text:
Elite Dance Academy - Recital Costume Portraits
Six years ago I was introduced to the amazing Lauren Mangano. She had recently opened a dance studio in Shrewsbury and was looking for a photographer to take her recital costume pictures. We met, liked each other and agreed that I'd do her pictures that spring. I had never done a bulk group of shooting before - at that point my business was still relatively new and I was working out my processing, pricing and fulfillment. We booked one day of shooting at her studio and 19 students participated. I remember being overwhelmed, scared and exhilarated all at the same time. Although I have daughters, neither of them were involved in dance so I hadn't spent time around a dance studio, let alone know the difference between 2nd and 4th position. Luckily Lauren did all of the posing and I just clicked like crazy and hoped by brand new lights and backdrop didn't fail me! I remember missing some of the jumps because my timing was off and a few shots that I forgot to move the lights for the little toddlers so their heads were "very" highlighted:)
Flash forward (yes photo bun intended:) to this year - 6 days of shooting and 108 children photographed. Lauren's staff has grown to include interns, choreographers, several instructors, an amazing front desk/business staff and many other behind the scenes people. She has also moved to a second location with two dance studios. And me - my processing, fulfillment and pricing are pretty tightened up. The lights and backdrop are now just another piece of equipment and not a source of stress. And the dancers - continue to amaze and awe me. The talent and intensity of the Elite family shows in their dancing and awards. Not to mention they are the nicest and easiest group of families to work with. Yes, I am gushing.
Layne is a dancer/intern at the studio and we had some fun one night with her shoot:
Yes, she is on point in every shot. And the "Heat Mizer" image on the bottom right was as she landed a jump so we could get her hair flipped up. That was about take 4 or 5.
If I could, I'd showcase every child that we photographed in that week. Each one has a special talent, or pose that they bring with them.
And now this year I have a daughter that is taking dance at Elite so I get to see all of these amazingly talented boys and girls during their recital too.
Keywords: Elite Academy of Dance, Shrewsbury Massachusetts, children photography, dance photography, dance portraits, elite, event photography, shrewsbury
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Located a mere twelve miles from the Capital of Louisiana, Zachary, LA and its over 15,000 residents lean heavily on the largest employers in their area to sustain their livelihoods and support their families.
Outside of the great, locally owned and operated businesses in the area, these companies include:
- Georgia-Pacific
- ExxonMobil
- Lane Regional Medical Center
With incredible resources and exceptional opportunities for growth, these international companies help provide a booming economy in Zachary, LA. With the influx of residents, and the dangers associated with working in these industries comes unexpected accidents. When these circumstances arise, the personal injury attorneys in Zachary, LA at the Day Law Group can help.
The Day Law Group: Areas of Expertise
At the Day Law Group, our attorneys focus on protecting the Zachary, LA community by delivering experienced and aggressive legal representation night and day.
Our areas of expertise include:
- Worker's Compensation
- Wrongful Death
- Offshore / Oil Rig Accidents
- Riverboat Accidents
- Auto Accident
- Brain & Spine Injury
- Motorcycle Accident
- Truck Accident
- Premises Liability
If you or a loved one suffers a personal injury due to the negligence of another, our attorney group can provide you with the tools you need to hold them accountable in the court of law.
Workers' Compensation Recovery
Working for one of the largest nearby companies, including businesses like Georgia-Pacific is not without its dangers. Manufacturing and plant hazards exist at every turn, even with proper safety standards in place.
We represent individuals who suffer an injury at work to ensure they are protected fully by Louisiana's Workers' Compensation Laws. These injuries can include:
- Broken, fractured or crushed bones
- Head injuries
- Neck and spine injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Muscles and ligament tears and strains
- Falls from heights
- Slip and fall injury
- Catch in-between injuries
- Loss of limbs or digits
- Burns
- Hazardous chemical exposure
At the Day Law Group, our personal injury attorneys in Zachary, LA enforce workers' rights fully, and will hold the negligent party – or parties – responsible for your injuries by beginning an investigation the moment we receive your call.
Offshore / Oil Rig Accidents
With ExxonMobil proudly operating nearby, many of our Zachary residents enjoy employment for the international company. By nature, petrol industry positions can be dangerous. If you or a loved one suffers an injury because of your work offshore or on an oil rig, our attorneys can help.
Our lawyers are stringent supporters of the Jones Act, and practice maritime law with precision to help our offshore / oil rig accident clients receive the medical and financial recovery they deserve.
Accident victims we have represented successfully include those injured in:
- Winch and crane accidents
- Dredging accidents
- Rigging accidents
- Falls from heights
- Slip and falls
- Chemical burns
- Engine room accidents
- Commercial diving accidents
- Mechanical failure accidents
- Ladders and steps accidents
- Explosion injuries
- Unsafe working conditions
- Inadequate training
- Improper safety measures
- Defective equipment
- Offshore platform and construction injuries
- Drilling accidents
Our seasoned attorney group will provide you with a step-by-step plan to pursuing those responsible for your injuries. We will not be intimidated by large corporations, insurance companies or their legal representatives. We are experienced lawyers who will fight for Zachary residents until we achieve the settlement results necessary to make you and your family whole.
Riverboat Accidents
Zachary's proximity to the Mississippi River provides ample opportunities for riverboat employment.
For the past 15 years, our attorneys have successfully represented:
- Barge captains and crews
- Tugboat operators and employees
- Lock and dock workers
- Maintenance crews
- Cargo loaders and unloaders
Moreover, it allows us to hold those responsible for negligence that can be controlled, including:
- Unsafe working conditions
- Inadequate training
- Improper safety measures
Our legal areas of concentration allow us to focus on keeping the Zachary workers safe from the constant dangers that lurk in industrial employment positions.
Dedicated Zachary, LA Attorneys: The Day Law Group
If you have been injured at work, in any capacity, contact our personal injury attorney group in Zachary, LA today at (225) 200-0000 to understand how we can help you pursue action against your employer or the negligent party who is responsible for your injury. We provide free consultations and are here to help you discover your path to recovery now.
Directions to our Louisiana Personal Injury Attorney from Zachary, LA
These directions are from Google Maps starting from:
Zachary, LA
Distance: 24.9 mi
Time: 31 min
- Get on I-110 S in Baton Rouge
- Head east on Main St toward Florida St
- Turn right onto LA-19 S
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto the Interstate 110 S ramp to Baton Rouge
- Follow I-110 S, I-10 E and I-12 E to S Sherwood Forest Blvd in Shenandoah. Take exit 4 from I-12 E
- Merge onto I-110 S
- Keep left to stay on I-110 S, follow signs for I-10 E/New Orleans
- Merge onto I-10 E
- Keep left at the fork to continue on I-12 E, follow signs for Hammond
- Take exit 4 for Sherwood Forest Blvd
- Keep right at the fork, follow signs for S Sherwood Forest Blvd S and merge onto S Sherwood Forest Blvd
- Continue on S Sherwood Forest Blvd. Drive to Bricksome Ave
- Merge onto S Sherwood Forest Blvd
- Turn left onto Bricksome Ave
Call Us:
We are located at:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A new concussion prevention program is making an impact for thousands of student athletes in WAVE Country. Now, the groundbreaking initiative, which was put into place after a WAVE 3 News investigation, is expanding into Southern Indiana thanks to a grant from Norton Healthcare.
725 S. Floyd Street
Louisville, KY 40203
(502) 585-2201
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text:
Item Packaging
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Model: SpiderProSpiderLight SpiderPro
You Pay: $25.00
The SpiderPro Plate With Pin from Spider Camera Holster is part of their Single and Dual Holster Systems. The pin attaches to the plate and the plate attaches to the camera's tripod socket. Once assembled, the entire rig slides and locks into the holster. A two-position locking system secures your camera. When placed in the lower position, the camera remains firmly in place in the holster. When placed in the upper position, you can withdraw the camera. Photographers will appreciate the secure, anti-twist design, and that the plate won't interfere with battery compartment access. For strength and durability the plate and pin are constructed from stainless steel and hardened aluminum.
|4.0 oz / 113.4 g
|Packaging Info
|Package Weight
|0.22 lb
|Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
|4.7 x 3.5 x 1.3"


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Is the entree sitting in front of you $20-a-pound grouper, less pricey tilapia or perhaps cheap Asian catfish?
Scientists at the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science are about to make it a lot easier — and quicker — to tell.
A USF team has developed a handheld sensor capable of sniffing out fraudulent seafood claims, helping to ensure that consumers get what they pay for. As much as 30 percent of the seafood entering the United States is estimated to be mislabeled, bilking U.S. fishermen, the nation's seafood industry and consumers of up to an estimated $25 billion annually. It's a problem the bay area, in particular, struggled with amid investigations years ago by theTampa Bay Times and others showing fake grouper being passed off as real to unwitting customers.
Meet GrouperChek. A small device dubbed the QuadPyre attaches to a laptop and answers the question — Is this grouper? — within 45 minutes. The cost per test: about $30. Tests used to take days awaiting results and cost much more.
The new method can be conducted anywhere, whether the fish in question is still aboard a ship, dockside, in warehouses, on supermarkets shelves or on restaurant plates. The test works on raw or cooked fish, even if covered with sauce.
John Paul, USF Marine Sciences distinguished university professor and the lead scientist on GrouperChek, likens the device to the futuristic Star Trek "tricorder" used to detect life forms. The USF device tests seafood samples by identifying DNA markers unique to grouper. If the markers are found, the fish sample fluoresces, or glows. The handheld instrument is a portable version of a lab-based benchtop model developed a few years ago.
"Seafood authentication is a new market," Paul said Tuesday in his USF lab, where he demonstrated the device using a piece of grouper versus a visually identical piece of tilapia.
Paul has spun off a start-up with backing from USF called PureMolecular LLC, which will operate in lab space in the Tampa Bay Research Institute near St. Petersburg's Carillon district. Paul, 62, serves as CEO and Robert Ulrich, 38 and a recent Ph.D microbiologist at USF, is chief technology officer. Their mission is to commercialize the GrouperChek device, priced at about $1,999 apiece and initially aimed at federal and state fish inspectors.
Once GrouperChek is established, the scientists plan to add tests for other types of fish, including red snapper, tuna and halibut.
They will debut their product at Seafood Expo North America, a major trade show, in Boston next month.
Paul says the timing is good because of increased federal and state legislation to sharply increase fish inspections to deter fraud. A mere 0.02 percent of imported fish gets analyzed by inspectors.
"It's a big opportunity for quicker testing services," Paul said.
Eventually, the scientists see fish testing becoming cheaper and faster, and even available as an app for a smartphone — if the consumer demands such a service.
Go to tampabay.com for the full story.


