Paramount Exec Ashley Brucks Circling Top Job At Screen Gems – The Dish

EXCLUSIVE: We are hearing that the top job at Screen Gems, which is being vacated by Steve Bersh, is poised to go to Paramount EVP Ashley Brucks.

Again, with all these exec talks, put an asterisk on this in case things falls apart, but we hear Brucks is the top choice; she’s been involved with such Paramount horror franchise hits as Scream, A Quiet Place and Paranormal Activity.

Recently, Scream VI at close to $169M became the third highest grossing movie in the Dimension/Spyglass franchise worldwide, but also had the biggest opening ever for the series at $67M WW. A Quiet Place with a franchise gross of $638.2M WW from two movies speaks for itself, a beefy cash cow. The spinoff A Quiet Place: Day One is expected to hit theaters on March 8 next year. For a label like Screen Gems which is looking to revive themselves, Brucks will come in quite handy.

We are told that Sony has been interviewing candidates since June to lead its genre division which recently hit a homerun with this year’s highest grossing horror movie, Insidious: The Red Door ($188.5M), also the highest grossing in the Blumhouse franchise. Bersh was key in landing the Insidious franchise for Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions out of TIFF Midnight Madness back in 2010.

As we first told you, Bersh’s departure, set for the end of the year, was extremely amicable with Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group CEO and Chairman Tom Rothman championing the former Fox vet to stay on the Culver City lot. Scott Strauss, EVP of Production for Screen Gems, is also exiting when Bersch departs. It remains to be seen if Bersh and Brucks time will coincide at Screen Gems.

When Paramount Players was merged under Paramount Motion Picture Group early last year under co-heads Mike Ireland and Daria Cercek, Brucks, previously SEVP of Production at the studio, became Head of Development at Paramount Players.

Brucks is 15-year vet of Paramount Pictures. She began her career at DreamWorks as a production and development executive.

We’ll let you know when this all becomes official.

Sony did not respond for request to comment.

Manoj Vaibhav Gems IPO GMP Today, Review, Price, Allotment, Analysis

Get Manoj Vaibhav Gems IPO GMP Today, Manoj Vaibhav Gems N Jwellers IPO GMP Date, Manoj Jwellers IPO Price, Allotment Date, and Listing Price from here. The Manoj Vaibhav Gems N Jewellers GMP IPO is opening on 22nd September. Investments in this public issue can be made till 26 September 2023. Anchor investors will be able to invest money in this public issue from September 21. The company has fixed the price band of Rs 204 to Rs 215 for a share of face value Rs 10.

Manoj Vaibhav Gems IPO GMP Today

The Manoj Vaibhav Gems IPO GMP of South India’s famous jeweler Manoj Vaibhav Gems ‘N’ Limited will be a hit in the stock market next week. Its issue is opening on coming Friday i.e. 22nd September. Bidding can be done till 26th September. The face value of one share of the company is Rs 10. For this, the price range of Rs 204 to Rs 215 has been fixed.

Fresh equity shares worth Rs 210 crore will be issued in this Manoj Vaibhav Gems IPO of Andhra Pradesh based company Manoj Vaibhav Gems N Jewellers. Also, 28 lakh shares will be sold by promoter Grandhi Bharat Mallika Ratna Kumari (HUF) through Offer-for-Sale (OFS). In this, common investors will be able to invest money from 22 September to 26 September 2023 while anchor investors will invest money on 21 September.

Manoj Vaibhav Gems IPO GMP Today Overview

Post Title Manoj Vaibhav Gems IPO GMP Today
Category Finance
IPO Open Date 22 September 2023
IPO End Date 26 September 2023
Allotment Date 3 October 2023
Share Listing Date 6 October 2023
Official website vaibhavjwellers.com

Manoj Vaibhav Jwellers Gems IPO GMP Objective

The proceeds from the fresh equity shares under the Manoj Vaibhav Gems N IPO GMP will be used primarily for setting up 8 new showrooms proposed in FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25. It is estimated that Rs 172 crore will be spent on these showrooms. After this, the remaining money from the fresh issue will be used for general corporate purposes.

Manoj Vaibhav Gems IPO GMP Today

Manoj Vaibhav Gems n Jewelers Ltd

Vaibhav Jewelers Gems N Private Ltd is a leading regional jewelry brand in South India. It has maximum branches in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Presently the reins of this brand are with Bharat Mallika Ratna Kumari Grandhi and her daughter Grandhi Sai Keertana. The company’s net profit grew at a CAGR of 85.81 percent to Rs 71.6 crore in FY 2022-23. The brand’s EBITDA during the said period grew to Rs 143 crore, registering a CAGR growth of 43.42 percent, while margin expansion increased from 4.85 percent in FY 2020-21 to 7.06 percent in FY 2022-23.

Vaibhav Global IPO Price

The lot size of 69 shares has been fixed for Manoj Vaibhav Gems IPO. In this way, to bet on this IPO you will need Rs 14,835. Retail investors can bid for a maximum of 13 lots in the IPO. Under this issue, 50 percent shares have been reserved for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB), while 15 percent shares have been reserved for NII and 35 percent shares have been reserved for retail investors.

Manoj Vaibhav Gems IPO can be subscribed between 22-26 September. The allotment of shares of the company is expected to be completed by October 3, 2023. Shares of the company can be deposited in the demat account of successful bidders by October 5, 2023, listing of the company’s shares can happen on October 6, 2023.

