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Win two tickets to see Michael Buble and a meet + greet.
Take a snap next to our Michael Buble cut-outs in-store alomngisde your copy of #NobodyButMe and send it to @hmvtweets #hmvLovesBuble for your chance to win.
Michael Buble Prize Draw
This Prize Draw is run by HMV Retail Limited ("HMV") in association with Warner Music Group who have provided the prize. By entering this Prize Draw, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions (the "Terms").
1 The Prize Draw
1.1 One selected entrant will win two (2) tickets each to a Michael Buble show and a meet and greet (the 'Event') for themselves and a guest (or a chaperone who is over eighteen (18) years old if the winner is under eighteen (18) years old).
1.2 Travel costs and accommodation costs are not included and winners are responsible for these and all associated costs.
1.3 The exact location, time and date of the Event will be revealed to the winners when contacted by HMV.
1.4 The artist's management team and other chosen guests will be present at the Event.
1.5 The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and non-changeable. There is no cash alternative to the prize.
1.6 HMV reserves the right to award a substitute prize of an equal or greater value if the stated prize becomes unavailable.
1.7 HMV cannot be held responsible if the meet and greet element of the Event is cancelled or is brief as this may be subject to time constraints and other factors on the day of the Event.
1.8 The date of the Event cannot be altered. By entering this Prize Draw, you agree that HMV is not responsible for any winner (and its guest, and if applicable, its chaperone and therefore guest) who cannot attend the Event for any reason whatsoever and no liability can be accepted by HMV.
1.9 In the event of unforeseen circumstances, HMV reserve the right to change the date of the Event and substitute it with another date and in any event, HMV will not be liable if the Event itself is cancelled.
1.10 HMV shall not be responsible if a winner, guest or chaperone (and therefore also guest) is refused entry to the Event for any reason beyond the control of HMV.
1.11 HMV reserves the right to; temporarily suspend, cancel or vary the Prize Draw at any stage if deemed necessary in its opinion, or due to circumstances beyond its control, and will use reasonable endeavours to minimise the effect on participant to avoid disappointment.
2 How to enter
Take a picture next to the Michael Buble cut-out standee in any HMV store alongside a copy of his new album Nobody But Me (subject to availability) and tweet it on Twitter to @hmvtweets with #hmvLovesBuble.
3 Start and closing date
3.1 This Prize Draw will start on Friday 21 October 2016 and close at 23.59 GMT on Friday 4 November 2016.
3.2 Entries received after 23.59 GMT on Friday 4 November 2016 will not be included.
4 Eligibility
4.1 The Prize Draw is open to residents of the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man who are twelve (12) years old or older at the time of entry.
4.2 All entrants aged under twelve (12) years old need their parent or guardian's permission before entering the Prize Draw.
4.3 All winners aged under eighteen (18) years old must be accompanied to the Event by a companion who is at least eighteen (18) years old.
4.4 Maximum one (1) entry per person. Use of automated entries, votes or other programs is prohibited and all such entries (or votes) will be disqualified.
4.5 Only entries submitted via a personal Twitter account will be accepted. Entrants must not enter the Prize Draw using more than one Twitter account.
4.6 Employees (and their immediate families) of HMV or any of its group, affiliated or associated companies, agents or any other person connected with the Prize Draw are not permitted to enter this Prize Draw.
4.7 HMV reserves the right to verify the eligibility of entrants.
4.8 No responsibility can be accepted for entries which are not properly received due to communications beyond the control of HMV.
4.9 If there are reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a breach of these Terms by an entrant, HMV may, at its sole discretion invalidate the relevant entry and disqualify the entrant from the Prize Draw.
5 Allocation of prizes
5.1 The winner will be selected by means of a random draw from all valid entries received once the Prize Draw has closed and under the supervision of an independent person.
5.2 The initial winners will be notified on 9 November 2016.
5.3 If any of the selected winners does not meet the eligibility criteria set out in these Terms, HMV will re-draw and select an alternative winner.
6 Notification of prize
6.1 Each Prize Draw winner will be notified by a tweet or direct message to the Twitter account they submitted the photo with.
6.2 Each winner will have forty-eight (48) hours to respond. If HMV has not received a response within such time, a new draw will take place and a new winner selected.
6.3 Once a winner has responded, a valid email address shall be requested from the winner to allow HMV to send full details of the Event. Each winner shall have twenty-four (24) hours to supply an email address.
6.4 Once HMV has then emailed the Event details to a winner, the winner shall have a further forty-eight (48) hours to reply by email to confirm that they can attend the Event with a guest (or chaperone as applicable). If HMV has not received a response within such time, a new draw shall take place and a new winner selected.
6.5 No responsibility can be accepted by HMV for tweets or emails that do not reach the intended recipient for any reason whatsoever.
6.6 HMV's decision is final and no correspondence regarding the prize allocation shall be entered into.
7 List of winners
The winner's name will be available on written request by sending a stamped addressed envelope within one month of the closing date to: HMV Retail Limited, Michael Buble Prize Draw, Mermaid House, Puddle Dock, Blackfriars, London, EC4V 3DB.
8 Publicity
8.1 The winner (and their guests, and if applicable any chaperone) may be required to participate in publicity connected with the Prize Draw and it is a condition of entry that winners agree to their names being made publicly available if they win.
8.2 By entering the Prize Draw you hereby consent to being filmed or photographed at the Event and that HMV may use such photographs and/or video footage in any and all media in perpetuity throughout the world as HMV at its sole discretion sees fit and without further consent
9 Data protection
Any personal information collected by HMV in connection with this Prize Draw will be used in accordance with the Privacy Policy available at the bottom of this page.
10 Governing law and jurisdiction
The Prize Draw and these Terms shall be governed by English law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
This Prize Draw is in no way is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Twitter.


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The hotter weather is here once again and for most people this means using their a/c unit more. By using the a/c unit in your home more, you will be at a higher risk for repair issues. The last thing any homeowner wants to do is be without their a/c unit during the hottest part of the year, which is why it is imperative to have an HVAC repair company on speed dial. This will help to reduce the amount of time you have to be without your a/c unit. Here are some signs to look for when it is time to have Emergency AC Service in Kingwood TX.
Your Unit is Freezing Up
The first sign you may notice it when it is time for emergency service is your unit freezing up on a regular basis. In most cases, a unit freezing up is a sign the refrigerant may be low, which will require a professional to put more in for you. The longer you leave this type of problem unattended, the harder your unit will ultimately have to work. This can lead to significant repair issues and in you having to replace the unit prematurely. Click here to get more information.
The Unite Won't Come On
Another very common sign you will notice when it is time to have Emergency AC Service in Kingwood TX is the fact the unit will not come on. This can be caused by a number of different problems and without professional assistance, you will not be able to get it fixed properly. Make sure you call in a professional as soon as you start to have these issues. They will be able to come in and troubleshoot the issues you are having and get them fixed in a timely manner. By doing some research, you will be able to find the right professionals to handle your problems.
At Madd Air Heating and Cooling, you will be able to get the Emergency AC Service in Kingwood TX you need. They have the experience and man power needed to get your unit back up and working in no time.

subset: commoncrawl


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Distilled Water
Mixing Bowl
Plastic Wrap
Bath Tub
Total Recipe Weights:
1,000 grams Distilled Water
123 grams Kelp Powder
405 grams Bentonite Clay
295 grams Dead Sea Salt
Step 1: In a deep mixing bowl, weigh out 1,000 grams of distilled water.
Step 2: Add 295 grams Dead Sea Salt.
Step 2: Next, add 123 grams of Kelp Powder. Mix well.
Step 3: Now, add 405 grams of Bentonite Clay. Again, mix thoroughly.
Step 4: After the mixture has thickened a bit, this will take about 15 minutes or so.
Step 5: Starting at your feet, begin coating your body.
Step 6: Again, beginning at your feet, cover your body with plastic wrap.
Step 7: Lay still in your empty bath tub and place towels warmed in the dryer across your body. Laying in the bath tub prevents too much mess and is easier to clean up.
Step 8: Finally, just relax for about 30-60 minutes. To be sure you are staying hydrated have water nearby.
We hope that you have enjoyed our body wrap recipe!
Natures Garden is not responsible for the performance of any of the recipes provided on our website. Testing is your responsibility. If you plan to resell any recipes we provide, it is your responsibility to adhere to all FDA regulations. If there are ingredients listed in a recipe that Natures Garden does not sell, we cannot offer any advice on where to purchase those ingredients.


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This week, Rubina, Mehwish, and I are sharing traditional, festive recipes to celebrate the Muslim holiday Eid. To start off the Eid menu, I'm sharing a recipe for masala milk powder. Masala doodh or milk is a sweetened milk drink flavored with nuts and spices. A masala is a spice blend and today, we'll be adding nuts to it to make a powder that can be mixed with milk.
Masala milk is a popular drink in Pakistan and India where most people drink it cold in the summer to cool off. It's also very popular for its health benefits. Drinking a warm cup of masala milk at night will help you sleep because of the calming flavors. A warm cup in the winter will protect you from the cold. It's also a delicious and healthy way to have kids drink milk.
- The powder can be stored in the fridge up to 2 months.
- Use any type of sweetener or milk you like, but the recipe below is tested and tried and delicious.


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[youtube clipid="sHQgZoT7pKs" autoplay="0″]
Migos head home to the ATL and get some help from fellow Atlanta rapper Trinidad Jame$ for their new song "Stankin." Although the song will not appear on their upcoming debut album YRN Tha Album you can listen to it on the Warm Up Vol. 1 compilation mixtape. Listen to Migos and Trinidad Jame$ spit some dope bars on "Stankin" above.


