#balearic social records

[newsarticle4u]

Lionel Messi House in Miami and Barcelona: Cost, Inside Photos and Net Worth

Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, acquired a lavish mansion in Miami after Lionel joined Inter Miami’s professional team in July 2023. The couple invested approximately 50 million USD (around Rs 413 crore) in this stunning property. Situated on a uniquely shaped island, the estate ensures complete privacy for the family. Known for its exclusive location, Lionel Messi’s Miami residence is celebrated as a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. Designed by renowned designer Lori Morris, the modern mansion has garnered attention, even being featured in Florida Design magazine.

source: Miami Herald

Lionel Messi, who shares three sons with Antonela Roccuzzo, an Argentinian social media influencer and model, recently became the proud owner of a sprawling 10,500-square-foot estate. This impressive residence features 8 bedrooms, 9.5 bathrooms, a three-car garage, and a luxurious pool.

source: Miami herald

Represented by Samuel and Donna Simpkin of Compass Florida, Messi purchased the home nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac within the exclusive Bay Colony community. Notably, this area saw a record-setting purchase in 2021 by Patrick Bet-David, an author and social media influencer.

The ultra-modern mansion, occupying less than half an acre, boasts two boat docks, a spa, a fitness room, and an expansive 1,600-square-foot primary bedroom suite. Annual property taxes for the estate are estimated to be around $83,400, reflecting its substantial value and amenities.

source: Miami herald

Also Read: Taylor Swift Mansions

Lionel Messi Barcelona House Address

Lionel Messi House in Barcelona address is Passeig de la Creu, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain

source: pinterest

The exterior of Messi's house is truly a sight to behold. Elegantly designed, it features beautiful architecture with side stairs adding to its charm. Messi, an avid fan of high-intensity sports, has an enormous yard that reflects this passion. In this expansive space, he practices his skills, constantly striving to break his own records. It’s also where he enjoys playing football with his dogs. Messi’s commitment to his family is evident in the quality time he dedicates to them, showcasing his ability to balance his professional pursuits with personal life.

Lionel Messi's house, located just 12 miles from Camp Nou, is a haven of luxury and convenience. The property features a football field, a swimming pool, an indoor gym, and a children's playground. It offers breathtaking views, including the stunning Balearic Sea.

Messi's residence is situated along the Spanish coastline in the affluent Bellamar neighborhood of Castelldefels. Since choosing Bellamar as his home in 2009, the upscale neighborhood, about 25 kilometers south of Barcelona's city center, has seen significant growth and revaluation.

The football legend initially invested 1.8 million dollars in the property in 2009 and spent an additional 6 million dollars on renovations and personalizations to suit his tastes. Messi's home boasts many open terraces and large panoramic windows that provide stunning views of the beautiful Catalan hills and the Mediterranean shore.

Lionel Messi house living room

More than just a living room, Messi's lounge is a cozy nap corner, often used by him and his toddlers for power naps on the oversized couch. The lounge is tastefully adorned with Mediterranean motifs, enhancing the area’s overall design. A grey patterned rug beautifully complements the dark and light sofas, which rest on chestnut-toned floors. The room features a diverse color scheme with beige and brown tones, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The main attraction of the room is a wall adorned with floral pattern motifs, creating a focal point that separates it from the rest of the house with a stylish glass partition. Mix-and-match cushions add to the sofa's attractiveness, making the space both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Lionel Messi house: T-shirt Collection Room

Messi's passion for football is unmistakable in his dedicated room for his extensive t-shirt collection. This space perfectly blends black and white decor, showcasing over 50 jerseys from various football legends. Among the prized items is his complete collection of Ronaldinho's shirts, reflecting their strong bond and mutual respect.

The room also honors other great players, featuring jerseys from Gerard Piqué, PSG winger Ángel Di María, and Roma legend Francesco Totti. This impressive display underscores Messi's deep appreciation for the sport and its players. Striking glass exhibits on the floor and ceiling add to the room's overall grandeur, making it a true homage to football.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma House

Lionel Messi house: playing area

As a football player, Messi is also a huge fan of other energetic sports, and his expansive yard showcases this passion. Here, he hones his skills, constantly striving to surpass his personal records. The yard is also a place where he enjoys playing football with his dogs, combining his love for the game with family time. Messi's dedication to his family is evident in the significant time he spends with them, reflecting his commitment to balancing his professional and personal life.

Lionel Messi house: Gym Area

The mansion boasts a dedicated workout space, a football field, and a swimming pool. For Messi, football alone isn't enough; he emphasizes core strength training with a variety of machines. The standout feature in his indoor gym is the step climber. What makes it unique? The names of his family members are etched into the stairs, and a carved Number 10 at the base, representing the number he proudly wears on his blue and white jersey, adds a personal touch. This distinctive design element not only enhances the gym’s functionality but also symbolizes Messi's deep connection to his family and his sport.

Lionel Messi M-shaped house.

One of the most decorated football players, Lionel Messi, has made significant strides not only on the field but also in the real estate sector. His 2023 purchase exemplifies the luxurious lifestyle he leads. In 2023, Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo invested in another lavish property in Miami.

Purchased for a staggering 50 million USD (around Rs 413 crore), the mansion is designed in an M-shape, symbolizing his name. The interior includes personal touches, such as his signature and name featured in various rooms, making it truly his home.

Situated on a ship-shaped island, Messi's Miami house follows a futuristic concept. This architectural marvel spans three levels and offers complete privacy for the family in an exclusive location. The design and location of the mansion not only showcase modern architecture but also provide a serene and private retreat for Messi and his loved ones.

Lionel Messi Net worth:

According to Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes, Lionel Messi tops the chart with annual earnings of 130 million USD. Of this total, 75 million USD comes from his sports endeavors, while the remaining 55 million USD is earned through endorsements and other business ventures. With a net worth exceeding 600 million USD, Lionel Messi is considered the richest football player in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who is Lionel Messi?

Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He has spent the majority of his career at FC Barcelona, where he achieved numerous records and accolades

2. How many houses does Lionel Messi own?

Lionel Messi owns several properties around the world, including residences in Barcelona, Miami, and other locations where he has lived during his career.

3. What are some features of Lionel Messi's house in Barcelona?

Messi's house in Barcelona is reported to have a football field, swimming pool, and various amenities suited for relaxation and family activities.

4. How many children does Lionel Messi have?

Lionel Messi has three children with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. They are named Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro Messi Roccuzzo.

5. Where was Lionel Messi born and raised?

Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. He grew up in a modest neighborhood in Rosario, where his talent for football was evident from a young age.

6. What is Lionel Messi net worth?

With a net worth exceeding 600 million USD, Lionel Messi is considered the richest football player in the world.

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[gemm08mu]

Why are cover songs so numerous in the popular music industry?

This week, I want to talk about cover songs. Called “remake” or “remix” in French, a cover song is a new performance or recording of a previously recorded song by someone other than the original artist or composer. The new recording is generally similar to the original song in terms of structure, though the rhythm and lyrics may slightly differ. Especially since the 1950s, remakes of songs have been quite popular in the music industry and musicians are publishing “cover versions” of songs as a tribute to the original performer or group. The remaking of songs is allowed as long as the singer pays a royalty to the song's creator.

