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Tag Archives: Hunter Valley
NSW regulator recognises Thiess and MACH Energy's Mount Pleasant mine rehab work
3rd September 2021 Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining industry recognition, Mining services, Sustainable miningcoal, Hunter Valley, James Anderson, Mach Energy, mine rehabilitation, Mount Pleasant, New South Wales, New South Wales Resources Regulator, Peter York, ThiessDaniel Gleeson
Thiess' Mount Pleasant Operations (MPO) team has been recognised by the New South Wales Resources Regulator for its industry-leading rehabilitation practices, it says.
Recently publishing an information release about the operation's rehabilitation controls, the regulator recognised how the team enables long-term landform design stability and manages surface water drainage networks through strong quality assurance measures, according to Thiess.
Thiess, in collaboration with MACH Energy Australia (MACH Energy), has introduced quality assurance controls including the sign-off of inspection and test plans across each construction phase – design, bulk shaping, topsoil placement, ripping and seeding and drain construction, to support progressive rehabilitation and reduce ongoing liabilities.
Thiess Environment & Civil Manager, James Anderson, said these controls provide an unmatched foundation for sustainability, maximising rehabilitation outcomes and managing compliance with confidence.
"The implementation of these controls is an example of how we channel our global experience and insight to create advantages for our projects," Anderson said. "Our proven systems and processes help deliver immediate efficiencies, reduce rework time and lower life of mine costs for our clients."
Some 2.5 km from Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales, the Mount Pleasant Operation's complex landform design aims to meet end land use objectives while minimising impacts and delivering a more visually appealing landscape for the local community, Thiess explains.
Since 2017, Thiess has provided construction services to MACH Energy including bulk profiling and shaping of mine spoil, construction of drainage networks, erosion and sediment control structures, final surface preparation, installation of habitat features, topsoil ripping, seeding and planting.
This includes delivering the operation's first rehabilitation two months before first coal was mined.
Thiess Environment Superintendent, Peter York, says the team's robust processes and strict quality controls are critical to ensuring rehabilitation is delivered on time and to design specifications.
"Our rehabilitation is not just about quantity," York said. "The final outcomes have to be quality as well, capable of meeting an agreed end land use. To help facilitate this, we work with MACH Energy to identify improvement opportunities to proactively manage environmental risks and adapt to changing regulatory conditions and evolving community expectations.
"Our systematic approach is helping us achieve industry firsts for rehabilitation while restoring self-sustaining native woodland ecosystems."
Thiess will continue to deliver a full suite of mining services at the Mount Pleasant Operation, including rehabilitation, under a new 4.5-year contract extension commencing in April 2022.
Thiess extends relationship with MACH Energy Australia at Mount Pleasant
12th August 2021 Coal technology, Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining servicescoal, Drill and blast, Hunter Valley, Mach Energy, Michael Wright, Mount Pleasant, Muswellbrook, New South Wales, overburden removal, Shaun Newberry, ThiessDaniel Gleeson
Thiess has been awarded a contract extension by MACH Energy Australia to continue providing mining services at the Mount Pleasant Operation in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia.
The contract extension, which will commence in April 2022, will generate revenue of approximately A$920 million ($678 million) to Thiess over four-and-a-half years.
Having commenced operations when Mount Pleasant was a greenfield coal mine in 2017, Thiess is to continue providing full-scope mining services including drill and blast, overburden removal, coal mining services and rehabilitation.
Thiess Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman, Michael Wright, said: "Since 2017, Thiess has provided expert planning and optimum mine sequencing to deliver exceptional outcomes for our client. This contract extension builds on our strong five-year relationship with MACH Energy at Mount Pleasant. We're pleased to continue to drive long-term social, environmental and economic value for the Upper Hunter region."
Thiess Executive General Manager Australia & Pacific, Shaun Newberry, said: "We're proud to continue our work at Mount Pleasant where we have a proven track record of delivering industry-leading environmental practices. We also look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Muswellbrook community to ensure we deliver mutually beneficial outcomes."
Thiess says it has a strong presence in the Hunter Valley where it provides mining services at three mines.
Fenner Dunlop addresses critical conveyor uptime with iBelt BeltGauge
10th August 2021 Bulk handling, Communications in mining, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Mining softwareBeltGauge, conveyor belts, DigitalHub, Fenner Dunlop, Hunter Valley, iBelt, Mackay, Shailendra Borade, Western AustraliaDaniel Gleeson
Fenner Dunlop has introduced mobile capability to its suite of iBelt conveyor technology with the BeltGauge solution offering a new way for customers from all commodities and conveyor industry applications to accurately monitor health of the conveyor, the company says.
The fixed BeltGauge solution has been installed at multiple sites since its launch in September 2020, with the industry appreciating how lightweight the mobile unit is when compared with competitor products, according to Conveyor Technology Manager at Fenner Dunlop, Sam Wiffen.
"We have been experiencing high interest and up-take with the fixed BeltGauge unit, however we recognised that some customers required a more mobile solution," Wiffen says.
"In order to be functional for the mobile context, we needed the unit to be lightweight, flexible and adjustable – properties which have been incorporated into the design and are a strong point of difference from competitors."
The mobile BeltGauge unit is made from 3D printing a wide range of engineering composites and plastics-based compounds. This contributes to the safety of conveyor technicians by reducing manual handling risks on site.
"The segmented mobile BeltGauge design allows us to install the scanning units in tighter spaces, without having to overhang the unit above handrails," Wiffen says.
Both the mobile and fixed BeltGauge have been designed to meet all customer requirements, regardless of geographic or commodity group, and are applicable for surface and underground mining applications, the company says.
"The mobile BeltGauge is designed for customers with critical conveyors, who are comfortable with periodic data and are more focused on the ability to record belt thickness across a range of operational conveyors," Wiffen explains.
Unlike traditional manual thickness testing, the mobile BeltGauge provides customers with a full-length profile of the belt. Because of the mobile nature of the unit, multiple conveyors can be scanned in a single shift, according to the company.
Reporting directing into iBelt's DigitalHub portal means customers have access to same-day results, the company says.
The iBelt mobile BeltGauge is currently in operation with Fenner technicians in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales and Mackay in Queensland, with field trials currently underway in Western Australia.
Sales and Engineering Manager, Shailendra Borade, explains that developments to the mobile BeltGauge also include the ability to collect belt thickness readings while the conveyor is running, allowing customers to conduct maintenance inspections without stopping production.
"For our customers in Western Australia and other similar sites, who operate 24/7 and have very few shutdowns in the year, this means they can scan the belt before shutdown, review the data, and plan and forecast belt changeouts with latest information and improve belt life and asset health," Borade says.
"This is huge asset for our customers, reducing overall downtime and improving production efficiency.
"Operating in a niche industry, it's crucial that we are able to differentiate our products and services, while providing added-value to the customer."
As Fenner Dunlop expands the range of iBelt products, both mobile and fixed applications will be considered, it says.
Thiess cuts dust and noise emissions at Glencore's Mt Owen coal mine
2nd March 2021 Coal technology, Communications in mining, Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining safety, Mining services, Sustainable miningcoal, dust emissions, environmental management, Glencore, Hunter Valley, James Anderson, Linda Lunnon, Mt Owen, noise emissions, ThiessDaniel Gleeson
Thiess, in partnership with its client Glencore, has come up with a proactive approach to environmental management to ensure dust, noise and blasting emission impacts are minimised on local communities at the Mt Owen coal mine in New South Wales, Australia.
Working together with Glencore, the team has developed a range of controls including leadership training and education sessions, noise and dust risk forecasting, targeted sound power testing of operating equipment and real-time monitoring technology.
Thiess Senior Environment Advisor, Linda Lunnon, said the real-time data enables the operational team to monitor dust and noise levels and respond swiftly to changing weather conditions.
"Paired with regular visual inspections, the technology provides further guidance throughout each shift, enabling our leaders to readily modify operations as needed," she said. "The system also triggers SMS alerts to relevant personnel if dust or noise levels reach a defined threshold. This provides a prompt for operational staff to reassess controls and implement further actions if required."
Lunnon said the forecasting systems also allow the Mt Owen team to plan for adverse weather conditions.
"Dust and noise are two of the highest environment risks for our projects in the Hunter Valley, and we are continually monitoring and refining controls that can assist in managing these risks," she said.
Thiess' environment team believes engaging its people is critical to effectively managing risks.
"We prioritise continued support and coaching of our people to ensure they understand the context and importance of our environmental controls and can get optimal value from the systems we've developed," Lunnon said. "We educate them on the monitoring of data, trends and how they can apply their knowledge to minimise short-term and longer-term community impacts."
Thiess Environment and Civil Manager, James Anderson, recognises his team's ability to stay abreast of emerging environmental trends in industry and legislation to reduce risks and identify and action opportunities for our client.
"Our Mt Owen team works closely with our wider operations in the Hunter Valley to collaborate on solving problems and achieve tailored dust and noise management solutions," Anderson said.
More broadly, the Mt Owen team works with Thiess' wider operational and technical teams to design and deliver integrated solutions that optimise overall mining and rehabilitation efforts.
"Each project leverages our global insight to provide local value, with our head office team offering industry-leading environmental insights across each of our operating countries," Anderson said. "Our proven experience managing the full suite of environmental services on mine sites ensures we continually deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients."
