DEJA FOU - REVIEWS AND COMMENTS
Having heard the whole thing through at the playback party at Kenny's studios the other week, I've been privileged to have access to a near-final version of the album over the last few days and have played it to death on the car CD player - here's a a track by track preview of what's to come.
The opening track is an atmospheric instrumental - think the Acoustics' version of "Ghosts", with various melody lines interweaving. The opening few chords are Dave C playing yet another instrument - the chromaharp, soon joined by Lambert on guitar, Chas on the bass. Hawken adds some mellotron and then with Rod Coombes arriving on the scene with precise little drumbeats, it segues into the second track (you could arguably count them together as one).
"Under A Cloudless Sky" is a classic Cousins song - verses over guitar figures and mellotron, replete with Cousins wordplay, swelling key changes leading to a louder middle section with massed Strawbs harmonies, and Townshend-esque guitar work from DL. Finally an acoustic guitar coda from DC, and a great ending. You're singing the simple refrain for days afterwards.
"Face Down In The Well" is familiar to many who've seen the boys live in the acoustic format and who have been looking forward to hearing a studio version. Here a Robert Kirby string arrangement, played by various members of the LSO, picks up the melodic theme handled live by Brian on nylon-string acoustic. Cousins' superlative vocal is even more haunting than it is live, well up in the mix, joined on very effective harmony vocals by Chris While and Julie Matthews.
The other familiar number is "On A Night Like This", which, live, never quite hit it for me. Here, it's a perfectly realised fun song - think "The Desert Song" (and in my view a potential single release), very tightly put together, with some of the "La Bamba" feel noted by those who heard it live de-emphasised. Cousins plays mandolin, there's nice double-tracked acoustic and electric guitar from Lambert and some tight dynamics and vocal touches. I can see it on Top of the Pops ....
Dave played "If" solo at the last NPL Teddington show, and it fits well into its studio clothes - a classic Cousins love song: if you liked "So Close And Yet So Far Away", you'll love this. Cousins' voice in its lower register, crooning a ballad rather than squealing rock lyrics, well mixed and produced, a complementary (and complimentary) string arrangement.
"Cold Steel", the first of two Lambert-written songs is excellent too, the instrumentation superb, with DL taking the main acoustic guitar riff, and DC playing an eerie banjo line throughout as well as a little mandolin (see how he manages that live!). Almost "Witchwood" for the new millenium. Bass and drums drive the song along, with a restrained electric guitar part added on top. Some have commented in the past that Dave Lambert doesn't always write in a Strawbs idiom (e.g. "Little Sleepy"); that's certainly not the case these days - both his songs on this album (as was the case with other recent numbers, "Ten Commandments" and "Inside Your Hell Tonight") are definite Strawbs songs, and fit like a glove.
"Sunday Morning" is stark and beautiful, again with Chris and Julie adding background vocals, over a percussive guitar part from DL. Perfect DC vocals clear as a bell.
Dave's homage to "Jerusalem: the dark side" is "This Barren Land", cunningly adapting the theme of that famous song to a modern - and less happy - age. It builds from quite a gentle upbeat start (think "Out In The Cold"), launches a fine "guitar hero" solo from DL, building to a driving rock treatment underpinned by Chas and Rod with more Lambertian chordwork, some sinister keyboards from Hawken and classic Cousins rock vocals.
"When The Lights Came On" is Lambert's second contribution, very Strawbs, starting from an acoustic riff, building to power staccato chords, with Hawken's piano underneath; reminiscent to me of the feel of "Promised Land". A lovely french horn figure from Robert Kirby fits perfectly into the rock backing.
"Russian Front", the only track written by the band as a whole, starts with some percussion and squirty electronic noises from Hawken. It then cranks up a gear for the verses and leads into a longish instrumental in a Russian vein section, giving Hawken chance to stretch out, as well as featuring a solo from Lambert, "doing a balalaika" on the guitar. It'll make a cracking live number for the band, a la "Tomorrow" or "Down By The Sea".
Change of mood for "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" - Cousins at his soulful, romantic best, over piano by Hawken, and strings once more tastefully arranged by stringmeister Kirby. Dave's vocal captures the emotional lyrics superbly.
Final track is going to come as a surprise - "NRG" (previously known as "Energy") starts out with authentic noises from an Cairo street (as collected by recordist Chas Cronk) and segues into a driving, Eastern-influenced song, with Cousins' vocals reminiscent of a manic Muezzin calling the faithful to dance. Coombes' percussion is outstanding, and there's some superb DL guitar. Reflections of "Tell Me What You See In Me" from Strawbs, thoroughly brought up to date in a modern context. If the Strawbs ever get into the dance charts, this is the number that'll do it.
A class album - recorded at Kenny Denton's KD Studios in Chiswick, produced by Dave, engineered by Kenny with assistance from Chas, it captures the excitement of the seventies Strawbs feel on some excellent new songs, performed with verve and style by one of the all-time classic Strawbs line-ups.
THANKS FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY PRESENT DAVE - Barry Smith
This is a kind of review of Deja Fou with a story attached. Having just received the album I was immediately taken by "If". No disrespect to the other songs some of which are exceptional, but "If" is an out and out classic love song.
It's the morning of our Silver Wedding anniversary party and me and the wife are driving over to Great Yarmouth to pick up a cake for our party. I then said to my wife who is a great Strawbs fan, I know you have not had time to listen to the Deja Fou album yet but I want you to just sit back and listen to the track called "If".
After she had listen to it, she then went through all the words on the CD sleeve and said that it is classic Cousins. She then said 'please bring it to our party tonight and ask the DJ to play "If" and you can dance with me to it'. I did just that and the words were so fitting to our special occasion, and others got up and danced to. With words like 'If I should bless a thousand brides I would never find one as sweet as you, for every thousand high spring tides, there could never be one to compete with you', I know this song made her night.
If I could just briefly mention the rest of the album, I initially found it hard to get use to, as it is such a mix of rock and acoustic sounds. It is a bit of seventies, eighties and nineties, but the more I listen to it the better it sounds. And I can now say that Deja Fou is a fine album.
One thing that is outstanding are the words, and beyond any doubt this is Dave Cousins at his very songwriting best. However you cannot give Dave all the glory, Dave Lambert's "Cold Steel" is a crackingly well written and delivered song. With words like 'Lonely have you ever felt lonely, like you're floating on a deep sea and the world is somewhere else', I should imagine most of us have felt like that at some point in our lives. But these few words of a song say so much, you can easily connect with them.
My wife now has a new favourite Strawbs song called "If". I know it will always hold special memories for her, and for me, thanks for our anniversary present Dave.
BRITISH PROGRESSIVE FOLK ROCK PURISTS - Ken Levine
Of course, the term purist is an oxymoron in the mix of genres that the Strawbs have been plying for more than 35 years and that the Hero and Heroi/albtrack/ghosts lineup here re-united helped to shape in the 1973-1975 period. The cover art is misleading, suggestive of the flower power era that Dave Cousins so disses in the epic "Round And Round".
This is a modern yet timeless album of fine songs, some treading new ground for the band, like the gutsy "Cold Steel" with its solid banjo, mandolin and punchy Dave Lambert vocals, or the Arabic and east Indian "NRG". Other songs harken back to the very early days, in particular "Sunday Morning". The gothic "Face Down In The Well" and the gorgeous ballad "If" both reflect the lessons learned from Dave Cousins' unplugged years with Brian Willoughby and the Acoustic Strawbs Baroque and Roll in both their starkness and their tasteful string arrangements.
The progressive era is represented by the moodiness of the sublime "Under A Cloudless Sky" and the rollicking "Russian Front" with their acoustic guitars, multilayered vocals, and keyboard flourishes. Even the Nomadness/Deep Cuts/Burning For You period is referenced in "When The Lights Came On" and "Here Today Gone Tomorrow", or the latin inflected rocker "On A Night Like This", that might be a hit in a just world.
At times Dave Cousins' voice shows its wear, especially trying to hit notes that are a tad too low, as in "This Barren Land", and it would have been nice to have Lambert share lead vocal duties on one song, perhaps on the louder parts of "Under A Cloudless Sky", when we think of the power of such duets in "The Promised Land" or "Ghosts". In addition, for a Strawbs album it seems somewhat underproduced, which works to good effect as often as not, and the geographic separation of group members, in particular John Hawken, makes it feel like less of a group effort than might have been desired.
These shortcomings are more than compensated by the return of Dave Cousins as a master songwriter and wordsmith, with his best work in this regard since the early 70s, and the reaffirmation of the band as inimitable purveyors and visionaries of a style that is here today and will be here tomorrow. In fact, there is no one else in sight.
WHAT A DELICIOUS MADNESS IT IS - review by Joannie
Ken Levine's comment "I was starting to think I was the only one who regarded this album highly.... the breadth of what the Strawbs have done over the years and how this album pays homage to that but breaks new ground in the process" pretty much sums up my feelings about Deja Fou, also. It has its roots in the past but definitely exhibits the combined influences of more mature musicians with 25 or so more years of experiences to colour their music.
Look at it this way: once upon a time five very talented young guys got together to record some music. The climate, both globally and personally for some, wasthat of change and turmoil. Their musical backgrounds, quite varied, as well as their ideas and inspirations (and aspirations, no doubt). All of their expertise, their musical ideas and inspirations combined, seasoned with their personal experiences and unique personalities, each in turn adding a part of themselves to the mix, and they created an excellent album. And then another...
But over the years, each of these guys went off in their own direction. Some continued to make the same music, but with other bandmates. Some went off to explore entirely different musical territory. They had lives and jobs outside the music, as well. They traveled to many far and exotic places all over the globe, gathering more and more experience wherever they went. Their horizons broadened. Their mastery of their instruments grew even stronger. In essence, they all grew up, grew older, matured and mellowed.
