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fatedevour · 11 months ago

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♢ — Anonymous said: the new batch of recruits wants to hear what the doctor has to say to welcome them

UNPROMPTED ASKS: ALWAYS ACCEPTING!

What a tedious process he’s forced to endure. BUT it was one of the few non-negotiable duties any Harbinger had to perform when there were new recruits to be welcomed. They were required to give a speech to new recruits, and although in SNEZHNAYA it was often one of the other Harbingers who delivered them, anywhere else it was the duty of the nearest Harbinger. How unlucky of him. A cold eye glances over the newest recruits from beneath his mask. Most of them didn’t look like they’d make it very far. No matter, it wasn’t HIS problem. He just had to give this ridiculous speech.

“ TODAY is the day you begin to uphold the oath you have sworn to Her Majesty the Tsaritsa and to the nation of Snezhnaya. Your actions all reflect HER. Every word, every step, every moment from when you don your uniform and make it known who you are, you are first and foremost a representation of her Majesty and ALL the Fatui. So if you act a FOOL, you are not just a disgrace to yourself and to your family, but also a disgrace to the Tsaritsa and your new home. Those who stand beside you are your new place of belonging. They are who you will fight and live beside. THEY come first for the sake of Her Majesty. “

Frankly it was all quite NAUSEATING to say such words. But most people were sheep and cattle, and it was the shepherds and wolves who kept them moving and acting as wanted by guiding hand or the snapping of hungry teeth. The speeches were supposed to foster a sense of CAMARADERIE between the people. ( How efficient it is, The Doctor has no idea since it's dull to him. ) And unlike the headache inducing eloquence of Pantalone’s rambling speeches, this needed no pointless frills and obscure terms that would merely be perplexing at best to the common folk. Simple and efficient was sometimes the IDEAL way to approach these matters.

“ Her Majesty expects the BEST from you. You must be ruthless, adaptable, meticulous, and loyal to the cause. You are now a part of the great power of the Fatui. Your past no longer matters, but it is the future that you must gaze upon and give your everything for. Your successes will be rewarded amongst not just your peers, but if you strive hard enough, you may even be granted the privilege of Her Majesty's direct approval and grace. "

Dottore watches the NAIVE OPTIMISM flood through the crowd of new recruits, the hopeful gasps and glittering eyes. He estimates SIXTY PERCENT will survive the year but only one or two will be TRULY talented. Dottore could change this - but such is not HIS responsibility unless he's told otherwise. He's happy to give this inane speech and never see any of them again unless they happen to be of use to him.

" This is your role, your HONOR, to being a Fatui. Do you understand? " Dottore raises his voice, hands clasped behind his back as he stares over them. When they all speak in unison ( Yes Sir! ) he gives a curt nod. " You will receiver further instructions in the next day. Remember, you are now a Fatui. Hold yourselves with pride and determination. Dismissed! "

Once they have all disappeared, Dottore gives an IRRITATED sigh to himself. " How that BANKER enjoys such tasks as this, I will never comprehend. My time is far more VALUABLE than to be wasted on something like that. "

#Anonymous #the fact dottore has had to give these recruitement speeches #at SOME point is both terrifying and hilarious #he hates them sO MUCH #also so sorry to the anon who had to wait for me to answer this #i hope you are around to enjoy this #♢ — ❛ he whom ushers in your darkest hour ❜ ( ic )

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immortalnetizen · 14 days ago

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American Cinema throughout the decades.

Wings (1927) - The first ever recipient for best picture in the 1927 Oscar ceremony. A thrilling World War One drama with visuals and spectacle that still can't be topped by most CGI dependent blockbusters today with more action and salacious material than can be found in most post-code studio films from the 30's.

The Grapes of Wrath (1939) - Based on Steinbeck's Pulitzer Prize winning, Depression-era tale of a Mid-Western family and their travels Westward in pursuit of greater opportunity. With cinematography reminiscent to that of the photography work composed by Dorothea Lange, it bucks the more polished look preferred by most studio films during the post-code era to paint a grittier and more realistic look of American hardship and economic struggle.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - A post-war feelgood film by Director Frank Capra, about a small-town banker (Jimmy Stewart) who struggles to realize his true purpose on this Earth. Initially overlooked upon release, has since gone on to become a quintessential Christmas Holiday classic.

Blackboard Jungle (1955) - A gritty look into the emerging 1950's youth culture and the growing moral crisis surrounding its development. With subject matter ranging from rape to racism and a rock-n-roll soundtrack, the film sets a daring precedent for the social conscious films to come.

Easy Rider (1969) - A free-wheeling, run-n-gun take on 1960's hippie culture. Taking inspiration from the international New-Wave, it's a story without much of a plot with the film perfectly encapsulating the sentiments and zeitgeist of the era with excessive drug use, allegedly both on and off camera, and a cast of characters that seek nothing more than to understand themselves and the open American roads.

Harlan County USA (1976) - A revolutionary documentary by Barbara Kopple, detailing a labor strike between Kentucky coalminers and the Brookside Mine over the workers decision to unionize, a film which helped to supercharge political documentary filmmaking.

Wall Street (1987) - Roger Stone's sinical take on the young professional or yuppie culture of the 1980's amid the Reagan era policy of unrestrained capital investment and free-market enterprise with father and son duo Martin and Charlie Sheen exploring the cutthroat world of stockbroking where "greed", for lack of a better term, is good.

Forrest Gump (1994) - Based on the novel by Winston Groom, the film is an allegorical tale told through the perspective of a somewhat slow-witted yet resilient young man (Tom Hanks) as he lives through some of America's most historic moments in the late Twentieth Century. With director Robert Zemeckis' use of ground-breaking computer-generated images, the film tells the story of America in a time when the nation was struggling to define itself.

#cinema #movies #hollywood #america #usa

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dankusner · 15 days ago

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POLITICS Is Dallas’ mayor eyeing D.C. job?

Visit to Trump party has some wondering

On Election Day, Renee Brzycki was on a flight to Jupiter, Fla., from Dallas when she saw Mayor Eric Johnson making mimosas for passengers on board.

“I just thought it was fun that he seemed so down to earth and engaging,” Brzycki said, adding Johnson told her he was the Dallas mayor and was headed to Jupiter for an “election event.”

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Later that night, Johnson was at the Palm Beach County Convention Center where President-elect Donald Trump’s victory party occurred, according to pictures viewed by The Dallas Morning News .

Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University, said Johnson’s presence at the victory party seemed to indicate he was angling for a position in the Trump administration.

“He’s going to kiss the ring, if he in fact was there, in the hope of having a visible appointed position in the Republican administration that is just getting started,” Jillson said.

Johnson’s trip came at a time when most city leaders, including former mayors and council members, were waiting to see the fate of a trio of controversial ballot measures that had the power to change the way the city functions.

The mayor did not respond to a phone call and a text with a request for comment.

Mike Demkiw, executive director of the Republican Mayors Association, told The News that Johnson’s team would not comment on speculation.

“Right now, Mayor Johnson is focused on continuing to serve the citizens of Dallas and leading the Republican Mayors Association as it helps cities across the nation elect leaders who value public safety, business-friendly policies and accountable, responsive and fiscally responsible government,” Demkiw said.

‘Administrative ability’

Jillson said Johnson’s best pathway to an appointment is at a subcabinet level or upper management at an entity such as the Justice Department, to show “some administrative ability to deliver the product that your office is charged to deliver.”

This comes as several high-profile Texans, such as Commissioner of Agriculture of Texas Sid Miller and Attorney General Ken Paxton, are expected to be considered for cabinet positions.

“He’s a relatively young man,” Jillson said about Johnson, who is 49.

“He really hasn’t shown the ability to do that as a mayor. And so the question is can he do that in an administrative or judicial position.”

