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They came in a big box. My early copies of the new print version of “Dr. Bob’s Emotional Repair Program First Aid Kit”! The official release of this book is November 1st – but you can click here for early access. I’ll be able to look at a print copy tonight while I brush my teeth – and that’s what I’d hoped for back when I started this project! But first – more happy dancing around the living room!
Here’s the cover for the new print version of “Dr. Bob’s Emotional Repair Program First Aid Kit”. Keeping the hand-drawn look for the cover was important. Half of this book is filled with hand-drawn graphic-novel type stories. And the book originated in my sketchbook. So it seemed a no-brainer to keep the cover art “organic” looking. Here are both the front and back covers:
Yes, I did see this new print version as an opportunity to hand-write the entire book and considered it strongly. However from the outset of this project when we did the first printed editions small run, Dr. Bob Hoke wanted the book to be as easily accessible as possible – including constructing a book that would feel “simple” and even fun.
So as I designed this new print version I decided that typing the text of Dr. Bob’s lecture notes, rather than hand writing it would be more in keeping with Dr. Hoke’s methods. By typing I could also choose fonts and formats that would be easier for anyone, including dyslexics, to read. “Dr. Bob’s Emotional Repair Program First Aid Kit” is also small in size; 5.5 x 8.5 inches and only 56 pages long.
As I mentioned above, half the book is drawings… so I worked to make the cover art fit with the cartoon drawings inside the book.
“Dr. Bob’s Emotional Repair Program First Aid Kit” will be officially released November 1st – but since you follow my blog you can get early access here: https://store.bookbaby.com/bookshop/book/index.aspx?bookURL=Dr-Bobs-Emotional-Repair-Program-First-Aid-Kit1
“Feelings are guides not gods” is a phrase from “Dr. Bob’s Emotional Repair Program First Aid Kit”, the new print version I’m currently working on. The concept is illustrated by this story:
Here’s some text from the book related to the artwork: “Do you think that feelings keep you from doing things? More good news – they don’t! We’ve all done many things we didn’t feel like doing – such as going to school or work when we didn’t feel like it – which proves that: Feelings don’t keep us from doing things. Moreover, when you do that thing you feel scared to do, you are nourishing your courage…… Remember, you are responsible for your feelings not responsible to them.” (see the Eggplant story above)
Cultivating and maintaining a high level of Emotional Intelligence is essential to well-being (and creativity). Good mental health is about more than just the absence of mental illness – it is the presence of good coping skills, being able to self-regulate, to see feelings as a guide whether the feelings are your own or someone else’s. (Btw: there’s a good article about teaching Emotional Intelligence here.)
I’ve found Dr. Bob’s concept of “feelings are guides not gods” applies to creativity, and the creative life, as well. Whether or not I feel a particular way doesn’t have to affect whether or not I make my artwork. My feelings are not a “god” to be obeyed. If it’s time to work in the studio, however short or long the time-to-work I’ve allotted is, off I go to my creative work no matter how happy, sad or inspired I feel at the moment.
Where I use my feelings as a “guide” is when I’m out in the world on the lookout for possible art-topics. I keep my inner eye open for things that capture my curiosity and my imagination. Then I keep a list of those things and my feelings related to them in my sketchbooks for future art-making. My use of this “feelings as guide” technique has helped me create many helpful guidebooks, so to speak, for my own creative life. I find it a sustainable creative practice.
All that aside I’d like to add that eggplant can, once in a while, be a very good vegetable – especially as eggplant parmesan.
Recently I’ve been super busy with fine-art exhibits and other illustration projects. But now I’m back to regular work on a new print version of “Dr. Bob’s Emotional Repair Program First Aid Kit”. During my work on the pages about Dr. Bob’s S.W.I.F.T. finger therapy I remembered how valuable this concept is when I’m in the middle of an art project.
While a project is not a person all creative projects also have an ugly-duckling stage. A point in which they’re more “mess” than “masterpiece”. A point in which things are happening with the colors and shapes that may not be what I intended or hoped for.
I’ve found the S.W.I.F.T therapy helps me remember to calm down about the mess. If a creative person gets too angst-y about the in-progress project it stops the flow of creativity. Possibly leading to a creative block. Remembering to think of “So What If….” finger therapy helps me relax and to do nothing radical to the in-progress project during my don’t-like-it moment. It enables me to let go, and approach the project later with an open, playful, mind. Perhaps after lunch, perhaps the next day.
If you’ve just joined my blog (and thank you for that!) here’s the last post about this project. The last post covers another mental-health technique that relates, in my mind anyway, to living the sustainable creative life.
I began learning these mental-health techniques and applying them to my creative life back in the 1990’s. I’m still creating new artwork daily. Still loving it. Something works.
Hope this book and these posts will help you too. All the best…
I’ve been very busy getting ready for a one-person fine art exhibit at Caplan Art Designs that will open in September. (So my social media activity has slacked off lately.) Around the edges of creating new fine artwork, framing, paperwork and so forth I’ve been working towards a new print edition of “Dr. Bob’s Emotional Repair Program First Aid Kit”.
This story from the First Aid Kit has been a good reminder of an art technique I try to practice daily – even when I’m busy:
Even when I’m very busy I practice taking a moment within my day, wherever I am, in the here-and-now and pay attention to my 5 senses. I try to let go of any preconceived conceptions, to just expand my awareness. I also include, in this exercise, paying attention to my free-associations and my imagination during my 5-senses check-in moment. I’ll note my sensory experience and “watch”, like you’d watch television, the memories, thoughts and associations that cross my mind as a result of the sensory experience. I’ll often make notes in my sketchbook.
What I “get” for my payment – when I pay attention – is the power to choose what to focus on when I’m at my art easel working.
This practice of paying attention to both sensory input and the content of my mind – is a version of what Betty Edwards wrote about in her book “Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain” – in the section where she talks about chairs. How (and I’m paraphrasing) a drawing student first attempting to draw a chair will substitute their knowledge about chairs (4 legs, a square seat and back) and will draw a child-like symbol of a chair. One has to learn to see the shapes of the spaces around the chair as well as the shapes of the chair itself – what is actually seen (3 legs, a trapezoid shaped seat and back).
I find too often – especially when I’m busy – I’m substituting my “knowledge” about the world, my preconceptions, for what “is” in the world. So I find it helpful to practice seeing the shapes of spaces, so to speak, in my sensory experience of the world. And to see the shapes of spaces within my own mind.
Paying attention allows me to merge real-world phenomenon with my mental life and to choose to communicate, via art, in ways that are helpful, playful and fun.
Currently “Dr. Bob’s Emotional Repair Program First Aid Kit” only exists in e-book form. But as I said above, I’m working on that. This book has had such a profound impact on my own creative life that I want to have another print version around.
I’ve been reading a book titled “Become America” by Eric Liu. In it Liu writes “To be a citizen is to be an artist…. ” Liu included examples of people imaging things like “why is this not a park?” and “How could these old folks and these little kids be making something together?”.
That got me thinking of how citizenship is an act of imagination. Governments, businesses – and of course artists – imagine all kinds of activities for their fellow citizens to participate in. Such imaginative action creates the civic world over time.
It is crucial, then, the kinds of imagination used and the intentions behind it. It matters which wolf gets fed: our good wolves or our bad ones. Or if you prefer angels: do we encourage the “better angels of our natures”?
It far too easy for the human mind to think “It’s always been this way” when we see civic spaces or events. It takes a healthy imagination and some effort to remember that we, collectively, created “this way” bit by bit and that we can maintain it or change it by equally small mundane bits too.
When it comes to my own imagination – and maintaining the health of it and my own civic engagement – I’m constantly asking myself “which wolf does this idea/thought/event feed?” and then looking for the small mundane steps needed to create a banquet, a meal or a snack for my good wolves and better angels.
One step I’ve identified recently, something small and within reach, that I can do to encourage and maintain my own healthy imagination – and good citizenship – is to create a new printed edition of Dr.Bob’s Emotional Repair Program First Aid Kit. And to make it more widely available.
Currently there is only the ebook version out. The first printed edition was done on an Espresso Book Machine at my local Powell’s bookstore. That machine no longer exists. Sigh. Theoretically copies of the first printed edition may still be found out in the wide world – by clicking here – but it’s a challenge. I want to make the book easier to find.
I, personally, want to have another printed copy of Dr. Bob’s Emotional Repair Program First Aid Kit. I want to put a copy in my bathroom. I want to read it when I brush my teeth. I want my good wolves to have more food to sink their teeth into. I want to maintain my healthy imagination – and to practice envisioning other good wolves with healthy imaginations also brushing their teeth…
Anyway, here’s one of my illustrations for the book:
One of my favorite desserts uses fresh fruit from our garden and or the local farmers market. Naturally I meditated on what I feel like when I’m eating one of these milkshakes and described it with my recipe illustration. (clue: a parade…)
I used ink and gouache on handmade paper to create the original art-plus-recipe. The handmade paper is very absorbent so the gouache looks more like “watercolor” than it does when I work on board.
The recipe is called “sloppy” because I don’t bother to blend the ingredients before serving the milkshake. I like the big chunks of fruit. Anyway, If you make the recipe I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!
Here’s a page from my sketchbook that relates to a recent blog post: https://sueclancy.com/dogs-strawberries-and-cookbooks/
As I mentioned regarding the “Leaves and Grounds: Poems for the Canine Soul” painting I wrote of in my last post here, below, is another artwork with a concept related to, nested within, the afore mentioned painting. Also in this post is a poem that I wrote that relates to the ‘Leaves and Grounds’ concept.
A Dog’s Ode To Spring
Oh, there’s sunshine
Makes a dachshund want to roll!
Let me out
To run about
Compost is good for my soul!
Oh, the mounds
Of leaves and grounds
This dog’s heading for the pile!
Where the digging is best
I’ll make my nest
Don’t wait I’ll be here a while!
I may be groomed
But that’s all doomed
‘cause I’ll do what makes me grin!
Oh, the sunshine
I’m here till you shout “get in!”
Recently I did a post titled Pug Epic Book In Art – (the post is about my painting in which a pug sits in a café reading a book) – since then I’ve also mused about a character who wrote the book the pug in the painting is reading. Here is an illustration of who I imagine is sitting to write the story “Epic Tales of the Pug King” – the book being read by the other pug in the painting:
And I’ve written the full text of the story that I hand lettered on the painted-book within my painting referred to in the prior post – the painting that when my wife saw it said she’d like to read the rest of the story of which only a part was depicted within the painting. So here’s the story:
Epic Tales Of The Pug, King – by Clancy
The Pug King’s elegantly chipped ceramic bowl appeared before him resplendent with gravy, chunks of meat and yams. His Majesty tasted the gravy, then a meat chunk, the gravy again, then a yam, a meat chunk with the gravy and a piece of yam with gravy. He licked his lips, the bowl and his lips again. The Royal Feast was done; the dog sought some sport to aid all digestion and to his owner cried “Sir, Fool! Kneel now and play some ball!” The owner bowed and bent his knee. “Fetch!” he said and flung a mighty fling. The ball arched high into the air across the green expanse of Royal lawn. His Majesty ran flowing, majestically, swiftly, across the grass, conquering the ball and returning back to his owner. Three times, four times they did this at the King’s command. On the 12th time the owner knelt, patted the Monarch’s silken head, saying “Enough now, lets go inside and get ready for bed.” His Royal Majesty barked sharply. “Sir Fool, there’s a King’s personal business still to do…”


