Marini was the Secretary of the Italian People's Party (PPI) from 1997 to 1999 and later became a foundational member of the modern Democratic Party (PD).
Marini was born in San Pio delle Camere, Abruzzo, and was deeply influenced by the social doctrine of the Catholic Church. He died in Rome on 9 February 2021 at the age of 87 due to complications from COVID-19.
John Travolta is sharing the origin story of his viral beret-look at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
The actor, 72, said there was a reason he wore the stylish headgear three times for his directorial debut in France over the weekend, in an interview with CNN. “The old school directors wore berets and I thought, that's what I'm doing,” Travolta told the outlet.
“Big day, big night in Cannes. Stay tuned!” he captioned an Instagram video as he arrived after piloting his own plane to the premiere of Propeller One-Way Night Coach on Friday, May 15, along with his daughter Ella, 26, who stars as a flight attendant in the film.
In the video, he wore a navy blue beret. After getting changed for the main event, Travolta wowed in a classic suit, this time in an ivory beret as he and Ella walked the red carpet.
“I've been around for over 50 years doing movies, but I can't tell, when I look back, the difference between the events and I said, ‘I'm a director this time. You're an actor, play the part of a director. Look like an old school director,’” Travolta continued, adding that he “looked up pictures” of talented filmmakers who came before him.
The Telegraph rated the film 1 out of 5 stars, describing the viewing experience as "like watching a toddler walk into a lamp post"...
Platatac is an Australian-owned manufacturer of tactical equipment, clothing, and load-carriage systems designed for military, law enforcement, and serious outdoor professionals.
Established over 30 years ago, Platatac (a brand under the Platypus Outdoors Group) has deep ties to ANZAC forces, and their gear is famously used and issued by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Search and Rescue (SAR) teams.
Platatac also makes the berets for the Australian and New Zealand Special Air Service. Not government issued, these berets are authenticated as uniform wear and can be bought by military personnel themselves (mind, only certified SAS/SASR members can buy purchase berets and badges).
For generations, Indigenous peoples have played an important role in Canada's military history, serving as warriors, defenders, and protectors long before the formation of the modern Canadian Armed Forces. Their contributions can be traced from the War of 1812 through the World Wars and the Korean War, where Indigenous servicemen earned distinction for their courage and skill.
 |
| John Jewitt, an Anishinaabe from Nipissing First Nation in northeastern Ontario, smudges Canadian Ranger Sergeant McLeod McKay during a ceremony |
Yet despite this proud history, Indigenous members of the military often faced a difficult reality. For many years, military culture was slow to embrace diversity, and Indigenous personnel frequently encountered prejudice, harassment, or the perception that openly identifying with their heritage could hinder career advancement. As a result, many chose to keep their cultural identity in the background while pursuing military service.
 |
| RCMP Staff-Sergeant Jeff Paulette of Membertou First Nation in Quebec, stands at the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa bearing the national police service’s eagle staff |
The contrast was striking. Indigenous symbols and imagery have long been embedded in Canadian military insignia and traditions, while Indigenous people themselves often struggled for acceptance within the institution.
,%20along%20with%20Korean%20War%20vets%20Bill%20Black,%20Gordon%20Gallant%20and%20George%20Guertin.jpg) |
| Gary Dore, an Indigenous peacekeeping veteran (left), along with Korean War vets Bill Black, Gordon Gallant and George Guertin |
Today, that situation is gradually changing. Indigenous culture is becoming more visible within the Canadian Armed Forces, and there is growing recognition of Indigenous veterans, traditions, and spiritual practices. National ceremonies and commemorations reflect a broader awareness of Indigenous contributions and experiences.
Métis veteran Robert Thibeau, a former paratrooper and retired infantry captain, places a wreath at the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument on behalf of the Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones
Challenges remain, and many continue to advocate for meaningful change. Nevertheless, the increasing visibility of Indigenous identity within the military signals a significant shift. It reflects an ongoing effort to create a force in which service members can honour both their commitment to Canada and their cultural heritage.
A Black Power era beret with an embroidered symbol and
motto.
