#Spirit of Falmouth

[jbrasseul]

Falmouth

[youling-the-ghost]

If I say that Falmouth's "squid out of water" backstory is a fantastic allegory for being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world...

[travelling-my-little-pony]

Rainbowberry went to Gwithti an Pystri - A Cabinet of Folklore and Magic.

In Falmouth, in Cornwall, England.

Rainbowberry is looking at a Spirit House from Thailand.

[ginandoldlace]

Spirit of Falmouth in Cornwall

[rreliquaries]

WHAT THE HEART SEEKS

Chapter 13

When Hermione stopped at one of the newsstands selling postcards with idyllic moving pictures of wizarding London, she couldn’t stop her eyes from trailing to the other trades to see what they were saying. She found them utterly idiotic. Heartbroken Draco Malfoy Throws Himself in Front of Speeding Bludger! , read Rumours!’ front page.   Distraught Draco: Falmouth Seeker Seen Leaving St. Mungo’s in Tears , said Witch Weekly’s gossip column. Many suspect Draco Malfoy deliberately intercepted the bludger with his face, in a last-ditch effort to show former fiancee Astoria Greengrass that he can’t go on without her. The pair’s betrothal was practically written in the stars, and sources tell us we have nothing more than Astoria’s gentle love letters to thank for keeping our beloved seeker’s spirits intact during his year in Azkaban. How will he go on without her? blathered the Prophet. The sound that escaped Hermione at the last bit was entirely undignified.

[keaalu]

Pendennis Castle (and friends)

I feel like I've been adopted by the spirit of Pendennis Castle. (Perhaps I lived there, in a former life, firing cannons for King Henry?)

Point being, the very first time I caught the Riviera Sleeper to Cornwall in 2017, the diesel loco that pulled the train was Pendennis Castle - and ever since then, the name keeps. Coming. Up. So I think I have slightly adopted it.

This holiday, I went to Falmouth and explored Pendennis Castle itself (“Castle On The Hill Castle”, haha). But more excitingly, look what I encountered in Didcot!

Pendennis Castle! (And holy moly she is a big beastie. And constantly LOUD, her chimney roaring away like a massive kettle you forgot to take off the boil.)

Granted, standing on the station next to her, she's obviously huge - I was STILL not as tall as her. But it’s only when you’re at ground level right alongside, staring up at at this towering piece of noisy engineering and realising that the top of your head doesn’t even come to the top of its wheel, that you realise what absolutely monumental vehicles these actually were. I had to stand on tiptoe to look into her cab.

She's at the coal stage here (above), about to have her tender refilled. The camera was on my eyeline. Even in these photos you can't really grasp how thunderingly enormous this old lady is. 120 tonnes! And even when she was not doing anything at all (her crew weren't even aboard), she was noisy.

Here's an even bigger one! This is King Edward II, who escaped the scrapyard by about 30 minutes and (I think) was in such a state it took longer to restore than it was in service. (I asked the tour guide and it's slightly shorter than the Flying Scotsman but heavier, at 135 tonnes, and more powerful. Apparently there was a bit of a pissing competition between GWR and LNER over who had the better engine, which resulted in these behemoths being designed. They had to do lots of weird things with it because otherwise it wouldn't have fitted through tunnels/alongside platforms/etc.)

Yeah. These are big beasts. (Even the dinky little tank engine they had outside weighed in at almost 23 tonnes.) If I get anywhere with this thing I'm noodling away at, I really want to try and carry that off.

It's quite sad, in a way, seeing them preserved and just sitting there - getting lots of love and polish, granted, but I wanted to see them escape onto the mainline and really run. Watching Pendennis Castle shuffle up and down her 750m of line was a bit like watching a racehorse pace around in a paddock.

Of course I was busy taking notes. (I didn't quite get brave enough to ask the volunteers "so if you were in the middle of nowhere, just an engine and crew, and you'd stopped for some reason, and the driver then had a heart attack, how would you get help?")

(Something something someone runs down the tracks to a lineside phone to call the signalmen to put a stop on the line, and the engine sits whistling the hell out of an SOS because he's not quite got the steam pressure back up to run, until a policeman comes along to help.)

In a final turn for the weird, this holiday, I was just getting ready to leave my hotel on the final day, and heard the toot of a steam train. That can't be a steam train, I said, it's a mainline railway station next door. But I hurried away anyway, and look what was sat in Bristol Temple Meads station! (I left the people in for scale. Even here, the loco is lighter than Pendennis - 72 tons vs 81 tons.)

She left literally not even a minute after I got to the platform, so that was a huge touch of luck. It's a special one-off service running on the mainline up to Shrewsbury. So this is on my list for next year!

(If there isn't already a character in TTTE called Dennis, WELL THERE SHOULD BE. Who used to work the tin mines and speaks Cornish so no-one fucking understands him.)

(The sleeper is my favourite way to travel on holiday. Go to sleep in London, wake up 250 miles away in Penzance!)

[theadventurerslog]

The Curse of Monkey Island | The A-mfggh-C's of a Bonus Part

I realized I kept forgetting to use the Ventriloquist Book on people and there are several opportunities. Unfortunately, I'd missed at least one.

So, this part is dedicated to bothering everyone I can on Puerto Pollo. I reloaded an early file to grab those I couldn't anymore, mainly Rottingham, and then back to my current file to get the rest.

