text:
Roll Bounce (2005)
Xavier (Bow Wow), a teenage boy in Chicago, struggles with the loss of his mother and turns to roller skating as a way to deal with his angst. He and his friends are the stars of the skating rink they frequent, but this is about to change. When it closes down, they have no choice but to try out a more upscale spot, the Sweetwater Roller Rink. There, they enroll in a skating contest, and have to prove themselves to the reigning champions, headed by a skater named Sweetness.
Release Date: September 23rd, 2005
DVD Release Date: December 13th, 2005
PG-13 |1 hr 47 min
Cast: Shad "Bow Wow" Moss, Chi McBride, Mike Epps, Wesley Jonathan, Kellita Smith, Meagan Good, Khleo Thomas, Nick Cannon
Director: Malcolm D. Lee
Genres: Comedy drama , Romance
Production Co: State Street Pictures
Distributors: Fox
Keywords: Touching, Growing up, 1970s, Underdog, Father, Friend, Competition, Love interest, Love, Engaging, Amusing
More Trailers and Clips
Roll Bounce - Trailer No. 1
Roll Bounce - Behind The Scenes
Rental (SD) $3.99, Purchase (HD) $14.99, Rental (HD) $3.99, Purchase (SD) $14.99
Purchase (SD) $14.99, Purchase (HD) $14.99, Rental (HD) $3.99, Rental (SD) $3.99
Rental (HD+) $3.99, Purchase (HD+) $14.99, Rental (SD) $3.99, Purchase (SD) $14.99
Shad "Bow Wow" Moss
Chi McBride
Wesley Jonathan
Roger EbertChicago Sun-Times
Roll Bounce, a nostalgic memory of disco roller-dancing in the late 1970s, has warm starring performances from Bow Wow and Chi McBride, who are funny, lovable and sometimes touching. show more
The movie is a thing of honey and gloss, yet there's just enough heart in the central father/son relationship, and in the teenagers' ensemble interactions, to make it glide by. show more
Sheri LindenThe Hollywood Reporter
Doesn't depart from the inspirational coming-of-age formula. But it has got enough heart and disco-fever exuberance to connect with audiences. show more
Step Up 2 the Streets


You've launched an awesome website, but where are the customers? Find out how to attract your first customers with these easy tips.
Congratulations on opening up your new online store. Now, the real challenge begins.
If you want to succeed, you need to generate enough interest to give yourself a great head start on orders. While your competitors are battling to retain customers, you're battling to obtain customers.
These processes are both important, but they're vastly different.
You've built it, but now it's time for them to come. There are several ways to get the customers there.
A lot of people are hesitant to try something new, especially if they already have a favorite in a particular category.
More likely than not, you're challenging their favorite.
If you want them to be more open to the idea of giving you a shot, make it as cheap and easy as possible.
People are a little more eager to make a purchase when the product or service they're receiving comes at a nice discount.
If you can launch with a decent sale, the prices may be too appealing for potential customers to resist. If they're happy with what they received, they might tell their friends or even come back for more. Sales help to generate the interest you need for a successful launch.
Promotional materials, triggered emails for cart abandonment, loyalty, and customer retention are all easily handled with email lists.
Entice people with a signup discount, a freebie, or even a birthday perk to encourage them to sign up for your email list. Even if they don't become customers on their first visit, you'll wind up with an easy way to remind them to complete a purchase with you. Keep them on the hook, show them what you have to offer, and turn your visitors into customers.
You can even start an email list before the shop has opened.
If your social media profiles have already been established, post sneak peeks of products or services leading up to the launch day. Offer the people who sign up before your online store is open something special for getting on board so early. They'll already be waiting to become customers.
Newer companies often reach out to prominent influencers to promote their products.
People with large social media followings are typically the best kinds of influencers to help sell things on the internet. If your online store is small and you're working with a startup budget, you may not be able to afford to work with influencers who have follower counts close to a million. This doesn't mean you're out of options.
Some influencers will accept products for free on the condition that they're able to provide an unbiased review. If you can find an influencer with an interest or a prominent standing in your industry, reach out and ask. Just make sure that the person you choose to work with is trustworthy and that videos, photos, or reviews will be posted at the appropriate time.
When your store is new, you don't have an established reputation.
There may not be a lot of information about your products or services readily available on the internet. This void of information and reputation might make visitors hesitant to become customers. You can combat this hesitancy by communicating with your visitors from the moment they arrive.
Live chat tools give you the chance to create a personalized experience for everyone who visits. If there's something they don't understand, they can ask for help and get it instantly. This is especially useful for online stores that sell products that involve a lot of specifications, like measurements or tech specs. Live support staff can help customers find something as close to custom tailored as possible, all while improving user experience and establishing a stronger brand relationship.
A strong social media strategy will work to help you amass a significant amount of followers. The more followers you have, the more potential customers you'll obtain.
A great social media strategy will focus both on ads and posts, and the type of posts largely depends on the platform being used. Instagram is best for pictures and short videos, where Facebook gives enough text space for lengthier, useful posts. Snapchat is great for fun marketing content, as it disappears at the end of the day.
With ads, try highly tailoring your audience.
Facebook has excellent tools for demographic targeting with their ad system. You can choose very specific age groups, locations, and common interests when targeting your ads. The more specific your ads are, the more likely the right people are to find your online store. As long as you truly understand your demographics, you're bound to stumble upon some eager leads.
Terms like "for a limited time" and "while supplies last" and "VIP" get people moving.
They want to know what's so special, and more importantly, they want to be a part of that special group.
If your first 100 customers received some sort of elite status or special gift, people will rush to the front of the line. They'll want to be a member of the group that gets superior treatment. If you let them know that group is available, they'll be interested in receiving the benefits of membership.
Visitors will become customers, because the exclusivity is a lot more exciting than purchasing a simple product.
Many online stores hold contests where posting or sharing content relevant to the brand or its industry enters customers in some kind of drawing or giveaway for a high cost item.
If people want to participate in these contests, they need to interact with your brand. This usually means they're sharing hashtags or tagging the brand to their audience, driving more people to your website. The buzz from a contest will spread far and wide, getting the word out to anyone involved in your industry. The right people will find you.
Don't feel discouraged if customers don't immediately rush in. It takes time to develop a loyal customer base. Just keep working at it and watch the results come in.


The third time will not be the charm.
The speaker of Britain's House of Commons dealt a potentially fatal blow to Prime Minister Theresa May's ailing Brexit deal on Monday, saying the government couldn't keep asking lawmakers to vote on the same deal they have already rejected twice.
Speaker John Bercow scuttled May's plan, saying that centuries-old parliamentary rules prevent "the same proposition or substantially the same proposition" from being brought back repeatedly for votes in a session of Parliament.
Apparently leaving Brexit with no deal at all now commands a plurality of support in the UK -- 44% back the no-plan plan.
Video of the speaker's statement here.
I've gotta admit, I don't know the details of the "deal" the EU is forcing on May (and which May seems to be complacently accepting), but the details sound terrible. May had previously taken the position that she would rather have no deal than a bad deal, but when the EU proposed a bad deal, she meekly said, "Okay."
This anonymous article from a UK civil servant says the "Brexit deal" is actually a backdoor effort to keep the UK in the EU forever -- but without any voting rights in that organization.
Voters may believe we need [this deal] in order to leave the EU. We do not. They could be fooled by the Prime Minister's repeated claims that there might be "no Brexit" unless it is passed -- when of course Brexit will happen by default without it under the terms of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act. Voters might also be forgiven for believing that the Withdrawal Agreement settles our future trade relationship with the EU. Not in the slightest. Future trade talks remain just that -- in the future -- while May's "deal" keeps the UK legally shackled to a moribund EU economy which it must attempt to revive with vast sums of British taxpayers' money for an indeterminate number of years.
But credit where it's due: EU officials (ably abetted by their British allies) have produced a devilishly clever draft treaty which, if passed, would end Brexit and get Britain ready to board the express train to a United States of Europe.
The political takeover of the UK represented by the Withdrawal Agreement is an audacious attempt to reverse a damning popular vote of discontent with the European Project and provide fresh impetus for the federal superstate that is the EU's raison d'etre. The EU's triple lock guarantee is so constructed that never again will Brussels be troubled by an explosion of democracy in the United Kingdom. Parliament has one last chance to escape total eclipse -- and it is now, by rejecting the Withdrawal Agreement in its entirety.
Read that article's explanation of the "three locks" shackling the UK as a vassal state of Europe forever. It's hair-raising. This does indeed seem to be a viciously underhanded con by the UK establishment and May to put the UK back into the EU through the backdoor -- and as a vassal state, to boot!
But, at some point, the UK will realize that being a vassal state is even worse than their previous position and ask to be let back into the EU as a full member. But then the EU will demand more fees and also demand that the UK accept all EU laws.
This seems to be the real goal here.
The EU says it won't even continue negotiation for a couple of months -- unless the UK agrees to pay the EU one billion dollars per month of extended negotiations.
Below, Roger Daltrey is baited by a reporter about Brexit, and shuts him the eff down.


