CHISINAU, 25 July 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier, is traveling to Moldova and will have talks in Chisinau and Tiraspol on 26 July 2016.

As the Spokesperson of the German Federal Foreign Office said in Berlin today, the visit to Moldova aims at strengthening the momentum that has recently been reinvigorated in the negotiation process on the settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict. On 2-3 June 2016 in Berlin the negotiators of the 5+2 Process met for the first time after a period of two years, and committed to undertaking concrete steps, including in the fields of ecology, education, transportation and telecommunications.

“We hope that there is a chance to bring this long-standing conflict step by step closer to a settlement,” said the Spokesperson.

In Chisinau, Steinmeier will meet with Speaker of Parliament Andrian Candu, Prime Minister Pavel Filip, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Galbur, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration and Moldovan Political Representative Gheorghe Balan.

In Tiraspol, the Chairperson-in-Office will meet a representative of the Transdniestrian leadership, Pavel Prokudin, Speaker of the Supreme Soviet, Vadim Krasnoslesky and the Transdniestrian Political Representative, Vitaly Ignatiev.

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CHISINAU / TIRASPOL, 26 July 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Moldova today had talks with high-level Moldovan officials as well as with representatives from the Transdniestrian leadership. Steinmeier also visited the offices of the OSCE Mission in Moldova on both sides of the Dniester/Nistru River, in Chisinau and Tiraspol, and acknowledged their valuable work towards the Transdniestrian conflict settlement process. 

In Chisinau, Steinmeier met with Speaker of Parliament Andrian Candu, Prime Minister Pavel Filip, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Galbur, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration and Moldovan Political Representative Gheorghe Balan. During these talks Steinmeier was joined by his Special Representative for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process Ambassador Cord Meier-Klodt and the Acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Moldova Stephen Young.

Speaking to the media at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Filip, Steinmeier stressed the importance of the role of the OSCE and the unified approach of all international partners, while calling on the sides to remain fully committed to the settlement of this long-standing conflict. “The success in the settlement process fundamentally depends on the resolve of the sides to achieve progress to the benefit of the people. But it is also a result of the remarkable unity of international partners.” Besides the OSCE, the international partners are the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the European Union and the United States of America.

“With a view to the Transdniestrian conflict we have recently made considerable efforts to inject new momentum to the negotiation process between the sides which had come to a standstill for quite some time,” Steinmeier said. He continued that it was a priority now to ensure a sustainable effect of the 5+2 talks which resumed in Berlin on 2 and 3 June 2016.

“We must now, as a first step, tackle those problems that can be solved pragmatically in order to enhance the trust between the sides that is necessary for more far-reaching measures.” As examples of such confidence-building measures, Steinmeier referred to the re-connection of telecommunication networks, the apostilisation of Transdniestrian university diplomas and progress on the car license plate issue.

At his talks in Tiraspol with representatives of the Transdniestrian leadership, Pavel Prokudin and Vitaly Ignatiev as well as with the speaker of the Supreme Soviet Vadim Krasnoselsky, Steinmeier called on the sides to implement the Berlin Protocol from June 2016 in a swift and comprehensive manner. Steinmeier, during his visit, also re-affirmed the parameters of the settlement process, which is the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Moldova with a special status for Transdniestria. 

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Some 20 newly-recruited personnel of the Atlantis rehabilitation centre took part in a two-week capacity building training course, conducted in the premises of the penal colony in the village of Novopokrovka, which concluded on 10 June. The event was organized by the Kyrgyz State Service for Execution of Punishment (SSEP) and the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

OSCE-supported international trainers and specialists on therapeutic work with drug- and alcohol-addicted prisoners presented the Minnesotan treatment model, which is recognized as a global best practice among psychotherapeutic programmes for treatment of people with such problems, and organized practical sessions on the development of therapeutic skills.