Nowadays, streaming services and social media are a means of mediation that enhance communication between different audiences. Therefore, cover songs can be discovered through streaming services and social media by new audiences who didn’t know the original song. In fact, many people prefer cover songs to original songs! I want to mention the fact that cover versions of songs can definitely become more popular than the original. Sometimes it is the date of publication that allows for greater success or even the differences in lyrics and rhythm that are conducive to better sales. In some cases, the only reason a song becomes more popular is all due to a remake by a different artist.

The cover song that comes to my mind is the one performed by Jonas Blue and Dakota of the song “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman.

“Fast Car” is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman, which was released in 1988. The genre of this song is contemporary folk. But in 2015 it was no longer the most popular and most listened to genre. Therefore, Jonas Blue and Dakota released a cover version which has the particularity of not being the same genre of music anymore, since the musical genre of this version is considered as tropical house, also known as trop house – a subgenre of house music, and a derivation of tropical music, with elements of dancehall and Balearic house – and dance pop.

Jonas Blue is an English DJ, record producer, songwriter, and remixer. His production derives mostly from dance-pop and tropical house. Dakota is a British singer who sang Tracy Chapman's lyrics. Their remix was a big hit, and their music video has been viewed over 500 million times!

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cover_version   

[burlveneer-music]

The new radio show for Denmark's Music for Dreams station is now vibrating across the multiverses. Balearic, spiritual & Ethiopian jazz, alt-folk, ambient electronica, deep dub and anthropocene aware neoclassical, from the cream of the independent artist led music underground.

You can get the full tracklisting at the blog: www.theslowmusicmovement.org/blog/the-s…io-show-74

Don't forget our Spotify playlists if you need a fix inbetween shows: open.spotify.com/user/theslowmusi…vement/playlists

If you like the show then head over to the website and social media, there's daily music recommendations, playlist links to Apple, Youtube, Deezer & Soundcloud and a nice record label - theslowmusicmovement.org

[theogmissg]

4 years later

Mmmmm pls no.... dare you to write a new one

[bantugandolf]

The Evolution of Far Yards Recordings; South Africa: An almost decade of House Music Excellence

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of electronic music, Far Yards stands as a beacon of innovation and quality. Established in 2010 through soundcloud releases, the label quickly carved out a niche in the House music scene. By 2014, Far Yards had secured professional distribution, which significantly broadened its reach and influence. The label continued to release music until 2022, after which it transitioned to providing remastering and redistribution services. This biography details the label's journey, discography, roster of artists, and the comprehensive services it offered.

Founding and Early Years (2010-2014)

Far Yards was formally founded in 2010 by a duo of passionate DJs and producers who shared a vision of creating a platform that celebrated and pushed the boundaries of House music; Gift Mzizi & Bantu Mchunu. The early years were marked by a series of innovative releases that quickly garnered attention within the electronic music community. These formative years laid the groundwork for the label's future success.

Professional Distribution and Expansion (2014)

The year 2014 marked a significant milestone for Far Yards as it secured professional global distribution deals. This development allowed the label to reach a global audience and attract a diverse array of artists. The professional distribution not only elevated the label’s profile but also enabled it to diversify its musical offerings, incorporating various sub-genres of electronic music.

Discography

Far Yards boasts a rich and diverse discography that spans multiple sub-genres of electronic music. Key releases include:

2014: Naomi & Angelo by Khirbet Qeiyafa - A groundbreaking release that set the tone for the label's innovative approach to House music.

2014: Blind Mushroom/Mute Onions by M21 & Khirbet Qeiyafa - A critically acclaimed project that showcased the label's ability to blend traditional House elements with modern sounds.

2022: YEH-SU by M21 & Khirbet Qeiyafa - A genre-defying album that incorporated Deep House, Dub Ambient, and Balearic influences.

2019: Aziel by Knate Koti - A Downtempo and Dub Tech masterpiece that demonstrated the label's versatility.

2022: Before Time, Time Before by M21 & Khirbet Qeiyafa - The final release before the label transitioned to remastering services, featuring a compilation of the best tracks from the past decade.

Artists and Producers

Far Yards was home to a roster of versatile and talented artists and producers. Notable artists included:

M21: Known for their soulful Deep House tracks, M21 was instrumental in shaping the label's early sound.

Khirbet Qeiyafa: An experimental artist who brought Dub Ambient soundscapes to the label, pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

Mandla Jamela (Guest): A pioneer in the Dub, Balearic, Lo Fi, Minimal, House scene, Mandla Jamela provided serene and introspective tracks that became fan favorites.

Jazz Master Funk (Guest): A Downtempo and Dub Tech artist known for their innovative and genre-defying productions.

Mastering and Audio Engineering Services

The label’s commitment to quality was evident in its in house mastering and audio engineering services. Utilizing cutting-edge technology and skilled engineers, Far Yards ensured that every release met the highest standards of sound quality. This attention to detail not only enhanced the listening experience but also set the label apart in the competitive electronic music market.

Global Marketing and Distribution

Far Yards excelled in global marketing and distribution, leveraging strategic partnerships to ensure their releases reached a worldwide audience. The label employed innovative marketing campaigns, including social media promotions, collaborations with influencers, and targeted advertising, to build a strong global presence. Their distribution network spanned major digital platforms, minor physical record stores, and international markets, ensuring that their music was accessible to fans everywhere.

Music and Label Management Services

In addition to its primary functions, Far Yards offered comprehensive music and label management services. These included:

Artist Development: Providing mentorship and guidance to artists, helping them refine their craft and develop their careers.

A&R (Artist and Repertoire) Management: Identifying and nurturing new talent, ensuring the label's roster remained fresh and innovative.

Strategic Planning: Offering business and marketing strategies tailored to each artist's needs, maximizing their potential and reach.

Publishing and Licensing: Managing the rights and royalties of the music, ensuring artists received fair compensation and exposure through various media channels.

Tour and Event Management: Coordinating live performances and tours, creating opportunities for inhouse artists to connect with their fans and expand their audience.

Cessation of Operations (2022)

In 2022, after a decade of influential releases and significant contributions to the electronic music landscape, Far Yards announced the cessation of its operations with well over 360 tracks from in house producers and 120 from Guests. The decision marked the end of an era for the label, which had become a cornerstone in the ungergriund electronic music community in South Africa. Despite stopping new music production, the label pivoted to focus on remastering and redistribution services.

Remastering and Redistribution Services

Post-2022, Far Yards utilized its extensive experience and deep understanding of electronic music to offer high-quality remastering and redistribution services. This pivot ensured the label's rich catalog remained accessible and continued to resonate with both new and longtime listeners. By enhancing the sound quality of existing tracks and redistributing them across various platforms, Far Yards maintained its influence in the music industry.

Key Elements of Far Yards Label Success

Innovation: Constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible within House music and its sub-genres.

Community Engagement: Building a loyal fanbase through live events, social media interactions, and exclusive releases.

Quality Control: Ensuring all releases meet high standards of audio excellence through professional mastering and engineering.

Global Reach: Effective use of distribution networks and marketing strategies to reach international audiences. Our partnership allowed DSP distribution to over 190 stores in streaming and downloading methods.

Artist Support: Comprehensive services that help artists grow and succeed in their careers, from development to tour management.

Conclusion

From its inception in 2010 to its operational transformation in 2022, Far Yards made a lasting impact on the electronic music scene. Its journey from a House music innovator to a multifaceted label exploring various genres showcased its commitment to quality and innovation. Even after ceasing new releases, the label's pivot to remastering and redistribution services ensured that its musical legacy would endure, continuing to inspire and influence the world of electronic music.

