#shiraz 2nd

[thewineauctionroom]

New Post has been published on https://wineauctionroom.com/report-on-summer-online-auction-announcing-next-live-auction/

Report on Summer Online Auction & Announcing Next Live Auction

While broader economic indicators presented a mixed bag, wine market in March showed optimism for price stability, overall our auction results of first quarter 2024 showed some improvement compared to the previous quarter.

Our Summer Online Auction concluded on 3rd of March offered some top quality lots that generated new records.

For the first time, the highest hammer win went for two Scotches: both 1995 The Dalmore Castle Leod Home of Clan Mackenzie Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky in Wedgwood Decanter sold for $1175.*

Burgundy delivered yet another solid performance, 1988 Domaine Jean Grivot Richebourg Grand Cru scored $987, and 2012 Domaine Anne Gros Le Grand Maupertui Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru sold for $470, 2013 Domaine Alain Hudelot-Noellat Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru reached $411.25 while 2001 Domaine Jean Grivot Vosne-Romanee Aux Brulees 1er Cru sold for $329.

Another category often sees stable ROI regardless of the broader economic performance is undoubtably Bordeaux and Bordeaux blends from high quality regions around the world. In this past auction, 1983 Chateau Palmer 3eme Cru Classe sold for $940 and 2013 Destiny Bay Magna Praemia reached $376. We had quite few “big lots” featuring beautiful 6-bottle OWC with 2018 Stonyridge Vineyard Larose selling for $1057.50, followed by 2013 Te Mata Estate Coleraine at $987.

Some other highlights include 1990 Chateau de Beaucastel Hommage a Jacques Perrin Chateauneuf du Pape scored $987, 2008 Jim Barry Armagh Shiraz sold for $329, and 2007 Egon Muller Scharzhofberger Riesling Spatles got snapped up at $293.75, great buys.

All prices include Buyers Premium but exclude GST.

Our next auction will be a Live sale at Caro’s Wines 14 Mackelvie Street, Grey Lynn from 6pm on 2nd of April. The Full catalogue has already been published, be sure to register and place your absentee bids soon to increase your chance of winning! As usual, this auction will be streamed live on auctions.wineauctionroom.com and absentee bids are welcome before and during the auction.

[usafphantom2]

Iran's Su-22 jet accident

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 12/17/2023 - 17:46in Aeronautical Accidents, Military

A Su-22 fighter from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Air Force (IRGC) crashed in the province of Fars, in southern Iran, on Saturday afternoon, December 16.

The jet crashed near Lake Parishan, in the Kazerun district. The pilot managed to eject and was not injured, according to the Tasmin agency. There were no victims.

However, in an interview, the governor of Kazerun confirmed that the pilot is hospitalized, suffering from a pelvic bone fracture.

The semi-official news agency ISNA reported that the aircraft, described as a "military type of training", crashed due to a technical failure.

The incident follows a similar one that occurred in August last year, when another IRGC Sukhoi 22 fighter crashed at the Shiraz air base, attributed to a technical failure. In November 2017, in Sarvestan County, Fars province, another aircraft of the same type crashed, resulting in the death of the pilot.

Tags: Aeronautical AccidentsMilitary AviationRevolutionary Guard of IranSu-22 Fitter

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[behind-the-8-ball]

Date: 2 August 2019

Location: Porispere Festival (Pori, Finland)

📸: Hellu Suniola

[r-ene]

t01.10.22

there's nothing unusual with me being sleepy but afternoons make me sleepier than usual these days, morning work out + chores tires me out a lot hahaha

today:

neuroanaphy: started reviewing notes and flashcards from first year on nervous system, made a document for advance study notes

patient assessment and ECG: went through first two lectures, also will made a document for this with additional notes from my friends who took up the subject last year

respiratory physics: another document for this class, not sure if I'll be taking this for this 2nd semester or midyear or next 2nd semester since this one's discussed in my current uni's first year

had a pizza night with my siblings, partnered with some shiraz (for me), watching formula 1 on netflix. really good way to spend the night on a tiring day :)

how's your 2022 so far?

[rockstarmyass]

theriotjoel post: NEW SINGLE, ALBUM RELEASE DATE, FINNISH SHOWS:

We proudly announce our highly anticipated 3rd full length album will be released on August 12th, 2022.

To celebrate the start of a new cycle, we give you the next single ’’Scream’’, which will be available on all relevant platforms on March 11th.

’’Scream’’ is a dark leap into the realm of mysteries hidden in the psychological depths of unconscious thoughts. It portrays the immense power of the mind and how it may overwhelm and turn against you if not nurtured. Despite the oppressive atmosphere it sends a message of hope and determination. Which leads to our determination to finally bring our live experience back on stage! We have included the following dates and locations on our tour list and we truly hope to see everyone of you elevating these evenings into something magical with us!

