#premier league daydream believers

[furshrimps]

This year's Crufts had a distinct lack of Papillons (yeah I'm biased XD but there also was not a single Papillon in agility so...), so here's a pic of Premier League Daydream Believers, aka Simon. I took this photo in 2017 at the World Dog Show in Leipzig. He's 1 year and 4 months old in the pic if I did my math correctly.

Simon won BOB at Crufts 2020! And he's litter brother to Planet Waves Forever Young Daydream Believers (aka Dylan), who won Crufts BIS in 2019.

[brightlight-dazzlingeyes]

between the lines | chapter 01

rúben dias x original female character [+18]

synopsis: isabella is a sports journalist covering the premier league. she has sworn to never get involved with a football player. that is, until she meets a handsome portuguese defender. warnings: incorrect journalism references; timeline of events are not faithful to real life; i have never been to england; mutual pining; romantic comedy;  minors dni.

previous chapter | masterlist | next chapter

Chapter 01 — Are you Tottenham in disguise?

It was a chilly day in greater Manchester, and in the morning I decided to pay a visit to my little niece Lucía. She had recently achieved the incredible ability to pronounce my name. Well, not my name exactly, but she does say ‘tía’ with the confidence of a young lady that knows I would die for her.

“She’s so cute!” I say cheerfully. Sienna, my sister-in-law, dressed up the baby in several layers of pastel colored clothing as we prepared to take a walk with her. Baby Lucía looked like a little package of cotton candy. The cutest.

“I know, and you’re welcome!” Sienna winks at me as she puts Lucía in her stroller. She enjoyed being walked around the neighborhood for a couple blocks before going to her daycare. Lucía had a strict and healthy schedule, it actually makes me jealous. The baby has a morning routine! She uses moisturizer! “So, you’re working today?”

“I am! City and Arsenal, later today. Want to bet on the score?” We used to do this every week, the loser would buy ice cream.

“2-1 for Arsenal.” Sienna says.

“I’m going with 3-1 City.”

“Oh, that reminds me!” Sienna looks at me excitedly. “Oh my god, I completely forgot!” She starts giggling. “You’re not going to believe it!” The thing about my dear in-law is that she never goes straight to the point.

“Sienna, come on! Just tell me. What is it?”

“Lucías’s pediatrician is single!” She raises her eyebrow, suggestively.

“Yes, and…?”

“He’s a great guy, I swear! Carlos and I agreed you two would be perfect together. Your brother didn’t tell you?”

No, my brother didn’t tell me. He probably didn’t think it was important, as Carlos never thinks anything is important ever. I’m just glad to hear he’s thinking about my happiness when I’m not around. After delivering Lucía to her important daycare business, we walked together to the Metro. I would be meeting with Melissa Reed, who worked at DAZN, near the Etihad, for lunch. Sienna was being kind enough to walk with me, but I quickly learned her intentions. She’s been trying to set me up with her friends and cousins since the first time we met. Now we upgraded to pediatricians. That 's interesting.

“I don’t know… If things go south it will be awkward between you guys. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“The guy is a professional, alright? It won't be awkward, don’t worry!”

“How old is he?”

“Less than 50?” She crunches her nose and I laugh.

“Less than 50 is nice. I guess… Set me up?”

What do I have to lose, honestly? I’ve been single for the past 3 years and have been spending my nights daydreaming about football players. Dinner with a doctor under 50 would be nice for a change. Sienna hugs me while promising me I won't regret my decision, which is always a sign someone is making a bad decision, by the way. Melissa agrees with my sister-in-law, when I tell her about the possible upcoming date.

“You need to get out there, girl. If I had your face and your titties, I would have a long line of men at my feet!”

“Well, you do!” I point at her. Mel is gorgeous and an avid heartbreaker, she’s almost a decade older than me, so sometimes she can behave more like a mentor, or an older sister. We met quite recently, through work, always bumping into each other at press conferences, and she quickly became a close friend. 

“You need to be more confident. Words of reinforcement really help, you know?” Mel says, “Just say ‘I’m interesting, I’m smart’.” She fixes her posture, looking at me assertively.

“I’m interesting, I’m smart.” I repeat with a whisper, trying to copy her pose.

“Yes. Go ahead, ‘I can do anything I set my mind to’.”

“I can do anything.” There's a silence as we nod at each other. “I could fix Chelsea.”

“You could fix Chelsea! You really could.” She pats me in the head. “And you're going to rock this date with a hopefully handsome doctor!”

And then, there was the match. So, listen, the thing about working with what you love is: sometimes that’s your only option. When I was a teenager I went through what we called a phase. I stopped talking, I didn’t want to go to school anymore. I lost interest in all my previous hobbies. My dad, who thank god was still alive at the time, took me to a shrink. The guy asked a bunch of questions and all I remember was that in one of my answers I told him ‘the only thing that gets me out of bed is football’. All these years later and that’s still true. 

I worked on the weekend after my dad died even though I hadn’t eaten anything for days. Football is my religion. So I have nowhere else to go. I went to college and graduated in Journalism and immediately started working with the sport. And it’s at night like these that I’m reminded of why I made this career decision. 

It was clear it was a special night hours before the match, there were a lot more reporters and former players in the stadium than the usual. A proper special occasion, with the Prem trophy being displayed in the middle of the field before the game. The City fans cheered like it was Champions League night. Incredible atmosphere. Later, after the Blue’s 3rd goal, one of the chants accused Arsenal of being Tottenham in disguise, referencing the London rivals recent 6-1 loss. I went into the Etihad press room buzzing with excitement. Of course, I interviewed Rúben. I’m in charge of trying to talk to him ever since a lovely interaction with my boss.

“You speak Portuguese, right?” He asked.

“Well, no, but I’m spanish.”

“That will do.”

So now I have to interview every player born in the Iberian Peninsula or in Latin America, regardless of the language I speak. I’m just thankful nobody told him Italian and French are also romance languages. Rúben was shining and smiling brightly, the man looked ridiculously beautiful when he was happy. As he should, it was a magnificent victory and he earned that smile.

“Olá, Isa!” He says.

Oh, shit. He remembers my name. Of course he does, I mean, we talk practically twice a week. Shit. Quick, say something cool. Something sensual, but professional. Make him want you, but don't let him know you want him as well.

“Hi.” I end up saying. The rest went as usual, ‘are you feeling confident about the title’, ‘what are your thoughts on the team performance’, etc. He was charming and polite, and 100% not flirting with me, no matter what my stupid brain tried to convince me. Just because a man has beautiful brown eyes doesn't mean he’s trying to sleep with me. Unless…

“See you Sunday?” Rúben asks as we say goodbye and I just nod, dumbly. I don’t remember him making such questions before. Or maybe I’m just holding on to silly signs because I have a big stupid crush on him.

Sienna: thanks to haaland i’m not paying you ice cream :) also, date set with sexy doctor  monday, lunch, your favorite restaurant and you’re welcome :p

She sends me a picture of said sexy doctor, and I’m obliged to agree with her. He definitely looks younger than 50 and on a 0 to 10 ranking, very close to an 8. Next day I’m in London, meeting up with Sebastian before heading to the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium.

“Por favor, Isa, let me say ‘bottled’, it’s all I have left today.” The Spaniard says grinning at me.

“You had a rough week, take all the victories you can get, my friend.” I pat him in the back as he laughs. Seb then puts his arms around me as we set up our equipment, still grinning.

“Hey, can I ask you a favor?” 

“Sure…?” I speak, unsurely.

“If my team loses today, just shoot me.”

Working with football is amazing, but being a football supporter is really something else. It’s common for correspondents to get attached to a team of the league they’re covering. For me it never really happened, since I keep moving from league to league every couple of years. Thank God, being a Valencia supporter since a little kid,– thanks, mom and dad – I suffer enough.

I decided to spend the night in London, and only go back home tomorrow morning, so after work I go to the least expensive hotel room I could find. Seb and Melissa accompany me for a few drinks at the hotel bar and then once again I go to bed daydreaming about the one who should not be named. I cowardly open his Insta profile while hiding underneath the covers, like that’s going to protect me somehow. 

Except, there’s something different this time. Holy shit. He 's following me. That’s normal, right? Yeah, we’re basically coworkers! No need to freak out. Come on, Isa, get a grip. He’s not the first player to hit the follow button and he won’t be last. In fact, I have a long list of answered and unsolicited DM’s from the most random players, but we don’t have to go there. After weeks of creepy stalking the poor fella, I follow him back immediately. Maybe that will help. We’re officially practically coworkers now, in a way, right? Just a couple of colleagues who follow each other on social media. No more blushing, no more drooling over shirtless and carefully curated thirst traps.

I open the picture Sienna sent me of the pediatrician. Okay. Monday, lunch… My favorite restaurant, even! Sounds like a good plan.

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

‘Dreams cannot be bought’

European Super League was suspended, all six English clubs abandon the proposal ⚽

The clubs talk about being a family and fans being the soul of the club, and how they have missed the fans. In this pandemic, that's all we've heard. The game isn't the same without the fans.

Obviously, and if more evidence were needed, the fans marked up that they are the owners of football. With special intensity in England, where supporters of the big six went to the stadiums this Monday with strips and posters that opposed the Super League, true football fans showed up that they do not believe in closed leagues, lifelong qualifications or the end of a policy of retribution and merit. For the story, there is the protest of the Chelsea fans, who gathered next to Stamford Bridge, in the antechamber of the blues game against Brighton, starting by demanding the departure of the club from the project and ending up celebrating that same exit.

