#nine nominations for “Fishes” alone

[from-here-from-me]

Congratulations to the cast and crew of "The Bear," for a record-breaking 23 Emmy nominations!

THE BEAR — Season 2

[harrywritingsbyme]

A Celebration

Based Off Of This Ask

A/N: I’m so happy to be out of Tumblr jail and back to posting again! This one is hella detailed and fluffy...like I can’t stand how cute this is!!! And there’s some smut too…enjoy🙃

4k wordss

Ever since you and Harry found out that he’d been nominated for not just one, but three Grammy’s, the atmosphere of you guys’ home was nothing short of electric and filled to the brim with happiness. There was this buzz that was radiating through the air as the both of you, specifically Harry though, celebrated this new milestone in his career. Normally Harry would forgo awaiting the nominations for any awards, but this time was a bit different. He’d seen how this album was received by not only his fans, but also his peers in the music industry and he couldn’t help but to feel a bit hopeful when it came to possibly picking up a nomination. But on top of that, and above all, you were constantly gushing over him. Always talking about how you were incredibly proud of him and that you were confident that he’d get the recognition that you and so many others felt like he deserved. It could be honestly said that you were just as, if not more excited for the recognition that he’d receive from his work than he was. And as a result, the two of you decided to tune into the live stream where the nominations were being announced.

Since Harry was back on set filming and he had to be there in the morning and on time, there was a very little window for the two of you to have a proper celebration of his nominations. But luckily for the both of you, Harry was an early riser which meant that once the time for nominations to be announced rolled around, he had his bag ready on the couch and his clothes on so that he could sprint out the door afterwards. This allowed the two of you to have a solid five minuets of celebration. And a celebration it was. Harry literally pulled you into his arms and refused to let go. He had the tightest grip on you as he repeatedly chanted the phrase “I did it” into your neck and spun you both around. After a couple more moments of just holding you and being happy, Harry releases you back down onto the floor and pulls away from you with a big smile on his face and glassy eyes.

“I did it!” He whispers happily to you, giving your hips a small squeeze.

“You did it baby!” You softly and very happily coo back to him as you reach up to cup the sides of his face to pull him down for a quick kiss. It was the perfect place to put a pin in you guys’ celebration. After a couple seconds of holding your lips against his pillow soft ones, you finally pull away to let him head out the door. “Now get out of here! Don’t want you to to be late, we’ll have a proper celebration when you get back later on.” You sigh up to him with a small smile, smoothing your hands down from his face to rest them upon his chest.

“That sounds amazing.” Harry replies, reaching down to pick his bag up from the couch before regaining his posture and slinging the bag over his shoulder. “I love you” He whispers with a dreamy tone.

“I love you too.” You hum back to him, matching the dreamy tone of his voice.

“I love you more, and I’ll text you a little later.” He says finally before leaning down to press a quick kiss to your cheek and heading towards and out the front door leaving you alone.

Now that Harry was on his way to set and would be there for a sizable portion of the day, you were able to put a little something together to surprise him. In ideal circumstances, you’d invite his close friends over to celebrate his achievement. But since there was a raging pandemic going on at the moment (and for the past nine months just about), it was just going to be a party of two. Despite this being the current state of everything, you still had the upmost confidence in the fact that the physical absence of his friends and family would be tremendously made up for through an influx of text messages and phone calls congratulating him. But even though this was the case, you still wanted to make this moment special for him. You recognized how hard he worked to make this album and how he really poured himself out into these songs. So you really wanted to let Harry know how proud of him you were and that he deserved every last drop, and plus some, of the recognition he was receiving.

A while after Harry left and you made yourself a little breakfast to get your day started, you got yourself together and you made a run to the grocery store to get everything you needed for tonight. You planned on making him one of his all time favorite dishes so you made sure to get out there as soon as possible so that you could make sure that everything was perfect. You also decided to try your hand at a little congratulatory cake for him. Even though you were never a baker like Harry, you did have some baking and cake decorating skills up your sleeve. So you picked up all the ingredients you needed to make the cake along with some fresh flowers and two bottles of his favorite wine to round it all off. Once you were finally done running around town, you make your way back home to get started on your plans for tonight. You were going to get started with your dinner plans right when you arrived back home, but you were pleasantly welcomes with a surprise call from Harry to which you immediately get all the bags inside the house before flopping down onto the couch to pick up the phone.

“Hey baby! Have a little break before pick back up with and I just wanted t’see y’pretty face.” He says sweetly through the phone.

“I feel like you’re trying to get some information out of me.” You reply suspiciously.

“I can’t call up my beautiful girlfriend out of the blue to say hello?” He asks through a laugh.

“Sure! But not today, especially given its recent developments.” You explain.

“So you do have something in the works?!” He exclaims happily.

“No I do not! And even though you look cute right now, it is not cute to fish for information.” You point out to him, trying your best to maintain your firm stance.

“Whatever you say babe.” He chuckles at your seriousness.

“So tell me about your day and stuff.” You quickly divert, your entire stern disposition immediately dissipating into a softer and happier one. The two of you then proceed to talk for a little under half an hour before he’s called back to set.

“Well I’m being summoned back to set, so I’m gonna let you get back to putting my surprise together and I’ll see you when I get home.” He announces.

“There is no surprise Harry.” You were trying to hold onto any remnants of the surprise you had left since Harry couldn’t help himself, or his nosey tendencies.

“Whatever you say bubs, I love you.”

“I love you too babe, and I’ll see you when you come home.” You reply before sending him a kiss and hanging up the phone.

From that point on, your time was completely dedicated to getting everything ready for when Harry got home. Once you hung up, you immediately lifted yourself up from the couch and you picked the shopping bags up from he front door before heading into the kitchen to get things started. You throw the bottles of wine in the fridge to chill a bit before getting started on the cake you had planned to make. After carefully following the instructions you found online, you manage to get the perfect cake batter and one thing crossed off your list. Once you slide it into the oven, you move right into preparing the beautiful bouquet of sunflowers you’d picked up from the flower shop on your way home. You trim the stems a bit so that they could properly fit into the vase you pulled down from one of the cabinets. After meticulously trimming the long stems of the flowers and filling the vase you sit them on the kitchen island before transitioning back to the cake. For the rest of its time in the oven you work on the frosting along with getting started on the main course. When your timer goes off, you quickly pull the cake from the oven to let it cool and you finish what you’re working on before sprinting out of the kitchen and upstairs to get yourself ready.

You make a b-line to the bathroom where you immediately turn the shower on and rid yourself of all your clothes before stepping into the steamy cabin. Once you’ve taken your shower and pampered yourself a little bit, you throw on one of the lingerie sets Harry bought for you a while ago that you hadn’t worn yet underneath a simple pair of gray sweats and one of his t-shirts. You then head right back downstairs to get back to cooking. You became so engrossed with getting the house and dinner ready, that you completely lost track of time and didn’t even realize that Harry was walking right through the door.

“Honey I’m home!” Harry announces as he makes his way towards the kitchen. To which you quickly step away from the stove so that you can redirect him to a part of the house that was not the kitchen. Before he can even make it into the kitchen, you’re standing right in the middle of his path to stop him.

“Hey baby, how was filming today?” You ask, trying to divert him and his attention elsewhere.

“More importantly, whats going on in there?” He asks nosily, bringing his hands down to your waist in an attempt to move you aside and see what was going on in the kitchen behind you.

“Okay how about this, you go upstairs and take a nice hot shower and not ruin what’s left of the surprise while I finish up what I’ve been working on all day. How does that sound?” You propose, making sure to keep a sarcastically sweet tone to your voice.

“You’re hot when you’re serious.” He replies bluntly, sneakily trying to bring his hands up under your shirt in the process.

“And you’re a bit of a pest when you ruin surprises.” You reply with a sarcastic smile on your face before lifting yourself up to press a kiss to his cheek. “Now go and let me surprise you!” You demand with a slight smile, nudging him back in the direction he came.  

“Fine!” He huffs as he turns himself back around and heading upstairs to follow your directions.

And while he’s doing that, you’re finishing everything you had going. By the time Harry was all done upstairs, you managed to finish putting the final touches on the cake, finish cooking the actual dinner, and set the table. You even lit a couple candles.

“Okay Y/n, can I come downstairs?” Harry shouts from the bottom of the steps. You were being the absolute sweetest by taking the time to cook for him, so he didn’t want to ruin the surprise any more.

“Yeah, I guess you can come down.” You shout back as you bring the food to the table.

“Is that-“ He begins as he walks into the room.

“Yep!” You interject as you sit the dish down. “I know it’s not a whole lot but I just wanted to do a little something for you and I wanted to let you know that I’m having a crazy proud girlfriend moment and I’m so happy for you and this is only the beginning because you’re kinda awesome even though you suck when it comes to surprises.” You rush out to him, ending your little speech with a sigh, deep breath, and a little smile. “And wearing shirts.” You quickly add on, motioning towards his bare chest. Without saying a single word, Harry walks right up to you and engulfs you in an enormous hug.

“I love you so much baby.” He mumbles into your hair, continuing to hold onto you as tight as possible without squeezing you too tight. The both of you stay like this for a little while longer until he loosens his grip on you. He then places a slew of kisses to your face before pulling you both over to one of the chairs and sitting down.

“Hold on, have t’get the wine.” You announce before shuffling into the kitchen to grab the bottle out of the fridge and returning to Harry. “It’s your favorite!” You say happily, waving the bottle around as you make your war back over to him.

“You really thought of everything didn’t you?” He asks in amazement. Words couldn’t describe how happy he was to be receiving all of this from you. He could honestly say that he was the luckiest man in the entire world.

“Just about everything if I do say so myself.” You reply proudly, sitting the wine glass and fork that you picked up on the way over, along with the bottle of wine.

“Well I’m very appreciative of all this, I love you to pieces, and I’m beyond hungry.” He says, pulling you down onto his lap.

“Well dig in.” You reply happily, motioning towards the dish in front of you both.

For the next hour, the two of you just sit at the table and talk as you collectively devour the food you made. You and Harry were just enjoying each other. One minuet the two of you were having a deep and heartfelt conversation, and the next the two of you were laughing your asses off. Everything was perfect.

“Can we go upstairs and cuddle?” Harry mumbles with a pout, sitting his fork down to focus on you.

“You mean sex?” You chuckle, pushing your hands to the back of his neck.

“I mean eventually yeah, just wanna talk some more.” He replies shyly.

“But I made a cake too!” You remember, quickly standing from his lap to grab the cake from the kitchen.

“Oh my goodness, you’re literally making me want to smother you with hugs and kissed then take you right on this table.” Harry groans, still processing how amazing you were.

“I made a small cake so I had to write small. And since you can barely read your own handwriting at times, it pretty much says “congratulations 3 time nominee”. That’s it, that’s all the surprises I got tonight.” You sigh happily, sitting the cake on the table for him to get a better look.

“Well forget the cuddles, I need to say thank you.” Harry says urgently, standing from his seat before pulling you up into his arms.

“Can we take the wine with us?” You immediately interject before he carries you both away.

“Of course.” He chuckles, allowing you to grab the bottle before running you both upstairs to the bedroom. Once inside the bedroom, Harry tightens his grip on you and takes the wine bottle from your hands, sitting it on the bedside table. This allowed him to drop you right onto the bed and then immediately crawl on top of you. He wastes no time bringing his lips to your mouth, pushing you both right into the passion filled kiss. The passion came not only from the lust he constantly has for you, but also from the love he always has for you and especially the overwhelming feeling of love he has bubbling over in his heart from how you really did everything for him today, even if you only thought that it was a small thing like dinner. It’s the thought and effort you put into it all that was driving Harry mad. He just wanted to love on you and say thank you all night long; and that’s what he was planning on doing, even though it was supposed to be all about him.

As his mouth continued to move against yours, his hands began to wander underneath your clothes. And before you knew it, Harry was pulling away from your mouth to completely undress you to which he was brought to another surprise, one that you completely forgot about.

“I thought the cake was the final surprise.” Harry asks, taking in your lingerie clad body.

“I kinda forgot about this one.” You quietly whisper back to him as he continues to take his eyes up and down your nearly naked body.

“Y’so pretty baby.” He admires, taking one final look over your body before bringing his mouth back onto yours. But instead of staying there, he begins to bring his kisses lower. He sponges his mouth down the rest of your face, continuing down your neck and and chest, stopping  for a moment to press a kiss to the swells of your breasts along with the valet between them before continuing on. His kisses are incredibly tender as he continues on and you could feel yourself getting wetter and wetter as he continued. It was something about his tenderness that really sent a shockwave through your body as he touched you. Once he’s made it between your legs, Harry begins leaving kisses everywhere. He leaves many on your lower stomach before moving down to the lacy hem of your panties, sponging a never ending amount all the way across. When he gets a bit further down, Harry’s kisses continue and they are left right on your pressure points. Your barely covered folds, the area between your cunt and thigh, and your clit. He even goes as far as to suck on it a bit through your panties. As he focuses in on your cunt, you can feel yourself getting worked up a bit. Not only was his mouth on you, but his hands were as well. At some points he’d have his hands cupped around your confined breasts, and at others he’d be squeezing at your thighs or running the tip of his finger up and down the small and sensitive area between your cunt and thigh to get one of those adorable giggles out of you. Either way, you could feel yourself becoming a bit sticky and you could feel yourself yearning for more and more. Thats why when Harry abruptly pulled his mouth off of you, your head immediately shot up from the pillows to see what was going on. “Just wanted t’say thank you.” He begins, lifting himself up from the bed so that he could properly remove your panties. “Not just for being the most thoughtful and most sweetest person in the world, but also for being my muse.” He continues on, pulling the thin and damp material down from your hips and off your body before going back to his original position on the bed between your legs. “Wouldn’t have the songs if it wasn’t for you darling.” He finally whispers up to you while locking his eyes with yours and bringing his mouth to your now soaking center. You didn't even have the chance to interject with a “but it’s supposed to be all about you”!  

