In February 1987 I got a call from my Investment Banker friend Greg Presson. He had been contacted by Adaptec Inc., a San Jose based company that made SCSI controllers that resided on the peripheral device (SCSI Disk, tape, or scanner for example). They had an eight bit Host Adapter product they designed in 1984 that competed with ours, but it was very poor and they did not have many customers for it. In fact, the Adaptec sales force recommended our product to customers wanting to interface there SCSI controllers to IBM PC XT and AT computers. Adaptec's bread and butter where disk controllers.
Adaptec's CEO John Adler was interested in talking to us about a potential merger. Adaptec was a public company. I was concerned about sharing our plans with a competitor, but Greg convinced me they were serious. I talked to John Adler and he told me they had no intention of getting into the Host Adapter business.
On July 8, 1987 John Adler and several of his people came to our offices in Tustin and spent the day. They were cordial but somewhat skeptical. A week later John sent me a letter saying the Adaptec did not see our business and a large or viable opportunity and thanked me for our hospitality. I wrote him back saying I hoped we could continue to do business together, as by this time Adaptec sales people often recommended our product to interface to theirs.
Shortly after our meeting with Adaptec some customers called and told us that Adaptec was sampling a new AT Bus Master host adapter. I was able to get one of our disk drive customers to supply us with the Adaptec AHA-1540 prototype adapter late in 1987. The product had problems; it actually was slower than our 8 bit adapter when the PC was running MS-DOS, the main operating system for PC's at the time. I called John and asked about the product. He told me that Adaptec saw a need for a high end SCSI Host Adapter that was not being addressed. They designed the AHA-1540 for that market. The product was for high end PC's being used and servers running UNIX or Novell Netware operating systems. These systems were what is called multi-tasking and Adaptec felt they could get better performance with a Bus Master adapter. Bus Master Adapters were much more complex, and Adaptec was selling the product for close to five times what we were charging. That is where matters stood in mid-1988.
In late 1988 one of our customers told us Adaptec was sampling a sixteen bit AT bus adapter that was not Bus Master, it was a low cost adapter designed to compete with our products. Adaptec was going to market their product as superior to ours because it was sixteen bit. We got a copy of Adaptec's preliminary marketing material, and it was clear they had decided to take the information they obtained during our meeting the year before to develop their strategy and product plans.
The lesson I learned was to be far more guarded with our future product plans with potential competitors. Of course those things still happen today, as one can see by the Apple iOS/Google Android story.
I felt if Adaptec introduced a 16 bit product before we did it was going to be a major problem for us. Al and the engineering group were working on our sixteen bit product, but were way behind schedule. Al told me he needed more resources to do the sixteen bit product. When we shared product plans with Adaptec we told them our plan was to have a sixteen bit product by early 1989. Our sixteen bit AT bus product was going to be based on technology we developed for the sixteen bit Microchannel (MCA) Host Adapter, the MCS-350 that we introduced in late 1987. Al proposed a single chip adapter that would do both MCA and AT bus. But the product development was stalled.
I took the issue to our board of directors, which at that time included me, Al, Herb Evander, and Patty. The board suggested I look at raising capital, and I wrote Al a memo telling him we must had a sixteen bit product no later than July 1989 and that I would raise the capital he needed.
In April 1987 IBM announced the new, proprietary PS/2 line of PC's that use the microchannel bus architecture (MCA). Iomega was the first to come to us asking for a host adapter, followed by others. As a result we had two major host adapter development projects going at the same time, the 950 eight bit host adapter chip which we would manufacture ourselves (up until now we depended on Seagate to manufacture our first chip the 900), the MCS-350 Microchannel adapter. After completing the MCS-350 we began working on the TMC-1800 SCSI host adapter chip for MCA and AT bus.
For now, sales of eight bit adapters were very strong. Sales were strong and FY1988 (March) ended with record revenue of $2.5 million and profit of $500,000. By fall we had totally outgrown our suite on Parkway Loop and began looking for more space. We signed a lease on two additional suites in the Parkway Loop complex. This more than doubled our square footage.
In October of 1987 we shipped the first MCS-350 microchannel host adapter. IBM did not have a SCSI host adapter for the new PS/2 line of computers so they became interested in us. By now some devices were only available with a SCSI interface, namely certain scanners and optical disk drives, including the new CD-ROM. IBM customers wanted to interface these devices but IBM did not have a solution. IBM began sourcing a limited number of SCSI adapters from us at that time, but in a few years they would grow to be our largest customer.
Our OEM sales were increasing rapidly, and so were our Distribution sales. Mike Shaw traveled to Arrow Electronics offices all over the US to build the distribution sales network. Our sales were growing 30% or more a month. I hired Dante Maiorano as VP of Operations to run the manufacturing side of the company. He did a great job and grew with the company.


