#New Finance Aberdeen | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

suekreandtheidiots · 10 months ago

Text

The Joy of Parenting

Location // Characters: Aberdeen // Sofia and Craig

October 2004 - Sofia and Craig talk about their oldest son.

Status/Notes: finished / I love writing these two, and I love parent couples who are still very much in love with each other after years of being together!

___

October 2004

Strong but gentle arms wrapped around her body from behind, and Sofia closed her eyes, leaning into the very familiar touch with a content smile and breathing in her husband's scent. Sun and salt water in his long hair, his favourite cologne as well as a hint of fresh wood - it was an illustrious scent she could never get enough of, even after twenty years.

"Let's go and eat out tonight, Sof, hm?" Craig murmured into her ear. Sofia could practically see his wide smile, without turning around, right in front of her inner eye.

"What?" she laughed.

"I want to take you out to dinner, dear and hard-working wife of mine."

"Where does that come from now?"

"Well, I feel much better than I did last week, I made a secret wish on my birthday… that is now not so secret anymore, mind you, and it's been ages since the last time we went out. You're always so busy saving animals-"

"He says like it's a bad thing-"

"-and I miss going out with you!"

"Well, our budget's been a bit tight after all, with all the repair work in our bathrooms, Ali's new sets of sports gear and Lance's latest school trips? Besides, we are also still saving up to support him through university." Sofia said, snuggling a little deeper into Craig's embrace, savouring the moment.

"And we always managed to put food on the table, too." Craig said. "We've always been doing just fine, Sof. I have an eye on our finances, too. You just worry too much."

"Nooo, I just prefer to keep my head out of the clouds, unlike a certain gentleman whom I happen to be very much into… despite his tendency to gloss over certain situations." she mocked, knowing that Craig would not take it personally. He never did.

"Have I ever met that bloke? Sounds like an idiot."

There we go.

"Briefly, I think. He's quite adorable, actually." Sofia giggled and lightly patted Craig's arms.

The gentle pats were their own little signal to let go of each other, any time they didn't exactly want to part but had to, and Sofia sure would have loved to lean into her husband for a little while longer, but the ice cream that was sitting at the bottom of one of the grocery bags on the counter was probably about to melt right in front of her eyes within the next few minutes and that was not at all why she had bought it.

Once Craig let go of her, she started unpacking the bags, handing him some of the items so he could store them away.

"Nah, seriously, Sof… what do you say?" Craig tried again, putting a package of spaghetti into the cupboard above him. "Hm? Just us tonight. We can drop Ali off at Finn's and, as far as I know, Lancie has plans, too."

"He does?"

"Heard him say somethin' earlier and from what I understood, he won't be home before ten or so."

"I love how he's only sixteen and just assumes that curfews are no longer a thing for him."

"He's a good kid, Sof."

"I know, I know."

Craig put away the two new boxes of Weetabix and leaned against the counter. A wide smile spread across his face. "So, what do you say? I could get a table at Humphrey's at six o'clock?"

"Hm, go on?"

"Then we should be done with dinner around eight, at the latest, and that still leaves enough time for me to get you home real quick and show you some of my finest woodwork, if you catch my drift."

Sofia groaned. "Dear god, Abbott, that's it, I'm going to hide that book about puns."

"So that's a no to my well-crafted plans?"

Sofia pursed her lips and thought about Craig's idea.

She actually had made plans to declutter her office tonight, to go through all the documents she had not had enough time to sort into their appropriate folders in the past few weeks, and after that she had looked forward to wind down in front of the TV with one of her favourite movies, "Gone With The Wind" (hence the ice cream), and go to bed early, to enjoy a night of peaceful sleep.

A date with her husband, however, with the outlook of some… woodwork, as he apparently liked to put it now, was all too tempting.

Between them both working full time and managing everyday life with two very lively sons, making room for some actual romance could be a challenge, and it really had been a while at this point. Neither Sofia nor Craig had liked that a whole lot.

Sofia decided that her office could probably wait another day or two.

"It's a yes." she smiled. "Stop referring to sex as woodwork, though, and you will get lucky tonight."

"It's a charming code word, though?" Craig hopped on the counter and made himself comfortable, snatching one of the shiny bags next to him, opening it and devouring a handful of crisps within seconds. "Any time the boysh are around and we talk about woodwork, they'd remain entirely cluelesh."

"Really?" Sofia raised an eyebrow. "Have you met your own sons?!"

"Well… at least Ali would be clueless, and he might remain so for a long time, now that his cute little mind revolves all around football."

"Let's just hope so."

Sofia sighed at the very unsettling thought of her youngest eventually growing up, too, and she had just put away a can of baked beans when another thought crossed her mind. She turned to her husband.

"So what is Lancie up to later?" she asked. "I haven't seen him all day, and, well… he never really talks to me anyway."

She did her best to make the last part sound like a casual statement, and she knew that it had never been personal either, but the way Lance felt mostly drawn to Craig still had potential to nag at her sometimes.

"I don't know, really. Think I heard him mention 'Diana', though."

"Dear god, no." Sofia let out another groan, losing composure for a second, despite trying not to, and leaning on the counter in frustration.

Next to her, her husband chuckled and helped himself to another handful of crisps. "You really don't like the little lass, eh?"

"I want to, Pooky, I really do. It's more that... I don't know, I just don't like the way she makes Lancie run after her. That's just not like him at all."

"Sof, he's sixteen. A damn teenager."

"So? Doesn't mean he can't have any standards?"

"You're cute. Do you really need me to spell out for you what he's after?"

"Craig!" Sofia moaned. "You're not helping."

"What? Most of us go through that awful phase, and trust me, it pains us more than it does you."

"And how would you know that?"

"Because you lassies know you're sweet and gorgeous, and intriguing, and that we're all into you no matter what, and you know we know it, and you can do whatever you want with that. Don't tell me you weren't a scheming little goddess at sixteen."

"I wasn't?!"

"I don't believe you at all." Craig laughed. "What I wanted to say, though... we usually come out of that phase as better, wiser people."

Sofia glanced to the side to where Craig was still sitting happily on the counter, his long legs dangling and his blue eyes sparkling with excitement as he was looking at his bag of crisps like it was his own, personal revelation. He, too, resembled a damn teenager in this very moment and it was one of the things she had always loved about her husband - life, no matter the circumstances, had never hardened him and she hoped it never would.

Her lips curled up into a smile. "Better, sure. Wiser however-"

"Hey, I managed to woo you!"

"I was young and very easy to impress." Sofia laughed.

"You were never easy to impress, Miss Thomson, I am really just that great." Craig pointed at himself with two thumbs, grinning like the gorgeous, confident fool he was, before he joined in laughing.

A few moments later, he shrugged and added: "Honestly, Sof, don't even worry. Besides, it's not like there's a whole lot that Lancie could do wrong, so let him do his thing, he'll be fine."

Sofia cocked her head.

It's not like there's a whole lot that Lancie could do wrong.

What a strange and out-of-the-blue statement that was. It sure sparked her curiosity, so she decided to address it.

"What do you mean, he can't do wrong?"

"You know what I mean. Our oldest isn't exactly set up for failure, right?"

"I don't even know how to answer that."

"Just think about it - has Lance ever done anything truly stupid? Name one thing!" Craig dared her, putting his bag of crisps away, before he jumped off the counter, proceeding to put the last few groceries to their designated places.

Sofia smirked and raised an eyebrow. "So you're tryin' to tell me that you already conveniently forgot how he snuck out to a party he wasn't allowed to go to last year?"

Her husband turned around, making a face. "Oh, that-"

"And didn't even manage to sneak back in, like he had planned? Instead he passed out drunk at some stranger's house and we called him about three hundred times, worried sick, before he gave a sign of life - the next afternoon."

Craig pressed his lips into a thin line, and he blinked. "Just, uh… name one other thing he fucked up."

Sofia laughed and gently tugged at the hem of her husband's sweater jacket. "Pooky, what are you even on about?"

"That party incident was merely a glitch, don't you think? What I'm saying is that our son is a force of nature. I'm so proud of him. I mean, he's good at everything he tries, it almost scares me."

Ah. The age old tale of the Golden Boy. Sofia looked down and bit her lip.

She had always loved how Craig had proved to be a devoted father. In spite of what everyone else had to say about their young relationship back in the days, he had done simply amazing right from the start and while there had been many voices trying to talk her out of 'settling for that silly lad', Sofia had always… known. Sure, Craig had been young, but even back then, in his very early twenties, she had sensed that hint of security about him. It was never about money, status and possessions, she could've had that plenty of times. Craig Abbott had the heart and soul that she had always looked for, to even think about starting a family. Craig had always seen her for her, and he wholeheartedly believed in the people he loved.

Sofia had always known that and not much had changed about it, but the past was the past and the present was right here, always waiting to be faced in whatever way necessary. And believing in loved ones was one thing. Putting them on a pedestal, however, was another.

"Lance is good at everything he does, that's true." Sofia nodded reluctantly and she let a few more moments pass before she went on. "And I'm beginning to wonder whether that's actually a good thing."

Craig put his hands on each side of her neck and gently caressed it with his thumbs. "That doesn't make any sense, love. How can that not be a good thing?"

"Because I'm not sure if I like the person he's becoming... because of that."

"Come on, Sof. What is that even supposed to mean?"

"Haven't you noticed how... reckless he has become? Inconsiderate? I mean... sometimes?"

"He's neither reckless nor inconsiderate, he's confident."

"Confidence is a good thing, I'd never complain about that. I don't know, Craig, it's the way he talks to his friends sometimes. His tone, his manners. Happens with Cal, mostly. You might want to listen a little closer the next time the two are talking."

Craig sighed. "I don't know... aren't you reading a bit too much into all of this?"