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Facebook is the dominant social site right now, with over 1 billion users across the globe. Although it was mainly launched as a social networking site, it has gone through a few changes over time. I personally became a Facebook member back in 2008 through word of mouth and peer pressure. However, over the passage of time, I realized that I should permanently close my account and never look back at it again. What follows is a brief survey of problems that I personally experience from being a Facebook user.
1. Unsolicited friendship requests. Back in 2008 and 2009, Facebook filtered most of the unsolicited friendship requests. However, they changed it, and now any casual user can send friendship requests to any user.
2. Avalanche of statuses. When you log in, you will dive into tons of status sharing contents like "My dog got home," etc, most of which are posted by people who are just your acquaintances. To me, it is just a waste of time and effort to even follow them.
3. Rudeness and intrusion of privacy. I created an App developer profile for the company project, they had me supply my cell phone number. Even though, I unchecked the "SMS text messages from Facebook," I still received SMS text messages for any status update.
4. Poor Security. In Fall of 2010, when I tried to log in to Facebook, it said someone in California had logged into my account recently. Living in DC and having a few friends in California left me to wonder how my account was compromised.
5. Email spamming. Even though I do not use Facebook through my developer account, I received a few emails on a weekly (if not daily) basis from Facebook. It is like sending junk and unsolicited emails to users to sell your ideas. To me, 80% of the messages that come from Facebook is synonymous to spam.
Continued in Part 2...


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From the BLURB:
The coming of the Blood Moon will lead two Lycan packs into war, spur two rival brothers into conflict, and spark an act of vengeance so evil that its effects will be felt for generations.
One woman stands at the centre of it all…
As undisputed Alpha, Rafael must choose a life mate to preserve the dominance of his Lycan pack. He never suspected, his mate would be a human, the same wounded, girl-woman he seduces from the brink of death. Falon is a dangerous combination of Lycan and Slayer—beings bred to destroy his kind. Even more, she's a mesmerizing beauty whose sensuality tempts the seasoned warrior to take unnecessary risks. The primal heat between them is irresistible, yet surrendering to it could destroy them both…for a vengeful foe stands ready in the shadows to fulfill what is rightfully his by Blood Law.
Falon Corbet's life is irrevocably changed when she stumbles across a murder-in-progress. Ever since she was a little girl, Falon has had feelings and premonitions that inevitably come true . . . so she can't come up with a reasonable explanation for why she walked into that supermarket, knowing bad things would befall her entrance.
And as always, Falon was right. She was accosted by a bulldozer of a man, who was ranting and raving about Slayers and Lycans and claiming that Falon is 'one of them'.
Then an Adonis-lookalike blustered his way onto the scene and all hell broke loose. Falon was near-death and failing fast when this golden-haired biker saved her life and insisted on keeping her prisoner in his Sierra compound.
But Falon has not been saved by a well-meaning citizen. His name is Rafael Vulkasin, and he is bad news. His mansion is populated with feral bikers who cavort in lusty abandon. He has his golden guard-dog watch over Falon like a hawk . . . and when his brother, Lucien, comes to stay, Falon realizes what sort of danger she is really in.
Lucien is a dark, menacing presence in the compound. He and Rafael circle one another like battering rams, and there is talk of Falon being offered to Lucien as a blood sacrifice . . .
Falon knows she has to escape, but Rafael has marked her somehow and she finds herself reluctant to leave his side, while terrified of what he and his brother have planned for her.
'Blood Law' is the first book in Karin Tabke's paranormal erotica trilogy, 'Blood Moon Rising'.
I was really excited for this book. Last year I read (and loved) Tabke's medieval romance, 'Master of Surrender'. So when I heard she was writing a paranormal erotica trilogy, I was over the moon and salivating at the prospect.
Sadly, I was disappointed by this much-anticipated book. It was a case of convolution, boredom, disbelief and frustration.
The 'Blood Moon Rising' trilogy is grounded in Lycan mythology, and a sibling battle to rival Cain and Abel. In Tabke's universe, Lycans ('werewolves') origins are connected to a bitter and disfigured werewolf called Fenrir. This back-story is mired in Druid fairytale and self-fulfilling prophecy about Slayers who are the Lycan's mortal enemies.
Fast-forward and two Lycan Alpha brothers, Rafael and Lucien, are carrying-out their own tragic destiny. Rafael arrives at his clan's home to discover that his brother has taken a human mate – a Slayer, no less. Clouded by some sort of dark magic, Lucien cannot see that the woman he loves is out to destroy him, so Rafael kills her while she and Lucien are mid-coitus. Understandably, Lucien holds a grudge.
Present day sees Lucien quietly biding his time until Rafael takes his own mate . . . for then Lucien intends to exact Blood Law, and kills his brother's mate just as Rafael killed his.
When Rafael stumbles across the human, Falon, he is intrigued as to why a Slayer would single her out for abuse. He is also oddly drawn to her . . . and thus, an idea forms. Rafael knows that Lucien is awaiting his vengeance. Meanwhile, because Rafael is reluctant to take a mate only to have Lucien kill her, the Lycan pack has been unable to mate or procreate (since they need to follow in their Alpha's footsteps). As it is, a child has not been born into the pack for 14 years and their morale and numbers dwindle.
In Falon, Rafael sees the perfect escape-goat. He is drawn to her, but not in love with her. If he takes her as his mate, he is sure he will feel no remorse when Lucien inevitably slaughters her. She will literally be a sacrificial lamb . . . unless, of course, Rafael has a change of heart.
It's a very convoluted plot – intertwined with Druid mythology, a brother's vengeance and a mortal-enemy lurking in the shadows. By the time you get to Chapter Five you pretty much know everybody's motivations, their pitfalls and can spot the curve-balls a mile away.
Despite guessing where the plot was going, and predicting character's motivations, I was surprised by how little I believed character reactions.
Falon was my biggest road-block. She has recently been attacked, near-death and now finds herself kidnapped by a hulking biker boy. Apart from the initial struggle and fright, she actually takes the whole situation pretty calmly. Sure, people are having mass orgies all around her and she finds herself somewhat aroused by a golden wolf – but hey!, it's all good! Tabke reasons a lot of Falon's lack-of-freaked-out by saying she is thoroughly turned-on by Rafael. Even when Falon discovers Rafael's plan to offer her to his brother as a murder-sacrifice, she doesn't really try very hard to escape or scream the place down. And pretty soon she's offering to help the Lycan gang out in a hunt for a missing girl.
I also guessed that Rafael's plan to sacrifice Falon wouldn't go smoothly because his own heart would get in the way. This curveball was a given. So it's a shame that Tabke didn't take more time to legitimately throw these two together and create some sparks. All of their attraction can be attested to the pull of the mate bond, as opposed to genuine chemistry.
His gaze locked for a long, silent moment with Falon's. He knew she was special, so special Salene wanted her. So special, Rafael, an alpha, had marked her, a human, before he knew her. So special she could jump high fences, read people's minds, and sniff out a Slayer among a pack of Lycans. So special she could disarm an alpha as powerful as his brother with glare. Sacrificing her for the sake of the Blood Law was not going to be easy. And it would be a sacrifice.Despite his hard heart, in just a few days, she had wormed her way under his skin.
Despite all these pitfalls, I still persevered with this book because the big draw-card for me was the brother dynamic. Rafael and Lucien. Lucien and Rafael. There's so much Biblical promise in the rivalry of these two that I couldn't help but hope their feud would save the story . . . sadly, no.
Lucien could have been the bad-boy stand-out. The 'so-wrong-they're-right' sexy villain. Unfortunately he's more of a cardboard cut-out nemesis. All dark and brooding, malevolent and predictable. I hoped he would at least have palpable chemistry with Falon, to create a lusty love triangle . . . but their interactions left me cold too.
'Blood Law' is the first book in a trilogy – so be warned that there is a cliff-hanger ending. Whereas many readers are complaining about this abrupt end, I am actually a little bit pleased by it . . . because it almost saves the trilogy for me. The book ends on a promising note – with a hint that the next book in the series will focus more on the Rafael/Falon/Lucien triangle in a way that 'Blood Law' abysmally failed to. 'Blood Right' is the second book in the 'Blood Moon Rising' trilogy, and is currently scheduled for a February 2012 release.
I was so looking forward to 'Blood Law', but found myself bitterly disappointed. I loved Tabke's previous romance foray, and thought her writing a paranormal erotica would be a slam-dunk. Perhaps I counted my eggs before they hatched and raised the bar too high . . . but for me, 'Blood Law' was a convoluted, twisted and unsexy read. I only have hopes for the second instalment, considering the interesting end-note of this first book.
Book #2 - February 2012