Manoj Vaibhav IPO GMP Details

  • Hands Jwellers IPO Start From 22nd to 26th September
  • Price Band: Rs 204 to Rs 215 per share
  • Lot Size: 69 shares
  • Issue size: Rs 270.20 crore
  • Minimum investment: Rs 14,835

Vaibhav Jewelers is a leading regional jewelry brand in South India. It has maximum branches in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Presently the reins of this brand are with Bharat Mallika Ratna Kumari Grandhi and her daughter Grandhi Sai Keertana. The hyperlocal jewelery retail chain has recorded 18.92 per cent CAGR growth in revenue from operations during FY 2020-21 to FY 2022-23 to Rs 2,027.34 crore in FY 2022-23.

Manoj Vaibhav Gems IPO Listing Date

Bajaj Capital and Elara Capital (India) are the merchant bankers for Vaibhav Jewelers’ IPOwhile BigShare Services is the registrar for the offer. The brand is going to finalize the basis of allotment of IPO shares by October 3 in consultation with BSE and will credit the equity shares in the demat accounts of successful investors by October 5. Refunds will be deposited in the bank accounts of unsuccessful investors by October 4. The listing of the brand’s equity shares on BSE and NSE will take place on October 6.

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FAQs related to Manoj Vaibhav Gems IPO GMP Today

What is Manoj Vaibhav IPO GMP Today price?

Manoj Vaibhav IPO GMP Today price is Starts from Rs 204 to 215.

Who is founder of Vaibhav Jwellers?

Grandhi Manoj Kumar is the founder of Vaibhav Jwellers.

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Balanchine’s Gems Were His Dancers. He Honored Them With ‘Jewels.’

The sylvan glade romanticism of “Emeralds,” the electric energy of “Rubies,” the glittering imperial court of “Diamonds.” These are the three parts of George Balanchine’s “Jewels,” from 1967, often described as the first full-length plotless ballet. On Tuesday, New York City Ballet will open its 75th anniversary season with “Jewels,” and a tribute to all the dancers who make up the company’s history.

That’s fitting because “Jewels” was Balanchine’s tribute to his dancers of that time: to the enchanting elegance of Violette Verdy and Mimi Paul in “Emeralds”; the insouciant charms and street smarts of Patricia McBride and Edward Villella in “Rubies”; and the grand glamour of Suzanne Farrell and Jacques d’Amboise in “Emeralds.”

The idea was born over dinner at the violinist Nathan Milstein’s home, where Balanchine and Claude Arpels, from the Parisian jewelry firm Van Cleef & Arpels, were both guests. Balanchine, keen to create larger-scale work for the company’s new home at Lincoln Center, liked the idea of dancers as exquisite gems, and perhaps hoped for sponsorship. (It didn’t happen.)

“Jewels” begins with an ode to French romanticism in “Emeralds,” set to Fauré. Then comes “Rubies,” an exuberant, witty illustration of the angular modernism that the Russian-born Balanchine developed in New York, set to Stravinsky. Finally “Diamonds,” set to Tchaikovsky, evokes the grand imperial style of late 19th-century Russian classicism.

It’s a mini-history of ballet, and a portrait of Balanchine’s life in dance, which began at the Imperial Theater School in St. Petersburg; had chapters in France with Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes and the Paris Opera Ballet; and found its fullest expression in New York, where with Lincoln Kirstein, he founded the School of American Ballet in 1934, and City Ballet in 1948.

“It was a risk,” said Barbara Horgan, the choreographer’s longtime assistant. “We didn’t really do full-lengths. But I think he was anxious to make a blockbuster and bring in audiences.”

The audiences came — and the work’s title came a bit later. In a New York Times review after the premiere in April 1967, Clive Barnes referred to the three parts as “The Jewels,” adding, the ballet “has to be called something.” (He also offered an alternative: “The Bits of Colored Glass.”) By the time it opened the winter season in November 1967, it was officially “Jewels.”

In interviews, five of the original cast members talked about their memories of creating the ballet with Balanchine. Here are edited excerpts from the conversations.

Emeralds: ‘A walking meditation’

Mimi Paul

At my first rehearsal, Balanchine asked the pianist Gordon Boelzner to play two sections of the Fauré music. I knew the melody of the Sicilienne variation [from “Pelléas et Mélisande] because the classical radio station I listened to played it as their signature, so I said, “I like that one.” Balanchine said, “This is going to be very special for you.”

We walked to the back corner, and he started. Essentially you tried to mimic what he was showing you. He didn’t talk about much, but I remember him saying I should think of walking on a tightrope, placing each foot very deliberately in front of the other, never having both feet on the floor at the same moment. It was like a walking meditation. He was very accommodating. If something felt awkward, he would change it. Sometimes he let me invent, which I loved to do.

I think he saw an aspect of who I was at that point. I was quiet and introverted, someone who worked on my own a lot. It’s not that he drew something out of me; more that he spotted something in me. I felt extremely free.

Suki Schorer

I felt it was really me onstage in the pas de trois of “Emeralds.” Balanchine knew his dancers so well. He knew what our parents did, how we were raised. He would get you talking, not asking direct questions, but he was curious. With Violette Verdy, he really used her French port de bras and musicality, and gave her a lot of freedom in that part.

