#Windows Development Colchester

[geometrymatters]

Sir Roger Penrose

To me, the world of perfect forms is primary (as was Plato’s own belief) — its existence being almost a logical necessity — and both the other two worlds are its shadows.

Sir Roger Penrose, born on August 8, 1931, in Colchester, Essex, England, is a luminary in the realm of mathematical physics. His journey began with a Ph.D. in algebraic geometry from the University of Cambridge in 1957, and his career has spanned numerous prestigious posts at universities in both England and the United States. His work in the 1960s on the fundamental features of black holes, celestial bodies of such immense gravity that nothing, not even light, can escape, earned him the 2020 Nobel Prize for Physics.

Penrose’s work on black holes, in collaboration with Stephen Hawking, led to the ground-breaking discovery that all matter within a black hole collapses to a singularity, a point in space where mass is compressed to infinite density and zero volume. This revelation illuminated our understanding of these enigmatic cosmic entities.

His work did not stop at the theoretical; he also developed a method of mapping the regions of space-time surrounding a black hole, known as a Penrose diagram. This tool allows us to visualize the effects of gravitation upon an entity approaching a black hole, providing a window into the heart of these celestial mysteries.

Within Penrose’s chapter, “The Godelian Case” (from “The Road to Reality”) the profound implications of Kurt Gödel’s incompleteness theorems are examined in relation to the connection between mathematics and geometry. Specifically, Penrose’s attention centers on the model depicted in Figure 2.1, which portrays a cubic array of spheres. Through this visual representation, Penrose explores the intricate relationship between geometry and mathematical understanding.

By introducing the model of a cubic array of spheres, Penrose highlights the fundamental role of spatial arrangements in mathematical cognition. This geometrical structure serves as a metaphorical embodiment of mathematical concepts, illustrating how spatial configurations can stimulate cognitive processes and facilitate intuitive comprehension of mathematical truths. The intricate interplay between the arrangement of spheres within the model and the underlying principles of mathematics encourages contemplation on the deep-rooted connections between geometry, spatial reasoning, and abstract mathematical thought.

Penrose’s utilization of the cubic array of spheres underscores his broader philosophical framework, which challenges reductionist accounts of human cognition that rely solely on formal systems or computational models. Through this geometrical representation, he advocates for a more holistic understanding of mathematical insight, one that recognizes the essential role of geometric intuition in shaping human understanding.

By looking at the intricate connection between mathematics and geometry, Penrose prompts a re-evaluation of the mechanistic view of cognition, emphasizing the need to incorporate spatial reasoning and intuitive geometrical understanding into comprehensive models of human thought.

(E) Find a sum of successive hexagonal numbers, starting from 1 , that is not a cube. I am going to try to convince you that this computation will indeed continue for ever without stopping. First of all, a cube is called a cube because it is a number that can be represented as a cubic array of points as depicted in Fig. 2. 1 . I want you to try to think of such an array as built up successively, starting at one corner and then adding a succession of three-faced arrangements each consisting of a back wall, side wall, and ceiling, as depicted in Fig. 2.2. Now view this three-faced arrangement from a long way out, along the direction of the corner common to all three faces. What do we see? A hexagon as in Fig. 2.3. The marks that constitute these hexagons, successively increasing in size, when taken together, correspond to the marks that constitute the entire cube. This, then, establishes the fact that adding together successive hexagonal numbers, starting with 1 , will always give a cube. Accordingly, we have indeed ascertained that (E) will never stop.

Penrose’s work is characterized by a profound appreciation for geometry. His father, a biologist with a passion for mathematics, introduced him to the beauty of geometric shapes and patterns at a young age. This early exposure to geometry shaped Penrose’s unique approach to scientific problems, leading him to develop new mathematical notations and diagrams that have become indispensable tools in the field. His creation of the Penrose tiling, a method of covering a plane with a set of shapes without using a repeating pattern, is a testament to his innovative thinking and his deep understanding of geometric principles.

His fascination with geometry extended beyond the realm of mathematics and into the world of art. He was deeply influenced by the work of Dutch artist M.C. Escher, whose intricate drawings of impossible structures and infinite patterns captivated Penrose’s imagination. This encounter with Escher’s art led Penrose to explore the interplay between geometry and art, culminating in his own contributions to the field of mathematical art. His work in this area, like his scientific research, is characterized by a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of geometric forms.

In geometric cognition, Penrose’s work has the potential to make significant contributions. His unique perspective on the role of geometry in understanding the physical world, the mind, and even art, offers a fresh approach to this emerging field. His belief in the power of geometric thinking, as evidenced by his own ground-breaking work, suggests that a geometric approach to cognition could yield valuable insights into the nature of thought and consciousness.

Objective mathematical notions must be thought of as timeless entities and are not to be regarded as being conjured into existence at the moment that they are first humanly perceived.

I argue that the phenomenon of consciousness cannot be accommodated within the framework of present-day physical theory.

His Orch OR theory posits that consciousness arises from quantum computations within the brain’s neurons. This bold hypothesis, bridging the gap between the physical and the mental, has sparked intense debate and research in the scientific community.

Penrose’s work on twistor theory, a geometric framework that seeks to unify quantum mechanics and general relativity, is a testament to his belief in the primacy of geometric structures. This theory, which represents particles and fields in a way that emphasizes their geometric and topological properties, can be seen as a metaphor for his views on cognition. Just as twistor theory seeks to represent complex physical phenomena in terms of simpler geometric structures, Penrose suggests that human cognition may also be understood in terms of fundamental geometric and topological structures.

This perspective has significant implications for the field of cognitive geometry, which studies how humans and other animals understand and navigate the geometric properties of their environment. If Penrose’s ideas are correct, our ability to understand and manipulate geometric structures may be a fundamental aspect of consciousness, rooted in the quantum geometry of the brain itself.

The final conclusion of all this is rather alarming. For it suggests that we must seek a non-computable physical theory that reaches beyond every computable level of oracle machines (and perhaps beyond). — Roger Penrose, Shadows of the Mind: A Search for the Missing Science of Consciousness

[thenostalgiadepartment]

Sports and a close family dynamic is a combination that had me picking up Puck Drills & Quick Thrills by Eden Finley and Saxon James. I was also curious about the dual authorship as I had not previously read a book that was written by two authors. With its catchy title and interesting relationship premise between a college professor and coach, I decided to dive in and see if this book lived up to my expectations.

Official Summary: WESTLY The fall from NHL superstar to domestic disaster was swift and painful. When I became the legal guardian of my five younger siblings, I had no idea what I was doing. One year later, I’m still lost. Coaching CU’s hockey team might be the only thing I’m excelling at. But when our star forward is failing math, I have to do what it takes to keep him on the team. Even if it’s going head-to-head with Jasper Eckstein. One minute I’m confronting the notorious hockey-hating professor, and the next I’m agreeing to be his date to his twenty-year high school reunion. I don’t know how that happened. JASPER My rules are simple. I don’t give extra credit. Ever. No matter how entitled jocks think they are, I refuse to give them special treatment. It's not because I hate them. It's not because a hockey player broke my nose in high school. It's fair. But when Westly Dalton bursts into my office like a hurricane, all my principles fly out the window. Suddenly I'm giving extra credit. And I have a date to my reunion. After one explosive night together, I want more, but his home life is a mess, and I don't want to get in the way. If all we can have is quick thrills, I’m okay with that. It’s not like I could ever fall for a jock. Published: October 6, 2021 Genre: Romance, M/M Romance, Contemporary Romance

Puck Drills & Quick Thrills is the fifth and final book of the CU Hockey series following hockey players, coaches, and professors of Colchester University. I haven’t read the previous books in the series, but I don’t feel as though any incoming reader will feel lost for skipping ahead. 

This book follows Westly Dalton, a former NHL star who canceled his contract to head home and raise his younger siblings after his parents died in a car accident. With five other siblings to take care of, Westley is struggling to stay afloat. To add to his already growing issues, his brother Asher is starting to fail math. In order to salvage his brother's grades and his hockey eligibility, Westley confronts Jasper Eckstein, the math professor, for assistance. Unfortunately for Westley, Jasper hates hockey players. 

I enjoyed the dynamic of the college professor and coach presented here up to a point. Usually the more common trope involves a student/teacher pairing, but I found it refreshing to have something different. I thought it might come with less drama (we’ll get to that shortly). Not to say there isn’t some initial drama and a slight age gap here, mind you. 

Jasper Eckstein is a likeable character despite his rocky introduction. The authors do a good job of fleshing out his character and explaining why he is the way he is. His particular backstory felt very believable as many people have adverse interactions with jocks in their youth that negatively color their perception of sporty people as adults.

Westley in contrast was a less fleshed out character despite his family drama playing an overbearing role in the narrative. The authors establish Westley’s previous party-boy lifestyle through exposition rather than showing it. The reader is told he had to make sacrifices for his siblings and feels torn between his past lifestyle and the reality of his current situation. The majority of his character development revolves around a back and forth, push and pull between wanting to go out and have fun and feeling incredibly guilty for having his own life. He constantly expresses self-awareness that he’s responsible for his siblings but also feels overwhelmed by becoming a parent overnight. This internal conflict became a bit tedious and repetitive at times, not really adding much to the story or showing personal growth. It was exhausting to read and drained any steam the romantic plot tried to build up.

In the first half of the story, Jasper and Westley’s burgeoning relationship was enjoyable. Some funny dialogue and clever lines kept the story light-hearted. However, as the story progresses, Jasper somehow becomes less and less a main character in a book that’s about his own relationship with Westley. This happens because Westley’s excessive family drama takes center stage in the back half of the book. Jasper and Westley still have private time together, but those moments weren’t enough to keep me engaged with the story.

I never thought as a romance connoisseur that I’d ever say there’s such a thing as “too many sex scenes” but this book managed to make me say it. These scenes felt repetitive and clunky. I don’t know if the authors may have swapped writing with POV shifts or for specific scenes, but there was a spectrum of quality between the sex scenes. Some felt more polished than others. 

If you are a hockey fan you won’t find any enjoyment with this story. There are far better sports romance novels which better involve the sport than Puck Drills & Quick Thrills. To me, it felt as though the authors simply wanted to use the sport for a catchy title and the initial conflicting dynamic between the main characters.

Further, if you’re not a fan of romance stories with overly rambunctious children playing a prominent role in the story, this story might not be for you. Writing children isn’t easy, and I feel as though the authors struggled with finding the individual voices of the large cast of children characters. There are several other stories out there that involve large families while still maintaining a cohesive story and romance. 

Overall this story had its moments, but it couldn’t carry those moments throughout the story. The ending seemed to especially drag as the story unfortunately overstayed its welcome. The authors were juggling too much at once. If you are looking for any of these specific tropes or dynamics, you might find Puck Drills & Quick Thrills worth borrowing from your local library or reading if you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription. 

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

[eastpointsoftware-blog]

Eastpoint Software Windows Mobile App Development and Developers London, Cambridge, Colchester, UK, Twickenham, West London, Richmond, Surrey and Chelmsford with an additional office in London. Our clients are across the UK – come and visit us, or we’ll happily come to see you. If you have any questions and are looking for mobile app development, please give us a call on 01223 690164 or Mail Us info@eastpoint.co.uk. To discuss your Windows mobile app project. Our tech team love building apps, and are keen to take on new projects.