Back to Life Tour 2022:

19.08. - FI - Helsinki, Tavastia

20.08. - FI - Seinäjoki, Rytmikorjaamo

26.08. - FI - Turku, Utopia

27.08. - FI - Lahti, Möysän Musaklubi

03.09. - FI - Tampere, Olympia

17.09. - FI - Kouvola, Pato Klubi

23.09. - FI - Joensuu, Kerubi

30.09. - FI - Kuopio, Sawohouse

01.10. - FI - Kajaani, Kulma

Between the Finnish tour dates, Shiraz Lane will be doing two shows in Europe; Indoor Festival on September 2nd and Glam Slam Festival on September 10th.

European Tour with @realcrashdiet

04.05. - SE - Stockholm, Debaser Strand

06.05. - NO - Oslo, John Dee

08.05. - DK - Copenhagen, Pumpehuset

09.05. - SE - Gothenburg, Pustervik

12.05. - BE - Bilzen, South of Heaven

13.05. - BE - Roeselare, De Verlichte Geest

14.05. - NL - Rotterdam, Baroeg

15.05. - NL - Breda, Bel Air

17.05. - UK - Leeds, Key Club

19.05. - UK - Wolverhampton, Robin 2

20.05. - UK - Machynlleth, Lion

21.05. - UK - Call of the Wild Festival, Lincoln

22.05. - UK - Edinburgh, Bannermans

25.05. - ES - Madrid, Story Live

26.05. - ES - Barcelona, Bóveda

28.05. - BE - Wildfest, Geraardsbergen, JC De Spiraal

30.05. - DE - Münich, Backstage

31.05. - DE - Cologne, Helios

02.06. - DE - Hamburg, Bahnhof Pauli

03.06. - DE - Berlin, Badehaus

04.06. - DE - Lichtenfels, Paunchy Cats

@rankakustannus #shirazlane #scream #backtolifetour #gingervinemgmt

[sunflowerpumpkinpie]

I just wanted to let you know that after some bombarding of Shiraz Lane content from (but not limited to) your part, I've ended watching their "Making of the 2nd album" videos and now I'm very soft for Anna and Jani 😅

KSKDKDN I’M SORRY (not very sorry but yknow 🖤) i haven’t watched those videos yet i’m not sure why but i will later!

here’s this one of them being 💖dumbasses💖

[definewine]

Vintage report: Mudgee 2021

Jacob Stein, Robert Stein Wine, Mudgee

Wineries and grapegrowers in the Mudgee region of NSW are celebrating what we say has been a surprisingly excellent vintage. Following on from the extremely difficult vintage of 2020, most winemakers are breathing a sigh of relief, being able to fill up their cellars again. The previous drought of 2018-2019 saw wine production drop in those years, and the smoke affected 2020 only saw about 25% of the region's wine being made, so we were sweating on 2021 to be great. The gods were kind and gave us some tough but manageable conditions. 

We had more rain in the growing season of 2020/21 than in the whole two years of 2018 & 2019 combined. The rain produced numerous downy events through the growing season, but luckily most vineyards were vigilant enough to protect the fruit & produce good quality wine grapes leading into harvest.

There was a late start to harvest in 2021 with the sparkling base Chardonnay and Pinot Noir being picked on the 2nd and 3rd week of February, with early whites being harvested soon after and into early March. 

Luckily we then had four weeks of relatively drier weather, allowing us to concentrate on ripening red varieties. The cool, slow ripening conditions ensured natural acids were retained and flavours able to develop gradually, meaning whites like Riesling, and reds like Cabernet Sauvignon are particularly exciting. 

Most early red varieties including Shiraz were picked on the second and 3rd week of March, before the 100mm of rain event started on the 22nd March. 

Vignerons were worried about the later red varieties, and some suffered but most powered through this rain event and we were lucky to have three weeks of dry weather to harvest the later Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and some later alternative varieties. 

The highlights of the vintage 2021 in Mudgee look to be Riesling and Chardonnay, Rosé is excellent and it seems our Cabernet Sauvignon could be the overall star of this vintage. 

All varieties show excellent natural acidity from the cooler vintage, and we were lucky to ripen them with harvest being in the middle of the rain events and slightly lower cropping levels. 

Mudgee topography, with elevated and mostly sloping vineyard sites, and being a warm climate was the major factors in us having a good vintage. 

Surprisingly, even in a wetter than normal year, most of the Shiraz is showing good concentration and medium bodied with bright purple colour and displays cooler spice and nice red fruit characteristics. With Mudgee cellar doors experiencing a massive influx of tourism and wine lovers, it’s the vintage we needed to fill up our cellars and keep our family owned cellar doors operating at full potential into the year ahead.

