I don't want to make too much of the making of and sitting by campfires mainly because it is something that most people who go camping have probably experienced for themselves,and that sitting by a good camp fire is vastly superior to watching TV. Still, it is something that needs to be said. And I have some theories about why a campfire is better than TV and I will share them with you. Feel free to disagree.
First of all, the obvious - fire is entertaining in and of itself. There is drama in a fire. One knows the plot well enough but never the details. Wood, at first reluctant to burn for a variety of reasons like wind, lack of kindling, moisture, etc. eventually is made to burn. Then the fire burns, produces coals and maintenance of the fire becomes easy, one simply throws more wood on the fire and at some point becomes tired of the process and lets the fire die for lack of fuel or actively snuffs it out. This is the plot of the entertainment known as fire. And there are many variations on it.
The primary reason I prefer fire over TV is that fire has no political or social agenda. It does what it does. It burns according to various basic rules and thus is educational about the laws of thermodynamics. Not that looking at fires is what inspired thermodynamicists to come up with their theories, but looking at fires does give one a sense of how fire works and that in itself may give rise to many useful metaphors. TV on the other hand is almost entirely agenda driven. Someone is selling you something constantly, obviously through commercials but also in the content that the commercials enable. Implicit in all story telling is a viewpoint, a lesson, a moral. Even if nothing obviously new is being communicated, the very fact that the TV portrays some activity is some kind of endorsement for it or a polemic against it. If you don't agree with the lifestyle choices of the people portrayed on TV then TV watching is a chore. So fire, much better.
Finally, sitting by a fire with other people is a social affair and as such, becomes a lab experiment in social dynamics. For one thing, the progress of the fire needs to be managed and as someone once famously said, no two people can ever agree on the right way to poke a fire. If more than one person wants to manage the fire, a struggle invariably ensues, covertly or overtly. Words will be said about the management of the fire and a winner in the struggle will emerge.
Enough for now, I have found that the internet has lots of campfire pictures. I will comment on some of them in future posts since the pictures raise specific points such as preferred ways to arrange the logs, what to wear to a campfire, safety issues around the campfire, what to talk about at a campfire, how to cook on a campfire and more.
I couldn't agree more. I spent 6 months doing fisheries work and living out of a tent. We had a fire almost every night and never got bored. Not to mention, it was one of my most productive summers, which I have attributed to the lack of TV. I learned how to play some instruments, read more books than I ever have, and enjoyed the company of my coworkers around the fire. Plus, nothing was as nice as the crackle and smell of fire after a cold day working on the river. The fire warmed us, entertained us, cooked for us, and served as the hub of socialization (if you could call it that. There were only 8 of us and we were out in the middle of nowhere).
Plus, even after the fire dies, it is still useful. One of my favorite uses for the coals is smoking fish (http://imakemybeer.blogspot.com/2011/12/smoking-fishthe-old-way.html). You start with an entertaining hardwood fire, and end with delicious food.


The TB280FR is Takeuchi's largest zero tail swing excavator.
Combined with an adjustable one piece offset boom, allows offers the operator the ability to work in very confined spaces.
The TB280FR excavator provides powerful 8.4-tonne excavating in work spaces that conventional excavators could not operate .
The TB280FR can slew 360 degrees almost within it's own track footprint and the unique offset boom controlled by the kingpin re-positions the boom for the best possible excavating positions without moving the track position - where space is limited this feature is very effective where productivity is an issue the offset boom saves valuable time.
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The unique tilt-up operator platform gets fitters and engineers greater component access and ground level access panels around the turntable provide for easy daily service schedules.


