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Joseph Burnett – Writer, Musician, Artist in waiting
A repository for my writings and other creative outbursts
About Joseph Burnett
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Frayed Recordings
A Dusted Review: V by Barn Owl (April 9th, 2013)
Posted on April 9, 2013 by josephpb97
It seems logical to this writer that the first question a listener must ask him or herself upon the first listen of an album by a familiar artist should be "Does this record surprise me?". Against expectations, the latest album by San Francisco drone duo Barn Owl does just that. Recent releases, such as 2010's Ancestral Star, were dominated by thick, pungent guitar drones in a style reminiscent of Earth in their post-Hex; Or Printing in the Infernal Method incarnation. But V is remarkably different, owing more to the traditions of dark ambient music and the current dub underground.
And it's amazing what a change of tack can do to make an act sound fresh and intriguing. "Void Redux" seeps out of the speakers like a wraith clambering out of a barrow, probably because Evan Caminiti has been busy exploring the murkier depths of drone over the last 12 months via solo albums Night Dust and Endless Sleep, both of which have echoes in this song's moody, crystalline gauze. Plucked bass notes pick out a repetitive refrain over which Caminiti and Jon Porras sprinkle minor-key synth lines like so much poisonous pixie dust. The remit is clear: Barn Owl have turned their gaze away from the dusty vistas of their recent Earth-inspired output and are instead considering, with dead eyes and more than a little dread, the cavernous depths of the human psyche. As "Void Redux" dissolves in a chorus of disembodied voices that sounds like undead monks, the first things that springs to mind is Popol Vuh's timeless score for Werner Herzog's Nosferatu. Suffice to say that V is an intense and brooding record.
Such a premise, as fragmented as it is (this is not music that is driven by anything as obvious as a concept), could easily become predictable, but Porras and Caminiti refuse to be sucked in by convention. "The Long Shadow" is initially centered around graceful, albeit down-tuned, guitar arpeggios that build into a haze of six-string drone that's as indebted to shoegaze as it is to the bleak ambient tradition set out in "Void Redux" or Earth's countryfied doom. In contrast, "Against the Night" is dominated by sweeping synths that wouldn't feel out of place on an early '70s Klaus Schulze album or played out underneath pulsating bass lines and dub rhythms on a Tri Angle Records release. Far from resting on their laurels, Barn Owl demonstrate a remarkable ear for the various forms and styles of modern music, and incorporate them expertly into their own aesthetic. Hell, track titles such as "Blood Echo" and "The Long Shadow" wouldn't have seemed out of place on a black metal album!
It all coalesces on the 17-minute closing epic "The Opulent Decline," which gradually evolves over its hefty duration, taking in most of the preceding five tracks' material. Barn Owl mostly avoid the major trapping of this kind of drone/ambient music (which can quickly fade into the background, imprisoned by its own natural inertia). Instead, the duo allows the music time to develop almost organically, without rushing, whilst maintaining a sense of dynamism that guards against boredom. V may be more intimate and introverted than Ancestral Star or Lost in the Glare, but it is no less cinematic. It's a remarkable return to the fore for Porras and Caminiti.
This entry was posted in 2013, Dusted, Music Reviews and tagged drone, Dusted, electronic, music journalism, Thrill Jockey. Bookmark the permalink.
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Paleolithic cave paintings from the Magdalenianculture.
From Wednesday to Sunday, 10a.m.-17a.m.
Six visits per day in groups fo 20 peaple maximum.
Octubre a Marzo: Previous reservation.
Rock art, paintings and engravings in a unique natural setting.
El Pindal Cave is located at the mouth of the River Cares-Deva, at the eastern end of Asturias, in a section of the coastal strip known as Cape San Emeterio.
It has a single entrance above the sea, overlooking the coastline, and a longitudinal gallery of 600 metres in length, only the first 300 of which can be visited. Divided into five areas, this Magdalenian site houses zoomorphic representations such as deer, horses, bison, as well as a noteworthy fish and mammoth.
The paintings in El Pindal Cave were most likely done in different moments during the Magdalenian culture, and probably even before, over a broad period of time ranging between 18,000 and 13,000 years ago.


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Mnuchin Isn't on Board with Tax Increases for Wealthy Citizens
A report circulated the media and stated that White House advisor Steve Bannon had proposed a different strategy to lower taxes for middle-income citizens. The measure in question concerned tax increases for members of high-tier social stratification. However, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has recently claimed that he was never presented with this option.
Mnuchin Claimed That He Never Heard of Tax Increases for Wealthier Americans
Trump administration is currently working on a new tax plan. They hope the upcoming changes would stand for a stronger national economy than before. With the deadline of the month of September approaching, there are numerous theories regarding this plan. One of the most recent such scenarios had an official report at its basis and proposed a tax hike for wealthier citizens. So far, few details accompany the official description coming from the administration.
The key goals of the next tax plan are a reduction of income taxes from 39.6% to 35% and a lower average for taxes aimed at middle class. The primary strategy is to reduce the present seven tax brackets to only three, namely 10%, 25%, and 34%. If Bannon's idea comes into effect, it will help the system elevate through 40% tax increases for those who earn at least $420,000 a year.
However, Mnuchin denied such a report that revealed Steve Bannon supports changes for high-tier social stratum. He made it clear that such a proposal is not up to negotiations.
"It's another example of a false leak that's been reported."
Republicans Have Many Challenges Ahead before They Can Finish a Comprehensive Tax Plan
Numerous analysts expect the deadline to be postponed until early 2018. That's because the Congress is trapped in many internal controversies. For instance, members have to finish an ongoing project regarding the replacement of the Affordable Care Act before even considering the revenue to offset reductions. Republicans are still debating what exactly to include in this bill let alone reaching a final draft.
Image source: 1
Fully Driverless Cars Could Hit Streets As Soon As Next Summer
Kraft Heinz Legendary Cost Cuts Helped the Company Come Back to Glory
The Microchipped Employees in Wisconsin Were Volunteers in a So-Called "Chip Party"
The Two Youngest Adult Generations Are Officially the Biggest Voting Block
McDonald's Worker Lost Job after Posting Photo of Disgusting Ice Cream Machine
SEC Intends to Regulate the Digital Coin
Students Might Be Absolved of Their Loan Debt Due to Human Error
CenturyLink Received Allegations of Overcharging Clients
Twitter Welcomes Former Goldman Sachs Banker as New CFO
Ukraine Mobilizes for a Second NotPetya Virus Attempt

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Shemar.... . HD Wallpaper and background images in the Shemar Moore club tagged: shemar moore.
This Shemar Moore fan art contains 大きな塊 and ハンク. There might also be 6パック, 腹筋, abの亀裂, フラット胃, abs, ab亀裂, 平らな胃, 六つのパック, and ab 亀裂.


After far too many emails when I mistakenly called her Terri, I had a chat to the wonderful Toni from Fanny Adams to ask her about what's going on behind the scenes of the knickers that keep our butts so happy.
How did you get into the underpants game in the first place?
I began making my own 15 years ago when I became exasperated with the quality of underwear that was available.
Tell me a little bit more about yourself and Fanny Adams - is it just you, are there a team of people?
Initially, it was just me doing it all! We have since grown over the years and now have a couple of part time machinists to help with the sewing and my partner Fred (of Freddy Adams) has joined the business.
How do you choose what prints you put out? What makes a fabric scream 'Fanny Adams'?
Being a civil engineer means my brain works differently than most designers, and the selection prints takes a lot of energy and agonising as it doesn't come easily. I rely on the feedback from customers to guide me. No one print defines Fanny Adams as our customers range from princesses to pragmatists and all that lies in between.
Obviously it's great for House of Boom that you make larger sizes - have you always or was this something you moved into?
It was evident early on that there was a demand for fabulous sizes in our gorgeous colours, so they became part of our product line very quickly.
What's another great NZ maker of cool things you'd like to recommend?


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Hold referendum in J&K to prove 'three and a half districts' remark: Shah asks Amit Shah
Home » Kashmir » Hold referendum in J&K to prove 'three and a half districts' remark: Shah asks Amit Shah
'Report on global investors regarding India investment an eye-opener for New Delhi'
Srinagar, May 22: Terming the statement of BJP president Amit Shah that the freedom movement "was not widespread but centered around just three and a half districts" in Jammu Kashmir, the incarcerated chairman of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Shabir Ahmad Shahon Monday said giving such "misled" statements won't help New Delhi in any way.
Shah in a statement issued to press suggested BJP president to relearn the history and geography before making such "ridiculous" remarks about Kashmir.
"Such statements are deliberately issued in order to mislead the masses about the reality of Kashmir. Amit Shah's vain attempt has no takers in today's era of technology where every person is aware of the happenings worldwide," Shah said.
"If Amit Shah is so sure of his claims on Jammu Kashmir, let him seek the opinion of the people of this disputed territory (through referendum) whether they want to be with India or freedom from Indian occupation."
Shah said New Delhi and its collaborators are continuing with their vain attempts of terming Kashmir's freedom movement as "5 percent" or "restricted to few districts" in order to mislead the people of India and the world community.
He said people's boycott of recently held so-called parliamentary elections is an eye-opener for the whole world that Jammu Kashmir is not part of India but its people are on streets to demand 'Azadi' from Indian illegal rule. "The boycott also brought home the point that not even one percent people are in favour of India," he said.
The DFP chairman asked New Delhi why it is scared of holding the referendum in the disputed territory under the auspices of the international body. "We reiterate our stand that whatever the verdict people give, that would be acceptable for us. It would also be clear whether the freedom movement is really centered around three and a half districts," he said.
Shah reiterated that the people of Jammu Kashmir have no enmity with the people of India but "it is against the international norms that a state which is against the forcible military occupation of India be forced to sing to the tunes of Delhi on gunpoint".
On Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh's speech that NDA government will resolve Kashmir, Shabir Ahmad Shah said the resolution about which the Indian leader talks is a "military solution" – the one which the people of J&K have never accepted. "Rajnath Singh should bear in mind that the solution to Kashmir dispute is possible only either through tripartite talks or by implementing the UN resolutions."
Shabir Ahmad Shah also termed it eye-opener for India the media report that "a number of large foreign funds, managing trillions of dollars of investor assets globally, have flagged 'persisting religious conflicts' and 'Kashmir dispute' as potential risks to their investments in India, saying such 'tensions' could destabilise the Indian economy".
"The Indian leaders should give a thorough thought to such report whether they want to bereave their people from economic projects and benefits or lead them to dark pit. The people of India should also ask their leaders in this regard. New Delhi should think over the matter with cool mind that by resolving Kashmir in its historical context, it can do a great service to India and its people," Shah said. (KNS)


