#connie's humanitarian efforts

[conradveidttrivia]

Friends and colleagues pay tribute to Connie upon his death. From Aufbau, a pro-Jewish magazine for European exiles, 1943.

My translations of the German articles (all except for the intro, which is just basic stuff about who he was) are under the cut. Bear with me, as these are clumsy and quick–if you have better phrasings to suggest, I’m all ears.

Eight friends say goodbye

***

Back then in Berlin

I first saw Conrad Veidt as a young actor towards the end of the First World War - before the end of the second one, he suddenly passed away, in the midst of the maturity of acting.

He immediately stood out with his own strong, singular head. You had faith in him: you felt sure that there was something in that head that stuck (stood out?). At that time the Deutsches Theater had established a special stage, “Das Junge Deutschland” (The Young Germany), to give the leading generation of poets and actors a place to be. Here, for the first time, Veidt appeared in a leading role. He stood next to Krauss, Wegener, Jannings, Thimig under Reinhardt’s direction in the engine room of a submarine in Göhring’s “naval battle” - an anti-war piece whose performance we had continued during the war. The day after the premiere, Conrad Veidt was no longer an unknown.

A few months later, I had the opportunity to work with him during long weeks of rehearsal. He would play the main, tragic role in, and I would direct, Werfel’s “Visit from Elysium”. In a fraction of a second he realised what the director wanted, gave it back, made it stronger. You could play him like a wonderful old violin.

Veidt’s career in the theater lasted only a few years. The art of cinema, which had matured and gained stature, reached out to the prominent actors. Veidt was one of the first to follow this call, which promised money and worldwide impact. But he avoided the mistakes that many made in Germany: he did not split himself between the stage and the screen. After a short period of experimentation, he gave himself to cinema completely.

More than twenty years of success proved that he’d done the right thing. After Berlin came Hollywood, then London.

Here I met him again, after his great success as Jew Suss, in 1934. He was very mature as a person and as an actor: amiable, cordial, and a bit boyish. He had a winning personality.

A few years later, Hollywood beckoned him back - and Hollywood consumes people quickly. I last saw him in “Casablanca.” It was, despite the unsympathetic character he had to portray, a well-rounded, shining, memorable performance. As a German “Aryan,” he had had to, for the most part of his final years, play unpleasant Nazis. He played him well. But his heart, one could always tell, beat only on the side of his movie opponents.

–Heinz Herald.

***

Fare well, Conny!

Conrad Veidt is no more. A message doubly cruel for its suddenness, and still unbelievable to me at the moment. A great actor and a wonderful human being has been taken from us forever.

Even for me, someone who knew Conny since his earliest beginnings and was privileged to be called his friend, it is difficult to decide what to admire in him more: his artistry or his humanity. As a young actor, when his first successes came, and later, when his name had gained international reputation, Conny would always remain the same, of course, modest and sincere, remaining true to his friends, but also to himself. And it was this staying truthful to himself that led him to the perhaps most difficult step in his life: renouncing forever the land of his birth, a step dictated by no external compulsion, but solely by an inner conviction; a step that more than anything else characterizes the humanity of Conrad Veidt, that humanity which was the source of his versatile, creative artistic power.

Conrad Veidt is no more; a great actor and a wonderful human being has been taken from us forever. “Farewell, Conny; you will live on in the memory of all of us who loved you and revered you.”

–Erich Pommer

***

Conny, the Knight

“Conny’s” death unnerves me. We were not close enough friends for his leaving to leave a gap in my life–but I feel that his terrible demise–he was only 50–is symbolic of the slow death we are all going through. So much has gone away with Conny–the Berlin of the Twenties, Reinhardt’s plays, the glorious cabaret, Valetti, Tucholski, Mehring, and Jenny Holl–Jannings's and Veidt’s wife “at the time”–“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” and Conny–more ascetic and deeply spiritual things than one can imagine.

I got to know Conny better when I was writing and filming a Pirandello film - “Henry IV.” out in Staaken, where the night-patrols(?) now wait for the RAF –Conny was not just the actor who played knights, he was a knight.