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Home / Video / FIRST CHINESE-BUILT PASSENGER JET MAIDEN FLIGHT
FIRST CHINESE-BUILT PASSENGER JET MAIDEN FLIGHT
Blog Before Flight Staff June 06, 2017 0
The C919, designed to compete with A320 and B737, successfully completed its first flight of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
C919: first chinese-built passenger jet
The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) has successfully completed the maiden flight of the first and only prototype of its new aircraft, the C919. The company received in April the authorization from the Chinese civil aviation authorities to perform the first flight of the new aircraft.
The C919, a jetliner designed to compete with the A320 and B737, took off from Shanghai's Pudong International Airport just after 2pm on Friday May 5 and landed back there again 1 hour and 20 minutes later.
The aircraft Made in China began in December the taxiing tests, 14 sessions in 35 hours were successfully completed, in which the aircraft reached speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour. The first high-speed taxiing test session took place on April 16, in that occasion the aircraft was accelerated to 170 km/h to test the functionality of the spoilers.
The C919 will be equipped with CFM LEAP-1C engines. Six aircraft will be used during the flight testing phase. To date, only one has been built, with the second frame undergoing the final assembly phase.
The C919 was initially launched in 2008 , its first flight was originally scheduled for June 2014 and the first delivery to launch customer Chengdu Airlines scheduled for 2016.
Twenty-three customers have already placed order for a total of 570 aircraft, most of which are Chinese companies supported by the national government.
By 2035, COMAC plans to acquire a third of its market share in China and a fifth of the global market. Their goal is to build between 20 and 50 C919s per year and by 2020 reach a production chain of up to 150 C919s and 50 ARJ21s.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. is the oldest continuously-running paper manufacturer in America. Based in NH, Monadnock applies rigorous discipline and craftsmanship to every paper and envelope produced.
Monadnock Paper Mills is an independent, family-owned paper company making paper since 1819. It is the oldest, continuously operating paper-manufacturing site in America. Today, Monadnock Paper Mills applies uncompromising standards and rigorous discipline to elevate the level of craftsmanship and performance in specialty and fine paper manufacturing. Located in the pristine forest area of southern New Hampshire close to it's namesake Mt. Monadnock, the company has been a leader in environmentally sound manufacturing processes for many years and has recently achieved the Environmental Certification: ISO 14001:2004.