Ausenco reinforces Australia coal sector focus with QCC Resources buy
6th October 2020 Coal technology, Comminution of minerals, Mineral processing, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining servicesAusenco, coal, coal handling preparation plant, Hunter Valley, QCC Resources, Zimi MekaDaniel Gleeson
Ausenco has announced the acquisition of QCC Resources, a leading coal process and materials handling service provider headquartered in the Hunter Valley, of New South Wales, Australia.
QCC is a globally recognised provider of coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) design and construction services in Australia and key overseas markets, most notably Africa, Canada, Indonesia and Russia, Ausenco says. It has assisted clients over the full project lifecycle from initial concept, prefeasibility and feasibility studies, to innovative CHPP plant design and EPC/EPCM delivery, for over 33 years.
The acquisition supports Ausenco's position as a premier service provider to the Australia coal industry and will significantly increase the company's capacity to deliver value-add, future-focused solutions for clients in the industry, the company added.
Ausenco CEO, Zimi Meka, says: "At Ausenco, innovation is in our DNA and we are driven to always seek better solutions. Joining forces with QCC's deeply experienced team will allow us to drive responsible, sustainable change in the coal industry. I look forward to working with our coal clients to deliver cost-effective solutions that reflect our commitment to having a positive impact on the communities and environments in which they operate."
Thiess extends stay at Glencore's Mount Owen coal mine
25th September 2020 Coal technology, Mine operation news, Mining servicesCIMIC Group, coal, contract mining, Douglas Thompson, Drill and blast, Glencore, Hunter Valley, Mount Owen, New South Wales, ThiessDaniel Gleeson
CIMIC Group's Thiess has been awarded a contract extension by Glencore to provide mining services at the Mount Owen coal operation in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Australia.
The 18-month contract extension, to commence in July 2021, will generate revenue of A$340 million ($240 million) to Thiess.
Thiess will continue to provide mine planning, design and execution, drill and blast, overburden removal and coal mining services at the mine, it said.
The global mining services provider has operated at Mount Owen since 1994, applying, it says, industry best practice mining operations, with uncompromising environmental and safety standards. It is Thiess' largest coal mining operation in New South Wales, processing up to 15 Mt/y of run of mine, of which 7.8 Mt/y is mined by Thiess from the Mount Owen North Pit.
Thiess Managing Director, Douglas Thompson, said: "For more than 25 years we have delivered industry-leading, specialised mining techniques at Mount Owen, leading to higher resource recovery, increased plant efficiency and reliable material movement for our client.
"Our team looks forward to continuing our long association with Glencore and the Hunter Valley community."
Thiess says it has a strong presence in the Hunter Valley where it provides mining services at three mines. It works to deliver social benefits through local employment and training, local procurement, community engagement and Indigenous affairs.
Bis to keep moving coal at AGL power stations in Australia
18th August 2020 Coal technology, Mining equipment, Mining servicesAGL, Bis, coal stockpile management, dozers, Drew Sargeant, Hunter Valley, Michael Porter, New South WalesDaniel Gleeson
Resources logistics provider Bis has been awarded an extension to its long-term contract with AGL Macquarie (AGL), which will see it continue to provide equipment hire and site services at the company's two power generation facilities in the upper Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, Australia.
Bis has provided mobile plant and site services, including the supply of key primary dozers for coal stockpile management, to AGL's Bayswater and Liddell power stations for the past 21 years.
Bis Chief Operating Officer, Michael Porter, said: "We are delighted that our long standing relationship with AGL has again been extended, allowing us to continue to deliver value through our committed team at this location. Underpinning the delivery of the contract is our focus on safe operations, with a Zero Harm commitment that has resulted in an excellent safety record of zero lost time injuries over more than 20 years of working at this site."
Bis General Manager – Mining Services North East, Drew Sargeant, said Bis has an excellent working relationship with AGL, and a reputation for driving operational efficiencies at this location.
"As the energy sector evolves, Bis will continue working with our customer to identify further opportunities for improvement in delivering safety and productivity efficiencies," Sargeant said.
New Australia pulley manufacturer, refurbisher sets up shop in New South Wales
5th February 2020 Bulk handling, Equipment maintenance, Mining maintenance, Mining servicesBrain Industries, conveyor pulleys, Gillian Summers, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, NewcastleDaniel Gleeson
New South Wales-based Brain Industries has launched a new range of custom designed conveyor pulleys including drive pulleys and non-drive pulleys for the Australia market.
Brain's Managing Director, Gillian Summers, said its Newcastle pulley manufacturing centre will benefit a range of industries, including port facilities, underground coal mines, open-pit mines, hard-rock mines, coal loading facilities and overland conveyors.
Pulleys provide the drive and tension to move a conveyor belt – essential in the process of handling materials such as minerals, grain, packages, and even people.
"Brain has invested significantly in new equipment so that every engineering and testing activity can be carried out on site," Summers said.
She said Brain meets the requirements of ISO 9001, with its pulley shells and end discs made from certified steel plate. Welds are full penetration ultrasonically tested and magnetic particle tested to industry standards, while all pulley weldments are thermally stress relieved.
"Our conveyor pulleys are made from high-quality Australian materials which means they are built to last and operate in tough conditions," she said.
The pulleys will be made at Brain's Newcastle engineering workshop, situated close by to the Hunter Valley region's coal mines. A pulley refurbishment service will also be based there.
"Refurbishing pulleys locally can save businesses significant time and money, extending the life of important infrastructure," Summer said. "Our refurbishment services include: complete pulley strip down and cleaning of parts; removal of old pulley lagging; non-destructive testing of the shaft and shell; re-machining; re-lagging; re-assembly as well as testing and certification."
Brain also manufactures a range of other conveyor products including pulley lagging and ceramic wear liners.
BHP's Jurgens presents big picture automation plan
27th June 2019 Automation, Base metals, Coal technology, Communications in mining, Equipment maintenance, Explosives and blasting, IoT, Metallurgy, Mine operation news, Mine surveying, Mineral exploration, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Mining techniques, Steel and iron ore, Sustainable miningautomation, autonomous drills, autonomous haul trucks, BAML SmartMining, BHP, coal, copper, Diane Jurgens, Eastern Ridge Innovation Mine, Escondida, heap leaching, Hunter Valley, Iron ore, Jimblebar, LiDAR, Olympic Dam, Spence, YandiDaniel Gleeson
Diane Jurgens, BHP's Chief Technology Officer, used her time on stage at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch SmartMine conference, in London, to highlight the company's plan to introduce full or partial automation across its entire value chain.
The miner has already introduced automation across many of its operations – from haul trucks at Jimblebar (Western Australia) to drill rigs at Western Australia Iron Ore – but Jurgens said the company has bigger automated plans.
This includes considering opportunities to accelerate truck autonomy across the company's Australia and Minerals Americas sites – the company previously detailed plans to automate around 500 haul trucks across its Western Australia Iron Ore and Queensland Coal sites – and introducing "Decision Automation" to link autonomous processes and data from different sources together to create "near instantaneous, optimised decision making", Jurgens said.
While she talked up the use of automation in mining – referencing the experience she has in the automotive and aerospace industries – she admitted full automation across the BHP group was unlikely.
"This is because we automate equipment and processes where it provides the highest value," she said, explaining that investment in technology competes against all of other projects in the BHP portfolio, "and alternative uses of cash, under BHP's Capital Allocation Framework".
To test this, the company has built proving grounds at two active mine sites (Eastern Ridge in Australia and Escondida in Chile) to trial new innovations in geology, extraction and processes, and "develop workforce capability so that our people are equipped for the rapid pace of change that lies ahead", Jurgens said.
Just some of the new innovations Jurgens mentioned included the use of advanced geophysics modelling to reanalyse existing drilling data. This new approach led, in November last year, to the Oak Dam copper discovery, near its existing Olympic Dam operations in South Australia.
Recently, sensors were installed at the Escondida test grounds to prototype the use of real-time data to analyse the quality and grade of ores and inform, for example, whether to divert unprocessed ore for leaching, to concentrators or waste. Jurgens said: "The key to achieving this is using data collected through the sensors and combining it with proprietary algorithms. We then apply our knowledge of the ore body to optimise the processing methods. Once in production, we expect these to improve throughput performance."
With access to more detailed data on extracted material, machine algorithms can automate decisions to identify and divert waste, which increases plant performance and reduces processing costs, she added.
New patented leaching technologies have, meanwhile, increased metal recoveries by 10-12% and shortened the processing time by 50%, according to Jurgens. "At Spence in Chile we increased copper recoveries by about 10% and helped offset grade decline through implementing the low-cost Spence Recovery Optimisation project," she said. "The initiative improved heap leach kinetics which meant we could maximise utilisation of the leach pads and therefore use the full 200,000 t of tankhouse capacity."
This breakthrough also informed the successful heap leach trial at Olympic Dam, which the company has just completed.
The company's automation and innovation journey has already resulted in significant wins, according to Jurgens.
Equipment automation is creating more efficient, standardised and safer operations, she said:
Autonomous blast hole drills across BHP's Western Australia Iron Ore assets have increased drill rates by 25%, and reduced monthly drill maintenance costs by over 40%;
Haulage automation at the Jimblebar operation, in the Pilbara, has reduced heavy vehicle safety incidents by 80%;
Machine learning is being applied to maintenance on trucks in iron ore and coal – to analyse component failure history;
At Yandi, haul truck maintenance analytics increased truck availability to above 90% and generated recurrent cost savings. Replicating these strategies to our trucks in energy coal in the Hunter Valley, BHP has also seen an increase in truck availability;
Automating key components of BHP's rail network is supporting increased capacity, more reliable dispatch and improved maintenance outcomes;
In Western Australia, material density scanning and laser precision have delivered an additional 2.4 t of iron ore per car while reducing safety risks of overloading;
The automated rail network scheduling system, which controls over 10,000 ore cars and transports about 270 Mt/y of iron ore, is becoming more effective through self-learning algorithms, ensuring trains arrive at port, on-time, and;
LiDAR technologies are being used to automate the loading of ships that transport BHP's product to customers around the world.