Then the coaches, Jürgen Klopp, Marcelo Bielsa and Pep Guardiola were among the most inflamed coaches. Football for ‘supporters', is the dream of seeing their heart's team compete against the biggest ones. If this European Super League advances, those dreams ended, the daydreams of supporters of teams that are not big enough to be able to win on the field, when competing in the best competitions, come to an end.

Then UEFA Aleksander Čeferin at the head. The Slovenian, with the threat that the current Champions League semi-finalists would be immediately removed from the current edition of the competition, in addition to ensuring that all clubs, coaches and players involved in the Super League would not be able to compete in national and international events again, it was enough to cause panic in the changing rooms and teams. Čeferin, who has always been an avowed opponent of any competition similar to this one, won the first battle against the group of dissidents. And he came out even more reinforced in the UEFA leadership — a leadership he gained, right from the start, based on the support he got from the lower European leagues.

We believe in an improved Champions League, but not in the rich stealing what people have created. American, Arab and Russian tycoons bring money; but they rule out the popular character that is intrinsic to football.

The European Super League project cannot proceed following the withdrawal of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham six Premier League clubs.

[samstevebuckyhq]

Paragraph 79 Houses: Building a New Home in the Countryside

Have you ever found yourself dreaming about building a Paragraph 79 house?

Building your own grand design house in the countryside is a dream for lots of people; something to aspire to and daydream about. But could it turn out to be a reality?

Well, for any of these daydreams to transpire into bricks and mortar you’ll need to be fully up to speed with Paragraph 79 (or ‘Para 79’) of the National Planning Policy Framework, previously known as Paragraph 55 (or ‘Para 55’). 

This article will show you exactly how to design Paragraph 79 houses so that you can build a unique and individual bespoke house, tailored to match your needs and aspirations.

You will learn how to work collaboratively with your architects and planning consultants to increase your chances of getting planning permission for your Paragraph 79 house in the countryside or on the Green Belt.

We will show you outstanding design examples, explain the principles of good design and reveal the importance of innovative construction and sustainability methods. And if you don’t own a piece of land yet, we will also show you a step-by-step guide to help you find the best plot for developing your countryside house.

So let’s begin…

What is a Paragraph 79 Country House?

Paragraph 79 projects follow the guidelines in criterion (e) of Paragraph 79 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (formerly paragraph 55 of the National Planning Policy Framework), which governs the construction of new, isolated homes in the countryside. 

To begin with, paragraph 79 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is a unique piece of legislation that provides exceptional circumstances for allowing the construction of isolated dwellings within the countryside. The policy assesses a planning application against a set of tests to ensure an exceptional quality design that reflects the highest standards in architecture. 

In fact, paragraph 79 began life back in 1997 as Planning Policy Guidance 7 (PPG7) and was introduced by then Environment Secretary John Gummer (now Lord Deben). In its earliest form, the guidance stated that:

“An isolated new house in the countryside may also exceptionally be justified if it is clearly of the highest quality, is truly outstanding in terms of its architecture and landscape design, and would significantly enhance its immediate setting and wider surroundings’. This means that each generation would have the opportunity to add to the tradition of the Country House which has done so much to enhance the English countryside”.

As years and governments have passed, PPG7 slowly transformed into Paragraph 79, but the initial framework remains. The current legislation states that a house given Paragraph 79 planning permission must:

be of exceptional quality;

be truly outstanding or innovative; 

reflect the highest standards in architecture;

help to raise standards of design more generally in rural areas;

significantly enhance its immediate setting;

be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area.

We will explain each of these imperatives in detail below but let’s have a look at how to obtain planning permission for a house in the countryside first.

How to Get Planning Permission for Paragraph 79 Homes

Paragraph 79 is an exception in the planning system that allows the construction of new houses in the countryside. You will be required to justify that your proposal meets the stringent requirements set out in Paragraph 79 in order to gain approval for an exceptional dwelling within an isolated setting. 

Needless to say, when preparing your planning application, you need to pay special consideration to sustainability in terms of the location of the site, the proposed building design and construction technologies; visual impact on the countryside; and landscape design. Therefore, you need to adopt a meticulous design-led approach if getting planning permission for Para 79 house is your end goal. 

Like getting planning permission in the green belt, gaining approval for an exceptional dwelling within an isolated setting can be difficult – each application brings its own unique set of challenges.

Unfortunately, there is no formula for providing a ready answer to any planning permission question for Paragraph 79 homes. Neither is there any rigorous and objective approach to assess Paragraph 79 planning applications for the criteria set out above.

The simple truth is each application has its own unique set of circumstances, which will be independently assessed by the local planning authority or the Planning Inspectorate. With the right team of professionals working on your project, you can pull out all of the stops to justify why your proposal should be granted consent. 

And once completed, your Para 79 dwelling will become part of a legacy for future generations to enjoy and gain inspiration from. Remarkably, people will benefit from the innovative, outstanding design of your property through a trickle-down effect.

The truly unique design elements of your Para 79 house will set the standard for design for years to come. Meaning this policy presents the opportunity to inspire and influence housing design of the future. Imagine what it would be like!

So now you have a basic understanding of the fundamentals of the Paragraph 79 policy, let’s look at its imperatives in more detail and learn how to design an outstanding building to improve the chances of getting planning permission in the countryside.

Paragraph 79 Policy Explained in Detail

Paragraph 79 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provides exceptional circumstances for permitting the construction of isolated dwellings within the countryside. The policy assesses a planning application against a set of tests to ensure the proposal meets these specific criteria of Paragraph 79.

Be of Exceptional Quality

Your planning application will be subject to rigorous analysis, but it may be of benefit to highlight your considerations about the exceptional quality of design, starting with the building. 

It sounds simple. But it isn’t.

In fact, it can be extremely difficult to pin down what is meant by exceptional quality design as exceptional quality will mean different things in different locations and settings. It will be dependent on the existing design standard and the key characteristics of that area.

However, despite there not being a clear definition of exceptional design, what is clear is that your proposal must be way above the ordinary. Not only must your proposal be unique, but you must also look to push the contemporary boundaries of construction and design methods. 

Believe it or not, the depth of understanding of Paragraph 79 will vary from council to council; therefore you should do everything in your power to ensure that your local planning authority has a strong core understanding of the policy and know how to apply it. 

Let me say this straight: Exceptional quality of design also requires the balance and integration of building design and landscape design – the marriage of structure and its topography. That is why it is crucial that you give equal consideration to the landscape design and the design of the building itself.

In other words, this isn’t just a landscape afterthought; this is landscape design front and centre to give you the best chances of winning planning permission.

Therefore, your architects should collaborate with a successful landscape architect as a part of the design team from day one as new isolated homes in the open countryside require the creation of a distinctive sense of place that fully integrates the building with its topography and surroundings. Make no mistake about it!

With attention to detail towards high design quality of the building and its harmony within its landscape settings, you can achieve an exceptional quality development that draws on its distinctive setting, whilst remaining contemporary, modern and timely. 

While the merits of exceptional design are open to subjective interpretation, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure that you have done everything in your power to achieve exceptional results. For example, early engagement and correspondence with your local planning authority and a Design Review Panel will increase your chances of your application being successful. But more about that later…

Be Truly Outstanding or Innovative 

It is important to note that the policy requires your design to be truly outstanding or innovative; not necessarily both. Previous versions of this policy, such as that outlined in the PPS7 (Sustainable Development in Rural Areas), required the proposal to be innovative and outstanding.

While your scheme doesn’t need to be both, it is recommended to aspire to both to make every attempt to increase your chances of approval.  

Here’s another way to think about it…

Paragraph 79 is the premier league of housebuilding and design – the policy wants dwellings to be at the forefront of ground-breaking design and construction and to raise the standard of design in general. 

By and large, the policy tries to reinvent traditions into something more avant-garde and contemporary, creating an opportunity for each generation to create their own legacy through outstanding architecture. This means that your outstanding design should be bold and daring, and look to celebrate the distinctiveness of the local area.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, innovation is something that dovetails with modern schemes; modernity is often assumed to be “innovative” but this doesn’t mean that traditional schemes can’t be innovative too.

In fact, innovation can be reflected in a home’s design and engineering, and it is an area that is trending big style in Para 79 schemes. The difficulty with innovation in architecture is that it demands a constant raising of the bar.

Remember: Your scheme should be a unique one-off design; repetition is not an option. Being truly innovative means doing something completely different opposed to doing the same thing but better. 

Beyond that, proving architectural innovation is not just a tough task – it is ultimately self-defeating; the risk being the creation of a generation of prototype houses that exist in their own little world, rather than raising the standard of available housing stock.

The truth is innovation in architecture demands that the wheel be constantly reinvented; it is out of the question to propose something that has already been done and claim it is innovative. The aim is to create your very own landmark structure. There is no doubt that the balance is heavily in favour of contemporary interpretations of the country house, but with a sustainable flavour, however, this does not mean that traditional schemes cannot be adopted.

But one thing’s for sure: There is not a “one size fits all approach” to innovative design. What would be considered innovative in one setting may not be considered in another; it can be very situational. It is a pointless exercise getting inspiration from previously approved schemes, because what has been considered innovative in one proposal simply will not be deemed innovative in another. 

What it all boils down to is that a clear innovative concept that has evidently driven the design of the dwelling can provide sufficient evidence to support your application. Innovative concepts can include low carbon homes, off-grid hydrogen homes and designs that incorporate green technology. Linking architecture, landscape design and mechanical and engineering often results in truly outstanding and innovative design quality. 

