Latest news with #UK-specific
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Interview: Korean adaptation of 'Carthage' draws steady support for universal themes
Intense whodunit asks how much society should intervene in people's lives For British playwright Chris Thompson, 'Carthage' holds a special place in his heart. It was his debut work, the first of his plays to be adapted into another language and an honest response to his 12 years of service as a social worker in London. Now, the third Korean-language production of "Carthage," staged by theater company Secret Base under the direction of Shin Ji-ho, is enjoying yet another sold-out run. "Carthage" is being staged at the Quad Theater in Seoul's Daehangno theater district through Sunday. In Korea for the first time to see a performance, Thompson described the experience of watching his own words unfold in another language as 'strange and surreal.' 'It hit me in a visceral way, rather than being about the language,' Thompson said in a postshow conversation with The Korea Herald last week. 'I wrote this play 10 years ago while I was still working as a social worker. So this play and the characters have lived in my heart for a very long time. I wanted to write something honest and responsible that reflected the world that I was working in.' 'Carthage' begins with the death of a teenager named Tommy, who was born in prison. The story jumps through time to unravel who is to blame: his mother, Annie? Marcus, the prison officer who was present at the time of his death? Or Sue, the social worker who cared for both Tommy and his mother? The open-stage design of the drama places the audience on all sides of the stage, evoking feelings of a jury in a courtroom, silently deliberating on guilt and responsibility. Despite the play's grounding in the UK's social care system, its popularity in Korea suggests the themes transcend borders. 'I think the structure of the story pulls people in because it's basically a whodunit,' Thompson said. 'We always want the easy answer, like in an Agatha Christie murder revelation, but it's not that simple.' And even though the play was written in a very UK-specific context, Thompson said he was trying to write something universal about guilt, blame and responsibility. 'I think people recognize the characters and the conflicts, the dynamics, the dilemmas that are going on.' The idea for the play came from a study Thompson read, which found that some juvenile offenders in prison would deliberately create situations in which they were restrained and held by prison officers because they were not receiving hugs, affection or natural intimacy from their families. Reflecting on his years in the field, Thompson admitted that the most honest response he could give about intervention by authorities was 'often more about wishing we had the courage to leave them alone and accept the risk.' "If I'm honest, would (children) have been better off if we had left them alone and not brought them into the system? Because the system that is designed to help can do more harm than good. The children in the UK, the ones that come out the other end, sometimes come out worse, even though we've tried to help them.' Emotional balance For director Shin, who brought the drama to Korea, it was the play's exploration of social structures, institutional systems and issues facing youth that drew him in. 'And what I focused on most was balancing the characters' positions — their professional standpoint and their personal, human one,' said Shin. 'If we approach them purely through their roles, they feel overly institutional. But if we lean too far into emotion, they become untethered from their professional identities, and we end up empathizing with them too much, losing a sense of critical distance. I was constantly trying to walk that middle line.' He also chose not to give the audience too many clues about Tommy's death. 'The entire play moves toward Tommy's death, but I wanted the audience to encounter fragments of events, just like we do in real life — when one incident occurs, we're often left to piece together meaning from scattered assumptions and speculation. I wanted to condense that chaos into something more focused.' He layered in tools like overlapping voice-overs and audio recalls that both expand the storytelling and subtly plant narrative hints. One of Shin's most intentional choices in this third run was to resist immersion. 'Most importantly, I didn't want the audience to get too emotionally absorbed. Just because something is portrayed realistically doesn't mean I want it invading people's own lives. I thought a lot about preventing that,' he explained. That is why the director added an unexpected video segment at the end, right after Tommy's death, that is seemingly irrelevant but very much on purpose. 'Well-made, polished theatrical worlds don't interest me much anymore. I wanted to twist it at the end and disrupt that illusion a little.' hwangdh@
