Here's a good idea for a New Year's resolution.
Don't argue with people who don't listen.
Not no way. Not no how.
Let me tell you how I came upon this bit of wisdom. Mind you, I haven't learned it completely myself. From time to time I still find myself in a futile conversation with someone who will not hear what I have to say.
About 25 years ago, far away in a beautiful little city called Temple, Texas, I decided I wanted to participate in community theater. The trouble was, in a town with the largest hospital in Central Texas, all the best roles always went to the doctors and the lawyers who donated the most money to keep the theater doors open. So a group of earnest though poor folks including me started our own little theater and put on plays at the local Ramada Inn. With limited expenses, a play that drew 45 to 50 people a performance was considered a success.
All went well until one spring when we needed someone to volunteer to direct the next production. The local high school drama teacher said she would do it—even though she was directing the students in Hello Dolly! at the same time—if she could have the lead in the next play 6 Rms Rv Vu. It fell to me to find a director for that show. I could not find anyone except the junior college drama instructor who was interested only if rehearsals began after June first when his semester ended. That seemed reasonable until the high school teacher announced the rehearsals had to begin the middle of May because of her summer schedule.
So there I was in a pickle. If I pleased the high school teacher there was no director. And, I felt, I would look foolish to the junior college instructor. If I accommodated the junior college guy I'd break the original deal and make the high school teacher mad.
Now, I know all this sounds petty and boring but I'm getting to the meat of the matter right now. The high school drama teacher was married to this building contractor who looked like the Norse god Thor, only stronger. This guy could lift two 8×4 ¾-inch plywood boards over his head and not even breathe hard. When his wife got mad, he got mad.
That's true. I didn't tell them when I had a chance because I was scared to death of their reaction. I had her best friend tell her. She didn't speak to her friend for at least a year.
Yes, I did. He offered it and I drank it. What a baseborn ingrate I was.
No matter how hard I tried to explain the situation to him I failed. He was too busy shouting at me to take time to listen to my explanation, no matter how wimpy it sounded.
Every time he saw me after that for the next six months or so he would lecture me on the importance of teamwork and cooperation. By that time I had learned to smile and nod. I got very good at smiling and nodding. But the damage was done. Half of the theater group thought I was terrible for double crossing Hortense. The other half thought Hortense and her husband were jerks. So we disbanded. Thankfully, the high school teacher shortly thereafter took a job at a junior college across the state and in a few years my family and I moved to Florida.
The point of this is that sometimes there are two groups of people, those who have to make hard decisions that they know will please no one and those who get mad. They are too busy exploding to be confused with the facts. It doesn't have to be a community theater. It can be a church. It can be a business. It can be government, at all levels.
It always happens and will continue to happen. Most people who have actual problems with their ears get a hearing aid. The socially deaf don't think they do anything wrong. The rest of us just have to accept this fact of life and practice our smiling and nodding.
One last thing, if you don't like this commentary, or for that matter, anything else I've written, keep it to yourself. I'm getting a little hard of hearing myself.
This entry was posted in Opinion on December 31, 2013 by jerrycowling.
A lot of people don't know this, but Santa Claus hasn't always lived at the North Pole.
Way back in the Middle Ages, he lived in the Netherlands. His original name was Sinter Klaus which was Dutch. He got started carving those wooden shoes for the children. Soon he found out kids weren't all that keen about shoes. Their parents got them shoes all the time. Who cared if he carved them to look like squirrels, rabbits and deer? Then he wised up and started carving toys and making dolls. The word got out, and Santa became a fan favorite in December.
All was cool for a couple of hundred years until the Goths and Visigoths began raiding the Low Country. He kept trying to tell them they didn't have to steal the toys. He was going to deliver them to the Goth and Visigoth children anyway. At least some of them. Goth and Visigoth kids can be real little brats if truth be told.
"Even if you have to steal it," Santa said.
Now Santa knew why the Goth and Visigoth kids were horrible. Their parents were horrible. So Santa decided it was time for a change of scenery. Each Christmas Eve as he flew his sleigh and eight tiny reindeer around the world he noticed Florida was a nice place. Lots of sandy beaches, very warm and not so many people to crowd his space.
He, the elves and the reindeer packed up their stuff and moved right after the first of the year in 1492.
Bad timing. The Spanish were on the way, but he didn't know it then. He knew when children were naughty or nice, but Santa didn't have a clue about adults. When people got to be adults, they were apt to do anything, especially anything naughty.
Santa and the gang managed to last a couple of hundred years before the Europeans started to settle in. The worst part of living in Florida, however, was that the elves were completely distracted by the sandy beaches. It was too cold in Holland to do much except make toys; but in Florida the sun was out and the surf was up.
The big guy himself didn't care to spend the day at the beach. His cheeks were rosy enough without getting sun burned. And that little round belly might look cute when all covered up in a red suit and white fur, but when it was exposed in a pair of cargo pants, well, fuhgeddaboutit.
The elves, on the other hand, loved splashing in the water and body surfing. They found a new use for coconuts. Santa thought it was cute to carve them to look like gorilla heads, but the elves liked to chop them open and pour in rum. Few people know the fact that an elf named Ralph invented the pina colada.
When the United States pushed the Spanish out Santa decided it was time to move on. First he considered the South Pole but there were too many penguins and walruses. They waddled around and knocked over all the tables, and they have extremely poor hygiene. The North Pole, on the other hand, was nice and secluded.
The elves, by the way, have never forgiven Santa for leaving Florida.
This entry was posted in Stories on December 17, 2013 by jerrycowling.
This entry was posted in Stories on December 13, 2013 by jerrycowling.
Buford hunched his shoulders as he trudged through the slush toward home after a long shift at the factory. He lived in a big city, though at times he forgot which city it was. Other times he decided it wasn't worth the effort to remember what city it was because they were all alike anyway.
Then he reminded himself to be grateful he had a job. It was 1934, and most people were out of work. But his job drained his soul so much he could not enjoy the Christmas season. Besides that, he had no one to share his life with. Seven days before Christmas. What difference did it make?
In the gloomy twilight of his big city street, a glimmer caught in the corner of his eye. As he turned to look into a street level room of a tenement building Buford saw a young woman place a lit candle in the window. No one would have given her notice if she walked along the street, but flickering candle revealed her face in such a way that made him feel both sorrow and affection for her.
The next night Buford did not hunch his shoulders quite as much as he had before walking home. He automatically looked toward the tenement window. The young woman placed two lit candles on the sill. He studied her face as best he could and thought he sensed quiet desperation in the curve of her mouth. His sleep was restless that night.
The third night Buford thought he detected a tear glistening in her eyes as she put three candles in the window, and his heart began to break a bit. He hardly ate any of his supper at his boarding house and again had a restless night sleep. The vision of the young woman and the growing candle illuminations haunted him.
Buford's step quickened the fourth night. His shoulders were full back, and his face took the sting of the sleet straight on. Hoping the woman would be putting out another candle, he dreaded seeing her face tinged with pain. There she was, in the tenement window putting down four candles. This time a sweet smile graced her face, which make Buford smile.
Work at the factory went swiftly for the next three days. Buford's mind was filled with thoughts about the young woman. Would she place yet another candle in the window? Would the shimmering light reveal despair, hope or joy? On Christmas Eve Buford walked briskly toward the tenement building. He felt his heart beat faster. Would there actually be seven candles in the window? And would the angel be smiling? He was startled by the image that crossed his mind. Yes, she had become his angel.
When he stopped in front, he saw the young woman carefully place the seventh lit candle in the window. He could no longer contain his curiosity and affection. Buford went toward the tenement and tapped on the window. He smiled as she noticed him and raised the window.
This entry was posted in Stories on December 6, 2013 by jerrycowling.
Fred would have been the perfect catch for any young eligible woman—he was smart, kind, gentle, considerate and rich. His only problem was that he looked like a fruitcake. Not crazy like a fruitcake, but lumpy and round like a fruitcake.
This smile was kind, professional and beautiful. Her straight glistening white teeth were framed by full red lips and surrounded by soft, clear skin. Her blue eyes showed respect, friendliness but nothing much beyond that.
Fred was devastated. He tried to find ways to show Diane that he was more than a good boss and all around good egg, but she never seemed to notice. He did impress her with his all-encompassing knowledge of the technical world of computers. Diane laughed at all his jokes because he really was a funny fellow. She went, "Aww" when Fred showed her pictures of his nieces, nephews and cousins who were always climbing over him in gleeful play. Diane was the first in line to pet Andy, Fred's basset hound which he brought to the office often. But nary a romantic glint ever entered her eyes when Fred appeared at her desk.
His ace up his sleeve was Grandma's fruitcake recipe. Even people who hated fruitcake loved Grandma's recipe.
The day of the office party everyone had turned off their computers, put away their files and lined up at the long table filled with all sorts of goodies.
"Would you like some fruitcake?" Fred shyly asked Diane.
"How do I know this isn't one of those fruitcakes that's been mailed around the world a couple of times?" she said with a laugh.
Pinching a bite off the slice, Fred carefully held it up to Diane's perfectly formed red lips and held his breath.
She looked at him and then at the fruitcake, sighed and bit a portion from the slice in his hand. Diane looked up and her eyes widened. She ate the rest of the cake from his fingers, and smiled. Then the smile changed.
In those eyes, Fred could see the respect and friendliness, but now there was something else. Diane leaned forward, gently placing her hands behind Fred's head and kissed him.
Wow, Fred thought, Grandma's fruitcake does taste good.
Butter 9-inch tube pan. Line with waxed paper. Butter again. Sift flour and baking soda. Combine eggs, mince meat, condensed milk, walnuts and fruits. Fold into dry ingredients. Pour into pan. Bake in slow 300 degree oven for two hours, until center springs back and top is golden. Cool. Turn out; remove paper. Decorate with walnuts and cherries if you desire.
This entry was posted in Stories on December 3, 2013 by jerrycowling.


