Having been watching football around the world for more years than I care to remember and visting huge quantities of clubs and stadiums it occured to me one day what had triggered this, so far, 36 year odyssey. Unearthing a childhood birthday present, "Bartholomew's Football History Map of England and Wales" I came some way to explaining my compulsion.
Part of a series which contained titles like the "The Historical Map of England", "Clan Map of Old Scotland" and wait for it…"The Postal Map of Britain", John Bartholomew & Sons of Duncan Street, Edinburgh well and truly hooked this youngster with their football map, first published in 1971.
Reverentially opening the folded paper map would reveal a hitherto unparelled cornucopia of information, veitably awash with colour. A map of England and Wales plotted the kits of all the Football League clubs and prominant non-league clubs. Some familiar places and other previously unheard of outposts of this footballing kingdom.
There were 159 badges down the left hand side, numbered alphabetically, the double space needed for Brighton and Hove Albion's conjoined ensignia breaking the twenty lines of eight clubs. Of course the 92 clubs of the Football League, one entiety in those days, and Divisions One to Four, were all present and correct. The remaining 67 spaces were given over to that mysterious group of clubs and grounds collectively known as the "non-league". Periodic FA Cup headlines aside these clubs seemed to be locked outside the fortress that was the Football League. To a small child their names were enticing "Anstey Nomads", "Tooting and Mitcham United" and the austere sounding "Hull Brunswick". Underneath each colour badge the clubs were given their sequential number, their year of formation (god some of these clubs were ancient!) and vitally the name of their home ground! It was surely the catalyst for discovery and spent many years on my childhood bedroom wall, apologies Aldershot for the pin hole.
So forty odd years later, I pondered, what had happened to these clubs and the grounds, where were they now? Here is their story.
Looking back there seemed to be no logical order to the selection off the non-league clubs. In those days there was no Conference for the best clubs, the Northern Premier League, the Southern League and the Isthmian League all could have its more successful clubs apply for memebership to the Football League. This would be contested in the annual re-election process where the bottom four teams in the Football League would ask for support from their piers to remain in the League. Very occassionally a successful non-league applicant would gain more votes than a poor performing League club and be admitted to the Football League. The failing League incumbant would be banished to the wilderness of non-league football. In 1971 Cambridge United had just replaced the ailing Bradford Park Avenue in the League. A year later Hereford United would oust Barrow, although in reality successful applications were rare indeed.
Of the 92 Football League clubs at the end of the 1970/71 season, Luton Town, Mansfield Town, Halifax Town, Wrexham, Barrow, Cambridge United, Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Southport, Stockport County and Workington have lost their Football League status in the intervening years. Aldershot, Chester, Darlington and Newport County have folded though all have reformed subsequently.
Of the League clubs of the 2012/13 season Wigan Atheltic (Premier League), Yeovil Town, Stevenage, Crawley Town (League One), Cheltenham Town, Burton Albion, Wycombe Wanderers, Dagenham and Redbridge and Accrington Stanley (League Two) were excluded from the map despite being in some cases prominent non-league clubs of the era. MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon, of course, had yet to be formed.
The 67 non-league clubs from the map had been drawn, seemingly at random, from no less than 20 Leagues and Divisions of those Leagues. Curious indeed. Added in was a touring team and a nomadic team of no fixed abode.
Of the 159 clubs the following has happened over the last 42 years.
53 have changed grounds from the one listed on the map.
5 clubs have lost their ground since 1971.
2 grounds, Dean Court and Bucks Head have been totally rebuilt on the same site since 1971.
24 clubs have folded of which 16 have reformed. Andover, Hull Brunswick, Edmonton, Letchworth Town, Bridlington Trinity, Northern Nomads, Scarborough and Wolverton Town no longer recognisably exist.
A further three clubs have merged with other clubs, Leytonstone, Ilford and Moor Green.
7 clubs have changed their name from the 1971 version, other than those due to a reformation.
2 clubs that previously groundshared no longer do so.
In 1971 they were in Division Four. The club folded in 1992 and the re-born club, AldershotTown are in League Two having battled back through the non-leagues.
In 1971 they were in the Northern Premier League, one step from League football. Nowadays at level 6 – Conference North.
In 1971 they were in the Hellenic League Division One. Nowadays at level 10 in the Spartan South Midlands League Division One.
In 1971 they were in the Southern League Division One. Ground demolished 1989, moving to the Portway Stadium. Club folded 2011.
In 1971 they were in the East Midland Regional League. Having since played in the Leicestershire Senior League they are now in the East Midlands League.
Still in the top flight, the club moved ground in 2006 to the Emirates Stadium.
In 1971 the club were in the Third Division, now in the Premier League.
In 1971 the club were in the Athenian League Premier Division. They are now in the Isthmian League Division One.
In 1971 they were in the Isthmian League, one step from potential League membership. They are now in the Essex Senior League (level 9). Moved ground in 1973 to MayesbrookPark.
In 1971 they were members of the Southern League, they are now a Football League club currently in League Two. Will move grounds for 2013/14.
Up one tier in 42 years, were Division Three, now in the Championship.
Were in Division Four, lost their League place in 1972. Now in the Conference.
No change, were in the second tier in 1971.
Were in the Northern League Division One as they are now. Ground demolished in 2001, moved to new ground, HeritagePark, in 2010.
Were in the Isthmian League in 1971, now in the Conference North. Moved ground in 1997 to the Woodside Stadium.
Were in Division Three in 1971, now in the second tier.
Were in Division Three in 1971, now in the second tier. Moved ground in 1997 to the Reebok Stadium.
Still in the third tier. Ground rebuilt and re-orientated in 2001. Changed name 1972 to AFC Bournemouth.
Now in the fourth tier, down a tier from 1971.
Had just joined the Northern Premier League have been in the Football League. Club folded 1974 and ground demolished in 1973.New club formed 1988 and now in the Conference North. Now playing at the Horsfall Stadium.
Up one tier from Division Four in 1971.
Were in the Yorkshire League in 1971. Original club folded in 1994. Reformed club now in the Northern Counties East League.
Were in the Yorkshire League in 1971. Folded in 1990 when they lost the use of their ground.
Were in Division 3 in 1971, now second tier. Ground demolished 1997. Moved ground in 2011, having played at Gillingham FC and the Withdean Stadium.
Were in Division 3 in 1971, now fourth tier. Ground demolished 1986. Moved ground in 1996 to the Memorial Ground, having shared at Bath City FC.
Were in Division Four in 1971, now in the third tier.
Had just come into the Football League in 1971, now in the Conference.
Still in second tier, moved ground in 2009 to the Cardiff City Stadium.
Were in Division 4, new club now in Conference North. Moved ground in 1992 to the Deva Stadium. ChesterCity folded in 2010, reforming as Chester FC.
Were in Division 3 in 1971, now fourth tier. Moved ground in 2010 to the ProAct Stadium.
Were in Division Four in 1971, now in the third tier. Moved ground in 2008 to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.
Were in Isthmian League, now in Division 1 of that League (level 8). Were groundsharing at Tooting and Mitcham, have been playing at their own ground, King George's Field, since 1988.
Were in Division One in 1971, now in third tier. Moved ground in 2005 to the Ricoh Arena.
Were in Division Four in 1971, new club now in Northern League Division 1. Club folded 2012 re-forming as Darlington 1883. Moved ground 2003-2012 to the Darlington Arena. New club groundsharing at Bishop Auckland.
Were in Division 1 in 1971, now in second tier. Moved ground in 1997 to PridePark.
Were in Division 4 in 1971, now third tier. Moved ground in 2006 to the Keepmoat Stadium.
Were in the Western League in 1971, now in the Conference South. Moved ground in 1990 to Avenue Road.
Were in the Southern League Premier Division in 1971, now in Conference South. Folded 1983, reforming as Dover Athletic.
Were in the Isthmian League in 1971, now in Division 1 of that league (level 8). Original stadium demolished in 1993, smaller stadium built on same site.
Were in the Athenian League Division 1 in 1971, now in the Isthmian League Division 1 (level 8). Changed name 1971 to Eastbourne Town.
Were in the Athenian League Division 1 in 1971. Merged with Tufnell Park in 1973 to form the club now known as Haringey Borough playing at Coles Park. The Barrass Stadium is still in existence.
Were in Northern Premier League in 1971, now in League Two. Folded 1997, reforming as FleetwoodTown.
Were in the Midland League, now in Northern Premier League Premier Division. Changed name 1971 to Frickley Athletic.
Were in Division Two in 1971, now in the top flight.
Were in Manchester League in 1971, now in North West Counties League Premier Division (level 9). Reverted to original name of Glossop North End in 1992.
Were in the Midland League, now in Northern Premier League Premier Division. Changed name 1971 to GranthamTown. Moved ground 1991 to the South Kesteven Stadium.
Were in Division Four in 1971, now in the Conference.
Were in the Southern League Premier Division, now in Division One. Folded and ground demolished 1974. New club formed 1996 playing at the Spectrum Leisure Centre.
Were in Division 3 in 1971, new club now in Conference North. Folded in 2008 reforming as FC Halifax Town.
Were in the Athenian League Division 1 in 1971, now in the Isthmian League Division 1 (level 8). Moved ground in 2006 to Barrows Farm.
Were in the Athenian League Division 1 in 1971, now in the Isthmian League Premier Division (level 7).
Were in Division Four, now in third tier. Changed to Hartlepool United in 1977.
Were in the Athenian League Premier Division, now in the Essex & Suffolk Border League (level 11).
Were in the Athenian League Division 1, now in the Southern League Premier Division. Moved ground to Vauxhall Road in 1972 and became Hemel HempsteadTown.
