Letters from great French writers of the 19th century – Victor Hugo, Honore de Balzac, Stendhal, Gustave Flaubert, Georges Sand, Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine – will be offered at auction in Paris, AFP reported.
They are part of the collection of the former university professor and lover of literature Jean-Luc Mercier and are offered for sale by the auction house “Cornette de Saint-Cyr”. The auction will be held on June 9.
Participants will be able to bid for a letter from Victor Hugo, written by Brussels in 1866 to journalist and admirer Auguste Vacquerie. The letter, a call against the death penalty, in which the author of “The Doomed” complains that “freedom is denied everywhere, the ideal is violated and reactionaryism thrives” is valued at between 8,000 and 10,000 euros.
Four letters from Gustave Flaubert to his ex-girlfriend, written between 1846 and 1853, were valued at up to 15,000 euros each. In one, Flaubert said of the writing of Madame Bovary: “No lyricism. No reasoning. The author’s personality is absent. It will be sad to read.”
In a letter from 1868 addressed to Flaubert, Georges Sand complained that he lived in isolation. “You, angry troubadour, I suspect you enjoy the craft more than anything in the world,” Sand said.
The twentieth century and especially surrealism are well represented in the collection. A collage by Andre Breton entitled “Ghost Team” is valued at between 10,000 and 15,000 euros, as well as a book in English about Salvador Dali with a dedication drawn by the Spanish artist.
The most expensive lot, valued at between 40,000 and 50,000 euros, is an original edition of Julien Grach’s novel The Shores of Sirte, accompanied by a letter from the author to Jean-Luc Mercier explaining his literary project.
Participants will also be able to bid for an original edition of Emmanuel Arsan’s novel Emanuela, with a nude photo of the author by Pierre Molinier, valued at between 7,000 and 8,000 euros.
A total of 345 lots will be offered at the auction.
On Earth, there are many species that consist of only females that breed without the participation of males. It is generally believed that this method of reproduction inevitably leads to negative consequences for the species. But a grasshopper living in Australia has shown that even after a quarter of a million years of life without males, nothing threatens the well-being of the species.
Biology
Most living beings on our planet have two sexes: male and female. This state of affairs seems natural and correct to us, but, as often happens in the wild, not always and not all species follow the beaten path, because there are many animal species in which intraspecific mating does not occur, but they do not die out, but safely still exist.
They continue their race through parthenogenesis, or “virgin reproduction”: unfertilized eggs develop in the bodies of females, from which new individuals are obtained, usually also females. Most often, invertebrate animals (for example, insects and crustaceans) reproduce by parthenogenesis, but it is also found in vertebrates: about 70 species are known, including lizards, frogs, and even some birds, in which reproduction occurs without the participation of male individuals. In mammals, such species are not known in nature, but under laboratory conditions, cubs have already been obtained from same-sex pairs of mice.
It is believed that this method of reproduction is unstable and loses in comparison with the usual sexual one: since daughters are, in fact, clones of their mothers, the genetic diversity of the species is extremely low, and if external conditions change, this can lead to the extinction of the species. However, nature once again decided to dispel our misconceptions: after eighteen years of studying the parthenogenetic grasshopper Warramaba virgo, scientists came to the conclusion that its species has existed for a quarter of a million years and is in no hurry to die out.
According to the results of the study, W. virgo was formed as a result of interspecific crossing of two other sexually reproducing species: W. flavolineata and W. whitei. Initially, scientists believed that the high viability of W. virgo was associated with repeated crosses of parental species and the effect of heterosis, in which hybrids have better characteristics than parental species (an eloquent example is the mule). However, a genetic study of all three species of grasshoppers has shown that this is not the case: W. virgo appeared as a result of a single “wrong” mating, judging by the number of accumulated mutations that occurred about 250 thousand years ago.
