#Australia new batte

[i-was-today-years-old-when]

i learned about what actually happened to the “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin

He was barbed by a stingray.

…it went through his chest like a hot knife through butter

-his cameraman, who had filmed the whole incident, reported on this.

I wouldn't say the cameraman was being tactless. I've seen it is normal for Australians to describe things in such a blunt manner.

Yes, September 4, 2006. Steve was filming his new television show at Batt reef, Queensland, Australia.

He and his team were trying to track and film a deadly tiger shark. While they were there, they saw a large stingray.

Steve went to swim right above the stingray with a camera, and that's when it barbed him straight in his chest.

Stingrays use “barbs” – three venomous spinal blades in their tail, as a defence mechanism when threatened.

He pulled at least one of them out of his chest, and later fell unconscious.

His team did whatever they could to save him on the speedy trip back. They yelled at him about his kids, and told him to be strong for them.

“Think of your kids, Steve, hang on, hang on, hang on.”

The barbs had pierced his heart.

Once they reached the shore, ready paramedics tried to save him, but sadly Steve passed before they reached the hospital.

His death was all on tape. Only a copy was given to police, a copy given to his wife. Several “videos” can be found on YouTube but they are all fake.

Steve had such great passion for his job, and made a huge contribution to spreading awareness on Australia's wildlife conservation and tourism.

He is survived by his wife, children, and granddaughter.

[garaksapprentice]

To further illustrate the point that you don't need to spend this much to spin things (I can't really comment on loom stuff):

Keep in mind that the carder is a professional model - it's aimed squarely at people who card wool for a living, such as indie batt makers. You absolutely do not need this much carder unless you're doing multiple fleeces a day, every day, or doing similar kinds of production fibre work.

And while drum carders just aren't that cheap, the regular/hobby sizes are about half the price of this Brother model. They're less again if you're lucky/persistent and manage to find one secondhand. Heck, if you have a spinners guild within a reasonable travel time of where you live, you might be able to rent one from them for $15-$20 for a month if you join.

Hand cards - the precursor to the drum carder - are cheaper again, starting at about $70 and going up from there. They make a smaller and slightly different end result, but you can still do this kind of blending on them.

Ashford makes good products, nice and solid, and they will last until your great-grandchildren's time if they're well cared for. (My first spinning wheel was an Ashford Traditional that was made in the 70s. There are several even older than that hanging around my local guild.) This means that there's usually a decent second hand market in their products anywhere that they're sold a lot (ie New Zealand, Australia, the US, probably other places I don't know about).

But also - you can find secondhand treadle wheels in good working order for a few hundred dollars, or less, across large parts of the globe. Unless you have hip or knee issues, a treadle wheel will be much easier to find second hand. And it will be more than adequate for turning out art yarn, since you don't need a lot of go for chunky stuff.

Don't have a few hundred to drop on a wheel? Let me introduce you to spindles. You can spin any size yarn on a spindle, from very fine to extremely thick (though you'd usually use two different spindles for it). And spindles in general are just *really cheap* compared to most other fibre tools - even the most expensive, fancy pants spindles are usually cheaper than a low-end wheel. Heck, I DIY my preferred style for ±$3.50 each, using 6mm dowel and oven-bake clay from the cheap shop.

If you're looking specifically for chunk, though, thigh spindles such as those used by the Diné are great. They have a lot more storage space compared to a smaller, suspended spindle.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Prasidh Krishna Bowling in the nets. Source: BCCI Before the landmark series victory in Australia in 2018-19, India’s travels Down Under were usually stories of misadventure. Most of the batters would struggle with the steepling bounce at venues like Perth, while there was never a pace pack potent enough to challenge the hosts. There were one-off highlights, like Kapil Dev’s 5-43 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), while hobbling with a hamstring injury, and Ajit Agarkar’s bolt-from-the-blue 6-41 against Steve Waugh’s side in Adelaide (2003). But more often than not, India’s frontline pacers would make a mark before the inadequate back-up released the pressure valve. The nadir was probably reached in Perth in January 2012, when Vinay Kumar came on first change and proceeded to bowl floaters clocked in the low 120s. David Warner rampaged his way to 180 off 159 balls, a score greater than India managed in either innings. When the tables were turned seven years later, it was Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami that were the best bowlers on view, with Ishant Sharma often providing telling breakthroughs. It was a very different story four years ago, when no Indian bowler took more than Mohammed Siraj’s 13 wickets. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were the pick of the bowlers, but Australia’s insistence in not rotating their star trio meant that they were quite out of puff by the time Rishabh Pant unleashed his series-winning heroics at The Gabba. What India did do exceptionally in 2020-21, while battling a swathe of injuries, was covering for each other. Bumrah took 11 wickets in three Tests, Shardul Thakur starred with seven at the Gabba, while T Natarajan and Navdeep Saini also summoned up telling spells when asked. With R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja also bowling beautifully, India’s bowling patchwork quilt did what was needed. Shami was a notable absentee then as well, but how well-placed are India to replace him and form a penetrative trio for what will be an arduous five-Test slog? Despite his struggles on Indian pitches, Siraj surely shares the new ball with Bumrah, especially given how he bowled Down Under in his debut series. But, what next? Harshit Rana has the raw pace, but next to no experience. That he didn’t play either of the first two India A Tests suggests he has been taken only as back-up. Akash Deep is the next in a long line of Indian pacers whose methods are best suited to the subcontinent. In his limited opportunities so far, he has done little to suggest he could be a game-breaker with the older ball. Which brings us to Prasidh Krishna. One of the most celebrated spells by an Indian pacer in Australia – though it fetched only one wicket – was Ishant Sharma’s at the WACA in Perth in January 2008. He had Ricky Ponting fending, flailing and getting hit before finally putting him out of his misery. The beanpole-like Ishant was able to hit just the perfect length, not too full for Ponting to unfurl his drives, and not too short for him to play those crunching pulls. Also Read: Why flamboyant India will miss the guts of Vihari in Australia Prasidh Krishna (Source: BCCI) Prasidh, on his good days, is capable of hitting that bat-jarring length and at lively pace. That India A’s second Test against their Australian counterparts lasted three days was largely down to splendid batting from Dhruv Jurel and spirited bowling from Prasidh, Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed. When Prasidh accounted for both Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft in the opening over of Australia A’s pursuit of 168, it certainly livened up proceedings. But it wasn’t just the wickets. He probed away diligently in a long spell, and it needed an innings of substance from Sam Konstas – touted as Australia’s next great batting hope – to see the side home. Prasidh played two Tests in South Africa a year ago, and was a huge letdown on a pace-friendly surface at Centurion. Even as South Africa’s quicks took 19 of the 20 wickets to fall, Prasidh and Shardul just leaked runs, providing neither wickets nor control.