I also took the opportunity to catch some of Slappy Cromwell's rehearsal lines as I wasn't getting them before. Actually, I suspect what may have happened is that I went up to the lights control panel before going to the stage and some of his dialogue may have happened there and then when I did go to the stage it acted like it had run through everything already and just gave me the boring mutters.

Anyway, a couple fun lines from Slappy although there are many:

'A pirate, by any other name, would still reek! Aargh!'

"Act IV, scene 8, 'Join me, Rosencrantz! I am your FATHER!'"

Of course they had to get in a Star Wars reference.

Using the book on him causes Guybrush to pretend the other actor is insulting him.

"You're no actor! Get off the stage, ya bum!"

And the other actor protests saying anything when Slappy is insulted.

Next up: Rottingham!

'Make my head shine like a cue ball.'

And McMutton starts to agree before Rottingham protests. Besides annoying Rottingham which is always a good thing, I guess that's a clue too, since you do need to make him bald to get him out.

Then I reloaded my current file. And it was time for my favourite: Murray!

"Mooooo..."

"I am Moosferatu, the demonic Jersey Cow."

And Murray is thrilled! "Free me, and I shall forever be your faithful neither-worldly servant!"

Guybrush laughs and says he got him. Murray just splutters a "You!"

Now where's that game? The Diabolical Adventures of Mooseferatu and Murray...

I had to stop by Kenny Falmouth:

"Hey everybody, I'm a snot-nosed, devious, little con-man!"

I suppose Guybrush is still feeling sour on that bottomless mug policy.

I stopped by Blondebeard for another fun one.

"Braaakkk!"

"It is I, the spirit of El Pollo Diablo!"

Blondebeard was ready...ish.

"Back! Back you fowl demon!"

Heee.

Guybrush lets up on the joke and Blondebeard just laughs a bit and calls him a scamp. Much the same as he did when popping the gum bubble to get his tooth out. He is rather good-natured, really.

You can use it on "Manny", the Grim Fandango reference skeleton too.

"Waiter, what's this metatarsal doing in my soup?"

I would guess that's a reference as well? But I don't remember Grim Fandango well enough to say I'm afraid. If someone knows tell me!

And finally, I went to go bother the Cabana Boy, also always worth doing.

"I'm sorry for being rude. Please feel free to slap me, and then feel free to make full use of the club."

There's actually a clue in what you'll end up doing in there too...

And so that's a little aside to bother all of Puerto Pollo's residents. Nearly. There is one more character I've not met yet to try it on...

And of course, there's still the puzzle that actually requires it!

For now, it's back to the regular posts. I just really like messing with that book, but I kept forgetting. And I didn't want to clutter up one of my main posts which get long enough as is.

[whatsonmedia]

Music Monday 5 New Releases: This Week's Must-Listen Tracks

This week brings a fresh wave of music from both established and upcoming artists. We've got dance-worthy tracks, heart-wrenching ballads, and even a touch of Halloween spirit. Let's dive into what you should be listening to this week. LLOREN captures the raw, transformative energy of chasing dreams in the heart of LA with new single! Lloren has definitely set something of a scene here, and it's not one that requires visuals, just your ears. Last Star gradually builds itself up layer by layer before finally giving it the all. A great song, already looking forward to the video  Listen - Last Star in LA https://open.spotify.com/track/6py2lyAW3CFq1CIbfY4tEX?si=26883202c5db453e Live out all that you are with Veronica D'Souza's interpretive dance video for "Peaches In My Halo" Whilst I wouldn't go as to say that it oozes originality what I will say is that it makes great reference to the Tarantino classic Kill Bill and works by Kate Bush. I will say that it's outside the box thinking which I enjoy  Watch - Peaches In My Halo  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6vnNDiS8yE Phil Mac serves up a menacing new Halloween hip-hop banger, 'Shiftin'! Certainly, something of an after dark feel to it and Phil just tells it like is and doesn't do the softly softly touch which I like. Now I don't mind strong language in music provided it's not for the sake of it but rather as an expressive release. Decent tune Listen - Shiftin https://open.spotify.com/track/3m34ZTeBAkUehlLB8F4Cqf?si=495e3e5c99654756 Beans on Toast - Releases New Single: "Why?"  Beans on Toast basically asks the question which occasionally we ask ourselves if we've nothing else going on; why are we here, what was here before us and what life actually means (probably not 42 if you're a Hitchhiker fan). A nice little comical song with some entertainment to it New Album 'Wild Goose Chasers' Coming 1 Dec STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE 'WILD GOOSE CHASERS' OUT 1 DECEMBER, VIA BOT MUSIC PRE-SAVE 'WILD GOOSE CHASERS' TOUR 2024/25 2024 Special guests Dillon Warmek and Sorrel Nation in support. - 13/11 STOKE ON TRENT Sugarmill - 14/11 WREXHAM The Rockin' Chair - 15/11 BIRKENHEAD Future Yard - 16/11 PONTEFRACT Northern Social - 17/11 HALIFAX The Grayston Unity (SOLD OUT) - 19/11 YORK The Crescent - 20/11 WHITBY Whitby Brewery (SOLD OUT) - 21/11 HARTLEPOOL The Studio - 22/11 STIRLING Tolbooth - 23/11 DUMFRIES The Venue - 24/11 BOLTON The Ramp - 26/11 SCUNTHORPE Café Indie - 27/11 NORWICH Norwich Arts Centre - 28/11 CHELMSFORD Hotbox (SOLD OUT) ** 01/12 MARGATE Olby's - LAUNCH SHOW ** - 03/12 ALDERSHOT West End Centre - 04/12 ST ALBANS The Horn - 05/12 MILTON KEYNES MK11 - 06/12 SHREWSBURY Albert's Shed - 07/12 LICHFIELD Lichfield Guildhall - 08/12 LEICESTER International Arts Centre - 10/12 TOTNES The Barrel House Ballroom - 11/12 FALMOUTH The Cornish Bank - 12/12 BARNSTAPLE JCT27 - 13/12 GLASTONBURY The King Arthur - 14/12 SHOREHAM Ropetackle 2025 - 12/3 LIVERPOOL The Cavern Club - 13/3 MANCHESTER Band on the Wall - 14/3 KENDAL Brewery Arts - 15/3 NEWCASTLE The Grove - 16/3 EDINBURGH The Voodoo Rooms - 18/3 SHEFFIELD The Leadmill - 19/3 NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms  - 20/3 LEEDS Brudenell Social Club - 21/3 CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach - 22/3 BRISTOL Bristol Beacon - 23/3 PLYMOUTH The Junction - 25/3 SOUTHAMPTON The Joiners  - 26/3 BIRMINGHAM Castle & Falcon - 27/3 COLCHESTER Colchester Arts Centre - 28/3 CAMBRIDGE The Junction - 29/3 LONDON The Dome JOHNNY LLOYD - new single "If You Love Them..."  and solo Punchline  I've said it before and I'll say it again, though they're full of emotions like sadness songs about heart break are just incredible as they're honest the artist wears their heart on their sleeve. Johnny reminisces about lost love in this strong acoustic number  STREAM HERE 'PUNCHLINE' OUT 31 JANUARY 2025, VIA XTRA MILE RECORDINGS PRE-ORDER HERE For more updates on letest music visit here LLOREN captures the raw, transformative energy of chasing dreams in the heart of LA with new single! Live out all that you are with Veronica D'Souza's interpretive dance video for "Peaches In My Halo" Phil Mac serves up a menacing new Halloween hip-hop banger, 'Shiftin'! Beans on Toast - Releases New Single: "Why?"  2024 2025 JOHNNY LLOYD - new single "If You Love Them..."  and solo Punchline  Read the full article

