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25 Teams That Went From Great To Horrible In An Instant
Darren - October 27, 2021
Sometimes, great sports teams and franchises appear unstoppable. They have many of the best players in the league and win multiple titles in a row. But this can be an illusion because every team is vulnerable. Even the best teams decline over time because nothing lasts forever.
Usually, this is because of three reasons. First, financial problems wreak havoc and throw plans into disarray. Another issue is when the best players depart from a team. Finally, complacency is devastating. If a team takes its place for granted, it can fall behind very quickly. Check out 25 great sports teams that went into decline via ESPN.
25. Seattle Seahawks
For a moment it looked like the Seattle Seahawks had ignited a great NFL dynasty. It was 2014 and they had just crushed the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl. But life isn't that simple. They missed their chance to secure back-to-back titles after a heartbreaking defeat to the Patriots. Arguably, the franchise never recovered from the moment Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson's attempted pass to Ricardo Lockette.
Yes, they're a playoff mainstay but they aren't the same team they once were. The Seahawks have one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the league but they've lost a lot of their talent in order to pay Wilson. Meanwhile, Pete Carroll is great but he may have overstayed his welcome in Washington. This team could have and should have achieved so much more but instead, they went into decline (via The Guardian).
24. Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns are one of the most iconic college football programs. They cut a classic look in their burnt-orange uniforms but their best moments are far in the past. There's no denying that they have underachieved since Colt McCoy entered the NFL draft. According to Texas Monthly, in the 11 seasons since their last decent quarterback left, they've failed to win a Big 12 Championship.
Meanwhile, they no longer have a state monopoly. Local rivals like Texas Tech and Baylor have enjoyed success in recruiting. But the problem is that schools like Ohio and Alabama have also secured some of the best Lone Star State talents. Furthermore, they've endured coaching woes as they've constantly pursued the wrong candidates. It's sad because this great school is in a terrible decline.
23. New York Knicks
It's crazy how far the Knicks fell throughout the 2000s. After enjoying some of the best years in their history, the New York franchise suffered a harrowing decline. Patrick Ewing was one of the greatest players of his era and inspired his team to two NBA Finals. They didn't win but they were contenders and that's something that fans appreciated. How did it all go wrong?
The simple answer is that the front office hopelessly mismanaged the team. They overpaid for too many players and the team went backward. Furthermore, Isiah Thomas exerted his pernicious will over the team for far too long (via Bleacher Report). He served in an executive role before taking on the mantle of head coach. It took years for the Knicks to recover but perhaps they're finally turning a corner.
Mandatory Credit: SBNation
22. SBG Ireland
Conor McGregor's story is the stuff of legend. The Irish MMA star became the face of the UFC and MMA overall, pushing his sport into the mainstream. Meanwhile, he also made his mentor John Kavanagh one of the most respected coaches in the sport. The UFC signed a medley of SBG Ireland fighters and it looked like they were going to be a force. But then an unexpected decline occurred.
Mandatory Credit: TalkSport
After a host of retirements, McGregor was the last SBG Ireland fighter standing in the UFC. Also, his form went into decline and fans derided Kavanagh as a 'yes' man. Then, Kavanagh failed to get the best out of the exciting Brazilian striker Johnny Walker in 2021 (via TalkSport). Many critics said that he was simply lucky that McGregor, a supreme athlete with unmatched drawing power, walked into his gym.
21. Atlanta Falcons
One game can change the course of an entire franchise. That's exactly what happened in the case of the Falcons as they went through a hellish meltdown in 2017. They lost the Super Bowl to the Patriots after giving up a historic lead. Head Coach Dan Quinn simply wasn't the same after this traumatic game. Then everything started going wrong as the decline escalated.
First, Kyle Shanahan went to San Francisco and took the head coaching role. The former offensive coordinator was a big loss because he got the best out of MVP Matt Ryan. Results went downhill and they've had losing seasons since 2018. Finally, the franchise put Quinn out of his misery. But there's a long way to go in this rebuild (via Atlanta Journal-Constitution). Building a competitive team can take years.
20. Orlando Magic
There's something magical about the way Orlando went from the Finals to being the NBA's worst team. It's almost miraculous because this just shouldn't happen (via The Ringer). Usually, a decline occurs over the course of a few seasons. But their meltdown was like somebody pressed the ejector seat in one of James Bond's cars. It all happened insanely quickly, but the question is why?
