Holiday shopping is a huge source of stress for an awful lot of people. Everyone wants to get the best gifts for their loved ones, but nobody wants to spend a ton of time or money. In order to shop smart and enjoy stress-free holidays, there's a few things you should know before you start hitting the stores.
If you're a Long Island resident, you're fortunate to be in one of the best places for holiday shopping. Between the island and New York City, there are countless places to shop. Long Island is home to plenty of malls, all of which are full of stores for great holiday gifts. We recommend checking out the deals at the Roosevelt Field Mall, the Tanger Outlets at Deer Park and the Walt Whitman Mall. As for the city, there are shopping destinations everywhere you look. The largest Macy's and Toys 'R' Us stores in the world are both only a few short blocks from Penn Station.
SnipSnap: This app lets users take photos of their coupons and store them so they're readily available come checkout time. They also host a database that currently has over one million coupons ready for you to use.
RetailMeNot: If a huge database of coupon codes and sale information for a huge range of retailers sounds like it would make holiday shopping easier for you, definitely check out this app.
Pounce: Say you're looking through a magazine and you see something you want. With Pounce, all you have to do is take a picture of it with your phone, wait for the app to analyze it and press buy. Just like that, you've made your purchase within seconds.
One of the most helpful things to make your life easier when shopping for the holidays is to plan in advance as early as possible. The best time to start saving and budgeting is right now. If you save up a bit of money and set a realistic holiday budget, you won't have any surprises on your bank statement. Also, the longer you wait to run to the store, the more stressful holiday shopping will be for you. When you wait until the last minute, lines get longer and stores' inventories get smaller.
When you're preparing to do your holiday shopping on Long Island this year, keep these tips in mind. If you'd like to forget the stress of finding parking at crowded malls and stores, give your local All Island dispatcher a call or make a reservation online.


Saturday, January 28, J. and I set out for the first day of Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock State Park. Last year, we'd seen dozens of bald eagles from the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, but this winter remains unusually warm. (As I write this, it's 42 degrees Fahrenheit; last year on February 1 northern Illinois and Indiana were bracing for the 20 or more inches of snow that would shut down most of Chicago the next day).
With the morning temperatures at just about freezing, the light snow that had fallen the night before made driving and walking hazardous, but it was expected to melt as the day warmed. With the river wide open, there's no reason for the eagles to cluster on Plum Island near the dam — so they don't.
After picking up tickets for the World Bird Sanctuary program at noon, we caught the trolley to the Visitor Center. As we expected, only a few birds were perched on Plum Island and the opposite shore. At one point, I saw three in flight, but soon lost even them against the bright sky and dark trees.
Despite the relatively balmy weather, the wind off the river was brisk, and I was glad I'd bundled up. I often wonder how the hungry eagles along the river perceive the chill and if they get weary of it, despite their adaptations.
We returned in time for a quick snack at the Lodge's café, then headed to the World Bird Sanctuary program. For me, the highlight was the snowy owl, who flew over my head two or three times. The first time, she banged my glasses with her jesses. On her next flight, she brushed my hair with a wing. My neighbor, who found the whole experience thrilling, exclaimed, "She likes you!" The white-necked raven continued their tradition of rewarding $5 or greater donations with a medallion, beaked over to you. When someone handed him a rare $20, however, he was reluctant to drop it into the bin, and it took his handler several persuasive words to get him to relinquish his prize.
Afterward, we returned to the Visitor Center, but there were still just a few eagles, which mostly stayed put. At one-point, a loaded low-sided boat appeared near the opposite shore, and all I could think was how horrible it would be to fall out into that cold, cold water. I could almost feel it closing over me. Clearly, I've been spending too much time reading The Greenlanders.
With a few good photos and a few such tidbits embedded in our brains, we headed back to Chicago, where snowy owls have been spotted during this year of the snowy owl irruption.


Last month I was lucky enough to catch the 'Simcock Walker Swallow Nussbaum' group in Vienna at the Porgy and Bess Jazz and Music Club (seemingly implying jazz isn't music?) . Once out of the Vienna sunshine and down deep in the basement of the club two floors underground, it seemed surprisingly unstrange to be bumping into a few familiar faces.
The set opened with guitarist Mike Walker's warm and welcoming 'Clockmaker', further enhancing the homely feel. The legendary Steve Swallow on electric bass went straight in for a solo, feet apart to anchor himself to the ground while leaning forward, his fingers wrapping the fretboard where the neck joins the body to project flowing and melodic lines.
Pianist Gwilym Simcock is rapidly gaining an enviable reputation, and on the basis of tonight's performance, it's not hard to see why. His tune, 'You Won't Be Around To See It' grooved with a satisfying angularity that really dug in when both Walker and Simcock laid some punchy and aggressive lines over the top.
The band delivered the incendiary bop of Walker's 'Laughlines' at hyper-real speed, leaving the audience almost literally gasping for breath. The precision, pace and power of the complex tune head and the improvisations from Walker and Simcock had to be heard to be believed on this one, with all members playing out of their skins.
It was over to bluesy street for a fine take on 'Hey Pretty Baby' written by drummer Adam Nussbaum, a tune based on a simple blues riff in homage to legends such as Howlin' Wolf. Walker overlaid the sound with some fade-in textures before biting in hard with piercing overdriven string bends and feedback sustained harmonic headslices. Walker has a masterful ability to coax the guitar and amplifier to find the feedback sweetspot seemingly with ease. Simcock responded with a side-swiping almost Bach-like figure before taking the harmony down a delightfully airy dorian avenue. Nussbaum all the while cruised the deep groove, always resonating sympathetically to the group's ebb and flow. His dynamic range and sensitivity seems to extend beyond human hearing.
The evening concluded with the Steve Swallow favourite, 'Ladies in Mercedes'. Simcock led us in with some muted piano string percussion before Swallow treated us to a liquid gold flowing solo. A warm ending to a great jazz evening in the capital of classical music.
I grabbed Mike for an interview about the tour while I was on his advanced Jazz Guitar Master Class Retreat in Andalucia, Spain last week (highly recommended!). I'll be posting that in a few days.
Simcock Walker Swallow Nussbaum will be on tour again very soon and will be playing at the Royal Northern College of Music on the 27th July as part of the Manchester Jazz Festival. One not to miss me thinks.