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Royalty covering future mine production
SunMirror has acquired Pharlap Holdings Pte Ltd, which has a royalty covering future mine production from the MCC Australia Sanjin Mining Pty Ltd (ASX-“MCC”) Retention Licence (“R”) R47/18, their Cape Lambert Magnetite Project (also known as Cape Lambert North).
Cape Lambert is located approximately 20km east of Karratha and 8km west of Roebourne in Western Australia. Access to the tenement is via the North West Coastal Highway which passes through the tenement. Access to the project area is via a well-defined station track which joins the highway 30km east of Karratha and 1km west of the Rio Tinto rail line.
The publicly quoted resources by MCC on R47/18 total 1.9 billion tonnes of which there are 1.4 billion tonnes of Indicated and approximately 0.5 billion tonnes Inferred at an average grade of 30.7% Fe. The Pharlap Holdings Pte Ltd royalty on the MCC Cape Lambert Magnetite project is $0.50 AUD/ tonne of all minerals including magnetite ore.

domain: economics


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Drayson Racing Technologies are having a crack at the world land speed record for an electric car at RAF Elvington on 25th June. Current record is 175mph.
One of the best uses for electric car technology is to deliver copious amounts of instant torque for track cars – far more than an ICE engine manages – and Drayson Racing Technology is aiming to prove how much that electric power can help by taking its Drayson B12 69/EV to RAF Elvington on 25th June to attempt to break the land speed record for an EV.
That record – 175mph – has stood since 1975 (which probably shows how little EV technology has really moved on in the last 40 years), but the low-drag version of the Drayson electric Le Mans prototype is aiming to break that down the 1.86 mile runway at Elvington.
Lord Drayson, CEO at Drayson Racing and former Science Minister, will be driving the B12 69/EV on its record attempt. He said:
It is not the outright speed that is impressive about this record attempt, but the engineering challenge of accelerating a 1000kg electric vehicle to such a high speed and sustaining that speed over a measured mile, before stopping safely all within a relatively short distance then turning round and doing it again within an hour.
It’s a tremendous technical challenge but we believe it’s about time someone moved this record on to demonstrate just how far EV technology has come.
The Drayson B12 69/EV didn’t start out as an EV racer but was actually built on a Lola mchassis for sports car championships and fitted with a bio-fuel Judd V10, but Drayson decided it made the perfect starting point for their EV ambitions so they ripped out the V10 and the car now has 850bhp from its four electric motors, a high power A123 battery, single speed transmission, torque vectoring and traction control.
The car will get to 62mph in 3.0 seconds and 100mph in 5.1 seconds, so it has more than a fighting chance of breaking the 175mph record on the RAF Elvington runway, turning round and doing it all over again to set a new record.
We wish Lord Drayson – and the whole team at Drayson Racing Technologies – the very best of British for the 25th June.

domain: news


Millett TRS-1 Rifle Scope Review
While some of us may love to go into detail about how vital a scope is to a firearm, at the heart of it it’s all about sight, about vision. What question really needs to be answered other than “does this help me aim better”? But then again there’s the risk of oversimplifying the debate. After all, aiming is a not insignificant part of the equation for success in hunting or tactical shooting.
The Millet 4-16×50 Illuminated TRS is one of the current top-of-the-line scopes that aim – pardon the pun – to help shooters set proper sights on their targets. The TRS-1 comes in both matte and a sharp-looking A-TAC camo deco, two color variations of the same effective scope. You may have heard that this particular Millet Tactical is a solid value for money, and you wouldn’t be wrong to believe that. Serious hunters and tactical operators are the main beneficiaries of the 4-16×50’s sharp performance, and it’s not hard to see why – but this Millett 4-16×50 Illuminated Tactical Riflescope review will try to make it clear.
Millett TRS-1 4-16×50 FEATURES
- The tactical rifle scope on the 4-16×50, as its name suggests, boasts 4x-16x magnification capability. The objective lens has a 50mm diameter, giving users an easier time viewing targets through the scope. This also compares favorable against many other scopes, as the 50mm diameter is larger and more likely to be helpful in terms of shooting accuracy.
- The Millett 4-16×50 Illuminated Tactical Riflescope has a Mildo-bar reticle, which gives you a clearer view in low light or when the shot is at a wide distance. Long-range shooting is also well within its capabilities, as it has thin-line, dot and adjustable illumination (green) to help with that. This also makes the reticle a strong performer in a variety of lighting conditions. The reticle is also reasonably sturdy, enough to withstand the rigor of rugged and challenging conditions and situations. It’s waterproof, shockproof, and designed to be bulletproof as well.
- This tactical rifle scope has multicoated optics, which can give crisp and bright images in high or low light conditions. This helps guarantee pinpoint accuracy in any number of lighting conditions, as many a Millet TRS-1 review makes clear.
- This is where the 4-16×50 also has others beat, as the rifle scope’s higher focus range lets you target from ranges from 15 yards on out to about is far as you’d like.
What does the Millett Optics Work Well With?
The Millett 4-16×50 Illuminated Tactical Riflescope is a good fit for any AR platforms, be it AR-15, AR-10, or any others. It’s also been shown to work well with a Springfield M1A, Stag 6HL, and the .222Rem Anschutz and .22LR Anschutz target rifle.
How Does The Millett TRS-1 4-16×50 Compare To Others?
Many Millett 4-16×50 Illuminated Tactical Riflescope reviews will make the point that it is at least equal to many of the top brands such as Nikon or UTG on the market – while it doesn’t outpace, say, the top two, it certainly outdoes them pricewise at around 1/10th of what they cost. While it might conversely be higher-priced than some other competitors, the innovative features on the Millet TRS-1 more than justify its price tag, especially given how it streamlines a lot of the effort involved in aiming and shooting. The adjustable illuminated crosshair is particularly popular with many users – its crisp, glare-free lighting makes it a good fit for high noon or midnight and most cases in between.
Any Millett Tactical Downsides?
As good a value as the Millett 4-16×50 Illuminated Tactical Riflescope is for money, it doesn’t come with mounting rings which will need to be purchased separately.
As solid a performer as this unit is, it’s not exactly for beginners, who might not be used to advanced tactical rifle scope use. Furthermore, while there is no glare or reflection on the part of the shooter, the lenses may reflect light that strikes them from the other end – giving away your position.
Overall Millett Rifle Scope Impact
While its weaknesses are apparent, the Millett 4-16×50 Illuminated Tactical Riflescope is nevertheless perfect for the serious hunter, and well-suited for long-range use that might give others pause. If you’ve got some experience under your belt and know what you want out of a scope, the Millet tactical won’t disappoint. Many Millet TRS-1 reviews have recommended this to law enforcement and the military, and this doesn’t seem like an exaggeration given the crisp and clear targeting this scope is able to deliver.