First, they were surprise contenders in 2009. Nobody touted them at the start of the season but they found themselves in contention. Then Dwight Howard left and sealed their fate. There was no hope of reviving their fortunes in the short term after losing their best player. Stan Van Gundy's team was an innovative unit but unfortunately, their momentum was unsustainable.
19. Arizona Diamondbacks
Unlike the Magic above, Arizona actually won something. The Diamondbacks were World Series winners in 2001 and believed that it was the start of a new era. They saw their name in lights like classic franchises such as the Dodgers and the Yankees. But it wasn't to be. Just a couple of seasons later, they were comfortably one of the worst teams in MLB. It was truly a horrendous decline.
Warning lights shone in 2003 after Randy Johnson's injury and the departure of Curt Schilling. But things became much worse. The malaise reached its peak in 2004 when the D-Backs lost over 100 games (via The Athletic). They went 51-111 in one of the most dismal seasons ever. This type of season can have a traumatic impact on regional franchises like Arizona and they struggled to bounce back.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
The decline of the Steelers in 2021 reveals the problem of allowing a franchise quarterback to overstay his welcome. Ben Roethlisberger is a controversial figure off the field but he's still a future Hall of Famer. However, he carried a lot of responsibility for his team's embarrassing capitulation at the end of a promising season. First, the Steelers went on a bizarre 11-0 winning streak.
It was strange because they weren't playing well but somehow they managed to scrape through games. But then a turning point came and the team suffered five straight losses to end the season. Finally, the Browns handed them one of the most humiliating beatings in recent history in the playoffs. But the Steelers opted to stick with 'Big Ben' and consigned their franchise to another year of doldrums (via Sports Illustrated).
17. Montreal Canadiens
This classic NHL franchise has endured a lot of pain over the past couple of decades. They won 25 Stanley Cups in the 20th century before their true decline began in 1993. Since then, one of the world's most iconic sports teams has made it look like they're playing hockey in the trenches of the Somme. One key reason is the sheer number of horrific trades like PK Subban in 2016.
Before their final title, the team never went more than nine years between cups. Now that figure stands at almost 30 years (via The Guardian). Admittedly, they do look better in recent years but they serve as a warning that every franchise can capitulate. Nobody believed that the Canadiens would go so long without a win but that's the reality of the world. Their fans can only pray there's a change soon.
16. San Francisco 49ers
The Niners were an unstoppable juggernaut for years. Rivals fans cursed their obscene good luck in finding Steve Young after the legendary Joe Montana. Unfortunately for San Francisco fans, their team simply hasn't been the same powerhouse in recent years. They show some flickers of hope before their inevitable collapse. A case in point is the team's implosion after Super Bowl XLVII against the Ravens.
It took the 49ers another seven years to make it back to the big game but they couldn't seize their opportunity (via Mercury News). Then, they missed out on the playoffs again the following year. Franchises and great teams must take these chances and build on their success. Otherwise, they risk falling into complacency and taking a backward step. Unfortunately, San Francisco fans know all about this.
Liverpool was a force of nature throughout the 1970s and '80s. They were by far the best soccer team in England. But then Kenny Dalglish left after the Hillsborough disaster when 98 fans died. This event had a lasting impact on the playing field because the team went into decline throughout the '90s. In the following decade, the club had iconic moments under Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez.
But their U.S.-based owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, set the team back again. The very existence of the club was under threat before they finally left with their tails between their legs in 2010. But it took the club another 10 seasons to claim their first Premier League title in 30 years (via Sky Sports). It's insane how long it can take to get back on track after a malaise sets in.
14. A.C. Milan
Milan was the strongest team in the world in the early 2000s. They had Kaka on their roster, the best player in the world. It seemed impossible that they would decline, but that's exactly what happened. Everything went downhill after their Champion's League victory over Liverpool in 2007. They invested a lot of money in overpriced players and allowed their squad to grow old.
This was a disaster because they effectively fell out of contention for most of the following decades. Soccer fans hold Milan up as European royalty but they barely saw them play in the Champion's League. It took them over 10 years to recover from their decline and show signs of their earlier class. (via The Athletic). Nobody saw this coming but the Italian giants almost became irrelevant.
13. Tristar Gym
If you ask Joe Rogan who the best MMA coach in the world is, he'll point a finger at Firas Zahabi. Zahabi is the head trainer at the legendary Tristar gym. It's most famous for producing the likes of Georges St-Pierre and Rory MacDonald. However, their track record over the years is extremely patchy beyond these names. In fact, some fans believe that Zahabi got lucky like John Kavanagh with Conor McGregor.
