Sorry I'm not a better classical guitar player. I used to be decent.

Ok straight up I want to say that this is my version that I came up with when I was a kid. I like this, and I don't want anyone pestering me about how its not accurate and all that. It is accurate, its just an interpretation. The problem with most versions of this song is that they are draggy and depressing. This song was meant to be "uppety", because it is a song of joy.

Its a great piece because its a very old Christmas song from France, but it can be played all year round because of its structural diversity I guess you could say.

Real quick:

As mentioned at Wikipedia, this song was first published in the year 1553, and was not meant to be sung as a Christmas song, but rather a song to celebrate French nobility. Though the song contains religious lyrics, and respectively not everyone is in to that, they are still really beautiful. If you wish to know more about it you can check out the Wikipedia page here.

TABS


BRING A TORCH JEANETTE ISABELLA (this is the original file - sorry about its presentation)

|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
|--3-------------------0--1--0--------|--3-------------------0---------|
|------0--0-----0--2------------2----|------0--0-----0--2-----2---0--|
|------------4------0--------0--------|------------4------0---------0--|
|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
|--3------3---------2--------3--------|--3------3---------2---------3--|

|--------------------------------|------------------------------------|
|--3----3--3--1--0--0----------|------------------------------------|
|------0---------------2--0--0-|-------------------5-----5---4--2--|
|--5--5----------------------0--|--4---2h4h5-0-0-----------0--0--|
|--------------------------------|------------------0----0-----------|
|--3-------3--3-----3--------3--|-------0-----3---5--5------3--2--|

|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
|--------------------0----0-----3----0-------------------------------|
|--0----------2--------5-----2------------2--0----------2-----------|
|--2----------0--------------0---------------2----------0-----------|
|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
|--0----------2-----3--------2-------0-------0----------2-----------|
|__staccato__| |__staccato__|

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
|--0-----0-----3----------------------------------------------------|
|-----5-----2-----0------0------------------------------------------|o
|-----------0-----0-----0-0-----------------------------------------|o
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
|--3--------2-----3----3---3----------------------------------------|

For years, I’d heard about “rules” that I was supposed to follow when figuring out bass fingerings. Honestly, it was a bit confusing to me. They all seemed to conflict with each other, and I was never sure where to begin. Over time, I figured out how these rules work, when to follow them, and […]

Manufacturing

Transport / Logistic issues / Storage capacity issues

Manufacturing

Commercial Changes / Commercial viability

Commercial Changes / Commercial viability

Room 29, Parliament Buildings

Room 30, Parliament Buildings

Room 21, Parliament Buildings

Room 21, Parliament Buildings

Room 30, Parliament Buildings

Room 30, Parliament Buildings

The night before Thanksgiving is often one for celebrating. Whether you are hosting a gathering of family and friends before the big meal or after, it is the responsibility of the host to make sure that each car leaving the party has a designated, sober driver. Read on for helpful suggestions for your celebration.

The Assembly’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee (AERA) received briefings today from a number of agricultural and environmental stakeholders on the possible challenges and opportunities of the recent EU Referendum.

Mark S. Images has added a photo to the pool:

Working the surf at Big Chill, Delaware Seashore.

Karla Readshaw is director of development for Iridescent, a non-profit organization focused on bringing quality STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to young people -- particularly girls -- around the globe. This program was recorded during Karla's presentation at the Women In Technology Breakfast held on October 22, 2018 as part of Oracle Code One.

View the complete show notes.

Inspiring Builders: Part 1: Jim Grisanzio and Chris Bensen from Oracle Developer Relations talk about how they engage developers via demos and experiences online and at conferences. This in depth conversation is part one of a two part series on inspiring developers to build real things. 

• Jim Grisanzio on Twitter @jimgris
• Chris Bensen on Twitter @chrisbensen
• YouTube: Chris Bensen: Inspiring Developers to Build Real Things
• Building of Super Pi
• Building the world’s largest Raspberry Pi cluster
• The Seven Step Process to Creating an Amazing Demo
• Starting a New Project — Pi Zero Custom Breadboard
• Episode 1 - Custom Breadboard for Pi Zero

Podcast Host: Jim Grisanzio, Oracle Developer Relations
https://twitter.com/jimgris
https://developer.oracle.com/team/ 

 

Jim Grisanzio from Java Developer Relations talks with Bert Jan Schrijver from The Netherlands. Bert is a Java Champion, a leader of the Dutch Java User Group, and the CTO and co-founder of OpenValue that he started in 2017.

