The Language associations and collaborative support network of the European Centre for Modern Languages belonging to the Council of Europe had its Twitter account (@LACSECML) taken over by a group of hackers on March 9th.

In it the hackers mentioned that the Muscovite metro stations of Dubrovka, the famous Russian landmark Ostankino Tower, Paveletsky railway station and flights belonging to Russian national carrier "Aeroflot" and also the British Airways has been contaminated by them with COVID-19 virus, which is the viral agent of an ongoing global outbreak in which the WHO had declared a pandemic.

The hackers used the names of "Thomas Little Evil Utoyo", "Calton", "David Law" and "Thanthom" as tweet signatures while at the same time claiming that individuals with names of "Calvin Goh", "Hendy", "Gideon W", "Audentis", "Mister Eriee O", "Khengwin", "T-Zehang" and "曾 家 顺" were involved in the alleged bioterrorist deeds. Moreover they threatened attacks against RKA Mission Control Center that is the mission control center of the Russian Federal Space Agency in the near future.

As of time of writing the tweets in question has not been taken down yet.

First-hand source:
http://web.archive.org/web/20200311184829/https://twitter.com/LACSECML/status/1236916101348548609

Morocco’s strategy to enhance the Kingdom’s ancient medinas (older parts) of various cities, the King of Morocco is launching a new program in Fez that aims at rehabilitating ancient cities, preserving traditional trades and improving the living conditions of citizens.

Berlin, Germany., March 12, 2020 -- In the Framework of Morocco’s strategy to enhance the Kingdom’s ancient medinas (older parts) of various cities, the King of Morocco is launching a new mega program that aims at rehabilitating cities, preserving traditional trades and improving the living conditions of citizens. Last week, The King launched a program to preserve the architectural and historical character of the Medina of Fez and to promote the influence of this millennial city. This new program concerns the restoration and rehabilitation of the historical assets of the medina of Fez (4 sites), the redevelopment and upgrading of urban areas (9 sites), the strengthening of the tourist and economic attractiveness of this Museum City (33 sites), the development of local social facilities (171 sites) and the treatment of buildings at risk of ruin (980 sites).

While in Fez, the King visited the restoration site of Khrachfiyine Foundouq (an inn situated in the heart of the old city), a project that is part of the development program of the Medina of Fez (2018-2023). This restoration project should, at the end of the work, participate in the preservation and development of the historical heritage and the promotion of crafts in the foundouqs as well as improving the working conditions for artisans. In addition to the restoration of the Foundouq, 11 other historic monuments and emblematic sites, 10 places of worship (mosques and Koranic schools), 40 places of well-being (hammams, fountains and health centers), 39 traditional crafts and commercial sites will be restored. Dar Al Makina which receives each year thousands of guests from around the world attending festivals in Fes will also get restored. The aim is to improve the urban landscape and the architectural environment of the Fez Medina.

Always in the context of strengthening the tourist attractiveness of the medina of Fez, a program has been implemented to develop car parks, rehabilitate public spaces and install an information system (2017-2022). This program aims at improving accessibility to the old medina through the development of eight car parks. In addition, the program also consists of the paving the streets and alleys, squares of the Medina as well as the installation of information kiosks for the service of locals and tourists. The rate of progress of the projects for paving streets, alleys, squares is at 44%, squares of the Medina at 74%, and installation of information terminals at 75%.

The City of Fez is 1,200-year-old. It was founded in 789 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. Once in Fez, visitors’ senses are stimulated with aromas through its 9,500 alleyways. At the heart of the old city is the Kairaouine university which may be the world’s oldest university—it was established in 859. Given the fact that the medina of Fez has no structure for cars or cranes to access buildings at risk of collapsing, Morocco has been working tirelessly to rehabilitate this architectural jewel. In fact, more than 2,200 buildings at risk have already rehabilitated already. Fez has over 60 seqqâya (public fountains), which testify to the Almoravid dynasty’s clever civil engineers. They diverted rivers, made dams and built an intricate canal network to distribute the water throughout Morocco. The fountains in the medina feature brilliant zellij (tilework).

To Conclude, the Fez medina development program will cost approximately $9.2 million to enhance the touristic appeal of 33 museums and heritage sites in the city.