What’s more, Sustainability has become a golden ticket to get projects through pre-application, outline planning application and full planning application as a route to claim innovation. The sustainability agenda has become implicit since Para 79 was introduced and is a key part of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Using a sustainability consultant is commonplace, but the desire to get approved sometimes means that sustainability for its own sake overshadows a genuine design need for it.

Despite the policy itself only being short, you require a substantial amount of evidence support a Para 79 scheme. Gathering sufficient evidence to convince the local planning authority that a design is truly innovative has its challenges. Similar to exceptional quality design, what is classed as innovative is open to subjective interpretation. So it’s time to start thinking outside of the box. 

Reflect the Highest Standards in Architecture

To gain approval in the countryside, designing a beautiful home is not enough. Your home must be an expression of progressive and pioneering design fit for the 21st Century and beyond.

Therefore, a Para 79 house with the highest principles of architecture should incorporate sustainability into the building envelope by adopting heat recovery ventilation, triple-glazing, insulation, rainwater harvesting and passive solar gain etc.

Collectively these sustainability principles can be referred to as Passivhaus principles. Passivhaus design is a standard for design and construction that aims to create homes that maintain comfortable temperatures with minimal energy use. 

The fact is that Passivhaus principles are merely sensible design and something any planning officer would expect to see in a Para 79 project. However, these are not, on their own, reasons why they would automatically grant planning consent. While Passivhaus principles were innovative in the field of sustainable design when they were first introduced, they can now be considered extremely common. 

Obviously, a combination of factors will help you to justify whether your scheme helps to reflect the highest standards in architecture. If your proposal meets the other five criteria set out within the policy, then it should be well on its way to reflecting the highest standards in architecture. This following quote from a planning inspector in an appeal decision reinforces this point:

“The building would be constructed to a high level of energy efficiency incorporating many sustainable construction features including high standards of thermal insulation, rainwater harvesting, air source heating, photovoltaic panels and low energy lighting. I consider that this dwelling is of a very high standard of architecture, includes a number of innovative features, and would raise the standards of design more generally in rural areas.” (Appeal Ref: APP/N2535/W/16/3149772 – approved at appeal) 

Help to Raise Standards of Design in Rural Areas

Despite a general drive to increase the quality of design of new build homes, the reality is that the vast majority of houses in the countryside consist of mass-produced housing stock. What this means is that the large majority of new build homes are less than remarkable, cookie-cutter builds with below-par environmental performance. 

Therefore, the Paragraph 79 of NPPF has been introduced which seeks to promote “exceptional quality” homes with “outstanding” design quality in open countryside, on designated Green Belt land and for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Paragraph 79 policy encourages developments that demonstrate quality efforts that match and compliment the environment they reside in.

In other words, policy also acknowledges the issues of typical housing design and is important in architects’ professional development. It makes them respond to a setting and produce amazing outcomes. A Paragraph 79 home should aspire to be noticed on a national stage for its use of experimental design and technologies.

In order to help raise standards of design in rural areas, your proposal must become an exemplar for outstanding and innovative rural architecture, from which future projects can take inspiration from. You can achieve this through the use of particular materials, the adoption of particular methods of construction or through conservation of the environment. 

Significantly Enhance Its Immediate Setting

A famous architect once said: “The task of the architectural project is to reveal, through the transformation of form, the essence of the surrounding context.”

You was that architect?

Vittorio Gregotti.

How that quote can apply to your project?

Best get started with it…

Quite simply, you need to start designing with context in mind. In other words, your design should not stand out but fit in! Your home must embrace its immediate surroundings and find ways to enhance it.

Having a thorough understanding of the site’s context is essential if you are going to significantly enhance its immediate setting. So it is worth really taking the time to study and assess the key features and characteristics not only of your site but also of the area in which your site is located.

For this reason, your design needs to be site-targeted. Your architects will have to extensively analyse and evaluate the context so that they can utilize it to the best of their ability within the scope of your project and Para 79 criteria required.

Besides focussing your design on context, you also need to pay particular attention to local history, and local character. Your architects need to find a balance between preserving the heritage of the setting, for example by using local materials, whilst creating designs that are modern and contemporary.

But here’s the problem… You may question whether your chosen site can actually be enhanced any further. Your chosen site will no doubt already be exceptional and beautiful due to its isolated countryside setting. However, there are a number of ways in which already beautiful sites can be enhanced.

In any case, exceptional quality design will mean different things in different locations; this can make the process complex. However, it generally ensures that your proposal fits beautifully into its surroundings. 

A successful scheme that will gain approval based on its ability to enhance its immediate surroundings should look to establish a strong connection between the structure and its surrounding landscape. No doubt about it…

All in all, if architecture is contextual, it paves the way to a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the landscape and its surroundings. All good architecture and design should seek to achieve this. Contextual design should positively respond to the physical characteristics of the site, which results in something unique… which is exactly what a Paragraph 79 should be. So, have we got that straight?

A successful scheme can be summarised in the following quote made by a planning inspector: 

“I therefore conclude that the outcome would be an attractive assemblage of the natural and man-made that would represent a significant enhancement of the immediate setting” (Appeal Ref: APP/W1715/W/16/3148910 – application approved at appeal.)

Be Sensitive to the Defining Characteristics of the Local Area

There’s only one way to justify this criteria. So let’s take a closer look…

In a nutshell, your proposal would need to clearly demonstrate that the defining characteristics of the local area, including the local and regional building materials, have been considered and accounted for within your design. Your sensible design will look to preserve and enhance the unique set of circumstances surrounding the site. 

But there’s one problem: Certain sites can be deemed too exquisite, where a new residential development in the countryside simply will not enhance the setting. Alternatively, a worn-out, run-down piece of land, regardless of topography and open countryside, is sometimes deemed not worthy of exciting and innovative building design.

As if that’s not enough, local planning authorities can be subjective and seem to move the goalposts when they grant consent.

Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of your site including its landscape features, biodiversity, ecology and its local contextual factors is critical in increasing your chances of a successful application. This will allow your proposal to be truly sympathetic to it’s unique and sensitive location. 

What to Expect When Submitting a Planning Application for  a Paragraph 79 Home in the Countryside

The planning process is so important and understanding how to work it is critical to your chances of success.

But one thing’s for sure: You should expect a difficult planning and lengthy planning process because Paragraph 79 planning is an intricate process of give and take; you will need a strong team of experts in Para 79 houses and Green Belt developments. 

I’ll walk you through the whole process…

First of all, you need to have a great team consisting of architects, town planners, landscape architects and other specialist consultants depending on your case. They will help you to navigate this complex piece of planning policy in order to secure consent for your new home. You must be prepared to listen and trust your team. We will explain the importance of this in the next chapters. 

Secondly, it is so important that the scheme is not outright rejected by the case officer; it needs to go to committee. A consistent theme during the planning process is the need to educate the planning committee about the nuances of Para 79.

If I may say so, the difference in the level of understanding varies hugely from one local authority to another. However, if you can educate that committee about the project and arrange a site visit, it will be of huge benefit.

So what’s it all mean?

If the local planning authority in question has good knowledge about Para 79, this will act in your favour, as they are more likely to approve your application. However, you can’t solely rely on their knowledge – this must be accompanied by a meticulously prepared planning application. 

On the other hand, if the local planning authority rejects your application, you have the right to appeal the council’s refusal. The case will then be overseen by the Planning Inspectorate, who will independently review the case.

Admittedly, planning inspectors are notorious for their rigorous approach to assessing planning applications; they have the best understanding of Para 79 and know how to apply it. They look very favourably on very well-prepared planning appeals. Remember; fail to prepare, prepare to fail. 

Therefore, the appeal stage is the golden opportunity to finally secure consent for your countryside home. Although appeals can take an age and cost the earth, a large proportion of Para 79 applications gain approval at the appeal stage.

Let me say this straight: There is no reason to give up on your dream home if you fall at the first hurdle. This process is a marathon, not a sprint, and you must be fully invested in this process, especially when you encounter obstacles such as a refusal.

Choosing the Right Architects and Planners for Your Paragraph 79 Project

Even if your feeling is that you don’t need a specialist Green Belt team or at the least think that that is not essential, higher approval rates are associated with meticulously developed and properly represented schemes created by leading Green Belt and Paragraph 79 architects and town planners.

2020 is the 23rd anniversary of this policy yet many great Para 79 and Green Belt architects and planning consultants still struggle to grasp the basic details, never mind the intricacies and nuance within each of the tests set within paragraph 79. 

Therefore, choosing the right architecture and planning firm for your paragraph 79 project is not far off choosing a manager for your football team – no-one comes with a guarantee of success but there are some who can display previous experience of achieving success, and some who have little experience but display all the facets needed for future success.

They will be the driving force behind your project, working with Arboricultural consultants, Ecology consultants, Sustainability consultants and more… So, make no mistake about hiring the best Paragraph 79 architects, planning consultants and professionals.

You probably already know that we here at Urbanist Architecture have a strong track record in providing architecture and town planning services for developments in the Green Belt and countryside. Over the past five years, we have delivered incredibly successful schemes for national house builders and seasoned property developers right through to first-time investors and landowners. 

As a multidisciplinary team of architects and planning consultants specialising in Para 79 houses and Green Belt developments, our structure allows us to specialise in crafting creative planning application strategies for residential developments with sensitive planning conditions and restrictions.