Sofia knew that her husband was not exactly trying to brush off her concerns or to invalidate her perception on purpose but it still angered her a little that he did not even try to think about it for a while longer, pretty much proving her point right on the spot.

"Perhaps I am." she shrugged. "I can't help but notice a little change, though. You keep encouraging him in a way that... I don't know." She sighed. "I don't know, Craig. There's just something I don't quite like about this."

"So what? Lance has figured some things out sooner than others, what's the big deal? Makes things easier for us! It's what I'm talking about after all, he's a bright one, and I still don't know how that's a bad thing."

"Because teenage years are exactly the time to fuck up. It's how we truly learn and grow. We make mistakes. We learn. We grow. All the time, on repeat. We need to experience those mistakes, to really feel the weight of them. That way, we learn how to reflect ourselves. How is Lance supposed to do that if no one is around to humble him every once in a while?"

"You want us to wear our own kid down?!"

"God, Craig, no!" Sofia groaned. "Of course not. All I want to say is… you might want to grant him a little more room to make mistakes. Because he will. He already has. Question the things he says. Look a little closer, just every once in a while."

"Who says I'm not doing that?"

"I'm not saying that it happens on purpose, but you aren't exactly- I mean, sometimes-" Sofia struggled to find the right words. "The way you talk about him sometimes, like he's already a fully fledged grown up friend of yours… it concerns me."

Craig pulled his eyebrows together and made a tiny step back. "But… why? I love him and I admire him. Why can't my son be my friend, too? How is my support wrong all of a sudden?"

"It's not wrong but… I don't know, Craig. And you know what, sometimes I can't help but ask myself whether you remember that we have another son."

"Hey, no. Just no! That's not fair, Sof." Her husband now let go of her entirely. He took another step back, crossing his arms in obvious defense, and shooting her a glance of disapproval. "You know I love Ali just as much!"

"Well, I can sure assume that, but does Ali know?"

"Sofia, what the fuck is this about? How did we go from dinner plans to me being on family trial, what did I even do?"

Sofia looked down and shook her head. Damn. That was not at all how she had meant for her concerns to come out. She made a step forward and gently squeezed her husband's upper arms and she knew she was not exactly acting reasonable right now, but acting reasonable could be so hard when the subject of debate was her children. Her still-so-very-young sons.

She had to let Craig know that this was still an eye-to-eye discussion.

"Look, I'm sorry, Pooky." she said, stroking his arms. "You are definitely not on trial, and I am not trying to hurt you here, but… sometimes I can't shake off the feeling that you're..."

Doing more harm than good. No, way too harsh. And not quite true either. Sofia pondered her choice of words carefully.

"... that you're putting Lancie in a position he is not at all ready to be in. You may see a force of nature but he is still a boy, Craig."

"Are you… are you tryin' to tell me that I love my son too much?"

"No. No, Craig, that is absolutely not what I'm trying to tell you." Sofia shook her head. "I love the way you love him, alright? I'm just a wee bit worried you might be putting more pressure on him sometimes than what is good for him, without you even realising. You know how you get carried away at times-"

"I'm not putting any pressure on him!"

"Craig-"

"It's not like I expect him to do any of the things he does? I never expected him to master "Painkiller" on the drums at only fourteen, I never expected him to do that well in school and I sure don't expect him to go to med school. It is what he wants, Sof, it's all him! He is the driving force in his own life, he has always been."

"I know that!"

"So what are we even arguing about?!"

"We're not arguing!"

"No? Because it feels like that to me!"

"We're not! I just happen to know that Lance looks up to you. He looks up to you so much, and it might not appear like that to you but he wants your approval. He wants you to think high of him. I know my son, too. He might favour you and he might not even be aware of all the things I just said, but I can see it."

"If it was me he looks up to, he would strive to become a rockstar and hedonist."

"Craig." Sofia breathed out in mild exhaustion and she rested her forehead against her husband's chest.

"The doctor thing is cool, too, though." Craig said after a few moments, offering a tone so soft now that Sofia instantly knew that she had him back on her side, right where he belonged. Craig put his arms around her once more and gently rested his head on hers. This felt good. They stood like that for a while until Sofia felt ready to speak again.

"All I want to say is… try and look behind the facade at times. Be gentle with him." she murmured. "After all, this world won't always be. He might be more fragile than both of you think."

"I am gentle with him. He doesn't care for it all that much."

"I'm not telling you to coddle him. I just- I need to be sure you have his back, even when he messes up."

"Why would you even question that?" Craig asked, unusually timid, stroking her hair while he was still gently rocking her in his arms.

"I know you think he can't do anything wrong but... just play pretend for a moment." Sofia pulled out of his embrace, not much, but just far enough so she could look up into his face. "Assume that Lance does something really stupid... will you be there for him? Will he have your unconditional love and support, even when he's not the amazing self you admire so much? Even when he makes loving him very hard?"

"Sofia-"

"I just need to know, Craig. Please."

Her husband took a deep breath, and he also took his time before he answered.

"Sofia, I will always love him, no matter what he does. And I will always be there for him, too. Even when he messes up. Even when he messes up bad. It... it hurts that I have to spell it out like that."

"I know. I'm sorry. I'm having a moment. It's been quite a week, I'm letting it all out on you and I'm so sorry."

"It's all good, love, but you need to tell me what this is really about."

Sofia pondered the question. "I don't know. Sometimes I hate seeing him grow up so fast. Love it, too. But mostly hate it these days. The world is scary, and I keep wondering whether we're giving our sons enough-"

"Shhh. Hey. Our sons have great parents, trust me. They will be fine."

"Why can't I be the funny and gorgeous, happy-go-lucky half of this relationship at times?"

"Because you're perfect the way you are, and no one wants you any other way. And I get that you're thinking about these things, Sof, I really do. I think about it, too. But our sons growing up is the way things are supposed to be, and we may not always like it but neither you nor I can change it. All we can do is watch them live in the moment."

"I know." Sofia sighed. "Wow, that was one hell of a speech, I just remembered again why I love you."

"I told you I'm just that great!" Craig smirked down at her, earning himself a light punch to his upper arm but it only made him laugh and pull her a little closer again. "It'll be alright, love, Lancie still has us. And just to assure you once more - I'll be around to catch him the second he falls. I promise."

Sofia nodded. "Alright, good. I'm sorry, Pooky... can't promise it won't happen again but I'm done being a crazy mother hen for now."

"As long as you always end up telling me what's on your mind, I'm fine with you acting a little crazy at times."

Sofia let out a little laugh and gave her husband another little squeeze.

"Are we good?" Craig asked, kissing the top of her head.

"We're always good." she assured him and stood up on her toes to kiss him. "I meant what I said earlier, though."

"Hm?"

"I know you love him. Of course you do, but please make some room for Ali, too. It won't hurt. He needs his father just as much, if not more. I mean, you have already established that Lance is a force of nature so I think you can let him run free sometimes."

"That coming from you, right after your crazy mother hen meltdown?"

"Arsehole."

Craig let out a hearty laugh. "I promise I'll make room for my little Ali. Of course I will. He'll be fed up with me soon enough."

"You don't need to suffocate him?!" Sofia scoffed. "Just... pay a little attention to him, he's really sweet and entertaining, actually."

"I know he is, and now that I think of it... the prospect of having an entire lifetime of pestering both my sons to pure and utter exhaustion ahead of me... it's pretty great!"

"Oh god." Sofia groaned and rolled her eyes, but she did it with an honest smile. It felt so good to let it all out every once in a while, and another thing she loved about her husband was that he always had a way of making her feel better.

"Honestly, I live for that!" Craig added, a mischievous little spark in his eyes. "For now, though... how about we both finally enjoy the prospect of going out to dinner later?"

"Sounds great to me!"

***

#idiot writing #craig abbott #sofia abbott #sofia x craig #the teenage saga

2 notes · View notes

clydeofficesuk · 5 months ago

Text

Setting Up a Registered Office in Scotland: A Strategic Guide

A registered office in Scotland is a key requirement for businesses operating within the UK. It serves as the official address for your company, where all statutory correspondence from government bodies, such as Companies House and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), is sent. Whether you are starting a new business, expanding into the UK market, or seeking a prestigious address, establishing a registered office in Scotland offers numerous advantages.

What is a Registered Office?

A registered office is the official address of a company, which must be a physical location in the UK. This address is used for receiving official documents, including legal notices, tax forms, and other important communications. It must be accessible during normal business hours and cannot be a PO Box.

Why Choose a Registered Office in Scotland?

Legal Compliance:

All UK companies are legally required to have a registered office. This address is recorded with Companies House and is publicly accessible. It is essential for ensuring your business complies with UK regulations, including the receipt of official documents and notices.

Prestigious Address:

A registered office in Scotland, especially in cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow, enhances your company’s professional image. A prestigious address can increase your business’s credibility and appeal to clients, investors, and partners.

Privacy Protection:

Using a registered office service in Scotland allows business owners to keep their personal address private. This is particularly important for home-based businesses or small enterprises, as it helps separate personal and business affairs.

Local Presence:

For international businesses or those based outside of Scotland, having a registered office in Scotland provides a local presence, which is crucial for building trust with Scottish clients and suppliers.

Mail Handling Services:

Registered office services often include mail handling, forwarding, and scanning. This ensures that you receive all important correspondence, even if you are not physically present in Scotland. Some services also offer email notifications and digital copies of your mail.

Business Growth Opportunities:

Scotland’s dynamic business environment, particularly in cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, offers numerous opportunities for growth. A registered office in these cities can position your company in the heart of Scotland’s economic activity.

Key Locations for a Registered Office in Scotland

Edinburgh:

As Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh is a prime location for a registered office. Known for its financial services sector, Edinburgh offers a prestigious address that can enhance your business’s reputation. The city’s historic and cultural significance also adds to the appeal.