The conversation spans all of Bert's experiences as a software developer, including hacking and gaming as a six-year old, contributing to the computer lab fire in school, blowing out the family's phone bill with his first modem, getting an advanced CS education at university, engaging the Java community globally, and building his own software company. Bert also offers some interesting advice for how people can continue learning and growing and contributing to the community at Java events. He also details why Java is special and why developers embrace the technology: "Java is one of the only languages I know of that has been active and current for so long. And one of the keys is the marvel of engineering in the Java Virtual Machine." 

Bert: https://twitter.com/bjschrijver

Jim: https://twitter.com/jimgris 

ALMATY, 5 July 2016 – The annual OSCE Central Asian Youth Network (CAYN) forum and seminar began today in Almaty.

The three-day event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana for some 35 university students and CAYN alumni from Central Asia, Afghanistan and Mongolia. Representatives of the OSCE and expert speakers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Norway and the Russian Federation are also taking part.

The topic of this year’s forum “Renewing dialogue, rebuilding trust, restoring security” was selected to reflect the priorities of Germany’s 2016 OSCE Chairmanship. The participants will discuss the key challenges for comprehensive security in Central Asia and beyond, and explore ways to address them in their communities and together with co-operation from neighbouring countries. They will also address the issue of civil society’s role in promoting fundamental freedoms and human rights, and re-examine co-operation in Central Asia on its way to integration with a special emphasis on connectivity and multilateral co-operation.

“Through CAYN we hope that when you begin to take responsibility for your communities and your countries you can say with confidence that you have learned about key security challenges in the region,” said Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana György Szabó. “Moreover, you have heard perspectives from some of the best minds in the region and experts from around the world on how to address them.”

Renate Schimkoreit, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany to Almaty presented the priorities of the German OSCE Chairmanship. Pal Dunay, Director of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and Milena Stošić, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office on Youth and Security, will focus on engaging youth in promoting OSCE values and principles and in addressing security challenges and threats in the wider region. Special attention will be paid to youth involvement in the OSCE's 'United in Countering Violent Extremism' campaign.

The forum will be followed by training workshops focused on using technology for governance, civil society development, networking and data utilization. The event will culminate with an outdoor exercise to promote team building.

Nurlan Dulatbekov, a Member of Kazakhstan’s Parliament spoke about the role of promoting social security as part of national and regional security as well as initiatives to counter violent extremism through engaging youth at the grassroots level.

The event is part of the Office’s efforts to enhance young people’s understanding of contemporary security threats and challenges and to explain the OSCE’s role in addressing them.

Related Stories

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ISSYK-KUL, Kyrgyzstan, 8 July 2016 – A five-day training course supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek on a risk-oriented approach in supervising activities related to anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism concluded today in Bosteri village, in the Issyk-Kul region.

The aim of the workshop, which was organized by the State Financial Intelligence Service under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic (SFIS) in partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was to update the relevant State agencies and financial institutions on the practical aspects of a risks-oriented approach in their work. Some 46 officials from law enforcement agencies, supervisory agencies and financial institutions took part.

“A risks-oriented approach is the process which allows the countries to identify, assess and understand risks to effectively combat money laundering and financing of terrorism,” said Nana Baramidze, Senior Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Centre. “The OSCE Centre in Bishkek fully supports the efforts of the Kyrgyz Government in its attempt to establish effective systems to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism.”

Chyngyz Kenenbayev, Head of the Organizational and Legal department of the SFIS, said: “We are holding this educational seminar to train representatives of national authorities and the private sector so that we can successfully pass the second round of the evaluation by the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG). In order to fulfil international obligations under the EAG, the Kyrgyz Republic is to conduct a mutual assessment of its anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism system. From 28 November to 9 December 2016, a visiting mission of EAG evaluators will conduct this assessment within the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) initiative."

The training course, which was conducted by two IMF experts and three SFIS officials, was part of the OSCE assistance to the Kyrgyz Government in preparing for the second round of the FATF evaluation.

Related Stories

• To mark World Day against Trafficking in Persons OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports public awareness raising campaign
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Conference

Fri, 2016-08-26 (All day) - Sat, 2016-08-27 (All day)

Jalal-Abad city, the Kyrgyz Republic

OSCE Center in Bishkek, Public Association “IRET”, Public Association “Alga

OSCE Centre in Bishkek

Central Asia

Conflict prevention and resolution

Democratization

Good governance

Vasilina Brazhko

Youth Forum on “Role of youth in peace-building and ensuring stability in Kyrgyzstan: means of collaboration and cooperation in combating violent extremism and radicalism among youth” will gather some 50 youth and public officials from Tokmok and Osh cities as well as from Batken, Chuy, Osh, and Jalal-Abad provinces in Jalal-Abad city.