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Office Desk Executive
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As noun
a room, set of rooms, or building where the business of a commercial or industrial organization or of a professional person is conducted:the main office of an insurance company; a doctor's office
a room assigned to a specific person or a group of persons in a commercial or industrial organization:Her office is next to mine
a business or professional organization:He went to work in an architect's office
the staff or designated part of a staff at a commercial or industrial organization:The whole office was at his wedding
a position of duty, trust, or authority, especially in the government, a corporation, a society, or the like:She was elected twice to the office of president
employment or position as an official:to seek office
the duty, function, or part of a particular person or agency:to act in the office of adviser
(initial capital letter) an operating agency or division of certain departments of the U
Government:Office of Community Services
(initial capital letter) British
a major administrative unit or department of the national government:the Foreign Office
hint, signal, or warning; high sign
Often, offices
something, whether good or bad, done or said for or to another:He obtained a position through the offices of a friend
the prescribed order or form for a service of the church or for devotional use
the services so prescribed
Also called divine office
the prayers, readings from Scripture, and psalms that must be recited every day by all who are in major orders
a ceremony or rite, especially for the dead
a service or task to be performed; assignment; chore:little domestic offices
offices, Chiefly British
the parts of a house, as the kitchen, pantry, or laundry, devoted mainly to household work
the stables, barns, cowhouses, etc
, of a farm
Older Slang
As noun
an article of furniture having a broad, usually level, writing surface, as well as drawers or compartments for papers, writing materials, etc
a frame for supporting a book from which the service is read in a church
a pulpit
the section of a large organization, as a governmental bureau or newspaper, having authority over and responsibility for particular operations within the organization:city desk; foreign desk
a table or counter, as in a library or office, at which a specific job is performed or a service offered:an information desk; reception desk
a stand used to support sheet music; music stand
(in an orchestra) a seat or position assigned by rank (usually used in combination):a first-desk flutist
As adjective
of or relating to a writing desk:a desk drawer
of a size or form suitable for use on a desk:desk dictionary
done at or based on a desk, as in an office or schoolroom:He used to be a traveling salesman, but now he has a desk job
As noun
a person or group of persons having administrative or supervisory authority in an organization
the person or persons in whom the supreme executive power of a government is vested
the executive branch of a government
As adjective
of, relating to, or suited for carrying out plans, duties, etc
:executive ability
pertaining to or charged with the execution of laws and policies or the administration of public affairs:executive appointments; executive committees
designed for, used by, or suitable for executives:an executive suite
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Since 2001, 10 Northeast states that participated in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative have proved to be pioneers in reducing fossil fuel pollution and creating a clean energy economy, according to a report released Wednesday by Environment Connecticut.
Between 2001 and 2009, the six New England states along with New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware cut per capita carbon dioxide emissions 20 percent faster than the rest of the nation. In those years, the Northeast's total economic output per capita grew 87 percent faster than the rest of the nation, the report said.


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I honestly never thought I would make a makeup look like this but it all just free flowed and before I knew it that is what this look can be labeled as. It features so many of my favorite colors making me so happy that they finally all blended together. The more I look at it, I can actually see how it can be the perfect look for the summer but also could be saved for a day in the fall because of all of the earth tones used. Either way this is defiantly in the top ten.
The first thing I did was my foundation routine which includes, bb creame, morphie concealer, gerald cosmetics highlight in the color Lucy, city collection contour crayon and finally the 060w warm tone pallet from morphie. If you guys want to see a foundation routine I will gladly do it!
Then after all of that was done I moved onto my favorite part which was the eye brows of course and I used my Danielle Creations angle brush and the LA Girl eye brow kit, which I defiantly recommend!
Now onto the eyes. This look is the definition of earth tones and is something one can wear both at night and during the day because both times completely show off the pigmentation the 35F gives. I first started with a brown eye shadow on my crease which for some is a no no but honestly, I paid no attention to the " makeup rules" when I was creating this look. Then I went in with the second color in the v of my eye at the very end to create a smokey eye effect like I did in this eye look . And the final step was to dab the golden shadow in the middle which did not require to be wet before applying but one can of course do that if desired. And of course at the end I made sure to blend, making sure all of the colors flowed beautifully together.
Even though I tried I couldn't stay away with toping this look of with a pair of falsies of course and a thin but long winged eye liner (something I like to think is my signature look). The lashes I used are from Adelle and you can pick them up at morphie and even any drug store.
Oh! Before I forget, I used my new Anastasia Beverly Hills matte lipgloss, that I will have a review up and ready for, for you guys tomorrow! This lipgloss completely pulled this look together and honestly made it ten times better. Oh the power of makeup!
And with a spray of any setting spray this look is completely done!
Let me know what you guys think of this look and don't forget to follow my Instagram! If you leave a heart on any of my photos I will follow you back and use the hashtag #StylishRanter to have your outfit of the day or makeup look featured!


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Published on March 10, 2014
Author: cuonghuco
Source: slideshare.net
Contemi Vietnam 10 March 2014 Scrum review (mobile team) Michael Nguyen Senior software engineer
• Scrum levels • Scrum must have (mobile team) • Scrum issues (mobile team) • References Agenda
Scrum level 1 • R&D is busy at the beginning • QA/QC is busy at the end • "Probably Shitable Product" during development • The management forms the teams • Scrum master: 5% capacity
Scrum level 2 • Hyper productive teams • Proactive Scrum master, capacity: 50% • Team formation is usually being done by the teams • Overall release stabilization is being done as part of the sprint
Scrum level 3 • Test Driven Development • Pair programming (code review, refactor, unit test …) • Continuous Integration (automation test) • Self-organizing team (team creates the team, team guards itself - no scrum master) • Flow (velocity, no over time) • Risk management
Scrum must have • Agile methodology • Manifesto http://agilemanifesto.org/ • 12 principles http://agilemanifesto.org/principles.html
Scrum must have • Scrum concepts • Scrum process (PB -> SB -> sprint -> product …) • Team members and responsibilities • Scrum master • Product owner • Development team • Meetings input and output • Planning • Daily • Review • Retrospective
Scrum must have • Scrum concepts • Artifacts • Product backlog • Sprint backlog • Potentially Shippable Product (PSP) • Sprint burn down chart • Release backlog • Others • Definition of "DONE" • Coding standards • Time-box
Planning meeting issues • Input: user stories • Output: sprint backlog tasks, sprint goal • Issues • User stories not clear (As a [user role] I want to [goal] so I can [reason]), acceptance criteria is not defined • Timebox • Estimation to task not accurate • Solution to task not defined/clear enough • Sprint commitment: what will be done, demo time, retro time
Development issues • Input: tasks • Output: code, shippable product • Issues • Teamwork / Conflict • Testing • Interruptions / New requests from PO
Review meeting • Input: shippable product • Output: sprint pass/fail • Issues • Preparation for demo not good enough • Device for demo (need to demo on bigger screen) • Need to note feedback, bugs, improvements/suggestions
Retrospective meeting • Input: problem lists from team • Output: solution to problems (maybe not all but important ones first) • Issues • Not keep track of previous sprint output/solution • No feedback on technical
References • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8vT7G0WATM • http://agilemanifesto.org • http://www.agilesparks.com/files/Scrum_levels_Danko_Danny_ Kovatch.ppt • http://www.ijse.org.eg/Content/Vol2/No1/Vol2_No1_1.pdf • http://www.protechtraining.com/pdf/ScrumCheatSheet.pdf • http://www.n-axis.in/methodologies-agile.php
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Das Scrum Team und die Stakeholder besprechen die Ergebnisse und was als Nächstes ... Im Sprint Review ist die Beteiligung von Kunden und Anwendern ...
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The sprint review meeting in Scrum is an informal gathering where the scrum team shows what they've accomplished during the sprint.
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Learn more about Scrum. Scaling Scrum. Scale Scrum across teams and download the Nexus guide . Scrum Resources. Find out more about Scrum, download guides ...
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Scrum teams should have one product owner, ... At the sprint review, the team: Reviews the work that was completed and the planned work that was not completed;
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The Agile Management Sprint Review. ... a certain level of friendly comparative competition between scrum teams that keeps everyone ... Explore Mobile Apps.
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text:
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203936302018-06-13T18:43:18.839+10:00Ice PhoenixAn outlet for various thoughts, musings and ideas about anything, really.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-51967087777936455882017-01-29T02:38:00.000+11:002017-02-03T07:11:08.008+11:00"A fool": A Dialogue"Maybe I'm a fool."