[influencermagazineuk]

Top Destinations for Digital Nomads in the UK

The United Kingdom, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, isn't just a popular tourist destination; it's also becoming an increasingly attractive hotspot for digital nomads. For those who crave a change of scenery while staying connected to work, the UK offers a diverse range of locations, each catering to different preferences and budgets. So, pack your laptop, embrace flexible work arrangements, and get ready to explore the best places to live and work remotely in the UK. Thriving Cities with a Buzz: London, Manchester, and Edinburgh For digital nomads seeking a dynamic and cosmopolitan environment, bustling cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh offer a compelling combination of work and play. These urban hubs boast excellent infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity, a plethora of co-working spaces and cafes with Wi-Fi, and a vibrant atmosphere that fosters collaboration and networking. - London: The UK's capital city pulsates with energy. From world-class museums and historical landmarks to trendy neighborhoods and a thriving startup scene, London caters to every taste. However, the cost of living can be significantly higher compared to other locations on this list. - Manchester: This dynamic city in northern England offers a vibrant cultural scene, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and a more affordable cost of living compared to London. Manchester boasts a growing co-working space scene and a youthful energy that makes it ideal for young professionals. - Edinburgh: Scotland's captivating capital city offers a unique blend of history, charm, and innovation. Edinburgh boasts a thriving tech scene, stunning architecture, and a more relaxed pace compared to London. It's a perfect choice for digital nomads seeking a beautiful and culturally rich environment. Seaside Escapes with Breathtaking Views: Brighton, Cornwall, and Bournemouth For those dreaming of working with the sound of waves crashing in the background, the UK coastline offers a plethora of seaside havens. These charming towns and villages provide a peaceful environment to work remotely while enjoying stunning natural beauty and a slower pace of life. - Brighton: This vibrant seaside town on England's south coast offers a unique blend of beach life, quirky charm, and a thriving arts scene. Brighton boasts a good selection of co-working spaces and cafes with Wi-Fi, making it a great choice for digital nomads seeking a relaxed yet connected atmosphere. - Cornwall: This picturesque region in southwest England is renowned for its dramatic coastlines, charming villages, and laid-back lifestyle. While internet connectivity might not be as readily available in all areas compared to cities, co-working spaces are popping up in popular towns like St Ives and Falmouth. Cornwall is ideal for digital nomads seeking a true escape and a connection with nature. - Bournemouth: This popular seaside resort town on England's south coast offers beautiful beaches, a lively atmosphere, and a good selection of cafes and co-working spaces with Wi-Fi. Bournemouth provides a good balance between work and leisure, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and exploring the surrounding areas. Rural Retreats and Hidden Gems: The Cotswolds, Yorkshire Dales, and Scottish Highlands For digital nomads seeking ultimate peace and quiet amidst stunning scenery, the UK countryside offers a haven for remote work. These rural retreats provide a chance to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life while staying connected to the digital world. - The Cotswolds: This picture-perfect region in central England is known for its rolling hills, charming villages made from honey-colored stone, and a slower pace of life. While internet connectivity might vary depending on location, co-working spaces are popping up in some larger towns like Stroud and Cirencester. The Cotswolds are ideal for digital nomads seeking a truly idyllic escape. - Yorkshire Dales: This breathtaking national park in northern England offers a rugged landscape of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. Digital nomads seeking a digital detox and an abundance of outdoor activities will find solace in the Yorkshire Dales. Limited internet connectivity might be a factor in some remote areas, but charming towns like Settle and Grassington offer co-working spaces and cafes with Wi-Fi. - Scottish Highlands: This vast and dramatic region in northern Scotland offers a true sense of wilderness and breathtaking scenery. Internet connectivity can be limited in some remote areas, but towns like Inverness and Fort William offer co-working spaces and cafes with Wi-Fi. The Scottish Highlands are ideal for digital nomads seeking an adventurous escape and a chance to reconnect with nature. Choosing Your Perfect UK Nomad Base The best place to live and work remotely in the UK depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors like budget, desired level of connectivity, proximity to amenities, and Read the full article