text:
Comcast has developed a remote that lets you control a TV with your eyes
By Catherine Ellis 2019-06-17T14:23:08Z Future tech
Easier viewing
Comcast has created a system for controlling a TV with nothing more than a glance. The system, called Xfinity X1 eye control, is designed for people living with physical disabilities that prevent them using a conventional remote.
Xfinity X1 is a web-based remote that works with existing gaze-tracking hardware and software, sip-and-puff switches (which are controlled by gently blowing into or sipping from a tube or pipe) and other assistive tech.
To use it, Xfinity subscribers can visit the X1 webpage and use their account credentials to pair the web-based remote with their set-top box.
The best TVs 2019: the top picks for big screen action
OLED vs QLED: the battle of the TV tech titans
The best smart TVs: every platform rated
Once set up, the system makes it easy to change channels, launch the TV guide, set recordings and toggle features like closed captioning. It's even possible to type out commands using eye movements.
"Changing the channel on a TV is something most of us take for granted but until now, it was a near-impossible task for millions of viewers," says Tom Wlodkowski, vice president of accessibility at Comcast.
"When you make a product more inclusive you create a better experience for everyone and we're hoping our new X1 feature makes a real difference in the lives of our customers."
Image credit: Comcast
Eye tracking technology like this can give people living with conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) a new level of independence. ALS attacks cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. Fifteen people are diagnosed with the condition every day in the US alone.
"Our mission is to help provide the resources so that families diagnosed with ALS can continue living independent, productive, and triumphant lives," says Steve Gleason, former NFL player, founder of Team Gleason and living with ALS.
"Not long ago, simple tasks like using a remote control were completely unavailable for families with ALS. The development of the X1 eye control is a testament to Comcast's commitment to all their customers. We believe companies that invest in empowering their customers, become catalysts for more innovation."
How AI is helping people regain mobility and control over their lives
See more Future tech news

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


We provide a large assortment of Filter Nozzles that includes flower type filter nozzles as well as Water Filter Nozzles. Water Filter Nozzles are widely used in Water Filter Plant, DM Plant and RO Plants or very fine filtration drinking water plants whereas Flower Type Nozzle in Cooling Tower. High durability, excellent performance and easy installation are some of the salient features of our Filter Nozzles. We have firmly positioned ourselves as one of the key Plastic Filter Nozzles Manufacturers and suppliers based in India.


text:
Houston Passes 'Historic' Flood Reforms on Hurricane Harvey Anniversary
Yessenia Funes
Filed to:one year later
The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Port Arthur, Texas.
A year has passed since Hurricane Harvey bore down in the Southeast, pummeling Texas and Louisiana with 27 trillion gallons of water. Since then, some cities and communities have come a long way to ensure they're better protected for next storm.
Over the weekend, voters in Harris County, Texas—home to Houston, which saw some of the worst flooding during the event—elected to approve $2.5 billion in bonds that'll help finance flood control projects in the region starting in 2020. Thanks to proposition A, taxpayers will see a tiny increase in property taxes over the next 10 to 15 years to cover the bonds' interest. Federal dollars will match the bonds, bringing in another $3 billion—amounting to a whopping $5.5 billion to go toward flood control projects.
These projects include mapping floodplains, offering voluntary buyouts to homeowners in floodplains, and improving early warning flood systems. Most importantly, perhaps, is the work on watersheds Harvey left damaged. Projects to widen bayous and study watersheds like the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs will help create better flow paths for rainwater—and keep flood waters away from residential areas.
The 85-15 vote in favor of the bipartisan proposition came on August 25, the anniversary of the Category 4 storm striking Houston.
"A lot of politicians say this next November election is the most important election of our lives," said Texas Representative Sarah Davis, a Republican, per ABC. "But in my opinion, this election today is the most important of our lives, because we didn't vote for a person or party. We voted for each other. We voted to save our communities."
Hurricane Harvey was the largest rain event in the modern history of the United States. It cost the U.S. $125 billion in damage—and more than 75 lives in Texas. The storm damaged at least 15,000 homes, yet those impacted have been without federal housing aid since June. (No wonder homelessness has grown more urgent since then.)
The official ballot includes language around transparency, public participation, and the "equitable expenditure of funds," which is making some call this measure "historic." There's always a concern among housing advocates that low-income communities or communities of color will be ignored and miss the dollars they need to rebuild and prepare for natural disasters. Proposition A aims to avoid this issue.
Still, states like Texas and Louisiana have a long way to go before they're ready to handle another Hurricane Harvey. For one, toxic Superfund sites hit by the storm still need some cleanup and maintenance. The Environmental Protection Agency got started on cleaning up one Superfund site in April, but there's been no update on the other 12 sites the hurricane damaged.
And new flood control projects can only go so far toward remedying the systemic flooding problem Houston faces, a challenge a ProPublica investigation captured years before Harvey hit. Wild population growth and developers' habits of paving over ever inch of land they can are to blame. Without the wild prairies to absorb rainfall, floodwaters instead rush into residential neighborhoods.
The end of August and beginning of September is usually the worst part of hurricane season for this region. The Southeast could use a hurricane-free summer after all that Hurricane Harvey wrought last year.
Why Hurricane Lane Poses a Major Threat to Hawaii
Typhoon Headed for South Korea Has Freakishly Huge Eye
NOAA's First All-Female Hurricane Hunter Crew Flew Fearlessly Into Hurricane Hector
Our First Good Weather News All Summer
Senior staff writer, Earther. The one who "pulls the race card" in the name of environmental justice. You dig?
PGP Fingerprint: 013E B45D A8E3 97DA 8877 9CF6 1C90 2957 9E4A A869 • PGP Key


Perfect opportunities begin with Perfect Day!
Duties will include utilizing forklifts, tractors and trolleys to streamline loading and unloading process from the designated vessel along with transporting goods to designated destination on call days. To ensure that safety is paramount at all time when moving any vehicle at any time. Driving of guest trams may also be required in which case this would be a guest facing position.
The Driver position is one that should possesses a dynamic outgoing demeanor with a passion for delivering industry leading service while demonstrating exemplary skills. This role establishes and drives a positive working environment and focuses on the Guest Experience while operating with optimum Safety with of our guest and fellow colleagues in mind. Leading by example at the Front of House on a call day this is a position that requires the ability to be engaged with guests with a friendly disposition while ensuring paramount safety of guests and employees.
All duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with Royal Caribbean International's Royal Way Experience, SQM standards, USPH guidelines, environmental, and safety policies. Each Island employee conducts oneself in a professional and courteous manner at all times. This consists of physical and verbal interactions with guests or fellow employees.
Duties will include utilizing forklifts, trolleys, tractors, golf carts and trucks to streamline loading and unloading process along with transporting goods to designated destination on call days. Critical to a successful operation is the preparation and sequencing of provisions, staging of carts in a pre-determined order. To ensure a smooth and safe transfer of all good from ship to site and vice versa.
Follow instructions of the Team Lead Operations at all times to ensure a safe environment at all times while operating on the pier.
Prior to ship arrival, ensure all vehicles are staged, provision trailers, tractors, loading platforms, forklift trucks and gangways, trucks.
Ensure gangways are ready for loading as instructed by the ships staff and stored securely at the close of a call day.
Pallets are staged in loading order with a maximum height range of 48 – 54" . Pallets are only to be moved when deemed safe.
All Provisions are safely loaded onto trucks and trolleys in sequence and driven to their designated locations.
When operating on the pier all areas are to be cordoned off for safety.
No unauthorized carrying of personnel on provision vehicles or trolleys, No use of phone while driving.
To actively participate in the reporting of maintenance, safety and operation of the forklifts, provision vehicles, tractors and trolleys and guest trams.
Understands, applies, and enforces environmental policies and procedures concerning such functions as collections, sorting and disposal of solid wastes and use of chemicals associated with cleaning.
To comply with all company policies and programs concerning safety, environmental protection and occupational accidents.
Attends meetings conducted by the Site Management also training activities, courses and all other work-related activities as required.
Personal appearance, personal hygiene and uniform appearance are at all times in accordance with company policy.
Participate in all mandatory training related to the Company Philosophy and Guest Service needs.
Performs related duties as required. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as assigned by Management.
Be knowledgeable regarding all facets of the Island all activities and have the ability to be able to make recommendations for guests. Always carry island maps and be prepared to answer questions from the guest.
Ability to drive forklift operation with precision within limited space after training certification.
Ability to drive all vehicles safely and precisely.
A friendly disposition with the ability to converse with our guests.
Ability to work positively and cooperatively in a diverse team environment to meet overall established timeframes for the island operation.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste and smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
All island employees must be physically able to participate in emergency procedures and drills. Full use/range of motion of arms and legs as well as full visual, verbal and hearing abilities are required to receive and give instructions in the event of an emergency.
A minimum of two (2) years related experience and/or training.
Must hold a Certificate of completion for Fork Lift Driving (certification provided) and a clean vehicle license and proof to have good eye sight.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be subject to extreme heat, very hot and humid conditions.


