Tag Archives: History

Australia Design: Burnt Earth Beach House Tour

The Local Project (December 3, 2024): Located in Anglesea on Victoria’s surf coast, Burnt Earth Beach House is an architect’s own home inspired by nature. Architect John Wardle designs a holiday home deeply embedded in its landscape, grounded in an enduring love of terracotta, a fascination with ceramics and the unique beauty of bricks.

00:00 – Introduction to the Architect’s Own Home 01:48 – Walkthrough and Layout of the Home 03:18 – The Material Palette 04:48 – The Bathing Spaces 06:12 – Unique and Favourite Moments 07:16 – Creating A Special Place

As an architect’s own home inspired by nature, Burnt Earth Beach House reflects the hues and tonality of the ochre-coloured cliff edges of Anglesea just beyond. “It was very important that we do something here that would transcend time but do so in a way that is completely different from our homes in Melbourne,” says John Wardle, founding partner of Wardle. The home’s facade is expressed through an invented brick developed alongside brickmaker Klynton Krause.

The process involved extrusion and hand tearing the brick surface prior to cutting, which exposes a raw, uneven surface, making every brick unique. Approaching the architect’s own home inspired by nature, a courtyard acts as an informal living zone and is bordered by a kitchen that houses a vast square central terracotta island bench. The space then bends around into the dining area with a reading nook that looks into the courtyard. Upstairs, a study appears to float overhead, enveloped in a hand-knotted screening from Vietnam.

#Architect #Nature #Home

The New York Times — Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Image

In Pardoning His Son, Biden Echoes Some of Trump’s Complaints

President Biden complained about selective prosecution and political pressure in a system he has spent his public life defending.

Trump Doubles Down on Defiance After the Collapse of the Matt Gaetz Selection

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s decision to install Kash Patel as F.B.I. director indicates that he remains undaunted by Washington resistance as he appoints ideological warriors, conspiracy theorists and even relatives.

Schumer Presses for F.B.I. Checks and Senate Consideration of Trump Nominees

In a letter, the Democratic leader said members of his party would work with Republicans to consider the president-elect’s nominees — but asserted they should undergo traditional Senate vetting.

Tensions Rise Among Russia’s Elite as Economic Growth Slows

The slowdown is worrying for the Kremlin but not serious enough to significantly hobble its war effort.

Books: Literary Review Magazine – December 2024

Literary Review – December 2, 2024: The latest issue features ‘Mandeville’s Dangerous Idea’

Lines of Insight

“Mondrian: His Life, His Art, His Quest for the Absolute” By Nicholas Fox Weber

Will Someone Think of the Barristers?

“Man-Devil: The Mind and Times of Bernard Mandeville, the Wickedest Man in Europe” By John Callanan

Raising the Flag of Freedom

“Predator of the Seas: A History of the Slaveship That Fought for Emancipation” By Stephen Taylor

The New York Times — Monday, December 2, 2024

Image

Fighting Rages in Syria as Rebels Advance

Forces opposed to President Bashar al-Assad have captured the Aleppo airport and are attacking the western city of Hama, according to local officials and a Britain-based war monitor.

Ukraine’s River of Anguish

Amphibious operations across the Dnipro River at Kherson illustrated the suffering and endurance of Ukrainian forces. A team of Times journalists observed the perilous movements.

Republicans Stand Behind Trump’s Choice of Kash Patel to Lead F.B.I.

Several lawmakers expressed support on Sunday for the president-elect’s plan to install a loyalist who has vowed to use the position to exact revenge on adversaries.

A Second Trump Term Poses a Crucial Test of the Senate’s Independence

President-elect Donald J. Trump is threatening to challenge the institution’s historic role, and the Constitution, with his prospective nominees and threats to push the boundaries of executive authority.

The New York Times — Sunday, December 1, 2024

Image

Rebels Seize Control Over Most of Syria’s Largest City

The rapid advance on Aleppo came just four days into a surprise opposition offensive that is the most intense escalation in years in the civil war.

Trump Says He Will Nominate Kash Patel to Run F.B.I.

President-elect Donald J. Trump turned to a firebrand loyalist to become director of the bureau, which he sees as part of a ‘deep state’ conspiracy against him.

Kennedy’s Inheritance: How Addiction and Trauma Shaped a Turbulent Life

Donald Trump’s pick to be health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reached a pinnacle of power after a life of fame and addictions and a career intertwined with conspiracy theories.