[bm-asian-art]

Amr, Disguised as Mazmahil the Surgeon, Practices Quackery on the Sorcerers of Antali, Dasavanta, ca. 1570, Brooklyn Museum: Asian Art

This painting of the "Qissa" (Accession no. 24.49) is identified as Book 11, 84 r. by Sheila Canby and is one of a series of three which depict the entry of Amr and his companions into the fort of Zumurud Shah and his sorcerers disguised as a physician and his attendant. Once in, they proceed to drug the sorcerers and rescue their captives. In the immediate foreground, opposite the massive palace gate flanked by two towers, arises a large craggy hill beyond which are tiny figures of shepherds herding their flock, and to the right a traveler carrying a box slung on a pole walking past a large tree. In contrast to this quiet mood the scene inside the palace is one of utmost agitation. Amr, in disguise, attends to the sick and emaciated sorcerer whose thin and wasted body is emphasized by the massive robes in which he is swathed. The man, supported by a concerned attendant, leans forward to have his pulse taken by the doctor. Figures in a state of great apprehesion and nervous agitation can be seen all around. These include a shrieking woman carrying a child who clings frantically to her neck while she grasps another child by the wrist. Across the courtyard is a young frightened woman who has thrown herself on a much older woman lying on a bed, clinging to her by the arm and the shoulder. The bed rocks violently, this being skillfully suggested by the wildly fluttering bed-cover edges, reinforcing the tumultuous happenings all around. Among other sensitively observed figures is a man hastily tying his turban, ready to spring into action, while the man next to him has dozed off, cradling his head in an arm. Scattered all over the floor are assorted bags containing medicaments. Adding to the noise and confusion is a servant pounding away in a large mortar. He is presumably preparing the medicine prescribed. The horse attended by grooms to the right, tongue extended, one leg raised impatiently reinforces the restless atmosphere. (Quoted from Pramod Chandra in "Realms of Heroism: Indian Paintings from the Brooklyn Museum" NY, Hudson Hills, 1994) From 1st Catalogue card: Amr, disguised as Doctor Muzmahil, treating sorcerers in a Courtyard is the third in a series of extant paintings illustrating the entry of Amr and his companion Yakdam into the fort of Zumurrud Shah at Antalya. Once inside the fort, Amr, Amir Hamza's boon companion, here disguised as a doctor, drugged the sorcerers and freed the prisoners taken by the giant Zumurrud Shah. Milo Beach has convincingly attributed and the two that precede it (in the Freer Gallery and the Museumfur Angewandte Kunst in Vienna) to the artist Mahesh. Beach characterizes his style as follows: "His figures can be immensely lively, as shown by gesture, stance, and facial expression, and this animation is enhanced by generally bright colors. Even the early pages show a developed delight in bearded faces and an ability to make mustaches expressive. The smooth, distinctive forms he develops for mountains remain relatively unchanged throughout his career." In addition, Mahesh has a preference for bundles of drapery with thick folds, particularly evident here in the turban and other clothing of the sorcerer being treated by Amr. Vignettes such as the shepherds outside the fort's walls and highly individualized figures also characterize his work. From 2nd Catalogue Card: Cotton cloth, gouache colors, gold illumination. Large single framed and matted illustrated page from the "Dastan-i-Amir Hamzah," (Romance of Amir Hamzah), the Persian story of the life of Amir Hamzah, uncle of the prophet Muhammad. The illustration shows Dr. Muzmahil doctoring sorcerers in a courtyard. the walls of the city and rocks outside take up the foreground. The paint is slightly chipped. It is painted in gouache colors on cotton which has been treated with a slip of lime and gum Arabic and polished. The text on the reverse is written in Persian Nastalique on rag paper. The manuscript was largely written and illustrated at the Court of Akbar from 1567-1582/1562-1577 by Mir Sayyid of Ali of Tabriz and Khawji Abdus Samad of Shiraz, aided by many Indian artists, although the work was ordered by Akbar's father Humayun in 1550 on his return to Kabul from exile. The general style is in the Persian miniature tradition, but the colors, costumes, foliage and architecture are all Indian. Size: 31 x 25 in. (78.7 x 63.5cm) 26 3/4 x 20 5/8 in. (67.9 x 52.4cm) frame: 37 3/8 x 30 1/8 x 2 1/2 in. (94.9 x 76.5 x 6.4 cm) Medium: Opaque watercolor and gold on cotton, mounted on paper

https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/23165

[thewineauctionroom]

New Post has been published on https://wineauctionroom.com/report-on-august-live-auction-annoucing-a-special-single-vendor-auction/

Report on August Live Auction & Annoucing A Special Single Vendor Auction

In our Late Winter Live Auction, which was followed by its after-sale Buy Now auction that concluded on Wednesday the 2nd of August, back vintage Bordeaux achieved the highest bid-to-view ratio echoing recent trends from En Premier trading. 2008 Chateau Mouton Rothschild took the highest regional hammer win at $963.50, while 1984 Chateau Latour sold for $470 and 1998 Chateau Palmer reached $458.25. 2010 Chateau Gazin (6 bottle lot) reached $1480.50.