Were in the Athenian League Premier Division, now in the Conference South. Folded in 2005, reformed as AFC Hornchurch.
Were in the First Division in 1971, now in tier two. Moved ground in 1994 to the John Smith's Stadium.
Were in the Yorkshire League Division 2 in 1971. Lost ground and folded in 1973.
Still in the second tier. Moved ground in 2002 to the Kingston Communications Stadium.
Were in the Isthmian League in 1971. New club in Isthmian League Division One. Old club merged with Leytonstone and demolished ground in 1979.Current club formed in 1987.
Were in the First Division in 1971, now in tier two.
Were in the First Division in 1971, now in tier two. Moved to the King Power Stadium in 2002.
Were in the Athenian League Division 1 in 1971. Folded 2002. Ground now Herts FA Ground.
Were in the Isthmian League in 1971. Merged with Ilford 1979 and Walthamstow Avenue 1988. Ground demolished in 1979.
Were in the Midland League in 1971. Folded in 1973, ground demolished. New club with same name formed in 1989 playing in the North Leicestershire League.
Were in the Eastern Counties League, now in the Isthmian League Premier Division.
Were in Division Two in 1971, now in the Conference.
Still in top flight. Moved ground in 2003 to the Ettihad Stadium.
Were in Division Three in 1971, now in the Conference.
Were in the Cheshire League, now in Northern Premier League Premier Division.
Were in the Athenian League Division 1 in 1971. Now in the Hellenic League Premier Division (level 9).
Were in the Southern League Division 1 in 1971. Now in the Isthmian Premier.
Still in second tier. Moved to the Riverside Stadium in 1995.
Still in second tier. Moved to the New Den in 1993.
Were in the Midland Combination in 1971. Ground demolished in 2005, merged with Solihull Borough in 2007.
Still a touring select eleven.
Were in the Northern Premier League in 1971, now in League Two. Moved to the Globe Arena in 2010.
Were in the Lancashire Combination in 1971, now in North West Counties League First Division (level 10). Ground demolished in 1980, now playing at Victoria Park.
Were in Division Four in 1971, new club now in the Conference. Folded and ground demolished 1989. New club now playing at Rodney Parade.
Still in fourth tier. Moved ground in 1994 to Sixfields.
Were in the Lancashire Combination in 1971. Folded 1984, no permanent home they used Stalybridge Celtic's ground.
Were in the Northern Premier League in 1971, now in Division 1 of that league. Drill Field demolished 2002, lost Victoria Stadium in 2012. Now groundsharing at Stafford Rangers FC.
Were in Division Two in 1971, now top tier.
Were in Division One, now in second tier.
Were in Division Two in 1971, now in the third tier. Reverted to former name of Leyton Orient in 1987.
Were in Division Two in 1971, now in the fourth tier. Moved to the Kassam Stadium in 2001.
We in Division Four in 1971, now in second tier.
Were in Division Three in 1971, now in the fourth tier.
Were in the Southern League Premier Division in 1971, now in Division One of that League (Level 8). Lost use of ground in 1994, now playing at the Tatnum Ground.
Were in Division Two in 1971, now in the third tier.
Were in Lancashire Combination in 1971, now in Manchester League. Ground demolished 1991, now playing at Sandgate Road.
Were in Division Four in 1971, now top tier. Moved ground in 1998 to the Madjewski Stadium.
Were in the Athenian League Premier Division in 1971, now in the Sussex County League Division 1 (level 9). Moved ground in 1984 to Kiln Brow.
Were in Division Three in 1971, now in the fourth tier. Lost ground in 2008. Moved ground in 2012 to the New York Stadium.
Were in the Isthmian League in 1971, now in the Southern League Premier Division (level 7).
Were in the Eastern Counties League in 1971, now in the Southern League Premier Division (level 7). Lost ground and folded 1988. Reformed in 1990 moving to RowleyPark in 1993. Club moved to a new ground also called RowleyPark in 2008.
Were in the Southern League Division 1 in 1971, now in the Conference South. Moved ground in 1997 to the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. Added City to their name in 1993.
Lost ground and folded in 2007.
Were in Division Four in 1971, now third tier. Moved ground in 1988 to GlanfordPark.
Were in Division One in 1971, now in third tier.
Still in third tier. Moved ground in 2007 to the New Meadow.
Were in the Northern Premier League in 1971, now in Division One of that League (level 8). Ground demolished 2003 now playing at Stormy Corner.
Were in the Athenian League Premier Division. Ground demolished 1994. Now in Spartan South Midlands League Division 1 (level 10) groundsharing at Hanwell Town FC.
Still in top tier. Moved ground in 2001 to St.Mary's Stadium.
Were in Division Four, now in the Conference.
Still in top flight. Moved ground in 1997 to the Britannia Stadium.
Were in Division Two in 1971, now top flight. Moved to the Stadium of Light in 1997.
Were in the Isthmian League, now in the Conference South.
Were in Division Three now in the top flight. Moved to the Liberty Stadium in 2005.
Were in Division Two in 1971, now third tier.
Were in the Southern League Premier Division in 1971. New club now in Conference. Ground totally rebuilt in 2003 now called the New Bucks Head. Old club folded in 2004 reforming as AFC Telford United.
Were in the Isthmian League, now in the First Division of that League. Ground demolished in 2002, now playing at Imperial Fields.
Were in Third Division in 1971, now fourth tier.
Were in the Southern League Division 1. Folded and ground demolished 1998. New club formed and playing at Woodmarsh in the Wiltshire League (level 11).
Were in the Athenian League Division One, now in the Southern League Division 1.
Still in third tier. Moved ground in 1990 to the Bescot Stadium.
Were in the Western League, now in Division 1 of that League (Level 10).
Were in the Athenian League Premier Division, now in the Combined Counties League Premier Division (level 9).
Were in the Isthmian League, now in the Conference.
Were in Division One in 1971, now in tier two.
Were in the United Counties League in 1971. Folded 1992. Ground now communal park with stand preserved as it was the oldest surviving structure in football.
Were in the Fourth Division, now in the Conference North (level 6).
Were in Division Three, now in the Conference.
Were in Division Three, now in fourth tier.
Were in the Yorkshire League First Division, now in Division One of the Northern Counties East League.
It is always nice to visit a shiny new stadium in its nascent year and this was the case with this Friday night trip to Nord Pays de Calais and the city of Lille. Well actually it's not Lille but the neighbouring town of Villeneuve D'Ascq where this shimmering edifice, built by architect Pierre Ferret, is situated.
The history of Lille OSC and its grounds is worth a few lines in itself. The current club were formed in September 1944 from a merger of Olympique Lillois and SC Fives, hence the OSC as the current club's suffix. Five years earlier Lillois had tried to merge with Fives but on a breakdown of discussions they merged instead with Iris Club Lillois. Therefore the current club traces its ancestry to a triumvirate of local clubs.
The newly merged club played initially at a modest stadium called the Stade Henri Jooris which was replaced in 1974 with the Stade Grimonprez-Jooris built by architect Roger Taillibert. The new stadium opened with an official inauguration match against Feyenoord in September 1975. In 2003 the City of Lille announced that the Grimonprez-Jooris would be demolished and replaced with a brand new stadium for LOSC. This necessitated a "temporary" decampment to the neighbouring town of Villeneuve D'Ascq to use their Stade Lille-Métropole will the construction work took place. Except it never started, bogged down with red tape and political constraints it was shelved and the Grimonprez-Jooris was only demolished as recently as 2010. As France were awarded the 2016 European Championships, budgetary concerns were shelved and the new stadium would be one of the host venues for the tournament.
Built a mile or so away from the old Lille-Métropole the new stadium is an imposing structure seating 50,000, wrapped with fluorescent tubing and sheltered from malevolent weather by the seeming now obligatory retractable roof. It has of course won the required UEFA 5 star grading and has also drawn critical approval from design gurus. But what is it really like? The outside is impressive, neon messages and images sparkle on the back of the north stand as the evening crackles into life. The tubular casing around the exterior promise of a light show worth remembering after the final whistle. The double win of League and French Cup in 2010-11 is amply celebrated with decorative murals.
Internally the immediate impression is the vast symmetry and the blandness of the grey seats chosen for a club fiercely proud of its red shirts and mastiff logo. These are missing from the interior and the spectator gets three tiers (the middle being the corporate boxes and seats), in three varying shades of grey, darkest uppermost. One can't help thinking that red and liberal use of the unusual club logo would have been far more eye-catching. The new pitch is already in poor condition, rutted and patchy in places. Staging a Stade Français v Toulon rugby match shortly will surely only compound this particular issue.
The roof is not needed tonight on a cold but dry evening, the football on offer is disappointingly low on quality. This was amply highlighted by the opening goal, a visiting defender lying pole-axed and face down in his area diverting a fierce cross into his own goal. The result is put beyond doubt with a second Lille goal half way through the second period. Disappointing Rennes, in fifth place at the start of play, mount little in the way of response and seem accepting of their fate. One sad aspect of the match was a season ending cruciate ligament injury to the visitors exciting prospect Romain Alessandrini.
Upon leaving the exterior has an ethereal white glow, not from electricity coursing through the external tubing but from the interior stadium lighting reflecting outwards through the casing. It is impressive enough but a red pulsing exterior like a landing alien space ship would have set the stadium off a treat. With impressive crowds already doubling the 18,000 capacity of the old stadium, the move is one of common sense and pragmatism and LOSC now have a home to suit their undoubted ambition.
16.Steeve Elana; 25.Marko Baša; 18. Franck Béria; 22. Aurélien Chedjou (c); 3.Lucas Digne; 4.Florent Balmont; 10. Marvin Martin; 5. Idrissa Gueye; 7. Dmitri Payet; 8. Saloman Kalou; 20. Ronny Rodelin.