[dane-easton-blog1]

Thetreasure at tampines

Established before yet distinctly in the present, these changed over stables grasp their history, however take on a cutting edge bend. Saved from ruin, these obsolete outbuildings have taken on new life as present day homes, network center points, and craftsmanship studios. Take a look at a portion of our preferred peaceful homesteads intertwine usefulness with the solace of present day pleasantries. 1. Uninvolved House and "Sauna Tower" Join a nineteenth Century Barn in Hudson Valley, New York Nurseries, Grass, Exterior, Wood Siding Material, Barn Building Type, House Building Type, Gable RoofLine, Cabin Building Type, and Farmhouse Building Type Two hours north of New York City, an uncommon animal dwellingplace rises up out of a slope simply off a nation street. Its dark siding and brilliant red window edges indicate the inventive play area inside. This space, with its rope-railed catwalk and indoor tent, is only one component of the multifaceted escape engineering and configuration firm BarlisWedlick Architects intended for support administrator Ian Hague.View Photos Two hours north of New York City, an irregular stable rises up out of a slope simply off a nation street. Its dark siding and brilliant red window casings allude to the inventive play area inside. This space, with its rope-railed catwalk and indoor tent, is only one component of the multifaceted escape engineering and configuration firm BarlisWedlick Architects intended for finance administrator Ian Hague. Photograph: Brian W. Ship Photograph Categories: gardens, grass, outside, wood siding material, horse shelter building type, house building type, peak roofline, lodge building type, farmhouse building type Publicizing inRead concocted by Teads 2. 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The customers employed the Govaert and Vanhoutte studio to change Farmhouse Burkeldijk into a cutting edge living space and an informal lodging inn with the objective to keep up the legacy of the site flawless and discover a harmony between the double cross time frames simultaneously. Photograph: Tim Van de Velde Photograph Categories: outside, peak roofline, wood siding material, house building type, block siding material x 3. A Converted Barn Stays True to its Historic Roots in Suffolk, England Corridor and Concrete Floor Though the elevated space that Hannah Smith and Jeremy Witt call home is a changed over horse shelter, it's not hard to envision it as a house of God when you're inside, gratitude to its excellent extents, taking off roof, and cruciform arrangement. 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Photograph: Raimund Koch Photograph Categories: lounge area, solid floors, track lighting, seat, table 5. A Kubrick-Esque Farmhouse Kicks Its Fossil Fuel Habit in Poperinge, Belgium Outside, Brick Siding Material, House Building Type, Gable RoofLine, and Shingles Roof Material In 2006, Dirk Wynants, proprietor of the open air furniture organization Extremis, obtained an around 1850s farmhouse in Poperinge, a region in the Flanders district of Belgium. He went through the following seven years refreshing it, while remaining inside the zone's stringent conservation codes.View Photos In 2006, Dirk Wynants, proprietor of the open air furniture organization Extremis, bought an around 1850s farmhouse in Poperinge, a region in the Flanders district of Belgium. He went through the following seven years refreshing it, while remaining inside the region's stringent safeguarding codes. Photograph: Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott Photograph Categories: outside, block siding material, house building type, peak roofline, shingles rooftop material 6. A Danish Farmhouse Turned Contemporary Art Studio in Farum, Denmark Solitary and Søren Asmusson moved into Posehuset Studio, their nation domain outside of Copenhagen, just a couple of years back, planning to utilize the space as a home-cum-workmanship studio. In a little while, be that as it may, their imaginative undertakings extended past the devoted music studio and craftsman workrooms inside their home and started infringing upon their living space. The couple went to the horse shelter neighboring their farmhouse, and with the assistance of the VELUX Group in Denmark, rebuilt the current structure into a multi-reason for existing craftsmen's workspace.View Photos Solitary and Søren Asmusson moved into Posehuset Studio, their nation home outside of Copenhagen, just a couple of years back, expecting to utilize the space as a home-cum-craftsmanship studio. After a short time, notwithstanding, their masterful undertakings extended past the devoted music studio and craftsman workrooms inside their home and started infringing upon their living space. The couple went to the horse shelter adjoining their farmhouse, and with the assistance of the VELUX Group in Denmark, redesigned the current structure into a multi-object specialists' workspace. 7. The Former Barn Reborn As a Community Hub in Dover, Massachusetts Kitchen At Powisset Farm, a 106-section of land swath of land that has been developed for somewhere in the range of three centuries, it's likewise about striking the correct blend of convention and innovation. Recently possessed by Boston Brahmin Amelia Peabody, the homestead is presently a model of the Community Supported Agriculture development, provisioning in excess of 300 part families with new products of the soil. In 2014, the land conservation bunch Trustees of Reservations, which claims Powisset, left on a re-novation of its extremely old animal dwellingplace, including a net-positive encouraging kitchen and building the lower level into a root basement. "It was a drafty New England animal dwellingplace with old wood floors, single-sheet windows, and entryways that didn't close well," reviews draftsman Stephanie Horowitz of Boston's ZeroEnergy Design, the firm procured to reconsider the structure.View Photos At Powisset Farm, a 106-section of land swath of land that has been developed for somewhere in the range of three centuries, it's additionally about striking the correct blend of convention and innovation. Recently possessed by Boston Brahmin Amelia Peabody, the ranch is presently a model of the Community Supported Agriculture development, provisioning in excess of 300 part families with crisp products of the soil. In 2014, the land safeguarding bunch Trustees of Reservations, which possesses Powisset, set out on a re-novation of its extremely old animal dwellingplace, including a net-positive encouraging kitchen and building the lower level into a root basement. "It was a drafty New England animal dwellingplace with old wood floors, single-sheet windows, and entryways that didn't close well," reviews planner Stephanie Horowitz of Boston's ZeroEnergy Design, the firm contracted to reconsider the structure. Photograph: Christopher Churchill Photograph Categories: kitchen 8. A Modern Farmhouse Recalls Old-Time Americana Outside Springfield, Missouri Carport When Hannah and Paul Catlett first dismantled up to a three-section of land piece of moving slope outside Springfield, Missouri, things didn't look encouraging. A disintegrating old farm style house stood collapsing on itself, and the land didn't appear anything unique, either. However, when the Catletts saw the general perspective on the Ozarks from the secondary passage, everything changed. "We exited and we had an euphoric inclination," Paul recollects. "It resembled: 'Gracious, my God. This is it.'" They shut on the property seven days after the fact, and very soon had the farm house bulldozed and its timber sent off to an Amish people group for chicken coops.View Photos When Hannah and Paul Catlett first destroyed up to a three-section of land piece of moving slope outside Springfield, Missouri, things didn't look encouraging. A disintegrating old farm style house stood collapsing on itself, and the land didn't appear anything unique, either. Be that as it may, when the Catletts saw the broad perspective on the Ozarks from the secondary passage, everything changed. "We exited and we had an euphoric inclination," Paul recalls. "ItSIngapore related best property. 

[fan-of-mulligan]

FOM BLOG: MY RELEASE / RETAIN LIST FOR THE 2023 / 2024 SEASON

Gillingham finished The 2022 / 2023 Season on a high with a 1-0 away win against Salford City On Monday The Eighth Of May, and now that the football season is over, we can turn our attentions to which players will be released who are out of contract, which players who are out of contract that Gillingham will want to keep, Which players will Gillingham sign in the summer, and the dates for the pre-season friendlies that Gillingham will play in preparation for The 2023 / 2024 Season.

Below are my thoughts on every player and which players I would keep, and which players I think Gillingham should release, And we have already heard news regarding Glenn Morris, Robbie McKenzie, Max Ehmer and Shaun Williams signing new contracts and Cheye Alexander triggering a contract extension, and it makes for a pleasant change compared to previous season’s where Gillingham would make wholesale changes to the squad and then need to sign twenty players in the off season, But here is my release / retain list for this summer as Gillingham look to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion in League Two For The 2023 / 2024 Season…..

GOALKEEPERS

GLENN MORRIS - KEEP - Glenn Morris Got My Vote For Gillingham Player Of The Season, And Glenn Morris won that award at the presentation evening on Sunday, There have been many games in the first half of the season where we can point to crucial saves in key matches where Gillingham have picked up points due to the performances of Glenn Morris in goal for Gillingham, and as the squad improved throughout The January Transfer Window and Gillingham added quality and much needed firepower to help Gillingham turn losses into draws and draws into wins, and even when Gillingham were winning matches against Hartlepool United, Colchester United, Rochdale and Grimsby Town, we can point to moments in these matches where Glenn Morris has made important saves when the score-line was 0-0, or when Gillingham had taken the lead and gone 1-0 up, And despite the fact that Glenn Morris will be forty next season, I expect we will see Glenn Morris line up as our first choice goalkeeper next season.

JAKE TURNER - KEEP - BUT COULD LEAVE ON LOAN - Jake Turner has played eighteen matches for Gillingham this season, Three Football League Trophy Matches, Four League Cup, Four FA Cup, And Seven League Two Matches, Jake Turner was also in goal for Gillingham against Tonbridge Angels In The Kent Senior Cup, And Gillingham have played a lot of cup matches this season, And Jake Turner has helped Gillingham to contribute in our impressive cup runs in The FA Cup and League Cup, and that penalty shootout win against Brentford will live long in the memory, however, Gillingham have been linked with a move for Luke Southwood from Reading, And Taite Holtam has been named as Gillingham’s Club Development Player on the bench for a few league games this season, And I do wonder if Jake Turner will be sent out on loan next season if Gillingham are linked with signing another goalkeeper in the summer ???

TAITE HOLTAM - KEEP - Taite Holtam has been named as Gillingham’s Club Development Player on the bench for the first team for a few times this season, and when I have seen Taite Holtam in goal for Gillingham, It was mostly playing for The XI Sides in pre-season against Chatham Town and Bearsted, But with the likelihood of A U21 Team to be implemented in the summer, I think Taite Holtam will get game-time for Gillingham in a newly created U21 Side.

DEFENDERS

CHEYE ALEXANDER - KEEP - Cheye Alexander has triggered a one year contract extension with the number of appearances he has made for Gillingham this season, And Cheye Alexander has gone from back up / rotational right back, to now being Gillingham’s First Choice Right Back, And Cheye Alexander and Alex MacDonald do link up well down the right flank between the two of them, Cheye Alexander’s goal against AFC Wimbledon was voted as Gillingham’s Goal Of The Season, And Cheye Alexander has assisted a few important goals for Gillingham in the second half of the season, Oli Hawkins stoppage time equaliser against Bradford City, And Oli Hawkins late winner against Grimsby Town come to mind, Cheye Alexander scored the penalty against Leyton Orient to give Gillingham A 2-0 Lead, and Cheye Alexander scored the winning goal from the penalty spot against Salford City, and his performances in the second half of the season are deserving of a new contract.