Star of Channel 4's smash hit SAS: Who Dares Wins Ant Middleton swapped the Andes for Welford Road as he joined the latest Leicester Tigers Business Club as guest speaker.
After introductions and lunch at the Mattioli Woods-sponsored event, Ant took to the podium to discuss the lessons that have shaped his life.
From his humble beginnings growing up, to the challenges faced in the forces, Ant shared how his military career was a stepping stone for self-reflection and in gaining recognition from peers and superiors, speaking to more than 200 attendees.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, with Ant talking about his rise to fame and the introduction of women candidates in the new series of SAS, before posing for photos and signing copies of his book for guests.
The Leicester Tigers Business Club invites guests to the home of Leicester Tigers to hear from a variety of guest speakers, make new business connections and enjoy a two-course meal. The next event, on 3 April, will welcome international businessman and Tigers non-executive director Lord Digby Jones.
If you'd like to find out more information, or book onto the upcoming Business Club events, visit the Leicester Tigers website for more information.


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Study: Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation via cannabinoids
Jul 18, 2017 10:00 am by Steph Adams | Science Writer | 217-333-5802HealthLife SciencesVeterinary Medicine
Graduate student Josephine Watson, professor Aditi Das, graduate student Megan Corbett, professor Kristopher Kilian and their colleagues discovered an enzymatic pathway that converts omega-3-derived endocannabinoids into more potent anti-inflammatory molecules.
Photo by Steph Adams
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Chemical compounds called cannabinoids are found in marijuana and also are produced naturally in the body from omega-3 fatty acids. A well-known cannabinoid in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, is responsible for some of its euphoric effects, but it also has anti-inflammatory benefits. A new study in animal tissue reveals the cascade of chemical reactions that convert omega-3 fatty acids into cannabinoids that have anti-inflammatory benefits – but without the psychotropic high.
The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Foods such as meat, eggs, fish and nuts contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which the body converts into endocannabinoids – cannabinoids that the body produces naturally, said Aditi Das, a University of Illinois professor of comparative biosciences and biochemistry, who led the study. Cannabinoids in marijuana and endocannabinoids produced in the body can support the body's immune system and therefore are attractive targets for the development of anti-inflammatory therapeutics, she said.
Study co-author Rodney Johnson
In 1964, the Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam was the first to discover and isolate THC from marijuana. To test whether he had found the compound that produces euphoria, he dosed cake slices with 10 milligrams of pure THC and gave them to willing friends at a party. Their reactions, from nonstop laughter, to lethargy, to talkativeness, confirmed that THC was a psychotropic cannabinoid.
It wasn't until 1992 that researchers discovered endocannabinoids produced naturally in the body. Since then, several other endocannabinoids have been identified, but not all have known functions.
Cannabinoids bind to two types of cannabinoid receptors in the body – one that is found predominantly in the nervous system and one in the immune system, Das said.
Study co-author Daniel McDougle
Photo courtesy Daniel McDougle
"Some cannabinoids, such as THC in marijuana or endocannabinoids can bind to these receptors and elicit anti-inflammatory and anti-pain action," she said.
"Our team discovered an enzymatic pathway that converts omega-3-derived endocannabinoids into more potent anti-inflammatory molecules that predominantly bind to the receptors found in the immune system," Das said. "This finding demonstrates how omega-3 fatty acids can produce some of the same medicinal qualities as marijuana, but without a psychotropic effect."
Study co-author Michael Holinstat
Photo courtesy Michael Holinstat
The study was an interdisciplinary effort led by recent comparative biosciences alumnus Daniel McDougle and supported by current biochemistry graduate student Josephine Watson. The team included U. of I. animal sciences professor Rodney Johnson; U. of I. bioengineering professor Kristopher Kilian; Michael Holinstat, of the University of Michigan; and Lucas Li, the director of the Metabolomics Center at the Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center at Illinois.
Das also is an affiliate of the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at Illinois.
The National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association supported this research.
To reach Aditi Das, call 217-244-0630; email aditidas@illinois.edu.
The paper "Anti-inflammatory omega-3 endocannabinoid epoxides" is available online and from the U. of I. News Bureau.
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1610325114

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Mary Poppins is a musical with music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman (the Sherman Brothers) and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, and a script by Julian Fellowes. The musical is based on the similarly titled Mary Poppins children's books by P. L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film, and is a fusion of various elements from the two, including songs from the film. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Walt Disney Theatrical and directed by Richard Eyre with co-direction from Matthew Bourne who also acted as co-choreographer with Stephen Mear, the original West End production opened in December 2004 and won two Olivier Awards, one for Best Actress in a Musical and the other for Best Theatre Choreography. A Broadway production with a near-identical creative team opened in November 2006, with only minor changes from the West End version. It received seven Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, and won for Best Scenic Design. The original Broadway production closed in March 2013, after 2,619 performances. Touring productions followed.


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CRH maintaining COVID-19 prevention standards as surgeries resume
By Jensen, Randy on May 9, 2020.
As the province looks to lift some restrictions hospitals will begin to reschedule certain procedures. Herald photo by Ian Martens @IMartensHerald
The Chinook Regional Hospital was the first site in Alberta Health Services' South zone to resume elective surgeries with cataract surgeries started this week and other elective surgeries throughout the remainder of the zone to happen in the coming weeks.
AHS said in a statement the relaunch of non-urgent surgical procedures is being done carefully and incrementally.
"We will ensure that we balance the need to sustain capacity for any surge in COVID-19 patients, with the need to care for patients requiring surgery," said AHS.
"We are extremely grateful for the patience of those Albertans who had their scheduled surgeries delayed following our decision to postpone non-urgent procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. We acknowledge that decision caused uncertainty and anxiety for many of our patients, but it was a necessary step to ensure our health-care system was prepared for COVID-19."
To ensure the safety of patients, AHS is maintaining its current COVID-19 infection prevention standards.
"At Chinook Regional Hospital, we maintain our current COVID-19 infection prevention and control standards and processes, including physical distancing and visitor restrictions. The safety of all patients, staff and physicians is of the utmost importance to us."
All staff, physicians and contractors at clinical sites are screened for fitness for work when arriving for their shift. Staff report to a screening station daily to complete a temperature check and short questionnaire to assess health risks. Anyone deemed not fit to work will be asked to return home.
"This is a necessary step to keep our patients and health-care workers safe," noted AHS in the statement.
Any health-care worker in Alberta who is experiencing symptoms of fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, is asked to visit http://www.ahs.ca/covid to complete the new health-care workers online assessment. If any physician or staff member has symptoms, they are to stay home and self-isolate for 10 days following the first onset of symptoms.


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Q: Making an Extra Copy and Paste Script How can I make a script which duplicates Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V (aside from the actual keybinding part, which I know already I can use xbindkeys for)?
So, for example, how could I make bash functions which copy the currently selected text to a new variable which is stored to be pasted with another script?

A: You can alias xclip to behave like pbcopy/pbpaste on OS X.
alias pbcopy='xclip -selection clipboard'
alias pbpaste='xclip -selection clipboard -o'

And then fill and retrieve with e.g. | pbcopy and pbpaste >. Although if you're using a keybinding to do the copying part I guess you'll only need the latter.
If you're using it on a remote server you need X11 forwarding turned on on both client and server via ForwardX11 yes in .ssh/config and X11Forwarding yes in sshd_config.