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Disruptive new state-of-the-art fitness facility now open in South Jersey.
Audubon, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/27/2017 --Maurice Orlando, former United States Special Forces Operator, Jason DeMent, previously a local police officer, and his wife Corrin DeMent, an attorney and fitness instructor, are pleased to announce that their groundbreaking Evolve Fitness Center LLC dba Evolve Fitness is now open for business. There will be a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony October 1st 9am-12pm. Event to include free activities, giveaways, entertainment, and more.
Mo Orlando brings his nearly two decades of experience in fitness to Evolve. After suffering a debilitating injury in the service of our Country, he was faced with a lifetime of pain that doctors said would be permanent. Refusing to give in, Mo immersed himself in the study of corrective training and made it his mission to live a pain-free life. Mo succeeded in that mission, and wanting to share his knowledge with others, began to train clients at local facilities. Mo has transformed hundreds of lives for the better and now looks forward to doing it in his own gym.
Jason DeMent also has had a lifelong passion for fitness. He became a certified personal trainer as well as being certified through Les Mills, a New Zealand company that is the world's largest provider of choreographed exercise-to-music group fitness classes. Jason worked at local gyms as well and quickly gained a loyal and strong following, many of whom have followed him to Evolve.
Corrin DeMent, also a certified trainer, shares her partners' passion for fitness and joins her husband Jason in opening Evolve Fitness with their friend and partner Mo Orlando. According to Corrin, "Working together, as a family, on a joint dream of owning a facility that was purposely built to offer our community, friends, and neighbors so much has been such an amazing experience that it's difficult to put into words. The love we put into creating Evolve will certainly be felt by each of our Members. We offer our most sincere and heartfelt 'Thank you' to everyone who helped us make this dream a reality!"
Evolve Fitness eradicates the systemic problems in an industry flooded with generic information and programs that cause the ill-informed to injure themselves, sacrifice performance, ability, and strength, and potentially lose the motivation to continue working towards their fitness goals. Evolve's partners are committed to changing all this. They very much want to protect people from the growing epidemic of well-intended but misguided exercise programs that result in small gains but temporary or even permanent injury. Evolve Fitness plans to educate using scientific methods that have been proven to effectively achieve the desired health and fitness goals of each of its Members. They transform each Member's fitness through individually designed and highly personalized training programs and personal certifications developed in-house.
Orlando asks, "How many times have you gone to the gym and been injured yourself, or have seen an injury happen? This is why we have provided an ideal facility and created systems for Members to safely and effectively exercise. We prevent injuries before they happen and promote effective exercise while improving our Members' mobility, stability, and strength."
Using a proprietary training program, Members are given the option to wear a rubber wristband while working out to signal that they are open to being corrected on their form or if a Trainer sees the potential for injury. All of Evolve's training programs have been personally developed by Mo Orlando to ensure each Member an experience only Evolve Fitness can provide.
When asked about their new gym's planning and construction, Jason DeMent was effusive: "The term 'blood, sweat, and tears' has never hit home like it has this past year. Creating Evolve Fitness so that it could provide the very best facility, with the very best equipment and staff, has been a dream come true. We are going to excel at every aspect of fitness, with no secrets, at an affordable cost, and deliver real results. The fitness industry is a cash cow that has preyed on people for too long. That ends now. Evolve is the game changer!"
This groundbreaking new gym opened its doors to Members on Friday, September 1, 2017. Evolve is a world-class physical fitness facility with emphasis on individualized corrective training methods when needed. The Owners have combined their common lifelong goal of working in the fitness industry – an industry they are passionate about and are certain they will change for the better - with providing the Audubon, New Jersey vicinity with a unique and disruptive force in the fitness industry. Mo, Jason, and Corrin are committed to literally and figuratively Evolve their Members with the most positive fitness and health experience of their lives. Their clear focus on corrective, safe training and addressing the root cause of their Members' concerns will soon see Evolve emerge as the dominant gym in the South Jersey area.
Mo, Jason, and Corrin cordially invite visitors to tour Evolve in person so they can see the facility, inspect the equipment, and interact with them and the Trainers. Memberships start at just $30 a month, with day passes only $10. For more details, you are invited to visit www.EvolveMyFitness.com.
About Evolve Fitness
Open in 2017, Evolve Fitness is located in the Audubon Crossing Shopping Center. The facility is 21,000 square feet, consisting of large rooms for Mind & Body exercises, a revolutionary 30-bike cycle studio, a group fitness studio, child care, a 3,500 square foot area dedicated to strength and conditioning training that includes an indoor turf area, and 360° sound. Evolve is especially proud to be a Premier Showcase for Life Fitness, the finest American fitness equipment manufacturer. This is a distinction Evolve shares with only Princeton University in the entire state of NJ. Additional amenities include a café for healthy eating with multiple menu choices, men's and women's locker rooms, two steam rooms, multiple rowing machines, and much more.
View their Google Maps 360 Panoramic Virtual Tour here: https://goo.gl/4QYHhP.
Media Contacts
Jason DeMent
Mo Orlando
Evolve Fitness - Evolve Me
130 E Black Horse Pike, Suite 500
Audubon, NJ 08106


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Tag Archives: Vineyard Wedding
2011 Favs Contest Winner…
Thanks to everyone who participated in last weeks contest. Derik and I had a very relaxing week off (woo hoo!) andView full post »
Liz & Billy: Austin Wedding Photography
Liz & Billy are married!! Their wedding was simply gorgeous and I was excited to check out The Vineyard atView full post »


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Anyways, onward, ever onward! I have another beautiful Wanderlust polish for you. This one is a light, spring/summer time polish, not only in looks but in theme - and it's like a fiesta on your nails!!!
This is Rainbow Pinata - a fabulous party in a bottle! RP has a fabulous amount of blue, purple, yellow, red, orange, and green matte like shreds in a perfect milky white base. And the base is a really great shade being just dark enough to give opacity in two to three coats, but thin enough that it really allows for a sandwich look for the under layers of glitter to still be seen clearly, giving it a really great sense of depth. I also really like the fact that it's not a bright white, but almost a gravy gray/white. Not that there's anything wrong with bright white base, but for some reason, this polish just really struck me well with this white-but-not-bright white look.
Here is one of the macro shots of Rainbow Pinata - the shards are just perfect.
I turned up the light in this on the nail macro shot - to give you a better look at the kind of white base it gives you. Even with a brighter light, the polish remains this really great matte white look
Aren't the glitters great?? It gives the polish such a great look of suspending the glitters in the milky layers. I've mentioned before that I'm really into glitter in white polishes, and this one ranks right up there for me.
Here is another full shot in brighter light. I couldn't quit looking at my fingers while wearing it, and again, I love that the glitters are kind of matte, it almost makes it look like a splatter on canvas to me. Actually, I think I like that description, it's like a canvas color for the base.
Wanderlust Lacquer can be found on Store Envy - you won't regret it! Stay tuned for two more of her polishes! :-) Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! xxoo


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Humbug Loop
A looping infinity scarf combining twisting braids on one side and classic stripes on the other. Wrap it around twice or leave it to hang long so the full pattern is on show. Made from luxurious merino wool with a touch of mohair in charcoal and light grey.
Dimensions: 23cm wide by 148cm circumference.
Materials: 80% merino wool. 20% mohair.
Wash care: Hand wash or dry clean only. Dry flat. Cool iron
All cari + carl products are hand crafted to order. The scarf will be dispatched within 15 working days of payment being received. If a shorter timescale is required please email via the contact page.


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The Ubuntu GNU/Linux distribution is produced by Canonical, a company founded and led by Mark Shuttleworth, an entrepreneur and former Debian developer.
Mir was announced back in March by Ries, because, according to him, "none of the existing solutions would allow us to implement our vision without taking major compromises which would come at the cost of user experience and quality."
Most of the Linux world is looking to move from the venerable X.org display server to Wayland which is in development. For a while it looked as though Canonical would also go with the pack - until the announcement in March.
The migration path Ries laid out for the transition to Mir is given below:
Ubuntu 13.10: XMir on Mir by default, with a fallback session to X where there is no Mir driver support, supported for nine months.
Ubuntu 14.04 LTS: XMir as default with the fallback session removed, full Mir driver support, traditional LTS support for five years
Ubuntu 14.10 and beyond: Mir stack as default, including rootless X support for legacy X applications, supported for nine months.
(XMir: X & Unity7 running on top of the system compositor Mir. Mir stack: Mir as system compositor with Unity 8 as session shell on top.)
Along with the announcement, Canonical has also released a video of various desktop environments running on XMir on Mir on Ubuntu.


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No. 24 Wisconsin beats Troy 28-3
MADISON — A sluggish start, two ejections and a brief delay caused by an errant fire alarm at Camp Randall Stadium made for an odd afternoon for No. 24 Wisconsin.
In the end, the Badgers restored order behind three touchdown runs and timely defense against an overmatched nonconference foe.
Two-way player Tanner McEvoy's 32-yard score helped break open a tighter-than-expected game in the third quarter, and Wisconsin wore down Troy for a 28-3 win on Saturday.
"Two ejections, which I've never seen before, a fire alarm," quarterback Joel Stave said. "Yeah, it was a strange afternoon."
Stave and running back Dare Ogunbowale also ran for touchdowns, and the defense withstood the Trojans' quick-strike spread offense to hold an opponent without a touchdown for the second straight contest.
Wisconsin (2-1) led just 14-3 at the half in a game that had a sluggish pace of play.
Starting inside linebacker Leon Jacobs was thrown out in the first quarter for targeting after tackling quarterback Brandon Silvers in the chest just after Silvers let go of a pass. Silvers' helmet flew off after the hit.
Cornerback Derrick Tindal's ejection followed late in the third quarter after tackling Troy's Ismail Saleem as the receiver was going down to the ground.
"The defensive player, when we have a defenseless receiver, cannot target to the head or neck area," referee Jeffrey Servinski said to a pool reporter.
Both ejections were confirmed after official reviews, prompting boos from the partisan crowd, especially after Tindal's penalty.
"There's always the gray, and yet it's been clear, the officials are always going to err on the side of player safety," Badgers coach Paul Chryst said, "and knowing that there is some gray in it and I think that's the right thing."
The fire alarm — activated by a heat detector near the pizza oven in the stadium's main kitchen— led to a brief delay with 8:56 left and Troy (1-2) driving.
"Ladies and gentlemen, there is not a fire," the referee told the crowd, which cheered.
The alarm was turned off and a few plays later, Wisconsin's Vince Biegel sacked Silvers on third-and-22 from the Troy 24 to help snuff out a last-ditch drive — Troy was trailing by 18 points — midway through the fourth quarter.
"Even in the fourth quarter, we were right there 21-3 with some opportunities to get back in the game and put a little pressure on Wisconsin," Troy coach Neal Brown said.
The Sun Belt Conference team trailed 14-3 to the Big Ten power before Silvers fumbled on a sack by Joe Schobert on the opening drive of the second half.
Safety Michael Caputo recovered the ball. Seven plays later, McEvoy, who plays receiver and safety, took a direct snap on offense and ran right 32 yards for a score and a 21-3 lead with 7:16 left in the third quarter.
The Badgers held Troy's fast-paced offense to 255 total yards, 84 below its season average. Silvers was 23 of 34 for 174 yards.
"I missed out on a few chances in the third quarter. I wasn't happy about that," Silvers said. "We needed to do a better job finishing our drives."
Wisconsin's linebackers had a big hand in that, even with the ejection of Jacobs. Schobert and Biegel were forces off the edge, while freshman Chris Orr led the team with a career-high 14 tackles after replacing Jacobs.
Schobert said the Badgers' defensive scheme allows players to get after the quarterback, "make them make hurried throws, create turnovers. It all starts with stopping the run."
The Trojans were held to 81 yards on the ground on 33 carries.
McEvoy had two carries for 41 yards, along with four tackles. Stave had another poised performance, finishing 13 of 17 for 202 yards and a touchdown pass.
With the win, Wisconsin became the eighth program from one of the five power conferences with 100 victories since 2005.


