An Astronaut, A Royal and Some Bobsledders Walk into a Bar… | Things to Look Forward To in 2018
With the mid-winter blues creeping closer and 2017’s emotional rollercoaster still fresh in our minds, taking stock of what the new year will bring comes as a fresh dose of much-needed energy.
2018 is set for high-profile events, including international competitions such as the Winter Olympics, the World Cup, and ESports’ debut, the launch of Sci-Fi-worthy tourism options such as dives to the Titanic wreck or world-stage celebrations such as the upcoming royal wedding and much-expected royal baby.
The Pyeong Chang Winter Olympics
Set to take place between February 9 and February 25, the 2018 Winter Olympics will be more relevant this year than it has been in a long time. Following last year’s international disputes, diplomatic tensions and outright hostilities, the peace-promoting character of the Olympics is viewed as an opportunity to bridge political and ideological gaps, even if for a short time.
In fact, the Winter Olympics have already managed to bring together North and South Korea, for the first official talks in two years – talks that seem to have brought positive results. The PyeongChang, South Korea celebrations will also feature the Nigerian women’s bobsled team, marking the country’s Winter Olympic debut, 30 years after the Jamaican bobsled team took the world and the winter games by storm.
The royal family gets bigger
2018 promises to be a big year for the House of Windsor, with the British Royal Family set to add two new members – Meghan Markle and the third child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Prince William and Duchess Kate confirmed pregnancy rumors in early September, igniting an immediate media frenzy. The popular royals have not announced an official due date, but the young heir is expected to arrive by spring.
Even more exciting for global audiences will be the May wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the young royal couple that have stolen hearts around the World. The dreamy couple’s wedding is set to be the event of the year and will give global audience the opportunity to sit back and watch a literal fairytale play out its happy ending. Prepare your posh hats and tissues, everybody!
FIFA World Cup
The 21st FIFA World Cup will take over the world of sports and just about every news cycle from June 14 to July 15.
The competition is set to showcase the world’s top soccer talent from 32 national teams across 12 venues in 11 Russian cities. Similarly to the Winter Olympics, the World Cup brings the opportunity for people to come together in friendly competition, celebrating the world of high-performance athletics and the dedication of countless fans across the globe.
Titanic wreck to become a tourist attraction
After having celebrated the 105-year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in 2017, those fascinated by the ocean liner’s tragic story or are simply chasing the newest experience, 2018 brings the opportunity to go see the wreck in person.
Not one, but two companies have announced trips to the famed wreck, aboard deep-sea submersibles, with rates reported at over $100,000 per person.
The rise of ESports
Although still unknown to the wider sports audience, ESports enjoy millions of fans worldwide and the sport is rapidly gaining traction – veteran athletes of more traditional sports such as Alex Rodriguez and Michael Strahan are investors.
In fact, even Jennifer Lopez has recently broken into the fast-paced world of competitive videogaming by investing into NRG Esports.
Considered by some the second biggest multi-sport competition after the Olympic Games, the 18th Asian Games will mark competitive videogaming’s debut as a competition sport within a mainstream sports event. ESports are slated to become a full-medal competition at the 2022 Asian Games.
Here's to a fantastic 2018!
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.