With a dedicated focus in developing good design with our clients and seeking collaborative negotiation with planning officers, we secure planning permissions for unprecedented and quite exceptional projects.

So now you have a basic understanding of the fundamentals of the Paragraph 79 projects, let’s look at some of this in more detail and start with how to find the best plot (if you don’t have one yet), how much it costs to submit a planning application and how much it costs to build a Para 79 House. 

Finding the Right Plot for Building in Countryside

So far, this article has established that there are a number of considerations in a successful design scheme, however, there is one element that should be prioritised above the rest – and that is the site itself.

An exceptional, outstanding site provides strong foundations upon which to build an exceptional and outstanding dwelling. The land is the only element of the site that yourself or your architect can not amend, so it is critical that you chose your site wisely. 

Let’s jump right in…

The sites most likely to gain approval for Para 79 houses are those where a former country home has been located – these sites are often referred to as ‘long-derelict country homes’.

Essentially what this means is, the former country home has been removed due to neglect or an accident and the land is empty. However, the key thing is it has been previously developed and used for residential purposes. 

In planning terms, your Para 79 dwelling would not be classed as a replacement home, but the land is being used for a similar purpose that it previously has been. A planning committee is more likely to support a scheme proposed on a site of this kind where the principle of a dwelling has been long established. Do you see where we’re going with this?

Every new countryside house approved under what is now Paragraph 79 should be exceptional quality or innovative in its nature of design. Exceptional doesn’t happen if you’re copying what has been done previously. This design test is great for architects’ professional development, but not so great for your overall approval process.

Remember: You have to also accept that a brilliantly designed new rural home will not be enough without the right site and context. You have a better chance of getting rural homes approved if there is a derelict property on the site or if the site is previously developed, or if the site is a woodland plot.

That feeling is that the perfect Paragraph 79 site should have a mythical property that it is notoriously tough to define and impossible to predict. Any Paragraph 79 architect or a team of Paragraph 79 planning consultants worth their salt will tell you that the site is of prime importance in gaining planning consent.

Does that sound rather unscientific? 

Well, it is. This is all about interpretation and feel rather than criteria. 

Local planning policies (including local land supply targets) will to some degree have an influence on the success of approval but, every submission under Paragraph 79 will likely contradict local planning policy in that it will be a new house in the open countryside, but you can look elsewhere in the policy for elements to support your case. 

It can be the case that some areas in England are more Para 79-friendly than others. Some councils may welcome this exceptional standard of development.

For example, South Cambridgeshire District Council, within their Economic Development Strategy, express an “unfulfilled demand for large high quality homes in the £1 million plus category suitable for business executives”. A policy of this kind will work in your favour when submitting an application for a Para 79 home. 

In addition to that, the site’s proximity to existing homes affects the way any approval might be considered “isolated”, but this is far from clear-cut. Common sense dictates you wouldn’t expect to see new Para 79 country houses at the end of a row of existing homes.

One such example was an application for a project in Nottinghamshire that was rejected despite meeting all the criteria outlined in Para 79; the house was literally across the road from houses in the Greater Nottingham conurbation and therefore was not deemed to be isolated.

Lots of the countryside we see as perfect for Para 79 houses is part of the Green Belt or situated within an AONB; traditionally a no-go area for local planning authorities as enshrined in all local plans. The good news is that Para 79 can trump Green Belt designations. You will need to demonstrate attention to visual impact, exceptional landscape and building design and exemplary sustainable design.

In order to secure your own piece of Green Belt land, upon which to build a Para 79 dwelling, the following criteria may help you to improve your chances of success:

Green Belt Land, ideally previously developed

Not in an existing housing development – but not (see below) too far from one either

Located within one kilometre of a train station (TfL or National Rail), roughly a 10-minute walk 

The land should not (ideally) fall under: protected under the Birds and Habitats Directives and/or designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest; land designated as Local Green Space, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; land within a National Park (or the Broads Authority) or defined as Heritage Coast, irreplaceable habitats including ancient woodland; aged or veteran trees; designated heritage assets (and other heritage assets of archaeological interest referred to in footnote 55 of the NPPF); and areas at risk of flooding or coastal change. 

The simple truth is you can’t just buy a plot in the hope of getting Paragraph 79 approval. It’s difficult to assess why some sites gain approval and some don’t. Good quality design and a sustainable design with a minimal carbon footprint and green technology may help are some instances. Exciting and innovative building design with high-quality building materials which reflect the very highest standards of architecture and landscape may help in others. It can be a bit of a lottery.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Planning Permission for a Para 79 House?

Although every project is unique and it is impossible to calculate the professional fees of architects and other consultants without a detailed assessment, you should be prepared to invest at least £15,000 to apply for planning permission for a Paragraph 79 dwelling house. 

Purely as an indication, charges for full architects service, from conception to completion, can be calculated as a percentage of the build cost and ranges between 12% and 20% for these types of buildings. 

You may find slightly cheaper rates – however, Para 79 houses require specialist expertise, experience and design talent, and cutting costs in professional fees would not work in your favour. We probably all have memories of cutting costs and then having to live unhappily with unsatisfactory results for a long time.

For example, if your team fails to justify how your proposal meets the requirements of the Para 79 policy, you are going to be tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket, potentially with nothing to show for it. It is tough to meet the criteria of the Para 79 clause, and even if you feel you have, the decision rests with your local Planning Committee and if you appeal, then with the Planning Inspectorate. 

Therefore, selecting the right architecture and planning firm to help you prepare and present your case, and secure your Para 79 planning permission is key to minimise your risks and bring your vision to fruition.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Para 79 House?

Paragraph 79 of the National Planning Policy Framework emphasises the need to prove the exceptional quality or innovative nature of the design of the new dwelling. 

This means that you would require to incorporate innovative construction methods and sustainability initiatives into the design of the building envelope to create a potential “Signature/Grand Design” scheme to improve the chances of obtaining planning permission. 

For this reason, the true cost of building houses to such high standards would start in the region of £3,000 per square metre and depending on the design, it may go up to £5,000 per square metre. For example, if you require a 200sqm living space, then your Paragraph 79 house cost would start from £600,000 to build.

Quite surprisingly, a relatively high number of Para 79 houses that obtained planning permission have never actually been built. Sometimes this is due to the owners of the sites wishing to cash in on their newly valuable land, but it also happens because the actual build costs became astronomical.

How to Work with an Architect to Design and Build a Para 79 Project

Firstly, be careful who you work with. An increased level of interest in and knowledge of the policy means that this is less of an exclusive club than it previously has been.

Therefore some new names in Para 79 business actually limited or no success so far. The truth is it can be difficult to know how much your architects and planning consultants know about the implications of a Para 79 process until you really start to work with them.

Many architects want to grab the opportunity to work on a Para 79 project with both hands, however experience in this field is key, when it comes to a successful scheme. 

But one thing’s for sure: You first need to take the time to have a proper initial discussion process and base it around the way they might look at a project of this type. You should examine evidence of an understanding of the importance of how they will balance the criteria of Para 79 and how they will justify your scheme. 

Don’t forget: your team will be fundamental to your success and will include the likes of architects, planning consultants, landscape architects, sustainability consultants, topographical surveyors, arboricultural consultants, transport impact assessors and other specialists depending on the requirements of your development.

Let’s dig a little deeper…

Having picked an experienced architecture and planning firm, and the rest of the team, it is time to forget what you think you know about a self-build project. One of the things you will need to understand early is that even though this is your project, to get it done you will need to accept that there will be shared-ownership of the project as it starts to fully take shape.

It is understandable that you will have a vision for the end product, however, try not to get your heart set on too many aspects of the design as your project will have to evolve organically and will be shaped by external factors. Also, you will have to make a number of changes to your design throughout this process, based on recommendations from external consultants and design review panels.  

In short, the design process for these projects is immensely more involved. When your home needs to be the crème de la crème; quality needs to be through the roof and your team needs to be in control of the arguments.

You will also have to accept that your needs and wants may need to take a backseat at least partially to the needs of the rural development area. A Paragraph 79 house design means compromise; it is not uncommon to end up with a country house that is still a fantastic piece of architectural design, but is nothing like you originally envisaged; same land, same location, but a different design using professional innovation.

So it all adds up to this: Preparing an application for a Para 79 dwelling is a truly collaborative process, which will involve the exchange of ideas and the input from a whole host of built environment professionals. Shared ownership of your scheme is the key to success. 

How to Work with a Landscape Architects and an Arboricultural Consultants

It is essential that the landscape design and the building design work in harmony with one another. In other words, physical realities of the site, including the land topography, vegetation and trees should complement with the building design.

During the planning application process, you and your dedicated team of professionals will spend time liaising with landscape architects, who will commission reports and surveys that aim to enhance your understanding of the ecology, biodiversity and the resources of the site.

This is a long process that uncovers minute but important details about not only the landscape of the site but animals, prevailing wind direction, sunlight, climate and geology amongst other things. 

So what does all this mean?

The plans produced by landscape architects help to develop the narrative behind the dwelling design and articulate the contextual relationship of the house and its surroundings.

The more time is spent on understanding a site and its context the stronger this narrative becomes, allowing a more responsive design to emerge. Therefore, engaging with a successful landscape architect will allow proposals to be sketched up that positively respond to the landform. 

Ensuring you involve a talented landscape architect from the outset allows them to lay down some rules about the site. There are a number of ways in which your proposal can enhance the landscape including:

Forming a relationship between interior and exterior spaces through the complementation of architecture and topography;

Binding the site together using woodland;

Linking up habitats; 

Bolstering the woodland edge;

Introducing wildflower areas and a quality mowing regime to promote biodiversity;

Putting management plans in place for all areas.

