Ariel has embarked on a study of Welsh at Aberystwyth University, which is also home to the Welsh National Library. It stopped because of COVID-19. This did not deter Welsh teachers, however, who soon hope to have 1 million people speaking their language. They went online with their classes, Ariel joined in and so I got used to hearing, at odd times of the day and night (Greenwich Mean Time), hearing conversations in Welsh which , I discovered, has a distinct and lyrical beauty. Also, it has vowels, only they are disguised as consonants, (the letters “y” and “w”) so that the word cwrw (beer) is, in fact, pronounceable (“kuru”). Most classes, thus becoming one of the few Welsh speaking dogs in California. I would wake up to hear a cheerful chorus of Ariel’s dog loving Welsh classmates: “Hello, Puck!” or, if he wasn’t up by 1 am yet, “Where’s Puck?” I also learned as I entered the fall that the Welsh were following our presidential election with the kind of horrified fascination usually reserved for films like “Pyscho” or “Night of the Living Dead”. I dare say that Ariel’s vocabulary widened greatly as she tried to explain the Electoral College (coleg etholiadol). It was just before Christmas when one morning our house was filled with Welsh Christmas carols. It was a virtual song, which Ariel did not hesitate to participate in, at 1 a.m. or at any time. If in the dark months to come you need to cheer yourself up, I recommend you google “Welsh Choral Music”. It should do it. .
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Tag Archives: Cinema
MJF honors 10 pandemic heroes | Instant News
The Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) on Sunday honored the 10 Heroes of the Covid Pandemic, who stepped forward voluntarily in providing food, cash livelihoods and health support, opposing the stigmatization of certain groups, or stopping and preventing child marriage including violence against women and girls.
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day 2020 which is celebrated globally on December 10, MJF organized a webinar entitled ‘Recognizing Pandemic Heroes’ and honoring 10 heroes who are secretly working regardless of recognition or recognition to help vulnerable people fight the pandemic.
The webinar was moderated by MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam and chaired by Dr Mizanur Rahman, former Chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights.
The recipients of the ‘Manusher Jonno Heroes of Pandemic Awards-2020’ are: Rina Akhter, Kazi Taif Sadat, Tahiyatul Jannat, Md. Saifur Rahman Shakil, Sandha Rani Roy, Md. Musa, Joyeeta Poly, Tasnuva Anan, Shotej Chakma and Babita Khatun.
As the Chief Guest of the event, Dr Gowher Rizvi, International Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh said MJF took a timely initiative to honor the extraordinary people who cared for those in need during COVID-19.
Also read: MJF expressed concern over the increase in domestic violence
He also asked for the full cooperation of NGOs to review all discriminatory laws that harm the interests of women’s rights and empowerment.
Shaheen Anam said, “Today we honor young men and women who risk their lives, spend their meager income and work tirelessly to help others in distress. We pay tribute to the hundreds and thousands of faceless, nameless people who, without thinking of earning recognition or recognition, continue to volunteer for the sake of humanity. “
Also read: Identify unpaid women’s work: MJF
Robert Chatterton Dickson, British High Commissioner in Bangladesh said: “Congratulations to all who are recognized at the MJF event today. Human rights must ensure respect for all people in society, including the most marginalized and marginalized. These ten courageous human rights defenders has put on an extraordinary front line of work to make it happen. Everyone in Bangladesh is getting better as a result. “
Christine Johansson, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Development Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy, congratulated the heroes of the pandemic.
“Digitalization can be used as a vehicle for promoting human rights and democracy,” he added.
Phedra Moon Morris, Head of Aid, Canada’s High Commission in Bangladesh urged all wealthy countries to move forward to address inequalities in access to the Covid-19 vaccine.
Also read: MJF will establish a committee to protect women and children
Henchoz Pignani Corinne, Deputy Head of Cooperation, Swiss Embassy in Bangladesh said: “The Swiss Embassy in Bangladesh is very pleased to be part of MJF to celebrate 10 community level activists. As a staunch supporter of human rights and founder of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Switzerland knows how valuable and key the day-to-day engagement of men and women on the ground advancing a rights-based agenda for all. Human rights be they social, economic, cultural or civilian are at the core of the Swiss cooperation program in Bangladesh. “
Dr Mizanur Rahman, said: “If the pandemic has taught us a lesson, I think the first lesson is how fragile our health care system is.”
During the second part of the webinar, Dr Debapriya Bhattachariya, CPD Distinguish Fellow, gave a lecture on “Addressing Social and Economic Rights in the Context of Covid 19.
Also read: 22 RMG workers face sexual harassment in the workplace: MJF
He hopes that the Government at 8FYP can lay out a smooth and resilient path to recovery from the impact of COVID-19, especially as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from LDC status.
NGO Partners MJF from 55 locations in the country, members from various CSOs and NGOs, academics and human rights activists participated there.
Darth Vader actor Dave Prowse dies at age 85 | great Britain | Instant News
The British actor who played the main villain Darth Vader in the Star Wars trilogy has passed away after a brief illness.