And then they came together (with some help from modern technology) to make more music. The climate, globally, was of change and turmoil, but of a different sort, perhaps even more dire than it was some thirty years before. The musicians themselves, with the passage of time, had come to places in their lives that were mostly more comfortable than they were in younger times. Of course they still all knew and, I am sure, deeply felt, the magic that they once made together, but there was now so much *more* within each one of them to share, so naturally there was more to bring to the music. Once again, they conjured their magic, but they were no longer quite the same people they once were, having each collected a different type of wisdom on their travels, so the music they made seemed the same, but somehow different... once again, the flavours of the unique musical stew that is The Strawbs had subtly shifted, evolved, matured... ripened? and they created a new album, for the new times.
This is Deja Fou. Once again they are all mad! And what a delicious madness it is.
PAINT A PICTURE - review by Ken Prospero
Deja Fou is the first album of all new material by Strawbs in a decade, and it's nice to see that the boys haven't lost their edge.
Fans of Strawbs will undoubtedly know that the band had undergone many personnel changes over the years. Deja Fou sees a reunion of the 1973-75 line up that recorded Hero And Heroine and Ghosts. This is also the line-up that recently toured the US and Canada.
The album itself is a combination of styles with some several songs being largely acoustic, and other songs more electric and rocking. Overall, the album works well. However, the album lacks the characteristically strong keyboard work that Strawbs were known for. (Hawken doesn't appear on several of the acoustic tracks, and on the others, I found the keyboard work more subdued than what we've heard in the past from this band.).
Stylistically, the album represents a definite development of David Cousins' and Strawbs' style. Several songs paint a picture and create a mood with music and lyrics and are amongst their strongest pieces. Other songs songs are in the style that fans have seen in the recent Acosutic album (Baroque And Roll) as well as David Cousins' recent collaberation with Rick Wakeman (Hummingbird).
The first two tracks on the album, "Riviera Del Flori" (Cousins/Lambert) and "Under A Cloudless Sky" (Cousins), are classic Strawbs Prog music. They are really one work (a la "Remembering/That Was You And I (When We Were Young)" from Ghosts). The song has a feel that makes one feel as if one were floating through the sky on an afternoon. Similarly, "Sunday Morning" (Cousins/Lambert) also has this dreamy quality, and painting a perfect picture with the words and music giving you a feel of a lazy Sunday morning. A third song where the music and words paint a picture is "This Barren Land" (Cousins/Lambert), which starts out acoustically, then builds to a crescendo powerfully punctuating the point of the song. This song has a lot of power, and after listening to the album a few times is my personal favorite song on the album.
"Face Down In The Well" is a David Cousins composition that the Acoustic Strawbs have been playing in concert for the last year. This version adds some strings, and fills out the melody, this track is the kind of ballad that we've come to expect from David Cousins. "On A Night Like This" (also played by the Acoustic band in concert, written by David Cousins) is a jaunty tune with a latin beat and reminiscent of "La Bamba" in the beginning -- (who'd have thought it!!). If there's a single from the album, this may be it. On listining to this and others, I detect a Spanish/Latin influence on Cousin's songwriting that was not present in his earlier work.
"If" and "Here Today Gone Tomorrow" (both Cousins) are further acoustic numbers. Both are romantic ballads. "Cold Steel", a David Lambert song takes the album in a different direction -- this a Rock song, pure and simple -- if the band had more popularity, I could see this song receiving a lot of air play. Apart from "This Barren Land", it's my second favorite song on the album. "When The Lights Came On", is a second David Lambert song, which starts acoustically (with a riff that seems to be inspired by "Stairway To Heaven"), building throughout.
"Russian Front", credited to Cousins, Lambert, Cronk and Hawken, gives each member of the band the opportunity to show their musical prowess, as accompanied by bittersweet lyrics telling a story of life in communist Russia.
The final song "NRG", is a melange of middle eastern sounding music, chanting lyrics and recorded street noises. In many ways this song is the most provocative on the album, marking a complete divergence from any Strawbs song that comes to memory. I suspect many die-hard fans will consider this song to be the worst on the album. I confess, I can't get the music out of my head, which I suppose says something.
Overall, Deja Fou is a strong album, with enough familiar for Strawbs fans to be able to welcome back old friends. However, the album also shows the evolution in style and innovation necessary to make it consistently interesting.
FAR MORE THAN WE COULD EVER HAVE HOPED FOR - review by Ralph Tonge
Overall I'm really pleased and impressed with the album - yes, the production isn't big budget, but nothing can disguise the quality of the songwriting, the performances and the passion that the Strawbs muster on this album. The production is overall good, and certainly better than Don't Say Goodbye and Ringing Down The Years IMO. I think the track which really shows up the production is "Under A Cloudless Sky" when the band at full tilt is just too much oomph and everything becomes a little muddy.
My immediate favourite on the album is "Cold Steel" - so fabulous to hear the banjo back in electric Strawbs - reminded me of "Flying" from Busrting At The Seams - such a distinctive sound - if played on radio this would be one of those tracks that makes you prick up your ears and say - what's that???
I would have loved to have heard a bit more John Hawken but I do understand that the distances involved were a limiting factor - but he is covered for superbly by Robert Kirby's presence. Lovely arrangements as only Kirby can. Does he arrange for anyone else these days?
Overall for an electric album it is quite acoustic - which makes me wonder if some songs were meant for an acoustic album.
Lovely harmonies on "Face Down In The Well" - Chas's high notes really filling out the sound superbly.
"On A Night Like This" is reminiscent of "La Bamba" but is very enjoyable - particularly the mandolin.
Production is at its best on "Cold Steel" - Rod Coombes drumming really driving things along nicely. Having recently acquired the Chiswick DVD, Coombes has really impressed me. His drumming on "Hero And Heroine" on that DVD is just fantastic. Hud has a more laid back style, and I do appreciate what he does, but Rod Coombes has a bit more oomph IMO.
"The Barren Land" features a trademark Lambert solo - he's still got that distinctive sound. Cousins' singing on this one is particularly passionate.
"Russian Front" retains that Hero And Heroine sound, but would have liked to have heard a bit more Hawken in the mix. The guys do play with some passion on this and I can imagine it sounding great live.
"Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" is another good song (they are all good songs!). I wish John Hawken could have played an acoustic piano, but it still sounds pretty good and I can appreciate why he couldn't. Reminded me of "You And I".
"NRG" - what had DC taken when he wrote this - it's certainly interesting listening and is not textbook Strawbs - I can imagine this to be hypnotic when played live. DC gives a good call to prayer vocal - the only thing that sticks in my throat is that some of it is a bit call and respond almost rapping (see Pete Townshend's "Face To Face" for another example of this). A bit more of the verse without the cheesy rap bit would have suited me.
On the whole I'd say this is far more than we could ever have hoped for - who five years ago would have dreamt of an album of all new material by this classic lineup. We are truly spoilt by the Strawbs in their activity - constant touring, quality albums and quality performances. How lucky we are.
21ST CENTURY MASTERS - review by Judi Cuervo
Strawbs always did do things just a bit differently than other bands. In their 1970s heyday, they managed to sell out clubs, theaters and sometimes even arenas, without a single Top 20 hit. They've been accused of performing Christian music by some and crooning pornographic lyrics by others. In the late 70s, at the top of their game, they disappeared from our shores for over two decades, leaving behind a legacy of masterful progressive rock albums like Grave New World and Hero And Heroine yet somehow remain best known as the band that launched the career of Yes' Rick Wakeman.
In 2003, Strawbs reemerged as a Cousins-led acoustic trio that lured hordes of old and new fans to venues up and down the east coast, performing pared-down versions of Strawbs' classics from acoustic release Baroque & Roll. But just when we started getting used to hearing what had been highly-orchestrated favorites like "Hero And Heroine" and "New World" translated into acoustic simplicity, it was announced that a full-blown reunion of Strawbs' electric lineup was in the works. A U.S. and Canadian tour would culminate in a headlining performance at NEARFEST 2004 Progressive Rock Festival and an album of all-new material--their first in 25 years--would mark the occasion.
But even this was done a bit...well...differently, with one band organized for U.S. performances and a different one for U.K. gigs, Cousins and guitarist Dave Lambert the only members common to both. "The differing lineups were logical, really" stated Cousins following Strawbs' three sold out performances at Hugh's Room in Toronto. "In the U.K., we're known as more of a folk band while in the States we're considered progressive rock. "
It's this progressive rock incarnation of Strawbs that is featured on Deja Fou, the long, long, long awaited release that hits the shelves in August. "Deja Fou," emphasizes Cousins, "Not Deja Vu. In French, 'fou' means mad. I came up with the title when I realized that we've got to be bloody mad to be back in the studio and back on tour after all this time."
Comprised of Cousins, Lambert, Chas Cronk, John Hawken and Rod Coombes, these Strawbs are the same guys who conjured magic on 1974's Hero And Heroine , the band's biggest American seller, considered by many to be among the best progressive rock albums of all time.
Deja Fou kicks off with "Riviera dei Fiori," an hypnotic instrumental piece that segues into "Under a Cloudless Sky" and floats beneath the surface of that track for its duration. Like so many Strawbs' classics, "Under a Cloudless Sky" swings from gentle ballad to explosive rapture before once again settling into its original soft, hypnotic rhythm. "Face Down in the Well," set against a string arrangement provided by guest artist Robert Kirby, is a showpiece of Cousins' poetry, a tune that conjures vivid images at once lovely and disturbing, the antithesis of whimsical "La Bamba"-like rocker "On a Night Like This."
Mandolin and banjo join bass, drums and electric guitar on Dave Lambert's "Cold Steel" while french horn, again from Kirby, is the surprise ingredient in the second Lambert track, "When The Lights Came On." Lambert, who performs in the acoustic version of the band as well as the electric, is himself an accomplished songwriter and solo performer whose rock & roll passion contributed to the delivery of Strawbs from its celtic/folk origins to its current progressive rock concentration.
Strawbs' trademark emotion-drenched ballads sit comfortably alongside Deja Fou's rockers, with the romantic "If," and the nostalgic "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" lovely, heartfelt and moving. A dash of the spirituality that is generously sprinkled throughout Strawbs' catalog arrives in "Sunday Morning," a poetic accounting of one priest's pre-Mass ritual.
