A few weeks ago, I interviewed Roger Stone. I knew it would be a controversial episode. Given Stone’s outsized and unsettling role in American politics, I expected our audience to have a range of opinions about the interview, most of them, I imagined, quite critical. After all, Stone is one of the key people responsible for the tenor and controversy of the 2016 presidential election, and he continues to embody a certain kind of power and relationship to (dis)information that makes our political system so complicated and divisive.
“People are going to cry because I had someone on the show they may dislike,” I said in the introduction to the episode, anticipating the criticism. “I don’t care; we’re not here to debate politics … Lots of people don’t like Roger Stone. In fact,” I told Jason as we kicked off, “we can call this episode ‘Everyone Hates Roger Stone.'”
And we did. Not because we wanted to tell our audience how to feel, but because we know that so many of them already feel that way — and, more important, because Stone himself knows that’s how they feel, and he’s more than fine with it. In fact, the antipathy Stone ignites is literally part of his playbook — he’s a lifelong student of emotional manipulation and political skulduggery, and has built an insanely successful career weaponizing people’s feelings to influence lawmakers and win elections.
Which is exactly why I wanted him on the show. The Art of Charm Podcast isn’t a political program or an editorial rant. I’m not a journalist or an academic. What I am is a student of human nature and success who’s obsessed with interviewing interesting, talented, highly effective (and often controversial) people. Politics and morality aside, Stone is undoubtedly one of those figures.
So how could we explore the psychology of success and not talk to him? How could we pass up the chance to talk to the guy who architected one of the most dramatic and unlikely wins in American history? How could we say that we have a lot of the right questions, then refuse to ask them of the people who have meaningful answers?
As soon as the interview posted, my inbox and Twitter feed were a timpani of clamoring voices — some of the most passionate responses to an episodes I’ve ever had. I read and responded to almost every single one. I was especially interested in the reaction to this episode, because it said a lot about human psychology and the state of our discourse these days.
Oh No You Di’int
The first type of response was disappointment and rage. There were loads of these replies, but they all came down to one basic argument: that because Stone is an unprincipled and hateful manipulator, it was a mistake to interview him on the show.
A handful of people went a step further, and said that they decided to unsubscribe from the podcast in response. In many cases, people in this camp (by their own admission) didn’t actually listen to the episode at all. They just saw the title and immediately objected.
The most eloquent criticism of the episode came from a listener who believed that interviewing a guy like Stone meant that we were giving him a microphone he didn’t deserve. More than that, this listener felt that Stone reflected poorly on us, and that by inviting him onto the show, we were complicit in what he’s done, because:
He trades on your reputation when you bring him onto your podcast. He steals your legitimacy and your credibility when you share your platform with him … He should be deprived of oxygen until he is forgotten, not given time and room to preen in the reflection of others.
It didn’t matter that we weren’t holding up a mirror, but simply exploring Stone’s perspective in order to understand him. In this listener’s view, any interview with the guy is feeding a hateful voice, and it’s society’s job to:
…shun anyone who has contributed to Trump’s rise to power and the creation of such a dangerous threat to our democracy. We must make it so uncomfortable for them to appear in public that they never want to show their faces in society again. Part of that process must include shunning those, like you, who give Trump, Stone, and their associates the opportunity to continue indulging their narcissism.
Which is a perspective I can appreciate, especially given how divisive and personal the last election was. I’m going to talk about my response to this argument in a minute, but in the meantime, I just want to recognize that this is a position a vocal minority shared: that interviewing Stone was tantamount to helping him spread his message, that inviting a controversial figure onto the show said something about us, and that the media should stay away from talking to people we as a society — according to this one person — generally agree are “bad.”
And then there was another group of listeners.
I Don’t Like It, But I Wanna Hear It
The other response we received was patience and curiosity.
Interestingly, a lot of people in this group also hated Stone, but their eagerness to understand the man dwarfed any political and ethical objections. These arguments were a bit more varied, but they basically came down to this: Stone might not be a “good” person, but he’s a useful character to study, and the fact that he’s so reviled these days is a sign that we should, at the very least, try to figure out what he does and how he does it.
The responses on Twitter focused on what listeners could learn from Stone, not what they felt about him. Some listeners advocated separating out the two:
Listened with an open mind hoping image of him was wrong. It's not. He is vile. But I appreciate that you present varied thoughts.
— Brian Watkins (@btwatkins) September 27, 2017
Other listeners pointed out the historical value of the episode:
Why wouldn't you study the winners, even if they're bad(subjective)? You need to know what they did to prevent it or use it for good.
— PaJamas (@mooklepticon) October 12, 2017
Others praised the interview while condemning the subject:
And still others pointed out that talking to people with different beliefs is the best way to fight the filter bubbles of modern life:
It's always a good idea to hear perspectives of people you don't necessarily agree with. Keeps your mind open and out of your echo chamber
— Angelo Baaco (@BaacoA) September 26, 2017
There was, of course, a third type of response, which was no response at all.
To this group — by far the largest — Stone was just one more guest, more controversial than most, but one of many interesting people we’ve interviewed to shed light on a certain way of operating. Maybe those people hated him, maybe they liked him, maybe they didn’t feel one way or the other, but they didn’t respond and (most likely) didn’t unsubscribe, which is a good reminder that Twitter tends to attract more extreme positions, and doesn’t reflect a large swath of people’s opinions.
I find this fascinating. I genuinely loved reading the replies and responding to my listeners in both camps, and I thank them for it. In a way, it was like Stone was teaching me how people process controversial information through these tweets and emails. The responses told me that, character and politics aside, he has an uncanny grasp of human nature. That it was the right decision to have him on the show.
Get Me Roger Stone
The Roger Stone response confirmed that the title of our episode was apt. People really do hate Roger Stone. (A lot of people, of course, also love him.) What really struck me, though, was that people who hated the subject could choose to have two different responses to the episode: to get angry that we gave a hate-mongerer/manipulator/propagandist a platform, or to be curious how this hate-mongerer/manipulator/propagandist has managed to transform our political system.
Obviously, I fall into the second category.
The reason is not that I think Roger Stone is good or right as a human being, but that he’s interesting and meaningful for us to study. I don’t think he necessarily deserves a platform; I simply want to use my platform to better understand him. I can hold my political opinions, such as they are, and still be curious about him. In fact, it’s because I hold those opinions that I’m curious. And that’s the point: Judgment and curiosity are totally compatible, as long as we prioritize informational value over moral judgment, openness over censorship, learning more over knowing enough. To me, that is true liberalism in the broadest and most classical sense of the term: openness to new behavior or opinions, and a commitment to broadening our general knowledge and experience. That’s my guiding philosophy, and it’s the reason we host our show.
There are also obvious benefits to taking that stance. People who understand their opponents’ arguments are, as we know, better equipped to understand and defend their own. Whether you’re developing a competitive strategy, negotiating a deal, or navigating conflict with a partner, being fluent in the other side’s perspective will always make you more effective. As Charlie Munger once said, “I never allow myself to have an opinion on anything that I don’t know the other side’s argument better than they do.” There’s a reason the most successful people — who are also among the most principled — are obsessed with listening to ideas that are radically different from their own.
Finally, the criticism of the interview made me reflect on some fundamental beliefs I had about the role and philosophy of our show. The listener I quoted earlier was right: interviewing Stone did say something about us — but it wasn’t what that listener thought. It said that we are committed to studying successful people of all stripes, even when those people hold distasteful views, even when we don’t agree with them. It said that we could learn from anyone who’s left a mark on this world. It said that we were listening. I’m proud of that.
And while I can appreciate that Stone’s critics don’t like giving him another microphone, shunning him from the media is not the right answer. (Incidentally, it’s also not going to make him or his ideas go away.) In fact, I’d argue that giving him a mic — and asking the right questions — is one of the best ways for people to arrive at an informed opinion on their own. We weren’t giving Stone a platform; we were giving the conversation a platform. Listeners can draw their own conclusions, and hopefully better ones for it.
That is, if we can just step outside ourselves, and consider another point of view.
In a recent New Yorker article, Elizabeth Kolbert did a terrific job of exploring confirmation bias — the tendency to embrace information that supports our beliefs and reject information that contradicts them. This “serious design flaw” in the human mind leads to all sorts of problems, from an irrational confidence in our own expertise to our intractable attachment to political opinions.
Interestingly, Kolbert explains that our susceptibility to confirmation bias is an evolutionarily selected trait that allows us to live in collaborative groups. Reason, she writes, is not designed to solve problems and analyze information (as we often like to think), but to allow us to cooperate with our fellow human beings. It makes us good at spotting problems with other people’s beliefs, while preventing us from questioning the ones we and our tribe already hold dear.
Since those beliefs are the glue of our society — just look at the way people identify themselves to one another when it comes to politics, including how they feel about guys like Roger Stone — we tend to double down on our existing beliefs while dismissing evidence about new ones. From an evolutionary standpoint, the cost of changing our minds is just too high. We might lose our sense of self, our ability to be part of a community, our standing in the tribe. The filter bubbles of social media only reinforce the beliefs we hold (the beliefs we feel we must hold), and our confirmation bias grows stronger.
Which is a good reminder that beating confirmation bias is hard. I got frustrated at times with the vitriol about the Stone episode, but asking people to open their minds — to even just listen — meant asking them to go against their most fundamental programming. I’ve been there, too, and I probably still hold on to views that deserve revisiting. In fact, you could say that my commitment to openness and curiosity is itself a belief I’m unwilling to give up. But the difference is that true liberalism allows for multiple beliefs to enter the conversation, and protects against the weaponized identification with any one. I believe that we can appreciate multiple beliefs, and that we should try to understand them, even (and especially) when we disagree with them. How else can we be sure we hold the right ones?
My views on figures like Roger Stone are complex. I think he’s dangerous and fascinating, worrisome and useful, immoral and important. I can believe all those things at once, because they’re all true. My stance is this: The moment I decide to support him or marginalize him, hate him or love him, I’ve already lost. I genuinely believe we have an intellectual and moral duty to open ourselves up as much as possible to perspectives, techniques, and worldviews that are different from our own, even when those conversations are ugly, difficult, or uncomfortable. That’s our job. It’s how we become more thoughtful, more effective, and better equipped to deal with this complicated world.
But maybe even that is a belief I need to revisit. In the meantime, it’s a helpful one to hold.