Dave Prowse, British weightlifter turned actor who is the body, though not the voice, of Darth Vader’s main villain in the original Star Wars trilogy, has died. He is 85 years old.
Prowse died on Saturday after a brief illness, his agent Thomas Bowington said on Sunday.
Born in Bristol, southwest England, in 1935, Prowse was a three-time British weightlifting champion and represented Britain in weightlifting at the 1962 Commonwealth Games before breaking into films in roles that emphasized command size, including the monster Frankenstein in a pair of horror film Hammer Studios.
Director George Lucas saw Prowse in a fraction of A Clockwork Orange and asked the 6-foot-6-inch (nearly 2-meter) actor to audition for evil Vader or Wookie Chewbacca in Star Wars.
Prowse later told the BBC that he chose Darth Vader because “you always remember bad people”.
Physically, Prowse is perfect for the role. His mellow English West Country accent was deemed less than ideal, and his dialogue was dubbed by James Earl Jones.
Prowse wore Darth Vader’s black armor and helmet for Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).
He expressed regret that, thanks to Vader’s mask, “I was able to walk around anonymously.”
“All actors want recognition and I want to have a few like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo,” he told The Associated Press in 1980.
“Luck tends to follow fame.”
Prowse stuck with the character, telling AFP in 2013 that he was “the greatest big screen villain of all time”.
‘Rest in peace, Bristol’s best’
Prowse also worked as a trainer for other actors, helping Christopher Reeve prepare to become Man of Steel in the 1978 hit film Superman.
Prowse was also known by generations of British children as the Green Cross Code Man, a superhero in a series of road safety commercials during the 1970s and 80s.
He played the role for nearly 20 years, and earned MBE in 2000.
Other film credits include the Minotaur of 1972 and Jabberwocky of 1977, and he has also appeared on many TV shows including The Saint and The Benny Hill Show.
He was a regular at Star Wars fan shows, but was banned from an official convention by Lucas in 2010 after the pair fell out.
Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in the film “Star Wars”, tweeted that Prowse was “a good guy & more than Darth Vader”.
Hamill said the actor “loves his fans as much as they love him. #DIE”
It’s sad to hear that David Prowse has died. He’s a good guy & more than Darth Vader. Actor-Husband-Father-Member of the Order of the British Empire-3 times British Weightlifting Champion & Safety Icon the Green Cross Code Man. He loves his fans as much as they love him. #DIE pic.twitter.com/VbDrGu6iBz
– Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) 29 November 2020
“Ant-Man” director Edgar Wright also paid tribute to Prowse on Twitter.
“As a child Dave Prowse couldn’t be more famous to me; lurking along the corridors as evil incarnations on the part of Darth Vader & stopping an entire generation of kids from being cut off on the road as Green Cross Code humans, “he wrote.
“Rest in Peace, Bristol’s finest.”
As a kid Dave Prowse couldn’t have been more famous to me; lurk along the corridors as evil incarnate Darth Vader & stop an entire generation of kids from being cut off on the road as Green Cross Code humans. Rest in Peace, Bristol’s finest. https://t.co/VYdxM37JWb
– edgarwright (@edgarwright) 29 November 2020
The Peter Mayhew Foundation, founded in memory of the actor who played Chewbacca, tweeted a picture of Mayhew with Prowse and co-star Kenny Baker, along with the message: “RIP Dave Prowse.”
RIP Dave Prowse. I hope you’re up there sharing beers and stories with the boys. #DarthVader #DaveProwse #RIPDaveProwse #StarWars pic.twitter.com/XoUtq2YihW
– Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) 29 November 2020
Prowse leaves his wife Norma and their three children.
Switzerland sees “tremendous potential” in Bangladesh, looking to deeper economic ties | Instant News
Switzerland wants to strengthen and expand its relationship with Bangladesh to explore “extraordinary potential” together as Bangladesh will celebrate 50 years of independence next year with Vision 2041, said its envoy in Dhaka.
“Our relationship is very strong. My overall priority and overarching goal is to strengthen and expand this relationship, and it is being done across multiple domains,” Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard told UNB in an interview at his residence.
He said they aim to improve economic and trade relations between the two countries because both sides have an interest in doing so.
“We see so much potential, both from Bangladesh and from Switzerland. So, this is definitely one of his priorities, ”said the Ambassador during his first interaction with the media since his arrival in May this year.
According to Swiss statistics, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Switzerland has tripled since 2010 and reached an estimated $ 850 million last year.
Most of the major Swiss multinational companies as well as a number of small and medium enterprises are present in Bangladesh. The number of Swiss companies doing business with or in Bangladesh now number around 100.
Ambassador Chuard said he was looking forward to having “open and forward-looking dialogue” with Bangladesh on issues of vital importance to the two countries.
These issues include the sustainable development goals (SDGs), migration, multilateralism, and human rights.
Touching on other priorities, the Swiss Ambassador said development cooperation with Bangladesh remains one of the priorities.