Also, W. virgo did not have any advantages over its parents in terms of physiological traits: this species did not stand out either in terms of resistance to heat and cold, or in terms of metabolic rate, or in terms of the number of eggs laid, the rate of development of offspring, and life expectancy. Nevertheless, for a quarter of a million years, W. virgo has successfully existed on the planet and even managed to spread throughout southern Australia, which its ancestors could not achieve.
It turns out that W. virgo has become a parthenogenetic species without any pluses and minuses for itself. But in this case, the question arises why the original species did not completely dissolve in each other, forming a single hybrid population. The scientists decided to test this by artificially crossing W. flavolineata and W. whitei and producing several hybrid females. None of them were able to produce viable offspring, which means that the unique mating that gave rise to W. virgo was also a very successful combination of circumstances, a kind of winning the genetic lottery, thanks to which the new species managed to hold out for so long .. A hybrid individual, obtained in the laboratory: unlike the “wild”, she laid only a few eggs that never hatched.
Further research into parthenogenetic species may allow us to answer questions about the benefits of not only bisexual mating, but avoiding it.
The results of the study are published in the journal Science.
The Swiss government has vetoed a request from Denmark to allow it to send Swiss-made armored personnel carriers to Ukraine, citing its policy of neutrality, under which it does not supply weapons to conflict zones, Reuters reported. in a statement from the Swiss television “SRF”.
The Swiss Secretariat of State for Economic Affairs (DIPC) has rejected a request from Denmark to allow Ukraine to provide about 20 armored infantry vehicles to the Piranha III, the television said, citing confirmation from the agency itself. DUIS has not yet commented on the information.
Neutral Switzerland requires foreign countries that purchase Swiss weapons to seek permission before re-exporting it. In April, it vetoed the re-export of Swiss-made anti-aircraft ammunition that Germany is sending to Ukraine. She also refused a request from Poland for weapons to help her neighbor Ukraine.
Switzerland has put an end to past practices and imposed EU sanctions aimed at punishing Russia for invading Ukraine, which Moscow describes as a special military operation to disarm and “denazification” the neighboring country. But Switzerland’s neutrality faces its most serious test in decades amid the country’s ongoing debate over how to implement a policy that prevented Switzerland from participating in the two world wars of the 20th century.
Chaos in the sphere of air transportation has also affected Israel, disrupting the plans of thousands of passengers
If you are going abroad this summer, you should not count on the fact that the trip will go according to plan. It may have to be cancelled. The chaos that has engulfed Ben Gurion Airport due to a labor conflict between pilots and the administration of the El Al airline is nothing compared to what could begin in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile in the world
In Europe and North America, low-cost airlines are canceling flights due to labor shortages. Demand for tickets has returned to pre-crisis levels, and there is no one to operate and service flights. This is not about isolated cases, but about the cancellation of several hundred flights a day.
Just last week, the British company EasyJet canceled 200 flights on European routes. Thousands of passengers are stuck at airports. Global chaos has also affected Israel: the Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air canceled the next flights on the London-Tel Aviv route, which is very popular.
Tickets to nowhere
Israelis literally every minute report on social networks about the sudden cancellation of flights of foreign airlines. “I just got a notification that my flight has been cancelled. Please help me contact Wizz Air,” writes one passenger. Another calls for no more contact with budget airlines. And such messages in just one day – hundreds, if not thousands. The reason is known to everyone: low-cost airlines sell tickets smartly, but cannot fulfill their obligations to passengers due to a lack of staff.
Pandemonium at London Gatwick Airport (Photo: EPA)
About 70 dissidents who left the Russian Federation for Germany due to Russian aggression against Ukraine on a 90-day visa will be able to obtain a residence permit from the German authorities. Spiegel reports.
The Federal Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs of Germany have developed a program for Russian citizens entering German territory on temporary visas and not wanting to return to Russia because of the danger.
The document prepared by the departments notes that Germany has “a special political obligation … towards people who in recent years have defended human rights, democracy and the rule of law contrary to the political course of the Russian leadership.”