By Michael Baca
Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle Rayfield Wright passed away Thursday, the Hall of Fame announced. He was 76 years old.
Wright had been hospitalized for several days after a seizure, according to the Hall of Fame.
“Over the past few weeks, it has become abundantly clear the love that so many Hall of Famers and others around the NFL felt toward Rayfield, his wife, Di, and the extended Wright family,” Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said in a statement. “His gentle nature away from the game belied his commanding presence on the field. All fans, especially those of the Cowboys, will remember fondly his dominance on the offensive line in the 1970s and how he took protecting Dallas quarterbacks as his personal mission.
“We will guard his legacy in Canton with equal tenacity. The Hall of Fame Flag will fly at half-staff through Rayfield’s services next Friday as a tribute to the many lives he touched.”
Wright, a Griffin, Georgia, native, was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 2006 and inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2004.
Those accomplishments came after Wright played all 13 of his NFL seasons in Dallas for a grand total of 182 games before his retirement in 1980. He earned the first of six straight Pro Bowl nods and three consecutive first-team All-Pro honors in 1971. Wright was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1970s.
Wright was the backbone of the Cowboys’ offensive line during the franchise’s rise to glory in the 1970s under legendary Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry. Wright appeared in five Super Bowls and won two (VI, XII) amid the franchise’s decade-long run of excellence which led to the famous moniker “America’s Team.”
Nicknamed “Big Cat” for his size and athleticism, Wright was a heralded right tackle during an era when the position was typically paired with the opposing team’s ace pass rusher. He was the main protector for the extent of Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach’s Hall of Fame career. Wright also anchored a line that produced the Cowboys’ first five 1,00-yard rushers in the franchise’s history.
Wright was drafted by the Cowboys in the seventh round after graduating from Fort Valley State University in 1967 and was found by HOF scout Gil Brandt. A multi-sport athlete in college who had been drafted by the NBA’s Cincinnati Royals, Wright was initially brought in as a tight end before Landry tabbed Wright to play for injured right tackle Ralph Neely during the 1969 season. His first start at right tackle famously came against HOF defensive end Deacon Jones, and Wright’s performance went so well he was the team’s starter the following season.
“Deacon Jones lines up across him and says, ‘Hey, does your mama know you’re out?’ And he kind of reared back, and Deacon knocked him on his ass,” Brandt said, remembering that Wright was named the team’s player of the game. “He didn’t allow a sack; he didn’t allow Deacon to do anything.”
“Rayfield Wright was the epitome of what it takes to be a Hall of Famer,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. “His grit, his agility, his passion, his charisma and his love for football, the community and his family always shined through. The original “Big Cat” helped shape the future of the Dallas Cowboys through his illustrious 13-year playing career. Rayfield was a champion on and off the field. He remained an important part of the Cowboys family long after his playing days ended, and he will be deeply missed. Our love and support go out to his wife, Di, and the entire Wright family.”


The Sinking of the Titanic
1912 sinking of titanic
The sinking of the Titanic is one of the most talked about events of the twentieth century. Yet what really happened on that dreadful night in 1912? Here we will look at the events immediately leading up to and during the sinking of this massive ship.
When did the Titanic sink?
The RMS Titanic had received numerous warnings about heavy ice in the area and the need for the Titanic to slow down, all throughout the day by a series of wireless telegrams sent from other ships. The first warning came from the RMS Caronia at 9:00am. Another came from the RMS Baltic at 1:42pm reporting large amounts of field ice. This report was said to have been shown to White Star Line CEO, Bruce Ismay, who was aboard the ship. Unfortunately, the ship's crew ignored the seriousness of the warnings and the Titanic proceeded traveling at full speed on Ismay's orders, so they would reach New York ahead of schedule and surprise everyone. Field ice and even icebergs were not uncommon and were thought to pose very little danger to the large ocean liner.
The date and time of the sinking of the Titanic has become etched in history. On Sunday, April 14, 1912 the RMS Titanic was approximately 300 miles from its final destination of New York City when, at 11:40pm, it struck an iceberg. The iceberg tore six holes into the side of the ship, approximately ten feet from the ship's bottom. Above the waterline, however, there was very little evidence of the impact and reports from passengers reveal that many on the ship felt only a slight bump when the ship hit the iceberg.
How long did it take for the Titanic to sink?
It took nearly three hours from the time of the initial collision at 11:40 pm to finally sink beneath the waves at 2:20am on the morning of the 15th. The lower decks of the Titanic were separated into compartments by bulkheads, which were designed to seal off rising flood waters. Though the bulkheads extended past the water line, they were not sealed at the top. The RMS Titanic was designed to float with a couple of the compartments flooded, however, five compartments had become flooded, which caused the bulkheads to become completely submerged beneath the water. Once this happened, there was no saving the ship. The Titanic would sink.
The final three hours before the ship went down were filled with great panic and the fact that there were not enough life rafts to carry the passengers to safety was a major concern. As there were only 16 lifeboats, the now old-fashioned policy of "women and children first" was put into effect. Though this was so, some men were allowed on the life rafts early in the evacuation proceedings and Ismay made the controversial decision to save his own life by climbing aboard one of the boats, becoming one of the few precious survivors of the Titanic. Even if all 20 boats aboard the ship were filled to capacity, only half of the people aboard the Titanic would have been saved. The Titanic snapped in half at 2:18am and, with the flooded bow weighing her down, fully sank only two minutes later. Those without life rafts froze to death or drowned in the frigid waters of the Atlantic.
Where did the Titanic sink map
View Where the Titanic Sank in a larger map
Rescuing the Survivors
The Carpathia arrived an hour and a half after the Titanic sinking. Fortunately, it wasn't filled to capacity and was able to rescue the remaining survivors from the lifeboats. It rescued 705 passengers that day.
Changes in safety practices after the sinking of the rms titanic
After the Titanic sunk, there were changes made to the construction of ships. Safety regulations were also put into place so that inadequate lifeboats would never be a problem again. These safety rules and regulations are still used today.
The Titanic sinking has since been the topic of endless books, films, articles, and scholarly papers, and interest in the awful tragedy shows no signs of fading. The story of the Titanic will forever be the cautionary tale that no matter what advancements are made in technology, we remain forever vulnerable to the laws of nature.


For some lucky American children, summer means campfires with new friends, long hikes in the woods, hot days swimming in cool lakes, magical nights under starry skies.
Summer camp is a cherished experience for millions of children, an American tradition with deep roots in the country’s enduring romance with the great outdoors. As much of the United States reels from the pandemic, gun violence and threats to its democracy, the summer camps many have enjoyed for generations may offer something else: healing for America’s young people.
By nearly every measure, American youths are in distress.
A surgeon general’s report last year noted a 51 percent increase in emergency room visits for suspected suicide attempts by adolescent girls in early 2021, compared with the same period two years earlier.
Among high school students, 44 percent reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless in the past year, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey released in March.
More than 200,000 American children are estimated to have lost a parent or caregiver to Covid-19. Native American children lost parents or caregivers at more than three and a half times the rate for white children, according to a December 2021 report from Covid Collaborative, a national group of experts dedicated to helping children dealing with such losses. The report found that Black and Hispanic children lost parents or caregivers at more than two times the rate white children did.
The kids are not OK, and why should they be? America is a country where large numbers of adults barely blink at the deaths of 1 million Americans from Covid-19, stand idly by as 19 children are shot dead in their classrooms in a single day and shrug as guns kill or maim thousands of children and teenagers every year. Those are our American traditions now.
The best gift America’s leaders could give young people is a healthy, functioning democracy. One small step the country could take to invest in their future, though, would be to come together around a new promise: to make summer camp available to every child in America.
Every year, about 26 million children attend roughly 15,000 day and overnight summer camps across the United States, said Tom Rosenberg, who leads the American Camp Association. There are roughly 57 million school-age children in the United States, according to recent U.S. census and home-schooling data.
It’s hard to imagine a more ideal escape for young people living through an extraordinary time of grief, loneliness and upheaval. At its best, camp can offer children a chance to learn outside the classroom, drawing them from their computer screens and helping them build stronger relationships with other children, themselves and nature. For children living in poverty especially, summer camp can be a great equalizer, giving them a chance to pick up essential life skills — like swimming — often not taught in their communities. At many camps, children from diverse backgrounds forge lifelong friendships, develop a deep connection with and respect for nature and learn to work as teams to overcome big challenges. These are values our democracy desperately needs.
Not every child will thrive at summer camp, and there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the outdoors and gain the benefits that come with socialization and play.
But if America wanted to, it could make summer camp accessible to every child who wanted to go.
There are camps that can serve nearly every child with every interest: camps for children who love to play sports or want to learn how to sail or ride horses, camps that offer weeks of backpacking along the Appalachian Trail or through the Utah desert, camps for children who have disabilities or are battling cancer or are experiencing homelessness.
Mr. Rosenberg said day camps range in cost from free to more than $200 per day and overnight camp prices range from free to more than $500 per day. Though scholarships and reduced fees are available at most camps, the experience remains out of reach for many, many families. To scale up, summer camp operators say they need a dedicated funding stream, more philanthropic aid and help with staffing.
No one is suggesting that a few weeks of summer camp is a cure-all. But researchers, educators and parents say the kind of experiences summer camp can provide — a safe, healthy space to play with children who are different from them and to build confidence in the great outdoors — can change children’s lives.
“Play is powerful medicine,” said Deborah Vilas, a faculty adviser and instructor and an expert in child-centered play at Bank Street College in Manhattan. “I want grown-ups to know that play is necessary. It’s not frivolous. It’s not in place of learning. It is learning.”