Glasgow:

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is a hub for various industries, including finance, technology, and manufacturing. A registered office in Glasgow provides access to a large network of businesses and a vibrant economic environment.

Aberdeen:

Known as the “Oil Capital of Europe,” Aberdeen is ideal for companies in the energy sector. A registered office here offers proximity to major oil and gas companies and a strong business community.

Dundee:

Dundee is recognized for its growing technology and creative sectors. A registered office in Dundee aligns your business with innovation and provides opportunities to engage with a thriving tech community.

Inverness:

Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, is ideal for businesses looking to establish a presence in the north of Scotland. It is particularly attractive for companies in tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy.

How to Choose a Registered Office Service in Scotland

Location:

Choose a location that aligns with your business goals. A prestigious address in a major city can enhance your company’s image, while a more regional location might offer cost savings and align with industry-specific needs.

Range of Services:

Look for a provider that offers comprehensive services, including mail forwarding, digital scanning, and possibly even virtual office options. These services can ensure that you stay on top of important communications.

Reputation and Reliability:

Research the reputation of the registered office provider. Reliable service is crucial for receiving and responding to important legal and financial documents in a timely manner.

Cost:

Compare the pricing structures of different providers. While cost is important, it’s also crucial to consider the value offered, including the quality of the address and the range of additional services.

Scalability:

Consider whether the service provider can grow with your business. If you plan to expand, it’s beneficial to choose a provider that offers additional support services, such as virtual offices, meeting rooms, or co-working spaces.

Conclusion

Establishing a registered office in Scotland is a strategic move that can enhance your business's credibility, ensure legal compliance, and provide a local presence in one of the UK’s most dynamic regions. Whether you choose a prominent address in Edinburgh, Glasgow, or another key city, a registered office in Scotland offers numerous benefits that can support your business’s growth and success. By selecting the right service provider and location, you can ensure that your company has the professional foundation it needs to thrive.

1 note · View note

thxnews · 11 months ago

Text

UK's £21M Boost for Green Hydrogen Industry

The Dawn of a Green Hydrogen Era In a bold move that underscores the UK's commitment to leading the global transition towards green energy, the government has announced substantial funding for the development of the hydrogen industry. With a generous injection of over £21 million, seven innovative projects across the nation, from Suffolk to Shetland, are set to revolutionize the way we think about fuel for public transport and the operation of local businesses. Powering the Future, One Project at a Time Hydrogen Production Plants: A Leap Forward Four of these projects aim to lay the groundwork for new hydrogen production plants. These facilities are expected to supply a variety of industries with cleaner fuel alternatives, enhancing energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Local Impact: Projects on the Ground The remaining three initiatives are preparing for immediate action in Aberdeen, Tees Valley, and Suffolk. These projects are not just about securing the UK's energy supply; they're about producing home-grown hydrogen for a greener industry and transport sector. For instance, the Suffolk Hydrogen initiative by Hydrab Power will generate green hydrogen for low-carbon service vehicles, while Tees Valley Hydrogen by Exolum and Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub by BP and Aberdeen City Council will support cleaner fuel alternatives for transport. A Vision Supported by Leaders Secretary of State for Energy Security Claire Coutinho emphasized the UK's ambition to become a world leader in hydrogen, highlighting the potential for supporting over 12,000 jobs and attracting up to £11 billion in private investment by 2030. Meanwhile, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan pointed out hydrogen's crucial role in achieving net zero targets, showcasing the government's dedication to fostering a thriving hydrogen industry. Unleashing the Potential of Green Hydrogen These projects not only promise to bolster the UK's hydrogen production capacity by 800MW but also support local communities in their quest to reduce emissions and move towards net zero. Additionally, the government's call for evidence on the hydrogen and carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) components of the Green Industries Growth Accelerator further demonstrates its commitment to advancing green manufacturing technologies. Industry Voices Rally Behind Hydrogen Leaders across the hydrogen industry, from Hydrogen UK's CEO Clare Jackson to directors of pioneering energy companies, have voiced their support for the government's initiative. Their statements reflect a collective optimism about hydrogen's role in providing secure, clean energy solutions and driving the UK's transition to a sustainable future. A Brighter, Greener Tomorrow The UK's substantial investment in green hydrogen projects is more than just financial support; it's a statement of intent. By backing these innovative projects, the UK is not only taking significant strides towards reducing its carbon footprint but also positioning itself at the forefront of the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions. As these projects come to life, they promise to transform local transport and industries, paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. Sources: THX News, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, The Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP, & Lord Callanan. Read the full article

#cleanfuelalternatives #thxnews #energysecurityandsustainability

0 notes

theleadersglobe · 1 year ago

Text

Study Group Introduces Specialised Programs for Indian Students Pursuing UK Higher Education

In response to the evolving aspirations of Indian students seeking higher education in the UK, Study Group, an international education consultant, has launched new International Year One programs, known as International Year Two programs in Scotland. These programs are developed in collaboration with partner universities and are designed to cater to the needs of international students unfamiliar with the UK education system. Offering smaller class sizes, additional language instruction, and targeted support, the programs aim to equip students with the necessary academic skills, ensuring they can confidently apply directly to undergraduate degree programs.

Anticipated Surge and Career-Oriented Focus

Ian Crichton, CEO of Study Group, foresees a 40% increase in the number of Indian students entering UK higher education through their international student program this year. Crichton attributes this rise to students prioritising programs with strong industry connections and internship opportunities, aligning with the UK’s emphasis on career-oriented education. Despite recent visa restrictions imposed by the UK government, Crichton remains hopeful, highlighting the distinction between immigration and education. He sees the restrictions as a challenge rather than a deterrent, emphasising the crucial role of international students in the UK’s academic landscape.

Insights into Student Preferences and Challenges

Crichton notes that Indian students are increasingly interested in STEM fields, including computer science, artificial intelligence, and data science, reflecting the growing relevance of these disciplines in the evolving tech landscape. However, traditional subjects such as business, management, finance, law, and health continue to be popular due to the UK’s excellence in these areas. He acknowledges the challenges posed by visa restrictions, attributing them to global geopolitical shifts and upcoming elections in the UK.

Preparation for Further Study

Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, highlights the intensive nature of the International Year One programs, positioning them as crucial preparation for further study at partner universities. Notable institutions involved in Study Group’s initiative include Cardiff University, Kingston University, Leeds Beckett University, University of Sussex, University of Aberdeen, and Liverpool John Moores University. As Study Group endeavours to facilitate the academic journey for Indian students, these tailored programs reflect a commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive pathway to success in UK higher education.

Source:(https://theleadersglobe.com/)(https://theleadersglobe.com/magazines/)

0 notes

cool-in-matawannj · 1 year ago

Text

Matawan, NJ, neighborhood

Matawan, a small town in NJ, is divided into several neighborhoods influenced by its two lakes, Lefferts and Matawan, and the major highways, Routes 79 and 34. In recent years, properties facing the lakes have gained value, particularly in Edgemere Heights, with older homes on larger properties near Lake Lefferts. The town is known for its cool, old-school atmosphere, with houses not all being the same square boxes. Affordable neighborhoods like Green and White Village and Freneau section have seen a surge in sales. Matawan's oldest buildings are along Main Street, while the newest homes include the 157 condominiums at the Preserve at Matawan on Route 79.

Kitchen cabinets near me

Kitchen Kraftsman is the leading kitchen cabinets near me, a store in Matawan, NJ, that can provide you with your needed cabinets. This company caters to Old Bridge, Marlboro, Monroe Township, Freehold, East Brunswick, Long Branch, Monmouth County, and Middlesex County clients. Their kitchen cabinets are designed to fit any style and budget, ranging from traditional to modern, rustic to sleek. Also, these cabinets are carefully selected from the best manufacturers, utilizing high-quality materials to ensure longevity. They can also add features like soft-close drawers, pull-out shelves, built-in organizers, glass doors, lighting, and custom finishes to make your new cabinet perfect. For excellent quality and functionality cabinets, call 732-583-3321.

Cambridge Club of Aberdeen

This Cambridge Club of Aberdeen in New Jersey offers a variety of resort-like amenities, including a pool deck, a fine dining restaurant, and a variety of dining options. The club is family-friendly, with activities for kids, a splash pad, a kiddie pool, a playground, and a kids' club. This club also hosts special events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and holiday parties, providing opportunities to meet new people and enjoy the club's amenities. The club is conveniently located in Aberdeen, NJ, making it easy to reach from major highways and public transportation. It offers a variety of membership options, making it affordable for people of all budgets.

Matawan crash caused traffic

A crash on NJ 34 in Matawan caused traffic delays on Wednesday morning. The crash occurred on the northbound NJ 79/CR 516A in Matawan, with all lanes currently closed and motorists advised to use caution. The incident occurred at 7:30 a.m., resulting in traffic delays in Matawan-Aberdeen, NJ. The NJ DOT has confirmed the crash and issued a 5-10 minute delay warning. The crash has impacted various areas such as crime, safety, politics, government, schools, traffic, transit, obituaries, personal finance, best of, weather, arts and entertainment, business and tech, health and wellness, home and garden, sports, travel, kids and family, pets, restaurants and bars, and real estate listings.