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President-Elect Joe Biden To Deliver First Thanksgiving Address
By Ryan Shepard Nov 25, 2020
President-Elect Joe Biden will deliver his first Thanksgiving address just hours before the holiday begins. During his remarks, he is expected to address "the shared sacrifices Americans are making this holiday season and say that we can and will get through the current crisis together."
Biden's remarks come as the country prepares for a possible spike in COVID-19 cases following the community centered celebration. While health officials have warned against large family gatherings, it appears that tens of thousands of Americans will still travel home for the holiday.
Thus far, the world has experienced nearly 60 million confirmed coronavirus cases and 1.4 million deaths. Within the United States, 12.6 million Americans have been infected and 260,000 people have died. Many health officials fear that as the holiday season nears Christmas and New Year's that COVID-19 projections will only worsen.
"I'm not going to sugarcoat this. We are in the worst part of this pandemic to date," Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said.
"Our hospitals are nearing capacity, and they are burning through PPE."
As more Americans combat the virus, medical professionals fear that hospitals will once again be overwhelmed and unable to find beds for patients in need.
"We are not at the point where we are going to have anybody just flailing in the hallway because we can't get them a bed ... (but) that is a real possibility," Dr. Ngozi Ezike of the Illinois Department of Public Health said.
"That has happened in other parts of this country, in other parts of this world. We're not going to let that happen in Illinois, but it takes all of us to make sure that that doesn't happen."
Working to combat this virus, the Biden administration is developing plans to financially assist those in need during the pandemic while working to distribute a vaccine.
"This is more than just a financial crisis, it is a crisis that is causing real mental stress for millions of people," the President-Elect said.
Expect the President-Elect to discuss the pandemic in detail when he delivers remarks on Wednesday afternoon in Wilmington, Delaware.


(SINGAPORE, 21 September 2018) – Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte. Ltd. (SLFA) today announced the official opening of its first financial advisory retail shop at Westgate. The retail shop is named "LiveLife" which embodies the concept of consumers taking change and having full control over their insurance needs by walking into the retail shop to fulfil their insurance needs. LiveLife gives consumers the freedom to meet up with SLFA's relationship managers in a convenient location and comfortable environment to discuss their insurance needs.
Sony Life Singapore Pte. Ltd., the Singapore subsidiary of Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (Sony Life), and Starts Securities Co., Ltd. (Starts Securities), established a joint venture, Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte. Ltd. (SLFA), in August 2017 to conduct financial advisory business. By maximising the strengths of Sony Life and Starts Securities, SLFA will bring to Singapore the concept of life planning, which they have cultivated together in the Japanese market.
SLFA aims to introduce an insurance distribution model that is highly popular in Japan where consumers walk in to dedicated retail shops to seek professional advice. Relationship managers will provide consumers with several insurance plans that are optimally tailored to customers which allow them to make educated comparisons of a wide variety of various insurers' products. Consultations are non-obligatory and LiveLife's relationship managers will provide life planning, financial simulation and advise on consumers' insurance needs and review their existing polices.
"Sony Life Financial Advisers provides quality and unbiased advice based on holistic life planning by relationship managers where consumers can compare a wide range of products and services in a comfortable and conveniently located retail space," said Mr. Fumio Aono, Managing Director, Sony Life Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Modules represent our service of offering financial solutions that are reasonable and consist of custom-made combinations to perfectly fit individuals. The multi colours represent our aim to make our customers' various lives more vivid by offering a diverse range of products and choices.
Life insurance: Aviva Ltd., Manulife (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative Ltd., Tokio Marine Life Insurance Singapore Ltd.
General insurance: Great Eastern General Insurance Ltd., MSIG Insurance (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative Ltd., Sompo Insurance Singapore Pte. Ltd., Tokio Marine Insurance Singapore Ltd.
Name: Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte. Ltd.
Executives: Three from Sony Life Singapore Pte. Ltd. One from Starts Securities Co., Ltd.
Name Starts Securities Co., Ltd.
Major shareholder Starts Corporation Inc.
About Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte. Ltd.
Based in Singapore, Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte. Ltd. Is a joint venture between Sony Life Singapore Pte. Ltd., the Singapore subsidiary of Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (Sony Life), and Starts Securities Co., Ltd. (Starts Securities). Established in August 2017, Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte. Ltd. aims to provide quality and unbiased advice based on holistic life planning by relationship managers where consumers can compare a wide range of products and services in a comfortable and conveniently located retail space. For more information on Sony Life Financial Advisers' products and services, please visit www.sonylifefa.com/.
Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte. Ltd.


You don't have to spend a fortune to get reliable metal detecting security. The Fisher CW-10 Hand-Held Metal Detector Wand works well with the M-Scope Walk-Through Metal Detector or as a stand-alone unit; and provides reliability and functionality at an affordable price. The CW-10 is perfect for schools, courtrooms, and other events, and features both audible and silent alarms; simple, easy to use 3 position switch (power, audio, and vibrate); optimum sensitivity; low battery indicator; and visual LED. Let the Fisher CW-10 Hand-Held Metal Detector Wand secure your venue or event.


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Middlesbrough signing this 27-year-old Sheffield United outcast would be a handy move
by Sayan Chatterjee November 29, 2019, 2:15 am
Why Kieron Freeman could be a handy signing for Middlesbrough
According to claims from TEAMtalk, as cited by Hartlepool Mail, Middlesbrough are one of the Championship clubs to have enquired about the possibility of signing Sheffield United star Kieron Freeman on loan during the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old, who is yet to start a single game for the Blades in the Premier League this season, has expressed his desire to leave Bramall Lane on loan when the transfer window reopens in January (TEAMtalk h/t Hartlepool Mail).
Born in Arnold, Nottingham, Kieron Freeman started his footballing education at Nottingham Forest but he struggled to establish himself at his boyhood club and spent time on loan at Notts County and Mansfield Town in the lower divisions before completing a move to Derby County.
Kieron Freeman made 20 appearances in Sheffield United's promotion-winning campaign in the Championship last season (Getty Images)
A switch to Pride Park, however, didn't particularly work in favour of his career, with the defender forced to spend time on loan at Notts County, Mansfield Town and Sheffield United before joining the Blades permanently in 2015.
Freeman, who initially found himself loaned out to Portsmouth in the League Two, eventually established himself as a mainstay at the back for the Blades and played a key role in the club's surge for promotion in the League One.
The 27-year-old started 20 games in the Championship last season and contributed with 2 goals and 4 assists, with Chris Wilder rotating him and George Baldock in the right wing-back slot.
However, Freeman, who will be out of contract at Bramall Lane next summer, has largely found himself relegated to bench duty this term, with Baldock starting each of the club's first 13 league fixtures and establishing himself as the undisputed first-choice.
Freeman is yet to start a single game for the Blades in the Premier League this season (Getty Images)
The former Nottingham Forest academy graduate has found regular minutes hard to come by, with his only involvement so far coming in the EFL Cup fixtures against Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland.
To put things into perspective, Kieron Freeman currently finds himself down the pecking order at Sheffield United and Middlesbrough should pounce on the opportunity to sign him on loan in January.
Having endured a terrible start to their season in the Championship, Boro currently find themselves languishing 20th in the standings, just above the relegation zone.
The Teessiders lack adequate personnel for the right-back position, making it difficult for Jonathan Woodgate to switch between a back-three and back-four formations.
Credits: Getty Images
With summer recruit Anfernee Dijksteel failing to make an impact so far – and the likes of Patrick McNair and Jonny Howson only good enough to be stop-gaps in that role – Kieron Freeman could slot seamlessly into Woodgate's philosophy.
Having played a key role in Sheffield United's promotion last season, the 27-year-old is capable of playing as a wing-back in a back-three system.
Freeman has a wealth of experience under his belt and the prospect of adding a promotion-winner to the squad midway through the season would be a masterstroke for Boro.
More Middlesbrough News
Why Marcus Maddison could be a saviour for Middlesbrough in January
Why Sam Cosgrove could be the saviour for Middlesbrough in January
Why Middlesbrough should beat Sheffield Wednesday to Bez Lubala
With that in mind, Middlesbrough would bag a real coup if they manage to secure a loan deal for Kieron Freeman during the mid-season trading period.
More From: Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough signing this 30-year-old PL veteran would be a true masterstroke
Burnley offloading £15m star this month would be the ideal decision for both parties
Aston Villa signing this prolific 27-year-old star would get them firing once again
Aston Villa signing this influential 20-year-old would add a lot of firepower amidst Wesley disaster
Well done Woodgate – Middlesbrough's deal for this promising Man City starlet is a coup
Chris WilderJonathan WoodgateKieron FreemanMiddlesbroughSheffield United
Leeds signing this highly-rated 23-year-old would be very smart work by Bielsa
Aston Villa signing this hugely talented Liverpool starlet on loan would be immense


Another trophy in the back of the net for Bedlington FC Vipers.
A Bedlington football team have netted the Filey Cup for the third year running.
Bedlington FC Vipers under 11 boys travelled to Scarborough to defend their title, playing teams from across the country.
And not only did the side win the Saturday league, but they were crowned overall champions in a highly competitive Sunday competition, going undefeated throughout.
Manager David Langhorne said: "This group of players are an absolute credit to the club and the town of Bedlington. We had a brilliant time across the weekend, but when the players took to pitch they gave it their all.
Support was given by local businesses and councils.