[isen4mlp]

MLP Campaign Letter #2

From: David Isenberg isen4mlp@isen.com

Subject: Better Broadband for Falmouth #2

Date: April 8, 2024 at 2:47 PM

Falmouth broadband voter, When phrases like "Frustrations climb," and "Experts wrangle," dominate the Falmouth Enterprise stories about Falmouth's network project . . . announcement: "*Earth to Falmouth, we have a problem.*"

Fortunately, a solution is emerging. Over the weekend, four Falmouth citizens - from FalmouthNet and the Falmouth Broadband MLP, and me - sat down to talk it out. The four of us represented opinions from "Let's talk to Boundless" to "Let's look at the options before we leap." Fortunately, we agreed on a plan to clear the air and move ahead!

We agreed that the next step towards a town-wide fiber optic Internet access network should be side-by-side comparison of the top two proposals before the MLP, by Boundless and Bonfire. The Boundless proposal for a privately owned an network is simple and well-known. The Bonfire proposal would, if it goes according to plan, result in a network own the Falmouth Broadband Municipal Light Plant (MLP), that could have a revenue stream growing to $2 million about year 30.

I was grateful to sit down and talk. We all have opinions, assumptions and blind spots. My own blind spot is that I've been seduced by the Boundless proposal's simplicity and immediacy, so much that I've failed to give the more complex, but more public-spirited Bonfire proposal the careful look it deserves. As we discussed the side-by-side study, the knot i stomach relaxed.

FalmouthNet, Inc., the original proponent of Falmouth's network project, has the money to get the side-by-side job done. It's got state money, thanks to Dylan Fernandes, that, "shall be expended for FalmouthNet, Inc. for professional services and research expenses in support of efforts to build a town-wide, community-based fiber-optic network." Falmouth has the ability to approve the side-by-side study immediately. It could engage an expert consultant with a proven track record in community and municipal networking, and we know several. I'm guessing it could be done in a few weeks.

I've been painted as supporting the Boundless proposal hook-line-and-sinker. I do like Boundless a lot because I saw first-hand its parent company, Tilson, do a magnificent job on the high-level design that's the blueprint for Falmouth's network. Also, Boundless has made good presentations to the MLP and the Cape Cod Technology Council. Nevertheless, with all the frustration and wrangling in the air, I'd love to see Boundless make a full-throated public declaration of its long-term commitment to Falmouth, and put the details of its proposal in a formal document.

Whichever proposal wins, a unified town leadership would make for a healthier network. It's well-known that rapid customer acquisition is key to network success. A network that turns cash-positive in year 5 is healthier by millions than a network that turns cash-positive in year 6.

If town leaders are enthusiastic about their network choice, customers will be more willing to sign up. The network become cash-positive sooner. Whether it is a private network or a public-private partnership, if we feel a sense of identification, it'll be a stronger network, with more abilities to serve our town.

Let the side-by-side study begin!

David Isenberg Candidate for Municipal Light Board

[pashterlengkap]

Retired gay couple awarded for launching organization supporting LGBTQ+ elders of color