ROBBIE MCKENZIE - KEEP - Just before Gillingham played against Newport County On Saturday, We saw the announcement that Robbie McKenzie had signed a new contract at Gillingham and most supporters were unsure of Robbie McKenzie either signing a two year deal, or a deal until the end of the season, and clearly it must have been the latter, hence why Robbie McKenzie has signed a new deal, but when I did this post last season, I mentioned that Robbie McKenzie was My Choice For Gillingham Player Of The Season For The 2021 / 2022 Season, and we know that Robbie McKenzie can cover any position in defence and midfield, and that versatility and having a utility player capable of playing in several positions on the pitch is so important in a long football season, especially the long and lengthy season Gillingham have had this season, Robbie McKenzie can also hurl in a long throw, which has caused teams problems defensively, especially when the opposition are marking Tim Dieng and Oli Hawkins, And Robbie McKenzie has been lining up at Left Back for the most part, A Quality Player who has proven to be a decent player for Gillingham in League One Last Season, And has been a consistent performer for Gillingham In League Two This Season.

IKE ORGI - KEEP - The Nineteen Year Old Right Back signed for Gillingham from Chatham Town and continued his development playing for Chatham Town on loan for the rest of the season, helping Chatham Town to get promoted into The Ryman Premier Division, And Ike Orgi will likely come back to Gillingham in the summer to provide additional cover and competition for Cheye Alexander and Robbie McKenzie At Right Back, And I can see Ike Orgi getting game-time for Gillingham in the newly created U21 Team, or playing for Gillingham In The Football League Trophy And Kent Senior Cup Games, there is also the possibility of Ike Orgi getting sent out on loan to A Conference South Club to get game-time at a higher level of non league football.

DAVID TUTONDA - BEEN OFFERED  A NEW CONTRACT - When Neil Harris spoke about David Tutonda being offered a new contract, I think it is fair to say that many supporters were surprised when this announcement was made, Because one of the problems we have seen from David Tutonda, and this perhaps explains why many supporters thought that David Tutonda would have been released is lack of consistency, we either see great moments from David Tutonda like the header against Colchester United, winning the corner kick that lead to Oli Hawkins scoring the stoppage time equaliser away against Bradford City, and the out-standing backs against the wall defensive performance against Stockport County for a 0-0 away draw at Edgeley Park, but we have also seen poor performances and error’s that have lead to goals, granted, the defence was under the cosh for the most part in the first half of the season, and that needs to be taken into consideration, But we have seen Cheye Alexander and Robbie McKenzie start ahead of David Tutonda at Left Back, and we do need to strengthen in this area of the pitch, more so at left back then right back if Gillingham are to be challenging at the top end of the division next season, There is also the possibility that David Tutonda would be OK with being understudy left back to someone who will be signed to be first choice and David Tutonda can play Left Wing Back and Left Midfield to provide Gillingham cover in these positions, but many supporters thought that David Tutonda was going to be released in the summer.

BAILEY AKEHURST - KEEP - With the likely implementation of A U21 Side, I can see quite a few young players currently staying at Gillingham to step up from U18 Football into the newly created U21 Set Up, And Bailey Akehurst has been out on loan at Cray Wanderers this season, and I think that loan will have helped Bailey Akehurst with his development, there is of course the possibility that Bailey Akehurst could be offered a new contract at Gillingham, but sent out on loan and play competitive first team football on a week in, week out basis at Cray Wanderers next season.

LEWIS PAGE - RELEASE - I have seen Lewis Page make one second half substitute appearance for Gillingham away against Northampton Town, and two late sub appearances for Gillingham against Doncaster Rovers and Salford City, and three appearances is not enough to make a fair judgement on a player, but also, Gillingham need to strengthen at left back and I do think that Neil Harris is looking to sign a first choice left back, and given that David Tutonda has been offered a new contract and perhaps David Tutonda is going to be understudy to whoever is signed to be first choice, then I can see Lewis Page getting released, and if David Tutonda were to reject the new contract, then Gillingham will need to sign two left back’s in the summer, because it is clear that Gillingham do need to improve our options at left back for next season.

WILL WRIGHT - KEEP - In the first half of the season, Will Wright was assisting Elkan Baggott, Mikael Mandron and Scott Kashket with goals when goals were in short supply, And Will Wright scored for Gillingham against Brighton & Hove Albion’s U21’s In The Football League Trophy, And Will Wright scored for Gillingham in our 3-3 away draw against Swindon Town, But game-time has been limited for Will Wright with Max Ehmer and Conor Masterson forming Gillingham’s first choice centre back pairing, and with Gillingham likely to sign another centre back in the summer, I do wonder if Will Wright will drop further down the pecking order at Gillingham ??? - We know that Will Wright can play Right Back, Right Wing Back, Right Centre Back, Centre Back and even Defensive Midfield, and that versatility is an asset, but I also think that versatility will see Will Wright drop back to becoming a very useful squad player.

MAX EHMER - KEEP - Gillingham have kept seventeen clean sheets in League Two this season, And Max Ehmer’s performances in defence have helped contribute to that impressive defensive record and Neil Harris clearly rates Max Ehmer very highly, hence why Max Ehmer has been offered a new contract for next season, and if Max Ehmer is a regular starter for Gillingham next season, then Max Ehmer will surpass 400 appearances for Gillingham, which would be an out-standing achievement, We know that Ehmer has got the odd mistake in him like the error that leads to Andy Cook scoring against Gillingham for Bradford City at Priestfield Stadium, But we also know what we get from Max Ehmer when is he is performing well alongside a centre back who starts week in, week out, rather then Max Ehmer having a host of centre back partner’s throughout a season, Most of the players already signed up to new contracts are the defensive minded players who have been here all season, and the defence was never really the problem for Gillingham in the first half of the season, it was our appalling goal-scoring record as to why Gillingham were bottom of League Two in December / Early January.

CONOR MASTERSON - KEEP IF POSSIBLE - Last Summer, I thought it was very unlikely that Gillingham would be able to sign Conor Masterson, But this summer, the possibility of Conor Masterson signing on a permanent basis is more likely to happen, but only if we can offer Conor Masterson a very highly paid long term contract, and with Brad Galinson as Chairman, this is something Gillingham can do now, however, other clubs in League One will also be keen to sign Conor Masterson, and they might be able to offer higher wages and first team football in a higher division, but we just have to hope that after a second loan spell at Gillingham, that Conor Masterson will want to make the move permanent in the summer, now thankfully, QPR have managed to avoid relegation, because had QPR been relegated into League One, then I could see Conor Masterson being offered a new contract by QPR.

MIDFIELDERS

STUART O’KEEFE - RELEASE - One Year Ago, I mentioned the following regarding Stuart O’Keefe,,,, Not only would I keep Stuart O’Keefe at Gillingham Football Club, I give him The Captain’s Armband and Stuart O’Keefe will be the first name on the team-sheet for the start of next season. - And for Stuart O’Keefe to go from Club Captain and first name on the team-sheet to a player who cannot get into the match-day squad and a player who can no longer make an impact on the pitch is a real shame, because a fully fit and firing Stuart O’Keefe should be one of the best midfielders in League Two, and right now that is not the case and since the influx of new signings in January, Stuart O’Keefe has only made two appearances for Gillingham, and one of those performances was a disappointing performance for Gills against Bradford City, but when Stuart O’Keefe was at his best, he was getting yellow cards, and being a combative and competitive midfielder, the lack of bookings seems to suggest that Stuart O’Keefe cannot get around the pitch like he used to.

BEN REEVES - RELEASE - A Nasty Knee Injury against Colchester United On Boxing Day has ruled Ben Reeves out for the rest of the season, and it is an unfortunate injury for Ben Reeves, but it is yet another season where Ben Reeves has spent most of the season on the sidelines, twenty two appearances this season and twenty six appearances last season, and when fully fit, Ben Reeves is a technically gifted midfielder who is very creative, but this is two season’s in a row where Ben Reeves has spent more time on the sidelines then on the pitch, and granted, this injury is a nasty long term injury, but with the squad rule changes for next season, Gillingham have to make sure that the players we have got in the squad next season are going to be players who are fit and available for selection, and unfortunately, injuries have seen Ben Reeves spend most of the season on the sidelines for The Gills.

OLLY LEE - RETIRED - Olly Lee has unfortunately had to retire due to psoriatic arthritis and Raynaud's condition, And I wish Olly Lee the very best for the future in his coaching role, and it’s a real shame that Olly Lee had to retire for reasons out of his control and his playing career was taken from him early, when Olly Lee perhaps felt he could have carried on playing for another five or six years, I am also pleased we were able to give Olly Lee a decent reception for the final home game of the season against Newport County at Priestfield Stadium.

SHAUN WILLIAMS - KEEP - Shaun Williams has signed a one year contract extension at Gillingham and Shaun Williams has always been described as the quiet leader who does his job effectively and efficiently in central midfield, and ever since The Leicester City Game, Shaun Williams performances have gone up a level for Gillingham scoring against Crawley Town and Tranmere Rovers, and the goal that really did stand out was Shaun Williams stoppage time winner for Gillingham against Carlisle United, Goals are not really what Shaun Williams game is about, but he has been on the score-sheet for Gillingham in the second half of the season, and his performances in midfield have been excellent, forty seven appearances this season, would have been fifty had Shaun Williams not picked up that injury which ruled him out for the rest of this season with a few games to go.

ETHAN COLEMAN - KEEP - Ethan Coleman is getting an opportunity to start games for Gillingham because of that injury to Shaun Williams, And Ethan Coleman can consider himself unlucky not to score for Gillingham because he has had efforts on goal against Stockport County and Bradford City blocked and Ethan Coleman first made a decent impression in his first starting appearance for Gillingham away against Stockport County, And Gillingham have got themselves the perfect understudy to Shaun Williams for next season, And I think Ethan Coleman will start more matches as well, because Shaun Williams will need more rest and recovery time given that he will be thirty seven next season, Ethan Coleman can also line up at centre back if we need him to, but defensive midfield is Ethan Coleman’s best position on the pitch.

ALEX MACDONALD - KEEP IF POSSIBLE - Neil Harris has mentioned that contract negotiations are on going with Alex MacDonald and Alex MacDonald has spoken about how he wants to stay at Gillingham if the deal is right, which points to the fact that Alex MacDonald wants A One Plus One Contract, Or, A Two Year Deal, and this deal, if it is indeed on the table is taking time to get completed, What you get from Alex MacDonald is 100% energy and commitment, he will run himself into the ground, Alex MacDonald is a popular player amongst Gillingham Supporters and he is a popular player inside the football club as well, and considering how bad that injury was last season, for Alex MacDonald to play fifty five matches this season is an incredible stat, But I also think we might see Gillingham make reinforcements to strengthen our options in midfield and Alex MacDonald may well drop down to being an squad player, but what a player to be able to bring on off the bench if we need to make a change off the bench next season though.

DOM JEFFERIES - KEEP - Dom Jefferies Won The Young Player Of The Season Award and his performances in the second half of the season have been excellent, Dom Jefferies scored for Gillingham against Hartlepool United and his energetic performances on the left flank have made the right impression among Gillingham Supporters, against Colchester United when Gillingham won 2-0, Dom Jefferies was everywhere, and a few of us supporters mentioned that day that Gillingham have got to do all we can to secure Dom Jefferies to a long term contract, because Jefferies looks like he could be a player who Gillingham could sell for a decent sized transfer fee in the future, and this is something Gillingham have got to do now, secure young players on to longer contracts so that we don’t have to accept the first fee that comes along for one of our players with twelve months left to go on there contract.