The beret is constructed from brown wool felt and edged with a black vinyl rim. Machine stitched on the center, front of the beret is gold block text that reads BLACK BY BIRTH / MILITANT BY CHOICE / FREE BY REVOLUTION.
To the left of the motto is black and gold thread embroidered Black Power salute fist. On the inside of the beret is a piece of paper, tucked into a plastic sleeve stitched to the lining with the number [58] handwritten in blue ink. A thin, pink sticky note has been taped to the front of the interior plastic sleeve with the text [M31993- 59/2] handwritten in blue ink.
A Cowichan beret is a distinctively patterned, chunky-knit headwear style inspired by the traditional hand-spun and patterned sweaters of the Coast Salish peoples of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Authentic pieces are typically crafted from heavy, un-dyed, or natural wool and feature geometric or wildlife motifs like orcas and eagles.
Characterized by thick, often naturally lanolin-rich wool that provides excellent insulation against cold weather. Because of their handcrafted nature, they are often found as rare vintage finds or made-to-order artisan pieces.
Brands occasionally release heritage-inspired headwear honouring these knitting traditions, which are highly sought after in vintage and workwear communities.
Canadian Hat 1918 is a historic Montreal-based millinery whose story reflects over a century of entrepreneurship, craft, and sustainability. The company’s rich, evolving story spans three major eras:
The business was founded in 1908 by Lithuanian immigrant
brothers Samuel and Felix Leopold as "Canadian Hat Frame," before
changing its name to "Canadian Hat Co." in 1909. In 1948, following
the passing of the founders, Leon Schwartz became president. By the 1950s, the
atelier gained worldwide fame for its high-end mink, fox, beaver, felt, and
wool hats, which became highly sought-after in London and Paris under the
"André" label.
In 2014, the company was purchased by entrepreneur Diane Lanctôt. In 2017, Lanctôt acquired Harricana, a brand started in 1994 by designer Mariouche Gagné, famous for upcycling old, vintage furs into modern coats and accessories. Gagné subsequently took over as head designer for both brands.
Operating out of their headquarters in Montreal, the century-old hatmaker employs over 100 people and focuses on handmade construction using premium, comfortable materials. Their beret collection is known for its stretch fabrics, slouchy structure, and hair-friendly designs that pull comfortably over the ears without flattening your hair.
Curtis Carlisle Bouterse, PhD, is an American historical scholar, traditional musician, and musical instrument maker. Best known for his work in American Old-Time music, he is widely recognised for playing the fretless banjo (or "banjer"), hammered dulcimer, and other folk instruments.
Bouterse has a vast discography with 18 albums of folk
music. He is particularly celebrated for composing original tunes that have
entered the folk tradition, most notably: "Waiting for Nancy": A
widely played fiddle and banjo tune and "Nixon's Farewell": Another
of his well-known compositions frequently performed by other artists.
He has spent decades performing at events like the San Diego
State Folk Festival, where he often led workshops on the fretless banjo. His
music is available on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
This photo was sent to me by my Belgian brother Frans, made by his American sister-in-law in French capital Paris.
Such a great shot! Thanks to all involved.
Born in Béarn to protect shepherds, it became the headgear of the Alpine Chasseurs in 1891. After the Second World War, the beret coexisted with the garrison cap and the kepi in the French Army. Over time, it became the most common headgear in service dress. There are 7 colors of berets in the French Army. All regiments have the same head circumference size, except for mountain troops who wear a wider headgear called a "tarte".
Stories like this ensure that this image is adjusted, at least slightly. Enriching our perception of historical periods by making them more polyphonic is a particularly important trend in how we engage with our past.
L'Escadron Bleu, 1945 is an adaptation of the 2017 book Madeleine Pauliac, l'insoumise
by Philippe Maynial. Maynial is a cousin of the main character, Madeleine
Pauliac. She was a chief physician with the Red Cross, and just after the end
of World War II, she traversed the former war zones in the East for several
months together with other women as 'The Blue Squadron' to repatriate French
citizens. This album is the story of their journey.
This Fourth of July feels very different from the Independence Days I remember celebrating while living in the United States. The occasion carries extra symbolism this year, with the much-publicized "250" anniversary looming large, but the difference goes far beyond a number.