Normally fighters flock to big gyms when they produce a massive star like GSP. This is true of Tristar but they've never replicated the same kind of success. Of course, St-Pierre was a generational talent but other gyms churn out champions like new cars. Zahabi's entire reputation is built off of one fighter (via MMA Fighting). It's debatable whether the Tristar team was ever that good.
12. Barcelona
Barcelona is a shining example of how quickly things can go wrong, even at the highest level. The Catalan giants are the biggest soccer team in Spain alongside Real Madrid. But financial mismanagement plunged the club into despair in 2021 (via Financial Times). Results on the field started to decline and they failed to be competitive in the Champion's League. Then they lost the best player in the world.
Mandatory Credit: The Hindu
Lionel Messi departed Camp Nou in 2021 to the dismay of Barca fans. It was a shocking moment because nobody realized how bad the situation was until that point. But he pointed to the fact that the club wanted him to play for free. After carrying them for years, he decided he had enough. The Barcelona president even begged him to play for free, but unsurprisingly, Messi didn't oblige.
11. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are showing what can happen if a team doesn't keep building. After the rise of Patrick Mahomes, they became instant contenders. They narrowly missed out on a Super Bowl appearance in 2019 before winning the Lombardi Trophy the following season. It was 50 years since their last victory so this was an emotional moment for their long-suffering fans. Then, they made it back again the next year.
However, the Bucs humiliated them in one of the worst games of Mahomes' short career. They went into 2021 with a hangover. Opposition teams began to exploit their dubious defense. Meanwhile, their star QB's output started to decline. It was a remarkable turn of events and shows just how difficult it is to remain at the top. But they have time to turn it around (via The Guardian).
10. Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox are one of baseball's classic franchises but that doesn't mean they are always brilliant. They went five years between World Series years from 2013 to 18 before achieving success again. However, they have struggled financially over the past couple of seasons. In 2019, they had the biggest payroll in the entirety of MLB. This curtailed their hopes of capitalizing on their recent World Series title.
As a result, they faced a luxury tax liability of over $12 million dollars (via Forbes). But this was the second year in a row that they paid this penalty. Then, they failed to make the 2019 playoffs and the warning bells started to ring. Immediately they had to deal with cost-cutting measures and this meant trading some of their best players. It's very easy for a malaise to set in.
9. Miami Heat
The Heat's Big Three era was one of the most remarkable in modern NBA history. This was a superteam in every sense of the word. They brought in Chris Bosh and LeBron James to play with hometown hero Dwayne Wade. It took a season for the three to click into gear but then they became devastating. Immediately analysts predicted a dynasty because the team was so good.
But this is the world of professional sports and it's never that easy. Firstly, James decided to go back to Cleveland and finish off his business there. The Heat instantly went into decline and missed the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. Miami struggled over the next few years as injuries and departures mounted. Finally, in 2021 the dark times came to an end again and they made the NBA Playoffs (via ESPN).
It seems ludicrous that Drew Brees only won a single Super Bowl in New Orleans. However, the organization was never able to put a title run together after this victory. First of all, they endured some terrible luck over the years. Even when they enjoyed decent regular seasons they appeared to be cursed in the postseason. 2019 was the tipping point after a horrendous pass interference call.
The other issue was their defense. It regressed substantially over the years and this cost them badly when it mattered. Perhaps this was less of a decline than a wasted opportunity because the Saints should have achieved more. In Brees, they had one of the best pure passers in NFL history (via NBC Sports). But as Dan Marino will tell you, that isn't enough to win Super Bowl rings.
7. Arsenal
Arsene Wenger arrived at Arsenal in 1996 and managed the team until 2018. When he first came to London, he was a great innovator. He singlehandedly changed player nutrition and their overall approach to elite sport. This translated to success because they won multiple titles in the early 2000s. But then the rest of the league caught up and the decline fell into motion.
Mandatory Credit: GOAL
Meanwhile, the club's investors failed to pour money into effective signings. This eventually crippled the quality of the squad. The best players wanted to leave because they weren't competitive. But this poured the pressure on their youngsters as they weren't ready for the strains of senior soccer. Arsenal struggled to recapture their identity after Wenger left them behind (via India Times).
6. Glendale Fighting Club
Edmond Tarverdyan's story is very similar to John Kavanagh's, yet it's even more dramatic. Glendale Fighting Club became one of MMA's most notable gyms after the rise of Ronda Rousey. She became WMMA's first bonafide superstar and transcended the boundaries of the sport. That was great for Glendale when she was winning. But after the embarrassing end to her fighting career, they received a lot of criticism.