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1&1 IONOS vs GoDaddy 2022: Which One Will You Go For?
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This article will put your doubts to rest once and for all – let's break down the key differences between 1&1 IONOS and GoDaddy, and see which will be best for hosting your website.
Choosing a hosting provider is an important step. 1&1 IONOS and GoDaddy are big names in the world of web hosting, so it's understandable you might be torn between the two.
1&1 IONOS was born in 2018, but its roots were planted in 1988 with 1&1, its original brand. 1&1 IONOS has over 30 years of experience and manages 12 million domains.
1&1 IONOS is the biggest hosting company in Europe, but GoDaddy has made a big name for itself, too. In fact, GoDaddy is the world's largest domain name registrar, with over 77 million domains under its management!
GoDaddy has helped over 18 million people get online, so it knows what it's doing. Both 1&1 IONOS and GoDaddy offer helpful services for their customers, with all-round solutions for everything from website building, to hosting, and domains.
At first glance it seems 1&1 IONOS and GoDaddy are pretty similar in what they offer – so how are you meant to choose? Without signing up and paying money, how can you know which one is best?
That's where we flex our research muscles and step up to give you the answers you need. We carried out hours of research into the best providers on the market, meaning we can help find the best choice for you.
The internet waits for no one, so we're not going to keep you waiting. In our research, 1&1 IONOS beat GoDaddy, making it the better hosting provider overall.
1&1 IONOS won the research battle, but will it win the war to be named the victor as your hosting provider? Or is GoDaddy actually offering exactly what you need?
This article will explore everything from features, to pricing, ease of use, performance, and more, to give you real insight into these providers. By the end, you'll be in no doubt about which provider is the better fit for your hosting needs.
1 1&1 IONOS vs GoDaddy: Pros and Cons
1&1 IONOS Pros and Cons
GoDaddy Pros and Cons
Further Information
- Read our 1&1 IONOS Hosting Review for an in-depth look at its features, pricing, and more
- Read our GoDaddy Hosting Review for a detailed look at what it has to offer
2 Performance and Security
1&1 IONOS Performance
The first provider to draw its sword when it comes to performance is 1&1 IONOS. First and foremost, it has 99.98% uptime, which is pretty impressive. Uptime is the percentage of time a server is up and running, meaning your website is live and available to visitors online.
In addition to that high uptime score, 1&1 IONOS has 10 data centers in five countries, including the USA, the UK, and Europe.
If you're on cloud hosting, you can choose your data center. Why is this so handy? Well, if you have a large UK audience, for example, you can give them faster load speeds by choosing a data center based in the UK, rather than the US.
1&1 IONOS also optimizes your site for speed, whatever plan you choose. On shared hosting, for example, 1&1 IONOS maximizes your performance is by having the web servers and storage on the same platform. This might sound small, but it'll really speed things up for your visitors!
GoDaddy Performance
GoDaddy's hosting prioritises speed, reliability, and security, but does it deliver? It has slightly lower uptime than 1&1 IONOS – it comes in with a comfortable 99.97%, which is still good but not quite as impressive as 99.98%!
It combines this very respectable uptime score with lively and reliable site speeds, so your visitors should be getting rapid loading speeds across the board.
1&1 IONOS Security
Sure, 1&1 IONOS has got the speed to win this fight, but does it have the strength? Security is massively important not just for protecting your site, but also for building your site's credibility and helps you rank in search results.
All 1&1 IONOS plans come with a free Wildcard SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate, which encrypts any information, like payment details, being passed through your website. When a site has SSL, the URL address turns from 'HTTP' to 'HTTPS,' accompanied by a padlock symbol.
Visitors to your site will be warned that your site is not secure if there's no SSL certificate in place, so it really is an essential feature to have. Wildcard SSL is even better, because it protects all your subdomains under a single certificate.
All plans come with a free Wildcard SSL, and some also include SiteLock malware protection, which scans your pages and protects you from any nasty bugs.
DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) protection is also included, and keeps your website safe from malicious attempts to disrupt traffic to your website.
GoDaddy Security
GoDaddy wades right in with 24/7 security monitoring, combined with its own DDoS protection. You also get fraud, virus, and spam protection to keep your sites safe from attacks.
The best part? GoDaddy has dedicated website security plans which you can purchase for extra protection.
The three plans range from $5.59 to $19.99 per month, and include features such as unlimited malware removal and brand reputation monitoring.
GoDaddy has got your back when it comes to security and protecting your site from any unwanted attention. However, where it falls down is in its SSL security. While it does provide its users with free SSL certificates, it depends which plan you're on.
If you choose either of the two cheapest shared hosting plans, you won't get a free SSL certificate at all. You get a free SSL for one year on most of GoDaddy's plans, but it renews at its regular rate once that first year is over – adding $79.99 per year onto your hosting plan.
Our top tip would be to always double check what you're getting with your plan before you sign up – don't assume you'll get the full package with every plan!
1&1 IONOS vs GoDaddy: Performance and Security – Verdict
It's a tough one, but 1&1 IONOS has to take the victory lap for this round. They're both speedy providers, but 1&1 IONOS breaks away when it comes to security. GoDaddy's lack of free SSL certificates on all its plans really lets it down in this section.
Further Information
- Read our review of the Best Free SSL Hosting Providers to make sure protection doesn't come at a cost.
- Want to know more about SSL? Find out Why Your Site Needs HTTPS in our helpful article.
3 Types of Hosting
Chances are, you might be after a specific type of hosting. Do 1&1 IONOS or GoDaddy have what you need?
|Type of Hosting
|What Is It?
|Best For
|Hosting where the server is shared between multiple websites. The most basic type of hosting, it's like having a room in a shared house.
|Very small and static sites, like blog pages.
|VPS (Virtual Private Server)
|Sites still share a server but have more generous resources. More secure and sustainable than shared hosting, it's like living in an apartment block rather than a house share.
Most websites! Small business sites, regular websites, and sites which are scaling up their growth.
|Flexible hosting, where you can change your resources as and when you need.
|Sites which have sudden hikes and dips in traffic, like an online store running deals and sales.
|Managed WordPress
|Specific hosting tailored for WordPress sites, usually including automatic updates and specialist support.
|WordPress websites.
|Hosting where your site has a server all to itself. Usually the most expensive type of hosting.
|Very large websites.
1&1 IONOS vs GoDaddy: Types of Hosting – Verdict
Both offer a broad range of hosting types, but 1&1 IONOS provides cloud hosting where GoDaddy does not, giving it another win over its rival. While this won't affect those who don't need cloud hosting, it does put 1&1 IONOS in a more dominant position than GoDaddy.
Further Information
- 1&1 IONOS is the best cloud hosting provider – find out why in our Best Cloud Hosting Providers review
- Make sure you choose the best provider for your site with our detailed reviews:
4 Hosting Features
It's GoDaddy's time to shine! In our research, GoDaddy scored full marks for its overall hosting features – in fact, it pretty much wiped the floor with 1&1 IONOS. But how does that break down when you look at the different features that come with each hosting type?
Shared Hosting
|Disk space
|100GB – Unlimited
|Number of sites
|1 – 50
|1 – Unlimited
|Free backups
|Free domain
|Free SSL security
*Free SSL is not included on GoDaddy's two cheapest shared hosting plans. The Ultimate plan gives you a free SSL certificate for one year, and the Maximum plan gives you free SSL for as long as you stay on that plan.
Despite the fine print that comes with GoDaddy's free SSL offers, overall it far outshines 1&1 IONOS when it comes to shared hosting features. 1&1 IONOS has more limits on it resources, and doesn't use cPanel, which is a popular, reliable, and easy to use control panel.
VPS Hosting
|Disk space
|Root access
|Free backups
|Free domain
|Free SSL security
Again, GoDaddy steals the win over 1&1 IONOS in its hosting features. Its VPS hosting plans have a wider range of disk space, and come with free backups where 1&1 IONOS does not. Root access allows you to access your server and customize it to suit your needs.
Dedicated Hosting
|Disk space
|Number of server location options
|Free backups
|Free SSL security
This is where 1&1 IONOS fights back to win a features round. Its dedicated hosting plans come with just an edge over GoDaddy's, thanks to its free backups and more generous RAM. However, it only has three server location options and a smaller amount of disk space, so it's a fairly tenuous lead.
1&1 IONOS vs GoDaddy: Hosting Features – Verdict
GoDaddy triumphs with more quality features than its competitor. Yes, 1&1 IONOS steals a win here and there on individual plans, but it can't keep up with GoDaddy's extensive offerings. And it's no wonder – in our research, GoDaddy scored full marks for its hosting features!
5 Ease of Use
Hosting can be pretty daunting for anyone who's new to the world of servers, control panels, and domain names. But it doesn't have to be a difficult task – hosting providers should make running your site as easy as possible.
One of the main things that affects ease of use is the provider's control panel. The control panel is a central dashboard, where you log in to run your site. You manage everything there, including domains, security, and email accounts.
Most providers use cPanel, as it's a user-friendly control panel with a clean and easy to use interface. However, 1&1 IONOS does not use cPanel – instead, it has its own custom control panel. Compared to cPanel, it's frankly a bit dated and cluttered.
In contrast, GoDaddy has followed the crowd by using cPanel, and it's paid off. GoDaddy's branding revolves around being beginner friendly, so it makes sense its control panel would keep things simple and straightforward.
GoDaddy also has one-click app install, making it effortless to download software like WordPress or Drupal. With cPanel you get over 125 apps to choose from – and it only takes a click to get started!
1&1 IONOS vs GoDaddy: Ease of Use – Verdict
GoDaddy is the clear winner for ease of use. 1&1 IONOS isn't exactly difficult to use, but it can't compete with GoDaddy's choice of cPanel or beginner friendly focus. 1&1 IONOS gives you a custom, tailored control panel, but GoDaddy gives you uncluttered and seamless service.
Further Information
- Do you want an easy to use control panel? Read our review of the Best cPanel Hosting Providers to find your perfect provider
6 Domain Registration
Both 1&1 IONOS and GoDaddy provide domain name registration services, making it easy to kill two birds with one stone when you sign up. Get hosting for your website and register your own custom domain at the same time. Simple!
1&1 IONOS Domains
1&1 IONOS actually throws in a free domain name with most of its hosting plans, meaning you don't have to pay for the first year. This is an easy, headache-free way of getting a domain that won't cost you the earth – or anything, for that matter.
If you do need to buy a domain, you can do it through 1&1 IONOS directly.
You can check to see if your domain is available, and see how much it will cost before you purchase it. You even get a free email, private registration, and an SSL Wildcard certificate thrown in too.
GoDaddy Domains
GoDaddy has already established itself as the world's largest domain registrar, and it definitely knows how to flex those muscles. Say hello to a host of domain services, including various domain name searches, domain privacy, and even domain auctions!
Unlike 1&1 IONOS, however, GoDaddy doesn't include a free domain on most of its hosting plans – you'll need to sign up for shared or WordPress hosting to get the free domain.
GoDaddy can have lots of details in its renewal terms, so always make sure you read the fine print so you know exactly what you're getting, and for how long.
1&1 IONOS vs GoDaddy: Domain Registration – Verdict
It's a draw! Yes, GoDaddy may be the biggest domain registrar worldwide, and has a ton of helpful services, but, 1&1 IONOS includes a free domain in more of its hosting plans, making your life much easier.
Further Information
- Do you have questions about domain names? Read our What Is a Domain Name? Beginner's Guide for an in-depth introduction to all things domain!
7 Help and Support
What would you do if your php.ini/user.ini changes aren't taking effect? If you know the answer, you can probably skip straight past this section! For most people, that question will have you scratching your head and looking around for clues.
Enter the game-changing help and support.
1&1 IONOS Support
1&1 IONOS has a range of support options for you to use if you ever need a helping hand with your hosting. These include:
- 1&1 IONOS Help Center
- 24/7 phone support
- Contact Support
- 1&1 IONOS Community
The phone support is the most personalized – you can ring any time, seven days a week, or request an immediate callback by leaving your number.
Contact Support works by tailoring suggestions for you based on the options you select, and the Help Center has plenty of useful articles to help you out.
The best thing about 1&1 IONOS is you get your very own personal consultant when you sign up. This is a fantastic way of getting personalized answers to questions, and lets you experience a whole new level of customer support. Plus, it's free!
The main downside of 1&1 IONOS is there's no 24/7 live chat feature, so it can feel a little slow finding answers, depending on how busy the phone support is at the time you need help.
GoDaddy Support
GoDaddy also has a range of options:
- GoDaddy Help Center
- 24/7 phone support
- Live chat
- Community
- Videos
GoDaddy doesn't have a 24/7 live chat feature, but its Monday to Friday chat is very easy to find and tells you when it's busy or available.
You can also contact the support team by phone, or go to the GoDaddy Help Center for articles and resources.
GoDaddy also has a ton of videos to help get started with domains, find your way around cPanel, and more.
How Do They Compare?
Overall, GoDaddy and 1&1 IONOS are quite evenly matched when it comes to the support options they offer. So whether it's something simple, or a complex conundrum, you should have no trouble reaching out.
1&1 IONOS vs GoDaddy: Help and Support – Verdict
Neither could gain the upper hand this time – it's a draw! Whether you're a fan of getting support straight from the experts via phone, or prefer browsing for answers in the help center, both 1&1 IONOS and GoDaddy have got something for you.
8 Pricing and Value for Money
Let's be honest – in the war to be your hosting provider, the battle of pricing is often the deal-breaker. We don't just look at how much these providers charge, though – we also look at how much value you get for your money.
Pricing varies depending which type of hosting you choose, so we'll have a quick comparison of the three main hosting types, and then have some final thoughts below.
Shared Hosting
|Cheapest Plan: Sale
|Cheapest Plan: Regular
|Most Expensive Plan: Sale
|Most Expensive Plan: Regular
|Number of Plans
|Money-back Guarantee
|60 days
|0 days
*Prices shown per month
As you can see, 1&1 IONOS offers considerably lower sale and regular prices than GoDaddy. In our research, 1&1 IONOS scored slightly higher than GoDaddy for shared hosting, meaning you get more for your money with this provider.
When you throw in that 1&1 IONOS includes free SSL certificates and a money back guarantee on all its shared hosting plans, it's clear which offers the better value!
VPS Hosting
|Cheapest Plan: Sale
|Cheapest Plan: Regular
|Most Expensive Plan: Sale
|Most Expensive Plan: Regular
|Number of Plans
|Money-back Guarantee
|60 days
|0 days
1&1 IONOS once again beats GoDaddy with consistently lower prices for its VPS hosting plans. Its second most expensive plan, the 1&1 IONOS VPS XL, which is usually $30 per month, is on sale for just $1 per month. In contrast, GoDaddy's second most expensive plan is on sale for $39.99 per month!
|Cheapest Plan: Sale
|Cheapest Plan: Regular
|Most Expensive Plan: Sale
|Most Expensive Plan: Regular
|Number of Plans
|Money-back Guarantee
|30 days
|0 days
Dedicated hosting plans are always on the pricey side, because you get much more advanced features thrown in. That explains why you don't see the $1 deal from 1&1 IONOS – but don't be too down-hearted, because it still offers cheaper dedicated prices than GoDaddy!
In our research, 1&1 IONOS just crept ahead of GoDaddy for dedicated hosting, so once again it succeeds in offering better value for money.
Which Is Better Overall?
Although costs differ from plan to plan, overall 1&1 IONOS is pretty consistent with offering lower prices and better value than GoDaddy. Its $1 sales are really appealing, and its regular rates are still cheaper than GoDaddy's renewal prices.
Overall, GoDaddy scored higher for features in our research, so the extra cash is justified in the benefits you get back. But on a plan by plan basis, 1&1 IONOS's prices have got GoDaddy beat.
1&1 IONOS vs GoDaddy: Pricing and Value for Money – Verdict
You guessed it – 1&1 IONOS wins! GoDaddy is definitely not one of the most expensive providers on the market, but it didn't stand a chance against 1&1 IONOS and its killer promotions. GoDaddy's lack of money back guarantee put the last nail in its virtual coffin.
Further Information
- Are you on the search for cheap prices? Read our in-depth review of the Best Cheap Web Hosting Providers to compare over 50 plans!
- VPS hosting is needed by most regular sites – find the best prices in our review of the Best Cheap VPS Hosting Providers
- Dedicated hosting can be expensive, so make sure you read our review of the Best Cheap Dedicated Server Hosting for the best prices
1&1 IONOS vs GoDaddy: Conclusion
This article has seen 1&1 IONOS and GoDaddy battle it out to be your hosting champion. We've seen each blow in performance, every swing in features, and didn't miss a scratch in pricing.
By the end of it, there's one provider whose banner is still flying strong – our winner is 1&1 IONOS! It dominated in the pricing round, took the winning title for performance and security, and tipped the scales with its free SSL and domains.
Still, that doesn't mean it's right for everyone…
Why Should You Choose 1&1 IONOS Over GoDaddy?
Are you still torn between GoDaddy and 1&1 IONOS? Here are the three main reasons to choose 1&1 IONOS:
- You need cloud hosting
- You want a free Wildcard SSL certificate
- You want cheap promotional prices
Why Should You Choose GoDaddy Over 1&1 IONOS?
Just because 1&1 IONOS is our winner, doesn't mean it'll be the perfect provider for you. You're better off with GoDaddy if you:
- Want an easy to use control panel
- Need a wider range of hosting features
- Will use most of GoDaddy's domain services
1&1 IONOS vs GoDaddy: FAQs
Do I really need SSL?
Yes! SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts information passing through your site to keep visitors' information safe, whether it's payment details or passwords. Even if you don't think this is important, Google does – your site will struggle to rank in search results without SSL.
How long do promotional prices last?
Usually, it's for your first term – so if you choose a yearly contract, then the sales price will last for the first year. However, it's always worth checking. The $1 shared hosting promotions with 1&1 IONOS, for example, last between six and 12 months depending on which plan you choose. Our top tip: always read the small print!
Can I use GoDaddy or 1&1 IONOS to host my WordPress site?
Yes, of course! Both 1&1 IONOS and GoDaddy offer managed WordPress hosting to keep your site running smoothly and securely. Out of the two, we would recommend choosing 1&1 IONOS to host your WordPress site, as it performed better in our research. If you want truly stellar WordPress hosting though, take a look at Bluehost instead.