“Oh my god!” You sigh delightedly, dropping your head back down again. He skillfully began to lap his tongue up and down your folds, pushing his tongue into you to scoop all of your juices onto his tongue. His hands were currently stationed on your thighs as he practically devoured you. He managed to move his tongue in a swift, yet languid manner. He was making you feel so good that your hands were wound in his hair, and your foot was planted right on his back, digging into him whenever he used the tip of his tongue to prod at your entrance or when he’d suckle on your clit. You absolutely loved it when he’d push his tongue back and forth against your entrance; it was like you were getting a little taste of what was to come a little later. You were losing your mind as the time went on. He was licking at every part of you and he was doing it in a way that guaranteed sending you into a frenzy.

And while you were in a completely blissed out and frenzied state, so was Harry. He couldn’t get enough of having his head between your legs. You tasted absolutely amazing per usual and he couldn’t get enough of hearing your moans and whimpers from the way he burrowed his face into you. In fact, while you were moaning above him, he was moaning right into you. Not only was it because of how good you tasted, but it was also because of how much he loved being between your legs like this. He loved having his face between your legs. It was just something about your scent along with the idea of being between your soft thighs that drew him in. And once he got started, it’d be extremely hard to stop him. As he ate you, he could feel himself stiffening up in his pants which only pushed him to keep going. This also increased the frequency of his muffled moans which radiated right through your clit, pushing you even closer to the edge.

As he continued on moving his tongue against you and moving his hands back and forth to other parts of your body, you could feel yourself getting closer to the edge of your release. When he heard your moans turn into whimpers and pants, Harry pulls his mouth off of you and brings one of his hands that were on your breasts down between your legs. He then proceeds to use his index finger to flick at your sensitive clit. Every time he’d quickly brush the tip of his finger against the sensitive nub, you’d jump at the sensation.

“Wanna cum babydoll?” Harry asks sweetly, continuing to brush his finger against you, every once in a while bringing it a bit lower to push into your weepy little entrance.

“Can feel it in my stomach!” You breathe out, feeling yourself getting closer and closer to slipping right off the edge.

“Cum f’me baby.” He coos, bringing his hand up to your lower stomach to apply a bit of pressure and moving his mouth back onto you. And with that, you’re gushing right on his tongue. It was like a seismic wave of pleasure came crashing down onto you as you let go. And as you do, you can feel and hear Harry’s hums against you where he laps up every drop of your juices.

“Did so good f’me sweet girl.” He praises, giving both of your thighs a kiss before placing a final one in your slightly swollen clit which resulted in another jump from you and crawling back on top of your body. “M’gonna ruin you.” He growls playfully, nuzzling his head into your neck to softly bite at your skin. As he does this, you couldn’t stop yourself from letting out a string of loud laughs and occasional squeals; which causes Harry to stop his movements completely. “Is something funny darling?!” He asks amusedly, pulling his head up to give you a questioning look.

“S’just that what you were doing tickled, I’m still sensitive down there, and you always say that you’re gonna ruin me but as you can see m’still standing.” You explain with a little laugh. Even though it was his moment and all, you still liked to poke at him a little bit. And you were still a bit loopy from your first release

“Well how about this, you let me finish and we can discuss whether or not I keep my word.” Harry challenges with a smirk.

“Hey! Ultimatums are my thing.” You pout below him.

“Well how about you let me finish celebrating then.” Harry leverages playfully.

“Fine!” You huff dramatically. And with that, Harry brings his head back down to the crook of your neck and continues moving his hands all over your body and getting you ready for what was next.

Let’s just say that the two of you were going to be “celebrating” all night long.

Masterlist

[spnfanficpond]

February 2020 Angel Fish Awards

Every month all of you fantastic writers work your asses off to post some truly incredible stories. Our Angel Fish Awards are the way for all of us, as a community of writers and readers, to lift each other up and give praise to those who have captured our attention and deserve a few kind words.

The monthly Angel Fish Awards are peer-nominated, meaning ANYONE IN THE POND CAN NOMINATE ANY POND MEMBER’S FIC. While the Pond was founded to support the Guppies, everyone in this community deserves to be showered with love and feedback, and we hope that by opening this up as a Pond wide system, we’ll be able to share the love as far as it can go.

NOTE: WE’VE BEEN HAVING OCCASIONAL PROBLEMS WITH ASKS GOING MISSING. Please use the Submit button when submitting your nominations and make sure you’re signed into Tumblr or your URL won’t show. (If the form asks for your name and email address, then you’re not signed in.) If you like, you can also send a message to Michelle @mrswhozeewhatsis or Mana @manawhaat to check and make sure we got your submission.

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, HERE ARE THIS MONTH’S ANGEL FISH AWARDS!

There are NINE (9) stories this month with more than one nomination!! Be sure to check through all ninety (yeah, that’s 90!!!) nominations!!

Nominated by @flamencodiva 

Frat Boy (series) by @luci-in-trenchcoats 

This is one of my all time favorite stories by Michelle! It was one of the first ones I read when I joined Tumblr. it is a really good read and I recommend it highly! 

A River In Egypt (series) by @crashdevlin 

Holy crap this is another amazing fic by Cassie! I mean the way she writes Sam’s inner monologue is amazing! and the rest is yet to come! 

Darken (series) by @impala-dreamer 

I love Beka’s Stories! This one is my absolute favorite! and my god was it angsty as hell and I ate it all up! 

Nominated by @becs-bunker 

The Accidental Sexter (oneshot) by @scorpiongirl1 

OK, where to start with this one?! I honestly sweated my way through reading it. It was so hot and steamy and let’s be honest, even over 40, Dean can get it anytime. This just proves it!🔥🔥 Some accidents are so worth it, that one sure was!

Nominated by @erins-culinary-service 

Call of the Ocean (series) by @flamencodiva 

This is the first mermaid! Reader fic I’ve read but I’m loving it so much! It’s a collaboration fic, but the chapters go so well together you can’t even tell. It’s also a super slow burn and I know will be 100% worth the wait.

When You Fall (series) by @flamencodiva 

This is such an amazing and dark fic. READ THE WARNINGS THOUGH!! There are a lot of things that could trigger someone, but if you do read the story it will leave you wanting more are the end of every chapter.

Fighting For A Future (series) by @flamencodiva 

*Uncontrollable screaming noises* that’s the only way I can describe how much I love this and how excited I get when I see an update about this fic!

Running With Wolves (series) by @waywardrose13 

This series rips my heart out every single chapter and I always come back for more because how could I not?  It’s an angsty A/B/O fic and I can’t wait to find out how this ends since there’s still so much left in the fic to explore.

Nominated by @fictionalabyss 

Privacy (oneshot) by @evansrogerskitten 

Can I nominate this glorious piece of work for the AFA!? It gets right to the point and has you looking forwards to that climax at the end and what gets him there.

Porch Swing (oneshot) by @myinconnelly1 

omfg. The angst was almost subtle until it wasn’t.  Ripped my god damn heart out.

Unexpected (oneshot) by @tumbler-tidbits 

When I wrote Sleeping with the wrong Winchester, there was next to nothing for small dick Winchesters. You don’t know how happy I was to find this in the pond! I LOVEEEEEE small dick Winchester fics. WE NEED MORE!

Never In Fact Homeless (oneshot) by @slowdownsugar 

Perfect. It’s just perfect, that’s all that really needs to be said here. It’s short, and sweet, and utterly perfect.

You Can’t Save Them All (oneshot) by @sorenmarie87 

It’s an older fic that I had forgotten about until I stumbled on it again. Its easy to picture the scene, her playing the piano with a broken heart, and Dean just being there so she isn’t alone. still beautiful.

Meeting Mr. Smith (oneshot) by @evansrogerskitten 

Alpha!Dean Smith is just so.. *happy sigh*

Back to Him (oneshot) by @focusonspn 

That ending really made this fic for me. It’s such a Dean ending. The determination to put his pain aside and and get someone back.

One Night Lover (oneshot) by @thing-you-do-with-that-thing 

As always, I’m sucked in, and I can’t look away. By the end, I’m heartbroken and trying desperately to pick up the pieces and while begging to make it better.

Till the End of Time (oneshot) by @girl-next-door-writes 

This made me so happy you don’t even know. I loved this. I love the idea of this.  I just- I love this.

The New Sheriff (series) by @iflostreturntosteverogers

I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS TO START POSTING! Bad ass female main with a cowboy!Dean? Fuck yes! Get hyped, and get reading. *impatiently awaiting chapter 2*

Nominated by @thegirlwhorunswithwinchesters

We Know (oneshot) by @icequeen6666

Randomly came across this fic and, well, anyone who knows me won’t be surprised I couldn’t say no to a good dose of pure angst. I loved the pace in this oneshot. It was quick, but still managed to keep the suspense. And the ending broke my heart, as always.

Too Late, Now (oneshot) by @theholyfoxface

I don’t read many RPF’s but this one sucked me right in and there was nothing I could do about it. It was a beautiful combination of heartbreaking and heartwarming in a way I’m not sure how to describe properly. Yet, the author managed to do it absolutely perfectly.

You Scared Us (oneshot) by @theholyfoxface

Always love reading fics by fellow guppies and shining a well deserved spotlight on them through these nominations. This one I enjoyed very much. I loved the way Dean was portrayed as the more reasonable one while still being his stern self, trying to get things done his way.

You, Me & The Devil Makes Three (series) by @supersassyprobablysad

This series is very intriguing. I love the OC’s wit and the overall backstory of her and her siblings. Definitely going to keep an eye out for the next chapters to find out how this mystery will unravel.

Porch Swing (oneshot) by @myinconnelly1

Well, this sure broke me into a million pieces. I’m a sucker for angst and this piece of writing certainly delivered. It’s sad but it’s gorgeous and I’m in love.

A Day at the Cabin (oneshot) by @cloverhighfivewritestoo

All the fluff. This is so sweet, after reaching the end I went back and read it a second time right away. I would also like to say that Sam being the little spoon is something I can 100% get behind. Pun intended.

Let Me Go (oneshot) by @foreverwayward

Though the ‘Always keep fighting’ part definitely got me bad, I was an absolute fool thinking that would be the hardest part. This was so beautifully written, I don’t quite know what to say. I guess the heartbreak I’m feeling after reading this is all on me, since there was a fair warning given right at the top.

Notes (oneshot) by @kittenofdoomage

I stumbled across this fic and I just…… wow. Apart from the signature amazing writing from this author, which I keep getting blown away by, I just really loved the idea for the plot. The way it was set up with the secret blog and the notes while the brothers acted like they had no idea. I’ll say it again: Wow.

Nominated by @kittenofdoomage 

Control and Release (series) by @thecleverdame 

I lost five hours of my life to this beauty. It’s so perfect. I can’t even find the right words to describe how perfect this is. If you love Sam, and you’re into BDSM, or even if you just like really amazing smut, you need to read this.

The Oath (series) by @thecleverdame 

This story is dark, so heed the warnings, but it is another brilliant masterpiece. Absolutely fantastic.

Call Of The Ocean (series) by @flamencodiva and @anathewierdo 

There aren’t many mermaid AUs out there, so this is a rare gem. The story that these two are weaving is intriguing, angsty, funny, and just plain awesome. I’m really enjoying reading it and can’t wait to see what happens.

Just A Number (oneshot) by @crispychrissy 

I adored this oneshot for all the following reasons; the reader is a badass, Dean is spot-on, and the smut was h-h-hahmazing.

Bury It (series) by @crashdevlin 

Heed the warnings on this one, folks, it is not for the faint-hearted. It deals with some brutal themes, but it’s fucking awesome. I’m really enjoying seeing the journey from Dean’s perspective, despite how completely fucked up it is. lol

What Goes Bump In The Night (series) by @saxxxology 

If you haven’t heard of Saxxy, you are missing out, especially where it comes to her Sam A/B/Os. This series is no exception to her amazing level of work; it’s dark and twisty and just beautiful.

All Our Sins (oneshot) by @impala-dreamer 

It’s smutty, sinful, delicious - you just can’t go wrong.

Nominated by @impala-dreamer  

Cherry Red (oneshot) by @dontshootmespence 

I’m trying not to nominate you every month, but geezeus… HOLY HELL THIS IS MAGIC SMUT RIGHT HERE. ughhhh i’m a little … emotional about this.

Also, your writing is amazing in this. Like, it FELT like an old timey film and I dug that so much. Great, Great work.

‘He stares up with rapt attention, watching the curve of her body as she places herself over his knee; he’s pretty sure he’s died and gone to heaven, but he’s been to heaven before and it ain’t this fun.’

That line is magic. Mhm. Love it.

My Brother’s Keeper (oneshot) by @cleighwrites 

I don’t trust a lot of people to write Wincest with the respect and soul-level love that I believe it should be written with, as such, I don’t read a whole lot of it, except from certain people.

THIS IS PERFECT. It’s hurt/comfort Wincest, which is my absolute favorite, and then you somehow made Sam into the perfect needy sub, and it was so well written and respectful to the idea and the characters and just… it was really really well done. Bravo. Thank you.

Dutiful (oneshot) by @stusbunker 

Ya know that scene in Julie & Julia where Julie is trying to describe what eating an egg feels like for the first time and Amy Adams gets all like wide eyed and swoony and licking her lips and just…

Yeah, that was me reading this. God, that was good. Just… I can’t really explain it but I FELT it. Really Really good work.

Nominated by @sorenmarie87 

Roots (series) by @manawhaat 

I wish I could submit all three parts for a nomination because this mini series featuring JDM is so sweet and fluffy <3  Mana really knocked it out of the park.

More Than Anything (oneshot) by @iflostreturntosteverogers 

This fic in particular, I know that Carrie was gonna through a rough time and who doesn’t love a good comfort fic?  I know I do.  