Skift
20-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Cvent Announces Top Meeting Destinations and Hotels for 2025
Based on $16.5 billion in group business sourced through its Supplier Network in 2024, Cvent today released its 2025 lists of top meeting and event destinations. Major meeting destinations retained their regional leadership positions, while Cvent introduced a new Latin America and Caribbean category led by Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico. The regional leaders are: North America: Orlando, Florida Europe: London, United Kingdom Middle East and Africa: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Asia Pacific: Singapore Latin America and Caribbean: Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico The rankings factor in venue popularity, event capacity, and client feedback, though specific weighting remains undisclosed. According to Cvent Vice President International Sales Graham Pope, U.S.-based planners drive 44% of platform business. European planners represent the second-largest segment with $2 billion in regional sourcing volume, excluding UK-specific bookings. Asia-Pacific follows with approximately $1 billion. The company also launched a new "Top Meeting Venues and Vendors" list, leveraging data from the Reposite, the vendor marketplace it acquired in June 2024. Top Meeting Destinations: North America Washington, D.C. jumped 10 spots to claim eighth place, marking the year's most significant shift. Orlando maintained its lead, followed by Las Vegas. Chicago climbed three positions to third, while Nashville dropped to fourth. Dallas, San Diego, and Denver each fell two spots. Austin narrowly missed the top 10, landing at 11th. Orlando, FL (-) Las Vegas, NV (-) Chicago, IL (+3) Nashville, TN (-1) Atlanta, GA (+2) Dallas, TX (-2) San Diego, CA (-2) Washington, D.C. (+10) Phoenix, AZ (0) Denver, CO (-2) Top Meeting Destinations: Europe London, Barcelona, and Madrid held their top-three positions. Amsterdam rose two spots to fourth, while Prague advanced three positions to ninth. Paris, which fell from third in 2023 to seventh last year amid Olympic preparations, showed signs of recovery. Dublin continued its upward trajectory, reaching 10th position after climbing from 17th to 11th last year. German cities declined across the board: Berlin dropped three spots to seventh, Frankfurt fell five places to 14th, and Hamburg slipped to 23rd from 18th. Notable improvements included Warsaw, which surged 16 places to 20th, and Stockholm, advancing six spots to 24th. London, UK (-) Barcelona, Spain (-) Madrid, Spain (-) Amsterdam, the Netherlands (+2) Lisbon, Portugal (0) Paris, France (+1) Berlin, Germany (-3) Rome, Italy (-) Prague, Czech Republic (+3) Dublin, Ireland (+1) Top Meeting Destinations: Latin America and Caribbean The newly introduced Latin America and Caribbean list features Mexican destinations in three of the first four top spots. San Juan, Puerto Rico ranks second, while Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, rounds out the top five. Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico San Juan, Puerto Rico Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Nassau, Bahamas Guanacaste, Costa Rica Grand Cayman Aruba Punta Mita, Mexico Top Meeting Destinations: Asia Pacific While the top five destinations remain unchanged, China's largest cities gained ground, with Shanghai rising to ninth and Beijing entering the top 10. Hong Kong climbed to 13th after advancing from 20th last year. Seoul dropped two places to eighth. Phuket fell seven spots to 16th. Australia's Gold Coast dropped to 20th. Singapore (-) Bangkok, Thailand (-) Sydney, Australia (-) Tokyo, Japan (-) Melbourne, Australia (-) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (+1) Bali, Indonesia (+1) Seoul, South Korea (-2) Shanghai, China (+1) Beijing, China (new) Top Meeting Destinations: Middle East and Africa Dubai and Abu Dhabi maintain first and third positions, with Istanbul between them. Cape Town and Marrakech swapped fourth and fifth places. Nairobi and Kuwait City entered Cvent's regional top 10 list for the first time at eighth and ninth. Cairo fell seven places to 13th, while Casablanca dropped four spots to 14th. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (-) Istanbul, Türkiye (-) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (-) Cape Town, South Africa (+1) Marrakech, Morocco (-1) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (+1) Doha, Qatar (+1) Nairobi, Kenya (new) Kuwait City, Kuwait (new) Johannesburg, South Africa (-1) Hotel Rankings Overview Cvent's top meeting hotels rankings use multiple criteria, including total and awarded RFPs, room nights, market share, conversion rates, year-over-year growth, and response time. North American Hotels: Nashville Dominates Nashville properties claimed the top four spots, each offering more than 500 rooms near the Music City Center. The city's dominance comes as Cvent plans to relocate its CONNECT conference to Nashville in 2026. Austin secured two positions in the top 10 with the JW Marriott (No. 5) and Fairmont Austin (No. 6). Renaissance Nashville Hotel (+4) JW Marriott Nashville (+2) Grand Hyatt Nashville (-2) Omni Nashville Hotel (-3) JW Marriott Austin (-2) Fairmont Austin (-) The Venetian Resort Las Vegas (new) Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (-) The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (-2) JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes (new) European Hotels: New Criteria Reshapes Rankings Cvent revamped its European rankings to emphasize RFP response speed and growth, resulting in a completely new top 10. The Imperial Riding School, which reopened in April 2024 after renovation, leads the list. The company's European "Top Responders Tag" pilot program highlights fast-responding properties. Properties can earn the tag using Cvent's AI-powered "Smart Custom Proposal" tool, available as an upsell, which automates proposal creation with 3D virtual tours, requiring only availability and rate confirmation from sales teams. Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection Torre Melina, a Gran Meliá Hotel & Palau de Congressos de Catalunya Prague Marriott Hotel Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel Dorothea Hotel, Budapest, Autograph Collection InterContinental Barcelona, an IHG Hotel The College Green Hotel Dublin, Autograph Collection Hotel Berlin, Berlin, a member of Radisson Individuals Anantara The Marker Dublin Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower Latin America and Caribbean Hotels: Mexico City Show Regional Strength Mexico City leads with three properties in the top 10, while newer resorts in Costa Mujeres and Punta Cana demonstrate the region's growing appeal for meetings and events. JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center InterContinental Sao Paulo Secrets Tides Punta Cana InterContinental Presidente Mexico City Andaz Mexico City Condesa, a Hyatt Brand Atelier Playa Mujeres DoubleTree by Hilton Santiago Kennedy Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico Asia Pacific Hotels: Bangkok Property Leads The Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park jumped four spots to lead the region, while Singapore placed three properties in the top 10. Sydney hotels showed strong performance with both Hyatt Regency and Hilton making the list. Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park (+4) Hyatt Regency Sydney (+1) Hilton Singapore Orchard (+7) Fairmont Singapore(+2) Hilton Tokyo Bay (new) voco Orchard Singapore, an IHG Hotel (new) Shangri-La Singapore (-5) The Westin Tokyo (new) Hilton Sydney (new) InterContinental Singapore (new) Middle East and Africa: Dubai Dominates Hotel Scene Dubai properties claimed seven of the top 10 spots, reflecting the city's continued dominance in the meetings sector. The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai rose six positions to lead the rankings, while new entries included the Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference Hotel and Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention.