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Quite often, the first time you'll know that Ausdroid has been reviewing a phone is when we publish the review on our website. Sometimes, if it's an important phone – or we've been allowed to do it – we might publish a hands-on before a review. Othertimes we might publish a hands-on, a review, and a camera rundown.
Regardless of how it happens, reviews don't just materialise – there's an awful lot that happens behind the scenes, and broadly, this is how it comes together.
One month before launch
The first step often happens before a phone has even been announced. Depending on our relationship with the brand in question, we might be invited to their international launch event. If this is going to happen, quite often we find out about the new phone from the company a good month or more in advance.
This usually happens under a fairly comprehensive non-disclosure agreement, such that we can't disclose any information about the phone, the trip, or anything much else to anyone.
These agreements vary a little, but the consequences are usually the same – break an NDA and you're unlikely to ever be invited to work with a brand again. Consequences may also include legal action, injunctions, being booted off a trip, and banned from local events for a period. Trust me, this isn't idle threatening – these consequences do happen when people break the rules.
At this stage, we're unlikely to know an awful lot about the phone beyond what may have been leaked, but we at least have confirmation of what's coming and some headline features.
One to two weeks before launch
Even where we're not attending an international launch, there may be a local pre-briefing, but this typically doesn't happen until much closer to the event (if at all). Being closer to launch, a pre-briefing is usually very detailed, and subject to the same kind of NDA as discussed above.
Again, depending on the brand, at a pre-briefing we may get a review device that we can start to play with. This has happened a number of times in the last twelve months, but it doesn't happen every time – some brands are a lot more secretive than others, and other brands trust journalists a lot more I guess.
Usually at around this stage, we'll get to (at least) look at a phone, perhaps shoot some photos of it for later use, and get a detailed understanding of what's inside – a spec sheet isn't uncommon at this point so we can start putting together coverage for a launch announcement.
Just prior to launch
Almost always, by the time a launch announcement comes around, we've got the information we need to actually write about the launch. Usually, but not always, this will include:
- A draft press release about the announcement with some quotes, facts and figures
- Time with an actual or pre-release phone, or we might have one that we've been using for a week or so
- Details about pricing, availability, dates for launch in local markets, and so on
- Details about the accessories or partners that may launch with a phone (e.g. a wearable or other phone variants)
It's not often these days that we're left to write up announcements at events themselves, or worse, by watching live streams. However, this depends a lot on what the product is. For example, with devices that aren't likely to come to Australia – or certainly won't in a hurry – companies don't usually bother with comprehensive pre-launch activities.
Other brands, especially those with significant presence internationally, don't always bring Australian press to their announcements, but usually participate in pre-briefing activities.
There's a lot of variables, but we're trying to describe the general process.
The launch event itself
Depending on the brand, if we're attending the launch event itself, this is often an opportunity to relax, as much of the coverage will already be written and – if we're lucky – some hands-on impressions will already be done, too. It can be a time to sit back, see how the announcement unfolds on stage, to get some photos of an executive showing off the new phone, or to get some choice quotes which can colour a news story.
Other times, a launch event can be a super busy time – we might not know what exactly is coming, we mightn't have seen a phone or had any facts and figures. This means jotting down notes, grabbing some photos and putting together some coverage.
You can usually spot the difference quite easily – if we're publishing something mid-way through an event (or closer to the start), you can be certain we've had information beforehand and we're just publishing it now. Equally, if you don't see a story until sometime after the event finishes, chances are we wrote it while watching.
After a launch event concludes, almost always – if we're at the event, of course – we'll be in a demo room trying out a new phone and seeing what it can do. Sometimes we might even do some video from the demo room, but generally speaking these are pretty awful places to film content.
Dim lighting, noisy environments, people everywhere .. it's definitely fun, but not usually a place to produce the content we like to share.
Once the launch event is done, if we don't already have a phone, chances are we won't for a while until there's a local launch (i.e. in market), and that's where we fast-forward to now.
A couple of weeks prior to local retail availability
It's usually around this time that brands will hold a smaller, more intimate event somewhere in Australia (and usually this means in Sydney, which is convenient for most of us). Be it at a hotel, a club, an office, a restaurant or somewhere else entirely, brands will usually put on a little bit of a show to give people time with the new phone, to hear from local executives about it, and to get details on pricing, retail partners and the like.
Almost always, at this point, review devices will be available either at the event or a couple of days afterwards. This is when our review period often starts, and again, either subject to a strict NDA (for some brands) or a review embargo (for most others) stating that we can't publish anything until a certain date and time.
Regardless of NDA or embargo, the outcome is usually the same – we're able to have a phone, use it in public, take photos, try it out and generally go through the review process.
Usually during this time we can't publicly announce that we've got the devices, but it depends on the precise wording of whatever agreement is in place. On some occasions, for example, we're allowed to share limited first impressions, or maybe some photo samples, with the full review held off (usually) until launch date.
Local retail launch
Of course, once launch date comes, we're able to publish a full on review, and whatever other material we've come up with (e.g. camera shootouts, videos, comparison pieces etc).
You'll usually know whether we've had something to review based on when it gets published – if we publish after retail availability, chances are we either haven't had a review device early at all, or we've not had enough time with it. If we're publishing something the same day a phone goes on sale, chances are we've had it for a couple of weeks or so.
After the review
Over the last 10 years or so, I've literally lost count of how many devices I've reviewed, and that's just me – the team has reviewed many more. You might wonder where all these devices end up, and that's a fair question!
Generally speaking, after a review period is up, one of the following things will happen:
- Some devices go back to the vendor or their PR agency. With mobile phones, this isn't too common, but with more expensive equipment (laptops, TVs, and the like) they almost always go back.
- For phones, usually we'll hang onto them either for long term review, to monitor software updates, to see how things improve/degrade over time, or to provide support to readers with questions.
- After a period, review devices that we keep might be given to family members or friends – after all, we can't store them indefinitely. It'd be a waste, and we don't have unlimited room!
- For those devices that we can't give out – because no one wants them, or they're a bit old – they either get recycled (with a company like Mobile Muster) or donated to worthy causes (e.g. local women's shelters).
Some things we review can't be (safely) given back. For reasons of hygiene and generally just not being disgusting, headphones usually don't go back – some companies insist on refurbishing them before sending on for further review, but ears are gross, and I don't want to use someone else's headphones or especially earphones.
Other items aren't economical to return. Phone cases, small accessories, things valued less than $50, it would usually cost more than the item's worth to return, and so generally we get to hang onto them or dispose of them as we please.
One thing we're often asked is if we can run giveaways of ex-review stock on the website. The short answer is usually not; many review devices we get (not all, though) aren't necessarily retail stock that are (or will become) available for sale in Australia.
With smartphones especially, we often review stock that's either from overseas, or pre-production where they're suitable for review purposes, but not something that companies want out in the wild where customers might have an adverse experience or need support. For that reason, we tend not to do giveaways of old review stuff.
What else can we tell you about what happens Behind the Tech?