Link to maps

The Cambridge Club of Aberdeen 400 Lloyd Rd, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 Take Cambridge Dr to NJ-34 N 3 min (0.7 mi) Follow NJ-34 N to Old Bridge 6 min (3.1 mi) Drive to your destination 52 sec (0.1 mi) Kitchen Kraftsman - Remodeling, Cabinets, Flooring 343 NJ-34, Matawan, NJ 07747

0 notes

earthrelocationsblog · 1 year ago

Text

The Best Places to Live in Scotland as an Expat

Expatriate life can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor, marked by the thrill of experiencing a new culture and the complexities of settling in a foreign land. Scotland, with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and unique culture, presents a compelling choice for expats seeking an adventure. However, the success of your expat journey in Scotland hinges on a critical decision: choosing the right place to call home. This decision has far-reaching implications, from your job prospects and lifestyle to your overall well-being. In this guide, we will explore the best places to live in Scotland as an expat, delving into the factors that make them attractive and the practical considerations you need to be aware of. Additionally, we will highlight the vital role that Earth Relocation plays in ensuring a seamless expat relocation experience.

Understanding Scotland

Before we delve into the specifics of where to live in Scotland, it's essential to understand what makes this nation such an appealing destination for expats. Scotland is a land of enchanting landscapes, from the rugged, misty Highlands to the vibrant, historic cities. Its unique culture and heritage are woven into the very fabric of daily life. Scotland's appeal to expatriates is multifaceted, combining breathtaking natural beauty, a thriving cultural scene, and a strong sense of community. These attributes form the foundation of an unforgettable expat experience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Place to Live

As an expat, choosing the right place to live in Scotland involves a nuanced decision-making process. Several key factors must be taken into account:

1. Cost of Living: Scotland's cost of living varies across regions, with cities typically being more expensive than rural areas. Understanding the financial aspect is crucial to managing your budget effectively.

2. Job Opportunities: Your career prospects will significantly depend on your chosen location. Different regions have varying job markets, with some cities offering more opportunities in specific industries.

3. Lifestyle: Lifestyle preferences vary from person to person. Whether you seek the hustle and bustle of city life or the tranquillity of rural living, Scotland offers diverse lifestyle options.

4. Region Characteristics: Scotland's regions have their own unique characteristics. From the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Edinburgh to the creative hub of Dundee and the industrial allure of Aberdeen, each region has something distinct to offer.

Edinburgh: The Capital City

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is an alluring destination for expats. The city boasts a rich history, evident in its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and historic landmarks. For expats with families, the city offers excellent educational opportunities and a diverse range of schools. The job market in Edinburgh is robust, particularly in sectors such as finance, technology, and tourism. Furthermore, the city is known for its welcoming expat-friendly communities, making it an ideal place to start your Scottish adventure. However, it's important to note that Edinburgh's cost of living can be relatively high, so budgeting and financial planning are essential.

Glasgow: Scotland's Largest City

As Scotland's largest city, Glasgow presents a different but equally enticing experience for expats. It is renowned for its vibrant arts and music scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and live music venues. If you are seeking career opportunities, Glasgow's thriving business environment may be just what you need. The city's job market is diverse, with strengths in industries like healthcare, education, and financial services. Glasgow also offers a range of housing options, from modern apartments to historic homes. The quality of life in Glasgow is commendable, thanks to its extensive green spaces, cultural diversity, and friendly atmosphere.

Aberdeen: The Oil and Gas Hub

For expats working in the energy sector, Aberdeen stands out as a prime destination. Known as the "Granite City" due to its stunning gray stone architecture, Aberdeen exudes a unique industrial charm. The city's economy is heavily influenced by the oil and gas industry, providing a wealth of job opportunities in this sector. Beyond work, Aberdeen offers a high quality of life, with a wide range of amenities, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Inverness: The Gateway to the Highlands

If you're captivated by Scotland's dramatic landscapes and the allure of the Highlands, consider Inverness. As the gateway to the Highlands, Inverness is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The city is becoming increasingly attractive for expats, with emerging sectors in technology and healthcare. For families, Inverness offers a good selection of schools and healthcare facilities. Living in Inverness provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland's wild and untamed wilderness.

Dundee: The Creative Hub

Dundee, often regarded as the creative and cultural heart of Scotland, is an excellent choice for expats with a penchant for the arts and education. The city is home to world-class museums, galleries, and a thriving video game industry. With two prominent universities, Dundee is a center for research and academic excellence. The cost of living in Dundee is relatively lower than in larger cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious expats.

Rural and Coastal Living

While Scotland's cities offer a range of opportunities and amenities, some expats are drawn to the serenity and natural beauty of rural and coastal areas. Rural living in Scotland is characterized by a slower pace of life, close-knit communities, and proximity to the great outdoors. Some coastal regions, such as the North Coast 500, have gained popularity among expats for their stunning seascapes and outdoor activities. Exploring these regions can offer a unique expat experience.

Legal and Practical Considerations

Living as an expat in Scotland entails various legal and practical considerations. To ensure a smooth transition and stay, expats must be aware of the following:

1. Visas and Work Permits: Expats need to understand the visa and work permit requirements for their specific circumstances. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay, you may need to obtain the appropriate documentation.

2. Healthcare: Scotland provides a comprehensive healthcare system through the National Health Service (NHS). Expats may be eligible for NHS services, depending on their residency status and visa type.

3. Education: If you have school-aged children, you should research and select suitable educational institutions, whether they are local schools or international schools catering to expat students.

4. Public Services: Familiarize yourself with public services, such as public transportation, banking, and utilities, to make your daily life in Scotland more convenient.

Relocation companies, like Earth Relocations, can be invaluable in simplifying the complex process of moving to a new country. They provide expertise in handling the logistics of your move, ensuring that your possessions arrive intact and that you meet all legal and administrative requirements for your relocation.

Community and Lifestyle

Building a community is a pivotal aspect of expat life in Scotland. The warm and welcoming nature of the Scottish people makes it easier to forge connections and establish a support network. Expats can participate in various cultural and recreational activities, from traditional Scottish ceilidhs to outdoor adventures like hiking and golf. Joining expat support groups and connecting with locals can significantly enhance your expat experience.

Conclusion

In the journey of becoming an expat in Scotland, the choice of where to live is a decision of paramount importance. Each region has its own unique characteristics and appeals, and the right one for you depends on your lifestyle preferences, career goals, and personal interests. Whether you are captivated by the history and culture of Edinburgh, the vibrant arts scene of Glasgow, the industrial opportunities in Aberdeen, the natural beauty of Inverness, or the creative environment of Dundee, Scotland has something to offer every expat. Rural and coastal living also beckon those seeking a different pace of life.

Navigating the legal and practical aspects of expat life is another crucial aspect of a successful relocation. Understanding visa requirements, healthcare, education, and public services is essential to ensuring a smooth transition. Professional relocation companies like Earth Relocations can be your trusted partners in this process.

Ultimately, expat life in Scotland is about more than just the place you choose to live. It's about the community you build, the experiences you have, and the memories you create. Scotland's welcoming atmosphere, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes provide the canvas on which you can paint your expat adventure. So, explore your options, consider your preferences, and make an informed decision to embark on a fulfilling expat life in Scotland.

Author Bio A Traveler, Author, and a speaker! Brain Taylor is a full-time Digital Marketing Manager that focuses on creating effective online campaigns for products and services of Earth Relocation.

#live in Scotland #earth relocation #movers

1 note · View note

shafqatdad · 2 years ago

Text

Steven McMath beyond numbers human qualities come first

Steven McMath, beyond numbers, human qualities come first https://ift.tt/D70FYEn A clever blend of rigor and good humor – that’s the recipe for Steven McMath to help students fulfil their dreams. Our Senior Finance & Law Lecturer shared with us his vision of the industry and the challenges it faces. Can you share your background with us? Academically, I studied Law at Aberdeen University and Glasgow University and completed an MBA specializing in Finance at Liverpool University. At Les Roches I teach Finance, Accounting and Law. What made you want to teach? I enjoy teaching. Why did you choose Les Roches rather than another hotel management school? I liked the friendliness of Les Roches. I like the atmosphere. Les Roches isn’t just a school, it is a way of life. How would you define Les Roches? What makes Les Roches unique? It is friendly with very professional and dedicated instructors and lecturers. Les Roches tends to be down to earth. Les Roches tends to be down to earth. Has the atmosphere of Les Roches influenced the way you prepare your courses? Fortunately, Les Roches lecturers are given a lot of autonomy when it comes to course content. This allows them to share their own expertise and experience with students. What is your definition of the transmission of knowledge? I try to teach students knowledge that is useful. My focus is on transmitting knowledge and skills to students that they can use in their professional life and that they will find useful. Beyond the technical aspect, what do you try to transmit to your students? I like my classes to have an enjoyable and humorous atmosphere; but I am very serious about teaching students material that is useful in their professional career. Work hard and play hard in a sense. Do you have a secret for getting the best out of each student? Students tell me that I am very enthusiastic about what I teach. I like my classes to have an enjoyable and humorous atmosphere; but I am very serious about teaching students material that is useful in their professional career. In your opinion, are there any fundamental values that a student should possess if he or she wants to work in hotel management? A desire to do a good job and a focus on customer satisfaction are fundamental values required to work in hotel management. Be inclusive, be caring, be open. In your opinion, will these notions, which are essential for the new generations, change the face of the hotel industry? I think there is a danger that Western notions of the new generation identifying themselves as being inclusive, caring and open are necessarily held strongly by young people globally. Young people from Eastern Europe, Russia, India, Pakistan, East Asia and the Middle East tend to be more traditional in their values. Les Roches is a global brand catering to students from all over the world. In your opinion, what can and will the new generations bring to the hotel sector? On the world of work in general? Certainly a familiarity with the use of technology and social media. In your opinion, what are the challenges facing the hotel sector in 2023? Rises in interest rates on borrowed funds may impact the profitability and viability of some hotels. Interest rates have been very low since 2008. Hotels in particular and businesses in general may struggle to adjust to higher interest payments on borrowed funds. The post Steven McMath, beyond numbers, human qualities come first appeared first on Les Roches.

