#we shall all meet at the 25th anniversary

[darlenicy]

We're all going there together

[a-new-vers]

~H5~

Woke up today to find out Halsey has set the stage for a new hunt for fans to go on. In true Halsey fashion, it's cryptic with a distinct visual style we can probably expect from this era.

So let's explore, shall we?

A Lil' Timeline:

Halsey played the 27th at Lollapalooza India. During their set before they began to play Gasoline, a visual on screen displayed a URL: FOR MY LAST TRICK (click to go to the site).

Click HERE to see a video of when it was displayed at the concert.

The Website:

The theme behind the website seems to be opening a miscellaneous stick/patch packet.

The first thing is prompting the user to "pull to open" as in a tag to swipe off. You can see the collection of patches behind the plastic wrap. Once you finally open the package, all the patches will disperse.

This is where the Internet sleuthing begins, people. 24 unique patches (technically 25, but I'll get into that later) with different meanings. Let's get into it.

1 - SNA Flight Tag

So really obscure, but googling Air California flight tag brought me to this used bookstore site. In any case, the thing to notice is the date it is attributed with, 1968.

2 - Vintage Blotter Art

According to this blog (which is the only place I could find the image), this is a vintage blotter from 1994. Blotter art is an "...art form printed on perforated sheets of absorbent blotting paper infused with liquid LSD."

3 - Blythe Dolls

I believe this doll is a Blythe doll. Image reverse search does not come up with an exact result, but from the details you can make out, the dolls eyes are quite clear. Which looks a lot like Blythe Dolls, a doll brand that came out in 1972. Their gimmick was that the eyes could move left to right.

4 - Witch Halsey

Unsure, but it would seem it's Halsey as a witch. The aesthetics are similar to IICHLIWP (H4).

If the main theme here is the 70s, there’s the movie Season of the Witch that came out in 1973, February 14th. It’s apparently commentary on traditional American suburban lifestyle through the perspective of a housewife who does not like her place in life. She meets a witch and progressively gets into the occult.

5, 18, 19, 23 - Outside of USA

5: It's hard to tell what most of the words are, but the text "Pagado" (Spanish for "paid") is on the piece of paper. . The particular location might be Palenque, a Mexican city. Relevant date: June 25th, 1977.

18: Belleville. Based on a real winter carnival programme. Belleville is a a city in Ontario, Canada. Relevant date: 1971.

19: “We smokers all want to be non-smokers too” or something along these lines. I'm trusting online translation for this (German to English). Unable to find when this was made.

23: “For Us.” French. The image search doesn’t result anything. Unable to find when this was made.

6 - Peril is My Pay

Based off of a detective book involving traveling. The font is the exact same as one of the book covers. It was published in 1960s.

7 - I have something to tell you

A sign up. I assume it has to do with being updated on any album news.

Looking through the inspect tab you can see the information is being sent to “Sony Fan Music.” It does take note of which country you are in and your address.

8 , 9 - Round visuals

I think these are visuals to give grasp to the 70s theme. It’s reminiscent of 60’s/70’s clothing/aesthetic.

10 - Michigan license plate.

1971 comes up in the plate. Michigan has come up in HFK (H2), on Bad At Love. I doubt this has anything to do about the “boy back in Michigan” but perhaps traveling back throughout her albums.

11 - Ghost

Jan 27th 2014, interesting date to put since this is the date this is all happening, just a decade after.

I've seen some people say this is meant to be the anniversary for Ghost, the song. Although it came out in 2014, its release date was in July, and it originally came out on sound cloud on February 3rd. So unsure why Jan 27th is there. EDIT: I have been made aware that Jan 27th 2014 was its international release date! I am but a fool.

The text can be in response to the lyric “Where did you go?” and the themes on the song of someone leaving. IDK, this could also be a meta thing. If a theme here is traveling and visiting locations/people, then perhaps one thing you won't find if the ghost?

Additionally, this follows the theme of revisiting her previous albums.

12 - Cannel 17

WPHL-TV is a television station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, serving as the local outlet for The CW Television Network. The logos here are form the 60’s/70’s.

13 - Master Mystifier

Or, alternatively, Harry Houdini. The date I do not believe has any relevance here but perhaps the idea of magic.

I came about the google search “Houdini’s Last Trick” where his last trick is widely asked about. It would seem to be an inspiration for the name of the website. So potentially Halsey will lean into magic, tricks, and deception.

14 - Calling Cards

Text on card: “Compliments - May I See (C) You (U) Home? If not, please return this card.”

“May I See You Home” seemed to be a common phrase for calling cards. They were handed out to ask people out. Again, the font and images are similar to H4 aesthetic. These were used in the 18th and 19th century.

15 - B&W Hair

Oh, I actually no idea.

16 - Candy

The closest I could get to finding what this meant is when this font was used for the book Candy by Maxwell Kenton, published in 1958.

As wiki describes the plot "Candy Christian, aged eighteen, is an extremely pretty and desirable but naïve young woman, who finds herself in a variety of farcical sexual situations as a result of her desire to help others. The men in her life, regardless of age or relationship, wish only to possess her."

17 - Southern-Belle

Clearly the saying southern belle. A girl born form the south, typically with certain attributes. The saying came from the idea that “... a girl who was expected to grow up into a lady. She was supposed to be fragile and flirtatious while also sexually innocent. She was beautiful but risky to touch, like porcelain.”

https://historyengine.richmond.edu/episodes/view/2259#:~:text=Course%3A,risky to touch%2C like porcelain

20 - Rabbit

I couldn’t find anything that looks the same, but I assume it has to do with Alice and Wonderland. Concerning dates, the book was published in the 1800s, while the arguably most famous iteration (the animated movie) came out in the 50s.

However, this can relate to the potential theme of magic and deception and girl/womanhood. But I’m also inclined to think the rabbit might have nothing to do with Wonderland and might be something else all together.

21 - K-Mart

Wiki comes in handy here. As described, “Satisfaction Always icon seen on Kmart branded packaging until the mid-to-late 70s, adapted from a hanging sign displayed in every early Kmart store.” So 70’s themed.

https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/Kmart_(United_States)/Other?file=Kmart_-_1960s_(Satisfaction).svg.

22 - Eye, Eye, Eye, and Eye

The eyes. Girl IDK, they’re eyes. They kind of remind me of the biblically accurate angels and the eyes they have. Although, I doubt that's what they're meant to be.

24 - Cigarette

People seem to think this relates more to Badlands, and I’m inclined to agree.

Themes:

Here are overall themes that seem to be present within the collection.

- Travelling

- Magic

- 60s-70s

- Eyes

- Books

- A Feminist Lens

- Past albums

A Tangent on Web Dev:

I just kinda wanted to point out the cool coding stuff they've done. When the patches are still in the plastic bag, they're always randomized in which order they're in (you have to refresh to notice this). They also disperse in a randomized order. I thought maybe the way they disperse could be a trail of sorts, like a map. But it seems totally random. I still find it cool how they've done that, every time in a different location, as if you open the package they come out uniquely for each person.

Oh and about the 25 patch, it seems the first patch in your packet appears twice when you open it. Idk if the number 25 matters or if this was done by accident. But the 25th patch is a duplicate, and never one in particular, just which ever is the first in your shuffle.

The End

For now.

[seventeenlovesthree]

Quick thoughts on the Digimon Adventure 25th anniversary PV

First things first: It got me incredibly teary. It was beautifully nostalgic while still giving it a fresh paint to some degree. I feel like this is what Butterfly could have been if Toei decided to merge Digimon with One Piece - because just like it's the case with OP openings, there are always so many things going on that it takes numerous rewatches to see what's going on. So let's break it down, shall we?

So the PV was an overall homage to some of Adventure's most famous/prominent scenes - but instead of re-animating it 1:1, they merged several scenes that didn't happen in the exact same way. The only 1:1 shots could be seen when the 8 kids got their "sad moments montage" each. So, what's new, what's memorable, what does the PV tell us about the characters?

They animated the novel scene of the baby Digimon meeting their partners - which was absolutely adorable. If you didn't go "awww" at Tsunomon, Tanemon, Pyocomon, didn't chuckle at Pukamon and didn't melt at Koromon, I cannot help you!

Then we got the montage - and the amount of "low res shots" I will take in the next few weeks will be insane, because they were absolutely beautiful. But let's go step by step - I will not discuss every moment, just my favourites, since we got A LOT of group shots!

Here we already see a lot of common themes: First of all, Taichi is depicted to be incredibly curious, basically exploring the entire time. Of course he radiates happy MC energy overall, which I will always adore, but also seems more serious than we're used to. (Unless... he's bickering with Yamato. Which is a common theme for him after all, but I will get to that in a second.) The other theme is Mimi's >o< face, which I will never get tired of. They really hammer down the point that she is NOT happy with the situation they're on and finds something to complain about throughout the first few episodes;

We even get a merge of episode 5 and 10 here! Koushirou is usually seen thinking and theorizing (before he's being interrupted by something/someone). Sora's theme overall is... Being pretty chill, I'd say? We'll get to that in a minute as well. Yamato is the resident cook of the group (THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH EGGS THOUGH) and Takeru's job is just being adorable (meanwhile Hikari unfortunately suffers from a severe lack of screentime, but that was to be expected)...

But what about Jyou, you may ask? I feel like he'd deserve his very own post, because... Boy is straight up not having a good time and may or may not have several life crises in a row. Aside from Mimi, Palmon and Taichi, Jyou might provide the best low res screenshots and, like I said, I will have a blast looking for them.

I also really love the snowball fight there. Oh look, Takeru is attacked by snowballs again, where have I seen that again in the past 12 months??? Sora's helping Jyou to build up his safe space, meanwhile Koushirou has to play mediator between Taichi and Koushirou (welcome to your life for the next 30 years at least, my boy). Speaking of Yamataishirou...

You may have noticed that the scenes are out of order - and I also noticed a little mistake in this screenshot here! hile it is true that Taichi, Agumon, Yamato and Koushirou were missing from the group and the others were ordered to mediate - Patamon was not Patamon yet though, but still Tokomon!

Again, there are so many scenes to show, and I will just post a few more, but will only talk in more detail about two scenes here;

I absolutely ADORE the Gennai scene, oh my God. There was absolutely no need for these absolute dorks to collapse on top of each other, and yet here we are, 5/6 are, once again, not having a good time... And THEN THERE IS MIMI, who we saw complaining the whole time, and now she's having the time of her life falling on top of her found family pile (Sora and Koushirou in particular by the way). Meanwhile Takeru is just like... What the heck did I just look at. Absolutely amazing. 10/10, would watch again.

In case you haven't noticed, I feel like Mimi got pretty much the biggest piece of cake in this PV - and thus we were blessed by the most beautiful Jyoumi scene we've seen in a while. Wholesome. 10/10, would watch again. Also, Sora just enjoying her tea - GOOD FOR HER.

I just love all of this so much, I do love the following montages, the fight against Apocalymon, the ending got me teary again... I love them all so much.

[swagatron9]

For You

Pairings: Finnick Odair x reader

Warnings: Flashbacks of death, the hunger games.

Summary: The reader volunteers so Mags didn't have to. Along the way, they meet Finnick and feelings are exchanged.

After winning the 73rd Hunger Games for my District, District 4. I hadn't once spoken to any of the other victors here. I kept quiet. I hadn't spoken a word to anyone since I came back. If I did, it would just remind me of what I had to do to get here. My thoughts were kept piled up in my head. On occasions I found myself staring lazily at the wall, I had no more energy left in me since the games.

The 74th Hunger Games took a lot longer than I had expected it to be, and I definitely wasn't expecting to see two people from District 12 win, let alone one. I admired the girl, she volunteered for her younger sister. That takes courage to risk your life for another person, but that's what love does to you.

Before I knew it the 75th Hunger Games were being announced and we were all waiting for what they were supposed to be.

I turned on the TV and waited for the announcement from President Snow.

"This is the 75th year of the Hunger Games." Seeing his face me fill with anger as I clenched my fist tightly. I lost everything because of that man. "-Each quarter quell is distinguished by games of a special significance." For the 25th games they had people from the District choose their own Tributes and for the 50th they had double the amount of Tributes in the arena. "We celebrate the 3rd quarter quell. As a reminder that even the strongest can not overcome the power of the capitol. The 3rd quarter quell games, the male and female tributes, are to be reaped from the existing pool of victors."

The remote that was once in my hand fell to the ground with a loud thud. Tears welled in my eyes and all I wanted to do was scream out. They told me I was safe, never to be used for their entertainment again. I was lied to, we all were. The likelihood of me getting chosen was a one in three chance and luck was never on my side.

I felt as if I had been tossed around so many times and this time was the last the time. I could no longer fight back against the capitol, they were too powerful. I was broken.

~

I marched up the stairs to the stage. We were in a line from girls to boy. I had been placed at the back of the girls. I could feel my hand shaking as I took long strides. I thought about what was to happen. Annie and Mags, they all have people out their that care, they have a family. Me on the other hand, I have no one. It would only make sense.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. We celebrate the 75th anniversary and 3rd quarter quell, of the Hunger Games. First we shall choose from the females." The overly cheerful announcer walked with pride as she approached the glass bowl. Three pieces of paper were in there, one of them was mine, but in the end it will always be me.

She stood in front of the mic and took a deep breath in. "Annie Cresta!" A loud cry came from the right of me where Annie was standing. I looked over in her direction and by the look in Mags' eyes I could tell she was going to volunteer. Without any hesitation I raised my hand.

"I volunteer." The first words I had spoken in so long, and I was glad that I was able to help someone. My words came out raspy my voice breaking as I said those two words.

"Oh- I- Well, that was certainly unexpected." I stood by the podium and stared off into the distance, now is not the time for tears. My gaze locked onto an older man who was stood with a look of relief on his face. Mags' husband. He noticed my gaze and sent a small smile my way, giving me a nod. "Finnick Odair!" I looked over to the boys and Finnick strutted out of line with a look of pride on his face. He waved his hand up high and then he turned me and held it out towards me. I gazed at the hand before placing mine in his. His grip was tight as he shook it.

We were quickly ushered out and put onto a train. "So, you're not just a legacy I see." Finnick broke the silence as he sat down on the chairs.

"Sorry? I don't understand." I was speaking too much, but I couldn't help the words that were coming out.

"I mean, you aren't just some made up victor that everyone thinks you are. After all no one had seen you after the victor tour. Its like you just vanished off the face of Panem." He dipped his finger into the chocolate fountain they had and moaned as he tasted it.