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Let's Talk About Plastic Pollution
SHOP SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY
Plastic pollution. Single-use plastic. Reusable. Microplastics. Cleaning up our oceans.
We've all probably heard these terms a fair bit over the last few years. But how much do we actually know about them? And what exactly is the deal with plastic pollution? Let's dive in.
Since the 1950s, plastic production has risen at a faster rate than any other material. Currently 300 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated every year, and a large part of this ends up in landfill or in the natural environment, such as our oceans.
No one knows for certain how much plastic is in our oceans but estimates suggest that each year, 8 million metric tons of plastic waste ends up there. This pool of plastic is made up of a range of sources, such as plastic bags, bottles, straws, food wrappers, cigarette butts and fishing nets. By 2040, if there are no changes to the ways we currently produce, consume and manage plastic, it's predicted that the amount of plastic entering the ocean could be as high as 30 million metric tonnes per year.
What about recycling? Is that not helping to improve the situation? When it comes to recycling there are currently two problems according to Veolia: not all plastics can currently be recycled and not all recyclable plastics are actually being recycled. In Europe, only 30% of recyclable plastics are collected for recycling. The rest is incinerated or ends up in landfill, rubbish tips and scattered around the environment.
So, we know that the situation is bad, but why exactly is this so concerning? Well, when plastic is in the ocean, it usually breaks down into smaller pieces through reactions with the sun, oxygen or by friction. These smaller pieces are known as microplastics. Plastic in the sea gets caught up in circular ocean currents called Gyres which whirl the plastic around large distances. Very little of this plastic floats near the surface and most sinks to the ocean floor or gets washed up on beaches and shorelines, making it very hard to collect and poses a lot of harm to marine life. So, once plastic enters the ocean it is likely that it will be there forever.
Growing research is also uncovering the multiple ways that microplastics are unknowingly harming marine and human life. Microplastics have now been found pretty much everywhere, from snow in the Arctic to bottom-living sea creatures.
Once ingested by sea life, microplastics travel through the food chain ending up in the food we eat. The issue is a global one. It doesn't just affect communities living near the sea but all of us, through the food we eat and the water we drink.
Now for the big question. If plastic is so bad, why do we continue to use it?
There's no doubt that certain plastics are bad news for the environment (and our health), and we should continue to find new alternatives. But there are a few reasons why plastic is still used so widely:
It's lightweight. When transported, it's less energy intensive so it can actually lower the emissions produced and reduce the carbon footprint of the shipment. Plastic isn't as bulky as cardboard, and it's lighter than metal and glass so for some products it can be a good option.
It's sturdy. This has allowed packaging to become smaller and more streamlined, reducing the total volume of packaging needed. It usually lasts longer than other materials, such as paper (which means we can and should find ways to reuse it).
It's durable and strong. Plastic is resistant to corrosion, impact, UV rays and many other environmental factors. It can provide more protection to products, helping them last longer and travel safely.
Okay, so now you understand the deal with plastic and why there isn't really a straightforward solution. But let's talk about what we can all do to help.
Admittedly, most of the game changing work will come from product designers, material engineers, recycling facilities and new government regulations. But what we can all do as consumers, is to reconsider how we treat plastic products when we're done using them. Here are some handy tips:
Do some research into the products you use everyday and find out where they can be recycled in your local area (it will differ depending on where you live). If it can't be recycled? Maybe it's time to consider an alternative.
Try putting a recycling bin in your bathroom to remind yourself to recycle your beauty products. It sounds simple but many of us still don't recycle the majority of our bathroom empties and this is a great way to remind yourself and streamline the process.
Reuse. It's a far more eco-friendly option than recycling so try and get inventive with your empties and see if you can maybe repurpose them around the house. How about a vase for your flowers or a jar to keep your cotton pads in? Our team is a big fan of reusing glass jars from their favourite beauty buys and turning them into soy candles.
The list of ways you can do this is endless. We would love to see how you are getting creative with your Naturisimo products. Let us know by tagging @naturisimo in your upcycled beauty products.
And hey, we know that as a beauty retailer we play a huge role in bringing about real, meaningful change in the fight against plastic pollution. We've always championed the brands in our range who pioneer innovative and planet-friendly formulations and packaging. We try to be as transparent as possible about what your product is made from and whether or not it's recyclable (we always prefer to stock products that are). And we have recently introduced new collections that make it easier for you to shop sustainable, green beauty. But we know we can do more.
We're currently working on some new, exciting initiatives to try and cut out single-use plastic from our website (watch this space), and look at ways we can offer a simple and effective recycling scheme for our customers. It's a work in progress, but rest assured we're on it. We take our responsibility here very seriously. We know we still have a long way to go, but we're in this for the long haul.
The future of beauty is green.


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Mud var en engelsk glamrockgrupp, bildad i Carshalton, Surrey 1966, bestående av Les Gray, Rob Davies, Ray Stiles och Dave Mount.

Efter att ha haft föga framgång med sina tidiga singlar så började Mud samarbeta med producenterna Nicky Chinn och Mike Chapman och fick sedan enorma framgångar både i Sverige och i England. I England nådde de förstaplatsen på hitlistan med låtarna "Tiger Feet", "Lonely this Christmas" och "Oh Boy". Efter att de brutit samarbetet med Chinn & Chapman började flödet av hitlåtar att minska, och gruppen splittrades 1983.

Under 2000-talet fick Rob Davies stor framgång som låtskrivare när han var med och skrev Spillers "Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)" och Kylie Minogues "Can't Get You Out of My Head".

Les Gray dog i en hjärtattack 2004 och Dave Mount begick självmord 2006.