A: With a configurable window manager like dwm, openbox or many others, you can run this snippet xclip -selection clipboard while pressing Super + C to copy and a similar script in the editor (vim, emacs, etc.) can retrieve the selection and insert it at point.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Arts & Culture » Calendar
Music Notes: Dame in danger, white knight wanted
by Ted Shen
Al Booth is desperately seeking a white knight for a damsel in distress--or at least that's the impression he's trying hard to convey. The damsel, in this case, is the Talman Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert, a weekly event at the Public Library Cultural Center that regularly draws a standing-room-only crowd of more than 400 and is broadcast live on WFMT to an even wider audience; Booth is its creator and guiding spirit.
Regarded by zealous fans as indispensable, the free concert series--one of the few of its kind in the world--has played host over the years to musicians of assorted nationalities and instrumental specialties. Among the 500 or so alumni are winners of prestigious competitions such as the Tchaikovsky and the Naumburg, proteges of the likes of Yehudi Menuhin and Alfred Brendel, and a gratifyingly large number of talented local performers.
Yet by early next year, the popular lunchtime series may be a thing of the past, one of the first casualties of the looming recession. Talman Home Federal Savings and Loan, which has sponsored the series since its inception 13 years ago, has notified Booth that it's pulling its funding.
"I was totally unprepared when Talman officials told me about it over lunch in early November," Booth says reproachfully. "Six weeks' notice is way too short. The timing couldn't have been worse." After all, he says, he's already extended invitations to performers for 1992 dates.
"Al is trying to portray us as the heavy in this whole thing," counters Jim Sherman, Talman's director of corporate communications and one of the honchos who broke the bad news to Booth. "He knew this was coming." From his company's point of view, the cutback is an unfortunate consequence of the federal regulators' demand that savings and loan associations increase their capital requirements. Talman is financially sound, Sherman says, but it's paying for the sins of its less cautious brethren.
The decision to part company with the Hess series was made carefully and reluctantly, he stresses, and Talman will continue to subsidize the annual "Do-It-Yourself Messiah," a generous four-year music scholarship, and ethnic music festivities organized by the Old Town School of Folk Music. "We are honoring our three-year contract with WFMT," Sherman adds, "which includes the broadcast of the Hess concerts." They'll also consider leaving the piano, a pricey Bosendorfer grand, if Booth finds another backer. Nevertheless, the decision may tarnish Talman's reputation as an exemplary corporate supporter of the arts--especially considering that the amount involved is a relatively modest $50,000 a year, about one tenth the average compensation of senior managers in the S and L industry.
Besides disappointing the city's classical music aficionados and musicians everywhere, Talman is also relinquishing the cachet of being associated with a civic tradition inspired by one of England's eminent musicians. Myra Hess was an immensely popular pianist and teacher and a compassionate patriot as well. During World War II, when her native London was virtually shut down by the constant threat of Nazi bombers, she resourcefully organized a noontime recital series. Almost every day between 1939 and 1946, the sound of music filled the main hall of the National Gallery. Even the blitz didn't put a stop to the merry music making; the audience and musicians simply repaired to the basement. Recitalists included not only celebrated refugees from the continent but also hundreds of promising conservatory graduates whose careers in music might otherwise have been aborted by the war.
In 1941 Hess was made a Dame of the British Empire for both her illustrious pianism and her effort in boosting the nation's morale. When she died two decades later, her will stipulated that her entire estate be used to spur on new generations of British instrumentalists in all corners of the United Kingdom.
A musical education was something Al Booth could not afford in his youth. He studied voice at the Chicago Musical College during the Depression, but dropped out to make a living and ended up in the real estate business. Through it all he kept a keen interest in music and musicians, and in the early 70s, disillusioned by the Nixon-Vietnam era, Booth and his wife moved to London. Shortly after settling in, they discovered at a neighborhood church an endearing local custom, the sing-along Messiah. Then at a library near his office they learned about the Hess legacy through wartime newspaper accounts. "I thought both would be naturals for Chicago," he says with relish.
In 1975, back in town, Booth approached Margaret Hillis, conductor of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, about a sing-along Messiah in Orchestra Hall. "She was all for it. And with her on board, we got backers." Their collaboration started a trend, widely chronicled and enthusiastically embraced by cities across the country. Its success convinced Booth to pursue his other idea.
"Once again, Margaret helped out by agreeing to be the artistic advisor. Then I found out that the hall in the Cultural Center was available, and they told me if I raised the money, I could use it," he recalls. "I wrote many letters to corporations; all the replies said no. Then I spoke with Tom Willis, the Tribune's critic. As it so happens, he used to turn pages for Dame Myra when she gave recitals downtown. He wrote a very favorable article about what I wanted to do. And the next day I got a call from Talman offering to put up money for a six-month trial." The inaugural Hess concert, headlined by then-newcomer Jo Ann Pickens, took place on October 20, 1977. (Around the same time, Booth established the International Music Foundation, a not-for-profit outfit devoted to outreach projects at public schools to heighten youngsters' appreciation for classical music. "We have to create audiences, not just performers, for the future," he explains.)
For now, Lois Weisberg, the city's cultural commissioner, says she and her colleagues are committed to the survival of the concerts. Booth himself has been on the phone, frantically looking for other corporate donors to replace Talman. He believes he's on the verge of a long-term commitment from one major local organization. Some Hess partisans have also offered to help out with small donations, but "it wouldn't be right for us to accept $20 here and there from concertgoers," says Booth. "The government could help out; instead it's pouring billions into the military, into the war machine."
Many Hess regulars, he says, can't afford the Chicago Symphony Orchestra or the Lyric Opera. "The idea is that there should be more high-quality free events in a world-class city like Chicago, not less." With a smile, he adds, "I suppose part of it also has something to do with the fact that I ran out of money while trying to get a musical education."
Until further notice, the Hess concerts will continue to take place Wednesdays at 12:15 PM under the ornate Tiffany dome in the Preston Bradley Hall at the Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington; they're broadcast live on WFMT. For the latest concert schedule, call 346-3278; to find out more about the International Music Foundation's activities, call 670-6888.
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): photo/Charles Eshelman.


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Plain text for smartphones & printers
Support us financially by purchasing this disc from
Kurt LEIMER (1920-1972)
Piano Concerto No.2 (Music for Piano and Orchestra) (1944-48) [20:14] ¹
Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943)
Piano Concerto No.3 in D minor, Op.30 (1909) [35:57]
Prelude in G minor, Op.23 No.5 (1901) [3:52]
Kurt Leimer (piano)
Orchestra della Radio della Svizzera Italiana/Leopold Stokowski ¹
Nuremburg Symphony Orchestra/Zsolt Deaky
rec. 1961, Nuremburg (Rachmaninov Concerto); 1960s (Prelude); August 1968, Lugano (Leimer)
COLOSSEUM CLASSICS COL 9205.2 [60:14]
Increasing familiarity with pianist and composer Kurt Leimer should lead one to expect the unexpected, not least from Colosseum Classics, the label that has assiduously promoted his recordings on CD. Its latest disc couples two concertos in a conjunction that tells us much, and often humorously, about Leimer's stylistic affiliations. To add spice, Leimer's Piano Concerto No.2, played by the composer, is conducted by none other than Leopold Stokowski. If only he had done the honours for Leimer in Rachmaninov's Third Concerto.
Leimer's concerto is, indeed, as the notes suggest, a homage to the works of the composers he performed as a soloist. Stern critics might anticipate pastiche, or worse. In fact Leimer cannily manages to avoid this trap and clearly Stokowski must have been attracted by the work, and presumably also Leimer's personality, so readily to have agreed to perform it in Lugano in 1968. I can't find much evidence of how they met, and the extent of their collaboration, but it's certainly one of Stokowski's more interesting excursions in the last decade or so of his life.
Leimer had something of a bravura cheek. The references to Rachmaninov are pretty blatant, but fortunately his themes have the life and lift to support them. Orchestration is not outlandish, and not too lush. Ghostly late Romanticism floods the central movement, and so does a hint or two of Prokofiev, amidst a ghostly waltz section. The finale again hints at Prokofiev as well as Leimer's beloved Gershwin: pyrotechnics with a degree of pastiche Weimar here. The Rachmaninovian affiliations get more and more striking as the finale develops and Stokowski, one of the elite conductors of that repertoire, must have enjoyed them heartily.
To cement these affiliations Leimer plays the Prelude in G minor, one of his concert warhorses and then launches into the Third Concerto accompanied by the Nuremburg Symphony Orchestra under Zsolt Deáky. This was the same orchestra that recorded Elly Ney's last concerto recordings for Colosseum a few years later. Deáky was a Hungarian conductor who was doing a lot of concerto accompanying on disc for smaller labels at this time. Leimer certainly shows both assured technique and real affinity for Rachmaninov's musical language, as one might have anticipated. The orchestra is subdued in the balance and lacks alluring tone but the main focus of interest is on the pianist, who performs the cut-down version of the concerto.
I don't know what sort of reception a disc like this will receive. Stokowski collectors will be intrigued by the Leimer Concerto. The scrawny recording of the Rachmaninov rather rules it out of any popularity stakes. Certainly admirers of this intriguing pianist-composer will be delighted to make its acquaintance.
We have learned from Edward Johnson that this CD release was in fact the soundtrack of a Swiss-Italian Television studio concert and is now available on Youtube.