Even for long-standing Strawbs fans, Deja Fou, holds a couple of surprises, the first in the form of "Russian Front," an electronic and percussion-infused cut that features Cousins' at his rock-squealing best, telling a tale of love denied; and the second being NRG, an Eastern-influenced number that begins with a cacophony of noises recorded on a Cairo street. With exotic sounds and innovative rhythms, these tracks—you could actually dance to them—are a dramatic departure from Strawbs classics with a world music sound that may intrigue or may alienate devoted fans.
It's taken Strawbs twenty-five years to deliver a new album, but Deja Fou is convincing proof that these often-overlooked legends of progressive rock are less nostalgic novelty and more 21st century masters. It was worth waiting for.
FULL OF COLOUR AND LIFE - review by Doug LeBlanc
The Strawbs latest work is called Deja Fou. Fans of the band have been waiting a while for this one; a full album with the full band. Of course, their recent efforts have consisted of a trio called the Acoustic Strawbs, and the one CD they released called Baroque & Roll, not to mention an album Dave Cousins did with long-time friend Rick Wakeman.
Deja Fou, however, is a step in a different direction. This is the same lineup that created one of their greatest albums, Hero And Heroine , and, as such, much was expected from them. With a tour to coincide with the release, the Strawbs have a lot to prove, and a lot to live up to, considering they were considered to be one of the great bands of the 70's; by their fans, at least. But does it live up to the hype? In a word, yes. Deja Fou may not be all that the fans expected, given that it was put together rather quickly. However, while their may be some production questions arising from this (a few fans have complained about the quality of the recording), there is no question that the Strawbs have returned with a tour de force.
The album title comes from being crazy to be doing this again. However, the album is full of colour and life. They run the gamut of emotions, from the happy-sounding, delightful "Under a Cloudless Sky", to the sombre "Face Down In The Well"; from the fun of "On A Night Like This" to the quiet passion of the lovely ballad "If". Whatever else can be said about the Strawbs over the years, they certainly haven't lost their most valuable resource – their ability to write deep, passionate, thoughtful music.
The Strawbs have some of the most passionate fans of any band to come out of the progressive scene of the seventies. Obviously, there must be more to them than meets the eye. While they do make good music, it takes more than just a talented band to engender that kind of loyalty. The reason lies at the very heart of the vision called Strawbs music – a fire, a desire for life, a modus operandi that beckons the listen into a world created by Dave Cousins and company. They create music as deep as life itself, so much so that it creates a zeal, a vigor amongst the fans as ardent as any in the world. How they can continue to do this after so many years is amazing, but for the fans, there is no questioning this. For the fans, it is the hope they will continue to do so for many years yet to come.
GREEN STRAWBS - review by Tom Brooking
I thought I'd do this like a wine review in which 5 bottles is the ultimate and one is undrinkable. There are also a dozen tracks so that seemed somehow appropriate even if the lads are more beer drinkers!
Overall I give this 3 1/2 bottles out of five with a potential fourth one being achieved after extra listening and/or playing of songs. Naturally we have high expectations of our lads, as they are very much a first growth outfit even if sometimes a little inconsistent.
The album opens with a gentle enticing little aperitif, Beaujolais like, which whets the appetite for more with its lovely keyboard part and weaving guitar line. The second bottle does not disappoint as the flavour deepens. It's all good fun too with the band asking DC how long he's been flying. Perhaps the production process isn't quite up to standard but this is classic Strawbs and oh so musical/tasty.
The third bottle is equally great even if it takes us to trickier parts of the flavour spectrum. Very classy orchestration and a marvellous chorus despite a few grim moments in between. DC need not worry because this one really works as no one else could do a song like this - long on the palate too in that it lingers on in the head.
"On A Night Like This" is a jolly wee bottle but a bit short on the palate and doesn't quite linger like "Under Cloudless Sky" or "Face Down In The Well".
Most problems for me emerge with track 5 "If". Lovely languid music but there is a jarring note and a sign of lazy wine making in the lyrics - Jupiter and Mars doesn't quite work. Perhaps this one needs to be delivered in Italian or French (or remade there) as it's sooooo romantic.
Bottle six, "Cold Steel" restores the energy and drives along to the end for satisfying drop with lovely DC contribution on mandolin and banjo. Not sure what this little number is all about but DL has managed to write his best songs in his 50s and 20s!
Bottle seven is very subtle, quiet and laid back just like a "Sunday Morning" at church. Pretty and acoustic again but lacking the depth of the better bottles.
Bottle eight is much more complex as the quiet beginning winds up to a powerful finish with reference to the Iraq war, Foot and Mouth disease outbreak and environmental degradation. Would be even better with Brian's soft merlot to enrich and soften DL's powerful, cutting cabernet style guitar.
Bottle nine comes from DL again on "When The Lights Came On" and brings back memories of early brews produced by the likes of the Beatles. A lovely French horn line aids a touch of class and mystery returns with to the lyrics (about a power failure?)
Bottle ten is like a big, heavy Aussie Shiraz or maybe some Hungarian Bulls' blood. Rocking away and then building to some nice Russian style guitar and keyboards - will improve with age and more playing.
Bottle eleven is very closed and quiet but "Here Today/Gone Tomorrow" grows on you although it would have been better with more group harmonies.
Then on the final bottle and the zest for life returns in the extraordinary NRG. Big, eastern style spices in here as the band really rocks - like Radio Tarifa plus, plus, plus. It has a neat wee message too and hints at possible new directions for the band - a great way to kick start a day after a hang over.
So overall interesting and fun listening even if not quite up to the very best standards of this extraordinary and classy group. Some bottles are a little raw and underdone but this dozen comes highly recommended in the hope of more and even better next time with a touch more care in the winemaking and the addition of some more elegance from Mr Hawken and fluid melody from Brian W.
Well-done lads and thanks - doing this kind of thing at our age is extraordinary, brave and more than a little Fou. Drinkers of fine wine, like listeners of fine music appreciate the effort and genuine love of creation, which has gone in this highly coloured package.
Comments from Witchwood - the Strawbs Discussion Group
First, the cover. It announces what is within and protects it. Good enough job.
Second, the production. Budget shmudget! It's more than adequate to me.
Now what should always be foremost, the music. For me this is the best Strawbs album since Deep Cuts and I love so many things about the albums since then too so this is not as easy a statement as it seems. Song per song this is quite a display. It's not all prog or all folk or all anything. It is simply Strawbs, one of the most delightfully undefinable bands ever to exist.
Favorites include "Cold Steel","When The Lights Came On","Russian Front" and "Here Today Gone Tomorrow" but I really love them all for different reasons.
My main complaint is probably about the balance of the album. Too many songs sound like Cronk, Coombes and Hawken weren't asked to add to them (or they just weren't around). Song's Like "Face Down The Well" and "If" could have been cut for another Strawbs Acoustic album (which would have been just fine too).
The controversial "NRG" is actually quite the rowser but its placement at the end detracts from what a classic Strawbs closer like "Here Today Gone Tomarrow" could have been in the company of predecessors like "So Close And Yet So Far Away", "Beat The Retreat" and "Goodbye". Don't get me wrong I love the ballads, especially the strings provided by the tasteful Robert Kirby. It just seems that an album celebrating the return of "Electric" Strawbs should have been more tilted to THAT end.
Neil from Beeb
Like most good albums, Deja Fou takes a few listens to start growing into your consciousness. I do not think there is a weak track on it - even "NRG" does grow on you and is an interesting experimentation, but even of its genre, it is highly melodic!!
"This Barren Land" does appear to have been based on Jerusalem (lucky copyright expires 70 years after writer's death)!!!
"Face Down In The Well", "Here Today Gone Tomorrow", "If", "Russian Front" are all excellent Strawbs pieces. "Cold Steel" and "NRG" have charm,
All together a very good piece of work...............
Adrian the Rock
I'm currently on my 3rd listen to Deja Fou and in terms of songwriting it is a fine album. "Under A Cloudless Sky" is a great encapsulation of the frustration of an older guy who wants to slow down ('All I want to do is land') but finds himself caught up in the travel expectations of modern-day middle-class living. "On A Night Like This" is another Cousins 'midnight fever' song, adding variety to the album. If the basic idea behind "If" sounds a bit derivative (of the Bread song of the same title), this is still a new and pleasant tune. "Cold Steel" is another of DL's great gibes, this one it seems to me being directed at capitalism, and "This Barren Land" bemoans man's defilement of the environment (is this really progress??)
"When The Lights Came On" is also a great song with its tension relieved by the sentiment that the singer has also discovered he is not alone in this world - may well be a contender for the lovesong category too. "Here Today Gone Tomorrow" addresses the transient and throw-away nature of so much of contemporary lifestyles, and "NRG" is at the very least lively and tuneful.
But what's really grabbed me the most about this is the number of songs that I can recognise as making reference to today's contemporary issues. Deja Fou's progressive credentials in this respect are very clear.
Finally got Deja Fou. I'm not an objective viewer of the Strawbs, I often think their sense of humour gets lost .. (Don't Say Goodbye), (A Boy and His Dog). . I love Deja Fou. It is totally STRAWBS. I loved the artwork from the start. You've got a fuschia Strawberry on a royal blue background plus b/w photos of the Strawbs - open up: a booklet of lyrics - center page: DEJA FOU...what more do you want?..
So much has been said.. this album is totally Strawbs from the opening "harp" sweeps with the mellotron wood winds , with a cyclical arpeggio.. on guitars.which at times approach Who-like Quadrophenia dimensions. The Strawbs give you just what you want.. emotion, Mellotrons, lyrical keyboards, guitars; such superb guitars.. and Dave Cousins dramatic, heartfelt, and always dignified voice...
I've always loved Bach's 2nd movement in D min. The level of truth, the understanding of what it is to be human, of profound true love. I get that with "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" - to me a song so truthful it is almost painful for me.
I've read with more than a passing interest about the impassioned debate about production values - this album is pristine to my ears - which isn't to denigrate differing opinions. This is what the Strawbs heard, and wanted. And after all isn't this what we wanted?
The album cover would make a great tee shirt...