The New Sheriff (series) by @iflostreturntosteverogers 

It’s no lie that I love AU’s and I was so excited when iflostreturntosteverogers said she was gonna write a Western AU.  The set up for the first part is perfect and Sara, the OC girl - I would do anything for.  

When You Fall (series) by @flamencodiva 

I had this particular fic on my list to read for such a long time, and I’m glad I finally read it. The plot is a little heavy but I highly recommend this one.   I can’t wait to see what she has in store for future parts.  

Nominated by @mrswhozeewhatsis 

Anything and Everything (oneshot) by @rockhoochie 

I said this in my reblog of this story, but I want to say it here, too: This is freaking BEAUTIFUL! I had to look up the song quoted, and this is just so perfect for that song, and the song is perfect for this story. *throws kudos at Sarah forever*

Nominated by @supersassyprobablysad 

Gods of Twilight (series) by @thecleverdame 

It was an excellently written and refreshing take on the ABO concept and I really enjoyed it!

Protector (oneshot) by @fictionalabyss 

It’s only 3 chapters in but I already can’t wait for the next one. I’m super excited to see where this goes and imagining Dean as a biker does all kinds of things to me lol

Lemon Drop (oneshot) by @impala-dreamer 

It’s basically PWP BUT it is amazing none the less. Who knew that a Hypno Kink could be so hot?

Nominated by @fangirlxwritesx67 

More in the Mortar Than the Pestle (oneshot) by @thoughtslikeaminefield 

This is one lush, sexy story featuring Dean and the always-gorgeous Rihanna. An absolute treat!

Seasons (series) by @thoughtslikeaminefield 

I don’t know how I missed this series but let me tell you, no one should miss it! I read the first chapter and wanted to wait, read the rest slowly, slowly. NOPE. I dropped everything, sat right down and read it ALL. It’s a beautiful Dean Winchester x OFC, told in an amazingly creative non-linear format, with chapters that follow the seasons of the year as well as the seasons of their relationship. It’s MJ, so of course I don’t have to tell you that her Dean is spot on, every detail is perfect, and the sex is mind blowing. Just - read it. But be aware that once you start, you may not be able to stop

Try (oneshot) by @there-must-be-a-lock 

Look, honestly, Winchester baby fanfics are a dime a dozen. Which makes this one stand out all the more for how good it is. Lou describes it as “flufftastic smut” and it is, it really is. The sex is smoking hot, of course, but there’s so much meaning and emotion to it. I’m a Sam girl anyway, so the whole thing is just *swoons* *cries*

Nominated by @princessmisery666 

Magnetic (oneshot) by @crashdevlin 

Only a few words yet gave me all the feels. Exactly how I imagine Sam would be *swoon*

Just A Number (oneshot) by @crispychrissy 

I am taking part in @beccaanne814 reblog challenge and it’s all about finding new authors and sharing each others works but I think this maybe the third fic of Chrissy’s I’ve recommended because she consistently writes stories I love and this was no exception. She gives me all the feels, laughing, crying, anger, sad. Basically I’m a huge fangirl and I don’t have to right words to express how much I love her work.

Nominated by @wingedcatninja 

Good Literature (series) by @peridottea91 

I don’t normally have the patience for a series, especially one that is still being updated. Thank goodness I signed up to beta this one because I would have missed out on some truly outstanding writing. The story is compelling, the characterization is on point, and the OC adds an intriguing layer. This could easily be a story arc on the actual show, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys classic SPN.

Nominated by @thoughtslikeaminefield

Shackled (series) by @itmighthavebeenintentional

Valerie has long been one of my fave fic authors and one of my dearest friends. This was such an unexpected but welcome deluge of poetry and imagery. I was on the edge of my seat and breathless every time she sent me an updated Gdoc.

Please, if you read nothing else this month, READ THIS.

Nominated by @mummybear

Rules are Rules (oneshot) by @thoughtslikeaminefield

As soon as I read this fic i was hooked!! I have reread it at least four times at this point!! I freaking love it!! MJ is incredible and so is everything she writes! Since tumblr ate the stupid ask i sent her after reading, I figured I could do this at least :) Much love honey!!

Nominated by @supernatural-jackles​

The Fun Behind Conventions (oneshot) by @focusonspn​

I came across this bad boy while searching for something else and man was I excited to read this. This fic is hot as hell! Very very NSFW, but holy! There is nothing hotter than this kind of sandwich! It was so well written and the attention to detail left me… let’s just say I’ll be going back to reread this one! Amazing!!

The Accidental Sexter (oneshot) by @scorpiongirl1

This had everything I was looking for! Humor wrapped in a hot fic! Dean accidentally sending a naughty picture shouldn’t be this much of a turn on but this is - this is freakin’ awesome! Words can’t do this one justice! Please, just read this one and you’ll see exactly what I mean! Absolutely awesome story!

High School Bullshit (oneshot) by @fictionalabyss​

 I don’t know why this one struck me as much as it did. I read this one, then I lost it until I was thinking about it. I searched high and low trying to find it again so I could reread it! I really enjoyed this one because I could relate to it in some way. Never feeling like I could get the hot guy I had a crush on because of high school bullshit. I can definitely relate to this reader and it was nice to see something like this in a fic and have an outcome like it does! Awesome job!

Nominated by @thelittleredwhocould​

What Lurks Beneath the Surface (series) by @saxxxology​ 

I. Love. Soulless. Sam. So. Fucking. Much. Also there’s a line about Sam’s nose in the first chapter and I feel. Attacked. So rude.

What Goes Bump in the Night  (series) @saxxxology​ 

I love me some dark A/B /O and this series hits all the right buttons. Angst, a dark and gritty world, Alpha!Sam (*heart eyes*). It’s just ugh. So good.

About a Boy (series) by @percywinchester27​ 

I think this series is going to be in my Hall of Fame till the end of time. Ana’s plot pulled my in from the first chapter and I’m so excited to see where this series goes!

There’s Something Strange (series) by @alleiradayne​ 

I found this on AO3 by accident and immediately fell in love. The case is super interesting, the characters are well done, and over all I really enjoyed it.

Her Saviours (series) by @bamby0304​ 

Been doing a lil reread of this series and rediscovering how much I adore it.

I Know Your Wife (She Wouldn’t Mind) (series) by @teamfreewill-imagine​ 

I will forever recommend this fic to anyone who will listen. It’s the only RPF fic I’ll read and it’s just. SO GOOD.

Nominated by @myinconnelly1​

Tighter Harder Faster (oneshot) by @impala-dreamer​

Alright look this was just straight up dirty.  Ok, what else can I saw but that I needed a cold shower after this.The Girl I Knew 

The Girl I Knew (oneshot) by @emilyshurley​

Uh, what can I say here?  I have never been so honored to have fanfic written of my fanfics before, but emilyshurley has given me the highest medal, in the absolute cutest way imaginable.

Gods of Twilight (seires) by @thecleverdame​ 

This fic was binge worthy. I could put my phone down and I simply wanted to hurry onto the next chapter.  Seriously don’t read it if you need any time to adult.

The Private Invader (oneshot) by @negans-lucille-tblr​

This was some dirty below the belt cheating.  It was amazing, and I just was like *heart eyes* the entire way through. 

The Truth (series) by @negans-lucille-tblr​ 

While this type of fic is not normally my go to, it truly grips you and puts into the minds of the characters.  I was actually scared and ashamed of myself feeling like I had done something wrong, when it was the characters.

Nominated by @tumbler-tidbits

Everything (series) by @there-must-be-a-lock

Sweet Holy Effervescent Jesus this is the hottest thing I have read in a long time! Its raw and messy and desperate, and SO fucking delicious! Lou even managed to get some fluff in too! Do yourself a favor and binge this fic! (just make sure your alone and have spare panties)

Bottle Service (series) by @thoughtslikeaminefield

This is one of my longtime faves, and it never disappoints! My girl MJ captures the true intimacy between the characters and a smut  fic has never sparked such emotion in me. It’s beautiful, and passionate and there’s a sequel! It’s called Full Service and it is equally amazing!

Worthless (oneshot) by @maddiepants

This one just ugh *sobs*. Erica captures the struggle of self-harm in this fic very well. Its heartbreaking and soul shattering, but it also reminds you that you can’t trust those voices in your head, and that there is someone who cares about you. TW: thoughts of suicide and self harm.

Hard To Love (oneshot) by @maddiepants

I’m a sucker for a good song fic and Erica does this one justice! She really captures Dean’s self-hatred and really makes you want to wrap our favorite hunter in hugs. My bestie has a gift for the angst, but she gives you fluff too.

His Property (series) by @negans-lucille-tblr

This fic is glorious! There’s angst, fluff, and smut so hot you’ll be a melted puddle of arousal. Believe it or not Bee also managed to make me hate one of my favorite Supernatural characters! There is a definite twist in this one :)

Since You’ve Been Gone (series) by @negans-lucille-tblr

This series quickly captured my heart. I don’t remember what it was that captured me but the mix of fluff, angst, and smut certainly kept me around! The best part? There’s a sequel called “Now You’re Here” and in March she’s releasing Part three of the Trilogy!

Ask Me (oneshot) by @evansrogerskitten

This one is another favorite of mine by my girl Ash! This hits so many of my kinks there are not words to describe the hotness. In fact I’m pretty sure my reblog contained gifs and keyboard smashes lol. Read it! You’ll thank me!

With Wolves (series) by @bamby0304

This one is a classic favorite! This fic was my first foray into the A/B/O world AND series works. I was still somewhat new to the fandom and tumblr when I discovered it and I was immediately hooked! I love the way Amber has incorporated our favorite characters into this alternate universe while still maintaining their cannon personalities. It’s an emotional roller coaster, so buck up and enjoy the ride!

Spanner in the Works (series) by @bamby0304

This one has a special place in my heart! It makes me smile and squee and just overall make a fool of myself. It’s incomplete right now because Amb is on hiatus, but there are seventeen AMAZING chapters that you can read right now! I just love it, plain and simple.

Cupid Can Shove His Arrow Right Up His... (oneshot) by @bamby0304

Since it’s February, I thought it appropriate to share this yummy piece! Holy Fucking shit I LOVED THIS! The attitude, the sass, the fucking innuendos… THE FUCKING! Jesus Christ on a crumbled cracker, This one killed. Go beg Amber for MORE of this! And make sure you say PLEASE! We need to see ALL those scenarios played out… Read this one in privacy ladies and have a helper handy.

Wrecked (oneshot) by @thoughtslikeaminefield

JFC if this isn’t every Jensen girls fantasy! This one just ruined me! Wall sex, hand over your mouth, soft nips and kisses *shudders* give it a read!

Our Little Secret (series) by @sis-tafics

If you’ve got a kink then Jill’s got you covered 😏 This 25 chapter serious has it all! A little angst, a dash of fluff, and whole lot of smut! Each chapter explores a different kink between Dean and the Reader from the Readers point of view while Dean tries to show her how beautiful she is. I recommend you take the time and read the series in sequence, y’all will not regret it!

Midnight Blue (oneshot) by @rockhoochie

This Fic was so fucking amazing! Precise and descriptive words paint an amazingly vivid picture that fills all your senses! You can actually see, hear, smell, and feel the things going on between the reader and Sam! I could be biased since this fic hit nearly all my kinks *fans self* but indulge in this extremely passionate sensory experience for yourself and read it!!

Bruised (oneshot) by @wayward-and-worn

This is oddly sweet and fluffy with a hen pecking Dean, and absolutely fucking hilarious at the same time 😂😂 I love it!

Not Letting Go (oneshot) by @kittenofdoomage

Whoo! I love a good A/B/O fic and this one is delicious! Just enough smut to please you and leave you begging for more!

The Maddening Empty (oneshot) by @impala-dreamer

Whew. I don’t know if it’s my praise!kink or my dom!kink but this little number right here had me wishing I waited to read until after work! This ones a panty ruiner folks!

Notes (oneshot) by @kittenofdoomage

JFC this piece is a dream come true! What would you do if Sam and Dean discovered your smutty fanfiction? Well this hot little number lets you know exactly what they would do!

The Mirror (oneshot) by @wheresthekillswitch

This sweet little drabble speaks volumes for those of us who have insecurities (read: all of us!). Short, sweet, and to the point! Hold your head high.

Only One Woman I Trust (oneshot) by @georgialouisea

This is just absolutely precious! You think you know what’s going on but there’s a surprise! This one will rot your teeth ❤️

Inked Up (oneshot) by @evansrogerskitten

Ever want to know what goes on inside Dean’s head when he sees a hot girl? This fic is super hilarious and totally fluffy! I love Dean’s internal struggle to keep himself in check 😂 this one is fun!

Hunt Hard Play Harder (two parts - link is to Pt. 1) by @rockhoochie

HOLY FUCKING SHIT! This is…. this is just. WOW! Holy Hell I can barely breathe. This one gives you Dom!Dean AND Sub!Dean and both are equally sensual and erotic! There’s even a surprise ending! Which had my pulse racing… Whew 🔥 My bitches y’all will love this one!

Mr. Quackers (oneshot) by @impala-dreamer

They say that crack is whack, well in this case quack is whack 😂😂 This little drabble with have you laughing until you cry, it’s just that ducking funny! (See what I did there?)

Holding On (oneshot) by @idreamofplaid

This is so beautiful and so painful I was teary eyed! They never really show us how the boys deal with their inner demons on the show, but Robin does a phenomenal job of painting that picture!

Clear Your Mind  (oneshot) by @impala-dreamer

Oh sweet smiling sinner this was miraculous! So soft, so gentle, so loving… this was Sam making love to the reader and the way he takes care of her makes it that much more passionate! Ladies and gents THIS is how you take care of your lover! Fucking love you Beka!