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The Paseo del Arte Travel Guide
The Paseo del Arte
Madrid's three world-class art museums, the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, are all along or close to the Paseo del Prado within a kilometre of each other in what is commonly known as the Paseo del Arte. The most famous of the three galleries is the Prado, which houses an unequalled display of Spanish art, an outstanding Flemish collection and an impressive assemblage of Italian work. The Thyssen-Bornemisza provides an unprecedented excursion through Western art from the fourteenth to the late twentieth centuries. The final member of the trio, the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, is home to the Spanish collection of contemporary art, including the Miró and Picasso legacies and the jewel in the crown – Guernica.
Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
The Museo del Prado is Madrid's premier attraction – well over two million visitors enter its doors each year – and one of the oldest and greatest collections of art in the world. Built as a natural science museum in 1775, the Prado opened to the public in 1819, and houses the finest works collected by Spanish royalty – for the most part, avid, discerning and wealthy buyers – as well as Spanish paintings gathered from other sources over the past two centuries. Finding enough space for displaying the works has always been a problem, but after fourteen years of arguments, delays and controversy, the €152 million Rafael Moneo-designed extension, which includes a stylish glass-fronted building incorporating the eighteenth-century cloisters of the San Jerónimo church, was finally opened in 2007. The new wing houses the restaurant and café areas, an expanded shop, an auditorium, temporary exhibition spaces, restoration and conservation workshops and a new sculpture gallery.
The museum's highlights are its early Flemish collection – including almost all of Bosch's best work – and, of course, its incomparable display of Spanish art, in particular that of Velázquez (including Las Meninas), Goya (including the Majas and the Black Paintings) and El Greco. There's also a huge section of Italian painters (Titian, notably) collected by Carlos V and Felipe II, both great patrons of the Renaissance, and an excellent collection of seventeenth-century Flemish and Dutch pictures gathered by Felipe IV, including Rubens' Three Graces. The museum has also hosted an increasing number of critically acclaimed temporary displays in recent years. Even in a full day you couldn't hope to do justice to everything here, and it's perhaps best to make a couple of more focused visits.
Exploring the museum
To follow the route proposed by the museum, bear right after the Puerta de los Jerónimos entrance and head into the central hallway – the Sala de las Musas. From here you are guided through the early Flemish, Italian and Spanish collections on the ground floor before being directed upstairs. A tour of the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Italian and French collections in the northern wing gives way to the Flemish and Dutch galleries on the second floor where work from Rubens and Rembrandt is to the fore. Back on the first floor visitors are ushered through the Spanish Golden Age collections with their heavyweight contributions from El Greco, Velázquez and Murillo before enjoying the delights of Goya which stretch up to the second floor once again. From there you return to the ground floor for Goya's Black Paintings before concluding the visit with a tour of the grandiose historical epics that make up the remainder of the nineteenth-century Spanish collection.
Prado highlights
The Prado is much too big for a single visit to do the collection justice; however, if you are pressed for time here is a list of some of the works you should not miss.
The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch. A surrealistic masterpiece years ahead of its time.
The Triumph of Death by Pieter Brueghel. A disturbing and macabre depiction of hell by the Flemish master.
The Annunciation by Fra Angelico. A ground-breaking early Renaissance work.
Self-portrait by Dürer. Insightful self-portrait by the German genius.
The Descent from the Cross by Van der Weyden. An emotive and colourful depiction of the Deposition.
The Romanesque frescoes. Stunning frescoes from the Romanesque churches in Segovia and Soria.
David and Goliath by Caravaggio. The Italian's theatrical use of chiaroscuro at its best.
The Adoration of the Shepherds by El Greco. One of a series of revolutionary Mannerist works by the Greek-born painter.
Las Meninas by Velázquez. One of the most technically adroit and fascinating paintings in Western art.
Artemisa by Rembrandt. The Dutchman used his wife Saskia as a model for this portrayal of the heroic queen.
Sir Endymion Porter by Van Dyck. A superlative work by the Dutch court painter famous for his portraits of Charles I.
The Three Graces by Rubens. One of the great classically-inspired works by the Flemish genius.
Charles V at Múhlberg by Titian. A magnificent equestrian portrait of the Holy Roman Emperor.
The Lavatorio by Tintoretto. Epic masterpiece depicting Christ washing the feet of the disciples, that once belonged to Charles I.
La Maja Desnuda y La Maja Vestida by Goya. A pair of supremely seductive portraits of a woman reclining on a bed of pillows, one clothed, one naked.
Dos y Tres de Mayo by Goya. Timeless and iconic images on the horror of war.
Goya's Black Paintings. A series of penetrating and haunting images from the latter part of Goya's career.
It is fortunate that the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, facing Estación de Atocha at the end of Paseo del Prado, keeps slightly different opening hours and days to its neighbours. For this leading exhibition space and permanent gallery of modern Spanish art – its centrepiece is Picasso's greatest picture, Guernica – is another essential stop on the Madrid art circuit, and one that really mustn't be seen after a Prado–Thyssen overdose.
The museum, a vast former hospital, is a kind of Madrid response to the Pompidou Centre in Paris, with transparent lifts shuttling visitors up the outside of the Sabatini building to the permanent collection. Like the other two great art museums, it has also undergone a major extension programme – the French architect Jean Nouvel has added a massive state-of-the-art metal-and-glass wing behind the main block. If the queues at the main entrance are too long, try the alternative one in the new extension on the Ronda de Atocha. You can also buy tickets in advance via the website.
It is for Picasso's Guernica that most visitors come to the Reina Sofía, and rightly so. Superbly displayed, this icon of twentieth-century Spanish art and politics carries a shock that defies all familiarity. Picasso painted it in response to the bombing of the Basque town of Gernika by the German Luftwaffe, acting in concert with Franco, in the Spanish Civil War. In the fascinating preliminary studies, displayed around the room, you can see how he developed its symbols – the dying horse, the woman mourning her dead, the bull, the sun, the flower, the light bulb – and then return to the painting to marvel at how he made it all work.
The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza occupies the old Palacio de Villahermosa, diagonally opposite the Prado, at the end of Plaza de las Cortes. This prestigious site played a large part in Spain's acquisition – for a knock-down $350 million in June 1993 – of what many argue was the world's greatest private art trove after that of the British royals: seven-hundred-odd paintings accumulated by father-and-son German–Hungarian industrial magnates. The son, Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen, died in April 2002 aged 81. Another trump card was the late baron's fifth wife, Carmen Cervera (aka "Tita" Cervera), a former Miss Spain, who steered the works to Spain against the efforts of Britain's Prince Charles, the Swiss and German governments, the Getty foundation and other suitors.
The museum had no expense spared on its design – again in the hands of the ubiquitous Rafael Moneo, responsible for the remodelling of Estación de Atocha and the extension at the Prado – with stucco walls (Carmen insisted on salmon pink) and marble floors. A terribly kitsch portrait of Carmen with a lapdog hangs in the great hall of the museum, alongside those of her husband and King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía. Pass beyond, however, and you are into seriously premier-league art: medieval to eighteenth–century on the second floor, seventeenth-century Dutch and Rococo and Neoclassicism to Fauves and Expressionists on the first floor, and Surrealists, Pop Art and the avant-garde on ground level. Highlights are legion in a collection that displays an almost stamp-collecting mentality in its examples of nearly every major artist and movement: how the Thyssens got hold of classic works by everyone from Duccio and Holbein, through El Greco and Caravaggio, to Schiele and Rothko, takes your breath away.
Carmen has a substantial collection of her own (over 600 works), which has been housed in the new extension, built on the site of an adjoining mansion and cleverly integrated into the original format of the museum. It is particularly strong on nineteenth-century landscape, North American, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist work. The ground floor is home to a large temporary exhibition space, which has staged a number of interesting and highly successful shows.
There's a handy cafeteria and restaurant in the new extension; there's also a shop, where you can buy a wide variety of art books, guides to the museum, postcards and other souvenirs. In July and August the museum opens a restaurant on the top-floor terrace: El Mirador. Advance tickets for the museum, a good idea in high season, are available via the website.
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Have you ever thought about cooking your Thanksgiving turkey in a slow cooker? Well, unfortunately you can't put a whole turkey in there, but, you can cook a turkey breast. Believe it or not, they actually say slow cooker friendly on the wrapper, well, at least the one I picked up did. My friends and I had our 2nd Annual Friendsgiving Celebration last weekend, and when I offered to bring the turkey in my mind I was already thinking of a slow cooker turkey breast since there wasn't going to be that many of us. I decided on a turkey breast that was 7.5 lbs. Now, when I brought him home and tested him out in my slow cooker I freaked out a little bit because he didn't fit. Well, he fit I just couldn't put the cover on the slow cooker. But, I thought to myself that once he thawed out he should just fine.
On the day of the get together I got up early just in case it took longer than directed and in case of any other mishaps. I began by placing a chopped carrot, onion and celery in the bottom of my slow cooker. I then placed the turkey breast on top of the vegetables and sprinkled him – oh, and yes, I always refer to my turkey as him or he, it's because of Tom The Turkey – with an herb and spice mix and then drizzled melted butter over him. If you don't have the specific spices that I used below feel free to create your own spice mix.
After a little coercion I was able to get the cover snug on top and I set him to cook on low. I was planning on him being done between 6-7 hours.
While the pop-up time did pop out at 6 hours I decided to leave him in there a little longer just to be sure. I figured he wouldn't dry out in a slow cooker. And unfortunately the one downfall of cooking a turkey in a slow cooker is not getting that nice browned skin.
But, that was nothing that a few minutes under the broiler couldn't resolve.
So, would I make a turkey breast like this again? Yes! It's stress-free and pretty much guarantees that you will have a juicy turkey. I am tempted to go my usual route of brining the turkey beforehand next time though. Oh, one thing I was able to make with this turkey that I had never been able to do before was gravy. There was a decent amount of drippings left in the slow cooker and I must say, homemade gravy from the drippings beats anything you buy in the store hands down.
In the slow cooker toss together the carrot, onion and celery.
In a small bowl mix the herbs and spices.
When the turkey is done, preheat the oven to broil and place the turkey in a roasting pan and broil for a few minutes to brown the skin. Don't leave it in the oven too long or the turkey could dry out.
Combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water.
Strain the remaining liquid in the slow cooker into a medium saucepan. Bring to a bowl over medium-high heat. Whish in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the gravy thickens.
Slice the turkey and serve with the gravy.


A sweet flurry of hand-sculpted leather blossom and twisted natural vine tendrils evoke a magical woodland charm to any bridal look. Inspired by white flowers pushing through tawny leaf litter on the forest floor, this unique floral comb is the perfect accent piece to frame your locks behind as you walk down the aisle or tiptoe through the trees at daybreak.
Dimensions: 15 cm wide and 9cm deep.
COMMISSION: Love this piece but wish to make changes? Contact me and I will create a unique haircomb especially for you!


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Emilio Zeballos (Montevideo, 5 de agosto de 1992) é um futebolista uruguaio que atua como lateral-direito. Atualmente joga pelo Progreso.