And then came Hitler, and Conny left. Without hesitation, without wavering, just like Marlene Dietrich. I saw Conny in London–he was one of a kind, and everyone who had gone to him (to ask for help) with their problems knew just how friendly and helpful he was. And then, to cap off a Saturday afternoon, he goes and dies of a heart attack at a golf course, by the wayside.

Just three days ago, I saw him in Casablanca: he plays a Nazi major, but he can’t play a Nazi major: Conny’s own nobility beats and betrays this tyrannical animal. The newspaper says that Conny had a weak heart. No–he had a strong and good heart–but perhaps, in these times, such a heart is less fit for life than a “weak” heart.

–Hans Jacob.

*** A loss for immigration

In Conrad Veidt, the Hollywood film and the European actors' immigrant (colony) have lost one of their best representatives. A lovable and amiable man - an actor of intensity and dedication - a helpful colleague, a friend to all who needed his friendship - his early end has dealt all of us a severe blow.

In my professional and personal dealings with Conny (as producer of his first American films, “The Man Who Laughs” and “A Man’s Past”) I learned to appreciate and love him as a kind person and as an artist of high standards.

The pain of his loss is commingled with the warmth of sympathy that everyone who knew Veidt now feels for his wife and companion. In those hundreds of film roles he imbued with form, character and colour, the memory of this magnificent human being will continue to live on.

-Paul Kohner.

[winterromanov]

you made a mess of me - chapter one (bucky x reader)

pairing: bodyguard!bucky x princess!reader

updates: every week

masterlist 

message me to be added to the taglist

A/N: this is the short opener to what i hope will be an epic and fun fic!! hope you enjoy x

There are many things to like about being a princess. No way round it—you love the luxury, the worldwide fame for just existing, the way people are grateful just to be in your presence. It’s like every time you leave the palace a red carpet is pre-rolled out, ready for you to walk gracefully across in your limited edition Louboutins. Your life is gowns, champagne and ribbon-cutting, Hollywood-white smiles for paparazzi and deliciously opulent scandal. If you’re not pictured in the socialite gossip pages of glossy magazines, you’re not partying hard enough. You’re not appearing in enough of the right places with the right people.

Except, in your world, you’re the only right person. People battle for a place at your table, an invite to your party. It is impossible to not get intoxicated on that feeling, way before any hundred dollar (plus) champagne is drunk.

It is hard not to believe you’re completely inpenetrable. Sat at the annual Sokovian Aid charity dinner, you feel pretty fucking invincible. 

Yes, sure, the charity is important—daddy does love his little humanitarian projects, and it is one of your only actual jobs to interact with them—but you can feel the eyes of everyone in the room looking at you. People chatter about what dress you’re wearing, who accompanies you in your direct entourage, who you may be leaving with at the end of the night. The charity is important, but you know really, you’re the true focus. And that is not as selfish as it sounds, because your presence on its own brings in thousands of dollars of donations.

“Oh my God, (Y/N),” your best friend and confidant, Lady Connie Davenport, murmurs drily from next to you. Naturally, you’re on the honours table. The top one. As if you could be put anywhere else. “Look at the Sokovian girl. What on Earth is she wearing?”

Connie was pointing at a tall, pale girl who you recognised as the PR liaison rep for SA, but you had long since forgotten her name. Whilst it was your job to turn up to these things, other people could remember the minor details. “Who knows. Maybe it’s Matalan.”

Connie laughed loudly. “Matalan? Surely not. Bit too expensive, no?”

You smirk, bringing a glass of champagne to your lips. It had been filled up without you even realising—that is the kind of attention to detail you appreciate. “Perhaps.”

“Hmm. And what about the men? Seen anyone you like?”

Of course, you’d already scanned the room on arrival for eligible bachelors. Many were rich, but ancient oligarchs with deep pockets are not exactly your type. Several of the younger men had arrived with ladies on their arms which, whilst not an obstacle, did require some extra effort. The other men were way too presentable for your tastes. The last thing you want is someone you could take to dinner with your parents and for them to approve.