On November 12, Paul Glass and Charles D. Evans of Falmouth were honored with this year’s AARP Andrus Award for Community Service. It’s AARP’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service. They are the first married and Black gay couple in AARP’s history to receive the award. AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons,  is one of the largest organizations in the country. With a membership of over 38 million members as of 2018, it focuses on issues affecting Americans over the age of fifty. The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service is an annual awards program developed to honor individuals whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to their community and society, reflecting AARP’s vision and mission. Related: This tiny market in East Texas is made for LGBTQ+ people In one of the most conservative corners of the country, queer folks are supporting each other. “I am beyond honored and grateful for this recognition. I feel we are not put on this earth to exist but to be of service to others and our community,” Evans told LGBTQ Nation. Get the Daily Brief The news you care about, reported on by the people who care about you: Subscribe to our Newsletter When AARP Massachusetts was looking to honor the state’s top volunteer, Glass and Evans’s names rose to the top. They have made a difference in the lives around them, sharing their knowledge, experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of our community. Since childhood, their indefatigable spirit to give back to their community was ingrained in them.  “Paul and Charles have channeled the many negative experiences they endured into positive, healing, and inspiring volunteer work and leadership,” wrote Barrie Atkin of Swampscott, who nominated the couple. “Their signature work co-founding LGBTQ+ Elders of Color in 2013 in Massachusetts was innovative, unusual, and courageous. No such organization existed at that time. In collaboration with the LGBTQ+ Aging Project, they identified the need and turned the need into a reality. They didn’t just co-found the organization along with others. Their continued leadership inspires many others to be involved.”  People of color are underrepresented and underserved when it comes to aging services and resources. Paul and Charles understand the intersectional challenges and complexities of growing older as African-American gay men. LGBTQ+ senior communities with multiple identities confront multiple challenges. Their organization, LGBTQ+ Elders of Color, fills the gap missed by Massachusetts LGBTQ+ organizations and local, state, and federal public health systems. Outreach is essential because the challenges facing Black LGBTQ+ seniors intensify with age. According to Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (Sage) and the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), approximately one-third of LGBTQ+ elders live at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, with 40 percent being Black. These seniors often feel more vulnerable, invisible, and isolated by retirement. Historical and ongoing discrimination has created significant lifelong challenges for this demographic: limited wealth and savings, low wages, few labor protections, housing instability, food insecurity, stigma, immigration, HIV status, and higher mortality from treatable conditions. All have contributed to a lack of well-being and a lower quality of life. By 2050, POC seniors will comprise over 40 percent of the elderly population, and approximately 3 million seniors will identify as LGBTQ+. With this projection, specific cultural and linguistic competence training and nondiscrimination policies are needed to support a rapidly growing demographic group that has experienced a lifetime of health, educational, and economic disparities. In 2018, Massachusetts legislators passed “An Act Relative to LGBT Awareness Training for Aging Services Providers” mandating LGBTQ+ cultural awareness training for all… http://dlvr.it/SzJfYC

[theenchantedecho]

Quidditch: Our Light in the Darkness

By Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent

Dearest readers, allow me to illuminate a corner of our world that remains undimmed, despite the chilling winds of adversity howling outside our warm hearths. A realm where courage soars, where hope whirls in the air, and where unity scores the most significant victories. Ah, yes, my darling owlets, you've guessed it – I speak of Quidditch, the magical world's favourite pastime and our flaming beacon amidst the murk of war.

In an era clouded with uncertainty, our fearless wizards and witches refuse to let their spirits be ground down into the dirt. Quite the contrary, their souls are soaring in the wide-open skies, making a pitch-perfect stand against the encroaching darkness. And what arena better to express this defiant vigour than the Quidditch pitch, my loyal readers?

With the upcoming season, our national teams are arming themselves with sturdy brooms and steel wills. Let me, your one and only Rita Skeeter, give you a sneak peek into the melodrama unfurling behind the scenes.

The indomitable Puddlemere United, a team known far and wide for their relentless chasers, are preparing a strategy so bold, it could make a Hungarian Horntail blush! On the other end of the pitch, the feisty Holyhead Harpies, with their nimble seekers, are brewing a tactical storm that could knock even a Centaur off his hooves.

As the Quidditch fervour reaches a fever pitch, our steadfast Ministry has taken heed, ensuring that safety, the coy mistress, doesn't forsake our beloved game. Aurors, in all their mysterious allure, will grace the matches, adding a touch of law enforcement allure to our spectacles. A little extra security never hurt anyone, did it, dear readers? After all, there's nothing more exciting than watching a Quaffle's trajectory with a dashing Auror in your peripheral vision.

Ah, but who will sweep us off our feet this year, my sweethearts? Will the Falmouth Falcons swoop down on the trophy with the predatory precision of their namesake? Or perhaps the Tutshill Tornados will create an aerial spectacle that makes even the most chaotic maelstrom look like a gentle breeze?

There's also talk in the wind about the Wimbourne Wasps creating a buzz this year. Will they sting their way to victory, or will the Ballycastle Bats blind their competition, their success echoing through the night?

Whichever way the Snitch flies, my delightful readers, prepare for a season filled to the brim with suspense, skilled broomwork, and scandalous referee decisions that will have you at the edge of your seat.

If you feel your world getting smaller, remember, my dear hearts, that the Quidditch pitch is a vast expanse of dreams and possibilities. It's a place where, despite everything, life flourishes, and hope scores again and again. So, let's keep our broomsticks polished, our Quidditch robes at the ready, and our spirits high.

In conclusion, my darlings, stay strong, stay safe, and keep your passion for Quidditch burning bright. Remember, in our world, even in the face of the storm, magic weaves miracles in every gust of wind. Until we meet again, on or off the pitch, this is Rita Skeeter, signing off with a flourish!

[weemsbotts]

Stafford County’s One Punch Man

By: Lisa Timmerman, Executive Director

Identified as an “enormous man,” standing at more than six feet six inches tall, Major Mike Wallace gained an impressive reputation. G.B. Wallace recounted this story to John T. Goolrick in Stafford County on 02/08/1939.

“Major Mike” became a tradition, a legendary figure in the current annals of Stafford – a gigantic, immensely strong, good-natured but fearsome figure. No man, after a short time, dared to engage him in an altercation. His vast deep voice was so potent that, it is said, standing on the porch of Ellerslie, he could call a servant two miles away. When angered, he roared like a wild bull and, when going through the woods, he sang to himself, the song echoed over the countryside.