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At last year’s Gen Con we showed off a bit of CMON‘s Kick-Ass: The Board Game and we now know more about this upcoming game.
Based on the comic series by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr., the game will be released August 31.
Players take on the role of masked vigilantes each with different gear and they must work together to stop the Evil Boss. Players travel the Districts to stop minions, help citizens, and attempt to manage their personal life. There’s 5 bosses to play against.
The box includes: 45 miniatures, 1 map board, 17 dice, 7 hero dashboards, 1 final plot track, 2 incoming tracks, 245 cards, 132 tokens, 27 counter bases, and a rulebook. the game is for 1 – 4 players, ages 18 and up, and plays in 60 – 90 minutes. It will retail for $59.99.

domain: entertainment


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A man struggling with terminal cancer once told me, “I try not to stand too long on the mountain, and I don’t sit too long in the valley. I live one day at a time and try to keep my attitude somewhere near the middle.”
Hi, I’m Mark Gregston… with Parenting Today’s Teens.
In a situation that was totally out of his control… this man trusted God for one day at a time. And I’ll tell ya, he experienced a deep sense of peace… even in his darkest days!
Perhaps you’re in a situation where things are dark, as well. It may not be cancer… but the anger, disrespect and tension at home has worn you down.
My hope is that this quick word from a cancer patient… will be a reminder to you. Today, live just one day at a time. Stay near the middle. And know that in the midst of the chaos at home, God is still in control.

domain: psychology


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Sorry, the content of this store can't be seen by a younger audience. Come back when you're older.
Brenneman Farms partners with The Wellness Barn to bring you fresh raw milk weekly through their herd share program. Brenneman farms raises their cows naturally and are located in Portland, Indiana. Click the milk link to learn more about the herd share program.

domain: food


M3D has already become a huge hit with consumers through the release of its compact and affordable Micro 3D printer. Now, the company has begun introducing new filaments to the mix. Today, at CES, the company is announcing the release of its Tough 3D Ink™ and ABS-R™ filaments, which it sees as becoming a new standard for all filament 3D printers.
Tough 3D Ink™ has been engineered for strength, while combining rigid and flexible properties, for users to create practical, functional objects. Bonded at full strength, M3D suggests that this material is odorless and has near zero emissions. Additionally, they say that it doesn’t warm when printed, is capable of withstanding boiling water, and can support several hundred pounds! Tough 3D Ink™ can be print with varying flexibility or rigidity depending on the application. And, with the Micro 3D printer, M3D says that objects can be printed up to 400% faster.
ABS-R™ is meant to be an improvement to standard ABS, with M3D billing the material has having increased bonding and lower warp characteristics. The company also says that it is odorless and doesn’t require a heated bed! At the same time, it produces rigid prints that are somewhat softer in feel than PLA. Altogether, they suggest that ABS-R™ is “more accessible alternative while still offering the same capabilities of ABS.” If true, then M3D could be changing the desktop printing game with this new material, given the issues the world has found with ABS.
Michael Armani, CEO at M3D, says of the announcement, “Often hyped within the context of the digital revolution, people are buying 3D printers to explore this new technology and its creative applications, but they can run into limitations with today’s ABS and PLA as the standard printing material. Seeing all the benefits of Tough 3D Ink™ in our test groups suggests that it will be favored over traditional materials across nearly all applications, and ABS-R™ is set to become a mainstream alternative to traditional ABS filaments. That’s why we’re supporting both materials in early 2016 as our new core filaments for the Micro so that our users can find truly lasting applications.”
To see if these materials live up to expectation, head over to the M3D booth at CES, where you can get your hands on samples of the stuff. Fingers crossed that Tough 3D Ink™ and ABS-R™ perform as well as the Micro, which has received great reviews so far.


An inspirational podcast rich with great stories, refreshing vulnerability, and important questions.
Are You Being Real? | The One & Only Podcast navigateright Episode
On this week’s episode, we continue our four-part Group Podcast series with our third episode where my guests discuss what that 'thing' about themselves is that they still struggle to love about themselves. Not only do they get real about what they really dislike, but one of my guests reveals that they have deep, unresolved beef from years ago with another guest. It gets a little heated. It's definitely an episode you will not want to miss.
This week’s guests are:
This concept was conceived from the positive feedback we received on Episode 149 where I brought in 5 of my friends and just sat around and talked about life and what’s real for us. If you'd like to listen to part 1 and 2 of this series, check out Episode 171 and Episode 173 where we discuss Negative Thoughts/Limiting Beliefs and Racist moments from our lives, respectively.
Learn more about Are You Being Real at AreYouBeingReal.com/175


Perusing the Wisconsin newspapers today... the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that the Brewers have not settled on Dale Sveum as their manager. While Sveum is still in consideration for the gig, Brewers GM is considering a few others, all of whom have major league managerial experience.
According to the article
That group could include Bob Brenly, former manager in Arizona now a TV broadcaster for the Cubs; Willie Randolph, fired by the Mets during the 2008 season; Davey Johnson, who managed Team USA in the Olympics; and Mike Hargrove, who stepped down in Seattle this year citing "burnout."
While Brenly had just signed an extention to continue in his role as Cubs TV commentator its very likely that such a deal would allow him an out if he is offered a managerial job.
We have no idea if Brenly is simply speculation or if the writer has some inside info as to who is being considered. The phrase "that group could include..." makes it seem as though the writer is listing the usual names.


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Media Release: Survey Results Will Detail Farmers' Changing Attitudes to Climate Change
Survey results on how farmers’ understanding of climate change and its impacts have changed over the last decade will be released at the New Zealand Agricultural Climate Change Conference 2019 (NZACCC), in Palmerston North on April 8-9.
The results will also reveal how farmers are now viewing greenhouse gas mitigation efforts in agriculture and give their views on the effective communication of climate change science.
The recent Climate Change Attitudes Survey was conducted by Nielsen as part of the Ministry of Primary Industries’ Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change (SLMACC) Research programme of work, which last year celebrated its 10th anniversary.
It replicates a survey initially run in 2009 to get information about farmers’ opinions in order to give direction to the SLMACC programme and surrounding climate change policy.
This latest survey was conducted at the end of last year, with emphasis on comparing with the initial survey results as well as asking other questions more specific to the current climate change state-of-play.
Full results will be available following the NZACCC, with a snapshot of the key findings presented at the conference.
The NZACCC is New Zealand’s most important agricultural conference on climate change for two years. It will bring together scientists, government policy advisors, farmers and industry leaders to discuss the theme of meeting the challenges of climate change with respect to farming.
The conference is being organised by the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium (PGgRc), and will be held at the Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre, 354 Main Street. Presentations will be given by New Zealand science, industry and policy leaders.
The programme will draw on published scientific work and the research projects being conducted by the NZAGRC-PGgRc and by MPI’s Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Research Programme.
Attendance is free but registration is required. For more information or to register please go to https://www.nzagrc.org.nz/conference.html
For further information please contact event organiser Nicky Vallender, email firstname.lastname@example.org, mobile 021 033 5605
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domain: news