In particular, Tarverdyan took a lot of abuse because he tried to turn one of the best grapplers in the world into a boxer (via MMA Fighting). Meanwhile, the gym's track record with other fighters isn't great. They had an excellent starlet in Edmond Shabazyan, but his career path stalled after some tough matchups. It's been a rough few years for the MMA team after their reputation went into decline.
5. L.A. Lakers
The Lakers endured multiple declines over the years. They became the best team in the NBA after the fall of the Chicago Bulls. Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant shot the franchise to glory. But then they faced a period of rebuilding alongside the rise of the Golden State Warriors. Next, they brought LeBron James to the West Coast. Signing the best player of his generation was a smart move because they made it back to the playoffs.
This didn't produce the immediate results that they expected. But in 2020, the Lakers finally got another elusive ring. Unfortunately, there were problems behind the scenes and these came to a head over the following year. The decline was rapid because they limped into the first round of the postseason. It ended in traumatic circumstances as the Warriors put a beating on the reigning champions (via New York Times).
Mandatory Credit: Eurosport
4. Leeds United
Leeds enjoyed an astonishing rise in the early 2000s. They signed outstanding players like Robbie Fowler and even made it to the Champion's League semi-final. But their decline was rapid and mesmerizing in equal measure. 'Doing a Leeds' entered the vernacular of soccer after they suffered a shocking meltdown. Financial woes afflicted the club as debts spiraled out of control.
In 2003, just three years after their greatest moment, Leeds suffered relegation to the Championship. But it got even worse. Their wage bill was far too high, forcing the club to sell almost all of their players. Their replacements were of much lower quality and the club dropped another division to League One (via Sky Sports). In the end, it took the team almost 20 years to rebuild and find their way back to the Premier League again.
Bill Belichick transformed the Patriots into the most efficient and ruthless machine in the NFL. His team picked up six Super Bowls over the course of 20 seasons. After selecting a young quarterback named Tom Brady in the sixth round, the franchise soared to new heights. They also became the most hated team in the league because of their cheating scandals. Then, the decline set in.
In 2020, the team missed the postseason for the first time since 2008. Meanwhile, they hadn't lost more than three games in a row since 2002 (via FOX Sports). After Tom Brady departed, the team immediately went into transition. This meant sitting through a turgid year before the next draft window. Luckily, Mac Jones fell into their laps so the future may be bright. But even the very best team can go into decline.
Mandatory Credit: Marca
2. Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson turned Manchester United into a winning machine. He became the most successful soccer coach in the world with more trophies than any other manager (via The Mirror). United won 13 Premier League titles during his long reigns and countless other accolades. But then he left in 2013 and the team went into a decline steeper than Mt. Everest.
Fergie managed United for 26 years. But in the seven seasons since his retirement, the club went through another four coaches. They lost their identity and wasted countless millions on unsuitable players. Furthermore, the Glazer family concentrated on their NFL franchise, the Buccaneers, and allowed the club facilities to decline. It was remarkable because it all fell apart so quickly.
1. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls were almost unstoppable throughout the 1990s. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen led this team to glory and were an unstoppable force. But all good things come to an end. In this case that meant over 20 years of irrelevance as the franchise suffered a horrific decline. M.J. made them into one of the most iconic teams in global sports but they became a shadow of themselves.
Jerry Krause was a canny businessman but he rubbed some of the team members up the wrong way. An exodus of legends occurred and finally, Krause departed too. Then, came one of the most depressing eras in Bulls' history. It's safe to say that the evil duo of GarPax should never set foot in the Windy City again (via The Ringer). Only time will tell if they can revive memories of their past glories one day.


Despite how imaginative and endearing a story or caption might be, becoming the perfect sissy takes work. Unfortunately many people give up when they feel like they aren't making headway, but don't despair sissies! As long as you're trying you're becoming a better sissy every day.
So for your inspiration (and maybe just a bit of oogling) - another beautiful sissy.


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Daily Problem Practice for History (DPPH): 14 February
Author selfstudyhistory Posted on Posted on February 14, 2016 February 15, 2016
For earlier DPPH, Click Here
Objective Problems:
1. Consider the following statements:
i. Tipu's differences with Raja of Travancore was one of the reasons of the Third Anglo-Mysore War.
ii. Tipu Sultan had enrolled himself as a member of the Jacobon Club of France and called himself Citizen Tipu.
iii. The First Anglo-Mysore was took place after the First Anglo-Maratha War.
iv. The immediate cause of the Second Anglo-Mysore War was the American War of Independence.
