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22/11/2017 22/11/2017 Magazine Sixty reviews Big Break RecordsJackie MooreJackie Moore - Can You Tell Me WhyJackie Moore - This Time BabyJackie Moore – I'm On My way – Big Break RecordsJohn LuongoMalcolm McKenzieMichael Barbiero
Jackie Moore – I'm On My way – Big Break Records
This timely re-release of the singer's 1979 album features her most well-known number, This Time Baby but the story digs deeper than that. Sleeve notes are from Malcolm McKenzie who explains it all in detail but for the purpose of this review the nuance is located purely in Jackie Moore's richly resonate voice, which portrayed a full bodied range and depth of emotions, emanating from Rhythm and Blues though so clearly steeped in the classier end of Disco as that decade finally closed. Whether taking care of slower, reflective ballads such as Joe or tearing up the dancefloor, as any of the other tracks do, the influence of the Philly sound plays evidently throughout and it's that quality which lends the music such longevity. Try, Can You Tell Me Why for an unadulterated rush of string-drenched excitement. Also of note of course are the additional versions which feature great remixes by John Luongo and Michael Barbiero of the albums other single, How's Your Love Life Baby, plus a new reworking of the now classic, This Time Baby by Mike Maurro.
Release: December 1
https://www.facebook.com/BigBreakRecords
https://www.cherryred.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdCexLsXY64
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pWwuRZEk9c
24/02/2017 24/02/2017 Magazine Sixty reviews Big Break RecordsChange (Makes You Want To Hustle)Cristo RedentorDonald ByrdDonald Byrd And The 125th Street N.Y.CLove Has Come AroundLove Has Come Around The Elektra Records Anthology 1978 – 1982Loving YouPlaces & SpacesThank You For Funking Up My Life
Donald Byrd And The 125th Street, N.Y.C – Love Has Come Around The Elektra Records Anthology 1978 – 1982 – Big Break Records
Donald Byrd blew some of the coolest blasts of Jazz-fusion (one of the few terms that works) through seminal releases such as Change (Makes You Want To Hustle) and Places & Spaces by the mid-seventies. And went onto to score even higher with the classic (the most over-used word since Beethoven) Love Has Come Around in the later seventies – the way the Piano and Trumpet sends tingles and shivers does it like little else. Following hot on the heels is the almost equally wondrous, in my opinion, Loving You which you may well be acquainted with care of others sampling the bitter/ sweet refrain. As the selection continues so the Funk influences dominate, of course punctuated by those Horn blasts, but are also contrasted on occassion by Disco flavoured numbers like the R&B referencing Midnight, altering again with the gentler, breezier sounds such as Morning. The second disc opens with the robust Thank You For Funking Up My Life, a life lesson for us all. And again traverses the sounds and sights of his imagination talking about the frailty and beauty of our human condition amongst the consequent world of possibilities. Cristo Redentor, returns to that poignant, heart-tearing infusion from the earlier timeline on this compilation (most tellingly from 1978) and I guess you take from the music what you require. But, whether that's yearning melodies, hard-funky instrumentation or moodier, midnight Jazz then one and all are apparent here.
P.S a big thankyou to Malcolm McKenzie for informative sleevenotes.
Release: March 3
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/love-has-come-around-the-elektra-records-anthology-1978-1982/
13/12/2016 13/12/2016 Magazine Sixty reviews 1967A Soldiers PrayerArchie Bell & The DrellsBig Break RecordsEverybody Have A Good TimeHere I Go AgainI Could Dance All NightLet's Groove: The Archie Bell & The Drells Story (50th Anniversary Collection)The Soul City WalkWhere Will You Go When The Party's Over
Archie Bell & The Drells
Let's Groove: The Archie Bell & The Drells Story (50th Anniversary Collection)
Before I get to the music I have to say a BIG thank you (again) to Christian John Wikane for his continued sterling work on the sleeve notes for bbr. Always a pleasure and always more than informative. That said, this two cd compilation starts with one of favourite all-time grooves in the shape of Tighten Up which still plays like the supremely, soulful party piece it is. If music is about feelings then here they are in abundance. And in ways that to me is what Archie Bell & The Drells are most definitely about: life and confirmation of joy. From the low down Soulful delivery of A Soldiers Prayer, 1967 to the explosively beautiful I Could Dance All Night, and Northern Soul gem Here I Go Again, it's great to hear just how they evolved in terms of the song writing eventually provided by the supreme team of Philadelphia International Records writers, plus of course it's fascinating to hear how music production has developed over the timeframe – Let's Groove, still sounds like a masterpiece of six minutes in ecstasy. As indeed did Disco/ up-tempo R&B became the dominant force by the mid to later seventies they were also creating numbers like: The Soul City Walk, Where Will You Go When The Party's Over, and the most apt 'Everybody Have A Good Time. Very recommended.
http://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/lets-groove-the-archie-bell-the-drells-story-50th-anniversary-collection/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wro3bqi4Eb8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiaE9GJkkxI
17/11/2016 Questions & Answers 1-2-3Big Break RecordsCarl MackintoshCherry Red RecordsDJ SpenHeavenJames LockeJazzie BLove Comes To MindMagazine SixtyMike PedenNellie HooperPauline HenryReelsoul RodriquezStonebridgeStronger TogetherThe ChimesThe Chimes: Deluxe Edition out now on Big Break Records
Pauline Henry Q&A
Hi Pauline, thanks for taking time out to do this for Magazine Sixty. I wanted to begin by asking what do the words 'Soul Music' mean for you in 2016.
Feeling is the language of the Soul. I love when an Artiste have the ability to convey feelings through music, melody and words. In 2016 I find I am quite moved by Disclosure. They are extremely talented musicians. The sound of their production is quite unlike anything around. The 'Omen" Disclosure Ft Sam Smith is very moving and soulful to me. I have noted that Disclosure only work with singers who sing from the soul, very expressed. It is my favorite Sam Smith rendition. When Disclosure collaborated with Mary J. Blige "F FOR YOU" it was apparent that these Uber Cool Cats really understood the language of Soul Music. I have a lot of admiration for their keen eye on quality Soulful productions. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to collaborate with Disclosure. The double billing at the 02 in October with Mary J. Blige and Maxwell was phenomenal. I was in a world of Pure Soul Music and possibly the best concert I have ever seen in a long time bar Michael Jackson's showmanship. I was left feeling truly inspired.
On a slightly different note, the "House Gospel Choir", where Gospel Singing meets House Music. Labrynth is not the only musical member in his family. His sister Shezar, who has also had a successful solo career, leads the band, innovatively mixing House music with quality vocals and amazing harmonies. This is as good as "Soulful Modern Music" gets. Gospel fused with uplifting energetic House tracks is VERY COOL. One of my the songs they Sing to is the outstanding House track "Follow Me – Aly us " I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Shezar introduced me to Amede Unabona from the band, he now does back up vocals for me. He is absolutely awesome and an amazing person, and now a permanent member of my team as we also work together in other areas. The House Gospel Choir is performing at Jazz café in December 2016. Don't miss it. ..I can't wait!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_bgkE1l9aU
And how do you find working in today's music industry and the digital age compared with when you were in The Chimes?
The technology that you got to keep up with is exasperating. It is a strain because of the speed of progress. The challenge is keeping abreast of the rapid pace. The advancements are frighteningly fast. Computer and Social media Specialists are now staples requirements for a successful music career.
In the Chimes so much more physical interactions and movement was necessary to produce a record. I spent long periods away from home, from my family and friends while working on the Chimes album, terribly lonely times I recall. I lost out on important occasions and ontact with so many of friends because of this, especially my friends America where I live for a year. Now, it is amazing to be able to communicate with Family, Friends, Fans and the Music Industry at large via all the advanced technology at our fingertips most of which is free.
Digital production massively reduces the costs and time of producing music. I worked with "Stonebridge" in Sweden and "DJSpen" in USA on House mixes of "HEAVEN' found on Disk 2. I never left London.
There is also the growth of independent music. Independent Artistes are FREE to do what they want to do, without constraints or dictates, and LIVE their lives accordingly. This is particularly important for a mature artiste like myself. I have a family now and want to perue other interests outside music. Major labels are no longer the only vehicle to get music out there. If you have a computer and know how to use Logic for example, you are effectively a producer and can sell music via online aggregators. Everything from marketing, promotion and sales can be done at the click of a button. All you need is an account. This is phenomenal freedom.
YouTube is such an amazing medium. So much information is available freely on line. Where it works for artiste, it reaches people who share the same musical interests all over the world and acts as a 'High Visibility Calling Card" where you can promote yourself, build your fan base and following.We are so privileged to live in an ere where available where infinite amount information is available freely. We live virtually, computers run out lives, that's leaves us open to a level of intrusion in our private lives which is a necessary evil.