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Yes We Can… With Exceptions, Qualifications And Requirements
Barack Obama told the Australian Parliament last Thursday that our country and his are "among the most open economies on Earth".
This is true, as far as it goes. The United States is 10th out of 141 countries on the Economic Freedom of the World Index. Australia is fifth.
But that observation sits uncomfortably with almost everything else Obama said in his speech to the Parliament.
The 44th president mouths his support for free trade but carves out so many exceptions, qualifications and requirements that, if those caveats were put into action, the United States would plummet down the economic freedom rankings faster than you could say "level playing field".
After all, how to reconcile "History teaches us the greatest force the world has ever known for creating wealth and opportunity is free markets" with "We seek trade that is free and fair"? Perhaps it is asking too much of the White House speechwriting B-team to be internally consistent. Yet it is not clear what the qualifier "and fair" is supposed to do apart from repudiate "trade that is free".
Free trade is the universally recognised principle that national borders should be open to goods no matter where they come from. Fair trade is the opposite. First literally: the phrase originated as a synonym for protectionism in the 19th century. And second practically: its modern popular use describes a trading system that discriminates between different third world producers according to first world standards. Those who conflate the two are saying they support free trade and oppose free trade at the same time. That's incoherent even for politics.
Obama then ticked off a series of standard refrains. Countries need to play by the rules (as if the benefits of trade are only possible if that trade is approved by World Trade Organisation lawyers in Geneva). Currencies need to be market driven (a clear swipe at China, which is desperately, if nervously, trying to fix its currency issues). "Workers' rights" need to be respected (wholly admirable, but this vague demand has been long used by unions to protect themselves from foreign competition).
It's obvious from his speech alone that Barack Obama is no friend of free trade. It's less obvious why so many Australian conservatives and liberals were full of praise for the president when he was here.
Obama's domestic record on trade openness is not good at all.
Most notoriously, his stimulus package had a crucial "buy American" provision. The provision mandated that steel, iron or manufactured goods purchased with stimulus money had to be produced in the United States.
Actually, it was worse than that. Steel, iron or manufactured goods purchased for a project which received any stimulus money at all had to be domestically sourced. In other words, if a project received just one dollar of federal stimulus, everything bought with non-stimulus money on that project had to be American as well.
The Government Accountability Office found that Buy American red tape badly delayed many stimulus funded projects. And, of course, substantially reduced their value for money.
The administration's jobs act, which is spluttering its way through Congress at the moment, has the very same Buy American provision. This is naked, unabashed protectionism imposed as a gesture to Obama's trade union supporters.
Yes, the administration talked a big game on the benefits of free trade agreements between the United States and Korea, Columbia and Panama. These agreements were negotiated in the twilight of the Bush era. But Obama deliberately delayed passing those agreements for four years. His friends in Congress were responsible for part of this delay, sure. But the White House squibbed many opportunities to shepherd the agreements through. Then the administration saddled the agreements with expensive trade adjustment payments which ensured further delays: the US federal deficit would make anyone question whether now is a good time to expand the welfare state.
The Obama administration also had a chance late last year to resuscitate the Doha round of international trade talks, as the trade analysts Philip I Levy and Scott Lincicome pointed out at the time. They completely failed to do so.
As a candidate, Obama played the same game as he did in Australia last week. He would say he was a supporter of free trade, but then rail against "unfairly traded" products which "flood" American markets.
In his State of the Union address this year he said his goal for the country was to "win the future", a bizarre and hackneyed phrase which implies that prosperity is an international competition with winners and losers. This is the exact opposite of what we know about trade – countries which exchange do so because it is mutually beneficial. Trade is not a contest some countries "lose".
As a small country plugged into the global economy, Australia depends on free trade for our prosperity more than most. The US president came to our parliament and disingenuously championed protectionism. It should be embarrassing there was no outcry.
Author Chris BergPosted on November 23, 2011 July 23, 2017 Categories ArticlesTags ABC The Drum
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Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are regarded as the next-generation high-performance energy storage devices due to their high energy density. However, the long-term use of LSBs in practical applications is limited by the shuttle effect resulting from the diffusion of lithium polysulfides (LiPS) in electrolyte. To address these challenges, a novel aqueous-processable polymer with multiple functional groups, catechol-conjugated chitosan sulfate (CCS), is developed as the binder of the sulfur cathode. The CCS binder demonstrates strong adsorption capability to trap LiPS, as evidenced by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Its excellent mechanical and binding properties also result in stabilization of sulfur cathodes in long-term cycling. LSBs assembled with CCS exhibit remarkable improvement in cycling performance with high capacity retention of 80.14% after 400 cycles at 0.5C, and the electrodes maintain their integrity without any clear cracks. At a high rate of 2C, the LSBs can still maintain 77.30% capacity after 300 cycles with high coulombic efficiency of 99.37%. Our results provide new insights into the significance of sulfate and catechol groups in CCS binder for sulfur cathode and pave a new way for the tailoring of the chemical structures of natural polymers to realize LSBs with superior electrochemical performance.


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The YouTube Evolution
by Tim Mulligan
Native Content Creators
youtube economy
Youtube revenue
As YouTube moves into its second decade, the world's largest video sharing site is undergoing significant changes. From the launch of YouTube Red, it's paid ad-free subscription service complete with an original's content strategy, to the massive increase in subscriber views as a wider consumer base embraces short form video content. YouTube has entered its second phase of growth.
Freemium Content Still dominates The YouTube Economy
With the imminent roll out of YouTube Red beyond YouTube's US heartland it is easy to believe that the site's future lies in following the paid subscription model especially as its CEO Susan Wojcicki is explicit about her desire for YouTube to "reinvent TV." After all paid subscriptions underpin the still hugely lucrative pay-TV model, and have allowed TV industry disruptors such as Netflix to grow to global scale on the back of predictable reoccurring revenue streams. However YouTube is different.
As the chart from MIDiA Research's new report The State Of The YouTube Nation demonstrates YouTube has both the scale and momentum to make ad-funded video channels work. Indeed the top 50 YouTube channels now have over 14 channels generating over $1 million per month in gross revenues.
Equally important and quantifiably different from traditional TV is the fact that the most lucrative content categories are music artists and native content creators, categories built around personality brands leveraging unrestricted access by fans from across a range of social media platforms. MIDiA Research's latest multinational consumer survey has indeed found that only 11% of consumers are prepared to pay to access exclusive content on YouTube, implying that the YouTube success story is underpinned by its original freemium model.
YouTube Is A Globally Diverse Platform
A significant departure for YouTube as it enters its second decade is the increasingly fragmented nature of viewing by its global user base. Although North America remains the single most important region for the video streaming service, it has replicated its success across the world's regions. The increasingly diverse trends evidenced in Latin America and Asia suggest that YouTube will increasingly reflect the mobile-centric video-snacking consumption patterns of emerging markets. This will have significant implications on how channel owners plan their engagement strategies in different regions. For example Asia under-indexes in channel subscriptions versus views, while Latin America has the subscriptions but not the views.
The latest chapter in YouTube's story suggests that we are only just beginning to see what the service is truly capable of in a connected and increasingly mobile-centric world.


