#i had a final interview for a new job today. learnt the news yesterday. and i'm fine? but also i'm so dead tired and the BRAIN FROG AGAIN

[interludebloom]

officially parentless idk how else to put it and i'm so fucking tired

[writersdare]

You Should Always Come First | Bang Chan 방찬 Drabble

Pairing: Bang Chan x Reader (she/her)

Summary: Chan could no longer watch Y/N exhausting herself.

Warning: fluff

Word Count: 688 (drubble)

Author’s Note:  For those who are worried about an upcoming exam, test or a job interview. You can do it, don't doubt yourself ♡

“Baby, what is it?” 

Chan has noticed Y/N being rather tense that evening, yet, he didn’t want to get on her nerves with the same questions, as he pretty much knew the main reason of his girlfriend’s mood — the upcoming exams. Even though Bang Chan was sure that Y/N would pass them well, he could understand Y/N’s concerns. It’s never easy to be confident in your own abilities in general, and being under a stress it felt  almost impossible at all. The idol learnt it from his own experience. 

Chan understood that words such as "it’ll be alright" and "you know the material well, don’t worry" wouldn’t help much. Of course, support was important, yet, in the moments, when everything felt like a bare wire, each phrase should have been chosen very carefully. He didn’t want to give Y/N even more pressure — she was giving it enough herself. Chan tried his best just by saying small "don’t be harsh on yourself", "don’t forget to rest" and "I know you work hard, and it’s way more important than the result". 

Yet, when he saw that Y/N was getting angry at herself for not being able to learn important terms once again, the guy decided it was time to interfere. Her brain simply refused to accept new information, as it simply had enough today. And yesterday, and the day before yesterday… His girl needed a break. 

“It’s nothing, just can’t memorise it. I don’t know how I’m going to pass it,” Y/N sighed and closed the eyes, trying to keep herself together. 

“Let’s get some rest, it’s been a while," Chan said softly. “I’ll help you to learn it after a break, okay?” he promised and stood up from his place to take a seat next to the girl. They were in his studio, but while Y/N was studying, the idol couldn’t  really concentrate on music the last thirty minutes, being too worried for the girl. She’s been exhausting herself lately, and all Bang Chan cared about was Y/N’s well-being.

“You’re doing great, I promise,” the guy gently cuddled Y/N, trying to soothe her. Finally relaxing a bit, she went a little numb in his embrace and placed a head on Chan’s shoulder. 

“I know rest is important. It’s just… I don’t have time. The exams are in few days, and it seems like I still don’t know anything,” Y/N admitted quietly, at the same time hating herself for the recent complaining.

“Learn as much as you can, but don’t exhaust yourself. It’ll make things only worse, Y/N," Chan reminded and patted her head lightly. "And just a lunch break isn’t enough. Let’s spend this evening together, not thinking of anything, okay? Tomorrow will be a new day, and you can start again," the idol pecked her cheek tenderly.

The girl sighed and nodded,

"Channie? I’m sorry I was a bit gloomy lately. I didn’t mean it like this. It’s just… the exams–" after a moment of silence she quietly mumbled, but Bang Chan didn’t let her finish.

"I know. Don’t worry about it, Y/N. And I know it’s not easy to get distracted, when all you can think about is your exam. I don’t mean to say it’s not important, you put value on it for a reason, yet, I don’t want you to forget that it’s not the only thing that matters. You should always come first," he smiled and lightly tickled her, so the girl shivered, and a quiet giggle left her lips – she was extremely bad when it came to tickling. However, Chan was no better. "Got it?"

"Mhm. I like how you can be serious for only few minutes, and then you are back to your normal self" Y/N joked and shrieked, when the idol tickled her side once again.

"Yah! I can be very serious, when it’s needed! Do you doubt me?!" the guy jokingly outraged, feeling a warmth spreading all over his body. He missed her sincere smile and silly little giggles. After all, it’s all what he needed now.

– photos and a gif aren’t mine and belong to the rightful owner, gif found here @chanstopher –

taglist: @yukichan67, @laylasbunbunny, @skz-streamer

© writersdare | all rights reserved

All stories are original and written by me. Do not copy, trace and post anywhere without permission and credit. The stories are fictional, they do not correspond to reality and written just for fun ♡

Main Masterlist | K-pop Masterlist | Taglist | Prompt List

[thedevillord-writes]

Pandora - Filler

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God's gift, that's why we call it the present"

-Joan Rivers

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Eight Years Ago*

His first day of work was not going as he had expected. Because of the name Ichinomiya, he had been carrying a burden that no one else could see. He could not mess up, especially not on his first day. He wanted to prove himself but instead, he was confined behind a desk interviewing for his secretary the entire day. He did not see the need in the urgency but Akira was insistent on the fact that without a good secretary, he would not be able to work well. Stuck in his office, the only thing Eisuke knew he would not be able to work well without was a good cup of coffee and he had been denied that all morning.

It was exhausting, listening to the same thing over and over. Every person who walked in looked the same to him; expensive blouse with an expensive skirt, and expensive shoes. They looked the part of an executive's secretary but none of them fitted the part. Eisuke was starting to think that Akira was really playing with him.

Eager to get it over with, he picked up the next resumé from the pile Akira's secretary had so nicely organised for him. This one, however, was different from the rest. This file was light. So light because there was only two pages in it. It was the most pathetic and if he was being honest, saddest resumé by far. How it even slipped past Akira's secretary and ended up in the pile was a mystery to Eisuke. With no intentions of hiring whoever it was, he simply buzzed them in so he could reject them on the spot.

Leaning back on his chair, Eisuke kept his eyes trained on the door. There was a knock and the door opened slowly, revealing a girl. She had her hair down, flowing past her shoulders. Her white blouse was obviously a new one but he could tell straightaway that it was just some cheap department store item. Her black pencil skirt did not fit her at all, going way past her knees and had to be kept up by what one would call a belt though he saw it more as a piece of string. Despite the sad resumé, so far, she had successfully captured Eisuke's attention.

"Good morning, sir."

"Speak only when I ask you to."

Taking a closer look at her resumé, Eisuke could not help but feel a little sorry for the girl though it was one resumé that impressed him. Matsuoka Haruka, eighteen years old, and recently graduated from high school. Her grades were good. Amazingly good. With grades like hers, she could have gotten into any university she wanted in Japan. She could have gone overseas if she wanted. Yet here she was, rubbing her wrist nervously, worrying about passing the interview.

The next page in her file was a reference letter. She had but one part-time job since she was sixteen, working at one Moe Moe Café. The name of the café was questionable but what caught his attention was the letter. Most people who walked in today had the standard resumé and references. They were praised for their hardwork, how they would be a valuable employee. Her letter was the same, except whoever wrote it used her given name while others' were formal. Her reference spoke highly of her yet it felt as if they were speaking of a friend, a family, and not a worker.

"Shouldn't you be at an orientation? Like all those your age?"

"I guess so."

"So why aren't you there?" Eisuke asked, waving her resumé. "This is the most pathetic thing I've ever seen."

There was a flicker of anger in her eyes though it dissipated as soon as they made eye contact. She was speechless but there was nothing she could say in retaliation; she knew Eisuke was right. A resumé as weak as hers, no one in a reputable company would hire her as an executive's secretary. Eisuke was only entertaining this interview because despite the lack of qualifications, she was the most interesting thing to walk into his office today.

"I know I'm not qualified," she said, her voice so soft Eisuke could barely hear her. "I don't have fancy clothes like all those people who walked in here before me. But if you are going to hire someone based on what they wore today and what they flashed in front of you instead of what they could actually do for you, then I don't want the job. Thank you for your time and I hope you find someone who's good enough for you."

"I didn't say you could leave."

