Blog - Page 128 of 282 - Bean watcher

Jul

2025

'It makes me feel strong': Burlesque is back - but is it empowering or degrading to women?

‘It makes me feel strong’: The Burlesque Revival – Empowerment or Degradation for Women?

Burlesque, once a fringe form of entertainment associated with vaudeville stages and smoky clubs, is experiencing a cultural revival. Across cities in the U.S. and abroad, a new generation of performers are embracing the genre’s blend of dance, theatricality, and sensuality. For some, it represents a celebration of body confidence, artistic freedom, and female empowerment. For others, it raises deeper questions about objectification, societal expectations, and whether true liberation can coexist with the performance of sexuality.This tension is not new. From its 19th-century origins, burlesque has walked a fine line between subversion and spectacle. While it often included satire, parody,…

Jul

2025

By Lily Chang

US and Indonesia agree on tariff terms

Economy

The United States and Indonesia have concluded a significant trade agreement that addresses longstanding concerns over tariffs, signaling a new chapter in their bilateral economic relationship. This deal, reached after months of negotiations, is seen as a strategic move to reinforce trade cooperation while resolving specific frictions that had affected the flow of goods between the two countries.At the core of the agreement is a mutual understanding to eliminate or reduce certain tariffs that had become points of contention in recent years. For the United States, the concern centered around restricted market access and high import duties that limited the…

Jul

2025

By Lily Chang

World’s biggest Mars rock sells for .3 million at auction

World’s largest Mars rock auctioned for $4.3 million

Science and Technology

In a remarkable sale that captured the attention of collectors and space enthusiasts alike, the world’s largest known Mars meteorite was recently auctioned for an impressive $4.3 million. This extraordinary specimen, notable for both its size and scientific significance, offers a tangible connection to the Red Planet and highlights the growing market for rare extraterrestrial materials.Martian meteorites are extremely unusual and precious as they offer direct understanding of the geology and past of our nearby planet without requiring space expeditions. These rocks are pieces ejected from Mars by collisions with asteroids and ultimately reach Earth, journeying immense distances across space…

Jul

2025

By Lily Chang

Russia launches ‘massive’ drone bombardment on Zelensky’s hometown, Ukrainian officials say

Russia conducts ‘massive’ drone offensive targeting Zelensky’s hometown, Ukrainian officials state

International

In a recent increase in confrontations, Ukrainian authorities have stated that the southern city of Kryvyi Rih, known as the birthplace of President Volodymyr Zelensky, faced a massive drone attack by Russian forces. This nocturnal offensive, characterized by local officials as one of the most severe in recent times, emphasizes the continuing risk to urban areas distant from active battle lines and highlights the changing strategies of aerial combat in the dispute.According to the regional military administration, dozens of Iranian-made Shahed drones were launched in a coordinated offensive targeting infrastructure and civilian areas across the city. Air defense units were…