"I'd rather not take pride in having to kill people to live." I knew that If I was to go outside then all I would get was people congratulating me, congratulating me for killing innocent children. The only time I ever saw people was when Snow came to visit me, and it was never for goof reasons.

"You've got to do what you've got to do." And for the capitol that is selling your body to them in exchange for them keeping the ones around you alive. I learnt that the hard way. A short 'no' was all it took for me to lose anyone I had ever showed emotional feelings towards. So the best way to deal with it was to keep everyone locked out of my life, safe from unexpected death. "Thank you, by the way. For volunteering for Annie, if you hadn't then Mags would of."

~

"I'm uncomfortable." I had finally gotten used to talking so much and I was actually glad that I was able to voice my opinion. I was ushered out by my designer who had decided to dress me in a very revealing outfit. I was placed in a bikini that showed a little too much of everything. I was thankful for the bits of seaweed they had hanging down so I could be slightly covered. My hair had been curled and left out and I was wearing a crown that had been decorated in shells and flowers.

"I think you look beautiful." The voice came from behind me. Finnick Odair was stood with his chest on display for all the Capitol women with only a short bit of cloth to cover his private parts. He had also been decorated in seaweed. I nodded my head awkwardly as I avoided eye contact with the half naked man. "Shall we meet some of the other Tributes?" He held his arm out towards me but instead of attaching my arm with his, I walked ahead.

Johanna Mason, we spoke once before I had decided to hide away. She turned around and noticed me walking her direction. "Wow, never thought I would see you again." She had her signature smirk on her face as she eyed me up and down. She looked over my shoulder and rolled her eyes. "Someone's got a stalker."

"Are you trying to run away from me?" Finnick place his hand on my shoulder before dramatically breathing heavily as if he just swam from one side of the District to the other. I nodded my head eagerly before shoving his hand away from me. This was going to be a long day.

~

I stood at the crafts section with a stick and three sharp hooks. I had tied them together to create a makeshift trident that could hopefully come in handy if I was unable to find one. "I didn't picture you as a craftsperson." I sighed loudly as I ignored the arrogant boy. "I did picture you as my future wife though." My face flushed red and I attempted to face away from him. "I could use some help with making a trident. After all, I am the best with them." He was once again ignored as I continued on my project. "Say something."

"That was really nice of you, to volunteer for that girl." I looked up to see the talk of the capitol, the girl on fire. I mumbled a quiet thanks as I examined the hook. "I had a sister, Prim. I volunteered for her so I know how you feel."

"No, you volunteered because you cared. I volunteered because no one cares. We aren't here for the same reasons." 

"That's not true, I care." Finnick Odair, always interrupting peoples conversations.

"Do you want something? Is that why you're here?" My questions were directed at Katniss as I face the opposite way from Finnick.

"I was wondering if you could teach me how to make one of those and I could give you a few lessons on hunting in return." I gave her offer a thought and decided to go with it.

"What! So you talk to her and not me. I'm your District partner."

~

My leg bounced against the floor as I nervously tapped my fingers. It was time for the assessments and I hadn't planned out what I was going to do. Finnick on the other hand was conversing with every surrounding him, his over the top confidence flowing with his words. "Are you okay?" His hand was placed on my leg causing it freeze. He leaned over so he was by my ear and I was able to feel the warmth of his breath. "Don't be nervous, you'll do great."

"Easy for you to say, you actually have a skill. All I can do is tie a bit of rope to some hooks and that's it."

"I remember you throwing a knife at one of the tributes and hitting them right in the eye. I certainly wouldn't call that luck."

The sun was more hot than usual as I stepped over the bits of broken walls. For the most part I had kept shelter underneath some fallen bits of a building that protected me from the sun. I was on the search for water but by the looks of it, there wasn't much around. There was only 5 other tributes left, District 1's male, District 3's male, District 7's Female, District 9's male and District 10's female.

I heard a step come from behind me and without any hesitation I launched my knife in that direction. I heard a gasp get cut short at the sound of the knife impacting.The sound of the canon  going off could be heard from throughout the arena. I turned around to see the girl from District 10 fall to the ground with my knife in her right eye. Blood leaked down her face and fell to the ground, leaving a puddle underneath her. I ignored the feeling of regret and rushed to grab her pack before rushing away. It was my third kill, my third time killing a poor innocent person.

"I haven't thought about that moment in so long." I let out a sigh, I hadn't broken down in tears like I had every other time.

"I apologize. I shouldn't have brought that up, but my point is that you aren't useless. You are fully capable of impressing them." Never in my life had I imagined Finnick Odair giving advice instead of mentioning how much better he was. It gave me a sense of comfort as he placed his hand over my own.

"Finnick Odair being nice? Is the world about to end." He chuckled at my response before standing up as his name is called. I hadn't thrown a knife since my Games, could I still do it?

~

As my name is called, I walk onto the stage wearing a white floral dress. I had on a beautiful flower crown that fit perfectly. There was more people than the first time and I was overwhelmed as everyone cheered loudly. "My oh my, you look fantastic in that dress." Caesar grabbed a hold of my hand before placing a delicate kiss on the back of it. "You were so brave volunteering yourself. Tell me, what was your thought process?"

"Well I was angry, to say the least. None of us are supposed to be here. We were promised to be left alone, but clearly things aren't the way it seems." I spoke the truth, and I knew I wouldn't be the only one. "Annie didn't deserve to be here and neither did Mags. No one deserves to be here because they worked their hardest to live. They killed to live and now they are being thrown back into the arena."

"I- I'm sorry you feel that way." Everyone in the crowd had been whispering to one another but I could see the other mentors with a smile on their faces. "Moving on."

The questions continued until the buzzer rang and I stood up. I walked around to where the other tributes, that had already had their interviews, were standing.  

"Now for the Capitols sweetheart, Finnick Odair!" The crowd roared with excitement and I even took note how some females passed out. Out walked Finnick with proud look on his face, his gaze turned to me and he sent a wink my way.

I had spaced out most of Finnick's interview until he started his speech. "My love, you have my heart, for all eternity. And if- If I die in that arena, my last thought will be of your voice." The buzzer rang loudly and the crowd was overjoyed after hearing Finnick's speech, most likely thinking its about them.

As he walked about the stairs he sent me a soft smile, something I rarely saw.

We all connected hands and raised them up in the air. The crowd was going crazy as they demanded the games be cancelled, but I on the other hand was too busy focusing on the feeling of my hand in Finnick's.

~

We walked back to District 4's room in silence, an awkward tension in the air. Before I was able to walk to my room a hand grabbing my arm stopped me. "Hey. About that speech. I just wanted to say that it was about you. For you, should I say." I was in shock, my eyes went wide at his words. For me? Why? "I figured that if I die in that arena then it would be best if I told you before hand. I know I only technically met you three days but with the state we are in, I really don't care. My hearts telling me your the one and my minds telling me to go for it. So I am." I didn't get a chance to reply as he leaned down and placed his lips against mine. I felt butterflies in my stomach as he placed his hands on my waist and pulled me closer to him.

My hands raised to his head and I tangled them in his hair, it was soft, silky. I broke away from kiss, my breathing heavy. "I won't let anyone hurt you. I promise you that." With that I followed him to his bedroom where we spent our last night in the Capitol cuddled together and enjoyed our last night of any sorts of freedom.

[kokiafans]

25th anniversary concert: you and me

Source: KOKIA.com/blog, December 8, 2022

I revealed the title and logo of my 25th anniversary the other day, but now the visual imagery for the concert has been chosen!

The key visual is this picture where I go ‘cheers!’; it’s a picture I had taken just the other day in London, and doesn’t it make you anticipate an exciting concert to be held? The camera man for these visuals is Monsieur Nakamura*, who has been my primary concert photographer for a long time.

When I think back on it, he also came with me on my European tour to take photos... thinking about it, time is just passing, but there are so many things I still want to do... it started my engine for wanting to do concerts in Europe again.

Well, now that the key visuals for the concert have been decided, there’s just a wait left until December 25 for the general ticket sales. However, ahead of that, there’s currently a  ◎ ‘final special pre-sale just ahead of the general ticket sales (lottery)’, running until December 11 (Sunday), 23:59. After the general ticket sales, the vacant seats will be assigned to you systematically starting from the front, so this information is your last chance for better seats as long as there are seats available for applicants. 

The URL for the general ticket sale is the same, and starts ◎December 265, 2022 (Sunday) at 12:00.

Christmas.

An album release.

A job well done at the end of one year.

Greetings to the start of another year.

Celebrating my 25th anniversary.

Let’s make a toast to all of those, shall we? ‘Cheers!’

Each time, I feel like I’m bursting with joy. Each time, my heart dances.

you and me: if I hadn’t gotten to meet you, surely I never would have experienced these feelings.

Thank you.

* Translator’s note: the use of ‘Monsieur’ is conjecture on my part; the Japanese says Musshu Nakamura, with Musshu meaning ‘monsieur’ and that order being the western, not the Japanese word order for names. 

[scotianostra]

James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose was born on October 25th 1612.

It's a really empty day for anniversaries today, although if I followed blindly two of my usual sources tell me, Elvis landed at Prestwick on this day in 1960, he didn't it was in March of that year. Even with this post all is not clear..........

Most of the posts I have made about "The great Montrose" have covered his battles, and his capture and execution, today I shall put some meat on the bones and work through what made the man one of the most admired figures in Scottish history.

So here we are with my only major post today, the birth of  James Graham, to be fair his birth date is unknown, it is thought he was born in mid to late October, a couple of sources give this date.

There's  not much known about his childhood, James inherited the earldom of Montrose when his father died in 1626. Aged only 14, he was was placed under the guardianship of his uncle Lord Archibald Napier.

In 1627, Montrose enrolled as a student at the University of St. Andrews where he first became inspired by the classical ideal of military glory, as well as enjoying a wide range of sporting pursuits, including hawking, golf, chess and archery. In November 1629, Montrose married Magdalene Carnegie, daughter of Lord Carnegie of Kinnaird. After the birth of his first two sons, Montrose went to France and Italy to complete his education, which included a period at the French military academy at Angers.

He was back home by 1638 and became involved with The Covenanters after King Charles had attempted to impose an Anglican -oriented prayer book upon the reluctant Scots, resistance spread throughout the country, eventually leading to the Bishops' Wars .

Montrose joined the party of resistance, and was for some time one of its most energetic champions. He had nothing puritanical in his nature, but he shared in the ill-feeling aroused by the political authority King Charles had given to the bishops . He signed the National Covenant , and was sent to suppress the opposition which arose around Aberdeen and in the country of the Gordons. Three times Montrose entered Aberdeen, where he succeeded in his object, on the second occasion carrying off the head of the Gordons, the Marquess of Huntly.. 

Graham  was a leader of the delegation who subsequently met at Muchalls Castle to parlay regarding the 1638 confrontation with the Bishop of Aberdeen . With the Earl Marischal he led a force of 9000 men across the Causey Mounth through the Portlethen Moss to attack Royalists at the Bridge of Dee . This set of events was an element of Charles I decision to grant sweeping reforms to the Covenanters . In July 1639, after the signature of the Treaty of Berwick , Montrose was one of the Covenanting leaders who visited Charles. The change of policy on his part, eventually leading to his support for the king, arose from his wish to get rid of the bishops without making presbyters masters of the state. His was essentially a layman's view of the situation. Taking no account of the real forces of the time, he aimed at an ideal form of society in which the clergy should confine themselves to their spiritual duties, and the king should maintain law and order. In the Scottish parliament which met in September, Montrose found himself in opposition to Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll , who had made himself the representative of the Presbyterian and national party, and of the middle classes. Montrose, on the other hand, wished to bring the king's authority to bear upon parliament to defeat Argyll, and offered the king the support of a great number of nobles. He failed, because Charles could not even then consent to abandon the bishops, and because no Scottish party of any weight could be formed unless Presbyterianism were established ecclesiastically. Rather than give way, Charles prepared in 1640 to invade Scotland. Montrose was to play something of a double part. In August 1640 he signed the Bond of Cumbernauld as a protest against the particular and direct practicing of a few, in other words, against the ambition of Argyll. But he took his place amongst the defenders of his country, and in the same month he displayed his gallantry in action at the forcing of the Tyne at Newburn . After the invasion had been crowned with success, Montrose still continued to cherish his now hopeless policy. On 27th May 1641 he was summoned before the Committee of Estates and charged with intrigues against Argyll, and on the 11th of June he was imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle . Charles visited Scotland to give his formal assent to the abolition of Episcopacy , and upon the king's return to England Montrose shared in the amnesty which was tacitly accorded to all Charles's partisans. Highlanders had never before been known to combine together, but Montrose knew that many of the West Highland clans, who were largely Catholic , detested Argyll and his Campbell clansmen, none more so than the MacDonalds who with many of the other clans rallied to his summons. The Royalist allied Irish Confederates sent 2000 disciplined Irish soldiers led by Alasdair MacColla across the sea to assist him. In two campaigns, distinguished by rapidity of movement, he met and defeated his opponents in six battles. At Tippermuir and Aberdeen he routed Covenanting levies; at Inverlochy he crushed the Campbells, at Auldearn , Alford and Kilsyth his victories were obtained over well-led and disciplined armies. The fiery enthusiasm of the Gordons and other clans often carried the day, but Montrose relied more upon the disciplined infantry from Ireland. His strategy at Inverlochy, his tactics at Aberdeen, Auldearn and Kilsyth furnished models of the military art, but above all his daring and constancy marked him out as one of the greatest soldiers of the war. His career of victory was crowned by the great Battle of Kilsyth on 15 August 1645 . Now Montrose found himself apparently master of Scotland. In the name of the king, who now appointed him lord lieutenant and captain-general of Scotland, he summoned a parliament to meet at Glasgow, in which he no doubt hoped to reconcile loyal obedience to the king with the establishment of a non-political Presbyterian clergy. 

However that parliament never met. Charles  I had been defeated at the Battle of Naseby on 14t June , and Montrose must come to his help if there was to be still a king to proclaim. David Leslie , the best of the Scottish generals, was promptly dispatched against Montrose to anticipate the invasion. On 12th September he came upon Montrose, deserted by his Highlanders and guarded only by a little group of followers, at Philiphaugh . He won an easy victory. Montrose cut his way through to the Highlands; but he failed to organize an army. In September 1646 he fled for Norway .

After Charles I execution Montrose was to appear once more on the stage of Scottish history. In June 1649, burning to revenge the death of the king, he was restored by the exiled Charles II to the now nominal lieutenancy of Scotland. The new king however hung Graham out to dry afterwards disavowing his noblest supporter in order to become a king on terms dictated by Argyll and Argyll's adherents. 