Many an Indian cricketer has been dumped after such a false start, but Prasidh shouldn’t be. Given the lack of standout options at the moment – Mayank Yadav is again injured – it may not be a bad thing to take a punt on his height and ability to extract bounce. As India showed on their last tour, you don’t always need five-wicket hauls to win Tests. If Prasidh can hold down that third seamer’s slot, and chip in with useful runs as he did in the India A game, he could just be the answer to India’s problems.    For More Sports Related Content Click here The post Time to give Prasidh Krishna a second chance appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Prasidh Krishna Bowling in the nets. Source: BCCI Before the landmark series victory in Australia in 2018-19, India’s travels Down Under were usually stories of misadventure. Most of the batters would struggle with the steepling bounce at venues like Perth, while there was never a pace pack potent enough to challenge the hosts. There were one-off highlights, like Kapil Dev’s 5-43 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), while hobbling with a hamstring injury, and Ajit Agarkar’s bolt-from-the-blue 6-41 against Steve Waugh’s side in Adelaide (2003). But more often than not, India’s frontline pacers would make a mark before the inadequate back-up released the pressure valve. The nadir was probably reached in Perth in January 2012, when Vinay Kumar came on first change and proceeded to bowl floaters clocked in the low 120s. David Warner rampaged his way to 180 off 159 balls, a score greater than India managed in either innings. When the tables were turned seven years later, it was Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami that were the best bowlers on view, with Ishant Sharma often providing telling breakthroughs. It was a very different story four years ago, when no Indian bowler took more than Mohammed Siraj’s 13 wickets. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were the pick of the bowlers, but Australia’s insistence in not rotating their star trio meant that they were quite out of puff by the time Rishabh Pant unleashed his series-winning heroics at The Gabba. What India did do exceptionally in 2020-21, while battling a swathe of injuries, was covering for each other. Bumrah took 11 wickets in three Tests, Shardul Thakur starred with seven at the Gabba, while T Natarajan and Navdeep Saini also summoned up telling spells when asked. With R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja also bowling beautifully, India’s bowling patchwork quilt did what was needed. Shami was a notable absentee then as well, but how well-placed are India to replace him and form a penetrative trio for what will be an arduous five-Test slog? Despite his struggles on Indian pitches, Siraj surely shares the new ball with Bumrah, especially given how he bowled Down Under in his debut series. But, what next? Harshit Rana has the raw pace, but next to no experience. That he didn’t play either of the first two India A Tests suggests he has been taken only as back-up. Akash Deep is the next in a long line of Indian pacers whose methods are best suited to the subcontinent. In his limited opportunities so far, he has done little to suggest he could be a game-breaker with the older ball. Which brings us to Prasidh Krishna. One of the most celebrated spells by an Indian pacer in Australia – though it fetched only one wicket – was Ishant Sharma’s at the WACA in Perth in January 2008. He had Ricky Ponting fending, flailing and getting hit before finally putting him out of his misery. The beanpole-like Ishant was able to hit just the perfect length, not too full for Ponting to unfurl his drives, and not too short for him to play those crunching pulls. Also Read: Why flamboyant India will miss the guts of Vihari in Australia Prasidh Krishna (Source: BCCI) Prasidh, on his good days, is capable of hitting that bat-jarring length and at lively pace. That India A’s second Test against their Australian counterparts lasted three days was largely down to splendid batting from Dhruv Jurel and spirited bowling from Prasidh, Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed. When Prasidh accounted for both Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft in the opening over of Australia A’s pursuit of 168, it certainly livened up proceedings. But it wasn’t just the wickets. He probed away diligently in a long spell, and it needed an innings of substance from Sam Konstas – touted as Australia’s next great batting hope – to see the side home. Prasidh played two Tests in South Africa a year ago, and was a huge letdown on a pace-friendly surface at Centurion. Even as South Africa’s quicks took 19 of the 20 wickets to fall, Prasidh and Shardul just leaked runs, providing neither wickets nor control.

Many an Indian cricketer has been dumped after such a false start, but Prasidh shouldn’t be. Given the lack of standout options at the moment – Mayank Yadav is again injured – it may not be a bad thing to take a punt on his height and ability to extract bounce. As India showed on their last tour, you don’t always need five-wicket hauls to win Tests. If Prasidh can hold down that third seamer’s slot, and chip in with useful runs as he did in the India A game, he could just be the answer to India’s problems.    For More Sports Related Content Click here The post Time to give Prasidh Krishna a second chance appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[moochilatv]

BATTS presents: Vessel Of Love

The voice feet's perfect with the song amazing piano production

Vessel Of Love is the lead single off BATTS third album 'Just My Luck', the project of England born-Melbourne based Tanya Batt.

It follows her AMP nominated Sophomore album ‘The Nightline’ which featured songs with Sharon Van Etten and Deep Sea Diver. Supported around the world by BBC 6 Music, NPR, Brooklyn Vegan, NME, Sterogum and other notable outlets, ‘The Nightline’ was followed by tours with Sharon Van Etten, Cate Le Bon, Beth Orton and Peter Garrett before Batt re-entered the studio to create her third album.

Batt’s main focus for the third album was to fall in love with music again, to find the joy and playfulness in it all, something she felt she had lost through grief and the toxicities that exist in the industry. Created alongside her longtime band members Lachlan O’Kane, Brendan Tsui, and Ross Beaton and recorded in the beautiful surrounds of rural Victoria with engineer Alex O’Gorman. It was a chance to experiment and make an album rid of pressures with her musical family, an album she vowed she wanted to make before starting her own family. It covers an array of topics and chapters throughout her own life and gave her a chance to close some doors behind her before walking into the new one of ‘Motherhood’. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BATTS (@battsmusic)

Just My Luck emotionally and sonically ranges from fun and upbeat with numbers like ‘Sell You The Sun’ drawing on influences such as The Beatles and Wilco to the heart wrenching closer ‘Bereaved’.

Batt expresses: “I feel like there is a little something for everyone on this album, the first half is more upbeat and punchy and then it takes a more melancholy turn towards the end. This is my third album and I just really wanted to have fun with my band, take away the pressures and just have a great time creating.”

Listen Vessel of Love in Soundcloud:

Pre-order Just My Luck: https://www.diggersfactory.com/fr/artist/2282/batts

BIO:

BATTS is the project of Melbourne based musician and space enthusiast Tanya Batt. Creating a blend of folk and rock, whilst previously weaving in samples collected from space missions courtesy of NASA, throughout her music.

2022 saw BATTS moving away from space collaborations and onto collaborating with two of her songwriting idols - Sharon Van Etten with her single ‘Blue’ and Deep Sea Diver on ‘Linger’. 2022 also saw the announcement of her own label ‘I Feel Fine Records’ to launch her Amp Nominated Sophomore release ‘The Nightline’ released on Oct 14th 2022. 

Returning again in 2024, BATTS shares her new single ‘Sell You The Sun’ off the back of three sold out headline shows and two sold out shows supporting Beth Orton. Having spent 2023 writing and recording a new album, Sell You The Sun is her first new musical offering since ‘The Nightline’. 

BATTS has toured Australia with many international and local artists - Sharon Van Etten, Lucius, Cate Le Bon, Beth Orton, Vika & Linda, The Teskey Brothers, The Magic Numbers, Nilüfer Yanya, Leif Vollebekk and many more.

[trustsnew]

Tasmanian emergency services were urging residents and businesses along the Derwent River to prepare to evacuate on Sunday, while Victorians have been warned of destructive winds as wild weather batte...

[wikiuntamed]

On this day in Wikipedia: Monday, 4th March

Welcome, laipni lūdzam, velkommen, vitajte 🤗 What does @Wikipedia say about 4th March through the years 🏛️📜🗓️?

4th March 2023 🗓️ : Death - Phil Batt Phil Batt, American soldier and politician, 29th Governor of Idaho (b. 1927) "Philip Eugene Batt (March 4, 1927 – March 4, 2023) was an American politician who served as the 29th Governor of Idaho from 1995 to 1999. A member of the Republican Party, Batt had previously served as the 35th Lieutenant Governor of Idaho, Chair of the Idaho Republican Party, and as a member of the..."

Image licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0? by Jake Putnam from Boise, USA

4th March 2019 🗓️ : Death - Luke Perry Luke Perry, American actor (b. 1966) "Coy Luther "Luke" Perry III (October 11, 1966 – March 4, 2019) was an American actor. He became a teen idol for playing Dylan McKay on the Fox television series Beverly Hills, 90210 from 1990 to 1995, and again from 1998 to 2000. Perry also starred as Fred Andrews on the CW series Riverdale. He had..."