Which of the above statements are correct:
(a) i, ii and iv
(b) i, ii and iii
(c) ii and iii
(d) ii, iii and iv
2. "We have no right to seize Sind, yet we shall do so and a very advantageous, useful, humane piece of rascality it will be." This statement was made by:
(a) Lord Ellenborough
(b) Lord Auckland
(c) Charles Napier
(d) Lord Bentick
3. Match the following:
LIST- I LIST- II
A. Lord Ellenborough i. First Anglo-Sikh War
B. Lord Auckland ii. Conquest of Sind
C. Lord Harding iii. First Anglo-Afghan War
D. Lord Dalhousie iv. Second Anglo-Sikh War
(a) ii iv iii i
(b) iv i ii iii
(c) ii i iii iv
(d) ii iii i iv
4.Consider the following statements:
i. The Policy of Masterly Inactivity was initiated by Lord Lawrence
ii. The Policy of Masterly Inactivity was towards Afghanistan.
iii. The Policy of Masterly Inactivity was initiated by Lord Auckland.
iv. The Policy of Masterly Inactivity was towards Sind.
Correct statements are:
(a) i and ii
(b) iii and iv
(c) i and iv
(d) ii and iii
A. First Anglo-Mysore War i. Treaty of Mangalore
B. Second Anglo-Mysore War ii. Treaty of Serirangpattinam
C. Third Anglo-Mysore War iii. Lord Wellesley
D. Fourth Anglo-Mysore War iv. Treaty of Madras
(a) iv ii iii ii
(c) ii iii iv i
(d) i ii iv iii
i. The Third Anglo-Maratha War began during Lord Hastings.
ii. The hunt of the Pindaris became merged in the Third Maratha War.
iii. Peshwaship was abolished after the Third Anglo-Maratha War.
iv. The Third Anglo-Maratha War ended with the Treaty of Salbai
Which of the given statements are correct:
(a) i, ii and iii
(b) ii and iii
(c) ii, iii and iv
(d) All
7. Which of the following statements is incorrect:
(a) The Second Anglo-Maratha War happened before the Second Anglo-Sikh War
(b) Death of Nana Phadnavis has led to disunity and internal dissension among Marathas.
(c) The First Anglo-Sikh War was fought during Ranjit Singh
(d) Treaty of Baessin was sighned between Marathas and British.
8. British intervention in Maratha affairs was because of:
i. Cotton boom and Company's need to control Gujarat and Bombay region.
ii. Company's need of finances for Home Government because of Napoleonic Wars.
iii. Development of Gunnery and Artillery in Maratha Kingdom.
(a) All
(b) All except i
(c) All except ii
(d) All except iii
9. Arrange the following wars in chronological order using the codes given below:
(i) First Burma War
(ii) First Anglo-Afghan War
(iii) First Anglo-Maratha War
(iv) First Anglo-Sikh War
Codes :
(a) (iii), (i), (iv), (ii)
(b) (iv), (iii), (ii), (i)
(c) (iii), (ii), (i), (iv)
(d) (iii), (i), (ii), (iv)
10. Which of the following did not take place under the governorship of Warren Hastings?
(a) The Rohilla War
(b) The Second Anglo-Maratha War
(c) The Second Anglo-Mysore War
(d) The Trial of Nand Kumar
Mains Questions (For GS Mains and History Optional):
Q. The Industrial Revolution "changed England in character and culture." Comment. (250 words)
Reference- I
Reference- II
Q. "Whoever says Industrial Revolution, says cotton." Comment. (200 words)
GS Mains History 2003
Sectional Test VIII of World History with Answer Sheet (History Optional Online Test Series-2018)
Fascist Counter-Revolution: Italy- Part I
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EU Seeks Israeli Natural Gas in a Deal with Egypt
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is forcing European Union nations to take some tough actions. They are now trying to reduce their dependence on Russian gas. They have signed a new provisional natural gas export deal with Israel and Egypt at an energy conference in Cairo.
The gas from Israel will be sent to liquefaction plants in Egypt. Then they will be shipped to markets in Europe. According to the Energy Ministry of Israel, it would allow considerable exports of Israeli gas to Europe for the first time. As per the agreement, EU nations will also encourage European companies to participate in Egyptian and Israeli exploration tenders, stated the Ministry.
Exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe were likely to increase under the deal, but it would probably take a couple of years before the shipments could be expanded. The EU imported about 40% of its gas from Russia in 2021 and is expected to be dependent on it till 2030. Then it will reduce gas usage and want to achieve the zero-emission status by 2050.
The Memorandum of Understanding
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Egypt's Minister of Petroleum, Tarek El Molla, Israel's Energy Minister, Karine Elharrar, and the EU's Energy Commissioner, Kadri Simson.
Ms. Elharrar stated, "Today Egypt and Israel make a commitment to share our natural gas with Europe and to help with the energy crisis."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was also there at the time, stated that it was "a big step forward in the energy supply to Europe." She added, "I see it as a first step leading to a Mediterranean-wide agreement because I see that the energy supplies, [which] were mostly traditionally in the northern part, now are shifting towards the global south and east."
She also tweeted, "With this agreement, we will work on the stable delivery of natural gas to the EU from the East Med region. This will contribute to our energy security. And we are building infrastructure fit for renewables - the energy of the future."
Revealing Russia's tactics, Von der Leyen said this during a speech at Israel's Ben-Gurion University in Beersheba "The Kremlin has used our dependency on Russian fossil fuels to blackmail us. Since the beginning of the war, Russia has deliberately cut off its gas supplies to Poland, Bulgaria and Finland, and Dutch and Danish companies, in retaliation for our support to Ukraine."
Great News for Egypt
The deal is great news for Egypt as the country's natural gas facilities on the Mediterranean have largely been inactive since 2011's uprising that led to the downfall of longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak.
In the last few years, the government led by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has put in efforts to rehabilitate and modernize the facilities. In 2018, the country signed a $15 billion deal with Israeli company Delek Drilling and its U.S. partner, Noble Energy, to transport the natural gas there.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-61817421
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-egypt-eu-gas-export-deal-signed
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-africa-business-israel-middle-east-616eb2f2acb9f17537b5fc61dc898d2e
Tags Business and Finance Europe


If you haven't started this series, I would not suggest that you start with this installment. Had I not already become a big fan of Alex Verus and crew, I would have been bored with Hidden . This one is for the fans. It answers a few lingering questions, introduces some characters we have been wanting to meet and gives us some more backstory that was piquing our interest. If you enjoy the series, you will not want to miss this one.
Alex is at odds with his friends and has not been successful in bringing them all back together. After one such effort, Anne goes missing under mysterious circumstances. The hunt is on to find where she is hidden and who is responsible. Along the way, Alex makes discoveries about himself and we are provided with some wanted backstory. We are also introduced to characters that we have only heard about in stories. What at first looks to be a simple rescue operation, turns into something much more deadly.
This installment lays some interesting groundwork for future story arcs. Some new characters are put into play and we are made privy to some previously unknown scheming. As I said earlier, this one is really directed to the fans. It gives us SOME of what we have been wanting but not all. In some ways, it felt like an interlude in the series but ultimately laid groundwork for future installments. Jacka seems to have a grasp on which characters the readers like and gives us enough of them to keep our interest while expanding others that will likely play a role in future installments. The author show a deft ability at character development and it is on full display in this latest offering. Unlike the previous four, Hidden is almost exclusively a character novel. While some may lament the reduced action, I think most fans will appreciate the effort Jacka has taken to expand the characters' mythology.
Overall, I enjoyed the fact this was a character novel though I have to admit I was taken by surprise. The plot was on the thin side and this will be an annoyance for some readers. I would have also appreciated some additional "reminder" material throughout the story. I hate when novels assume I remember nothing of previous installments and spend half the book recapping. The problem in this novel is that there is very little of this. There could have been more to reorient myself to the significant number of returning antagonists.
No! In this case, you must read the other books to appreciate this one. It relies heavily on past encounters, past plots and prexisting relationships. A reader who picks up this one before the rest will likely find themselves very disappointed.
Fans of the series will not want to miss this one. I am always excited when nagging questions are answered. I am equally pleased that Jacka provides some new questions to fill the void left by the reveals. In the past couple of novels, this series has truly come into its own. Early on I was making comparisons to my other favorite Urban Fantasy Series (Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files and Ben Aaronovitch's Peter Grant series if you were wondering). This series has set itself apart with a unique world, unique magic system and great writing and it has squarely placed itself in my Top 3 Favorite UF series. Don't look for a clone series here because you will not find it.
I listened to this one and I was very happy with the experience. Gildart Jackson is spot on with his narration and is very listenable. I highly recommend the audio format in this series.
There is an instance where a character recommends that another character come on to another character. This is the extent of any sexual content. The sexual content is safe for all ages.