BTP and Peabody Australia extend Hunter Valley, Bowen Basin coal partnership
23rd May 2019 Coal technology, Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining services, Steel and iron oreAusdrill, Bowen Basin, BTP, coal, Hunter Valley, mining equipment, New South Wales, Peabody Australia, QueenslandDaniel Gleeson
Ausdrill's earthmoving parts and equipment subsidiary, BTP, has secured a three-year extension to its existing contract with Peabody Australia.
The extension, worth A$126 million ($85 million) and effective from April 1, will see BTP continue to rent mining and ancillary equipment to Peabody's coal mines in the Hunter Valley (New South Wales) and Bowen Basin (Queensland). Peabody has an option to extend the term of the agreement by a further two years should it so wish.
Ausdrill Managing Director, Mark Norwell, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this contract extension and look forward to continuing to provide equipment and related services to Peabody, building on the strong relationship BTP has formed with Peabody over a number of years."


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'Scotland remains open': Culture secretary sends message to international artists as concern over visas for festival performers grows
Fiona Hyslop has announced a new summit on visas will take place during this year's Edinburgh Festival in the hope of preventing international artists from being refused entry to the UK
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop calls for major change in UK immigration system to address the difficulties facing international artists and performers
Holyrood debate follows numerous reports of international artists being refused visas or encountering bureaucratic difficulties
Concerns have grown over the potential impact of Brexit and the end of Freedom of Movement on the Edinburgh festivals
CULTURE Secretary Fiona Hyslop has aggressively reaffirmed the Scottish Government's determination to welcome international artists seeking to participate in the Edinburgh festivals amidst growing concerns over the amount of performers being refused entry into the UK.
Speaking during a Scottish Parliament debate on the issue brought forward by Edinburgh Pentlands SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald, Hyslop also announced a new upcoming summit on visas for international artists, to which she has invited the Home Secretary and her counterparts in other devolved UK administrations.
Today's debate, secured by MacDonald in February, follows numerous reports from organisers and participants in Edinburgh's festival system of visas for international artists being rejected, and tied upon with bureaucratic difficulties associated with the UK Government's 'Hostile Environment' policy. Concerns have also mounted over the potential impact of Brexit on the Edinburgh festival season's international character.
Speaking ahead of the debate, MacDonald said: "Edinburgh Festival is the world's largest arts festival and Edinburgh is well recognised as the world's leading festival city. With audiences of a staggering 4.5 million, the festivals generate an incredible economic impact of £280 million in Edinburgh and £313 million in Scotland in total.
"Our reputation is being damaged and our international positioning being put at risk because of the UK Government's hostile immigration policy.
"Artists are facing a humiliating application process. Their visas are being refused. And, due to the inaction from the UK Government, artists are being deterred from coming here." SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald
"Artists are facing a humiliating application process. Their visas are being refused. And, due to the inaction from the UK Government, artists are being deterred from coming here.
"Last year, the international book festival had about a dozen individuals struggling to obtain a visa and, the year before, their own artist in residence couldn't get over. In 2017, the Arab arts showcase had a third of their visas denied. Quite frankly, this is an utter shambles and completely unacceptable."
MacDonald continued: "The Edinburgh festivals rely on the seamless flow of artists from across the world and it's time for the UK Government to listen. Listen to the industry and take action to make sure that Edinburgh, Scotland and the UK are open for culture.
"If they won't listen, then they should devolve immigration and let the Scottish Government get on with building a fair and functional immigration system.
READ MORE: Exclusive: Underpaid, overworked and kept ignorant of their rights: the exploitation of Edinburgh Fringe workers – and the fight against it
Sara Shaarawi, project manager of the Arab arts showcase, also commented: "How the Home Office dealt with us was appalling and the reasons of refusals were flat out lies.
"We had a crew member that was refused because he'd never been in the UK, when in reality he had been in the UK with a show in 2009 and in 2012. We had a Palestinian artist who applied twice and one of the refusal letters spoke repeatedly about their circumstances in Egypt, when in reality he wasn't based in Egypt. One letter was simply empty, they didn't remember to fill in the 'reason of refusal; section.
"We paid for premium services which should take five days and it would actually take weeks, we dealt with unnecessary delays and anxieties and were given no reason as to why passports were being held."
Concluding the debate, Hyslop said: "The Scottish Government has long-stand concerns around how readily artists and performers can come to Scotland for the Edinburgh international festivals, and problems with delayed visa processes, refusals, and indeed refusals which are overturned at the very last minute.
"Year on year, festivals around Scotland and indeed the United Kingdom have been plagued by uncertainty around visas. Sometimes, even the same artists repeat issues one year to the next, and this is unacceptable.
"Every year, it seems, the internationalism of our festivals and the open and welcoming message we strive to send risks being confused and muddied by persistent visa issues." Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop
"It is our international standing as a leading centre of global cultural discovery that is also jeopardised. Something has to change."
Hyslop went on: "Every year, it seems, the internationalism of our festivals and the open and welcoming message we strive to send risks being confused and muddied by persistent visa issues that prevent and delay those wishing to visit and contribute their creativity and culture. The Scottish Government has regularly raised concerns with the UK Government around the challenges for international artists and performers coming to participate in our festivals. Indeed, these are issues that occurred long before the added chaos and uncertainty foisted upon us by Brexit.
"A better solution for visiting artists, performers and others must be integral to any future immigration system, and that's particularly important if Freedom of Movement is to end."
Hyslop informed parliament that she has written to the Home Secretary urging the Home Office to work with the Scottish Government and other devolved administrations to address issues surrounding visas for international artists, and will be inviting the Home Secretary and her counterparts from other devolved administrations to attend a summit at the Edinburgh International Festival to find solutions to these problems.
"To those who have faced challenges in coming here," Hyslop concluded, "we are clear: Scotland remains open. Open to the unrivalled pleasure of the arts, open to cultural exchange, and open to visit. It is time that the immigration system recognised that."
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Inner Or Outer: Portrait Of A Divided Australia
These Are The Political Fault Lines That Have Formed In This Country Over The Past Few Decades
Mathew Lesh
We are living in an era of seismic political earthquakes. The rise of Donald Trump in the US. The Brexit vote in the UK, followed by the rise and fall of Theresa May and arrival of Boris Johnson. The political success of Alternative für Deutschland in Germany, Viktor Orbán in Hungary, the Law and Justice Party in Poland, and the Five Star Movement in Italy. Australia even had its own shock moment with the re-election of Scott Morrison earlier this year.
To explain the unexpected, analysts have typically pointed to immediate causes – like the GFC, Russian 'fake news', and 'inequality' – and highlighted the importance of political figures who provide endless colour for newspaper columns. But the roots of what we are currently seeing are far deeper. What is motivating voters to unshackle themselves from expected behaviour and choose risky, often radically different, types of parties and leaders? This is not a story of the last three years or even the past decade. The new political fault lines at the heart of Western counties have been developing for decades. They reflect the emergence of a new identity, cultural and lifestyle divide.
In 1978 – just a year before the founding of Penthouse in Australia – Dr David Kemp argued that changes in occupations were "inexorably pushing the party structures and their electoral bases of support out of alignment". Kemp identified a substantial decline in class, religion, region and urban-rural divides in Australian politics. In 1987, almost two-thirds of self-identifying working-class voters opted for the Labor Party. Today, a working-class voter is now more likely to vote for the Liberals and Nationals than they are for Labor. In historical retrospect, the close alignment between the 'working class' and parties of the left and the 'middle class' and parties of the right will look like a weird 20th century abrogation.
The realignment we are seeing has been driven by the rise of a new elite. I have called these Inners: inner-city progressive cosmopolitans who value change, diversity, and self-actualisation. They are a minority but dominate the upper echelons of Australian society, from the bureaucracy to the media and universities. The Inners came of age in the anti-Vietnam War protests, provided an impetus for Gough Whitlam and were necessary for Bob Hawke but were epitomised by Paul Keating. Inners are increasingly voting for parties of the left, like the Greens and Labor, though some still vote Liberal in the inner-city (see 'Turnbull's Liberals'). Inners have come to clash with Outers on issues from immigration, crime and gender and sexuality. Outers are instinctive traditionalists who value stability, safety and unity. They, Howard's Battlers, Tony's Tradies and ScoMo's Quiet Australians, that are voting increasingly for parties of the right. The Outers' rejection of Inner centric Labor explains why the Liberals experienced large swings towards them in the suburbs and regional areas.
The clash between Inners and Outers is the story of our era. It is a global story with an Australian face. Events have been more extreme overseas, particularly in Europe where the mainstream right is as Inner as the left – which has opened space for the rise of far-right parties. Both Inners and Outers have a legitimate worldview, but one that often clashes. Neither side can expect absolute power. On some issues – like women's rights, racial equality and same-sex marriage – Outers have come to accept Inners instincts. On other issues, like immigration, they will continue to disagree. We will be stronger in the next 40 years if we can find a way to live together, not just clash.
The Rich Are Revolting
Protests And Riots Are An Example Of What Happens When You Have A Bloated Class Of Wannabe Elites
Social Media Giants Can't...
