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JLF presents Brave New World | Teamwork Arts announces an exciting digital literature series

Teamwork Arts announces an exciting digital literature series

“JLF presents Brave New World”

 These are testing times. Times which we had not ever foreseen or can even quite comprehend. Times which have made us distance ourselves physically from one another even as we value and understand the importance of the human connection.

This is also a time when we turn to the hope-instilling powers of literature.  The iconic Jaipur Literature Festival has always celebrated the glory of the word and the spirit of the community that books build. The Festival believes in linking people through the universal language of art and literature at a time which defies every known challenge. Now more than ever, when de-globalisation is the need of the hour, a free-flowing exchange of ideas must be kept alive.

Teamwork Arts, producer of the annual Jaipur Literature Festival, today announced its new literature series – “JLF presents Brave New World”, a virtual initiative to celebrate books, their power and positivity. “Brave New World” will be an online literature series in which the sprawling grounds of Diggi Palace will be replaced by the boundless possibilities of the Internet. The series has been scheduled to kick off from Saturday, 4th April, 2020.

Described as the “greatest literary show on Earth”, the Jaipur Literature Festival is a sumptuous feast of ideas. The past decade has seen it transform into a global literary phenomenon having hosted nearly 2000 speakers and welcoming over a million book-lovers from across India and the globe.

At this exciting and upcoming digital series, eminent author and advocate Abhinav Chandrachud and well-known journalist Pragya Tiwari will be in conversation on the devastating Bombay bubonic plague epidemic of 1896 and its repercussions today.

Former politician and author Bruno Maçães will speak about our transformed circumstances and the lessons learnt from America, China and Europe at a session on our past, present and future, and what the rebirth of these nations could mean for the world and global affairs.

Freedom of thought is a basic human right which protects individual thought and  conscience in every human being. In conversation with writer and broadcaster Bee Rowlatt, Baroness Helena Kennedy will explore the need to protect the “forum internum” – our private mental space – from the incursions of digital technology – at a session titled “Freedom of Thought”.

Writer, politician and public intellectual Shashi Tharoor and President of Observer Research Foundation Samir Saran,  co-authors of the recent The New World Disorder and the India Imperative, will be in conversation and will share their views on the current crisis the world is going through. Their session will build a necessary narrative on the new realities that confront us today.

“Walls and Bridges” will be a session on dystopian fiction and its increasingly real and uncanny presence in our lives in which  Prayaag Akbar, author of ‘Leila’ (which was adapted into a Netflix series), and Amrita Tripathi, author of ‘The Sibius Knot’ will share their views.

Namita Gokhale, writer, publisher and Co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, said, “Book lovers are never truly alone – not when we have books, and each other. JLF has always affirmed the spirit of community. We believe that these testing times are also the moments in which we need to interrogate and make sense of our world, through books and ideas, debate and dialogue, music and philosophy, science and the arts. JLF, which has always been a platform that celebrates the spirit of human connection, is now ready to go straight into hearts and minds and homes. Our timely new initiative, ‘Brave New World’ will provide an important new resource for our extended JLF family across the world.”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts who produce the Jaipur Literature Festival said,“ JLF continues to be a platform for ideas, introspection and innovation by celebrating the word and sharing each other’s stories. JLF’s Brave New World is an initiative to look ahead and envision a better future for mankind.”

Website: www.jaipurliteraturefestival.org

Binge watch the entire John Wick series starring Keanu Reeves this weekend

GET READY TO PACK A POWERFUL PUNCH WITHTHE ‘JOHN WICK 3’PREMIERE ON STAR MOVIES, 12th April

Binge watch the entire John Wick series starring Keanu Reeves this weekend

9th April 2020, Mumbai:Set your reminders on for this weekend, as actor/director, Keanu Reeves, will deliver you a healthy dose of action – or as John Wick himself puts it , “Guns, lots of Guns!”.Follow along the silent assassin’s quest to avenge the death of his dog, with the third installment of the intense action-packed extravaganza,John Wick: Chapter 3is set to debut for the First time on Televisiononly onStar Movies.

Not enough John Wick for you? Star Movies has got you covered – catch up on the entire John Wick series, all through Sunday, with Chapter 1 airing at 5 pm and Chapter 2 at 7 pm.

The critically acclaimed John Wick franchiseenjoys the status of being a well-crafted trilogy featuring- a layered story with complex plot points, intricate character developments and a whole lot of death defying stunts and mayhem.