JAYDEN CLARKE - KEEP - Scored against Tonbridge Angels In The Kent Senior Cup and since that match, Jayden Clarke has made two sub appearances for Gillingham against Bradford City and Newport County, And Jayden Clarke made an impact when he came on against Bradford City as well, And those sub appearances were rewarded when Jayden Clarke made his first starting appearance for Gillingham against Salford City on the final day of the season, Neil Harris has described Jayden Clarke as a raw talent and a midfielder who has a lot to work on to still get used to full time football having stepped up from part time football at Dulwich Hamlet, Next season, I think Jayden Clarke will stay in and around the first team squad, I don’t think we will see Jayden Clarke go out on loan.

HAKEEB ADELAKUN - BACK TO LINCOLN CITY - Hakeeb Adelakun scored the winning goal against Dagenham & Redbridge In The FA Cup Second Round Replay, and he put in a great performance at Right Back against Swindon Town when Gillingham went down to ten men, But since all the new signings have signed for Gillingham in January, Hakeeb Adelakun has made two sub appearances off the bench and he has not made the match-day squad in recent weeks and he has fallen down the pecking order with Tim Dieng, George Lapslie, Aiden O’Brien and Ethan Coleman all signing for Gillingham in January, We know Hakeeb Adelakun has ability and the lack of consistency from him was something that frustrated Gillingham Supporters.

JORDAN GREEN - RELEASE - In pre-season against Folkestone Invicta, Dover Athletic and Crystal Palace, We saw Jordan Green make an impact, and when the season started, he caused Rochdale problems in the first home league game of the season, scored against AFC Wimbledon In The League Cup and he assisted Scott Kashket with the stoppage time equaliser against Dagenham & Redbridge In The FA Cup, But Jordan Green was too light-weight, he would get out-muscled by stronger and more experienced players in League Two, and he built up a reputation, either fairly or unfairly that he dived inside the opposition penalty area, Gillingham had to assemble a squad on a shoestring budget last summer, and that won’t be the case this summer, and something clearly happened at Sutton United Away between the coaching staff and Jordan Green, because since then, Jordan Green has been no-where near the first team other then playing for Gillingham against Tonbridge Angels In The Kent Senior Cup.

JOSH CHAMBERS - KEEP - Josh Chambers has performed exceptionally well out on loan with Worthing In The Conference South, And I have seen Josh Chambers mentioned a few times regarding goals and assist’s, and with The Shaun Williams injury, Neil Harris has decided to recall Josh Chambers back to the first team, and fair enough, he didn’t come on against Bradford City, But Josh Chambers should have come on as sub against Newport County, But Josh Chambers did get to come on as a sub against Salford City on the final day of the season, And I do wonder if Gillingham plan to loan Josh Chambers out to A Conference National Side Next Season, or, keep Josh Chambers in and around the first team as our Club Development Player on the bench ???

TIM DIENG - KEEP - Tim Dieng has scored for Gillingham against Swindon Town and Bradford City, and against Bradford City, Tim Dieng came close to scoring another goal in that game, and in the home game against Stockport County, Tim Dieng scored a perfectly good header which was ruled out for a foul, Gillingham broke a release clause signing Tim Dieng from Exeter City for £150,000, and that looks like money well spent, because Tim Dieng has played a crucial role to help Gillingham to retain our Football League Status, And Dieng provides Gillingham with physicality in midfield, and physicality in both boxes when attacking and defending set plays, and Shaun Williams performances have improved with Tim Dieng In Central Midfield.

GEORGE LAPSLIE - KEEP - The big problem Gillingham have got is how do we get the best out of George Lapslie who is considered one of the best midfielders in League Two, And Neil Harris mentioned in a recent fans forum that he wants two, two striker formations next season, now to play George Lapslie in his best position in central attacking midfield with two strikers on the pitch at the same-time either means a 4-4-2 diamond midfield, or, a 5-2-1-2 formation, But in recent weeks, Gillingham have lined up with a 4-4-1-1 formation and George Lapslie is playing in his natural position, and he did score against Stockport County playing in his best position on the pitch, Lapslie has also scored for Gillingham against Rochdale and Grimsby Town and there is much more to come from him next season for Gillingham.

AIDEN O’BRIEN - KEEP IF POSSIBLE - Aiden O’Brien can cover four or five positions in midfield and attack and to play close or over one hundred appearances for Millwall in The Championship is very impressive and Neil Harris knows Aiden O’Brien very well and wise versa, and Gillingham isn’t far from where Aiden O’Brien currently lives and the move to Gillingham for Aiden O’Brien just ticks all the right boxes, Aiden O’Brien scored for Gillingham against Northampton Town and Crewe Alexandra, and I don’t really see Aiden O’Brien as an out and out centre forward, just a player who can play there from time to time, but wide midfield usually is where Aiden O’Brien mostly plays these days, But that versatility and experience will prove to be valuable in a long season, out of the two loan signings of Aiden O’Brien and Conor Masterson, and I hope that Gillingham can sign both players, But Aiden O’Brien signing for Gillingham Looks the more likely deal to get done, because there are a lot of clubs interested in signing Conor Masterson.

STRIKERS

TOM NICHOLS - KEEP - Tom Nichols could not have got off to a better start in his Gillingham Career, scoring three goals in his first three appearances, and since then, Tom Nichols has scored three goals in nineteen appearances, but in those nineteen appearances, Tom Nichols could have scored a hat-trick against Bradford City, Nichols header went just wide against Northampton Town, And Tom Nichols was very unlucky not to score against Crawley Town, But Gillingham have got themselves a striker who has scored six goals in half a season for a side trying to battle to avoid relegation into non league football, replicate that goal-scoring form over the entire season, and your talking twelve to sixteen goals from a striker who from the first minute he walked through the door at Gillingham Football Club was convinced that we were not getting relegated and Tom Nichols spoke about a promotion push for the following season as well.

OLI HAWKINS - KEEP - The 6’6’ Towering Centre Forward has played a crucial role in helping Gillingham to get out of the relegation zone, and that first match against Hartlepool United just saw Tom Nichols and Oli Hawkins link up alongside each other in attack, And Oli Hawkins has scored for Gillingham against Grimsby Town, Rochdale and Bradford City, and three goals for a striker is not a lot and Oli Hawkins isn’t going to be a striker who scores fifteen to twenty goals a season, but Hawkins wins the ball in the air, can hold the ball up and lay the ball off to team-mates and Tom Nichols has spoken about Oli Hawkins being a striker’s dream to play alongside up-front because it takes two or three defenders to mark Oli Hawkins because he is so good in the air, Oli Hawkins can also play centre back should we need him to play in that position on occasion, But Neil Harris clearly see’s Oli Hawkins best position on the pitch for Gillingham as a striker.

SCOTT KASHKET - RELEASE - First half of the season, we appreciated the hard working and chase every blade of grass we saw from Scott Kashket, And Scott Kashket scored for Gillingham against Rochdale, Dagenham & Redbridge, and Crewe Alexandra, But we have seen better quality of strikers signed in January with Tom Nichols, Oli Hawkins and Aiden O’Brien all signing for Gillingham, And I think additional signings in the final third in the summer will push Scott Kashket further down the pecking order, and had Scott Kashket been fully fit, he might have been able to contribute more off the bench, But I think Scott Kashket will sign for another club in the summer.

TRISTAN ABRAHAMS - LET GO - Tristan Abrahams was signed on deadline day because of injuries to Lewis Walker and Scott Kashket, both injuries were long term injuries as well and because Gillingham had hit FFP this season despite impressive cup runs in The FA Cup And League Cup, Gillingham had to make do with signing a player on loan and Tristan Abrahams helped Gillingham out in the short term, and his only starting appearances were against Stockport County and Barrow, But in the home game against Carlisle United, I think Tristan Abrahams impact off the bench helped Gillingham to win that game, But with better signings expected in the summer, I think Tristan Abrahams will go back into Non League, but his performances for Gillingham will have not gone unnoticed by other Non League Clubs.

JOE GBODE - KEEP BUT SEND OUT ON LOAN - I think Joe Gbode would benefit from going out on loan to A Conference South Club for the season, maybe go out on loan to Worthing and continue that link between both football clubs, or maybe a loan spell with Welling United or Dover Athletic, Joe Gbode has proven himself time and again at Hastings United, But a loan spell at A Conference South Club would be really beneficial for the young striker.

LEWIS WALKER - KEEP - And because Joe Gbode will go out on loan in my scenario, I can see Lewis Walker staying at Gillingham just to add squad depth to our attacking options, I don’t think Lewis Walker is earning a high wage and Neil Harris does rate Lewis Walker, who scored four goals for Gillingham in cup competitions this season, and maybe training and working with better players will see more improvement from Lewis Walker, But if Gillingham were to bring in other strikers who are 18, 19 or 20 years old who move ahead of Lewis Walker in the pecking order, then Lewis Walker could move on in the summer.

KEEP FOR THE UNDER TWENTY ONE SQUAD

WILL DEMPSEY, FREDDIE CARTER, JULIAN KUHR, SAM GALE, ALEX GILES, MATT MACARTHUR, KAI GARRETT, STAN SKIPPER, RONALD SITHOLE AND HARRY BRIDLE - With The U21 Team likely to be implemented this summer, I can see quite a few of our young players in the youth team being given contracts for the newly created U21 Side, Alex Giles, Ronald Sithole and Matt Macarthur could all be loaned out to Sheppey United or Chatham Town respectively, As Gillingham are looking to build a link with both non league clubs, Sam Gale could be a player who gets an opportunity to go out on loan at A Conference South Side having impressed at Sheppey United out on loan this season.

The number of young players staying at Gillingham Football Club will depend on how The U21 Structure is set up, and how many young players from other clubs Gillingham are looking to sign who get released from bigger clubs, one player who I have not spoken about listed here is Harry Bridle, who was top goal-scorer for the youth team this season, but younger then the likes of Ronald Sithole and Sam Gale, I think Harry Bridle will stay with the youth team and continue to develop at U18 level.

THE TWENTY TWO OVER TWENTY ONE RULE

There is a new rule which will effect how League One and League Two Clubs assemble there squads for The 2023 / 2024 Season, and this rule has been in place this season, but will likely be set in stone for next season, So what is The Twenty Two Over Twenty One Rule ??? - Your allowed a maximum squad size of twenty two players who are twenty one or older in your entire squad, Goalkeepers do not count towards the squad cap, and neither do players who are under the age of twenty one, Jayden Clarke for example didn’t hit the limit this season, but will next season, And this is how Gillingham’s Squad will look like with this rule in place.

DEFENDERS - Cheye Alexander, Robbie McKenzie, Will Wright, Max Ehmer, Conor Masterson, David Tutonda

MIDFIELDERS - Aiden O’Brien, George Lapslie, Tim Dieng, Shaun Williams, Jayden Clarke, Ethan Coleman, Alex MacDonald

STRIKERS - Tom Nichols, Oli Hawkins, Lewis Walker

This gives Gillingham the maximum of six senior first team signings and any more then six signings will require players to leave, so maybe if Gillingham sign seven players who are considered experience first team signings, then maybe Lewis Walker will be sent out on loan to facilitate the additional signing, However, players who are younger then twenty one do not count towards the squad limit, so this perhaps places greater importance on loan signings and signing good young players on loan who can play first team football for Gillingham in League Two.