Mexican Cartels Lure Chemistry Students to Make Fentanyl

Criminals turn college campuses into recruitment hubs, recruiting chemistry students in Mexico with big paydays.

The New York Times Magazine-Dec. 1, 2024

Current cover

THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE (November 30, 2024): The 12.1.24 Issue features Susan Dominus on an I.V.F. mix-up; Amir Ahmadi Arian on the director Mohammad Rasoulof; Francesca Mari on deadly superbugs bred by modern warfare; and more.

An I.V.F. Mix-Up, a Shocking Discovery and an Unbearable Choice

Two couples in California discovered they were raising each other’s genetic children. Should they switch their girls?

Modern Warfare Is Breeding Deadly Superbugs. Why?

Researchers are trying to understand why resistant pathogens are so prevalent in the war-torn nations of the Middle East.

Am I a Hypocrite for Calling Donald Trump a Liar?

The magazine’s Ethicist columnist on hypocrisy. By Kwame Anthony Appiah

The New York Times — Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024

Image

Musk’s Slashing of the Federal Budget Faces Big Hurdles

The so-called Department of Government Efficiency, with Elon Musk as co-leader, has advantages that past budget-cutters did not, but laws and court challenges can still make change slow and difficult.

British Lawmakers Vote to Legalize Assisted Dying in Landmark Decision

After an emotional debate, Parliament voted on Friday in favor of allowing assisted suicide for some terminally ill people in England and Wales.

Life After Death: America’s Cemeteries Are Rewilding

More burial sites are forgoing pristine lawns for drought resistant plants and wildflowers that help wildlife. Efforts picked up in the pandemic.

Airlines Are Padding Flight Times. It’s Not Your Imagination.

Flying in America has become slower even as official statistics have shown improvement.

The New York Times — Friday, November 29, 2024

Image

Hamas Faces a Future Without Its Most Important Ally

Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah and the cease-fire to stop the fighting in Lebanon have left Hamas increasingly isolated.

Donald Trump Jr. Emerges as a Loyal Enforcer

His siblings have long retreated from the inner circle, but the president-elect’s eldest son has made a name for himself as the person who can best assess loyalty to the Trump political brand.

Australia Has Barred Everyone Under 16 From Social Media. Will It Work?

The law sets a minimum age for users of platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X. How the restriction will be enforced online remains an open question.

An A.I. Granny Is Phone Scammers’ Worst Nightmare

Daisy Harris, an A.I.-generated English granny, has been stymying scammers with meandering, time-wasting conversations. But can she actually make a dent in the flood of fraud?

The New York Times — Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024

Image

Will Lebanon Deal Break Gaza Deadlock? Experts Doubt It

Hamas is unlikely to compromise in Gaza, despite the decision by its ally, Hezbollah, to stop fighting. A deal in Gaza would also be harder for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister.

Judge Finds New York in Contempt, Clearing the Way for Rikers Takeover

The finding was a landmark in a court case that has stretched out over more than a decade. Plans for a receivership of New York City’s jails will be heard on Jan. 14.

China Has a New Playbook to Counter Trump: ‘Supply Chain Warfare’

A series of swipes at American companies show how China could take the initiative in a new trade war, using its economic dominance to exact pain.

3 Americans, Including F.B.I. Informant, Are Freed in Prisoner Swap With China

The Americans released, among others, a Chinese intelligence officer who was serving a 20-year sentence in the United States.

The New York Times — Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024

Image

Israel Approves Cease-Fire With Hezbollah to Halt War in Lebanon

President Biden said the 60-day truce, which the United States helped broker, would take effect early Wednesday, and was intended to become permanent, ending Lebanon’s deadliest war in decades.

Pakistan Deploys Army in Its Capital as Protesters and Police Clash

Soldiers were ordered to defend government buildings with gunfire if needed, as supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan demanded his release from prison.

Top Trump Aide Accused of Asking for Money to ‘Promote’ Potential Appointees

President-elect Donald J. Trump ordered the investigation by his legal team into Boris Epshteyn, a powerful figure in the transition. Mr. Epshteyn denies the allegations.

Tariff Threats Show Trump’s Commitment to Upending Global Trade

The president-elect’s threat to hit Canada, Mexico and China with new tariffs is already rocking business and diplomatic relationships and could topple the trade pacts he signed in his first term.