I remember a stage rehearsal, close to the premiere, where Violette said, “Mr. B., you haven’t choreographed the finale.” He said, “Oh, I forgot.” He quickly put it together and we had to try to remember it! Later he added a section to “Emeralds,” and the end totally changed.

Rubies: Off-balance, with a sense of humor

Patricia McBride

Balanchine demonstrated so beautifully, with all those hippy, turned in movementsand showing us the off-balance partnering. He worked very calmly and quietly, you could barely hear him talk, and he was very gentle. I was always a little nervous about keeping up with Mr. B., but we were pretty relaxed together.

The off-balance stuff is tricky, but if you got the musicality, that would help you. Mr. B. was really specific with the counts; he was always very precise with Stravinsky’s music. It’s mind-boggling to understand the different counts when the corps is doing one thing, and the principals are doing something else. It’s incredible how his mind could work in that way.

He never said “smile here” or anything, but in the pas de deux, he said, “Make your legs angry,” so I pounded my legs for that opening, stamp, stamp, stamp, down into the music. He let me be me. I thought it was a very glamorous role.

Edward Villella

When we started to work on “Rubies,” I thought, Oh my goodness, this has a sense of humor! Balanchine said to me, “You are the jockey, and Patty is the showgirl,” and the humor in the ballet kept evolving. In the third movement there is a section where four guys chase the principal man around the stage, and it was so much like me. I was always fooling around and laughing. I was a tough guy from Queensan oddity who had jumped ship at maritime college, and I was so happy to be dancing.

Balanchine would spend years listening to scores. You would hear him, in the theater, taking scores apart, one note at a time, on the piano. When he came into the rehearsal room, it was never tense, because he was totally prepared and he knew us. Everything in our pas de deux was surprise, surprise, surprise. It was very difficult as a partner, there were so many unseen, extraordinary ideas. But I said to myself, He trusts me with this.

Diamonds: Grandeur without tragedy

Suzanne Farrell

Balanchine asked me if I had a preference about which jewel I wanted to be. I suggested the Stravinsky section, and he said, “I think I want you to be the diamond.” On the first day, he didn’t know how to start the pas de deux, so we began in the center. Later he added the entrance. The pas de deux has a diamond-like prism effecta lot of separating and coming back together. At one point we actually make a diamond shape. It’s so ingenious. There is no competition between the man and woman in the pas de deux; it’s just two people coming together and doing something that neither could do alone, and making it more exalted. It’s gloriously resolved, there is no tragedy.

It was the only tutu ballet that Balanchine ever made on me, and I loved the feeling of grandeur he created through the music. I particularly love the polonaise; there is nothing like Mr. B., Tchaikovsky and a polonaise!

I feel that what links the three ballets in “Jewels” is the bourrée [a series of tiny gliding steps done on pointe]. They are different in each piece — languid in “Emeralds,” prancing in “Rubies,” and more like stylized walks in “Diamonds. No one ever applauds for a bourrée, but here they hold the ballet together.

The post Balanchine’s Gems Were His Dancers. He Honored Them With ‘Jewels.’ appeared first on New York Times.

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Polished Gems in ‘Fae Farm’ Will Fetch for a Pretty Penny — How to Farm Money Quick

You’ll need plenty of funds to buy crucial upgrades in ‘Fae Farm.’ Luckily, we know a way you can farm money fast, but it will require some investment.

Source: Phoenix Labs

The gist:

  • With a Gem Polisher, you can make raw gems from dungeons into more profitable jewels. Rinse and repeat to farm money fast and efficiently.
  • The best raw gems to polish are Aquamarine, Topaz, Emerald, Diamond, Rose Quartz, and Sapphire.
  • Eat food that gives buffs to mining and energy to get the most out of this farming method.

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Alongside cultivating a farm and battling monsters, players must strategize how to make money in Fae Farm to grow their homestead. It’s not particularly difficult to amass funds for upgrades and equipment down the line; however, early into the game, it can take time to figure things out.

If you’re looking for guidance on how to farm money quickly, here’s everything you need to know.

How to farm money in ‘Fae Farm.’

Florins is the currency used to purchase resources and upgrades in Fae Farm. For the most part, you can sell various items, from vegetation grown from your garden or materials collected from a dangerous dungeon, to make a profit.

To have enough Florins to buy vital equipment and house improvements, scratching out a plan to collect a lot of money quickly is a must and will take some investment. Thankfully, Fae Farm will offer you a few ways to earn funds.

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Source: Phoenix Labs

For instance, you can take up cooking to make meals with fish, berries, or other ingredients and sell them in batches. The same method applies to fruits and vegetables grown in your garden.

Whether passively by slowly managing your crops or directly selling items, money is the driving force behind your game progression. But among the ways to collect funds, gem polishing is, by far, the best method to farm Florins fast.

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Farm gems from dungeons and polish them to make money fast in ‘Fae Farm.’

According to YouTuber JadeMist Gaminggem polishing is lucrative enough to net you over 50,000 Florins in an hour. The YouTuber is later in the game, but their farm method caters to early players finishing up with the Saltwater Mines.

You will need to have all the floors in Saltwater Mines unlocked with seals on them for easy teleporting and a Gem Polisher. In addition, eating food like Fish and Mushroom Soup before starting will keep your energy and mining efficiency up while farming.