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It’s 1509. With the Battle of Donatello and the League of Cambrai, Pope Julius II solved the problem of Venice. However due to their quick and overwhelming victory France’s power grew menacingly large. Therefore he quickly makes peace with Veniceand starts to ponder the possibility of an anti-French alliance. For now, Ferdinand is open to the idea buss eager not to be seen as the aggressor.
Maximilian has other things on his mind, Ashe is still at war with Venice. Having made peace with France and the papacy,the Republic bought itself precious time and launched a counterattack against Maximilian. Papua is liberated and its defenses are strengthened. In September Maximilian lays siege to the city,
but fails to take it. Throughout 1510 a state of war persists, therefore neither Venice, nor Maximilian is able to aid the pope. Julius concludes that if he wants war with France, he will have to start it himself.
First he launches a piecemeal attack on Genoa,then takes territory from Ferrara. Ferrara is an ally of France. Louis cannot allow such a provocation. In retaliation he sends a detachment of soldiers from Milan to occupy Bologna. This is exactly what Julius wanted. In 1511 the pope proposes a Holy League withthe aim of expelling the French from papal lands. Ferdinand joins as he is eager to act as protectorto the papacy. Venice joins in the hope of winning back territory lost to the French. Maximilian is persuaded to make peace with Venice and joins the league in hope he can grab Milan. Even Henry VIII of England joins, anticipating he can enlarge his possessions in France.
War starts again, and by 1512 Venice manages to recapture Brescia, and Spanish and Venetian troops are besieging Bologna. A large Swiss army hired by the pope is threatening Milan from the north. The French are in a dire situation. However they have a young and energetic commander,
Gaston de Foix. He is determined to reverse the situation. Throughout winter, he refuses to face the Swiss in open battle, who lacking siege equipment eventually withdraw. With the Swiss gone, in February he marches through the snow, defeats the Venetians and reoccupies Brescia.
Next he hurries to the Romagna, expels papal forces and occupies Bologna. Foix knows he is acting on borrowed time. With an English invasion pending, his soldiers might soon be recalled to defend France. Additionally, with Maximilian in the league,the Landsteiner fighting in French service might be recalled at any time. Foix must act quickly to obtain a decisive battle.
He marches to Ravenna and proceeds to besiege the city in the hope of drawing out the forces of the League. He has around 23.000 soldiers under his command,including 8000 Landsteiner, a contingent from Ferrara, and 54 artillery pieces. Facing them is a combined Spanish-papal army numbering 16.000 with 30 guns. 5000 additional troops are in Ravenna.
The French are encamped on the left side ofthe river Ronco. The League army takes up position on the rightbank of the river. Their plan is to use the same strategy that succeeded at Cerignola a decade ago. They dig a trench and build an earthen palisade. They position their Spanish Albuquerque behind this trench and palisade, ready to receive and break the charge of the French men alarms.
Guns are positioned in the center, cavalryin the back. The French build a pontoon bridge across Theron and early morning on the 11th of April cross over to the other side. Under heavy cannon fire they proceed to the League position and arrange themselves in a crescent shape around the Spanish entrenchments. The French take up the right and center, parentheses form up on the left flank.
They leave a small force to guard the rear and act as a reserve. The superior French and Ferrarese artillery opens up. Such a furious cannonade has never before been seen between two armies. The artillery duel lasts for two hours. The Spanish target the dense blocks of French infantry who are in open country without any form of concealment. 2000 casualties are inflicted shaking the French infantry to the core.
For now the Spanish infantry is safe behind its palisade, most of the damage is taken by the cavalry. At this point Alfonso d’Este, Duke of Marrakesh a decisive move. He moves 24 of his guns to the extreme right flank of the League forces. Enfilading fire from the Ferrarese brings the carnage to a new level.
Now every cannonball is finding its mark. The League infantry is still relatively sheltered;however the cavalry finds the bombardment increasingly unbearable. The right wing cavalry loses its nerve an din a spontaneous move charges the Ferrarese guns. The central cavalry reserve joins them. They are met by the French cavalry on the left and by the central cavalry division.
A bloody melee develops where the French seem to have the upper hand over the already shaken Spanish. More reinforcements are sent from the other flank. Taking the queue from the left wing cavalry,papal men at arms charge the French guns on the other side. The French reserve moves to meet them and repulses their charge. Broken and disheartened, the Spanish and papal cavalry leave the field,
closely pursued by the French. The League position is now compromised, however the battle is still far from being decided. Spanish and papal infantry is still relatively unscathed in its fortified position. To dislodge them, the French move two cannons to the other side of the river and begin to hit the Spanish from the rear. The infantry moves in for the attack. The Gascons are easily repulsed.
The Landsteiner are also repulsed by murderous fire. After a short respite, the Landsknechts makea second attempt, this time supported by the cavalry on the left wing. The League infantry is now encircled, underfire from every side. Many try to escape, but few manage to do so. 9000 League forces are dead to 3000 Frenchand Ferrarese. Tragically for the French, Gaston de Foix becomes a casualty of his own success.
He charges a company of retreating Spanishpikemen and gets killed. Left without proper leadership, the French-fail to capitalize on their victory. Public opinion soon turns against them. In May the Swiss join the League and marchto Verona with 20.000 troops linking up with the Venetians.
Maximilian declares war on France, and recallsall the Landsknechts in French service. Meanwhile Spain and England prepare to invadeFrance through Navarre. This invasion falls short of its goal, howeverthe Spanish manage to conquer the tiny Kingdom of Navarre and incorporate it into Spain.
The English win a naval engagement near Boulogne,be it at great expense to themselves. Being threatened from every side, the French have no other choice but to withdraw from Italy. The pope occupies the Romagna, and Venice recovers all the land it lost. The Swiss occupy Milan as a protectorate,installing Assimilation Sforza as a puppet governor. With France vanquished, the League quicklyloses its porpoise.
Relations between the Swiss and Venice breakdown. The Swiss acting as protectors of Milan insistthat Cremona should be handed back to Milan. The Venetians categorically refuse. The pope withdraws support from Venice, and begins to plot his next move; however in early 1513 he falls ill and dies. His plan to weaken the Venetians and expel the French had worked, however the overall fate of Italy is still left to be decided.

domain: politics


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Herend Cornucopia Dinnerware
One of Herend's most popular patterns is the Cornucopia pattern, which is highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts.
The Cornucopia pattern features a stunning display of colorful fruits, flowers, and leaves arranged in a cornucopia (horn of plenty) shape. The intricate detailing and vibrant colors of the design make it stand out from other dinnerware patterns.
Each piece of Herend Cornucopia dinnerware is hand-painted by skilled artisans, making every item unique and adding to the overall quality and value of the collection.
Herend porcelain is known for its high quality, durability, and translucency. The porcelain is made from a combination of kaolin, feldspar, and quartz, and is fired at a high temperature to create a hard, glossy surface that is resistant to chipping and scratching.
Herend Cornucopia dinnerware is special due to its unique design, hand-painted quality, fine porcelain material, limited production, and rich heritage. It is a beautiful and elegant addition to any collection or table setting.

domain: artistic


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On this International Women’s Day 2021, and every day, I’m joining all those who #ChooseToChallenge the biases and traditional ways of doing things that are holding women back. As women climb their own career ladders, they can be a powerful force for lifting other women.
To do this effectively, we may need to examine and challenge how we lead. In our career journey, we often focus on our personal ambition; getting results; winning promotions. But being an outstanding leader is really about empowering others, enabling them to succeed. Have we been leading in this way? Are we setting a good example? Are we enabling our teammates to grow and thrive?
I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of the “servant leader,” and trying every day to play this role. I’m convinced this model of leadership has tremendous potential to change workplaces for the benefit of women (and men), and also to build better organizations and communities.
Let’s examine what servant leadership is; what it isn’t; and how you can know whether you’re in an organization that supports this way of leading.
What is servant leadership?
Servant leaders take the traditional leadership model and turn it upside down. They serve those they lead, by enabling their teammates to achieve often beyond their own expectations. Servant leaders focus on empowering and uplifting those who work for them.
While traditional leadership generally involves someone at “the top” exercising power, servant leadership is very different. The servant leader shares power, and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. One of the questions the servant leader asks herself is, “Are the people I’m serving growing and flourishing?”
Not long ago, I had an epiphany about this in my own life. I had steadily climbed my career ladder and reached the level of a top sales director and one of the senior women executives in Accenture. But I was starting to examine what kind of leader I wanted to be.
I realized that being a good leader is not just about personal drive and my own career path. As a senior woman executive who has achieved great success, I have a platform to lift other women up. It’s time for me to focus on the next generation of women leadership and help them move up in their careers. What does each woman need on her career journey? What can I do to support her?
We can be servant leaders at any stage of our careers. It’s independent of our age, position, experience or life circumstances. Anyone can support and enable others.
What isn’t servant leadership?
We should also be clear on what servant leadership is NOT. It’s not martyrdom or neglecting your own well-being. You’re all familiar with the safety instructions in airplanes: “Put your own mask on first” before trying to help your child or another passenger! Servant leadership holds that before you can be an effective leader, you must take care of yourself. It’s not being self-centered; instead, think of it as self-care for service. It’s a more realistic, human view of our lives.
And self-care is immensely valuable, to ourselves and those around us. The pandemic has made this starkly clear. While it has impacted everyone, it has taken a huge toll on women in the workforce.
Recent research found that more than one in four women are thinking about downshifting their careers or even leaving the workforce. The gender-equality gains achieved in the past several years could be wiped out in a single year as a significant number of women may leave their jobs due to the impact of COVID-19. And Accenture research confirmed that the impacts of the pandemic have fallen disproportionately on women—and especially working mothers, senior-level women, and women of color.
I’ve formed some self-care “habits” to practice every day. I start each day with meditation. I take some time to invest in myself and my well-being. I try to take five minutes between meetings—little micro-calibrations—to help me mentally get things together so that I can bring my best to my next meeting.
How do I recognize a supportive workplace?
Now that we know what servant leadership is (and isn’t), how can we recognize an environment that supports us in this way of leading? We want to be in an organization that teaches and enables us to be effective servant leaders.
One of the reasons I love working at Accenture is this continued support for my growth as a leader. Accenture offers its executive leaders the option to work with their own executive coach. My coach is encouraging me to think about how I will get to next level of leadership. She has helped me understand that my job now is to help others do their jobs well; it’s not to execute everything myself. As my coach put it, “Now you need to spend less time on the dance floor and more time in the balcony!”
I encourage you to think about what that means for you as you aspire to keep advancing. What got you here—where you are now—likely won’t get you where you want to go. Figure out ways to continue your personal growth, whether or not your employer pays for it. Growth is a hugely important personal investment.
Accenture is committed to promoting a work environment in which everyone can thrive. We’ve received numerous awards for gender equality and supportive environments for women, but we keep striving. We put down an unequivocal stake: 50/50 by 2025—a gender-balanced workforce by 2025.
All of Accenture’s women are mentored and supported at each stage of their careers. We offer powerful internal training and mentoring programs for women. The Developing Our Women Program connects junior, mid-level and senior-level women for networking and collaborating on development plans for career advancement. Our Insight program connects senior-level women for similar purposes.
For several years, Accenture has been studying a culture of equality and its impact. We found that workplace culture is critical for women’s advancement, and when women rise, men rise, too. Workers want to stay at companies that take care of their people. Our research showed that a culture of equality is a forceful multiplier of innovation and growth. When you lift up women, you lift up everyone—families, organizations, communities, entire countries.
The servant leader model echoes the movement by many companies toward “responsible business,” which is to reimagine, rebuild and transform our global economy into one that works for the benefit of all. Organizations of all kinds have a tremendous opportunity to reimagine and rebuild with responsible business. And we as consumers can demand this of them, using our wallet and making conscious purchasing decisions. Choosing to buy from responsible businesses is one of the greatest ways we can have a positive impact for change. I view this as yet another way to embody servant leadership.
As I’ve been pursuing my personal mission to be a servant leader, I’ve been reading a terrific book by someone who actually left Accenture to study how to be a monk. The book is Think Like a Monk, by Jay Shetty. He draws on the wisdom he learned as a monk to offer practical steps anyone can take every day to live a more meaningful life.
Among many brilliant insights and teachings in his book, he discusses why kindness is crucial to success. He quotes Daisaku Ikeda, a Japanese Buddhist philosopher and educator, who says, “It’s impossible to build one’s own happiness on the unhappiness of others.” You could also say, “It is impossible to build your own success on the failure or neglect of others.” No organization or society can thrive if women aren’t thriving too. I encourage you in all of your business dealings to think before you act. I am practicing every day to think about how I can be kinder in all of my dealings. When do I need to be firm and forceful? And when to be kind and generous? As a leader (especially a woman leader), it’s a tricky balance that takes intentional effort.
The author Nelson Henderson said, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Each of us has benefitted from others who planted trees under whose shade we now thrive. It’s now our turn to be the servant leader who enables other women to advance.
We all have a responsibility—and ability—to lift up other women, in our professional and personal lives. This charge doesn’t “begin” when we move into a particular position early in our careers, and it doesn’t “end” when we reach the top rungs of our career ladders. As servant leaders, we can continually support other women in their climb, just as we ourselves seek out mentoring and coaching.
I urge you to commit to three actions to uplift other women:
- Identify your aspirations. Imagine the future you want for women in your company and community. What would it look like? How would lifting other women help us get there? If we don’t clarify what we’re aspiring to, we’re not likely to achieve it.
- Choose a leader you especially admire for her or his ability to empower women, and ask to be mentored. Observe how she leads and the results she achieves. Ask her for her advice on how to be an effective servant leader. Adapt what you learn to your own style.
- Learn more about how to be an effective mentor and servant leader. Admit you don’t have all the answers or skills. Ask questions, listen, seek out training and build on your personal strengths. This one willbe the hardest, and I hope you incorporate it into your own personal growth journey. The rewards will be infinite.
I look forward to hearing your stories and questions, observing your progress on your career journeys, and most importantly seeing the impacts of your servant leadership!
Watch her TEDx Talk : Stop Climbing and Start Lifting
Credits: Gina Fratarcangeli, Managing Director, Market Unit Sales Leader, Accenture