As the State of Israel celebrates 67 years since its remarkable rebirth, it is becoming increasingly easy to lose sight of the miraculous times in which we are living.
The rush of everyday life, as well as the withering criticism of the media, provide potent distractions, drawing our attention away from the incredible success of the Zionist enterprise.
Everyone is so busy kvetching, or complaining, rather than kvelling, or bursting with pride, that we forget what the Jewish people have managed to achieve in such a short span of time here in the Jewish state.
So put aside for the moment any fears you might have about that guy in the White House or the tyrants in Tehran, and ingest the following healthy dose of much-needed patriotic perspective.
Since 1948, the Jewish population in the Land of Israel has grown nearly tenfold, as millions of immigrants have been absorbed from around the world. Seven decades ago, six million Jews were gassed, burned and slaughtered across Europe. Nowadays, six million Jews reside in the Jewish state, filling the streets of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa and elsewhere.
In the blink of an eye, we went from bloodstained Jewish history to blossoming Jewish destiny. If that's not a miracle, then what is? And speaking of miracles, Israel has made the desert bloom, taken the high-tech world by storm and built a free country amid a sea of despotism, all in less time than it took to construct the Leaning Tower of Pisa (177 years), the Great Wall of China (centuries), or even Washington's National Cathedral (83 years). Not bad, don't you think? In the spiritual realm, we have also reached new heights. Israel is now home to more yeshivot than have ever existed at any time in all of Jewish history. On any given day, more Torah is being studied than ever before, more pages of Talmud are being scrutinized, and more Jews are visiting sites such as the Western Wall and the Cave of the Patriarchs.
Indeed, in just about every field imaginable, be it literature or music, theater or the arts, Jewish creativity in Israel is at an unprecedented level.
Back in February 1896, Theodor Herzl wrote the following in his book, Der Judenstaat (The Jewish State): "The Jews who will it shall achieve their state. We shall live at last as free men on our own soil, and in our own homes peacefully die. The world will be liberated by our freedom...enriched by our wealth, magnified by our greatness.
And whatever we attempt there for our own benefit will redound mightily and beneficially to the good of all mankind."
We are closer than ever to fulfilling that noble goal.
Sure, there are numerous problems and challenges at home and abroad, and no one in their right mind would deny that much work remains to be done.
But we cannot and must not allow the difficulties to drag us down or overwhelm our sense of appreciation for the gift that God has given us by restoring Jewish sovereignty.
In this connection, it is worth recalling a very special story about the "Tzaddik of Jerusalem," Rabbi Aryeh Levin, and Dr. Hillel Seidman, the Yiddish writer and journalist who survived the Warsaw Ghetto.
The year was 1949 and Dr. Seidman was visiting Israel. On the eve of Independence Day, he ventured out into the streets of Jerusalem together with his wife to see the crowds who were celebrating the birth of the Jewish state.
"I was surprised," Dr. Seidman recounted to author Simcha Raz, "to bump into Rabbi Aryeh dancing with youth in the city streets." At the time, Rabbi Levin was 64 years old. "His face," Dr. Seidman said, "beamed with joy as he danced with religious fervor."
Perhaps noticing the wonder on Dr. Seidman's face, Rabbi Levin told him, "After the sea of tears and the flood of hardships that befell our Jewish brethren in the Holocaust, we finally have the good fortune to see Jewish children dancing with joy in their hearts. You tell me, isn't this reason enough for us to give praise and thanksgiving to the Lord of the Universe?" It most certainly is.


Everyday seems to bring yet another reason to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. If it's not a virus outbreak that's on the news, then it's a new security threat. Whatever the current crisis, there is no time like the present to update your bug out bag. And wearable gear is almost always better than gear you have to carry around.
Although earmuffs probably aren't at the top of your list of must-have items, consider that disasters tend to be loud and your five senses may be your best defense in survival situations.
The Altus Brands' Pro Ears are ear protection and then some. These electronic ear covers resemble headphones and allow you to hear what is going on around you while simultaneously shielding your hearing from loud noises, like gunshots or explosions.
Any noise that is louder than 70 decibels is automatically reduced by half by the set's sound compression technology. The weatherproof circuit board is placed inside the set and there are no external wires to catch on things or become damaged as you move around. If you're in a situation where the noise level is high, these earmuffs can prevent serious damage to your hearing.
An ingenious apparatus, a solar pack functions like a regular backpack, but is equipped to harness sunlight and convert it into power. The exterior of the sack is lined with lightweight, flexible solar panels that absorb sunlight and store the energy in a battery for later use.
Most packs generate about 6 watts of power, which can be used to charge small electronics through a USB adapter. This means you can be completely self-sufficient without giving up all of your electronic devices when on the move.
In addition to needing to care for your hearing, you also need to tend to your most natural mode of transportation — your feet. Particularly in cold climates, your feet are susceptible to wear and tear as well as frostbite.
The ThermaCELL ProFlex Heated Insole slips into your shoe or boot to easily add extra padding to your footwear as it warms your lower extremities.
A smartwatch like the Samsung Gear S can keep you up to date on the news of the disaster, give you access to maps and GPS to help guide you to safe ground and keep you in communication with your loved ones. You can also monitor your health stats, heart rate and sleep, which is important in a high-risk, high-stress environment.
Undoubtedly, you need a portable light when disaster strikes. Whether it is the sun that goes down or the entire electrical grid, a headlamp can light the way. A rechargeable, multi-beam headlamp like the NAO headlamp may be your most reliable choice.
This wearable tech automatically adjusts its brightness to suit your current environment, offers up to 575 lumens, has a long burn life and uses a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.
To top off your bug out basics, you need a device that allows you to top off your drinking glass. In most disaster and survival scenarios, clean water becomes of the utmost importance. However, traditional water filtration systems are bulky and awkward to transport.
The FFD water filtration pack can be worn as a backpack or chest pack, is small and compact and houses a water filtration system that is operated by a handheld pump.


"The landscape is the victory of modern art. It marks the honour of nineteenth-century painting"
n a century of scientific and technological progress, populated by inventions that revolutionized how we travelled and observed the world, artists took a new look at, and profoundly reworked, an artistic genre with a long tradition behind it: landscape painting. Photography, the possibility to experience new vantage points, as in the case of bird's-eye views from the early hot-air balloons, and a changing sensibility mark the fundamental shift from the idea of a simple view to the more complex and subjective idea of a vision.
The landscapes of Italy became a constant subject of attention during the nineteenth century, bringing artists from different regional schools to rethink perspective, formats, and idioms in landscape painting during a period of great ferment. Their frequent exchanges laid the bases for modern painting in Italy.
The exhibition itinerary takes the form of a journey through time and space touching on the important moments in this transformation and highlighting its principal themes: preference for painting from life and the study of how to render atmospheres and the effects of light and colour. From the first forays of the Posillipo School in the early decades of the eighteen hundreds through the innovations of the Tuscan Macchiaioli, the itinerary leads to the Symbolist "landscapes of the soul", featured at the early editions of the Venice Biennale. The plein air studies by Giuseppe De Nittis, the freshness of the rural views of Giovanni Fattori and Silvestro Lega, the evocative backlighting of Antonio Fontanesi, Bartolomeo Bezzi's paintings of the Venetian lagoon, and Gaetano Previati's symbolic transfigurations are just a few of the many suggestive pieces embellishing the visitor's journey through more than eighty works from prestigious public museums or private collections.
Produced in collaboration with the Matteucci Institute of Viareggio, the exhibition is complemented by a catalogue published by Electa with a rich section of essays.