Twitter And Co. Are Using Publishing Privileges To The Detriment Of Its Users And Culture In General
Putting A Ring On Privilege
Thankfully We Have A Monarch Around To Tell Us Regular Folk How To Be Better People
Doctor – What Is That?
Switching Genders Of Major Characters Always Runs The Risk Of Alienating Fans For Whom Attraction Plays A Part In...
The Strangeness Of...
In Another Of This Year's Bizarre Twists, The Former Drug Smuggler Will Star On Seven's Major Reality TV Offering
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For four years, I called this giant crayon box in the sky my home.
On June 8th, I said good-bye and graduated with my BDes, now I move on to the real world. eek!
sadly, these are the best pics I have of my entire outfit.
The rest of the day was freakin' long, but definitely a celebration. I'm so proud of all my friends that graduated along side me, and so thankful for the amazing professors I had along the way. OCAD was an amazing experience.
Richard and I ♥ - he gives the best flowers & hugs.
Congratulations!!! This is so cool! I love the jewelry, so beautiful.
Love your blog! I'm now following via GFC.


Sales Tax Roundup: Amazon to begin collecting sales tax in Pennsylvania, more signs that eCommerce is the future of retail, and get your customers to review your e-shop.
Amazon to Collect Tax in Pennsylvania: What do eCommerce businesses need to know?
Sales Tax Roundup: White House signals openness to taxing eCommerce, the evolution of sales tax regulations, and why unified commerce platforms are the future.
Sales Tax Roundup: Supreme Court will determine the future of sales tax, states mull over how to apply sales tax, and tips for eCommerce businesses looking to expand.
Sales Tax Roundup: The physical presence issue enters the national spotlight, new individual state rates, and a look at what's on the horizon in 2018.
Happy Holidays From the Taxify by Sovos Team!


The 12 volt powered version (shown in the picture) will work on any 12 volt transformer.
The flickering candles are 1/4″ diameter and sit on gold (polished brass) bases that come in three different heights.
While pictured together, the candles are sold individually.
This is for the tallest candle.


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A, (anonymous)
So, like, I'm in this movie. For maybe 25-seconds. I'm awesome.
It's screening on the 27th, at the Contemporary. You can hit the hotlink here, or the read the text below. Word has it that many of the folks involved will be on-hand and that organized-yet-improvised hijinks will ensue. Potentially even from those who cameo. Nice.
3.27.2008: Film Screening: A, (anonymous)
6:00 pm, Free admission
Directed by Daniel Bowers and shot in St. Louis, this mockumentary explores the world of support groups and 12 step programs. Gavin Tartowski has been called a quack, a cult-leader, and a barista who sees himself as a guru. Looking for a support group to help him with his compulsion to wear extremely tight pants, Gavin was turned away from 12-step programs like AA, NA, and GA. "Why all the labels?" Gavin asks. "Why not put all problems under one umbrella? That is why I created A. I want to help people no matter what their challenges are." Members begin to work through their own inner-demons and start to see the value in their lives. Although Tartowski's methods are less than orthodox, his ability to heal is indisputable.
The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis will collaborate with B-Side Films, a film distribution company based in Austin, Texas, to present a film series of independent films from local, national, and international filmmakers. We will be teaming up with B-Side every Thursday night during the month of March to bring you their latest releases free of charge!
Ed Box(x)


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მოკლე ინფორმაცია
ღონისძიებები
დისკუსია
მოსაზრება
რატომ ნატო
უსაფრთხოების რეფორმა
Empfelungen 14-06-10 Deutsch-Georgische Strategieforum
Third Georgian-German Strategic Forum:
Policy Recommendations and Observations
The third German-Georgian Strategic Forum took place in Tbilisi on 10-11 June, 2014, and gathered more than 70 participants from a wide spectrum of organizations and sectors from both Germany and Georgia: government officials, members of parliament from ruling and opposition parties, experts from the most influential think tanks and media representatives. During the presentations as well as subsequent discussions, participants no only discussed recent developments in international relations and important strategic issues of mutual interest but also expressed different policy recommendations and ideas.
Since the first launch of the Forum in 2012, significant political changes took place at the national and international level. With free and fair parliamentary elections in 2012 and the subsequent presidential elections in 2013, Georgia experienced the first ever peaceful and democratic transfer of power. The successful implementation of the recent local municipality elections in June 2014 constituted another litmus test for the democratic development of Georgia. Furthermore, the implementation of the recently signed Association Agreement (AA) with the EU, which also includes of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), not only brings Georgia closer to Europe in political and economic terms but will also have a positive impact on the consolidation of democracy.
At the same time the annexation of Crimea by Russia and Moscow's continuing efforts to destabilize Ukraine not only violate crucial principles of international law but also pose a serious threat to regional security and stability. It is in this context that Georgia needs security assurances and backstopping from the Euro Atlantic community and Germany is considered as one of the most influential countries in this regard.
Against this background, the Georgian-German Strategic Forum continues to play an important role in the development of cooperative discussions among politicians and experts from both countries on the basis of mutual trust and confidence.
The main issues discussed at the Third Georgian-German Strategic Forum were: EU Association Agreement (AA) and perspectives of German-Georgian Relations, the upcoming NATO summit in Wales and prospects of a Membership Action Plan (MAP) for Georgia, Georgia's internal political agenda, and perspectives of regional security in light of current events on Crimea and in Ukraine.
As the result of the discussions the following Recommendations and Observations were offered:
ON ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT AND BILATERAL RELATIONS
Recommendation 1: Germany's support to Georgia is essential for furthering Georgian integration with EU and enabling swift fulfillment of its obligations under the Association Agreement. Fostering sustainable economic development and investments in human development are key priorities. Germany could support their implementation with various projects and a new framework of cooperation between the two countries.
Argumentation:
The Association Agreement (AA) aims at deepening political and economic relations between Georgia and the EU, and to gradually integrate Georgia into the EU Internal Market – the largest single market in the world. This includes the setting up of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), which is a core part of the Agreement. The AA is a concrete way to activate the potential of EU-Georgian relations, focusing on support to core reforms, on economic recovery and growth, governance and sector cooperation. The main focus of sector cooperation are areas such as energy, transport, environment protection, industrial and small and medium enterprise cooperation, social development and protection, equal rights, consumer protection, education, training and youth as well as cultural cooperation.
Germany underwent a remarkable social, political and economic transformation after World War II, thus having accumulated tremendous experience. Due to its experience and its political and economic strength, Germany is one of the most influential partners who can really contribute to Georgia's smooth transformation according to AA conditions. German assistance is crucial in many aspects, and as Chancellor Merkel stated, Germany's support for reforms could be directed towards the agricultural sector, and the facilitation of foreign direct investments in Georgia's economy.
From Georgia's side it's essential to transform the judiciary system, as well as ensure political pluralism and democratic governance.
ON NATO INTEGRATION PERSPECTIVE
Recommendation 2: Germany should support Georgia's integration into NATO.
On the NATO Bucharest Summit 2008 NATO leaders agreed that Georgia will receive the perspective of a membership, and it is the most important challenge to ensure the fulfillment of this statement by the NATO allies. Germany should support Georgia's NATO aspirations and this support should be expressed in certain steps taken by NATO alliance: a substantial package of proposals should be adopted; additional consultation formats in the NATO-Georgia commission should be initiated and strengthened. Furthermore, granting Georgia a Membership Action Plan (MAP) should not become a distant possibility in order to keep integration and democratization process on track, as well as prevent further and graver Russian provocations aimed at undermining Georgian and European security. It should be ensured that the NATO Wales Summit communiqué creates perspectives for Georgia in several dimensions: intensive and expanding collaboration within agreed formats, defence capability building, increased NATO interoperability of Georgian armed forces, NATO-Georgia joint exercises and trainings, and widened functions and increased capabilities for assistance of the NATO Liaison Office.
Mutual interests and common values are the foundation of strong bonds and relations between the West and Georgia. For the West, Georgia is important from both a geostrategic perspective and on basis of its democratic identity. As part of the east-west corridor Georgia links Europe with Asia and provides crucial transit routes to the oil and gas resources of the Caspian region. Georgia embraces principles of democratic governance and European values what was once again underlined by the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU. Only integration into NATO provides Georgia with the security assurances necessary for a democratic development free from Russian interference and pressure.
Recommendation 3: With regard to NATO membership prospects it is important for the Georgian government to conduct effective expectation management before the NATO Wales summit and communicate its results properly to the Georgian population in the likely case that Georgian would not be granted MAP. An effective public relations and communication strategy should be developed in order to ensure the continuing support of the population of Georgia towards NATO integration process and to forestall disappointment with the Western policy of prolongation of membership decision.
Georgia possesses an impressive track record with regard to the consolidation of democracy as well as with regard to reforms and contributions in the defense sector. The Georgian government strengthened democratic governance in defense structures; it increased military capabilities and contributed significantly to Euro-Atlantic security by actively participating in NATO operations. At the same time the conduct of Russian foreign policy is affecting the sense of insecurity in the region. In addition to its hard-power Moscow also bolstered its soft-power instruments by doubling its propaganda efforts and supporting pro-Russian NGOs such as Eurasian Choice. NATO and Georgia have to find joint answers to the shared threat of Russian strategy of hybrid warfare.