In March 1650 Montrose landed in Orkney to take the command of a small force which he had sent on before him. Crossing to the mainland, he tried in vain to raise the clans, and on 27th April he was surprised and routed at the Battle of Carbisdale in Ross-shire . His forces were defeated in battle but he escaped. After wandering for some time he was betrayed by Neil MacLeod of Assynt at Ardvreck Castle , to whose protection, in ignorance of MacLeod's political enmity, he had entrusted himself. He was brought a prisoner to Edinburgh, denied a trial on 20th May he was sentenced to death by the parliament. He was hanged on the 21st, with Wishart's laudatory biography of him put round his neck. To the last he protested that he was a real Covenanter and a loyal subject.

Shortly after Montrose's death the Argyll Government switched sides and became Royalists too.

[talesofcrestoriaguide-blog]

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[pamphletstoinspire]

May 24 - The Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians.

Pope Pius VII, after he returned to Rome in 1815 from several years of captivity imposed by the emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, instituted this feast day in honor of the assistance which the Blessed Virgin had accorded the Church. The occasion of the Pope's exile and captivity was the emperor's resistance to the authority of the Vicar of Christ, superior before God to his own. 

from the Liturgical Year by Dom Gueranger, 1880

Ever since our entrance upon the joys of the Paschal season, scarcely a day has passed without the Calendar's offering us some grand Mystery or saint to honor; and all these have been radiant with the Easter sun. But of our Blessed Lady, there has not been a single Feast to gladden our hearts by telling us of some mystery or glory of this august Queen. The Feast of her Seven Dolors is sometimes kept in April,–that is, when Easter Sunday falls on or after the 10th of that month; but May and June pass without any special solemnity in honor of the Mother of God. It would seem as though Holy Church wished to honor, by a respectful silence, the forty days during which Mary enjoyed the company of her Jesus, after His Resurrection. We, therefore, should never separate the Mother and the Son, if we would have our Easter meditations be in strict accordance with truth,–and that, we surely must wish. During those forty days, Jesus frequently visited His disciples, weak men and sinners as they were: could He, then, keep away from His Mother, when He was so soon to ascend into heaven, and leave her for several long years here on earth? Our hearts forbid us to entertain the thought. We feel sure that He frequently visited her, and that, when not visibly present with her, she had Him in her soul, in a way more intimate and real and delicious than any other creature could have.

No Feast could have given expression to such a mystery; and yet the Holy Ghost, who guides the spirit of the Church, has gradually led the faithful to devote the entire month of May to the special honor of Mary, the whole of which comes, almost every year, under the glad season of Easter. No doubt the loveliness of the May month would, some time or other, suggest the idea of consecrating it to the Holy Mother of God; but if we reflect on the divine and mysterious influence which guides the Church in all she does, we shall recognize, in this present instance, a heavenly inspiration, which prompted the faithful to unite their own joy with that of Mary's, and spend this beautiful month, which is radiant with their own Easter joy, in commemorating the maternal delight experienced, during that same period, by the Immaculate Mother when on earth.

Today, however, we have a Feast in honor of Mary. True, it is not one of those Feasts which are entered on the general Calendar of the Church; yet it is so widely spread, and this with the consent of the holy See, that our Liturgical Year would have been incomplete without it. Its object is to honor the Mother of God as the Help of Christians,–a title she has justly merited by the innumerable favors she has conferred upon Christendom. Dating from that day, whose anniversary we have so lately celebrated, on which the Holy Ghost descended upon Mary in the Cenacle, in order that she might begin to exercise over the Church Militant her power as Queen,–who could tell the number of times that she has aided, by her protection, the kingdom of her Son on earth?

Heresies have risen up, one after the other; they were violent; they were frequently supported by the great ones of this world; each of them was resolved on the destruction of the true Faith; and yet, one after the other, they have dwindled away, or fallen into impotency, or are gradually sinking by internal discord; and holy Church tells us that it is “Mary alone who destroys all heresies throughout the whole world.” If public scandals or persecutions, or the tyranny of secular interference, have, at times, threatened to stay the progress of the Church, Mary has stretched forth her arm, the obstacles were removed, and Jesus' Spouse continued her onward march, leaving her foes and her fetters behind her. All this was vividily brought before the mind of the saintly Pontiff, Pius the Fifth, by the victory of Lepanto, gained, by Mary's intercession, over the Turkish fleet, and he resolved to add one more title to the glorious ones given to Our Lady in the Litany: the title he added was, “Auxilium Christianorum,” Help of Christians.

Our present century, the 19th, has had the happiness of seeing another Pontiff, also named Pius, institute a Feast under this same title–a Feast which is intended to commemorate the help bestowed on Christendom, in all ages, by the Mother of God. Nothing could be happier than the choice of the day on which this Feast was to be kept. On the 24th of May, in the year 1814, there was witnessed in Rome the most magnificent triumph that has yet been recorded in the annals of the Church. That was a grand day, being the anniversary of the date whereon Constantine marked out the foundations for the Vatican Basilica, in honor of the Prince of the Apostles; Sylvester stood by and blessed the Emperor, who had just been converted to the true Faith: but important as was this event, it was but a sign of the last and decisive victory won by the Church in the then recent persecution of Dioclesian. That was a memorable day whereon Leo the Third, Vicar of the King of kings, crowned Charlemagne with the imperial diadem, and, by his apostolic power, gave continuance to the long interrupted line of emperors: but Leo the Third, by this, did but give an official and solemn expression to the power which the Church had already frequently exercised in the newly constituted nations, which received from her the idea of Christian government, the consecration of their rights, and the grace that was to enable them to fulfil their duties. That was a joyous day, whereon Gregory the Ninth took back to the City of Peter the Papal throne, which had been pent up at Avignon for seventy sad years; but Gregory the Ninth, in this, did but fulfil a duty, and his predecessors, had they willed it, might have effected this return to Rome, which the necessities of Christendom so imperatively called for.

Yes, these were all glorious days; but the 24th of May, of 1814, surpasses them all. Pius the Seventh re-entered Rome amidst the acclamations of the Holy City, whose entire population went forth to meet him holding palm branches in their hands, and greeting him with their hosannas of enthusiastic joy. He had been a captive for five years, during which the spiritual government of the Christian world had suffered a total suspension. It was not the Allied Powers, who had made common cause against his oppressor, that broke the Pontiffs fetters; the very tyrant who kept him from Rome, had given him permission to return at the close of the preceding year; but the Pontiff chose his own time, and did not leave Fontainebleau till the 25th of January. Rome, whither he was about to return, had been made a part of the French Empire five years previously, and by a Decree in which was cited the name of Charlemagne. The city of Peter had been reduced to a head-town of a department, with a Prefect for its administrator; and, with a view to making men forget that it was the City of the Vicars of Christ, its name was given as a title to the heir-presumptive of the Imperial crown of France. What a day that 24th of May, which witnessed the triumphant return of the Pontiff into the Holy City, whence he had been dragged, during the night, by the soldiers of an ambitious tyrant! He made the journey in short stages, meeting on his way the allied armies of Europe, which recognized his right as King. This right is superior, both in antiquity and dignity, to that of all other monarchs; and all, no matter whether they be heretics, schismatics, or Catholics, must admit it, were it only on the strength of its being an historical fact.

But what we have so far said is not sufficient to give an adequate idea of the greatness of the prodigy thus achieved by Our Lady, the Help of Christians. In order to have a just appreciation of it, we must remember that the miracle was not wrought in the age of Sylvester and Constantine, or of St. Leo the Third and Charlemagne, or of the great prophetess Catharine of Sienna, who made known the commands of God to the people of Italy and to the Popes of Avignon. The age that witnessed this wondrous event was the 19th, and that, too, when it was under the degrading influence of Voltairianism, and there were still living the authors and abettors of the crimes and impieties that resulted from the principles taught in the 18th century. Everything was adverse to such a glorious and unexpected triumph; Catholic feeling was far from being roused as it now is; the action of God's providence had to show itself in a direct and visible manner; and to let the Christian world know that such was the case, Rome instituted the annual Feast of the 24th of May as an offering of acknowledgment to Mary, the Help of Christians.

Let us, then, give thanks to the Blessed Mother of God on this feast of the twenty-fourth day of May, which has been instituted in commemoration of the twofold blessing she thus brought upon the world–the preservation of the Church, and the preservation of society. Let us unite in the fervent acclamations of the then loyal citizens of Rome, and like them, sing with all the glad joy of our Easter Alleluia, our greetings of Hosanna to the Vicar of Christ–the Father of that dear Land, our common Country. The remembrance of St Peter's deliverance from prison, and his restoration to liberty, must have been vividly in the minds of that immense concourse of people, whose love for their Pontiff was redoubled by the sufferings he had endured. As the triumphal chariot, in which he had been placed, came near the Flaminian Gate, the horses were unyoked, and the Pontiff was conveyed by the people to the Vatican Basilica, where a solemn thanksgiving was made over the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles.

Let us now read the account as given in today's Liturgy, of the great event that prompted the institution of our Feast:

The Faithful have frequently seen it proved, by miraculous Intervention, that the Mother of God is ever ready with her help to repel the enemies of religion. It was on this account that, after the signal victory gained by the Christians over the Turks In the Gulf of Lepanto, through the intercession of the most Blessed Virgin, the holy Pope Pius the Fifth ordered that to the other titles given to the Queen of Heaven in the Litany of Loretto, there should be added this of Help of Christians. But one of the most memorable proofs of this her protection, and one which may be regarded as an incontestable miracle, is that which happened during the Pontificate of Pius the Seventh. By the Intrigues and armed violence of certain impious men, the Pontiff had been driven from the Apostolic See of Peter, and was kept in close confinement mainly at Savona, for upwards of five years. During this period, by a persecution unheard of in any previous age, every possible means was resorted to in order to prevent his governing the Church of God. When lo! suddenly and to the surprise of men, he was restored to the Pontifical Throne, to the great joy, it might be almost said, with the concurrence, of the whole world. The same thing happened also a second time, when a fresh disturbance arose and compelled him to leave Rome, and go, with the Sacred College of Cardinals, into Liguria. Here again, the storm that threatened great destruction was appeased by a most prompt interference of God's providence and the Pontiff's return to Rome filled Christendom with new Joy. Before returning, however, he would carry out an intention, which his captivity had hitherto prevented him from doing: with his own hand, he solemnly placed a golden crown on the celebrated statue of the Mother of God that was venerated at Savona under the title of Mother of Mercy. The same Sovereign Pontiff, Pius the VII, who was so thoroughly acquainted with every circumstance of these events, rightly attributed their happy issue to the intercession of the most holy Mother of God, whose powerful help he himself had earnestly besought besides urging all the faithful to obtain it by their prayers. He therefore instituted a solemn feast in honor of the same Virgin-Mother, under the title of Help of Christians. It was to be kept every year, on the twenty fourth of May, the anniversary of his own most happy return to Rome. He also sanctioned a proper Office for this feast in order that the remembrance of so great a favor might ever be vividly In the minds of the faithful, and secure the thanksgiving it deserved.

I have lifted up mine eyes to the mountains, from whence help shall come to me: my help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth (Ps. cxx, 1, 2). Thus prayed the Israelites of old; thus also prays the Church–though, for her, the help is nearer and comes more speedily. The Psalmist's petition has been granted:–the heavens have bowed down, and the Divine Help is now close by our side. This Help is Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary. He is unceasingly fulfilling the promise made us by His Prophet: In the day of thy salvation, I have Helped thee (Is. xlix, 8). But this King of kings has given us a Queen, and this Queen is Mary, His Mother. Out of love for her, He has given her a throne, on His right hand, as Solomon did for his mother Bethsabee; and He would have her, also, to be the Help of Christians. It is the Church that teaches us this, by inserting this beautiful title in the litany; and Rome invites us, on this day, to unite with her in giving thanks and praise to our Blessed Lady of Help, for one of the most signal of her favors.

Our supplications to thee, O Help of Christians! are thus earnest, because our wants are great; but we are not, on that account, the less mindful of the special honor that we owe thee at this holy season of hope, when the Church contemplates the joy thou hadst in presence of thy Risen Jesus. She congratulates thee on the immense happiness that thus repaid thee for thine anguish on Calvary and at the Sepulchre. It is to the Mother, consoled by and exulting in her Son's triumphant Resurrection, that we offer this sweet month, whose loveliness is so in keeping with thine own incomparable beauty, dear Mother! In return for this homage of our devotion, pray for us, that our souls may persevere in the beauty of grace given to them by this year's union with our Jesus; and that we may be so well prepared for the Feast of Corpus Christi, as to merit to receive all the graces necessary to perfect the work of our Paschal Regeneration. 

Our Lady Help of Christians

Fr. Francis Cuthbert Doyle, 1896

I. Pope Pius VII. established the feast which, under this glorious title, is celebrated in honour of our Blessed Lady. It is usually kept upon the twenty-fourth of May. Upon that day the much-enduring and saintly Pontiff, after an exile of several weary years, returned to his capital, whence the violence and tyrannical injustice of the first Napoleon had banished him. Almighty God, in a most unexpected and almost miraculous way, restored him to the arms of his exulting flock, and the holy Pope ever afterwards attributed that restoration to the intercession of Mary, the Help of Christians. In order to show his gratitude to her he ordained that this feast should be kept throughout the Church.

Already at several critical junctures in comparatively modern times, had she proved herself the buckler and defence of the Christian people. When, in the sixteenth century, the Turks were threatening to pour down their devastating hordes upon Europe, and sweep away the civilization bequeathed to us by many generations of patient toilers and men of genius, another Pius–the fifth of that glorious name–like a watchman upon the towers of Israel, roused up the nations to a sense of the peril which threatened them. They responded to his call; gathered together their forces, under the leadership of John of Austria; and invoking the aid of Mary, Help of Christians, began, in the Gulf of Corinth or Lepanto, that famous seafight which ended in the destruction of the fleet destined to bear the forces of Islam into Europe.

In the following century the same inveterate foes of Christianity had actually invested Vienna, and were, to all human appearances, sure of an easy victory. The Christian people once more invoked Mary's aid, and another Christian hero led the insignificant army of Christ, to a glorious triumph over the forces of the false prophet. Thirty years later, the Emperor Charles VI. smote them once again at the Island of Corfu, and by the powerful intercession of Mary, snatched victory from the warlike sons of Mahomet.