"For what?"

"For believing. For wishing. For hoping. For dreaming. For... being kind, to myself. For... letting my guard down. But just, for allowing myself... grace, I suppose. But that's what happens when you allow a hardened heart... to soften, I suppose."

"Do you think you shouldn't have, then?"

"What?"

"Soften. Your heart."

"I don't know. I really don't. I guess I'll never know."

"Why?"

"Because I don't want to know. Because I don't know how much more of this I can take."

"Of what?"

"Of being let down. Of being...let go of."

"So holding on is the problem?"

"Not for them. For me."

"What makes you say that?"

"It's not something that...people can see on the surface. They don't realize... how... how fragile I am. Until perhaps, it's too late. Too late for me, that is."

"I guess that's true. I've never seen you as someone who'd... let things like this, affect you that much."

"Well, now you know. Now you know who, or rather what, I really am."

"And what would that be?"

"Well, what do you think?"

"Don't say that."

"Why not?"

"It's the chances we take. The mistakes we make. That's what counts."

"What does it matter, when you can give it, but you can't take it?"

"But they're two different things you're referring to now."

"And I've only ever been on one side of it. The losing side."Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-56032240256908461862017-01-24T20:05:00.000+11:002017-01-24T20:11:40.227+11:00You weren't there"I needed you, and you weren't there."

"Where were you, when I needed you?"

"I just want you to be happy."

"What about all those times you could've made me happy, and you didn't?"

"I trusted you, and you betrayed me."

"I meant everything I ever said to you."

"That's a lie."

Things we've all heard, or said, at various points in our lives before.

Moments of heightened awareness.

Of the fragility, the vulnerability, of the moment.

Of the precarious position you've placed yourself in.

You can feel it happening. The inevitability of it.

The heartsickness coming on, setting in. The numbness that follows.

The bubble of the moment bursts, and gives way to reality.

Whether right before you, or across the oceans and the stars, there's no way it doesn't touch you and leave you with a scar.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-29438928815587333052017-01-21T10:23:00.000+11:002017-01-22T17:28:58.224+11:00Lawless, faithless"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And if you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you."
- Friedrich Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil

Caught between two worlds of polar opposites.

One where you roam free, and follow your heart's desire at every whim, where you live in the moment and go with the flow and your instincts, with not a care in the world of the consequences that come after.

One where the line between independence, and recklessness and stupidity, becomes ever more blurred, more often than not melding into one and the same.

One where brute, affectionless force is used to make your way in a dog eat dog world, in both your public and private life.

Where the end result of the achievement of your goals justifies the means by which you pursued them.

And then, there's the Other.

Where you pause at every turn and corner, hesitate and think twice.

Where everything is a make-or-break decision from which there's no turning back; for once you gaze into the abyss, it gazes back into you.

It's anarchy, on an invisible plane, on an incomprehensible level.

You're caught between the rules of the two; you're lawless.

You're caught between the beliefs of the two; you're faithless.

And you can't reconcile them, no matter how hard you try.

One wrong, foolish, impulsive move, and you become the very thing that you fight.

Down the road to perdition. The path of no return.

Where you lose yourself, and you can't find your way back.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-5779545169838220042016-12-30T20:18:00.000+11:002018-06-13T16:48:12.661+10:00Since I Saw You Last: A PoemSince I saw you last
The façades have faded
I know you've realized
You don't like what you've found
And we can't go back.

When I saw you last
We gazed beyond
To the horizon
Where all was silent.

Since I saw you last
Grace found us
By the side of the road
Wishing, waiting, wanting
Will you let me go?

When I saw you last
You asked me if I believed it anymore
No, I said.
No, I don't.

Since I saw you last
The sun still shines
The stars haven't dimmed
But the moon is gone
And I can't see anymore.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-78247602466973325372016-12-29T20:47:00.002+11:002016-12-29T20:47:52.157+11:00The terror beyondFools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Dangerous territory, where even the most divine of beings wouldn't dare venture.

They know what's coming. What lies ahead.

Maybe so do you. But you take a leap of faith, anyway.

But it's one too far.

An act of trust, too fast.

A line crossed, beyond the point of no return.

It's too little, too late.

The fearful pause.

The tense moments where you can hear your heart thumping furiously against your chest.

The sudden, overwhelming silence amidst the cacophony.

The cries of despair as the world falls in around you.

Where time slows to a halt.

Where it's too late to stop what's coming. Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-34553407030114630662016-12-28T12:57:00.001+11:002016-12-29T17:19:46.794+11:00To new shores"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."

- André Gide, Les faux-monnayeurs (The Counterfeiters)

Technically, that's a misquote, but the sentiment is nonetheless the same.

The courage to lost sight of the shore.

That courage, that independence, is a muscle, worked and built up over time and effort.

It's what led me to where I am now.

Far from "home", if I can even call it that in the first place.

It's not the first time.

Will it be the last? Who can say.

But it's a brave new world nevertheless.

Decisions and sacrifices made years ago under somewhat different auspices have culminated in a will possessed, and a way found.

May it lead to a life, made.
Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-17102603253201453152015-07-19T02:55:00.000+10:002015-07-19T03:06:32.446+10:00WondersA familiar musical motif from the soundtrack of a favourite or childhood film.

A song that harkens back to a time long gone, or a culture you wished you knew.

A picture of a landscape that makes you feel small, yet on top of the world. The wanderlust that ensues.

The little wonders that take your breath away. That transport you far, far away. That remind you of all that is good in the world, in spite of what's going on in it, or even in your own personal world. That make life worth living when the drudgery of the everyday weighs you down.

The little wonders that make you smile. That make you happy.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-21976492869595555272014-10-02T23:10:00.000+10:002014-10-02T23:10:04.160+10:00Memories"The only reason everyone holds on to memories so tightly, is because they are the only things that don't change when everything and everyone else does."

Memories. They're all we have.

Of things that once were. Of different times. Of different people.

We cling on to them, like a hope that never comes. When reality gets too much, we escape into our memories. We go back in time and relive the moments we treasure so much. The fleeting moments in time when we felt joy; when we laughed; when we were at peace; when, in one of those rare instances, we felt truly happy.

We close our eyes and tell ourselves to stay strong. But the memories haunt us, stubborn and persistent. That's when the line between a happy memory and a nightmare becomes blurred. Where does it start and where does it end?

But like the world turns, things change. And memories are all we have left.

A wistful recollection of times that, looking back, seemed as though you were living in a dream. A window into the past that can never be reconciled with the present reality.

The people; the places; the sights; the sounds; the sensations; the emotions. They're all but gone now.

You don't know who those people are now. You don't recognise the place anymore. You don't remember your feelings any longer.

You're crushed. Your memories of those things make it even worse.

Now, the only evidence of their existence lies in the recesses of our mind; faint recordings of life looped over and over again in our mind's eye, until one day the tape wears out and can no longer be played back. Then, they're gone forever, like they never happened. Time goes by, and old memories are forgotten as newer ones take over.

Those people never existed. Those places were never visited. Those emotions were never felt.

You won't even realise that everything used to be different.

As age takes its toll on the physiology of the human brain, our memories fade away into blank nothingness. A silent but malignant force that nobody can ever see coming.

We forget everything; how it used to be, how it all changed, and that it even existed.

Life itself fades before our very eyes.

And no power in the world can save it.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-69966797130502946662014-06-09T15:44:00.000+10:002014-06-09T15:57:33.551+10:00RunIt's in their flaws, that you truly see a person for who they are.

It's the parts of them the rest of the world doesn't get to see. The parts of them they hide, knowing nobody will like what they see should they be unveiled to the world.

Appearances are deceiving.

You don't know me.

You don't know who I really am.

You can't tell my public face apart from my private self.

You don't know me.

And perhaps you never will.

So what do you do?

You run.

From things. To things.

When that's all you've ever done in your life.

Run.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-27776927399238363922014-02-22T03:56:00.000+11:002014-02-22T04:04:04.828+11:00Hiding: A PoemIt's a mask I wear
A truth I hide
It's a word unspoken
A look concealed.

It's the smile I wear
The laugh I fake
It's the doubt cast aside
The sorrow in silence.

It's where I go
Where fear lies
It's where I succumb
Where catharsis awaits.

It's to the dawn
To reluctant beginnings
It's to the end
To the new world order.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-66777236750632509772014-02-02T00:56:00.000+11:002014-02-22T04:05:32.776+11:00Tabula RasaBlank. Simple. New. Clean. Bright. Malleable. Changeable.

The greatest asset a single living entity can hold. Yet also, the greatest danger.

The possibilities are infinite.

But once a path has been chosen, there can be no turning back.

We all start out as tabulae rasae: wide-eyed, innocent, full of hope and endless potential as we arrive screaming and helpless into the world.

But then, worlds collide; values, beliefs, words and actions clash and intermingle, sometimes with supreme success; other times with horrifying, harrowing consequences.

We scream and cheer with joy, giddy with the good luck that fate bestowed upon us. And we gasp, cry out, turn and run as we witness the horror of the failed courtship that morphs before our very eyes into a dance with death.

Two paths that couldn't be more divergent.