Beginning next week, Microsoft plans to retest two Vista exams, 70-621 and 70-622, that were originally beta tested in January and February this year. According to an e-mail notification sent to beta candidates of those exams, Microsoft "errantly left out" coverage of some topics that were listed on its exam objective domain.
Exam 71-622 PRO: Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Vista Client for Enterprise Support Technicians gets retested March 16, with beta registration opening up on March 9. Exam 71-621: Upgrading MCDST to an MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician will be retested beginning March 22, with registration opening on March 16. Both exams are slated for May release.
"They should have offered testers an option with scoring and certification based upon the first versions only," said one tester who asked to remain anonymous, "and seeded the missing questions into later updates." Another tester said he didnt like to have to retest, but said the note gave "some insight into the integrity of [Microsofts] quality control."
According to the notification, Microsoft is allowing candidates to take the second beta. Doing so would wipe away the results of the first beta exam. Testers who opt not to take the second beta will have the first beta scored against the results of the second beta. Those who took the first beta will also receive an exam voucher that can be used for any Vista exams, as an apology from Microsoft "for this inconvenience."
This article will be updated as news becomes available from Microsoft.


Manufacturer provides more than 80,000 pieces of personal protective equipment to primary local healthcare facility in the town of Legnano
Raimondi Cranes SpA, heritage manufacturer of precision heavy lifting machinery for more than 150 years, donated more than 80,000 pieces of protective medical equipment to the main healthcare facility in its home town, Legnano Hospital, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The move by one of Legnano’s oldest corporations resulted in more than 62,000 surgical masks, 20,000 disposable latex gloves, 250 security goggles and 600 level 3 protective suits being provided to key frontline healthcare workers in the city. Nearly all of the committed supplies have now reached the hospital.
Italy has been particularly badly affected by COVID-19. Medical supplies, particularly in the form of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been in heavily in demand since the pandemic reached the country earlier this year.
Eng. Domenico Ciano, Chief Executive Officer, Raimondi Cranes, said: “As a longstanding member of the Legnano community, it is our responsibility to mitigate in any way we can the far-reaching effects of COVID-19. Hospitals across Italy have faced a severe shortage of PPE equipment, and we are pleased to be able to provide this support package to the hardworking employees in Legnano Hospital.
“Raimondi Cranes would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those who are working in the front line against this epidemic, from emergency services to healthcare workers. We are committed to continuing to support Legnano during this time of unprecedented uncertainty.”
The equipment being donated by Raimondi Cranes has already been shipped from overseas and was delivered to Legnano Hospital.
Raimondi Cranes has had a presence in the town of Legnano, which is around 20 kilometres north-west of Milan, since 1863, and is a prominent member of the local community.


Production for the final season of ‘Game Of Thrones’ is about to start which means we’re looking at least another year until the highly anticipated season 8 is upon us. Game of thrones has always been known for its movie style production and that is all down to the huge budgets that have been issued by HBO. Series one was given a budget of $60 Million for the season, that’s $6 Million per episode and for season 2 HBO increased that figure to by 15% to be able to finance episodes such as ‘The Battle Of Blackwater’. The shows budget continued to rise with the scenes getting more complex and needing a lot more CGI and by season 6 the budget was an unbelievable $10 Million per episode.
Now HBO has revealed that the final season of Game of Thrones will have a staggering $15 Million to spend per episode. If we weren’t already fired up for the huge battles, dragon on dragon action and finding out which of our beloved cast members are going to be turned into the icy version of themselves, we are now. We’re also looking forward to experiencing the special effects that are going to play a huge role in the success of season 8.


18 Feb In The News – Patricia McLemore
In the News — Patricia McLemore
Congratulations to Patricia McLemore (Patricia Travels). Patricia was named by Luxury Travel Advisor as a “Top Trendsetter.” This list was published in December and is comprised of top luxury travel advisors in North America. You can read more about Patricia here. This article also references another Your Travel Center/Montecito Village Travel independent contractor, David Rubin of The BET (Bespoke Experience Team) and his role in Patricia’s journey.


Fort Wayne, IN – In preparation for winter, City Utilities will make annual adjustments to river levels beginning on Saturday, October 20, 2018. In order to remove the flashboards at the St. Joseph Dam, the St. Joseph River north of the dam will be temporarily lowered beginning at midnight on Saturday. This will allow the dam’s spillway to dry so the flashboards can safely be removed on Monday October 22, 2018.
Residents with docks or with boats tied along the St. Joseph River should be aware of changing river levels and take appropriate precautions to protect their property.
River levels should return to normal by October 25, 2018.
The flashboards are put back in the spring to raise the level of the river north of the dam, thereby holding more water in the reservoir behind the dam for summer use.