The mayor was elected to six terms in the Texas Legislature as a Democrat before he was elected as the city’s top elected official in 2019.

After graduating from Harvard University, Johnson worked as an investment banker and an aide in Rep. Yvonne Davis’ office.

He earned a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in public policy from Princeton University and worked in international law.

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He is currently a partner at Locke Lord, a law firm based in Dallas.

Several of Johnson’s moves on the national level signal the groundwork needed to build a reputation as a rising star in the GOP — a characterization that could line him up for an administrative position in the Trump administration.

He started the Republican Mayors Association last year to support other GOP candidates across the country.

Johnson was in Las Vegas on Oct. 28, stumping for mayoral candidate Victoria Seaman.

After avoiding partisan politics during his first term in the nonpartisan position, and refusing to publicly endorse Joe Biden or Trump in the 2020 election, Johnson told The News he voted for Trump in the Texas Republican primary in March.

Over the summer, Johnson was one of the speakers at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

“Today, Dallas is viewed as America’s safest large city, and Republicans lead 11 of the top 15 safest cities,” he said.

“And that’s because Republicans won’t be silent about public safety.

“Together,” he said, “let’s make America safe again by retiring Joe Biden and electing Donald J. Trump.”

Johnson’s leadership in Dallas

The mayor is widely seen as a man who plays his cards close. In July, Johnson told Texas Monthly “he preferred to speak to national media rather than local and statewide outlets.”

Since his entry into the mayoral office, Johnson has emphasized policies related to the park system in Dallas as well as tackling homelessness and reducing violent crime.

He appointed key figures in policy circles to lead his goal of growing the city’s workforce.

A bulk of criticism of Johnson’s tenure has stemmed from his bumpy relationship with council members as well as former City Manager T.C. Broadnax.

In August, Johnson was absent from a council retreat and much of the discussion, according to the agenda from the meeting, was focused on fixing the way council members collaborate on issues and coming up with a north star to guide the city’s policies.

Johnson and council member Cara Mendelsohn took a different stance on the controversial S, T, and U propositions from the rest of the City Council and urged voters to reject all 18 ballot propositions.

They were visibly absent from the efforts of a bipartisan coalition of elected officials.

What happens if he leaves office?

Johnson has said he will serve out his entire term as mayor, which runs until 2027.

“When my career in elected office ends in 2027 on the inauguration of my successor as mayor, I will leave office as a Republican,” Johnson said in the Wall Street Journal editorial he wrote in September 2023 explaining his departure from the Democratic Party.

If he does decide to leave office early, Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins will be asked to lead the council until May, when an election would be held. The winner would serve as mayor until the 2027 election.

Johnson announced last year he was joining the Republican Party. He has said the protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death in 2020, when progressive activists were outside his house and calling on Dallas to lower funding for its police force, pushed him away from the Democratic fold.

“When those activists tried to scare my kids, my fellow Democrats were silent. It was Republicans who offered their support, both privately and publicly,” he said during his speech at this year’s Republican National Convention.

After his party switch, some residents launched efforts to remove him from office through a petition, but that campaign only mustered an estimated 10,000 signatures, falling short of the 103,595 valid voter signatures needed.

Currently, Johnson is the only Republican-identifying mayor among 10 of the largest cities in the U.S.

Mayor Eric Johnson Let Dallas Down

We needed his leadership; we got an op-ed

There’s a long tradition in Dallas politics that when the city is in need, the mayor steps forward and leads the way.

The mayor, after all, is the only citywide elected official.

And despite having just a few real powers under the charter, the mayor has a bully pulpit that few other Dallas leaders enjoy.

But when Dallas needed him most during this last election, Mayor Eric Johnson let his city down.

Every living former mayor voiced their opposition.

Mike Rawlings, Tom Leppert and Laura Miller rolled up their sleeves and went to work to try to defeat three propositions that each of the former mayors, regardless of political affiliation, recognized as dangerous to Dallas.

Two of those propositions passed.

One opens the city to the potential for an avalanche of lawsuits that could see Dallas sued into ruin.

The second one would require the city to hire some 1,000 additional police officers, a number Dallas can’t practically hire and can’t afford if we could.

And thanks to the first proposition, Dallas can be sued for failing to do something it was set up to fail to do.

We know that many people in Dallas are concerned about public safety and frustrated with the service City Hall provides.

We share those concerns, and we write about them on this page all the time.

But we don’t believe voters were fully informed about the negative consequences these propositions could have on the function of local government.

That is why so many leaders of this city, including people from very different political backgrounds, rushed to come together to oppose the propositions, with our former mayors taking the lead.

But where was Eric Johnson?

When we asked, Rawlings and Miller said they made multiple attempts to get Johnson involved in the campaign.

He initially didn’t respond.

Then he responded by forwarding them an op-ed he wrote for these pages with City Council member Cara Mendelsohn.

The op-ed, which Mendelsohn sent us and which we edited with her, called for voters to oppose all 18 propositions, including many that were necessary.

That op-ed, proposing a bad idea unlikely to succeed, was the only public peep from the mayor on the propositions.

“It’s mayoral malpractice,” Miller told us.

She worked hard this election season to organize political outreach.

That included contacting 65 current and former council members and trying repeatedly to get Johnson on board.

“Only one of the 65 I contacted refused to answer my calls and texts: Mayor Johnson,” she told us.

Rawlings had a similar experience.

“I contacted him a couple of times to give him an opportunity to lead this. He finally texted me his position with this op-ed piece that he wrote. That was it,” Rawlings said.

Miller texted Johnson on Oct. 14 and 15, pleading with him to join an assembly of Dallas leaders on Oct. 19 for a door-to-door campaign effort.

She texted him on Oct. 17 the following:

“Just tried to call you. We would really like you to be there on Saturday please. Thanks, Laura.”

He finally responded by sending her a link to the op-ed.

“Such a weird response. Seriously,” Miller wrote back.

“You’re an interesting lady, Laura. Bless your heart,” Johnson responded.

Johnson owed the city more than that.

We don’t know what would have happened if he had been more involved, and there were many reasons the campaign opposing the propositions didn’t succeed.

But we needed our mayor on the front lines to help voters understand what the city was facing.

We reached out to Johnson’s office last week to let him know that we would be penning this editorial to raise concerns about what we see as shirking his responsibility to the city.

The mayor described the premise of this editorial as “odd.”

“I opposed all of these amendments and published an op-ed arguing against them in this very newspaper. I also shared the column widely among my supporters,” he said in a statement.

If Johnson thinks writing one op-ed is leadership, he should look to how those who held the office before him did the job.

In his comments to us, Johnson blamed the paper for not paying heed in 2020 to his and Mendelsohn’s concerns about a lack of investment in policing.

“That blasé attitude from many of our city’s elite during a violent crime surge stuck with our residents,” he said.

In fact, our editorials that year repeatedly opposed cuts to policing and supported southern Dallas pastors who urged City Hall to improve policing with greater resources.

In the end, Dallas decided against slashing police funding, and we praised that.

Johnson did tell us something we agree with.

“But make no mistake — we are here because voters spoke clearly about what they want from city leadership: public safety and accountability.”

That’s true.

But you know what else voters need?

Leadership.

They need the person they elected mayor to come forward on a matter of such major consequence to the city.

They need to see his face and hear his voice.

They didn’t get that from Mayor Eric Johnson, and that was a failure of leadership.

#Youtube

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yamuna111 · 17 days ago

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How to Stay Updated with Current Affairs for Bank Exams: Tips from Coimbatore’s Leading Coaching Centers

Introduction

In today's competitive world, staying updated with current affairs is a crucial aspect of preparing for bank exams. Whether you are preparing for the IBPS, SBI PO, or any other banking exam, current affairs often comprise a significant portion of the General Awareness section. Keeping up with the latest news and developments is not only essential for acing this section but also for cracking interviews and group discussions.

