South Africa, World
While you were sleeping: 2 November 2017
British minister quits over scandal, and Bin Laden archives released.
Thursday, 2 November 2017
“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.”
William Shakespeare
STORY OF THE DAY
Analysis: Danny Jordaan’s response to rape allegations insults us all
By REBECCA DAVIS
Two weeks ago, singer and former ANC MP Jennifer Ferguson claimed that she had been raped by South African Football Association boss Danny Jordaan. Since then, there had been no formal comment on the matter by Jordaan – until Wednesday, when Jordaan released a statement of mind-boggling disingenuousness. The statement is such an extraordinary work of literature, in fact, that it should become a prescribed text in schools across the land.
British minister quits amidst sexual harassment scandal
While Danny Jordaan maintains an “empathetic” silence, British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon resigned from the government on Wednesday. Fallon has become embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal that is washing over Britain’s government. Fallon admitted to and apologised for placing his hand on the knee of journalist Julie Hartley-Brewer in 2002. This, in Britain, is enough for resignation. Don’t expect SAFA’s head to do the same anytime soon here though.
The large archive of material captured by Navy SEALS during the Osama Bin-Laden raid has been published. Included in the collection is Bin-Laden’s own diary, as well as a wedding video showing his son Hamza. In total, 47,000 files were released, giving the public a rare glimpse into the mind of al-Qaeda’s leader.
Today President Donald Trump will become the first president in 40 years to replace the sitting chief central banker for the United States. Current chief Janet Yellen will be replaced by Fed Governor Jerome Powell. Powell’s views echo the White House’s stance on deregulation but he is viewed as something of a level-headed character. Nonetheless, fears of interest rate hikes are sure to send nervous ripples through markets.
Mid-life inflammation linked to degenerative conditions
Those who suffer from inflammation in middle age are more likely to suffer from brain degeneration later. Researchers unveiled their findings on Wednesday, indicating that inflammation can act as a signal for future dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The study was at least 24 years in the making, using participants’ memory test results from earlier in their life. These showed a marked relation to diminished results later in their life.
IN NUMBERS
93%
The percentage of all humans who have ever existed who are dead.
FACTS OF THE DAY
Today in 1930 Haile Selassie is crowned emperor of Ethiopia.
Canola oil is named such as to remove the “rape” from its origin as rapeseed oil.
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