Thunder Rolls (oneshot) by @amanda-teaches

This was intensely passionate! The sex is hot but the love behind it really makes it great! The authors use of super descriptive descriptions of your pleasure will have you clenching your thighs!

Thank you all for the awesome work and great feedback!

These are not actual awards! This system is set up so everyone in the pond has a chance to share the love and promote a fic/author that has grabbed your attention. The more people that participate, and the more everyone remembers to submit their own fics after posting, the better this will be :D

THANK YOU ALL AGAIN, KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK, AND AS ALWAYS, HAPPY WRITING!

[themagiciansreccenter]

Author Spotlight @all-hale-eliot

Every week we are going to be interviewing a writer from The Magicians fandom. If you would like to be interviewed or you want to nominate a writer, get in touch via our ask box.

First things first, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m Lexi (derivative of my real middle name and my pen name, Lexalicious70.) I live in Southern New Mexico, right next to the Rio Grande, with my husband, my two teenage kids, my unofficial foster son, and three wonderful doggos. We also have a tortoise named Barlos. I am a full-time content writer for an amazing company out of Utah called BKA Content. I was born and raised just outside of Buffalo, NY

How long have you been writing for?

Since I could hold a pencil. I started out in 3d grade, writing poems about horses. (I was that one girl everyone knew who was nuts about horses.) My first fandom was The Dukes of Hazzard, when I was nine.

What inspired you to start writing for The Magicians?

Oh, blame it directly on Hale Appleman. And then blame it on Queliot. I fell down the rabbit hole fast!

Who is/are your favourite character(s) to write? What it is about them that makes them your favourite?

Most of my stories are about Quentin and Eliot. There’s such chemistry there . . . and I relate so much to Quentin that it’s easy to kind of channel all my feelings into him.

Do you have a preference for a particular season/point in time to write about?

Not really. I just react to ideas as they come or if someone prompts me

Are you working on anything right now? Care to give us an idea about it?

I’ve started my Trials fic! I can say that it’s an AU, a time loop universe, and Quentin and Eliot are not at all like you might know them.

How long is your “to do list”?

I make one daily and it usually has all my work and errands on it. Today, I had 5 errands and 5 articles to write.

What is your favourite fic that you’ve written for The Magicians? Why?

Probably “Buzz Boys” because I love writing smut and that one was just so much fun . . . the dynamic between Q and El, Q learning to let go and simply enjoy sex--I just love how it came out.

Many writers have a fic that they are passionate about that doesn’t get the reception from the fandom that they hoped for. Do you have a fic you would like more people to read and appreciate?

“Those Magic Changes,” where I crossed over The Magicians with Jason Ralph’s movie “Those People.” I realize that maybe a dozen people have seen the film, but I’m really proud of how that one turned out. Also, go watch Those People, it’s on Netflix right now!

What is your writing process like? Do you have any traditions or superstitions that you like to stick to when you’re writing?

I have character and shipping playlists that I listen to while I write. I also love having an iced coffee or frappe. I do my best work when I’m alone with the music so I can really access the characters.

Do you write while the seasons are airing or do you prefer to wait for hiatus? How does the ongoing development of the canon influence and inspire your writing process?

I write whenever the mood takes me, and if that’s in the middle of the season, so be it! It’s always fun to see if anything I’ve written about comes true on the show later on. I don’t pay much attention to canon, really--I love AU!

What has been the most challenging fic for you to write?

I’m going to be honest and warn the readers about suicide triggers for this answer: “A Room Without Doors,” where Quentin tries to rewind time to prevent his father’s suicide. I lost my only niece to suicide on December 28th of 2017, and that fic was me trying to make sense of everything that had happened. It was very cathartic but so, so hard to finish and put out there. I felt like I pulled that thing right out of my heart. I want everyone to know that my niece’s name was Kortney, and that I still love and miss her with all my being.

Are there any themes or tropes that you like particularly like to explore in your writing?

I really enjoy exploring certain aspects of sexuality. As a gender-bent bisexual being, I’m always trying to explore those feeling. I love how fluid Eliot and Quentin are in their sexuality, and I always aspire to be as free as they are with their sexuality.

Are there any writers that inspire your work? Fanfiction or otherwise?

I’m a big fan of Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Lev Grossman, (of course) and many of my friends are amazing writers too--they inspire me to push myself and to step out of my comfort zone.

What are you currently reading? Fanfiction or otherwise?

I just finished re-reading The Green Mile, which I love, and I’m reading a fantasy book called The Black Prism. It’s a pretty good read so far. I also love reading Star Trek and Magicians fic.

What is the most valuable piece of writing advice you’ve ever been given?

“All good writing is rewriting.” --David Henry, my junior college writing mentor

Cringe time:

Are there any words or phrases you worry about over using in your work?

“And then” is a big one I always try to edit out.

What was the first fanfic that you wrote? Do you still have access to it?

I don’t know if this counts, but when I was 12, I wrote a book that was a direct homage to The A-Team, which I loved. It’s 300 pages, bound with my grandpa’s fishing line, and yes, I still have it. My favorite thing about it is the geography--the team is being paid to guard the border between Mexico and Germany. Clearly, at 12, I did not know what research was.

Rapid Fire Round:

Self-edit or Beta? I usually let my BFF read something before I post it, but mostly I self-edit.

Comments or Kudos/Reblogs or Likes? I love them all! I’m just happy that people read my words.

Smut, Fluff or Angst? Angst. Then smut. Or both mixed together.

Quick & Dirty or Slow Burn? Quick and Dirty

Favourite season? Season 2

Favourite episode? “The World in the Walls.”

Favourite book(The Magicians books)? The Magicians, which is still the one I re-read the most often

Three favourite words? Believe in magic

Want to be interviewed for our author spotlight? Get in touch here.

[political-affairs]

Pol Pot

 Pol Pot (born Saloth Sar (Khmer: ប៉ុល ពត); 19 May 1925 – 15 April 1998)[1][2] was a Cambodian Communist revolutionary who led the Khmer Rouge[3] from 1963 until his death in 1998. From 1963 to 1981, he served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Kampuchea. From 1976 to 1979, he also served as the prime minister of Democratic Kampuchea. Pol Pot became leader of Cambodia on April 17, 1975, and his rule was a dictatorship.[4] During his time in power he imposed agrarian socialism, forcing urban dwellers to relocate to the countryside to work in collective farms and forced labor projects. The combined effects of executions, forced labor, malnutrition, and poor medical care caused the deaths of approximately 25 percent of the Cambodian population.[5][6][7][8] In all, an estimated 1 to 3 million people (out of a population of slightly over 8 million) died due to the policies of his three-year premiership.[9][10][11]

In 1979, after the Cambodian–Vietnamese War, Pol Pot fled to the jungles of southwest Cambodia, and the Khmer Rouge government collapsed.[12] From 1979 to 1997, he and a remnant of the old Khmer Rouge operated near the border of Cambodia and Thailand, where they clung to power, with nominal United Nations recognition as the rightful government of Cambodia. Pol Pot died in 1998 while under house arrest by the Ta Mok faction of the Khmer Rouge. Since his death, rumours that he was poisoned have persisted.[13]

  Early life (1925–61)

 Saloth Sar was born on May 19, 1925—the eighth of nine children and the second of three sons to Pen Saloth and Sok Nem. His older brother, Saloth Chhay was born 3 years earlier. The family was living in the small fishing village of Prek Sbauv, Kampong Thom Province during the French colonialism of the area.[14] Pen Saloth was a rice farmer who owned 12 hectares of land and several buffaloes and the family was considered moderately wealthy by the day's standards. Although Pen Saloth's family was of Sino-Khmer descent and Saloth Sar was named accordingly due to his fair complexion ("Sar" means white in Khmer),[15][16] the family had already assimilated themselves with mainstream Khmer society by the time Sar was born.[17]

In 1935, Sar left Prek Sbauv to attend the École Miche, a Catholic school in Phnom Penh. He lived with his cousin, a woman called Meak, a member of the Royal Ballet.[18] In 1926 she bore King Monivong's son, HRH Prince Sisowath Kusarak.[19] She was given the official title Khun Preah Moneang Bopha Norleak Meak. Sar stayed with Meak's household until 1942. His sister Roeung was a concubine of King Monivong, so through the two women, he often had cause to visit the royal palace.[20] In 1947, he gained admission to the exclusive Lycée Sisowath, but was unsuccessful in his studies.

 In May 1975 a squad of Khmer Rouge soldiers raided and took Phu Quoc Island. By 1977, relations with Vietnam began to fall apart. There were small border clashes in January. Pol Pot tried to prevent border disputes by sending a team to Vietnam. The negotiations failed, which caused even more border disputes. On April 30, the Cambodian army, backed by artillery, crossed over into Vietnam. In attempting to explain Pol Pot's behavior, one region-watcher[specify] suggested that Cambodia was attempting to intimidate Vietnam, by irrational acts, into respecting or at least fearing Cambodia to the point they would leave the country alone. However, these actions only served to anger the Vietnamese people and government against the Khmer Rouge.

 In May 1976, Vietnam sent its air force into Cambodia in a series of raids. In July, Vietnam forced a Treaty of Friendship on Laos that gave Vietnam almost total control over the country. In Cambodia, Khmer Rouge commanders in the Eastern Zone began to tell their men that war with Vietnam was inevitable and that once the war started their goal would be to recover parts of Vietnam (Khmer Krom) that were once part of Cambodia, whose people, they alleged, were struggling for independence from Vietnam. It is not clear whether these statements were the official policy of Pol Pot.

 In September 1977, Cambodia launched division-scale raids over the border, which once again left a trail of murder and destruction in villages. The Vietnamese claimed that around 1,000 people had been killed or injured. Three days after the raid, Pol Pot officially announced the existence of the formerly secret Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK) and finally announced to the world that the country was a Communist state. In December, after having exhausted all other options, Vietnam sent 50,000 troops into Cambodia in what amounted to a short raid. The raid was meant to be secret. The Vietnamese withdrew after declaring they had achieved their goals, and the invasion was just a warning. Upon being threatened, the Vietnamese army promised to return with support from the Soviet Union. Pol Pot's actions made the operation much more visible than the Vietnamese had intended and created a situation in which Vietnam appeared weak.

 After making one final attempt to negotiate a settlement with Cambodia, Vietnam decided that it had to prepare for a full war. Vietnam also tried to pressure Cambodia through China. However, China's refusal to pressure Cambodia and the flow of weapons from China into Cambodia were both signs that China also intended to act against Vietnam.

 When Cambodian communists rebelled in the eastern zone in May 1978 Pol Pot’s armies could not crush them quickly. On May 10 his radio broadcast a call not only to ‘exterminate the 50 million Vietnamese’ but also to ‘purify the masses of the people’ of Cambodia. Of 1.5 million easterners, branded as ‘Khmer bodies with Vietnamese minds’, at least 100,000 were exterminated in six months. Later that year, in response to threats to its borders and the Vietnamese people, Vietnam attacked Cambodia to overthrow the Khmer Rouge, which Vietnam justified on the basis of self-defense.[38] The Cambodian army was defeated, the regime was toppled and Pol Pot fled to the Thai border area. In January 1979, Vietnam installed a new government under Heng Samrin, composed of Khmer Rouge who had fled to Vietnam to avoid the purges. Pol Pot eventually regrouped with his core supporters in the Thai border area where he received shelter and assistance.

 At different times during this period, he was located on both sides of the border. The military government of Thailand used the Khmer Rouge as a buffer force to keep the Vietnamese away from the border. The Thai military also made money from the shipment of weapons from China to the Khmer Rouge. Eventually Pol Pot rebuilt a small military force in the west of the country with the help of the People's Republic of China. The PRC also initiated the Sino-Vietnamese War around this time.

After the Khmer Rouge were driven from power by the Vietnamese in 1979, the United States and other powers[specify] refused to allow the Vietnamese-backed Cambodian government to take the seat of Cambodia at the United Nations. The seat, by default, remained in the hands of the Khmer Rouge. These countries justified that decision on the ground that recognising Vietnam's occupation of Cambodia was worse than allowing the Khmer Rouge to hold on to the seat. Also, representatives of these countries argued[citation needed] that both claimants to the seat were Khmer Rouge governments, because Vietnam's Cambodian government was formed from ex-Khmer Rouge cadres.

 Pol Pot lived in the Phnom Malai area, giving interviews in the early 1980s accusing all those who opposed him of being traitors and "puppets" of the Vietnamese until he disappeared from public view. In 1985, his "retirement" was announced, but he retained influence over the party.[39] A cadre interviewed during this period described Pol Pot's views on the death toll under his government:

He said that he knows that many people in the country hate him and think he’s responsible for the killings. He said that he knows many people died. When he said this he nearly broke down and cried. He said he must accept responsibility because the line was too far to the left, and because he didn’t keep proper track of what was going on. He said he was like the master in a house he didn’t know what the kids were up to, and that he trusted people too much. For example, he allowed [one person] to take care of central committee business for him, [another person] to take care of intellectuals, and [a third person] to take care of political education.... These were the people to whom he felt very close, and he trusted them completely. Then in the end ... they made a mess of everything.... They would tell him things that were not true, that everything was fine, that this person or that was a traitor. In the end they were the real traitors. The major problem had been cadres formed by the Vietnamese.[40]

In December 1985, the Vietnamese launched a major offensive and overran most of the Khmer Rouge and other insurgent positions. The Khmer Rouge headquarters at Phnom Malai and its base near Pailin were completely destroyed; the Vietnamese attackers suffered substantial losses during the attack.[41]

 Pol Pot fled to Thailand where he lived for the next six years. His headquarters were a plantation villa near Trat. He was guarded by Thai Special Unit 838.

Pol Pot officially resigned from the party in 1985 citing asthma as a contributing factor, but continued as the de facto Khmer Rouge leader and a dominant force within the anti-Vietnam alliance. He handed day to day power to Son Sen, his hand-picked successor.

