The Truffle Hunters

The Truffle Hunters is a 2020 documentary film directed and produced by Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw.

Deep in the forests of Piedmont, Italy, a handful of men, seventy or eighty years young, hunt for the rare and expensive white Alba truffle—which to date has resisted all of modern science's efforts at cultivation. They're guided by a secret culture and training passed down through generations, as well as by the noses of their cherished and expertly trained dogs.

They live a simpler, slower way of life, in harmony with their loyal animals and their picture-perfect land, seemingly straight out of a fairy tale. They're untethered to cell phone screens or the Internet, opting instead to make their food and drink by hand and prioritizing in-person connections and community.

The demand for white truffles increases year after year, even as the supply decreases. As a result of climate change, deforestation, and the lack of young people taking up the mantle, the truffle hunters' secrets are more coveted than ever. However, as it soon becomes clear, these ageing men may just hold something much more valuable than even this prized delicacy: the secret to a rich and meaningful life.

Thanks Emile

Sam Hoevens

Sander Wilhelmus (Sam) Hoevens (1905 - 1934 ) was a Dutch cyclist .

Like his contemporary Klaas van Nek Jr., Hoevens specialized in pursuits and pair races; he supplemented that with the sprint.

In September 1934, while traveling by car from a competition in Leeuwarden to a competition in South Holland, together with fellow racers Klaas van Nek Jr., Flip Reijnders (24) and their masseur Ridel, the car had to cross the tracks of the Alkmaar - Schagen Tram Line. Van Nek, as driver, did not hear or see the tram coming. After the collision, the tram dragged the car for approximately 70 meters. Police officers who patrolled the scene immediately noted that three of the four people involved had died, the car a complete wreck.

Every Scrap of Paper Helps Victory

Peggy Chester - Cover of Woman's Illustrated Magazine, incorporating Eve's Own - photography by Nancy Sandys Walker 1944.

Layton Williams

Layton Williams (1994) is an English actor, singer, dancer and musical theatre performer known for playing the role of Stephen Carmichael in the television series Bad Education and his work in the West End theatre.

His first job was at the age of twelve playing the title role in Billy Elliot the Musical in London's West End.

During his childhood, he also played Young Michael Jackson in Thriller – Live musical, Kylie in the BBC series Beautiful People and featured in the CBBC documentary series School for Stars, which documented life at the acting school Italia Conti.

From 2016, he began playing Angel in the 20th anniversary tour of Rent around the UK. Williams is a strong supporter of the charities Stonewall and Ditch the Label. He is the director of 'Pros From The Shows', which holds dance, singing and acting workshops across the UK.

The Olsen Twins

Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Fuller Olsen (1986), also known as the Olsen twins, are American fashion designers and former actresses. Mary-Kate and Ashley made their acting debut as infants playing Michelle Tanner on the television sitcom Full House (1987–1995).

As they grew older, they began starring in other television shows, films, and media through their own production company, Dualstar. The twins became preteen icons, and some of the wealthiest women in the entertainment industry at a young age.

The Olsens stepped away from acting in the mid-2000s and entered the fashion design industry. They founded their own luxury fashion label in 2006, The Row, based in New York City. They have won several awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

Abdulah Sidran - In Memoriam

Only today, I learned about the passing of Abdullah Sidran, earlier this year. 

Abdulah Sidran (2 October 1944 – 23 March 2024), often referred to by his hypocoristic nickname Avdo, was a Bosnian poet and screenwriter.

He is considered to be one of the most influential writers in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and the former Yugoslavia.

Sidran is best known for writing the 1993 poetry book Sarajevski tabut, as well as the scripts for Emir Kusturica's films Do You Remember Dolly Bell? (1981) and the Academy Award nominated When Father Was Away on Business (1985).

He was a member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sidran died at the age of 79 following a period of poor health. Shortly after, many prominent Bosnian politicians and public figures reacted to his death and offered their condolences.

He was buried in the courtyard of the Ferhadija Mosque in Sarajevo on 27 March.

Good News From Europe #3

As if the previous 2 posts aren't convincing of the beret's revival, it is heartening to see the presence of berets in soft toys, contemporary art, signage and t-shirts.

 

Good News From Europe #2

Following yesterday's post, the increased number of beret-wearers, the trend also shows in the numerous shops that keep large displays for berets.

There won't be many retailers who celebrate increased competition, but I love to see this. 

 

Good News From Europe

Despite everything that doesn't go well in Europe (this is not a political blog, after all), I am delighted by the increased number of boineros I encountered in the wild during my 3 week trip to the Pyrenees, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Below some random visual evidence of the growing numbers:

Blue on the Horizon

Horizon blue is a colour name which was used for the light blue uniforms of French troops from 1915 through 1921.

The colour’s name refers to the indefinable shade of blue which separates the sky from the earth, which had been previously used in the world of fashion. Despite a relatively short production, the light blue beret became very popular as a ‘reality shield’ with the troops, and many soldiers wore it until the end of the war and long after.   

Fast forward a century and they’re back, in a range of diameters, pure raw cotton lined and carrying its own label, emphasizing the protective capabilities of these berets!

The Bérets Bleu Horizon come in three diameters: ≈27cm, ≈29cm, ≈31cm and a Chasseur Alpin model in ≈33cm.

All in the same quality merino wool, cotton lined and fitted with the Boneteria Aotearoa Bleu Horizon woven label.

Le refrain des barbus

Clandestine score from WW2 to the glory of the Limousin Maquis.

"Le refrain des barbus" was written in October 1943, published and distributed clandestinely during the Occupation.