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Once you’re ready, teleport to floor 15 of the Saltwater Mines. Next, mine every gemstone as you head to the bottom. Aquamarine and Topaz are the best raw gems to gather in this dungeonand once you’ve done a run to the end, polishing these rough jewels will increase their value.

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You can rinse and repeat this process to make thousands of Florins. In later Fae Farm dungeons such as the Floating Ruins and Scorched Caverns, you should set your sights on farming Emerald, Diamond, Rose Quartz, and Sapphire.

Nothing else quite beats gem polishing in terms of profit, so it’s likely to be your primary source of income. It can be a long process, but it’s worth doing if you have the time and patience.

Fae Farm is now available on Nintendo Switch and PC.

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Olsen: Hidden gems along the Icefields Parkway

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Waterfalls are one of nature’s many miracles and you’ll pass eight of them on the short hike to Stanley Falls – a hidden gem just off the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper. My husband and I first discovered this hike during the pandemic when we were obliged to confine our travels to destinations closer to home. If I were trying to come up with a list of positive things that came out of that dark time, discovering this spot would be on it. The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful and popular roadways in Canada and, even though it’s well travelled, there are still hidden gems to discover.

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Stanley Falls is a hidden gem hike along the Icefields Parkway. You’ll pass a total of eight waterfalls on this short hike including Stanley Falls, the largest of the bunch. Photo by Greg Olsen

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Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls Hike

There was a time when most travellers who made the journey between Banff and Jasper stopped to do the short hike to Stanley Falls. The Icefields Parkway was a Depression-era construction project that began in 1931 and took nearly 10 years to complete. When the road was realigned and paved in 1961, it was moved further away from the trailhead for this once popular hike.

The trailhead for Beauty Creek is 15.5 km north of the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre and two km south of Beauty Creek Hostel. There are two large culverts beneath the road near the small pullout.

The Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls hike features a total of eight waterfalls. Photo by Greg Olsen

The 3.6-km roundtrip hike starts flat and leads along remnants of the gravel road that was part of the original Icefields Parkway. When you reach Beauty Creek, the trail turns and climbs upward through a narrow canyon along the edge of the river. There are no guard rails along the canyon’s edge, and you must watch children and pets carefully on this hike.

Of the eight waterfalls, Stanley Falls is the largest and most dramatic and it sits at the end of the trail. We took pictures above the falls and below the falls. Then we found a big smooth rock near the water’s edge and just sat still and listened to the sounds of water moving through the canyon – nature’s magical symphony.

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Stargazing on the Parkway

On a clear night, the glaciers along the Icefields Parkway almost seem to glow – reflecting both starlight and moonlight. It’s a spectacular sight and one that most people never see. With abundant wildlife in the surrounding area, driving along the Icefields Parkway after dark can be hazardous. If you stay overnight and the weather co-operates, you can see this phenomenon. There is almost no light pollution along the Icefields Parkway, but the elevation is high, and clouds can obscure the stars at times.

The Glacier View Lodge is ideal lodging if you want to stay overnight on the Icefields Parkway and enjoy stargazing. Photo by Debbie Olsen

The Glacier View Lodge is in an ideal location right across from the Athabasca Glacier. After dark, the lodge often sets out telescopes for stargazing. Another more affordable option is to book an overnight stay in one of the campgrounds. Either way, if the night is clear, stargazing on the Icefields Parkway is unforgettable.

How to Get a Bird’s-eye View of the Athabasca Glacier

There are two ways to view the Athabasca Glacier from above – one involves work and the other doesn’t. You can either do the Wilcox Pass hike or you can take a helicopter. It’s a 2.4-km steep return hike to the first viewpoint on the Wilcox Pass hike. At the first viewpoint, you’ll find two red Parks Canada chairs perfectly positioned with a fantastic view of the Athabasca Glacier. It’s a great spot to stop for a while and enjoy the view. You can continue from there to hike to the pass, which is eight kilometres roundtrip. Wilcox Pass sits at 2,350 metres in elevation, and it can be snow-covered in August. Dress warmly and be prepared for slippery, cold conditions. The views are always spectacular on this trail – whenever you hike it.

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The view from the first lookout point on the Wilcox Pass hike is amazing. Photo by Greg Olsen

Another way to see the Athabasca Glacier from above is with Rockies Heli (rockiesheli.com) on a Six Glaciers Helicopter Tour. The tour flies over the Icefields Parkway offering a bird’s-eye view of six glaciers including the Athabasca Glacier.

Travel the Parkway in Style

The Icefields Parkway is a popular route for motorcyclists. If you don’t know how to drive a motorcycle, you can experience the famous roadway on a sidecar tour with Jasper Motorcycle Tours. Dressing in leather provides body protection and it’s part of the fun of this experience that takes you 100 km along the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. When there are two guests, one rides behind an experienced driver and the other rides in the sidecar. When you stop at a scenic spot, you can change positions.

Travel the Icefields Parkway on a motorcycle sidecar tour that leaves from Jasper. Photo by Tourism Jasper/Jasper Motorcycle ToursAn image of a motorcycle tour on the Icefields P

Finding Hidden Gems

When it comes to travel, we typically define hidden gems as exceptional places or experiences that aren’t well known. But any travel experience that is new to you could be considered a personal hidden gem. With all the exceptional hikes and viewpoints along the Icefields Parkway, there are many personal hidden gems – just waiting to be discovered.

