahead of us. I love you more than any fight we will ever have." “I love you more than the distance between us; I love you more than any obstacle that could try and come between us,” Brycki added through tears. <div><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7209976950939503873&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40jadetunchy%2Fvideo%2F7209976950939503873&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2FoEYIEikiDeAq7DBgQRVnQqX2vmeStHkdiBFbB9%3Fx-expires%3D1679025600%26x-signature%3Dvbyp8NNEtpQaqo3t0%252FBlReUIVjM%253D&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> Some of Tuncdoruk’s followers were quick to point out that Brycki had used parts of a popular poem written by Erin Nicole, which has been posted all over Pinterest. "Why do I feel like I've heard this before?" commented one user. “I know people are saying let it go, but as a wedding vow, it needs to be personal. Copying the entire speech from a poem would make me feel loved less,” commented another user. "Pretty sure I heard that ‘I love you more bit’ on Pinterest. Thought that counts though," wrote a third. However, many others have shared their support for the couple and defended Brycki’s actions, acknowledging how hard it is to write a wedding speech. “Maybe writing original words wasn't his forte but he found words that expressed what he felt? And it's clearly genuine, look at him tearing up,” commented one user. “I think just because they aren't his words doesn't take away from the meaning of what he said. He clearly resonated with the poem and meant every word he said - his words or not,” wrote another. “He explained his love in words so so well. Just beautiful,” wrote a third. Images: TikTok

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5 tips to take the best care of your voice for everyone who sings, from a speech pathologist

The care of your singing voice is crucial to maintain a healthy and long-life voice. Professional singers often have teams of people keeping their voices healthy, and they have received lots of training in how to take care of their voice. But everyone who sings – from young students to passionate amateurs – should be taking care of their voice. If you are a singer, here are five crucial tips to prevent vocal problems. <h2>1. Keep hydrated</h2> Hydration is the most important fact to be considered when singing. When we are dehydrated, the biomechanical properties of our vocal folds are impacted, decreasing our vocal range and increasing the stress on these folds. Singers who do not hydrate well are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2925668/">at risk</a> of developing voice disorders such as nodules and polyps. An easy way to stay hydrated is to keep up your water consumption. Singers can complement this by using nebulisers and humidifiers. Humidifiers balance out dry air caused by heating or air conditioning. Nebulisers assist with hydration directly. By breathing in a saline water solution or purified water, we can see an immediate influence on our vocal folds. You don’t need fancy equipment. You can also breathe in steam from boiled water. Make sure to be careful with the temperature, as steam can burn our airway when it is too hot. Pour boiled water into a bowl, wait 5-7 minutes, place a towel over your head and then breathe in as many times as you like. <h2>2. Warm-up and cool-down your voice</h2> Vocal warm-up and cool-down exercises are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0892199717300176">crucial</a>: these will have a positive benefit on your voice in the moment and prevent future injuries. An easy warm-up you can try only requires a straw. With a straw between your lips into the air or a cup of water, make a “u” sound. Working for five minutes, change the pitch and frequency of making this sound. The added resistance of singing through a straw will give your vocal folds a good work out. You can also add resistance by speaking or singing into a CPR mask. Other exercises don’t require these materials. You can try lips or tongue trills, humming and blowing raspberries. While there are many internet tutorials on how to do these exercises, I suggest you practise under professional supervision to avoid damaging your voice by going beyond your vocal limits. <h2>3. Watch your lifestyle factors</h2> Lifestyle is fundamental when taking care of our voices. In order to avoid injuries or develop any voice disorders, we should monitor external factors such as maintaining <a href="https://wp.stolaf.edu/musician-health/nutrition-eating-and-singing/">a balanced diet</a>, having <a href="https://wp.stolaf.edu/musician-health/resting-your-voice/">periods of rest</a> and reducing the consumption of <a href="https://tobaccofreelife.org/resources/smoking-singing/">cigarettes</a>, <a href="https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/advice/alcohol-and-singers/">alcohol</a>, <a href="https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/advice/how-much-can-recreational-drugs-affect-singing/">drugs</a>, <a href="https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/advice/is-coffee-good-or-bad-for-singers/">caffeine</a> and <a href="https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/advice/are-fizzy-drinks-good-or-bad-for-singers/">soft drinks</a>. By changing these habits, you can preserve good vocal health and keep your body running properly. You can also guard against developing reflux. Reflux occurs when acids from your stomach travel back up your throat. Symptoms include a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid, upper abdominal or chest pain, trouble swallowing (dysphagia) or a sensation of a lump in your throat. This stomach acid can <a href="http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/docs/per/diet-tips-for-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd/handout_view_patient/@@getDocument">dry and irritate</a> your vocal folds. If you do experience any of these symptoms, keep up your water intake, try to avoid lying down for at least two to three hours after a meal and keep your head elevated using an extra pillow or two while you sleep. If these symptoms persist, visit your doctor for further examination. <h2>4. Listen to your body</h2> Sometimes our body sends signals when struggling. We should pay close attention to what our bodies are telling us. Negative warning signs can include a reduced tonal range, constant throat clearing, vocal fatigue, pain during or after singing or talking, mild or moderate abdominal tension, unstable voice, pitch breaks, difficulty singing or speaking softly. Speaking or singing should not present with any negative symptoms or conditions. It’s important to note home remedies like tea with honey, lemon and ginger, and gargles with salty water – or even alcohol – <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-actually-fix-a-lost-voice-according-to-science-hint-lemon-and-honey-doesnt-work-158230">do not</a> fix your voice. These will go directly to the oesophagus and will not have any effect on your vocal folds. If you are experiencing symptoms like these, pay more attention to things like your warm up, your cool down, periods of rest and your levels of hydration. If they persist, visit a doctor or a speech pathologist. <h2>5. See a professional</h2> Don’t try and push through any pain or difficulties you are facing. When facing any vocal difficulty, you should visit an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) or a speech pathologist. An ENT can check your larynx and other structures to make sure you do not have any organic or functional disorders impacting your voice. If you would like to practise new techniques – like belting or voice distortions – consult with voice specialists like speech pathologists, vocal coaches or music teachers who are experts on these areas. Last but not least, check your voice with professionals once a year. This will help with the prevention of future injuries and help you maintain a healthy voice. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/5-tips-to-take-the-best-care-of-your-voice-for-everyone-who-sings-from-a-speech-pathologist-193222" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Music

