STABLE NOTES BY ED GOLDEN -SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2019
SANTA ANITA PRESENTS SEVEN STAKES ON WEEKEND OMAHA BEACH SURFACES IN SPRINT THIS SATURDAY BAFFERT JUVENILES EARN TRIP TO BREEDERS’ CUP BLINKERS HELPED EIGHT RINGS STAY FOCUSEDBob Baffert was in a familiar place Friday, his home-away-from-home, Santa Anita Park, specifically the Winner’s Circle.The two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer sent out Bast to win the Chandelier Stakes by a neck after a captivating stretch duel with 11-1 Comical, then 90 minutes later watched Eight Rings pummel eight foes with a front-running, six-length romp in the American Pharoah Stakes.Each event was a Grade I, Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Race, giving the winner a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Nov. 1 and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on Nov. 2, respectively, which will be run at Santa Anita for a record 10th time.John Velazquez rode both horses for Baffert, breaking a tie with fellow Hall of Fame member Jerry Bailey for most graded stakes victories by winning the Chandelier. It was No. 661 for Johnny V. as he is known to intimates in the racing world.Eight Rings, who lost all chance in the Del Mar Futurity when Drayden Van Dyke was unseated in a bumping incident shortly after the start, wore blinkers in the American Pharoah.“I think they helped a lot,” Baffert said Saturday morning at a bustling Clockers’ Corner, adding that both youngsters came out of their races in good order, and it’s on to the Breeders’ Cup with Velazquez retaining the mounts.“The blinkers kept Eight Rings a little more focused,” Baffert added. “Bask was blowing after the race and really needed it. She had to work hard, but Eight Rings looked really good.”PARADISE WOODS DOING WELL FOR ZENYATTA STAKESThe story line would be ideal should John Shirreffs win Sunday’s Grade II Zenyatta Stakes with Paradise Woods, since he was trainer of the mythical mare Zenyatta who captivated fans with her stirring last-to-first victories, 20 in 21 career races, including a jaw-dropper against males in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita in 2009.The Zenyatta Stakes is a $200,000 Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Race giving the winner a fees-paid berth to the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Longines Distaff on Nov. 2.“Paradise Woods is doing well,” Shirreffs said. “She’s had nice works (five furlongs Monday in a bullet 59.60, fastest of 58 drills at the distance, and seven furlongs the previous Monday in 1:26.20).”Shirreffs will of course have everlasting memories of his all-time great female warrior, but based upon a recent visit, those feelings apparently are not reciprocal.“The last time I saw Zenyatta was at the September sale early this month and she was doing great,” Shirreffs said. “She’s in foal to Candy Ride (at Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky).”Asked if Zenyatta remembered him, Shirreffs’ response was quick and succinct. “No,” he said. “She’s forgotten about me. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say.”The field for the Zenyatta, race five of eight: Secret Spice, Flavien Prat, 8-5; Mongolian Humor, Norberto Arroyo Jr., 12-1; Paradise Woods, Abel Cedillo, 5-2; Ollie’s Candy, Kent Desormeaux, 9-5; La Force, Drayden Van Dyke, 5-1; and Kaydetre, Martin Garcia, 20-1ZENYATTA STAKES TO BE SHOWN LIVE ON FOX SPORTS SUNDAYSunday’s Zenyatta Stakes will be shown live on Fox Sports as a part of its “America’s Day at the Races” show, which airs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PT.A Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Race qualifier to the $2 million Distaff, to be contested Nov. 2 at Santa Anita, the Zenyatta will be run at approximately 3:05 p.m.Michelle Yu will provide on-site analysis and reporting and the broadcast will also feature live coverage of several stakes from Belmont Park, including the Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Grade I Vosburgh Stakes, in addition to closing-day Fall Meet coverage from Churchill Downs.COUNTDOWN ON FOR OMAHA BEACH IN SA SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIPFollowing his bullet four furlong workout Friday in 46.80, trainer Richard Mandella reported Omaha Beach in fine fettle this morning as the countdown began in earnest for his eagerly anticipated return to the races this Saturday in the Grade I, Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Santa