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I feel like I'm emerging from a dark tunnel this morning.
I'm going to be honest – although I don't really want to – because I know it's good for me.
My mood has been in the toilet this week – and since last Sunday my chin has pretty much been scraping along the floor.
I may have hidden it from some – but I've shared my feelings with a few and tried where possible not to hibernate. It's really difficult though because now more than ever I feel an extra little layer of pressure (that no one but me has applied to myself) to be extra perfect.
All of a sudden I don't feel like I should be fallible – particularly when the world and it's dog is suddenly coming to me for advice – but I'm trying to remind myself that I am, and that it's ok to feel vulnerable.
Advice (by the way) is freely given – and no one should feel like they can't ask me.
I absolutely love helping people. This isn't about that – it's something deeper and rather personal – so forgive me if I keep the specifics out of my blog. All you need to know is I've shared my problems rather than bottling things up and that I do have people to talk to when I need them.
My support structures are solid but I still need to withdraw and feel down from time to time.
Maybe because of a need to retreat and recharge today is a little different from my usual Saturday because I've decided to take a break from the norm. I'm not going to group and instead I'm heading out to somewhere I've always meant to visit but never gotten around to.
Cheddar Gorge in the Mendip Hills.
Currently it's 7.30am and I'm the little blue dot on the map. I'm heading for the red one.
I've stopped at the motorway services because I need caffeine and there's a Starbucks – so I'm currently in Davey's happy place (despite looking a bit thoughtful).
(Author finishes his nectar of life and continues on his way)
I've had an interesting day.
Currently I'm sitting in Weston Super-Mare watching yet another steaming coffee cool. Oddly I'm in quite a good mood – but by rights I really shouldn't be because this was the scene less than 20 minutes ago.
However – I'm getting ahead of myself a little. At around 9.30am this morning I arrived at my intended destination.
Cheddar Gorge.
Originally I'd intended to be 100% the consummate tourist today – but when I wandered down to the visitor centre after parking I realised the cost of investigation was a little higher than I felt I wanted to pay.
It seemed that £19.95 didn't get quite the views I wanted (the lookout tower is apparently still closed) so I instead carried on with plan B.
This was a walk I'd spotted on the mendip hills tourist website (link) for a circular trek with allegedly lovely views that was around five miles. It started opposite the National Trust visitor centre – just a little way down the road from the bandits who wanted £20 for a cave.
As soon as I started up the path I realised that the guide wasn't kidding. It was definitely a steep one!
The family in front of me in the first photo quickly ground to a halt – and shortly after the start I found them a short way up the hill sitting on a rock whilst puffing and panting.
Dad was looking at the floor dripping while his wife and kids looked up into the woods, trying to gauge how far they had to go.
Normally I don't like diving straight into a steep incline without a good walk beforehand – but today, maybe because of the long drive (that had unexpectedly taken me through the heart of Bristol and wedged me in traffic for a while) I was in the mood to blow away some cobwebs.
Despite feeling a little out of breath myself I decided to just feel the burn and see how far I could go before I had to stop – but the surprising thing was that I didn't have to – I could just keep going!
When I reached the top I'd managed to get a pretty good sweat on and if I'm honest I felt pretty darned awesome. The view however seemed underwhelming.
For fifteen minutes of steep hill climbing I'd really been hoping for a whole lot more…
I mean – it was nice but it wasn't brilliant…
I turned around and continued.
The guide wanted me to keep the stone wall to my right and then go through a kissing gate, so I complied. Before I knew it I was walking along the top of the gorge with fields to my left and a wooded hillside covered in hidden sheep to my right.
The sun was really beating down by now and I was feeling pretty warm – but the whole place was relatively deserted. I just enjoyed the view as I walked and tried to take some pictures of butterflies – who continually refused to comply.
They just fluttered off into the distance before I could get close enough to take a picture of them with unfolded wings.
Just after the last one escaped the path started to descend again, and it seemed a little less rockier and uneven than the one that I'd been faced with on the way up.
So I started jogging down it – just to see if I could.
Oddly it didn't seem to be a problem, so I carried on – and found that it was surprisingly exciting to be judging the ground ahead in a more compressed timeframe than I was normally used to when walking.
Looking for the appropriate foothold and occasionally slipping a little before getting some traction was rather fun – so I carried on to a little fork in the route at the bottom of the hill and stopped to check the pdf on my phone.
There was a gate to my left and a path to my right – but which to follow…
It looked like the path was the right way to go so I carried on, climbed over the stile a little further down and found myself (as the route said I would) on the road passing up through the gorge.
I turned left, followed it for a short way and then on the right found another path leading up again on the other side of the gorge.
I might be wrong – but this way up didn't seem so steep – and it may be because the road I crossed was also heading up meaning that I didn't go down quite as far as I'd originally climbed.
As I made my way up I said hello to a lady as I was passing and headed through a gate marked to Draycott and kept dutifully to the right again.
Then – all of a sudden the view opened up and I finally got the vista that I'd been waiting for.
This looked absolutely stunning and you could see for miles and miles – with what looked like Weston in the distance.
Over to my right was the edge of the gorge – so I decided to prop up my phone and see if I could get a shot of myself standing on the edge.
I do love the fact that Apple Watch has a built in remote control for the camera on my iPhone! How cool is it that I can just wedge it against a rock several metres away and then control it with my wrist?!
While I was doing this the lady that I'd passed earlier caught me up and I said hello again. We exchanged pleasantries and names and started chatting for a while.
It turned out that she was a Geography teacher from Sussex and on a whim she'd borrowed her sister's camper van to get away for the weekend. She was staying nearby and as we both dried out on top of the hill (it was a sweaty day and my shirt was soaked by then) and I ate an apple whilst drinking my coffee we talked about our lives.
Sometimes you can meet a total stranger and just talk about anything. I think the fact that you're unlikely to ever see them again means that there's no reason not to be friendly, say hello and just engage in conversation.
She seemed like a lovely person – and we decided to carry on down the hill together ( I of course stopped to take more photos along the way) and continue chatting. She was planning to buy a motor home of her own soon and as we walked she expanded on this topic whilst I shared my love of blogging and my success with Slimming World.
It turned out that she loved to knit, and had not long finished making a jumper – which she said was they most technically accomplished thing she'd managed to date. She told me how it hung together and how you sewed it up at the seams once you'd finished the pattern.
I also admitted that as a young boy I rather enjoyed embroidery – which isn't something I expected to be relaying to a stranger on the side of a hill in Somerset!
Before long we were at the bottom of the hill, and after shaking hands we bid each other farewell and wandered off in our own individual directions.
I headed over the road to sit and eat some lunch (apples purchased from Waitrose in a moment of indulgence at the service station).
The river looked like it was pretty low and the water level seemed like it would normally be a lot higher. The small pond that it formed when low was covered in green algae – which looked really nice!
After polishing off my exceptionally tasty pink ladies I wandered along the road to see what the shops were like now they were open.
I think that it's safe to say that nothing in this little village was destined for the mouth of someone on a healthy eating plan.
If it wasn't filled with sugar then it was made of cheese, and it wasn't made of cheese it was filled with cider.
If none of these were enough then there was shop after shop after shop all filled with every imaginable kind of chutney and marmalade and variety of home made ice creams. If none of those took your fancy then the fish and chip shops (yep – plural) would definitely hammer the last dietary nail into your commitment coffin.
I tried a few tiny cheese samples on itty bitty biscuits and a few mouthfuls of chutney and left it at that.
I'm trying to be good at the moment.
By the time I'd walked back to the car it was around 2.30pm and I'd decided that I wasn't going to waste the rest of the day. Weston Super-Mare was nearby and I might as well go to the seaside for a little while before heading home. The sun was still beating down and the sky was blue.
It seemed like the perfect idea.
When I climbed into my car I turned the key in the ignition and oddly the engine turned over but didn't start.
I pressed the accelerator and it sprang into life.
Weird… It's never done that before…
I set the sat-nav, exited the car park and headed for Weston 11 miles away.
It wasn't all that far ahead that I noticed there was an orange EPC warning light on the dashboard. There also seemed to be a noticeable loss of power.
Then the engine warning light also came on.
I immediately stopped the car and grabbed the handbook from under the steering wheel. This seemed like there was a problem with the engine, and a potentially serious one at that – according to some frantic Googling – which I did immediately after.
Thanks to the wonders of Sat-Nav once I'd read up on the potential for automobile armageddon I was also able to search for a VW dealership and amazingly (it was 3pm in the afternoon) there was one less than two miles away!!!
My luck was in!
I started the car again and headed for their dealership.
However – after I'd parked up and headed in it soon became apparent that after midday the servicing area of the premises was closed – and the salesman confirmed my worst fears.
No-one would be able to help me until MONDAY.
However – I do have breakdown cover (a very basic package) so I decided to call the RAC.
After a long wait on the phone to get through to them they informed me that the projected time for a tech to get to me was 6.30pm. I looked at the time. Nearly 3 hours to wait and I couldn't stray too far from the car in case they came early.
Thankfully there was a Costa and an Aldi nearby so I could grab a few bits to eat and get a coffee in the meantime.
After a while I was seated with a coffee looking at booking.com.
There wasn't a single hotel room to be found anywhere in Weston. The whole place was absolutely rammed – and the nearest location with any space was over twenty miles away.
This could mean a night on the beach.
I plugged my phone into the socket in Costa. It wouldn't do to get a flat battery now – and I was running low after taking lots of pictures along the way.
What the frick was I going to do?!
I looked at trains.
There was a station nearby – and I could get to Bristol – but then where? I guessed I could just about get to Birmingham in time if I set out now – but by the time I'd gotten there all the trains to Warwick would most likely have ended and I'd be stranded in Birmingham without a car instead of Weston.
Furthermore I'd still somehow have to get back to wherever I decided to leave it on Monday – and every road around me had double yellow lines and parking restrictions with big clamping signs.
What to do?
I knew that all of my friends were busy and even if they weren't it was a bit of an ask to expect any of them to drive 120 miles to pick me up and then drive back another 120 to take me home.
Aldi however was selling tents… and sleeping bags… and camping mattresses… and pillows…
Maybe I should go and buy some before it closed? If I did then the cost would probably be around £80…
Not cheap – and none of it looked particularly portable either…
Then the phone rang. It was 4.25pm and the roadside assistance was unexpectedly only five minutes away!!!
I quickly unplugged my phone, screwed the lid onto my coffee flask, slung my rucksack over my shoulder and headed out to meet him.
As I arrived he was just pulling up – and within a few minutes Andy (a reliable sounding name) had his laptop plugged into my car.
'Head Gasket' he said grimly.
My heart sank. That didn't sound like it was going anywhere. What the hell was I going to do?
He carried on looking however, and then said 'Hmmmm'…
I like 'hmmm'. It's much better than 'that's absolutely wrecked and you don't stand a chance.'
'Let me see if it's just the sensor.' He said out loud.
'I'm not sure it's the engine. Maybe if I unplug it the engine will ignore the warning and come out of crawl mode.'
He proceeded to fiddle under the bonnet, unclip the sensor from the wiring loom inside the engine cavity, switched the car back on, reconnected the sensor, tightened the screws and started the engine.
The warning lights were gone!
'I can't say that they won't come back.' He said. 'The sensors can fail over to another one if they're broken – but this will probably still come back. It's totally up to you what to do. You could drive it and it will be fine – or it could be a real problem and you may make the problem worse.' He looked at me – and I told him about the lack of anywhere to stay locally.
'I may be able to find you a hotel room for the night if you want to let them have a look on Monday?' he said helpfully.
'I might know someone that could help…'
I knew at that point that he couldn't tell me whether or not I should drive it – just that he didn't know for sure that if I did it would completely kill it or not.
He outlined the options.
Since I didn't have full breakdown cover a tow all the way home (120 miles) would come to £240… That didn't seem good.
If I could get a hotel room 20 miles away they were all showing up at around £200 for two nights as well, since all of the cheap ones were already gone.
Or he may be able to find me something locally…
The alternative to all of these was try to drive and hope I didn't end up with a smoking ruin at the other end or pay through the nose…
I decided to chance it. Andy told me that although professionally he was unable to agree or disagree personally if it was him he'd have done the same. This at least gave me some measure of confidence that I wasn't being a complete fool.
He helpfully suggested I wait until the motorway traffic cleared so that I didn't get stuck in it and I agreed. I shook helpful Andy's hand and bid him farewell, knowing what I've always known.
Firstly that breakdown cover is worth more than gold at the right moment and secondly that it was time for more coffee…
Which is where you find me now. Sitting in Costa, biding my time.
However – now it's time to set out!
Wish me luck….
Back home.
However the car is NOT well at all.
There were several misfires along the way – and a ridiculous loss of power on hills. Either my car is dying and it will cost a fortune to fix (it's so old it may not even be worth it) or it's a sensor. My gut feeling is that it's not the latter.
However – if I'm honest I'm not unduly distraught.
It's an inconvenience – but frankly this is not the end of the world that it might have been a couple of years ago. I no longer rely on my car at all, and there's absolutely nothing in life that I can't do these days without one.
If it's dead then maybe I should just let it die and look at alternatives. The world is my oyster and I refuse to let a bucket of bolts get me down. I can make do with public transport for as long as I need to – and it may be a bit refreshing not to have one for the first time in many years.
We shall see!
Anyway internet. I'm absolutely pooped. It's been a long day!!!
Time for beddibyes!
P.S. – I forgot to say.
I was interviewed by the BBC the other day – if you want to have a look at the (rather average) video that came out of it – then you can find it here.