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Statement from the family of Josephine Gay
On Friday, December 14, 2012, our beautiful daughter, Josephine Grace Gay, was killed in an unimaginable tragedy at her elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. Joey, many of her friends, teachers, and school staff members were taken from our loving community. Joey turned 7 three days prior to this tragedy and was looking forward to celebrating at her birthday party with many of these friends the next day.
December 20, 2012

domain: sociology


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Updated: Aug 4
When encountering the title of this discussion, it is understandable that strong emotions may arise in some individuals.
For several decades, we have been advised that plant-based diets offer the most beneficial dietary interventions for our health, and there is truth in the benefits gained by eliminating processed foods and consuming natural, plant-based foods. Nevertheless, the ultimate question remains: what diet truly optimizes human health and can be sustained over time? The answer to this question varies individually, as genetic uniqueness and metabolic health starting points differ from person to person.
Given the absence of long-term interventional studies on ANY diet, one approach to gain insights is to examine our evolutionary history and anthropology. Through stable nitrogen isotope testing of skeletal bones, scientists have discovered nitrogen levels comparable to those found in carnivorous animals, suggesting that our evolutionary diet was protein-rich.
Furthermore, it is crucial to emphasize that proteins from animal sources exhibit superior bioavailability and digestibility, as thoroughly discussed in the following section:
It is essential to understand that within scientific research, there are three types of evidence: anecdotal, epidemiological, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Anecdotal evidence allows for observations but cannot prove causation. Epidemiological evidence establishes correlations and forms hypotheses but lacks the ability to prove causality. In contrast, randomized controlled trials are the most robust form of evidence, enabling the testing and validation of hypotheses.
Remarkably, most nutritional research, including the basis for US dietary guidelines, relies heavily on epidemiological evidence, making many nutritional recommendations hypothetical rather than conclusively proven.
However, there are clear guidelines for achieving optimal health outcomes, such as the importance of removing processed foods and harmful high omega-6 oils like sunflower seed oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, canola oil, etc. Instead, it is beneficial to include whole foods and fats from natural sources, such as animal fats, coconut oil, and olive oil.
The argument for an animal-based diet is founded on the idea that it provides the most bioavailable nutrients with minimal immunological triggers, as animal-based foods lack anti-nutrients. There is a growing number of anecdotes about individuals effectively using strict meat-only diets to treat autoimmune issues, some of which can be found here: [insert relevant source or reference].
An animal-based diet can be categorized into three tiers:
Tier 1: Mostly animal-based, with the option of non-toxic plants (organs optional). This tier consists of 80%-90% animal foods and 10%-20% non-toxic plant foods, offering flexibility and being suitable for individuals new to animal-based diets without significant health issues.
Tier 2: Animal-based, emphasizing nose-to-tail eating with a variety of organs. This tier comprises 90% animal foods, along with approximately 10% of calories coming from non-toxic plant foods (fruits) and honey.
Tier 3: The "meat and water 'meat cleanse'," involving only meat, organs, and animal fats. This tier serves as an elimination diet and a potent tool for addressing chronic health issues effectively.
In conclusion, while much of the nutritional evidence is based on epidemiology, there are specific guidelines and benefits associated with adopting an animal-based diet. Each tier offers different approaches to suit individual preferences and health needs, potentially providing valuable solutions to various health challenges.
Upon first consideration, a meat-only "carnivore" diet might seem too radical and unsustainable for some individuals.
While it is true that there are no long-term interventional trials on this specific eating pattern, and anecdotal evidence represents the weakest form of evidence, it is worth noting that an increasing number of people have reported significant improvements, including remission of autoimmune conditions, while following this approach. The sheer volume of these anecdotes warrants attention, urging us to look past our biases and engage in legitimate scientific inquiry. Viewing this intervention as a strict elimination diet for a limited period and gradually reintroducing foods one by one in small amounts may help identify specific triggers for individual immune responses.
This blog and website primarily serve educational purposes, aiming to offer a well-grounded scientific perspective, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their health. Learning from each other's experiences and respecting differing viewpoints enables growth and mutual understanding. Regardless of our beliefs about diet or what may work best for each person, what truly matters is the positivity we feel and how we interact with one another, ultimately making a significant difference in our well-being.


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Chinese government's move to pay off surviving family members is exposed.
Students in China's Inner Mongolia remain defiant in the face of an increased clampdown on protests.
Tensions simmer as the region prepares for further ethnic protests.
Chinese authorities react to demonstrations seeking protection of traditional grasslands.
Chinese father of sickened child vows to continue fighting for justice after being detained.
Former aides to ousted premier call for political reform in China.
Thousands in northern China march to government buildings.
Three explosions targeting government buildings rock China's eastern city of Fuzhou.
Ethnic Mongolian students march on Chinese government buildings demanding equal treatment.
Amid China's worst drought in decades, authorities acknowledge problems with a major river project.
An article accusing China’s former leader of mass murder sparks a public debate.
China's government backs away from its promises to bereaved parents.
Chinese authorities tighten prison surveillance as they round up critics.
China's Baidu and Cisco of the U.S. are challenged in separate court cases.
Chinese authorities prepare to quash any efforts to remember the victims of the Tiananmen crackdown.
Chinese authorities may prohibit horse-racing festivities following a standoff at a Tibetan monastery.
Residents in Inner Mongolia's townships block road to protest reckless driving through their pastures.
The founder of China's system of Internet controls is hit by a shoe thrown during a university lecture.
China's laws protect the environment, but are rarely enforced at local levels.
But the chaos of the Cultural Revolution, and its causes, remain officially ignored.
Authorities say they will work harder to eliminate 'unhealthy' online content in China.
Chinese authorities provide Tibetan nomads with television equipment tuned to state broadcasts.
Thousands turn up to protest a military officer's 'intimidation' in a Chinese central province.
A new report says Asian-Pacific governments did little to improve their human rights records in 2010.
Chinese authorities arrange the surprise meeting at an unknown place.
A standoff ensues following the death of an evictee in eastern China.
Authorities have arrested a man they say is responsible for bombing a bank in western China.
Funds will be spent to support access to censored information.
Chinese authorities boast of aid efforts, but relatives of victims say their claims are ignored.
Chinese authorities offer no help to stop the harassment of a rights activist.


Development Of An Integrated Signal Control System And Consideration For Its Practical Use
Free (open access)
697 - 708
H. Ito, T. Shigeta, Y. Niibori, Y. Umehara, M. Hokari & T. Kunifuji
The current signalling system in a machine room has a complex configuration, as additional devices like the automatic train protection (ATP) controllers have gradually been installed to raise the safety level. At the same time, these devices and interlocking interact complexly with each other. This complex configuration consequently causes complexity in designing, installing and maintaining the system, and decreases the availability of it. To solve these issues, development of the integrated signal control system, \“Logical Controller” (LC) is in progress. LC is a set of high-performance computers integrating the logical devices in a machine room. Toward the practical use of the LC, there are two major challenges: construction and verification of the integrated control logic, and minimization of the range affected in partial software upgrading or partial malfunction. In this paper, the outline of the LC is described and the techniques for solving the above-mentioned challenges are discussed. Keywords: safety, reliability, control logic, integration, practical use, maintenance.
safety, reliability, control logic, integration, practical use, maintenance


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Award-Winning Oscar Party Menu
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How about hosting your own viewing party to watch the Academy Awards this year? We've got a whole menu planned for you, so you can catch up on seeing some of those movies you missed. Start the night with a sparkling cocktail and tasty popcorn to munch on, and then enjoy a fancy-schmancy dinner that's sure to wow your guests. Sweet little ice cream cups and your own dessert bar are the perfect way to end the evening.
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New Delhi: Hyundai Motor has marked the 8 millionth car milestone with the rollout of the New 2018 Creta.
“The fastest 8 Millionth milestone marks Hyundai’s remarkable successful journey of 20 years in India and its commitment to offer world - class Modern Premium and benchmark products meeting customers aspirations. Since inception, Hyundai Motor India has sold 5,300,967 units in the Indian Market and 2,703,581 units in exports globally,” the company said in a statement.
Hyundai rolled out its first million car, Santro, in 2006, 8 years after commencement of commercial production in 1998. The company reached its next million milestone being within 8 -19 months.
YK Koo, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited said, “Evolution of a Revolution is Hyundai’s DNA. Today marks a momentous and landmark day in the history of Hyundai Motor India with the achievement of 8 Millionth Milestone. Hyundai is the only manufacturer to achieve this feat in the shortest span of time while strengthening our Manufacturing Excellence, Customer Experience, Marketing Innovation and Corporate Social Responsibility . In our evolving journey to becoming India's most Loved and Trusted brand, we have pushed the boundaries and taken on new challenges at every step. Our vision is to deliver on the promise of becoming the ‘Lifetime Partners in Automobile and beyond’. I dedicate this achievement to our valuable customers and every member of the Hyundai family.”
Koo thanked the customers for their support and said that the company will be launching a series of activities and Emotionally Connecting Campaigns to mark the 20th year of excellence in Sales and Production in India.


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Fridge: Disney Theme Parks
- Fridge Brilliance: In the Festival Of the Lion King show, Timon says he's going to do a South Seas number (a hula, to be specific) right before some guys scare him off so they can perform "Be Prepared." During the song, there is a guy doing a fire dance - which is something they do in Hawaii. So, technically, they did have a South Seas number.
- In the Florida Fantasmic! show, while most of the other villains talk, Scar just makes roaring noises. This is because he's a lion, and the other villains are human - his roars only sounded like English in his movie because he was talking to other lions.
- Why is Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square? Because of the battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. It was a Historical In-Joke.