Subs: 9.Túlio de Melo; 14. David Rozenhal (for 7, 89 mins); 15. Djibril Sidibé; 17. Benoît Pedretti; 26. Nolan Roux (for 20, 84 mins); 30 Barel Mouko; 33. Divock Origi (for 10, 90 mins).
1. Benoît Costil; 23. Hérita Ilunga; 29. Romain Danzé (c); 2. Kevin Theophile-Catherine; 3. Chris Mavinga; 5. Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik; 6. Alou Diarra; 15. Jean II Makoun; 8. Julien Féret; 19. Romain Alessandrini; 9. Mevlut Erdinç.
Subs: 4. Onyekachi Apam; 10. Sadio Diallo; 16. Abdoulaye Diallo; 18. Chieck Diarra (for 9, 74 mins); 22. Anders Konradsen (for 6, 70 mins); 24. Dimitri Foulquier; 27. Abdoulaye Doucouré (for 19, 36 mins).
Over the last one hundred years or so Aberdeen Football Club could well be used as an archetypal blueprint of how to run a football well. Formed in 1903 from a prudent merger of Victoria United, Orion and the existing Aberdeen club, the empowered merged club made big strides. Aberdeen's own ground at Pittodrie, their home since 1899, was chosen as headquarters and design and innovation became part and parcel of this progressive club.
The existing main stand on the Pittodrie Street side of the ground was opened in 1925, financed by the sale of Alec Jackson to HuddersfieldTown. Built in the style of Archibald Leitch's finest grandstands, it boasted the vaulted roof and now sadly lost roof gable. As it approaches its own centenary the stand has been modernised with the erstwhile plastic seating and a sympathetic re-cladding of the roof is two-thirds complete. It is an impressive modernisation, losing none of its authenticity and age, the vintage signage, the complex roof trusses and cramped leg room are all still amply in evidence.
The club who bought dug-outs to an astonished football world now has simple planked benches for coaching staff and substitutes. Long gone are the 1928 dug-outs invented by then coach Donald Coleman, an obsessive of foot movement and a copious note taker, he wanted a sunken dry area to watch the feet and movement of his charges. His idea caught on around the globe.
The Merkland Road End boasts the fine granite entrance built in 1928. Some would say granite is a dark and sombre building material, however this beautifully symmetrical gateway will stand strong against the elements for as long as the current board wish to stay at Pittodrie. A stadium in the Granite City would be naked without liberal use of the tough igneous rock. The South Stand was covered in 1980 its cantilevered roof costing a not inconsiderable £750,000 and leaving many seats uncovered. However, the seating of this side of the ground in 1978 saw Aberdeen taking the learning from the 1975 Safety of Sports Ground Act and gain a considerable fiscal advantage of its procrastinating rivals. While competitors buried their heads and were later forced into mortgaging the family silver in the 1990's to foot the cost of redevelopment, Pittodrie matured at a sensible pace. In tune with the prodigious domestic and European success of the Dons under Alex Ferguson, Pittodrie saw gradual improvements. In 1985, £500,000 saw the Merkland Road End re-roofed and two years later a very sensible £100,000 went on undersoil heating in this notoriously cold North Sea citadel.
In August 1993 Princess Anne opened the giant double tier East or Sea End stand. Costing a considerable £4.5 million, the Richard Donald Stand, named after a club stalwart, was not without controversy. Dwarfing its three neighbouring stands, locals complained it was too big and would even be seen in Norway. It is undoubtedly vast and also incongruously modern compared to the other stands, but it took the stadium into the 21st century for spectator comfort and safety. However, for the first time in 90 years the cost of the project also took the club into debt. In typical foresightedness and penchant for thriftiness, the board issued shares which allowed the club to re-finance and plan for the future.
Fast forward to 2013 and The Dons find themselves at a pivotal crossroad in their history. Energy and funds are being thrown towards a potential move to Loirston Lock while little is being spent on the team and the current ground. The Pittodrie pitch is in a terrible state, a groundstaff allegedly being forced to work with a tiny budget, and the turf not recovering from an autumn battering at the hands (and feet) of Scotland and Tonga's finest rugby players. A football international against Estonia in midweek has left the pitch muddy and devoid of grass in several areas. The current squad is a distant relation to halcyon days under Ferguson.
The two combatants expend copious energy over the course of the game but achieve little of note. Technique desert both sides and chances are in short supply. The Dons Mark Reynolds is dismissed in the second half for a handball, a harsh but "letter-of-the-law" second yellow card. The locals are incensed at the perceived injustice and the vent their anger at every subsequent decision that goes against them. The visitors forward Goncalves misses the best chance of the game toward the end of the game, slicing wide with a gaping goal at his mercy. It was a suitable microcosm of a game low on quality and bereft of skill. The 15,000 empty seats tell their own story. Arguably the warmest reception of the day was saved for Ryder Cup winning golfer Paul Lawrie, parading the glistening trophy around the pitch at half time.
An intransigent city council may well sound the death knell for the embryonic move to the south of the city, but if the club do stay at Pittodrie the club has a home more than fit for the modern era and the club's current needs.
1. Jamie Langfield; 23. Joe O'Shaughessy; 3. Clark Robertson; 4. Russell Anderson (c); 22. Mark Reynolds; 5. Gavin Rae; 16. Isaac Osbourne; 18. Stephen Hughes; 10. Niall McGinn; 11. Jonathan Hayes; 15. Peter Pawlett.
Subs: 8. Rob Milsom; 9.Scott Vernon (for 18, 71mins); 13. Nicky Low; 14. Rory Fallon; 20. Dan Twardzik; 21. Josh Magennis (for 2, 67 mins); 38. Cammy Smith (for 15, 75 mins).
1. Craig Samson; 23. David Barron; 3. Paul Dummett; 6. Jim Goodwin (c); 14. Marc McAusland; 17. Kenny McLean; 21. Gary Teale; 24. Conor Newton; 10. Paul McGowan; 77. Esmael Goncalves; 9. Steven Thompson.
Subs: 2. David Van Zanten; 5. Lee Mair; 7. Dougie Imrie; 11. Graham Carey (for 17, 90 mins); 16. Grant Adam; 19. Sam Parkin; 27. Lewis Guy.
With my initial selection of twenty fascinating and beautiful Non-League football grounds proving to be popular, what better way to follow it up than with another twenty! So put the kettle on and sit back and relax and wade through a second selection of England's finest footballing amphitheatres.
One of East Anglia's hidden gems, College Meadow is a welcome rarity in the sleepy football backwater of North Suffolk. Located behind the railway station in this ancient border market town, College Meadow has been BecclesTown's home since the late 1920's. The ground's crowning glory is a wonderfully evocative low roofed covered stand that is immaculately kept and resplendent in the club's black and white colours. The Wherrymen's heyday was in the late 1940's and 1950's when four figure crowds were common place at College Meadow. Ironically the largest attendance at the ground was for a match that did not involve Beccles. The ground staged the semi-final of the Suffolk Premier Cup in March 1956 when nearly 3,000 watched near neighbours Bungay Town take on Lowestoft Town. To the delight of any ground addict, in an area with hardly a surfeit of stands to admire, the adjacent ground of Beccles Caxton also sports a covered stand. Admittedly it is not a patch on its elderly neighbour but welcome none the less.
Looking older than its August 1950 vintage Belle Vue is a quite magnificent ground located in famous iron and steel works town. The club opened their new home against Sunderland Reserves when a scarcely conceivably 7,000 witnessed the inauguration. The club had formed in 1899 as Consett Celtic playing at the Vicarage Ground until 1948 when it was swallowed up by the expansion of the Consett Iron Company. Two years were spent at Eden Colliery before Belle Vue was ready for occupation. The ground was a real community effort built almost entirely on voluntary labour and forged from a £5,000 fundraising pot. They were a serious semi-professional club playing in the old North Eastern and Midland Leagues before becoming founder members of the Northern Counties League. They once paid £10,000 to Everton for the signature of Albert Juliussen! They only joined the Northern League a recently as 1970. Originally the magnificent main stand had a lengthy cover facing it although disrepair and wanton vandalism saw it taken down. There is also still terracing, in a poor condition, adjacent to the grandstand. Sadly though Belle Vue's days are number as a new ground is to be built in Delves Lane and the current ground demolished as part of the new £28 million Consett Academy.
This historic venue was first used for cricket in 1853. Trinity were formed in 1873 and had to play second fiddle to cricket for many years and often started and finished seasons at a variety of different venues. In 1896 they were admitted into the Football League and spent a sixteen season stint in that competition before rejoining the Midland League. The present main stand is a modern structure opened in 2000 but built deliberately to give the same visual appearance of its wooden predecessor built in 1949. This stand had itself replaced an earlier structure burned to ashes by vandals during the Second World War. The lengthy cover on the opposite side was built in the early 1950's. The ground was purchased by the Supporter's Club the late 1990's and their sympathetic redevelopment of this historic venue garnered widespread praise. However, the current club management are looking into possible relocation to a new stadium in the not to distant future.
While Haywards Heath Town have struggled in the lower reaches of the Sussex County League in recent years, their superb Hanbury Park Stadium remains among the finest in Sussex. The club were formed in 1888 as Haywards Heath Excelsior, merging with Haywards Heath Juniors seven years later. The club moved into the present ground in 1952 and that was a springboard to their heyday in that decade when they had a ten season spell in the Metropolitan League. That competition provided the grounds record gate when 4,000 people saw the local derby with Horsham in 1952. The clubs' elevation to the Metropolitan League came after being crowned Sussex County League champions two seasons running in 1949/50 and 1950/51. The club's unprecedented success culminated in winning the Sussex Senior Cup in 1958. The club rejoined the CountyLeague in 1961, winning the title again in 1969/70 although the club then went into a spiral of decline throughout the late 1970's and 1980's. The ground remains impressive, the superb pitched roof main stand, these days sporting new cladding, accommodates 500 seated spectators and houses the changing rooms. The banking around the ground could accommodate 3,000 people in the unlikely event that Town enjoy a renaissance.