The Palm Springs Film Festival opens with "Selma," starring David Oyelowo, second from left, as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
The fastest-selling screening at the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival requires a solemn vow — the Secret Screening. It's a film presentation so secret that audience members are asked to sign a promise that they won't talk about the film until it's released theatrically.
"We sell out every year in advance," said the film festival's artistic director, Helen du Toit. "It's like a grab bag. Nobody knows what it is until the credits roll. They love it."
Last year's Secret Screening was "Ida," the award-winning Polish drama directed by Pawel Pawlikowski that is one of the nine films shortlisted for the foreign language Oscar.
The popularity of the Secret Screening illustrates the adventurous cinematic nature of the audiences who attend the festival for its eclectic programming and commitment to screening award-winning, challenging and demanding new foreign-language films.
The 26th edition of the festival, which begins Friday and continues through Jan. 12, will feature 192 films from 65 countries, including 65 premieres, among which are 33 U.S. debuts.
The festival opens with Ava DuVernay's Golden Globe-nominated "Selma," the historical drama about the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his effort to secure equal voting rights in 1965. "Selma" opened in limited release on Christmas Day but won't be going nationwide until Jan. 9. The closing night program is Francois Girard's "Boychoir," an uplifting drama starring Dustin Hoffman and Kathy Bates.
Trailer for "Selma," directed by Ava DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo.
David Oyelowo, who plays King in "Selma," is also one of the honorees of the festival's awards gala Saturday evening at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Also being honored this year are other Oscar hopefuls such as directors Richard Linklater and Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and actors Julianne Moore, J.K. Simmons, Robert Duvall, Eddie Redmayne, Rosamund Pike, Reese Witherspoon and the cast of "The Imitation Game."
A scene from "Tangerines," an audience favorite at last year's Palm Springs International Film Festival.
"Ida" is also making a return visit to the festival as part of the Awards Buzz program, which this year features 50 of the 83 submissions for the foreign-language Oscar, including eight that have been shortlisted. In addition to "Ida," the other shortlisted foreign films are "Wild Tales" (Argentina), "Tangerines" (Estonia), "Corn Island" (Georgia), "Timbuktu" (Mauritania/France), "Accused" (Netherlands), "Leviathan" (Russia) and "Force Majeure" (Sweden).
"Tangerines," which also screened last year at the festival, was "in our top 10 audience films," Du Toit said. "Often, the films that score very well with our audience are strong predictors of what is going to score well with [film] academy voters."
A jury of international critics will watch the 50 movies to name the FIPRESCI Award for foreign language film of the year, actor and actress.
A majority of the directors whose films are in the festival will make appearances and will attend a private retreat.
Festival director Darryl Macdonald noted that in the last few years, "there has been a huge explosion of talent emerging from all over the world, in particular focused on regions like Eastern Europe, Latin America and, for that matter, the Arab world."
Every year, the festival spotlights a country or region "that is making extraordinary strides or we see a preponderance of exciting new talent," he said.
This year, the Another Europe series spotlights central and Eastern European films, many made by first- or second-time directors. Among the pictures featured are "Cowboys" (Croatia), "In the Crosswind" (Estonia), "No One's Child" (Serbia), "White God" (Hungary) and "The Tribe" (Ukraine), which is performed entirely in sign language without subtitles.
Macdonald believes one of the reasons for this new wave of filmmaking in the region is access to digital technology. "What is most remarkable is we are seeing across the board, international films are better made now," he noted.
"It's true even in this country, in the American independent field, because of this cheaper access to new technologies that helps making a movie so much more accessible and so much easier to make a really quality-looking film."
But even more remarkable, Macdonald said, is that the "storytelling prowess is finally catching up with the technology prowess."
"One of the most striking things about Another Europe is that a large number of these filmmakers are approaching storytelling in more vital ways — they are eschewing genres or blending genres," he added.
The festival is also showcasing some 30 English-language independent films, including "Effie Gray" with Emma Thompson and Dakota Fanning, "Learning to Drive" with Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley, "Song One" with Anne Hathaway and "Walter" with William H. Macy.
The festival attracted a record-breaking 135,000 patrons last January. Many attendees have been coming for years.
"What is most remarkable about that is 70% of [the audience] is outside of the Coachella Valley," said Macdonald. "So people literally come to this festival as a destination from all over the country."
And the demographic is evolving. "More and more young people are coming every year, and we hope to speed up that process," Macdonald added.
Besides getting the word out in social media and on its website, the festival has established showcases this year to appeal to a younger audience. The Breaking Waves series, said Du Toit, highlights "all of the films that are of interest to a younger demographic. There are a huge number of them."
Among those are "Backcountry" (Canada), the documentary "Ballet Boys" (Norway), "Mommy" (Canada) and "Don Quixote: The Ingenious Gentleman of La Mancha" (U.S.), starring James Franco.
Meanwhile, After Dark, a new late-night program, features such horror films and chillers as "Goodnight Mommy" (Austria) and "It Follows" (U.S.). The films will also screen during the day.
For the last seven years, the festival has also held a student screening day at Palm Springs High School's auditorium. Some 1,100 students from the Coachella Valley get the opportunity to see two movies. This year, the festival is screening the acclaimed documentary "Keep on Keepin' On," about a legendary trumpet player who mentors a young blind jazz pianist, and the award-winning drama "Natural Sciences" (Argentina).
"We bring the directors in to talk to the students," said Du Toit. "The kids go nuts."
And perhaps in a few years, some of those students will be regular festivalgoers eagerly signing the nondisclosure document before the Secret Screening unspools.
Opening/closing: Ava DuVernay's Golden Globe-nominated "Selma" opens the festival Friday night; François Girard's "Boychoir," starring Dustin Hoffman, closes the festivities.
Awards gala: Oscar hopefuls including Julianne Moore, Eddie Redmayne, J.K. Simmons, the cast of "The Imitation Game" and "Selma's" David Oyelowo are among this year's honorees at the gala that takes place at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
Awards buzz: The showcase features 50 of the 83 films that were submitted for the foreign-language Oscar, including eight of the nine features to be shortlisted. Among those are "Ida," "Wild Tales," "Tangerines," "Timbuktu" and "Force Majeure."
"Modern Masters": This section features 12 films from such acclaimed directors as Barry Levinson ("The Humbling"), John Boorman ("Queen and Country"), Albert Maysles ("Iris"), Denys Arcand ("An Eye for Beauty") and Olivier Assayas ("Clouds of Sils Maria").
"Another Europe": A celebration of contemporary Central and Eastern European cinema features such films as "The Japanese Dog," "Afterlife" and "Fair Play."
"After Dark": A new night program that features a slate of edgier horror/chiller fare including "It Follows."
"New Voices/New Visions": This program features a selection of 10 films from first-time feature filmmakers. The films are looking for U.S. distribution and will screen for a jury of distributors. Among the films are "Chubby" (Switzerland) and "Grand Street" (U.S.).
"Breaking Waves": A showcase of films that appeal to a younger demographic, including "Don Quixote: The Ingenious Gentleman of La Mancha," starring James Franco.
"True Stories": The documentary section features such films as "Ballet Boys" (Norway) and "Holbrook/Twain: An American Odyssey" (U.S.).
"World Cinema Now": An eclectic array of 74 films from 36 countries.


