All posts tagged: statement

Jay-Z issues major statement amid court case victory

Jay-Z issues major statement amid court case victory

Published by skeptic

The civil lawsuit filed against Jay-Z in December has been dismissed after the rapper had been embroiled in allegations of assault alongside disgraced star Sean “Diddy” Combs. The lawsuit, which alleged that Jay-Z and Diddy assaulted a 13-year-old girl at an after party following the 2000 MTV VMA’s, has now been thrown out in a victory for the father of three.  The judge granted their dismissal request on a technicality, with Jay-Z’s lawyers stating that he could not be prosecuted under the Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act because it came into effect after the alleged attack.  Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Beyonce shares rare family video with Jay-Z He released a statement on Friday following the news, calling the allegations “laughable” and sharing how the ordeal impacted his family.  “Today is a victory. The frivolous, fictitious and appalling allegations have been dismissed. This civil suit was without merit and never going anywhere,” he said via X. “The fictional tale they created was laughable, if not for the seriousness of the claims. I would not wish this experience on anyone.” He added: “The trauma that my wife, my children, loved ones and I have …

Humanist, Secular Groups Sign Joint Statement Reaffirming Commitment to Protecting LGBTQ+ Rights

Humanist, Secular Groups Sign Joint Statement Reaffirming Commitment to Protecting LGBTQ+ Rights

Published by skeptic

For decades, the American Humanist Association has fought for and centered equality, dignity, and human rights for everybody—regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression—into our work. We recently signed a joint statement (below) alongside other humanist, atheist, freethought, and secular organizations to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly trans people. We support LGBTQ+ rights because it is a moral imperative rooted in the values of compassion, reason, and justice—a few of the humanist values we try to elevate and live by every single day. The AHA’s endorsement of this statement reflects our belief that everyone deserves the freedom to live authentically and without fear. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and the fight for inclusion is a fight for a society where equality prevails—especially against an incoming political backdrop bolstered by Christian Nationalism that has historically shown its desire to silence LGBTQ+ voices, particularly trans voices. In an era of increasing polarization, our participation in the statement below serves as a powerful reminder of the …

Vintage Digicams Aren’t Just a Fad. They’re an Artistic Statement

Vintage Digicams Aren’t Just a Fad. They’re an Artistic Statement

Published by skeptic

Lee’s beloved Kyoceras are one such victim of the ravages of time. “I’ve had 15 copies pass through my hands. Around 11 of them were dead on arrival, and three died within a year. That means I have one left right now. It’s basically a special occasions-only camera, because I just never know when it’s going to die.” These photographers have learned that it’s sometimes better to move on from a potential ticking time bomb, especially if the device is still in demand. O’Keefe points to the Epson R-D1 as an example. This digital rangefinder from printer-maker Epson, with gauges on the top made by Epson’s watchmaking arm Seiko, was originally sold as a Leica alternative, but now it fetches Leica-like premium prices. “I actually sold mine a year and a half ago,” she says. “I loved it, it was beautiful. But there’s a point for me, where I can see that this thing is certainly going to die, probably in the next five years. So I did sell that one, but it is such …

Statement on scope of the Assisted Dying Bill

Statement on scope of the Assisted Dying Bill

Published by skeptic

Some of the most courageous and determined campaigners we have ever met and worked with at Humanists UK have been incurably suffering people and their families, with conditions from multiple sclerosis, to Huntington’s, to locked-in syndrome, who are not terminally ill but are nonetheless fighting for the right to assistance to die with dignity at a time of their choosing. It is our longstanding policy of many decades that they should have that right and we’ve been proud to work with so many of them for many years, including in the last few weeks as they have attempted to secure a Bill that would offer them the dignity they deserve. However, last week the Assisted Dying Bill currently before the Commons had its first reading. Its title was announced as the ‘Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill’. That means the Bill is now set in stone as one in which eligibility for assisted dying will be restricted to the terminally ill. No further debate on the merits of such an approach can change that. …

Liam Payne death latest: Details, hotel room pictures and One Direction statement from Harry, Niall, Zayn and Louis

Liam Payne death latest: Details, hotel room pictures and One Direction statement from Harry, Niall, Zayn and Louis

Published by skeptic

One Direction singer Liam Payne dies aged 31 Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free Liam Payne’s former One Direction bandmates have said they are “devastated” over the singer’s sudden death, aged 31, after he fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Payne, who shot to fame after joining the pop group on reality TV contest The X Factor in 2010 along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, was described as a “kind, funny and brave soul” in a tribute from his surviving bandmates. Ed Sheeran, who collaborated with Payne on a number of occasions, also shared a brief tribute on Instagram as he admitted he was “at a loss for words” and asked his followers to “be kind”. Payne’s cause of death was revealed in a preliminary autopsy on Thursday 17 October. Photos taken by officials of his hotel room showed …

Evangelicals rally behind statement that hopes to combat polarization with revival