For Bordeaux blends from the rest of the world, 2010 Stonyridge Vineyard Larose (12-bottle lot) OWC sold for $2538, from the same vintage its 6-bottle OWC sold for $1128 while 2013 Te Mata Estate Coleraine (6-bottle lot) OWC sold for $987. 2005/2007-2009 vintages of Destiny Bay Magna Praemia all reached $376 while 2009 Church Road Tom sold for $188. 1998 Penfolds Bin 707 magnum scored $705. Both 2012 Penfolds Bin 389 & Bin 407 sold for $117.50.

As expected, during the current temporary market corrective period, buyers become more selective, causing prices and interests to drift sideways or slip a bit. After a little over a year, Italy once again outperformed all the other countries of origin.

The highest hammer win of the overall auction went to 2005 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia (6-bottle lot) at $2890.50. 2005 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia 3 Litre reached $1527.50, while 2006 Masseto Tenuta sold for $1410 and its 1999 vintage sold for $1057.50. 2003 Antinori Tignanello magnum scored $1128, and 2005 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia sold for $470.

In the world of Pinot Noir, 1996 Domaine Armand Rousseau Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru sold for $1010.50, 2002 Domaine Marquis d’Angerville Volnay Clos de Ducs 1er Cru sold for $505.25, 2004 Domaine Bachelet Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Les 1er Cru sold for $423 closed followed by 1996 Domaine Mongeard Mugneret Echezeaux Grand Cru at $411.25 and 2003 Domaine Michel Lafarge Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru sold for $258.50. From home, 2017 Felton Road Block 5 scored $246.75 while its 2013 and 2015 vintage sold for $223.25 and $211.50 respectively. Both 2015 and 2016 Gibbston Valley Reserve Pinot Noir reached $164.50 while both 2016 Prophets Rock Cuvee aux Antipodes Pinot Noir and 2018 Dry River Pinot Noir sold for $141 and closely followed by 2012 Valli Out Of Shadow Pinot Noir at $129.25.

From Syrah to Shiraz, 2009 E. Guigal La Mouline sold for $916.50, followed by 2007 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape sold for $869.50, while 2010 E. Guigal La Landonne sold for $822.50 and 1990 Paul Jaboulet Aine La Chapelle Hermitage sold for $752. 1997 Penfolds Grange Bin 95 sold for $587.50, and its 1985 Penfolds Grange Bin 95 vintage reached $481.75 while 2005 Jim Barry Armagh sold for $352.50.

On a sweeter note, both 2001 Chateau d’Yquem and 2003 Quinta do Noval Porto Vintage scored $1292.50.

All prices include Buyers Premium but exclude GST.

Thanks again to all our bidders, consignors, and friends from the lovely wine community for your continuous support.

Breaking News! There’s a special additional auction starting next Wednesday. We don’t often interrupt our usual auction schedule unless for good reason and this “Tale of Two Collectors” is a great reason to do exactly that! A true labour of love by two generations of the same family, this collection has been consigned from a purpose-built temperature-controlled cellar.  Plumped with wines to suit all tastes and purses, you’ll find gems from both the primary and secondary markets.

Available for a limited time August 09 – 13 online only before we head back into our usual auction schedule. Bid early to not miss out on your wines of choice.

[silentauroriamthereal]

Man, today was a shitshow. 

It started with getting nearly run over THREE times by drivers turning left on my way to world. Then the rest of the day was filled with irritating coworkers not doing their jobs and preventing me from being able to deliver fully on doing mine, general incompetence, irritating visitors (I work in a museum), poopy weather, and I’m probably PMS-y. Instead of coming over weepy or just vaguely irritated, today was pretty much full-on this all day: 

This got rambly, but read on, if you like... 

I literally can’t even count how many times I’ve said the word “fuck” today, both out loud and just in my head or to myself. It’s in the thousands. There was a point when I was in an enclosed elevator alcove and jumping up and down and screaming silently in pure frustration. At other times, the rage would subside into general apathy (idly checking my phone (which I’m not even supposed to have with me on the floor)) and wholly ignoring the visitors altogether, etc), but eventually the bloody day finally ended. I usually fast every other day, including most Saturdays, but today I decided that the (mentally) healthier choice would be to end my fast early in favour of buying a grocery store rotisserie chicken and a bottle of shiraz and promised myself that I would take it good and easy this evening. I still resent having to work on Saturdays, though I’ve had to since July. Like, this isn’t new, but I still hate it. My “weekend” is Sunday/Monday, though I work on Sunday mornings and Monday evenings, so... yeah. That’s my life these days. 

I also had a full-on John Watson-level rage at the self-service check-out machine, which refused to scan half my items, and many more fucks were said to the hapless attendant-man who came to do battle on my behalf, which also made me angry. Lol. I hate it when men help me... but he also had the admin password, so there’s that.