text:
Home » News » Making the case for yet another fair: 2nd Art Fair Philippines – interview
Making the case for yet another fair: 2nd Art Fair Philippines – interview
by guest on Feb 14, 2014 News | Comments Off on Making the case for yet another fair: 2nd Art Fair Philippines – interview
Back for a second year running, is Art Fair Philippines proof that the Filipino contemporary art market is finally maturing?
The 2014 edition of Art Fair Philippines, taking place from 20 to 23 February 2014, is the country's second contemporary art fair launched in recent years. But is there truly a need for a second fair? Trickie Lopa, one-third of Art Events Inc organisers of Art Fair Philippines, makes the case for one of the country's youngest art events.
Louie Cordero, 'Pong on Earth', 2014, study for tabletop, automotive paint on fiberglass and steel, dimensions variable, 4 sets. Image courtesy the artist and Art Fair Philippines.
Following a successful inaugural run, Art Fair Philippines is back at the Link Carpark in Makati, the country's financial district, from 20 to 23 February 2014. This year, the fair is even bigger, taking over another floor of its makeshift art venue and adding more galleries, including international Southeast Asian galleries. The fair will also feature seven solo exhibitions in comparison to last year's three. To top it all off, international auction house Christie's will be hosting art lectures as part of their Art Forum series.
Artists featured in the special exhibitions are:
Louie Cordero
Jose Santos III
Rodel Tapaya
Pio Abad
Marina Cruz
Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera
Ronald Ventura
Marina Cruz, 'Waiting for a Home #3′, 2014, detail oil painting, wood and fibreglass, 71 x 41 x 15.75 cm, 27.95 x 16.14 x 6.2 in.
The Filipino art market
The past decade has been an exciting period for Filipino art, as support structures and opportunities for artists have grown steadily. A number of Filipino artists have also been making noise on the Southeast Asian art market.
The growing interest has led to general enthusiasm for contemporary art, giving birth to the country's first international art fair in 2008, ManilART. Last year, Art Fair Philippines followed suit.
Trickie Lopa, Co-founder of Art Fair Philippines, spoke to Art Radar about the developing taste for the arts in the Southeast Asian archipelago and why the young market needs a second fair.
What motivated you and your partners to start Art Fair Philippines?
Because of my involvement with the arts and the artists, I've always had this dream and I think I share this with my two partners, to make the local art more visible, to make it more top-of-mind in terms of mainstream audience here in the Philippines.
We are very creative people, I should say, but our visual art hardly gets any recognition in the mainstream. It's funny, because Filipino artists are making in-roads throughout Southeast Asia, but to the local Filipino professional names like Ronald Ventura or Geraldine Javier don't really resonate, and they should because they are doing great things.
As you know, every city basically has an art fair at the moment. Of course, we are never going to be as sleek as Art Basel Hong Kong or Art Stage Singapore. But our art scene isn't like that anyway. Our art scene is 'make-do', a bit edgy. That is why we thought about having it in the middle of the city, in the middle of a commercial centre, in an unconventional venue which is a carpark.
Lynyrd Paras, 'Found Life', 2014, mixed media, 92 x 173 cm. Image courtesy Art Cube and Art Fair Philippines.
Would you say the inaugural Art Fair Philippines 2013 was successful?
Last year was our first and it was really geared towards local audiences. [Our mission] was two-pronged: we wanted local audiences to develop their eye or their affinity for the local contemporary art scene. We also wanted the fair to serve as the venue where those interested in Filipino art can come to every year to see what is happening.
We had very good feedback from the fair last year. It was small, but it had a lot of energy and the venue worked; that was really three-fourths of our problem last year, trying to get an accessible venue ready.
Ronald Ventura, 'I wish it was just a dream but it wasn't', 2014, fibreglass, resin, charcoal, polyurethane paint, steel, plastics, concrete, dimensions variable. Image courtesy the artist and Art Fair Philippines.
How would you describe last year's commercial results?
[The results] for the galleries were tremendous. They underestimated the response. The people were willing to buy. In fact, a typical complaint of people who went was: "But… there's nothing left." We have some galleries this year that are going to be changing their hangings in the middle of the fair, because they are already foreseeing that people are going to be coming not just once but twice there.
Of course, it's a commercial venture for the galleries. For them, to continue participating in the fair, definitely there is a commercial aspect to the fair. But what we are [also] trying to say is that, because it is a very young fair and also because in general it is only in the last two or three years that contemporary art is entering into the consciousness of the typical Filipino professional, we also see this as a way to educate and to expose.
Benedicto Cabrera, 'Man Thinking', 2013, bronze, 18 x 12 x 8in. Image courtesy the artist and Art Fair Philippines.
An art scene comes of age
Why has the Filipino contemporary art market taken a long while to develop?
Perhaps in more developed countries, going to museums seeing art, going to galleries is very normal. It's not something extraordinary. Here in a country like ours, art has not taken priority in the community. Because we are involved in third world problems, I suppose, art is not a priority. But maybe it's about time that it enters the national psyche – that people see that it has a place in our cultural life. That it should not be so extraordinary to look at art or to be moved by art, to see art that you like or you don't like.
Corinne De San Jose and Christina Dy, 'New Pair 01′, 2013, archival inkjet print and origami, 39.76 x 39.76 x 3 in, 101 x 101 x 7.6 cm, unique edition. Image courtesy Silverlens and Art Fair Philippines.
Could you talk about the recent rise in interest in Filipino contemporary art? Are international or local collectors buying? What genre of art or which artists are popular?
I think it's recent, because when things started to become more organised, when structures started getting built, that's when you could see that people became more interested and more immersed in the local art scene. Things were happening simultaneously in maybe the last ten years.
We started Art in the Park 2006, Christie's started doing Southeast Asian auctions in Hong Kong in 2005. We had young names doing well in the Southeast Asian auction scene, names like Ronald Ventura and Geraldine Javier. Names like that started to make waves in the auction scene. This was typical of the last decade.
Before, we only saw galleries limited to a strip in the mall. Then you had galleries popping up all over the city. Galleries that were really putting together programmes, not just spaces to sell art. They represent artists and organise shows around these artists. They join art fairs aboard. So, it sort of all came together.
Something like the Ateneo Art Awards, which is ten years old this year, it started in 2004. That also brought attention to young artists, rather than the old established names. All these things contributed to focusing attention to young artists and helped the local art scene to flourish.
So, would you say that there is more interest in the young emerging names rather than the classic, already established artists?
You know what, yes and no. There's more interest in the young emerging artists, but at the same time you could see in the auction results that big names still command top prizes, names like [Vicente Manansala], Fernando Zobel or Ang Kiukuk, these names still resonate with collectors.
That's why we talk of a bit of a boom, because it cuts across all names.
In an interview with Interaksyon magazine, you were quoted as saying: "I think the more art fairs there are, the better it will be for the art community". A year after the launch of the fair, could you already talk about the impact of Art Fair Philippines in the country's art market?
I don't know, because I don't think there's anybody keeping track in terms of statistics or any art figures or anything like that. But this much I can say, last year, I guess the art year started with AFP in February, then you had the auctions. The local auction houses had record results in March. And that was consistent throughout the year.
After that we had Art in the Park, which runs in March, and we had our most attended Art in the Park ever. I would like to think that we help contribute in making people more open to collecting art.
I would like to think that having the fair kick off the year had something to do with people taking more of an interest in contemporary art and collecting art. Of course, I don't know for sure if we did, as I said we don't have any facts to back that up.
Alwin Reamillo, 'Unnatural History : Ang Totoong Alamat ng Pilipinas o Pensar en la Inmortalidad del Cangrejo', 2012, mixed media, found objects, 32 x 53.5 in. Image courtesy Nova Gallery and Art Fair Philippines.
AFP 2014: What sets it apart?
It's difficult not to compare: how does Art Fair Philippines differ from ManilART, the country's other fair, which launched in 2008?
We invite galleries ourselves. We invite those who we believe have regular programmes that support artists. We make sure that the galleries that we invite have regular programmes that we believe in. That's one.
ManilART gets some government support from the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCAA). We don't. This is entirely a private initiative which we do with the help from private corporations. The biggest one being, of course, the Ayala Group and Swatch for this year.
The other thing, we require our galleries to hire the service of a curator to put together exhibitions. And, I think that they [ManilART] don't have special exhibits, which we have.
Robert Langenegger, Untitled (detail), 2013. Image courtesy Finale Art File and Art Fair Philippines.
The fair takes place at the Link Carpark building located at the financial district of Makati. Why in a carpark?
We couldn't find a venue. We were sure we wanted a fair in Makati, because this is the business and commercial district. It is highly accessible. It is easy for people to go there during their weekend. Unfortunately, we don't have any venues in Makati – no convention cetnres, no exhibition halls. The most flexible building that we could convert was the carpark. So, it was born out of necessity.
It worked very well. It does mirror the art scene: it has an edgy, urban vibe, a little bit make-do, not so sleek.
How does this year's fair differ from the previous one in terms of how it is organised and in terms of participating galleries and exhibitors?
This year, it's a little bit bigger. Last year, we took over the sixth floor of the carpark and this year we're taking over half of the seventh floor as well.
We have three more galleries that are regional galleries (Richard Koh Fine Art, Art Cube and TAKSU) not based in Manila. They are from around Southeast Asia although they will be exhibiting Filipino artists.
We're very lucky, we also have Christie's coming in with a lecture series under Christie's Art Forum. The lecture series in house will go on during the fair hours.
Last year, we had three special exhibits. Meaning, we selected three artists to make work specifically for the fair. This year we have seven very exciting names.
Ronald Ventura at his studio. Image courtesy Art Fair Philippines.
Which gallery or exhibits are you most excited about, personally? Why?
I am especially looking forward to seeing the special exhibitors. [Recently], I did the rounds of the studios to see what the solo artists are coming up with. They were not quite finished yet, but I am very excited to see what the finished works will look like.
The solo exhibitions will focus on visual artists who present Philippine contemporary art to international audiences. Could you talk a bit about how these artists were chosen and what made their work stand out?
We wanted to choose artists we liked but who have also achieved critical and commercial recognition in the region. The artists that we invited all had experience doing shows outside the Philippines and have done very well in those shows.
BenCab is the most well-known of the lot and then there's of course Ronald Ventura who is an auction superstar.
Could you talk about the presence of an institution like Christie's and what they will add to the fair's exploration of contemporary Filipino art practice?
Last year, Christie's [representatives] came to take a look at the fair. I think that, because Filipino art does very well in their auctions, they realised that it would be to their advantage to get more involved in the scene here. Of course, we welcomed their participation because of the experts that they can fly in. It also supports our mission of educating people. They will be doing talks for people interested in art history and collecting.
Our goal is to make it an international standard fair and if an institution like this lends its support to a fair like ours, then we are on the road towards achieving that goal.
What topics will the Christie's lecture series cover?
They will be doing two panel discussions. First, they will be sharing the stories of Filipino artists and then they will be doing another panel on the place of Filipino art in the international scene. They will also give an overview of twentieth century and contemporary Asian art, the collecting field and potential areas of growth in the years ahead, and they will also be doing an Andy Warhol lecture.
Genepaul Martin, 'Circus Limbo', oil on canvas, 20 48 x 60 in. Image courtesy Secret Fresh and Art Fair Philippines.
Will there be an Art Fair Philippines 2015, 2016 and more?
Of course, we are definitely talking of continuing on in the next years but, to be very honest, with all the work that we still have to do for 2014, I am not thinking about that yet.
There's also Art in the Park that will happen on 23 March. That's also getting bigger this year and we are working on that simultaneously. That's a little more inclusive; we have local galleries, art schools, independent art groups coming in. Every work is worth PHP30,000 (USD670) and below, and that's also getting bigger and bigger every year.
We started in 2006 with 12 galleries, we now have 57. It's a very relaxed atmosphere and it's a great place for people to learn about art. It's like a treasure hunt and you never know what you're going to find, which big name you're going to find for under PHP30,000.
Romulo Olazo, 'Diaphanous B-CCXIX', oil on canvas, 48 X 60 in. Image courtesy Paseo Art Gallery and Art Fair Philippines.
About Trickie Lopa
Trickie Lopa along with Lisa O. Periquet and Dindin B. Araneta make up Art Events Inc, which organises Art Fair Philippines and Art in the Park. Trickie is also an art writer, launching and running Manila Art Blogger from 2008 up until 2012. Her involvement in the arts has been motivated by the desire to make the local art scene more visible and make the arts more mainstream in Manila.
Joanna Cordero
Related Topics: Manila events, Filipino art, art fairs, interviews, lectures and talks
6 Southeast Asian artists to watch in 2014 – curator Louis Ho's predictions – January 2014 – Louis Ho picks six emerging Southeast Asian artists
Christie's "The Era of Asia" evening sale: Hong Kong gallerists predict trends – November 2013 – Christie's Hong Kong evening sale totalled HKD934.9 million (USD121.2 million), the highest ever total for the house's Hong Kong operations
Filipino artists you need to know now – The Spot – July 1013 – March Chavez of Spot.ph stirs debate with his list of top up and coming Filipino artists
Future Philippine artscape: Shifting direction for Manila art museum – Philstar interview – March 2013 – the Metropolitan Museum of Manila's president Tina Colayco and curator Dr Patrick Flores talk about the future of Filipino contemporary art
Sotheby's success with contemporary Philippine artists at autumn 2012 auctions – October 2012 – Filipino artists prove popular at Sotheby's fall 2012 Modern & Contemporary Southeast Asian Paintings sale in Hong Kong
Subscribe to Art Radar for more on emerging Southeast Asian markets