domain: sociology


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It was just a matter of time before we learned to play this tune… and now both Noah (fiddle) and Noah (concertina) requested that we added it to our list… so I’ve learned it too and here it is. For us Martin Hayes fans, it is great pleasure to learn this tune and not only does it go well with Hole in the Hedge but I think it might work with some of our other jigs too. My thanks to Noah (concertina) for writing out the notes and to Jon Fletcher for chord suggestions as usual.
Great places to hear it:
Martin Hayes from his Album Under the Moon (jig starting at 1.47)
Martin Hayes and Steve Cooney (jig starts at 2.40)
Tulla Ceili band (led by Martin Hayes’s father PJ Hayes) (starts at 1 min)
Katie Henderson (sole fiddler)
The Berwick fiddle consort (starts 1.45)
Nicely played on viola by Dai Komatsu BUT IN C Major (not in G)


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High-Performance Carbon Wires Could Help Prevent Energy Blackouts
Traditional copper wires have excellent electrical conductivity, but they also oxidize and corrode, are susceptible to vibration fatigue, and create premature electronics failures due to overheating conditions. Researchers at the UK's University of Cambridge have achieved an unprecedented level of control over the properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a large scale, resulting in nanotubes that can be used in electrical systems. New super-strong electrical wires made from CNTs are one-tenth the weight of copper, and if used in conventional systems, would make vehicles more fuel efficient and greatly reduce losses in electricity transmission. The new carbon wires can even be joined to conventional metal wires, which until now has not been possible. The University of Cambridge researchers are working to achieve comparable levels of conductivity to copper in order to accelerate the commercial development of carbon wiring.


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Dear Hazlet residents,
Earlier today I was on a conference call today with U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez about the need for federal stimulus to combat the economic distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their message is "Help is on the way.”
A $1 trillion or more Federal Relief Package is in the works and will be the largest rescue package in the history of this county.
The package will include robust unemployment coverage, including coverage for the self-employed; student loan and mortgage relief; rent relief and direct payments. Businesses will have SBA relief in the forms of loans, loan forgiveness and grants. This relief package will be the first in a series of relief for this current health and economic crisis.
The Federal response will also include assistance to ensure that hospitals have enough beds, ventilators, and caregivers to address this unprecedented health crisis.
Please obey Governor Murphy’s stay-at-home order to ensure that we flatten out the curve to slow, and eventually halt, the spread of coronavirus.
Rest assured that Hazlet is working every day with the county, state and federal government and agencies to ensure our residents are safe and their futures secure.
Mayor Mike Glackin


text:
Beijing Lingxinda Co., Ltd., was established as a professional export company for machinery equipment and spare parts. We have more than 10 years' experience of machinery equipment in China and owned a high reputation. W ...
Beijing Lingxinda Co., Ltd.,
Room 4-8b Of Huateng International Department, No.
Beijing, BE 100022
Trading Company · Agent


In what is becoming a common trend these days, the Palo Alto, California-based Flipboard are the latest online media start-up to announce a major funding injection. The funding which comes in at a cool $50 million is the second such funding received by the online social ‘flip’ magazine in recent months, the previous round of funding being for a similar amount in September of this year. (They had a first round of funding in 2011 for a fee reported to be in the region of $60 million).
The start-up which was only formed in 2010; has proved to be an extremely popular platform among users and advertisers alike, the social news aggregation app which turns social news feeds into personalized magazines for mobile devices has also hit a new benchmark in terms of the amount of users of the software. The app, which has risen to over 100 million users, up from 85 million users just a few short months ago, received the latest round of funding led by Rizvi Traverse Management and including investors such as Goldman Sachs, Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers, Index Ventures and Insight Venture Partners. This brings the total funding raised since 2011 to a sizeable $160 million.
The app which recently announced new features enabling its users the ability to create and curate their own magazines using real time products has gone from strength to strength since its 2010 inception. In May of this year the company launched Flipboard 2.0 with the stand out feature being the introduction of the ability to hand pick the content you want to appear in your magazine. Version 2.0 of Flipboard, said CEO Mike McCue, “allows anyone to effectively build their own magazine on Flipboard. They can pull together content under any topic they’re passionate about–[and share] other articles, photos, videos, music–pretty much anything.”
This introduction of this facility led to the inevitable consumer and e-commerce inspired update that was launched last month which incorporated all those facets into their latest offering. Flipboard now endows the user with the ability to create and curate their own catalogs with products they independently source. Just as users could utilize Flipboard to keep up with their social feeds or stay informed of political or tech news, in the same vein consumers will now have the option of browsing through a whole category of shopping magazines – much the same as the traditional product catalog, except boasting digital era capabilities. Flipboard; which is compatible across numerous platforms including the iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, Windows 8, Blackberry 10 and iOS is now valued at an astronomical $800 million.
There can be no doubt that Flipboard is a company enjoying an upward curve, in an interview with Techcrunch, CEO McCue spoke about the growth in users and the amount of magazines being created. He went on to say that Flipboard is adding 200,000 users per day, “sometimes 250,000 or 300,000.” With a reported 4.5 million magazines currently on Flipboard the future certainly looks bright. One of Flipboard’s main strengths has been the growth of outside advertising within its magazines; their ability to integrate engagement between those advertising within their magazines and the consumer themselves has led to a rise in popularity to the approach. McCue went on to say in the same interview with Techcrunch “When you tap on the ad, it will take you to a brand magazine. With version 2.0, these brands are curating magazines.”
This latest round of funding will, according to a report in Forbes which featured Flipboard’s Chief Technology officer Eric Feng; be used to strengthen two main areas of staffing within the company, engineering and sales. Amazingly in the same report Feng tells us that the sales team number only five for the New York, West Coast and the Midwest areas and it is an area they are actively looking to strengthen. The company has been showing significant traction in their sales figures due to their recent pivot in approach and advancements within the platform. The engineers they intend to hire will be aimed at adding Flipboard to new platforms, seeping further into international markets, (specifically India and Asia), further extending their already considerable reach.
This funding follows a similar pattern that has been emerging in recent times regarding huge sums changing hands for online ventures; one only has to cast their mind back to the LinkedIn purchase of Pulse back in April for $90 million, Yahoo buying Tumblr for $1.1 billion and the recent rumours of Snapchat turning down a purported $4 billion offer from Facebook to add substance to this theory. It’s clear that the world in general has migrated with relative ease to the online sphere and is being followed by advertising and monetization opportunities previously only afforded to traditional media. This approach is not only proving popular but is extremely big business and is proving very lucrative for those involved. We could be witnessing the dawning of the magazines of the future, magazines and a style of reading which is really beginning to resonate with many people, the fact that the world is now online whilst on the move can only improve the chances of this approach positioning itself as the future of publishing.


