The Intellectual Renaissance Foundation, within the framework of the “Saroyan House” project, started the construction workս of the well-known novelist, American-Armenian playwright William Saroyan’s house-museum in Fresno, the Intellectual Renaissance Foundation told Panorama.am.
To remind, the foundation acquired the writer’s house in 2015, and for about a year the foundation was engaged in studying the life and work of W. Saroyan, was searching and collecting the materials about him, as well as working together with the “Storaket” architectural studio was busy to develop a house-museum concept. And now, it is high time to start the construction work.
The construction work starts with exterior appearance reconstruction, and after getting the corresponding agreements with Fresno City Municipality, interior work also will start. The house-museum is scheduled to open on 31 August 2018, on the 110th anniversary of the writer.
Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Yuri Khachaturov is set to deliver a speech at the CIS and Eurasian Integration Standing Committee of the State Duma, lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia.
Ria Novosti Agency reports, Khachaturov will present the CSTO priorities as well s the preparation works for the SCTO parliamentary assembly.
Yuri Khachaturov was appointed Secretary General of CSTO on May 2, 2017, when the rotating chairmanship of the Secretary General’s post was passed to Armenia.
The Bargain Hunt presenter, 75, on his legendary colour, wheeling and dealing in his childhood, and why he’s not ready to retire just yet…
BYROSIE HOPEGOOD
07:00, 25 JUN 2017
TV
David is back on our screens (Photo: Rex)
David Dickinson is ambling his way across his living room, a mug of steaming tea in each hand. He may well be famous for his extensive antiques knowledge and his cult following – equal part grannies and daytime-telly-watching students – but for most people, the first thing that comes to mind when they think of David is that tan!
“The funny thing is,” he says, handing me one of the cups of tea, “I’ve done adverts for tea, beer, McDonald’s… but I’ve never been asked to do a tanning advert. I’d definitely say yes.”
We’re not so sure that David’s somewhat atomic glow is something people will aspire to. Although to be fair, in real life he’s less of a Wotsity hue, and more a perfect match for the well-brewed cuppa in my hand. But he’s warming to the subject, so it’s best to let him roll…
“I was on Big Star, Little Star recently with my grandson, and the presenter was angling to get him to say what sort of tanning products I use,” he says, sipping his skin-tone tea. “Jonathan Ross calls me the orange man. But I’ve got olive skin from my Armenian heritage, and my real secret is getting as many holidays in as I can.”
His wife of 47 years, Lourne, lets out a squeal from the sofa, where she’s been nodding along enthusiastically.
“He’s an absolute sun worshipper. I wheel him out in the morning, and he just lies here like this…” she mimes David supine on a sun lounger, mouth agog and arms limp by his side.
Hmmm. Can it be true? Or is his bathroom bursting at the seams with bottles of St Tropez? There’s only one way to find out, and we ask to pop to the loo. David guides me through to a library room, floor-to-ceiling with leather-bound tomes, taps a button on a book and a secret door pops out. There’s no fake bake here, but it’s clear we’ve underestimated this man – who knows what else is hidden behind secret doors.
Naturally, David’s house, a converted barn in Cheshire, is packed to the rafters with bobby dazzlers: a huge ceremonial sword above the fireplace, a snow leopard rug on the floor, big twee paintings of girls in pink bonnets, and photos of a younger David with a magnificent black mullet alongside his glamour-puss wife in her cabaret singing days.
Back in the sitting room, he’s seated in what is essentially a throne: an enormous, winged tapestry chair that could, quite frankly, only be found in David Dickinson’s house. Fair enough. He is the king of antiques, and this is very much his castle.
But things could have been very different. David once served three years in Strangeways Prison for fraud (‘I took a wrong turn and had a rap over the knuckles,’ he says vaguely), then many years later, at the age of 57, he was living a very ordinary life buying and selling antiques when he met a TV producer at his daughter’s barbecue, who declared that David was ‘the real life Lovejoy’.
Enter a little TV show called Bargain Hunt and David was catapulted to stardom. The viewing figures crept up until they overtook This Morning as the most watched daytime TV show. Suddenly, David had an overwhelming number of fans, receiving up to a thousand letters a week at one point. The show was popular with students because ‘it was on at the time they fell about of bed’.
Nowadays, David can’t get on an aeroplane to one of his tan-top-up holidays without someone yelling, ‘You won’t get any bargains here!’ He’s even (sort of) healed the sick.“We were in Barbados last week,” he says, running a hand through his demi-mullet, “when a man came over a bit gingerly and said that I was his idol. He’d been in a serious industrial accident and said it was because of me he’d got better. He was lying there under sedation, then I popped up on the telly all, “Hello, how are you?”’ David pauses to wave manically and grin like the Cheshire Cat. ‘Apparently, I was giving him the message that he was going to beat the illness. Of course, I wasn’t really, but he believed it.”