In those days men met in physical contact on court days, or at assemblages, in a mere spirit of bravado; and Major Mike had not been long from the war when he was the admitted conqueror of all the Staffordians. One day there came to the Port of Falmouth a ship from England, commanded by a brawny, old-faced, flaming Irishman whose very heart’s joy was a fight. Having about the taverns found one or two brawls in the taverns that ended, for him, in easy victories, he found no more of the hardy rough and terrible fighters of the day willing to fight him, and abandoned hope of further fray. Then someone thought of Major Michael Wallace, and, while the Irish fighter waited eagerly, a horseman rode to Ellerslie. Major Mike had no grudge against the sea captain, but, ever ready for any encounter, he readily ordered his horse saddled and rode to Falmouth. In the center of the street that is now U.S. Highway 1, a ring was formed. The Irish sea captain and Major Mike agreed to fight to the finish, no rules. [They] divested themselves of their coats, and the fray began.

The first blow from the fist of Major Mike killed the Irishman.

Somewhat sobered, Major Mike now refrained from battles – there was no one to fight him anyway – and continued his pursuits at Ellerslie. It was his custom, save in very cold weather, to sleep upon the bare floor. And there he always lay down when wanted to rest. He was lying thus one day when a parson from somewhere “up the country” rode by and stopped. He was going, he said, to the home some tend miles away on King’s Highway of the Widow Wishart, widow of the well-known Parson Wishart. He had been chosen, he said, as one of those to settle the late Parson’s Wishart’s estate, which was quite valuable. He recited that the widow was possessed of about 6000 acres of land, a very fine brick house with many outbuildings and stables, fine carriages and riding horses, many cattle and sheep and oxen, and some sixty slaves. The giant Major Mike had arisen from his couch on the floor by now and asked the traveling stranger “And where are you going?” “I shall accept your hospitality tonight and remain here,” answered the guest, “I ride at sunup tomorrow.” “And I ride with you,” declared Major Mike, “and I’ll marry the widow!” which is exactly what he did. From that union came a large branch of the Wallace family in Virginia, all of them big, powerful men.”

(University of North Carolina, "Early Maps of the American South," A Map of the northern neck in Virginia by Peter Jefferson, Robert Brooke, Benjamin Winslow, Thomas Lewis, 1747 via Virginia Places)

Located on the south side of Virginia 652 and 654, “Ellerslie” did exist! Stafford County historians identified the origins of the family in America with the arrival of Michael Wallace, an indentured Scottish servant to Dr. Gustavus Brown of Maryland. Wallace studied medicine with Dr. Brown, before eloping with his daughter to Falmouth, Virginia. Wallace purchased and built Ellerslie in 1748 and re-built it in 1754 after a fire partially ravaged the structure. The family is famous for their revolutionary prowess, but not quite as narrated above. According to local historian Jerrilyn Eby MacGregor,

“Ellerslie’s most famous resident was Dr. Michael Wallace’s son, Lt. Col. Gustavus Brown Wallace (1751-1802). After attending school in Fredericksburg, he began studying law in 1774. His studies were interrupted by the death of his aunt in Scotland necessitating a trip abroad in 1775. That same year he returned to Virginia and enlisted in the Continental Army as a captain. In the fall of 1777 he was promoted to major and served under Colonel Daniel Morgan. Major Wallace spent the terrible winter with his men at Valley Forge. He was transferred from the 3rd to the 25th Virginia Regiment and, finally, to the 2nd Virginia Regiment. During the late 1770s he was captured by the British at Charleston. At the request of Governor Thomas Nelson, Lord Cornwallis released him on parole so that he could return to Virginia. There he was to make arrangements for officers of the Virginia Line to pay the debts they incurred at Charleston.  After the Revolution, Wallace was given 7,000 acres of land in Virginia for his services during the war. He was also given an additional 960 acres for special services.”

What fascinates us, is the locality and family lineage running through this tall tale! Central Rappahannock Regional Library identified the parson as Reverend James Wishart of Lamb’s Creek Church, and the wife as Lettice Wishart. Keep in mind that Dr. Michael Wallace and Major Mike Wallace are noted as two separate people. According to the National Register of Historic Places for Rokeby, Major Mike Wallace’s definitive Revolutionary act was signing the Albemarle Renunciation Allegiance to King George III. Family history has their wedding dated to 1775, with the Major’s death in 1813. The family then traces two different Gustavus Brown Wallace’s – one the son of Major Mike and the other the son of Dr. Michael Wallace and Elizabeth Brown. Eventually, the Wallace family occupied Rokeby, a plantation of two thousand acres with at least eighty-six enslaved persons, and thirty-three employed workers in agricultural and manufacturing pursuits, ca. 1820-1840 census data. The family liked the name Gustavus, and we see his name reappearing throughout their genealogical charts. While we are not going to try to sort out the descendent threads in this blog, this folktale is indicative of how family memories and lore can evolve over time. Even structures and properties become incorporated into the lore, sometimes emphasizing the heroic person or feat instead of the historical reality.

As for Major Mike Wallace being a historical one punch man? With the Scottish roots and proximity to Dumfries, it is interesting to consider that this story might have entertained the patrons at Dumfries taverns in the late 1700s. Perhaps the Revolutionary War would have ended much sooner if General George Washington had realized the power contained within Wallace’s fists.