Fortunately, Coimbatore’s leading bank exam coaching center in Coimbatore has equipped many aspirants with effective strategies to stay on top of current affairs. These centers provide personalized guidance, resources, and tools to help students understand how to tackle current affairs with confidence.

In this blog, we will explore practical tips and strategies for staying updated with current affairs, straight from Coimbatore’s expert coaches, and how enrolling in the right bank exam coaching center in Coimbatore can help you succeed.

Why Current Affairs Are Crucial for Bank Exams

Before diving into the methods of staying updated, it’s important to understand why current affairs are so essential for bank exams. General Awareness is one of the most important sections in the written examination and typically covers current events from national and international news, banking and financial awareness, sports, awards, government schemes, and other significant updates.

A large portion of the examination is dedicated to questions on current affairs, and this section is often the deciding factor between passing and failing. Hence, staying consistently updated is crucial for success.

Building a Strategy for Consistent Updates

To excel in current affairs, you need a strategy that not only keeps you informed but also ensures that the information sticks. Coimbatore’s bank exam coaching center in Coimbatore offers proven strategies to help you remain on track.

First, create a dedicated daily routine to cover current affairs. Start your day by reading the newspaper and bookmarking a few key news sources that can provide comprehensive coverage of current events. Your bank exam coaching center in Coimbatore will likely provide you with a list of reliable sources that you can use to stay up to date, ensuring that you focus on relevant information.

Using digital platforms such as news apps or websites is also highly effective in keeping you connected with the latest happenings. Many students prefer accessing information through digital platforms as they provide instant updates and alerts.

Utilizing Online Resources

A key advantage of choosing a bank exam coaching center in Coimbatore is the access to exclusive online resources designed to help students stay updated with current affairs. Many coaching centers offer online test series, daily quizzes, and current affairs newsletters tailored to the banking sector. These resources condense the information, making it easier to absorb and recall during exams.

In addition to this, platforms such as YouTube, podcasts, and mobile apps are also helpful. The best bank exam coaching center in Coimbatore integrates these tools into their curriculum to make sure you don’t miss out on any essential updates. Mobile apps, like Bankers Daily or Bank Exam Preparation, are specifically designed for banking aspirants to help them keep up with the latest news and current affairs at their convenience.

Following Reliable News Sources

When it comes to current affairs, the sources you rely on can significantly impact the quality of your knowledge. Relying on credible and consistent news outlets is key to staying informed. A bank exam coaching center in Coimbatore will often recommend reputable sources like The Hindu, The Times of India, Economic Times, and Business Standard. These newspapers provide in-depth coverage of political, economic, and banking news, which are relevant to the exams.

Additionally, for global events, international newspapers like BBC and The Guardian offer comprehensive updates. Social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn also serve as useful sources for instant updates, especially for financial and banking news.

A good bank exam coaching center in Coimbatore will ensure that students learn how to sift through news and pick out the most important information to study, saving time while ensuring no essential updates are missed.

Joining Daily or Weekly Quizzes

One of the best ways to enhance your current affairs preparation is by practicing quizzes. Many bank exam coaching center in Coimbatore provide daily or weekly quizzes to test your knowledge. This helps reinforce the information you’ve learned and builds your confidence.

These quizzes often focus on the latest news from the past week, and taking them regularly will help improve your recall and understanding. Participating in such quizzes also makes learning interactive and enjoyable, which can enhance long-term retention.

Reading Current Affairs Magazines and PDFs

Another excellent resource for bank exam aspirants is current affairs magazines and PDFs. These resources are specifically curated for competitive exam preparation and condense important events into a well-organized format, often highlighting key facts, dates, and events related to the banking sector, politics, and the economy.

Most bank exam coaching center in Coimbatore provide study materials that include monthly magazines or e-books that focus on current affairs. These materials are designed to simplify complex topics and focus on the areas most likely to be tested in the exam. Incorporating such magazines into your daily study routine will improve your performance in the General Awareness section.

Regular Revision is Key

Current affairs is a constantly evolving subject, and to retain the information you learn, regular revision is essential. A bank exam coaching center in Coimbatore will help you incorporate revision sessions into your preparation plan. By revisiting the key events from the previous week or month, you will reinforce your knowledge and ensure you are always exam-ready.

As part of your revision strategy, make concise notes of key events, schemes, and awards. This will allow you to quickly review them right before the exam, ensuring you don’t forget anything crucial.

Stay Engaged with Peer Groups and Coaching Centers

Joining peer groups or forums dedicated to bank exam preparation can be highly beneficial. Engaging in group discussions about current affairs can not only broaden your understanding but also keep you motivated. In Coimbatore, bank exam coaching centers often create such groups to provide students with a platform to share insights and discuss current events in detail.

Moreover, coaching centers in Coimbatore frequently invite experts to conduct guest lectures or workshops on current affairs, further helping students stay updated on relevant topics.

Conclusion: Consistency is the Key

To crack the bank exams, staying updated with current affairs is non-negotiable. By following the strategies shared by Coimbatore’s leading bank exam coaching center in Coimbatore, you can streamline your preparation and approach current affairs with confidence.

A dedicated study routine, access to reliable news sources, online resources, quizzes, and revision strategies will all contribute to ensuring that you are well-prepared to handle the General Awareness section. The right coaching center will provide you with all the tools and guidance necessary for excelling in this section and securing a top score in your bank exams.

Call to Action:

Ready to stay ahead in your bank exam preparation? Join the best bank exam coaching center in Coimbatore today and get personalized guidance to master current affairs. Contact us now to schedule your first free consultation and start your journey to success!

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tenaciouspostfun · 2 months ago

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Yellow Face.

Hwang Goes in Many Directions.

By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).Published 7 minutes ago • 3 min read

Robert M. Massimi.

"Yellow Face" at the Todd Haimes Theatre is a difficult play to review in many ways. David Henry Hwang has made himself the lead actor, and he fills the story this semi-autobiographical story with lots of real life people that were involved in the "Miss Saigon" musical ruckus. Even though Hwang is detailed about the occurrences that shrouded the 1991 Tony Award Musical, the play's bad guy is made up and the writer doesn't reveal this until the show's end. First produced in 2007 at The Public Theater, the play focuses more on the laughs than it did back at The Public.

In "Yellow Face", Hwang (Daniel Dae Kim) is writing "Face Value" in response to the yellow-face casting of Johnathan Pryce in his first Broadway debut of "Miss Saigon". Being the first Asian American to have a play produced on Broadway, Hwang had some clout in getting Cameron Mackintosh to cancel the production. Hwang was an important voice, until he wasn't any longer. The show opened and proceeded to win multiple Tony's.

In the audition for "Face Value", Hwang wants to cast Marcus. G. Dahlman (Ryan Eggold), but others think that he does not look Asian. To Hwang's dismay, he calls racist to "Stereotype" Asians as having a certain look and build. Where this scene was more serious at The Public, it plays here for pure laughs.

The play's best- written scenes take place between Hwang and his father (Francis Jue). Jue is delightful in his role as a successful banker in Los Angeles who prizes his success and the American dream above all else. As the founder of Far East National Bank, he came to America and worked pressing laundry. To himself, he is the quintessential American dream; he quotes both American actors as well as American singers (Sinatra and Jimmy Stewart are two of his favorites).

Director Leigh Silverman works well with the talented cast; the actors for the most part keep us entertained for the one hour forty five minutes. Silverman did a better job here than when she directed this show at The Public.Where The Public had an intermission, this show does not. Anita Yavich are very plain and uninspiring. Lap Chi Chu's lighting design ran from glam to edgy. Arnulfo Maldonado's sets were creative and the blending of the sets with the scene's melded well. For the most part, "Yellow Face" was a good play for the most part. (at the 55 minute mark till the hour-five minute point the show slowed up quite a bit).

