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Intensive Gassing About Books
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#BlogTour The Wife Next Door – Amanda Brooke
Jane doesn't know her new neighbours very well.
But she thought they were nice. She thought they were happy.
She was wrong.
First there's the explosive rows. Then she catches one of them digging a grave- shaped trench in the garden.
When the truth emerges, someone would kill to cover their tracks…
Well hasn't January just flown in!? Apologies for the short hiatus but I'm glad to be back again and bringing you some reviews for some great reads to check out. I'm starting with The Wife Next Door by Amanda Brooke. This is a chilling read which had me feeling really quite tense for the majority of the story. It's a book where giving away too much about the storyline might affect how you feel as you read, not in a negative way, just that some storylines need you to follow the path without knowing what is coming up ahead.
Jane is recently bereaved and is faced with the task of clearing her childhood home and getting it ready for sale. She has mixed feelings; desperately missing her mum and the happy times but some memories are soured by traumatic events. Her husband doesn't really understand and sees the process as more of a formality and a series of boxes to be ticked. Jane needs more time to get her head around everything so stays on. Spending time alone makes her more attuned to what is going on around her and soon her neighbours come to her attention. They seem deeply unhappy and Jane is really worried about their relationship but as an outsider there is little she can do except offer a supportive ear and a kind face and hope that they can move past their difficulties one way or another.
The Wife Next Door is an uncomfortable yet gripping read. There's a sense of threat which weaves through the story leaving you as the reader never quite sure what might happen next; needing to know but being fearful of what might be coming. The story is told most in the present but we do see some flashbacks to Jane's childhood and get to meet her parents and best friend. I like having these chapters to add some extra colour and depth to the events which unfold.
This is a story for thriller fans, it will have your heart racing and your mind whirring from the beginning!
About The Wife Next Door:
A note from Amanda: 'The Wife Next Door stemmed from an experience with my old
neighbours, who lived behind us. One day, they unexpectedly chopped down a
tree. They got more sun and I got an uninterrupted view of their house from my
bedroom. I didn't want to snoop, but like my main character, Jane, sometimes you
can't help but notice what's going on in your neighbours' lives, and your
imagination fills in the gaps. I miss that tree, and you could say my latest novel is my
revenge for it being cut down…'
About Amanda Brooke: Amanda Brooke is an internationally bestselling author. Her debut novel, Yesterday's Sun, was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick and since then she has written eleven further books. Amanda lives in Merseyside with a cat called Spider, a dog called Mouse, and a laptop within easy reach.
Posted byIntensive Gassing About Books @AboutGassing January 24, 2023 January 23, 2023 Posted inUncategorized1 Comment on #BlogTour The Wife Next Door – Amanda Brooke
#BlogTour The Things That We Lost – Jyoti Patel
This moving coming of age story explores what it means to be a person of colour in Britain today, discussing themes of identity and the stories that we tell ourselves to manage trauma.
Nik yearns to know more about his father, who died before he was born. His mother, Avani, held hostage by her guilt surrounding his death, refuses to share any information with her son. Nik is forced to create a fragmented image of his father, pulled together from hushed whispers at family gatherings and photos stolen from his mother's bedroom.
When his grandfather dies, secrets are revealed, and everything Nik thinks he knows about his father is turned on its head. Nik makes it his mission to discover the truth about his father and the circumstances of his death, uncovering painful truths in the process.
The Things That We Lost is a beautifully tender exploration of family, loss, and the lengths we go to, to protect the ones we love.
Every year I think that surely we must have peaked with brilliant debuts and this year will be good but not exceptional, but yet again I have been blown away by some absolutely fantastic reads. The most recent of these is The Things That We Lost by Jyoti Patel. This story ticks so many boxes for me – an interesting family with secrets lurking in the past, multiple timelines and beautiful writing making me feel connected to the characters and really care about what happened.
In the prologue we meet Avani at university. Life is good studying alongside her boyfriend and best friend; things are slotting into place. Fast forward and we are introduced to Nik, Avani's son. He is at a similar transition point in his life and getting ready to fly the nest and begin his own university journey. Sadly for the family, Avani's father is dying. Nik and he were very close and his death hits him hard. Before he passes, Nik is secretly given a key but without any further information, not even to the lock it should open, he doesn't quite know what to do with it. He knows it must hide information that may upset his mother as the conversation dries up quickly when she arrives. As with many families, there are things that are not spoken about, but perhaps somewhat unusually, one of these things is his father. Nik knows nothing of his father's life or the relationship between his parents. For the early years of his life he had a step-father but their relationship drifted so it is very much just Nik and Avani. There are family tensions which are strained further around the time of the funeral but life continues in a suspended state until some paperwork appears which changes everything.
I truly loved The Things That We Lost. The characters come alive on the page and their life and struggles are written beautifully. I genuinely wanted to know more about them and to follow their stories both in the present but learning about their pasts. There are definitely some difficult topics within and I think that Jyoti has struck a very good balance in bringing sensitive and upsetting themes to the page in a way which adds to the story and enriches it, making it real not overdone. The focus on relationships really connected with me. Although I do not have a son, I really liked the exploration of the mother son relationship. I feel like I read more mother daughter books, not that I am complaining at all merely an observation, so this was a little change in pace.
The Things That We Lost is a great choice for readers who like character driven stories. As mentioned there are some uncomfortable topics which bring more depth to the book. I would highly recommend The Things That We Lost as an absorbing, well rounded read.
About Jyoti Patel: Jyoti Patel was born in Paris to British Indian parents and grew up in North West London. She is a graduate of the University of East Anglia's Prose Fiction MA and winner of the 2021 #Merky Books New Writers' Prize. Her writing has previously been published as part of We Present's 'Literally' series and in the anthology for the 2022 Bristol Short Story Prize, for which she was shortlisted. The Things That We Lost is her debut novel.
You can find her on Social Media: Twitter @Jyoti__Patel and Instagram @jyotisbooks
Posted byIntensive Gassing About Books @AboutGassing January 11, 2023 Posted inUncategorized1 Comment on #BlogTour The Things That We Lost – Jyoti Patel
#BlogTour Lost and Found – James Gould-Bourn
"Ronnie has resigned himself to a life of loneliness.
His life in the crumbling seaside town of Bingham-on-Sea never seemed that bad, but since the loss of his father, the highlights of Ronnie's solitary days include manning the lost property office at the bus station where he works, andplaguing his local GP with increasingly outlandish ailments. Forgotten orunderestimated by all those around him, Ronnie is lost, and he's not expecting to be found.
But when a chance encounter leads Ronnie to reluctantly foster Hamlet, an unwanted stray dog, his empty days begin to fill with all manner of new responsibilities and experiences.
Can these two lost souls help each other to find a new lease of life?"
If you are looking for a read to lift your spirits, make you laugh and take you on an emotional journey then Lost and Found might just be the book you are looking for. It can be a bit tricky deciding what to read as the new year begins. Winter and Christmas themes can feel a bit out of place once January rolls around and sometimes what you need is something gentle and soothing at what can be a strange part of the year.
Lost and Found features Ronnie, a lonely man who has sort of lost his way in life and isn't really sure where he is going. He works in the bus station and has been given the task of sorting the lost property, really getting rid of it, and this process takes him to various charity shops and a local animal shelter. Whilst there he meets Hamlet, a no-hoper of a dog who is passed over again and again. Ronnie doesn't want a dog, however that is besides the point and somehow he finds himself looking after Hamlet thanks to a very enthusiastic, no nonsense taking, volunteer. As a pair life gets more interesting and finds colour and zest where previously these were lacking.
Lost and Found does a lovely job of mixing humour and emotion alongside everyday life. Some aspects of Ronnie's life particularly stood out to me. His father was instrumental in his upbringing and as someone who was raised by her father for much of her early childhood, I felt an affinity with him. Of course there were many differences but I really did feel for him and understood some of the confusion he faced as a child.
Ronnie has some hilarious encounters and the scenes were tremendously well depicted. I very much enjoyed many the individuals he encountered and how vibrantly they were described. There's a real knack and skill in the writing for making commonplace exchanges so funny and yet so oddly relatable. You could very easily watch them playing out in your minds eye.
I think Lost and Found is an excellent tonic and means of escapism wrapped up in a lovely read. There is mirth but also sorrow and the combination is nicely balanced in a way that left me feeling both moved and also joyful. I great choice for your next book!
About James Gould-Bourn: James Gould-Bourn is a novelist and screenwriter from Manchester, England. After several years working for landmine removal organisations in Africa and the Middle East, he decided to enrol on the Faber Academy's six-month Write a Novel course in London. His debut novel, Keeping Mum, was published in 2020.
Posted byIntensive Gassing About Books @AboutGassing January 9, 2023 January 10, 2023 Posted inUncategorizedLeave a comment on #BlogTour Lost and Found – James Gould-Bourn
#Review Promise Me – Jill Mansell
"One minute Lou is happily employed, with a perfect flat. The next, her home and job have gone. Suddenly she has to start over.
The last thing Lou wants is to move to a tiny Cotswolds village. She certainly doesn't intend to work for curmudgeonly eighty-year-old Edgar Allsopp. But Edgar is about to make her the kind of promise nobody could ignore. In return, she secretly vows to help him fall in love with life again.
Foxwell is also home to Remy, whose charm and charisma are proving hard to ignore. But Lou hasn't recovered from the last time she fell for a charmer. She needs a distraction – and luckily one's about to turn up.
Secrets never stay hidden for long in Foxwell, nor are promises always kept. And no one could guess what lies ahead…"
January 2023 continues to bring us joyful books and the next one I want to talk about is Promise Me by Jill Mansell. I was lucky enough to receive a proof copy at the end of 2022 and thoroughly enjoyed getting stuck in over the Christmas holidays. Promise Me is set in Foxwell, a small village where everyone knows everyone, outsiders cause a stir and trying to keep secrets is almost an impossibility. We get to know a small and, mainly, delightful set of characters as relationships form, careers change and hearts soften.
Lou is the main character and she is absolutely lush. Caring in nature and always looking for the best in everyone, she finds herself bumping into Edgar and becoming a large part of his life. Whilst many would, and indeed some have, run a mile at the very idea of spending time with him, Lou wants to help him when he seems to have lost the ability to help himself. She has friends close by and spending more time with them helps her heal after a traumatic few years. Some have had more success in love and life than others, but regardless of their standing, Lou is there to be a friend and cheerleader to anyone who needs her. She is a perfect contrast to Edgar who rages against the world and is happiest when unhappy and complaining. If anyone will be able to break down his barriers and see the best part of him it is Lou.
Throughout the book there are various themes touched upon and examined, many uplifting but a few are a little darker but these work well to balance the story. Coming from a small village, admittedly a little larger than Foxwell but still relatively small, I could really relate to the community feel and it made me a little nostalgic for aspects of my childhood. Life is somewhat different for many but I envy the close-knit and community spirit which still exists in places like this as the world continues ballooning.
Promise Me is a genuinely heartwarming read which is an ideal break from the chaos of the outside world. It is easy to get engrossed in the storyline and feel a part of Foxwell. Plenty happens within the story but it is never rushed or jumpy. I found it to be a very soothing read to take me into the New Year. I'd recommend Promise Me for readers who want something comforting, heartfelt and fun.
About Jill Mansell: Jill Mansell started writing fiction while working in the NHS, after she read a magazine article that inspired her to join a local creative writing class. She has since written over twenty Sunday Times bestsellers, including And Now You're Back, It Started With A Secret, Maybe This Time, This Could Change Everything, The One You Really Want and You And Me, Always, and her books have sold over 13 million copies around the world. Jill's hobbies include buying stationery, particularly magical new colours of ink for the fountain pen she uses to write all her books. She lives in Bristol with her family.
You can find out more about Jill on her website: https://jillmansell.co.uk
Or on social media:
Twitter @JillMansell
Facebook: /OfficialJillMansell
Instagram: @jillmansell
Posted byIntensive Gassing About Books @AboutGassing January 3, 2023 January 2, 2023 Posted inUncategorizedLeave a comment on #Review Promise Me – Jill Mansell
#Review Amazing Grace Adams – Fran Littlewood
"Grace Adams is one bad day away from saving her life.
One hot summer day, stuck in traffic on her way to pick up the cake for her daughter's sixteenth birthday party, Grace Adams snaps.
She doesn't scream or break something or cry. She simply abandons her car and walks away.
But not from her life – towards it. To the daughter who won't live with her anymore and has banned her from the party. To the husband divorcing her. Towards the terrible thing that has blown their family apart . . .
Today she'll show her daughter that no matter how far we fall we can always get back up again. Because Grace Adams was amazing. Her husband and daughter once thought so. They and the world might have forgotten.
But Grace is about to remind them . . .
Amazing Grace Adams tells the story of a life, a marriage, a family, set against a single north-London day. A rollercoaster ride of redemption and discovery, it's a powerful celebration of womanhood."
It's always a difficult choice selecting a book to read when travelling. There's the worry that you might not get into it, you might not love it or it might not be the right length. I much much prefer a physical book so where possible will always select one (ok several) to take with me wherever I go. On my trip to Lapland I decided that Grace Adams would accompany me and oh how glad I was that she did!
Grace Adams is having a day where her last nerve has been worked. Stuck in traffic in the stifling heat she finally has had enough of absolutely everything and decides that she will continue her journey on foot. As she walks we dip in and out of her past and find out what has been going on in the recent past as well as the key events from years ago. We build a picture of Grace, who she once was and how she has become the woman who now lives alone, estranged from her daughter and ex-husband.
Grace's daughter Lotte is turning sixteen. Her teenage years have been a challenge with Grace trying very hard to remain a relevant part of her life but frequently being met with eye rolls and general indifference. She wants to encourage and support Lotte but it isn't easy. We see the mother daughter relationship at different points over the years and it struck a real cord with me as a mother to a young daughter. This isn't to at all suggest you wouldn't find it moving if you are not a caregiver or have sons, simply a comment that it particularly connected for me.
I can't talk about some of the events in the book because I really don't want to spoil things for future readers. I can say that I have never worked so hard not to cry in public as I did during certain chapters but also that I snorted with mirth at some other sections. It is cleverly written and brings the reader along on the walk with Grace and puts you in her shoes.
I realise this is only my second review of the year but this is certain to be in my top 2023 reads and will also be one I shout about to anyone who enjoys reading! Get yourselves a copy and fall in love with Grace for she truly is amazing!