The franchise is celebrated as a genre-bending masterpiece and enjoys an iconic cult following – asboth a thrilling entertainer and involving a unique depth of feeling.

In John Wick’s book revenge is a dish best served steaming hot and with a lot of pain and John Wick 3 promises the same franchise favorites- exquisitely choreographed action, masterfully designed and effortlessly executed fight scenes, a strong streak of humour and much more.

Catch John Wick: Chapter 3 – ParabellumFirst Time on Television only on Star Movies, 12th April 2020 at 1 pm and 9 pm

John Wick at 5 pm and John Wick – Chapter 2 at 7 pm

Clarks Shoes Presents All New Pure Viola Slip – Ons

CLARKS PURE VIOLA
 
 
The Clarks Pure Viola Slip ons provide simple, feminine styling thanks to the super soft, black leather upper and rounded toe shape.
 
FEATURES
 
With a new metal trim, the Pure Viola silhouette has been given an update for this season. The smart slip-on style is crafted from chic snake leather and is finished with a resin rubber sole for added grip and durability. 
The combination of Cushion Plus™ technology with a leather lining and sock results in lasting freshness and comfort – making these shoes perfect for work or occasions that call for you to be on your feet all day.
 

Available at all Clarks stores and on – www.clarks.in

Take a little more care this National Public Health Week with these quick recipes

Take a little more care this National Public Health Week with these quick recipes

In the current time when health has become one of the prime concerns, it becomes inevitable for us to consider the diet we intake. While the nation quarantines and is in the “Netflix and binge” mode, it is important to ensure that we have some healthy snack binge list to pick from! To ease that worry out, Del Monte brings quick and easy recipes this National Public Health Week. You can now watch your favorite series with while you stay home, stay safe and remain healthy.

Caesar Salad

Ingredients-

  • 3 Cup Lettuce
  • ¼ Cup Soft Cheese In Cubes
  • 2 Cups Bread Croutons
  • ½ Cup Del Monte Mayonnaise
  • ¼ Cup Del Monte Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • TBSP Lemon Juice
  • TBSP Finely Minced Garlic
  • TBSP Worcestershire Sauce
  • ½ TBSP English Mustard Paste
  • Salt to Taste

Method-

  • To make bread croutons, remove the sides of stale bread slices.
  • Cut the bread slices into equal size small cubes.
  • Brush the cubes with melted butter.
  • Bake at 175 degrees C for 15 minutes or until browned. Let cool.
  • To make the salad dressing, combine Del Monte Mayo, garlic, sauce, mustard paste and lemon juice in a bowl.
  • Whisk nicely until well combined. Now slowly pour the Del Monte Olive Oil while continuously whisking. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Arrange lettuce leaves in a salad bowl. Add bread croutons and cheese cubes.
  • Pour dressing over the salad. Sprinkle some parmesan shavings if you like.
  • Serve Caesar Salad with toasted bread on the side.

Orange Cranberry Salad With Rockets and Almonds

Ingredients-

  • 3 Oranges
  • ½ Cup Del Monte Dried Cranberries
  • 1 Onion
  • ¾ Cup Rocket Leaves
  • 1/3 Cup Almonds
  • Some Mint Leaves
  • Some Salt and Black Pepper, As Per Taste
  • ½ TSP Dried Basil

Method-

  • Let’s begin by adding orange slices, cranberries, onion rings, sliced almonds, lemon juice, dried basil, salt and pepper to a large bowl.
  • Gently toss the ingredients in the bowl to blend in the flavors well. Throw in rocket leaves and gently mix it once.
  • Chill it for an hour and your salad is ready to be served.

Corn Salad

Ingredients-

  • 1 Can Del Monte Whole Corn Kernels
  • ¼ Cup Red Onion (Fine Chopped)
  • ¼ Cup Cherry Tomato (Cut Into Halves)
  • 1 Avocado (Sliced Or Cut Into Small Chunks)
  • 2 TBSP Soft Cheese (Crumbled)
  • 2 TBSP Del Monte Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1-2 TBSP Salt & Pepper To Taste
  • 1-2 TBSP Fresh Parsley (Fine Chopped)
  • 1 Lemon (For Lemon Juice)

Method-

  • Prepare the salad dressing first by combining Del Monte olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk nicely.
  • Combine corn kernels, tomato, onion and avocado in a bowl. Pour dressing over the salad.
  • Add cheese, gently toss and serve the corn salad.