Carreira

Defensor Sporting
Sua estréia pelo profissional foi em 25 de agosto de 2012 no Estadio Luis Franzini, jogou como titular contra o  num empate em 2 a 2.  Em 14 de outubro, ele marcou seu primeiro gol como jogador profissional foi contra o  e graças ao seu objetivo ganhou o jogo para o Defensor que terminou em segundo no torneio Apertura, apenas atrás de .  Seu primeiro jogo nternacional, foi em 24 de janeiro de 2013 contra o  que foi classificado para a fase de grupos do Copa Libertadores, empatou em 0-0 no primeiro jogo, mas perdeu o jogo de volta por 2-0. No torneio Clausura, Emilio manteve a propriedade. Defensor terminou em primeiro lugar no torneio, a final contra o  definiria o campeão do campeonato uruguaio, foi disputada em 4 de junho no Estadio Centenario, mas perdeu por 3-1 com um hat-trick de Antonio Pacheco. Zeballos terminou a temporada 2012-13 com 32 jogos jogados com 90 minutos cada, cerca de 33 jogos jogados. A temporada 2013-14 foi irregular para Emilio, uma vez que embora cada jogo que ele jogou os 90 minutos jogados, foi Presente em 24 das 42 partidas que participou, alterou a posição com Pablo Pintos e Ramón Arias. Naquela temporada o  conquistou o terceiro lugar na Copa Libertadores da América de 2014, competição em que marcou seu primeiro gol internacional em 21 de março contra o . Defensor terminou o torneio Apertura em décimo segundo lugar e o Clausura em nono.  Ele começou o torneio Apertura 2014 sem ser relacionado, num empate em 0-0 contra o  na primeira rodada. E no resto do campeonato, ele jogou como titular e terminou o Apertura jogando 10 de 15 jogos, Defensor terminou em sexto. No Torneo Clausura para 2015 foi indiscutível o arranque, como ele jogou 15 partidas com 90 minutos cada ele marcou um gol em 22 de fevereiro de 2015 na vitória sobre Rentistas por 6-2, terminou em quarto lugar. Na tabela anual foram o quinto assim que se qualificaram para a Copa Sul-Americana de 2015. Ele jogou seu jogo número 100 pelo clube em 20 de novembro, ele enfrentou o El Tanque Sisley e ele jogou os 90 minutos e o placar foi um empate em 2-2.

Chapecoense
Foi emprestado a Chapecoense para ser um dos jogadores que farão parte da reestruturação do clube em 2017 após o acidente.

Títulos
 Chapecoense
 Campeonato Catarinense: 2017

Nascidos em 1992
Naturais de Montevidéu
Futebolistas do Uruguai
Futebolistas do Defensor Sporting Club
Futebolistas da Associação Chapecoense de Futebol
Futebolistas do Club Atlético Progreso

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Operation Finale
Posted on October 19, 2020 October 19, 2020 by 120daysoffilm
Operation Finale is Chris Weitzs' historical thriller about the capture of SS officer Adolf Eichmann – the architect of the Holocaust – from Argentina after the second world war. Oscar Issac takes on the role of Peter Malkin, an agent working within the Mossad who becomes part of a covert intelligence squad that travel to Argentina and attempt to kidnap Eichmann (played by Ben Kingsley) so that he can be tried for his crimes against humanity in Israel.
The most important thing to remember about this movie is that it is based on a true story. From watching this film, it felt like a solid and respectable tribute to all the individuals directly/indirectly involved in this operation. Many films that concern themselves with the Nazis are often set in the backdrop of WW2, and are more "war-driven". Not that I think that this subject matter has over-saturated Hollywood, but Operation Finale is unique in that explores what happened to national socialist party members after the events of the war. Operation Finale takes us to Argentina – where we discover the existence and flourishment of colonies made up of individuals who were once Nazis.
I also admired that this film pulled no punches. There were many disturbing sequences portraying the gruesome and inhumane treatment of Jewish prisoners by the Nazis. This is a crucial aspect of the movie because this is what drives our characters to partake in this life or death operation – they wanted justice to be served to the culprits of these crimes. Peter Malkin, a real-life personality, also had a very interesting and tragic backstory involving his deceased sister that served as his motivation to serve. His arc nearly brought me to tears.
However, this film is not without its flaws. For one, it is very much a rip-off of the movie Argo. The two films have glaring similarities – both involved transporting passenger(s) out of a country due to geopolitical/historical reasons and disguising said passengers so that they fit a certain alibi to get them out of the country. Both feature a tense final sequence at an airport. Both also contain a male lead with a complicated and insecure relationship.
The portrayal of some of the characters in the movie also weren't very historically accurate. Adolf Eichmann (played by Sir Kingsley), who proclaimed himself to be German/Austrian, had a very pronounced British accent. Members of the Mossad also spoke in French and American dialects, which really did not land well with me. It would have been more courteous of the director to cast or train individuals capable of speaking and behaving in a manner consistent with the people they are portraying.
In summary, Operation Finale is a perfectly watchable and admirable film. It is admirable in the sense that it describes one of the most consequential recon-and-capture operations in history. The movie is also very unapologetic through its depiction of gruesome Nazi war crimes against the Jewish people. However its main limitations were its eerie similarities to Argo and underwhelming portrayals of real life Israeli and German personalities.
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I feel like I am finally getting back to some semblance of normal these days. Yesterday was my first day back at work after 10 weeks of maternity leave. I am glad to have something to occupy my mind other than poopy diapers and a fussing baby. It helps that Garrett has become much happier these days too. I am getting more sleep than before and that really helps my sanity. Last night was rough, but for the past week he's been doing pretty good.
Another wonderful thing is contributing to my sanity: SPRINGTIME! After months of long cold winter and seeing snow three times in January (unheard of here in Alabama) we are finally up to 70 degree days and plenty of sunshine. I was happy to see snow, don't get me wrong. It's nice to see it every couple of years, and it was our very first snow since we've lived in our current house. Gus and Woodrow didn't know what to think about it.
Since I didn't document it back then, let me show you here: This was January the 19th, 2008. I was 36 weeks pregnant.
Finally, after that I am able to plant flowers this spring, which is one of my all time favorite things to do. So far this year I have replaced one of the camellias in my whiskey barrells that didn't survive the drought last year. I got one that was bigger and better and plan to keep it watered even if I have to break the law to do it.
This is a flower from my older camellia that did survive. I'm so proud!
Now it needs some mulch and I'm good to go. I used Spray-n-grow after planting so hopefully this bed will be nice and filled out by the end of summer. And everything I planted is perennial, so lets hope next year it will look even better.
And my snapdragons and ranunculas are looking GREAT!
Even my little japanese maple is thriving, which is a miracle considering the drought last year nearly got him too.


The country's help to Iran, under sanctions, is considered one of the biggest scandals to hit the Turkish Republic.
Turkey is now under investigation for helping Iran when sanctions were placed on the Islamic republic by the UN, US and EU.
Sanctions prevented Iran from getting paid through the regular banking system or using currency like dollars or euros.
So Turkey paid Iran in Turkish lira, which Iran used to buy gold in the form of gold bars, which Turkey then exported to Iran in what became a multi-billion dollar business.
In return for reducing certain aspects of its nuclear production, some sanctions on Iran are now being eased, including restrictions on gold trading.
Some are calling Turkey's dealings with Iran the biggest corruption scandal in the history of the Turkish Republic.