Anita Sprint Championship at six furlongs.Regular rider Mike Smith will again be aboard the three-year-old son of War Front, who at press time had three others committed to face him: California Street, no rider; Flagstaff, Victor Espinoza; and Shancelot, no rider. FINISH LINES: Today’s Late Pick 4 pool will be guaranteed at $500,000 . . . Santa Anita has seven stakes on tap next weekend, headed by Saturday’s Santa Anita Sprint Championship and the Grade II City of Hope Mile on grass, which could lure a crack lineup headed by Bolo and Ohio. Also Saturday are the Grade III LA Woman Stakes with Anonymity, Lady Ninja, Pretty Greeley, Selcourt and Show It N Moe probable; and the $70,000 Swingtime Stakes for fillies and mares three and up at a mile on turf. Achira, Great Return, La Sardane, Meal Ticket, Super Patriot and Toinette are scheduled to run. Sunday’s stakes are the $100,000 Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Speakeasy Stakes for two-year-olds at five furlongs on turf, expected to attract Alfie Solomons (Victor Espinoza) and Ginobili (Drayden Van Dyke); the $100,000 Surfer Girl; and the $100,000 Zuma Beach . . . McKinzie, Jon White‘s 4-5 morning line favorite for today’s Awesome Again Stakes, has been favored in his last six races and 10 of 12 in his career, five times at odds-on . . . Mario Gutierrez will serve a three day suspension (Oct. 4, 5, 6) meted out during the Del Mar meet, agent Matt Nakatani said . . . Respected workout analyst Andy Harrington will be Tom Quigley‘s guest handicapper 11:20 a.m. Sunday in the XBTV studios.LATEST CONTENT FROM XBTV: XBTV Saturday: What to Watch for at Santa Anita Park on September 28th, 2019FEATURES:Quick Questions With Trainer Eoin Harty: Part 1 of 2WORK OUTS:Catalina Cruiser (Sadler) 9/28/19Giant Expectations (Eurton) 9/28/19Omaha Beach (Outside) and Magic Rate (Mandella) 9/27/19Map Maker (Inside) and Technicolor (Baffert) 9/27/17Campaign (Sadler) 9/27/19Roadster (Outside) and Anuket (Baffert) 9/25/19Draft Pick (Eurton) 9/22/19Mongolian Groom (Ganbat) 9/22/19Eight Rings (American Pharoah) and American Anthem (Baffert) 9/22/19 ZENYATTA STAKES APT STORY LINE FOR SHIRREFFS
Olympians Arthur Wint, Herb McKenley and Dennis Johnson, as well stand-out coach Michael Clarke, will be among six luminaries to be honoured at the inaugural staging of the McKenley/Wint Track and Field Classic that will christen the new synthetic track at Calabar High School on January 23.Calabar High benefactors Ray Goldbourne and Dr. Don Philbert, who have both made significant contributions to the continued development of the Red Hills Road-based educational institution, will also be honoured during the meet that will feature Olympic Development races in the 400 and 800 metres and special 100-metre race for primary school athletes.Wint won Jamaica’s first ever gold medal in the 400 metres at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, England. He was also a member of Jamaica’s mile relay team that won gold in world record time at the 1952 Games in Helsinki.McKenley, the first Jamaican schoolboy to win a track scholarship, was a silver medallist in the 400m in 1948 and was a also member of Jamaica’s mile relay team that dramatically defeated the previously invincible Americans at the 1952 Games. He was also a successful track coach at Calabar High for more than a decade.Johnson, the first ever director of sports at the College of Arts, Science and Technology, was among the fastest men in the world over the 100-yard dash between the mid 1950s and early 1960s. He once equalled the world record four times within a one month span.Clarke has had tremendous success as a track coach and has led Calabar High to the last four titles at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships.All six gentlemen will be honoured during the opening ceremony at the meet. “We will be presenting citations for each of them and will be handing over plaques of those citations,” said Andrea Hardware, a member of the organising committee.”We wanted this meet to be a development meet because both Mr. McKenley and Dr. Wint had been significant contributors to track and field, especially at the junior level, moreso Herb because he has been our coach for like the last 100 years before he retired, he was just there with us pushing and developing our programme in general and producing some outstanding athletes for us and for Jamaica.”So it is a meet honouring these two greats that have contributed so much to us as a nation,” Hardware stated.