Debbie Olsen is an award-winning Métis writer and a national bestselling author. Follow her at www.wanderwoman.ca.

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Lahaina Showcased Centuries of Hawaiian History. Now Its Gems are Gone.

Situated in the heart of Lahaina, the 34-room Pioneer Inn was a piece of history built in 1901 by George Alan Freeland, a British adventurer who followed his star to Maui and started a family with a Native Hawaiian woman. The hotel became the linchpin of a modest business empire that eventually included a saloon, a liquor wholesale operation and movie houses in plantation camps.

Now the Pioneer Inn, owned today by Mr. Freeland’s grandson, figures among the architectural gems obliterated by the wildfire that swept through Lahaina, wiping out not just buildings but sites imbued with historical and cultural significance to many people in Hawaii.

“The Pioneer Inn was the place where crusty old sailor types used to hang out,” said Theo Morrison, the executive director of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, which manages more than a dozen historic sites in the town. “But it was also where we would hold our Rotary meetings before the fire. It was part of Lahaina’s daily life for well over a century,” she said. “And now it’s gone.”

Indeed, while the community of about 12,700 people is known as a vacation destination for many visitors, for many locals it is simply their home — a place where the presence of some families, especially Native Hawaiians, harken back centuries to an era long before the tourists arrived, and well before the United States annexed Hawaii in the 1890s.

The losses in Lahaina from the fire now include the historic Baldwin Home, which houses the restoration foundation’s main office and was considered the oldest house still standing on the island of Maui. It was built between 1834-35 by the Rev. Ephraim Spaulding, a missionary from Massachusetts who prized its proximity to the waters where whaling ships once anchored.

The home contained the wooden rocking chairs that the family of the Rev. Dwight Baldwin had shipped all the way from their East Coast home in the 1830s when he took over the compound, their son’s antique shell collection and the medical instruments that Dr. Baldwin, a missionary and physician, had used to vaccinate much of Maui against smallpox.

Unlike others in Lahaina whose families in the area stretch back generations, Ms. Morrison, 75, from Berkeley, Calif., happened upon the town while sailing around the Hawaiian islands in 1975. She said her mind was made up when she set out on foot around the town, once known as a vacation spot for Mark Twain and as a gathering point for whalers, now featuring art galleries and restaurants. “I walked down Front Street,” she said, “and decided this was my place.”

In the wake of the fire on Thursday, the sense of loss — of history, of community, of friends and family — was coming achingly into focus for many of those who had long lived there.

Kiha Kaina, 46, a Native Hawaiian tattoo artist who grew up in Lahaina, was one of the few people allowed into town to drop off water and supplies for residents stranded there.

Family and friends had sent him videos of the fires, but none prepared him for the heartbreak he felt seeing the destruction in person: the smoke still rising from the flattened homes, the firefighters who looked like “zombies,” the downed power lines, the charred cars.

Mr. Kaina said he personally knew more than 10 people who were still missing, including his biological father and one of his kickboxing students. “Everything that you could think of that meant a lot to this town were just gone,” he said.

Lee Anne Wong, the executive chef at Papa’aina, the restaurant in the Pioneer Inn, said one employee was still unaccounted for, and she said she expected that the death toll would climb significantly because there were so many old wooden buildings around town, making it a “tinderbox.”

“It happened very, very fast,” said Ms. Wong, who moved to Hawaii a decade ago from New York City, where she had been the executive chef of the French Culinary Institute. “A lot of employees are in shelters in the same set of clothes, and they are just thinking about their next meal.”

She added: “I’m thankful for the people who made it out alive, but an entire town has burned down.”

Originally called Lā-hainā — which roughly translates as “cruel sun” in the Hawaiian language, a nod to the area’s dry, sunny climate — the town was known before the fire as a place where one could reflect on centuries of Hawaiian history simply by walking around.

“Many people don’t understand that Hawaiians have been in these islands for nearly 2,000 years,” said Ronald Williams, an archivist with the Hawaii State Archives who has researched Lahaina for decades. He likened the city to global capitals like Mexico City, where different layers of history are visible. Walking around Lahaina before the fire, Mr. Williams said, was a chance to listen to “voices from the 18th century that are clearly wanting their stories to be told today.”

The Front Street area includes, near Shaw Street, the Moku’ula archaeological site that once served as the Hawaiian kingdom’s capital; Prison Street, which served as the monarchy’s prison; buildings dating back to the whaling, missionary and plantation eras of Hawaiian history; and the trinket shops and retail outlets now symbolizing tourism’s importance in Hawaii.

“To locals, it’s a very touristy spot, but we embraced it,” said Jared Hedani, 37, a grant specialist of Japanese-Filipino ancestry and who has lived on Maui nearly his whole life.

Yes, many of Lahaina’s old wooden storefronts had gone from housing fish markets to high-end tourist spots like Tommy Bahama and Cheeseburger in Paradise, but the town maintained its charms. Mr. Hedani said the fabled beach areas on Oahu that Hawaii is best known for held nothing on Lahaina. “To me, Front Street is better than Waikiki,” he said.

