Latest news with #FirstImpressions
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Blind date: ‘Pick a number higher than 10. The company, restaurant and atmosphere were simply the best'
What were you hoping for? A story to tell. First impressions? Tall, charming and the first to arrive. I had hoped to so I could be composed and in control, but my phone is rubbish so I couldn't follow the directions. What did you talk about? Brexshit and the fallout with which we are living. We had a cheers to my friend's mum, Brenda, who had the most wonderful funeral earlier in the day, and a cheers to Jayesh's mum, whose birthday it would've been. Most awkward moment? We decided the food mess on my side of the table was not worth mentioning. So, no awkward moments. Good table manners? Impeccable. Best thing about Jayesh? I got an incredibly warm welcome. We cut straight to the chase about the wine (really fab choice by Jayesh). Our political opinions and suchlike were on a par, and he is generous to a fault. Blind date is Saturday's dating column: every week, two strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the UK) and online at every Saturday. It's been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together questions will I be asked?We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions cover everything you would like to know, tell us what's on your mind. Can I choose who I match with?No, it's a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests, preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely to be. Can I pick the photograph?No, but don't worry: we'll choose the nicest ones. What personal details will appear?Your first name, job and age. How should I answer?Honestly but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online. Will I see the other person's answers?No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details. Will you find me The One?We'll try! Marriage! Babies! Can I do it in my home town?Only if it's in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere. How to applyEmail Would you introduce Jayesh to your friends? Of course – my friends are inquisitive (nosy), so it would be nice. Describe Jayesh in three words. Very engaging person. What do you think Jayesh made of you? Not at all a messy eater – pretty sure of that. Did you go on somewhere? Couldn't really – it was a school night. And … did you kiss? Guardian, please! If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? My phone, to guide me in the right direction. Marks out of 10? Pick a number higher than 10. The company, restaurant and atmosphere were simply the best. Would you meet again? We promised the restaurant a revisit. What were you hoping for? A fun night out and not to make a fool of myself. First impressions? Imelda is a charming, happy lady and put me at ease immediately. What did you talk about? Life experiences, politics, Brexshit … We talked so much I can't remember what we talked about. Most awkward moment? Me being early. Good table manners? Absolutely perfect. Best thing about Imelda? Putting me at ease, and her Irish accent. Would you introduce Imelda to your friends? No, I think they'd like Imelda more than me! Yes, of course, no reason not to. Describe Imelda in three words. Sensitive, caring lady. What do you think Imelda made of you? No idea – I probably talked too much. Did you go on somewhere? We were the last in the restaurant, so Imelda walked me to my station. And … did you kiss? We had three hugs. The connection felt more friendly – but ours will be a great friendship, that's for sure. If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? We could have carried on talking for longer, but it was getting late. Marks out of 10? 10. Would you meet again? Yes. We are going back to Cord for a taster menu, as friends. Imelda and Jayesh ate at Cord, London EC4. Fancy a blind date? Email
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Blind date: ‘Pick a number higher than 10. The company, restaurant and atmosphere were simply the best'
What were you hoping for? A story to tell. First impressions? Tall, charming and the first to arrive. I had hoped to so I could be composed and in control, but my phone is rubbish so I couldn't follow the directions. What did you talk about? Brexshit and the fallout with which we are living. We had a cheers to my friend's mum, Brenda, who had the most wonderful funeral earlier in the day, and a cheers to Jayesh's mum, whose birthday it would've been. Most awkward moment? We decided the food mess on my side of the table was not worth mentioning. So, no awkward moments. Good table manners? Impeccable. Best thing about Jayesh? I got an incredibly warm welcome. We cut straight to the chase about the wine (really fab choice by Jayesh). Our political opinions and suchlike were on a par, and he is generous to a fault. Blind date is Saturday's dating column: every week, two strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the UK) and online at every Saturday. It's been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together questions will I be asked?We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions cover everything you would like to know, tell us what's on your mind. Can I choose who I match with?No, it's a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests, preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely to be. Can I pick the photograph?No, but don't worry: we'll choose the nicest ones. What personal details will appear?Your first name, job and age. How should I answer?Honestly but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online. Will I see the other person's answers?No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details. Will you find me The One?We'll try! Marriage! Babies! Can I do it in my home town?Only if it's in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere. How to applyEmail Would you introduce Jayesh to your friends? Of course – my friends are inquisitive (nosy), so it would be nice. Describe Jayesh in three words. Very engaging person. What do you think Jayesh made of you? Not at all a messy eater – pretty sure of that. Did you go on somewhere? Couldn't really – it was a