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Rise to Fame: Joe Hugill – from Sunderland to rising star at Manchester United
19 July 2021 by John Walker
Joe Hugill signed for Manchester United from Sunderland in the summer of 2020 for a fee in the region of £300,000. Instantly Hugill was a hit for United, starting in the U18 Premier League against Blackburn Rovers, with United winning 2-1 and Hugill scoring both of the goals. At U18 level, he scored six goals and one assist in six appearances, playing in the league and the FA Youth Cup. Hugill was then tested at U23 level, where he made the mark, scoring 10 goals and two assists in 18 Premier League 2 appearances, also featuring in the Papa John's Trophy in three of the four matches played.
The best performance of the season for Hugill came in 6-3 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League 2 with the 17-year-old scoring four goals, which showed how much skill he has as a player. Amad Diallo also scored twice in that match. In terms of ability, Hugill has it and as long as he stays grounded and keeps improving, the world will be his oyster. The player had been prevalent in front of goal for Sunderland during his time at the North East club and that is where United first saw him, making him a member of the clubs academy as soon as they were able to.
What lies ahead for Joe Hugill?
Turning 18 in October 2021, Hugill will be featuring for the U23s during the 2021/22 season and could even play a role in the first team, in latter UEFA Champions League fixtures, the Carabao Cup and the Emirates FA Cup. He will also feature in the Papa John's Trophy with Premier League teams entering squads under the age of 21 in the tournament. This will all aid his progress in the game and help him achieve what he wants to achieve. Hugill featured in the pre-season friendly against Derby County at Pride Park on Sunday, coming on for Mason Greenwood at the start of the second half, then being himself replaced by Hannibal Mejbri with 11 minutes left.
This shows that despite finding it hard to get into the game, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will trued the teenager to find his feet playing against senior teams, which once again will aid his development. He seems to be getting to grips with everything at United in only his first season where he scored a total of 16 goals and three assists in a total of 27 appearances at both U18 and U23 level. The 2021/22 season will see him playing a majority of matches at U23 level, which will test him and help him become the player that he wants to become. With some first team training added into the mix and some minutes on the pitch, he will be helped massively.
Will Joe Hugill make the Manchester United first team?
It is early days right now but Solskjaer will be working towards bringing youth through the academy into the first team so he will be hopeful that many of the talented players within the academy can do just that. However, there are no guarantees. Football has changed since the Class of 1992 came through the ranks with Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Phil Neville all found themselves in the first team. Sir Alex Ferguson took a massive risk at the time with four of the six and it paid off. Giggs made his debut in 1991 with the others following any years later.
There are many top talents in the academy at this time and not all of them will achieve the route to first team football with United but at this time, many of the players in the group look like they have accepted the challenge. Of late, Shola Shoretire, Anthony Elanga and Hannibal Mejbri have all made their debuts and look to be in the plans of Solskjaer. During the clubs pre-season campaign ahead of the start of the new season, the likes of Hugill can take their chances in front of Solskjaer to show him what they can do and in turn, more development will be offered in a first team scenario, which would start with first team training.
What does Joe Hugill need to do in order to get noticed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?
It seems obvious that Solskjaer has already noticed Hugill after his 16 goal haul during the 2020/21 season. To keep being noticed by the manager he will need to keep performing. United will have spaces in the squad for strikers in the coming years and providing Hugill keeps developing and putting in the performances, he will have a great chance of succeeding in the first team. This may be a few years ahead though, unless he starts making the same waves that both Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have made coming through the academy – if that happens, there will be a chance for him in no time.
The best thing for Hugill to do though is keep his head. There have been many youth players in the past who has represented the United first team during pre-season, which seems to have gone to their heads, contributing in them failing to live up to the pressure at United, ending up playing for a lower league club – not that it is a bad thing, but no player will get through with an ego, even if it can be backed up. Hugill does not seem to be that type of player, so that is a good thing. This season will be crucial for him to follow up from las season, then the chances he is given from there will be in his control.
Filed Under: Academy, Feature, Managers, Opinion, Rise to Fame, U23's Tagged With: Academy, Aon Training Complex, Joe Hugill, Manchester United, Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Sunderland
Six academy players who will become valuable squad players at Manchester United
9 June 2021 by John Walker
Manchester United have a history of developing players through their academy, whether the players end up reaching the first team of the club or end up playing their football somewhere else. This is part of the clubs DNA and is something that is seen by many as special. When United faced Villarreal in the UEFA Europa League final in Gdañsk on the 26 May 2021, it was the 4,097th match in a row that had at least one academy player in the squad which has been running since October 1937 and United are very proud of that fact. Not every academy player will make it at United but they do tend to carve careers in the game elsewhere. Some supports do not understand the role of the academy at the club and assume that English players with no skill are a waste of time – if only they understood the rules and regulations of the English game.
This article talks about six academy players who will become valuable squad players in the not too distant future, although some of them may head out of the club on loan this summer in a bid to gain experience in firs team football ahead of coming back to the club to find their feet and push themselves into the first team with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to find the road to glory in a similar fashion as Sir Alex Ferguson. United have so many talented youngsters at the club, some of whom have not yet represented the first team. Not all the players mentioned have played for the first team yet but have been involved in matches, albeit on the bench, which will have given them the understanding of the process. All have played first team football though, with the player being loaned out to give them experience to succeed.
Will Fish – Central Defender
The 18-year-old can play in either of the central defensive positions and seems to be highly rated by United, at least in the academy sense. His contract runs until the summer of 2022, so the 2021/22 season will be a big one for him. I would expect United to offer him a new contract this summer though, so they are not in a position whereby he could leave the club on a free next summer. He made his first team debut in the final Premier League match of the season with United beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 on the final day of the season. He replaced Daniel James in the final minute of the match. Fish made a total of 31 appearances throughout the 2020/21 season, 30 of those at academy level, scoring one goal and two assists. At just over six foot, Fish could give something to this United squad in the future, especially with the problems in the defence currently.
Depending on what happens at United this summer, regarding a new central defender and the likes of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones, who have been linked with exits, despite Bailly's contract renewal, it could leave some space in the first team for a central defender. Obviously, Fish would play predominantly in the U23 side during the course of the season but could be given chances in the first team in the Carabao Cup and the Emirates FA Cup. It would seem unlikely that he may get UEFA Champions League experience, but it all depends on the teams that will face United in the group. There is also a chance for him to be loaned out to a Football League club, which might be good for him and help him find his feet for the future. He is a player that should remain at United, as long as he continues to develop in the right way.
Teden Mengi – Central Defender
The 19-year-old is also considered as a highly rated player at the club and was loaned out to Wayne Rooney's Derby Country for the second half of last season, which will have been a good experience for the player. His current contract at United ends in the summer of 2024, which gives United a lot more time to find a plan for him as it seems certain that he is being developed to play for United's first team at some stage in the not too distant future. It is possible that he leaves on loan again during the 2021/22 season with Derby an option but there may be a better plan for the player to be loaned out to a Premier League club, which will bring him up to speed with the pace in the league, which would be much better for United from the 2022/23 season. Mengi can play in either of the two central defensive positions, also fitting in as a makeshift right-back.
Standing at six feet, Mengi has the frame to offer something in the centre of defence for United and he has a physical build, which will only become better as he ages, which is also a good sign. Mengi made seven appearances in the Premier League 2 and and three appearances in the Papa John's Trophy for United last season. He also appeared on the bench for the first team in the Carabao Cup. He was loaned to Derby during the January transfer window and made nine appearances in the Championship for the club. He did not score or assist any goals for either team but had a pretty positive season. He was often praised by Rooney and his Derby teammates and Solskjaer seems keen on helping hims develop so he can regularly feature for the first team in the not too distant future. His season was ended with a hamstring injury back in April.
Dylan Levitt – Central Midfield
The 20-year-old is a talent that most United supporters will have knowledge of as he has been present in the U23 and the first team for quote a few seasons now, making his only first team appearance in the UEFA Europa League against FC Astana in the 2019/20 season. His contract at United ends in the summer of 2022, so this summer should see United offer him a new contract, beneficial for his progress at the club and whilst out on loan. This will be a big summer for his as he was selected in Wales' Euro 2020 squad, with the competition delayed from last summer because of the coronavirus pandemic. Levitt started the 2020/21 season on loan at League One club Charlton Athletic but ended the season at Croatian club, NK Istra 1961. It was a mainly positive season for the Welsh midfielder with a lot more to come from him.
Levitt started the season with two appearances in the Premier League 2 with United, then finding himself on loan at Charlton, where he made a total of five appearances in League One, the Carabao Cup and the Emirates FA Cup. It was not good enough that he was seldom used so United recalled him from his loan spell and sought to loan him out to another club, which turned out to be NK Istra. He made a total of seven appearances in the 1.HNL and two appearances in the Hrvatski Nogometni Kup. Levitt has since confirmed that he made the move to Croatia to give him a better chance of being selected by Wales for the Euro's this summer, which he though gave him a better chance than playing U23 football. The 2021/22 season could see him loaned out again, maybe to a Championship or a Premier League club, which will help him develop even more.
Hannibal Mejbri – Attacking Midfield
The 18-year-old is perhaps the most rated player in this article and the majority of United supporters will hold some interest in the player. When he signed from AS Monaco in the summer of 2019, he stated that he wanted to play for the United first team within two years, which he achieved on the final day of the Premier League season when United beat Wolves 2-1. Hannibal replaced Juan Mata in the 82nd minute of the match, doing well on his debut. His contract at United does not expire until the summer of 2026, so United have loads of time to get him up to the speed desired for him to become a first team regular at the club, he did renew his contract earlier this year. Hannibal made a total of 26 appearances for United this season, 25 of those at youth level. He did not end his season too highly at U23 level, finding himself send off to retaliating to a series of bad tackles.
During the course of the season, Hannibal had seen himself on the receiving end of many bad tackles by the opposition, many of which went unpunished with the player seething. In total, over the course of the season, Hannibal scored five goals and ten assists playing in the Premier League 2 and the Papa John's Trophy. The coaches at the club will have seen a lot of ability from the youngster, who recently made his debut for Tunisia at international level, previously representing France at both U16 and U17 level. It seems clear that U23 football is a low level for Hannibal and it is too soon for him break into the first team consistently so a loan spell away from the club during the 2021/22 season would be the best option for him, as long as guarantees are made for the player regarding game time and the fact that he is still wanted at United and this is just for experience.
Shola Shoretire – Winger/Attacking Midfielder
The 17-year-old has seemingly found his feet at United and was rewarded towards the end of the 2020/21 season with some first team appearances after his good form at U23 level during the course of the season. He signed his first professional contract at United back in February. He will probably be offered a new contract soon after his 18th birthday. The player has been at the Old Trafford club since he was nine, so will be seeking to get as far as he can at the club, coming so far already. It is expected that he will be considered a first team player ahead of the 2021/22 season with with Euro 2020 playing out this summer, after being postponed last summer, the pre-season campaign will probably consist of many youth players and fringe players being part of the squad with a bit to regaining fitness ahead of the 2021/22 season.
During the course of the season, Shoretire made a total of 27 appearances, two of which came in the Premier League and one in the UEFA Europa League – the rest were made at youth level, playing in the Premier League 2, the Papa John's Trophy and the FA Youth Cup. He scored 10 goals and five assists throughout the season, which is a great achievement for the player, which is one of the reasons why he was assed to the first team towards the end of the season at a time where Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani were injured and Marcus Rashford was carrying an injury, resulting in Solskjaer strengthening his attacking line. Shoretire could well be involved in an around the first team during the 2021/22 season or he could be loaned out in search of first team experience, which would also be good for him in the long run.
Anthony Elanga – Winger/Centre Forward
The 19-year-old is perhaps the player that has made the biggest impact recently for United. He signed a new long-term contract at United back in March, at the same time as Hannibal, although the length of the contract is not yet publicised. He was added to the first team for the UEFA Europa League pursuit this season with Martial out of action and Cavani struggling at times with injury, which will have been an achievement for him. He was recently called up for Sweden's U21 squad, playing two matches and scoring in each of them over the past week or so, which will give him immense pride and give him the burning fires of passion to achieve at United. He made his Premier League debut this season too, starting against Leicester City and Wolves, scoring against the latter.
During the course of the 2020/21 season, Elanga made a total of 22 appearances, scoring 12 goals and four assists. Two appearances and one of the goals were for the first team and despite not actually playing in the Europa League this season, he gave United and Solskjaer further options in attack. It is early days for the player this summer but the general consensus is that he will compliment the attacking ranks at the club next season, unless purchases this summer will limit that. He won't be happy playing U23 football, so if his first team appearances will be limited, a spell away from the club on loan might be an option. He can play on both wings and as a centre forward, so he has a lot more to offer, especially in the fact that United have Cavani, Martial Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood as strikers, with two of those often playing wide positions.
Filed Under: Academy, Feature, First Team, Managers, News, Opinion Tagged With: Anthony Elanga, Aon Training Complex, Dylan Levitt, Hannibal Mejbri, Manchester United, Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Shola Shoretire, Teden Mengi, Will Fish
Rise to Fame: Ethan Laird a future right-back at Manchester United?
15 April 2021 by John Walker
Ethan Laird was born in Basingstoke but was raised in Manchester and joined Manchester United at the age of 10. Since making his debut at U18 level during the 2017/18 season, Laird has made 54 appearances at academy level, scoring four goals and assisting a further 16. Earlier this season, in the UEFA Europa League against Astana in Kazakhstan, which is something that will leave him thirsty for more in the future.
During his time in the academy, Laird has built a reputation for himself which shows him as a very tough tackler, he can attack from either side, playing at fullback and is known to be very quick when running short distances, which is something United will be looking to add to the first team, especially as a rotation option for Aaron Wan-Bissaka – leaving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a decision to make in that area.
During the 2019/20 season, Laird found himself in the U23 squad and has played 13 times at that level, scoring one goal, which was United's first in the Leasing.com EFL Trophy against Rotherham United back in August 2019, also adding three assists to his tally. Laird was included in the Europa League squad this season and travelled to Belgrade for United's match against Partizan, however, he did not make the final cut.
On the 25 February 2020, it was announced by the official Manchester United website that Laird had signed a new contract at the club, keeping at the Theatre of Dreams until June 2023, with an option to add a further year to that contract. Between now and that, Laird will be seeking to impress coached Neil Wood and aim to keep his development on track, then comes the hard part, breaking into Solskjaer's team.
Laird has been impressive throughout his journey and could be a great option for United's right-back in the years to come. At 18 though, he has a long way to go to become first team standard. He will be given chances along the way to show the level he needs to get to in order to be a mainstay in the first team and there is nothing that should stop him from aiming to reach that level. Wan-Bissaka is the player to beat though.
The 18-year-old has plenty of pace, which is something that will benefit him throughout his career and it is something that United seem to be utilising at this moment in time with no out and out wingers in the team, leaving some attacking plays to be made from the fullback positions. Perfecting this ability during the remainder of the season, when it plays out, and beyond, should be his aim.
Since Solskjaer took over the reins at United, after the sacking of Jose Mourinho, it was clear the Norwegian had been doing his homework. He clearly had an idea of the players that the club had, including those that were in the academy at the time. Solskjaer mentioned Laird in some old comments, which showed that he had seen just what he is capable of. The United manager said:
"We have quite a few talents in that youth team that you'd like to see and you probably will see at some point before next season.
"Because that's what it's about now, for me to put the club and put the team in a good position when at the end of the season, how do we look like, what will we look like next season.
"Mason [Greenwood], Jimmy Garner, Ethan [Laird], there's quite a few in that reserve team that are doing well, it's just about the right time.
"What Manchester United are going to look like next season with or without me, it doesn't really matter because I'm here now as part of that to prepare the team for next season. That of course means doing well now."
Laird was asked about Solskjaer's comments in an interview with with official Manchester United website, to which he stated:
"It was very nice of him and a privilege, to be honest, that he knows my name. I've just got to prove to him I'm good enough to be in his team.
"I've seen it with Mason [Greenwood], James [Garner], Angel [Gomes] and Tahith [Chong], some of the starlets of the group, getting their chance and it's promising. Very promising."