Anyway, I finally bore my chicken and wine home, made a batch of my own coleslaw (side note: I’ve always hated coleslaw, until I just reinvented the recipe myself and now I love it. But only mine. Lol!) So I finished rewatching Batman Begins, which I had forgotten I’d started watching like 5 weeks ago. Somehow I ended up getting manic-productive once I ate dinner. I’ve been so bloody busy that I actually had to go and buy more underwear the other night after choir because the laundry room in my awful building shuts down at 9pm and I’ve had stuff every evening for the last two weeks. So tonight I finally managed to do laundry (which is on the 2nd floor, and I live on the 17th, which means going down there once to put it in, once to transfer it, and then once to collect it), and then I just sort of... kept going, lol. I did the dishes, cleaned the stove, somehow ended up cleaning the kitchen walls, cabinets, the inside of the cupboard under the sink where the garbage goes, took out the trash (easy; it’s on the same floor), went all the way downstairs and out to the super sketchy parking garage where the recycling bins are to take out my overflowing recycling, then decided to clean the bathroom, vacuum the entire apartment, dust all the tables, finally dispose of my dead geranium, and... yeah, it was a bit manic. And that was on two glasses of shiraz, too! Maybe a bit not good, but what can you do.... I also recharged my laundry card, sent an angry email to the scammers who sold me the wrong product and refuse to reimburse me or send the right one, sent some other emails, and finally sat down and answered some fic comments. 

I’ve been sick for the past week and a half, and I finally realized yesterday that I’ve also been experiencing a UTI which is probably why I’ve had a bit of a fever and felt so shitty in general. I didn’t have time to get to a doctor, so I self-medicated that one with cranberry extract (bought on the same trip as the new underwear, lol) and lots of water, some probiotics, and hoping for the best. It’s already much better, but that’s been another reason to take it a bit easy. I normally work out almost every day, but have only been to the gym (which is in my shitty building and one of the only reasons why I re-signed my current lease) twice this week. I mean, I also clock over 10 km of walking every day I’m at the museum, but still. Anyway, I’m fully rambling at this point, and that’s fine. It is what it is and all. 

I just also wanted to say that I’m currently in the stage of pre-plotting my next fic. Pre-plotting, as I dub it, is essentially me making some important strategic decisions about how I want the fic to go in general - major plot points, overall arc, POV, etc. Once I’ve decided that, then I can start plotting, which is also a strictly mental process (no writing), and then once that’s basically good to go, I start writing. That said, I’ve also already written what’s essentially the prologue scene, the first 2,200 words. I wrote it before I wrote The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, then decided that, coming hard on the heels of Rebuilding Rome, it was too dark and I wanted to write something a bit lighter for a change of pace, which was this past story. So now I’m back to the dark one, and it will be a bit of a dark one. I don’t want to give too much away, but it starts with Mycroft grimly rewatching the footage of John beating Sherlock in the morgue at Culverton Smith’s hospital for about the 60th time. The story won’t be exclusively in his POV - it may actually have up to three POV characters, including him. How long it will be, whether or not it gets divided into chapters, etc, is all still being worked out in the aforementioned pre-plotting stage. So that’s where that’s at. :) 

Anyway, feel free to comment via the reply function, but if you wouldn’t mind not reblogging this, that would be great. <3

[behind-the-8-ball]

Date: 30 June 2019

Location: On The Rocks (Helsinki, Finland)

📸: Jenna Jansson

[sartorialadventure]

1. Lady Shirley as painted by Anthony van Dyck in Rome, 1622  2.  Portraits of Robert Shirley and Teresa Sampsonia, c. 1624–1627. Shirley is wearing Persian clothing; Teresa is in the European (English) fashion of the day, and holds a jewelled flintlock pistol in her right hand and a watch in her left. Teresa's veil and jewelled crown are a variation on the headdresses worn by Iranian women from Isfahan in the first quarter of the seventeenth century. 3.  Lady Teresa Shirley, painted c. 1611–1613 by William Larkin in England, and dressed in then contemporary attire. According to art historian Patricia Smyth, "the embroidery on Teresa's dress includes honeysuckles, which are to signify love, as well as strawberries, as a symbol for fruitfulness". Smyth notes that these emblems may have an additional meaning "as the Shirley's child, Henry, was born during this short stay in England"

(Although the 2nd and 3rd images say she’s in English attire, I have to point out that those plunging necklines are unusual for the English, and I imagine they’re probably a Persian (Iranian) touch to the usual English gown.)

Teresa Sampsonia (born Sampsonia; after marriage Lady Teresa Sampsonia Shirley, 1589–1668) was a noblewoman of the Safavid Empire of Iran. She was the wife of Elizabethan English adventurer Robert Shirley, whom she accompanied on his travels and embassies across Europe in the name of the Safavid King (Shah) Abbas the Great (r. 1588–1629). Thanks to her exploits, Teresa has been described as someone who subverted patriarchal gender roles common to the Muslim and Christian cultures of her time.