The program provides for the possibility of granting a residence permit for Russians who:
• have been or are employees of German institutions and organizations abroad;
• work in the human rights field;
• are members of organizations recognized in Russia as “foreign agents” or “undesirable organizations”;
• journalists whose media were closed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Their temporary 90-day visas will be replaced with long-term ones, which, in particular, will give them the right to work. In addition, it is assumed that during the first year of their stay in Germany, Russian dissidents will receive financial assistance through grants.
Spiegel does not name the Russians who are planned to be granted permanent residence in Germany, but quotes Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar, who stated problems with living on German territory.
Earlier, German media reported that the German federal government wants to make it easier for Kremlin critics from Russia to enter the country.
In addition, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will present a report on the defense of the constitution, which will focus on the threat of Russian espionage.
The German government was urged not to give Ukraine heavy weapons.
This proposal was made by the leader of the faction of the Left Party in the Bundestag, Dietmar Bartsch, according to Welt.
“I am categorically against Germany exporting more and heavier weapons to Ukraine,” he said.
“I am convinced that there will be no military solution,” he said, adding that “in the end, Russia should sit down at the negotiating table.”
According to the publication, Bartsch also wondered “what does it mean when they say that Ukraine must win the war.”
Bartsch is a German “leftist”, served in the army of the GDR, called for the lifting of sanctions against the Russian Federation.
Help for Ukraine:
On June 1, US President Joe Biden announced a new weapons package for Ukraine, including HIMARS highly mobile artillery missile systems, precision weapons that can hit targets up to 80 kilometers away.
In addition, the aid package will include: highly mobile artillery rocket systems and ammunition; anti-artillery radars; air surveillance radars; Javelin and command and launch modules for them; anti-tank weapons; artillery shells of 155 mm caliber; Mi-17 helicopters; tactical vehicles; spare parts and equipment.
Also on June 1, information appeared that Germany intends to supply Ukraine with four multiple rocket launcher systems (MLRS) from the Bundeswehr stocks.
On the same day, June 1, Germany clarified that the delivery of air defense to Ukraine would take months.
On June 2, the British Ministry of Defense officially announced the transfer to Ukraine of American M270 multiple launch rocket systems capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 80 kilometers.
In Ukraine, a large-scale write-off of loans from citizens may begin. Debts, of course, will not be written off for everyone. However, the government wants to release some borrowers from the obligation to pay on loans that were issued by banks for the purchase of real estate and movable property. In other words, for the purchase of apartments and cars. Loans will be written off only from those who lost this property due to the war.
Such news, encouraging for many unlucky borrowers, was published in his Telegram channel by the head of the tax committee of the Verkhovna Rada, Daniil Getmantsev.
“On behalf of the President, we agreed with the Head of the National Bank and the Prime Minister on the development of a draft law on writing off debt on consumer loans for the purchase of movable and immovable property that was destroyed during the hostilities,” the people’s deputy said.
He also writes that the draft law developed by them will be submitted to the parliament next week.
Graphologists study people’s handwriting, revealing the relationship between their writing style and character. It is believed that handwriting can be used to make a psychological portrait of a person and determine his main personality traits.
UNIAN will tell you what handwriting to the left means and other nuances of the epistolary manifestation of oneself.
What handwriting can tell – 4 main nuances
Character by handwriting with examples
The researchers say that before starting to study handwriting, it is important to meet the necessary conditions. Firstly, it is better to write with a pen or pencil – this way you can find out the pressure force. Secondly, for the purity of the experiment, ask a person to write something at different times, under different conditions and in his different states – this will allow you to find out his alternative sides of his personality.
The slope of the handwriting
If a person writes, tilting the letters to the left, then he is an individualist who does not care about the opinion of society. He will always put his own interests above anyone else’s. If the slope to the left is strong, then this indicates self-sufficiency and independence of the individual.