There is a small percentage of People who upload other people's work online AND make money from it. This needs to be challenged so that the benefits go the right people who have created it, invested time and money in producing it. Much scrutiny and specialist knowledge is needed to safe guards your music in the digital era, because as it stands there is no requirement or proof of Ownership / ID for the Right to use another's image or Copyright material. Proof is not a requirement when uploading content, which is "Copyright Theft" of other people's work, and the Law so far seem inadequate to combat this.
Producing music is a fraction of the cost, it is also easy to buy just the track you want so purchase cost is also minimal, profits made in online sales, but available for sale at minimal cost for infinity once uploaded. There is no going back with Technology, models like Spotify creates the right platform, where music is freely enjoyed but they pay a revenue to the owners of the music. Compared with the days of the Chimes, we don't make the kind of money we were used to making from the physical production of music. It was a huge financial undertaking for Major labels, but it was the golden era of Live Performances and Cd Album sales. I commend Big Break Records for taking the decision to manufacture physical copies only of 'Chimes Re mastered ." There is also a new found of appreciation for physical CDs. Vinyl records, and Live Performance of good Music, somewhat lost in the emergence of the digital era.
Big Break Records have re-released and re mastered The Chimes debut album. How would you place the importance of the group in the context of when it was released? And if possible is there a particular track that holds a special memory for you from it?
A huge Thank YOU to Big Break Records and the team at Cherry Red for re mastering and re releasing the Chimes Double CD Album. Now 26 years old, I feel a sense of pride, as it is a testament that our music stood the test of time. A dream come true for me, in respect to paying homage to timeless music rhythms. On CD2 there are so many fresh mixes, never been released. They still sound relevant today. I will be focusing on those in my live shows. Singing familiar song with a fresh twist will be very enjoyable. I am encouraged by the interest. Re working the songs feels so surreal, a sense of DeJaVou.
When the Chimes Album was first released, it was well received by the general public. We were riding the crest of a new wave and appetite for Live Soulful yet Urban style Club Music. Where Street meets Musical Craftsmanship. Classical string productions and Brass sections were "In"…. and Phat Drums with Heavy Base lines were the order of the day.
Mike, James and I, had all served our apprenticeship in music, developing our craft, they were accomplished musicians and for me, a musical heritage inspired by the 70s era of Motown and Soulful Legends. Consisting of Raw Talent- Organic Live Sounds Musical Craftsmanship and Timeless rhythms. This was my aspiration, so it was a perfect time for the Chimes to emerged. The cream of Soul Singers, Song writers and Producers like, Family Stand- "Ghetto Heaven", Young Disciples "Apparently Nothing" and En Vogue – "Hold On" – are joyously a few of my Peers in the late 80's to 90's. Soul II Soul being the forerunners, encapsulated all the above. They had a massive impact on the Street Soul cross over. The Chimes were privileged to work with Jazzie B and Nellie Hooper on two songs, "1-2-3" and "True Love So Strong". Few bands went on to break America and the Chimes did that successfully, in particular with the USA mix of "I Still Haven't Found What I 'Am Looking For" on (Disc 1).
Bono making THAT comment about our version and my interpretation of
the song was quite remarkable, now a memory for others too, it always crops up in interviews, and in light of new information I stumbled across on YouTube, with Bono saying they used the Harlem Gospel Choir to get a Soulful feel, now make much more sense to me. It marked global success and achievement for the Chimes, such that it separated us from the norm and carved out our very own USP crossing Rock with RnB.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsdBv4_8yqU
But.. the track that holds a special but "strange" memory is "Love Comes To Mind". I still really enjoy performing it this song. The extended mix (CD2) is also a favorite of mine with the extended Base Line Groove. I am really not sure where the saying comes from. but babies are said to have been made due to this Love Song. I love it from the very Tile.. The thing I praise and acknowledge James Lock for.. Boy he could Pen a lyric. I fell in love with his poetic flow of words, hours and hours of crumpling paper until he was happy. We all took it in turns to write parts but the final editing was always down to James. This I consider HIS baby. What is more incredible, I don't sound Drunk on "Love Comes To Mind". WHY..? because my A&R (artiste representative) got me drunk then asked me to sing the vocals again. I DID NOT KNOW THAT WAS COMING. Seems he wanted something different from my performance that he did not hear when I was sober. Very unorthodox I know but it seemed to have done the trick. He left the studio 'Grinning" like a Cheshire Cat. Now there is a man who knows what he want to hear and how to get the results. I on the other hand, was very proud of myself to have pulled that off. I happen to think it is one of my best vocal recordings. When I stepped into the recording booth for the second time, Marvin Gaye (my musical ancestor and guide) stepped in the studio with me like an Angel, serving as my inspiration and filling my head with melodies and harmonies in abundance.., layers and sub layers of the stuff,, Me grooving and feeling every impassioned word and nuance, state of mind is euphoric, and very relaxed while inebriated with Mike's Peden's Hypnotic base line keeping me in the Groove. A real master piece I think. The video to "Love Comes To Mind" is also one of my favorites. It is beautifully shot with happy loved up couples, even Myself, Mike and James appear to have a Aaaahhh moment altogether, which lends itself perfectly to the sentiment of the song. There are also members of my family in the Video, including my dear Aunt now passed. Fund memories all round.
Buy http://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/the-chimes-deluxe-edition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El9zjJj4UWk
Can you tell us about how you approach a song, either writing or singing? Do you have a preference as to what type or tempo of music you like to sing to?
I generally have a lot of energy and love to Dance. I enjoy performing songs like Heaven, and think people like songs that makes them want to move. It is no surprise that "HEAVEN" was selected for extra reworking by GRAMMY nominated StoneBridge. The producer of the Robin S classic 'Show Me Love' who has many Bill Board Chart toppers to date, and also with renowned US re-mixer DJ Spen (& Reelsoul Rodriquez) having worked with Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Everything but the Girl. They both bring a modern Dance twist to be found on CD2.
When I worked in the Chimes, we had a fixed way of writing. Mike and James would prepare sketches of music. I would then fly to Scotland and spend two to three weeks there. On hearing the sketches I would gravitate to one or the other, usually lyrics would flow from there. As a result I have always written that way, with a producer sending me a backing track I like then write to.
Recently I have been collaborating on new material with Carl Mackintosh who wrote for Loose Ends. He took me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to write a story first. It was like a therapy session. I realize I could no longer hide behind singing only positive pretty love songs. Carl wanted the negatives too, as without it there really was no depth. This was one of the hardest things I had ever had to do in my writing career, write about real life experiences, usually involving pain or darkness of a kind, as opposed to working from a vibe I liked which would naturally stimulate positive feelings to sing about. After challenging myself to write more honestly, I loved the end results, and very different. There is nothing wrong with either formats, just different process. I read once that David Bowie would tear words he liked from news papers and formulate his lyrics that way. So ultimately what ever works for the individual. When I wrote from the heart, the lyrics had more meaning. I can readily inform my audience what inspired me to write that song.
What is your favorite instrument? And do you own one?
I would have to say a Grand Piano. I do own both a Guitar and Piano.
What advice would you give to someone starting out as an artist?
Expect the Unexpected. If you expect to find overnight fame and fortune, think again. A lot of soul searching is needed first. A starting point would be to examine your heart. Ask yourself why you want to succeed in the music business? What do you know about the industry? The old adage, "IF YOU FAIL TO PREPARE, YOU PREPARE TO FAIL". Make it your business to learn about every part of the business because if you don't someone WILL take advantage of you along the way.
Because of what happened in the past with myself, not understanding the business, I am having to put on seminars to help educate artiste and musicians alike, imparting my knowledge and wisdom gained from many years working in the industry both as an artiste and as an entrepreneur. Education is key, the knowledge you gain will dictate the kind of money you earn, and your sustainability. I have a website you can visit and find out more http://paulinehenry.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrVBP4-CRdY
Who remains your biggest influence and why?
My Father Charles Henry remain my biggest influence to date. He instilled in me the quest for Knowledge, Wisdom, Drive, and Determination, and to be the best I can be. I have inherited his love of learning, such that I went on to study Law, did my Masters in IP Law, did a Chef Degree, also one of my passions, while raising my daughter. The extra knowledge I have invested in has helped me to grow. There is still so much more I am interested in, Horticulture, Spiritual Growth, being proficient in IT, and expand my music seminars in developing artiste alike and still mentioning my primarily passion and life's purpose, which is MAKING MUSIC.
There will be plenty of time to relax when I am old and frail. My Dad was the same, a ball of energy always on the go, which made him an interesting and vibrant personality to be around, helping the community and inspiring young people.
My gratitude and appreciation for my Father, extends to the things that he did that were great, and the things that he did that were not so great, especially in appreciation of all the negative stuff, it turned out to be an opportunity for me to learn and grow, and the importance of developing emotional maturity to help me to be a better example to my Family. I have become all the more because of them. He is a huge part of who I am today.