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On August 26, 2014, the FCA published a letter dated August 22, 2014 to the FCA Practitioner Panel setting out the FCA’s approach to using attestations as a formal supervisory tool. The FCA Practitioner Panel had expressed its concern to the FCA that without further clarity about the FCA’s approach to attestations, the increasing use by the FCA of the tool might skew prioritization of risk at firms. The FCA letter states that the most usual scenarios in which attestations may be used are:
- notification to the FCA where, in cases of emerging risk which are not likely to result in consumer harm or negatively impact market integrity, the nature, extent or magnitude of the risk changes, including assurance from the firm that it will monitor the risk;
- undertaking that a firm will take specific action within a specific timescale;
- self-certification that the risk has been resolved; or
- verification that a risk has been resolved or mitigated, including, for example, by internal audit.
The FCA intends to issue revised internal guidance and supporting materials, emphasizing the importance of clarity and transparency when using attestations to its supervisory personnel.
The FCA letter is available here:

domain: finance


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Bethesda hosted their very first E3 Showcase in 2015 with the announcement of Fallout 4 headlining a huge lineup of games from the publisher. Everyone wondered if they’d do it again in 2016, with less to announce due to Fallout 4 having hit the year…..
E3 is sort of like Christmas and your birthday all rolled into one, if you’re a big video game fan. The event is always one of the biggest and best of the year, with every major video game publisher and console manufacturer pulling out all…..
Last year saw EA break away from the traditional E3 showing, instead opting for their own show just down the road called EA Play. They’ll be continuing the show this year, but moving it a bit further away, announcing that EA Play 2017 will be…..
E3 will be trying something new this year, as the organizers have announced what they are calling E3 Live. This event takes place outside of the Los Angeles Convention Center where the main E3 event is held, and offers many of the perks that the…..
Will Microsoft introduce a slightly improved Xbox One at E3 this year or a simply a slimmed down version of the console? Insider Paul Thurrott is citing multiple sources that the console maker has a large hardware related announcement planned for the annual gaming convention……
While no new information was revealed from Nintendo in regards to their next console, their latest Financial Briefing did reveal some information regarding other endeavors. The company revealed to those in attendance that they are looking into VR, though sadly we have no news beyond…..
Last year saw the very first E3 press conference from Bethesda. The event, specifically named the Bethesda E3 Showcase, was a great success, showing off a lot of upcoming games from the publisher. The crowning jewel of the show was the unveiling of Fallout 4,…..
Every year at E3 Microsoft shows a sizzle real of upcoming indie games coming to Xbox thanks to the ID@Xbox program. The initiative finds up and coming indie game developers and helps them get their title released on the Xbox platform. This has resulted in some…..
AAA titles take center stage at E3, but indie games just keep popping up to show the big guys how it’s done. ABZU, from 505 Games and developer Giant Squid, was at the show, presenting a unique take on underwater environments and controls. I got…..
Among the announcements of huge titles like Mass Effect, Mirror’s Edge, and Star Wars Battlefront, EA’s E3 2015 press conference brought us what could be the next big gaming character. Yarny came on stage alongside Pelé and The Hoop Gawd to show off a quiet,…..
Every E3 we sit around and talk about what games we want to see at the biggest gaming show of the year. 2015 was pretty much a perfect storm of long-awaited games, with Rare Replay, Fallout 4, The Last Guardian, FFVII Remake, and Shenmue 3…..
E3 2015 marked the official announcement of Dark Souls 3. While it wasn’t shown on the expo hall floor, we got to take a look behind closed doors, with series creator Hidetaka Miyazaki walking us through. You can watch our general reaction to the demo…..
Star Wars Battlefront was easily one of the more impressive games that I played at E3 2015. This is largely due to it having began life with a lot of expectations, then suddenly lowering them dramatically, before building them back up to a more realistic…..
Transformers might be one of the biggest franchises on the planet today thanks to the Michael Bay films, but those that prefer the original cartoons are the ones receiving what could be the best game adaptation in the series. Coming from Activision and PlatinumGames, Transformers:…..
Ubisoft has been under a fair amount of scrutiny with their major titles ever since Watch Dogs went from most anticipated game of the year, to questionable open-world game with some definite downgrades. Their other new open-world IP, Tom Clancy’s The Division, has been a…..
We are on the cusp of a possible VR revolution in gaming. Companies are falling all over themselves trying to get a working VR headset onto store shelves and into consumer’s homes. The one that started it all, the Oculus Rift, is inching closer to…..
Attack of the Fanboy is at E3 2015. Get all the latest news from the show floor and press conferences here.
For some, E3 2015 was the best one ever. However, Metroid Prime Federation Force is one game that has irked many Nintendo fans. Metroid Prime Federation Force was announced for the Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo uploaded the game’s trailer on YouTube, and it’s not pretty over…..
Microsoft surprised everyone at E3 2015 by announcing the Xbox One will be backwards compatible with Xbox 360 games. Sadly, it looks like Sony is not following suit. PlayStation Europe boss, Jim Ryan, confirmed this in a new interview with MCV. Ryan said that Sony…..
It’s this. This is what we’re getting. Thanks, Just Dance (and I mean that without a trace of sarcasm)! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af84ASGmMHQ This year, it looks as though Ubisoft is playing heavily to the camp and the fun of their yearly installment. Boasting during the Ubisoft show…..
For the first time, the Trackmania series appears to be heading towards the Xbox One and Playstation 4 as Trackmania Turbo. Unveiled midway through the Ubisoft’s E3 show, viewers were treated to ninety second trailer before a live gameplay demonstration took place. Trackmania Turbo’s one-press…..
For Honor is a medieval combat game involving teams of up to four players. Knights, samurai and vikings have been shown as available characters. The game appears to focus specifically on melee combat over ranged, and was supported by a live multiplayer demo during Ubisoft’s…..
As of right now, beta signups are open for Bethesda’s team-based shooter BATTLECRY. While indications are that the beta will begin this coming fall, Australian and New Zealand players are invited to an early August look. To sweeten the deal, Bethesda released a new trailer…..
A ninety second teaser for The Elder Scrolls: Legends was shown off during Bethesda’s E3 presentation. The game will be a free-to-play strategy card game that is available on both iOS and PC, with a release slated for later this year. Spokesman Pete Hines introduced the…..
Bethesda have during their first show at E3 that they’re launching a new service, known as Bethesda.net. This service is designed to co-ordinate the online aspects of Bethesda’s increasing stable of games, including The Elder Scrolls Online, and will provide support for the recently unveiled DOOM…..


Airbus UK Broughton travel to Andy Legg`s Llanelli today for the first of 3 extremely difficult matches. Craig Harrison`s squad have mustered 6 points from the last 9 with 2 home victory`s against Newtown and Prestatyn and sandwiched in between a TV Defeat at Port Talbot, these results and performances will have increased the confidence around the Airfield prior to this game.
Andy Legg will be delighted with his sides recent run which has elevated them into the top 3 in the Division and Legg himself will be looking to mount a serious challenge on the league this season, and in Rhys Griffiths he has the Leagues most prolific striker. Griffiths missed the early season game at the Airfield when the sides drew and Airbus will have to keep him at bay today if they are to get anything from the game down south.
Harrison will be hampered with continued injuries to his squad namely Tommy Holmes and Niki Bulmer but there is also a doubt of leading scorer Ian Sheridan who is suffering with a tight hamstring- with games against Neath and Bangor around the corner Harrison may opt not to use Sheridan, to add to the enormity of the task Skipper Glenn Rule is ruled out by a one match suspension for this game. Good News is that Eddie Hope and Danny Desormeaux are likely to feature today. Paul McManus is also included in the squad.
1 Andy Mulliner 2 Danny Taylor 3 Adam Worton 4 Gavin Cadwallader 5 Danny Grannon 6 Mark Cadwallader 7 Ryan Edwards 8 Danny Desormeaux 9 Craig Whitfield 10 Mike Hayes 11 Eddie Hope 12 Mark Allen 13 Paul McManus 14 Josh Griffiths 15 Chris Thomas
Picture: Ian Sheridan celebrates a goal against Llanelli earlier this season (www.welsh-premier.com)


Visitors and patients at the North Bay Regional Health Centre will see front-line employees wearing black and yellow stickers all day Tuesday.
The stickers say “Save North Bay addiction services” and are in response to employees getting word that funding for the in-hospital residential services will end in either May or June of this year.
Michael Hurley, the President of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions, says once the 29 beds are shutdown, the government plans to have the affected patients treated through the local hospital’s outpatient treatment program.
However, Hurley says this is an inferior replacement.
“In-hospital residential treatment allows (patients) to get away from a home environment where there may be other people using drugs or alcohol or people who may enable their drug addictions or alcoholism,” Hurley said.
“So they’re subject to all these stresses that exist in a family setting.”
Hurley says under the in-hospital residential program, patients get individual counselling, and are in an environment where they get the kind of attention that’s needed for them “to confront their addiction successfully.”
Additionally, Hurley points out statistics show the chances of people on drugs or who are dependent on alcohol have less chance of returning to the dependency when they are part of an in-hospital residential setting as opposed to being in an out-patient program.
Hurley says there’s time to reverse the government decision on closing the addictions beds given the late spring deadline.
He says Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is a very influential politician “and if he puts his mind to it, he can save these jobs”.
Hurley says the black and yellow stickers are the first of several initiatives to save the addictions beds.
He says at the end of the month OCHU will hold an electronic town hall meeting where North Bay residents with landlines will be called asking if they will take part in a one-hour teleconference call explaining the upcoming closure.
Hurley says this format was used locally on another health issue a while back and 1,500 people participated.
He expects a similar number to take part in the upcoming electronic phone meeting.
The call will focus on the problem at hand and what residents can do to help keep the beds open.
Hurley says the week of January 13th will see the start of a petition to save the beds and then a large rally is planned around the end of February to draw attention to the bed closures.
Hurley says the location for the rally hasn’t been determined yet.
He personally prefers holding it in front of Fedeli’s Main Street East office but given the recent downtown fire on Main forcing the office to relocate, Hurley says it’s a question of whether a rally can be held safely at the MPP’s new site.
If not, then the rally may take place on hospital grounds.
Hurley feels optimistic that the government decision to end funding for the beds can be reversed.
He adds the beds serve an important role in the region because according to the North East Local Health Integration Network, there is a higher rate of addictions in Northern Ontario than in Southern Ontario.