Mr. Kaina, the tattoo artist, said he never took for granted the town’s stunning sunsets, temperate climes and pristine beaches. He recalls fondly nights spent with his family feasting on fresh-caught fish and working alongside laborers from around the world in the nearby pineapple fields.

“You’re sitting there, and you see the islands in front of you and the water, and the whales are jumping, and even as a local, I’m like ‘Bro, is this real?’” he said. “The sunset looks fake every time I see it.”

For some Kānaka Maoli, as many Native Hawaiians call themselves, Lahaina was particularly notable as the place where Kamehameha the Great, the monarch who united all the Hawaiian islands, established his kingdom’s seat at the dawn of the 19th century.

Kaniela Ing, a former state legislator and Native Hawaiian organizer, said several buildings in town traced the story of Hawaii’s industrial and capitalist development, evolving from the era of the Hawaiian kingdom to the sugar and pineapple plantations and finally, in more recent years, tourism and luxury hotels.

Longtime residents, he said, have had to endure the effects of both displacement and climate change.

“The fire, to me, is a symbol of the terminal point of that trajectory, like where it all ends up if you keep down this road of extraction,” said Mr. Ing, who is the national director of the Green New Deal Network, which seeks a climate-conscious reconfiguration of government programs.

Still, until the fire hit, Lahaina was mainly known for its mellow vibe; small locally owned galleries still thrived among chain surf shops and jewelry stores. Mr. Hedani said he and his friends would stroll Front Street during nights out on the town and play “Spot the Local” — a difficult challenge among the hordes of visitors.

And whenever he passed the Kishi Building on the waterfront thoroughfare, he felt a rush seeing the historic name. It had once been his family’s fish market, opening in 1903 and closing in the mid-1970s.

“I’d always pass by there and I’d look up at the name and feel a little sense of pride,” he said.

It appeared to have been one of the first on Front Street to burn.

Mr. Hedani said he worries that buildings will not be rebuilt in the same style, that the owners of small galleries and eateries won’t be able to afford to rebuild, and there will only be room for businesses that cater to wealthy clientele, like in parts of Waikiki, where designer temples lure foreign shoppers.

“What happens when you take away the most important street on Maui?” he said.

Amy Qin, David W. Chen and Mitch Smith contributed reporting.

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Review: First look at Fringe reveals couple of small gems

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On my first day at the 17th annual Calgary Fringe Theatre Festival, I shared secrets with Joanna Rannelli, carpooled with Sarah Gibbs and SueAnne Fu-Joncic, and got real with Jonathan Top and some of his imaginary friends.

The thing about being privy to secrets is knowing which ones to keep and which ones to share. This is the dilemma when reviewing Rannelli’s exquisitely powerful solo show Private Parts: The Secrets We Keep. In a most candid 55 minutes, Rannelli discloses much about the secrets she tried to keep from her parents and those her parents kept from her. She also talks about the secrets her body kept from her. It would be unfair to disclose too many of those secrets because the way Rannelli deals with them is what makes her show sometimes humorous and sometimes devastating, but always riveting.

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Another important thing about Rannelli’s show is, though she definitely allows a bit of melancholy to slip in, she keeps it from ever becoming maudlin. She doesn’t ask for sympathy, but it’s obvious she wouldn’t mind a bit of empathy.

In her press materials and interviews, Rannelli talks about the marriage she kept secret from most people including her father. She plays this one for laughs, explaining why it was not as easy to keep the divorce a secret. She also talks about trying to keep her smoking habit a secret from her father and stepmother, and how that one leaked out during a family vacation in Cuba. As an accomplished playwright knows, this kind of comic relief is essential when the subject matter gets as raw and personal as it does a few times in Private Parts.

Rannelli is not just an astute performer but a masterful storyteller. She knows when to move and when to be absolutely still. She uses carefully planned histrionics to punctuate dramatic and comic moments, and she uses brief silences for maximum effect.

Rannelli, whose Vancouver company is called Gravity Theatre, is, ironically, performing at Cafe Gravity and she understands the confines of dinner theatre, asking only that people not order food or drinks during the show itself. This venue actually adds to Rannelli’s show, giving it the feel of being in her kitchen or living room as she unburdens her soul.

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Carpool at the Calgary Fringe Festival. Courtesy, Randolph West Photography jpg

WATCHING OUT FOR POTHOLES AND SPEED BUMPS

Carpool, the comedy about a pair of Calgary office workers who decide to save money by driving to work together, reminds me of those movies inspired by Saturday Night Live sketches. Movies like It’s Pat, Coneheads, Superstar or A Night at the Roxbury were all great fun as brief skits, but had to work so much harder the longer they stretched the jokes or the basic situation.

Carpool is not a rough ride, and it doesn’t quite run out of gas, but it does, understandably, hit some rough patches.

Sarah Gibbs and SueAnne Fu-Joncic play employees at the same energy firm in Calgary but not in the same departments. Gibbs works in the computer department while Fu-Joncic is in human relations. Their apparel is the first big joke with the very prim and proper Fu-Joncic contrasting with the casual Gibbs, and it’s a fun joke they know just how far to take beginning with the way they sit in the car. It’s character observations like this that make Carpool so immediately charming.