The potential for frustration with the West can also be demonstrated by the rise of pro-Russian political parties. More than 15 % of votes in total (from different political groups or parties) at the recent local municipality elections were collected by political forces who openly express their negative attitude towards the West and Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Public disappointment about NATO's perceived lack of commitment towards countries of the eastern neighborhood in the face of Russian threats will further weaken the stance of pro-Western politicians in Georgia. This worrisome developments needs to be deeply reflected not only by Georgia side but also by Western governments including Germany's. A sovereign and democratic Georgia, free from Russian influence is a salient support to Euro-Atlantic security.
ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
Recommendation 4: The German government should continue its efforts to support the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) as well as non-recognition policy towards Georgia's breakaway regions. Furthermore, Germany should raise the ending of the occupation of these regions in interactions with Russian officials. Simultaneously, it should support the initiatives of the Georgian government aiming at normalizing relations with Russia, but not on the expense of compromising Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Currently EUMM is the only mechanism of international monitoring of the line of contact between Georgia and the breakaway regions, thus ensuring the international presence and at least some sort of security and stability on the ground. Tbilisi continues its efforts to promote and advocate for dialogue and normalization policy with Russia for achieving through peaceful means the de-occupation and reintegration of Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali into Georgia proper. After the parliamentary elections 2012, the appointment of the prime minister's special representative on the regulation of the relations with Russia and the regular meetings between the special representative and the Russian deputy foreign minister contributed to improvement of bilateral trade relations. While there has been some progress with regard to trade relations and humanitarian issues, no progress was achieved with regard to the status of the two breakaway regions. However, Tbilisi tries to reach progress in this respect through increasing the engagement with and assistance to the population residing in occupied regions. Assistance programs in healthcare, educational scholarships and the prospects of a visafree regime with the EU are stimulating the increased interest and goodwill towards Georgia in populations of those two occupied regions.
ON PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING DEMOCRATIZATION IN GEORGIA
Recommendation 5: The Georgian Government should continue democratic transformation of political institutions and structures. All necessary measures must be taken to adhere to high standards of the rule of law and prevent the perception of selective and politically motivated justice from occurring. A free and fair judiciary is a core pillar of democracy. Thus the German government should continue to actively support justice sector reform and democratic transformation in Georgia.
Together with its direct contributions to the European security, Georgia's further democratization and strengthening the rule of law are the best arguments supporting Georgia's integration into both, NATO and EU. Georgia's successful example of democratic transformation carries a big weight in regional context and stimulates the democratic processes and reforms in the region and beyond. Further strengthening and consolidation of Georgian democracy is the best way for ensuring the national security and speeding up its turning into a full-fledged member of Euro-Atlantic family of democracies. Any perception of selective justice, dragging feet on further strengthening the rule of law and implementation of democratic reforms could have dismal consequences for Georgian security and implementation of its national interests.
About the Georgian-German Strategic Forum
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and the Atlantic Council of Georgia are initiators of the Strategic Forum and act as organizers. The Forum will hold meetings at least once in a year. The first meeting was held on May 2-3, 2012. It applies strict observance of Chatham House Rules.
The Forum acts as a non-governmental forum that brings together representatives of all sectors (academia and think-tanks, government, parliament, media) from Germany and Georgia and focuses mainly on the security policy field. The main goal of the Forum is to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations between Georgia and Germany through further improving the partnership, increasing the mutual understanding and facilitating a better coordination of security policies.
The Forum is intended to serve as a permanent venue for discussions on important strategic issues of mutual interest. Policy recommendations will be elaborated, as well as adequate bilateral projects launched and implemented within its framework.
When deemed useful, on a case by case basis, the Forum can decide to also involve experts and/or policy makers from other countries in its work, especially when this contributes to a better understanding and helps to bring closer the positions of Georgia and Germany on important security policy issues.
Regional Program Political
Dialogue South Caucasus
Tel.: +995 32 2 45 91 11
Fax: +995 32 2 24 01 03
E-Mail: info.georgien@kas.de
E. Akhvledianis Agmarti 9a
0103 Tbilisi Georgia
www.kas.de/kaukasus


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Home –> Calendar –> Museum Jobs and Career Night
Museum Jobs and Career Night
Looking for a job or internship at a Yale museum? Curious about careers in the museum field?
Meet with representatives from the Yale Center for British Art, Yale Office of Career Strategies, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale-Smithsonian Partnership, and Yale University Art Gallery to learn about student employment and other opportunities.
At 5:15 pm, we will offer a panel session for those interested in exploring museum careers. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Food and drinks will be served. No RSVP is required. Please direct questions to ycba.research@yale.edu.
All Yale undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs are welcome regardless of major, discipline, or experience.
This event is co-sponsored by the Yale Center for British Art, Yale University Art Gallery, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, and Office of Career Strategy. Share your experience #JobsAtYale
Throughout the building
Space is limited
(This venue is wheelchair accessible)
Yale Center for British Art Research Department
ycba.research@yale.edu
Education, Evening Events, Research, Yale Students


Burgagery Lands West is the townland.
I missed the blue bar at the top with next and previous on it the first time I pasted the URL into the tools page, silly me. Have found them on the summary sheet now.
Thanks again so much. My friend's Dad is 91 and his health has taken a turn for the worse so the more we can find for him on his family the better. He remembers visiting his grandmother, Mary Boyle, in Limerick when he was a child. His mother was the daughter born two years after the 1901 census.
Edited to correct Shane's name.
I have found the house in Irishtown, where the Boyles were living, on Google Maps. So able to show Bill where his mother was born. I had though Irishtown was a suburb. I did not realise it was a road.
Thanks too for the Limerick link.
I am so glad that Sinann knew what to do and you now have them.


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Professionals Services Insights Community
About Offices Careers
Professionals Services Insights Community About Offices Careers
Home / About Venable / News / Jeremy Grant, Former Senior ...
Jeremy A. Grant Stuart P. Ingis Ari Schwartz John Banghart
Jeremy Grant, Former Senior Executive Advisor at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Joins Venable as Managing Director of Technology Business Strategy
Established and led the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace, the first new cybersecurity program launched by the Obama administration
Washington, DC (June 12, 2017) – Venable LLP announced today that Jeremy A. Grant has joined the firm as Managing Director of Technology Business Strategy in Washington, DC. He joins Venable's cybersecurity consulting practice from The Chertoff Group, where he was a Managing Director.
Prior to working with The Chertoff Group, Mr. Grant established and led the National Program Office for the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC), housed in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); NSTIC was the first new cybersecurity program launched by the Obama administration. There he led the administration's push to partner with the private sector to catalyze a marketplace of more secure, privacy-enhancing identity solutions for online services. He coordinated development of a common shared identity service for citizen-facing government digital applications and helped establish the private sector–led Identity Ecosystem Steering Group, which has crafted a framework of standards and rules to enable a trusted online environment that can validate the identities of individuals securely with minimal disclosure of personal information. He also led efforts to improve identity and authentication for individuals and devices in the NIST Roadmap for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.
"The issue of cybersecurity persists as an ongoing threat confronting all of our clients," said Stuart P. Ingis, Venable's Chairman and co-head of the firm's Privacy and Data Security practice. "From his time with the Obama administration, Jeremy understands the importance of bringing the public and private sectors together to address this constantly evolving issue. He is thoughtful and effective in his approach to complex issues, and well versed in helping companies leverage technology to benefit their customers. His deep background in cybersecurity and business strategy will be a critical asset for our clients."
Commenting on his move, Mr. Grant said, "Today, companies must look at cybersecurity not just as a risk issue, but as a strategic issue – embracing both technology and cyber risk management to gain competitive advantage in the marketplace. I'm thrilled to join a firm that so skillfully combines the strengths of industry leading attorneys with those of innovators, former regulators, and cyber professionals – Venable offers businesses a truly holistic approach to cybersecurity strategy. I'm looking forward to working with the team to continue building this consultancy practice."
Before joining the Obama administration, Mr. Grant was the Chief Development Officer for government services consulting firm ASI Government. He spent three years with Washington Research Group as a market analyst focused on identity, cybersecurity, and government technology. Earlier in his career, he served as Vice President for Enterprise Solutions at MAXIMUS, where he led the division's Security and Identity Management practice, playing a major role in a number of major federal identity and security programs. Mr. Grant began his career as a legislative aide in the U.S. Senate.
At Venable, Mr. Grant joins a growing cybersecurity consulting practice led by former Special Assistant to President Obama and Senior Director for Cybersecurity Ari Schwartz, Venable's Managing Director of Cybersecurity Services. The group also includes Senior Director for Technology Risk Management John Banghart, Microsoft's former Senior Director for Trusted Engineering and former Director of Federal Cybersecurity at the National Security Council.
Mr. Grant earned his B.S. from the University of Michigan in 1996.
Venable LLP is an American Lawyer Global 100 law firm headquartered in Washington, DC that serves as primary counsel to a worldwide clientele of large and mid-sized organizations, nonprofits, and high-net-worth entrepreneurs and individuals. With more than 700 lawyers across the country, including California, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC, the firm strategically advances its clients' business objectives in the U.S. and around the globe. Venable advises clients on a broad range of business and regulatory law, legislative affairs, complex litigation, and the full range of intellectual property disciplines.
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Q: File activity in a Document Library/List Item The modern SharePoint has the details pane on the right hand side of the screen. When you are in a Document Library or List and you click that little i, if there is not item selected, you will get the Recent Activity pane.
Is there a way (OOTB or custom) that we can remove/hide that Recent Activity activities?

A: The Recent Activity is built-in feature in SharePoint Online. To hide the Recent Activity on the details pane, you may need scripts.