NXP is an independent semiconductor company with a fi fty-year history of providing engineers and designers with semiconductors and software that deliver better sensory experiences for mobile communications, consumer electronics, security applications, contactless payment and connectivity, and in-car entertainment and networking.
NXP's industry-leading Nexperia mobile multimedia solutions enable everything from high-end smartphones to ultra-low-cost handsets, as well as TV-on-mobile, connectivity (Bluetooth, WLAN, UMA), gaming, MP3 audio, MPEG-4 video, digital imaging and GPS location-based services – raising the bar for mobile multimedia performance..
NXP's Nexperia-based Home solutions and audio/video components enable manufacturers to innovate embedded multimedia features and next-generation, connected multimedia appliances for a connected living experience – making it easier than ever to enjoy and share multimedia content in every room.
NXP's contactless technologies are designed to track inventory, improve logistics and protect people's information-driven lives. Our technologies can be found in everything from Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Expertises that authenticate medicines, to e-ticketing systems that cut commute times and e-passports that fi ght identity theft and increase border security. In particular, Near Field Communication (NFC), a technology NXP co-developed, gives instant yet completely secure access to entertainment, information and services, so your NFC-enabled mobile phone can be your wallet, entertainment centre, travel guide and house keys.
NXP's Nexperia-based processors for automotive offer the same incredible sights and sounds you expect at home, with seamless connectivity to your personal media player. Our in-vehicle networking technologies like FlexRay make cars more responsive and safer to drive while our RF-based car access solutions can help you put car thieves out of business.
NXP has one of the largest portfolios of multimarket semiconductors in the industry, from basic building blocks like timers and amplifi ers to sophisticated ICs that improve media processing, wireless connectivity, and broadband communications. These are designed to save space, extend battery life, enable customized solutions tailored to customers' needs, and make it easy to implement last-minute changes.
NXP Software is a fully independent company and leading provider of software solutions that improve sound, voice, and video quality in mobile handsets. It is also a member of the NXP Partner Program for software, systems and design, so customers get direct access to their industry-leading options for Nexperia-based technologies.
- DRM and copy protection.
The team is currently most active on embedded systems, including DSPs, in the areas of multimedia, mobile infotainment, automotive, healthcare and well-being.


text:
Home news Television tv Nicole Kidman And Reese Witherspoon Are Coming to TV
Nicole Kidman And Reese Witherspoon Are Coming to TV
If the latest reports coming from the US are to be believed, Oscar winners Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon could be coming to TV. According to Entertainment Weekly and other reliable sources like E! and the New York Post, the actresses have signed on to star in a limited series based on the New York Times best-selling book Big Little Lies.
Boston Legal, The Practice and Ally McBeal creator/writer, David E. Kelley is said to be attached to write and executive-produce the show.
From author Liane Moriarty, the subversive comedy tells the story of three mothers of kindergartners whose perfect lives begin to unravel to the point of murder.
Kidman and her production banner Blossom Films, as well as Witherspoon and her banner Pacific Standard, optioned the rights to the book in August for a potential feature film, but the project will now be shopped as a limited series to various cable networks and streaming services in the United States.
Kelley, Witherspoon, Kidman and Moriarty will all executive-produce.
Kidman and Witherspoon will be joining a trend of Oscar winners taking on tv projects. Something that was unheard of and frowned upon in gone years. For a movie star to act in a television show was seen as a step down in an actor's career. Now times have changed. TV can resurrect careers and even enhance a star's mass appeal.
In the past year, audiences have seen movie stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in True Detective (with Rachel McAdams, Colin Farrell, and Vince Vaughn replacing them for season 2).
Angelinah Jolie's ex husband Billy Bob Thornton starrred in Fargo while Halle Berry is starring in Extant.
Nicole Kidman And Reese Witherspoon Are Coming to TV Reviewed by PhilMphela on 9:47:00 AM Rating: 5
Tags : news Television tv


How Do I Use Formula 303?
Formula 303 Directions for muscle spasms, take two tablets of Formula 303 every 3 hours until pain subsides. Also take two tablets with each meal, and two at bedtime.
For anxiety, stress and tension, take two tablets with each meal, and two at bedtime.
For treating insomnia, take two tablets approximately 45 minutes before bedtime. If, after taking Formula 303 for a few days, insomnia persists, please consult a doctor. Because the valerian and passiflora is so relaxing it often helps individuals get rid of "busy brain" which allows them to gently fall asleep.
Due to safety concerns in women who are pregnant or nursing, we recommend that you should not take valerian without medical advice because the possible risks to the fetus or infant have not been evaluated.
Also, we recommend that you do not give Valerian products to children under age 3 years because the possible risks to children of this age have not been evaluated. As always, if you have questions, you should consult your family physician or healthcare provider.
All natural Formula 303 by Dee Cee Labs is Made in the USA!


text:
Real Madrid closing in on deal for Chelsea & PSG target
Graeme Bailey
Real Madrid and Palmeiras are close to finalising an agreement over prized youngster Endrick, sources have confirmed to 90min.
The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the best prospects ever to emerge from Brazil, and Real have been on his trail since before was was a teenager.
90min revealed last month that an agreement to sell Endrick was set to be agreed by Palmeiras before the end of the year, and that is now close to being finalised.
Sources have insisted to 90min throughout the last six months that Real were leading the chase for Endrick with the Spanish clubs chief scout Juni Calafat teeing up the move, having grown close to the player and his family.
Calafat also played a massive role in securing such talents as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Federico Valverde in recent years but the club believe that Endrick could be the best of them all.
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have pushed hard to land Endrick, but Real were always confident that the player wanted to move to Madrid and they believe a deal is now imminent.
Real are now set to agree terms which will see them pay €60m for the player, but they will also pay extra taxes that is placed on transfers of Brazilian players to Spain. Real have also agreed further add-ons and performance-related bonuses.
Endrick will not get to put on a white shirt until 2024, however, as FIFA regulations prohibit international transfers of players under 18 years old.
Related Topics:ChelseaReal MadridUpdates
Agent addresses potential hurdle for January deal
Samuel Eto'o filmed attacking man outside World Cup stadium


text:
Het bisdom Cremona (Latijn: Dioecesis Cremonensis; Italiaans: Diocesi di Cremona) is een in Italië gelegen rooms-katholiek bisdom met zetel in de stad Cremona in de gelijknamige provincie. Het bisdom behoort tot de kerkprovincie Milaan, en is, samen met de bisdommen Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Crema, Lodi, Mantua, Pavia en Vigevano, suffragaan aan het aartsbisdom Milaan.

Geschiedenis
Het bisdom werd opgericht in de 4e eeuw en werd suffragaan gesteld aan het aartsbisdom Milaan.

Zie ook
 Lijst van rooms-katholieke bisdommen
 Katholieke Kerk in Italië

Externe links
Bisdom Cremona op catholic-hierarchy.org

Cremona
Cremona

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


If you are about to apply for health insurance, you might be worried about what rate you will be charged and if you'll be able to get a good deal. But you need to stop worrying and be proactive about it. Here are a few things that you can do to get a better deal.
To make a strong case in your favor, begin by checking your Medical Information Bureau records. If you have applied for life or health insurance before, the bureau will already have your record. Make sure that there are no mistakes in your file, as insurers access details about your health through the MIB.
You should also review your doctor's records for errors. A small mistake may lead to a rejection or a higher rate. So, go through the records with someone familiar with medical terminology. If you do find an error, the doctor will have to write to the insurer saying that the information was incorrect, which could lower your insurance costs.
Often, doctors make a diagnosis and then the condition does not get another mention in your records. This can confuse the underwriter at the insurance company about whether you have recovered from the illness or still suffer from it. So get the doctor to update your condition on record. In case you are no longer under medication, it must be clearly stated. Resolution of health issues is a key factor in deciding your health insurance rates.
Another thing that you can do is to tell the insurer about how you are dealing with a medical condition so that you come across as a responsible person who is actively taking care of his or her health. Instead of simply mentioning your illness, elaborate on the medications you take and supply data that shows you have it under control. Include all information that can make the underwriter at the insurance firm realize that your profile is not too risky for them.
Insurers have different rates depending on your physical attributes. If you are overweight then you are likely to be charged a higher rate because of the many medical conditions that are related to it. So you should put in some effort to lose weight before applying.
Even if you don't get a good rate in the beginning, whenever your medical condition improves you should inform your insurer. If you have lost weight or quit smoking, you can undergo another medical exam and try to negotiate a better rate with them.