About Fran Littlewood: Fran Littlewood has an MA in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, University of London. She was taught by Andrew Motion and passed with distinction. Before that she worked as a journalist, including a stint at The Times. She lives in north London with her husband and their three girls. AMAZING GRACE ADAMS is her debut novel.
You can find her on Twitter @_franlittlewood
Posted byIntensive Gassing About Books @AboutGassing December 29, 2022 January 2, 2023 Posted inUncategorizedLeave a comment on #Review Amazing Grace Adams – Fran Littlewood
#Review We All Want Impossible Things – Catherine Newman
"Who knows you better than your best friend? Who knows your secrets, your fears, your desires, your strange imperfect self? Edi and Ash have been best friends for over forty years. Since childhood they have seen each other through life's milestones: stealing vodka from their parents, the Madonna phase, REM concerts, unexpected wakes, marriages, infertility, children. As Ash notes, 'Edi's memory is like the back-up hard drive for mine.'
So when Edi is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Ash's world reshapes around the rhythms of Edi's care, from chipped ice and watermelon cubes to music therapy; from snack smuggling to impromptu excursions into the frozen winter night. Because life is about squeezing the joy out of every moment, about building a powerhouse of memories, about learning when to hold on, and when to let go.
For fans of Nora Ephron and Sorrow & Bliss, We All Want Impossible Things is a deeply moving, jubilant celebration of life and friendship at its imperfect, radiant, and irreverent best."
Welcome to 2023 everyone! I have been so excited to share this review. We All Want Impossible Things is sure to be one of my very top reads of 2023 and is most definitely a book I will be recommending to anyone who will listen. It is one of those stories that genuinely grabs you and burrows into your heart and remains. As you'll see from the blurb, this is the story of Ash and Edi, two women with a friendship that is almost as long as their lives and has taken them through highs and lows but now is reaching a devastating ending. Edi is in a hospice and Ash is supporting Edi through the final stage of her life whilst trying to make some sense of her own. Ash is struggling, doing her best, but struggling.
The friendship between Edi and Ash is a special one, and one that I don't think many people ever truly experience. All too often life gets in the way and whilst there's often good intention, people can drift apart. I adored seeing the little looks at events from their past and seeing how these have shaped their relationship.
The writing in this story is exquisite – there are times where I have wanted to (but I don't write in books so haven't) highlight sentences and paragraphs and store to return to. So often Catherine writes something which made me go 'THIS, one hundred percent this.' Her use of language is wonderful and so many emotions are evoked whilst reading her words. I had a lump in my throat through many parts of this story and needed some tissues more than one. But there were plenty of parts where I laughed and felt joy whilst reading. It is a true emotional rollercoaster in the very best possible way.
If you want a story to draw you in, grab your heart and connect you to some fabulous characters then this is the story for you. This book is everything. Truly everything.
About Catherine Newman: Catherine Newman is the author of the memoirs Catastrophic Happiness and Waiting for Birdy, and the bestselling children's book How to be a Person. She writes the etiquette column for Real Simplemagazine, and is a regular contributor to the New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, Parents magazine, and many other publications. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, with her family.
You can find her on Twitter @CatheriNewman and Instagram @catherinewman
Posted byIntensive Gassing About Books @AboutGassing December 29, 2022 January 1, 2023 Posted inUncategorizedLeave a comment on #Review We All Want Impossible Things – Catherine Newman
#BlogTour Nobody But Us – Laure Van Rensburg
Steven Harding is a handsome, well-respected professor. Ellie Masterson is a wide-eyed young college student.
Together, they are driving south from New York, for their first holiday: three days in an isolated cabin, far from the city.
Ahead of them, the promise of long, dark nights – and the chance to explore one another's bodies, away from prying eyes.
It should be a perfect, romantic trip for two.
Except that he's not who he says he is. But then again, neither is she…
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this incredible book earlier in the year and posted a little review at the time. I'm so happy to also be on the paperback #blogtour and to get to shout about Nobody But Us again. I've copied my previous thoughts below but wanted to really emphasis just how amazing this story is. The writing is just so sharp and really builds into a suspenseful, can't put down for even a loo break, leave you breathless read. This is a must read for thriller fans and a blistering debut – this is an author I'll be eagerly awaiting more from.
"Goodness me – this is an absolutely brilliant read. Incredibly tense and genuinely felt my heart racing as I read and found myself holding my breath on more than one occasion. This is most definitely a book where you really do not want to know more than the barest of bones of the detail before you jump in. So I will tell you what you already know – we meet Ellie and Steven as they embark on a romantic long weekend away together. They seem so blissfully happy but appearances can deceive and perhaps neither is entirely honest about their background. Over the weekend many shocking truths will emerge.
I think this is such an amazing debut – sharp writing, dramatic, suspenseful and absolutely intoxicating. WOW!"
About Laure Van Rensburg: Laure Van Rensburg is a French writer living in the UK and an Ink Academy alumna. Her stories have appeared in online magazines and anthologies such as Litro Magazine, Storgy Magazine, The Real Jazz Baby (2020 Best Anthology, Saboteur Awards 2020), and FIVE:2:ONE. She has also placed in competitions including 2018 & 2019 Bath Short Story Award. Nobody But Us is her first novel. http://www.laurevanrensburg.com | Twitter: @Laure0901 | Instagram: @Laurevanrensburg
Posted byIntensive Gassing About Books @AboutGassing December 2, 2022 Posted inUncategorizedLeave a comment on #BlogTour Nobody But Us – Laure Van Rensburg
#BlogTour Dashboard Elvis is Dead – David F. Ross
"Renowned photo-journalist Jude Montgomery arrives in Glasgow in 2014, in the wake of the failed Scottish independence referendum, and it's clear that she's searching for someone.
Is it Anna Mason, who will go on to lead the country as First Minister? Jamie Hewitt, guitarist from eighties one-hit wonders The Hyptones? Or is it Rabbit – Jude's estranged foster sister, now a world-famous artist?
Three apparently unconnected people, who share a devastating secret, whose lives were forever changed by one traumatic night in Phoenix, forty years earlier…
Taking us back to a school shooting in her Texas hometown, and a 1980s road trip across the American West – to San Francisco and on to New York – Jude's search ends in Glasgow, and a final, shocking event that only one person can fully explain…"
Wow we are hurtling though 2022 but what better way to round off the year than with another brilliant book from the wonderful Orenda team! Dashboard Elvia is Dead is the latest story from David F. Ross and it's a book that will truly burrow under your skin and sit with you. We go on a journey from Glasgow to America and back tracking Jude and Jamie through key points in their lives. I had a real sense of melancholy as I read. There are some very sad moments from the start of the story and these stuck with me as I read.
Jude doesn't have it easy at all. Her family life is complicated and she sort of retreats into herself in school until she meets AJ. Then tragedy strikes and Jude has to go her own way once more but this time with her heart much heavier with new grief to bear. When she leaves home she seems to be in a limbo of sorts; unable to stay, unprepared to really leave. I can't quite explain why but I felt really connected with Jude and her struggles. I suspect that's because of how well she was depicted and written!
Jamie is a rising star, off to the states to make a name for himself with his band. Armed with half a plan and a lot of enthusiasm they reach New York and get to work making contacts and hunting out opportunity. There is a fair bit of tension when everything they'd hoped for doesn't just fall into place. Emotions run high and an unexpected sequence of events during a gig changes Jamie's plans and those of the band. I thoroughly enjoyed the chaos and roughness of this aspect to the story. It's raw and unfiltered and excellently told.
The story as a whole is a rich and descriptive read which really brings the reader along on the journey. I loved getting to see events from Jude and Jamie's perspectives. I particularly loved how the Scottish characters are written as they speak (I'm sure there is a more elegant way to say this but I can't think of the proper term). I can't really explain why but it makes me feel like I'm really hearing them and properly there watching. Whilst a fictional story, there are aspects which tie into reality and this again made me feel somehow involved and it's not just a story but real lives. Like I said at the beginning, there is a real sense of sadness which runs through the storylines. I do feel quite emotional even now just musing upon what I've read. A great book, check it out!
About David F. Ross: David F. Ross was born in Glasgow in 1964 and has lived in Kilmarnock for over 30 years. He is a graduate of the Mackintosh School of Architecture at Glasgow School of Art, an architect by day, and a hilarious social-media commentator, author and enabler by night. His debut novel The Last Days of Disco was shortlisted for the Authors Club Best First Novel Award, and optioned for the stage by the Scottish National Theatre. All five of his novels have achieved notable critical acclaim and There's Only One Danny Garvey, published in 2021 by Orenda Books, was shortlisted for the prestigious Saltire Society Prize for Scottish Fiction Book of the Year. David lives in Ayrshire.
Posted byIntensive Gassing About Books @AboutGassing December 2, 2022 December 2, 2022 Posted inUncategorized1 Comment on #BlogTour Dashboard Elvis is Dead – David F. Ross
#BlogTour Disobedient Women – Sangeeta Mulay
"Set in contemporary India, Sangeeta Mulay's unforgettable debut novel is a compelling story of four unforgettable characters:
Aparna – a courageous campaigner of rationality and freedom of expression. Will the
patriarchal grip of a religious society manage to silence her?
Hari – the passionate founder of a religious organisation. As Hari becomes a rising star for the local Hindu right-wing, will he lose himself?
Naseem – Aparna's wise daughter who is discovering her sexuality. Will she have the strength to stand up for her mother against societal stigma?
Kashi – Hari's daughter who is in love with science and…girls? Confused about her sexuality, will she be able to lead life on her own terms?
Confronting issues of religion, bigotry, sex and politics, DISOBEDIENT WOMEN tells the interwoven stories of two families and their battle of ideologies. A novel of the choices women make under pressure, where to be disobedient is the only
option that offers change."
Disobedient Women is a brilliant story which takes many of the thorny issues of modern life and weaves them together very cleverly in a fabulously engrossing read. I think I probably should start my review by mentioning that although this story is set in India and the main religion featured is Hindu, I think the themes of the story could be applied to any of the major religions, what with there being fanatical members of all, and so by telling you how much I liked this book, I am NOT disrespectful of anyones faith or lack thereof! I also wouldn't want anyone to feel that the religious themes should put them off, they are a key feature but as a springboard to other key issues which I think need to be discussed such as sexism, feminism, sexuality, and family relationships.
I was drawn to this book as it was described as a feminist read, but also that it was set in a state (Maharashtra) of India where I have spent sometime volunteering in the past and, having had such a wonderful experience there, I feel an affinity for. The story is divided into five parts, and focus on the lives of Aparna, Hari, Haseem and Kashi. I thought they were all very well thought out and presented. Aparna is an absolute hero, she is a women who refuses to accept that life has to be lived as tradition dictates and speaks out for the rights of women and those without religious affiliation. Somewhat unusually, she has a husband who is generally supportive of her belief and actions and takes on more household tasks than many other husbands would. This leads him to be mocked and looked down on at times but he stands firm by his wife, although fears for her safety. Aparna is principled and I really admired her commitment even when times got very tough. Her daughter Naseem has been raised to know her worth and not to be cowed by expectations of others. But this is hard. Although her family is progressive, it's not easy when old fashioned views are the norm. Being a teenager is hard no matter where you live so navigating growing up whilst being judged for her outspoken mother is a line which is hard to walk and is confusing and at times mortifying.
Hari is almost the polar opposite of Aparna in every way. He had a religious upbringing and found it hard to be around those who had more secular views and ways of life, feeling an outsider. He desires order and return to more traditional values, thus finds Aparna absolutely abhorrent. When his religious group starts growing in size and popularity he finds that achieving some of his goals might actually be within his grasp, but at a terrifying cost. Hari's daughter Kashi does not look like she wants to follow in her father's footsteps. She has a mind which questions everything, from the way the planet works to the teachings and diktats from her upbringing. She loves her parents but doesn't necessarily like them. As with Naseem, it is hard for her to work out how to align who she is with her upbringing and the expectations placed upon her. She is courageous and thoughtful and I thought she was excellent.
The story covers some themes which may be distressing to read including sexual assault but nothing is described in very graphic detail so as to make it excessively difficult for the reader. I thought the balance between the different characters was excellent and I could quite happily have read another several hundred pages to spend more time and find out more about them. This would make a great book club choice as there is a lot to discuss, much more than I could include in a review. I think this was an excellent book and I hope to read more from Sangeeta in the future!
About Sangeeta Mulay: Sangeeta Mulay was born in Pune in India and now currently works in London as a UX writer. She received an honourable mention in the 2021 NYC midnight micro-fiction challenge. Her book for young adults, 'Savitribai Phule and I' was a notable book of 2020 for The Bombay Review. She has also had a short story highly commended in the Sydney Hammond short story competition. Another of Mulay's short stories will be published in a 2022 Fox and Windmill anthology.
Posted byIntensive Gassing About Books @AboutGassing December 1, 2022 December 1, 2022 Posted inUncategorizedLeave a comment on #BlogTour Disobedient Women – Sangeeta Mulay
#BlogTour Speedy Sophie – Nina Mroue
"Sophie was a special little girl who would run everywhere. As soon as she would wake up in the morning, she would put on her magical running shoes and she would run."
Before I sat down to write this post, I told my five year old what I was going to do and she said "ooo mummy, are you going to tell the internet that I LOVED THIS BOOK!?" Well, yes, that's exactly what I am going to do!
Sophie is a little girl who runs and runs and runs, never taking time to do anything but run until disaster strikes and she outgrows her trainers. Forced to walk, she gets the opportunity to look more closely at places she would speed past, and in doing so realises that perhaps there is more to life than simply running.
My daughter is five and she gives Speedy Sophie a double thumbs up, which is her highest rating on the 'what do you think' scale. Her very favourite parts of the story were the places Sophie visits and getting to spot where the bird is on every page, and what it is doing. I think this story is a great one for young readers, the language is simple but not babyish, the story is short but detailed and the illustrations are lovely. It sends a nice message about taking some time to look around you and finding the wonder in everyday things. The little bird who follows her is sweet and adds a nice little game as you read. If you're on the look out for a bookish gift or a stocking filler for an early years child then I think this would be a great choice.
About Nina Mroue: Nina Mroue is a mum of 2, based in London. Nina has always had a passion for writing and gets motivation for her stories from her two little girls, her main source of inspiration. Nina is a firm believer that children can change the world. Through her stories, Nina hopes to instil positive messages to the younger generation. The topics closest to her heart are mindfulness and taking care of the planet.
Available at Amazon, Waterstones, WHSmith, Foyles Bookshop, Blackwells and Brown Dog Bookshop
Posted byIntensive Gassing About Books @AboutGassing November 28, 2022 November 27, 2022 Posted inUncategorizedLeave a comment on #BlogTour Speedy Sophie – Nina Mroue
Intensive Gassing About Books, Blog at WordPress.com.