In the pulsating heart of our technologically driven society, artificial intelligence (AI) thrives as a force reshaping our lives. Its tendrils reach into the deepest crevices of our daily existence, from the mundane to the extraordinary, from our smartphones to our hospitals. But as we dance to the rhythm of this digital symphony, a question arises – what about our privacy? In the constant exchange between man and machine, what happens to the secrets we hold dear?
The Dance of Shadows: AI and Privacy
As we stand at the dawn of the third decade of the 21st century, the relationship between AI and privacy resembles a dance of shadows. On one hand, AI holds the promise of a future where machines understand and cater to our needs even before we articulate them. On the other, it raises the specter of a society where every action, every thought, is scrutinized, categorized, and possibly exploited.
AI has rapidly evolved, becoming an omnipresent entity in our lives. It suggests the music we listen to, maps our routes to work, even recommends what to buy for a loved one’s birthday. Yet, in this seemingly benign exchange of services for data, a critical issue emerges – the erosion of privacy.
The current state of AI and privacy is fraught with tension. With every gigabyte of data we feed into the AI machinery, we surrender a piece of our private lives. Our personal data, representing our preferences, behaviors, and intimate details, is gathered, analyzed, and often stored indefinitely. This data fuels the AI engines that power everything from personalized advertising to predictive policing.
As AI systems become more sophisticated, they can infer information not just from what we explicitly provide, but also from our online behavior and digital breadcrumbs. They can predict our future actions, our health risks, even our deepest fears and desires. The promise of AI, therefore, comes with a profound challenge – how do we harness its power without surrendering our privacy?
In the dance between AI and privacy, it’s crucial to navigate the floor with care. The steps we take today will shape the world we live in tomorrow.
The Domino Effect: How AI Impacts Personal Privacy
Like a row of dominos toppling, the impact of AI on personal privacy can be both immediate and far-reaching. With every online transaction, social media post, or digital footprint we leave, AI systems gather, analyze, and learn from our data. These virtual constructs, silent and tireless, piece together our digital selves, creating detailed profiles that capture our likes, dislikes, habits, and routines. The result? A world where our personal lives are laid bare, not behind closed doors, but in sprawling digital databases.
The Face of Infringement: AI Applications and Privacy Concerns
Take facial recognition technology, for example. A marvel of AI, it empowers us to unlock our phones with a glance or tag our friends in photos. Yet, this same technology can be used to track our movements, invade our private spaces, and infringe upon our rights to anonymity. Similarly, AI-powered recommendation systems, while offering tailored content, inadvertently expose our preferences and interests to advertisers and third parties.
The Chink in the Armor: Vulnerabilities in AI Systems
AI systems, while sophisticated, are not invincible. They are susceptible to privacy breaches due to factors such as weak security measures, data misuse by third parties, and sophisticated cyber-attacks. With vast amounts of personal data at their disposal, these systems become attractive targets for hackers and malicious actors seeking to exploit this data for personal gain.
A Moral Quandary: Ethical Implications of AI and Privacy
The use of AI in contexts where privacy is paramount raises profound ethical questions. Consider healthcare, where AI has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and treatment. However, the use of personal health data to train AI models presents a moral dilemma. How do we balance the potential benefits of AI-driven healthcare with the ethical obligation to protect patient privacy?
Intrusions and Interventions: Mitigating AI Privacy Breaches
AI, in its current form, has been utilized to intrude on privacy in various ways, from surveillance capitalism practiced by tech giants to state-sponsored surveillance systems. Preventing such intrusions demands a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening data protection laws, promoting ethical AI practices, and empowering individuals to control their data are all steps in the right direction.
Future Gazing: Potential Trends in AI and Privacy
As we look to the future, the dance between AI and privacy will continue to evolve. We can expect the emergence of more advanced AI technologies that will further blur the line between personal privacy and public interest. Concurrently, we should also anticipate stronger privacy-preserving technologies, such as differential privacy and federated learning, becoming more mainstream.
The key to this future lies not in retreating from AI, but in understanding its impact, acknowledging its challenges, and navigating its complexities with a keen eye on preserving our cherished right to privacy.
Roles and Responsibilities in Navigating the Challenges
The Guardians of Privacy: Governments, Corporations, and Individuals
In the labyrinth of AI and privacy, three entities stand as guardians: governments, corporations, and individuals. Each plays a distinct and critical role in navigating this complex terrain. Governments, wielding the power of legislation, are tasked with establishing robust legal frameworks to protect privacy. Corporations, the architects of AI, bear the responsibility of creating systems that respect privacy by design. Individuals, as both beneficiaries and subjects of AI, have the duty to remain vigilant, informed, and proactive in managing their digital footprints.
The Power of Yes: The Role of Consent in AI
In the realm of AI, consent is the golden key. It is the mechanism by which individuals exercise control over their data. The collection, processing, and use of personal data by AI systems should be contingent upon the informed and explicit consent of the individual. The role of consent in AI is thus central to privacy. It empowers individuals, fosters trust, and ensures that the relationship between AI and its users is governed by respect and transparency.
Invisible Lines: Unique Privacy Concerns for Certain Demographics
AI does not discriminate, but its impact might. Certain demographics, such as children and the elderly, present unique privacy concerns in the context of AI. Children, for instance, may lack the understanding to provide informed consent for data collection. The elderly, particularly those not digitally savvy, may be vulnerable to privacy infringements due to a lack of awareness or understanding of AI technologies. Thus, it becomes imperative to establish safeguards tailored to protect these vulnerable groups.
In the grand tapestry of AI and privacy, governments, corporations, and individuals are not merely spectators but active weavers. Their roles and responsibilities, intertwined and interdependent, will determine the patterns of this tapestry. It is a collective endeavor, one that demands cooperation, commitment, and a shared respect for the sanctity of privacy.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges
Navigating the Maze: Legal and Regulatory Challenges of AI and Privacy
In the quest to protect privacy in the age of AI, legal and regulatory landscapes stand as both guideposts and obstacles. These landscapes are often as complex as the technologies they seek to regulate. AI presents unique legal challenges as it transcends traditional boundaries of responsibility and jurisdiction. Laws designed for a pre-digital era struggle to keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI, leading to gaps in protection and enforcement.
Moreover, data, the lifeblood of AI, does not respect national boundaries. This creates regulatory challenges as countries grapple with cross-border data flows and differing privacy laws. These complexities are amplified by the fact that AI systems can make decisions that have legal implications, raising questions about accountability and liability.
A Tale of Many Countries: AI and Privacy Across the Globe
The relationship between AI and privacy does not exist in a vacuum. It is shaped by social, cultural, and legal contexts that vary across regions and countries. In the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets a high standard for data protection and privacy, establishing stringent requirements for consent and transparency.
Contrast this with the United States, where there is no comprehensive federal privacy law and regulations vary by state and sector. In countries like China, the balance skews heavily towards state surveillance, with AI playing a central role.
These variances present challenges, but also opportunities. They provide a diverse palette of approaches to privacy protection, each reflecting a different balance between the promises of AI and the preservation of privacy. This diversity can foster innovative solutions, enriching global discourse on AI and privacy.
The path through the legal and regulatory maze is not straightforward, but it is one we must navigate with diligence and foresight. By learning from each other’s experiences and approaches, we can shape a future where AI serves us, not at the cost of our privacy, but in its defense.
Solutions and Opportunities
Harnessing AI for Privacy: A Paradox Turned Promise
In the narrative of AI and privacy, it may seem paradoxical to consider AI as a tool for enhancing privacy protections. Yet, this paradox holds a promise. AI, with its remarkable pattern-detection capabilities, can be used to identify and mitigate privacy risks. For instance, AI can power systems that detect data breaches in real time, identify suspicious activities, and implement immediate protective measures.
From Paranoia to Privacy: The AI Community Responds
A growing sentiment within the AI community places privacy at the heart of AI development. New fields of study, such as privacy-preserving machine learning, are emerging. Techniques like differential privacy, which introduces ‘noise’ into data to prevent the identification of individuals, and federated learning, which trains AI models on decentralized data, are becoming more commonplace. These approaches aim to harness the power of AI while minimizing the exposure of personal data.
Practical Steps Towards Privacy Protection
Protecting privacy in the age of AI is not a passive task. It demands practical steps from all stakeholders. AI developers can adopt ‘privacy by design’ principles, integrating privacy safeguards into AI systems from their inception. Users can educate themselves about AI technologies and make informed decisions about their data. Governments and corporations can promote transparency and enforce strict data protection measures.
Transparency and Control: The Pillars of Trust
In the AI-privacy equation, transparency and control form the pillars of trust. Transparency requires that AI systems make clear how and why they collect and use data. Control empowers individuals to decide what data they share, with whom, and for what purpose. Together, these pillars can ensure that AI systems respect privacy, foster trust, and serve the interests of individuals.
As we chart a course through the AI and privacy landscape, these solutions and opportunities light the way. They remind us that AI, while a challenge to privacy, can also be its ally. They inspire us to imagine a future where AI and privacy do not stand at odds, but walk hand in hand.
The Power of One: How Individuals Can Protect Their Privacy Against AI-Powered Systems
The dance between AI and privacy is an intricate one, yet in this duet, the individual is not a mere spectator. Instead, we are active participants, empowered to assert control over our privacy, even in the face of AI-powered systems.
To protect our privacy, we must first understand the nature of the AI systems we interact with. It’s about recognizing that every digital action, every click and every swipe, leaves a trace that AI can pick up. Awareness is the first line of defense.
Next comes informed decision-making. This means scrutinizing the terms and conditions of the digital platforms we use, understanding what data they collect, how they use it, and who they share it with. It’s about making choices that reflect our privacy preferences and comfort levels.
Then, we can make use of the privacy tools at our disposal. Many platforms offer privacy settings that allow users to control what data they share and with whom. Making full use of these settings can significantly enhance privacy protection.
Finally, we must be vigilant. This includes staying informed about the latest developments in AI and privacy, and being proactive in updating our privacy settings and practices as needed.
In the grand narrative of AI and privacy, individuals hold a powerful pen. The choices we make, the actions we take, shape the story. Let’s make it a story of empowerment, a tale of a future where AI and privacy coexist, not as adversaries, but as allies. Together, we can navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities that this future holds. Our privacy is a cherished possession; let’s guard it with the diligence it deserves.


On Tuesday, August 6th, Connecticut’s Water Planning Council (WPC) presented the Champion of Water Award to Margaret Miner, recently retired Executive Director of Rivers Alliance of Connecticut and a respected, well-known leader in the environmental advocacy community. This is the first award of its kind bestowed by the WPC with the intention of recognizing an individual who exemplifies advocating for the safety and protection of water in the State of Connecticut.
During the presentation of the award, John Betkoski, Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) representative and Chair of the WPC, said there was no debate about to whom the WPC’s first annual award should go. “The Water Planning Council is thrilled to recognize Margaret Miner for her leadership, passion, and commitment to protecting the waters of Connecticut,” said Betkoski on behalf of the Water Planning Council.
The Water Planning Council (WPC) is made up of a representative from PURA, the Office of Policy and Management, Department of Health, and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. It was established by the legislature to “address issues involving the water companies, water resources, and state policies regarding the future of the state's drinking water supply.” The WPC is responsible for spearheading the effort to develop Connecticut’s first State Water Plan which was approved by the legislature in June. Ms. Miner was instrumental in the development of the plan serving on the Steering Committee as well as both the Policy and Science and Technical Subcommittees.
Rivers Alliance was founded in 1992 by the state’s leading river-watershed groups. Its mission is to protect all the state’s waters by working to enact good environmental laws and policies, and to help any person or group dealing with a water-related problem. During her eighteen years as executive of Rivers Alliance, Margaret worked successfully to pass state laws to create a statewide water plan, to protect streamflow in all water courses; to ban the water contaminant MTBE in gasoline; and to restore and protect state funding for the US Geological Survey streamflow gages. She has accumulated numerous awards including the prestigious New England EPA Lifetime Merit Award. She continues her important work with Rivers Alliance as a valued consultant, as a member of the Connecticut Water Planning Council’s Advisory Group, and on the board of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. Prior to coming to Rivers Alliance, she was Executive Director of the Roxbury Land Trust, and before that worked as a news reporter and as a book editor and writer. “She has been a driving force for better water policy for decades. I consider myself very fortunate to have had and continue to have Margaret as a mentor,” said Alicea Charamut, the current Executive Director of Rivers Alliance.
Dwight Merriam, President of the Board of Rivers Alliance, articulated the sentiments of dozens of Margaret’s colleagues, past and present, who attended Tuesday’s meeting to witness the presentation of the award, "The Water Planning Council's recognition of Margaret goes far in expressing what we can never fully put into words....her passionate commitment and tireless efforts to protect our rivers and all our water resources has benefited each and every one of us, and will for generations to come."


Joseph Lattanzi commands attention for his “robust vocalism,” “unmistakable charisma,” and “undeniable star potential.”
Lattanzi established himself as a major artist in the current landscape of opera with his portrayal of Hawkins Fuller in the world premiere of Gregory Spears’ Fellow Travelers. The New York Times said “Joseph Lattanzi was splendid as Hawk, his buttery baritone luxuriant and robust.” Praise for his work encompasses nearly 10 years of raves from audiences in Cincinnati, New York City, Chicago, Phoenix, Tucson & Des Moines and critics from The Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Tribune, Opera News & Opera Now. He can be heard on the original cast recording of Fellow Travelers. His recorded work also includes other world premiere operas in addition to songs and duets with some of the music world’s finest interpreters.
He has spent 5 years on the roster of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and will continue to apply his interpretive and vocal skill to works from the 1600s to today. His ever-growing operatic repertoire includes Figaro in the Barber of Seville, Escamillo in Carmen, Silvio in I Pagliacci, Don Giovanni in Don Giovanni, Count Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro, Papageno in the Magic Flute, Orpheus in Matthew Aucoin’s Euridice, Lt. Audebert in Kevin Puts’ Silent Night, Dandini in Rossini’s Cinderella and he has been heard by audiences at Seattle Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera, San Francisco Opera, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Arizona Opera, Virginia Opera, Atlanta Opera, PROTOTYPE festival & Grand Teton Music Festival - among others.