Evangelicals rally behind statement that hopes to combat polarization with revival

Published by skeptic

(RNS) — A group of evangelical Christians hoping to reclaim their tradition from the culture wars put out a call Monday (Sept. 9) for a broader understanding of evangelicalism urging a rejection of “political idolatry and its messengers” as well as the “false idols of power, wealth, and strength rather than the true God.” The effort, titled “Our Confession of Evangelical Conviction,” is laid out in a new religious statement unveiled last week, signed by an array of evangelical pastors and leaders. ”We reject the false teaching that anyone other than Jesus Christ has been anointed by God as our Savior, or that a Christian’s loyalty should belong to any political party,” the confession reads in part. The signers include Dan Boone, president of Trevecca Nazarene University and board chair of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities; Raymond Chang, a pastor and head of the Asian American Christian Collaborative; and Richard Mouw, a theologian and a former president of Fuller Theological Seminary. Former President Donald Trump isn’t mentioned in the statement, and supporters of the confession, …

82 Sentences, Each Taken from the ‘Last Statement’ of a Person Executed by the State of Texas Since 1984 | Joe Kloc

82 Sentences, Each Taken from the ‘Last Statement’ of a Person Executed by the State of Texas Since 1984 | Joe Kloc

Published by skeptic

Um, I don’t know what to say. I am not as strong as I thought I was going to be, but I guess it only hurts for a little while. I sat in my cell many days wondering what my last words would be. I’m not going to shout, use profanity, or make idle threats. I am not going to play a part in my own murder, no one should have to do that. Can you hear me? This here is a tragedy. They are fixing to pump my veins with a lethal drug the American Veterinary Association won’t even allow to be used on dogs. I should not have to be here. I’m not a killer. I know how it look but I didn’t do it. I didn’t kill my wife. I did not kill those drug dealers. I did not murder your loved one. I am sure he died unjustly, just like I am. I have done everything to prove my innocence. If I am paying my debt to society, I am due …

NSS signs statement opposing religious ‘courts’

NSS signs statement opposing religious ‘courts’

Published by skeptic

The National Secular Society has joined dozens of organisations and individuals in signing a joint statement raising concerns about the rise of religious ‘tribunals’. The statement, which was co-ordinated by secularist and feminist campaign group Southall Black Sisters, calls for “one law for all”, has attracted over 50 signatures. The statement was prompted by the opening of the world’s first “Sikh court” in London last month. Representatives of the Sikh Court describe it as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism operating within the provisions of the Arbitration Act 1996. They say it will deal with family matters, including divorce. The Sikh Court echoes tribunals set up by other religious communities, including Islamic ‘sharia councils’ and Jewish beth dins. The joint statement warns that “parallel justice systems” are “a danger to women” and renounces the need for The Sikh Court and any other religious tribunals. Both sharia councils and beth dins have attracted widespread criticism for their treatment of women and their potential to undermine secular law. Religious tribunals ‘violate human rights’ The joint statement says …

Writing a Powerful Thesis Statement For Academic Success

Writing a Powerful Thesis Statement For Academic Success

Published by skeptic

Let’s be real: writing a solid thesis statement can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re staring down the blank page of a new paper. Whether you’re tackling a research project, analytical essay, or any other academic writing assignment, your thesis is the foundation on which your entire argument rests. Get it right, and you’ll have a clear roadmap to follow. Get it wrong, and you might find yourself lost in the weeds, struggling to develop a cohesive, compelling case. But never fear! This guide is here to help you conquer the writing of your thesis statement once and for all. We’ll cover tips, tricks, and examples that will have you writing tight, focused thesis statements like a pro. So grab a pen (or laptop), get comfortable, and let’s dive in! Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to write a killer thesis statement, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what it actually is and why it matters. At its core, your thesis statement is a one-sentence summary of …

Kelly Clarkson looks slimmer than ever in statement jeans

Kelly Clarkson looks slimmer than ever in statement jeans

Published by skeptic

Kelly Clarkson is having fun with fashion again after losing a significant amount of weight since relocating to New York City. The singer has been displaying her slimmed-down physique in a variety of new styles, including mini dresses, jumpsuits, and her latest statement jeans. Appearing on her talk show, Kelly looked smaller than ever wearing a pair of wide-legged baggy denim jeans that highlighted her tiny waist. She added a patterned, off-the-shoulder top tucked into the waistband that emphasized her new shape, and a pair of towering heels to elongate her slender legs. © Getty ImagesKelly’s wide-legged jeans made her legs look impossibly long The American Idol alum has been experimenting more with her looks since moving to the East Coast. During a recent chat with HELLO!, her go-to stylist, Micaela Erlanger, said of her style transformation: “It’s a new look, it’s a new year, and it’s a really exciting place to be. I’m really grateful that she trusts me and that she trusts my eye and we’re experimenting and playing a bit more.” Since moving to …