"Heavens, but 'tis a nike high heels foul mind the man's got!""Where women are concerned, yes. Otherwise-'tis not such a bad fellow, Miles.""I've no use for that kind of dirt myself, Jack.""Oh, I don't know. I daresay we are none of us exactly saints." He changed the subject abruptly. "How is Jenny?"
"Rather off her feed; missing you, I expect. I left her with your man. He should be arriving soon, I should think. I don't fancy he'll waste much time.""Neither do I. Poor fellow, he must have worried terribly over his worthless master.""Sure, nike dunk heels his face was as white as your own when I told him ye were wounded!"Carstares turned his head quickly.
"What's this about my face? Just be so kind as to hand me that mirror, Miles."O'Hara laughed and obeyed, watching my lord's close scrutiny of his countenance with some surprise."Interesting nike heels pallor, my dear friend, interesting pallor. Nevertheless, I am glad that Jim is on his way." He met O'Hara's eyes as he looked up, and his lips quivered irrepressibly."You think me very vain, Miles?""Is it a pose of yours, John? Is it Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart.?"
"No. I believe it is myself. You see, when one has but one's self to live for and think for-one makes the most of one's self! Hence my vanity. Take the mirror away, please-the sight of my countenance offends me!""Sure, nike high heels ye are free with your orders, me lord!" said O'Hara, putting the glass down on the table. "And, while I think of it-what might your name be now?"