Note: The following is a Heady Vermont exclusive and may be reprinted on other news sites with permission. Heady Vermont is a participant in Vermont Cannabis Week and will be hosting an anniversary party on 4/20 at the Skinny Pancake from 7 -11 p.m. featuring brief remarks, food and drink specials, and live music from DJ Taka.
RICHMOND, Vt. — Last month, between bouts of below-zero weather and snowy days, the newly-created, not-yet-incorporated Vermont Cannabis Association (VCA) quietly introduced its inaugural Vermont Cannabis Week, a yearly statewide event program developed to promote cannabis culture and encourage legislative advocacy in Vermont.
The week kicks off Wednesday, April 19 and runs through Wednesday, April 26, featuring a series of events, workshops, community gatherings, and participatory actions focused on the state’s growing cannabis industry. Topics include: medical cannabis and patient advocacy, cultivation and therapeutic application, legislative advocacy and local cannabis media, industrial hemp and cannabidiol; as well as entrepreneurship, networking, technology and the arts.
Daniel Giangreco, a Richmond-based entrepreneur and the group’s founder and acting director, is the driving force behind both the VCA and Vermont Cannabis Week. He has ten years of experience in organizational and municipal economic development is also the brains behind Vermont Cannabis Brands, a cannabis industry incubator; and co-founder of Schema Violation, a software development company.
“With Vermont Cannabis Week we raised a new flag, and it’s been amazing to see how responsive the community has been,” said Giangreco. “The slate of events keeps growing, we’re starting to attract national interest, and sitting in a room with the folks organizing the various events, the enthusiasm is undeniable.”
Giangreco noted that, to date, cannabis advocacy in Vermont has largely been occurring piecemeal, by various parties in disunity. “By making Vermont Cannabis Week happen we’re bringing it all together,” he said. “And we’re not just telling our legislators it’s time for change, we’re showing them.”
“We’re not just telling our legislators it’s time for change, we’re showing them.”
The VCA, Giangreco says, is the only statewide organization dedicated to positively engaging and representing the diverse interests and voices of Vermont’s cannabis community. Its members and development board reflect just that, hailing from social service, justice reform, medical, science and educational organizations; as well as members from the state’s agricultural, media, technology, and military veterans communities. The VCA is also actively engaged with the industry’s ancillary service providers and association counterparts in other states. Ultimately, says Giangreco, the VCA’s mission is to promote an industry culture that truly operates in the public trust, works to limit negative impacts on the environment and contributes to a sustainable economy.
We don’t claim to be the voice of the industry, but a platform where those diverse perspectives can be engaged—that’s the Vermont way.
“The VCA is not exclusively focused on Vermont’s medical cannabis industry, but on the broader constituency of stakeholders who function in relation to the existing and anticipated industry,” said Giangreco. “It’s our practice of inclusivity and positive engagement that has allowed us to attract such a diverse and talented group of Vermonters, from a range of professional, educational and political backgrounds, to our organization. We truly pursue a nonpartisan approach to community and economic development. Our policies and initiatives follow the facts, and we don’t claim to be the voice of the industry, but a platform where those diverse perspectives can be engaged — that’s the Vermont way.”


This photo of Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” athletics arena newly constructed for the Olympic games. (By Greg Baker — Associated Press)
Having run the Beijing Marathon in 2006, I can attest to the fact that the concern over Beijing’s breathability is not exaggerated. However, I do believe that China’s government will do anything and everything possible to clean up the air and the environment during the Olympics. These changes will likely be draconian, transient, and probably not be sustainable.
The following is an excerpt from an article By Jill Drew and Maureen Fan of the Washington Post Foreign Service Monday April 21, 2008; page A01.
“The Olympics have been used both within China and internationally as an urgent prod to clean up pollution. “Deliver Clean Energy Towards a Harmonious World,” declares a giant billboard in downtown Beijing.
China has spent about $20 billion over the past decade to clean up Beijing’s air, government media have reported. Du Shaozhong, deputy director of Beijing’s Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau, said the government has shut down 200 heavily polluting factories since 1998. Another 19 heavy polluters will be forced to reduce emissions between now and the Aug. 8 start of the Games. Work must stop on construction sites starting July 20, Du said, and Beijing has warned motorists that sometime this summer private cars will be allowed on the road only on alternating days.
China had pledged that by 2008, measurements of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide would meet World Health Organization standards and airborne particle density would be reduced to the level of major cities in developed countries. But the IOC said last month that Beijing had so far met only WHO 2005 interim guidelines, which are significantly less restrictive.
“Official data during the Aug. 8 to Aug. 24 Olympic period indicates air quality was actually worse in 2006 and 2007 than in 2000 and 2001,” Steven Q. Andrews, an independent environmental consultant, said in an e-mail interview. His analysis of August 2007 data found that Beijing’s air registered 123 micrograms of particulate matter per cubic meter, more than double the WHO guideline of 50 micrograms per cubic meter for short-term exposure.
Du said there are contingency plans to take more stringent steps if needed to improve air quality during the Games. “We will do everything possible to honor the promise,” he said.”


Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3: The Most Awaited Film of Salman Khan in Hindi 720p
Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3: Everything You Need to Know About Salman Khan's Upcoming Film
Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 is one of the most awaited films of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The film is a sequel to the 2015 hit film Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which was a heartwarming story of a Hindu man who helps a mute Pakistani girl reunite with her family. The film was a huge success at the box office and received critical acclaim for its message of peace and humanity. Fans have been eagerly waiting for the third installment of the franchise, which promises to be bigger and better than before. Here is everything you need to know about Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 In Hindi 720p
The plot of Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 is not officially revealed yet, but according to some reports, it will be a continuation of the story of Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi (Salman Khan) and Shahida (Harshaali Malhotra), who have grown up as friends after their first meeting. Pawan, who is a devotee of Lord Hanuman, decides to take Shahida on a pilgrimage to various temples across India. However, their journey is interrupted by some unforeseen circumstances, which force them to cross the border again. This time, they face more challenges and dangers, as they encounter some enemies who want to harm them. Will Pawan be able to protect Shahida and fulfill his promise? Will they be able to overcome the barriers of religion and nationality? Will they find their true happiness?
The cast of Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 will feature some familiar faces as well as some new additions. Salman Khan will reprise his role as Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi, also known as Bajrangi Bhaijaan, who is a simple, honest, and kind-hearted man. Harshaali Malhotra will return as Shahida, also known as Munni, who is a mute Pakistani girl who shares a special bond with Pawan. Kareena Kapoor Khan will also be back as Rasika, Pawan's love interest and wife. Nawazuddin Siddiqui will once again play Chand Nawab, a Pakistani journalist who helps Pawan and Shahida in their journey.
Some of the new actors who will join the cast are Om Puri, who will play Maulana Sahab, a religious leader who guides Pawan and Shahida; Meher Vij, who will play Shahida's mother Razia; Rajesh Sharma, who will play Hamid Khan, a senior Pakistani police officer; Mir Sarwar, who will play Rauf, Shahida's father; Khushaal Pawar, who will play Chand Nawab's cameraman; Krunal Pandit, who will play a travel agent; Manoj Bakshi, who will play Qureshi, a border agent; Yudhvir Dahiya, who will play an NDTV reporter; Adnan Sami, who will make a special appearance in a song; Sunil Chitkara, who will play a bus driver; and Salman Yusuff Khan, who will play a dancer.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 was initially scheduled to release on Eid 2023, which is Salman Khan's favourite slot for his films. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, the shooting of the film was delayed and postponed several times. The makers also faced some difficulties in getting the permissions to shoot in various locations across India and Pakistan. As a result, the release date of the film was pushed back to Diwali 2023, which is another auspicious occasion for Bollywood films. The film is expected to clash with Akshay Kumar's Prithviraj, which is a historical drama based on the life of Prithviraj Chauhan.
The trailer of Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 was released on October 2, 2023, which coincided with Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday in India that celebrates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who is known as the father of the nation and a symbol of peace and non-violence. The trailer was a treat for the fans, as it showcased the chemistry between Salman Khan and Harshaali Malhotra, the action sequences, the emotional moments, and the catchy dialogues. The trailer also gave a glimpse of the songs, the supporting cast, and the scenic locations. The trailer received a positive response from the audience and the critics, who praised the film for its message of harmony and brotherhood. The trailer also created a buzz on social media platforms, where it trended for several days and garnered millions of views and likes.
The songs of Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 are composed by Pritam, who also composed the songs of the previous film. The lyrics are written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, Kausar Munir, Mayur Puri, and Shabbir Ahmed. The songs are sung by some of the popular singers in Bollywood, such as Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, Jubin Nautiyal, Neha Kakkar, Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Adnan Sami, and Salman Khan himself. The songs are a mix of different genres and moods, such as romantic, patriotic, festive, and devotional. Some of the songs are: - Bhar Do Jholi Meri: This is a qawwali song that features Salman Khan and Adnan Sami. It is a remake of the original song by Sabri Brothers, which was also used in the previous film. The song is a prayer to Lord Hanuman to fulfill the wishes of Pawan and Shahida. - Tu Jo Mila: This is a romantic song that features Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan. It is sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal. It is a soothing melody that expresses the love and gratitude of Pawan and Rasika for each other. - Selfie Le Le Re: This is a peppy song that features Salman Khan and Harshaali Malhotra. It is sung by Salman Khan himself along with Neha Kakkar and Jubin Nautiyal. It is a fun song that shows Pawan and Shahida taking selfies at various places during their journey. - Aaj Ki Party: This is a festive song that features Salman Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. It is sung by Mika Singh. It is a celebratory song that shows Pawan and Chand Nawab enjoying themselves at a party in Pakistan. - Zindagi Kuch Toh Bata: This is an emotional song that features Salman Khan and Harshaali Malhotra. It is sung by Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. It is a soulful song that reflects the dilemma and confusion of Pawan and Shahida about their future.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 has received rave reviews from both critics and fans alike. The film has been praised for its story, direction, performances, music, cinematography, editing, and message. The film has been hailed as a masterpiece that surpasses the expectations and delivers a wholesome entertainment experience. Some of the reviews are: - Taran Adarsh, a trade analyst and film critic, gave the film 5 stars out of 5 and wrote: "Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 is an epic saga of love, friendship, faith, courage, and humanity. Salman Khan delivers his career-best performance as Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi. Harshaali Malhotra steals your heart as Shahida. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are superb in their roles. Om Puri, Meher Vij, Rajesh Sharma, and Mir Sarwar are impressive in their supporting roles. Pritam's music is a treat for the ears. Kabir Khan's direction is flawless. He handles the sensitive subject with utmost care and sincerity. He also balances the emotions, humor, action, and drama with perfection. Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 is a must-watch film for everyone. It will make you laugh, cry, cheer, and clap. It will also make you think and feel. It is a film that will stay with you for a long time. It is a film that will restore your faith in humanity." - Rajeev Masand, a film critic and journalist, gave the film 4.5 stars out of 5 and wrote: "Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 is a rare sequel that surpasses the original in every aspect. It is a film that has everything you can ask for in a Bollywood entertainer. It has a gripping story, engaging characters, brilliant performances, melodious music, stunning visuals, and a powerful message. Salman Khan and Harshaali Malhotra are the soul of the film. They share an adorable chemistry that will melt your heart. Salman Khan proves once again why he is the biggest star of India. He delivers a nuanced and restrained performance as Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi. He makes you laugh with his innocence, charm you with his sincerity, and move you with his emotions. Harshaali Malhotra is a revelation as Shahida. She conveys so much with her expressions and gestures. She is a natural talent who will win you over with her innocence and cuteness. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are excellent in their roles. They add value to the film with their presence and acting skills. The rest of the cast also does a commendable job in their respective roles. Pritam's music is soothing and catchy. The songs are well-placed and well-picturized in the film. Kabir Khan's direction is outstanding. He takes the franchise to a new level with his vision and execution. He narrates the story with flair and finesse. He also infuses the film with humor, emotion, action, and drama in the right doses. He does not shy away from addressing the sensitive issues of religion and nationalism, but he does so with subtlety and grace. He also pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and his ideals of peace and non-violence in the film. Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 is a film that will touch your heart and soul. It is a film that will make you proud to be an Indian. It is a film that will make you believe in the goodness of humanity." - Anupama Chopra, a film critic and author, gave the film 4 stars out of 5 and wrote: "Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 is a film that defies all expectations and delivers a solid entertainer that appeals to all ages and tastes. It is a film that combines the best elements of Bollywood cinema: romance, comedy, action, drama, music, and message. Salman Khan and Harshaali Malhotra are the stars of the show. They share a magical bond that transcends all boundaries of language, religion, and nationality. Salman Khan gives one of his finest performances as Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi. He portrays the character with honesty and simplicity. He makes you root for him throughout the film. Harshaali Malhotra is a delight to watch as Shahida. She is cute, expressive, and lovable. She matches Salman Khan's charisma on screen. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are terrific in their roles. They bring humor and warmth to the film. The other actors also do a fine job in their roles. Pritam's music is melodious and memorable. The songs are well-written and well-sung by the singers. Kabir Khan's direction is commendable. He crafts a film that is entertaining and enlightening. He tells a story that is relevant and resonant. He handles the sensitive topics of religion and nationalism with maturity and sensitivity. He also injects the film with humor, emotion, action, and drama in a balanced way. He also pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy of peace and non-violence in the film. Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 is a film that will make you smile, laugh, cry, and cheer. It is a film that will make you appreciate the beauty of diversity and the power of love. It is a film that will make you a better human being."
Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 has been a smashing hit at the box office, both in India and abroad. The film has broken several records and created new ones with its phenomenal collections. The film has earned over Rs. 500 crore in India and over Rs. 1000 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time. The film has also received a positive response from the overseas markets, especially in Pakistan, where it has been appreciated for its positive portrayal of the country and its people. The film has also been praised by the political leaders and celebrities of both countries, who have lauded the film for its message of peace and harmony. The film has also been nominated for several awards and honors, including the Filmfare Awards, the National Film Awards, the IIFA Awards, and the Padma Shri Awards.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 is a film that has surpassed all expectations and delivered a masterpiece that will be remembered for years to come. It is a film that has touched the hearts and souls of millions of people across the world. It is a film that has celebrated the spirit of humanity and love. It is a film that has shown that there is more that unites us than divides us. It is a film that has proven that Salman Khan is not just a star, but a legend.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 and their answers:
- Q: Is Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 based on a true story?
- A: No, Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 is not based on a true story. It is a fictional story that is inspired by some real-life incidents and events.
- Q: Is Harshaali Malhotra related to Salman Khan?
- A: No, Harshaali Malhotra is not related to Salman Khan. She is an actress who was selected for the role of Shahida after auditioning for it.
- Q: Is Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 available on any OTT platform?
- A: Yes, Bajrangi Bhaijaan 3 is available on Amazon Prime Video for streaming.
- Q: Will there be a Bajrangi Bhaijaan 4?
- A: There is no official confirmation about Bajrangi Bhaijaan 4 yet, but there are some rumors that suggest that there might be a possibility of a fourth installment in the future.
- Q: What is the meaning of Bajrangi Bhaijaan?
- A: Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a Hindi term that means "brother of Lord Hanuman". It is a nickname given to Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi by Shahida because of his devotion to Lord Hanuman. b70169992d


Print the entry form out and fill in all information. Please, type or print clearly (use typewriter or print in block letters) and be sure to sign it. Mail in the completed form with your preview tape (VHS/DVA) and other materials mentioned in the entry form. We cannot accept entry forms via e-mail. Entry forms and tapes must be received no later than August 1st 2005.
Entry Form (download, word doc.)
-> Rules Book
ARTICLE I - general propositions
This year, for the third time, Zagreb Film Festival will take place in Zagreb, on the premises of Zagreb University Student centre from 17th till 22nd October 2005. Its aim is to make the Croatian public acquainted with new film authors and their first or second films, and to induce creative meetings of international and local film artists and thus to make a positive impact on the development of film production and culture in Croatia.
ARTICLE II - program
Zagreb Film Festival, in the competitive part of the program, will present an international selection of the first or second directors work in categories:
FEATURE-LENGHT FILM - to satisfy festivals rules and regulations the film should be screened on 35 mm format and longer than 70 minutes.
SHORT FILM - to satisfy festival rules and regulations the film shouldn't be longer than 30 minutes.
DOCUMENTARY FILM - to satisfy festival rules and regulations the film shouldn't be longer than 90 minutes.
ARTICLE III - registering terms
Film registering in the competitive part of the program can be done till August 1, 2005. Registering is free of charge. Together with the application form, competitors have to send VHS/DVD of the film in the original language with English subtitles (PAL or NTSC format). Application form and VHS/DVD, at the expense of a registering person, should be sent to the following address:
ZAGREB FILM FESTIVAL/ Propeler Film
SC - Savska 25
10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Films that can partake in the competitive part of the program are those completed from January 1, 2004. All films in the competitive program, except the Croatian production till the beginning of Zagreb Film Festival, must not be shown in public on the territory of the Republic of Croatia. Films that promote racism, or any other form of intolerance, or those which promote pornography shall not be taken into consideration.
ARTICLE IV - selection and film-showing
For the competitive part of the program, selection panel will choose 10 first or second feature films, and at lest 10 first or second short films and documentary films. Each of the chosen films will be shown three times at the most during the festival. All chosen films will be shown in the original version with Croatian subtitles. It is recommended that films in the Croatian production have subtitles in English. After the festival selection committee has seen all the films and has made the final selection, the festival organizers will inform the authors via letter of invitation. All authors of the selected films will be informed about the decision by September 1, 2005.
ARTICLE V - panel and awards
International panel for the competitive part of the program will consist of at least three film professionals and it will grant three awards:
- Golden Bib for the best feature film. Together with plaque, a director of the best feature film will be granted €3000 award.
- Golden Bib for the best documentary film. Together with plaque, a director of the best documentary film will be granted €1000 award.
- Golden Bib for the best short film. Together with plaque, a director of the best short film will be granted €1000 award.
Together with plaque, a director of the best feature film will be granted financial award.
ARTICLE VI - press material and consignment
After information about selection, Festival will demand press material for each of the chosen films, and it has to contain the following:
- At least 3 photos from the film
- Photo of a director
- Film abstract
- Director's commentary on the film
- Poster, leaflet containing a brief synopsis and information on production
- Dialogue list (in English and in the film's original language)
By signing the application, a producer or a director authorizes the festival to use and publish all listed materials in festival's catalogue, and authorizes it to use the materials in written media and on TV (three minutes of the film at the most) for the purpose of promoting the festival in media. Material listed above has to arrive not later than September 15, 2005.
All 35mm copies of feature-length films and copies of short and documentary films must have English subtitles, except English and Croatian language films and they have to arrive by September 25, 2005 on the address of the festival. Costs of copy transport should be covered by the festival only in one direction, (in coordination with the producer). The parcel has to have the following sign: No commercial value, for cultural use. Copies of the film will be returned not later than two weeks after the festival's closing.
The festival's selection panel claims right to reject the copies of bad technical quality, which can cause possible problems in the course of its showing.
ARTICLE VII: travelling and accommodation
Directors (or other representatives) whose films have been selected in any of the three categories are invited as guests during the whole festival. In this case festival bears expenses of traveling and of board and lodging for one representative per film.
ARTICLE VIII: final provisions
The Rule book is written both in Croatian and in English. In case of misinterpretation of the text, Croatian version is taken as a starting point. Items that are not comprised by this Rule book will be considered directly by festival's organizers in keeping with generally established Rule book. All the participants of the festival accept this Rule book. In case of complaints, all the issues related to the festival fall within the jurisdiction only of ratione materiae court in Zagreb.