One last consideration: The informant of this tale was also known for his combat strength! Goolrick noted Wallace was a famous full-back on the University of Virginia’s football team ca. 1900s. Folklore motifs identified: Remarkable voice, Remarkably strong man, Mighty pugilist, Accidental killing or death.

Note: Interested in detective fiction? Explore the historic roots and origin of this literary genre with The Weems-Botts Bibliophiles on Saturday, 03/18! More info and tickets for this virtual program here.

(Sources: Barden, Thomas E, ed. Virginia Folk Legends. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 1991; Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Library Point Blog: Stafford’s Major Mike Wallace, https://www.librarypoint.org/blogs/post/staffords-major-mike-wallace/; Stafford and Cultural Center Museum, Revolutionary War Overview; U.S. Department of the Interior: National Park Services: National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Rokeby, VDHR File # 048-0019)

[ltwilliammowett]

The Victualling Board

The supply of food and beverages to the Navy was the responsibility of the Victualling Board, which had originally been established in 1550. The Board consisted of seven members, who had their office in the Tower and who each oversaw a specific area. The chairman oversaw the chash books whilst the others controlled the Brewhouse Department, the Cutting House Department, the Cooperage Department, the Hoytaking (shipping) Department and the Stores Department.

The Royal William Victualling Yard, Plymouth, by William Williams (1808–1895)

As the Navy grew in size and demand for supplies increased exponentially, the Board began to set up dedicated victualling yards with own offices at the main Royal Dockyards and also at Dover. Smaller yards were established later at Chatham, Sheerness, Deal, Hull, Newcastle, Leith, Whitehaven, Falmouth and Cobh near Cork in Ireland. A major base was set up at Gibraltar and other facilities at Halifax, Bermuda, Malta, the Cape of Good Hope, Jamaica and Antigua. The yards had their own dedicated deepwater wharves where ships could come alongside to be completely victualled for sea from the warehouses and slaughterhouses on site. The goods loaded would be mainly the preserved foodstuffs, including ship’s biscuits, salt beef and pork, pease, oatmeal, butter, cheese and small beer which were largely supplied in wooden casks which were themselves manufactured by the Board, which was by far the largest purchaser of foodstuffs and beverages in Britain.

The Victualling Office, Plymouth c. 1835, by  Nicholas Condy (1793 - 1857) (x) 

In 1793 Deptford Wharf could accommodate four ships alongside its wharf at one time and could deal with 260 oxen per day in the slaugtherhouse and 650 pigs in the hog-hanging house. It had 12 ovens to bake the biscuits and spirit vats holding 254,581 litres. By 1810 the one victualling yard alone covered 20 acres. The slaugtherhouses only operated in the cooler months of the year (October- April). In an effort to ensure the quality of food supplied, the Victualling Board set up manufacturing processes at each yard and they became major food manufacturers as well.

Victualling Yard gates at Deptford, 1841 (x)

The quality of the food produced might be indicated by the fact that less than 1% of the food supplied was condemned for going off, despite long term stowage. Use was made of all by products possible, using hides to make leather, tallow to make soap and candles and the shins and bones to make portable soup. Deptford specialised in the production of other foodstuffs on a smaller scale , such as mustard, pepper, oatmeal and chocolate. There were also sperate storehouses for rum, coffee, sugar, tea, rice, raisins, wine and tobacco, all of which were purchased in London and stored in Deptford prior to being distributed for use in the other depots as required. Fresh water supplies had also to be secured to fill the ships barrels.

With the huge quantities of food required to be prepared, seasonal restrictions and the difficulties of getting it to numerous far- flung destinations despite the vagaries of wind power, it is not merely the sheer scale of the operation that astounds, but the fact that it actually worked pretty efficently throughout the period. In 1817 the Victualling Board took over responsibilty for medical services when the Transport Board was abolished, but was itself abolished in 1832, its duties transferring to the Admiralty.

[cityofdreamsrp]

Welcome to Montego Bay, Jamaica! 

There’s a multitude of things to do and to explore and you’re free to explore it completely on your own. But under the cut you will find a small selection to get some ideas on how to fill the three days in Jamaica!

Dunn’s River Falls and Park

Looking like giant natural stairs, with several small lagoons interspersed among the vertical sections of the falls, they invite you to climb them. You can either do so by yourself or take a tour guide with you. It takes about 1 - 1.5 hours to climb the waterfalls if you’re taking a few short breaks. The falls empty into the Caribbean Sea at the western end of an attractive white-sand beach. If you’re not sure if the climb is manageable for you, you can take the stars alongside the waterfalls.

Rose Hall Great House

It is said that the White Witch Annie Palmer is still haunting this beautiful plantation house. Take a tour by day and learn about the lifestyle of the European bourgeoise in the Caribbean in the Eighteenth Century. Or visit it by night if you dare! Because then you will get to know the true horrors of the White Witch of Rose Gall and the many spirits that still walk the halls today. You can calm your nerves at the Dungeon Bar afterwards. All this is not for you? Then there are two golf courses for you to enjoy as well as the tropical gardens.