Harry Styles' Grammy award acceptance speech causes backlash

Harry Styles has come under fire for an off-handed comment he made during his Grammy Awards acceptance speech. The former One Direction member won the biggest award of the night, taking home the trophy for Album of the Year for his 2022 masterpiece Harry’s House. The 29-year-old took to the stage with his musical collaborators to accept the award, giving a speech of thanks to those who have inspired him along his musical journey. However, a fleeting comment he made has caused outrage, telling the audience, “This doesn’t happen to people like me very often.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Harry Styles accepts the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Grammy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Grammy</a> for Album of the Year. <a href="https://t.co/yom28xGdvk">https://t.co/yom28xGdvk</a> <a href="https://t.co/0037FGJ52C">pic.twitter.com/0037FGJ52C</a> — Variety (@Variety) <a href="https://twitter.com/Variety/status/1622456380522385408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote> The statement raised eyebrows, with many encouraging Harry to check his privilege. Much of the criticism came from people who believed Beyoncé should’ve won the award, saying Harry’s comment was coming from a place of white privilege. Only three black women have won Album of the Year in the Grammys’ 65-year history, and it’s been 24 years since a black woman took home the prized award, when Lauryn Hill won for The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1999. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Harry styles said “this doesn’t happen to people like me very often” and I gotta be honest I can’t think of a type of people this happens for more — hey man nice tweet (@jazz_inmypants) <a href="https://twitter.com/jazz_inmypants/status/1622458638878101505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> “this doesn’t happen to people like me very often” IT LITERALLY ONLY HAPPENS TO PEOPLE LIKE YOU???? — َ (@ungodlywests) <a href="https://twitter.com/ungodlywests/status/1622455999511552005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> “this doesn’t happen to people like me often” who, white british men? 😭 — no (@zedonarrival) <a href="https://twitter.com/zedonarrival/status/1622456047775408129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote> Despite the backlash, Harry’s House was the second <a href="https://toofab.com/2022/12/31/top-5-most-streamed-albums-of-2022/#:~:text=Bad%20Bunny%20sat%20at%20the,third%20year%20in%20a%20row.">most streamed</a> album of 2022, while Beyoncé’s Renaissance album didn’t even crack the top five. While other fans continued their tirade about his speech, die-hard Harry Styles fans rushed to his defence, with one person writing on Twitter, “Harry Styles gave THIS humble speech and people are hating on him because their fave didn’t win?? He deserved this Grammy more than anything so respectfully, get over yourselves.” Another fan said, “It's not cool to hate on Harry Styles just because he won the Grammy you wanted someone else to win, so ZZZZZZ for that honestly. He had one of the biggest albums and singles of the year, the math IS ACTUALLY MATHING.” One person, who is seemingly well-versed in the world of online fan culture, summed up the discourse perfectly, saying, “Harry could give the nicest speech in the world, & be a genuine a** person and you got twitter warriors picking apart everything he says to make it negative. Y’all are actually miserable.” Image credits: Getty Images

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5 tips to take the best care of your voice for everyone who sings, from a speech pathologist

Harry Styles' Grammy award acceptance speech causes backlash

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