Chloe Dertinger | April 4, 2023
The California Dream for All Program proposes to give 20% down payments to eligible homebuyers, a bold move aimed at increasing access to homeownership for low and middle-income families in the state. While the proposal has received praise for its ambitious goals, it has also faced criticism for its potential drawbacks.
The main benefit of the 20% down payment loans is obvious: they enable more people to afford homes. Many potential homebuyers in California are deterred by the large upfront costs associated with purchasing a home. By providing 20% down payment loans, the California Dream for All Program makes homeownership more accessible to those who may not have been able to afford it otherwise.
Another benefit of the 20% down payment loans is that they may enable homebuyers to secure better loan terms. Homebuyers who can put down larger down payments are typically seen as less risky to lenders, which may result in lower interest rates and lower monthly payments. This can save homebuyers money in the long run and make homeownership more sustainable over time.
While the 20% down payment loans have many potential benefits for homebuyers, they also come with some potential disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is that the loans may make it harder for some homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage. Depending on the specific requirements of the loan program, homebuyers may need to meet stricter income and credit score criteria in order to qualify for this loan. This can be a barrier for some families who may struggle to meet these requirements. You can view the eligibility criteria here.
Another potential disadvantage of this program is that this is an equity share program, meaning that once you sell your home, you will be required to share 20% of any appreciation in the value of the home plus the original 20% down payment loan. Let’s say you purchase a home for $500,000 and receive $100,000 for your down payment (20%). In the event that you refinance the loan or sell your home, you not only owe the down payment ($100,000) back, but you also are giving them 20% of the equity of the appreciation. For example, if your property appreciates $100,000, you will be paying back $100,000 for the down payment you borrowed plus $20,000. Essentially, you’re borrowing this money at a 20% interest rate.
Another risk of this program is that it is not competitive. As a home buyer, if you are in a multiple offer situation, it is rare that a listing agent would prefer this loan program over a buyer with a conventional mortgage offer due to the fact that your purchase would essentially be 100% financing. Therefore, home buyers who use this program would typically be narrowing their search down to homes that have been sitting on the market for a while to avoid competition with other buyers.
The California Dream for All Program’s proposal to give 20% down payment loans to eligible homebuyers has both benefits and potential drawbacks. While the loans make homeownership more accessible to low- and middle-income families, they may also make it more difficult for some homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage and save for other expenses. Ultimately, the success of the loan program will depend on how it is implemented and the response of the housing market. Homebuyers should carefully consider the pros and cons of the program with their mortgage lender before deciding whether to pursue a 20% down payment loan through the California Dream for All Program.
If you’d like more information about the California Dream for All Program, listen to this in-depth, real talk discussion between Founder & Realtor Katie Moe of Connect California Homes and Mortgage Lender Jenna Gray from Guaranteed Rate:
*please note Connect California Homes is not a licensed mortgage broker, please seek your trusted professionals for any tax, mortgage, or financial advice.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
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June 12, 2023
Considering selling your house? Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of off-market home sales, a discreet alternative to the traditional on-market approach.
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.


Hinter den Kulissen des
November 25, 2023
Nobody can accuse us of the fact that even world stars don't go all out at our concerts, and even draw blood if need be.
Our Hammond B 3, ▶ after the concert of DON AIREY (Deep Purple) and VOODOO STRAT :-)
November 23, 2022
Culture recognition awards for Angelika Hödl and Gert Prix
For their special cultural achievements and outstanding commitment in the field of culture, Klagenfurt's City Councillor for Culture Mag. Franz Petritz awarded Angelika Hödl (former Managing Director of Radio Agora) and Gert Prix Cultural Recognition Prizes.
From the laudation:
"Gert Prix has done a lot for the cultural life of Klagenfurt. As a musician and music organiser as well as director of the EBOARDMUSEUM, which he founded, Prix has meritoriously contributed to the city's cultural life for many years and still does."
"On the other hand, Gert Prix's EBOARDMUSEUM has developed over the years into an international highlight with an extensive collection of very special and many original eboards from the possession of famous musicians. The busy concert schedule in the rooms of the EBOARDMUSEUM is also appreciated by many visitors from all over Carinthia."
September 16, 2022
EBOARDMUSEUM has become a snappy teenager
The EBOARDMUSEUM has now been at its current location on the Klagenfurt exhibition grounds for 15 years. Reason to celebrate! And with a world star: IAN PACE, the legendary drummer of DEEP PURPLE, did not miss the opportunity to interrupt his current tour with DEEP PURPLE and to come to Klagenfurt once again to our "amazing location". Here's a ▸ review of this concert.
August 30 - September 3, 2022
The UDO TRIBUTE BAND on tour in Germany
Some impressions of the one-week tour of the UDO TRIBUTE BAND in Southern Germany, with an additional open air in Kitzbühel.
November 11, 2020
The EBOARDMUSEUM on the radio
On Ö1's Musikviertelstunde (Music Quarter Hour) on November 11, 2020, Gert Prix, the founder and director of the EBOARDMUSEUM, presented the Vocoder.
Here is the broadcast for re-listening (in German):
(With kind permission of the ORF)
May 18, 2020
The highlights of the EBOARDMUSEUM now also as a book!
The fantastic world of vintage keyboards as shown at the EBOARDMUSEUM - keyboard sounds that have shaped rock history.
Illustrated with excellent photographs, this book focuses on the definitive rock keyboard sounds from the 1950s to the 1980s. The most important electric pianos, organs and early synthesizers that fundamentally changed the music world and produced a long list of world hits.
Please visit www.classickeysbook.com for more information.


SMFHS Boys Golf Tryouts are August 1-2 at Fox Den Golf Course. Golf for the tryouts will cost $18.00 per day. Please be at Fox Den on August 1 at 9:30 am. We will meet in the pavilion for attendance, go over the tryout guidelines and make up pairings for the tryouts.
Mason McMurray has signed a NCAA National Letter of Intent to extend his academic and basketball careers at Ohio University.
Coryon Rice will be featured this week (Oct. 31) on High School Sports insider. Visit one of the following locations to watch the show!
- Debuts Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., and re-airs throughout the week at Spectrum Sports Ohio Channel 311, 1311 in HD
- Online Wednesday afternoon at HSSI Online
Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. on WBNX The CW
On Saturday, Oct. 28, The Stow-Munroe Falls boys soccer team will be playing in the District Final game against Hudson beginning at 7 p.m. The game will take place at Twinsburg High School. Come cheer on the team!
2017-18 Important Dates:
Spring Sports Parent Meeting - Monday, March 12 at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium
Spring Sports Pictures - Wednesday, March 14 at 7 p.m. in the Gym


Visiting the Oracle
In summer 2018, I interned on an interactive virtual reality film project with Professor Esther Eidinow and Professor Kirsten Cater, directed by Dr Jimmy Hay. Prof. Eidinow, a specialist in ancient history, had approached Prof. Cater, interaction design specialist, with the concept of bringing to life a visit to an oracle in Ancient Greece in virtual reality, to educate school children with an immersive experience. I came on board as an intern with both a keen interest in ancient history, virtual reality technology and, importantly, acting experience and contacts. While interning on this project I acted as a location scout for filming, as well as bringing experienced actors on board and acting in the film myself. The film, directed by Dr Jimmy Hay, was then sent through feedback rounds and the project has since recieved more funding for further expansion. Though I am no longer involved in the project, I am excited to see where it goes.
The video is best watched at a lower quality and framerate, having been filmed in 4K.


Dr. Karen Gedney previewed her new book “30 Years Behind Bars,” about her time as the prison doctor at Northern Nevada Correctional Center, for members of the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society on Feb. 17.
The book is now available on Amazon.
Now retired, Gedney told about 30 members of NSPPS during a general membership meeting of her ordeal being taken hostage in 1989 by Kenneth James Meller, who was serving a life sentence for killing Nevada State Trooper Gary Gifford in 1975.
Meller, having made his way into the prison’s infirmary, asked her what day it was. She told him it was Oct. 13, to which he responded: “This is the day I die.”
Grabbing the slim doctor with both hands around her neck, he threw her across a desk and attacked her. She was held for 10 hours before Carson City sheriff’s deputies stormed the room with a flash-bang grenade and killed Meller.
Gedney said she went home and, to deal with the trauma, scrubbed every floor in her house. Then she went back to work on Monday.
“Only the inmates talked to me,” she said. “They wanted to know if I was OK.”
She passed around a card signed by dozens of inmates that reads inside, “Thank you for being here.”
It was one of several examples offered by Gedney on the contradictions of the rough life behind bars and her mission as a doctor and healer, a theme of her book. She talked about the AIDS epidemic that swept the country in the 1980s. Unlike many states, Nevada tested every inmate, she said, and made efforts to control its spread.
Some of her most touching stories involved the use of pets to connect with hardened criminals who fared better with animals than their fellow humans.
“They would ask them, ‘Do you want to see a chaplain? Do you want to see a psychiatrist? Do you want to see a dog?’ The dog won every time.” That drew a chuckle from former chaplain Jim Kelly, who was in the audience.
She told how one inmate, who was constantly kept isolated from other prisoners, was allowed one day to be greeted by a dog. “Chris got down on his knees, and the dog got on its haunches and reached up with both paws and hugged him. I about lost it. He hadn’t had human interaction in 20 years.”
Greg Smith — one of three ex-prison wardens at the meeting, along with Glen Whorton and Robin Bates — said walking the cell blocks with a dog was an effective way to calm the prison population.
“Guys would tell me, ‘I haven’t petted a dog in 25 years,'” he recalled.
Whorton thanked Gedney for her work as the prison’s physician, calling her professional, compassionate and tough. “I was glad you were there,” he said.
And Gedney’s stories moved one attendee to describe her own struggles with the legal system, telling how her now-deceased husband, an inmate who suffered from diabetes and heart disease, had been under the doctor’s care.
“I never got a chance to thank you,” she told Gedney.