Participants will discuss problems in their local communities and country-wide and ways to co-operate closer on security matters in the future. The event focuses on discussion of measures on preventing and combating violent extremism and radicalization among youth in Kyrgyzstan. 

Representatives of the youth and public officials are expected to lay foundation for further co-operation between the authorities and youth as pertains to youth and security policies in the respective provinces/cities and country-wide.

Related Stories

• OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports Women Leadership School
• Closing ceremony of the Community Security Initiative (CSI) project
• OSCE supports workshop on communications and information cooperation for the press officers of the armed forces of the Kyrgyz Republic

Seminar

Tue, 2016-08-16 (All day)

Astana, Kazakhstan

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the Financial Monitoring Committee under the Finance Ministry

OSCE Programme Office in Astana

Central Asia

Economic activities

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana will support a training seminar on preventing money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) for some 40 designated non-financial business and professions, namely notaries and advocates. The expert from the Russian Federation will present their country’s best practices on the efficient implementation of the AML/CFT national legislation and familiarize the audience with the AML/CFT international legal standards and requirements. The event also aims to enhance the co-operation between the non-financial sector actors and the AML/CFT national authorities.

The event is part of the Office’s long-standing efforts to promote good governance and AML/CFT framework in the host country.

Related Stories

• OSCE promotes ‘green’ women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas of Kazakhstan
• OSCE Programme Office concludes series of training seminars on National Preventive Mechanism Implementation in Kazakhstan
• OSCE concludes series of training seminars on implementing the National Preventive Mechanism in Kazakhstan

BERLIN/WARSAW, 8 April 2016 – Political leaders must play a primary role in in countering discrimination and prejudice against Roma and Sinti and improving their situation, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Germany’s Federal Foreign Minister, and Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), said today, on the occasion of International Roma Day.

“Political leaders at all levels must be at the forefront of efforts to end the systematic discrimination and racism that have long afflicted Roma and Sinti communities and individuals in many countries in the OSCE region,” OSCE  Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier said. “They have to lead both by word, in delivering positive messages and not resorting to negative stereotypes and scapegoating, and by example, in ensuring the implementation of policies at all levels of government to promote the integration and full political, economic and social participation of Roma and Sinti in their societies.”

In particular, they condemned the use by some politicians of racist language and messages aimed either at promoting hatred towards Roma and Sinti or reinforcing negative stereotypes.

“Alarmingly, we still see instances where politicians resort to the politics of fear and hatred for their own perceived gain, thus stoking unfair and dangerous prejudice against Roma and Sinti. This contributes to an atmosphere in which members of Europe’s largest minority are in danger of being targeted with hate crimes, including violent assaults, and even murder,” Director Link said. “Leaders must not only refrain from such statements, but take a step further – they must publicly condemn racist speech and acts against Roma and Sinti, and counter racism and discrimination in a systematic way.”

The subject of racist, anti-Roma rhetoric used by politicians was addressed at a side event organized by ODIHR and the Central Council for German Sinti and Roma, during the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting in Warsaw, on 30 September 2015, at which participants highlighted the important role of state institutions in overcoming racism.

The Organization’s work in this area is guided by the Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti in the OSCE Area, adopted in 2003, which includes measures to combat racism and discrimination, to promote greater public and economic participation, and to ensure equal access and opportunities in the areas of education, employment, housing and health services.

“The blueprint for addressing racism and discrimination against Roma and Sinti and for improving their situation already exists, in the form of the Action Plan,” said Mirjam Karoly, Chief of ODIHR’s Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues. “Greater political will and leadership are vital to making this a reality.”

Related Stories

• OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier stresses importance of ODIHR’s work during visit to headquarters in Warsaw
• OSCE States explore role for the Organization regarding migration and refugee flows
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WARSAW, 19 April 2016 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier, today visited the headquarters of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in the context of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Office.

Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier, who was joined for the visit by Witold Waszczykowski, Foreign Minister of Poland, met with ODIHR Director Michael Georg Link, before addressing guests and ODIHR Staff. In his address, he highlighted the background to the decision for the establishment of ODIHR in Warsaw, while stressing the continued importance of the Office’s work.