Minimal adult language but several uses of the f-word. Suitable for most readers.


"My mother is an artist, so growing up I was always engaged in some art project. She encouraged me to be creative and to think outside of the box from an early age" explains Toronto Fashion Designer and Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design graduate Hilary MacMillan.
Every designer's story is a little different; for some, it takes time for the realization to slowly dawn, but for others, it's an innate sense of purpose. For Hilary, it's as though every step along the way was kismet, propelling her to where she is today.
Toronto-raised, Hilary came to Vancouver to pursue a Degree in Political Science and Economics at the University of British Columbia. However, she decided to change direction, recognizing that her life-long love affair with fashion could, in fact, become her career.
With a clear artistic vision and a passion to create for the modern urban women she's surrounded by, Hilary's namesake label has been turning heads since its inception in 2012. Fast forward to present day, Hilary has established brand stockists in Canada, the United States, and Morocco, been requested by celebrities to pull her garments for Toronto International Film Festival, and has shown both Fall and Spring collections at Toronto Fashion Week. Our conclusion: this was always her calling.
Following her graduation, Hilary moved back to Toronto to help her sister with her independent jewelry store, Elle Hardware, in the chic and artistic neighbourhood of Queen Street West. Toronto, often referred to as Canada's Fashion epicenter, is fuelled by a collaborative creative energy. This vibrant and rich arts scene is home for Hilary. Using the skill set and training from her time in Vancouver, her strength and aptitude for design were able to take flight. Maybe it was the ever-inspiring climate of her urban neighbourhood, or just a yearning to create, but it was during this time that Hilary designed her first independent capsule collection.
I started to show at Toronto Fashion Week. This propelled my designs further into the industry. People were beginning to recognize my brand and who I was. It was a very exciting time.
Armed with insider knowledge on her garments' appeal, Hilary was ready to take the next big leap.
Hilary pulls inspiration from a myriad of places: her Scottish heritage, her love of realist art, and her passion for travel. The latter can be seen in her Spring/Summer 2019 collection which was inspired by Moroccan tiles she saw while sight-seeing. She also draws from nature, including the Canadian landscape, and the history of fashion itself, with the 1970s being a favourite reference in her recent work. Reflecting back on her time at Blanche Macdonald, it's evident that her education continues to be a contributing force behind her collections.
I am constantly growing as an artist and discovering new techniques. Each season I like to see how I have improved from the past seasons. This really drives me to try and discover new ways to be inventive and push myself.
While at Blanche Macdonald Hilary took advantage of a multitude of opportunities, knowing they would be critical for her career.
Hilary has built a career around creativity and passion, which only becomes more evident with each new collection she designs. Though each season allows Hilary to soar higher, she still has a clear memory of her most momentous collection.
Designing custom prints each season adds complexity to Hilary's collections, illustrating just how much her design abilities have grown.
After Toronto Fashion Week's three year hiatus, she is excited to return and show her collection on the Spring/Summer 2019 runway. "This season we're doing more of a theatrical presentation. We're making it a show show. It's an opportunity to be creative and really show our stuff".
We submitted some items to Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. We weren't sure if she'd be wearing our garments so seeing her in our outfit was really awesome!
There are exciting developments in-house too. The Hilary MacMillan label will become a fully vegan clothing line by 2019. "My collections used a lot of fur and leather about three to four years ago. I became more aware of what goes on in the industry and I didn't feel comfortable using those materials anymore". Hilary continues "It's been a slow process, one that took a lot of research and time. We've already cut out leather, fur, and feathers and in this upcoming collection there will be no silk or wool". This thoughtfulness that Hilary brings to her brand is what helps win her so many fans; that and the cutting-edge nature of her collections.
Innovation, ambition, and talent: Hilary is the embodiment of these qualities and the prime example of what comes when you pursue what you love.
We know for Hilary, there will be many more big moments to come.


Uses: Christmas Scripture: Luke 2:7, John 7:42 There is a subtle Native American sound in this new anthem that perfectly matches the evocative poetry that uses nature as a backdrop for the Christmas drama. The flute and opt. hand drum add to this flavor and infuse the whole with a distinctive memorable tonal impact. Tell the old, old story in a fresh new way. Unique!


What was the name of the main site for British codebreakers during World War II? And which TWO German cipher machines were the most important to have their codes broken?
The Enola Gay was the name of the B-29 bomber that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, but what was the name given to the aircraft that dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki 3 days later?