Image licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0? by Gage Skidmore

4th March 2014 🗓️ : Death - Wu Tianming Wu Tianming, Chinese director and producer (b. 1939) "Wu Tianming (simplified Chinese: 吴天明; traditional Chinese: 吳天明; pinyin: Wú Tiānmíng; December 5, 1939 – March 4, 2014) was a Chinese film director and producer who was considered one of the leading "Fourth Generation" directors. ..."

Image licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5? by Jeffdelonge 06:46, 14 February 2007 (UTC)

4th March 1974 🗓️ : Birth - Bill Young (rugby union) Bill Young, Australian rugby player "Bill Young (born 4 March 1974, in Sydney, New South Wales) is an Australian former professional rugby union footballer. He played rugby for the Brumbies in the international Super Rugby competition and played for Australia over 40 times...."

4th March 1924 🗓️ : Birth - Kenneth O'Donnell Kenneth O'Donnell, American soldier and politician (d. 1977) "Kenneth Patrick O'Donnell (March 4, 1924 – September 9, 1977) was an American political consultant and the special assistant and appointments secretary to President John F. Kennedy from 1961 until Kennedy's assassination in November 1963. O'Donnell was a close friend of President Kennedy and his..."

Image by Abbie Rowe

4th March 1824 🗓️ : Event - Royal National Lifeboat Institution The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity that saves lives at sea around the coasts of the British Isles, was founded as the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck by author and philanthropist William Hillary. "The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is the largest of the lifeboat services operating around the coasts of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, as well as on some inland waterways. Founded in 1824 as the National Institution for the..."

Image

4th March 🗓️ : Holiday - Christian feast day: Adrian of Nicomedia "Adrian of Nicomedia (also known as Hadrian) or Saint Adrian (Greek: Ἁδριανὸς Νικομηδείας, romanized: Adrianos Nikomēdeias, died 4 March 306) was a Herculian Guard of the Roman Emperor Galerius Maximian. After becoming a convert to Christianity with his wife Natalia (Ναταλία), Adrian was martyred at..."

Image by Unknown authorUnknown author

[tasmaniantravelholidays]

What to do on Sundays in Hobart, Tasmania?

Explore the Best Things to Do in Hobart on a Sunday

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to spend your Sunday in Hobart, then you’re in luck! Hobart is a vibrant and diverse city with plenty of things to see and do. From experiencing the bustling waterfront to exploring the city’s hidden gems, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll, a day of shopping, or an adventure around town, this list of things to do on Sunday in Hobart will help you make the most of your day.

Things to Do In Hobart, Australia — Hobart Attractions

If you’re looking for outdoor activities, there are plenty of scenic trails to explore, plus plenty of opportunities for swimming, sailing and kayaking. For a unique experience, take a ride on the MONA Roma, a cable car that takes visitors up to the summit of Mount Nelson for panoramic views of Hobart. There’s something for everyone in Hobart, and plenty of activities to keep you busy!

Looking to Visit Tasmania soon?

Tasmanian Travel & Holidays | Tours | Experiences | By LOCAL'S

Tasmanian Group Travel & Experiences: Local Expertise - A One Stop Shop for Your Holiday Needs. Local Tasmanian…

www.tasmaniantravel.com.au

Car Hire In Hobart Tasmania: 2 - 20 People

Car Hire In Hobart Tasmania. 2 - 6- 7 - 11 - 21 - 22 Seat Tasmanian Cars, Minibuses, Minivans Hire Rental. Hobart…

www.carhireinhobarttasmania.com.au

Hobart: Accommodation / Tours / Transport

Stay in the heart of Hobart! Our city accommodation offers stylish rooms, stunning views of the harbor & close…

8 Seat Luxury Mercedes-Benz Valente

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Hobart, Tasmania, offers a variety of activities to enjoy on a Sunday. Here are some suggestions:

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

Spend your Sunday exploring the unique and thought-provoking art collections at MONA. Take the ferry from Brooke Street Pier to enjoy a scenic journey along the Derwent River.

Mount Wellington:

Enjoy a scenic drive or take a hike up Mount Wellington for panoramic views of Hobart and the surrounding landscapes. The mountain is easily accessible by car.

Botanical Gardens:

Explore the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, which showcase a wide variety of plant species. It’s a peaceful place for a Sunday stroll.

Battery Point:

Wander through the historic streets of Battery Point, characterized by charming cottages and historic architecture. Enjoy a leisurely walk and visit local cafes and shops.

Cascade Brewery:

Visit the Cascade Brewery, Australia’s oldest operating brewery. Take a tour to learn about the brewing process and enjoy tastings.

Hobart Waterfront:

Spend a relaxing Sunday at the waterfront. Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes, take a stroll along the harbor, or visit the various shops and galleries.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG):

Explore the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, which offers insights into Tasmania’s natural and cultural history.

Dine at Local Restaurants:

Hobart has a vibrant culinary scene. Spend your Sunday trying out local restaurants and cafes, sampling Tasmanian produce and flavors.

Ferry to Peppermint Bay:

Take a ferry from Brooke Street Pier to Peppermint Bay for a scenic cruise. Once there, enjoy a meal at the Peppermint Bay Hotel and explore the local area.

Visit Local Parks:

Enjoy a relaxing day at one of Hobart’s parks, such as St David’s Park or Fitzroy Gardens, where you can have a picnic or simply unwind.

Attend Local Events:

Check for any special events, markets, or performances happening in Hobart on a Sunday. Local community events can add a unique touch to your day.

Sunday Thoughts — Hobart City

On a Sunday in Hobart, Tasmania, you can explore a range of activities, whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing by the waterfront. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a Sunday in Hobart:

Morning:

Breakfast in Battery Point:

Head to Battery Point, a charming historic neighborhood, for breakfast. There are several cafes and restaurants offering delicious breakfast options.

Late Morning:

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens:

Take a leisurely stroll through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the beauty of various plant collections, including the Japanese Garden and the Conservatory.

Afternoon:

Lunch at a Waterfront Restaurant:

Head to the Hobart waterfront for lunch. There are numerous restaurants and cafes with waterfront views. Enjoy fresh seafood or local Tasmanian cuisine.

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art):

Take the ferry from Brooke Street Pier to MONA. Spend the afternoon exploring the unique and contemporary art collections. Check the ferry schedule and museum opening hours.

Late Afternoon:

Mount Nelson Lookout:

Drive or take a short hike up to the Mount Nelson Signal Station for panoramic views of Hobart, the Derwent River, and beyond. It’s a great spot to capture the beauty of the city.

Evening:

Dinner in North Hobart:

Head to North Hobart for dinner. This area is known for its diverse dining options, including international cuisines and local favorites.

Live Music or Entertainment:

Check for live music performances or entertainment happening in Hobart on Sunday evening. There might be local pubs or venues hosting events.

Night:

Stroll Along the Waterfront:

Take a relaxing stroll along the Hobart waterfront at night. Enjoy the city lights and the peaceful ambiance.

Car Hire In Hobart Tasmania: 2 - 20 People

Car Hire In Hobart Tasmania. 2 - 6- 7 - 11 - 21 - 22 Seat Tasmanian Cars, Minibuses, Minivans Hire Rental. Hobart…

www.carhireinhobarttasmania.com.au

Tasmanian Travel & Holidays | Tours | Experiences | By LOCAL'S

Tasmanian Group Travel & Experiences: Local Expertise - A One Stop Shop for Your Holiday Needs. Local Tasmanian…

www.tasmaniantravel.com.au

Hobart: Accommodation / Tours / Transport

Stay in the heart of Hobart! Our city accommodation offers stylish rooms, stunning views of the harbor & close…

www.hobartaccommodationhotelstasmania.com.au

[roofingspecialist]

Roof Insulation Bunnings

Insulation is a key way to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. New insulation can save you money on your power bills, and prevent heat loss from your roof.

