Any hopes that there would be some sort of democratic election this week in Zimbabwe were dashed
on Sunday when opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew his presidential candidacy. Even though almost all the vote counts from the first round of elections favored the opposition candidate, a government sponsored campaign of violence convinced Tsvangirai that it was not
worth
the health and safety of his supporters to continue to stand in an election that would almost certainly be
rigged.
Reports from Zimbabwe on Friday morning claim that voter turnout was low.
A Typhoon struck the Philippines last weekend, bringing with it 170 km/hr winds and causing flooding in coastal areas. There were reports of deaths on land, but the worst loss of life came when a ferry boat carrying over 800 people
capsized
under the force of the high waves. Although according to survivor reports, some passengers were able to escape into lifeboats, the rough seas overturned the small crafts,
dooming
most of the people on board. In total only 48 people survived the disaster, and now there are a lot questions on why the boat was allowed to sail during a Typhoon. The coast guard explained that at the time of sailing, the winds from the storm were not strong enough to stop the journey.
The party of the former Serbian dictator Slobodan Milosevic announced that it would join the pro-European governing coalition. Although the socialists won only 12 of the 250 seats in last month's parliamentary elections and are opposed to Serbia joining the EU, the victorious
bloc
of pro-western parties lead by Boris Tadic need them in order to put them over 50%. Before this deal, there were rumors that the socialists would form a coalition with the Democratic Party and nationalist Radical party, both of which oppose closer relations with the EU, as long most European countries support the independence of Kosovo; however, it seems that despite their similar opinion on the breakaway republic, the Socialists realize the future of Serbia lies in Europe. Moreover, the Socialists have been trying to change their image as the party of Milosevic to a party of social justice.
The week-long ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip was disrupted on Wednesday when a rocket struck southern Israel. The al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, which is a militant group loosely
affiliated
with Hamas' Palestinian rival Fatah, has taken responsibility for the attack, claiming that it was in response to an Israeli raid in the West Bank. Two Palestinians died in the West Bank raid; however, the Gaza Strip is the only territory that is included in the truce. Hamas responded to the rocket attack by stating that all groups should respect the truce, but it would not act as a "police" force for Israel, who responded by closing three border crossings with Gaza. Currently the Israelis are assessing the security risk of re-opening the crossings.
A paparazzo
following actor Matthew McConaughey was allegedly attacked by group of surfers on a Los Angeles beach last week. The photographer claims he received injures from a fight that began after the surfers demanded that he stop taking pictures. To
add insult to injury,
the surfers apparently threw the man's camera into the ocean as well. McConaughey is not believed to have been involved in the altercation.
The father of singer Amy Winehouse announced last week that his daughter has an early form of the lung disease emphysema. Mr. Winehouse believes that the disease, which usually affects older people, especially lifelong smokers, was probably
contracted
as a result of his daughter's cigarette and drug use. Doctors claim that the disease is not curable, but suffers can live a normal life with it as long as they don't continue to smoke. Winehouse, despite her trip to the hospital last week for fainting, plans to perform this weekend at the Glastonbury Festival and concert for Nelson Mandela.
The MTV video music awards will return to Los Angeles in September after a 10 year absence. Since the last time they appeared in the "City of Angels" the awards have been hosted in New York, Miami and Las Vegas. This year's show will take place at Paramount Studios.
Actress Heather Lockleer was admitted to a clinic in the American state of Arizona on Tuesday for psychological reasons. A short statement was released by her publicist at the time stating that the 46-year old former star of Melrose Place and Dynasty "requested an in-depth evaluation of her medication and entered into a medical facility for proper
diagnosis
and treatment."
Boy George has been denied a visa to enter the United States for a summer tour. The former lead singer of Culture Club claims that the visa refusal is the result of false imprisonment charges he faces in a London court in November - he was arrested last year for allegedly chaining a Norwegian male escort to the wall. George denies the allegations.
Actor Luke Perry has stated that he currently has no plans to appear in the new Beverly Hills 90210 series. Other former cast members of the original 90210, Tori Spelling (Donna) and Jeanie Garth (Kelly), will have roles in the series, and Ian Ziering (Steve) has expressed interest in a
cameo
role. Despite Perry's lack of interest in reprising the character of Dylan McKay, he hopes that new show "[has] a lot of success."
Box Office (for weekend June 1st):
International (non USA-Canada)
1.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Weekend Gross: $24m Gross to Date: $391m
2.
The Incredible Hulk Weekend Gross: $23m Gross to Date: $64m
3.
Sex in the City Weekend Gross: $22m Gross to Date: $172m
4.
Kung Fu Panda Weekend Gross: $21m Gross to Date: 68m
5.The Happening Weekend Gross: $14m Gross to Date: $56m
USA-Canada:
1.
Get Smart Weekend Gross: $39m Gross to Date: $39m
2.
The Incredible Hulk Weekend Gross: $22m Gross to Date: $97m
3.
Kung Fu Panda Weekend Gross: $22m Gross to Date: $156m
4.
The Love Guru Weekend Gross: $14m Gross to Date: $14m
5. The Happening Weekend Gross: $10m Gross to Date: $51m
Source: Box Office Mojo