Like a parasite that invades a host, the corruption that corrodes your conscience slowly but surely eats you alive, gradually and exponentially building to a fatal crescendo where choices, fate and destiny brutally collide, with a violence that shatters the worlds of those that hold you near and dear.

You wish you could undo all the damage that's been done. You wish there was a way, way back.

You wish you could wipe the slate clean, and start over.

But you can't.

It's broken. Forever.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-49249085874165549482014-01-25T23:20:00.001+11:002014-01-25T23:20:28.914+11:00I Have a Rendezvous with DeathBy Alan Seeger

1917

I have a rendezvous with Death
At some disputed barricade,
When Spring comes back with rustling shade
And apple-blossoms fill the air—
I have a rendezvous with Death
When Spring brings back blue days and fair.

It may be he shall take my hand
And lead me into his dark land
And close my eyes and quench my breath—
It may be I shall pass him still.
I have a rendezvous with Death
On some scarred slope of battered hill,
When Spring comes round again this year
And the first meadow-flowers appear.

God knows 'twere better to be deep
Pillowed in silk and scented down,
Where love throbs out in blissful sleep,
Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath,
Where hushed awakenings are dear...
But I've a rendezvous with Death
At midnight in some flaming town,
When Spring trips north again this year,
And I to my pledged word am true,
I shall not fail that rendezvous.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-39167515759321428012013-08-19T04:22:00.001+10:002013-08-19T04:23:25.417+10:00From the USS Midway Musuem

Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-4788598446955461282013-06-22T04:55:00.002+10:002013-06-22T04:55:40.853+10:00HomeWe all seek it, but few of us ever find it.

Where is it? For a few, or perhaps many of us, does it even exist? What is it, really?

Where we are, or where we want to go? Where we stay, or where we left? A lifetime left behind, or the memories to come?

But what if, you've never stayed in one place long enough to ever call it home?

You're moved and shaken by circumstances not of your own doing, uprooted just as you're finding your feet, your place, your way in the microcosm of your surrounds.

You feel no sense of loyalty to any one place. You're a drifter, so to speak.

When people ask where you're from, you don't know how to respond.

You never loved the place you left. Yet you simply couldn't like where you arrived. So you look to different shores, but wonder if you'll find what you're looking for.

Then again, how can you find what you're looking for, when you don't know what it is that you're looking for?

When you've never experienced it? When you've never known it?

The one constant in an ever-changing world. A comfort found nowhere else. An asylum in times of crisis. A strength amidst fragility. A warmth in the cold. A light in the darkness.

A place you belong.

But where? Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-48602082724861851972013-06-21T01:11:00.000+10:002013-06-21T01:11:24.324+10:00Hello darkness, my old friendIt's been a while.

Good to be back.

In other news:

LA and San Diego, here I come.

27/07 - 19/12

Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-12422535854229359142013-03-31T20:47:00.000+11:002013-03-31T20:48:12.433+11:00UlyssesBy Alfred, Lord Tennyson

1842

It little profits that an idle king,
By this still hearth, among these barren crags,
Matched with an aged wife, I mete and dole
Unequal laws unto a savage race,
That hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know not me.
I cannot rest from travel; I will drink
life to the lees. All times I have enjoyed
Greatly, have suffered greatly, both with those
that loved me, and alone; on shore, and when
Through scudding drifts the rainy Hyades
Vexed the dim sea. I am become a name;
For always roaming with a hungry heart
Much have I seen and known---cities of men
And manners, climates, councils, governments,
Myself not least, but honored of them all;
And drunk delight of battle with my peers,
Far on the ringing plains of windy Troy.
I am part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough
Gleams that untraveled world whose margin fades
Forever and forever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end.
To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!
As though to breathe were life! Life piled on life
Were all too little, and of one to me
Little remains; but every hour is saved
From that eternal silence, something more,
A bringer of new things; and vile it were
For some three suns to store and hoard myself,
And this gray spirit yearning in desire
To follow knowledge like a sinking star,
Beyond the utmost bound of human thought

This is my son, my own Telemachus,
To whom I leave the scepter and the isle--
Well-loved of me, discerning to fulfill
This labor, by slow prudence to make mild
A rugged people, and through soft degrees
Subdue them to the useful and the good.
Most blameless is he, centered in the sphere
Of common duties, decent not to fail
In offices of tenderness, and pay
Meet adoration to my household gods,
When I am gone. He works his work, I mine.

There lies the port; the vessel puffs her sail;
There gloom the dark, broad seas. My mariners,
Souls that have toiled, and wrought, and thought with me--
That ever with a frolic welcome took
The thunder and the sunshine, and opposed
Free hearts, free foreheads--you and I are old;
Old age hath yet his honor and his toil.
Death closes all; but something ere the end,
Some work of noble note, may yet be done,
Not unbecoming men that strove with gods.
The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks;
The long day wanes; the slow moon climbs; the deep
Moans round with many voices. Come, my friends.
'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
the sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down;
It may be that we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-8027306965353347642013-02-01T01:20:00.001+11:002013-02-16T02:04:43.723+11:00Comfort in painWhen you're so used to it, it's all you know.

You crave it. You can't live without it.

It's all you want. It's all you need.

Life seemingly has no purpose without it.

You hurt, you bleed, you scream, just to feel alive.

What's the point of living, then, if you can't feel alive? When it isn't pervading nearly every aspect of your existence?

It marks phases in your life. Periods when it was all you felt. When it was all your lived for. When it was all that kept you going.

Sometimes it burns like a dull, persistent ache in the background, other times like the hottest fires of hell.

But you like it.

You like the pain.

The hurt. The scars. The flashbacks. The raw emotions. The full weight of the invisible, silent turmoil as it comes crashing down on your consciousness.

You take it all in, soaking it up like there's no tomorrow.

Happiness feels like something's missing. "This is the real deal," you tell yourself.

"It hurts. So bad. But I like it."

It's comfort. In pain.

And you wouldn't have it any other way.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-57397246852031417572013-01-30T00:51:00.001+11:002014-02-22T03:41:42.329+11:00A Steady Rain: A PoemA steady rain
Controlled melancholy
Which no-one deigns
But weathers bravely.

The rhythm beats
The sensation stings
Cold becomes heat
As the heavy nails cling.

The footsteps prod
The judgement wears on
It is but a façade
That they had all drawn.

Grace under the glare
Of an incessant doubt
Respite lies somewhere
In the far-off drought.

A steady rain
Who's to blame?
As resolve was slain
It was ne'er the same.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-41161611225914315552012-12-25T02:48:00.000+11:002012-12-26T00:44:10.380+11:00Faith, afterYou feel this inescapable sense of loss, of knowing they're not around any longer, and that you're never going to see them again for as long as you live. You're never going to be able to hear their laugh, feel their touch, breathe their scent, share those priceless moments of unspoken understanding and closeness. All you have left is a memory of their fleeting existence in the world, and in your life.

But you comfort yourself, and you tell yourself, it's not permanent; you're going to see them again, in the next life.

But others ask: but how do you know? How can you know?

Faith, I suppose.

It must be faith.

A silent, blind hope; a knowing peace of mind; an intuitive understanding that they are on the other side, waiting for you to join them. You haven't forgotten them, and they haven't forgotten you. "It's been too long," they say, "but here you are, at last, at the end of your road in one life, just as I was at mine all those decades back."

You let go.

You'll see them again. You know you will.

The thought soothes you immeasurably.

The power of faith. In the face of death.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-25382710943360108882012-12-16T01:23:00.000+11:002012-12-16T01:23:11.209+11:00RolesWe all play different roles in our relationships with the people whose paths we cross and impact. It's what those roles are that define the very fibres of our beings.

We can choose to be the best of friends, or mortal enemies. Mere acquaintances, or faithful lovers. Blood-bound allies, or unforgivable traitors. Whatever it is, our decisions about the roles we choose to play speak volumes about us as individuals.

Who do you want to be? What do you want to be? But most of all, why are you willing to be who you are, in relation to someone else? And how far are you willing to go to fulfil those roles?

Is it something we see in others, that shapes our relationships with them? Is that why we choose to stay, when we could so easily leave? Is it because we see ourselves becoming better people, because of their mere presence in our lives? Or is it because they love us, fear us, scare us, challenge us, anger us, make us want to cry, scream and shout at the top of our lungs because of what they mean to us, and what we mean to them?

In short, it's the apex of insanity.

But it's something we can't live without.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-41068430576311974432012-11-11T05:08:00.000+11:002014-01-25T23:26:47.696+11:00The fray
Where you drift to. Where you linger. Where you stay.

Until you're called back from it.

The fray.

You're brought back from the brink. Jerked back to the reality which you had all but pushed away into the recesses of your mind. Content with the imaginations of your illusory mind, it wasn't until that moment, that you were pulled back to the here and now.

The startling truth hit. Reality came back, unrelenting as ever.

It never went away. It was always there.

Lurking in the background, silently festering in the dark, as your imagination took centre stage.

But what pulled you back, from the fray?

A change. A revelation. A truth.

Unexpected. Heartbreaking. Frightening.

The answer scares you.

And you don't know if you can face it.
Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-71269713763840443892012-10-20T02:47:00.001+11:002013-01-30T01:15:15.055+11:00Games we playLife's a game. It's just a question of who holds all the aces.

The upper hand. We all seek to gain it in whatever endeavours we undertake. For whoever wields control wields power over his or her adversaries. One word, one decision, and your fate is sealed, your destiny determined.

It's funny how we think that we're in control, when really, it's not our call to make. It's not up to us. It almost always never is.