Insulation batts come in varying widths, so choose one that fits snugly between your rafters or joists. Cut it to size with a utility knife and use a straight edge.

Earthwool(r) R-3.0

Earthwool(r) is a glass wool insulation product made using up to 80% recycled glass, manufactured with Knauf Insulation’s ECOSE(r) Technology, a bio-based binder that has been proven to be up to 70% less energy intensive than petroleum based chemicals. It also contains no dye or colourants and is odourless.

In addition to a greener, more sustainable approach to manufacturing, Earthwool(r) is super-soft to handle and install, recovers quickly and greatly reduces the transmission of noise in your home. This makes it a great choice for ceilings, floors, basements, attics and crawlspaces.

It is also available in pre-cut rectangles at either 430mm or 580mm widths to suit most ceiling joist centres and installation is quick and easy. It is also odourless and has a 50-year warranty.

Earthwool(r) R-5.0

Knauf Earthwool(r) R-5.0 is a super soft, safe and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional glasswool insulation batts. It’s made with up to 80% recycled glass and ECOSE(r) Technology, a bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde.

As a result, it’s softer to handle, has a better air quality and is less itchy than traditional glasswool products. It’s also odourless, rot proof and won’t catch fire or absorb airborne moisture.

The range includes a wide selection of R-values for builders, designers and DIYers to choose from. They’ll improve the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of your building, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

It’s also a great acoustic insulation batt for reducing the transmission of unwanted noise from one room to another. This product comes in a variety of acoustic densities and thermal R-values, and is available in a range of lengths and widths to suit your building project.

Foilboard Handy Panel

Lightweight Rigid Panel Insulation made from EPS (Polystyrene) with Aluminium Foil Laminated to Both Sides. It will suit a wide range of applications including Walls, Underfloor and Cathedral Ceilings.

Fully endorsed by Standards Australia, Foilboard(r) GREEN is the premium insulation product in its market. It is manufactured in Australia from a fire retardant expanded polystyrene core (FR-EPS) with pure aluminium foil directly laminated to both sides, creating superior insulation, thermal break and non-permeable moisture barrier.

It has been engineered and designed to ensure a quick and easy installation of a non-itchy, fibre-free rigid insulation panel that will provide continuous thermal performance for the life of the building.

Foilboard Handy Panel is also a great way to save money on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Available from Bunnings Warehouse, this lightweight insulation is a perfect choice for DIY and retrofitting purposes.

Kingspan

Kingspan is a market leading manufacturer of innovative, ultra-thin flexible insulation products and super high performance rigid insulation systems for building fabric and building services applications. The company’s range includes Optim-R, Kooltherm, TEK and KoolDuct insulation systems.

OPTIM-R vacuum insulation panels are manufactured with a microporous core that is evacuated and encased in a thin gas-tight envelope. This removal of air eliminates almost all heat transfer.

The patented closed-cell foam structure is sandwiched by highly reflective foil surfaces and perforated with tiny, evenly spaced holes for improved vapour transmission. The resulting innovation reduces the risk of condensation in walls with cavities and provides a dual-in-one insulation and moisture management solution.

The phenolic foam system is resistant to burning and spread of flame far better than commonly used foams and passes the ASTM E84 and NFPA 90a 25/50 flame and smoke developed indexes. It also does not melt, drip or produce flaming droplets when exposed to a fire.

[acatwithmanyfandoms]

After somewhat “extensive” research, I’ve determined that the US City that is closest to Battery City in square miles is Anchorage, Alaska.

[whyisthisfrenchguymasturbating]

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Wombat

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For other uses, see Wombat (disambiguation).

Wombats are short-legged, muscular quadrupedal marsupials that are native to Australia. They are about 1 m (40 in) in length with small, stubby tails and weigh between 20 and 35 kg (44 and 77 lb). All three of the extant species are members of the family Vombatidae. They are adaptable and habitat tolerant, and are found in forested, mountainous, and heathland areas of southern and eastern Australia, including Tasmania, as well as an isolated patch of about 300 ha (740 acres) in Epping Forest National Park[2] in central Queensland.

Wombat[1]

Temporal range: Late Oligocene – Recent 

PreꞒ

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Common wombat

Maria Island, TasmaniaScientific classificationKingdom:AnimaliaPhylum:ChordataClass:MammaliaInfraclass:MarsupialiaOrder:DiprotodontiaSuperfamily:VombatoideaFamily:Vombatidae

Burnett, 1830Type genusVombatus

Geoffroy, 1803

Genera and species

Vombatus

Vombatus ursinus

†Vombatus hacketti

Lasiorhinus

Lasiorhinus latifrons

Lasiorhinus krefftii

†Rhizophascolonus

†Nimbavombatus

†Phascolonus

†Warendja

†Ramasayia

†Sedophascolomys

Etymology

The name "wombat" comes from the now nearly extinct Darug language spoken by the aboriginal Darug people, who originally inhabited the Sydney area.[3] It was first recorded in January 1798, when John Price and James Wilson, a white man who had adopted aboriginal ways, visited the area of what is now Bargo, New South Wales. Price wrote: "We saw several sorts of dung of different animals, one of which Wilson called a "Whom-batt", which is an animal about 20 inches high, with short legs and a thick body with a large head, round ears, and very small eyes; is very fat, and has much the appearance of a badger."[4] Wombats were often called badgers by early settlers because of their size and habits. Because of this, localities such as Badger Creek, Victoria, and Badger Corner, Tasmania, were named after the wombat.[5] The spelling went through many variants over the years, including "wambat", "whombat", "womat", "wombach", and "womback", possibly reflecting dialectal differences in the Darug language.[3]

Evolution and taxonomy

Though genetic studies of the Vombatidae have been undertaken, evolution of the family is not well understood. Wombats are estimated to have diverged from other Australian marsupials relatively early, as long as 40 million years ago, while some estimates place divergence at around 25 million years.[6]: 10–  While some theories place wombats as miniaturised relatives of diprotodonts, such as the rhinoceros-sized Diprotodon, more recent studies place the Vombatiformes as having a distinct parallel evolution, hence their current classification as a separate family.[7]

Characteristics



Wombat in Narawntapu National Park, Tasmania

Wombats dig extensive burrow systems with their rodent-like front teeth and powerful claws. One distinctive adaptation of wombats is their backward pouch. The advantage of a backward-facing pouch is that when digging, the wombat does not gather soil in its pouch over its young. Although mainly crepuscular and nocturnal, wombats may also venture out to feed on cool or overcast days. They are not commonly seen, but leave ample evidence of their passage, treating fences as minor inconveniences to be gone through or under.

Wombats leave distinctive cubic feces.[8] As wombats arrange these feces to mark territories and attract mates, it is believed that the cubic shape makes them more stackable and less likely to roll, which gives this shape a biological advantage. The method by which the wombat produces them is not well understood, but it is believed that the wombat intestine stretches preferentially at the walls, with two flexible and two stiff areas around its intestines.[9] The adult wombat produces between 80 and 100, 2 cm (0.8 in) pieces of feces in a single night, and four to eight pieces each bowel movement.[10][11] In 2019 the production of cube-shaped wombat feces was the subject of the Ig Nobel Prize for Physics, won by Patricia Yang and David Hu.[12]



Wombat cubic scat, found near Cradle Mountain in Tasmania

Wombats are herbivores; their diets consist mostly of grasses, sedges, herbs, bark, and roots. Their incisor teeth somewhat resemble those of rodents (rats, mice, etc.), being adapted for gnawing tough vegetation. Like many other herbivorous mammals, they have a large diastema between their incisors and the cheek teeth, which are relatively simple. The dental formula of wombats is 1.0.1.41.0.1.4 × 2 = 24.