Teresa was born in 1589 into a noble Orthodox Christian Circassian family in the Safavid Empire, ruled at the time by King Abbas the Great. She was named Sampsonia at birth. The daughter of Ismail Khan, a brother-in-law of the King, she grew up in Isfahan in the Iranian royal court as a reportedly beautiful, accomplished horsewoman who enjoyed embroidery and painting.

Robert Shirley was an English adventurer who was sent to the Safavids, after a Persian embassy was sent to Europe, to forge an alliance against the neighbouring Ottoman Empire, rivals of the Safavids. During his attendance at court, Teresa met him and fell in love. On 2 February 1608, with the approval of her aunt and Abbas, Teresa married Robert Shirley in Iran. At about the time of their wedding, she was baptised as a Roman Catholic by the Carmelites in Isfahan with the name Teresa.

Teresa accompanied Robert on his diplomatic missions for King Abbas to England and other royal houses in Europe. When they set off on their first embassy trip, Robert was captured by his enemies. Teresa reportedly managed to save him and put to flight the attackers; for this, the Carmelite records praised her as "a true Amazon".

Their only child, a son named Henry, in all likelihood the first English-born child of Iranian descent according to Sheila R. Canby, was born in November 1611 at the Shirley home in Sussex.

Teresa was with her husband in Persia when Shirley died in dysentery. Teresa was then in some danger, especially as members of the court put about rumors that she had been Muslim before her conversion to Catholicism (she had actually been Orthodox Christian). Her belongings were plundered and her life threatened by some members of the court. She was repeatedly questioned about her religion and threatened with death and torture, but remained staunch in her beliefs. The Carmelites in Isfahan eventually won  permission from the governor of Shiraz in September 1629 for Teresa to leave Persia. She never returned to the land of her birth.

Teresa lived in Constantinople for three years, but eventually decided to retire to a convent in Rome, which was attached to the Carmelite Santa Maria della Scala church. On 27 December 1634 she arrived in Rome and was received kindly by Pope Urban VIII, who entrusted her to the Carmelites. Teresa bought a house next to the church. In 1658 she had Robert's remains transported from Isfahan to Rome, where he was reburied in the Santa Maria della Scala. In the Carmelite convent, she devoted herself to charity and religion until her death at age 79 in 1668. Teresa was buried in the church, where she had lived for forty years, in the same grave where she had buried her husband Robert ten years earlier. She had the headstone inscribed (in Latin):

"To God, the Best and Greatest. For Robert Sherley, most noble Englishman, Count Palatine, Knight of the Golden Spur, Emperor Rudolph II's envoy to Shah Abbas, the King of Persia, (and) the representative of the same King to the Popes of Rome, to Emperors, to the Kings of Spain, England, Poland, Muscovy, and the Mogul Empire, distinguished ambassador to other European princes. Theresia Sampsonia, native of the land of the Amazons, daughter of Samphuffus, prince of Circassia, set up [this monument] for her most beloved husband and for herself, as a resting place for his bones—brought to Rome from Persia for dutiful devotion's sake—and for her own, aged seventy-nine. 1668."

[wwiilettershome]

Sunday Nite

Dear Pop,

Wrote small section of the “community letter” this afternoon. (1)

Cont. Monday

Last nite, as I just got started on this, word came through the grapevine that the O.D. (2) was really inspecting and being quite nasty. So was all ducked our letters and got studying. Ordinarily, they don’t say anything if you are writing letters, but this guy was a new 2nd L. And I guess he was a little scared.  

Had an interesting trip to State Police H.Q. at Trenton this afternoon. We just got back. Had quite a talk with the ballistics expert. (3) That’s dog gone interesting work. They had quite an arsenal of pistols there. Everything from toy guns to a Germ. Mauser (4), which really looks like a weapon.

The trip to Newark was very nice in some respects and sort of boring in others. (Better not repeat to Mom.)

Sat. Morning at Radio City was the only chance I had to talk to Bertie alone, and you can’t very well talk in a theatre. (5) On Sunday, Hedwig (6) had Millie & Carrie (7) and Eleanor Koenig (8) over for dinner. Everything resolved itself to M & C & H. Talking about their trips and Bertie and me not getting a chance to even yawn. But the folks were all swell to us in their own way. Bertie got a lot of swell presents from everyone as you can imagine.

Some silly jerk just decided that we should have gas mask drill on our own time tonight. It makes me sore. We have little enough time as it is and why the hell they don’t let us alone is beyond me. Any dumb jerk that can’t get his mask on in 15 seconds deserves to be gassed anyway.

The grind here is tough, but I think it is the uncertainty of everything plus the futility of it that gets most of us.