text:
Beagles/Biggles/Beigles of Rays Mill
October 5, 2011 at 11:30 pm	(Beaver Dam Cemetery, Biggles/Beagles Family)
Tags: Beaver Dam Cemetery, Bryant Beagles, Cat Creek GA, Ella A. C. Beagles, James Thomas Beagles, James Thomas Biggles, John Jefferson Beagles, L. O. Beagles, Madison G. Pearson, Mary Catherin Beagles, Mary Elizabeth Pearson, Nancy Catherine Beagles, Nancy Catherine Wright, Ray City GA, William Beagles
After the Civil War, John Jefferson Beagles, subject of previous post, and his family made their home in Alachua County, Florida and took their mail at Gainesville, FL. He was enumerated there in 1870 as Jefferson Beigle.
John Jefferson Beagles
The confusion over the family surname seems obvious, and additional recorded variations of the name include Bigles, Beigles, Beacols, Birgles, Bugles, or Beagley. No doubt, the illiteracy of John Jefferson Beagles and Nancy Catherine Wright was a contributing factor in the proliferation of Beagles variants.
http://cdm.sos.state.ga.us/u?/countyfilm,77217
John Jefferson Beagles and Nancy Catherine Wright Beagles. (Image courtesy of Berrien County Historical Foundation http://berriencountyga.com/)C 1870 Census enumeration of John Jefferson Beagles and family. 1870 Census enumeration of John Jefferson Beagles and family.
The previous post gave the account of John Jefferson Beagles Confederate service, and his time in the Pioneer Corps.
The 1870 census enumerated John Jefferson Beagles at age 40. He was working on a farm in Alachua County, FL. His wife, Nancy Catherine, age 30, was keeping house. Living with them were their children Thomas, Mena, William, and as yet unnamed infant daughter Mary.
1870 Census enumeration of John Jefferson Beagles and family.
http://www.archive.org/stream/populationschedu0128unit#page/n160/mode/1up
By 1880 the Beagles relocated to Cat Creek, about 10 miles southwest of Ray City. Their home was in Lowndes County, in the 1307 Georgia Militia District. John Jefferson Beagles was enumerated as "John Biggles," with his wife, Nancy, and children William, Mary, Ella, Bryant, Hiram, Nancy, and Lacy.
http://www.archive.org/stream/10thcensus0156unit#page/n99/mode/1up
In 1887 John Jefferson Beagles and his son, James Thomas Biggles, were involved in a family quarrel with in which James shot and killed his brother-in-law, Madison Pearson. The shooting occurred at H.H. Knight's store in Rays Mill, GA (now Ray City). Afterwards, J. J. Beagles helped his son to escape the crowd that witnessed the killing.
The younger Beagles fled the area but eventually returned to Berrien County to stand trial before Judge Augustin H. Hansell. James Thomas Beagles was convicted and sentenced to serve time in the convict camp at Fargo, GA.
In 1900 John J. Beagles was enumerated in the 1144 Georgia Militia District, the Rays Mill district. At age 70, he was working as a brick mason. John and Nancy were living in a rented house. Their son, Hiram, was renting the house next door.
http://www.archive.org/stream/12thcensusofpopu179unit#page/n764/mode/1up
Grave marker of Nancy Catherine Wright Biggles, Beaver Dam Cemetery, Ray City, GA.
In 1903, J. J. Beagles was left a widower when his wife of 42 years died. Nancy Catherine Wright Beagles died on the 5th of January. She was buried at Beaver Dam Cemetery, Ray City, GA. Her grave marker bears the surname, Biggles.
The census of 1910 shows the widower J.J. Beagles was back in the Cat Creek District. living in the household of his son, L. O. Beagles. At 81, the senior Beagles was still working on his own account as a brick mason.
Some time before 1920, John Jefferson Beagles died. He was buried at Beaver Dam Cemetery, as stated above.
http://www.archive.org/stream/13thcensus1910po202unit#page/n512/mode/1up
Children of John Jefferson Beagles and Nancy Catherine Wright (1835 – 1903)
James Thomas Beagles 1861 – 1911
William "Willie" Beagles 1866 – 1957
Mary Catherine "Minnie" Beagles 1868 – 1929
Ella A. C. Beagles 1870 – 1928
Bryant Beagles 1872 – 1954
Hiram B. Beagles 1874 – 1957
Nancy Catherine Beagles 1835-1903
More on the 1887 Family Feud at Rays Mill, GA
The Pioneer Corps
The Biggles Farm
Trial and Incarceration of James Thomas Beagles
Biggles case was tried by Judge Hansell
September 25, 2011 at 11:34 pm	(Biggles/Beagles Family)
Tags: Eugene Madison Giddens, Fargo Convict Camp, Isbin S. Giddens, J.V. Talley, James Thomas Beagles, James Thomas Biggles, Kiziah Knight, Madison G. Pearson, Mary Elizabeth Pearson, Needham W. Pearson, Reubin Nathaniel Burch, William Giddens
In 1880, Needham W. Pearson deeded 80 acres of land to his daughter, Elizabeth Pearson Biggles. She was the wife of James Thomas Biggles, subject of the previous post.
James Thomas Biggles and Mary Elizabeth Pearson Biggles
About 1901, James Thomas Biggles returned to the Rays Mill area after completing a prison term in the Fargo Convict Camp for the murder of his brother-in-law, Madison G. Pearson. Re-joining his wife, Biggles purchased an 100 acre tract, adjacent to her land, from Eugene M. Giddens. This tract had been in the Giddens family since the early 1800s. Isbin Giddens brought his wife, Keziah, and their two young children, William and Moses Giddens from Wayne County to settle in what was then Irwin County, near the present day Ray City GA in the winter of 1824-25. Present day county lines place the land in Lanier County, about 6 miles east of Ray City and just north of Highway 129.
After the death of James Thomas Biggles in 1911, the 100 acre tract that was in his name was sold at an administrator's sale to J. V. Talley. The 80 acre tract was sold in 1924 by the heirs of Elizabeth Pearson Biggles, following her death in 1923. About that time Dr. Reubin Nathaniel Burch acquired both the 100 acre and the 80 acre tracts from different owners. Dr. Burch sold the property about 1930 and it was eventually accquired by the Roquemore family of Lakeland, GA for turfgrass production.
1887 Family Feud at Ray's Mill
September 24, 2011 at 12:32 am	(Biggles/Beagles Family, Law and Order)
Tags: Augustin Harris Hansell, Berrien County GA, Brunswick & Western Railroad, Catherine Wright Biggles, Cauley Johnson, Court House at Ray's Mill, David Jackson Rigell, Dog Branch, Dr. Guy Selman, E. M. Giddens, Fargo Convict Camp, H. L. Kelly, Henry Harrison Knight, James Johnson, James Thomas Beagles, James Thomas Beigles, James Thomas Biggles, John Jefferson Beagles, Jonathan D. Knight, Joseph A. Alexander, M. E. Patten, M. W. Bargeron, Madison G. Pearson, Margaret Horsby, Mary Elizabeth Biggles, Mary Elizabeth Pearson, Milltown GA, Ray City GA, Robert L. Patten, Union Church, W. H. Griffin, W. M. Hammond
James Thomas Biggles
In the winter of 1887, a family feud at Rays Mill, Georgia turned deadly when J.T. Biggles gunned down Madison Pearson from the porch of Henry Harrison Knight's store.
At that time Knight's store was one of the few commercial establishments at Rays Mill and was a community meeting place. The store was situated on present day Pauline Street, approximately opposite from the Ray City School. In front of the store was an area known as the "court ground" and the building served as the court house when there was need. Knight's store was also occupied by Dr. Guy Selman, one of the first doctors in the area, and after David Ridgell departed in 1905 it was the location of the Ray's Mill Post Office. Henry Knight's son-in-law, Cauley Johnson was postmaster. The building was destroyed by fire, probably in the 1940's.
James Thomas Biggles was born in Georgia in October, 1860, a son of John Jefferson Beagles and Catherine Wright Biggles. (There was obviously some confusion over the spelling of the family name.)
Mary Elizabeth Pearson
J.T. married Mary Elizabeth Pearson on July 26, 1879. The ceremony was performed by Jonathan D. Knight, Notary Public. James Thomas Biggles appeared in the census of 1880 in District 5 of GMD#1144 as Thomas Beagle, farm laborer, age 19, with wife, Elizabeth, age 21. In the cemetery of Union Church (aka Burnt Church), next to the grave of Mary E. Biggles, stands a small headstone with the inscription "Infant of Mr. & Mrs. J.T. Biggles, Born and Died Apr. 15, 1879."
J.T Biggles had a running feud with his brother-in-law, Madison G. Pearson. At first Biggles tried to work through the court, but he soon took the law into his own hands and murdered Pearson before a crowd of citizens. Biggles became a fugitive for twelve years before returning to stand trial.
The state press reported on the Murder in Berrien:
The Columbus Enquirer-Sun
Nov. 11, 1887 — page 3
Terrible Result of an Old Feud.
Nashville, Ga., Nov. 9. – At Ray's mill in this county, on Tuesday evening last, a dreadful encounter occurred in which M. G. Pearson was shot and instantly killed by J. T. Beagly, the cause being a family feud. It appears the parties had met to amicably settle the trouble if possible, but soon engaged in some hot words, when Pearson said to Beagly:
"Come out in the sand and we will settle the trouble."
They started out. Beagly drew his pistol and fired upon him as he went out, and shot him dead the first fire, then took to the swamp and has not yet been captured.
The Valdosta Times provided additional details:
The Valdosta Times
MURDER IN BERRIEN
J. T. Beigles Kills Madison G. Pearson at Ray's Mill – A Family Feud which ends in the murder of a Brother – in- law.
Madison G. Pearson was killed by his brother-in-law, J. T. Beigles, at Ray's Mill, in Berrien County, last Friday, the 4th, inst. A Family feud was at the bottom of the difficulty.
Beigles had married Pearson's sister. The mother of the latter lived for sometime with her son, but a family quarrel, it seems, drove her to her daughter's home. After she took up her abode with the Beigles family, some questions arose about the division of her small property. One report says that she willed all she had to Mrs. Beigles, and thus aroused her son's indignation, and another rumor says that Beigles killed a beef which belonged to the Pearson estate, and that this was the cause of the trouble between the two men. At any rate there was trouble between them, and the old lady took the side of her son-in-law. Pearson, it seems, made some threats, and Beigles had him arrested under a peace warrant. Friday, the day of the tragedy, was set for a hearing before the Justice of the district, and Beigles and his wife and old Mrs. Pearson appeared at the Court ground at Ray's Mill as witnesses. The bailiff had Madison Pearson under arrest, and the parties at interest, and about forty interested neighbors, all met at Mr. H. H. Knight's store. Beigles' father was among those present, and he approached Pearson about a compromise, but Pearson thought he had been greatly outraged, and freely expressed his indignation. He refused to accept the proposals made by the elder Beigles. A witness to the whole affair at the Court grounds informs us that the elder Beigles' attitude and manner was not such as indicated any real desire for a fair compromise, and that his actions and his words were the immediate cause of the conflict, if it can be called a conflict. In reviewing the difficulty, the elder Beigles, who was standing between his son and Pearson, made some assertions which the latter vehemently denied or disputed, and the younger Beigles shouted to Pearson that he was a liar. At this Pearson, replied hotly that if Beigles would step with him to the ground from the porch upon which they stood, he would whip him, and as he spoke he sprang off at right angles from Beigles, but he struck the ground a dead man. Beigles fired at him on the spring, and the ball entered the side of the head near the left temple. Pearson doubled up as he lie fell and his head hit the ground first. He never spoke a word, and died in a few moments. Pearson had two brothers on the spot, and one ran to the dying man and the other started upon Beigles, but he met a cocked pistol in his face, and was warned to stand back, or else share the fate of his brother. Beigles kept his face to the awe-stricken crowd, pistol drawn, while his father pushed him backward some thirty feet, then he turned and they both fled. There was not a gun or pistol on the hill that could be found, and the two Beigles escaped. A pursuit was quickly organized, but they had gotten out of sight, and are yet at large. Pearson was not armed.
Pearson's mother and sister witnessed the murder of their son and brother, so an eye witness informs us, without shedding a tear. After some little time Mrs. Pearson walked up to the dead man laying upon the ground, and stooped down and kissed him. She then rose calmly and walked away without any signs of emotion.
Thus a Justice's court was sadly and suddenly transformed into an inquest court. The coroner lived forty miles away, and the bailiff, who held Pearson in custody as a prisoner when he was killed, summoned a jury, and the Justice, who was about to convene his court to try Pearson on a peace warrant, instead of proceeding with the trial, swore in an inquest jury to sit upon the dead body.
After swearing numerous eye witnesses the jury found that the killing was done as outlined above, that the same was willful murder; also that the elder Beigles was an accessory to the dead.
We are indebted to a neighbor of the parties, and an eyewitness to the tragedy, for the above statement of the circumstances connected directly and indirectly to the killing. All the parties were sober.
In 1899 the Valdosta reported the follow up on the trial of the Biggles case.
BERRIEN SUPERIOR COURT. CONCLUSION OF THE BEAGLES-PEARSON CASE.
Berrien Superior Court after a four days' session adjourned Thursday afternoon. The session was devoted entirely to criminal business, no civil cases being called. The principal case of importance was the trial of Madison G. Pearson, Nov. 4, 1887, twelve years ago as was stated in Friday's Times.
Beagles was married to Pearson's sister, and there had been considerable bad blood between them, culminating when Mrs. Pearson left the home of her son and went to live with her daughter, Beagles' wife.
Pearson threatened to kill Beagles on several occasions and a few days before his death went to Beagles' house and cursed his wife and children.
Beagles then swore out a peace warrant for Pearson, and he was arrested under it and carried to the Court House at Ray's Mill for trial. A large crowd was on the court ground, among them Beagles, and Pearson challenged him for a fight, pulling off his coat and starting out the door as he did so. Beagles was standing on the porch of the house, within a few feet, and as Beagles stepped out fired at him, shooting him through the head, the ball entering just in front of the right ear and coming out behind the left ear, producing instant death.
Beagles skipped the country, and spent several years in Florida, returning just before his arrest. He was admitted to the bail, and staid under bond until two months ago, when his bondsman gave him up, and since that time he has remained in jail.
At his trial he was represented by Col. Joseph A. Alexander of Nashville and W. H. Griffin of Valdosta, while the state was represented by Col. W. M. Hammond of Thomasville and Solicitor General Thomas. The trial lasted a day and a half, and every inch of ground was stubbornly fought. The principal evidence against the dead man was the ante-mortem statement of his own mother, made four years ago, which was exceedingly bitter in denunciation of her son.
Six hours were spent by Cols. Griffin and Hammond in their strong and eloquent arguments of the case, and he jury remained out on it seven hours before returning a verdict of manslaughter with recommendation to mercy. Col. Griffin made a touching appeal to the court for mercy, and Judge Hansell fixed the sentence at two years in the state penitentiary.
In the U.S Census of 1900 James T. Biggles was enumerated on June 23, 1900 as a convict in the Fargo Convict Camp in the Jones Creek District of Clinch County, GA.
In 1910, the Biggles were back together in Rays Mill, GA where they were enumerated with several boarders living in their household.
James Thomas Biggles died May 11, 1911 in Ray City, Berrien County, Georgia. He was buried at Union Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Lakeland, GA. On his tombstone his name appears as J.T. Biggles.
Grave Marker of James Thomas Biggles, Union Church Cemetery, Lanier County, GA
Reports on the disposition of his estate were reported in the Nashville Herald:
Administrators Sale
Pursuant to an order of the Court of Ordinary, will be sold before the court house door in Berrien County, all the real estate belonging to J.T. Biggles, deceased, to wit: one lot in the town of Milltown, on Howell Ave., known as the H.L. Kelly lot; also ten acres of lot No. 473 in the 10th district in the southeast corner of said lot; also, 36 acres in the ? district, the last two tracts known as the Margaret Horsby lands; also, 100 acres, bounded on the west by Milltown and Nashville public road, east by Dog Branch, and lands of Jas. Johnson and Banks lands, on the north by lands of Mary E. Biggles, said tract known as land sold by E.M. Giddens to J.T. Biggles; also, lot 6 in block 32, lot 8 in block 73, lot 1 in block 69, lot 6 in block 59, lot 10 in block 48, all in the new survey in Milltown, Ga., also, one-half acre in town of Milltown bounded east by lands of M.E. Patten, south and west by lands of R.L. Patten, north by old Brunswick & Western right-of-way; also lot No. 3 in block No. 29, Roberts survey of Milltown, Ga., Sold as the property of the estate of J.T. Biggles, deceased, to pay debts and for distribution. August 7, 1911
Georgia, Berrien County. Will be sold before the court house door on the first Tuesday in October the following land: 1/2 acre of land in the town of Milltown bounded east by lands of M.E. Patten, south and west by lands of R.L. Patten, north by old Brunswick & Western right-of-way on which is situated one gin house and one barn, five double Foss gins, one short cotton gin, one conveyor, one double Monger box press, one seed conveyor and all belts and pulleys now used in the gin house. Terms cash. Sept 5, 1911. M.W. Bargeron, W.A. Biggles, Administrators of Estate of J.T. Biggles.
Mary Elizabeth Biggles died May 7, 1923. She was also buried at Union Primitive Baptist Church. Her tombstone reads, " Mary Elizabeth Biggles, May 7, 1923, Aged 70 Yrs., A loving mother and grandmother."
Gravemarker of Mary Elizabeth Pearson Biggles, Union Church Cemetery, Lanier County, Georgia
The State vs Burrell Hamilton Bailey
Judge Hansell: Distinguished Man of Georgia
Connie Moore and the Fargo Convict Camp