Friends of Morocco is a nonprofit organization with branches around the world. The main objective is to promote Morocco and to build bridges and connect people who have fallen in Love with this country, adopted its culture and made it their 2nd home.

Contact:
Elle P. Wolfgang
Friends of Morocco
Berlin, Germany
015213454385
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
http://www.freundevonmarokko.de

Newport, RI and Waitsfield, VT, Mar 12, 2020 -- Discovery Map International, the leading provider of curated guides to top tourist attractions, cities and towns throughout North America, recently announced Susan Hans as the new owner of Discovery Map of Newport. Hans acquired the map in January 2020 from Paul Sauve.

Discovery Map of Newport is the fourth map owned by Hans. She also owns and operates Discovery Map of Mad River Valley, Discovery Map of Waterbury, Vermont and Discovery Map of Stowe, Vermont.

“Our family has owned a home and vacationed in Newport for years. When the map became available, we leapt at the chance to take over the reins,” said Hans. “The best part of buying the map was the timing, just in time to celebrate its 25th anniversary.”

A mother of two, Hans started her Discovery Map career a few years after re-entering the job market. Desiring a more flexible schedule to fit in with her daughters’ school schedule, she jumped at the opportunity to purchase the Discovery Map of Mad River Valley map.

“I was new to sales but since we lived in Waitsfield, the home of the Mad River map, I knew a lot of the stores and some of the store owners. The social part of just getting out and meeting/visiting our advertisers really appealed to me. It’s something that’s carried over to the other two maps and am looking to do the same with Discovery Map of Newport,” said Hans.

Discovery Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps that have become a favorite of travelers for navigating local dining, attractions, businesses, cultural experiences and tourist destinations. Discovery Map of Newport includes sites and destinations within the city and neighboring communities. That includes the cliff walk and the mansions of Newport, the Tennis Hall of Fame, First Beach, Fort Adams State Park and more.

“A lot has changed over the past 25 years. Back in 1995, most people weren’t even on the Internet,” said Hans. “Our maps have changed somewhat but remain true to the original vision. With the added online presence, Discovery Map of Newport is primed for another 25 years.”

Discovery Maps are typically found on display in local stores, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. In addition, DiscoveryMap.com offers curated content to complement/supplement the printed map. The interactive map found the website is to scale, thus can be used for turn-by-turn directions, as well as to access detailed information about areas of interest, places to eat, lodging and other noteworthy sites.

“As much as we rely on our smartphones, people still prefer printed-out maps,” said Hans, who resides in Waitsfield VT with her husband Peter and their two daughters. “Although Discovery Map has a great website and online presence, the maps are truly like works of art and reveal the character of an area... and there is a lot of that in Newport.”

For local businesses interested in placing an ad in the upcoming Discovery Map of Newport, to be published and distributed in June 2020, ad space is still available. Interested merchants can call (802) 917-1228 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Discovery Map International has more than 130 maps nationwide. More than 6,000 businesses advertise on Discovery Maps across the U.S. One annual ad on Discovery Map reaches, on average, 500,000 visitors. Discovery Map advertisers renew their ads at a very high rate and some of the older Discovery Map locations have businesses who have been advertising on the same map for more than 20 years.

For more information on the Discovery Map opportunity, visit https://discoverymap.com

About Discovery Map International, Inc:
Discovery Map International is the country’s leading provider of curated guides to top tourist destinations, cities and towns throughout North America. The distinctively colorful, hand-drawn maps are a favorite of travelers for navigating local dining, attractions, businesses, cultural experiences, ski destinations – and even the best locations to take selfies. Discovery Maps can be found in local hotels, restaurants, shops, visitor information centers and other participating venues, and at discoverymap.com. Named by Forbes as “one of the best franchises to buy” in 2015, Discovery Map International is headquartered in Waitsfield, VT, in the heart of the Green Mountains.

For information about the Discovery Map International franchise opportunity, visit https://discoverymapfranchise.com or call 802-316-4060.

Media Contact:
Steven V. Dubin, PR Works
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
781-582-1061

The auction, with a 10 am Eastern start time, online and in Lynbrook, N.Y., is packed with more than 500 lots of comics, comic art, sports memorabilia, animation art and Disney collectibles.