“The first democratic elections in 1989 in Poland marked the start of great change in Europe. It was not by coincidence that Warsaw was chosen as the seat of ODIHR – with this the OSCE paid tribute to the important role of the first Polish non-communist government since 1947 in the democratic re-shaping of Europe,” the German Foreign Minister said. “Today, 25 years later, I am in Warsaw to commend ODIHR, with its team of 150 people from 34 OSCE states, for its outstanding work: You are the chief promoters and defenders of the OSCE’s principles and commitments in the Human Dimension.”

“This task is never easy – it builds on your dedication to human rights and fundamental freedoms, it requires a reliable budget and it deserves the full support of all OSCE participating States,” he added. “ODIHR can count on Germany’s commitment, as OSCE Chairmanship, but also beyond.”

Director Link took the opportunity to express his thanks to both guests for their countries’ support for the Office.

“Over the past 25 years, ODIHR has grown into the OSCE’s principal human rights body, and this work is more important today than ever,” he said. “We are grateful for our host country’s continued support and appreciate the Chairperson-in-Office’s commitment to ODIHR and its mandate to promote human rights and democracy throughout the OSCE region.”

“ODIHR plays a major role not only in the process of monitoring human rights, but also in providing assistance with the implementation of commitments undertaken in the OSCE area,” said Polish Foreign Minister Waszczykowski. “ODIHR is an institution that truly makes a difference and, therefore, we fully support the work of every member of its highly devoted team.”

ODIHR was established in 1991 – originally as the OSCE Office for Free Elections – by a decision of OSCE heads of state and government at the Paris Summit in November of the previous year. The name was changed to its current form and its mandate significantly expanded in 1992, to providing assistance to governments and civil society in OSCE participating States in improving democratic governance, guaranteeing human rights and fundamental freedoms, and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination. 

Related Stories

• Holocaust remembrance reminds us of the need to work for tolerance and non-discrimination in our societies, say keynote speakers at OSCE Permanent Council
• Political leaders have primary role in countering discrimination and prejudice against Roma and Sinti, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and ODIHR Director say on International Roma Day
• OSCE Chairperson-in-Office expresses gratitude to outgoing ODIHR Director Lenarčič

Ioanna Lachana, OSCE Mission to Skopje

Mirvete Islam, OSCE Mission to Skopje

The OSCE Mission to Skopje on 28 June 2016 launched a two-day workshop for 22 members of the Police Union on countering gender-based discrimination with the aim of advancing the position of women in police services and increasing gender sensitivity among police officers.

The workshop focused on areas of gender-based discrimination in employment, education, health and family, explaining what gender inequality is and how it is addressed in international and domestic legislation and in practice.

Participants will learn how to identify harassment and sexual harassment as forms of discrimination, as well as workplace bullying. The legal protection, prevention and measures against such bullying will be illustrated through real cases.

This workshop is part of the Mission’s programme to support the democratization of the Police and is in line with the Mission’s efforts to encourage gender equality in all segments of society.

Related Stories

• OSCE Mission to Skopje organizes two-day workshop on multi-ethnic policing
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ASTANA, 21 July 2016 – Some 25 Supreme and Regional Court judges, lawyers, journalists, media experts as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps and civil society today in Astana participated in OSCE-supported public hearings on the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan’s Decree on the “Application of legislation on protecting the honour, dignity and business reputation in judicial practice”.

Participants reviewed current legal precedents on defamation-related cases, discussed national legislation and its compliance with international standards as well as recommendations to the Supreme Court’s draft decree.    

 “The OSCE advocates for the full decriminalization of defamation and the fair consideration of such cases in dispute-resolution bodies or civil courts,” said Colin McCullough, Political Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “This is crucial to promoting freedom of the media, to effectively expose and fight corruption, and to eliminate the excessive protection of senior officials from legitimate public criticism.”

Bolat Kalyanbekov, Head of the Information Support Division of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, said: "Today's public hearings create a precedent for additional expert understanding of regulatory decrees. This is a relatively new format for meetings and it allows us all to hear expert opinions and conclusions on the issue, as well as to receive comprehensive recommendations on it.”

The event was supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in co-operation with the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the US Agency for International Development, the Eurasia Foundation for Central Asia and the International Fund for the Protection of the Freedom of Speech Adil Soz. It is part of the Office’s activities aimed at promoting media freedom and freedom of expression in line with OSCE principles and commitments.

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ASTANA, 21 July 2016 – Some 25 Supreme and Regional Court judges, lawyers, journalists, media experts as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps and civil society today in Astana participated in OSCE-supported public hearings on the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan’s Decree on the “Application of legislation on protecting the honour, dignity and business reputation in judicial practice”.