“Specific professional training is critical to enable the staff of the penitentiary service to carry out their work in full safety,” said Daniele Rumolo, Senior Human Dimension Officer at the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “Providing them with the necessary skills to effectively deal with specific categories of prisoners is also crucial to prevent criminal activities inside the prisons and enhance the respect of the rule of law.”

The course is part of an OSCE project on supporting the implementation of the National Strategy on the Development of Penitentiary System “Umut-2”. The project addresses the human rights situation and safety in penitentiary establishments through capacity building activities for prison staff.

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YEREVAN, 30 June 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the premises of the OSCE Office in Yerevan on 30 June to discuss its work and activities and to meet with civil society representatives, while in Armenia as part of his official visit to the three countries of the South Caucasus.

Steinmeier was welcomed by Ambassador Argo Avakov, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.  “The Office in Yerevan is closely co-operating with state structures and civil society in Armenia and welcomes this visit by the Chairperson-in-Office,” said Avakov. “Civil society plays an important role in enhancing public confidence in the electoral process, improving police-public partnership as well as promoting women and youth engagement and the freedom of the media in Armenia.”

The Chairperson-in-Office underlined his appreciation for the Office’s activities in all three dimensions and commended its good co-operation with Armenian institutions.

The OSCE Office in Yerevan works closely with government partners, civil society and other actors in Armenia to support activities in a variety of areas including legislative and criminal justice reform, anti-corruption, migration policy, economic integration, environmental activities, raising awareness on human rights, media freedom, access to information, gender equality, assistance to police and security sector reform.  

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner meaning the holiday season is upon us. PGM shares some reasons to celebrate the joy of the holidays.

The post Staff Ed: PGM Rings in the Holiday Season appeared first on Pepperdine Graphic.

BERLIN / VIENNA, 15 July 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier today condemned the deadly terror attack in Nice, France. 

“A day dedicated to joy and the pride of the French Nation ended in tragedy,” said Minister Steinmeier. “Many people were cruelly and senselessly taken from peaceful celebrations to death, many are struggling for their lives.  Our thoughts and our compassion lie with the victims, their families, the French people. We share the grief of France, in these dark hours we stand shoulder to shoulder.”

Ambassador Zannier said: “I am saddened and shocked by the terror attack in Nice. We at the OSCE stand in solidarity with the families of the victims, and with the people of France. OSCE participating States and Partners will not be intimidated by murder and violence. We will work together to tackle this scourge.”

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In a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Robert Simpson, President and COO of Jelly Belly Candy Company, talks about being a professional manager of a family owned business that has been around for 6 generations. Robert also talks about building the Jelly Belly brand, developing new markets, and his philosphy of leadership.

Robert Simpson, President and COO of Jelly Belly Candy Company, presents "A Culture of Innovation". Mr. Simpson talks about building the Jelly Belly brand awareness, developing new markets, and the history of the Jelly Belly Company.(Part 1 of 2)

Robert Simpson, President and COO of Jelly Belly Candy Company, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Mr. Simpson also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

In a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Deborah Nelson, Chief of Staff Enterprise Sales, Marketing and Strategy at Hewlett-Packard Company talks about her 20 year career path at HP, as well as sustainability, marketing, and leadership values.

Deborah Nelson, Chief of Staff Enterprise Sales, Marketing and Strategy at Hewlett-Packard Company presents on green business and global trends. (Part 1 of 2)

Deborah Nelson, Chief of Staff Enterprise Sales, Marketing and Strategy at Hewlett-Packard Company sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Deborah also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

In a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Jerry Wilson, Senior Vice President, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer for the Coca-Cola Company talks about his 23 year career and shares some of the wisdom he has learned.

Jerry Wilson, Senior Vice President, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer for the Coca-Cola company, shares his thoughts and experienes about his company and their business plan for the future. (Part 1 of 2)

Jerry Wilson, Senior Vice President, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer for the Coca-Cola company, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Jerry also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

In a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Gary Burnison, CEO of Korn/Ferry International talks about his career path, as well as the importance of ethics and ethical leadership.