MAXIMISE YOUR FAMILY TIME

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often tend to push family time aside for all our other responsibilities. Now you have the option to maximise your Family Time, with the current situation of the COVID-19, and with most of the world coming to a standstill, RCI encourages you to stay home and stay safe. Here is a list of top 5 bonding activities by RCI for some quality time with the FAM, go ahead and try the same with your family.

Family Night: Choose a night each week that is always family night. Everyone should know what night this is. Keep it scheduled and don’t let anything fall in its place. Every week each member of the family gets to choose the ‘Movie of the day’.  What a better way to end the night with a great movie and a hot bag of popcorn or maybe a game night, where the whole family gets together and plays games that help us re-learn the Maps and countries of the world. You can pick your next destination to travel once we are done with COVID-19.

Exercise Together: Physical activity and sunshine is great for everyone but when you do it together as a family, you build those relationships at the same time. Win-win!! Staying at home can become lethargic and boring for the body. Everyday, make time to do basic exercise like stretching, yoga, or running around your garden.

Read Together: Gather all the books in your house. Find a list of great chapter books for whatever age your children are. Before bed, read a chapter together. Reading together makes for great conversation and bonding time. And if a movie was made after the book, go watch it on ‘movie night’ together!

Share Family Stories: Find time to share stories about your family’s history. Dig out your old photo albums and look through them with your children. Add new pictures to the family collection together and make this a regular activity. As your children grow into their teenage years, finding time will become even more difficult. Save these memories. Click many pictures and keep adding them to the Family albums so you can look back at them some day.

Cook Together: When you make dinner, ask one of your children to help you. We know this might make the dinner process a little longer, sometimes a lot longer. But if you help your kids get familiar in the kitchen when they are younger, it will be easier for them later; they might even thank you for it someday. This will also be a great time to spend time together and learn together. You could choose any country where our resorts are across the world and pick different cuisines to choose from.

There are so many options out there for family time. Make it simple. It doesn’t have to be a huge deal! Just make sure you do it! We will enjoy life better if we enjoy life with the ones we love. If you have any new ways to spend Family time during this crisis,

SUMMER SENSATION

Harleen Kaur, offers a distinct aesthetic by combining traditional South Asian clothing with modern eclectic, western concepts.
 
FEATURES
 
* Versatile, innovative, and contemporary
* From handmade Italian jacquards, to fine Japanese satin, to tulle hand-beaded in India, each piece is as culturally diverse as the society in which it belongs. Each piece is made thoughtfully with the best quality fabrics, zippers, linings, and trims. 

Snapchat launches the Donation Lenses to support COVID-19 response efforts by WHO

Augmented Reality Donation Lenses on Snapchat that was launched today.

  In these testing times, Snap Inc. has taken a proactive approach to ensure Snapchatters have access to credible, fact-based information on their platform. In line with this, Snapchat introduces new augmented reality – donation lense in India for Snapchatters who want to support COVID-19 response efforts. 

When a Snapchatter views an INR 500 currency note in the Snapchat camera and taps on it, an AR experience will trigger that shows how a potential donation could support the World Health Organization’s immediate response efforts, which include tracking the spread of COVID-19, ensuring patients get the care they need, and providing frontline workers with critical supplies.

These lenses are being launched in partnership with the United Nations Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund in support of the WHO, and will direct Snapchatters to the donation page for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO. Snapchatters will be able to access these lenses in several ways, including in the lens carousel, via Snapcode, or by using Scan. You can donate any amount in supported currencies. The AR experience will show you how your potential donation could support WHO’s work to track and understand the spread of the virus; to ensure patients get the care they need and frontline workers get essential supplies and information; and to accelerate efforts to develop vaccines, tests, and treatments. The Donation lens is active on other currencies as well such as pound, euro, dollar.

These new AR lenses build on Snap’s efforts to support Snapchatters and the partners to navigate this unprecedented challenge together. Snap has believed that Snapchatters play a critical role in stopping the spread of the virus; and has seen increased engagement across the platform, including in Snaps sent between best friends, voice and video calling. 

This is the latest feature launched by Snap as the team continues to focus on providing a seamless in app experience to help the Snap community communicate with loved ones while being physically distant, stay informed, share vital safety information with their friends, and more. 