Top Field is one of the country's oldest football grounds, having staged one of the first ever FA Cup ties against Crystal Palace. In fact the original Hitchin Football Club donated £25 to the cost of the original FA Cup trophy. There is a bizarre, but enduring covenant on the Top Field which allows the society of local farmers, The Cow Commoners, to run their herds across the field once a year! Although the covenant has not been taken up for a vast number of years, the club are not allowed to build permanent buildings on the site. Therefore, the tremendous main stand and extensive wooden terracing could have to come down at any time! The original Hitchin club folded before World War II when their grandstand was burned to the ground. The current club formed as late as 1928 when they also opened the current grandstand. The wooden terracing was finished in the 1950's and the only changes since then have been floodlighting in 1962 and a new wooden boundary fence in the mid 1990's. In the 1960's the club had the world's first ever Football Museum, with a plethora of early football memorabilia. After its closure the exhibits were stored out of public view in the bowels of Hitchin Museum, although many are now on display in the National Football Museum in Manchester.
The Netherfield area of this very pleasant Lake District town has a long history of shoemaking. In 1919 Netherfield were formed by workers from the local shoe factory called Somerville Brothers (now K Shoes). The club have always played at Parkside Road and their first set of goalposts were acquired second-hand from the Kendal Amateurs club. The players had use of the factory facilities until changing rooms were opened on the ground in 1928. The present timber stand was opened two years later and extended in 1955. The two areas of cover on the opposite side were also erected before World War II. The visit of Grimsby in the FA Cup in 1955 saw the record gate at Parkside and for the game a scaffold pole cover was erected over the terracing. This temporary cover remained until 1990, when it was badly damaged in a storm. The cover has since been replaced. Floodlights came to Parkside in 1965 and three years later they became founder members of the Northern Premier League. The club changed their name to Netherfield Kendal in 1998 before changing again a year later to Kendal Town, to more closely identify with the whole town. It is unusual these days to find a ground with all three original stands intact and still doing excellent service.
This is a very historic venue having been a sporting venue since the 1880's. Originally a rugby ground it was home to Heckmondwike RFC until they switched codes to football in 1903. HuddersfieldTown then bought the ground in 1933 and used as a training facility and "A" team ground for many years. Indeed a young Denis Law played an FA Youth Cup semi-final in front of 5,000 people on this ground in 1957. A variety of clubs including Norristhorpe Nipps, Heckmondwike Spen, Spenborough and Rendons have called Beck Lane home but now Littletown have sole residency at the venue. The sturdy entrance attest to its former status, it once had a cover behind the goal and a turnstile block. The large pitch side cover runs down the side opposite the fast flowing beck. The proximity of the beck to the pitch means a long net and waders are strategically placed to retrieve any wayward footballs.
I must profess to knowing very little about Milnthorpe Corinthians, but their endearing Recreation Ground, with its rickety covered stand, is the epitome of village football in this beautiful area of England. The fast flowing River Bela runs around the ground to the right of the stand. Playing so far down the Pyramid, Strands Lane will never have any pretentions to greatness and its earthy and uncomplicated appearance is part of its charm. One thing is for certain that in an area renowned for it generous quantities of precipitation, rarely will a humble little stand be more welcomed by drenched supporters.
Seel Park has been the home of Mossley since the early 1920's and over the years has seen some considerable for figure crowds including 7,145 for a Cheshire League game against near neighbours, Stalybridge Celtic, in 1950. The ground used to have extensive banking but in more recent times this has been levelled with only the main stand, built in 1968, having the benefit of the sole remaining banking. In 1980 the Park End covered terrace was erected and three years later a smart brick built cover was erected opposite the main stand. The extensive ground developments were as a direct result of a sustained period of success for the club which culminated in a Wembley appearance for the 1980 FA Trophy Final. However, the glory days faded and relegation from the Northern Premier League was suffered at the end of the 1994/95 campaign. Their current stint in the Northern Premier League has lasted since 2004. Disaster befell Seel Park in 2009 when two floodlight pylons collapsed and the other six were subsequently condemned necessitating an extended spell at Ashton United's Hurst Cross while new lighting was installed. At 850 feet above sea level Seel Park is the fourth highest ground in England behind those of Buxton, Tow Law and Bacup Borough.
A modest club that has made some big strides in recent years. The club were formed in 1952 and joined the West Yorkshire League via a brief stint in the Leeds Combination. Roy Elam who enjoyed a good career with Huddersfield, Leeds and Bradford City started his career at Robin Hood. The club originally played at Sharps Lane before taking over a fallow field behind the Coach & Horses Hotel in 1968. The current stand dates from the late 1970's and has been renovated in recent years and had the addition of solar panels to the roof to allow the generation of electricity for club use and sale to the National Grid. In 2003 the club purchased the whole site under the proviso it was always retained as a recreation space. Seven years later after substantial fund raising the club opened the on site changing facilities. Previously the changing rooms were located behind the pub. Now boasting some of the best facilities in the league the clubs immediate plan is to return to the Premier Division as soon as possible having finished third or fourth in each of the last five seasons.
An amazing ground due to the wonders of geology rather than the facilities on offer. Although there is nothing wrong with the ground, it provides ample parking and has a very acceptable clubhouse. The playing surface is excellent and there is also a floodlit all weather training surface. There is a very small cover which bears the club's name and looks suspiciously like a converted dug-out. However, the most remarkable feature of this ground is the unmissable presence of the granite cliff outcrop known as Roche Rock. It is a stunning edifice topped with the ruins of a church believed to date from the 15th century. The rock is actually open for climbers and provides a stunningly lofty view of the ground and the surrounding Cornish clay hills.
Little is known about the formation of this club although they were North Devon League Cup Winners three seasons running between 1906 and 1908. The club had played in the North Devon League for many years and play at a picturesque little ground with a very unusual wooden stand. The stand was move from the town's showground in the 1920's although its exact age is not known. There must have been support for the club at some point as there are two derelict turnstile blocks at either end of the ground. In 2009 North Devon council part funded the new changing room and toilets facilities, prior to then Old Alswear Road had no flushing toilet facilities! Currently there is talk of both the football and rugby club moving to a multi million pound sports "hub" to include six pitches. The favoured site being in fields adjacent to South Molton Community College which is further along Old Alswear Road. If this quirky little venue is lost to football forever it will be a very sad day.
Stamford have always played at the Wothorpe Road ground. However, when the entrance was changed the renaming of the ground to the more geographically correct Kettering Road suddenly caught people unaware and some erroneously thought the club had knocked up a new venue without anyone knowing! Pleasingly, however, despite elevation to the Southern League in 1998, the club have kept hold of their delightfully old fashioned ground. The old wooden main stand, the original dating from the clubs' earliest years, has stood the test of time and was extended in the mid 1970's with the club doing well to preserve its essential character. The dressing rooms are also the original buildings. Opposite the dear old stand is an area of covered terrace which originally ran the entire length of the pitch although safety concerns saw it halved in length. Development on this side has always been hampered by the presence of the adjacent railway line. The most recent developments were the clubhouse, in 1975, and floodlights six years later. Interestingly the pylons are painted to blend in with the sand coloured Georgian buildings so prevalent in this historic market town. The club's nickname, The Daniels, stems from the town's fame as home to, at one time, England's fattest man, Daniel Lambert. Recent rumours of relocation across town may mean time is ticking on this ancient venue.
Of all the three sided grounds still in use at a high level, Bracken Moor is arguably the best. Situated high above Sheffield, the football club share one side of the pitch with Stocksbridge Works Cricket Club. Until 1950, the whole ground had a steep slope, but with not inconsiderable effort, the pitches were levelled and the earth removed created banking around the ground. The excellent stand and adjacent dressing rooms were cut into the banking when erected during the summer of 1964. More recently the stand has been equipped with seating acquired from Hillsborough. The current club were the result of a 1985 merger between Stocksbridge Works FC and Oxley Park FC. Floodlights came to the ground in 1990 and the Bracken Moor Lane end was also covered. Promotion was finally secured in 1996, having been denied two years earlier when requested improvements had not been completed.
The Recreation Ground has now passed its centenary, having been home to Thetford Town since 1905. The enclosed ground is part of a large sports complex and until the 1960's was shared with the cricket club. Most of the ground's facilities are on the Mundford Road side. The main stand, a strange concrete and timber affair, was erected in 1946. To either side of the stand are a few steps of open terrace. Behind the stand is a modest clubhouse and adjacent to the pay hut is a small boardroom. The club erected eight floodlight pylons in time for the 1988/89 season. There was a long rickety old cover built of corrugated iron with wooden bench seating on the side opposite the main stand. This was taken down around ten years ago and a more sturdy fence erected to further protect the Brecklanders ground from the unwanted attention of the local vandals.
The Ironworks Ground rivals Buxton's Silverlands ground as Britain's highest ground. Tow Law is one of those places that will always seem to be freezing cold. On my visit I was dressed up like the Michelin man and was still shivering, and I kid you not the gateman was wearing a vest t-shirt! They breed them tough up in the Durham coalfields. Ironically the ground was built by striking coal miners, and used the banking of the adjacent, now closed, railway to good effect. The present main stand replaced an old wooden one in 1970. Soon after the cover behind the goal was erected which offered a modicum of resistance from the bitter winds that howl across the pitch from the hills all around. The most recent development at the Ironworks Ground came in 1992 when the club acquired their first set of floodlights. In 2004 the club suffered from collapsed mining works under the pitch that left a ten metre crater in the pitch. The club sought solace at Esh Winning while remedial work was carried out. It is a truly unique footballing experience at Tow Law, so wrap up warm and take a flask of something reviving to thaw yourself out!