Gary Burnison, CEO of Korn/Ferry International, talks about his experiences in leadership and the values learned throughout his career. (Part 1 of 2)

Gary Burnison, CEO of Korn/Ferry International, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Gary also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Posted by Apple Product Security via Fulldisclosure on Oct 28

A TV review of what might be Apple's best show.

The world’s most famous baby hippo is ready to conquer the music world with the release of her first song, Moodeng Moodeng — in four languages to delight global fans.

"Watch yourself... You're not Steve Rogers." "You're right – I'm not." Marvel has launched the main official trailer for the next MCU sequel Captain America: Brave New World - landing in theaters February 14th, 2025 early next year. Sooner than you know! From director Julius Onah comes the next Captain America evolution – Anthony Mackie stars as Sam Wilson, who has taken over as the new Cap from Steve Rogers after he retired at the end of the Avengers movies. Brave New World picks up with Harrison Ford as the US president, with the power dynamics in the world changing (a real meta reference). After an attack, Cap is aked to join the military - it's not long before finds himself in the middle of an international incident. The impressive cast includes Giancarlo Esposito, Danny Ramirez as a young Falcon, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson as The Leader, Shira Haas, Liv Tyler, Xosha Roquemore; plus an appearance by a Red Hulk, who actually shows up properly in this trailer. Is he a big trick? This is actually an exceptionally good trailer playing up the noir conspiracy thriller elements of this next Marvel movie. Worth a closer look. Here's the full […]

"Ready? This is it." "Kaboom!" Time for something a bit different. This is a video game movie but it's not like most other video game movies. Though at first glance it does remind me of that upcoming Minecraft Movie coming in 2025. Masala Games has revealed a fun teaser trailer for Detective Dotson: The Movie, an animated movie that's a companion piece to the game made in Unreal Engine 5. Dotson is an aspiring Bollywood star turned reluctant detective. Dotson and his friends will seek to unravel a plot that threatens the entire nation of India. The game is currently available to play on Steam and it's likely the movie will also be released on Steam as well (or just online via YouTube - stay tuned for final release details). Masala's CEO Shalin Shodhan explains: "The events in the movie happen right before the start of the game. So... kind of the perfect origin story of Dotson." There's only a few glimpses of footage in this and while it is a movie, it still looks like a glorified, extended video game cut scene turned into a "movie" to watch. Have a look below. Here's the first official trailer for Masala […]

"This is the shot we have. We may not get another one... Let's finish it." Ready? Marvel has dropped the new official trailer for the latest season of What If...?, their fun anthology series taking crazy all-out "what if" imaginative looks at different characters and ideas in the MCU. This might be the final season because Marvel's own intro from YouTube states: "Witness the season that ends it all." The Watcher even comes out and says this, too. The first season launched in 2021 to mixed reviews, and this second season debuted in late 2023 one year ago. The opening once again is: Welcome back to the multiverse. So much to see in these 8 episodes! The voice cast set for Season 3 includes Jeffrey Wright as The Watcher, once again, along with Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Laurence Fishburne as Goliath, Oscar Isaac as Moon Knight, Simu Liu as Xu Shang-Chi, Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Cap, Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, Hayley Atwell as Captain Carter. Plus a few other surprises, of course. Looks like it has a rad Gundam style Avengers segment. Up for an adventure? […]

"You're going nowhere... I'm telling you how this goes." Netflix has unveiled the full official trailer for an X-mas thriller called Carry-On, landing to watch in December on Netflix soon. It's a new action thriller from Jaume Collet-Serra (of Orphan, Unknown, Non-Stop, The Commuter, Jungle Cruise, Black Adam), who is giving us a present of a cat and mouse thriller with some cheesy direct-to-video vibes. The setup: A young TSA agent fights to outsmart a mysterious traveler who blackmails him into letting a dangerous package slip onto a Christmas Eve flight. Who is he and can he actually stop him? The impressive ensemble cast features Taron Egerton as the main TSA agent, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Logan Marshall-Green, Dean Norris, Sinqua Walls, and Jason Bateman. This is finally looking like a legit thriller - reminding me of Die Hard with a Vengeance with as many twists & turns in it. Have a look below. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Jaume Collet-Serra's Carry-On, direct from Netflix's YouTube: You can rewatch the teaser trailer for Jaume Collet-Serra's Carry-On right here, for the first look again. "Every holiday season, millions travel safely by air. This Christmas will be different." […]

