Tag Archives: September 2023

News: India And Canada Diplomatic Row Deepens, Guatemala Political Crisis

The Globalist Podcast (September 21, 2023) – India and Canada’s diplomatic row over the killing of a Sikh leader continues to heat up.

Plus: a look at Guatemala’s deepening political crisis, fashion news and a flick through the latest issue of Monocle magazine

The New York Times — Thursday, Sept 21, 2023

Image

Biden and Netanyahu Meet to Try to Soothe Tensions, With Some Success

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, with President Biden Wednesday in New York. The meeting was the first in-person encounter for the two men since Mr. Netanyahu returned to office last December.

The president put aside his frustrations with the Israeli prime minister over his “extremist” government to focus on issues of mutual interest, like Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Garland Rebuffs Republicans’ Efforts to Reveal Details on Hunter Biden Inquiry

The soft-spoken attorney general struck a sharper tone during testimony before the Judiciary Committee, saying prosecutors won’t be “intimidated” by threats from Trump allies.

Navigating a Perilous Mountain Pass After a Devastating Earthquake

A stretch of lonely road across Morocco’s Atlas Mountains has long been known for its stunning views and perilous turns. After the earthquake, it became a lifeline for dozens of destroyed villages.

Zelensky Tells U.N. Security Council It’s Useless While Russia Has a Veto

The Ukrainian president joined many world leaders in calling for changes at the Security Council, where five permanent members wield veto power — a high barrier to taking action.

Scotland Highland Views: Tour Of Kilravock Castle

Country Life Magazine (September 20, 2023) – Kilravock Castle is located in the Highlands, in the storied estate in the scenic Nairn Valley. The estate centres on the Category A-listed Kilravock Castle, the original seat of the Clan Rose, which dates from about 1460, when the 7th Baron built the original keep under license from John, Lord of the Isles and Earl of Ross.

The lands had been acquired in the 13th century by Hugh Rose of Geddes, and were held by the family for the best part of 800 years before being bequeathed in 1984 by Elizabeth Rose, 25th Baroness of Kilravock (pronounced ‘Kilrorke’) to the aforementioned Kilravock Christian Trust.

Various additions were built on over the years, including the main house in 1553. The main staircase, corridors and west wing were added in the 18th century. The last major alteration, the construction of an additional tower, took place in 1926.

READ MORE

Research Preview: Nature Magazine – Sept 21, 2023

Volume 621 Issue 7979

nature Magazine – September 21, 2023:  In this week’s issue, an estimate of global human exposure to air pollution from landscape fires (dominated by wildfires, but also including planned or controlled open land fires) between 2000 and 2019.

COVID boosters are back: what scientists say about whether to get one

As many countries head into autumn, they are targeting vaccinations at people in high-risk categories, leaving those at lower risk uncertain about what to do.

Libya floods: how climate change intensified the death and devastation

Climate change, civil war and international sanctions all contributed to the devastation caused by some of Libya’s worst flooding ever, researchers say.

Politics: The Guardian Weekly – Sept 22, 2023

Image

The Guardian Weekly (September 22, 2023) The new issue features How disaster struck Libya. Plus: Populism in Europe, and the unifying power of cheese.

Two separate natural disasters in north Africa have dominated the news recently. But Moroccan emergency responses to an earthquake that killed about 3,000 people seemed rapid and efficient in contrast to the chaos at the deluged Libyan port of Derna, where many thousands more lost their lives after the town was deluged following a double dam burst caused by Storm Daniel.

While logistical and administrative challenges have made access to Derna incredibly difficult, Observer reporter Kaamil Ahmed has gathered the testimonies of several local Libyan journalists who witnessed scenes they are still struggling to process. Diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour explains why the disaster can be seen as a culmination of the climate crisis descending upon a failed state, while Rupert Neate and Peter Beaumont discuss the differing responses to the two situations.

From Europe, Jon Henley previews three upcoming elections that could have profound consequences for the region’s political future. Indeed, as the Guardian launches a new Europe-focused digital edition, editor-in-chief Katharine Viner outlines why now is the right time for us to expand our reporting across the continent.

The New York Times — Wednesday, Sept 20, 2023

Image

Biden Aides and Saudis Explore Defense Treaty Modeled After Asian Pacts

President Biden and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia last year. U.S. officials have made numerous trips to the kingdom since May as part of the push on normalization.