text:
See all World
Britain's ambassador to Afghanistan: 'We are working from the moment we get up, to the time we go to bed'
The ambassador is personally signing and processing applications as British troops race against the clock to evacuate
By Our Foreign Staff 22 August 2021 • 7:00am
British ambassador to Afghanistan Sir Laurie Bristow (left) with Government staff in Kabul as efforts to repatriate people to the UK continue Credit: PA
Britain's ambassador to Afghanistan has received plaudits since vowing to stay "for as long as possible" to ensure all British nationals and eligible Afghan staff are evacuated from the country.
While other embassy staff evacuated Kabul with little warning, in some cases overnight, Sir Laurie Bristow has stayed to oversee the safe return of up to 4,000 people.
The ambassador is personally signing and processing applications as British troops race against the clock to evacuate people before the end of the month.
Now Sir Laurie, who is working out of an emergency consul operation at Kabul airport, exclusively reveals to the Telegraph the challenges his team face.
Is this the worst crisis you have faced as an ambassador?
I've dealt with some pretty difficult moments, for example, between Russia and the West, the UK and Russia, and the various things that have gone on there.
I was in Turkey for the big earthquakes there in 1999. But no, this is the biggest thing I've ever seen, in terms of the challenge to us as diplomats and as public servants.
There have been some uncomfortable moments. But when you're looking at these people who are just desperately trying to get themselves and their families to safety, you know, that's what we're here to do.
How has the situation on the ground changed in the past 10 days?
It's a very mixed picture. When the Government first fell and the Taliban first took Kabul, there was a huge amount of uncertainty and anxiety about what would happen next. What we're seeing is a number of things.
Firstly, a very, very large number of just ordinary desperate people are coming to the airport with their small children and their families and all the rest of it, just in the hope of fleeing the country.
The experienced diplomat has relocated from the embassy in Kabul, which has been emptied following the Taliban takeover, to an emergency handling centre Credit: PA
What we're not seeing is a systematic attempt by the Taliban to stop that happening. Actually, what we're seeing, I would say, is, for the most part, the reverse of that, that the Taliban acquiesce in the evacuation that we and others are trying to achieve here.
And there's a mixed picture in terms of how individual Taliban roadblocks and so on, treat people. There'll be some quite bad things happen, as well as some more constructive things. But on the whole, so far, the Taliban are not trying to stop the evacuation taking place.
The biggest problem that we had so far was when there simply weren't enough troops to keep control of the airfield, and we had large numbers of people overnight on the runway, which stopped the aircraft getting in, and stopped the aircraft getting out. That was a very, very big problem that needed to be resolved quickly, I'm pleased it was and the planes were able to get moving.
And are things looking better on that now?
So, what's happening now is that there are a lot more UK, US and other soldiers in, to hold the airfield and to manage the routes, for example our evacuation handling centre.
Dangerous passage to Kabul airport
But the numbers of people gathering are very, very large and growing. So, we should be under no illusion about the size of the problem here.
The aeroplanes are moving, people are getting processed through the system. But again, it's the volume of people trying to leave and the crush of people that's creating in itself creating its own problems.
What are you finding most challenging personally?
The entire team is being amazingly professional, but I think one of the things that really brings home to people what this is all about, was the sight of parents and some small children accompanied by this huge paratrooper carrying a tiny baby over his shoulder as I was leaving our evacuation handling centre yesterday. You know, that's what this is really about.
Do you think anyone could have seen this coming this time last week?
Well, we'd all been watching the developments on the battlefield with huge concern. It's no secret that once the Taliban offensive started in earnest in April, following the announcement that the US and NATO forces will be leaving, that things were not expected to go well.
But it's fair to say that the end when it came, it came very, very quickly. I wouldn't say that anybody really saw it coming that fast.
UK Armed Forces personnel at Kabul Airport, continuing to take part in the safe evacuation of those Afghans who are eligible for relocation Credit: Ben Shread
What hours are you working, where are the team staying?
I'm staying in our military facility in the airport. It's a military facility. I have a bed, there are showers, there is a canteen.
In terms of the job, it is all encompassing.
We all work from the time we get up, to the time we go to bed. Some of my colleagues really find it hard even to find time to sleep.
And every day, it is gruelling, relentless work. We're working to a timetable here, and people's lives are at stake.
Have you been in touch with home?
Yeah, I Skype or email home every night.
Any stories you will take with you?
There was one individual, I won't name him, an Afghan interpreter who we've been trying to find and trying to get out for some weeks now. We thought we'd lost him but he just turned up yesterday at the evacuation handling centre. He recognised me - I don't know how. We took a selfie and he got on the plane. That is just one example, but we've been working round the clock to get all those that have worked alongside us to safety as soon as we can.
Any message for people back in the UK that are worried about those in Afghanistan?
I think we have to recognise it's a very, very dangerous situation but we're doing our best to get people out.
Afghanistan,
More from World News
Ivanka Trump called to cooperate with investigation into January 6 insurrection and her father's role
By Jamie Johnson 20 Jan 2022, 7:36pm
Around the world in 260 hours: Teenage pilot Zara Rutherford on cloud nine after record-setting dash
By Max Stephens 20 Jan 2022, 7:01pm
Germany's governing Greens facing criminal investigation over coronavirus bonuses
By Justin Huggler 20 Jan 2022, 6:26pm
Tongan 'Aquaman' survives tsunami and 27 hours at sea
By Nicola Smith 20 Jan 2022, 6:18pm
Ukraine crisis: Vladimir Putin is sabre-rattling at the West's moment of maximum weakness
By Roland Oliphant 20 Jan 2022, 6:14pm


text:
Sunny skies. High 43F. Winds light and variable..
featured popular
Sarah Perry sperry@bentoncourier.com
The Nest was recently created at Bryant Junior High School to meet a variety of needs for students.
The idea for the program came from Counselor Alyssa Wildschuetz. Being originally from Conway, she was inspired by a food pantry at Conway Junior High School.
The counselor brought her idea to School Resource Officer Shanna Hastings. The two had bonded over being from a similar area of the state.
Once while she was visiting the counselor's office, Hastings also saw students who were in need.
"That's how it got going," Hastings said.
Wildschuetz, along with Hastings, believe it was important to "have something that can meet the basic needs of our students, so that they are better prepared to sit in class and just worry about what is going on in class," Wildschuetz said.
For a time, members of the school's Student Council were collecting donations and making bags for students to take home during the weekend, but Wildschuetz and Hastings began seeing students who needed items on a daily basis.
According to Wildschuetz, between the two grade levels at Bryant Junior High School, 39 to 44 percent of students qualify for free and reduced lunch.
Members of the council have taken the lead to organize and inventory the items in The Nest.
"It gives them ownership. They are the leaders of our school. They were nominated by their peers to be in this position and they get great satisfaction out of doing it," Wildschuetz said.
The Nest took off once Hastings got involved, Wildschuetz added.
Hastings, through the district's social media and the Bryant Police Department, shared information with the community about the program.
Several officers have chipped in to help and the department's Fraternal Order of Police has pledged to make a donation to the program.
"A lot of our officers have reached out to their contacts to see if they can get donations or host donation drop offs," Hastings said.
Along with help from officers, the program has received plenty of positive feedback, especially from teachers within the school.
"They (teachers) see that need and are super excited that all students are being taken care of," Hastings said, adding that several community members have stepped up to do their part as well.
With support from administration and available space at the school, Wildschuetz said the program has "fallen into place."
Individuals are welcome to make a donation of any kind for the program, but program organizers said there is a specific need at this time for winter weather items such as coats, hats, scarves, gloves and jackets.
The school has washing machines on site that council members can use to wash the donated coats and other clothing items.
Students in need also use these washing machines, as well as showers at the school, to get dressed each morning.
Students wear a variety of sizes but the most common sizes needed are medium, large and extra large, they said.
"With the colder weather, we want to keep these kids warm. A lot of these kids are waiting for buses in the morning or getting off the bus in the afternoon and don't have a coat to keep warm," Wildschuetz said. "There is a desire to keep them taken care of during the winter months and provide for them in any way that we can."
Hastings added that she has seen students with light and well-worn jackets. Once she talked with them, she learned that was the only jacket they had.
These items may be dropped off at the school or at the Bryant Police Department.
Program organizers are also asking for formal wear donations since the school will be hosting a formal dance later this month.
Other common needs include socks, underwear, hygiene products and nonperishable food items. Organizers suggest food items that can be microwavable and have pop tops.
This program, like others at Bryant High School and other schools across the district, supplement the Parent Center which provides items for the entire district.
By supplying items at the school, it takes some of the burden off of the center and students are quickly items to access items.
"The Parent Center is amazing and if we need anything they are here like that," Wildschuetz said.
Alyssa Wildschuetz
Follow Sarah Perry


Have questions about the Political Science major or minor?
Considering changing your major to Political Science?
Advisors are assigned by your last name. Find your advisor below and stop by their office for drop-in advising, or email them directly if you would like to set up and appointment.
The Department expects you to see your advisor every semester, especially prior to registering for your next semester courses.
Questions related to the following advising items should be addressed to the assigned advisor.
The Social Science Academic Advisor is Vanessa Bascherini. She can answer questions about General Education Requirements, the Academic Requirements Report (ARR), the Transfer Credit Report, course registration, and waitlists. She cannot answer major specific questions or sign any paperwork. Appointments and drop-in's available Mon-Fri.
Drop in Peer Advising for all majors is also available in the Advising Center (peer.advisors@sonoma.edu, Salazar 1070, 707-664-2730). Peer Advisors can help you with GE advising, registration, transfer courses from a community college, your Academic Requirements Report and resume review.


Diego Montoya, alleged to have headed Colombia's top drugs cartel, to face US court.
Montoya will make his first appearance in a Miami federal court on Monday, the US justice department said in a statement.
"This extradition means the end of the Norte del Valle cartel," Oscar Naranjo, national police chief of Colombia, said on Friday.
"All of its major leaders have been caught or killed."
Montoya was captured last year in the Colombian region of Valle del Cauca after a long manhunt that ended when police raided his farmhouse and found him hiding in a ditch.
Another key Norte del Valle leader, Wilber Varela, was found shot dead in Venezuela early this year after a gunfight among rival smuggling organisations, while his brother, Eugenio, was also extradited to the US earlier this year on charges of cocaine trafficking, Reuters reported.
Colombia has extradited hundreds of drug suspects to the US, however exports of cocaine from the country remain at about 600 tonnes a year, the United Nations has said.
Colombia's cocaine trade is now splintered among far smaller groups and most of the trade and the ensuing violence involves Mexican cartels.