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- Join Date
- Apr 2005
Video: Behind the Scenes of Beyond: Two Souls for PlayStation 3
Product Manager Ross Alexander shared a glimpse today behind the scenes of Beyond: Two Souls for PlayStation 3 in a new video below.
To quote: Hi everyone, today we're unveiling the second of our four-part Making Of series for BEYOND: Two Souls.
Hear from writer/director David Cage and the team at Quantic Dream on what BEYOND will be like to play, and how the team redesigned the user interface to provide a more intuitive and immersive gameplay experience than the studio's previous title, Heavy Rain.
We'll have the third part of the series next week, which will dive into more detail on the year-long motion capture shoot that was undertaken for BEYOND: Two Souls, and you'll hear from lead actors Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe on what it was like to be involved in such an ambitious project.
More PlayStation 3 News...
07-25-2013 #2StevenTj Guest
Making of Beyond: Two Souls Video Focuses on Gameplay
Sony has released a new making of trailer for Beyond: Two Souls. The video features insight from writer and director David Cage, among others, who discuss how Quantic Dream designed the user interface in a bid to provide a more intuitive and immersive gameplay experience than the studio’s last title, Heavy Rain.
Quantic Dream’s upcoming PS3 exclusive is billed as a psychological action thriller covering 15 years in the life of protagonist Jodie Holmes (played by Ellen Page), who possesses supernatural powers through a psychic link to an invisible entity.
Lead gameplay designer Caroline Marchal says in the video: “What we tried to do in Beyond is create a really intuitive and immersive experience, so we created a very discrete user interface with only white dots on screen and very simple controls.” Cage adds: “I guess what we’re looking for with the gameplay is really is to find an interface that will allow you to play 'life'. We tried to get closer and closer to the ideal interface where you don’t think any more, you just do it.”
Sony has confirmed a Beyond: Two Souls release date of October 8 in the US and October 11 in the UK. In May, we published a spoiler-free Beyond: Two Souls preview, in which we said: “We were completely absorbed by Beyond's strange cocktail of film-watching and game playing. The best stories stay with you long after they’re told and it’s already doing that. You’re either ‘in’ or you’re not when it comes to Quantic Dream games. Based on what we’ve just seen, we’re definitely in.”

domain: entertainment


The Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) starts a £2m campaign this week that aims to encourage UK consumers to reduce the amount of food waste they create. The initiative features the strapline: “Love Food Hate Waste”.
The campaign breaks as news leaked of Government proposals to allow local authorities to trial charging householders for waste disposal based on the volume of waste. The move is in response to European Union Landfill Directive which sets targets for landfill including the reduction in the amount of biodegradable waste, which poses an environmental threat because of methane emissions.
The UK disposed of 18 million tonnes of waste in landfill in 2003 to 2004 and the EU wants this to be reduced to 6.3 million tones by 2020. If the UK misses targets it faces a fine of £180m a year.
WRAP, the not-for-profit organisation backed by funding from Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), says UK consumers throw away 6.7 billion tonnes of food a year, the bulk of which was edible at the time of disposal. WRAP chief executive Dr Liz Goodwin adds: “At a cost of £8bn a year, it’s a serious issue that not only impacts the environment but our pockets too.”
WRAP’s marketing push includes a dedicated website www.lovefoodhatewaste.com that features advice on food preparation, storage, portioning and recipes. The campaign is backed by TV chef Ainslee Hariott, while the Women’s Institute is also involved via its “Love Food Champions” initiative.


(FiveNation.com)- A charity filed an application in federal court on Aug. 9 to unseal records relating to the search warrant at Trump’s Florida estate this week.
Judicial Watch asked the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to unseal the warrant materials because the public has an urgent and substantial interest in understanding the predicate for the execution of the outstanding search warrant of a former president and likely future political opponent.
The organization claimed it was researching the “possible politicization” of DOJ and FBI and that unsealing the documents would serve its objective of educating the public.
Judicial Watch will be able to evaluate and release the documents once the court unseals them. It highlighted that the government had given “no formal explanation or information” about the search.
If the government wants to safeguard secret sources and witnesses, “proper redactions” can be made to the search warrant affidavit, says the request. The historical assumption of warrant access “vastly surpasses” any government interest in sealing the documents, the motion says.
The Biden administration’s raid on Trump’s house is an appalling, irresponsible, and unprecedented misuse of authority. And the American people have a right to know what occurred and who’s accountable, Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton said Aug. 9.
The court sealed the FBI’s warrant application and an affidavit explaining why it was required. The documents were sealed on Aug. 10.
The raid on Trump’s house is alleged to be connected to the Presidential Documents Act (PRA) of 1978, which says all presidential records are public. After a president leaves office, these records go to the National Archives.
The PRA is one of the “most obscure statutes,” according to Fox News’s Gregg Jarrett.
He stated a problem with the law is that the current president decides what constitutes presidential documents. Some think the raid may help Trump in the upcoming election.
Joe Walsh, a former Republican congressman, and Trump critic, tweeted he had “heard from so many GOP voters tonight who was cooling a bit on Trump but are so [expletive] about this raid and are back to absolutely & enthusiastically all in with their support for him.”
Former Democrat presidential candidate Andrew Yang said Trump’s popularity comes from his opposition to a “corrupt government system.”
Millions of Americans would perceive the FBI raid as “unjust persecution,” he claimed.


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I love having a beautiful private studio where my clients can fully relax and express themselves. An inspirational space where I could unleash my own creativity, and create a sanctuary for personal celebration for everyone who walks through my doors.
I hold all of my Boudoir Photography Sessions in my beautiful 2,000 sq ft studio in Shirley, MA, about a one hour drive from Boston, MA. The Boudoir magic happens on the second floor of a handicap-accessible renovated mill building with the original hardwood floors, a wall of 10 windows, and a collection of custom-built studio sets.
When you book your complimentary Pre-Session Consultation with me, you’ll get to have an in-person tour. Until then, enjoy the virtual tour below!
I can proudly say that I build my own sets (currently 7 and counting)!
Four sets are specifically designed for the abundant natural light streaming in through the wall of 10 huge windows. Three of the sets are designed for custom professional photography lighting.
Those who book Mini Boudoir Sessions have access to the natural light area. When you book a Full Boudoir Session you’ll get access to all of our creative sets!
Clean & Crisp Bedroom
This is the perfect spot to get comfy and cozy! Relaxation is sexy, and I have yet to see a client not look somehow both sultry and super cute in this set.
White Brick Wall
The rich textures of the brick and plaster create a calming space, both in the Clean & Crisp Bedroom and in this corner, where the wall meets the wooden frame of the large studio windows. This beautiful corner is the perfect place to stand, lean, or sit against the wall so the focus can be all on you. This leather armchair is an amazing prop that moves around from set to set.
Whether it’s a sunny or cloudy day, these windows and the original hardwood floor provide the perfect backdrop with lots of space to move and play. Whether you’re perched on a badass motorcycle, twirling in tulle, lifting with your workout gear, or doing some big hair flips!
Have I mentioned I love plants? I have a whole collection for you here, and they bring so much life and lush texture to my clients’ Boudoir Photography Session images! The vintage red couch is one of my favorite and most versatile set pieces!
Teal & Gold Vintage Bedroom
This luxurious bedroom set is inspired by a blend of Caribbean and Victorian vibes. Featuring a gold tub, bed with eye-catching satin sheets, and large mirror, there is no shortage of ornate gold details! This is your time to get totally extra with no shame!
Modern Retro Bedroom
This one is for those of you who love bold color! Here we have a beautiful dark blue wall with lots of rich textures to choose from, featuring dream catchers, gold accents and a hammock! This one gives me free spirit, beatnik vibes.
Welcome to the bubble oasis! I love this spot in the Studio that feels playful, and also allows for some seriously sensual photo opportunities. And yes, I do use a kid’s toy to make the bubbles— I like to keep things fun over here!


It is an open secret how the NPP exposed its violent nature characterised with acid pouring and internal wrangling between topnotch national Executives which have descended to affect the grassroot supporters.
The current primaries by the NDC has equally come to yoke with the violence and confused state of the NPP. With the NDC being the party in government, one would have expected the best from their primaries to be a precedent of their conduct in the 2016 elections. But as the popular saying in our local parlance says “attitude is like pregnancy, it can’t be hidden forever”,: the NDC primaries have provided facts to buttress that adage. So far reports on it allege of anomalies and irregularities such as “bloated register, snatching of ballot boxes, names of delegates deleted from the voters register, kidnapping and physical assault, a lucid proof of unrest, violence, confusion and instability in the NDC.
This brings the NPP and NDC a par – a state of “confused” bunch of Individuals who are power – hungry.
Voting for any of the two parties means freely giving them the mandate to plunge Ghana into a violent and confused country.
The youth of PPP is announcing that all is not lost. The PPP remains the only credible alternative to the duopoly. Since its birth, the PPP has no track record of Internal Violence. We have kept our banner up as a peaceful party, genuinely garnering support from the masses to implement our agenda of change.
As PPP prides itself as an all inclusive government to transform Ghana, we would like to extend an olive branch to all NDC delegates and supporters who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries not to resort to violence but to defect and join force with the PPP, so together we can transform Ghana on developmental grounds.
Most importantly, we delightfully wish to inform and equally welcome on board all delegates who voted “NO” for President John Mahama to join and vote the PPP and Dr. Nduom into power, as they have clearly shown no confidence in President Mahama. PPP says “Akwaaba” to all.
Ghanaman, y3n hw3 ma ons3e!
National Youth Coordinator
Progressive People’s Party