In 1986, his new wife Mea Son gave birth to a daughter, Sitha, named after the heroine of the Khmer religious epic, the Reamker.[42] Shortly after, Pol Pot moved to China for medical treatment for cancer. He remained there until 1988.

 In 1989, Vietnam withdrew from Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge established a new stronghold area in the west near the Thai border and Pol Pot relocated back into Cambodia from Thailand. Pol Pot refused to cooperate with the peace process, and kept fighting the new coalition government. The Khmer Rouge kept the government forces at bay until 1996, when troops started deserting. Several important Khmer Rouge leaders also defected. The government had a policy of making peace with Khmer Rouge individuals and groups after negotiations with the organization as a whole failed. In 1995 Pol Pot experienced a stroke that paralyzed the left side of his body.

 Pol Pot ordered the execution of his lifelong right-hand man Son Sen on June 10, 1997 for attempting to make a settlement with the government. Eleven members of his family were killed also, although Pol Pot later denied that he had ordered this. He then fled his northern stronghold, but was later arrested by Khmer Rouge military Chief Ta Mok on June 19, 1997. Pol Pot had not been seen in public since 1980, two years after his overthrow at the hands of an invading Vietnamese army. He was sentenced to death in absentia by a Phnom Penh court soon afterward.[43] In July he was subjected to a show trial for the death of Son Sen and sentenced to lifelong house arrest.[44]

  Death

On the night of April 16, 1998, the Voice of America, of which Pol Pot was a devoted listener, announced that the Khmer Rouge had agreed to turn him over to an international tribunal. According to his wife, he died in his bed later in the night while waiting to be moved to another location. Ta Mok claimed that his death was due to heart failure.[45] Despite government requests to inspect the body, it was cremated a few days later at Anlong Veng in the Khmer Rouge zone,[46] raising suspicions that he committed suicide.[47] His ashes were scattered in a nearby forest.[citation needed]

  International support

  Support from China

The People's Republic of China was regarded as the main international support for the Khmer Rouge and its leader Pol Pot. The Chinese provided financial and military support to the party;[48] their motivation being its intense rivalry with Vietnam at the time, which coincided with Pol Pot's plans to regain the ancient lands of the kingdom, which were and remain within neighboring countries such as Vietnam. Beijing communist government did not condemn the persecution of the ethnic Chinese within Cambodia's borders.

  Support from UN

During the Khmer Rouge regime and a period of time directly after, the Khmer Rouge was recognised by UN as a legitimate government, therefore retaining a seat at the UN.[49] While many leaders at the UN attempted to appeal this,[citation needed] the majority allowed the Khmer Rouge (later titled "Democratic Republic of Kampuchea") to keep their seat for 15 years[citation needed] following the genocide.

[leoustarroz-blog]

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta (Linnaeus, 1758)) IUCN – LC

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The pintail or northern pintail (Anas acuta) is a duck with wide geographic distribution that breeds in the northern areas of Europe, Asia and North America. It is migratory and winters south of its breeding range to the equator. Unusually for a bird with such a large range, it has no geographical subspecies if the possibly conspecific duck Eaton’s pintail is considered to be a separate species.

This is a large duck, and the male’s long central tail feathers give rise to the species’ English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The drake is more striking, having a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white undercarriage. The drake also has attractive grey, brown, and black patterning on its back and sides. The hen’s plumage is more subtle and subdued, with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks. Hens make a coarse quack and the drakes a flute-like whistle.

The northern pintail is a bird of open wetlands which nests on the ground, often some distance from water. It feeds by dabbling for plant food and adds small invertebrates to its diet during the nesting season. It is highly gregarious when not breeding, forming large mixed flocks with other species of duck. This duck’s population is affected by predators, parasites and avian diseases. Human activities, such as agriculture, hunting and fishing, have also had a significant impact on numbers. Nevertheless, owed to the huge range and large population of this species, it is not threatened globally.

Taxonomy: This species was first described by Linnaeus in his Systema naturae in 1758 as Anas acuta.[2] The scientific name comes from two Latin words: anas, meaning "duck", and acuta, which comes from the verb acuere, "to sharpen"; the species term, like the English name, refers to the pointed tail of the male in breeding plumage.[3] Within the large dabbling duck genus Anas,[2] the northern pintail’s closest relatives are other pintails, such as the yellow-billed pintail (A. georgica) and Eaton’s pintail (A. eatoni). The pintails are sometimes separated in the genus Dafila (described by Stephens, 1824), an arrangement supported by morphological, molecular and behavioural data.[4][5][6] The famous British ornithologist Sir Peter Scott gave this name to his daughter, the artist Dafila Scott.[7]

Eaton’s pintail has two subspecies, A. e. eatoni (the Kerguelen pintail) of Kerguelen Islands, and A. e. drygalskyi (the Crozet pintail) of Crozet Islands, and was formerly considered conspecific with the northern hemisphere’s northern pintail. Sexual dimorphism is much less marked in the southern pintails, with the male’s breeding appearance being similar to the female plumage. Unusually for a species with such a large range, northern pintail has no geographical subspecies if Eaton’s pintail is treated as a separate species.[8] A claimed extinct subspecies from Manra Island, Tristram’s pintail, A. a. modesta, appears to be indistinguishable from the nominate form.[9]

Description: The northern pintail is a fairly large duck with a wing chord of 23.6–28.2 cm (9.3–11.1 in) and wingspan of 80–95 cm (31–37 in).[10] The male is 59–76 cm (23–30 in) in length and weighs 450–1,360 g (0.99–3.00 lb), and therefore is considerably larger than the female, which is 51–64 cm (20–25 in) long and weighs 454–1,135 g (1.001–2.502 lb).[11] The northern pintail broadly overlaps in size with the similarly-widespread mallard, but is more slender, elongated and gracile, with a relatively longer neck and (in males) a longer tail. The unmistakable breeding plumaged male has a chocolate-brown head and white breast with a white stripe extending up the side of the neck. Its upperparts and sides are grey, but elongated grey feathers with black central stripes are draped across the back from the shoulder area. The vent area is yellow, contrasting with the black underside of the tail,[8] which has the central feathers elongated to as much as 10 cm (3.9 in). The bill is bluish and the legs are blue-grey.[12]

The adult female is mainly scalloped and mottled in light brown with a more uniformly grey-brown head, and its pointed tail is shorter than the male’s; it is still easily identified by its shape, long neck, and long grey bill.[8] In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the drake pintail looks similar to the female, but retains the male upperwing pattern and long grey shoulder feathers. Juvenile birds resemble the female, but are less neatly scalloped and have a duller brown speculum with a narrower trailing edge.[13]

The pintail walks well on land, and swims well.[8] It has a very fast flight, with its wings slightly swept-back, rather than straight out from the body like other ducks. In flight, the male shows a black speculum bordered white at the rear and pale rufous at the front, whereas the female’s speculum is dark brown bordered with white, narrowly at the front edge but very prominently at the rear, being visible at a distance of 1,600 m (0.99 mi).[13]

The male’s call is a soft proop-proop whistle, similar to that of the common teal, whereas the female has a mallard-like descending quack, and a low croak when flushed.[8]

Distribution and Habitat: This dabbling duck breeds across northern areas of Eurasia south to about Poland and Mongolia,[11] and in Canada, Alaska and the Midwestern United States. Mainly in winters south of its breeding range, reaches almost to the equator in Panama, northern sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South Asia. Small numbers migrate to Pacific islands, particularly Hawaii, where a few hundred birds winter on the main islands in shallow wetlands and flooded agricultural habitats.[8] Transoceanic journeys also occur: a bird that was caught and ringed in Labrador, Canada, was shot by a hunter in England nine days later,[11] and Japanese-ringed birds have been recovered from six US states east to Utah and Mississippi.[14] In parts of the range, such as Great Britain and the northwestern United States, the pintail may be present all year.[13][15]

The northern pintail’s breeding habitat is open unwooded wetlands, such as wet grassland, lakesides or tundra. In winter, it will utilise a wider range of open habitats, such as sheltered estuaries, brackish marshes and coastal lagoons. It is highly gregarious outside the breeding season and forms very large mixed flocks with other ducks.[8]

Behaviour:

Breeding: Both sexes reach sexual maturity at one year of age. The male mates with the female by swimming close to her with his head lowered and tail raised, continually whistling. If there is a group of males, they will chase the female in flight until only one drake is left. The female prepares for copulation, which takes place in the water, by lowering her body; the male then bobs his head up and down and mounts the female, taking the feathers on the back of her head in his mouth. After mating, he raises his head and back and whistles.[11]

Breeding takes place between April and June, with the nest being constructed on the ground and hidden amongst vegetation in a dry location, often some distance from water. It is a shallow scrape on the ground lined with plant material and down.[8] The female lays seven to nine cream-coloured eggs at the rate of one per day;[11] the eggs are 55 mm × 38 mm (2.2 in × 1.5 in) in size and weigh 45 g (1.6 oz), of which 7% is shell.[16] If predators destroy the first clutch, the female can produce a replacement clutch as late as the end of July.[11] The hen alone incubates the eggs for 22 to 24 days before they hatch. The precocial downy chicks are then led by the female to the nearest body of water, where they feed on dead insects on the water surface. The chicks fledge in 46 to 47 days after hatching, but stay with the female until she has completed moulting.[11]

Around three-quarters of chicks live long enough to fledge, but not more than half of those survive long enough to reproduce.[11] The maximum recorded age is 27 years and 5 months for a Dutch bird.[16]

Feeding: The pintail feeds by dabbling and upending in shallow water for plant food mainly in the evening or at night, and therefore spends much of the day resting.[8] Its long neck enables it to take food items from the bottom of water bodies up to 30 cm (12 in) deep, which are beyond the reach of other dabbling ducks like the Mallard.[12]

The winter diet is mainly plant material including seeds and rhizomes of aquatic plants, but the pintail sometimes feeds on roots, grain and other seeds in fields, though less frequently than other Anas ducks.[12] During the nesting season, this bird eats mainly invertebrate animals, including aquatic insects, molluscs and crustaceans.[11]

Health: Pintail nests and chicks are vulnerable to predation by mammals, such as foxes and badgers, and birds like gulls, crows and magpies. The adults can take flight to escape terrestrial predators, but nesting females in particular may be surprised by large carnivores such as bobcats.[11] Large birds of prey, such as northern goshawks, will take ducks from the ground, and some falcons, including the gyrfalcon, have the speed and power to catch flying birds.[17]

It is susceptible to a range of parasites including Cryptosporidium, Giardia, tapeworms, blood parasites and external feather lice,[18][19][20][21] and is also affected by other avian diseases. It is often the dominant species in major mortality events from avian botulism and avian cholera,[22] and can also contract avian influenza, the H5N1 strain of which is highly pathogenic and occasionally infects humans.[23]

The northern pintail is a popular species for game shooting because of its speed, agility, and excellent eating qualities, and is hunted across its range.[24][25] Although one of the world’s most numerous ducks,[16] the combination of hunting with other factors has led to population declines, and local restrictions on hunting have been introduced at times to help conserve numbers.[26]

This species’ preferred habitat of shallow water is naturally susceptible to problems such as drought or the encroachment of vegetation, but this duck’s habitat might be increasingly threatened by climate change.[16] Populations are also affected by the conversion of wetlands and grassland to arable crops, depriving the duck of feeding and nesting areas. Spring planting means that many nests of this early breeding duck are destroyed by farming activities,[27] and a Canadian study showed that more than half of the surveyed nests were destroyed by agricultural work such as ploughing and harrowing.[28]

Hunting with lead shot, along with the use of lead sinkers in angling, has been identified as a major cause of lead poisoning in waterfowl, which often feed off the bottom of lakes and wetlands where the shot collects.[29] A Spanish study showed that northern pintail and common pochard were the species with the highest levels of lead shot ingestion, higher than in northern countries of the western Palearctic flyway, where lead shot has been banned.[30] In the United States, Canada, and many western European countries, all shot used for waterfowl must now be non-toxic, and therefore may not contain any lead.[31][32][33]

Status: The northern pintail has a large range, estimated at 28,400,000 km2 (11,000,000 sq mi), and a population estimated at 5.3–5.4 million individuals.[34] It is therefore not believed to meet the IUCN Red List threshold criterion of a population decline of more than 30% in ten years or three generations, and is evaluated as Least Concern.