Customizing the "modern" experiences in SharePoint Online.
An alternative, switch the experience from modern to classic.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


In order to get into the spirit of Thanksgiving, we want to share some things we are thankful for. We are always thankful for any bride who chooses us to be a part of their big day. Because of this, we plan to share some invitation suites leading up to Thanksgiving that truly embody what we are thankful for. Many of you know that I lovvvvvve my dog. She (used) to be my child, I would take her with me ev.ery.where. Since Jackson has come along, she's been miiiiiildly displaced but I still love her to pieces and she will always be my first fur baby :) So THIS girl is Miss Popularity apparently, because she has been featured once again! Check her out and many of the other cute fur babies on BRIDES Magazine "Top 40 Ways to Include Pets in Your Wedding"! Seeing the BRIDES blog made me think about this stylized shoot that I was part of with many other wonderful vendors to kick-off Tidewater and Tulle's blog launch.
Beyond drooling over the beautiful compilation of greens and ivory flora, we had a lot of fun creating a romantic invitation suite that embodies the classic, southern elegance of the Hampton Roads Area.
The natural cotton fabric and the Kraft envelope are a wonderful compliment to the eucalyptus leaves used throughout the decor of the shoot (and also donned by Miss Kayley in a gorgeous wreath . The soft gray ink gives the invitation a softness that fits perfectly into the overall aesthetic of the big day and compliments Tiderwater and Tulle's color palette beautifully).
This program is an interesting spin on the traditional day-of paper goods. The program is assembled into three tiers and attached to a spindle. This would be a perfect idea if you were planning a romantic, outdoor ceremony.
Each table setting had a menu with elegant calligraphy on the same fabric that we used on the invitation.
To add a pop of color and to provide labels, we created fun tags for each food item.
We are so thankful to work alongside so many wonderful vendors and to be a part of many stylized shoots.
Please check back next week to see more of what we are thankful for! As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!


Experience the ride of a lifetime with Niagara Helicopters. One of the most popular Niagara Falls attractions, helicopter tours combine adventure and spectacular views for family vacation memories that last a lifetime. Individual headsets with taped commentary allow riders to experience the views in depth and not miss a thing.
As the helicopter gently lifts off from the Victoria Avenue location, the awe-inspiring views of the Niagara Region begin to appear below. Helicopters are equipped with large windows that are ideal for the avid photographer. Make sure cameras are ready to go from the start in order to take advantage of every picture-taking opportunity.
For a truly unique experience, Niagara Helicopters offers a variety of specialty flights and Niagara and Toronto charter services. Visitors can be whisked away for a romantic Niagara Wine Tour, say "I do" over the Falls for a unique wedding, take a one-day "Man-cation" for a heli-fishing adventure, and more.
Helicopters are equipped with headsets playing taped commentary about the helicopter, the views, and other interesting facts. Commentary is available in twelve languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Thai, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and Russian.
Niagara Helicopters' pilots have a combined total of ninety years of flying experience, so passengers are always in good hands.
The Destination Canada Signature Experience Collection Winery tour will take visitors' breath away. Fly over the Falls and then land on one of Niagara's award-winning wineries, and then be escorted in for a tour and tasting.
Today, Niagara Helicopters is almost exclusively a sightseeing operation, augmented by charter flights, aerial surveillance, film and photography, external loads, and other specialty flying.
Last year, the company flew over 100,000 passengers from all corners of the globe on the nine-minute, 27-kilometer flightseeing tour over Niagara Falls.


When it comes to antique wood stove restoration, Bill Eckert is the master.
Looking better than the day it was made, this antique wood stove—which sold for $1,000—is ready for many more years of faithful service.
A rusty old wood burning cook stove awaits the restorer's magic. The first step is to make sure that the body is sound and the cast iron not cracked.
Frozen rivets and bolts that won't submit to logical persuasion wlll yield to a hammer and chisel. It's necessary to remove the brightwork.
Attack all that encrusted rust with a coarse rotary wire brush on an electric drill or send the job out to be done. If the trim won't come off the stove, dipping the whole works in a chemical bath will remove the corrosion.
Curly covered with corrosion, before the process of restoration began.
Stove polish is applied with a toothbrush. Two coats and a good buffing, and Curly is almost home! Sheet metal parts may be painted, but cast iron should be polished.
After a trip to the monumentmaker for sandblasting (the trim was removed first), Curly is clean once more. Meanwhile, the wood heater's trim paid a visit to a nickle-plating concern and once again gleamed.
With brightwork shining and the cast iron burnished to a fare-thee-well, Curly is now worth $500. Renovating stoves can be messy and time-consuming, but the reward sure is great!
This array of wood cookstoves lining the wall of Friendly Fire's workshop represents a very impressive (as well as virtually inflation-proof) "savings account!"
The antique wood stove and heater—exquisitely restored to its original elegance—is making a comeback both as a tool to cook vittles or heat a house and as an investment whose value has run well ahead of inflation.
Unfortunately, all this new-found popularity has caused the price of such refurbished stoves to go plumb through the roof. Or so I thought until Bill Eckert (owner of Friendly Fire, Inc. in Fort Collins, Colorado) explained how just about anyone could own a fine antique without paying a collector's price. The secret? Find a grizzled old timber toaster in need of a friend, and restore it yourself!
But what if you don't a thing about stove restoration? Well hang on, because with Bill's expert help, I'm about to tell you. All you'll need to "play along" are a few common hand tools, some inexpensive supplies, a good electric drill with rotary wire brushes, and—of course—a stove.
Any town that's over 50 years old probably has an abundance of used stoves just rusting away and waiting for someone to claim them. The reason is an all-too-common one: "When cheap gas and oil became available," says Bill, "wood stoves were carted out to the yard and abandoned." One of the best ways to find these "experienced" wood-burners is to run a want ad in the paper of a likely burg. Or simply hop in your buggy and go for a drive. I've spotted "oldies" just by roaming around, and in each case the owner was delighted to sell. Try antique dealers, too. They very often have—or know of—old stoves for sale. (And since the demand for reconditioned models is so high, dealers might pay you to do restoration for them!) With a little effort, you should find all the projects you'll ever want right close to home.
But Can It Be Saved?
Before you fork over your hard-earned dollars for a particular stove, take a few minutes to inspect it. Be sure that antique really can be salvaged.
First off, IS THE BODY SOUND? Most any abandoned wood-burner will be rusty. That's OK as long as the metal under that rust is still healthy. Potbellied heaters usually were built of cast iron heavy enough to shrug off decades of oxidation. But base-burners—self-feeding heaters built of cast iron and sheet metal—might have weak points. Tap a few suspicious-looking spots with a screwdriver, if you're not totally confident. Since old kitchen ranges were generally made of lighter material, check their rusty parts with particular care to be sure you have something to restore. Inspect the top, bottom, sides, and insides.
Also, when buying a used range, make certain that the oven control (most often a slide or flipflop damper that directs exhaust heat to the oven) is alive and working. If you don't know what you're looking for, find a stove that is operating properly and see how it works.
After a prospect has passed the soundness and crack tests, EXAMINE THE TRIM. (On ranges, this decoration may be an integral part of the frame.) Brightwork should be nickel-plated (occasionally copper or brass), but if the critter's been sitting outside for a long while, you might see nothing but corrosion. You can test to see if the trim's salvageable by polishing the worst spot with Brasso—available from your hardware store—and 0-gauge steel wool.
Should the trim on a heater be suffering from terminal oxidation, you can have it replated ... probably for under $100. The bric-a-brac from a range can also be touched up in this manner, but only if you can get it off. In the event that the ruined trim on that cookstove is welded on—or if the stove obviously won't hold together without it—better look elsewhere.
In addition, damage to the porcelain trim—which you'll find on some woodburners—is often sufficient cause for rejecting the stove. Though the ceramic surface is easy enough to clean, the process for repairing chips is prohibitively expensive. So if you can't live with the condition of the porcelain on a cooker or heater, don't buy it!
Some old wood-burners have "windows" (or, by the time you get to them, open holes). These viewing ports are usually covered with isinglass. If the frames are still intact, small "panes" can be easily and inexpensively replaced.
Once more then: Before you commit yourself, be sure the necessary repairs aren't more extensive than you want to tackle. "I still turn down 10 stoves for every one I buy," says Bill. You should be at least as critical.
 REJUVENATE THE DETACHED TRIM. If the polishing test you did earlier was positive, go ahead and polish the trim with Brasso and 0-gauge steel wool until all the crud is gone. Then give the metal a second shining with another shot of polishing juice and a soft cloth.
If the trim is beyond reconditioning, you'll have to have it replated. Find a metal plater in the Yellow Pages and arrange for the work to be done. (Most platers prefer that you not remove the rust before bringing in your to-be-refurbished piece.) By the way, if the decorative metal is copper or brass—and you plan to use the stove for more than just eyeballing—consider replating the pieces with nickel. The harder metal is more resistant to oxidation. And don't settle for chrome! It'll start turning blue with your first hot fire.
 REMOVE ISINGLASS WINDOWS AND FRAMES. If you need replacement panes—and if your nearby hardware proprietor isn't able to locate any—you can order isinglass from Friendly Fire.
Of course, if you're dead set against spending money, you can attack rust with a coarse rotary wire brush on your electric drill (be sure to protect your eyes!) but it'll be miserable work.