Taken on its face value, Hwang makes some resonate points about typecasting and how things are done in the theater world. Hwang, however, omits many factual points in his body of work: while he quotes yahoo Republican Congressman verbatim, he leaves out that Mr. Hwang hired Tom Bradley, then the mayor of Los Angeles, as a consultant. Mr. Bradley had also received a loan from the bank and at the same time secured $2 million in city funds. Hwang tells the audience that America killed his fathers dream and virtually killed him; that he ended up cursing the country that made him wealthy beyond his wildest dreams.

When reporter Greg Keller asks Hwang pointed questions, he comes off like a villain... he portrays the reporter as having a distorted idea of Asian Americans. Like so many liberal-minded writers, Hwang turned the reporter in a antagonist. He paints the white male reporter as a hater, as does so many plays that lean into the PC today on Broadway.

Hwang borders on hypocrisy when dealing with the "Miss Saigon" issue. In M.Butterfly he casted a cis gender to play the spy and not a transgender. He also never credited the real writer of "M.Butterfly", NY Times writer Joyce Wadler who reported the actual affair. The 1993 nonfiction book "Liaison" was used a source material for M.Butterfly and Wadler was never credited in the show's Playbill.

Broadway, Tony awards, Aladdin, The Lion King, The Roommate, McNeal, M.Butterfly, Sunset Boulevard, Romeo and Juliet, The Outsiders.

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About the Creator

Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).

I have been writing on theater since 1982. A graduate from Manhattan College B.S. A member of Alpha Sigma Lambda, which recognizes excellence in both English and Science. I have produced 14 shows on and off Broadway. I've seen over700 shows

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pagebypagereviews · 2 months ago

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Danielle Steel Biography Danielle Steel is a renowned American novelist, celebrated for her prolific output and gripping stories. With over 190 books to her name, she remains one of the world's best-selling authors, captivating readers across generations. Biography Danielle Steel Information table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000; text-align: left; th background-color: #f2f2f2; Full Name Danielle Fernandes Dominique Schuelein-Steel Birth Date August 14, 1947 Nationality American Occupation Writer Genre Romance Books Written 190 (as of 2021) Novels Over 140 Copies Sold Over 800 million Languages Translated 43 Television Adaptations 22 (including 2 Golden Globe nominations) Recurring Themes Rich families facing crises, dark elements (prison, fraud, blackmail, suicide) Other Works Children's fiction, poetry Philanthropy Foundation funding mental illness-related organizations Critical Acclaim Lacks critical acclaim despite being bestsellers (Publishers Weekly) Early Life Early Life of Danielle Steel Danielle Steel, born on August 14, 1947, in New York City, had a unique and somewhat tumultuous early life. Raised primarily in Paris and New York, she was the only child of her parents who divorced when she was eight years old. Following the divorce, Steel was brought up mainly by her father and had infrequent contact with her mother. Raised in the Catholic faith, she initially harbored ambitions of becoming a nun. From a young age, Steel exhibited a passion for writing, penning short stories and poetry. By her late teens, she had already completed her first manuscript. Steel's early experiences and challenges undoubtedly shaped her into the prolific writer she is today. Family Danielle Steel's Family Information table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; th background-color: #f2f2f2; Relation Name Information Father John Schulein-Steel John Schulein-Steel was Danielle Steel's father. He was a German-Jewish immigrant and a successful businessman. Mother Norma da Câmara Stone dos Reis Norma da Câmara Stone dos Reis, Danielle's mother, was a Portuguese diplomat's daughter. She had a significant influence on Danielle's cultural upbringing. Brother Nick Traina Nick Traina was Danielle Steel's son from her marriage to William Toth. He was a talented musician who tragically passed away in 1997. Sister Vanessa Danielle Traina Vanessa Danielle Traina is one of Danielle Steel's daughters. She is a fashion stylist and creative director. Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements Danielle Steel Body Measurements table width: 80%; margin: auto; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 20px; th, td border: 1px solid #000; padding: 8px; text-align: left; th background-color: #f2f2f2; caption caption-side: top; font-size: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; Danielle Steel - Height, Weight, and Other Body Measurements Measurement Value Height Unknown Weight Unknown Body Measurements Unknown Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend Danielle Steel's Relationships As of the latest available information, Danielle Steel is not currently married. Her most recent known marriage was to financier Thomas Perkins, which ended in divorce. Danielle Steel has been married five times. Below is a table detailing her previous marriages and significant relationships: Name Relationship Type Marriage Date Divorce Date Additional Information Claude-Eric Lazard Husband 1965 1974 French banker Danny Zugelder Husband 1975 1978 Met while he was in prison William George Toth Husband 1978 1981 Father of her son Nick Traina John Traina Husband 1981 1996 Adopted two of his sons, had five more children together

Thomas Perkins Husband 1998 2002 Financier Danielle Steel has nine children. Her life has been marked by both professional success and personal challenges, including her numerous marriages and the tragic loss of her son, Nick Traina. For more information about Danielle Steel, you can visit her Wikipedia page or her official website. Career, Achievements And Controversies Danielle Steel: Career, Achievements, and Controversies Danielle Steel is an American writer best known for her numerous best-selling romance novels. Her works often center on strong yet vulnerable characters who face various life challenges. Steel's ability to captivate readers with her compelling storytelling has made her one of the most popular authors in the world. Danielle Steel's career began with her first manuscript, which she completed while still working various jobs. Fluent in both English and French, Steel initially found work as a translator before joining a New York City advertising agency. Her first novel, "Going Home," was published in 1973, marking the beginning of her prolific writing career. Going Home (1973) Palomino (1981) Jewels (1992) The Ghost (1997) Winners (2013) The Award (2016) Danielle Steel has received numerous accolades for her contributions to literature. Some of her awards include: Francophonie Award Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres The American Book Award Despite her success, Danielle Steel has faced some controversies: Accusations of using ghostwriters: There have been persistent rumors that Steel employs ghostwriters to maintain her prolific output. Personal life: Steel's multiple marriages and divorces have often been the subject of public scrutiny. Criticism from literary circles: Some critics have questioned the literary merit of her work, often labeling it as "commercial fiction. Danielle Steel's life and career are filled with interesting facts. She is one of the world's best-selling authors, with over 800 million copies of her books sold. Despite her immense success, she continues to write every day, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to her craft. For more information, you can visit Danielle Steel's Wikipedia page or her official website. Faq Danielle Steel FAQs body font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 20px; padding: 20px; background-color: #f4f4f4; .faq-container max-width: 800px; margin: auto; background: #fff; padding: 20px; border-radius: 5px; box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); .faq-container h1 text-align: center; color: #333; .faq margin-bottom: 20px; .faq h2 font-size: 1.2em; color: #007BFF; .faq p margin-top: 5px; Danielle Steel is a renowned American novelist known for her romance novels. She is one of the best-selling authors of all time, with over 800 million copies of her books sold worldwide. Some of Danielle Steel's most popular books include "The Promise," "Palomino," "Kaleidoscope," "Zoya," and "The Ghost." Her novels often explore themes of family, love, and personal growth. As of 2023, Danielle Steel has written over 180 books, including novels, children's literature, and non-fiction works. Her prolific writing career spans several decades. While Danielle Steel has not received many mainstream literary awards, she has been recognized for her significant contributions to literature and her impact on popular fiction. Her books have consistently topped bestseller lists. Danielle Steel's books are widely available at major bookstores, online retailers such as Amazon, and local libraries. They are published in various formats, including hardcover, paperback, e-books, and audiobooks.

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classroomlearning · 3 months ago

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Best Discover Excellence in Business Education at Brainware University: Your Gateway to a Successful BBA Career

Apply Now at Best BBA College in Kolkata

Welcome to Brainware University, where ambition meets opportunity in the bustling academic hub of Kolkata. As the premier destination for aspiring business professionals, Brainware University offers an exceptional Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.