school night. And … did you kiss? Guardian, please! If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? My phone, to guide me in the right direction. Marks out of 10? Pick a number higher than 10. The company, restaurant and atmosphere were simply the best. Would you meet again? We promised the restaurant a revisit. What were you hoping for? A fun night out and not to make a fool of myself. First impressions? Imelda is a charming, happy lady and put me at ease immediately. What did you talk about? Life experiences, politics, Brexshit … We talked so much I can't remember what we talked about. Most awkward moment? Me being early. Good table manners? Absolutely perfect. Best thing about Imelda? Putting me at ease, and her Irish accent. Would you introduce Imelda to your friends? No, I think they'd like Imelda more than me! Yes, of course, no reason not to. Describe Imelda in three words. Sensitive, caring lady. What do you think Imelda made of you? No idea – I probably talked too much. Did you go on somewhere? We were the last in the restaurant, so Imelda walked me to my station. And … did you kiss? We had three hugs. The connection felt more friendly – but ours will be a great friendship, that's for sure. If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? We could have carried on talking for longer, but it was getting late. Marks out of 10? 10. Would you meet again? Yes. We are going back to Cord for a taster menu, as friends. Imelda and Jayesh ate at Cord, London EC4. Fancy a blind date? Email
Al Etihad
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Bassam Freiha Art Foundation marks one-year anniversary with new projects
16 Apr 2025 00:58 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF), the private art foundation on Saadiyat Island, celebrated its one-year anniversary on Saturday night with a variety of activities and highlight of BFAF's anniversary was the opening of the Education Gallery, the foundation's newly completed expansion. Featuring exhibitions, workshop areas and an outdoor auditorium, the expansion seeks to foster artistic talent, and provide an inspiring space where artists, students and the public can enrich their minds with meaningful cultural addition to the Education Gallery, the anniversary event also featured the launch of a new student showcase by Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, and a sculpture by world-renowned Italian artist Lorenzo 'First Impressions', the student showcase brings together diverse and richly imaginative works created by Cranleigh Abu Dhabi students during a series of BFAF art workshops. Inviting youth to explore a variety of artistic approaches, from figurative realism to abstraction, each session was guided by practising artists and educators. Designed to encourage experimentation and self-expression, the exhibition is available to view until May 11, 2025, and is the first of many similar student showcases which will be exhibited over the coming months and years. The LOVE by Lorenzo Quinn features a monumental sculpture created from stainless steel wire mesh and LED lights. Featuring two hands suspended in an embrace, the sculpture evokes a powerful sense of unity, tenderness, and shared humanity. Designed to reflect the spirit of shared responsibility that embodies the UAE's Year of Community (2025), it offers a visual reminder of the ties that bind communities, and it will be available to view until August 31, anniversary also provided the ideal opportunity for BFAF to look back and reflect on the successes of its first for its impactful design and vision, and the skillful way it integrates art, culture, and architecture into a cohesive and inspiring space, the foundation was awarded the Design Middle East Award 2024 for Cultural Project of the Year, while its packed programme of mentorship sessions, workshops, and educational initiatives continues to be well attended by community members of all to empowering local, regional and international artists by providing them with a platform for their work, and growing Abu Dhabi's thriving artistic scene, the foundation has also hosted many pivotal exhibitions since its launch in March 2024. For instance, one of its most memorable collections was Hour Eternal – 20 Years of Emirati Abstraction. Created in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Culture, and a number of regional artists, collectors, and galleries, it provided audiences with a profound exploration of contemporary Emirati abstract Western portrayals of the Orientalist movement from the private collection of Bassam Freiha were also depicted in the Visions of the Orient: Highlights from the Bassam Freiha Art Collection exhibition, while Mineral Garden featured a thought-provoking exhibition presented in partnership with the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil. Most recently, the foundation introduced two new exhibitions by Stefano Simontacchi, the visionary Italian artist more commonly known as 'The Prism'. Curated by contemporary art theorist Marco Senaldi, the exhibitions 'Project Oneness and Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey' feature dynamic interplays between form and colour, circular compositions, and reflective surfaces. Accompanied by a programme of wellness experiences, including sound healing sessions, guided meditations, yoga experiences, artist talks and interactive workshops, 'The Prism' is available to experience until August 31. Michaela Watrelot, Curator and Director of Exhibitions at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, said: 'It is with immense pride that we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. Over the past 12 months, we have demonstrated the transformative power of art through a variety of world-class exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public workshops, which have helped to support the growth of our artistic community since we first opened our doors. 'Our new expansion demonstrates our commitment to showcasing the work of the region's emerging talents in front of a global audience, and our dedication to making art accessible to all, fostering emerging talent, and developing Abu Dhabi's creative community.'