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If you're after top-notch food, craggy coastlines, vistas of undulating green fields, and islands on which no foreigner has ever set foot, go no further. Jeju Island has its rock formations and palm trees, and Gangwon-do pulls in nature-lovers by the truckload, but it's the Jeolla provinces (전라도) where you'll find the essence of Korea at its most potent – a somewhat ironic contention since the Jeollanese have long played the role of the renegade. Here, the national inferiority complex that many foreigners diagnose in the Korean psyche is compounded by a regional one: this is the most put-upon part of a much put-upon country. Although the differences between Jeolla and the rest of the country are being diluted daily, they're still strong enough to help make it the most distinctive and absorbing part of the mainland.
Continue reading to find out more about...
Boseong
East of Jeonju
Gwangju and around
Western Jeonbuk: the national parks
West Sea islands
Yeosu and around
The Korean coast dissolves into thousands of islands, the majority of which lie sprinkled like confetti in Jeollanese waters. Some such as Hongdo and Geomundo are popular holiday resorts, while others lie in wave-smashed obscurity, their inhabitants hauling their living from the sea and preserving a lifestyle little changed in decades. The few foreign visitors who make it this far find that the best way to enjoy the area is to pick a ferry at random, and simply go with the flow.
In addition, Jeollanese cuisine is the envy of the nation – pride of place on the regional menu goes to Jeonju bibimbap, a local take on one of Korea's favourite dishes. Jeolla's culinary reputation arises from its status as one of Korea's main food-producing areas, with shimmering emerald rice paddies vying for space in and around the national parks. The Jeollanese people themselves are also pretty special – fiercely proud of their homeland, with a devotion born from decades of social and economic repression. Speaking a dialect sometimes incomprehensible to other Koreans, they revel in their outsider status, and make a credible claim to be the friendliest people in the country.
Most of the islands trace a protective arc around Jeonnam (전남), a province whose name translates as "South Jeolla". On the map, this region bears a strong resemblance to Greece, and the similarities don't end there; the region is littered with ports and a constellation of islands, their surrounding waters bursting with seafood. Low-rise buildings snake up from the shores to the hills, and some towns are seemingly populated entirely with salty old pensioners. Yeosu and Mokpo are relatively small, unhurried cities exuding a worn, brackish charm, while further inland is the region's capital and largest city, Gwangju, a young, trendy metropolis with a reputation for art and political activism.
The same can be said for likeable Jeonju, capital of Jeonbuk (전북; "North Jeolla") province to the north and one of the most inviting cities in the land; its hanok district of traditional buildings is a particular highlight. Green and gorgeous, Jeonbuk is also home to four excellent national parks, where most of the province's visitors head; in addition, the arresting "horse-ear" mountains of Maisan Provincial Park accentuate the appeal of Tapsa, a glorious temple that sits in between its distinctive twin peaks.
Jeolla's gripe with the rest of the country is largely political. Despite its status as the birthplace of the Joseon dynasty that ruled Korea from 1392 until its annexation by the Japanese in 1910, most of the country's leaders since independence in 1945 have hailed from the southeastern Gyeongsang provinces. Seeking to undermine their Jeollanese opposition, the central government deliberately withheld funding for the region, leaving its cities in relative decay while the country as a whole reaped the benefits of the "economic miracle". Political discord reached its nadir in 1980, when the city of Gwangju was the unfortunate location of a massacre which left hundreds of civilians dead. National democratic reform was gradually fostered in the following years, culminating in the election of Jeolla native and eventual Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kim Dae-jung. Kim attempted to claw his home province's living standards up to scratch with a series of big-money projects, notably in the form of highway connections to the rest of the country once so conspicuous by their absence. Despite these advances, with the exception of Gwangju and Jeonju, Jeolla's urban centres are still among the poorest places in Korea.
The town of BOSEONG (보성), midway between Yeosu and Mokpo, is famed for the tea plantations that surround it; visitors flock here during warmer months to take pictures of the thousands of tea trees that line the slopes. They may not be as busy or as verdant as those in Sri Lanka or Laos, for example, but they're still a magnificent sight, particularly when sepia-tinged on early summer evenings. Pluckers comb the well-manicured rows at all times of year, though spring is the main harvest season, and if you're lucky you may be able to see the day's take being processed in the on-site factory. Green tea (녹차; nok-cha) rode the crest of the "healthy living" wave that swept the country in the early 2000s, and here you can imbibe the leaf in more ways than you could ever have imagined. A couple of on-site restaurants serve up green tea chicken cutlet, green tea bibimbap and green tea with seafood on rice, as well as a variety of dishes featuring pork from pigs raised on a green tea diet. There's also a café serving nok-cha ice cream and snacks – if you've never tried a nok-cha latte, you'll never get a better opportunity (though, admittedly, it's on sale at pretty much every café up to the North Korean border).
With few urban areas to speak of, it's bucolic countryside all the way east of Jeonju. Easily accessible on a day-trip from the provincial capital are the wonderful twin peaks of Maisan Provincial Park. Between these lies Tapsa, one of Korea's most distinctive temples, surrounded by otherworldly spires of stacked rock that, though built without bonding agents and attacked by regular typhoons and snowstorms, continue to stand tall. Pushing on further east you'll soon hit the slopes of Deogyusan National Park, home to the popular ski resort Muju.
Maisan Provincial Park
Korea's pine-clad mountain ranges tend to look rather similar to each other. One exception is tiny MAISAN PROVINCIAL PARK (마이산 도립 공원), or "horse-ear Mountains", so-named after two of its peaks. It's easy to reach Maisan by bus on a day-trip from Jeonju, via the small town of Jinan (진안). The park is within walking distance of Jinan's decaying bus terminal, but most opt for taking a taxi along the lake to the main entrance north of the park – the fifteen-minute trip should cost around W4000, though many drivers will try to get you to go to the more distant Tapsa entrance for around three times that price. At the northern entrance are restaurants and a couple of places to stay, and from here steep flights of energy-sapping stairs take you between the horses' ears and over the scalp, where you'll probably need a rest. Unfortunately it's not possible to climb the peaks, which were closed for regeneration at the time of writing; the path up the western ear is due to reopen in 2014. Despite the threat of heavy fines and the fact that hikers stand out like a sore thumb, people still flout the rule.
If you continue between the peaks, you'll soon come to Unsusa, a dainty temple surrounded by flowers in warmer months, while further down the mountain is the highly popular temple of Tapsa (탑사), Maisan's real gem, which sits in a surreal clasp of stacked rock. Mildly Gaudíesque in appearance, the near-hundred-strong towers were the work of one monk, Yi Kap-myong (1860–1957), who apparently used no adhesive in their construction, even though some are over 10m high.
The gleaming, busy face of "new Jeolla", GWANGJU (광주) is the region's most populous city by far. Once a centre of political activism, and arguably remaining so today, it's still associated, for most Koreans, with the brutal massacre that took place here in 1980. The event devastated the city but highlighted the faults of the then-government, thereby ushering in a more democratic era. Other than a cemetery for those who perished in the struggle, on the city outskirts, there's little of note to see in Gwangju itself, except perhaps the shop-and-dine area in its centre. Largely pedestrianized, this is one of the busiest and best such zones in the country – not only the best place in which to sample Jeollanese cuisine but also a great spot to observe why Gwangjuites are deemed to be among the most fashionable folk on the peninsula. Also in this area is "Art Street", a warren of studios and the figurehead of Gwangju's dynamic art scene. Although most funding is now thrown at contemporary projects, the city's rich artistic legacy stems in part from the work of Uijae, one of the country's most famed twentieth-century painters and a worthy poet to boot. A museum dedicated to the great man sits on his former patch – a building and tea plantation on the slopes of Mudeungsan Park, which forms a natural eastern border to the city.
On the art trail in Gwangju
Outside Seoul, Gwangju is by far Korea's most artistically inclined city. Much of this can be ascribed to the fact that it's the largest city in Jeolla, which during the 1970s and 1980s was a hotbed of political activism; the gruesome massacre of 1980 saw raw emotion splashed onto many a piece of canvas. Regional tensions have long since subsided, meaning that present-day Jeollanese have a little less to say, but it's still worth taking a stroll through some of the city's many galleries.
The best place to go hunting is a narrow road in the city centre, affectionately known as Art Street. This is a funky collection of shops and studios selling art materials and works by local artists. There are similar streets in other Korean cities, but this one is larger, much more accessible and forms an active part of the city's life. Traditional art styles remain dominant but they're complemented – and sometimes sent up – by a more contemporary set. A few arty cafés and restaurants can be found in or just off the road, though as this area is also Gwangju's centre of after-school education, the discussions you'll hear are more likely to be about pop than Picasso. Near the eastern end of Art Street is the contemporary Kunsthalle Gwangju gallery, a regional offshoot of the facility in Seoul, and similarly fashioned entirely from shipping containers. It's a temporary facility, filling the vacuum left by delays to the still-under-construction Asian Culture Complex, set for completion on an adjoining plot in 2014.
More traditional in nature is the work of Ho Baeknyon (1891–1977). Better known by his pen name Uijae, he was an important painter-poet-calligrapher, and in uniting those fine arts was likely one of the main catalysts behind Gwangju's dynamic art scene. His old house and tea plantation, as well as a museum (Tues–Sun 10am–5pm) dedicated to his work, stand on the slopes of Mudeungsan (무등산), a pleasant park bordering Gwangju on its eastern side, and easily accessible by bus from the city centre. The most interesting piece on show is a ten-picture folding screen, whose images are said to represent the world's rainbow of personal characteristics: are you bamboo-, blossom- or orchid-like in temperament?
Lastly, those visiting in the autumn of even-numbered years will be able to attend the Gwangju Biennale (wgb.or.kr), the biggest and most important art festival in the land. Most of the action takes place at a huge dedicated hall north of the train station, and there's so much to see that even a full day is unlikely to be enough.
The Gwangju massacre
Away from the bustle of Gwangju, in what may at first appear to be a field of contorted tea trees, lie those who took part in a 1980 uprising against the government, an event which resulted in a brutal massacre of civilians. The number that died is still not known for sure, and was exaggerated by both parties involved at the time; the official line says just over two hundred, but some estimates put it at over two thousand. Comparisons with the Tiananmen massacre in China are inevitable, an event better known to the Western world despite what some historians argue may have been a similar death toll. While Beijing keeps a tight lid on its nasty secret, Koreans flock to Gwangju each May to pay tribute to those who died.