Forever thankful.

[mixamorphosis]

Blog post and linked up tracklist [HERE]

Tracklist

01. Jascha Hagen - Soldier - (Stamp Records) 02. Junktion - Visions Of You - (Razor n Tape Reserve) 03. Kejeblos - Autobahn Dub - (Phantom Island) 04. NY*AK - Laid - (Karakul) 05. Khotin & Dane - IMHO - (Common Edit) 06. Throwback Zack - Coolin' Out - (Star Creature) 07. Yse Saint Laur'ant - Crying Woman - (Whiskey Disco) 08. Todd Terje - Preben Goes To Acapulco (Prins Thomas Remix) - (Olsen) 09. Andy Gibb - Across The Floor (Deadly Sins Rework) - (Giant Cuts) 10. MermaidS - I - (Goodship Records) 11. Keyboard Masher - Astral Playground - (KM Editions) 12. Mugwump - Until You're Worth It (Andrew Weatherall Remix) - (Subfield) 13. Basso - Sorry Richard - (Joe's Bakery) 14. Eirwud Mudwasser - Ziggurat - (Balearic Social Records) 15. Gryningen - Från Andra Hand Till Stränderna I NIce - (Aficionado Recordings) 16. The Loose Control Band ft, Ray Stevens II - Doin' It - (Golf Channel Recordings) 17. Napoleon Cherry - Morning Song - (Music From Memory)

Download available via [Hearthis]

[thesunlounge]

Reviews 348: Expositions

I came to the music of Reuben Smith through Balearic Social Records, who included “Venezuela” on the Sola various artists EP back in 2017. Released under the name Calle Gravina, the song was a total revelation and saw tropical mallet instrumentation dancing alongside big bottomed synth basslines, beachside downbeats, and psychedelic wah licks while equatorial synthesizers fluttered on a seabreeze. And best off all, the track featured a truly jawdropping “Na Na Na” chorus that truly must be heard to be believed, for so powerful is its effect that words simply fail me. In the time since the release of “Venezuela,” I’ve often dreamed about more music from Reuben and finally, after three years of waiting, my patience has been rewarded in ways I couldn’t have imagined, for the artist is making a big splash in 2020 via a new project named Expositions. The first release from Expositions and the focus of this review is the Yellow Haze EP, which was recently put out by the ever-amazing Forest Jams, a label that never fails to blow me away and who I last checked in with via the California coastal psychedelia of Starving Daughters. Here, the pairing between label and artist couldn’t be more sympathetic, for across the EP’s four tracks, Reuben moves smoothly between sunset downtempo, island life dubfunk, slow motion boogie, and seaside fusion, as subsonic basslines slide sensually, synthesizers fall like a summer storm of gemstones, shakers and tambourines add touches of beachdance swing, solar space leads swim in stoner splendor, palm-muted echo riffs dance on sunbeams, and fat bottomed balearic beats guide the body through exotica bongo and conga tapestries. And in crucial moments of soulful pop euphoria, a vocalist named Hanna delivers delirium diva incantations awash in an Ibizan chill-out dreamhaze...her voice sometimes joining Reuben’s for dopamine hooks, while at other times floating off into the ether.

As well, I’d like to briefly discuss the second Expositions EP Nights at Casa Ana, which is already in the works via a Qrates crowdfunding campaign found here. I encourage readers of this blog to back the pressing if possible, as the release is truly special and deserves its place on wax. Moreover, Nights at Casa Ana sees the welcome return of the aforementioned Balearic Social Records, a favorite label of mine that has been lying low since 2018’s Nyala split EP between Bonnie & Klein and BlackBush Orchestra. Though Nights at Casa Ana still revels in familiar vibes of sunshine positivity and oceanic radiance, the EP sees Reuben moving slightly away from downtempo pop towards fever dream fantasies and drug-induced paradises, which is nowhere more apparent than on the near 15 minute “Energía Mística.” The track is a slowed seaside disco epic, featuring nimble funk basslines, kaleidoscopic guitar refractions, blissful fusion leads, layers of solar squelch, fourth world dub electronics, acid fuzz space solos, and snippets of spoken Spanish flowing in and out of birdsong…the whole thing comprising a journey in extended balearic jamming only rivaled by Max Essa’s “Panoramic Suite.” As for the other two tracks, we are treated to shorter, though no less expansive adventures, both featuring acid house bassline percolations and further trippy Spanish spoken word sampling. “Misteriosi” sets a filmic dancefloor gallop beneath jangling western guitars, sea-crystal melodies, mellotronic prog flutes, sci-fi synth leads, chanted breaths, and layers of extasy laughter while in “Tomate tu tiempo,” machine beats lock into a samba-esque swing, AOR guitars ride a warming summer wind, marimba fractals surround woodwind lullabies, soulful chords stoke vibes of 70s disco intoxication, and starbeam fusion solos dance through layers of seaspray while neon-hued acid tracers fire gently across the mind.

Expositions - Yellow Haze (Forest Jams, 2020) Shakers and sonar sequencers set the stage in “Get With You” before cutting away to slinky bass guitar riffage and a slow motion balearic breakbeat, with touches of boom bap kissing the rhythmic flow. Static textures swoosh around smooth Rhodes riffs as the basslines hit ever heavier and high in the sky, synthesizers radiate Italo fusion lullabies and new age starscapes amidst cooing vocal accents. After a drum fill eruption, we drop into paradise pop intoxication, with Reuben’s and Hanna’s hazy vocal hooks trailed by soulful Rhodes chord flourishes…the whole thing like a supremely stoned out _Moon Safari-_era Air cut. Underneath, tapped rides shake out golden glitter, snares crack on the beat, and basslines execute funky octave walks while later, after a brief cut into dreamhouse pianos and slow motion disco drums, a run down the ivories ushers in a symphonic paradise climax awash in pads that breath like celestial ether. Then, following another delirium chorus accented by tambourine jangles and liquid wah wah gurgles that flutter outwards in every direction, the track ends with synth solo dazzlement, as laserlight runs ascend on ocean-filtered sunbeams amidst mechanized ride bells, swinging shaker hypnotics, crashing cymbals, and Hanna’s ethereal vocal shadowspells. “Rollerskates” follows with its spaceage harpsichord/steel pan synths layering a rainfall of percussive ocean crystal over shakers and robotic slapbass weirdness. As the groove drops in, we find ourselves in a broken beat dub out, with hi-hats spitting fire on a skanking riddim, lofi snares popping off the beat, and layers of angel starlight and nacreous vocal chaos swirling all around. It’s a doped out boogie beat groover in the style of A Vision of Panorama, wherein crystalline keyboard chords and Carribean steel leads swim through rainbow gases, low down vocal drones filter into cut-up trance euphoria, and meditative whistle tones ensnare the mind. After a quick drop, snare fills bring back the jam, which now seems to squiggle and shimmer with an almost nervous sense of energy, and as the rhythms continue pulling in and out, pianos scat out blues-tinged reggae riffs amidst gaseous bodies of choral star magic. And as the futuristic harpsichords and synthetic island idiophones continue bouncing alongside the dubwise boogie rhythms, one can easily imagine a boardwalk scene where myriad skaters glide graciously beneath a shining sun.