As I have said before, the guys here fall into about three rough groupings. 1) This is one bunch that is scared silly to be sent to combat and will do most anything to keep out. [redacted] 2) A bunch of guys who for various reasons would never be any good in combat anyway (I-B’s older fellows) 3) Another bunch of us who are young, active and physically fit who are itchy and want to see some chance for advancing or at least a goal somewhere. So far, we have been offered nothing as a reward for grinding like hell around here. There are some who say “You should be happy to have the opportunity to just study” But I don’t go for that. The only reason I ever studied or ever wanted to study was so I could advance along some lines, then I lose interest. And that is just what is happening to a lot of guys around here.

In spite of the WCTU (9), I agree with you as to drinking as a means of relaxation (10). And as long as it does not interfere with other duties, I think it is O.K. In fact, the army says that a man over 20 who says he never drinks is a misfit. (11) That was one of the questions asked of the O.C.S. (12) group from Croft. Do you drink? Those who hesitated were thrown out immediately. Those who said “Yes” were not quizzed further. Those who said “No” were asked “Why not?”

Once in a while, a few of us go over to the Nassau Tavern (13) for a beer or a high ball. But as is the general case in the army (with privates anyway) the cost is too great. So the drinking is limited.

Thanks very much for the [unclear](14). At the rate I’m going it isn’t going to take too long to finish these up. I like that variety.

As far as money is concerned, I’m O.K. Costs a great deal more here than in camp. About $2.00 (15) weekly for uniforms and laundry. Won’t be able to save quite as much (16).

Well, have to fall out with gas masks now.

Love, Henry

Whatever this was, was neither explained further nor enclosed

I think this means Officer on Duty.

Great Niece who falls asleep listening to true crime podcasts is sitting here like - https://images.app.goo.gl/dXVTJ4Cqbr8U8qUTA

Even pre 1945 there were 16 different kinds of Mauser, more specificity please - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauser

If only that were still true!! **sigh**

AKA, “Cousin Hattie”

Not 100% sure who they are and they’re not showing up on my extensive family tree, but I kinda recognize the names.

Ugh, again Koenig is a family name but not showing up on my tree. Sigh…

Contextually, I’m going to go with Women’s Christian Temperance Union - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman%27s_Christian_Temperance_Union

 “Cheers” says his great niece, lifting her evening glass of Shiraz. (Bear in mind, however, that prohibition was only repealed about 10 years prior, so this was all a bit more debatable at the time.)

I didn’t even try to verify the authenticity of that statement - instead have this fascinating summary of the attitude toward drinking in WWII - https://warontherocks.com/2015/06/a-farewell-to-sobriety-part-two-drinking-during-world-war-ii/

 Officers Candidate School

 I think, this might possibly still exist, maybe? https://www.nassauinn.com/dining/

 I have stared at this for 5 minutes and can’t even figure it out contextually.

$29.75 - according to Business Insider, the average yearly dry cleaning bill is $500, which boils down to $9.62 a week - quite a difference.  But, when you’re stuck in a dorm in 1943, with limited laundry options . . .

Sadly, one thing I did not inherit is the New England parsimony.  I could learn a bit here.

[mhvarchive]

The 4th International Biennial of Casablanca Tales from Water Margins led by artistic director Christine Eyene is now on show until 2nd December 2018.

Artists: Ibrahim Ahmed, Yoriyas Yassine Alaoui, Bianca Baldi, Shiraz Bayjoo, Rémy Bosquère, Cristiano Berti, Raphaël Faon & Andres Salgado, M’hammed Kilito, Amine Oulmakki, Yohann Quëland de Saint-Pern, Anna Raimondo, Saïd Raïs, Magda Stawarska-Beavan & Joshua Horsley, Oussama Tabti et Caroline Trucco.

More information on venues and artists:

www.biennalecasablanca.org

Image: Rémy Bosquère, T2M, 2011 - 2018. Installation

[simona-a-marinkova]

Our trip to Cape Town was getting better – after hearing a lot about Stellenbosch vineyards, it was time to visit the town and experience some wine tasting. I was soon to realise that Stellenbosch is not just place to enjoy wine, but it is also stunning.

Actually it is the 2nd oldest European settlement in South Africa, and it is home to the Stellenbosch University. It was founded by Simon van der Stel , who was Dutch governor and the Cape Colony back then. More info – in Wikipedia.

We had booked the wine tour for which we were picked up at around 8 am from Cape Town. Ride to Stellenbosch was about 40 mins, and I managed to enjoy the landscape from the car’s window – beautiful streets with colourful trees, Cafes, houses (some in Cape Dutch style), and I loved the bright summery colours – white and pink everywhere. Of course plenty of vineyards too. In the meantime we were entertained by our tour guide/driver – as usual, Cape Tonian with sense of humour. I remember he mentioned the 1st wine in South Africa was produced in 1659, and Western Cape is Mecca for Cabernet Sauvignon. He asked us to introduce each other, and I realised we were joint by quite few French Canadian…guess going to the right place 😀

Anyway, by 9 am we were already in the first estate for the day. Actually on that day we visited 5 wine estates. Here are my impressions.