In an intricate web of corruption, apparent Communist plots and a presidential assassination, trouble had been brewing for some time before General Chun Doo-hwan staged a military coup in December 1979. Chun had been part of a team given the responsibility of investigating the assassination of President Kim Jae-kyu, but used the event as a springboard towards his own leadership of the country. On May 17, 1980, he declared martial law in order to quash student protests against his rule. Similar revolts had seen the back of a few previous Korean leaders (notably Syngman Rhee, the country's first president); fearing the same fate, Chun authorized a ruthless show of force that left many dead. Reprisal demonstrations started up across the city; the MBC television station was burnt down, with protestors aggrieved at being portrayed as Communist hooligans by the state-run operator. Hundreds of thousands of civilians grouped together, mimicking the tactics of previous protests on Jeju Island by attacking and seizing weapons from police stations. With transport connections to the city blocked, the government were able to retreat and pool their resources for the inevitable crackdown. This came on May 27, when troops attacked by land and air, retaking the city in less than two hours. After having the protest leaders executed, General Chun resigned from the Army in August, stepping shortly afterwards into presidential office. His leadership, though further tainted by continued erosions of civil rights, oversaw an economic boom; an export-hungry world remained relatively quiet on the matter.
Also sentenced to death, though eventually spared, was Kim Dae-jung. An opposition leader and fierce critic of the goings-on, he was charged with inciting the revolt, and spent much of the decade under house arrest. Chun, after seeing out his term in 1987, passed the country's leadership to his partner-in-crime during the massacre, Roh Tae-woo. Demonstrations soon whipped up once more, though in an unexpectedly conciliatory response, Roh chose to release many political prisoners, including Kim Dae-jung. The murky world of Korean politics gradually became more transparent, culminating in charges of corruption and treason being levelled at Chun and Roh. Both were pardoned in 1997 by Kim Dae-jung, about to be elected president himself, in what was generally regarded as a gesture intended to draw a line under the troubles.
The small city of JEONJU (전주) is a place of considerable appeal; though finally starting to attract domestic tourists in the numbers it richly deserves, it remains largely off the radar of international visitors. This is ironic, since it's possibly the best place in the land in which to get a handle on Korean customs. Most visitors make a beeline for the city's splendid hanok village of traditional wooden housing, which contains more than enough for a full day of sightseeing, as well as being a good introduction to Korea's indigenous arts and crafts. In addition, spring sees Jeonju hosting JIFF (weng.jiff.or.kr), by far the most eclectic major film festival in the country.
However, it's food that Koreans most readily associate with Jeonju. Many of the differences are too subtle to be noticed by foreigners – and in the cheapest places, nonexistent – but you're likely to find a greater and more lovingly prepared number of banchan (반찬; side dishes) here, and a slightly greater emphasis on herbal seasoning than on the somewhat less cultivated tastebud-tinglers of salt and red pepper paste. Particularly notable is the city's take on the tasty Korean staple, bibimbap. The only downside is that Korean food just won't taste as good when you've moved on elsewhere.
Jeonju's ginkgo-lined streets help to create an ambience notably relaxed for a Korean city, but this disguises a hidden historical pedigree – this unassuming city marked the beginning of one of the longest lines of kings that the world has seen. It was here in the fourteenth century that the first kings of the Joseon kingdom were born, and the dynasty went on to rule Korea for over five centuries. Overlooked as the dynastic capital in favour of Seoul, today's Jeonju is not brimming with historical riches, but it has its charms, and is well worth a visit.
The hanok village
Jeonju's main attraction is undoubtedly its splendid hanok village (한옥 마을), a city-centre thatch of largely traditional housing. Highlights include a cathedral, an ancient shrine and a former Confucian academy, as well as museums for calligraphy, paper and wine; almost all sights are free, and there's enough to keep you busy for a full day. The best way to enjoy it is simply to turn up and wander around – whether it be a museum, a traditional restaurant or a photogenic house, there's something to see around every corner. There are no opening times or entry fees to the area and it remains a functioning part of the city, one that's particularly beautiful at night when most of the tourists have gone. The area has a distinct north–south divide – the north is far more polished and home to an ever-increasing number of bars and cafés, while the southern section is a pleasingly authentic and untouched slice of old Korea, with locals meandering up and down the narrow lanes as they have for decades. Musical pansori performances are frequent, and you may even be able to participate in traditional activities such as lantern-making or calligraphy.
The best place to get your bearings is Taejoro, a road that bisects the hanok village. Lightly trafficked and studded with small lights that glow at night, it has two information offices that can provide you with maps of the area. The eastern office offers free bike rental, though you'll probably have to get there early to nab one.
Usually marketed to foreigners as "Korean opera", pansori (판소리) performances are a modern-day derivative of the country's shamanist past. Songs and incantations chanted to fend off evil spirits or ensure a good harvest slowly mutated over the years into ritualized presentations; the themes evolved, too, with tales of love and despair replacing requests to spirits unseen.
A good pansori may go on for hours, but each segment will be performed by a cast of just two – a female singer (소리꾼; sorikkun) and a male percussionist (고수; gosu). The sorikkun holds aloft a paper fan, which she folds, unfolds and waves about to emphasize lyrics or a change of scene. While the gosu drums out his minimalist finger taps on the janggo, he gives his singer words – or, more commonly, grunts – of encouragement known as chuimsae, to which the audience are expected to add their own. The most common are "chalhanda!" and "olshi-gu!", which are roughly equivalent to "you're doing good!" and "hm!", a grunt acknowledging appreciation, usually delivered with a refined nod. Just follow the Korean lead, and enjoy the show.
Traditional arts and crafts in the hanok village
Near the eastern end of Taejoro, the road bisecting the hanok village, you'll find the Traditional Craftworks Exhibition Hall, a traditionally styled wooden structure which holds crafts created by Jeonju artisans – a great place to hunt for souvenirs. If you're lucky you may get to see one of the traditional song and dance shows that are occasionally held just outside the complex – there's a list of performance times on the hanok village map. North of Taejoro, exhibits in the Traditional Wine Museum aren't terribly interesting, but the beauty of the hanok building – and the fact that free tipples are occasionally handed out – make it worth a quick peek. Of more interest is the Korean Paper Institute, where beautiful examples of products made with handmade paper (한지; hanji) are on display, many available to buy; if you ask nicely, you may even be able to try your hand at making a kite or lantern.
South of Taejoro, and overlooking the stream that marks the hanok village's southern boundary, is the Gangam Calligraphy Museum; stored inside are wonderful examples of writing from some of Korea's best-known calligraphers. Artistic beauty of a different kind can be found a five-minute walk east along the streamside road, at the Traditional Culture Center, which puts on pansori shows every Friday. The mournful singing and sparse drum-raps are well complemented by the old-fashioned beauty of the building, the performers are usually of an extremely high standard, and the shows are not over-long, making this an absolute must-see. Other nights see similar performances, though of slightly lower quality. Other programmes run by the centre include a free tea ceremony course, and irregular cheap lessons in cooking, fan-making, traditional music and the like; consult a tourist office for details.
Lastly, there are a few interesting craft shops in the hanok village. Abo sells jewellery made in a vaguely dynastic style, and the earrings, bangles and bracelets are all reasonably priced. Practically next door, Midang sells beautiful silks and traditional attire made with a contemporary twist. On the other side of the road, you'll find a few decent pottery shops.
Jeonju bibimbap
Jeonju's most famous dish is, without doubt, its bibimbap (전주 비빔밥). Regular bibimbap – a mixture of vegetables served on a bed of rice, with a fried egg and meat on top – is available across the country, but in Jeonju they've picked up the formula and run with it. Recipes vary from place to place, but the ingredients are always well chosen and may include anything from pine kernels to bluebell roots or fern bracken in addition to the usual leaves and bean sprouts. In addition, your meal will invariably be surrounded by up to twenty free side dishes, made with just as much care, and an even greater variety of ingredients. Beware, however, of restaurants that claim to serve authentic Jeonju bibimbap – many places, particularly around the train station and bus terminals, will simply give you a regular version of the dish (though genuinely made in Jeonju, and thereby circumnavigating Korea's already weak product description laws). One way to sort Jeonju wheat from Jeonju chaff is the price – for the real deal, you shouldn't be paying less than W8000, but even at double this price it's likely to be money well spent.
The Korean peninsula has thousands of islands on its fringes, but the seas around the coastal city of MOKPO (목포) have by far the most concentrated number. Though many of these are merely bluffs of barnacled rock poking out above the West Sea (also known as the Yellow Sea), dozens are accessible by ferry from Mokpo; beautiful in an ugly kind of way, this curious city gives the impression that it would happily be an island if it could.
Korea's southwestern train line ends quite visibly in Mokpo city centre. The highway from the centre of the country does likewise with less fuss, but was not completed until fairly recently. For much of the 1970s and 1980s, public funding also ran out before it hit southern Jeolla – poor transport connections to the rest of the country are just one example of the way this area was neglected by the central government. For much of this time, the main opposition party was based in Mokpo, and funding was deliberately cut in an attempt to marginalize the city, which was once among the most populous and powerful in the land. Though the balance is now being addressed with a series of large projects, much of the city is still run-down, and Mokpo is probably the poorest urban centre in the country. Some Koreans say that taxi drivers are a good indicator of the wealth of the cities, and here cabbies have a habit of beeping at pedestrians in the hope that they want a lift, occasionally swinging around for a second go. Things are changing, however, especially in the new district of Hadang, which was built on land reclaimed from the sea, but it'll be a while before Mokpo's saline charms are eroded.
Formula 1 comes to Mokpo