As much as we like to think that we're in charge of our own fates and destinies, that we make all our own decisions, there are some things in life that are just out of our hands. And for most, if not all of us, it's more than we like, or are comfortable with.

We play the game, but we don't make the rules. Sometimes we're the players, sometimes the pawns. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. It's all out of our hands.

So what do we do, then? What can we do?

I guess we trust.

Trust the process. Trust the path that's been laid out for us, not by us. Trust that everything will turn out alright.

Trust that no matter what, we'll be okay.

Because the game of life leaves no dice unrolled.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-11494824172136681432012-09-22T01:22:00.001+10:002013-01-28T02:43:46.308+11:00Okay"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

Remember that.

You're safe, where you are.

Nothing can touch you.

Nothing can make you betray yourself.

No matter what happens, it's okay.

You're okay.

You're gonna be okay.

Because you're strong enough. Brave enough.

To do what you have to. To do what you know is right.

Because you can. And you will.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-49990124909604447782012-09-07T03:23:00.000+10:002012-09-22T01:10:53.220+10:00BrokenYou go down the path you swore you'd never take.

A momentary lapse in judgement.

You ask yourself, "Why?"

But you can only answer, "Because I was lost in the moment."

You lose control. When you swore you never, ever would.

You become the very thing you fight.

You don't know what to do now. Because you didn't know what you were doing then. Because there's nothing you can do now.

It eats at you. It haunts you. It makes you question everything.

"Why did I let myself do that?"

"Why did I let that happen?"

"How could I have let myself go?"

"I did it before. Why couldn't I do it again? In fact, why didn't I?"

"It was stupid. How could I have been so stupid?"

"Why, why, WHY?"

But the ultimate question is, "What now?"

But you don't know. And you don't think you ever will.

You break down inside.

Can you turn back? Or have you reached the point of no return?

When you fail yourself. When you let yourself down.

And you swore it'll be the last thing you ever do.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20393630.post-38081519956432960032012-08-31T21:46:00.000+10:002012-08-31T21:46:53.037+10:00AftershockCrisis. What comes after?

The shock. Aftershock.

The fallout from the unravelling of the world and life as you know it. When the impact starts to set in and spread its effects like a virus. When it sets off a chain reaction of events that come crashing down like an unstoppable tsunami, mercilessly destroying all in its path.

You move into damage control, trying to right the wrongs before it's too late. Desperate times call for desperate measures. You do things you'd never imagined yourself doing. You go down the path you'd sworn you'd never take, and there's no turning back. You're forced to come clean with the lies and secrets. But can they handle the truth? That's something else completely.

The collateral damage spreads. Like a shockwave that ripples through the earth, pummelling everything to dust. Everyone and everything is affected. It's taken on a life of its own. It's out of control.

You can run, but you can't hide. It'll come back for you sooner or later. Like a living, breathing entity looking for vengeance. There's no escape. There's no respite. There will be no rest until you're dead and buried six feet under.

Aftershock. One wrong move, and everything falls apart.Įçê Pħøéňįхhttp://email@example.com


text:
Villegas v. Weinstein & Riley, P.S. et al
Plaintiff: Veronica D Villegas
Defendant: Weinstein & Riley, P.S., Faslo Solutions, LLC and Richard S Ralston
Case Number: 2:2008cv02252
Filed: December 10, 2008
Court: Arizona District Court
Office: Consumer Credit Office
County: Maricopa
Presiding Judge: Roslyn O Silver
Nature of Suit: Plaintiff
Cause of Action: Federal Question
Jury Demanded By: 15:1692 Fair Debt Collection Act
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text:
One of the most popular fashion trends at the moment is monochrome and lots of celebrities have been seen wearing black and white together. There have been monochrome bags that matched monochrome shoes, there have been black and white separates in different graphic prints.
Tag Archives: Alexander McQueen
Festive Peep Toe Pumps for New Year's Eve Parties
One upon a time, the blond bombshell Marilyn Monroe said: "give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world". If any shoes can do it, peep toe pumps are the first thing that comes to my mind. Fashion Allure presents festive peep toe pumps, perfect for your New Year's Eve parties.
How Chic Boyfriend Blazers Can Help You Live a Better Life
Chic boyfriend-style blazer is a wardrobe essential. It offers a lightweight protection from unstable weather and adds a masculine touch to your outift. As seen on runways and A-listers such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Moss.
How Cat Eye Sunglasses Once Saved the World
Bring back the vintage style of the timeless cat eye sunglasses! The ultrafeminine cat's-eye design is nothing new to the fashion world as it lends a retro '60s look. It all started from Prada fall 2010 runway where Miuccia put colorful cat eye sunglasses on model's noses.
Best Celebrity Gowns – Lady Gaga, January Jones, Jessica Alba, Lea Michele
There have been quite a few notable parties recently where we had a chance to witness some really good fashion. MTV Video Music Awards belonged to Lady Gaga, 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards to January Jones and Lea Michele, and a 67th Venice Film Festival to Jessica Alba.
The 4 Classic Looks of Kate Middleton
The elegant Kate Middleton, wife of Prince William, is one classy lady. Well, being the Princess of the Royal Family, you do have an image to uphold; and she holds it well while still appearing fresh, young and stylish.
The Most Impressive Celebrity Wedding Gowns in Recent Years
From Kate Middleton's fit-for-a-queen bridal gown to Nancy Shevell's fit-for-the-wife-of-a-Beatle dress, celebrities have donned some truly spectacular attire for their weddings. Let's take a look at some of the most impressive (for better or worse) gowns from the last few years.
5 Types of a Little White Dress Celebrities Are Wearing Now
Before spring comes into full bloom, we look to celebrities to find inspiration for the upcoming season. Although a little white dress seems more legit in the summer time, it has become a popular choice on many red carpets of Hollywood.
Golden Globe Awards 2013 – Best Dressed!
The 2013 Golden Globe Awards brought out the very best in fashion and style. With many stars channeling their inner Veronica Lake, the old Hollywood glamour and a retro-inspired beauty was a popular choice.
Luxe Fur Fashion Accessories to ward off Winter chills
Whether on the slopes or in the city, how would you incorporate Winter's most prominent plush trend without committing to whole furs? The cozy (faux) fur accessories are the answear! Follow the runway report and cap off your wild winter looks with a great dose of style.