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
From pulpits to protest, the surprising history of the phrase ‘pride and prejudice'
Most readers hear 'pride and prejudice' and immediately think of Jane Austen's most famous novel, that salty-sweet confection of romance and irony with a fairy-tale ending. Few people, however, know the history of the phrase 'pride and prejudice,' which I explore in my new book, 'Jane Austen, Abolitionist: The Loaded History of the Phrase 'Pride and Prejudice.'' Like most Austen fans and scholars, I had read and loved her novels for years without learning much about the history of the title, which Austen chose after scrapping the original one, 'First Impressions.' By the 20th century, 'pride and prejudice' became solely associated with Austen's 1813 novel. The phrase, which has religious origins, appeared in hundreds of works before Austen was born. From Britain it traveled to America, and from religious tomes it expanded to secular works. It even became a hallmark of abolitionist writing. While 2025 marks Austen's 250th birthday, the phrase 'pride and prejudice' first appeared more than 400 years ago, in religious writings by English Protestants. As the daughter, sister, cousin and granddaughter of Church of England ministers, Austen was certainly aware of the tradition. If ministers wanted to reproach their parishioners or their opponents, they attributed criticism of their sermons to 'pride and prejudice' – as coming from people too arrogant and narrow-minded to entertain their words in good faith. While the usage began in the Church of England, other denominations, even radical ones, soon adopted it: 'Pride and prejudice' appears in the writings of Nonconformists, Anabaptists, Quakers, Dissenters and other representatives of 'Schism, Faction and Sedition,' as one anonymous writer called them. One early takeaway is that, amid fervent religious conflicts, various denominations similarly used 'pride and prejudice' as a criticism. The unnamed minister himself complained that, owing to 'the Pride and Prejudice of mens Spirits, the prevailing Interests of some Factions and Parties, the greatest part of the Nation are miserably wanting in their Duty.' At the same time, the phrase could be invoked to support religious toleration and in pleas for inclusiveness. 'When all Pride and Prejudice, all Interests and Designs, being submitted to the Honour of God, and the Discharge of our Duty,' an anonymous clergyman wrote in 1734, 'the Holy Scriptures shall again triumph over the vain Traditions of Men; and Religion no longer take its Denomination from little Sects and Factions.' In the 18th century, advances in publishing led to an explosion of secular writing. For the first time, regular people could buy books about history, politics and philosophy. These popular texts spread the phrase 'pride and prejudice' to even more distant shores. One fan was American founding father Thomas Paine. In his 47-page pamphlet 'Common Sense,' Paine argued that kings could not be trusted to protect democracy: 'laying aside all national pride and prejudice in favour of modes and forms, the plain truth is, that it is wholly owing to the constitution of the people, and not to the constitution of the government[,] that the crown is not as repressive in England as in Turkey.' Others included Daniel Defoe, author of 'Robinson Crusoe.' In his 1708 essay 'Review of the State of the British Nation,' Defoe satirically exhorted the public to vote Tory rather than electing men of sense, to 'dispell the Poisons' that 'Sloth, Envy, Pride and Prejudice may have contracted, and bring the Blood of the Party into a true circulation.' After the philosophers, the historians and the political commentators came the novelists. And among the novelists, female writers were especially important. My annotated list in 'Jane Austen, Abolitionist' includes more than a dozen female writers using the phrase between 1758 and 1812, the year Austen finished revising 'Pride and Prejudice.' Among them was Frances Burney. Scholars have often attributed Austen's famous title to Burney, who used the phrase 'pride and prejudice' in her novel 'Cecilia.' But Burney was not alone. Female novelists who used the expression before Austen included Charlotte Lennox, sisters Harriet and Sophia Lee, Charlotte Turner Smith, Mrs. Colpoys, Anne Seymour Damer and mother and daughter Susannah and Elizabeth Gunning, who jointly authored their novel 'The Heir Apparent.' As the critique embodied in the phrase progressed beyond religious and partisan conflict, it became increasingly used in the context of ethics and social reform. My most striking discovery in this research is the long-standing association of the phrase 'pride and prejudice' with abolitionism, the movement to eradicate enslavement and the slave trade. The leaders of transnational antislavery organizations used it at their conventions and in the books and periodicals they published. In 1843, 30 years after the publication of Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice,' British Quaker Thomas Clarkson wrote to the General Antislavery Convention, which was meeting in London. He exhorted the faithful to repudiate slavery 'at once and forever' if there were any among them 'whose eyes may be so far blinded, or their consciences so far seared by interest or ignorance, pride or prejudice, as still to sanction or uphold this unjust and sinful system.' He even used the phrase twice. Acknowledging that some violent abolitionists had aroused reaction, he warned his audience that 'this state of feeling arises as much from pride and prejudice on the one hand, as from indiscretion or impropriety on the other.' At the funeral for abolitionist John Brown, the minister prayed over