text:
Emerson, Lake & Palmer este albumul de debut al trupei britanice de rock progresiv Emerson, Lake and Palmer, lansat în 1970 în Marea Britanie și în ianuarie 1971 în Statele Unite.

Lista pieselor
 "The Barbarian" (Béla Bartók, aranjament: Emerson, Lake and Palmer) (4:27)
 "Take a Pebble" (Lake) (12:32)
 "Knife-Edge" (Leoš Janáček & Johan Sebastian Bach, aranjament: Emerson, Lake & Fraser) (5:04)
 "The Three Fates" (Emerson) (7:46)
 "Tank" (Emerson & Palmer) (6:49)
 "Lucky Man" (Lake) (4:36)

Single-uri
 "Knife-Edge" (1970)
 "Lucky Man" (1971)

Componență
 Keith Emerson - orgă, pian, clavinet, mellotron, orgă Hammond, Moog sintetizator
 Greg Lake - chitară acustică, bas, chitară electrică, voce
 Carl Palmer - baterie, percuție

Albume din 1970
Albume de Emerson, Lake and Palmer
Albume de debut

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
End-of-Sale and End-of-Life Announcement for the Cisco IOS Software Release 15.4(1)S for Cisco ME 3800X Series Carrier Ethernet Switch Routers
Updated:February 24, 2014
EOL9524
Cisco announces the end-of-sale and end-of-life dates for the Cisco IOS Software Release 15.4(1)S for Cisco ME 3800X Series Carrier Ethernet Switch Routers. The last day to order the affected product(s) is August 25, 2014. Customers with active service contracts will continue to receive support from the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) as shown in Table 1 of the EoL bulletin. Table 1 describes the end-of-life milestones, definitions, and dates for the affected product(s).
Table 1. End-of-Life Milestones and Dates for the Cisco IOS Software Release 15.4(1)S for Cisco ME 3800X Series Carrier Ethernet Switch Routers
Last Ship Date:
OS SW
End of SW Maintenance Releases Date:
The last date that Cisco Engineering may release any final software maintenance releases or bug fixes for IOS 15.4(1)S. After this date, Cisco Engineering will no longer develop, repair, maintain, or test the product software. The only exception is Vulnerability/Security issues that will be addressed as shown in the End of Vulnerability/Security Support milestone below.
End of Vulnerability/Security Support:
The last date that Cisco Engineering may release bug fixes for Vulnerability or Security issues for IOS 15.4(1)S. After this date, bug fixes for Vulnerability or Security issues identified in IOS 15.4(1)S may be provided through later supported software releases. Note that there will be no rebuild releases of IOS 15.4(1)S provided after this End of Vulnerability/Security Support milestone date.
Last Date of Support
The last date to receive applicable service and support for the product as entitled by active service contracts or by warranty terms and conditions. After this date, all support services for the product are unavailable, and the product becomes obsolete.
HW = Hardware OS SW = Operating System Software App. SW = Application Software
Customers are encouraged to migrate to the Cisco IOS Release 15.4(2)S. Information about this product can be found at: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps10965/index.html.
The Cisco Takeback and Recycle program helps businesses dispose properly of surplus products that have reached their end of useful life. The program is open to all business users of Cisco equipment and its associated brands and subsidiaries. For more information, go to: http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac227/ac228/ac231/about_cisco_takeback_recycling.html.
For more information about the Cisco IOS Software Release 15.4(2)S, visit http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps10965/index.html, or contact your local account representative.
For more information about the Cisco End-of-Life Policy, go to:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_end-of-life_policy.html.
For more information about the Cisco Product Warranties, go to:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/prod_warranties_listing.html.
To subscribe to receive end-of-life/end-of-sale information, go to:
http://www.cisco.com/cisco/support/notifications.html.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Meng Announces Millions in Coronavirus Funding for Local Health Providers
May 12, 2020 Press Release
QUEENS, NY – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced the awarding of $50.7 million in federal funding for health-related providers located in her congressional district in Queens. The funds, which are allocated under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will help 1,485 local providers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meng Urges House and Senate Leaders to Ensure Students Have Internet Access for Remote Learning During COVID-19 Crisis
QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) announced today that she led 103 Members of Congress in a letter to House and Senate Leadership calling for her Emergency Educational Connections Act (H.R. 6563) to be included in the next coronavirus stimulus package.
Meng Hails Approval of New York State's Plan to Operate Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer Program
QUEENS, NY – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service approved New York State's plan to operate the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program.
Meng Calls for All Frontline Workers to be Eligible for Hazard Pay During Coronavirus Pandemic
QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) today called for ALL essential workers to be made eligible for hazard pay in any proposed legislation that seeks to provide such wages or benefits during the COVID-19 crisis.
Meng Introduces Legislation to Combat COVID-19 Hate Crimes
QUEENS, NY – With various communities continuing to struggle with the surge in discriminatory attacks during the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. Rep.
Meng Urges Major Banks to Help Small Businesses with Applying for Coronavirus Relief Funds
QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she urged banks to assist small businesses with applying for coronavirus relief funds under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Meng and Ocasio-Cortez Lead NY Members in Calling for Rent and Mortgage Forgiveness in Next COVID-19 Relief Package
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-Queens) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Queens/Bronx) led members of the New York congressional delegation in calling on House and Senate leadership to include rent and mortgage forgiveness in the next COVID-19 relief package.
Meng: Postal Service Renews Lease for Kew Gardens Post Office
QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that the United States Postal Service has renewed its lease for the post office in Kew Gardens, Queens.
The Postal Service informed Meng's office that the new lease will be for five years from August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2026.
Meng Seeks Coronavirus Relief for Bodegas, Ethnic Grocery Stores and Small Independent Supermarkets in NYC
QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she led members of the New York Congressional Delegation in a letter to House leaders calling for the next coronavirus relief bill to provide critical and needed assistance for bodegas, ethnic grocery stores and small independent supermarkets, many of which are located throughout New York City.
Meng Issues Statement on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), today issued the following statement commemorating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
New York Aims To Become The Next State To Toss The Tampon Tax
By Fred Mogul
Feminine products are having a moment. With some calling for a red wave to take the taboo out of menstruation, politicians across the country are trying to make tampons and sanitary pads as affordable and accessible as possible.
U.S. Laws Will No Longer Sound Like a Vaguely Racist Uncle
By Matt Ford
The legislation now goes to President Obama for his signature.
House Passes Bill to Protect Federal Interns Against Harassment
Jan 12, 2016 In The News
By Jory Heckman
Months after a hearing on sexual harassment at the Environmental Protection Agency, one of the House's top government watchdogs has delivered on his promise to protect the youngest members of the federal workforce.
Grace Meng Invites Pakistani American NYPD Officer as Guest for Obama's SOTU Speech
By Sujeet Rajan
New York Democrat Congresswoman Grace Meng has found a unique way to support Muslims in America and rebuff the Republican presidential front-runner and businessman Donald Trump's vicious invective against Muslims: she has invited as her guest a Pakistani American New York Police Department (NYPD) officer, Lt.
Queens Pols React to Obama's New Gun Action
Jan 8, 2016 In The News
By Gabriel Rom
Queens Democrats came out in uniform support Tuesday for President Barack Obama's executive actions to try and curb gun violence throughout the country.
Speaking at the East Room at the White House and flanked by victims of gun violence and their families, the president became visibly emotional as he spoke of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.
Meng Says New Tax Measures Will Help Queens
Dec 27, 2015 In The News
By Madina Toure
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) praised the passage of tax breaks that she said will benefit individuals and small businesses in Queens, including a commuter tax credit for mass transit commuters and increasing expense limits for businesses for equipment costs. These were part of a $1.1 trillion spending package approved in Washington last week.
House Passes Meng Bill Seeking Removal of 'Oriental' Term
The House of Representatives passed a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) last week that removes the term "Oriental" from federal law.
Protecting Underage Models Becomes a Federal Issue
Nov 2, 2015 In The News
By Vanessa Friedman
Just months after the start of yet another fashion trend for using models age 16 and under, Representative Grace Meng of New York introduced the
Panel Explores Translating Potential Into Success
Sep 14, 2015 In The News
By Lynn Edmonds
How to afford college, balance a budget, and choose a career were all topics at a recent workshop "Translating Potential into Success" hosted by Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and Flushing's Ebenezer Baptist Church last Thursday.
Queens College Gets Federal Grant for Disability Services Project
Aug 12, 2015 In The News
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) announced a $1.1 million, five-year federal grant for Queens College to continue a disability services initiative that seeks to help low-income students with disabilities.


text:
Carbonear är en stad på Avalonhalvön i provinsen Newfoundland och Labrador i Kanada. Det fanns 4 739 invånare 2011, vilket var något mer än 2006, då folkräkningen stannade vid  4 723 invånare.

Historia
Carbonear är en av de äldsta bosättningarna i Newfoundland, en av de äldsta städerna i Kananda och anses grundat 1631.

Etymologi
Det finns ett antal teorier om ursprunget till stadens namn. Namnet kan härröra från det spanska ordet "carbonera" (i betydelsen kolförsäljare). Det har gett upphov till namnet på den italienska staden Carbonera, där John Cabot tros vara född. Det kan annars komma från franskan, det franska efternamnet "Carbonnier", ortsnamnet "La Carbonnière" eller ordet "charbonnière" (i betydelsen kolmila).