"What happened to you?" "I met a penguin." Lionsgate has revealed the official trailer for The Penguin Lessons, a cute dramedy about rescuing a penguin in Argentina. A similar story to My Penguin Friend with Jean Reno that also opened in theaters this year, but also not the exact same story. Starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan, this poignant dramedy from director Peter Cattaneo follows an Englishman's personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a cataclysmic period in Argentine history. He finds the small penguin covered with oil and cleans him up, making a new friend in the process. The main ensemble cast in here includes Björn Gustafsson, David Herrero, Jonathan Pryce, Vivian El Jaber, Aimar Miranda, Micaela Breque, Tomas Pozzi, and Ramiro Blas. It was shot in Spain though it takes place in Argentina. After premiering at TIFF, the movie will open in the UK next April - still waiting for a US date. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Peter Cattaneo's The Penguin Lessons, direct from YouTube: From Penguin Random House's bestselling book of the same name by Tom Michell, The Penguin Lessons is the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work […]

New release: exciting news this week from Imprint Australia, who will releasing a new limited-edition Blu-ray edition of The Prisoner in June! Not only will this set include most of the features from previous sets by Network, it will also include new bonus content, a 120-page booklet- plus- some episodes of Danger Man in hi-definition! As far as we know, the 2K transfers from the original negatives will be the same files as the anniversary set from Network (stunning!) and the Imprint sets tend to be region-free, which means viewers in the US will be able to view the discs. I still recommend an all-region player for best flexibility.  Check out all the details at Imprint. And while you're there, check out their beautiful Tara King Avengers set (the Emma Peel set is now out of stock). If you missed out on the Network Prisoner set, this is a great time to add this amazing classic series to your library, and get cool new bonus features in the deal! And if you've never seen it, all I can say is that The Prisoner is a top favorite from the era and is like a mod-spy tumble down the rabbit hole into a Cold War Wonderland. This is also a great time to remind Spyvibers who are planning summer adventures to consider Portmeirion, where The Prisoner was filmed. This quirky architectural project of a village is even more magical in person. You can see a few of my past photographs on my post here. More info about visiting Portmeirion here. 