Wombats' fur can vary from a sandy colour to brown, or from grey to black. All three known extant species average around 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) in length and weigh between 20 and 35 kg (44 and 77 lb).

Female wombats give birth to a single young after a gestation period of roughly 20–30 days, which varies between species.[13][14] All species have well-developed pouches, which the young leave after about six to seven months. Wombats are weaned after 15 months, and are sexually mature at 18 months.[15]

A group of wombats is known as a wisdom,[16][17] a mob, or a colony.[18]

Wombats typically live up to 15 years in the wild, but can live past 20 and even 30 years in captivity.[19][20] The longest-lived captive wombat lived to 34 years of age.[20]

In 2020, biologists discovered that wombats, like many other Australian marsupials, display bio-fluorescence under ultraviolet light.[21][22][23]

Ecology and behaviour



[junkyard-gifs]

Cats Taiwan 2022: Cast list announcement

I've been having fun speculating on the cast for season 2 of the '2020' Asia tour, garnering clues from social media—but now we finally have an announcement (translated below from insta @s and #s to actual words):

GWB Entertainment (the production company):

We are thrilled to announce that 'Cats: The Musical' will be opening in Taipei at the Taipei Arena next week. The company from the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, France, the United States, and the Philippines, are safely in Taipei after completing the quarantine requirements. Keep reading to find out who they are. We will be touring to Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Hualien, Hsinchu, and Tainan.

(gifs from 15 Nov 2020)

THE CAST:

(++ means 'played that role in the 2020 asia tour', ** means 'was cast for that role for the 2021 Taiwain leg which was cancelled because of COVID', -- means 'has been in another previous production of Cats', and ?? means 'HELLO NEW FRIEND WHO ARE YOU?' - an honour saved only for the Bombalurina!)

Pronouns added for those who have them listed in their social media bios.

---

Admetus / Macavity: Bradley Andrew Delarosabel (he/they) ** (Same role, International tour 2018)

Alonzo / Rumpus Cat: Nathan Zach Johnson ** (Coricopat Oasis cast 3, swing International tour 2017–18; has covered Coricopat, Tantomile, Tugger, Mungojerrie, Carbuckety, Admetus, Alonzo, Munkustrap)

Bill Bailey: Kade Hughes (he/him) ++ (also cover Carbuckety)

Bombalurina: Maddy Ambus ??

Carbuckety: Mukeni Nel (he/him) -- (Bill Bailey in 2019 international tour; has covered Misto)

Cassandra: Emily Casey (she/her) +* (was officially Tantomile in the 2020 tour but ended up covering Cassandra for almost half the performances; has also covered Demeter, Victoria, and Jemima)

Coricopat: Benjamin Mundy (he/him) -- (Coricopat and cover Tugger in 2015 London revival)

Demeter: Ashlee Hammerin (she/her) ** (swing in 2017 Asia tour, covering Demeter, Bombalurina, Tantomile, Rumpelteazer)

Deuteronomy: Brad Little ++ (plus 2017 Asia tour)

Electra/swing: Anina Pletscher (she/her) ++ (has covered Jemima, Victoria, Tantomile, Cassandra)

George/swing and dance captain: Taylor Scanlan (he/him) ++ (plus swing in 2015 and 2017 Austral/asia tours; has covered Mistoffelees, Bill Bailey, Carbuckety, Coricopat, Tantomile, Mungojerrie, Skimbleshanks)

Grizabella: Joanna Ampil ++ (Would have been replaced by Kerry Ellis for the original Taiwan leg, but Kerry can't make it this time, and Jo can!)

Gustopher: Ian Jon Bourg -- (Same role in the 2017 Asia tour)

Jellylorum: Alice Batt (she/her) ++ (covered Grizabella)

Jemima: Amy Everett (she/her) -- (Same role in Oasis cast 3; has covered Rumpelteazer)

Jennyanydots: Ellie Nunan (she/her) ++ (plus 2017 Asia tour; has covered Grizabella, Jellylorum)

Mistoffelees: Xavier Pellin (he/him) ++

Mungojerrie: George Hankers (he/him) ++ (plus Oasis cast 1 and 2017 Asia tour)

Munkustrap: Rafe Watts (he/him) ++

Rumpelteazer: Dominique Hamilton (she/her) ++ (plus 2014 and 2015 Austral/asia tours)

Rum Tum Tugger: Will Richardson -- (Same role in Oasis cat 3, and the 2017 Asia tour)

Skimbleshanks: Hayden Baum (he/him) ++ (same role in 2017 Asia tour, covered Tugger and Admetus)

Tantomile: Carly Miles -- (Jemima in 2017 Asia tour; has covered Victoria)

Victoria: Tyler Lotzof ++

Swing / resident director: Dane Quixall -- (SO MANY OTHER PRODUCTIONS and basically covered ALL THE MALE ROLES except Deut, Gus, and Munk)

Swing: Andrew Dunne ++ (plus many other Australasia tours before: always covers Gustopher/Deut, i.e., he is the walking cover)

Swing: Caitlin New (she/her) ++ (has covered Bombalurina, Tantomile, Coricopat, Jennyanydots, Grizabella)

Swing: Holly Meegan ++ (plus Jennyanydots in 2014–15 Austral/asia tours; has covered Grizabella, Jennyanydots)

Swing: Connor McAllister ** (cast for/covered Gustopher and Deut in 2016 UK and Oasis 6, so... we have two walking covers??)

[scotianostra]

Happy Birthday, ex manager and partner of Elton John,  John Reid, who was born September 9, 1949 in Paisley.

The son of a welder and a shop worker, he reportedly attended Stow College in Glasgow for a short time before striking out for London in 1967. At age 18 Reid entered the music business as a promoter for EMI. Remarkably by age 19 he was managing the Tamla Motown label for the U.K., and it was at a company Christmas party that 21-year-old Reid met 23-year-old John.

Their professional partnership would last 28 years with Reid being present for John’s career hitting stratospheric heights, often as his personal life hit deep lows due to the performer’s alcohol and drug use, marriage and divorce to Renate Blauel the forging and continuation of his partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin lawsuits, and loves lost and found.

In an interview with The Daily Record Reid later said “When I met Elton, I didn’t even realize his potential, I’ve never claimed to have discovered him. In fact, when he suggested I should manage him, I wasn’t enthusiastic.” When Reid accepted the job of becoming John’s manager at Dick James Music, the couple were already living together.

In anther interview he says Elton was his first love and vice versa John also revealed he was “a virgin until then. I was desperate to be loved, desperate to have a tactile relationship.”

Their relationship as lovers lasted from 1970 until 1975. It was one of the most prolific music periods for John as he delivered numerous international hits including “Your Song,” “Daniel,” “Candle in the Wind,” and “Rocket Man.” His persona on- and off-stage grew and his outfits became more flamboyant. “The vast leaps in style were exhausting,” Reid has said of the period. “He would go out one day with brown hair and return the next with pink.”

According to Reid, the relationship ended because Elton had “never had a sexual adolescence. He needed to go off and play the field, which he did with gusto… There were no dramas.”

Reid would remain in John’s life – and as his business manager – until 1998. Over the decades the two became wealthy due to John’s recording and touring successes. Both men spent big on sports cars, yachts, jewelry, and property, with Reid reportedly owning multiple homes at one point. Reid managed Queen from 1975 to 1978, as well as other acts including Bros, Kiki Dee, Lionel Richie, Billy Connelly, and Michael Flatley.