Please find the hi res images here

Additional on Snap’s COVID-19 efforts:

·         Snap ensures that the community has access to the latest news and information on COVID-19, from trusted and credible sources. The WHO and CDC are publishing regular updates to their users from their Official Accounts; more than 40 media publishers around the world are covering every angle of the pandemic; and Snap is onboarding new editorial partners. Snap’s own news team is also regularly producing coverage and continuously updating Discover with tips and information about COVID-19, including Q&As with medical experts. To date, over 445 Discover Stories or Shows have been produced on COVID-19, and over 68 million Snapchatters worldwide have viewed COVID-19-related content on Snapchat.

·         Snapchat introduces creative tools to share safety tips with their close friends and loved ones.  These tools include a new Snappable mythbusting game based on guidance from the WHO; an informational lens in partnership with the WHO that lets Snapchatters share safety tips in a visual way; Bitmoji that enforce key health and safety messages; and new features in Zenly app (by Snapchat)

Don’t miss ‘JLF presents Brave New World’ on April 8th, 2020

From the producer and directors of the “greatest literary show on Earth”, and the multi-continent JLF, comes Brave New World – an online series of literary conversations on issues central to our times.

In case you missed the stimulating first day, listen to excerpts here

Catch the next two sessions on Wednesday, 8th April 2020, 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT)

THE NEW WORLD DISORDER: THE COVID PANDEMIC AND BEYOND

Wednesday, 8th April, 2020 | 7 pm IST (1:30 pm GMT)

Shashi Tharoor

Samir Saran

At a moment when the world faces unprecedented disruption and crisis, a necessary conversation on the new realities that confront us.

FREEDOM OF THOUGHT

Wednesday, 8th April, 2020 | 8 pm IST (2:30 pm GMT)

Helena Kennedy

Bee Rowlatt

As invasive technologies target our private selves, a cautionary session on the looming threats to freedom of thought in an age of mind control.

Architecture Student to the Rescue!- Fabricating 3D Printing Masks

Architects to the Rescue!

During these rough times of public health emergency where the world has come together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, different strata of society are playing a significant role in order to curb this global menace. With the notion of playing their part Ar. Kapil Mehta’s protégé, Master’s in architecture student of University of Southern California, Ar. Sanchit Mehta reports a ground-breaking initiative that USC university has come up with. Where healthcare workers are fulfilling their jobs wholeheartedly, students and faculty of the university have summoned together to fabricate protective gear including face masks and face-shields for healthcare workers to ensure their safety while treating the virus-infected patients.

Deeply affected by the lack ofPPE0 (Personal Protective Equipment) kits for the unsung heroes during this pandemic Sanchit Mehta states that, “If we run out of the N-95 masks in upcoming months, these 3D printed masks serve to be a backup plan as they are definitely better than wearing the rudimentary surgical masks.”

Students are employing their personal 3D printers and laser cutters to make the visors, which are being delivered to hospitals for dispensation to front-line medical staff amidst the shortages of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and similar safety hardware. The shields and masks are outlined with laser-cut plastic sheets that cover the face. The design is simple yet thoughtful. Its modular attributes make the mask reusable as three different parts are provided keeping in mind the wear and tear aspect while increasing the vitality module of the product. These 3D-printed components just require the addition of a HEPA filter to be inserted in the grid, a perimeter sealant and they are ready to use. The masks are “are a step above using handmade masks and bandanas,” says Alvin Huang, Director USC Graduate Architecture.

“It’s an entire university-wide initiative right now. We’re trying to work as fast as we can to make sure that if we come to a shortage of supplies, we have backups of things that could work,” Huang said.

“These masks are reusable, being plastic masks, they can be sanitized every now and then and they come with an added benefit where their consumables like filters can be replaced and they might be a better alternative than N-95.”, reports Sanchit Mehta.

In these difficult times, when the entire world is agonized by a profound crisis this initiative is no less than a blessing in disguise proving pivotal in fighting the public health emergency.The USC School of Architecture is also printing these devices for Keck School of Medicine, USC. Now, in the present-day scenario, many LA Schools, local firms, alumni, faculty friends have joined their hands to be a part of this noble cause. AIA LA has also sponsored the USC School of Architecture and encouraged them to continue their efforts in making these improvised means of protectionto aid in this health crisis.

The motive of bringing this initiative to everyone’s attention is to coax the rest of the world into complying with similar initiatives according to their geography. Rigid steps need to be pursued in order to flatten the curve and restore normalcy as soon as possible.