It is with reason, therefore, that we look upon Mary as a tower of strength against the face of our enemies, and as the helper of the Christian people. Though she is bright as the sun, and beautiful as the moon, yet, to those who would trample upon the people whom her Son willed to save, and crush out the faith which He came on earth to establish, she is terrible as an army in battle-array.

II. As in the past, Mary has proved herself to be the powerful helper of Christians, so will she still prove herself to be their protectress, at the present day. The power of her intercession with Jesus is as great now as it was then. For, as He is always the Almighty, so is she always our powerful advocate, able to obtain from Him an opportune intervention of His mighty arm, to avert the danger which threatens to overwhelm us.

First, there is the Church of God, over which she stretches the shield of her all-helping hand. The powers of the world gather together, and take counsel against it. They look upon it as an antiquated institution, which is no longer of any use in the world. They imagine that it is an obstacle to the march of what they call ‘modern progress'; that it is a galling fetter upon the political and the intellectual well-being of man. Consequently, they unite together and say to one another: ‘Let us burst her bonds asunder, and cast her out from before our face. Let us thrust her aside as a worthless piece of machinery, which must make way for the modern improvements invented by a more enlightened wisdom to overawe and rule the souls of men.' So they bring to bear upon her all the force and all the cunning that worldly wisdom can array upon its side. They stop at no calumny, they shrink from no injustice to compass their ends. They lash themselves into fury, and dash themselves madly against her; but in the very fever heat of their rage, we remain calm and fear not, for their efforts are vain. Like the billows of the sea, foaming, and chafing, and hurling themselves upon the rocks which bound our coast, they may seem, for a time, to overwhelm her, but when they retire she still stands there unmoved–victorious, and triumphant over every storm. For, in the midst of persecution, we cry to the Help of Christians, and her powerful intercession gives worth to our prayer, and wins God over to listen to us, and to look upon our trouble. Then does He arise in His strength; He laughs our enemies to scorn; and scatters them with the breath of His fierce anger, as chaff is scattered before the storm.

III. Mary is the helper not only of the great Christian commonwealth of the Church, but of the individual members who constitute that vast body of which Christ is the head. For what is true of the great body of Christians in general, is true also of each individual Christian man. If the great mass suffers persecution and bitter trial, the individual member is not left unmolested. There are enemies who combine against his individual soul, just as the powers of the world unite their strength, in order to divide and conquer the mighty army of which he is but a private soldier. Some of these attack him from without, and others from within. Against each of these he stands in need of help.

Examine your own life and you will see that all this is perfectly true. Is not your peace of mind often disturbed by the envy and the jealousy of companions; by the ignorance and the prejudice of those who misinterpret your actions, ascribe to you unworthy motives, and perhaps punish you for that of which you have never even dreamed? Have you not also much to suffer from yourself? Are there not cares, which though small in themselves, nevertheless harass and worry you? Have you no passions to keep under control; no evil habits which hold you in bondage, and make you feel what a bitter thing it is to be a slave?

Added to all this, do you not feel that there are powers of darkness surrounding you and laying snares to entrap your soul? Whither shall you turn for help? You feel that you are not worthy to approach to God, that your sins render you displeasing in His sight. Whither shall you go in your anguish but to the Mother of Jesus, that Mother who is so pleasing to Him, and so spotlessly pure? You know that she loves you, that she feels for you, and that she is ready to help you. You call upon her and she hears you. She unites her prayers with your's, and Jesus listens. You become patient of suffering and of wrongs; you accept the ills of life, as penance for past sin; you courageously resist the devil; you acquire virtues; you become fixed in your resolve to love and serve God. In one word, you triumph over the enemies of your soul, through the powerful intercession of the ‘Help of Christians,' who by praying unto God for you, makes Him more ready to hear your cry, and more willing to grant your petition. 

[omgcplondon]

3rd Anniversary Meet-Up

Wow! We’re turning 3 on Saturday 25th May!

To celebrate we’re meeting up in the London SouthBank Centre, Waterloo, between 1 and 4pm and depending on how we feel we might go for pizza afterwards :) Closest tube station is Waterloo.

If you’re new to Check Please or if you’ve been around a while we’d love to see you there! So if you’ve come along to any of our previous meet-ups or not, everyone is welcome!

We shall eat lots of food, play some Check Please games that @itsybittle has made and chat about the comic we all love :)

We tend to meet on the 5th Floor Terrace but if this is out of action we’ll update the blog with where we’ll be.

Even if you cant make the meet-up please can you share to anyone who you think might be interested in coming along.

Cheers!

@hazelwickpepperweb and @itsybittle

[butterflyinthewell]

Well it’s Father’s day, but this is a different sort of “Father” :)

One of my favorite people in the world is a priest named Father Jim. He’s the first priest I ever met in my life, which happened because I wanted to go to church with my mom to see what it was all about and he was the priest saying the Mass. I was like “Who is that priest with the gorgeous blue eyes?” Seriously! He has the prettiest pale blue eyes I’ve ever seen on a person!

Father Jim has a very...how shall I say it?...memorable physicality and walking gait. I was really startled when he picked up the big bowl and gold chalice during what I would later learn was the Consecration where simple bread and wine become Christ’s Body and Blood. At first I went “Is he gonna drop that?” when he held them up. Then I told myself “girl, he wouldn’t be up there doing that if he couldn’t do it.” 

I didn’t go up for Communion because I wasn’t Catholic yet, but I was very intrigued watching everybody else go up and get it.

I knew he was Father Jim before Mass because it’s common for whoever is doing the announcements to say “The celebrant of this Mass is Father (priest’s name).“ The priest processes from the back of the church to enter during the opening hymn, and he leaves the same way he comes in during the closing hymn. Then he hangs out either in the back of the church or just outside to have a chat with people or bless them / their stuff (Rosaries, Crosses, etc.). I watched Father Jim walk by and he smiled at me as he passed, and I realized “Geez, this guy is good-looking...but he’s a priest! You can’t think that!" LOL!

My mom knew where he hung out in the back, so she took me to meet him. Of course my reaction when I think somebody is attractive is to get massively tongue tied. Father Jim is kind of tall (but not as tall as my dad) so I looked up right when he looked down. He didn’t look down on me in judgment at all, he smiled and “Hello, you’re a new face. How long have you been growing that hair?” (My hair was past my waist then, now it’s past my butt! :P)

I love it when the other person says something first, because it gives me something to go on and continue the conversation rather than start it. I just sort of blurted out, “Thanks, it’s been long all my life,” and totally forgot to tell him my name. Autism brain, thankyouverymuch... XD

My mom proudly introduced me by name as her daughter. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to shake Father Jim’s hand or not. I was initially afraid to because his fingers curl up and I didn’t want to hurt him. I’m VERY prone to squeezing too tight when I shake hands with people, so I offered my hand instead of just grabbing his. He took it with both of his and shook it, which told me handshakes are fine and not painful for him. He said, “Don’t worry, I only bite possessed people.”

I laughed my ass off. I thought priests were supposed to be super serious quiet people, but nope. They’re silly people like anybody else. 

Father Jim became a close family friend as my family got to know him better. He’s a huge MLB Angels fan, a Whovian (JUST recently discovered that one lol) and just a really cool dude. He came to my house a couple of times for dinner in the early 2000′s, and we took him to a few WWE wrestling events at “the Pond” (The Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim back then) where we all had a blast. We were at a Monday Night RAW once and that was so much fun. 

He blessed my parents’ marriage in 2004. They wanted him specifically. He’d transferred away, but came back because he wanted to give the blessing.

I recall he was the first person I ran to and cried on after my grandpa died from dementia early in 2001. I ran up to him and I lost my shit crying on his shoulder. I had been numb all day and then Father Jim opened the dam just by looking at me. It’s like he knew, and I hadn’t even told him what happened. I was yelling and freaking out because I felt so happy that my grandpa could remember who he was again now that he went to Heaven and I thought that was wrong. I thought we’re supposed to only feel sad when people die, so I kept saying I was sorry. 

Father Jim told me that I wasn’t wrong to feel that way at all. He said that’s a sign of my faith growing, and he told me that God reunited my grandpa with my grandma and that I would understand it more at Easter. I was finishing my long journey through RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and about to join the church. Now I wonder if God timed things to happen when they did for just that reason.

I remembered Father Jim’s words on Good Friday a few months later. Good Friday was a very sad, difficult day for me because I fully understood what Jesus went through on the Cross. But I was also very excited because the next night, the Easter Vigil, would be the night I was Confirmed and got to hold Christ in my hands at Communion for the first time. (I STILL feel that excited when I go to Communion!)

I remember my Confirmation moment like it was yesterday because this life-changing moment ended up being super hilarious. 

Father Jim Confirmed me.

He had just traced a Cross on my forehead with the Chrism and I asked, “Is that it? Am I Catholic?”

He mirrored my excitement and said, “Yeah! You’re Catholic!”

And I was all, “Yessss!” and he high fived me.

Later, at Communion, when Christ was placed in my hands, I was full of joy. I remembered what Father Jim said the Saturday my grandpa died and realized the joy I felt was just a twinge compared to how my grandpa was feeling in Heaven. That was special. It made me really understand that the sorrow of Good Friday and the joy of Easter is what we experience at the end of life, and that joy happens because of Jesus.

So ANYWAY...Father Jim celebrated his 25th Ordination anniversary on June 15th, 2018, and he personally invited my family to be there. So we went and it was wonderful. :)

* * * WARNING: Camera flashes. There’s a warning in the video before the flash photography starts. * * *

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0otT9UwWFE

[shadowsong26fic]

Coming Attractions!

Because I skipped the last two months, lol...

I mean, this one is not necessarily “coming this month,” since I’ll be travelling for a couple weeks in the middle of the month! So I’ll have time to write, but possibly not brain, and I’m not 100% sure what my internet access will be like, so I’m tentatively saying there will be no posts between the 10th and the 24th/25th. If everything goes to plan, though, I’ll build up some backlog of stuff in the evenings and be able to post a bunch when I get back. But we shall see!

Okay, ever on we go...

Precipice:

So, I’m nowhere near where I wanted to be at this point in the year, lol. This arc has been...hm...not really flowing as much as some of the earlier ones did? I think at least in part because Fluff Is Hard, so that half is taking a long, long time for me to get out. And Saw can be difficult, so that half is also fairly slow-going, too. Arc Seven (which takes place three years later) should go faster. Leia has a Key Milestone to meet, Infernalis has things to do, and there’s a Spoiler that sets up a major plot thread for arcs 8-14.

Which, as a head’s up, will most likely be split off into a separate fic. Which I think I’ve mentioned before, but just to be clear. Partly for length, partly for timing--there’s going to be a fairly long timeskip of six years--partly for subject matter/format because there’s a key Moment that happens in Arc Eight (working title Escalation). Right now, the plan is to title this second chunk Protectors, but I might use Precipice II or something instead, haven’t decided.

So, anyway, fun stuff in the pipeline here! I might do another bonus fic or two at some point. I’m guessing Arc Six will be about twelve chapters in total? Depends on how quickly I wrap up the Saw & Ahsoka & Rex storyline.

Oh! Before I switch topics--on the subject of the bonus fics, having read Thrawn: Alliances...there’s definitely one I want to write, with Padme and Thrawn. But, due to potential spoilers, it’ll be a while. Which...I guess I should remind y’all that I tend to work in a blended/tiered canon, drawing on both Legends and canon content as seems appropriate. Also, I locked my official canon before seeing Rebels, which is why Ahsoka and Rex have pretty significantly different backstories. I draw stuff in from later-released contact as it suits me/the story, if it does not completely contradict what I’ve established for the AU.

(Incidentally, as for drawing in Rebels content/characters, I’m still going back and forth on how much of that I wanna do. As I think I’ve mentioned before, the timeskip between Part 7 and Part 8 includes the entire run of the show, and I already had Thrawn worked into a later storyline, plus Rebels would pretty significantly diverge starting with the end of S1/beginning of S2 anyway, so...there it is. There is something I’m leaning towards using Kallus and Zeb for, in around part 13/14, but we shall see.)

AU Outlines:

Let’s Go Steal a Crossover will materialize at some point, I swear.

Also The Mask of Zorro/California Gold Rush AU Fusion No One One Person Asked For. Which is a very long title but pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. I should rewatch that movie at some point. Not just for this, but because I love it.

Also, having read Alliances, for somewhat spoilery reasons the Pellaeon AU is back in my head with a vengeance. (I mean. Not that it ever really left because it’s a fun and somewhat self-indulgent one I pick at pretty frequently.) Anyway, I probably will write that one up at some point, but holding off for a suitable spoiler moratorium ‘cause some of the stuff that came up in the novel will/should be referenced. (...this AU, for those of you who don’t know, is the one where Gilad Pellaeon impulsively kidnaps a fourteen-year-old, one thing leads to another, and now Thrawn is working with the Rebels.)

Also also, at some point I should update Ventress and Her Tiny Time-Travelling Conscience. Because Past!Obi-Wan, Padme, and Palpatine should probably all weigh in on what’s going down...

Other Existing Fic:

Fingers crossed for Distaff and/or Auxiliaries. Because I am very fond of them, I just haven’t had much juice flowing for them lately, sadly.

Also, eventually The Caladrius? I think/hope?

New Projects:

There are THREE of them! :D Because I clearly don’t have enough going on, lol.

First one is Our Faces Like a Mirror (working title); AKA the first big chunk of a potentially massive “shadowsong accidentally fell in love with Bo-Katan and now feels compelled to tell her story” project. This one covering from the backstory civil war until she leaves to join Death Watch. Don’t want to say too much more, since it might be my BB project for next year.

Second is Bail Unfucks the Timeline (which lacks a working title). It’s pretty much an expansion of the AU Outline version. There’s quite a bit of negative space/gaps to fill in, so we’ll see when this comes in. (It also might be a BB project, IDK.)

Third is Untitled ObiAniDala AU Extravaganza. Based on a prompt from @obianidalasuggestion.

Timeline/dummy summary because I are Clever.

In another galaxy, this would be the year the Clone Wars began.

In this one, it’s the twenty-fifth anniversary of the fall of the Republic.

I’m still poking around at worldbuilding for now. Figuring out where Obi-Wan has been for the past twenty-five years since Bail helped him escape the Temple (and making this suitably distinct from Kanan’s backstory); working out Padme’s timeline; having fun with tiny Anakin and Ahsoka; debating whether to adjust Palpatine’s age for credibility, or have the subplot of him overthrowing Plagueis in the background...

Now, courtship narratives aren’t really my strong suit so I have no idea on timing for this one, either, but I’m having fun building it and it will come eventually.