Medlemmar
Les Gray (född Thomas Leslie Gray 9 april 1946 i Carshalton, Surrey, död 21 februari 2004 i Lagos, Portugal) – sång
Rob Davis (född Robert Berkeley Davis 1 oktober 1947 i Carshalton) – gitarr
Ray Stiles (född Raymond John Stiles 20 november 1946 Guildford, Surrey) – basgitarr
Dave Mount (född David George Mount 3 mars 1947 i Carshalton, död 2 december 2006 i Carshalton) – trummor

Diskografi (urval)
Album

 (samlingsalbum)

Rock On (1977)'

Singlar (topp 40 på UK Singles Chart)
"Crazy" / "Do You Love Me" (1973) (#12)
"Hypnosis" / "Last Tango in London" (1973) (#16)
"Dyna-mite" / "Do It All Over Again" (1973) (#4)
"Tiger Feet" / "Mr. Bagatelle" (1974) (#1)
"The Cat Crept In" / "Morning" (1974) (#2)
"Rocket" / "The Ladies" (1974) (#6)
"Lonely This Christmas" / "I Can't Stand It" (1974) (#1)
"The Secrets That You Keep" / "Still Watching The Clock" (1975) (#3)
"Oh Boy" / "Watching The Clock" (1975) (#1)
"Moonshine Sally" / "Bye Bye Johnny" (1975) (#10)
"One Night" / "Shake, Rattle and Roll" / "See You Later Alligator" (1975) (#32)
"L'L'Lucy" / "My Love Is Your Love" (1975) (#10)
"Show Me You're a Woman" / "Don't You Know" (1975) (#8)
"Shake It Down" / "Laugh Live Love" (1976) (#12)
"Lean on Me" / "Greacian Lament" (1976) (#7)

Externa länkar

Mud på allmusic.com
Diskografi på Discogs

Musikgrupper bildade 1966
Musikgrupper upplösta 1990
Upplösta engelska musikgrupper
Brittiska musikgrupper

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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IMF and World Bank Meetings in Washington
Finance ministers and central bankers from around the world are in Washington this week for semiannual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
DR. PETER BUJARI, via Blair Hinderliter
Bujari is a medical doctor and the founder and current executive director of the Human Development Trust based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In light of the recent economic downturn, Dr. Bujari has been an active leader to influence the future agenda of the International Monetary Fund and poverty reduction in Tanzania. He said today: "The IMF is forcing low- and middle-income countries to follow restrictive policies that clamp down on spending, just when it's needed most to respond to the economic downturn and safeguard human needs. In Tanzania, while the IMF has recently announced 'some scope for stimulus,' many of the restrictive policy objectives in its program remain the same as before. African nations need help right now, but we need the kind of help that will grow our economies."
SOREN AMBROSE
Ambrose is Development Finance Coordinator for ActionAid International, a global anti-poverty agency, working with the world's poorest people in Africa, Asia and Latin America. He said today: "The global economy is a shipwreck, and the IMF has been called on to send the rescue, but the IMF was one of the captains of that ship. What the IMF demanded before in Africa, Asia, and Latin America was budget cuts, layoffs, restrictions on credit, deregulation of trade and investment and integration into the global economy. That short-term gain also meant long-term pain, since the more globalized a country is, the worse the crisis impact.
"To address the crisis, the IMF has recommended big-spending stimulus programs, but only for wealthy countries. For developing countries it's more of the same – cut spending, raise fuel and electricity prices, cut wages, avoid deficits. The G20 claimed it was arranging $1.1 trillion in financing to address the financial crisis, but about half of that is from un-designated sources or is money that was previously committed. And out of all that money, a maximum of $50 billion — less than 5 percent — is going to be available to low-income countries, like those in Africa and the Caribbean, which are the most vulnerable to the crisis and the least able to find other sources of capital."
Sam Husseini, (202) 347-0020 or David Zupan, (541) 484-9167


everybody tells me that my works reminds them picasso.
this drawing of laure ghorayeb is worth all the works of picasso as far as i am concerned.
Well,its Picasso version all right.But I prefer to call your "Starry Night"-the minimilist duet of your trumpet with Israeli Airforce bombarding the city;which you performed/recorder on the balcony of your home that night to be at par with Picasso's "Guernica".That duet is the most powerful artistic depiction of devastation and the aftermath of airial bombardings since the last century.