Rafting on the Martha Brae

Located about 20 miles from Montego Bay is the islands #1 rafting attraction. At the embarkation area, which is called “Rafter’s Village” you can have a picnic, you can go to a bar, you can take a swim in the swimming pool, or take a stroll through “Miss Martha’s Herb Garden”. Once on the thirty-foot long bamboo raft you can learn about the legend of Martha Brae or enjoy a wonderful swim. The ride on the raft will take about an hour.

Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery & Garden

A botanical garden which is home to more than 50 species of fern, unusual floral plants and beautiful trees, combined with a gallery that features the work by Ras Natango, Tamika and Ayale. There’s tow sections to the garden, one called the Fairy’s Village and one called the Dinosaur Era garden. A special treat is the gift shop “Ahhh…Treasures “ that is a continuation of the gallery. It offers many unique items such as hand painted cushion covers, bags, hats, paper weights, sea shells turned into sea creatures and so many more.

Luminous Lagoon

The Luminous Lagoon stretches along the marshlands of Trelawny, from the small community of Rock to the town of Falmouth. In Falmouth at the Glistening Waters Marina, you can take a tour by boat that takes about 45 minutes. You’ll learn how the microorganisms called dinoflagellates will make the shallow warm water glow every night. And the best part? You can jump in and swim in the glowy water. Once back on land the Glistening Waters Restaurant awaits you with amazing food.

Montego Bay Cultural Centre

If you want to learn more about Jamaica’s rich and strong culture, the Montego Bay Cultural Centre is the place for you. It offers the most comprehensive historical, cultural and artistic exhibitions. Right now the exhibitions SURREAL BLACK and RASTAFARI are being housed in the museum. You can also take a look at the “Freedom Monument”. Furthermore you’ll find a courtyard with outdoor seating area, a bistro that offers authentic Jamaican cuisine and a gift shop where you can get authentic Jamaican art and crafts.

[justforbooks]

Castles in the air are not just a poetic fancy, but a real, if unusual, atmospheric effect. They appear regularly in some places, such as the coast of Galicia in Spain, and in the straits of Messina, where they are called Fata Morgana, the name generally given to the phenomenon.

The air is usually warmest near the surface of the sea and cooler above. Where there is an upwelling of cold water from the sea's depths, the air immediately above the water is cooled, creating a "thermal inversion" with warm air lying above cold air. Light is refracted as it passes through layers of air with different densities, and a thermal inversion may bend it into curved paths around the curvature of the Earth.

This light bending may produce a "superior mirage", with the image of an object appearing above its true position.

The Fata Morgana, from the Italian name for the fairy enchantress Morgan le Fay, is a complex, multi-layered superior mirage. Multiple images of the landscape are stretched, compressed or reflected and stacked on top of each other. Fata Morgana can turn low islands into towers, domes and columns, giving the illusion of fairy cities or phantom mountain ranges.

In former times, the Fata Morgana could mislead navigators into believing they were close to land; the sailors of Messina believed it was a lure placed by evil spirits.

The illusory landscape may be continuous with the existing one, or there may a band of sky between the ground and the floating mirage for a true castle in the air.

There are only so many polite words that come to mind when one spots a ship apparently hovering above the ocean during a stroll along the English coastline.

David Morris, who captured the extraordinary sight on camera, declared himself “stunned” when he noticed a giant tanker floating above the water as he looked out to sea from a hamlet near Falmouth in Cornwall.

The effect is an example of an optical illusion known as a superior mirage. Such illusions are reasonably common in the Arctic but can also happen in UK winters when the atmospheric conditions are right, though they are very rare.

The illusion is caused by a meteorological phenomenon called a temperature inversion. Normally, the air temperature drops with increasing altitude, making mountaintops colder than the foothills. But in a temperature inversion, warm air sits on top of a band of colder air, playing havoc with our visual perception. The inversion in Cornwall was caused by chilly air lying over the relatively cold sea with warmer air above.

Because cold air is denser than warm air, it has a higher refractive index. In the case of the “hovering ship”, this means light rays coming from the ship are bent downwards as it passes through the colder air, to observers on the shoreline. This makes the ship appear in a higher position than it really is – in this instance, above the sea surface.

“Superior mirages occur because of the weather condition known as a temperature inversion, where cold air lies close to the sea with warmer air above it,” said David Braine, a BBC meteorologist. “Since cold air is denser than warm air, it bends light towards the eyes of someone standing on the ground or on the coast, changing how a distant object appears.”

He added: “Superior mirages can produce a few different types of images – here a distant ship appears to float high above its actual position, but sometimes an object below the horizon can become visible.”

Photographers around the world have captured striking images of ships, yachts and other vessels apparently hovering in mid-air thanks to superior mirages. One potential clue that the sight is a mirage is the lack of any detail below the vessel’s waterline – for example a mirage of a “hovering” yacht lacked the lower hull and keel.

The latter effect is well known to sailors who can sometimes rely on refraction to spot ships that are geometrically beyond the horizon. Sailors say such ships are “looming” over the horizon and sometimes report distortions that stretch or compress the images, making them “towering” or “stooping” mirages, respectively.

More familiar optical illusions are the “inferior mirages” that give rise to apparent oases in the desert and puddles on hot summer roads. These mirages happen when cooler air sits on a layer of hot air, directly above a road, for example. When sunlight coming down from the sky approaches the air near the hot surface, it is bent back upwards to the observer’s eye, making the sky appear to be reflected on the road.

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