In “Sun Shine Down,” galactic pads swirl amidst crashing waves as hand drums hint at a blossoming beat. Then comes the groove proper, wherein distorted basslines generate huge wavesfronts of subsonic romance, tick-tock cymbals move around pounding kicks and cracking snares, and Hanna sings spells of shadowy wonderment…her lyrical phrases and wordless extasy reveries calling to mind Cathy Battistessa’s work with balearic masters such as Afterlife and Blank & Jones. At certain moments, feedback synths evoking both seagulls and diamond sparkles melt over the mix while piano chords hit like neon liquid. Elsewhere, during understated climaxes, these amazing polysynth melodies start descending…as if discretized pulses of psychedelic starlight are dancing across a sunset sky. All throughout, massive basslines slide with a fluid grace, bongos blow in on a coastal breeze, and hissing cymbals open up into heatwave blasts, with heady rhythmic drop stoking vibes of anticipation. And as the the track ends, a blazing fusion synth solo works into the stereo field…slow and sensual…with trippy modulation wiggles interspersing the paradise glide. Yellow Haze ends with “Holding On,” which drops into a bottom heavy heroin groove seeing palm-muted echo guitars moving lackadaisically over a dubfunk pulse. Basslines hit low before sliding high, shakers and cymbals guide the body, and tropical hand percussions spread out as Hanna executes dazzling soul diva reveries, with her voice occasionally trailed by coral-colored synth harmonizations. A towering tom fill cuts the groove down to tapped rides, spitting hats, and pooling bodies of liquid synthesis while later, as the kick, snare, and bass synths slam the body into oblivion, wah wah electronics spread outwards into a ghostly sea haze while e-pianos communicate with dolphins and whales. During a magnificent synthesizer solo, bluesy fusion leads filter and bend as the basslines move in tandem with the beats…the vibe bleary eyed and stoned out before reducing to a Floydian pulse, one overplayed by strange bell-tone cacophonies. Building back, tambourines jangle and guitars generate psychosonic dub lick and echo-morphing funk riffs beneath a cascade of vocal starlight before the downtempo body groove finally slams back in, with the stereo field now overflowing with wavering webs of crystallized vibrato while Italo-style squelch leads seek out the sun.

(images from my personal copy)

[dailyunsolvedmysteries]

Laurent Duban 

Sunday, 7 January, 2001. That afternoon, after getting off of work, 21-year-old Laurent Duban wanted to go out for a ride. In Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, just outside of Paris, Laurent set out with his scooter. Shortly after, he disappeared.

Laurent lived in an apartment in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. At the time, he was employed as the sous chef in a nearby restaurant, located right outside the city.  Besides his love for the culinary arts, Laurent enjoyed going out in his free time -- not unusual for someone his age. He was a popular young man, with many friends of both sexes, and an active social life. Laurent was said to be fond, in particular, of the nightlife.

The workday, for Laurent, was a normal one. He came to the restaurant that afternoon and filled out his orders for the week. After he finished up for the day, he apparently decided to take a ride on his scooter. He rode around in the commune of Issy-les-Moulineaux in the Hauts-de-Seine department.

Around 6 PM, Laurent tried to call a friend, but she didn't pick up. Laurent left a message on her answering machine: "C'est chaud, je te rappellerai." Je te rappellerai means "I'll call you back". C'est chaud literally means "it's hot", but colloquially, it's an expression used to express tension or worry. It's hard to give an exact English equivalent, but depending on the situation, you might interpret it is as "this is crazy" or "this is bad". (Note: I am not a native French speaker, so there may be some nuances to the phrase which I'm missing).

What's odd is that the sentence, according to one source, was an "uncharacteristic" thing for Laurent to say -- he said it almost "like a code", the site says. Moreover, according to another article, Laurent sounded worried.

Nobody knew it then, but that answering machine message would be the last known trace of Laurent Duban. Records would show that this was the last time the cellphone was used at all. What Laurent did after he left that message remains unknown. He disappeared shortly after, and he has never been seen since.

It's not clear exactly how long it took for Laurent's family to notice his disappearance -- hours, a couple of days -- but it wasn't a long time. When they looked through his empty apartment, they found that he'd left behind his passport, as well as 3500 Francs in cash. There was no activity on his bank account, nor any usage of his cellphone. And Laurent's family was certain he'd have contacted them, if he had left voluntarily.

They initially tried to trace Laurent using his phone. The last time that cellphone towers picked up Laurent's cellphone was at 6 PM in Issy-les-Moulineaux, when he had left the message to his friend. It's unclear why the phone stopped pinging at this time -- it's possible that it had been turned off, or that the battery died, but there's no way of knowing for sure.

So police turned to old-fashioned methods. They questioned locals, asking if they'd seen anything or had any other information. They spoke to Laurent's friends, too, asking them about Laurent's life and habits. Not just local friends, either -- some investigators travelled as far as Spain and the Balearics to speak to some of Laurent's friends in person.

As months passed without any sign of Laurent, police increased their efforts. They launched physical searches -- the River Seine and its surroundings were probed carefully, as were vacant lots in the area. But these efforts were in vain -- Laurent was nowhere to be found. Nor, for that matter, could they find his scooter.

Two decades later, Laurent is still missing.

[felipeandletizia]

The holidays of the Royal Family in Mallorca will be very different from previous years

Change of dates, different traditions ... among the novelties of Don Felipe and Doña Letizia this summer on the island

Doña Sofía is already in Mallorca. As every year, she's the first of the Spanish Royal Family to land on the Balearic island. There she will wait for her son, Don Felipe, daughter-in-law, Doña Letizia, and her two granddaughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia. Because the King, Queen and their daughters will also be seen in the 'royal' holiday destination par excellence in which they were expected not without uncertainty, due to the atypical situation caused by the coronavirus health crisis. Finally, the image of the Royal Family in Palma will repeat.

The Spanish Royal Family prepares their bags for an atypical summer

The Royal House has confirmed that the King, the Queen and their daughters will be able to go to Mallorca, although they will do so with some differences as a result of the changes that COVID-19 has brought with it. For starters, they will arrive later than usual. In previous years they used to land on the island at the end of July, while this time they will do so on the second weekend of August, specifically on August 7 and 8. But that will not be the only difference that we will witness compared to other summers. Don Felipe and Doña Letizia, who ended their intense tour of Spain this Thursday, will dedicate a large part of their stay to continue with the work that they had started in the 17 autonomous communities.

Thus, throughout this second week of August, from 10 to 17, the couple will travel to the different islands with the aim of maintaining direct contact with the different social and economic sectors that have been most affected by the consequences of the pandemic. In other words, following the same line of work that they have maintained throughout the month of July. Another novelty is that there will be no reception at the Almudaina Palace, an annual tradition to which, in addition to Don Felipe and Doña Letizia, Doña Sofía also used to attend. In 2019 a record number of guests was registered with around 600 people gathered at the event, between authorities of the Balearic Islands and personalities from different social spheres.

Likewise, the monarch plans to hold the usual hearings with the regional and local authorities in La Almudaina, as well as the meetings with the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, in the Palacio de Marivent, the residence the Royal Family occupies during their stay in Palma. The meeting between the head of state and the head of the Executive on the island is also a tradition and, in the case of Felipe VI, it has been held since the summer of 2014, the year in which he was proclaimed King after the abdication of don Juan Carlos.