[b] Stoves with trim attached. The easiest way to remove rust—without damaging shiny alloy trim—is to have the stove dipped in a heated chemical bath by an antique-auto stripper. He'll return it to you spotlessly clean (unless it was rusted worse than you thought, in which case you'll get back something as full of holes as a politician's 1040 form). There might be a little new corrosion where the chemical didn't dry immediately, but you can get that off with the wire brush and electric drill. And—while you're at it—you might as well do the oven, too.
[c] Stoves with porcelain trim. Assuming that the ceramic parts won't come off—and they usually won't—you'll have to go after rusted metal with that coarse rotary wire brush and electric drill. Porcelain won't tolerate dipping or sandblasting, but it will spruce up nicely with a basin-tub-and-tile cleaner and a wet sponge.
 POLISH THE REMAINING BRIGHTWORK with Brasso and a soft cloth. If there's any lingering crud, use another wad of 0-gauge steel wool for the first pass.
 PAINT THE OVEN of your cookstove with stainless steel paint (in a spray can from your paint shop or from Bill at Friendly Fire).
 PAINT OR POLISH EXTERIOR STOVE PARTS, but protect the trim! Any cast-iron cooking surfaces should only be polished. On other areas you may interchange paint and polish as you choose.
Bill generally prefers stove polish to paint. He makes his own, but recommends—for "one timers"—Presto Stove Polish. Brush on the polish with a toothbrush, covering the entire surface thoroughly. Let the brightener dry for a whole day. Then give your heater a second coat, and let that dry for another 24 hours. After the second day, "buff" the stove—using a fine rotary wire brush on your electric drill—until all residue is removed. Finish up by rubbing the polish with a soft cloth.
Often—for contrast—Eckert will paint some or all of the sheet-metal parts with Thurmalox Stove Paint but both sample stoves were polished.
 REPLACE ANY TRIM THAT WAS REMOVED.
 REPLACE ISINGLASS WINDOWS. Isinglass—which is made from the soft mineral, mica—is easy to work with. Just cut it to size with a pair of scissors.
 GIVE THE WOOD-BURNER A FINAL TOUCHUP with a soft cloth before standing back for a look-see. If the sun's shining, protect your eyes!
Curly cost its owner $150 "as was." Bill charged an additional $100 for 10 hours of refurbishing work (Eckert always charges per hour what his customers earn per hour) and passed on both the $30 cost of sandblasting and the $76 for nickel-plating. Thus, Curly's owner spent $356 for a stove that's easily worth $500.
Bill bought the cookstove for $275. Fifty-one hours of labor and $135 (the stripper's fee) later, he sold the refinished stove for $1,000.
Now let's suppose you had purchased both of the stoves and rejuvenated them yourself. You'd own a fine base-burner for which you paid only $256 ($150 + $30 + $76). And you'd have an excellent cookstove for an out-of-pocket cost of $410. You could sell both wood-burners for a profit of over $800. Or you could keep them, put them to work, and watch their values skyrocket. Think about it for a minute: Your wealth would increase while it worked for you. That darn sure won't happen when your money's in a bank!
You now know enough of the basics to find and restore an old stove of your own. (And maybe begin a home business, too! ) I won't say it's easy. Stove restoration is both time consuming and messy. But when you finally stand aside to admire a gleaming work of art—transformed from a rusting hulk—somehow all the labor seems worthwhile.
have a 1912 home comfort 6 square cook stove. all the parts are present, it is in pretty rough shape. used it several years ago to heat home and to cook on. would like to see something done with it before it becomes a pile of rust.
I just bought Premium Oak #64 parlor stove. It is strong and sound but need a few parts. Like the base itself. And a burner lid. And the handle for the ash door. Any suggestions?
edayhoff....Parts for most Columbian cook stoves are available through the Cat Tail foundry in Lancaster, PA. They are owned and operated by Amish and just cast a new set of Firebrick for my Columbian Choice. They also cast a new set of grates and associated parts for them. Very reasonable in price.


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Board index ‹ Flying Boat Reference Archives ‹ Consolidated Catalina Reference Archive
Trans African Catalina Trip
The source for references and discussion on all types & marques of this iconic WWII USN PBY flying boat: photos, plans, manual pages & documents.
Re: Trans African Catalina Trip
by DavidLegg » Tue Jul 09, 2013 7:19 am
That is good news Harry. I am in regular contact with Lawrence Acket who keeps me informed. Will try and come up with the concluding parts of my Trans-African article soon.
David Legg
Editor: The Catalina News, The Catalina Society
Author: Consolidated PBY Catalina - The Peacetime Record
DavidLegg
by DavidLegg » Thu Aug 15, 2013 5:49 pm
Penultimate instalment...
After taking off from Bukavu we head back across the southern end of Lake Kivu, destination Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. Our route takes us past the point where the borders of Zaire, Burundi and Rwanda meet and in this area we fly over some spectacular scenery of mountains and rivers – indeed, the mountains here are very high and the Catalina claws her way up to overfly the peaks. Fortunately, at the point where they get really high, there is a convenient pass that we fly through and shortly after this we see the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika in the vicinity of the town of Uvira, just inside Zaire.
After the hazy heat of the mountains, the lake looks most inviting as we start to fly down its length, all the while reporting our progress to the controllers at Bujumbura in Burundi. Like Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika is a vast inland sea, no less than 450 miles long, up to 50 miles wide in places and very deep.
After 100 minutes flying time we land at the Tanzanian airport of Kigoma, our approach being relayed by a Cessna 182 as our own transmissions are not being picked up on the ground. The Cessna is owned by Roland Purcell of whom more later. Because we have crossed international borders again, we are faced with more form-filling although the exercise seems a little less serious than when we first crossed into Tanzania at Mwanza a few days before. Kigoma and its neighboring town of Ujiji are at the inland end of the railway line that crosses Tanzania from the coast at Dar es Salaam and passes through Dodoma and Tabora. I suspect that train-spotting in Tanzania is even less exciting than 'plane-spotting although Kigoma is comparatively packed with no less than four Cessna 182s on the 'field! The Catalina of course dominates the red dirt dispersal and is shadowed by a desultory and hungry looking soldier who doesn't look like the sort to allow photography so I don't even bother asking! Eventually, he asks for food and money and his requests are politely refused.
We have to wait at Kigoma for several hours, not to refuel on this occasion, but to wait until the water conditions on the lake further south are suitable for the Catalina. After a while, the airfield controller drives over to say he is going home and we will have to manage without him. Luckily, the likelihood of conflicting traffic seems pretty low! The water on the lake can get quite rough as the day wears on with winds from the Zaire side whipping up the surface and making landings potentially rather exciting! Our destination is Mahale Camp which is right on the shore where the lake is at its narrowest, about half-way down its length. We are told that the camp is some 100 miles or more from the nearest road and it is bordered on one side by the lake and on the other (eastern) side by thickly forested mountains. The only ways to reach the camp are by boat from Kigoma or by light aircraft and even then the journey has to be completed by boat! The only contact with the outside world is by radio. The camp is run by the aforementioned Roland Purcell, an expert on the area and a noted chimpanzee researcher and he uses the airstrip for his small Cessna.
The drill is for the Catalina crew to make contact with the camp at Mahale by radio to check on water conditions before setting off for a landing on the lake. On this day, our contact is the camp cook who relays information back to us. What does he mean if he says the water is boiling? – is he referring to the lake or his vegetables?! The first call is met with the answer that conditions are thought to be too rough but, an hour later, it is deemed suitable for an attempt so in the late afternoon we set-off.
The Mahale Mountains are covered in thick forest and rise to 8,000 ft with their base right on the lake's edge. The actual site of our camp for the next three nights is a fabulous spot with green forested slopes contrasting with the white sandy bay in which it is situated and the bright blue waters of the lake.
As Bryan McCook prepares to land on Lake Tanganyika, the sun is already beginning to drop.
Bryan McCook is in the left-hand seat for this leg and, on arrival, he circles the Catalina around the proposed landing area, assessing the water state and deciding on where to position the aircraft for the landing run. Once committed, we swoop over the beach and Bryan executes a marvelous landing on the still quite choppy water. It is not a full-stall landing but something like it as the Cat' is dropped skillfully onto the surface. It is a wonderful experience and if I had to imagine an idyllic scene in which to arrive in a flying boat then my fantasy may not even match the reality of Mahale with its beach, mountains, forest, tented encampment and camp fire! Even as we taxy towards the beach, the sun is setting and the light rapidly fading with moonlight beginning to appear from the east. Amazing!
Z-CAT's mooring at Mahale with the mountains in the background. Visible is the tented 'dining room' whilst our tents are just in front of the trees, barely visible here
Sunset at Mahale
Our time at Mahale is primarily spent tracking chimpanzees in the wild although there is plenty of time to relax, swim, go boating on the lake and exchange impressions of our Catalina adventure to date. All the while, our beautiful white flying boat is riding the waves as they crash ashore, anchored to the sandy beach with its undercarriage down and its tail tied to a convenient tree!
A rather more choppy scene at the Mahale mooring with white cpas on the lake!
Come Saturday, August 15th 1992 we must return to the real world on the other side of the Mahale Mountains. Our early morning takeoff in the capable hands of Dave Evans is from calm water, the run taking about sixty seconds with a full load of passengers. Dave heads out over the mountains and into the sunny haze for this flight that will take us right across Tanzania. The scenery is vast but there are not too many places to force land! We stop at Tabora for another session of wobble-pumping to replenish Z-CAT's fuel tanks courtesy of local labour and a small BP bowser trailer. This takes over two hours and yet again we are the only aircraft on the airfield, at least as far as I can tell. I resist the temptation to walk over to a small shack-like hangar, conscious of the ever-present Tanzanian soldier that is part of the scenery at all airfields in this country. I suspect it is empty but I like to dream that inside there may have been a long-abandoned East African Airways de Havilland Dragon Rapide or something similar!