What have you got planned for 2017?
2017 is going to be an amazing year. From now through to 2017 I am currently promoting the CD, with interviews press and radio promotions.
I am working with my agent on plans for some Live Tour dates and Appearances soon to be announced. Updates can be found on my website http://paulinehenry.com
The Chimes are also planning to do some Re Union shows in Australia, NYC and London. Between our crazy schedules and wide demographics, a new record is planned in 2017. It will be fun working with Mike and James after all this time.
I am also working on completely new recordings to be released in 2017, and look forward to bringing something new to the industry and taking to the Live Stage in a venue near YOU…..Thank you to everyone how have supported our Music.
Twitter @PaulineHenryUK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDPe7tZ1qCg&list=RDMDPe7tZ1qCg#t=7
25/10/2016 Magazine Sixty reviews Big Break RecordsChristian John WikaneI'll Always Love My MamaIntrudersPhiladelphia International RecordsSave The ChildrenTom Moulton
Intruders
Big Break Records/ Philadelphia International Records
bbr once again rise to the occasion with yet another classic re-release. This time in the shape of Intruders 1973 album which opens with the rather fine version of Gil Scott-Heron's timely title track, finely honed in this version with typically soulful infused orchestration and exquisitely arranged movements. It's always a pleasure to listen music that transcends the timeline so effortlessly and while, of course, I'll Always Love My Mama stands up like the classic it is – here complete with Tom Moulton's definitive remix, along with his String drenched reworking of (Win, Place Or Show) She's A Winner – there are plenty of other rousing moments too, such as Hang On In There closing the show with its hopeful message. Also happy to report Christian John Wikane again supplies the sleeve notes so all the background info and beyond you may need is at hand.
http://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/save-the-children-expanded-edition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIWkrbIaVWA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVujCRKyGe0
11/10/2016 11/10/2016 Magazine Sixty reviews Big Break RecordsDavid MoralesJames LockeMike PedenPauline HenryStronger TogetherThe ChimesThe Chimes: Deluxe Edition
The Chimes: Deluxe Edition
The Chimes burst onto the world in the late 1980's with a sound that fused soulful, soaring melodies together with sure-fire rhythms which at times delved emotional depths, while at others tearing up the dancefloor. The sheer intensity of Heaven blew things wide open when released in 1989 gaining acceptance across the Dance board, not least of all because of the funk-fueled breaks but also, of course, due to Pauline Henry's superlative vocal delivery. This two CD collection features the hits plus a whole lot more in terms of remixes etc and inevitably includes their excellent version of U2's 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For'. The package also includes exhaustive sleeve notes from Stewart Allan with full credit due to Mike Peden and James Locke who completed the threesome. On a personal note David Morales Red Zone version of Stronger Together is also featured and is in my mind one of his best remixes to date. An essential release for fans and friends alike.
http://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/the-chimes-deluxe-edition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDPe7tZ1qCg
10/05/2016 10/05/2016 Magazine Sixty reviews 4th SignBig Break RecordsEloge de la Lenteur (Part 2)Far Out Monster Disco OrchestraFar Out RecordingsLuca TrevisiOnduléShoot Your Shoot: The Divine AnthologyWhere Do We Go From Here?
4th Sign
Eloge de la Lenteur (Part 2)
Ondulé
The second instalment of Joss Moog & Around7's elegant Jazz-Funk referencing experience is every bit a sumptuous as the first with the opening lounge factor of The Movement scoring particularly high. Next, No Trouble No Men ups the tempo driving the beats hard, while the gorgeous Deep Dip follows in a more melancholy vein. The Right Color then reworks a touch of Jazz with a vengeance, as the excitable Hot Saucisse again raises the temperature Ron Hardy style. Which leaves the down-tempo smoky vibes of Lunatique to round off another excellent set of productions from the duo.
Release: May 13
https://soundcloud.com/ondulerecordings/sets/4th-sign-eloge-de-la-lenteur-part-two
Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra
Far Out Recordings
Featuring the arrangements of Azymuth's late José Roberto Bertrami and the legendary Arthur Verocai alongside a feast of other Brazilian icons the Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra have been at the receiving end of a sterling number of remixes recently. Now it's the turn of Andrés and the LTJ Xperience who both rework Where Do We Go From Here? Detroit's Andrés revisits the track for a second time producing an excellent and certainly crisper version of the killer vocal. While Luca Trevisi aka LTJ Xperience fuels the song with smoother, more traditionally soulful flavours. Either way this is quality guaranteed.
https://faroutmonsterdiscoorchestra.bandcamp.com/album/where-do-we-go-from-here-andr-s-ltj-xperience-remixes
https://soundcloud.com/les-yeux-orange/premiere-far-out-monster-disco-orchestra-where-do-we-go-from-here-andres-alt-remix
Shoot Your Shoot: The Divine Anthology
Ok, so it may not all have been genius, but at least it was fabulous. Divine exploded all over almost everywhere by the early 80's with hits such as the highly-energised 'Native Love (Step by Step)' and the gloriously trashy 'Shake It Up'. The larger than life persona was originally christened by John Waters who called Harris Glenn Milstead's alias "the most beautiful woman in the world, almost." And began starring in underground films by the late sixties, becoming all the more infamous by the time of Female Trouble (1974) and notorious with the arrival of Hairspray in 1988. In between times Divine released a series of stunning records produced by (the criminally underrated, in terms of Dance history) Bobby O. Prior to the electronic sounds employed on this compilation the artist had a rockier sound, which certainly contrasts with the more polished collaboration via S.A.W by the later eighties. Anyway, sit back and enjoy the ride into oblivion.
http://shop.cherryred.co.uk/bigbreak-exd.asp?id=5347
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si3rNypdZdE
27/10/2015 27/10/2015 Questions & Answers Big Break RecordsChristian John WikanePolar Music PrizePopMatters
Christian John Wikane Interview
How did you first get introduced to music?
It all goes back to Ashford & Simpson's production of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" for Diana Ross. I was two years old. I remember finding the 45 single in my mom and dad's record collection. Hearing "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" singlehandedly revealed to me the transformative power of music. The introduction, the choir, the orchestration, Diana's voice, the build towards that climax, Paul Riser's arrangement, the unique structure of the song … all of those elements created a masterpiece that still moves me to this day. At two, I wasn't analyzing any of that of course, I just knew that I wanted to hear more. In fact, the other night I was talking with Joshie Armstead, who was one of the background singers on that song, and even she still marvels at how that song was produced, so it was very special for me to share that love with her. The flip side of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was "Can't It Wait Until Tomorrow," which I also loved. The yearning in Diana's voice really got to me, the way she almost cried "tomorrow." This is why I hold Nick Ashford, Valerie Simpson, and Diana Ross in such high esteem and so dear to my heart. They started me on my journey through music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ppJEoTHRo4
What made you want to become a writer (and not a DJ to share your love of music)?
Growing up, I collected all of these books about music, Billboard books, the Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Music, etc. Initially, it was just so I could have photos of my favorite artists but then I became fascinated by the words on the page. I was eight when I got my first music book, "Paul Gambaccini presents the Top 100 Albums" where all these critics listed their Top 10 albums, which Paul Gambaccini then compiled into a master list of 100 albums where he wrote comments about each album. The seed for writing about music must have been planted there. I just absorbed all of these facts. I still reference some of what I learned back then in the essays I write today. Lily Tomlin calls that process "imprinting." You spend the first 20 years of your life imprinting all of this information and then you spend the next 20 years releasing it through your work.
When I was 12, I wrote my first artist bios, just for fun. It wasn't a school assignment or anything like that. I used my sister's typewriter. CHIC and Patti Smith were the first artists I wrote about. I must have had a fascination with NYC. It wasn't until college that I even considered the possibility of a career in writing. Before then, I'd majored in music and theatre, I'd done many musicals in high school, but I finally realized that I didn't want to be involved with music from the performance side of things. It was actually through writing about plays in my theatre classes that I realized how much I enjoyed writing, period. After trying four different majors, I finally created my own major and took courses that gave me the opportunity to write about music by examining the social and cultural conditions that influenced artists and their work.
It's funny you should mention DJ-ing. When I was eleven or twelve, I used to make mixes on cassettes where I'd create my own edits of songs. In college, I bought DJ gear and actually played a couple of parties …. so maybe I have some latent desire to be a DJ! Actually, the main reason why I could never be a DJ is because I enjoy dancing too much. I'd keep leaving the console.
How would you describe your working day and the process of writing?
My working day always begins with a good cup of coffee! I work from my apartment. The day can start as early as 5:30 a.m. and end as late as 3 a.m. I try my best to avoid having too many late nights, though. The day itself varies depending on whether I have to prepare for an interview, conduct an interview, transcribe an interview, research, write an essay, or edit an essay … or some combination of all those tasks. Today I'm putting the finishing touches on a Kleeer essay and preparing for an interview with Kathy Sledge later this evening.