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Meeting Andrew Neil is the journalism equivalent of sitting down with a legendary heavyweight boxer. If anyone has won some great newspaper bouts and slugged it out with the best, it's him. It all started at The Economist in 1973, culminating in the editorship of the British section.
Then he fought his way through 11 bruising years as editor of The Sunday Times between 1983 and 1994 and turned that title into THE Sunday papers.
Neil was a vital player in Rupert Murdoch's daring switch to Wapping and, amazingly, from 1988 he doubled up as launch chairman of Sky TV. He flitted to Fox TV briefly, before finally falling out with Murdoch after his 1996 autobiography 'Full Disclosure'.
Everyone thought that was the big K.O. for Neil, but to the chagrin of his enemies it seems impossible to keep him on the canvas.
The billionaire Barclay twins, David and Frederick, made him publisher of Press Holdings and The European, The Scotsman Group and The Business have followed – with differing fortunes. Now he has The Spectator, as well as the art magazine Apollo and handbag.com, not to mention two BBC political shows and various other ventures.
Despite all his efforts, Neil, now 56, has been consistently drenched in the bile of media commentators, and to Private Eye, well, he will always be Brillo Pad in a vest with an 'Asian Babe' on his arm.
I talk to him at a super-sized boardroom table in discreet offices in St James's. Still tanned after Christmas in Cape Town, he is engagingly intense and laughs frequently with a flash of pearly white, TV-primed nashers.
And laugh he well might. If you owned a prial of prestigious properties (Kensington, New York, South of France) and were hot-synched into the mainframe of media, you'd be pretty chipper too.
It's 20 years since the Great Battle of Wapping.
How do you feel looking back now?
I can hardly believe it is 20 years. It is one of the watersheds in your life and you wonder how you got through it. But if it had to be done again, I would do it. It was just so important and I feel very proud.
Of course, all the the trouble was entirely unnecessary. If we had been dealing with trade unions that had shown any sense, or any idea that technology changes were coming along, there need never have been a dispute. It could all have been managed in a transitional way, but these were people who had always been victorious in every war and defeat for them was inconceivable, so why bother compromising? I remember in one negotiation meeting, a union man took out a box of matches and threw them at me across the table and said, "Why don't you go and set fire to that new plant. We are never going there and neither are you!" My inner reaction was, You bastard, we will go without you.
What is the legacy of Wapping and its impact on newspapers generally?
The Financial Times wrote subsequently that the history of the newspaper industry is B.W. and A.W.
– Before Wapping and After Wapping. We saved the British newspaper industry, no question. We got new technology in on a realistic cost base and were finally allowed to produce papers that we wanted to produce, as opposed to what the unions would allow us. If Wapping had not happened, there would definitely be far fewer newspapers today. For a start, the unions would have destroyed The Independent.
And there would be no multi-section Saturday or Sunday papers, and very little colour. Newspapers struggle in the best of times, but without Wapping it would be impossible. We got severely criticised for what we did, but all of our critics were able to adopt every one of the breakthroughs that we made.
I speak to younger journalists today and sometimes, when you tell them what it was like before Wapping, there is a look of amazement, like you are making it up. It is so incredible to think the industry was run like it was. You even begin to doubt yourself because it is so unbelievable and so stupid. But so true.
Personally, what are the abiding memories?
It was a harrowing time, but I got through it because I really believed in it. For 13 months, I had to have two bodyguards with me everywhere. They were either ex-SAS or Marines. Every time I went home I had to wait in the car in a side street while they checked the house. For the first 48 hours you felt quite important, but after that it was miserable. You could do nothing and basically I would get into Wapping at 9am and leave at 10pm. I got death threats regularly and a couple of times I was in fear of my life. We got caught up in a riot one night when the driver panicked and took a wrong turn. Another night the house was attacked.
You gave the appearance that you were coping, but privately it was distressing. At Wapping we used to joke that Murdoch would have to put a helicopter on the roof and it would be like the US Embassy in Saigon if the printers won. We knew if we lost we would never work in this town again.
The lowest point was about halfway through when it looked like it would go on forever. There was talk that we were going to crack and do a deal and that depressed me. I went to Murdoch and said, "It's up to you, it's your business, but if those people now come in here, I am gone." He said, "Don't worry, I don't think it's going to happen."
Well, here you are, all these years on and it seems to have panned out pretty well…
Yes. I have never been happier or more fulfilled by all the various jobs that I do. I still enjoy working hard and playing hard, and I am at peace with myself.
That sounds as if that has not always been the case.
Well, while I was at The Sunday Times and at other stages, there was always turmoil, like, am I doing the right thing? What should I do next? But now I love the portfolio of different things that I do. I love working for the Barclays, my broadcasting for the BBC and I love my independent interests.
I love being able to flit between London, South of France and New York.
I am very fortunate. I have a great career that still has a few places to go yet – so I am sorry to disappoint those who are waiting for me to collapse.
Yes, you've had a few negative cuttings, how difficult have you found all the sniping?
They're nearly all negative! If you were a film star you certainly wouldn't want my cuts. To say that it didn't bother you at all, would be a lie. It used to really upset me in the early days of The Sunday Times, but now it probably upsets me just a wee bit.
We are in a pretty petty industry. We are obsessed with ourselves and I think there is a certain amount of jealousy and envy in some of the coverage, written by middle-aged married journalists saying, "Oh, there he goes, off with some bird again, at his houses."
And Private Eye, that's had a good run with you.
I haven't bothered reading The Eye regularly for years.
It used to be religious reading, but now I only see it if I'm at an airport or the dentist.
Looking back, it's not so bad. They make things up, get things wrong, but I do think "The Eye Test" is, in a way, more powerful than the PCC. If what you were doing appeared in The Eye – reported accurately, I might add – could you hold your head up or not?
That is not a bad test and, for all its faults, The Eye provides an important function. Most of what they have written about me has been pretty mythical and I have not done anything that has been reported accurately that I have been embarrassed about.
What! Not even that vest picture they always use? What's the real story behind that? It might help the rest of us be less disturbed by it.
I am amazed they still run it, but I guess that means you still matter. I was a bit embarrassed to begin with, only in the sense that it was presented as how I would turn up at a nightclub, like some ageing rocker.
The picture was taken by Terry O'Neil on Nick Lloyd's camera at the Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados during Christmas in 1994. I wasn't staying there, but we were on the beach, hence the vest and the baseball cap. Nick and Terry hadn't met the new girlfriend and Terry said, "Ah, I've gotta take a picture." I have never actually known why it got into the public domain.
The woman worked at Fox Television and she was the No.1 make-up artist in New York. I have always kept her name private and she has no idea she is the most famous woman in Private Eye. I have lost contact with her now. The picture gives the impression that I was this old man with this young girl, but there was only a 10-year age gap. And she's not Asian, she is Afro-American, but The Eye is obsessed with Asian Babes.
The picture doesn't bother me. Compared to other stuff it is water off the duck's back. I'm like the Catherine Tate character – "Am I bovvered?" No, I'm not. And as for the nickname Brillo Pad, it has been with me so long now it is part of the furniture.
What has been the toughest time for you on the receiving end of the press?
No question – it was the whole onslaught of the Tory press when I serialised Andrew Morton's book about Diana in 1992. It was relentless, personal and unpleasant. Really quite brutal. I'd got a taste of it when I did the "Queen dismayed by uncaring Thatcher" story in 1986. I managed to upset the two people they revered most on that Tory side. It actually won me the award I am most proud of – "Editor Least Likely To Ever Get A Knighthood" – which was from Press Gazette!
With the book, the right-winged Establishment came on a full-frontal attack. What I did was highly controversial and you expect to get monstered, so I have no complaints. It is a free society, so people can say what they want. At one stage, I thought I would have to resign. Murdoch had warned me about it. He said, "Now you are going to become the target and they will try to destroy you." He was right, but they failed. I have a much better relationship with them now and I seem to have out-lasted the greatest critics. But what a nightmare for them – I am chief executive of The Spectator! [Cue laughter and a flash of those pearly whites] Yes,
The Spectator, what stage are you at with finding an editor and what can be expected in terms of changes?
I am just finalising a shortlist. We have had 12 people apply, plus a few other big names who are too proud to apply, but we know they want the job, so I will call them. We will get it down to about three and then there will be further interviews with myself and Aidan Barclay [son of David and the immediate boss]. The two of us will decide. I hope to announce the name at the end of January, or the beginning of February.
The Spectator is a bit like the mouse that roared.
In terms of a business, it is minimal within this company's operation, but its ability to cause trouble is huge because people take it so seriously. It is now part of a serious business and we are upping the resources substantially this year. I am talking in the region of £300,000. That would be around £200,000 for editorial and £100,000 for a brand advertising campaign. These are not huge sums – Condé Nast would eat that in a week – but it is a lot of money for a cottage industry like The Spectator.
Editorially, it will not change radically. Every famous name currently associated with The Spectator should stay, but we should add some more to the mix to broaden the appeal, which may mean more business and non-political coverage. Circulation is currently at 70,000, which is an historic record, but I would love one day for it to get to 100,000. That depends on how much money we put into it, but there is currently a miserable advertising market and I'll have to pull back a bit if we're not hitting budget.
The new editor has got to settle in and put his or her mark on the magazine, which will take six months, so you are looking at the latter part of the year before any promotion. But there are good times ahead for The Spectator.
But not such good times for Stephen Glover. Why has he been sacked again?
The fundamental problem is that Stephen Glover's lifestyle is paid for by Associated – that's where the big money comes from. Almost every second week in The Spectator he was beating up on the Telegraph papers and it was really annoying everyone. One of the Barlcays said to me, "He's not a columnist, he's a fifth-columnist!" No media group in Britain allows one of its titles to regularly beat up on a sister title.
It just doesn't happen, and why should we be any different?
Now that the Barclays have sold the Scotsman Group, your portfolio has been reduced. It has given your detractors something to celebrate.
That is true for now. The Scotsman was the biggest part of the mini empire that I ran, but there are other things that didn't exist before, such as The Business, The Spectator, Apollo magazine and handbag.com, which is our fastest growing business. These things go up and down. I spoke to Aidan and said that we may have to re-negotiate my relationship now that a big chunk of my responsibility has gone. But he said, "No. That's how it is now, but things will change, so let's keep going." We have worked together for nine years and have never had a harsh word between us.
Your falling out with Rupert Murdoch is well documented. I wondered if you ever miss him.
Ultimately, you do miss Rupert because seeing him is a huge intellectual buzz, but it is history. I think it was a pity on a personal level because we had been through some battles. However, the fact that he broke off all communications was useful because it put a line under it. That was the Murdoch years.
I would not give up a moment of them and I have no regrets, but there comes a time with such a powerful figure that you have to move on, and I'm pleased I have. Some people who have worked closely with Murdoch continue to be obsessed with him and talk about nothing else. They define themselves by him.
That said, I have recently had an idea for a book about Murdoch. The working title is The Murdoch Wars – Part One. Divorcing Anna, Lachlan going back to Australia, what does it all mean for the business and Murdoch's great desire to build a dynasty? Will he ever succeed, or will it fall apart?
I mentioned it to my literary agent, Ed Victor, and he jumped at it, but I have yet to write a synopsis.
The book would be done with a co-writer, but I have to work out if it could fit in. My priority is to the Barclays. What I do for them takes precedence over everything else and if anything impinges on my work for them, then I will not do it.
Imagine you were close to Murdoch again, what would you want to know most?
Well, thinking aloud, we would probably end up talking about politics and what I would really want to know is this: When does The Sun swing behind Cameron? Murdoch will know that if he is to do that, he has got to do it soon. There is a mistaken view that The Sun's endorsement before an election is what matters. It is not. It is The Sun's drip-drip support, week in, week out over a prolonged period that builds somebody up and destroys whoever is the alternative. It is the positive and negative effect that is so powerful. If The Sun is really going to get behind Cameron, then it has to do it this year – I would say by the autumn. But first they have got to make up their mind if they think Cameron is a winner.
Certainly, in a professional sense, you seem to have it all, but what does someone like yourself worry about, do you ever have sleepless nights?
I don't actually sleep very well, but that's not down to worrying, I think it's a sign of getting old. I don't need much sleep, not more than six hours, and it is not deep sleep either. I don't worry, but when you become well off having come from nothing, it is always at the back of your mind that you could lose it all. In terms of lifestyle, I make more money than I need – I mean how many nice restaurants can you go to? But what comes with money is independence, and it means that none of the organisations I work for can tell me what to do.
Are you set up for life?
Yeah. Just about. But it has been a long, hard grind in the business I am in to get to financial independence.
It is not like working in the City. It has not happened overnight, you have to accumulate.
How about love and marriage? Is the absence of those a big hole in your life?
I was attached for a while last year to a beautiful Belgian woman, but no, I am not attached at the moment, which is probably why I look so happy!
I quite like being on my own, you know. I love to go out with my close friends. We have a little Fridaynight club when we get together and many of those people have nothing to do with the media. They have known me for 20 or 30 years and I can relax with them and say whatever I want, knowing it won't be repeated. But bliss for me is to have an evening at home on my own.
Marriage is certainly not on the horizon. I would not rule it out, but I think at 56 it becomes less likely.
I live a very selfish existence. Everything is organised around me to help all my work fit in. For me, there is almost no time when work ends and leisure begins. It is a continuous seam.
Your drive is remarkable. What keeps you going and what are your remaining ambitions?
I am very lucky. We are all lucky. We're in a business that is fun and important. During my life, the media has never been more important than it is now. In the old days, the media was pretty miserable. The newspaper industry was run by the print unions and television was not even a business, it was a public service.
Today the media is big business as well as being journalism. I'm constantly energised by it all.
Things have always happened to me by luck and circumstance. I have never had a plan in my career.
I always tell young journalists that journalism is not a place for a career plan, because we are tradesmen who ply a trade.
Finally, what's your view on our newspapers?
British newspapers are the best in the world. We produce some of the finest journalism and, yes, some of the worst, but that is what a free market gives you.
Nothing gives me greater pleasure than going onto a British newsstand and just looking at all the papers on sale. That makes me feel proud.
Newspapers: I am up at 6am every day and read the papers for an hour to get up to speed.
Recently, I have cut back, so now I get delivered the Daily Mail, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Times, the Financial Times, The Sun, the Herald Tribune and the Wall Street Journal.
I read the Mail and the Guardian first because with those I feel I am prepared for whoever I interview on the television. Both papers are very strong and very different, but you know what you are getting and they do it well.
As I am doing more international things, I read and like the Herald Tribune. I use to devour the Wall Street Journal, but since it went tabloid it has lost it a bit. I read The Independent if I see it during the day, and I always get the Evening Standard, which I like and think is looking good since the revamp.
Magazines: Of course The Spectator and now Apollo. I particularly like Prospect, which is a very intelligent centre-left magazine with a lot of original writing that is way above party politics. It is very serious and steps back a bit, as a monthly should, but there's not a lot of chuckles in it. The Economist has always been a favourite.
Television: I Sky+ most things and it's wonderful. You need never watch a commercial again. When I get in at night there's a menu of stuff to watch. I like Channel 4 News and Newsnight.
Radio: I generally listen to the 7am news on Radio 4, but I don't have Today on while I am reading the papers. In the car I listen to Classic FM, unless it is news time, in which case I will have on World At One, or PM.
Web: The web is amazing. I was in New York during Charles Kennedy's demise and I didn't miss a thing. I listened to his resignation statement live on my laptop on Radio 5 in Manhattan.
Remarkable. And if I want to hear something from the Today programme later in the day, I go to its website.
Andrew Neil's FANTASY FLYERS
What would be the Fantasy Headline of the story you would most like to read?
"Scotland wins World Cup with 3-1 victory over Brazil"
What would be the Fantasy Headline involving yourself?
"Neil takes helm at New York Times". It is the most prestigious paper in the world, but I am sure it is never going to happen. My politics aren't right for a start. But it would interest me just for the kudos attached to producing the paper read by the most powerful people in the world.
What would be the headline you most dread?
"Neil takes helm at New York Times". That is because I would love it, but also dread it.
Who would you most like to interview and what question would you ask?
Mohammed: What do you have to say to Osama Bin Laden?
What question would you never answer?
What was she like in bed?
What headline would you like on your obituary?
"Man who launched Sky TV heads for great satellite in the Sky"
No interview would be complete without some discreet product placement. We aim to be a bit more up front, so feel free to pull The Blatant Plug…
If you read The Business and The Spectator and watch The Daily Politics and This Week, you will be better informed than the Prime Minister!
Click here to view the full interview in PDF format
Copyright Rob McGibbon 2006. All Rights Reserved


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- System design and implementation for mission-critical military endeavors including GWOT, OIF and OEF


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Protect Company (Nizhny Novgorod city, Russia) used the Russian SCADA/HMI software TRACE MODE 6 to develop a building automation system across Intel's office.
The total building area of 3,740 square meters is designed to accommodate about 190 employees. Intel's office boasts of the most advanced engineering infrastructure: power supply system (up to 2 MW of power!), and cooling station providing ventilation and air conditioning. The brand new building includes advanced server rooms, power supply stabilizing, leakage control, climate control, fire and security alarms, early smoke detection, fire-fighting system, etc.
The heart of Intel's automated building, TRACE MODE 6 SCADA/HMI provides the following features:
The new TRACE MODE 6 SCADA/HMI based system in Intel's building provides an intelligent automation solution by controlling devices such as chillers, dry coolers, cooling station, pump frequency converters, exhaust fans, central conditioners, fancoils.
The system builds upon the hardware below:
Within Intel's building automation system, the operator PC communicates with the controllers using the built-in SCADA/HMI TRACE MODE 6 drivers:
Trace Mode 6 RTM+ runtime module aquires and processes real time data from controllers. This system also provides operator GUI in English, offering greater flexibility. Enabling end-to-end automation across Intel's building, the system provides the following information screens:
"By employing SCADA TRACE MODE 6 and its enhanced support of the hardware from various manufacturers, we have been able to provide a comprehensive automation solution for Intel's building," sais Pavel Kondratiev, senior engineer at the Protect Company. "The system is online now and ensures easy monitoring of engineering systems across the building."
The New TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI Release 6.10.2 Available For Download
AdAstra Research Group, Ltd (Moscow, Russia) has announced a new release of integrated SCADA- and SOFTLOGIC- system TRACE MODE 6.10.2.
The release is now available for all registered users of TRACE MODE 6 SCADA/HMI for free (it is free for download from the User's Personal Account).
In accordance to increased security requirements of unauthorized access and user authentification in the process control software, new means of user rights management have been introduced. In the 6.10.2 some new features added, bugs detected fixed.
The new release 6.10.2 offers new software products and some improved features ......
TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI Controls Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Fire Safety System
SKB Tensor company (Russia, Moscow region) has developed and successfully commissioned an automated fire safety system for units №1 and №2 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, India (Tamil Nadu).
The automated fire safety system for units №1 and №2 of Kudankulam nuclear power plant, India runs under control of TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI (AdAstrA, Russia).
TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI performs the following functions ...
DPTA Corp is TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI Software Dealer In Ho Chi Minh City (Viet Nam)
TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION AND GERMAN STYLE AUTO was established in 2006, with a team of professionals, engineers, management staff are formally trained, motivated and experienced customers always trust.
TRACE MODE 6.09.2 New Release Available to Users
Adastra Technical support team announces a new release of an integrated and SCADA- SOFTLOGIC-system TRACE MODE 6.09.2.
The new release has successfully passed Microsoft certification tests for compatibility with the Microsoft operating system Windows 8.1.
The new release 6.09.2 offers new software products and some improved features ...
TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI Controls Ventilation in a Riga Commercial and Office Center
A Riga city based Sia Rameda company (Riga , Latvia) has used russian made TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI software to develop a control system for ventilation, heating and cooling equipment in the RD Holding commercial and office center in Riga (street Maskavas 240, Riga , Latvia).
The main purpose of the work is to connect all ventilation machines, chillers and heating units to a centralized computer, supervisory control system to ensure round the clock equipment monitoring from a single center.
The Sia Rameda engineers have replaced an old ....
Training Video: Connecting Mitsubishi FX3U PLC to TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI via Melsec Protocol
Learn how to connect a Mitsubishi Melsec FX3U PLC to TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI through built-in driver with our new free online video training.
To run the film just ....
TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI In Control of The Biogas Fuel Production Plant in Poland
The Test company (Poland) used the TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI software to build the control system for the plant of biogas fuel production from the sewerage - Elbląskie Przedsiębiorstwo Wodociągów i Kanalizacji w Elblągu Sp. z o.o., situated in Elblag city in north-eastern Poland.The Elblag city is a Polish leader in energy production from renewable sources, including biogas and biomass.
According to the developers of biofuel production systems, the use of SCADA TRACE MODE has reduced the overall cost of the project in two-three times (compared to the same level SCADA software).
The system monitors the following values ...
Adastra Releases TRACE MODE 6 RTM for Linux
AdAstra Company (Russia) announced the release of real-time monitor (LinRTM) for the operating system Linux.
TRACE MODE RTM is the main runtime module of the integrated TRACE MODE 6 SCADA/HMI software, designed to operate on operator workstations.
The new LinRTM provides ...
The Brodsky Refinery (Bosnia) Implements TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI for EURO 5 Gasoline Production
In Bosnia, the Bosanski Brod refinery launched a second production line, which was repaired by the Russian company Zarubezhneft. Now the plant is able to produce the gasoline conforming to the Euro 5 standard.
The operator control systems for the gasoline production at the Bosanski Brod refinery were developped and implemented by several Russian system integrators. All integrators used Russian SCADA-software TRACE MODE 6 (AdAstra Research Group, Moscow) for process control of gasoline production.
New Brodsky refinery control system consists of the following parts ...
A New Free Driver for OMRON Sysmac PLC
AdAstra Research Group (Moscow, Russia) has released a new version of the free TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI driver for the OMRON programmable logical controller. The new driver is built in the TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI 6.09 release and above.
A video tutorial demonstrating the technology of OMRON PLCs connecting over the network via UDP using the free built-in driver, is available.
The new driver is much faster, easier and more functional than the previous ones. The new TRACE MODE OMRON PLC driver has the following important features...
TRACE MODE 6 SCADA/HMI In Control Of City Water Supply Utilities
The Iron–Technik company (Ust -Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan), an AdAstra authorized system integrator, has launched into commercial operation an automation system for municipal public utility named "Oskemen" (Ust -Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan ).
The new control system is build with TRACE MODE SCADA/HMI software and embraces 14 plants of the "Oskemen water utility" enterprise, e.g...
Pakistan Students Study Industrial Automation Technologies with SCADA TRACE MODE
The laboratory work was developed by Director Technical, Creative Electronics & Automation in his MSc Research work under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ahmad Choudhry using the Omron's latest CJ1 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), the Device-Net field bus and the latest version of TRACE MODE 6 SCADA/HMI software.
The author can share the experiments the files of SCADA as well as PLC and complete Experimentation & Training documentation. Please contact ...
Current TRACE MODE release 6.10.2. Upgrade now for free!