Elstein panel radiators are ceramic infrared radiators which are made using a full-pour casting ceramic process and are characterised by their concave design. Due to the design of this type, there is a space between the radiator and mounting plate, which reduces the heat absorbed by the wiring space. Panel radiators can be used universally and are suitable for assembling radiation areas with any geometry required.
Elstein rod radiators are ceramic infrared rod radiators, which can be used for operating temperatures up to 1000°C and surface ratings up to 87 kWm2. The typical operating temperature of 1000˚C is reached in less than one minute. They are therefore particularly suitable for use in plant construction in which special solutions have to be drawn up for the customer's specific needs and for applications requiring high outputs.
Elstein screw heaters are ceramic infrared dark heaters. Infrared heaters are suitable both for individual operation and for configuring groups of heaters. They have diverse applications, in particular they range over terrariums/pets and livestock, breeding, medical and catering technology. The ceramic body was well as the ceramic surface are mechanically and thermally stable.
Infrared systems are very versatile, suited for being built to any dimensions as well as coming in a variety of lengths, not only this but these systems can be fitted with most ceramic infrared panel heaters. Their easy installation and sustainability make the infrared system ideal for a multitude of applications such as the food industry.


text:
Trapeze Blog
How to Create a Successful Public Transport Service with a Franchise Model
By Brian Higbee
Cities around the world are looking at congestion-busting incentives for residents to leave their private vehicles at home and use public transport for their daily commute. However, for this to occur, public transport needs to be an appealing option - with regular, reliable, affordable, convenient, and safe services.
Transport authorities need cost-effective options to move thousands of people quickly around cities every day. Regardless of whether buses, trams, commuter rail, or ferries are part of the public transport mix, any system requires careful planning and operation to enable widespread acceptance by locals and visitors alike. 'Franchise models' are becoming a popular means to achieve this outcome.
This blog examines:
How successful public transport services can be delivered using a franchise model;
How technology enables transport authorities to manage franchise models; and
How operators within a franchise model provide high-quality public transport services that are good value for taxpayers' money and deliver great passenger experiences.
What is the 'Franchise Model?'
A franchise model is a change of thinking from conventional public transport services. Traditionally, services have been founded on an operator-led, revenue-based, service delivery model. A franchise model is quite different - where operators contract to a central transport authority to deliver services to a pre-defined quality level.
It is set up in a way where the transport authority determines the routes, fare structures, and incentives to ensure a successful public transport service is delivered [1]. This is part of a global trend where there is a clear separation between the transport authority that develops and oversees the public transport system, and the operator(s) that deliver passenger services.[2].
The Transport Authority and Operator Relationship
With the franchising approach, the transport authority's role is to specify what it wants the market to deliver with the available funds and provides the (fair) conditions for operators to achieve this outcome. However, the services themselves are provided by independent operators who are contracted via competitive tender by the transport authority.
Operators have expertise at managing large bus, tram, or ferry fleets, and employ the qualified staff required to operate and maintain them. It is up to each operator to deliver services that meet passenger needs – which in turn contributes to the wider transport authority objectives. In effect, the franchise model allows these operators to use their strength in operations to deliver great services.
The transport authority develops contracts with operators to ensure they deliver services that meet their objectives and quality criteria. For example, as part of a contract, an operator may need to meet a service interval of every 10 minutes at each station on a particular route. If an operator meets this target, they are incentivised with financial rewards. If they fail, they are penalised.
If services are affected by circumstances outside the operator's control, such as diversions, road closures, and other disruptions, the contracting model normally includes a mechanism to recognise the service delivered without financial penalty. The franchise system aims to encourage competition that keeps costs down, while rewarding good operators and removing underperforming ones.
How Many Operators are Usually Involved?
By definition, a franchise model involves multiple operators. While some transport systems only have one operator[3], ideally two or more operators are contracted to reduce transport authority risks.
Initial advantages of using a single operator, such as simplified implementations and the transport authority not having to build their capacity to manage multiple operators, are outweighed by a lack of leverage for the transport authority to control what the operator does if service levels are unsatisfactory. In effect, a single operator creates a monopoly, and is not subject to competitive forces that drive efficiencies and control costs.
Who has Implemented the Franchise Model?
Many cities have successfully implemented the franchise model – including small to large authorities with varying transit budgets. Transport for London (TfL) (including buses and trams, with over 10 operators) and the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) (4 operators) have successfully run franchise models for many years, supporting service improvements and increased passenger satisfaction.
For example, since Singapore fully transitioned to the franchise model, there has been less crowding on buses, less wait time, more services deployed, and more staff employed [4]. Other examples where franchise models have worked well include NTA Ireland, Sydney, and Cape Town.