This club has fallen on hard times in recent years, but it has a proud history and a ground that oozes character. The club reached the Amateur Cup Final in 1939, but lost to Amateur Cup kings Bishop Auckland at Roker Park. However, eleven years later both clubs again reached the final, but this time Willington triumphed 4-0 in front of 88,000 at Wembley. The club was originally formed out of a Temperance Club, common at the turn of the last century. The club were members of the Northern League between 1911 and 2006. They won the Northern League title on three occasions. Former managers include men of considerable reputation, such as Malcolm Allison and Alan Durban. The Hall Lane ground was relatively undeveloped until the mid 1950's, the club's glory years. A stand was erected with wooden bench seating and a proud fascia board. Later still, in 1969, the clubhouse was erected, followed by new changing rooms. The original set of floodlights went up in1973, to be replaced in 1992 by a set acquired from the former Vane Tempest Colliery. Although the club has installed modern modular covered standing behind the goal, it is likely that the main stand will remain untouched while the current team languish in the Wearside League. Good job too.
A leafy glade, church spire to the rear of the stand, Stag Meadow is every inch the sleepy Home Counties ground. The main stand, a standard pitched roof design of its era, was erected in 1948 and has kept its good looks despite the insertion of the mandatory plastic seats. To the side and slightly back from the stand is the clubhouse and dressing room block, housed in a frankly ugly building which is a fair blot on the landscape. On the opposite side is a substantial covered terrace, elongated in recent years. This stand's predecessor had the shortest of life spans, being blown down while the cement was still setting! Both ends have grassed banking dating from the mid 1970's as do the floodlights. The last work carried out on the ground came in the 1990's when flat, hard standing was laid to comply with the Isthmian League ground grading requirements. However, Windsor and Eton collapsed in a financial mess in 2011 and a reborn club christened simply Windsor FC joined the Combined Counties League.
Borough Park is a real throwback to yesteryear and is much the same as it was during the club's lengthy spell in the Football League between 1951-77. The club initially played at Lonsdale Park, the stadium adjacent to Borough Park, which is still in existence, albeit in a run-down state, for greyhound racing. For the 1937/38 season Workington moved to a new ground with tremendous assistance from the Borough Council, from where the ground takes its name. However the new ground was not quite ready and the first matches of the campaign were played on the Ellis Sports Ground. Interestingly this ground is still in use for sport by Workington RUFC. The magnificent brick-built main stand was opened in September 1937 and after the war the ash banking was replaced by concrete terracing and extensively covered to give a capacity of 20,000. The club also bough two railway carriages for use as refreshment huts. The floodlights, with unusually squat pylons, were erected in 1957. Twenty years later the club lost their League status in favour of Wimbledon and the Cumbrians fell on a long period of struggle. Borough Park has essentially remained unchanged except for the 1986 closure of the main stand. It was deemed unsafe for spectators, so rather than lose all the facilities under the stand, the club simply 'beheaded' the stand and put a roof where the former seating was once located. This meant that for five games in 1986/87, the Reds once again used the ancient Lonsdale Park for home games. A visit to Borough Park is a real nostalgia trip and this remote but beguiling football outpost remains a firm favourite for enthusiasts.
This club possess a picturesque little ground and a fine view of this ground can be afforded from the bridge over the River Dove on the main road through the village. The river flows down one side of the ground and opposite is the changing rooms, Welfare Hall and the main stand. The stand is given a little bit of individuality with a name board and unusual diamond shaped holes on the roof support, seemingly indiginous to colliery teams of this region. Interestingly this is one of a very few grounds that hosts a miners welfare team but is not actually owned by the welfare. Instead Park Road was brought by the Athletic club in 1953 but leased to the Miners Welfare since 1959. There was already grass banking on one side and in 1970 the main stand was cut into the bank. Floodlights came as recently as 1993 but the club will be hampered on a quest for higher grade football by the sharing of the far end with the cricket club. Park Road, however, is a pretty little venue and the record gate remains at the official figure of 1,603 for an Amateur Cup tie with Blyth Spartans although locals will tell you the true figure was nearer 2,500.


text:
Bret Nolan Collazzi
IMF protesters take back seat
By Bret Nolan Collazzi April 21, 2002
Hundreds of protesters peacefully gathered outside the World Bank and International Monetary Fund headquarters Saturday afternoon to protest globalization. The scene was a far cry from protests two years ago that drew thousands and captured national headlines. This year, tens of thousands of demonstrators in the District marching against the war on terrorism and for […]
NEWS BRIEF:FTP rallies for Alaskan wildlife
More than a dozen students from GW's Free the Planet demonstrated at Upper Senate Park Wednesday to urge senators to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from drilling. A bill that would authorize oil drilling in a section of ANWR passed the House in August and is up for Senate vote this week. Four senators […]
Sorority olympics help collect food
By Bret Nolan Collazzi April 7, 2002
The Alpha Phi sorority claimed victory Sunday at the Watermelon Fest Olympics, an annual two-day competition that collects non-perishable food and money for charity. Eight sororities participated this year. The Olympics, held on the Quad at noon, consisted of eight events including a melon toss, honeydew bowling and a watermelon seed-spitting contest. Each team earned […]
Students seek GW accountablility
By Bret Nolan Collazzi March 13, 2002
About 50 students gathered in the Hippodrome Tuesday night to express grievances and suggest changes to University policies. Students for Accountability, a new student organization that seeks to empower students and work with the administration to address common student complaints, sponsored the forum. "We are the bosses of this University, and we could and we […]
Fukuyama talks politics
Political scientist and award-winning author Francis Fukuyama addressed more than 100 students in Funger Hall Thursday night on his controversial theory of post-modernism. The event was the first of several lectures and discussions in this semester's Honors Symposium. Fukuyama, professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University and author of "End of History and the […]

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This lesson is basically a listening lesson in the context of martial arts. It provides students with some vocabulary about martial arts with pictures in lead-in stage. It enables students to learn to discuss about the reasons for doing martial arts in pre-listening stage to especially personalize the topic and get ready for while-listening stages. This lesson also enables students to improve their speaking skills as well as listening skills by talking on a few questions about the related listening texts as post-activity.
To provide students with practice in listening for gist, specific information and detailed comprehension in the context of martial arts.
Provide students with a 1-minute-video about martial arts to elicit and set the context of the lesson. Ask CCQs to elicit the meaning of martial art: -Is it a kind of sport? (yes). -Does it include violence? (probably, sometimes) -Is it a kind of fighting sport? (yes) To attract their attract their attention more and also check whether students are familiar with the kinds of martial arts, give a picture matching activity in powerpoint. Model and drill chorally and then individually for the words that they have difficulties in pronunciation.
Ask students to work in groups of three by nominating them A, B, C and asking the same letters to come together because in the first two lessons, they have talked with the same people. To prepare them for listening texts, ask them to talk to their group members about martial sports they are familiar with and five reasons for doing martial arts 2 minutes. To be sure whether students undertand the instructions clearly, give an example: -For example, I am familiar with taewondo, and I think the reason may be for doing taekwondo is to train mind and body. Monitor the students while they are talking to each other and help them when they need. Ask each group to talk about their answers by nominating a member from each group by calling his/her name.
Set the task listening for general understanding by asking them to listen to Kevin Coles talking about his experiences and to find his connection to martial arts. To teach how to listen for the gist, tell them to focus on just the related question. To check their understanding for the instruction, ask ICQ and CCQ: -What is the question that we need to focus on while listening? (his connection to martial arts) -By asking his connection to martial arts, do I mean he may be a wrestler, judo player or a trainer? (yes) After listening, ask them to compare their answer 30 seconds and then to give the answer by nominating especially the weaker students by calling their names. Elicit black belt and also clarify it by showing a photo of the degrees of black belt.
Set the same listening task again for specific information. Teach them how to listen for specific information by giving the instructions (listen to Kevin Coles again and put the topics (a-h) in order (1-8) and saying 'now you need to focus on 8 items while listening'. To check their understanding for instructions, ask ICQs: -Are you going to write a word or sentence while listening? (no) -Are you going to write a number? (yes) -Why? (to put them in order) Provide the handouts for the students and ask them to read the items quickly. Elicit some vocabulary to check their understanding (react to and have an impact on) by asking CCQs: - (react to) Do I hide my feelings? (no) - (react to) Do I show my emotions? (yes) - (have an impact on) Do I have a bad effect on something/somebody? (no) - (have an impact on) Do I have an important effect then? (yes) After being sure, they all understand the intructions and the items, ask them to listen to the text. After listening, ask them to compare their answers. If the time is enough, the listening script may be showed to elicit the answers.
Ask students to listen the second part of the interview and answer the questions. Remind them to focus on the related comprehension questions: 'Is karate a hobby or a way of life for most people?' and 'Give at least two reasons why people start karate'. Ask ICQs to check their understanding: -Should I write a word or a sentence as answers? (yes) -What should I focus on while listening? (two comphension questions) Give the handouts after being sure they understand the instructions well. After listening, ask them to compare their answers in pairs. Show the answer key on the smart board and you can also show the listening script and elicit the answers if the time is enough.