A group of young people under the banner, Youth United for Progress and Transformation (YUPT), has given some level of cleanliness to the Mamba Point Community.YUPT members specifically carried out their self-initiated cleanup exercise in the Macobene Community in Mamba Point, which is the diplomatic enclave in Monrovia.Mamba Point Community hosts several embassies, including United States, European Union and India House. It is also the location of several international organizations, especially United Nations related entities, including WHO, UNDP, UNICEF, UNWOMEN, FAO and UNFPA.The young people under the leadership of Mr. Joseph Nyanway undertook the initiative last Saturday to give their community a massive facelift by cleaning clogged drainages, sweeping and removing dirt from the streets and brushing grassy spots.Nyanway, who is also the founder and YUPT CEO said the cleaning campaign could not come at a better time when the nation is facing a deadly epidemic, the transmission of which has also been traced to dirty environments.He said the initiative was just to serve as an eye-opener to residents of the community about the organization which has more than 200 members.Community development has been of concern for a very long time specifically the issue that has to do with community dwellers as partners to the welfare of their own communities, Nyanway said.He further stated that the youth realize that they must begin to impact the lives of their community residents, “because we are considered as a major vehicle for progress and transformation.”“This is why we decided to embark on the initiative to give our community a facelift,” he said, adding, “ If we don’t do it then who will do it for us? We have been lagging behind as young people as a result of disunity but now that we have come together we will begin to show interest in the welfare of our community,” Nyanway told the Daily Observer in an exclusive interview.He said his organization lacks basic logistics, including machetes, hoes, rakes, leaf brooms and other materials that would enable them to continue the community cleaning exercise.He appealed to the government, NGOs and embassies, especially the US embassy and surrounding UN agencies’ offices to giving them a helping hand.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
The camera can zoom in for a tight shot of his left eye – the socket that’s been reconstructed with titanium – and pan down to his boots as a narrator goes over his litany of fractures, dislocations, lacerations, punctured organs, countless concussions and visit to intensive care wards. Stuff that would make Evel Knievel envious. Although, if this is going to be a Hollywood script about good versus evil, Moraes knows what side he’d be on. “I’m scared of heights,” he admits. “I’d never bungee jump, or base jump or parachute out of a plane. It’s that sense of not being in control. It’s why I hate flying.” In a plane, maybe. Off a bull that’s been bullied, never. “Fear can not enter your mind when you’re riding,” he continues. “You’ve got to at least act like you’re Superman – invincible, unbreakable. Any fear you may have, you turn it into strength, then you go for it, knowing if you get thrown off, you get up and do it again.” God willing. The rough ‘n’ tumble tournament format at a typical PBR event is structured quite simple: Three rides per competitor, the top 45 are narrowed to a final 15, a possible (but nearly impossible) score of 100is the judges’ limit per ride, with a 90 as the seldom-reached benchmark for excellence. Riders and bulls are each judged for a combined final score. Winner gets about $20,000 an event. Amidst the blaring music and non-stop action, you’ll see plenty of crossover of the fan base from NASCAR (Dale Earnhardt Jr. sponsors a stop in North Carolina) and the NFL (New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington co-owns a herd of bulls used in competition). No wonder. This complicated, synchronized dance between man and beast, done at breakneck speed that can end in a broken neck, is more like a NASCAR spinout without the rollbars, a full-on violent quarterback sack with no help from an “in the grasp” rule. Considering one of the top bulls on the circuit right now is named Steve-O, relating this all to the movie “Jackass” might be closer to reality. “I don’t see it as crazy; I see it as normal,” says Moraes, who came into this eighth event of the season ranked 11th in the overall standings. Marketing itself as an extreme sport on sawdust, the PBR circuit steers into this entertainment mecca at a time when Hollywood might want to consider a new angle at wrangling the passion and personalities for the silver screen. Anyone who considers “City Slickers” a documentary probably knows of a 1994 flick titled “8Seconds,” starring Luke Perry as 1987 PRCA bull riding world champion Lane Frost. Not to spoil the ending, but Frost dies when a bull spears him. But along the way, many facts of his life are manipulated for story’s sake. To Moraes, whose $3 million-plus in earnings over his 13-year career gives him the resources to invest in a movie project, a cinematic treatment about him would have to capture more of the soulfulness than the psychoticness. Less Buckaroo Banzai and more George Strait to the heart. “I’ve been disappointed by the image Hollywood gives us,” said Moraes, one of three bull-riding brothers. “They try to show us how they see the sport rather than how we see it. “It wouldn’t be just another cowboy movie. It’d have to be like taking an action movie and a love story and putting them together, with nothing artificial. “You’d have to show the real heroes, both the riders and bulls. We are all about passion and