THE WEEK IN REVIEW: FEBRUARY 16-22, 2014

FEBRUARY 23 IS NATIONAL DAY IN BRUNEI.

February 26 marks the 95th anniversary of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA.

AMONGST EVENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED AROUND THE WORLD THIS PAST WEEK...

*The 2014 Winter Olympics conclude this weekend in Sochi, Russia. For those interested, the top three medal leading countries at the end of events February 21 are: Russia, Norway, and Canada.
*The Office of the United Nations' High Commissioner for Human Rights is reporting rights violations in
North Korea. Botswana has since ended diplomatic relations with North Korea because of this.
*Although the actual election to decide whether or not Scotland should be independent has yet to be held, much debate about the subject is occurring in Europe.
*Meanwhile, India's Parliament is working to make the historic Telangana region a state.
*Not seeking any special favors, treatment, or privileges, it is reported Pope Francis quietly renewed his personal passport this past week. The Pope has also authorized 19 new Cardinals.
*Matteo Renzi has been officially sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Italy.
*Authorities in Tokyo, Japan have a mystery on their hands as person(s) unknown vandalized books containing references to Anne Frank in public libraries across the city.
*The 67th annual BAFTAs (British Academy Film Awards) were presented February 16, with 12 Years A Slave winning Best Film and Best Actor (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Cate Blanchett as Best Actress for the title role of Blue Jasmine, and Alfonso Cuaron for Best Director (Gravity).
*Meanwhile, the 2014 BRIT (music) Awards held February 19th declared David Bowie Best Solo British Male Artist, Ellie Goulding Best Solo British Female Artist, and the Arctic Monkeys Best British Group.
*Civil unrest continues in Euromaidan protests, along with instances in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Thai, and Syria.

PASSING PARADE

*Actress Mary Grace Canfield (Green Acres, the Broadway stage) has taken her final bows.
*Journalist Garrick Utley is no longer with us.
*Former Space Shuttle Astronaut Dale Gardner has gone to the final frontier.
*Actor Malcolm Tierney (Star Wars, Doctor Who, Braveheart) has left the stage.
*Maria Franziska von Trapp of the historic Von Trapp Family Singers is no longer with us.

WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA...
*US President Barack Obama met with the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai
Lama, despite protests from China. The cordial meeting lasted roughly an hour, with the President afterward saying the subject of Tibet's freedom from China was never raised, nor was it something within his power(s) to help with.
*The United States Supreme Court is hearing a case that may decide the legality of private gambling.
*Jimmy Fallon has officially started as the new host of The Tonight Show, although the program's start time has been delayed because of Olympics' coverage.
*John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison are scheduled to appear on US Postage stamps between now and the end of 2016, along with Steve Jobs, Harvey Milk, Janis Joplin, and James Brown.

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