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Nothing is more disappointing than turning on the TV and being greeted by the rotating icon and a message stating about poor internet connection to stream. This could be difficult to enjoy your favorite shows due to unlimited pauses, buffering, and reduced video quality.
Apart from low loading, various major streaming services work with strict copyright laws and licensing policies in Australia. Though services like Netflix are available for streaming in different regions of the world, you can also stream Indian Disney+ Hotstar in Australia via VPN services that bypass the restriction, which means you not only have to faster the internet, but a connection to a VPN is also a must to unblock the streaming platforms. Try these simple fixes to enjoy your favorites on different apps for streaming, such as AppleTV, iPad, and even on Xbox.
With the passage of time, the poor streaming quality is rapidly disappearing. New and enhanced streaming technologies and modernized best practices with solutions enable all of this.
Table of Contents
1- Choose a streaming platform:
Choosing the best streaming platform is the first step toward improving your streaming experience. How? If you select a service that lacks the shows and movies you’re looking for, your streaming experience will surely be a mess.
So, think before paying for a platform. Disney+ Hotstar, American Netflix library, Hulu, YouTube TV, Sky Sports, BBC iPlayer, and many other online VODs are expanding their media libraries to fulfill your streaming cravings.
2- Turn On Subtitles:
What if your primary language is not Tamil, Chinese, or Korean? You might not feel comfortable watching movies and documentaries in these voice-overs. On the other hand, you’ll definitely want to watch it in your local language.
Turn on Subtitles and watch your desired shows in English or your primary language, i.e., French or Hindi. This will not only boost your streaming experience but will also give you a better understanding of emotional dialogs and movie scenes.
3- Upgrade Your Internet Speed:
Watching a horror movie on a slow internet speed will surely turn off your streaming mood. Therefore, you must upgrade your internet speed in order to have a good streaming experience.
Turn off your data devices and switch to your WIFI connection. Unfortunately, mobile data are slower than WIFI connections and thus might not provide you with good network speeds for binge-watching.
4- Watch Offline:
Many streaming services, including YouTube TV in Australia, gives you an option to download your watch list to enjoy them offline. Watching shows and movies offline will eliminate the risk of constant buffering and internet speed cracking while streaming.
5- Upgrade Your Streaming Device:
Different streaming platforms show poor compatibility with outdated devices and operating systems. Therefore, you must use an upgraded device version on which you plan to watch online movies and shows.
Android versions 5.0 & above and iOS versions 3 & above are compatible with most of the services and will not give you errors while streaming in Australia.
6- Get yourself a Noise Cancellation headset:
Seriously! If you’re alone on your weekends and want to binge-watch, the quality of your headsets is one of the main things to boost your streaming experience.
Buy a noise-canceling headphone, and you’ll see the difference. We would love to suggest to you some thrilling movies like “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” with good voice quality.
7- Try to Connect Fewer Devices:
Families frequently have five or more devices simultaneously linked to the same WIFI network. The increased amount of devices can slow down your internet speed by sending the same frequency of traffic to all the devices.
Connecting fewer devices can boost your internet speeds, and ultimately you will get a good video streaming experience.
8- Unblock your Favorite Streaming Platforms:
Australia has many original streaming services to broadcast shows on, but some popular services like Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, and many Indian Channels are blocked in Australia.
You must unblock such streaming services with the help of a Virtual Private Network. For example, let’s say you’re craving to binge-watch Marvel series or brand-new episodes of She-Hulk, but sadly, the shows are only available on non-Australian streaming platforms. At this stage, a premium VPN like ExpressVPN will help you do so.
9- Gather your friend:
Yes! One of the major tips to boost your streaming experience in Australia is to gather your friends and watch a trending movie together.
Mark a weekend on your calendar and call your friends at your doorstep, grab lots of popcorn and chocolates, and make the fullest of your time.
Hopefully, you will find this blog helpful and interesting at the same time. Viewers always use their streaming apps to enjoy their favorite content when on the bus, while they are walking, at work, or even while they are traveling to Australia.
We have listed all the possible ways to enhance your streaming experience. Let us include a bonus tip here; Get free trials and enjoy without even paying for several VODs.


Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)1 are a group of manmade fluorinated compounds which are used for a variety of applications by both industry and residential households. These chemicals are widely used because they are resistant to heat, water, and oil. PFAS are commonly found in every American household, and in products as diverse as non-stick cookware, furniture, clothing, cosmetics, lubricants, paint, carpets, pizza boxes, popcorn bags, and many others. Although there is some evidence that exposure to PFAS at certain levels can lead to adverse health outcomes in humans, health outcomes are still largely unknown. Several recent legislative and regulatory efforts across the US to address PFAS have focused on limiting levels in drinking water as policy makers act to minimize human interaction with these chemicals. Unfortunately, many of these actions have not followed the usual scientific and public review process for addressing chemicals of concern.
Please note that Pima County (Tucson) Arizona has lifted their moratorium on the land application of biosolids. The return to land application is because of the comprehensive study done by the University of Arizona, Jacobs Engineering, and the National Science Foundation, and which I previously shared with you and is at the link below. For context, Pima County had successfully land applied Class B biosolids since 1984 but a concern was brought to the Board of Supervisors in late 2019 for the potential contamination of groundwater with PFAS from the biosolids. Pima County began landfilling their biosolids on January 1, 2020 at at least twice the monetary expense and to the detriment of soil health. They commissioned the subject study which began in March 2020 on sites which had received the biosolids and concluded there is minimal transport through the topsoil and negligible concern for groundwater. Though Pima County is an arid climate and depth to groundwater is more than 150 feet, the sites received between 30 and 54 inches of irrigation water which equates to rainfall in heavy precipitation areas of the US and even if groundwater were shallower, minimal transport was found. Many thanks to all involved in this study and especially project lead, Dr. Ian Pepper (U of AZ), and to Houssam el Jerdi with the Pima County RWRD. – Greg
- bd-Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Agricultural Land Application October 29 2020
- Fate of PFAS at Long Term Biosolids Application Sites, Pima County AZ
- CASA Summary of GSI Environmental Evaluation of OEHHA Recommendations
- GSI Environmental Evaluation of Science Used by OEHHA in setting Notification Levels for PFOA and PFOS
- California State Water Resources Control Board adopts new Notification Levels for PFOA and PFOS


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We had great food, great service and loved the decor of this great new restaurant to the area. 5 stars and we will return again and again! The portions were huge, the food was perfectly cooked and the service from both the server and the manager (owner?) was top notch. This was a huge improvement over going to the typical restaurants like Chili's or Ruby Tuesdays. The decor is medieval with swords, shields and other such on the walls, but the service and the food were "normal," so it wasn't like going to the Renaissance Fair. I highly highly recommend the fried cheesecake for dessert--it's worth stopping in just for that! Our drinks never got past half empty and when my husband finished his meal leaving most of his vegetables on the plate, the manager (it could have been the owner, I didn't ask) came out to check that they were cooked right. They were; it was simply that the steak was so large, he had no room for potatoes! Oh, another bonus: the menu is completely original! It is normal sandwiches and a large array of salads, but each one has a story written about it on the menu. We picked out our entrees quickly and spent the rest of the time reading over the menus for the stories. Highly original concept! Go, you won't regret it!
the service was great, but the food is not so good some stuff comes out good, but like the steak, it tasted like it was heated up in microwave, dull and bland . The veggies are either not cook enough or wilted looking, especially the spinach and tomatoes. The hosts seem to be not happy when u come in, no personality. The young woman waiting on us was great! Jordan? Help my mom pick something out for to her taste, not much to choose for seniors. and i use to love Applebees!
I was disappointed when I ate at LH. I looked on line found a dip of lobster, shrimp and cheese and drove to LH for this dish. I was told they did not told they did not have any lobster, I waited a very long time for my food, when it came, they served me the cheese dip with shrimp only. I was so hungry I ate it but I have not been back since. I see commercials on TV but am afraid to go and be disappointed again.


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Ascot Cooltouch Memory Foam Non Tufted Bonnell Sprung Mattress | Mattresses (by Bedz4u.co.uk)
Cooltouch Memory Foam Sprung Mattress by Lawrence Furniture | Mattresses (by Bedz4u.co.uk)
Discover the ultimate comfort and affordability with the Ascot Memory Foam Flat Bonnel Mattress by Lawrence Furniture – an extraordinary product at a fantastic price.
Engineered for versatility, the Memory Bonnel mattress features a dual sleep system designed to cater to both summer and winter comfort needs.
On one side, experience the luxurious embrace of high-density memory foam, which provides optimal support and comfort.
This innovative feature ensures a restful and contouring sleep experience, adapting to your body's unique shape.
Conversely, a 13.5 gauge Spring Unit awaits, complemented by sumptuous polyester fillings that create a soft and plush feel.
The dual-purpose design makes this mattress suitable for year-round use, offering the perfect sleep surface regardless of the season.
The Ascot Memory Foam Mattress stands out with its quilted vertical border, adding a touch of sophistication to its overall design.
This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the durability and longevity of the mattress.
With a substantial mattress thickness of 25cm, this product promises a significant sleep surface that ensures a deep and rejuvenating slumber.
Invest in the Ascot Memory Foam Flat Bonnel Mattress for an exceptional sleep experience that caters to your seasonal preferences.
Upgrade your sleep sanctuary with the Ascot Memory Foam Mattress – where luxury meets practicality.
All our Products are Brand New and Conform To British Fire Regulations - BS 7177: 2008
Firmness Rating: Soft / Medium
Small Single: 2ft 6” x 6ft 3” / 75cm x 190cm
Single: 3ft x 6ft 3” /90cm x 190cm
Small Double: 4ft x 6ft 3” / 120cm x 190cm
Standard Double: 4ft 6”x 6ft 3” / 135cm x 190cmKing Size: 5ft x 6ft 6”/ 150cm x 200cm
King Size: 5ft x 6ft 6”/ 150cm x 200cm
Please note that the fabric used on the mattress is the same as pictured but does not have Cooltouch written on it.
It is the same material with the same properties but has a pattern embossed on it instead, as pictured.

domain: design


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The Warburg-Pincus-backed ARA Asset Management has established a European platform to spearhead its expansion outside Asia-Pacific.
The Singapore-based fund manager has signalled its intention to grow through M&A in Europe.
John Lim, ARA’s group CEO, said business expansion initiatives in Europe “will be in the form of real estate investment trusts, private funds and other fund management-related platforms via merger and acquisition”.
ARA has appointed property industry veteran Mark Ebbinghaus, who was most recently global head of real estate with Standard Chartered Bank in Singapore, as its senior adviser for the European business. Ebbinghaus will be based in London.
Lim said his fund management business had “set our sights on the global stage”, and that he was “excited to embark on furthering our reach beyond our current presence in Asia-Pacific”.
Currently, ARA manages listed real estate investment trusts and private real estate funds with assets totalling around SGD40bn (€24.8bn) in North and Southeast Asia and Australia.
Since establishing an office in Australia in 2015, ARA has stepped up investment there, building up a portfolio of close to AUD1bn (€634.9m).
ARA has indicated its intention to lift its investment in Australia to AUD2bn.
Late last year, ARA was reported to be mulling over a logistics portfolio, owned by Blackstone, which had an asking price of around AUD200m.
ARA was delisted last year following a SGD1.8bn management buyout led by John Lim and supported by a consortium of investors, including private equity firm Warburg Pincus.
It has a presence in 21 cities in eight Asia-Pacific countries.