(Also, it occurred to me--and this isn’t the direction I’m going with it--but this prompt also lends itself to a Dark Trio OT3 fic. Where Obi-Wan the Sith apprentice and Padme the clever politician are plotting to overthrow their mutual Master and rule together, or have already done so, and then Anakin falls into their laps, so to speak...again, not going there because while I definitely enjoy reading Empress Amidala AUs (and occasionally Sith Obi-Wan AUs), I am not at all confident in my ability to write one, and besides I’m having way more fun worldbuilding the other one. Just...IDK sharing as an example of how my brain tends to go off on Tangents, which is why I have many AUs of my own AUs and sometimes updates are slow, lol...)

Original Fiction:

With the help of some challenges on the origfic community I post to, I actually got some stuff done this month! Hopefully will keep doing stuff because I’ve missed by origfic characters the past year or so...

Anyway, that’s what’s coming! What have y’all been up to lately?

[jafreitag]

Grateful Dead Monthly: Nassau Coliseum – Uniondale, NY 3/29/90

On Thursday, March 29, 1990, the Grateful Dead played a show at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.

We’ve covered this venue before – GD 3/15/73, GD 5/14-16/80, Phish 4/2-3/98, and Phish 2/28/03. The Coliseum opened in 1972 on a former Army airfield seven miles east of Queens. It was the former home of the NBA’s New York Nets and the former/current home of the NHL’s New York Islanders. It’s an 18,000 capacity shed, not unattractive from outside, and one that has hosted some incredible shows.

3/29/90 is near the top of them.

In early 1990, the Dead were in good form. Archivist David Lemieux has called the band’s 25th Anniversary tour that spring “exceptional” and “really some of the best, and most consistently great, Grateful Dead music I ever saw.” Check out his seaside chat video regarding the Spring 1990 box set that features one show from each of the tour’s six stops.

Nassau Coliseum was the penultimate of those, and the band played a weeknight Wed-Thurs-Fri (or WTF) run there. The middle show is our focus here – “one of the all-time great[s],” according to the Grateful Dead of the Day blog. What makes it so great is the guest appearance of saxophonist Branford Marsalis.

At the time, Branford was already well-established in the jazz community, featuring (along with his older brother Wynton) in an early-80s iteration of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and popping up in bands led by Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. And he gained notoriety in the rock idiom for his work on Sting’s 1985 solo debut, Dream of the Blue Turtles. But he wasn’t familiar with the Dead. In a 2014 Rolling Stone interview, he told scribe David Fricke, “Guys who play jazz and don’t only listen to jazz knew those guys.” Bradford only knew Truckin’. And the the lack of familiarity was mutual. According to GDOTD, “Before Branford showed up at the show, Phil was the only person in the band who knew who he was. Annie Uzdavinis, the Dead’s press person was cousins with Jim Lewi, a musician Branford was working on a project with. When Phil heard of the connection, he had Annie get in touch and invite Branford to the show.”

When asked in the RS interview about his first impressions upon arriving at the venue, Marsalis said:

“I walked backstage and Phil goes, ‘Hey, man, glad you could make it.’ The rest of the guys were like, ‘We don’t know who you are, but it’s nice to meet you.’ [Laughs] I came up for ‘Bird Song,’ and after the set was over, I said, ‘Thanks for letting me play, guys.’ And they’re like, ‘No, no, stay! Play the second half of the show. We’ll do Dark Star. That had no significance to me. I’m like, Dark Star? Okay. What is it? ‘Oh, you’re gonna love it. It’s free, it’s out.’ Great, I can play out. [Laughs] They start playing that lick, and the audience goes fucking bananas. Later, I started getting these phone calls on my private number: ‘Man, you were great last night. Thanks for getting them to play Dark Star. They haven’t played it in six months.’ I’m like, who are these people? . . . I had no context. I got people calling my house: ‘That was a fantastic show.’ Hey, how did you get this number? ‘We’re everywhere, man. But don’t worry about it. We’re harmless.’

I was an anthropologist that night, just checking this shit out. But it was a serious throwback to how I view music. There wasn’t a set list. They barely spoke to the audience. And the audience didn’t perceive that as disrespectful. The crowd was there to listen. When most people go to concerts, they say, ‘I’m going to see such-and-such.’ Dead fans – they went to hear the band.”

Marsalis also spoke about the music itself:

“This wasn’t foreign territory. I’d already toured in Sting’s band. And I didn’t grow up just playing jazz. This was like going home. New Orleans is a culture where it’s all there. We don’t have those sharp divisions. With the Dead, I could imagine one guy as the folk guy, another as the jazz guy, someone as the rock guy. There was almost nothing they couldn’t play – and make the shit sound authentic. They were all listeners. There is a point where musicians who establish themselves stop listening to music and start listening to their own rhetoric. The Dead didn’t do that. It was obvious in the way they approached a song.

That 7/4 time [in Estimated Prophet] was not a big deal to a guy who plays jazz. Where jazz guys fuck up playing with pop and rock bands is they seem insulted by the simplicity. In the jazz guy’s world, there isn’t a song that exists that I can’t make better with my know-how.

The hardest thing to understand is that it doesn’t always need your innovation. The trick for me was not to go for all the little jazz styling. It’s about playing the song – what you hear instead of what you know. . . . The thing the Dead appreciated about me, if I can blow my own horn about anything, is that when I played with them, I was actually playing with them. I wasn’t just playing my thing.”

And GDOTD adds:

For Branford, it was like the best jazz gigs where you can just jam without worrying about anything. [He said,] “When I agreed to sit in with the Dead in 1990, I didn’t know what to expect, aurally or visually. What I experienced was what I remembered music to be in my younger years, something that I’d felt was lost long ago. Process over product. No set lists, light shows and costumes required, but music first. It’s an experience I will always remember with great fondness.”

So will we, and none more than LN editor, and head ‘head around here, ECM. He was at this show, and provides this recollection:

Has it really been 30 years since I was fortunate enough to see jazz saxophonist extraordinaire, Branford Marsalis, play with the Grateful Dead on March 29, 1990 at Nassau Coliseum?

This show has attained legendary status among Deadheads. It is held in the same conversation as some of the band’s greatest shows including the mighty Cornell. I’ve heard people refer to 3/29/90 as “the Cornell of the 90s.” Without getting too carried away with comparisons, I think we all can agree that it certainly is an exceptional moment in GD history. The stats certainly don’t lie…

There are no less than 5 official releases that contain 3/29/90:

Without A Net (1990) – “Eyes of the World”

Infrared Roses (1991) – “Drums” (i.e., “River of the Sorrows”) & “Space” (i.e., “Apollo at the Ritz”)

So Many Roads box set (1999) – Bird Song

Spring 1990 (The Other One) box set (2014) – the entire show

Wake Up To Find Out (2014) – the entire show

There are 21 different audio sources on LMA and the show has been downloaded a total of 335k+ times.

Many of the songs performed on 3/29/90 are among the most highly rated by fans on heady version.com:

“Bird Song” – Ranked #3 (after 8/27/72 and 6/22/73)

“Eyes of the World” – Ranked #2 (after 8/6/74)

“Estimated Prophet” – Ranked #7 overall; #1 of the entire 80s and 90s

“Dark Star” – Ranked #15 overall; #1 of the 1990s, #2 of the 80s & 90s behind 10/26/89 (Miami)

Having attended 3/29/90, my feelings are best described by John Dwork, who authored The Deadheads Taping Compendium:

This concert is what “IT” was all about – that all-too-rare “miracle show” one spent years pursuing. This was one of those events at which, with mutual ear-to-ear grins, we nodded to each other, knowing that what was happening would be remembered forever. It’s what the Deadhead’s “hero’s journey” is all about.

 Let’s dive into the show, shall we?

March 29, 1990 was the third of four shows I attended during the great Spring 1990 tour. The mind-blowing performances in Hartford (3/18) and Albany (3/24) were a clear sign that the band was playing the best they had since returning after Garcia’s near-death diabetic coma. The origin of this creative peak can be traced back to the previous fall when they busted out “Dark Star,” “Help>Slip,” “Attics” and “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” – songs that had been absent from the repertoire for many years. The Spring tour brought even more bust-outs with the return of “Loose Lucy” (3/14/90) and “Black-Throated Wind” (3/16/90), both of which were last played on 10/19/74. It was an exciting time to see the band. They were totally on top of their game, they knew it, and there was a sense among fans that “anything can happen.” And, on March 29, 1990, it did.

My brother’s best friend, Scott, picked me up at my office in New York City and we drove to Nassau Coliseum together. It was the first and only time I traveled to a Grateful Dead concert in a Porsche 911 – “Might as well travel the elegant way!” Of course the primary topic of conversation was the current Dead tour. Scott was a taper and had attended every show except the two nights at Copps Coliseum in Ontario. Since there was no internet back then, I was eager to hear about the opening night of Nassau which I had missed. The big news was the debut of “The Weight” along with the unusual placement of “Cumberland Blues” and “Hey Pocky Way” in the pre-drums slot of the second set. I was a little bummed that I missed “Loose Lucy” (which had been busted out in Landover earlier in the tour) along with the first “High Time” since 12/9/88 and the extremely rare cover of the Beatles, “Revolution” which was played a total of 11 times – this being the final performance.

Since Scott planned to record the entire Spring tour, he asked all of his friends to request “Taper’s Tickets” by mail order. I was the fortunate friend of his who scored Taper’s Tickets for the March 29th  show. Scott had gotten excellent seats via mail order in the lower level, dead center behind the soundboard so I gladly exchanged my tickets with him. For the initiated, let’s just say that the Taper’s Section can be a little intense. However, I am extremely grateful for the work they did to document the concert experience of the Grateful Dead.

We arrived at Nassau Coliseum around 4 PM and met up with my brother, Dan, and some friends to take in the “Shakedown” scene in the parking lot which was low-key compared with other venues. Nassau had a bad reputation for harsh treatment of Deadheads and the unusually high number of arrests by the Nassau County Police. It was so bad in fact that the Dead refused to play Nassau for a long time. This was their first trip back since 1985. Many fans actually boycotted these shows for that reason which resulted in lots of extra tickets. The word was that you couldn’t give tickets away on the first night of the run. The great performance from the previous night caused some fans to re-think the boycott but there were still plenty of tickets available for the 29th.

We settled into our seats and waited with great anticipation for the band to take the stage. The opening combo of “Jack Straw” > “Bertha” was a big crowd pleaser but I remember not feeling the same energy that most of the people around me felt. I am probably in the minority with this view but from my perspective the first set was pretty average up until the “golden moment.” In fact, when I listen to it today, I still sense that the band was a little restrained. Perhaps they were holding back for the musical guest who was waiting behind stage.

After the band finished “Masterpiece” there was a pause and then Weir approached the microphone to make an announcement: “Well ok, we’ve got a special guest tonight.” The crowd noise swelled at this unexpected turn of events. Garcia peeled off a practice run on the riff of “Bird Song” but there was still no sign of a guest. Weir attempted to avert the awkward confusion with humor by adding: “…I think.”  And then out of the shadows appeared the jazz great, Branford Marsalis with soprano saxophone in hand. Stumbling a bit over his name, Weir formally introduced him: “Y’all wanna welcome Branford Marsalis.”

I can attest to the fact that most people in the audience did not know who Branford Marsalis was. I certainly didn’t. In fact, nobody in the Grateful Dead even knew who he was except Phil Lesh. Annie Uzdavinis, the Dead’s press person was cousins with Jim Lewi, a musician Branford was working on a project with. When Phil heard of the connection, he had Annie get in touch and invite Branford to the show. For that matter, Branford had never heard any Grateful Dead songs until he stepped on stage with the band. The next day, he allegedly went to Tower Records and purchased the entire GD catalogue. Another interesting tidbit about Branford’s appearance is that he was supposed to play with the band on March 24th at Knickerbocker Arena in Albany but due to scheduling conflicts he couldn’t make it so it was rescheduled for March 29th at Nassau Coliseum.

Anyway, after Weir introduced Branford I saw a lot of shoulder shrugs and people huddled together trying to figure out who the mystery man with the sax was. The last name, Marsalis, sounded familiar because of his brother, Wynton, the great jazz trumpet player. Some people vaguely remembered that Branford played with Sting’s jazz-influenced solo band when the bass player left The Police in 1985. Needless to say, there was a lot of head scratching and even some cause for concern because musical guests generally were a disaster for a Grateful Dead concert. The last person to join the band on saxophone was Clarence Clemons and that collaboration was met with very mixed results. Moreover, musical guests at a Grateful Dead concert in general meant less jamming and less getting weird which were the very reasons we obsessively followed this band around the country. However, those fears would quickly be dispelled. We were about to get our faces melted and nobody saw it coming. With that, Garcia led the band into one of the finest versions of “Bird Song” ever played. The way Branford used his tenor and soprano saxophone to add texture and counterpoints to elevate this jam is otherworldly. Amazingly, it sounds as if he had been playing with the Dead for years.

John Dwork describes the moment with poetic perfection in The Deadhead’s Taping Compendium:

“Bird Song” establishes that Branford can talk the Grateful Dead language. The interplay goes back and forth, going higher and higher. Jerry and Branford, twin flames dancing above the same candle. This is not a massive psychedelic storm. This “Bird Song” does not melt or even drip. It is a gentle dream of consciousness poem. It is zen in motion – like the water in a mountain stream gently laughing as it dances on its way.

A very hot “Promised Land” follows – it’s a sort of celebration of the “Bird Song” and Branford’s presence. As the house lights went on at set break, I looked around the audience and saw lots of smiles about what had gone down. Supposedly, the band was even more excited. Many of us in the audience assumed that Branford’s appearance on “Bird Song” was a one-shot deal and that he would not return for the second set. Apparently Branford had assumed the same thing. The story goes that he was already beginning to pack up his instrument when the boys in the band prevailed on getting him to play the rest of the show and told them that they wanted to play “Dark Star” with him. Branford recalled the experience:

They said “Hey, let’s play Dark Star – we hadn’t played that in a while.” I was like “Oh, I don’t know the song.” They said “Oh, you’ll love it. It’s right up your alley.”

The crowd roared as the lights dimmed for the second set and Branford appeared on stage again. With that, they launched into the now immortal version of “Eyes of the World.” Opening any set with “Eyes” was extremely rare so the band must have really been excited to play it. The jazzy chords and open space make it a perfect choice for their guest to shine. There were two things I distinctly remember sticking out: (1) the beautiful lighting that accompanied this performance – luscious and serene colors of purple and green bathed the stage and audience; and (2) the slower, more deliberate tempo than usual. For years the band had favored a speedy tempo so this was a very welcome change. It was almost a throw-back to the great versions from the 1973-74 era. For 16-minutes, we were treated to delightful extended jams – Jerry and Branford trading solos. At one point Jerry began using a MIDI Choral/Flute combo and continued a theme that Branford had been playing with his sax. As one reviewer commented, “it sounded like angels were flying into the Nassau Coliseum.”