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Byron Janis R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Blake and Mortimer, Champions Podcast, ITC Book, Bond Event, Black Tight Killers Blu, New Persuaders Book, David McCallum R.I.P., Avengers Blu Sets, Spy Vibe Radio: Adventures in Paradise, The Secret Service book, World of Giants, Tiki Events, Cold War Classical, Paul at 81, 007 Comic Exhibit, Exotikon Event, Bond 60th Event, The Baron Blu-ray, Mission: Impossible in 4k, Jane Bond Strip, SV Radio: The Man Called Flintstone, Lupin III 50th, SV Radio: OSS117, McCartney 1964, Spy Vibe Radio: Hunter, Spy Vibe Radio: Gao Dalli CID 999, Bond Beatles 60th, William Klein R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: M Squad, Spy Vibe Radio: Mr. Broadway, Agent King, Spy Vibe Radio: John Kling, Spy Vibe Radio: Unknown Man of Shandigor, Danger Man Podcast, Spy Vibe Radio: Dr. Mabuse, Bowie Day, Interview: Girls Guns Gadgets, Shandigor Blu, Shag Palm Springs, New Bond Novel, Hi-Fi Book, Judex Serial Blu, UFO Comics, Interview: John Buss, ITC Magazine, Interview: Kaiser Marionettes, Belmondo R.I.P., 007 Corgi Event, Space 1999: The Vault, Shag Eames Lounge, Firecracker Exotica, Spy Vibe Radio: Lola Albright, Tikyaki 5-0, Godzilla Scores, Mid-Century Village, Spy Vibe radio: Nicola Conte, Men's Adventure Quarterly, Billy May Frenesi, Gary Numan, Spy Vader Spy, Chris Barber Legacy, Phantom Retrospective, Astro-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Batman, James Bond Lexicon, Ray Cathode, Spy Vibe Radio: Johnny Staccato, Matt Helm Blu, Cold War Auction, Avengers Francavilla Prints, Avengers 60th Event, Irma Vep Blu, Avengers Keel Design, Ronnie Scott's Doc, The Avengers 60th Design, Art of Pan Books, John Le Carre R.I.P., Sean Connery R.I.P., New 007 Vinyl, Burke's Law Ska, Dieter Rams Complete, 2-Tone Doc, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta Part 2, Diana Rigg R.I.P., Moog Micky Dolenz, Beetle Bailey 70th, RSD Spies Vinyl, Ian Fleming Tribute, Fellini Box Set, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta, The Saint Podcast Bonus, The Saint Podcast, Barber Lotus, Trad Roots, Morricone R.I.P., Fleetway Spy Designs, John Steel Casebooks, ITC Podcast: The Persuaders, Dazzle Ships, Spy Vibe Radio: Raumpatrouille, Remembering Richard Sala, Crime & Spy Jazz books, Numan is FAB, Bruce Lee Blu, RSD Vinyl Spies, James Bond's DB5, UFO CD Set, Spy Vibe radio: Phantom Agents, Steranko is Revolutionary!, Interview: The Saint I Ain't, Diabolik Interview, New 007 Song, Diabolik Figures, Diabolik Sounds, Diabolik Set Design, Diabolik Park Ride, Danger Diabolik Blu, Count Arthur Strong, Honey West Title Cards, Bowie Day, Neil Innes R.I.P., Claudine Auger R.I.P., OHMSS at 50, Italian Job 50th OST, Charles Schulz Modern, Paul Desmond, Python 50th, Randall Hopkirk 50th, Thunderbirds Day, Lazenby Returns to MI6, Dr. John R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Lupin III, Lupin Ska, Spy Vibe Prime, Zigomar Translation, The Village: Part 1, Monkey Punch R.I.P., Bubble Girl 63, ITC Soundtracks, Spy Vibe Radio: Public Eye, UFO Prime, Spaceship to Mars, Modesty Blaise Companion, <

New release: Wandering Planet launched a new Kickstarter today for their Wave 2 Prisoner figures! If you missed out on Wave 1, don't miss this chance to order new action figures from the classic Patrick McGoohan series, The Prisoner! What I love about the company's approach is that they highlight specific episodes, characters, and costuming. As far as I know there is only one Wave 1 figure still available, which can be ordered through the Prisoner shop in Portmeirion. I recommend that Spy Vibers who want the new releases place orders through Kickstarter right away. If Wandering Planet's Wave 1 release of Nancy Drew figures on Big Bad Toystore is any indication, these items sell out almost immediately once they hit the general public. More info at Kickstarter. And don't forget to scroll down to see some cool bundle deals. Some of my past Prisoner posts: Portmeirion Photography, Mid-Century Village, Interview: The Prisoner Guide, Portmeirion Photography 2, The Prisoner London Flat, Prisoner Audio Review, Prisoner/Captain Scarlet anniversary. 