Geeky Gadgets
13-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
UK CAA Drone Rule Changes Guide : Major Regulation Overhaul Arriving in 2026
What if the way you fly your drone today becomes obsolete in just a few years? With the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) proposing sweeping changes to drone regulations set to roll out in 2026, this scenario might not be far off. From the introduction of Remote ID systems to a brand-new classification framework tailored specifically for the UK, these updates promise to reshape the drone landscape as we know it. Whether you're a seasoned operator or a curious beginner, the stakes are high: adapt to these changes, or risk being left behind in an increasingly regulated airspace. Geeksvana is here to break it all down, helping you navigate this pivotal moment in drone aviation. In this how-to, you'll uncover the key highlights of the CAA's 2026 proposal, including how streamlined airspace subcategories and updated registration rules could simplify compliance while expanding operational freedoms. You'll also learn about the phased timeline designed to ease the transition, giving operators time to upgrade their equipment and practices. But there's more to these changes than meets the eye—what do they mean for the future of drone innovation and safety in the UK? Let's explore the possibilities and challenges ahead, so you can stay informed and ready for what's next. Proposed UK Drone Regulation Updates Remote ID: Enhancing Accountability and Safety A cornerstone of the proposed changes is the introduction of Remote ID, a system requiring drones to broadcast identifying information during flight. This measure is intended to improve accountability and enable authorities to monitor drone activity more effectively, thereby enhancing airspace safety. The rollout will begin with a direct Remote ID system, similar to the approach already implemented in the United States. By 2028, all drones will need to comply with Remote ID standards, with the exception of newly purchased drones classified under the UK1 designation. This phased timeline allows operators to upgrade their equipment and adapt their practices without undue disruption. Remote ID is expected to provide several benefits, including: Improved tracking of drones in real time, aiding in the prevention of unauthorized or unsafe operations. Enhanced ability for law enforcement and aviation authorities to identify and address potential risks. Increased public confidence in the safe integration of drones into shared airspace. New Drone Classification System: Tailored for the UK The CAA plans to introduce a UK-specific drone classification system, replacing the current EU-based framework. The new system will include labels such as the UK1 designation, which will align more closely with the UK's regulatory needs. Drones with existing EU C1 labels will remain valid until 2028, making sure a gradual transition. Starting in January 2026, drones labeled as UK1 will gain additional operational privileges, such as the ability to fly over uninvolved people, offering greater flexibility for operators. This change reflects the CAA's commitment to creating a regulatory framework that supports the unique demands of the UK drone ecosystem. By tailoring classifications to local requirements, the CAA aims to foster innovation while maintaining high safety standards. UK CAA Drone Rule Changes Guide Watch this video on YouTube. Take a look at other insightful guides from our broad collection that might capture your interest in UK CAA drone regulations 2026. Streamlined Airspace Subcategories for Simplicity To make drone operations more straightforward, the CAA proposes consolidating airspace subcategories into three clear classifications: A1: Permits flights over people. Permits flights over people. A2: Allows flights near people. Allows flights near people. A3: Requires flights to be conducted far from people. Drones with UK1 or EU C1 labels will have expanded privileges, such as operating in the A1 subcategory. This streamlined approach is designed to reduce confusion among operators, making it easier to understand and comply with airspace rules. By simplifying these classifications, the CAA aims to encourage safe and efficient drone operations while expanding the range of permissible activities for compliant drones. Updated Registration Requirements: Expanding Accountability The proposed updates include significant changes to the drone registration system. Under the new rules, drones weighing over 100 grams and equipped with a camera will require both an operator ID and a flyer ID. This represents a reduction in the current weight threshold, making sure that even lightweight drones, such as the DJI Mini series, are accounted for in the registration system. This adjustment reflects the growing prevalence of sub-250 gram drones and their potential to impact airspace safety. By expanding registration requirements, the CAA aims to create a more comprehensive framework for managing drone operations, making sure that all drones capable of posing risks are properly tracked and regulated. Phased Transition and Cost Management To minimize disruption for operators and manufacturers, the CAA has proposed a phased implementation period. Existing drones will remain operational during this transition, allowing users to adapt gradually to the new requirements. Additionally, the introduction of modular upgrades and the gradual phase-out of older drones are intended to reduce financial strain on operators. This measured approach demonstrates the CAA's commitment to balancing regulatory improvements with affordability. By providing a clear timeline and minimizing immediate costs, the CAA aims to ensure that the new