Like John, Reid would struggle with drugs and alcohol and in 1991 checked into the same recovery clinic John had stayed at when he got sober in 1990. “Elton called me regularly. He was a tower of strength,” Reid told the Daily Record. But unlike John, Reid would relapse and continue to struggle with alcohol.

Professionally, their relationship ended in 1998, the same year John’s auditors discovered a reported £20 million gap in his accounts. Two years later they would be facing each other in court, this time on opposing sides with John suing accounting firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Andrew Haydon, director of John Reid Enterprises, claiming negligence and breach of duty. “I trusted him,” John said of Reid in court. “I never thought he would betray me but he has betrayed me.” The singer had already been paid over 3 million pound by Reid in an out of court settlement by the time it reached court.

Reid continued in the music business until reportedly retiring in 1999, a year after divesting himself of an art collection allegedly worth £2 million. He was a judge on the Australian version of The X Factor in 2005 and has since lived a quiet life out of the public eye.

“I’m fond of Elton and proud of the work we did together,” Reid is reported to have said in the mid-2010s. “One day I’ll bump into him and there may be hugs and kisses. Or maybe not.”

There is no shortage of controversy in his life either and Reid has been known to have a violent side,  one particularly powerful scene in Rocketman features an enraged Reid hitting John after the singer showed up late to a performance. While no evidence corroborates that this moment actually took place, Reid’s temper was a real-life problem. In a 1974 Rolling Stone magazine article, a former employee describes the manager as “diminutive, but he’s a killer. He’ll punch anyone.” The characterization seems reinforced by a long list of notable incidents.Reid once threw a glass of champagne at a man for not having enough liquor at a reception for John, he slapped a female journalist who reportedly called him a “poof," he was charged with assault in New Zealand after beating and kicking a journalist, he was arrested in San Francisco after hitting a hotel doorman with his cane while waiting for a car and he allegedly beat another journalist the day after John’s 1984 wedding to Renate Blauel in Sydney, where Reid was the best man. “They’re isolated incidents,” the manager once said of his outbursts. “I don’t make excuses, I’m not particularly proud of it, but any time anything like this has happened, it’s been in defence of Elton or  Bernie’s  not for personal reasons.”

To me an isolated incident is that, when there are several incidents it means he has a violent nature, Queen drummer Roger Taylor  said of Reid in the 2011 Queen documentary Days of Our Lives. “He was very fiery and very feisty, but so were we.” However  Veteran British singer-songwriter Mike Batt defended Reid  in an interview after the release of Rocketman saying  the depiction was especially callous, and that the "portrayal as an uncaring sex-god manipulator is weapons-grade character assassination.”

His current whereabouts are unknown, though reports list him as living in Australia or London.

Reid was portrayed by Irish actor Aidan Gillen in the Film Bohemian Rhapsody and in Rocketman by Scottish actor Richard Madden.

[cynicalclassicist]

TURN BACK

Written by Chris Newton

This isn’t mine but was done by another of the Lockdown writers who very kindly sent it to me.

There it was again: that fluttering, rattling, scuttling noise. It sounded like grasping pincers, snapping mandibles and probing antennae. It felt like something was on her back. For some reason, it was an oddly familiar sensation. 

Donna Temple-Noble knew that things had not been right for a while. 

Things were fine in her life. After a decade of marriage, both she and Shaun were still very happy and very much in love. They had been determined that their big lottery win wouldn’t change them and, for the most part, it hadn’t. They lived in a ten bedroom mansion Highgate with two acres of land, owned a holiday villa in Spain, and had been able to afford to send Joshua and Ella to an incredibly expensive private school – but otherwise, they still went to watch West Ham every Saturday (albeit in their own executive box), still kept in touch with all their old friends (even Nerys), and eschewed fancy restaurants and glitzy parties in favour of Friday nights in on the sofa watching Love Island and eating Pringles. 

But something was wrong with the world. Her high school boyfriend, Mathew Richards, had always been going on about global warming back in the 90s, but as far as Donna had been concerned somebody was always banging on about the end of the world, whether it was the Millennium Bug, or Mayan calendars or Hadron Colliders… But what did that have to do with her life? She could hardly see which type of milk she put in her tea affected the wider world. 

But things began to get so bad that even Donna noticed. On her eighty-inch TV, she saw bush fires in Australia, David Attenborough showing the ice caps melting and an ocean filled with plastic. And then the Sontaran virus came – the lockdowns, the curfews, and the restrictions. But not even a global pandemic could prevent the USA from imploding in a civil war. The Zygon president had attempted to form a dictatorship when he lost the election and all hell had broken loose. 

Donna knew they were lucky, they were far away from the fighting and they could afford regular deliveries of fresh food, and had a huge garden with their own private swimming pool to occupy them in quarantine. The first lockdown had almost been like a holiday for the Temple-Nobles; the kids cannon balling into the water, Donna and Shaun sunning themselves on loungers, barbeques, cocktails. Their autumn lockdown consisted of bonfires and marshmallows, thick jumpers and flasks of hot chocolate as they told ghost stories on Halloween and twirled sparklers on Bonfire Night. It was almost perfect.

Almost… But not. Because for all the comfort their money could buy them, there was one problem wealth could not solve. 

Donna’s Grandfather, Wilf, was now ninety-one. A few years ago, after a fall, had moved into a care home. Donna made sure he received the best care possible, and paid for him to go to a lovely facility just near Hampstead Heath, that way they were practically neighbours. Before the virus, she had visited him every day without fail. His memory had been growing steadily worse; sometimes he called her Sylvia, and occasionally Louise, for some reason, but he never forgot that she was his granddaughter, and more than not greeted her by saying ‘Wahey, here she is! The Little General!’ which had been his nickname for her when she was little. 

But since lockdown, she had been unable to visit him. She knew it was for the best, for the safety of her grandfather and for the other residents in the home, but it didn’t change the fact that it felt as though a huge part of her had been ripped away. His dementia had worsened, the staff had told her over the phone, and he had been repeatedly talking about a spaceman in a flying blue box. 

She had managed to arrange a videocall with her grandfather, a favour from one of the nurses at the home. She sat waiting for him to answer, full of fear and trepidation. Always wondering which visit would be the one where he failed to recognise her entirely. 

“Wahey, here she is! The Little General!” Wilf’s face filled the screen of her phone. 

“Hiya Gramps!” Donna’s eyes welled with tears of joy at the sight of her grandfather. 

“Blimey, how’d you get inside this little tablet thingy?” he chuckled.  “Must be bigger on the inside,” he muttered with a strange, faraway look in his rheumy eyes, as though he were trying to remember something. 

“You don’t half come out with some rubbish!” she laughed. “We had a bonfire in the garden on the 5th. You know, jacket potatoes in tin foil, passing round a thermos of tea. Reminded me of the old days, up the hill at your allotment, remember?”

“Mmmm,” he smiled distantly, before his face crumpled in confusion. “’Ere, where’s the Doctor?”

“You’ve already seen the doctor, Gramps. Remember? He put you on those new pills.”

“No, not him. The skinny one. Isn’t he with you? He usually is.”

“Why would he be with me you daft old thing? I’m fit and healthy, thank you very much. Touch wood,” she tapped her head. “Don’t need a doctor.”

“I think you do,” Wilf mumbled. “I think we all do. He’d sort out this bleedin’ virus.”

“They’ll have a vaccine before you know it, Gramps. You’ll be round ours for Christmas dinner, just you wait and see.”

“That’ll be nice,” he grinned. “How’s Lance, then? He alright?”