Finally we've made it onto Scott's tour schedule and had our first tour to our West Village location!
Lunch & Dinner Specials on Thursdays in Westhampton Beach!
Birra Moretti and Pizzetteria Brunetti a perfect pairing!
Join us in November for we will be offering a free glass of Moretti with our signature Vongole pizza or Brussels Sprout pizza! Post by Pizzetteria Brunetti NYC.


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Posted inJobs News
Ashley Wright announced as new head of GHD
by Cameron Jewell 8 March 2016 8 March 2016
Ashley Wright is to become the next chief executive of global multidisciplinary professional services giant GHD effective 1 April 2016, following the retirement of Ian Shepherd on 31 March.
Mr Wright is currently GHD general manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa, and is based in Perth. He previously led the company's Western Australian operations.
His career spans 27 years across Australia, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and the UK. As an engineer, he has worked on Australian projects including the Perth to Bunbury Highway and the Mandurah Railway in Western Australia, and the M7 motorway in Sydney.
Chair Russell Board said due to the company's long-term succession planning process, the board could focus on internal candidates in assessing potential CEOs.
"Ashley brings passion and energy to his leadership and is a highly strategic thinker," Mr Board said.
Mr Shepherd retires after more than 30 year with company, including eight as CEO.
"When I became CEO, GHD had fewer than 100 people in USA and none at all in Canada," he said. "Today, nearly half of our revenue is generated in North America. We have also grown the proportion of our private sector clients, including multinational companies that operate assets around the world. At a time when some economies are stagnant and with commodity and energy prices trending down, having a diversified business is helping us adapt, grow and add value for our clients."
He said GHD's employee ownership model helped the company succeed.
"The future direction and sustained growth of our business is determined by the people who work here, and this is why we have been able to set and execute long-range strategies. Our people realise they are custodians of value who build up a business and then pass it on to the next generation."
Consult Australia appoints new president, board
Blair Shackleton to lead GHD water team in WA
In "Jobs News"
David Singleton steps down as ISCA chair after seven years