Lourne, who has been rummaging in kitchen cupboards, is making her way back with a plate of choccy biscuits. She nods seriously as she places them on the coffee table.
“He has a lot of big fans,” she says. “He was doing the shopping in Marks & Spencer’s recently, and women kept banging their trolleys into his to get his attention!”
David sips more tea thoughtfully. “Sometimes you go on holiday and you’re on a beach in the middle of nowhere, and someone comes along and goes, ‘Well, what are you doing here?'” he mimes an OTT double-take. “And you think, ‘P*ss off!'”
He’s now back in the limelight with a new antiques-themed gameshow, Name Your Price. But before his rise to fame, David tells us that life wasn’t always so easy. Adopted as a baby, David grew up in a family where money was tight.
“Coming from a working-class background has helped keep me down-to-earth,” he says. “I remember well not having any money, but now I’m older and I’ve got a foot in both camps. I’ve been very lucky all my life, always making money… Maybe I’ve got natural trading ability within my DNA. By the age of 14, I was buying wheels and selling them to other kids for their go-karts.”
It’s this start in life that colours his attitude to some troublesome children from a local estate. One young boy smashed one of David’s windows, and, furious, he rang the police. But by the time the police got there, he’d cooled off and thought, ‘What the hell am I doing?’
Instead, David enlisted him to help in the garden. “I got to know him during that time, and I gave him a bike that my son didn’t seem to care much about. The kid couldn’t believe it, it was like he’d met God and God had said, ‘Here, have this.'”
David on I’m A Celeb in 2005(Photo: Daily Mirror)
David and Lourne have their own children, Rob and Katrina, both in their 50s, and they are doting grandparents to three grandkids.
David has already said (twice) that he can’t talk for long today, as they’re busy packing for a trip to Malaga (obviously). But here’s a man who likes a chat, particularly if it involves as many diverse and lengthy tangents as possible.
The conversation swings wildly from the time his son was a chef on a cruise ship (‘The obese Americans were rattling the buffet hall doors at one minute to midnight, desperate to get in!’) to what he thinks of foreign aid (‘The African leaders are over here buying crocodile-skin shoes on Bond Street while the rest of them starve!’), and the wealthy Saudi business partner who’d arrive for dinner bearing extravagant gifts (‘He’d come with a set of crystal glasses and embroidered towels, and I’d say, “Christ, Iman, can you stop this? We’re having fish and chips!”’).
But all those miniature tanning oils won’t pack themselves, so eventually it’s time for us to leave. At 75, David’s not getting any younger, but with the rate he holidays and appears on our screens, he’s showing no sign of slowing.
“At the moment I feel fit and active. I enjoy what I do and I’m obviously well paid, so it would be silly to stop. But fame is a fickle friend,” he says, leaning back in his tapestry throne. “However, if you’d asked me that question 20 years ago, I would have said the same thing – and the work just keeps coming.”
Glad to hear it, David. We don’t know where we’d be without our regular dose of tantastic antiques.
David on his new show Name Your Price(Photo: ITV)
“This show is a classic gameshow with antiques thrown in. I scoured the country for really unusual and interesting items. I tell the story of the valuable item, along with a couple of made-up stories about some cheap-as-chips items. The contestants then have to guess the bobby dazzler from the duds to win a big cash prize.”
How did you spend last Sunday?
We were at home, sitting in the sunshine with a glass of something nice.
Gym day or lazy day?
When I was going to the jungle for I’m A Celeb…, I did about a month at the gym to get ready. Now people ask, ‘Are you a member of a keep fit gym?’ and I say no. Now I tell Lourne, ‘That’s my gym [points to the neatly-mown lawn].’
Running errands or pampering?
I don’t have a to-do list, but I know what needs doing. Lourne lets me think I’m the master of my own home… Any girls who know what they’re doing let their man think they’re in charge, but we know we’re not really.
Hungover or fresh as a daisy?
We have a nice glass of wine or a cocktail on the weekend, although sometimes we say we won’t drink anything for a few days. It’s too easy to drink every night when you open the bottle.
Lazy lie-in or up with the lark?
Lourne gets up really early, but if I’m not working I’ll get up at 9am. When I was on Strictly, Bruce told me he’d stay in bed all day on Sunday after the show. I thought, ‘Really, Bruce?!’ but now I completely understand. I’m comatose by Monday.Weekend away or Sunday brunch at home?