In fact, the landscape of your site can become a major part of your overall design concept, therefore it is important that you consider how your home will integrate into the landscape. You should consider landscape design as a fundamental component of your project, underpinning the whole scheme. 

Let’s not forget: The aim of Paragraph 79 homes is to celebrate the diversity of the English landscape. Therefore it is crucial that the architecture takes its design notes from the landscape and its rich defining features. The Planning Inspectorate often comments on landscape design within their appeal statements; 

“The important point about this proposal would be the combination of features and opportunities offered on the site which would combine to form an integral part of its design. Overall, the design would embrace the site’s physical characteristics in terms of the contours of the land, its orientation and views towards the ponds. It would be of an exceptional quality.” (Appeal Ref: APP/M1710/W/15/3010471 Wishanger Estate, Smithfield Lane, Headley Down, Bordon, East Hampshire GU35 8ST – scheme approved at appeal). 

Landscape architects and arboricultural consultants will assess the impact of your development on trees and landscape features on your site. Quite simply, the local planning authority will look favourably on your application if you have considered the care and management of these features. 

Not only is it important to create a strong narrative between the scheme and the landscape, you must also be able to develop a strong narrative between your proposed scheme and yourself. The personal narrative, between yourself and your new home, is of equal importance as the site narrative.

The understanding must go beyond the layout and the number of bedrooms proposed. Successful applications will include detail on how you plan to make effective use of the landscape, how you plan to move through it and what personal connection, if any, you have to the site. A strong and compelling personal narrative will help those assessing your application to gain a rich and meaningful understanding of how you will make the most of this exceptional piece of landscape. Just imagine that…

Here’s the point: Your Para 79 proposal should represent a design that addresses the complementary relationship between architecture and existing site features. Your proposal must display a thorough understanding of the local landscape issues and present your case in the best light all of which will have a huge influence on your project’s success.

That is why, a holistic landscape design key is gaining the support of the local planning authority and the Planning Inspectorate, so is not something to be overlooked or neglected in the planning and design process. 

Should I Use Design Review Panels?

Oddly enough, significant cuts to local authority budgets have meant that many councils no longer employ in-house design teams. Subsequently, key design decisions are being made by planners who lack both the knowledge and the experience to make a sound judgement on whether a proposal meets/reflects the highest standards of architecture.  

Although it is up to the final judgement of the local planning authority to establish whether a design meets the standards specified in the policy, we highly recommend the use of design review panels. 

Basically, a design review panel is an independent advisory body of highly distinguished built environment practitioners. They offer impartial advice and guidance on design issues related to new and emerging development typically at the pre-application stage. The expert knowledge and advice from the review panel can be instrumental in securing planning permission for your Para 79 home.

In short, Design Review Panel provides evidence for proving the ‘exceptional’ nature of your project. The members of the panel will provide impartial expert advice about the design of your proposed home, which can prove invaluable when it comes to putting together a full planning application. 

In previous cases, the Planning Inspectorate has given great weight to feedback from the design review panel, therefore, engagement with a design review panel is crucial. Also, the panel itself will commend you for bringing your proposal forward for review at an early stage. 

Obviously, the report the panel produces will help to prove how the highest standards in architecture have been met within your design, however, it will also include design recommendations that will increase the likeliness of your application being approved by the local planning authority. This is why early engagement is crucial, as amendments can be made to the design whilst it is still fluid. 

Remarkably, there are endless benefits to using design review panels as part of your application, all of which should be given great consideration in the early stages of your project. Having the support of a professional design team, as part of your application, can significantly increase your chances of securing planning permission for your dream Para 79 home.

How Likely Are You to Get Planning Consent?

First, you must establish whether the site has the right ingredients to achieve planning consent. All tests of the Para 79 must be met to secure planning permission – however, there is rarely a consistent approach adopted by local planning authorities to assess if these tests have been met.

Let me explain…

A planning decision can be made at various levels; under delegated powers, at committee or at appeal. A report, appraising the proposal, will be produced at each one of these stages. Within the report will be justifications for the officer, committee or planning inspector’s decision.

Believe it or not, the majority of Para 79 applications are decided at the committee level, as most planning officers will typically refer the application to a planning committee when they believe it does not meet the Para 79 criteria.

Let’s not forget: Planning consent is never guaranteed; however, all developments must be decided on the planning balance qualitatively rather than quantitatively. The interpretation of the policy can be seen to rely heavily on subjective criterion, meaning there is the opportunity for the application of varying definitions of what constitutes “exceptional” or “innovative” to create conflicts and contradictions from place to place.

The success or failure of your planning application will be affected by a multitude of factors relating to the materials submitted and existing site circumstances of any project.

This chart provides a clear indication of the resulting success rate of Para 79 planning applications; in 2018, 52% of applications were approved and 34% refused. 

For example, for projects in the Green Belt, there is the principle of openness. If your site has other buildings on it, one option is “consolidating building form”. If there aren’t buildings, the process may be more difficult.

For instance, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are clearly protected by strict national policy. This doesn’t mean that it is not possible to get approval, but it is far more complex to build on these pieces of land.

Another example is that if your site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or on top of any hill, your development will have a huge visual impact. Hence, the chances will be slim to get planning consent. If you are able to minimise this visual impact, your chances will be significantly improved.

The good news is the NPPF now requires all councils to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, which essentially means they must be able to prove they have enough land to supply five years worth of housing needs. If a council is unable to demonstrate this, then this can be of benefit to your project. Quite simply, your home will be positively contributing to the council’s housing supply and helping them to meet their housing target. 

Bottom Line

Paragraph 79 of National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) seeks to raise the bar in terms of quality when building in the countryside or on the Green Belt. The planning process of your development will be both time-consuming and exacting; however, it is an exciting route to navigate, and living in the countryside in your special house will offer you a quieter, more peaceful and more relaxing life. 

The majority of Britain’s most beautiful landscape is under protection and subject to strict regulation and control. But Paragraph 79 presents a unique opportunity to get around these regulations and build something extraordinary. 

Para 79 houses are not for everyone, however, if you are looking for a bespoke, innovative home of outstanding quality, that is both sustainable and futureproof, then it is worth exploring this planning avenue. Imagine what it would be like to have a unique opportunity to create your own tailor-made living environment that suits your needs. Astonishing, isn’t it?

We are a good fit if…

You prefer a custom, one-size-does-not-fit-all approach. 

You are passionate about good design.

You are interested in massively effective projects that are delivered on time and need minimal revisions.

You need an expert, strategic, multidisciplinary chartered architecture firm, and not just the cheapest provider.

You are more interested in receiving an exceptional service than a low-end, perfunctory one.

You want to work with a firm who will fearlessly stand with you as true believers in your proposal’s mission.

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The post Paragraph 79 Houses: Building a New Home in the Countryside appeared first on Urbanist Architecture - London Architects.

source https://urbanistarchitecture.co.uk/paragraph-79-house/

[ktrsss1fics]

Latch by ktrssss1.

II. Dr. Manning & Dr. Halstead.

Niall Horan hated weekend training. There were plenty of ways he could be spending his Sunday morning and none of them involved the football pitch.

This Sunday session was particularly rough. The aftermath of a catastrophic night of drinking was still evident. His stomach felt a little dodgy and a permanent throb rattled his brain.

All he really wanted to do was cuddle up next to the girl who was hopefully still in his bed at home.

That wouldn’t be happening though. He still had half an hour left and that half hour was going to be absolute hell.

He made his way over to the bench to grab some water while the training staff got ready for the conditioning portion of practice. A few of his teammates were telling horror stories from the day before. Niall couldn’t help but laugh. He too had been worse for wear but luckily Raegan was around to make him feel better.

“Horan!” A guy called Fred shouted.

Niall turned towards the group, “What?”

“Can you ask the missus if there is anything I can take to make me head better?” Frank asked placing the heel of his hand on his forehead.

“She’s gonna say drink water and take Disprol.” Niall said. “Like she always says when you ask.”

“It’s not helping this time. I feel like I’m dyin’ a slow death.” Frank said dramatically.

“You’ve got to rehydrate yourself.” Niall explained. “Your body isn’t filled with the right stuff so it’s punishin’ ya. Not enough water and good rest can’t outweigh the bad you’ve done.”

“Ooh Ni’s a doctor now.” Someone chirped from across the group.

“Fuck off.” Niall laughed.

“Spends too much time with that bird of his.” Oscar teased from beside Fred.

“Like you should be talkin.” Niall rolled his eyes.

“Who’s his lady?” A fresher asked not understanding what was going on.

“Fiery redhead who he wouldn’t leave alone at the end of the party.” Fred said.

“Oh fuck. She was proper fit.” The freshman said impressed. “Well done Horan.”

Niall faked a smile as the group started talking about the other attractive women that had shown up to the party. He had made it known to all his teammates that talking about Raegan in that regard was off-limits. Freshman were usually the only ones to bring her up. They didn’t know any better. He wasn’t very fond of other men objectifying his best friend.

As parts of the female anatomy were starting to be compared, Niall looked around to find Oscar trying to get attention. His giant of a friend nodded over his shoulder before leaving the group. Niall followed behind him.

“Y'alright there Oz?” Niall asked.

“Would rather be asleep.” Oscar joked before stretching his back at. “You?”

“Not looking forward to this next bit.” Niall said trying to figure out what their coach had in store for them.