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Last Updated: 4/28/2017 3:27 AM
Description for 114 Washington Brillion, WI 54110
LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! Spectacular 4BR home across the street from elementary/middle school. Built in 1924 w/character, woodwork, built-ins, hdwd floors & charm throuhgout. Enclosed 3 season porch. Formal DR w/built-in hutch & window seat, 1st flr BR, kitchen w/floor to ceiling cabinets & center island. GORGEOUS UPDATED FULL BATH UP, LL has rec room, office/guest BR & full bath. Deep garage
2 Full/1 Half
Stall Shower, Combined Tub/Shower
Central Air, A/C - Other
Gas Heat, Forced Air
Exterior / Lot Features
3 Garage Spaces, Self-Park, Garage
Hwy 10 to S on Main to W on Washington St
Listing Price History
Brillion Real Estate
Brillion is located in Wisconsin. Brillion, Wisconsin 54110 has a population of 3,142.
The median household income in Brillion, Wisconsin 54110 is $60,444. The median household income for the surrounding county is $66,250 compared to the national median of $53,482. The median age of people living in Brillion 54110 is 34.7 years.
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These cards will be in packs until Tuesday, Dec. 1.
This Flashback version of Agüero has everything needed to be one of the best strikers in FIFA 21 Ultimate Team so far.
Enjoy this Black Friday addition to the game.
These five players broke records in real-life soccer.
The league player grind continues.
There's plenty of content in FIFA 21 Ultimate Team available for the next few days.
EA added a sixth Silver Stars card to FIFA 21 Ultimate Team.
You'll have plenty of time to obtain this free card.

domain: game


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No. 11 Liberty Drops 3-1 Decision at No. 6 Louisville
The 11th-ranked Liberty field hockey squad dropped a 3-1 decision to the sixth-ranked Louisville Cardinals, Sunday afternoon at Trager Stadium.
Louisville stays unbeaten and improves to 6-0 on the season following a 2-0 weekend. Liberty slips to 3-2 after back-to-back losses against top-10 foes this week in No. 5 Northwestern and No. 6 Louisville.
Lady Flames junior forward Daniella Rhodes scored the lone goal of the afternoon for the visitors. Today’s game was the first meeting between the two schools in six years.
17’ – LOUISVILLE – Mattie Tabor (unassisted)
23’ – LOUISVILLE – Mackenzie Karl (unassisted)
46’ – LIBERTY – Daniella Rhodes (unassisted)
53’ – LOUISVILLE – Aimee Plumb (Mattie Tabor) | Penalty Corner
W: Mila de Kuijer 6-0, seven saves
L: Azul Iritxity Irigoyen 3-2, seven saves
Rhodes put Liberty on the board early in the fourth quarter, her fifth goal of the fall, trimming the Louisville lead to 2-1 at the 45:33 mark. Looking for the equalizer, the Lady Flames continued applying pressure and drew penalty corners in the 49th and 50th minutes. On those chances, Jodie Conolly’s shot was blocked by a Louisville defender, and Lizzie Hamlett sent a shot wide.
The Cardinals’ Aimee Plumb found the back of the cage a few minutes later in the 53rd minute. The Louisville sophomore’s first goal of the season, assisted by Mattie Tabor, pushed the home lead to 3-1.
Key Stats & Notes
• Liberty outshot Louisville 12-11 in the contest, including a 10-5 edge in the second half. Both teams earned four penalty corners and made seven saves apiece. The Cardinals held a 10-8 edge in shots on frame.
• Rhodes and Jill Bolton led the charge with three shots each. Eight different Louisville players attempted shots, paced by two shots each from Plumb, Erica Cooper and Filippa Niebuhr.
• Rhodes’ goal was the 34th of her career in her 39th career contest.
• The Liberty offense came into the match averaging 4.50 goals per game before being held to a season low one goal today.
• Liberty falls to 1-2 all-time against Louisville.
• The Lady Flames are 1-2 against ranked competition this season. Liberty owns a top-25 victory over No. 25 Stanford.
Liberty will open BIG EAST Conference play at Georgetown, Friday. Game time between the Lady Flames and Hoyas (2-3) is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Cooper Field in Washington, D.C.
Liberty and Georgetown are meeting for the eighth time ever and fifth time in BIG EAST competition. The Lady Flames are 7-0 all-time versus the Hoyas and 4-0 in BIG EAST games between 2016-19. In those four league games, Liberty has outscored Georgetown 17-1. The two teams last met on Oct. 18, 2019, a 4-0 triumph for Liberty. The Hoyas did not compete during the spring 2021 campaign.


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In a Future Tense article today, Steve LeVine ponders the electric car’s troubles—low sales, companies shuttering—and wonders what the cause may be: Is the electric car a premature innovation? Is it doomed to fail altogether? Or is it stuck in the “valley of death,” waiting for the supply chain to catch up?
For another perspective, I spoke with Ron Adner, an associate professor of business administration at Dartmouth and the author of the new book The Wide Lens: A New Strategy for Innovation. In The Wide Lens, Adner discusses how myopic thinking can doom promising innovations. In the edited Q&A below, he discusses how today’s missteps could hurt the electric car’s future—and one interesting solution.
Future Tense: What will happen if this generation of electrical cars, like the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid and the all-electric Nissan Leaf, fail to take off?
Ron Adner: The electric car had a first coming back in the early 1900s, but it had its modern first coming with the EV1 [which GM produced from 1996-1999]. That generation of electric cars that was a dismal failure and essentially became a black mark on the innovation. So my concern right now is that we have a lot of companies investing very aggressively in the electric car. They are trying to offset the failure points of what we have seen at the turn of the millennium, but they are missing other critical pieces that have to be in place. My fear is, if they get burned again, it will be 20 years before they will dip their toes back in their water.
Future Tense: What are some of the other critical pieces that they are missing?
Adner: The way most companies are pursuing the electric car right now is they are trying to design an electric car. That is necessary but not sufficient. The Leaf and the Volt are great. Let’s take that as a given. The problem is that they’re not organizing the rest of the system in a way that will allow them to succeed where they say they want to succeed, which is in the mass market.
One thing that has to be solved for this to become a mass-market proposition is how to manage the charging infrastructure writ large, which is not just where you plug in but how you get the electricity efficiently and effectively to those places. The other problem with the electric car is that the mass market proposition is not about, “We want green vehicle.” That’s the environmentalist position. The reason people argue [that electrical cars] should succeed on the mass market is because they’re cheaper to drive. But the cost of acquiring an electric car is really high. The Volt costs twice as much as a Chevy Cruise. You’re getting better fuel efficiency, but to make up the price difference, you need to drive an awfully long way. As long as you have battery issues that limit your driving range, it’s hard to get that value
Future Tense: Let’s talk about batteries. They’re going to get better in the coming years, right? How will that affect today’s electric cars?
Adner: You have to think about two buyers: [There’s] the person who’s buying the [new] car and the person who buys the used car. A very large percentage of the cost and value of an electric car comes from its battery. Now, battery technology is improving. That’s good news for the electric car in the abstract, but that’s not necessarily good news for anyone who owns the electric car, because the most valuable part of the car is depreciating faster than any part of the car has depreciated. The batteries available in 2016 [will be] better and cheaper than your new battery in 2012. Reselling an electric car is going to feel more like selling a used computer than a used car.
Future Tense: Are there any companies out there that you think are exploring interesting ways to the battery problem?
Adner: A Better Place has an approach that mirrors what we see with the mobile telephone operators. The same way AT&T can give you a really expensive phone and not have you worry about reselling it [because you sign] a long-term contract. … There’s gotta be a decoupling of the ownership between the car and the battery, and that’s essentially what [A Better Place] does. They put you on a plan where you buy the car and they provide you with the battery. You sign up for a mileage plan in the same way you sign up for a minutes-per-month plan [with a cell phone provider]. Because they have their customers on these longer-term contracts, they have the confidence to go and invest in infrastructure the same way mobile telephone companies do.
They’re reorganizing the ecosystem instead of taking the individual pieces. Unless you’re using this wide lens, unless you’re able to look at the entire ecosystem and how to align it, if all you’re doing is investing in a standalone piece, you shouldn’t be surprised if [that piece] doesn’t connect to [the bigger picture].


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- Babel Fair Botanical Garden Dress
Babel Fair Botanical Garden Dress
Sheer mesh dress with short sleeves, round neckline and a bright floral print embroidery. Features a back zipper closure and a fully lined skirt. Top is completely sheer, pair with black bandeau or bralette.
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