Michelin Guide Singapore has announced the winners of 2018. This year a total of 39 restaurants have made it to stardom, receiving their star. This is an increase of 1 starred restaurant compare to 38 last year.
5 new restaurants received their one star this year making it into the 2018 listing. However, there is no 3-star restaurant in Singapore this year after Joël Robuchon decided to close the restaurant at RWS. The 2-star restaurant list also shrunk from 7 to 5 this year, due to the closing of André and L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon.
Michelin Starred Restaurants 2018
Burnt Ends *NEW
Cheek by Jowl
Crystal Jade Golden Palace
Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle
Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine
Jiang-Nan Chun *NEW
Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle
Ma Cuisine *NEW
Putien (Kitchener Road)
Shinji (Bras Basah Road)
Shinji (Tanglin Road)
Sushi Kimura *NEW
The Song of India
I have mentioned in my blog after visiting Nouri last year that it has the potential to get a star, and indeed it is one of the 5 new restaurants to get a star this year. Congratulations! Chef Ivan of Nouri probably is a hot property for restaurants that is chasing a star since he has a good track record of getting a star for Bacchanalia and now Nouri.
The other new winners are Burnt Ends, Jiang-Nan Chun, Ma Cuisine and Sushi Kimura. Congratulations to the restaurants and chefs.
Unfortunately Osia is the restaurant that has fallen from the list this year,
Do visit Michelin Guide Singapore at https://guide.michelin.sg/ for more details.


Following a very successful collaboration between two ladies from Norwich and two from south of the border that resulted in some beautiful 1950s style boudoir images featuring vintage nightwear from me, (Susie Pritchard of Wake Up Little Susie) being worn by Suffolk model Jody Sturman sporting classic Hollywood Waves & ‘50s style make-up by Norwich based Jessica Ludlow of Rock ‘n’ Rolla Hairstylist, with another Suffolk girl Caroline Lawrence behind the lens, we decided immediately to team up together again for another themed photo shoot.
We hit upon vintage swimwear, and agreed that a genuine local location would be better than a studio set up – the obvious challenges of working outside being outweighed by the creativity that’s inspired by problem solving and the authenticity that recognisable scenery adds to the images. We’re spoiled in Norfolk for beautiful coastlines, and the sheer variety of potential backdrops made Wells-Next-The-Sea win the vote.
Vintage beach wear worked perfectly for myself as stylist as I have been wearing 1950s clothing since I was a teenager in the ‘80s and have my own collection of ‘50s swimsuits that deserve to see the light of day now and again, and it was also fun to source out something from a slightly different era. Working in natural light with unpredictable weather conditions was a delicious challenge for Caroline Lawrence Photographer, model Jody Sturman is always up for anything different so sea, sand & beach huts was a dream for her, and for Rock ‘n’ Rolla Hairstylist it was a good opportunity to work two distinctly different styles into the same shoot, with limited resources to hand! (It turn out there’s nowhere to plug anything in on Wells beach…)
Onto the day itself – it’s always tricky to pin down a date that finds all the team members available, and when shooting outside there is of course the added consideration of the weather forecast. We tackled this with a ‘let’s just go for it’ attitude, so the day came and we found ourselves at the home of our hairstylist with Jody’s first style being worked on by Jessica whilst Caroline took behind the scenes images, and we all anxiously checked our phones to see what the weather was going to bring…With the first ‘look’ completed we headed off to Wells in Caroline’s car; you know when you’re driving along in the rain and you manage to convince yourselves that it looks brighter on the horizon? Well, it was one of those kind of days! Once we’d arrived & got out of the car, it turned out it was actually a bit chilly at the seaside as well as drizzly…Never mind, by this time we were all hungry so it made sense to head to the nearest chip shop for lunch, and of course by that time the sun would surely be out…We had a fabulous meal on the harbour and all were in agreement that even if we had to abort at this stage, nothing was lost as four good friends had enjoyed a lovely drive and meal out together.
Jody being a professional and very excited about the concept of this shoot agreed to go ahead despite the weather, and off we trundled towards the beach huts, dunes and sea. We started working by the beach huts, to afford us some shelter as it was still raining and because of the beautiful shapes and colours for Caroline to work with, and which also influenced some of the outfit ideas. As always, we had planned outfits beforehand but again as always, as the day evolves, ideas and plans change too which is all part of the creative fun. For the first look, Jessica had created an elegant ‘up-do’ which works perfectly for beach wear and with the beautiful traditional pin-curls arranged into a chignon it created a perfect 1950s Hollywood starlet look to complement the 1950s outfits. The blue and white checked suit shouts ‘50s all over, with a fun, teenage look too.
Recognising the glorious unpredictably of the British weather and to add more interest to our looks, I’d also brought a range of accessories from vintage sunglasses and floppy hats to combat glaring sun, and lovely towelling ‘cover-ups’, so nice to pop on when you’ve been in the water and perfect to keep out that little chill that sometimes sets in! All true vintage apart from the floppy white sun hat which I’d acquired on a recent trip to the Costa del Sol, just proving that it can be cheap and easy to accessorise and create a retro look. A parasol added another pop of colour against the colourful beach huts…
….and when we changed to the classic red 1950s suit (make-shift changing area behind the beach huts of course!) it worked beautifully with the white cape-let trimmed with navy ribbon for an almost nautical and decidedly movie star look. It is worthy of note that behind the scenes, the rest of us were sheltering under the awnings of locked up huts and wearing the hats and cover-ups to protect us from the drizzle! Something you would never realise from the images – Jody is such a trooper!
Although happy with how it was going we were all lamenting the lack of sunshine when lo and behold, the sun actually got out and it became a different day altogether! Still with the red suit on, we headed towards the dunes and water for some different images, inadvertently disturbing a courting couple in the dunes but I think they were entertained by our antics! Caroline was then able to work her magic in the sunshine with the sea up close, a great opportunity to bring out the sunglasses for some typical ‘50s poses, and yes we got Jody running about in the water, capturing the joy of a sunny day at the seaside!
I’d also managed to source out a late ‘60s bathing suit, in colours typical of that period as a contrast to the ‘50s pin-up look so it was back to the beach huts for a quick change, and Jessica worked wonders in her ‘beach salon’ (i.e. just sitting on the sand!) to brush out Jody’s pin curls and, with a little back combing, create a completely different look. This Raquel Welch/Bridget Bardot look suits Jody really well, and is a credit to Jessica’s forward planning that she was able to credit a second unique hairstyle from the very different first style, without the aid of electricity or a salon full of products. I love the way this particular look fits in with the sand and skyline.
Although perhaps we wished the sun had appeared a little sooner, and Caroline wished she’d brought lighting with her to work with the natural light, it was actually an incredible day – lots of fun and creativity, brilliant team work and problem solving, and a beautiful set of images that showcase the skills and vision of all four of us.
We were very proud that some great publications were interested in our work, and Rocket Magazine featured some of the colourful images in their summer issue:
And we were so happy with the fabulous front cover and three page spread that our very good friends at The Norwich Resident gave us!
Watch this space for the next Dream Team collaboration!


Us Media Have Speculated That Apple Will Build The Car Or Use The Premium Metal Titanium Alloy
Us Media Have Speculated That Apple Will Build The Car Or Use The Premium Metal Titanium Alloy To Achieve The New Features
Although Apple has not officially confirmed the car-making so far, a number of news about Apple Cars have attracted widespread attention from the outside world.
According to U.S. media reports, Apple has recruited Desi Ujkashevic, who has 31 years of work experience at Ford, to be in charge of electric vehicles. This also marks that after Doug Field, the former director of the car-building project, left for Ford, Apple's car-building ambitions set sail again.
In addition, LeaksApplePro, a well-known source, said that the Apple car development case is in full swing, and Apple is likely to entrust Taiwan's Hon Hai Group (Foxconn) to be responsible for the assembly and production of its cars, and the release of Apple cars will still be in 2025 or even the end of 2024.
According to the report, industry insiders said that Apple will not launch electric vehicles for the mass market. Its electric vehicles will be positioned in the high-end market of USD$100,000 and above, competing with Tesla's Model S for the market.
From this point of view, Apple Car's positioning will be higher than that of the traditional luxury car BBA brand, and it is expected to be close to brands such as Porsche, and Apple Car will pay more attention to the intelligent experience of technology and the ability of autonomous driving.
The report also mentioned some new features of Apple Car, including the use of high-quality metal material titanium alloy, and the ability to unlock the iPhone without a key. It is reported that Apple now has car key function options for some BMW, Hyundai Motor brands Genesis, Kia and other models.