  1 Mitre’s Edge Wine Estate

It’s a family owned estate, producing small quality of boutique wines. Lovely house, surrounded by the vineyards. We were placed in a tasting room, decorated in classic European style. Our sommelier introduced us to the estate and presented the wines we were about to try. Here we tried 5 wines – each accompanied with type of cheese and crackers. I was thinking to myself – great breakfast, great way to start your day! I was quite interested in to hear more about each wine and why it goes with that specific cheese. And, I was reminded of the 5 S’s of wine tasting (they tend to mention that each time, don’t they?):

Sight – see the wine in the glass, study the colour

Swirl – so that some more oxygen can get in the wine and release its aroma

Smell – or sniff the wine

Sip

Spit

I am not that good in spitting, well at least if it is a good wine. By the end of the day, I knew spitting is a good idea unless you want to be tipsy by lunch! That’s not the point after all.

And I was interested to hear that they use Hungarian oak for the barrels. Hungary is known for its wines too, especially in the Tokai region (that’s another topic.). Another fact I noted – Shiraz is an Iranian grape, whilst Syrah is a way of making the wine. Shiraz is one of my favourite red wines, and actually my top choice from Mitre’s Edge wine list.

Our tasting was even more exciting when 2 of the Estate’s dogs came in the room. One of them sat for a while next to my chair, and he was staring at me which made me laugh. Maybe he wanted a cracker?

  2 Villiera Wines

This is the second wine estate. Yes, lovely landscape again and modern taste room. Here, the experience was less personable – the wine was presented by our tour guide and not local sommelier. The wines were sparkling whites, as this is the specialty of the estate. Villiera is 10 times bigger estate than Mitres, and it is known for green winery – they use real birds and insects to control the pest. I must say – I usually prefer red wines, but this time I was fascinated by the wine here and it was my favourite of the day. Here we tried brut rose (with some pinotage in), dry brut and we learned that South Africa is the second largest producer of Chenin blanc after France. I was fascinated by the Villiera Jasmine white wine – very light, subtle taste, absolutely gorgeous. I had finally found white wine that I like.

  3 Middelvlei

This was the 3rd estate at which we had lunch – braai (consisting of chicken skewer and black beef sausage) and potato salad, with some white wine of course. I liked the cottage style of the restaurant, and the fireplace – imagine it is cosy in the winter! I am glad not to be vegetarian when in South Africa, as otherwise would need to settle for rabbit food. After lunch, I enjoyed walk around the estate – green hills, vineyards, garden and fresh air. I was happy to see some goats, turtles and chickens walking free range! Great spot for a picture too!

At the end of our visit there – we got to pour wine in our glasses straignt from a barrel.

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  4 Lovane

Is 4th on our tour. This is one of the smallest wine estates, producing boutique wines. I enjoyed this visit, as the experience was very personable in an underground cellar- the sommelier was a nice girl, very engaging and informative with distinct accent. At Lovane we tasted the wines with chocolate. My personal favourite here was the Cabernet Sauvignon 2015.

  5 Vergenoegd

And we came to the last stop of the tour – it was still sunny day, and we enjoyed outdoors wine tasting. The estate has beautiful gardens and…some ducks. A very well -dressed guy presented the wines here, and we tasted both reds and whites. The final wine was sweet, port wine – I normally do not like sweet wines, but this one was quite nice and light.

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Sweet ending of the day, happy vibes and looking forward to dinner back in Cape Town.

              Stellenbosch wine tour – MUST do when in South Africa!

Our trip to Cape Town was getting better – after hearing a lot about Stellenbosch vineyards, it was time to visit the town and experience some wine tasting.

Stellenbosch wine tour – MUST do when in South Africa! Our trip to Cape Town was getting better - after hearing a lot about Stellenbosch vineyards, it was time to visit the town and experience some wine tasting.

[bonjouronourtour]

KOMMETJIE- DAY 19✨ ☀️• 20 °C 🥐• Receiving a really nice breakfast from our host because the alarm-peep in our room turned on during the night caused by the loadshedding and couldn’t get turned off. Every 20-30 secs we heard a super irritating beep. 😂❤️ 🚜• Going to Imhoff Farm Buying a good Shiraz wine, an interesting 2nd hand book about Chinese herbs, a T-shirt and some fresh bread🍞 🌊• Swimming in the swimming pool of our airbnb 😴• Having a very relaxing day 🍽• Eating wraps with kidney beans #airbnb #kommetjie #capetown #justrelax #imhofffarm #holiday #zuidafrika #southafrica #bonjouronourtour #opreis (bij Kommetjie, Western Cape, South Africa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CV3X2yDsglT/?utm_medium=tumblr