Participants reviewed current legal precedents on defamation-related cases, discussed national legislation and its compliance with international standards as well as recommendations to the Supreme Court’s draft decree.    

 “The OSCE advocates for the full decriminalization of defamation and the fair consideration of such cases in dispute-resolution bodies or civil courts,” said Colin McCullough, Political Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “This is crucial to promoting freedom of the media, to effectively expose and fight corruption, and to eliminate the excessive protection of senior officials from legitimate public criticism.”

Bolat Kalyanbekov, Head of the Information Support Division of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, said: "Today's public hearings create a precedent for additional expert understanding of regulatory decrees. This is a relatively new format for meetings and it allows us all to hear expert opinions and conclusions on the issue, as well as to receive comprehensive recommendations on it.”

The event was supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in co-operation with the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the US Agency for International Development, the Eurasia Foundation for Central Asia and the International Fund for the Protection of the Freedom of Speech Adil Soz. It is part of the Office’s activities aimed at promoting media freedom and freedom of expression in line with OSCE principles and commitments.

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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.

Junior Isabella Reyes is bringing a new club to Pepperdine's campus in support of her father's impact with the Free Wheelchair Mission. The club is expected to launch in the spring semester.

The post New Club Launching this Spring: The Free Wheelchair Mission appeared first on Pepperdine Graphic.

ISSYK-KUL, Kyrgyzstan, 8 July 2016 – A five-day training course supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek on a risk-oriented approach in supervising activities related to anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism concluded today in Bosteri village, in the Issyk-Kul region.

The aim of the workshop, which was organized by the State Financial Intelligence Service under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic (SFIS) in partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was to update the relevant State agencies and financial institutions on the practical aspects of a risks-oriented approach in their work. Some 46 officials from law enforcement agencies, supervisory agencies and financial institutions took part.

“A risks-oriented approach is the process which allows the countries to identify, assess and understand risks to effectively combat money laundering and financing of terrorism,” said Nana Baramidze, Senior Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Centre. “The OSCE Centre in Bishkek fully supports the efforts of the Kyrgyz Government in its attempt to establish effective systems to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism.”

Chyngyz Kenenbayev, Head of the Organizational and Legal department of the SFIS, said: “We are holding this educational seminar to train representatives of national authorities and the private sector so that we can successfully pass the second round of the evaluation by the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG). In order to fulfil international obligations under the EAG, the Kyrgyz Republic is to conduct a mutual assessment of its anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism system. From 28 November to 9 December 2016, a visiting mission of EAG evaluators will conduct this assessment within the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) initiative."

The training course, which was conducted by two IMF experts and three SFIS officials, was part of the OSCE assistance to the Kyrgyz Government in preparing for the second round of the FATF evaluation.

Related Stories

• To mark World Day against Trafficking in Persons OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports public awareness raising campaign
• OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports summer school on topical issues of police reform
• OSCE Centre in Bishkek trains defence lawyers and prosecutors on right to liberty and freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention

KYIV, 16 April 2015 – The Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine Alexander Hug will hold press conference today in Mariupol.

Hug will talk about the Mission’s recent activities, security and the humanitarian situation in and around Shyrokyne.

Journalists are invited to attend the press conference today, 16 April, at 18:00 (Kyiv time) at the conference room of the Reikartz Hotel in Mariupol. Any possible changes in timing and location will be communicated via social media (@OSCE_SMM, www.facebook.com/oscesmmu).

Live online streaming of the news briefing will be available at http://ustre.am/1jT6S.

For any further details please contact the SMM’s Senior Press Assistant Iryna Gudyma by phone on +380674021716 or via e-mail: Iryna.Gudyma@osce.org

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KYIV, 20 May 2015 – The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) will hold its regular news briefing tomorrow in Kyiv.

Alexander Hug, the SMM’s Deputy Chief Monitor, will talk about the recent Mission’s activities and the general security situation throughout Ukraine.

Journalists are invited to attend the news briefing tomorrow, 21 May, at 13:15 (Kyiv time), at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre, at 2 Khreshchatyk street, Ukrainian house.

Live online streaming of the news briefing will be available at http://uacrisis.org/ru/stream/#eng

 

Related Stories

• OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv tomorrow
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 29 July 2016
• Spot Report by OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM):“DPR” members threaten SMM at gunpoint near Lukove

KYIV, 18 February 2016 – The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) will hold its regular news briefing tomorrow in Kyiv.

Alexander Hug, the SMM’s Principal Deputy Chief Monitor, will talk about the recent Mission’s activities and the general security situation throughout Ukraine.