Tilt to the right – a sign of creativity, poise and sociability. There may be mood swings. A noticeable angle of inclination to the right warns of irascibility and jealousy, this handwriting is a clear sign of a leader.
Handwriting without an inclination reveals a person who thinks rationally. She is in harmony with herself and practically does not suffer from internal conflicts. Such people always make informed decisions, but their main drawback is stubbornness.
Pushing the handle
Scientists believe that a person who presses the pen or pencil too hard while writing is energetic and self-confident in life. He is sociable, independent and always has his own point of view.
Light pressure is a sign of a romantic and creative nature, incapable of excessive purposefulness. Such people do everything slowly, measuredly, carefully. Often a person with light pressure has a weak willpower and character.
handwriting size
This indicator can help to find out how sociable a person is. Large letters (more than 3 mm) indicate openness, increased emotionality and sensitivity. They can lead the crowd, convince and lead.
The medium and small size of the letters hints that you have a responsible and hardworking person. Such people can be trusted with important matters. The smaller the letters, the more prudence, secrecy and isolation in a person.
Wide letters, in turn, are a sign of good nature, sincerity and kindness, and narrow letters are pettiness and greed.
Roundness of letters
Angular and sharp letters give out a person who is selfish, narcissistic and independent. Such a person will always strive for independence and refuse situations where she is told what to do.
Round letters, on the contrary, are a sign of belonging to the company, responsiveness and friendliness. The owners of rounded letters come to the rescue more often than others, they know how to find compromises and become true friends.
European Parliament to discuss the resumption of hostilities in Nagorno Karabakh TheEuropeanTimes INFO
The agreed legislation aims to ensure that minimum wages in all EU countries guarantee decent living standards for workers.
With a deal struck on Monday night, Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on EU rules to set adequate minimum wages, as provided by national law and/or collective agreements. The new legislation will apply to all EU workers who have an employment contract or employment relationship. The EU countries in which the minimum wage is protected exclusively via collective agreements will not be obliged to introduce it nor to make these agreements universally applicable.
Adequate wages
According to the agreement, member states will have to assess whether their existing statutory minimum wages (i.e. the lowest wage permitted by law) are adequate to ensure a decent standard of living, taking into account their own socio-economic conditions, purchasing power or the long-term national productivity levels and developments.
For the adequacy assessment, EU countries may establish a basket of goods and services at real prices. Member states may also apply indicative reference values commonly used internationally, such as 60% of the gross median wage and 50% of the gross average wage.
Deductions from or variations to the minimum wage will have to be non-discriminatory, proportionate and have a legitimate objective, such as the recovery of overstated amounts paid or deductions ordered by a judicial or administrative authority.
Collective bargaining
EU negotiators agreed that EU countries will have to strengthen sectoral and cross-industry collective bargaining as an essential factor for protecting workers by providing them with a minimum wage. Member states in which less than 80% of the workforce is protected by a collective agreement will have to create an action plan to progressively increase this coverage. To design the best strategy for this purpose, they should involve social partners and inform the Commission of the adopted measures and make the plan public.
Monitoring and right to redress
The agreed text introduces the obligation for EU countries to set up an enforcement system, including reliable monitoring, controls and field inspections, to ensure compliance and address abusive sub-contracting, bogus self-employment, non-recorded overtime or increased work intensity.
National authorities will have to ensure the right to redress for workers whose rights have been infringed. Authorities must also take the necessary measures to protect workers and trade union representatives.
Next steps
The provisional political agreement reached by the EP negotiating team will now have to be approved first by the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, followed by a plenary vote. The Council also has to approve the deal.
Quotes
After the deal was struck, co-rapporteur Dennis Radtke (EPP, DE) said: “With the agreement on minimum wages, we are writing socio-political history in Europe. For the first time, EU legislation will contribute directly to ensuring that workers are getting fairer, better pay checks”.