Gibbs, who also wrote and directed Carpool with input from Fu-Joncic, wants to show how Gibbs’ Irish Catholic background gives her a much different perspective on gender, race, politics and sex than Fu-Joncic’s mainland China heritage. They make some poignant and perceptive observations but, this is essentially a comedy, so they also go for some broad jokes and sprinkle in some racy language. The show does earn its share of raucous laughs from the audience, and that seems to be one of its basic aims.

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The Trivial Pursuit jokes go on too long, but the discussions about one-child families as opposed to having multiple siblings are most perceptive.

Both characters are well-defined, but Fu-Joncic needs to be far more aware she is driving a car, even if it is an electric car.

Carpool runs in the Wood’s Homes conference room at 1008 14th Street S.E.

Real at the Calgary Fringe Festival. jpg

A PANDORA’S BOX FILLED WITH TREATS

It’s the youthful exuberance of Jonathan Top’s Real that makes it such a treat.

Top has created and stars as Ted, a novelist with writer’s block. Ted’s first book was a runaway hit and now his publishers want to know what his second book will look like. The problem is Ted has no ideas, so he returns to the attic of his childhood home to look for his old journals, hoping they contain the inspiration he needs.

Ted’s mother (Michelle Gritter) senses something is bothering her son but he initially refuses to unburden himself, so she waits patiently until he will.

The first journal Ted finds in an old trunk is about a knight who Ted left fighting a dragon. As Ted reads a passage, the knight (Kenan Hekman) appears. He’s a big, loud, fun character who wishes Ted had just let him slay the dragon so he could finally woo a damsel.

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The second journal brings back Ted’s gumshoe (Nick Sommerville). The joke here is Ted would always run out of inspiration the moment someone knocks at the detective’s door, so the poor guy never actually got a case to solve.

Finally, there is the astronaut (MJ Batalla) who Ted left stranded during the final countdown before blast off. He is the most perceptive of all Ted’s creations.

What these characters, and Ted’s mother, finally assure him, is that writer’s block is not something new for Ted, and since he got over it once, he can, with their help get over it again. It’s not the most profound observation, but it is so well handled that it is completely captivating and disarming.

Top gets dynamite performances from Hekman, Sommerville and Batalla, and some gentle pathos from Gritter, and his Ted, is a wonderfully cuddly Everyman who’s a bit of a Peter Pan who might just turn into a JM Barrie.

Top and his co-directors and designers have created a great little attic set in the sanctuary of The Lantern Church for just the kind of escape fringers need at the end of any day down at the Calgary Fringe Theatre Festival. This is one little show you don’t want to miss.

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In This Andhra Pradesh Town, Hunters Dig For Diamonds In Monsoon – News18

Last Updated: July 17, 2023, 16:46 IST

The search takes place within real estate plots near Basavamma Creek.

Not only the residents of Sattenapalli but also people from nearby areas have arrived to participate in the diamond hunting activities.

Once the monsoon season arrives, the quest for diamonds commences in the town of Sattenapalli in Andhra Pradesh’s Palnadu district. The locals firmly believe that discovering a single diamond could instantly transform their lives. Thus, diamond hunters eagerly await the heavy rainfall, embarking on a search for coloured stones and diamonds. Their exploration takes place within the soil, which has been deposited in real estate plots near Basavanna Creek on the outskirts of town.

These plots are filled with red soil sourced from the Bellamkonda area. Aware of this opportunity, some individuals actively engage in the pursuit of diamonds and coloured stones, hoping to find these precious treasures. When it rains, groups of locals venture out together, meticulously scouring the land in their quest.

Previously, real estate developers undertook a project in the urban suburb of Basavamma Vagu, situated along the Piduguralla Road. As part of this venture, red clay from the Bellamkonda area was utilised for constructing roads. Some individuals, aware of this information, are now seeking diamonds in an attempt to test their luck. Not only the residents of Sattenapalli but also people from nearby areas such as Narasaraopet, Chilakaluripet, Ongolu and Vinukonda have arrived in vehicles to participate in the diamond hunting activities at this location.

Once diamonds are discovered, they are typically sold to reputable diamond traders in the area. The value of the diamonds is determined based on factors such as their weight, colour and type, with the calculations usually made in carats. The diamond hunters hold onto the hope that even a single diamond find could potentially make them millionaires within moments.

In the past, there have been instances of people finding diamonds in Kolluru, located in the Bellamkonda area. During those times, they would hire labourers to assist in excavating the area in search of more diamonds. The belief is that since the soil brought from Bellamkonda is known to contain gems or coloured stones, they continue their digging endeavours with the anticipation of discovering valuable treasures.

Besides, there are several theories regarding the origin of the diamond, with the most widely accepted account being that it was sourced from the Kollur Mine in the Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh. This region has been under the rule of various empires, including the Vijayanagara Empire, the Qutb Shahi Kingdom, the Mughals, and the Asaf Jahi Nizams.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Kollur Mine reached its zenith, contributing to Golconda, the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, becoming a prominent global hub for diamonds.

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Top Hidden Gems Of Marrakech

No trip to Morocco could be complete without visiting Marrakech, it is is a city well-known for its vibrant markets, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage. However, beyond the popular tourist attractions, the city is also home to some hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These hidden gems offer a unique insight into the city’s history and culture, and are often overlooked by many visitors.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top hidden gems of Marrakech. From a botanical oasis in the heart of the city to a stunning example of Islamic architecture, and a cultural journey through the history of Marrakech, these hidden gems are sure to take your breath away. So, if you’re looking to explore the city beyond the usual tourist hotspots, keep reading and discover some of the best kept secrets of Marrakech.