There was no reason for Eisuke to stop her, really. He never intended to hire her anyway. Though, something she said struck a chord in him. All those he interviewed before her, Eisuke had no intentions of hiring either. None of them suited his taste. They were either too pompous or too obvious with their other purposes. He highly doubted that there would be anyone else suiting after her too. He had seen firsthand from those working under Akira that qualifications meant nothing if they were not willing to work. So many men Akira placed his trust in was nothing more than a high school graduate. So why was he so quick to judge this girl?

"It says here you worked at a café. Do you know how to make coffee?" She nodded. "Then make me a cup. Lots of milk, three sugars."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

One cup of coffee.

One cup of coffee was all it took and now one month in, she was still here. She was hopeless to begin with; there were times when Eisuke would question his own decision. She barely understood the different programs on the computer and made severe mistakes with the documents. Each time, he wanted to let her go but then he would see the determination in her eyes and somehow, that reminded Eisuke of himself. They both had something to prove, and all to lose.

Instead, Eisuke would grit his teeth and correct her mistakes, making sure that she knew she had no more chances to make the same mistakes. They would stay late in the office, sitting side by side at her desk having IT lessons. He taught her the functions in Excel and how to type. Every time she made a mistake, he would hit the back of her hand with a ruler much like a teacher. But she learnt fast. Soon, there was nothing to hit her for and nothing for him to teach her. What a shame because he liked their late night lessons. That was the first time Eisuke realised he enjoyed her company.

He came up with more lessons: dining etiquette, social etiquette, and even fashion. Whatever Eisuke could think of, he made a lesson of it.

"How the hell did she get the job? She's just a high school graduate."

"She slept with him."

"Did she?!"

"She must have! Otherwise, why was she hired out of everyone else? And she's having all those late nights with him, who knows what they're up to in the office?"

"Oh God, you don't think they did it in the office, do you?"

"I know they did. The cleaning lady said she heard some noises one night. I'm just surprised, really. I had no idea he had such bad taste. I always thought he would go for the sexy type, you know? Not the cute, pity-me type."

It was coincidence that he happened to walk past that pantry that day. He was never one to be bothered by rumours. He lived much of his schooling years swimming in them, in fact. He rose above them all because he knew they were not true and if they were not true, they would not be able to hurt him. Hearing the gossips about Haruka, however, stirred something in him.

His body moved on its own, walking toward the pantry with his mind set on telling the gossiping women off. Haruka was far from what they said she was. She wanted the job because she needed the job. Those late nights with him were so she could improve for the job. She was not the type of person they said she was, nor would she ever be. He wanted them to know. He needed them to know. But just as he was about to step into the pantry, he froze on the spot. Standing by the doorway on the opposite side was Haruka.

Her eyes were red with tears swelling in them. Her knuckles were white from how hard she was gripping onto the folder in her hand. As she made eye contact with Eisuke, however, the tears rolled down her cheeks and she turned away. He had learnt from day one that Haruka was a crybaby. She cried at almost every mistake, and she would cry whenever she thought Eisuke would fire her. He would roll his eyes at all those times but not this time. This time, it felt as if someone took a dagger and stabbed him right in the heart. What was this feeling?

~.~

She knew there would be talks about her, that much she expected. In a company as big as Ichinomiya Group, there was bound to be rumours spreading from every corner and being an unqualified secretary for an executive, it would be more surprising to know that no one whispered anything behind her back. But Haruka shut her ears to everything she would hear. She was here for the job and that was all. They would start to see how serious she was about her job and despite the lack of qualifications, she was still capable.

They would talk about her clothes, how they never heard of the brand and how the materials were cheap. It did not bother her. They would gossip about her background, snicker about the fact that she was orphaned. That did not bother her either. Then, they would blatantly show their displeasure at her lack of IT skills but Haruka was not bothered still.

Standing outside the pantry and listening to them gossip about her would not be something new either. Except, they were saying something different this time. They were accusing her of seducing Eisuke, using her body to get the job. That bothered her. This was what her mother went through, and what pushed her over the edge. Every word they said stabbed her hard and she could feel the tears swelling in her eyes though she was determined not to let them fall. She was prepared to let it go, as she did with everything else they said about her. Then she made eye contact with Eisuke.

Seeing Eisuke, she could not help herself. The tears she was so desperate to keep in were finally rolling down her cheeks. She wanted so badly to prove herself to him, that he did not make the wrong decision in hiring her. She wanted to become the secretary that he had been training her to be. Would he believe those words? Would he believe those women over her? Why would he believe in her?

Unable to face him, she turned and left.

She wanted to leave the job entirely but her sisters came to mind and Haruka could not do it. She needed the job, no matter what anyone else said or thought of her. Even if that someone else was Eisuke. She would have to keep a distance between them, to make sure that their relationship was strictly professional so no one could spread any other rumours.

"Yeah...he fired them."

"Seriously? Because they were gossiping in the pantry? My God, he's a tyrant."

"Yeah well, they were gossiping about her."

The whispers started to change after that day; all rumours ceased. When she used to be met with cold stares and stoic expressions, she was now greeted with warm (but fake) smiles and kind good mornings. Those who once gossiped about her were no longer with the company. She would later find out that they had been transferred far away or let go by the company. No one else dared to spread anything about her.

"Is it true? Did you fire the two women in the pantry that day?"

"I did."

Eisuke's answer was brazen yet expected.

"Because they were gossiping?"

"Because they were incompetent," Eisuke stated. "They've been at this company for more than ten years each but have nothing to show for it. It's a miracle if their team did not have to pick up after them every single day. And since they would rather spend their time gossiping instead of improving themselves for work, I gave them all the time to gossip. And if you have time to ask about them, you have time to work. Or else you'll end up like them. I don't need incompetents in my office."

Somehow, a part of her wanted to believe that they were fired because of her. Then again, why would an executive fire someone just because they were speaking ill of their secretary? Who was Haruka to Eisuke for him to do so? With a nod, Haruka dismissed herself but just as she was leaving, Eisuke said something that changed her mind forever.

"You belong to me," Eisuke said, looking her straight in the eyes. "Remember that. No one can touch or hurt anything that's mine and you, Matsuoka Haruka, are mine."

[butsomeofusarelookingatthestars]

In Your Footsteps: Part 14

You’d never dreamed that something like this could ever happen to you. You had everything…your dream job, a loving boyfriend and the perfect life. But, all that would change with one note and your life would become a living nightmare.

Masterlist (x)

Here’s the penultimate chapter, containing a highly-anticipated moment that you’ve all been waiting for…

Luke hand clutched yours tightly as he gently guided you into the BAU offices. It was almost as if he could sense your reluctance as you hovered nervously outside the glass doors, flashing you a reassuring smile as he gestured for you to enter first.

It was an important first step for you to take – the start to the recovery he hoped you would find.

For you, it wasn’t easy to return back to the place of such unhappy memories. Flashbacks of the team briefing you on your stalker and you breaking down in the office during Tara’s interview raced through your mind as you made your way through the bullpen. Your chest tightening painfully as you remembered the immense fear that had controlled your life.

It was still there.

You and Luke both knew that you weren’t the same person you used to be.

Never had you shrunk away from life before. But, as Luke witnessed you politely decline any invitation to leave the sanctuary of his apartment, he realised that all your confidence had been drained. It was as if you were imposing a punishment of isolation on yourself.

Seeing you curled up on his sofa, hands wrapped protectively around your stomach as Roxy rested her head on your lap was heart-breaking. He could only hope that things would change in the future…starting with today.

It had been his idea to bring you into the BAU, explaining that he wanted you to read a file pertaining to the case. Your boyfriend seemed to know exactly what you needed even when you didn’t. You needed to know why John had done it.

That had been the question that haunted you ever since the revelation, the guilt consuming you as you thought about all the opportunities you had to prevent him from falling into darkness. You were a doctor and he was your patient. You should have known that he needed help.