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EconomyIMF Approves Immediate Disbursement of Kes 29.2 Billion ECF Loan to Kenya
IMF Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chairperson of the Executive Board, Antoinette Sayeh, said Kenya had shown remarkable resilience to the COVID shock in 2020 and is staging an economic recovery.
IMF headquarters in Washington, DC. Editorial credit: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the immediate disbursement of Kes. 29.2 billion to Kenya under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), in a move meant to support Kenya's program to address debt vulnerabilities and their response to the COVID-19 pandemic and at enhancing governance.
On Friday, the board, following a consultative meeting agreed on the disbursement of the money, bringing the total amount disbursed to the country for budget support to Kes. 100 billion.
"The Executive Board completed the 2021 Article IV Consultation and the Second reviews of the 38-month Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and 38-month arrangement under Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Kenya. The board has agreed to the immediate disbursement of USD258.1mn (Sh.29.2Bn) to Kenya," IMF said in a statement.
The Fund had approved a USD2.34bn (Sh266bn) aid package for Kenya in April 2021 to be disbursed over 38 months, under the Extended Credit Facility and the Extended Fund Facility.
Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chairperson of the Executive Board, Antoinette Sayeh, said Kenya had shown remarkable resilience to the COVID shock in 2020 and is staging an economic recovery.
She noted that growth is now estimated to accelerate to 5.9 per cent in 2021 and that the country's COVID-19 vaccination program has picked up speed in the second half of 2021.
"The political calendar is also a source of uncertainty," she said.
Sayeh said the board believed that the additional support would further aid in making advances to the country's structural reform and anti-corruption agencies.
She further noted that the funding is expected to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization and expand the country's ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive.
"The authorities should continue executing their multi-year fiscal consolidation plan to reduce debt vulnerabilities. Some additional fiscal space is needed in FY21/22 for emergency spending to face the drought in the north and emerging security needs; the planned supplementary budget should also provide resources for expanding COVID-19 vaccinations and SOEs support, in line with program design. Strengthening domestic revenue mobilization, maintaining expenditure control while protecting priority social spending and improving spending efficiency will remain essential. Bold political commitment by all levels of government is needed to ensure the FY22/23 budget is aligned with the authorities' program.
"Proactive efforts to address fiscal risks from state-owned enterprises (SOEs) should continue. Financial support to SOEs will require difficult tradeoffs and adequate safeguards given Kenya's limited fiscal space and the need to maintain debt sustainability.
"Further strengthening fiscal transparency and governance requires more proactive efforts. The authorities should address legal impediments to begin publishing beneficial ownership information for awarded public tenders in early 2022, proceed with planned audits of COVID-19 spending, and promptly act to follow up on previous audits.
IMF on CBK Policies
"Well-calibrated Central Bank of Kenya policies have supported economic resilience and the banking sector. The stance of monetary policy should remain accommodative as long as inflation expectations remain well-anchored.
"The program is subject to increasing global and domestic risks, including from the pandemic, tightening global financing conditions, and potential pressures from the upcoming political calendar. Kenya's medium-term prospects remain positive, and the authorities' continued commitment to their economic program is essential to maintain macroeconomic balance while ensuring a more sustainable, greener, and inclusive growth."
Also Read: Kenya's Inflation Slows to a Six Month Low of 5.8% in November
Asian Markets Decline as PBOC Announces First Rate-Cut since April 2020.
Market Report; 20th December 2021
Shilling Hits an all-time low of Kes 112.5 against the Dollar Due to Increased Demand
Kenya's Inflation Slows to a Six Month Low of 5.8% in November
Electricity Demand Hits New High Backed by Green Energy in the wake of post-COVID-19 Recovery