text:
The Big 'Doc Fix' Flop
By Rick Moran Oct 23, 2009 12:00 AM ET
There are times when politics approaches the sublime level of art, where the sheer audaciousness and breathtaking arrogance of the players, along with the elegance of their schemes, achieves the same effect that one gets while gazing on the Pietà or watching Pulp Fiction. The shortening of breath, the quickening of the heartbeat — responses to the joy in recognizing the awesome majesty in the clever ways the greatest politicians can separate the taxpayer from his hard earned coin or simply pull the wool over his eyes while he is being fleeced.
Is this a great country, or what?
That's the feeling I got while observing Harry Reid and the Democrats as they attempted the most brazen and shameless legislative switcheroo in quite some time.
Yes, it's the "doc fix" or, more prosaically, the "big ugly bribe" that the American Medical Association eagerly grasped with both gloved hands and sold their principles for a little more cash when treating Medicare patients.
The story, as it broke in The Hill, is that a secret meeting took place last week between Reid, Max Baucus, Chris Dodd, a couple of White House aides (including Rahm Emanuel), and representatives of the AMA and other doctors groups. At the meeting, the majority leader offered to restore cuts in Medicare payments to doctors that were mandated by a 1997 law that was supposed to reform Medicare. Never mind that Medicare is going to go broke and that those cuts were designed to help forestall that unhappy happenstance.
Problem: Those cuts were already figured in to the health care reform bills moving their way through Congress with the lightening speed of a three-toed sloth making its way to the ground for breakfast only to alight around dinner time. The cuts were counted as "savings" in order to fulfill the president's pledge not to add "one dime" to the deficit when passing health care reform.
No worries, says Fast Harry. And he proceeded to make an offer to the docs that they simply couldn't refuse.
We'll restore those cuts in a jiffy, says Harry. All you have to do is drop your longstanding opposition to national health care and we can do "the bus-i-ness." The doctors present must have thought they died and went to heaven. This kind of gift doesn't come along every day on Capitol Hill — well, almost every day, but who's keeping track? Needless to say, they agreed to sell their souls for considerably more than thirty pieces of silver.
And to top off this fantastically outrageous and exquisitely artistic scheme, the Democrats would restore the doc cuts by bringing the bill to the floor as a "standalone." In other words, despite the fact that the Democratic reform bills had all included the Medicare cuts in their "savings," and thus remained true blue to the president's promise not to add to the deficit, Harry was going to make the president out a liar anyway by sending the bill to repeal the cuts to the floor while "forgetting" to bring along the rest of the health care reform measure.
If it were Harry Reid's money that the Democrats were using, I wouldn't care so much. But I don't think Harry and all the casinos in Nevada have the $247 billion in payola that the doctors would would have got for switching sides in the reform debate. So it would be taxpayers funding this hustle while Medicare — with costs careening out of control — got harder to save from a catastrophe that would bankrupt us all.
But this is only half the story. We're only viewing the upper torso of Michelangelo's David. Now we're getting to the good bits. (Note: the following may be NSFW or not safe for those with high blood pressure and at risk of heart attack.)
When confronted by angry Republicans over this bit of budgetary legerdemain, the Democrats channeled Mr. Orwell:
The sponsor of the doc fix, Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), seemed unconcerned that the fix had put the party in one. "It really is about honest budgeting," she said at a news conference Tuesday morning. On one side of her stood the AMA president. On the other side was a poster framed by a flag. One of its bullet points: "Honest budgeting."
Honestly? A decade ago, Congress passed legislation designed to limit health-care costs by slowing the growth of Medicare payments to doctors. Each year, Congress passes a "patch" to prevent the cuts from taking effect. Stabenow proposed to make this system "honest" by eliminating the cuts permanently.
Medicare is hurtling toward insolvency, but Stabenow would essentially repeal past cost-cutting efforts. And even granting that it's a good idea not to cut Medicare payments to doctors, it's a strange interpretation of honesty to separate this $250 billion cost from the health-care bill and then claim that the other bill doesn't raise the deficit.
"A strange interpretation of honesty"? Somehow, "lie" is too ordinary a word to use in this case. It's like referring to Ted Bundy as a serial pickup artist.
Balloon dad is a liar. Bill Clinton is a liar. Stabenow and the Democrats have entered that exalted milieu reserved for the very biggest, the very best, the most scandalous of prevaricating dissemblers.
Burger King is naming a combo meal after them.
As it turns out, it mattered not. All the tricks, the sleight-of-hand legislating, the shell game with numbers went for naught; the standalone bill to restore the cuts failed to get the 60 votes needed to stave off a filibuster and went down to defeat 53-47.
I'm not exactly disappointed it failed, but wouldn't you have loved to see our president signing this bill while still maintaining health care reform was on track not to add to the deficit? Even Obama's legendary "cool" would have been sorely tested as the sheer idiocy of what he was saying hit home.
So that $247 billion remains as "savings" in the reform bills. No doubt Harry Reid and the Democrats have other rabbits they can pull out of a hat when it comes to counting expenditures as savings and finding ponies in the manure pile instead of, well, manure.
Meanwhile, it's getting awfully thick around Capitol Hill these days, and waders appear to be making a comeback as a fashion statement.


A new a-ha tour comes on the 35th anniversary of the original version of 'Take On Me'.
The shows are expected to be completely different from anything they've done before. Magne Furuholmen, Morten Harket and Pål Waaktaar-Savoywill be performing in An Evening With format, with an interval. For the first half of the concert, they will play new and old, familiar and less-familiar songs. Then, after returning to the stage, they will play the ten songs of their 1985 debut album Hunting High And Low in the running order of the original release.
Back in October 2010, a-ha played the whole of Hunting High And Low just twice, first at Oslo's Konserthus and then at London's Royal Albert Hall. Now, from France to Poland and from Germany to Scotland, audiences will have the unique chance to experience a-ha revisiting their first album while staying faithful to its spirit.
The two dates will take place October 29 2019 in the 3Arena Dublin, and October 30 2019 in the SSE Arena in Belfast. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, 9th November at 9am.


text:
U.S.S. Monarch is the last Soyuz class variant of the successful Miranda class light cruiser. Monarch was the last of this sub-class to be decommissioned on stardate 8531.5 [Earth year 2288], having returned from a three year mission to Boronis IV under Captain Francis Hutchinson. The starship Monarch is operated by Starfleet Research and Development; she spends most of her time at Utopia Planitia spacedock in dock 17, the 'special' dock. N.X. 1943 had a classified history during her operational period with Starfleet; she was the last Soyuz class to be refit.
U.S.S. Monarch was in refit for a year following her decommissioning ceremony. NX 1943 was stripped down before being rebuilt, modular part by modular part. The Soyuz class configuration was retained for the larger aft section which could be used for engineering projects.
U.S.S. Monarch has subsequently been used to test various pieces of prototype equipment, new refined equipment and new concepts/theories. Monarch, although still technically warp capable, rarely leaves the Sol system, spending much of her research time either docked at Utopia Planitia or running at impulse speeds around the solar system. Some of the more recent studies carried out onboard include prototype replicator technology, phaser strip technology studies phase one, photon torpedo MK VII testing, advanced duotronic computer technology assessment and ideonomothetic laboratory technology testing for the next generation of starships.
The new Flight II Miranda class light cruisers and Apollo class frigates owe some of their developmental testing to U.S.S. Monarch.
The Commanding officer for the Monarch [since 2297] was Captain Susan Thornton, who commands the crew of 180.
Soyuz class history:
Soyuz class vessels were the pioneering first variantof the Miranda class, launched in the 2260s. These vessels revolutionised the Klingon and Romulan cold wars, purpose-designed for the role of Communications Intelligence (CommInt); Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Signals Intelligence (SigInt). The Federation-Klingon war of 2256 had shown an urgent need to produce a frigate sized vessel capable of detecting these threats earlier. This reconnaisance frigate design was ordered in 2260 as pathfinder concept NXP2270 FH [heavy frigate] and the first Soyuz class variant was laid down in 2260, emerging hurriedly in 2263 as NX 1834, U.S.S. Soyuz.
Author's Notes: Soyuz class is clearly a Miranda class variant. With the Reliant registry clearly shown in TOS 'Court Martial', and the canon decommissioning date of 2288, this design needed to be from the Sixties. The retro-looking bridge module shows it to be from this time; clues of the original configuration of the Miranda class.
Various items of new technology were installed on the Soyuz class; new sensor arrays, installation of the new linear warp drive as per the refit Constitution class and prototype sensor arrays. The sensor arrays consisted of a mix of active long-range sensors and passive arrays for receiving weak transmissions from other nations and boosting them. Starfleet sourced these arrays from Massive Dynamic and Bold Futura, putting pressure on these corporations to keep their project deliveries on-time. Massive Dynamic worked on their Oracle sensor system from their earlier Eagle Eye system from earlier Starfleet Scouts. The delivery date was put back on more than one occasion, risking the contract being re-assigned before the Organian crisis brought the project back on-schedule. The passive Snoopy listening system came from Bold Futura's Vulcan technologies centre on P'jem. The system had technical issues which were finally resolved on the fly by technicians assigned to the Soyuz trials in 2263.
As part of the Soyuz design, the aft section of the hanger and engineering decks were extended. This new section contained the impulse and engineering sections as well as an additional third hanger. The contents of this hanger have been kept secret; it is believed to be probes and drones for further intelligence-gathering work. The new sensor arrays were mounted on turrets on this extended aft section. Trials showed that the new lengthening reduced the agility of the ship and early trials showed structural issues that had to be resolved. The Soyuz was tested extensively from its launch in 2263, being joined in 2264 by U.S.S. Edinburgh [NCC 1857], 2265 by U.S.S. Aegis [NCC 1892], 2267 saw U.S.S. Bozeman [NCC 1941] joining the fleet and finally 2269 saw U.S.S. Monarch [NCC 1943] launched from Copernicus Fleet Yards.