Co-rapporteur Agnes Jongerius (S&D, NL) added : With this European law, we reduce wage inequalities, and push for higher wages for Europe’s lowest paid workers. They should be able to buy new clothes, join a sports team, or go on a well-deserved holiday. In short, they should have a decent standard of living”.
Dragos PÎSLARU, (Renew, RO), Chair of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee concluded: “The directive opens new opportunities for European citizens to avoid in-work poverty and gain access to social dialogue. It creates transparent and appropriate procedures as well as common enforcement measures at EU level while also balancing national particularities”.
Background
In the EU, 21 out of 27 countries have a statutory minimum wage, while in the other six (Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Italy and Sweden) wage levels are determined through collective bargaining. Expressed in euro, monthly minimum wages vary widely across the EU, ranging from €332 in Bulgaria to €2 202 in Luxembourg (2021 data from Eurostat).
By autumn 2024, USB Type-C will become the common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU, Parliament and Council negotiators agreed today.
The provisional agreement on the amended Radio Equipment Directive, establishes a single charging solution for certain electronic devices. This law is a part of a broader EU effort to make products in the EU more sustainable, to reduce electronic waste, and make consumers’ lives easier.
Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charging device and cable every time they purchase a new device, and can use one single charger for all of their small and medium-sized portable electronic devices. Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers that are rechargeable via a wired cable will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of their manufacturer. Laptops will also have to be adapted to the requirements by 40 months after the entry into force.
The charging speed is also harmonised for devices that support fast charging, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.
Better information and choice for consumers
Consumers will be provided with clear information on the charging characteristics of new devices, making it easier for them to see whether their existing chargers are compatible. Buyers will also be able to choose whether they want to purchase new electronic equipment with or without a charging device.
These new obligations will lead to more re-use of chargers and will help consumers save up to 250 million euro a year on unnecessary charger purchases. Disposed of and unused chargers are estimated to represent about 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually.
Encouraging technological innovation
As wireless charging technology becomes more prevalent, the European Commission will be empowered to develop so-called delegated acts, on the interoperability of charging solutions.
Quote
Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) said: “Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe! European consumers were frustrated long with multiple chargers piling up with every new device. Now they will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics. We are proud that laptops, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice, and portable navigation devices are also included in addition to smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers. We have also added provisions on wireless charging being the next evolution in the charging technology and improved information and labelling for consumers”.
Press conference
On Tuesday, 7 June, from 12.30 CEST, Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) and Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton will give a joint press conference in the European Parliament’s press conference room in Strasbourg.
More details on how to follow are available in this media advisory.
After the summer recess, Parliament and Council will have to formally approve the agreement before it is published in the EU Official Journal. It will enter into force 20 days after publication and its provisions will start to apply after 24 months. The new rules would not apply to products placed on the market before the date of application.
Background
In the past decade, Parliament has been continuously calling on the Commission to table a proposal on a common charger solution. The legislative proposal was tabled on 23 September 2021.
By autumn 2024, USB Type-C will become the common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU, Parliament and Council negotiators agreed today.
The provisional agreement on the amended Radio Equipment Directive, establishes a single charging solution for certain electronic devices. This law is a part of a broader EU effort to make products in the EU more sustainable, to reduce electronic waste, and make consumers’ lives easier.
Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charging device and cable every time they purchase a new device, and can use one single charger for all of their small and medium-sized portable electronic devices. Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers that are rechargeable via a wired cable will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of their manufacturer. Laptops will also have to be adapted to the requirements by 40 months after the entry into force.
The charging speed is also harmonised for devices that support fast charging, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.
Better information and choice for consumers
Consumers will be provided with clear information on the charging characteristics of new devices, making it easier for them to see whether their existing chargers are compatible. Buyers will also be able to choose whether they want to purchase new electronic equipment with or without a charging device.