BBA Programme Overview

Embark on a Journey of Excellence

Brainware University’s BBA program is a meticulously crafted four-year course that provides a solid foundation in business principles and practices. Our curriculum is designed to foster both academic excellence and practical skills, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the business world.

Why Choose Brainware University for Your BBA?

- Dynamic Learning Environment:Our state-of-the-art facilities and innovative teaching methods offer a vibrant learning experience.

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At Brainware University, we strive to make quality education accessible. Here’s a breakdown of our fee structure for the BBA program:

- Tuition Fees: Competitive and designed to offer value for the comprehensive education provided.

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- Academic Qualification: Completion of Higher Secondary Education (10+2) from a recognized board.

- Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks.

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Our BBA program opens doors to a myriad of career opportunities. Graduates can pursue roles in various sectors such as:

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1. Application Form: Fill out the online application form available on our website.

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Embark on your journey to business excellence with Brainware University’s BBA program. Apply today and be part of a community dedicated to shaping the future of business. For more information on admissions and course details, visit our website or contact our admissions office.

Elevate your career with Brainware University — where ambition meets achievement!

#university #college #admission #education #kolkata

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worldtopic6 · 4 months ago

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Why Ingram Bros Safe Moving is New York’s Top Choice for Safe Relocation

When it comes to moving your valuable safes, trust is essential. At Ingram Bros Safe Moving, we understand the unique challenges involved in relocating home safes, gun safes, jewelry safes, banker safes, and vault doors. As a nationwide provider headquartered in Redford, Michigan, we proudly extend our expert services to New York, Texas, Atlanta, and Florida. Our commitment to smart and simple moving solutions sets us apart, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Why Choose Ingram Bros Safe Moving in New York?

1. Expertise in Safe Relocation

Safes are not just heavy—they’re often delicate, valuable, and sometimes irreplaceable. Our team at Ingram Bros Safe Moving specializes in the precise and secure handling of various types of safes, including home safes, gun safes, jewelry safes, and banker safes. With years of experience and specialized equipment, we ensure that your safes are moved safely and efficiently, minimizing any risk of damage Ingram Bros Safe Moving New York.

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Though we are a national provider, our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each location we serve. In New York, we combine our extensive industry knowledge with an understanding of local logistics to offer personalized service. Whether you are moving a safe within the city or across state lines, we handle each job with the utmost care and professionalism.

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Our reputation speaks for itself. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, Ingram Bros Safe Moving has become a trusted name in the safe relocation industry. Our professional team is trained to handle even the most challenging safe moving tasks, ensuring that your valuables are treated with the care they deserve.

For reliable, expert safe moving services in New York, look no further than Ingram Bros Safe Moving. Visit our website ingrambrossafemoving.com or call us at (877) 323-0772 to get a quote or learn more about how we can assist with your next move. Trust Ingram Bros Safe Moving for a safe, efficient, and stress-free relocation experience.

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kmrealtygroup · 5 months ago

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Housing Market Forecast: What’s Ahead for the 2nd Half of 2024

As we move into the second half of 2024, here’s what experts say you should expect for home prices, mortgage rates, and home sales.

Home Prices Are Expected To Climb Moderately

Home prices are forecasted to rise at a more normal pace. The graph below shows the latest forecasts from seven of the most trusted sources in the industry:

The reason for continued appreciation? The supply of homes for sale. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“one thing that seems to be pretty solid is that home prices are going to continue to go up, and the reason is that we don’t have housing inventory.”

While inventory is up compared to the last couple of years, it’s still low overall. And because there still aren’t enough homes to go around, that’ll keep upward pressure on prices.

If you’re thinking of buying, the good news is you won’t have to deal with prices skyrocketing like they did during the pandemic. Just remember, prices aren’t expected to drop. They’ll continue climbing, just at a slower pace.

So, getting into the market sooner rather than later could still save you money in the long run. Plus, you can feel confident experts say your home will grow in value after you buy it.

Mortgage Rates Are Forecast To Come Down Slightly

One of the best pieces of news for both buyers and sellers is that mortgage rates are expected to come down a bit, according to Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and NAR (see chart below):

When you buy, even a small drop in mortgage rates can make a big difference in your monthly payments. For sellers, lower rates will bring more buyers back into the market, which can help you sell faster and potentially at a higher price. Plus, it may help you get off the fence, if you’ve been hesitant to sell due to today’s rates.

Home Sales Are Projected To Hold Steady

For 2024, the number of home sales will be about the same as last year and may even rise slightly. The graph below compares the 2024 home sales forecasts from Fannie Mae, MBA, and NAR to the 4.8 million homes that sold last year:

The average of the three forecasts is about 5 million sales in 2024 — a small increase from 2023. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, explains why:

“job gains, steady mortgage rates and the release of inventory from pent-up home sellers will lead to more sales.”

With more inventory available and mortgage rates expected to go down, more homes are expected to be sold this year compared to last year. This means more people will be able to move. Let’s work together to make sure you’re one of them.

Bottom Line

If you have any questions or need help navigating the market, reach out.

#housingmarket #homeprices #mortgagerates #homesales #homesforsale #homes

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mycryptosuite · 2 years ago

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nsrealestate · 5 months ago

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Housing Market Forecast: What’s Ahead for the 2nd Half of 2024

As we move into the second half of 2024, here’s what experts say you should expect for home prices, mortgage rates, and home sales.

Home Prices Are Expected To Climb Moderately

Home prices are forecasted to rise at a more normal pace. The graph below shows the latest forecasts from seven of the most trusted sources in the industry:

The reason for continued appreciation? The supply of homes for sale. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“One thing that seems to be pretty solid is that home prices are going to continue to go up, and the reason is that we don't have housing inventory.”

While inventory is up compared to the last couple of years, it’s still low overall. And because there still aren’t enough homes to go around, that’ll keep upward pressure on prices.

So, getting into the market sooner rather than later could still save you money in the long run. Plus, you can feel confident experts say your home will grow in value after you buy it.

Mortgage Rates Are Forecast To Come Down Slightly

Home Sales Are Projected To Hold Steady

The average of the three forecasts is about 5 million sales in 2024 – a small increase from 2023. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, explains why:

“Job gains, steady mortgage rates and the release of inventory from pent-up home sellers will lead to more sales.”

With more inventory available and mortgage rates expected to go down, a few more homes are expected to be sold this year compared to last year. This means more people will be able to move. Let's work together to make sure you’re one of them.

Bottom Line

If you have any questions or need help navigating the market, reach out.

#exprealty #losangeles #homeownership #keepingcurrentmatters #mortgage #interestrates #economy

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thelistingteammiami · 5 months ago

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Housing Market Forecast: What’s Ahead for the 2nd Half of 2024

As we move into the second half of 2024, here’s what experts say you should expect for home prices, mortgage rates, and home sales.

Home Prices Are Expected To Climb Moderately

Home prices are forecasted to rise at a more normal pace. The graph below shows the latest forecasts from seven of the most trusted sources in the industry:

The reason for continued appreciation? The supply of homes for sale. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“One thing that seems to be pretty solid is that home prices are going to continue to go up, and the reason is that we don't have housing inventory.”

While inventory is up compared to the last couple of years, it’s still low overall. And because there still aren’t enough homes to go around, that’ll keep upward pressure on prices.

So, getting into the market sooner rather than later could still save you money in the long run. Plus, you can feel confident experts say your home will grow in value after you buy it.

Mortgage Rates Are Forecast To Come Down Slightly

Home Sales Are Projected To Hold Steady

The average of the three forecasts is about 5 million sales in 2024 – a small increase from 2023. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, explains why:

“Job gains, steady mortgage rates and the release of inventory from pent-up home sellers will lead to more sales.”