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School Closings (WJAC)
Explore Jefferson
DuBois PSU Sports
Home / News / Local News / PHMC Releases Five-year Statewide Historic Preservation Plan
PHMC Releases Five-year Statewide Historic Preservation Plan
Posted on Sunday, July 22, 2012 by Gant Team in Local News
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) has released the official statewide historic preservation plan for 2012 through 2017.
Entitled "Building Better Communities: The Preservation of Place in Pennsylvania," the comprehensive plan defines the role of historic preservation in revitalizing Pennsylvania communities.
Statewide preservation planning is one of the responsibilities required of the commonwealth's State Historic Preservation Office under the National Historic Preservation Act and the Pennsylvania History Code. This effort is overseen by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, which reviews and approves all state preservation plans.
This plan represents more than two years of public input that included a Community Preservation Values Survey, eight regional public forums, five partner workshops facilitated by PHMC staff across the state and additional participation by PHMC's state agency partners.
"We found that Pennsylvanians as whole recognize that development is inevitable but they also recognize that growth and progress do not need to result in the destruction of the natural and built assets that shape Pennsylvania," said PHMC Executive Director and State Historic Preservation Officer James M. Vaughan. "Our mountains, rivers, forests , farms, cities and boroughs, historic sites and our diverse ethnic and religious heritage all need to be preserved."
The "Building Better Communities" plan lays out a five-year framework for action and collaboration. The overall goal of the plan is to build stronger communities by using cultural and historic resources in ways that add value to citizens' lives today and in the future. The link between historic and natural resources is recognized and supported by the plan. Preservation is viewed as a concept that encompasses entire landscapes, including open spaces, historic buildings and structures, farmlands, viewsheds and the distinct characteristics found in communities of all sizes.
The plan includes strategies for increasing preservation planning at the local level, expanding and strengthening new and existing partnerships, encouraging advocacy, identifying and recruiting new constituents and managing an inclusive and comprehensive statewide historic preservation program.
A complete version of "Building Better Communities: The Preservation of Place in Pennsylvania" is available online atwww.phmc.state.pa.us.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth ofPennsylvania.
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1iuji)
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Pennsylvania's Employment Situation for June 2012
Altoona Man Charged After Attempted Break-in in Sandy Twp.
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Penn State Berkey Creamery Named a Stop on State Ice Cream Trail
Clearfield County Approves 2019-20 Human Services Plan
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"Betrayal"
Watching Another Country Productions (ACP) and the Factory Theatre's slick co-production of Nobel Prize-winning British playwright Harold Pinter's provocative one-act, 90-minute play, "Betrayal," reminds me of writing news stories. Open with a catchy lead - hit 'em hard, hit 'em fast, hit 'em in the beginning. Put the most important information up front, then include the "nut" paragraph, or what the story is about; use quotes and supporting information, from most important to least important facts and background information, creating an inverted triangle.
Pinter's play opens in the spring of 1977, where an estranged couple meet in an art gallery, aware that their long-term affair is over. The action spirals downward, scene by scene, to their deliciously secret, seven-year tryst they enjoyed without arousing their spouses' suspicion.
In nine brief, dramatic scenes Emma and Jerry meet bittersweetly, as the play flashes back, scene by scene, from the erosion of their affair to its passionate beginning in 1968. Two museum security guards set up each scene, moving benches, tables and chairs around, while shining flashlights on dates labeled over individual abstract paintings, sculptures and vases. We time travel from that gallery back to Jerry's house; his and Emma's hideaway flat; a Venice, Italy hotel room; a restaurant; and Robert and Emma's house, counting down chronically to Jerry and Emma's initial romantic involvement, ending with a giddy, inebriated Jerry announcing his love and adoration to Emma, kissing her passionately during a New Year's party. Set designer Dahlia L'Habieli, aided by co-producer/lighting designer Greg Jutkiewicz, has created a handsome set, with museum windows above that change hues, from fuschia, blue, and yellow, and also transform into abstract paintings.
Authors' agent Jerry is Robert's best friend and Robert's best man at his wedding. He also works for laidback publisher Robert, and he is married to Judith, a nighttime nurse, whom we never see. The couples each have two children.
The driving force behind this production is superb acting. Another Country Productions Artistic Director-actress Lyralen Kaye, who teaches the Meisner Technique of acting, effectively incorporates that style, in which the actors spontaneously respond to each other with increased intensity and realism. Kaye as Emma is deeply moving during scenes with Jerry (portrayed by Robert Kropf), as they banter, bicker, and frolic in each other's arms. She is tender, yet defensive at times with husband Robert (Wayne Fritsche), who, in turn, plays cat-and-mouse games with British civility while conversing with Jerry. He alludes to but doesn't reveal that Emma told him about her affair with Jerry four years earlier.
Pinter weaves in another unseen character named Casey, an author suspected of having an affair with Emma.
Director Gail Phaneuf, (also sound designer), and this excellent cast, including stagehands-supporting actors James Wilcox and Steven Lee, are fascinating. As the action counts down to the beginning of this nine-year, tightly interwoven romantic web, we anticipate an unexpected snag, which doesn't happen. Instead, we're treated to a handsome production that Pinter would've savored, since he relied on his actors' skills; and they deliver with finesse.
BOX INFO: One-act, 90-minute play, written by Harold Pinter, presented by Another Country Productions (ACP) and the Factory Theatre, now through June 5, at the Boston Center for the Arts, Calderwood Pavilion, (second floor), 527 Tremont St., Boston. Showtimes are Wednesdays, Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, 3,8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Also May 26 at 2 p.m. Premium tickets are $35; general admission, $30; seniors, students, $27. Call 617-933-8600 or visit www.BostonTheatreScene.com.
"Betrayal" (20 May - 5 June)
FACTORY THEATER & ANOTHER COUNTRY THEATRE COMPANY
@ Boston Center foR The Arts, 539 Tremont Street, BOSTON MA