his body, 'Oh, God, cause the oppressed to go free; break any yoke, and prostrate the pride and prejudice that dare to lift themselves up.' Use of the phrase did not end with Emancipation or the end of the U.S. Civil War. In fact, it was one of Frederick Douglass' favorite phrases. On Oct. 22, 1883, in his 'Address at Lincoln Hall,' Douglass excoriated the Supreme Court's decision rendering the Civil Rights Act of 1875 unconstitutional. As was typical of Douglass, the speech ranged beyond racial inequities: 'Color prejudice is not the only prejudice against which a Republic like ours should guard. The spirit of caste is malignant and dangerous everywhere. There is the prejudice of the rich against the poor, the pride and prejudice of the idle dandy against the hard-handed workingman.' Early on in 'Pride and Prejudice,' the conceited Caroline Bingley snipes that Elizabeth Bennet shows 'an abominable sort of conceited independence.' Later, the snobbish Lady Catherine accuses Bennet of being 'headstrong.' But near the ending, Mr. Darcy tells Bennet that he loves her for 'the liveliness' of her 'mind.' In this respect, Bennet reflects a quality that all of Austen's heroines possess. While they try to adhere to standards of courtesy and respect, none are guilty of saying only what the leading man wants to hear. Given that Austen chose her title to honor the phrase and its history, it is ironic that her own fame ended up drowning out the abolitionist associations of 'pride and prejudice' after the Civil War. If there is any work of fiction that successfully makes self-sufficiency, independent thinking and open-mindedness look good – and makes sycophants, rigidity and hysterical devotion to rank and status look bad – it is 'Pride and Prejudice.' Yet the lasting popularity of Austen's novel demonstrates that the ethics contained in the phrase continue to resonate today, even if its context has been lost. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Margie Burns, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Read more: 3 of Jane Austen's 6 brothers engaged in antislavery activism − new research offers more clues about her own views Sellout! How political corruption shaped an American insult After the rediscovery of a 19th-century novel, our view of black female writers is transformed Margie Burns does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Telegraph
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Gen Z should worry less about job titles and do some work for a change
The lady was efficient, helpfully bagging me some accommodation at a hotel whose booking system I was struggling to navigate. She did PR for the place, so I was able to lay my plans, as it were, with the top dogs. I thanked her, via email, and then spotted her job title: senior vice-president. This was impressive. Doing my bidding was someone of serious stature. How fortunate was I to have found someone right at the top of this organisation, someone who, surely, processed through the office, assistants trailing in their wake, en route, for sure, to an audience with the president. Then I drilled a little deeper and realised that it's been a while since I worked in an office, a few years since I troubled the hierarchy of an organisation, and these titles are a little misleading to the untrained eye. To be labelled vice-president is as de rigueur as the pronouns that inevitably follow on the email sign-off. And while it sounds grand, the VPs are as likely to be carried around town in a sedan chair as the work experience kids. Or slaves as we used to call them – 'interns' as they must now be described. The VP is the lowest of the low, just up from them are the senior VPs. I recall being admonished once by an American friend after I made reference to their 'receptionist'. 'Vice-President of First Impressions, thank you very much,' came the correction. I've long been sceptical about job titles, knowing that management brandish them as alternatives to pay rises. And now, of course, it's even more complicated when tied to the geography of an office. This week, an employment tribunal ruled that senior employees can sue their company if they think the desk they've been allocated doesn't befit their status. Nicholas Walker, 53, successfully litigated for constructive unfair dismissal when he, a senior estate agent, was assigned a desk in the middle, rather than at the back, of the office. My heart now goes out to management everywhere. It's been hard enough getting the Gen Zs back to the office, pleading with them to attend their place of work at least three days a week, crafting an extravagant job title and bending to their demands to take time off work because they got dumped at the weekend. Now the staff-tyrants can raise their hackles about their desk location, have a good old whinge, claim mental-health issues and head for the nearest employment tribunal. As a lonely, desperate freelance writer, I can only dream of such squabbles. Although, proudly, I do remain President of the Weston and Weedon Horticultural Society, although as an absent member of the committee – having long left the glorious county of Northamptonshire for Somerset, I'm expecting to lose that prestigious title at any moment. At which point I'll have to enact an executive order on the home front and appoint myself chairman of our household. Although the position is unstable. Chilled from failed heating in one part of the house, I set up shop this week with my laptop on the kitchen table only to be ordered out by management, who claimed, 'You know this is where I work.' All of which gave me some great insight into the workings of Gen Z, or rather all the entertaining flim-flam you can get enmeshed in that doesn't involve doing any actual work.
