A New Hollywood Sexual Assault Bombshell

Les Moonves was forced out as CBS CEO in September amid allegations he sexually harassed over a dozen actresses. He denied what he termed were “appalling” charges, but his resignation put a disgraceful end to his two decades at the network.

That, however, is not the end of the network’s controversies. On Friday, we learned that actress Eliza Dushku, star of “Dark Angel” and “Bull,” sued her co star Michael Weatherly over his unwanted advances and inappropriate language on set. She was paid $9.5 million in a secret settlement. . .

Among Weatherly’s inappropriate behavior was his joking about having a threesome with Dushku and taking her to his “rape van.” . . .

Once the reports came to light, however, Weatherly expressed some regret.

“During the course of taping our show, I made some jokes mocking some lines in the script,” Weatherly said in the statement. “When Eliza told me that she wasn’t comfortable with my language and attempt at humor, I was mortified to have offended her and immediately apologized. After reflecting on this further, I better understand that what I said was both not funny and not appropriate and I am sorry and regret the pain this caused Eliza.” (Read more from “A New Hollywood Sexual Assault Bombshell” HERE)

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University Student Investigated for Border Patrol Halloween Costume

By Daily Wire. On Tuesday, in the middle of final exam week, a student from West Virginia University was sent an emailed letter from an assistant dean notifying him that he is “the subject of an investigation regarding alleged prohibited conduct.”

In the letter (attached below), Assistant Dean LiDell Evans informed Joseph Cortese, a fourth-year student, that he was required to attend a meeting on Friday concerning an investigation about a photo he posted on Instagram of himself dressed as a Border Patrol agent for Halloween.

“This letter serves to put you on notice that pursuant to section 9.2 of the Student Conduct Code and Discipline Procedure for the Main Campus of West Virginia University, you are the subject of an investigation regarding alleged prohibited conduct,” Evans wrote. . .

The photo, which Cortese agreed to share with The Daily Wire…, shows him handcuffing a female student who dressed up with him for Halloween. Cortese is wearing an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement black hat and a Border Patrol T-shirt, while the female is wearing what Cortese says is an alien costume with a piece of paper attached to her shirt that reads “illegal.” . . .

“The West Virginia University Office of Student Conduct received a complaint claiming the student was posting ‘vulgar hateful Instagrams’ but did not single out what was ‘vulgar’ or ‘hateful’ about them,” WVU said in a statement to The Daily Wire. “The Office followed standard procedure, including the timing, to follow up on the complaint and talk with the student. The Office tries to wrap up any matters before students leave campus at the end of each semester. No charges or disciplinary action was taken and the matter is now closed.” (Read more from “University Student Investigated for Border Patrol Halloween Costume” HERE)

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West Virginia U. Student Investigated for Wearing ‘Border Patrol’ Outfit

By The College Fix. . .The letter stated Cortese was to attend a meeting about the matter today (he did), but if he could not do so it was imperative he contact Evans’ office.

The penalty for non-compliance could have been his student account being put on “hold.” (Read more from “West Virginia U. Student Investigated for Wearing ‘Border Patrol’ Outfit” HERE)

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84-Year-Old Veteran Died After Nursing Home Staff Ignored His Infected, Rotting Genitals

By Military Times. An 84-year-old U.S. Army veteran’s pressing medical needs were blatantly ignored by a Jacksonville, Florida, nursing home staff last year — and he died shortly after.

York Spratling first checked into Consulate Health Care in December 2016 while suffering from diabetes, his nephew, Derwin Spratling, told the Naples Daily News. The veteran’s health was declining. Walking and feeding himself was a struggle, making living on his own impossibly unrealistic.

Less than three months after being admitted to Consulate Health, Spratling’s condition took a terrible turn for the worse, and on Feb. 24, 2017, he was carried out of the nursing home on a stretcher and rushed to the emergency room. . .

Shortly after Spratling’s admission to the hospital, the doctor came into the waiting room to talk to family who had gathered.

There, Derwin Spratling received the shocking news: His uncle needed surgery to remove dead tissue from his genitals, which had been infected with gangrene. (Read more from “84-Year-Old Veteran Died After Nursing Home Staff Ignored His Infected, Rotting Genitals” HERE)

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York Spratling Died After Genitals Became Infected at Consulate Health Care of Jacksonville

By Naples Daily News. Family members would sometimes see problems with the care York Spratling received and bring it to the attention of the Consulate Health Care of Jacksonville nursing staff, Derwin Spratling said. . .