There are also variations within franchise models. In Singapore, buses and depots are owned by the LTA, and bus operators are contracted to operate the network by using and maintaining these assets. In London, the depots and the buses/trams are owned by the operators.
While a franchise model may not be suitable for all cities, it does enable the organisation of transport services within a competitive market that incentivises operators to provide quality, value-for-money public transport services. Usually, there is a transition process towards the franchise model e.g., the Singapore franchise model commenced in 2014 with only two operators, while two more have been subsequently introduced into the network. With any franchise model, the number of operators can fluctuate between contract cycles and changing public transport requirements.
How to Run a Franchise Model Successfully with Technology
Regardless of the model adopted, the main aim of a public transport system is to provide reliable services at convenient, regular intervals. For a franchise model to work effectively, technology is required to monitor the actual service intervals against the operators' contracts.
At the same time, operators require information to manage services and help them meet their contractual obligations. Achieving these outcomes requires a unified system that shows the transport authority and operators exactly what is always happening throughout the entire public transport network.
How Intelligent Transport Systems Help
If a transport authority uses the franchise model, they will need to know how well operators are delivering their services. Transport authorities will also want to improve efficiencies and service quality.
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) technology helps achieve this aim by connecting all the moving parts of a public transport network into a central place. ITS collects operational information from multiple operators for detailed analysis - which means a transport authority can monitor all services to make sure they are being delivered to the required benchmarks and KPIs [5].
The Singapore LTA use ITS to track every single bus (over 6,000 vehicles) throughout the country, which involves multiple routes and operators. This gives the LTA a consistent and reliable way to monitor contracted services. As the ITS is provided by the LTA, it provides a 'single source of truth' of data across the entire bus network, which means there is a central reference for performance measurement.
ITS involves fitting a GPS tracker and displays to every vehicle and informing both the control room and driver about each service. Because information generation happens in real-time, the operator can improve services while they are running. ITS also provides data to help improve decision making within the transport authority. During daily operations, the system collects operational data which is automatically analysed to show the punctuality of individual vehicles, as well as information on specific problem areas. Data analysis shows potential trouble spots along with operational procedures.
Statistical applications make the operational process more transparent for both the transport authority and the operator. The transport authority can introduce suitable changes, based on accurate results - which allows for the ongoing optimisation of operational processes and performance. One change might be adjusting bus and tram priority settings or timetabled travel times between stops. Most importantly when it comes to the franchise model, payments need to be made based on the actual services delivered – and such payments need to be made on measurements that reflect the operator contract.
The system needs to be scalable so that franchises and operators can be added or removed. Trapeze has helped implement ITS for large global cities like London and Singapore and has also helped other cities achieve their similar goals on a smaller scale.
How Transport for London uses ITS
To find out more on how Trapeze's ITS technology can be applied to the franchise model, see our video on how Transport for London uses ITS to manage multiple operators. TfL's ITS system is used to help transport over seven million bus and tram passengers daily, and their franchise model has supported the delivery of excellent public transport services that are well received by commuters [6].
Overall, the franchise approach can provide flexibility for transport authorities to influence market outcomes. When a franchise model performs well, it provides transport authorities and operators with a framework to provide quality public transport services that are good value for public funds.
ITS supports the franchise model by providing a consistent, accurate, single source of truth data that allows the transport authority and operators to manage service delivery against contracts, as well as increasing service reliability and the passenger experience.
Trapeze brings a wealth of experience, based on the implementation and support of more than 100 ITS systems worldwide for transport authorities and operators across multiple transport modes – including those that leverage a franchised model.
Find out more at our pages on bus, light rail, and ferry Intelligent Transport Systems.
Contact Us to find out more about how Trapeze technology can help improve public transport operations.
[1] Urban Transport Group, "Bus Franchising", [Online]. Available: https://www.urbantransportgroup.org/system/files/general-docs/Bus%20franchising%20briefing.pdf
[2] UITP Australia/New Zealand. Frameworks for our networks: A review of public transport service contracts in Australia and New Zealand. February 2021. [Online]. Available: https://cms.uitp.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FINAL-UITPANZ-Allens-Report-Frameworks-for-our-Networks-February-2021.pdf
[3] Far East Mobility, "BRT Planning Risks: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?", 1 September 2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.fareast.mobi/en/brt/risks/BRT-Project-Risks-What-Could-Possibly-Go-Wrong
[4] Singapore Land and Transport Authority, "Bus Services Continue to Improve Since Transition to BCM," 04 09 2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2017/9/2/bus-services-continue-to-improve-since-transition-to-bcm.html
[5] Transport Network, "Taking the Franchise Route", 17 November 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.transport-network.co.uk/Taking-the-Franchise-Route/16402
[6] Intelligent Transport, "Technology-backed franchising: the model for a better bus sector", 17 November 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.intelligenttransport.com/transport-articles/111630/technology-backed-franchising-the-model-for-a-better-bus-sector/
Meet the Author:
Brian Higbee
International Project Director, Trapeze ITS UK
Brian has over 25 years of experience in implementing AVLC and AVM solutions globally, including Transport for London. Brian's expertise includes embedded mobile solutions, data and voice communications, real-time data processing, central control systems, database solutions, and systems integration. Connect with Brian on LinkedIn.