Testing with NX 1834 Soyuz took place along the Neptune testing range before trials closer to the Klingon Neutral Zone. The hope was that the Soyuz could use her active sensors to detect a cloaked Klingon D-7 Klolode class or other warship. In the event the passive Snoopy system showed it to be able to detect transmissions from across the sector, the active array required extra technical assistance before it was realised the range was more than expected. Using the active array to detect cloaked ships was like trying to cross a road using a telescope: too long range to find a short range target and the Soyuz was not agile enough to compensate.
With the dedicated intelligence-gathering role, the crew compliment of a Soyuz class was less than that of a Miranda class (some 180 versus 220 on the Miranda). As a result of less science laboratories required, extra data-processing rooms and cargo bays were added to the design. With the deployment of the design, Starfleet Intelligence felt that the light cruiser-sized heavy frigate was too large a design for the role. With the sensor technology advancements from Project Excelsior and Oberth class super scout, the scene was set for the introduction of a scout-sized vessel capable of performing the role of Soyuz. Work had already commenced on the deigning of the Scimitar class destroyer in the mid-2280s and as a variation of the design it was decided to fit a sensor array on the ventral end of the warp nacelle assembly; this formed the basis for the Kestrel class superscout.
By 2288 it was decided to withdraw the Soyuz class from service as the replacement Kestrel class NX-3000 variant of the Scimitar class came online and the Cyane class Miranda class variant would take over the roles requiring a larger ship. Fleet Admiral Morrow, Starfleet Commander, ordered the decommissioning of the remainder of the Soyuz class fleet by the mid-2290s. U.S.S. Soyuz was retired to the Fleet Museum whilst most of the remaining vessels were retained by the ASDB. U.S.S. Aegis, by quirk of name, was selected for testing defensive technologies and strategies, Edinburgh was used for testing sensor arrays before retirement and Monarch was selected for more general testing.
U.S.S. Monarch - or the 'Monolith' as her crew affectionately calls her - was one of two Soyuz class starships reconfigured after the fleet rundown was completed in 2293 following the Khitomer Accords being signed. The two starships: Monarch and Aegis were selected for testing new equipment. U.S.S Aegis [NX 1942] met her fate in 2289 when she was aptly used to test new shield technologies to destruction at the hands of the U.S.S. Lexington [NCC 1709]. Monarch was selected for rebuild as stated above and would allow a rare opportunity to have a constantly dynamic platform for studying and testing new internal arrangements and new technologies. Should she have any internal giveaways for classified projects when her days are finished, it is most likely, as with the Aegis, she will be used as target practice.
As part of the Starfleet Review, a medium sized technology demonstrator for the ASDB was proposed in order to advance starship design forward into the twenty-fourth century. With the first draft released of the Review, in 2303 the starship was selected for the role: U.S.S. Monarch. The Monarch was dry-docked at Utopia Planitia yard number 17, the 'special' dock. Extensive work was planned for this non-standard starship. The entire crew was re-assigned and the majority of the research and development work conducted by the Monarch was moved to other starships, including the Sheffield.
Eighteen months of redesign work was planned, involving the gutting of the starship, but retention of the enlarged engineering section in order to test warp cores for larger ships than Miranda class. Thus U.S.S. Monarch retains her unique status as Soyuz class, but without the sensor pods that made her visually distinguishable from Miranda class. She now resembles the rollbarless U.S.S. Lantree, but with an extended and enlarged aft section.
The Monarch was ready in her new configuration on stardate 11904.5. Captain Philip Truman assumed command with Commander Saran as his Executive Officer.
Why have a Soyuz class starship as a research prototype? Well, simply because in the history of planes, trains and warships it has been historically easier to keep 'tweaking' an obsolete version of a form of transport, improving it and testing radical new systems in them than by using current frontline examples [causing them to spend time in hangers or depots, wasting away their useful operational lives - U.S.S. Excelsior was an exception to this as the Transwarp Drive required a larger vessel and it was the actual starship class being tested]. Secondly if the starship in question is obsolete then you can strip it down to the bare frames and start again as often as you need - you can also test it to destruction if necessary.
Weren't all Soyuz class starships established to have been decommissioned in 2288? Yes. Monarch is the last of the class to have been decommissioned, probably the example in the best condition that hadn't been converted to Miranda class specifications. Once Monarch was transferred to the Research and Development department she is off the Starfleet list technically and gains an NX registry number and an entry under research vessels.
The Soyuz design as an intelligence-gathering variant of the Miranda class came from conversations with Andrew Brown. The real-world inspirations include the Bae Nimrod AEW3, the troubled design of the 1970s and 80s. I needed a reason for a design to last barely 18 years, having Soyuz replaced by Kestrel and Phantom made the story sensible.
Attached are images of a previous vehicle, the real version that inspired this ship, called 'Monarch'. Recently I discovered movie footage taken by someone at the Laira Open Day September 1992 who had inadvertently filmed my late Father, my brother and me. This brought back memories of a great day with the three of us together and the last time I saw the Class 50 diesels in such numbers.
Other technology demonstrators I have seen include the APT-E train, the original 150 001 and 002 'Sprinter' trains and their rival Metro-Cammell design 151 001 and 151 002, 154 001 (ex 150 002) the Super Sprinter train technology demonstrator, the trimaran frigate prototype Triton, Jaguar ACT, English Electric P1A (forerunner to the Lightning) and the Gloster E28/39.


A new WFM Server Application option, found in the [ForecastService] configuration section, enables a volume-splitting algorithm that determines agent availability for activities, based on the Master Schedule.
No special procedure is required to upgrade to release 8.5.003.28.
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Photo: Clark Mountain, California, from Halloran Summit.
Eastern Mojave Vegetation Clark Mountain, California, from Halloran Summit.
Photograph taken April 23, 2004.
Frequently Asked Questions: Clark Mountain.
U. S. Interstate 15: Halloran Summit.
Other photos about Geography - Eastern Mojave or Clark Mountain.


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Marafiq and GE Support Tanweer to Produce More Sustainable Electricity in Oman with Diesel-to-Gas Switching through a New 'Power Plant on Wheels'
GE Gas Power to supply Marafiq with four TM2500 aeroderivative gas turbines and subsequently build, own and operate a power plant for Tanweer in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm in Oman.
The TM2500 units will run on natural gas and replace diesel generators, contributing to fewer greenhouse gas emissions per megawatt hour of power generation.
The units are expected to be commissioned in five months, providing fast, reliable power.
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman; 12th July, 2021: GE Gas Power has signed an agreement to build, own and operate a power plant equipped with mobile TM2500 aeroderivative gas turbines for the Centralized Utilities Company ("Marafiq") in Oman. Rural Areas Electricity Company SAOC ("Tanweer") will purchase from Marafiq the power generated at the new plant in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm pursuant to a power purchase agreement entered into by and between Tanweer and Marafiq. Tanweer is an Oman government owned company mandated to provide power in various regions of the country, including the Special Economic Zone in Duqm. GE will supply four TM2500 units for the project. These four units will be made available to provide up to 80 megawatts (MW) of power. GE is expected to commission the plant in as little as five months' time. The facility will then be operated for a minimum of three years, until the area is connected to the main 400 kilovolts (kV) grid.
Often described as GE's 'Power Plant on Wheels', the TM2500 aeroderivative gas turbine is an easy to install, fast power, complete turnkey energy solution that can be redeployed from one location to another. The TM2500 units will replace power currently generated by diesel generators in Duqm. This will lead to significant environmental benefits, as generating 80 MW of gas-based power instead of diesel-based power, is estimated to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90 thousand tons per year - the equivalent of taking up to 20 thousand cars off the roads.
Ahmed Al Harthy, Tanweer's CEO (Acting), said, "The Special Economic Zone at Duqm is a major new driver of socio-economic development in the Sultanate of Oman. Tanweer, Marafiq and GE's focus was to identify a reliable power solution that could be implemented quickly and in a more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective manner than diesel-fueled technologies."
"GE's TM2500 solution is an excellent fit for this new project at Duqm," said Hamed Ali Al Wahibi, GM Business Development & Strategy at Marafiq. "The technology offers a reliability rate of over 99 percent and more than 20 years of proven experience with over 300 units installed around the world and we believe it can bring significant benefits to Duqm."
GE's TM2500 solution can provide a baseload bridge to permanent power installations; generate backup power in the wake of plant shutdowns, grid instability or natural disasters; and be installed at isolated locations. It also offers significant flexibility, operating on a wide variety of fuels including natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and distillate liquid fuel; offering a quick start time of five minutes; and the ability to ramp up power output at 20 MW per minute.
"Access to dependable power enables growth, health and connectivity and we are honored to support Marafiq and Tanweer on their journey to further strengthen and decarbonize the power sector in Duqm," said Joseph Anis, President & CEO of GE Gas Power Europe, Middle East and Africa. "The project illustrates how switching from diesel or oil-fueled power generation to gas can help power producers to generate more sustainable electricity, without compromising on the reliability, flexibility and affordability of power supply."
GE has been a committed partner in the development of Oman's energy infrastructure over the decades. Amongst other contributions, the company has supplied Oman's first gas turbine; delivered various power generation solutions to support the country's oil and gas exploration and production sectors; and provided nine high efficiency F-class gas turbines for projects in the Dhofar Governorate in southern Oman.
Abeer Masood
Kelly Home | Nivine William
ASDA'A BCW
Marafiq and GE Support Tanweer to Produce More Sustainable Electricity in Oman...


We're all skeptical to see if our rigs will be able to run the behemoth they call Crysis 2, but I bring news of the minimum requirements of what you'll need. So we'll know at least where the foundation will be set and from there we can hopefully upgrade before release.