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Sale of the largest solar rooftop portfolio in Belgium
On 8 February 2019, Sunrock, a Dutch based development company has closed the controlled auction sale of its 98 rooftop PV-installations of 37,2 MW located in Flanders, Brussels and the Walloon Region to institutional investor Patronale Solar, part of the Patronale Life group.
Largest solar rooftop portfolio in Belgium
The portfolio was the largest solar rooftop portfolio brought to the market and is part of an end game in the Belgian secondary solar market which is consolidating around a few players.
Legal advisor to Sunrock
The Loyens & Loeff deal team, headed by partner Koen Panis, advised Sunrock on all aspects of the transaction, including a vendor due diligence on all 98 sites. Filip Jorens, Bram Devlies, Mathias Diricx and Véronique Van Eessel were instrumental to its success.
Koen Panis, Banking & Finance partner: "This transaction had it all. A substantial size of assets, a high speed process and a combination of regulatory and transactional expertise, but most of all: a warm reunion between good clients on both sides of the table."
Other advisors involved were Advocom (counsel to Patronale Solar), Forsite (financial advisor to Sunrock) and Peregrine (financial advisor to Patronale Solar).
Koen Panis
Koen Panis is a partner in our Brussels office where he is a member of the Banking & Finance Practice Group, the Energy Team and the Real Estate Team. He specialises in international and local finance transactions.
T: +32 2 773 23 90 M: +32 497 53 38 36 E: [email protected] More about Koen
Filip Jorens
Filip Jorens, attorney at law, is a senior associate in the Corporate and M&A Practice Group in Belgium. He is also a member of the Start-up Team.
T: +32 2 773 23 66 M: +32 4 74 28 38 04 E: [email protected] More about Filip
Bram Devlies
Associate Attorney at Law
Bram Devlies, attorney at law, is a member of the Loyens & Loeff Energy & Utilities and Competition & Regulatory Teams in Belgium. He is an associate in our Brussels office.
T: +32 2 743 43 59 E: [email protected] More about Bram
Mathias Diricx
Mathias Diricx is a member of the Banking & Finance Practice Group of Loyens & Loeff in Belgium and an associate in our Brussels office.
T: +32 2 773 23 14 M: +32 4 84 27 72 20 E: [email protected] More about Mathias
Public EU Country-by-Country reporting
Public EU Country-by-Country reporting: All you need to know in 5 simple questions read more
Congratulations Pure Energie with 125MW in Windplan Groen
Congratulations to Pure Energie with the completion of the financing of three wind parks in Windplan Groen with a combined maximum capacity of 125 MW. read more
European Commission publishes legislative tax proposals
The legislative tax proposals build upon the international negotiations on the misuse of shell entities and reform plan of Energy Taxation Directive read more


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'I don't really want to talk to my mother about S&M': 50 Shades of Grey fan Victoria Beckham regrets recommending kinky read as she poses in racy briefs for Glamour
Victoria Beckham has revealed she's a fan of 50 Shades of Grey, the erotic fiction novel dubbed 'mummy porn'.
The mother-of-four, who is married to handsome football sensation David Beckham, confessed she is already onto the steamy second installment of E L James' trilogy, Fifty Shades Darker.
The 38-year-old has also convinced her own mother, Jackie Adams, to read the books but she is too embarrassed to discuss their content with her.
She told the new issue of America's Glamour magazine: 'I'm halfway through the second one. I even bought my mum the book! But every time she tries to engage in conversation about it, I kind of dodge the subject.
Cover girl: Victoria poses in front of a well-stocked fridge with a milkshake in hand for the new issue of Glamour magazine
'I don't really want to talk to my mother about S&M.'
As well as getting into a lather for the magazine's cover shoot - she slipped into in a bubble bath wearing a tiara - she also posed in just briefs and a orange lace top while standing in front of a well-stocked fridge.
'I borrow from her closet!' Eva Longoria poses in tiny...
In the frame, she is seen holding a milkshake, complete with whipped cream and a cherry on top, to her lips but given her lean frame and famously strict diet, it's rather unlikely she actually took a sip.
In another shot, she models a dress from her own collection in an office while wearing a pair of black-rimmed reading glasses.
Tough day at the office: The singer turned fashion designer poses in a dress from her own collection
As well as modelling for the magazine, she also edited the prestigious September issue.
She said: 'It's been exciting for me to see my ideas come to life, from type colors to photo selection to casting.
Victoria even created her own list for the magazine's regular 'Don'ts' column, putting 'Boat shoes (unless of course you're designer Alber Elbaz or on a boat!), Bermuda shorts, nose rings, Crocs, and American tan tights (that's nude pantyhose to you)' on her collection of fashion no's.
She also opened up about why she rarely smiles for photographers, saying it has become part of her image now she's a designer.
Princess Posh: The star wore a tiara in the bath for the cover shot
Decisions, decision: Victoria tweeted a snap of herself helping to edit US Glamour magazine in her office in Los Angeles
'I actually used to smile a lot in pictures. I think I only stopped smiling when I got into fashion. [Laughs.] Fashion stole my smile! I've created this person. And I'm not saying that's not me, but I wouldn't say that's the whole me. It's an armor that goes up.'
Victoria also revealed she is open to having another child to add to her brood, which already includes Brooklyn, 13, Romeo, nine, Cruz, seven, and 12-month-old Harper.
Asked where she sees herself in five years, she said: 'I'd like everybody to be healthy and happy. I'd like to be growing the business at a steady pace, and to be making more women feel empowered, beautiful, and confident.
'And I'd never say never about another baby. It's a juggling act - a career, family, a husband who's busy. But I'd never say never!'
Cringe! Victoria revealed she bought a copy of 50 Shades of Grey for her mother Jackie, seen left in 2005, but doesn't want to talk to her about its kinky content
Glamour: Meet Your Guest Editor, Victoria Beckham
Glamour: Victoria Beckham's September 2012 Glamour Cover-Shoot Gallery
Victoria Beckham reveals she's a fan of 50 Shades of Grey as she lathers up for a bath shoot