From the other side of the world, many people watch developments in America with a mixture of disbelief, concern and, at times, amusement. News from the United States dominates headlines, and not for reasons that inspire confidence. Across continents, people cringe at some of the political theatre unfolding today, while others simply shake their heads and laugh.
But, it would be unfair to paint one nation with the same brush. One of the great strengths of America has always been the diversity of voices within it. Despite everything that is happening, there remain countless Americans who continue to uphold values of democracy, fairness, decency and civic responsibility. They are found in every corner of the country, quietly standing by principles that have long defined the best of the American tradition.
Among them many boineros who share not only an appreciation for culture and craftsmanship, but often a certain independent spirit as well. The beret has long been associated with free thinkers, workers, artists and people who value individuality over conformity.
This Fourth of July, boineros around the world can only hope that those enduring values prevail. The wish is simple: a stronger democracy, a brighter future, and, as the saying goes, no king in America.
Dominique
Bertail (artist) and Jean-David Morvan (writer) are a celebrated French comic
book creative duo. They are best known for their acclaimed graphic novel
biography Madeleine, Résistante, which chronicles the life of the real-life
French Resistance fighter and poet Madeleine Riffaud.
Madeleine,
Resistance Fighter (Madeleine, résitante) is the acclaimed biography of
Madeleine Riffaud has been translated into English for international
distribution, with individual volumes including sub-titles such as Volume 1:
The Unpinned Rose (originally La Rose dégoupillée).
The series chronicles her life beginning in the 1930s, her early struggles with tuberculosis, and her dramatic entry into the French Resistance under the code name "Rainer" as a teenager. The graphic memoir covers her gripping and perilous operations, including capturing German supply trains, surviving Gestapo torture, and participating in the liberation of Paris.
In his video, "The GDR in the Stasi's Sights, 1955: The Secret Reports to the SED Leadership," historian Dr. Ronny Heidenreich presents the key issues of 1955. And numerous berets too!
"Black bread and weak beer"—that was the reality for many people in the GDR in 1955. Meanwhile, the Stasi boasted about its success in "hunting down spies," while the SED celebrated the GDR's newly won sovereignty. The Stasi reports from that year offer multifaceted insights into a deeply divided society.
The secret reports, compiled by the "Central Evaluation and Information Group" (ZAIG) of the Ministry for State Security (Stasi) and its predecessors to inform the GDR's party and state leadership from the June Uprising of 1953 until December 1989, are a historically invaluable source. These are reports, compiled over 37 years in various forms and with varying frequency, that reveal the Stasi's specific perspective on and within the GDR.
The Mitfords were six, witty, eccentric and beautiful sisters. For two, their personal lives strayed into the political: Diana the fascist and Jessica the communist. But they were also shaped by experiences more familiar to us all - the trials and joys of family, of love, of grief, and of sisterhood.
The Mitford family is an aristocratic British family who became particularly well known in the 1930s for the six Mitford sisters, the daughters of David Freeman-Mitford, 2nd Baron Redesdale, and his wife, Sydney Bowles. They were celebrated and sometimes scandalous figures. One journalist described them as "Diana the Fascist, Jessica the Communist, Unity the Hitler-lover, Nancy the Novelist, Deborah the Duchess and Pamela the unobtrusive poultry connoisseur."
The sisters
gained widespread attention for their stylish and controversial lives as young
people, and for their public political divisions between communism and fascism.
Nancy and Jessica became well-known writers: Nancy wrote The Pursuit of Love
(1945) and Love in a Cold Climate (1949), and Jessica The American Way of Death
(1963). Deborah managed Chatsworth House, one of the most successful stately
homes in the United Kingdom.
.jpeg)
Jessica and Deborah married nephews of prime ministers Winston Churchill and Harold Macmillan, respectively. Deborah and Diana both married wealthy aristocrats. Unity and Diana were well known during the 1930s for being close to Adolf Hitler. Jessica turned her back on her inherited privileges and eloped with her cousin, Esmond Romilly, who was hoping to report on the Spanish Civil War for the News Chronicle, having briefly fought with the International Brigade.
Jessica's memoir, Hons and Rebels, describes their upbringing. Nancy drew upon her family members for characters in her novels.