Despite U.S. fatigue over Middle East wars, the White House sees a security agreement resembling those with Japan or South Korea as an incentive for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel.

Biden, in U.N. Speech, Calls for Action on Ukraine and Other Crises

President Biden addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

As other major leaders skipped the annual opening session of the General Assembly, Mr. Biden used his address to try to counter war fatigue both at home and abroad.

Anti-Affirmative Action Group Sues West Point Over Admissions Policy

The Supreme Court ruling barring race-conscious admissions at civilian colleges should apply to the U.S. Military Academy as well, the lawsuit argues.

Canada’s Startling Claim Punctuates Tension With India Over Separatists

The allegation that India was involved in the killing of a Sikh leader in Canada came after New Delhi had accused Western countries of inaction on secessionist groups.

News: Conflict In The South Caucasus, Sahel Region, EU ‘Inner Circle’

The Globalist Podcast (September 20, 2023) – Is the South Caucasus heading for war? Plus: an update on the Sahel region, France and Germany desire a new ‘inner circle’, and we go troll hunting in America.

Brazilian Design: M House In Avalon Beach, Sydney

The Local Project (September 19, 2023) – An inspired super house leveraging its unique site nestled between the calm waters of Pittwater, the surf beach of Avalon and bushland in Clareville on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, M House envelopes the landscape in its very structure in an alluring and profound way.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to the Brazilian Inspired Super House 00:56 – Behind the Modernist Idea of Form Follows Function 01:26 – The Beachside Location 01:47 – Brazilian Modernist Inspiration 02:14 – A Walkthrough of the Home 04:24 – An Emphasis on Privacy 05:11 – The Rich Green Landscaping 05:30 – Connecting the Masculine and Feminine Materials

Rama Architects creates a home that viscerally connects inhabitants to the surrounding landscape while maintaining a sense of privacy and tranquillity. Grounded in the idea that form follows function, this inspired super house is functional first, then focuses on layout and flow. As such, Rama Architects responded to the client’s brief to create a Brazilian modernist-style home. This style is based on creating a sense of transparency and connection to surrounding waterways while maintaining a feeling of sanctuary.

With a tangible indoor-outdoor connection, there is an immediate sense of tranquillity as the plantings engulf the architecture of the home’s structure. Upon entering the inspired super house, one is greeted with a courtyard that welcomes filtered light through the above tree canopy. The home is delineated by floor-to-ceiling glass doors and leans heavily into subtropical design principles and Brazilian modernist philosophies surrounding the prioritisation of natural light and ventilation. Plants cascade down from the rooftop and are visible from every room, once again reiterating an appreciation of the beachside locale.

Similarly, the main living area releases with ease to the water and western horizon beyond, while a sunken lounge is incorporated to align with the Brazilian modernist typology of the inspired super house and ensures no couches or furniture distract from the view. The M House is grounded in a connection between masculine and feminine materials, which creates a juxtaposition of feeling safe but also vulnerable within the home. For example, privacy is created through the dominant brutal front façade and greenery engulfing the building.

#SuperHouse #Architect #TheLocalProject

News: World Leaders At U.N., Iran-US Prisoner Swap, India-Canada Tensions

The Globalist Podcast (September 19, 2023) – Will the UN General Assembly step up its action on climate change?

We also discuss the Iran-US prisoner swap, the latest on the conflict in Sudan and Justin Trudeau’s claim that the Indian government was involved in the killing of a Sikh leader on Canadian soil. Plus: why are young Germans among the unhappiest in Europe?

The New York Times — Tuesday, Sept 19, 2023

Image

Iran Releases 5 Americans as U.S. Unfreezes Billions in Oil Revenue for Tehran

The terms of the deal have generated intense criticism from Republicans, even as the White House insists Iran will be prevented from spending the money on anything except humanitarian goods.

In U.S., Zelensky Will Make Case for More Aid, and Offer Thanks

Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, after he addressed Congress in December.

The Ukrainian leader’s second trip to America comes at a more delicate diplomatic moment, as he tries to navigate political currents while expressing gratitude for Western support.

Strike Is a High-Stakes Gamble for Autoworkers and the Labor Movement

Experts on unions and the industry said the U.A.W. strike could accelerate a wave of worker actions, or stifle labor’s recent momentum.

In Moscow, the War Is Background Noise, but Ever-Present

Muscovites go about their daily lives with little major disruption. But the war’s effects are evident — in the stores, at the movies and in the increasingly repressive environment.