Trapeze Bus Industry Resources
Read the latest Bus content
Intelligent Transport Systems for Bus
Intelligent Transport Systems for Ferry
Transport for London Talks ITS and Multi-Operator Management

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
TOTO ANNOUNCE DATES FOR THE "40 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN" TOUR & NEW ALBUM IN SUPPORT OF 40TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2018
4 shares Facebook4 Twitter LinkedIn Email New Album To Be Released On Sony Music's Legacy Recordings Worldwide In February Of 2018 Will Contain Classic Remastered Hits Alongside Brand New...
by Adrian Hextall June 14, 2017
New Album To Be Released On Sony Music's Legacy Recordings Worldwide In February Of 2018
Will Contain Classic Remastered Hits Alongside Brand New Tracks
Tickets on sale Tuesday 20 June 2017 at 9am at LiveNation.co.uk
(London, 14 June 2017), TOTO is pleased to announce the first set of shows in support of the band's 40th Anniversary beginning in 2018. The 40 Trips Around The Sun Tour will begin in February 2018 in Europe. The tour will be the band's most extensive run in years and will be a worldwide tour to celebrate the band's enduring career. More shows will be announced shortly.
Along side the launch of the tour, TOTO along with Legacy Recordings have created a brand new Greatest Hits package. The album will feature brand new previously unreleased music alongside newly remastered classic tracks worked on by Elliot Scheiner & Gavin Lurssen and his team. The core Toto members, Steve Lukather, David Paich, Steve Porcaro, Joseph Williams re-entered the studio this past year to work on the material. Full details on that album alongside many other projects the band has in the works with Legacy Recordings will be announced at a later date.
"Myself, David, Steve and Joseph are humbled and thrilled at the long-lasting success of the band," Steve Lukather remarked. "This 40th Anniversary tour is going to be a special one for us and all of the fans that come out. On top of all that, it's really exciting to be working with Sony Music again. We've spent a lot of time this year working on new music and re-mastering the older tracks."
Few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of TOTO. As individuals, the band members can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a half a billion albums. Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the performances with more than 200 Grammy nominations.
With close to 40 years together and literally thousands of credits, including the biggest selling album of all time: Michael Jackson's Thriller, and accolades to their names, TOTO remains one of the top selling touring and recording acts in the world. They are the benchmark by which many artists base their sound and production, and they continue to transcend the standards set by the entire music community, being simply synonymous with musical credibility. Their repertoire continues to be current via high profile usage on broadcast television. They are pop culture, and are one of the few 70's bands that have endured the changing trends and styles to a career enjoy a multi-generational worldwide fan base.
TOTO – 2018 – 40 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN TOUR
2/19 Hamburg, DE Mehr! Theater
2/21 Dusseldorf, DE Mitsubishi-Electric Hall
2/22 Munich, DE Olympiahalle
2/24 Berlin, DE C-Halle
2/25 Leipzig, DE Haus Auensee
2/28 Krakow, PL Tauron Arena
3/2 Vienna, AT Gasometer
3/10 Milan, IT Mediolanum Forum
3/13 Stuttgart, DE Porsche Arena
3/15 Lille, FR Zenith
3/17 Amsterdam, NL Ziggo Dome
3/18 Brussels, BE Forest National
3/20 Offenbach, DE Stadthalle
3/23 Bologna, IT Unipol Arena
3/25 Marseille, FR Dome
3/26 Toulouse, FR Zenith
3/27 Lyon, FR Halle Tony Garnier
3/30 Paris, FR La Seine Musicale
4/1 London, UK Royal Albert Hall
4/2 Manchester, UK Bridgewater Hall
4/4 Dublin, IE Vicar Street
4/7 Belfast, UK Waterfront Auditorium
4/8 Glasgow, UK SEC Armadillo
www.totoofficial.com
www.twitter.com/toto99com
www.facebook.com/totoband
201840TH ANNIVERSARYNew AlbumTotoTour"40 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN"
Vintage Trouble @ Manchester Ritz on June 6th, 2017
by Denys - Jun 13, 2017
Alice Cooper Releases First Single "Paranoiac Personality"


I have this inherent love/hate relationship with blogging, like I do with most things. I love it for a while and then I fall off. Then come back and talk about how I won't do it again…..until I do it again. The cycle continues several times, as it has done many times before and yet again, i'm brought back full circle, hungry for the same thing that I need every single time, my VOICE.