living. We don’t do this because it’s dangerous or we can make money. We have to love it. And that passion has to show. “But the way they’ve portrayed us, they stray from reality because it sells. I wouldn’t want my life story to change for a movie. People believe too much from what they see, so it has to be as real as possible. It can’t be too stupid.” In the movie version of Adriano Moraes’ life, maybe he wins another world title in Las Vegas, and then decides it’s time to head back to Tyler, Texas, with his wife and threesmall sons and rest his weary re-fused bones. Or maybe not. “I’m going to ride as long as I feel competitive,” he insists. “That could be 10 years from now, or it could be tomorrow.” We’ll stay around for the closing credits. thomas.hoffarth@ dailynews.com (818) 713-3661 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! “Faith,” the reigning and three-time Professional Bull Riders world champion begins as he stretches out his legs, one of which still has a steel rod and a few screws in it, and puts his feet up on a coffee table in his peaceful, pristine hotel room just down the street from Honda Center, where this weekend’s PBR event comes barreling through. “Without faith, I could not do anything. God created me as a bull rider. I pray constantly.” Who wouldn’t be counting their blessings to survive another week of tangling with steers that go by the names of Cruel Dude, Scene Of The Crash, Lights Out and Cheeseburger With An Attitude. As he spends some downtime watching the movie “Fantastic Four” on his TV, Moraes conveys a clear spiritual attitude that doesn’t involve any fast-food philosophy: Since no onehas the superhuman powers to live on Earth forever, life’s a temporary stop that must be embraced. The devout evangelical Catholic pulls a brazilwood rosary from his pocket and explains that whatever power he derives from his convictions, it allows him to continue a very successful living at something most in their right minds wouldn’t – and shouldn’t – ever attempt. 
ANAHEIM A movie about the life of Adriano Moraes should start in a noisy, smelly, dirt-strewn rodeo arena. The handsome 36-year-old Brazilian mashes his black cowboy hat back down onto his head one last time with his right hand while regripping his left glove onto a rope looped around a 1,400-pound bull genetically bred to give him the sensation of being thrown through a car windshield. 
Council chambers were almost packed full with residents of Fort St. John, but it only took 5 minutes for council make the motion to pass the request onto the ministry for approval.The decision was made in such a swift manner because city staff only received 3 Elector Response Forms, which indicates the amount of residents who are opposed to the extension.“I just want to point out here that staff went above and beyond reaching out to non resident voters to ensure they were aware of the process,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said.- Advertisement -City staff would have had to receive a little over 1,300 forms for them to be mandated by the ministry to hold a referendum before obtaining approval.The City of Fort St. John says they’ll be out of available industrial and residential land within the next few years if growth continues as anticipated.The city has successfully obtained 2 boundary extensions in the past 25 years, once in 1989 to include the South Sewer Lagoons and Community Forest, and again in 2001 for the inclusion of the OSB Plant.Advertisement
Harambee Starlets players Nixon Thomas and Sheril Andiba vie for the ball against Ghana defence. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYAThe victory now means Starlets are through to the fourth round where they will meet either Zambia or Botswana.Mercy Airo had a brilliant chance after 18 minutes when a brilliant Wincate Kaari ball from deep in Kenya’s half found her isolated at the edge of the six yard box, but the forward’s first touch let her down as the ball easily rolled to the keeper.Kenya’s Mercy Airo goes past Priscilla Okyere of Ghana in the Olympic qualifier matches. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYAJanet Bundi had another great chance for Starlets when she surged to the edge of the box but instead of taking an aim at goal took too many touches on the ball allowing the Ghanaians to close in. Minutes later, Mwanahalima Adam had a shot from range fly over.Eight minutes to the break, Priscilla Okyere had a freekick from range well collected by keeper Annette Kundu, though she let it slip off her hands for a corner.Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma gesturing to players in the Ghana match. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYAIn the second half, head coach David Ouma made changes bringing on Cynthia Shilwatso for Airo, Gentrix Shikangwa for Bundi and Topister Nafula for Elizabeth Wambui in a bid to spice up the attack.However, they could not get in a meaningful effort in the final third, the closest being a Shikangwa shot that went straight to the keeper’s arms.0Shares0000(Visited 68 times, 1 visits today) 0Shares0000Gentrix Shikangwa celebrating the all important goal with team-mates in the Ghana Olympic Qualifier match at Kasarani Stadium. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYANAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8 – Gentrix Shikangwa scored from the penalty spot nine minutes into extra time as Harambee Starlets beat Ghana’s Black Queens 1-0 to progress to the penultimate round of the qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.Shikangwa who had come on as an 80th minute substitute slotted home after Ghana’s Justice Tweneboa handled Sheryl Angachi’s goal bound header on the line.