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Blu Manchu, Blu Prisoner, Byron Janis R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Blake and Mortimer, Champions Podcast, ITC Book, Bond Event, Black Tight Killers Blu, New Persuaders Book, David McCallum R.I.P., Avengers Blu Sets, Spy Vibe Radio: Adventures in Paradise, The Secret Service book, World of Giants, Tiki Events, Cold War Classical, Paul at 81, 007 Comic Exhibit, Exotikon Event, Bond 60th Event, The Baron Blu-ray, Mission: Impossible in 4k, Jane Bond Strip, SV Radio: The Man Called Flintstone, Lupin III 50th, SV Radio: OSS117, McCartney 1964, Spy Vibe Radio: Hunter, Spy Vibe Radio: Gao Dalli CID 999, Bond Beatles 60th, William Klein R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: M Squad, Spy Vibe Radio: Mr. Broadway, Agent King, Spy Vibe Radio: John Kling, Spy Vibe Radio: Unknown Man of Shandigor, Danger Man Podcast, Spy Vibe Radio: Dr. Mabuse, Bowie Day, Interview: Girls Guns Gadgets, Shandigor Blu, Shag Palm Springs, New Bond Novel, Hi-Fi Book, Judex Serial Blu, UFO Comics, Interview: John Buss, ITC Magazine, Interview: Kaiser Marionettes, Belmondo R.I.P., 007 Corgi Event, Space 1999: The Vault, Shag Eames Lounge, Firecracker Exotica, Spy Vibe Radio: Lola Albright, Tikyaki 5-0, Godzilla Scores, Mid-Century Village, Spy Vibe radio: Nicola Conte, Men's Adventure Quarterly, Billy May Frenesi, Gary Numan, Spy Vader Spy, Chris Barber Legacy, Phantom Retrospective, Astro-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Batman, James Bond Lexicon, Ray Cathode, Spy Vibe Radio: Johnny Staccato, Matt Helm Blu, Cold War Auction, Avengers Francavilla Prints, Avengers 60th Event, Irma Vep Blu, Avengers Keel Design, Ronnie Scott's Doc, The Avengers 60th Design, Art of Pan Books, John Le Carre R.I.P., Sean Connery R.I.P., New 007 Vinyl, Burke's Law Ska, Dieter Rams Complete, 2-Tone Doc, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta Part 2, Diana Rigg R.I.P., Moog Micky Dolenz, Beetle Bailey 70th, RSD Spies Vinyl, Ian Fleming Tribute, Fellini Box Set, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta, The Saint Podcast Bonus, The Saint Podcast, Barber Lotus, Trad Roots, Morricone R.I.P., Fleetway Spy Designs, John Steel Casebooks, ITC Podcast: The Persuaders, Dazzle Ships, Spy Vibe Radio: Raumpatrouille, Remembering Richard Sala, Crime & Spy Jazz books, Numan is FAB, Bruce Lee Blu, RSD Vinyl Spies, James Bond's DB5, UFO CD Set, Spy Vibe radio: Phantom Agents, Steranko is Revolutionary!, Interview: The Saint I Ain't, Diabolik Interview, New 007 Song, Diabolik Figures, Diabolik Sounds, Diabolik Set Design, Diabolik Park Ride, Danger Diabolik Blu, Count Arthur Strong, Honey West Title Cards, Bowie Day, Neil Innes R.I.P., Claudine Auger R.I.P., OHMSS at 50, Italian Job 50th OST, Charles Schulz Modern, Paul Desmond

It was on this day in 1967 that two groundbreaking programs made their debut: Patrick McGoohan's The Prisoner and Gerry Anderson's Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. If mystery/adventure of the mid-1960s captured the youthful and optimistic energy of the jet-setters, these two programs marked a growing sense of consequences and uncertainty for agents during the later part of the decade.

McGoohan's Danger Man had been on the air since September, 1960. His stories often exposed the darker side of espionage: moral sacrifices deemed necessary to protect the common good. His John Drake, though slightly insubordinate, presented the image of a man who could recognize -but look beyond- the distasteful consequences of the job in order to carry out his duties. His critique rose to a boiling point in a number of episodes (Yesterday's Enemies, To Our Best Friend) and the theme ultimately was channeled into his next project, The Prisoner (1967-1968). McGoohan's character in The Prisoner, now an unnamed spy, has resigned as a matter of principle and finds himself kidnapped to a remote village, where he undergoes constant psychological torture to determine why he resigned and whether he will spill his secrets. Capturing a counter-culture-era mistrust of authority, he never discovers if his torturers are the enemy after his secrets or his own people testing his loyalty (or indeed, his own mind). Known as Number 6 in the Village, McGoohan's character epitomized the theme of individual freedom, liberty, and rebellion against a surveillance state and conformity. There was a 2010 mini-series based on The Prisoner, starring Ian McKellen. Although it didn't measure up to the original, the show did a good job bringing the "Village" concept up to date in the form of complacent, consumeristic communities we see developing around trends in globalization. Even in my area, I note the trend to build large apartment complexes above retail streets, for example.