Recently, I lost a great friend and fellow blogger who extended her voice to thousands in hopes that she could spread her love for self on to others – which she did and was admired for it. I then watched on, after her passing, as her name was dragged through blogs, websites and YouTube channels while nay-Sayers created stories of their own about who she was. None of it being true. It got to the point where I was unable to read an article about her, in fear that it would be another terrible story filled with unsubstantiated claims all in the name of their sites getting a few comments or likes to stay relevant.
Another great friend of mine, Beatrice, of HeavenlyGlow.net was also a friend to the young woman that I knew who passed. She created a beautiful post about her, and the experience of losing her and how it felt to see people latch on to her story and fill it with falsehoods about the reasons behind her passing the way that she did. That moment made me realize the importance of having a voice and the gift of being able to blog and have it be heard.
Yeah, I could have gone to twitter, but 140 characters could not contain everything that I felt. Facebook? Facebook is good, but you get lost in the sea of thousands of other peoples problems like, "What should I eat for dinner tonight" or "My boyfriend just cheated on me, I'm devastated, I loved him so much, how could he do this" or "my baby daddy aint sh…" Well, you get the point.
But a blog is free of all of that. It is a reflection of my feelings, my thoughts & my VOICE. The happiness, the pain, the tragedy, the excitement, the love, the hate, the ambition, the doubt, it's a collection of EVERYTHING that I feel.
So, this time around, I will not make any promises. I will not say that I will never abandon it again, because it may happen. No matter what happens though, I know I will always find my way back to my voice.
It is no secret that Jay-Z and Beyonce' are one of the world's largest and most sought out power couples. Their relationship is almost "fairytale like" with the increasingly evident amount of support that they provide to one another. I am secretly (I guess not so much anymore) a HUGE sports buff, so tonight, I watched an incredible face-off between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets (Jay-Z's team). Even with the game being incredibly close the entire time, it was those slight moments where the camera captured Beyonce' where my heart stopped and my adrenaline went into overdrive. I have been a Beyonce' fan for years, so this inspired a post featuring a compilation of her amazingly chic courtside looks. She is an international superstar, style icon, and new mother, yet always finds time to remain a supportive wife. So, let's delve into a few of her looks.
Tear, I just love their chemistry! Beyonce' is always AMAZINGLY amazing! Later on in the week, I am planning on doing one of Beyonce's amazing looks for less, so stay tuned loves.


What's in your journal: Weeeell, nothing much, really. Introduction, if someone gets lost there, and I couldn't help but post my very first fanfic there, that I just had to write after I watched A Game of Shadows =). But only my first one, kind of short, well it was a first try =). I signed up so I'm not an anonymous anymore when I write in different fanfic search communities. And, well, I don't really know anyone at live journal. My friends here don't share my passion for the English language…or my movies, fanfics and such, for that matter…actually we don't share any interest I'm pursuing in the internet, 'cept maybe facebook if that counts.
And honestly, I'm not sure what to post in my journal.
What rating is your journal: PG, I guess.
Favourite Sherlock series/movie(s): definitely the Richie-verse *-*. When I saw the first movie with my sister, I absolutely fell in love with it. The movie is the reason for my RDJ addiction and the second kept me at the edge of my seat. Awesome. I read some canon as well after the first movie and do like the original as well :).
I have too admin I'm still debating with myself if I look into the BBC verse, I'm a little scared about the Holmes in modern time thing. Don't know why =).
Favourite Sherlock character(s): Sherlock Holmes, hands down, preferable played by Robert Downey Jr. But Watson is close behind and I like Mycroft and the Irregulars, too.
Favourite Sherlock pairing(s): No real pairing. If it's nice fluffy then I occasionally read Holmes/Watson, but usual no pairing.
Interests/Hobbies outside of fandom: music, movies (especially at the cinema :)), reading in general, meeting my friends and doing something with my sisters.
Friending policy: I'm friendly to anyone who is friendly to me…and forgives the mistakes I still make with the language.
What you do in fandom: mostly reading, I've only written 4 little fics.
Other fandoms you like: Oh gosh, a lot. I like oldies, like the Dukes of Hazzard, A-team and Starsky and Hutch, but also Navy CIS, White Collar, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Iron Man, the Avengers, and more I can't think about right now. At the moment, my interest in focused on Holmes mostly.
Anything else you'd like to share: I love to meet/talk to new people, especially with shared interests.