text:
Buyback Information
Q: What is buyback?
A: Buyback is generally held at the end of each semester during finals week. Hawk's Hub will buy back your textbook if the instructor has decided to use the same book the following semester and Hawk's Hub needs to purchase additional copies. If the book is not being used, or if the textbook has changed editions, you may be offered a lower price from the wholesaler.
Q: How are buyback prices determined?
A: Several factors determine the price paid for a book:
- If Hawk's Hub is buying a book and it is a current edition, up to 50% of the NEW selling price may be paid.
- If Hawk's Hub is buying a book and its future use is questionable, the price is dependent on the market value and will range from 20% - 50% of the NEW selling price.
- If Hawk's Hub has no need for a book, the used book wholesaler facilitating buyback may purchase it. The wholesale purchase price will be based on current market value which ranges from 1% - 33% of national retail price. Old editions typically have zero value.
- The value of your book may increase if you provide all required components at book buyback - including CDs, supplements and other accessories.
- The amount you may receive cannot be determined until you are at the buyback register.
Q: What is considered "good" or "resaleable" condition?
A: If your book is not in good, resaleable condition, it will be refused during buyback.
A "good" and "resaleable" book will:
- not have stains and/or water damage
- not have missing, torn or ripped pages
- not have a missing, torn or loose cover
- not have a broken spine
- not have torn or damaged binding
Q: Why didn't Hawk's Hub give me money for my books?
A: There are several things the Hawk's Hub must consider before buying books back from students such as:
- If an instructor has chosen the book for the upcoming term.
- If Hawk's Hub has a need for additional inventory to fill an instructor's request. If Hawk's Hub does not have a need for a particular book, the used book wholesaler who facilitates our buyback may purchase the book for use at another campus.
- The condition of the book such as excessive highlighting, torn/missing pages, excessive permanent writing, missing pieces (CDs, software, etc.) can affect the value. Study guides and workbooks must be clean.
- An instructor or department may specify buyback criteria on any given book.
Q: When is Buyback?
A: Buyback happens the last week of every term. Please click here for specific dates once finalized.