Ladies, everyone knows nutrition is important (even if we don't always make the healthiest decisions — never happens, right?). But when you become pregnant, everything changes. Suddenly, your choices don't just affect your own health — they affect the health of your future family. It can seem like a lot of pressure, but there's a simple solution.
USANA has developed the Babycare Prenatal Essentials specifically for women who are pregnant, looking to become pregnant, or nursing. The combination of BabyCare Prenatal Mega Antioxidant and BabyCare Prenatal Chelated Mineral provides the right levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to fill in many of the gaps in your daily nutrition. When taken along with BiOmega™, Vitamin D, and Active Calcium™ Chewable, you can feel confident you are getting the best possible nutrition to support the health of you and your developing baby.
To further explain the benefits of superior prenatal supplements and the importance of nutrition for pregnant mothers in general, we are proud to introduce obstetrician, gynecologist, and USANA Associate Michelle Harden, MD. She has a great deal to teach us about the right decisions to make when it comes to prenatal nutrition.
What's Up, USANA: Why is it so important for women who are pregnant or looking to become pregnant to take nutrition seriously?
Dr. Michelle Harden: It is important to realize that food is medicine. In today's society, much of what the average woman consumes is not necessarily food, but "food-like." Fast food and unhealthy convenience foods have contributed to weight and health problems for millions. Lifestyle changes are the key to lowering your risk of health concerns. Eating whole foods that provide nutrients to fuel our bodies will not only help us stay healthy but will provide an optimal environment for a mother's fetus.
We now know about the importance of epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of heritable alterations in gene expressions that act independently of changes in DNA sequences. This means that in addition to inheriting genes from our parents, we can inherit their epigenetic "switches" that turn our genes on and off. Epigenetics dictates how our genes are actually utilized.The nutrition consumed by mothers will likely play a role in the future health of the fetus.
The biological response that can be produced by poor nutrition may actually influence the genes of the fetus. So the maternal diet can modulate gene expression in the offspring. In the end, we may not be only what we eat, but what our grandmothers ate. So, understanding good nutrition is not only vital to mom's health, but also to the health of her baby.
WUU: Why is it important to continue taking supplements while breastfeeding?
Dr. Harden: From a health perspective, breast milk is the most nutritious food you can give an infant. Consuming a healthy diet, eliminating as many preservatives and additives as possible, and choosing nutritional supplements rich in omega-3s and vitamin D can all support brain development and a baby's immune system.
WUU: Why do you recommend USANA supplements to expecting mothers? Why are you excited about the new product, BabyCare Prenatal Essentials?
Dr. Harden: USANA products contain bioavailable, high-quality nutrients and are made without unnecessary fillers, dyes, or artificial preservatives. Their products have been developed under the guidance of a scientific team that understands the importance of quality and promotes health. I highly recommend USANA supplements to my patients and have consistently seen their positive influence within our patient population. I wouldn't be comfortable recommending any other brand. Now that I have access to the highest quality prenatal supplement available, I will no longer have concerns over my recommendation of a prenatal. How exciting is that?!
WUU: Why is it important for women to receive enough iron, calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3s?
Dr. Harden: Calcium is important not only for bone development but also for smooth muscle function and circulation. During pregnancy a women's blood volume increases significantly, so iron, as well as calcium, is a very important nutrient for a pregnant woman. Omega-3 essential fatty acids promote fetal brain development and can benefit a woman's immune system. Vitamin D is important in pregnancy, because insufficiency is common. So obtaining these nutrients from a healthy diet and a good prenatal supplement can enhance the fetal environment and overall health of the mother.
WUU: What are some common misconceptions about nutrition before, during, or after pregnancy?
Dr. Harden: Currently there is not enough awareness of what we are putting into our bodies. Popular advertisements seem to put the wrong messages into our mind about what is healthy. A common misconception is that a vitamin is just a vitamin — this is absolutely not true. What we need is more education on what we are feeding our bodies. That is why I love USANA. Before recommending USANA vitamins to my patients, I toured the manufacturing facilities, met with the scientists, and talked with Dave Wentz, the CEO of the company. I could not be more confident of the exceptional quality of supplements I am recommending to the mothers of our future generations.


All over Quesnel, people were munching purple cookies to help raise awareness and support for those living with epilepsy. These two CNC students took the task seriously and thoroughly enjoyed their cookies. Cookie sales and other fundraising efforts were a hit. Watch for future Observer coverage of just how much was raised towards a third bed in the Seizure Investigation Unit at VGH, the only adult unit of its kind in B.C. For more photos see PAGE A9 and others.


ThemeParkMama: 1/2 The Price of a Roomba & has a 5 star Rating!
ILIFE V3s Robotic Vacuum Cleaner for Pets and Allergies Home, Pearl White $158.99!
Ideal for hard wood floor.Easy operation with remote control, or auto clean all at one touch.


Aleza, P., Froelicher, Yann, Schwarz, Sergio, Agusti, M., Hernandez, M., Juarez, J., Luro, Francois, Morillon, R., Navarro, L., Ollitrault, P. (2011). Tetraploidization events by chromosome doubling of nucellar cells are frequent in apomictic citrus and are dependent on genotype and environment. Annals of Botany, 108(1), 37-50.
Background and Aims Polyploidy is a major component of plant evolution. The citrus gene pool is essentially diploid but tetraploid plants are frequently encountered in seedlings of diploid apomictic genotypes. The main objectives of the present study were to establish the origin of these tetraploid plants and to ascertain the importance of genotypic and environmental factors on tetraploid formation. Methods Tetraploid seedlings from 30 diploid apomictic genotypes were selected by flow cytometry and geno-typed with 24 single sequence repeat (SSR) markers to analyse their genetic origin. Embryo rescue was used to grow all embryos contained in polyembryonic seeds of 'Tardivo di Ciaculli' mandarin, followed by characterization of the plantlets obtained by flow cytometry and SSR markers to accurately establish the rate of tetraploidization events and their potential tissue location. Inter-annual variations in tetraploid seedling rates were analysed for seven genotypes. Variation in tetraploid plantlet rates was analysed between different seedlings of the same genotype ('Carrizo' citrange; Citrus sinensis x Poncirus trifoliata) from seeds collected in different tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean countries. Key Results Tetraploid plants were obtained for all the studied diploid genotypes, except for four mandarins. All tetraploid plants were identical to their diploid maternal line for SSR markers and were not cytochimeric. Significant genotypic and environmental effects were observed, as well as negative correlation between mean temperature during the flowering period and tetraploidy seedling rates. The higher frequencies (20 %) of tetraploids were observed for citranges cultivated in the Mediterranean area. Conclusions Tetraploidization by chromosome doubling of nucellar cells are frequent events in apomictic citrus, and are affected by both genotypic and environmental factors. Colder conditions in marginal climatic areas appear to favour the expression of tetraploidization. Tetraploid genotypes arising from chromosome doubling of apomictic citrus are extensively being used as parents in breeding programmes to develop seedless triploid cultivars and have potential direct use as new rootstocks.


Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Normal processing time is 2-3 business days.
Per new instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand we are not accepting visa applications by mail or Fed Ex until further notice. All applications must be made in person.
The Honorary Consulate General can only issue single entry visas. Multiple entry visas must be obtained through the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C., or one of the Royal Thai Consulates General in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles.
A child or applicant under the age of 20 years traveling alone or with one parent must have a notarized letter from the other parent or both parents in the former case, giving permission for the child to travel.
© 2013 Consulate General for the Kingdom of Thailand Charles C. Foster.


text:
Lock Up Your Daughters
Kilkenny Archaeological Society > Radio Talks > Lock Up Your Daughters
acting, entertainment, film, Hollywood, movie
https://kilkennyarchaeologicalsociety.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Lock-Up-Your-Daughters.mp3
Written and read by Rosemary Barnes (2019)
1968, In the year of the Prague Spring, International student insurrection and the assassination of Martin Luther King, the Kilkenny People announced that "Hollywood comes to Kilkenny" because a colourful one million pound film begins, "soldiers on horseback, periwigged gentlemen, footmen, ladies in long flowing gowns with bustles, period coaches, sedans and action galore" with a cast of some of the most impressive names in British cinema, these were the scenes to be found all over the city as the filming of Lock up your Daughters began1.
In the past filmmakers had come to Ireland to film Irish stories set in vast landscapes of mountains, valleys and the sea but Lock up your daughters is an English story, told by an English production company, who required an urban built landscape, a place that resembled London in the 1700s. That place was Kilkenny. The Castle, narrow streets and laneways ideally suited the period setting2.
The film uses Henry Fieldings play 'Rape upon Rape' and 'The Relapse' by John Vanburgh as the basis of the screenplay by Keith Waterstone and Willis Hall. The film was directed by renowned theatre Director Peter Coe and was produced by Domino Films, it is 102 minutes long with an 'X' certificate. It starred Christopher Plummer, Susanna York, Glynis Johns and Jim Dale and was released in 19693.
The film has a rather confused plot about 3 lusty sailors whose amourous pursuits entangle them with the corrupt Lord Foppington and Sir Tunbelly. Thirsting for wine and women they set out to look for excitement. Unfortunately their wooing results in comedy and passion as they are drawn into intrigues, plots, counterplots, preposterous misunderstandings and miscalculations.
The outdoor filming process brought great excitement to the City and County, as well as a huge boost to the local economy, people still talk about it with great fondness and appreciation for the explosion of glamour and crazy cultural expression.
Fake shopfront outside Kyteler's
(C) KAS
Fake shopfront opposite Kyteler's
Characters in situ
Street scene opposite the Butterslip
Completed set in Kieran Street
Some locals auditioned for parts and appear in the film but some difficulties arose when recruiting extras, it proved almost impossible to persuade local women to play buxom wenches in low-cut gowns, especially when rumours spread that women were being offered up to £150.00 to run naked in the streets. Some locals felt that due to the inappropriateness of the subject matter that it "was not fit to be filmed and that it would result in the city getting a bad name" and eventually extras were recruited in England and Dublin4.
The film was not a critical success. The Director Peter Coe returned to the theatre and never worked in film again. Neither Christopher Plummer nor the screenwriters include it in their filmography. Domino Productions are no longer in existence. The movie has little or no connection to the original works of Fielding or Vanburgh. But it did entertain the inhabitants of Kilkenny for a few short months in 1968.
1 Kilkenny People 1968.
2 Flynn, Arthur. (2005) The Story of Irish Film. Currach Press: Dublin, p. 107.
4 http://www.historickilkenny.com.
Watch the movie on YouTube


text:
Apple "Discussing" TV Subscription Service with "New Technology To Deliver Video"
As reported by The Wall Street Journal in an article detailing some of the challenges Apple's new CEO Tim Cook will have to face in the post-Jobs era and many of the achievements of the company's former chief executive, Apple is allegedly working on a new technology to deliver video to televisions:
An immediate challenge for Mr. Cook will be to advance Apple's plans in what is expected to be a key market for growth: digital video. Apple is working on new technology to deliver video to televisions, and has been discussing whether to try to launch a subscription TV service, according to people familiar with the matter. Unlike the iPod and music, where Apple has a commanding position, the battle to rule online video remains wide open and the company faces fierce competition.
No additional details are provided in the report, although speculation of new TV products from Apple has increasingly suggested in the past months that, just like with the iPod, iPhone and iPad before, the company is now aiming to disrupt another market that's long been dominated by services, corporations and standards that don't make it easy for consumers to have an optimal user experience. Specifically, rumors of an HDTV from Apple have been circulating for years, pinpointing what turned out to be incorrect release dates, tech specs, and prices. However, these rumors have a reason to exist, as they've been subtly backed by Steve Jobs' public criticism towards the current TV business model and cable companies, described as clumsy, complicated, and ultimately bad for consumers. At the D8 conference last year, when asked about whether Apple could get into the television business, Jobs replied:
The television industry fundamentally has a subsidized business model that gives everybody a set-top box for free, or for $10 a month, and that pretty much squashes any opportunity for innovation, because nobody's willing to buy a set-top box. Ask TiVo, ask ReplayTV, ask Roku, ask Vudu, ask Google in a few months. So all you can do is add a box onto the TV system. […] The only way that's ever going to change is if you can really go back to square one and tear up the set-top box, and redesign it from scratch with a consistent UI, across all these different functions, and get it to the consumer in a way that they're willing to pay for it. Right now there's no way to do that. So that's the problem with the TV market.
The Wall Street Journal's report doesn't mention any new hardware from Apple, focusing on subscription services and technologies to stream video to televisions. However, as Apple is known for driving innovation by integrating software with their own hardware, it's likely that when the company will find it "viable" to get into the TV market, they'll do so by releasing their own hardware tightly integrated with a "new technology" and "subscription TV service". Apple currently sells the Apple TV 2nd-gen – described multiple times by Jobs and Cook as a "hobby" – that runs a modified version of iOS and comes with a native Netflix app for instant movie streaming; recently the company added the possibility to stream any previously purchased content from the iTunes Store to the Apple Tv through their new iCloud platform. It was reported back in April that Apple added 12 petabytes of storage to their server farms for serving iTunes Store video, and a separate report mentioned Apple could soon launch a service similar to Netflix to stream movies and TV shows for a monthly fee.
Tags: apple, tv, video


Our client, a medical device company in Galway are currently looking to recruit Manufacturing Engineer for their site.
The Process Engineer is responsible for provide process engineering support to Galway and overseas manufacturing locations, and to assist with new product introductions and product transfers between sites.
Set production targets and assist production achieve these.


text:
"Royal Court Festival" held in Prague over the weekend
On Sunday Prague's ancient Vysehrad district was the venue for a unique festival. The Royal Court Festival featured ancient dances, as well as other royal passions, such as tournaments and many varieties of medieval fighting. The event attracted a large crowd, mostly of children, who were looking up in awe at jousting knights.
There were several dance ensembles performing in period costumes, and after one performance was over, I spoke to two dancers, Petr and Blanka, who told me they were from the Regii Caroli Regis historical dance ensemble, which was the main organizer of the whole Royal Court festival. Blanka explained that the music we were listening to was both folk and court music from the Medieval times. And Petr told me more about the Regii Caroli Regis dance ensemble:
"Our ensemble came to existence to mark the 650th anniversary of the founding of Prague's New Town and Charles University in 1348, that means we have been around for some three years now. We devote most of our activities to Gothic dance, but lately we have also been rehearsing dances from later periods, especially the Renaissance. As the main organizers of the Royal Court Festival in Prague, we always dance here, but we perform at many other events all the year round as well."
Petr went on to say that they like most performing at castles and chateaux, because they always provide the right atmosphere for such ventures.
Some of the dances were very lively, and I asked Blanka to explain how was it choreographed when so little is known from those far away times:
"With Renaissance choreography it's quite easy, because there are dance books written by the dance masters of the time. All the steps are properly described, and they can be slightly changed if need be for each particular performance. With Gothic dances it's a bit difficult, as no dance books exist. That means we must listen carefully to the music that has been preserved and make our dance match the tune properly. Period pictures are also of great help, as some of them show medieval dancers in action - their postures as well as, for instance, the position of their arms", Blanka explained to me.
There was certainly much to be seen at the Royal Court Festival, which included a medieval market place offering among other things replicas of old armour and weapons, and of course, the most popular ancient Czech beverage - honey brandy. It was a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon.


text:
Home Node Einar Grønholt-Pedersen
| Einar Grønholt-Pedersen
Einar Grønholt-Pedersen
The history of ILAB is full of personal memories. Since its beginnings the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers has been a highly effective business organization, a network for the professional book trade, and it has been more: The League is an international family.
All affiliates who have attended ILAB Congresses and ILAB Book Fairs in Europe, Australia, Asia and America have experienced the friendship, the warmth and cordiality among rare book dealers that create good business relations worldwide. "Amor librorum nos unit - The love of books unites us" is the motto of the League. And this was exactly what ILAB's founding fathers intended.
In 1947 representatives from Great Britain, France, Denmark, Sweden and The Netherlands met in Amsterdam for a Preliminary Conference. They discussed the idea of forming an organization that counteracted the animosity and suspicion engendered by the Second World War. The new International League of Antiquarian Booksellers should foster the understanding between the nations as the mutual basis for a fair and professional trade in the future.
A year later the "enthusiasts for internationalism in principle" (Percy H. Muir) met again in Copenhagen where the ILAB was formally incorporated during the first ILAB Congress from 1st to 5th September 1948. The congress was hosted by the Danish Antiquarian Booksellers' Association (ABF) and its President Einar Grønholt-Pedersen who said in his opening speech:
"The commodity we handle - the book - is, I daresay, about the most international thing on the world market. It is the support of the research worker and the scientist, the indispensable tool of the intellectual worker thirsting for knowledge. It satisfies the desires of all thinking and sensitive individuals. It is the inspiration behind new ideas, new deeds - and last, but not least, it fulfils a great mission in enlightening the masses. Our mission is to find the right book, preserve and finally convey it to wherever it is needed and can bring benefit or pleasure. A mission which, by its very nature, imposes upon us a responsibility which we must not neglect."
Einar Grønholt-Pedersen became a member of the first ILAB Committee ever. He served for more than ten years, and when he retired during the 12th ILAB Congress in New York in 1959, he wrote a whole-hearted letter to his colleagues who had become his friends.
To the "Farewell Dinner"
Dear Mr. President, dear friends!
At this moment I have my "Farewell-Breakfast" – (a little too early, because in Copenhagen we are 6 hours before New York) – in Restaurant Nimb (open to 5 in the morning), where we in 1948 had the "Farewell Dinner" under the League's auspices.
I am quite alone. But I feel myself together with all of you, because my thoughts and dreams are with you.
I am now drinking your "SKAAL" – and bring all of you my warmest thanks for these years I have being engaged in your Executive Committee.Too long, perhaps – but I was fall in love with the beautiful girl LILA, born in my own country.
Form a circle – (I beg your pardon for that word) – round her, and fulfill your engagements, so LILA can grow up, and be a glorious mid-point for Antiquarian Booksellers all over the world.
It is up to all of us to give LILA the greatest influence, - not alone for us, but in the highest degree also for this objects, cultural and enlightenment of the people, there are put up to the Antiquarian Book trade.
Friends! - three cheers for LILA. Good morning, and all the best for all of you.
Always your friend,
The letter was discovered by Alena Lavrenova, who writes the first thesis on the history of ILAB. Her researches led her to the ILAB Archives at the University of Amsterdam, where she found the letter. It is presented here by permission of Alena Lavrenova and the University of Amsterdam. Thank you very much.