Although Luke insisted that your guilt was completely irrational, he knew that you needed to believe it yourself. That was why you had to be here today, to find out the truth.

The rest of his team flashed you supportive smiles as he lead you into a deserted office, the familiar surroundings surprisingly comforting as he guided you into a soft leather chair. He pressed a tender kiss on your temple as he gently laid the folder in front of you.

“I’ll be right outside.”

His reassuring murmur soothed your nerves, prompting you to squeeze his hand gently in appreciation as he quietly left to talk with his colleagues. This was a step you had to take by yourself. It was a decision that you wanted to make.

You would never be able to explain just how grateful you were for your boyfriend’s compassion and understanding through everything you had been through. He was the man that you loved and it felt as if you would never be able to believe how lucky you were truly were to have him by your side.

As you took a deep breath and opened the first page with a trembling hand, you knew that this was the time to move forward. The future already felt a little more hopeful.

“Feeling better?”

Your lips curved upwards into a small smile as Luke wrapped his arms around your waist, pressing an affectionate kiss onto your shoulder. A soft sigh escaped your lips as you lent back into his hold, lacing your fingers through his and squeezing his hand gently.

“Thank you.” You whispered, turning your head slightly to capture him in a tender kiss. He smiled against your lips as his grip tightened around your waist, pulling you even closer as you allowed him to deepen the kiss.

It had felt like an eternity since the two of you had been able to just enjoy one another’s presence. Being able to hold you in his arms was something that he would never again take for granted. Not after what you had been through.

Luke was relieved that your trip to the BAU yesterday seemed to have lifted your spirits. His only intention had been to help you deal with the pain you had held onto, giving you the information that he knew you needed to move on.

His heart fluttered hopefully as your hands drifted to his neck, your fingers entangling in his dark curls as you melted into his touch. All he had wanted was to get closer to you and help ease your suffering. The familiarity of your kiss reassured him that the future was full of hope for the two of you.

However, a loud ringing interrupted the romantic moment as your phone blared out noisily.

A groan of protest escaped his lips as you pulled away from him, disappointed that your kiss had been abruptly disrupted. You laughed softly as you fought free of his grasp, reaching out to answer your phone.

“Ms Y/L/N? This is Doctor Harrison. I’m calling you about scheduling an ultrasound.”

You froze in shock, taken aback by the unexpected call. In the midst of the recent chaos, you had completely forgotten to organise the appointment.

Luke seemed to sense your nervousness, inching closer. His warm breath tickled your neck as he quietly asked who was on the phone.

Your stunned silence prompted him to tighten his arms around your waist, slightly anxious given the haunting memories of the terrifying calls you had previously received.

You only flashed him a small smile as you released yourself from his hold, reassuring him that it was no one important. It was horrible to keep such a big secret from your boyfriend, but the last thing you wanted was for him to overhear the news on a phone call.

His curious gaze followed you as you disappeared into the bedroom, wondering why you were acting so strangely. However, you refused to meet his warm brown eyes – knowing that you would break under their questioning.

Things were finally getting back on track for the two of you and you weren’t sure how ready either of you were for such a big change.

You hadn’t even realised how much you truly wanted the baby until a gun had been pointed at your head. Your last thoughts had been about your family and that meant something.

You just needed to summon up the courage to tell your boyfriend about the life changing news.

“Good morning.”

A bright smile lit up your face as Luke peppered your neck with delicate kisses, his rough stubble scratching lightly against your skin. It was the best way to wake up – in his arms. The fact that it followed your first peaceful night’s sleep in months made it even better.

Luke hadn’t been keen on you attending the court hearing of your stalker, but you had insisted that it was what you needed in order to properly move on. Despite his opposition, he had been by your side the entire time - holding your hand tightly as he promised that he would do whatever you wanted.

It seemed as if you had both learnt how to open up to one another as he allowed you the space you needed and you confided your worries in him. Things had changed.

You laughed warmly as you felt him shift behind you, inching even closer as he pressed a tender kiss on your temple. As you turned around to face him, the affection in his warm brown eyes almost took your breath away. A soft smile played on your lips as you gently cupped his face and captured his lips in a passionate kiss.

This moment meant everything.

Luke’s hands drifted lightly across your body, tracing delicate patterns across your exposed skin as you lay back into the pillows. Your breath hitched in your throat as he came to rest a gentle hand on your stomach, your heart fluttering nervously as he seemed to hesitate.

You had almost forgotten he was a profiler.

However, you relaxed slightly as he dipped his head to press a searing kiss on your skin. He didn’t suspect anything. Luckily, there wasn’t much to betray your secret. A tiny bump which could be easily disguised wouldn’t catch his attention.

It felt amazing to be so close with one another again, healing together after everything that had happened. But, a baby was a massive change and you still hadn’t been able to inspire the bravery required to tell him the truth.

It wasn’t as if it had even been a topic of discussion between the two of you given the trying circumstances over the year. You honestly didn’t know how he would take the news that he was going to be a father.

“I’ll make us some breakfast.” Luke murmured softly, planting one final kiss on your lips before he wandered out to the kitchen.

You laughed quietly as you heard him cooing over Roxy. It seemed as if her ears had pricked up at the word ‘breakfast’. A few minutes passed before you rose out of bed, reluctantly surrendering the warmth of the bedsheets as you followed in Luke’s steps.

“French toast?” He questioned, sending you a playful wink as he carefully attended to the frying pan.

Normally, the sweet scent of your favourite breakfast would have made you rush over to devour the entire plate. However, it seemed as if your morning sickness recognised the smell as an opportunity to strike.

Luke’s soon smile faded as he looked up to see your horrified eyes, your face suddenly pale. Before he could even open his mouth to ask what was wrong, you had taken off - your hand quickly covering your mouth as you rushed towards the bathroom.

It was horrible.

As a doctor you had treated many women who had complained of morning sickness, however it was only as you heaved desperately into the toilet that you truly understood their pain. The nausea seemed to get worse with each bout, your vision blurring as the dizziness began to take over.

It was only a moment later that you realised that Luke had arrived. One of his hands holding back your hair as the other rubbed soothing circles on your back. Despite your anxiety, you were glad he was here.

His presence always seemed to make you feel a little better.

“I thought you liked my food.” He joked quietly, trying to lift your spirits as you collapsed into his arms.

“I’m sorry. I-”

Your words were interrupted as another wave of nausea hit you, causing you to cough violently into the toilet. Luke only hushed you gently as you tried to gesture apologetically to him.

“Maybe you should go to the doctors.” He murmured against your hair as you sank back into his hold, one hand brushing gently against your forehead as he tried to see if you had a temperature.

“I am a doctor.” You groaned, hitting his arm lightly to get him to stop tracing your face.

Luke chuckled warmly at your pathetic attempts to brush off his concern. But, you could tell that he was worried. His eyes always betrayed his emotions.

The guilt began to grow as he insisted that he would drive you to an appointment today, explaining that he wasn’t about to watch his girlfriend suffer from an illness.

You knew you had to say something.

“I’m not sick.” You told him quietly, gripping his hand tightly as you prevented him from searching for his phone to call the doctors.

Every instinct was telling you that this was the moment to confess the truth. But, that didn’t make the experience any less nerve-wracking. You just didn’t know how Luke would react.

You took a deep breath as you looked into his eyes, their warm brown depths filled with confusion as he glanced down at you.

“Luke, I’m pregnant.”