The last of the differences that will occur in this atypical summer with respect to previous years has to do with the end of the holidays of the family. Until now, Don Felipe, Doña Letizia and their daughters used to enjoy a few days of rest, once their stay in Palma de Mallorca ended, in a place that did not usually transcend, a private destination of which few details were available. On this occasion, the Zarzuela Palace has made it clear that when the Spanish Royal Family's stay on the island comes to an end, there will be a return to Madrid.

[impuestos20s-blog]

Don't Waste Time! 7 Facts Until You Reach Your Best Taxes

Taxes in Albania are grouped into three main categories: indirect taxes (VAT, excise, gambling and other indirect taxes), direct taxes (income tax, personal taxes, taxes on capital); local taxes, and social and health security contributions. These three categories are under authority like Asesoría below: National Taxes, administered by the Central Tax Administration and Customs Administration include: Indirect taxes include: Value added tax; Excise; Taxes on gambling, casinos and hippodromes; Direct taxes include: Income tax; National taxes; Other taxes, which are thought as such by special law, and Customs taxes. Social and health security contributions, as defined in the social insurances law Local taxes and tariffs administered by Local Tax Administration include: Local tax on small business; Tax on immovable property, which includes tax on buildings and agricultural land; Tax on hotel accommodation; Tax on impact of new constructions upon infrastructure; Tax on transfer of ownership right on real estate; Annual tax for vehicle registration; Tax for occupation of public space; Board tax; Temporary taxes; Registration tariff for various activities; Cleaning and waste disposal tariff; Vehicle parking tariff; Tariff for services. How is being conducted the Taxation of commercial companies? Each individual, who is somebody in a commercial company, is responsible for the business's tax liabilities to the tax administration, according to provisions in the business charter. In accordance with commercial registry, over 95 percent of companies are limited liability companies. The rest is joint stock companies, partnerships and less than 0.5 percent is limited partnerships. At the moment an organization is established and starts its economic activity, it is responsible for: - Calculation of VAT and timely declaration and payment; - Payment of advance tax installments for profit tax to cover every month; - Calculation, timely declaration and payment of tax on incomes from employment for employers and employees; - Calculation, timely declaration and payment of social and health insurances contributions; - Monthly payment of advance tax installments in time; - Withholding and payment of withheld tax, under obligation from the Law On Income tax; - Calculation, timely declaration and payment of taxes in accordance with specific activity for gambling, casinos and hippodromes; - Calculation, timely declaration and payment of excise under specific law; - Calculation, timely declaration and payment of national taxes and local taxes. In order to calculate taxes, taxpayers who are at the mercy of VAT or profit tax keep registers, accounting records, books and financial information and issue tax receipt or tax coupon, relative to relevant laws and regulations pursuant in their mind. Taxpayers keep their accounts relative to provisions of regulations "On accounting and financial statements" and act pursuant compared to that law in accordance with IFRS principles. So as to register economic transactions related to taxes, taxpayers can also use books, records or documents specified in specific tax laws and respective regulation provisions. Taxpayers must use basic documentation, including tax invoice, relative to tax legislation and relevant legal provisions. What Tax exemption are applied? Albania's tax regime is considered by far the most important incentives for foreign investment as it may be the lowest in Europe; however, the tax system as such does not discriminate against or and only foreign investors. Likewise, legislation relating to the public procurement process makes little distinction between foreign and domestic companies, as much activities in Albania require licensing within the territory. The procedures for finding a license are, however, exactly the same for national and foreign companies. The federal government to date have not screened foreign investments and provided little in the way of tax, financial or other special incentives. Business Name: Consultax Address: Carrer de Campos, 4, 07200 Felanitx, Illes Balears, Spain Business email: info@consult.tax Business contact number: +34 971 827 445 Business Website URL: https://consult.tax/ Business Working Hours: 08:00 - 14:00

[idkinsertfanreferencehere]

Sefardi Resources mini masterpost

So, I notice that a lot of the resources/etc. for Jewish stuff tends to be very Ashkenazi focused, so I put together a short list of resources geared specifically towards Sefardi Jews 

(bolding is mine, links are in italics)

What does “Sefardi” mean? - https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/who-are-sephardic-jews/

Resources!

https://www.sandpcentral.org/ - A website for Spanish and Portuguese synagogues around the globe, with pages on melodies, language, communities, traditions, cuisine, text, and more

https://sefardi-anousim.org.il/ - specifically geared towards bnei anusim (crypto-Jews), their description states 

“The Institute for Sefardi and Anousim Studies (ISAS) at Netanya Academic College in Israel was created in response to the incredible phenomenon of the descendants of the forced converts (Anousim) in medieval Spain and Portugal awakening to their Jewish heritage.The ISAS promotes research on the historical and contemporary development of the crypto-Jews of Iberian origin. We offer seminars, courses, and conferences to educate the public about this phenomenon and its contemporary ramifications in Israel and around the world. We also offer assistance to those seeking confirmation of their Jewish ancestry through genealogical research.“

Resource-wise, they have a library that “has a unique collection of over 2,500 books, journals, and archives. The collection is named in memory of Gloria and Leslie Mound. Gloria Mound, who founded Casa Shalom and was a seminal researcher on the Anousim, donated the Casa Shalom library to Netanya Academic College in 2011, and it was relocated to the college thanks to the financial assistance of Ana and the late Elie Schalit and the Davis Family Charitable Foundation (UK).Our Library’s collection comprises a wide range of material, including scholarly works on crypto-Judaism, Sefardi and Anousim identity and history, music DVDs and documentaries, as well as biographies and historical fiction about Anousim. We have records from the Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian Inquisitions. Our collection has an emphasis on communities in Spain, the Balearic Islands, Portugal, Italy, Ottoman Empire, Great Britain, North America, and the Mashadi crypto-Jews of Iran.”

They also have a Spanish and Portuguese version of their website

http://pares.mcu.es/ - Spanish open archive of historical documents, for those who wish to trace possible or definite family ties to the victims of the Inquisition. Please take care of yourself and your emotional health if you do look here, and take breaks

https://www.sephardicbrotherhood.com/ - “The Sephardic Jewish Brotherhood of America is the largest Sephardic benevolent organization of its kind in the United States. Our mission is to support the financial, social, educational, and religious welfare of Sephardic families who derive their lineage from the Ladino-speaking Jewish communities of Turkey, Greece, and the Balkans. Through a host of services and programs, the Brotherhood is dedicated to caring for and strengthening our Sephardic community.“

“One of the most important elements of the Brotherhood's work is to ensure the traditions, customs, and language of our fathers, Ladino, continue to not only survive but thrive for generations to come. With that in mind, the Brotherhood has worked tirelessly to partner with numerous academic and community organizations to provide resources to the wider public on many elements of Sephardic life. ​Here, you can explore our guide to introductory Ladino (Judeo-Espanyol) and available resources that are easily accessible to learn the language. You can also listen to dozens of songs and traditional Hazzanut sung by many from our communities, originating from cities throughout Greece, Turkey, and the Balkans. What's more, you can access resources on the history of Sephardic communities, our customs, and other academic programs through University programs around the country and partner organizations listed on our site. “

http://triosefardi.com/- music 

@just-odradek @sefarad

[fietehermans]

Review: The 1975 – A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships (indie pop, indietronica, art-pop)

Surprise Dirty Hit

Let me preface his by saying that I’ve never been a big 1975 fan, and that this new record did very little to change my mind. I always found their very spotless, unnatural production to be slightly off-putting, and could not stand their smug persona’s. This dichotomy also applies to their music, as I admire how they managed to reinvent some of radio rock’s most tiresome genres - namely post-Britpop and emo – by combining the two and sprinkling them with touches of funk and new wave on their first record and r&b and alternative dance on their second. But again, more often than not that mixing and matching of genres resulted not in a beautiful buffet, but in an unfocused collection of commendable but poorly executed ideas. In my opinion, their best songs were not those experiments, but their straightforward pop songs like Chocolate, Love Me or She’s American. However, A Brief Inquiry… may be their best project to date.

After the by now habitual The 1975 intro, the album kicks off with Give Yourself A Try, which interpolates the melody from Disorder, also known as my favourite Joy Division song, with this upbeat, very poppy instrumental. I’m not sure if I should like the song, because I love the guitars (thank you again Joy Division) but can’t stand their garish production or Matty Healy’s whiny vocals. After this so-bad-it’s-good intro comes TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME, a truly awful Balearic beat song with repetitive vocals, and my least favourite song on the entire record. Next is the kind of boring How To Draw which regains some points for its second movement, Petrichor, turning into this electronic, almost breakbeat soundpiece. By this point, the songs have been either mediocre or downright terrible, and so I began to lose hope. However, the following Love It If We Made It is the first of the album’s many bright spots, as the band gets political for the first time accompanied by some powerful drums. Be My Mistake is this very pretty acoustic ballad which uses heartbreak as a very thinly-veiled metaphor for Healy’s past addiction to heroin, and a lovely personal touch.  One experiment which does succeed is I Like America & America Likes Me, which sees the 1975 go trap, as Healy sings on top of a sputtering drum machine with auto-tune on his voice. The Man Who Married A Robot is a weird sci-fi story of a man falling in love with his computer, told by disjointed robotic vocals, and an obvious critique of social media. Meanwhile, It’s Not Living is my favourite song of them all. With the powerful chorus and very lush and tasteful orchestration, this is what a pop song should sound like. Just like on Be My Mistake, the song blurs the line between love and chemical dependency. One last highlight is the closing track I Always Wanna Die, which combines grungy guitars with an orchestral backing and sophisticated vocal delivery.

Despite some of the band’s usual baffling musical choices and some mediocre or downright bad songs, A Brief Inquiry… sees the 1975 come out with a solid album. And while they still sound as wishy-washy as before, I appreciate some of their decisions in what sound they wished to explore and all of the effort they put in.

Overall score: 3.5/5                          

[newstfionline]

Friday, July 2, 2021

US jobless claims fall to 364,000, a new pandemic low (AP) The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid fell again last week to the lowest level since the pandemic struck last year, further evidence that the job market and the broader economy are rebounding rapidly from the coronavirus recession. The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claims dropped by 51,000 to 364,000. Applications for unemployment benefits have fallen more or less steadily since the year began. The rollout of vaccines has sharply reduced new COVID-19 cases, giving consumers the confidence to shop, travel, eat out and attend public events as the economy recovers. All that pent-up spending has generated such demand for workers, notably at restaurants and tourism businesses, that many employers have been struggling to fill jobs just as the number of posted openings has reached a record high. But many economists expect hiring to catch up with demand in the coming months, especially as federal unemployment aid programs end and more people pursue jobs.

Sun-starved Britons flood to Spain’s Mallorca after restrictions eased (Reuters) Beach-craving British tourists flocked to the Spanish island of Mallorca on Wednesday after London added the Balearic archipelago to its “green travel list”, boosting hopes for a better tourist season after a disastrous 2020. Tourists stepping onto the sunlit pavement outside Palma de Mallorca’s airport expressed relief and gratitude to be back in the sunshine. The lifting of restrictions by Britain means holidaymakers will not have to quarantine on return from the islands, as they still have to with the rest of Spain and most other countries.

EU travel passes (Foreign Policy) EU member states today roll out a new digital certificate intended to ease travel across borders by providing up to date information on a traveler’s COVID-19 testing and vaccination status. Citing a “worrying patchwork of approaches” by EU member nations a group of European airlines and airports have warned of “chaos” at airports due to extra document checks adding to already long pre-boarding times as travel resumes across the continent.

Russian navy conducts live fire exercise in Black Sea as Ukraine, NATO drill (Reuters) Russian warships have carried out a live fire training exercise in the Black Sea, the country’s Black Sea fleet said on Thursday, as Ukraine and NATO countries held military drills in the same wider area. The Sea Breeze drills, led by Ukraine and the United States, follow a spike in tensions between NATO and Moscow after Russia last week said it had fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of a British warship to expel it from its territorial waters near Crimea. The drill came two days after Russia tested its air defence systems in Crimea.

Most European troops exit Afghanistan quietly after 20 years (AP) Most European troops have already pulled out of Afghanistan, quietly withdrawing months before the U.S.-led mission was officially expected to end—part of an anticlimactic close to the “forever war” that risks leaving the country on the brink of civil war. Germany and Italy declared their missions in Afghanistan over on Wednesday and Poland’s last troops returned home, bringing their deployments to a low-key end nearly 20 years after the first Western soldiers were deployed there. Announcements from several countries analyzed by The Associated Press show that a majority of European troops has now left with little ceremony—a stark contrast to the dramatic and public show of force and unity when NATO allies lined up to back the U.S. invasion to rid the country of al-Qaida after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Georgia’s last troops returned home on Monday, while Romania brought home its remaining 140 troops on Saturday, when Norway also pulled out. Troops from Denmark, Estonia and the Netherlands also returned home last week. Spain withdrew its last troops on May 13, Sweden on May 25, and Belgium on June 14. The small contingents deployed by Portugal, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Finland and Albania have all left as well.

Afghan electricity (Foreign Policy) Electricity pylons are blowing up across Afghanistan. The trend isn’t new: Afghan power infrastructure has been a target of the country’s relentless violence since at least 2016. But in early June, Afghanistan’s main power utility stated that 23 pylons had been destroyed or damaged in a single month, causing power outages in Kabul and seven surrounding provinces. The Taliban and the Islamic State have claimed responsibility for some attacks. Afghan observers have blamed private criminal gangs and even government elements. The energy security implications of the attacks are profound. Afghanistan only generates one-quarter of its electricity domestically, and many pylons transmit power from Uzbekistan and Iran. The vulnerability of its electricity infrastructure amplifies its connectivity challenges and presents yet another dilemma for a population already grappling with insurgency, terrorism, COVID-19, and drought.

Xi takes firm line as China Communist Party marks centenary (AP) China will not allow itself to be bullied and anyone who tries will face “broken heads and bloodshed in front of the iron Great Wall of the 1.4 billion Chinese people,” President Xi Jinping said at a mass gathering Thursday to mark the centenary of the ruling Communist Party. Wearing a grey buttoned-up suit of the type worn by Mao Zedong, Xi spoke from the balcony of Tiananmen Gate, emphasizing the party’s role in bringing China to global prominence. Xi, who is head of the party and leader of the world’s largest armed forces also said China had restored order in Hong Kong following antigovernment protests in the semi-autonomous city in 2019 and reiterated Beijing’s determination to bring self-governing Taiwan under its control. He received the biggest applause, however, when he described the party as the force that had restored China’s dignity and turned it into the world’s second largest economy since taking power amid civil war in 1949. Thursday’s events are the climax of weeks of ceremonies and displays praising the role of the Communist Party in bringing vast improvements in quality of life at home and restoring China’s economic, political and military influence abroad.

China is building more than 100 new missile silos in its western desert, analysts say (Washington Post) China has begun construction of what independent experts say are more than 100 new silos for intercontinental ballistic missiles in a desert near the northwestern city of Yumen, a building spree that could signal a major expansion of Beijing’s nuclear capabilities. Commercial satellite images obtained by researchers at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in Monterey, Calif., show work underway at scores of sites across a grid covering hundreds of square miles of arid terrain in China’s Gansu province. The 119 nearly identical construction sites contain features that mirror those seen at existing launch facilities for China’s arsenal of nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. The acquisition of more than 100 new missile silos, if completed, would represent a historic shift for China, a country that is believed to possess a relatively modest stockpile of 250 to 350 nuclear weapons. The actual number of new missiles intended for those silos is unknown but could be much smaller. China has deployed decoy silos in the past.

With so few virus deaths, Australians debate vaccine risks (AP) Australia has weathered the pandemic far better than many nations—recording just a single coronavirus death since last October—but its success means many Australians are not in a rush to get vaccinated. Concerns are growing about the economic cost to Australia of being left behind by countries that suffered far higher death tolls, but urgently embraced vaccines and are increasingly opening up. Most of Australia’s pandemic success, after all, can be attributed to the continued closure of the isolated continent’s border, something that is unlikely to change until far more than the current 6% of the population is vaccinated. But with relatively few cases of the virus and so few deaths, many in Australia are questioning whether the slight health risks to young adults of the widely available AstraZeneca vaccine make it worth it. It’s a debate that divided politicians and medical experts this week at a time when nearly half of Australia’s 26 million people are living under lockdown measures due to the emergence of new virus clusters mostly blamed on the delta variant.

Israel scrambles to curb jump in COVID infections (AP) Israel, a world leader in coronavirus vaccinations, reported its highest daily infection rate in three months as it scrambles to contain the spread of the new delta variant. Authorities are racing to vaccinate children and are considering tighter travel restrictions at the country’s main airport. The Health Ministry on Thursday reported 307 new cases on Wednesday, the highest in nearly three months and a rise from 293 newly-diagnosed cases a day earlier. The health ministry reportedly expects those numbers to jump in coming days, raising concerns that Israel is plunging back toward a crisis. In recent months, Israel has reopened businesses, schools and event venues, lifting nearly all restrictions after it inoculated some 85% of the adult population. It’s now seen as an early-warning system of sorts for other nations. Though worrying, the trend still shows little uptick when it comes to deaths from the virus. In the past two weeks, the ministry recorded only one.

Jordan tribes, bedrock of monarchy, on edge as economy tanks (AP) Jordan has drawn a curtain of secrecy on the unprecedented public rift within its royal family, but the social tensions laid bare by the palace drama that unfolded in April—particularly the economic despair of its influential tribes—can be seen everywhere. Years of economic crisis have frayed the historic patronage-for-loyalty bond between the king and the tribes, a bedrock of the Hashemite family’s decades-long rule. Even some government insiders fear that anger percolating under the surface could erupt at any moment, a warning bound to worry the kingdom’s Western allies. “I’m afraid of what is next because of the tragic living situation, that people won’t bear it anymore, and (that) people will explode,” said Sayel al-Majali, head of the governing council of Karak province, where unemployment has reached 40%. “I fear losing control of security matters” if problems aren’t solved, said al-Majali, a retired army brigadier and a member of one of Karak’s most prominent tribes. Even before the pandemic, there weren’t enough jobs for a young, rapidly growing labor force. The lives of many young Jordanians are on hold because they cannot follow the traditional path of job, marriage and children.

Madagascar is headed toward a climate change-linked famine it did not create (Washington Post) In Madagascar, hunger has already left people eating raw red cactus fruits, wild leaves, even the very locusts that helped decimate crops. The southern part of the country is experiencing its worst drought in decades, with the World Food Program warning that 1.14 million people are food-insecure and 400,000 people are headed toward starvation. As a vast Indian Ocean island renowned for its remote beauty and unique ecosystem, Madagascar is sometimes referred to as the eighth continent. But the problems it faces now are “catastrophic,” according to WFP—and they are not primarily the result of local political or economic disorder, nor do they stem from isolated weather events. “The big thing is there’s no conflict, but people are dying of hunger” in Madagascar, Lola Castro, who is WFP’s regional director in southern Africa and visited the worst-hit areas in June, said. The problem, Castro explained, was “clearly climate change.” Amid conflict and the coronavirus, many parts of the developing world face food crises. The WFP recently appealed for $6 billion to help 41 million people it says are on the edge of famine in 43 countries. The charity Oxfam has warned of a “hunger pandemic” even as the coronavirus still rages. WFP chief David Beasley, speaking at a Group of 20 event on humanitarian aid in Brindisi, Italy, on Wednesday, warned that Madagascar and countries like it could face an “unprecedented famine of biblical proportions” as he asked for $78.6 million to help get Madagascar through the lean season, which begins in the fall and lasts until the spring.

[burlveneer-music]

Mushrooms Project - Motolani (Les Yeux Orange premiere)

Release number 7 and final one on 2017 for Balearic Social Recordings and hot on the heels of Mori Ra's two ep's in the summer, Mushrooms Project deliver two wonderful tracks in the shape of Motolani & Chillin'dretti. Motolani is a travel through the darkest aztec jungle of the highest cosmic reaches. Clocking in at over 10 mins long you can be forgiven for losing your surroundings whilst you float through 11 minutes of cosmic bliss. Chillin'dretti picks up the baton of ritual chants and a more uptempo ride as we reach darkness and the light of the stars shine through what was once the sunshine is now just a distant memory as we dance the night away.

Mushrooms Project will also be playing the record launch party in Leeds on Sat 4th Nov at Wharf Chambers in Leeds.

[covid19updater]

COVID19 Updates: 07/01/2021

World:  #mRNA vaccines are less efficacious in #elderly people (>80yrs) with #VOCs: Serum neutralisation & binding IgG/IgA after the 1st vaccine dose diminished with increasing age, with a marked drop in participants > 80 years old LINK

Russia:  JUST IN: Russia reports 672 new daily coronavirus deaths, the highest since the pandemic began.

South Africa:  NEW: South Africa reports 19,506 new coronavirus cases, the biggest one-day increase since January 9, and 383 new deaths

US:  U.S. COVID update (revised): Biggest one-day increase in nearly a month - New cases: 18,101 - Average: 13,664 (+544) - Positivity rate: 2.7% (+0.3) - In hospital: 15,815 (+349) - In ICU: 3,921 (+27) - New deaths: 275

World:  Studies on Ivermectin show positive results as Covid-19 treatment LINK

Italy:  ITALY'S DRAGHI SAYS READY TO INTERVENE WITH CONVICTION SHOULD THE PANDEMIC WORSEN AND DAMAGE THE ECONOMY

Iowa:  A new variant without a specific name is behind the outbreak in Iowa Veterans Home that has sickened at least 7 fully vaccinated people LINK

World:  CureVac COVID-19 vaccine records only 48% efficacy in final trial readout LINK

Indonesia:  NEW: Indonesia reports 24,836 new coronavirus cases, the biggest one-day increase so far, and a record 504 new deaths

Russia:  Health clinics in Moscow will begin offering booster vaccine shots against COVID-19 on Thursday, the city's mayor said, as Russian officials scramble to contain a surge in cases blamed on the highly infectious Delta variant. LINK

Mexico:  #Mexico surges through the 6k barrier this morning. 6,105 new #Covid19 cases and 244 deaths. Infections are up 24% today

US:  CDC director: Vaccinated people 'safe' from delta variant, do not need to wear masks LINK (She will regret this...)