Journalists are invited to attend the news briefing tomorrow, 19 February, at 15:30 (Kyiv time), at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre, at 2 Khreshchatyk street, Ukrainian house.

Live online streaming of the news briefing will be available at http://uacrisis.org/ru/stream/#eng.

Related Stories

• OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv tomorrow
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 29 July 2016
• Spot Report by OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM):“DPR” members threaten SMM at gunpoint near Lukove

KYIV, 7 June 2016 – The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) will hold its regular news briefing tomorrow in Kyiv.

Alexander Hug, the SMM’s Principal Deputy Chief Monitor, will talk about the recent activities of the Mission and the general security situation throughout Ukraine.

Journalists are invited to attend the news briefing tomorrow, 8 June, at 10:30 (Kyiv time), at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre, at 2 Khreshchatyk street, Ukrainian house.

Live online streaming of the news briefing will be available at http://uacrisis.org/ru/stream/#eng

Related Stories

• OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv tomorrow
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 29 July 2016
• Spot Report by OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM):“DPR” members threaten SMM at gunpoint near Lukove

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

The U.S. military released a video it said showed Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) removing an unexploded mine from the side of one of the two oil tankers attacked earlier in the day. - REUTERS

CLICK TO PLAY A film by Claire Roberge and Guy Lavoie.A human adventure meeting the indigenous people of the North. Join Claire and Guy aboard their steel-hulled sailboat, BALTHAZAR as they sail 7000 nautical miles from Gaspé, Quebec Canada to Alaska's Bering Sea via Greenland and the legendary Northwest Passage. Purchase or rent the full 81-minute documentary on Vimeo On Demand. Version française incluse. Un film documentaire de Claire Roberge et Guy Lavoie. Une aventure humaine qui rencontre les peuples indigènes du Nord. Rejoignez Claire et Guy à bord de leur voilier à coque d'acier, BALTHAZAR alors qu'ils naviguent à 7000 milles marins de Gaspé, au Québec, en passant par la mer de Béring en Alaska par le Groenland et le légendaire passage du Nord-Ouest. TESTIMONIALS: "Brilliant, your movie, impeccable, intelligent and very relevant story. I learn a lot, thank you" -- F. Rousseau “A movie to be seen! Thank you, it is really a great privilege to witness this great adventure. You shared it with a big generosity." -- M.R. Lepage ABOUT CLAIR, GUY, & BALTHAZAR After spending 7 years building their 10.5 meter sailing vessel, Claire Roberge, Guy Lavoie and their 2 daughters, Joelle and Chloe set off in September 1999 on a 5 year circumnavigation. Crossing 3 oceans the family sailed to 34 countries. Ten years after their return, Claire and Guy set off once more, this time to take on the mystical Northwest Passage - Canada's Arctic archipelago linking the North Atlantic with the Pacific. Presented by TheSailingChannel.TV Browse our VOD collection Join our eNewsletter for news and discount offers. Sailing Documentaries and How-To Videos. Brought to you by TheSailingChannel.TV

CLICK TO PLAY A film by Claire Roberge and Guy Lavoie.A human adventure meeting the indigenous people of the North. Join Claire and Guy aboard their steel-hulled sailboat, BALTHAZAR as they sail 7000 nautical miles from Gaspé, Quebec Canada to Alaska's Bering Sea via Greenland and the legendary Northwest Passage. Purchase or rent the full 81-minute documentary on Vimeo On Demand. Version française incluse. Un film documentaire de Claire Roberge et Guy Lavoie. Une aventure humaine qui rencontre les peuples indigènes du Nord. Rejoignez Claire et Guy à bord de leur voilier à coque d'acier, BALTHAZAR alors qu'ils naviguent à 7000 milles marins de Gaspé, au Québec, en passant par la mer de Béring en Alaska par le Groenland et le légendaire passage du Nord-Ouest. TESTIMONIALS: "Brilliant, your movie, impeccable, intelligent and very relevant story. I learn a lot, thank you" -- F. Rousseau “A movie to be seen! Thank you, it is really a great privilege to witness this great adventure. You shared it with a big generosity." -- M.R. Lepage ABOUT CLAIR, GUY, & BALTHAZAR After spending 7 years building their 10.5 meter sailing vessel, Claire Roberge, Guy Lavoie and their 2 daughters, Joelle and Chloe set off in September 1999 on a 5 year circumnavigation. Crossing 3 oceans the family sailed to 34 countries. Ten years after their return, Claire and Guy set off once more, this time to take on the mystical Northwest Passage - Canada's Arctic archipelago linking the North Atlantic with the Pacific. Presented by TheSailingChannel.TV Browse our VOD collection Join our eNewsletter for news and discount offers. Sailing Documentaries and How-To Videos. Brought to you by TheSailingChannel.TV