After an extended final “Eyes” jam, Jerry switches over to his Mu-Tron. After a few saxophone and keyboard flourishes, the music gently washes out and slowly comes to a very brief pause. The drummers tap on their high-hat’s to count in the next song – “Estimated Prophet.” Whoa! Talk about switching things up! This was a major switch from the usual sequence of the classic combo, “Estimated > Eyes.” A quick check revealed that the band performed it this way only twice before – 11/4/77 (Colgate) and 11/5/79 (Spectrum). I didn’t realize at the time just how rare this was. By now, Branford was so comfortable playing with the Dead that he begins soloing within 8 seconds of the start of the song. But he doesn’t just solo, he DEVOURS it. It’s quite impressive when you consider how quirky “Estimated” is with its odd 7/8 time signature and the unusual chord choices – F# minor and B minor. This version of “Estimated” is incredible save for a minor hiccup when Bobby prematurely ends the “California” jam before Garcia is ready. It’s a very subtle flub that is hardly noticeable which is a testament to how well-oiled this band was.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give special recognition to Brent who laid down some of his finest and funkiest keyboard work ever during Bobby’s rave-out segment. Behind Weir’s shrieks, Branford’s riffs create a syncopated, rhythmic dance while Brent bounces on and off beat. To this day I am unable to stop my body from involuntarily gyrating when I listen to this magical interplay. Branford takes the first solo and my God is it smooth and dripping with soul. He passes the ball to Garcia who has his Mu-Tron dialed in and ready to go. The mood instantly changes to a smoky and spacey realm.

The “Estimated” jam gracefully drifts into a segue opportunity. Garcia noodles, hinting ever so subtly at “IT.” Tension filled the air and the audience fell silent as we held our collective breath, hoping and praying for the only song that made sense at this time and at this place but none of us dare said it. In fact, many of us (me included) wondered whether “Dark Star” was even a possibility. The band had played it only four times in1989 – all on the Fall Tour. Was it just a “Warlocks” novelty song that had been retired, never to surface again? Nobody was dancing anymore. Everybody was frozen as we hung on to Garcia’s every note. My brother, who was standing next to me, put his hand on my shoulder with anticipation. A few descending notes later…a brief silent pause… and then….they played it! “Dark Star!” Nassau Coliseum exploded. Having recently experienced the crowd reaction to “Dark Star” at the Meadowlands on 10/16/89, which was deafening, I can assertively say that the reaction to the Nassau “Star” was even more intense because it was totally unexpected.  Here’s what Branford had to say about it:

They started playing the song and the audience went absolutely ape s–t. They went bananas. I’m looking at them going bananas and I’m going “OK, this must be an anthem.”

For those who enjoy stats, the transition from “Estimated” into “Dark Star” was yet another unique song sequence for the band. In fact, this was the first time that happened. It was also the first “Dark Star” of the 90’s and it is easily the best of the decade and quite possibly the best since 1974.

The band stayed close to the main theme for the first five minutes. The mood of the music mirrored the audience’s reaction – joyful and celebratory. However, after dispensing of the first verse, what followed was 11 minutes of the most outside, exploratory music I’ve ever heard. The band took a deep dive into the cosmos of the psychedelic, acid-jazz universe, pursuing a multitude of themes. The interplay between the musicians was astounding. The entire band rose to the challenge, and then raised the bar. It was like nothing I had ever seen before or again.

Here is what Branford had to say about jamming with the Dead:

The Dead were a 60s rock band. It was almost impossible to have a rock band in the 60s that wasn’t influenced by jazz. Not that they were going to be going to be great jazz musicians but they grew up listening to that kind of music so it was a very improvisatory, experimental nature to the way they played. It was very interesting to be on the stage with them….The first time I played with them at Nassau Coliseum it was a very special night. It was really on.

Here is what Branford had to say about playing with Garcia:

It was a joy to play with him and it was actually more of a joy to listen to him…Musically, he meant business, man. He didn’t smile much when he was on stage. When he and I would hook up on a little line and he would give me a little sly grin. It was like that jazz thing…a returning acknowledgment, a little achievement, a little success but then it was back to the matter at hand.

You can watch the entire interview with Branford from 1996 on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnnoHPFMs3U

The rest of the show was gravy. The re-entry into “Dark Star” out of “Space” was perfect as was the gentle segue into “The Wheel.” Although the band skipped the “ballad” song on this particular evening, how could anybody possibly complain after all of the magic that had occurred already? Bobby led a strong version of “Throwing Stones” and instead of automatically defaulting to “Not Fade Away” which the band had gotten accustomed to, they wisely opted for “Lovelight” which afforded Branford an opportunity to show off his rock n’ roll chops.

“Knocking on Heaven’s Door” was simply gorgeous and served as the perfect palate cleanser for this evening of long and complex jams.

The comments by Jim Lind on jerrygarcia.com sum up my feelings as the show ended and the house lights came on:

I don’t believe I ever saw Garcia as happy as he appeared to be on this night as the smile on his face throughout the show made it clear that he understood what the other 20,000 people in the building had come to realize; what was happening here was something special. As the house lights came on after the encore, 20,000, in unison, let out an incredibly loud, appreciative cheer. As we exited, I took delight in seeing the look of bewilderment on so many faces as if they were asking, “Did that really just happen?”

My brother and I met up with Scott and a bunch of other friends in the parking lot. Big smiles, high-fives and hugs were everywhere. We drove to Scott’s beach house in Quogue and partied all night listening to his recording of the show we had just attended. It is something I will never forget.

You can pretend that you’re next to Ed and watch the whole show on a fan-shot YouTube HERE.

As Ed mentioned, the Eyes of the World from this show first appeared on the live album Without a Net that documented the Fall ’89 and Spring ’90 tours. The whole show was later released as Wake Up to Find Out. As an official release, it’s on Spotify. Here’s the widget:

If you’re not a Spotify person (aside: why?), Ed did the legwork on alt sources from the Live Music Archive and Relisten.org. Here are the links:

LMA (SBD Source) – https://archive.org/details/gd90-03-29.sbd.miller.26341.sbeok.shnf

Re-Listen (SBD): https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1990/03/29?source=97979

LMA (AUD Source) – https://archive.org/details/gd1990-03-29.nak300.andrewf.83612.flac16/gd1990-03-29d2t04.flac

Re-Listen (AUD) – https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1990/03/29?source=124361

LMA (Matrix Source) – https://archive.org/details/gd1990-03-29.mtx.hansokolow.97118.flac16

Re-Listen (Matrix Source) – https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1990/03/29?source=97672

More soon.

JF

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Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1428

  SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1428 Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1428

The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Bulletin No. 1428 BID: $OPDX.1428 August 26, 2019 Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio) Written/Send from Strongsville, Ohio

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, the AB5K’s AR Cluster Networks, ARRL Letter & Web Page, NJ1Q & W1AW, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, WB6RSE, AA7A, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m DX News, N0TG, 8P6SH/8P2K, DL1SBF, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DxCoffee.com, DXNews.com, DX-World.Net, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, G4EDG, HL1VAU, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I2YSB, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, RN3RQ, Sixitalia Weekly and VA3RJ & ICPO for the following DX information.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT: According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 18th/August, through Sunday, 25th/August there were 206 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3D2, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4U1I, 4X, 5A, 5B, 5N, 5R, 5T, 5W, 6Y, 7P, 7X, 8P, 8Q, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9K, 9L, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9Q, 9V, 9Y, A2, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, CE, CE0Y, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CU, CX, DL, DU, E5/n, E5/s, E6, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EP, ER, ES, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FH, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FS, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, H4, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HH, HI, HK, HK0/a, HL, HP, HR, HS, HZ, I, IS, J3, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KH8, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OJ0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PY, PZ, S0, S2, S5, S7, S9, SM, SP, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T2, T7, TA, TF, TG, TI, TK, TL, TT, TU, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V3, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VP2E, VP2M, VP8, VR, VU, XE, XU, XZ, YA, YB, YI, YJ, YK, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z3, Z6, ZA, ZB, ZD7, ZD8, ZF, ZL, ZP, ZS

* PLEASE NOTE: The report “could” contain “Pirate/SLIM” operations or more likely a “BUSTED CALLSIGN”. As always, you never know – “Work First Worry Later”.

4L, GEORGIA. Ilya, R3XA, will be active as 4L9M from Gudauri during the CQWW DX SSB Contest (October 26-27th) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (80m) entry. QSL via R3XA, ClubLog or LoTW.

5I, TANZANIA (IOTA Op). Silvano, I2YSB, informs that the Italian DX- pedition Team (IDT) will be activating Zanzibar Island (AF-032) in Tan- zania between February 4-18th, 2020. The IDT will be using two callsigns: 5I5TT for CW, SSB and RTTY; 5I4ZZ for FT8 and FT4. The Team will be comprised of 10 operators. Operators mentioned are Franco/I1FQH, Alfeo/ I1HJT, Tony/I2PJA, Silvano/I2YSB, Vinicio/IK2CIO, Angelo/IK2CKR, Marcello/ IK2DIA, Stefano/IK2HKT, Paolo/IW1ARB and Mac/JA3USA. Activity will be on 160-10 meters with 5 stations on the air. Suggested frequencies are: CW – 1826, 3530, 7025, 10115, 14030, 18068, 21030, 24890 and 28030 kHz SSB – 3775, 7090, 14240, 18130, 21310, 24950 and 28470 kHz RTTY – 14084 kHz FT4 – 3575, 7047.5, 10140, 14080, 18104, 21140, 24919 and 28180 kHz FT8 – 1845, 3585, 7056, 10131, 14084, 18095, 21091, 24911 and 28091 kHz ** For Japanese stations only: FT8 on 160m will use the normal mode. Their RX frequency will be on 1908 kHz. The IDT is conducting a band/mode survey for their Tanzania operation at: http://www.i2ysb.com/idt QSL via OQRS (http://win.i2ysb.com/logonline/). QSL via I2YSB direct only or LoTW after the operation.

5K0, SAN ANDREA ISLAND. Operators Rob/HK3CW, Petr/OK1BOA, Petr/OK1FCJ, Palo/OK1CRM, Pavel/OK1GK, Ruda/OK2ZA, Ludek/OK2ZC, Karel/OK2ZI and David/ OK6DJ will be active as 5K0K from San Andres Island (NA-033) around/between October 15-30th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. Focus will be on the low bands. Radios: Elecraft K3 and Kenwood TS480 (both multiple units). PA: Expert 1.3k-FA, JUMA’s and RF Power. Antennas: 3x Spiderbeam (10/15/20m including WARC), VDA antennas, 30m 4SQ, 40m 4SQ, 80m vertical + radials, 1/4 vertical + radials 160m vertical + capacitive hat. RX: Beverages + DHDL. QSL via OK6DJ, ClubLog’s OQRS or LoTW.

6O7O SOMALIA DXPEDITION NEWS (Update). Ken, LA7GIA, reports [edited]: “I will QRV from Somalia Sept. 14th to Sept. 28th on all bands 160-10m mainly on CW. Activity on other modes (SSB, FT8) will be limited and on 1-2 bands only. This trip has proved to be very difficult to plan, but finally after 3 site visits all details are sorted out. I have all permits in hand – and look forward to returning to Somalia after 18 months. I will particularly focus on working NA this time, as well low bands. I have some good vertical low band antennas, and some good RX antennas. The RX antennas will hopefully be located far away from noise sources. There will be a guard protecting the beverages 24/7. Please follow my instructions when it comes to calling for geographical areas. Because there is a very short opening to NA on low bands, in particular western part of NA. If there is propagation I will only call for NA when we approach my sunrise. EU will have the best conditions and shall try to work me during their evening time on low bands. Please carefully note the QSO and QSL policy mentioned on my Web page. Free&fast LoTW is only for the good first class operators who can follow the QSO policy and DX code of conduct. I have some additional security related expenses like armored car, armed guards etc. If you would like to contribute to protecting the low band antennas from being stolen, cut or moved – make a donation to PayPal (kenneth@opskar.no). Anyone who donates in advance before the DXpedition end will receive direct QSL and express LoTW! This time I would also like to offer you the possibility to donate to a humanitarian fundraiser for the Norwegian organization Sabona who helps children in Africa. Please use the same PayPal address but indicate your call and that it is meant as humanitarian donation. Please look for more info on my Web page (https://www.la7gia.com/where-next/).” ADDED REMINDER: QSL via M0OXO. Logs will be uploaded to ClubLog. Also, make sure you read Ken’s “QSO & QSL Policy” on his Web page.

7A, INDONESIA. A team of YB operators will be active as 7A2A from a contest station in Central Java during the CQWW DX SSB Contest (October 26-27th) as a Multi-? entry. QSL via LoTW. No othe details were provided.

8A74, INDONESIA (Special Event). Members of the Organisasi Amatir Radio Indonesia (ORARI) will be active as 8A74RI/# (0-9, Provinces/Call Areas) between August 28th and September 1st. Activity is to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. QSL via ORARI National QSL Bureau or LoTW.

C5, THE GAMBIA. Don, G3XTT, will once again be active as C56DF from The Gambia, but this time in CQWW DX CW Contest (November 23-24th). Look for operation before and maybe after the contest. Activity will be on various bands, probably all CW like last time using low power (IC-7300 and wires) from a rooftop apartment. He will, of course, upload logs to LoTW and ClubLog, but possibly only after his return to the UK. QSL direct to Don’s home callsign or via ClubLog’s OQRS.

D4, CAPE VERDE (Update/Satellite Op). Harald, DF2WO, will once again be active as D44TWO from Praia, Santiago Island (AF-005), between September 29th and October 13th. Activity will be holiday style on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. He states that he works mostly on the Digital modes (FT8, PSK31, JT65 and RTTY) and slow CW. It was reported this past week that “he has been working hard in the last few months getting his Satellite station working and is now confident he will use it from Cabo Verde. He will be using an Icom 7300, 2 Transverters with 3 watts output on ES-Hail using the QO-100 Geostationary Satellite.” He will also have a FT-450D into a homemade HEX BEAM and a dipole for 40 meters. QSL via M0OXO (OQRS available).