In 2010, the Formula 1 circus finally came to Korea, with the inaugural Grand Prix taking place at a brand-new track just east of Mokpo. The first hosting of this event was fraught with problems: the track was only given its safety certificate days before the race, spectator enclosures were hastily put together, and there were only three acceptable hotels in the whole of Mokpo. Most fans, and even some VIPs, were forced to stay at love hotels – one BBC journalist returned to her room to find that it had been used in her absence (a used contraceptive on the floor providing the evidence).
Race day itself was also memorable for the wrong reasons. Traffic jams resulting from poor access to the track meant that thousands of spectators arrived late – and in some cases, not at all. Rain didn't help matters, with the newly built track stubbornly refusing to drain; concerns about driver safety led to the race being delayed for over an hour, and at one point the embarrassing possibility of cancelling the event entirely was raised. In the end, the clouds parted, and after several notable drivers had spun off the slippery track Spanish driver Fernando Alonso emerged victorious.
Some, inevitably, questioned the wisdom of hosting the Korean Grand Prix in this out-of-the-way corner of the country – the simple truth was that Jeonnam province had made the most generous offer to the F1 powers. Despite these inauspicious beginnings, F1 is likely here to stay, and the lessons learned by local authorities will eventually make Mokpo one of the more comfortable stops on the motor racing calendar.
Wolchulsan National Park
A short bus-ride east of Mokpo, WOLCHULSAN NATIONAL PARK (월출산 국립 공원) is the smallest of Korea's national parks and one of its least visited – the lack of historic temples and its difficult access are a blessing in disguise. Set within the achingly gorgeous Jeollanese countryside, Wolchulsan's jumble of mazy rocks rises to more than 800m above sea level, casting jagged shadows over the rice paddies.
Just five buses a day make the fifteen-minute trip to the main entrance at Cheonhwangsaji from the small town of Yeong-am; alternatively, it's an affordable taxi ride, or an easy walk. Yeong-am itself is well connected to Mokpo and Yeosu by bus. From here a short but steep hiking trail heads up to Cheonhwangbong (809m), the park's main peak; along the way, you'll have to traverse the "Cloud Bridge", a steel structure slung between two peaks – not for vertigo sufferers. Views from here, or the peak itself, are magnificent, and with an early enough start it's possible to make the tough hike to Dogapsa (도갑사), an uninteresting temple on the other side of the park, while heeding the "no shamanism" warning signs along the way. There's no public transport to or from the temple, but a forty-minute walk south – all downhill – will bring you to Gurim (구림), a small village outside the park, on the main road between Mokpo and Yeong-am. A couple of kilometres south of Gurim is the Yeongam Pottery Centre (daily 9am–6pm; free). Due to the properties of the local soil, this whole area was Korea's main ceramics hub throughout the Three Kingdoms period, and local artisans enjoyed trade with similarly minded folk in China and Japan. Sadly, the centre is as dull as the clay itself, though the on-site shop is good for souvenirs; you may get a chance to throw your own pot for a small fee, and there's a decidedly brutalist sculpture outside the main entrance which would look at home in Pyongyang (were it not for the South Korean flag). The downhill walk from Gurim to the centre is much more interesting – the town remains an important base for pottery production, and accordingly many of its houses have eschewed modern-day metals for beautiful, traditional tiled roofs. There are few concessions to modern life here.
You're spoilt for choice for national parks in the western half of Jeonbuk province – there are three, and each offers plenty of outdoor activities. Naejangsan lies closest to Jeonju, and is famed for its riot of colour in the autumn. Seonunsan, near the Jeonnam border, is Korea's big draw for rock-climbers, while on the coast is Byeonsanbando, a rural peninsula park that's also the scene of a controversial land reclamation project. Note that these parks are all to the south of the province; there's also Deogyusan east of Jeonju.
Byeonsanbando National Park
In addition to the usual mix of peaks and temples found in Korea's parks, BYEONSANBANDO NATIONAL PARK (변산반도 국립 공원) throws in some wonderful sea views. Best accessed by bus #100 or taxi from the town of Buan (부안), the park is spread around a small, rural peninsula on the west coast from which it takes its name (bando literally means "half-island"). However, it's in the process of being hauled towards the mainland on its northern side with the aid of a 33km causeway, a development that will yield thousands of hectares of new farmland, but has caused one hell of a stink with Korean environmental groups.
Naejangsan National Park
NAEJANGSAN NATIONAL PARK (내장산 국립 공원) is one of Korea's most popular parks, with its ring of peaks flaring up like a gas ring in the autumn. Maple trees are the stars of the show in this annual incandescence, with squads of elm, ash and hornbeam adding their hues to the mix. The many trails and peaks across the park keep hikers happy year-round, though most visitors head to the amphitheatre-shaped mountain circle in the northeast, where the nearby village has plenty of accommodation and places to eat. The area's topography allows for two hiking routes: a short temple loop around the interior, and a far more punishing circuit around the almost circular ridge.
Seonunsan National Park
SEONUNSAN NATIONAL PARK (선운산 국립 공원) has more than a few aces hidden up its leafy sleeves. It offers some of the country's best rock-climbing and a few enjoyable hikes; these may not be as well signed as others in Korea, but some may find this liberating. A streamside path, lined with stalls selling delicious mountain berry juice in the summer and autumn, heads straight from the main entrance to Seonunsa (선운사), a dusty collection of buildings, stupas and the like that appear to have been thrown together with little care. It's quite possibly the least satisfying temple complex in the province, and the small hermitages strewn around the park are of more interest.
Once past the temple, you'll have a diverse range of trails to choose from. Hikers should head for the hills; the peaks are puny by Korean standards, rarely reaching above 400m, but this makes for some easy day-hikes, and you may be rewarded with occasional views of the West Sea. For more hardcore thrills, continue further on the temple path, across the river; hidden a ten-minute hike behind a small restaurant is a spectacular rock-climbing course. This is a tough route and should not be attempted alone or without equipment – see wwww.koreaontherocks.com for climb details, and to contact the few Koreans (and expats) au fait with holds, conglomerates and juggy overhangs. Back towards the entrance, an underused side path heads along the temple wall and up a gorgeous valley lined with rows of tea trees and a few rustic dwellings. You'll soon come across a small, beautiful farming village, where one house offers minbak accommodation; if you don't mind sharing a bathroom and sleeping on the floor, it's the best place to stay in the area.
Looking west from Mokpo's Yudalsan peaks, you'll find a sea filled to the horizon with an assortment of islands – there are up to three thousand off Jeolla, and though many of these are merely bumps of rock that yo-yo in and out of the surf with the tide, hundreds are large enough to support fishing communities. The quantity is so vast, indeed, that it's easier to trailblaze here than in some less-developed Asian countries – many of the islands' inhabitants have never seen a foreigner, and it's hard to find a more quintessentially Korean experience.
Much of the area is under the umbrella of Dadohae Haesang National Park, which stretches offshore from Mokpo to Yeosu. The two most popular islands in the park are Hongdo, which rises steeply from the West Sea, and neighbouring Heuksando, a miniature archipelago of more than a hundred islets of rock. Further down the coast are Jindo, which owes its popularity to the local tide's annual parting of the sea, and Wando, connected to the mainland by road, but surrounded by an island constellation of its own.
Islands around Wando
Heading further afield, you'll be spoilt for choice, with even the tiniest inhabited islands served by ferry from Wando-eup. Maps of the islands are available from the ferry terminal, where almost all services depart, with a few leaving from Je-il Mudu pier, a short walk to the north.
At the time of writing, Cheongsando (청산도) was the island most visited by local tourists, mainly due to the fact that it was the scene of Spring Waltz, a popular drama series. Naturally spring is the busiest time of year here – and quite beautiful, with the island's fields bursting with flowers. More beautiful is pine-clad Bogildo (보길도), a well-kept secret accessible via a ferry terminal on the west of Wando island – free hourly shuttle-buses make the pretty twenty-minute journey from the bus terminal in Wando-eup. In the centre of tadpole-shaped Bogildo is a lake whose craggy tail, stretching east, has a couple of popular beaches.
As the coast curls northwest towards Mokpo, the bewildering array of islands shows no sign of letting up. Jindo (진도), one of the most popular, is connected to the Korean mainland by road, but every year in early March the tides retreat to create a 3km-long land-bridge to a speck of land off the island's eastern shore, a phenomenon that Koreans often compare to Moses' parting of the Red Sea – this concept holds considerable appeal in an increasingly Christian country, and "Moses' Miracle" persuades Koreans to don wellies and dash across in their tens of thousands. For the best dates to see this ask at any tourist board in the area, or call the national information line on t 1330. Visible throughout the year is the secluded temple of Ssanggyesa (쌍계사), which is best accessed by hourly bus (W1000) or taxi (W7000 from the bus terminal); if you're choosing the latter option, arrange a pick-up time with your driver, or at least hang onto his business card.
Jindu is also famed for the Jindo-gae, a white breed of dog with a distinctive curved tail; unique to the island, this species has been officially classified as National Natural Treasure #53. The mutts can be seen in their pens at a research centre – fifteen minutes' walk from the bus terminal – which occasionally hosts short and unappealing dog shows, as well as a canine beauty pageant each autumn.
Dangling off Korea's southwestern tip is a motley bunch of more than a hundred islands. The hub of this group and the most popular is WANDO (완도), owing to its connections to the mainland by bus and Jeju Island by sea. Wando also has plenty of diversions in its own right – a journey away from Wando-eup (완도읍), the main town, will give you a glimpse of Jeolla's pleasing rural underbelly. Regular buses run from here to Gugyedeung (구계등), a small, rocky beach in the coastal village of Jeongdo-ri, and to Cheonghaejin (청해진), a stone park looking over a tiny islet which, despite its unassuming pastoral mix of farms and mud walls, was once important enough to send trade ships to China.
Charming in an offbeat way, YEOSU (여수) is by far the most appealing city on Jeonnam's south coast. Ferries once sailed from here to Jeju, but though these have been discontinued there's more than enough here to eat up a whole day of sightseeing. It's beautifully set in a ring of emerald islands, so the wonderful views over the South Sea alone would justify a trip down the narrow peninsula. Though parts of the coast remain rugged and pristine, the area around Yeosu has been heavily industrialized, especially the gigantic factory district to the city's north, and consequently many of Yeosu's few foreign visitors are here on business. However, in 2012 Yeosu played host to an international Expo, an event that helped to put the city back on the tourist map.
Despite Yeosu's sprawling size, many of its most interesting sights are just about within walking distance of each other in and around the city centre. These include Odongdo, a bamboo-and-pine island popular with families, and a replica of Admiral Yi's famed turtle ship. Beyond the city limits are the black-sand beach of Manseongni, and Hyangiram, a magical hermitage at the end of the Yeosu peninsula.