In a great profile in Saturday's New York Times promoting his new novel Agent Running in the Field, author John le Carré  reveals that his sons' production company, The Ink Factory, are plotting an epic new TV series about his most famous character, spymaster George Smiley. "According to le Carré," asserts the article's author, Tobias Grey, "The Ink Factory now plans to do new television adaptations of all the novels featuring Cold War spy George Smiley - this time in chronological order. 'That means that if you actually go back to the first big conspiracies in The Spy Who Came In From the Cold, you've got to consider how Smiley ages and how young he was at that time,' le Carré says. That would mean finding an actor who can play younger than the Smiley incarnated by Gary Oldman in the film version of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Le Carré says that his sons are interested in casting the British actor Jared Harris, whose performance they all admired in the recent TV mini-series Chernobyl." Harris (The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Allied), interestingly, was originally cast in Tomas Alfredson's 2011 le Carré  adaptation Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy as Circus (MI6) chief Percy Alleline, but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts with Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, in which he played Professor Moriarty. Toby Jones took on the Alleline role, and embodied the character perfectly. Besides Oldman, Smiley has been played in the past by Denholm Elliott, James Mason, Rupert Davies, and, most memorably, Alec Guinness in two famous BBC miniseries.

A new miniseries version of The Spy Who Came In From the Cold was first announced back in 2016 as a follow-up to the hugely successful le Carré miniseries The Night Manager. Le Carré worked with the producers and writer to crack their take on the material, and that work led him to write a whole new sequel to the book, A Legacy of Spies, but did not yield a series. Instead, The Little Drummer Girl (2018) proved to be the next le Carré miniseries, but work continued on The Spy Who Came In From the Cold. Now, apparently, that project has grown in scope and morphed into this one. I've long craved a long-form TV series about le Carré's Circus, devoting a season to each book and dropping in the short stories from The Secret Pilgrim at the appropriate historical moments and, most crucially, finally giving us a television version of the (to date unfilmed) middle book in the Karla trilogy, The Honourable Schoolboy. This sounds like it could turn out to be exactly that! (Though hopefully they'll begin at the real beginning with Call For the Dead, and not The Spy Who Came In From the Cold.) It's a most tantalizing prospect!

Read my George Smiley Primer here.

The spy genre has lost a Great today. The Guardian reports that Honor Blackman has passed away at the age of 94, "of natural causes unrelated to coronavirus." It's crushing to lose two of the key Bond Girls in a matter of months, Blackman's death coming on the heels of Thunderball's Claudine Auger in December. And while she will probably be best remembered for her definitive portrayal of Pussy Galore opposite Sean Connery in Goldfinger, Blackman's mark on the spy genre is far greater. For me, she'll first and foremost always be Cathy Gale, John Steed's first regular female partner on the UK TV classic The Avengers.

Cathy Gale was ultimately overshadowed by Steed's more famous subsequent partner, Emma Peel (played to perfection by another future Bond Girl, Diana Rigg), but Gale's and Blackman's place in television history cannot be overstated. Cathy Gale was television's original badass, leather-clad female spy, paving the way not only for Mrs. Peel, but for Honey West (producer Aaron Spelling was inspired to create the show by Avengers episodes he saw in England, and reportedly first offered the role to Blackman, who turned it down), The Bionic Woman, Alias's Sydney Bristow, and every other leading lady of espionage to throw an attacker over her shoulder, as well as non-spy heroines like Xena and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Quite simply, there had never been an action-oriented female protagonist on television before Honor Blackman's groundbreaking performance. She changed the game. In part, this was due to Blackman inheriting scripts that had been originally written for another male partner for Steed (following his first season foil, Ian Hendry's Dr. David Keel), which were hastily rewritten for her, but kept the character involved in the action in a way women hadn't been previously on TV. But in a larger part, it was due to Blackman's undeniable and very physical presence: she played Cathy as a woman definitely not to be trifled with! And she learned judo for the role, impressively dispatching stuntmen twice her size on a regular basis on episodes that were at the time taped live. Her obvious talent even led to the publication of a book, Honor Blackman's Book of Self-Defense.