My actual writing process? A professor of mine once said, "Writing is re-writing." That is so true, especially if you know the writing's going to be published. I think of the specific kind of writing that I do as storytelling. Ultimately, I just want to tell the story about the artist and their music. I try to find some some sort of hook that I hope catches the reader's attention and keeps them reading.
One mantra that I created for myself is "It's better to be clear than clever." It's easy to be impressed with a word or sentence you wrote but what good is that if your audience doesn't understand what you're saying or if it disrupts the tone of the essay? Sometimes the things that I want to include the most end up in the trash bin because I realize they're only significant to me and wouldn't mean much to anyone else, at least in the context of the essay I'm writing. That ties in to another tenet I observe, especially in writing liner notes: be invisible. I know that's antithetical to everything we're supposed to do in 2015 but I learned this when I started writing for PopMatters in 2006. When people are reading about an artist, very few of them want to hear about you the writer, unless there's some compelling reason that you need to insert yourself in the essay. Over the years, I've been very careful about using "I, me, my" in anything I write. There are a few instances where I did "appear" in the essay but it was to establish the fact that the quotes were culled from a first-hand interview. All that said, these are just my personal guidelines and what I've found works best for me. I'm still growing. Oh, one more thing that my 8th grade English teacher Linda Fuller told our class: "Lay off clichés."
I know it's a big ask. But who have you most enjoyed interviewing?
Wow! There isn't just one person because there have been so many. I've interviewed more than 300 different artists, and have interviewed some of those artists on multiple occasions. Donna Summer was the very first artist I interviewed, so that conversation will always stand apart from the others, especially since it pre-dated my first published article. The interview was for an independent study I was doing in college that I later presented at NYU. I will tell you that one of the most meaningful and memorable interview experiences I've ever had was interviewing Nona Hendryx, Ruth Pointer, Kathy Sledge, and Rochelle Fleming onstage at the Apollo Theater earlier this year. I'd interviewed each of them previously but to have them all there together and see the rapport between them … I still get goosebumps thinking about it. I'd never moderated a panel before so to have that be the first panel, especially with those phenomenal women, was a life-defining moment for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z1FvwSEY4I
Do you find that the more famous a person is the more guarded they are?
To tell you the truth, no. I think it really all depends on the person and how comfortable they are with themselves and with whoever's asking the questions.
Tell us about life living in New York?
I love living in New York. I've lived here since August 2004 and have lived in Hell's Kitchen, specifically, since March 2005. I'm very aware of the history that gives the city its lifeblood, though much of that history is disappearing. I'm glad I could attend shows at CBGB's and the Lenox Lounge before they closed, or dance at the Roxy before it shuttered. It's still a thrill to walk by Studio 54, even if it's not a club anymore. With the type of work I do, I can't imagine living anywhere else. Everyone comes through this city! If I may, I must give a shout-out to The Public Theater, which houses my favorite music venue in all of New York, Joe's Pub. I've hosted and/or produced eight shows there over the years for artists like JOHNNYSWIM, Aziza Miller, David Bronson, as well as a benefit concert I founded called Three of Hearts. It's intimate, sophisticated but not pretentious, centrally located, has an excellent staff and superb sound/lighting. Let's see … that's where Amy Winehouse made her NYC debut, where I saw Alice Smith for the first time, where they supported Allen Toussaint after Hurricane Katrina, where Janelle Monà e danced on table tops, Carly Simon held a private CD release show, Nona Hendryx climbed atop the drum set, Martha Redbone premiered "Bone Hill," Alfa Anderson and Norman Jean Wright sang "Saturday" and "I Want Your Love," and Martha Wash/Linda Clifford/Evelyn "Champagne" King recently performed two-sold out shows as the First Ladies of Disco … I could go on and on. They support developing and established artists alike. They just do amazing work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbaS5NzORr4
Is there such a thing as bad music or is it all in the eye of the beholder?
Mostly, I think it's all in the eye of the beholder. Music is such a subjective thing. I respect music critics and I respect the institution of music criticism but I just don't enjoy critiquing music. I'm much more interested in documenting the stories behind the songs. That's why I pretty much stopped writing CD reviews. Who am I to say something's bad if it brings you joy? If my 8-year old niece is smiling and dancing to a song, even if it's a song that I'd never willingly listen to, then that's a beautiful thing. However, I'd want to make sure that she also knows some of the classics and expose her to other types of music. (Actually, my sister already does a good job of that!) I know there's music I loved when I was 13 that I'd never listen to at 36, yet it helped me through that particular part of my life. I think of it as another stop on the journey.
Truthfully, some albums that are considered the most influential of all-time are albums that I wouldn't necessarily play or have in my collection. I personally might favor the Brand New Heavies over the Velvet Underground, but I understand the appeal that both bands have, depending on the listener. It's easy to fall into a herd mentality where you buy something or force yourself to like something just because it's on every critic's list. Over the years, I've kept myself in check about that. Do I like this because it moves me or because Pitchfork says I should I like it? I also don't believe in guilty pleasures. I feel that's a construct created by the rock elite who secretly or "ironically" enjoy a song like "Physical" whereas I openly, un-ironically enjoy "Physical." Why feel guilty if you enjoy the music?
I must say, Smokey Robinson was the artist who instilled that belief in me. I remember when the 20th Anniversary of Rolling Stone special aired on TV. I think it was 1987 because that was also the summer PBS aired a special on "The Summer or Love" and I saw the Monterey Pop Festival documentary for the very first time. I taped both all those programs and would watch them over and over again. Anyhow, I can remember Smokey's quote from the Rolling Stone special almost verbatim: "Music is a thing that touches you way deep down inside where you cannot deny yourself. You can't say to yourself, Hey I don't like that because I'm not supposed to like that. If you like it, you like it."
What are your thoughts on the art of songwriting now?
I was at a panel sponsored by the Polar Music Prize back in April where one of the panelists made the point that pop songwriting used to be more about melodies and chord progressions and now it's about hooks and beats. I thought that was an interesting way to characterize the difference. I know songwriters who are doing fabulous work but either they're new artists who've yet to get massive support from the industry or they're veteran songwriters who the industry doesn't seem to value anymore. That's really a shame because both the emerging songwriters and veteran songwriters have things to say. In the case of established artists, some of them are even better now than they were 30 years ago. I must be honest though, in the realm of dance music, I'd take anything that was written or recorded in the '70s over contemporary EDM any day. Give me strings, horns, chord changes, a rhythm section, and outstanding vocals!
What are you looking forward to in 2016?
I'd love to build on all the high points of 2015. It'd be wonderful to lead another panel discussion and work on a music documentary. For years, people have been asking me about writing a book so maybe I'll start exploring what that book could be. There are lots of great re-issues on the horizon. As you know Greg, I've been writing the essays for BBR's re-issues of Ashford & Simpson's Warner Bros. albums. In early-2016, BBR will release A&S's first two Warner albums, Gimme Something Real and I Wanna Be Selfish, so I'm looking forward to that since it will complete BBR's campaign of all the studio albums Ashford & Simpson released on Warner. I'm also working on a re-issue of Circle of Love by Sister Sledge. It will include bonus tracks of the group's work with Phil Hurrt and Bobby Eli. Lots of good stuff happening in the new year!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiZEC9pyMPI
Photos by Craig Bailey/Perspective Photo.
www.christianjohnwikane.com
Twitter: CJWikaneNYC
02/09/2014 Magazine Sixty reviews #GU40 HamburgAvatismBaldelli & DionigiBig Break RecordsCasablanca RecordsChaimGaudi & The OrbGlobal UndergroundN.O.I.A.N.O.I.A. RecordsPrins ThomasSecret Room RecordsSkoberSOHNSolomunStep OutsideThe Rule To Survive - 31st AnniversaryTJM- Expanded EditionTom MoultonTony CarrascoUnderwaterVisionquest
Chaim
Visionquest
After a stream of releases on labels like Supplement Facts and Cocoon this stunning production for Visionquest now appears. It's the sort of music that could played loud or quite and still leave an indelible impression. The title track, Underwater bubbles with energy yet combines an airy sense of ambience alongside a series of unrelenting beats all of which rewards your experience. Forward thinking and emotional music.