#Blog - Les Roches

0 notes

pannimanagementteam · 2 years ago

Text

Sage X3 Erp Implementation Tips On How To Implement Sage X3

Now greater than ever they should develop methods that make their organizations related, memorable and competitive in an era the place digital business transformation is not only a objective, it’s a continuous, speeding journey. With real-time analytics, your whole staff will sage x3 erp software be outfitted with the information they need to make quicker, smarter enterprise choices. Alerts and notifications help in quickly responding to the fast-paced wants of your small business. The dashboards are user-defined and inquiries are configurable on any information desk.

Take management of your entire business, from provide chain to sales with Sage Business Cloud X3. Software for established companies looking for higher efficiency, flexibility, and insight. Take management for your whole business with quicker, less complicated, and flexible production, monetary, and supply chain management.

Or, should you choose, the supplied development toolset also lets you create a fully personalized routine. Plus, it’s open structure makes it straightforward to attach new applications to your system as you broaden. Paperwork-filled processes have been left behind in our firm since we now have been using Sage X3. As the global market expands, the demand for cost-effective enterprise management solutions will increase quickly.

Sage X3 includes collaboration software for communication across multiple websites and a private workspace for users. Because it’s cloud-based, X3 Sage Business Cloud enterprise administration can also be accessible utilizing cellular gadgets. With the Sage X3 business administration solution for distributors, businesses achieve insights and from aspect to side lot traceability for warehousing distribution and stock sage x3 solutions management. Procurement features in the provide chain module embrace RFQs (request for quotes), purchase orders, and supplier and product category management. Deploy all or a part of the Sage X3 features — finance, sales, CRM, manufacturing, purchasing and stock administration — based on your particular enterprise technique and requirements.

Simplicity to eliminate unnecessary work and waste - Sage X3 tames the complexity of doing business–streamlining collaboration across all business operations and enabling workers to quickly handle any challenge that may arise. Put fairly simply, Sage X3 delivers extra of what you need–performance, insights, and scalability. And less of what you don’t–complexity, tough customizations, and excessive overhead costs.

Alumio helps you with integrating your software in a future-proof and dependable way. This recent Aberdeen Research Group eBook examines the needs for ERP within Wholesale and Distribution, as nicely as the benefits that top-performing firms receive on account of their ERP solution. Watch our on-demand webcast "Time to Upgrade? Top Reasons to Consider a Modern ERP Solution", and discover new methods to improve efficiencies, development and profitability. This session is a must-watch for any government sage x3 erp solutions or IT skilled who is starting to assume about options for changing an present software implementation. Whether you’re reporting to senior administration, a government agency, internal/external auditors, donors and executive boards, or the IRS, you’re accountable for the standing and value... Go with an ERP platform that helps you improve agility and stay aggressive in a changing landscape.

So, making a decision between NetSuite and Sage X3 will come all the way down to your business’s needs. Problems are not being notified making them troublesome to resolve, resulting in order issues and resultantly disappointed clients that are detrimental to businesses. Manages Risk- The ERP might help businesses handle threat by offering a extra complete view of their operations. This can help sage x3 software businesses establish and proper potential points earlier than they become an issue. Blytheco provides an extensive catalog of strong vertical and productivity developed solutions to enrich and prolong the performance of Sage one hundred (formerly MAS 90 and MAS 200).

Inventory for Sage X3 offers you with highly effective high quality management capabilities and inventory tracking by way of materials circulate management. Sage presents a wide selection of solutions; nonetheless, Sage X3 is particularly ideal for midsize and bigger businesses. The platform is constructed to cater to bigger corporations and isn't fitted to smaller companies and markets. The expertise is designed for sure modules, performance, and compliance support that make it best if used in industries like Manufacturing, Distribution, Services, Food and Beverage, Chemical, and Life Sciences.

0 notes

amnglobal · 2 years ago

Photo

[ICYMI] State of Maryland (AMNG) Tax Free week starts in Maryland on Sunday August 14th through August 20th. The Comptroller encourages all taxpayers to support Maryland entrepreneurs and small businesses in all 24 counties. You can save money on tax-free purchases of most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than $100) during the annual Tax-Free week. Learn more | Maryland Comptroller

0 notes

dwellordream · 3 years ago

Text

“Queens and kings often wore the clothing and jewels and gowns of predecessors for reasons of economy and tradition. Janet Arnold also points out that clothes were frequently left as bequests in wills because of the value of the material: many of Elizabeth's gowns, Arnold reports, were "translated" into furnishings after her death or given to players, the pearls and spangles sold, other items given to her ladies-in-waiting. But the "translation" of royal regalia could have the public effect of killing off a predecessor, too. In adopting the livery of her older sister and thereby advertising her secure position in Mary's royal household, Elizabeth officially buries her sister's royal claims: if clothes make the queen, Mary has been royally divested.

Of course, there were many reasons for Elizabeth to aggressively promote Mary's image at the same time. Like Mary, Elizabeth assumed the throne as an unmarried queen regnant, not as a queen consort, and what little precedent existed for this unusual and uncomfortable state of affairs in England had to be followed to the letter: wearing something second-hand in this case made tremendous political sense. Yet in wearing the same dress, Elizabeth was also emulating a Mary herself constrained by precedent, deliberately dressed down for her own coronation, because the "clothe of gold and silver tissue" was actually that of a queen consort rather than that of a queen regnant. As Judith M. Richards argues, the unmarried Mary Tudor presented herself on that day as a "less than fully royal monarch," with the loose hair of a bride, an open rather than closed crown, and a dress of white cloth of gold, not the purple robes of a king.

Such a circumscribed image of sovereignty later allows Elizabeth room to maneuver; but perhaps Elizabeth borrows the royal garment of a queenly virgin exactly because this was something the childless Mary could not bequeath a daughter. Elizabeth allows Mary a legacy, in other words, while underscoring its emptiness. There was enormous religious motivation behind Elizabeth's decision as well. Protestant reformers in England strategically made use of Catholic relics including priestly vestments and altar cloths to unveil or discharge those items' ritual magic, turning them into furnishings for Protestant homes or costumes for professional players (Jones and Stallybrass, 192). The Catholic Mary Stuart allowed herself such iconoclastic impulses, too, when she recycled altar cloths confiscated from Aberdeen Chapel into a bedspread for her lover's apartments.

What seems like a rough handling of weighty theological matter actually has a rationale. Protestants who rejected the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, whereby the eucharis tie bread and wine were literally transformed into Christ's body and blood, nonetheless exploited the magic and simply reversed the charm when they repackaged Catholic relics rather than disposing of them altogether. The London of 1559 was still more Catholic than Protestant (see Frye, Elizabeth I, 45), and Elizabeth's religious impulses ran along several lines, suppressing as many religious questions as possible:

William P. Haugaard tells us, for instance, that the consecrated host was not elevated at the coronation mass, even though Elizabeth was crowned according to the rites of a Latin liturgy (Haugaard, 170). Similarly, instead of tearing up Mary's Catholic costume for a queen, Elizabeth had a new bodice and pair of sleeves made for the kirtle (Arnold, Wardrobe, 52-7). What better way to retain the appearance of things (even queens) while neatly and quietly altering the substance underneath? More than fifty years later, Mary Stuart’s niece Arbella will sell off the embroidered panels Mary had worked on in prison in order to finance her own escape from the Tower.”

- Elizabeth Mazzola, “ Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Ermine: Elizabeth I's Coronation Robes and Mothers' Legacies in Early Modern England.” in Early Modern Women

#elizabeth i of england #mary i of england #history #tudor #renaissance #elizabeth mazzola

106 notes · View notes

adsthumbsblog · 3 years ago

Text

Real Estate In Costa Rica

In the last years, an increasing number of American, Canadian and European investors have turned their eyes toward Costa Rica growing Real Estate Market. Forced by their restrictively expensive domestic property markets plus the volatility and insecurity of existing equity markets, investors have found in our country an outstanding alternative for investment.

Costa Rica has been by tradition a democratic and peaceful Central America country. Costa Rica is famous for its neutrality over past and present conflicts in the area, recognized by the world community when the President Oscar Arias received the Nobel Peace Price in 1987 and mentioned in the CIA World Fact Book as "a Central America success story".

Costa Ricans, also known as "ticos" happily boasts that Costa Rica is so peaceful that it does not need an army, and has more teachers than police officers!

Since it is a stable country with extreme natural beauty, more and more people are looking into Costa Rica for a new home or a second home abroad on the growing Costa Rican property market.

Even though Costa Rica current boom on real estate has caused for an inflation of prices, land and house prices in the country are very affordable with prices not even close to those in the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom. Up and above the country strong resale market, currently luxury beachfront developments can start as low as US$80,000 or prices starting just from US$250,000 for detached homes on sizeable plots.

Currently, over 50,000 United States' citizens live in Costa Rica. Besides, Unites States brokers can easily arrange finance for property purchase in Costa Rica, since the United States government considers this country to be a politically and economically stable country.

Foreigners may find in Costa Rica a way of life very similar to the Western or American standards, which strive on a good quality lifestyle. The people moving into our country enjoy the benefit of good infrastructure, excellent communications and good standard of services. Other advantages for those interested on relocating in Costa Rica are the relatively low cost of living, the excellent health care services up to par with American standards, a high education and literacy standards, very good command of English language by most Costa Ricans and a strong and stable economy based on agriculture, science and technology, and tourism.

An added benefit for investors in real estate in Costa Rica or for those looking to move to the country is the favorable low tax regime the country has adopted, and the fact that property ownership rights in Costa Rica for non-residents or foreigners are unrivalled to those in the rest of the countries of Central and Latin America region.

The boom that Costa Rica is experiencing on the real estate market has not upset the overall picture of the country, as its economy is not reliant exclusively on real state, meaning that it will remain stable and property prices are not artificially talked up.

