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European leaders will meet for an emergency summit tonight in response to President Trump‘s statements on Greenland. Yesterday, after a meeting wiht NATO, Trump announced that a long-term agreement on Greenland had been reached. Due to this progress, he said he wouldn’t impose the tariffs he had threatened on countries in that region. Trump also said yesterday that he would not use force to acquire Greenland.
President Trump is seen on a big screen as he delivers a special address during the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos on jan. 21, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in davos from Jan. 19 to Jan. 23,2026.
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Iran’s economy collapsed late last year, sending inflation to record levels. Iranian citizens took to the streets to voice their anger against the failing system. What began as strikes and walkouts has erupted into a national movement, and government forces have met it with brutal repression. Human rights groups estimate the death toll has reached the thousands. Protesters now demand an end to the Islamic Republic. But what caused this, and how will the U.S. and its allies respond to the protesters’ calls for support? In this episode of Throughline, NPR speaks with two iranian experts who share their views on the past, present and
- 👕 Polyester is not biodegradable and can take decades,and possibly even centuries,to break down.Even then, it doesn’t go away, but disintegrates into smaller pieces known as microplastics.
- 👕 Online claims suggest polyester exposure may cause cancer and infertility, but medical toxicologist Ryan Marino says polyester has not been proven to cause infertility in humans.
3 things to know before you go
paul Verhoeven’s 1995 film ‘Showgirls,’ initially panned and burdened with an NC-17 rating, has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity, evolving into a celebrated cult classic.A recent re-evaluation, fueled by social media and academic analysis, has positioned the film as a subversive commentary on American capitalism, sexuality, and the entertainment industry.
Initial Reception and NC-17 Rating
‘Showgirls’ premiered on September 22, 1995, and was promptly met with harsh criticism. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) assigned it an NC-17 rating – meaning no one 17 and under admitted – due to its explicit sexual content and violence. This rating severely limited its distribution, with many major theater chains refusing to screen the film. According to Variety, the film opened on 943 screens, significantly fewer than typical releases for major studio films.
Financial Failure and Critical Backlash
The NC-17 rating contributed to the film’s commercial failure. ‘Showgirls’ grossed $13.9 million domestically against a production budget of $40 million, making it a significant box office flop. Critics largely condemned the film as exploitative and poorly made. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave it zero stars, calling it “a spectacularly bad movie.”
The Rise of a Cult Following
Despite the initial negative reception, ‘Showgirls’ began to attract a dedicated cult following in the years following its release. This was largely driven by midnight screenings and word-of-mouth. The film’s campy aesthetic, over-the-top performances, and unintentionally humorous dialog resonated with audiences seeking a different cinematic experience.
Re-evaluation and Academic Interest
In recent years, ‘Showgirls’ has undergone a critical re-evaluation. Film scholars and critics have begun to analyze the film as a satirical critique of las Vegas culture, the male gaze, and the commodification of female sexuality. Professor Amy Best, author of “Fast Cars, Cool Rides: Automotive Masculinity and American Culture,” argues that the film “is a really smart satire of American capitalism and the entertainment industry.”
social media platforms, particularly Twitter and TikTok, have played a crucial role in the film’s resurgence. Clips from ’Showgirls’ have gone viral, sparking discussions and introducing the film to a new generation of viewers. The hashtag #Showgirls has millions of views on TikTok, demonstrating the film’s continued cultural relevance. In December 2023, a sold-out screening at the Prince Charles Cinema in London, organized via social media, highlighted the film’s enduring appeal.
Legacy and Influence
‘Showgirls’ has influenced subsequent films and television shows that explore themes of sexuality and exploitation. Its campy style and subversive humor have been cited as inspirations by filmmakers and artists. The film’s journey from critical failure to cult classic demonstrates the power of re-evaluation and the enduring appeal of provocative cinema.
Sources:
- Ebert,Roger. “Showgirls.” Chicago Sun-Times, September 22, 1995. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/showgirls-1995
- “‘Showgirls’ Turns 25: How Paul Verhoeven’s NC-17 Bomb Became a Cult Classic.” variety, September 22, 2020. https://variety.com/2020/film/features/showgirls-paul-verhoeven-nc-17-cult-classic-1234776444/
- Best, Amy.Interview with NPR, January 12, 2024. https://www.npr.org/2024/01/12