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Live updates
- ITV Report
Somerset hospital closures will 'continue as planned'
Beds at two community hospital wards in Somerset have been cut from today for the winter due to a shortage of nurses.Read the full story ›
18-year-old man arrested over fatal Shepton Mallet collision
Police have arrested an 18-year-old man from Gloucestershire after a pedestrian died in a collision on the A37 in Shepton Mallet on Sunday.
Avon and Somerset Police say the man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.
Officers had been trying to locate two vehicles following the incident.
A 28-year-old man from Dorset was killed in the collision, which happened shortly after he left the Westfest event at the Bath and West Showground.
Police investigate suspected hit and run death at Shepton Mallet
Police in Shepton Mallet are investigating the death of a man found lying in the road. It's thought he may have been struck by a car on the A37 after leaving a music festival at the Bath and West Showground early yesterday. Several motorists are reported to have stopped at the scene before driving off.
It happened between the Cannards Well public house and the Whitstone roundabout between 5am and 6am. Police say a number of people driving along the A37 stopped and saw the man while he lay injured on the road.
The all-night music event West Fest was being held at the nearby Bath & West Showground.
"We believe several cars may have stopped, including a white car being driven by a man and another car containing at least three women. Were you one of those people in a vehicle that stopped shortly after the incident?"
- ITV Report
Family remember 'much-loved' woman killed in car crash
Hayley Worth's family have paid tribute to a daughter, niece, sister and partner who "had a heart of gold".Read the full story ›
- ITV Report
Meet the brothers who've saved the Somerset cider mill
A local drinks firm run by four brothers has stepped in to save a Shepton Mallet cider mill, which used to bear their family name.Read the full story ›
- ITV Report
Future of Shepton Mallet mill secured by former owners
The Shepton Mallet mill will carry on producing cider but only a fifth of the workers who had jobs there in January have survived.Read the full story ›
Missing vulture is still at large in Somerset
A vulture which was swept off course during a display at the Royal Bath and West Show is still missing.
Owner Ben Potter, of Birds of Prey Displays - based in Yorkshire - says the carrion-eating bird is not dangerous but warns the public not to approach him as they may spook him.
To let Ben know if you see Arthur, call him on 07849846053.
Fancy living in a converted prison? Plans revealed for historic Shepton Mallet site
Parts of a historic former prison in Somerset are to be turned into flats.
Shepton Mallet prison closed and the last of the inmates were moved out in 2013 when this historic building was sold off by the Ministry of Justice.
The developer which bought it has now applied for planning permission to convert the old cell blocks into rows of apartments - 146 homes in total.
We'll be knocking a number of cells together to make someone's apartment. In terms of the window, we'd be looking to lower the sills to get a lot more natural light into the room.
Shepton Mallet Prison has a long and varied history. It was the country's oldest working prison when it closed, dating back to 1610, and several of the buildings are Grade Two listed.
The Magna Carta and the Doomsday Book are said to have been stored there for safekeeping in the Second World War, the Kray twins spent time locked up in the cells, and there's even an execution chamber where American soldiers were hanged for murder when it was a US military prison in the 1940s.
There has been some concern in the town that heritage could be lost.
The developers are promising to set aside a handful of cells as a visitor attraction with museum space and a cafe.
Watch the full report from our reporter Bob Cruwys on development plans for the former prison.
Hope for Shepton cider mill as hundreds offered jobs
There's hope that some of the 127 workers due to be made redundant at the Shepton Mallet Cider Mill will be offered jobs by the Brothers cider firm.
C and C, the Irish owners of the mill, are closing the plant but today announced Brothers has bought a new bottling factory.
The sale includes the land and the buildings housing the bottling line which are located on Kilver Street across the road from the principal buildings of the Cidery. The Krones bottling line has capacity to produce 1.5 million bottles a day.
It says it's struggling to keep up with demand for its flavoured ciders and is expanding operations in Shepton but it'll be at least three months before it will have enough equipment to begin operations on the Kilver Street site.
- Read more: The history of Shepton cider production
Last batch of cider made at mill
Production of iconic Somerset cider brands ceased production this week at the Shepton Mallet Cider Mill.
The Dublin-based C&C Group which owns the mill has now stopped the production of the Somerset ciders Addlestones, Blackthorn, Natch and Olde English. Production will now be at Clonmel in the Irish Republic.
The cider mill is due to close in the summer when production ceases and the pulped fruit is transported to Ireland – the first 40 redundancies have already been announced.


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The painting above is a watercolor of an old barn we discovered by accident when we turned down a road in Townsend, TN trying to locate a trailhead for a hike. I always have my phone camera with me which helps me capture all sorts of photos for painting. Once back in the studio, I can sketch my painting and confirm colors by looking at the photo.
This painting takes place in late summer/early fall and shows just the start of leaves changing color. The bright colors of fall along with some still green trees make for a great contrast of the old wood of the barn. The rusty roof pulls in the orange in the few trees that have changed color.
Let's get started on this painting.
Materials Needed:
140# Watercolor paper – I use Arches
Masking fluid#12 round brush
Flat brush
Liner brush
Watercolor Paint:Payne's Gray
Sap Green
Windsor Blue
Yellow Ochre
Van Dyke Brown
Burnt Sienna
Sketch the scene on your paper which has been taped to a board. We will be executing this painting, as with most watercolors, by starting with the background and working forward and lighter building into darker – wet on wet. I painted this watercolor in this order:
· Background foliage and sky
· Tree trunks/branches
· Barn
· Foreground grass and dirt road
· Fencing
I masked off the tree trucks and a few of the limbs with masking fluid. I wanted to be able to make these stand out in the background among the foliage.
Note: I did not feel it necessary to mask off the barn or roof. Watercolor will only flow into areas where it is wet. I simply did not wet that area when I applied my water to the background.
Painting the sky and background foliage:After the masking fluid has dried, wet the top portion of your paper down to the horizon (working around the barn). Using a pale wash of Windsor blue, paint in your sky using a flat brush and painting all the way down to the horizon. While this is still wet create areas of tree shapes with lighter colors in the background building into darker shades in the foreground using a round brush and all the colors you would like for trees and mountains. Let the colors blend and merge together to create some great colors and shapes. Allow to dry.
Painting the tree trunks and branches:Remove the masking from the tree trunks and branches. Wet the spaces with clean water and while still wet, drop in a mixture of Payne's Gray and VanDyke Brown with just a touch of Ultramarine in darker areas. Allow to dry. Using the same colors used for the tree trunks, add a few darker branches and small trunks in the tree area.
Painting the Barn:I painted the barn in stages starting with the roof first. I love painting rusty roofs and watercolor paints are perfect for this. Watercolors almost paint rust for you! Wet the roof area and drop in Burnt Sienna and Ultramarine. Let these colors blend, leaving some areas only Burnt Sienna. Allow to dry.
Painting the Wood sides of the barn:
Wet the sides of the barn with clean water and drop in a wash of Payne's Gray and yellow ochre allowing the colors to mingle. Deepen the gray in the shadow of the roof. Allow to dry. Paint the open door and window areas with a wash of Vandyke Brown mixed with Payne's Gray. Allow to dry. Using a liner brush, paint in some lines to indicate the boards. Allow to dry and dry brush in additional lines to indicate the grain in the wood. Do not make this too detailed.
Painting the foreground grass and dirt road:Using the same colors used in the trees, paint a light wash – wet on wet in the grassy areas. While the grass is still wet, drop in VanDyke brown at the base of the barn and pull up the color onto the barn sides for tall dried grasses.
The road is painted wet on wet with a wash of Payne's Gray and Van Dyke brown. When the wash dries, spatter some of the same color paint on the road. Leave some of the areas lighter for tire tracks.
Allow the road and the grassy areas to dry.
Painting the fencing:Paint the fence posts, wet on wet, and drop in VanDyke brown, Payne's Gray and Ultramarine in random places on the fence posts. Allow to dry. Using a liner brush and a mix of Payne's Gray and Ultramarine, paint the barbed wire of the fence. Do not paint straight lines. Allow to dry.
Finishing touches:
Congratulations! Don't forget to sign your name!
Happy Painting!Karen