Tag List:

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[elevenhoursinfront-blog]

February 22nd 2017

I woke up at 0730. I fell back to sleep after about 10 minutes. It's horrible when 8 alarms go off at different times in the same room. Steve didn’t wake up at all. He turned his alarm off and went back to sleep. He fell over at football yesterday, he did this back roll on the floor and twisted his ankle. He said his ankle is hurting him a fair bit, that it’s swollen. He can’t put much weight onto it. Limp, limp. Not gym for Steve…

We eventually got up at 0930/1000. We had to say goodbye to Joe. His name is Joha but Joe is fine. I gave him a cuddle and he said he would message if he needs the boys for football again. Steve whispered “not this week”. Too much for him and his old age, me thinks. Max was checking out too and the Chinese girls left before I woke up. 4 new roommates to welcome. How exciting. The Chinese didn’t take their sheets down. Not sure if they understood or not. It was a good job Max was leaving. Yesterday, he asked Josh why he fell out with his old roommates. Josh stated he was too right winged. Max replied with, “So, you’re racist?”. I just sat on my bed thinking ‘here we go again’. Max understood from both points of view which was better than the last argument. Max is from Germany so talking about Brexit was awkward. To top this heated discussion off, Max tried to change the subject. He asked Josh and Steve who they supported, to which they both replied “Liverpool, you?” (I know, they can’t help it). Max replied with “Manchester United”. BRILLIANT. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. Let’s start again shall we - lets continue this heated discussion and turn to football. To which it did. But not as heated.

Anyway, back to 4 empty beds. Josh forgot to extend his stay for another week or two so he ran down to reception to do so. Too late, they already sold his bed… This meant, tomorrow morning, we would be saying goodbye to our last and only friend. Fantastic. He can get a space back in Mad Monkey on Monday but I’m not sure he’s going too. Settling into a new place is rubbish and having to live out of backpacks is rubbish, too. He’s better off booking for a week or so. He will struggle badly to find any space on a weekend. Hostels sell out SO fast. We ate breakfast and came back to the room. Steve had his interview at 1145 and had to leave for 1130. I got his clothes out for him whilst he was in the shower. Steve left and I sat on the bed doing absolutely nothing until two new roommates entered. Two girls. They look kind of normal, here goes… Not sure of their names, but they’re from Germany. Only here for the one night. When will I make friends that aren’t male?! They moaned about how cold it was and tried fiddling with the aircon. I was getting fairly annoyed. Do not touch. It broke not long ago and we couldn’t sleep. I don’t care that we are all dying from hypothermia. At least we can sleep. Steve walked in after 25 minutes… He got into the agency! Hooray! This means he could have work by tomorrow morning. If they don’t contact him tonight, he will be starting on Monday morning. How exciting! Not for Steve though. We had to leave and go buy PPE. We went to Town Hall (Westfield) to find clothing. The first shop we went into was selling PPE fairly cheap from what we’d seen elsewhere. Steve spent a good 45 minutes trying bits on. I wouldn’t mind but he was to wear either a florescent orange or yellow… In and out of the changing room - blue shorts, black shorts, beige shorts, yellow top, orange top, with a collar, without a collar, what colour socks… “What goes best?”. It doesn’t matter Steve, you still look like a tit! Mind you, literally every male backpacker is in construction here and a good 50% of the male Australian population. The florescent uniform is EVERYWHERE. I found some cheap steel-toe cap boots for $70. The rest were roughly $200 so I was pretty pleased with myself. Of course, Steve didn’t like them. After a short moan about money, he tried them on and bought them. Hard hat, gloves and ear plugs were left to get. Unfortunately, that store didn’t sell them. The place Steve had his interview did so we went back home to Kings Cross to buy them. They gave the earplugs for free so I might have took a fair few for myself. I thoroughly enjoy sleeping with them in now. Altogether, his PPE came to $185. Expensive, I know. I’m sure he can get that back with his tax refund at the end of the year though. I’ve kept his receipts in case. I also bought 2 new folders today, one each. This way we could take our own stuff to interviews and jobs. We still have one big folder with the most important stuff in that will stay in the lockers - passports, travel insurance, visa and photocopies. We have a lot more paperwork now so it was getting too big for one folder. We now have our Tax File Number letters, Medicare card letters, bank letters, RSA letter, white card letters, certificates etc… I’m so organised. I’ve even put a photocopy of our passports in our individual folders so we don’t have to take them out. It was 1700 by the time we got back. I sorted out our washing and put that on. I also sorted out the lockers and drawers. I folded all my clothes and put them away. The wash takes 37 minutes. I’ll remember it this time, I think. I then realised we needed a food shop. Steve was absolutely starving, in fact, he was fading away… We left to go Coles without thinking that it was slightly more expensive than Woolworths. Coles is much closer though and I couldn’t have Steve’s stomach thinking his throats been cut any longer. Hangry was an understatement. We got 1kg of beef mince for $7 which isn’t too bad, turkey mince, salad, sweetcorn, onions and gherkins. Gherkins are a personal fav of mine.   I was doing spag bol with salad tonight which is what we had left in the fridge. Steve was finally eating for the first time in his life by 1800. He managed to go the extra two hours without eating even though he swore he was going to die. What a hero! I started the cooking whilst Steve got the washing out and put it on the bed to dry. We was going to play a game of scrabble at the dinner table but we didn’t want to embarrass ourselves with words like “Nan”, so we decided against it. Steve’s phone rang - work tomorrow! Bondi Junction 0700 start. Brilliant news. Not for him, as he keeps on reminding me. I am so proud of him! We made Steve’s work lunch after dinner. We bought some tupperware so he could take cooked food and fruit. This is me hoping he doesn’t buy fatty foods on the go… I also made him a list of stuff that he needed for work and what he needed to do before leaving. Getting his food from the kitchen, filling his water bottle up, PPE, time sheet, folder, Opal card etc… Steve would be lost without me, I’m sure. I also received a call for an interview tomorrow in Woolloomooloo. I dare you to try and pronounce it! It’s for a waitress in a Bistro. The guy was meant to text me the address but he hasn’t done. I text to ask for it but I’ve received no reply. I’ll ring him tomorrow morning as my interview is meant to be at 1100. It’s about 3 minutes away from Kings Cross which is good. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt about Australian’s is, if it can be done tomorrow, it will be. There’s no rushing them. It’s all calm.

Two new roommates stuff appeared after dinner. They must’ve been out because they weren’t in. The room was now a complete and utter mess. A bomb had hit it. It was like Steve’s bedroom on a good day. The German girls had their stuff everywhere. Bags, clothes, shoes, a packet of serviettes wrapped in tin foil… I’m not sure, so don’t ask me. There is a rule here that you cannot have food and drink in the rooms. I don’t particularly agree with this rule as my room and bed is the only “personal” space I get. Therefore, I would like to eat and drink as I please… Food and drink get stolen so easily so I would rather it be in my room. Of course, things that need to be in the fridge stay in our food cooler bag. When I went down to reception to change our sheets, I noticed a drawer of foods and drinks. The more I looked, the more I recognised it. Turns out, they took all our food and drink from the room and confiscated it. The food and drink was hidden in our drawers under my bed so it annoyed me that they went through our stuff… We could have it back but it had to remain downstairs. Anyone could’ve said it was there’s though and took it. Good job I went down when I did. I put them all into plastic bag and found cupboard space. Steve and I then became 007 and 008 mission 'Try and Retrieve Stolen Goods and Take Them Upstairs’. I shoved all the important stuff (Tim Tams, Dairy Milks, Malteasers) into my handbag. I carried my purse and phone separately to make more space. We went down later on with the backpack for the Pepsi Max and rice cakes. Mission accomplished. Goodies put away in our lockers so nobody can find them.

Steve’s bag is packed and he is ready to go tomorrow morning. I made him cut his toenails too so his feet won’t get sore in his new boots. He struggles to remember simple things like that. His alarm will be on for 0500. He will climb into my bed when he wakes up and wake me up again to say goodbye. He always does. He’s a wet blanket at heart, a right softy.