When I’m not filming, it’s a nice treat for us to have a good meal, a cocktail and a movie at home. I’m very lucky with work – I stay at five-star hotels four nights a week, so it’s nice to be at home.
The Government today made changes and amendments in the RA law on “Legal regime of military situation”. Hereafter the Government has the power to announce military situation, according to the new Constitution.
The Government also approved and sent to the parliament the legislative initiative on “Making changes and amendments in the RA Law on the Legal Regime of Emergency Situation”. According to it, hereafter the Government has power to declare emergency situation in the country; formerly it was the power of the president.
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
Monday
Volynkin: Armenian-Russian military-border cooperation is of key
importance in ensuring peace and security in the South Caucasus region
Yerevan June 12
Mariana Mkrtchyan. For a quarter of a century this holiday is
important - the Day of Russia marks not only the beginning of a new
era for the Russian state, but also restores the connection of times,
awakens in Russians a sense of belonging to the centuries-old Russian
history and great culture. This was announced on June 11 by the
ambassador of Russia to Armenia Ivan Volynkin at the opening of the
gala concert on the occasion of the Day of Russia.
"We are all part of a society that enriched the treasury of world
classics with great works of art and literature, made a decisive
contribution to the defeat of fascism and the liberation of Europe
from slavery and oppression, created the newest space technologies and
first sent a man into space. And today, Russia is actively
transforming and developing to remain a stable and strong state,
keeping pace with the times," the ambassador said.
At the same time, he stressed that Russia and its citizens highly
appreciate allied relations with Armenia. "This year we celebrate the
25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations - this
solemn date is based on the centuries-old history of friendship and
the spiritual closeness of our peoples, is a solid foundation of
interaction, contributes to the achievement of new results in all
areas of interaction. Over the past 25 years, more than 200
interstate, intergovernmental, interdepartmental treaties and
agreements have been concluded between our states covering virtually
all areas of cooperation. Together we work productively within the
CSTO and the Eurasian Economic Union, coordinate efforts at other
international venues. Russian-Armenian relations have reached a new
level and continue to expand and deepen intensively," Volynkin said.
He stated that Russia is Armenia's main trade and economic partner and
the main investor, major joint projects are being implemented in the
fields of energy, space research, agriculture, industry, information
and communication technologies, transport and tourism. "Russia on an
ongoing basis provides significant assistance to Armenia in the field
of International Development. We actively finance the projects
presented in Armenia by the organizations of the UN system, we are
talking about hundreds of millions of RUR annually directed to social
and economic development, improving the health care and education
system in the republic. On June 9, an open door day was held at the
Russian air base Erebuni. On June 10 in the House of Moscow the solemn
opening of the exhibition of the famous Russian patron of Armenian
origin Hrachya Poghosyan "With love to Armenia and Russia", one family
from Gyumri, which suffered from the 1988 earthquake, was handed keys
to the apartment. It is from such real affairs that the true
friendship of the peoples develops," concluded Volynkin.
The staff of the Russian Embassy in Armenia, performed well-known
Armenian and Russian works at the concert, and the Alexandrov Russian
Army Song and Dance Ensemble performed military and patriotic works.
Armenpress News Agency, Armenia
Monday
Russian military expert sees similarity between atrocities of Turks
and Azerbaijanis in April 1915 and 2016
YEREVAN, JUNE 12, ARMENPRESS. Russian military expert Vladimir Evseev,
deputy director of the CIS Countries Institute, doesn’t imagine
complete, effective talks on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement
without the participation of Stepanakert.
The expert identified three issues which serve basis for the
conflict’s possible settlement.
“The return of Stepanakert to negotiation table, expansion of OSCE
mission, as well as installation of investigative mechanisms. These
are realistic”, he told Armenpress, adding that he doesn’t see any
prospect for resumption of serious talks since Azerbaijan has no
motivation.
According to Vladimir Evseev, by their last statement the OSCE Minsk
Group Co-Chairs accepted what had happened, however this is not
enough, since, according to him, real actions are needed except from
calls and statements.
“If I were on their place, I would urge Azerbaijan to fulfill its
obligations. I don’t know why they didn’t do it: unfortunately, this
is a double standards policy, in other words, there was a statement,
however, it was not followed by any action. I think in any case this
statement cannot be a restraining factor for Azerbaijan. The only
restraining factor are the Armed forces. Only through force it will be
possible to return Azerbaijan to negotiation table”, he said.