There is one man, though, who you’ve had your eye on. Or, his eyes have been very certainly on you. Deep set and intense, he looks at you differently to the way everyone else does. All night he has been sat quietly and aloof in the corner, not even pretending to look away when you catch eyes. He looks confident, arrogant even. And there is literally nothing that turns you on more than an over confident man who thinks he can do as he likes.

They think that, until they meet you.

“We’ll see,” you reply. Connie arches an eyebrow at you knowingly. “What? I like to keep you guessing.”

“You are infuriating, darling.”

Your smile is coy as a hand brushes across your shoulder. Looking up, you see Eric, your family’s head of PR. He is the one who keeps these events running smoothly, telling you where to be and when. “They’re ready for your speech, your highness.”

Of course, you hadn’t written the speech. Some neatly typed prompt cards had been handed to you a few days ago and you’d glazed over them, but it was the same old shit. At this point you might as well have the words what a great cause tattooed on your ass.

You huff a reluctant sigh. “Alright, let’s get this over with, then.”

Eric guides you through a maze of back corridors until you reach the door nearest the makeshift stage. Whilst a compere excitedly introduces you to tables upon tables of distinguished guests, a lady touches up your makeup and hair, messing with the hem of your dress. You have to look perfect for the photographers or your life won’t be worth living. You hear your name and you turn on the thousand kilowatt smile, waving elegantly as your heels click loudly against the tiled floor. The cheers are invigorating. Speeches are boring, yes, but the attention is most definitely not.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” You say, standing just the right distance away from the microphone to make an impact on the room, but not close enough for it to be overpowering. These are the kind of lessons you’re taught as a princess. “And what a pleasure it is to be here! It is always an utter joy to help Sokovian Aid and I am, as always, proud to be the patron of such a great cause.”

In the corner of your eye, you see movement from where your admirer has been perched all night. Maybe he is dying to get a better look at you.

“Sokovian Aid has been a charity very close to my family ever since we visited just after the end of the civil war.” There is more movement. People shift in seats and confusion flits over your expression, but you need to stay professional. “We saw poverty and pain, but a community so full of life and—”

BANG.

Blood rings in your ears as your body is brought heavily to the floor, thumping gracelessly against the tile. A much larger body is hunched over your own and just above the foggy, muted ringing in your head there is definite screaming. Shock and fear momentarily stuns your breathing—have you been hurt? Have you been hurt and you just can’t feel it yet?

There is one certainty. A chest is pressed tightly against your own, protecting you, a heart thudding desperately loudly against your trembling hands.

“Don’t panic, your highness,” a voice confidently says, deep and masculine. “You’re okay. You’re fine.”

Your breath hitches in your chest. There are a thousand possible questions but none of them make it out your mouth, which is extremely uncharacteristic indeed.

“Shooter neutralised.” The voice says into what you can only assume is a communicator. A fuzzy voice replies. “Emerald is unharmed. I will escort her to the safehouse point. Over.”

Shooter? Is this—a botched assassination?

“Are you okay to stand, your highness?”

The man’s body untangles from your own and you see him for the first time. Tall, muscular, dressed in a well-fitting suit filled out by a bulletproof vest underneath. A communicator, black and discreet, curls from his ear to the collar of his shirt. His hair is dark, neatly trimmed, with the ghost of stubble across his cheeks. You blink whilst his sharp eyes stare at you expectantly. Wordlessly, you nod, accepting his strong outstretched hand.

When you look around the room, it is almost completely empty, other than the usual FBI types that constantly linger wherever you go. Every event you attend is manned by some sort of protection, whether that is the police, secret services or a private, vetted company. You have never cared to figure out which, as you rarely have to deal with them for more than a few moments. You’ve always despised having people hang around you like shadows with ID badges.

Then it strikes you. It strikes you that someone in this room came here with the intention to end your life.

“Your highness. Your highness.” The officer who saved you raises his voice to get your attention. “There has just been an attempt on your life. The culprit has been reprimanded, but we cannot be certain that he was the only shooter within the vicinity. I have permission from your family to take you to a safe house. Do you understand? You have to come with me.”