Short Rental London

Short Rental Birmingham

Short Rental Liverpool

Short Rental Sheffield

Short Rental Bristol

Short Rental Glasgow

Short Rental Leicester

Short Rental Edinburgh

Short Rental Leeds

Short Rental Cardiff

Short Rental Manchester

Short Rental Stoke-on-Trent

Short Rental Coventry

Short Rental Sunderland

Short Rental Brent

Short Rental Birkenhead

Short Rental Nottingham

Short Rental Islington

Short Rental Reading

Short Rental Kingston upon Hull

Short Rental Preston

Short Rental Newport

Short Rental Swansea

Short Rental Bradford

Short Rental Southend-on-Sea

Short Rental Belfast

Short Rental Derby

Short Rental Plymouth

Short Rental Luton

Short Rental Wolverhampton

Short Rental City of Westminster

Short Rental Southampton

Short Rental Blackpool

Short Rental Milton Keynes

Short Rental Bexley

Short Rental Northampton

Short Rental Archway

Short Rental Norwich

Short Rental Dudley

Short Rental Aberdeen

Short Rental Portsmouth

Short Rental Newcastle upon Tyne

Short Rental Sutton

Short Rental Swindon

Short Rental Crawley

Short Rental Ipswich

Short Rental Wigan

Short Rental Croydon

Short Rental Walsall

Short Rental Mansfield

Short Rental Oxford

Short Rental Warrington

Short Rental Slough

Short Rental Bournemouth

Short Rental Peterborough

Short Rental Cambridge

Short Rental Doncaster

Short Rental York

Short Rental Poole

Short Rental Gloucester

Short Rental Burnley

Short Rental Huddersfield

Short Rental Telford

Short Rental Dundee

Short Rental Blackburn

Short Rental Basildon

Short Rental Middlesbrough

Short Rental Bolton

Short Rental Stockport

Short Rental Brighton

Short Rental West Bromwich

Short Rental Grimsby

Short Rental Hastings

Short Rental High Wycombe

Short Rental Watford

Short Rental Saint Peters

Short Rental Burton upon Trent

Short Rental Colchester

Short Rental Eastbourne

Short Rental Exeter

Short Rental Rotherham

Short Rental Cheltenham

Short Rental Lincoln

Short Rental Chesterfield

Short Rental Chelmsford

Short Rental Mendip

Short Rental Dagenham

Short Rental Basingstoke

Short Rental Maidstone

Short Rental Sutton Coldfield

Short Rental Bedford

Short Rental Oldham

Short Rental Enfield Town

Short Rental Woking

Short Rental St Helens

Short Rental Worcester

Short Rental Gillingham

Short Rental Becontree

Short Rental Worthing

Short Rental Rochdale

#ClassifiedAdsSites #classifiedadsposting #classifiedads #freeads #ads

2 notes · View notes

oliviajames1122 · 2 years ago

Text

Scot Wind offshore auction rises

An auction of seabed plots for major offshore wind projects around the Scottish coast has netted £700m.

Seventeen projects covering a total of 7,000km2 have been chosen in the first such leasing round in a decade.

They have a combined potential generating capacity of 25GW - well above the expected auction outcome of 10GW.

Scotland has 1.9GW of operational offshore wind and another 8.4GW in construction or advanced development many business listings.

The ScotWind leasing auction attracted more than 70 bids from major oil companies, utility firms, and investment funds from around the world.

· Will ScotWind auction deliver a renewables revolution?

·ScotWind offshore wind auction attracts 74 bids

Most of the sites are on the east, northeast, or northern coast, with just one on the western side of Scotland.

Successful bidders include Scottish Power, which won the seabed rights to develop three new offshore wind farms with a total capacity of 7GW.

They include two new floating projects in conjunction with Shell and one fixed project.

Crown Estate Scotland awarded options for 17 sites around Scotland

The site map key and lead winners:

1.BP Alternative Energy Investments (2,907MW capacity)

2.SSE Renewables (2,610MW)

3.Falck Renewables (1,200MW)

4.Shell New Energies (2,000MW)

5.Vattenfall (798MW)

6.DEME (1,008MW)

7.DEME (1,008MW)

8.Falck Renewables (1,000MW)

9.Ocean Winds (1,000MW)

10.Falck Renewables (500MW)

11.Scottish Power Renewables (3,000MW)

12.BayWa (960MW)

13.Offshore Wind Power (2,000MW)

14.Northland Power (1,500MW)

15.Magnora (495MW)

16.Northland Power (840MW)

17.Scottish Power Renewables (2000MW)

Shell New Energies is the lead applicant on the most expensive development, off the coast of Aberdeen, estimated to cost ��86m in option fees. BP Alternative Energy Investments and SSE Renewables will each pay £85.9m in fees for two sites.

The auction process was overseen by Crown Estate Scotland, with funds raised from the process going to the Scottish government.

The winners have now been offered option agreements that reserve the rights to specific areas of the seabed.

They include parts of the North Sea to the east of Angus, the outer Moray Firth, west of Orkney, east of Shetland, and northwest of both Lewis and Islay business listings.

Scot Wind represents a major sea-change in how we generate our electricity in Scotland.

By the time they're all built, an estimated six million tonnes of carbon dioxide will be prevented from entering our atmosphere each year. That's about an eighth of all Scotland's emissions for 2019.

But we've already largely decarbonized our electricity sector. So, why build more offshore wind farms?

The inherent unpredictability of the wind means we need masses of overcapacity to allow us to keep the lights on when some of the turbines are not turning. But those looking after the grid need to be cleverer than just building more turbines.

That means a growing use of smart technology and increased storage - through batteries or green hydrogen - will become critical in the coming years.

Crown Estate Scotland chief executive Simon Hodge said: "Today's results are a fantastic vote of confidence in Scotland's ability to transform our energy sector.

"In addition to the environmental benefits, this also represents a major investment in the Scottish economy, with around £700m being delivered straight into the public finances and billions of pounds worth of supply chain commitments."

'Historic opportunity

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the Scot Wind auction as a "truly historic opportunity for Scotland's net-zero economies".

She added: "The scale of opportunity represented in today's announcement exceeds our current planning assumption of 10GW of offshore wind - which is a massive vote of confidence Scotland."

Scottish Renewables said the announcement was "an exciting and significant moment in Scotland's renewable energy story" free business listings.

Chief executive Claire Mack added: "The potential for 17 new projects creates huge ambition for our sector to deliver on, and will require strong collaboration to deliver maximum impact for our economy and environment."

The auction was originally meant to close at the end of March last year but was delayed after a parallel English and Welsh auction resulted in far higher prices than expected.

At the risk of losing out on hundreds of millions of pounds if it stuck to its original auction price guidelines, CES raised the cap for the auction bids from £10,000 to £100,000 per square kilometer.

The Scottish government has set a target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045.

Related Topics

·Wind power

·Isle of Lewis

·Orkney

·Shetland

·Isle of Islay

·Renewable energy

#Many business listings #business listings #free business listings #promote your business

1 note · View note

hagleyvault · 4 years ago

Photo

We’re observing ENIAC day today and the people that made IT happen. The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), developed at the University of Pennsylvania’s Moore School of Electrical Engineering, was the first all electronic, programmable computer. ENIAC was formally dedicated seventy-five years ago today, on February 15, 1946.

The project was financed by the U.S. government, who wanted the technology to calculate artillery firing tables for the Army’s Ballistic Research Laboratory. It’s primary purpose after construction was in military use; one of ENIAC’s first assignments was a series of computations to determine the feasibility of the hydrogen bomb.

In the aftermath of the project, programmers Ruth Lichterman Teitelbaum and Frances Bilas Spence traveled with ENIAC to its new home at the Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground, where they worked in training ENIAC’s new programmers.

ENIAC’s John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert resigned from the University of Pennsylvania to form the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation in order to create new computer designs for both military and commercial applications, bringing with them ENIAC project team members Betty Snyder Holberton and Jean Jennings Bartik. They had hoped to bring along programmer Kay McNulty as well; she instead chose to join Ruth Lichterman Teitelbaum at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, but later joined Mauchly in a different capacity. The two married in 1948.

In 1950, the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation was sold to Remington Rand, which later merged with Sperry Corporation to become Sperry Rand, the forerunner of today’s Unisys Corporation. ENIAC developers Arthur Burks, Jeffrey Chuan Chu, Jack Davis, Harry Huskey, Frank Mural, Thomas Kite Sharpless, and Robert F. Shaw also went on to make significant contributions to the field, including to the development of early computers like EDVAC, AVIDAC, SEAC, SWAC, UNIVAC and ORACLE.

This ca. 1947 photograph shows ENIAC with project team members, and was taken at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering. It is part of Hagley Library’s collection of Sperry Corporation, UNIVAC Division photographs and audiovisual materials (Accession 1985.261). To view more material related to ENIAC in our Digital Archive, click here.

32 notes · View notes

spine-buster · 5 years ago

Text

The President Wears Prada (William Nylander) | Chapter 4

September 28th 2019

Aberdeen Bloom was letting it all out.

Siena had called, cooped up in her room in the house she rented with two other girls, taking a break from studying for torts law or shorts law or whatever type of law it was that she had to study. It was these moments – moments when Siena caught up with her younger sister – that reminded her that she was slaving through law school because Aberdeen would probably need a lawyer one day after doing something colossally stupid. She’d usually start the conversations with “You can’t tell mom and dad…” and Siena would promise not to. And, well, she’d keep that promise. Because sisters never told. They only ever told on Camden.