During the 2019/20 season, Laird finished the season with 15 appearances, scoring one goal and three assists – two of the appearances were in the UEFA Europa League. He was not ready to challenge Wan-Bissaka this season and was loaned out to MK Dons in January after having played four times for United at the start of the season – getting one assist to his name. So far at the League One club, the 19-year-old has made a total of 21 appearances, with three assists to his name – so far making it 25 appearances and four assists across the season for both clubs.
Laird could be a regular first team player in a year or two, perhaps before if he does something to put himself into serious contention, perhaps not as the regular right-back, but as a rotation option. Diogo Dalot could perhaps be ahead of him in the pecking order but he himself has been loaned out to AC Milan for the season and his future is up in the air at this time. Also, Solskjaer had used his further forward at times, which could leave Wan-Bissaka's understudy role free for Laird to make his own, maybe?
The future seems good for Laird, whether at United or not. Perhaps he could benefit by moving up to the Championship on loan next season, then maybe playing for a lower Premier League team, unless the coaches feel he could make the step up, which might not be the case. Laird has found some consistency, playing in all League One matches since he signed for the Dons and also playing in the Emirates FA Cup, which was a 5-4 penalty defeat to Premier League club Burnley. I am sure Solskjaer is watching him and keeping his fingers crossed that he keeps developing and first team football will help him achieve just that.
Filed Under: Academy, Feature, Managers, Opinion, Rise to Fame, U23's Tagged With: Academy, Aon Training Complex, Ethan Laird, League One, Manchester United, MK Dons, Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Russell Martin
Manchester United U23 to play seven behind closed doors pre-season friendlies
10 August 2020 by John Walker
Manchester United have announced that Neil Wood's U23 side will play seven behind closed door pre-season friendlies ahead of the new Premier League 2 season which will see United promoted to Division 1 of the league – spending the last two seasons in Division 2 and find out that on a points per game ratio, promotion happened despite the 2019/20 being suspended then cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. United will be looking to get back into full fitness ahead of the new season.
The club has announced that because of the recent lockdown measures in Greater Manchester, no spectators will be allowed into the training ground, presumable where all the matches will be played. It was also stated that the clubs television channel, MUTV will broadcast highlights of some of the matches at a later date. The U23s will be tested in their pre-season matches, playing a mixture of senior teams and U23 teams, which will be good for their fitness and progress at this level.
United will start on Wednesday against Salford City then face Swindon Town on the 18 August, followed by Morecambe on the 22 August. Neil Wood's side then face Stoke City U23s on the 25 August, followed by Macclesfield Town on the 28 August. On the 1 September, Doncaster Rovers will be the opposition finishing up with Everton U23s on the 5 September. It is set to be a good pre-season runs of matches for the players, who will be seeking to start the 2020/21 season brightly.
It will be good to see this group of young and talented players get stuck into the game again. Whilst it is expected that some of Wood's players will head out on loan this summer, there will be many players stepping up from the U18 squad from last season, continuing that conveyor belt of talent at the club, testing them each and every season. Hannibal Mejbri, Charlie Wellens, and Mark Helm are likely to be tested this season. Speaking to the official Manchester United website, Wood said:
"It's going to be a hard pre-season. Last year, we had the experience of the EFL Trophy and it looks likely that we could be part of that again.
"I wanted the lads to experience some first-team friendlies this year before we even made that tournament because they are challenging in themselves. We've got games lined up against the likes of Salford, Doncaster, Macclesfield and Swindon.
"So there are going to be some tough games, considering we're of such a young age. It's going to be hard for them but there is some talent there and that can really start to shine through.
"We played Swindon last year and we know how they want to play football. We know they're not going to turn up and try to boot us off the pitch and injure some of the younger lads, especially as we have a very young squad.
"We want to have that first-team opposition but also would like to have opposition who try to play football and not try to outpower us or be a battle because we're not going to win them at this stage."
It would seem that the academy levels of the club are in good hands, giving players the development they need before sorting out their future, whether they are good enough to go straight into the first team, like Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams, or whether they need a loan spell away from the club so they can find their feet in a first team environment. Nicky Butt, the head of first team development understands what is needed and will be keeping's eye out for players who are ready for the next level.
Filed Under: Academy, Managers, News, Opinion Tagged With: Aon Training Complex, Carrington, Manchester United, Neil Wood, Pre-Season Friendlies, Quinton Fortune, U23
Manchester United swooping in on Manchester City academy star Charlie McNeill
Manchester United are reportedly confident in signing Manchester City academy star Charlie McNeill this summer. The 16-year-old is reported to have scored 600 goals during his career so far, left United in 2014, a club he supports and one that he played for at junior levels. It is stated by the Daily Mail that City would like to sell the player for a seven figure sum also including a number of additional performance-related clauses. He could well be a talent, if given the opportunity to shine.
Both clubs have hit a stalemate in negotiations though. The player will turn 17 on the 9 September 2020 and if he crosses that date and rejects a professional contract at City, United would be able to sign him with compensation being paid instead of a transfer fee, so perhaps that is why there is a stalemate at this present time. It was reported earlier this summer that McNeill had agreed to a move to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, reported by City Xtra on the Sports Illustrated website.
It is stated that the 16-year-old would like to leave the club as he was not getting many opportunities at U18 level, making nine appearances and scoring one goal and one assist for the club this season, before the coronavirus pandemic suspended then cancelled youth football. The player has already stated that he intends to leave City this summer, saying his goodbyes on social media, thanking the club for his past six years there. United seem to be making a big rebuild at U18 level this summer. On Instagram, McNeill said:
"A massive thank you to Manchester City for everything over the past six years.
"It's been such a pleasure to play with some amazing players and I've made some amazing friends too.
"Thanks to all the staff and players for helping me develop as a player and also as a person. I wish everyone the very best."
United have already confirmed three new signings in the clubs academy this season with Joe Hugill, Logan Pye and Radek Vitek announced as part of the U18 squad for the upcoming 2020/21 season. In addition to these three, Neil Ryan's side look set to complete the signing of three other players who will be subject to international clearance. This will be the main delay with all three arriving at the club and being allowed to play. Last summer, United signed Hannibal Mejbri and he was cleared to play in mid-September.
Barcelona fullback Marc Jurado, 16 is likely to be the first of three other players to sign for United this summer. It was reported by The Sun that Jurado was 'blown away' by United's project and will be happy to continue his development at the club, leaving La Masia. It would seem that United are intent on signing the best youth prospects in Europe this summer, therefore creating something for the future. Alvaro Fernandez Carreras, 17, will be leaving Real Madrid for United, according to The Sun. The player idolised Marcelo, so could well become a player for the future at the Old Trafford club.
Isak Hansen-Aaroen, 15, is the third player and The Sun reported that United completed the signing of the player last year, when he was 14. He will be leaving Tromso and became their youngest ever player at 15 years and 319 days when he made his debut earlier this month. It will be an exciting period for the player and for the future of United's academy. It looks like United mean business at this level and if they can confirm all three of these players and add McNeill to the squad, there will definitely be some talent on show from the start of the new season.
Filed Under: Academy, Managers, News, Opinion, Transfer Rumours Tagged With: Aon Training Complex, Charlie McNeill, Manchester City, Manchester United, Neil Ryan, Old Trafford
U18s endure mixed start to the 2019/20 season, which can only get better…
Manchester United's U19s started their season with players moving up into the U23s and others spending their first full season in this age group. There will be changes every year at this level with those who are nearing the age of 18 looking to take their chances in the U23s and continue their development, either at United or elsewhere.
U18 coach, Neil Ryan replaced Kieran McKenna at this level in the summer of 2018 after the latter became a coach under Jose Mourinho in the first team. Ryan's first season in charge of the U18s saw his Sid finish fourth in the U18 Premier League – eight points adrift of eventual winners, Derby County.
The season started on Saturday 10 August 2019 with United beating Sunderland 3-0 at the Aon Training Complex in Carrington. In that match, Charlie McCann scored from the penalty spot, Anthony Elanga doubles United's lead with Charlie Wellens scoring the third goal in the victory. United were seeking to continue that run.
The second match of the season was played a week later on Saturday 17 August away to Wolverhampton Wanderers. It was United's first defeat of the season at this level, losing 2-0. In the third match of the season, United were once again at home with Blackburn Rovers heading to the Aon Training Complex.
United won this match 3-1 with Anthony Elanga scoring a brace and Dillon Hoogewerf scoring his first goal for his new club. A late consolation from Blackburn meant United were not able to keep a clean sheet in the match. Liverpool away was up next for United, which like every previous season would be a fierce match because of the rivalry.
United lost 4-3 against Liverpool in a match which saw United equalise minutes after Liverpool scored with Ayodeji Sotona levelling the first time, and Wellens scoring the second and third equalising goal. The match was lost in the final minute with an own goal, which was a shame for United. United will face Derby County away on Saturday (14/9).
With four matches played and six points on the board, United will be seeking to a return to winning ways against the U18 Premier League champions on Saturday, which might show that this age group already have the mentality to succeed at this level. It will be a tough match and probably a tough season with United aiming to do better than last.
The top scorer of the 2019/20 season so far is jointly held between Elanga and Wellens with both players scoring three goals each. Then with one goal each, Hoogewerf, McCann, and Sotona sit with their efforts. Ryan will be happy with the goals which have been scored, however, he will be seeking for more as United take on better opposition.
In terms of assists, both Elanga and Mark Helm have two each with Reece Devine, who was sent off against Liverpool, also having one. Ryan will need to look at the depth of his squad in order to overcome Derby this weekend with Devine missing from the squad due to suspension. United will be up for the fixture though, against the reigning champions.
Nine players in the squad have played in all of the four matches played so far this season, with just five of those playing each minute across the four matches. Ondrej Mastny, Ben Hockenhull, Reece Devine, Charlie McCann, and Mark Helm have played each minute of the four matches with Lukasz Bejger, Charlie Wellens, Connor Stanley, and Dillon Hoogewerf playing in each of the four matches played.
I am sure that Anthony Elanga, who has already featured twice for the U23s this season and Teden Mengi, who has also played twice at that level, will have Neil Wood, Quinton Fortune and Nicky Butt watching them if they continue to play U18 football this season. With Elanga scoring three times already this season, he's clearly a player with the talent and ability to find a goal, or three.
It will be good to see these players grow with the team this season, one player in particular with pressure already being applied to his development will be Harvey Neville, the son of Phil Neville and nephew of Gary Neville. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing more of Hoogewerf, Elanga, and after their performances so far this season, Wellens and Helm. This will be an exciting season for the U18s.
Filed Under: Academy, Managers, Opinion, U18's Tagged With: Aon Training Complex, Carrington, Manchester United, Neil Ryan, Old Trafford
What happens at Carrington; Manchester United's training ground…
Manchester United's first-team has just four competitive games this August, with participation in the UEFA Europa League and Carabao Cup set to begin next month. With that in mind, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken the unusual step of arranging behind-closed-doors friendly matches, in order to give playing time to those who will not be heavily involved until the club begins its journey in other competitions.
One of these games, of course, took place a day after the final match of Tour 2019 against AC Milan in Cardiff, with a much-changed United XI playing the Blackburn Rovers' under-23 team. At present, United's first-team squad consists of around 30 players which is perhaps a few too many. This was the case a year ago as well. Solskjaer would struggle to keep every single player match fit with just one game a week over the next few weeks.
Competition in the Premier League is fierce enough that United can ill-afford rotating players for the sake of it. It's become common practice at most Premier League clubs to start fringe players in the other competitions and then draft them into starting teams for league matches based on their performances in these games.
These friendlies that United have scheduled offers players outside Solskjaer's preferred XI to build and maintain match fitness while also attempting to impress the management team. Over the last seven weeks or so, United supporters have seen how much the Norwegian values the fitness of his players. These games will allow him to keep most if not all of the players in the squad at near full match fitness.
Sergio Romero and Lee Grant are unlikely to play this month so the friendly matches will offer the veteran 'keepers a chance to gain some match practice for when they are needed. The same could be said for Diogo Dalot, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones as well as Ashley Young and Axel Tuanzebe, who were in the squad for United's Premier League opener but did not take the field.
Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian have been linked with moves away from the club and they would no doubt like to remain match fit up until the close of the European transfer window on September 2. Fred, Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong missed out completely against Chelsea and will be given opportunities to force their way into Solskjaer's plans. Chong and Gomes, in particular, will be eager to impress, having been left out of the reserve team's matches in Premier League 2.
Alexis Sánchez meanwhile, begun pre-season much later than his teammates and as Solskjaer recently stated, he remains a few weeks behind them. The Chilean has struggled with injury in his time at United and this has undoubtedly affected his form. He'll be hoping that getting back to full fitness will, in turn, get him back to his best and he certainly won't be alone in this regard.
The game against the Blackburn team also included players who came off the bench against Milan the day before, and this trend could perhaps continue in the forthcoming matches. Players who come on as substitutes in the first-team matches may start the friendly games and play an hour or so. Their total minutes played for the week would then end up closer to 90, which is no doubt the preference of the manager and the players themselves.
These players will also use this opportunity to impress Solskjaer and force their way into his next starting XI. All in all, these games effectively serve as supplementary matches to the official fixtures. The major drawback, of course, is that they will be played against lower quality opposition, likely to be reserve and youth teams from nearby clubs.
This, however, raises the possibility of Solskjaer including players from United's reserve and youth teams, although this would also be up to the head of first-team development, Nicky Butt, as well as reserve team manager Neil Wood. Having these players play with members of the first-team will enable them to begin integrating into the side while also allowing the coaches to compare the youngsters with the more seasoned professionals.
This also applies to the opposition teams, where players who impress in these games might catch the eye of United's coaches and/or scouts. At a glance, this highlights signs of change from previous regimes at United. Solskjaer is taking a different approach to the last few United managers, in nearly every aspect of the job.
Judging by the players he has preferred and those he has signed, it's quite clear that he favours hard-working individuals whom he can also develop as players. He will no doubt be looking to trim United's squad over the next few years so he needs to filter out those who don't fit this profile. These matches give him the opportunity to begin doing this immediately.
Written by Shiven Nayager
Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Opinion Tagged With: Aon Training Complex, Carrington, Manchester United, Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Home People Religion Nostradamus Predictions: Did The French Prophet Predict Donald Trump 2016 US Presidential Election Victory Would Lead To World War 3?
Nostradamus Predictions: Did The French Prophet Predict Donald Trump 2016 US Presidential Election Victory Would Lead To World War 3?
Rid 8:00:00 AM People, Religion
Nostradamus might have known a thing or two about the recent presidential elections, at least according to conspiracy theorists.
Pollsters might have missed it, but the French prophet apparently predicted that Donald Trump would win the elections and become president. Moreover, Nostradamus also believed this would start World War III.
The Republican candidate who emerged victorious from the U.S. presidential elections has stirred a great deal of controversy throughout his campaign and continues to do so after his victory. Conspiracy theorists now believe Nostradamus' writings warned about this long ago. His predictions in the past have come true.
"The great shameless, audacious bawler," Nostradamus reportedly wrote in Century III, Quatrain 81. "He will be elected governor of the army: The boldness of his contention. The bridge broken, the city faint from fear."
Theorists believe that the shameless, audacious bawler is none other than Trump, the freshly elected president of the United States.
"The false trumpet concealing madness will cause Byzantium to change its laws," the 16th century prophet wrote in Century I, 40. "From Egypt there will go forth a man who wants the edict withdrawn, changing money and standards."
While the prophet clearly mentioned Byzantium and Egypt, conspiracy theorists believe that it actually applies to the U.S. now, with the recent wave of refugees coming through Greece.
Trump made great waves during his campaign because of his views and comments on immigration, so theorists may have found a link. Nostradamus followers think the prophet foresaw Trump's win long ago, and are now fearing that a third world war is just around the corner.
Moreover, the old Bulgarian psychic Baba Vanga had predicted that the last U.S. president would be Barack Obama, who is now to be replaced by Trump. Baba Vanga has an 85 percent accuracy and correctly predicted 9/11, the rise of the Islamic State and that the 44th U.S. president would be African-American.
Baba Vanga died back in 1996 at 85 years old, but the prediction that Obama would be the last U.S. president further fuels speculation that World War III is upon us and the end of the world is near.
For theorists, Trump's vision for the U.S. seems to lend credibility to the claim since the newly elected president wants to increase the number of active duty soldiers to 540,000, the strength of the Navy to 350 vessels and the U.S. Air Force jet battalion to 1,200. Trump also plans to buy temporary destroyers to counter threats from North Korea and Iran.
According to Nostradamus' predictions, World War III would break out between two major powers in the world and last for a whopping 27 years, coinciding with a comet appearing in the sky and bringing great violence, natural disasters and nuclear combat.
Source: techtimes.com
Nostradamus Predictions: Did The French Prophet Predict Donald Trump 2016 US Presidential Election Victory Would Lead To World War 3? Reviewed by Rid on 8:00:00 AM Rating: 5
People Religion
Every Sip of This 3-Ingredient Tea Clears Your Lungs of Mucus, Toxins and Inflammation


A number of footpaths pass through the village, which provide a fabulous way to explore the surrounding countryside. As well as numerous footpaths (located on OS explorer 223), the Jurassic Way (external site) passes through Sibbertoft on its journey from Banbury in Oxfordshire to Stamford in Lincolnshire. A recently developed trail also exists to the north of the village allowing exploration of part of the civil war landscape.
Sibbertoft is close to the Grand Union Canal, which presents a fabulous opportunity to explore the countryside from the water. More information can be found at Foxton Locks and Welford Wharf.


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Nature's 2016 resource 'budget' already used up, report says
AFP• August 4, 2016
Just days before the COP, host country Poland announced three state-run coal giants would sponsor the event
Just days before the COP, host country Poland announced three state-run coal giants would sponsor the event (AFP Photo/Darek Redos)
Paris (AFP) - In just over seven months, humanity has used up a full year's allotment of natural resources such as water, food and clean air -- the quickest rate yet, according to a new report.
The point of "overshoot" will officially be reached on Monday, said environmental group Global Footprint Network -- five days earlier than last year.
"We continue to grow our ecological debt," said Pascal Canfin of green group WWF, reacting to the annual update.
"From Monday August 8, we will be living on credit because in eight months we would have consumed the natural capital that our planet can renew in a year."
The gloomy milestone is marked every year on what is known as Earth Overshoot Day.
In 1993, the day fell on October 21, in 2003 on September 22 and last year on August 13.
In 1961, according to the network, humankind used only about three-quarters of Earth's annual resource allotment. By the 1970s, economic and population growth sent Earth into annual overshoot.
"This is possible because we emit more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than our oceans and forests can absorb, and we deplete fisheries and harvest forests more quickly than they can reproduce and regrow," the network said in a statement.
To calculate the date for Earth Overshoot Day, the group crunches UN data on thousands of economic sectors such as fisheries, forestry, transport and energy production.
Earth-warming greenhouse gas emissions, it said, are now the fastest-growing contributor to ecological overshoot, making up 60 percent of humanity's demands on nature -- what is called the ecological "footprint".
According to the UN, the number of people on Earth is forecast to grow from 7.3 billion today to 11.2 billion by the end of the century -- piling further pressure on our planet and its finite resources.
But there was some good news, too.
"The rate at which Earth Overshoot Day has moved up on the calendar has slowed to less than one day a year on average over the past five years, compared to an average of three days a year since the overshoot began in the 1970s," said the network.


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Curators Tour of LaToya Ruby Frazier: Flint is Family @ Frost Museum FIU
Tuesday, February 12th; 1-2 pm; Frost Museum FIU
Enjoy a curator's tour of the Frost's newest exhibition "LaToya Ruby Frazier: Flint is Family", a series of documentative photographs that show the effects of the Flint water crisis in the most honest way. Maryanna Ramirez, Manager of Strategic Initiative, will take visitors through the pieces for an in-depth look into the exhibition and the social commentary behind them.
Categories: Museums Tour
Love at the Museum @ PAMM
Thursday, February 14th; 5:30-9pm; Perez Art Museum Miami
Today, join PAMM and your partner for a romantic night at the museum! This special event will include a delicious four-course meal, live entertainment, wine pairing, a tour of the museum and some of the best contemporary art in Miami, of course. There are three separate times to choose from so that you can surprise your love with the best Valentine's Day an art lover can ask for.
Categories: Museums Social Event Tour
Community Program: Moveable Feast @ Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Thursday, February 14th; 6:30-9:30 pm; Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Join the Vizcaya Museum for a night of exquisite food, socializing, romance and mystery with the Moveable Feast. Start off the evening with wine and hors-d'oeuvres and a tour of the farm and functional buildings. Visitors get to choose between two entrees, five different types of liquor, a strawberry bread pudding and several type of butler passed savories for the ultimate luxurious meal.
Public Art In Downtown Miami Tour @ HistoryMiami
Saturday, February 16th; 1-2:30pm; HistoryMiami
Join HistoryMiami to see some of the most, unique and most beautiful hidden gems around Miami with the Downtown Public Art Tour, which gives insight into how Miami's urban landscape has changed, and how the art reflects the multicultural background of the city.
Castles in the Sky Fantasy Architecture in Contemporary Art Gallery Tour @ Coral Gables Museum
Sunday, February 17th; 2-3pm; Coral Gables Museum
Explore the newest, most fascinating exhibition by the Coral Gables Museum, "Castles in the Sky: Fantasy Architecture in Contemporary Art." The Lehman College of Art Gallery and Curator will be curating the exhibition, with a tour by Bartholomew Bland, the executive director. The exhibition opening was yesterday, which means that you will see the gallery at its prime.
Community Program: Gardens by Moonlight @ Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Wednesday, February 20th; 6-9pm; Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Celebrate the beauty of Vizcaya with this community program! Everyone is invited to take explore the magnificent gardens with a glass of wine provided by the museum, listen to live music, take a tour of the historic location, watch the sunset and the moon rise while looking along the Biscayne Bay.
Moon Over Miami River Cruise @ HistoryMiami
Saturday, February 23rd; 6-9pm; HistoryMiami
Enjoy a relaxing, cool February night with HistoryMiami as their resident Historian Dr. George takes visitors on a trip for a view of the Miami River. This cruise will not only show some of Miami's most beautiful sights, hidden gems, and historical sites but will also tell about the story behind these place and the evolution of the city as a whole from the 19th century to now. This is an exciting experience for tourists and locals alike as they embark upon this cruise all over town.
Sunday, February 24th; 9:30-1pm; Coral Gables Museum
Secrets of Grove Park Walking Tour with Dr. George @ HistoryMiami
Mar 3 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday, March 3rd; 10-12pm; HistoryMiami Museum
Join HistoryMiami and Historian Dr. George for a journey into the Grove Park neighborhood in Miami, and an exploration of the stories that lie behind the tale of General Samuel Lawrence amid the garden he planted 120 years ago and of fabled Indian caves as you walk along the Miami River.
Biltmore Hotel Tours @ The Biltmore Hotel
Sunday, March 3rd; 1:30-2:30pm; The Biltmore
This Sunday, visit the spectacular historic Biltmore hotel, one of the most significant national landmarks in Miami, and home of some of the top hotel amenities in the country. The pool and restaurant are featured extensively in top lists across the US, and have whopping ratings, and beautiful tennis courts, cabanas, spas and fitness centers in the exotic architectural Mediterranean styles are all what make it a phenomenal place to visit. The guided tour of the landscape is brought to you by the Dade Heritage Trust.
Mixtape Mondays @ Frost Art Museum FIU
Monday, March 4th; 5:30-7pm; Frost Museum FIU
Join the Frost for Mixtape Mondays and celebrate the opening of the exhibition "To Survive this Shore", a complex narrative of older trans and non-gender-conforming individuals through portraiture, photography, and history. Chief curator Amy Galpin will contextualize Dugan's photographs with rarely seen works found in the museum's collection.
Categories: Art Talk Museums Tour
Curator's Tour @ Frost Museum FIU
Tuesday, March 12th; 1-2pm; Frost Museum
Join the Frost Museum and special guest curator Dr. Brian Dursum for this month's tour–with March's exhibition Asian Crossroads: Influence and Interaction Along the Maritime Silk Road. Learn about the artworks on display as well as the history of the Silk Road with this tour.
Discovering Leah: Members Meetup & Tour @ HistoryMiami
Saturday, March 16th; 10-12pm; HistoryMiami
Join HistoryMiami for Discovering Leah, a colorful artistic enclave hidden in Hialeah. This hidden gem is replete with some of the most special street art, murals and other often overlooked pieces waiting for you to find them. This event is members-only. Not a member? Join today for access to this special event and many more.
Categories: Art in Public Places Museums Tour
Mar 31 @ 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday, March 31st; 8:30-12pm; Coral Gables Museum
First Fridays at ICA Miami: Pride Edition ft. SOPHIE @ ICA Miami
Apr 5 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday, April 5th; 6-10pm; ICA Miami
Join ICA for their free first Friday events, with special featured events and activities specifically for Miami Pride month. ICA invites visitors from all communities to enjoy drag performances, complimentary craft beer, and musical performance by SOPHIE. The museum will be open until 10pm, so visitors can explore the galleries and enjoy film screenings, exhibition tours, performances, and more for all ages.
Categories: Design District Museums Performing Arts screening Social Event Tour
Slow Art Day @ Frost Museum
Saturday, April 6th; 10:30-2:30pm; Frost Museum
Join the Frost for their "Slow Art" day, in which visitors are encouraged to relax and look at art with a fresher perspective, learning mindfulness and deeper artistic discovery though a slow looking process. Join us for yoga with FIU Professor Dr. Andrea Seidel, Mandala rock painting, discussions about the artworks on view, and wrap up the day with a mindfulness activity with FIU Wellness Program Manager, Nathan Burandt.
Curator's Tour @ Frost Museum
Tuesday, April 9th; 1-2pm; Frost Art Museum
Join the Frost Museum and chief curator Amy Galpin for a curators tour of the exhibition "To Survive on this Shore: Photographs and Interviews with Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Older Adults," in which images and representations of this community is depicted in a new light throughout history.
Black Miami in Photography @ HistoryMiami
Sunday, April 14th; 1-4pm; HistoryMiami
Join HistoryMiami and historian Dr. Martin Dunn for Black Miami in the Twentieth Century, a tour in which visitors will be able to learn and reflect upon the important role of African Americans in the development of Miami and Florida as you hear their stories of struggle and triumph. The museum currently has a photography exhibition on display featuring photos from Dunn's personal book on the subject.
Categories: Art Talk Book Presentation Museums Tour
Celebrate Historic Downtown Walking Tour with Dr. George @ HistoryMiami
Saturday, April 20th; 10-2pm; HistoryMiami
Join HistoryMiami to celebrate 31 years of tours around this culture-filled city with Historian Dr. George. Experience a recreation of the first tour ever led by the Museum, delve into the storied past of Downtown Miami as you walk along historic Flagler Street. Listen to stories about the earliest inhabitants of the city, the Tequesta, and of course, the Miami River. Learn the history of Miami's founders – Julia Tuttle, Henry Flagler, and William and Mary Brickell.
History in the Grove: Charles Avenue Walking Tour with Dr. George @ HistoryMiami
Apr 28 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday, April 28th; 10-2pm; HisoryMiami
Join HistoryMiami and historian Dr. George for a journey and tour of Coconut Grove, one of Miami's oldest and most beautifully preserved neighborhoods. In this educational tour, you will earn how Bahamian settlers influenced the development of the Grove with their knowledge of tropical plants and native building materials.
Categories: Coconut Grove Museums Tour
May 19 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Sunday, May 19th; 1-2pm; Frost Museum
Join the Frost Museum at FIU and guest curator Dr. Brian Dursum for a especially led tour of Asian Crossroads: Influence and Interaction Along the Maritime Silk Road. Enjoy an in-depth look at this exhibition, as well as exclusive works not typically put on display.
Little Havana Walking Tour @ HistoryMiami
May 25 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, May 25th; 10am-12pm ; HistoryMiami
Join the HistoryMiami Museum for a closer look at one of the biggest communities in Miami–the Cuban community in Little Havana. See the street art, walk down Calle Ocho, visit historic buildings, learn about the art of cigar making, listen to salsa at the Ball and Chain Bar, and enjoy light bates and specialty Cuban food and coffee.
Categories: Little Havana Museums Tour
Tuesday, June 11th; 1-2pm; Frost Museum
Join the Frost Museum for a curator's tour of the exhibition Cut: Abstraction in the United States from the 1970s to the Present, for an in-depth look into painting techniques that involve a deeper relationship to the surface. This exhibition displays a wide selection of work by multi-generational artists who challenged painting surfaces with cuts, carvings, and indentations.
Stiltsville & Key Biscayne Sunset Cruise @ HistoryMiami
Saturday, June 15th; 6-8:30pm; HistoryMiami
Join HistoryMiami as you cruise across the waters of the Biscayne Bay with Dr. Paul George, the museums resident historian. In this tour of Stiltsville, visitors will learn about the history of the colorful wooden houses, and listen to stories of nefarious gangsters, stunning graffiti, and fabulous parties in the 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Jun 16 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday, June 10-12pm; Coral Gables Museum
join the Coral Gables Museum for a relaxing morning in which visitors can explore the beautiful hidden locations of gables on a bike. After some riding through the historic neighborhood, join fellow participants for brunch at Giralda Plaza.
Behind-the-Scenes at Botanico Viejo Lazaro @ HistoryMiami
Saturday, June 22nd; 1-2:30pm; HistoryMiami
Join HistoryMiami Museum for an exploration of El Botánico Viejo Lazaro, a spiritual store that has resided on the outskirts of the gables for years, Learn ability the community of Santeria that exists in Cuba and Miami an their origins, as well as the purposes of some of the objects in the store and their religious/spiritual significance. The tour will end with an Orisha reading, a Santeria ritual practice demonstration.
Mystery, Mayhem, Vice & Crime Coach Tour with Dr. George @ HistoryMiami
Sunday, June 23rd; 1-4pm; HistoryMiami
Join HistoryMiami museum and resident historian Dr. Paul George for a whole new exploration of this city's colorful past, from gangsters, drug smugglers, mafia personas, to high-profile kidnappings. Dr. George will take visitors from the South Beach location of Gianni Versace´s assassination at his mansions doorstep, to the filming location of the series that made our city famous—Miami Vice, as well as the Miami cemetery.
Brickell Avenue Walking Tour with Dr. George @ HistoryMiami
Saturday, June 29th; 10-12pm; HistoryMiami
Join HistoryMiami and resident historian Dr. George for a walking tour of Brickell Avenue while listening to stories of William and Mary Brickell, who developed the area to what it is today.
Categories: Brickell Museums Tour
Jun 30 @ 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday, June 30th; 8:30-12pm; Coral Gables Museum
Tuesday, July 9th; 1-2pm; Frost Museum FIU
Join the Frost Museum and chief curator Amy Galpin for an in depth look at "Spheres of Meaning: An Exhibition of Artists Book", which takes visitors though a series of books, texts, narrative, sketchbooks and more shown in a new visual interdisciplinary medium.