Release: September 8
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chaim/107243096306?sk=timeline
http://yourvisionquest.com
https://soundcloud.com/visionquest-records/a-chaim-underwater?in=visionquest-records/sets/vq-044-chaim-underwater-1
Global Underground Solomun
#GU40 Hamburg
1996 seems like a long way away now but that's when this series began and now we're at number 40 with maestro Solomun. The mix opens with an emotive sequence of sounds cumulating in Avatism's haunting Different Spaces and then develops the mood across the breadth of the first CD with a blend beautifully atmospheric music ending on SOHN's notable The Wheel. The second CD continues the theme with music from Audiojack and Radio Slave elevating the temperature while providing more muscular productions that end with Ada's acidic 2 BUM BUM.
https://www.facebook.com/SolomunMusic
www.globalunderground.co.uk
Skober
Step Outside
Secret Room Records
Kostya Skober is a Ukrainian Techno DJ and producer and while this style of music doesn't usually say that much to me the unrelenting drive of Step Outside definitely appeals. It's not all down to the beat either as the rich atmospheric layers of sound and funkier touches all lend this something special. Listen below…
https://www.facebook.com/SkoberDj
N.O.I.A.
The Rule To Survive – 31st Anniversary
N.O.I.A. Records
Originally emerging from Italy's electronic music scene of the late seventies N.O.I.A. has been now re-releasing their back catalogue, accompanied by remixers updating it all into 2014 etc. Not that the original of The Rule to Survive needs evolving anyway having been mixed in 1983 by Tony Carrasco it still bears all the hall marks that went on to influence House and Nu Beat, besides sounding excellent in its own right. Prins Thomas Diskomiks is a good choice of remixer and he handles it with due care and affection, there's also a great version from Baldelli & Dionigi which again expands the originals possibilities. Next is, Time is over, which was from later in the decade and doesn't sound quite so edgy employing typically popish melodies, although is complimented by a remix from Gaudi & The Orb.
Release: 4th September 2014
http://www.noiarecords.com
https://www.facebook.com/noiarecords
Tom Moulton
TJM- Expanded Edition
Big Break Records (Casablanca Records)
Tom Moulton has been pivotal to the development of Dance music in the 70's as Christian John Wikane's eloquent sleeve notes proudly testify. This self-titled solo album was released in 1979, recorded at the Legendary Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia it also featured former Temptation Ron Tyson on lead vocals and also one Arthur Baker who helped to co-write and arrange. Opening with the blistering Disco-tastic, 'I Don't Need No Music' the music trips the light fantastic through the tail end of the Disco era but remains fresh to this day, percussion and melody fuelled. Try the epic ten minute plus version of 'Storm Warning' complete with sound effects plus soaring strings and horns for a touch of exuberant Tom Moulton magic….
http://www.cherryred.co.uk/bigbreak-exd.asp?id=2543
12/08/2014 Magazine Sixty reviews Africaine 808Anwaarding EPBig Break RecordsDief & BakerDown To Love Town: Expanded EditionEsa & Mervin GrangerEskimo RecordingsForeign Affair EPFreddy GormanHolic TraxJustin Cober-LakeKushtraxx EPMichael SuttonMore MusicMotownPatrick BakerRobert Dietz & TuccilloShonkyThe Originals
Down To Love Town: Expanded Edition
Big Break Records/ Motown
Always a pleasure to hear Freddy Gorman's impassioned vocal adorn the horn punctuated rhythms and strings highlighted by The Originals on this re-issue of their 1977 album. Positively fizzing with Disco energy while also containing irresistible melodies via the full version of the title track (co-produced by Frank Wilson) this is uplifting, soulful music that remains a personal favourite, never mind its seductive percussion fuelled instrumentation. The Originals were originally studio back-up singers who worked on tracks like: 'For Once In My Life' and 'War' to provide you with some context in the sixties. But this album certainly proves the group's cool when required and equal state of ecstasy where needed by the next decade. Credit is also due to the production talents of Michael Sutton who lends the music a warm touch while providing the dancefloor with the contemporary punch that still works perfectly today. Two ballads on offer too, both of which have the heartfelt sincerity you'd expect from the band, while the album ends on the sassy funkiness of, 'Been Decided'. As always with this series from BBR invaluable sleeve notes are present, in this case from Justin Cober-Lake.
http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4746
Robert Dietz & Tuccillo
Kushtraxx EP
Holic Trax
I like this. No messin' it aims straight for the jugular right from the word go. Limited to a 5oo coloured vinyl release i.e. be quick the EP boasts three tracks plus two Shonky edits. It's fast, heavy sounding House music that you just know is going to be epic played LOUD. Opening with Juice and its succession of punchy percussion, aided by pulverising bass and twisted synth lines, this aims squarely at the dancefloor, and scores alongside the Shonky Edit (digital only). We Can't Stop, comes next with a slightly less frantic trip into bass and moody sound effects, and again is accompanied by a spot-on edit from Shonky. Ishine Ushine, completes with further adventures in bass rattling, although time accompanied by funkier breaks, warmer chords and voices.
release: August 21
http://holic-music.com
http://robertdietz.net
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tuccillo/116324391801231?sk=timeline
https://soundcloud.com/holic-1/holictrax011
Esa & Mervin Granger
Anwaarding EP
Great EP from Esa & Mervin Granger who inject a genuine inspiration from the Nu Groove school of thought into their well crafted music. Starting with Visum which cross wires Detroit and classic Chicago House together with 2014 to produce a refreshingly tense, yet emotionally charged sound. Complimented by an Africaine 808 remix that comes complete with cool, jazzy inflections and a tech shuffle. The stunning Anwar 491 is up next delving deeper into cinematic atmosphere's and depth of feeling with taught Techno bass and an almost melancholy ambience, which is time remixed by Dief & Baker's bubbling Acid referencing version to complete this first rate release.
https://www.facebook.com/esamervin
Satin Jackets
Foreign Affair EP
Eskimo Recordings
Love this. But then it's hard not to. Hinting at somewhere in-between Disco and Balearic but landing in ethereal, blissful territory this gorgeous production from Satin Jackets combines gentle melodies alongside a romantic punch on the suitably named Sunrise In Paradise. Next, Gelee Royale follows with a more mid-tempo swagger containing funky 80's styled bass and chiming keys amid haunting synths, with the engaging breathiness of, Fall Apart (feat. Patrick Baker) ending not so much on a high but a delightful low.
http://satin-jackets.com
http://www.eskimorecordings.com


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text:
EAPN and EAPN Ireland Publish Report from Building Social Europe Conference
EAPN NewsBy Nellie Epinat July 12, 2010
{jathumbnail}The European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) organised an international conference in Dublin to further its vision for the legacy of the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, in the context of the EU's priorities for the next decade.
EAPN's proposals on the 'European Platform against Poverty'
EAPN position papers and reportsBy Nellie Epinat July 9, 2010
The Europe 2020 Strategy includes, as one of its 5 key targets, a target to reduce poverty by 20 million people, to be delivered through a flagship initiative: the 'European Platform against Poverty'.
EAPN position papers and reportsBy EAPN Europe Staff July 9, 2010
{jathumbnail}The Europe 2020 Strategy includes, as one of its 5 key targets, a target to reduce poverty by 20 million people, to be delivered through a flagship initiative: the 'European Platform against Poverty'.
EAPN Netherlands sings against poverty
EAPN National Networks NewsBy EAPN Europe Staff July 9, 2010
Quinta Ansem, Director of EAPN Netherlands, not only speaks but also sings against poverty – check here on YouTube the new song she has written.
The Poverty Alliance (EAPN UK) : Budget for Poor Scots
The Poverty Alliance responds to the Coalition Government's emergency budget (22 June 2010). The package of cuts to benefits will hit hard.
EAPN France: 'Active Solidarity Income': one year later …
On the occasion of its first anniversary, the French minimum income called 'active solidarity income' (Revenu de solidarité active (rSa)) is again in the media headlines…
EAPN Romania (Renasis) has started the Romanian Focus week!
The Romanian Focus week (5-11 July) will try to raise awareness on poverty and social exclusion issues, giving visibility to local initiatives and events involving people experiencing poverty and social exclusion and engaging local and national media on the topic…
9th European Meeting of People experiencing poverty: people want more participation in what affects their everyday life!
EAPN NewsBy EAPN Europe Staff July 9, 2010
{jathumbnail}Organised by the Spanish Presidency of the European Union, with the support of the European Commission and of the European Anti-Poverty Network, the 9th European Meeting of People experiencing poverty took place at the European Parliament on 25 June and at the European Commission the next day.
EAPN Policy Briefing – July 2010
Policy briefingsBy EAPN Europe Staff July 9, 2010
Download here the latest issue of the Policy Briefing: Word – PDF
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Ria can actually visit Pemberly! Austen apparently based Darcy's house on Chatsworth House so she can pretend eh? I am going to Chatsworth in August. Also, like Anjali, I would live to visit Narnia!
This was such a cool and unique post - loved it.
Haha I was actually going to go to Chatsworth for my birthday but alas the weather wasn't to be!
This is aMAZing! Fantastic work at putting these all together - it looks incredible! Love it!
And I think it's great that we all chose different places! Super cool!
I know, I was surprised there were no repeats. Also its funny that things like Hogwarts didn't make it in because everyone was trying to avoid the obvious places!