Aberdeen told Siena about the night with William in June – she told her about a week later, after Siena was finally settled back into her place in Ottawa. They’d talked about it for a while and had come to terms with the fact that Aberdeen would never see William again because of the whole Sweden thing and because of the fact that Toronto was a city full of a few million people. They’d accepted it and moved on.

But then, of course, William showed up in the elevator on her first day of work and the floodgates opened.

“Wait…hold on a second,” Siena held her hand up. “You’re telling me you hooked up with a Toronto Maple Leaf.”

“Yes.”

“A hockey player. That guy was a hockey player.”

“Yes,” Aberdeen stressed.

“And now…” Siena paused. “You work for the president of the team that he plays for.”

“Precisely.”

Siena let out a long, loud sign, facepalming before rubbing her temples. “I don’t know how you get yourself into these situations, Aberdeen,” she shook her head. “I honestly don’t.”

“I don’t, either.”

“What are you going to do about it?”

Aberdeen looked at her sister weird. “There’s nothing I can do about it. It says right in the employee handbook that no employee and player are allowed to hook up. I can’t tell Brendan and William can’t tell the rest of the team. That’s that.”

“Are you scared he might?”

Aberdeen considered the question. “I really don’t know. On one side, I feel like if he really wanted to tell them he would have told them already, and Brendan Shanahan would have found out through the grapevine and I would have already lost my job. Like, I wouldn’t have even gone to Newfoundland. On the other hand, I feel like the comments he’s been saying to me just make it seem like this is a game to him and he’s waiting on the most opportune moment to tell.”

“Comments?” Siena asked.

Aberdeen sighed. “I went to dinner with a bunch of them in St. John’s because Jason invited me, and he asked me who my favourite Leaf was in this really flirty way,” she explained. “Then a few days later he found me alone and told me I should have said him. Or at least have said he was fucking awesome because that’s what I said that night after we hooked up.”

Siena facepalmed again. “Oh, Aberdeen…”

“I know, Siena.”

“Does Kasha know?” she asked.

“Of course Kasha knows.”

“Kasha won’t tell a soul. She’s good like that.”

“I know. My problem here is William.”

“Listen, Aberdeen…this is a fucked up situation but it’s…I mean, technically you didn’t hook up with him when you were employee. It was months before. You had no idea who he was. That’s what my lawyer brain is telling me right now.”

“I don’t know if that matters,” Aberdeen said. “I keep getting told that this is the dream job, that if I do well with Mr. Shanahan I can have my pick of any job in any field that I want in Toronto, including writing. That’s how well connected he is. I wouldn’t want to get on his bad side at all. I have to be on my best behaviour and I have to keep doing well.”

“Then keep being on your best behaviour. Keep doing your job,” Siena encouraged. “And keep William away.”

***

September 30th, 2019

With only two days until the start of the season, Brendan had a lot of meetings with a lot of people. There were meetings with hockey ops, meetings with the head scouts, meetings with player development, meetings with analytics. It was a much busier time than just three weeks ago. A lot more coffee runs. More ordering of catered lunches. More running around like a chicken with her head cut off, like Brendan said she would. And this wasn’t even the start of the season.

Brendan wanted her to sit it in on the meeting he had now with basically the entire senior management so they could go over upcoming events and initiatives they’d put on throughout the season. Kyle Dubas would be there. Brandon Pridham and Laurence Gilman, the assistant general managers would be there. Dave Morrison, the director of player personnel would be there. Brad Lynn, the director of team operations would be there. Stephen Hare, the director of finance would be there. Steve Keogh, the director of media relations would be there. Alison Rockwell, the director of business relations would be there. Leanne Hederson, the manager of hockey operations would be there.

Aberdeen was clearly studying the employee directory.

They had a list of things to talk about, and talked through them all. Aberdeen had her notebook and tried to take notes, but she felt like she was writing a foreign language and none of this would make sense when she went to read them again. There was talk about “You Can Play Night”, about galas, about charity golf tournaments, about community outreach programs, about the alumni events, about the MLSE Launchpad initiatives…

Then they started to talk about alternate jerseys. She thought there was only home and away jerseys, but no, there was apparently a third for a special night. A “St. Pats” jersey. It was green. A definite change from the blue, but they kept going on and on about it. Do we do this? What about this? How about this? It was incredibly pedantic. She felt like she was in science class again, doodling instead of taking notes since she had no clue what was being said or what was going on.

“Do you think we should go with the same one from last season, or should we choose a new design?” Dave Morrison asked.

“It’s hard to say. If we go with last year’s design, jersey sales may stagnate or decline if we compare it on a year-by-year basis, but a new design will boost that,” Stephen Hare said.

“Well, listen. It’s the 2019-2020 season. We can go with the design from 1919-1920,” Brandon Pridhan said, pulling up the mock-ups of the jersey. Aberdeen took into account the green and white, the lettering, everything. “Or should we balk the season number and go with this one, the 1926-1927 season design?” he held up the other mock-up. It was basically the exact same design, except the colours were inverted.

They were having an extremely serious and long discussion about this? Aberdeen snorted from the corner.

Suddenly, when she looked up, every eye in the room was on her. The smile immediately dropped from her face. Brendan was looking at her. “Something funny?”

Oh shit. Oh shit. Ohfuckohfuckohfuck. “No, no…” she began, trying to cover for herself. “It’s nothing – you know – it’s just that they look exactly the same to me. I…you know, I’m still learning about all this stuff.”

“This…stuff?” Brendan asked, repeating her words. The look that he gave her – she never wanted to be looked at like that again for the rest of her life. “Oh…okay. I see. You think this has nothing to do with you. You get hired by the Maple Leafs and you sit in on this meeting with, oh I don’t know, that iPad Pro which the company paid for, and you scoff because you think we’re taking this too seriously, and you don’t care about what jerseys fans put on their back. But what you don’t know is that this hockey sweater is not just blue and white, it’s not just green and white, it’s actually a symbol,” he paused, moving from his spot at the table, walking around it. “You’re also blindly unaware of the fact that in 1919 the Toronto Arenas were about to go under, only to be saved by a group of investors who renamed the team the Toronto St. Patricks, and who later made Conn Smythe their managing partner and their eventual owner. Conn Smythe ended up changing their name in 1927 to the Toronto Maple Leafs because that maple leaf was the national symbol of Canada and, as he said, a badge of courage and a reminder of home of when he was a Canadian Army officer during World War One,” he picked the design he liked most from Brandon and pinned it onto the board, taking another from the pile. Aberdeen’s heart stopped beating. “The blue and white, he said, represented the Canadian skies and Canadian snow. The name has changed, the investors have changed, and the logo has seen design changes, but that maple leaf is a symbol that represents the identity of Toronto, the history of this city, and the pride of the country. It represents millions of dollars and countless jobs, and so it’s sort of comical how you think that you ever made a choice that exempted you from caring about these jerseys when, in fact, this city’s identity and one of the most well-known national symbols were selected for you by the people in this room who ran this hockey club. All because of the influence of this stuff.”

He held onto a picture, holding it face up. She broke eye contact to look down at it, only to see it was the maple leaf that was currently on the jersey. The thirty-one points, meant to represent 1931 and the opening of Maple Leaf Gardens; the 17-vein detail, meant to represent when the franchise was founded in 1917; the 13 veins at the top, meant to represent the 13 Stanley Cup championships. She realized what this symbol meant to not only the people in this room, but to the city, to the fabric and identity of it, to its storied past and bright future. She realized the history behind it, the countless people who wore the sweater or jersey with pride for over a century now. She realized how wrong and careless she’d been.

When she looked back up, Brendan was staring at her. So was everyone else still seated at the board table, some of them with amused looks on their faces. “I’ll be outside if you need me,” she said, barely above a whisper because she was too embarrassed to even speak. She clutched her iPad Pro and took the picture, walking out of the room.

The second the door closed behind her, she burst out into tears. The tears streamed down her face as she escaped into the washroom, slamming the stall door behind her and locking it before breaking down in the bathroom stall. Brendan Shanahan had just embarrassed her in front of some of the hockey world’s most important people and she deserved it. She couldn’t believe she could be so fucking stupid and so dumb and callous and just such a…such an idiot. And now here she was, crying about it in a bathroom stall. She’d never be able to recover from this. Brendan would think she was an idiot until the day she died. He’d die before her and in heaven he’d still think her an idiot.

She stayed in the bathroom stall for a while, crying it all out and eventually stopping because she had no more energy to cry. She opened the stall door and looked at herself in the mirror, trying to wipe away the tears. Her eyes were red and of course, her cheeks were stained with tears, but she was thankful that she wore waterproof mascara that day. She tried to collect herself, even though she had just made a complete ass of herself. She still had a full day of work to do. She still had to make it until 5pm. Somehow.

When there was nothing more she could do to fix her appearance, she sighed and decided to head back to her desk, ready to face whatever punishment Brendan was going to give her when he got out of the meeting. There was nothing more she could say or do. She swung open the door to the washroom and stepped out into the hallway.

Although when she did, she crashed into a body. When she looked up, it was, of course, none other than William Nylander. Because her day couldn’t get any better from here. “Hey,” he said, smiling at her.

“What do you need?” she asked, not bothering to greet him.

He noticed the tone of her voice and the redness of her eyes and immediately changed his demeanour. “What’s wrong?”

She side-eyed him. As if he cared. “I just made a complete ass of myself in front of Brendan. No biggie,” she huffed.

“Did you get a coffee order wrong or something?”

Now she really side eyed him. She understood the stereotype of personal assistants, but this was not the time to start making jokes and devaluing her job. “What do you want? Why are you even in the offices?” she asked.

He shrugged his shoulders. “I wanted to see you.”

She scoffed. “Oh, get a life, William.”

“Excuse me?”

“I don’t know why you feel the need to keep taunting me when we’re on the job, but it needs to stop,” she said. “Don’t you have drills to go through? Don’t you like, I don’t know, need to tape a stick?”