Getting your car ready for sale is essential if you want to sell it quickly and get the best price.
Unless you're selling something very rare or unusual, it's likely that you'll be competing for buyers' attention against many similar cars - presentation, mechanical condition and service history can all make the difference between an easy sale and long drawn out affair with you having to drop the asking price every week.
Get a new MOT if there's less than three months on the current one. Consider a new MOT anyway as this says a lot about the car's basic condition.
Remember that if your vehicle has a serious defect and is unroadworthy, you could be breaking the law by selling it, if you haven't described it accurately.
Now you're ready to market your car, so here are some tips for a stress–free sale.
be aware that thieves may contact you pretending to be potential buyers. If you give them details of the car like the VIN number over the phone, or share personal details they could use the information to create a cloned advert. Genuine buyers will be happy to come and view the vehicle and check vehicle details for themselves.
take the buyer's contact details when arranging for them to come and view/test drive the car - name, address and land line phone number. A genuine buyer will be happy to do so and will understand if you call back to confirm arrangements and check the number given.
ask the buyer to bring and show you their driving licence if they're expecting to test drive the car.
insist that the buyer comes to see the car at your home address - a genuine buyer will be happy to do so.
bear in mind that providing a 'sold as seen' receipt doesn't affect the buyer's legal rights - the car must match any description you give in writing or verbally in the course of the sale.
you cannot use a 'sold as seen' receipt to cover the possibility that the car may be unroadworthy in some respect either. The law is clear - it illegal to sell a car in an unroadworthy condition.
beware of emails from abroad offering to buy your vehicle without seeing it, and offering to make overpayments. Also beware of bogus ESCROW or shipping companies recommended by the buyer.
remember that banker's drafts can be forged - if you accept payment by this method it's important to wait until you're sure the funds have been cleared into your account before handing over the keys.
You must tell DVLA as soon as possible that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. It's in your own interest to do so, as you don't want to be landed with any of the new driver's future offences and convictions.
As the seller you will need to complete the new keeper details on the V5C and sign the declaration along with the buyer. It is your responsibility to send the completed V5C to DVLA having first given the buyer the V5C/2 section - their proof of keepership until they receive a new V5C from DVLA.


text:
// Copyright © Microsoft Corporation.  All Rights Reserved.
// This code released under the terms of the
// Microsoft Public License (MS-PL, http://opensource.org/licenses/ms-pl.html.)

using System;
using System.ComponentModel;
using Microsoft.TeamFoundation.Migration.Shell.Globalization;

namespace Microsoft.TeamFoundation.Migration.Shell.View
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Provides information about a change of status.
    /// </summary>
    public class StatusEvent : INotifyPropertyChanged, IDisposable
    {
        #region Fields
        private bool disposed;
        private readonly DateTime timestamp;
        private readonly object eventData;
        private readonly IMutable mutableEventData;
        #endregion

        #region Constructors
        /// <summary>
        /// Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="StatusEvent"/> class.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="eventData">The event data.</param>
        public StatusEvent (object eventData)
            : this ()
        {
            this.eventData = eventData;
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="StatusEvent"/> class.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="eventData">The mutable event data.</param>
        public StatusEvent (IMutable eventData)
            : this ()
        {
            this.mutableEventData = eventData;
            this.mutableEventData.ValueChanged += this.OnEventDataChanged;
        }

        private StatusEvent ()
        {
            this.timestamp = DateTime.Now;
            LocalizationManager.ActiveCultureChanged += this.OnActiveCultureChanged;
        }
        #endregion

        #region Events
        /// <summary>
        /// Occurs when a property value changes.
        /// </summary>
        public event PropertyChangedEventHandler PropertyChanged;
        #endregion

        #region Properties
        /// <summary>
        /// Gets the time at which the status even occurred.
        /// </summary>
        public string Timestamp
        {
            get
            {
                return this.timestamp.ToString (LocalizationManager.ActiveCulture);
            }
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Gets the status event data.
        /// </summary>
        public object EventData
        {
            get
            {
                if (this.mutableEventData != null)
                {
                    return this.mutableEventData.Value;
                }
                else
                {
                    return this.eventData;
                }
            }
        }
        #endregion

        #region Public Methods
        /// <summary>
        /// Performs application-defined tasks associated with freeing, releasing, or resetting unmanaged resources.
        /// </summary>
        public void Dispose ()
        {
            this.Dispose (true);
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Returns a <see cref="T:System.String"/> that represents the current <see cref="T:System.Object"/>.
        /// </summary>
        /// <returns>
        /// A <see cref="T:System.String"/> that represents the current <see cref="T:System.Object"/>.
        /// </returns>
        public override string ToString ()
        {
            return string.Format (LocalizationManager.ActiveCulture, "{0}: {1}", this.Timestamp, this.EventData);
        }
        #endregion

        #region Protected Methods
        /// <summary>
        /// Releases unmanaged and - optionally - managed resources.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="disposing"><c>true</c> to release both managed and unmanaged resources; <c>false</c> to release only unmanaged resources.</param>
        protected virtual void Dispose (bool disposing)
        {
            if (!this.disposed)
            {
                if (disposing)
                {
                    LocalizationManager.ActiveCultureChanged -= this.OnActiveCultureChanged;

                    if (this.mutableEventData != null)
                    {
                        this.mutableEventData.ValueChanged -= this.OnEventDataChanged;
                    }
                }

                this.disposed = false;
            }
        }
        #endregion

        #region Private Methods
        private void RaisePropertyChangedEvent (string propertyName)
        {
            if (this.PropertyChanged != null)
            {
                this.PropertyChanged (this, new PropertyChangedEventArgs (propertyName));
            }
        }

        private void OnEventDataChanged (object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            this.RaisePropertyChangedEvent ("EventData");
        }

        private void OnActiveCultureChanged (object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            this.RaisePropertyChangedEvent ("Timestamp");
        }
        #endregion
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


You there radiator. Served it to you enough long, eg, several years. Here suddenly it fails. How to Apply in such situation? About this problem you, dear reader our website, can learn from this article.
Some think, that repair radiator - it pretty elementary it. However this not so. Many enough strongly wrong, underestimating difficulty this actions.
So, if you all the same decided own forces practice repair, then first must grab info how perform repair radiator. For it has meaning use google.
I think you do not vain spent its precious time and this article least something helped you solve task. In the next article you can learn how repair headset or headset.


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Cost: $20 M/$25 G per night, all siblings $18 Fee is based on minimum 24-hour registration. Add extra $5 without reservation (must be paid after sundown at pick-up time).
To register, please email afox@shawjcc.org or visit www.shawjcc. org. Subject to change/cancellation with minimum enrollment. Everyone enjoys a Night Out! Parents, take a break and send your kids (ages 4-12) for a Saturday night out at The J. Offered once per month (September-May) and supervised by our own KidSpace and Camp Staff. Children will look forward to fun crafts projects, cooking, sports, special programing and games, After a yummy pizza and veggie dinner, we will watch a kids' movie on our big screen. Don't forget to wear your favorite PJs.


Simisola Ogunleye, the veteran Nigerian singer and songwriter is our spotlight on this edition of Naijaexclusive Artist Focus.
Simi, currently signed to X3M Music has recorded vastly in the aspect of musical success. The singer started her musical career as a gospel singer releasing an album, "Ogaju" in 2008. Coming to limelight in 2014, Simi recorded a tune that caused her recognition, "Tiff" which was nominated in the 2015 Headies Award.
Simi is known to have a sonorous voice and this is one quality you will always find in a singer who is driven by passion. Her songs especially her singles never disappoints to hit the top of the charts. The professional singer have collaborated with prominent music artistes in Nigeria and Africa at large and also performing at the big events.
The 30 year old singer dominates two albums to her name; the first being the gospel "Ogaju", the second being the pop "Simisola". Her love and passion for music caused her to bag 12 awards of 28 nominations. Apart from singing and song writing, Simi happens to be a sound engineer, this actually helps her voice sound pleasant. She's definitely a raw talent.
Simi who was assumed to be dating a colleague, Falz shattered everyone's illusions earlier this year as she got married to Adekunle Gold.
Furthermore, facts about Simi people don't know is that she is a graduate of Covenant University where she studied Mass Communication. She was born in Ojuelegba as the last child of four.


text:
Australian Stock Report > In The Media > Bargain-hunters' paradise as ex-div trade saps strength
Bargain-hunters' paradise as ex-div trade saps strength
The Australian sharemarket pared sharp early losses as companies trading ex-dividend sapped upside momentum.
The S&P/ASX 200 index dropped 0.8 per cent at the open as miners were dumped, but it bounced to close down 20.4 points, or 0.35 per cent, at 5784.7 as bargain-hunters moved in.
Rio Tinto fell more than 5 per cent after going ex-div $1.63, while BHP Billiton was off more than 2 per cent as iron ore prices eased.
Growth optimism was hit by a 2.1 per cent fall in December-quarter private capital expenditure, far worse than the forecast drop of 0.5 per cent.
Last night the US S&P 500 index slipped 0.1 per cent as investors were left divided over whether the US Federal Reserve board meeting minutes confirmed the likelihood of a rate rise next month.
AmpGFX strategist Greg Gibbs said they were a "confusing set of minutes that say, on the one hand, many want to raise fairly soon, but on the other, many say there is likely to be ample time to respond if signs of rising inflation pressure emerge".
The Australian dollar initially weakened before bouncing back to unchanged at US76.90¢, but government 10-year yields dropped 5.3 points to 2.781 per cent.
The euro fell as voter polls showed right-wing parties gaining ground in The Netherlands and German two-year bond yields hit record lows around minus 0.85 per cent as banks hoarded safe-haven assets amid tight liquidity conditions.
The Shanghai composite index was down 0.4 per cent at the close of the ASX as the central reversed the trend of the past five days by draining liquidity from the banking system.
Spot iron ore dropped 0.7 per cent to $US94.30 a tonne and Dalian futures were down one per cent.
"There wasn't much of an offshore lead overnight in America, and if you have a look at sector breakdown, it's mainly the materials sector that's pulling the market down," Atlantic Pacific Securities client adviser Gary Huxtable said.
"And Rio is really the big drag — it's ex-dividend today.
"Other than that, the iron ore market has been consolidating after having a pretty strong run there for a good week-and-a-half."
Rio Tinto dropped 5.45 per cent, BHP Billiton shed 2.7 per cent and Fortescue Metals lost 2.6 per cent.
South32 fell 3.85 per cent as the competition watchdog expressed concern over its proposed $US200 million acquisition of the Metropolitan Colliery in NSW from Peabody Energy.
Investor response to the many company earnings reports on Thursday was mixed.
Qantas gained 5.35 per cent despite a 25 per cent fall in its half-year profit, but investors thought the results demonstrated the airline's resilience in a competitive market.
Casinos operator Crown surged 7.9 per cent despite a weaker underlying first-half profit, but investors welcomed a $500 million share buyback and the payment of a special dividend.
Hospitals operator Ramsay Health Care backtracked 3.2 per cent despite a 14 per cent rise in half-year profit and an upgrade of its full-year profit growth forecast.
Nine Entertainment surged 7.25 per cent as it made a half-year loss of $237 million, because of another big writedown against its free-to-air TV network.
The Australian dollar was slightly stronger against the US dollar despite the release of data showing a sharper-than-expected fall in business investment in the December quarter.
The Aussie was at 76.99 US cents at 16.30pm AEDT, up from 76.91 US cents on Wednesday.
The broader All Ordinaries index was down 17.6 points, or 0.3 per cent, at 5832.5.
The March SPI200 futures contract was down 12 points at 5758 points, with 27,099 contracts traded
National market turnover was 2.44 billion shares worth $5.82 billion.