En nyare teori har Alwyn Ruddock vid University of London, som var en av världens främsta exporter på John Cabots expeditioner, kommit med. Hon menar att en grupp munkar tillhörig augustinerorden följde Cabot på hans andra resa 1498. Ledda av Giovanni Antonio de Carbonariis grundade de en religiös samfällighet, Carbonaraorden. Den blev kortlivad, men namnet levde kvar. Om teorin är riktig är dessutom Carbonear den första kristna kolonin i Nordamerika och platsen för det allra första kyrkobygget.

Grundande
Carbonear omnämns i text för första gången 1550. Orten är dokumenterad som bosatt sedan 1631, när området förlänades till Sir Percival Willoughby och fiskaren Nicholas Guy flyttade till området med sin familj.

Det finns en odokumenterad legend om den irländska prinsessan Sheila NaGeira Pike, som ska ha bosatt sig i området under 1600-talet och vara den första europeiska kvinnan att ha fött ett barn på Newfoundland.

Carbonear kom att bli ett välmående område, men drog därför också på sig britternas fiender. När Kung Vilhelms krig 1696 nådde Avalon-halvön anfölls staden och brändes till grunden. Sammanlagt förstörde fransmännen 36 bosättningar i Newfoundland, så att endast Bonavista och Carbonear Island återstod under brittisk kontroll i mars 1697.

Det moderna samhället växer fram
Under det följande århundradet attackerade och brände fransmännen Carbonear ytterligare två gånger.

1743 uppförde britterna slutligen en befästning på Carbonear Island, inför nya franska hot. Fästningen erövrades dock av fransmännen 1762 och fortets kanoner lämpades i havet, där de fortfarande ligger.

På 1800-talet blev Carbonear ett handelscentrum i samband med säljakten och det blomstrande torskfisket. Området präglades även fortsättningsvid av oroligheter. Vid 1800-talets mitt var upplopp och revolter ett så vanligt inslag i den politiska vardagen att begreppet carbonearism myntades.
Järnvägen nådde Carbonear 1898 och utökades med en ny, större järnvägsstation 1917. Järnvägstrafiken lades ner 1984.

I slutet av 1900-talet minskade områdets betydelse. Säljakten minskade, liksom fisket och skeppsbyggeriet konkurrerades ut. I början av 1990-talet kom fiskeindustrin på obestånd, när torskfisket förbjöds.  Fortfarande produceras krabba, men i stort har Carbonear förvandlats till et centrum för utbildning och sjukvård.

Demografi
Den kanadensiska folkräkningen 2006 och 2011 innehåller följande uppgifter om Carbonear:
Befolkning 2011 – 4 739
Befolkning 2006 – 4 723
Befolkning 2001 – 4 759
Befolkning 1996 – 5 168
Förändring 2001 – 2006: -0,8 procent
Befolkningstäthet: 399,8
Yta 11,81 km2

Referenser

Fotnoter

Carbonear


Town and Country, by Alice and Martin Provensen. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc. 32 pp. $9.95. All ages. This book's richly detailed contrast of urban and rural America will unite many of its older readers in moments of time remembered: the classic architecture of Symphony Hall standing indignantly next to the frenetically lighted billboard of a rock concert; or the relentlessly pragmatic offense of a pneumatic drill vs. the aesthetic self-indulgence of a nearby restaurant. The country, too, has its energy and demands, and even noise, along with its very different images of pastoral quiet and simplicity. For young readers the book gives a provocative and distilled taste of the offerings of each environment.
So what more could one ask besides a comprehensive overview of two incredibly different modes of life -- both so beautifully and realistically illustrated?
Perhaps a little more to discover, a little more poetic focusing on the particular. There doesn't seem to be much for the reader to do except identify and classify various objects and experiences in the text and illustration. The reader isn't enticed enough to enter into the multifaceted activities of these two worlds.
It's not that this worthy and highly commendable endeavor is anything less than what it wants to be: It's a magnificent success within its own design. Rather, it's that in the authors' desire to cover everything, they run the risk of lapsing into sheer listmaking when opportunities exist to tell even more in some particular image or text.
Putting aside the ways in which greater lyricism and imagination might have come into play, this book gets an ``A'' for sheer bigness of vision. It shows an honest ear for what interests children, and makes for an excellent, deft, intelligent piece of reading. By the time one gets through the contrasting depictions of urban and rural life, the overall feeling is one of very considerable immersion in the two great poles of human life.
Darian J. Scott is an elementary school teacher.
First Look In an emergency, is texting 911 better than calling?


text:
How Immigration Reform Is Impacting IT Staffing
On: May 30Author: Christopher DonovanCategories: IT Hiring, IT News, IT Staffing
Hiring in IT is already a challenge due to a small talent pool, and each day is an indication that this struggle will worsen. Turn on the TV or open an internet browser and you'll quickly discover yet another news item regarding U.S. immigration policies. Flooded by so many proposed changes, opinions, analyzations, and court decisions, the topic has become a murky river that we are all floating down but cannot see through. In an effort to grasp a clearer picture of what's happening and what it means for you, let's take a step back and look at how immigration reform is impacting IT staffing.
Current H-1B Visa Abuse
The current H-1B visa process was designed as a lottery system allowing 85,000 total visas to be granted each year. While on the surface it sounds simple, this system has descended into chaos due to outdated laws that see poor monitoring and enforcement. There are widely known ways to abuse the system. Large offshore firms flood the program with tens of thousands of applications, greatly increasing their success rate in being granted H-1B visas compared to the U.S companies that are playing by the rules. And that's just the start.
These large Asian firms are not only receiving an unjustly large majority of the allotted visas, but they are blatantly violating U.S. law and treating genuinely hard-working immigrant workers unfairly. In many instances, they will pay a worker a fraction of the appropriate salary reported to the government. These workers also have seen their paychecks cut off until a client pays their employer, which is a distinct violation of labor law.
Still worse, firms with ill-intent have gone even further, knowingly bringing over workers that lack the necessary skills for success by faking resumes and references. A worker could be forced to live in a company-owned housing complex, pay 60% of their salary back to that company in rent, and have no idea that they are being taken advantage of. These workers are often abandoned by such firms, which won't sponsor them for an extension or green card so that the firm can profit from the turnover. Such turn-and-burn abuse has been allowed to flourish due to a lack of regulatory oversight.
Proposed Immigration Reform
Love it or hate it, there are many proposed H-1B visa changes meant to curb such abuse through stricter enforcement, raising fees, improving site visits, and more. Executive orders cannot change laws on their own and have simply been calling for congress to review how current legislation is being enforced, especially in relation to the lottery system. While 85,000 visas are granted each year, those three-year visas can be renewed for three more plus a one year extension, effectively making them valid for seven years.
It's currently estimated that there are up to 900,000 H-1B visas currently employed in the United States, a number that the government itself can't even pinpoint. On top of this, a large number of those visa holders have spouses that have been granted an H-4 visa, allowing them to work just like any American citizen. There are believed to be roughly 250,000 people on this type of spouse visa, and the government is currently looking to reverse the 2015 measures that made these visas possible.
Additionally, premium processing of H-1B visas has been suspended, curtailing the ability to pay a larger fee for an expedited visa. However, any larger-scale changes congress passes will take longer to be implemented, as it's already too late to change processes for 2018. With court interpretations and rulings constantly being delayed and congress debating endlessly, the chaos has proliferated to dangerous levels.
Hiring Alternatives
In the midst of potential change, organizations are already considering their hiring alternatives. Studies show 59% of companies will consider offshoring as a solution, as it can provide cheaper access to international tech talent. Major Asian firms such as Infosys and TCS are already preparing for an onslaught of offshoring requests by investing in and building new offshore data centers. Likewise, U.S. companies with global presences will consider hiring more employees in their non-U.S. locations.
Unfortunately, there is no practical way for the U.S. government to punish or curtail such activities. An employee of Walmart working abroad is still the employee of an American company. Likewise, combatting offshoring by issuing fines will paralyze entire organizations. If they cannot find talent inside the U.S. already, are not allowed to bring in the candidates they need on a visa, and cannot affordably outsource their work, then they would be left with zero options. Roles would never get filled, productivity would slow to a halt, and financial statements would quickly suffer.
Amplifying the Talent Shortage
Even before any major reform has become law, there has already been a distinct impact to IT hiring. A "chilling effect" is discouraging talented tech minds from coming to America. In fact, this year's 199,000 H-1B visa applications are a distinct drop from the 236,000 received in 2016. Imagine all the bright IT talent from renown tech hubs such as India deciding to take their skills to Europe and encouraging their children to follow suit. The repercussions to the U.S. IT staffing landscape could be long-lasting.
Further, those great tech minds that are currently here are hesitant of transferring their visa to another company out of fear they will lose their work status. Many of these workers will be stuck, continuing to work for large offshore body shop firms that are mistreating them. Bright talent in these situations often receive unwarranted blame for a system that can work if regulated appropriately. The huge amount of H-1B and H-4 workers are contributing heavily to the U.S. economy, and calls for eliminating these legal, tax-paying workers that are purchasing homes, leasing cars, pursuing higher education, and buying local goods will have a massive negative effect on American businesses.
Overall, the chaos surrounding H-1B visa reform is making it harder for employers to quickly locate the right talent out of a smaller base of workers, magnifying the current talent shortage. As talk of changes scare newcomers away and current visas expire for others, the dwindling talent pool is likely to make skilled talent less available and more costly for tech employers. Businesses can attempt to offshore or ramp up their internal training and career path development, but without better regulation and thoughtful change, hiring in IT will become more of a struggle than ever.
Immigration Reform Is Impacting IT Staffing
Understanding immigration reform and deciding how to curb exploitative practices seems to be difficult for even lawmakers. It's an unclear and rapidly changing area that is already affecting every business in the country, especially those that hire tech workers. But why deal with the confusion surrounding IT staffing when you should be focusing on your core business? The right staffing partner can take this burden off your shoulders and provide you with the talent you need quickly, regardless of changing laws.
Need assistance locating expert IT talent during these confusing times? Tell us your hiring needs today.
About Christopher Donovan: With over 20 years of technology staffing and recruiting experience, Chris has deep technical knowledge, from legacy systems to Cloud services. Finding the talent to match his clients' needs is an obsessive passion he embraces every day.
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HUNGERFORD TOWN manager Bobby Wilkinson has resigned with immediate effect to leave The Crusaders with a huge gap to fill in the club's second season in the Vanarama National League South.
Players were left stunned after the final whistle when an emotional Wilkinson told them that Saturday's match at Welling United was his last in charge.
He has been followed out of the door at Bulpit Lane by his assistants Jamie Leacock and Mike Percival, and recently elected chairman Ian Passey has also said that he is considering his future.
Already Wilkinson has been linked with the vacant manager's position at Torquay United, and Wilkinson said: "I do want to move on a level.
"There's a few little things in the pipeline but nothing certain and I may be taking a gamble.
"But I won't be out of the game for long."
Wilkinson's resignation comes after eight dramatic during which he took the little club from close to the bottom of the Southern League's South and West Division to the Vanarama National League South, separated from the Football League by one division, and Hungerford were one place off the play-off to win promotion to that level last season.
Wilkinson said after the match at Welling: "Today was my last game. It's time to move on. It's time to call it a day.
"It's because of the boys here that I've stayed for so long. I made up my mind a week ago, but I didn't want to go out on a losing streak, but it is what it is.
SKIPPER Matt Day summed up the players' mood when he said: "It's a massive, massive bombshell.
"I didn't want to believe, but Bob gathered us around at the end and told us his decision.
MOST of Hungerford's committee left at the final whistle at Welling, where Hungerford lost 3-2. But chairman Ian Passey was informed and he said: "I'm absolutely devastated.
"I genuinely believe we've got the best manager outside the Football League and his record speaks for itself.
"I only got involved with the club because of Bobby so I'm going to think about my future.
Hungerford have this week to reorganise, although with training twice this week, two Bank Holiday weekend matches and only goalkeeping coach Ian Hobbs on the staff, urgency is the key.