But if Gillingham are keen to get The U21 Team implemented in the off season, Andy Hessenthaler, Kenny Jackett and Keith Millen might all be scouting young players who get released by bigger clubs, and if one or two of the young players Gillingham sign in the summer can count towards The Club Development Player Rule, then those signings will be beneficial, Because Taite Holtam has been on the bench to see Gillingham name the maximum of seven subs, and Josh Chambers is currently on the bench for the first team, but there have been several games this season where Gillingham have had to make do with naming just six subs on the bench, because we have not named A Club Development Player in the squad.

This season has tested Gillingham’s squad to the limit, especially with the cup runs in The FA Cup and League Cup, Gillingham have played close to sixty matches in all competitions this season, next season, Gillingham are going to need depth and quality in the squad to not only have a squad capable to challenging for promotion, but also, having players available which will allow Gillingham to rest the likes of Glenn Morris, Shaun Williams, Max Ehmer, Alex MacDonald and Tom Nichols as and when required to do so, because when Gillingham were promoted as League Two Champions in 2012 / 2013, Martin Allen could make five changes to the starting line up from one match to the next, and it didn’t affect the quality on the pitch, that is the kind of depth Gillingham will need in our squad for next season.

SO WHERE SHOULD GILLINGHAM STRENGTHEN THE SQUAD???

Goalkeeper - Luke Southwood is the goalkeeper linked with a move to Gillingham, now Luke Southwood could sign for Gillingham, or Neil Harris has other transfer targets in mind, but clearly Gillingham want another goalkeeper to strengthen our goalkeeping options next season with Glenn Morris, Jake Turner and another goalkeeper all at the football club, it’s been a long time since Gillingham have had three senior goalkeepers, because in previous season’s, young goalkeepers like Tom Hadler and Joe Walsh have been back up goalkeepers to Tomas Holy and Jack Bonham respectively, there are also two other situations to take into consideration, the twenty two over twenty one rule doesn’t apply to goalkeepers so Gillingham can sign another experienced goalkeeper to be understudy to Glenn Morris, and also, if the goalkeeper signed in the summer is signed on a permanent basis, it means that all five loan signings can be used to sign five out-field loanee’s to strengthen the first team.

Centre Back

Left Back

Central Midfield Cover For Tim Dieng - Maybe someone who can play centre back and central midfield and provide Gillingham with that physicality which Tim Dieng has got, Because Tim Dieng not playing against Salford City highlighted what Gillingham were missing when he was unavailable due to injury.

Winger With Pace - Someone that just gives Gillingham something different and gives us that game changer off the bench.

Two Strikers - A like for like replacement for Oli Hawkins, could be someone under the age of 21 to ensure that Gillingham have got a spot in the squad for another over 21 player, or potentially Harry Smith, who has been linked to Gillingham and used to play for Folkestone Invicta and is currently at Leyton Orient.

The second striker will be the hardest player to find, a proven established goal-scorer in League Two, this may well force Tom Nichols to a bench role for Gillingham, or maybe Tom Nichols could be the goal-scorer we have got all along, but we do need to sign a striker who you know is a guaranteed goal-scorer in this division, which is easier said then done, Alfie May has already been linked with a move to Gillingham, and I am just not sure if Gillingham will be able to sign Alfie May.

YOUNG SIGNINGS

But besides the six players mentioned above, I think we can expect to see Gillingham sign a lot of young players to go into the newly created U21 Side, And I think many of the players in this squad will get the opportunity to play for Gillingham in Football League Trophy and Kent Senior Cup Games, this season has seen Gillingham play a lot of cup matches, having a group of young players ready to play in these matches and allow Gills to rest players for league matches is going to be so important, Because next season, the expectation will be on Gillingham to challenge for promotion, finishing seventeenth this season was essentially about ensuring that Gillingham retained our Football League Status, next season, achieving a position in the playoffs will be seen as our minimum objective.

The Kent Senior Cup is basically used for youth development for Gillingham, and if Gillingham want to do well in The Kent Senior Cup with a young side, then we will need better quality young players at the football club who are ready for when these matches take place, and The U21 Side will need to either play in a league, or play friendlies every week to ensure that the players are match fit and match sharp if and when they need to be called upon.

I watched Chatham Town V Margate In The Kent Senior Cup Final - Margate won on penalties - And the attendance on that Wednesday Evening was 2,758, I think the attendance would have been over 7,000 had Gillingham hosted The Kent Senior Cup Final At Priestfield Stadium, Having a group of young players who are not far off the first team in-terms of ability is going to be so important, not just for The Kent Senior Cup, but for producing players for the first team, and having that pathway from the youth team, into The U21 Team and into the first team, You have to say that the youth side of the football club has been neglected in recent season’s, having a proper pathway into the first team is only going to be beneficial for there development.

SO WITH ALL OF MY SUGGESTIONS, WHAT WILL GILLINGHAM’S SQUAD LOOK LIKE FOR THE 2022 / 2023 SEASON ???

GOALKEEPER - Glenn Morris, Jake Turner

DEFENDERS - Cheye Alexander, Robbie McKenzie, Ike Orgi, Will Wright, Max Ehmer, Conor Masterson (If Gillingham Can Sign Masterson), David Tutonda

MIDFIELDERS - Aiden O’Brien (If Gillingham Can Sign O’Brien), George Lapslie, Tim Dieng, Shaun Williams, Jayden Clarke, Ethan Coleman, Dom Jefferies, Alex MacDonald, Josh Chambers

STRIKERS - Tom Nichols, Oli Hawkins, Lewis Walker, Joe Gbode (But Joe Gbode could go out on loan).

YOUTH - Taite Holtam, Will Dempsey, Freddie Carter, Julian Kuhr, Bailey Akehurst, Sam Gale, Alex Giles, Matt Macarthur, Kai Garrett, Stan Skipper, Ronald Sithole, Harry Bridle

When I did My Release / Retain List a year ago, eighteen players were suggested to be released, and a clear out of the squad was expected and needed, but Gillingham go into this summer with Glenn Morris, Robbie McKenzie, Cheye Alexander, Max Ehmer and Shaun Williams all signed on for next season with new contracts, or in Cheye Alexander’s case, triggering a one year contract extension, Alex MacDonald and David Tutonda have both been offered contracts, and looking at the squad listed above, and only counting the players considered to be part of the senior first team squad, Gillingham have got twenty players in the squad for next season, we will be hoping to turn Conor Masterson and Aiden O’Brien’s loan deals into permanent deals, but time will tell if those deals happen or not.

And if both players were to sign on the dotted line, then Gillingham may well only need to sign six first team signings, and all six players signed you think would be players that either start or are close to starting, any squad player signings can be supplemented with players signed for The U21 Team, But we actually go into the summer knowing which positions in the squad need to be desperately strengthened with first team signings, and other positions in the squad that perhaps don’t need to be top of the priority list can be strengthened with signing A U21 Player who can cover that position on the pitch.

Because Gillingham having to sign eighteen to twenty players every summer, having to stretch our budget thin to build a squad, then trying to gel that squad together throughout pre-season and during the season was getting frustrating on a yearly basis, and going into next season with the core squad contracted and we can focus on specific signings for the first team is going to be so important, because next season cannot be a slow start, there is anticipation and expectation on Gillingham starting next season in good form quickly and having the core squad who know there team-mates strength’s and weaknesses already at the football club is going to be vital.

There won’t be any excuses or benefit of the doubt next season, the pressure is on Neil Harris and his coaching staff to get Gillingham promoted, and I really do hope that we can match what Leyton Orient, Stevenage and Northampton Town have done this season next season, and in twelve months time, Gillingham are celebrating promotion into League One at the end of The 2023 / 2024 Season, But with the expectation and anticipation on next season, Gillingham cannot start next season with a stuttering start, and having the core group of the squad contracted for next season is going to hopefully help Gillingham take our second half form into the first half of next season.

I am sure Gillingham will announced The Release / Retain List over the next few days, and some clubs have already announced there release / retain lists already, and I am guessing that Gillingham will announce there release / retain list on Friday, but that is only a guess, I have mentioned my suggestions in this blog, it be interesting to see how many Gillingham Supporters agree or disagree with my suggestions, and of course, it be interesting to see how many players are released when Gillingham do make a official announcement as well.

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loft conversion colchester

The possibilities are unlimited, and you can tailor the area to satisfy your specific needs.Compared to other home renovation projects, a loft conversion is a cost-efficient way to include more area to your home in Colchester. It is more economical than transferring to a new home or building an extension. A loft conversion can also increase the value of your home, making it a wise financial investment. At Loft Match, we can assist enhance the energy performance of your home with our loft conversion services.  

A loft conversion can also bring more natural light into your home in Colchester. With the addition of brand-new windows, your home will feel brighter and more inviting. This can also assist to enhance your mood and well-being. Now that you know the advantages of a loft conversion, it's crucial to select the best company to provide this service. Loft Match is the best company to select for your loft conversion needs in Colchester. We have years of experience in supplying loft conversions, and we have a group of specialists who can assist you design and develop your brand-new area to satisfy your specific needs. We are devoted to supplying outstanding customer care.

Loft Match, Loft Conversion Colchester. The Chase Way, Colchester CO3 4AZ. 01206 581917

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[blogger202931]

Hip To Gable Loft Conversion

Are you aiming to include more area to your home in Colchester? Have you thought about a loft conversion? Loft conversions are a popular option for house owners who need more area however don't want to move. They are an affordable way to include a new room or rooms to your house, and they can also increase the worth of your home. At Loft Match, we provide loft conversion services that can help you achieve your objectives.The most obvious advantage of a loft conversion is the additional area it supplies.

loft conversion colchester

The possibilities are unlimited, and you can customize the area to meet your particular requirements.Compared to other house restoration projects, a loft conversion is an affordable way to include more area to your home in Colchester. It is more economical than transferring to a new house or developing an extension. A loft conversion can also increase the worth of your home, making it a clever financial investment. At Loft Match, we can help improve the energy efficiency of your house with our loft conversion services.  

A loft conversion can also bring more natural light into your home in Colchester. With the addition of brand-new windows, your house will feel brighter and more inviting. This can also help to improve your state of mind and well-being. Now that you understand the benefits of a loft conversion, it's important to select the right company to supply this service. Loft Match is the very best company to select for your loft conversion requires in Colchester. We have years of experience in offering loft conversions, and we have a team of professionals who can help you style and build your brand-new area to meet your particular requirements. We are devoted to offering exceptional client service.