You nod, but you feel lightheaded and nauseous. People are running urgently around you. Connie, you notice, is long gone, as well as your favourite bachelor. You love attention, but not this frantic, frightening kind—the man’s hand steadies you, stopping your feet from crumbling beneath you.

“We have to go now, your highness. You’re safe as long as you’re with me, alright?”

The last thing you see is his concerned expression before you pass out in his arms.

-

taglist: @nacho-bucky​ @multifanloves* @nerd-without-a-cause​ @starnight-charmer​ @tinymalscoffee​ @xogs* @thatsbucknasty​ @wheni-driftoff-illdream-aboutyou​ @learisa​ (* indicates couldn’t be tagged)

[jacobhinkley]

Bitcoin Nonprofit BitGive Announces New Project and Research Collaboration

BitGive — the globe’s first bitcoin-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit — has joined hands with the University of Edinburgh to research and examine the effects of digital currencies on both national and international charities. Both organizations are seeking to develop a stronger, more organized system for allowing charities to accept virtual currency donations.

BitGive previously made headlines in October 2017 when it launched its new GiveTrack platform, which uses blockchain technology to clarify and record digital asset donations to global charities. Individuals can trace their funds in real time, and see how their money is spent once an organization receives it. They are also informed of the charity’s project results, creating direct engagement between the donor and the receiver.

BitGive’s founder Connie Gallippi explained in a statement:

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our GiveTrack platform gain unabating momentum. Throughout this process, we’ve discovered numerous opportunities, as well as challenges and barriers, that have helped shape the development of our platform and define crypto-philanthropy. Using this knowledge, in tandem with the bright minds at the University of Edinburgh, BitGive will be delving into how to overcome the roadblocks to effective crypto-philanthropy and establish how cryptocurrency can best be used to uplift and revolutionize the charitable sector.”

BitGive and the University of Edinburgh are seeking to uncover the challenges of using and converting cryptocurrencies in third-world countries. To do this, BitGive will analyze data collected from GiveTrack’s implementations in nations like Indonesia, Kenya and India to better understand these regions’ levels of cryptocurrency acceptance and feasibility.

In addition, both organizations are also hoping collected data will shed light on merchant adoption, regulation, and the effects of cryptocurrencies on local governments and cultures in each country.

Research partner at the University of Edinburgh Dr. Claudia Pagliari says:

“Through their experience of planning and delivering projects using the GiveTrack platform, Connie and her team have gained important insights into how cryptocurrency can be effectively used to support humanitarian efforts in developing countries, as well as some of the challenges involved. Through our research collaboration with BitGive, and meeting key stakeholders, we aim to learn as much as we can about the technical and contextual factors that can ultimately influence the success of these approaches so that this knowledge can be used to inform future programs worldwide.”

Open Mind Africa

This week, BitGive also launched its latest charitable project partnership with Open Mind Africa, aiming to raise funds to support a Summer Camp and Educator Summit in Ghana, where students will have “fantastic opportunities to develop essential social-emotional skills, multiple intelligences, build friendships and make memories that will last a lifetime.” Now in its second year, the camp is also inviting educators and facilitators from the U.S. and Australia, as well as Ghana.

Open Mind Africa was founded on a firm belief that there is a better future for Africa if we promote a quality education rooted in essential skills needed to succeed in school, career and life.

Past projects that BitGive has successfully funded and supported in the past include the Maternal & Neonatal India Program, the Chandolo Primary School Water Project and the Shisango Girls School.

This article originally appeared on Bitcoin Magazine.

Bitcoin Nonprofit BitGive Announces New Project and Research Collaboration published first on https://medium.com/@smartoptions

[joshuajacksonlyblog]

Bitcoin Nonprofit BitGive Announces New Project and Research Collaboration

BitGive — the globe’s first bitcoin-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit — has joined hands with the University of Edinburgh to research and examine the effects of digital currencies on both national and international charities. Both organizations are seeking to develop a stronger, more organized system for allowing charities to accept virtual currency donations.

BitGive previously made headlines in October 2017 when it launched its new GiveTrack platform, which uses blockchain technology to clarify and record digital asset donations to global charities. Individuals can trace their funds in real time, and see how their money is spent once an organization receives it. They are also informed of the charity’s project results, creating direct engagement between the donor and the receiver.