Founded in 1825, Sellier & Bellot is the oldest continually running ammunition company in the world. The Czech manufacturer makes high end products for militaries, law enforcement agencies, and private customers alike. Your rifle will be very happy with this 223 Rem ammunition.
This cartridge is optimal for varmint hunting courtesy of its 55 grain soft point projectile. The bullet's precisely crafted copper-zinc alloy jacket hardens it to ensure both clean shooting and reliable penetration. This bullet's soft lead core is revealed by the jacket at its tip; As it tunnels through game the jacket peels away, creating wide expansion and an accordingly catastrophic wound channel.
Sellier & Bellot's brass casing functions reliably, and because it is brass and fresh out of its factory it's an ideal medium for reloading. This round's clean burning propellant produces a dependable 3,301 fps muzzle velocity, and its non-corrosive primer ignites cleanly as well.


text:
Australia Country Profile
Discover more about the Australian market including overviews about the retail, food service, and food processing sectors. Events, resources, and more are linked throughout the profile.
real growth in 2021
in the world for U.S. exports of processed foods, totaling $919 million in 2021
U.S. exports of agricultural products to Australia in 2021
Euromonitor reports that Australia has registered economic growth over 2021; however remaining strict pandemic containment measures have had a negative effect on the country's labor market. Furthermore, the tension with the largest trade partner, China, has had a dampening effect on export growth for Australia. Nevertheless, strong energy prices, expanding trade routes and positive outlook for investments into the country pave the way for sustainable growth over the medium term.
Following real growth of 4% in 2021, Australia's economy is expected to expand by an average annual real rate of 2.35 over the medium term.
Inflation in Australia is forecast to remain unchanged at 2.7% in 2022
As Australia's merchandise exports increased by 37% and imports rose by 21.6% during 2021, the country remained a net goods exporter.
As foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Australia decreased over 2020, FDI intensity reached 1.5% of GDP.
Public debt in Australia rose to 61.1% of GDP in 2021 from 57.3% in 2020, pointing to the country's deteriorating fiscal health.
Australia's population is steadily rising and reached 25.8 million in 2021 (CIA World Factbook Est.), up from 19.4 million in 2000. The median age in 2021 was 37.5 years – 2.1 years higher than in 2000. It will rise to 38.3 years by 2030. Immigration is an important contributor to population growth. More than a fifth of all Australians were born overseas and over a quarter of those born in Australia have at least one parent who was born overseas. Most of today's immigrants come from Asia. The population of those over 65 years has more than doubled since 1980 and numbered 4 million in 2021 (15.5% of total population). By 2030, the share will be 18.2%.
Australia is an open market with minimal restrictions on imports of goods and services. The process of opening up has increased productivity, stimulated growth, and made the economy more flexible and dynamic. Australia plays an active role in the World Trade Organization (WTO), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Group of 20, (G20), and other trade forums. Australia's free trade agreement (FTA) with China entered into force in 2015, adding to existing FTAs with the Republic of Korea, Japan, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, and the U.S., and a regional FTA with ASEAN and New Zealand.
Australia continues to negotiate bilateral agreements with Indonesia, as well as larger agreements with its Pacific neighbors and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and an Asia-wide Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership that includes the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) countries and China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and India. Australia is a member of the new 11-member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which was formally created in March 2018. The new agreement excludes the U.S.
USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) in Canberra reports that Australia is a prosperous and industrialized nation with a stable economy. Underpinning Australia's strong economy is its open and transparent trade and investment environment, and trade and economic links with emerging economies, particularly in Asia. The U.S. - Australia Free Trade Agreement provides some advantages for U.S. products, which are well regarded as high quality and good value. The U.S. accounted for US$1.2 billion or 12% of Australia's total food related imports in 2020. Despite continued impact on the economy in 2021 due to the COVID-19 Delta strain, Australia's economy has begun to recover, and consumer sentiment has rebounded.
Advantages and Challenges for U.S. Food Exporters in Australia
Post adds that like all vital U.S. agricultural export markets, Australia comes with its own unique opportunities and challenges.
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U.S. culture well accepted and similar to Australia.
No language barriers.
U.S. products have excellent image and acceptance.
Northern hemisphere seasonal advantage for fresh foods, e.g. fruit and vegetables.
The U.S./Australia Free Trade Agreement enables a majority of U.S. products to enter Australia tariff free.
Australian consumers constantly seeking new tastes and cuisines.
Strong dining out culture provides opportunities to supply the consumer foodservice sector with new products.
Australia has strict quarantine requirements for fresh products, and import permits are required for fresh produce and some products are prohibited.
Australia is a significant producer of a similar variety of agricultural products.
Australian labeling and advertising laws are different from the U.S. which may require some changes to food label.
"Buy Australian" campaign is significant.
A focus on purchasing fresh local food by many restaurants and cafés provides advantages to local producers and suppliers.
2021 U.S. exports of agricultural products to Australia totaled just over US$1.4 billion, a decline of 7% compared to the prior year. Over US$1.1 billion were of the consumer oriented variety or just over 78% of the agricultural total, with a decline of 6%. Australia also ranks 9th in the world for U.S. exports of processed foods, totaling US$919 million in 2021, which was down 4% from that of 2020.
Top U.S. processed food exports to Australia included:
Food Preparations
Canned, Dried and Frozen Fruit
projected for 2022 packaged food retail sales in Australia
growth rate or $6.2 billion since 2018
projected retail sales for packaged food in Australia by 2026, growth rate of 17.7% and $7.8 billion
According to Euromonitor, retail sales in the packaged food market in Australia are expected to reach US$44.5 billion in 2022. That represents a growth rate of 16.3% or US$6.2 billion since 2018. By the year 2026 the retail sales in the packaged food market in Australia is expected to reach US$52.4 billion, a growth rate of 17.7% and US$7.8 billion from 2022.
High growth products in the forecast include:
Ice cream and frozen desserts
Dairy Products (Ex. Cheese)
FAS Canberra reports that health, wellness, and the environment continue to be key purchasing factors for Australian consumers. Portion sizes are increasingly important as consumers want quality over quantity, and they expect packaging to be informative and environmentally responsible. The value of food and liquor retailing in Australia rose by 5%in 2020 to US$133 billion. Supermarket and grocery expenditures continue to account for the bulk of food retailing purchases with a share of 66%.
The value of Australian consumer oriented (i.e., snack foods, breakfast cereals, meat and poultry, dairy, eggs and products, fresh fruit and vegetables, processed fruit and vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices, nuts, wine, beer, nursery products, pet food, etc.), fish, and seafood imports totaled US$10.4 billion in 2020. The U.S. accounted for US$1.2 billion or 11% of Australia's total food related imports. Most of Australia's imports in these sectors are sourced from New Zealand – the U.S. is the second largest supplier.
Consumer aspirations, both personal and social, along with product developments by suppliers and retailers, continue to be important influences on shopping choices. For example – Sustainability: Consumers support products and brands that address concerns for better environmental outcomes. Food producers and retailers have made considerable investments into sustainability platforms. Waste reduction: Consumers desire to reduce household food waste. Integrity of food production systems: Consumers have supported products positioned to resonate with them (such as free-range egg, poultry, and meat products). Healthy eating: The high profile given to obesity has increased the awareness of managing portion sizes.
Woolworths is an Australian-owned company that has been trading since the 1920s. Woolworths is the number one player in the grocery sector with a 37% value share of the market in 2020. Cole's supermarkets are part of Wesfarmers Limited and are the second largest player in the grocery sector with a 28% value share in 2020. ALDI Stores Supermarkets Pty Ltd, the German based international discount food retailer which began trading in Australia in 2001, is the only grocery discounter in Australia and continues to increase its market share (10.5% in 2020). Metcash Trading Limited Australasia ranks fourth in supermarkets in value terms (7% in 2020). Metcash is Australia's largest grocery wholesaler and is a leading marketing and distribution company operating in the food, and other fast-moving consumer goods, categories. There are no hypermarkets in Australia, with no investment made by retailers to develop the channel since a failed attempt by Coles in the 1990s.
The supermarkets industry is one of the most fiercely competitive sectors in Australia with the rapid growth of German-owned ALDI over the past five years significantly altering the industry. Supermarkets and grocery stores continue to maintain most of the retail food market share, at around 66%. The market share of cafés, restaurants and takeaway food outlets is around 21%, reflecting consumers' continued desire for convenience. Other food retailers, such as butchers and bakeries, remain relatively stable with around 5% market share.
Private label in Australia tends to be more prominent in the grocery channel. ALDI's private-label strategy has been so successful in Australia that it has changed the perception that Australians had of the quality of private-label brands. Leading supermarket operators, Coles and Woolworths, are increasing their range of private-label products each year. Growing satisfaction with private label products has resulted in many consumers sticking with those products even during periods of positive consumer sentiment when they would have previously switched back to branded products.
Convenience stores in Australia are facing growing competition from smaller-sized supermarkets. Best exemplified by the Woolworths Metro and Coles Local formats, these smaller outlets are increasingly found in busy inner city locations and densely populated suburban areas. Like convenience stores, they target time pressed consumers who tend to shop more frequently, but buy fewer items at a time. Crucially, however, smaller supermarkets generally offer lower prices, while some also serve as "click and collect" points for online customers.
Euromonitor reports that during the pandemic, the concept of unattended self-service grocery store in shipping-container-size drew a lot of attention. The concept was developed by small, local producers to sell their own products and in 2021 was adapted by long-standing brands Billa and Unimarkt who both opened a handful of such stores. The typical selling space is around 11 sqm with a range of around 200 products. The concept aims to ensure supply in rural areas where it is difficult to run a classic store economically. Under certain conditions it can be run 24/7 which is a major advantage in the face of Austria's very restricted opening hours. Due to the lack of relevant branch networks, existing examples have not yet qualified to be classified as convenience stores and therefore have not been contributing to category sales. However, assuming continuing expansion and more investment by established brands, the concept could potentially reshape the channel in the forecast period and lead to better sales prospect.