What's in your journal: I usually write about real life. I like to write about my favorite shows but not everyone intrested as I only have afew who like the stuff I'm into. But starting to write about my favorite shows. Right now I'm on high as I fell in love with sherlock holmes.
What rating is your journal: PG.
Favourite Sherlock series/movie(s): So far I only watched the BBC version but I plan to watch the films next.
Favourite Sherlock character(s): Sherlock, hands down. I love Sherlock. I love how clever he is and I love Sherlock. I don't think I ever loved a character so quickly.
Friending policy: If we have some things in common:). I'm looking for new friends who hopefully like the same shows or something. I also do want to get to know you to so I love hearing about real life to. only really have two people who I dicuss my shows with and sometimes I would love other people to dicuss it with. I'm abit shy at first but after I do love to talk. I'm friendly and kind. I love listening.
Where to add you: (lj, tumblr, dw, etc) LJ.
What's in your journal: My offline life. I have a fanfiction journal, but have not updated it in a very long time. Most of the work there is based on the TV show "Supernatural", which I seem to have grown out of, and therefore I will most likely be deleting it soon.
What rating is your journal: As far as my offline life journal goes, I would say T+. Some of it may be M due to uncouth language and the subject matter therein. My fanfiction journal is most definitely M.
Favourite Sherlock series/movie(s): "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows".
Favourite Sherlock character(s): This is a toss-up between Mr. Downey Jr.'s Holmes and Mr. Law's Watson, as I adore both characters immensely. Holmes' quick mind, coupled with Watson's courage, is refreshing. And of course, their spirited banter is always appreciated.
Favourite Sherlock pairing(s): In Mr. Ritchie's film world, Sherlock Holmes/John Watson.
Interest/Hobbies outside of fandom: I am an avid writer outside of fanfiction. I am currently penning an original novel, along with rediscovering my love for poetry. I love to sing (though I'm of the humble opinion that my voice is not suited for the ears of the public!), and I read anything/everything in sight: newspapers, fiction, non-fiction, mystery, fantasy--et cetera, et cetera. And, of course, bloody good fanfiction.
Friending policy: I have an open heart and mind, but please, don't simply friend me for the sake of friending. Having interests and would be a better incentive to cause me to friend you back.
Where to add you: (lj, tumblr, dw, etc.) On LiveJournal I am fiery_fox2; on Facebook I'm Maribeth Shuman; and on Twitter (though I hardly use it anymore) I'm angel_wings20.
What you do in fandom: I discuss and occasionally debate, but mostly I can be found scattered throughout different communities leaving comments on fanfiction I've read.
Other fandoms you like: To be truthful, this is the one only I'm interested in.
Anything else you'd like to share: I am a complete "newbie" to the Holmes/Watson Ritchie!verse fandom. I watched "A Game of Shadows" and my mind was immediately taken hostage by beautiful, flawed, and absolutely hilarious men. The comments I've received on my arc "Love's Bitter Sting" in the agoshadows_fic comm have boosted my confidence at being able to write for this pairing, and have helped me to become a better author in general. Thank you all, so much!
What's in your journal: More recently it's been depressiony rants :(, but it ranges from fic to fun and memes and helpful observational comedy and even a few tv related posts on the odd occasion.
What rating is your journal: Usually pg13, but sometimes it does go higher, I cut though.
Favourite Sherlock series/movie(s): The BBC version, but I do like a bit of Richie.
Interests/Hobbies outside of fandom: I am rather creative and like making stuff whether sewing, beading or building, I also spend a good chunk of time on the old family history research and I am also a web designer on the side while I'm being studenty again.
Friending policy: Anything goes really, well, if you friend me I may or may not notice until you pop up with a comment. However if you tell me or I notice I will add back.
Where to add you: (lj, tumblr, dw, etc) I only really have here.
What you do in fandom: I participate in fic challenges thegameison_sh and read extensively, oh and I'm also part of the staff of the SherlockNYC meetup thingumy.
Other comms you like: I can't think of any, but look at the ones I watch if you need to.
Anything else you'd like to share: I dedicated my undergraduate dissertation to my goldfish who sadly died while I was in the middle of writing it.
What's in your journal: Currently a oneshot and the first chapter of a miniseries. Will add more later.
Favourite Sherlock series/movie(s): Currently it's BBC Sherlock, just because of Benedict Cumberbatch and his lovely eyes. But I love the Guy Ritchie!verse too.
Favourite Sherlock character(s): Holmes, in every series but the Grenada. That's Watson.