Admiral Yi, conqueror of the seas
"…it seems, in truth, no exaggeration to assert that from first to last he never made a mistake, for his work was so complete under each variety of circumstances as to defy criticism."
Admiral George Alexander Ballard, The Influence of the Sea on the Political History of Japan
Were he not born during the Joseon dynasty, a period in which a nervous Korea largely shielded itself from the outside world, it is likely that Admiral Yi Sun-shin (이순신; 1545–98) would today be ranked alongside Napoleon and Horatio Nelson as one of the greatest generals of all time. A Korean national hero, you'll see his face on the W100 coin, and statues of the great man dot the country's shores. The two most pertinent are at Yeosu, where he was headquartered, and Tongyeong (then known as Chungmu), the site of his most famous victory.
Yi Sun-shin was both a beneficiary and a victim of circumstance. A year after his first major posting as Naval Commander of Jeolla in 1591, there began a six-year wave of Japanese invasions. Although the Nipponese were setting their sights on an eventual assault on China, Korea had the misfortune to be in the way and loyal to the Chinese emperor, and 150,000 troops laid siege to the country. Admiral Yi achieved a string of well-orchestrated victories, spearheaded by his famed turtle ships, vessels topped with iron spikes that were adept at navigating the island-dotted waters with ease.
Despite his triumphs, the admiral fell victim to a Japanese spy and the workings of the Korean political system. A double agent persuaded a high-ranking Korean General that the Japanese would attack in a suspiciously treacherous area; seeing through the plan, Admiral Yi refused the General's orders, and as a result was stripped of his duties and sent to Seoul for torture. His successor, Won Gyeun, was far less successful, and within months had been killed by the Japanese after managing to lose the whole Korean fleet, bar twelve warships. Yi was hastily reinstated, and after hunting down the remaining ships managed to repel a Japanese armada ten times more numerous. Peppering the enemy's vessels with cannonballs and flaming arrows, Yi waited for the tide to change and rammed the tightly packed enemy ships into one another. Heroic to the last, Yi was killed by a stray bullet as the Japanese retreated from what was to be the final battle of the war, apparently using his final gasps to insist that his death be kept secret until victory had been assured.
Dadohae Haesang National Park
South of the city centre, the mainland soon melts into a host of islands, many of which lie under the protective umbrella of Dadohae Haesang National Park (다도해 해상 국립 공원). Many can be accessed from Yeosu's ferry terminal, and as with Jeolla's other island archipelagos, these are best explored with no set plan. Dolsando (돌산도), connected to the mainland by road, is the most visited and most famed for Hyangiram, a hermitage dangling over the crashing seas. Further south are Geumodo (금오도), a rural island fringed by rugged cliffs and rock faces, and Geomundo (거문도), far from Yeosu – and briefly occupied by Britain during the 1880s, during an ill-planned stab at colonizing Korea's southern coast – but now an increasingly popular holiday destination. From Geomundo you can take a tour boat around the assorted spires of rock that make up Baekdo (백도), a protected archipelago containing a number of impressive formations.
Hyangiram
Clinging to the cliffs at the southeastern end of Dolsando is the magical hermitage of Hyangiram (향일암), an eastward-facing favourite of sunrise seekers and a popular place to ring in the New Year. Behind Hyangiram is a collection of angular boulders which – according to local monks – resembles an oriental folding screen, and is soaked with camellia blossom in the spring.
Jogyesan Provincial Park
The small but pretty JOGYESAN PROVINCIAL PARK is flanked by two splendid temples, Seonamsa and Songgwangsa. If you get up early enough, it's possible to see both temples in a single day, taking either the hiking trail that runs between them or one of the buses that heads the long way around the park. The park and its temples are accessible by bus from SUNCHEON (순천), an otherwise uninteresting city that's easy to get to by bus, and occasionally train, from Yeosu.
Seonamsa
Seonamsa (서남사), on the park's eastern side, is the closer temple of the two to Suncheon. On the way in from the ticket booth you'll pass Seungsongyo, an old rock bridge; its semicircular lower arch makes a full disc when reflected in the river below: slide down to the water to get the best view. There has been a temple here since 861 – the dawn of the Unified Silla period – but having fallen victim to fire several times, the present buildings are considerably more modern. Its entrance gate is ageing gracefully, though the dragon heads are a more recent addition – the original smaller, stealthier-looking ones can be found in the small museum inside. Notably, the temple eschews the usual four heavenly guardians at the entrance, relying instead on the surrounding mountains for protection, which look especially imposing on a rainy day. Around the complex are a number of small paths, one leading to a pair of majestic stone turtles; the one on the right-hand side is crowned by an almost Moorish clutch of twisting dragons. Another path fires west across the park to Songgwangsa, a four-hour walk, more if you scale Janggunbong (885m), the main peak, on the way.
Songgwangsa
To the west of the park is Songgwangsa (송광사), viewed by Koreans as one of the most important temples in the country, and is one of the "Three Jewels" of Korean Buddhism – the others are Tongdosa and Haeinsa. Large, well maintained and often full of devotees, it may disappoint those who've already appreciated the earthier delights of Seonamsa. The temple is accessed on a peculiar bridge-cum-pavilion, beyond which can be found the four guardians that were conspicuously absent at Seonamsa. Within the complex is Seungbojeon, a hall filled with 1250 individually sculpted figurines, the painstaking attention to detail echoed in the paintwork of the main hall; colourful and highly intricate patterns spread like a rash down the pillars, surrounding a trio of Buddha statues representing the past, present and future. Unfortunately, the Hall of National Teachers is closed to the public – perhaps to protect its gold-fringed ceiling.
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The ability to "talk the talk"—that is, to say the right things at the right time is, no doubt, a priceless skill. It's also a brilliant gift—one that can inspire, touch the hearts of others, and make us stand out from the crowd.
Eloquence is true gem—it has many proven benefits, but the greatest thing about it is that it can be learned and mastered. The more we do it, the better we become.
It also matters greatly because a major way in which we can leave a mark on others is, of course, by being able to speak clearly and with confidence. But it all goes beyond the ability to have a small chat with all stripes of people or to become a good public speaker.
The talent to talk and connect to others is often the barometer of how much we (and our brand) are worth to ourselves and respectively—to the world. It reveals our confidence level and how well we can market ourselves.
So how do we get to this highly-desirable position?
Scientists have long studied the topic too—and some of the advice they've been giving us is more intuitive than other. But they are unanimous about one thing: The art of having a great conversation and of speaking with confidence are skills that can and should be explored by everyone—be it to build confidence, to expand your network, to promote your brand, to make more friends, to make a point, or to have your voice heard.
There are few things that each can do to become a more seasoned speaker and to keep others interested and engaged.
So, find your strengths and passions, and further develop them—become the best you can at what you do.
This will certainly gain us lots of brownie points with others—mainly, in the form of respect and appreciation. But "knowing our stuff" will also breed confidence—as it makes us better armed to face the world, to weather adversities, and to calm down our nervousness and self-doubting.
It's barely a secret that speaking too fast is a sign of anxiety. Combine this with the use of multiple fillers as "uhm," "you know" or "like," and you've just lost large part of your credibility.
We often do it, though, when we fear we might get interrupted or objected to, and want to leave the other party no time to do so.
But unless we are aiming at breaking the fast-speaking Guinness World record, rushing through thoughts and words will serve as an instant underminer of authority, as others will have a hard time following us.
Therefore, speak slower, make sure that you have a good idea about the message you want to relay, and if you need time to think, simply pause for a moment. No more "uhms." Emphasis on certain words will also help to get across a message with more clarity. People tend to remember more when something is accentuated with a special intonation, a pause, etc.
Marketing gurus also tell us that not all words are equal. Some are more powerful and influential than others, and can make us come across as more confident. For instance, research has found that using words as: Now, You, Results, Proven, Instantly or New, among few others, can have a greater impact and help influence people.
Interestingly, the most dangerous word in the world is no other than…"NO," and its variations (can't, won't, don't, etc.). It makes others perceive us in an unfavorable way and as someone who is not assertive enough.
So, be very wary of the language you use when you speak. Avoid using words which can provoke adverse reactions. For instance, instead of "I've failed" you can say "I still haven't succeeded," or use "I'll take this away and find out," rather than "I don't know or I'm not sure." It makes a tremendous difference.
There is a much-buzzed about study by John Bargh, a professor of social psychology at Yale University on the power of priming. In his experiment from 1996, he asked a group of participants to read a series of scrambled words, such as "Florida," "oranges," "old," and "wrinkle." After that, part-takers were asked to walk to a close-by elevator. Those who were primed with "elderly" words walked about 20% slower than the ones who were primed with neutral words.
The lesson from the above story is that the ability to speak clearly and confidently is largely a mind game—that is, if you believe in yourself and trust that you are or can be self-assured, this is the image you will project to the world.
Often, our perceptions of ourselves find further expression in our non-verbal connection with the world—through our gestures, postures, eye contact, or the words we use.
Simply put, how we feel on the inside and what we believe to be true about our personalities—for instance, confident vs. insecure person, a good speaker vs. a bad one—is the main determinant of whether and how well we can master and exhibit these skills and qualities.
And finally, we should remember that, frequently, the main ingredient we are missing— to be able to connect effectively, to influence others and to speak with authority— is simply to give ourselves a little bit more of self-love and self-encouragement, as these can do wonders for our confidence and for the many esteem-linked aspects of our lives.
So, along the journey of becoming better at having our voice heard—or at anything else for this matter— we shouldn't forget to give ourselves a tap on the shoulder.
Simply put—to get ahead, we need to first become our biggest fans.


Kit hire facility Shooting Partners has supplied full on-set technical support on Ian Wright's new show for Endemol, Spy TV, including providing and 'hiding'; all cameras and microphones. The programme features unsuspecting people being set up by friends in different scenarios, like helping the police trap a diamond smuggler. Each scenario had three separate areas; the hit itself, the technical area and Ian Wright's area, and Shooting Partners had to deal with as many as 10 cameras in one location. The show airs on the BBC in the spring.