Spade Coat Hook Cast Iron 5"
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Can You Get Rid of Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?
If you need more help to get rid of your exisiting stretch marks, have a look at our article: How to Get rid of Stretch Marks (The Definitive Guide). Conclusion To sum it up, most women will get pregnancy stretch marks .... Weight gain during pregnancy, body changes during puberty and hormonal fluctuations are some of the reasons why stretch marks appear. The appearance of stretch marks on any part of the body, can be a cause of great embarrassment to women as they are very conscious about the way they look.
If you need more help to get rid of your exisiting stretch marks, have a look at our article: How to Get rid of Stretch Marks (The Definitive Guide). Conclusion To sum it up, most women will get pregnancy stretch marks .


7:30pm, Monday 24 April 2006, Contact education@academyofideas.org.uk for more information.
This is the second in our 'in conversation' series. Stephen Rowland, the Professor of Higher Education at University College London is the author of many books, including The Enquiring Classroom and The Enquiring University Teacher. His latest book is The Enquiring University (forthcoming).


Ever thought about getting quality .edu Backlink for your website in Nigeria? This tutorial post is for you. You will learn how to get backlink from Unilag in Nigeria today.
Before going further to the main body of this post, I will like you to check out this post, where I talk about how to get started with link Building the right way and also some sites to get backlink from.
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I normally get lists of high quality backlink sites that will explore your blog and then add it to my Link Blaster eBook Bonus section almost every month. So you see, this is more of an expo to what you will find when you order for the Link Blaster .pdf file today to get high quality backlinks from high PR sites the easy way.
1. Visit Unilag College of Medicine website.
2. Navigate to the comment section.
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Chef Sean Brock's cookbook, Heritage, might not be a new release any longer, but we're still obsessed with it. Seriously, we devoted a whole day to celebrating Sean Brock's kitchen magic and general awesomeness. But if, after you read about this recipe and probably thought about it for the rest of the afternoon, you're still not done with this hypnotizing, oozing specimen of cheeseburger perfection, Breville's got it covered. Make it again, Sean.


text:
Every knife in the I.O.Shen Mastergrade range uses the very latest technology to construct a blade that is not only amazingly sharp but will retain an edge for a phenomenal amount of time. The razor sharp edge ensures cleaner sharper cuts and the Triplex Technology extends the edge life between sharpening. This technology combines a core of ultra hard steel with softer shock absorbing steel to produce a stronger, longer lasting knife-edge.
The unique handle design features a knife that quickly sets you apart from the rest. The Japanese knives have a distinguished tempering process and a Rockwell Hardness of 62 layered between softer steels. The VG10 core allows for a sharp edge that makes this knife an excellent choice for both industry and home use. If you are looking to upgrade from German steel to Japanese steel, then the I.O. is a great choice. I.O.Shen handles are heavier and have the weight of a traditional German knife with the added benefit of Japanese steel which has been honed to a 15 degree angle, which allows for wonderful slicing and portion control. The special blade and handle distinguish this knife from any other.
*We offer the I.O.Shen Knives with lifetime manufacturer warranty against workmanship defects.
I.O. Shen I.O. Shen 3.5″/9cm Paring Knife (5093) – Gift Box $91.99
Ideal for peeling and other small or intricate work such as de-veining a shrimp, skinning mushrooms or cutting small garnishes. The moment the item being cut is in the palm of your hand, pick up a paring knife. These knives are usually between 6cm to 12cm. Because it is designed for peeling and trimming fruits and vegetables, the paring knife's edge must be kept sharp.
I.O. Shen I.O.Shen 10″/25cm Pastry/Bread Knife (1027) – Gift Box $84.99
The I.O.Shen Bread Knife is extra long so it can tackle the largest loaves, breads or pastries. This knife has a scalloped edge (i.e. curved bays) not serrated (i.e. steak knife). When the scallops are 8mm apart it is called a bread knife and when they are 4mm apart it is called a pastry knife. Pastry knives as the name suggests are used by Pastry Chefs to do fine work with sponges and so forth. Our bread knife has 6mm scallops giving you the best of both worlds.
Gift Ideas I.O.Shen 2 Piece Knife Set – Gift Box $167.99 $117.59
Every knife in the I.O.Shen Mastergrade range uses the very latest technology to construct a blade that is not only amazingly sharp but will retain an edge for a phenomenal amount of time. They have been hand sharpened to a 15° angle, which allows for wonderful slicing and portion control. The unique handle design distinguishes I.O.Shen from any other knife. The full tang construction provides strength, balance and precision control.
Gift Ideas I.O Shen 3 Piece Knife Set – Gift Box $274.99 $192.49
Gift Ideas I.O.Shen 5 Piece Knife Block Set $414.99
*Registered Post Australia Wide
Gift Ideas I.O.Shen 8″/21cm Chef Knife – Gift Box $129.99
Of the traditional style Chef's knives – the 21cm blade must be the most popular. The blade is long enough to tackle small joints whilst the depth is useful for all kinds of food prep including vegetables, fish and meat. The I.O.Shen Chef knife along with most chef's knives have a broad blade that curves upward towards the tip to allow the knife to rock for fine mincing. This really is a "one size fits all" blade. It can take on anything!
I.O. Shen I.O.Shen 6.5″/15cm Broad Blade Nakiri Knife – Gift Box $107.99
The perfect knife for shredding! An absolute joy to use on cabbage, onions, lettuce but can equally be used on root vegetables. The broad blade makes light work of even the toughest of vegetables.
Gift Ideas I.O.Shen 6″/16cm Sahm Khom Santoku Knife – Gift Box $105.99
A Santoku knife is the Japanese version of a chef knife. The knife has more steel at the tip of the blade and a flatter belly and no bolster. The knife is not rocked like a chef knife. Most people use more of a chopping motion instead of a rocking motion when cutting various types of food.
I.O. Shen I.O.Shen 5″/13cm Utility Knife – Gift Box $96.99
A utility knife is an all-purpose knife that is typically larger than a paring knife but smaller than a slicing knife. Usually these knives measure between 12cm and 16cm on the blade. The utility knife can be used to carve, slice, bone and fillet but is typically used for cutting small fruits and vegetables.


Flappy Bird was nothing short of a sensation back at the start of 2014.
Created by one man, .Gears' Dong Nguyen, the ad-supported title of pure skill seemed to come from nowhere when it romped to the top of the app store charts. In fact, it had actually been out for a while before suddenly shooting to stardom.
Speaking at RovioCon 2017 in Helsinki, Nguyen said he didn't actually have the analytics at the time to know just how popular the game had become.
His reference, though, was through supported ad impressions. This showed that Flappy Bird was played 20 billion times in February 2014 and downloaded over 90 million times across the App Store and Google Play.
As to how it became so popular? "To be honest I have no idea," he said, sparking a round of applause from the audience.
He suggested it could have been because people are too lazy to learn and just wanted something to tap on screen that's good enough to play.
Nguyen said that before Flappy Bird, he was studying to be an engineer, but later decided to change his career to make arcade games for mobile devices.
Back in 2013, he noted that the top App Store games were titles such as Clash of Clans, Candy Crush Saga and Angry Birds.
Many of these top titles, he said, are supposed to be created to support long-term entertainment as a service, with lots of content and a built out meta game.
He claimed his limitations however were time, skill, determination and budget.
Nguyen already had a day job programming for hardware devices, and didn't have the proper education about planning and managing a team, so it was better for him to work alone.
He also said he lacked the determination to complete games, with many unfinished projects piling up, and did not take making games seriously back then and had zero budget for them.
Despite all of this, however, he decided to make games.
To finish one, then, he needed to make it small enough to finish. He came up with a few core principles about the game he wanted to make.
He wanted it to be cute – inviting to appeal to a younger audience – and easy to start as people don't have much time to learn to play games.
He also wanted to create a game that could be played in one minute, as he didn't have the determination to make a longer game, and wanted it to be free with ads, admitting he was a little bit scared of taking responsibility for supporting paid users.
His expectations were also to make games that were hilarious and highly competitive – specifically made for skill, with no luck involved.
With that in mind, he started work on three titles: Shuriken Block, Flappy Bird and Super Ball Juggling.
For the development of Flappy Bird, he started with a mini character that he decided to make look round and chubby to create a cute and friendly look - a character that would become iconic for the game.
He also wanted the controls to be highly accessible. Having done research and found that console games had a latency of input a little over 100ms, he decided that was too slow for players and brought it down to less than 17ms for Flappy Bird.
Nguyen also added a sound effect for each tap to give instant feedback from the player's input, and decided to create the game in portrait mode to make it easier to handle.
After the title released in 2013, it wasn't until early 2014 that it became a massive hit. As well as receiving adulation, Nguyen also faced criticism, with lots of feedback calling the game terrible and that there were zero design skills involved in it.
Other accusations levelled at him were that he cheated the App Store rankings and ripped off other games like Mario because of the pipes.
He denied these allegations, and said he put the pipes in simply because they looked good. As for the rumoured lawsuits, they never transpired.
After taking lots of criticism and trying to come up with a new idea, Nguyen decided to take a break.
He said he didn't have time to enjoy Flappy Bird's success when it became popular, but is very proud that the title topped the App Store.
He plans to make his return to games though, much like he did with Swing Copters in 2014, and said he'll hopefully figure out something worthwhile to make his comeback perhaps this year or next year.
Another bolt from the blue: Can Swing Copters repeat Flappy Bird's success?
Where is mobile gaming's PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds?
Does mobile gaming have its Bloodborne?