DXCC, VUCC, & ARRL CONTESTS (Now Prohibit Automated Contacts!). From the ARRL Web page: Following the direction of the ARRL Board of Directors, ARRL has incorporated changes to the rules for all ARRL-sponsored contests and DXCC, prohibiting automated contacts. These changes also apply to the Worked All States (including Triple Play and 5-Band WAS), VHF/UHF Century Club, and Fred Fish, W5FF, Memorial awards. The changes are effective immediately. A resolution at the July ARRL Board of Directors meeting pointed to “growing concern over fully automated contacts being made and claimed” for contest and DXCC credit. The rules now require that each claimed contact include contemporaneous direct initiation by the operator on both sides of the contact. Initiation of a contact may be either local or remote. See: http://www.arrl.org/news/view/arrl-contest-and-dxcc-rules-now-prohibit-automated-contacts Also see the ARRL Letter for August 22nd, 2019.

FK, NEW CALEDONIA. Jan, F6EYB, will once again be active as FK8CJ from Noumea, New Caledonia (OC-032), starting August 29th, until the end of the year. Activity will be on various HF bands (mainly 30/20/17 meters). QSL via F6EYB, LoTW or eQSL.

FS, ST. MARTIN. Doug, VA3DF, will be active as FS/VA3DF from St. Martin (NA-105) during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 23-24th) as a Single-Op/ Single-Band (40 or 20m) entry. He will use a CrankIR and 100 watts. QSL via LoTW.

FT8 OPERATING SUGGESTIONS. Dean, 8P6SH/8P2K, has recently been very active on FT8 from St.Philip, and states, “Its been very interesting but also somewhat frustrating. I thought I would share a few thoughts on working DX from a DX perspective. After working quite a few stations on FT8 over the past couple months, I thought I would share a few thoughts on working DX on HF: 1. When you’re calling a DX station on HF is the grid that important? Many times it’s not a bad idea to go with “XX0DX W1ZZ 01” This is especially important when signal levels are low – -20db and below. The grid information is generally redundant and will be confirmed on LoTW anyway. In the typical ‘pile-up’ that I get on the band, I try to work the stations that send a signal report first as these QSOs are shorter.

2. Do not call a DX station on its transmit frequency. Often I have 4 or 5 DX stations all calling on the same frequency and then, even with perfect conditions I’m sending repeat after repeat and seemingly getting nowhere. Find a clear frequency and call.

3. Know when you can log the station. Many times I am working a station and I have gotten a “RRR” or “RR73” from the other station. I either send a CQ or work the next station, only to get the station who had sent a confirmation sending a grid or report to initiate a QSO. I believe this is because I have not sent a “73” message. Those of us who have worked other modes for years know that “73” is optional. Please log the station once you have sent a report, received a report and received some kind of confirmation. That final “73” is ok, but usually from a DX station working through a list of 6 stations it is very much optional.

4. Hope these pointers are taken in the spirit they are given – to help you get into the log quicker! THANKS.”

If you have any comments to make about Dean’s comments on FT8, you can contact him at: dmsthill@gmail.com

HPM CELEBRATION. Just reminder that the Hiram Percy Maxim Birthday Cele- bration gets under way on Saturday, August 31st, and wraps up on Monday, September 8th. The 9-day operating event commemorates the 150th anni- versary of the birth of ARRL co-founder and first president Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW (HPM) — born on September 2, 1869 — and is open to all radio amateurs. The objective is to work as many participating stations as possible. W1AW and all ARRL members will append “/150” to their callsigns during this event (DX operators who are ARRL members may operate as <call- sign>/150, if permitted by their country of license). For more details, see: http://www.arrl.org/news/view/reminder-the-hiram-percy-maxim-birthday-celebration-begins-on-august-31

NCDXF PRESS RELEASE (NCDXF Issues grants to two upcoming DXpeditions). [Dated August 23rd, edited] — The Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF) is pleased to announce grants issued to two Pacific DXpedition teams for Summer 2019.

1. The 2019 Western Kiribati (T30L) and Nauru (C21W) DXpeditions slated for September have been granted $5,000 from NCDXF. Team Leader Yuris, YL2GM, has assembled another high-energy team to activate these two islands in an exciting back-to-back operation in September. One of the operators is Kristers, YL3JA, a 21-year old first-timer and future WRTC 2022 hopeful.

2. The upcoming ZK3A DXpedition slated for October 2019 has been issued a $4,000 from NCDXF using a new grant matching program. To encourage more European club participation in early funding raising efforts for DXpedition teams, NCDXF pledged $2,000 up-front to the ZK3A DXpedition team and also offered to “match” up to an additional $2,000 in pre-trip funded grants obtained from any EU DX Clubs or Foundations. We are happy to report that this new grant-matching plan worked well as the ZK3A team has received an additional $2,000 from European Clubs and Foundations in vital up-front funding.

During the last 46 years, NCDXF has granted over $1 million to hundreds of DXpeditions – helping to put an “all-time-new-one” (ATNO) in the log and make DX happen for thousands of DXers worldwide. DXpeditions to rare entities are becoming more expensive, a trend that will continue. If you agree with the importance of NCDXF’s work, please visit our website at NCDXF.ORG to study our history and to consider providing your support.

Best regards, Ned Stearns, AA7A — NCDXF Vice President NCDXF Web Page at: https://www.ncdxf.org

OJ0, MARKET REEF. Pasi, OH3WS, will once again be active as OJ0W (as well as OJ0/OH3WS and OJ0/OG3A) from Market Reef (EU-053) between October 5-12th. Activity will be on 80-30 meters using CW and SSB. QSL all three callsigns via his home callsign.

OPDX MAILING LIST (Just A Reminder). The “new” OPDX Mailing List is back up and running! Details on how to subscribe/unsubscribe are at the bottom of this bulletin. PLEASE pass the word around…. Thanks and 73 de Tedd KB8NW

P4, ARUBA (Early Announcement). John, W2GD, will once again be active as P40W from Aruba (SA-036) during the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. Operations outside of the contest are usually on 160/80m and 30/17/12 meters as time permits. Watch 160m on the hour and 80m on the half hour. QSL via LoTW or direct to N2MM, Bureau cards are no longer accepted. Logs will be loaded on LoTW upon his return to the USA.

PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (August 26th-September 1st)……. Aug/26th AN Aug/29th AN Aug/31st AN Aug/27th AN Aug/30th AN Sep/01st BN Aug/28th AN

SOLAR REFERENCE KEYS/INDEXES AND GEOMAGNETIC REFERENCE —————————————————— NORMALITY GEOMAG K Values Alpha —————– —— ——– —— AN – Above Normal Quiet K=0-1 0-7 HN – High Normal Unsettled K=2 8-15 LN – Low Normal Active K=3 16-29 BN – Below Normal Minor Storm K=4 30-49 DIS – Disturbed Major Storm K=5 50-99 VRY DIS – Very Disturbed Severe Storm K=6-9 100-400

Meanwhile, check out the following Web sites for propagation: * VOACAP predication Web page at: http://www.voacap.com/hf and http://www.voacap.com/prediction.html * DX.QSL.NET Propagation page: https://dx.qsl.net/propagation * A daily HF radio wave propagation forecast can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/thomasfranklingiellaw4hm * SolarHam Web page: http://www.solarham.net * Radio Propagation/Space Weather/Sunspot Cycle Information at: http://sunspotwatch.com * Monthly propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas locations are at: http://arrl.org/propagation * Information and tutorials on propagation are at: http://k9la.us * Graphic propagation tool by DR2W: http://www.dr2w.de/dx-propagation * Point to point propagation at: http://www.predtest.uk/p2p.html * Realtime propagation at: http://www.predtest.uk * Also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/@GiellaW4hm

QSL INFO AND NEWS………………. QSL-INFO from DB0SDX by Lothar, DL1SBF (www.qslinfo.eu)(August 25th) ————————————————————————- 5B4AMX via LZ3SM HB0/DL7PIA/P via DL7PIA OY/IZ1AZA via IZ1AZA 7S2W via SM2EKM & (L) HG30PANEU via HA1KSS S549APR via S51A & (L) 9A/DL6MDA via DL6MDA (e) HG4F via HA4FF & (e) SK50HD via SM6FKF 9A/IZ0FYL via IZ0FYL I2YBC/HB0 via I2YBC SM7D via SA7DXN (e) 9A0HRS via 9A3JB II6MOON via IW6ATQ (d) SN80FL via SP2PTU 9A7T via 9A2EU & (L) IQ9SY via IT9NVA SP1919PS via SP9PNB 9Q6BB via W3HNK & (L) IT9/IQ5ZP via 9A8MDC SV0AMS via DL2MGP DA0N via DJ0BFS IT9/ON6MM/P via ON6MM TM17FFF via F4GFE DM5B via DM5RC (N) IY7M via IZ7XNB UE90AGN via RZ4Z DQ9Y via DF2SD (O/L) IZ1GDB/IT9 via IZ1GDB UE90PR via RK1O EA8DIG via EA8DIG (L) LZ304AE via LZ1KCP W1R via N2TA (d) EI/HB9TNF/P via HB9TNF N0F via AC0RL W2Q via N2TA (d) GB60ATG via M0OXO (O) OE19FTDMC via OE1SGU & (L) YQ0BIKE via YO6KNE (O/L) HB0/DL5PIA/P via DL5PIA OE30CFC via OE3CFC ZY40ZT via PT7ZT (d/L)

(e) eQSL only (d) direct only (B) Bureau only (*-B) DX’s- Bureau (O) OQRS only (C) ClubLog only (L) LoTW only (N) No QSL needed (I) No IRC (P) PayPal (NB) No Bureau

LOGS ONLINE AT CLUBLOG.ORG THIS WEEK…… https://secure.clublog.org/logsearch/3W9KJ https://secure.clublog.org/logsearch/HZ1FI (Updated) https://secure.clublog.org/logsearch/T30GC https://secure.clublog.org/logsearch/ZS9V (Updated)

CY9C DXPEDITION LOG UPDATE. Randy, N0TG, reports, “All known issues with our log on ClubLog have been resolved. If there are still missing contacts of any mode, please E-mail (cy9cft8@gmail.com) with date, time, mode, frequency and your call sign. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW in the near future.

QSLS RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 5T5PA, 9G2HO, 9K2OW, 9M0W, E6ET, KN0E/KH3, SO1WS and UN7QX

QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: HK1NA (SA-082), II7P (EU-091), RI1OB (EU-066), SO1WS, V84SAA, VK5MAV/6 (OC-183, OC-211), XR0ZRC (SA-005) and XR1RRC (SA-069)

QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 5B4AMX, 5W0GC, AT5RP (AS-173), D66D, EY7AV (now RN3DHX), EZ8CQ (now R2DSX), T88PB, UN9L, VP8ALJ, VP8LP, VU2AE, VU2ATN, VU2CPL, VU2GRM, VU2IBI, VU2KWJ, VU2NXM, VU2RAJ, VU2SMN, VU2USA, VU3DMP, VU3DMP (AS-161), VU3KPL, VU3NXI, VU7MS, XP1AB and YJ0GC — We would like to see more QSL Bureaus (such as AS/US/SA/AF.. etc) to send in their info….

TM41, FRANCE (Special Event). Look for special event station TM41CDXC to be active between September 13-27th. Activity is to celebrate the 41st Clipperton DX Convention (September 27-29th) at Mejannes-le Clap (Gard). QSL via F5CWU or the OQRS: http://www.f5cwu.net/oqrs

V6, MICRONESIA. Sho, JA7HMZ, will once again be active as V63DX from Pohnpei Island (OC-010) between November 22-27th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters, all modes and including the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 23-24th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry signing V6A. He will be looking for European stations on 160m before and after the contest. QSL via his home callsign direct or LoTW. No Bureau QSLs.

VE, CANADA. DX-World.net reports that Alessandro, VE7ADA, will be active as VE7ADA/1 from Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, between September 1-7th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters using SSB with 100 watts into a dipole. His operations will be from various locations: “some small islands” in NA-081 and NA-010, and from the Marconi National Historic Site at Table Head in Glace Bay, the location of Marconi’s first transatlantic station. QSL via his home callsign, by the Bureau or direct.

VP9, BERMUDA. Les, N1SV, will be active as VP9/N1SV from Hamilton Parish, Bermuda Islands (NA-005), between October 23-28th. Activity will be on various HF bands using mostly CW, JT9 and WSPR. Also, look for him to be in the CQWW DX SSB Contest (October 26-27th) signing as VP9I. QSL via N1SV, direct, by the Bureau, ClubLog or LoTW. QSL VP9I via WW3S.

WW0, UNITED STATES (Special Event). Members of the Northern Colorado Amateur Radio Club (NCARC), WWV ARC, RMHam, and FCCW along with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will activate special event station WW0WWV between September 28th and October 2nd. Activity is to celebrate the 100th anniversary of WWV, the world’s oldest continuously operating radio station. The WW0WWV station(s) will be set up adjacent to the WWV transmitter site in Fort Collins, Colorado. The plan is to have up to four stations on the air for routine operations. A fifth station will schedule contacts with schools, universities, and museums, as well as conducting unscheduled contacts. Operations will be on various HF bands following typical propagation, and will include 160 meters as well as satellites (SO-50, AO-91, and AO-92) and 6-meter meteor scatter. Modes will be CW, SSB and the Digital modes. A trial run of WW0WWV took place this past week on August 24-25th. QSL via ClubLog’s OQRS, LoTW, or direct to the WWV Amateur Radio Club, 1713 Ridgewood Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA. For more details, visit the following URLs: http://wwv100.com http://www.arrl.org/news/view/wwv-centennial-committee-prepares-for-trial-run-of-ww0wwv-special-event Also, visit the official NIST announcement of the 100th anniversary at: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/events/2019/10/nist-radio-station-wwv-100-year-anniversary

XP, GREENLAND. Henning, OZ2I/OZ1BII, will once again be active as XP2I from Kanger-lussuaq between November 20-25th. Activity will be CW only on all HF bands. He will participate during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 23-24th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. For activity outside of the contest, he will sign OX/OZ2I. QSL via OZ2I, LoTW, eQSL or ClubLog’s OQRS. For more details and updates, see: http://www.oz1bii.dk

YN, NICARAGUA. Mike, AJ9C, will once again be active as YN2CC near Granada, Nicaragua, between November 19-27th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. Also, Mike will be in the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 23-24th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via LoTW or direct and by the Bureau to his home callsign. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW upon his return home and QSLs can be requested via the OQRS on ClubLog.