In the Palaearctic, breeding populations are declining in much of the range, including its stronghold in Russia. In other regions, populations are stable or fluctuating.[35]

Pintails in North America at least have been badly affected by avian diseases, with the breeding population falling from more than 10 million in 1957 to 3.5 million by 1964. Although the species has recovered from that low point, the breeding population in 1999 was 30% below the long-term average, despite years of major efforts focused on restoring the species. In 1997, an estimated 1.5 million water birds, the majority being northern pintails, died from avian botulism during two outbreaks in Canada and Utah.[22]

The northern pintail is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies,[36] but it has no special status under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants.[11]

References: BirdLife International (2013). "Anas acuta". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013. a b Linnaeus, Carolus (1758). Systema naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata. (in Latin). Holmiae [Stockholm]: Laurentii Salvii. p. 126. A. cauda acuminata elongata subtus nigra, occipite utrinque linea alba ^ Jobling, James A (2010). The Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names. London: Christopher Helm. pp. 31, 46. ISBN 978-1-4081-2501-4. ^ Johnson, Kevin P.; Sorenson, Michael D. (1999). "Phylogeny and biogeography of dabbling ducks (genus Anas): a comparison of molecular and morphological evidence" (PDF). The Auk. 116 (3): 792–805. doi:10.2307/4089339. ^ Johnson, Kevin P.; McKinney, Frank; Wilson, Robert; Sorenson, Michael D. (2000). "The evolution of postcopulatory displays in dabbling ducks (Anatini): a phylogenetic perspective" (PDF). Animal Behaviour. 59 (5): 953–963. PMID 10860522. doi:10.1006/anbe.1999.1399. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 January 2006. ^ Livezey, B.C. (1991). "A phylogenetic analysis and classification of recent dabbling ducks (Tribe Anatini) based on comparative morphology" (PDF). The Auk. 108 (3): 471–507. JSTOR 4088089. doi:10.2307/4088089. ^ "Dafila Scott". Society of Wildlife Artists. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 16 January 2008. a b c d e f g h i Madge, Steve; Burn, Hilary (1988). Wildfowl: An Identification Guide to the Ducks, Geese and Swans of the World (Helm Identification Guides). Christopher Helm. pp. 222–224. ISBN 0-7470-2201-1. ^ Hume, Julian P.; Walters, Michael (2012). Extinct Birds. London: Poyser. p. 50. ISBN 1-4081-5725-X. ^ del Hoyo, J.; Elliott, A.; Sargatal, J., eds. (1992). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 1: Ostrich to Ducks. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. a b c d e f g h i j k Robinson, Jerry (2002). Johansson, Carl, ed. "Anas acuta". Animal Diversity Web. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. Retrieved 13 January 2008. a b c Gooders, John; Boyer, Trevor (1997). Ducks of Britain and the Northern Hemisphere. Collins & Brown. pp. 58–61. ISBN 1-85585-570-4. a b c Mullarney, Killian; Svensson, Lars; Zetterstrom, Dan; Grant, Peter (2001). Birds of Europe. Princeton University Press. pp. 48–49. ISBN 0-691-05054-6. ^ Towell, Larry (23 January 2008). "From Tokyo to Tupelo". ESPN Outdoors News. ESPN Outdoors. Archived from the original on 1 September 2009. Retrieved 23 January 2008. ^ "Northern Pintail". All About Birds. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Retrieved 14 January 2008. a b c d Robinson, R.A. (2005). "Pintail Anas acuta [Linnaeus, 1758]". BirdFacts: profiles of birds occurring in Britain & Ireland (BTO Research Report 407). British Trust for Ornithology. Retrieved 13 January 2008. ^ Forsman, Dick (2008). The Raptors of Europe & the Middle East: A Handbook of Field Identification. Princeton University Press. pp. 21–25. ISBN 0-85661-098-4. ^ Kuhn, Ryan C.; Rock, Channah M.; Oshima, Kevin H. (January 2002). "Occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Wild Ducks along the Rio Grande River Valley in Southern New Mexico". Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 68 (1): 161–165. PMC 126547 Freely accessible. PMID 11772622. doi:10.1128/AEM.68.1.161-165.2002. ^ "Cotugnia fastigata". Parasite species summary page. Retrieved 14 January 2008. ^ Williams, N.A.; Calverley, B.K.; Mahrt, J.L. (1977). "Blood parasites of mallard and pintail ducks from central Alberta and the Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories" (PDF). Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 13 (3): 226–229. PMID 410954. doi:10.7589/0090-3558-13.3.226. ^ "Feather Lice Infection in Waterfowl". Wildpro – the electronic encyclopaedia and library for wildlife. Retrieved 14 January 2008. a b Friend, Milton; McLean, Robert G.; Dein, F. Joshua (April 2001). "Disease emergence in birds: Challenges for the twenty-first century". The Auk. 118 (2): 290–303. doi:10.1642/0004-8038(2001)118[0290:DEIBCF]2.0.CO;2. ^ "Avian influenza tests complete on wild northern pintail ducks in Montana". News release No. 0402.06. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 14 January 2008. ^ Marrone, Teresa (2000). Dressing & Cooking Wild Game (Complete Hunter). Creative Publishing International. p. 123. ISBN 0-86573-108-X. ^ Cocker, Mark; Mabey, Richard (2005). Birds Britannica. London: Chatto & Windus. p. 97. ISBN 0-7011-6907-9. ^ "U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Duck Hunting Regulations, Limited Canvasback Season Re-Opened". News Release 1 August 2003. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Archived from the original on 20 August 2007. Retrieved 15 January 2008. ^ "Losing ground: The top 10 common birds in decline" (PDF). Common birds in decline; a state of the birds report, summer 2007. Audubon. Retrieved 15 January 2008. ^ "Index of Species Information". Wildlife species: Anas acuta. USDA Forest Service. Retrieved 15 January 2008. ^ Scheuhammer, A.M.; Norris, S.L. (1996). "The ecotoxicology of lead shot and lead fishing weights". Ecotoxicology. 5 (5): 279–295. PMID 24193869. doi:10.1007/BF00119051. ^ Mateo, Rafael; Martínez-Vilalta, Albert; Guitart, Raimon (1997). "Lead shot pellets in the Ebro delta, Spain: Densities in sediments and prevalence of exposure in waterfowl". Environmental Pollution. 96 (3): 335–341. PMID 15093399. doi:10.1016/S0269-7491(97)00046-8. ^ "Service continues to expand non-toxic shot options". U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 25 October 2000. Retrieved 15 January 2008. ^ "Crunch time for lead shot ban". New Scientist. 5 April 1997. Retrieved 15 January 2008. ^ "Lead & Non-Lead Shot". British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Archived from the original on 25 May 2006. Retrieved 15 January 2008. ^ "Northern Pintail Anas acuta". BirdLife International. Retrieved 16 April 2011. ^ Snow, David; Perrins, Christopher M., eds. (1998). The Birds of the Western Palearctic concise edition (2 volumes). Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 222–225. ISBN 0-19-854099-X. ^ "Anas acuta". Agreement on the conservation of African-Eurasian migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). AEWA. Retrieved 12 February 2015.

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David Silva is no longer Manchester City’s heartbeat but remains a wonderful player

David Silva is no longer the heartbeat of Manchester City, but remains a great player who helped change the landscape at club in nine years and the goal was to reach the FA Cup final

David

He did many things to change the landscape and make city winners Chris Wheeler for MailOnline

Eight years have passed since David Silva first season in Manchester City ended by lifting the FA Cup . He is no longer the heartbeat of this team, an indispensable player that City simply cannot do without.

At the age of 33 and with an international career behind him, he looks forward to the day when he can Return to his family and friends in Gran Canaria and the fishing village of Arguineguin, where he grew up.

There are other players who carry the torch nowadays. When people now talk about Silva and City, this is usually his namesake Bernardo who recently made the list of nominations for PFA Player of the Year together with teammates Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero . Kevin De Bruyne

<img id = "i-4420e1411df241e8" src = "https://dailym.ai/2uS4u1n /1s/2019/05/18/18/13662434-0-image-a-55_1558201947165.jpg "height =" 425 "width =" 634 "alt =" David Silva at 33 is no longer the heartbeat of Manchester City, but it is a beautiful player "

The heartbeat of Manchester City is a beautiful player"

David Silva at 33 is no longer the heartbeat of Manchester City, but a great player

How appropriate then that he had to be the man to get

But Silva remains a great player and someone who has done a lot to help someone in the last eight years

It came in the 26th minute and at a crucial point in the game after City survived a few early frightening attacks from Watford

<img id = "i-ddce0496310310e4" src = "https://dailym.ai/2QjpAA1" height = "570" width = "634" alt = "<img id =" i-ddce0496310310e4 "src =" https://dailym.ai/2w76JyI -m-57_1558201957748.jpg "height =" 570 "width =" 634 "alt =" The Spaniard hit a defeated opening match of 26 minutes to take Manchester City to victory "26th minute opening goal to take Manchester City to victory"

The Spaniard hit a 26-minute deflected opening match to bring Manchester City to victory

Sterling led the ball in his path on the edge of the box of six yard and Silva aimed with his left foot before sending a volley that scraped Kiko Femenia's right boot on his way past Heurelho Gomes.

What could be overlooked was his tenacity in building to the goal, jumping over Femenia to win a header against an opponent marginally longer at 5ft 9in after Sterling's original effort blocked.

Silva learned long ago that skill alone will not be enough Spaniards come to the Premier League.

It was clear again at the hour when I brought him Will Hughes with equipment that would not have been out of place at Twickenham after he slipped and lost his possession near his own punishment

It was his turn to get referee Kevin Friend, but better than that put his team at risk.

City was only 2-0 at the time after Bernardo & # 39; s brilliant set up a goal for Gabriel Jesus. A third from Kevin De Bruyne followed a second later from Jesus and two from Sterling crowned another wonderful day for City.

<img id = "i-25d464669bffeac9" src = "https://dailym.ai/2Q9At7n image-a-59_1558202967985.jpg "height =" 611 "width =" 634 "alt =" Silva has now won four League Cups, four Premier League titles and two FA Cups in the club "

Silva has now won four League Cups, four Premier League titles and four consecutive league titles. two FA Cups in the club

When Silva was replaced by John Stones in the 79th minute, it was a huge ovation of the blue half of Wembley.

A second FA Cup winner medal goes in the cabinet along with the four Premier League titles and four League Cups for a player who, of course, has also won the World Cup and the European Championships (twice) with Spain .

The next season will be the last under Silva's current contract and he wants to do one more to complete the decade in City afterwards. Anyway, his legacy is insured.

<img id = "i-73a446208cadb346" src = "https://dailym.ai/2w7MlgK image-a-77_1558203531254.jpg "height =" 412 "width =" 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-73a446208cadb346" src = "https://dailym.ai/2J2OwKp /18/19/13662726-7044765-image-a-77_1558203531254.jpg "height =" 412 "width =" 634 "alt =" Player enjoyed a fine international career with one world cup and two euro crowns "class =" blkBorder img-share "one World Championship and two euro crowns"

Playmaker enjoyed a great international career with one world championship and two euro crowns

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Sun Valley is Not Just A Ski Destination: A Resort For All Seasons

Skiing on Bald Mountain at the Sun Valley Resort. Jon Mancuso Photography

A skier’s paradise, Sun Valley Resort in Idaho is much more than a winter destination. It offers nearly everything one could possibly hope for–majestic mountains, a dry mountain desert climate and plethora of sun–in fact, the skies are blue and sunny for nearly 80 percent of the year. So it’s no surprise that the Sun Valley Resort, which includes a historic lodge, an inn, several restaurants, golf courses and a slew of amenities, is now even busier during the summer months, than it is during ski season.

The vacation destination of the rich and famous since its founding, Sun Valley has attracted Hollywood stars such as Gregory Peck and Lucille Ball as well as many world-famous politicians and royalty, from U.S. President Harry Truman to King Abdullah II of Jordan.

The resort, which was founded in 1936 as America’s first destination ski resort, is now a year-round playground for guests who love outdoor pursuits, from fly fishing, hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding, tennis and golf.

Sun Valley Resort Nordic Trails. Photo Courtesy of Sun Valley Resort

Sun Valley is Best Known For Its World-Class Skiing Of course, Sun Valley may best be known for its more than 2,000 skiable acres and it is considered among the best ski destinations in the world. In 2017, Sun Valley Resort was voted the second best Overall Resort in North America in the SKI Magazine’s Annual Readers’ Poll—for the second time in three years. The rankings are a reflection of the ski area’s commitment to excellent grooming, superior guest experiences, unique and historic charm, and lack of lift lines. The resort also earned the top place ranking for its lifts and was runner-up in the grooming, service and character categories.

The resort has two mountains—Bald (often referred to as “Baldy”) and Dollar. Bald Mountain has perfect-pitch vertical from peak to base, and is all downhill. The mountain offers themed Adventure Trails for kids and 55 acres of glade ski and boarding terrain. There are runs for all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts. Baldy is known for its consistent pitch and lack of lift lines, and is considered to be one of the world’s finest ski mountains. Its twelve chair lifts include high-speed quads offer an uphill lift capacity of 23,680 per hour, yet it averages only 3,500 skiers per day. In other words, there are no lift lines. This month, the U.S. Alpine Championships featuring many of the country’s best ski racers, will take place on the mountain.

Dollar, the resort’s other downhill ski and snowboard area, is one of the country’s best mountains for first time skiers as well as expert skiers and riders. The perfect place to learn downhill skiing and snowboarding, Dollar offers seven terrain parks and beginner-friendly slopes. Its flow-style terrain parks and progressive features both inspire and challenge all levels of skiers. Dollar has two high-speed quads, six lifts and 628 feet of vertical on a treeless face.

An innovative skiing and snowboarding program, called “Terrain-that-Teaches”, was designed by Sun Valley SnowSports. The program engages early learners of all ages in a fun and playful environment. Remarkably, Sun Valley visitors also have the opportunity to ski with one of Sun Valley’s legendary ski instructors who are available for private lessons. Many of these highly qualified instructors have experience training World Cup and Olympic competition athletes.

Sun Valley’s Nordic Center offers more than 200 kilometers of networked trails that link the south valley to the north as well as several spur Nordic track networks, making it one of the most expansive and convenient trail systems in the country. Sun Valley is such a Nordic mecca that the U.S. Olympic Committee designated it the country’s first Nordic Olympic Training Site and Paralympic Training Site for the world’s best athletes. The center also offers snowshoeing and “fat biking”. Also called snow biking, it involves an off-road bicycle with oversized tires that are designed for low ground pressure to enable riding on snow-covered trails. Ski and snowshoe equipment for all ages, as well as fat bikes, are available for rent at the Nordic Shop in the Sun Valley Club.

The Clint Eastwood Suite at the Sun Valley Lodge. Photo by ©Kevin Syms

Accommodations Sun Valley offers a variety of luxurious accommodations, from luxurious rooms and suites in its historic Lodge to its more moderately priced Inn and stand-alone cottages. The Lodge, which was completely remodeled in 2015 offers 108 remodeled rooms with spacious bathrooms that feature walk-in showers and separate tubs. The Lodge also added new suites that showcase five celebrities who spent time vacationing at Sun Valley. One suite pays homage to Sun Valley’s founding father, Averell Harriman, while the others honor Marilyn Monroe, Sonia Henie, Ernest Hemingway and Clint Eastwood. Suites feature classic photography of these celebrities that came from the Sun Valley archives. Celebrity Suites are expansive and include a sitting room with a fireplace, a living room with a flat screen HD TV, bedroom and a large bathroom with a walk-in shower and soaking tub.