A Miscarriage Of Justice
A MAN jailed for shooting a teacher dead on his doorstep has walked free after judges decided he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice. Andrew Adams, who has served 15 years of a life sentence, has always protested his innocence. Yesterday, his conviction for the murder of Jack Royal was overturned by judges at the Court of Appeal after a new investigation into his case found fresh evidence. And now the 36-year-old, from Newcastle, could be entitled to half a million pounds of compensation for the years he has spent in maximum-security prisons.
But Andrew, whose mother Joan died of cancer while he was in jail, said: "No money in the world will ever pay for the hell I've been through. Money doesn't replace people. "My lowest point through all these years was the death of my mother. I only wish she was still alive now so she could see me finally clear my name." He also had a message for the family of Mr Royal, who left a widow and two sons. Andrew said: "I want Mr Royal's family to know I was not the murderer. "They do not know me and I have no idea what they think of me. "I am sorry they have to go through all this pain but the real killer is still out there."Andrew with friends outside the Court of Appeal.
Mr Royal was shot dead at his home in Laburnum Grove, in the village of Sunniside, near Gateshead, on the night of March 19, 1990. The 58-year-old and his wife Sonia had been watching television when, around 11.30pm, the doorbell rang. Mr Royal went to open the door. Outside, a man opened fire with a shotgun - hitting Mr Royal in the face and killing him instantly. A white Montego was seen driving away at speed after the shooting. While horrific, the murder did not come as a surprise. For Mr Royal had himself killed a man three years earlier. He had become involved in a row with 29-year-old scrap dealer David Thompson.
The two men were involved in a scuffle outside a Chinese takeaway. Mr Royal pulled out a penknife and stabbed Mr Thompson to death. The teacher claimed he acted in self-defence and he was cleared of murder. He walked free from court but many feared he was a marked man. And, when Mr Royal was shot dead, detectives were convinced his murder was linked to the death of the scrap dealer. Detectives soon charged 19-year-old Walter Hepple - a relative of the dead scrap dealer.
A young woman had identified him as the driver of the getaway car. He had also allegedly confessed to the murder to a fellow prisoner while on remand in jail. However, he was cleared after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court in 1991. In 1992, detectives arrested Andrew, who was working as an aircraft engineer at Newcastle Airport. Andrew had been going out with Catherine Thompson - the sister of the scrap dealer. It was claimed Andrew had murdered Mr Royal as a macabre "birthday present" for Catherine, who wanted revenge for her brother's death.
The key witness was one of Andrew's own friends - a man called Kevin Thompson. Kevin had told police he had driven Andrew to Gateshead on the night of the murder after he told him he was going to "chin" a man who had been cheeky to Catherine. He claimed he drove his Ford Escort to the car park of the Gibside Arms Hotel, where Andrew got into the white Montego and drove off. When he returned to the car park, Andrew supposedly boasted: "I blew his f***ing head off." Andrew then set fire to the Montego and the pair escaped in the Ford Escort, it had been claimed.Andrew and girlfriend Clare Brayson.
But Andrew always said Kevin had made up the story because he had been charged with a violent robbery and he was facing a long prison sentence. The charge against Kevin was later reduced to handling stolen goods. At Kevin's trial, detectives from the Jack Royal murder squad even had a word in private with the judge to tell him of the help they had received. Kevin walked free with a suspended sentence.
The Court of Appeal heard claims from Andrew's lawyer that the police had done a "grubby deal" with Kevin. The CCRC investigated the claim and said they were concerned that some of the police officers' involvement with Kevin had been kept from the jury at Andrew's trial. The CCRC report claims: "It is clear that significant contact between Kevin Thompson and the police was not disclosed by the prosecution and therefore not put before the jury." They were also unhappy the 18-year-old woman who had identified Walter Hepple as the driver of the getaway car had not been called as a witness. CCRC investigators tracked down Beverley Yeadon. They showed her pictures of Andrew and she was definite that he was not the driver. The CCRC report says: "If Beverley Yeadon had given evidence at trial, this would have been of considerable value to the defence case."
They were also concerned that a security guard who worked at the Gibside Arms Hotel had not been called to give evidence. John O'Brien had told police he had seen the white Montego getaway car drive in to the car park before it was set on fire. But he was sure that no other car had driven out. This clashed with the evidence given by Kevin Thompson, who claimed to have been waiting in the car park in his Ford Escort and to have then driven Adams away after the murder. The CCRC report says: "The account given by John O'Brien cannot be reconciled with the account given by Kevin Thompson." Andrew now plans to sue for compensation.
He blames his mother's death on the stress of him being jailed for a murder he did not commit. Joan had campaigned tirelessly before her death in 1998 at the age of 58. Joan kept her illness secret from her son because she did not want to worry him. By the time he found out, she was unconscious in Newcastle General Hospital. Andrew said: "I was only allowed 20 minutes with her as she lay dying in hospital. "The police thought I was planning an escape. So I was handcuffed. I was taken in to see her and she was unconscious. Then, suddenly, they dragged me out again. "I was allowed out for the funeral but, even then, I had to be handcuffed to a warder as I read the eulogy in the church. "My lowest point through all these years was the death of my mother. I only wish she was still alive now so she could see me finally clear my name."
Nigel followed this story for five years after receiving leaked Northumbria Police files relating to the case. Nigel’s interview and backgrounder were used in several national and regional newspapers, as well as three magazines in 2007. He also acted as a researcher for the BBC’s coverage of the case.<-----


Originally Posted by EvilAuthorityX
you have to cock the gun before you air it up. if it leaks after shooting then turn the reg up. if its just leaking period then the valve oring probably isnt seated properly
I dont even have the rammer in or anything, just the valve.
also im using a regular air through, not an adjustable reg


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I'm trying to implement I2C master using the XDMAC controller of the SAME70.
My TWI DMA software implementation is based on the E70 manual chapter 220.127.116.11 Using the DMA Controller (DMAC) in Master Mode.
So far I succeeded in implementing TWI master read/write with polling and master write using XDMAC but failed on master read using XDMAC.
On the scope I can see that the first byte transferred on I2C seems to be fine but the second byte read is stuck after the 7th clock cycle. Looks like the DMA hardware hung up and the question is how this can happen.
The master ties the clock low forever until if I restart the master. Then the clock goes high again. No XDMAC interrupt is generated if the read hangs up although all XDMAC interrupt bits including bus errors are activated.
The following screen shots show the first byte receive timing and the second shows the incomplete second byte. Any ideas ?

domain: hobby


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The Samsung Galaxy S5 is the latest Smartphone to hit the market from Samsung.
Unlike most of the launches that have happened in recent months of this device will be the new flagship for the company. It will be competing against the upcoming iPhone, which has not been announced yet. Apple is expected to name this device as the iPhone 6 going with the recent trend. The Samsung Galaxy S5 has been much better than the Apple iPhone 5S in every possible regard.
However, one of the biggest advantages was the massive touchscreen display.
Due to this respect, the Apple iPhone 6 is expected to feature a 4.5-inch display, while some rumors even claim that there would be a phablet version of this device with a 6-inch display. This would mark a significant change from the Apple philosophy under the late Steve Jobs. Jobs was extremely careful in not providing a phone with more than 3.5 inches of screen size since he felt that it would interfere with the user friendliness.
The iPhone 6 is expected to take care of this aspect of going for an edge-to-edge display, which has been rumored in this phone for quite a while. The use of this technology will enable Apple to provide a 4.5-inch unit without increasing the size of the phone.
Galaxy S5 Positive Aspects
Up until then, the S5 will be ruling the roost in the market with its 5.1-inch display, which is a slight step up from the 5-inch unit used in the previous flagship model. Apart from that, there are no major changes to the screen, which has disappointed some. Going by the amount of features Samsung has introduced its flagship models over the years; many were expecting the introduction of the 2K or 4K display in the S5.
However, it comes with the same full HD unit that did its job in the last generation.
One of the talking points of the upcoming iPhone 6 is the use of a 64-bit processor, which would enable Apple to unlock the potential of the phone even more. This was also rumored to be offered in the Galaxy S5, but Samsung has provided this phone with only the quad core unit. The rating of it has been slightly increased to make it more powerful than the Galaxy S4. The RAM, however, remains unchanged. Apple phones have always been very efficient at using RAM. Hence, the maximum that is expected to be present in the iPhone 6 is not more than 1.5 GB.
As far as memory goes, Galaxy S series has made some incredible strides in the last few years. The Galaxy S5 now comes with several memory variants along with the memory card support, which is not expected to come in the iPhone 6.
The 16 GB variants of the S5 are one of the priciest models in the market today at around $ 800. The iPhone 6 is expected to come at this price if not slightly higher for a similar variant.