Favourite Sherlock pairing(s): Holmes/Watson! They have so much chemistry together in every possible circumstance. Yes, I know it's not canon, but how is making him have a relationship with Irene Adler more canon? Watson opens 'A Scandal in Bohemia' by telling the audience that Holmes feels nothing akin to love for her. I think it's much more likely that Holmes would fall for Watson, especially because he's the only person to develop a close personal relationship with him.
Interests/Hobbies outside of fandom: Poetry, cooking. I'll be studying hotel management next year and training for culinary school. I hope to own a restaurant one day!
Where to add you: LJ, but I'm also on fanfiction under the username Lawliet's Angel. (Thumbs up if you get the reference). I crosspost most of my work there, and I update the ff.net account more than I update the LJ.
What you do in fandom: Haunt the Holmes/Watson or Sherlock/John sections. I'm in love with love at the moment, so I like nothing more than a good fic with believable and interesting romance.
Other fandoms you like: Harry Potter, MLP FIM, anything having to do with memes or ragecomics.
Other comms you like: anything involving Sherlock Holmes, really.
Anything else you'd like to share: I'm heading off to college next year, leaving my friends and family behind for an unfamiliar environment. While I'm very happy to be going where I'm going, I'd still like to have some friends that transcend the boundaries of state or country to keep me pulling through. I'd love to discuss fiction or episodes or poetry.
What rating is your journal: I swear too much and write explicit fanfiction all the time every so often.
Favourite Sherlock series/movie(s): I got into Sherlock Holmes via the Ritchie films, so they'll always hold a special place in my heart, but I enjoy the BBC adaptation and I've read a fair bit of the canon.
Favourite Sherlock character(s): Sherlock Holmes himself *cough*especially if RDJ is playing him*cough*, John Watson (especially in the BBC series, because Martin Freeman is AWESOME.
Interests/Hobbies outside of fandom: One day I will be a screenwriter, or possibly a film critic. Currently I'm on a gap year which involves me sitting around watching bad tv or working. Next year I'll be a Film Studies and English Lit student. Needless to say, I cannot wait, because gap years are boring.
Friending policy: Friend me, I friend back. I don't bite, honest.
Where to add you: I only have a livejournal, so here, really.
What you do in fandom: I write fics. I would draw, but alas, I cannot. I'm also a professional lurker.
Other fandoms you like: Iron Man (both comics and movieverse), X-men, Avengers, Doctor Who/Torchwood, Batman (comics and movieverse), Final Fantasy, Uncharted, gah, there are more but my tired brain isn't wanting to think right now.
Anything else you'd like to share: Right now my journal is quite bare and friendless but honestly, I'm not insane nice enough once you get to know me and now I just sound desperate so I'm going to shut up I look forward to meeting more like minded fandom peoples.
Age: all grown up in age not completely in spirit.
Location: Texas, USA. We're not all like that, I swear.
What's in your journal: 99.9 percent fic.
What rating is your journal: Usually G maybe PG unless othewise noted.
Favourite Sherlock series/movie(s): ACD/BBC/ but I've just gotten into the Ritchie Movies and Granada is nearing the top of my netflix queue.
Favourite Sherlock character(s): Lestrade, Mycroft, John, Mrs. Hudson, RdJ's sherlock.
Favourite Sherlock pairing(s): Sherlock, John epic bromance but I don't really slash them especially in BBC. Some Mycroft/Lestrade in BBC but mostly no ro.
Interests/Hobbies outside of fandom: History, politics, genealogy, Muppets... but rarely do these things make my journal. Oh and I've not reading a book I'm listening to one on audio.
Friending policy: You friend me, I friend you.
Where to add you: (lj, tumblr, dw, etc) lj, have the same username at DW but haven't migrated stuff over, yet. I will in the new year use both, however.
What you do in fandom: fic, read, comment. I have no artistic skills. Those of you that do blow me away.
Other fandoms you like: Once upon a time I wrote for The West Wing and Gilmore Girls fandoms and I certainly avidly watch and debate many many shows but mostly BBC fic these days. But I love Who and will totally get invested in other peoples posts about any show I watch. And I've picked up so many great shows from my f-list.
Other comms you like: I spend more than a little time on the kinkmemes and do some role play.
Anything else you'd like to share: Fic project for 2012 is BBC updates for the short stories starting with The Gloria Scott.
Age: 28 (as October 11, 2011).
Location: Roundabouts the area of Richmond, Viginia, USA.
Favourite Sherlock series/movie(s): Prolly both of the Ritchie/Downey Jr./Law films (1st place). They're just so FUN! :) I also like ACD!canon (a close 2nd). And the 21st-century-set Beeb version IS pretty decent too (3rd).
Favourite Sherlock pairing(s): Holmes/Watson (friendship and/or slash). :D Watson/Mary. Holmes/Irene.