I would love to visit any place in Harry Potter because I would love to experience the magic!
I love how this post turned out! It looks awesome and it was really fun to read :) you did an amazing job with it!


text:
Revision as of 22:00, October 19, 2019 (view source)
(Undo revision 213121 by November Witch (talk))
==Biography==
===Early Life===
=== Early Life ===
Merlin was born to [[Hunith]] and [[Balinor]] in [[Ealdor]], a small outlying village in the kingdom of [[Essetir]]. Near the end of the [[the Great Purge|Great Purge]], [[Gaius]] had helped Balinor, a [[Dragonlord]], escape the slaughter of his people and arranged for him to stay with Hunith. The two fell in love, but [[Uther]] eventually discovered Balinor's whereabouts and sent men to arrest him. Balinor was forced to flee Ealdor and left Hunith behind, unaware that she was pregnant with his son (''[[The Last Dragonlord]]'').
Life could be difficult in a village as small and isolated as Ealdor. Food was scarce and everyone was expected to pitch in and help with the harvest. Merlin had one friend growing up, [[William]], who was aware of his magic. At some point in their childhood Will convinced Merlin to use his magic to fell a tree, a stunt which nearly flattened [[Simmons|Old Man Simmons]] (''[[The Moment of Truth]]'').
<tabber>Series One=
=== Finding a Purpose ===
{{Quote|Without you, Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there will be no Albion.|[[Kilgharrah]] to Merlin|The Dragon's Call}}
The ensuing [[Duel between Merlin and Nimueh|duel]] ended when Nimueh struck him in the chest with a [[Fire spell|fireball]], seemingly killing him. As she walked away, however, Merlin recovered and struck her down with [[Lightning spell|magical lightning]]. He then harnessed the [[power over life and death]] and revived Gaius, using Nimueh's life as payment (''[[Le Morte d'Arthur]]'').
|-|Series Two=
=== Cornelius Sigan's Return ===
{{Quote|I just want Arthur to trust me. And to see me for who I really am.|Merlin to [[Gaius]]|The Curse of Cornelius Sigan}}
Grateful to Merlin for sparing his life, Kilgharrah agreed to honor his command. He promised that he would not forget Merlin's clemency and said that he was sure their paths would cross again, then flew away. Arthur regained consciousness soon afterward and Merlin led him to believe that he (Arthur) had successfully killed the dragon. They then returned to the castle together, where they were greeted by a relieved [[Gwen]] and Gaius (''[[The Last Dragonlord]]'').
|-|Series Three=
=== Morgana's Return ===
{{Quote|Morgana is in league with Morgause. She's plotting against Uther.|Merlin to [[Gaius]]|The Tears of Uther Pendragon}}
A devastated Morgana rushes into the room and cradles her unconscious sister. Merlin tells Morgana that it is over but Morgana tells him that it has just begun and uses her magic to bring the room crashing down on them. Gaius later states that there was no sign of either her or Morgause in the rubble, meaning that they must have escaped. Merlin later places Excalibur in a stone in the forest where no "mortal man" can wield it (''[[The Coming of Arthur]]'').
|-|Series Four=
He, Arthur, Isolde, Guinevere, and Tristan make it to the throne room where Morgana lies in wait with [[Helios]]. Morgana flees when she realises she can't use magic, chased by Merlin and Guinevere. Merlin uses magic to save the life of Guinevere but Morgana has disappeared by the time he comes to look for her. Merlin returns to the throne room, witnessing the death of Isolde. In the end, he is on the front row standing by Gaius as he is present to proudly witness the crowning of Guinevere as the [[Queen of Camelot]] (''[[The Sword in the Stone]]'').
|-|Series Five=
===Witnessing Arthur's Death ===
{{Quote|The prophets speak of Arthur's bane.|[[Lochru]] to Merlin|Arthur's Bane}}
===Future===
</tabber>
== Personality ==
Revision as of 22:01, October 19, 2019
Freya † (Spirit)
Alator of the Catha †
Jonas †
Enmyria †
Knights of Medhir †
Soon after a Camelot patrol was killed trespassing on Cenred's lands, Sir Leon (the only survivor) retuned to court claiming that the Druids had saved him with the Cup of Life. Fearing what would happen if such a powerful artifact were to fall into Cenred's hands, Uther decided to send Arthur on a quest to retrieve the Cup before their enemy learned of its location.
Though Uther instructed him to keep his task a secret, Arthur decided to take Merlin along when he left to find the Druids. They were captured by the slave trader Jarl soon after entering Cenred's kingdom and unexpectedly reunited with their friend Gwaine, who was also being held prisoner. Merlin and Gwaine were delighted to see one another, but their joy proved short-lived when Jarl decided to force Arthur and Gwaine to fight one another for his amusement. Fortunately, the trio were able to escape together after Merlin used his magic to start a fire, and Gwaine then decided to join them on their quest.
The trio located the Druids and retrieved the Cup without issue. Unfortunately, they were ambushed by Cenred's men soon afterward and Merlin failed to keep the Cup from falling into enemy hands. He, Arthur, and Gwaine subsequently returned to the city to find that it had been conquered by Morgause, who had used the Cup to make Cenred's army immortal before killing the king and taking control of the soldiers herself. After meeting up with Gaius and Gwen's brother Elyan, both of whom had managed to escape capture, they discovered that Uther was being held prisoner and later witnessed Morgana being crowned Queen of Camelot before escaping to the safety of the woods.
Merlin and Arthur join the rest of the group in the forest and Merlin takes the water the Fisher King gave him and uses it to contact his deceased lover Freya. Merlin is delighted to see Freya again and Freya tells him that she missed him. She tells him to go to the Lake of Avalon to fetch the sword Excalibur. Merlin calls Kilgharrah, who carries him to the lake and Freya gives Merlin the sword, though only her arm emerges from the lake.
Merlin and his friends later meet Guinevere and Sir Leon who managed to escape Camelot though they accidentally bring a group of Morgause's immortal soldiers with them. Fortunately their lives are saved by the arrival of Lancelot and Percival who cause an avalanche, allowing the group to escape. Wielding Excalibur, Merlin join a Arthur, Gwaine, Elyan, Lancelot and Percival in their mission to bring an end to Morgana's rule.
Merlin places the sword in the stone.
A devastated Morgana rushes into the room and cradles her unconscious sister. Merlin tells Morgana that it is over but Morgana tells him that it has just begun and uses her magic to bring the room crashing down on them. Gaius later states that there was no sign of either her or Morgause in the rubble, meaning that they must have escaped. Merlin later places Excalibur in a stone in the forest where no "mortal man" can wield it (The Coming of Arthur).
"What is the life of a servant compared to that of a prince?"
Though Camelot experiences another year of peace after Morgana is overthrown, the peace is interrupted during the Samhain Eve celebration. As a result of Morgana's blood sacrifice on the Isle of the Blessed, Merlin is greeted with shock as a mysterious woman appears during Arthur's toast to the king.
As she calls out to Merlin, calling him Emrys, he faints prompting treatment by Gaius. When Merlin recovers, he explains to Gaius what happened. Gaius concluded that the woman Merlin saw is the Cailleach, gatekeeper to the Spirit World. Although Gaius is unsure as to why the Cailleach would appear to Merlin, he speculates that trouble is coming to Camelot once again. This speculation proves to be correct as there begin to be reports of villages being attacked by unknown assailants with no one being left alive. Once Arthur gets word that this was occurring, he rides out with his knights and Merlin to investigate. Once they arrive at a village, Merlin encounters a strange wispy creature that somehow disable his magic and is almost killed.
Percival carries an unconscious Merlin.
However, Lancelot manages to drive the creature away using his torch before it can do so. Upon returning to Camelot, Merlin finds it in an uproar. The supernatural creatures, identified as the Dorocha, have begun to launch attacks on the castle and many are killed. He confides in Gaius and confesses that his magic has no effect on the creatures.
Merlin survives the attack but becomes gravely ill and has to be taken by Lancelot back to Camelot. However along the journey, Vilia, who are spirits of the brooks and streams help them and heal Merlin from the sickness. Merlin then rides back with Lancelot to help Arthur. Along the way, they are attacked by a Dorocha but Merlin summons Kilgharrah to repel the Dorocha with his fire. Kilgharrah then tells them that the Dorocha cannot be allowed to remain in the living world and that a sacrifice will be demanded by the Cailleach to defeat them.
After a funeral is held for Lancelot, Merlin and Gaius learn that Morgana is aware of his identity as Emrys. Gaius then tells Merlin that he suspects Arthur's uncle Agravaine, who has supported Arthur after Uther was broken by Morgana's betrayal, is loyal to Morgana before warning Merlin that she should never learn the truth that he has magic and that he is Emrys (The Darkest Hour).