Currently 2115 and Steve needs to get to sleep. German girls messing about with all their stuff. I think they’re going out. Josh has fallen asleep side ways in his bed and Johnny has just walked in. Still not met our newest roomies. The light is still on and the shower is running. Good luck with that Steve.

[thechasefiles]

The Chase Files Daily Newscap 9/17/2019

Good Morning #realdreamchasers. Here is your daily news cap for Tuesday, September 17th, 2019. There is a lot to read and digest so take your time. Remember you can read full articles via Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS), Barbados Today (BT), or by purchasing a Daily Nation Newspaper (DN).

EARLY CLOSURE -The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training is reminding parents and guardians that all public schools will be closed today, Tuesday, September 17. Schools will close at noon to facilitate meetings called by the Barbados Union of Teachers and the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union. (BGIS)

BELMONT BLUES – Teachers were falling sick. Parents were sick of the situation. And even the minister responsible for the environment was bemoaning the conditions at Belmont Primary School yesterday. Staff and parents gave the My Lord’s Hill, St Michael school a failing grade as classes had to be suspended because two teachers fell ill after allegedly inhaling paint fumes.Belmont Primary was one of 20 public schools which were not ready for the start of the school term last week Monday due to incomplete maintenance work.Over the weekend, teachers learnt that the summer repairs programme had not been completed and as a result, many of the classrooms were still in disarray up until Sunday.Some also became upset and said they felt insulted on learning they would be required to use chemical toilets after a plan to have adequate bathroom facilities in time for the start of school fell short.(DN)

PLEASANT SURPRISE – The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) appears to be throwing the weight of its membership behind a longstanding fight by their secondary teacher colleagues who are demanding payment from the main regional examining body for payment for marking School-based Assessments (SBA). For more than a decade the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) has been agitating for Barbadian teachers to be compensated for marking the SBA component of the Caribbean Examinations Council’s (CXC) examination which forms part of several subjects offered across the region. The hierarchy of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) say they are pleasantly surprised that their sister union has finally come around to their position. “We have been fighting this at the level of the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) since 2006 and the BUT never spoke up on this and never encouraged their members to take a stand. So, I am very surprised now at the fact that they have. I don’t know if things have changed because there is now representation from the secondary school level in the leadership of the BUT and now persons have firsthand knowledge of the problem,” said BSTU President Mary Redman, noting that Spencer, who ascended to the presidency of the BUT two years ago, would be among the persons involved in marking SBAs. The SBA issue is to be one of the main agenda items when the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) meets tomorrow at Solidarity House, resulting in all public schools being closed from midday. It was reported that BUT president Sean Spencer made it clear that his union would not be relenting on the issue. However, in an interview with Barbados TODAY this afternoon, Redman noted that the BSTU had been battling with the CXC on this matter since 2006 on their own, leaving them to wonder what could have inspired the BUT’s change from their non-interventionist position 13 years later. She contended that the BUT members would have been disadvantaged by not having this type of representation until now, as a fragmented approach among the teaching fraternity did not augur well for the chances of success. Redman also revealed that her union has always been open to dialogue with the BUT regarding a plan of action to tackle the longstanding issue and that offer still stands. “The BUT has not discussed anything with us besides the statement that they have made in the press. We do not know what position they intend to take up. This was a discussion that we were trying to have with them for years and we have never closed the door for such discussions to take place,” she said. However, the outspoken trade unionist made it clear that the added support will only make a difference if it means that this time around that teachers are prepared to make a unified stand on the matter. She pointed out that each year CXC has been offloading more of its responsibilities on teachers and it appears that the council won’t stop until teachers are being made to carry the entire burden. “This is now a purely industrial relations matter and the buck stops at the hand, the feet of the teachers in this country. They must do what they need to do if they intend to ever get compensation. The solution rests with the action of the teachers. Besides having made complaints to CXC, they continue to add more and more responsibilities, to the point where they now have the schools responsible for registering the students online as well as all of the data entry on grading,” said Redman. (BT)

NEW PROGRAMME TO TRAIN JOB SEEKERS – School leavers and the unemployed will get a shot to enter the job market and to be better equipped for the world of work. This is after the launch of the Clarkeson Foundation Inc life and work skills programme at the Weston Community Centre, Weston, St James on Saturday.Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson said even though a job could not be guaranteed, it was sure that those who stayed for the approximately ten sessions will become more employable.“The skills that this will give you will bring about self-esteem, the ability to relate to an employer, to understand that because someone offends you, you don’t have to start world war three.”He also admonished those tempted to use of drugs that marijuana has not been legalized and it messes with the mind.“Men when you go for a job interview you should not go with your pants all down there. The employer would say that you will not be ready. And women, you with the straps and short skirts. So we will help you to know how you should approach the employer.”Hinkson spoke of a previous student who received three prizes at the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) and added that the programme was there to help those who had small business ideas.For new employees, the programme will provide financial counselling.“It is good to see the change in confidence and those who were once shy and how they have [transformed.]” At the end of the programme those who graduate will receive a certificate as well. (BT)

TOURISM UPSWING – Long-stay visitors are up, as well as the money they have spent in the first seven months of the year. This was reported yesterday by Minister of Tourism Kerrie Symmonds while addressing the launch of Tourism Week at Pelican Village in The City. He expressed satisfaction with the 433 363 arrivals, an increase of 20 666 from January 1 to July 31, compared to last year. During that period long-stay arrivals from the United States were up by 11 per cent.Symmonds said visitors from CARICOM had increased by just one per cent, having experienced a dip earlier this year that had now stabilised.Though the minister did not give specifics, he said he was particularly pleased to see, according to the Central Bank, an increase of 5.5 per cent in visitor spend over the same period when compared to 2018. (DN)

PORT PINCH– The business community is feeling the pinch as the Customs and Excise Department continues to battle implementation challenges with the new ASYCUDA World system. While Government has been appealing for patience, a number of importers and exporters yesterday voiced frustration that their goods were stuck in the Bridgetown Port, in some cases for up to three weeks. Businessman Eddy Abed, one of those affected, stressed that with the “peak shipping season” starting next week, an urgent solution was needed, otherwise the Christmas shopping season could be affected. Merchants are also facing thousands of dollars in demurrage charges, with their cargo in some cases having already exceeded the allotted time at the Bridgetown Port. (DN)

HOT SALES – Scorching summer temperatures have been netting huge profits for stakeholders in the air-conditioning business. Corporate, residential and even automobile clients have reportedly been flocking to stores, which sell A/C units, fans and other cooling systems leaving some local businesses out of stock and contemplating expansion. “From August and September 2018 to 2019 sales have actually gone up 33 per cent because of these heat waves that are passing,” Director/Owner of Subzero Services Ltd Allan Hodgkinson reported. “People are saying that they just can’t take the heat and the lack of wind. We actually had someone coming in from Bottom Bay. I never sold an air condition in Bottom Bay before but if Bottom Bay is hot, then everywhere is hot in this island because that is where the wind comes from first.”    At popular chain Cost-U-Less, a supervisor said the popular 16-inch LASKO fans were completely sold out, leaving just a “couple” Tower Fans, and a gap of over a week before more stock arrives. “All small A/C units are sold out… there are only 10,000 and 12,000’s [air conditioning units] left,” the official reported. “The majority of questions we’re hearing are about fans and even on a day like today [Monday] when rain is falling, customers are still coming in to ask about the fans.” Automobile Air-conditioning units have reportedly also been selling “like crazy”, according to Managing Director of Cool Air Auto Clinic Kandrew Callendar. (BT)