The Sun Valley Inn, which opened its doors in 1937, offers gracious European-inspired dècor with the finest fabrics, carpeting and wall coverings. The Inn has 105 guest rooms, of which 25 were recently renovated while the remainder of the rooms are scheduled to be remodeled this year.

There are also eight different cottages available to rent, each with its own charm and unique details. Ranging from two bedrooms to seven, the cottages are located near the Sun Valley Lodge.

The Lodge offers a game room with arcade games, pool table, Foosball, and a bowling facility with six lanes. Photo by Carrie Coolidge

Sun Valley Resorts’ Wide Range of Activities and Amenities The resort offers plenty of amenities and activities which keeps its guests of every age entertained, regardless of the weather. The Lodge houses a 20,000 square foot destination spa that boasts 15 treatment rooms, including several equipped for couples. Here, you will find saunas, steam rooms, multiple relaxation rooms and beautifully appointed changing rooms. The Lodge’s Game Room room has a variety of arcade games, pool table, Foosball, a snack bar and six bowling lanes. The Lodge and Inn have state-of-the art fitness centers, heated outdoor swimming pools with whirlpools. The resort also boasts one of the only outdoor ice skating rinks that is open all year round and is free of charge for guests (with a nominal fee for skate rentals).

Sun Valley’s 18-hole championship golf course, Trail Creek, was recently ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top 75 resort courses in North America. Photo Courtesy of Sun Valley Resort

Sun Valley Golf Sun Valley’s 18-hole championship golf course, Trail Creek, was recently ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top 75 resort courses in North America. Open to the public, the 6,968 yard course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. There’s also an alpine links–style nine-hole course called White Clouds that offers 3,600 yards of play and 360-degree views of the Wood River Valley. The club also offers a 25-acre practice facility and an 18-hole putting course. Inside the club house, there is a virtual golf simulator where up to four golfers at a time can choose from a number of world-class courses to sharpen their short game, long game or putting. Down the road, is a second 18-hole course available to guests called Elkhorn Golf Course that is also part of the Sun Valley Resort.

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow was honored at the 2018 Sun Valley Film Festival in March. Photo by J. Merritt/Getty Images for Sun Valley Film Festival

Sun Valley Resort’s Cultural Offerings Sun Valley offers an impressive amount of culture here, too, including a summer symphony concert series that’s free of charge and summer ballet performances. The resort’s Opera House, which seats over 300 people, features state-of-the-art projection technology and frequently offers first-run movies playing when live performances aren’t being offered. And every March, the Sun Valley Film Festival, an annual destination film festival, brings together filmmakers, industry insiders, actors and special guests from around the world. This year, the festival honored Academy Award-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, actress Kate Bosworth and rising star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II who starred in Aquaman.

Built in 1937, Trail Creek Cabin is a mountain-style log cabin-turned-restaurant is located next to the rushing waters of Trail Creek and offers stunning views of Bald Mountain. Photo by Carrie Coolidge

Dining at Sun Valley There is a wide variety of dining options at the resort, both on and off the mountain, that will please every guest. When skiing on Bald mountain, be sure to have lunch at the historic Roundhouse near the Roundhouse Express gondola. This mid-mountain restaurant offers cheese fondue, salads, hearty soups, and sandwiches. Down at the lodge, the resort’s original restaurant, The Ram, which dates back to 1937, is the oldest, continuously operated restaurant in the area. It features live music on many evenings.

Another exceptional dining experiences is at Trail Creek Cabin, a rustic, early Western cabin that was the private hunting lodge of Sun Valley’s original owner Averill Harriman. Built in 1937, this mountain-style log cabin-turned-restaurant is located next to the rushing waters of Trail Creek and offers stunning views of Bald Mountain. Trail Creek Cabin was frequented by Ernest Hemingway, who spent his final years living in the Sun Valley area.

The Sun Valley Club, which serves as a luxurious Nordic and snowshoe center during the winter season and a golf clubhouse in the summer, offers a restaurant that serves delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, pot pies and paninis. The large dining room features an oversized fireplace and a wraparound terrace that offers stunning views of Bald Mountain, Dollar Mountain and the 18-hole Sawtooth Putting Course.

Sun Valley Resort’s Ice Skating Rink is one of the only outdoor rinks that is open for skating all year round. Photo by Carrie Coolidge

Sun Valley also offers a small village between the Inn and the Lodge that offers a number of boutiques featuring clothing, gifts, and jewelry, as well as sports equipment. There’s a post office, a bank and a European-style coffeehouse called Konditorei that features Austrian-style pastries. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch. Conveniently, guests can charge just about everything to their room, from ski passes and equipment rentals to restaurant charges, golf fees and shop purchases.

Sun Valley is served by Hailey’s Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN), which is located 14 miles from the resort and is easily accessed from such airports as San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Denver. All Sun Valley Resort guests receive complimentary roundtrip airport transportation.

The post Sun Valley is Not Just A Ski Destination: A Resort For All Seasons appeared first on Pursuitist.

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IPad (2017) Is going Up for India Pre-Orders through Flipkart

The iPad (2017), which up to date introduced in overdue-March, has long past up for pre-orders on Flipkart on Friday. Pre-orders start at Rs. 28,900 for the 32GB version – matching Apple’s already announced pricing.

The 9.7-inch iPad (2017)’s 32GB +Mobile version is priced at Rs. 39,900 – however, that has now not been indexed at the time of writing. As we suggested in advance, Gadgets 360 can verify that the brand new iPad (2017) 128GB and iPad (2017) + Cell fashions will retail in India at Rs. 36,900 and Rs. forty-seven,900 respectively – the 128GB c084d04ddacadd4b971ae3d98fecfb2a has but up to date be listed. Clever covers for the brand new iPad are priced at Rs. 3,500. Inside the US, prices range from $329 for up to date updated version up to $559 for the up to date updated version.

As compared up to date the iPad Air 2 that it replaces, the iPad (2017) has a quicker A9 chip and brighter display. the brand new iPad model is likewise barely larger than the $399 iPad Air 2.

“iPad is the sec up updated’s maximum famous pill. up-to-date love the large, nine.7-inch show for the whole thing from looking Television and films, up-to-date browsing the Web, making FaceTime calls, and enjoying snapshots, and now it’s far even greater inexpensive,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s Senior Vice president of global Advertising. “New Clients updated and everyone up-to-date upgrade will love this new iPad up to date be used at home, in college, and for paintings, with its terrific Retina show, our effective A9 chip, and up to date updated the extra than 1.3 million apps designed in particular for it.”

The Upward push of the App Tradition

Ever used the HDFC Bank cell banking app for fund transfer? The Domino’s Pizza app up to date updated your pizza? The load Watcher app updated music your calorie intake? Flipkart’s mobile app up to date up updated? Or performed the Sweet Overwhelm app for some enjoyment? Sure. Truth pinch. There may be a software for every pastime. May additionally or not it’s for fitness, journey, shopping, leisure, paintings – cellular apps are actually up-to-date prominent characteristic of our lives.

The cellular app marketplace is evolving unexpectedly. As of June 2014, there were extra than a hundred and forty billion cellular apps downloaded. And in step with updated Enterprise These days, the downloads in India alone is predicted up-to-date grow from 1.fifty six billion in 2012 up-to-date nine billion in 2015. Such facts re-instate how There’s a parallel marketplace vicinity developing at an aggressive rate. And companies who’re a gift on this board will achieve gaining marketplace percentage.

What drives this increase?

A Nielsen record well-known shows that smartphone owners elderly 25-forty four use the very best wide variety of apps up-to-date month (averaging 29 apps), while 18-24 yr-olds spend the most time on them (37 hours, 6 minutes). What drives the growth of this market is the ease added up to date the give a up updated person. even as websites are statistics-oriented, apps are assignment oriented and the complete procedure is brief, smooth and reasonably priced. And the ability up to date updated anywhere, whenever brings approximately brilliant performance Inside the technique. Consequently, over 85% of up to date prefer mobile apps updated cell internet site declare Compuware. In reality as in step with a report through MarketingCharts, in 2014 time spent on cellular apps rose by way of forty-three.7% up-to-date a decline of 3.5% on the time on websites.

What does it suggest for companies?

A cell utility is a new touch-up to later updated for companies up to date updated their up to daters. It presents cost up-to-date the existing cus up updated, gowns in new up to dateCusupupdated, and increases the Enterprise loyalty and income. For example, FoodPanda is a international online food shipping market. Running in more than forty nations its service permits up-to-date up to date choose food from local restaurants and area orders through its website or mobile application. In India this app has been downloaded over 300,000 instances and contributes up to date% of the sales.

As of July, 2014 there are over 2 million mobile apps up to date be had which can be either unfastened or paid. In the former the down load is loose however there are in-app purchases even as In the latter There may be a nominal charge updated down load the app. Majority of the apps up to date are unfastened with downloads attaining 127 billion downloads in 2014 at the same time as there are over 11 billion paid app downloaded. The sales from unfastened apps is better up to date. Apple claims that seventy one% of its sales comes from loose apps, that is expected up to date surpass 14 billion US greenbacks in 2015. however, it up to date updated be up to date updated that of the up-to-date 10 sales-generating apps from the Apple App up to date or Google Play Save updated in Q1 2014, 9 are games.

Nonetheless, cell apps bring in enormous Business possibilities for companies. It is an instantaneous Advertising channel in which they may be up-to-date capture the mindshare of the updated. The MakeMyTrip app lately crossed 4 million downloads in Occupy-to-date be 2014 and its steady mobile app promotions led to a Upward thrust on flight-bookings on the app up to date forty nine% As compared updated 43% on Internet.

groups also are up-to-date build the logo and decorate up to date usu updated engagement. ASDA’s use of favourites and recipe recommendation are noteworthy. while the favourites listings on the app is useful and generates emblem affinity by way of supplying a more cus up updated shopping enjoy, it additionally allows ASDA updated push repeat purchases. Its use of recipe advice is likewise twin edged: it offers beneficial advice up to date consumers updated thereby enhancing the brand revel in.

mobile apps absolutely growth sales. However it even keeps its up to date 3177227fc5dac36e3e5ae6cd5820dcaa with its products and services. Zappos’ makes use of the push-notifications choice up-to-date purchasers of the products which are in invent updated. Because the consumer asked a product update, this 2nd degree push up to date sale is seen as a service and a gentle reminder, up-to-date as an unwanted direct response call up to date motion.

Furthermore, there are groups based on mobile systems. Uber is one of the fastest developing international agencies in India. it’s miles an app-based transportation community corporation, Working in over 2 hundred up to dates. The enterprise makes use of a telephone application up-to-date acquire journey requests, after which sends those ride requests up-to-date their drivers. up to date use the app up to date request rides and tune their reserved up to date mobile’s area.

As a consequence the Rise In the app Way of life up to date come as no marvel. mobile apps are right here, and will an increasing number of up-to-date a vital element Inside the Advertising and marketing plan for organizations as up-to-date are seeking out comfort, ease and immediate outcomes while on the flow. with the aid of 2017, Gartner tasks that there may be 268 billion mobile app downloads annually, amounting up-to-date $77billion in sales. Therefore apps will soon, if no longer already, affect our lives updated a awesome extent. And organizations who are fore runners will in reality gain a competitive gain.

The Developments And opportunities Of Indian E-Commerce

E-Commerce has now long past on a long manner considering its inception and it’s miles getting large and large day with the aid of days. As era growing continuously and rapidly, e-Commerce outlets are running updated adopting more modern technologies up to date allow their up to date MERS updated and sellers up-to-date and promote on line effortlessly. Because the prices of penetrating internet are losing each for cellular and Net interfaces, so it increases population of net up-to-date and increases up-to-date on e-Trade web sites. it is the important thing up to date using human beings interest up to datewards e-Commerce. The usage of social media and cell gadgets has facilitates more updated boost up this force in addition, shaping the e-Commerce Developments for Indian market.

up-to-date are actually extra linked than before and greater source of statistics choices at their single fingertips These days. They are now leaving their traditional pursuits, behavior and alternatives and attracting up to date new merchandise up to date helps e-Trade corporations up-to-date pastimes and offer greater higher and aggressive merchandise. This digitization of the whole lot affecting the e-Trade Enterprise version and it’s far driving boom for e-Trade traders in Indian market.

Let’s now see the present day scenario and upcoming Traits in e-Commerce market:

As by using take a look at of Accel partners, on-line shopping of physical goods could be developing up to date US$ 8.5 billion in 2016 and power of on-line up to date might be more than double up-to-date 40 million in India. And net up-to-date up to date be multiplied up to date three hundred million by means of 2015.

Does it imply that e-Trade is attempting updated do this for staying Within the marketplace, and each small and big fish up-to-date? This is not the real case. But those are the deep pocket incumbents who show wonderful interest up-to-date e-Commerce Commercial enterprise and they have experience, principles and also have kind of offerings and try and develop quicker compared updated other existing players Inside the Indian marketplace. Even Indian e-Commerce players try difficult updated bring the concepts of international up to date.

The Developments of present day marketplace and generation that define e-Trade in up-to-date future consist of:

Loyalty of emblem:

Fee has been the main updated in Indian market and updated never hesitant about changing manufacturers regularly if they met awesome lucrative offers offering with the aid of competing manufacturers. So, Indian e-Commerce gamers might up-to-date do a lot up-to-date make their up to date sense unique up-to-date hold them, as loyalty put on away rapid whilst the consumer is faced with promotions and deals. Recognise what your up to datecusupupdated ‘interests and conduct.

up to datere’s Own Making plans and Management i.E. Logistics:

It had been a extraordinary difficulty for on-line up to dateres in India, which results in making strategies up to date address coins-on-transport and same day shipments. on-line market leaders are deciding on for building logistics such as Flipkart, who has launched ekart that is open for its competitors.