text:
Pam Fry of the Senior Center Friends & Neighbors program e-mailed this request for help:
The Senior Center Friends & Neighbors program is looking for volunteers who are able to drive in this winter weather to help some seniors.
The Friends & Neighbors is a program coordinated by the senior center to help seniors with simple needs, e.g. rides to the doctor, grocery store, out to community events. With this weather, most of our volunteers are unable to get around. Many seniors have no family or neighbors/friends who they can call to help with everyday errands and they can be very isolated from help.
Volunteers with Friends & Neighbors are called when there is a request, and there is NO OBLIGATION; you can always say "no" if you are not able to meet the request. If you are, it is a big help. In this weather we desperately need a few more volunteers who can run shopping errands or take seniors to appointments.
If you are able to drive in winter weather and want to sign-up as a volunteer it would be greatly appreciated, please call Pam Fry, 378-5864, or the Senior Center, 378-2677, and mention Friends & Neighbors.
Thank you!


text:
Important: Unfortunately, our time is limited. We can can only take on 1 – 2 new clients in the next few months. While many companies need to find a more powerful online marketing strategy we can only help a few at a time.
The choice is yours — do you want to wait and hope things in your business improve? Or bring in someone who hypes up the latest hot trend without thinking of how to build a lasting business for you?
Or do you want to find and fix the biggest barriers holding you back? That's what we are here for. Your business should reach its full potential — let's talk about how.
Richard Garand
Garand Webtech
P.S. Our clients don't settle for buzzwords, mediocre results, or getting "likes" but no paying customers. They need marketing strategies that work. Contact us now if you want to prevent someone else from getting there first!


text:
Research shows Great Artesian Basin more extensive than thought
Research has shown the outback Great Artesian Basin to be far more extensive than previously thought.
The Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board has been mapping the area in preparation for a formal revision of a 30-year-old water allocation plan for the vast outback zone.
Regional manager for sustainable water use, David Leek, said there were records of about 800 springs in the area, but new research had found about 5,000.
Mr Leek said the new information challenged early thinking that water moved underground from the east.
"What we now understand is that the system is much more complex, there's a number of different layers and that those layers are intersected by faults and fractures in the Earth's surface, so there is actually more of a connection between the layers than we understood in the past," he said.
Mr Leek said at current extraction rates the volume of water in the Artesian Basin was not at risk.
"What we need to make sure that we do is we actually maintain the pressure in the system, because it's the pressure in the system that actually drives springs and actually drives the the water to the surface and sustains the springs," he said.
The basin is under a vast area of South Australia, parts of New South Wales and Queensland and the south-east corner of the Northern Territory.


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To most, the premise on which the Men in Black films are based may seem pleasingly fanciful; but not to all. Quite a lot of people believe that dark-suited gents are indeed policing contact between aliens and humans. Concern about this activity goes back a long way. The first of the films, which appeared in 1997, was based on a relatively obscure black-and-white comic-book . This had been launched in 1990, but even by then, speculation about a corps of black-clothed figures supposedly managing our relationship with extraterrestrials was already decades old.
In 1953, Albert K Bender, the editor of a UFO publication called Space Review, announced that he'd found the solution to the flying saucer mystery but had been forbidden to print it. He warned others working in the field to be cautious, and then stopped publishing. Later he said that three men wearing dark suits had told him to write no more about UFOs, and he'd obeyed them because he'd been "scared to death".
Thereafter, other people who'd been present at putative UFO encounters also reported approaches from black-suited figures who tried to enforce their silence. These characters resorted to psychological pressure when necessary and, if that failed, to physical harm. Some of the people who were approached assumed that their callers were representatives of a secret government agency, like the one featured in Men in Black 3. Sometimes, however, there were indications that the troubling visitants might themselves be aliens.
Something about them was often not quite right. They walked with an odd limp, spoke in monotone or were deathly pallid. Their brand-new limousine was actually a long discontinued model. They failed to recognise common objects like ball-point pens. Their dark glasses appeared to hide unnaturally glowing eyes. Of course, we should treat with caution the accounts of people who claimed to have recently seen a flying saucer. They're bound to have been in a somewhat excitable state.
It's even been suggested that the so-called men-in-black may actually themselves be slightly unhinged ufologists — "Walter Mitty types", as a former head of the MoD UFO desk reportedly described them. However, "UFO silencers" were being recorded long before alien visitation had become a basement-dwellers' obsession. Mysterious figures were said to have mopped up evidence of apparent extraterrestrial encounters in 1864, 1897 and 1898 .
Today, scores of eye-witness accounts have accumulated , and just occasionally, physical evidence has been brought forward as well. In the late 1960s, there was a clutch of UFO sightings along America's east coast. A contributor to New York's Saucer News called Jack Robinson collated many of these. Subsequently, his wife reported that their home in Jersey City was being watched from a doorway by a strange, pale-faced man "dressed all in black with a black hat and a black suit on". A UFO expert called Timothy Beckley turned up and took a photo of this apparition. At that, the figure disappeared, but this supposedly is the snap.
Oddly, the fellow in the picture sports neither black suit nor black hat, but perhaps this disguise doesn't register on film stock. A sketch made by Albert K Bender offers a more orthodox if less intriguing portrait; but, guess what, video images have now become available. After a Maryland UFO sighting, two suspicious-looking black-clad figures with hypnotic eyes were captured on CCTV in a hotel lobby.
It has to be acknowledged that all of this testimony is somewhat less than conclusive, while even those who are convinced that men-in-black exist are rarely sure of their provenance. Bender came to believe that the visitors who silenced him were aliens from a planet called Kazik. On the other hand, conspiracist saucerians hold that the MiB are Earthly enforcers working on behalf of international banking interests to block the technological progress and moral reform that aliens are trying to bestow on us. Spoilsports dare to suggest that hoaxers may have polluted some of the data.
All the same, there's definitely something about those black-garbed guys. Beckley speculated that characters from folklore like the Elizabethan Black Men, the native American Black Man and the malevolent travelling salesmen of legend may all have been manifestations of what we now think of as men-in-black. Be that as it may, charcoal-clad chaps have long proved capable of casting a scary spell.
The look has been seized on by groups eager to intimidate ranging from the Jesuits to American supreme court judges and Man United's hooligans. In a book entitled Men in Black, John Harvey traces a growing enthusiasm for black attire on the part of men intent on inspiring awe going back 1,000 years and leaping remorselessly from church to court and from court to trade. By the 19th century it had become the sole garb of masculine wealth and power, a phenomenon about which Dickens, Ruskin and Baudelaire all expressed puzzlement.
In Reservoir Dogs, Mr Pink enquires: "Why can't we pick our own colours?" Joe replies: "No way, no way. Tried it once; doesn't work. You got four guys all fighting over who's gonna be Mr Black." But why?


text: Kevin Ranker Washington Senator Kevin Ranker is committed to the health of Puget Sound and Washington's coastal communities. With the economic and social challenges facing our states, our nation and the world, alumni in elected office face difficult and often unprecedented decisions. Evergreen's unique approach to collaborative problem-solving prepares these decision-makers to create solutions that work. Carlos Javier Sanchez/TESC