Loft Match, Loft Conversion Colchester. The Chase Way, Colchester CO3 4AZ. 01206 581917

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[beepso122]

Hip To Gable Loft Conversion

Are you looking to add more area to your home in Colchester? Have you thought about a loft conversion? Loft conversions are a popular choice for property owners who need more area but don't wish to move. They are an affordable method to add a new room or spaces to your house, and they can likewise increase the worth of your residential or commercial property. At Loft Match, we provide loft conversion services that can assist you achieve your objectives.The most apparent benefit of a loft conversion is the additional area it provides.

loft conversion colchester

The possibilities are unlimited, and you can customize the area to meet your specific requirements.Compared to other house restoration projects, a loft conversion is an affordable method to add more area to your home in Colchester. It is less expensive than moving to a new house or developing an extension. A loft conversion can likewise increase the worth of your residential or commercial property, making it a clever investment. At Loft Match, we can assist improve the energy effectiveness of your house with our loft conversion services.  

A loft conversion can likewise bring more natural light into your home in Colchester. With the addition of new windows, your house will feel brighter and more welcoming. This can likewise assist to improve your state of mind and wellness. Now that you know the benefits of a loft conversion, it's essential to pick the right business to provide this service. Loft Match is the very best business to pick for your loft conversion requires in Colchester. We have years of experience in providing loft conversions, and we have a group of professionals who can assist you design and build your new area to meet your specific requirements. We are committed to providing exceptional customer care.

Loft Match, Loft Conversion Colchester. The Chase Way, Colchester CO3 4AZ. 01206 581917

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[loft-uk-112]

Hip To Gable Loft Conversion

Are you looking to add more space to your home in Colchester? Have you considered a loft conversion? Loft conversions are a popular option for house owners who need more space however don't wish to move. They are an economical method to add a brand-new room or spaces to your home, and they can also increase the worth of your property. At Loft Match, we provide loft conversion services that can help you achieve your objectives.The most obvious advantage of a loft conversion is the extra space it offers.

loft conversion colchester

The possibilities are limitless, and you can customize the space to meet your specific needs.Compared to other home restoration jobs, a loft conversion is an economical method to add more space to your home in Colchester. It is less costly than relocating to a brand-new house or developing an extension. A loft conversion can also increase the worth of your property, making it a clever financial investment. At Loft Match, we can help improve the energy effectiveness of your home with our loft conversion services.  

A loft conversion can also bring more natural light into your home in Colchester. With the addition of new windows, your home will feel brighter and more welcoming. This can also help to improve your state of mind and wellness. Now that you understand the benefits of a loft conversion, it's crucial to pick the right business to offer this service. Loft Match is the best business to pick for your loft conversion requires in Colchester. We have years of experience in supplying loft conversions, and we have a group of experts who can help you design and build your new space to meet your specific needs. We are committed to supplying excellent customer service.

Loft Match, Loft Conversion Colchester. The Chase Way, Colchester CO3 4AZ. 01206 581917

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[my-loft-111]

Hip To Gable Loft Conversion

Are you seeking to add more space to your home in Colchester? Have you considered a loft conversion? Loft conversions are a popular option for house owners who require more space but do not want to move. They are an affordable method to add a new room or rooms to your home, and they can also increase the worth of your property. At Loft Match, we provide loft conversion services that can assist you accomplish your goals.The most obvious benefit of a loft conversion is the additional space it provides.

loft conversion colchester

The possibilities are unlimited, and you can tailor the space to satisfy your specific requirements.Compared to other home remodelling jobs, a loft conversion is an affordable method to add more space to your home in Colchester. It is more economical than moving to a new home or constructing an extension. A loft conversion can also increase the worth of your property, making it a clever financial investment. At Loft Match, we can assist improve the energy effectiveness of your home with our loft conversion services.  

A loft conversion can also bring more natural light into your home in Colchester. With the addition of brand-new windows, your home will feel brighter and more inviting. This can also assist to improve your mood and well-being. Now that you understand the advantages of a loft conversion, it's important to choose the ideal business to offer this service. Loft Match is the best business to choose for your loft conversion requires in Colchester. We have years of experience in providing loft conversions, and we have a team of specialists who can assist you design and develop your brand-new space to satisfy your specific requirements. We are dedicated to providing excellent client service.

Loft Match, Loft Conversion Colchester. The Chase Way, Colchester CO3 4AZ. 01206 581917

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[architectnews]

Tate Derry Gallery Building, Northern Ireland

Tate Derry Gallery, Ebrington Military Barracks Building, Northern Irish Architecture Design

Tate Derry Gallery Building

New Art Gallery in Northern Ireland design by John McAslan + Partners Architects, London

22 Sep 2021

Art Fund Museum of the Year 2021 Finalist

This building is one of four Art Fund Museum of the Year 2021 finalists. The winner was Firstsite Colchester, Essex, England.

Centre for Contemporary Art Derry~Londonderry

photograph © Marc Atkins

Centre for Contemporary Art Derry~Londonderry

The Centre for Contemporary Art has been exhibiting emerging artists from Northern Ireland alongside international peers since 1992. Today CCA creates opportunities for audiences to experience ambitious, experimental and engaging contemporary art and supports the development of artists through commissions, solo and group exhibitions, public programmes, artist residencies, alongside its own publishing programme.

photo © Marc Atkins

In the past year, it has supported 65 artists with paid for opportunities including social media takeovers, as well as developing its CCA Supports programme. This includes an online platform providing artists with information on emergency support through Government schemes and initiatives, crit groups and surgeries along with a series of Roundtable podcasts.

photo © Marc Atkins

Moreover, CCA has continued to engage with the community by displaying artwork in its windows. It presented the biennial exhibition URGENCIES 2021 in spaces across the city such as in shop windows, theatres and a shopping centre, and delivered activity packs to hundreds of schoolchildren, essential in an area of social deprivation.

photograph © Marc Atkins

The Art Fund Museum of the Year 2021 finalistes were s announced at a ceremony on the evening of 21 September 2021. The largest museum prize in the world was presented at the Science Museum in west London, UK.

building exterior photograph courtesy of Art Fund Museum of the Year

Previously on e-architect:

30 Oct 2013

Design: John McAslan + Partners, Architects, UK

Location: Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Tate Derry Gallery

John Mcaslan + Partners Complete New Gallery Space For Turner Prize Exhibition, Tate Derry

image from architects practice

Tate Derry Gallery Building News

The 2013 Turner Prize exhibition has opened at Tate Derry in the disused Ebrington Military Barracks, reconfigured by the practice (with CPD, Ilex Urban Regeneration Company and Ostick & Williams) as a sequence of new gallery spaces. The exhibition is organised by Derry-Londonderry, the first UK City of Culture, in partnership with Tate.

The scheme comprises four gallery spaces of c. 100 square metres each, an area used for screening films about the artists, and a café with views over the River Foyle. Following its initial use to host Turner Prize 2013, the space will be the focus of a new creative hub for Derry-Londonderry, supporting the development of creative industries in the city.

building exterior photo courtesy of Art Fund Museum of the Year

This is the first ever presentation outside England of the Turner Prize – the UK’s most prestigious art prize. The four short-listed artists are Laure Prouvost, Tino Sehgal, David Shrigley and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye; the winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on Monday 2 December 2013, broadcast live on Channel 4.

John McAslan + Partners (JMP) is a leading architectural and design practice based in London, with offices in Manchester, Edinburgh and Doha. Our extensive portfolio of award-winning international projects includes infrastructure, commercial, residential, education, cultural, heritage, urban design, and landscape sectors.

The practice’s cultural portfolio includes projects for the Museum of London, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh, the Burrell Collection, Glasgow, the Royal British Columbia Museum inVictoria, Canada, and a new cultural quarter in Doha, Qatar, including the design of four heritage museums. In Moscow the practice is designing a world-class art gallery to house a prominent collection of Russian Impressionist paintings, to be located within the redevelopment of the historic Bolshevik Factory.

building photo courtesy of Art Fund Museum of the Year

JMP has an extensive portfolio of new-build architecture, but the practice is also known for its skill in injecting vibrant and sustainable life to historic buildings through adaptive intervention. Completed projects include the redevelopment of the historic Stanislavsky Factory in Moscow, the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, the Roundhouse arts venue in Camden, London, the British Embassy in Algiers, the restoration of the Iron Market in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and the award-winning transformation of King’s Cross Station.

John McAslan + Partners has won in excess of 65 international awards, including some 16 RIBA Building of the Year Awards, and has been named Architectural Practice of the Year and World Architect of the Year on a number of occasions.

Art Galleries

Tate Derry Gallery images / information from John McAslan + Partners

Tate Derry Gallery Building architect : John McAslan

Tate Derry~Londonderry Gallery – external link to Turner Prize 2013 info

Location: Ebrington, Derry, Northern Ireland

Buildings in Northern Ireland

Northern Irish Buildings

Contemporary Architecture in Northern Ireland – architectural selection below:

Lyric Theatre, Belfast Design: O’Donnell + Tuomey architects photo : Dennis Gilbert/VIEW Lyric Theatre Building

Omagh Integrated Primary & Nursery School, Omagh Design: TODD Architects photo courtesy of architects Omagh Integrated Primary & Nursery School Building

Cairn House, Carrickfergus, County Antrim Design: 2020 Architecture photo © Emma Stewart and 2020 Architecture House in Carrickfergus

Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex, County Tyrone Design: TODD Architects with Hall Black Douglas photograph © Chris Hill Photography Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex, County Tyrone

Queen’s Parade in Bangor Redevelopment Design: FaulknerBrowns Architects image © FaulknerBrowns Architects Queen’s Parade in Bangor

City Quays 2 Building, Belfast Harbour Design: Grimshaw, Architects photograph : Donal McCann Photography City Quays 2 Belfast Harbour Building

The Sixth Belfast Office Building Design: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Architects (AHMM) image courtesy of architects The Sixth Belfast Office Building

Ballymena Health & Care Centre, Northern Ireland Keppie Design / Gareth Hoskins Architects photo from architect Ballymena Health & Care Centre Building

UK Art Gallery Building Designs

Tate Modern Building

Tate Britain

Tate Modern Building Extension

Tate Britain Transformation

Art Gallery Buildings

Irish Architecture Designs

Contemporary Architecture in Ireland

Irish Architectural Designs – chronological list

Irish Architecture News

Irish Architect Studios – design office listings

John McAslan + Partners

Comments / photos for the Tate Derry Gallery Building Architecture design by John McAslan + Partners Architects page welcome

The post Tate Derry Gallery Building, Northern Ireland appeared first on e-architect.

[the-coconut-asado]

Sand and Sandwiches

When I posted pictures of Clacton Pier from our road trip last month, alot of friends recalled fond memories of their childhood, whizzing down the helter skelter and eating whelks on the beach. How many of those friends returned to Clacton between puberty and the menopause? I’m guessing zero.

British seaside holidays - especially those on the bracing North Sea coastline - are freeze-framed in our consciousness as an ice cream in a 10-force gale, or a sandy mouthful of picnic behind a wind break. That’s if you ever got out of the car to eat. My own holiday memories involve that great British institution The Car Picnic: cold baked beans on crispbread, washed down with a thermos of tea, watching the rain lash the windscreen before going to queue for Les Dennis and Dustin Gee at the Winter Garden.

When I was very young we would follow my half-sister (a dancer) around the seaside panto circuit, performing variously alongside Danny la Rue (the ultimate drag queen), Dickie Henderson (a comedian I announced I wanted to marry, aged 5) and The Clitheroe Kid (there would have been no Crankies without him. You figure out if this was a good thing). Any dreams I had of a career in showbiz were quashed by seeing the leading lady in Robinson Crusoe sitting in her dressing room in a candlewick robe drinking soup out of a flask and puffing aggressively on a Malboro’ Light . Cold soup did not signal glamour, and no amount of gourmet gazpacho over the years has made me change my mind.