South Korea:  South Korea: New cases in 700s for 2nd day, capital area at risk of resurgence

US:  WHITE HOUSE TO ANNOUNCE DELTA VARIANT RESPONSE TEAMS: CNN

UK:  Boris says he is hoping England will return to as close to the pre-pandemic status quo as possible on 19 July. But he added some "extra precautions" may still be needed LINK

Brazil:  Pressure mounts on Bolsonaro amid rising anger over vaccine corruption scandal. LINK

South Africa:  12,806 new cases = biggest single day increase • Case incidence at 69 cases per 100k per day, now twice as high as previous peaks • 7,515 currently in hospital, surpassing previous peaks • 1,342 in ICU

UK:  EXCLUSIVE: A draft blueprint drawn up by officials is said to include options to make masks mandatory and bring back social distancing in future outbreaks. Health chiefs' Covid winter plan could mean masks and social distancing for next 5 years LINK

Israel:  Israel, a world leader in covid vaccinations, has reported its highest daily infection rate in 3 months, as it scrambles to contain the spread of the delta variant – though there has been no increase in deaths;

UK:  The decision to allow 60,000 fans to attend the Euro 2020 semifinals and finals at Wembley is “a recipe for disaster”, a committee of MEPs has said, urging a rethink because of the surging number of coronavirus cases in the UK;

Spain:  12,345 new #Covid19 cases recorded today, an enormous rise of 174% from last Thursday. Cases in #Balearics have TREBLED in a week. Today 254, infection rate 80.8/100k (a week ago 26.8) #Canaries 378 cases today, 72.1/100k (56.5)

Europe:  A 33% rise in #France today 2,664 new #Covid19 cases, a 4th successive daily rise, and there seems now away to stop the inevitable now. #Ireland beginning to see consistent and strong growth in #Covid19 cases I'm afraid. 448 new cases diagnosed today, that's up 47% #Greece suffers a 56% increase in new #Covid19 infections today. 761 cases and four deaths. 57% increase in #Covid19 cases in #Portugal today as the government announces 2,449 new infections and 5 more deaths. #Malaysia reports its highest rise in #Covid19 cases for almost 4 weeks. 6,988 positive tests in the last 24 hours, That's an increase of 20% compared with a week ago. A 175% increase in new cases in #Denmark. #Czechia seeing #Covid19 growth starting to increase now, from a very low base. 151 new #Covid19 cases today, up 45%

World:  Covid ‘perfect storm’ as more patients hit by fungal infections LINK

Serbia:  Two people in Serbia have been diagnosed with the more infectious Delta coronavirus variant, the country's first such cases, the health ministry said on Thursday. LINK

UK:  Covid-19 patients on ventilators at highest level for more than two months LINK

Japan:  Infections with the #DeltaVariant #coronavirus are rising rapidly in Japan. Health official predicts that a new spike in #COVID19 could occur just as the #Olympics begin. LINK

Russia:  Russia Posts Record Covid-19 Deaths for Third Day Running Russia on Thursday reported 672 coronavirus deaths over the past 24 hours, according to a government tally, setting a pandemic high of fatalities for the third day in a row. LINK

Japan:  Wow. Japanese government officials announce they are working on a plan to allow #Tokyo2020 Olympic athletes who are identified as a close contact to a positive #COVID19 case to participate in the Games even during their 14-day quarantine period.

China:  China's Covid-19 jabs being called into question after infections surged in countries using Chinese shots LINK

Florida:  Fire chief in Surfside asked about report of COVID outbreak among rescue workers, responds that they've had "a few cases"

RUMINT (US):  I got off the phone this evening with a vaxxed relative. That person has a mix of health conditions and had a prior case of Covid. The conversation shifted to an increase of wreck in the area and the backup of traffic. I remarked that there is an uptick in the number of ambulances I have heard, sometimes daily and they were not all for the wrecks. They are for an increase in vaxxed injuries. That person went off on me and told me I was crazy. That I sounded crazy. I tried to explain some of the increased risks that are associated with the vaxxes, and some have been made available in the mainstream media, such as an increased risk of blood clots that lead, to brain, heart attacks, strokes, and that could be leading to an increase in auto accidents and ambulance traffic. That person would not have it and dismissed me, hanging up on that subject. Has anyone ran into this with relatives or friends and how do you handle it? I normally do not even discuss it, but the flow of the conversation just led to that.

[bbcbreakingnews]

Entire Spanish village of 200 people is quarantined

The entire population of a Spanish village with just 200 residents has been put into quarantine today after a 12-year-old girl tested positive for coronavirus.

The mayor of Sotillo de las Palomas says most of its residents are elderly and fall into the high-risk category, meaning he cannot take any chances with their health.   

He has asked everyone to stay at home for at least ten days after one of the few young residents, a 12-year-old girl, developed Covid-19. 

It is not known how the girl contracted the virus but tests are being carried out on other children she has been in contact with. 

The entire population of Sotillo de las Palomas (pictured), a Spanish hamlet with just 200 residents, has been put into quarantine after a 12-year-old girl tested positive for coronavirus

Mayor Fernando Resino Carrillo says the vast majority of the 200 residents fall into the risk category because of their age and he is worried that the virus might spread.

The girl, who is isolated at home, has not needed hospital treatment while the relatives in her household have not shown symptoms but are awaiting test results.  

The Ministry of Health of Castilla-La Mancha has also started tracking people who may have been in contact with this family in recent days.

In the decree issued by the mayor, he asks residents to ‘voluntarily confine themselves for at least ten days, limiting daily activities [such as going to the shop or the pharmacy] to one person in the home.’

The mayor says not to go out unless it is for an urgent reason and to take extreme health precautions, especially in homes with children. 

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms is also being asked to tell the health authority. Residents have also been urged to avoid social gatherings, stick to social distancing and wear masks.

Spain saw a jump of 6,361 new cases over the weekend, compared to weekend increases of 4,581 announced last Monday and 2,045 the week before  

The streets of Sotillo de las Palomas are already reported to be empty as residents heed the advice.

At the last count, the hamlet had 201 residents. In the 1950s, Sotillo de las Palomas had close to 700 residents but less than a third remain because people have moved on to new homes elsewhere in Spain or abroad.  

Spain as a whole is facing new travel restrictions imposed by Britain and Germany among others after a new spike in cases in the country. 

Germany today told its citizens not to go on holiday in Catalonia, Aragon or Navarre in northern Spain, while Britain has declared the whole country off-limits.

Britain’s travel warning was extended to the Balearic and Canary Islands yesterday after initially applying only to the mainland.  

Spanish figures released on Monday showed 6,361 new cases since Friday, compared to a weekend jump of 4,581 last week and 2,045 the week before. 

The country has recorded 278,782 deaths and 28,434 deaths in total.  

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