Want of Decreasing cash on transport:

Indian market isn’t always but comfortable up-to-date undertake payment through credit score cards or debit playing cards. COD is debts for 60% of transactions in India. It adds 3% extra charges on coins on shipping and additionally some extra manner is required for COD orders, higher instances of returns and related costs are affected margins.

Improve up to datemer enjoy With Appealing offers and Alternatives:

With the advancement of technology, on-line up-to-date are specializing in Attractive transport Options inclusive ofupdated identical day shipping or transport inside an hour, buying by cellular apps and buying on social media like through Facebook “Pay now” butup to daten up to date progressed up-to-date experience. The opposite special capabilities or offerings you offer could be delivered extra patronupdated experience like drones and dad up and success up-to-date. The technology so that it will affect those Trends and help in shaping e-Commerce Enterprise include:

huge Facts:

it is up to date for going for walks the e-Commerce Enterprise. it is important for identifying the up-to-date behavior, interest. Think a consumer visits a website and purchases a few things and noticed some things then this Records is supupdated in database of website and when client next time opens this internet site or email registered with it indicates those kind of objects, For this reason Facts supupdated is the massive Facts that capture the purchaser’s conduct and increases the emblem loyalty, adoption. it’s far used in target base Advertising and marketing.

cell:

on line retailersupdated have found out that maximum of the Clientsupdated using mobile telephones for on line shopping, so They are targeting mobile phones up-to-date offer extra functions and they can without problems saveupdated like provide cell app and they could directly keep by using using this up to date. Furthermore E-Commerce website up-to-date be cellular pleasant as purchasers develop extra in the event that they more relaxed with the usage of cell devices for browsing and buying. Now They’re more open up to date getting messages from brands through mobiles. For this reason mobile allows in increasing on line purchasing and on line Advertising.

[hudsonespie]

Vietnam's Struggles in the S. China Sea: Challenges and Opportunities

[By Viet Hung Nguyen Cao]

The new U.S. South China Sea policy, recently announced by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, once again put the disputes between China and other claimants in this westernmost area of the Pacific back into the limelight. The core component of the disputes is China’s nine-dash line claim which overlaps with the existing maritime zones of several countries in the region. In recent years, China has deployed grey zone tactics, such as utilizing micro-aggressive measures such as maritime militia and the deployment of survey vessels to enforce its claims.

Vietnam, as one of the major claimants involved, has been a frequent target of these tactics. With only weak, symbolic reactions to China’s aggression, Vietnam is without a proactive or effective strategy to fight back. There are policies that Vietnam should adopt, but at the heart of these policies is the need for more international cooperation in resolving the issues linked to China’s strategy.

China’s Tactics

A primary component of China’s tactics in the South China Sea is the use of maritime militia and law enforcement vessels to intimidate fishermen and drive them away from traditional fishing areas. Annually, China announces a fishing ban, claiming that its purpose is to preserve the fish stock in the South China Sea. Empowered with this ban, Chinese vessels frequently harass, attack, and sink Vietnamese vessels.

The most recent case occurred in June 2020, when a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) cutter and motorboat surrounded a Vietnamese fishing boat and rammed the vessel. The Vietnamese fishermen were then captured, beaten, and were forced to sign documents stating that they had violated the fishing ban. The CCG also took away the fishing equipment and caused damage to the ship.

China’s tactics in the SCS also feature the use of research vessels and their escort fleets to harass gas and oil development activities of other claimants, forcing them to reconsider or abandon their projects. China often deploys several survey vessels, as well as an escort fleet of law enforcement vessels and maritime militia, to planned oil and gas blocks of claimant states in order to deny other claimants access to these waters.

Notable cases include the Vanguard Bank standoff from July to October 2019, as well as the recent appearance of Chinese research vessel Haiyang Dizhi 4 inside Vietnam’s EEZ near bloc 6.01, a gas bloc where Vietnam was planning to jointly explore with Russian gas conglomerate Rosneft.

These tactics clearly show China’s ambitions to establish a permanent maritime presence in the region. China aims to use these tactics as a means to enforce its excessive maritime claims and force Southeast Asian countries to accept China as the new hegemon.

Vietnam’s Efforts

Faced with these challenges, what has the Vietnamese government done to protect its sovereignty and maritime rights? The answer is, on paper, a lot, but their actions thus far have been lackluster and ineffective. Vietnam’s primary response to Chinese aggression has been through diplomatic protests and public statements.

Vietnam’s diplomatic protests against these actions are often conducted at the bilateral level, such as through meetings or teleconferences between foreign affairs officials, both at government and party levels. Most recently, after the incident in June, Vietnam’s Foreign Minister held a teleconference with his Chinese counterpart to discuss solutions. Similar lines of communication have been effective in preventing conflict escalation, thus mitigating a potential diplomatic crisis or an all-out war. Yet these protests have been unable to reverse Chinese actions.

In public statements, Vietnam demonstrates a firmness regarding its sovereignty, as well as a willingness to cooperate to resolve the dispute according to international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, the repetition of these phrases through the years have turned these statements into meaningless pronouncements, and the messages in these statements have even become memes, used in a mocking attitude by Vietnamese netizens. In recent years, these statements have begun to include mentions of litigation as a possible means of resolving the disputes, suggesting Vietnam’s willingness to bring China to court. However, a threat is only credible when those making the threat are willing to walk the talk. Without concrete action to signal serious intent, the threat of bringing China to court will become meaningless over time.

Vietnam has suffered the consequences for its weak and symbolic reactions to China’s aggression in both the political and economic fields. The most notable setback to Vietnam was how China increased the frequency of its activities in recent years. After the 2014 Haiyang Shiyou 981 standoff, China had repeatedly deployed research vessels and oil rigs to the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Vietnam, and generally with longer duration and increased frequency of missions.

In 2014, China only deployed its vessels into Vietnam’s EEZ once, and only for about two months. Last year, it deployed a vessel four or five times, with the total duration of these missions being around six months, from late March until early October. In the whole of 2019, there were three cases of Chinese vessels attacking and/or harassing Vietnamese fishing vessels. This year, three cases occurred in just the first six months.

With China showing little tolerance for vessels violating their arbitrary fishing ban, many Vietnamese fishermen are being forced to abandon their traditional fishing grounds and sail further south. This is a root cause for increasing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in the region. These fishing vessels intrude into the waters of Indonesia and Malaysia and conduct illegal fishing.

This has created a wedge issue in the relations between Vietnam and both countries as more and more Vietnamese fishing vessels are being detained and in some cases, destroyed. Most recently, a clash between Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency vessels and Vietnamese fishing vessels operating illegally inside Malaysian waters resulted in the death of a Vietnamese fisherman.

Proven and probable reserves of gas and oil in the South China Sea (Graphic via CSIS Asia MaritimeTransparency Initiative)

There is also a possibility that Vietnam is also facing political consequences at home. With the increased harassment of China, Vietnam has had to cancel several oil and gas development projects, with the compensation for foreign companies totaling close to $1 billion. Most recently, Vietnam delayed the exploration of block 06-01 until next year, a project previously rumored to be cancelled altogether.

Aside from this, there have been reports of grassroots dissatisfaction among Vietnamese fishermen whose vessels were sunk. According to one researcher, they expressed disappointment that their cases were not appropriately handled by the Vietnamese authorities, and their loss was not compensated sufficiently. If this situation continues, the Vietnamese government might face challenges to its legitimacy and lose domestic support.

Policy Recommendations

In order to resolve these issues, Vietnam should consider alternative policies, alongside existing ones. The first step is to expand its current international cooperation on increasing maritime domain awareness. Potential measures include providing fishing vessels with radio and tracking equipment, with updated Geographical Information System (GIS) signals. Vietnam should also negotiate with countries in the region, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, on protocols in situations where local authorities capture Vietnamese fishing vessels operating in their EEZs, as well as for unexpected encounters at seas. By mitigating possible consequences of IUU fishing, Vietnam can avoid regional tensions and domestic backlash.

Secondly, Vietnam should also consider the possibility of initiating joint patrol operations along with the coast guards of other states. Considering how Chinese fishing bans and maritime militia are also affecting Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines as well, these countries should consider coordinating patrol activities in the South China Sea, as well as improving their information sharing systems in order to minimize the impact of China’s actions. The joint patrols will help in driving out Chinese maritime militia operating in the waters, as well as managing IUU fishing.

An alternative policy to consider is to organize Vietnam’s fishing vessels into fleets. In past incidents, the vessels that were sunk by Chinese vessels were operating alone and far from other ships. With the establishment of fishing fleets, the vessels will be better protected against Chinese aggression, and in the case of an attack, the vessels will be able to help one another, minimizing the damage to the ship and the loss of personnel.

Last but not least, Vietnam should take actions regarding its threat to file a case against China, making the threat more credible. While the recent move of nominating arbitrators to Annex VII of UNCLOS indicated Vietnam’s intention of using this mechanism, it might also be better to look into other options as well, such as The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

In order to signal its intention, Vietnam should raise concerns regarding Chinese nominations for ITLOS judges. As recently pointed out, China’s nominations have been elected uncontested since 1996. Opposition from Vietnam would show serious commitment to upholding international legal values, and demonstrate serious consideration of resolving the disputes through legal means.

Conclusion

China’s strategy in the South China Sea has brought significant challenges to Vietnam, and the government’s weak and symbolic responses have only worsened the situation. In order to manage these issues, Vietnam needs to address these challenges individually, yet they cannot be fully addressed without cooperating with other states. Vietnam alone is not an economically, diplomatically, nor military sufficient contender against China, but through cooperation with others, Vietnam can exert significant influence to change the status quo and turn the tables in its favor.

Viet Hung Nguyen Cao is an MA student at the Graduate School of Political Science, Waseda University, and a Research Assistant at the South China Sea Data Initiative. His primary research interests are the maritime disputes in East Asia and Japanese politics.

from Storage Containers https://maritime-executive.com/article/vietnam-s-struggles-in-the-s-china-sea-challenges-and-opportunities via http://www.rssmix.com/

[torentialtribute]

Defeat to West Indies offer reminder to England that a shocking performance remains within them

[Engeland] shock of the West Indies is the result of a shocking performance

The soccer field of the World Cup

The soccer field of the WC Captain Eoin Morgan believes that his side can turn into a positive future

] Door

Paul Newman for MailOnline

Published: 18:07 GMT, February 23, 2019 | Updated: 18:07 GMT, February 23, 2019

It was not really losing to Scotland, but the defeat of England for the humble West Indies in the second one-day international was a grim reminder of the No1 team in the world that they are still a shocking performance in have the time before they organize the World Cup.

Remember, the West Indies is a sad ninth in the one-day ranking and has only just qualified for the summer tournament this summer at the expense of a desperately unfortunate Scotland whose victory over England in Edinburgh last summer remains a rare blunder for the conquering side of Eoin Morgan.

Here there was no unplayable bowling to blame nor demons in a Kensington Oval field that was full of runs in the first one-day international and only a fraction more difficult for batting in the second of Friday.

& # 39; We are hard at work to win every game, but it does not happen every time and we were defeated by the better side today and learning from it is not a bad thing, & # 39; the English captain Eoin Morgan. & # 39; We will see in the next game whether we learn from it or not & # 39;

Indeed, England was the victim of the sort of really shocking decision of a home referee who seemed to have been left behind in the dark from cricket When Barbadian official Gregory Brathwaite gave Tom Curran a free kick from Jason Holder who had a second set stumps could have been missed.

One official site is still assigned to one-day internationals alongside an elite referee from ICC, in this case Bruce Oxenford, but Brathwaite did not seem to be in charge and did not need technology to show that he was the kind had made cry that DRS had to eliminate

England needed 57 out of nine overs when Curran was the seventh man to fall but he has had a good shot in the Big Bash and might have taken England home with him. But Morgan refused to complain about the decision afterwards.

& # 39; It happened and it was a good tester for us & # 39 ;, said Morgan, who was not satisfied when a review by England against John Campbell in the West Indian innings took more than five minutes for TV referee Paul Wilson to decide. And even then it did not seem to matter whether the ball of Moeen Ali had touched Campbell's glove.

& # 39; It is frustrating when it goes against you but it can give you one of two ways and I think the boys reacted well when it was against us. & # 39;

Not enough to include two in this last series of five games before England must nominate their World Cup squadron on April 23 and they will go to Grenada for the third game tomorrow which should be more slides for the preparation of a tournament that is expected to win.

One of the most successful signs for England is Mark Wood, which almost corresponded to his St. Lucia test of 95 miles an hour here plus an inverted swing of one of the two white balls that are used in one-day internationals that rarely deviate from the straight.

Wood had been vulnerable to the emergence of Jofra Archer, who is eligible for England next month and can be quickly admitted to the World Cup squadron, but if he can stay fit and shoot now looks like starting position, let alone a slot machine in the team

& # 39; I think I'm one of the guys who is threatened, but I would not say that night and I'm worried about the role from Archer & # 39 ;, said Wood after the 26-run victory over the West Indies. He is a world-class performer, but I continue with this piece of trust and half decent I have to push my business.

& # 39; It is not really talked about in the locker room, but I would be stupid to think that my place would not stand up if I did not put on the hard yards because I have fast scales and we'll have to see what happens. "

& # 39; We will not push him in three days two games to play, because he is in line at the World Cup that he has won That is not necessary, & # 39; added the captain of England. & # 39; He could have played today, but his risk of being injured had been quite high. The World Cup is a completely different kettle with fish and we expect it to be suitable for this. "

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