But back to Clacton. We had come for the day from our glamping site near Colchester (Covid has done nothing if not made us adventurous), hoping to build better seaside food memories in a post-Jamie Oliver era.

It didn’t bode well that we couldn’t get warm. Icy winds blew from the stall selling an irresistible if confusing combination of ice cream and chips, right through the rat run of Vegas-adjacent slot machine arcades, where you could win anything you wanted as long as it was a baby Yoda.

But nestling in the back streets was a cafe called Tracie’s which, unlike those around it, was teeming with people. Its fogged up windows promised warmth, so we snapped on our face masks and dived in.

And we were rewarded. While Adam couldn’t think past a burger and chips (no blame there) I noticed a chalkboard with their special of the day: goat curry. I figured that restaurant which stakes their reputation on a goat curry has to serve a good one - and I wasn’t wrong. Dark, glossy and caramelised from long, slow cooking, with just the right lick of habanero chilli pepper and meltingly tender potatoes, served with a flavourful jollof rice.

From the gleeful expressions of our fellow diners it seemed that Tracie, the owner-chef, is turning out plate after plate of delicious and consistent food - including Adam’s burger and crispiest fries. But that curry, over and above all else, banished all my dodgy seaside supper memories for good and replaced them with a whole bowl of yum.

I went straight home and experimented, and here is the result. You might feel like an ice cream to follow (with or without a side order of chips) so my choc chip sorbet ice cream should fill the bill nicely. And if, like me, your childhood is sprinked with the crumbs of a back seat picnic, then I hope that my Pork Cholas will change the course of your summer outdoor eating.

Goat Curry

Unlike Tracie, I have developed this as an off the bone curry. Still full of flavour but less fiddly to eat. Serve with jollof, coconut or plain basmati rice. Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

2kg goat leg, off the bone and chopped into generous chunks

4-5 garlic cloves, crushed

1 red pepper, cubed

1 scotch bonnet/ habanero pepper seeded and chopped finely

1 in piece of fresh ginger, grated

2 tsp kosher salt

2 onions chopped

1-2 tbsp. Sunflower oil

Few sprigs fresh thyme

1 tin cherry tomatoes

3 tbsp plain yoghurt

250 ml beef stock

1 small tin coconut cream

200g potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped

Curry Paste:

2 tsp allspice

3-4 tsp cumin powder

2 tsp. Turmeric

½ tsp. Cinnamon

1 tsp ground black pepper

1tbsp. Reloja powder (this is a Puerto Rican mix of toasted ground cinnamon sticks, dried chillis, cumin, pumpkin seeds, bay leavesm sesame seeds and cocoa powder)

3 tbsp sunflower oil

How to make

Marinate the goat in the garlic, ginger, salt, thyme and chopped scotch bonnet. Leave the flavours to develop over an hour or two.

Heat the oil in a large, deep casserole, then fry the onion and pepper until brown. Add the curry paste and fry until the oil starts to separate and the aromas hit you. Add the marinaded goat meat and stir until coated.

Add the tin of cherry tomatoes, the beef stock and the coconut cream, stir well to combine then reduce heat and simmer, covered for about 3.5 hours.

Add the chopped potatoes, then simmer, uncovered, for a further 30 mins until the potatoes are cooked but still holding together. Test the goat for tenderness - it should be meltingly tender - and serve.

Choc Chip Sorbet Ice Cream

How can you have an ice cream and a sorbet all in one? Simple - by using my friend Sam’s Chocolate Sorbet recipe (see my Last Kitchen Show blog) as a base, then adding whipped egg white, double cream and of course chocolate chips. An ice cream maker will make this effortless, but don’t despair if you don’t have one. Just remember to take the ice cream out of the freezer a couple of hours after freezing and whisk thoroughly before returning to the freezer. Serves 4-6

Ingredients For the sorbet mix:

200 g caster sugar

50g cocoa powder

50 g 70% dark chocolate, broken into pieces

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

600 ml water

To finish:

1 egg white

300 ml double cream

30g dark chocolate chips

How to make:

First, make the sorbet mix. Bring the water to the boil, then whisk in the sugar and cocoa powder. Simmer for 5 minutes, then take off the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth. Cool (you can make this the day before and refrigerate over night)

Whisk the egg white to soft peaks, and in a separate bowl, whisk the double cream until just holding its shape. Fold the egg white and cream into the sorbet mix, then mix in the ice cream maker.

Five minutes before it is ready, add the chocolate chips to the ice cream as it mixes (or if you are not using a maching, add the choc chips after you have whisked the mix out of the freezer). Transfer to a plastic container, cover and freeze. Bring to room temperature for around 20 minutes before serving.

Pork Cholas

This is the national sandwich of Bolivia - probably getting its name from Cholitas, Bolivia’s indigenous women. You can just serve this with the traditional salsa verde but I also like to add a small dollop of Stokes Jalapeno Jelly for extra zing. I made my own crusty bread rolls for these photos, but sandwich making shouldn’t be a morning-long process, so just buy 6 of these and off you go. Makes 6 Cholas.

Ingredients:

1.5kg pork shoulder off the bone, skin removed and aside

1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed

1 tsp salt plus extra for salting the skin

1 tsp garlic salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp chilli flakes

2 tbsp. Olive oil

300ml cider

6 crusty white bread rolls

Lettuce

Salted butter

For the salsa verde:

3 tbsp. Flat parsley

1 tbsp. Mint leaves

3 tbsp. Capers

6 anchovy fillets

1 clove garlic

1 tbsp. Dijon mustard

Juice of ½ a lemon

120 ml extra virgin olive oil

How to make:

First, roast your pork (you can do this the day before). Mix the fennel seeds, salt, garlic salt, pepper and chilli flakes in a bowl. Add the olive oil and stir to combine, then rub this all over the pork shoulder. Set aside. Rub salt all over the skin (which should be scored) and then pop, uncovered, in the fridge.

Heat the oven to 240C. Put the pork shoulder into a roasting tin and pour the cider around it. Pop into the over, uncovered and immediately turn the oven down to 180C. Pat the skin dry, salt again and put onto a rimmed baking sheet. Slot into the top shelf of your oven and roast skin and shoulder for 2 - 2.½ hours. The pork should be tender and the crackling super crisp. Set both pork and cracking aside to cool.

To make the salsa verde: put all the ingredients except for the olive oil into a blended and pulse. You dont want this mix to be super smooth. Tip into a bowl, add the olive oil and whisk. Cover and chill until needed.

Split the rolls and butter, then layer with a lettuce leaf, slices of pork, a tbsp. Salsa verde and a dollop of jalapeno jelly (optional) before sandwiching with the crusty top. Serve with shards of crackling on the side.

[surly01]

A Journal of the Plague

Originally published on the Doomstead Diner on April 5, 2020

"The taverns are fair full of gadabouts making merry this eve. Though I may press my face against the window like an urchin at a confectioner’s, I am tempted not by the sweetmeats within. A dram in exchange for the pox is an ill bargain indeed."

— Samuel Pepys, 1665

Watching Covid-19 unfold is like watching the approach of a slow motion catastrophe. We cannot run, nor hide. We can only wait. The math is immutable, and inexorable. The confirmed infection counts and death tolls double every three days. Tick-tock.

We are told to practice "social distancing," to wear masks, to wash our hands continuously, to not touch our faces, and most of all to #Staythefuckhome. Most do. Some, including notorious ignorami, assorted MAGATs, and fundamentalist preachers whose addiction to positive cash flow depends on filling their megachurches, do not. These people should be treated as if they want you dead, judging from their actions, they do.

On a warm spring day last weekend they could be found packing cars going God-knows-where, on sidewalks with kids in tow, even going house-to-house to talk to neighbors! Amidst all the people on their bikes taking advantage of a sweet spring day to go out and provide disease vectors for the unsuspecting, I noted that a friend posted on Facebook that the parking lots down at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront  were absolutely packed. Leaving the cynical person to wonder, "what the hell is wrong with people?"

We are linear thinkers; we do not do the exponential function very well. (Part of the reason Einstein, when asked to identify the most powerful force he had seen in a lifetime of discovery, replied, “Compound interest.")

The very next day, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a stay-at-home order for Virginia in an effort to further stop the spread of the coronavirus. Better late than never.

Being first to lock the state down seems to have worked for California. I saw a clip by Gavin Newsom on TV saying as much, that the lockdown flattened the impact. He/they just had the good sense to employ the only weapon available. California bought themselves time, and kept the outbreak from swamping their health system. The less the infection penetrates the population in advance of a vaccine, the better.

My inner hunchback is waiting for karma to arrive in Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, and the other states that insist on staying "open for bidness" in the face of the trump Plague. I wish I were a better person. I am not.

In a recent book review, Charles Baxter observes,

Mania rules in many American classics. Like it or not, in what has been taken to be our national literature, the notable white male characters are often in the grip of obsession. From Captain Ahab, to Frank Norris’s McTeague, Fitzgerald’s Gatsby, Faulkner’s Thomas Sutpen, Nabokov’s Humbert Humbert, Philip Roth’s Portnoy, and James McBride’s John Brown, we are in the presence of men who want only one thing and have sold their souls to get it.

We are all maniacs now: maniacs to stay alive, to remain beyond the reach of a silent killer with near universal reach, and whose lethality will disproportionately affect the elderly and the infirm. And while we may not sell our souls, we have certainly turned our vigilance up to "10."

Samuel Pepys (pronounced: "Peeps"), a capable administrator of British naval affairs and Member of Parliament in the seventeenth century, kept a diary as a young man. He recorded his daily life for almost ten years, and his record is often regarded as Britain’s most celebrated diary.

Historians have for years been mining Pepys' insights about details of everyday life during the seventeenth century, as he documented the coronation of King Charles II and the Restoration, the Anglo-Dutch war, the Great Plague, and the Great Fire of London.  It is his descriptions of the London plague years of 1655-66 that we care about here.

The Great Plague of London killed between 75,000-100,000, roughly 20 per cent of the population. Pepys' diary is filled wth what might today be called, "hot takes:"

On hearing ill rumour that Londoners may soon be urged into their lodgings by Her Majesty’s men, I looked upon the street to see a gaggle of striplings making fair merry, and no doubt spreading the plague well about. Not a care had these rogues for the health of their elders!

As noted above, on a clear weekend day I noted cars filled with people leaving the neighborhood… going where, exactly?  And beheld the sight of a neighbor working out on another neighbor who had the good sense to hide behind a storm door while the sputum-deliverer held forth. I swear, had he crossed the street I'd have used a rake to oblige him to keep his distance.

Great fears of the Sickenesses here in the City, it being said that two or three houses are already shut up. God preserve us all.

We are all shut up in our houses now. Aside, that is, from a few states in the south and west who wish themselves part of the Neo-confederacy. Persuading an entire country to voluntarily stay at home is not easy, and without clear direction from an unwilling White House, mayors, governors, and business owners have rolled their own.