It was his turn to give her a look. “Hey, don’t be mad at me just because you screwed up at your job today. I came up here to see you because I wanted to see you. I’m trying to be nice.”

“Taunting me at my job isn’t being nice,” she said. “If you can’t tell, I’m not having a good day. So I’d appreciate it if you just…wouldn’t.”

“Whatever you did can’t be worse than sleeping with a Maple Leaf and then working for his boss,” William retorted.

Okay, now she was angry. She grabbed his arm and dragged him towards the small kitchen – the one she’d retreated to when she walked in on them in their underwear – and shut the door behind them so they could have a private conversation. “Listen to me,” she began, her voice as steady and as intimidating as it could be. “I know I’m not saving the world or anything, but this job means a lot to me. This isn’t a fucking game to me like it is to you. This is my life. This is my livelihood. This is my career prospects in any industry in Toronto if I do a good job here. And you, William Nylander, are not going to take that away from me.”

“I’m not trying to take that away from you,” William declared. “Don’t you think that if I didn’t want you here, I would have told the guys or told Brendan already?”

Aberdeen thought back to the conversation she’d had with her sister, where she brought up the exact same point. She shook her head. “Then stop with the comments. Stop with the ‘coming to see me’, flirting in front of your teammates, and the flirting in general.”

“I can’t do that,” he responded.

“Why not?” she demanded.

“Because I want you.”

The words hung in the air for an uncomfortable amount of time as William and Aberdeen stared at each other, his blue eyes piercing her hazel ones. Her jaw dropped at his words, and she tried to respond but she couldn’t think of anything to say. There was nothing to say. He just dropped a bombshell and she had no way to recover. He wanted her. He wanted her. He…wanted her? “W…What?”

William didn’t respond. He only smiled. He didn’t say anything else as he left those words with her, opening the door and leaving the kitchen, leaving her completely dumbfounded.

***

Later on that night, as Aberdeen was walking back to her condo after the day’s work (and not seeing Brendan again – probably for the best, since she was going to write out and rehearse her apology she’d tell him tomorrow if she didn’t get a call that she’d been fired tonight), her phone buzzed in her pocket. She assumed that it would be Kasha, wanting to know what they were going to do for dinner. But when she looked at her screen, it was an unknown number that texted her.

i promise im not going to tell anybody. im not going to tell any of the guys, or kyle, or brendan, or anyone what happened in june. that stays between us.

im not that guy. i wouldn’t do that to you.

She stopped dead in her tracks. A pedestrian behind her almost crashed into her and yelled at her to watch where she was going. She collected herself and moved off to the side so people could pass by her and she could read the texts over and over and over again. She didn’t even want to know how he got her number. She didn’t want to know what covert operation he pulled.

She gulped.

***

October 1st, 2019

Aberdeen was impatient in the backseat of the town car as she and Lou waited for Brendan to appear. Her leg was bobbing up and down and she was pretty sure she would have chipped all her nail polish off by now if it wasn’t shellac. She had written out and rehearsed her apology to him and knew exactly how she was going to deliver it. She knew she had to makes things right.

“Miss Bloom,” Lou said from the driver’s seat, looking at her through the rear-view mirror like he often did. “Nervous energy.”

“I’m sorry Lou,” she apologized, trying not to bob her leg. “I just need to say something to Mr. Shanahan.”

“Something bad?”

“How many apologies have you heard in this car?” she asked.

Lou chuckled. “Many, Miss Bloom.”

“How does he react to them?”

Lou shrugged. “Depends.”

She gulped. As if on cue, Brendan emerged from his house. Lou got out of the car to open the door for him.

“Good morning, Aberdeen,” he said, his voice cheery as he got into the backseat. He already had a stack of newspapers with him. He was acting as if nothing was wrong. “How are you this morning?”

“I’m…good,” she replied, confused. She decided she should just get right into it. “Mr. Shanahan, can I speak to you about something?”

“Brendan,” he corrected her like he always did. He was focused on the newspaper in front of him. “And yes, Aberdeen, you may.”

“Can you look at me?”

That caught his attention. He lowered the newspaper and took off his glasses, waiting for her to begin. She took a deep breath. “I want to sincerely apologize for my comments yesterday in the meeting,” she began. “It was really insensitive of me to scoff, and then to make that comment – just really callous, and I want to apologize. I don’t want you thinking that this job means nothing to me, because it does. It means the world—”

“Aberdeen,” Brendan interrupted her, holding up his hand. She stopped talking, and could tell he was thinking of what to say. “First of all, thank you for your apology,” he began. “What I said to you in that room, in front of everybody – I just wanted to make sure you know the importance of the work we do here.”

“I do. I mean – I do now.”

“Hockey in Toronto is not just hockey,” he began. “It’s a living, breathing entity in and of itself. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you will see the importance of not just my work, or the work of anybody else that was in the room that day, but of your work too. You are part of the Toronto Maple Leafs now, Aberdeen, whether you like it or not. You have a role to play here in the success of the team just like anybody else. Just because you’re an executive assistant, it doesn’t mean you don’t.”

“Yes sir,” she nodded her head.

“I know you have a steep learning curve to go through. I knew that when I hired you. You’ll go through it. And you’ll make a hell of a lot of mistakes along the way. But you’ll go through it. And you’ll come out better. With more knowledge. Understood?”

“Yes sir. Absolutely,” she nodded her head. Brendan sent her a quick smile before putting his glasses back on and focusing on the newspaper again. “So…I guess this means I’m not fired?” she asked, just for reassurance.

That actually got a laugh out of Brendan. “No, Aberdeen. I could never fire an Etobicoke girl.”

***

October 2nd 2019

The season opener was just pure insanity. There was no other way Aberdeen could rephrase it besides that – just pure insanity. Brendan had meetings, she had to coordinate this, she had to run for coffees, she had to go get notes from someone, the phone was ringing off the hook…Lou even had to take her in the town car up to Yorkville, to Prada and to Gucci and to Hermes, so she could pick up ties for him to wear once all the media came rushing in. It was a complete shit show. She barely had time to eat, drink, or even think because she was so busy trying to get everything done.

But something happened to her once she and Brendan made their way up to the media gondola to sit in the President’s private box with Kyle Dubas and Brandon Pridham: she watched the game. From start to finish, she watched the Toronto Maple Leafs dominate the Ottawa Senators 5-3 to win the game. She saw Auston Matthews score two goals – and William assist beautifully on one of them. It was textbook perfect. She saw the comradery of the boys on the bench. She saw Brendan and Kyle seem excited.

She remembered back to how excited the people of Newfoundland were at just a practice and an exhibition game. She saw how excited the crowd was tonight at the way the team played and the outcome of the game.

She began to get it.

She followed Brendan out of the gondola so they could head down to the locker room about five minutes before the game was going to end. When the team began to come in, she wondered if she should clap – her questions were answered when she saw the equipment personnel fist-bump the boys. She held out her hand to show her support. Brendan laughed.

“Wooooo! Let’s go baby!” Auston screamed as he looked directly at her, fist-bumping her with his enormously large hockey glove. In that moment, she was sure one of them was going to knock her over one day.

“Good job boys!” she yelled out as they trickled in. John was next, giving her a fist-bump and a quick nod.

Morgan saw her and screamed at her. “Wooooo!”

“Wooooo!” she mimicked, smiling from ear to ear as she fist-bumped him. She held her hand out for Andreas, for Kasperi, and for Sandin. William filtered through, and when she caught his eye, a large smile appeared on his face. “Good job boys!” she yelled out again as they fist-pumped.

As they boys filtered into the locker room and began to take off their gear, Brendan walked in, motioning for Aberdeen to follow him. She stood behind him and Kyle Dubas as they watched Mike Babcock make his post-game speech and present the team with one of the Raptors’ game used balls from their championship run. One player would get it after every game won. Auston got it tonight for scoring two goals, and he did a few tricks.

Aberdeen helped usher Mike into a separate room so he could do post-game media before they went into the locker room. She watched as a horde of reporters stuck microphones into his face and asked him questions about the game. When Brendan called her back into the locker room, he told her he was free to go.

She looked up at one of the TV monitors that was broadcasting Mike’s interview from the other room live, wanting to hear what good things he had to say before she left. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw William approach her, the bottom half of his gear still on, chucking something into the garbage. He stood beside her, looking up at the monitor too to listen in.

“Can you speak to Matthews’s goals tonight? The assist from Nylander must have looked good on your end,” one of the reporters asked.

“Yeah, the goals were good. Looked really good. The assist looked better than the one’s from last season, that’s for sure – he’s clearly been practicing,” Mike began.

Aberdeen didn’t hear anything else he had to say as she furrowed her brows. She knew that she didn’t know anything about hockey, but she thought the team played fantastic tonight. They won, for heaven’s sake. If she was a casual viewer and thought they played well, and that William’s assist on Auston’s goal looked incredible, that had to speak for something, right? A person who wasn’t even a fan being impressed? She didn’t know. But when she looked over at William, she saw a defeated look on his face. He clearly took the comments to heart, and it killed her to see his excitement die down over a stupid comment.

“Does he always give you backhanded compliments?” she asked quietly, looking at him.

William noticed her looking, and gave her one of those tight-lipped smiles as he shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t worry about it. I’m used to it.”

Aberdeen didn’t like that answer.

#william nylander #william nylander imagine #william nylander fic #william nylander fan fic #toronto maple leafs #toronto maple leafs imagine #toronto maple leafs fic #toronto maple leafs fan fic #nhl #nhl imagine #nhl fic #nhl fan fic #hockey #hockey imagine #hockey fic #hockey fan fic #the president wears prada series

185 notes · View notes