"I've been playing a dangerous game since the first time I set foot in Camelot. Maybe this is my chance to change that."
When Uther is mortally wounded by an assassin when protecting Arthur, Merlin sees this as a chance to return magic back to Camelot because Arthur plans to use magic to save Uther. Merlin returns to his old man disguise to help him convince Arthur.
Merlin gains Arthur's trust with help of his disguise and goes to Uther's chambers with Arthur. However, Morgana learns of Arthur's plans and enchants a necklace to repel healing spells, which Agravaine plants around Uther's neck.
Merlin casts a healing spell but due to the necklace, it backfires and Uther dies. An enraged Arthur blames the disguised Merlin for Uther's death but Merlin knocks him unconscious to prevent Arthur from attacking him and transforms back into himself.
Gaius later shows Merlin the necklace and Merlin realizes what Morgana did. Arthur then tells Merlin that he lost both his parents due to magic and that he sees it as pure evil. Merlin blames himself for Uther's death and worries that his magic will never be revealed to Arthur but Gaius reassures him that Arthur will soon learn of his magic and that he is not to blame for Uther's death. Merlin then watches as Arthur is crowned King of Camelot, despite being heartbroken at his failure and chants of 'Long Live the King' (The Wicked Day).
Witnessing Arthur's Death


Met Life argued that the policies were obtained under false pretenses and that there was no coverage. As trial approached, Met Life agreed to settle the case, but did so demanding confidentiality of the final settlement terms. Plaintiff believes that confidentiality was demanded because plaintiff exposed a practice that was not unique to the case at hand.


The Shift Atty RTA by bOOSTLAB Korea is an incredibly efficient flavour packed rebuildable tank atomizer, capable of putting out extremely potent and accurate flavour and heat with very little applied wattage and low liquid consumption.
Tank capacity in a dripper sized package!
Famous for his incredibly small atomizers with unique decks, extremely compact atomization chambers, easy-to-build, and easy-to-fill designs, MinWoo Lee of bOOSTLAB has knocked it out of the park with one of our favourite rebuildable tanks on the market today. There is a good reason why this tank has been the standard daily tank for us at Vapes by Enushi. Small amounts of liquid lasts a long time, and less than 20 Watts is required to provide deliciously accurate flavour.
A simple 2-post deck design allows for a simple 2 post coil to be easily installed while still maintaining incredible flavour production. Complex big coils not required!
Approximate 2 ml capacity is enough to last a while, with this simple design. An easy to refill design allows the user to just pop the main cap off, exposing the fill hole at the top, which easily fits needle nose tips, unicorn bottle tips, and even glass dropper tips for easy mess-free refills!
Air flow is adjustable from very tight mouth to lung, to a restricted lung hit when wide open. The air flow control features a unique two-stage controller, where the first stage allows adjustment via a screw that opens and closes vertically (Phillips screwdriver required), which limits the air flow slot's height. The second stage of control is performed by rotating the cap, which will open and close the cyclops shaped inlet.
An extremely compact atomization chamber just barely large enough to contain the coil is the secret to why the flavour rendering and warmth of vapour produced by this atomizer is so incredible. The small size condenses and focuses all the vapour for maximum efficiency.
Build Note: Please ensure your coil sits ABOVE the posts so that it is directly in the air flow path which passes above the posts. Do not make the coil too large or too high, as it could contact the PEEK top cap. Recommended build is 26 gauge, 5 wraps around a 2.5mm diameter guide.
Click the button below to add the Boost Lab - "Shift Atty" RTA to your wish list.


Why we need your credit card pre-authorization?
When we make a match for you, we want to show you the sincerity of your hotel reservations; if we do not have your pre-authorization, the hotel will not consider our price negotiation.
Can I select the district while using The Price of Your Choice?
Of course you can, like standard booking, you can choose your destination, until the city / district, consumers have 100% autonomy.
When I submitted my offer, is it possible for me to cancel or change it within the 6 hours before I get the result?
Unfortunately not. Before you submitted your offer, the cancelation policy had been prompted. When we make the inquire with our hotel partners, we will show them that our consumer are very sincere and the credit card pre-authorization has been made, our hotel partner have 6 hours to consider our offer. Before this time expires, you cannot cancel and/or change your offer.
After Hotel accepts my offer, may I make any change or request the refund due to my personal reason?
Unfortunately not. Before you submit your offer, we will remind you of our cancelation policy. You may have received a non-refundable special offer or discount price. Therefore, your offer cannot be changed or canceled.
What if you have my credit card pre-authorization and I cannot get the room, I'll get the full refund?
If we cannot find the room for you within 6 hours, we will return 100% (full refund) included any fees.
What areas does HitoFun apply their service to?
At this moment, Taiwan, including Kinmen, Penghu and other regions. We are striving to promote HitoFun to Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, mainland China and other regions, and even to extend HitoFun to the rest of the world.
Why can I get the room at a cheaper price than other platforms?
Because we are challenging the hotel room occupancy rate, if the hotel occupancy rate is lower than normal, hotels are more likely to consider and accept any offers at reasonable prices.
Can I make a price offer to a particular hotel?
Not likely. In order to protect every hotel, we cannot specifically ask any single hotel for the price inquiry. The more hotels in the selection, the consumers will have a probability of having more successful opportunities for the inquiry.
How do I cancel my pre-authorization?
預授權唯一取消的原因是因為本平台無法在6小時內無法幫該消費者媒合到任何住房業者,此預授權不會轉為正式付款,所以銷費者可以取回 100% 的費用。We cannot cancel the pre-authorization. Any pre-authorizations will automatically expire after 6 hours, if we cannot find a room for our guest.
Can I accept any of the accommodations?
Yes, when consumers select an area and price range, we will meet all of the consumer needs of the hotel name to inform consumers, and consumers can then use the price screening method of other discomfort to the hotel to screen out, the final consumption is to check the name of the hotel you want to accept and understand, we will help consumers a price mediation.
How is your last minute different from others platform?
Other platforms are mostly one-time price cuts, while our platform uses a ladder-style step down the sales model. In other words, the later, the cheaper, because of this calculation, so our price should be more attractive to consumers than other platforms.
As you said, the longer I wait and price will be cheaper. Does this mean that I should to wait until later to buy?
If you do not need a room urgently, you should wait until later to buy. However, we cannot guarantee that there are vacant rooms.
Are there many rooms in the market available for sale?
It will depend entirely on average occupancy rate. If the hotels are completely sold out, there will not be any room on our platform to sell.
What is the lowest price?
We hope for the hotels to decrease their prices by 50% of their daily selling price to clear their leftover inventory. However, we have no way to ensure that the hotels lowest price.
Why are the hotels willing to sell at such low prices?
Because in our platform, we added the time value calculation model, and our time value of the calculation method to meet the hotels reluctant selling mentality.
What is the objective of your platform?
We want to help the hotels sell the leftover inventories room, improve occupancy rates, while also helping consumers find more attractive prices for the last minute leftover inventories.
What are the prices shown in HitoFun?
HitoFun includes all applicable fees (taxes and fees that cannot be canceled) as much as possible in the displayed price. We have been working to achieve full transparency on the price. The only uncertainty is the additional cost that the ticket provider hides or may be floating at any time. To this end, we have compiled a list of additional fees that may be added by our suppliers. On our website, travelers may check this list of charges for each suppliers.
Will HitoFun increase in the original price?
The answer is: absolutely not! HitoFun will not track your IP address or user cookie to increase any prices. We are committed to providing real-time search parity, the search for the cheapest real-time online price. Our aim is to find the cheapest price, not to earn the price difference, so we will never make any price increases.
How do I redeem the hotel's lowest price guarantee?
We update the exchange rates daily. Please note that the HitoFun site and the vendor sites you are being redirected to will have a price difference due to the exchange rate.
What if I find inaccurate information on the HitoFun site?
We aim to provide travelers with the cheapest price and the most accurate information. If you find any inaccurate information during the process, please let us know so that we can check and correct the error.
No, we do not sell tickets, and you cannot complete booking directly from our website. We will redirect you to your chosen supplier's website for airfare, hotel reservations, or car rental.
What should I do if I have a problem with my reservation?
If you have a problem with your booking or need to change your booking, you must directly contact the vendor you have been booking from the HitoFun website. If you do not remember the company name of this supplier, we recommend that you check the booking confirmation E-mail or your bank transaction information, where you can see which supplier you have subscribed to. We do not see your bookings and information after the jump, so we cannot help you make any changes or provide your booking information.
For all information regarding car rental, please contact the supplier by phone or E-mail in the confirmation message.
Are the suppliers on your site credible?
Yes! This is certain. We have tested all of the vendors on our website to make sure that their services met our requirements.
What do I need to do before booking my flight?
Is it possible to check group ticket at HitoFun?
You can search up to 9 adults and 7 children on the HitoFun website at once.