Which battle of WWII remains the largest armoured battle of all time?
Can you give the month and the year of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor?
What event is often called the September Campaign?
In 1942, which country was awarded the George Cross by the United Kingdom for its peoples' endurance and bravery?
Can you name the Emperor that led Japan during World War Two?
Who invented the bouncing bomb? And what was the name of the operation to breach The Mohne and Edersee Dams using them?
How many Japanese aircraft carriers were sunk at the Battle of Midway?
Which major battle of World War II lasted from August 1942 to February 1943?
Who was appointed commander-in-chief of the German airforce (Luftwaffe) in 1935? And what did he also infamously create in 1933?
Which British special operations units created by Orde Charles Wingateknown were officially known as the Long Range Penetration Groups?
Which WWII general was also selected as the U.S. Army's entry for the first modern pentathlon at the 1912 Olympic Games?
With the largest surrender of British-led military personnel in history, what did Winston Churchill call the "worst disaster" in British military history?
Bletchley Park. Enigma, and Lorenz.
Hermann Goring. Founded the Gestapo in 1933 (he later gave command of it to Heinrich Himmler).
Who was the new commander of British Bomber Command in 1942? And which German city was the first to suffer at the hands of his 'Thousand Plan' - a plan to bomb cities with over one thousand Allied bombers?
Which US general vowed "I shall return" after he and his forces were driven out of the Philippines by the victorious Japanese in 1942?
The Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive in the west, was launched through which dense forest region?
Which British single-seat RAF fighter aircraftcraft accounted for 60 percent of the RAF air victories in the Battle of Britain?
From 1939 to 1940, what was the BEF?
The pocket battle ship Admiral Graf Spee was forced to put into which port after being damaged by British ships?
Name the Group Captain and winner of the Victoria Cross who founded a well known charity bearing his name that supports disabled people?
The official Japanese surrender, on 2 September 1945, took place aboard which US battleship?
What was the code name for Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II?
Which German soldier was popularly known as the Desert Fox?
In which year did Churchill become Prime Minister? And what was Churchill's offical government role and title before becoming Prime Minister?
Which French World War One hero lead the puppet French Vichy government?
What was code-named Operation Dynamo?
On 9 July 1943, the Allieds started the invasion of which island in Operation Husky?
(Air Marshall Arthur) 'Bomber' Harris. Cologne.
1940 (10 May - the same day Germany invaded France, Holland and Belgium). First Lord of the Admiralty.
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The Modesto man who lost his life on March 8th of 2016 on I580 has been identified.
Fernando Luna, 35-years-old, was killed in a two-car accident at approximately 5:32 a.m. just east of Grant Line Road exit.
On the day of the accident, 3/8/16, the California Highway Patrol reported the involvement of another truck in the event. Luna, speeding in his 2006 GMC Sierra, rear-ended the other truck and both crossed all four lanes of traffic before rolling down an embankment.
It has not yet been determined if drugs or alcohol were a factor for Luna.
The Law Offices of Moseley Collins represents victims of motor vehicle crashes. You may reach us at 916-444-4444 for a free consultation.


At Terrier, we specialise in building digital solutions for the recruitment sector; from creating digital campaigns, to writing compelling copy and SEO.
The primary way to look for a job for 99% of people is to look online – you only need to investigate the search volumes around recruitment terms to see how competitive this sector is.
All strong digital marketing campaigns are built on strong foundations. To be as effective (and efficient) as possible, we make sure to build an attribution modelling system right from the off. Understanding how much a referral or a sign-up is worth to a recruitment firm is essential, from this point you can then begin to assign real monetary value to how much a page visit, an ad click or a video view is really worth – guaranteeing that previous marketing budget is not wasted.
We're an action-orientated agency. Working with our clients, we always aim to create efficient and lasting solutions – helping them move forward faster.
We create digital content that brings in new audiences, whilst running targeted remarketing campaigns to get people back to the site, pushing them further towards converting. Awareness is also key. We conduct outreach to relevant universities, requesting they link to the recruitment site. The result is brand awareness and it helps push the brand up in organic search.
In addition, we write engaging blog posts to position the brand as experts. We create this content on a regular basis to ensure the site is constantly updated. Also, we create videos to increase engagement and time spent on key pages. On-site video content drives more traffic and can help improve search rankings. Irrelevant traffic doesn't help our clients, so all our digital strategy is focused on driving relevant traffic to your website. Our content is always informative, valuable and relevant to niche audiences. We promote these blog posts across social channels, like Facebook and Twitter.