Bottom Line

If you have any questions or need help navigating the market, reach out.

0 notes

nicklloydnow · 7 months ago

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“Mr Macron identifies a triple shock of interconnected threats which create a particularly dangerous moment in the continent’s history. The first is geopolitical: Europe’s struggle to stand up to Vladimir Putin’s Russia, even as America’s future commitment to Europe has gone wobbly. Having once worried out loud about not “humiliating” Moscow, Mr Macron has turned into one of Europe’s most outspoken hawks. Listing the record of Russian belligerence, from its threat to use nuclear weapons to its relentless use of hybrid warfare and disinformation, regional troublemaking, and aggression in space and at sea, the president has no doubt about what is at stake. “If Russia wins in Ukraine there will be no security in Europe,” he says. “Who can pretend that Russia will stop there?” What security would there be, he asks, for neighbouring countries: Moldova, Romania, Poland, Lithuania and others?

(…)

Mr Macron also stands by his refusal to rule out putting boots on the ground in Ukraine. His comments prompted disbelief and anger in Germany, and a blistering riposte from Olaf Scholz, the chancellor. Yet the French president argues that, faced with an expansionist Russia, Europe’s ability to deter further aggression rests on not defining red lines. He calls this “the basic condition” of its security and credibility. These were not empty words, he insists. “If the Russians were to break through the front lines, if there were a Ukrainian request, which is not the case today,” he says, “we would legitimately have to ask ourselves this question.” France, he notes, sent its troops to help African countries in the Sahel when their leaders asked.

(…)

In his telling, America simply will not always have Europe’s back. The continent has no choice: “We have to get ready to protect ourselves.” He wants to make a start at a summit in July at Britain’s Blenheim Palace. This gathering of the European Political Community, a Macron brainchild, brings together eu and non-eu members. The president wants attendees to identify the security risks facing Europe, the military capabilities it needs, and how to make more kit on European soil. Mr Macron will put on the table a full discussion of how France’s nuclear deterrent (which, unlike Britain’s, is wholly home-built and not “assigned” to nato) could contribute further to European security. He wants to finalise this discussion “in the coming months”. Mr Macron also wants to reinforce bilateral defence co-operation with the hosts, post-Brexit Britain, building on the Lancaster House treaties.

(…)

The second risk to Europe comes from the twin economic shock of accelerating technology and China. Mr Macron, a former investment banker, worries that Europe is about to fall behind in crucial high-tech sectors, from clean tech to quantum computing, if it does not grasp the scale and urgency of what needs to be done now. Part of his solution would involve a large injection of public money, in good old dirigiste fashion. Part of it would also be about deregulation, to encourage risk and disruptive innovation.

(…)

Underpinning this analysis is the observation that nobody else plays by the rules any more. The old order has been broken. Nothing has yet replaced it. America, in Mr Macron’s account, thought it would discipline Chinese behaviour with international trade rules. Instead America has ended up massively subsidising its own industry, just like the Chinese. Europe, he insists, is not being protectionist but realist when it seeks to do the same. Moreover, if Europeans are to build the industrial scale needed to stay competitive, he warns, they have to accept that specialisation cannot mean a “fair” share of subsidies for all countries or industries.

The final threat to Europe is democratic: a resurgent nationalism, turbo-charged by disinformation and echo-chamber news. The best way to understand the risk today, Mr Macron suggests, is to re-read Marc Bloch, a French historian executed by the Gestapo. In “Strange Defeat”, Bloch argued that the elites facilitated the fall of France to the Nazis in 1940 through short-sightedness and complacency. “What kills me, in France as in Europe, is the spirit of defeat,” declares the president. “The spirit of defeat means two things: you get used to it and you stop fighting.” This is the danger: elites are starting to assume that opinion polls make an outcome inevitable, and then to resign themselves to it. “Politics isn’t about reading polls,” he says; “it’s a fight, it’s about ideas, it’s about convictions.”

“Russia said on Monday that it would hold military exercises with troops based near Ukraine to practice for the possible use of battlefield nuclear weapons, a provocative warning aimed at discouraging the West from deepening its support for Ukraine.

These weapons, often referred to as “tactical,” are designed for battlefield use and have smaller warheads than the “strategic” nuclear weapons meant to target cities. Russia’s Defense Ministry said that President Vladimir V. Putin had ordered an exercise for missile, aviation and naval personnel to “increase the readiness of nonstrategic nuclear forces to carry out combat missions.”

The announcement of the exercise was Russia’s most explicit warning in its more than two-year invasion of Ukraine that it could use tactical nuclear weapons there. The Kremlin said it came in response to comments by two European leaders that raised the prospect of more direct Western intervention in the war.

(…)

Western officials have long worried that Russia could deploy tactical nuclear weapons, especially if it faced serious setbacks on the battlefield. But Mr. Putin denied as recently as March that he had ever considered it, even as he regularly reminds the world of Russia’s vast nuclear arsenal as a way of keeping in check the West’s military support for Ukraine.

On Monday, however, Russian officials claimed that warnings about the possibility of more direct Western involvement in the war had changed the situation. The Defense Ministry said the exercise would be held “to unconditionally ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Russian state in response to provocative statements and threats of individual Western officials against the Russian Federation.”

Dmitri S. Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesman, said the Western “threats” in question included a recent interview with President Emmanuel Macron of France published by The Economist, in which the French leader repeated his refusal to rule out sending ground troops to Ukraine.

Mr. Peskov also alluded to a comment made last week by David Cameron, Britain’s top diplomat, in which he said that Ukraine was free to use British weapons to strike inside Russia — a departure from Western governments’ typical policy of discouraging such strikes in order to avoid being drawn deeper into the war.

“This is a completely new round of escalation of tensions — it is unprecedented,” Mr. Peskov told reporters on Monday. “And, of course, it requires special attention and special measures.””

“The United States has made a number of strategic miscalculations since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, but the single greatest may be the message that the Biden administration just sent about nuclear weapons. The U.S. showed that it would protect a nuclear-armed friend, Israel, from an as-yet-nonnuclear enemy (Iran); at the same time, Washington has refused to consider using its forces to defend a nonnuclear friend (Ukraine) against a nuclear-armed Russia.

Other governments will deduce that states with nuclear weapons can barbarically attack America’s friends and bully U.S. leaders into abandoning them. The British government has underscored that sentiment by basically admitting that, precisely because of fears of escalation with Russia, Ukraine won’t get the same help that Israel did. Even if the U.S. and its allies were more coy about their calculations, their conduct will encourage a wave of nuclear proliferation in the coming years.

(…)

Instead, the Biden administration is allowing Russia to use the threat of nuclear weapons as cover for its effort to conquer a sovereign neighbor by force. Ukraine is not just any nonnuclear state; it is a state that gave up its nuclear weapons because the U.S. and Russia firmly promised in 1994 to respect its territorial integrity.

In their passivity, the U.S. and its allies are acquiescing in the destruction of the post–World War II nuclear order—which in many ways was a great success. Since the Second World War, the two major nuclear powers never used their nuclear weapons to win wars—even when, as with the U.S. in Vietnam or the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, they were losing in conventional warfare. And although a small number of other states, including China, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea, have built nuclear arsenals, many more governments with the capacity to develop nuclear weapons have so far declined to do so.

The global order is becoming less stable in other ways. The Biden administration’s weak response to Russia is bad enough; a second Trump administration could follow a still more destructive policy of telling even close, longtime allies that they can’t count on American support. When Donald Trump said publicly earlier this year that he would encourage Russians to do “whatever the hell they want” with European NATO member states that don’t spend enough on defense, he was signaling to leaders in Europe and around the world that the North Atlantic Alliance is in jeopardy.