“Shaun, granddad, I’m married to Shaun. Lance… had to go away.”

“Oh. Well, it’s probably for the best. I never did like him much.” 

Donna couldn’t help but chuckle. 

“The kids want these flippin’ animatronic Baby Yoda dolls for Christmas,” she changed the subject. “Honestly, it’s Star Wars this, Star Trek that… and that other one. You know, the time travel one? No idea where they get it from, I was never into any of that sci-fi rubbish.” 

“Donna…” Wilf cried, a sudden urgency in his voice.

“Yes, Gramps?” she swallowed nervously, it had been a long time since he had called her by her name. “What is it?”

“There’s something on your back.”

The words chilled her, although she had no idea what they meant. She felt her right hand darting involuntarily over her shoulder expecting to feel… what, exactly? Something creeping, crawling, insectoid… she shivered. 

“There’s nothing there. Honestly, what are you on about?”

“He was only trying to help, but it’s gone wrong again. It wasn’t a fixed point, you see? It was one of those… Temporal wotsits.”

Donna took a deep breath.

“I think you’re getting mixed up again, Gramps.”

“Hmm?” he looked at her, his eyes full of warmth, kindness and confusion. “So how’s Lance, then? He alright?”

“Yes, Gramps. Lance is fine.”

“Oh, that’s good. I always liked him. Oh, I’ve got to go. The nurse wants her tablet back. When are you coming to see me?”

“As soon as I can, Gramps. I promise. As soon as I can.”

“Well, I’ll look forward to it. Ta-da sweetheart.”

“Bye,” she stifled a tear as the screen became blurry, before Wilf’s face was replaced by a blonde-haired woman.

“Donna Noble!” the stranger grinned irrepressibly 

“Oh, hi,” Donna swiftly composed herself. “Are you the nurse? Thanks so much for letting me speak to him…”

“Yeah. Well, I’m a Doctor, actually. Although a lot of people assume I’m a nurse these days. Bit annoying, really. Not that there’s anything wrong with being a nurse, mind! If it’s good enough for Rory Pond, it’s good enough for me.”

The blonde woman was still grinning.

“Oh my god,” Donna’s mouth fell open. “I know you!”

“No! No – that’s not possible!” The Doctor’s face paled.

“I knew I recognised you.”

“Listen to me – you cannot know who I am…”

“You’re Leanne Battersby. From Corrie!”

“What?”

“Ha! Just wait ’til I tell Nerys, she’ll be well jealous.” Donna snorted.

The Doctor harrumphed. 

“Leane Batt… Actually, you know what? If it stops your neural receptors from combusting then fine. Fine! Yeah. Leanne Battersby at your service. If you think I’m just an actress from Coronation Street then it’s safe for us to talk. Well, I say safe… safe-ish. By which I mean not very dangerous. Okay, maybe it’s a little bit dangerous. Put it this way: your mind won’t burn, but you might end up forgetting your old mate Susie Mair.”

“Susie Who?”

“Exactly. Anyway, we don’t have long… I need to get back in Wilf’s wardrobe before the Sontarans triangulate my signal. I’m telling you, this has been a long eight months. But your grandfather’s right: there is something on your back. Again. Or maybe for the first time – it all gets a bit wibbley with alternate dimensions. But there’s something on your back, and I’m really sorry, but it hitched a ride on a lottery ticket.”

“What on Earth are you on about?”

“Not on Earth, actually, Shan Shen,” the Doctor said, and then winced. “Oops! Shouldn’t have said that. Might have deleted another scene. Remember that time you were one the phone to Veena in the kitchen and you heard that strange wheezing, groaning sound coming from outside?”

“No?”

“Probably for the best.”

“What’s going on? And why are you in my Granddad’s wardrobe? Do I need to call social services, ’cause don’t think I won’t, blondie!”

“I need you to trust me. What was the name of that TV show where the kid in the blindfold had to be guided through the dungeon by their mates?”

“Knightmare?” 

“Yes! That’s the one. I need you to be my Dungoneer. I don’t have a Helmet of Justice so you’ll just have to close your eyes.”

“Close my eyes??” 

“I know I’m asking a lot, Donna, but Wilf trusts me, and that’s all I can tell you. But be honest – you know something’s wrong, don’t you? You can feel something digging into your shoulders, can’t you?”

Donna nodded. There was no denying it, and for some inexplicable reason, she felt she could trust this woman, even though the reason seemed distant and out of reach. Donna closed her eyes. 

The strange woman on the phone guided her out of the house, past a row of trees and to the telephone box at the end of the road. Funny, Donna thought, she didn’t remember there being a telephone box there. She hadn’t seen a proper one for years. 

Following the Doctor’s instructions, Donna pulled the handle and the door creaked open as she stepped inside. Instinctively, she reached out for the mounted payphone, but her fingers met only empty air. Perhaps it wasn’t an operating phone box anymore? It probably housed a defibrillator instead. She was tempted to have a peek and find out.

“Don’t even think about opening your eyes,” the Doctor snapped, somehow reading her thoughts, “if you open your eyes, your brain will hyperpodulate.”

“Hyer-what-you-what? I want you to know I’m taking a lot on faith here, Battersby! And if this is a wind-up, then so help me god...” 

Donna’s threat was drowned out the VROOP-VROOPING of ancient engines that at once sounded utterly alien and distantly familiar to her, like hearing a half-remembered nursery rhyme from childhood. 

She heard the telephone box door creak open again, and a rush of cold air from outside. Strange, it didn’t feel like the smoky air of the November street she had come from. It felt crisper, fresher. She could hear the merry peal of church bells. There isn’t a church that close to my house, she thought, puzzled.

“You can come out now. Walk forwards but keep your eyes closed for a moment.”

Donna did as she was told. She felt grass beneath her feet as the VROOP-VROOPING resumed and then faded, drowned out by the sound of the bells. 

“You can open you eyes now,” the woman on the phone was now stood in front of her, but that was the least surprising thing to Donna. 

“But, how…” Donna looked down at herself. “I’m in my wedding dress. I don’t understand?” The two of them were stood by an old lychgate. Donna looked ahead – there was the church where she had married Shaun. Discarded confetti swirled about her ankles. There were guests milling about ahead – there was her grandfather’s friend Minnie Hooper. Minnie the Menace he used to call her! Although Donna was sure she’d heard that Minnie had died recently. Nevertheless, there she was, full of joy and life. And there was Nerys in her hideous peach dress! 

“What year is this?” asked Donna.

“2010,” said the Doctor.

“This is my wedding day. How is this even possible?”

“The time differential’s trying to reconcile there being two of you here at the same time. Hence the dress. It’s tricky with parallel universes. Anyway, ‘how’ isn’t important right now. What’s important is that somebody just gave you a lottery ticket as a wedding present.”

“I know, cheapskate.” 

“You’re about to win a triple rollover.” 

“Yeah, well…” 

“The thing is, Donna – the man gave you that ticket – he meant well, but he was meddling with things that shouldn’t have been meddled with. He was young – still in his Time Lord Victorious phase.”

“I don’t understand a single word you’re saying.”

“You know that theory that a butterfly fluttering its wings can cause a hurricane on the other side of the world? Well, time’s like that. Small, trivial things can cause ripples which alter the course of history. The truth is: you didn’t win that money. At least, not originally. You took one look at that ticket and ripped it up. Remember? The first dance at your wedding reception was Can’t Buy Me Love.”

“No… that’s not right,” said Donna. It couldn’t be. She knew that hadn’t happened. Their first dance had been 2 Become 1 by Spice Girls. So why could she remember dancing to The Beatles with Shaun?