Kaiju Bandstand is one of the longest running article series that MAT has published, chronicling the use of kaiju and Japanese SF in rock and roll and popular music, as well as vise versa.
The list that follows is compiled from all published MAT KB articles, with some new additions. This list is ever growing. If you know of something we missed, drop us a line via the comment tab below.
Animetal, a metal band that covers mostly anime theme music, has also covered the themes of some tokusatsu superhero shows; particularly on their second album 'Animetal Marathon II: Tokusatsu Collection' which includes the themes for Kamen Rider, Kikaider 01 and Iron King, among 36 others.
'A.O.D. Vs Godzilla' – Adrenaline O.D.
'King Of The Monsters' – Man Or Astro-Man?
The Monster Project band have the 'Kaiju Daisenso' album, which reinterprets theme music from many classic tokusatsu eiga.
'Gargantua's Last Stand' contains soundbites from War Of The Gargantuas – Man Or Astro-Man?
'King Of The Monsters' contains Godzilla '54 soundbites – Man Or Astro-Man?
'Popcorn Crabula' contains soundbites from Godzilla Vs The Sea Monster – Man Or Astro-Man?
Art from Goke, Bodysnatcher From Hell appears on first Drags album, Dragsploitation… Now!


Don Horner met his wife Mary when attending the Lutheran Bible Institute in Seattle Washington from 1972-1974. He then attended Waldorf College in Forest City Iowa, Concordia College in Moorhead Minnesota, and Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul Minnesota earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education. In 1987 he graduated from Luther Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. In 1986 Don was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force and has served as an Air Force Chaplain for 28 years including two deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Don & Mary raised three children Jason, Joel & Jennifer, and are now the happy grandparents of two girls, Ari & Ala.


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Home Technology Smartphones
The Top 5 Smartphone Moments Of 2018 That Changed The Game Entirely
Shivam Vahia Updated: Dec 22, 2018, 10:00 IST
The year is about to come to an end and it's time to look back and cherish the amazing memories we've made. Smartphones have become our de facto companions and are a core part of our everyday life.
For the nerds out there, 2018 has been a spectacular year, given the number of new things we've seen.
2016 was all about removing the headphone jack, edge-to-edge display, and faster fingerprint scanners. 2017 was all about dual cameras and AI-based features. But 2018 has brought a number of new aspects, along with a tonne of devices. Every week we saw companies launch new products.
Xiaomi itself held launch events every other month, Realme made a surprisingly quick launch (like a rocket), ASUS is back in the game with Stock Android, and OnePlus continues to rule over others.
The flagship maker Samsung was seen cruising at a constant speed while Huawei tried to gain as much as possible. OPPO and Vivo were in an alternate universe, trying new things with their offerings like a kid who just can't get enough. Oh, and how can we forget the Pixel leaks!
While a lot has happened, these are the primary new trends we saw in 2018 and expect them to slowly become mainstream in the coming year as well.
1. The Notch:
© MensXP / Shivam Vahia
It all started with the Essential Phone that was launched in 2017, but the iPhone X made it mainstream. And we all know, once Apple does it, everyone follows. Since the beginning of 2018, every brand was busy slapping a notch on as many phones as possible.
Thanks to the notch, everyone had a slightly better screen-to-body ratio to boast. The only company to stay away from this trend is Samsung. Well, their flagships displays are already too good, they just don't need any more space.
By the end of the year, phone makers started working on making the notch smaller (Google rebelled against this, it's still young!). The BBK family that includes OPPO, Vivo, and OnePlus got onboard the water-droplet notch and even included their cousin, Realme.
Within a short period, a notch-less phone started giving very ancient vibes, and the notch helped in making 18:9 aspect ratio mainstream. The notch was welcomed by some and hated by the rest, but it just wouldn't go. The demand was so high, Google was quick to include support in Android Pie as well.
2. Sliding / Moving Modules:
© MensXP / Akshay Bhalla
Apple implemented a notch because there was no space for a 3D infrared array. Other brands followed, irrespective of the fact that they didn't even have these sensors to use. The notch soon housed the front camera, earpiece, ambient light sensor, and just a few selective phones had a small infrared sensor. But we all knew, the notch is a makeshift solution, what are we going to do next? Moving Modules.
BlackBerry was a laughing stock when it launched the Priv back in 2015. Who would've thought Android OEMs will be messing around with the age-old concept in 2018? Well, Vivo, OPPO, Xiaomi, and Huawei took this seriously. How do you remove the notch, put in an edge-to-edge display, and place multiple sensors on the front, all in one go?
You use a sliding mechanism! The Vivo APEX was a concept phone and it made it to production within a few months. Soon, the Vivo NEX was in the market with a sliding camera module. A small block slides out of the top when you open the camera app and conveniently goes back in when not needed. This was a eureka moment for the Chinese.
© BCCL
In the next few months, we saw the launch of OPPO Find X and it had a much bigger sliding mechanism. Xiaomi has the Mi MIX 3 and it basically slides the back, similar to the BlackBerry Priv. Even the Honor Magic 2 is suspected to have a similar build.
Though, we still don't know how durable or reliable these moving parts are, only time will tell. Also, these companies are still trying to figure out a practical setup for these modules and all the phones launched till now are pretty much crash test dummies.
3. In-Display Fingerprint Scanner:
© The Verge
By the end of 2017, we were sure these are close by and we expected Samsung to be the first one. Though, Vivo took the first spot by joining Synaptics and launching the Vivo X21. The scanner was soon seen in the Vivo NEX as well as the V11 Pro.
The major concern everyone had was speed, how fast and accurate can this technology be? The X21 was fairly slow but accurate. The recognition speed did gradually improve and even OnePlus went on to use it in the OnePlus 6T. For OnePlus, this year was all about speed and using onboard AI, the sensor got faster over usage.
© AndroidHeadlines
Though, this wasn't as groundbreaking as we expected it to be. Even the end user didn't actually care whether the scanner is located on the back, or inside the display. For phone makers, it's a huge deal because an in-display sensor takes up lesser space.
This authentication method was also backed by a much improved facial recognition process called Face Unlock. When the two offerings were combined, the user experience remained unhindered.
4. Multiple Cameras:
© Huawei
Dual cameras are a thing of the past. We've seen a dual setup on the rear as well as on the front. But this year, Huawei took it to the next level with the P20 Pro. In a normal setup, you have a primary lens along with the option of a telephoto sensor, monochrome sensor, or wide-angle lens.
The P20 Pro brought in a primary lens, a telephoto sensor, as well as a monochrome shooter. When the three were combined and used, the output was exceptionally good. No other phone came close. In most cases, you won't be able to distinguish between a picture shot on a DSLR and the phone. Huawei followed the same trend with the Mate 20 Pro as well.
Out of all the ongoing trends, the multi-camera trend caught Samsung's attention. Not only did it launch the Galaxy A7, a midrange phone that sported a primary lens, a depth sensor, and wide angle lens but also the Galaxy A9 that brought in four cameras on the rear.
We expect to see more phones coming up with these setups in the future given the amount of attention they have garnered. Even though the feature is technically a niche, sales have been extremely positive.
5. Gaming Phones:
© Variety
When we usually hear about gamers, a high-end PC or console usually comes to mind. Now, we're making way for a completely new genre of gaming: Mobile Gamers. While mobile games have been present for decades, the new trend has been kicked-off by huge games like PUBG and Fortnite. Players are addicted to these games and spend hours playing every day.
This has suddenly opened up a completely new market segment for smartphones. There is a demand for phones that have the incredible processing power, cooling, and battery. While the Razer Phone was launched last year, the latest demand has opened up doors for Redmagic, Xiaomi, ASUS, as well as Huawei.
In fact, Honor Play was a beast at a midrange price. Many even consider the POCO F1 to be in a similar category. Liquid cooling has let OEMs slightly overclock the processor and add a better display panel.
These phones are built for gaming, and hence portability isn't really a primary point of consideration during the design process. Hence, companies have also managed to add a bigger and heavier battery in them.
Photo: © MensXP / Akshay Bhalla (Main Image)
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