We're all ready for Crysis 2, but is your computer really up to the challenge of pushing it's limits?


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20 out-of-this-world gift ideas for the space fan
A list of some of the top space-themed gifts to give to any avid space fan this holiday season.
20 out-of-this-world gift ideas for the space fan A list of some of the top space-themed gifts to give to any avid space fan this holiday season. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewedcom/2018/12/13/20-out-world-gift-ideas-space-fan/2292547002/
Antonio Jaramillo, FLORIDA TODAY, Reviewed Published 11:45 a.m. ET Dec. 13, 2018
20 out-of-this-world gift ideas for the space fan (Photo: Amazon, Alpha Industries)
— Our editors review and recommend products to help you buy the stuff you need. If you make a purchase by clicking one of our links, we may earn a small share of the revenue. However, our picks and opinions are independent from USA TODAY's newsroom and any business incentives.
The days until the big man dressed in red comes crashing down the chimney top are numbered, which means the time for stressing what presents to give to your loved ones draws near. The overwhelming amount of options may seem daunting, but luckily, the team from FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered.
If you've got someone on the list who's space-obsessed, there are some true gems they'll appreciate finding under the tree. From LEGO model rockets to travel-size telescopes and even moon lamps, here are some of our favorites.
1. For the one who likes to keep it stylish: Vans Space Voyager Collection
Vans Space Voyager Collection (Photo: Vans)
Vans launched in early November their new space collection of footwear and apparel to celebrate NASA's 60 years of space exploration and innovation. Inspired by the original moon boots, the shoes are embroidered with patches and the NASA logo and come in various colors.
Get the Vans space voyager collection from Vans starting at $85.00
2. For the one who is always cold: NASA Bomber Jacket
NASA Bomber Jacket (Photo: Alpha Industries)
The classic MA-1 NASA astronaut flight jacket features the 100th Space Shuttle Mission and American flag patches.
Get the NASA bomber jacket from Alpha Industries for $165.00
3. For the one who can be silly: Sock It To Me Science Socks
Sock It To Me Men's Crew Sock, One Giant Leap (Photo: Amazon)
Guaranteed to put a smile on your face, Sock It To Me has tons of space-themed socks. Perfect for as a stocking stuffer or even as white elephant gift, one can choose from constellation socks to Martian socks.
Get Sock It To Me science socks from Amazon starting at $9.99
4. For the one who likes to be fancy: Handmade Planet Necklace
Handmade Planet Necklace (Photo: Amazon)
Featuring Mars, Jupiter, the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Earth and Neptune, the handmade planet jewelry can come in the form of a necklace or a bracelet. This piece of jewelry is a great gift for your significant other, so long as they are space fans.
Get the handmade planet necklace from Amazon starting at $11.89
5. For the one who is a kid at heart: LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V
Lego's new Saturn V rocket set features a three-foot-tall replica of the storied Apollo program vehicle, separable stages and the moon lander. (Photo: The Lego Group)
Based on the first rocket to land astronauts on the Moon, the 1969 LEGO pieces features three removal rocket stages, including the lunar lander and lunar orbiter. It also has three astronaut microfigures and a booklet about the manned Apollo missions.
Get the LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V model from Amazon for $119.99
6. For the one who wants to work for NASA: LEGO NASA Curiosity Rover
lego pieces lie on a table at the BrickUniverse Knoxville LEGO Fan Expo in the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, August 25, 2018. Life-sized LEGO displays, over 40 world landmarks build to-scale from LEGO as well as castles, trains, and cities and other creations were on display. (Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)
Designed by NASA engineers, the Mars curiosity rover features 6-wheel suspension, a robotic arm and multiple camera sets. It's the perfect model to tackle on your own Martian science missions.
Get the LEGO NASA Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover from Amazon for $304.47
7. For the one who knows all the rockets: SpaceX Falcon 9 Desktop Model
Best space gifts 2018 (Photo: SpaceX)
The Falcon 9 display model includes both the Crew Dragon spacecraft and payload fairing. It comes fully assembled and is 32 inches tall.
Get a SpaceX Falcon 9 desktop model from SpaceX for $140.00
8. For the one who has been following all the rocket launches: Kennedy Space Center Space Shuttle Model
Kennedy Space Center Space Shuttle Model (Photo: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex)
At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, there are tons of space gifts to choose from. For those looking to get a space shuttle model, there is an Orion Capsule, the Apollo 11 Command Module, Atlas V Rocket and many more.
Get a Kennedy Space Center space shuttle model from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex space shop starting at $129.99
9. For the one who still makes sandcastles at the beach: Space Mission Sandbox Set
My Little Space Mission Sandbox Play Set (Photo: Amazon)
The "My Little Sandbox" play set includes space construction tools, a bucket, rake and shovel perfect for uncovering your own space mission.
Get the space mission sandbox set from Amazon for $25.42
10. For the traveler in the room: Travel Telescope & Backpack
A telescope makes a great gift for budding young astronomers but it's sometimes hard to decide what the best telescope is for a first time user. Three simple rules can help make your gift one that inspires and excites the whole family. Rule number one – high power is not always better. Rule number two – keep it simple. Rule number three - brighter images rule. (Photo: stevecoleimages/Getty Images)
Perfect for beginners, the 70 millimeter refractor telescope is a great gift for those interested in exploring the night sky.
Get the travel telescope and backpack from Amazon for $59.99
11. For the one who gets a souvenir at every destination: Apollo 11 Command Module Foil
Best space gifts 2018 (Photo: Mini Museum)
With a fragment of the mission-flown kapton foil that provided thermal protection for the astronauts aboard the Apollo 11 Command Module, the information card includes images from Apollo 11, details about the mission, a certificate of authenticity and a specimen of the foil measuring about 1 millimeter by 1 millimeter.
Get the Apollo 11 Command Module Foil from mini museum for $69
12. For the one who wants to learn while having fun: The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration
"The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration: From the Ancient World to the Extraterrestrial Future" was released Oct. 23. (Photo: Courtesy Smithsonian Books)
Space historian Roger D. Launius recounts the thousands of years that mankind has attempted to learn more about the universe in a fully illustrated history of global space discovery and exploration from ancient times to modern era.
Get The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration from Smithsonian Books for $25.47
13. For the one who prefers reading over watching: Neil deGrasse Tyson's StarTalk
The Drew Forum hosted Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson at their Simon Forum and Athletic Center. DeGrasse Tyson is the head of the Hayden Planetarium as well as a prominent public figure championing science and critical thought. He spoke on the topic, "An Astrophysicist Reads the Newspaper." September 26, 2017, Madison, NJ (Photo: Bob Karp/Staff Photographer)
The illustrated National Geographic book has astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson bring the best from his podcast and television show, "StarTalk" to learn more about Earth, space and what it means to be human.
Get Neil deGrasse Tyson's StarTalk book from Amazon for $25.87
14. For the astronaut-to-be: What's It Like in Space?
What's It Like in Space? (Photo: Amazon)
This illustrated novel carries a collection of stories from dozens of international astronauts, each recounting their time in space. From remembering to pack hot sauce to knowing how to sleep in zero gravity, the book gives readers the chance to know what it's like to live in space for a while.
Get 'What's It Like in Space?' from Amazon for $14.15
15. For the one who has more mugs than they can count: Constellation Mug
Constellation Mug (Photo: Amazon)
The heat changing constellation mug features 11 constellations including Hercules, Andromeda, Scorpius, Ursa Major and Orion.
Get the constellation mug from Amazon for $15.95
16. For the one who always misplaces their phone: Astronaut Smartphone Stand
Astronaut Smartphone Stand (Photo: Amazon)
The mini astronaut stand is perfect to keep your smartphone or tablet in place and is only 5.5 inches tall.
Get the astronaut smartphone stand from Amazon for $23.80
17. For the one who still likes having clocks in their house: Moon Phase Clock
Galilea Moon Phase Calendar and Clock (Photo: Amazon)
Aside from having a regular analog clock to tell time, this moon clock depicts each phase of the moon for those interested in learning what time of the year it is just by observing the different phases.
Get the moon phase clock from Amazon for $57.95
18. For the one who wants a night light: Moon Lamp
Best space gifts 2018 (Photo: chee gin tan, Getty Images/iStockphoto)
With five different sizes to choose from, the eco-friendly moon lamps are 3D printed and use NASA satellite images to create a more realistic feel. For those who don't want to have the moon as their night light, they can also choose to have a Jupiter or Earth night lamp.
Get the moon lamp from my metanoia for $49.99
19. For the one who likes light shows: LED Aurora Borealis Projector
Best space gifts 2018 (Photo: ManonLabe, Getty Images/iStockphoto)
For those interested in lighting up their ceiling at night, the Aurora Borealis projector has eight different modes to choose from and even comes with a built-in speaker so that you can listen to music while staring up at the night sky in the comfort of their own home.
Get the Aurora night project from Amazon for $17.54
20. For the one who is bored with reality: Augmented Reality Planetarium
Omegon Universe2go Planetarium, Augmented Reality (AR) Astronomy Gadget with a Smartphone App (Photo: Amazon)
With eight differed modes, all that is needed is to plug in your smart phone to AR viewer and people will be able to discover all 88 constellations, travel to planets, galaxies, star clusters and nebulae all within a matter of seconds.
Get the augmented reality planetarium from Amazon for $49.90
Jaramillo is space trends reporter at FLORIDA TODAY.
Contact Jaramillo at 321-242-3668
or antoniaj@floridatoday.com.
Twitter: @AntoniaJ_11
Prices are accurate at the time of publication, but may change over time.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered this holiday season. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewedcom/2018/12/13/20-out-world-gift-ideas-space-fan/2292547002/
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