Derwin Spratling recalled being in a waiting room when the doctor came out to explain that his uncle needed surgery. His genitals were infected with gangrene and the dead tissue needed to be removed.

“He said he had never seen anything like that before, especially in this day and age,” Derwin said of the conversation with the doctor. “It really freaked us out.”

York Spratling died soon after the surgery. . .

A U.S. Army veteran, Spratling was admitted to Consulate Health Care of Jacksonville in December 2016, according to a Florida Department of Children and Families death review report. (Read more from “York Spratling Died After Genitals Became Infected at Consulate Health Care of Jacksonville” HERE)

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New York State Issues Devastating Ultimatum to Faith-Based Adoption Agency

A religious adoption provider that has operated since 1965 and placed more than 1,000 children with families is being told by the New York state government to either changes its operating procedures – and go against its faith – or shut down.

Founded by local Christian ministers, New Hope Family Services (NHFS) opened its doors 53 years ago, serving the women, children, and families of Syracuse, NY. In 1986, the organization opened a pregnancy center for women in need, providing pregnancy tests, referrals, and counseling.

As a religious organization, NHFS believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman, and will only place children in homes with a married mother and father. Same-sex couples who seek NHFS’s services, however, are referred to other adoption providers. NHFS says it has clearly articulated its religious beliefs and has had no formal complaints lodged against it.

That all changed in October 2018, when the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) sent NHFS a letter claiming its traditional marriage policy was “discriminatory and impermissible.” The letter told NHFS that if it did not “revise the present policy” and continued with business as it had done for decades, or failed “to bring the policy into compliance with the regulation,” then “OCFS will be unable to approve continuation of [New Hope’s] current adoption program and [New Hope] will be required to submit a close-out plan for the adoption program.” . . .

Even though NHFS refers same-sex couples to other adoption agencies, New York believes they are breaking the law. The Christian Broadcasting Network reported that the New York legislature “allowed unmarried and same-sex partners to adopt beginning in 2010, it does not mandate that agencies place their children with non-traditional parents.” Title 18 was first proposed in 2013. (Read more from “New York State Issues Devastating Ultimatum to Faith-Based Adoption Agency” HERE)

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Is This a Joke? 27 Percent of People Think Santa Should Be Female or Gender Neutral

For a long time, Santa Claus has been portrayed as an older man with a hefty build and big white beard but a new poll finds that some feel that Santa should be rebranded as a woman or gender neutral.

After years of this image, Graphic Springs, a logo design company, surveyed hundreds to rebrand Santa and give him a more modern image.

The survey polled approximately 400 people from the United States and United Kingdom. Then, 4,000 people voted on the most popular version of the Santa they designed from the survey.

“Modern Santa” has tattoos, a stylishly-trimmed beard, skinny jeans, sneakers, and a hoverboard. He’s tech-savvy and looks like he could easily feature in GQ magazine.

A new survey found that over 27 percent of people asked would rebrand Santa Claus as a woman or gender-neutral. (Read more from “Is This a Joke? 27 Percent of People Think Santa Should Be Female or Gender Neutral” HERE)

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Obesity Rates Soar Extremely High in 2018

The nation’s obesity rate has reached the highest-ever level this year, according to the United Health Foundation’s 2018 . Obesity is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease, cancer and other conditions. Additionally, an increase in drug deaths, suicides and cardiovascular disease deaths is contributing to an increase in premature death.

In its 29 th year, the America’s Health Rankings Annual Report also reveals bright spots, including the reduced rate of childhood poverty and an increased number of mental health providers and primary care physicians per 100,000 people. Key findings include: . . .

The obesity rate exceeded 30 percent of the adult population for the first time in America’s Health Rankings history, up 5 percent in the past year (from 29.9 percent to 31.3 percent). Premature deaths increased 3 percent (from 7,214 to 7,432 years lost before age 75 per 100,000 people). (Read more from “Obesity Rates Soar Extremely High in 2018” HERE)

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‘Christmas Miracle’: Mall Overturns Nativity Set Ban After Christians Protest With Living Nativity

By Life Site News. A shopping mall in Scotland has overturned its ban on displaying a Christmas nativity scene after Christians protested the decision by staging a living nativity, right within the mall.