Where to add you: I really only have an LJ, So, please add me here: johnsheppardluv</lj>.
What's in your journal: Personal stuff, fandom stuff. Anything that doesn't quite fit on my tumblr.
What rating is your journal: Not rated.
Favourite Sherlock series/movie(s): If I have to pick one, I would pick the Guy Ritchie re-imagining. I think the translation to a broader audience yielded some interesting changes to the characters which I have enjoyed exploring. For further explanation, read more here. But I also adore canon (obviously), Granada Holmes, and BBC Sherlock.
Favourite Sherlock pairing(s): Holmes/Watson in canon, movieverse, and Granada. Not BBC, alas. How he is portrayed, Sherlock has better things to do than succumb to such boring human reactions as lust, and John, well I have seen no evidence that John loves anything but the ladies. That being said, I adore the chemistry between these two (their bickering is reminiscent of Ritchie's Holmes and Watson), and I am eager to see their friendship continue to develop.
Interests/Hobbies outside of fandom: History. By day, I am an historian, a graduate student going for my Master's in history.
Friending policy: Drop a comment to be added.
Where to add you: (lj, tumblr, dw, etc.) I'm on LJ here, tumblr, and dreamwidth.
What you do in fandom: My favorite thing to do is analyze the characters. I should have added over-analyzing to my list of interests. Seriously, I love nothing more than a good discussion. Along those lines, I also enjoy working out the characters through writing and reading fanfic. My writing journal can be found here.
Other fandoms you like: Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Lost, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Star Trek, How I Met Your Mother, &c. Honestly, I just love film and television. I will join in a conversation anywhere.
Other comms you like: holmeswatson09 doctorwho I have been absent from LJ for a while, so I could use some recommendations.
Anything else you'd like to share: I'm just looking for some fellow Holmes enthusiasts who would be willing to debate/discuss/&c. I don't mind bouts of fangirling (let's face it, we all go there from time to time), but I would rather it not be the basis of your participation in fandom. A gal can only take so much.


Servicing in all areas around Western Sydney. The Australian Computer Doctors are proudly just around the corner to get you up and running before you know it. We specialise in issues such as virus removal, spyware removal, trojan located in Western Sydney. We offer onsite computer repairs to the majority of Western Sydney, and are proud to offer award winning customer service to all our customers.
No matter what your problem may be, we have specially trained, qualified local technicians: removal, hardware repairs, internet problems, email problems, laptop repairs. We are also able to service all makes and models, including major companies such as Dell, HP, Compaq, IBM, Acer, Asus, and more.
One of the founders of Australian Computer Doctors, David has gained a reputation for being one of the best in the industry. With 5 years, with Australian Computer Doctors as a technician and numerous years of industry experience prior to that - there is no problem David cant fix. Here are some REAL testimonials from satisfied customers of Davids.
Julie D from Figtree: "The people and the service was absolutely awesome. They come in on budget and on time!"
Irene S from Thirroul: "I'm new to the area and it was a daunting task to think I needed to get my laptop fixed after it going down. Your company was my first phone call and found you friendly and courteous so arranged for appointment. Thanking you, Irene"
Eddie B from Corrimal: "My PC died, and with it went my 3000 word uni assignment. David from ACD came promptly and although the PC was pronounced dead on arrival, he extracted my painstaken work from the hard drive. David returned soon after with a replacement PC which he had loaded with my old PC's data. All my old uni assignments were there. Thanks so much David & ACD. You saved this student's life!"
Paul W from Wollongong: " Australian Computer Doctors provided fast, excellent service when a virus shut down my computer. The problem was fixed quickly and at the quoted price which good value for money."
With two years experience with Australian Computer Doctors, Matthew has proven himself to be experienced in every aspect of computer repairs. With a degree in Computer Science from Wollongong University, Matthew backs up his friendly service with a sound knowledge of the computer repair industry. From software problems such as virus removal or spyware removal, to hardware problems like crashed computers - he is more than qualified to get you up and running again. For more information about Matthew, please refer to our REAL testimonials from is satisfied customers.
Kate C from North Wollongong: " Matthew spoke to me in basic terms that i could understand. He went to a great deal of effort to help rectify the problem and we are very happy with the service we received. We will definately use your service again should the need arise. Thank you Kate."
Simon is relatively new to the Australian Computer Doctors, but that doesnt mean he is new to computer repairs. With 10 years of industry experience in the technology sector, he is more than qualified for any problem you can throw at him. Dont take our word for it - here is what customers have been saying about Simons fantastic service.
John F. from Dapto: " I have found that normally as an older user with limited knowledge of computers i sometimes get treated impatiently & rudely. With Australian Computer Doctors I had excellent service from start to finish & would highly recommend them to anyone. Thankyou, John "