PORK, POULTRY CASES ‘MAY HEAD TO WTO’- The global free trade watchdog, the World Trade Organisation (WTO), may soon be asked to back a preferential trade agreement for Barbadian pork and poultry products, Minister of Small Business Entrepreneurship and Commerce Dwight Sutherland has said. Sutherland has hinted that some manufacturers may be in line for similar support while contending that pork farmers have for too long been priced out of the market by cheaper imports. Although the WTO generally disapproves of preferential arrangements and similar protectionist measures, its rules do make provision for exceptions in cases where regions, sectors and industries may be unfairly disadvantaged. Sutherland told Barbados TODAY: “We have the capacity and the scope in my view to be self-sufficient in pork production in this country, but having said that, we are signatory to the WTO regulations and indeed the technical barriers to trade, require that we have imports. “However, we need to create the policy space through the WTO trade law mechanisms, whereby we can indeed build out our industries. “Not just the pork industry but also poultry and some manufacturing industries as well.” The Minister noted that while there must be exceptions, it was imperative that local producers are allowed the space within their home market, otherwise they would be forced out of business. He said: “There are certain manufacturers that need to import certain parts of the pigs for their products and indeed we cannot stop that, but what we can do is discussed with the WTO through their trade law mechanism to create that policy space that we become self-sufficient in pork production. “Those special cuts that come into the country that are being used in manufacturing and the hotels must still be allowed to come in. “So we have to sit with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Ministry of Commerce to see how we can create that policy space.” He continued: “For the year thus far we had 1.1 million kilograms of pork imports. That represents $6.3 million going out in foreign exchange. In 2018, we produce 2.8 million kilograms of pork and in 2016 and 2017, we produce 2.5 and 2.6 kilograms of pork respectively. “So, you can see that the space is there for us to empower our small pork producers. We can’t have persons selling in this country, what would be termed in other countries as a dumping price. “I understand pork was on the shelves for less than $5 per kilogramme. Our local producers cannot bring pigs to market at that price.” The Minister’s pronouncement should be music to the ears of pork producers, as two months ago they complained through CEO of Barbados Agricultural Society, James Paul, that the market was being flooded with pork. They called on Government to immediately address the issue. At the time the farmers reported a slump in the number of pigs being slaughtered on a weekly basis as a result of the imports. According to one farmer, his numbers fell from 40 carcasses per week, to eight. Another farmer said that his numbers decreased from 100 per week, to between 60 and 25, contending that the situation was simply untenable. Farmers complained that the market was being flooded with pork from the United States and Germany, resulting in a severe slump in their sales and threatening their survival.(BT)

JACKMAN BREACHES BAIL CONDITIONS – Andre Omar Jackman, known as Lord Evil, has been granted bail by the High Court, even after breaching the conditions of his bail last weekend. He was arrested by police from the Northern Division on Saturday.He was released under the same bail conditions originally set, which include a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, and the case was adjourned until September 26. Jackman, 40, of Stroude Bay, Crab Hill, St Lucy, was seen by police who were at the Alexandra School in Queens Street, Speightstown, St Peter, around 1 a.m., which was outside his curfew hours. When he was approached by the officers he ran off but was later apprehended. He was taken to the District ‘E’ Police Station where he was kept in custody before going before the Supreme Court today.(BT)

REVENGE ROBBERY – An act of retaliation, carried out over three days, has landed a 30-year-old pregnant woman on remand. Stancha Clerona Augustine, of No. 78 Crystal Heights, St James was remanded until October 14 when she will learn her fate on a burglary charge. The nail technician admitted to trespassing in the house of Thelma Warren between April 7 and May 8 and stealing $5,413.10 in items including a fan, rice cooker, convection oven, stereo set, binoculars, hand mixer, food grinder, electric oven, blood pressure unit, five sheet sets, food items and alcoholic beverages. According to the facts presented by police constable Victoria Taitt the complainant returned to Barbados after a month abroad to find his apartment ransacked, with the laundry room door broken and the lock on the bedroom door “knocked out”. A check was made and Warren discovered foodstuff, household items, personal documents and other items including meats from the freezer missing. Augustine admitted to police that she broke into Warren’s house over a three-day period and removed the property. According to the prosecutor, Augustine also told lawmen that she threw away the items in various garbage cans and dumps as she left the residence.  None of the property was recovered. The woman also explained, according to Constable Taitt, that Warren broke her finger among other things earlier this year and she reported the matter. When the matter was brought before the court a magistrate ordered that Warren pay her $800 in compensation. However, the woman said she did not believe that the sum awarded was enough for her pain and suffering and as such she decided to get revenge on the complainant by breaking and entering his house and stealing his property so that “he could suffer the way she suffered.” After hearing the facts, Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant remanded Augustine pending sentencing. However, she also has another theft matter before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court to which she pleaded not guilty. Augustine is accused of entering De Hill Mini Mart and Sports Bar as a trespasser and stealing several items including 30 bottles of assorted alcohol, 140 packs of cigarettes, deodorants, cornflakes, a case of mincemeat, hot dogs, shampoo and conditioner totaling $4,642.50 belonging to Francina Reece. The crime is alleged to have been committed between April 15 and 16. She was granted $2,500 bail in that matter.(BT)

ST GEORGE MAN CHARGED WITH CAUSING SERIOUS BODILY HARM -   Police have charged 31-year-old Willis Andrew Ifill of Melverton, St George, with causing serious bodily harm to Shawn Hunte, 39, of Upper Brighton, St George. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. at Mount, St George, on September 12.  Ifill appeared at the District ‘C’ Magistrates Court, St Matthias, Christ Church before Chief Magistrate Christopher Birch, where he was not required to plead to the indictable offence. He was remanded to HMP Dodds and is scheduled to return to court on Wednesday, October 9.  (DN)

REHAB CHECK FOR ACCUSED – A 52-year-old will spend the next three weeks at the Psychiatric Hospital’s drug rehabilitation section being evaluated following a request for professional assistance for his addiction. Richard McNeil Cheltenham, of no fixed place of abode, pleaded guilty to possession of apparatus for the misuse of cocaine when he appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant today. According to the facts, police responded to a report about 12:15 a.m. on September 15 where they saw the accused. A search was requested and he handed over a plastic container containing a small bottle with burnt wire mesh and white residue suspected to be cocaine. “That is my lil apparatus, I ain’t get no stones though give me a break man,” Cheltenham reportedly said to lawmen. When he appeared in the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court attorney-at-law Lesile Roberts submitted that Cheltenham was a person who was “right” for drug treatment or drug rehabilitation. Cheltenham, who is known to the court, also told the magistrate that he wanted help, as he had never received any in the past. He will make his next appearance before Cuffy-Sargeant on October 7 to find out whether he is a suitable candidate for drug rehabilitation at Verdun House.(BT)

TRIDENTS BROKEN BY THE TALLAWAHS –Veteran opener Chris Gayle surpassed 13 000 Twenty20 runs as Jamaica Tallawahs broke a four-game losing skid with a four-wicket victory over Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League last night. Playing in steamy conditions following a 1 p.m. (2 p.m. Eastern Caribbean time) start at Sabina Park, Tallawahs stifled the Tridents with spin, restricting them to 140 for nine off their allotted 20 overs. Ashley Nurse, batting at number seven, top-scored with an aggressive 18-ball 37 while South African left-hander JP Duminy struggled for fluency in his 31 which required 35 deliveries. They were the only two to pass 20 as left-arm spinner Zahir Khan weaved a web around the Tridents batsmen to end with three for 20 from his four overs.(BT)

There are 106 days left in the year Shalom!  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for your daily news. #thechasefiles #dailynewscaps #bajannewscaps #newsinanutshell

[markwatkinsconsumerguide]

Consumer Guide / No.59 /  writer / author, Tony Norman with Mark Watkins. 

MW : Describe your ideal weekend....

TN : Saturday mornings will often find me writing a new song for one of the groups I sing with, BeatNicz and the OTB band. In the football season I may go and see Brighton play in the afternoon. Summer it will be a cricket match. Saturday night is curry night and may it ever be so! Sunday I often rehearse with OTB. Live music, nothing like it…

MW : Which publication can’t you live without, and why?