“Nobody won the lottery that week – and the next week it was a quadruple rollover! A boy called Michael Finch won it. He was only sixteen. Imagine that! First time he’d ever played. Great kid. A friend of mine met his dad once. Long story. Anyway, I’m sorry Donna, but Michael didn’t spend it on cars and holiday homes and private pools. He invested in the future: green initiatives, healthcare, education… When the Sontarans released their virus, Earth was ready for it. Plus, the United States didn’t have a Zygon for a president. Well, they did actually, but she’s one of the nice ones. But shh, don’t tell anyone.”

“You know what,” said Donna. “I don’t think you really are Leanne Battersby, are you?”

“No.”

“But I do know you, don’t I?”

“Yes.”

“And that’s… bad? My head hurts…” Donna cupped her forehead in her palm.

“Yes. It’s very bad,” said the Doctor. “But it’s okay. Because if you tear up that lottery ticket and let Michael Finch win it instead, then you’ll change the future and we’ll never have met. Well, not like this anyway.” 

“This is crazy. How is any of this possible?”

“My fault, I’m afraid. A long time ago, you had an encounter with a Time Beetle – and this is the gross part, sorry – Time Beetles can lay eggs beneath the hosts’ skin. They lie dormant, sometimes indefinitely, until the host encounters a significant temporal junction – in your case a lottery win that could change the course of human history. You were never supposed to have this life, Donna. You were supposed to tear up the ticket.”

More non-memories were flooding Donna’s mind – the years of living on the breadline in Chiswick, living with the regret of their lost fortune. A bank holiday weekend in Blackpool with the kids, having her fortune told by the strange little woman in the kiosk on the pier… Voicing her regret aloud and wishing she could go back to the day of her wedding and keep that winning ticket. 

That couldn’t be right… They never took the kids to Blackpool. Their holidays had been in Cyprus and Malaga, they’d splashed out on luxury round-the-world cruises. But she remembered it so vividly: the rattle of the trams, the glare of the illuminations, the taste of the chips, the seagulls crying overhead. 

“But we’ll have nothing. I can’t go back to the way we used to live: hand to mouth, never knowing where next month’s rent is coming from. What about Ella and Josh? They’ll be born with nothing.”

“Donna Temple-Noble, listen to me,” the Doctor gazed at her sternly. “You’ll have everything. You’ll have each other.” 

Donna looked back over to the church – there was Wilf! – still spry at eighty and fighting off Minnie’s advances as ever. And there was Shaun – so handsome in his wedding suit! She couldn’t believe how young he looked. 

The Doctor was right. Donna thought of how happy they had been during lockdown, not because they were comfortable, but because they had each other. The tweet-a-longs, the virtual gigs, the walks in the woods, the disastrous attempts at baking, standing on their doorstep and clapping for U.N.I.T…. She hadn’t put two and two together until she’d been speaking to her grandfather: but it had been the first time in her married life – the first time as a mother – that she had somehow recaptured that magic of sitting in her grandfather’s allotment with a flask of tea and gazing at the stars. 

At the time Donna had felt as though she were longing for adventure, as though the stars held some inexplicable magic, but now she knew that the magic had been right there in the allotment all along. She no longer yearned for adventure, but longed instead to return to those simple days. She never could, of course. Wilf’s star was fading, but her own was rising. She thought back to the old world of financial hardship: rented flats, being plunged into darkness when the electricity meter ran out, payday loans and minimum wage temp jobs. There would be struggles but there would also be magic. There would be stories by candlelight, cartoons and warm milk before bed in the precious few years before Joshua and Ella became moody teenagers. There would be games in the park. There would be home cooked meals, and there would be telly and Pringles on the sofa on Friday nights. 

There would be family. 

Donna turned to speak to the blonde woman, but the stranger was gone, so she hitched up her wedding dress and hurried over to her husband. 

“Who were you talking to?” he asked.

“A friend,” Donna smiled.

“What’s her name?”

“I can’t remember,” she said. It was strange, the name was on the tip of her tongue, but it had gone. She decided it didn’t matter.

“Give us that lottery ticket, will you?” Donna asked. (She had entrusted it into Shaun’s safe keeping. There were still no pockets in wedding dresses.)

“Why, you got a good feeling about it?” he asked, taking it from his pocket and handing it to his bride.

“Yeah. As a matter of fact, I have,” said Donna Temple-Noble as she tore up the ticket, and a great weight lifted from her shoulders.

[trustsnew]

Tasmanian emergency services were urging residents and businesses along the Derwent River to prepare to evacuate on Sunday, while Victorians have been warned of destructive winds as wild weather batte...

[marquise-justine-de-sade]

Il viaggio più bello? Il giro del mondo in treno: 4 continenti in 56 giorni

Elmar Burchia

Il ticket «Around the World by Rail» offre l'opportunità di scoprire 14 Paesi e oltre 20 città rigorosamente a bordo di un vagone. Un viaggio epico che include alcuni dei più leggendari passaggi ferroviari, come la Transiberiana per Ulan Bator, in Mongolia. Ecco l’itinerario, cosa è incluso nel pacchetto e il costo del biglietto

Tutti in carrozza, si parte! C’è qualcosa di misterioso e un po’ romantico nell’idea di fare il giro del mondo in treno. A differenza dell’aereo, il viaggio in treno richiede tempo e permette ai viaggiatori di gustarsi lo spostamento tanto quanto la meta. Railbookers, un’agenzia britannica specializzata in viaggi in treno, ha annunciato l’ultima avventura ferroviaria: un viaggio di 56 giorni attraverso 4 continenti, 5 parchi nazionali e oltre 20 splendide città. Il pacchetto «Around the World by Rail» porterà i passeggeri in luoghi iconici come la Piazza Rossa di Mosca; il Grand Canyon e il Parco nazionale di Zion negli Usa; la Grande Muraglia e l‘esercito di terracotta a Xi’an in Cina.

Le tappe: Londra, Ginevra, Roma, Venezia, Vienna, Praga, Amburgo, Copenhagen, Stoccolma, Helsinki, Mosca, Pechino, Xian, Hong Kong, Perth, Sydney, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City. Per tutti i viaggiatori che desiderano esplorare il mondo in treno, un sogno che diventa realtà.

Nel ticket sono compresi diversi giri turistici; trasferimenti in traghetto e auto; 51 pasti tra colazioni, pranzi e cene; 42 pernottamenti in hotel (gli altri sono già inclusi in treno); una notte in una tradizionale yurta in Mongolia; accessi salta-fila per musei e attrazioni. La partenza e l’arrivo sono previsti da Londra (per i viaggiatori europei) ma è possibile concordare modifiche in base alle proprie esigenze: si potrà anche salire a bordo in una delle due tappe italiane, Roma e Venezia.

L’itinerario: come dicevamo, si parte da Londra, in Eurostar, e si procede verso sud: Francia e Italia. Poi si risale in Austria e Germania, approdando in Danimarca e Finlandia. Il viaggio continua poi verso Russia, Mongolia, Cina, Hong Kong e Australia. Una volta raggiunta Sydney ci si trasferirà a Los Angeles, da dove inizierà la traversata continentale fino a New York. Da qui, infine, si prenderà un volo per rientrare a Londra

Quanto costa? Il prezzo del biglietto parte da 17.400 euro a persona, ovvero circa 320 euro al giorno. Non include i 3 voli necessari per passare da Hong Kong a Perth, da Sydney a Los Angeles e da New York a Londra. «Per molti viaggiatori ci vuole una vita intera per vivere un viaggio come questo», dicono da Railbookers. Che sottolineano: «Per catturare veramente l’essenza di una destinazione e dei suoi diversi paesaggi, nulla batte il viaggio in treno».