Other countries will take note—and begin to arm themselves for a more dangerous world. South Korea, for one, is quietly discussing the prospect of developing nuclear weapons. It’s also talking about constructing a new generation of nuclear-powered submarines, even though it has an agreement with the U.S. not to do so. Many governments will make similar calculations.

We have reached a dangerous moment. In its desperate attempts to de-escalate tensions with Russia, the Biden administration is reinforcing the message around the world that nuclear weapons provide security and freedom of action. When countries are presented with a clear choice between being shielded from attack and being left to their fate, no one should be surprised at which option they’ll take.”

“Free nations prefer peace to war, but that preference is complicated by the continued existence of nations led by criminals, ideologues and irredentists. In a fallen world, war eventually comes, wanted or not.

And it’s coming. Iran and its proxies, having started one war in Israel, don’t appear reluctant to consider another with the U.S. A Russian victory in Ukraine, even a partial one, would make eventual confrontation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization almost inevitable. China menaces Taiwan. And the possibility that Kim Jong Un isn’t plotting an attack on South Korea—or on the U.S.—is a bet only a fool would take.

(…)

Last month I visited Mr. Helprin’s home here, some 10 miles north of Charlottesville. On the wall of his vast and spacious library I spy a framed August 1941 photograph of Winston Churchill on the deck of the H.M.S. Prince of Wales, the ship on which the prime minister met FDR to enlist the U.S. in the struggle against fascism. I came to Earlysville—I say this at the risk of melodrama—to ask Mr. Helprin the sort of question that Churchill had contemplated in the years before that photograph was taken: Are we ready to fight?

The answer today is plainly no. But neither were the British in 1935. What does America need to do to get ready?

(…)

As we sit down, Mr. Helprin doesn’t wait for me to ask a question. “It might not be a gracious thing to do, but let me begin with an ‘I told you so,’ ” he says. Briefly he catalogues several unheeded warnings he has published over the decades. One of those appeared in these pages under the headline “What to Do About Terrorism, Really,” on May 10, 1995.

The essay urged the Clinton administration to remember, the recent Oklahoma City bombing notwithstanding, that terrorism has always come mainly from abroad and would surely remain that way. Mr. Helprin envisaged a cataclysm brought about by “a few former Soviet tactical warheads in a business jet piloted by a young mullah with a grudge against Sears Roebuck.” He was slightly off—the cataclysm, when it came six years later, involved four passenger jets rather than a private plane and warheads, and the target was New York and Washington, not Chicago. But he saw something others didn’t.

Any discussion of U.S. leadership abroad has to start, as ours does, with America’s humiliating 2021 retreat from Afghanistan, a colossal exhibition of weakness and confusion and almost certainly a catalyst of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Hamas’s attack on Israel.

Our faltering in Europe and the Middle East is the reason, Mr. Helprin says, we need to adopt a “bastion strategy.” Meaning what? “No, we’re not going to give up on a forward defense in Europe and Asia. But as an emergency measure, as a reserve, in case the forward defenses fail—and they are under tremendous pressure now both because of our isolationism and our disintegration and the world situation externally—if those should fail, we have a bastion.”

The bastion is the Western Hemisphere. “Of course I’m talking about the Monroe Doctrine. Essentially, Russia, China and other nations may not interfere in this half of the globe, but we may interfere in theirs.”

Yet Russia, China and Iran are making enormous inroads in South America, “and we can’t allow them to do that. If South America goes, we’re done for. People think we’re protected by the oceans, and we are to an extent. But even so, in the [American] Revolution, when the tiny wooden ships would take a month to cross the Atlantic, it was a closely run thing. The British were still able to transport huge armies and supplies to the United States with that kind of transport.”

Another strategic priority is the protection of Europe. “A lot of people think we should concentrate more heavily on China because China is more powerful than Russia and more of a developing threat. That’s true,” he says. “China is the bigger, more immediate threat. But Europe is more valuable.”

I think I agree, but I have to ask why Europe is more valuable. “Our economic relationships to the European nations, which are the greatest other than those with Canada and Mexico. Not just trade, but the interplay of science and culture. We are, in so many ways, joined to Europe as we are to nowhere else. Also physically, in terms of a position in Earth’s geography: If the North Atlantic is controlled by hostile powers, if it falls under Russian dominance, then we’re pretty much”—again—“done for.”

(…)

Perhaps the core of the problem is American policymakers’ fear of risk and attendant accountability. If a U.S. administration tried to mount the sort of defense posture Mr. Helprin counsels, something might go wrong, someone would have to pay a political price, and no one at the moment seems inclined to pay any sort of price for anything. As soon as I use the phrase “fear of risk” he points out that “in 1940 Churchill sent all the tanks in Britain to North Africa to fight the Germans. That denuded Britain of tanks, and at the time it was still possible that Sea Lion”—Hitler’s plan to invade the U.K.—“could have happened. The British would have had no tanks to use in defense. It was a risk. Churchill took it. War is about risk.”

Our technological superiority, Mr. Helprin thinks, has fooled us into believing that war is about neat, danger-free solutions. “We have been acclimated to situations in which we control everything,” he says. “We completely control the air. We completely control logistics. We have bases to which we can retreat, and on those bases we have McDonald’s.” Mr. Helprin stops himself: “This isn’t to say that individual units and soldiers haven’t fought like hell and suffered. But in terms of the larger picture of war, we haven’t fought for survival in a long time.”

(…)

But back to the 2020s. Why is the number of men willing to fight and die for the United States decreasing? Mr. Helprin mentions an education system that trains young people to distrust their country and a military bureaucracy enthralled by woke ideology.

So what can we do about that in the short term? Without pausing Mr. Helprin says: “We can depoliticize the military completely.”

That won’t be easy, I say. “It might not be so hard,” he replies. “You don’t have to do anything. You just have to stop doing stupid things. The military is a million education programs meant to indoctrinate and train. Exclude, from all that indoctrination and training, anything having to do with ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ ”—he signals quotation marks—“anything having to do with racism, anything about how bad America is, the ‘gender’ crap, all that. Just stop doing it.”

He has a point. An executive order from the commander in chief would likely accomplish for the U.S. military what Gov. Ron DeSantis did by signing legislation banning DEI in Florida public universities. If the military were to scrap every last shred of DEI training tomorrow, nobody but activist busybodies would regret it, and the benefits would reverberate for a decade.

What about the long term? Very little about today’s cultural landscape suggests that America’s political class and citizenry understand the threats or are prepared to counter them with force. What’s going to get us ready? “A strong leader on a white horse isn’t going to do it,” Mr. Helprin says. “The only way that can happen, I think, unfortunately, is distress and defeat. A depression, a big loss in a war, invasion, Gotterdammerung.””

#macron #emmanuel macron #france #ukraine #russia #putin #nuclear #war #mark helprin #world war 3 #world war iii #wwiii #ww3 #europe #south america #monroe doctrine #Phillips Payson O’Brien

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pardontheglueman · 10 months ago

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Rewatching It's A Wonderful Life

Not a year goes by without a nationwide re-release of Frank Capra’s festive classic It’s A Wonderful Life (1946). Over recent years, the film has regularly been screened by mainstream cinema chains in Wales as well as independent venues like Chapter and Tramshed in the capital. This year’s most imaginative showing will take place at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea. With a musical adaptation by Paul McCartney and Lee Hall (Billy Elliott & Rocketman) seemingly set to bring this magical tale to a whole new generation of fans, Kevin McGrath takes a look at the unique story of how a movie that flopped at the Oscars and which barely made a dent at the box office somehow became an enduring part of Christmas for so many.