regulations are both practical and accessible for all stakeholders. Consolidated Guidance for Operators To further support compliance, the CAA plans to update and streamline its guidance materials, including the widely referenced CAP 722 document. The revised materials will consolidate legislation, compliance requirements, and operational guidance into a single, user-friendly resource. This initiative is designed to reduce the complexity of navigating multiple documents, making it easier for drone operators to understand and adhere to the new regulations. By offering clear and comprehensive guidance, the CAA seeks to empower operators with the knowledge they need to comply with the updated rules, fostering a safer and more efficient drone ecosystem. Implementation Timeline: Preparing for the Future The proposed changes are currently under review by the Department for Transport (DfT). If approved, the new regulations will take effect in January 2026, with additional phases extending through 2028. This timeline provides a structured roadmap for operators, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to prepare for the upcoming changes. Drone users can sign up for updates via the regulator's Skywise alerting system. Key milestones in the implementation timeline include: January 2026: Introduction of new drone classifications and updated airspace subcategories. 2028: Full compliance with Remote ID standards required for all drones. This phased approach ensures that stakeholders have sufficient time to adapt, reducing the risk of disruption while promoting a smooth transition to the updated regulatory framework. Media Credit: Geeksvana Filed Under: Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. 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The South African
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
How to convert your South African driver's licence to a UK one
If you're a South African visiting or moving to the UK and want to drive, you might be wondering whether you can use your existing driver's licence – or if you need a UK one. Here's what you need to know… Yes, but only for a limited time. According to the UK government, South African licence holders can legally drive in the UK for up to 12 months from the date of arrival, provided the licence is valid. You must carry your licence while driving. After 12 months, if you're staying longer (e.g., on a work visa or residency permit), you'll need to get a UK licence to continue driving legally. Do this online via the website. Cost: £34 (online). You'll need an address in the UK and proof of identity. Book it online through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Cost: £23. Includes multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception video test. Although you can practice with a qualified driver, many find UK roads and rules different from South Africa. Consider a few lessons to adjust. Cost: £62 (weekday test). You'll need to demonstrate safe driving in various conditions and follow UK-specific rules. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ITV awarded top Bafta honour for ‘changing hearts and minds' with Mr Bates vs the Post Office
Bafta has announced ITV will receive its top award for releasing Mr Bates vs the Post Office, the drama that sparked change in governmental legislation. The four-part drama, starring Toby Jones, has racked up an audience of 15 million viewers to date. It tells the story of the impact on hundreds of sub-postmasters who were wrongly prosecuted for theft and false accounting due to a series of software errors. Bafta's Special Award will honour ITV's for commissioning the groundbreaking series, with the awards body calling it 'public service television at its best'. Bafta television committee chair Hilary Rosen said that the series, which was released in January 2024, 'shows the power of television to change hearts and minds'. Kevin Lygo, managing director of ITV's media and entertainment division, praised 'the team who made it' as well as 'all the people who entrusted us with their story'. 'ITV has a proud tradition of covering important stories and we all knew this needed to be told,' lygo said. 'The public reaction showed how very British stories of human injustice can unite all walks of life, and affect real world change.' The real-life story follows sub-postmaster Alan Bates (Jones) as he leads a determined fightback for justice on behalf of those wronged by the Post Office, ultimately winning a legal battle that overturned dozens of wrongful convictions. Despite breaking records as ITV's most-watched drama in the UK, it was revealed that the real-life series made a loss of £1m due to 'international appeal'. 'Of course, some things are very profitable on the channel, and some things aren't. But it's a challenge to be able to fund some of the things,' Lygo previously said. 'If you're in Lithuania, four hours on the British Post Office? Not really, thank you very much. So you can see the challenges here,' he added. The cost and risk of creating UK-specific dramas with limited international appeal is increasingly challenging, yet this award 'champions ITV's brave commission and honours the social and public impact television can have', Rosen said. 'As Mr Bates vs the Post Office has proved, audiences want and need to hear these important British stories,' she continued. Mr Bates vs the Post Office has been nominated for six Baftas, including Leading Actor for Toby Jones and Leading Actress for Monica Dolan. The ceremony takes place on 11 May. The Special Award is one of Baftas highest honours. Previous winners include Horrible Histories, Downton Abbey and historian and author David Olusoga, who is set to appear on the forthcoming Celebrity Traitors.