They had a month until the season started. They were in the final stretch of preparations and the pressure was on. Niall needed this to be the best season he had ever had. There was rumors going around that recruiters for a few of the Premier League teams was going to be made their rounds for new talent. Deep down, he wanted to be acknowledged. If he could get a job playing football on a major team, then he and Raegan would be set for life.

“I heard it’s Chelsea and West Brom.” Oscar said pulling Niall from his daydream.

“Sully heard Crystal Palace and Derby.” Niall said turning towards his friend.

“Terrifying innit?” Oscar laughed nervously.

Niall nodded slowly. “Incredibly.”

“You’ve got the best chance out of any of us.” Oscar said crossing his arms over his chest.

“Says the six-foot-five defender.” Niall scoffed.

They were big fans of how each other played. Out of all the guys on the team, Oscar and Niall were the closest.

“So you make your move yet?” Oscar asked in a hushed tone.

Niall shook his head let out a sigh. “No.”

“Why not? What happened after we left?” Oscar asked looking at his friend concerned.

“She yelled at me for wearing shoes in her bed and then we fell asleep.” Niall shrugged trying not to let his cheeks grow pink.

“Fuck.” Oscar laughed. “She runs a tight ship.”

“Fucking tell me about it.” Niall replied dryly.

“You two work well together.” Oscar smiled.

“I know.” Niall blushed. “I’m just worried what’ll happen after. What if she–”

“She kissed back.” Oscar cut him off.

“We were drunk Oz.” The Irishman sighed.

“Drunk or sober don’t matter.” Oscar said. “She’s always going to kiss back.”

“Things were awkward after that.” Niall said running his tongue across his lower lip. “I can’t go through that again.”

“Then don’t.” Oscar said.

Niall looked over at his friend confused.

“It’ll only be weird if you let it.” Oscar said before clearing his throat. “Speaking as an unbiased third party, I just need you to know that she’s into it mate.”

Niall’s entire body grew warm. “But how do you–”

“She kick you out bed yesterday?” Oscar asked.

Niall shook his head.

“When you asked her, because I know you asked, did she cook you a fry-up even though she felt like death?” His friend asked next.

Niall nodded chewing on his lower lip.

“She still in your bed right now?” Oscar asked raising an eyebrow.

“Dunno probably.” Niall mumbled.

“Do you see what I’m getting at Ni?” Oscar asked. “I’ve been around women long enough to know they don’t just do that kind of stuff mate.”

“Then why do they do it?” Niall asked.

“Because they are invested.” Oscar explained.

Niall ran this hands through hair slightly frustrated. “But she’s been me best mate for ages. How’s it any different than that?”

“It just is. You just know.” Oscar shrugged. “That’s how it was for me and Liv.”

“Thanks for the help there Oz.” Niall mumbled dryly.

“I’m sorry.” Oscar said realizing his advice wasn’t great.

A whistle blew catching the boys’ attention. The team was called in to finish practice.

“Ni, just trust me. One day you’ll both wake up and just know and it’ll change.” Oscar said as they headed across the pitch.

“Yeah but how long s'that gonna take?” Niall sighed.

“From where things were heading before we left Friday, I’d say sooner than you think.” Oscar said as a line started to form.

The two boys headed to the back as their coach started to explain what type of conditioning they would be doing for the rest of their time on the field.

“Oz, you think-you uh–” Niall said in a hushed tone. “Should I make the first move?”

“What’s your heart say mate?” Oscar glanced down at him.

“I want to be hers.” He admitted shyly.

“Then you should–” Oscar started to say but his nervous friend cut him off.

“But what if she doesn’t want to be mine?” Niall mumbled.

“Stop overthinkin’ it.” Oscar whispered. “It’ll happen when it happens.”

“Fuck.” Niall shook his head. “This is the worst feeling ever.”

“Shouldn’t drink that much then Horan.” Fred panted stepping up behind him.

“Blasphemy!” Niall proclaimed.

The boys stayed quiet as the line moved forward. Just before it was his turn to go, Oscar spoke. His words caused Niall’s mind to race. He didn’t know if he should believe it but he hoped it was the truth. Before he was given the chance to spend too much analyzing hypothetical scenarios, he was expected to run faster than all the other guys on his team. He did it, without hesitation.

An hour later, Niall was home and ready for a nap. He was exhausted and anxious. His conversation with his friend was occupying too much space inside his brain. He dropped his things by the front door and headed straight for his room. He had hoped Raegan was still asleep in his bed.

Much to his dismay, she was not.

Sprawled across the living room floor amongst an assortment of textbooks was his red headed best friend. She was speed writing in a notebook while a lecture played from her laptop.

She still had his sweatshirt from the night before on and that made the funny feeling in this stomach grow a little stronger.

“Why the hell are you awake Bean?” Niall asked heading toward the couch.

“Got shit to do Horan.” Rae replied glancing over at him briefly.

“What time did you get up?” He asked closing his eyes.

“Just after my personal heater left.” She said making him smile. “How’d it go?”

“Besides the fact that everyone was still hungover, it was decent. Beat everyone in sprints at the end.” He said sounding content.

“That’s great.” She said getting a good look at him. He looked exhausted.

“One of the freshers thinks you’re fit.” He teased.

“Which one?” She rolled her eyes.

“Mikey, the little blonde fella.” Niall said. “I could set you two up if ya like?”

Raegan grabbed a pen and threw it at his head.

“Ow!” He groaned opening his eyes to look at her. “I was only joking.”

“You better be.” Rae replied. “I don’t have the time to train someone new.”

Niall shook his head. “Brat.”

“So what are you going to do now?” She asked. “Food? Those readings you mentioned?”

“Nap.” Niall sighed closing his eyes again.

“If you sleep too much right now, you aren’t gonna sleep tonight.” She said going back to her notes.

“I’ll be fine Mother.” He mumbled trying to get more comfortable.

“I’m just trying to look out for you.” She replied.

“If that’s the case, do you wanna look after me coursework for me?” He joked.

“That’s all you. I’ve got my own mess to take care of.” Rae said looking over at him.

Niall shot up. “Speaking of taking care of things, were you able to…”

The redhead nodded. “Yeah. It’s edited and just needs a once over before you turn it in.”

“You are a gem Raegan O'Reilly. An absolute gem.” Niall gushed as he got off the couch to get his computer.

On the way to his room, he bent down and left an appreciative kiss on top of her head.

“You didn’t need much help.” She explained. “I really only changed a few things.”

“My arguments made sense then?” His voice called out from his room.

“Yeah. Just a few grammatical errors and one of the quotes you used wasn’t right.” She scribbled a few notes on her paper.

“How much I owe ya?” Niall asked walking out of his room laptop and book bag in hand.

“Was gonna say a load of laundry but after looking in your room last night and realizing you’ve given up on clean clothes, I’ll pass.” Rae teased.

Niall’s cheeks turned pink at her playful jousting. He tried to think of a witty comeback but nothing came to mind. A victorious smirk danced across his best friend’s face.

“Hey Rae?” He asked reclaiming his spot on the couch.

“Hmm?” She mumbled change lectures on her computer.

“Do you still have all of Hollis’ revision guides for ANAT 200?” Niall asked glancing over at her.

“It’s the first week of term Ni.” She said looking up at him. “You can’t start cheating already.”

“It’s not cheating. It’s borrowing.” Niall sassed. “Besides I only want them because you take way better notes than I do.”

“If you really tried, you could too.” She mumbled to herself.

“Alright little shit enough out of you.” He shook his head.

“You love me.” She smirked looking up at him.

Niall’s entire body grew warm. He wanted to say something. He wanted to tell her that she wasn’t wrong. He did love her. He loved her a lot.He had loved her for a while. But it was in a way he didn’t think she was ready for.

He hadn’t had time to obsess over wording or rehearse reaction scenarios in his head. He opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out. His eyes focused on hers. He hoped that they would say everything for him.

With a furrowed brow, she studied his face.  She knew that look. She had seen it a few times before. He was trying to tell her something. He wanted her to read his mind so he didn’t have to say it - except this time it was cloudy.

For as long as she knew him, in true Irish fashion, he struggled to express how he felt. He always left her to figure it out on her own. Not only was that extremely frustrating but it was nearly impossible. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get him to open up. She would pry, claw, and scrape her way to his locked-up heart. She climbed the stairs to the top floor. She knew the pass code. She had the right credentials and security clearance.

But even then, she wasn’t allowed in.

Raegan cleared her throat trying to give him the opportunity to speak. To make a stupid joke about the weather. To tell her more about his morning. To give her a hint about what she was supposed to be figuring out. But he didn’t. He just shook his head and turned back to the computer on his lap.

She didn’t get it. She wasn’t a stranger. She wasn’t the girl who only dated him to make her ex-boyfriend jealous when they were sixteen. She wasn’t the girl from his writing course who thought he was into her because he lent her a pen.

She was Raegan O’Reilly. The girl who taught him how to kiss. The girl who took care of him on his eighteenth birthday. The girl who was still taking care of him when he drank too much. The girl who had been there from the start.

She was different. Why couldn’t he see that?

Frustrated, she let out a sigh. He kept his eyes on his screen. She wanted a response. He knew if he looked at her she’d let him have it and he wasn’t ready to explain what was really going on. Not yet.

Without a word, the redheaded woman grabbed all of her belongings and headed to her room. If he wanted to be a stubborn pain in the ass, she wasn’t going to sit around and watch. She had too much to do.