The Leaving Cert has just begun, and Donegal Youth Service want to lower stress levels around the county and offer some tips: We want you to know that whatever happens there are lots of options available to you. Even if you mix up your algebra with your aurals.First things first you have to take care of yourself. Yes the Leaving Cert is a big deal, and you have been working towards this for years, but you must remember to eat, sleep, and take breaks among other things. Maybe even get out and enjoy some of the ‘Leaving Cert weather’ that everyone else is looking forward to in between studying and exams. And remember if you don’t get the results you wanted it’s certainly not the end of the world.Your Leaving Cert Survival Guide Eat good food. No, not fast food. GOOD food. Your brain needs it. You might not be studying on a treadmill, but your brain burns calories too so make sure you are giving it good fuel. Try some nuts, fish, and blueberries. Remember to stay hydrated too! There will be plenty of time for treats when it’s all finished. Stretch. Surely you have all heard stories of epic hand cramps after the written English exam. Did you know that the English paper 1 and paper 2 used to be on the same day? Spare a thought for those who came before you. And maybe try some yoga. Take regular breaks. We know you hear this one all the time, but don’t overlook its importance. Your brain needs a break too. So get up, and get away from your books and get some fresh air. Do something that you enjoy. Breathe. You might be thinking this one is obvious, and you don’t need to remember to breathe as it’s automatic. But we mean breathe deeply. If you are feeling stressed or anxious about your exams take 5 minutes, close your eyes and focus on taking slow, deep breaths. Organise your study space. Keep it as clear as possible, and only have the books and notes you need open. Still getting distracted by other things in your room? Build a blanket fort around your study area and then get back to work. Study with friends. Talking about the subjects is a great way to revise, and you can answer each other’s questions. Otherwise talking into a mirror and explaining something is good too. Explaining something verbally helps you grasp it better yourself. Get a good night’s sleep! In times of stress that is often easier said than done, but there are some ways to make it more likely. Turn off your phone, TV, and any other electronics in your bedroom. Try some meditation and breathing. And even if you don’t fall asleep at least you are resting. Eat a good breakfast each day, read the whole paper (make sure to check the back page!) before you start writing and then write what you can. Read it twice if you need to and make sure you understand the instructions. You can do it! It’s all over. Now you can treat yourself – you survived the Leaving Cert! Phew! Remember your potential is not defined by your Leaving Cert results. Enjoy the summer and don’t spend it worrying about how you did. If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed you can call in to us for one to one support, information about your options, CAO support, or a place to relax, take a break and have some tea. A ping pong tournament could be the perfect break, what do you think? We are here for you in whatever way you need us.Contact Donegal Youth Service on (074) 91 29630, e-mail admin@donegalyouthservice.ie, visit www.donegealyouthservice.ie, or call into us at 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny. We are also on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. Donegal Youth Service are a registered charity. Charity No. CHY 15027. The DYS guide to surviving the Leaving Cert was last modified: June 7th, 2017 by Rachel McLaughlinShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:educationJunior CertLeaving cert
A NEW shopping centre in Letterkenny has just six units left to fill, its owner announced today.Tommy McLaughlin opened the Riverside Retail Hall just a few weeks agoAnd it seems that this business confidence is alive and well in Donegal as only six units remain out of 27 at the new Shopping Centre on Neil T Blaney Road in Letterkenny. Offering affordable all-inclusive rents, no long-term leases, a central location and an overall economic route to market, this new indoor market-type retailing hall is giving a much-needed boost to the retail sector in Letterkenny.With 8,000 square feet available at Riverside Retail Hall a new concept in retailing for Donegal. These units open opportunities for small craft and indigenous retailers to launch their own business with exposure to a consistent footfall in a central location in town.Delighted with the positve reaction from both reatilers and customers to date Tommy McLaughlin says: “The sucess of Riverside Retail Hall’s new retailing concept is testiment that there are still great business opportunities out there despite the current climate.