Gerry Anderson's Supermarionation programs, high-octane Sci-Spy adventures, had appealed to kids throughout the early 1960s. After establishing himself with inventive programs like Supercar, Fireball XL5, and Stingray, Anderson and his team found international success with Thunderbirds (1965-1966). The show featured their familiar cocktail of futuristic gadgets and intrigue, while the blockbuster stories focused on a secret organization of international rescuers keeping the world safe. But as Anderson and his wife, Sylvia, moved into the later part of the decade, they shifted toward the darker sides of human nature and the theme of consequences, echoing conversations around the Vietnam War and Cold War. 

The next project would be Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons (1967-1968), which began with a story about a team of space explorers discovering a mysterious city of energy. In a rash act of misunderstanding, the explorers mistake an innocent Mysteron gadget as a weapon and obliterate the city from the planet. As it turns out, however, the aliens can re-create any matter that has been destroyed. Neat trick, and essential to the show's premise. The city magically returns and the Mysterons vow to take revenge on humanity for its cruel, aggressive nature. The program was a much more violent affair. The hero of the piece, Captain Scarlet, began the series as an alien-constructed double agent assigned to assassinate the world's president. There was even a devastating suicide-bomber scene in the pilot and the series is packed with violent killings and ominous plots to destroy the earthmen. Once Scarlet was killed, however, he was able to regenerate and escape alien control. This established the arc of each episode, where the hero ultimately experiences a brutal death followed by a resurrection. His colleague, Captain Black, remained a rogue killer-agent for the enemy. Children's programming? Dark times indeed! Style fans take note: the costumes in the series were inspired by Pierre Cardins' space fashions! 

If these two programs illustrated transitions in the popular imagination, the trend seemed to take an odd turn by the following year. In a visit to the 1968 Exhibit in Oakland some years back, I was struck by the odd juxtaposition of truly violent historical experiences in the news, public anxiety and protest, and the strange effort of American mainstream TV, in contrast to these UK shows discussed above, to create a lulling oasis with shows like Green Acres, Beverly Hillbillies, and I Dream of Jeanie. Independent filmmakers had more liberty to present subversive material, creating films such as Easy Rider, The Monkees Head, and Night of the Living Dead. In the UK, The Prisoner and Captain Scarlet illustrated a culture trying to cope with the circumstances of the times within a mainstream medium. Whether it was questioning freedom and individuality, or consequences and culpability, these programs stand the test of time because they weren't afraid to ask questions and to frame them in ways that evoked excitement, sparkled with cutting-edge playful fashion and design, and explored real empathy. Spy Vibe wishes a very Happy 57th anniversary to The Prisoner and Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. Related posts: Review: The Prisoner Vol 2 (Big Finish), Interview: The Prisoner Guide,  Portmeirion Photography 1, Portmeirion Photography, The Prisoner London Flat, Alan Hayes Prisoner Audio Review, Interview: Ian Olgivy, Interview: Brian Gorman, Prisoner Supergrass, Prisoner XTC, Prisoner XTC 2, Prisoner DC Fontana, The Prisoner 50th Event, Gerry Anderson Comics, Inside Gerry Anderson, Anderson documentary, Thunderbirds Comic Collection, License to Kill Puppets, Anderson Models, Sylvia Anderson Fashion, The Prisoner and Captain Scarlet, Set Design Countdown #9, Nehru Jackets, Spy Vibe Radio #6 (The Prisoner). 

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