The military expert visited Artsakh in February to take part in the
constitutional referendum as an observer. He told that he met with
Talish residents who remained without settlements due to Azerbaijani
aggression, however, they have a great desire to return to their
village.
“They live in this way since they have constantly been under fire, and
most importantly, their homes have been under sniper fire. Someone
must be held accountable for this”, he said.
He also talked about the tortures of Azerbaijani armed forces on
Talish civilians, as well as the Defense Army soldiers carried out in
April last year, stating that the Azerbaijani side must be definitely
held accountable. “They must face the issue of standing before the
tribunal, they deserve it since these atrocities are violations of
international law. The next incident which angered me was the
beheading of soldier with Yazidi origin after which it was also
displayed. I remembered a photo at the Armenian Genocide
Museum-Institute which depicted heads of three Armenians laid on the
table, and on the back were Turks. There are many similar phenomena.
During that time this was a crime, and especially now it is also a
crime”, Vladimir Evseev said.
Asked how he will comment on Russia’s policy to sell weapons to
Azerbaijan in case when Russia always highlights that Armenia is its
ally, the expert said: “Arms sales to Azerbaijan is not an economic
issue for Russia. Armenia believes that by this Russia receives money,
moreover, at the expense of blood of Armenian soldiers. This is not
true since Russia does it to keep Azerbaijan under its influence.
There are many questions in Russian-Azerbaijan relations which are not
related with Armenia. Russia doesn’t want to quarrel with Azerbaijan.
At the same time Russia understands that the level of relations with
the two countries is different. For Russia Armenia is an ally, the
Russian military base is deployed here. There is no Russian military
base in Azerbaijan. We are not considered as allies. We could also
refuse from arms sales, but otherwise, how it would be possible to
maintain influence”, the military expert said.
Syuzi Muradyan
“Our statements are aimed at preventing the tension on the frontline,” OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Igor Popov (Russia) said at the briefing with journalists following the meeting with Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan, as reported by “Artsakhpress”.
“Our statements were targeted, which aimed at keeping the procedure of peaceful negotiations for the settlement of the conflict,” Mr. Popov said.
OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Richard Hoagland (U.S.) told the reporters that during the meeting with President Bako Sahakyan they discussed issues related to Karabakh conflict settlement, as well as various sectors of the economy, the financial sphere and many other issues.
To note, Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan received today the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs Igor Popov (Russian Federation), Stephane Visconti (France) and Richard Hoagland (USA), personal representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk and officials accompanying them.
Before departing for Artsakh, the Co-Chairs visited Yerevan, met with Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan, as well as Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan.
YEREVAN, June 12. /ARKA/. The press office of Artsakh (Karabakh) defense ministry says the reports periodically issued by Azerbaijan’s media that the Armenian army set territories near Bash, Karvend, Bayramlar and Kengerli settlements in Agdam region have nothing in common with the reality.
In its news release, the ministry calls this a primitive propagandistic trick aimed at deluding the local and international communities.
“More than that – crop-harvesting season have already completed in Azerbaijan and they burn their own areas under crops, and very often the flame goes to the neutral zone between Artsakh and Azerbaijani armed forces,” the defense ministry says. –0—-
President Serzh Sargsyan received today OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Igor Popov (Russia), Richard Hoagland (USA) and Stephane Visconti (France), and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk.
The interlocutors discussed issues related to the process of peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict. Reference was made to the situation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the line of contact between the armed forces of Artsakh and Azerbaijan, including the recent incidents.
The interlocutors attached importance to the parties’ committment to the efforts targeted at the peaceful resolution of the conflict, as well as the implementation of agreements reached on the highest level.
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
Wednesday
Armenian Defense Minister meets with Archbishop of All Cyprus
YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS. Defense Minister of Armenia Vigen
Sargsyan on May 30 met with Archbishop of All Cyprus Chrysostomos II,
the Ministry told Armenpress.
During the meeting Archbishop Chrysostomos II thanked the Armenian
Defense Minister for visiting the spiritual center of Cyprus, warmly
talked about the centuries-old friendship between the two peoples, the
church commonalities, commitment to similar universal values.
Chrysostomos II specifically highlighted the role of Armenian
community in maintaining the Armenian-Cypriot friendship.
Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan thanked for warm reception,
highlighting the necessity of developing dialogue between the
Christian churches, as well as facing the contemporary challenges
through preservation of national identity, cultural and spiritual
values. He emphasized the church’s historically unique role for the
Armenian people.
Vigen Sargsyan also presented the key role of Armenian Apostolic
church in army-building works, in the face of spiritual service.
The sides agreed that the firm ties between the two churches
contribute to strengthening the inter-state ties and deepening the
relations.