She placed her computer on her desk and prepared to write her second paper of the day. She still needed to make a set of revision cards for an exam she had later in the weekend. She heard him start to talk to himself and knew her plan was starting to work. She closed the door forcing him to be alone with all the emotional shit he was too afraid to deal with.

Maybe he’d actually be ready to talk about it with her when she came back out.

Four hours later, Raegan O’Reilly was ready to stab her eyes out. Her brain was starting to hurt and her stomach had been growling for the past thirty minutes. She needed a break and maybe a sandwich. She saved her paper once more  before walking out of her room.

As she stepped into the living room, she rolled her eyes. Niall hadn’t really left his spot on the couch. A fresh bag of ice was propped on top of his knee and a pen had been tucked behind his ear. An oversized book about human anatomy sat on his lap as he scanned the page it was open to.

“I can help you revise, if you want.” She said softly.

“Huh?” He mumbled looking over at her.

“I can help if you want.” Raegan said. “I’m kind of a pro on the subject.”

“It’s fine.” Niall sighed turning the page. “I don’t need you doing the work for me.”

“Don’t be a baby.” She said. “I just want you to actually understand what’s going on.”

“That’s what Google is for babe.” Niall joked making her smile.

“You’re ridiculous.” Rae shook her head.

“How’s it going for you?” He asked as she walked towards him.

“I want to rip me hair out.” She said dramatically.

“That well, eh?” Niall said taking in her appearance. She looked stressed.

She yawned before sitting down in front of him. “I’m almost done.”

“Why’d you leave the lair?” He teased making her laugh.

Her stomach answered his question for her.

“If I order Chinese, will you have some?” He asked looking down at her.

Raegan nodded before resting her head against the couch. Niall reached over and massaged the top of her head as he ordered them something to eat on his phone. She closed her eyes getting lost in the way he massaged her scalp. She wanted to take a quick nap but she feared she’d be out for the night if she did.

“Sorry.” He mumbled pulling his hand away from her head.

A groan of disapproval left the tired girl’s lips. He tried to laugh it off but couldn’t. His fingers made their way back to the top of her head. She nuzzled into him as his fingers intertwined themselves with her hair.

“You can’t fall asleep yet.” He said softly.

“Just need twenty minutes.” She mumbled relaxing into the edge of the couch.

“We’ll go to sleep soon.” He replied. “We just have to eat and finish our work.”

“You’re supposed to be the rebellious one.” Rae shot back opening an eye.

“Just got to make sure we get our shit sorted.” Niall said shyly. “You can’t be expected to do it all the time.”

“Are you almost done with that?” She asked referring to the paper on his chest.

Niall nodded before handing it over to her. “Was just going over it again.”

Rae sat up slowly. “So you want my help?”

“I might retain it better.” He shrugged.

“Why?” She turned around to face him. “You’ll remember everything I say?”

Niall took a moment to think before responding. “Well, yeah.”

“Bull shit.” She laughed hoping her cheeks weren’t turning pink from his words.

“It’s true.” He said quietly. “Unlike other people, what you say is important. To me at least.”

With those words, she felt a pang in her chest. She didn’t know if it was the way he said it or the words themselves but it meant a lot. He did shit like this all the time and it killed her in the best ways possible. He was going to be the death of her. Him and his confusing actions.

“How do you want me to do it?” Rae asked trying to get back on track.

“Just ask away.” He smiled closing the book and placing it on his chest.

“The first test is just to see what you know right?” She asked glancing at him.

“Yeah so I hope I do okay.” Niall said slightly nervous.

“What’s an organ?” Rae asked.

“Group of tissues with the same function.” He stated confidently.

“Correct.” She smiled scanning the paper. “What are the five types of cells in our body?”

“Um fuck. Okay so you have muscle, nerve, bone, uh blood, and I can’t think of the last one.” He said looking over at her.

“Glandular.” She added.

“Right.” Niall sighed. “Get it together Horan.”

“What does the epiglottis do?” Rae asked.

“That’s the little flap that prevents food from going to your lungs.” He said tilting his head to the side. “Right?”

She couldn’t help but laugh at his description.

“What?” He blushed.

“Nothing.” She shook her head. “You’re right Ni.”

“Sorry I’m not all scientific like you are.” He rolled his eyes playfully.

“What is nephrology?” Rae asked trying to catch him off guard.

“Study of the structure, function, and diseases of the kidney.” Niall rattled off.

“Neurology?” She asked raising an eyebrow.

“Study of the nervous system and its disorders.” He said.

“What is hyperextension?” She asked through a yawn.

“When you over extend a joint past its limits.” He said yawning back.

“Where is your perineum located?” Rae asked remembering how ridiculous her classes reaction to  the next few questions on the sheet were.

“Um hold on.” Niall closed his eyes. “That’s like your privates right?”

“Essentially yes.” Rae blushed. “Area between the anus and –”

“Scrotum or vulva.” Niall replied keeping his eyes closed.

“What is the function of a female’s clitoris– never mind we both know that you don’t know where that is.” She smirked causing his eyes to shoot open.

“Hey!” Niall exclaimed. His entire face lit up. “I’ve learned a lot since then.”

“That’s debatable.” She mumbled to herself.

“I could take you to my room right now and show you if you’d like.” He offered.

His eyes had turned a shade darker as he focused on her face. She knew what he was doing. He wanted her to bring it up first. He wanted her to agree.

But Rae stood her ground. She wasn’t going to be the one who initiated things. Especially after what was discussed before the party the other day. If Niall wanted to move things to the next level, he was going to have to make the first move. He was going to have to admit his feelings. He was going to have to show that this was serious and not just another attempt to cure loneliness.

“Watching porn isn’t actually a credible source Ni.” She smarted off.

He opened his mouth to rebut her comment but he couldn’t think of something quick enough. She marked that as another victory in her book.

“Anyways, let’s move on.” Rae said looking back at the paper.

“You’re scared.” He said crossing his arms over his chest.

“What are you on about?” She asked with an incredulous look.

“I could show you but you’re scared.” Niall said a bit more timidly.

“I’m not the one with intimacy issues Ni.” She responded slowly.

“I don’t have issues. I just…” He said before trailing off.

“You just what? Like to talk a big game about sleeping with me but don’t even intend on doing so?” She blurted out without thinking it through.

“Rae.” He said quietly.

“No I get it. It’s just banter to you. And that’s why we never talk about it. You just say it as a ruse to keep me interested.” Rae rambled on.

“That’s not – that’s not true.” He stammered.

“Then what is true?” She asked looking fed up.

He opened his mouth to answer but his head stopped his once again. A moment of silence passed between the two and it hurt. It hurt a lot.

Raegan cleared her throat. “That’s what I thought. Let’s get back to this.”

“Raegan.” Niall sighed hoping she’d give him another chance to explain.

“What?” She asked sounding unenthusiastic.

“Don’t.” He said reading the signs of disappointment on her face.

She moved the paper and looked him in the eyes. “Don’t what?”

This was his moment. His chance to make his move. His chance to change everything. All he had to do was say the word and she was in. 

“I’m –” He started to say but stopped. He closed his eyes trying to gather as much confidence as his tired body had.

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, the doorbell rang relentlessly. She closed her eyes and cursed under her breath. Niall got off the couch and headed for the door. He took a deep breath almost feeling relieved. He grabbed the bag from the delivery guy’s hand as a throught ran through his mind.

Sometimes the timing just isn’t right.

[cvrnewsdirectindia]

James Maddison is the real deal and Chelsea’s kids can make the top four – 10 things we learned

It was the Premier League weekend that saw Liverpool show their battling qualities to continue their perfect start, Manchester City slump to another defeat and Crystal Palace break into the top six.

We also saw further evidence that both Manchester United and Tottenham will struggle to make it into the Champions League spots.

Sportsmail’s JORDAN SEWARD looks at the things we learned this weekend.

Mauricio Pochettino is in deep trouble 

‘No desire’, ‘no heart’, ‘toothless’: these were the resounding soundbites to come out of Tottenham’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton on Saturday.

Eric Dier admitted after the match that the club are in a crisis following a torrid run of form that has seen Tottenham win just once in six games.

At times like these, it is the leading figures that must stand up and be counted, but Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t seem to have any answers for their problems, not least seem interested in figuring them out. 

Sacking Pochettino would have been unthinkable just four months ago when he led Tottenham to the Champions League final. Now, in Daniel Levy’s mind, it will be under serious consideration.

Mauricio Pochettino is facing the axe at Tottenham after another humbling at the weekend

Watford will face a battle to beat the drop

At the start of the season, few, if any, would have had Watford on their lists to go down.

FA Cup finalists last term and a team that looked to be moving in the right direction, but all of that has changed in a matter of months. 

Watford have no wins from their opening eight games, are stranded at the bottom of the league and showed no signs of stopping the rot against Sheffield United on Saturday.

It may still be early on in the season, but if Watford can’t win a home game against a newly-promoted side, you have to wonder where are the points going to come from?

Watford are not showing any signs of improving their form after drawing with Sheffield United

Money can’t buy you three points

If any club summed up why throwing money at a problem is a rarely a good idea, it would be Everton.

They spent over £100million in the summer on new players, but find themselves in the relegation zone after eight games. 

The Toffees have now lost four on the bounce after the 1-0 defeat at Burnley and look totally bereft of confidence. 

Burnley, contrastingly, spent just £8m and are now up to seventh after Saturday’s win. 