“Donegal has many hidden talents and we hope to continue to unveil these and add them to the mix of our diverse retailing experience here at Riverside. “We were delighted to have welcomed 12 new retailers over the past eight weeks and look forward to welcoming more fresh and innovative businesses to fill our remaining six units”With 27 units in total, Riverside Retail Halls offers a great retail variety to satisfy every cutsomer taste. Current residents include: Tasty Bites Restaurant; Icecream & Jelly; Walk Right; LK Mattresses; Kate’s Closet II, Shine Ladies Hair Salon; Bre Smith Art, Craft and Design; Rainbow Gems; Dressed 2 Impress;; T-Shirt Express Print; Angie’s Handbags and Accessories and Art Expression.Coming soon are Queen Bee Brow and Nail Bar and Slimmers ChoiceSoon to be launched Riverside Rewards Loyalty Scheme, will offer customers discounts and special offiers. The shopping hall also offers FREE wi-fi throughout which is ideal for business people on the go. It also has restroom and baby-changing facilities and FREE parking.* To open your business in a friendly, interactive and affordable retail environment call Riverside Retail Hall and secure your unit today on: 074 91 64020. You can also check out Riverside Shopping Hall on Facebook. NEW SHOPPING CENTRE: JUST SIX UNITS LEFT! was last modified: June 1st, 2011 by gregShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)
Following this weekend’s success of the extended five-day Guth Gafa International Documentary Festival in Gortahork, co-directors David Rane and Neasa Ni Chianain say they are delighted with the enthusiastic response so far.“There has been a terrific spirit at the festival, regardless of economic cuts which affect us all,” said David.“Directors and producers from so many different countries are here and film-goers and students of cinema have a unique opportunity to get up close and ask all kinds of questions. “This kind of intimacy is one of the characteristics we are most proud of here.”Linking closely with the local community in west Donegal has also been a key priority of the festival organisers and screening of the film, Jig, which focuses on Irish dancing, the guest appearances of world champions, Brogan McCay and John Whitehurst, as well as the lively ceili Sunday night at the Festival Club in Ostan Loch Altan attracted many, both young and old.Speaking at the opening, Ni Chianain summed up the festival’s sentiments, “This audience is peppered with activists who care – some have gone to prison for their beliefs, some have been ostracised from their communities, some have suffered economic hardship for speaking out.“But it’s not this audience that we want to change: we see an opportunity to use the film community to act as facilitators; as levers for social change because the power you wield is immense.” Guest speakers, Julia Handelman Smith, deputy director of the British Council in Belfast, and Shona McCarthy chief executive of Derry City of Culture 2011, deputy director of the British Council in Belfast Julia Handelman Smith, emphazised the festival’s key importance in promoting positive social change and the continued need for funding.A national and international audience packed out three separate cinemas to watch award-winning films and participate in lively interactive discussions on sharply diverse subjects. The festival’s three strands – ‘Terrorism on trial,’ ‘Small Actions vs Big Power’ and ‘Getting the Message on Climate’ – focused on society in crisis and the responsibility that places on individuals to act. Summing up the overriding message, Neasa said, “Films That Matter can, and should be, entertaining, possibly not as escapism but as a kind of participation. We see an opportunity to use the film community as facilitators; as levers for social change because the power you wield is immense.”Guth Gafa continues until tomorrow Tuesday, with master classes on film-making and accessing funding in north America. A special student award will also be made.SUPER RESPONSE TO GUTH GAFA FESTIVAL was last modified: June 13th, 2011 by gregShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:gortahorkguth gafa
You know it was a rough season opener for the Warriors when their best duo turned out to be two guys who never left their seats Thursday night, the reborn radio tandem of Tim Roye and Tom Tolbert.It was no reflection of the performances of Tolbert and Roye that scores of Warriors fans likely snapped off their radios or silenced their mobile devices in disgust during the broadcast of a depressing 141-122 loss to the Clippers.The colorful Tolbert, more everyman than former Warrior, couldn’t …