“We are now planning our future Country Program 2022-2025 and our goals are in line with the SDGs and priorities of Bangladesh,” said Ambassador Chuard adding that they truly want to continue working with Bangladesh on the issue of ensuring inclusive growth, equality and prosperity for all. .
Swiss Investments
Swiss investment in Bangladesh is primarily concentrated in fast moving chemicals, pharmaceuticals, construction, technical services and consumer goods.
Almost all of the top Swiss multinational companies are present in Bangladesh and continue to develop their portfolios.
According to the Bangladesh Bank, Swiss investment inflows to Bangladesh during the 2020 fiscal year totaled around US $ 45 million.
“I really hope that the Swiss companies present here can act as Business Ambassadors and also show that all is well, and there is potential for companies to invest in Bangladesh, provided there is an equal playing field,” said the Swiss Ambassador.
Responding to the question, the envoy said that Bangladesh has made a lot of progress in terms of infrastructure facilities.
He thought the Swiss companies, interested in the Bangladesh market, would listen to their counterparts in the field.
“I hope economic ties will deepen during my tenure here,” said the Swiss ambassador noting that there was progress in terms of improving the business climate and the government was initiating many initiatives.
Ambassador Chuard, however, said there was still room for Bangladesh to see further improvements in the ease of doing business with legal security and business certainty for foreign investment.
“Once Swiss and foreign companies have positive experiences, they will continue to develop their business. I see a lot of progress and positive intentions from the authorities. We will continue to discuss to find effective solutions for companies to problems they usually face,” he said.
Ambassador Chuard said the growth of trade and investment brought a win-win situation for the two, which contributed to the prosperity of Bangladesh.
Further improvements in the business climate will encourage new companies to come and invest here, he said.
The growth trajectory of a young country like Bangladesh is “very impressive” despite the many challenges, said Ambassador Chuard.
He said the second meeting between the Bangladeshi and Swiss inter-agency committees was recently held in Dhaka and discussed trade and economic issues.
“It was a very positive meeting and we discussed certain business issues, including the business climate,” the Ambassador said.
The Swiss envoy said he was very confident that more companies would invest in Bangladesh and saw a very supportive approach from the side of the Bangladeshi government.
Tough Bangladesh
Ambassador Chuard said he was very optimistic to see Bangladesh back on track after the first wave of Covid-19. “We are very impressed with the resilience and potential of Bangladesh.”
He said this is a very important moment not in Bangladesh but in the whole world as every country is facing the same health challenges because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Nothing is safe until everyone is safe. We want to see Bangladesh and everyone safe,” said Ambassador Chuard, the first foreign envoy to arrive in Bangladesh soon after the pandemic started.
He said they reallocated Tk 70 crore of resources to respond to the crisis. “Switzerland has stood in solidarity with Bangladesh to assist it during this unprecedented global crisis.”
The ambassador said solidarity was still there and not finished. “Still, we are working on projects to meet the needs of vulnerable people.”
He said Swiss companies in Bangladesh have also played a very important role since the start of Covid-19.
50 Years of Bangladesh
Switzerland recognized Bangladesh as an independent country on March 13, 1972 and established diplomatic relations. Bangladesh will celebrate 50 years of independence next year.
Ambassador Chuard said celebrating 50 years of the country’s independence was a very important moment.
“This is also an important milestone for us because our relationship goes back to the beginning of Bangladesh’s independence.” he said, adding that there was a lot to learn from Bangladesh.
Traditionally, the Ambassador said, their relationship with Bangladesh has focused heavily on development cooperation, humanitarian assistance, but now it has expanded to many other fields and branches – economic, political and cultural.
“Bangladesh has adopted Vision 2041 and is really looking for further development. That is very exciting. I am very honored and excited to be here at such a time,” he said.
The Swiss Ambassador said the Vision is essential for inclusive and environmentally friendly growth so that everyone can benefit from that growth.
Also Read: Swiss companies see a promising market in Bangladesh
Italy will close the museum, the culture minister said | Instant News
Italy closed cinemas and cinemas last week under a new COVID-19 decision.
Italy will “also close museums” as part of a new decision, expected in the near future, to curb its spread covid-19, said Minister of Culture and Tourism Dario Franceschini.
The minister spoke last night in an interview with a television program What’s the weather like on the Rai Tre state television channel.
The news follows the closure of Italian cinemas and cinemas last week under the latest COVID-19 restrictions.
Their closure, also announced earlier by Franceschini, led to protests from the battled cultural sector of the nation.
It remains to be seen, however, whether the imminent closure of the museum, as anticipated by Franceschini, will take place at the national or regional level.
The Italian government is currently considering new restrictions including locking up provinces, restricting travel between regions and mandating distance learning third year of middle school senior High School student.
On Sunday November 1, Italy recorded 29,907 new coronavirus infections over the previous 24 hours, down from 31,758 new cases the day before, with 298 coronavirus-related deaths, compared with 297 the previous day.
Photo credit: MikeDotta / Shutterstock.com.