To be fair, the guards here are friendly and they let us take photos on the apron. The usual crowd of children has turned out to peer at us and our old aircraft through the wire fence – we are something of a novelty to them! Antoinette Jaunet produces another superb cold meal on board the 'plane – we still have some of the Parma ham that I lugged out to Nairobi all the way from Heathrow at the start of this adventure.
Re-fuelling at Tabora in the middle of Tanzania - pilots Dave Evans and Bryan McCook survey the scene from atop the wing
To be concluded…
Last edited by DavidLegg on Fri Dec 13, 2013 9:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.
by dogsbody » Fri Aug 16, 2013 5:10 pm
Another exciting episode! Thanks.
"What young man could possibly be bored
with a uniform to wear,
a fast aeroplane to fly,
and something to shoot at?"
dogsbody
Location: Northern Alberta, Canada
by Kenny » Fri Aug 16, 2013 8:25 pm
DavidLegg wrote: ... To be concluded…
All good things come to pass...
I still think, in an expanded form, you have the makings of a fascinating work ... looking forward to the last chapter...
Location: In the shed, Surrey
by DavidLegg » Fri Aug 16, 2013 8:59 pm
Thanks Chris & Kenny. Here is the concluding part...
After leaving Tabora, Bryan McCook decides that the visibility is just about good enough to let me loose at the controls from the co-pilot's side so Dave Evans vacates and goes aft. No doubt in due course he is convulsed with laughter as I attempt to navigate a straight line. Actually, I settle down after a few minutes under Bryan's watchful eyes, advice and encouragement and give a reasonable account of myself.
Yours truly trying to look as if I know what I'm doing.
In the late afternoon, we cross the coast and head out over the Zanzibar Channel to the island of Zanzibar. What more exotic location could there be for a vintage flying boat?
As we fly out over the azure blue waters that separate the Tanzanian mainland from the island of Zanzibar, the pilots seem to become decidedly animated. Having been there once before in Z-CAT perhaps they are planning their tactics for our two-day stay! The sea with its coral reefs looks fantastic and I cannot help thinking back to WWII and the RAF crews that flew their Catalinas over these waters in rather less benign conditions. Sadly, the original plan to land the Catalina in Zanzibar Harbour has been thwarted because there is no fresh water at the airport to wash down the salt water from the hull subsequently. This is quite a disappointment but as some consolation we are given clearance by ATC to make a number of low-level passes up and won the town's ancient waterfront before landing at the airport.
I could fill a book with my impressions of Zanzibar but this is not the place to do so; suffice to say that it is an incredible place where African, Indian and Arabic influences all collide head-on and exist together. Sadly, after two days we have to leave on the last leg of our jaunt around East Africa.
Our next port of call is the airfield at Tanga on the coast, north of Zanzibar and opposite Pemba Island, another Indian Ocean spice island. Here we are refueled again by the now familiar muscle flexing of the airport workers. There is a larger than usual gathering of school children here to watch, no doubt delighted that they are seeing more than the usual Air Tanzania Twin Otter that calls by. It is the first visit by Z-CAT to Tanga and the airport officials also show great interest and allow photos to be taken.
Now follows the last take off of the journey. It's nearly three hours flying to Wilson Airport, Nairobi but for reasons best known to themselves, the local ATC Officer insists that we climb to 6,000 ft before setting course away from the Tanga area. Once on our way, we drone on towards Nairobi, passing Mount Kilimanjaro which is just visible through broken cloud and sunshine – a treat for us passengers! Then, all too soon, there is Nairobi in the distance, rising out of the surrounding land at the end of the biggest circle I have ever flown. We can see all three local airports – Jomo Kenyatta International, Eastleigh military aerodrome and Wilson. We go around the Wilson circuit and join finals behind a modern light twin that then fails to clear the runway in time. It is almost as if the Catalina does not want to finish this extraordinary journey – certainly the passengers do not! The throttles are opened up and we overshoot and execute a go-around before we finally land at 17.25. It's all over! Our gear is off-loaded and as we file off to the customs shed, Bryan and David taxy the Cat' to the other end of the airfield.
The next day, I just could not resist going back to Wilson for one last look at Z-CAT. The Jaunets, Bryan, Dave and Samantha were loading their own gear back on board ready to depart for the Catalina's base in Harare. It was very tempting to scrounge a lift south but my return flight had been booked and I needed to get back to work in the UK. So, with a last backward glance I bade farewell to this old aircraft, little realising the extraordinary adventures that still awaited it with the Jaunet's and, later, in New Zealand with new owners.
So, re-writing this piece some 21 years later, what are my thoughts now? Well, the Jaunet's enterprise was pretty audacious, especially the earlier flights up and down the Nile. They managed to avoid any serious political or military unrest but maybe they were lucky. Our visit to Zaire and Rwanda was not many months before the turmoil and tragedy of the genocide there. They were often operating huge distances away from any real mechanical support but somehow managed to get away without any serious problems. Flying (on my trip) with two captains required a very democratic and open approach but that worked well, most of the time. Overall, I am so grateful that I had the chance to join the Jaunet's in their dream of Catalina flying in Africa. And the Catalina? – it has been in New Zealand (as ZK-PBY) for many years now but was grounded a couple of years back with corrosion issues in the wing area that are now being addressed. Hopefully, it will not be too long before she is back in the air again.
Copyright: David Legg 8/2013
by AlexNortonesq » Sat Aug 17, 2013 3:15 pm
Thank you for sharing that with us, David.
AlexNortonesq
Location: Toronto ON Canada
by MrWidgeon » Sat Aug 17, 2013 4:54 pm
Agreed, a great adventure and read.
by Kenny » Sat Aug 17, 2013 11:12 pm
DavidLegg wrote: ... I could fill a book ...
What have I been saying...
by flyernzl » Sun Aug 18, 2013 6:45 am
Thank you so very much for a fascinating story.
flyernzl
by strangeclouds » Wed Apr 05, 2017 4:29 am
photo:Lawrence Acket.
over 27 years later,some of the original African Catalina crew re-unites on top of the same wing, this time at Wanaka Airshow in 2016.
From left to right... Bob Dyck...Grant Hopkins...Pierre Jaunet...Oliver Evans and Dave Evans.
strangeclouds
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Popular music superstar, Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo better known as Kcee will be returning to the Legend Real Deal Experience this weekend, Sunday October 30th, in Owerri.
The evening which promises to be exciting will see pulsating performances from Kcee himself alongside acrobatic cultural displays by dance troupes, performances by some local hip-hop acts and amazing onstage stunts by other entertainers at the Old Township Stadium.
Kcee returns to the tour joining other music superstars like Timaya, Oritsefemi and 9ice who have on the Real Deal Experience tour visited Okokomaiko, Onitsha, Umuahia, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Ikorodu.
After shutting down Onitsha and Umuahia with his performance, Kcee has expressed enthusiasm about going to Owerri to once again thrill his ardent fans.
The Legend Real Deal Experience will also feature a full-sized rotating bar as well as exciting game shows which will see fans go away with fantastic prizes including television sets, generators and refrigerators.
The Real Deal Experience will visit other major cities in Nigeria in the coming weeks.


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Ashleigh Smith reviews CRTW Faculty BathHouse Reading
EMU student Ashleigh Smith reviews the recent BathHouse reading that featured Creative Writing Faculty:
In my opinion faculty readings are kind of like running into your teacher at a bar; you never really know what to expect or how the night will turn out. After a bit of a late start Christine Hume performed some pieces from her latest work Shot. I really enjoyed the soundtrack that went a long with her reading. The works she read were hazy and haunting, sort of like those moments right after waking up from a surreal dream. The soundtrack engulfed the room and intensified each phrase. The pieces Hume read had a sort of funky elegance; they were easy to dive into. By the time she was finished reading I had a page full of scribbled words that stood out to me and phrases that I didn't want to forget. I thought her poetry had a certain dark tenderness to it.
Carla Harryman was up next and after a little finagling with the microphone she spoke about light poems, breath, and non-narrative work. She introduced us to a character named Baby who she said was many and all things at once. "Baby is a figure, a word, a character and much more," she said. Harryman described the piece she read from as a lean into the poem in prose. Her work was detailed and took me through a bit of a word journey. Sentences and phrases lost themselves within each other, the moment I thought I had latched onto a narrative she went in a completely different direction. The part of Harryman's reading that stood out to me the most was Baby's "Interval with Teenagers"; it was as if Harryman was a fly on the wall in someone's living room. Her description of the event was so clear and well defined.
Rob Halpern was an interesting contrast to both Hume and Harryman. I found the entire thing very sexual to say the least. The way Halpern swayed and rocked while saying things like, "…let's make love like poems…" and "Whose bowels still hold my son?" His reading was smooth and almost hypnotizing. I found myself being mesmerized by his tone and especially the way he moved with the words. I admire Halpern for braving an especially touchy subject in Love Song to My Fallen Soldier, which was the first piece he read. He used a lot of language the some people would consider shocking or inappropriate but I never felt like he was trying to be that way. All in all I have to say, I enjoyed the reading and I was glad I got to see the faculty in a different setting and really gain an understanding of why they have the authority to teach us.
Ashleigh Smith BathHouse Carla Harryman Christine Hume Rob Halpern