Thistles Centre in Stirling released a statement today saying that they had changed their minds and would allow a representative from the Legion of Mary to set up a nativity scene as part of their Christmas decor. . .

On Monday, Scottish Catholics John Mallon and Elena Feick protested actively by visiting the mall dressed as St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mallon chatted with shoppers and discussed the “crib controversy” with them. A video of the dynamic duo “looking for a place at the inn” has been viewed thousands of times on social media. . .

The Scotsman has reported that the Archdiocese of St. Andrews & Edinburgh has likewise expressed great satisfaction that Thistles Centre has responded with “generosity and inclusivity” to Christians.

“The management of the Thistles Centre, along with owners Standard Life Investments, are to be commended and congratulated for listening to the general public and responding with such generosity and inclusivity, recognising that contemporary Scotland should be a place that both respects and upholds religious liberty in the public square,” an archdiocesan spokesman said. (Read more from “‘Christmas Miracle’: Mall Overturns Nativity Set Ban After Christians Protest With Living Nativity” HERE)

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Washington City Removes Nativity Scene From Public Park After Complaints

By Fox News. A Nativity scene in a Woodland, Washington, park was removed Tuesday after city officials said they received complaints questioning the Christmas display’s presence on public land.

Officials said the Nativity scene – featuring a manger, baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary, the three wise men, an angel and several genuflecting animals – would be moved to a privately-owned vacant lot.

The decision came after the city’s attorney advised officials that keeping the display on public property was a violation of federal and state laws.

“I wouldn’t have chosen to do this, but it’s in the best interest of the city to do so,” Mayor Will Finn told Fox 12. “The feedback I’m getting is that it’s in a better spot.” . . .

The city had allowed it to be displayed at Horseshoe Lake Park for the past few decades, with Finn estimating the manger had been set up in the park every holiday season for the last 40 years. (Read more from “Washington City Removes Nativity Scene From Public Park After Complaints” HERE)

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Why Most People Can’t Explain the Reasons Meddling With Babies’ DNA Is Wrong

News emerged last week that Chinese scientist He Jiankui had broken new ground scientifically and ethically by using CRISPR technology to edit the genes of unborn babies. Groundbreaking scientific efforts are usually hailed as progress for humanity; innovation in ethics is more often considered a problem.

Both reactions are understandable. While new scientific developments have often improved the lives of people around the world, new developments in ethics typically involve getting around a moral barrier that mankind erected long ago—and for good reasons. The public’s reaction has been nearly universally to condemn He’s actions, but people have had a harder time putting the reason for their disgust into words.

The problem is that Western culture has retreated from its historical ideas of right and wrong. Without a grounding in religion or philosophy, people are left with feelings about proper behavior, but lack the grounding to explain those emotions. We feel, almost instinctively, that it is wrong to meddle with the DNA of an unborn human being, but we don’t know why we feel that way, nor can we articulate it. . .

The problem is that, disconnected from any greater ideas about what behavior is and is not acceptable, the question of consent lacks focus. If two people can consent to anything, does that mean nothing to which they consent, if it involves only the two of them, is immoral?

Not to mention that there are more than two people involved in each of He’s experiments: the doctor, the mother, the father, and the baby. One of these is incapable of consent and two more were allegedly duped, but even had it been possible to get everyone on board with the idea, would it ever be okay to meddle with unborn babies’ DNA? (Read more from “Why Most People Can’t Explain the Reasons Meddling With Babies’ DNA Is Wrong” HERE)

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Linda Sarsour, Unfazed by New Anti-Semitism Charges, Will Keynote Radical Islamist Gathering

Women’s March leader and Islamist activist Linda Sarsour is scheduled to speak at the end of the month at the Muslim American Society-Islamic Circle of North America (MAS-ICNA) annual conference in Chicago.

The announcement comes on the heels of a Tablet magazine profile that shined a light on Women’s March leaders, including Sarsour, who routinely engaged in anti-Semitic harassment of their Jewish colleagues.

“I talked to everyone, and I said it to every last one of them: Tamika [Mallory] needs to resign—not just because of her Farrakhan connection, but because of how she handled it afterwards. I said Linda [Sarsour] also needs to step down. Her controversy and the things she keeps saying and doing are detrimental to the movement,” Mercy Morganfield, a former Women’s March spokesperson, said in the interview with Tablet.

Tablet then asked Morganfield whether she believes Women’s March co-chairs, including Sarsour, are anti-Semitic. She responded: “There are no Jewish women on the board. They refused to put any on. Most of the Jewish people resigned and left. They refused to even put anti-Semitism in the unity principles.”

At the Chicago conference, Sarsour will be joined by a who’s who of America’s most fringe Islamist preachers, including:

Imam Omar Suleiman, a gay-bashing imam who has endorsed honor killings, the act of murdering a family member for her allegedly inappropriate behavior to restore “honor” within the community or household.

Nihad Awad, the executive director of the Hamas-tied Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), a U.S.-based group that was founded to build support for Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood in the United States. Awad has previously declared that he is “in support of the Hamas movement,” which remains a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. The UAE recently listed CAIR itself as a terrorist organization.

Mazen Mokhtar, who was identified in a federal affidavit as the individual behind a website to raise funds for the Taliban and Chechen terrorists.

The groups that combined to host the confab share an extremist, anti-American agenda.

In a major terrorism financing case, federal prosecutors labeled the Muslim American Society (MAS) as an “overt arm” of the Muslim Brotherhood, a global Islamist organization that seeks to impose the primitive and barbaric Sharia law and a global Islamic caliphate.

The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) also has close ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Terrorism analyst Yehudit Barsky has described the group as a network “composed of members of Jamaat e-Islami, a Pakistani Islamic radical organization similar to the Muslim Brotherhood that helped to establish the Taliban.”

Kyle Shideler, director of the Counter-Islamist Grid, an initiative of the Middle East Forum, spoke to Conservative Review about Sarsour’s activism. “Linda Sarsour’s antisemitism and support for Islamist causes have never been more apparent. Her relationships with progressive groups have exploded thanks to her role in hijacking the Women’s March, and her Islamist ties have been outed not just in niche media, but in mainstream and even international publications,” Shideler tells CR. “That MAS-ICNA still wants her to speak is a reminder that they are a group founded by Islamists for Islamists. Groups that align with them do so at their own peril.”

Sarsour has admitted that her progressive advocacy is largely a front to build a coalition around her anti-Israel, pro-Palestine agenda. She also has a habitual tendency to blame Jews and Israelis — harnessing anti-Semitic dog whistles to cloak her advocacy in human rights language — for problems occurring around the world.

Sarsour spoke at the same conference last year, where she was joined by many of the same fringe characters. (For more from the author of “Linda Sarsour, Unfazed by New Anti-Semitism Charges, Will Keynote Radical Islamist Gathering” please click HERE)

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Woman Sues Orchestra for Pay Discrimination. There’s Just One Problem.

The first chair flutist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is suing the organization, claiming she receives $70,000 less than her male counterpart because she is a woman.

Elizabeth Rowe, who joined the BSO when she was 29 after a blind audition, which, according to the Washington Post involved playing “behind a brown, 33-foot polyester screen” so no one knew her gender or race. Rowe is now 44, and knows that John Ferrillo, a 63-year-old man, makes nearly $70,000 more than her, because his salary was disclosed in a tax filing, since the BSO is a nonprofit organization.

Ferrillo has been with the BSO since 2001. Rowe has been with the orchestra since 2004. Ferrillo was also lured away from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Post reported, by offering to pay him “twice what the orchestra’s rank-and-file-make.”

But the biggest difference between the two? Rowe plays the flute, while Ferrillo plays the oboe. Two very different instruments. So, this is not a case of unequal pay for equal work. BSO provided the Post with a statement, in which it “defended its pay structure, saying that the flute and oboe are not comparable because, in part, the oboe is more difficult to play and there is a larger pool of flutists.” . . .

To be fair to Rowe, she didn’t want her lawsuit to become public. The Post reports that she only wanted her bosses to know about the lawsuit, but the Boston Herald discovered the suit and spoke to Rowe. Her lawsuit will test the Massachusetts Equal Pay Law, which her lawsuit claims requires the orchestra she needs to be paid the same or more than a male in a comparable position. She contends lead oboist is comparable. The BSO says otherwise. (Read more from “Woman Sues Orchestra for Pay Discrimination. There’s Just One Problem.” HERE)

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