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Foster, Herald’s legendary food critic, dies
Dereck Foster, a legend in the local gastronomic circles whose name became one of the most recognizable bylines in the Buenos Aires Herald, died yesterday after battling cardiac problems for months. He was 82.
Foster’s involvement with the Herald began almost by chance but lasted almost four decades, until last December. In 1973 he wrote a letter to then-editor Bob Cox, complaining about a restaurant review. Little did he know it was a column that Cox had written himself under a pen name. Cox then offered him to take over the paper’s restaurant section — the two became fast friends.
“He wrote on wine, food and the ways of the world, which he knew pretty well after visiting 36 countries,” Cox wrote in a letter to the Herald last month. “He put Argentina on the map for gourmets and gourmands by writing so knowledgeably about its wines, cheeses and cuisine.”
A well-known figure in the local gastronomic circles, Foster was a pioneer. He wrote about food and wine before everyone had a blog and Instagrammed their every meal. Foster wrote about wine before the world fell in love with Malbec. And he wrote a guidebook about Argentine food and wine before everyone became a critic through the likes of Tripadvisor.
Dereck was “one of the first to recognize the potential of Malbec,” wrote Andrés Rosberg, the head sommelier at Fierro Hotel and the president of the Pan American Sommelier Alliance, in one of the many tributes to the Herald veteran that filled Twitter after his death. Juan Carlos Fola wrote a tribute to him on the site Fondo de Olla, in which he pointed out that many first met Foster in a classroom, where he shared his knowledge about food and wine. He began talking about wine “at a time when wine-making in Argentina, as we know it today, was in diapers,” Fola wrote.
Harry Ingham was often featured in Foster’s columns, mentioned as “my friend Harry.”
“Dereck was, above all, a good guy,” Ingham recalled yesterday at Foster’s funeral in Pilar. “A humble man who treated people well and had unquestionable ethics in a profession in which ethics is difficult. One of the few things that angered him was when they misspelled his first name as Derek, without a c.”
It is little wonder then that when a lunch in his honour was organized at the classic Oviedo restaurant last month, some of the biggest names in the local culinary scene, including Martiniano Molina, Gonzalo Aramburu, Carola Chaparro, Alicia Delgado, Cristina Goto, Raquel Rosemberg, and Beatriz Chomnalez were present to honour Foster.
Foster was a great advocate for wine-drinking, calling it a healthy habit that only becomes bad when done in excess.
“An excess in drinking water is as bad as with alocholic beverages,” Foster told an interviewer. “The magic is in knowing how to savour it.” He added that everyone should drink “a glass or a glass-and-a-half per day, every 24 hours — I suggest that people buy large glasses.”
In a panel discussion with fellow-journalists, Foster described wine as “the added pleasure at the table,” noting that “wine has a very special world and I try to get into that world.”
Dereck wrote several specialized books, including El Gaucho Gourmet, a bilingual book that delves into the origins of Argentine cuisine, and El León Domado (The Tamed Lion) about the British invasions of.
Obsessed with finding out the origins of local food traditions, he caused a minor revolution on the Internet when he told the origin story of the “milanesa napolitana,” that much beloved dish of breaded veal, topped with tomato sauce, ham and cheese.
“It is wrong to call it Napolitana,” Foster said, “because it really should be called Milanesa a la Nápoli.” Why? Because it was first made on a whim by José Nápoli in his downtown Buenos Aires restaurant, when he wanted to pass off a burnt milanesa to one of his best clients.
Weeks before his death, Dereck had accepted a proposal to write a monthly column for the Herald, but his health problems worsened.
Born in Buenos Aires on October 31, 1931, Foster is survived by his wife, Florencia, and his children, Lucas, who is 34, and 33-year-old Julián.
- Herald staff


Five years ago, I wired the house with generic HD 16 ga transparent speaker wire. I haven't had any use for it until now. I will finally install sound speakers for our HT system. When I pulled the wires out of the wall, I noticed they had oxidized because of the greenish color. What I also noticed was that this greenish color also appeared along the entire length of the speaker wire. I'm sort of puzzled because I thought oxidation would occur only at the ends of the wire where they were exposed to the air and not along the entire length where it is insulated. Since the entire run of wires are already oxidizing, do I need to replace all of my speaker wires with Oxygen Free type of wires? My runs are relatively long, 30+. In addition, I had also run some wires to the garage, back yard patio, and bedrooms so, replacing them all may become an expensive nightmare. I checked them all and they all had the same problem. Thanks for the help.


For some Scale Modellers the Sherman tank might seem a bit repetitive given the lack of paint scheme assortment, specially when compared with its rather flamboyant German or Italian counterparts of WW2. However, upon closer inspection it allows endless Modelling opportunities given its long service record that in some cases spans to this very date.
This is the case of the Paraguayan Army Sherman Firefly tank that with 3 units stills serves in the “Regimiento Escolta Presidencial” (President’s Guard Regiment) with base in the Paraguayan Capital city, Asunción.
The history of the Sherman tank in Paraguay begins in 1971 when the Argentinean Army presented its Paraguayan counterpart with 3 Sherman Firefly tanks to compliment the 9 M3A1 Stuarts the US provided as part of the Military Assistance Program in 1969.
This first batch of Shermans consisted in Firefly Vs with the excellent British 17 pounder gun, locally know as the “76mm”. These Shermans sported a Satin Olive Drab finish and were equipped with T54 chevron style tracks as can be witnessed on this Parade photo. The markings were sparse, a huge red roundel on the sides with two white Mauser silhouettes and 3 digit white numbers on the armor reinforcement plate of the hull (i.e. 024). Some sources suggest it carried a small “plate” number painted on the lower back of the hull (i.e. REP-024) but I got to say I was unable to find photographic reference on that.
Fast forward to 1981. According to “Blindados Argentinos”, by Ricardo Sigal Fogliani, Paraguay received another batch of 3 Shermans. According to the same source, in 1988 Paraguay gave back 3 of these Sherman Firefly Vs to the Argentineans and in return Paraguay got 3 Sherman “repotenciado”.
The newly arrived Sherman “Repotenciado” tanks were powered by the Poyaud 520 V8 Diesel Engine and the daunting L44/57 FTR 105 mm main gun (manufactured in Argentina at the military factory of Rio Tercero). Another interesting detail is that these units are equipped with a T49 type track and drive sprocket, both built under licence in Argentina.
This “new” equipment increased significantly the fire power of the “Regimiento Escolta Presidencial” and the new powerplant meant a much better and reliable engine than the 10 liter Continental V12 pushing the previous Shermans in service with this unit.
However, this very improvement would become the unit’s Achilles heel a few months later in February 3rd, 1989 when a military coup against the dictatorship of General Alfredo Stroessner unleashed in Asunción.
Spearheaded by the Paraguayan Army Cavalry Regiments equipped with the Brazilian built Engesa Cascavel EE-9, the only elements capable of opposing a real defense against the Coup were the “Regimiento Escolta Presidencial” Sherman 105s.
However, the “Regimiento Escolta Presidencial” wasn’t fully trained in the use of the just received 105mm Sherman “Repotenciado”. In fact, a French Military Advisor was in town training the crews on the use and maintenance of these French powered beasts. As the advisor lived in the adjacent military housing facilities and could quickly assist the “Regimiento Escolta Presidencial” in starting up and using these Shermans, he became a High Value Target for Kill or Capture by the attacking forces.
When the actual attack began, the advisor drove his Peugeot from his house to the Regiment Head Quarters 4 blocks away, but was intercepted by a mixed column of EE-9 Cascavels and EE-11 Urutús. The attacking forces promptly identified his vehicle plates and it received a 90mm shell direct hit. As a result, the crews of the General Stroessner loyal Sherman’s could not oppose the armoured attacking force and the Regiment had to improvise with a small Squad of EE-9s that mostly supported infantry from fixed positions. After a couple of hours of small arms and mortar fire exchange, the mighty “Regimiento Escolta Presidencial” finally fell and with it, a Dictatorship of 34 years got to an end.
The mighty Shermans kept on going however, and they were a rather common sight in parades. The real value of these tanks in the modern warfare is questionable at least, but their longevity is undeniably impressive. When I asked my source about the tanks, he said they had an engine rebuild and electrical rewiring a few years ago and modern FMK ammunition was procured at the time. They are given a short run each week to keep them oiled… “Is like a classic car” he said ”no AC, no Mp3 stereo, but kick the tracks, pour some gas in it and fires up beautifully”.
I’d love to see these beast shooting that big gun in an exercise sometime… must be like hearing the old veteran shout “Here I am my children, I can still bring the heat”.


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Short Bites: Recent Privacy Law Developments
Summer snacks can be easier to digest than heavier meals. In that spirit, here is a short list of bite-sized summaries of recent developments in privacy law that may directly affect your business.
Privacy Lawyer Nominated as New FTC Commissioner
President Obama has nominated Maureen K. Ohlhausen, a Washington privacy lawyer, to a Republican vacancy on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The nomination is viewed as a signal that privacy law remains a priority for the administration. Ms. Ohlhausen will replace Commissioner Kovacic, who has been skeptical of calls for new privacy rules.
Data Breach Notification Bill Advances in House of Representatives
For nearly a decade, Congress has considered enacting a federal law to require notification to affected individuals of breaches of a business's data security that could create a risk of identity theft. Calls for federal legislation are prompted by the 46 state laws that now address the subject. Last year, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would have replaced the state laws with a uniform federal standard, but it died when the Senate adjourned without taking action.
Several legislative proposals have been introduced in the current Congress. (See article in the June issue of Privacy In Focus). The first to pass a legislative hurdle is a House bill (H.R. 2577) sponsored by Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA), which, on July 20, was approved by voice vote by a subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which she chairs. The bill would establish national standards governing disclosures of breaches of data security and preempt the state laws. Subcommittee approval was a first step; the bill must receive favorable action by the full Committee and the House before moving to the Senate, where several powerful Senators have their own breach notification bills.
Commerce Department to Convene Groups to Develop Privacy "Codes of Conduct"
Moving forward on a proposal floated in its "Green Paper" on "Commercial Data Privacy and Innovation in the Internet Economy: A Dynamic Policy Framework," the Department of Commerce recently said that it would convene multistakeholder groups to develop privacy codes of conduct tailored to particular industries. The agency did not indicate what industries would be subject to the codes or their timing. The idea is that the codes would be drafted by the private sector, although clearly, the Commerce Department expects to play a key role in their creation, and the process of creating codes would likely be contentious and slow.
Although the Commerce Department states that participation in developing and/or adhering to the codes would be voluntary, the FTC may take the view that a failure to abide by such a code of conduct might constitute an "unfair" trade practice.
Google Wi-Fi Litigation Tests Whether Wi-Fi Is a "Radio Communication" under the Wiretap Act
In litigation in California over Google's collection of unencrypted Wi-Fi data as part of its "Street View" project, a major issue is whether a "Wi-Fi" signal is a "radio communication" under the federal Wiretap Act, which is part of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. In re Google Inc. Street View Electronic Communications Litigation (N.D. Cal. No. C10-MD-02184JW). Google is arguing (1) that a Wi-Fi signal is a "radio communication" and (2) that its collection of unencrypted Wi-Fi signals is permissible under an exception allowing interception of "radio communications" that are "readily accessible to the general public" because the lack of encryption left the signals accessible. 18 U.S.C. §2511(2)(g)(i).
This appears to be a case of first impression. The federal district court hearing the case ruled against Google, holding that a narrow interpretation of the term "radio communication" better fits the Act's purpose (even though Wi-Fi signals are plainly "radio" in a technical sense). But the court has since granted a motion by Google to certify the question to the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The case also highlights once again that the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, enacted long before Wi-Fi became a common household feature, deserves a serious update.
Consumer Financial Protection Board Begins Operations
The Consumer Financial Protection Board (CFPB), an agency created by the Dodd-Frank financial reform law of 2010, is now operating. Among the CFPB's many responsibilities is jurisdiction to enforce the Telemarketing Sales Rule insofar as the telemarketing campaign concerns a "consumer financial product or service." Therefore, telemarketing campaigns conceivably could be subject to three regulators, depending upon the product being sold and the geographic range of the campaign: the CFPB, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the FTC.
The CFPB also has jurisdiction over the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). It now has exclusive jurisdiction to interpret the FCRA, including the issuance of rules. As in the case of telemarketing, however, the CFPB will continue to share enforcement responsibility with the FTC.