In spring 2021, Rewe publicly announced the intention to give the control of several its Billa supermarkets to independent, local traders. This idea is nothing new since the Spar, Adeg, and Nah & Frisch brands have been using this model in Austria for decades and is one of the reasons why a portion of Spar outlets are considered convenience stores. The local traders usually have a say in terms of suppliers, product range, and store design. However, more importantly to the owners, they give the stores more regional flavor and credibility within the community. Given the increasing consumer appreciation for local manufacturers and products, this has allowed Spar to significantly outperform Billa in recent years. Rewe's plans for implementing this new business model are still very vague but could potentially lead to the presence of Billa in convenience stores. Such an entry would certainly aid category prospects, similarly to Unimarkt's new franchise concept.
Best Prospects:
FAS Canberra that prospects are excellent for organic and natural ingredients as well as consumer-ready processed foods and beverages. Findings from a recent survey show that Australian consumers are adopting a back-to-basics mindset, focusing on simple ingredients and fewer artificial or processed foods. The types of products consumers are demanding include all natural; no artificial colors; low sugar/sugar free; no artificial flavors; and low fat/fat-free. U.S. exporters who are able to incorporate ingredients and preparation methods that improve the nutritional profile of products will be strongly positioned to succeed in this market. It should be noted that although consumers are trying to eat healthier, they have not completely ruled out buying confectionery products.
reported value of the Australian consumer food service industry
63,000 Outlets
in Australia's consumer food service sector
The Australian consumer foodservice industry is valued at US$40.5 billion. By far the largest proportion of the Australia's foodservice industry is the consumer foodservice sector, which consists of almost 63,000 outlets. Australia's commercial foodservice sector is a competitive market and with an ageing population, the institutional foodservice sector (aged care, hospitals, etc.) continues to grow. Most industry operators in the hotel and resort sector derive a significant portion of revenue from the sale of meals and beverages prepared at onsite restaurants. COVID-19 related government restrictions have had a large impact on the hotel, restaurant institutional (HRI) sector over the last two years. As a greater proportion of the Australian population is vaccinated, government restrictions began to ease by the end of 2021.
Australia's multicultural population is fueling increased demand for an ever-expanding menu of ethnic foods and specialty ingredients while at the same time asking for simpler and healthier choices. Dining out is a way of life for most Australians and it is estimated that more than one-third of Australian households' total food and non-alcoholic beverage budget is spent on eating outside of the home. Australians eat out on average two or three times a week for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Australia offers an eclectic mix of cuisines, which are fully embraced into national culture.
Independent limited-service restaurants, full-service restaurants and cafes/bars make up most consumer foodservice establishments in Australia. This differs from other countries such as the U.S. and the U.K. where franchises and chains dominate. Australian consumers prefer the more eclectic mix of food offerings via independents, a trend borne out of historical immigration mixes, with this type of business less dependent on population or macroeconomic growth.
Consumer preferences are also leading to a rise in the popularity of casual dining, where growth is being experienced by bars/pubs and restaurants in suburban locations. As dining out is so deeply entrenched in Australia's culture, during times of economic downturn consumers trade down rather than stop eating out. As the market becomes increasingly competitive the focus among independents will be on offering menus that are unique while many will also focus on differentiating via ambience and level of service.
Euromonitor reports that although foodservice operators faced challenges throughout 2021 in terms of an uncertain market environment, labor shortage issues and strained revenue sources with lack of international visitors entering the country, meant that businesses pivoted towards offering deliveries and building on their digital capabilities to cater for consumers and diversify their revenue models. Restaurants reduced opening hours and ran leaner operations by simplifying or reducing their menus.
Chained limited-service operators have been able to pivot quickly in comparison to other types of foodservice, enabling them to manage the crisis despite the business challenges due to further outbreaks in 2021. Leading operators such as McDonald's and KFC saw different branches across the country facing overwhelming demand, encouraging them to diversify their offer such as new limited lines including Pizza Doubles by KFC and Cheese Toastie Crust by Domino's Pizza.
The lack of international tourists entering the country significantly impacted the hospitality industry in terms of lower number of customers as well as short supply of immigrant workers who traditionally help fill the labor gap in the foodservice industry. As Australia moves forward in terms of living with COVID-19 with the country moving past strict lockdowns and social distancing measures, international borders are set to reopen in 2022, and therefore consumer foodservice can expect the labor shortage in the market to gradually recover.
FAS Canberra reports that U.S. food products with the best potential in the Australian HRI sector include Positive nutrition: The drive to make food and beverages healthier continues to gain momentum in Australia. Australian consumers do not want to be told what not to eat and are instead looking for more constructive guidance to assist their food and beverage purchases. This encompasses a movement from food avoidance to positive nutrition and the inclusion of healthy food and ingredients. Healthy indulgence: Australians aren't really interested in strict diet plans, but there is a huge spike in people trying to control their portion sizes. They don't want to cut out certain food groups or flavors, but they are willing to control the amount they eat. Therefore, the quality over quantity mentality is an important consideration for marketers. Claim terms such as "portioned indulgence" or "treat size" convey the message that sensory benefits have not been foregone for the sake of health.
Food-Processing Sector
of Australia's manufacturing sector is the food, beverage, and grocery industry
2019-20 food industry turnover in Australia
number of enterprises in Australia's food processing industry
FAS Canberra reports that Australia's food, beverage, and grocery sectors account for approximately one-third of the country's total manufacturing industry. In 2019-20 (latest available data) food manufacturing turnover totaled US$84 billion. The industry is comprised of over 16,000 enterprises (excluding those in the fresh produce sector).
The initial COVID-19 outbreak significantly affected operators in the Food Product Manufacturing sector although this was relatively short-lived. In March 2020, the Australian Government announced several measures aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the Australian community including mandating the closure of all food and beverage service operators and requiring some food manufacturers to reduce their workforce capacity. State and territory governments moved relatively quickly after lockdowns to open cafes, restaurants, pubs, and bars which supported manufacturers supplying this subdivision. Economic conditions have now improved, and sales are rising for food product manufacturers that supply the retail market.
In October 2020, the Australian government announced a US$1.1 billion investment in manufacturing – including food and beverage manufacturing – called the Modern Manufacturing Strategy (MMS). The MMS is designed to assist Australian manufacturers scale-up, become more competitive and resilient, and build scale in the global market. This development offers opportunities for U.S. suppliers of ingredients to increase sales to Australia. Further information on the strategy for food and beverage manufacturing is available on the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources website.
Processed/cured meat products – Increases in prices of fresh meat has meant that price-conscious consumers have turned to processed/cured products as a cheaper alternative. Processed pig meat and pork for further processing has been progressively allowed into Australia since 1990. Imports consist mainly of frozen boneless pork for further processing. The United States and Denmark are the most significant sources of imports. In 2021, imports of pork and pork products from the United States were valued at $196 million. While that is a drop of 22% from 2020 Australia still ranks as the 8th largest U.S. export market for pork and products. Major players in processed and cured meat product processing: Industry Park Pty Ltd, Food Investments Pty Ltd, and Bertocchi Smallgoods Pty Ltd.
Dairy product manufacturing (milk and butter) – Most imports in this sector come from New Zealand, which is the largest source by far, accounting for 70% of all industry imports due to its proximity to Australia and the high quality of its dairy produce. The United States is the second largest supplier, accounting for 6% of imports which consist mainly of whey, butter, and yoghurt/buttermilk/kefir products. Major players in dairy product manufacturing: Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd, Bega Cheese Ltd, Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd, and Lactalis Australia Pty Ltd.
Cheese manufacturing – Domestic cheese consumption is relatively stagnant. Local consumer preferences have shifted from traditional varieties towards premium and specialty cheese varieties. The total value of imported cheese is $537 million with the United States supplying around 20% of those imports. Major players in cheese manufacturing: Bega Cheese Ltd, Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd, and Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd.
Fruit and vegetable processing – The Australian domestic fruit and vegetable processing industry has struggled with increasing external competition in recent years as supermarkets have been increasingly sourcing processed goods from overseas. The United States has an advantage over some other countries because of their reputation of trusted suppliers of safe, high-quality products – this should be emphasized when approaching this market. The dominance of Australia's supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths has encouraged growth in cheaper imports to be sold as private-label products. In 2021, imports from the United States were valued at US$104 million. Major players in fruit and vegetable processing: Simplot Australia (Holdings) Pty Ltd, and Heinz Wattie's Pty Ltd.
Bakery product manufacturing industry – Per capita bread consumption is falling, but Australians are spending more on higher quality, fresher breads, and baked goods such as sourdough, ciabatta, brioche and baguettes. Rising health consciousness has caused demand for wholemeal, seeded, gluten-free and other breads enriched with added nutrients, which are perceived to be healthier products. Major players in bakery product manufacturing: Bakers Delight Holdings Ltd.
Healthy snack food manufacturing – Consumer concerns regarding health and obesity are growing, with health-conscious consumers shifting away from traditionally high-fat and high-sodium snacks. Supermarkets are expanding their private-label offerings to include healthier and premium snack foods. This provides opportunities for U.S. tree nuts and dried fruits. Aside from the largest operators, the industry also includes several small-scale producers that specialize in niche, lower volume products. This sector is made up of many small-scale manufacturers so there are no major players.
Australia's imports of food ingredients totaled $12.4 billion in 2021. The United States is the second largest supplier of these products with imports of US$1.1 billion, or 9% in 2021.
FAS Canberra reports that the types of products consumers want to see more of are all natural, no artificial colors, low sugar/sugar free, no artificial flavors, and low fat/fat free. U.S. exporters who can provide ingredients and preparation methods that improve the nutritional profile of products will be strongly positioned to succeed in this market. Australians want to eat healthier but need help to make it happen. Consumers want more 'all natural' food products on shelves and they would be willing to pay more for foods and beverages that don't contain unhealthy ingredients.
Sep 11-Sep 14, 2023