ZD8, ASCENSION ISLAND. Steve, WB4GHY, is currently on Ascension Island on a work detail. Look for him to possibly be active on various days as ZD8SC. The length of his stay is unknown. Activity will be on 80-10 meters on SSB only using an IC-7000 to a directional antenna. QSL via WB4GHY or LoTW.

ZD9, TRISTAN DA CUNHA NEWS (Emergency Fund Appeal). Steve, G4EDG/ZD9CW, reports [edited]: “On July 18/19th, Tristan suffered a terrifying storm, the worst for nearly twenty years. Severe damage was suffered by resi- dential, administration buildings as well as to the school and fish pro- cessing factory. Thankfully nobody was injured, but life on the island has been severely affected and work is in progress to repair the build- ings. Materials for this task are on their way from South Africa on the MV Edinburgh, the same boat that took me to the island last year for my ZD9CW operation, a rough journey of seven days. Perhaps DXers would con- sider making a donation to help with the daunting task of restoring Tristan to some sort of normality.” For more details and on how you can help, see: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/tristanemergencyfund

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Just a reminder, you can still obtain the OPDX Bulletins via the OPDX Web page (provided by John, K8YSE) [http://www.papays.com/opdx.html], QRZ.com (under Forums; News; Special Events, Contests.. etc.), several DX Mailing Lists, and two different UseNet Groups (rec.radio.info and rec.radio.amateur.dx). The weekly bulletin (issue # from the OPDX Web page URL) is also posted on the following Media pages: NODXA FaceBook — https://www.facebook.com/NorthernOhioDxAssociation Twitter — https://twitter.com/kb8nw_opdx ALSO VISIT THE NORTHERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION’S WEB PAGES AT: http://www.nodxa.org/ http://www.facebook.com/NorthernOhioDxAssociation

***********************************************************************

* All excerpts and distribution of “The OPDX Bulletin” are granted as long as KB8NW/OPDX/BARF80 receives credit.

** To contribute DX info, please send via InterNet Mail to: (kb8nw@arrl.net) or (kb8nw@hotmail.com) Information can now be faxed to the following phone line at: 1-419-828-7791 (F A X only!) ……. 73 de Tedd KB8NW /EXIT

***********************************************************************

Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW – E-mail addresses: <kb8nw@hotmail.com> or <kb8nw@arrl.net> Editor of the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin (OPDX – DXer’s Tool of Excellence) President of the “Northern Ohio DX Association” (NODXA) DX Chairman for the “Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society ARRL Assistant Director of the Great Lakes Division Sysop of the “Basic Amateur Radio Frequency BBS” (BARF80.ORG)

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[tellytantra]

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Episode starts with Mishka hugging Anurag. He says its late, what shall I tell now. She says I have thought a lot, I couldn’t marry that guy because of you. He says this had to happen. Mishka says I couldn’t marry him as I love you, you loved me a lot. Mohini hears them and smiles. Mishka says you have loved me a lot, when I broke up with you, you convinced yourself and pretended to be fine, I have realized that I was so wrong, I only love you. Anurag says listen… Mishka says I know its too fast for you, our old days were beautiful days of our lives, please don’t reject me just because of my one mistake. Nivedita asks Mohini to come. Mohini goes. Moloy asks Prerna to keep her phone on vibrate mode, and attend all the VIP guests personally. He goes. Prerna sees Anurag and Mishka. Anurag sees her and says Prerna…. Khwab dedo….plays… He greets her and says listen, I m sorry to see you rudely in the morning. He says this is my friend Prerna, and this is Mishka, my…Mishka says we are close friends, we were together in London. Prerna recalls Sid’s words. Moloy calls out Prerna. Prerna goes. Mishka says sweet girl. Mohini says Mishka is Anurag’s ex, Sid told us about his breakup, when we visited London, he was shattered and sad, Mishka has realized her mistake that Anurag loves her. Anupam asks what about Prerna. Mohini says there is nothing like that. She goes. Anurag says we will talk later, take the call, I m there if you need anything. Mishka says you will never change. Komolika says you came to India and didn’t call me. Mishka says sorry, I m with my ex-boyfriend, my future hubby, Anurag. Komolika says you and I are different, why do you have to be dependent on people, you make the world run after you, you don’t understand, my sister lives in 70s. Mishka says this is the big difference between you and me, you stay with mom and dad here, you don’t even care for them and sent me to London away from everyone. Komolika says it was your decision, I believe that one has to be smart than being a scholar. Mishka says I m in Kolkata now. Komolika says I m also in Kolkata. Mishka says whenever I get free, I will come and meet you. Komolika says I want to know about that guy, who is he. Mishka says Anurag, I will tell you everything when we meet. Prerna slips. Anurag holds her. They have an eyelock. Pal ek pal….plays… She goes. He goes after her and says listen, I m sorry. Prerna says you act like you don’t understand anything. He asks what did you do. She says I left from home and I felt you…. He asks what happened to you, I m trying to be nice to you, don’t take this otherwise. Prerna says you are the Anurag Basu, you have a status. He asks what are you talking about, status? She says I m wrong, you can’t be wrong. He says you always leave the talks incomplete, what’s wrong with you. She says you have right to do everything, I m not Anurag Basu. He says you are right, I m Anurag Basu. He goes. Mohini sees Nivedita and goes after her. She says status matters to me, but family matters too, you married the guy of your choice, I respect you and Anupam too, I don’t want to call you for cake cutting, its your anniversary party, love you. Anupam looks on and says I love you Sasumaa. Mohini asks what. Anupam goes. Mishka says I m from Meerut, my dad is a politician, my mum is from Kolkata, my dad is Siddhant Chobey. Mohini says oh, we have met your sister Komolika, I also know you are in love with my son, I like you, you are the most prettiest girl I have seen for my son, God bless. Mishka thanks her and goes. Shivani says Prerna didn’t call me, she can tell me if she confessed love to Anurag. Prerna sees the flowers fallen and picks. She keeps her phone. She arranges the flowers. Mohini asks her to attend guests. Prerna says I will go. Mohini sends her. A lady compliments Mohini and asks about Anupam’s business. Mohini says he is an investor. She lies about Anupam. Shivani calls Prerna. Mohini sees the call. The lady questions more. Mohini says sorry, your husband is staring at someone since long, go check it. The lady goes. Shivani calls again. Mohini says Shivani knows Prerna is on work, she is calling continuously. She answers call. Shivani asks Prerna did you tell Anurag that you love him, don’t wait, go and tell him that you love him, don’t take tension. Mohini gets shocked. Shivani says you and Anurag will look good together, go and tell him that you love him, he won’t refuse to you. Mohini gets angry and disconnects the call. Precap:Mohini announces Anurag’s marriage with Mishka. Prerna looks on shocked. Update Credit to: Amena

http://cattybilli.blogspot.com/2018/12/kasautii-zindagii-kay-25th-december.html

[shuying877]

Storyteller Communications Executive (2 Years Contract) job at MATTER Singapore

Who we are:

MATTER is a socially motivated business that collaborates with textile artisans and designers to create comfortable, versatile travel wear with stories to tell. We believe the world would be a better place if people connected to where and why their clothes were made. Our first edition of products are pants to see the world in, sold online as well as through Nomad Cart pop ups.

We are small but have big dreams, and since launching in 2014, have reached customers globally from Singapore to Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, United Kingdom, France, United States, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Holland and Finland.

Our parent company is Banyan Tree Gallery (Singapore), a company experienced in hospitality retail and with twenty years history of community craft as well.

Who should apply:

We look for people who are passionate, humble, and purposeful. 2 years work experience is desired but great attitude wins over experience any day. Apply if you like lateral learning, a flexible work environment, and want to work beyond a single scope. A small team requires us all to be involved in everything, and we’re looking for someone who can and wants to actively contribute to the direction of this company.

The successful candidate shall manage internal platforms for corporate communications and culture building through the curation of multimedia assetsAbility to lead and conduct in-depth one to one interviews for organisational history; high narrative skills, copywriting, photography skills and video editorial/production experience are highly beneficial

Brand Storytelling – Internal Communications Ambassador/ Liaison

Ability to develop and create narratives from multimedia (eg videos, photos, text) key to organisational objectives.

Create and design aesthetic engaging contents that tells the brand story to build brand culture and evoke / connect with the associates across different medium

Conceptualise and implement storyboard to launch and develop online Corporate Institutional platform

Internal communications liaison to plan, file contents/questions and execute interviews and produce video interviews with senior management and associates

Project management for distribution and usage of content sharing platforms related to storytelling

Brand Guardianship

Archive Library

Create, document and manage the Banyan Tree Corporate Institutional Archive Library including corporate photos, videos, marketing collaterals (such as ads, brochures, banners) and past keynote publications and TV clippings of the past 25 years’ rich history

Mark Milestones

Collate and curate significant milestones (via print and online materials) to draw out stories for the online platform showcases/records

Shoots – Photoshoot and videoshoots

Plan and coordinate interviews and photo/video shoot process/details with management and staff for narrative creation

Create, review and edit productions with internal and external resources to deliver final approved photos/videos

Event Management

Conceptualise, manage and execute company / corporate events eg 25th anniversary project

Administration

All administrative duties include raising all finance forms required before commencing a project, managing project quotes, invoicing, timely payment to vendors/partners, purchase requisitions for approvals and others

Special Projects

Any new / ad-hoc projects and duties that may arise as designated and assigned by the supervisor / departmental head and management

  At least 2 years in Communications with experience in internal communications/brand management, creatives and content creation

Graduate in Communications, Literature, History, Sociology, or similar

Interest in gathering in-depth information and archiving knowledge, with a background of previous projects requiring this skillset

Strong copywriting skills and aesthetic eye

Meticulous, strong organisational and project management skills to meet tight timeline

Ability to work with multiple parties; strong interpersonal skills

Possess experience to lead and conduct interviews for narrative creation;

Has photography skills and can produce video, edit footages, add voiceover.

Good design skills in Illustrator, Freehand, In-design, Dreamweaver (*basic design skills is a good to have)

Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe premiere, Apple iMovie, Final Cut pro for videos

Proficient in written and spoken English & Chinese (as video /information produced – would need some Chinese versions for China associates to better embrace our BT culture)

Positive, initiative, multi-tasker, dedicated team player

Position will be based at 24 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Angsana Hosue

5-day work week

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Please email resume in MS Word format with current & expected salary, & availability

to: Ms Tan Yi Ting at tan.yiting@banyantree.com

From http://www.startupjobs.asia/job/40537-storyteller-communications-executive-2-years-contract-marketing-job-at-matter-singapore

from https://startupjobsasiablog.wordpress.com/2018/09/21/storyteller-communications-executive-2-years-contract-job-at-matter-singapore/

[ameliamike90]

Storyteller Communications Executive (2 Years Contract) job at MATTER Singapore

Who we are:

MATTER is a socially motivated business that collaborates with textile artisans and designers to create comfortable, versatile travel wear with stories to tell. We believe the world would be a better place if people connected to where and why their clothes were made. Our first edition of products are pants to see the world in, sold online as well as through Nomad Cart pop ups.

We are small but have big dreams, and since launching in 2014, have reached customers globally from Singapore to Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, United Kingdom, France, United States, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Holland and Finland.

Our parent company is Banyan Tree Gallery (Singapore), a company experienced in hospitality retail and with twenty years history of community craft as well.

Who should apply:

We look for people who are passionate, humble, and purposeful. 2 years work experience is desired but great attitude wins over experience any day. Apply if you like lateral learning, a flexible work environment, and want to work beyond a single scope. A small team requires us all to be involved in everything, and we’re looking for someone who can and wants to actively contribute to the direction of this company.

The successful candidate shall manage internal platforms for corporate communications and culture building through the curation of multimedia assetsAbility to lead and conduct in-depth one to one interviews for organisational history; high narrative skills, copywriting, photography skills and video editorial/production experience are highly beneficial

Brand Storytelling – Internal Communications Ambassador/ Liaison

Ability to develop and create narratives from multimedia (eg videos, photos, text) key to organisational objectives.

Create and design aesthetic engaging contents that tells the brand story to build brand culture and evoke / connect with the associates across different medium

Conceptualise and implement storyboard to launch and develop online Corporate Institutional platform

Internal communications liaison to plan, file contents/questions and execute interviews and produce video interviews with senior management and associates

Project management for distribution and usage of content sharing platforms related to storytelling

Brand Guardianship

Archive Library

Create, document and manage the Banyan Tree Corporate Institutional Archive Library including corporate photos, videos, marketing collaterals (such as ads, brochures, banners) and past keynote publications and TV clippings of the past 25 years’ rich history

Mark Milestones

Collate and curate significant milestones (via print and online materials) to draw out stories for the online platform showcases/records

Shoots - Photoshoot and videoshoots

Plan and coordinate interviews and photo/video shoot process/details with management and staff for narrative creation

Create, review and edit productions with internal and external resources to deliver final approved photos/videos

Event Management

Conceptualise, manage and execute company / corporate events eg 25th anniversary project

Administration

All administrative duties include raising all finance forms required before commencing a project, managing project quotes, invoicing, timely payment to vendors/partners, purchase requisitions for approvals and others

Special Projects

Any new / ad-hoc projects and duties that may arise as designated and assigned by the supervisor / departmental head and management

At least 2 years in Communications with experience in internal communications/brand management, creatives and content creation

Graduate in Communications, Literature, History, Sociology, or similar

Interest in gathering in-depth information and archiving knowledge, with a background of previous projects requiring this skillset

Strong copywriting skills and aesthetic eye

Meticulous, strong organisational and project management skills to meet tight timeline

Ability to work with multiple parties; strong interpersonal skills

Possess experience to lead and conduct interviews for narrative creation;

Has photography skills and can produce video, edit footages, add voiceover.

Good design skills in Illustrator, Freehand, In-design, Dreamweaver (*basic design skills is a good to have)

Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe premiere, Apple iMovie, Final Cut pro for videos

Proficient in written and spoken English & Chinese (as video /information produced - would need some Chinese versions for China associates to better embrace our BT culture)

Positive, initiative, multi-tasker, dedicated team player

Position will be based at 24 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Angsana Hosue

5-day work week

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Please email resume in MS Word format with current & expected salary, & availability

to: Ms Tan Yi Ting at tan.yiting@banyantree.com

StartUp Jobs Asia - Startup Jobs in Singapore , Malaysia , HongKong ,Thailand from http://www.startupjobs.asia/job/40537-storyteller-communications-executive-2-years-contract-marketing-job-at-matter-singapore Startup Jobs Asia https://startupjobsasia.tumblr.com/post/178304086169