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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley models news lingerie collection
British model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley continues her collaboration with Marks & Spencer, and brings forth a new lingerie collection.
After posing for the Autograph Lingerie 2015 Campaign, the blonde star is seen in images for the 2016 Campaign, posing in sizzling new styles.
Flaunting her enviable toned and tall self in satin and lace lingerie and nightwear, Rosie is a seductress as she poses in a boudoir setting.
Rosie models satin camisoles and matching shorts, floral embroidered lace lingerie, figure-flattering bras and undies in fiery and neutral hues, and maxi nightgowns and slips with plunging necklines.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley models news lingerie collection Reviewed by Minza Siddiqui on 3/28/2016 10:24:00 AM Rating:

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Country superstar Alan Jackson takes his tour to the Macon Centreplex Coliseum in Macon, GA, on Thurs., Sept. 22.
Tickets will be on sale July 15 and available at the Coliseum main box office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Jackson is a 17-time winner at the ACM Awards and a 16-time CMA Award recipient, a tally that includes three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors. Jackson is also a two-time Grammy-honored artist, whose songwriting has earned him the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award.
A 2010 recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he’s known for music that celebrates the common man (“Where I Come From”), speaks to generations (“Drive [For Daddy Gene]”) and for our nation (“Where Were You [When the World Stopped Turning]”). Jackson recently released his debut single from EMI Records Nashville/ACR (Alan’s Country Records), “Long Way To Go,” and a music video will be released soon.


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The lowest-priced, brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable).Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item is handmade or was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag.See details for additional description.
It's bedtime for Little Bear, but as his mummy settles him in bed, he wonders if he's had enough love that day. So Mummy Bear takes Little Bear on a journey, reminding him of everything they've done during the day and, most of all, the love they've shared.
David Bedford (Author) David is best known for his popular picture books including Big Bear Little Bear, Mole's in Love and It's a George Thing, as well as The Team series of football fiction. When not visiting schools, libraries and festivals and generally doing the 'author thing', David likes to stay close to his home in north Norfolk, where he spends plenty of his time doing Tai Chi, swimming in the sea, writing, and thinking up new recipes to feed to his children (cinnamon egg is his newest hit)Rebecca Harry (Illustrator) Rebecca lives in Cardiff, South Wales, with her two lovely children. When she used to draw as a child, she never knew she'd be lucky enough to do it as a job when she grew up. She studied graphic design and illustration in Exeter, and her first creations after university were greetings cards for her own business plus a large card company in Bristol. Rebecca works in a little studio above her friend's busy jewellery shop and, from here, she has illustrated many picture books for children including the much-loved Ruby the Duckling series, and numerous baby books.

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My friends in Celtic, 2021 is the year Celtic lost its first domestic trophy since 2016, for the first time in over a decade, the trophy cabinet was bare. We lost our manager in February, spent three months failing to land his chosen alternative, lost two chief executives, the captain retired and at the turn of the year we are six points behind in the league table.
So why are you all feeling so positive about things? If was not obvious at the time, but Celtic have been on the slide since at least September 2017. That month, we won our first European group game in 17, a 0-3 victory away to Anderlecht. They were the only points collected in that campaign, as the Belgian side won the return leg in Glasgow and PSG scored 12 over two games.
Remarkably, the club won another three trebles, but by early in the following season the trajectory was clear, as was Brendan Rodgers’ commitment to the club. Season 2020-21 was an unmitigated failure for Celtic, with the possible exception of the previous season’s Scottish Cup semi-final and final, played six months after they were first scheduled.
When Eddie Howe eventually got off the pot in May, Celtic moved swiftly onto Ange Postecoglou. Like Ronny Deila before him, Ange was on the periphery of City Football Group, the investment company behind Manchester City. Celtic’s links with City remain active and Ange came strongly recommended. Those close to Celtic who knew him, thought he was a better manager and better prospect for Celtic than Howe.
Ange was appointed on 10 June and then had to go through a period of isolation in a hotel room before being able to travel to Scotland and meet club representatives in person for the first time. Before he met the players, he was appraised that our top striker and top defender were both in the last season of their contracts and were not going to sign a renewal.
He had to rebuild a squad with scouts inhibited from travelling for the previous 15 months, while trying to qualify for European competitions and keeping want-away players interested.
Champions League qualification was never going to happen but the failure against Midtjylland highlighted how far Celtic had dropped. The first three away games in the league were lost: at Tynecastle, Ibrox and at the Plastic Pasta, it was a gloomy start to the new era. Newco were short odds to retain the league title, their only drawback was a remarkable 1-2 home defeat to Malmo, who came out for the second half losing 1-0 and down to 10 men. The consequences of that second half will be felt for years.
Little did we know, but the best thing was to get rid of Odsonne Edouard and allow our new Japanese signing, Kyogo Furuhashi, to play through the middle. With Kyogo as our focus, Celtic were transformed.
Domestic form has largely been excellent since those early away defeats. We are back to our trophy winning ways, taking the League Cup in a thrilling final against Hibs, but the gap at the top of the table has not moved in our favour. Newco continue to win most games, leaving Celtic to reflect on the cost of dropping points to Livingston, Dundee United and St Miren.
In any previous season, a six point gap at the top of the table would lead to insurrection, but there is a clear understanding of the direction of travel; Celtic are in recovery mode. That does not mean we are going to win the league. You can double your money in six months if you think we will be champions in May.
Newco remain in the driving seat, seem to be immune to isolating illness and domestic red cards and coped well with their managerial transition. They will travel to Celtic Park after the break knowing they will leave top of the table whatever the result, they are in a great position.
Last season was all about history, this season is all about the future. The Premiership winners will almost certainly automatically qualify for the Champions League group stage. If Newco get there, the money will provide them with a temporary bandage and may allow them to make an operational profit for the first time in their history. Failure would precipitate inevitable decline.
I worry the six point gap is too wide, that while we have delivered a high number of wins in recent months, we were vulnerable to Hibs and even made uncomfortable for a brief while against a truly awful St Johnstone.
The anticipated three new arrivals from Japan cannot have the impact of Kyogo. I see a lot of faith riding on these players, football often disappoints such belief. Whatever voodoo Newco have over the red cards domestic referees hold and Test and Trace procedures will doubtlessly continue.
In short, it will take a miraculous performance for the remainder of the season from Ange Postecoglou and new chief executive, Michael Nicholson, to delivery the title. But this is Celtic, where miracles do happen, so strap in and enjoy the rest of the season.
Very best wishes to you all for 2022, continue to stay safe.


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I met Jon Lee for the first time at the Monkey Loft in Seattle a couple years ago on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I could tell immediately that Jon was a well revered guy in the local scene, a resident DJ of many clubs over the years since the 90s.
The original point of the visit was actually to deliver a Substation Recordings T Shirt to Jon who had always been a huge supporter of the label. Sure enough we hit it off, and we ended up signing this unbelievably groovy two track EP.
The first track "Feeling Used" has a warm, uplifting, disco-like vibe, but still sounds gritty and tough enough to be included in a peak hour DJ set. A light piano riff harmonizes nicely with some subtle synth stabs, leaving just enough space for the basssline to really drive the groove.
"In It To Win It" is as quirky as it is catchy, with strangely effected vocal stabs, a trippy phased-out melody, and a chunky "dunk-a-dunk" bassline. This is the type of track you shuffle to with a cheeky smile on your face.
Really happy to welcome Lee Houser to the Substation family, our first US signing.


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Diamond Alpacas of Clarence will spend about $200,000 to convert an old barn on its property into a distillery and old time saloon.
Doing so, says Diamond co-owner Dave D’Amato, will help him and his three partners transition a seasonal business to one that operates throughout the year.
D’Amato lives next door to the alpaca farm, located at 84845 Wolcott Rd. in Clarence. In his home garage are the beginnings of the distillery. It includes about 1,000 pounds of corn, which he got form his animal feed supplier, and a $600 distiller to formulate different recipes. He’s considering using eight additional acres adjacent to the 17-acre alpaca farm to plant and grow their own corn.
D’Amato said that Buffalo Moonshine Distillery is due to open next spring and will brew whiskey and vodka.
“We saw there was trend, and that the craft distillery license was reasonably priced,” D’Amato said. “Our business was seasonal, so we decided to up the ante and be open year-round.”
The temporary distiller will be used to build the commercial distiller in the barn.
The company boasts 50 alpacas, some of which they’ve bought and bred. Others, D’Amato said, are boarded there for other owners.
Many of the alpacas have been sheared, and the 200 pounds of fleece they harvested will be woven into a variety of clothing products sold on-site, including scarves and shoe inserts. D’Amato was wearing a pair of alpaca fleece socks, and said he slips a pair on every day.
Alpacas, a domesticated animal related to the camel, can cost around $10,000 each, but some have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Diamond partners D’Amato, Michael Basehart, Thomas Brown and David Hutchinson spent about $65,000 on seven alpacas and $25,000 on infrastructure in 2011. The number of alpacas grew to 19 with another purchase, and the herd — and business — grew from there.