Lynbrook, NY, USA, March 12, 2020 -- Rare early stories by the renowned American fantasy and science fiction artist Frank Frazetta (1928-2010), done when he was a boy in his mid-teens and quite possibly the earliest Frazetta comic art in existence, will be centerpiece lots in Weiss Auctions’ next big sale planned for Thursday, March 26th, online and in the Lynbrook gallery at 74 Merrick Road.

The auction, with a 10 am Eastern start time, is packed with more than 500 lots of comics, comic art, sports memorabilia, animation art and Disney collectibles. Highlights include another great group of artwork from the estate of the Polish-born American comic book artist Joe Kubert (1926-2012), Part 1 of “The Golden Age Comic Art Find” from the Bailey Publishing archive.

The Bailey Publishing archive includes hundreds of pages of original Golden Age comic art, covers, stories and more, but it’s also where Frank Frazetta comes into the picture. Frazetta wrote his very first story as a teenage boy, titled Adventures of the Snowman, published by Bailey in the 1940s. And, while that story is not part of the auction, other related stories and artworks are.

Up for bid will be a complete ten-page, unpublished story by Frazetta titled Snowman that’s expected to bring $30,000-$50,000, not unreasonable considering many of his comic pages sell for $15,000-$30,000. And because Frazetta was so young, still a teen, this story is a true slice of comic book history. Also offered will be an unfinished pencil and ink story by Frazetta, six pages, titled Buckeye, signed on the title page by Frazetta – classic Golden Age story roughs.

Also from the Bailey Publishing archive will be other works by 1940s-era artists and original covers from some of the books from that period. Bailey Publishing only operated in the 1940s.

Artworks certain to attract attention include an original color illustration by Jean Henri Gaston Giraud (French, 1838-2012), who worked under the pseudonym Moebius; an original Sunday Peanuts comic art page by Charles Schulz, dated 5/17/1970; a 1937 Disney color production cel from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, titled Dopey with Animals; and original Golden Age comic cover art for Tom Thumb by Frank Little, who once worked as an animator for Dr. Seuss.

Original comic cover art by Joe Kubert will include Our Army at War, featuring Sgt. Rock #245 and #290; Star Spangled War #180; Weird War Tales #7; Kamandi #37; and Weird Western Tales #12. Several full-color Buster Brown Sunday comic pages by Richard Outcault (1863-1928) from the early 20th century, with beautifully hand-colored panels, will also be offered.

John Giunta (1920-1970) was an illustrator of comic books from the 1940s thru the 1960s. He worked on horror titles like Tomb of Terror, Chamber of Chills, Journey into Mystery and Weird Tales. Giunta will appear multiple times in the auction, with an 8-page comic book story titled Funnyman; original cover art for Cisco Kid #1; and original cover art for Tally-Ho Comics #1.

Comic books are plentiful and will include The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (CBCS 4.0), #9 (CBCS 9.0), #12 (CBCS 9.0), #16 (CBCS 8.0), #18 (CBCS 9.2), #19 (CBCS 9.0) and #20 (CBCS 9.0); Avengers #1 (CBCS 3.5), #4 (CBCS 8.5), #5 (CBCS 9.0), #7 (CBCS 9.0), #8 (CBCS 9.0), #10 (CBCS 9.2), #13 (CBCS 9.4), #15 (CBCS 9.0) and #16 (CBCS 9.0); X-Men #1 (CBCS 4.5) and #2 (CBCS 8.5); Daredevil #1 (CBCS 7.0) and #2 (CBCS 7.5) and an attic find of Marvel rarities.

The sports collectibles category is compelling, with items such as a 1934 Tour of Japan page signed by 16 team players, including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig; a Roger Maris single-signed baseball; a three-sheet poster and lobby card set for the 1962 movie Safe at Home with Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris; and Hall of Fame plaques signed by Napoleon Lajoie and Hugh Duffy.

Internet bidding will be facilitated by Proxibid.com, Invaluable.com and Auctionzip.com. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted.

For more information about Weiss Auctions and the big auction slated for Thursday, March 26th, visit www.WeissAuctions.com. Updates are posted often.

About Weiss Auctions:
Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign an item, estate or a collection, you may call them at (516) 594-0731; or, you can send an e-mail to Philip Weiss at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more info, visit www.weissauctions.com.

Media Contact:
Philip Weiss
Weiss Auctions
74 Merrick Road
Lynbrook, NY 11563
516-594-0731
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
http://www.weissauctions.com