BitGive’s founder Connie Gallippi explained in a statement:

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our GiveTrack platform gain unabating momentum. Throughout this process, we’ve discovered numerous opportunities, as well as challenges and barriers, that have helped shape the development of our platform and define crypto-philanthropy. Using this knowledge, in tandem with the bright minds at the University of Edinburgh, BitGive will be delving into how to overcome the roadblocks to effective crypto-philanthropy and establish how cryptocurrency can best be used to uplift and revolutionize the charitable sector.”

BitGive and the University of Edinburgh are seeking to uncover the challenges of using and converting cryptocurrencies in third-world countries. To do this, BitGive will analyze data collected from GiveTrack’s implementations in nations like Indonesia, Kenya and India to better understand these regions’ levels of cryptocurrency acceptance and feasibility.

In addition, both organizations are also hoping collected data will shed light on merchant adoption, regulation, and the effects of cryptocurrencies on local governments and cultures in each country.

Research partner at the University of Edinburgh Dr. Claudia Pagliari says:

“Through their experience of planning and delivering projects using the GiveTrack platform, Connie and her team have gained important insights into how cryptocurrency can be effectively used to support humanitarian efforts in developing countries, as well as some of the challenges involved. Through our research collaboration with BitGive, and meeting key stakeholders, we aim to learn as much as we can about the technical and contextual factors that can ultimately influence the success of these approaches so that this knowledge can be used to inform future programs worldwide.”

Open Mind Africa

This week, BitGive also launched its latest charitable project partnership with Open Mind Africa, aiming to raise funds to support a Summer Camp and Educator Summit in Ghana, where students will have “fantastic opportunities to develop essential social-emotional skills, multiple intelligences, build friendships and make memories that will last a lifetime.” Now in its second year, the camp is also inviting educators and facilitators from the U.S. and Australia, as well as Ghana.

Open Mind Africa was founded on a firm belief that there is a better future for Africa if we promote a quality education rooted in essential skills needed to succeed in school, career and life.

Past projects that BitGive has successfully funded and supported in the past include the Maternal & Neonatal India Program, the Chandolo Primary School Water Project and the Shisango Girls School.

This article originally appeared on Bitcoin Magazine.

from Cryptocracken Tumblr https://ift.tt/2H9GlqO via IFTTT

[mrmichaelchadler]

Hollywood Foreign Press Association to Hold Annual Grants Banquet on August 9th

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) will hold its Annual Grants Banquet tomorrow, August 9th, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. The event marks the biggest charitable evening of the year for the HFPA as the organization makes donations and awards grants to entertainment related charities, scholarship programs and humanitarian efforts, amounting to more than $30 million over the past 25 years.

William H. Macy will serve as host of the event, and scheduled presenters include (in alphabetical order) Jason Bateman, Connie Britton, Steve Carell, John Cho, Alfonso Cuaron, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Fanning, Cody Fern, Jennifer Garner, Amber Heard, Joey King, Regina King, Nia Long, Rami Malek, Chris Messina, Billy Porter, Jason Reitman, MJ Rodriguez, Christian Slater, Charlize Theron, Dick Van Dyke, Lena Waithe, John David Washington and Alfre Woodard. 

“The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is proud to welcome a slate of accomplished artists to join us at the Annual Grants Banquet,” said HFPA President Meher Tatna. “From the very beginning, giving back has been a mission of the HFPA, and we look forward to continuing this tradition.”

For more than 25 years, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the group most well-known for producing the Golden Globe Awards®, has donated over $30 million to entertainment related charities, scholarship programs and humanitarian efforts. 

Licensing fees obtained from the Golden Globe Awards show, produced by the HFPA, has allowed the organization to support over 60 nonprofits focused on education in film and television, film preservation, journalistic organizations committed to freedom of speech, as well as organizations that support natural disaster relief and other international and humanitarian crises such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC), FilmAid International, The Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, and Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES).

from All Content https://ift.tt/2vwMqL2