Everton spent over £100m on players in the summer but have made a poor start to the season

Wesley can score goals at this level

Perhaps Aston Villa fans thought they were getting the quintessential Brazilian striker when Wesley joined for big-money in the summer.

Instead, they got a 6 foot 2 powerhouse that is much closer to a Dion Dublin than he is a Ronaldo.  

Having only ever played in the Slovakian and Belgian top leagues, Villa fans had their reservations about Wesley, but now they may just be starting to believe he is the man to fire them to safety. 

The 22-year-old grabbed a brace as Villa hit relegation rivals Norwich for five on the weekend. He now has four in eight and is proving he can do it at this level. 

Wesley proved he can score goals at this level with a brace at Norwich on the weekend

James Maddison is the real deal 

James Maddison is a very good player; that has been common knowledge since he made the move to the Premier League.

Whether or not he could take his game to the next level and be one of the top performers in the country was another thing. 

But the 22-year-old is showing as each week passes that he is the real deal. 

They say the best players do it against the biggest teams and now Maddison has an assist against Chelsea and goals against Tottenham and Liverpool this season.

James Maddison is peforming against the best teams and scored at Liverpool on Saturday

Roy Hodgson’s a master manager on a small budget

Roy Hodgson has done a marvellous job at Crystal Palace. It doesn’t get said enough.

He has had little to nothing to invest on new recruitments but has managed to keep Palace up comfortably each season. 

They spent just £9.5m last summer and £6m this summer, and yet have more points this year than any other Premier League side bar Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal.  

His Palace side are now up to sixth after Saturday’s impressive 2-1 victory at West Ham – the man who scored the winner, a £2.5m summer signing from Championship side Swansea. 

Roy Hodgson continues to defy the odds with Crystal Palace up to sixth after win at West Ham

Chelsea’s kids can make top four

Frank Lampard’s Chelsea made a rocky start to the season, but they are slowly beginning to find their feet. 

Having lost Eden Hazard and been unable to sign any players due to a transfer ban, Chelsea’s chances of making the top four appeared slim.

Lampard turned to youngsters at the club and they are starting to deliver for him. Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount have been a revelation this season and were both on the scoresheet in the win at Southampton on Sunday. 

With performances like the one on the south coast, there is no reason why Chelsea can’t finish in the top four.

Chelsea’s youngsters are proving to be a real handful after swatting aside Southampton

Manchester City are a defender light 

Pep Guardiola’s biggest mistake was not buying a defender in the summer. 

Aymeric Laporte’s injury couldn’t have been foretold, but Vincent Kompany was a huge figure in the dressing room and should have been replaced.

John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi are too inconsistent to be trusted to play alongside each other which has meant Guardiola has resorted to pushing Fernandinho back into defence. Fernandinho is a wonderful footballer, but he is not a centre half.

City’s defensive frailties were exposed by Wolves on the weekend as they slumped to a surprise 2-0 defeat to fall eight points behind Liverpool. Guardiola is already planning to bring in a defender in January, but will the title race be over by then?  

In hindsight, Pep Guardiola will have wished he signed a defender in the summer window

Calum Chambers still has a big role at Arsenal

It sounds bizarre writing it, but after mediocre loan spells at Middlesbrough and Fulham, Calum Chambers still has an Arsenal career.

The 24-year-old has been shifted from right-back to centre half to centre midfield during his short career and has never really settled in a position.

But in recent weeks he has stamped his claim on the right-back position in Arsenal’s team. Chambers has looked like a player reinvigorated and may yet have an important role to play for Arsenal this season.

He kept Daniel James quiet against United last week and on Sunday helped Arsenal record a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth. 

Calum Chambers has looked reinvigorated and was man of the match against Bournemouth

Fred is simply not good enough

How many more chances is Fred going to get? 

He’s been at Manchester United for 14 months now and no game sticks out in the mind where he actually played well.

Whose idea was it to spend £50m on him? If Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were not so short, you’d suspect he wouldn’t even get a look in.

In a game that was crying out for a piece of magic, it was debutant Matthew Longstaff that provided it, while the £50m Brazilian player daydreamed through the whole game at Newcastle. An exit in January or next summer looms.

Manchester United must be losing patience with £50m misfit Fred after another poor display

from CVR News Direct https://cvrnewsdirect.com/james-maddison-is-the-real-deal-and-chelseas-kids-can-make-the-top-four-10-things-we-learned/

[tipsoctopus]

What Norwich City can learn from Wolves' Premier League campaign

Norwich’s 2-1 home win over Blackburn Rovers last Saturday sealed their promotion to the Premier League, marking the Canaries’ return to England’s top tier after a desolate three years away.

As the full-time whistle blew at Carrow Road, the deafening cheers from the crowd just about summed up the relief felt from all Norwich fans, players, coaches and hierarchy alike. After two seasons of mediocrity in the Championship, the Canaries were finally returning to the promised land they so proudly called home back in 2016.

Under the management of German Daniel Farke, who became the first foreign head coach in the club’s history at the end of the 16/17 season, the Canaries have gone from strength to strength and adopted a fast-paced, possession-focused brand of football, reminiscent of the Dortmund II side Farke had managed previously.

Despite his first season ending in a disappointing 14th placed finish, Farke’s second has been nothing short of a miracle, with Norwich winning 26 of their 45 games and scoring a whopping 91 goals in the process.

Such a success story paves similarities with the dominance shown by Wolves last term, as they earned promotion from the Championship at somewhat of a canter with four games to spare under Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Portuguese boss has since guided the team to an unbelievable first season in the England’s top division, surpassing all expectations by not only avoiding relegation but challenging for European football.

Before Santo’s appointment, Wanderers were tinkering on the edge of capitulation after a managerial merry-go-round almost ended in disaster with the club sat in the Championship’s relegation zone. Yet, under the 45-year-old’s stewardship, they have transformed into a competitive and credible Premier League outfit occupying 7th position amongst the Premier League’s big hitters.

Whilst reaching the European elite seems unlikely as they’re currently 12 points behind 5th placed Arsenal, Wolves can take much satisfaction from proving their doubters wrong.

It is this resilience and determination that has embodied Wolves as a club, and are the characteristics Santo himself believes are vital in surviving the callous clutches of the Premier League.

Yet, as well as the bravery and brawn on the field, Wolves have shown bags of ambition off it, with Chinese owners Fosun committing huge sums to signing top-quality players since their 2016 takeover.

Amongst these additions are dynamic midfielders Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota. Investing in the midfield areas has paid dividends for Wanderers, as Neves and Jota have been involved in 46% of their 46 Premier League goals this season, scoring 13 and assisting 8 between them.

However, shrewd spending alone isn’t enough for Norwich to prosper in the top flight. This season, Wolves boss Santo has found the perfect tactical balance between creativity and conservativeness, stifling even the highest quality of opposition.

Wolves play with five at the back – this gives their midfield maestros the freedom to roam with extra width, whilst maintaining a solid defensive line.

Wing-backs Matt Doherty and Jonny, with 63 Premier League starts between them, play so high up the field that their challengers are put on the back foot whilst pressure is eased on their own defence.

Such a tactic imposed by Santo has contributed massively to Wolves’ newfound identity as a prudent yet dangerous outfit, and has been effective in preserving their own net as Wolves have conceded the 5th least goals this season, only bettered by Chelsea, Spurs, Man City and Liverpool.

This suggests a similar style of play, paired with quality investment in solid-minded players is the secret to success in England’s top tier, and is something that Norwich will need to emulate to some extent next term – a newfound steeliness to match the incredible attacking football Farke’s inspired at Carrow Road.

Yet, this all seemed a distant daydream for Norwich City two years ago – following their relegation from the top flight in 2016, the Canaries foiled any hopes of an immediate return after finishing 8th in the Championship the subsequent season.

However, it wasn’t long until Delia Smith was cutting the cake with their new boss Farke, and after Norwich’s rampant run to promotion this year suggesting they could replicate the top-tier success of their west Midlands counterparts, they may well be applying the icing very shortly.

from FootballFanCast.com http://bit.ly/2GTF6ya via IFTTT from Blogger http://bit.ly/2VDVJHx via IFTTT

[furshrimps]

Some Papillons from the World Dog Show in Leipzig. I didn’t get around to research their names yet, though.

I met my future Pap breeder at the show, and was thrilled to learn a few things about shows and Paps in general from her. I’m a little sad that I didn’t get a single nice photo of her dogs, but oh well. Maybe another time.

This time all of my photos ended up grainy, because everything was indoors and I often had to make full use of my tele lens. Additionally I have to admit that I have no idea how to properly select settings manually, since I rarely have the chance to do staged shootings where you can stay in one place and fiddle with the settings for ages (and I have a preference for using what animals offer on their own to capture their behaviors as naturally as possible...). The photos are fine as refs for paintings, which is my main purpose anyway, and while they’re no fotocommunity material this time, maybe you’ll still enjoy looking at pretty pups. ;) If nothing else, I noticed my focus was a lot better this time, I hardly ever missed what was important. Yay!

[furshrimps]

From the Crufts 2020 footage:

Beautiful dog!

This year's Crufts had a distinct lack of Papillons (yeah I'm biased XD but there also was not a single Papillon in agility so...), so here's a pic of Premier League Daydream Believers, aka Simon. I took this photo in 2017 at the World Dog Show in Leipzig. He's 1 year and 4 months old in the pic if I did my math correctly.

Simon won BOB at Crufts 2020! And he's litter brother to Planet Waves Forever Young Daydream Believers (aka Dylan), who won Crufts BIS in 2019.