Pickleball turf wars, rare manuscripts, and more!

Happening in the World: The UK’s Ministry of Defence claims that 30 former British military pilots have been recruited to train members of China’s People’s Liberation Army. While training and recruiting does not break any UK law, officials in the UK are trying to deter this activity, as they believe the pilots have been lured by large sums on money. A small number of former military pilots were recruited in 2019, but the pandemic made it difficult for any continuous travel to China. The UK has issued an alert to try and deter this activity and protect sensitive information. (BBC)

Happening in the US: A New York court has sentenced Colombian paramilitary leader and drug kingpin Daniel Rendón Herrera to 35 years in jail. Herrara, also known as Don Mario, was captured in 2009, extradited to the United States in 2018, and plead guilty to trafficking more than 80 tons of cocaine to the United States. Herrara led right-wing paramilitary group United Self-Defence Forces (AUC) which was behind some of Colombia’s most brutal massacres and displaced thousands of residents due to the violence. Later, he founded the Gulf Clan criminal gang, which became one of the most feared groups in Colombia. (BBC)

Happening in NYC: A discussion of “recreation uses” at Corporal John A. Seravalli Playground have been a prominent topic of conversation, specifically the sport pickleball. West Village parents are unhappy that pickleball players are taking up so much space in their parks, and pickleball players say that the space is free for all to use. Parents have expressed concerns of children being trampled in the limited greenspace of New York City, and want to make sure their children feel welcome. The Parks Department has created two designated courts for pickleball, but many players continue to set up unofficial courts. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: See the Science, Nature and Beauty: Harmony and Cosmological Perspectives in Islamic Science exhibition today from 6 to 8 pm at Butler Library. It showcases over 90 manuscripts, instruments and objects from the Muslim World Manuscript collection from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Columbia University Libraries. This curation explores the “golden age” or classical centuries of Islamic history and science. The viewing will begin in Butler 203 at 6 pm, then move to the Kempner Gallery on the 6th Floor of the Library. Contact kc3287@columbia.edu for more information.

Definitely Rare Books via Bwog Archives