These new obligations will lead to more re-use of chargers and will help consumers save up to 250 million euro a year on unnecessary charger purchases. Disposed of and unused chargers are estimated to represent about 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually.
Encouraging technological innovation
As wireless charging technology becomes more prevalent, the European Commission will be empowered to develop so-called delegated acts, on the interoperability of charging solutions.
Quote
Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) said: “Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe! European consumers were frustrated long with multiple chargers piling up with every new device. Now they will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics. We are proud that laptops, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice, and portable navigation devices are also included in addition to smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers. We have also added provisions on wireless charging being the next evolution in the charging technology and improved information and labelling for consumers”.
Press conference
On Tuesday, 7 June, from 12.30 CEST, Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) and Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton will give a joint press conference in the European Parliament’s press conference room in Strasbourg.
More details on how to follow are available in this media advisory.
After the summer recess, Parliament and Council will have to formally approve the agreement before it is published in the EU Official Journal. It will enter into force 20 days after publication and its provisions will start to apply after 24 months. The new rules would not apply to products placed on the market before the date of application.
Background
In the past decade, Parliament has been continuously calling on the Commission to table a proposal on a common charger solution. The legislative proposal was tabled on 23 September 2021.
Without clear and significant progress on reforms to EU Values and Standards, Parliament cannot envisage resuming accession negotiations with Turkey, warned MEPs on Tuesday.
In a report adopted on Tuesday by 448 votes in favour, 67 against and 107 abstentions, MEPs warn that in spite of Turkey’s repeated statements that it aims to become an EU member, over the past two years the country has consistently gone back on its commitments in relation to the accession process.
Parliament welcomes the recent slight improvement in overall EU-Turkey relations, in particular, the high-level dialogues. This enhanced cooperation has unfortunately coexisted alongside regular conflicts, as relations with neighbouring EU member states remain challenging, stress MEPs.
The report points to the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Turkey. MEPs regret the sustained legal and administrative pressure on civil society and human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists. They call on the Commission to provide sufficient funding for pro-democracy efforts in Turkey.
Importance of close EU-Turkey cooperation in foreign and security policy
Welcoming Turkey’s willingness to act as a mediator in the Russian war against Ukraine, MEPs stress the vital importance of good EU-Turkey cooperation in foreign and security policy in the current challenging times and thank the country for its firm alignment with NATO and the EU.
The report commends Turkey’s efforts in continuing to host the largest refugee population in the world, and notes the sustained provision of EU funding for this purpose, which MEPs commit to maintain in the future. They also support the Commission’s proposal to start negotiations to update a mutually beneficial Customs Union, but warn that Parliament would only support a final agreement if necessary democratic conditions on human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect of international law and good neighbourly relations are met.
To sum-up, Parliament cannot at this stage justify modifying its position concerning the formal suspension of the accession negotiations with Turkey, which have effectively been at a standstill since 2018, MEPs say. By openly defying the binding rulings of the European Court of Human Rights in relation to the case of Osman Kavala and others, the current Turkish Government has deliberately demolished any aspirations of reopening the EU accession process at this time, they add.
Turkish objections to Sweden and Finland’s NATO applications
MEPs call on the Turkish government to handle Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership applications in good faith, to engage constructively in efforts to solve possible outstanding issues and to refrain from exerting any undue pressure in this process. In the current serious circumstances, it is important that all NATO allies act with foresight and swiftly ratify the accession protocols of the two countries, they stress.
Quote
“In the current challenging times, values and principles, which are at the core of any EU accession process, cannot come second to any geopolitical contingency. That is why the Parliament – and I hope all EU institutions – will not remain silent when faced with the current authoritarian spiral in the country. Instead of regaining trust – a much-needed asset in EU-Turkey relations – we are now losing it; the irresponsible veto in NATO and the rising tensions with EU member states are worrying signs for the future, marked by a pre-electoral situation in the country. If there is no change, I can hardly see the accession process surviving another five years”, said rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, Spain).