Thus this month ends, with great sadness upon the public through the greateness of the plague, everywhere through the Kingdom almost. Every day sadder and sadder news of its increase. In the City died this week 7496; and all of them, 6102 of the plague. But it is feared that the true number of the dead this week is near 10000 – partly from the poor that cannot be taken notice of through the greatness of the number, and partly from the Quakers and others that will not have any bell ring for them. As to myself, I am very well; only, in fear of the plague, and as much of an Ague, by being forced to go early and late to Woolwich, and my family to lie there continually.

The death toll in the US as of this writing is over 9100. The number of US confirmed cases is over 321,000. Look for these rates to double every three days until the disease peaks. Soon, most everyone in the US will know someone who has been infected. Like 9/11, the pandemic has already imprinted itself upon our psyche as a defining moment.

The pandemic has shattered the myth of American "greatness." As the first among equals of rich, strong, developed nations, the supremacy of American health care is held as an article of faith. That illusion has been shattered. In spite of months of advance warning as the virus tore through other countries, when America was finally tested by COVID-19, it failed.

Countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong followed the playbook: develop a test, use it to identify the infected, isolate them, and trace those they’ve had contact with. Wash, rinse, repeat. As Alexis Madrigal and Robinson Meyer reported, the CDC developed and distributed a faulty test in February. No one could have imagined that as the American caseload shot into the tens of thousands, only hundreds of people would be tested. This created an epidemiological hole from which we have never emerged. Lack of a reliable test deployed early enough is the single point of failure that undermined every other countermeasure, and that has led to the immutable, exponential math.

Bet your mortgage that the impacts on economic, social and political aspects of our lives from coronavirus will be long lasting. And   compounded, given the chaos, corruption, and cronyism that heralded our blundered entry into this crisis. Few have ever seen anything like this, and only a few cranks and miscreants (aside from professional planners) have even bothered to contemplate it.

The London plague continued into 1666.

Thanks be to God, the plague is, as I hear, encreased but two this week; but in the country in several places it rages mightily, and particularly in Colchester, where it hath long been, and is believed will quite depopulate the place.

Italy and Spain offer grim warnings about an American future. Hospitals are rapidly running out of room, supplies, and staff. Health-care workers are already seeing dwindling equipment, growing waves of patients, with doctors and nurses themselves becoming ill. And they are operating without a gaunt, shiny-faced, porcelain-doll wannabe-Dauphin to bollix up supplies of medical equipment, and to MBAsplain coronavirus to the nation's Governors. Trump and Bolton terminated the Pandemic staff and have given the portfolio to Richie Rich for on-the-job training. God help us all.

By 1667 Pepys' plague had burnt out, but still lived in recent memory:

    One at the table told an odd passage in this late plague: that at Petersfield, I think, he said, one side of the street had every house almost infected through the town, and the other, not one shut up.

During a time of "social distancing," we are reduced to staring off the porch or out the window. Like the denizens of Plato's cave, we watch the electronic shadows dance off the wall, while we attempt to make sense of them. Even more difficult is imagining how we might begin to recover from a virtual shutdown of economic life. As we try to restart an all-but-stopped economy dependent upon an engine of ceaseless consumption, we run the risk of renewed disease flareups as seen in China, Singapore, and other Asian countries that briefly seemed to have the virus under control. All it takes is one case to reignite fresh infections.

My best guess is that until a vaccine can be produced (probably 18 months), we'll continue to play a protracted game of whack-a-mole with the virus, stamping out outbreaks as they occur.

The slow response to the virus by some Trumpophile governors will be telling. Virus hot spots in are South poised for disproportionate suffering. With many Southern states only recently implementing stay-at-home orders, there is a chance that a later wave of infection could swamp local facilities. Even sparsely populated counties could soon have more cases than their health care systems can handle.

“There is no city anywhere in the world that can withstand the outbreak that would occur if there isn’t rigorous social distancing,” said Tom Frieden, a former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director.

In Virginia, the governor is both a Democrat and a physician, so he imposed social distancing earlier than some. But some children of privilege and exception haven't taken it seriously.

The Columbia University model also identified the area around Hampton Roads and Newport News, Va., at risk of having its health infrastructure swamped. Though the number of cases in those counties is currently low, Virginia is not expected to experience peak conditions until late May, and has so far received just a tiny fraction of the medical equipment requested from the federal government.

On Friday, state leaders confirmed that the tidewater region has some of the highest community spread in the state, and that it would be one of three areas designated for a field hospital to take pressure off the local medical system. The “alternate care” site in the Hampton Roads Convention Center will be able to hold up to 360 acute care beds or 580 non-acute beds, Gov. Ralph Northam said.

This Week in Doom:

Like the pandemic itself, the economic effects are just getting started. Strap in. Nobel-winning economist Paul Krugman sees unemployment soaring to 20% in a matter of weeks.

WE'RE NUMBER ONE!  The US just recorded the highest single-day death toll in the world

Just when you thought it might be safe to peek out off your bunker… this asshole, again. Robertson Blames Coronavirus On Oral Sex, ‘Lady Chemicals’

Amid reports that the federal stockpile of medical supplies is “nearly exhausted” and production of new equipment is unlikely to come soon enough, it now appears that the Trump administration may be playing favorites, distributing supplies to political allies and states important for the president’s reelection campaign. How bad will the fallout be? Frank Rich: Trump’s Potemkin Recovery

Karma Comes to Cousinfuck Country. Mississippi Now Has the Highest Rate of Coronavirus Hospitalizations in the United States

Are there no lampposts? No nylon rope? New disclosure reveals Sen. Kelly Loeffler and her husband dumped retail stock and bought shares in a company that manufacturers medical supplies. Loeffler and her husband dumped hundreds of thousands in stocks before the market dropped over the coronavirus outbreak.

Trump's budget director stands by plan to cut CDC budget by 15 percent during the coronavirus pandemic  The acting director of the OMB seemed unperturbed when asked about if it was wise to cut the CDC during a pandemic.

Karma, your table is ready. Liberty University Brings Back Its Students, and Coronavirus Fears, Too

Americans are doing what they do best: buying guns

For unbiased information, Just found this. No interpretations, no politics. Just data, visualized: https://covid19.healthdata.org

Stay informed and protect your own.

Surly1 was an administrator and contributing author to Doomstead Diner. He is the author of numerous rants, screeds and spittle-flecked invective here and elsewhere. He lives a quiet domestic existence in Southeastern Virginia with his wife Contrary. Descended from a long line of people to whom one could never tell anything, all opinions are his and his alone, because he paid full retail for everything he has managed to learn.

[sylleboi]

𝕷𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖑 𝖙𝖍𝖗𝖊𝖊 𝖊𝖝𝖙𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖉 𝖉𝖎𝖕𝖑𝖔𝖒𝖆 | 03/09/20

Todays menu:

Reintroduce the aims of the course and discuss timetable

Review your summer projects

Edit someones eases project

Login to google classroom & discuss usability

Now & next drawing exercise

Display & review

New student cards

Preparation for Tuesday 15th September (first zoom)

Day will be broken up by 2 x 40 mins breaks Safe environment for breaks. (bubble)

First zoom preparation:

chance to get into the brief over the week.

College expectations:

Take responsibility for your learning and come prepared for your session.

Aim for at least 90% attendance (consider covid 19)

Arrive on time to every session (Even your zoom classes)

ID- wear your lanyards at all times in college

No headphones or use of mobile phones in session (only if being allowed or used for educational purposes like emails etc.)

No food or drink in the studios, only in break areas.

Water!!! Stay hydrated!

Safety at college:

Basic health & safety/Accidents

Online safety/Data protection/Passwords

Lanyards/security/Masks

Fire exits/Safety Drills

Keeping Distance/Hygiene/Toilets/Covid 19

Stay home Stay silly

We have to remember to keep up our heads during all of this and enjoy our time even though it is very independent studying this year.

Equality & Diversity:

Equal opportunities/Tolerance/Respect/Inclusivity

Group Tutorial/Mental & Physical well being/Progression

Safe guarding/Student Services

Online:

College email/wifi

Enrolment/use of Moodle, pallet & google classroom

Use of social media - Do you have your own art socials?

Remembering pro portal?

Keep working in sketchbooks! It will be the only physical hand in that we will be using this year.

Blended learning:

Many courses at colchester institute will involve a mix of face to face and online learning

In order to get the best from your course it is important that you are confident about accessing information remotely

Using both fave to face learning and online engagement equally will be key to obtaining a successful grade. You will be assessed on the quality of both combined.

Timetable plans:

Independent initiative (60% offsite)

1 day a week timetables/tutors/1 to 1’s

Recall & questioning

Studio spaces/equipment

Attendance/punctuality

Building Portfolio Online

Skills & Knowledge

Zoom etiquette:

Weak appropriate clothing

Zoom in a communal spaces within your home (no bedrooms)

Wear headphones with a microphone

Be prepared for you session, completing all necessary work ahead of time.

Camera’s must be turned on, this will be used to register you, monitor your attendance and interaction in the session. No exceptions.

Respond professionally & punctually to tasks set

Respect others, and wait your turn to speak.

Any disrespectful behaviours will result in the student being removed from the session or the tutor ending the session entirely.

Communicate any technical issues as and when they happen, but working from a laptop or desktop would be ideal.

Aims of the course:

To help you build varied portfolio ready for your next step (work, apprenticeship, university)

To help you develop your social skills (presentation & professionalism)

To develop techniques skills across a range of varied processes (analogue/digital)

To develop specialist skills through specific projects and self-initiated proposals.

To encourage an academic approach to reflection and evaluation.

To appreciate and understand how audiences are considered when creating successful ideas.

Dave’s thoughts:

Work as hard as you can, even considering the current climate

Be enthusiastic, this helps everyone.

Consider the opinions and feeling of others and respect these!

Be vocal, be expressive but never be rude.

Don't be late!

Trust me, I have do this before, but not like this. It will be new and different and I may not always get it right!

Respect the work. Hard work pays off. No excuses.

Be kind to each other, this is a tough experience and a tough time.

Questions?

What’s next for me?

What will we learn this term?

How is this different to year 1?

Even after this year?

What if we into lockdown?

Review of our summer project:

Make panelled illustrations based on observations of real locations/objects and photographic references

Create at least 5 a4 comic book pages made up of at least3 panels

Build a narrative exploring the ideas of isolation and coming out of lockdown

Beginning to experiment with how to create the passing of time in a sequenced visual narrative.

Explore & discuss the basic comic books

Little windows into a world; makes us look at it at a different way/from a different perspective.You could not place a viewfinder on something blank or our own minds. This is focused, it’s direct and therefore it is a great stepping stone.

Lets review the work you have produced

We will now put your work up on the wall. we will need to make some copies of them first.

How do we read comics?

We are reading visual language. It is different because it is up to the individuals interpretations. A comic is telling a story where as a singular image on it’s own works more like an illustration, but as soon as that i backed up with another picture, it already begins to build up a narrative.

How do the images group together to form a narrative? What theories does this follow?

Gestalt (psychology) theory, Can we start to psychologically to put together these comics; how do we decipher them?

Why does this happen?

What have I learnt reading Scott McCloud’s book?

After break: