ROGUE ONE HITS THEATERS THIS WEEK

Last Saturday marked the world premiere of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which debuted to rave audience reviews at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California. Rogue One, the first Star Wars spinoff, features an entirely separate storyline and new characters not appearing in any of the seven primary films. Its plot, which takes place prior to the events of George Lucas’ original 1977 film, follows the efforts of Rebel forces attempting to thwart the construction of the Empire’s Death Star. Rogue One’s main actors are relatively lesser-known than those of typical Star Wars films, and include Diego Luna, Ben Medelsohn and Felicity Jones. Though not directed by Lucas, Rogue One is a project of his production house, Lucasfilm Ltd.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Trailer

http://usat.ly/1RZEeHg

#TheForce #PreStarWars #LaterVader

RUSSIA’S MEDDLING IN ELECTION LEADS TO BIG QUESTIONS

During an interview with Fox News, President-elect Donald Trump flatly denied recent C.I.A. reports claiming that Russia hacked American governmental computer systems in a manner that aided his campaign. Dismissing the claims as politically motivated fabrications from sore loser Democrats, Trump said, “I think it’s ridiculous. I think it’s just another excuse, I don’t believe it.” The referenced reports indicate that while Russian hackers compromised both Republican National Committee and top Democrat computer systems, hackers leaked the Democratic Party materials only. During the same interview, Trump brushed off daily intelligence briefings typically provided to presidents as unnecessary, commenting, “You know, I’m, like, a smart person. I don’t have to be told the same thing in the same words every single day for the next eight years.”

Trump Full Fox News Interview

 #DonDissesCIA #IntelligenceRelevance #DisputinPutin

PATTI SMITH ACCEPTS DYLAN'S NOBEL PRIZE WITH SONG

At a Saturday ceremony in Stockholm honoring 2016 Nobel Prize recipients, legendary songsmith Bob Dylan was a no-show, citing “pre-existing commitments” as preventing his attendance. In his place, an acceptance speech was delivered by United States Ambassador to Sweden Azita Raji, in which Dylan explained, “I’m sorry I can’t be with you in person, but please know that I am most definitely with you in spirit and honored to be receiving such a prestigious prize." Following the speech, fellow legendary New York songwriter Patti Smith delivered a powerful rendition Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” backed by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. Dylan’s non-attendance, as well as his public silence after the initial announcement of the award, has been interpreted by many as an extension of his career-long downplay of fame and accolades.

#DylanNobel #FameGame #PattiRains