Frank Capra’s post-war masterpiece It’s A Wonderful Life has rightly gone down in film history as one of the greatest feel-good movies of all time. From its humble beginnings as The Greatest Gift, an unpublished short story that author Philip Van Doren Stern turned into a 24-page pamphlet-come-Christmas card, it has become the most cherished of all movies, regularly figuring in best picture polls either side of the Atlantic. For many in America, Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without the family gathering around the TV to watch this incredibly affecting festive tale. And it was TV, of course, that had rescued the film from relative obscurity when its copyright was allowed to lapse in 1974. By 1984, The Wall Street Journal discovered, 152 public stations and 175 commercial stations had taken up the rights to broadcast the movie).

The reason that It’s A Wonderful Life continues to stand the test of time today must surely be attributed to the flawless filmmaking of its visionary director Frank Capra. Prior to the outbreak of the Second World War (during which he made the exemplary documentary series, Why We Fight), Capra had established himself as one of Hollywood’s premiere directors, with a string of box office smashes to his name. The most notable of which, 1934’s romantic comedy It Happened One Night, became the first film to win all five major Academy Awards picking up Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay and, of course, Best Director. Capra had become a master craftsman and a master storyteller, specialising in crowd-pleasing ‘moral fables’ about the honest Joe, the American everyman, who stands up for ‘liberal’ ideals and values against corrupt businessmen and politicians.

Screen giants like James Stewart and Gary Cooper had turned in widely acclaimed performances in Capra’s Mr. Smith Goes To Washington and Meet John Doe respectively, and it was to Stewart, his most trusted actor, that Capra turned when casting the part of quintessential nice-guy George Bailey. Stewart, one of the few major stars to enlist in the war against fascism, had been away from Hollywood for the best part of five years, and was in anguish about resuming his acting career when Capra called to offer him the role, that ultimately, film critics would regard as the finest of his distinguished career. Luckily, the director was able to talk Stewart around, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Stewart’s nuanced portrayal of the decent, unselfish, yet ultimately tormented Bailey, offers us a masterclass in screen acting. It’s as if Stewart had never been away as he plays through a succession of comic, romantic and dramatic scenes with absolute confidence. Stewart is able to convince us of George’s good heart and of his deeply felt moral opposition to scurrilous Banker Henry Potter, whilst also capturing the frustration eating away at his character’s soul as he sees life passing him by and his friends making their own mark on the world. George Bailey is a man desperately divided against himself, as Stewart’s reflective performance gradually makes clear.

Thankfully, his fellow actors are equally as good, with Lionel Barrymore proving to be an inspired piece of casting in the role of Potter, the Dickensian villain who tries to drive the Bailey family business into ruin in his quest to monopolise the wealth of Bedford Falls. (Capra had surely noted Barrymore’s legendary portrayal of Scrooge for the Campbell Playhouse dramatisation of A Christmas Carol, broadcast each Christmas Eve since 1934). And, as the years have gone by, it’s become impossible to imagine anyone other than the whimsical Henry Travers as the very special emissary Clarence Oddbody, whose celestial mission it is to save George Bailey from the tragic fate that awaits him on Christmas Eve.

The movie begins with George’s family and friends frantically seeking divine intervention to help him through a spiritual crisis at Christmas and uses the device of extended flashbacks to tell the tale of a young boy/college student determined to travel the world, all the while threatening to “shake the dust of this crummy little town off my feet”. He subscribes to National Geographic magazine and spends his days dreaming of “going out exploring someday’. A family tragedy and financial difficulties combine, though, to ensure George’s ambitions are thwarted at every turn, as he finds himself trapped into running the family Building and Loan Company, the only institution in town not owned by slum landlord Potter. George is loved by the whole of Bedford Falls for standing alone against Potter time and again, and, in a crucial scene which illustrates Capra’s humanitarian message, Bailey challenges Potter over his scandalous business practices –

‘Do you know how long it takes a working man to save five thousand dollars? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, this rabble you keep talking about…they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn’t think so. People were human beings to him’.

Stewart is acting out of his straight-laced skin here, violently trembling with anger. For me, it’s one of the most genuinely moving scenes in film history.

Though George has quietly transformed the lives of all those who reside in Bailey Park, he is unable to find consolation in his own achievements. He simply cannot free himself from the resentment he feels, as first his younger brother Harry takes up his place at College, and then as his old friend Sam Wainwright cuts a dash through the business world. Drunk and despairing on Christmas Eve, he wishes he’d never been born.

Throughout the film, Capra remains in complete control of the story. Each scene plays perfectly, the transition between episodes is seamless and the script cohesive from start to finish. This is all the more remarkable given the number of writers involved in developing a screenplay that proved almost impossible to knock into shape. Whilst the final screen credit went to husband and wife screenwriting team Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich, as well as Capra himself, there were already three fully developed scripts in existence when Capra bought the property from RKO in 1945.

Three of the biggest names in the business had failed spectacularly in adapting Van Doren Stern’s quirky fantasy. Neither Marc Connelly, the Pulitzer winning playwright and fully paid-up member of the Alongquin roundtable, Dalton Trumbo (an Oscar winner for The Brave One) or Clifford Odets, the left-wing firebrand whose work with the Group Theatre had revolutionised Broadway in the thirties, found a way to incorporate the various fantasy/reality elements of the plot into a coherent whole.

While Connolly and Trumbo’s contributions were dismissed out of hand by Capra, some key scenes from the Odets script were retained. According to Jeanine Basinger, curator of the Capra archives, his scripts “bring into focus the elements found in the final movie: the accident on the ice in which Harry nearly drowns; the Gower drug store sequence and George’s marriage to Mary.” It’s worth noting that at this stage the Potter character simply did not exist. The dramatic conflict in each of these scripts was between a good George and an evil George.

None of this turmoil is reflected in the finished movie itself. Capra was able to unfold his story with clarity, balancing the requirements of the plot with his need to convey an uncompromising message to the audience. In the same way that Dickens, who was on a lifelong crusade to improve the conditions of the poor, wrote A Christmas Carol to try and progress social change in Victorian England, so Capra, who was just back from the Second World War, his film cans stuffed with footage of the horrors of the concentration camps, passionately wanted to tell a story that would make a serious statement about the times in which he lived.

Dickens’ plea to his readers was for them to follow the example of a reformed Scrooge when, at the novella’s end, he pledges to “honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year round”. Capra’s motivation was equally straightforward. He had in mind a reaffirmation of John Donne’s view of the human condition

“No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main”

Still haunted by a war, in which Historians currently estimate, up to 70 million people died, Capra was at pains to point out how one man’s life touches another. His Christmas message was for us all to extend a helping hand to the next fellow.

When I went to see It’s A Wonderful Life at my local cinema, last Christmas, the usherette, on taking my ticket said: “I hope you’ve brought a supply of hankies”. Indeed, I had. I can never get past that early scene in Gower’s drugstore, where the distraught and drunk chemist brutally slaps a young George Bailey around, without breaking down. And, of course, the famous finale with George, having escaped from his nightmare existence in Pottersville, charging joyously through the snowy streets of Bedford Falls on Christmas Eve, wishing everyone and everything a Merry Christmas, has me in floods of tears every time I have the privilege of viewing it.

Watching It’s a Wonderful Life every Christmas, making it a part of the ritual and tradition of the festive period means it can be hard to be wholly objective about the film as a work of art. For good or bad the film comes imbued, perhaps even burdened, with our own memories and associations. In the darkness, as the credits begin to roll, we suddenly sense The Ghost of Christmas past sitting next to us in the cheap seats.

For others, Capra is too sentimental and the derogatory term “Capra-corn” applied by some cynics to his films has stuck over the years. Look beyond the joyous, feel-good message at the centre of It’s A Wonderful Life though, and there is a real darkness rooted within the heart of small-town America. Capra, having witnessed at first hand the atrocities of a World War, knew all about the evil ordinary people were capable of but remained an optimist and a believer in the brotherhood of man, nonetheless.

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