Can HitoFun search for multiple destination flights?
Yes, you can. On the Home page of your ticket, select Multiple Destinations (under the Departure City menu) in the drop-down menu for Travel.
How do I find train information from HitoFun?
HitoFun integrates High-Speed Trains in flight search results. When you search for air tickets, we also provide you with train information for this route, which will allow you to compare and choose how to travel more efficiently.
How can I give HitoFun the most effective feedback?
Your feedback is very important to us, it will help us to constantly improve our services. When you send us your feedback, please provide us with the most complete information possible, including your travel itinerary, your destination, and the name or URL of the vendor you would like to jump to after completing your search. This information can help us to find and solve problems in the shortest possible time.
Where can I edit my personal information?
You can edit your personal information on the settings page of your account.
Why does my photo appear on your website / App?
If you have chosen to sign in to HitoFun with Facebook, Google+, Weibo or any other social network account, your account photo may also be included in your HitoFun profile.
Is it possible to save multi-destination search information when logged in?
Unfortunately, history saving for multi-destination searches is not currently supported. We can only save one-way and round-trip ticket history search records. We are working to improve this feature.
If I delete my account, will you continue to save my information in the system?
No. If you choose to delete your account, all of the information in your account will be completely removed from our database.
Do I need to re-login every time when I open a Web page or App?
You will remain logged in as long as you do not sign out of your account settings.
Go to the Account Settings page and click "Unsubscribe".
Do I have to fill out my personal information in order to use your service?
We respect your privacy and all users' private information is encrypted when they are stored in the background. We do not store your credit card information, but in some cases, we need to send you the correct information to our co-related manufacturers.
Do I have to fill out my personal preference to use your service?
Of course not. We respect your privacy and all options are optional and you can choose what information you would like to enter.
If set a departure airport in my preferences, what will happen next time I search on a website or App?
If you have already set up a preferred airport, when you log in again, the starting point in the search box will default to your preferred airport. However, you can change the departure airport at any time.
I set up a departure airport in my preferences, but what do I do now to choose a new departure?
The starting point in the search box will always be the default for your preferred airport, but you can change it to any other departure airport.
We are an information platform company registered in Taiwan in 2014. We provide a buyer market mechanism and help the industry solve the problem of inventory in the same day. In 2015, we are awarded the Taipei Municipal Government's Innovation Service Award and two patents in the sale of reservations.
Absolutely! Even if consumers will have to stay a few weeks, as long as the business receipts, the industry can send invoices, receipt of the invoice when HitoFun 5 days after the non-accounting will be, that is, consumers ot yet admitted, the industry has to get the money.
We are using the buyer's market mechanism, consumers can call in accordance with their budget they want to pay the price, in order to show the consumer's sincerity, all prices have been made consumer credit card pre-authorization. In other words, if the hotel accepted HitoFun inquiry, will be a guaranteed payment transaction.
When I accept the HitoFun's offer and how soon we can recieve the payment?
To hotels in Taiwan, as long as the hotel accepts our price inquiry, proximally in 5 days / 120 working hours, will receiving the payment, that is, the consumer may not has been admitted yet, we will pay back the original amount.
If we have not yet signed contract with HItoFun, why should we receive a HitoFun a room inquiry?
In order to provide consumers with the best price experience, HitoFun will submit the inquiry to the local hotels regardless if a contract has been signed.
If we have not signed the contract with HitoFun yet, will HitoFun sell any my rooms?
Absolutely not; HitoFun will not make any sales without the consent of the hotel or without any contract agreement.
What should I do when I receive a room inquiry form HitoFun?
If you receive a room inquiry from HitoFun, you can accept the offer within 6 hours, if the offer has not yet been accepted by other company.
Currently we do not have any signed contract with HitoFun, I still able accept any room inquiry from HitoFun?
Unfortunately, HitoFun is obliged to sign a contract with Hotel to ensure the interests and rights of HitoFun, hotels, and consumers in order to ensure the right of accommodation for consumers.
Can we sign a one-time contract with HItoFun?
Yes, you may. The purpose of HitoFun contract agreement is to ensure that the interests of HitoFun, hotels and consumers all three parties are protected, so the Hotels can do single-time single-booking contract.
What other services HitoFun able to provide, if we decide to working with HitoFun?
HitoFun's has patent pending on the both 一口價and the last minute left-over inventory; when hotels and HitoFun sign a long-term agreement, HitoFun will help hotels to sell last minute bookings and general reservations.
What's the differences between HitoFun one-time contracts and long-term contract?
HitoFun's one-time contract is the contract pre every single request, and is not extent to other request. HitoFun long-term contracts provides more services, such as last-minute bookings and standard bookings, and one-time contracts and The ratio of commission for long-term contracts is also different.


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Acton University 2018: Rev. Robert A. Sirico
Acton Institute President and Co-founder Rev. Robert A. Sirico delivers the closing plenary lecture of Acton University 2018 on June 22, 2018 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Rev. Robert A. Sirico received his Master of Divinity degree from the Catholic University of America following undergraduate study at the University of Southern California and the University of London. During his studies and early ministry, he experienced a growing concern over the lack of training religious studies students receive in fundamental economic principles, leaving them poorly equipped to understand and address today's social problems. As a result of these concerns, Fr. Sirico co-founded the Acton Institute with Kris Alan Mauren in 1990. As president of the Acton Institute, Fr....
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Rev. Robert A. Sirico closes Acton University 2019
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Apple and Google show off their more inclusive emoji for 2019
Latest in 20nm
Samsung's new chip could put 4GB of memory in your next smartphone
Samsung starts making 3GB low-power memory for smartphones
SK Hynix teases 4GB LPDDR3 RAM for high-end mobiles due end of this year
Samsung starts production of 20nm 4Gb LPDDR3 mobile DRAM
We hope you weren't just getting used to having 2GB of RAM in a smartphone, because Samsung is already moving on. The company is now mass-producing 3GB LPDDR3 packages whose 0.8mm (0.03in) thickness can accommodate most device sizes. The capacious, 20nm-class memory should also be quick when there's a pair of symmetric channels to keep data flowing. The first smartphones with 3GB of RAM should ship in the second half of the year; Samsung isn't revealing which phones will have the honor, but it's not hard to make some educated guesses.
Show full PR text
Samsung Now Producing Industry's Highest Density (3GB) LPDDR3 Mobile Memory for Smartphones
SEOUL, Korea – July 24, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world leader in advanced memory technology, today announced the industry's first mass production of three gigabyte (GB) low power double data rate 3 (LPDDR3) mobile DRAM, the highest density mobile memory solution for next-generation smartphones, which will bring a generation shift to the market from the 2GB packages that are widely used in current mobile devices.
The Samsung 3GB LPDDR3 mobile DRAM uses six of the industry's smallest 20-nanometer (nm) class* four gigabit (Gb) LPDDR3 chips, in a symmetrical structure of two sets of three chips stacked in a single package only 0.8 millimeters high. With a full line-up of package dimensions, Samsung's new ultra-slim memory solutions will enable thinner smartphone designs and allow for additional battery space, while offering a data transfer speed of up to 2,133 megabits per second (Mbps) per pin.
"Three gigabyte mobile DRAM will be adopted in the most up-to-date, high-end smartphones starting in the second half of this year − an initial adoption that will expand to most high-end smartphones worldwide next year," said Young-Hyun Jun, executive vice president, memory sales & marketing, Samsung Electronics. "We will develop a new 3GB LPDDR3 solution based on four 6Gb LPDDR3 DRAM chips by symmetrically stacking two chips on each side, which will boost smartphone performance to the next level by year-end."
With the increased mobile DRAM capacity, users can enjoy seamless high-quality, Full HD video playback and faster multitasking on their smartphones. Also, the new LPDDR3 speeds up data downloading and is able to offer full support for LTE-A (LTE Advanced) service, a next-generation mobile telecommunication standard.
Samsung's 3GB LPDDR3 DRAM connects with a mobile application processor using two symmetrical data transfer channels, each connected to a 1.5GB storage part. Though asymmetric data flow can cause sharp performance dips at certain settings, the symmetrical structure avoids such issues, while maximizing system level performance.
Considering that the current memory storage capacity for PCs is about 4GB, offering 3GB of DRAM memory on mobile devices should help most users enjoy PC-like performance, in narrowing the performance gap between PC and smartphone computing.
With the new 3GB LPDDR3 DRAM, Samsung is now offering the widest range of mobile DRAM densities (1GB, 2GB and 3GB), while providing the industry's first mobile DRAM based on 20-nm class process node technology. Samsung plans to continue to lead the growth of the mobile memory market, as it seeks to maintain unrivaled competitiveness in the premium memory sector.
Source: Samsung
In this article: 20nm, ddr3, dram, LPDDR3, memory, mobilepostcross, ram, samsung, smartphone