text:
Ian Barker: QC prosecuted Michael and Lindy Chamberlain
By Malcolm Brown
January 12, 2022 — 2.30pm
IAN BARKER, 1935 - 2021
When Ian Barker QC was shown the previous counsel's defence of High Court judge Lionel Murphy – convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice – he was likely to have snorted and said: "That's not a defence! This is a defence." He then went on to take a different, far more aggressive approach, and got Murphy off.
Murphy had been competently defended in his first trial but it failed. At the retrial in 1986, Barker switched his attack onto the former chief magistrate, Clarrie Briese. Barker said in his final address that the trial hinged on words uttered years before and not written down, and that the memory of Briese was a "dangerous vehicle" for conveying the truth. He accused Briese of dereliction of duty. Murphy was acquitted.
Ian Barker QC in front of his painted portrait at 53 Martin Place. Credit:Fairfax
Barker had been a lawyer in Darwin from 1970, had been appointed Queen's counsel. He had served as the Territory's solicitor-general and had been a member of the NT Reserves Board which administered the territory's national parks.
Coming to Sydney in 1980 to take up practice on the NSW Bar, Barker was called back to the territory in 1982 to prosecute Michael and Lindy Chamberlain, Lindy for murder, Michael for being an accessory after the fact, following the disappearance of their daughter Azaria.
Barker's courtroom performance was brilliant and the case thrust him into national prominence. Later the Crown case was unravelled, but it was because of crucial flaws exposed in the Crown scientific evidence. Barker was stuck with that. But it has been said since that had Barker had the defence, the Chamberlains would never have been convicted.
Lindy and Michael Chamberlain reading a newspaper account of the mornings session court exchange between Crown Prosecutor Ian Barker and Lindy Chamberlain, 1987. Credit:Fairfax
Ian McClelland Barker, who died in December, was born on October 21, 1935, in Epping, NSW, son of Charles Barker, an employee of the Dairy Farmers Co-op Milk Company Ltd, and Norma (nee Peard), a kindergarten teacher.
Barker, whose grandfather had been a Methodist minister, attended Newington College in Sydney in 1948, finishing in 1952. Opting to qualify in law through the Solicitors Admission Board, he started his articles in 1953, earning one pound, 10 shillings a week, which in due course rose to two pounds. "Having all the commercial instincts of the improvident grasshopper, I was permanently overdrawn on petty cash," Barker said later in an interview with this writer.
He was obliged to do National Service, which entailed three months of part-time duty, doing nine parachute jumps. He resumed his articles, finishing with Bill Parkhill at Katoomba. In 1958 he married a legal secretary, Nelle Fish, and in March 1960 was admitted as a solicitor of the NSW Supreme Court.
The first of Barker's six children, Michael and Nicholas, were born in Katoomba. In August, 1961, Barker packed up his bags and moved with his family to Alice Springs. Initially, Barker worked with solicitor Neil Hargrave, but when Hargrave moved to Adelaide, Barker was on his own.
He became aware of the appalling conditions so many Aboriginal people faced. Barker was then joined by Brian Martin, a future chief justice of the Northern Territory, and together they opened a branch office in Tennant Creek. "We drove the 300 miles monthly to a salubrious office, being Alfie Chittock's betting shop," he said.
Barker's interests spread beyond the law. He became a member of the NT Reserves Board in 1965. He and Nelle had four more children – Jill, Bridget, Louise and Eleanor – all born in Alice Springs. In 1970, the Barkers moved to Darwin where Ian joined John and Nerolie Withnall in a general practice. Barker specialised in advocacy. One case resulted in him drafting the rules for police interviews of Aboriginal people, which were accepted by the court and became known as the Anunga Rules.
Barker, appointed a QC in 1974, continued his interests in conservation. He was involved in the creation of the Kakadu National Park and was instrumental in the creation of a national park on the Cobourg Peninsula, which was to be run by Aboriginal people.
When the Northern Territory was granted self-government in 1978, Barker became the territory's first solicitor-general and spent a great deal of time in Canberra negotiating on many issues, one being Aboriginal land and uranium.
Barker became deeply involved in many aspects of Northern Territory life. "For recreation I did some canoe trips with some of my children," he said. "I developed respect for crocodiles, and learnt to live out of the rivers."
Ian Barker QC leaving the Supreme Court, 2017. Credit:Fairfax
In 1980, Barker moved to Sydney and started practice at the NSW Bar. He divorced Nelle the following year. He went on to handle cases such as the inquest into the shooting death of drug dealer Warren Lanfranchi and Alexander Barton in fraud proceedings.
The Chamberlain case in 1982 brought him national headlines. His skill in presenting a prosecution case, his quick wit and sense of humour allowed him to sway the jury far more than his opposing counsel, John Phillips QC, though the environment was later acknowledged to have been so heavily prejudicial against the Chamberlains that any prosecutor was likely to have been successful. The legal profession was somewhat aghast in his winning a conviction where the normal elements – the body, the weapon, the motive – were missing.
In 1983, Barker married a Canadian-born barrister's clerk, Penny Brand. Huge cases came his way. Including the Hope royal commission into espionage, 1983-85, where he represented the former ALP national secretary, David Combe. The royal commission investigated Combe's relationship with Soviet diplomat Valeriy Ivanov and the possible implications for national security. In his vigorous defence of Combe, Barker had some courtroom clashes with Justice Robert Hope.
But the Chamberlain case refused to lie down, and in 1986 a royal commission was ordered, headed by Justice Trevor Morling. Barker was engaged to represent the NT Crown, with the now Justices Michael Adams and Elizabeth Fullerton his juniors. It was a bitter pill for him to swallow. He retained his professional composure but the angst between himself and the Chamberlains, and his bogeyman status among what was now a legion of Chamberlain supporters, was increasingly uncomfortable.
Barrister Ian Barker in his office Credit:Steven Siewert
He was privately appalled by the collapse of the Crown scientific evidence, in particular the evidence on blood identification by the forensic biologist Joy Kuhl. In the end, it could be confidently asserted that there had been no blood in the car at all. In private conversation he was asked what the case would have been like had it been alleged that a shark had taken Azaria. Barker replied: "Oh, there would not be a problem. We could get Joy Kuhl to find foetal haemoglobin in the seawater!" The case rankled through the years. When radio host Alan Jones, who strongly supported the Chamberlains, rounded on him on air, Barker sued and the matter was settled on the eve of court proceedings. Barker forced a retraction from the Herald over what had been said in an editorial.
In 1987, Barker represented Abe Saffron, charged with conspiracy with deputy police commissioner Bill Allen and others to bribe a police officer, Warren Molloy. He also appeared for Saffron when he was charged with conspiracy with underworld figure Jim Anderson to defraud the Australian Taxation Office.
In 1989 her represented the widow of Charles Waterhouse in a feud in the Waterhouse bookmaking family. But his interest was also in the broader issues of justice. In a letter to the Herald in 1994, he said that state's prison population had risen from 4000 to 6500 in five years and he blamed that on the "wretched" truth-in-sentencing policy.
Among other important cases, he appeared for Peter Schneidas, convicted of the murder of a prison officer. He successfully defended Sydney solicitor Leigh Johnson, charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, and he represented former police officer and stripper Kim Hollingsworth who was trying to gain readmission to the NSW Police. He went on to represent Bradley Murdoch in his appeal against his conviction for the 2001 murder of Peter Falconio in the Northern Territory and the assault and deprivation of liberty of Falconio's girlfriend, Joanna Lees.
Barker was appointed to the International Human rights Observer Panel, established in 2005 by the Law Counsel of Australia, a group of Australian lawyers who served as trial observers and undertook reviews in relation to human rights.
He moved to Berry Hills, near Berry, on the Shoalhaven in 2013 and retired in 2017, receiving many accolades from the legal profession.
Malcolm Brown