Jardin Majorelle: A Botanical Oasis in the Heart of the City

You’re gonna love exploring Jardin Majorelle while Touring Morocco, it is a lush botanical oasis right in the middle of Marrakech! This hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature. The garden was created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, and it is now owned by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

The garden is home to over 300 species of plants, including cacti, bamboo, palm trees, and exotic flowers. The vibrant blue buildings and pathways add a pop of color to the serene greenery. Take a stroll around the garden and discover the various fountains, pools, and sculptures hidden throughout. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind while admiring the beauty of nature.

Ben Youssef Madrasa: A Stunning Example of Islamic Architecture

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Ben Youssef Madrasa, an awe-inspiring showcase of Islamic architecture in Marrakech. Built in the 14th century, this ancient Islamic college is a masterpiece of intricate tile work, stucco carvings, and ornate cedar woodwork. The madrasa was once home to over 900 students who came to study Islamic theology, law, medicine, and science. Today, visitors can explore the intricate courtyards, prayer halls, and student dormitories of this historic site.

One of the most impressive features of Ben Youssef Madrasa is the central courtyard, which is surrounded by a double-story arcade adorned with intricate plasterwork and geometric tile patterns. The courtyard also features a large central pool, which was used for ritual ablutions before prayers. As you wander through the maze of corridors and rooms, you’ll discover hidden alcoves, ornate doorways, and beautifully carved wooden screens. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply looking to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Marrakech, Ben Youssef Madrasa is a must-see destination.

Musée de la Palmeraie: A Cultural Journey through the History of Marrakech

If you’re interested in exploring the rich cultural history of Marrakech, make sure to visit the Musée de la Palmeraie, where you can take a journey through the city’s past and discover the traditions and customs that have shaped its vibrant culture. This hidden gem is located in the heart of the palm grove and offers visitors a unique and immersive experience.

The museum showcases a wide range of exhibits that highlight the history of Marrakech, including traditional clothing, jewelry, pottery, and musical instruments. The displays are arranged thematically, taking visitors on a journey through the city’s past, from its origins as a small trading post to its rise as a cultural and political center. The museum also hosts regular events and workshops, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about and engage with local culture. Overall, the Musée de la Palmeraie is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Marrakech.

Le Jardin Secret: A Tranquil Escape from the Hustle and Bustle of the Medina

One of the top things to do in Marrakech, a peaceful haven amidst the busy Medina, where you can relax and unwind in a tranquil oasis. This hidden gem is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Marrakech, and it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden is a combination of two separate gardens, the Islamic garden and the exotic garden, each with its own unique charm.

The Islamic garden is a traditional garden with a central axis, reflecting pools, and beautiful flower beds. You can stroll through the garden and admire the intricate design and the soothing sound of the water fountains. The exotic garden, on the other hand, is a lush and colorful garden with a variety of exotic plants and trees. You can relax on one of the benches under the shade of the trees, or sit in the tea room and enjoy a cup of Moroccan tea with a view of the garden. Overall, Le Jardin Secret is a must-visit for anyone looking for a peaceful escape in Marrakech.

Maison de la Photographie: A Fascinating Glimpse into Morocco’s Past through Photos

You’ll appreciate the insight into Morocco’s rich history through a fascinating collection of photographs at Maison de la Photographie. This hidden gem is tucked away in the heart of the Medina and is a must-visit for any history buff or photography enthusiast. The museum boasts over 8,000 historical photographs that capture the essence of Morocco from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.

As you wander through the museum, you’ll be transported back in time and gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s cultural heritage. The photographs are beautifully displayed, and each one tells a unique story about Morocco’s past. You’ll see images of everyday life, portraits of important figures, and stunning landscapes that showcase the country’s natural beauty. A visit to Maison de la Photographie is a truly enriching experience that should not be missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry fee for Jardin Majorelle?

The entry fee for Jardin Majorelle is 70 dirhams.

Are there any guided tours available at Ben Youssef Madrasa?

There aren’t any guided tours available at Ben Youssef Madrasa.

How long does it take to explore the Musée de la Palmeraie?

It typically takes around 2-3 hours to fully explore the Musée de la Palmeraie. There are many interesting exhibits to see, including traditional clothing, pottery, and other cultural artifacts.

Can visitors bring their own food and drinks to Le Jardin Secret?

No, visitors are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks to Le Jardin Secret. However, there is a café on-site that offers snacks and beverages for purchase.

Is there a gift shop at Maison de la Photographie?

There isn’t a gift shop at Maison de la Photographie.

Conclusion

Overall, Marrakech is a city full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From the tranquil and colorful Jardin Majorelle to the stunning Islamic architecture of Ben Youssef Madrasa, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For those interested in learning about the history and culture of Marrakech, the Musée de la Palmeraie and Maison de la Photographie offer fascinating insights through their exhibits. And for those looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the medina, Le Jardin Secret is the perfect oasis.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these top hidden gems of Marrakech are not to be missed. So why not take a break from the crowded souks and busy streets and explore the city’s lesser-known treasures? You might just be surprised at what you’ll find.

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