Prior to playing Cathy Gale, Blackman was known for glamour more than ass-kicking. But she'd already racked up a pretty impressive roster of spy roles. Foremost among them was a regular role on the 1959-60 ITC wheel show The 4 Just Men (review here), in which she played Nicole, secretary to Paris-based Just Man Tim Collier (Dan Dailey). That was a series very much of its time in all respects, so Nicole was no Cathy Gale, but Blackman nonetheless imbued her with the quick wit and spark that would later define her more famous character alongside her martial arts skills. She also made pre-Avengers appearances on other ITC series like The Saint, Danger Man,  and The Invisible Man, as well as U.K. spy and detective series like Top Secret (sadly lost), Ghost Squad, and The Vise, while also turning up in spy movies like Conspirator (with Elizabeth Taylor), Diplomatic Passport, and the original 1953 TV movie version of Little Red Monkey (penned by wartime BSC spy Eric Maschwitz and adapted two years later into a feature film version). Other notable film roles during this period include Jason and the Argonauts (1963), the Eric Ambler-penned Titanic drama A Night to Remember (1958), the Dirk Bogarde suspense drama So Long at the Fair (1950), and the Hammer noir The Glass Tomb (1955). Following the international success of Goldfinger, Blackman surprisingly didn't make many more spy appearances. The notable exceptions were the superior 1968 Goeffrey Jenkins adaptation A Twist of Sand (a movie in dire need of a Blu-ray or at least DVD release!), opposite Deadlier Than the Male's Richard Johnson, and a 1983 TV adaptation of Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence mystery The Secret Adversary. In the late Nineties, Mike Meyers dreamed of getting Blackman and Connery to play Austin Powers' parents, but that didn't happen and Michael Caine ended up playing his dad. While not playing spies, though, Blackman continued to have a robust post-Bond career, including a re-teaming with Connery in the 1968 Western Shalako, a pair of 1970s cult horror movies, Fright ('71), and Hammer's final genre flick of that incarnation, To the Devil a Daughter ('76), opposite Christopher Lee, and, more recently, a very memorable comedic turn in Bridget Jones's Diary (2001). She also continued to make her mark in television, too, with recurring or starring roles on Doctor Who, The Upper Hand, and Coronation Street, and guest appearances in Columbo, Dr. Terrible's House of Horrible, Midsomer Murders, and New Tricks.

Her early fame from The Avengers brought her an unlikely career milestone in 1990 when an infectious novelty single she had recorded with Patrick Macnee in the early Sixties, "Kinky Boots," became a dubious Top 10 radio hit at Christmastime. Some have described it as "embarrassing," but as far as I'm concerned both of those stars had enough infectious charisma to pull it off even if they're not really singers! (I'm also partial to the B-side, "Let's Keep It Friendly," about the characters' platonic relationship on the show.)

Blackman has also had a successful theater career, including productions of "The Sound of Music," "My Fair Lady" and "Cabaret," and a couple of touring one-woman shows. It was one of these performances that brought her into my out-of-the-way neck of the woods when I was in high school in the mid-Nineties. I took in the show, which was amazing, and then managed to meet her backstage. Blackman was the first Bond celebrity I'd ever met, and she did not let me down. She seemed genuinely happy to meet with fans, and gladly signed a Goldfinger trading card for this starstruck teen while regaling me with stories from her days on The Avengers. She even weighed in with a decidedly non-PC answer on a debate I'd been having at the time with a friend about whether Bond and Pussy's roll in the hay was truly consensual. "Darling," she told me, eyes sparkling, "it was Sean Connery. Any woman would have wanted it!"

That sparkle remained ever-present as she remained a public figured right up to the end, always reliable for some media appearances whenever a new Bond movie came out. She never turned her back on the franchise, or publicly showed any resentment for the "Bond Girl" label that followed her throughout her career. She also continued to be a cheerleader for The Avengers, despite having left the series just before its transition to film and color... and the American broadcast that cemented its global fame.

In Blackman's final episode of The Avengers (after her Goldfinger casting was already public news), Steed bade farewell to Cathy Gale with a typical request of a favor, beginning, "And as you're going to be out there anyway, pussyfooting along those sun-soaked shores..."

"You thought I might do a little investigating," she finishes, knowing him all too well. She demurs, asserting her well-earned right to a vacation. "You see I'm not going to be pussy-footing along those sun-soaked shores," she corrects her partner, "I'm going to be lying on them." Pussyfooting or lounging, Honor Blackman has certainly earned her trip to those sun-soaked shores. While more terrestrially, the modern spy genre forever owes her an enormous debt. Blackman was a true trailblazer, who transformed the role of women in the spy genre from femme fatales who relied exclusively on their sexuality to equal participants in the action, undaunted by superior force and unmatched in combat skills.

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