TN : The Beano. I grew up with Dennis as a boy. Then I worked as a trainee journalist for the company who created him, D.C. Thomson of Dundee. These days the Beano is online and Dennis has lost some of his ‘Menace’ but it’s still a weekly treat in this wicked old world.

MW : What comics did you read as a kid and what led you to writing a pop column for 'Jackie'?

TN : Beano was my favourite, but Dan Dare in full colour in the Eagle was exciting too. I’d been with D.C. Thomson for about a year when I was offered the gig as London Pop Correspondent for Jackie magazine. I’d been playing in a semi-pro London Mod band for three years, so it was a dream job for me. Journalist Nina Myskow was the big name in the Dundee office and I always enjoyed meeting her when she came on working trips to London. A great character.

MW : What's involved as music consultant?

TN : My gig at Jackie was to interview bands and singers and to keep tabs on what was happening. I was with Jackie in ’67 and ’68 and at that time London was the centre of the rock world. A wonderful time to be young, free and single. I even got to meet The Beatles!

MW : What makes a good rock writer?

TN : You have to know your audience. Writing for Jackie was a very good training ground. I had to use a bright and breezy style for our teenage readers. It took nine weeks for something I had written to appear in print, so you had to develop the knack of avoiding any subjects that would date too quickly. Not easy at a time when the music world seemed to change every week, but I got the hang of it. Valuable lessons learnt.

MW : and ... a good interviewer?

TN : Leave your ego at home! The most important person at any interview is the one answering the questions. I always tried to get to know what musicians were like behind their image. A good interviewer must have a genuine interest in other people and the lives they are living.

MW : Tell me about your encounters with “The Legend” Marc Bolan. If Marc was alive today, how might his music career have progressed?

TN : Marc and I became friends when I was working on a weekly called Top Pops & Music Now. I liked him from the start, when he was still building his career. We had space for a double page spread feature the week I first met Marc. I suggested to my editor that we use the Bolan interview along with some excellent Tyrannosaurus Rex colour shots of him and Steve Peregrin Took.

The following week Marc called me to ask if we’d used the interview. When I told him he had a double page spread he was over the proverbial… an hour later he was at our office to say thanks and pick up 20 copies. I remember him waving and smiling as he and his wife June drove off through the London traffic on that sunny morning. Feels like yesterday: good times.

If Marc had lived, music would still be part of his life and I’m sure he’d be involved with many other creative projects too. Such a warm and charismatic person: a terrible loss.

MW : Back in 1982, I bought 'Drowning In Berlin' on 7" vinyl ; how did you come to manage The Mobiles, and why weren't they more successful in the charts?

TN : I helped the band to form in our home town of Eastbourne. They had a great live following, but we were still amazed when ‘Berlin’ hit the charts. It finally climbed to number 9 and sold over 250,000 copies.

A few months later, Russ Madge wrote an even better song, ‘Victim of the Services’. We all knew it was special. Great vocals from lead singer Anna Maria and strings from members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. We were working on the final mix prior to releasing the single in April ’82. Everything was looking good, then the Falklands War started.

The BBC, quite rightly, banned airplay of any songs about soldiers and war. Our song was nothing to do with the Falklands, but we got caught up in the backlash. The single wasn’t released and the Mobiles never had another hit. The music world can be a cruel place sometimes.

MW : Tell me about your autobiography... My Cool Sixties – Lennon, Jagger & The Rest and what did you learn most by writing it?

TN : I learnt how enjoyable it was to write about one of the happiest times of my life! When I was sixteen I had two ambitions. The first to become a rock writer; the second to play on TV show Ready Steady Go with my mates in The Rest.

Well, as they say, one out of two ain’t bad. In the book I describe interviewing John Lennon and Mick Jagger and seeing George Harrison at Apple, the Beatles’ HQ in Savile Row, London. All pretty mind-blowing. I also trace my journey through 60’s London with my mates in The Rest, including all-night gigs in Soho where we became part of a bizarre midnight world… and loved it.

I also wrote some new songs to accompany the book. They will be included in the My Cool Sixties Deluxe Edition we will be publishing in 2018.

MW : You're Head Writer for a new book called, London Rock – The Lost Archive, tell me about that...

TN : Alec Byrne and I were great mates in the Sixties and Seventies. He was a top photographer, covering everyone from The Beatles, Stones and Hendrix, to the Who, Beach Boys, Bowie and so many more. Over the years, Alec’s rock archive has been hit by fire, ocean storms and an earthquake, but the stunning images that survived fill this book. I talked with Alec about his photographs and he was happy to take me ‘behind the scenes’ and explain how those iconic photo shoots came about.

MW : Single out a few of the key moments / landmarks in the book...

TN : My personal favourites are the live shots of The Rolling Stones in the Park ’69, because Alec and I were there together and that concert sums up how lucky we were to be at the heart of it all when all eyes were on London. A few days after the gig in Hyde Park, Alec was at the funeral of Brian Jones. I find his photograph of Brian’s coffin in an open grave very moving. Alec always had an eye for special shots that captured a moment in time.

MW : Who is the book aimed at, and what are you aiming for in terms of its reception and place in the canon of rock writing / photography?

TN : Alec’s best photographs selected themselves for inclusion in the book. Alec and I worked on the text to tell readers what it was like to be right there in London when the shots were being taken. I guess Baby Boomers will be the primary audience, but I think younger people will want to find out more about that amazing era too.

What London Rock does so well is celebrate Alec’s outstanding archive of rock star images taken at a time when London really did rock! The photographs have been on display in art galleries in London and Los Angeles and the feedback has been so positive.

It has been the same in the media with Alec giving TV, radio and online interviews. (See below.) Alec’s ‘unseen archive’ was hidden away for far too long, but thanks to his agent Drew Evans and publishers Insight Editions and Virgin books, all those iconic images are out there now for sure. Great project: loved being part of it.

MW : Where can we find out more / buy the books?

TN : London Rock by Alec Byrne is published in the UK by Virgin Books.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/London-Rock-Archive-Alec-Byrne/dp/0753550008/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514477615&sr=1-1&keywords=london+rock+the+unseen+archive

London Rock by Alec Byrne is published in the USA by Insight Editions.

https://www.amazon.com/London-Rock-Archive-Alec-Byrne/dp/1608878848

Alec Byrne TV interview on CBS Los Angeles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1sXyKNkY8I&sns=tw …

Mail Online interview with Alec Byrne.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5145525/Alec-Byrne-showcases-unseen-photo-archive-including-Jagger.html

Alec Byrne’s London Rock: The Unseen Archive photographic exhibition runs at Proud Central gallery in London to 28th January. https://www.proudonline.co.uk/exhibitions

My Cool Sixties – Lennon, Jagger & The Rest, Deluxe Edition will be published as an e-book in 2018 and will feature original text, plus songs from the My Cool Sixties album and a new Foreword from writer Tony Norman. The original book attracted many glowing reviews. See reviews, play album tracks and learn more about Tony’s career at his website.

www.tonynorman.com

https://twitter.com/mycoolsixties

Footnote : 

Thanks to Sarah Garnham at Ebury Publishing, giving permissions for ‘Consumer Guide’ to use three images from London Rock i.e the actual book cover, T Rex & David Bowie.

© Mark Watkins / January 2018

[thechasefiles]

The Chase Files Daily Newscap 3/25/2019

Good MORNING  #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Monday 25th March 2019. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) OR by purchasing by purchasing a Daily Nation Newspaper (DN).  

RESTORE PLAN – The old Louis Lynch Secondary School building is among several out-of-use Government properties which are under review by the Ministry of Housing and Lands. Permanent Secretary Timothy Maynard told the NATION Government’s policy was to “press as many of its disused properties back into productive use”. He said: “I know that many people have expressed interest in using Government lands and Government buildings. The minister has tasked us with the responsibility of utilising Government properties so we are going through that process and certainly Louis Lynch would be one of them.” Maynard was responding to reports that old scholars of the school had expressed outrage and sadness over the deterioration and abandonment of the Whitepark Road, St Michael property, after a video surfaced last week showing the interior of the school in a dilapidated and unsanitary state, and the building covered in bush. Louis Lynch, which was originally named Roebuck Secondary, was closed in 2006 due to environmental issues, mainly what was determined to be hazardous levels of pollution in the air from a nearby laundry. Staff and students were falling sick with complaints of dizziness and respiratory ailments. (DN)

MOTTLEY POINTS TO IMPORTANCE OF 'PEOPLE' AT FOUNDER’S DAY SERVICE – Leader of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), Prime Minister Mia Mottley is reminding members that without people, the 81-year-old institution is nothing. Delivering remarks at the Party’s Founders’ Day Service, held at Calvary Moravian Church, Roebuck Street, this morning, Mottley said she wanted her leadership to reflect that people matter at the beginning, middle, and end. She said because people matter, there was realism to life, which is not a fairy tale. “And in our own lives, we know heights, and we know terrace. In our lives we know times when we have to pray, and when we have to bow. In our own lives we know times when we can jump in jubilation. Our journey is no different,” Mottley said. “The journey of this party is the journey of the people. And to that extent, I ask us simply, let us stay focused. Let us remain anchored in those values that have inspired not only Grantley Adams, but all who were surrounding him, at every stage of every level, and all who came on the journey subsequently. And let us remember that our journey is not only to bring along those in the country, but to be able to inspire those who we must bring to help this journey of the party. We can sometimes take it for granted, but I ask all of us not to.” The leader pointed out that there were many young people in society, in need of support, love and mentorship. She said the BLP was one of the institutions with a duty to reach out to the youth in whatever way possible. “And I don’t mean in politics, I mean in that simple way that I spoke when I first became leader in 2008. That we have to help people to sleep easier when the night come. And those people don’t only mean old people, it doesn’t only mean poor people, it means any and everybody. And there are multiple ways in which we have the skills and the capacity to make people lives different,” Mottley said. “I ask therefore individually and collectively to rise up and to make that difference. Be that difference that our country so badly needs, that our people so badly want, and that our legacy so much requires from us. And if we can do that, then we can lift our heads high knowing full well that we are truly on a new journey, but anchored in a set of legacy and values that have been there to inspire so many, but shall remain, to inspire many more.” Reverend Adrian Smith addressed the topic Stay The Course, in his sermon. Smith advised those gathered that if they are to stay the course, they must learn from the past through remembering their story and lessons learnt. He encouraged the party’s leadership not to be arrogant, but to place God at the forefront of all policies and decisions. “The call for us is till to live lives that are righteous, to live lives that are holy. And it does not just apply to the Prime Minister, it applies to everyone. You see that’s the problem. We only want leaders to do what is right, but you who follow the party, and you who sit in the pew, you got to do right. The church is not just the preachers with the collar, the church is everybody. The party is not just the executive, the party is everybody,” the Reverend said. The party’s executive, Members of Parliament, and members of Calvary Moravian, participated in the over two-hour service.(BT)

PUT DOWN THE KNIVES AND GUNS – As the island reels under a wave of gun violence that has pushed the murder rate to 20 in three months, a Moravian minister has issued an impassioned plea for an end to the killings. In fact, said Rev. Dr Adrian Smith, running or walking away from conflict was still an option. He was delivering the sermon at the 1894 Calvary Moravian Church, in Roebuck Street, The City, where the congregation was joined by the hierarchy and members of the Barbados Labour Party who were celebrating their Founders Day Service to mark the party’s 81st anniversary. “Once again I must appeal to every young person, put down the guns, put down the knives. There is the sanctity of life. Can I yet appeal to somebody to think twice before you stab or shoot somebody?” Smith asked. “Walking away is still an option. Running away is still an option. Getting help is still an option,” he declared. Smith’s comments came days after the island witnessed the brazen killing of 33-year-old Damian Trotman, of Foursquare, St Philip, in the crowded Sheraton Mall last Thursday. The minister, in his sermon on the theme Stay The Course, said there were days or even weeks when life was a struggle but he urged people to be grateful for what they had. (DN)

POLICE PROBING ROAD FATALITY – Police are investigating a road fatality, which occurred about 12:30 am.  Police say the accident occurred near the Oran bond along the Spring Garden Highway St Michael. The male victim was travelling in the direction toward Speightstown when the car flipped several times and he was thrown out of the vehicle. The man who is yet to be identified was the sole occupant of the car.  He was pronounced dead at the scene. (DN)

BSSAC ON A HIGH – The vast number of spectators and party-like atmosphere of this year’s Powerade Barbados Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships (BSSAC) surpassed organisers’ expectations. This was the view of assistant meet director Andrew Brathwaite during a post-meet interview with NATIONSPORT following the finals at the National Stadium on Friday. “I think the meet was great. It exceeded expectations. Certainly the size and the atmosphere on the last day demonstrated the support that is there for track and field at that level, and I think that it sets the platform for us to do an even better job in providing opportunities for our young athletes,” he said.  “This is the first time in my memory that we have had five stands at the same time occupied by paying patrons. We used to have Stand ‘B’ reserved for the athletes, so the configuration certainly is different to what persons would have known.” The use of the stands at the Stadium for the first time in four years has also encouraged students to once again come out in their numbers for the meet, which just celebrated its 34th year. (DN)

CAMERON CUT –NEW CRICKET WEST INDIES (CWI) president Ricky Skerritt says the restoration of the High Performance Centre (HPC) will be one of the first items on the agenda for the new administration that was swept into power with an emphatic victory at the presidential election yesterday afternoon at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Minutes after his stunning but conclusive 8-4 victory over three-term president Wycliffe “Dave” Cameron in Jamaica, Skerritt told the NATION that much work had to be done to rebuild Caribbean cricket. “We now have to work for West Indies’ cricket everywhere and at all levels with all stakeholders. The No. 1 priority is the High-Performance Centre [formerly at UWI Cave Hill]. We want to make sure that that is working as quickly as possible. “We have a wonderful facility in Antigua that is used for preparation of our teams but we are looking at something that is going to be compatible of which the Antiguan entity will be part of the system,” he said. Speaking on telephone link-up from Kingston, Skerritt said the HPC would be a partnership between the University of the West Indies and CWI. The election results ushered in Skerritt as the 19th president of regional cricket and Vincentian Dr Kishore Shallow, at 35, the youngest ever vice-president. (DN)

REFORM A MUST, SAYS SIR HILARY – University of the West Indies vice-chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles believes the leadership of Cricket West Indies (CWI) faces the challenge of undertaking critical governance reform of the regional body, regaining the trust of stakeholders and implementing a visionary structure to move West Indies cricket from “awful to awesome”. In a statement entitled Present Crisis And Future Of West Indies Cricket carried live on UWI TV, Sir Hilary said CWI had become a “backward institutional system” after rejecting the opportunity for reform through the Patterson Report, closing the Barbados-based High Performance Centre, and creating “greater acrimony” among critical stakeholders like businesses, governments and universities. Sir Hilary, a former CWI director, was speaking ahead of the highly anticipated showdown yesterday between Dave Cameron and former St Kitts and Nevis government minister Ricky Skerritt for the position of CWI president. “Other countries that have been faced with systemic decline in their performance have opted to restructure their governance model and engage in a period of strategic planning within the stakeholder grouping,” he pointed out. “The Patterson Report sets out very clearly the path forward for West Indies cricket to enable the emergence of our cricket culture. The governance reforms embedded in the Patterson Report, however, have been rejected.   (DN)

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